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File: 50288104734099.jpg (458 KB, 740x908)
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There is silence.

Not even the wind is heard.

All conversations were interrupted by the great burst of light in the distance, and the sound accompanying it. It was strangely reminiscent of a firework, except for it's placement.

But the silence, as fragile and unnatural as it had been, is broken with the breathing, shuffling and other man-made sounds from the people around you as activity sparks once more in the hearts of people like a train getting out of its station.

You looked saw the individuals you--in your mind--had deemed as the Noirs; Shapes, a cautious idealist. The Lady, stoic and familiar with corpses. Albert, an old detective and ex-cop. Mike, the aggressive kickboxer. And Jamesfield, their leader.
Each of them said nothing, keeping an eye on either the place where a celebration was held for vague reasons, the same area where the flash of light had originated, or upon the two men, who went by the aliases of 'Knife' and 'Jack of Hearts', who had attempted to assault Jamesfield and the Lady. Said men were tied to a tree, harmless for now. But you could see the reasoning behind keeping an eye on them.
Yet the only emotion they showed was confusion.

Your name is Johan. But that's not important now. Your mind had other thoughts to worry about. The foremost being: What just happened?

>Go back there and see what happened. You aren't sure if there's anything to actually worry about, but there's a certain mime named Mimi you wanted to make sure was alright. Just in case.
>Stay here and do not distract yourself. The two criminals could easily use the confusion and division to escape. Something you wouldn't let happen.
>Look up at the sky. It's an orange hue, slowly turning purple. It's getting late, and you want to wrap things up soon. So you'll take the safe road and start deciding with the Noirs on how to deal with these two. Soon enough you'd be back in your hotel room, waiting to fall asleep.
>Write-in.
>>
Welcome back to One Life. A quest that was originally intended to be a one-shot, it's on a fourth thread now.
Updates are once a day unless I'm too busy or tired.

Previous threads:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6013758/
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6050129/
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6089875/
>>
>>6130128
>Intended to be a oneshot
>On the fourth thread
Many such cases lol
>>
>>6130126
>Go back there and see what happened. You aren't sure if there's anything to actually worry about, but there's a certain mime named Mimi you wanted to make sure was alright. Just in case.
Officially the longest quest I’ve partook in. A fine one at that.
>>
>>6130126
>Go back there and see what happened. You aren't sure if there's anything to actually worry about, but there's a certain mime named Mimi you wanted to make sure was alright. Just in case.
Mimi, noooo!

Welcome back, QM. Thanks for kicking with it.
>>
>>6130132
Hey I'm not complaining.

>>6130144
>>6130370
Thank you! I try my best.

Also,
>>6130144
>>6130370
>Blast Backtrack

Writing.
>>
There was a feeling that you'll follow.

It isn't baseless, really. You don't know what that was, but you were curious to know more about it. However you didn't delude yourself; it was a feeling born less of curiosity or raw impulse than it was of worry. Worry for an unlucky, silent mime whom you'd made friends with just today. And that leads you to making the next statement.

"I'm going to see what that was" the first words that were spoken since the blast.

"I’m taggin' along" a second sentence soon followed, coming from Jamesfield. This garnered a few stares from the rest of the Noirs "why're you mugs givin' me that look? You think I’m just gonna sit around after catchin' a glimpse of that?"

"If you're going, so am I" was the reply of the Lady, unfortunately shrill as most of her speech was, directed at Jamesfield. The man in question looked like he was about to tell her to stay back, perhaps mentioning how straining activity could be for the body after getting knocked out by chloroform, but one look at her determined face was enough to dissuade him from saying anything, instead replying with a nod.

Mike's face scrunches up. He was someone you knew was skilled in fighting, so it's easy enough to assume the internal conflict in him; weighing the place where he'd be needed the most.

"Fine" he finally relented after some thought.

For a moment you were worried about the lack of muscle against the two tied up men. When attacking, Knife was able to hold his own against Jamesfield, Mike, and yourself for a surprising amount of time. You weren't particularly sure what the Jack of Hearts was capable of, not really doing much in the fight except soak up punches and look outraged, although a part of you felt like whatever he pulled would be both disappointing and annoying.
However these fears are put to rest, for better or for worse, when Albin flashes the a concealed gun beneath his shirt. You're not sure why you're surprised, you think, considering his history as a police officer and as a detective.
Honestly you should be beyond questioning things at this point.

