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File 166888849331.png - (728.01KB , 800x600 , YQ1.png )
1049624 No. 1049624 ID: 481e64

Or 'Yooper Quest'

A short quest about living in Northern Michigan where anything can happen.

(anything)
Expand all images
>>
No. 1049625 ID: 481e64
File 166888851791.png - (435.81KB , 800x600 , YQ2.png )
1049625

My name is Hazel. I live in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by miles of wilderness and lakes.

So remote that they don't drive busses here. The nature around here is beautiful, but I've seen it all a million times before. New technology is slow to make its way over and internet is slow so as a result, entertainment can be hard to come by.

This proves to be a problem as I like to have entertaining things to occupy me. Ancient video games, board games and card games only keep me going for so long. I'm so bored right now that I resorted to cleaning my room. That only took fifteen minutes and it's still morning. Looks like it'll be a long day.

It is a Saturday today so that means most of my friends aren't working and they are free to hang out. The town gets pretty lively during the weekend so that's nice.

I'm trying to play my Guitar, but I can't play anything that sounds good. If I play one note at a time it sounds... meh. I've owned this thing since my eighteenth birthday but never bothered to practise much. Maybe I should ask Mire for lessons.
>>
No. 1049626 ID: 481e64
File 166888853705.png - (356.94KB , 800x600 , YQ3.png )
1049626

Ugh. This is annoying. I had plans to go canoeing but my friends flaked on me, so now my schedule is all cleared up.

What's a gal to do around here?!
>>
No. 1049627 ID: a7a180

Start fires in the backyard. Cook some roast bird.
>>
No. 1049628 ID: de253f

No masturbation under any circumstances. Watch TV, take a shower, go tree-climbing, literally anything other than that.
>>
No. 1049629 ID: b4571d

Tend your garden! If it does not take too long then you can go to the lake and see if you can see any neighbors doing the same
>>
No. 1049630 ID: 8483cf

Go hang out with friends. How lively does it get?
>>
No. 1049631 ID: fecf07

Sounds like a good idea to learn a bit about the thing you've had for so long, but also you could go laze around the lake, that's always fun. Or go bother someone until they get sick of you.
>>
No. 1049634 ID: dc13c4

nothing, just do nothing for the rest of the day
>>
No. 1049635 ID: e51896

Go pick some flowers in the forest, maybe your Jackalope friend will help
>>
No. 1049636 ID: 894419

Quickly review your VHS collection for classics, then call up a friend and ask if they want to watch whatever you find!
>>
No. 1049638 ID: 15a025

See if another friend will come over to hang out.
>>
No. 1049639 ID: 2aa5f0

>A short quest about living in Northern Michigan
DON'T DRINK THE WATER! we all heard about Flint.

Maybe go for a quick drive, listen to the radio and see what you can see.
>>
No. 1049641 ID: 11f77a

>>1049636
I agree. Everyone has one friend who'll totally hang out to watch some old VHS tapes. Maybe something from the niche QDTV channel? Such hit shows like 'Silly Lilac', 'Oxvette', 'Dungeonator' 'CometQuest' or 'The Peruvian'?
>>
No. 1049642 ID: e51896

>>1049641
Can't forget of course, Tobak quest!
>>
No. 1049644 ID: 9a2966

There's that supposed UFO circle people were talking about that cropped up (pun intended) recently, not too far from here. Normally you'd think that was just a prank, but something was unusual about it that has gotten some folks real riled up. Maybe you can go see what, you know the farmer and if someone's been messing with their crops, maybe you can help them figure out what that's all about.
>>
No. 1049649 ID: c29e6e

Go find a nice inspiring place in the woods and please the spirits by trying to play some music. Somebody had to think on how one plays a guitar in the first place, you've even got the advantage of hoofy fingers.
>>
No. 1049653 ID: bbb04b

Basic media consumption is all but exhausted, eh? Seems like enrichment activities (like actually learning the guitar) is a good fallback. Who's Mire? They sound like a weirdo, but like... the good kind.

If they aren't free, maybe try learning the town's history? This certainly seems like the sorta town that'd have a Historical Society.
>>
No. 1049659 ID: 8f8464

>>1049644
The circles are made by the SPESS MARINES from SPESS!!!!
>>
No. 1049670 ID: fb2164

>What do?
C R I M E S.
>>
No. 1049671 ID: fec07f

Go looking in the woods for new subjects for your taxidermy hobby
>>
No. 1049679 ID: d512e5

What friends do you have to pester? Mire sounds like an option.
>>
No. 1049680 ID: 8c652b

Summon the undead
>>
No. 1049681 ID: 681cb5

>>1049670
G A Y C R I M E S
>>
No. 1049682 ID: c28082

>>1049626

be gay, do crimes.

Also maybe go hunt for cryptids in the forest, since like, it's Michigan. Probably has loads of weird shit.
>>
No. 1049724 ID: 663c95

You have internet, which suggests you have a computer, so, learn computer programming. It's a hobby that could consume multiple lifetimes, grants you sorcerous powers, and people will pay you to do it, too.

Or learn the guitar. That burns a fair bit of time, too.
>>
No. 1049743 ID: 481e64
File 166902230388.png - (437.33KB , 800x600 , YQ4.png )
1049743

>Start fires in the backyard.
I could. I need to find cool stuff to set on fire first.

>Tend your garden!
I'm not much of a green thumb as experience shows. I can take a look but it's in a pretty sorry state.

>you could go laze around the lake, that's always fun
Not a bad idea. I like lakes. They are pretty. I'll need to bring someone along, going alone can be pretty dicey.

>bother someone until they get sick of you.
With how tame I tend to be, the opposite tends to end up happening.

>nothing, just do nothing for the rest of the day
Tried that, it doesn't work.

>Go pick some flowers in the forest, maybe your Jackalope friend will help
Flowers are nice but I don’t have a special someone to give them to. I don't have any Jackalope friends. Are Jackalopes even real? I've heard a story about a Jackalope spirit that hangs around the forest. I'll need to ask my witch friend about it.

>Quickly review your VHS collection for classics, then call up a friend and ask if they want to watch whatever you find!
I scan over my vast collection of VHS media to see which are worth rewatching. As expected, all the classics are here! The Peruvian, Oxvette, Dungeonator - oh! look, Comet Quest! that's a classic. I remember someone really liking that recommendation. I wonder if she's still in prison.

>DON'T DRINK THE WATER! we all heard about Flint.
Everyone's a critic. The metallic flavour is an acquired taste, that's all.

>Maybe go for a quick drive, listen to the radio and see what you can see.
I don't have my own car yet, but I’ll hitch a ride with Mire.

>There's that supposed UFO circle people were talking about that cropped up
I did hear about some crop circle appearing close by. I don't believe in aliens but at least it's the kind of supernatural that people around here are willing to talk about.

>Go find a nice inspiring place in the woods and please the spirits by trying to play some music.
I can find many inspiring places in the woods, but I am sure to anger any spirits with my music.

>maybe try learning the town's history?
Sorry to say, but nothing interesting has ever happened in this little town called Hendry. There are rumours about the surrounding areas, but we don't talk about those.

>C R I M E S.
Perhaps if it's one of those victimless crimes like trespassing or destruction of property that no one was using.

>maybe go hunt for cryptids in the forest.
Nuh-uh. That sort of thing is a taboo subject up here and doesn't get brought up. We don't even joke about that.

>You have internet, which suggests you have a computer, so, learn computer programming. It's a hobby that could consume multiple lifetimes, grants you sorcerous powers, and people will pay you to do it, too.
I spend enough time on the computer as is, I don't need to spend my whole life on it!

>Summon the undead
hm. I know just who to go to for that. Just need to know who to bring back to life.
>>
No. 1049744 ID: 481e64
File 166902232620.png - (402.34KB , 800x600 , YQ5.png )
1049744

>Go hang out with friends. How lively does it get?
I've got plenty of friends! Getting a hold of some can be tricky though. Not everyone is connected up to the world wide web. Lots of folks are busy today but some of the less occupied are as follows.
First that comes to mind is Mire - The hard-boiled Sheep-Wolf. She and I have known each other for as long as I can remember. She likes to live to the extreme, doing all sorts of crazy stuff that have nearly gotten her in trouble. She does it all; from camping to shooting to mostly harmless crimes. . Everything besides sitting inside all day. She would be nice to do almost anything with.
Second is Hunter - the jaunty Reindeer. He is very much the indoor sorts. He spends a lot of time playing games and watching the same sorts of stuff I do. I borrow VHS tapes from him from time to time. I still need to return a few actually. I could try inviting him over but getting him here may prove to be a challenge. Alternatively, I can go to his place.
Third is Nifa. Nifa is a cat who believes she is a witch. She is the most outdoorsy person I know, and she spends her time trying to cast spells and making 'potions'. She told me she tried to summon a demon to destroy all pants. She is weird. It's hard for me to tell to which degree we are friends but I do have her contact. She's up to hang out if I want to look into supernatural weirdness.

>See if another friend will come over to hang out.
I take out my phone and look down my list of contacts. First and foremost is my good buddy Mire. I give her a call to see if she has anything planned for today.

The phone rings and I wait. I hear her pick up.

>"Yo. Hazel. How's it hanging?"
"Good. Kinda bored actually. I'm looking for something to do today."
>"What good timing. I've been driving around looking for something to do myself."
"Feel like hanging out for a bit?"
>"Hell yeah. Waddaya feel like doing? Feel like hitting the town? I need to stop by the party store to pick up some more beer. I'm on my last bottle right now."
"Huh? You're not drink-driving, are you?"
>"Of course not. I only take a sip when I stop - meaning I'm not drinking while driving. The cops might disagree, but I don't see any around."
"I sometimes worry that you're a bad influence."
>"The only influence you need to worry about when you're around me is of the alcoholic variety."
"How close are you to my place? Would it be ok if you gave me a ride?"
>"Of course, I can give you a ride. I'll be in front of your place around... I'd say ten minutes time. If you decide to come out, I'll stop to pick you up. We can hang out or I can drop you off if you wanna go somewhere."
"Hey Mire, think you can give me guitar lessons?"
>"You don't have to keep calling me Mire. I also go my Marsh. I can give you guitar lessons if you bring your guitar and some beer."
>>
No. 1049745 ID: e51896

Yeah, don't go riding with her if she's been drinking. Instead, we'll convince her to stay at our place and do guitar lessons here in the safety of our home to prevent her from going anywhere drunk.

but yeah, still get the beer ready for her
>>
No. 1049746 ID: fb2164

>She's up to hang out if I want to look into supernatural weirdness.
By chance have there been homeless people disappearing? (Childhood friends even?)

>I've heard a story about a Jackalope spirit that hangs around the forest. I'll need to ask my witch friend about it.

Summon demon, sleep paralysis demon even... Maybe hot? Always a gamble

>or destruction of property that no one was using.
Y e s. Smash the (not actually) Government.

>but we don't talk about those.
Lets talk about those...

>Everyone's a critic. The metallic flavour is an acquired taste, that's all.
They want to distract you from reaching your True Potential, Sticks and Stones dont fuck with Lead Bones, as the saying goes...
>>
No. 1049747 ID: 4e2df1

Well you now have a plan, hang out with friend, drink beer, and learn how to play the guitar
>>
No. 1049757 ID: 9a2966

Ask if Mire is up for driving you out to look at those crop circles, maybe pick up Nifa on the way. It'd be worth a gawk and Nifa sounds like she's bound to have some funny theories, plus if she's so outdoorsy maybe she can look for tracks - or the mysterious absence of them!
>>
No. 1049758 ID: b2510d

>>1049757
Do that and bring snacks, drinks and your guitar.
>>
No. 1049760 ID: 46bd34

Let’s bring beer and guitars to the woods.
>>
No. 1049761 ID: 11f77a

>>1049760
Ditto. Hang out with Mire and see if we get to play a minigame of practicing guitar.

There's one spot in the woods kids would go to and dump a bunch of stuff like an old couch, a mannequin, a bathtub, a basketball net stapled to a tree, and a bb gun range with random cans and shit for target practice.
>>
No. 1049762 ID: 8483cf

Time for crimes, guitar and beer with Marsh!
>>
No. 1049764 ID: 04697a

just hanging out is good, could be fun to go check the crop circle thing while at it
>>
No. 1049765 ID: 8f8464

Call her Marshmellow and ruin your entire relationship.

And go investigate the crop circles. One of you acts masculine yet wide-eyed, the other acts femenine yet skeptic.
>>
No. 1049766 ID: bbb04b

Seems we're torn between guitar and crop circles. In the interest of avoiding being driven anywhere by a drunk person, I vote learning the guitar without going anywhere - it's possible that Swamp is some kind of consequence Houdini who never dies, but no promises are made for anyone in her proximity.

"Pretty sure those laws are about not being inebriated while driving. I got beer at home, so no need for us to go anywhere else."
>>
No. 1049767 ID: fecf07

Sick, lets the raise the dead while under the influence.
>>
No. 1049776 ID: 15a025

Chill out by the lake and get some guitar lesson
>>
No. 1049784 ID: f2320a

>>1049744
nice we a friend to hang with instead of packing away food from our fridge into our gullet and drinking booze to numb the feeling of emptiness, guess we could have guitar lessons with crop circles and like pack a pick nick basket
>>
No. 1049832 ID: fec07f

Let's gather some more peeps and try a seance in the most likely to be haunted place in the area
>>
No. 1049844 ID: 481e64
File 166909887460.png - (495.88KB , 800x600 , YQ6.png )
1049844

>Chill out by the lake and get some guitar lesson
Sounds like a fine afternoon to me!
"Hey Mire, feel like chilling out by the lake and teaching me to play some guitar? There'll be snacks with the booze of course, courtesy of yours truly."
>"Now we're talking. I've got my guitar with me, meaning we're all set. By the time the day is over, we'll both be playing Classical Gas like it's nobody's business."
"Know any good spots by the lake?"
>"Of course. There's a place with all sorts of junk and furniture we can mess around with. We can shoot empty cans and bottles with the old twenty-two. There's also a secret fishing dock around there, I got my rods with me in case you're keen for a cast."

>Ask if Mire is up for driving you out to look at those crop circles, maybe pick up Nifa on the way.
"Hey Mire, think we can head over to the crop circles after we visit the lake?"
>"Sure. I've been wondering what those are about myself. Don't forget the beer because if we get kidnapped by aliens, I won't be able to fight them all off while sober."
"Think we can bring Nifa along? the supernatural seems right up her alley."
>"Do we have to? The smell she left behind after riding in here last time still lingers. Even the air fresheners I got don’t cover it fully..."
"Pretty please?"
>"Fine, whatever. As long as she sits in the back and keeps her hands to herself."

>Call her Marshmallow and ruin your entire relationship.
"Marshmallow."
>"Ok you can go back to calling me Mire. See you soon."

The call ends and I go to pack by things for the trip. I put my guitar in its case, and I back a backpack with the essentials. After I'm ready I say my goodbyes to my family and head to the road outside my property. Standing outside, I admire the atmosphere.

>Yeah, don't go riding with her if she's been drinking
I'm not worried about Mire being drunk. She's no lightweight that can get drunk off a single beer. Also, even if we crashed, her tank of a truck will keep us safe... even if seatbelts and mirrors didn't come with it at the time of its production.

>Sick, lets the raise the dead while under the influence.
Now that's an idea. We can get the undead drunk too while we're at it.

>Have there been disappearances?
Not as of recent. I heard a story or two of someone going missing a decade ago, I’d be surprised if we found them all this time later, but It’d certainly make for a fun story.

>Summon demon, sleep paralysis demon even... Maybe hot? Always a gamble
Hot demons? Seems like the kind of thing Nifa would try to summon. She reads books with hot vampires and werewolves; demons don’t seem too far removed.

>>but we don't talk about those.
>Let’s talk about those...
Let’s not! people act so out of character if I ever try to bring it up.

I'm standing by the road and the fact that I'm back where I started hits me. I'm bored again. What should I do in the ten or so minutes it takes for Mire to get here? Call up someone else? Talk to a random stranger that passes by? Do a cartwheel?
>>
No. 1049846 ID: e5709d

Think about that hot tanuki girl with a rack that would fit in a department store.
>>
No. 1049847 ID: 35f407

Tune your guitar! Or just start playing songs right there.
>>
No. 1049848 ID: fb2164

Chat up the bnuuy while you wait, ponder the power of Big Ears™.
>>
No. 1049850 ID: 8483cf

I dunno, can you do a cartwheel?
>>
No. 1049855 ID: dc13c4

The place where you live truly looks beautiful and the nature nature all around your house is like something from a ferry tale. But I am just wondering has in your town been cases of people disappearing? Never let your guard down, you don't want to be caught like a deer in a headlights.
>>
No. 1049856 ID: 374d53

Why does it look like the stranger is taking a piss by your mailbox? Also isn’t your house in the middle of the woods with the closest neighbor being over half a mile away? The fuck he doing out here?
>>
No. 1049858 ID: f89136

>>1049848
I concur
>>
No. 1049868 ID: bbb04b

Huh. So, the problem's just with discussing the supernatural with other people, huh? Ever consider the idea that it's a personal subject for them? Like they might be involved in one or more of the supernatural goings-on around these parts?

Even if you can't talk about it with other people, there's nothing stopping you from sharing what you do know of it with us, right? There's a lot of weirdness up here, but being judged for thought-crimes ain't one of them, I imagine.

Also, who's the cute bnnuy boi behind you?
>>
No. 1049881 ID: 30b9f6

Could say hi to yonder neighbour.
>>
No. 1049886 ID: fecf07

Consider the idea that your the only person not in on the secret regarding weird forest cryptids and be annoyed at the subject.
>>
No. 1049914 ID: 481e64
File 166916292176.png - (327.64KB , 800x600 , YQ7.png )
1049914

>Think about that hot tanuki girl with a rack that would fit in a department store.
I didn't know raccoons could have antlers. I don't personally know of any...

>Never let your guard down, you don't want to be caught like a deer in a headlight.
The worst kind of situation to be for someone like me. I always freeze up in tense situations.

>Also isn’t your house in the middle of the woods with the closest neighbour being over half a mile away?
Our neighbours aren't too far away from each other, but most houses are built a fair distance from the road. That being said it's common to see people taking walks on the footpath in the morning, especially on days like this.

>Consider the idea that you’re the only person not in on the secret regarding weird forest cryptids and be annoyed at the subject.
Is there some big secret I'm being excluded from knowing? I just assumed the subject made everyone uncomfortable. I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t at least a bit intrigued.

>the problem's just with discussing the supernatural with other people, huh? Ever consider the idea that it's a personal subject for them? Like they might be involved in one or more of the supernatural goings-on around these parts?
I've got no doubt that most people have a personal experience or two with strange things. I myself have seen weird stuff, sometimes with others present. When I ask about it, they just say they don't want to talk about it or just straight up pretend they didn't see anything.

>I dunno, can you do a cartwheel?
With ease! I do one but nobody was around to see it. What a shame.

>Talk to the rabbit neighbour
Oh. I'm not sure who that is, there's no one who lives around here that looks like that. Must be a stranger, which isn't a problem. It's refreshing to meet new people from time to time.

"Howdy! Have we met? I don't recall seeing you around here before."

The rabbit turns around

>"Hazel? Is that you? Ha! Long-time no see!"
>>
No. 1049915 ID: 481e64
File 166916294352.png - (350.05KB , 800x600 , YQ8.png )
1049915

No.

Oh no no no.

It's... her. An overwhelming sense of dread washes over me.

>"I almost didn't recognize you!"
"H-hey... Koara... Didn't know you were out..."
>"Eeeyup! I learned a lot during those six months! Now I'm out and I got a really chill parole officer and an annoying beeping foot bracelet."
"I hope jail wasn't... all bad..."
>"Not jail - Prison! There's a big difference, but still eerily similar to our old high school - just with a lot more violence! I made a lot of friends there that I'm starting to miss... committing another crime to get back in is starting to seem a little tempting... but enough about me! How are you doing? Is this your house here?"
"I-I uh... no. I live... far away."
>"That's a shame. Here, let's hug and catch up! Also, can I borrow twenty bucks?"

She reaches her hand out for a shake. I then notice something under her sleeve. Is that...? no. abort. I repeat, abort! I need to find a way to disengage from this interaction immediately.
>>
No. 1049916 ID: 894419

>>1049915
No matter what you do, don't mention the suit. Don't mention it. Clear it from your mind, do not blurt out anything about the suit.
>>
No. 1049918 ID: a7a180

Suits me just fine. Don’t have a twenty on me, sorry.
Talk about her friends!
>>
No. 1049919 ID: 2aa5f0

quick, trip over your gaiter to avoid shaking her hand and then act all embarrassed about it and quickly try to change the subject of you tripping over yourself and ask what her plans are now that she's out.

Also was she your high school bully or something?
>>
No. 1049920 ID: 15c72a

>>1049915
Tell her you gotta go, you're late for a gig.
Walk down the street in the direction Mire will be arriving from.
>>
No. 1049922 ID: 7c0da2

Do not hug, that looks like a great way to lose your wallet.
And don't panic, Mire is on her way, she will probably be here soon. Well, she will probably be here at some point, anyway.
>>
No. 1049924 ID: dc13c4

Do you have a taser or paper spray? Or are they even legal to possess in your town? If the answer to both of them is yes mentally remind yourself how to use it. Just in case, also why saw she in prison?!
>>
No. 1049925 ID: 36d2e1

Reflect on the nature of your dread involving this woman whose life of crime has taken her to darker places than Mire - and the thing up her sleeve that got you so spooked.

... as you stumble backwards, almost fall, swing around and end up barely saving your beerpack and guitar from disaster, if not your butt.

That’d be one way to avoid a hug...
>>
No. 1049931 ID: 15a025

Call Mire, tell her to book it.
>>
No. 1049943 ID: 8f8464

Quick, run! Run to the house of Louis Zen-pie, the handsome exchange student bachellor who can protect you!
>>
No. 1049981 ID: 481e64
File 166918690383.png - (569.01KB , 800x600 , YQ9.png )
1049981

>No matter what you do, don't mention the suit
Mention the suit? I don't even want to think about the suit!

>was she your high school bully or something?
Nothing like that. I just don't gel well with those that lack filters or boundaries!

>Do you have a taser or paper spray?
I've never had a reason to carry either of those, we live in a pretty safe town. Worse that ever happens is the occasional trash fire.

>Run
The idea of moving away from her is favourable but doing so too quickly may prove risky. Her legs are much longer than mine, it'd be best to go at a brisk pace where it doesn’t seem like I’m trying to escape her instead.

>why was she in prison?!
I don't know, nobody does! One person says it was second-degree arson, another says possession of illicit substances, another says indecent exposure. I'm kinda leaning more towards that last one.

>Do not hug, that looks like a great way to lose your wallet.
that's what I'm afraid of. I need to find a way to avoid it.

To avoid shaking hands (or hugging), I pretend to clumsily stumble over my guitar case. She takes a step back to allow me to recompose.
>"You alright?"
"Yep - I'm fine. What were we discussing again?'
>"I forgot..." phew!

I take my guitar out of its case and start to pluck a few strings to calm me down.
>"Sounds nice. Do you take requests?"
"Sorry. I'm not that good."
>"Ah. Keep at it and you'll get there some day. Everyone starts somewhere, y'know? My first batch of toilet wine was nothing to ride home about, but I improved."
"...I appreciate the sentiment." even if it's totally gross.

>Call Mire, tell her to book it.
I take my phone out and message Mire inconspicuously
'Floor it. Koara is here. She is wearing the Koara suit.'
>'on it.'

>Tell her you gotta go, you're late for a gig.
"Ah, I just remembered. I gotta go. Late for a gig." I try to walk away.
>"You play in a band? Sweet! Mind if I see you play?"
"I don't think our music is your thing. It's uh... classical. With violins and stuff."
>"Never mind then."
"don't you have plans of your own?"
>"I was planning on going to the thrift store actually. To buy clothes. Hence why I asked for the money. Since my folks moved south to become trolls, I'm here crashing at a friend's place. This jacket I'm wearing is borrowed from said friend, so you'll never believe what I'm wearing underneath."
"..."
>"It's the same thing I was wearing at the time of my incarceration!"
"Would it be rude to ask what that was about?"
>"I like to keep people guessing. Wanna know what the best part about being a convicted felon is? You don't gotta worry about going out to vote!"

We talk as we walk. It's really not all that bad. She's strange, but not completely intolerable. I still enjoy the company on this nice day.

After a moment, something breaks the tranquil silence as I hear a voice coming towards us.
>"Watch out Hazel! T-the brakes are no good!"
>>
No. 1049982 ID: e51896

Become a deer in the headlights
>>
No. 1049983 ID: 8483cf

Freeze!
>>
No. 1049985 ID: 11f77a

Hop the fence! Maybe Mire will run into Koara on accident
>>
No. 1049986 ID: a7a180

Tackle Koara into the bushes. You can't let Mire take a hit and run charge for your sake, she'll learn to make toilet wine too!
>>
No. 1049987 ID: dc13c4

Advents moment activated avoid the incoming car. On the lighter subject the reason why somebody would need to wear an ankle monitor are Sex offenders, domestic violence offenders, those involved in drug crimes, prior DUIs, flight risks, and others on parole or probation, Also since she brought it up, who did you vote for?
>>
No. 1049989 ID: 15c72a

>>1049981
Yeah you might wanna just open that fence gate there and step in.
>>
No. 1049993 ID: 374d53

Get on the other side of the fence
>>
No. 1049994 ID: 40ce9c

Jump out of the way and push/drag Koara with you.
Also, what is "the Koara suit" ? And maybe you should actually give her money if a weird suit is all she has to wear.
>>
No. 1050000 ID: fec07f

I feel like I'm missing some context here
>>
No. 1050007 ID: 30b9f6

>>1050000
It sounds like Koara's a streaker. A birthday suit-er. A newdist. Both voluntarily and involuntarily, atm.

Maybe you should just take her to the thrift store and get her some gear. For peace of mind.

>Watch out!
Fail to watch out as you freeze in a panic. Get rescued by Koara, in a very... Koara way.

... then realize it was just one of your friends on a bicycle speeding past, downhill, to a probably-imminent wipeout. Should've checked those breaks before you went for a ride, Nifa!
>>
No. 1050008 ID: bb78f2

>>1049981
Accidentally jump in Bunny's arms like Scooby.

Speaking of her, you're being kind of really cold than feels normal with this girl...

It's not that you don't like people with no boundaries... I got it! You smashed at a party once before she went away and were glad it was only one time! And you remember better than SHE does!

Oooh, girl, you're a dick! Well, joking about your past aside, you actually are kind of being a dick to her right now. She just got out of Prison. Wait, six months? Even with Parole, I don't think she can't be a felon! Minimum Sentence for a Felony is a year! Unless, covid circumstances?
>>
No. 1050013 ID: 4286b4

Jump in Koara's lap to evade the danger.
>>
No. 1050022 ID: c28082

>>1049915
>>1049981

>the suit

Oh no. Oh NO. Don't tell me she's secretly one of those MEGA-NERDS who got that costume from the CometQuest promo that's horribly skin-tight and slinky and looks like it was picked up at that "adult novelty" store just off the highway ...

