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(settings) The Cambria, last hours (part 3 finale!... maybe?)
| >>650508
>The old man nods approvingly.
"Pardon me for assuming your name then. I don't know how you ended up becoming a property of this bar, but someone owes me an explanation later. I am Fahrenheit, the owner of this timeless prison."
>He continues
"I didn't know that you guys are all competitive of each other. As much as I would like to sit down and make use of you, or discuss your backgrounds, the bar might have to be closed down."
"Eh?? AGAIN??" >>>Alisa interjects loudly.
| >CN groans at the pun
"I had a feeling that's what you were busy with Fahrenheit."
>>650512
"Why do you have to close it down? Surely the danger cant be that close already?"
| >>650512
"Again?! I JUST got here!"
> Rene follows suit, interjecting with his own reason.
"If it's something I can fix, tell me! I haven't even done anything useful!"
| >Old man sips on his drink calmly, expected this to happen.
"Calm down everyone. Let's take this one step at a time."
>Reaching into his pocket, he produces a paper map of Glitz District. Handwriting and marks are found all over the map. Red and blue colored marks are found all over it, similar to the leader's holomap. Except it looks vastly different, as red reaches across all corners of the map, with blue, now concentrated, but smaller in comparison.
| >>650515
"It is not close. But the danger doesn't need to be close to be deadly. There's never too much caution. Besides, he can strike even at Uptown if he wanted to."
>>650516
"I don't think taking a nuclear warhead head-on is something you can fix, young man. Nor is any human on this planet. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but risking your life ain't it buddy."
>The catgirl stares at the map, trying to find the position of this place. Not close yet...?
| >>650522
"Aw, fuck it. I'm about ready to do what you said, pops."
> Rene sighs at the map. This IS something he can't tackle head-on, no matter how bravery sets him straight.
"I can't kill the warhead, but a warhead needs something alive to shoot itself."
> He comes to a direct conclusion, then cools himself off by shaking his head.
"... What's the plan now then?"
| >>650523
>Alisa pats Rene gently.
"Calm down okay? Let's listen to the boss for now. He's experienced in this kind of stuff."
>Despite saying that, she sounds upset... and sad. You can't see her eyes clearly as she's looking at the map, but her tone is sufficient.
>Fahrenheit answer directly.
"We get out of here first to stay alive. That's the first step. Then we think of more plans later. The 'enemy' will sweep through this area soon... Well, depends on your definition."
| >>650521
"Mind giving us a legend here Fahrenheit?"
>CN looks at the map, but he cant make heads or tails of it if he doesnt know which color is which."
| >>650527
"Huh? CN, you can't read maps? Maybe you young'uns are too used to holo and all that. I'll make this quick."
>EAGLE's core forces are in the northwest, and there are "arms" stretching out in various directions, like legs of an octopus. The bar is on the path of one of its legs.
>The blue force in the east are unified, and is fighting against EAGLE's attempt at expansion.
>The chaos led most of everyone to choose a side...
"Red is EAGLE, blue is the gangs. Got it?"
| >>650527
"Red is usually the baddies and expands the fastest, CN."
> Rene jokingly says, mostly enjoying Alisa consoling him. He makes a quick note to not disturb her when this happens, keeping his face straight onto their drawing board.
>>650530
"Whose side are we on? Are we neutrals, or will we be absorbed by either?"
> He can't focus in either the blues or reds. They both are harmful existences.
"It's taking the gangs too long to unify.."
| >>650536
"Well not exactly. Everyone views each other as baddies. Red usually stands for aggressor and blue stands for defender."
>The old man "correct" the legends as he continues.
"As you probably know, both. We are neutral, and we will probably be absorbed if we stay here. Both the gangs and EAGLE are now resorting to involve neutral zones in their conflict. It doesn't look that bad: they might take too long to unify, but EAGLE is clearly overextending himself here."
| >>650539
"I was thinking the same thing. Even with his fancy toys, EAGLE is getting a little ahead of himself."
>CN muses
"He's not leaving any toys for himself to defend him. If we know where he is we could probably capture him and everything crumples like a house of cards from there."
| >>650539
"A territorial conflict isn't something that can be solved by a lonesome."
> Rene reverts to his collected self. Perhaps being around Alisa did a number on said personality.
>>650543
"I agree. But this is a devilishly easy assumption. Anything for a second guess?"
| >>650543
"You're not close off the marks. However, the gangs will definitely take advantage of it before we can. But..."
>>650551
"You're right. We're not looking to solve a territorial conflict. We are looking solve the reason behinds the conflict. Why didn't EAGLE start this war earlier?"
>He takes out his phone and displays an image. It's an image of a... mech? It's armed with 8 gigantic cannon barrels, pointing towards the sky. A logo can be found on its feet: "CW".
| >>650551
"Well EAGLE isnt all words it's a feint which leads to a trap."
>>650633
"Oh boy I always love mysterious buts at the end of my statements."
| >>650643
"Don't mind him. He's senile. He even crashed while trying to walk in here."
>Alisa attacks Fahrenheit verbally.
"Oh? I guess I'm too senile that I accidentally removed a few zeros from your check, huh?"
>which is met with retaliation.
>Alisa zero, Fahrenheit one.
"But if we stop *them*, the weapons supplier, the conflict will ease up. Of course, doing this on our own is hard. There's two paths open for us: Work with the reds, or work with the blues. Any other idea?"
| >>650659
"Even if we wanted to work with EAGLE, we couldnt do that if we cant find it, so the blues it is. Though question is how would we even stop the supplier? People can barely even get a sighting on them, let alone stop them."
| >>650633
"CW.. what's that supposed to stand for?"
> Rene didn't mind the bickering as he hums for an answer. He heed most of the questions, but kept silence.
>>650659
"We can't make it a black and white situation. Manipulation is an option, especially with a third-party involvement."
> He suggests, seeing the two split sides and pointing at the neutrals.
"These... are all resources we, or they, can use."
| >>650664
"First, we have to confirm their sightings and then follow the traces. They will lead directly to EAGLE, and of course, the corp that is supplying him. Leave that to me."
>>650678
"CW is a corp that has little presence in GC. If their logo is on the weapons, they should be the ones that we're looking for."
