We should do some combat practice. Here I’ll make some
More of these targets and you try to dodge some of these rocks I’m gonna throw at you. If you can control the Timmy while moving it might make your odds of surviving and not getting infected my lycanthropy higher.

tippler 2021/03/25(Thu)16:52 No. 993118 ID: eedbeb
File 161671637060.png - (136.32KB , 1000x900 , p46.png )

This is going better than expected. You’re actually a little jealous that Kibble is blatantly overpowered when you’ve had to practice magic your whole life to cast spells at a competitive speed, and you struggle to find something to criticize.

“Alright, you’re fast, strong, and have good control, but you’ve never been in a real fight. The werewolves will fight dirty, and they’ll be around other people so they can take hostages.” you summon two dirt targets, one smaller than the other. “What if he uses his children as a shield? Can you stop attacking in time?”

Timmy neatly snatches the larger dirt pile and swallows it whole.

“Okay…Well what if I had a gun and—“

Timmy knocks you off balance and you fall on your side in the grass. When you look up, it’s wrapped part of itself around Kibble, obscuring her from view.

Good. Very good.

But how about being outnumbered?

>>993118
Haha damn Kibble.
Yeah try multiple targets next. Include all the various complications done so far.
Also, try targets coming from multiple directions.

tippler 2021/03/25(Thu)20:53 No. 993138 ID: eedbeb
File 161673083554.png - (189.56KB , 1000x900 , p47.png )

You clench your fists by your sides and focus. You’re not going to be humiliated by a history major. Tufts of grass shoot into the air around the field and a miniature army of dirt golems advances on Kibble. You laugh maniacally and pass out.

“You passed out.” Kibble says, when you come to on the ground, back of your head throbbing and the tang of blood on your tongue. The cool shades make Kibble look sick. Like a disaffected punk. Kinda hot. Wait, you had your date with Margot this afternoon. Do you need to cancel?

“I think you’re plenty prepared, when are you going to go get this guy? I can come if you want back up.”

“Right now. Office and coworkers are better than his house and family, and I want people to see me in the daylight. I’ll wear my disguise and sneak my way inside.” Kibble replies. “You decide if you want to come.”

Oh we're going to come alright.
Ahem. Probably not a good idea to leave Kibble alone during that, she's not invincible as far as we can tell and there's no guarantee it'll go smoothly.

I trust your judgement Kibble. I would come but I have a feeling I’d fuck up in my anger and not be careful enough. (Plus you have that date, and that’s totally not the reason you don’t wanna go ;))

>>993138
There's probably people watching for you. Going will attract eyes, and that will cause complications. Best for Kibble to do this on her own.
I thought you were waiting on a reply from Margot? Did you miss a notification? Check.

You'll come, mainly as an observer but if things get too hot you'll try to help her bail.

Call Margot and ask if she's willing to move the date, as your kind and loving sister just got attacked/bit by werewolves and you gotta... deal with it for a bit.

(Going on a date while being a potential target sounds like a pretty poor idea anyway. Unless Margot's cool enough to abide being a part of a literal assassination attempt, in which case... never let her go.)

Don't stick too close to Kibble - they know about you and want to target you, after all. Might even expect you (or someone) to come in, metaphorical magical guns blazing in retaliation.

Also, consider the problem of werewolves. Cutting off the head of the gang may lead to a lot of loose werewolf cannons running around. And sure, you could throw Kibble at those too, but that means more get hurt in the meanwhile.

Maybe you can get ahead of that somehow? Could batch some suppression potions, sell 'em at a discount for a while. Might even get you some cred / relief from being targeted by werewolves - too dangerous to upset, too useful to ruin the talents of.

Don't go. Plausible deniability.

>>993138
Her first day on the job and she's already a terminator. Gotta love it.

Let's ride shotgun.

Yeah, let's accompany her.
This is her first time trying to pull a hit, after all.

going is a bad idea for several reasons expressed above. Date instead.

