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(settings) The Cambria, but severely understaffed and stuff (part 2!!)
| >Nym replies to the man with the buzz cut.
"15k"
| >>648309
"...Christ, well, okay." >Buzz cut's grinning ear to ear and looking between Nym and the mohawk, who is also surprised.
"Name's Rimfire, and this 'ere's Raz. Not gonna say I was friends with Straw Hat and his crew before they retired, but I knew a lil about them, yeah. Left a hole in Samson's crew on account o' 'im being the onlu real sammy among them, yeah?"
"I didn't hear *why* he dropped out just before their crew got rumbled, but speculation and shadows say it wasn't like 'im. Probably true. Samurai got that whole honor thing going for 'em. Right Raz?"
>Raz takes a sip of his beer and looks like he's blushing, either from the beer or being put on the spot.
"...y-yeah. I guess."
>Rimfire shrugs.
"I'm a rigger, getting the job done is good enough for me."
| >>648313
"Yeah, that's the thing. He isn't the type to just up and leave his team. I've heard there are rumors that he's been seen around the area. You know anything about that?"
>As nym speaks, they slip a credstick on the table with the agreed upon amount on it.
| >>648314
>He pockets the credstick and thinks.
>After a few moments, Raz pushes his beer aside.
"... I don't know if its him specifically... but..." >He looks around the room fearfully; his eyes settle on the "ninja." He turns back to you.
"...ever heard of... the Carmine Killer?"
| >>648322
>Nym shakes their head.
"Never heard of them. Sounds like they'd be buddies with The Butcher though."
| >>648304
"No thanks needed just uh... *please* dont move until you've rested for a few hours."
>>648288
>CN turns to the other faction leader
"Think you have an idea on how to use my plan?"
| >>648325
"Pfft, The Butcher? Sounds like what Crosscut's been going on and on about." >Rimfire nods toward the "ninja."
"If that's your lead, probably better to talk to him about it."
>Raz shrugs.
| >>648335
"Well, before I do that, anything else you know? What were you going to say about the Carmine Killer?"
| >>648328
"Hmph. I have no energy to move anyways. I'll actually rest for once."
>The blue-eyed girl stays still to back up her words, but she's still tense.
>The leader nods.
"If you insist on talking... We have to cleave our way through him first. With the help of a third-party... and of course, my goals haven't changed."
>He then focuses his attention on the wounded girl.
"You. Your tag suggests you're a high-ranking person in his... army. Come with us."
| >>648341
"I'd prefer if you avoid as much casualties if you can but I understand not everyone can be reasoned with. Just be sure EAGLE doesnt die. Alive and arrested, the guy is just another guy who stirred the pot. If hes dead you risk him becoming a martyr. I just hope this third party of yours can help in this case."
>CN replies, making one final reminder to the leader.
| >>648346
"Of course. You know this third party, don't you? The one-earred catgirl, and that old man. There's always something off about them, like they know something. After all, I didn't even know this bar existed, and how safe it actually feels. It actually reminds me of my childhood for some reason."
>0041 replies with a stark "No.", but offers some compromise.
"...But I can try. To make conversation. After all, I'm alive today."
| >>648339
"...He's a crimson colored demon. Swings around this big doubleheaded axe, wider than my head."
>Raz says, thinking.
"...surrounded by fires of blood."
>He shrugs.
"That's what I heard."
| >>648355
"Let's go. With your presence, you can use your harem protagonist power to convince her to join our noble cause."
>He starts to walk to the counter slowly and menacingly. Alisa's palm meets her face once more.
"Oh my god, what do they want now..."
| >>648357
>Nym visibly and obviously tenses up at the mention of "fires of blood"
"And where's this guy been spotted...?"
| >>648361
>CN in contrast, walks up calmly and casually, chastising him for the facade.
"Oy, dont you know you'll catch more with honey."
>CN shakes his head before facing Alisa
"So uh... good news is I managed to help these two come with a sort of truce, however we require some help. I figured we can calm things down if we do the same with all the other major gangs in the district. However given past tensions, we figured a third party may help with mediation. This guy thinks that perhaps you or Vincent can help with that...?"
| >>648365
"Huh. So you want me or... Vincent? Do I know...? But nevermind that, I have plenty on my plates already, and that political stuff? 100% no. I refuse to get myself involved in that stuff. And the old man is busy."
>Alisa replies, shutting down the conversation. Her expression darkens and she turns away.
| >>648370
"Well... I can't blame you Alisa. Well what if I help Vincent with something? Maybe if I clear his schedule a bit he can help stabilize the district? The faster this is fixed the calmer things will be at the bar itself no?"
>CN gives it one last shot.
"I won't push it if you want but I do want to make sure you are safe as well after all."
| >>648377
"No. That's not my decision to make, unfortunately."
>Her accent and voice deepens, as if she's a different person altogether.
"Personally? I'm tired of all of this. I'm tired of being dragged into this *gang business*. When the old man comes back, I'll let him know."
>"Alisa" smiles brightly.
"Do you understand?"
| >>648384
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
>Nym nods their head towards the pair before going to the Ninja to serve his drink.
| >>648392
>CN nods
"I understand. Sorry to bother you."
>He turns to the leader
"Best option is to wait for now I suppose, we still need to wait for her injuries to heal anyways."
| >>648394
>The leader is disappointed, but backs off.
"Well, there goes the trump card. No easy way out of it, I assume. Maybe *she* can tell us something about some weakness in the formation or something. That was my original plan... well, now to capture him instead of ending him."
>He shrugs. The wounded girl does some hand waving exercise, and tries to grip her handgun.
"Should be good... I think I can move now."
| >>648392
"Melody? Was my scream really that good to your ears?"
> 'Melody' says in a quick jest. He taps at the glass that's yet to empty. He would've thought to add something, and despite that, he did, but he refuses to take a gander at Alisa before speaking.
"Gang business, eh? Spares me the trouble of asking you directly."
| >>648418
"Well I think you should rest now anyways, I'm not patching you up a fourth time."
>CN shrugs
"Either way I'm supposed to be helping Alisa, not getting her more stressed. So I'm gonna go talk with her a bit. If you need my help some more come find me."
>After another quick visit to the bathroom he returns to his spot by Neon Knight, holding his arm out to the man with the 5 o'clock shadow as he addresses Alisa
"Sorry I'm not doing a great job at helping out am I?"
| >>648404
"Doesn't look like an 'almost.'"
>The "ninja" says. He takes a sip.
"What do you need..."
"...and what will you give in return?"
| >>648420
"Unfortunately, I didn't hear it. Can you repeat that scream?
>"Alisa" retaliates with pure sarcasm energy
"And please don't ask me. I'm not involved with any gang businesses."
>>648423
"I should say the same. You're really stressing yourself out here, trying to bring opposing forces together, and no one is listening to you, including me."
>"Alisa" offers a Sugar Rush to CN.
"Does CN stand for Chariot kNight?"
| >>648430
"It's fine. I can understand your perspective as well. It would be easier if everything works how I wanted but, nothing worth getting is easy to get right?"
>CN takes the Sugar Rush and takes a sip
"Thanks. And not even close I'm afraid. I-It's honestly kind of emberassing..."
| >>648430
"A bit sarcastic, but you can hear it later."
> Melody responds, nothing of retaliation, mostly a simple nod to Alisa's change in behaviour.
"Doesn't sound like you're up to par to answer the question. Figures."
| >>648432
"Don't tell me your real name is just CN."
>She notices the 5'o clock figure, and wordlessly hands him a Suntory, face red from embarrassment... Finally, after 50000 years, he gets his drink...
>>648433
*sigh* "I'm not answering because I don't know much, c'mon... If you want to know more, you can ask CN, or any of those... two."
>She points at the wounded blue-eye girl, and the man wearing a bandana.
| >>648428
>Nym gives a chuckle.
"People tend to over react if I outright say I died. And what do you want? Zenny?"
| >>648439
"Nothing so crass."
>He looks toward the geekboy and then back to you. His voice drops lower.
