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As a resident of New York, you, and pretty much anyone else who hadn't been living under a rock their whole lives, quickly accepted the fact that the definition of normalcy was constantly being redefined on a daily, and sometimes hourly basis.

Strange and terrible things could, and most likely would happen to you. And, unless you possessed superhuman abilities or were under the direct protection of such individuals, there wasn’t a damn thing you could do about it.

Sort of like Murphy’s Law, but much more immediate.

And it's things like that that allow you to casually take things in stride like the cool customer you are.

Just today, you introduced your sewer mutant friends to a rich, blind psychic and her computer hacker employee, only to receive a call from a anthropomorphic bird clone of Thomas Edison, asking you about a request you’d made to create a suit of armor using a rare space metal from a isolated African nation.

And now, you and your Russian huntress girlfriend are fighting an army of candy creatures that are being commanded by a random blonde woman who you’ve never met before.

But if you were being completely honest, this wasn’t even the weirdest thing to happen this week.

Almost immediately, you pressed your middle and ring fingers against your palms, causing web fluid to be expelled from your wrists at high speeds. The woman’s glistening eyes seemed to widen as the webbing enveloped her from the waist up. She struggled in futility for several moments, muttered a curse, and then let out an extremely muffled scream at the top of her lungs.

The police just watched in awe, and the woman’s crystal golems probably lacked the awareness to intelligently respond to your attack. You took advantage of that lapse in judgment and reeled in their leader, only to glue her to a nearby wall.

She blinked in surprise, belatedly realizing that her world had literally turned upside down…because that was the position you put her in. Her eyes grew wide and darted around in panic, until they found you again. And they screamed bloody murder.

“What? I kept it out of your hair.” you argued, glancing back at her.

And as soon as you took your eyes off of the crystal golems, they started moving towards you and the others.

Ana moved in strike at one of them with her spear, but she barely managed to make a dent in it. The other lumbered towards the cops, who were currently in the process dumping all their ammo into the seemingly invulnerable creature.

(Cont.)

What will you do?

>Tell Ana to get back so that you can melt this stupid golem.
>Test your strength and this creature’s durability by hitting it as hard as you can.
>Remove the webbing from your hostage’s mouth and ask her to dismiss her goons.
>Throw the bound woman over your shoulder and try to lure the crystal golems away from the cops and civilians.
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6110915
>Test your strength and this creature’s durability by hitting it as hard as you can.
>Write-in.
>Use the Programmable Fist Material for the hit.
Should be more effective and spare our knuckles.

>>6110915
>>6110966
Supporting. If that fails then grappling is unlikely to fail us afterward. Our feet can stick to the ground for added leverage, theirs can’t.

>>6110915
>>Test your strength and this creature’s durability by hitting it as hard as you can.

>>6110966
>>6110973
>>6111118
Roll 1d100, bo3! I'll update when I get back home from work,

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>6111183

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>6111183
Rollin’

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>6111183

>>6111279
>>6111367
>>6111679
>94

Taking these! Writing...

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>94

Before the nearest crystal golem could get any closer to the cops, you pulled a device out of your belt pouch and slipped it around your fingers. They sort of looked like brass knuckles, but bulkier, and there was a button on the side.

Knowing full well what that button did, you leapt at the golem and pressed it. Within mere moments, a sleek, silvery metal materialized around your hand to form an oversized fist, not too dissimilar to those “Hulk Hand” toys.

You brought that fist down on the construct’s head, putting all your strength into that one blow. And to everyone’s surprise, including yours, the golem’s head exploded upon impact.

The candy creation staggered backwards as thick cracks spiderwebbed throughout the remainder of its body. Another solid punch from you was all it took to reduce it to rubble. But, unfortunately for you, the shards from that impact flew right back at you, slicing your flesh, and your costume, in several places.

“And that’s how the cookie crumbles.” you said, trying to ignore the stinging pain from your fresh wounds. Those shards were sharp!

More than that, though, you could tell that this thing was unusually strong for something created by a candy wizard. You haven’t had to hit something that hard since your little squabble with The Rhino!

Anything less than your best might not have been enough. And if you didn’t have Phin’s gadget handy, you damn well might’ve broken your own hand in the process of destroying it.

The cops standing behind you were just gawking at you from behind the arms they used to shield their faces from the debris.

Thankfully, they weren't hurt. But that still left the remaining golem for you to deal with. Ana didn’t look like she was in any real danger, since the thing was so damn slow compared to her, but you also didn’t think she’d be able to take care of it in a reasonable amount of time.

And then there was your little hostage.

You turned back to check on her, and was relieved to find her in the same place. But her expression was…

She was staring back and forth between you and the pile of rock that had once been her crystal golem. Shock was the only emotion that you could read from her wide, bulging eyes. Her anger from before had apparently been momentarily forgotten.

What will you do/say?

>Smash the other golem, the same way you did its twin.
>Let Ana try out the Programmable Fist Material for herself. You doubt she’s seen a weapon like it before.
>Allow Ana to handle the remaining golem by herself. You’re interested in seeing how she’ll get herself out of this.
>”I’ve already proven that I can take anything that you throw at me, so why don’t you do us both a favor and come quietly?”
>”Is that thing supposed to be made of candy too? Because it’s tough as nails. Or diamonds. If we’re gonna continue having these fights in the future, then I’m gonna need you to pick a theme and stick to it.”
>Write-in.

>>6111716
>>Smash the other golem, the same way you did its twin.

File: Maximum.gif (1.1 MB, 168x126)

1.1 MB GIF

>>6111716
>Allow Ana to handle the remaining golem by herself. You’re interested in seeing how she’ll get herself out of this.
We learned some tracking lets learn some more. Should help with our synergy in the upcoming Hunt.

>Write-in.
>Dramatically flex and strike poses for our gawking audience while she fights.
We always roll high when we hunt with Ana.

>>6111716
>”Cast Fist beats Summon Candy Crystal Golem. I haven’t even needed my other spells yet.”
>Flex per >>6112066
> Allow Ana to handle the remaining golem by herself. You’re interested in seeing how she’ll get herself out of this.

Been thinking more about what another anon said about the one hostage escaping easily. I wonder if this chick is also a candy creation and he’s the one who made her?

>>6111716
>>Let Ana try out the Programmable Fist Material for herself. You doubt she’s seen a weapon like it before.
I dreamt about this actually.

>>6112066
>>6112213
>Allow Ana to handle the remaining golem by herself. You’re interested in seeing how she’ll get herself out of this.
>Dramatically flex and strike poses for our gawking audience while she fights.

Taking these. Writing...

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You briefly considered jumping to Ana’s rescue and smashing that second golem yourself, but you stopped when you actually got a good look at her.

She was enjoying this. The thrill of the hunt. The danger of tangling with a seemingly insurmountable foe. You were sure she wouldn’t mind if you helped her take this thing down, but part of you was curious as to how she planned to handle this herself.

So, you waited on the sidelines and instead focused on giving your audience a show.

The surrounding cops and civilians stared in disbelief as you raised a gauntleted hand and flexed your bicep. The confusion in their faces was evident, but none of them were moving to interfere with Ana’s fight, so you continued flexing in various poses to give them something else to look at.

“Welcome to the gun show, boys and girls…”

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Ana easily ducking a wild haymaker from the crystal golem. The following overhead strike was similarly unsuccessful, but it still managed to crack the asphalt with the weight of its blow.

Ana’s eyes never left her prey as she lowered her center of gravity slightly and reaffirmed her one-handed grip on her spear.

The crystal golem charged Ana without a second thought, and she took a couple of steps back until she was standing in front of a manhole cover. She stabbed her spear-tip into the gap between the cover and the surrounding asphalt and wrenched the shaft of the spear down. The manhole cover popped open a moment later and clattered to the ground with a loud thud.

The crystal golem refused to halt its charge, and Ana took a step back. Fortunately for her, her opponent wasn’t very smart.

The golem nearly doubled over as one of its feet sank below ground. Cracks began to form in its leg where it had tripped, and it struggled to drag its foot back out. At that exact moment, Ana threw out a handful of metal ball-bearings. The golem’s foot fell out from under it as it slipped on the marble, and the rest of its body fell to the ground along with it.

The cracks in its trapped leg spread deeper, then. Ana had already stepped around to stand beside the leg, her spear poised to strike. And with a series of precise, relentless thrusts, her spear-tip drove straight through the crystal golem’s leg.

It fell to one side and struggled to get up, but it was far too clumsy to manage that while Ana was there to push it over again.