You just exhausted yourself after you're already running on soul-fumes; Kibble picked the time and place expressly because there would be no hostages; you're already their target; you'd lose plausible deniability; finally, they probably know to look out for you.

Wait, crap; for some of those same reasons, you can't afford to leave Kibble's side... but at the same time, for a lot more reasons, going with her is a bad idea.

Solution: Make her rethink her strategy.

"We already know these guys are gunning for me, though. There's even a decent chance the guy will be "out to lunch" when you get there - the lunch, in this case, being a li'l bit of me. I'm in no position to help you storm the building, so I ask that you stick by me instead, just for today. I'll clear my schedule tomorrow so that I'm not exposing myself in public while running on fumes; then you can storm the castle."

Ultimately, go to the girl, but urge Kibble not to leave you unguarded. (Maybe show up early and have Kibble sit at a nearby table while you wait for her.)

Let’s collaborate with Kibble. Everyone needs a right hand man.

tippler 2021/03/26(Fri)10:11 No. 993201 ID: eedbeb
File 161677868736.png - (116.08KB , 1000x900 , p48.png )

>You want to go and stay equally

“Ugh, I don’t know.” you say. “Going with you would be really rad and I want to make sure you’re safe, but I think you’ve got it under control and I’ll get in trouble if people know I’m there.”

“And you have a very important date.” Kibble says drily.

“I mean, I can reschedule that, I’m more worried about you being associated with the mob, and I just fainted from soul-exhaustion so a fight isn’t the best place for me.”

Kibble nods and offers you her hand. You pull yourself to your feet and grimace at the ruined field. “I might cancel the date, or ask Margot to just hang out in my room. Leaving campus is a bad idea.”

“I’ll walk you back.”

tippler 2021/03/26(Fri)10:11 No. 993202 ID: eedbeb
File 161677870675.png - (169.03KB , 1000x900 , p49.png )

You feel a little better once you’re back in your room. You sigh and lean on the door, while Kibble watches you quietly from the hall.

“Good luck, try not to kill too many civilians.” you joke.

“Hm.”

“Uh, if you need to talk about it afterwards, I’ll be here or in the lab.”

Kibble nods and leaves, and you’re left in a room that’s unnervingly foreign.

Well, make the call, then; tell Margot that for various reasons, you can't leave your dorm at this time. Be very apologetic and ask if she's willing to reschedule. If she brings up the idea of coming over to your place, explain that it won't be safe for her to leave until the situation's over. Even before that, she should turn around and not approach if she sees any suspicious individuals near the dorm building.

Invite Margot over, you’re too tired to go out, but would feel emotionally recharged if she came to see you.

Best to reschedule

Um... can you tell Kibble, before she definitely leaves or via phone, NOT to kill the guy. Just really intimidate him?

tippler 2021/03/26(Fri)16:47 No. 993223 ID: eedbeb
File 161680242548.png - (175.37KB , 1000x900 , p50.png )

>Can you tell Kibble not to kill the guy?

Once you told Kibble about the werewolf, he was doomed. That girl is out for blood and nothing short of vigorous threats against her loved ones will make her stop, and you’re not the one about to make those threats.

>Call Margot

You fling yourself onto the bed and quell the nervous flutter in your gut. Margot is…a friend. Someone you like spending time with doing normal person things like getting food and playing video games. She doesn’t mind your occasional weird outbursts and she’s not trying to use you, you think.

You’ve been flirting and dropping hints, but you haven’t had the talk. Do you want to be in a relationship? The thought is vaguely terrifying.
With a sigh, you haul out your phone and press it to you ear.

“Hey, it’s Jadis.” you say when she picks up.

“Hi.” Margot chirps. “Got out of a meeting with my supervisor, was just about to text you. We still good for the movie later?”

“Sorry, I need to reschedule, a gang of werewolves is after me and I shouldn’t leave campus to be safe. Do you mind coming here? Kibble is out so we’ll have some privacy.”