"Go on, you four" the old man said with a level tone "Shapes and I will make sure our 'friends' here don't get any ideas. Stay safe out there. I don't want to be the one making autopsies on everyone, you know?" he said. It was strange to hear such dark humor from him, even if it was fitting for the occasion. Shapes gives a nod and not much else.

"You should be more worried 'bout yourself, old man" Mike shoots back.

With that, you all set off.

Although at a slower pace than what you would've desired it was no evening stroll.

Going back the way you came should be familiar, the gravel pathway and the increase in trees cementing that this was the right path, but there is something different in the air. You couldn't quite place what it was, but you could see that the rest of the Noirs were on edge, so they agreed with that much at least.

[1/2]
>>
>>6130623
The difference becomes clearer the closer you approach your destination; the temperature had gone up.

Why this could be you didn't know with certainty, yet you quickened your pace. Soon the old gate was before you, though calling it that was rather generous considering it was now more of a break in the old park wall, it's days of being a formal entrance hardly noticeable anymore. Curiosity grabbed onto you for a moment--why did the park have walls in the first place? But that line of inquiry would have to take a break, as peering through said gate and stepping into it is like being transported into a different world.
If entering into the small forest brought about serenity with a foreboding blotch by the river, then the carnival was like a constant mob of activity that overwhelmed the senses and dulled any critical inspection.

It was there that you hear more evidence of what you were starting to fear. Gone were the sounds of intertwined chatter and laughter, in it's place the panicked voices and running people scattered your focus to and fro. Carnival music still played, but the scene it oversaw gave it a mocking and disturbing temper.

The grand centerpiece of the madness, adorned with a rising crown of orange, was the great Big Top Tent in the middle. A small hole tore through the top, where you assume the first firework flew out of. Its entrance, like a faucet, spilled out dozens of people. None of the guards from earlier could be found.

The rides were a similar story, if less dramatic. Humans jumped over railings and out of car seats, stepping on and into one another. Food littered the floor in a more severe case than usual.

But more interestingly there were the small embers that were gliding in the wind, some fluttering out and a few fizzling into nothing midair while others plummeting gracelessly into the ground. On closer inspection, those small sparks seemed to be confetti ignited by flame. You dreaded to think what sort of damage it could cause if left unchecked.

You hear Mike mutter something, and that brings your attention to your Noir companions. They had all seemed as gobsmacked, with the Lady specifically looking like she regretted tagging along.

[2/2]

>What were you doing, standing around and gaping like an idiot? There was no time to waste, you'd find Mimi and get out of this oven before it burns you and the Noirs down.
>A fire department needs to be called and people need to be evacuated as soon as possible. You're not a leader, nor a hero, and have no business in these sorts of situations, but Jamesfield might know a thing or two. Either way the chaos needed to stop.
>Contacting the fire department would come first, of course, but perhaps both finding Mimi and hopefully being of some help around was possible.
>Write-in.
>>
>>6130624
>What were you doing, standing around and gaping like an idiot? There was no time to waste, you'd find Mimi and get out of this oven before it burns you and the Noirs down.
Are we or are we not the man of action who leapt our cab to deliver the devil ? to his destination?
>>
>>6130624
>What were you doing, standing around and gaping like an idiot? There was no time to waste, you'd find Mimi and get out of this oven before it burns you and the Noirs down.
>>
>>6130633
>>6130646
>Through The Fire And The Flames

Writing.
>>
Time should not be wasted. Especially not here and now.

You shake yourself out of your stupor. There was someone you needed to find. She was (mostly) the reason you came back here to begin with. And you would need to go quickly, without regard for the past or what you might see.

You couldn't do everything. But what you could do was something you'd at least try.

"Where ya headed?" said Jamesfield, putting a hand on your shoulder.

"Look, I can't stay here" you said "there's someone I need to make sure is safe."

"That quiet dame" Mike guessed correctly. You nodded at him.

"Stay safe. I don't want to hear about any of you guys getting burned up" you practically reiterated Albin's words.

