>>1081737
Rude.

But yeah, a magic expert would be veryvuseful, if we can afford their help.

Uugh, talking to NERDS? Actually, maybe it won't be so bad. All nerds are secretly into girls with animal parts, so all it'd take is hinting at your own interest and BOOM they'll treat you like a goddess.

>>1081763

They strongly favor canidae and felidae, though. So that's a thing. Liking people with horse parts is an older thing and didn't quite stand up to to the competition.

>It might be worth speaking to an actual magic expert. But I hate the librarium.

Still would probably be worth it just to see if they have any more info they can give us. Would hate to go on the mission only for something to fail cause apparently our ability to resist is on a time limit or something annoying like that.

Make sure to bring your librarium cardium if you want to take out any bookiums!

1/3 Jane 2024/01/24(Wed)17:00 No. 1081779 ID: 08229c
File 170614443409.png - (157.36KB , 1000x600 , 101.png )

>Go to the librarian. DO NOT RESIST OUR COMMAND
>You might not like them, but the piece of your brain in that mouse right now hasn't formed an opinion yet! Go introduce them.
>Librarium? someone we havnt met yet?
>Still would probably be worth it just to see if they have any more info they can give us. Would hate to go on the mission only for something to fail cause apparently our ability to resist is on a time limit or something annoying like that.

Not a someone, a something. An institute of magic that studies... Well, fucking magic. They're a bunch of goddamn nerds though and I genuinely dislike them so much. They're just.. You'll see.
I'm gonna go and see them but NOT because you're TELLING me to. It's just a good idea.

"Well," Jane sighs heavily and straightens herself, "I'm gonna go to the Librarium."

"Oh~? After you flunked out~?"
"On month 3."
"The first student to flunk out of this branch too...~"
"You were crying."

"I WASN'T CRYING!"

"You did so~ Cried right into Lotte's shoulder~"
"You were drunk."

"F-fuck off! I'm taking this mouse thing with me!"

"Go ahead~ Just be delicate with it~"
"We'll put it on your tab."

"Hmph. The others should be outside. Hook them up. And uh... Thanks for everything again."

"Of course, Jane~"
"Yeah, whatever."

Jane leaves them after giving a small nod. As she walks down the dirty streets she straightens her clothes and ties her hair back up. She's in a foul mood now, even after her amazing discovery. Her scowl is deeper than ever.


>Uugh, talking to NERDS? Actually, maybe it won't be so bad. All nerds are secretly into girls with animal parts, so all it'd take is hinting at your own interest and BOOM they'll treat you like a goddess.
>They strongly favor canidae and felidae, though. So that's a thing. Liking people with horse parts is an older thing and didn't quite stand up to to the competition.

Yeah, well, that's cause they're stupid. Everyone and their mother got cat ears last year. There was a whole fad. Now the only ones who have them are the die hard supporters. Or crazy people.

But, we can't get distracted with how amazing I'd look with horse parts right now. It's going to take everything I have to deal with this one.

2/3 Jane 2024/01/24(Wed)17:09 No. 1081782 ID: 08229c
File 170614495959.png - (103.03KB , 1000x1200 , 102.png )

> Make sure to bring your librarium cardium if you want to take out any bookiums!

I fucking hate you so much right now.

The Librarium thankfully requires not nearly that much to enter. Jane speaks to a magical eyeball and utters a secret phrase. Thankfully it doesn't seem to have changed since she was last here and the door opens.

She is immediately hit by a sterile smell. The place is kept immaculately free of grime and dirt. But under all that is also the faint scent of ancient paper and ink. All around Jane can hear the faint shuffling of different students and teachers alike. A few hushed whispers that move off to more private areas where the arcane can be discussed.

Or maybe they're going to make out. Do nerds make out? A mystery for the ages.

It doesn't take Jane long to find them. Their former sponsor, teacher, enemy.

"Hey, Fio." Jane calls out to them with a small wave.

3/3 Jane 2024/01/24(Wed)17:14 No. 1081784 ID: 08229c
File 170614526751.png - (248.32KB , 1000x1000 , 103.png )

Fio seems surprised. They look down to where Jane is and smile. But the smile is fleeting. They sigh and shake their head.

