Previous Thread: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2026/6358836/First Thread: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6212686/>Your party goes on a tour of a spooky mansion.>Your group finds a meth lab, also the anomaly>You return to base, and eventually find your tour guide was turned into a zombie.>It's the weekend!>Time to go shopping!
"What exactly are you planning to buy?""Just some body parts." Hilde says, not meeting the alien's eye."I don't think so" Zul says, frowning."C'mon, I can just pop down there really quick and-""No. Maybe later if you're good we can go, but you are especially not allowed to go alone." The LGM says firmly."Agh! Fine!" She says throwing up her hands, "Let's look around the stupid topside stores."The robot doesn't seem to care which store you all go to, so your group decides to just go to the closest weapon shop they can find. Zul points out a rather flat, boxy chrome building with large panel windows on the front. The store's sign glows in a clean teal light, spelling out something a language you can't read. The inside is very similar, with corporate levels of clean minimalism for the furniture to the shelving and advertisements flickering among the screens on the walls. In the center of the room is a circular desk where an anthropomorphic jellyfish-like cashier sits. On the tables however, are an assortment of strange arms and armor heaped upon them. Some of them are displayed nicely, but most are crammed together on the surface of the furniture or in overstuffed boxes.While you soak everything in, the rest of your party has begin to browse the wares.Kamiko is looking at some weapons being contained under glass. She opens it briefly and takes out what seems to be a very large looking spiked metal bat. She seems to think better on it though, and puts it back down.Tamako and Hilde are picking through a box on a table near you. Though you can't read the label on the container, from the quality of the goods the pair are examining you are sure it says "clearance" or maybe "discount".Emogen is browsing a shelf full of small boxes while chatting casually with the shop owner. From what you can tell, they might be batteries.Zul walked to the back, and is examining rather colorful, sleek looking ray guns. She handles them quite carefully, but to you they almost look like something out of a spaced themed cartoon.What do you do?
>>6419793Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah, we're back!As for this, well, I'm a bit curious as to what our cute piglady needs a battery for. We should ask Emogen about it.
>>6419803Sure, +1 to this.>>6419793Welcome back, QM!
>>6419792Welcome back, EggOP!Damn, just a week old and already a homeowner... How'd Tamako manage that?I'm more curious about the shields across from Emogen, but yeah, let's hang near her.
Welcome back EggOP! glad to have you back!>>6419793lets check on Emogen, im curious why she came with us to begin with, she must be looking for something special, also, like this anon >>6420039 said, those shield could be useful, might be worth a watch too
>>6419793Welcome back! It's good to see you again!>Kamiko: compliment the metal bat, ask if it is magical>Emogen: Ask about the batteries, but wait for a lull in their conversation
You approach Emogen and catch some snippets of her conversation."So it has a longer life, but smaller active capacity?" The boar woman asks. The shopkeeper responds in a language you can't understand. It sounds like something between a sloshing balloon and ripping tape quickly off something. Your co-worker nods along, and then says, "That does sound better, but I'll have to think on it."You ask Emogen what she's doing."Oh! Just checking out the batteries for these shield generators." she says, presenting the small package she was talking to the shopkeeper about. You can't read it, but the picture on the front looks something like a futuristic, glowing coin cell. "The ones they give us for combat aren't for long missions so they are only good for a few hours."You look over to the table and see more of this boxes on display. They all resemble coin cells, but they vary widely in size. On the other side of the table are what you assume are various sizes and brands of shield generators, as they have the appearance of literal shields but with mechanical bits attached to the back of it. The front is a solid, black panel. From a nearby advertisement however it appears when activated the face of the shield produces a blue light as well as a semi-circle field around the user.You don't recall Emogen ever using a shield, and ask if she's thinking of buying one."SHR will give us one if they know there is going to be fighting, but I never much liked them. Sure, it'll stop bullets and stuff, but these shield doo-hickeys don't stop magic, and most of the more dangerous stuff is magic." your porcine co-worker remarks. "Still, I'm considering it. Not sure if they'll ever beat magical wards and enchanted items for me though. Not to brag, but my tough skin is usually enough for anything physical."You ask why she doesn't just use both a shield and magical wards."Well, I'm not quite so wealthy that I can afford to deck myself in all that gear." She says with a snorting chuckle. "Plus technology and magic don't work well together a lot of the time. The stuff coming from the younger fairies blends them together well sometimes, but even then it usually tends more towards PSI than magic."You ask if they like, explode or something if technology and magical items touch."Nothing quite so dramatic. Usually they just malfunction." Emogen says, chuckling again. "Zul can explain it better, but something like technology depending on logic and magic breaking logic. I dunno, you'd have to ask her."What do you do?