... anyway, probably time to dodge or something? I dunno, what's coming toward you and your friend unfortunate acquaintance?
>>
No. 1050243 ID: 663c95

Is it a voice you recognize? This COULD be Mire (or even somebody else with quick reactions) trying to provide you with an out. And even if not, it may yet still be spun into an out, so I guess act fast and think faster.
>>
No. 1050262 ID: e5709d

Ask what she's using to stuff her trenchcoat.
Glaze your vision with imaginary office plant plushies as she streaks.
>>
No. 1050828 ID: 15a025

You broke the breaks?!
>>
No. 1055406 ID: 481e64
File 167578712974.png - (314.17KB , 800x600 , YQ10.png )
1055406

>Become a deer in the headlights.
I see no headlights, so I am fortunately capable of action.

>Freeze!
On a warm day such as this, I don’t think I could!

>Jump in Koara's lap to evade the danger.
She's strong enough, but what if she drops me? Or steals my wallet...

>Hop the fence! Maybe Mire will run into Koara on accident.
>Tackle Koara into the bushes. You can't let Mire take a hit and run charge for your sake, she'll learn to make toilet wine too!
I get the idea to jump the fence (or better yet, open the gate and walk through) and try to get Koara to safety, but pushing her aside proves to be impossible as her size makes her too heavy to budge. I can't let Mire hit... wait, that voice didn't belong to Mire.

I look up the path and see who the familiar voice belongs to. quickly coming towards us is Hunter and a few kids riding in a kart. It's nice to see him outdoors but I don't like seeing him doing more dangerous stuff! Looks like his little brother is covering his eyes and causing him all sorts of trouble.

"C'mon Koara, let's move out the way!"
>"Move? Hah! If prison taught me one thing, it's that you gotta stand your ground! And going by my track record, I eat hit-n-runners for breakfast! Watch this!"
She leans forwards and puts her arms in front of her, ready to stop the kart. I am safely positioned behind the other side of the fence, but Koara seems rather set on taking the unnecessary risk.

"H-hey, the handbrake isn't working, you gotta move!"
>"Like hell I do! YOU WILL NOT PA-!"
>>
No. 1055407 ID: 481e64
File 167578715047.png - (335.46KB , 800x600 , YQ11.png )
1055407

The kart directly collides with Koara, but to her credit, she holds on while her boots grind along the footpath, slowing the kart down slowly but surely...

...bit by bit...

...eventually resulting in the kart grinding to a halt.

"Woah... Are you okay? D-did that hurt? I'm sorry I-"
”Woah! that was awesome! do that again!" says the fox kid.
>"psssh. It barely put a scratch on me. nothing my armor can't fix. I might throw up. Can I borrow twenty bucks?"
"I uh... Who are you?"

>Oh no. Oh NO. Don't tell me she's secretly one of those MEGA-NERDS who got that costume from the CometQuest promo that's horribly skin-tight and slinky and looks like it was picked up at that "adult novelty" store just off the highway ...
That's the one! I like CometQuest as next person, but she took things in a weird, uncomfortable direction!

Hunter looks over at me with a sorrowful expression.
"I'm sorry Hazel- I should've checked the brakes before taking it out for a spin."
"It ain't no thing. It's nice to see you out today. I'm going to spend time with Mire, hope you don't mind us stopping by the farm later to see the crop circles."
"Oh, sure! the folks won't mind. Come see em' quick before they start charging the gawkers and tourists."

They eventually stop the kart from rolling so they can see what was wrong with it. Koara seems to lose interest when neither of us give her money, so she eventually heads on her merry way. Hunter and I talk about video games and trading cards before I go back to waiting for Mire to show up.
>>
No. 1055408 ID: 481e64
File 167578717751.png - (495.24KB , 800x600 , YQ12.png )
1055408

After a little while Mire shows up in her truck which she affectionately calls 'captain.'

>"Ok I'm here to save you from the crazy latex rabbit... Where is she."
"Oh, don't worry. I think she ran off when she saw you coming."
>"Ah. Looks like she knew what was good for her then. See? Not all heroes wear capes. Or seatbelts. Looks like hunter's out and about, and with a different set of wheels by the looks of it. C'mon, hop in."

I step into the truck and move all the empty beer bottles off my side of the seat. I go to plug in my seatbelt before remembering that this truck doesn't have seatbelts.

>"We good to go? If there's something you wanted to do before we go, now's a good time. And let me know if you want to take a quick stop somewhere before we head to the lake."
>>
No. 1055415 ID: 11f77a

Stop by a convenience store for some more beer and trail mix. Maybe jerky for Mire. It should be next to a trading-card shop to see which legendary cards the owner seeks.
>>
No. 1055416 ID: d3bf48

Before we go, fashion a seat belt out of your actual belt.

Drive by the crop circles before we get to the lake. Maybe we’ll see an alien!
>>
No. 1055418 ID: 2aa5f0

stop somewhere to grab snacks... you do have cash on you right?
>>
No. 1055419 ID: c28082

>>1055408

Nothing too important comes to mind, but say goodbye to Hunter and his buddies, first! It's only polite (and he's kinda cute).

(Maybe also count the bottles and ask how many of them are from the last time Mire drove this thing.)

Ahhh!! Another update! It's good to see you back at it.
>>
No. 1055420 ID: d87c35

>>1055415
This sounds good, let's grab some snacks on the way out. Just make sure you don't stop at the one with the old prophetic weirdo guy who's always talking about "the black goat of the woods" out front. Dude's creepy...
>>
No. 1055423 ID: e5709d

Ask for the boys' helmets since they clearly kept them in the backseat while nobody was looking at their unprotected heads.
>>
No. 1055491 ID: 481e64
File 167583879466.png - (537.06KB , 800x600 , YQ13.png )
1055491

>say goodbye to Hunter and his buddies, first!
I make sure to wave Hunter and the others goodbye. They wave goodbye back.

>Ask for the boys' helmets since they clearly kept them in the backseat while nobody was looking at their unprotected heads.
Even if they did have helmets, I don't think any would fit me. I hope that for Hunter's little brother's sake that serious injuries don't run in the family.

>count the bottles and ask how many of them are from the last time Mire drove this thing.
There must be at least a dozen. I ask Mire how many are from the last time she drove.
>"Maybe a dozen. I dunno. I'm not great at keeping track."

>you do have cash on you right?
About twenty-ish bucks. should be enough for the necessities.

>Drive by the crop circles before we get to the lake. Maybe we’ll see an alien!
Everyone knows that aliens only show up when it gets dark! that's why we're saving it until later.

>Stop by a convenience store.
Convenience store it is. Or in the convenient sense- a general store. I ask Mire to head there and she agrees, wanting to pick up booze, smokes and more magazines to hide in the back of the glove compartment.

We park out front and head inside, Spotty the zero-tail opossum is there to greet us at the counter.
"Oooh! Hey there Hazel and Mire! What can I get the both of you?"
>"You got smokes and beer?"
"You know we do. What about you Hazel?"
"What can a little over twenty bucks get you nowadays?"
"You could buy like-… eight or nine bags of ice with that! What're you gonna do with all that ice Hazel?"
"I may have had other things in mind."
"Just name it and we probably got it. Newspaper? We got it. Snacks? We got it. Fishing tackle? You know we got it. Magazines with pictures of cute boys? Ask Mire to share."
>"Hey!"
"I'm only kidding! Anyway, what'll it be?"
>>
No. 1055492 ID: a7a180

Bombs? Ropes? Lamp oil? I'll take three of each, please.
>>
No. 1055493 ID: 8483cf

Trail mix!

Drag Mire over so she doesn’t get tempted to take the five finger discount on cute boy magazines.
>>
No. 1055495 ID: e51896

we were told there would be snacks there, so we don't need to buy snacks here.

maybe a flashlight, or matchbox to start a bonfire with. I'd say fishing bait, but we have no fishing rod
>>
No. 1055496 ID: 8483cf

>>1055495
Oh yeah, no snacks required.

In that case, I’ll just vote for telling Spotty what a great job she’s doing at customer service.
>>
No. 1055500 ID: 8850b5

Well if mire has the drinks covered you should grab the snacks
>>
No. 1055501 ID: f348c9

You got any newspapers covering fishing tackle-based snacks? But really, you gotta have some good snacks to have with smokes and beer.

Also go along with the bit, ask Mire to share!
>>
No. 1055518 ID: 481e64
File 167587085875.png - (440.81KB , 800x600 , YQ14.png )
1055518

>Also go along with the bit, ask Mire to share!
"C'mon Mire, why don't you let me have a peek?"
>"You won't like what I'm into. The guys I like have probably never touched an old video game console in their lives."
"They're missing out for sure."

>Bombs? Ropes? Lamp oil? I'll take three of each, please.
We're only hanging out by the lake, we don't need adventure stuff! Besides, I don't think she takes credit.

>Drag Mire over so she doesn’t get tempted to take the five-finger discount on cute boy magazines.
That shouldn't be necessary, Mire is wary of being put on the 'Do not serve' board of the last place that'll have her.

>maybe a flashlight, or matchbox to start a bonfire with. I'd say fishing bait, but we have no fishing rod.
Mire does have some fishing rods in her truck and bait is cheap. May as well. I obtain a flashlight with batteries and a matchbox as well, all for a good price.

>I’ll just vote for telling Spotty what a great job she’s doing at customer service.
"You're doing a good job at the whole customer service business Spotty."
>"I appreciate you saying that, otherwise this would be a thankless job. People seem to think it's simple, but there comes times where you are faced with hard decisions."
My eye is immediately drawn to the corkboard behind her.
>"Shoplifters, loiterers... fox spirits. Oh, and before I forget, I should let you know that we've updated our 'No shirt no shoes no service' policy to include pants. I will allow skirts too, thanks."

>Well if mire has the drinks covered you should grab the snacks.
Seems fair enough. I brought a few snacks with me so maybe I should look for something I don't have packed.
I end up deciding to get trail mix and ice cream for the road.

>"Was that all? You can use the change to buy a scratch ticket or something. No need to rush, it's a bit of a slow day."
>>
No. 1055519 ID: e51896

Eh, a newspaper and thats all maybe. We ca read the funnies or ads.
>>
No. 1055521 ID: 30b9f6

I will note that I love the effort that goes into the art here.

>Do Not Serve board
What a vicious band of vagabonds and ne'erdowells!

>Leftover purchases
A local newsrag or some chewing gum both seem like good calls. Wait - actually, maybe a lighter? In case your inner pyromaniac needs you to set something on fire today. Or tomorrow.

Really, with a lighter you will have made the world of the future your pyroyster.

Besides, everyone knows lottery tickets are for only gullible chumps or extremely lucky people and you're not feeling like exhausting your extremely good luck yet.
>>
No. 1055523 ID: 8483cf

Definitely a lighter or matchbox, and a scratch ticket. Do you feel lucky?

Good thing the new policy covers skirts, we’d be done for otherwise.

>Do Not Serve Board
Dang foxes getting in the trash and dragging it everywhere. The gall of some foxes, demanding proper recycling sorting!
>>
No. 1055527 ID: d87c35

I see Koara on the board of do not serve, anyone else on there you recognize that we should look out for?
>>
No. 1055529 ID: c28082

>>1055518

While we don't rush, there have GOT to be some great stories behind that corkboard. Maybe even whatever the hell Koara did to get on it. Maybe.

Also, what's up with that funky goat guy and "just in case"?
>>
No. 1055541 ID: 11f77a

Buy a scratch ticket then! You never know. Might get $20 as a prize.
>>
No. 1055547 ID: bbb04b

>>1055529
I doubt she'd ban someone based solely on reputation - such a "you're not welcome in this town" measure would come off more as being 'cute' in the eyes of a bad enough dude to warrant such a measure.

No, the more likely scenario is that he did something to warrant a ban, but his current status is MIA, probably presumed dead, but not confirmed to the point that she can risk taking his picture down.

But man, I bet there's a story there. Have you ever considered starting a lore journal or chronicle? Sure, the town's past is presumably nothing to write home about if you don't even have a historical society, but it seems like the present day here is chock-full with enough interesting oddities to fill such a book.

On that note, I support getting the paper whenever you can (and it isn't redundant); you want the scoops, even if it's impossible to tell which tips are hiding icebergs.
>>
No. 1055552 ID: e5709d

>(shirt AND shoes AND pants) XOR (NOT service)
... Shops like this need to give out free clothes if they think they can spam subtly racist policies and pretend they aren't oppressive.

>Fox spirits
Do they just call themselves that or are we talking actual magical shapeshifting spirits?
Also what did they do.

>Anything else you'd like to purchase?
A hot dog. Use the remainder for lots of cup ramen.
>>
No. 1055565 ID: f3eb4a

Scatch ticket and ask Spotty how much she likes ice and ice powers.
>>
No. 1055630 ID: 516768

Always get the good snacks
>>
No. 1055632 ID: 481e64
File 167596636763.png - (516.64KB , 800x600 , YQ15.png )
1055632

>I see Koara on the board of do not serve, anyone else on there you recognize that we should look out for?
Besides Koara I only recognize the two at the bottom. The raccoon lady is from the town over and I'm not sure what she did.

>there have GOT to be some great stories behind that corkboard. Maybe even whatever the hell Koara did to get on it.
One mustn't need to stretch the imagination too far to conceive of what she might've done wrong.

>>Fox spirits
>Do they just call themselves that or are we talking actual magical shapeshifting spirits?
Actual shapeshifting spirits exist as far as I can ascertain. It's just one of those things you don't talk about.

>Dang foxes getting in the trash and dragging it everywhere. The gall of some foxes, demanding proper recycling sorting!
Knowing Spotty and her reputation of being protective of her trash, the incidents were likely trash related.

>Also, what's up with that funky goat guy and "just in case"?
No idea. Never seen him around these parts. Maybe he tried paying for gas and a bag of cashews with only a quarter.

>maybe a lighter? In case your inner pyromaniac needs you to set something on fire today
I already got matches. Did you know that lighters were invented before matches? That's wild.

>Do you feel lucky?
Like a punk. Hence the collar.
>Buy a scratch ticket then!
I'm tempted. I'm sold. I get a scratch ticket. I am left without change and cannot use a coin to scratch it... I'll scratch it later. I was tempted to get a newspaper but I'm really not that into reading and the funny comic strips have too many words in them these days.

>everyone knows lottery tickets are for only gullible chumps or extremely lucky people and you're not feeling like exhausting your extremely good luck yet.
I'd be lucky to break even all things considered. However, A worthless lottery ticket weighs less than loose change, so there's that I suppose.

With the snacks and miscellaneous items in hand and the beers in Mire's hands, we are satisfied enough to head off. We give our goodbyes to Spotty. Or was it Spotti? I should get around to asking sometime.

We throw everything into the truck and take off to the lake spot post-haste. It only takes a short while and we're there already. There are lakes everywhere in Michigan so it isn't hard to find a good spot. We step out and start bringing out some of our stuff.

>"This spot look good to you?"
"As good as any I reckon'."
I take another lick of my ice cream bar. I gave Mire one but she just bit into it and consumed it in a manner of seconds. Does the cold really not bother her?
>"So, what did you want to do first? I'm up for just about anything, you name it."
>>
No. 1055633 ID: e51896

She's already got her fishing rod out, let's fish for now while you play your guitar to keep her entertained. Who knows, there might even find another fisherman we can talk to as well... or a fish person? a fish fishing fish?
>>
No. 1055634 ID: d3bf48

Crime time! Property crime.
>>
No. 1055635 ID: 11f77a

>>1055633
I agree to strummin' the ol' guitar while she fishes. And if you run out of songs just talk about the pocky'man trading cards you get free from every carton.
>>
No. 1055637 ID: ccbbb0

Find clues about the cult that throws people down a hole to preserve the town like a total trash mammal.
>>
No. 1055638 ID: c28082

>>1055632

Wait, is that fluff Mire's natural fur and not part of her jacket?
>>
No. 1055640 ID: 6f4507

Sometimes you just gotta fish.
>>
No. 1055641 ID: bbb04b

"Well, I asked you to meet me 'cause I wanna actually learn how to play this thing. I've pretty much exhausted all my stay-in options for boredom-slaying, so it's either this or I start investigating town mysteries like some corny 70s cartoon or some quirky 2010's cartoon. Nobody wants that, I'd wager (even if nobody will say why they don't wanna talk about anything...)"
>>
No. 1055651 ID: 9a2966

Let's have some guitar lessons. You did bring the beer, after all, yeah?
>>
No. 1055652 ID: d87c35

>>1055632
Time for some tunes and good vibes, maybe some of the new ones we've been working on? The one about "Just wanting to die, anywhere else," or "Weird Autumn."
>>
No. 1055659 ID: 2aa5f0

well she's already got the rods out, go fishing.
>>
No. 1055660 ID: 01fe07

>>1055632
You brought a radio that can play cds, right? I've got some song suggestions here: "Die Anywhere Else" by Alec Holowka and Scott Benson or "Weird Autumn" which is also by Alec Holowka and Scott Benson.
>>
No. 1055689 ID: 481e64
File 167603171279.png - (473.07KB , 800x600 , YQ16.png )
1055689

>Who knows, there might even find another fisherman we can talk to as well... or a fish person? a fish fishing fish?
Well would you like at that, there's someone like that across the lake fishing. How much fish could a fishman fish if a fishman could fish fish? I may have to enquire sometime. Hopefully he doesn't mind the music.

>Crime time! Property crime.
Crime isn’t as cool as it used to be. Kids my age used to do it all the time until the adults started getting into it which made it lame.

>Find clues about the cult that throws people down a hole to preserve the town like a total trash mammal.
It's fine, cult problems usually resolve themselves.

>Wait, is that fluff Mire's natural fur and not part of her jacket?
I've asked about the wool thing but I’ve never managed to get a clear answer. I've always seen her with it so it may as well be a part of her - must be why she prefers the winter.

>You brought a radio that can play cds, right?
I knew I forgot something! It's no big deal though. I like the quiet moments between my shaky guitar playing.


>She's already got her fishing rod out, let's fish for now while you play your guitar to keep her entertained.

Sounds good to me. I take my guitar out of the truck and tune it while Mire sets up the fishing rods. She gets the rod that was for me and sets in up in the ground while she holds onto hers.

>"Watch me catch a trout."

I take a seat on the ground next to Mire where the grass is nice and soft. Mire opens a cold one and starts to unwind.

"Now about those guitar lessons, are you ready?"
>"As ready as I'll ever be. Play me a tune and I'll try to give feedback."
"A tune? What specifically?"
>"It doesn't matter a whole lot. Play something you’ve practised. How about smoke on the water?"
"Okay! here we go..."
I start to play for a minute before Mire speaks up.
>"Slow it down. learn the chords one at a time."
"Oh. Right."
I start over and Mire stops me again sooner than last time.
>"Avoid looking at your hands."
"Huh? Why?"
>"Looking away from your hands will help you connect the feeling of a correct chord placement as good as looking at it. Close your eyes and only look every once in a while, so you know your hands are in the right place. If you're really having trouble not looking, try standing up."
"Ah."
>"Sit down for now. Are you holding the guitar properly?"
"Depends on what that's supposed to look like."
>"Rest it on your right leg. Like this"
She leans over and adjusts my guitar so it rests on my leg comfortably.
>"And make sure the neck is parallel to the floor. Like this."
She proceeds to spend the next few minutes teaching me techniques on how to posture myself. I start to play for the next while, Mire occasionally chiming in with her wisdom. My fingers start to hurt, and I take a break.
>"Get some thinner strings or develop calluses, but besides that you're already getting better. Next time we do this I'll bring my metronome and other music stuff you can practise with."
"You know more about the guitar than I thought."
>"Yeah, I had a phase where I wanted to be a rockstar. I couldn't find others to join the band so I guess that dream wasn't meant to be."

What next?
>>
No. 1055690 ID: 2aa5f0

>"Yeah, I had a phase where I wanted to be a rockstar. I couldn't find others to join the band so I guess that dream wasn't meant to be."

Ask her if that was her asking you to join her band.
>>
No. 1055691 ID: 30b9f6

Join in the fishenenenening and chat about interests and fun stuff while you do, maybe fantasize up what sort of rockband Mire would've created if she'd found rad and music-proficient enough badboys and coolgirls to join her. Which band members would die in what compromising positions, or the degree to which they'd become famous and for what.

Pretend scenario: you're still a noob, but would you have qualified for an invite if you'd started earlier and gotten gudder sooner or was the guitar-plinking slot taken?

Could always discuss a li'l more involved and present-reality stuff - like if she's got any other cool long-term plans for what to do now that the rock band dream's died. Does she have ways to contribute to making the local area more entertaining?

Because boy, you do have a mighty hungr for the funs. Just not the 'drink-and-drive' kind. At least not all the time!
>>
No. 1055700 ID: 8483cf

>>1055691
This. It kind of sucks living where there’s so few people, makes getting a band together hard.

Talk about your dreams about where you’d go if you had the money to get started.
>>
No. 1055701 ID: d87c35

>>1055700
This. What dreams do you have outside of this little town?
>>
No. 1055702 ID: 11f77a

You don't need a full band! People get by with just two. Start making mixtapes.

As for the immediate thing to do next, maybe fish with Mire and talk about hopes and dreams--but ultimately accept fate that this calm, quiet life will last now and forever. But as long as you got each other nothing will stand in the way
>>
No. 1055703 ID: ce110c

Talk about some movies you both seen recently
>>
No. 1055723 ID: 86e259


>>1055529
>>1055547
The photos look to me like, in English reading order: Dotti (from Lazy Fairy), Momo (from Unbalanced), Koara, and Lak (a murderer from Tobak Quest). The bottom two I'm not sure of, but if the one on the right is "the raccoon lady", she might possibly be Riley from Cedar Ridge.)

>>
No. 1055742 ID: 481e64
File 167611221494.png - (478.37KB , 800x600 , YQ17.png )
1055742

>Ask her if that was her asking you to join her band.
"Was that you asking me to join your band?"
>"Heh. nah. If I wanted to ask, I'd ask straight up. then it'd just be the two of us guitar players, and I don't know how well that qualifies as a full rock band."
"I can learn another instrument if you'd like. I'm thinking the triangle or maybe the cowbell."
>"I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't think I'm cut out for that kind of career. I couldn't even figure out a concrete name for the band."

>You don't need a full band! People get by with just two. Start making mixtapes.
That might be fun to do. Maybe we can organise that some other day, if only just for pretending like we’re gonna be big rock stars.

>fantasize up what sort of rockband Mire would've created if she'd found rad and music-proficient enough badboys and coolgirls to join her. Which band members would die in what compromising positions, or the degree to which they'd become famous and for what.
I can fantasize about all that but to make it accurate I'll bring it up with Mire directly.

"What kind of band would you have created if you'd found that ensemble of musical badboys and coolgirls to join you?"
Mire gets a candy cigarette out of her pocket and bites down on it.
>"It would've been a rag tag group of totally radical punks, I'll tell you that. I'd be the lead guitarist and lead singer, though I figured you'd already knew that."
"You can sing?"
>"In the shower. My shampoo bottles can vouch for me. As for the band, I'd have this badboy bass player and we'd have a little rivalry, but we'd still have respect for each other, y'know"
"A-huh."
>"Then there would be the drummer who would play so hard, the drums would break after every concert! That'd be a chick and she'd be a real rough one, but she'd secretly have a soft and compassionate side."
"I feel like there's one more spot in this band of yours."
>"That’s right! Last but not least would be the rhythm guitar player, which would be this cute ripped purple goat boy who doesn't wear shirts and smokes a pipe with pink smoke."
"Wait a minute! Isn't that guy already a rockstar? Isn’t he already in a band?"
>"Maybe. If he isn't taken, then I'd want you to take that position."
"Oh! Really? I'd still qualify for an invite even though I'm basically a beginner?"
>"Absolutely. I'd be your mentor and all, bringing up your skills so that you're nearly as good as me."
"Why me? Surely there's people out there with more natural talent."
>"To tell you the truth? It's because I want someone who'll stick with me even if the band breaks up."
"Oh. I wasn't expecting that."
>"What did you expect? You're my best pal."
"That's sweet."
>"Don't mistake that for me getting all soft! I'm just saying it cuz it's true."

>Could always discuss a lil more involved and present-reality stuff - like if she's got any other cool long-term plans for what to do now that the rock band dream's died. Does she have ways to contribute to making the local area more entertaining?
"You got any long-term plans?"
>"Eh. Not really. Everything is confusing at this point. Working at the parts store is fine but I don't see it lasting forever. The things that I wanted to do seem more unattainable by the week and I might just have to settle for something more realistic.
"Hopefully you have ways of making the local area more entertaining."
>"There’s never a dull moment when I’m around – you can be sure about that. I will leave no stone unthrown through any window."
>>
No. 1055743 ID: 481e64
File 167611224338.png - (428.48KB , 800x600 , YQ18.png )
1055743

>maybe fish with Mire and talk about hopes and dreams--but ultimately accept fate that this calm, quiet life will last now and forever. But as long as you got each other nothing will stand in the way
I fish with her with more small talk about the future. Even with that, we still both see ourselves in the present, right here and right now living in this moment. It really is a nice day today.

I get tired of holding the rod and lay down on the grass to stare up at the trees on the other side of the lake. I hold the lottery ticket over my head, imagining it like it was some winning jackpot ticket.
>Talk about your dreams about where you’d go if you had the money to get started.

"Hey Mire, where would you go if you had the money to get started on your dreams?"
>"You may as well ask me what I'd wish for."
"That's more fun, let’s go with that. What would you wish for?"
>"Uh... do I only get one wish? Infinite wishes."
"I'll let you have three instead."
>"Hmmm. Y'know... I'd have to think about it carefully. Right now, I'd just wish for the fish to start biting. For the sake of going along with the hypothetical, let’s say that I give one of those wishes to you. What would you do with it?"
"What would I wish for, huh?"

What indeed.

I feel something change. Something small happened. The atmosphere hasn't changed, and Mire didn't seem to notice, but the card feels lighter in my hands.
>>
No. 1055744 ID: a7a180

I'd wish for something simple and and clear, like being taller. If I was tall enough, maybe I could see a future past the edges of this town! About the only way I could, at this point...
>>
No. 1055755 ID: cafc9a

>I wish...
... you’d wish you always knew where the real adventures around you where - so you could choose to go on them or not.

As if you were the protagonist in a mystery novel series, but not bound to always have to solve crime or whatever - just an uncanny ability to find fun and interesting times with your friends and acqaintances.

Sounds like a decent way to mix excitement with a regular livelihood, doesn’t it? You wouldn’t want to completely give up one for the other, after all.
>>
No. 1055760 ID: 8483cf

> I couldn't even figure out a concrete name for the band."
That's it! You could name it Concrete!

Never mind, that sounded better in my head.

As for what to wish for, the Irish say it best.

"If God sends you down a stony path,
May He give you strong shoes."

So let's wish for awesome shoes.
>>
No. 1055764 ID: c28082

>>1055743

You know, that popsicle stick might make a decent scratcher. Or at least no worse than using a nickel to do it.
>>
No. 1055765 ID: 90c451

I'd wish for this town to become relevant, for something interesting to finally happen. Not something too big, but just enough to shake things up, you know?
Right now the only interesting thing that could happen to me is getting 10 dollars off this scratch ticket.
>>
No. 1055766 ID: c28082

>>1055765

Whoa, wait ... what if people finally started talking about The Things. Like all the stuff nobody in middle of nowhere Michigan talks about.