"A duel."
| >>648437
"Don't sweat it. I'll get what I need. It's part of the job."
> Melody says. He gave the two Alisa pointed a look; it's them and them. His eyes would have grown curiosity, but not now.
"Have you been holed in this place? You don't seem like the type that goes out a lot."
| >>648437
"No no, I do have an actual name, otherwise my parents would had been *really* shitty with names. Just something I havent gotten the habit of sharing. I think only like 3 people I know actually know what CN stands for and only really my fiance knows my full name."
>>648434 >>648442
>CN holds the phone in his hand, and fiddles with it for a minute, then glances back at Neon Knight.
"...What did you do?"
| >>648448
"Ouch... is that your revenge for hurting your self-esteem? I don't get holed up all day you know! I- Wait, are you really a spy??"
>Her cat-ear moves around, it probably doesn't signify anything.
"It's really hard to go out with the current situation you know? I like staying alive, so I can take a vacation after."
>>648452
"Seems like you have your own business too. If you two needs a refill let me know, it's the least I can do."
>She does a thumbs-up.
| >>648453
"...."
>CN stares harder at the screen.
"...Meh."
>He turns off the screen and sets it on the bar in front of him, going for another sip of his Sugar Rush.
>>648455
"Thanks Alisa, though no real business between us at the moment. We're just..."
>He scrunges his face, thinking how much is okay to reveal.
"...friends who run in similar circles.... also hes a huge tsundere."
| >>648459
"Alright then."
>Nym returns the tray to the bar, leaving a few guns on top of it.
"Could you watch these for me Alisa?"
| >>648457
"Oh- I-I-I-I see."
>Alisa salutes proudly, her face is a big grin, as if she has uncovered some scandals.
"D- Don't worry CN! I'll keep this a secret from your wife! Leave it to me!"
>.....................
>.....................
>Misunderstanding?
| >>648460
>CN grins back
"Careful there, that almost sounds like a compliment you know."
>He says, the end of the sentence reverberating in his glass as he takes another sip...
>>648462
>...which he almost chokes back as he hears Alisa interrupt.
"N-No not like that! Hes old enough to be my dad Alisa!"
| >>648463
"I-Im not married yet, were just engaged."
>He takes a big gulp this time, trying to hide his blushing with the glass. Whether it's from the embarrassment or talking from his fiance is anyone's guess.
| >>648464
"Ah."
>Alisa is completely froze in time. She drops the glass she's cleaning, but managed to snap out of it and catch it in mid-air.
"..."
"Oh- I see. Ooopppssiee?"
>She looks apologetic, but you get the hint that she's secretly enjoying this.
| >>648466
"Y-You say that but you're thinking of some weird doujin scenario in your head right now arent you?"
>CN crosses his arms as if trying to hide some kind of shame which really doesnt come across that well since hes wearing a full length trenchcoat.
| >The Neon Knight sips, finishing his drink. He lightly taps it with his finger.
| >>648469
"Mmm... arent you so calm and collected Mr. 5 o'clock shadow. Why dont you embarrass him for a change of pace Alisa?" >>648466
| >>648468
"Hmm? I'm not sure I'm catching on... CN, do you mind if you elaborate your thoughts?"
>Alisa's eyes turns red for a second, before she lets out a small giggles and tries to hides it.
"Don't worry CN, just taking some burden off your mind, that's all."
>>648469
"Thank you!"
>She bows slightly before refilling the drink.
>>648472
"I- I'll rather pass. He might kill me, and waiting for a drink for over a few hours is embarassing enough..."
>She blushes.
| >>648475
>CN just stares back as he grumbles, knowing her little persona isn't fooling him. He decides to down the rest of his drink.
"You say that but hes way more of a softie than he wouldnever admit to, hence the tsun part."
| >>648479
"Thankies~"
>She winks at Neon Knight in the most cutesy way possible, hoping to poke some holes as CN says? But she doesn't really expect any reaction from him.
"You seem to know about lots of people here. It seems like the reviews are really working! The bar is busier now, despite the whole district being on fire, sadly."
| >>648481
"Well sad to say, but a bar doing better when things are bad isn't completely out of nowhere. Either that, or someone wished on a monkey's paw without us knowing."
>CN shrugs
| >>648484
"If only those things exist..."
>The bandana leader approaches the counter again, interrupting the conversation. He seems to address the bartender mostly.
"It's getting safer. Fighting is now focused more on the Glitz core now due to another player. It means we're free to lift restrictions. Do you mind?"
"No. Do whatever you want. What's the ETA?"
"15 minutes."
| >>648455
"Whether I'm a spy or don't doesn't matter to me. Also: I am not."
> He overhears some of the conversation running. Anything nearby is close enough for him to make note of, and anything far is out of his interest, it seems.
"Seeing the circumstances, I guess that does explain why you WOULD be holed up. I can't walk ten inches without getting myself killed here."
| >>648491
"That's right. You know this player well. GCPD. Since they have virtually no influence, they are now trying to "contain" the fighting inside of Glitz. It's like the typical response when they see a gang war here."
>He adjusts his bandana.
"Secondly, there's rumors of "ghosts" on the field. Heavily armed, armored, and carries unknown weapons. No one can get a reading on them, as they 'vanish in thin air'. I'm chalking this up to be fatigue, however. Just a fun fact."
| >>648492
"Yep, definitely a spy."
>Alisa puts down another glass of water in front of "Melody".
"Should I call you Bravery instead? Getting killed to deliver for mere cash... Speaking of which, is your wound getting better now? After all, the glass of water that you drank earlier had 'healing' in them."
| >>648502
"Just 'sightings' of these ghosts? I mean if they look like they have weapons you figured they'd be firing them right?"
| >>648505
"Just sightings. Nothing else."
>He shrugs.
"Most eyewitnesses are either... sketchy information or they just don't remember at all, hence why I'm chalking this up as fatigue. It's the normal reaction to seeing a gang war that's open and bigger scale than ever before.
Regardless, if they exist, they pose no threat to us... yet."
| >>648504
"My augs have started to work again. Should be okay for now."
> "Melody" replies. The water he takes has become his trusty sidekick until all the karmotrine is washed away.
"Y'know I expected a better name, if you think I'm a spy. Spies get some rad names."
| >>648514
"Fair point. Let's not worry about crossing a bridge if were not sure it exists yet. Main priority for now is EAGLE right?"
| >>648515
"See? I knew it was working. Even though I don't know how..."
>The one-eared catgirl mutters to herself.
"Fine. I'll call you RAD. Shortened to R-4. It's a good spy name, right? Right?"
>>648522
"That's right. We shall worry about EAGLE for now. We have an even bigger priority to do, which is evacuating the building of the wounded."
>He points at the back.
"10 minutes until a vehicle arrives. We will take away the injured in the back, including the doctors. So get ready."
| >>648529
>"R-4" is surprised by the name. Nevertheless, he took it as he sips once more.
"Right, right. Didn't know you've once got SPIES in this place. You could've told me earlier."
> He grumbles. The glass he held now sits lonesome in front of him, right on the counter.
"... 'Least the trails do lead to something."
| >>648529
"I'll help carry them out then. Ill probably stay here though, like I said, i just know some basic first aid. Plus..."
>CN holds up his empty glass, signifying hes been drinking.
| >A woman in a sleek sports outfit, her hair shaven short, enters the bar. She tries at first not to be as discreet as possible before noticing CN
"Isn't that a familiar sight..."
| >>648531
"H-huh?"
>Alisa is also surprised at his reaction. Could it be... no. It's just a mere accident.
"Of course. You're here. Wait- What do you mean there's once a spy here? You mean you're legit a spy????"
>Alisa pats "R-4"
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me! You take it easy! No one's out for your life in here or anything!..."
>She then breaks eye-contact with him, regretting her actions. She seems to understand more, but she bites her tongue, and curiosity.
| *to be as discreet as possible
| >>648534
"Don't worry about it. You stay here and enjoy your trip here. My men and I got it handled."
