telepathically ask brigid to find a reason to double back and join you, without alerting your aunt to the fact that something's up. it'd be good to have backup.

The other two probably arent even five feet away from the door yet, just throw something at the door really hard, make some noise, push the damn nurse call button.

1/3 quietCrisis 2018/08/31(Fri)19:01 No. 899852 ID: bd5c42
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"UHHHHHHH, BRIGID?" I call out loud, slamming the nurse call button repeatedly. I wish I could just shoot my thoughts into her head, but unfortunately, that road only goes one way. "BRIGID? TROUBLE."

"Shit," Kimiko hisses. "No don't bother- fuck it."

2/3 quietCrisis 2018/08/31(Fri)19:02 No. 899853 ID: bd5c42
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Brigid all but knocks down the door getting back into the hotel room, Aunt Elena at her heels, and a nurse following shortly after. I nearly startle out of bed at the noise

"What's wrong?" she demands, glance shooting around the room, but seeing nothing.

"Um," I reply, perplexed. "What do you mean, what's wrong? I'm fine."

The nurse pushes his way into the room, brow furrowed.

"You pushed the call button."

"No, I didn't," I say.

I really have no idea what he's talking about.

"I'm okay," I repeat slowly. "What's going on?"

The nurse frowns and turns to leave.

"You should only push that button if you actually need help," he explains in a tone far too patronizing for my liking. "We have a lot of patients to attend to."

Aunt Elena shakes her head and quietly slips out of the room. Brigid stays.

"Petra," says Brigid flatly. "You shouted for me. What the hell happened?"

Good question.

3/3 quietCrisis 2018/08/31(Fri)19:03 No. 899855 ID: bd5c42
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Apropos of nothing, now seems like a good time to talk about Sentinel colors, powers, and weapons. Because I'm thinking this has something to do with that.

From what I've come to understand, mostly from Mr. Lane, Sentinels usually don't have the same weapon as their predecessors, and they don't even necessarily need to be the same TYPE of weapon. What is consistent, though, is their role in a combat situation. For instance: Brigid has a pair of crystal brass knuckles, while her father had a blunt baton, but both of them are the tanks of the group. Cyan is always a DPS type, but doesn't always have a precision melee weapon, and Magenta is always a healer, but doesn't always have a blunt melee weapon. I didn't know Sentinel Key existed until literally tonight, but. I have to guess based on what you've given me and what I've seen that she's supposed to be a sniper.

But that doesn't seem particularly well-adapted for solo work.

In addition, Sentinels usually have two powers that, near as I can tell, are the same in every generation. Brigid has classified these into "elemental" powers and "psychic powers," built for use in and outside of battle, respectively. Here's a quick mental chart, if that makes this easier.

Color--------------Element-------------Psychic
Magenta------Heart (healing/buffs)-----Spirit contact
Cyan----------------Water--------------Demon sense (type and location)
Yellow--------------Fire---------------Telepathy (broadcast only)

I have no idea what Key's powers are, but I have to hazard that they have something to do with what happened to the demon at the library, right?

if key is a sniper, maybe it's a power that helps her keep hidden? some sort of invisibility and memory erasure? or something that masks or erases her presence entirely. that could explain why she popped up so suddenly, but why she broke in through the window.

also sentinel key is in your room right now, and broke the window. is that window still broken? maybe have brigid use her telepathic powers to broadcast a message to key?

>"Petra," says Brigid flatly. "You shouted for me. What the hell happened?"
>Good question.
Key showed up as soon as you were alone. You pressed the call button and called for Brigid.

...and then you forgot it happened and she disappeared. I guess we know one of her powers. Some kind of selective amnesia or preternatural stealth. Or teleportation. Or some kind of retcon power so she was never here, but I'd really hope the sniper with a grudge can't roll back time when it's convenient for her.

Since she bugged out instead of shooting you my guess is she was here to talk instead of finishing the job.

gonna go out on a limb here and say that key's element is shadow, and she's got stealth powers. seconding checking out the window, and asking brigid to try and telepathically ping anyone who could be hidden in the room.

>>899858
Yeah, and check the window, she busted in through there. If it's whole, she's got a ranged mulligan and that's pretty fucking scary. Unless it's some sort of illusion, though even that's pretty bad if it's this convincing. I hope she's leaving your mind alone, even if the alternative is time travel.

Anyway, it's a fair guess by her reaction Kimiko was there to talk, but if it just ended with that I'd be very surprised.

So what's the chance Brigid would believe all that? Or you for that matter? It's a lot.

1/3 quietCrisis 2018/09/02(Sun)18:06 No. 900161 ID: bd5c42
File 153593680390.png - (153.88KB , 600x600 , 45.png )

>A lot of messages to the effect of "Sentinel Key was here and you forgot her."

>Yeah, and check the window, she busted in through there. If it's whole, she's got a ranged mulligan and that's pretty fucking scar

What, no, the window's f-

fine.

Oh, what the FUCK.

I take a moment to collect myself.

"The spirits say Key was here. Broke in through the window. But I don't...I don't remember that at all. I think maybe...she has some sort of stealth power. Or memory? I don't...I don't really know."

2/3 quietCrisis 2018/09/02(Sun)18:07 No. 900162 ID: bd5c42
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The door swings open AGAIN. Honestly, I'm getting pretty sick of this. Imani closes the door behind her, still rubbing her eyes. Bundled up in her arms is Zoloft. I don't even WANT to know how Imani got Zo into the hospital.

"I heard a commotion," she starts, before her eyes settle on the other side of the room. "Uh. Petra, did you break the window?"

I groan, and the two of us catch her up.

--

"Okay," Imani says slowly, when we've finished. "That seems...bad."

"Understatement of the century," mutters Brigid. "If it's even true."

"Brigid," I say, frowning. "I don't think the spirits would lie to me. They have no reason to."

"They have no reason not to," she retorts. "I mean, we don't even really know what they want out of this, anyway."

Guh. Don't listen to her. She's just stressed.

Zoloft stirs and jumps out of Imani's arms, balancing precariously on the back of my bed. Imani frowns.

3/3 quietCrisis 2018/09/02(Sun)18:08 No. 900163 ID: bd5c42
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"We'd like to know with whom we have the pleasure of speaking," Zoloft says in a soft, human voice. There's a bit of an echo to it, as if she was speaking in a large, empty concert hall.

"What," I squeak.

"Not you," the voice coming from my cat continues. "Them. I do not hold conversations with people I cannot put names and colors to. Eras wouldn't hurt either."

I WOULD UH. I WOULD LIKE TO CLARIFY THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR MY COMPLETELY ORDINARY THERAPY CAT. THIS BEHAVIOR IS, IN FACT, MAKING ME CONSIDERABLY MORE STRESSED.

This is a good opportunity to develop more about your Sentinel personas, if interested! Sentinels have existed throughout human history, so the only time periods off limits are the current generation and the group functioning through the 80's and early 90's (already spoken for, whoops.) And also the 1430s, for...reasons. For anyone who wants to retcon references to modern stuff they've already made, they can do that, but there was probably also a team active from the late 90's to the 2000's before Petra and her team came of age, so that's an option too. Have fun!

sentinel key from the 70s checking in. not sharing my real name. i don't trust a talking cat that easily.

sentinel yellow from the 1920's, at your service! just gonna go by F, if it's all the same to you.

