>>264193
"Thank you, miss... I'm sorry, I don't know your name. Would it be possible to have a pebble of the crystal to show our king?

...Oh! My guardians wish to express their sorrow for the part they played in my fathers acts. They say that at the time they thought your brother's mind was enslaved and took small comfort in freeing him, but would rather know the truth, if you would share it."

Artemis 2010/12/13(Mon)13:42 No. 264220 ID: 25d645
File 129227654571.png - (188.59KB , 600x600 , 207.png )

Artemis takes the stone and thanks the dragon.

"I..."

"Your team is waiting for you. Questions will have to wait until a later time. Goodbye Artemis Dispo."

Artemis nods and leaves. The Light Elf is waiting outside.
Artemis hands him the stone and explains what the dragon had told him.

The light elf looks at the stone and Artemis then simply walks off. Once the elf leaves he can hear his team run in the cave after them.

"Artemis! You're ok!"

Suddenly he feels a spear pushed against his neck.

Saisai

>"You idiot! Do you have a fetish for putting yourself in danger or something!? You could have been killed!"

do this exactly:
"maybe i do" and then lick the spear.

or i suppose you could just smile and say "thanks, for worrying about me"

>>264220
"But Kacey couldn't have been. Neither could you or the captain. And the elf wouldn't have accepted either of you as a hostage. I'm sorry I worried you..."

>>264220
Lick the flat of the spearhead and say "Maybe I do~"

"No, it was the best option.
If something happened to me then Kacey's here, but what if something happened to Kacey? You and the Captain carry yourselves like battle-hardened soldiers, but I don't look like much.
I think I'm also a bit better at *cough* adapting to situations." Give Saisai a knowing look at that last part.

Artemis 2010/12/13(Mon)14:07 No. 264233 ID: 25d645
File 129227804346.png - (187.33KB , 600x600 , 208.png )

Artemis takes the spear and licks the flat part of it.

"Maybe I do."

"!!!"

"Have I ever told you how sexy you look when you're upset?"

"W-what!?"

Without her spear Saisai fidgets around with her skirt.

"Wh-what are you saying idiot...?"

"I'm saying you look sexy."

"Wh-what...? I...."

She blushes brightly and looks away from him.

oh my~.
serious up a little and if she has never gotten a compliment on her looks before.

Dude what the hell, we didn't even say all that! Why are you acting like that? Not that it isn't awesome but...

Ok slow down champ, tell Captain that the dragon is waiting to meet with him.

Oh and realize that Saisai is going to kick your ass later. Or sooner.

>>264233
Give her a playful wink, then look to see the Captain and Kacey being completely dumbfounded by this.
"He wasn't going to let Kacey go without an exchange, and he wouldn't take you or the Captain because he couldn't push you around. Kacey's our healer, and I'm not skilled enough to help him if he can't heal himself."

what

You royally fucked up. How did you even manage to do this, you're not female right now.

Artemis 2010/12/13(Mon)14:28 No. 264241 ID: 25d645
File 12922793008.png - (95.63KB , 600x600 , 209.png )

And this is why I prefer my male form. I can resist things like that.

"Sorry Saisai.. It just seemed like the right choice at the time. I was the best one to go besides our healer."

".... Whatever. Just don't do anything else stupid."

Artemis explains the situation to the captain and Kacey. The captain nods and steps through the door.

Saisai
>"I swear next time you do something stupid I'm gonna stab you."

"Nice to know you care~"

>>264241
Haha! Dammit man you trolled the hell out of us, you know that? We didn't even say all that let alone agree to it, you made most of that up yourself. Good job!

>>264243
i have to agree. it seems you are smooth, you juat have a hard time putting it into action.
still, you should sompliment saisai on her looks.

>>264241
You shouldn't have resisted! That would have been awesome!

Although it's good to know that you are infatuated with Saisai.
Say this to Saisai: "I had an escape plan, but as soon as he said he needed one of us I knew what he wanted. I wasn't in any real danger; sorry I couldn't tell you before."

If she lets you continue, then:
"Light elves don't get sick, and don't have any healing magic. I had to ask the dragon for details, but it's about what I expected. His wife is sick, and he was panicking over something new and unfortunate he had never seen before happening to somebody he loved. She's a Dark Elf, by the way."

Your captain has the same mark on his forehead as the door and that dragon. Was that ever explained?