“Sure! I’d love to see your dorm.” Margot says.

“It’s not that impressive.” you mumble.

“You can show me your project too, then. Send me the address and I’ll be over in an hour.”

I'm surprised she was so nonplussed about the werewolf thing. And at the same time, if the werewolves are targeting you, they'd certs know about Margot by now.

Ask her to come over sooner in the day rather than later. Er, before that... ask if there's anyone there with her. If she's suddenly asked such a direct question, even you should be able to tell if she's trying to lie or deflect.

If she passes this test, then hell yeah. Do warn her to turn around and walk away if she sees anyone suspicious near the dorm building.

Before you send the address, ask if there's anyone with her.
If she deflects the question send her a nearby address you can see from your dorm. Actually maybe you should do that regardless. If she arrives alone you can just go meet her and bring her to your real place.

Send her the address, any werewolves that would want to hunt you down would already know where you are considering that the wolf is a government retriever.

And she will show up with her pet human and make a mess.

tippler 2021/03/27(Sat)08:23 No. 993321 ID: eedbeb
File 161685861488.png - (126.82KB , 1000x900 , p51.png )

>Be suspicious

After you hang up, you review the conversation. Was it weird that Margot didn’t seem surprised by the werewolf comment? She hasn’t expressed much interest in your family’s business, though you’ve told her it’s pretty dangerous so she probably assumed that sort of thing was normal.

The dorm building has a laughable electronic lock on the outside doors, and you have a short nap before going to make sure Margot has come alone. She waves at you cheerfully from behind the glass and you feel a pang of guilt for suspecting her. You exchange basic pleasantries until you reach the safety of your room.

What do you want to do while Margot is here?

>>993321
I mean, we were worried about her being kidnapped, not that she was a spy...

Show her your project, tell her about how you're stuck, play some motherfuckin video games.

... well, there's that video game you've been putting off trying in favor of snipping off pieces of your soul.

Orrr you can actually show her your project.

But she might get turned off by that, so maybe video game first, project later?

Vidgame.

Play some Videojames and then show her your project!!!

tippler 2021/03/27(Sat)12:29 No. 993381 ID: eedbeb
File 161687336187.png - (134.17KB , 1000x900 , p52.png )

>Video Games

You dust off the portable console you have resting on the dresser, which you had left in your room for Kibble when she moved in. It looks like she’s barely touched it, preferring her books over having fun.

There’s a save file of Pocemon from one of the newer games where you can play with another person. You have no idea what’s happening, but Margot seems to know exactly where your little character is supposed to go.

“It’s a remake of the first gen game, the second remake, actually. I’ve played it a bunch of times before” she explains.

“I hope it’s not boring. I want to wait for Kibble to come back before we visit the lab. She’s uh, assassinating someone right now.” you say.

Margot stiffens.

Look, it wasn't your idea. A bunch of werewolves attacked your sister and your dad wanted them dealt with. He asked for Kibble, even though you would've liked to take care of it yourself, and she was enthusiastic about it because, in her own words, when she leaves she’ll either be feared or pitied, and she'd rather be feared.
You did manage to convince her to target the leader instead of the entire group, though, so at least you managed to prevent a slaughter.

"My sister now has a permanent medical condition because a gang of upstarts wanted to mark territories by maiming Family members with a disease. So Kibble, having had her life ruined by a medical condition, forcefully accepted the job to teach the gang what it means to give people scars that bite."

>>993381
It's the best solution really.

Tell her... you can talk about it, if she'd like. Or she can stay 100 % out of your family business, 'n that's fine too, although, for the record - Guy's at least got it coming and Kibble's not being forced or anything.

If she wants you to talk about it, tell her the guy's a politico / corrupt crime-type, and your parents are, well, into that life. Some toe-stepping turf thing probably went real serious somewhere, and, well... normally you don't care for this sort of stuff enough to involve yourself, but the asshole got your sister were-bit and is trying to do you the same, last you heard. Basically he'd ruin you and your sister's lives to show he could and put the fear of the same in others.

