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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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>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
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“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
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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
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>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
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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