Slowly, hesitantly, the cops stopped paying attention to your Gun Show and started to move in on the flailing crystal golem. They were still keeping a safe distance away, but even they could tell that it’s threat level had sharply declined with only one working leg.

You heard one of the officers call for even more backup, and decided that your welcome was about to be officially worn out. But…you couldn’t help but wonder what the point of any of this was.

(Cont.)

What will you do?

>Interrogate someone before you leave. Someone’s gotta cough up some answers. (Candy Wizard//Hostage)
>Give Julia an update on the situation. You’re pretty sure you managed to neutralize the threat, but it couldn’t help to get some confirmation from the support team.
>Slip away with Ana before backup arrives. This crime scene is about to get a lot more messy.
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6113350
>Interrogate someone before you leave. Someone’s gotta cough up some answers. (Candy Wizard)
Ana might be better interrogating the hostage. I’d trust her instinct to sniff out a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and we can tag team by hitting up the candy wizard ourselves.

>Give Julia an update on the situation. You’re pretty sure you managed to neutralize the threat, but it couldn’t help to get some confirmation from the support team.
Put her on speaker phone long enough to say hi to the candy wizard at least (and/or join the interrogation), and snap a couple pics of the hostage and the wizard to send along to Julia.

>>6113350
>>Give Julia an update on the situation. You’re pretty sure you managed to neutralize the threat, but it couldn’t help to get some confirmation from the support team.

>>6113350
>Interrogate someone before you leave. Someone’s gotta cough up some answers. (Candy Wizard//Hostage)
>Slip away with Ana before backup arrives. This crime scene is about to get a lot more messy.
>Give Julia an update on the situation. You’re pretty sure you managed to neutralize the threat, but it couldn’t help to get some confirmation from the support team.

>>6113350
>>Interrogate someone before you leave. Someone’s gotta cough up some answers. (Candy Wizard)
>"Sugar crystals not enough for you?"
>"and girl, what are you doing robbing a jewellery store when you can bring inanimate objects to life with magic? You could be at least a C-lister, but that's like... F-list. Nope, that's something else, forget I said anything."

>>6113538
>>6113682
>>6113824
>>6113915
>Interrogate someone before you leave. Someone’s gotta cough up some answers. (Candy Wizard)
>"Sugar crystals not enough for you?"
>Give Julia an update on the situation. You’re pretty sure you managed to neutralize the threat, but it couldn’t help to get some confirmation from the support team.

Taking these. Writing...

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By the time you finished flexing, Ana was already coming over to join you with a shard of crystal that she took from her golem.

“Great work. I was wondering what you'd do to take yours out.”

“It was made of rock candy. Not the sturdiest material, but it was surprisingly tough.” she said, waving around the crystal shard that she confiscated from the crime scene.

“I had a feeling it was something like that. It's a good thing I didn't try to take a bite out of them. My dental plan probably wouldn't cover something like that.” you said with a shudder.

“I've never seen you use that weapon before.” she said, staring at the oversized chrome gauntlet on your right hand.

“What, this? It's just another handy tool in my utility belt.” you said, deactivating it at the press of a button and returning it to its proper pouch in your utility belt.

“It was quite impressive. Did you build it yourself?”

You let out a brief chuckle.

“Out of my many talents, I'm afraid that building and programming nanotech isn't one of them. I bought it off an old inventor a while back.” you explained. “But he skipped town a few months ago.”

“I'm sure that a man of your ‘many talents’ is entirely capable of finding a new supplier.” Ana said with a teasing smile. “By the way, how many of the candy creatures have you slain today?”

“I dunno. I wasn't really keeping count.” you confessed with a shrug.

Ana gave you a slightly dissatisfied look.

“You should. A bit of friendly competition is necessary in a hunt.”

“Do I get extra points for punching my crystal monster into oblivion?” you asked.

Ana smiled and walked around to your left.

“You get extra points for providing me with eye candy during my fight.” Ana whispered, giving you a swift swat on the rear that nearly made you yelp in surprise. “But you really should have shown off your glutes more.”

“If you wait until we get home, I'll show you more than that.” you whispered back, confident that Ana could pick up on anything you said at this range.

“Will this be before or after we cook the steak?” she asked, circling you as if you were prey.

“I don't see a reason why we couldn't do both.”

“I can think of three.” Ana said. “Four if you count your white-haired immodestly dressed companion.”

Of course she knew about the Thief Girls. That nose of hers was going to get you in some serious trouble one of these.

“Then I guess you'll just have to settle for a private show.” you concluded. “But before we worry about that, we should gather some information from the victim and the perp. Something about this whole operation seems a little half-baked.”

Ana nodded her agreement.

(Cont.)

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“I thought so too. Where would you like to start?”

“How about you hit up the hostage, and I take the candy wizard? Make sure his story seems straight. I feel like he knows more than he lets on.”

You both shared a nod, turned around with a flap of your cloaks, and moved towards your respective interrogation targets. Yours was still hanging upside down from a web cocoon that you glued to the wall. She was struggling slightly, but seemed to relax when she noticed you coming closer.

“Sugar crystals not enough for you? You can literally create life, and you’re using it to rob jewelry stores? You’ll always be small-time if you keep thinking small.”

She gave you an agitated look and muttered something unintelligible. You thought about antagonizing her further by leaving the gag on, but you were running short on time, and couldn’t afford to stick around for very long.

You tore open the bottom of the cocoon to free her mouth, and she spat out a few stray strands of webbing.

“Ugh, what even is this?”

“You know, I’m not entirely sure myself. I’m thinking about going to see a doctor soon.”

The blonde woman opened her mouth to say something, sputtered from another stray strand of webbing entering her mouth, and then struggled to blow a web flap away from her face.

Out of the goodness of your heart, you moved them away from her face and gave her a moment to compose herself. She didn’t look “grateful” exactly, but she seemed slightly mollified by the small courtesy.

What will you say?

>”Was this really just a smash and grab, or were you after something else?”
>”Is making candy minions your only power? I saw you turn your skin to crystal before. What was that about?”
>”What were you doing in that jewelry store before? Is that hostage over there your accomplice?”
>Loop Julia into this interrogation. She might have something insightful to add.
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6114118
>”Name’s Huntsman, by the way. You were wrong place, wrong time when my girlfriend came in and we decided to look for something we could bash without worry. On a different day I could have given you my card first.”
Polite introduction.

>”What were you hoping to accomplish out here? Running solo is a risky business, even for a summoner.”
Fusion of the accomplice and “after something else” options. We’ll see if she lets slip on either of them and we can follow up from there.

If she opens up at all, I’d toss in
>”If you happen to find yourself not in jail for reasons then track me down. I know a lot of groups, and I’m sure one of them would be a good fit for you.”
Always Be Networking.

If she doesn’t,
>Loop Julia into this interrogation. She might have something insightful to add.
We can shoot her a picture to start with.

As an aside, I’m thinking of nicknaming her “Candy Queen”. Any other ideas, anons?

>>6114118
>>”Was this really just a smash and grab, or were you after something else?”

>>6114118
>>6114159
+1

>>6114159
>>6115228
>”Name’s Huntsman, by the way. You were wrong place, wrong time when my girlfriend came in and we decided to look for something we could bash without worry. On a different day I could have given you my card first.”
”What were you hoping to accomplish out here? Running solo is a risky business, even for a summoner.”
>”If you happen to find yourself not in jail for reasons then track me down. I know a lot of groups, and I’m sure one of them would be a good fit for you.”
>Loop Julia into this interrogation. She might have something insightful to add.

Taking these. Writing...

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“Name’s Huntsman, by the way. And you were in the wrong place at the wrong time when my girlfriend over there decided to look for something we could bash without worry.” you explained, all while attaching a webline to a light pole and dangling upside down from it. “On a different day, I could’ve given you my card first.”

You then whipped out your Desperado business card like a street magician and showed her both sides. She glanced between it and you.

“Charmed.” she said in a dry tone. There was no anger in it, however.

You tucked the card into a tuft of webbing near her face and patted it gently. The corners of her mouth curled into a slight frown, but it was gone as she refocused her attention on you.

“My name is Esme.” she said, sounding a bit posh.

Your eyes widened in surprise.

“I didn’t know we were on a first name basis. You’re getting awfully friendly for someone I just fought a minute ago.” you observed.

“Think nothing of it. I’m simply returning a polite gesture.” she said, squirming a bit in her web cocoon. She was clearly uncomfortable from having been suspended upside down for so long.

“Alright, Esme…” you continued. “So long as you’re being friendly, I’m hoping that you can answer a few questions for me. Like, what were you hoping to accomplish out there? Running solo is risky business, even for a summoner.”

