Buckwheat 2018/02/18(Sun)13:29 No. 868412 ID: 15a025
File 151898939657.png - (4.11KB , 800x600 , 1.png )

I pop on my earrings and get some stretches in to help wake up from my nap.

Candy: "Evening earring ghosts! Sorry I disappeared on you for a few days. I ended up catching a cold and didn't want you all to suffer with me. I'm starting to feel better and a little more talkative now. How've you all been?"

>>868412
Colds suck, glad to hear you're feeling better.

I'm doing well, how have things been on your end? Any developments?

Maybe you got sick from getting hit in the face with a bunch of different things?

Anyways, what’re you up to today?

Been alright being an earring ghost. You?

>>868412
>How've you all been?
Bored. What's on the agenda for today?

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/02/18(Sun)15:15 No. 868424 ID: 15a025
File 151899573649.png - (4.13KB , 800x600 , 2.png )

>Been alright being an earring ghost. You?
>Colds suck, glad to hear you're feeling better.
>Maybe you got sick from getting hit in the face with a bunch of different things?

Thanks! Getting face blasted from dust and smoke probably didn't help or that freezing cold shower at Sharcole's place...

>how have things been on your end? Any developments?

Past few days were alright other than being sick and Marsh taking off somewhere. I don't know what happened exactly happened. I heard Sugar yelling at her about something in the morning she came home with that hangover. Apparently she's supposed to be coming home later tonight. Oh, Sugar also gave me an old crate to stick the lamp on and a trash bin.

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/02/18(Sun)15:16 No. 868425 ID: 15a025
File 151899576673.png - (4.13KB , 800x600 , 3.png )

>Anyways, what’re you up to today?
>What's on the agenda for today?
It's the weekend right now. My sis had business in town and left me here to watch the mansion. She mentioned someone else was coming out here to finish up some work Marsh-

A loud pounding sound on the front door interrupts my train of thought.

Candy: "Huh. That's odd. I either over napped, or they're here a lot earlier than Sugar mentioned they would be?"

Got your knife with you? Make sure you have it handy when you answer the door.

I sorta wanted to talk to Marsh about what was bothering her, and didn't expect being sick to shut you down for several days. Probably should still make some attempt to reach out to her, but hopefully she hasn't got too bad on her own.

Good to hear you didn't have any more run-ins with cultists.

>A loud pounding sound on the front door interrupts my train of thought.
Well, go see who it is. Carefully, of course.

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/19(Mon)14:23 No. 868697 ID: 15a025
File 151907903395.png - (4.07KB , 800x600 , 4.png )

>I sorta wanted to talk to Marsh about what was bothering her, and didn't expect being sick to shut you down for several days. Probably should still make some attempt to reach out to her, but hopefully she hasn't got too bad on her own.

I hope she's been doing fine too. I'll try and talk with her tonight when she comes home.

>Well, go see who it is. Carefully, of course.
>Got your knife with you? Make sure you have it handy when you answer the door.

I grab my sweater and pocket my knife before heading off to answer the door.

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/19(Mon)14:24 No. 868698 ID: 15a025
File 151907906184.png - (4.51KB , 800x600 , 5.png )

Candy: "Who is it?"

A loud voice chatters through the door.
???: "It's Roxie! Mind opening up the door before I freeze out here!"

I'm not as familiar with Roxie's voice as I am with my sister's voice, so I cautiously open the door to take a quick peek.

Candy: "Oh, hey Roxie. Come on in!"

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/19(Mon)14:25 No. 868699 ID: 15a025
File 151907910545.png - (5.41KB , 800x600 , 6.png )

She dashes in from the cold, along with- is that my little sister?

Roxie: "I really wish she'd just give me a key to get in already. It's bad enough I have to ride in this weather for an hour."

Little Sister?: "Candy, long time no see!"

Candy: "Pepper? What are you doing all the way out here?"

Pepper: "I came home early when I heard you weren't feeling good!"

Roxie shoots me a cold look.

Roxie: "Yeah, speaking of. You don't look all that sick."

Candy: "Hold that thought for a second, Roxie. What do you mean came home early, Pepper?"

Pepper: "I live here with big sis and Marsh."

If I was drinking anything, I'd be doing a spit take right about now.

Candy: "Live here? Pepper, you're not even done with high school! What are you doing out here?"

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/19(Mon)14:25 No. 868701 ID: 15a025
File 151907912449.png - (5.44KB , 800x600 , 7.png )

She gives me a concerned look.

Pepper: "Candy, I've been out of school for two years now!"

How long did you say you were sick?

>Your sister is a dropout
... Okay.

There's this thing called a G.E.D., and it's for dropouts who have learned slowly and thoroughly but don't want to go back to high school. If she takes it and passes, it's the equivalent if a high school diploma.

And apparently, most companies want years of work experience more than a solid education; a college degree is equivalent to about two years of working and learning at a company with slow promotions, all without getting reprimanded or fired. If Pepper has been doing more than her sister, she might already have a career and honed skills.

So you have options.

>>868701
Give your sister a suspicious look.

Is this one of those cursed little towns where time stops passing when you enter? So you think you've only been here a few days while years kept passing outside?

>>868701
I think you had better confirm the calendar date.

>>868701
2 years? Wasn’t that around the time you and Rainy were on a different continent and helping take down the terrorist’s leader and destroy their base?

That might explain why you didn’t know about this. You weren’t at you’re home to hear about Pepper’s graduation! Of course, you can’t tell anyone about that because they wouldn’t believe you.

Just tell her, “Well this is the first time I’m hearing about it! Why didn’t anyone call me or send me a letter or something?! I would’ve come to your graduation!”

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/02/20(Tue)18:07 No. 869042 ID: 15a025
File 151917887698.png - (5.42KB , 800x600 , 8.png )

>How long did you say you were sick?
Just a few days.

>2 years? Wasn’t that around the time you and Rainy were on a different continent and helping take down the terrorist’s leader and destroy their base?

Close. That was three or four...or five? years ago? I can't remember what year of college that all happened in the middle of.

>Is this one of those cursed little towns where time stops passing when you enter? So you think you've only been here a few days while years kept passing outside?
>I think you had better confirm the calendar date.

I doubt there's some kind of time curse or magic going on here. I just haven't heard from any of family in years, other than Sugar asking me to come out here and help. What I am worried about is little I know and recognize my sisters now because of that. I'm way out of the loop!

>Give your sister a suspicious look.
>Your sister is a dropout.
Candy: "Why does that sound like you're trying say you dropped out?"

Now she's giving me the stink eye too!

Pepper: "Candy, no! I graduated two years ago!"

Candy: "Oh, well uh...congrats! Sorry I didn't get to be there for you."

Hard to be there when no one sends a letter or anything.

Pepper: "It's fine, Sugar missed out too."

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/02/20(Tue)18:09 No. 869045 ID: 15a025
File 151917899649.png - (5.41KB , 800x600 , 9.png )

Roxie uses the short pause to jump back in the conversation.

Roxie: "Sorry if I'm interrupting the famliy reunion here, but can it carry on while we work, or do you two need some time to yourselves?"

>>869045
Accept the merciful subject change for what it is. Yeah! We can work. What's on our plate today?

>>869042
>Hard to be there when no one sends a letter or anything.
You need to say that out loud so that she knows that you’re not making excuses! Nobody told you anything!

>>869045
Yeah, sure, let’s work.

Ask Roxie how Tulip is doing? Is she still in the hospital?

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/24(Sat)13:13 No. 869865 ID: 15a025
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>You need to say that out loud so that she knows that you’re not making excuses! Nobody told you anything!
I should, but I feel like now isn't a good time to be getting into a argument about things. I'll have to have a chat with Pepper later after we settle in some.

>Accept the merciful subject change for what it is. Yeah! We can work. What's on our plate today?
>Yeah, sure, let’s work.
>Ask Roxie how Tulip is doing? Is she still in the hospital?
For now, there's apparently work to do!

Candy: "Sure! What's on that to-do list?"

Roxie: "Reading from the top it says: 'Take care of Candy and make sure she doesn't leave the house, clean up office, finish computer work. More details on Marsh's desk.' Sounds easy enough."

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/24(Sat)13:13 No. 869866 ID: 15a025
File 151950681694.png - (6.42KB , 800x600 , 11.png )

>Ask Roxie how Tulip is doing? Is she still in the hospital?
Candy: "Hey Roxie, how's Tulip been doing?"

Roxie: "She's doing better. The doctors got her cleaned and stitched up. I've been staying at her place the past few days taking caring of her while it heals up."

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/24(Sat)13:13 No. 869867 ID: 15a025
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We head into Marsh's office and- oh my!

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/02/24(Sat)13:14 No. 869868 ID: 15a025
File 151950686175.png - (4.21KB , 800x600 , 13.png )

Roxie: "Guess I spoke too soon about this being easy. Someone come all the way out here and rob the place or something?"

>Take care of Candy and make sure she doesn't leave the house
Cool getting spoiled is on the to-do list.

>>869867
For comparison, we last saw this room >>/questarch/864278

The orange book has been knocked to the floor, the monitor and whatever that thing under the desk is have been moved around, the grey stuff and red thing from the floor are gone, and now there's a bunch of white stuff everywhere. Snow?

If there was a break-in, the window doesn't look damaged.

>>869867
Something tells me that this might have something to do with that letter to Marsh. She seemed pretty pissed about it being vomited on and then you accidentally getting it wet.

So maybe in a fit of rage, Marsh threw a bunch of things around?

Buckwheat 2018/02/24(Sat)21:32 No. 869943 ID: 15a025
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>If there was a break-in, the window doesn't look damaged.
Candy: "If someone broke in, it couldn't have been from the window."

Roxie: "Huh? Oh, no I was just commenting on how trashed this office is."

>there's a bunch of white stuff everywhere. Snow?
Sno'pe. Those would be crumpled up balls of paper and yellowed keyboard keys littering the floor. There's also a busted up keyboard, mouse, and floppy disk laying around.

> Something tells me that this might have something to do with that letter to Marsh. She seemed pretty pissed about it being vomited on and then you accidentally getting it wet. So maybe in a fit of rage, Marsh threw a bunch of things around?

I'm not sure the letter was the only thing Marsh was angry about last night, though it could have been the breaking point. That, or judging by the smashed up computer stuff she had another computer problem. I hope whatever it was, she's doing alright.

Candy: "Guess we better start by trying to get the keyboard put back together and getting gathering up all paper balls."

Roxie: "Don't worry, me and Pepper can handle it. You should probably crawl back into bed and get some rest."

Candy: "That's okay, I'm feeling fine. I can help you two clean up."

Roxie: "That's not what the note says. I'd appreciate the extra help, but I don't want to think about what Sugar would do if she found out."

Um. Has anyone seen Marsh since Candy got sick? If she might have done this I'm worried about her. Checking on Marsh might be more important than cleaning.

>crumpled paper
Uncrumpling it might tell us something, if that's the letter she got.

Well if you insist. But at least help pick up the papers, should be light enough work.

>>869943
Point at yourself and say, “Do I look sick to you guys? I’m staying to help clean up and you can’t stop me!”

1/3 Buckwheat 2018/02/25(Sun)15:35 No. 870091 ID: 15a025
File 151960173607.png - (5.84KB , 800x600 , 15.png )

>Has anyone seen Marsh since Candy got sick? If she might have done this I'm worried about her. Checking on Marsh might be more important than cleaning.
Candy: "Roxie, you wouldn't happened to have seen Marsh in the last few days have you?"

Roxie: "No, the last time I saw her was when she helped us get Tulip to the hospital."

Well, Sugar mentioned Marsh was supposed to be coming home tonight. I guess we'll have to wait and see if she makes it home tonight and go from there.

>Point at yourself and say, “Do I look sick to you guys? I’m staying to help clean up and you can’t stop me!”
>at least help pick up the papers, should be light enough work.
>Uncrumpling [the papers] might tell us something, if that's the letter she got.
Candy: "Darn. Anyway, do I look sick to you?"

Roxie: "No, you seem fine to me."

Candy: "Then let me help clean up. At least let me pick up all these papers."

Roxie: "What if Sugar comes in and sees you in here cleaning?"

Candy: "She won't. We'll hear her come in through the front doors, you've heard how loud those things creak. If she comes in, I'll just say I came up to ask for something ."

Roxie: "Alright, you can help. If I hear even the tiniest sneeze or cough though I'm hauling you to bed."

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/02/25(Sun)15:36 No. 870094 ID: 15a025
File 151960177238.png - (5.91KB , 800x600 , 16.png )

Finally. I've been dying to get up and do something. Even if it's just picking up papers. Roxie pulls out a little pocket radio and cranks up soon tunes while we clean. I un-crumple the papers as I grab them, but they're nothing really interesting. Just scratch paper used for a bunch of math problems and a couple of doodles?

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/02/25(Sun)15:37 No. 870097 ID: 15a025
File 151960184656.png - (5.74KB , 800x600 , 17.png )

Once we get everything picked up, and the keyboard re-assembled we run into another problem.

Roxie: "I don't suppose you know what the username, password, and where this disk A or CD one is would you?"

Candy: "Sugar didn't give you the login info?"

Roxie: "Would I be asking you if she did?"

Don't give the password to people who don't have it already. Just go get Sugar to log into it, or log into it yourself but don't let her look at you input it.

Computer security is serious business.

>>870097
You guys missed a few things. There’s still something white under the desk next to Roxie‘s foot and there’s a red book on the ground over by the bookshelf behind Roxie.