That type is better shut down hard, so when you got told the news and go asked if Kibble could do him in...

Just sigh and shrug.

You were - still am, a bit - mad, so you asked. Kibble was surprisingly okay with trying - got hella enthusiastic. Something something 'I'd rather be feared and loathed, than just loathed' was the gist. You think the Timmy's gotten into her head a bit, maybe?

'n now you gotta see how it all pans out.

tippler 2021/03/27(Sat)17:11 No. 993429 ID: eedbeb
File 161689026662.png - (107.47KB , 1000x900 , p53.png )

“Do you want to talk about it?” you ask. “It’s all justified from my point of view, though I wasn’t the one who wanted her to do it.”

Margot sighs. “I appreciate the honesty, but I don’t want to get involved. I’m just worried that what we have isn’t sustainable since we’re so different.”

“Eh?” You are both very excited and very worried.

“I like spending time with you. I think you’re cool and interesting and smart, but I don’t want to put myself or Cookie in danger. He’s really set on becoming a witch, and right now you’re his best bet for lessons.”

Margot’s compliments make you trip over your words. “I like spending time with you too. I’m doing—going clean and the hit wasn’t my idea, I’m trying to distance myself from my dad and all that stuff.”

She doesn’t meet your eyes and you panic. You don’t know how to reassure her.

>>993429
Ask what you can do so she knows she's safe.

It's best to give her context as to what's happening.

Tell her about how you didn't want to hurt nobody until your dad told you how your sister and her bodyguard got bit by a werewolf from an underling-turned rival gang of your dad's.

Aw man, it's happening again. Your family's business is pushing the ones who could be closest to you away. Again.

Ffffuck this shit. You gotta go call off the hit. Your sister didn't ask for it, even explicitly told you not to escalate. She never cared about her magic that much, and she'll be drowning in suppression potions from here until the hereafter.

And you... you can handle yourself.

You need to get ready to start publicly snipping mafia family ties and figure out a way to peace up with the werewolf gang on an individual level. Discounted suppression potions might do. Flood the market for a bit. Earn some capital to stand on your own, too, since you won't have access to your family's resources. Can't be leaning on those perks if you want to make it obvious you're through with this.

... you'll miss 'em, though.

But. Margot. Even if you just stay friends, that's at least, well, a friend. You'd want Kibble on your side, too. Gotta convince her to be YOUR bud, not your DAD's monster (or at least not JUST your dad's monster). Besides, you'd need that level of a bodyguard if you plan to go solo and assholes still think to try to use you against your father.

>>993441
It's, uh... a little late to call off Kibble, I think.

"Look, I'm normally not... involved in my dad's business. I've always tried to stay out of it. But this one time, these werewolf jackasses decided they'd be going after his family - i.e., me and my sister, whom they've already bitten, by the way. I wouldn't have even considered passing his message along to Kibble if I wasn't already in the crosshairs myself."

Assure her that you're already not as directly close to your father's business as most people think, and if that doesn't work:
"Look... You say we're too 'different,' but that's just it; I'm different. You're the same as all the other normal people of this world who... who feel intimidated by my family, and... there's nothing wrong with that. Not like I can just up and stop being some bigshot don's daughter, no matter how much I want to. Parents are like the one thing you really can't choose for yourself..."

tippler 2021/03/27(Sat)19:43 No. 993463 ID: eedbeb
File 161689941748.png - (170.81KB , 1000x900 , p54.png )

It’s happening again. Your family business is pushing people away from you, though at least this time it’s not your fault.

“What can I do so that you know you’re safe?” you ask quietly.

Margot sniffs, blinks, and rubs her nose. “I don’t want you to change for my sake. Do what you want.”

You drop your controller and it bounces off the ground, game forgotten. You gently put your hands on Margot’s shoulders and she looks at you with watery eyes.