>In a flash, they go to the back, and helps the nurses and the doctors loads the wounded on stretchers, ready to transport at any moment. They also help with organizing the supplies and packing them up.
(shoutout to murmur for keeping them alive!)
| >>648542
"Thanks, I'm pretty burnt on supplies anyways. The hospital will be a much greater help than I."
>>648536
>CN glances towards the entrance as he hears it open.
| >Charon, the woman who juste entered, goes to sit on a barstool. She crosses her arm, seemingly waiting for someone to come ask her order.
| >Charon rolls eyes and sits closer to CN, tapping her fingers against the bar table.
| >>648556
"What's up Charon? I didnt know you came to this bar as well. Granted it's a little worse for wear with all the gang stuff going on right now."
>CN turns to Alisa
"Oh yeah Alisa I guess I'll get a refill now."
| >>648539
"As I said! I'm not a spy. If I were one then I have lost everything by staying here, you see."
> Noticing Alisa patting him, he leaves her at that. He looks to her, giving a sight of indeterminable will -- unwavering, yet weak to thoughts like these.
"Great. I'm all drunk now."
> His murmur, despite being a murmur, is still a loud one to those nearby.
| >>648556
>As you tap the bar table... a hole open up and a glass of fresh-cold beer slides up before you, before the bartender even ask to order...
"Welcome how may I- wait what...?"
>The catboomer bartender blinks slowly, surprised at what just happened.
>>648560
>She quickly turns to CN
"R-right. A refill. Okay, coming up."
>She quickly pours Sugar Rush into CN's glass without looking at it, her eyes still bewildered by... whatever just happened.
| "Neat trick."
>She grabs the beer as if it was to be expected, and takes several gulps before answering CN.
"Exactly, the war zone, I hoped there would be less people."
| >>648563
"Getting drunk? See? This is a great bar, isn't it? The alcohol here is top-notch, could be better than all of Glitz! Mightormightnotbetrue."
>Curiosity sets in still...
"Losing everything?"
>Alisa takes a look at Nym's guns... yeah... going "exercise" alright. She sighs, knowing this is not her business. In the back, people carrying five stretchers orderly exit the building, followed by the doctor and nurses carrying supplies.
| >>648564
"Thanks."
>CN looks at the beer that just randomly materialized.
"Is that one of the boss's tricks?"
>>648565
"..."
>CN stares long at hard at Mombot
"Dont wreck this body too, I'll check on you in 10 minutes if you're not back by then."
>>648566
"Sorry this ended up being busier than expected for you, though it seems things are starting to clear out a little. Alisa thinks it has to do with some recent popular reviews, mines included."
| "I like not having to order though."
>She says while drowning her gaze in her glass. After a while she comes back to her senses.
"Is someone planning on fighting? There's a strange smell here..."
| >>648569
>Nym casually waves a hand in front of themself, smiling as they continue with the very obvious lie.
"Jogging never hurt anyone."
| >>648572
"Yeah, yeah."
>CN dismisses Mombot with a wave as he drinks more of his Sugar Rush.
>>648571
"Well it's more people were injured from the fighting. They were patched up here and were just going to the hospital now. I had just come up with a plan with some of the factions in the district to start cooperating together so the fighting can end faster."
| >>648569
"Yeah. I think... Hnnng, if only I knew this earlier..."
>Alisa calls over one of the guard.
"Send some of your men to keep an eye on the patients. And send some... to make sure nothing gets damaged. Thanks."
>They then head outside.
>A black vehicle stops nearby, and the stretchers are loaded in the back... it doesn't seem to be an *official* GC ambulance... but whatever works in Glitz. Some guards surround the vehicle, making sure the process goes smoothly.
| >>648568
"Oh, can't doubt that. The reviews don't lie. Sure hope it's bit more 'true to words' - if you catch my drift."
> The man replies. He noticed Alisa's question early on, getting an answer ready only after he drew more of the glass' content.
"... Nothing. That was a figure of speech."
| >>648588
"I- I see."
>Alisa doesn't say anything else. If she knows anything, she decides not to say it, or perhaps ignore it. She looked sad for a moment, but quickly returned with a smile, and a random question.
"Do you work for anyone? Or any company?"
| >>648595
"I work for a master, same as any in my field."
> He manages to catch Alisa's change in expression, but gave no feedback about it. His response is flat, not dignified nor composed; it's emotionless, same with the water he keeps shaking about in the glass.
"Then again, that's basically a boss, isn't it?"
| >>648600
"I see. Of course that's obvious. That's such a weird question, isn't it?"
>Alisa stares at him shaking the water, it's strangely hypnotizing for some reason. She takes a deep breathe.
"Okay, last question. Have you ever been to the bar before? Or have any memories of this place?"
>The black vehicle speeds away to the hospital that CN had pointed out earlier. A burden is now lifted from the bar. The bandana man returns inside and sits down at the same place.
"Oh shit."
| >>648635
"..."
> R-4 gave the question a thought. His eyes close, and he tilts down his head. His answer is a slow head shake.
"Nada. I do know the history, but I have never been to this place before. If it's my second visit I would know better."
| >>648640
"I see."
>The catgirl bartender closes her eyes. She has a complex expression on her face, but she nods to convince herself of something.
"How's the "healing" water? All of those question were to distract you into drinking it! Now feel the F l a v o r ~"
>Alisa tries to do a smug face. Her eyes suggest a different thing, however.
| >>648649
"I have no way to disprove the healing effects. Guess you're right after all."
> R-4 saw past Alisa's eyes, he kept his own facade, still -- unknown to him, this also applies to the muting of his pain.
"If this isn't a hellhole right now, I would have one fantastic time."
| >>648661
>Why does this look like two onions talking to each other? The girl have a certain grasp on who the man is... but she keeps denying it, and she just doesn't want to tread near it. Is it better to not know anything?
"Of course, distilled medicines are the best. It is definitely better than a morphine injection right?"
>She sighs.
"Just load up your drinks with karmotrine, and it's no longer a hellhole- Do you want some more? Also I'm hurt, calling this place a hellhole."
| >>648665
"What do you want me to call it then? Gutter? Wastebasket? You can't convince me when there's THIS happening right now."
> He gestures to the entirety of the happening inside. It doesn't give much sense to ignore any particular event, thereby he made his index finger point a circular path.
"I'll come back when there's less dying and more.. I don't know. Just less dying is good enough."
| >>648673
"I-"
>Having backed into a corner, the bartender accepts it.
"Fine... I'm sorry for the terrible service, and the situation..."
>She averts eye contact.
"It's okay. Thanks for your help with the medkit... You can come back when everything is better."
| >>648675
"Nothing's your fault. There are 11 shots, don't waste them. I don't have them anymore."
> He stood up, pushing the chair behind him and got into a posture that supported his weight. His body appears slender now, in this pose. His hand kept at holding the pain, something about its duration is off.
"Before I leave-"
> He scoots closer to Alisa, handing over a credstick.
"-Don't trust any Reconnaissance unit. That includes me, and that girl."
> His voice is low whisper.
| >>648681
"..."
>Alisa curses to herself. She promises that she would never get involved with anything ever again, and she has to stick with it.
"I-I won't trust that statement..."
>She addresses the pain.
"I- are you sure you wanted to leave already? That wound... Let me see it. Now. I can't let you get shot outside in this condition."
>>648682
>He points at the wounded girl, who's sleeping peacefully.
"We completely forgot about her. Shit. The car left already."
| >>648689
"I'll die once I leave. Don't mind."
> He pulls himself back, scoffing then giving Alisa a smile. As he steps back, he began coughing. Coughing that, for the duration of it, doesn't stop. It's dry.
> Slowly, he waves off and makes his best toward the bar's exit, but before exiting, he stops. He froze. His hand clenches on the wound.
| >>648689
"Mmm... sadly I walked here so I wouldnt be able to take her..."
>CN thinks about his options as he see the man by the entrance.