"You should be more worried 'bout yourself, see?" Mike finished the sentence, a rare smile on his lips.

Beginning to run, not waiting for any further questions from the Noir leader. Although you can see a bit of understanding in his eyes as he glanced at the Lady.
You hoped you'd see them all again soon.

As you were running, you noticed many of the operators were actually still around. Some were desperately stuffing all the money they could fit in their pockets before leaving, more than you'd like to imagine even tried to take some of their games with them. A rare few, however, were using their powerful voices to guide people out of the carnival, with questionable degrees of success, accompanied by some strongmen in their efforts. Among the latter group was--to your surprise--the same greedy test-of-strenght owner with whom you'd conversed earlier, and Anton alongside him. A stray thought forms; what happened to the gunpowder barrels? Did they have anything to do with the current calamity?

But you did not pay it that much mind. You could not afford to, currently.

These thoughts passed through your mind as you passed through the crowds. You couldn't weave through the pandemonium like you had earlier, as most everyone was now running or screaming or panicking or some combination of the three, so instead you go around it, leaping over fences, behind counters, through rides. Little embers of confetti danced around you, some sticking through your clothes and burning your flesh. Whenever you could you'd shake them off or put them out, but that was merely secondary to all the running. You sorely wished you had a bottle of water right now.
You ran towards where you'd last seen the mime, and shouted a name you felt like none really cared for.

A roller coaster, a house of mirrors, tents, food stands, a lonely bench, these things become blurs. You have no time for regrets of what you could've done or of the fun you might've missed. All that was left was going faster, and faster still.
Until you found her, that is.

[1/2]
>>
>>6131189
She was still there, in the spot where she had been pantomiming earlier. Body as still as a statue except for her eyes, which glistened in disbelief at the sight around her. She took a few tentative steps behind her and came close, too close, to another tent that seemed to be long abandoned and teetering. You ran forth, grabbed her hand, and pulled her away from it.
It didn't fall down, or do anything so dramatic, but it was still had it's ominous look to it.

Mimi looked at you. Recognition came to her face. She scratched the back of her head and a weak smile soon followed, almost as if to say: "Nice seeing you again, sorry if I'm not looking my best."

"It's good to see you too, Mimi" you say. She lifts up her beret in response, with a worrying lack of flair. Not like you could blame her in this situation, though.

And again, you're standing around like an idiot. Time is of the essence!

But time was always needed, if you ever wanted to move forward.

And so you thought about what to do next.

[2/2]

>Go to your taxi. It's doubtlessly crowded, but if you can bring Mimi there and drive out, you'd be home free.
>Go back to the gate, to where the river and the Noirs likely remained. While safer, this risked involving your little mime friend in that strange mystery you and the Noirs stumbled onto.
>Wasn't there a water tank for dunking people in somewhere? You had an idea; dunk yourselves in there and wait until the firemen put everything out. It was insane, and so much could go wrong, but it just might work out in the end.
>Write-in.
>>
>>6131194
>Go to your taxi. It's doubtlessly crowded, but if you can bring Mimi there and drive out, you'd be home free.
There's nowhere safer than in our cab.
>>
>>6131194
>Go to your taxi. It's doubtlessly crowded, but if you can bring Mimi there and drive out, you'd be home free.
Wouldn’t wanna ruin the mime’s makeup.
People see us sitting in a tub of water, they’ll get the same idea. Then we’d REALLY be cramped.
>>
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17 KB GIF
>>6131206
>Wouldn’t wanna ruin the mime’s makeup.
I would >:)
But not like this
>>
>>6131202
>>6131206
>Trials For The Taxi

Writing.
>>
Your taxi was still there, waiting patiently.

The image of a vehicle flashes through your mind.

"We should leave" you say to her. Despite the wasted seconds, another question pops into your mind "how did you come here?" with her middle and index fingers she makes the motion of walking "walked all the way here?" she nods her head. That wouldn't do.

You take her hand again and lead her forward. She doesn't show any resistance, going with the motions.

"A car. A taxi. I drive it" you speak between breaths. To Mimi's credit she is able to keep up with you, dodging and jumping over any obstacle you did, mimicking like any good mime would.