She gave you a wry grin.

“On the contrary. Doing this alone reduced the amount of risk involved. And I accomplished exactly what I set out to do.”

“Kickstarting the Candy Revolution?” you asked.

“‘Finding someone capable of destroying my crystal golems’.” she claimed.

“Was it…really that impressive? Weren't they just made of rock candy?” you asked, rubbing the back of your neck.

Her brows drew together in what you thought was her fiercest scowl yet.

“They were! But they were also made to mimic the crystalline structure of diamonds as closely as possible. And you just shattered them as if they were made of glass.”

“And…you needed the shop owner for this little plan of yours?”

“He was helping me by providing his expertise on the matter.”

“Aha. So he was your accomplice.”

“Unwittingly, yes.” she admitted. “I manipulated him into doing my bidding.”

“How?”

Esme squinted, and a white, grain-like substance materialized before you. After several seconds, the grains reshaped themselves into something solid and recognizable.

It was a sugar cookie!

You stared in awe as it fell to the ground and broke into several pieces.

“Anyone who eats what I make is susceptible to my influence. They simply can't help themselves.” she said with some level of satisfaction.

Holy shit. Thank GOD you didn't eat that Gingerbread Man earlier!

(Cont.)

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“So, let me get this straight.” you cut in. “You got a guy to help you make your crystal golems, and then caused a panic to attract someone powerful enough to defeat them?”

“Quite right.”

“Why?”

Esme's eyes started glowing bright blue once again, and something red and round formed between her teeth. It looked like a gumball.

“Hake Dhis.” she muttered, leaning her head towards you.

You hesitantly accepted the gumball from her mouth and held it up to your eye.

“If you pop that in your mouth, you'll understand everything.” she explained.

“Didn't you just say that you could mind control anyone who ate your baking nightmares?”

She nodded.

“They can also be used to share memories. My powers are more particular than that of other telepaths, but mine give me more range if my sugar crystals find the right target.”

“See, when you use words like ‘target’, it just makes you sound more evil.”

“There are people far more wicked than you or I.” she said, a shadow passing over her face for only a moment. “You don’t have to eat it now, but it can explain things better than I can in the short amount of time we have left.”

She cast a meaningful glance over at a group of police officers. A few of them looked to be coming your way.

You nodded your understanding and pocketed the gumball for later. Hopefully it wouldn't get any hair or lint on it.

“If you happen to find yourself outside of a prison cell in the nearby future for reasons unknown, feel free to track me down. I know a lot of groups, and I'm sure one of them would be a good fit for you.” you said, releasing your grip on the webline and flipping right-side up.

Esme blinked in surprise, before barking out a brief chuckle.

“Quite the enterprising fellow, aren't you? Perhaps this meeting will turn out to be more fortuitous than I expected.”

She even spoke like a bad guy.

“Let’s hope you still feel that way after you spend a night in the slammer.”

As you started to walk away, you called up Julia and got a response almost immediately.

“Alright, Benji. Gimme the deets. Did you take pictures? God, I hope you took pictures.”

“No pictures, but I’ve got a chatty prisoner telling me that she only committed the crime because she wanted a moment of my time.”

“Seriously? Is she a secret admirer or something?”

“Well, she did just ask me to take a mind-altering drug." you said, remembering the gumball. "But...I think she wants my help with something."

"Did she tell you what it was?" Julia asked.

"She said that there wasn't enough time. And, in her defense, I'm not sure if it'd be a good idea for me to stick around much longer."

(Cont.)

You glanced back at Ana, who was currently looming over the Jewish store owner from before. The poor guy looked like he might wet himself. But as he shrank back, the cops in the surrounding area were growing increasingly agitated and territorial.

"So," Julia continued. "What're you gonna do?"

>Try to subtly help Esme escape. With a bit of trickery and some psychically enhanced candy, you think you can find a way to help her slip away.
>Pop the gumball in your mouth and wait for something to happen. Hopefully Esme didn't just lie to your face.
>Keep the gumball and wait for Esme to contact you in the future. She didn't seem terribly worried about the prospect of breaking out of prison.
>Toss away the gumball and forget the whole thing. You're not sure if you want to get involved in whatever the hell this is.
>Write-in.

>>6115433
>Keep the gumball and wait for Esme to contact you in the future. She didn't seem terribly worried about the prospect of breaking out of prison.
She said her mind-control gum balls can also be used to share memories. She did not say they could be used to mind control OR to share memories. An important distinction, and one I’d rather not test now.

But she was polite and that matters in our business. It’s enough to keep her in mind, and maybe surprise an opponent who isn’t expecting a mind-meld piece of candy to be shoved in their mouth.

Though if others want to help her slip away then I’m willing to spitball some ideas.

>>6115433
>>Keep the gumball and wait for Esme to contact you in the future. She didn't seem terribly worried about the prospect of breaking out of prison.

>>6115439
>>6115459
>Keep the gumball and wait for Esme to contact you in the future. She didn't seem terribly worried about the prospect of breaking out of prison.

Taking these. Writing...

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“I’m gonna wait for her to contact me. I’ve got a feeling that this won’t be the last we see of her.”

“Won’t that be a little hard to do from the inside of a prison cell? You really think she’s gonna use her one call on you?” Julia asked.

“Something tells me she won’t be staying there for very long.”

“Ooookay? Are you ever gonna actually explain these mysterious ‘feelings’ you’ve been having?”

“I’m just listening to my gut, Jules.”

Julia made a frustrated sound.

“I swear, you and Webb with your ‘hunches’...” she mumbled. “Can you at least tell me about the crazy candy lady’s plan? How exactly was she going to ‘destroy the economy’?”

“My guess? It might have something to do with the synthetic diamonds she’s been popping out. I’m sure the police will take care of everything from here.”

“Only time will tell.” Julia said in a nonchalant manner. “Thanks for handling that, by the way. Things could’ve gotten messy if we left her alone.”

“Things are already looking pretty messy from where I’m standing.” you said, raising your leg to brush wet cookie crumbs from your foot.

“Oh, come on. I bet you were having the time of your life out there. I can only imagine how many food-related jokes you threw out.”

“Not as many as I would've liked, but I take your meaning.”

“What’re you gonna do now? Are you and your ‘partner’ coming back to the mansion, or are you staying out on patrol?” she asked.

What will you say?

>”I’m already out here, so I might as well check and see what else is going on in the area. Picking up on anything interesting?”
>”I’ll give Sable a call and see if we can’t have that interview later today when she isn’t busy. Can you let the Morlocks know to meet us at her base?”
>”I need to see a guy about a vibranium shipment. It’ll probably turn into a whole big thing where I end up calling in the rest of my team. You know how it is.”
>”Nah, we’re turning in early. If someone asks, I’m not home.”
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6116109
>>”I’m already out here, so I might as well check and see what else is going on in the area. Picking up on anything interesting?”

>>6116109
>”I’m already out here, so I might as well check and see what else is going on in the area. Picking up on anything interesting?”
Sure, let’s see what else is going on.

>>6116334
>>6116825
>”I’m already out here, so I might as well check and see what else is going on in the area. Picking up on anything interesting?”

Taking these. Writing...

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“I’m already out here, so I might as well check and see what else is going on in the area. Picking up on anything interesting?”

“Um, let’s see…” Julia drawled, typing furiously on her keyboard. “There’s a self-proclaimed ‘gentleman thief’ giving the cops the run-around on the west end. I hear he goes by the name ‘Jackpot’. So far, he hasn’t been caught yet.”

“That’s not too far from here.” you noted. “What else have you got?”

“There’s been a notable uptick in gang activity.”

“What else is new?” you said with a sigh.

“This is different. Police reports have used the words ‘mangled’ and ‘maimed’ multiple times in these past few weeks alone. I know, because my algorithm picks up on it everytime a new one gets entered into their database.”

“And what makes them think that gangs are involved? I don’t know any off the top of my head that turns people into paste.”

“Well…after an exhausting amount of lab work, the authorities have positively ID’d a few of them, and all of them have gang affiliations, one way or another. This might be a case of vigilantism, but I’ve got a feeling that whoever’s doing this has a personal grudge against their victims.”

“Would you call that a…’hunch’?”

“Don’t you start with me, Benjamin Parker.” she warned.

“I was just kidding.” you said, barely able to suppress a laugh. “Anything else?”

“Uhhhh…I’m getting reports of a…big, vicious dog getting loose in Brooklyn.”

“Is it anywhere near BVA?” you asked, almost reflexively.