>>648695
"Oy, do I got to force you to stay until your wounds heal too?"
| >>648695
"I don't trust you. As the owner of the establishment... I can't just allow you to leave and die."
>Alisa chases after the man in the entrance, and she hugs him from behind, to pull him back.
"You need to lay down, right now."
>For a short frame of 5'4"... she's unusually strong.
>>648697
"Hey CN, I have some backup supplies behind the bar counter. Come help me out here."
| >>648699
> The man didn't respond.
> He didn't say a word. His breathing didn't slow. It stopped, much like his body that has started to lock into place. Alisa's pull took his frame down, heaving little resistance as it does.
> His pale skin became paler.
> His eyes gaze into the ceiling, empty and lifeless. Blood spills from where his wound is. Slowly, surely, it loses to gravity and drips to the floor.
| >>648699
"R-Right."
>CN stands up, pocketing his phone this time, as he goes around the counter to grab the medical supplies and join the two.
"I'm starting to appreciate Aikawas help a little more..."
>He mumbles as he quickly gets to work on stabilizing the man.
| >>648703
>Alisa's purple eyes widen at the realization. Then she blinks, and a red gaze meets the man's empty eyes. She beckons the bandana man to help too, as he comes and tries to help too.
>She rips open his garments, exposing the wound...
>>648706
"H-he just fell over- This is-"
| >>648712
> Without looking at its entirety, wound is horrifying. A complete, uninterrupted diagonal slash that tore apart his entire torso. The blood has long soaked by a tied, thick fabric, and jacket helps it from seeping more into the elements.
> His mouth ejects blood, those lips form a distinct frown. A regretful, but accepting one.
| >>648713
"We can talk about it later he needs a transfusion stat."
>CN starts taking a blood bag out again, as he bites his lips. This isn't a wound he can stitch up...
| >>648713
"Gunshot... huh."
>Alisa wanted to say something, but there's a more pressing concern.
>She quickly lifts his head up, and starts making him drink the "water."
"Distilled painkillers. Hang in there, kay? Stay numb."
>She then takes out a syringe, intending to numbing him down so the treatment goes a bit smoother.
>>648715
>The leader comes by and helps CN sets up the blood transfusion.
"CN, help me disinfect the wound. There's a suturing needle and threads in there."
| >>648719
"Drek... just keep that blood bag up, this isnt like with the girl that I can stitch up real fast."
>CN starts working in steps. Ugh... how did the manual go again? He starts disinfecting the wound and cleaning out the blood before starting to suture the large gash, starting with the innermost skin layer, slowly bringing the skin of the gash closer together with every stitch.
| >>648722
"Please, you're only delaying the inevitable..."
>Murmur pushes her way urgently, taking out a mysterious pack filled with green goo, ripping it open, and gently rubbing it into a chest wound.
"You aren't allergic to nanomachines right...? Ah well, too late to ask, i'll consider you mute with all that blood in your mouth"
>She places a deck onto her arm, and starts to work while mumbling to the others
"Please continue transfusion, i haven't perfected Synth blood yet."
| "I should notify you that the side effects of this treatment include but are not limited to, liver damage, Vasculitis, Nanomachine rejection, as well as the sensation of millions of tiny insects crawling under your skin"
>she mumbles like she's recited this countless times
"Also, if you are unlucky enough to recieve my treatment multiple times, please consider going to the doctor to get your blood filtered."
"If you rather die, please let me know now. It's quite understandable."
| >>648725
"M-Murmur? Oh thank Solar, what is that green stuff? Should I keep stitching?"
>CN takes the opportunity to tilt the man's head to the side before he chokes on his own blood.
>>648728
"Wait it can do what!? I-I take it you made those then?"
| >>648725
"You're still here? I thought every single health-personnel left?"
>The bandana man exclaims. But he just keeps doing his job.
>>648722
"Keep it up CN, you're doing it. There should be enough... I think."
>Alisa holds the man steady so they can perform the treatment better. She injects some more painkiller into the man's body, keeping him numb. Her eyes widen at the sight and the mention of "nanomachines", but says nothing.
| >>648728
> The man, as clear as it can be, didn't respond to the query. His body hadn't seen a single movement, and his breathing halts every two seconds. His eyes flutter and they roll to each side.
>>648729
> His lips only moved after the blood completely fills the room in his mouth, the red liquid moves slow to the floor.
| >>648731
"I'm not health personnel, i'm not even a doctor. You never know when another crisis might emerge."
>Murmur mumbles as she focuses
"I could leave if you want."
>>648729
"Yes, I secreted them from my warm bosom. And please stop stitching, or do, I rather focus on finding more blood"
>The chest wound starts to apparently close itself, being pulled stitched together by long chains of nano fibers
>she bites her tongue... should she use more?
| >>648734
> When the wound began to close, the man left a barbaric shout. It was a cry of pain. A cry that is animalistic; there is nothing composed, there is nothing human about it. It is someone tugging their life at the very last tick of each passing second.
> He groans and clutches his palms tight. Parts of his body began to tighten, including his chest muscles. He twitches. His breathing turns from slow to erratic.
| >>648736
"..."
>Alisa grasps the man's hands, and she tries to calm him down with yet another dose of painkiller. She massages his chest to decrease swelling of the muscles, allowing easier breathing... hopefully?
"Is this... a reaction to the nanomachines?"
| >>648731 >>648733
>CN addresses Alisa
"Do you have something we can use to drain the blood from his mouth?"
>>648734
"Are you kidding!? You being here is a blessing! I thought we were gonna lose him. Though uh... I can see why Bishi liked you with that sarcasm..."
| >>648742
> His hand is cold. It grips Alisa's hand hard, unaware of the strength it yields. His eyes jolt open, showing none of the colours.
> Yet, his breaths stabilise.
> He began to dampen his responses. His body fights itself, trying to regain a long lost control. The twitching once occurring became less an issue, and his tightening muscles relax momentarily.
| >>648742
"...."
>Murmur flinches slightly at the painful yell,
"..Operation, success. He will live, in hell for now."
>She takes off her mask, to take a deep breath
"There was some mild rejection it appears. it luckily did not cause a blood clot. He'll live, atleast until power runs out."
>she sits back and sighs
| >>648743
"I... I don't..."
>She takes out a roll of some cloth pad?
"These absorbs liquid pretty well, but I- I'm not sure about blood."
>Regardless, she uses it anyways...
>Alisa then keeps watch over the man's current conditions, her bangs ended up covering her eyes.
| >>648745
"How long does their power last...?"
>>648746
"She probably called you 'free hug lady'."
>>648744
>CN breathes a sigh of relief, seeing that... whatever Mumur did worked.
| >>648749
'Twelve to Twenty four hours. depending if he starts bleeding somewhere again. Of course, it's possible o extend this time, but i immagine that will be sufficent."
"..."
"Oh, the lost child. I believe i gave her a lolipop after making her feel better."
| >>648750
"Well as long as he can stabilize then that should be good. Wait... child?"
>CN shakes his head, deciding it the best action to just let it be for now.
"Well I'm happy you can help her. Shes a roomate of mine so thank you for helping her as well."
| "... you sleep with children?"
>her eyes stare into you with the force of all those CN ins a lolicon posts on /u/
"rumours are true..."
| >>648752
"N-No we live in the same place! We dont sleep in the literal same room! Shes a friend of my fiance's sister!"
>CN sighs, exasperated at another misunderstanding forming.
| "... Incest too... huh?"
| >>648757
"Wai- wha-!"
>CN is not so much flustered as more confused at this point.
"How did you even get that!? For god sake I dont even have siblings!"
| "Oh, my apologies, i thought you said you slept with the your fiance's sister, who will become your sep sister"
"Anyway, while your bedside manner tells me tha tyou perhaps are not a bad person... I have many questions regarding your treatment and pursual of children, and would like to see them for myself."
| >>648762
"I treat my children just fine! B-Besides I just cant invite you, I'm a runner, my safehouse has to stay secret. How do I know I can trust you with the location?"
| >>648804
"Ugh..."