But the worst is yet to come. That is something you both painfully realize as the crowds thicken in front of you.

Not too far away, at least a few meters, the mass of people swelled and was subsequently regurgitated by the entrance's great maw, leaving little place to go forth or even squeeze between. Unless you and Mimi fancied getting trampled on, as many unfortunates were subject too, going through the front gate wasn't an option.

At the very least the fires and gliding sparks haven't reached this area. Yet.

Averting your eyes from the morbid scene, you try to find another path. Your pale-faced companion tugs at your arm, gaining your attention. She points at a series of stalls, back-to-back, bearing ceilings wooden in nature. A few boxes that are stacked upon one another were close by. You look at her face, a grin forming on your lips in response to her suggestion. It seemed like the only way forward was up.
If you two pulled this off, it would be a moment to remember. Now to make sure you'd both live to see the day for that memory to matter.

After the last box was put in its place by yours truly--the mime being too weak to be of any help in this regard--you're thankful that none else either noticed what you were doing or attempting the same. How strange of a sight this might be; man and mime climbing a makeshift staircase. It is less sound than you would have liked, but it gets the job done. Walking upon the stalls' tops wasn't as fantastic as you'd first thought, at least in the beginning, save for the small jumps you'd need to make every so often to go between them. Mimi was definitely more nimble than you in this regard, making graceful steps and finding good footing.

[1/2]
>>
>>6131811
The gate's wall itself loomed before you, yet preceding that another gap followed. Mimi leapt first, easily crossing it with lithe elegance. You followed, being powered by adrenaline to pounce but with enough balance to stop where you needed to.

While it might seem like getting down would be a problem, locating a bush right by the front proved serendipitous.

Without much thought you jumped down. Although it would seem like you'd miscalculated how well said bush would break your fall, since it hurt quite badly in some areas. Before being allowed a breather, you feel more than you see Mimi barreling down towards you head first. If you didn't have anything broken before, now you likely did.
Saying that, however, you realize how much of a featherweight your little mime friend truly was, easily being able to pick her up from you as you both shakily stood.

You don't let yourself stand around for too long, keeping up the momentum still you grasped her hand once more and practically dragged her towards your taxi. The amount of people thinned, quickly entering their own vehicles and making a getaway. Never would you of imagined yourself wishing that you'd have parked further away, the lucky ones now entering and driving away in their vehicles due to the parking congestion from earlier.

Large panicked crowds that tore at each other didn't stop you back at the carnival, and they wouldn't stop you now. Running once more, albeit with less speed and more aches, with a mime in tow you had soon approached your four wheeled companion. Taking out the keys (grateful that they were still in your pockets despite the it all), almost fumbling them, opening the closest door, which so happened to be the driver's seat, you're finally in. Mimi hops over you, not waiting for you to open the other door from the inside, and tumbles into the front passenger's seat. There was an awkward silence that hung for a few seconds, before you start to drive out. You accelerate forwards, and feel the adrenaline surge again yet you're still careful enough to not hit anyone on the way out.

You hear a small sigh of relief from your side, and a glance tells you that Mimi with a face of melancholic relief. A portion of you thinks it's odd how willing to trust she was to you, practically a stranger still, now in your car. But given the circumstances, and what you'd both just experienced, it's a sentiment you can commiserate with.

A small pain emerges on the front of your chest. You fear you might've broken a rib.

[2/2]

>Go to the hospital first, you're pretty sure you recalled where one was. Mimi could get checked up too, for all you knew she might be hurt as well.
>Before anything take her back to the Moonlight Cafe, where she resided, then you could go to the hospital.
>You would take Mimi back to her to her home, and follow up by returning to the Hotel. Honestly you just wanted some sleep.
>Write-in.
>>
>>6131816
>Ask Mimi if she's prefer the hospital or home
>If she goes home, we'll go to the hotel
>If she has no preference, take her home and go to the hotel
In that order. Hospital seems unnecessary. We're fine. We're tough we can walk (or drive) it off!
>>
>>6131816
>Go to the hospital first, you're pretty sure you recalled where one was. Mimi could get checked up too, for all you knew she might be hurt as well.
>>
>>6131840
>Passenger Preference

>>6132176
>Safety Preference

If there aren't any changes I'll roll between these and start writing in a few hours.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6132371
>1 Passenger
>2 Hospital

Writing.
>>
You're curious as to where she wanted to go.