Maybe there's a ton of cryptids and supernatural things, and it's just being kept a pointless secret.
>>
No. 1055768 ID: 6f4507

Travel is always good, see some of the real crazy sights in the world.
>>
No. 1055774 ID: 9937af

I wish Mire was a big werewolf with biiig anime eyes, instead of always squinting.
>>
No. 1055782 ID: 885c82

>>1055743
>Wish?
Since actual shapeshifting spirits exist, that means there should be other things like that in the world, right?

Or, with your luck, this probably won't actually happen, so you might as well wish for something ridiculous.

Wish that you could transform into a dragon whenever you want to.
>>
No. 1055783 ID: 86e259

>>1055765
This sounds most plot-advancy, haha

>>1055755
and this comes second, but is more like an actual rules-lawyery wish
>>
No. 1055784 ID: 36784c

>>1055743
Here's something practical: Wish that you'd always have an exact amount of money for anything you want.

That way, no matter what it is, all you have to do is reach in your pocket and you'll always have the money you need.

Want to buy some candy? Reach in your pocket and pull out the money needed! Want to buy a car? Reach in your pocket and pull out the exact amount of money you need!
>>
No. 1055787 ID: 2aa5f0

>I couldn't even figure out a concrete name for the band."
call yourselves "complicated simplicity" with your first album being called "simply complicated"

>two man band
look up a band called the "black keys". Hell I think "21 pilots" is also a 2 man band so give them a quick look as well. it's possible.

>wish
Well given what we were just talking about wish for something that you two would be given a chance to actually pull off the whole band thing. That you'd have the skills to make it and an opportunity to get your music out their but the two of you would still have to push yourselves to get to the top and earn the right to be stars, because just being handed stardom sounds boring but every famous person ever always says you need just as much luck as you need skill to get noticed so I guess my wish would be for the opportunity to get noticed with the skills to back it up just to be on the safe side. Would suck to wish for the opportunity only not to have the skills to back it up after all.
>>
No. 1055790 ID: e3ed83

>>1055765
Yeah this one
>>
No. 1055792 ID: 7c0da2

>>1055784
This one sounds both fun and useful.
>>
No. 1055808 ID: 15a025

Wish for the freedom to live life more like the way you want to.
>>
No. 1055910 ID: 481e64
File 167627905388.png - (272.60KB , 800x600 , YQ19.png )
1055910

>wish for something simple and clear, like being taller.
I full foot or two of height wouldn't hurt. I'd be able to see over the head of every person who sits in front of me at the movies! Though I'd feel bad for the one who has to sit behind me.

>you’d wish you always knew where the real adventures around you where - so you could choose to go on them or not.
Like some sort of sixth sense just for adventure? That'd be neat. That way I don't have to keep missing out.

>let's wish for awesome shoes.
I like the boots I already have though. If I needed new shoes, I have money to buy them, I don't need to waste a wish on new ones!... Unless they are magical spring shoes.

>I'd wish for this town to become relevant, for something interesting to finally happen. Not something too big, but just enough to shake things up, you know?
That would be good. Like if a meteor crashed nearby or a big rock band decided to tour here.

>Whoa, wait ... what if people finally started talking about The Things. Like all the stuff nobody in middle of nowhere Michigan talks about.
I think I'd wish to know why people are so tight lipped about it - surely there's a good reason?

>Travel is always good, see some of the real crazy sights in the world.
I'd wish for a bunch of extra tickets so I can bring my friends with me. I hear Italy has a whole tower just made of pizza! though I hear the structural integrity isn't doing so well.

>I wish Mire was a big werewolf with biiig anime eyes, instead of always squinting.
I'd have to ask Mire if she would be cool with that. She would probably just start squinting again after giving her the big new eyes. She didn't always squint, that's only a thing she started doing when she began smoking.

>Wish that you could transform into a dragon whenever you want to.
What kind of dragon? a red one or an orange one? What about pink? This wish would be far too stressful to decide for!

>Here's something practical: Wish that you'd always have an exact amount of money for anything you want. That way, no matter what it is, all you have to do is reach in your pocket and you'll always have the money you need.
Isn't that just called having a credit card?

>Wish for the freedom to live life more like the way you want to.
freedom huh? like having big wings so I could go anywhere I want? that'd be really neat.

After thinking about it, I decide to scratch the card do dispel all that unhealthy wishful thinking. I pick up the bottle cap from Mire's bottle and scratch away.

>"I think I caught something!" Mire starts to reel something in.

three...

three!...

three! Three in a row! I won a... three? three what? three bucks? awww, I really did get my hopes up for nothing.

Suddenly everything around me goes quiet.
>>
No. 1055911 ID: 481e64
File 167627907145.png - (276.54KB , 800x600 , YQ20.png )
1055911

I look up to see that everything around me has gone still. Mire has struck a pose with the fishing rod while a fish at the end of the line stays in place.

"Hey Mire, are you good?" She doesn't respond.

Nothing moves. The river, the grass, and the leaves on the trees. It is completely quiet all around, but that somehow removes all the tranquillity.
>>
No. 1055912 ID: 481e64
File 167627908694.png - (94.86KB , 800x600 , YQ21.png )
1055912

I feel a presence behind me in the forest. A presence that is very much aware of me. That is when I hear a voice, a voice which dispels any and all fear I would have had in a moment like this.
>"You won! Talk about Lucky!"
The voice sounds awfully playful and youthful to be some kind of forest demon.
"Huh?"
>"You matched three in a row, right? That means you won."
"What did I win, exactly? the number three?"
>"Three wishes! just like you asked for. I'll be upfront with you, I may have tweaked the odds when I overheard all the chit chat."
"What are you? Are you supposed to be a W-"
>"STOP DON'TSAYTHAT- No! I'm not... that. Didn't anybody ever tell you not to speak about these things so openly? sheesh."
>>
No. 1055913 ID: a7a180

Okay, so.., when can I expect to start getting taller?
>>
No. 1055914 ID: fb2164

Express despair you didnt bring a box of condoms for that Wendussy. Golden opportunity...

Actually seriously, ask it what catches there are with said wishes, and how it's doing the whole time stop-y powers.

Is this a Monkey's Paw kinda scenario or something? :V
>>
No. 1055917 ID: 86e259

Soooo...how much to you want to minmax this, and how much do you just want to make some acceptably cool wishes? You should probably ask what the rules are - are there things you can't wish for, are there costs, do you need to make all the wishes now, etc. Try not to get monkey-paw'd; good luck.
>>
No. 1055918 ID: 2aa5f0

soooo... why'd you single me out and not my friend over there?
>>
No. 1055920 ID: 9e87a7

What magical being are you, and why can't we talk about magical beings?

Also, this is too much power; let's eat the ticket instrad!
>>
No. 1055921 ID: 1d5bb3

>>1055910
>Isn't that just called having a credit card?
No it's not! Credit cards eventually run out of money and you'd be in debt with the bank!

Pulling out an exact amount of money whenever you want would be infinite because it wouldn't come from a credit card! You won't run out of money and you won't owe anything to a bank!

>>1055912
However, with this mysterious being saying they're giving you 3 wishes, you should be careful with what you want. There might be some unfortunate consequences attached to your wishes!
>>
No. 1055923 ID: e5709d

See if your profit can benefit the world.

1) "I wish for all sapient beings which will ever exist to be granted the nascent superpower to determine the true form, nature, and intent of the things which they observe."
You need to know if she'll screw you over, but you can fix the world in the process by giving everyone the ability to catch on to being suckered. Like any skill, it will require training and talent to overcome a manipulator's natural abilities with obfuscation, but turning this skill into a universal ability will make it far more commonplace and easier to train.
2) "I wish for the laws of death to be rewritten, so that any and all beings who die (definition: the general grouped system that prevents total chemical equilibrium ceases to function completely), shall be resurrected via total-body-reconstruction at the point of any nearby leyline which has the conditions required to continue their existence relative to the amount of time they have existed, at the cost of losing a relatively small portion of their memories and skill experience and being fundamentally changed on a minor level, and this law will cease to function for any being that is both dead and has lost their sapience, instead reverting their mind to a random point before they lost their sapience and sending them to the afterlife."
You can't erase death without turning the world into Hell. But you can rewrite its rules to suit the cycle that mortals are trapped in.
3) "I wish that all sapient beings will have the inherent superpower to change their form, mind, and soul in any manner they desire with sufficient practice and resources."
And now everyone gets shapeshifting, among other things. But they'll have to work for the hard stuff.
>>
No. 1055926 ID: 15c72a

Before you make wishes, find out what the limitations are.

A likely wish that would work is the ultimate sandwich recipe. Or whatever your favorite food is. This will reward you with deliciousness, and you can sell the recipe!
>bunch of travel/flight related thoughts
Kinda sounds like you want to be able to fly, but also to bring your friends with you. Might require multiple wishes, or an alternate form that can already do that, like a dragon or a gryphon or something. If you can't decide on a color, leave that up to them.
>>
No. 1055929 ID: 1d5bb3

Instead of this >>1055921 you could just wish for bigger boobs, so that you're not the flattest chest in town anymore!
>>
No. 1055931 ID: d3bf48

Definitely find out if this is a Monkey’s Paw situation.
>>
No. 1055933 ID: c28082

>>1055912

Okay, actually, yeah ... good point. WHY can't we talk about these things? Every time we try to bring it up, everyone just shushes us like that and won't explain. Like, sweet shit, we're (probably) old enough to drink and we STILL don't know the reason behind it.
>>
No. 1055934 ID: 7c0da2

Simple wishes have less chance to backfire. You should wish for an ice-cream.
If for some reasons you think ice-cream is a waste of a wish, wish for flight. That's a wish that can't really go wrong on its own, and flight is fun.
>>
No. 1055937 ID: 300835

>just wish to know what's up
Mysteries and puzzles tend to lose their shine once someone just tells you the solution. Figuring it out on your own can be much more satisfying!

>I may have tweaked the odds
Well, thanks? No, really. This is... new. Cool, even. As ominous and scary as it should be, what with everything being frozen - and there being a sudden - uh, well-horned person chatting you up from the uncanny shade... in a way, that's already a wish of yours granted for today! So hey, thanks.

Anyway... do you just gotta declare here and now? Or can they explain how to best make your wishes and any logical limitations? You don't want to prevaricate or overthink it for too long, mind. Probably just best to speak from the gut. Assuming this isn't some monkey paw situation. You've seen movies! Terrible, terrible B-rated movies.

>Wishes
Consider wishing to have a sixth sense for where to find adventure.

Consider wishing for the ability to swiftly and safely travel where you want with others.

Consider wishing for the people of this town to all get something neat and magical; a blessing, a trinket, a vision, an experience - something. Pass it forwards, you know? Unless that sounds like too much work. In which case, you could limit it to people you know.

... that might still be the entire town. Maybe just friends and close acquaintances, then!
>>
No. 1055938 ID: ac5319

>>1055929

Just wish for broad ranging organic and biological and genetic manipulation superpowers with the appropriate skill and secondary powers needed to use them. That'll get you bigger boobs and more, besides! Also you'll be the world's best doctor.
>>
No. 1055951 ID: e9ef46

You know, for a spooky shadow being that was eavesdropping on you, they're kinda cute and have a nice rack... At least you're meeting someone uniquely interesting, even if they're a little shy.

More seriously, ask about the scope and urgency of the wishes. Are they small, here and now, or farther reaching and need time to consider type of wishes? And if 'species' names are dangerous, what about names in general? No sarcastic wishes if you can help it, assume you only get 3.

If you're going to wish for extra height, a pair of sweater puppies, or something primarily cosmetic, and can't opt for a straight up super power like shapeshifting, why not go for a reusable 'character creator screen'? Have a bit of fun with the wish.
Consider wishes that will include/benefit your benefactor, so they're less inclined to screw you over either way, whether from emotional investment, or self interest.
>>
No. 1055952 ID: d87c35

"I wish for something amazing to happen. Seeing you is a good start, but I want to know the real inner-workings of things. My whole life I've spent just lazing around, waiting for nothing, I want something anything to happen. To see amazing things, to feel accomplished, and to live happily ever after in the end."
>>
No. 1055954 ID: a9af05

>>1055912
You did win a scratch off, which normally means you win some money, so it would make sense if you wished for a large amount of money.
>>
No. 1055957 ID: ac5319

>>1055951

Organic manipulation and readjustment powers are better than pure shapeshifting powers if you want to be in a form long term, and changing gradually is okay; you can tweak for your ideal form and permanently change into it and probably add cool features that you likely couldn't keep long term with a traditional shapeshifting power.
>>
No. 1055981 ID: 481e64
File 167634252055.png - (327.24KB , 800x600 , YQ22.png )
1055981

>You know, for a spooky shadow being that was eavesdropping on you, they're kinda cute and have a nice rack.
I suppose I'm inclined to agree. That is a nice rack.

"What magical being are you, and why can't we talk about magical beings?"
She reveals herself from the shadows, appearing to be some sort of hobo ghost. The rack appears much less impressive than it did in the silhouette. Even so, that's at least one of my wishes granted for today. Something cool is happening."
>"I am a mythical Jackalope spirit, one of uh... generosity! I usually crash at this here lake, but I come out to pla- give things every so often! because I'm so generous and all."
"So why can't we talk about certain strange things."
>"Look, it's just a taboo, ok? you can talk about aliens, those are fine. just not the other stuff. Talking about the other stuff out loud can lead to bad things happening, ok? They know when you talk about them. Can we move on? I'm moving on."
"What if I wish for-"
>"I'm not telling you even if you wish for it. It's a rule – made It one, just now. Trust me - it's in both of our interests."
"I'm old enough to know! I'm tired of getting shushed."
>"People don't wanna talk about it because they barely know what's really out there and it's better they didn't. End of discussion. Anyway, three wishes! Woohoo!"
"We're frozen in time... did you do this?"
>"That's right. I can unfreeze it when I'm done going through all the specifics and introducing myself."
"Introductions huh? My name is Hazel. Who're you?"
>"Nashi. Nashi the Jackalope spirit - inhabitant of this lake."
"Nashi? That doesn't sound like a name from Michigan."
>"It's of Japanese origin. It means pear. I like peaches better but... whatever."

"Okay, so... when can I expect to start getting taller?"
>"All you need to say is 'I wish' and I can do the rest!"

"soooo... why'd you single me out and not my friend over there?"
>"Two reasons. First is that it's hard to divide three wishes between two people, and second is that you're the one who scratched the card."

"Are there things I can't wish for? are there costs? Do I need to make all the wishes now?"
>"You can't wish for infinite wishes, so let's just get that out of the way. As for costs? perhaps in a metaphorical sense, but nothing requiring payment. As for whether you need to make all the wishes now, I say take your time! I'm not busy after all. One more rule you should know about is that you can't make a wish that affects other living things without their permission. That should be it, pretty simple!"

"Is this a Monkey's Paw kinda scenario or something?"
>"What? Psssssh. Do you see any monkeys around here? nope. Nuh-uh. No monkey business going on around here."
"I'm still sceptical."
>"You're too paranoid, perhaps a wish could fix that?"
"I've seen many terrible B-rated movies, I know what it's all about."
>"I'm not a mind reader, I gotta do my best to interpret the wording of your wishes - Don't blame me for you not being specific enough. Let's keep things simple for now, yeah? Your wish is my command! What is your first wish!"

>You did win a scratch off, which normally means you win some money, so it would make sense if you wished for a large amount of money.
That's true that you can 'wish for a lot of money' but you can't 'lot of money a wish.' if that makes sense.

>wish for flight. That's a wish that can't really go wrong on its own, and flight is fun.
>Kinda sounds like you want to be able to fly, but also to bring your friends with you. Might require multiple wishes, or an alternate form that can already do that, like a dragon or a gryphon or something.
Wishing to be a dragon could make me a cool dragon and let me fly wherever I want!

>Consider wishing to have a sixth sense for where to find adventure.
Seems hard to monkey paw but also seems hard to define. I should formulate something clearer.

>Consider wishing for the ability to swiftly and safely travel where you want with others.
Like teleportation? I'll never have trouble getting out of bed ever again!

>Just wish for broad ranging organic and biological and genetic manipulation superpowers with the appropriate skill and secondary powers needed to use them.
Like some form of shape shifting? I wonder if that wish would be allowed seeing as it's essentially infinite wishes concerning physical form. If I went with that, I bet there would be necessary limitations. Maybe I could use the shape shifting wish to accomplish the 'turn into the dragon' wish?

>why not go for a reusable 'character creator screen'? Have a bit of fun with the wish.
That seems interesting. While I'm not unsatisfied with my appearance, I've sometimes wondered what other ways I could've looked like.

>"Well? What'll it be?"
>>
No. 1055983 ID: dee951

Is it okay if we talk the wishes out? Like, I sort of describe what I'm thinking of, the caveats, some of the things I think would be cool to do and all that, and you tell me how many wishes it would use up? Cause otherwise we'll be here all day and my wish will be a gigantic paragraph of legalese starting with a 'Wheareas' that's a huuuuge run-on sentence.
>>
No. 1055985 ID: dee951

Also, can you give me a rough idea of your power and versatility limits? Cause otherwise I'd totally wish for something that will turn the entire planet into a post-scarcity utopia where everyone can be whoever or whatever they want and do most whatever they want or something and no one has to die or suffer if they don't want to. Like if I wish for a starship, how badass and amazing could it be? If I wish for superpowers, how cosmic can those be? Stuff like that.
>>
No. 1055987 ID: 11f77a

Seems like Hazel and Mire are stuck in the middle of nowhere with little chance to escape and live a new, exciting life. But it also risks that you both will split if one seeks for success outside N.Michigan.

If there's nothing to do in this dead-end town, perhaps wish that life in Northern Michigan can never be dull or boring, that every day is an adventure and friendships grow stronger as a result.
>>
No. 1055988 ID: fb2164

Before we make any wishes...

Have they granted any to other people before? What'd they wish for, and how badly did it go for them?
>>
No. 1055989 ID: 5d9787

I wish you consider me your best friend forever, whom you trust and desire to help.
>>
No. 1055991 ID: dee951

>>1055989

I don't think this is a good idea. We still need to talk about limits to things. One of the things we ask, 'Can the wish effect you? Would you do a wish that impacted your nature or desires or opinions or behavior?'
>>
No. 1055996 ID: a7a180

Okay, I wish my clothes would change size along with me! Then I wish I was way taller! The order is very important, there...
>>
No. 1055997 ID: dc156c

Yep it’s a monkey’s paw.

I wish you would go bother someone else.
>>
No. 1055999 ID: 90c451

What if I don't wish? Can we chill? Like, just talk. I mean getting to meet you is pretty cool and interesting in of itself and pretty much grants one wish for me already.
I don't think "I wish for you to be my friend." would be a nice thing to do though, you gotta earn friendship.
Do you play any instruments? Would you be willing to join a band? That's be pretty cool, a spirit playing the drums.

Otherwise I'd wish for insane constitution, like make it pretty much impossible for me to die by normal means and I never get sick. Make me super sturdy. Also mean's I could pull all-nighters for an entire week.
>>
No. 1056007 ID: f914a5

You can't wish for infinite wishes, but could you wish to be able to grant other people's wishes, if at least for shits and giggles? Like what she's probably doing.

Alternatively if you want adventure, you could wish for the ability to always find or do something interesting, adventurous, and/or entirely beneficial that may or may not involve supernatural hijinks whenever and wherever you wanted in such a way that it will never immediately endanger you and/or yours and also in such a way that you and/or yours will always have an out if you need it and then also it will never come at horrible unforeseen cost(s). Alternatively an infinite and endless risqué or more photo album of the cute ripped purple goat boy who doesn't wear shirts and smokes a pipe with pink smoke to show to Mire. You know, the essentials!
>>
No. 1056008 ID: dee951

>>1055996
>>1055997

Can we, uh, not waste potential cosmic power? Like even if we're going to get screwed over, we have an obligation to try and... yaknow... fix things, don't we?
>>
No. 1056012 ID: 15c72a

Wish to have the ability to turn into a bronze dragon and back, without destroying your clothes in the process.
>>
No. 1056013 ID: dee951

>>1056012

A Dragon made of Bronze or a D&D Bronze Dragon?

And you can ask for shapeshifting and clothes alteration powers with the biological manipulation or something.
>>
No. 1056022 ID: 36784c

>>1055981
>Wishing to be a dragon could make me a cool dragon and let me fly wherever I want!
As long as you phrase the wish so that you can change to a dragon and change back to normal whenever you want with no risk of getting stuck in the dragon form.

>>1056012
A giant dragon or just a normal sized anthropomorphic dragon? Or both?
>>
No. 1056023 ID: 1d5bb3

>>1055981
Wish to have D cup boobs because you don't want to be flat chested anymore!
>>
No. 1056031 ID: 8850b5

She sounds bored, ask if she wants to come hang out with you and your friends tonight. Tell her you got beer and snacks.
>>
No. 1056032 ID: fb2164

On the topic of wishes, in addition to previous suggestion...

- Console Commands for Reality (except the only guide is a /help command)
- Character Editor Menu at will (for yourself, and/or willing others? Possibly could fall under Console Commands, aka /OP wish)
- Invite Bnuuy to Hang Out.
>>
No. 1056049 ID: 3e26b4

Don’t worry Nashi, I promise to use my third wish to set you free!
>>
No. 1056051 ID: 481e64
File 167638733568.png - (381.47KB , 800x600 , YQ23.png )
1056051

"Can I talk some of these wishes out?"
>"Of course."
"Can you give me a rough idea of your power and versatility limits?"
>"I'm just a lesser forest spirit inhabiting a lake in northern Michigan, I'm afraid I cannot grant you the power to blow up the earth. That being said, I can do much to fulfil your physical and material desires. I also cannot effect the future much, but I can do my best to nudge things in particular directions."
"Like if I wish for a starship, how badass and amazing could it be?"
>"It won't be able to blow up a planet. What is your obsession with blowing up planets?"
"If I wish for superpowers, how cosmic can those be?"
>"I cannot make you any more powerful than myself. Though I figured that was obvious. Anything I can do, you could be able to do - only a wish away!"

"Have you granted any wishes to other people before? What'd they wish for and how badly did it go for them?"
>"I don’t do this kind of thing every day you know soooo... last time must’ve been over a hundred years ago. Some hunter boy who I gave a wish to in exchange for 'sparing me' heheh."
"What did he wish for?"
>"A love potion. To make a long story short he drank it by accident and fell in love with his reflection."
"How did that end?"
>"Not as bad as you'd think. Moral of the story? There's nothing wrong with a little self-love. Plus, I got to see a guy make out with a mirror."

"Could I wish for your friendship?"
>"Why? Are you desperate? Or do you just want someone you can bum free wishes off from time to time? Just don't throw any trash in the lake and I can assure you that we'll get along just fine without a wish."

"What if I don't wish? Can we chill? Like, just talk. I mean getting to meet you is pretty cool and interesting in of itself."
>"Don't wish? Surely not! Nobody gets a wish and just passes up on it! As for chilling and talking, I try to not get too attached to mortals. Try to understand my position - I see lots of people come and go. Being an immortal spirit is pretty comfy though, too bad someone like you will never understand.


"Do you play any instruments? Would you be willing to join a band?"
>"Hmmm. Only instrument I know how to play is the Theremin. I play frequently but haven't touched it in years."

"Could I wish for insane constitution? like make it pretty much impossible for me to die by normal means and I never get sick. Make me super sturdy. Also means I could pull all-nighters for an entire week."
>"You hate being a mortal that much huh? I won't say no but I wouldn't choose anything close to immortality if I were you."

"Don’t worry Nashi, I promise to use my third wish to set you free!"
>"Free? I'm already free! I love being a spirit because I get to have all the fun I want! and I don't smell bad if I don't bathe. No offense."

"You sound bored, want to come hang out with me and my friends tonight? We got beer and snacks."
>"Me? Hang out? eheh... I'm afraid I don't do that sort of thing. I'm a spirit, remember? This form limits me. When I am away from this lake, I am bound to one person only. To be able to hang out, I'd have to be physical, and I’m glad I’m not! I hear you guys need to worry about all sorts of things to avoid perishing.

"Can the wish effect you? Would you do a wish that impacted your nature or desires or opinions or behaviour?"
>"What? Uh... I'm actually not sure. Nobody has ever wished anything like that before to my knowledge. Probably... not? Don’t quote me on that. The rules only specify needing expressed consent from physical, living beings. I have no clue if that applies to me. Why?"

"Can I have the power to turn into a dragon and back?"
>"Of course, you can. If you want to be more specific it'd make my granting easier."
"A giant dragon or just a normal sized anthropomorphic dragon? Or both?"
>"Whatever you want!"
"What about shapeshifting? So, I can change my body however I want? Dragon included? And have it so my clothes don't tear?"
>"Absolutely. Some terms and conditions may apply, but that seems on the table. It's something I can do myself after all. Wanna be a dragon? boom. Wanna be taller? Boom! Insecure? Not anymore! easy as that."
"Hmmm. I don't know."
>"You're being very careful, aren't you? I'll tell you what. I don't usually do this for people but... I'll let you have one take-back if you aren't satisfied with one of your wishes. To clarify I'll remove the effect of a wish of your choosing, but I won't refund it. Do you accept that? If so, make your first wish."
>>
No. 1056052 ID: dee951

Alright. Three Wishes. Please only grant the wishes when I again say 'Execute'.

Wish One: I wish for a broad suite of organic, biological, genetic, or otherwise 'manipulate the nature and structure of life' superpowers; the sort of thing that will let me and my family and friends ageless, let me grant myself raw talent and aptitude if not learned skill in anything, that will let me cure myself or anyone I want of any disease including things like cancer or diabetes, that will let me slowly give myself all the weird superpowers found in the animal kingdom like seeing heat or removing the need to sleep or regrowing limbs or various super senses and super speed or super perception, or all the actual reasonable ideas found in lots of books containing this or that type of sci fi super-soldiers, with the understanding that all of the changes are 'real' and take time to grow in 'normally', so that if the power or what's powering it ever turns off, that will let me make pearls or super spidersilk or saffron or other odd organic substances as I need to, whenever I need to make faaabulous clothes or super-armor or something for some cash or whatever, or make custom plants that can end hunger and be perfect fuels and building materials and medicines and the like, that all the improvements I've made function under the 'normal' laws of physics and the bigger boobs I gave myself over a few nights of growing them are actually bigger boobs, and of course the power has the associated skills, knowledge, and assumed 'support' powers to make it viable.

Wish Two: I wish for a broad shapechanging power, including size, mass, shape, material, volume, density, viability of forms, keeping my ability to function in implausible forms, and all that associated stuff, so if I want to 'poof' I'm a dragon I can poof I'm a dragon and then 'poof' back; or if I wanted to give myself bigger boobs with this power, I could adjust it actively in front of a mirror or something, whereas if I wanted to turn into a dragon that could fly with the power from wish number one, I'd have to slowly turn into a wyvern-looking thing that somewhat resembled a pterosaur cause it'd have to be physically and organically viable, but with this power, the magic helps sustain the form so I don't have to worry about dragons not actually reasonably being able to fly or whatever, but I would have an intuitive understanding of how much magic or whatever is fueling these forms to 'work' as they should, so this power would allow me to 'preview' and work out bugs or issues for using in the first power if I want to temporarily give myself experimental and weird stuff like, oh, organic radio manipulation powers or let my cells make laser light or something, and of course this power has the associated knowledge and skills, as well as the aforementioned secondary support powers to enable it to function.