>CN shakes his head and thinks
"F-Fine, but only if you give Bishi a check up to prove it! You can't share the location then cause of doctor patient confidentiality right?"
| >>648806
"Is she ill? I knew i should have asked her if she was allergic to peanuts...."
"..."
"Oh, and don't worry about location, i have no interest in that kinda stuff."
| >>648808
"Well... I guess shes not sick in particular but, she probably would be happy to see you again."
>He shrugs.
| >>648810
"Happy? why would anyonne be happy to see a doctor? She must need a mental examination... i'm worried about her development."
| >>648822
"Well you were planning on checking on her anyways right...?"
>CN is not going to explain to her that Bishi is the same age as him at this point, shell have to do it at this point.
"She just liked you is all, I doubt it was more than that."
| >Meanwhile, Alisa just ignore the banter between the two, and focuses on keeping watch over the wounded man. She princess carries him, and lays him down on one the sofa, allowing him to rest. She calls for the gang leader.
"Hey, can you call down another ambulance?"
"That'll be... difficult. The route is crowded, and the transport is still on its way."
| >>648841
> The man gave a dry cough as he is brought to the living world again -- with closed eyes. His hands flail about, perhaps in panic and he mutters incoherent sentences as his neck starts to jolt and tenses.
| >>649059
"H-Hey take it is!"
>CN tries to grab his shoulder to come him down.
"We just patched you try not to move too much."
| >>649059
>Alisa sighs, and go off-screen. Moments late, she returns with some tea cups. The fragrant tea's aroma fills the area.
"CN, want some? Tonight is a really busy night, huh?"
>She sips on the tea as she waits for the wounded man to calm down. The 3rd cup, which is sitting there on the table, is probably waiting for him patiently.
| >>649129
"Um sure thanks."
>CN reaches for the cup but realizes he still has blood on him.
"Uh... bathroom first though. Be right back."
>He disappears for a few moments to clean up again before reemerging to taste the tea.
"I didnt know what to expect when I came here but it certainly wasnt this."
| >>649139
>The tea tastes sweet, but it's underwhelming compared to the smell. Alisa finishes her cup of tea. There's still traces of blood on her face, and on her clothes.
"I know... I didn't expect this either. I thought it was just a... bullet wound or something, but not this. He was hiding it so well. Almost too well."
>Her face turns serious.
"CN, do you have any idea who this man is?"
| >>649146
>Nym makes their way back into the bar after about 15 minutes and makes their way towards Alisa.
"Do you have a second?"
| >>649152
"Ah- Welcome back!"
>She turns around, and her eyes checks her body for any... damages.
"Of course! Did you have any trouble in your... jogging trip?"
| >>649153
>Nym is surprisingly unharmed with the exception of their hair looking slightly disheveled.
"None, thankfully. Anyways er... How do I put this..."
>Nym stays quiet for a moment as they think.
"I just found out about a certain... dangerous individual who's been in the area lately. I'm gonna go hunt them down but there might be injured that I run across. Do you mind if I direct them here? I'll also try and figure out medical supplies and personnel."
| (OP, I'll be DM'ing you soon. Nice to meet you!)
| >>649153
>Incidentally, there's a payment in nuyen on the table where the "ninja" had previously been.
| >>649146
>CN takes a good look at the man, before shaking his head
"Nope, cant say that I have. Guys faces are easier to remember too with the uh... strange gender ratio but I digress. Should I know them?"
| >>649154
>Alisa facepalms. She hopes none of them bring any extra trouble...
"Okay. As long as they don't try to damage the building or the peace, I'm fine with that. I'll tell the guards.
Also wait a moment..."
>She goes back to the counter, and hands Nym's guns back to her.
"Here's your gears. Happy hunting! Don't die."
>>649158
(color mod~! yes i am blessed.)
>>649160
>A hole opens up in the table once more, and the payment slips into the void.
| >>649164
"No- But. How do I explain this urghhh..."
>The catgirl scratches her head.
"He had this "unfamiliar yet REALLY familiar aura I had. And his speech, his answer and questions to everything, even his behavior. I- Nevermind. I'm just stressed, and overthinking it."
>She takes it back. What the heck is she thinking? Make up your mind, damnit-
| >>649166
>Nym gives a grateful smile
"Thanks, I really appreciate it."
>They pause for a moment.
"Just talked to our fixer and we've got medical supplies en route. CN will handle logistics on that end. I really owe you one Alisa. If you ever need help with anything, lemme know, alright?"
| >>649172
"I'm pretty sure we're even. You helped me earlier so it's fair, right?"
>Thanks, Nym. Alisa bows slightly.
"And I appreciate the extra medical supplies too! Please don't try to blow up everything so the place won't be crowded with wounded, mmkay? Also make sure 'that Straw-Hat person' doesn't blow up everything either."
| >>649171
>CN pauses to take another sip of his tea.
"You think it's like mind transfer or something?"
>>649172
"You got it Mombot."
| >>649177
>>649180
"I'm generally good at preventing collateral damage so don't worry."
>Nym re-equips themself, gives a wave at both Alisa and CN, and heads on out.
| >>649180
>At the mention of [mind transfer], Alisa's eyes widened. Gears run in her head frantically, but soon, she composes herself.
"N-no. He said he had never been to this place before... No, this won't do it."
>She empties her cup in one shot, and puts it down.
"He reminds me of Melina."
>>649181
"CN, you sure know literally everyone that goes here. Your reviews are... spectacular. Yeah. Very."
| >>649187
>CN closes his eyes and leans on his right hand as he thinks
"Well... Melina did mentioned she went through some stuff, wouldnt be the first set of people in GC I met who went through similar experimentation, voluntary or otherwise."
>He sit back upright to drink some more tea
"Maybe I should start getting commission for every customer I send your way."
>He chuckles
"Well... I can't take the credit for Mombot being here. She does live in the same place as me."
| >>649191
"I- I see. Regardless, those are just... speculations. I have to hear it from the man himself after all."
>She narrows her eyes and frowns.
"Maybe I should triple the charge for your "Daily Pickup Lines" subscription..."
>She then nods.
"Not surprising. Considering you live with EVERYONE, like Nym, and whoever Murmur was talking about. And of course... your 5 o' clock sugar daddy as well."
>She refills her tea, then takes more sips.
| >>649201
"Jeez... you're such a wet blanket sometimes..."
>CN pouts, his joke so poorly ripped to threads. He takes another sip before almost choking on it.
"H-Hey I dont live with him! Like I said we just run across each other in when working!"
| >>649205
"Huhh...? Who's a wet blanket again?"
>Alisa sips on the tea calmly, despite CN's reaction. Her lips slightly curls up, but the teacup obstruct her grin.
"Of course you don't. You just happened to "run" into him. Yes... fufufu."
>Another giggle, followed by a monotone voice.
"Indecent man."
| >>649187
"Th-that's—"
> The man waves his hand slightly, better than his erratic movement. His eyes are filled with colours it once had again. He has been revitalised, to a degree.
"'cause we were cut under the same clothes."
> His response would indicate that he has been listening through the conversation. He gave both CN and Alisa a smile - blissful of the situation.
"Yo. I owe every soul here a drink."
| >>649209
"*sigh* I suppose this isnt the worst rumor to have."
>CN shakes his head, admitting some form of defeat
>>649212
"I guess my second guess is closer to the mark then"
| >>649223
"I- Come on CN, I expected a better reaction! Jeez..."
>Alisa sighs she puts her teacup down.
"I'm just messing with you."
>>649212
"I- I knew it! You're a spy! Welcome back to life!"
>She gestures at the 3rd cup of tea, it sits there waiting.
"You need to rest. Here. Have a drink."
>She holds up the teacup, the smell is simply extravagant.
"I- At least it clicked in my head now. That's... sad."
| >>649223
"You can't have a second guess, CN. Not by a long shot."
> He pushes himself, trying his best to not use the ounce of agility he usually does. He winces and growned before getting to a sitting position.