And so you decided to ask her if she wanted to return home, or perhaps check in the hospital. A part of you wished for the latter, merely for precaution's sake. Yet in the same vein you nonetheless you wished to return to your home.

It was too slow for your adrenaline fueled mind to even consider to ask in the beginning. A brush with death could do that to anyone, no? Even so, you force yourself to slow down for a moment and ask the question.

"So, Mimi" you start "where would you like to go? I could take you home, or we could go to the hospital if you're feeling bad."

Yet she does not respond. Even as you waited seconds, minutes, driving in circles and stalling for time, she said nothing. Well of course she would not, she is a mime. What does that have to do with anything? Does she not have a voice? Perhaps she didn't. It would be an ironic twist, for a mime to be mute.

"Mimi?" you say again, concern dripping from your voice. At the next red light you turn to see her face. It was distraught, gloved hands rubbing away a tear. That old park meant much to her. To see it literally go up in flames must've been devastating. Or perhaps she is crying over something else? She might be merely happy to be alive.

She looks at you once more, a slight emptiness in her eyes that quickly vanished as soon as it was there. She too was tired, and did not care enough to muster an opinion either way.

"... I'll take you home."

The drive continues on in a silence both peaceful and stifling.

You reach Moonlight's Cafe, it's structure warm and inviting to the eyes. Almost wishing to go there for a bit, just to see around the place and take an order or two. Yet your eyes were weary enough as it is, and your body was aching all over. You were tired, unbelievably so, and you just wanted to sleep in a bed, letting your worries wait until tomorrow.

"We're here" you announce, somewhat redundantly considering the mime was looking at the window as you parked in front of the building.

"Well, I guess this is it" you think of getting out of the car to stretch your muscles, but think better of it "I'll be seeing you the day after tomorrow, if that's-"

[1/2]
>>
>>6132490
You aren't able to finish your sentence, as Mimi gave you a great hug. You noticed, interestingly, that she avoided the parts of your body that were the most tender while making contact with your body. She looked at you once more, and after giving you an expression that seemed to communicate concern over your wellbeing and gratitude for your presence in equal measures, she opened the door and entered the cafe.

You body may be aching, yes, but you felt a certain warmth in your heart.

Driving back to Hotel Oasis is a simple matter. Likewise was entering the building. Behind the front desk, that same lady with the large fake smile still stood. Still like a statue, as she'd always been, unless someone were to bother her with questions or held a desire to check in. She does not greet you, and you're happy for it. You didn't feel like dealing with her today.

To your room you go, and you set yourself onto your bed. You don't even bother changing into your pajamas. Before you know it sleep soon overtakes you.

>Dream.
>Do not dream.
>>
>>6132491
>Dream.
Can Mimi just read body language that well, to know where we're hurting?
>>
>>6132491
>Dream.
>>
>>6132504
>>6132519
>Gentle Dreaming

Writing. The new captcha is crazy.
>>
Dream

You dream deeply, letting yourself fall down the well of your subconscious.

That is, until you splash down into the water.

The feeling of liquid is enveloping, and no matter how much you tried you couldn't swim up. Your breath doesn't hold for much longer, reflexes eventually making it impossible. You wait for the feeling of water to enter your lungs.

But that feeling never came, instead a breath of fresh air in its place. You were still in the middle of an ocean, dark as the night sky and nearly as endless. Little bits of bioluminescent plankton and bacteria served as stars.

You had no concept of which way was what. Instead of remaining as you were or flailing about, you decide to calmly swim in a random direction.

The motions of your body in the water make up for the quietness of the place. You stop moving as quickly, your muscles relaxing yet mind sharpened to a degree you didn't think possible before.

Eventually you come across a light in the distance. It's different than all the others. Larger.
If the ocean was the sky, and the creatures the stars, then this was the sun.

You approached it, the dark clearing as you did.

It was a mirror and a window. You stepped inside.

Within this new place your footsteps echoed. Once more it was peaceful, but there was a certain stagnation that you could sense. It was indescribable, but still lingering there. A type of apathy? No, more like a form of detachment, riddled with curiosity.