“I’m not doing for you. I’m doing it because it’s what I should have done years ago. I’m going to cuts ties with my parents and be independent, get away from their shadow. I’ll try to help the werewolves though they’ll probably be pissed, maybe make a bunch of potions for them. If you don’t want to be my friend anymore, that’s fine. You’ve helped me see what I was missing and I’m grateful for that.”

Margot seems stunned by your monologue and you let go of her like you were burned, cursing yourself, but she grabs your hand before you can clench it by your side.

“Let’s give it some time, but I want to be your friend.” she says. “When you feel like you’re ready, we can hang out again.”

>>993463
Cool. That's cool. You will need time to get free and find your footing before you're ready to start having those stress-free friendships.

But again, it might be a little late to find an alternate way of dealing with the werewolves in particular. Kibble already ran off with the torch, so consider that bridge burned. But hey, that problem's still probably fixed (even if not in the way you or your sister would have preferred), so... yay?

... Actually, maybe we should focus on our thesis first; get that degree (and make sure dad's taken care of the tuition for real) before you really start to cut ties. One problem at a time.

>>993463
but I want to hang out noooowwww

Pretty much this >>993470

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)07:55 No. 993525 ID: eedbeb
File 161694332561.png - (144.61KB , 1000x900 , p55.png )

>It might be a little late for an alternate way to deal with the werewolves

You’re planning for the post assassination werewolves, hopefully earn some good will before someone else takes power and tries for revenge.

>One problem at a time

“I guess you better go then.” you sigh. You turn away to check for monsters in the surrounding area with a spell. “Should be safe. I’ll see you—later.”

Margot leaves and you sit on the bed to mope. Once Kibble comes back you’ll go straight to the lab and keep working until your project is done. Your degree is the most important piece of your future independence.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)07:55 No. 993526 ID: eedbeb
File 161694333630.png - (112.60KB , 1000x900 , p56.png )

You wait another hour before you hear the rattle of the key in your lock. Kibble walks in, shirt torn and face framed with a blood spatter.

“How’d it go?” you ask.

Kibble comes to stand by the bed, mouth twitching around her words. “Murder,” she finally says. “Is not legal.”

No. No it is not.
You didn't kill any cops, did you?

"... Want to check my room for bedbugs?"

Ask Kibble if anybody saw her all bloodied like that.

Also talk about Margot and how she kind of broke up with you after she found out about the whole situation.

Suggestion 2021/03/28(Sun)09:36 No. 993542 ID: 46a721

How many died? And how do you feel about it?

Might have to throw some money at the cops.

Oh right you should call your dad so he can pull strings for Kibble. And so you can tell him you're getting out.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)12:26 No. 993556 ID: eedbeb
File 161695956468.png - (151.58KB , 1000x900 , p57.png )

You wait for Kibble to elaborate, but instead the cat mutters a string of profanities and takes off her sunglasses to reveal worried eyes.

“Did the cops show up? We have an arrangement with them so you should be okay, they know who’s a target.” you say.

“No, I mean, yes they did but they weren’t a problem.” Kibble sits down heavily next to you. “I rushed into this. I thought I could just walk in there and do it no problem, but after the other employees got over the shock and realized I wasn’t going to hurt them, they were so upset. Now I feel bad.”

“You were pretty enthusiastic about eating a guy.” you admit. Not everyone had your colorful upbringing, so you can understand if not relate to Kibble’s experience.

Kibble pulls off the ruined shirt, barely more than a rag, and tosses it into the corner. “I might be imagining it, but I think I can feel the dog wiggling around inside me. Is that normal? It’s not a weird guilt response, right?”

>>993556
Pshht! Search me! You're pretty unique, lady. It might be responding to your guilt? Maybe it can sense your distress and it's getting antsy? I honestly could not tell you.
Look, just... take it easy, alright? The job is over, nobody who wasn't supposed to get hurt got hurt, you're okay, and life goes on. Can I get you anything> Drink? Meds?