“It’s not that close, I don’t think. But I'll make sure that the school's staff stays informed and alert.”

“Thanks. Is there anything else?”

“Not at the moment, no.”

“Wow, really? No alien invasions or demonic uprisings?”

“Things are a lot slower during the day. Call me when the sun goes down and this city’ll really light up.”

You supposed that was fair. And, seeing as how you were looking for something to keep you busy, you couldn't exactly afford to be picky.

What will you do?

>Go after the gentleman thief. You're about to ruin his perfect record.
>Investigate the murder case. If someone's going after gang-affiliated criminals, then they might become a problem for you and Silvermane later on.
>Chase down that big dog and put a leash on it! You've gotta make sure that your kid's school is as safe as possible.
>Check in with Spidey. Julia said that Abe was running an errand for her. Maybe you can help him finish it faster.
>Write-in.

>>6117393
>>Chase down that big dog and put a leash on it! You've gotta make sure that your kid's school is as safe as possible.

>>6117393
>>Go after the gentleman thief. You're about to ruin his perfect record.

>>6117393
>Chase down that big dog and put a leash on it! You've gotta make sure that your kid's school is as safe as possible.
It’d be a little amusing to show up near the school in costume and sign some autographs for Cindy’s non-hero friends.

>>6117643
>>6117858
>Chase down that big dog and put a leash on it! You've gotta make sure that your kid's school is as safe as possible.

Taking these. Writing...

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“Are you already finished with your interrogation?” Ana asked, suddenly coming up behind you without making any noise whatsoever.

“Yeah. I think she wants to hire me or something.”

Ana raised an eyebrow at that.

“Surely there are easier ways to get a hold of you.”

“Apparently not.” you said with a shrug, sparing a glance for Esme. The cops were currently struggling with trying to pry her off of the wall and cut her out of that web cocoon. You almost wanted to help them, but the more time they spent trying to apprehend her, the less time they would have to go after you.

“I’ve actually got another report about an emergency over in Brooklyn.” you continued, leaning in closer and lowering your pitch to a whisper. “There’s a wild dog loose in one of the neighborhoods close to my kid’s school. I’ll tell you more about it on the way.”

“And I’ll feed you more info as the situation develops.” Julia promised.

“I would have thought your little one was capable of handling something as small as a ‘rabid dog’ on her own.” Ana put in.

“She might. But I don’t want to risk her, or any of those other students getting bit. Plus, she’s still recovering from her injuries.” you reasoned.

Ana nodded her understanding.

“Very well. You make a good point. Let us track down and cage this wild animal.”

“I bet it’ll be a breeze for you.” you said, wrapping your arm around her waist and firing a webline at a nearby building.

She gave you a smug grin.

“Mere child’s play.”

You were starting to think that it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to invest in a super-sniffer as your next power upgrade. Maybe then you could start tracking things as well as Ana and Callisto.

—---------

Whose perspective would you like to experience this scene from?

>Ben
>Cindy
>Write-in. (Within reason, of course)

>>6118694
>>Cindy
I was actually meaning to suggest that.
Quest has kinda dipped in personal interest.
protag change to Cindy through maybe half of the gangwar arc could certainly freshen things up a little.

>>6118715
That's very possible if the other players are okay with it! I've got a nice Cindy-centric arc coming up soon, and there's enough content prepared to play things from her perspective if that's something you're interested in.

I also plan on spicing things up with some new destinations to travel to within the city.

>>6118694
>Cindy

>>6118694
>Cindy
We can be on the receiving end of The Huntsman and his quips? That sounds interesting.

>>6118715
>>6118720
I’d be okay with some more party-centric mechanics where we switch from Ben to others he’s involved with in certain scenarios.

>>6118694
>>Cindy

>>6118715
>>6118849
>>6118818
>>6118995
>Cindy

It's unanimous! Writing...

>>6118849
I'll keep that in mind as a potential mechanic going forward! It would be fun to write from different perspectives.

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-----------------

Right about now, you'd normally be in Classic Lit taking notes. Thankfully, Miles agreed to take those notes for you, because you were currently killing time in the nurse’s office after being caught talking about vibranium and energy whips in the girls’ bathroom stall. You managed to play it off by saying that you weren't feeling well, but you couldn't help but wonder how this would contribute to the “Cindy Moon rumor mill”.

After getting into a fight on the first day of school, skipping classes to go fight bad guys, and getting caught sneaking in and out of your dorm, you were quickly developing a reputation for being a delinquent.

That honestly didn't bother you too much…

Well…it didn't bother you most of the time. Andre and Saya both seemed to be under the assumption that you were some sort of rule-breaking, karate-kicking badass. Carolyn probably thought of you as an artistically inclined harpy whose sole mission in life was to sweep Miles off of his feet. And Miles…

Well…he was just ‘Miles’. Dorky, creative, funny, and a decent listener. And…you were lying to him. You were lying to all of your friends here, aside from Wanda. And while that particular relationship had only changed recently due to a mistake on your part, you couldn't help but feel relieved to have someone else to share your secrets with.

Because living a double life was hard. Harder than you or your parents ever gave it credit for. The lies, the stress, the guilt. The constant unexplained tardiness.

You didn't know how you were supposed to spend the rest of your high school career lying to your friends and flaking on them all the time.

“You have been distracted.”

The voice was deep and familiar. Reassuring and foreboding, all at the same time. It resonated with your very soul, and sent a chill down your spine.

You glanced over at a skeletal bird standing atop a wooden platform on the nurse’s desk. You were pretty sure that hadn’t been there before, but it wasn't exactly unusual for your God to appear in strange forms.

“I'm not. I just need to do the bare minimum and try to at least appear to be a normal person.” you said, carefully undoing the straps of your boot and removing it from your foot.

You then set it aside and gingerly pressed both thumbs into several points on your foot.

You were expecting it to be swollen, or at least a little tender. But to your surprise, and delight, you didn’t feel any pain from putting pressure on it!

“Ha! ‘Six to eight weeks’ my foot.” you said in a triumphant voice.

The Night Nurse had clearly underestimated the rate at which you could heal. And, if you were being honest with yourself…so had you.

Lately, you've been healing faster than ever. And it's been a bit harder to moderate your strength.

(Cont.)

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Just the other day, you nearly tore your locker door off of its hinges! This, of course, hadn't gone unnoticed by your fellow classmates. By the time fifth period rolled around, there were already jokes and rumors flying around about “The Karate Kid Hulking Out”.

You somehow managed to convince people that the locker was just old, but the whole thing was still a major pain to deal with.

Miles seemed to be under the impression that all the attention you were getting meant that you were “popular”, but you were convinced that everyone was just watching and waiting for you to do something weird. Like a circus attraction.

That particularly troubling line of thought was mercifully interrupted by more words of wisdom from Khonshu.

“A ‘secret identity’ is not necessary to your mission.”

“Why not? Your ‘Fist’ has like, five of them.” you replied, flexing and wiggling your toes.

Despite the skeletal bird having no eyes, you got the sense that it was glaring in your direction.

Ah, yep. That bird skull was definitely facing your way. Against your better judgment, you held his unseeing gaze.

“A fair point...” he conceded.

You smiled at him and reached over to grab a sock from your bag. You'd had a feeling that this boot was coming off soon, and you were glad to be rid of it. You were pretty sure the cast on your arm could come off soon too.

Just then, a sudden commotion reached your ears from a nearby open window. You shoved your newly healed foot back into its shoe and stomped on the floor a few times, just to make sure you were good to walk on it.

“What's going on?”

“Your adoptive father and his flame have both arrived in full costume, and they are currently wrangling a black dog and signing autographs.” Khonshu explained, his skeletal bird form now perched atop the window sill.

His ‘flame’?

“Do you mean ‘Anastasia’? She's back in town?” you asked, running over to the window that Khonshu was staring out of.

Sure enough, Ben and Ana were standing at the school gate, greeting a crowd of curious students. The blonde huntress was tightly gripping the collar of a skinny, shaggy black dog that looked unlikely to bolt, even if she let go.

Ben, on the other hand, was behaving like a Hollywood movie star stepping foot on the red carpet. People were taking pictures, shouting questions at him, and asking for autographs. You were pretty sure they all thought he was Spider-Man, though. It was honestly an easy mistake to make.

“Are they wearing matching costumes? That’s kinda cute.” you said, observing the chaos from above.

Were there always this many Spider-Man fans attending this school?

“I’m more concerned about why they are here in the first place.” Khonshu voiced.

You shrugged.

“Dunno. Maybe it’s got something to do with that dog.” you said, before drawing in a sharp breath. “Oh my god! You don’t think they got me a dog, do you!?”