>>649225
"Still, I'm not R386."
> R-4 says. He takes on the tea, letting its smell linger some more as a way to distract him from the sanguine smell.
"I... think that's whom you were referring to by 'Melina'? We don't usually get names."
| >>649225
>CN pats her on the head, giving her cat ear a little scratch
"Heh, sorry to disappoint you but any teasing you can give me pales in comparison to the level the matrix has done to me the past 3 years."
| >>649229
"Oh, she gave one to me. She's just VERY indeterminate for which I should use."
> He chuckles, finally taking one sip from the tea.
| >>649228
>Alisa lets out a sigh, she blushes and lets out a purr involuntary as CN pets her.
"Well, I guess being famous has its downfall, after all."
>>649232
"What's that supposed to mean? You're just so difficult, complaining about your name!"
>The tea tastes underwhelming compared to the smell.
"At least, some dots are connected for me. Thanks for telling me that, R-4."
>She sounds genuine.
"Are you still hurt anywhere? You should rest."
| >>649235
"I would've preferred a name that doesn't reveal my unit designation right away.. but I don't have creativity for that."
> R-4 gave a heartwarming smile. He looks down on the tea he just drank. All bark no bite.
"My chest tore in two. My left leg is slightly fractured. Small wounds and scratches everywhere else. Overall, nothing that will stop me."
> He says, detailing his injuries through memory and senses.
| >>649235
"Well there *is* a reason most shadowrunners tend to stay... well in the shadows. It's just easier in some ways."
>>649242
"What name did 'she' pick then?"
| >>649242
"See? I prefer the first name after all."
>She nods.
"Well I'm glad you're more open and stuff... But your chest wound is being sealed by nanomachines, by courtesy of a doctor. They're going to last for twelve hours, then their power will die out. I suggest you seek help as soon as possible."
| >>649244
"Alisa? R-4. It's better than having no name anyway."
> He answers CN's question, unwilling to give away the other names Alisa gave to him.
>>649247
"Eh.. that's why it felt strange. We aren't made to tolerate nanomachines. I'm surprised my body isn't pumping it and actively killing me."
> The revelation gave him a chance to sip the tea again.
"I'll be fine. No time limit is too short for me."
| >>649251
"W-what's wrong with any other name??"
>Eventually, the tea's mediocre taste fades out, and a taste of medicine seeps in.
"I- I didn't expect this. You just legit told us every details. You sound so different compared to the you earlier."
>...
"Perhaps it's fate that we meet each other. Your... sister said something about an inescapable life. And you said something about 'don't trust' any other people like you? Are you saying there's... more than two?"
| >>649251
"Well R-4 does seem a little... impersonal I will admit."
>CN shrugs
"You should think of one that makes you happy."
>>649259
"Well by their naming convention I imagine there is at least 4 of them.
| >>649268
"You don't get it CN. R-4 stands for RAD! And as a spy, he must have a really RAD name! Or that's what *he* told me. And wow..."
>She gasps
"I- I never expected like, an army of people like them- Are they really that disposable, to the point that they are not given names! Just a unit number and... that's it?"
>Alisa lets out an angry speech, but is interrupted by a scream across the bar. The wounded mech girl wakes up, her whole body is drenched in cold sweat.
| >>649309
"Then he should call himself Rad then instead, or at least something adjacent like, I don't know Randy-"
>CN gets interrupted by the scream
"A-Are you okay? Are you in pain?"
| >>649310
>The girl jolts herself up, and she immediately grabs her handgun.
"N-no. Just a nightmare. Where am I?"
>She takes a look around, her bandaged finger still gripping her gun.
"Oh. I'm still at the bar. I- I think I have to get going. I've lost contact for a long time. My squadmates probably think I'm dead at this point."
| >>649311
>CN... carefully lifts his hand up and nudge the gun up and away from his general direction.
"It's only been a bit, you still need your rest. If you go out now you're just going to reopen your wounds again."
| >>649259
"I have lost everything, haven't I? I should have walked outside and let my body rot - but you all saved me. By our code of conduct, that is the same as purchasing us."
> The shift in taste gave R-4 a good wince. That's certainly different.
>>649268
"There is only a few dozens of us. The three digits represents our attributes, the letter in front is our unit designation."
| >>649309
"You don't need anything other than numbers if you are repeatedly recycled.."
> R-4 too, was interrupted by the scream. The girl from earlier; he shifts his attention to her.
>>649311
"You're better off letting your squads think you're dead at this point, missy."
> He says, from across the bar.
| >>649314
"Mmm... Well, I have to let my squad know that I'm fine, somehow..."
>>649318
>The girl turned her head directly at the man.
"W-what do you mean? I- I'm still fighting! I'm not a deserter, damnit! I can't leave my team alone!"
>She then attempts to stand up and walk towards the man... Seems like she's pissed off.
>Alisa squints.
"What the hell do you mean, purchase? You're not a commodity, you're a person-"
| >>649316
"*Only* a few dozen he says. Well... I suppose its better than finding 50 kids..."
>CN mumbles
| >>649323
"Do you think I have any? If I did, I wouldn't have to rest in this place. My comms were destroyed during the battle outside the bar... If they worked, my team would have already came and rescued me.
>She seems to place great trust in her friends.
"However, my spider can send a message remotely. And it's laying broken outside. I can't confirm its working status either. Hence why I *must* go."
>Such bravery in her voice, but her body language says otherwise.
| >>649328
>CN crosses his arms and thinks.
"*sigh* Well I'm no mechanic, I can't exactly fix an entire mech, but maybe I can try at least fix the comms on it so you can let them know you're okay?"
| >>649321
"Deserter or not, it's clear you're in no shape to fight."
> He replies back, not once looking to the woman. Putting to perspective, the fight outside gave him a long sigh.
"We're as disposable as any litter you see. This includes.. my 'sister' and myself. 'Purchashing' us gives us meaning in life."
> He goes back to Alisa. The lecture on his being made him forgot the tea momentarily.
| >>649334
"It's fine. You can carry me to the mech, and I can fix the comms on my own."
>>649336
>Alisa blinks slowly at the realization...
"Wait... to confirm... I'm now your boss? H-how does that make- Wait a second, Melody."
>>649334
>Alisa walks over to CN and the girl.
"I can't allow you to do that. You two will put this place in danger. What happens when they come, huh? They'll burn this place down, thinking that you're being captured by "the enemy"."
| >>649344
"What she said. You both shouldn't risk firing a flare. Are you enough to convince your squad you have, missy?"
> R-4's voice gave a clear support towards Alisa's concern. He darts his question to the mech girl, giving weight to the way he calls her.
| >>649344
>CN scratches his head, weighing his options.
"Do you *really* have to get in contact with them right away? What is wrong with waiting a few hours until you can at least walk properly without spew half your blood supply?"
| >>649353 >>649355
"I-"
>Placed under pressure, she shivers slightly.
"N-no, but I don't want to come back as a *traitor* or a *deserter* and court martial-ed- It's just my squad are required to report to command every hour, regardless of situation..."
>She looks away, at the window.
"or a punishment. A lot of people joins his force to backstab him, so he put in place a very strict system. And it's been a few hours already..."
>She then pleads, panic in her voice.
"What do I do?"
| >>649366
"You are already a traitor by revealing that information."
> R-4 sight now sees the girl. The panic shown by her couldn't reflect anymore pity he can give.
"Consider yourself lost. Now, sit down and think about yourself — you are looking like unadulterated garbage right now."
| >>649369
"Shush, you're not helping."
>CN takes a seat next to the girl
>>649366
"Okay, let's take a moment to focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in, and out. Just follow my lead, just focus right now on your breathing."
>CN takes slow deep breaths, moving his hands with the movement of his lungs.
| >>649375
"I help what I know best. Mercenaries that only know their chain of command is best told like that. Feel free to treat her. I'm not in the condition to do it."
> He sighs, leaving her be this time.