>>993556
...is he still alive? I guess you could try spitting him out.
If he's still alive, you could use his soul to power your project.

>>993556
let's find out about if it's real or psychosomatic, lay down and relax

>>993556
If she swallowed them whole, then maybe?

Technically her insides are a conglomerate of a Timmy and a pocket space, so it could be they're still kicking around in there. Or it could be a special thing Timmies do? Treading new ground here, really.

Does she think she could spit them up again? How badly mauled did they end up before she ate him?

Anyway, good news if she don't actually ever wanna do this again: you've kind of settled on cutting ties with your dad. This assassination business put Margot off and that was pretty much the final straw. You'd like to keep a friend or two around for once in your life.

Realize this could be what you've been waiting for and fail to hide that insane grin.

Take a magical look at her.

Oh yeah use soul sight to find out if he's still alive.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)16:44 No. 993588 ID: eedbeb
File 161697509591.png - (150.60KB , 1000x900 , p58.png )

You raise an eyebrow. “How can you feel inside your pocket space? You don’t have nerves in there or anything. Wait—Timmy didn’t kill him before it ate him?”

“I was kind of nervous and it just swallowed.” Kibble cranes her neck and tries to look into her chest mouth. “Fuck, what if he’s slowly suffocating? I didn’t want to make him suffer.”

“I’ll check it out, don’t worry.” you say soothingly. You place your hands carefully on the jagged edges of Kibble’s chest, more like a flexible, hollow shell than real flesh. Kibble leans to one side and you stick your head through the gap.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)16:45 No. 993589 ID: eedbeb
File 161697511880.png - (155.50KB , 1000x900 , p59.png )

You hide your insane grin in the darkness. This could be what you’ve been waiting for, the chance to get a whole soul to use for your project without killing someone. Er, killing someone who doesn’t deserve it. Of course, you’re not going to tell Kibble what you’re doing.

When you switch on your magic, you can see that Timmy fills most of the space. A large glob of white marks the werewolf, twitching inside Timmy’s neck. You can’t detect the usual signs of life, but if the soul’s there, the dog must be alive. You cast a spell that should prove fatal, and a few more to be safe. You snatch the soul into a constraining bubble before it has a chance to diffuse.

“He’s dead now.” you say as you withdraw.

“Oh, that’s good. I’m going to stay here and recharge, that was a lot.”

Dammit, dude, why did you kill him? You could have used the opportunity to intimidate him into working again for your dad.

Tell Kibble that you killed the guy for his soul.

>>993589
Did you get the soul? Time to put it to use.

Oh, and tell Kibble thanks for protecting you, if indirectly. If she doesn't want to be an assassin after all, then she can at least hunt monsters.

Wait, is there monster hunting? Maybe bounty hunting would work.

Suggest maybe bounty hunter work as you bring the soul out and head over to your project.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)20:51 No. 993626 ID: eedbeb
File 161698988644.png - (163.15KB , 1000x900 , p60.png )

“You deserve to rest. Thanks for offing that guy, really, even though I was hesitant before. It’s done now and the world is a better place.” you say.

Kibble still seems worried, and you push yourself to your feet, pulling the invisible soul with you.

“I don’t want to do that again for a while.” she whispers.

“And you don’t have to! Let me know if my dad tries to contact you and I’ll yell at him, though it’d be a shame if you just sat around here when you have so much power. Maybe you should research bounty hunting when you feel like it. There’s lots of people and monsters who need to be captured alive.”

While you talk, you back towards the door. Kibble watches you, vaguely confused, as you back yourself out of the room.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)20:51 No. 993627 ID: eedbeb
File 161698989929.png - (171.67KB , 1000x900 , p61.png )

You practically run to your lab, with occasional stops to check that your precious cargo is still safely contained. Adrenaline pumps energy into your weary limbs, and you impatiently undo the wards on the operating room doors.