Wish Three: I wish you'd have a deeper understanding of various sorts of empathy, reciprocal altruism, helpfulness, cooperation, thankfulness, and even the purely logical/rational bases for taking a cooperative stance with others, like from decision theory and iterated game theory and the like, than you currently have, and that you were also freed from any sort of unwanted geas or imprisonment or enslavement or similar restriction on your ability to act according to your wishes and desires.

Execute.
>>
No. 1056053 ID: dee951

>>1056051
>>1056052

(fyi, I had posted my update before I realized you just posted yours, I may have to add tweaks)
>>
No. 1056054 ID: 2aa5f0

if you could turn into a dragon, anthropomorphic dragon, and your normal self at well that could be pretty fun. Plus you could totally fuck with people by going dragon, letting them see you then when they run away go back to normal and act like you never saw anything strange.

Also I guess you could wish to be good at playing every musical instrument there is and really give that band idea a go.
>>
No. 1056056 ID: 109792

I accept! Make that the big but still anthropomorphic kind of dragon. I like having hands! Wings might be cool though…
>>
No. 1056058 ID: 682e87

Wish for the ability to swiftly and safely travel where you want with others!

Wish for a sixth sense for adventure with an easily adjustable configuration!

Wish for Nashi to be able to hang with people while still being spiritual! If they wanna. That can be the takeback if they don’t. You get if they don’t want to get involved with mortals overmuch.
>>
No. 1056059 ID: bbd29b

I wasn't thinking of a spaceship that could blow up the planet, though any true starship can render a planet uninhabitable by dropping rocks, and the canonical version of this ship could totally blow up the planet. I was thinking of a starship that could uplift the planet and everyone on it, which would be the abilities I'm more keen on being functional for it, like, oh, a Culture Mountain-Class General Contact Unit, with associated Mind of a helpful and keen to uplift disposition, as from the series of novels from Iain M. Banks. Could you make that?
>>
No. 1056060 ID: dee951

>>1056054
>>1056056

Dude, wish for something less limited than to turn into a dragon, that also happens to give you the ability to turn into a dragon as a matter of course! Stop aiming so low!!
>>
No. 1056065 ID: 2aa5f0

>>1056060
you're right, we could turn into 2 dragons!
>>
No. 1056067 ID: e5709d

"I wish for myself and my lineage to have the ability to breed any spirit."

If she gets offended, posit that while you are offering, there's two fox spirits in your town you were planning on dating.
>>
No. 1056069 ID: bbd29b

>>1056052

For wish 2, add something like, 'this will allow implausible abilities like true dragon fire breathing, while wish 1, limited to plausible nature, would be limited to scalding superheated oil or something like that one beetle'. For wish 3, add 'morals and ethics and philosophy' to the list of things she gets a greater understanding of, and add the clause, 'including weird restrictions and constraints that you are not actively aware of' when discussing her limits.
>>
No. 1056074 ID: f2ecb2

I wish my friends and I will live happily ever after.
>>
No. 1056083 ID: bbd29b

Regarding immortality, how carefully can you parse nuances for that? Like, the differences between things like not be subject to senescence from aging, having an extended lifespan, not being bothered by the passing of the years, being truly ageless, being hard to kill, being hard to permanently kill, being truly unchanging, and all the nuanced ways people have thought of what 'immortality' might mean? If I wish for one of the non horrible types of immortality, or the means to grant that to the entire species, what would you do?
>>
No. 1056085 ID: 7c0da2

Maybe you should not use all the wishes in one go? Just keep one so you can undo something in addition to the "take back", and if nothing go horribly wrong with the first two you can use the last one too.
Anyway, the "being able to turn into a dragon" one looks nice. Just make sure to ask to be able to turn back too, a size that's not too unpractical but not too small, fine control in your hands and the ability to talk in that form. And the ability to breath fire or a magical breath of some kind, because if you can't you're only a big flying lizard.
I think being able to turn into a set form is probably easier to use than being able to turn into anything, you only have to worry about learning to move in your new form. And if it does end up being a "be careful what you wish for" situation the consequences of being able to shapeshift into anything are probably a lot more horrific. I'm still not entirely sure if I trust that spirit.
>>
No. 1056086 ID: 4f787f

>>1056065
Agreed. Just imagine what two of you could accomplish!
>>
No. 1056088 ID: bbd29b

There IS a type of immortal that's okay. The type where you can die, and stay dead, like via violence, so that's always an option, and you can still learn and grow and change, but once you hit your physical prime, you are not subject to either senescence or death or sickness from old age. And then you use a different wish to help you be resistant but not immune to violent death and able to do stuff like regenerate limbs and not get cancer and whatnot. Or you give yourself the means to grant or remove your own immortality so you can tweak the parameters as needed.
>>
No. 1056094 ID: a9af05

>>1056051
Remember to add in some safties for any shape-shifting:

1.) Make sure you can't get stuck and will always be able to return to your original form whenever you want.

2.) You'll never be able to forget what your original form is supposed to be.
>>
No. 1056096 ID: 7f2a90

Alright, let's do this:
"I wish to possess a 'plot-sense' for what people, places, things, or imagined courses of action will lead to more excitement, that can discern between genres, so I can be the primary arbiter of what sorts of 'stories' I get roped into up here. Anything can happen down up north, after all. Anything."

"I wish to become an all-powerful shapeshifter - or at least one possessing the same upper and lower limits as you when it comes to size, power, toughness, agility, etcetera, but with failsafes to prevent me from zapping my own intelligence away or accidentally turning into something that immediately collapses in on itself and can't generally function, ya know? I guess if the rules of biology would no longer apply to me, that'd make me effectively ageless... but that's fine, since I'm only nigh-invincible when I want to be. See? Immortality is cool as long as death is still 'on the table' when I decide it's finally my time!"

"Can I give my third wish to Mire here, and also give her the option of extending one of my two wishes to apply to herself as well? (Also, please don't just interpret her words just now as her wish - I think we both know she wasn't being serious when she said she wished for a fish to bite.)"

Basically, this covers giving ourselves agency for what kind of nonsense we get ourselves into, an ability that can see us through most any situation we do choose to engage with that would normally be too dangerous or otherwise unmanageable, and doing unto Mire what she would have done unto us (with hopefully a bonus).
>>
No. 1056097 ID: bbd29b

>>1056094

And you keep your capacity for thought, and can use all limbs or features without having to spend months re learning how to walk.. Really, any superpower needs a bunch of secondary powers and abilities and skills to make it work and not be horrible!
>>
No. 1056101 ID: 481e64
File 167640872966.png - (318.16KB , 800x600 , YQ24.png )
1056101

I think I finally made up my mind that my first wish should be some kind of ability, and that ability should be some form of shapeshifting. There's still plenty of ideas I have for other wishes, but this one sounds safe for now I will refrain from wishing for everything all in one go. I think the other two should be reserved for something more generalized and the other to be something for my friends. Mire wouldn't be very happy if she knew I had three wishes and didn't consider her!

>I wish my friends and I will live happily ever after.
Even without the wishes I feel like this outcome is probable. Perhaps I'm thinking to naïvely.

"Can I give my third wish to Mire here, and also give her the option of extending one of my two wishes to apply to herself as well?"
>"I'm saying yes to the former and a ‘depends’ on the latter."

"I've decided. I wish to be able to shapeshift my form in the same upper and lower limits as you when it comes to size, power, toughness, agility, etcetera, with the safeties in place to ensure that I cannot get stuck and will always be able to return to my original form whenever I want, that I'll never be able to forget what my original form is supposed to be, that I keep my capacity for thought, that I can use all my limbs or features without having to spend time learning or relearning those functions and that transformations be instant or gradual based on my choosing. Oh, and also my clothes shift with me and don't get torn up resulting in me being both nude and embarrassed."
>"Trying to prevent all the monkey paw potential, eh? As expected! Alright, your wish is granted!"

She snaps her fingers and slowly folds her index downwards.

...

"Did it work?"
>"You tell me!"
"Um... okay... how does it work?"
>"Give a verbal command. Just say what you want to be, and you'll become it. Go ahead, give it a spin! After you're nice and comfortable with being able to use it, I will return time to normal."
>>
No. 1056102 ID: d3bf48

“By the power of Greyskull, I am now big and tough enough to stand up to Koara!”
>>
No. 1056103 ID: 96112b

"Big strong jackalope spirit!"
>>
No. 1056104 ID: bbd29b

Adorable Small Fairy Dragon Form.
>>
No. 1056106 ID: bbd29b

Make sure to check with her that if you are in a form without spoken speech, that you have a known means to change forms!
>>
No. 1056108 ID: 3e26b4

Form of: Rokoa!
>>
No. 1056110 ID: 3dea16

Before you command, the safeties thing implies that you'll be able to talk regardless of form... Unless it changes somehow?

Okay, form of, an idealized/peak mortal version of yourself? (Pressumably 'older', taller, a bit more model/olympian-esque, just a general badass) Might learn a little bit about your own self image, and/or what your future self might hold. Plus if it's secretly a one and done thing, there are worse things to be.
Then, Dragon Up!

Sounds like the wishes are generally more fanciful, based on how that self love one went. Also, a boy making out with himself would be interesting, but it's a little surprising he opted for a mirror when the water is right there.
>>
No. 1056112 ID: bbd29b

At some point be sure to try: "Me, but with all the physical ailments I'm not necessarily aware of fixed, much better baseline fitness, and with slightly bigger boobs!"
>>
No. 1056115 ID: 7c0da2

>>1056104
Supporting that one.
You should also check that you don't transform involuntarily when you speak the name of something but don't intend to transform into it, just to be safe.
>>
No. 1056116 ID: a7a180

Big strong dragon form! As big as it goes!
>>
No. 1056118 ID: e9ef46

Could try out having a nice rack yourself, as Nashi makes it look good. Start reasonable though.

>>1056112
This. Getting rid of any unknown aches, pains. and illnesses is a superpower unto itself, plus improved fitness/physique is a no brainer. Boobs would be fun too.
>>
No. 1056120 ID: bbd29b

>>1056118

Ya check and see if the aches you didn't know you had because you forgot what it felt like to not have them come back when shifting back to your default form, too!
>>
No. 1056121 ID: e5709d

>>1056102
You are now Koara but embarrassed as @#$%.
>>
No. 1056123 ID: 8e6882

turn into a Wendigo, surely this won't have consequences
>>
No. 1056126 ID: bbb04b

Say “Become a physically perfect version of myself, but without altering my facial features.” As mentioned elsewhere, this is the best outcome if you only get one.

Then, think the words: “Hulk out of my clothes to become a bipedal half-dragon, as strong and tough as I can make myself without outgrowing the treeline.” This tests to see if nonverbal transformations are possible, while also letting you indulge in a transformation you can’t really get away with outside of time stop (with one line at the end to minimize witnesses if Nashi cheekily unpauses right then).

Then (regardless if the last command works), say “instant undo” with the intent to return to your prior form. (And will some clothes back on if that doesn’t automatically do it.)

“Hey, I’m pretty sure the laws of biology no longer apply to me. Is that true, and does this mean I no longer age in a way I can’t shift away? If I don’t, that’s fine; agelessness and potential nigh-invincibility that I can turn off whenever I feel it’s my time is pretty much ideal, come to think of it.
>>
No. 1056128 ID: 300835

>Slowly folds one finger down
Aw no, it did the monkey paw!

>give it a spin
Adorable Small Fairy Dragon Form, obvs. That's clearly more exciting than pretending to be someone else. Plus, if that appendment regarding your clothes at the end there didn't work you at least won't shred or stretch them or anything.

>Save your wishes for something general
Being able to swiftly and safely travel wherever you wanna go with your friends is a pretty good wish!

>One for Mire
Agreed!
>>
No. 1056129 ID: a9af05

>>1056101
Try changing into Mire, but you keep your fur color.

>>1056106
I believe that falls under one of the safeties of "Not getting stuck in a form". So even if we do change into a form without spoken speech, we shouldn't have to worry about being stuck.

But just in case, we should double check with our wish granting buddy.
>>
No. 1056133 ID: fb2164

Become Bnuuy + Drgn combo

Embrace the NOODLE, E L O N G A T E
>>
No. 1056149 ID: 90c451

>>1056112
Supporting this. For all we know we could have a predisposition to cancer or something we don't know about. Better be safe than sorry.
>>
No. 1056153 ID: dee951

Do you have a mechanism for making selected shapechanges permanent in a meaningful way? What happens to your 'normal' body when your power is active?
>>
No. 1056157 ID: 36784c

>>1056106
>in form without spoken speech, that you have a known means to change forms!
>>1056129
>falls under one of the safeties of "Not getting stuck in a form".
Sounds like we'll always be able to speak, no matter what form we're in.
>>
No. 1056159 ID: e5709d

Turn your breasts into giant toasters, stuff some bread, have them eject the moment the time-stop ends.
>>
No. 1056164 ID: dee951

>>1056159

Maybe we save the beep-boop robot form for later, AFTER the dragon form?
>>
No. 1056175 ID: fb2164

Adding onto my previous suggestion...

Ideally keep two wishes banked for later, especially if this one has some undesirable side-effects. Or if Godzilla decides to visit town for some reason. (If Genies exist, does Santa? The Queen of England!?!?)

Also try mimicking our new bnuuy friend, and before time resumes...


Mimic Mire, but with solid white eyes, become Mirebrine.

Something Something "i am your twin sister ooOOOOooo" :V
>>
No. 1056200 ID: 7f2a90

>>1056175
Well, honestly, I get the impression that Godzilla would be in for a rude awakening if he tries to step to this town. Heck, there's decent odds that we could go toe-to-toe with him as an individual, now!

And yeah, when time (along with Hazel) returns to normal, we immediately give Mire our second wish.

"Ah- Wait, is it no big deal that we currently have a third party across the lake to witness us, or is that something you've taken that into account already?"
>>
No. 1056206 ID: 7e5fb9

>>1056101
Out of curiosity, ask if she can tell you if she's granted wishes to anyone else recently? It'd be interesting to run into someone that also wished for powers or something like that.
>>
No. 1056209 ID: 481e64
File 167650802646.png - (344.22KB , 800x600 , YQ25.png )
1056209

"Without further ado... I'll turn into a dragon! an eastern - no - western one! that can breathe fire and has those bendy legs. And have the form be as big as it gets!"

In a flash and through a plume of magic smoke and glittery stuff, I emerge as a real dragon! Just like I asked for!

"Woaaaah! Check me out! I even got the bendy legs and everything!"
>"Looks like you got the hang of it quick."
"Is this... as big as I get?
>"Your transformative abilities are equal to mine, so yes. Is that a problem?"
"I won't complain, I'm at least double the size as I was before! And look at these wings - think I can fly with them?"
>"I've never seen a lizard fly but there's a first for everything. Why? Is there a local village you want to burn down or a nearby hoard of gold?"
"No way - I wanna be a good dragon! One that everyone loves and gets autographs from! Dude, check out my tail! It's sooooo long! My neck, too!"
>"You didn't just want to be a dragon, did you?"
"Of course not! Watch this!"

I proceed to transform into a fairy - then a dragon fairy - then a looooong dragon fairy. I turn into Koara! then Nashi! Then a dragon again!
>"You're a natural! let's see what else you can do."
>>
No. 1056210 ID: 481e64
File 167650805487.png - (292.89KB , 800x600 , YQ26.png )
1056210

I turn to Mire to get an idea for my next transformation.

>Try changing into Mire
That could be interesting... Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all.

>robot form
Oooh like that movie with the - wait! what if...

CYBORG MIRE

Ok here we go.

I approach Mire of dimension C-4891

"GREETINGS - I AM M1R3: MODEL T-798 PLUS 2, AKA YOU FROM THE FUTURE. I AM HALF LIFEFORM - HALF MACHINE. BEEP BOOP! heheh."

Mire would be so psyched if she could see this right now.

"COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO GET TO ZEE CHOPPER! BEEP BOOP! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN LEAD THE DRUNK DRIVING RESISTANCE."

>"Is there a dorky reference I'm not getting?"

"Y-yeah. beep boop."
>>
No. 1056211 ID: 481e64
File 167650807770.png - (301.71KB , 800x600 , YQ27.png )
1056211

>Okay, form of, an idealized/peak mortal version of yourself? (Presumably 'older', taller, a bit more model/olympian-esque, just a general badass)
>Me, but with all the physical ailments I'm not necessarily aware of fixed, much better baseline fitness.

"Let me try something... How about me, but like, an idealized version of myself? healthier, taller, stronger? No physical ailments and a body that I'd get if I were some kinda athlete."

A wait around for a moment. Did anything happen?
"Did it work?"
>"Yeah. At least - I'm pretty sure it did? It's hard to tell honestly. Your hoodie is hiding everything. I... think you got taller? It's hard to tell because your clothes seem to accommodate any sort of physical change."
"Oh. yeah, I guess there isn't much point to shapeshifting myself a set of rock hard abs if I wear a baggy hoodie that'll just end up covering it. Though on the bright side – I feel great! "

>"Anything else you wanted to do to alter your form?"
>Could try out having a nice rack
"Oh yeah! I know what I want! A nice rack!"

I suddenly feel a large weight brought down on my neck.

"h-huh? hey! this isn’t what I meant! I wanted a rack to hold all my guitars that I was gonna shapeshift into existence! "
>"AHAHAHAHAHAH![i/] That really [i]is a nice rack!"
"It's not funny! this thing is really heavy!"
>"I bet it is! I bet it's giving you all sorts of back problems! I can't help but be envious though, your rack is way bigger than mine! I bet you'll make all the deer boys jealous! AHAHAHAH!"
>"Y-you! I didn’t ask for this… This is one of those monkey paws, isn't it!? You tricked me!"
"It was bound to happen eventually. No wish is watertight... not without wish lawyers. good luck going up against mine though. I must say, it feels so satisfying seeing you slip up after how careful you tried to be!"
"You're awfully cheeky towards someone who still has two wishes left!"
>"Awww. You still haven't caught on yet, huh? AHAHAHAH! - Nah I shouldn't say. I want to keep having fun with you. Or would you like to wake up?
>>
No. 1056213 ID: 5f94a1

"If this is a dream sequence, i am going to be PEEVED at you, missie. Peeved, i tell you!"
>>
No. 1056214 ID: e5709d

Do NOT take back. If she gets Mire to casually wish for a meteor to strike your town...

But in case you do have a wish remaining... hm...

Wish for the ability to 'capture' events in history: you will retain ripple-effect proof memory of the events you have rewritten. However, you may only capture a limited number of events at any time, which may improve with training, and the events will attempt to restore themselves, which can be overcome with training, and you will require more slots to hold events that happened in the distant past proportional to the ratio between the time since the event happened and the amount of time you have existed, which can be made efficient with training. If you manage to hold onto an event for a sufficiently long period, it will fade out of existence and only you will remember what you did. This ability cannot affect the following, which are now fixed points in relation to this ability: >>1055910, >>1056101, and this post.

End time stop, undo your rack wish.
>>
No. 1056215 ID: 2aa5f0

wait, you mean I feel asleep? ahh, guess that would explain how all this is happening. On the bright side though I do think this is the first time I every got to experience lucid dreaming so that was kind of cool.
>>
No. 1056217 ID: 7f2a90

"I mean, am I really trapped? But absolutely nothing's stopping me from just shapeshifting the antlers away, right? Revert to previous form!"

"... Wait, what did you mean when you said 'wake up?' Is this all a dream, and none of this is actually happening? I'm not gonna request what you just suggested, by the way - you could be trying to trick me with that."
>>
No. 1056219 ID: 15c72a

>>1056211
Okay, so, the problem with the wish is that you shapeshift by saying things, which means it can activate when you don't want it to, and might not interpret things correctly. That's fine though, you can just shapeshift back every time. The negative part of the wish has no lasting effects, so it's just an awesome superpower that's kindof annoying sometimes.
Interesting that the shapeshifting allows you to manifest equipment along with it.

You didn't say you wish for the nice rack so it didn't count, no need to undo that. We can unfreeze time and let Mire have a wish.
>>
No. 1056238 ID: fb2164

One last experiment with shapeshifting powers (especially if this is just a dream and you dont have any really)...

Can you turn into a slime, and/or even become SEVERAL Hazels/split apart (without horrible agony)? Or does the shapeshifting only allow for a single object?
>>
No. 1056246 ID: dee951

Here's what you have to do. You have to stop trying to lawyer the rack thing and embrace the fun of it, to laugh at the prank as well. DON'T be indignant. Start talking about how this rack is amazing and your amazing new neck muscles are totally up to the task of keeping it up!

No need to add more wishes, for now. Just enjoy playing around with your existing powers, and laughing at the silly amusing things that happen, and honestly, genuinely thank the spirit for helping you take a load off.

But yea, time to be a dragon! You aren't going to give up your chance to be a dragon. You probably have limited time in this layer of reality, and even if she messes with you, it's WORTH IT to try and be a dragon!
>>
No. 1056249 ID: 4615f1

>>1056246
This is a fine plan
>>
No. 1056250 ID: dee951

Remember. Lean into it, enjoy it. Ask for a mirror so you can check out your amazing rack, but not as a wish. Maybe hug her thanks.

Oh! Right! "Transform my self to one of those beautiful antlered Chinese dragons, making sure to keep the amazing rack!"
>>
No. 1056267 ID: 92b8e0

You are a spirit of mischief instead of generosity, right?

To be honest, despite that, you are pretty fun and you DID give me cool powers.

Wanna hang out again after the wishes are over? Also, why do you have a Japanese name if you are from Michigan?
>>
No. 1056273 ID: e9ef46

Dragon Hazel is cute. Though, every form of Hazel is cute, it seems.
Staying 'asleep' sounds better for the moment. Even if this turns out to be just a dream, and you've wasted/never had those wishes, even just hanging out with Nashi has been exciting and worth it. Just take care not to use any wishes accidentally, and enjoy how things are going, have fun while you can.
And maybe tease/rib Nashi a little: your rack might even be big enough to catch some other antlered spirits' attention, but she's gotta know, size isn't all it's cracked up to be.
>>
No. 1056275 ID: 682e87

>Antlers
And away they go again! That is a pretty funny downside, buuut you could probably cancel it out by saying any transformation will be suuuper slow unless you state otherwise!

>Or should I wake you up?
Pff, I want to keep having fun with you too, trickstery nature aside. This is too lucid to just be some dream! Even if it is one. Though you suppose you should wake up and speak with Mire soon if time actually is passing.

>Haven’t caught on yet
>I want to be a good dragon
>I want a big rack
Uh. So would any expression of desire have counted as a wish?

Hm. Nah. Must just be the ‘it was all a dream’ thing. If you’d wished to be a beloved dragon the idealized self transformation would’ve revealed it. Since your self would then have been a dragon! Unless your ideal self wasn’t a dragon even if you were one. Dang. You made things really complicated with your first wish, didn’t you?

>More transformations
Before you wake turn into a spirit like them and boop them on the nose. Spirits can touch spirits, right? Dream logic!

Then hug them and thank them for raising your spirits today. Whatever else they did, this was a fun and exciting aside. They’re welcome in your dreams any time, if they wanna. Unless they make a real nuisance of themselves!
>>
No. 1056281 ID: a7a180

Let's keep having fun! I could be a jackalope, or a slime or a giant... I wish that I'll remember this when I wake up, dream memories can be fuzzy sometimes.
>>
No. 1056293 ID: c28082

>>1056211

>Would you like to wake up
Awww ... that's no fun. Way to be a dick about it. Maybe we'll even rescind that offer to hang out and have a few beers with us and Mire.

But for real, though, mean tricks aside, this HAS been pretty cool, except for the moose-antlers. Time to go back to normal, but maybe faff around a bit more. It's not every day you get to meet a weird jackalope spirit-of-the-lake who's actually willing to talk to you.
>>
No. 1056295 ID: 15c72a

I'd like to point out that the spirit specifically said that in order to wish for something, you had to say "I wish".
>>
No. 1056297 ID: b01382

>>1056211
Honestly! Pretty funny. This is kinda like a nice rack, and even if this is some how a dream, its at least a fun one we can hopefully remember.
>>
No. 1056299 ID: a9af05

>>1056211
>dream
That explains why we had to give a verbal command in order to transform. She needed to hear what we wanted to be in order to change our appearance for us.
>>
No. 1056308 ID: 481e64
File 167660007379.png - (292.29KB , 800x600 , YQ28.png )
1056308

I revert to my original form as nothing is really stopping me from doing so.

"I'm sure there were antlered animal spirits around here who'd have liked to see that."
>"I don't have a lot of spirit friends to invite over. I guess we don't really see eye to eye. Also, most of them are more powerful than me - that's certainly a contributing factor."

"So, the downside of this wish is that it sometimes misinterprets what I ask for and can sometimes activate when I don't want to? Seems like I can easily just revert back. It's a good ability that's a little annoying at times."
>"You're not wrong. but the bigger catch is that your wishes are still only as capable as I am, and I can't do much in the physical world. The bigger catch is that you can't shapeshift outside of the dreamworld."
"Wait, did you mean to say that I fell asleep?"
>"Since you were close to the lake, I was able to get you and your friend to fall asleep, yes. This is the best place I can interact with the living as I'm not really one of those spirits that is able to inhabit the physical world."
"Guess that would explain how all this is happening. On the bright side I do think this is the first time I ever got to experience lucid dreaming so that was kind of cool."
>"While this is all in your head, I'm the one in control of things... most things. I can't stop you from pinching yourself and waking up. I'm guessing you don't want to take the wish back?"
"Not a chance!"

>But yea, time to be a dragon! You aren't going to give up your chance to be a dragon. You probably have limited time in this layer of reality, and even if she messes with you, it's WORTH IT to try and be a dragon!
Time to dragon up. This time I ask to be a dragon with fur, a fluffy dragon one might say.

"Even if it wasn't real, I thank you for helping me take a load off. This whole experience was fun and amusing."
>"H-huh? I wasn't expecting that. You're not mad?"
"Nah. Easy come easy go. I don't need wishes to be happy."
>"You still have a couple more though, even if they are only valid in limited capacities."

>hug her as thanks.
Partially to show my gratitude and partially to see if I can actually touch her, I lean in for a hug and wrap my arms around her while in my fluffy dragon form.
>"Uh... What're you doing?"
"A hug."
>"I uh... don't really do those. I cannot feel this, I'm a spirit, remember?"
"You're missing out - there's nothing better than a nice, warm hug."
>"Describing warmth to me is like describing color to a blind person. The way you flesh bags accept the way you exist weirds me out, it must be so cumbersome. "

"Want to hang out after this?"
>"I cannot. I'm only able to exist through dreams and to a minor extent places around this lake. For the most part, I am bound here."
"Can't you turn yourself physical? just for a day?"
>"I've been saving up magic for centuries and barely have enough to affect any of the physical world. I could only reasonably grant one or two physical world wishes and I'm not wasting either on becoming 'alive.' which is overrated by the looks of it."