>He quickly continues
"Nice choice, but risky. We can use the neutrals, and at the same time, talk to the blues too. Disagree? Agree? Let's use everything."
| >>650679
"Risky? No doubt. A wrong move gets us in the eyes of everyone. However, in my line of work, being betrayed is far too common."
> Rene's attention focuses onto CW, and the explanation given. An idea brightens his eye, but he remains deadpan (composed?) in this.
"If necessary, we have to utilise the reds too. We have to mount enough to reject an annex from each side."
| >>650681
"Of course. This is Glitch City after all, everything is fair game."
>The old man nods, and marks stuff on the map, and writing on it incoherently.
"If the firefight gets too serious... others from outside will pay attention as well. No doubt there will be chaos, as they step in. That's the general gist of it. Don't have time and safety to plan out the specific for now."
>Alisa turns to Rene.
"Hmm? It looks like you wanted to say something but...? Eh, probably nothing."
| >>650687
"Do you want to hear it, boss?"
> Rene turns, tilting his head.
"... If you are worried about anything I said, feel free to revoke my plan. This will risk lives; mine, and others, but hopefully not yours."
| >>650689
"Yes. Let's hear it! So there's going to be no regrets later. And don't worry! Your input is valuable!"
>Fahrenheit says, his hands on his chin, as if thinking deeply.
"Of course, these are all mere hypothesis and plan... assuming things are going the way it is. But you know 100% it's not going to. Plans never survive contact with the enemy. There's one thing for certain though. One undeniable fact."
>The bar will be closed.
| >>650690
"I'm aware. I'm not the unit meant to make plans. I'm here to do plans, but it doesn't seem like we have much choice -- aside from running away."
> Rene first addresses his own elephant in the room. True, he can cower and take everyone away, but—
"What I wanted to say was; this bar shouldn't need to close."
| >>650679
"Important question."
>CN interjects
"Even if we do fine these CW guys, how do we stop them? We can barely get sightings on them as is."
| You know what they say- only gangs geek gangs, only corps geek corps, etc. :P -Stormy
| >>650773
(stormy askfjgasgkf dont just reveal my big brain plan-)
>>650696
"Don't worry, we're be back here soon enough! I don't like it, but... better than dying! And we get a break..."
>>650725
"Simple, CN. Remember what you *were* going to do with *VeriaTech*? I took that inspiration. Once we confirm their sightings, the other corps will do the heavy lifting to us, and allowing us to plan further ahead..."
>The old man laughs, inspired by events from before. thanks CN!
| >>650833
> Rene chuckles at both the things the old man had said. He kept a brighter expression, though toning it soon after.
"I wouldn't want to see any of us dead, as much as I hate seeing the bar close right in my first day of work-"
> He clears his throat, the minor sound disrupts his sentence.
"Leave it to CN to have exploits against big corporations. You ain't so bad, wonderboy."
| >>650837
"Oh well. Can't do much about it now... It's out of our hands."
>Alisa throws in her 2-cent, her aura emits a vibe of "I've had enough". Meanwhile, Fahrenheit starts to pack up.
"Don't worry Rene, you're going to have plenty of jobs to do. First, get yourself to a hospital and extend your life. Then we can discuss where we can go for our vacation and break. Preferably outside of Glitz."
>Alisa then gets him a cup of water.
"Rest is essential you know. Don't try so hard~!"
| >>650833
"I think you mean VitaLife but I get your point. Don't worry I think their names are confusing as well."
>CN shrugs
>>650837
"I wouldn't be alive up to now if I didn't have any tricks up my sleeve."
>>650842
"How long will you all be gone?"
| >>650847
(wait its vitalife god their names are so confusing)
"R-right. I mean VitaLife. Their confusing name must have been set up to confuse the players- Wait what was I talking about?"
"You're getting senile, old man. Stop blabbing nonsense."
>>650847
"For a few days this time. Or at least until we're safe. Last time it was just random and pure unorganized raiding... now however, situation have changed. I'll let Alisa announce it on the board DM when it's safe."
| >>650842
"Thanks. Sorry, it's my first time without a clear target. I'm sure 386 must have felt the same when she was bought--"
> Rene takes the glass, but doesn't drink it immediately. He puts it off as he sees Fahrenheit begun packing, and proceeds to help him.
>>650847
"Got some blessed cat's life too, CN."
> He says to CN, passing him as he walks over to Fahrenheit.
| >>650856
"I heard you. You mercenaries type need a goal. How about this? Your first job. Go to the back and pack up any important stuff."
>The old man points at the STAFF-ONLY door on the back.
"Well... what's important you ask? Anything that can keep us alive. If it's useless, leave it here. Try to keep it light."
>He hands Rene a normal travel suitcase.
| >>650853
"Well you can also contact me through the number I gave."
>CN side glances Alisa
"And by that I mean dont sign me up to anything."
>>650856
"That reminds me, I wonder what's going to happen to all those bets involving my death when they find out I'm actually still alive..."
| >>650861
"...Come on~ Why not? They help you get laid by a l o t ! *ahem*"
>The catgirl stops herself from saying more, and looks away nervously.
"Wow, a lot of people want you dead, don't they? What do you even do to piss everyone off? Unless they're all big bad corps?-
And by the way, can you check on that girl and update her on what's going on? Well not the *attack plan* part, considering she's with EAGLE and all that..."
>Alisa displays little trust towards the mech girl.
| >>650866
"As I said, I'm already engaged so... I dont really have much difficulty in that department."
>CN shrugs, though you can feel a little smugness in that department.
"And it's mostly corps, the betting pools just happened cause most runners cant understand how the team I'm in can last so long with how we operate. Were admittedly... unconventional."
>He turns towards 0041
"Sure, though admittedly I just hope shes finally getting some rest."
| >>650871
"Ah... I... no thank you..."
>Her mind flashes to the lolicon conversation and ...Neon Knight...
"R-right. Right."
>She then shrugs.
"Unconventional? Runners are already unconventional to begin with, in my opinion."
>The old man perks up.
"Wait- who's this girl? Alisa, what do you mean by "with EAGLE"? Someone explain."
>It seems like he's finally noticing her presence. His eyes narrow, sensing a threat. To the contrary, the girl is sleeping peacefully on the sofa.
| >>650873
"Yeah but were more..."
>CN scrunges his eyebrows, not sure how to say it
"...not as pragmatic in how we go about completing our jobs. I guess Mr. 5 o' clock shadow can explain it better than me."