I am sentinel yellow and I hail from the land of Hellas! It has been a long time, and my memories are rather hazy. I believe my name was Calix. I remember slaying many monsters of legend with my comrades, and keeping the people of our home safe. Some people thought us demi-gods, but we are just as human as you.

I remember fighting with a hoplon and a spear, and I could summon my homelands special fire: it burnt, even upon water.

It is an honor to serve alongside the sentinels even in death! May you come back with your shield, or come back on it.

Well, I was a Sentinel Magenta. I'm not exactly sure when but the hospitals and schools didn't look much like these. You asked for a name, so I go by Alex. Good to meet you, Zoloft? Assuming that's the name you keep for yourself.

Uh and Petra? Think this through. Magic and demons are your life. So your cat talks? Maybe it'll be cool. Like a mascot! Or at least not horrifying.
And maybe we should talk to Brigid some time. But later. Of course.

Hi I'm kome naaah, I'll play along.

This is Copernicus Nine, and I'm not a sentinel. I'm an ex-supervillain. Relax, I went legit.

I'm a cyborg with some demon-based technology to keep my body from pushing my implants out of their sockets. Most of this stuff is obsolete, but the magic broadcast thing still works.

1/3 quietCrisis 2018/09/06(Thu)13:09 No. 900703 ID: bd5c42
File 153626459531.png - (87.28KB , 600x600 , 48.png )

>Uh and Petra? Think this through. Magic and demons are your life. So your cat talks? Maybe it'll be cool. Like a mascot! Or at least not horrifying.

This is a nice thought, but usually shit getting weird in my life is followed by said shit trying to kill me. So I don't know how I feel about this.

Zoloft sits down on the headboard and licks her paw.

>Spirit Roll Call

"It's our pleasure," Zoloft says, in a way that I might have called "dry" if I didn't know any better.

2/3 quietCrisis 2018/09/06(Thu)13:10 No. 900704 ID: bd5c42
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Brigid and Imani shoot each other a nervous glance. I guess this must be confusing for them, since they can't hear you.

"Zoloft?" I ask, sounding a little choked. "Uh. Could you talk this whole time, or is this, like, a new thing?"

"We are not your cat, Sentinel Magenta," she...it? replies. "We would prefer not to be called after your ridiculous human medicines."

Frankly, I resent that, but now doesn't seem the time to debate the importance of psychiatric medications.

"Okay," I mutter. "What are you, then? If you're, like, a demon, I'd really prefer it if you'd get out of my cat."

"We aren't a demon," Zoloft says, before hopping off into my lap and immediately going to sleep.

3/3 quietCrisis 2018/09/06(Thu)13:11 No. 900705 ID: bd5c42
File 153626466553.png - (158.60KB , 600x600 , 50.png )

"But you can call us Janus, if you must," says Brigid suddenly. "Is this form preferable to you, Sentinel Magenta?"

"No!" I squeak. "That's MUCH worse!"

Janus shrugs Brigid's shoulders and takes off her hat so it can straighten her hair. Seems like Janus isn't GOING anywhere, so I might as well interrogate it.

>>900705

yeah, this is worse. tell whatever that thing is to go back to the cat.

also, the fact that they're named after a god who's become synonymous with two-faced traitors doesn't make me inclined to trust them at all.

Can the spirit check the vitals and bacterial colonies of whatever they're possessing? Because I'm thinking we can just capture a few mice and take the one without any diseases.

So, on to the big question: Why Sentinel Key?
- Why the hell does the team use the CYMK color scheme and not, oh say, whatever dogma the magical girls are indoctrinated to respect, like their national flag?
- Why did Hinata defect / go rogue? I mean, sure the old Mag might have been a backstabbing &!+(# but that's no excuse to execute a defenseless, powerless retiree.
- Why do the Koizumis still retain their powers despite being labeled as murderers?
- And what kind of BEEF does Kimiko have that she would track down a stranger who took up the mantle and is doing the best they can to live up to their job?

Slay this foul beast, sentinel magenta! This foul trickster is a god of the Romans! Nothing good will come of having its fickle favor.

>"Brigid," I say, frowning. "I don't think the spirits would lie to me. They have no reason to."
>"They have no reason not to," she retorts. "I mean, we don't even really know what they want out of this, anyway."
I'll point out we're a group of people talking in your head essentially in front of you. A lie would require coordination which is sort of difficult in these circumstances. How can we lie effectively if you're going to hear us arguing about it, or any one of us could break ranks and speak their mind?

Also what we get out of it is pretty easy. Being dead is boring, life is interesting, and we've generally decided helping is a better alternative to watching things happen passively. There's value in being part of something, you know?

>>900705
Rude, Janus, you're cutting out one of the participants of the conversation.

Okay having the name of the two-faced god is worrying, but less than you stealing the body of Petra's friend. Please leave it, and go back to the cat. And then please do not take over an ally's body again, unless no other option is available. At the very least.

Then could you tell us why you're here and what you want?

tell it to go back into the cat - also, ask it what the FUCK is it doing anyway?

1/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/12(Wed)13:56 No. 901477 ID: ce950c
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>Slay this foul beast, sentinel magenta! This foul trickster is a god of the Romans! Nothing good will come of having its fickle favor.

Well, I'm not going to do that while it's in my friend OR my cat.

>tell it to go back into the cat

"We don't need to be told twice," says Janus. "We thought perhaps the face of a friend would be more comforting to you, but we can see that we misread."

Brigid stumbles, and Imani catches her fall. She looks deeply, deeply distressed.

Zoloft hops into my arms.

2/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/12(Wed)13:56 No. 901479 ID: ce950c
File 153678581282.png - (139.20KB , 600x600 , 52.png )

>also, ask it what the FUCK is it doing anyway?

"We have been observing since the Sentinels began," Janus says with Zoloft's mouth. "It hasn't been until now that the situation warrented intervention. We must take responsibility for what we created, mustn't we?"

>Why the hell does the team use the CYMK color scheme and not, oh say, whatever dogma the magical girls are indoctrinated to respect, like their national flag?

"Sentinels don't have national loyalties," says Janus with barely disguised disdain. "Petty human borders. Don't make us laugh. It makes far more sense to pattern yourselves after the fundamental nature of images, doesn't it?"

>Why did Hinata defect / go rogue? I mean, sure the old Mag might have been a backstabbing &!+(# but that's no excuse to execute a defenseless, powerless retiree.
>Why do the Koizumis still retain their powers despite being labeled as murderers?
>And what kind of BEEF does Kimiko have that she would track down a stranger who took up the mantle and is doing the best they can to live up to their job?

"We have no way of knowing what is going on in Sentinel Key's head," says Janus. "And we understand that her retaining her powers is...troubling."

"Troubling?" Brigid wheezes. "She nearly killed Petra!"