>does the shapeshifting only allow for a single object?
I try splitting into multiples but cannot seem to be able to do so. Looks like there can only be one Hazel - not that I have a problem with being so unique.

>"Well, uh, this has been fun. I'll let you go for now - but don't forget that you still have a couple dream wishes left."
"Well ok. I'll see you again then."
>"Yeah, maybe."
>>
No. 1056309 ID: 481e64
File 167660009741.png - (362.19KB , 800x600 , YQ29.png )
1056309

With a snap of her fingers, I wake up laying on the soft long grass by the lake. I look around and see Mire beside me. It appears she also fell asleep.

Did... any of that really happen? Is there really some spirit dream world which I just entered and had three wishes given to me? Can I really shapeshift now?

"I wanna be a dragon!... riiiight... now!..."
Nothing seems to happen. I guess it really was all just a dream. I look over at the scratch card to see that it remains unscratched.

I stand up and stretch. By the looks of things, the sun is at the very top of the sky meaning it must be around noon. I start picking things up to return them to the truck. I look over the grass and peer into the lake. In the lake I notice something. It's Nashi, smiling and holding up two fingers.

I now know why people don't talk about the supernatural, nobody would believe me if I ever said anything about this.
>>
No. 1056310 ID: a7a180

We can probably think of more wish uses that are practical to use in a dream. Like being able to share the dreamspace with other people sleeping by the lakeside, or seeing visions of things happening later that day (like lotto numbers!).
Wake up Mire and ask if they had a good nap.
>>
No. 1056311 ID: 96112b

There is only one thing to do: we must find someone who can give Nashi a body so she can hang out and be our friend!

Probably the aliens we will be seeing tonight.
>>
No. 1056312 ID: 2aa5f0

huh, well that was cool. wave back and make a mental note to come back here some time. As for what to do next, you said it was starting to get dark? Guess now would be a good time to start heading out to the field like you were planning on doing.
>>
No. 1056313 ID: 15c72a

Yeah, dreamworld powers can still be useful, like prophetic dreams or traveling into others' dreams... or even, time dilation inside the dream so that you can "live" longer, even if it's just to learn new things. Like, imagine if you could learn a new language in your sleep, or something like that! ...then there's the possibility of ensuring you live on in dreams after death. Like, sure "immortality is a curse" but dreams are not like the waking world; there is no constant weight of past memories and traumas, there is no seeing your friends die of old age, there is no looming threat of having to endure the end of all things.
Though, I wonder if maybe she can grant wishes that can affect the physical world? She stated that your shapeshifting only worked in the dream because *her* shapeshifting works like that. Next time you gotta ask if any wishes can affect the physical world.
>>
No. 1056314 ID: 3bb1fe

Wish for the ability to enter the dreamscape at will!
>>
No. 1056318 ID: fb2164

One potential wish...

Wish for her to have more power? :V

This can, of course, go TERRIBLY wrong, but not out of the question...
>>
No. 1056320 ID: dee951

So this spirit thinks she can't do a lot in the physical world.

However, I think she isn't QUITE considering exactly how much she CAN do, probably because that stuff is 'normal' to her, due to her nature. Here are some possible things that she can do which might somewhat impact the real world, which you can't:

-Bond her soul/identity/whatever/spirit to some large living body of water, so her body is essentially the reservoir, and not in a squishy and vulnerable meatsack, and this form of her has at least an extreme form of longevity compared to you!
-Enter the dreams of others, and communicate with them at a distance, or at least without 'speaking' audibly. THIS IS A FORM OF TELEPATHY, albeit not the most direct one! Think of what you could do to those that are 'locked in' with this!
-Enable others to remember their dreams, and force them to be lucid dreams, and not just that, but force a bit more capacity for reasoning than is common in even lucid dreams! She may even be able to enable odd directed sorts of cognition in dreams! Possibly useful for enabling certain forms of creativity and problem solving, maybe even skill gain!! This might be used to help with various mental health issues, or possibly snap people out of comas!! She can even, apparently, permanently induce changes in the patterns of how others dream! She could help cure people with PTSD!!
-She can probably manipulate the environment of a dream beyond what even experienced lucid dreamers can do.
-Gather and store and use and manipulate 'mana', which is probably some sort of novel energy source of some sort
-She has some sort of perception at a distance, if only in a limited range around her lake
-She may have some sort of ability to adjust the cognition and behavior of animals within her lake or something like that
-She can force those near her lake to fall asleep, and enter a dreaming state
-If some sort of 'dreamscape' or 'dream realm' exists, like are in several religions or mythologies, she no doubt has access to it
-She can grant at least some of these abilities to others, apparently without extreme expenditure of her own power!

ANY of these things would make a wonderful wish for you to ask of her!
>>
No. 1056321 ID: 8a2c7e

>>1056314
This sounds good, and you get to use your dream powers! Have dream adventures and such!
>>
No. 1056322 ID: dee951

>>1056320

Oh! She might be able to see the future, or even just have an intuitive understanding of events that take place around bodies of water similar to her, or if not true future sight, some very good probabilistic modeling that she can sort of do intuitively or something. Honestly, you don't know WHAT weird or cool mental abilities a Genius Loci has that she could permanently grant you which might help your waking self, even if the abilities only take place in your dreams or in odd dreamlike trance states!
>>
No. 1056327 ID: be210c

>wish suggestions
We probably shouldn't immediately use our 2nd wish. Let's at least think it over for a bit before we make a decision. We've gotta make it count, since we'll be giving the 3rd one to Mire.
>>
No. 1056329 ID: 15c72a

We should probably give the 2nd one to Mire, so that the third one could potentially be used to fix mistakes.
>>
No. 1056330 ID: c89506

Put a positive mindset on. Three dream-wishes are still better than zero anything interesting!

Even if people don’t believe you, you still got to have an amazing experience. Not everyone can say they got to feel what it was like being a shapeshifter! Or a dragon!

I guess what you need to be careful about now is to not accidentally wish for anything while your remaining two are still unstated. And to get Mire to make an honest wish of her own.

Speaking of which, what did she dream of? Maybe nudge her awake with a grin and ask. Nashi must’ve done something with her as well! Then raise the topic of wishes again. Like, what would she seriously want, if anything (sorta) was on the table, even if only in her dreams?

Leave the lottery ticket unscratched. You can keep it as a memento of today: that anything can happen and you only need to scratch at the mystery to find out what.

Heck, didn’t Nashi suggest the aliens were real?! Granted, why they’d be making crop circles in some podunk town is another matter.
>>
No. 1056331 ID: c89506

Also, there is one thing. By giving Nashi more power - more magic - it might be possible for your dream wishes to become stronger. Maybe even reflect on reality - though being bigger and cooler just in your dreams is also fine.

Not that you have any ideas on how to feed a spirit.

But you do know someone who might have a clue! Nifa, the wannabe witch!
>>
No. 1056334 ID: a5bd11

>>1056331

There's also that big list of things that she can maybe do that can impact reality here:

>>1056320
>>1056322

Some of that stuff would just be opportunity, skill, and practice based for her. Though asking and confirming at some point whether some of the more distant extrapolations are plausible would be helpful! None of that stuff is a full on wish yet, though. Still worth pursuing!
>>
No. 1056336 ID: 481e64
File 167664909062.png - (369.29KB , 800x600 , YQ30.png )
1056336

>Wish for her to have more power?
Somehow, I don't think this wish would work.
>Wish for the ability to enter the dreamscape at will!
I don't need to wish for that, I own plenty of boring movies at home that can put me to sleep.

>Leave the lottery ticket unscratched. You can keep it as a memento of today: that anything can happen, and you only need to scratch at the mystery to find out what.
Sounds poetic - I think I'll do that. I would like to keep a shelf full of mementos for days like these.

Regardless, I refrain from making any wishes right now. I look over at Mire who is sleeping soundly. I feel a little bad about having to wake her up, but we've got plans!

I give her a light shake and a couple heavier ones for good measure, and she begins to emerge.
>"Hazel? Oh. Hey Hazel, what's up?"
"Looks like we both fell asleep. My guitar lesson and our fishing trip ended up being a little more relaxing than we'd anticipated."
>"Oh right, speaking of which, the fish that I was catching got away. I guess I dozed off while waiting for another bite. Looks like the fish weren't home for the day. We should've gone swimming, I've been wearing my one-piece swimsuit this whole time."
"It's okay. I still had a good time."
>"That's good. I had this crazy dream while I was sleeping though."
"Really? What kind of dream?"
>"Remember when we were talking about wishes? I had a dream where I scratched that lottery ticket, and this genie came to grant me three wishes."
"Woah! that's crazy - something similar happened to me. What'd you wish for?"
>"Obviously my first wish was for a billion dollars. But the genie tricked me and she instead gave me a billion dollars in Canadian Tire money and she laughed in my face and made fun of me for being a 'naive flesh bag.'"
"Oh. That wasn't very nice."
>"Yeah, so then I made my second wish which was for The Purple Hearts to come over and perform a concert in our town. They played terribly and were lip syncing. The genie got a good chuckle from seeing the look on my face. It was at that point which I realized that it had to have all been a dream because there was no way my hero Bruto would be such a poser."
"So what'd you do for your last wish, knowing that it was all a dream?"
>"For the record I was originally going to give the last wish to you but once I realised you'd never actually get it, I decided to get back at the genie."
"How?"
>"I wished for her to become real. That way she couldn't make fun of me for being real. Too bad it was all a dream, I'd like to see the look on her face right about now."

"Well, looks like we better get a move on, sun's going down."
>"Oh shoot, you're right. We should pack up and head to the farm next to Hunter's place."
"What about Nifa? Is she coming along? I got questions about aliens and stuff."
>"I gave her a call after you fell asleep. She says she's in the area and heading towards us from the other side of the lake."
"We'll wait for her to walk around then?"

Just then, we hear a splashing come from the river.
>>
No. 1056337 ID: 63fd74

Sounds like she’s not going around.
>>
No. 1056338 ID: 9a2966

>Wished for her to become real
Uhhhhh... oh dear. I mean, that sounds pretty poetic justice, but also - oh dear. Better keep an eye out! There was no specifics of how she was to become real - Mire wasn't that genre-savvy - Nashi might not have manifested very thoroughly to save on her hard-won power.

It might been a low-power sort of 'real', a mini-me, or as a rock or something that'll swiftly turn back into her spirit form. Or... maybe she just didn't grant the wish.

Either way, get you and Mire to check out that splashing!
>>
No. 1056339 ID: 96112b

Whatever is coming, throw a rock at it. A sharp one.
>>
No. 1056341 ID: 9a2966

Oh, and pat Mire on the back and say that next time she should just think a bit more about how to wish for something that would lead to some fun no matter what. Trickster spirits gonna tricks ya, yo.

It, uh, helps to make sure to painstakingly craft a wish that can't as easily be monkey paw'd. Like shapechanging only when you want to, under specific circumstances of your choosing in a way that will still leave you clothed! Be the dragon of your dreams! In your dreams!

...you may have had a similar dream. Did this spirit have a name, by chance?

(You wonder how these encounters would've gone if you'd been brought in together. Many a Miremess has been averted by your sage presence. Not so this once, alas!)
>>
No. 1056342 ID: 71bb0f

Uh oh. Let’s see what that splashing is.

Don’t let Mire get in the water, that real genie is gonna be pissed.
>>
No. 1056343 ID: 7831bd

Make sure that it isn't a person who can't swim who is in distress! Go investigate, pronto!
>>
No. 1056346 ID: 398268

Oh oh, oh oh, OH OH. Look at the lake!
>>
No. 1056347 ID: c08433

>>1056346

*river
>>
No. 1056351 ID: 90c451

Oh no! The river spirit is gonna drown! Wait, how does a river spirit not know how to swim?
Either way we should check out the splashing and maybe help if they need it.
>>
No. 1056354 ID: 9a2966

>>1056353
We might not be getting any more wishes for a bit if someone's had to spend all their magic on incarnating. Might make our dream-shapeshifting worse, too, pending on how it works.

Tell Mire to strip down, she might be getting some use outta that swimsuit after all.
>>
No. 1056365 ID: c08433

>>1056363

Let's not do super advanced long legalese wishes just yet. We probably capped the complexity with our first wish, at least without a wish lawyer. What we should instead do is determine more about the capabilities of the granter, their demeanor, and build a rapport with them. That will help us leave openings in the wishes for them to have their fun in ways that aren't all that harmful, and also target 'reality relevant' wishes more precisely.
>>
No. 1056369 ID: bbb04b

> "I can do one or two 'physical' wishes."
> Mire wished for her to become "real."
> Probably not used to having a physical body that moves and breathes.
> Splashing.
Oh fuck. Get in there and save the drowning horned bun!

Also, "dream wishes" can actually still be pretty dang useful. After all, some things don't have to be tangible to be useful; namely, information. My suggestion for our second wish is:
> "I wish that, once a day, when I verbally invoke the name of a person, place, or object while actively (and at least semi-accurately) picturing them/it, I'll lock it in as my 'target,' and I'll know I've locked it in; then, the next time I fall asleep, if there is an 'exciting or interesting story' the target is directly involved in (and no, simply being associated with a more interesting potential target in some way doesn't count on its own - the current target itself must be directly tied to the 'story's' events somehow), and it's not something I've already learned the whole truth about (as defined by 'having learned enough about it that I am personally satisfied, which must include knowledge of its conclusion, and having none of my perception about the story be false' - I will know when I have fulfilled these conditions), I'll see a vision of something pertaining to the target's involvement with that 'story' in a lucid (but non-interactive) dream where I am an outside observer, with the implicit knowledge of what 'genre tags' the story has, as well as whether it 'concluded in the distant past' (defined as 'anytime before 10 years ago from the date in which I see the vision'), 'concluded in the recent past,' is 'taking place in the present' (as in, it's begun or is currently happening by the time we went to sleep, and has yet to conclude), or if it 'begins in the near future' (within a week, at most), and I will remember every detail of this dream upon waking; if I invoke someone, someplace, or something, and there's nothing pertaining to them that matches the description of 'exciting or interesting story' by my own standards, such a dream won't occur, and I'll forget the dreams I do end up having in that instance of sleep upon waking; at the stroke of midnight each night, my 'target' becomes unset and ready to 'lock in' again when next I'm awake, and I'll be aware of it when that happens."
"Honestly, it's fine if the things I do end up seeing are cryptic, as figuring it out myself will be most of the fun, and the important part is that a 'story's' existence can't hide from me, the 'genres' will inform my choice of whether it's the sort of situation I want to get involved in, and the general time period would inform my general approach if I do get involved."

If y'all are wondering, 10 years is the statute of limitations for felonies in Michigan, which will inform us of how carefully we should act around a potential criminal we happen to end up investigating, should we decide to do so; anything worse than this has no statute of limitations.

>>1056354
>>1056365
These suggestions were referring to my suggestion, which has since moved to this post you're reading right now.

Also; she only specified that she only has enough for one or two 'physical' wishes; dream-world shenanigans might still be on the table. And I'd like to at least have this wish ready for when Nashi is ready to grant another wish.
>>
No. 1056371 ID: 7c0da2

If you want your dream wishes to have a practical use, wishing to be able to see or learn things from the real world in you dreams sounds like a good idea, same with visiting other people's dreams. But it may also open you to unknown dangers. You're probably reasonably safe in your dreams, when you shapeshift you're sort of doing assisted lucid dreaming or something like that, but once you start interacting with the real world or other people you don't really know what could happen. And she mentioned there is more powerful spirits than her around. You should ask how dangerous this is before wishing for it.

Anyway, go see what's making the splash.
>>
No. 1056376 ID: 15c72a

>>1056336
Hey hold on, if she's real, then... can we wish for REAL wishes now? Better not make any more until we find out.
>>
No. 1056379 ID: c28082

>>1056336

Well, that's ONE way to cross the lake, maybe. Let's go see who (or what) it is.
>>
No. 1056385 ID: 381611

>>1056376
Forget that! If she's real, then did the wish we already made become real? That's what I want to know!
>>
No. 1056402 ID: 96112b

>>1056385
Hazel just tried to check if she could turn into a dragon a few moments ago, so no.
>>
No. 1056404 ID: 2aa5f0

quick investigate the splashing, could be something neat.
>>
No. 1056409 ID: 381611

>>1056402
That was before Mire told us she wished for Nashi to be real. Now that Nashi might be real, there's a possibility that our previous wish could also be real!
>>
No. 1056417 ID: 407ea6

Given that our wishes are limited by the spirit's power, and the spirit probably BURNED power becoming real, and likely did not gain power by becoming real, it seems probable that our wishes are no more powerful than they were before.
>>
No. 1056433 ID: dee951

>>1056417

Having a physical body might free up a lot of power that was required for basic maintenance of existence to be available, since they may run on calories and chemical energy now, provided they don't need a lot of power to manifest pseudomatter or ectoplasm or something.
>>
No. 1056443 ID: 15c72a

Going back and forth about what is more likely is a bit of a waste of suggestion space if you ask me. We don't know yet, that's the only verifiable fact.
>>
No. 1056445 ID: 36784c

>everyone saying Nashi is real now
Are we sure about that?

All we heard was splashing. It could just be a fish or the fisherman across the lake had successfully caught something and he's making noise.

We should at least look to make sure before everyone starts panicking over something.
>>
No. 1056465 ID: 15a025

Hopefully that splash wasn't the fisherman falling in.
>>
No. 1056526 ID: 481e64
File 167686566036.png - (409.30KB , 800x600 , YQ31.png )
1056526

>Sounds like she’s not going around.
If that sound was Nifa it certainly checks out, she's the headstrong type.

"Hey Mire, did this spirit have a name, by chance?"
>"The Genie? I dunno. I didn't ask because I only cared about the wishes."

>Oh, and pat Mire on the back and say that next time she should just think a bit more about how to wish for something that would lead to some fun no matter what.
Mire isn't the type to be thorough with requests, she's very straightforward - practically ripe for misinterpretation. I think that's why she hates lawyers.

>Hopefully that splash wasn't the fisherman falling in.
I've never heard of a fish drowning, but they say there's a first for everything.

>Whatever is coming, throw a rock at it. A sharp one.
I would never throw a rock at anyone! a stick on the other hand...

>Don’t let Mire get in the water, that real genie is gonna be pissed.
Yeah I hear genies are the real deal. Good thing they don’t walk too well with the lamp and all.

>Make sure that it isn't a person who can't swim who is in distress! Go investigate, pronto!
It's my time to shine as a good Samaritan! I run over to help while Mire heads to the truck - seemingly disinterested in getting her car seat wet. I see a pair of arms wailing around in the same place that I saw the reflection of the river spirit. I reach in and grab the arms as hard as I can, and the arms grab onto me. After a bit of pulling, a head rises to the surface.

-GGGGHAASSPPP!-

It appears to be a very familiar hobo jackalope.

>"WHAT'S HAPPENING? WHAT'S GOING ON?"

>*Huff... Huff..*

>"Why do I feel so heavy? And why is everything so colorful? Am I... dead? No - even worse - I'm a meatbag! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

...

>"Wait a minute... it's you!"
"Hey what's up."
>"Turn me back! Quick, use your wish to turn me back into a spirit!"
"What? No! turn yourself back!"
>"I can't... - I can't use any of my magic like this. But wishes already have magic in them! Yours will still work if I approve them!... What are you waiting for?! What if a coconut falls on my head and I die?!"
>>
No. 1056527 ID: e9ef46

Seems like Nashi is a real girl now.
Take a second to calm her down and help her out of the water. The probability of her dying in the next few minutes is basically impossible, so she can stand to be a meatbag, just make sure she isn't too cold from the water. And if you wish her to be a spirit without thinking about it, you could make her situation worse via monkey's paw shenanigans or simply being ignorant, leaving her in a far worse situation.
>>
No. 1056528 ID: a7a180

Calm down, try breathing a little, and consider this with a clear head. You gave me some time to think about my wishes, so I'll give you some time. While you are sadly squishy and mortal, there are upsides, like you can come hang out with us. Whaddya say, will you let us repay you the favor for the wishes first?
>>
No. 1056529 ID: 15c72a

>>1056526
You've got TWO wishes left. Tell her you'll wish her back to normal if she grants a wish without trying to trick you with it.
Then discuss with Mire what the wish will be.
>>
No. 1056531 ID: fb2164

As mentioned, definitely give it a hot minute and assure her there are no head-seeking Coconuts (yet).

Secondly, wouldnt the wish have any potential... implications?

Like if you were to wish she werent Real anymore, would she go back to Spirit mode, or just *stop existing*? Or spooky dead person ghost?
>>
No. 1056533 ID: a7f7c0

Aw, come on, being a meatbag is fun. We have pizza.
>>
No. 1056535 ID: dee951

Look, if colors are extreme for you, than you haven't actually enjoyed the fun sensory stuff of having a meatbag body yet! Welcome to having a functional endocrine system! You now have Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins, and Oxytocin! You can experience heights of emotion, pleasure, and experience that you quite literally could not fathom in your previous existence! And besides we'll protect you so you don't do anything stupid!

We can hold off on the wishes for a bit. Besides, there's gotta be some sort of lawyery wish that lets you swap back and forth between the two forms whenever you want or can afford to or whatever. Say, where do we find one of those wish lawyers? Is there one nearby we can contact?
>>
No. 1056536 ID: 96112b

Let's wish she can switch between spirit and physical being at will!

That way, she can hang out and have fun away from the lake whenever she wants.
>>
No. 1056537 ID: 96112b

Also, comforting hug. A fan favourite.
>>
No. 1056538 ID: dee951

Now that we know wishes can effect you, we can use wishes to broaden the scope of your powers and abilities and reduce your limits, to help you unlock stuff like the ability to get you more magic power and ability to grant wishes and to understand concepts like fairness and altruism so we can get to an escalating feedback loop to get you to transcendental godhood! While we all have loads of fun doing it! We just gotta figure out how.
>>
No. 1056541 ID: 5d9787

We can turn you back later, today we are gonna have a culinary tour. I'm thinking you can try steak, ice cream, tea, cake, pizza and something alcoholic for tonight. If you don't like the taste of beer we can get drunk with one of those drinks that is basically juice and vodca.
>>
No. 1056545 ID: a5f522

>>1056526
>she became real
Tell her that purposely messing up people's wishes was going to backfire on her sooner or later, you're just surprised that no one has done this to her before now.

>turn me back!
Well, we need to figure out a way to phrase it so that we don't mess it up for her.

Also, instead of changing her back, ask if we could just ask for her to be able to use her magic while she's like this? If that won't work, then we'll use our last wish to change her back. But we won't do it immediately. If she likes pranks so much, then this can be considered our own prank on her: She has to spend a little time as a real girl!

……but seriously, yes, we'll change her back. It'd be really cruel to use up all our wishes and leave her in a state that she doesn't enjoy.
>>
No. 1056546 ID: 79c2bb

Random lethal happenstance isn’t that common. Do your best to calm her down, and don’t dunk on her for getting karma’d. You still owe her a hug before you return her, too... but you may want to dry her up and let her get a little more comfortable in her new skin before doing it. Did Mire have a tower in her car since she planned bathing?

Actually, this is something she can answer:

One, you have a wish takeback. Will that function on Mire’s wish here? You don’t believe she actually specified it had to be your wish.

Two, she’s usually stuck in the river and a select few locations. Is she sure she doesn’t want to go exploring a little? Maybe figure out how to increase her magic a bit before she returns, since she surely lost a lot incarnating like this. You know someone who claims to have some ken about magic that you’ll be meeting soon. Or maybe she knows some ways herself.

Three, whatever happened to her wish lawyers? You’d have thought she’d manage to twist her way outta this one. And if wishes are usually twisted, you’d have to be real careful about how you phrased her return, right?
>>
No. 1056548 ID: 8850b5

Hug flailing spirt to calm her down
>>
No. 1056553 ID: 407ea6

Two points and/or questions.

1. Are wishes tricksy because that's how they ARE, or because she WANTS to be tricksy with them? If she's just a troll, wishing her back to normal would probably work fine.

2. Frankly, it seems to me like if she likes seeing people's wishes backfire on them so much, she can live (haha) with the consequences for a little while. And she might end up having some fun, too, haha.
>>1056536
And this is probably a good wish for the end of the event, yeah, let her toggle back and forth at will. Normally I'd think it wouldn't be necessary, since the wishes can only do what she can already do (hint hint, people who keep saying we should wish her powers were greater), but if "wishes already have magic in them", maybe that would permit her to do it if she couldn't already? Shrug.
>>
No. 1056554 ID: 407ea6

Oh - and as for a possibly more charitable-seeming explanation why we're waiting, it wouldn't be fair to annul Mire's wish so quickly. :P
>>
No. 1056558 ID: 2aa5f0

calm down water spirit by telling her not to worry coconuts are not native to this part of the world and the swallows that carry them only tend to migrate around England which is far far away from here. Also invite her to the crop circle watching thing. The girl claims to be older than you but I doubt she has very many life experiences if she's been bound to the lake all this time.
>>
No. 1056561 ID: f8083d

She should at least spend the day with us, it would be a learning experience and we can probably also make it a fun one.
>>
No. 1056563 ID: 90c451

Oh come on, you can live a little, at least try eating some food, food's good.
Besides, Nipha would certainly love to meet you.

If, at the end of the day, you still think living sucks, we can... Wait, wouldn't turning you into a spirit technically kill you? I mean, you're a person now, so the wish might not just turn you back and just make you a regular ghost and not a river spirit.
Also, how does a river spirit not know how to swim?
>>
No. 1056566 ID: c28082

>>1056526

Look, Nifa, relax. Us meatbags have been managing this kind of nonsense for literally tens of thousands of years. Longer, really!

How about you hang out with us for the rest of today, and give it a shot? If you still don't like it, then yeah, we promise to spend one of our wishes to "free you" of this awful mortal coil, since we already kind of promised that, didn't we?

Come on, there are some beers in the truck and we can help you dry off, at least. Probably. Also some really cool crop circles you gotta see.
>>
No. 1056567 ID: 7c0da2

Try to calm her down, she is not in danger and you won't let anything happen to her. You'll use one of you wishes to save her once you've had some time to make sure it's carefully formulated. Someone making a hasty wish is how she ended up here.
As for what the wish could be, "I wish Nashi could undo Mire's last wish at any point from now." seems fairly safe to me, but run it by her before doing anything, she is the expert on the subject after all.
>>
No. 1056573 ID: bbb04b

"You'd... become a spirit again? I dunno how this stuff works. But anyway, I'm not keen on simply undoing Mire's karmic punishment for you just like that. If I do end up using a wish to undo it, it'll be my third, not my second."

"Speaking of; wishes that mostly just come true in my head or in my dreams can still be useful if I stick to stuff that's still good while intangible - thanks for tipping your hand on that, by the way. But before I make that wish, I want to ask; are there safeties on my dreams that go out the window if I try to reach out to observe or interact with the real world or other people's dreams or the like and have the means to do so?"