"Curiosity brought you here, and observation leads the path."

A disembodied voice, so much like the wind yet grounded in and of itself, spoke to you. Looking every which way, you couldn't see where it came from.

"Stop searching and clear your mind. Only then shall you see what was in front of you all along."

You do so. And after a few moments of clarity you feel like you're able to see once again, despite your eyes already being wide open.

Before you is a man, clad in green robes, sitting cross legged over a boulder.

So, what was this? A strange person was about to give you some wisdom for the road, then?

"I would not say I am wise. Merely observant" he said with a chuckle.

That was fine by you. You weren't exactly one to trust dream advice for what, the second time already?

"This would be the third time, I believe" he corrected. You didn't think much else.

You're not sure how much time passed in silence, but it seemed both too short of an amount and too long.

[1/2]
>>
>>6132886
"It was of great fortune that you'd listened to the world around you" he broke the quiet as he spoke on "yet these things are short and fleeting" once more he was silent. You once more did not think anything, so he continued "can you not feel it? The constant agonized exhaustion of this world? The tiredness of life itself?"

Sometimes you were drowsy every morning, you'd admit. But you haven't really been tired of living, if that's what he meant.

"No, it is not" he sighs "but I cannot complain about your actions too greatly. You have been taking the cautious step more often than not. It may seem cowardly, or even boring, but it is something to be cherished if you wish to appreciate the little things in life."

Another moment passes. You can hear the rushing of water in the distance.

"The world of the waking will claim you soon" the monk said as he rises up from the boulder. He jumps down, always maintaining perfect balance as he did so "but before you leave; a gift."

He then proceeds to touch your broken ribs. A cool sensation washes over your body.

Before you have the time to think or say anything, a torrent of water sweeps you away. You see the monk and boulder grow smaller in the distance.

And you wake up.

A quick look at the time told you it was nine thirty in the morning.

Getting up, you realize that your chest is no longer in pain. In fact, nothing was. You felt great. Almost as if you'd been completely healed.

[2/2]

>Just do your normal routine of washing, then eating breakfast at Dingo's. You're curious to see how everyone is faring today, and what the general sentiments were.
>Go for a walk. It seemed like a peaceful day, despite the disaster that had transpired yesterday. Maybe take a look at the gym too, since it should be open today.
>Wait, weren't there some repairmen that were around Hotel Oasis? The Marelli's, you think their names were? They should still be around the area. At least you hoped you could catch them before they left, if they were still around here even.
>Write-in.
>>
>>6132890
>Just do your normal routine of washing, then eating breakfast at Dingo's. You're curious to see how everyone is faring today, and what the general sentiments were.
>>
>>6132868
I shelled out for a 4chan pass.

>>6132890
>Just do your normal routine of washing, then eating breakfast at Dingo's. You're curious to see how everyone is faring today, and what the general sentiments were.
>>
>>6132922
>>6132926
>Morning Brunch

Writing.
>>
You shall prepare yourself and obtain some breakfast at Dan's Grill, as per usual.

Getting ready was easy. Even though you'd slept in somewhat, the routine was the same. In your coat's pocket there was a packet of jerky, and you were half tempted to consume it due to hunger, but considered otherwise since you didn't want to ruin your appetite before going to Dingo's.

As your eyes adjusted to the light, you saw the receptionist was still behind the counter, still with that unmoving false smile. You wondered once more if she ever bothered to sleep.

You entered your taxi--after quickly reviewing the footage from last night and the day before, thankfully finding nothing--and started to drive. It was peaceful and familiar, something you felt like you needed after the madness from yesterday.

The restaurant-bar stood open, it's neon sign on display still. Not much activity was observable from the outside, but perhaps that was simply due to people leaving for work at this hour.

Parking your car next to one of the trucks, you approach the place without anxiety. An old pinball machine greeted you once again before the entrance, enticing as it was to have a quick game you didn't know if it was truly something you'd like to indulge in currently...

>Play.
>Don't.
>Write-in(?)