"Yes, well, as we were saying. If it helps in any way, Hinata Koizumi does not retain her powers. One can hardly have two Sentinel Keys running around. In any case, the best of our understanding is that the former Sentinels Magenta and Key had a disagreement of philosophy. The current Sentinel Key is likely following orders from her mother."

"A disagreement of philosophy hardly seems like a justification for murdering your best friend," Imani says dryly. "No offense, Petra."

"None taken," I mutter. It still seems weird. I keep getting bits and pieces from people who knew them, but none of it seems to make any goddamn sense.

"Hey," Brigid adds. "If you created the Sentinels, and you're so goddamn worried about Koizumi, why can't you just fucking take away her powers?"

Janus looks almost...uncomfortable. As far as a cat can look uncomfortable, anyway.

"We...er...no longer have that authority," it says slowly. "We lost our direct control over the powers of the Sentinels shortly after their creation."

"Convenient," Brigid mutters.

Imani sighs.

"As enlightening as this is, can we just cut to the chase? You're worried about the Koizumis, I guess? What do you want us to do about it?"

"We will not sugarcoat this," Janus replies frankly. "As long as Sentinel Key remains on the board, she is a threat to everything you fight to protect. She needs to be removed from the equation."

what makes a sentinel have to pass their powers on to someone else? why not find a way to make a new key and strip hinata of her powers?

also, this sounds like a good time to bring up that hinata may still be in the room.

I do not believe we should do anything this trickster tells us! If it wishes to see your Sentinel Key removed, then it is only to further its own agenda! I understand that you are in a disagreement with your Key, but the Key I knew was loyal and true! We need to discover this foul tricksters agenda so we may know whether or not it aligns with that of the Sentinels.

It is no easy thing to be on the wrong side of a battle. It is not a mistake I would wish on you, Sentinel Magenta. This Roman god is drawing sides. Do not feel indebted to it because it claims to have created you. Even Cronus ate his own children. The attentions of gods are fickle at best, and this Janus is not your friend.

>petty human boarders
>fundamental nature of images
You're talking about a tiny segment of an entire spectrum that represents a single perception standard across a limited number of layers, one that is invisible to specific people. That means the color scheme relates to a VERY specific target audience anyway.

>Deal with Key
Already planning on it. Non-lethal approach may be viable if we can steal her powers. Are the power sources limited by inheritance or just plain genetically inherent?

>Philosophical Differences
You sure? It sounded like Magenta Senior screwed the Koizumis over. Could you elaborate?

>It makes far more sense to pattern yourselves after the fundamental nature of images, doesn't it?
If images and their printing blocks were something fundamental and not an artifice of human perception and biology, perhaps.

>"We will not sugarcoat this," Janus replies frankly. "As long as Sentinel Key remains on the board, she is a threat to everything you fight to protect. She needs to be removed from the equation."
No offense, but we're operating on very little information and no preestablished trust. If you want the sentinels to enact your preferred outcome (especially when that's killing someone), and not do whatever they decide is in their best interest, you're going to need to earn that trust, or start filling in more blanks.

It doesn't matter what the "disagreement" was. The last Key was a murderer, and the current Key is an attempted murderer. She would be stopped regardless of whatever the last Magenta did, as Petra is innocent.

If a non-lethal approach is possible I will not fight it, but if not, there is nothing wrong with ending Key's life. Not that I don't understand that it's not easy to kill. But self-defense is no sin.

Good to hear about not being a nationalist organization long after it started, though.

ain't that just a kick in the head. why does this here varmint want you to murder the gal insteada tryin to fix things? if 'es been a-watchin' the sentinels this whole time, he should know what done happened between your ma and her ma. why doesn't he tell y'all and help ya figure out how ta make peace with your Key?
philosophical differences my ass. why's he all intentionally vague? now i may be just a simple ole 1870 cyan but i know a real bastard when i see one.

>>901504
(Janus isn't a trickster god, he's a god of transition and time. He's called the 'two-faced god' because he literally has two faces; one that looks to the future, the other to the past.)

We need to gather more info about this whole situation. If you can tell any more about the situation between the parents, Janus, that'd be appreciated.

Even that aside, we should keep an eye out for her and make contingencies for her appearance. We're operating on precious little info, and I'm not a fan of making moves before I know all the details. It's how I kicked the bucket as a Sentinel Cyan (blame a moment of emotional weakness, 1889 was a rough year) and I hate risking repeating it, even now.

>>901556

That's what the Romans WANT you to think! Do not fall for their lies, my friend!

1/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/17(Mon)15:57 No. 902127 ID: ce950c
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>Various expressions of "uh, no!"

"What," I stammer, "are you fucking kidding me? I'm not going to murder someone on the orders of someone or something I just met!"

Janus tsks under its breath.

>We need to gather more info about this whole situation. If you can tell any more about the situation between the parents, Janus, that'd be appreciated.

"We've told you what we know," it says utterly unhelpfully. "We cannot be watching all the time. We have other duties to attend to that do not involve the personal business of humans and Sentinels."

"Listen up, motherfucker," Brigid growls, disentangling herself from Imani's arms. "If you're gonna come into this room and start making demands of us, you better be willing to give us more than that to go on!"

"Brigid," Imani murmurs. "It may be best not to strangle Petra's cat."

>Are the power sources limited by inheritance or just plain genetically inherent?

>what makes a sentinel have to pass their powers on to someone else? why not find a way to make a new key and strip hinata of her powers?

"Was this not told to you?" Janus complains. "Tsk. When a Sentinel perishes or willingly relinquishes their power, the power seeks out a new host, usually one around the age of eighteen. The power has a certain tendency to choose hosts with which it is already familiar; descendants, adoptive children, or children of friends are common, although it may also go for a total stranger if it cannot find anyone suitable. So, you can see that the only reliable way to strip Sentinel Key of her powers would be to kill her."

>No offense, but we're operating on very little information and no preestablished trust. If you want the sentinels to enact your preferred outcome (especially when that's killing someone), and not do whatever they decide is in their best interest, you're going to need to earn that trust, or start filling in more blanks.

Janus sighs.

"We can see that this will be a harder sell than we anticipated," it mutters. "Ah, well. You will need something to do while Sentinel Magenta recovers from her injury, in any case. I will be in contact."

"Is this a bad time to mention that Key might still be in here?" I interrupt.

"Yes," says Janus flatly. "And she is long gone. I would know if another sentinel was present, even one with her abilities."

"Her abilities?" I ask. "Wait, do you know what her powers are?"

Zoloft meows at me and goes to sleep.

"I'm going to fucking kill that thing," Brigid says.

I'm not inclined to disagree.

2/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/17(Mon)15:58 No. 902128 ID: ce950c
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The hospital wants me in physical therapy for months. My aunt agrees. Neither of them know that I probably won't need it. My arm aches less every day. It takes me a week of pushing the issue before they let me check myself out of the hospital. They roll me out in a hospital-issued wheelchair, which I find a little fucking patronizing. When I get out the front door, I'm greeted to a familiar face.

"Hey, twinsies!" says Roni, beaming at me from a wheelchair of her own as I climb out of mine. Hers doesn't look hospital-issue though. Seems like it belongs to her. "I didn't know you were getting out today, too. Petra, right? I'm Roni, you know, from-"

"Temple," I finish, a little perplexed.