>He turns to Fahrenheit
"She was someone who got roped into EAGLEs side of stuff. I patched her up, dont worry, theres nothing to worry about."
| >>650876
"Mmm, so more idealistic and stuff? I mean, whatever gets result is fine right."
>The old man thinks for a second, then speaks up.
"So she's with EAGLE. Considering you patched her up, she's probably posing little threats. We can interrogate her later, when we move to a safe place. Alisa, tie her up and get ready to load her into the truck. She might leave a trace to us if we're not careful."
"Boss, I think you're overreacting. Considering CN managed to subdue her-"
| >>650882
"Pretty much yeah, not everyone expects that from us, especially since most of us were actual runners back in the day."
>CN interjects in Fahrenheits reasoning.
"Shes just a grunt, she doesnt know anything. All she cares about is making sure her family stays safe through this. So much so I needed to patch her up *four* times cause she wouldnt stay still."
| >>650883
"I see. You've been here longer and have a better grasp on the situation. Very well. Then... if she doesn't pose a threat, who shall take custody-"
>Alisa chimes in immediately.
"Us! Us! We need more workers! You can't just push everything on me! FREE LABOR-"
"I'll push double of the work on you if you don't stop."
>The catboomer is stunned into silence, and Fahrenheit takes this chance to continue.
"I've heard rumors... that you're *too good* at handing children..."
| >>650895
>CN shakes his head
"I assure you those rumors are not true."
>He sighs
"That said I dont think Alisas suggestion is necessarily a bad one."
| >>650899
"I see. If that's what you want."
>Fahrenheit agrees without any objection, and he goes back to pack his stuff. He's packing all of his vintage drink... glass... bottles... how are those so important? Alisa goes over to help him as well.
"I don't understand why you would pack all of these bottles..."
"You wouldn't."
>Then the bar is noisy again, except this time, no one is speaking. The gunshots and the smell of ash and powder are getting closer, moment by moment.
| "And by the way, CN, can you check on the girl and let her know that we're leaving? I would prefer not have her struggling while we move. And..."
>Alisa points at the sleeping girl, then by the window.
"We have to get rid of her mech somehow... If their forces arrive and find this, it would be bad news. For us and the girl alike. You sure know what I'm talking about, right?"
| >>650920
"It is starting to smell more like chaos."
> Rene returns with a packed suitcase, perhaps somewhat too stuffed. He carries it with one hand, leaving to imagination what he actually packed to make it light.
"If we are going to keep the girl, better tell her upfront- and keep her face cloaked; the first thing they usually do is check for the dead here."
| >>650924
"Thank you young man. That's a fantastic job well done. Oh? You actually jammed a lot of stuff in that suitcase. That's going to make moving easy then."
>>650927
>The girl shakes a little, but when she awakes, she jumps up in shock, but then realize it's the same place, and of course, CN.
"Don't touch me! Oh, it's just you, CN. I-I don't need you patching me up again! I'm totally fine! See??"
>She removes her clothes in order to show CN...maybe a bit too revealing...
| >>650930
"O-Okay, okay! I believe you!"
>CN hastily pulls he close down in the opposite direction.
"That's good cause Alisa and co are packing up and you're gonna go with them until things calm down."
| >>650930
"Part of my talent."
> Rene jokingly scoffs. He makes a good note of 0041, setting his sight on her, and her obliviousness.
>>650933
"So, any name you can say?"
> He goes to 0041, hopefully not pitifully mocking her this time.
"Because I feel like we'll be together for some time. You, boss, that old geezer, and me."
| >>650933
>You feel someone throw a scrutinizing stare at you...
>Realizing what she just did, the girl hastily tries to cover up, while blushing ear to ear.
"E-eh? Why? I thought we were going to rest up and then... wait?"
>In addition, she seems confused as well.
>>650936
"I have no choice, am I not? Fine... you can call me Faye. And why are we going to be together anywhere? I can manage things by myself! You're like a tongue devil!"
| >>650994
"Sorry, but boss has taken a liking to using you as free labour."
> With this tone, an arduous stare he produces would very well be serious if he didn't scrap a smirk beforehand.
"... You remind me of someone I hate. I'm going to change that. Which side are you on? Are you going to return to EAGLE? Are you going to accept your desertion?"
| >>650995
"I..."
>The girl looks down slowly. She thinks about every single situation. Her friends, her comrade-in-arms. Her parents. She's brave. But she's still a child. And a child is naturally scared of death...
"I- I can't go back, not now. If I do, I will certainly die... So... I'll- go with you guys..."
>She doesn't even dare to make eye contact. An answer that is full of hesitation and fear.
| >>650996
"Hey."
> Rene goes down to her level. He tries to get her attention, not losing one second of his elsewhere.
"What made you do this?"
> His voice is lower, deeper -- it was gentler.
"What made you pilot that thing in the first place?"
| >>650999
"I-it's to..."
>She stops for a second, before speaking up again. she nervously makes eye contact.
"Help my parents. They- they are already at the breaking point. My dad is a wageslave... He bends his back trying to feed us! in this trashy place. I just wanted to have some more freedom and money so we can live better. And an opportunity arrived... EAGLE said I have potential... to free my parents."
"I-it's a bad reason, so I don't like talking about it much..."
| >>651004
"You're stupid to believe in lies."
> Both eyes meet her, his expression is stern and disbelieving, his brows arched and his lips in frown.
"If you die, what do you think your parents would do? Would they be happy you have been helping them? - NO! They will see you cease in the battlefield for a pointless banter between factions."
> Despite the gentleness in his voice, he retaliates with an argument pushed through by the emotions drawn from said voice.
"... Pointless."
| >>650994
>CN tries to ignore the hairs standing up behind his neck
"W-Well nice to meet you Faye."
>>651004
"Mmm... I understand. Well once this is over, come talk to me and I can probably help you get a little bit a mons to keep you and your family afloat."
>>651011
"Alright, alright Rene. She already admitted is a bad reason. For now all she can do is focus on what she is going to do now, not on what she did."
| >>651033
"No, she needs to reflect on what she did -- so she won't make the same mistake."
> He insists. Clearly. He presses the point with his voice, weighing each words properly. He closes his eyes, then sighs.
"I hate you. You remind me of myself."
> Even then, he agrees on his inaction and his harsh voice. He reverts back, not instantly, towards an early personality.