Your project is still resting peacefully on the slab, held together with an intricate tangle of infused spider silk and roughly a fifth of your soul. A thorough rinse of your paws and you start sewing the werewolf soul into the framework.

It takes you maybe 15 minutes, and then you wait, heart pounding, for something to happen.

tippler 2021/03/28(Sun)20:51 No. 993628 ID: eedbeb
File 161698990581.png - (133.24KB , 1000x900 , p62.png )

They open their eyes. What are your first words to your creation?

Ease off the bedroom eyes, bub.

"It's alive. IT'S ALIVE!"

Oh hi. Whatcha doin’ there?

Holy shit it worked!!! Hi. Do you remember anything at all?

>>993628
Rise and shine, Gordon Freeman. Rise and shine.
In the first age, in the first battle...
"Welcome to LIFE!"

"How do you feel?"

"You like jazz?"

Well well well! And who might this smug mother fucker be?

"Have you ever been in a Turkish Prison?"

tippler 2021/03/29(Mon)09:32 No. 993679 ID: eedbeb
File 161703555479.png - (144.95KB , 1000x900 , p63.png )

>Ease off the bedroom eyes, smug motherfucker

You gave those sexy eyes to that motherfucker, thank you very much.

>First words

During the grueling construction process, you never thought about what you would say if you actually succeeded. You want to make a good impression of course, maybe crack a joke or make a bad movie reference.

They yawn and shakily sit up while you deliberate. A straightforward approach would probably be best.

“Hi, I’m Jadis and I made you. How do you feel? Do you remember anything? I tried to wipe some of your brain’s memories so you could be your own person.” you babble.

“Oh.” The Frankenstein tilts their head and winces at the bright lights arranged around the table. Their voice is scratchy, but functional. “I feel okay, I think. I don’t remember much at the moment.”

“It’ll be overwhelming at first, but welcome to life! I’m a college student and I can show you around campus and get you food and ensure everything is working properly.”

tippler 2021/03/29(Mon)09:32 No. 993680 ID: eedbeb
File 161703557567.png - (94.30KB , 1000x900 , p64.png )

“Okay.” they say. “When does it stop?”

“When does what stop?”

They open their mouth and close it, heavy lidded eyes flickering to the side. “I can see that you worked really hard to make me, and I don’t want to be ungrateful, but, uh…”

They crack a nervous smile. “I’m not a fan.”

Honestly, it's pretty understandable; babies don't tend to be very happy when they're forced out of the comfortable womb and into the evermore complicated existence called 'life.' Maybe ask if there's anything in particular that they don't like, though; it's probably not good if your creation has to live in constant pain.

Either way, you should apologize. But do ask them to at least stick it out until after you graduate.

>>993680
Tell them they'll feel better about it once they find something they enjoy.
Is there anything about their body they dislike in particular, or is it just that mere existence is irritating in some way?

Stand there, stunned.

Ask them why they feel this way. Is it just that they got nothing to live for? Because, uh, you've got, UH... video games?

Wait.
Not a fan of... Existing? How do you even have an opinion on that?

Or does it hurt?
Oh god if you hurt I can fix that SOOOO sorry.

Why you've been only awake for like five minutes and you already acquired existential apathy! THEY GROW UP SO FAST!

Speaking of growing up, she's not going to age or anything is she? She's kind of a bunch of spare parts held together by magic that already ceased to be...

>>993680
Well, you lost the romantic interest of a girl, possibly some of the respect of your sister, and your life's work hates itself.

The appropriate reaction is to cry.

Don't forget to hug your new baby.

tippler 2021/03/29(Mon)13:32 No. 993715 ID: eedbeb
File 161704997053.png - (130.68KB , 1000x900 , p65.png )

They tried to say it nicely, but it still hurts your feelings and your pride. Everything seems to be working physically, eyes blinking, pupils dilating in the light, motor skills intact. There’s no reason your life’s work should be depressed after barely five minutes of awareness.