Can you catch up with that Light Elf and double check his side of the story? It'd be a major downer if the dragon gave him a stone that's just for show if his girlfriend is actually on her deathbed. He seems kinda desperate after all.

Artemis 2010/12/14(Tue)12:16 No. 264375 ID: 25d645
File 129235779332.png - (109.59KB , 600x600 , 210.png )

The Light Elf is already gone now. No point in chasing him. I'm sure it'll be fine.

"I had an escape plan, I think, but as soon as he said he needed one of us I knew what he wanted. I wasn't in any real danger; sorry I couldn't tell you before."

"Hmm."

She walks away from him and leans against a wall. Kacey gives Artemis a tight hug.

>"Thank you Artemis! I was so scared! You're amazing!"

"-cough-. It was... Nothing... Stop crushing me."

Kacey lets go of him. A moment later the captain steps out of the room and laughs.

"Mission done squad! The king will be here tomorrow to negotiate some trade with the dragon Sharaes! You all did a fine job today!"

He gives everyone a slap on the back. Together they head out.

>>264358
"Sir, I wanted to ask you something"

"Go right on ahead Artemis."

"What does that symbol on your head mean? I mean, I know it's the Water symbol but why do you wear it? I thought it was for the merfolk."

"Haha well see I use a form of combat that relies on water. I suppose the symbol is just me paying my respects to it and the water dragon."

ah, makes sense.

>>264375
The dragon deserves respect, no doubt. Kindness despite all that power, but as strong as she is it's her awareness of things that is the most frightening. She knew everything that was going on, why you were there and even what you were about to say. She knew who you were and could tell you were a part-time girl, and probably even knew you had a mimic handy. She already knows your secrets so trusting her isn't even a choice.

"As powerful as she is her knowledge was the real intimidating thing. She knew more about the situation than I did, and knew what I was going to say before I said it. We're lucky she's as kind as she is, I would never want her for an enemy."

Artemis 2010/12/14(Tue)12:49 No. 264378 ID: 25d645
File 129235976716.png - (76.84KB , 600x600 , 211.png )

"As powerful as she is her knowledge was the real intimidating thing. She knew more about the situation than I did, and knew what I was going to say before I said it. We're lucky she's as kind as she is, I would never want her for an enemy."

"Oh trust me if she saw us as a enemy it would be the end of our lives. One of her powers is the ability to look into our minds and hearts. She can sense what kind of person we are and read our thoughts and memories. She sensed you were a nice person and let you inside. If I had entered with thoughts of hurting merpeople I'd be dead. She's like any good leader, she only wants the best for her people."

"So she's like the king, or queen, of the merfolk?"

"In a way all dragons are."

>>264378
Alright. Head out and go talk to the merfolk who will be outside the cave waiting to help you.

oh yeah, finish up with that merfolk.

"Empathy and mind reading huh? Well then it's better that I met her myself than her indirectly learning the son of a dragon slayer was here."

Come to think of it, if she could get in your head then she'd know we were there too. Maybe even could hear us directly.

>>264379
>>264384
Oh yeah huh.

"Sir when I heard the trouble earlier I asked the merfolk I was talking to to get someone to help, we should go let him know everything is ok. And did Sharaes say anything about getting a crystal from them now, or does that wait on the king?"

Artemis 2010/12/14(Tue)13:36 No. 264399 ID: 25d645
File 129236259577.png - (51.40KB , 600x600 , 212.png )

"Empathy and mind reading huh? Well then it's better that I met her myself than her indirectly learning the son of a dragon slayer was here. Sir when I heard the trouble earlier I asked the merfolk I was talking to to get someone to help, we should go let him know everything is ok. And did Sharaes say anything about getting a crystal from them now, or does that wait on the king?"

"We've finished our part, trade is now possibly open. The king will need to take care of the rest. Now let's go."

They head out the cave.
In a nearby lake is their 'help' napping.

"Well then, if we have nothing else to attend to here shall we head off? It's been a rather tiring day."

yeah yeah, let's go.

>>264399
Haha, maybe we can arrange to trade for some of that relaxation. Enviable lifestyle, that.

Agree that it's time to go, and you should learn something from these merfolk on how to relax properly. Before you leave tap the would be help on the head and tell everyone is ok and thanks.

>>264399
Leave a thank you note for them.