"What she had isn't a bad reason. Just moronic. This world doesn't forgive bad justifications like that."
| >>651053
"You aren't wrong."
> Rene shrugs off the matter, trying his best to reaffirm his composure.
"Fuck it- she can't remind me of myself if I can't project myself on her. Got it?"
| >>651011 >>651057
"I..."
>The mech girl stays silent, and reflects on what the reason she fights. And somewhere along the lines, she smiles stupidly.
"Thank you guys for caring about a stranger like me. But I think just standing by and let my family suffer is even more stupid. But regardless, I've made my choice to stick with you, and that demon..."
| >>651093
> Rene gave a proud smile. It was short, yet, it yearns for comfort. It clearly not an expression he is used to showing.
"You aren't wrong. I never had any; my conclusion comes from a logic of an idiot."
> He sighs again.
"I forgot that, as long as everyone survive, the plan was never stupid to begin with."
| >>651097
"Of course! Don't worry! I- I'll use everything I have to help my parents. You cleared my mind of doubt. So thank you! EAGLE would be sad, but I'm sure he would understand."
>Faye smiles brightly, and she extends her hands for a handshake.
"My papy always say that I'm a big idiot so... that makes two of us! We're gonna survive together! As long as our goals don't conflict, haha."
>The catgirl at the bar looks on with a satisfied look on her face.
| >>651100
"The name's Rene."
> He accepts her hands. Now that the smile is warranted, he gave it all on it. Bright, but not as much as hers.
"As long as you don't lay a finger on boss, we can make for a great partner."
> He did, note of the sentiment given to EAGLE, as he let go of her hands, his curiosity sets abound.
"Why would EAGLE be sad? He has enough army to take over a district. I think that should give him something to be happy about."
| >>651100
"You better"
>CN scuffs
"After the amount of times I've patched you up, if I found you just died I'd bring you back to life just to kill you again myself."
| >>651106
"S-scary CN... I didn't know you can be scary-"
>>651104
"I don't know myself. He just looked like that when he stopped at our house to spread his message."
>She seems earnest. Was she swayed by propaganda, or...?
"He said to my family that they would be safe. He said he will take back Glitch City for us...I don't understand either."
| >>651110
"I just care about the wellbeing of my patient, or maybe cause I'm 3 Sugar Rushes and a cup of tea in."
| >>651112
"Jeez... you're a drunk doctor, aren't you?"
>Outside the window, the street lights shut down as time go on. A set of three armored vehicle stops in the bar's parking spot. The guards packs up their weaponry as well, and load them into the cars. Some step outside and starts to investigate the now-broken spider mech...
>The girl notices the commotion outside the window!
"W-what are they doing with the mech?
>She hastily gets up, and almost trips over herself.
| >>651121
"Stay."
> Rene puts his hand over her shoulders, offering to lift her back, but seems to have his eyes set on the happenings outside. He flips a switch, becoming ever so slightly different from his temperamental self.
"You, for all the reason I can give, should be the last to show a face outside."
| >>651123
"A-ah. Sorry, I wasn't thinking."
>Faye accepts Rene's help as she settles down again. Her eyes are looking at the same sight.
>A guard runs though the door, and she announces an urgent news.
"We have a problem! The spider's comms are still working, and EAGLE's scouting party will come, ETA 1 hour! They are planning to launch a rescue operation for the pilot! We don't have much time to spare, people! Hurry!"
>The two owners of the bar nods.
"So our time got cut short."
| >>651126
"I'll ask you again, and I'll make it final. Will you be joining us? That rescue party won't actually bring cakes and cupcakes for this bar — but if you think you much prefer to be in EAGLE's side.."
> Hearing this news, Rene turns to Faye. He expects an answer, any answer.
"... There is nothing wrong with being a double agent."
| >>651121
"Neither! I'm just a hacker who knows some first aid!"
>>651126
"Jeez they worked fast didnt they..."
| (god my ID keeps changing)
>>651132
>No longer faced with death, yet another pressure is on. Indeed, if she goes back now, she wouldn't face punishment or anything. After all, it's her own advance squad that will save her. But she just got to know her new friends... No. She made up her mind.
"You're right. There's nothing wrong with being a double agent. All that matters now is to keep my papy and mommy safe."
>Looks like some of Rene's mercenary is rubbed off on her.
| "You need someone on EAGLE's side to gather information for you right? I got you covered. I'll go back, but we're not enemies. We're just... reckless idiots, after all. The mech's comms are still working... I can buy you some time."
>She gets up again, but this time, pain and fear no longer stop her. Her eyes radiates determination.
"Thank you guys for helping me. We'll gonna end this stupid and POINTLESS war. And CN, I'll buy you some drinks to repay you later, okay? Don't die."
| >>651141
>CN shakes his head, but ultimately smiles.
"Heh, I should be tellin you that. But I won't, I'm holding you to those drinks."
| >>651142
"Bet. Actually, mind helping me to the mech? I kinda don't want you to patch me up for the fifth time."
>Faye lets out a grin
"And hurry up, if you don't want to die here."
>Alisa makes her way over to check on everyone.
"Okay, are you guys all ready yet? We're finished and ready to move!"
| >>651144
"Right"
>CN offers Faye a shoulder for her to lean on as they walk/lean out the door of the bar.
| >Another vehicle arrives, but this one isn't like the armored three. Frankly, it looks like a truck, simple as that. A man steps out of the driver's, while another sits in the passenger's.
| >>651189
>The passenger gets out moments later. They appear to be a female lilim... in a complete maid uniform?
| >>651190
>The man comes to meet her. He sniffs.
"Well, you know the drill. It's all in the back, I'll help you with the small stuff."
>He jerks a thumb at the end of the truck and passes the lilim by.
| >>651144
"As ever, boss."
> Rene polishes his determination, looking after Faye as she was carried over by CN.
>>651189
"Well, now, what is it now—"
> He worries for the most part. He awaits for the two, still, staying in the back to help carry the suitcase he packed.
| >>651174
>The girl mutters a thanks as she gets inside the mech.
"Seems like that's it for now, huh? You should get going."
>She does a bittersweet smile, and gets inside the cockpit.
>>651192
"Time to get moving... Wait, who's that? Do you know them?"
>Alisa looks on, confused. She then lets the boss know as well
"Well... just say careful, kay? Let's head out now."