>Where are the things?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

>>870099
Candy doesn’t know the username or password or any of those things! Only Sugar and Marsh know about them!

>Roxie: "No, the last time I saw [Marsh] was when she helped us get Tulip to the hospital."
Great now I'm worried.

>login info
Sorry, no.

>>870114
>You guys missed a few things. There’s still something white under the desk next to Roxie‘s foot and there’s a red book on the ground over by the bookshelf behind Roxie.

You missed some things.
You thinking about something Pepper?

I think the white thing under the desk is part of Roxie's shoe.
Also yeah pick up that orange book and talk to pepper.
Also Marsh may have kept a piece of paper with the password and username and crumpled them up in a fit of rage, so check through those again for important looking ones if you don't have any better ideas for the codes.

>>870258
>I think the white thing under the desk is part of Roxie's shoe.
Oh, yeah, it is.

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/02/26(Mon)13:20 No. 870311 ID: 15a025
File 151968002184.png - (5.79KB , 800x600 , 18.png )

>Don't give the password to people who don't have it already. Just go get Sugar to log into it, or log into it yourself but don't let her look at you input it. Computer security is serious business.

I don't know the password, and Sugar unfortunately isn't home either.

Candy: "Sorry Roxie, I don't know Marsh's username or password."

Roxie: "Well that's great. How am I going to get this computer work done?"

>something white under the desk next to Roxie‘s foot
>I think the white thing under the desk is part of Roxie's shoe.
Yup! The little white thing next to Roxie's boot would be her boot's spur.

>there’s a red book on the ground over by the bookshelf behind Roxie.
>You guys missed a few things.
>Pick up that orange book.
Candy: "Oh hey Roxie. You missed that orange book on the floor."

Roxie: "I don't see any orange books on the ground."

Candy: "Yeah there is, it's laying right next to the book shelf."

Roxie: "Oh you mean that red book on the ground?"

Candy: "Yeah, the orange book on the ground."

Roxie: "I only see a red book on the ground."

Candy: "I, whatever. What book is that anyway?"

Roxie goes over and grabs the book off the ground.

Roxie: "Taking a Byte Out of Your New Computer: A Reference Guide to the Snowball '98 Operating system."

Candy: "Flip through it a bit, maybe Marsh left a paper with the login info in there?"

Roxie: "Worth a shot, I guess."

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/02/26(Mon)13:20 No. 870312 ID: 15a025
File 151968005004.png - (5.85KB , 800x600 , 19.png )

>You thinking about something Pepper?
>Talk to Pepper.
Candy: "Thinking about something Pepper?"

Pepper: "Huh? No, not really. I'm just trying to remember if there's something like a default login for the computer, or a way to just skip past the login screen. That, or what Marsh's password might be."

Candy: "What about her username?"

Pepper: "Oh that I know, it's just Marsh."

Please stop trying to hack into her computer, it's rude.

>>870312
Try checking in the desk drawers or the filing cabinet. Hell, you could even try looking behind that picture of a candy cane over there.

>>870355
But we’re supposed to get on the computer! Sugar wanted us to do some work that’s on there!

>Please stop trying to hack into her computer, it's rude.
That depends, is this Marsh's personal computer, or is this a work computer? Much lower expectation of privacy in the later case.

>That, or what Marsh's password might be.
Common passwords "password", "qwerty", "123456" (or other short strings of consecutive numbers) or the name of family, friends, or pets.

>a default login for the computer, or a way to just skip past the login screen
You might be able to bypass the password by booting in safe mode? Or maybe by just hitting cancel on the login prompt.

There might be trickier things like https://imgur.com/gallery/fqjnK but this is an alien operating system from our perspective, so we're not going to know the exact security bugs to exploit.

>>870312
If Snowball 98 is anything like old windows systems the default admin login is
Username: Admin
Password: adminpass
It would be funny if it worked, it would also show that Marsh and Sugar are both lazy when it comes to old computers leaving the defaults as the login.

What if the password is just "Marsh" also?

>>870355
This.

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/02(Fri)09:58 No. 871155 ID: 15a025
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>Please stop trying to hack into her computer, it's rude.
>That depends, is this Marsh's personal computer, or is this a work computer? Much lower expectation of privacy in the later case.

It's Sugar's computer. If Marsh had anything private on it, Sugar's probably snooped whatever it is before anyone else. I hope she hasn't, and I sure hope Roxie doesn't plan on snooping around Marsh's files either.

>You might be able to bypass the password by booting in safe mode? Or maybe by just hitting cancel on the login prompt.
Candy: "Just for the heck of it Roxie, try hitting cancel or the escape key."

Roxie: "Giving up on- hey it's logging me in!"

Candy: "What about needing the disk though?"

Roxie: "I guess it was already inserted?"

Candy: "You didn't even look to see if it was inserted?"

Roxie: "I didn't feel like crawling under the desk to check. "

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/02(Fri)09:59 No. 871156 ID: 15a025
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I just shoot her a look of disappointment to that.

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/02(Fri)09:59 No. 871157 ID: 15a025
File 152001357569.png - (5.72KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

Candy: "If you're all set then, I'm going to take Pepper down to my room and catch up with her a bit."

Pepper: "Hey speak for yourself. Maybe I want to stay up here and jam out with Roxie?"

Wow, where did that come from?

Roxie: "You can stay up here and be my radio jockey if you want Pepper. I think you should go keep an eye on your sister though."

Pepper: "I was going to! It's just ah never-mind."

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/02(Fri)09:59 No. 871158 ID: 15a025
File 152001359865.png - (4.46KB , 800x600 , 23.png )

We head down into my room and Pepper lets out a little sigh.

Pepper: "So what do you want to talk about Candy?"

>>871158
How ya been, girl?

Ask what she’s been doing since the last time you guys were together.

And if she gives you more of that attitude, ask her why she’s being hostile to you.

Man all that wool makes your siblings look a lot rounder than you.

>"So what do you want to talk about Candy?"
So uh, what have you been up to? I'm kinda out of touch here.

I can't believe Sugar didn't mention you lived out here too.

What's been the latest since we last saw each other?

How's your mother?

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/03/04(Sun)09:54 No. 871557 ID: 15a025
File 152018604382.png - (4.68KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

>Man all that wool makes your siblings look a lot rounder than you.
Back when I used to live at home, our parents made us grow out our wool and then used it to make clothes to sell. I hated it since it starts to weigh you down a bit after a certain point. I happily started shaving more regularly once I moved out for college, but it seems my sisters are still keep up the tradition.

>How ya been, girl?
>What's been the latest since we last saw each other?
Candy: "So Pepper, how have you've been? It's been forever since I've seen you."

Pepper: "Yeah, you haven't sent a letter home or anything since you left for college!"

Candy: "That's not entirely true. First year of college mom and dad made me mail out copies of my exam scores to them to make sure I was actually attending college and not just blowing off their money vacationing."

Pepper: "That's not a letter though, and that was still years ago."

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/03/04(Sun)09:54 No. 871558 ID: 15a025
File 152018608507.png - (4.78KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

>I can't believe Sugar didn't mention you lived out here too.
Candy: "Well, I'm here now. Speaking of not saying anything, I can't believe Sugar never mentioned you moved out here?"

Pepper: "She didn't? Oh... Well, actually I half-live here and half-live at home still. Working two jobs."

Candy: "Half-live?"

Pepper: "Yeah, I spend a month out here hanging out with Sugar and working with her. Then the other month I head home and help mom and dad run their store."

Candy: "And how's that been working out?"

Pepper: It's been okay. I'm mostly just running the register back at our store. I've been wanting to start learning how to knit clothes and that, but mom's still treating me like kid. I like working with Sugar and Roxie a lot more. I get to ride around all over with Roxie on and help deliver all sorts of stuff to people. It's usually a blast!"

>>871558
Oh cool, I've been helping out in the candy store for the short while I've been here.

Candy you should send home letters if you want to keep in touch with your family, not just expect them to send you letters.

1/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/05(Mon)11:28 No. 871774 ID: 15a025
File 152027811875.png - (4.50KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

>Candy you should send home letters if you want to keep in touch with your family, not just expect them to send you letters.
I want to keep up with my family, just not with all them... I never really sent anything back home since then I'd have to send things for my parents as well. That or they'd probably just snoop into anything I'd send my sisters.

>Oh cool, I've been helping out in the candy store for the short while I've been here.
Candy: "That's neat. I've been helping Sharcole at the candy store. Well, before I ended up getting sick anyway."

Pepper: "You certainly have the name for the job. How was it?"

I tell her about my little initiation task Sharcole had me do, our first customer, and Officer Nibbles dropping by. I skip the details about that one jerk, and what happened after closing.

Pepper: "You? Friends with a cop?

2/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/05(Mon)11:30 No. 871775 ID: 15a025
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I can see her trying to hold in her laughter as she says that. Honestly with how much trouble I used to get into, it is kind of funny saying that now.

Pepper: "What happened while you were at college that lead to that? Become too much of a regular that they started to get to know you well?"

3/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/05(Mon)11:31 No. 871776 ID: 15a025
File 152027827541.png - (4.29KB , 800x600 , 28.png )

And it's no longer funny.

Candy: "It was one of those friendships that just kind of happened."

Pepper: "Really? I feel like there's more of a story to it."

Candy: "Sorry, it really was that boring."

Pepper: "Booooo..."

4/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/05(Mon)11:31 No. 871777 ID: 15a025
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We sit down on the floor and I start asking a few questions on what's been going on back home since I left. Apparently a lot of my favorite stores have closed up or going out of business now. On the flip side, business couldn't be better for my parents. Apparently the weather over there is hitting record lows and warm clothes are in high-demand.

5/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/05(Mon)11:32 No. 871778 ID: 15a025
File 152027835601.png - (5.04KB , 800x600 , 30.png )

In the middle of our conversation, I hear something beeping and ringing up-stairs.
Pepper: "Did Sugar finally get a telephone set up, or is that the computer upstairs?"

Before I can think of heading up to check, I hear loud, creaky footsteps storming down the stairs. Shortly after Roxie invites herself in, holding up a loud beeping radio.

Roxie: "Sorry to barge in but there's a PSA going out on the radio, apparently something's going in town?"

Pepper: "Weather alert maybe?"

A newscaster shortly replaces the beeping, and delivers us the scoop.

Newscaster: "We are sorry to interrupt your regular programs to bring in this special live report and PSA. Citizens of the Icy Pines are being cautioned and recommended to stay indoors and out of the down-town area tonight due to the rampant and increasingly violent protests going on by the new church. Several police squads have been called in to quell the crowd and have managed to stop the several attempts to burn the structure down. In other news, there's a severe winter weather advisory warning taking place between seven p.m. tonight until six a.m. tomorrow morning. We now return to your regular programs."

>Candy: "Sorry, it really was that boring."
Yeah, chimeras, super boring.

>>871778
Well that doesn't sound good. What time is it?

Maybe we need to make sure your housemates make it home tonight. Marsh and Sugar shouldn't be out and about.

>>871778
What new church?

guess it's a stay inside day, unless you want to go check out the church.

How's the weather outside now with that announcement? Check outside with the window.

Oh, we need to make sure Sugar and Marsh are okay and not outside for long...

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/11(Sun)13:08 No. 873012 ID: 15a025
File 152079890764.png - (4.93KB , 800x600 , 31.png )

>What new church?
I'm not sure, it sounds kind of familiar though? Might of been an ad on the radio about it earlier or something. Speaking of, I think there was supposed to be some hot chocolate thing going on in town today as well?

>Well that doesn't sound good. What time is it?

Candy: "What time is it right now?"

Roxie: "It's a few minutes after four right now."

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/11(Sun)13:08 No. 873013 ID: 15a025
File 152079893106.png - (5.68KB , 800x600 , 32.png )

>How's the weather outside now with that announcement? Check outside with the window.

We head up stairs and look out Marsh's window. Doesn't seem any different outside yet?

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/11(Sun)13:09 No. 873014 ID: 15a025
File 152079897091.png - (5.83KB , 800x600 , 33.png )

>Maybe we need to make sure your housemates make it home tonight. Marsh and Sugar shouldn't be out and about.
>Oh, we need to make sure Sugar and Marsh are okay and not outside for long...
Candy: "We should make sure Sugar and Marsh know about it so they can get home safely."

Roxie: "I'll try calling Sugar's cell, hopefully she isn't busy."

Candy: "Wait, you have a cell phone? Why didn't you just call her earlier when we needed the computer login?"

Roxie: "Because I'm running low on minutes and that wasn't an emergency."

Roxie whips out her phone and dials up Sugar. I hear the phone ring twice before it cuts to a generic sounding answering machine message.

Roxie: "She must be busy? Hey Sugar it's Roxie. Just calling to let you know there's a severe weather warning going around for seven tonight. Please drive safely, and let Marsh know too if you see her!"

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/11(Sun)13:10 No. 873015 ID: 15a025
File 152079902247.png - (5.77KB , 800x600 , 34.png )

She hangs up.
>guess it's a stay inside day, unless you want to go check out the church.
From the radio it sounded like they're blocking off that whole section of town.

Candy: "So now what?"

Roxie: "I could run into town and try to find them, but it's a two hour drive with my scooter. I'd have to find them both quickly and then head back home for the night myself."

Pepper: "We just got here though, and it's too cold out to drive back into town!"

Roxie: "True, it'd suck if the storm or whatever came early and I got stuck in the middle of it. I don't feel like sitting around doing nothing if we wait it out though."