Mission Complete! GP:75 Artemis 2010/12/14(Tue)14:03 No. 264408 ID: 25d645
File 129236420780.png - (137.83KB , 600x600 , 213.png )

Artemis taps the potential helper on the shoulder and thanks him/her. They nod and return to sleep.
The team heads back to central city. Once they're in the castle the Captain thanks them all for a job well done and pays Artemis and Saisai 50G a piece.
He and Kacey both leave.

Saisai
"I was serious about being careful out there. You're the only mage we have right now and I don't want to have to tell anyone you died."

"Well it's not like I know many people anyway. It's just you guys and my mom."

"I remember you telling me that.. You've never had someone you liked? Someone you're close to?"

"No."

"Well don't get one, I don't wanna have to tell them the bad news when you end up running in front of a Orcs attack someday."

She leaves.

Well... I still got some time to myself now. It's only 3PM

>>264408
I don't think there's anyone we need to bother right now, our teem needs to rest and I don't think we you have the energy to go running around for anyone else. But we do have some unfinished business... go find out what became of Apple, if not actually talk to her.

>>264408
Give Mimi 50GP. You can do that through the bag, right?
Yea, go check on apple, then drop by Potions McAwesome's place to visit.

Artemis 2010/12/14(Tue)14:36 No. 264415 ID: 25d645
File 129236619197.png - (180.33KB , 600x600 , 214.png )

Oh right! Apple!

Artemis asks around to try to find if anyone has any news of her. Someone says they heard someone named Apple working in the Food Court.

Artemis heads there. It doesn't take long for him to find her.

"You... I swear if you so much as giggle I will end your life and the lives of all those you hold dear."

>>264415
"I'd better not then; I'd hate to make you kill yourself.
So, what did the king decide? Is this your punishment?"

"why would i laugh? i think it looks cute."

Ok ok ok, this is kinda funny but hold on. Take a deep breath, look at her and imagine her without her hand. Then tell her you're glad she's ok and that you're sorry she had to go through all that.

>>264415
Jeez, after all we went through to clear her name she's going right back to committing capital crimes? She should be ashamed of herself!

"you do know it only looks silly with the death glare right? look less lethal and you'll look less silly"

GP: 80 Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)10:58 No. 264554 ID: 25d645
File 129243949999.png - (174.24KB , 600x600 , 215.png )

"I'd better not then; I'd hate to make you kill yourself. So, what did the king decide? Is this your punishment?"

"Sorta. It's just community service for a while then I get assigned to a knight squad. I think I got off real easy on this one ya know? Still I hate wearing this stupid dress, it makes me feel exposed. More so then my last outfit too.."

>>264554
"Yea, it's because that outfit is designed to draw attention.
I'm sorry you weren't there for the fight; but at least that thing got justice."
Offer her a hand
"You've got friends now, Apple; we've got your back."

"By the letter of the law maybe. But with what that monster did to you and the other girls it would be wrong to cause any more hardship, embarrassing outfits aside. Just be glad you're ok, it's enough for me."

"Oh and just so you know, that asshole had friends who are probably pissed about all this. They probably be more upset with me and Saisai but you be careful too just in case."

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)11:53 No. 264565 ID: 25d645
File 129244281990.png - (140.65KB , 600x600 , 216.png )

"Yea, it's because that outfit is designed to draw attention. Just be glad you're ok, it's enough for me. Also try to be on the lookout for that guys friends. They may be a bit upset at us."

"I'll take em out, no problem. Anyway..."

She clears her throat and flashes Artemis a professional smile.

"Is there anything I can get for you?"

eeeeee, so adorable. sure, get a bite to eat.

>>264565
Smile and tell her you just wanted to see how she was doing.

Now, go give Mimi 60GP!

Yeah she'll do fine. Say you're good for now but offer to hang out later if she wants someone to talk to.

Yes, she can get you a coffee, and hmn. What would go well with a coffee?

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)12:14 No. 264573 ID: 25d645
File 129244404456.png - (76.44KB , 600x600 , 217.png )

I would feel kinda awkward ordering something from her now though..

"Maybe later. Your smile is great though."

"I've been practicing. Anyway I'll see you later Artemis. Thanks again."

"It was no problem Apple."

Artemis leaves and goes back to his room.
He hears something inside..

It doesn't sound like Mimi.

>>264573

I suggest female form and kicking down the door. Are you proficient in hand to hand?

be ready to wreak someone.
[switch to girl]

>>264573
Well let's not overreact, whoever is in there Mimi should just be fine. I want to say to pass her a note but it might be risky to do anything like that right now. Ready your staff and open the door quietly.