If there isn't much danger to this (or if the danger could be dealt with by someone who's a decently powerful shapeshifter in the realm of dreams), go ahead and make the wish below:
> "I wish that, once a day, when I verbally invoke the name of a person, place, or object while actively picturing them/it, I'll lock it in as my 'target;' I'll always know exactly what I have 'locked in' at a given moment, when I think about it; the next time I fall asleep after I lock something in, if there is an 'exciting or interesting story' with which the target is directly involved in - loose association with a more interesting target doesn't count - and it's not something I've already learned the whole truth about (here defined as 'enough that I am personally satisfied, which must include knowledge of its conclusion, and having none of my perceptions about the story be false,' and I will know when I have fulfilled these conditions), I'll see a vision of something pertaining to the target's involvement with that 'story' in a lucid dream (where I am an outside observer who cannot edit the dream without active effort), with the implicit knowledge of what 'genre tags' the story has, as well as whether it 'concluded in the distant past' (defined as 'anytime before 10 years ago from the date in which I see the vision'), 'concluded in the recent past,' is 'taking place in the present' (as in it's begun or is currently happening by the time I went to sleep, and has yet to conclude), or if it 'begins in the near foreseeable future' (within three days of my going to sleep, at most), and I will remember every detail of this dream upon waking; if I invoke someone, someplace, or something, and there's nothing pertaining to them that matches the description of 'exciting or interesting story' by my own standards, or begins more than three days into the future from my perspective, such a dream won't occur, and I'll forget the dreams I do end up having in that instance of sleep upon waking; at the stroke of midnight each night, my 'target' will become unset and ready to 'lock in' again when next I'm awake, and I'll be aware of it when that happens."

(Reposted instead of linked due to minor edits.)

"And yeah, I'm fine if the dreams are super cryptic; the point is that the mere existence of something exciting or mysterious can't be completely hidden from me as long as I know any of the relevant proper-nouns, and the genre tags will inform me of whether I want to get involved with it in the waking world, while the timetable label informs me on how I should approach it if I do want to know more. For instance, ten years is the maximum period for the statute of limitations up here in Michigan, and while that won't always be relevant due to some stuff being too weird for the law, it's still useful information that's broad enough to fly in a dream vision."
>>
No. 1056574 ID: bbb04b

Also, in regards to that "make me unreal" wish; just like the "can turn into a dragon" wish before, I feel like we're not thinking big enough if we just hit the "fuck, go back" button on Mire's wish - and I think we should explain that to her. Maybe set it so that, at the moment Nashi's mortal coil would expire (maybe set "brain is damaged beyond functioning," "in cardiac arrest for three straight minutes," and "in a coma for 30 straight days" as three alternate triggers), she instead turns into... I want to say "an unbound spirit," but we should probably ask her about the nuances and benefits of all the options she had/has on that front.
>>
No. 1056575 ID: 407ea6

Addendum sorta mirroring this:
>>1056574
If she continues to be really worried about dying, I can understand that, and we could compromise by using a wish NOW that at the end of today she'd return to being a spirit (with the ability to toggle freely?). If that won't kick in if she's dead, we could say "end of today OR the instant before she'd die".
>>
No. 1056591 ID: 481e64
File 167693181014.png - (345.08KB , 800x600 , YQ32.png )
1056591

>Seems like Nashi is a real girl now.
With no strings attached!

>Take a second to calm her down and help her out of the water.
I pull her out of the water and give her some room to breathe. She takes the opportunity to vocalise her dissatisfaction as it pertains to being a new member of this mortal coil.
>"I've been real for a minute, and I already hate it! How are you able to deal with this all the time?"
"It's not all bad. There are good things to being alive”.
>"Easy for you to say! I'm experiencing stuff I didn't know was possible! I'm cold and shaking! I'm wet and uncomfortable! Everything is so loud, and my nose is doing this thing - what is this?"
"Smelling?"
>"Yeah! Uh - that one isn't so bad. It smells fine so far - but everything else is awful! What happens when something hurts me? I don't want to experience pain!"
"Calm down - nothing with hurt you. Lay in the sun and smell the flowers."
>"Smell the flowers? why?"
"Trust me."
She pulls a flower from the grass and smells it.
>"Oooh."

>Aw, come on, being a meatbag is fun. We have pizza.
"Us living things have pizza - and I mean the delicious American kind and not the silly Italian kind."
>"Pizza? What's that?"
"It's a type of bread plate with tomato, cheese, ham and pineapple on it, you've gotta try it."
>"Food? What if I'm allergic? what happens if I eat too much and explode? What if it has parasites and makes me ill? I've never eaten before, I don't know what I'm supposed to do!"

>Hug
I give her a hug, this mostly results in getting my clothes wet, but Nashi's reaction is different from the hug I had given her in the dream. She tries to reciprocate a hug of her own even if she still doesn't seem to get it.

>You've got TWO wishes left. Tell her you'll wish her back to normal if she grants a wish without trying to trick you with it.
"I've got two wishes, right?"
>"Yeah, and I need one."
"Do you have enough magic to grant both?"
>"It took a lot just to turn me physical! I don't know how much magic I have left, but I'm betting it's barely enough to turn me back."
"What about the takeback? Didn't you offer one to Mire?"
>"She didn't get that offer because she didn't hesitate in deciding what to wish for or how to word them."
"I want a wish too. One that'll affect the physical world without any tricks. Sound fair?"
>"What? No! No way I'm able to give you a wish! I'd need a way to get magic for two wishes."
"Then I suppose I'll have to wait on making those wishes until you have enough magic for the both of us."
>"Wait! Look- maybe we can think something out?"
"Later. I don't feel like making any more wishes, I'd like to hang out with my friends and continue on with my day."
>"What about me?"
"We'll take care of you. I promise. After showing you the world outside the lake, we can make a wish later."
>"O-ok..."

I bring her over to Mire's truck and tell Mire she's coming along. For better or for worse, Mire doesn't seem to recognize her from the dream and quietly insists that she must be some kind of strange mutant bunny. With Mire being the kind soul she is, she offers her the towel and clean clothes she brought in case we went swimming. Nashi tries not to look at Mire, likely out of fear of being recognised while accepting the clothes nonetheless. Nashi and I sit in the back of the truck while waiting for Nifa to come by.

>"I feel pain."
"What? Where?"
>"In my belly."
"What kind of pain? A sharp pain?"
>"No no, it's like some kind of ache. A burning ache with occasional rumbling. When are we going?"
"Shortly. Just need to wait for our friend Nifa to come by so we can bring her along to see aliens."
>"WAIT - Did you say Nifa?! As in - Nifa the half-naked cat witch?"
"Yeah, that's the one. You know her?"
>"I've heard the rumors from other spiritual inhabitants - You can't let her find out that I'm a lake spirit!"
"Why not? Seems like you two would have lots to talk about."
>"You can't tell her – promise me!"
>>
No. 1056592 ID: a7a180

Okay, we promise I won't tell her you're a lake spirit. Now let's cure what ails you with beer.
>>
No. 1056593 ID: 15c72a

>>1056591
Promise. Pinky swear. It's unbreakable!
Then ask what the rumors are. Juicy goss...?
>>
No. 1056594 ID: 09d6b8

Isn’t Nifa into the occult and trying to cast a spell to destroy pants? She might actually have the ability to mess with Nashi.

Sure, we can promise not to tell, but we can’t guarantee the safety of your pants.
>>
No. 1056599 ID: bbb04b

"Okay, deal. By the way, how much strain would making me an oracle of some kind in my dreams - with truthful (but perhaps cryptic) visions based on reality - put on you? Information is intangible, after all; I'd only need to be able to observe realities, not act on it in any way. Heck, they can be cryptic as hell for all it matters. I only care about confirming whether or not someone, someplace, or something has an exciting or interesting secret I've yet to uncover."

(I'm assuming that trying to make it so you can set a target while awake was what was too much about the wish?)

"Oh, and I think you're hungry. We can do lunch?"
>>
No. 1056600 ID: 9a2966

>why not
Because she might bind or enslave a spirit like her or something, you guess? Or bother her overmuch after she returns to being a spirit, if she knows she's real.

You can at least promise to introduce her just as... er, an amnesiac stranger you hauled out of the river, nothing odd there! But she needs to quickly learn to pretend to have been mortal all along, then! Which means you should get food, and learn uh, how to handle certain facets of existence. Basic basic facets.

... you should probably stay close with her for most of this.

>pause for a beat
So wait... Nifa's being spoken about by spirits. She actually IS a witch, then? Huh.
>>
No. 1056605 ID: 90c451

I promise, we'll just say you're a homeless amnesiac we pulled from the river, it's only half a lie.

That tummy ache is hunger, let's get lunch.
Also, let's not get Nashi drunk, sure it could be fun but we don't want her first mortal morning to be accompanied by a hangover.
>>
No. 1056607 ID: 79c2bb

>>1056605
Yeah, besides, her first drink should be something sweet. Bitter drinks like beer are typically an acquired taste, so let’s work her up the enjoyment chain before trying alcohol. Getting a mischievous spirit ‘into’ drunkenness seems like it might backfire in the long run anyhow.
>>
No. 1056617 ID: 407ea6

>>1056607
Time for root beer floats!!!
>>
No. 1056618 ID: 2aa5f0

give that girl some snacks, she sounds hungry.
>>
No. 1056683 ID: 36784c

We better avoid giving her alcohol. I’m afraid she’ll be one of those people that gets drunk really easily and after a single sip of alcohol, she’s starts giving away her secret identity as the lake spirit that grants wishes.
>>
No. 1056685 ID: 5d9787

>>1056683
Than don't drink in public. Buy one bottles of wine and bring her home at the end of the day to experience light inebriation.

She is unfamiliar with physical experiences so tasteful aliments and perception altering drugs are the best novelties we can introduce her to, beside the obvious. Let her discover the joy of becoming a little silly in friendly company, it might not even be that unfamiliar considering her wish trolling pastime.
>>
No. 1056686 ID: fb2164

Speaking of wish trolling...

It might be wise to ask "Have you by chance given any wishers immortality before?"
Any potential uh...

..."Displeased" customers around still?
>>
No. 1056724 ID: c28082

>>1056591

... oh shit, is she like, WEIRD about spiritual stuff? Because we have this one acquaintance who is weird about everything in general and probably secretly a stripper-flasher or something. It's weird.

But yeah, we promise, sure. You're some half-drowned hobo-bunny we picked up at the lake, which is ... not entirely inaccurate!
>>
No. 1056779 ID: 481e64
File 167710119289.png - (336.25KB , 800x600 , YQ33.png )
1056779

>Promise. Pinky swear. It's unbreakable!

"I pinky swear that I won't tell."
>"Pinkie swear?"
"Yeah, it means it's impossible to break."
>"Oh, like some sort of binding spell? fascinating."

>Then ask what the rumors are. Juicy goss...?
"You mentioned rumors?"
>"Without getting into anything too specific, she knows of ways to mess with us. I know a guy who had to move out of the house he was haunting because she showed up and started sleeping on all the furniture in the nude."
"In the nude? Is that a problem?"
>"For spirits? yeah. Nudity makes ghosts very uncomfortable."
"Why?"
>"It's hard to explain. It just does."
"When she comes over, how should I introduce you?"
>"I don't know, you'll have to think of something that won't be suspicious."

"Have you by chance given any wishers immortality before? Any displeased customers still around?"
>"Not personally but I've heard stories about that kinda thing. I've been told about some ancient warrior who was given immortality and used it to become some bigshot warrior. But over the centuries he just resorted to drinking, then eating, then watching TV and now he just plays videogames in his apartment. I couldn't tell you if he considers his current position his lowest point or his highest."

>Give that girl some snacks, she sounds hungry.
"Oh. I think I know what you need. Wait just one moment."
I reach into the snack pack which still has a decent amount remaining to grab a bag of 'Flavored Cheeze(sic) Triangles™'. I open the bag and hand it to her.
"Try one."
>"What is it?"
"You'll love it, trust me."
She grabs a chip from the bag, inspecting it and sniffing it hesitantly. she cautiously nibbles it at first only to change her expression as the flavor kicks in.
>"Ooh."
"Don't forget to chew."

After a bit she gets into it - finishing the first chip and moving onto her second, then third then fourth and so on. She begins to shovel it in before too long.

"D-don't forget to breathe!"
>"*GHASSSSSPPP*"
...
>"Thanks - the pain in my gut is starting to fade. So, this is what food is like? I'll give you meatbags credit just this once, but I’m betting it doesn't get much better than this!"
"Just you wait until you've had a few beers."
>"Why? Does something cool happen?"
"Maybe later. For now, I'll set you up with something softer."
>Time for root beer floats!!!
That'll do. I set her up with some of the sweet stuff and she seems to enjoy it immensely. She tries to mix it with the food, but I stop her just in time. She continues to go to town on snacks and beverages, even as I insist that she slow down. I can't help but roll me eyes. I've warned her so if she gets a tummy ache, it's her own fault.

I hear a voice call for me from behind us.
>>
No. 1056780 ID: 481e64
File 167710122506.png - (469.65KB , 800x600 , YQ34.png )
1056780

>"Meowdy!"
Well look who it is! If it isn't the friendly neighbourhood witch Nifa. She seems a bit overdressed, I wonder what the occasion might be.

>Isn’t Nifa into the occult and trying to cast a spell to destroy pants? She might actually have the ability to mess with Nashi.
I should clarify that she didn't want to 'destroy' pants more than she wanted to make them more revealing. She holds the belief that clothing that covers more than half one's body is cumbersome and restrictive. Nashi should be fine, I don’t think she has pants on right now.

>So, wait... Nifa's being spoken about by spirits. She actually IS a witch, then? Huh.
She certainly tries to identify as such. Nice to know she's getting the recognition she wants.

"Hey Nifa! It's nice to see you!"
>"Likewise! Sorry I took so long, I was talking to that hunk that was fishing in the lake."
"Looking stylish today, you get a new wardrobe?"
>"Nyaa! I'm glad you noticed! Even with My family's stigma against wearing certain clothes, I've been trying to get into sewing my own stuff."
"Speaking of the family, how are they doing?"
>"Oh, you know how they are. Older sister still doesn't wear pants, older brother still doesn't wear shirts. The whole family is like that, but it means we got less laundry at the end of the day! So - who's your friend there?"
Nashi shifts nervously and looks at me.
"That's my uhhh... cousin?"
Nashi gives me a worried, confused expression.
>"Really? I don't see the resemblance. She doesn't look much like a deer”.
"Uhhhh... what about the antlers?"
>"Nyaaaaaa yeah! now that you point it out, she does have antlers! Forget I said anything."
"Ready to go out and find some aliens?"
>"You know it! I even brought my equipment." She climbs onto the truck with us. I knock on the window to let Mire know that we're ready to move.
>>
No. 1056781 ID: 481e64
File 167710124471.png - (348.60KB , 800x600 , YQ35.png )
1056781

As the truck starts to move further away from the lake, we keep the conversation going.
"How much do you know about aliens?"
>"Not as much as I know about magic and the supernatural, but I know that aliens have known about this place for a long time and don't want much to do with us. Tangible evidence is hard to find because the government is always trying to cover stuff up to keep it for themselves. That’s why I prefer the supernatural stuff more, authority figures can't find reliable ways to control it."
"But you can control magic stuff, right?"
>"You know I can! Here, check this out."
She reaches into her satchel and pulls out a magic 8 ball with symbols all over it.
>"There was this spirit trying to mess with me, so I trapped it in this."
This catches Nashi's attention, making increasingly nervous. Seems she wants to change the subject matter.
"Really? How'd you do that? Also, that looks like the eight ball I have at home."
>"I'm borrowing it. It was pretty easy to get the spirit in, I just tricked it like it was trying to trick me and boom! I activated the spell, and the markings did their thing."
"How do I know you're telling the truth? I've uh... never seen a spirit before! Is there proof?"
>"Why don't you ask it yourself? Just shake it and ask questions and its responses will show up on the window."
"How does it feel being trapped in there?"
>"It hates it! But don't feel bad for it. The only good spirits are the ones that never leave their resting places."
Nashi squirms around anxiously.
>>
No. 1056782 ID: 68216b

Is there a spirit on this pickup truck right now?
Were you trying to harm Nifa?
Can spirits accumulate magic by eating cheesy snacks?
>>
No. 1056784 ID: 23ba19

What’s your name?
>>
No. 1056790 ID: bbb04b

Question - just the one:
> "What was your goal in engaging with Nifa?"

"So, Nifa, how do I know when a spirit's 'left their resting place?' Mire, Nashi, and I all had dreams recently wherein we played a round of 'Asshole Genie' with a lake spirit, but it was relatively harmless since it was contained to the dream."

"Also, what happens if someone forces a spirit to involuntarily leave their 'resting place?' Are they still bad?"
>>
No. 1056796 ID: dee951

Only good spirit...? So, is it that you've never seen a benign, benevolent, or a constructively mischievous spirit with a sense of wanderlust, or that there's some systemic reason why they can't exist, or what?
>>
No. 1056802 ID: 3caae9

What about spirits that are taken from their resting places? Should we make pants more revealing and/or destroy pants? Does Nifa offer good working conditions?
>>
No. 1056805 ID: 9a2966

Smile, pat Nashi on her arm and tell her Nifa's a friend-quaintance, so she really doesn't have to be nervous. Act like you're reassuring her 'look, this woman isn't that crazy', that you're just playing along for now and that she doesn't have to join the conversation here or anything.

>don't feel bad for asshole spirits
Aw, but you can't help it, if you're going to play along with the premise here! It is unquestionably kinda cruel locking someone up and forcing them to answer questions all day that you could just ask the interwebsters or an encyclopedia! Even if they were trying to be a tricksy boob - she hasn't said how - and the sorta questions they could answer had more value and worth, wouldn't the punishment be a little cruel and unusual? You're not disparaging her achievement and witchy ways here, she's definitely the expert, it's just... hm. Would it truly be proportionate? What if you, like, use up all their magic or something, doing this?

Man, you know very little about spirits, on reflection. How does she suppose they even form and grow in power and stuff?

(Re: the 8-ball, they might be a spirit acquaintance of Nashi's and asking questions might drain them of magic, which you now know is a big deal and a hard-won resource for them. So don't overdo it, if you do ask them anything! Cuz that'd be taking without giving anything back, and you doubt the spirit, once it inevitably frees itself of this shoddy vessel, is going to take it kindly. Plus it sets a bad tone with Nashi.)

>wonder about the nature of spirits
As for there being no good wandering spirits, wouldn't that be just because they'd mostly be the bored sort or something? Ain't got a whole lot of distractions going on other than floatin' about doin' spirit stuff and lookin' and hearing about things nearby, right? Except possibly interacting with other spirits, you suppose. Or folks who can see them.

Frankly, you might've wanted to move to somewhere more interesting with more interesting things to look at after a while if that'd been you. Then you might put down roots and just hang for a century plus, then for a lark offer some guy a few joke wishes with your magic spirit powers that didn't lead anywhere except for somewhere funnily healthy as opposed to classically greek.

Would that make you a good or a bad spirit in Nifa's expert opinion? Or are there neutral spirits she kinda just leaves alone as long as they don't bother nobody in too bad a way?

>Switch topics
ANYWAY, how about them aliums, huh? Hunter said it was okay to come over, so y'all should make your way there now that you've gathered up! Beat the tourist rush! Or the black governmental vans, depending!

>squirms around anxiously
Hmm. But first, can you ask Mire to make a pit stop at your home? You should drop of your guitar there, anyway, maybe get some more snacks and money. Plus, bringing your 'cuz' inside gives you a moment to speak to Nashi in private about hanging around Nifa... and maybe, just maybe, relieve her anxiousness a little by making her hit the 'loo after all these snacks and floats.
>>
No. 1056807 ID: 2aa5f0

sit between your "cousin" and the witch, ask what the spirt did to mess with her.
>>
No. 1056813 ID: 4ab383

>>1056781
>8 ball
>Just shake it and ask questions and its responses will show up on the window.
An 8 ball already does that without a spirit being trapped inside it! And it's only good for answering yes or no questions!

Even if we play along, there's no way to prove if there is a spirit in there or if it's just a regular 8 ball and Nifa is just messing with us!

>>1056790
>Mire, Nashi, and I all had dreams recently wherein we played a round of 'Asshole Genie' with a lake spirit, but it was relatively harmless since it was contained to the dream.
Don't mention that! If we tell Nifa that there's a lake spirit, then she'll constantly hang around the lake! And I'm sure when Nashi returns to being a spirit, she won't want Nifa around out of fear of potentially seeing Nifa naked if she decides to camp near the lake!
>>
No. 1056828 ID: 5d9787

8-Ball spirit, do you know Nashi?
>>
No. 1056830 ID: e5709d

Ask the 8-ball what the 2^627th prime number is.
>>
No. 1056854 ID: c28082

>>1056781

Get that poor girl a napkin. She's got flavored cheeze triangle dust all over her snoot.
>>
No. 1056855 ID: d57b3f

A basic test in SETI for intelligent alien life is the Fibonacci Sequence. Ask it, 'what is the next number in this sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5"
>>
No. 1056856 ID: d57b3f

>>1056855

Oh! Instead ask it what are the next three numbers in the sequence!

And if it answers correctly, turn pointedly to the witch with a frown and say, "You've unjustly imprisoned a thinking being without due process."
>>
No. 1056970 ID: 15a025

Ask what kinda spirit it is.
>>
No. 1057191 ID: 15c72a

Ask what the meaning of life is.
Ask what next week's lotto numbers are.
Ask what trick it was going to try to pull on Nifa.
>>
No. 1057461 ID: 481e64
File 167799712948.png - (299.84KB , 800x600 , YQ36.png )
1057461

I shake the 8-ball and ask it a question.
"What’s your name?"
>I PLEAD THE FIFTH. AND STOP SHAKING ME!
"Plead all you want, it won’t get you out of eight ball jail. Were you trying to harm Nifa?"
>JUST A LITTLE MISCHIEF – NO HARM IN THAT. YOUR CAT FRIEND IS NUTS.

"Can spirits accumulate magic by eating cheesy snacks?"
>MAYBE IF THE EAT A LOT
"Do you know any other spirits?"
>OTHER? WHAT DOES THAT IMPLY?
"You're a spirit, right?"
>HEY! I'M ANOTHER MYTHICAL CREATURE ENTIRELY!
"Uh... well, do you know any spirits?"
>I KNOW A FOX SPIRIT. MAKE A TRASH OFFERING AND SHE'LL BE RIGHT OVER.
"If you're not a spirit, what are you?"
>GUESS
I look closer at the silhouette on the other side of the glass. I notice wings and a hand with an extra finger.
"Some kind of... deformed radioactive dragonfly?"
>CLOSE ENOUGH.
"Do you grant wishes?"
>RUB THE RUNES OFF THIS PRISON AND I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO
"What did you do to Nifa to get imprisoned in the first place?"
>I TRIED TO GIVE HER DUST THAT'D MAKE HER FLY BUT SHE MUST'VE HEARD OF THAT ONE BEFORE

"What's the meaning of life?"
>THE FIRST RULE OF LIFE IS TO HAVE FUN
"What are next week’s lotto numbers?"
>SIGNS POINT TO YES
"What is the next number in this sequence: zero, one, one, two, three, five."
>UHHH CAN I PHONE A FRIEND?

I bring my voice down to a whisper, so Nifa doesn't hear.
"Do you know Nashi?"
>NASHI? HMMM.
...
>THE JACKALOPE LAKE SPIRIT?
"That's the one."
>I'VE NOT MET HER BUT I'VE HEARD ABOUT HER FROM A FRIEND. SHE CHEATS AT POKER AND GETS JEALOUS OF MORE 'ENDOWED' SPIRITS.
"What? I don't know what that's supposed to mean."
>THERE'S THIS FOX SPIRIT, RIGHT? BUT NOT THE ONE I KNOW - ANOTHER ONE. SHE HAS REAL BEEF WITH HER BECAUSE SHE TOOK THE NAME SHE WANTED AND SHE LOOKS WAY PRETTIER AND GETS ALL THE ATTENTION FROM ALL THE CUTE BOY SPIRITS AND--
The text becomes too small and difficult to read.
"I'm sorry I don't really want to know about spirit drama and spirit insecurities. Is she trustworthy?"
>SHE'S MISCHEVIOUS - LIKE ME. TRY NOT TO GET TRICKED. CAN YOU SET ME FREE NOW? JUST DROP THIS THING. THE WATER IN HERE IS SUPER DIRTY.

Seems I've got all I wanted. I can now choose to set it free or hand it over to Nifa. After that we'll head on our way to the farm to see if we can find aliens.
>>
No. 1057462 ID: 50363a

SMASH THIS THING.

Then make a trash offering.
>>
No. 1057463 ID: fb2164

> I can now choose to set it free or hand it over to Nifa.
Wait for the truck to hit a bump, and conveniently "OOPS it slipped out of my hand! Oh no~"

Though beforehand, do ask if Aliens exist before you do.

And maybe if there's some "Spirit Boss" who's at the top of the Spirit spiriting, or something...?
>>
No. 1057466 ID: f914a5

Distract Nifa by asking about her pants destruction spell, then free the spirit! Maybe demand a favor in return, some extra magic for Nashi perhaphs?
>>
No. 1057468 ID: e4a3dc

Whoa whoa hey guys making deals with magic stuff usually only works with deals so we gotta get it to agree to whatever it is before we think on freeing it.
>>
No. 1057469 ID: a7a180

Rub the runes on the sly and return it. She's served her sentence.
>>
No. 1057470 ID: 15c72a

>>1057461
Verify her story. Ask Nifa what the trick was. If it's really as harmless as fairy dust then free the spirit.
>>
No. 1057472 ID: 38349b

remember to always confirm or get your wishes/desires confirmed before freeing extradimensional entities!
>>
No. 1057474 ID: 708905

>>1057461
Get it to swear to do no harm if released
>>
No. 1057484 ID: 2aa5f0

ask friend when she planned on freeing the dragonfly spirt. Seems a bit mean to trap them in an 8 ball for a long time.
>>
No. 1057498 ID: 9a2966

>fox spirit, make a trash offering
You now know how to 'summon' a second spirit. Maybe something to test out later. Or it's just a prank and you'll attract vermin. But maybe they will be cute ones and you can wildlife cam it? Ooh. Some win-win potential there.

>deformed radioactive dragonfly
So a faerie, then. What should you call them, by the way? If they wanna say.

>That cat is crazy
Aw, she's not that bad. Sure they don't want to hang about and prank people by pretending to be an actually magic magic eight-ball for a bit? That does sound way up trickster alley. Except for the whole being imprisoned bit, which may be karmic street.

Look, you could try to convince Nifa to improve working conditions, like replace the dirty water and provide sweets. Make it an optional side-gig type thing, with an exit where they can enter and leave of their own free will in order to play up the bit. It's a thought. They ever done something like that before?

Generally you're not a big fan of imprisoning folks for minor infractions, so either way you'll get them released - it's your property anyway. But they gotta promise to not just fuck off. Nifa'd probably hate it if you made something magical leave her alone! Besides, she might need some more educating on the topic of the supernatural from the sound of things. Can pranks be educational? Eh, probably. Guess it depends on the person.
>>
No. 1057502 ID: 01fe07

>>1057461
>"Do you know Nashi?"
>>NASHI?
>THE JACKALOPE LAKE SPIRIT?
>SHE GETS JEALOUS OF MORE 'ENDOWED' SPIRITS.
So Nashi is jealous of spirits that have bigger boobs than her? Huh. I wonder if we can somehow tease her about that?