"Thou hast forsaken thy manners, Jane. 'Tis not 'hey.' Thou must address thy tutor in a proper fashion, even if we no longer partake in such a relationship."

UGHdslfdhjslkjdsklfjsklfds
GHGUGHGHUDHSFDSKFDSK

"... Lo', Fio."

Fio smiles.

"Ah, Jane, 'tis a pleasure to behold thee once more. Hast thou at last resolved to dedicate thyself to the mystic arts and to mine own humble company?"

"I just came to ask you a few questions, that's all."

"What a lamentable circumstance. Thou wert proficient in the art of blood magic, if memory serveth me right. I had dared to entertain the hope that thou hadst undergone a change of heart."

"Do you... Can we just talk normally for once? This is important. It involves a necromancer."

"The significance of thy inquiries doth diminish in the face of decorum. I impose not upon thee to alter thy speech, for thou art no longer mine apprentice. However, I shall not modify mine own linguistic habits to cater to thy preferences. If thou hast queries, pose them forthwith. I shall strive to respond, though I find myself deeply engrossed in matters of great import."

YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN.
I HATE THEM.

By matters of great import do you mean 'levitating this big floppy hat in the air'?

Forsooth, we seeketh to kill a necromancer deadeth. Hark! Less the perils of mind control filling our head with lies and misdirection, and then lead. Perchance.

>>1081782
It's so big...!

>>1081784
Oh. Well, I guess undead have to latch onto *something* to keep themselves stable. You should stop judging her so much.

Anyway show her our rat.

...so, is the reason they removed all the flesh from their chest because they were flat but still wanted people to look at her chest? I mean she even got rid of her eyes and put a L.E.D in her chest to bring people's attention to it more.

But yeah ask what tips and tricks they have for dealing with a necromancer and how they think your own tricks would stand up to one.

OK sure she can keep up her old timey wizard cosplay talk if that's what she wants. But you have an important question about mice, brains and necromancer mind control.

Fine-eth. Just know I will mock-eth thine annoying-eth dialect-eth if you don't speak normal.

>>1081784
Hark honored teacher, for i bring magics to be tested in the fight against those who control the unliving. Also my brain is possesed, say Hi Posse

>>1081784
>I had dared to entertain the hope that thou hadst undergone a change of heart
Nope, just a change of brain.

>YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN.
I don't. She's being completely reasonable here.

Can we use formal speech from a different era? We aren't that great on Elizabethan English. That said, ACTUALLY I have a fun tidbit about it: 'thou' was informal and 'you' was formal in it, and it was merely more modern popular culture, especially Hollywood, that had them swapped! Also, Shakespeare wrote his plays in the common vernacular of the day, that's why they are full of Thee's and Thou's.

>>1081800
that ain't quite right. the reason why 'ol spear shaker used "thou" is that "you" was plural only back then

>>1081784
Inform her that it's "thine speech" not "thy speech" and she's a Latin poser.

>>1081816
Not only that, but also that the -eth suffix is a third-person construction, not a first-person one. But we shouldn't be nitpicking the same person we're asking something of if we want to get anywhere.

Maybe we can help you get that diploma. We know things about blood that would be worth three theses each.

Example: The immune system is not just white blood cells. There's literally thousands of on-hand protein 'utilities' floating through the bloodstream that work in concert with pheromone trails from automated defense systems to make viruses die faster.

1/2 Jane 2024/01/28(Sun)15:35 No. 1082033 ID: 08229c
File 170648495525.png - (135.52KB , 1000x600 , 104.png )

I get that everyone has their 'thing' but theirs is so freaking annoying. And they got the rest of the students doing it too. But at least those nerds will knock it out if I start asking them questions. This lady, however...

>OK sure she can keep up her old timey wizard cosplay talk if that's what she wants. But you have an important question about mice, brains and necromancer mind control.

Yeah, alright.