(Cont.)

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Khonshu turned his boney bird head to stare up at you.

After a slightly awkward pause, you cleared your throat and straightened your back under his scrutinizing gaze.

“Right. I’m more of a cat person, anyway.”

Khonshu nodded as if you’d uttered some sort of ancient truth.

“Felines are indeed majestic creatures. If you would ever seek to care for one, be certain that you are up to the task.”

You gave him a surprised look.

Was…Khonshu giving you permission to adopt a cat?

“Is…this a test?”

“No. You have had far too many of those of late.” Khonshu said with a shake of his head.

“Ugh. Say less.” you agreed with a roll of your eyes.

“I will not be silenced.” he defiantly proclaimed.

“No, I’m not telling you to-”

“There is something wrong with that dog.”

His serious tone stopped you short, and you followed his gaze to the tired black dog. And immediately, your mind switched into business mode.

“What’re we looking at here? Hellhound? Vampire Lord? Victim of an alien werewolf curse?”

It was a bit hard to stay serious when you could clearly see your foster father flexing in costume, in front of the entire student body.

“I think you should go and find out.” Khonshu calmly replied. “And do remember to bring a change of clothes.”

You tried to flex your injured hand, and frowned at the sharp pain that shot through your arm. When you looked back at Khonshu, he was staring back at you, his head rotated at an awkward angle while his body remained facing forwards.

“I’m fine.” you said reflexively.

“Yes…but you could be better.”

The bird skull began to glow, and the fabric wrapped around your arm began to shift. The signatures that had once decorated it were changing shape, quickly becoming unrecognizable to the point that you wondered whether or not this was a known language.

“Whaaaat…?”

The cast tightened around your hand until they resembled silk bandages, perfectly outlining the arm underneath. You flexed it a couple of times, and then blinked in surprise!

“It doesn’t hurt…!”

“Think of this as a crutch, and a tool, until you recover properly.” Khonshu advised.

“This is incredible! If Wanda were here, she’d totally call it a ‘magic mummy hand’, or something.”

“Then let us be grateful that she is not here.” he put in. “And you should take care not to miss your window of opportunity.”

You gave him a blank look.

“I believe the bell is about to ring?” he offered.

“Huh? Ohhhh! Right! Thanks for the reminder!” you shouted, running towards the door. “And the magic mummy hand!”

(Cont.)

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You didn’t stay long enough to hear your god’s disapproval. There was a marked change in your dynamic ever since you got your voice back. You weren't sure if he appreciated the new, chattier version of you, but you weren't sure that you cared either. Did that count as sacrilege?

That was another thing you'd have to meditate on. Later.

Right now, you had to get to your locker and pick up that spare suit that Matt lent you. Security wouldn’t let you go back to the dorms without a good explanation for why you were there instead of in class, so you had to act fast before these hallways filled up.

You removed your shoes and socks once more, before breaking into a full sprint. You focused on making sure that the front of your foot made contact with the floor first, so as to reduce noise, and then pushed off of the ground to propel yourself forward. Had you not been wearing a skirt and a blazer, you could have easily moved through these halls without making so much as a peep. But, as things stood, your skirt was flapping in the wind about as much as your hair was.

You cursed yourself for not switching to your gym pants beforehand, and flung yourself towards a nearby staircase. Hopefully there wouldn’t be anyone staring up from below.

You hooked your hand around a rail, swung yourself down and around, slid off of the descending rail with your bare feet, kicked off a nearby wall, caught the top of a metal door frame and flipped into another hallway a few floors below the nurse’s office. From there, you ran to where your locker was, slid to a near-screeching halt, quickly entered your combo and carefully opened the metal door to avoid any unwanted squeaking from the hinges. Despite the fact that it was supposedly “new”, you were already putting it through its paces.

As quietly as you could manage, you removed a black vacuum sealed plastic bag from the back of your locker and carefully shoved it into your bag.

Now all you had to do was make it to the front gate without-

“Well what do we have here?”

You flinched at the sound of a familiar, grating voice, and slowly turned to face the man. He had probably once had a muscular frame in his youth, but a bad diet and his dwindling youth had already had a clear effect on his physique. Despite this, however, he had a full head of gelled, shiny black hair and a fuzzy caterpillar of a mustache that was threatening to consume his mouth entirely.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in class right about now, Moon?” Mr. Gutierrez asked, looking as if he’d just caught a child with their hand in the cookie jar.

This guy was the absolute worst person for you to run into right now! After you ditched him the first time he caught you sneaking out, he’s had it out for you ever since!

You put on your most innocent, saccharine smile and slowly closed your locker door before he could get a better look at what was inside.

(Cont.)

“I was, but I had to go to the nurse because I wasn’t feeling well, and my next class is kinda far, so I thought I’d beat traffic by heading there a little early.”

“Oh yeah? What’s your next class?” he asked, his hairy arms folded over his chest.

“Uhhh, I think it was-”

In the wrong school building. Dammit!

“And why aren’t you wearing any shoes?”

You paused and stared down at your bare feet.

“Oh, right. Well-”

“Look, I don’t know how they do things back where you’re from…”

“Washington Heights.” you offered through clenched teeth, your smile slipping a bit.

“But around here, we wear shoes indoors.”

Mr. Gutierrez was about to become the first BVA security guard to get slapped by a magic mummy hand if he kept this up. Where had he even come from?

“Actually, weren’t you wearing a boot earlier? I thought you hurt your foot.” he said, suspicion creeping back into his voice.

WHAT, DOES HE SUBSCRIBE TO THE CINDY MOON NEWSLETTER, OR SOMETHING!?

You were going to have to cook up a reasonable excuse to get this guy off your back. And fast.

What will you say?

>"The boot was giving me a rash so I took it off and tried to limp back to my dorm room for some ointment."
>"I'm seeing this new doctor that offered me an 'experimental treat', and its working wonders so far! She did mention some 'worrying' side effects, though..."
>"Actually, I think that dog outside is mine. He misses me ever since I moved away from home, and I think he came looking for me."
>Stall him until the bell rings, and then disappear among your fellow classmates.
>Write-in.

>>6119460
>>"Actually, I think that dog outside is mine. He misses me ever since I moved away from home, and I think he came looking for me."

>>6119460
>"The boot was giving me a rash so I took it off and tried to limp back to my dorm room for some ointment."

>>6119460
>"I'm seeing this new doctor that offered me an 'experimental treat', and its working wonders so far! She did mention some 'worrying' side effects, though..."
Delirium and hallucinations. The most interesting ones today were a skeletal raven in the nurses office and Spiderman out front with a big black dog. Pretty sure those aren’t real, but at least it’s temporary!

The black dog thing could be seen as an excuse to see a hero, while the ointment excuse contradicts our initial one of beating the crowd a bit.

I can see another BS excuse that we didn’t find the boot ointment and can’t afford another trip to the nurse’s office so we left it behind and we’re hoofing it. If we get a three-way tie I’ll break for the boot vote on that basis.

>>6119460
>>"The boot was giving me a rash so I took it off and tried to limp back to my dorm room for some ointment."

>>6119531
>>6119578
>>6119665
>"The boot was giving me a rash so I took it off and tried to limp back to my dorm room for some ointment."

Taking these. Writing...

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“The boot was giving me a rash, so I took it off and tried to limp back to my dorm room for some ointment.” you said, a note of genuine embarrassment in your voice.

The security guard glanced down at your foot, and you moved it behind your other leg to hide it.

“Well…why didn't you just ask someone else to get it for you?” he argued, sounding a bit flustered.

You shook your head frantically.

“No way! Do you have any idea how embarrassing that would be?”

You gave the man a pleading look. If he somehow hated you more than you thought he did, then he might just escort you to the counselor’s office to be spiteful.

“You wouldn’t have made it like that before the bell rang.” he said, his eyes softening a bit.

“I might have if you hadn’t stopped me.” you thought, but didn’t dare say out loud.

He let out a sigh and shook his head. You prepared for the worst.

“Do you need me to help you to your room? Or call someone?”

You blinked in surprise.

“Thanks, but…I'll manage on my own.”

The man guffawed.

“With only one good foot?”

“I might still be able to make it if you let me go~.” you said in an optimistic tone.

He waved a hand at you.

“Don't worry about it. Just tell your teacher to come see me later.”

You gave him a grateful smile and bowed your head.

“Thank you so much. I’ll be sure to get the, um–ointment and-”

“And get someone to help you to your dorm.” he reminded you.

You slowly backed away, faking a limp to the best of your ability.