"Just know that I don't tolerate if her mud trails bring anything bad here."
| >>649369
"Don't be so hard on the poor kid, Melody. If what you're saying is true, doesn't that make you one too? Fufu..."
>Alisa jabs R-4 softly, and then pats the girl.
"Don't worry, you're mature enough. Just figure out a solution WITHOUT bring this place down, okay? Or..."
>>649375
"Look who's getting along so well. CN, you're surprisingly good with kids."
>Alisa leaves a remark, considering that the mech girl follows what CN says exactly, taking deep breathes, in and out.
| >>649379
"I say what I know. Unlike her, I openly defect from that hellhole to THIS hellhole. I am a traitor through and through."
> R-4 responds to the jab, being mindful of Alisa's new position to him.
| >>649379
>CN helps her through some exercises a little, before offering her some water.
"Okay, now that we got our breathing under control, we can discuss options. So it's been more than an hour, so given what you listed before, calling back to EAGLE directly isn't really an option. However, this doesn't mean you have to oppose him either, you can always decide to just wait this out."
| >>649385
"Ugh... I- I'm hurt, Melody!! I work so hard on this place, and you just call it a hellhole! At least call it a hole in hell or something!"
>She walks back with him, leaving CN alone with the girl.
"Hey, finish your medicine! You can't just walk around like this!"
>>649388
"I can do that... but- I have never done this before. Just waiting around... what's after that then? I would be dead to everyone... even my family."
>She takes the water and drinks it to stay calm.
| >>649392
"I don't think there is nothing stopping you from going back to your family after. When EAGLE is stopped, everything he said will had seemed like lies, that would be your time to make it back."
| >>649395
"I- I see. I'm just *really* worried for my family. EAGLE promises to keep all of our family safe if I decide to join him..."
>She stops and thinks for a second. Regardless, it seems like her chances of coming back to EAGLE's forces alive are slim.
"I'm gonna miss them, am I not... What do I do now?"
| >>649392
"Guh..."
> Melody proclaims defeat. He does as instructed, feeling an itch over by his chest when he walks back to rest himself and take the supposed tea-medicine.
"Say, Alisa -- what's your stance getting involved with her?"
> He makes a pointed look at the girl, still feeling a breath of spite.
"She reminds me of a certain someone that I.. really want to lecture."
| >>649466
"...I'm nothing similar to her, you know..."
>She sighs.
"I'm not involving myself in any gang war. I just want to keep the people near here safe, it's all that matter. That's my stance at least. If you disagree with it, lemme know. And you're still here... you better get to to safety first you know... you life is numbered."
| >>649491
"If that's what you believe in, then that's my belief too."
> He made the case simple. Closed like that, with no debate done or settled.
"And check the fine print; I'm this bar's property. If I go outside now, someone will most definitely have me dead like before."
| >>649493
"What? No! Not just like that."
>She forces open the case. It can't just settle peacefully like this.
"No nothing about it? That's... No. It's not just simple."
>Alisa's face darkens. Perhaps it's not her at all.
"I'll... try to get some help. Don't... worry. And one more thing. As your boss, and your new *owner*, I command you to think for yourself. Have your own opinions about things, business-related or otherwise. You are not just a disposable tool. Got it?"
| >>649399
"Those are just EAGLEs words, what helps your family most now is if they stay inside until this passes."
>CN gently pats 0041s head
"For now you should try to rest. After that you probably have a few options. You can try and leave the district to fully recover and come back once the fighting is over, or you can stay in the area."
>He turns to Alisa
"Perhaps theres another job opening for her in that case...?"
| >>649498
"That's my opinion, boss. Sorry, but I don't plan on leaving this hellhole in half."
> Maybe Melody has confused the word 'opinion' with 'obligation'. His sight sets elsewhere, not wanting to meet eyes with Alisa.
"Were these the things you said the 386... Melisa too?"
>>649524
"I'm agreeing with CN there. You don't go out when the situation is a hot pot like this. Let it boil. You won't do your family any good if you die."
| >>649524
"I... have a lot of things to talk about. I'll sleep."
>The girl then pushes CN away, then curls up into a fetal position and tries to sleep. Alisa nods at CN.
"Unpaid? Unpaid. Yes. YES!! YESSS!!!!"
>>649530
*cough* "I- I mean... yeah. Kinda."
>Her happy voice gets dialed down to 0, as she mention his "sister". She doesn't wanna make eye contact either...
"Yeah. I tried. Not trying to live as another tool and that... In the end, she left and never came back. I-... fuck."
| >>649533
"Just so we're clear, boss: she isn't the same as me. We don't consider each other allies or enemies. We have different opinions."
> Melody has started to take in the medicine-tea again. His first sip is slow, letting his taste adjust, and then he continues to do so until a thought comes again.
"There is already a master for her. Our personalities are our master's. Or what our master sees. If she leaves like a bitch like that.. heh. Her master might be one."
| >>649534
"Probably... *sigh* It's probably my fault. I was very unstable at that time since... that. She probably got tired of it, or something else that I can't just put my hands on. I've made up my mind ever since."
>Alisa tries to lighten the mood.
"I'm scared that your personality might end up similar to mine. Maybe I should feed you thousands of images to make you develop your own view, huh? One where you're free. There's no contract, nor a deal between us, after all."
| >>649533
>CN jumps in Alisas sudden excitement.
"I dont know what's more concerning, that you heard unpaid in my statement or that you're excited about it."
| >>649537
"I don't mind. We're not Assassins, our personalities don't change completely. If I end up like you, boss.. then it's not that far from a married couple sharing the similar personalities, right?"
> He chuckles, his mood has been lightened.
"Don't feel bad about 386. Reconnaissances are made to do everything as instructed. She is probably sulking about how she failed -- like a moron."
| >>649538
"UNPAID! LABOR! UNPAID! LABOR! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA- Excuse me CN. Let me think of a plan where she has to make up for the amount of headache THEY put me through."
>>649543
"No! I refuse! I'm not going to let you have headaches! and I won't let you make a better place than this place! And not after you called this place a hellhole!"
>She smiles, but not all happy.
"She... I feel bad about her. She doesn't have to think everything as a failure, you know."
| >>649546
"U-Uh... I hope you are at least somewhat lenient with her, you cant place all the blame on her after all."
| >>649546
"As I said; her master may have made her think that way. Don't.. don't beat yourself over it. You aren't responsible for her wellbeing."
> He closes his eyes, finally taking the last sip of the tea.
"If you want UNPAID, and LABOR put together, you have me, you know? I said harsh things about her, but she has her own 'master', for what it is worth. Even if she respects something else above that concept."
| >>649548
"O-of course I'm joking. I'll discuss things in more details to her when she wakes up. And there's more pressing concern anyways."
>>649550
"You. It's fine to care for other people once in a while, got it? But it's not like I beat myself everytime I mention her, after all..."
>Alisa smiles genuinely.
"Thanks~ I'll make you clean up the bar later! But..."
"The tea should reduce your pain a little bit. You're still on borrowed time after all, and we have to do something."
| >>649553
"Right. Right. I'm dying right now. Nothing ever changes for me."
> He opens his eyes to meet Alisa's smile. He too, gave this much smile to reflect hers.
"The pain is nothing now. I can handle this much, boss. Just tell me when you need an extra hand or when anyone gets too rowdy and wants a round."
> Though, he continues what he says, lowering his head, acknowledging something.
"I just can't care for her. I guess we're made this way, after all."
| >>649555
"CN, uh... do you have any recommendation of like, actual plans to make sure this man here stay alive?"
>>649554
>Alisa pats the man, she struggles a bit due to being shorter than him, but it still works.
"Of course~ The tea masks pain pretty well after all, but pain is a signal to know that there's something wrong with the body. Regardless, I'll try to get some help soon."
>She tilts her head.
"Made? Are you not human?"
| >>650310
> Melody gave a short smile while being pat. He let Alisa be as he lowers himself, trying to lessen her struggle.
"All of us are human. Some of us cloned. Some of us found on the streets and repurposed. Some of us born there. Sorry, that was just.. the wrong word to describe us."