Pepper: "I could break out Marsh's dart set or some games to pass the time?"

Roxie: "I guess I could stick around then if you want me to?"

Town seems a long enough drive with a tight enough window it doesn't really make sense to go looking for people. We have to hope they get back here on their own in time or they have the sense to seek shelter in town.

Putting people in the middle of long rides in the cold on a scooter without heat seems pretty much the opposite of a smart reaction to the weather alert.

Although I'm still concerned about Marsh since no one has seen her and this looming storm sure doesn't help matters.

You should probably invite Roxy to stay for now. Do something productive if possible, hang out and try to keep spirits up otherwise.

Can Roxy charge her phone here? There must be power if the computer works, but I don't know if there's a phone charger here.

>>873015
Here’s an idea: darts and a movie!

Everyone gets one throw and whoever does the best gets to pick a movie to watch!

1/9 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:34 No. 874034 ID: 15a025
File 152122885117.png - (5.77KB , 800x600 , 35.png )

>Putting people in the middle of long rides in the cold on a scooter without heat seems pretty much the opposite of a smart reaction to the weather alert.
I can't imagine driving out here on a scooter in the first place!

>Although I'm still concerned about Marsh since no one has seen her and this looming storm sure doesn't help matters.
With that storm coming, I'm not sure she's going to be making it back home today now. Hopefully Sugar can let us know what's up if she sees her in town at least.
>You should probably invite Roxy to stay for now. Do something productive if possible, hang out and try to keep spirits up otherwise.
Candy: "You should probably stay here for now Roxie. That time window for getting into town and finding them is a little bit too close for comfort. Not to mention you don't really have any heat to keep you warm on a scooter."

Roxie: "Yeah. If I'm heading into town by myself, I don't have a nice wool blanket holding onto to me for warmth anymore."
Candy: "What?"

Pepper: "Oh yeah, I won't be there to keep you warm if you go!"

Candy: "You drove my little sister all the way out here on a scooter? Is there even enough room on it for two people?"

Pepper: "I thought you were supposed to be the smart one in the family, Candy. Hello? If there wasn't room on there for two people, how'd we manage to get here together then?"

Candy: "I don't know, some really stupid dangerous way I probably would have tried? Like riding on the back pegs or something? Something else I don't know is, what's with all the sass lately?"

Pepper: "That's not sass, just messing with ya a bit."

I can tell she's been hanging around Sugar a little too much then.

>Here’s an idea: darts and a movie! Everyone gets one throw and whoever does the best gets to pick a movie to watch
Candy: "Well, ah whatever. Let's talk about those darts. How about we make it a little more interesting?"
Pepper: "Interesting? You mean, with bets or?"

Candy: "Bets? No, I was thinking something a little more fun spirited. How about we each get one dart, and whoever gets the best throw picks out a movie to watch?"

Roxie: "Sounds fun, but do you know if Marsh would mind us using her stuff while she's gone?"

Pepper: "She'll be fine with it, half the dart stuff in her room is mine anyways. As for the movies, I know how to use a VHS player. If anything, I know Candy's an expert on fixing them."

Candy: "How about we just don't break anything to begin with?"

Pepper: "Agreed."

2/8* Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:35 No. 874035 ID: 15a025
File 152122894364.png - (5.50KB , 800x600 , 36.png )

Pepper takes us up into Marsh's room and sets up a dart board on the wall. Then she has us move the couch out of the way. Finally, after that she gives me and Roxie a dart. Each having a different colored flight.

Candy: "Out of curiosity, what's the weight on these darts?"

Pepper: "I don't know, I just play for fun with Marsh."

Oh well, guess I'll just feel it out then. Since we're playing fun, I'm not too worried about it.

Roxie: "So who goes first?"

3/8 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:36 No. 874036 ID: 15a025
File 152122899870.png - (5.07KB , 800x600 , 37.png )

Pepper backs away from the dart board and tosses hers!

Pepper: "Darn. Well, nine-teen points isn't too bad I guess."

4/8 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:37 No. 874037 ID: 15a025
File 152122906160.png - (5.19KB , 800x600 , 38.png )

Roxie goes next and tosses her dart.
Roxie: "Guess I can't aim for nothing. That's eight points right?"

Candy: "Yeah, so Pepper's in the lead."

Pepper: "Wooo!"

Roxie: "Oh well."

5/8 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:39 No. 874038 ID: 15a025
File 152122917413.png - (5.25KB , 800x600 , 39.png )

Guess I'm last to throw. I take my place and toss the dart and...

Candy: "Eugh, my aim's getting bad. Pretty close though."

6/8 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:40 No. 874039 ID: 15a025
File 152122921814.png - (4.78KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

With that, Pepper puts away the darts and board while we move the couch and stuff back into place. There's only room for two people to sit on the couch, and since I scored the lowest , I get the floor.
Pepper shoves a tape into the VHS player and gets the movie going.

Roxie: "So what's this movie about?"

Pepper: "It's a trilogy about this guy who gets sent to this underground cult's base and has to blow it up before they summon this really big one."

Huh, sounds a little bit like the one me and Marsh watched the other night? Must be a new movie fad or something I missed out on. I used to watch movies all the time back in college.


We end up watching the second movie after the first one, and about half-way through I hear someone knock on the door and enter.

Pepper : "Candy, you or Roxie wanna go check that?"

Roxie: "..."

Candy: "Guess I'm going then. Give me a re-cap when I get back or pause it."

7/8 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:40 No. 874040 ID: 15a025
File 152122924871.png - (5.63KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

I head over to the front door and notice how windy it sounds outside now. Guess that storm's just coming in?

When I get over to the front entrance, I see Sugar standing around with a huge sack slung over her shoulder.

Candy: "What's with the giant sack? You rob a bank or something?"

Sugar: "Heh, just my little bag of magic tricks. Assuming I'm able off load all this stuff, we just might be able to get things going around here again."

She lets me take a peek into the bag and...

8/8 Buckwheat 2018/03/16(Fri)12:41 No. 874041 ID: 15a025
File 152122927058.png - (8.05KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

I'm speechless. It's filled with enchantment stones!

>>874041
“Let me rephrase that: Did you rob a magic bank or something?”

Hooooooly shit. That's a pretty huge if. Maybe try not to offload too much at once, because that'll get you caught pretty much instantly, and with these kinds of amounts the punishment would not be pretty. A slow trickle is better than a quick dip into shark-infested waters.

How valuable is that? Did your criminal association just rise to grand larceny?

stick your face into it and enchant yourself with all of them at the same time.

>>874057
Okay that, say that.

Buckwheat 2018/03/17(Sat)15:06 No. 874159 ID: 15a025
File 152132441936.png - (5.66KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

>stick your face into it and enchant yourself with all of them at the same time.
That would either do nothing as you have to be wearing them to be enchanted or cause the strongest enchantment I touch to break every other enchantment I'm touching, possibly including all of you earring ghosts.

>How valuable is that? Did your criminal association just rise to grand larceny?
Grand larceny and beyond. We could be talking most wanted criminals list at this point! I say could as I don't know if they're weaponized enchantments or not. If they are, it's probably too late for me to bail out by now.

>“Let me rephrase that: Did you rob a magic bank or something?”
Candy: "Okay, let me rephrase my question. Did you rob a magic bank!"

Sugar: "Nah, I didn't rob no-one."

Candy: "Then how'd you get all of these enchantment stones? You'd have to-"

Sugar: "I've connections over-seas."

Candy: "How did you smuggle in a giant bag of enchantment stones! When did you-"

Sugar: "I prefer to say I imported a giant bag of magic. Now can it with the questions, good magicians never reveal the secrets to their tricks."

>Maybe try not to offload too much at once, because that'll get you caught pretty much instantly, and with these kinds of amounts the punishment
Candy: "Yeah, and a 'good' criminal should know not to bite off more than they can chew. Are you nuts? Do you even know what'll happen if you get cau-"

Sugar: "Don't need to know. I'm not dumb enough to get caught. Besides, most of these are just harmless parlor tricks and stuff to heal like paper cuts at the most. There's some decent firepower hiding at the bottom though."

Part of me is tempted to go to Officer Nibbles after hearing that.

Candy: "Oh shoot, before I forget to ask. You see Marsh at all in town?"

Sugar: "No. I told you the other day she's outta town. She was supposed to be back tonight, but I doubt it now with this stupid storm blowing all over the place."

Okay, your odds of getting your family through this without severe consequences are diminishing rapidly. A pile of illegal magical valuables (some of which are dangerous) is not going to end well for anyone.

>>874159
>Officer Nibbles
How much you wanna bet that the next time we meet her, she’s gonna smell this magic all over you?

And I don’t think you can wash the smell of magic off of you!

>There's some decent firepower hiding at the bottom
And that should be your cue to start preparing to bail. That is going to come down hard and you do not want to get caught in the crossfire. Do tell Nibbles on the way out, and Marsh too because they weren't a total dick to you.

>>874159
Oh those are like one-use spells or something? Tell her she should keep some for herself. Shit's been going down lately with the cultists, trouble might come knocking at our door.

1/2 (animated) Buckwheat 2018/03/18(Sun)13:49 No. 874379 ID: 15a025
File 152140619087.gif - (357.96KB , 800x600 , 44.gif )

>How much you wanna bet that the next time we meet [Officer Nibbles], she’s gonna smell this magic all over you? And I don’t think you can wash the smell of magic off of you!
I don't think magic or enchantments have a smell to them? I know Nibbles can somehow look at things and not only tell if something's enchanted, but what the enchantment is as well. I think there's only been one time she actually got stumped before?

>Oh those are like one-use spells or something?
Some of them might be? I honestly have no-way to tell without using them or risking getting them appraised by a jeweler. If they are one use, that could actually be a slightly good thing. Those usually shatter after use, pretty much removing any evidence one was used. Heh, be kind of funny if she tested them out and she broke them all from th-.

Sugar: "Hey, you feeling alright? You're spacing out on me here."

Candy: "Huh? Yeah I'm fine. I think I'm going head back to my room and lie down for bit though. I'm still kind of tired."

Sugar: "Then get some rest. I'll be in my office if you need something."

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/03/18(Sun)13:52 No. 874381 ID: 15a025
File 152140634701.png - (4.11KB , 800x600 , 45.png )

I head back to my room, deciding to pass on the rest of the movie for now. I've got to start thinking about what I'm going to do about those stones, and quickly.

>Okay, your odds of getting your family through this without severe consequences are diminishing rapidly. A pile of illegal magical valuables (some of which are dangerous) is not going to end well for anyone.
>that should be your cue to start preparing to bail. That is going to come down hard and you do not want to get caught in the crossfire. Do tell Nibbles on the way out, and Marsh too because they weren't a total dick to you.

The chances of her not getting caught are slim to none here. Dumping them all at once on someone or even just selling them slowly one by one, word will get out someone's dealing, and the cops are definitely going to notice something's up. It's pretty much a game of when, not if.

Bailing out of here might be hard and take some time. I made the really poor decision not to bringing any cash with me when I left for here. If I'm going to take a train back home, I'll have to risk sticking around long enough to save up for a ticket. I don't really want to leave my little sister here either. I'd hate for her to get burned in the middle of all this. Then there's the question of getting to the train station and leaving without letting Sugar know about it?

I could try and reach out to Officer Nibbles for help, but getting a hold of her might be a challenge too. It isn't going to end well for anyone if Sugar finds out I'm even thinking about going to cops about this. There's also a chance Marsh and the others could get caught in the crossfire somehow as well. I wouldn't put it past Sugar to pull something dirty.

>She should keep some for herself. Shit's been going down lately with the cultists, trouble might come knocking at our door.
Yeah, then there's those purple robe wearing jerks running around here to. I could try and convince her to keep the more dangerous ones locked up here for home defense. Doesn't do us any good if we get jumped at the store or on the streets though.

That gives me an idea for something I could talk to Officer Nibbles about though. I could see about getting us all a license or permit to carry enchanted items. It'd more than likely be just a low level one though. It'd let us legally carry a low power light enchantment, and non-offensive enchantments.

We'd all have to pass a pretty tough written test for that, and probably a slew of other legal tests and checks too.

>>874381
>Getting a permit.
Actually, why don’t you go mention what happened when you were closing the store to Sugar? I’m sure Marsh already told Sugar what happened, but if you go mention it to her now, then you can see what she has to say about that whole thing. And now that she’s sober, you’ll actually get a straight answer from her.

And if Sugar disagrees about anyone getting a permit, then you tell her that you’re worried about what’s been going on lately and you’d feel safer if you could carry around some kinda protection, so you’re going to get a permit.

Hey, since Officer Nibbles knows that you’re trustworthy, she might even give you a permit that lets you carry around the more dangerous enchantments for you to use for protection!

There’s also the fact that if chimeras start showing up, you and Officer Nibbles might be the only ones in town with any experience in fighting them. So as much as you want to, you probably shouldn’t leave since you might end up needing to be a hero again and have to save everyone. But if that does happen, then at least you can finally tell everyone about how you helped save the world!

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/22(Thu)18:17 No. 875004 ID: 15a025
File 152176783108.png - (4.26KB , 800x600 , 46.png )

>There’s also the fact that if chimeras start showing up, you and Officer Nibbles might be the only ones in town with any experience in fighting them. So as much as you want to, you probably shouldn’t leave since you might end up needing to be a hero again and have to save everyone. But if that does happen, then at least you can finally tell everyone about how you helped save the world!