Jane takes a moment to explain a few things. The vestiges, the rat, the necromancer, her current job. Fio takes a greater interest and Jane can see the crystal orbs turn to direct their attention on her. She can feel Fio's intense focus resting on her shoulders. It's heavy. She forgot how much she disliked that feeling til just now.

Fio floats down to Jane, a grin on their face.

Ah, right. So Fio's a master of soul stones. This puppet here is made out of meat, bone, and cloth. Fashioned to look similar but not quite like the real Fio. That nerd is probably in their room or something.

"A vestige hath found abode within thy cranial confines? 'Twould elucidate thy sudden presence hither. Only the affliction of cerebral detriment would compel thy return. Nevertheless, I surmise I can assist thee in probing the boundaries of thy mystic craft. Yet, be mindful, for such collaboration would once more bestow upon thee the mantle of mine apprentice."

"Yeah, no. I'm good. I just need to know if I have any immunity to the thing or if it's just this chimera? And what are the limits of this resistance?"

"Thou dost possess knowledge that I seek in turn."

2/2 Jane 2024/01/28(Sun)15:46 No. 1082034 ID: 08229c
File 170648556813.png - (207.75KB , 1000x600 , 105.png )

"Come, Jane, let us not inflict such cruelty upon each other. I acknowledge our parting was not on the most amicable terms, yet let us engage in discourse for a brief span. Subsequently, we may mutually aid one another. Permit me to conduct experiments upon thee, and in return, I shall bestow upon thee the knowledge thou dost seek. What sayest thou, my erstwhile apprentice?"

"What kind of experiments?"

"Thine cerebral organ is amongst the most singular I have ever beheld. I harbor a fervent desire to scrutinize it more intimately. I vouchsafe to restore it to its initial state upon the completion of my examination."

"No, no thanks. I'm kinda tired of people poking at my brain today. Gonna get a headache. If we can do something a bit less opening-me-up-like."

"A more straightforward trial, perchance? One aligned with rudimentary experiments. I intend to wield certain necromantic arts upon thee, and we shall ascertain thine resilience. However, should thou falter, thou wouldst essentially subject thyself to mine dominion. Dost we still harbor that measure of trust, Jane?"

...

To be perfectly honest, not really. Fio is a very strict teacher and I'm worried that if we fail this they're just gonna carry on with their tests.

How important is all this, really? Am I willing to open myself up to potential necromatic control just to see if... Well, to see if I can avoid it?

>>1082033
oh no, she's cute

>>1082034
>I harbor a fervent desire to scrutinize it more intimately
hey now, get us dinner first

>How important is all this, really? Am I willing to open myself up to potential necromatic control just to see if... Well, to see if I can avoid it?
look, I'm up to it but if you don't wanna, you don't wanna. It's your body, and like 95% your brain

>>1082034

Up to you in the end, boss, but if you plan to take care of the necromancer, this is sadly probably the safest way you have to test your limits.

We can barter knowledge if you want additional assurances before taking the plunge, because they're not getting that or anything else out of us if they fuck you up too hard.

>>1082034
Don't worry! You've got the power of friendship, and this gun we found!

>>1082034
Jane, you can deal with her or an actual necromancer getting you if it fails because you failed to test it.

How cute is the real Fio? Lets make it a condition that the real Fio has to do it. Also if she's cute you can smooch her.

But in all honesty, as the other entities in your brain, we'd rather not have to deal with you being a necromancer stooge.

Annoying cosplay doll fetishist vs actual factual necromancer puppet like coffin girl.

If you choose poorly we will bully you.

>>1082034
Someone using necromancy on you is the only way to be sure you can resist it. DO IT.

If she tries to dominate you, we can unleash a meme nuke and overload her brain with the Old World's twisted sense of humor.

Worked on an elder god once.

It's important, and she didn't do anything to betray that trust, yet. Let the puppet pull on the strings!

The way I see it, this experiment is an opportunity to tweak her nose in a way she can't get mad at. Maybe literally tweak her nose.

While she tests her spells, you can test counter-techniques. Test if a necromancer can control you while getting a full face kiss.