>set me free
The best we can do is wait for a bump in the road and we "accidentally" drop it and hope it breaks.

Just don't drop it over the side of the truck. Because it'd really suck if it doesn't break and that spirit is stuck in there on the side of the road!
>>
No. 1057521 ID: c28082

>>1057461

Yeah, pretty sure keeping anything trapped against its will -- especially in something as filthy as a magic 8 ball that was stolen -- is pretty scummy.

I think we'd best set it free, Nifa, on the condition that it brings no harm to ourselves (our jackalope friend and Mire included). And yes, this is probably going to be Nifa's one get-out-of-spiritual-retribution-free card, so she better not waste it.
>>
No. 1057522 ID: 9a2966

>>1057502
Given spirits could probably take whatever shape they like, 'endowed' may mean something different in spiritual circles. Like, maybe it's really just the fact they secured themselves a really cool name? Or how powerful they are.

Either way, silly mortal standards might not apply at all!

>>1057521
Arguably the faerie might be the one on the get-outta-jail-free card side here.
>>
No. 1057557 ID: f8083d

>>1057470
This. Confirm first, then free her.
>>
No. 1057563 ID: c51943

Breaking the prison right after it got handed to us would rather thoughtless of us.

Also the fairy has to learn not to cause mischief on people.
Hand the ball back and let's go look for those alien investigator friends.
>>
No. 1057576 ID: dee951

Endowed is probably to do with power, mana reserves, capabilities, and the like.

Which is why you gotta science the SHIT out of this and figure out Wishes and how this magic works and everything to get her and you in a positive feedback loop of awesomeness that ends up with all of you being a super powerful superhero team!!!
>>
No. 1058760 ID: 481e64
File 167902628774.png - (406.49KB , 800x600 , YQ37.png )
1058760

"Do aliens exist?"
>'I'VE GOT A LANKY FRIEND THAT KINDA LOOKS LIKE AN ALIEN BUT SHE'S JUST TALL. I GUESS NOT.'
"Is there some kind of spirit boss? like a spirit authority?"
>'NO. NO? I DON'T THINK SO...'
>'WHY WOULD THERE BE?'

"Hey Nifa, what was it this thing tried to trick you with?"
>"Offering dust which allows me to fly! but I know the trick. It makes you float in the air, but you can't move around with it. Then they rob you blind! Tricky things try to rob the clothes off your back. But they can't rob you if you're nake-"
"Sweet, cool." Seems harmless enough.
"How long did you plan on keeping this?"
>"Let’s see... I was gonna stop by a friend’s house to pick up a bird cage to keep it in. Then some newspapers and uhhh... y'know - pet stuff! Think they prefer bird food or hamster food?"

"If you swear never to do it again, I'll let you go. Deal?"
>'DO I HAVE TO.’
"Yes!"
>'UGGGGHHHHH FINE.'
"Are you crossing your fingers?"
>'YOU CAN SEE?'
"No."
>'THEN NO, I'M NOT CROSSING MY FINGERS. FREE ME NOW PLEEEESE?'

Good enough. I smudge the runes and weaken the tape holding the halves of the ball together. I lean forward and reach my arm out to hand the ball over to Nifa and just as she touches it, I pretend that the truck hits a bump in the road and drop the ball 'by accident.'

The ball falls off the back and onto the road, breaking open and setting the troublemaker free.

"Ooooooh Nifa, I'm sorry!"
>"Oh darn. Welp, that clears up my plans for the day. Don't worry, I'm not mad or anything. It was kind of annoying!"

>"I'M FREEEEEEEE! TIME TO CAUSE MORE MISCHIEEEF- ACK!

>"No! Hey! Let go of meeeeeeee!!!"

"NO! I'M NOT SHOWING YOU WHERE MY STASH IS!
>>
No. 1058761 ID: 481e64
File 167902630423.png - (374.73KB , 800x600 , YQ38.png )
1058761

We arrive at a nice place just outside the cornfield right next to Hunter's place, we come to a stop and step off the truck. We all stand beside one another to soak in the scenery. Corn. A lot of it.

Nashi seems timid, but that goes without saying. She seems paranoid that she'll get run over by a tractor or something, even though that barely ever happens around here!

Nifa is content. She seems like the wants to meet any extra-terrestrials so she can... trap them in 8 balls? I'm not sure.

Mire is along for the ride, happy to go where the wind takes her.

All seems perfect, but there's just one problem...

There's no atmosphere! I mean, who goes looking for aliens in broad daylight? People who actually want to find things, probably. Should we wait for a later time like sunset or midnight, or should we start looking now? It probably won't affect what we find, but I bet it would improve the cosiness factor. We got a couple flashlights too, but not enough for everyone.
>>
No. 1058762 ID: 11f77a

Waiting til sunset sounds real nice right now. Right at dusk. That's when the aliens really hang out.

Then you'll have to share a flashlight and split the group. That way it'll be faster to find what you're looking for.
>>
No. 1058765 ID: cbe09b

Dont we have pizza, or were going to get pizza? Lets get a pizza delivered here while we wait, to introduce to Nashi. She was wondering about that earlier.
>>
No. 1058766 ID: e51896

Hey, if we're looking for aliens, maybe we can bring them down here easier if they find out where to land.

For example, that looks like a cornfield behind you. Go create a crop circle with your friends to signal the aliens to come visit at night.
>>
No. 1058768 ID: 5d9787

Could you time whatever it is that you are doing in such way you can watch the sunset somewhere with a nice view? Something like: do stuff until twenty minutes before the sunset, go to somewhere with an unobscured view to spend less than an hour watching the sun go down followed by more of the stuff you are planing to do.

Having less than one flashlight for each of you is not a big problem because you won't walk alone in the dark in a forest. That's not even up to debate. Everyone stick together, or move around in pairs but only if unavoidable.
>>
No. 1058770 ID: a7a180

Let's wait. And make corn on the cob!
>>
No. 1058778 ID: 2eb3cc

>Nashi is paranoid
I mean, consider.
Up until now she was safe - ignoring apparent loopholes where she can be turned mortal and THEN killed, and ignoring speculation on what other powerful spirits might be able to do, nothing could harm her. Her life expectancy may well have been in the millions of years, if not longer. All of a sudden, her life expectancy is probably under a thousand based on accidents alone, even for someone accustomed to mortal life, and until she's immortal again, she is not safe. Meat people are very fragile. It doesn't take much to kill us. From her perspective, it probably feels like standing in a football field full of spinning saw blades.
>>
No. 1058806 ID: 2aa5f0

wait, isn't hunter suppose to be joining you? Couldn't you bum at his place until it's closer to the time to head out and see what you can see?
>>
No. 1058825 ID: 34713f

>>1058806
Yeah, and your JoJo synced step forward wouldn’t be complete without a fifth person. Still, you could probably get the boring parts of investigating done now, like examining how the crops were trampled or getting a statement from the farmers while you wait.
>>
No. 1058828 ID: 708905

>>1058761
You need to find a recording of the X-files theme music. That put anyone in the mood for an alien encounter
>>
No. 1058829 ID: 5d9787

>>1058828
The full track have a very different vibe from the short clip everyone is familiar with. Less "the truth is out there" and more "let's do drugs in a night club".
>>
No. 1058830 ID: d3bf48

Pizza!
>>
No. 1058876 ID: 481e64
File 167909250223.png - (422.43KB , 800x600 , YQ39.png )
1058876

>Waiting til sunset sounds real nice right now. Right at dusk. That's when the aliens really hang out.
This is true, they must be attracted to the sunset scenery too.

>watch the sunset somewhere with a nice view.
Sounds good to me. We find a nice little cliff off to the side with a nice flat patch of grass to lay on. Should've brought a picnic blanket.

>corn on the cob!
I can microwave popcorn, that is about the extent of my knowledge when it comes to preparing corn.

>Don’t we have pizza, or were going to get pizza? Let’s get a pizza delivered here while we wait, to introduce to Nashi. She was wondering about that earlier.
We order a couple of the local pizza place's finest pizzas. I'm surprised to learn that they even deliver all the way out here, he even said it wasn't the first place close by that they've delivered to tonight, someone must be having a party!

we tip him the appropriate amount, plus a beer for the road. I introduce Nashi to what is sure to be her new favorite thing. She takes a bite and gets hooked right away.

If there are any aliens nearby, they better come out while the pizza is still hot! Assuming there's any left there is.

>that looks like a cornfield behind you. Go create a crop circle with your friends to signal the aliens to come visit at night.
How do we make a crop circle? Do we need to get in Mire's truck and do a bunch of donuts in this guy’s cornfield? Sounds look a good way to get in big trouble. I'm pretty sure we're already trespassing to begin with.

Nashi is eating a little too much pizza and making funny faces.
>"I'm getting weird tummy feelings again but eating isn't fixing these ones."
"I'm thinking you need to go easy on the cheese.”
>"It's... so good though..."

Nifa pulls out a video camera. Looks like she's getting ready to record something.

>wait, isn't hunter supposed to be joining you? Couldn't you bum at his place until it's closer to the time to head out and see what you can see?
I would invite Hunter if I could, and I don't think anyone would have a problem with him being here! But there's a reason he doesn't go out with us much... it's a bit sad, we don't spend as much time together as we used to. We could try paying him a visit now, or we can pay him a visit once we're done here.
>>
No. 1058880 ID: a7a180

Let's visit him later.
Can that camera see spirits too, Nifa?
>>
No. 1058881 ID: 5d9787

Are you... aware... of the face you are making? If Nifa was butt naked next to you right now you would still look more lewd than her. If she film you eating the clip could end up in the back room of the local movie rental.
>>
No. 1058891 ID: 273c18

>>1058876
She's gonna record the puking. Because Nashi is definitely going to puke if she eats much more. Take it away from her before she hurts herself.
Has she had any water? Or beer? Don't let her have more than one beer, she probably has very low tolerance. Not sure how you'd communicate that it's technically poison.
>>
No. 1058902 ID: 985c79

Boy, wait till Nashi learns that mortals poison themselves with alcohol for fun.
>>
No. 1058918 ID: f914a5

What's the sad reason? Maybe by helping him you can gather magic, through happiness! Or something. That's how it works, right?
>>
No. 1058923 ID: f8ca62

Also, let's visit Hunter later. We have pizza and beer, this is the time to relax.
>>
No. 1058937 ID: 36784c

>>1058876
>"I'm getting weird tummy feelings again but eating isn't fixing these ones."
You're eating too much food. You should stop before you make yourself feel worse.
>>
No. 1058989 ID: 15a025

Give Nashi a napkin and help her wipe her face off. Let her know if she eats too much, it's going to come back out in a painful way.
>>
No. 1059797 ID: 481e64
File 168010196737.png - (185.07KB , 800x600 , YQ40.png )
1059797

>Let's visit him later.
Sounds good to me, we're in no rush after all, and it isn't like he's going anywhere any time fast.

"Can that camera see spirits too, Nifa?"
>"Some spirits yes, some spirits no. Some spirits don't even show up in mirrors, other spirits only show up in mirrors! it's a whole thing. But we're not looking for spirits, we're looking for aliens or creatures with big feet. Experience tells me that cameras only capture things in low quality, so I got just the thing."

>Are you... aware... of the face you are making?
don't call me a pizza face, you'll hurt my feelings!

>She's gonna record the puking. Because Nashi is definitely going to puke if she eats much more. Take it away from her before she hurts herself.
That's a good point, she's only been alive for half a day but is one barf away from lifelong embarrassment. I take the pizza away from her and insist that it's for her own good, despite her protests.

>Give Nashi a napkin and help her wipe her face off. Let her know if she eats too much, it's going to come back out in a painful way.
I provide a napkin and tell her about food rules.
>"What?! Why did nobody tell me food had rules?!"... *urp*...

>Has she had any water? Or beer? Don't let her have more than one beer, she probably has very low tolerance. Not sure how you'd communicate that it's technically poison.
I uh... hm. I give her some water, but she tells me she doesn't like the taste as much as soda. How am I going to tell her that she needs to eat her greens? parenting must be hard!

>Boy, wait till Nashi learns that mortals poison themselves with alcohol for fun.
I don't want to teach her that, she's too young and pure!

>What's the sad reason?
The wheelchair thing - Hunter lost the ability to walk in an accident when he was young. He's actually quite different now from how he was back then, these days he's very kind and plays videogames or watches movies indoors. It's a shame he doesn't tag along with us as much, but I enjoy his company on winter days where we can hang out online.

As the crew and I go investigate the field now that the mood has been set, we find a lot of corn but not much else. With only a couple of flashlights, this isn't the most efficient way to look for stuff! That is when I have an idea.

"Let's split up, gang!"
>"Cool." responds Mire.
>"Meerow!" chants Nifa.
>"HuhWhatWhy?" whimpers Nashi.
"Pairs of two will do." But who should I pick to go with me?
>>
No. 1059798 ID: 755582

Nashi. You said it yourself, you’re a mom now.
>>
No. 1059799 ID: b4b039

>>1059798
Yeah, it's not super kind (or wise) to leave Nashi with one of the others, I think. It MIGHT be fine...or she might come running back to you with the cornfield on fire behind her, or something.
>>
No. 1059802 ID: e51896

Nashi
>>
No. 1059806 ID: f8083d

Yeah, this choice is obvious.
>>
No. 1059807 ID: 9a2966

Nashi. You should keep an eye on her, and you could ask he what she actually knows about the aliens, other than them being here. Does she know why they make crop circles?

If that's them and not just regular mortals fooling about. Or supernatural fooling about, now that you think about it.
>>
No. 1059811 ID: f30c55

Nifa!
>>
No. 1059814 ID: b968fc

>>1059797

Obviously the only sensible thing is to go with Nashi, so we can talk and whatnot. Also keep her from Nifa.
>>
No. 1059822 ID: 383b58

Nashi. You can take the oportunity to explain how stomachs have limited capacity for pizza.
>>
No. 1059824 ID: 362f21

As incredibly tempting as it is to force Nifa and Nashi together, reject chaos and go with Nashi.
>>
No. 1059830 ID: 34713f

Yeah, pairing Nashi up with ourselves seems the least awkward option - Nifa's got a reputation with spirits, and Nashi's got a personal history with Mire (even if Mire doesn't quite remember it).
>>
No. 1059905 ID: 481e64
File 168019412849.png - (302.81KB , 800x600 , YQ41.png )
1059905

>Nashi
Fair enough! I've not seen her interact much with the others, I think maybe she's shy or something. At least now Mire and Nifa can get to know each other a little more. I would have wanted to spend a little more time with Nifa but maybe we can hang out tomorrow instead.

"Come along Nifa, we got aliens to find!"
She wastes no time in trailing behind me.

>you could ask her what she actually knows about the aliens, other than them being here. Does she know why they make crop circles?
"Hey Nashi, what do you know about aliens? Why do they make these crop circles?"
>"You think aliens did this?"
"Duh, who else?"
>"I don't know. People? I wasn't exactly around to see it but just because nobody saw anything doesn't mean it was extra-terrestrials."
"You don't believe in aliens?"
>"I mean sure, even if I haven't met any. It's just that making shapes in a field seems like something a group of mischievous teens would do, not something carved into the earth with an alien orbital space laser."
"Wait, how do you know what that is?"
>"Just because I'm a spirit doesn't mean I don't read the comics that people accidentally drop in my lake."
"Huh, interesting! Well, whatever is causing these circles, it could be a mixture of things. Like, maybe it's aliens and people messing around and having fun together?"
>"A positive way to see it, I guess. ugh... can you turn me back soon? my body is all... shaky, just like it was after getting out of the water."
"Are you cold?"
>"I think so."
"Here, I'll let you borrow my hoodie." I take it off and help her put it on. Easier said than done with the antlers she has.
>"Thanks."
"Don't mention it! Just make sure to give it back later. Hold on, I think I hear something."

There is rustling going on around the other side of the wall of corn. Could it be Mire and Nifa? Or could it be little green men? Or secret undercover government agents working on a coverup?! only one way to find out!

I brush the corn stalks aside and...
>>
No. 1059906 ID: 481e64
File 168019415024.png - (423.42KB , 800x600 , YQ42.png )
1059906

>"Hey, who are you guys?"
Darn, none of the above. just a couple of fellow alien enthusiasts. Another deer and a hare by the look of it. Strange, I don't recognize who they are, are they from the town over?
"Us? We're nobody. Who are you guys?"
>"Who's asking? Are you both working undercover or something?"
"Undercover? for who?"
>"The government, or aliens - duh. Are you wearing suits to hide your identities?"
>>
No. 1059908 ID: f8083d

Tell them you're looking for aliens. After all, why else would people be wandering around in a corn field?
>>
No. 1059909 ID: 11f77a

You've entered the cornfield that intersects thousands of multiverses where you'll meet alternate selves of varying deer and jackalopes. Before you stands Hazel and Nashi from (we'll call it) Universe 2 if you were a buncha dudes (Boy-Nashi must've shed his antlers earlier).

Anyway, exchange names and ask which town they're from. They might have VHS tapes there.
>>
No. 1059910 ID: 5d9787

I feel mirrored. This is oddly coincidental. Do you thing they are shapeshifting aliens messing with us? That sound more like a mischievous spirit thing to do... Do they look like spirits to Nashi?

What do you mean suits? We couldn't be dressed less formal if we tried.
>>
No. 1059913 ID: b968fc

>>1059906

>Wearing suits to hide your identities
That's exactly the sort of thing a narc would say. I bet they're here to catch aliens and give the locals a hard time.

>>1059909

Nah, man, that's Almond and Ume, they're totally different and one of them is definitely NOT secretly a materialized spirit from an alternate reality, nope.
>>
No. 1059914 ID: f2b747

Clearly these are aliens in disguise
>>
No. 1059916 ID: 9a2966

Sigh and shrug, saying 'aw, the jig is up, I guess' and then make to tug dramatically on your ears, as if trying to remove a mask - then laugh and tell them you're for sure not wearing no skin suit, you've never held a job with the gubmint, and as far as you're aware you're from the local galactic cluster... of hills, lakes and houses!

>suit
Playfully poke the other guy's horn. What about him? He got some fancy fake-person suit on? Where they from?
>>
No. 1059917 ID: 17e1b0

Well yeah, aren’t you?
>>
No. 1059924 ID: 1f1917

Yeah, you got us. Was it my mutant bunny friend with the antlers that clued you in?
>>
No. 1059926 ID: e4a3dc

Say she's a cryptid that only stupid people can see the antlers of and You're a super powerful shape shifter that can turn into dragons and shit but aren't gonna show them.
>>
No. 1059928 ID: 34713f

"We're here to look for aliens, prolly the same as you are. But... Hmm... There are some mighty suspicious similarities between you and us... How do we know you aren't the alien shapeshifters here?"
>>
No. 1059931 ID: 20a60b

Tell them you're not aliens but a magic shapeshifting dream dragon with a huge rack, a wish granting foodie lake spirit, a future present past rockstar, and a nudist anti-pants witch.
>>
No. 1059948 ID: fb2164

(Oh no they're hot)

>>1059931
This.
>>
No. 1059959 ID: 043f12

... You'd recall meeting someone this cute before, right? They're both objectively cute, really, and that would be memorable. Confirm where they think they are versus where you think you are, as you might not be in Kansas anymore.
>>
No. 1059962 ID: e5709d

Rare opportunity to clone yourselves
Just saying
>>
No. 1059965 ID: 273c18

>>1059906
Suits? You're not wearing suits...
>>
No. 1060288 ID: 15a025

Nah, suits don't suit us.
>>
No. 1062815 ID: b01382

>>1059906
I mean, if we were suits or aliens, would we really tell him that we were? How would he know what a suits or alien looks like? What if he and his buddy are suits and aliens, hhhhhhhmmmmmmmm?
>>
No. 1068268 ID: 60841b
File 168983349806.png - (239.10KB , 800x600 , YQ43.png )
1068268

>You've entered the cornfield that intersects thousands of multiverses where you'll meet alternate selves of varying deer and jackalopes.
That's the second most likely explanation I can think of, besides the more logical one - that being coincidence.
>I feel mirrored. This is oddly coincidental. Do you think they are shapeshifting aliens messing with us?
Is this alien behaviour? how fascinating... I wonder if they brought aliens snacks with them.
>Do they look like spirits to Nashi?
She looks nervous and hasn't spoken up, so I'm guessing she doesn’t recognize them.
>You'd recall meeting someone this cute before, right? They're both objectively cute, really, and that would be memorable.
Cute? Hah. Maybe. I'd have to find out more about them, but the deer's fashion sense leaves much to be desired! One thing's for certain - If they were from Hendry, I would know.

"What do you mean suits? We couldn't be dressed less formal if we tried."
>"Well duh. You wouldn't just come down here wearing your cop uniforms, would you? It's called entrapment!"
"We're looking for aliens, why else would people be wandering around a corn field?"
>"No reason. Cornfields are in fashion right now. You ask a lot of questions."

"Well, do you two at least have names? where ya from?"
>"Blehhhhhh! Why should I tell you? I know my rights."
This is odd. He looks like me but he's so rude! Where is his Yooper hospitality? I thought we were alike, but that might not be the case after all.
"We're not cops, we're cool!"
>"You're just saying that because you don't have a warrant yet."
"How do I know you're not a cop? Mind if I give your ear a tug, to make sure there's no mask?"
>"You can't touch me, I invoke the fifth!"
He pokes his tongue out and gives me another 'blehhhhh'

I look at Nashi (Who seems to be getting acquainted with the funny smelling hare) and get the idea to play along.
*sigh* "I guess the jig is up, Nash. They got us all figured out. that I'm a shapeshifting dream dragon with a huge rack who won't show them my cool abilities, and that you're a wish granting foodie lake spirit."
"a-ah! don't tell them that!"
>"Aha! So, it's true! I knew there was something off! and now that I know..."
>>
No. 1068269 ID: 60841b
File 168983351997.png - (303.02KB , 800x600 , YQ44.png )
1068269

>"Well, it's whatever. You two seem cool, I guess. Looking to chill? There are a couple more of us, they went back to the van to get the good stuff - They should be back soon, so I guess we can hang out. What do you folks up here to for fun?"

...

Up here?
>>
No. 1068270 ID: e51896

Down Up North is what he meant by up here
>>
No. 1068272 ID: 8c8c4d

I know we should probably warn Nashi not to try The Good Stuff, but this is gonna be hilarious.

“We look down on all y’all from down… south, ‘cause your toilets flush the wrong way.”

Bring the good stuff over!
>>
No. 1068273 ID: 80c73b

I meaaaan. It feels kinda bad to let somebody so inexperienced with mortal bodies, who doesn't know anything about what they're getting into, get high.
>>
No. 1068275 ID: 6718dc

Drink, alien watch, guess you could go to a movie theater but most things would be starting to close this late. Bowling alleys I think are open pretty late.
>>
No. 1068278 ID: 443b73

Compared to us Nashi sure got lucky with her coincidental counterpart but let's slow things down a bit.

Her first experience with marijuana should not happen in a corn fiel we trespass at night looking for aliens. With her current anxieties she will get paranoid for sure.
If we are going to introduce her to it let's buy some pot for another day.

We also need to talk to her about her new friend's intentions. I guess she understand what he want from her, but just in case she doesn't get it, explain. Untimely it's her decision if she want to get intimate with this horny hare but that's probable too much for someone who never even masturbated before. I would advise her to pass his advances... for now...
>>
No. 1068279 ID: cad2c1

Play music, learn instruments, go on walks, avoid/visit weird people, canoe, or just go into a cornfield at night looking for aliens, but Nashi really shouldn't get high unless someone guides her so she doesn't freak out, she's got enough to worry about right now, maybe slow that down a bit.
>>
No. 1068290 ID: 34713f

"Well, we came out here - like specifically to this farm - to look at the crop circles. They're probably fake, but you never know. But in general? Not much - I only recently decided I needed to get out of the house more. It's pretty chill up here."
>>
No. 1068298 ID: f8083d

I concur, no drugs for Nashi, that's a recipe for disaster.
Just say she's never had her first yet, and one should never have their first with untrusted, untrustful people around.
>>
No. 1068301 ID: b1805a

>>1068269

Either he's one of them foul east-coasters, or he's a ... shit, what's it for LP again? Loopers? No, that was a film ...

Anyway, just gesture to the cornfield all around you with the most "u wot m8" expression you can muster, because obviously we're all doing this for fun. You know, standing in a cornfield. Because short of being big-breasted dream dragons and foodie lake spirits, there's really not much to do.

Unless one of them is secretly bigfoot.
>>
No. 1068302 ID: 60841b
File 168987100599.png - (335.37KB , 800x600 , YQ45.png )
1068302

>Down Up North is what he meant by up here.
Down? Up? North? Seems like an oxymoron to me.

>I know we should probably warn Nashi not to try The Good Stuff, but this is gonna be hilarious.
She's had plenty of good stuff already, pizza and soda to be exact. What other good stuff could they be meaning?

It takes me a moment to notice, but isn't that...

"Is that a WEEDIE?!"
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Want some? we brought it here from our place just under the bridge, so I bet it's better than anything you can get here."
"South?! I knew it! You're not good, honest Yoopers! You're - You're TROLLS!"
There is a momentary silence to let that sink in.
"I guess so, yeah."
"With WEEDIE!"
>"Ain't nothing wrong with weedie, it's perfectly safe."
"Liar! weedie makes you LAZY!"
"Eh.. Yeah she's got us there."
>"Still, what's the big problem? just let people enjoy things, unwind a little. Not like we're hurting anybody or forcing her."
"Can't you tell she still has a developing mind? And how do you know it isn’t going to cause her to freak out? No! No weedie!"
I mean she's probably thousands of years old but looks-wise she’s somewhere between 18 and 20-something.

Nashi seems conflicted and uncomfortable. On one hand it could help with the anxiety, and on the other hand, she's unfamiliar with this sort of substance and it could cause her to freak out. One thing I know is for certain - good friends don't let friends get peer pressured by strangers to smoke weedie!
>"Tch. And I thought you two were cool. C'mon bunny girl, don't listen to your lame friend - she doesn't know how to unwind. That, or you two can find your own corn field to get lost in."

It's no use, I'm taking Nashi and leaving. That, or I could call Mire over so she can chase these punks back under the bridge where they belong!
>>
No. 1068303 ID: e5709d

The science is clear; drugs aren't as evil as the PSAs say they are, but letting teenagers in their formulative years take unregulated amounts is confirmed to stunt them for life.
Stop making a fuss and leave.
>>
No. 1068304 ID: a463ab

I mean, I’m all for helping Nashi relax, but clearly Hazel doesn’t like this.

Let’s call in the BIG GUNS and have Mire deal with this. She’s always got our back!
>>
No. 1068305 ID: e51896

Get Mire. we came all this way for aliens, and we're not gonna leave thanks to these troublemakers ruining our fun
>>
No. 1068313 ID: 34713f

"I know how to relax, thank you, but if wanting to build a safe relationship with weedies and not ruin Nashi's first night out here and her relationship with the stuff with a bad trip is 'uncool,' then I'm the biggest square in the county!"
>>
No. 1068318 ID: 48c015

The fiend's artichoke!