>>264573
Open the door as if you don't know something is wrong.

Peek in without being seen

GP:70 Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)12:33 No. 264586 ID: 25d645
File 129244518682.png - (73.51KB , 600x600 , 218.png )

Artemis changes to girl form and opens the door.
There's a Odd Man sitting on top of Mimi's chest.

"Oh. Hello there."

>>264586
"Err... Who are you and what are you doing in my room?"

"hello, can you tell me why you are in my room?" be ready fo him to suddenly attack.

>>264586
Snuck right into your room, in the castle, and is just sitting there waiting for you to walk in. Skills of a thief but not stealing, it must be a friend of Apple.

"Hi there... you're here about a mutual friend, I presume?"

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)12:52 No. 264596 ID: 25d645
File 129244635995.png - (88.71KB , 600x600 , 219.png )

"Err... Who are you and what are you doing in my room..?"

The man stands up.

"Doing a inspection of your room. A little bare but nothing seems to break any rules. Keep up the good work."

The man leaves.

... close the door and lock it, then ask mimi if she is okay.

>>264596
Ask for his name.

Ask for his captian.

Ask for identification.

NOW.

>>264596
Search the room for anything odd before giving Mimi the all-clear. He may have put a spying device in the room.
Or stolen something.
Then check outside to make sure he left.
THEN give Mimi the all-clear, ask if she's ok, find out what she knows about that guy, and then give her 60GP.

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)13:03 No. 264605 ID: 25d645
File 129244702112.png - (73.90KB , 600x600 , 220.png )

>>264598
Artemis opens Mimi's chest to find her cowering in there.

"Master you're back! That creepy guy has been in here for an hour! He kept trying to open me! ;-;"

Don't let him just leave.

give her a hug to calm her down.

You just caused the death of an unscrupulous man with a lot of friends.

Just after this, a man came into your room, unannounced.

You asked for no ID, no name, nothing. You just let him leave.

WHY.

>>264605
Tell her he's fair game for her and that she needs to stay hidden while you go after him.
Then chase that burglar down!

>"A suspicious man broke into my room. When I caught him he claimed that he was doing an inspection and fled before I could get any ID. It looks like he attempted to force the magic lock on my chest."

FIND YOUR CAPTIAN.

TELL HIM THIS.

BEFORE YOUR ROOM EXPLODES.

>>264605
"Shh it's ok now, you did good."

hug poor Mimi! she looks so sad/scared

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)13:18 No. 264618 ID: 25d645
File 129244789346.png - (145.90KB , 600x600 , 221.png )

"Shh it's ok now, you did good. I'll be right back."

Artemis runs out of his room. Down the hall he spots two people talking.
It's the Odd Man and the King, they appear deep in conversation with the king giving the occasional nod or chuckle.

>>264618
Slow down, don't interrupt, wait for a place to step in.

Ask the king why the man presented no identification when he inspected your room. Why, you nearly apprehended the poor man for intruding! He could have gotten hurt forcing my magical lock!

>>264618
Politely wait for them to finish, then tell the old man he didn't tell you his name or rank when you asked after he finished inspecting your room.
Playing dumb: It works.

run up to him and say "ah, glad i cought you, just wanted to know where i can find a list of contraband so i don't get any by accident."

Y'know you could just straight up ask why he was trying to get into your box.

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)13:31 No. 264629 ID: 25d645
File 129244868383.png - (76.84KB , 600x600 , 222.png )

>>264623
I could but he would ask how he knew I knew that.

They finish talking. Artemis walks up to them.

"Hello your majesty." He turns to the Odd Man "Excuse but I'm afraid I didn't catch your name or rank. You left right after you inspected the room."

King
"Running your rounds again Regulus?"

>"Just checking up on some of the people. My name is Regulus Kite. My rank is Captain General. Sorry I didn't introduce myself, I was in a bit of a rush."

"Not enough of a rush to spare a few minutes for me."

>"For you my lord I would do anything."

"Hahaha flattery gets you nowhere."

>"Not always true. Anyway if you both don't mind I really should be going."

"Wait! One more question, can I get a list of what's banned?"

"Hmm... I'll try to get one to you. For now just use commen sense. Good bye."

He leaves again, the king following behind him.

okay, so he IS an inspector, but he could ALSO be a bad guy.