Shoot. If chimeras do show up, I'm not sure how prepared anyone is to fight them. Sure, they can call in the royal guard or whatever they're called, but it takes a decent amount of time before they actually arrive. Other than Office Nibbles, I could end up being the only person in town that knows how to take them out. Though even if I do know how to fight them, we need to have the right enchantments to fight back. The only way to really kill those monsters is with light enchantments.

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/22(Thu)18:23 No. 875006 ID: 15a025
File 152176820969.png - (5.78KB , 800x600 , 47.png )

>why don’t you go mention what happened when you were closing the store to Sugar? I’m sure Marsh already told Sugar what happened, but if you go mention it to her now, then you can see what she has to say about that whole thing. And now that she’s sober, you’ll actually get a straight answer from her.

I leave my room and head back to the main entrance of the mansion. I call for her as I head over to the stairs

Candy: "Sugar?"

Sugar: "Yeah just a second!"

She comes out of her office and heads down the stairs.

Sugar: "What's up?"

Candy: "Starting to think of some things actually. Did Marsh mention what happened by the candy store the other night?"

Sugar: "No, or...maybe? Was that the night I-"

Candy: "Yeah, that night."

Sugar: "I can't remember then, so remind me now."

I'm not sure how or if I should even fully explain the cultists to her, so I just refer to them as a gang. They're kind of like a gang I guess, so it's not too far from the truth?

Candy: "The other night as we were closing up, some lady outside was getting attacked by some gang or something. We let her in for a bit, and then we all booked it for Marsh's car. They chased us down and one even jumped on the hood of her car!"

Sugar: "No one got hurt?"

Candy: "Well...we didn't get hurt."

Sugar: "Now there's the ol Candy Cane I know. You teach them a lesson?"

I let out a little nervous chuckle.

Candy: "Yeah, we taught them something alright."

Sugar: "So what's really up, you look like something's bothering ya?"

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/22(Thu)18:24 No. 875007 ID: 15a025
File 152176826224.png - (4.31KB , 800x600 , 48.png )

Candy: "Thinking about that has me thinking about those enchantment stones now. I haven't been here too long, but I can tell this is a lot more dangerous of town than back home. I was wondering if you could hide away some of the more powerful ones for us to use as self-defense?"

Sugar: "Major no. I'm already taking a huge risk on trying to sell these stupid things. It's a lot easier to get busted if you're running around shooting balls of flame at others and summoning earthquakes."

>tell her that you’re worried about what’s been going on lately and you’d feel safer if you could carry around some kinda protection, so you’re going to get a permit.

Candy: "What if I can get a permit or license?"

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/22(Thu)18:28 No. 875009 ID: 15a025
File 152176850211.png - (5.75KB , 800x600 , 49.png )

She starts laughing.

Sugar: "You? Candy Cane? My sister? Get any kind of legal permit? I'm surprised you even have your driver license still!"

Candy: "I'm serious! and you know, I could say the same about you."

Sugar: "Okay then. What makes you think you could even have a chance at getting one?"

Candy: "Let's say I've got some connections."

Sugar: "Now this I gotta see. Alright. I'll make you a deal then. If you can get a legal permit or license, not no fake one either. Fully fledged real deal license to carry and use enchantments in two weeks, I'll let you pick out whatever ones you want out of that bag?"

Candy: "Where's the catch?"

Sugar: "You get to go out and deliver any stones I sell if you don't. Assuming this doesn't blow up in your face and you end up on some legal watch list or something. In that case, you get to something nasty like washing all the floors here with a toothbrush or something. I dunno. How's about it?"

>>875009
This isn't exactly binding. Agree. If we fail the test somehow you can just refuse to get involved in her criminal activities.

...before you accept to a deal you have no intent of honoring, ask if she'd be willing to accept some other, more legal service?

>>875009
Yeah, this is kinda easy for you to win.

>Assuming this doesn't blow up in your face and you end up on some legal watch list or something.
I doubt you’ll be on some kinda watch list, since the King has probably erased your criminal record for you because of your heroics.

So where do you go to get a permit and when’s a good time for you to go?

And, should you somehow not get a permit, do you think you’d be able to call the King and ask for one to be sent to you? .....what? You’ve gotta have some kinda hero privileges after what you did! Use those privileges if you have them!

Actually, doesn’t your friend Rainy have a room at the castle? If you can’t directly call the King, then you could call Rainy and ask her if she can send you a permit or something. Then spend a little time catching up with her, it’s been a while since you’ve last spoken with her.

Fuck asking the king for a permit. If we're going to contact the King let's let him know there may be Chimera here and ask for real backup instead of a bunch of ill-informed unarmed teenagers.

Buckwheat 2018/03/23(Fri)14:45 No. 875171 ID: 15a025
File 152184151685.png - (4.25KB , 800x600 , 50.png )

>This isn't exactly binding. Agree. If we fail the test somehow you can just refuse to get involved in her criminal activities.

It might not be legally binding, but knowing how my family is I'll probably get burnt one way or another if I try and back out on a deal.

>Before you accept to a deal you have no intent of honoring, ask if she'd be willing to accept some other, more legal service?

She mentioned washing the floors with a toothbrush, it'd suck but I'm not sure I'll have to worry about failure.
Candy: "Deal on one acceptation, I'm not selling no stones. I'll wash the floors if I lose."

Sugar: "Fine, deal."

>I doubt you’ll be on some kinda watch list, since the King has probably erased your criminal record.

Well, he did erase my previous criminal record. I'm trying to think if I actually got into any more trouble after that or not? Probably a few speeding tickets at most?

>should you somehow not get a permit, do you think you’d be able to call the King and ask for one to be sent to you?
>Fuck asking the king for a permit. If we're going to contact the King let's let him know there may be Chimera here and ask for real backup instead of a bunch of ill-informed unarmed teenagers.

It's almost impossible to get in touch with the king. Only way for someone like me is to be invited to the castle again somehow?

Also really, teenagers? You trying to butter me up with cliche compliments about me looking younger than I am or something? Little early to be throwing those around don't you think?

>So where do you go to get a permit and when’s a good time for you to go?
I'd have to talk to Officer Nibbles and see if she can set me up for a time to go through all the testing they're probably going to throw at me. Possibly see if there aren't any books and practice questions I can't study off of to help prepare for it. The bigger question is, how to arrange all of this in the first place?

Since Sugar seems to be okay with it, I could ask her to just drop me off at the police station tomorrow and I could try and try to meet Officer Nibbles there. She might want to come with me though and find out I'm buddies with Nibbles. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but my sister can be pretty paranoid at times.

If I don't want Sugar to take me, I could try and get Marsh or Roxie to take me there tomorrow, assuming Marsh makes it home tomorrow and the storm dies down.

I could also just try finding a phone and try calling and meeting her somewhere else too?

>>875171
>Also really, teenagers? You trying to butter me up with cliche compliments about me looking younger than I am or something? Little early to be throwing those around don't you think?
Actually, we don’t know how old you are and we know you’re not supposed to ask a lady how old they are, so we’re literally just guessing at how old you are.

>Who should take Candy to the police station to meet Officer Nibbles?
Remember, Marsh told you that you’d better keep your friendship a secret from Sugar. And if Sugar is as paranoid as you say she is, she might kick you outta the mansion and not let you work at the candy store anymore, thinking you’d snitch on her! Which would mean that you wouldn’t have a house or a job!

So you’re probably better off asking Marsh if she can take you to the police station.

.....oh, yeah, before I forget, ask Sugar why she never told you that Pepper was living here with her? You just now found out about that today when she and Roxie can by earlier! And then ask if there are any more family members living here that you don’t know about?

>Well, he did erase my previous criminal record.
You do realize as "girl who helped successfully battle chimera cultists and rescue a princess" you're probably on some kind of watchlist, even if not a criminal one.

>Also really, teenagers?
I think it's more that teenagers stumbling across a mess (supernatural or not) and trying to deal with it themselves without even considering getting any kind of help is something of a storytelling cliche.

>set up meeting with Nibbles
Not a bad idea. Too bad I can't think of a good way to ask her advise on this situation without basically giving the whole game away.

1/3 Buckwheat 2018/03/25(Sun)17:18 No. 875435 ID: 15a025
File 152202351056.png - (4.25KB , 800x600 , 51.png )

>I think it's more that teenagers stumbling across a mess (supernatural or not) and trying to deal with it themselves without even considering getting any kind of help is something of a storytelling cliche.

Teenager? I'm 24! Though, I guess everyone here must look pretty young to a bunch of dusty earring ghosts. Alright, teasing aside, maybe I should try and get more than just Officer Nibbles' help with this? I'll have to remember to ask her if we meet up.

>You do realize as "girl who helped successfully battle chimera cultists and rescue a princess" you're probably on some kind of watchlist, even if not a criminal one.
You give me too much credit. I'm pretty sure my "deer" friend did most of the that back then. I'm probably on some kind of list from that though.

>Remember, Marsh told you that you’d better keep your friendship a secret from Sugar. And if Sugar is as paranoid as you say she is, she might kick you outta the mansion and not let you work at the candy store anymore, thinking you’d snitch on her!
I'd be lucky if that's all she did. Knowing her, she'd lock me up somewhere here in the mansion or something of the sort.

>you’re probably better off asking Marsh if she can take you to the police station.
Then that'll be my plan. Probably better her than with Roxie anyway. Can't imagine her scooter being all that comfy to ride on with another person."

>Too bad I can't think of a good way to ask [Officer Nibbles'] advise on this situation without basically giving the whole game away.
Shoot, I didn't even think about how I was going to explain what's up either. I might have to see if I still have the old charm and hope being vague about things works.

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/03/25(Sun)17:19 No. 875436 ID: 15a025
File 152202359329.png - (5.71KB , 800x600 , 52.png )

>before I forget, ask Sugar why she never told you that Pepper was living here with her? You just now found out about that today when she and Roxie can by earlier! And then ask if there are any more family members living here that you don’t know about?
Candy: "Oh hey Sugar, one more thing. How come you never told me Pepper was living here?"

Sugar: "It was supposed to be a little surprise since she wasn't suppose to be back for another few weeks."

Candy: "Okay? Well, any other family members living here then?"

Sugar: "Here in the mansion, nope. Just us. Our cousin Daisy lives in town though."

Candy: "That's...actually a little surprising. What's that snooty sheep doing in a town like this?"

Sugar: "Running a fancy restaurant just a little bit aways from the down-town area. She's also the co-owner of the casino."

Figured as much.

Candy: "Well good for her. I'm going to go see if Pepper and Roxie are still watching movies."

Sugar: "Yeah, tell Roxie she better have all that computer work done then. I ain't paying her to watch movies all day."

Candy: "Oh speaking of Roxie, is it okay for her to stay the night here as well?"

Sugar: "No! Tell her I expect her to shove out of here in the middle of a storm right now. That'll teach her to watch movies on my time."

Candy: "Are you s-"

Sugar: "I'm just joking, wow. Yeah, she can sleep in Marsh's room tonight."

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/03/25(Sun)17:20 No. 875437 ID: 15a025
File 152202362008.png - (5.08KB , 800x600 , 53.png )

I head back to Marsh's room to catch another movie and instead, catch a making of documentary on a sibling causing trouble.

Pepper: "Oh this probably isn't good! I can't get the vhs tape out!"

Roxie: "I don't think you should be trying to force it out like that Pepper?"

Pepper: "I- Oh good, Candy you're back. Can you help us get this vhs tape out? It's stuck."

>>875437
Sigh....

If the eject button isn't working, the first thing you can do is unplug it and wait a few minutes. The wait is for the processor to reset. Then you plug it back in and try the eject button again. If that doesn't work you'll need a screwdriver to unscrew the top of the VCR. There may be some plastic tabs keeping it in place so don't force it. After that you just *carefully* untangle the magnetic tape from the workings and also *carefully* lift the cassette out. Don't let anything snap shut on the magnetic tape, and watch out for the tape getting caught on something. There's typically a button on the VHS that will spool the tape back up once you have it all out.

>>875438
...I mean, that's pretty comprehensive there, yeah. What this one said.

Man, it's been a long time since I had to untangle a VHS, there's some nostalgia all of a sudden.

>>875438 is offering sound advice, do that.

>>875437
While you’re working, go ahead and tell Roxie that Sugar said she can stay here for the night and she can sleep in Marsh’s room.

>>875438
Oh yeah, that’s definitely how you do it, I remember that much.

.....holy shit, I feel old for remembering this stuff.

>>875438
Back when I had a vhs player this would happen to me all the time and all I had to do is turn it upside down and try again (if just turning it upside down didn’t work I just gave it a light but firm tap in the centre of its base). In my case some parts stoped working from it being too old just like in this case.

1/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/26(Mon)14:03 No. 875522 ID: 15a025
File 152209820103.png - (4.84KB , 800x600 , 54.png )

>If the eject button isn't working, the first thing you can do is unplug it and wait a few minutes. The wait is for the processor to reset. Then you plug it back in and try the eject button again. If that doesn't work you'll need a screwdriver to unscrew the top of the VCR. There may be some plastic tabs keeping it in place so don't force it. After that you just *carefully* untangle the magnetic tape from the workings and also *carefully* lift the cassette out. Don't let anything snap shut on the magnetic tape, and watch out for the tape getting caught on something. There's typically a button on the VHS that will spool the tape backup once you have it all out.

Candy: "I had a feeling this was going to end up happening. Here, put that back up on the TV while I unplug everything."

Pepper lets out a sigh and follows along. Once I navigate through Marsh's spider web of cabling and un-hook it all and take it down from the tv, I wait a few a little bit before plugging it back in and try ejecting it. I hear it rev up and squeal a bit before it gives up on me.