You decided to enter the restaurant, finally.
Inside was much like the outside, both in its classic style with splotches of modernity and lack of people. A true contrast to yesterday's festive mood, you felt. The lone patron here, that same drunkard that you'd often see haunting the place, slept soundly in one of the tables. At this rate you're going to see him as a staple of this establishment, eccentric cowboy owner notwithstanding.

You'll admit, it was odd seeing the place so empty. There were hardly any sounds, save for the gentle snoring of the drunk and the wiping of glass cup on Ryan's part.

Ryan Barnaby, former sea captain turned bartender, tall and full of muscle, glanced over at you for a split second. Seeing as there was not much else to do, you approached the bar and sat on one of the stools.

"Mornin', Johan. How's it going?" he said. His tattoo, a small mermaid, gazed at you with an expressionless look. His accent was still there, as elusive and familiar as it ever was.

"Honestly, I could be better" you responded.

You looked up at what was available, and to your surprise you saw that it had changed. But that same surprise slowly wilts away when you noticed the words to its side: Lunch Menu.

[1/2]
>>
>>6133693

--Menu
-Grilled Steak Special
-BLT Sandwich
-Gyro and Kebab w/Side Salad
-Cheeseburger and Fries
-Beef and Bean Burrito
-Soda/Juice or Complementary Water for any made order

You didn't feel like it was that late already. Maybe they just had an early lunch here?

"I know that face, lad" the bartender said, an upwards twitch of his mustache as he smiled "you slept in and didn't find the time for breakfast, aye?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

"Well I'll have ye know that I can tell Mrs. Tennessee to cook up your usual and it at ye, aye?"

>"If you insist. I'll have to thank her for this someday."
>"Really, there's no need. But thank you for the offer." (Make an order from the lunch menu)
>Write-in.

"You didn't have to go through all that trouble, Ryan."

"Don't ye worry naethin' about it, lad. Especially after yesterday's grief."

[2/2]

>"Speaking of, what happened back then? Inside it looked like some fireworks got misfired, but I don't know the official story yet."
>"Yeah, it was a rough day... Not something I'd like to go into."
>"Hey, did you happen to hear about the Noirs? I saw them yesterday, but we became separated in the chaos."
>Write-in.
>>
>>6133693
>Don't.

>>6133696
>"Really, there's no need. But thank you for the offer." (Make an order from the lunch menu)
>Grilled Steak Special and a Coke
We had a big, busy, stressful day. We should splurge.

>"Hey, did you happen to hear about the Noirs? I saw them yesterday, but we became separated in the chaos."
>>
>>6133693
>Don't.
>>6133696
>"Really, there's no need. But thank you for the offer." (Make an order from the lunch menu)
No way am I gonna pass up on the gyro meal.
>"Speaking of, what happened back then? Inside it looked like some fireworks got misfired, but I don't know the official story yet."
>>
>>6133698
>>6133713
>Don't Play

>>6133698
>>6133713
>Multi Lunch Meal
If it's alright with you guys I'll just combine both of the suggestions for what to eat. But if you'd like I can roll between these.

>>6133698
>Detective Report

>>6133713
>News Blues

I'll roll between these in a few hours if there's no changes.
>>
>>6134359
I'm good with combining it into a big lunch. Or just going with the gyro, desu. I'm not picky in that regard.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>6134365
I'll just combine them then if there's no objections.

>>6134359
>1 Report
>2 News

Writing.
>>
>>6134458
Sorry anons for taking so long, I don't think I'm awake enough to continue tonight. I'll try to get back at it in the morning.
>>
>>6134581
No problemo, OP. See you then!
>>
Thank you for the patience, anons.

----

"Speaking of, what happened back then? Inside it looked like some fireworks got misfired, but I don't know the official story yet."

While you saw the worst of it, you hadn't really witnessed the beginning. Neither did you check the news either. So you hoped that a bartender could have more than a few second hand stories to tell. But first, you wanted to know what the official story was. If there was any official record of events, it would be best to know it sooner rather than later.

"Hm" Ryan scratched his mustache lightly and smiled "the 'official story'. Now that's a kicker from you, lad. It's being called the 'Great Funfair Fire', rumors spreading like they've got a will of their own. From a tragedy that could've been avoided, to a terror attack, sabotage, even a botched assassination attempt. Aye, it's too early to see what the people'll settle down on, but I've a feeling it'll settle somewhere between incompetence and a killer."