I mean, there are ways to maintain trust for someone who you place in a position of power over you. They're culturally specific, though. Binding oaths. Legally attestations left with a trusted third party. Blackmail. Leaving instructions with others you trust. Blind failsafes that are done on your behalf, that kind of thing. Anything along those lines that can be set up quickly and would work reasonably well?

1/4 Jane 2024/03/25(Mon)02:47 No. 1087083 ID: 08229c
File 171136002850.png - (121.76KB , 800x640 , 106.png )

Imagine getting bullied by your own brain.
Wait, that's just how life is normally. Whatever. I guess we can go along with this. If we're going to have to fight a necromancer let's try it on easy mode first I guess.

"Alright, fine."

"Wondrous! We shall commence the experiment anon. I shall require a larger effigy f-"

"If you're going to make me into a puppet you may as well do it to me face to face. You still creep about in the same spot?" Jane says, making her way to her former teacher's study.

"Ah! Jane! Thou canst not venture thither! I stand in an immodest state!"

"It's fine. You've busted into my room plenty of times and seen the kinda mess I left. Yours can't be so bad."

Jane continues her march, not listening to the tiny doll floating desperately after her.

2/4 Jane 2024/03/25(Mon)02:49 No. 1087084 ID: 08229c
File 171136015186.png - (149.37KB , 800x640 , 107.png )

"Jane, I beseech thee, heed my earnest entreaty! Thou canst not intrude upon mine domain! 'Tis fraught with perilous puppetry experiments of grave danger! Grant me but a half-hour respite, and then shall we commence! I pledge no cruelty shall befall thee in our endeavors!"

Jane ignores her.

3/4 Jane 2024/03/25(Mon)02:52 No. 1087085 ID: 08229c
File 171136034966.png - (250.82KB , 800x640 , 108.png )

She opens the door to her former mentor's study. It is strewn with doll parts. Books and papers litter the area, along with the occasional bit of clothing or plate.

"Wow, you live like this?"

"Thou! How dare thee trespass into a mage's sacred abode! I shall dispatch thee forthwith!"

"I was -"

Jane 2024/03/25(Mon)02:54 No. 1087086 ID: 08229c
File 171136049952.png - (84.18KB , 800x640 , 109.png )

And then Jane stops. Everything about her stops. Her thoughts, feelings, any movement. She would be scared or upset by this, but she can not even begin to start conjuring those emotions.

Some vague and small part of her is aware of Jane's legs moving. Her knees bend as she gets ready to throw herself into a wall.

It is a small part. But in this utter stillness it is everything.

>>1087086
Nuh uh. Don't do that. Just stand there and cross your arms at her. Tell her to clean her room.

Take two more steps like a boss, then >>1087087

>>1087086
Jane, still yourself, then step forward, grab her by the chin and stare her down. "If you dare such, then I too shall dare" and smooch her hard.

Assert dominance.

>>1087094

This!!

Redirect leg movement towards the target of opportunity rather than the wall. Throw yourself at her.

>>1087086

Realign your trajectory, using the compatible part of the command to get in a ready position to leap, and then throw yourself at her. Smooching is optional.

>>1087086
Jane and us in unisen.
One thought.
Stand your ground.

A cowboy stands tall, jane, and shoots as straight with words as their irons.
If you can talk, promise youll keep the arcane mysteries of her hermitage a secret to all.

>>1087086
[Assume direct control]

>>1087086
"We reject your reality and substitute our own."
>>1087087

Aim yourself at Fio. Put your arm out to stop yourself at the wall. Kabedon the puppeteer.

>>1087086
This is our chance, bros, we can take over and get her a FAT HORSECOCK

>>1087186
I want to say yes, but that's crossing lines into personal intrusiveness that even we aren't supposed to breach.

Maybe if we satisfy her deepest desires and get her a centauress body. [i]Maybe[i].

>>1087086
Hey. Hey. Hey Jane-Body. Raise your middle finger in an insulting gesture at the wizard for doing that without warning.

Then do a backflip and land successfully. Jane's cool and physically fit, she can totally do backflips.

Yes, do the kabedon!