Candy: "Well, guess I'm going to need a screw driver then."

Pepper: "Guess I'll have to go ask Sugar where one is."

2/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/26(Mon)14:05 No. 875523 ID: 15a025
File 152209832251.png - (4.73KB , 800x600 , 55.png )

Pepper walks out of the room.

>While you’re working, go ahead and tell Roxie that Sugar said she can stay here for the night and she can sleep in Marsh’s room.
Candy: "Oh Roxie, Sugar said you can sleep here in Marsh's room tonight."

Roxie: "Thanks."

While we wait for Pepper to get back with a screw driver, I tap out a goofy beat on the VHS player's lid.

Roxie: "You hear someone yelling?"

Candy: "No?"

???: "-oke it!"

Candy: "Yeah, okay. Now I hear it. Kind of."

It goes on for a little bit more, but I can't really make out what they're saying.

It stops and I hear someone stomping down the stairs.

3/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/26(Mon)14:06 No. 875524 ID: 15a025
File 152209838323.png - (4.87KB , 800x600 , 56.png )

Pepper slams the door open and throws me the screw driver.

Pepper: "Here you go."

Candy: "Something up?"

Pepper: "Sugar's all mad that I broke Marsh's VHS player."

Candy: "I don't think she's the one you should be worrying about. I don't know what's up with Marsh, but I really doubt she's going to like coming home tomorrow and finding out about this."

Pepper: "Well she won't have to, you're like the movie expert! You always fix everything when it breaks!"

Hah, I wish I could fix everything. I grab the screw driver off the floor and start opening it.

Candy: "Well, don't bank on it. There's things even I can't fix."

I hear Pepper groan as I lift off the cover and-

I quickly look away from the horror that hides inside. There's tape tangled and spewed all around.

Candy: "This might take me awhile. Everyone leave, for I will need silence to perform this carful operation."

4/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/26(Mon)14:07 No. 875525 ID: 15a025
File 152209843579.png - (4.61KB , 800x600 , 57.png )

Pepper and Roxie both leave me be while I carefully un-tangle the thin film from the... spinny... cylinder thingy. Then I fight with the film that somehow got tangled and almost knotted around itself. Seriously, how did it get this bad? I let out a sigh and start re-winding the tape back into the VHS.

5/5 Buckwheat 2018/03/26(Mon)14:07 No. 875526 ID: 15a025
File 152209846925.png - (4.54KB , 800x600 , 58.png )

>Man, it's been a long time since I had to untangle a VHS, there's some nostalgia all of a sudden.
>holy shit, I feel old for remembering this stuff.

I take you all were lucky and got to upgrade to Laserdiscs and DVDs or something? Must be nice. I'm still dying for those things to go down in price here myself. Don't think I'll miss doing this all the time when they do, unless DVD players have worse problems than this mess. Once the VHS tape in re-wound, I'm brought with the troubling question I find myself asking time and time again. To test it, or not to test it?

Test the player without a tape in first.

>>875527
Yeah, let’s do that.

Buckwheat 2018/03/27(Tue)16:00 No. 875602 ID: 15a025
File 152219161040.png - (4.60KB , 800x600 , 59.png )

>Test the player without a tape in first.
>Yeah, let’s do that.

I'm not quite sure what that'll accomplish? I can't really test the player if I don't stick a tape in. I can plug back it in and make sure it at least turns on.

I set the VHS player backup on to the TV and fumble around with the cords to get it hooked back up and turn it on. It makes the familiar clicks and clacks I'm used to hearing, nothing sounds out of the ordinary to me.

Taking a quick glance at Marsh's movie shelf, I could probably just use a tape I know is cheap and easy to replace to test out. I could also try the tape I just saved and see what happens to?

Test the cheap tape. The cassette you took out is actually more likely to tangle again than the others, since the magnetic tape is out of shape.

>>875604
I agree, use one of the cheap tapes.

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/28(Wed)14:23 No. 875730 ID: 15a025
File 152227222135.png - (4.65KB , 800x600 , 60.png )

>Test the cheap tape. The cassette you took out is actually more likely to tangle again than the others, since the magnetic tape is out of shape.
Guess I might want to help Marsh look for a re-placement copy for this one then? I set it on the shelf and pull out one of the Frozen Jaw movies.

Candy: "Alright, you can come back in now!"

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/28(Wed)14:24 No. 875731 ID: 15a025
File 152227227980.png - (4.74KB , 800x600 , 61.png )

Pepper: "About time! Seriously, how long does it take to fix up a movie?"

Candy: "Here I thought this was one of my more quicker jobs too. I'm going to stick a cheap classic to make sure it's nothing wrong with her player."

Roxie: "What movie?"

Candy: "One of the Frozen Jaw movies."

Roxie: "What's it about?"

Candy: "It's about an old sailor who went around and stopped all sorts of criminals and even an entire army years ago. He used to actually be a pretty important history fig-"

Pepper: "Spare us the history lesson and just put in the movie please."

Candy: "Ruin my fun why don't ya? Alright I'll shut up and put it in."

I pop the tape in, sit down, and press the play button on the remote.

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/03/28(Wed)14:25 No. 875732 ID: 15a025
File 152227234698.png - (4.86KB , 800x600 , 62.png )

Pepper: "So when's the action start? I thought you said this guy took on a whole army!"

Candy: "Sshhh! I said in a little bit!"

Pepper: "You said that a little bit-"

A loud cannon explodes through the speakers as Frozen Jaw's ship gets blasted!

Candy: "Now."

This is where the movie gets a little interesting, but also where some movie logic comes into play. Frozen Jaw, knowing his ship is soon to be sunk, sneaks down to the already flooded bottom of the ship and swims out the newly acquired hole in ship. Through the icy waters, he swims all the way over to the pirate's ship and sneaks his way on board by climbing up the side. From there, he takes out a few crew members before catching the enemy captain's attention! It ends a little anti-climatically with him just tossing the captain over board and taking over the ship.

4/4 (Animated) Buckwheat 2018/03/28(Wed)14:27 No. 875733 ID: 15a025
File 152227242904.gif - (97.00KB , 800x600 , 63.gif )

Pepper: "That's it? An hour of him just planning and tracking them down and a then half an hour of him sneaking around?"

Candy: "Yeah, that wasn't really the best Frozen Jaw movie. At least it did what it was supposed to though."
Pepper: "Bore us?"

Candy: Well, no? I just threw it in to make sure Marsh's VHS player wasn't busted. Guess it might have been something wrong with that other tape then?"

Pepper: "Do you think you can fix the tape then? Otherwise I gotta explain to-"

I hear the wind start to really roar for a second, and then the front doors slam make a loud slam.

Pepper: "Wow, that's gotta be some strong wind. Guess we forgot to lock the doors?"

...yeah I'm not buying it. Be prepared for a fight, then go take a look.

>Do you think you can fix the tape then?
Maybe? Depends on what's wrong with it. Spooling it back up might have been enough if it was a fluke.

>Pepper: "Wow, that's gotta be some strong wind. Guess we forgot to lock the doors?"
Probably should go see if someone showed up, or if the wind just blew the doors open. Even if it was just the wind, you wanna get the doors closed to keep from losing all the heat.

>Frozen Jaw
So you basically watched a Metal Gear Let's Play marketed as a movie. Next time get the game.

>>875733
Did you CLOSE the door? If you did, that's a concerning force of wind.

1/3 Buckwheat 2018/03/30(Fri)22:19 No. 876180 ID: 15a025
File 152247357166.png - (4.95KB , 800x600 , 64.png )

>Did you CLOSE the door? If you did, that's a concerning force of wind.
I know I saw Roxie and Pepper close the door when they got here. I didn't even look to see if Sugar shut the door when she got home earlier. If the wind is blowing the doors open, I'm sure there's a lot of snow getting blown in as well.

>Probably should go see if someone showed up, or if the wind just blew the doors open. Even if it was just the wind, you wanna get the doors closed to keep from losing all the heat.
>yeah I'm not buying it. Be prepared for a fight, then go take a look.
Double checking my pockets, still got my pocket knife on me.

Candy: "Alright, Roxie you got anything on hand in case that's a robber or someone?"

Roxie: "I got a little bottle of pepper spray and a utility knife."

Candy: "Alright, Pepper stay here and be pre-pared for the worse."

Pepper: "Aren't you being a little over-dramatic right now? It's probably just the wind."

Candy: "Just stay here and guard the room in case it isn't."

She lets out and over- exaggerated groan.

Pepper: "Fiiiinnne."

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/03/30(Fri)22:20 No. 876181 ID: 15a025
File 152247360356.png - (4.82KB , 800x600 , 65.png )

Roxie and I sneak down the hallway and see some snow has blown into the main hall by the stairs. We cautiously walk down till we hear someone talking. They're quite and mumbling a bit.

Candy: "Can you make out what they're saying Roxie?"

Roxie: "No, that wind outside is drowning it out for me."

Candy: "Shoot, I hear them walking over towards us!"

Before we have time to react, our mystery guest slowly walks into view and...

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/03/30(Fri)22:20 No. 876182 ID: 15a025
File 152247362078.png - (4.25KB , 800x600 , 66.png )

Marsh: "Sorry Roxie, I'm not really feeling a knife fight tonight. What are you doing out here anyway?"

>>876182
I swear one of these times it's actually going to be a cultist or something.
Man that was a shit-ton of wind though. Ask if she needs a brush or comb. Was she talking to someone?

>>876182
>It’s Marsh
Ok, Candy, I know what you’re thinking. “My earring ghosts are being overly paranoid about every little thing that happens around here.” And, yes, you’re right about that. However, one of these days, it really will be an intruder and you’ll be thankful for our paranoia!

>"Sorry Roxie, I'm not really feeling a knife fight tonight. What are you doing out here anyway?"
Explain the situation to Marsh. Sugar sent Roxie and Pepper here to check on you because you were sick and told Roxie to get some computer work done. After that the weather forecast said a storm was coming in and we all thought it would be better if Roxie stayed here for the night. And I guess this means that Roxie can’t sleep in Marsh’s bed now that Marsh is here. Uhh, do we have a spare bed somewhere?

Also, mention to Marsh your plan to go get a permit to carry enchantments and ask if she would drive you to the police station. Obviously, not right now because of the storm, but maybe later if she feels like it?

.....wait, how the fuck has Marsh not gotten sick?! Her car doesn’t have a roof on it and she was driving it during this storm! Quick, Candy, apply your warm wool to Marsh in the form of a hug to help her warm up!

I really wouldn't be so paranoid about this if we didn't have strong evidence there are chimeras and associated cultists active here.

>>876182
Express relief. "Marsh! I was worried about you!"

She looks kind of naked. And beat up. And is her fur shaved from the neck down? Maybe I'm wrong and that's just an unflattering skin tone sweater.

Priority might be getting her into something warm and cleaned up, before trying to explain everything, or asking her twenty questions.

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/03/31(Sat)10:52 No. 876213 ID: 15a025
File 152251877122.png - (6.14KB , 800x600 , 67.png )

>I know what you’re thinking. “My earring ghosts are being overly paranoid about every little thing that happens around here.” And, yes, you’re right about that. However, one of these days, it really will be an intruder and you’ll be thankful for our paranoia!
>I swear one of these times it's actually going to be a cultist or something.
>I really wouldn't be so paranoid about this if we didn't have strong evidence there are chimeras and associated cultists active here.
We might have more to worry about than cultists and chimeras showing up if they ever do end up finding where we live. I'd be worrying about what else they know and can do at that point. It's all more the reason to getting a permit.

>Express relief. "Marsh! I was worried about you!"

Candy: "Marsh! You had us scared and worried!"

Marsh: "Scared? What, did you think I was a robber or something?"

Roxie: "Yes actually."

Marsh: "Oh, guess I should have said something when I came in then."

>Was she talking to someone?
Candy: "We heard you mumbling bit when we were coming down hall and thought you were someone else."

Marsh: "Nah, just complaining to myself 'bout stuff. Suit case decided to snap open on me while I was carrying it in."

>is her fur shaved from the neck down? Maybe I'm wrong and that's just an unflattering skin tone sweater.
It's some kind of weird looking wool sweater. It looks like it's seen better days.

>Man that was a shit-ton of wind though. Ask if she needs a brush or comb
>She looks kind of naked. And beat up.
Candy: "You okay? You look a little-"

Marsh: "Yeah I'm alright, just a little sore from the past few days. Driving through this weather probably has me looking like I just woke up or something."

Candy: "I got a brush in my room if you need one."

She pauses for a second on me.

Marsh: "Yeah, I guess."

She heads off towards by room.

Roxie: "I'll go talk to Sugar and Pepper let them know Marsh's here. You wanna go make sure she's alright? She sounds unusually calm and a little depressed?"

Candy: "Yeah, sure."

>Priority might be getting her into something warm and cleaned up, before trying to explain everything, or asking her twenty questions.

I'll save filling her in about the enchantments and getting a permit for later then.

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/03/31(Sat)10:53 No. 876214 ID: 15a025
File 152251882601.png - (4.76KB , 800x600 , 68.png )

I walk in my room and dig out my brush for Marsh.

Candy: "Want me to brush you down, or do you want to?"

Marsh: "You can if you want to."

We sit down on my bed and I start brushing. Her fur is a little damp, but it's not as wet as I thought it'd-

Marsh: "Ouch! Careful with that thing!"

Candy: "Whops, sorry."