>And of course, the old man stands by their side, protecting them as they move to the guarded van.
| (suddenly outside? i hope this transition is not too jarring.)
| >>651227
(I'm a stupid and forgot to mention that Rene heard the car, and didn't explicitly see what it was, sorry.)
| >>651238
(its ok! lets just say that alisa says that after stepping outside and everyone sees it? Is that fine with you?)
| >>651242
(A-okay for me. Now then…)
"Not in particular, no. Are they not regulars, boss?"
> Rene eyes the car, keeping a distance from them. He senses a certain unease towards the group of people there, and tenses as he walks along.
"The bar doesn't look the type to invite maid-lilims though."
| >>651244
"No. Don't know them. Of course, this isn't the Caramel Anne, so there's no need for maid... but stay careful for now."
>Unlike Rene, she's still remaining carefree.
"..."
>Alisa says something to the old man, and the old man goes back inside the bar, leaving just her and Rene to carry the luggage.
"He had a back pain one second ago, and had to go back in. I guess that just leaves two of us, eh? Mind helping me load the luggage into the vans? This one."
| >>651248
"Shouldn't need to ask. Point away."
> He takes the duty as told, still wary of the presence nearby them. He doesn't seem to doubt Alisa's story either.
| >>651255
"But it's nicer. Here."
>The catgirl helps Rene loads up the baggage into the vehicle quietly, in the dark shadow of the bar. It no longer looks like home, instead it resembles a ruined bandit hideout.
>Her mouth doesn't move. Occasionally, her body shakes a little when she passes the luggage to Rene. Her red eyes dart around, making sure the mysterious people is in sight all times. Her legs are stiff, as if ready to dash into action any moment.
"W-why are you so quiet."
| >>651263
"If I don't have anything to say, I won't say anything. But.."
> Rene notices his boss' language, spoken through her body. In fact, he read it most of it through -- he doesn't say a word, nor does he make a comment, he simply says when needed.
"..."
> He stops before his lips could open through. He shakes his head.
"If you want me to.. No, if you have anything to say, please, do."
| >>651268
>The catgirl says nothing in return. The loading feels like it has stretched to eons. The air flow slows down to a halt, and the temperature raises. Alisa can feel her palms getting sweaty, but she's not sure if Rene can feel the same thing. Maybe she is just straining too much for the whole night, and an abnormal appearance shocks her. Maybe it's the eerie exterior of the bar, so much so that even the sounds of gunshots can't be heard.
"Here... should be the last one."
| >>651283
> Rene loads the final luggage in. His eyes have trained to pass attention between his boss and the car, and the luggage; he waves off many of these things, but he affirms one.
"Hey.."
> He taps on his boss' shoulder. A gentle tap, not saying a word of the strength he'd used to move the items, only speaking for his inability to approach the situation as is.
"... Boss. You shouldn't force yourself like that. Say what's in your mind. Tell me, what's bothering you?"
| >>651287
>Alisa jumps with a yelp, a reaction akin to a balloon popping, if it was filled with pressure.
"Hiiee-... D-don't just tap me just like that! *sigh*"
>Seems like that lightened the mental burden that she went through earlier, as she now delivers more blunt lines.
"I- I know that your type were the ones to take after their bosses, but... I didn't tell you to get communication issues too! Jeez."
>She lets out a small smile, but some tension still remains.
"That truck..."
| >>651291
"S-sorry. It just felt natural to do that."
> Rene puts up his hand, awkwardly trying to figure out why he had done that -- he stares at his hand, leaving an impression that he had mentally degraded somehow.
"... What about it? It doesn't look hostile."
> Once he stops staring at his own hand, his attention goes back to the truck.
| >>651294
"I-"
>Alisa notices the staring. She worriedly grasp his hands, completely dismissing the truck...
"I- I'm sorry! I was just teasing you. You don't have to be taking it so seriously. You only did that because you were worried about me, so don't feel so hard about yourself, okay?"
>She bows profusely while apologizing
"It was my fault. I'll try to be more direct next time!"
>Yep. She completely ignored the truck, instead choosing to focus her attention on Rene's wellbeing.
| >>651301
"Don't be sorry-- It's.. it's my first time working with a boss like you-"
> Rene admits his mistake too, however, he had the better judgment to keep a still acknowledgment of the truck's presence. Still, it was hard for him to partition his attention span between the two -- even more so when close to him is someone important.
"Next time... please tell me if I'm doing everything right, wrong, or if they aren't what you wish for."
| >>651226
"You better stay safe!"
>CN yells out to Faye and smiles, and makes himself back to the bar as he sees the new arrivals.
>>651191
"Oh hey you two what's up?"
>>651301 >>651319
>He spots the tense atmosphere
"O-Oh dont worry guys. Remember Nym said she was gonna bring medical supplies over this way?"
| >>651191
>The lilim nods and begins to unload the truck, completely ignoring the tense atmosphere.
| >>651319
"Okay. I'll try to be more considerate next time! We were both having communication issues, hehe~"
>The catgirl nods, satisfied.
>>651340
"W-what? That was NYMM?? Holy shit, I just hasn't realized how scary she is to most enemies... UNTIL NOW."
>Alisa stumbles down to her knees, her tension gone from the body.
"CN, how did you meet her? She's a literal... walking weapon! I told the boss to go inside, the bar should still be "open" in case this happens."
| >>651456
"W-Well let's just say we all met up from one thread online and the rest was a VERY long history. And sure, I'll let the boss know."
>CN makes his way inside.
| >>651462
>The inside of the bar is still the same as ever. However, it has considerably more quiet, so much so that if you focus your ear, you could hear the AC pumping cold air into the place. Fahrenheit sits at the counter patiently. The rows of armchairs are unused. Somehow, it reminds of the first time you visit the place, when it was just a trip to review the establishment.
"Welcome back. Still here? You should really get going. Even you won't survive the EAGLE's forces."
| >>651456
>The maid lilim notices Alisa and walks over to her while carrying a box of supplies.
"I have been ordered to deliver medical supplies and to remain here until further notice. Where should I place the supplies?"
| >>651465
"I know but some friends of Nym and I brought some medical supplies for you guys. They're outside now."
| >>651466
"S-since when you're wearing a maid uniform? And you look like death from a distance! Uuuuu..."
>Alisa sighs in relief.