“Are you in pain? I can numb anything that’s uncomfortable.” you say.

They shake their head.

“You’ll feel better once you’re used to things. There’s lots of fun stuff to do like play video games, go out to eat, chill with friends…”

Maybe you’re supposed to hug them or something? Like swaddling a baby? You were never one for physical affection and you’re out of practice. You awkwardly lean forward, arms open, and they give you confused look.

“What don’t you like about it?” you finally ask.

They scratch their chin with a finger. “There’s this weird feeling that I’m not supposed to exist. I keep thinking that something’s wrong with me, like, fundamentally.”

>>993680
"Mood".
I mean if I did everything right then it shouldn't stop, that's the point.

>>993715
Well, I guess stitching together a whole ass consciousness is bound to come with some weird bugs and feelings.

Just checking, but you can't, like... unboot this guy, right? Once the engine's running, there's no stop and go, correct? Can't get in the guts and adjust that, right?

>>993715
Could be the werewolf soul's damage? Or the fact that you put the werewolf soul AND the piece of your own soul in there?
Take a peek.

Regardless, tell them the feeling should fade over time. (secretly hope this is true)

>>993715
And this fills you with unease rather than defiance?

>>993715
Indeed, you are not. Don't fret though!
You are no accident. No, you are very deliberate! Indeed, you are my crime! Against nature.
You'll have to Live with it, hopefully come to love it even! In the end none of us asked to be here. The circumstances of your birth can't change that.

That's probably just Tim judging you. Don't pay him any mind. He's no fun.

>>993715
Jadis, it could be any number of things.
My thought is some kind of dysphoria of the body and soul. They are made out of parts that were never meant to be united so, and that could be making them feel "wrong." There's also the fact that their soul is used, so that could have some baggage attached as well.
There's also the possibility that there's some deep spiritual issue with their existence. You must realize that their creation broke at lease one law of nature.

...dysphoria? Wait, did you give them any genitalia yet?

>>993728
Dysphoria doesn't necessarily have to do with sex and gender.

dysphoria
[disˈfôrēə]
NOUN
psychiatry
A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life. The opposite of euphoria.

Tell it it's probably from the original owners of its body parts having a bias against zombies.
Also, you stole someone's soul to finish the project, so there is that.

tippler 2021/03/29(Mon)15:42 No. 993733 ID: eedbeb
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“Don’t worry about those thoughts.” you say, pulling your project close with an arm. “You’re supposed to exist because I made you! There’s going to be an adjustment period where you get used to your body, but then you’ll feel better and enjoy life. Show that weird feeling who’s boss.”

They bob their head eagerly and you pat them on the back before going to take out the IV.

You don’t add that they won’t be dying anytime soon, partially because you need to show them off to every professor on campus and because the spells holding them together will also keep them from aging. Instead, you continue your inane optimistic chatter and encouragement. By the time you’ve cleaned up, they actually seem cheerful.

tippler 2021/03/29(Mon)15:42 No. 993734 ID: eedbeb
File 161705774896.png - (85.25KB , 1000x900 , p67.png )

>Get in there and fix things

The brain is a delicate and complicated machine. You can’t zap the bad thoughts away, but you can apply an oral dosage of antidepressants when you get the chance.

>Take a peek

There is a small, if uncomfortable possibility that something went wrong with the soul transplant.

“I’m going to do some magic to make sure everything’s okay.” you tell your project. “Stay still for a second.”

You see—

Huh.

tippler 2021/03/29(Mon)15:47 No. 993740 ID: eedbeb
File 161705804972.png - (86.87KB , 1000x900 , p68.png )

The merged soul you created is aware, which is totally unprecedented and has horrifying implications for magic morality. It also looks like it hates you.

You grin, then cast a spell to obscure it from anyone else’s view.

End of Interlude. You Died will continue in the following thread: https://questden.org/kusaba/quest/res/993735.html