"Right!" she replies. "I heard you were at the library during the gas leak, too. Scary, right? I'm just really glad nobody died or anything, but I'm really sorry you got hurt!"

God, this is a weird conversation.

An ally from your temple of worship! A blessing from your divine, surely! We should be grateful for her company. Perhaps she has come to deliver unto us news, or a blessing?

>>902138

This is a general notice that this kind of language for developmental disabilities is completely fucking unacceptable and I won't have it in my thread. I have a zero tolerance policy on this. I've seen you behave this way in other threads before, and you are no longer welcome in this thread.

....hey, talk to her about what shes seen. it could be useful!

Remember to mention the rebar. Ask what's up, I guess? Maybe if she somehow saw Kimiko? Or if she knows her? Because she's an old friend and you saw her nearby the school and hope she's alright.

Wow that plan took a lot to put together.

yeah, definitely find a way to steer the conversation towards her experience at the library, though i feel like asking straight out might come off a little ghoulish. she seems more than willing to discuss it, though!

>So, you can see that the only reliable way to strip Sentinel Key of her powers would be to kill her.
Well, it's arguably more expedient than compelling her to surrender them... but seeking some solution to the underlying conflict could also be possible.

>"Her abilities?" I ask. "Wait, do you know what her powers are?"
>Zoloft meows at me and goes to sleep.
Hmm. Odd that Janus clammed up. If it wanted Key dead, making sure you knew her strengths and weaknesses and the exact details of her power would serve that end.

Either Janus is just being petty over our suspicion, or it's not after what it claimed.

>They roll me out in a hospital-issued wheelchair, which I find a little fucking patronizing.
If it makes you feel better, it likely wasn't person, and they probably didn't have a choice. Between liability and insurance and policy sometimes choices are limited if you don't want to leave yourself open to a lawsuit, or insurance finding an excuse to not pay up.

>God, this is a weird conversation.
You helped her, even if she can't remember the particulars, and now she's well and able to talk to you. That's a good thing overall, isn't it?

Perhaps agree that it was scary, and reassure her you'll be all right.

1/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/19(Wed)15:13 No. 902388 ID: ce950c
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It's not that I don't WANT to talk to Roni. I mean, she's really nice, and kinda cute, not gonna lie, but...

I've just never had a face-to-face conversation with someone I saved before.

>Perhaps agree that it was scary, and reassure her you'll be all right.

>Remember to mention the rebar. Ask what's up, I guess? Maybe if she somehow saw Kimiko? Or if she knows her? Because she's an old friend and you saw her nearby the school and hope she's alright.

"Yeah," I agree. "It was...scary. But I'll be alright. Gonna take a lot more than a stick of rebar to keep me down. And the doc says I should get my arm function back...eventually, so you know. It's fine."

Roni chuckles.

"Well, it's good that you can joke about it!" she replies. "I'm just glad all I got was a little loss of consciousness. They only kept me this long because they wanted to make sure I didn't aggrivate my joint thing."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay," I say sincerely. "But, uh...while you were there, you didn't happen to see...there's a friend of mine, Kimiko Koizumi, and-"

"Oh, I know Kimiko!" she replies. "Kind of a space case, real sweet? I didn't know you two were friends! I don't think I saw her at the library, but it's all kind of a blur so I'm not sure I could tell you for sure. Have you not heard from her?"

Okay. That, I was not expecting.

"Um, sort of," I say. Not a lie. "She was just pretty...vague."

"Oh." Roni's brow furrows. "Well, I'll try to get in touch. But. Uhhhh. Can I ask you kind of a weird question?"

"Hit me."

2/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/19(Wed)15:15 No. 902392 ID: ce950c
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Roni frowns, fidgeting with the grip tape on her wheelchair's hand rim.

"Did you see anything...weird during the gas leak?"

let's play it cool. weird like what? like gas leak hallucination weird, or something else?

If she knows what has truly occurred and is friends with the sentinel we seek, I see no reason to hide the truth from her. Tell her that you too saw strange things, and that is the reason you must get in contact with Sentinel Key! I am sure this Roni will gladly provide her assistance once she understands the nature of our plight.

>"Oh, I know Kimiko!" she replies. "Kind of a space case, real sweet?
Well, nice to know she's not generally a jerk who shoots people, then. She's got a reason.

The opportunity to try and talk to her as civilians at some point is tempting but there's also the risk it could escalate. Might be possible to maneuver her into a situation where neither of you is willing to bust out powers, but that would amount to implicitly holding civilians hostage or similar.

>"Did you see anything...weird during the gas leak?"
Weird like... what?

Important question: what happens to muggles if they becomes aware of what's really going on? Does knowing about demons make you more vulnerable?

Okay so she's probably going to let Kimiko know you're looking for info on her, but she'd probably assume that anyway. That's fine. Maybe that'll work out somehow.

I mean, of course you saw something weird. Everyone did, because of the gas leak. Though I'd let her lead the talk about it. You can help her come to terms with it however you like, just avoid volunteering anything she doesn't bring up first. She probably just wants to be told what she saw wasn't real.

i’m assuming she saw something Substantial, so if it doesn’t seem like you know what she’s talking about she’ll probably assume you didn’t see anything at all and she’ll just clam up immediately because she doesn’t want to sound ridiculous. for the sake of information on what’s been seen, allow yourself to look as uneasy as you probably actually feel when you say “weird like what?”
worst case scenario, we can brush it off with “well, it was all weird” and something about hallucinating because of the..... gas

"I saw lots of weird stuff, but it sounds like you had something specific in mind? I didn't notice any looters or whatever taking advantage..."

"yeah, i did. it was...pretty fucked up. what'd you see?"

1/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/26(Wed)19:46 No. 903477 ID: ce950c
File 153801638021.png - (218.12KB , 600x600 , 57.png )

I frown. It could be that Roni saw something significant, or it could just be a dream or something. Only...there wasn't actually a gas leak. Nobody should have been hallucinating.

>Important question: what happens to muggles if they becomes aware of what's really going on? Does knowing about demons make you more vulnerable?

Uh. I really don't know. As far as I know, it's never happened. Humans can't see demons, so usually they wouldn't believe anything we told them about the truth. But knowing about this shit has never done anything good for MY life, and if Roni is nosy, it could be dangerous for her to know.

Trouble is, I really don't know her that well.

"I dunno, maybe," I say finally. It's not hard to act perturbed, like I maybe saw something. "Weird like how?"

Roni sighs.

"This is going to sound completely absurd," she admits. "And I don't know. Maybe it was just a gas leak hallucination, but it was really...REALLY vivid. Concrete, I guess."

"I won't judge," I promise. Frankly, her saying this has me more convinced she saw what really happened.

"Haha, okay. Well...I didn't get a good look because I had the mother of all migraines, but I remember, uh. Okay, so like. What if human flesh was like, taffy? And you had like, a big fuckin...tree? Made out of flesh taffy, with big heads and arms and shit. And the heads were like, leaking brain matter? And I remember being really high up?"

Well. She definitely saw the demon.