"You can put the supplies in the back here... or inside the bar. It's up to you! They're both safe spots. Oh and..."
>She updates Nym on the news, about how they were going to close up the place because an advanced party from EAGLE is making their way here to "rescue" a person.
>>651467
"Thank you CN. Your help is appreciated. Try to end the war, yes?"
| >>651471
"Of course. I hope you do too, last thing I need is friends making the job harder right?"
| >>651473
>Fahrenheit grins.
"Friends ALWAYS make the job harder. But they always make it more fun. Don't worry CN, I hate having to close up the bar. Doing this is akin forcing myself to be homeless."
>He snaps a finger, and calm ambient music starts to play inside the bar.
"Did you check the news on the way inside? It seems like our plans didn't survive contact after all. What a damn twisted fate. We got the *PEACE* between the gangs... Heh. They always be making our job harder."
| >>651471
>Upon closer inspection, the lilim that you're talking to is in fact, not Nym. This lilim is shorter than Nym and has a lighter shade of purple hair. More importantly though, this lilim is more obviously female when compared to the androgynous Nym.
>Despite this though, the lilim apparently doesn't react to the mix-up and listens intently to the update.
"Understood. I will report this to Mother."
| >>651477
>Upon hearing "Mother", Alisa suddenly realizes it's not Nym! but they have the same goal, and she have the same task, so it should be fine.
"Right. Since you have medical supplies here... we can try to keep this place open as a shelter... nah, probably need to discuss with the old man first. Anyways that's the gist of it. This place may or may not be in danger, but we're taking precautions to not lose any life."
>Her eye glances at a distance, where lies a spider mech.
| >>651476
"*sigh* Yes unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure how to convince *this* fighting to stop however, a corp is something else."
| >>651478
"Mother is on her way back. ETA is 15 minutes."
>The lilim gives a slight nod/bow and begins to unload supplies.
| >>651480
"I'll help. 15 minutes huh... We took about 10-15... so about 30 minutes until the forces arrive. We're running out of time."
>Alisa helps the lilim unload the supplies, after texting both CN and the boss about the timing, the medical supplies... and the decision to close up the bar, or stay open for the medical supplies.
>>651479
"I can help EAGLE and the gangs get together, but it seems they are already trying to do that. Do you have any info on what "NDSec" is?"
| >>651481
"Unfortunately not, this corp I barely have any info on, it's kind of why I'm strapped for what I can do."
| >>651488
"Of all people, I'd expect you to say that last, CN."
> Rene enters the bar again with a single phone in his hand. He kept staring at the phone, right before he tries to throw it -- catching it back mid-air and back to his hand.
"Shit- shit—"
> No cool action for him. He instead walks closer to CN, showing him the screen. It's a carousel of a few /u/ threads NDSec has made over the years.
"Handles cults and threats. Why are they here, though?"
| >>651507
"I suppose that's the big question... wonder if they're after CW."
>CN ponders, though he just continues to draw blanks
| >While Alisa and the lilim get into the rhythm of helping each other, the man from before appears to have listened in. Instead of the small stuff, he's switched it up to bigger or just plain /more/, but he seems more than physically capable of handling it.
| >>651508
"Still.. to think someone would interfere because of this-- reckless idiots."
> Rene pockets his phone again. Double-checking its position as soon as it landed.
"No direct attack from us then. Not that it was a plan to start with, but now it's becoming more a fairy tale than an stupid dream."
| >>651512
>Nym, upon entering the bar is greeted with the sight of Rene pacing around in frustration and CN big brain energy thinking. An old man is behind the counter, thinking as well.
"Ah, are you Nym? Alisa said good things about you. Thank you for helping."
>He continues to think, getting restless moment by moment.
"Regardless, we have limited time until EAGLE's forces start showing up to our doorstep. Do we really have to wait until the conflict is over?...."
| >>651515
>Alisa, while helping the lilim girl, tries to make up small conversation.
"So... you call Nym "Mother"? Are you like, a deviant of Nym or something else...?"
>Alisa talks to herself.
"Whoa, that man is strong. I'm jealous."
| >>651512
"Oh hey Mombot, I take it your search went nowhere if you're back this soon."
>>651543
"I... suppose you're right. For now it may be best to get everyone out until we have a grasp of the situation. We wont be able to figure anything else out like this otherwise."
| >>651553
"Of course. We're going to discuss things when we're at a safe place, possibly digitally. But for now we're going to lay low. It seems like neither side wants to harm civilians, so there's a plus. Let the situation evolve some more, then we take action, whatever it may be."
| >>651559
"Probably for the best then. You know how to contact me when then time comes, right Fahrenheit?"
| >>651543
>Nym sees the old man and gives a polite nod.
"Yes, I'm Nym. And it's no problem. This may not be my neighborhood but I can't exactly ignore what's going on."
>>651546
>The maid lilim pauses and tilts her head as she thinks.
"Master says that I come from Mother so I suppose."
>>651553
"I was hoping it would be enough to wander around but apparently, it wasn't. So, what's the plan here? I heard this place might be attacked soon?"
| >>651561
"I suppose attacked isnt the right term. Looks like the gangs all made up and gonna push against the security corp making their way into the city. They're gonna evacuate for now and let the dust settle a but before we plan our next move. I honestly dont have info on the Corp either so it's probably our best step for now."
| >>651560
"Yeah, Alisa signed you up to my awesome Daily Pickup Lines Subscription, so I know how to contact you. If it fails, I'll just make a chatroom online. Simple."
>>651561
"And thank you for helping Alisa while I'm not here. Feel free to stay, you guys are the honored guests today, hahaha!"
>Alisa tries to dig deeper, curiosity setting foot.
"Ah... So it's a lilim thing. I- I see? Master? I don't remember there's a Master in Lilims...?"
| >>651565
>Nym grimaces
"Great. Now there's a corp involved. It'd be nice if they could solve every nice and pretty like but why do I feel like with our luck, things are just going to get even more chaotic?"
>>651566
"Oh. It was my pleasure. She definitely seems like the earnest, hardworking type."
>Noticing Alisa's questioning, Nym quickly makes their way over.
"No, there is no lilim master. Elizabeth is referring to my friend Zolka, who made her. She isn't exactly... A traditional lilim. Then again, neither am I."
| >>651566
"Dont remind me... wait you *made* that!? I thought you just subscribed to it!"