>wait, how has Marsh not gotten sick?! Her car doesn’t have a roof on it and she was driving it during this storm!
Candy: "Hey Marsh, you're not getting sick or anything are you?"

Marsh: "No, I'm fine. Why?"

Candy: "You sound a little depressed. Not to mention your car doesn't have a roof, and you drove all the way out here in the middle of a blizzard. That sounds a like a recipe for a cold to me."

Marsh: "Blizzard? You call this a blizzard? Yeah it's a little windy and snowy out, but I've been in a lot worse weather than this. Would have been nice to stop and get some tea or coffee from the mall, but they've got everything all closed up. Something about a church burning or some riot?"

>>876214
Yikes, things are getting bad out there.
Ask her if she's upset because of the letter.

>>876214
Ask her if she wants a hug to help her warm up? You know, because of your wool which should be pretty warm, since you haven’t gone outside at all.

>Marsh: "Scared? What, did you think I was a robber or something?"
Actually, I meant I was worried about Marsh, since we hadn't seen her for days, no one knew where she was, and there was a blizzard on.

>Blizzard? You call this a blizzard?
The news sure does!

Buckwheat 2018/04/01(Sun)11:34 No. 876428 ID: 15a025
File 152260767496.png - (4.40KB , 800x600 , 69.png )

>Yikes, things are getting bad out there.
Yeah, guess it's a good thing we stayed in today.

Candy: "Don't really know much about what's going on in town either. I've had to stay here and deal with a stupid cold the past few days."

Marsh: "You're not still sick are you?"

Candy: "No, I'm starting to feel better."

>Ask her if she wants a hug to help her warm up?
Candy: "You want a hug to help warm up a bit? You feel pretty cold."

Marsh: "Not if you've been sick. Knowing my luck I'll end up catching your cold and getting it worse."

>Ask her if she's upset because of the letter.
Candy: "Hey Marsh, are you upset over that whole thing with the let-"

Marsh: "Yeah I'm pretty upset about that letter, not because your sister puked on it or whatever though."

Candy: "What was it then?"

She goes silent on me for awhile again.

Marsh: "I can't really talk about it. I can say it's why I had to leave town for a few days though."

>Actually, I meant I was worried about Marsh, since we hadn't seen her for days, no one knew where she was, and there was a blizzard on.
Candy: "You had me and Roxie worried. No-one told us what was up, and then the whole snow storm thing."

Marsh: "Sorry about that. If Sugar would have gave me the letter earlier I wouldn't have had to rush out like that. I'll try to let you know next time."

Candy: "I heard you and Sugar yelling in the morning the other day, was that what this was all about?"

Marsh: "Yeah, she always blows up when those stupid things come in the mail. She hates it when I gotta leave for this crap since no-one's around to run the bar then."

>>876428
Don't push her about the letter. If it's personal, and she doesn't want to discus it, that's okay. Just make it clear you're here to help if she wants it.

Glad you're okay.

>Yeah, she always blows up when those stupid things come in the mail. She hates it when I gotta leave for this crap since no-one's around to run the bar then.
Yeah, well, she can deal. People have lives, we can't always be at her beck and call.

Buckwheat 2018/04/04(Wed)15:27 No. 877146 ID: 15a025
File 152288084190.png - (4.38KB , 800x600 , 70.png )

>Yeah, well, she can deal. People have lives, we can't always be at her beck and call.
Candy: "She'll find a way to deal with it, like today. She had Roxie come all the way out here to do the rest of the computer work."

Marsh: "Well, there's some good news at least. One less thing I gotta worry about now."

>Don't push her about the letter. If it's personal, and she doesn't want to discuss it, that's okay. Just make it clear you're here to help if she wants it.
>Glad you're okay.
Candy: "Speaking of worrying, if something's bothering you and you need someone to talk to, I'm here for ya."

Marsh: "I'll uh... keep that in mind then. Thanks."

After I finish brushing Marsh, she gets up and motions to leave. I let out a little laugh.

Candy: "Sure, come in for grooming and then leave me when it's over."

Marsh: "Sorry, been a long day. I'm turning in early, sure Sugar's going to have me shovel out the drive way in the morning."

Candy: "Oh, you're heading into town tomorrow?"

Marsh: "Yeah. We're not open on Sunday's, but all the stuff we order comes in on Saturday nights. Gotta go pick up the goods in the morning."

Candy: "Think you sneak me into town somewhere tomorrow?"

Marsh: "Sneak you into town, where?"

Candy: "The police station?"

She pauses on me for a moment.

Marsh: "I don't want to know. I'll drop you off, but I ain't staying or going in."

Candy: "How am I supposed to get back then?"

Marsh: "I... shoot. I'd ask if your 'friend' there can give you a ride to the mall or something and we just meet up there, but you'd be a little screwed if they can't?"

>>877146
I guess that'll work probably. If not, take the bus or walk.

>>877146
>”I don't want to know. I'll drop you off, but I ain't staying or going in."
Tell her that you’re only going in to try and get an enchantment permit! Those guys in the purple robes have you worried, so you wanted to try and get some protection in case they show up again!

>>877146
Seems fair enough.

Don't explain the permit mess for now.

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/04/05(Thu)21:49 No. 877448 ID: 15a025
File 152299014834.png - (4.36KB , 800x600 , 71.png )

>I guess that'll work probably. If not, take the bus or walk.
Oh yeah, duh. I could take a bus, or risk walking if I really need to.

Candy: "We could up meet up at the mall, if Officer Nibbles can't drive me over there I can just call for a bus or something."

Marsh: "You got money for a bus or 'something'?"

Candy: "N...no."

Marsh: "I'll see if I can't squeeze some money outta your sister tomorrow then. A bus shouldn't cost too much. Anything else before I hit the sack?"

Candy: "Yeah. Oh, before I forget, Roxie was going to sleep in your room night since the snowstorm is pretty bad and Sugar thought you weren't going to be home tonight. Is there anywhere else she could crash for the night?"

Marsh lets out a big yawn.

Marsh: "Yeah, she can sleep on my couch. Don't give me that look, it folds out into a mini-bed."

> Don't explain the permit mess for now.
I'll leave it for a surprise then, or for when things get sorted out better.

Marsh: "Alright, I'm going to bed now. Night Candy."

Candy: "Goodnight Marsh!

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/04/05(Thu)21:50 No. 877449 ID: 15a025
File 152299020394.png - (3.81KB , 800x600 , 72.png )

Marsh leaves the room, leaving me tired myself. It's a little earlier, but it sounds like tomorrow's going to be a busy day for me. Goodnight earring ghosts.

Volume 3: Part 2, coming soon.

1/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/06(Fri)18:47 No. 877557 ID: 15a025
File 152306564101.png - (6.27KB , 800x600 , 74.png )

Candy: "Ah shoot, I forgot to put my earring back on this morning."

Marsh: "Gotta look fashionable or something for your friend?"

Candy: "No, just feels weird without it on."

I pull my earring out of my sweater pocket and put it back on. Sorry about that my ghostly pals.

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/06(Fri)18:47 No. 877558 ID: 15a025
File 152306567691.png - (5.00KB , 800x600 , 75.png )

After a few more miles, Marsh makes it into town and drops me off out by the police station.

Marsh: "Okay, see you later at the mall, bye!"

She quickly drives off and runs a red light.

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/06(Fri)18:48 No. 877559 ID: 15a025
File 152306569731.png - (5.03KB , 800x600 , 76.png )

I head inside the police station and notice no one's here?

>>877558
I hope she at least stopped at the red light before driving through it.

>>877559
Knock on the counter and call out.

>>877557
Geeze, winter convertible.

>>877559
Or Officer Nibbles is just short.

Are you sure that wearing a magic earring in a police station is such a good idea?

>>877559
Or maybe Officer Nibbles is sitting in that chair? After all, she’s really short.

>>877560
>Knock on the counter and call out.
Yeah, do this. Call out for Officer Nibbles.

1/3 (animated) Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)08:46 No. 877644 ID: 15a025
File 152311598033.gif - (42.45KB , 800x600 , 77.gif )

>I hope she at least stopped at the red light before driving through it.
She ran right through it. I'm no fortune teller, but I think I see a ticket in her future.

>Are you sure that wearing a magic earring in a police station is such a good idea?
Hopefully Officer Nibbles is the only one around here who can tell they're enchanted then.

>maybe Officer Nibbles is sitting in that chair? After all, she’s really short.
Oh yeah, she is pretty small. Not sure how'd she'd get up on that big chair, or why she wouldn't be sitting on the desk where others could see her instead?

>Knock on the counter and call out for Officer Nibbles
I knock the counter a few times,

Candy: "Hello? Officer Nibbles, you here?"

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)08:46 No. 877645 ID: 15a025
File 152311601581.png - (5.54KB , 800x600 , 78.png )

The door by the desk opens up and a polar bear comes out.

Polar Bear Officer: "I had a feeling someone would come in as soon as I'd go fill up my mug. What can I help you with today."

Candy: "I'm looking for Officer Nibbles."

Polar Bear Officer: "Officer Nibbles? Let me see if I can't get a hold of them on their radio. One second."

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)08:48 No. 877646 ID: 15a025
File 152311608548.png - (5.27KB , 800x600 , 79.png )

They sit down in the chair and pull out some radio thing out from under the desk.
Polar Bear Officer: "Hello, Officer Nibbles? There's a- I'm sorry, what's your name?
Candy: "Candy Cane."

Polar Bear Officer: "There's a Candy Cane here at the front desk for you. No, no, not "a" candy cane. Their name is Candy- Oh now you're just messing with me. Alright I'll let her know."

She tucks the radio back under the desk.

Polar Bear Officer: "She's just heading back to the department now so it'll be a few minutes. Can I help you with anything else while you wait?"

Candy: "Nope, I'm fine."

It might be a good thing I've got a few minutes to wait, I still need to think about how much and what I'm going to tell Nibbles when she gets here

>>877644
>ran right through it
I see worse than a ticket in her future if that's how she drives.

>>877646
I can't believe your last name is Cane.
Tell Nibbles you're worried about the cult activity and the sudden surge in crime so you want to get yourself some protection. That's both true AND hides the fact that you're getting the stones illegally.

1/5 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)22:26 No. 877798 ID: 15a025
File 152316519666.png - (5.34KB , 800x600 , 80.png )

>I can't believe your last name is Cane.
Yeah, my parents weren't really creative with everyone's names.

>Tell Nibbles you're worried about the cult activity and the sudden surge in crime so you want to get yourself some protection. That's both true AND hides the fact that you're getting the stones illegally.
That's a good way to put it.

After some moments of awkward silence, Officer Nibbles shows up to the scene.

Officer Nibbles: "You better not be in here for causing trouble Candy!"

Candy: "No, I'm here on my best behavior Officer Nibbles."

Officer Nibbles: "You better be! Now what'd you drag me all the way back to the department for?!"[/small]
Candy: "I need to talk to you about some things."

Officer Nibbles: "Officer Freeze, is my office here ready yet?!"

Officer Freeze: "Oh uh... sorry Officer Nibbles, they're still cleaning out a space for you."

I hear Nibbles let a few angry sounding squeaks out.

Officer Nibbles: "Alright then, follow me."

2/5 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)22:27 No. 877799 ID: 15a025
File 152316522637.png - (3.90KB , 800x600 , 81.png )

Officer Nibbles takes me into an interrogation room, and has me set her down on the table.

Officer Nibbles: "Can you hear me alright?"

Candy: "Just fine."

Officer Nibbles: "Good, I was getting tired of shouting everything. Now, whops. Hang on second."

3/5 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)22:27 No. 877800 ID: 15a025
File 152316525315.png - (4.21KB , 800x600 , 82.png )

She pulls out a light enchantment stone.

Officer Nibbles: "No eavesdropping please!"

The stone shines for a second, but doesn't seem to do anything?

4/5 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)22:28 No. 877801 ID: 15a025
File 152316530699.png - (3.91KB , 800x600 , 83.png )

Officer Nibbles: "I put up a little sound barrier around us so no-one peeps in on our chat. Now what brings you in here?"

Candy: "I'm getting worried about the all the criminals and cultists running around town and need some protection. I was wondering if you could help me get a permit or license to carry enchanted-"

5/5 Buckwheat 2018/04/07(Sat)22:29 No. 877802 ID: 15a025
File 152316537705.png - (4.15KB , 800x600 , 84.png )

She's already giving me the look of disapproval.

Officer Nibbles: "Candy, I can see what your earring is enchanted with, and I don't see anything useful for self-defense. That's not exactly a bad thing since you don't have permit for something like that, but I'm curious about how you plan on getting better enchantments?"

>>877802
Tell her you'd like to remain silent on the how, but say you're especially interested in items which could put out Light Magic to fight Chimeras.

>>877802
Basically, act like you don’t know about how this process is supposed to work, because you honestly don’t know, and just answer like it’s as simple as going into a store with a permit and being allowed to buy an enchantment, even though that’s obviously not what you’re supposed to do.

This way, Officer Nibbles will hopefully think you’re just clueless, because you are, and she’ll tell you how you’re supposed to get enchantments legally, but she’ll only tell you that after you get a permit.

>>877812
This option seems good.

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/04/08(Sun)09:01 No. 877847 ID: 15a025
File 152320328233.png - (3.90KB , 800x600 , 85.png )

>act like you don’t know about how this process is supposed to work, because you honestly don’t know, and just answer like it’s as simple as going into a store with a permit and being allowed to buy an enchantment, even though that’s obviously not what you’re supposed to do. Officer Nibbles will hopefully think you’re just clueless, because you are, and she’ll tell you how you’re supposed to get enchantments legally, but she’ll only tell you that after you get a permit.