"Well-" I start.

2/2 quietCrisis 2018/09/26(Wed)19:46 No. 903478 ID: ce950c
File 153801641193.png - (155.71KB , 600x600 , 58.png )

"Wait," she interrupts me. "So there was that, which I could take or leave, but what I definitely remember is that there was this girl, who grabbed me and dragged me out of the building. And apparently the EMTs found me outside the building, where I definitely didn't walk because they found my cane inside and I wouldn't have just left it. I don't remember her face very well, but she had this like...bright pink hair. And she was, you know, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, no biggie. She probably saved my life, so."

Hm, well, shit.

Her heart is fond of you, good sentinel magenta! You should tell her of your great deeds and of her magnificent beauty, and be merrily wed at once!

>>903478

let's not blow our cover, here. tell her that maybe a student with pink hair got her out, and the hallucinations from the gas leak embellished the rest. sounds wild though. and that pink-haired student sounds pretty cool.

Think very deeply about the concept of gratitude and how she clearly doesn't recognize you. Then think about how that's a lot less important than the fact that she's apparently innately magical.

Since you don't have a precedent, it's up to you to decide if you tell her. I would, I take pride in open honesty, and if she can see demons she should know what she's dealing with. Though, given your response regarding telling your aunt, I imagine you might not agree. Or is Roni's sight enough to change your mind?

>And she was, you know, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, no biggie
Gosh dang don't you wish you could take credit for that now.

I'm tempted to say screw maintaining the masquerade for the masquerade's sake. But of course if you flip to telling the truth you have to come clean about the lies you already told. And there's the whole enemy you apparently just inherited mess (who she apparently knows).

I guess it comes down to- do you want to take a risk on someone who thinks your beautiful?

1/4 quietCrisis 2018/10/15(Mon)22:25 No. 907114 ID: ce950c
File 153966751433.png - (330.67KB , 600x600 , 59.png )

>Think very deeply about the concept of gratitude and how she clearly doesn't recognize you. Then think about how that's a lot less important than the fact that she's apparently innately magical.

>Though, given your response regarding telling your aunt, I imagine you might not agree. Or is Roni's sight enough to change your mind?

>I guess it comes down to- do you want to take a risk on someone who thinks your beautiful?

Oh great, I love it when a problem has nuance.

I just...I dunno. I don't think it would be fair or right to put Roni in what could be real danger just because she thinks I'm pretty. Just. That would be pretty vapid of me, wouldn't it? I think that...for now, I can't be sure telling Roni is a good idea until I get a better idea of what's going on, and who she IS.

> And there's the whole enemy you apparently just inherited mess (who she apparently knows).

And then there's this. I know it probably sounds paranoid but...if I start telling Roni things, I can't be sure that information won't make it to Kimiko. I mean, Kimiko knows who I am already, but I don't want to give her an in with the Sentinels, even by proxy.

"Uh, Petra?" Roni asks, shifting nervously in her chair. I snap back to reality.

"Yeah," I say, blinking furiously. Man, I gotta stop zoning out listening to you guys in the middle of a conversation. "Yeah, sorry. I was just...hoping to hear something else, I guess. We all saw some pretty crazy things in there."

Roni looks...disappointed. I almost feel bad.

"But, uh, maybe a pink-haired girl really did pull you out of the library," I say quickly. "I mean, it seems like SOMEONE did, and there are a lot of people with weird hair in the art majors?"

"Yeah, maybe," Roni says, frowning.

I can't tell if she's just disappointed, or if she doesn't believe me. I'm going to have to keep an eye on her for a while, I think. Make sure she doesn't stumble into anything she shouldn't.

Just then, a loud BEEP startles me from behind as a blue minivan pulls up to the curb next to us.

2/4 quietCrisis 2018/10/15(Mon)22:25 No. 907115 ID: ce950c
File 153966754497.png - (370.43KB , 600x600 , 60.png )

"Get in, Petra" says Imani, leaning out the driver's side window. "We're going shopping."
"Shopping?" I ask.

Imani glances over and makes brief eye contact with Roni. She clears her throat.

"I'll explain on the ride there. C'mon."

"Sorry, Roni," I say, already circling around to the passenger seat. "We'll pick this up later, alright?"

"Alright," she says.

3/4 quietCrisis 2018/10/15(Mon)22:26 No. 907116 ID: ce950c
File 153966758231.png - (439.69KB , 600x600 , 61.png )

[IMG]
The car door closes behind me and Imani starts driving away. I sigh and recline my seat a few clicks.

"Okay, what's the deal?" I ask.

"Janus got back in contact," Imani replies. I groan. "It says there's going to be a demon attack this weekend at the Rices' charity gala."

Elizabeth and Karolis Rice. Wealthy old money folks. Their lumber business has been running in New England since the 1800s. They've been planning this gala for nearly a year, and only the fanciest, upper-crustiest jerks in the Northeast are invited.

"How the hell are we going to get into the Rice's charity gala?" I ask.

"We're going to have invitations," Imani replies. "Janus can forge like nobody's business."

"So we're out here shopping for gala gowns?" I continue, frowning. "God, I feel like I passed out in the hospital and woke up in Ocean's Eight."

Imani chuckles.

"Yeah," she says. "So. Anyway, I was just wondering if I could talk to you a bit. You know, while we're driving."

I frown.

"That question never starts a good conversation," I point out. "But yeah. Hit me."

4/4 quietCrisis 2018/10/15(Mon)22:26 No. 907117 ID: ce950c
File 153966761640.png - (306.17KB , 600x600 , 62.png )

"It's about Janus, actually. I know it's...kinda chronically untrustworthy. And it creeps me out too, I understand. I just...I think you might be jumping the gun a little on its advice. And I don't think we can commit 100% to not killing Kimiko Koizumi, at least- I mean, if she presents a clear threat to your safety, I-"

"We are not killing Koizumi," I interrupt firmly. "God, Imani. We're Sentinels. We exist to protect people, not extrajudicially execute them."

"We exist to protect humans," Imani corrects me. "And as you keep reminding us, we're not human. And neither is Kimiko Koizumi. I'm not saying we should leap before looking, or kill her on the spot before we have all the facts, but I just. I want you to promise me that when we do know the whole truth, you'll consider EVERY option available to you. Not just the ones you find...palatable."

You might want to rethink that. Judicial is not an option for you. If she is flinging around lethal attacks, then refusing to reciprocate is a huge risk. What if you believe that she is about to kill someone? Killing her is a bad outcome. Disabling would be preferable. Redemption is the goal. Sometimes the best result isn't possible. Don't aim to kill her, but consider that holding back could be worse than the alternative, and if something tragic happens, try not to be too hard on the responsible parties.

It'll be important to keep in touch with Roni. It wouldn't be right to both keep the truth away and also ignore her. It would be very easy for someone in that situation to feel isolated and scared.

Strange that Janus would suddenly appear and direct your actions. Stranger that it's for such a notable family. Could certainly be coincidence, but Imani has a point about trustworthiness.