>>651568
"Mombot you know as well as I do that it probably will, but at least they both are deciding not to get civilians involved. So for now our best plan seems to just be retreat and regroup."
| >>651568
>Alisa cries out and grasps Nym's hand
"Oh my god, I- I haven't realized how scary you guys are in the distance! I would never want to go against you! Too powerful!"
>She decides to drop the topic, seeing as it's getting too personal...
"At least... you guys are still lilims!"
>>651569
>The old man gasps in shock.
"Of course I MADE IT! CN, how do you think I keep this place open with virtually no customer 24//7?? And you were subscribed to the highest tier too!"
| >>651571
"How were you even getting money from it!?"
>CN exclaims
"Alisa had my contact sure but she sure as hell did have my bank account information!"
| >>651572
"Tsk tsk tsk. Just an old man trick, CN. Do not worry about a thing. Money doesn't necessarily buy you happiness, CN. Your wallet will be tired if there's too much."
>Fahrenheit goes on a tangent. Is this another one of "old people" language? He then shoots CN a sarcastic wink.
"How about joining me as an apprentice, that way you will learn the trades of a merchant? But I have to stay alive before I can teach you anything. And you have to stay alive so you can learn."
| >>651580
"I'll think about it and let you know when we meet up later. I'm not particular about earning money but we still have a lot of mouths to feed at home."
>CN sighs
"Some with much bigger appetites than needed..."
| >>651586
"Haha! Don't worry CN, adopting kids and taking care of them are *hard* work. I'll send some money over to help. Contrary to what I said earlier, an old coot like me doesn't need as much money. Besides, you helped our dear Alisa with her troubles lately. And you succeeded at preventing *her* from coming out."
>He offers CN a glass of water, perhaps as a parting gift.
"Drink it when you leave. Helps cool down your body in case you get burnt by EAGLE."
| >>651569
>Nym sighs.
"Yeah, you're right.
>>651571
"Aha... I guess we can look pretty intimidating, huh?"
>Nym's expression changes slightly, as if they suddenly remembered something.
"Oh right. If the hostilities do end up making their way to this side of town, just stay inside. Elizabeth will keep you all safe, alright?"
| >>651593
"A-ah... I'm blessed~"
>Alisa then opens her eyes wide.
"Wait a second, but we're planning to close up shop and leave this place soon... Are you sure we can stay? Wouldn't that be dangerous? If we do, we have to discuss this again with CN, the old man and Rene, because we agreed unanimously on fleeing."
| >>651595
"... Right. You make a good point. I guess we'll just escort the three of you home then."
| >>651597
"I know that breaks the promise of... I taking care of any injured people you send this way but I think they would be endangered too. Sorry for making you carry all this supplies here, and not making use of it..."
>Alisa apologizes and bows again.
"Sorry... and thank you for taking care of us! We'll gonna owe you a bit more, huh? And about the supplies, I think we can donate them to a shelter, or hospitals. They sure need and can make use of it better than we do!"
| >>651599
>Nym waves a hand in front of themself
"No need to apologize. I don't think anybody was expecting this turn of events. Bringing the supplies to a local shelter or something sounds like a good idea. And I wouldn't really say you guys owe us or anything. This entire thing was me being selfish and asking for a favor anyways."
| >>651587
"Thanks this will help me wake up a little, and... I won't say no to some money either."
>CN downs the water
| >>651604
"Well... if you're willing to forgive us, then we are even again! I- we have to pack up the supplies again, don't we? *sigh* Well packing them up is easier anyways..."
>>651605
>The water is cold and smoothing. You can feel it cleanses the Karmotrine inside the body.... effectively sobering you up. The old man nods, and he speaks into the intercom. His voice can be heard loudly.
"Okay people, we are going to move out soon. If you have anything to do, do it quickly."
| >>651608
"Guess I'll make my way out as well then."
>CN states
"Hopefully thing will get better instead of worse."
| >>651619
"Okay. Stay safe out there. I'll make sure this place is locked up safely and stuff, then leave."
>The old man waves goodbye to CN, and returns to his business. The smell of gunpowder in air is getting heavier.
| >>651628
"Right."
>CN turns to Alisa and Rene
"I'm heading my way out. Dont wait much long either okay? Well talk again soon."
| >>651636
"Okay. Take care. Don't die, okay?"
>Alisa waves goodbye to CN, and she gets ready to leave as well.
| >>651636
"Stay alert and wary, CN. Safe trip out there."
> Rene waves him a quick goodbye, seeing him out before returning back to Alisa and Fahrenheit.
"That's all. Are we ready? I'll drive, if what's outside is our ride."
| >>651676
"...I'll drive. You're still wounded. Remember your chest wound. Anyways, ojii-san will catch up with us later,cause he still have businesses to do. Meanwhile, we gotta go to a hospital, before we head home... if there's one."
>>651604
"Nym! Thanks for your help today, but I think I'm fine for now! You guys focus on getting the supplies to where it's needed the most, okay?"
| >>651679
"Hospital, or home? Home, I have plenty. Hospital, I never needed one—"
> Rene answers. He rubs on his chest, feeling the wound and the pain that he had silenced.
"—Mostly because my previous owners have their own settlement for this."
| (oops)
| >>651682
"Hospital. I... actually don't have a home. I just live in with the boss. Too bad there's no such luxury for us, huh? I've gotten a few tricks to deal with hospital, don't worry."
>Alisa has a complicated expression on her face. Did she have a bad experience with hospitals?
| >>651687
"Then, I will help with housing. If you guys are fine with the small space, there are some hideouts scattered around the City. Of course... this is assuming the other units haven't taken them."
> Rene has the most attempt at ignoring the expression. He doesn't want to ask, should it be any secret his boss has.
| >>651692
"No- I mean I'm fine with living with the boss. His house is okay-sized, I guess. Just saying. Now get in already. I'll make sure that you stay alive, hospital or not."
>Alisa then opens the passenger door for Rene to get in. A feeling lingers in the air still. If they get in the car and moves away from the bar, it will completely cease to exist. This world's eyes are of [The Cambria] only. There's no telling what will happen when they gets outside of bounds.
| >>651700
"You really should tone down your worry, boss. It's not the first time I got to this situa—… ow!"
> Forgetting to duck, Rene managed to hit his head before entering through the passenger door. He really should focus less on his boss whenever he is talking.