“If someone's available, sure.” you lied.

“I'm serious, Moon. You can't do it all alone. I don't care how much karate you know.”

You suppressed an eye roll, but you didn’t wanna ruin this moment. This was the most civil conversation you've ever had with this man. It was almost enough for you to forget that he was basically your arch-nemesis.

But, good things couldn't last forever. You knew that more than most. So as soon as he turned his head, you dove out of a nearby window without hesitation.

—----

After picking twigs and leaves out of your hair and slipping your shoes back on, you ran over to the gathering crowd of students and pushed your way towards the front.

“Excuse me! Sorry! Coming through. Move…out of the…way!”

You had to dodge a few elbows and shove some people out of your way. But after a few seconds, people started to notice you, and a susurration ran through the crowd far faster than you could have moved.

You picked up the words “Karate Kid” more than once. And you might’ve gotten a little annoyed if it wasn't working in your favor.

People started moving out of your way as if you were the neighborhood bully showing up at a playground.

Ben must’ve noticed the disturbance, because he was already looking in your direction by the time you reached him.

(Cont.)

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You decided to wait until he was done signing his latest autograph, though. Just so you didn’t seem overeager.

“There you go. ‘Spider’…’Man’…”

You recognized the fan as a fellow first-year student. He looked at the composition notebook that had just been autographed with a mix of awe and…slight disappointment.

“You, uh…forgot the hyphen.” he said.

Contrary to everyone else's expectations, Ben looked pleased by this interruption.

“I was just testing you. And you passed! Here you go.”

He then used the marker to add a hyphen between “Spider” and “Man”, and added a webshot on the notebook’s cover.

The guy nearly fainted, and there were more than a few people trying to get a look at that signed and webbed notebook of his.

You shook your head and laughed. Ana just rolled her eyes.

When had Spider-Man gotten this popular? Maybe this was another social media thing. You'd have to ask Wanda later.

You took a step forward, and the old dog in Ana’s grasp shifted its gaze up to stare at you. There was…intelligence in those eyes. Like he was assessing you.

“And what would you like me to autograph, little lady?” Ben asked, twirling the marker between his fingers. “I'll even throw in a webshot and a selfie. I'm feeling generous today.”

“I hope you're not charging for these.”

“Come on, I'm not that evil.” he said with a wave of his hand, before leaning in to whisper. “Why? How much do you think I could get?”

“Huntsman-”

“I don't know who this ‘Huntsman’ guy is, but he sounds a lot more handsome and a lot less evil than me.”

You gave him a wry grin and extended your arm.

“Sign my magic mummy hand?”

“Don't know what that means, but I'm just gonna make it out to ‘Karate Kid’. That cool?”

You chuckled as he wrote your school nickname on the bandaged arm, only for the ink to disappear a moment later.

You both exchanged a glance, and you rolled your sleeve back down to hide it from everyone else. It was clear that neither of you had expected that to happen, but now definitely wasn’t the right time to talk about it.

“Thanks.” you said, turning your attention to the shaggy black dog. “Cute dog.”

Ben shrugged.

“Sure, I guess. If you squint really hard and stand really far away.”

You knelt down and reached over to pet him. The dog let you do it, but his tail didn't budge an inch, and he didn't break eye contact the entire time. It was more than a little unsettling.

“He is a mangy little thing. But terribly well behaved.” Ana said. “I wonder who trained him.”

You smiled up at Ana and wordlessly mouthed a greeting. She returned the smile and mouthed a greeting of her own.

“Does he have a tag?” you asked out loud, reaching under his neck to check.

(Cont.)

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Your hand found multiple tags, some of them made of wood, stone and silver. None of them had any names on them, but–

Wait. Were these…charms?

“Where did you come from?”

“It is an honor to meet you, Cindy Moon.”

You locked eyes with the dog, watching as he opened his mouth to utter words that should have been impossible for him to articulate. His jaws simply opened and closed.

You glanced up at Ana, but she didn’t look like she had heard anything strange.

“I was sent by your grandmother to retrieve you, and bring you to the Monster Metropolis.”

You gave him a confused look.

“That’s impossible. My grandma died when I was little.” you whispered back, earning you a curious look from Ana.

“I understand your confusion, but I can assure you that she is alive and well. And now, she has requested your presence.”

Your mind raced as you considered the implications of this dog's words. Your grandma was still alive? Why would she send a dog? Was she in trouble, or was this some kind of elaborate trap?

And what the hell was a “Monster Metropolis”?

What will you say/do?

>”What the hell is Monster Metropolis? Where is it, and why is my grandmother suddenly alive and living there?”
>”What's your name? I see a lot of stuff on this collar, but no name-tag.”
>”Is she in danger? What's the emergency?”
>”Whatever you are, you sound smart. Couldn't you have found a better way to contact me?”
>"I'm gonna need some proof before I ditch school to follow a random talking dog."
>"We shouldn't talk about this here. Maybe you could like, run off, and I could chase after you?"
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6119898
>>"I'm gonna need some proof before I ditch school to follow a random talking dog."

>>6119898
>”What's your name? I see a lot of stuff on this collar, but no name-tag.”
Better than calling him “dog” all the time. If he says he doesn’t have a name then I say it’s now Shaggy. Thoughts from others?

>"I'm gonna need some proof before I ditch school to follow a random talking dog."
We may not have any enemies who would want to trap us in a way this convoluted, but Khonshu might, and a missing family connection is obvious bait. Makes sense to press a little harder.

>”If this isn’t an emergency then my grandmother will need to wait until my current guardian is available to accompany me.”
If this is going to be a meet-and-greet with family then our current family should be with us. He has that right.

I’m a little soured on this whole thing even if it’s legit. A once-thought-dead grandma “requesting our presence” like we’re being invited to a ball? If she wants us to drop what we’re doing to make time for a family summons then what’s her excuse for failing to notice her kid died and left an orphaned granddaughter until now? She has more responsibility towards us than Ben did, yet there’s no acknowledgement of that by inviting him?

I may have words for grandma later depending on her excuses.

>>6119898
>"We shouldn't talk about this here. Maybe you could like, run off, and I could chase after you?"
Uhhh, we are already known as the 'Karate Kid' against our will. Better not be seen having full conversations with a dog.

>>6119898
>>6120285
Know what, I’ll support this first. Could also have the dog steal something from us.

Not like everything else I voted for can’t be said later.

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Sorry for the delay! It was my birthday yesterday!

>>6120285
>>6120293
>"We shouldn't talk about this here. Maybe you could like, run off, and I could chase after you?"

Taking these, first. Writing...

>>6120946
Happy birthday, Scorekeeper!

>Pic
The child in the back is clearly an alternate universe Cindy who is tired of Ben skimping on real performers by hiring himself for all her parties.

>>6120955
Thanks! I love that headcanon!

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“We shouldn't talk about this here.” you said, glancing between Ana and the dog. “Maybe you could run off, and I could chase after you?”

“On a broken foot?” Ana asked, staring down at your uninjured foot.

It was around then that Ben noticed you weren't wearing your boot. He didn't say anything out loud, though.

“If your foot is meant to be broken, then I'm afraid that won't do.” the dog said, his voice sounding a bit old and haggard. He also had an accent that you wanted to call…’Northern English’? You weren't too sure. And, now that you were this close, you noticed that this dog had seen better days. You could feel scar tissue and stiches in certain places as you continued petting him. It was as if he'd gone through multiple wars and somehow lived to tell the tale.

By now, both Ana and Ben were starting to pick up on the fact that you were having a conversation that they weren't a part of.

“Got any better ideas?” you whispered, still faking a smile for your audience.

“I do, in fact. But it all hinges on whether your friends here are any good at improvisation.” the dog said.

You peeked over your shoulder at Ben before turning back to give the dog a flat look.

“I think they can handle it.”

The dog bobbed its head marginally, and after a moment, you interpreted it as a nod.

“Very well. Do I have permission to bite?”

“Bite?” you hissed.

Now Ana definitely looked alarmed.

“Do I have your permission to bite you?” he asked, polite as could be. “If I might be allowed to do so, then these two here can pretend to escort you to safety.”

You frowned at him, but you couldn't think of any better ideas. It looked like you were going home early today.

“Mm. Okay, fine! But make sure you bite this one!” you whispered, offering him your bandaged arm.

The dog sniffed at it, and his eyes widened slightly.

“That's a powerful enchantment, Miss. I'd expect nothing less from the ‘Hunter's Moon’.”

“Just get on with it, already!” you hissed through clenched teeth.