We've discussed killing already, and I will not badger you about it. But I will remind you that it's more than just you at stake. If Kimiko had hurt you worse, a lot of humans could have died. What if that becomes a pattern? I will leave the method to you, but she must be stopped permanently somehow.
But we don't know her intentions yet. She may not even actually be trying to kill you. Maybe she wanted a captive audience. Or to torment you.

Be careful, Petra.

>>907114
>Just. That would be pretty vapid of me, wouldn't it?
Would depends on your motive, really. It's hard to justify putting people at risk for petty or temporary acknowledgement, but real human connections and relationships? That can be worth taking risks, sometimes.

>I want you to promise me that when we do know the whole truth, you'll consider EVERY option available to you. Not just the ones you find...palatable.
That's fair. You have every reason to not trust Janus and be afraid it's offering you a quick or easy solution, or one that serves its interests. But you can promise yourself to think things over again when you have all the facts.

In the worst case, someone with sentinel powers, seriously killing or hurting innocent people, and there's no way to contain her or deny her access to those powers? Death might be the only solution. (Not that I'm advocating killing her, just acknowledging the scenario is conceivable. But coming to terms with her, or perhaps cornering her and pressuring her to surrender her powers are possible. Maybe other things too).

>>907142
oh yeah, I had a different id for that. suffice it to say I was all "killing a killer ain't bad, and probably smart, but I get that Petra isn't necessarily down for that"

As much as it pains me to endorse the death of a fellow Sentinel, your Imani is right. If Sentinel Key is fighting to kill, you must be prepared to respond in kind. It is always better when such measures are not necessary, but it is not always a luxury we sentinels can afford.

Our duty comes first. It must always come first.

1/4 quietCrisis 2018/11/02(Fri)09:42 No. 909252 ID: 986b2d
File 154117697842.png - (199.51KB , 600x600 , 63.png )

"Sounds like the spirits agree with you," I mutter.

"Of course they do," Imani jokes, although you'd never know it from her face. "I'm always right."

"Fine," I say. "If it's in the heat of battle, and she's shooting to kill, I'm not gonna hold back. But NONE of us are going to be executing someone in cold blood. Pretty sure that would be a hard sell to my rabbi."

Rabbi Jacobson doesn't know about the Sentinels, obviously, but I have the feeling that if she did, she'd have some STRONG feelings about putting a girl who isn't even any older than I am in front of a firing squad.

"Mmm," Imani hums, eyes firmly on the road. "Yeah. That's a very 'you' answer."

I open my mouth to respond.

"Don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing," she says before I can say anything. "I get it. You're the kind of person who believes that because you're given power, you have a moral obligation to use it to do the most good possible, right? That's what you believe in. Obligation and rules."

"And you don't?" I reply.

"I believe in consequences," she says. "Cause and effect. It's simple stuff, really. Sometimes to do the most good in the world, you have to make certain choices. And a lot of the time, that lines up with your rules. But sometimes you make the calculation and the thing you have to do is the ugly thing, the 'wrong' thing, you know? And I know you're not that person, who needs to make the calculation and do what's necessary at all costs, you don't have to be. You're not a sword, you're a shield."

"Uh huh," I murmur. "Righhht. And what does that make you?"

Imani is quiet for a moment. She takes a right turn off of the main road. There's a shop here, with a small parking lot.

2/4 quietCrisis 2018/11/02(Fri)09:44 No. 909253 ID: 986b2d
File 154117704447.png - (131.03KB , 600x600 , 64.png )

"A scalpel," she says firmly.

The car pulls into a spot and Imani puts on the parking break. I grab her gently by the shoulder.

"Imani," I say quietly. "Promise me. Nobody dies. Not if we can help it."

The wind escapes her lungs in a short gust, whistling through gritted teeth. She doesn't look happy, but she doesn't have a "plotting mutiny" face either.

"You're the leader," she says, and opens the car door.

3/4 quietCrisis 2018/11/02(Fri)09:44 No. 909254 ID: 986b2d
File 154117708281.png - (149.30KB , 600x600 , 65.png )

Now that we're out of the car, I can read the sign above the shop. It says just: Dianne's. I recognize this place, but I've never actually....been.

Standing just outside the door is Brigid. She's hard to miss, waving this wildly. We make our way over to her.

"Hey," I say. "Does someone want to explain to me why we're at the fancy costume shop and not, say, Macy's?"

"Oh, did Imani not tell you?" Brigid asks. "The gala's themed. We're meant to be going as the characters of Shakespeare."

"We'll be masked, obviously," says Imani, "but it might be a good idea to be transformed while we're there, anyway? In the interests of not being caught crashing a high society party with our civilian faces."

Brigid pushes the door open, ringing a little bell as we make our way into the store. The woman at the register is engrossed in a phone call, and gives us little more than a passing glance as we file in.

"Okay!" Brigid says, clapping her hands together. "Petra, you first! Pop on into the dressing room and we'll bring you whatever you want. They have, like, eeeeverything here!"

4/4 quietCrisis 2018/11/02(Fri)09:46 No. 909255 ID: 986b2d
File 154117720220.png - (137.11KB , 600x600 , 66.png )

(Content warning: Not NSFW strictly speaking, but Petra IS in her underwear)

I do as I'm told.

Shakespere, huh? This is gonna be one hell of a party.

This is a dress-up update! I'll keep this post open for a good couple days at least. Feel free to suggest by drawing over the paper doll, using a dress up doll game online, or describing the kind of outfit you want to suggest! Have fun!

The problem with Imani's line of thinking is that it leads one to believe that they always know what the correct solution is. That there always is a correct solution. I know exactly how badly that can go.

Go as Hamlet with a more subtle tragic mask. Or a skull mask if you're feeling spooky.

She's not entirely WRONG, but she's not entirely RIGHT, either. Similar to how >>909264 said, that line of thinking tends to make people think in absolutes- or worse, that there ALWAYS needs to be a sacrifice. That there ALWAYS needs to be some exchange. Even if she said 'most of the time', that's usually less sincere from my experience- a smokescreen to make themselves comfortable with the atrocities they commit, convinced that 'if no one else, then it falls to me'- because their life has been pain enough for them to accept that they'll always hurt. Problem is, that's a fallacy. There's nothing more that I hate than a senseless sacrifice because someone wasn't aware of all the possibilities available to them.

...In fairness, however, I DID say she's not entirely WRONG either. Sometimes it really is for the best that the hard choices need be made. There may be a day when you have to pick between a 'bad' result and a 'worse' result. Should that day ever come- and I hope it never does- I'd hope you'd be able to make that decision and understand that it was the best you could do with what you had. That some rare days, the good of the many really DOES outweigh the good of a few.

But it doesn't mean it's a choice to be taken lightly, OR regularly with so-called grit teeth and squared back. Eventually, that weight DOES get to be too much. Beware staring too long into the abyss, and all that.

Oh, and go with a Titania theme from A Midsummer Night's Dream. That'll be funny to me.

Marn 2018/11/06(Tue)15:27 No. 909842 ID: c1eaac
File 154154687402.png - (127.96KB , 600x600 , dressup.png )

if we're going to be transformed, might as well be fairies, and wear something easy to fight in. let's go as puck.