"--Ow."
> He taps his newly found bruise. It can't have hurt.
| >>651704
*sigh*
>As expected, Alisa's delicate fingers reaches up to where he was bumped, and rubs it slowly. A certain intangible warmth? Probably not? Regardless, her smile is strangely tantalizing.
"Okay. You proved my point. We're getting our ass to a hospital. Anything left to say?"
>She takes one last look at the bar. Goodbye [Cambria]. It seems like the next phase has begun.
| >>651705
"T-thanks..?"
> Rene didn't understand the question. He says a few 'ouch' and 'ow' as Alisa's fingers reaches the bruise.
"W-we may also need to.. ow—… ouch. We'll need to stop by to get my mon--- damn it, why does this hurt more than the gash—?!"
| >>651717
"oh my god... D-Don't die! I can't believe it! A bump is finally what ends you!!!"
>Alisa gasps sarcastically, but realizing her behavior earlier, she quickly stops herself, before any misunderstanding can happen.
"A-are you okay? Let me see your bruise. It could be serious."
>She then attempts to move closer to Rene to inspect the bruise. In an awkward position in the car, she somehow managed to get on top on him, in the tight passenger seat.
>Personal space? Gone.
| >>651720
"Boss.. boss—"
> When Alisa had pushed closer, Rene could only do so much as back off, and make her do as she please.
"—It's just an old wound! It's an OLD WOUND!"
> When she finally gains the position, his yelp is a new character for him.
"I'm fine, boss!!"
| >>651723
"OLD? You literally got it a few seconds ago! Stop resisting- O-oh."
>Only now she noticed what she was doing. The catgirl is on top of Rene, pressing her body against him as she tries to inspect the bruise. A faint smell of some old perfume lingers in the air, together with the subtle yet warm body heat.
>Her face is centimeters away from Rene's. It turns bright red.
"A-a- S-sorry! I-"
>She hurries and tries to distance herself, but it proves to be difficult...!
| >>651727
"H-how did you—?!"
> Rene too, tries to wiggle his way out. The situation is uncontrolled for him; the fragrant aroma helped little to alleviate him of his intermittent headache.
> However, Rene somehow manages to stuck himself closer to his boss. (d20-1 = 1-1) Given the best luck possible, he too, was unable to move any further.
> The heat rises, now from him and his completely beet red face.
| >>651729
>ZERO?
>Alisa struggles further as Rene is now unfortunately stuck to her. Despite that, some rational thought still remains. Alisa's hands wrap around Rene, hugging him. For a moment, their bodies melt together.
"R-rene. Calm down, okay? Freaking out makes it worse."
>She tries to reassure him in the most soothing tone possible, but her face is still flushed red with embarrassment, her eyes avoiding contact.
>Then slowly, she tries to disentangle herself from Rene. (13)
| >>651733
"T-this is.. such a bad w-way to—… know you."
> Rene too, avoids eye contact. His head pinned to the side as he can feel Alisa move about, remove their intertwining contact. Until that moment reaches to him, his breathing is heavy and he does his best to remain silent and calm. (11)
> The embarrassment had outgrown his own judgment.
| >>651734
"S-shut... Don't bump your head next time, okay?"
>Successfully calmed Rene down, barely... Alisa takes this opportunity to move around in the Rene's seat, and eventually, she successfully made her way back to the driver's seat. (20)
>This, however doesn't stop her face, nor her body from burning up. Alisa rolls the window down, possibly to escape the burning "heat".
>She doesn't say anything, as her mind still struggles to catch up to what had just happened.
| >>651737
"Sorry. I'll try not to be careless next time."
> Rene still had a hard time to process everything. His mind didn't draw blanks, but his eyes were past the point where they can see Alisa clearly.
> Was he always a klutz?
"... I'll.. pay attention to the perimeters. If you need anything, don't hesitate to say it—"
| >>651762
"O-okay. And I'll... try to be more considerate next time."
>Alisa answer, still in cloud nine.
>She just sits in the car in silence, the residual heat and Rene's body sensation still clear in her mind. After an eternity, she speaks up quietly.
"Let's NEVER talk about it again. Are we ready to go then?"
>She starts the car.
"T-this is for real. No uh... touchy stuff-"
| >>651834
"Y-yeah! Always ready!"
> Lacking any real, meaningful, or anymore clear answer, Rene simply gave a nod to help his reply. It's not a leap in faith to imagine that he is in the same state as Alisa.
"Hospital, right—? If we need any money.. then I should have enough in store."
| >>651837
"Money... isn't an issue. I got you covered. As long as I don't do any treatments at hospitals, I'm fine with that."
>Surprisingly, she can operate and drive a car while her brain is turned off, as if the act of driving is as natural as breathing.
>The car starts up and accelerates forward, away from the bar. It seems like everything has settled, at least from the thread's view.
>I can no longer control her. She's outside the range that I can reach her.
>[END?]
| >In the empty building, where everyone has left a few minutes ago, an old man sits on one of the chair, and has finished a phone call.
"Everything Green. Yes. Feel free to do that, but don't forget to watch for phantoms."
>He stands besides of the window, watching the ever-evolving war.
"Well then, time to get going."
>After he makes sure that the building is locked and impenetrable, he gets in his car and speeds off, catching up with the pair.
>When will the fighting stop?
| "Yes. Signal confirmed. It's 0041."
>First, the sound of machinery rolling and walking.
>Second, the sound of an army marching.
>Third, the sight of an APC, and two bipedal mechs escorting the formation, making sure that there is no threat. Their weapons made sure of that.
>And finally, the sight of a broken spider mech by the side of a closed bar.
>Two figures stand next to it, and they retrieve a wounded girl from the broken mech.
"Great! I'm glad you're still with us, 0041."
| >The two figures escorts the wounded girl to the APC, and after a few moments of waiting, the advance party moves on again, leaving the deserted place in silence, once more.
>Occasionally, giant fireballs lit up the dark night sky.
[END]
>Alisa's alter ego is still slumber.
>0041 becomes more pragmatic, and her goals are now more refined.
>Chose to close up the bar, instead of holding the place.
>The encounter with EAGLE's advance force is avoided.
>[Thanks for playing!]
This thread is permanently archived
| (Thank you for bearing with me, and the absurd characters and pacing~!)