Ana was giving you a searching look by this point, but you didn’t have time for her right now. Instead, you looked to the only person who would understand you in this situation.

You locked eyes with Ben and signed a few words repeatedly.

“Play along, please. Get me out. Friendly dog.”

You did this over and over again until you thought it registered. Then, you gave the dog a private thumbs up and stared up at Ana.

“Let go.” you whispered, as quietly as possible. “Trust me, and don’t hurt him.”

She still looked bewildered, but she did as you said.

(Cont.)

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Immediately afterwards, the black dog’s features curled into a vicious snarl, and he lunged at you, breaking free from Ana’s grasp! Had you not been prepared for it, you might’ve grabbed his throat reflexively. But that would’ve defeated the purpose of the entire ruse. So, you fell back on your butt and let out a pained cry as the dog's jaws locked onto the bandaged part of your arm.

You feigned an attempt to shake yourself free, and he pretended to shake you around a little as Ana pulled him off of you and wrestled him under control.

“Are you alright!?” Ben asked, sounding genuinely worried. Even after you warned him beforehand. He was a sweetheart like that.

“I...I think I'm bleeding!” you said, clutching your arm. And, sure enough, blood began to flow from your bandages. Too much, in fact!

The crowd of onlookers gasped. Ben looked downright horrified.

“But not that much!” you amended, and the steady flow of blood slowed to a barely noticeable trickle.

“No, she is not ‘alright’.” Ana put in, easily restraining the black dog. “This dog is sick.”

“Wait…are you saying that this little girl was just bitten by a…demonically possessed dog!?” Ben exclaimed in an overdramatic fashion. “That would explain the blood loss.”

You glared at him. He didn’t need to add the “little” part.

Murmurs and gasps circulated through the crowd at that explanation. No one was quite sure what to believe. Some looked like they wanted to come to your aid, but they were all hesitant in the face of the snarling dog. No one was going to take any chances after it “slipped” out of her grasp once already.

“That…may be so.” Ana offered, not even sounding like she believed it herself.

“Then we don’t have any time to waste! We’ve got to get her to a doctor that specializes in this type of thing. Luckily…”

Ben walked over and scooped you up in his arms.

“I know a guy!”

A moment later, Ben was swinging through the air with you clinging to his neck. You could just barely make out the worried faces of your fellow students as he rounded a corner and shot out another webline. You almost forgot how fun it was to swing through the city like this. You couldn’t believe that Ben, Abe and Joy got to do this all the time. And without a grappling hook!

It was seriously unfair...

“Hey! You okay?” he asked, looking you up and down. “That was, uh…a lot of blood. Was that fake?”

“No...that blood was definitely real. But it wasn’t mine.”

“That’s creepy. How’d you pull it off?”

“Khonshu placed a boon on my cast, and now I think it’s magic. I’m still not sure exactly what it does, though.” you explained.

“It erases permanent ink and spills buckets of blood, apparently.” he said with a dry chuckle. “Don’t ever do that again. I thought you were seriously hurt for a second there. Again.”

(Cont.)

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You smiled at him.

“You worry too much.”

“I worry the perfect amount for someone who just watched his kid bleed enough to fill a bathtub.”

His kid. He really did think of you as family. It wasn’t just lip service. And, in your most private of thoughts, you sort of thought of him as…

No. There was no “sort of”. Ben was your hero. You felt safe with him. Protected, even. He went above and beyond for you when no one else would. You would never forget that.

“You’re not the one who has to wash it out of her uniform!” you shot back, still grinning.

“I’ll order you a new one.”

“Thanks…” you said, your smile faltering as your thoughts drifted back to what the shaggy black dog had said earlier. Your grandmother was still alive!

Or…maybe she wasn’t, and this was all a trap. You couldn't know for sure, but you at least wanted to investigate further before you made any snap decisions.

“Hey.”

You looked over at Ben.

“Hm?”

“Were you talking to that dog earlier?”

—--------

Several minutes later, you and Ben met Ana in a mostly empty parking lot. You’d changed out of your bloody uniform, cleaned yourself off, and changed into your temporary costume. It was just a generic white ninja outfit, but it would have to do for now.

“That was a neat trick, with the blood.” said the dog. He was sitting obediently by Ana’s side. The woman had a firm, vice-like grip around his neck this time.

“Thanks. It surprised me too.” you said, not at all amused.

And neither was Ben. After you told him a bit about what happened, his demeanor changed almost immediately. You could tell from his body language. He was angry.

Not at the black dog, but at your supposedly living grandmother. You were still too shocked and confused to be angry. You were sure that it would hit you eventually.

“Do you have a name?” you asked.

“I have gone by many names in the past.” he offered, unhelpfully.

You nodded.

“I’m gonna call you ‘Shaggy’ for now. Cool?”

He stared at you for a moment, before letting out a non-committal grunt.

“Do as you will.”

Ana and Ben exchanged a glance. They still couldn’t understand him, but they were willing to wait for you to communicate it to them.

“Cool. Now, do you have any actual proof that anything you’re saying is actually true?”

“Nothing concrete. But…she told me to tell you that your mother’s cookbooks double as spellbooks. You just have to know how to use the correct alchemical reagent to reveal the hidden text.”

You gaped at him.

“Wait…seriously!? Those have been spellbooks this entire time?” you asked, giving him a suspicious look. “How’d you know about my mom’s cookbooks?”

Shaggy scratched at his neck with one of his back feet.

(Cont.)

“Family tradition, I suppose. Your grandmother does roughly the same thing. Although, I’m guessing that your mother was waiting to tell you until you reached an appropriate age.”

You squinted at him.

“Alright. Say I do believe you…” you went on. “Why’re you-”

Your next question was interrupted by the sound of Ben’s phone ringing. Everyone glanced at him.

“It’s your school. I should take this.” he said, still sounding like he was in a sour mood.

You nodded your understanding and he stepped away for a moment. After a moment, you returned your attention to Shaggy.

What will you say?

>”What the hell is Monster Metropolis? Where is it, and why is my grandmother suddenly alive and living there?”
>”Is my grandmother in danger? What's the emergency?”
>"Why did my grandmother wait this long to contact me? Why haven't I heard from her until now?"
>What are you actually supposed to be? Like, what species?"
>"If I'm going anywhere with you, Ben's coming with me. And Ana too."
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6121034
If you have many names yet don’t give one, an additional one will be assigned. Shaggy brought it on himself.

>”What the hell is Monster Metropolis? Where is it, and why is my grandmother suddenly alive and living there?”
>"Why did my grandmother wait this long to contact me? Why haven't I heard from her until now?"
>”If I go there without Ben then he’ll probably ground me for the rest of my life. And find a way to do it in the afterlife. Will you be joining, Ana?”
>“…Past tense, not present. You two already know. How long?”

Probably for the better Ben is on a call so he can avoid hearing the last question.

>>6121034
>”What the hell is Monster Metropolis? Where is it, and why is my grandmother suddenly alive and living there?”
>”Is my grandmother in danger? What's the emergency?”
>"What are you actually supposed to be? Like, what species?"
>"If I'm going anywhere with you, Ben's coming with me. And Ana too."

>Write-in.
>"Who are you to my grandmother, what is your relation? Servant, lieutenant, employee, bodyguard, carrier pigeon, familiar?"

I actually don't want to hear the excuses about no contact second hand. We can hear them directly I think, maybe there was a good reason but I doubt it.

>>6121080
+1

>>6121080
Fair, I had been thinking that earlier and voted against my own thought process. I’ll drop my own vote for it.

I’d still like advance warning on how long they’ve known since it might be a gut punch in itself, and asking that now gives us time to get over any kneejerk reaction if it sounds bad.

I’d also wondered if Ben knowing now would be better or worse. He’s already upset, it could harden him too much in the initial meeting. Cindy is more level-headed right now, whereas she might be more upset later. I ended up voting to hear it without him and we can mention it if it’s not long from their perspective. Having him calm down would be good if we can find reasons for it.

If there’s timey-wimey shit involved then I’d clarify it as their time, not ours.

>>6121034
>>6121046
+1 to the other write-in, -1 to the “why wait so long” vote.

>>6121046
>>6121080
>>6121225
>>6121451
>”What the hell is Monster Metropolis? Where is it, and why is my grandmother suddenly alive and living there?”
>”Is my grandmother in danger? What's the emergency?”
>"What are you actually supposed to be? Like, what species?"
>"Who are you to my grandmother, what is your relation? Servant, lieutenant, employee, bodyguard, carrier pigeon, familiar?"
>”If I go there without Ben then he’ll probably ground me for the rest of my life. And find a way to do it in the afterlife. Will you be joining, Ana?”
>“…Past tense, not present. You two already know. How long?”