Suggestion 2018/11/06(Tue)16:02 No. 909846 ID: 9125e0
File 154154893364.png - (151.24KB , 600x600 , Sorry had to do it.png )

Hey you forgot something

>>909842
OOHH IM DIGGING THIS

1/3 quietCrisis 2018/12/03(Mon)17:36 No. 912926 ID: 986b2d
File 154388741408.png - (482.42KB , 600x600 , 67.png )

I go through a few outfits. There are a lot of things to think about. I DO want something I can fight in, for sure, but I also have to be fancy enough to fit in.

Ultimately, I end up following the Hamlet concept. It's not my usual style, but...I have to admit that it flatters me.

Brigid wolf whistles when I come out the door. I take a deep bow.

It seems like in the time I took to decide on my outfit, Imani and Brigid have already pulled theirs together. They seem to have gone the matching route: Imani in a dress with a high-low train and an exposed midriff and Brigid in a very fancy suit. Both have flowers in their hair.

"And what are you two supposed to be?" I ask.

"Oberon and Titania, obviously," says Brigid, grinning.

I glance between the two of them, eyebrows raised, but say nothing.

"How are we even paying for this, anyway?" I ask, changing the subject. "This place is kinda....a lot."

"Don't worry about that," Imani replies, already pulling out a credit card. "My dad's treating us."

"Would, uh. Would he even be okay with that?" asks Brigid.

"He will be," Imani grumbles. "It's the least he can do."

That seems like a topic I...also should not probe, but I do offer Imani a brief pat on the back.

"Anyway," Imani says. "We should probably just focus on being ready for the gala."

2/3 quietCrisis 2018/12/03(Mon)17:37 No. 912927 ID: 986b2d
File 154388747061.png - (467.59KB , 600x600 , 68.png )

God, it's freezing.

Most of the gala guests show up in stretch limos or luxury cars. Imani, Brigid and I take the train (and get some WEIRD looks). My coat isn't as nice as I'd like it to be, but the moment I get inside, it's immediately whisked away from me and stored in some coat room, so I guess it doesn't really matter.

"Now, you'll be aware that the party has a dress code," says the doorman as he takes my invitation. "Mr. and Mrs. Rice have requested that everyone remain anonymous, and refer to one another by their character names. Enjoy the party."

The ballroom is...enormous. I'm serious, I've never seen a room this big, or this dripping in gold. The ostentatiousness of it is actually starting to give me a migraine. And it's absolutely packed with rich people, all masked and dressed to the nines.

"So," I mumble. "What are we looking at, here?"

Imani closes her eyes.

"There's definitely a demon here," she murmurs. "The energy is....powerful. Even a human should be able to see something this strong, but I don't....see anything."

"Class D," Brigid says, gritting her teeth. "Visible to the human eye. The demon is disguised as one of the guests."

Fuck. My life is never allowed to be easy, is it?

"I can't sense which one is the demon," Imani says, rubbing her temple. "There's too much ambient energy in here. We're going to have to investigate in person."

"Excuse me," says a soft voice from behind me.

3/3 quietCrisis 2018/12/03(Mon)17:38 No. 912928 ID: 986b2d
File 154388751121.png - (334.06KB , 600x600 , 69.png )

I turn. The speaker is not, as I'd feared, the doorman here to kick me out of the party, but a stranger. It's hard to tell what they're supposed to be dressed as, but their costume is heavy on the rose motifs, complete with an ornate silver domino mask. Their hair is long and silver, but it's clear that they're not nearly old enough for it to be natural. By their side is a silver and red cane.

"Pardon me," they say, offering a short bow. "I didn't mean to interrupt. I just saw you from across the room and was wondering if you would do me the honor of this dance."

>>912928
Well it would get you onto the dance floor for some investigating. It's also really strange and suspicious. Considering you have someone actually after you, this could be dangerous.

You're supposed to be more careful, but for now, I don't actually think this is going to be anything more than a little uncomfortable.

>>912935
Ugh I wish my IP address was fixed so my ID would stop changing. Especially for a quest where I've got an oc. Sorry if that ever causes problems.

>>912952
Don't worry about it too much! It might help a bit if you chose a name to post under when you suggest, but I'm not gonna be accusing you of identity theft, lol.

>>912928
Might as well, you have to blend to look around the party and try to find the demon.

Be careful, since they could be the demon, of course.

Introduce yourself (in character) and find out who their costume is supposed to be.

>>912975
Alright, I'll give that a go. Starting now, because I have to see if I can do it right.

1/2 quietCrisis (On a new computer) 2019/01/16(Wed)11:01 No. 917963 ID: 986b2d
File 154766530016.png - (192.59KB , 600x600 , 70.png )

>Well it would get you onto the dance floor for some investigating.
>Might as well, you have to blend to look around the party and try to find the demon.

"My pleasure," I reply, a little mystified, but offer them a hand. They take it, gently, and hold their cane out to the side, pressing it into Brigid's bemused hands.

"Would you mind holding this for just a moment?" they ask. "It's not so easy to dance with it in the way."

Before she can respond, the stranger has already swept me out onto the dance floor.

2/2 quietCrisis 2019/01/16(Wed)11:02 No. 917964 ID: 986b2d
File 154766532926.png - (208.07KB , 600x600 , 71.png )

The music is a brisk waltz. I lead. They're a good dancer, I can tell, although I can feel them putting some of their weight on me as we dance.

>This is suspicious.

Yeah. I don't disagree.

>Introduce yourself in character.

I clear my throat after a few steps of silent dancing.

"I'm....Hamlet, I guess. Prince Hamlet, of Denmark. Can I ask who I have the pleasure of dancing with?"

God, this sounds so stupid.

"Prince Vermillion," replies the stranger smoothly. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Royal aspirations, I see?"

"Kind of just a theater nerd," I mutter. "Prince Vermillion. That's not a Shakespeare character."

"Am I not?" Vermillion replies, shooting me a coy smile. "Oh well. I suppose I've never had much of a penchant for rich people's vain pretend games."

I frown. This is....REALLY weird. But I can't see any particular danger here. If Vermillion is the demon, they wouldn't kill me in front of this entire crowd of people, right?

Probably.

"If you're not here to dress up, why are you here?" I reply. "And, you know, why ask a stranger to dance? What's really going on here?"

"Can I not ask a beautiful stranger to the dance floor?" Vermillion asks. The tempo of the song brings us a step or two closer together. "It is a party, after all."

"You don't know I'm beautiful," I counter. "I'm wearing a mask. I could be anyone under here."

I raise one arm. Prince Vermillion spins, then finds my shoulder again. The dance resumes.

"And you didn't answer my question," I continue.

"I imagine I'm here for much the same reason you are," they reply. "The word is that something wicked this way comes."

I furrow my brow. If Vermillion isn't the demon, they know about it. The real question is: whose goddamn side are they on? I could get more out of them if we keep dancing, but I don't know. Maybe it's not safe. And I'm not sure what to even ask.

If they KNOW the demon is amok and they aren't it... Then they must be a comrade! Welcome this Prince Vermillion as a friend! Work together to find and vanquish the foul beast that haunts this place.