Candy: "I don't know, I thought it'd be as simple as going into the store with a permit and buying one? Probably go through some kind of background check and wait a few days?"

Officer Nibbles: "Well, that's a better than I thought you were going to say. You're not going to find any stores around here legally selling enchantments with any kind of fire power in this town. The only kind of enchantments you'd find in stores would be ones for cheap parlor tricks or medical stuff."

>say you're especially interested in items which could put out Light Magic to fight Chimeras.

Candy: "I'm not looking for much. Just some light magic to fight off those cultists and any chimeras."

2/2 (Typo fix) Buckwheat 2018/04/08(Sun)09:08 No. 877849 ID: 15a025
File 152320373539.png - (4.15KB , 800x600 , 86.png )

She looks like she's in deep thought now.

Officer Nibbles: "I'm sorry Candy, I can't give out permits to citize-"

Candy: "Come on Officer Nibbles! There's gotta be something!"

Officer Nibbles: "Would you let me finish!"

Candy: "You didn't let me earlier!"

Officer Nibbles: "As I was saying. I can't give permits out to citizens. However, you're coming in at a pretty good time actually. There's a lot stuff going on here lately and we're severely short-handed. It's part of the reason I got sent here actually."

Candy: "How is that a good thing?"

She lets out a sigh.

Officer Nibbles: "Cutting to point then. If you can pass some tests and checks, I can hire you in to work under me and get you a permit that way. It'd also give you restricted access to some enchantments and weapons."

Candy: "So basically if I want a permit I have to be cop?"

Officer Nibbles: "Oh no, you wouldn't be a fully fledged cop. It'd be more like an investigator or undercover kind of position. Do you have more questions about it, or would this be something you're interested in? "

Nah, go for it. Should be able to give some bonus points towards getting a real permit so you can wear us legally.

Ask her what you should do if you take this job and witness your friends committing minor crimes.

>>877849
>Do you have more questions about it, or would this be something you're interested in?
It’s a good thing she put up an anti-eavesdropping barrier, because I think you should tell her about Tybalt.

Tell her that you finally got a magnifying glass to read the note she gave you the other day and let her know that Tybalt isn’t going to be showing up because you left your flute to summon him back at your old home, which Tybalt is also guarding.

>Interested?
I think you should go for it.

>Candy, I can see what your earring is enchanted with, and I don't see anything useful for self-defense.
Distributed planning is surprisingly useful for self defense, actually.

>Oh no, you wouldn't be a fully fledged cop. It'd be more like an investigator or undercover kind of position.
Deputizing Candy!

>Do you have more questions about it
Undercover with who?

How much bonus trouble do I get in if I end up breaking any rules while I'm working for the forces of law and order?

>would this be something you're interested in?
Honestly, I have this feeling something bad is going to go down in this town, so we'd eventually be working together anyways. Might as well try to get a jump on that before things get ugly.

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/08(Sun)12:40 No. 877902 ID: 15a025
File 152321640057.png - (4.12KB , 800x600 , 87.png )

> Undercover with who?
Candy: "Who would I go undercover with?"

Officer Nibbles: "I can't say, they might be undercover."

>Ask her what you should do if you take this job and witness your friends committing minor crimes.
Candy: "If I take this job and see friends or family committing minor crimes, what should I do?"

Officer Nibbles: "Well you should, oh no hang on here. How minor are we talking? I get the feeling you don't mean something like driving a mile over the speed limit or j-walking in an empty street in the middle of no-where."

Candy: "Yeah, you know, just minor stuff."

There's that look again.

Officer Nibbles: "Candy, you better not be hanging around the kind of people I'm thinking you're hanging around with."
Candy: "I'm not."

Officer Nibbles: "Can I trust you to use your best judgment then?"

Candy: "Of course!"

Officer Nibbles: "Alright. As long as whatever these 'minor crimes' you see aren't involved or related to any of our on-going investigations, or anything I've got you working on, you technically don't have to report it. Don't make me regret telling you that. Just so we're clear, you see someone getting stabbed and murdered, I don't care who it is, you tell me. Got it?"

Candy: "Got it."

> How much bonus trouble do I get in if I end up breaking any rules while I'm working for the forces of law and order?
Candy: "How much bonus trouble would I get if I break any rules or laws while-"

Officer Nibbles: "How about we just don't break any laws alright?"

>It’s a good thing she put up an anti-eavesdropping barrier, because I think you should tell her about Tybalt.
Candy: "Oh, almost forgot. Read your note from the other day. My 'pet' won't be around town either. Tybalt's all the way back home guarding my place."

Officer Nibbles: "You left a chimera alone in your house?"

Candy:"He's a good boy. Don't worry about it."

Officer Nibbles: "Yeah, I'm pretending I didn't hear any of that."

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/08(Sun)12:40 No. 877904 ID: 15a025
File 152321644488.png - (4.16KB , 800x600 , 88.png )

>Go for it.
>I think you should go for it.
>Deputizing Candy!

Who would've ever thought I'd end up applying for a job at the police department of all places. This is beyond ironic for me.

Candy: "Alright, I guess I'll give this a shot then Officer Nibbles."

She pulls out the enchantment stone again.

Officer Nibbles: "Alright, barrier down."

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/08(Sun)12:41 No. 877905 ID: 15a025
File 152321647772.png - (4.16KB , 800x600 , 89.png )

After that she pulls out a walkie-talkie.

Officer Nibbles: "Officer Freeze, I need you to bring me a T-Ninety-Seven form and the books that go with it. Thanks."

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/08(Sun)12:41 No. 877906 ID: 15a025
File 152321651630.png - (4.42KB , 800x600 , 90.png )

A few moments later, the polar bear comes in with-

Candy: "I hope I don't have to read all of those."

Officer Freeze: "Oh don't worry. You don't have to read them all. I don't think you'll do well on the test if you skip them though."

Officer Nibbles: "Yeah, I'd study those as much as you can. We'll have the test ready for you on Tuesday."

Here I thought I was done studying for tests now that I've graduated from college.
Candy: "There's no way I can read all of these in less than two days!"

Officer Nibbles: "You will if you want the job. If you need some help studying, we can stick in here and help you out for a bit. Otherwise you're welcome to take the books home with you for a bit."

Hmm, Marsh never really said when to be at the mall by and I'm not even sure what time it is? Should I stick around for a bit, or ask for a ride?

>>877906
Stick around for a bit. Like an hour at least. Also ask what time it is, what time would YOU hang out in the mall? Go over whenever you'd want to go over.

Also where are we meeting Marsh exactly? Does she have a cellphone so you can call to let her know you're there?

>Just so we're clear, you see someone getting stabbed and murdered, I don't care who it is, you tell me. Got it?
This one would be a lot easier to follow if it weren't for Tulip getting stabbed (but not murdered) and the hit and run vehicular homicide you were an accomplice to.

>You left a chimera alone in your house?
Would you rather I brought him on the bus?

>>877906
Holy shit, that’s a lotta books! Uh, ask if they’ve got a bag or something for you to carry these books in? Because I don’t think you can carry all of them without dropping any of them!

>Time?
You could ask them.

>Stay or go to mall?
I think you’re going to need all the help you can get. Stay and ask them to help for a little bit. When they tell you that they have to get back to work, that’s when you can leave for the mall.

Later, when you go to the mall, I think you should consider buying yourself a watch so you can keep track of time.

>>877919
>Also where are we meeting Marsh exactly?
I think she wants us to meet her at her favorite coffee place in the mall.

>Does she have a cellphone so you can call to let her know you're there?
Unfortunately, no, she doesn’t have a cell phone. Only Sugar and Roxie have them.

1/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/09(Mon)12:35 No. 878032 ID: 15a025
File 152330253910.png - (4.49KB , 800x600 , 91.png )

>Would you rather I brought him on the bus?
Dang, that would have been a good come-back on that.

>This one would be a lot easier to follow if it weren't for Tulip getting stabbed (but not murdered) and the hit and run vehicular homicide you were an accomplice to.
Good thing neither of these happened on the job then? I'm hoping that doesn't spell out what's to come around here.

>Stick around for a bit.
>I think you’re going to need all the help you can get. Stay and ask them to help for a little bit.
>You could ask them [the time]
Candy: "Hang on, you wouldn't happen to have the time would?"

Officer Nibbles: "It's eleven-thirty right now."

Candy: "I'll stick around and get some help then."

Officer Nibbles: "Alright, let's start from the top then and talk about general safety!"

Officer Freeze and Nibbles go through the safety book for a bit with me. It goes over general gun safety, do's and don'ts, what kind of weapons are legal for an officer to carry, and some enchantment safety.

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/09(Mon)12:36 No. 878033 ID: 15a025
File 152330258645.png - (4.33KB , 800x600 , 92.png )

Officer Nibbles: "Alright Candy, we're going to have to pack it up there. I'm supposed to go on patrol soon."

>ask if they’ve got a bag or something for you to carry these books in?
Candy: "You got a bag I can haul all these books around?"

Officer Freeze: "Two steps ahead of you. I'll pack them up."

Candy: "I hate to ask, but I don't suppose you could drop me off at the mall could you?"

Officer Nibbles: "I don't know, you're pretty heavy for a little mouse like me to carry."

I hear Officer Freeze chuckle while she packs the books up.

Officer Nibbles: "Yeah I guess we can drop you off. Be thankful we're going in that direction otherwise you'd be waiting for the bus."

I'd probably be walking to mall, Marsh didn't give me any money this morning.

>where are we meeting Marsh exactly?
>I think she wants us to meet her at her favorite coffee place in the mall.

I've got the strong feeling it's that coffee place too.

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/09(Mon)12:37 No. 878034 ID: 15a025
File 152330263247.png - (5.03KB , 800x600 , 93.png )

It's a quick drive over and I'm dumped off at the mall. I head inside and into the coffee place.

Vienna: "Hello, welcome to the- oh! you're Marsh's friend from that other night."

Candy: "Yeah, the name's Candy. Is Marsh here?"

Vienna: "No, I haven't seen her in a couple days actually. Were you two supposed to meet up here?"

Candy: "Yeah, guess she's still helping my sister out. You got a table I could sit at while I wait for her?"

Vienna: "Tables are five dollars."

Shoot.

Candy: "Nothing free?"

Vienna: "Sorry, there's just the bench in here you could sit on for a bit or the tables the mall has set up out there."

>>878032
>Dang, that would have been a good come-back on that.
You know what would’ve also been good? Saying, “Here I thought I was done studying for tests now that I've graduated from college.“ out loud. I’m pretty sure Nibbles and Freeze would’ve had a good laugh at that!

>>878034
You don’t have any money with you? Then I guess you can’t buy a watch to keep track of time. Not yet anyways.

>Where to sit?
Sit on the bench in here. Even if you can’t go in, you can at least listen to the music of whatever band is on stage.

Make sure you keep studying while you’re waiting for Marsh. Use whatever studying tricks you learned in college to help you study these books.

And when Marsh gets here, just tell her that you’re being allowed to take the test on Tuesday, which is why you’ve got all these books for studying. But don’t tell her about the undercover thing!

>>878034
Sit at bench, continue to study. Maybe tell us some important details?

Not sure you should be studying them cop-books in public if you don't want other people to know you're becoming an undercover snitch.

...how do they talk the criminals lowlifes they want to flip into doing all the reading I wonder.

I wouldn't get a table unless you're gonna get lunch.

>>878218
They won’t know that Candy’s going to be undercover. These are books to study in order to get a permit to carry enchantments.

Unless the books literally say “How to be an Undercover Informant for the Cops” or Candy decides to start telling everyone she meets, nobody is going to know about that.

1/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/11(Wed)12:24 No. 878304 ID: 15a025
File 152347466578.png - (5.09KB , 800x600 , 94.png )

>You don’t have any money with you? Then I guess you can’t buy a watch to keep track of time. Not yet anyways.
Hopefully working for Officer Nibbles pays. Then I'd have two sources of income.

>Sit on the bench in here. Even if you can’t go in, you can at least listen to the music of whatever band is on stage.
>Sit at bench, continue to study.
>Use whatever studying tricks you learned in college to help you study these books.
I had a lot more time than roughly two days to study for my tests. Less considering I'll probably have to work tomorrow, though maybe not? It was pretty quiet at the candy store with Sharcole the other day. Maybe I can squeeze some study time in at work?

>Not sure you should be studying them cop-books in public if you don't want other people to know you're becoming an undercover snitch.
>They won’t know that Candy’s going to be undercover. These are books to study in order to get a permit to carry enchantments.
The books are to help me study for a test to qualify for the job, or that's has how Officer Nibbles made it sound to me. Getting the job means getting the permit though. I guess in a way I am pretty much studying to get that permit. So far, none of these books seem to really give away what I might be reading them for. They've just been books about laws here in Talvi, gun safety, and enchantment safety. I feel like if anyone asked, I could find a way to spin things around and say it's for something else.
I'm starting to procrastinate and lose focus aren't I? Alright, focus. I sit down on the little bench and pull out one of the books. This one seems to talk about the enchantment laws?

> Maybe tell us some important details?
Skimming through, there's a lot of rules and procedures I'm probably going to have to know and follow, like this odd one? "By royal decree, all officers maintain the power to confiscate any un-registered enchantments and arrest anyone failing to provide proof of a legitimate license or permit."