Grab all of it and burn it! Burn it all! Burn it on the cleansing flames behind you!
>>
No. 1068327 ID: 138f58

Careful! Theres fire behind you! Did someone accidentally burn the cornfield with their cogarette?
>>
No. 1068349 ID: 44def3

Mire time. Protect Nashi with your body until she arrives. Nothing wrong with a blount now and again but peer pressure??? No way.
>>
No. 1068352 ID: a7a180

Go ahead, and call Mire, narc.
>>
No. 1068447 ID: cad2c1

"A little weed isn't terrible, but peer pressure is! She can make her own decisions, but spur of the moment, for the first time, in a cornfield, late at night? You're gonna REALLY give people some alien sightings to report on at that point."
>>
No. 1068448 ID: 273c18

>>1068302
Look, it's perfectly fine to not like drugs, but don't be mean to these guys. Just take Nashi and go. She probably doesn't understand what drugs even do, so you'd have to explain that to her before allowing her to try it. It's a decision that you really should only take while being fully informed, and we can't explain it to her in front of these guys, it'll be suspicious.
>>
No. 1068474 ID: 60841b
File 168995989029.png - (348.56KB , 800x600 , YQ46.png )
1068474

>Careful! Theres fire behind you!
Huh, it went out the moment I moved to look back at it. Must've been nothing.

I'll reserve judgement for Mire, who has had plenty of experience dealing with trolls in the past.

"HEY MIRE! WE GOT A COUPLE OF TROLLS OVER HERE!"

I wait, but not for long to get a distant response.

>"TROLLS?! WHERE?!"

I feel the ground begin to rumble as Mire begins to make her way over. She emerges from the cornfield wall, ready to teach these southern boys a lesson! We won't let their earthly peer pressures scare away the aliens!

"W-wait! We're cool! Honest!"
>"TROLLS!"
"We come in peace! We're good Trolls!"
>"The only good trolls are those that never leave from under their bridges!"

I avert my eyes. Mire tends to be pretty thorough in her lessons of physical education.
>>
No. 1068476 ID: 60841b
File 168995990652.png - (311.31KB , 800x600 , YQ47.png )
1068476

Not long after Mire showed up, I see Nifa and two other boys that I don't recognize.

"Hey Nifa! Who are these guys?"
>"The one without the shirt is my brother! He doesn't like wearing shirts. Don't know who the wolf guy is though."
Who is that wolf girl? She sure knows how to kick some ass... I wonder if she'd kick mine too...
>"Ew! – Anyway! - It's getting pretty late, don't you think Hazel? I thought the aliens would show themselves by now. Wanna wait a little more? Or should we go do something else instead? Could do a sleepover, or go to that party that's going on... Or go night swimming in the lake and see if any serial killers show up! I dunno. Whatcha feel like doing?"
>>
No. 1068477 ID: e51896

Patience. Lets wait for the aliens
>>
No. 1068479 ID: 48c015

Let us introduce ourselves to the new guys. Once we know them and what their deal is, let's invite the wierdos, the trolls, the squinty wolf girl and the spirit turned flesh to sing around the cornfield to welcome the aliens.
>>
No. 1068481 ID: 173639

Aliens, then night swimming.
>>
No. 1068483 ID: c6cf5d

Just a little more, and then we’ll retire.
>>
No. 1068484 ID: f914a5

Swimming! Nothing could possibly go wrong! Maybe you'll also gain Lake Spirit Insight?
>>
No. 1068501 ID: 443b73

I have no idea what's going on anymore, or what words even mean in this context.
>>
No. 1068584 ID: 60841b
File 169001109826.png - (229.27KB , 800x600 , YQ48.png )
1068584

>Wait for the aliens
Couldn't hurt, it's what we came for anyway. I've got so many questions for them, and I deserve answers!

We wait around for a few minutes while the crickets get real loud and the night sky becomes real pretty.

All of a sudden, a bright light appears from the corn! (And I’m pretty sure it’s not swamp gas this time!)
Mire pauses her activity, but only momentarily.
>"Woah. Aliens."
"I knew it! I knew they were real!"
"I never stopped believing! Can I get my wishes now? I wanna be a dragon!"

I can't believe it! They visitors are really here! What should I say? What should I do? Do I offer a gift? Do I go with them?

Everyone seems pretty shaken up by this, Except for Nifa and her brother, who're fairly relaxed all things considered.
Nashi grabs on to me.
>"Don't let them take me in this mortal form!"
>>
No. 1068586 ID: 273c18

>Nifa and her brother are pretty relaxed
Well either they've met the aliens before or... it's not aliens and they've set up a prank.

Reassure Nashi and tell her to shush. Try to see what's going on behind the glare.
>>
No. 1068589 ID: 7a2420

>>1068586
Agreed
>>
No. 1068604 ID: 90d5d6

It’s probably a lifted truck’s headlights. Hug Nashi!
>>
No. 1068609 ID: b1805a

>>1068584

Throw them off their game by boldly saying "We come in peace."
>>
No. 1068646 ID: a7a180

Go hide in the corn with her and watch while the others make history.
>>
No. 1068724 ID: 15a025

Invite them for a nice campfire
>>
No. 1068725 ID: 48c015

Tell Nahi to stay behind you. Offer the weedie and nachos to the aliens.
>>
No. 1068822 ID: 44def3

>>1068604
Literally no downsides here. Except looking the fool if it IS aliens. But it's not.
>>
No. 1068894 ID: 60841b
File 169030910225.png - (171.56KB , 800x600 , YQ49.png )
1068894

>Invite them for a nice campfire.
But we don't got a campfire! Plus, what if they take it the wrong way? I don't want them thinking we're primitive...

>Tell Nahi to stay behind you.
I pull Nashi in close, ready to protect her from being studied in an alien laboratory.

>Go hide in the corn with her and watch while the others make history.
And let them get all the glory? No way! What if they're giving out superpowers?


I assure Nashi that everything is fine as I try to go in for a closer look, and that's when I can see the shadowy silhouette of the alien, before us stands a tall and imposing figure - with huge alien antenna!

"W-we come in peace!"
The figure seems unphased by this.
>>
No. 1068895 ID: 60841b
File 169030912069.png - (231.29KB , 800x600 , YQ50.png )
1068895

That is when I hear a familiar voice speak out.

>"Hazel? Mire? Nifa? Who're the rest of y'all? What's going on here?"
The lights go out, and I can see that the alien has disguised itself as Donner, Hunter's oldest sister! That, or it's actually her."
"Looking for aliens... seen any?"
>"Aliens aren't real. You won't find any here."
"But what about the crop circles!"
>"What about them? Probably just some teenagers playing a prank. It ain't the first time something like this happened."
"How can you know for sure it isn’t aliens?"
>"Why would aliens bother us? The farms round here don't got no cows."
..."Dang. Well... what are you doing here?"
>"Taking a break. The party's getting real crowded for my liking."
"Party? What party?"
>"Dasher's birthday party, half the town is there at the farmhouse. Weren't you invited?"
"I uh... didn't check my email." I look over at Mire and Nifa who shrug. I guess they forgot to say something.
>"Well, whatever the case, I should take you there seeing as you're my responsibility now. cornfields at night ain't no place to be."
If there are no aliens here, I may as well. I should go pay Hunter a visit.
"What about these guys? Are they coming along?" The Trolls look around sheepishly. Seems they aren't opposed to coming along.
>"If you want em' to. I guess. Most of you will have to sit in the back though."
>>
No. 1068896 ID: aaca9d

Ask the trolls to explain at length how troll romance works.
>>
No. 1068897 ID: 75887d

>"Why would aliens bother us? The farms round here don't got no cows."

Is that racist against cows, considering this world has animal people?

Let go to that party.
>>
No. 1068898 ID: d3bf48

Hunter time!

Also thank goodness Dasher has company for the birthday party.
>>
No. 1068899 ID: f8083d

Let's not bring too much uninvited people to the party, it's not polite. Just go with your friends and bring Nashi along.
>>
No. 1068921 ID: cad2c1

Bring everyone, this isn't exactly a normal situation and besides you did get them beat up! They probably have ice to put on their boo-boos at the party.
>>
No. 1068985 ID: 44def3

Leave the trolls. Maybe you'll get lucky and the earth will swallow them up!
>>
No. 1069296 ID: 15a025

>>1068899
Agreed. Don't want anyone to crash the party after all.
>>
No. 1069518 ID: 60841b
File 169089010904.png - (380.75KB , 800x600 , YQ51.png )
1069518

>Ask the trolls to explain at length how troll romance works.
I dunno. Maybe it involves something gross like spitting in buckets.

>Is that racist against cows, considering this world has animal people?
There are animals and then there are animal people - they tell us in school that we shouldn't think about it too hard. Then there are those that don't have animal counterparts like Nashi.

>thank goodness Dasher has company for the birthday party.
He's got plenty of friends, like that fox kid I saw when they were riding down the sidewalk in that cart earlier today. He's a good kid, if not a bit mischievous.

>Hunter time!
That's right! I should pay him a visit. Knowing him, he doesn't like crowded parties that much - meaning he's found himself in a quiet room of the house watching some old movies or something.

I decide to leave the trolls behind, at least the ones that weren't invited or don't want to come that bad. I guess Nifa's brother can come. And maybe that wolf guy, who seems fine so long as he doesn't cause trouble. Looks like he digs Mire's style.

"Alright everyone! Let's get going!"
Nashi gives me my jacket back as we make our way to the truck.

>"It's cool... we didn't want to go to that lame party anyway."
"Yeah. We'll just wait here for the aliens, and when they come along to take us with them, you'll be sorry!... do any of you have a lighter?
"Mire has one. Don't forget to give it back, yeah?"
>"y-yeah..."
>>
No. 1069519 ID: 60841b
File 169089013261.png - (521.58KB , 800x600 , YQ52.png )
1069519

We all get onto the truck, which has quite a bit of room on the inside, but I decide to sit in the back. Nifa joins me.
>"Nyaaaaa... Sorry we couldn't find any aliens. I think our large group must've scared them off."
"It's ok. Sometimes you get what you want, other times you're left out to try. That's just life, I guess."
>"I still had fun though! Walking through the cornfield during sunset gives me a feeling that's hard to describe."
"I think I get that feeling too. I thought for sure those crop circles were alien made, but I guess not everything is as it seems."
>"To the contrary! At least from my experience, things are rarely as straightforward as they present themselves. Especially when it comes to the supernatural."
"Yeah? What about a wen-"
>"SHHHHH! Don't say it!"
"What?! You too? I can never catch a break!"

The truck pulls out of the cornfields in time for us to get a good view of a well-lit house on the horizon. This farmhouse of course belongs to Hunter and his extended family. I can see that guests are standing all around the property with cars parked up and down the road. The whole town must be here! That's to be expected, that’s usually what happens when it's somebody's birthday and nobody has much else to do. If I had known, I would have brought a birthday gift!

I see the tree out front that Hunter and I would climb all the time, happy to see it's still there.
>>
No. 1069520 ID: 60841b
File 169089015120.png - (340.88KB , 800x600 , YQ53.png )
1069520

I step off the truck and bring my guitar to show Hunter what Mire taught me today. We go towards the open garage which seems to be where the party is held, everyone is here - I even see Spotti! I didn't know she ever left the gas station counter. Nifa goes with her brother to meet up with her sister who already seems in attendance at the party. Mire and that wolf guy have been chatting it up since they got in the car, looks like they're going for a walk together. Donner goes off to mingle with other guests.

That just leaves me with Nashi. can't say I blame her for being clingy, she doesn't know anyone very well. Maybe I should introduce her to someone? She could use a new friend.

>"So..."
"Yes?"
>"I'm not... good with... people. One-on-one conversations when I'm the one in control are easy, but I don't do well with crowds. I didn't say much with those guys back there - I didn't know I would have as much trouble as I did interacting with strangers. I don't know what was going on with them but... I uh. Thanks for stepping in and doing... stuff."
"Any time, Nashi."
>"So... I've been meaning to talk to you about... the wish thing. I think I can turn back to my old self once you make your wish. So, I'd appreciate it if you would... think a little quicker about it and tell me."
"You want to leave so soon? But we just got here! and I need to introduce you to Hunter."
>"I don't need to leave right now but... soon would be nice. I don't think I could spend another day like this."

Nashi sniffs the air.

>"Is there pizza here?"
>>
No. 1069521 ID: c25054

>>1069520
Pizza, and cake and soda, with more probably. Mortals with their limited years tend to go a bit all out when celebrating the passage of one. Have a care with overdoing it on the chow, okay? She can pace herself - a bit - to make the good part last longer.

Bring her along to Dasher, introduce and give him a big ol’ huggograts. Claim you’ll make up your lack of gift later.

As for the wish… that you’d be able to meet again in your dreams could be a good one. Something where you can bring in others - with an invite. ChatVR for the unconscious mind.
>>
No. 1069522 ID: c25054

>>1069521
*Hunter, not Dasher.
>>
No. 1069525 ID: 5dde33

>>1069521
Why limit ourselves to sleepovers? Make the wish a way for us to invite Nashi over for pizza. There has to be a some kind of ritual for summoning pizza spirits. Er, lake spirits.

Yes, there’s pizza, and Spotti. Say hi to Spotti, Nashi!
>>
No. 1069526 ID: 739afa

You bet your fluffy ass there is pizza here! Dont worry about the people, we'll probably look for a quiet place to chill out.
>>
No. 1069527 ID: f14228

>>1069525
Couple factors to th esleepover thing, actually. In dreams, Hazel's previous shapechanging wish is in effect, so she can be a dream dragon - or whatever!

Plus dream stuff sounds less energy-intensive, i.e. would 'cost' Nashi less to grant. Plus if she gets anxious in situations where she's not in charge, at least it being invite-only and in a dreamland of her making is gonna mitigate that.
>>
No. 1069534 ID: e5709d

Mull the wish over with Nashi, but finalize before you drink a beer or something. Try to wish for Nashi to become a possessing spirit, so she can use this body until it dies without dying herself.
>>
No. 1069535 ID: 82842b

>>1069534
Kinda good point ngl.

As a sort of compromise (and before any Poor Choices/accidental Wishes get involved)

If possible, wish for her to be able to transform between both modes (Spirit and Solid) at will.

And perhaps the ability to grow stronger as a Spirit, if that's possible to sneak in...?

Or dont and Prepare for Unforeseen Consequences, who knows? :V
>>
No. 1069537 ID: 26a530

I bet you could wish Hunter's legs better.
>>
No. 1069542 ID: 3a16f1

>>1069520
Just ask Nashi if you can make a wish so that she can switch between being being a ghost and being made of flesh whenever she wants. That way she can come hang out and eat pizza whenever she wants.
>>
No. 1069555 ID: 273c18

>>1069520
>she wants your wish
Huh, I thought she needed more power? I guess she just had to wait, then? That's good.

Ok, wish is, you want your transformation power to work in the waking world--

>>1069537
Oh.

Yeah, we gotta wish for that. Heal Hunter's legs. Though I guess if Nashi can grant more wishes as a possessing-spirit then that's fine too. Whatever the case, Hunter's legs gotta get better at some point.
>>
No. 1069606 ID: fc8ab3

As wonderful as it would be to have that transforming thing for reals, healing Hunter's legs sounds too great to not pick. Alas. Maybe you can figure out how to get that transformy thing some other supernatural way.
>>
No. 1069616 ID: f14228

>"I don't know how much magic I have left, but I'm betting it's barely enough to turn me back."
Don't forget you have TWO wishes left and the first one should be for turning Nashi back. She said she needed most of her remaining magic for that. After that, you'll presumably only be able to wish for something small, since Nashi at one point revealed her wishes are only as strong as she is. Unless you can figure out a way to give Nashi a good ol' magic boost, that is!

Ah, and take into account that a miraculous healing outta nowhere might attract attention neither Hunter or Nashi'd want.

With low magic oomph, maybe a wish for a gradual natural-like recovery would be better as a nudge in the right direction? Some forms of disability are a matter of nerve bundles not being connected right and fixing that might be less work than allowing for, say, a continuous full-body transformation ability.

How did Hunter actually lose his ability to walk in the first place?
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No. 1069622 ID: e5709d

>>1069616
I'm going to agree. There might not be enough magic to fix Nashi if she uses a big one on Hunter.
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No. 1069625 ID: f2320a

>>1069520
There is more soda then all the water in a mortals body in many flavors and there is pizza of all kinds wnd burgers and cheese triangles.
The fairy thing said she could gain power by eating pethaps getting fat counts as a sacrefice
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No. 1069661 ID: 44def3

>>1069616
This seems smart. Have fun at the party with her, then in the morning do these
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No. 1069670 ID: 273c18

If we turn her back first, she'll only be able to influence the dream world, as I understand it.
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No. 1069782 ID: c37138

Surely as a shapeshifting dragon you will be able to make both Hunter and Nashi happy. Having a dragon for a friend is pretty top of the line.
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No. 1069812 ID: 15a025

There's probably stuff even better than pizza here. Introduce her to cake and ice cream!
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No. 1069896 ID: f7f1b0

So, my impression of the wish thing was like, imagine that you, yourself, promised to do something for somebody else. Saying that doesn't actually make you capable of anything you couldn't otherwise do, it just indebts you to that person. Is that how this works, here?
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No. 1069914 ID: 34713f

>>1069616
Still think your last wish can be used cost-effectively on a power with intangible effects, like glimpsing leads on secrets or impending adventures you've yet to uncover in your dreams.
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No. 1070678 ID: 47bc09

>>1069520
we could try wishing our dude's legs back. would be a nice thing to do.
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No. 1070709 ID: 8f9bc4

A happy dream of having something he can't get back again doesn't seem like a good wish.

Anyway tempt Nashi towards the mortal side with pizza.
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No. 1070749 ID: 918cdb

What if we wish for "a chance to make Nashi much more powerful." It will an opportunity for a grand and amazing adventure.

Also, ask Donner why she has antlers.
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No. 1070763 ID: 4e8375

>>1070749
Coloration is in line for her to be a caribou. A species where the doe also grow antlers.
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No. 1075877 ID: 9d12b8
File 169861393002.png - (330.78KB , 800x600 , YQ54.png )
1075877

>Try to wish for Nashi to become a possessing spirit, so she can use this body until it dies without dying herself.
Sounds interesting! though I don't know how I'd feel letting someone like her borrow my body, I get the feeling she wouldn't be responsible with it!

>sleepover
Not out of the question, It'd certainly solve the issue of how I'm getting home.

>How did Hunter actually lose his ability to walk in the first place?
It was a diving accident where he was high up and trying to show off. It's a big shame too, he was very athletic and sporty back then - nothing like how he is now. he doesn't let it get him down though, he's a much more positive person now and keeps better company.

>ask Donner why she has antlers.
I know why, because lady reindeer have antlers! good think I'm just a regular deer so I don't have to carry those heavy things everywhere.

"There's plenty of pizza! you go on ahead, take as much as you like - but don't touch any beer or anything. I haven't forgotten about the wish, I'll think of something once we've mingled a bit."
>"I'll be at the pizza altar, call me over when we're ready to talk."


Nifa spots someone she recognizes at the party and becomes elated. She runs over, the cat she met up with earlier following short behind.
>"Hazel! check it out! my brother and sister are here, we got the whole family together!"
Are they blood related? I don't think so. I always figured there was some kind of adoption situation going on there. either way it's nice to see that she's happy with the arrangement.
"Nice meeting you, Hazel."
"Mee-row! Check me out. I'm a dragon now"
>"Awesome! I have a dragon for a sister now!"
What an eccentric bunch. Except for the brother, who seems to be the normal one, sans the lack of shirt.
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No. 1075878 ID: 9d12b8
File 169861396702.png - (415.26KB , 800x600 , YQ55.png )
1075878

And look who else is here! Spotti from the convenience store seems to be hissing and fighting over a bag of garbage with some other animal person. There is also a tall lady who seems to be on the sanitary side of the conflict.

In the punch bowl looks like that 8-ball demon from earlier, good to see whatever it is doing well.
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No. 1075879 ID: 9d12b8
File 169861400730.png - (496.89KB , 800x600 , YQ56.png )
1075879

I see Dasher at the table with all his friends, celebrating and having a good time. Maybe if I avoid him I don't have to explain why I didn't get him a present.

I can even see various town folk, some I know well and others not so much. You got the pizza guy with the saturated uniform, and those musicians who are usually nude but are thankfully following the clothing policy.
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No. 1075880 ID: 9d12b8
File 169861403746.png - (365.04KB , 800x600 , YQ57.png )
1075880

After looking around a bit I find Mire, she's sitting down in a quiet corner with that wolf guy from earlier, the one wearing that jacket with that picture of a lobster on the back. Both seem to be getting along well - Mire is on her phone making small talk while he keeps saying 'I drive' over and over again.

I see Nashi going around and sampling pizzas and cake, she's having a good time doing that at least. She's still shy but at least she isn't clinging to me for the time being.

>I bet you could wish Hunter's legs better.
Say... I suppose that is possible! he's spent so much time inside since the accident, this might be the thing that can help get him out more. I should see how he's doing. I can introduce him to Nashi but that'll come later.
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No. 1075881 ID: 9d12b8
File 169861407342.png - (504.19KB , 800x600 , YQ58.png )
1075881

I walk into the house, through the spacious corridor and into the kitchen, which has people coming in and out to fetch various things. next to the kitchen is the living room, blocked off and quiet, a large folding door is cracked open lightly. It's easy to guess that this is where Hunter is, he likes to find a nice cosy space to spend by himself or with company. It's dark in here and the only thing illuminating the room is the screen of an old TV.

>"HAZEL! There you are! I was wondering when you'd show up!"
"Hunter! It's nice to -..."
Wait... Is that...? It couldn't be - Koara?!
"Well Look who it is! Fancy seeing you again!"
Oh god... she's... wearing the suit...
>"Oh! You two have met? great! Hey, would you like to play some old games with me? I got a spare controller around in that box there. the buttons are a little sticky though."
"Yeah, join us! There's enough room on the couch to squeeze you in."
What an awful predicament. I want to spend time with Hunter, but she's in the way...
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No. 1075882 ID: a7a180

If you can't beat her, sit on her!
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No. 1075884 ID: e51896

tell Koara that there's a new meteor quest update. that ought to get her out of her seat and see the new update.
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No. 1075886 ID: 5c3e71

>>1075884
This
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No. 1075887 ID: dd3fe0

>>1075877

There's structures for possession to make sense in a consensual way. Having an 'internal world' that's sort of like a souped-up memory palace, where those who are not 'fronting' can watch what's going on with the body in a movie theater, and enjoy entertainments based off of memories and subconscious, and have a sci-fi helmet thing that let's you get up to speed with what the other person was doing while you weren't paying attention. Have an agreement set up where you swap back and forth, where there are standards of what to do or not do with the body, and people get to spend time doing the activities that are most important to them, and you all negotiate on big decisions. Encourage the ability to 'co-front', like you are pilot and copilot sometimes, even if that is energy-intensive, to be used when the effort is worth it.
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No. 1075888 ID: b1805a

>>1075881

Do it for Hunter.
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No. 1075956 ID: 9d12b8
File 169868590338.png - (361.76KB , 800x600 , YQ59.png )
1075956

>If you can't beat her, sit on her!
I don't want to be near her, much less on her!

>tell Koara that there's a new meteor quest update. that ought to get her out of her seat and see the new update.
"You know, there's a new meteor quest episode out. Why don't you go check it out?"
"Really? woah, so much has changed since I got out of prison. the world on the outside is so much more different than it was back then."
>"A new meteor quest episode? I don't think so, I checked this morning and it's still on hiatus. I think you're getting something mixed up!"
Darn it Hunter!

>Do it for hunter.
I uh... ugh. Alright. I'll do it for Hunter.

I approach the couch and Koara scooches over, but not nearly enough to the point where our ears aren't touching. I sit down between the two, feeling small in comparison to these giants. I can hear the occasional squeak of the latex suit.

We play an old game for about ten minutes while I wonder what to do. I want to talk to Hunter about the wish, but I really can't do that with Koara around - she might want in on it. What would she even wish for?

She leans over and whispers to me

"How're you feeling? comfortable?"
"I guess. Seems you get along well with Hunter"
"Oh sure. But I get the feeling he's much better friends with you, we've only just met."
"I guess. Why are we whispering?"
"Would you like me to go? I can tell you don't like me that much."
"Oh. Koara, I..."
"It's cool. I need a smoke break anyway. and a beer. and a stranger's house to crash in for the night. I'm not the best at reading every room, but I can tell you want space."
"You can? How?"
"Cuz' you keep making that face!"
"What face?"
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No. 1075957 ID: fb8a42

Thank her for reading the room correctly, but change your expression to something more pleasant so Hunter doesn’t think you’re chasing her off. Maybe do a Nashi impression?
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No. 1075959 ID: f14228

Well, that definitely feels like you're chasing her away. That don't feel too right. So sigh and ask her why.

Why what?

Why she's so... herself. You got opinions on it, but maybe you're just not giving her a fair shake. You're friends with some other folks with special interests just fine (more special than you'd hazarded this morning, even), so it's not like you should be all that judgemental about hers. Except you are. Maybe you just don't get it. Is it worth it?

Like, you get having hobbies, you get having weird impulses and dreams - who doesn't want to be a dragon, amiright? - but latex gear, bumming about, acting cray, all that? How'd she end up so... far out?

You do want a one-on-one chat with Hunter though, so if she'll scoot along you'll (begrudgingly) offer to help her later look for someone who might have a room (or extremely begrudgingly offer your guest room/sofa if that fails). You don't like her, but you don't want to be a bint to most anyone, excepting outright trolls. And if she's reading the room and offering to go... you guess she ain't that, at least.
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No. 1075984 ID: 273c18

>>1075956
Tell her you wanted to talk to Hunter about something in private.
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No. 1076022 ID: d06299

Turn that frown upside down! lie and say you don't hate her. It's fine!
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No. 1076026 ID: 124485

>>1075956
>I want to talk to Hunter about the wish
Careful. Don't get his hopes up, if you aren't 100% sure that Nashi can grant the wish!
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No. 1076390 ID: 5ebaa3

I mean. In situations like this my best bet is apologetic appreciation.

I don't think we have time to get into a whole whispered conversation right now, but maybe we can add a tally to her favor, for the future.
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No. 1076473 ID: 15a025

Thank her for reading the room, but tell her it's not because you don't like her. It's just you were hoping to speak with Hunter in private.
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No. 1076602 ID: af7615

Warning: in my experience, pretending you like someone leads both to having to hang out with them more than you otherwise would, and also makes it worse when the truth comes out
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No. 1076604 ID: 8f9bc4

Couldn't it at least be a nylon suit? Or spandex? Latex is just so annoyingly... squeaky!
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No. 1077107 ID: 34713f

I still say a dream-oracle power for finding adventures is less likely to incur too much of a cost for our third wish (as it doesn't require anything physically tangible), and could show us more opportunities for fixing ya boi's legs. (Heck, even without help, magic's apparently something you can practically trip over around here, it seems.)
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