>>264629
...Seems legit.

Someone that close to the king is more trustworthy than a lowly captian... and furthermore, he probably answers to a higher authority than you do, since he's in charge of ferreting out badfolks. You may want to ask mimi if she can be opened and appear to be a normal harmless chest, since she's the only thing in the room to worry about.

Lastly, give your room a very thourough search, and anything out of the ordinary need to be removed.Ask mimi if the guy left anything behind.

>>264629
Ok, so we can't have Mimi eating his soul.
Head back and give Mimi 60GP, a hug, an explanation of what happened, and praise for doing exactly the right thing.
Then, I dunno, go visit Morgan?

Well that went as well as it could have, let's go back to our room for now. We could run around some more but Mimi is still upset.We should let he know everything is ok. And maybe we can draw with her or something.

GP:10 Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)13:45 No. 264638 ID: 25d645
File 129244950391.png - (181.98KB , 700x700 , 223.png )

>>264633
There are no little cubby holes in my room, no cracks to speak of. It seems like nothing was added at all.

He gives the room one final look through then opens Mimi's chest. He pours 60 GP into her.
She glows for a moment, her horns grow a tiny bit and it actually looks like she got a bit taller too.

"Level Up! I can store more things now! I can even go a little further out my chest!"


>>264634
Visiting Morgan 'would' be nice but I'm actually rather tired right now. Unless I 'really' need to do something I think it's time for bed.

lock your door and get some sleep then, night.

>>264638
Wrap your arms around her and plant a kiss on her forehead.
Is her bag any wider?
OH! That reminds me! What does the inside of her bag look like?

>>264638
Yeah we don't need to hang out with her every day let's give her a break. Spend some time just hanging out with Mimi, draw some stuff together. Ask her how safely she could be opened up and still look like a normal chest. Because Regulus just might make you do it later.

Also, ask her to show you how far she can stretch from her box now.

hug that mimic!

Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)14:01 No. 264647 ID: 25d645
File 129245050271.png - (83.33KB , 600x600 , 224.png )

>>264641
Uhm... It looks and feels like a normal bag.. Why?

Artemis hugs Mimi and congratulates her.

"So Mimi can you finally get out of that chest?"

"Nope! But I can move further out without hurting myself now!"

To demonstrate she pulls herself out of it more then halfway.

"See Master? I'm getting better and better! Soon I'll be able to get out and be with you!"

"Very good Mimi. I'll do my best to help you get stronger."

"You could help me by giving me your soul~"

"but if i did that i wouldn't be able to hug you anymore."

>>264647
Sorry Mimi, my soul is mine.

er... umm... well THATS a bit creepy. Ask her why she thinks thats a good idea.

"But then I wouldn't care about you."

>>264647
We'll stick with GP thanks.

>>264647
no to the soul but ask her if she wants any books or something to entertain herself with while we are gone

>>264647
"Even if I did, you're still not allowed to eat it. Remember?
People can't exist without their souls, Mimi. If you eat somebody's soul then they're gone forever."

Then grab your blanket and pillow and sleep inside her chest.

Chapter 2 End Artemis 2010/12/15(Wed)14:22 No. 264663 ID: 25d645
File 129245174583.png - (63.57KB , 700x700 , 225.png )

"Even if I did, you're still not allowed to eat it. Remember? People can't exist without their souls, Mimi. If you eat somebody's soul then they're gone forever."

"I know...."

"But I'll get you some more books tomorrow okay?"

"Yay! Thank you master!"

She gives him a hug then returns to her chest. Artemis changes then lays down

Another busy day and another lesson learned..
The Light Elf seemed to care about a Dark Elf. I've never seen Light Elves care about anything like that before.. I suppose love knows no boundaries.
Also something captain said...
If that Sharaes dragon is the ruler of the merfolk then who is ours?
And who did the shadow dragon my father had slain rule over..?

>>264663
What element do you see around human lands most? That would probably be it. But who knows it may not have any kind of active role, or even be dead. Well it isn't worth worrying about now.

>>264663
[Make Art have sexy dreams about Saisai and Mimi]

>>264682
[and apple and morgan]

[and Captain Gerald, and Master Ion, and king]

>>264686
[As femArt]

[have completely normal dreams that don't involve perverted things]

[Have dream of showing Mimi around outside her chest as femArty]

>>264873
[Make Artemis say "Mimi kiss me" out loud in his sleep.]