>>917964
If they know about the demon, why are they wasting their time occupying yours? They clearly know that you're here because of it, so why the mystery? Dramatic personality, a distraction, a test? Maybe you could get more from them by staying but I'm worried every bit of information is going to be behind a couple "Can I not ask a beautiful stranger to the dance floor?"s or other similar lines.

Maybe you could bluff at leaving to see their reaction?

THIS STRANGER IS NOT TRUSTWORTHY. BUT BETTER THE ENEMY YOU KNOW.

ASK IF THEY ARE A SENTINEL AND IF NOT, HOW THEY FOUND THIS PLACE.

1/2 quietCrisis 2019/03/27(Wed)08:34 No. 927523 ID: 986b2d
File 155370085718.png - (233.05KB , 600x600 , 72.png )

>Maybe you could bluff at leaving to see their reaction?

I narrow my eyes.

"Why are you wasting my time?" I ask, barely making an effort to disguise my impatience. "If you aren't 'something wicked,' then I really have bigger fish to fry, so if you'll excuse me-"

I move to leave, and they grip my hand just a bit tighter. For a moment, I think I sense a glimpse of panic cross their face, before they quickly regain their composure.

"If you'll allow me a moment longer," they say carefully. "It's awfully rude to leave before a dance is finished. And besides, maybe I know something you do not."

I frown.

>ASK IF THEY ARE A SENTINEL AND IF NOT, HOW THEY FOUND THIS PLACE.

Oh, good, the shouter is back.

"How did you find this place?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to Vermillion in the dance. "Are you another Sentinel I didn't know about?"

"I beg pardon?" asks Vermillion. "You will have to forgive me, I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about. As for how I found this place, I could ask you the same question."

"I got a tip," I say. It's kinda difficult not to take Vermillion's same frustrating vaguery and throw it back in their face.

"As did I," they reply. "I'm sure by now you've surmised that our uninvited guest is disguised as one of the attendees."

I nod.

"Good. I'm glad someone in the room is paying attention."

I exhale sharply, looking back up at Vermillion's face. I've had about enough of riddles and nonsense for one day.

"Prince Vermillion. Whose side are you on?" I ask.

They laugh lightly as the song begins to draw to a close. The dance has drifted us back towards Imani and Brigid.

"I think that's a question you will have to answer for youself, Prince Hamlet," they say, and drop my hand. They pluck their cane out of Imani's hands and begin to walk off back into the party.

"Wait-" I call, but they wave me off.

"What was that you said before? Bigger fish to fry?"

And they're gone.

2/2 quietCrisis 2019/03/27(Wed)08:35 No. 927524 ID: 986b2d
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"That was weird as fuck," Brigid says bluntly.

"No kidding," I say. "And I learned approximately fuck all. They call themself Prince Vermillion, and I THINK they're on our side, but I really have no idea. They talk in riddles and weirdness. They didn't seem to know what a Sentinel was, but they know there's a demon here."

"Whatever they are," says Imani, "they're powerful. I was sensing some serious magical energy coming off their cane, and that's just something they TOUCHED."

I sigh and shake my head. This is a puzzle, but we have a more important puzzle facing us now.

"Did you manage to narrow down who the demon might be?" I ask.

"I'm glad you asked," Imani replies, looking just as relieved as I am to be talking about something other than Prince Vermillion. "I did a bit of a scan of the room. There's a lot of energy in here, so I couldn't narrow it down to one figure, but there are a few people in the room it seems to be clustered around. One of them was your new friend, but there were a few others as well."

She gestures to four people in the room. I make a note of each one.

The first is, of course, Prince Vermillion, who seems to be doing a rounds of the room. They keep glancing at the other guests through a lens of some kind.

The second is a woman with long, blonde hair, worn loose. Her mask is a scarf tied across the lower half of her face, and her dress is covered in loose flowers. Notably, she is NOT wearing any shoes.

The third is a woman about my age. She looks a bit out of place at the party, with a carefully matched white and gold lolita coordinate, bright white hair, and a gold circlet with matching wings attached to the back. She's having a polite conversation with a wealthy-looking man in a blue silk suit.

And the last is a man, also probably about my age, leaning on the wall away from the party. His suit is nondescript, and he seems not to have put much effort into the theming of his outfit. Notably, though, he is fiddling with a sword, a very fancy silver rapier.

"You can make the call on who you want to talk to first," says Imani.

vermillion will probably blow us off again, so let's talk to ophelia? you have an in, since you're dressed as hamlet.

So they didn't know more than you. They needed your attention and seemingly nothing else. And the riddles. As demons are real, this one feels awfully like a fae.

Apologies, I didn't advise a way that actually assisted you. Though at least it gave your companion time to look around properly.

I would say Juliet, as the wings make for a good bit of irony, but that feels a little foolish. I don't remember demons being that sociable in disguise, either, though if you've experienced differently go for her.

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Content warnings for this update include misgendering and general horror.

>vermillion will probably blow us off again, so let's talk to ophelia?

>I would say Juliet, as the wings make for a good bit of irony, but that feels a little foolish. I don't remember demons being that sociable in disguise, either, though if you've experienced differently go for her.

Honestly, there's just not that much precedent for this sort of thing, so I have no idea what a demon could be capable of. They're usually not sentient in that way, but... they also usually don't look like people. And things have already been real weird lately, so I'm a little reticent to cross anyone off the list yet.

"I'm going to talk to the girl with the angel wings," I say. Imani nods.

"I'll talk to the man with the sword. Do you think your....friend is alright without supervision?"

I frown.

"Yeah. I guess."

"Then I'll take the girl with the flowers," says Brigid. "We can...bond or some shit."

I nod, and we part ways.

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I approach the woman dressed as an angel. Up close, I can tell the man she's talking to seems oddly familiar, but I can't quite place it. At least, not until I draw close enough to overhear their conversation.

"You seem like a very nice young woman," says the man. "You know, my son is around your age, and I imagine you'd really get along. Where did you say you go to school?"

"Greendale State," says the woman.

"Oh, that's where he goes," the man says. "You might know him. Don't deadname people, folks Ellison?"

Imani's dad. Of COURSE he's here.

The woman reaches up and touches his cheek, and he stiffens.

"No, sir," she says quietly. "I don't know anyone named Deadname. And neither do you. Isn't that right?"

He nods mutely.

Haha. Hahaha what the fuck.

"You don't have any children, right? And you're gonna promise me that you're gonna ignore any evidence that you do, okay?"

"I promise," he says softly.

I exhale maybe a little too loudly. The woman's head whips around and she makes eye contact. Shit. SHIT.

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"It's rude to eavesdrop," she says seriously.

Fuck. Fuck??? FUCK? WHAT THE FUCK.

uhhhhhh. apologize, maybe.

Oh.

Thank her? Throw her as hard as you can towards outside? I'm

having trouble, I think. This has to be demonic. It's at least dangerous, unless that guy is the typical kind of target.

Okay, an actual plan: we can't give up stealth until we're certain. So you need to steel yourself and convince her that she's going to talk to you now.

"it's rude to brainwash my friend's dad into forgetting his daughter! even if he's a shithead"