> He held his hand to his chest. A sigh of relief; it's better this than before.
"And thank you. If it's about staying alive, I have the tools to help myself. You don't need to worry."
| >>650323
"I see. Well, you said it yourself. You're human. You don't need to treat yourself just like a tool you know. Now then..."
>She goes to the counter again, making a drink.
"Well, if you insist... I'll trust you then. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything about that nanomachines... I- completely forgot everything about them. Whenever I try to think of the past, my head hurts."
>She puts a red-colored drink on the counter.
"Here. It's a celebration ceremony for you being alive."
| >>650340
"Is that why you need those morphines, boss?"
> Melody follows suit, going to the counter with an awkward gait that pulls the left leg with greater force than the right. He sits on one of the seat, already feeling some sense of nostalgia by the setting.
"I know it's five minutes ago, but to think I would be purchased right away.."
> He takes the drink and lifts it.
"Cheers."
| >>650342
"Yes. Now think of your own name. Melody nor R-4, nor R-38578346732746 isn't going to cut it. And stop saying purchase. It makes me feel weird. I prefer 'hiring'."
>She lets out a grin. The red drink doesn't smell abnormal, but something about it isn't right. It's strangely... dense for an alcoholic drink.
"Cheers!"
>Somehow without seeing, she lifts up a... teacup... to toast... That sounds unfair.
| >>650310
"Well..."
>CN thinks
"Assuming the worst of it is that gash, he just has to make sure not to move a lot and rest to get his energy back."
| >>650344
> He chuckles at the choice Alisa made for the toast. He sees it fitting, leaving it largely uncommented.
"S-sorry about the term. It's a habit.."
> He didn't doubt the drink one single bit -- no matter the qualities. It seems that he has a complete faith over Alisa. With one tasting sip, he starts his second actual drink.
"My designated name is 939; R-939. Being called those digits is fine, but if you want me to name myself.."
> He lets out a long hum.
"..Rene?"
| >>650348
"Well if you say so... Finally, everything is slowly settling down, mhm?"
>>650350
>The drink taste nothing like a "drink". It's- pure morphine!
"R-rene? T-that's fine. It's your name after all."
>She sniffles a laughter.
"That would be a perfect name if you work in Caramel Anne! And wearing a maid uniform too to top it off! Oh oh, do you want to wear a maid uniform? No. I HAVE to see how you look in one~"
| >>650357
"Well let's not jinx it too soon now."
>CN chuckles
"Though that said the visit today was certainly a lot more... hectic than last time."
| >>650361
"Yeah. Maybe the curse of the bar not getting customer has been lifted, and this place is no longer isolated from the world."
>Alisa gestures to the chaos outside. In the bar, it sounds so distant. The news are gone, replaced with some uplifting pop music.
"Maybe it's just the calm to another storm? And you're the one jinxing it up. Yes it might have given me a massive headache, and delayed my vacation, but... maybe it's not so bad."
>She offers CN another Sugar Rush.
| >>650357
> Rene's eyes widen at the realisation. Morphine would have tasted different, of course, but he was supposed to be the astute one. Now knowing the content, he finishes the entirety of the drink with a hefty chug.
"F-fuck!"
> His head drops low as the liquid travels further down. He prepares some answers, some quips, and words -- but all were drained when the morphine swallows him.
"T-that was- a crafty one, boss."
> His smile is persistent.
| "N- now. What did you say you want me to do? Maid uniforms? What for—?"
> He is confused, and.. surprisingly hesitant to answer this one question. His body isn't all too masculine, but they weren't as androgynous to fit any maid costume. Enough muscles to work a punch, but too much to be a French maid.
| >>650364
"Thank you."
>CN takes the glass and sips a bit of the Sugar Rush.
"You? A vacation? What would you had even done for it?"
| >>650376
"Just joking. It was a distraction to the intense morphine! Maybe as a reward for taking that drink like a champ, I'll actually go out and buy you a maid uniform!"
>A mischievous smile forms on the catgirl's face, her messy bang covers her eyes. It looks strangely terrifying.
>>650389
"Took care of the bar and stuff. And after all, the boss insisted on it. He says it will trigger some of my memo-"
>A loud crashing sound can be heard outside again, and the door opens.
| >>650395
> Rene takes immediate notice of the crashing. His attention drifts, but locks onto the source of the sound.
"-I suggest getting the maid uniform AFTER we cycle through bettering this hellhole, boss."
> He turns away from the counter as he says so, alert and ready to spring.
| >>650399
"Oh, you're still here? I thought I released you from this place."
>A raspy voice can be heard outside, and a suited man walks through. He's old, but his shape suggests he's well trained, and built for "brawls". His coat is coated in blood.
"Alisa, what are you doing here?"
>He makes his way to the counter
"And you have a follower too! I guess some things are just in your blood, huh."
>Alisa rolls her eyes, clearly not amused.
"Old man... what happened to you?"
| >>650400
> Rene stays in constant watch. Whether it is due to the man's appearance, or whether it was for the words said and Alisa's familiarity with him, he himself isn't sure.
> He doesn't say a word, but any command thrown will send him ready to act.
| >>650404
>The old man takes off his bloodied coat, revealing some gunshot wounds on him. He then goes to the bar and makes himself a drink.
"So, how was it when I'm gone?"
"Terrible. Lots of things went down. But it's still standing."
"I see."
>He then turns towards Rene, nodding.
"Welcome back. How's your boss doing?"
>It seems like he's referring to someone else...?
"I hope this lady right here doesn't mistreat you."
>Alisa shoots a glare.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
| >>650421
"'My boss'? She's right here."
> Rene gestures towards Alisa with his look. His eyes darted back to the old man, some bits of trust surfaces as Alisa didn't seem to immediately reject him.
"I owe her a lifetime. No mistreating here."
| >>650423
"I see."
>The old man turns his attention to Alisa.
"What did you do? You now have the equivalent of a guard dog by your side now? What exactly happened when you're gone?"
>To which Alisa just facepalms, a headache returning.
"Lots... of things. Lots and lots of things. *sigh* So... we got a fight almost in here, lots of people, and... someone almost dying. Yeah nothing much. All that I totally expected and planned for."
| >>650425
"I take credit to one of the things she said. So, what are you to boss?"
> Rene dismisses his gaze, having read the situation in proper. His fight or flight is no more, reduced to a mere observatory interest.
| >>650395
"Isnt that basically what you did anyw-"
>CNs thought gets interrupted by the crash, him turning towards the door as the old man walks in and makes his presence known to the bar.
>>650421
>He observes him until he takes off his coat, noting the bullet wounds he has.
"Looks like you need some patching up yourself."
| (wow thread almost full! i didn't expect this)
>>650437
"Me? Just a humble property owner. Nothing more, nothing less. Right, Alisa, R-3?"
>He winks at both Alisa and Rene.
>>650483
"I'm fine, CN. After all, I just got back from a field trip."
>The old man laughs, the wound doesn't seem to affect him at all. He serves himself a drink.
"It was muddier than expected. Someone is getting ready to push, and their friends are *eagle* to support them. Regardless, we might have a repeat."
| >>650506
"Why do you all mistake me for that woman? Geez..."
> Rene had to address the issue, but also try to ignore the old man's pun and wink. He tries hard, but it proves to be difficult without making a groan or a sigh.
"If you own the bar.. then, I guess it's fine to introduce myself-"
> He locks his attention.
"Pleasure to meet you; Rene, designation R-939. I am NOT R386. I'm leagues ahead of her in many ways— and… I'm this bar's property. Please put me to good use."
This thread is permanently archived
| >Glitch City, Glitz District, XX
>It's late night, and the fighting in Glitz District intensifies. The bar has seen a lot, but the amount of knowledge it gained is more valuable than ever.
>Things seems to slow down, you can even get a drink right here, straight up in a Glitz apocalyptic(?) warzone!
>Despite everything, the lounge never stops looking like a second home, disconnected from the world outside.