Taking these. Writing...

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“What the hell is ‘Monster Metropolis’, and why is my grandmother suddenly alive and living there?”

Ana’s gaze sharpened at the mention of such a place, but she remained silent.

“It's exactly what it sounds like. A safe haven for creatures of all kinds. It also acts as a hub for trade and a shortcut between other realms. It exists on a plane parallel to that of your own, underneath this very city that you call home.” Shaggy explained.

Your eyes went wide. A place like that really exists!? Why weren't you told about it?

“And my grandmother's been living there all this time?”

Shaggy nodded.

“For as long as I've known her. She helps keep the peace between its denizens, as is the tradition of women in her family. In your family.” he corrected. “As such, she feels an obligation to the place.”

What about an obligation to family? She could’ve written a letter or sent a postcard, or something…

“So…what are you supposed to be, anyway? Like, what species?” you asked, as polite as possible.

“My little princess was bitten by a WHAT!?” Ben shouted.

You both turned to look at him, and Shaggy snorted.

“Three-legged dog. ‘Samjogku’.”

Your eyes lit up as you turned back to face him.

“Demon shapeshifter. Korean folklore.” you said, recognizing the name. “You guys always looked bigger in the picture books.”

Shaggy bared his teeth in what you assumed was a grin. Ana gave the dog a dubious look before reaffirming her grip.

“You're well informed. Your mother taught you well.”

You had to fight to keep yourself from scowling at him.

“And where was security during all this!?” Ben shouted.

That helped you to calm down a little. Ben’s little performance back there was distracting you so much that you found yourself paying attention to both sides of the conversation.

You squinted at Shaggy, tilted your head to the side and stared at his hind legs.

“I count four legs. Did you get a transplant or something?”

“The back left leg is fake. A wooden replica with an enchantment that allows me to fool most people.” he explained.

“I thought Samjogku were capable of shifting into human form. Why didn't you just pretend to be human when you delivered the message?”

“My ability to shift into human form has been stripped from me long before you were born, girl. I just followed a trail until I found you.”

Well, he probably could've shifted into something a little more inconspicuous, but you decided not to mention that out loud.

“This is unacceptable! I expect you to protect my child while she's under your care!” Ben exclaimed.

Shaggy sniffed the air and pointed his nose at you.

“What about you?”

“Me?” you asked, pointing at yourself.

“What are you, exactly?”

He tilted his head in a way that made him seem more dog-like.

(Cont.)

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“I'm human.” you stated simply.

He didn't look convinced.

“No…not completely. You don't smell like any human I've ever met before. It's vaguely familiar, though. Perhaps you have a mixed heritage.”

You folded your arms over your chest and huffed at him.

“I might not be on the PTA yet, but I plan to be! And you'd better believe in bringing this up at the next, next meeting.” Ben declared.

Now he just sounded like he was venting his frustrations over the phone.

“Why don’t you ask your boss?” you suggested. “Who are you to my grandmother, anyway? A servant? Lieutenant, employee, bodyguard, carrier pigeon, familiar?”

Shaggy smacked his lips and raised his nose to the air.

“Mm…I suppose you could say…all of the above.”

You rolled your eyes at the frustratingly vague answer.

The black dog seemed to take some pleasure in that.

“I have been in your family's service for some time now,” he continued. “With your grandmother's death, I would have been placed in your mother's service. And in her absence…”

Your shoulders drooped.

“You would be placed in my service…”

He bobbed his head. A pit formed in your stomach.

“Before, you said that my mom was waiting to tell me about the spellbooks. You used past tense, not present.”

Shaggy shifted uncomfortably in Ana’s grip. It was about the only time you’ve seen him lose his composure.

“How long have you known?” you asked, unconsciously balling your hands into fists.

Shaggy lowered his head. That told you everything you needed to know.

“Not long after it happened, word reached your grandmother. That’s another part of the reason why she has sent for you.”

All this time!? She’s known this entire time, and she waited until now to reach out to you!? She’d better have a damn good explanation for all of this, or you were going to join Ben in telling her off.

“And what’s the other reason? Is my grandmother in danger? What's the emergency?”

“The balance of power is shifting in the Undercity. An outsider…a cursed, gods-forsaken wretch of a man known as ‘Skul the Slayer’ is threatening to upend everything we've built. An army of monsters has rallied behind him, and we fear that his ambitions may continue to rise until they reach the surface. Your realm.”

“And what does she want me to do about it?” you asked, unable to hide the incredulity in your voice as you placed a hand on your chest.

“She needs your help to deal with Skul, without killing him and turning him into a martyr.” Shaggy answered, his gaze intent on you.

You groaned.

“She couldn't even come to deliver the message herself? I haven't seen her since I was like 3.”

“It would have been too dangerous. Your grandmother has enemies up here as well as down there.” he explained.

(Cont.)

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“Oh, I'll sue! Believe me, I've got money to spare.” Ben declared.

You glanced over at him and shook your head. He was overselling it.

“If I go there without Ben, then he’ll probably ground me for the rest of my life. And find a way to do it in the afterlife.” you added.

Shaggy’s eyes drifted over to the man ranting and raving over the phone.

“This is the man who’s been taking care of you? I have no problems with him accompanying you, then.” he easily agreed.

You nodded, glad that he didn’t try to fight you on the matter.

“Will you be coming too, Ana?”

The Huntress’ eyes focused on you once more.

“To this ‘Monster Metropolis’, you mean? I would very much like to see it for myself, yes.”

“Good. Because I could use the backup.”

The two of you exchanged a brief smile.

“This one seems dangerous, though. She’s got the smell of a predator.” Shaggy remarked.

“Why am I the only one who can understand you?” you said.

“I’m using a charm to make our conversation private. I'll stop using it as soon as we find the Mask Maker.”

You gave him a blank look.

“The…’Mask Maker’?”

“She and another monster accompanied me on this trip, but both have gone missing. It is my duty to find them and bring them back, but I fear that I'm going to need your help.”

What will you say?

>”Why didn't you just lead with that? If a monster is loose in the city, then I think that kinda takes priority over delivering a message from my grandma.”
>”What kind of monsters are they?”
>”How’d you lose track of them if you came here together?”
>”I think we might need some more backup.” (Invite someone else to come along.)
>”Fine. Let's just get this over with.”
>Write-in.

Pastebins:

Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/1ZihFYSV

Equipment and Gear:
https://pastebin.com/WAhveFAd

Contacts:
https://pastebin.com/WdcFXD2s

10 Commandments of the Desperados:
https://pastebin.com/Qpr2jVPE

Costumes:
https://pastebin.com/5Jie54X2

The Huntsman’s Travel Guide:
https://pastebin.com/PU6LWsip

Upcoming Events in the Maximum Universe:
https://pastebin.com/DceSEjiR

>>6122155
Oof. Not good news, unfortunately. With everything else we’ve heard I’m sure the excuse is going to be that reaching out to us would put us in danger of grandma’s “topside” enemies since they’d know a connection exists, and the Monster Metropolis is too dangerous for her to be brought into it. Except when grandma needs help, of course.

>Ana smells like a predator
Well, yeah. There’s a chance she’s even an archetype related to it. Just don’t be prey and you’ll be fine!

>”What kind of monsters are they?”
>”How well-behaved are they? If they might hurt people without supervision then you should have led with that.”
General info. I’m not going to assume that just because they’re “monsters” that they’ll be causing havoc… but I could be wrong.

>”How’d you lose track of them if you came here together?”
Teleportation shenanigans?

>”Fine. What’s the best ways to track them?”
Move on afterward.

Do we bring in our sidekick? If she helps us track down the monsters then she’ll want to join us in the trip to the MM. Orchestrating a coup of a political faction seems a tad bit more dangerous than the beating street thugs, but having Ben and Ana along reduces the risk while giving her a better idea of the real shit heroes can get up to.

I don’t think Cindy knows anyone else who would be good for this stuff. Maybe Black Cat? There’d be interesting stuff to steal, and if we can’t kill Skul then infiltration and theft could be more important. Maybe Ben would reach to the Morlocks since it involves us, too.

>>6122155
>>”What kind of monsters are they?”
>>”How’d you lose track of them if you came here together?”

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be out of town for the rest of this week. I'm visiting my loved ones, so I won't be able to update as often, or with the proper formatting. But I'll still try my best to update whenever I get a moment to get some writing done!

>>6122954
No worries, Scorekeeper! Hope you enjoy the trip up to family.