Good thing I'm on Officer Nibbles good side, otherwise I- oh hang on, there's a sticky note on the next page.

"Due to the case of the Arbell Family vs The Royal Court, this decree has since been re-written and revised. It now reads as follows: 'By royal decree, all officers maintain the power to confiscate any non-medical enchantments and arrest those failing to provide proof of a legal license or permit. Those without a license or permit found or claimed to be carrying medical enchantments are to be brought to the nearest hospital for evaluation to obtain one and fined. Those who are unable to pass an evaluation can be punished up to double the standard.'"

Wow, that's- oh hang on. There's another sticky note by that one as well.

"Yet another addition was made to this decree: 'All officers who overstep this decree and perform unlawful searches and arrests may face from twenty years up to life imprisonment.'"

I've never heard of that court case? It had to of happened recently enough that they had to put a sticky note about it in this book at least. That or, they couldn't get an updated version of this book?

The next few pages talk about the process about getting search and arrest warrants, pretty standard-

2/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/11(Wed)12:25 No. 878305 ID: 15a025
File 152347470044.png - (5.39KB , 800x600 , 95.png )

Marsh: "What'cha reading there book worm?"

Candy: "Just-"

>don’t tell her about the undercover thing!
>tell her that you’re being allowed to take the test on Tuesday, which is why you’ve got all these books for studying.
Candy: "Just uh, studying up for my test Tuesday."

Marsh: "What test?"

Candy: "Test to get a permit."

Marsh: "Well how about we head in and taste test some drinks instead. Here's five bucks Vienna, bring us to our spot."

Vienna: "Oh uh, right this way then."

I dog ear the page I was on and put away the book.

3/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/11(Wed)12:25 No. 878306 ID: 15a025
File 152347473675.png - (4.94KB , 800x600 , 96.png )

Vienna seats us at the usual spot again, and takes our orders.

Vienna: "We've got a small selection of new drinks in today we're trying. There's a chocolate-blueberry mixed coffee, a new blue berry tea, and uh... [small]carrot tea.[/i]

Marsh: "What was that last one? A carroty what?"

Vienna: "No, it's carrot tea."

Marsh: "Gross. I'll give the blue berry tea a shot."

Candy: "I'll just have some peppermint tea."

Vienna: "I'll be back shortly with your orders."

4/4 Buckwheat 2018/04/11(Wed)12:26 No. 878307 ID: 15a025
File 152347477677.png - (4.83KB , 800x600 , 97.png )

Vienna scurries off.

Marsh: "Sorry if I kept you waiting. Sugar was being a pain to help today."

Candy: "What happened?"

She answers with a bad impersonation of my sister's voice.
Marsh: "No Marsh don't put that there! No I said over there! You're not supposed to stack it like that!"

Candy: "So she pretty much stood there, made you do all the work, and yelled at you when you did something 'wrong'?"

Marsh: "Nah, she did work. Some of that stuff was heavy enough to make us both carry it. Didn't help she was in another mood either. Apparently Sharcole isn't going to be able to work tomorrow."

Candy: "How come?"

Marsh: "Don't know. She just said Kyle called and said she can't work tomorrow."

>>878304
...I wonder if we count as a medical enchantment? The blindar could pick up on injury and spiritual contamination, and might could have applications as a medical diagnostic.

Although we haven't gotten that spell to work for you, so it's a moot point.

>all officers maintain the power to confiscate
Okay what's really interesting there is it describes a power the police have, not what the police have to do. As written, it's a discretionary power, so Nibbles hasn't technically been bending the rules by tolerating you having us.

>>878305
You can tell her about your sister's enchanting mess later (not in public), but you should for sure keep the undercover thing undercover for now.

>>878307
Does that mean things have gotten worse in town, I wonder.

>>878306
>>878307
Did you bring your books with you? I don’t see the bag anywhere. Unless you put it under the table where I can’t see it?

>Sharcole isn’t going to be able to work tomorrow.
>Kyle called and said she can't work tomorrow.
Ask Marsh what’s up with Kyle?

When we met him the other day, he didn’t seem worried about Sharcole when she came home late. He instead seemed annoyed at Sharcole for arriving home late.

And I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the reason Sharcole is always half asleep all the time! He’s probably doing something to keep Sharcole up all night!

1/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/15(Sun)09:11 No. 878851 ID: 15a025
File 152380866630.png - (4.84KB , 800x600 , 98.png )

>...I wonder if we count as a medical enchantment? The blindar could pick up on injury and spiritual contamination, and might could have applications as a medical diagnostic. Although we haven't gotten that spell to work for you, so it's a moot point.
If anything, I could say you're helping me quit smoking? Might end up being true sooner than later too. I've been trying to cut down on it, and made it to just a small pack a week. Speaking of, I haven't had single smoke since I-

>Did you bring your books with you? I don’t see the bag anywhere. Unless you put it under the table where I can’t see it?
Huh? Oh yeah, it's sitting to the left of me. Uh, my left that is. Thanks for checking though.

>what's really interesting there is it describes a power the police have, not what the police have to do. As written, it's a discretionary power, so Nibbles hasn't technically been bending the rules by tolerating you having us.
I guess that's what she meant when she was telling me about using my best judgment?

>Ask Marsh what’s up with Kyle? When we met him the other day, he didn’t seem worried about Sharcole when she came home late. He instead seemed annoyed at Sharcole for arriving home late. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the reason Sharcole is always half asleep all the time! He’s probably doing something to keep Sharcole up all night!
Seemed like a lot of stuff was bugging that jerk the other night. He didn't seem to be all that happy to see Marsh or me with her either.

Candy: "What's up with this Kyle guy anyway? Why's he calling in for her and not Sharcole herself?"

Marsh: "I don't know, and I don't like him."

Candy: "The other night when we brought her home, he seemed a little more annoyed than worried it was late."

Marsh: "Yeah, he's always like that. He might have been more annoyed that we were over to use his shower though. Forbid that water bill go up a couple more cents. Stingy jerk."

2/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/15(Sun)09:12 No. 878852 ID: 15a025
File 152380872401.png - (5.17KB , 800x600 , 99.png )

Vienna comes back with our drinks.

Vienna: "Here you go. Please let us know how your tea is Marsh."

Marsh gulps the whole cup down in one go.

Candy: "Did you even taste it?"

Marsh: "No. I could hardly taste any kind of blueberry at all. It was still okay, needs to be a little more stronger though."

Vienna: "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind next time."

3/3 Buckwheat 2018/04/15(Sun)09:13 No. 878853 ID: 15a025
File 152380883879.png - (5.14KB , 800x600 , 100.png )

There's a couple moments of awkward silence where Vienna sticks around.

Marsh: "I don't mind the company, but don't you have work to be doing here Vienna?"

Vienna: "So far, you two have been the only other customers today. I'm kind of the only one showed up for work today too...

Marsh: "Dang, what's up with that?"

Vienna: "No-one wanted come in with the whole riot thing and snow storm last night. Even our musician for the day canceled on us."

Marsh: "Yeah, I heard something about a riot on my way home last night. What I miss?"

Vienna: "I'm not really sure either. There was a new church that supposed to be opening this morning, but last night a riot broke out over there. The police came in and closed everything down including the mall."

>If anything, I could say you're helping me quit smoking?
Support group, woo.

>Marsh: "I don't mind the company, but don't you have work to be doing here Vienna?"
>Vienna: "So far, you two have been the only other customers today. I'm kind of the only one showed up for work today too...
Well if you've got nothing better to do, feel free to pull up a seat. Good on you, toughing things out.

>There was a new church that supposed to be opening this morning, but last night a riot broke out over there. The police came in and closed everything down including the mall.
Wow, that stinks.

>>878853
You should also taste your drink and give your opinion on how it tasted.

>The police came in and closed everything down including the mall.
Waaaiiit a minute. If the mall is closed, then how did all 3 of you get in here? Isn’t this coffee shop in the mall?

1/2 Buckwheat 2018/04/16(Mon)07:26 No. 879042 ID: 15a025
File 152388876647.png - (5.29KB , 800x600 , 101.png )

>You should also taste your drink and give your opinion on how it tasted.
I've had the peppermint tea here before, it's surprisingly good. Not a lot of peppermint tea's I've had can get that balanced mix of flavors.

>Waaaiiit a minute. If the mall is closed, then how did all 3 of you get in here? Isn’t this coffee shop in the mall?
I think he meant they closed it down last night? Must of been one rowdy riot.

>Well if you've got nothing better to do, feel free to pull up a seat. Good on you, toughing things out.
Candy: "Well, if you've got nothing better to do then feel free to sit with us."

Vienna: "I'm not really aloud to sit down on the job. I need to be ready at all times in case customers come. I'm fine with standing."

Candy: "Isn't it kind of hard to stand around with a tray on your head like that?"

Vienna: "Not really. It's something I'm used to. I should probably bring it to the back though. One second!"

He scurries off again with that tray still on his head.

Marsh: "I swear that tray is glued on his head or something. I don't get how he can move so quick and not drop it."

2/2 Buckwheat 2018/04/16(Mon)07:26 No. 879043 ID: 15a025
File 152388881501.png - (5.12KB , 800x600 , 102.png )

Shortly after, he returns.
Vienna: "So uh... how have you been Marsh? It's been a few days since you last came in."

Marsh: "Could be better. Had to leave town for stupid stuff. How about you?"

Vienna: "Getting a little excited for Tuesday. Our book store's supposed to be getting some new stuff in. I'm probably going to buy what I can and spend my next day off reading."

Marsh: "Didn't know you liked reading books."

Vienna: "The recipe for a good afternoon is a cup of hot tea and a good book."

Marsh: "Ever walk around with books on your head?"

Vienna: "Not sure why I wo, oh maybe? I used to work at library."

Marsh: "How many?"

Vienna: "Probably three or four?"

Marsh: "I'm getting curious now. Mind showing off to us Vienna?"

Vienna: "Showing off what?"

Marsh: "Your goofy balance skills."

He lets out a cute lil laugh.

Vienna: "I'd say you're fascination with me carrying things is goofy, but sure. I don't mind."

Marsh: "Cool. Hey Candy, mind if we use those books in your bag then?"

>Candy, mind if we use those books in your bag then?
So long as you're careful with them. I borrowed those.

Realistically, it's fine. The place is empty, so long as the books don't fall in the tea they can't really get hurt.

>>879103
I agree.

Just don’t forget about them when it’s time to leave!

1/9 Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:24 No. 879381 ID: 15a025
File 152408668677.png - (5.24KB , 800x600 , 103.png )

>Realistically, it's fine. The place is empty, so long as the books don't fall in the tea they can't really get hurt.
>Just don’t forget about them when it’s time to leave!
I guess it wouldn't hurt to let them mess around a bit.

>So long as you're careful with them. I borrowed those.
Candy: "Sure. Just be careful, I'm borrowing them from someone."

Marsh: "Cool! Alright Candy, start stacking those books."

Candy: "Huh?"

Marsh: "Yeah, stack the books on his head."

Candy: "I, okay?"

I grab the books one by one and stack them on Vienna's head.
Candy: "Let me know if it gets too heavy?"

I pause after two books.

Vienna: "Keep going, I'm fine.

2/9 Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:25 No. 879382 ID: 15a025
File 152408671035.png - (5.26KB , 800x600 , 104.png )

I stack two more on him. I can hear Marsh trying to hold in her laughter.

Vienna: "Hm... I think I can handle one more?"

3/9 (animated) Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:25 No. 879383 ID: 15a025
File 152408673691.gif - (95.36KB , 800x600 , 105.gif )

I carefully place one more book on his head. I start to see him wobbling a bit.

Vienna: "Okay, maybe too much!"

4/9 Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:26 No. 879384 ID: 15a025
File 152408676939.png - (5.27KB , 800x600 , 106.png )

I quickly take the books off his head before they fall over or Vienna gets crushed with all this knowledge.

Marsh: "That was pretty impressive Vienna."

Vienna: "I still don't quite understand your fascination, but as long as you had fun with it. Can I get you re-fills or something else to drink?"

5/9 Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:26 No. 879385 ID: 15a025
File 152408680485.png - (5.28KB , 800x600 , 107.png )

Marsh sticks her teacup on Vienna's head.

Marsh: "I'll take another blue-berry tea."

Vienna: "One more, coming up."

6/9 Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:29 No. 879386 ID: 15a025
File 152408694885.png - (5.29KB , 800x600 , 108.png )

He scurries off again, and returns with another cup of tea. Marsh chugs it down, again.

Candy: "Marsh!"

Marsh: "That was a bit better."

She sticks her cup on Vienna's head again.

Marsh: "So how much do we owe you today Vienna?"

Vienna: "Ten dollars."

Marsh: "Here's ten plus a little tip. Thanks for the company Vienna, missed you a bit while I was gone."

Vienna: "Heading out?"

Marsh: "Yeah. Got stuff at home to take care of. See you later!"

Vienna: "Alright then. It was nice see you too. Have a safe drive!"

7/9 Buckwheat 2018/04/18(Wed)14:29 No. 879387 ID: 15a025
File 152408699704.png - (6.29KB , 800x600 , 109.png )

We leave the mall and Marsh speeds off onto the roads.
Candy: "What was with stacking things on Vienna today Marsh?"

Marsh: "I dunno... it was kind of [small]...[small]

Candy: "Kind of what?"

Marsh: "Kind of, eh never mind."

Candy: "Okay?"

She's pretty much silent the rest of the way home. Even the radio's off. I thought of using the silence to study, but it's snowing out.