"Who'd want to assassinate someone there?" was the foremost thing in your mind you voiced, considering what you and the Noirs found. Ryan shrugs his shoulders.

"Don't know, so. It's not like the charity didn't have it's share of enemies" that makes you think back to the two criminals that were captured by you and the Noirs, although they were connected to the E.V.L, it's still proof that something was occurring. You wonder what happened to them.

You think about it for a little while, trying to ignore the occasional pang of hunger in your gut. You'd don't know if it was because of how famished you were, but you'd decided to purchase a somewhat large lunch. Of course, you couldn't deny it would all be delicious.

"In that case, what sort of things have you heard around?" since the news itself wasn't much more than speculation, maybe some other testimonies could help piece things together.

"I heard a few people that came from the carnival saying that it was cursed so. A few that came back here drank their worries to sea, and talked about how strange the main event was. Honest, I couldn't tell you half of what they were talking about. Most said they saw some blast like a firework in the sky, then another bigger explosion happen on the ground" you asked if anyone had seen the event in the big top itself "aye, one or two. They didn't go much into it, though I know one said he didn't recall what happened other than there being cages" you wished you could talk to one of the people that witnessed it "but most were just sad over the happenings, going to the hospital or mournin' over loved ones. But I'm guessing you already know that much since you were there, aye lad?"

[1/2]
>>
>>6134725
"No, I don't. I mean, I was in the carnival, but I didn't see how it went down since I was with the Noirs and in the outskirts at the time. Although I did witness the panic that occurred afterwards. Having to escape it wasn't easy."

"That feels like a story, lad" it was, far more than he probably imagined "care to share it with an old salt?" he cleared his throat "don't feel forced none, lad, but sharing about a time helps the heart. At least, that's why old sailors like myself share their tales easy" he chuckled a bit "at least, when anyone asks for them."

Ryan seemed genuine enough, you think.

>You will, and you'll tell him everything. From the body to escaping with Mimi, and everything in between. It'll be good to get it off your chest.
>Sure, but don't tell him about the exact details of any new people you've met. And omit any mention about the dead body or the criminals you caught.
>A story for a story, your new one for one of his old. (Tell the full story or without all the details?)
>No, you'd rather not.
>Write-in.

"Back to what we were saying; is there really nothing else? Maybe a police report, or something?" you ask.

"I wish I could say I know more. But people've been scarce since last night and the cops haven't shared anything" but then he pauses for a second "though I did hear some detectives had something in the works" that sounded like the Noirs to you, but you weren't entirely sure. You're about to say something, but you sneeze. Ryan is kind enough to give you a paper napkin, which you use then throw away.

A distant yawn interrupts any further discussion. Objectively speaking it wasn't loud, but it pierced through the waning quiet, gathering both your and the bartender's attention.

[2/2]

>"So, you were saying about detectives?" Knowing the Noirs, it was possible they'd try to stick their noses into something. However there's the possibility this may have nothing to do with your monochrome friends.
>"What's up with that drunk guy over there?" You've seen him here practically every time. You're not sure if you even know his name. Maybe he knew something? But that thought could just as easily be a red herring.
>Keep speaking, but go back to smalltalk until your brunch arrives.
>Write-in.
>>
>>6134735
>Write-in
Tell him we were snooping around a bit because of all the warnings we were getting, and strange vibes around the place. It mostly seemed like a normal fair, and we met this cute-but-quiet girl we might be going on a date with. Keep it light, vague, simple, but imply that we found some evidence he was right about how sketchy the place was. We ended up running into the Noirs, too, who'd found something weird going down, but they'll have to tell him their own news when they get here.

Good segue to:
>"So, you were saying about detectives?" Knowing the Noirs, it was possible they'd try to stick their noses into something. However there's the possibility this may have nothing to do with your monochrome friends.
>>
>>6134735
>A story for a story, your new one for one of his old. (Tell the full story or without all the details?)
Without all the details.
>"So, you were saying about detectives?" Knowing the Noirs, it was possible they'd try to stick their noses into something. However there's the possibility this may have nothing to do with your monochrome friends.



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