>>6420085perhaps we could chip-in to help her get some slightly better batteries?
>>6420085What about armor & magic wards? Her physicality lends itself to wearing armor, and she can still have the magical protection of wards. Plus, (relatively) mundane armor should be cheaper than high-tech shields?
>>6420086She doesn't sound that invested, but she is considering it, despite being built Tonka tough.>>6420085>Is she anticipating a lot of dangerous fieldwork soon?
Looking around at the protective gear yourself, you ask your larger co-worker if she is thinking about going into more dangerous fieldwork."Well, Zul says you attract trouble because you are an anomaly. Kamiko says you do it because you are full human. " Emogen says, reading the back of some of the other battery's packaging. "And I guess the missions you have been on have turned violent? Just trying to be safe rather than sorry."For what it's worth, you apologize."It's not like you can help it." She says, and holding up one of the forcefield shields she continues, "It's probably good for me to have some sort of armor on standby. I haven't bothered because of focusing mostly on my commissary work and I haven't really needed any of this type of protection there."You ask if she could wear regular armor and then use some sort of magical weapon or magic wand to go along with it. Seems like it'd be the best of both worlds."I have actually asked the smiths for some regular armor, even just some chainmail or a gambeson. Unfortunately our base only really makes and maintains more futuristic armor. They could fabricate me a protective suit but..." Emogen trails off.You ask what's wrong with the mundane, futuristic armor. It actually sounds kind of nice."The problem is that the more cutting edge stuff tends towards use in space and spaceships, where bulkiness and weight can be a problem. As such, the armor is usually skin-tight body suits made of exotic materials like synthetic 'hyperweaves' or other such bizarre things." Emogen says with a sigh. "It's all well and good for a small species like martians, but for someone with the body shape and... Size of myself it feels uncomfortably revealing.I would even go so far as to say i look indecent."You hadn't considered that. You ask if it's possible to wear clothing over the top of it."Mmm, sort of. Because of how much of your body you need to clothe it can become stuffy and restricting. And that's not mentioning that I'm already covered in fur." Your porcine co-worker remarks. "I couldn't wear this dress for instance since the suit would stick out at my arms and neck. Perhaps I should just bite the bullet though."What do you do?
>>6420706now im going to need some Emogen in a Zero Suit Samus outfit fanart...
>>6420706Look for something mostly harmless that Tamako can use to defend herself, bonus points if it looks like something a magical girl would use
>>6420706>Ask if you can get a skintight super suit, to avoid more life-threatening injuries
>>6420706>I have actually asked the smiths for some regular armor, even just some chainmail or a gambeson.Suggest that the order be placed in the real world, online. It's 'murrica, it's bound to have plus-sized armor for larpers. I'd bet you can pretty good ones, too. Then you can get the F(l)atwood Monster to teach us some runes to carve on them...>>6420721>like something a magical girl would useA giant (for her) spiked metal bat! She and Kamiko can be a metal club duo!
>>6420706>Emogen in a skin-tight suitI'm not complaining..
>>6420706>will.i.am's Big and Chunky starts playing on our phone>We don't even have the song in our music library>It's Hilde, futzing around with some sort of hacking doodad>>6420791Suggest that the order be placed in the real world, online. It's 'murrica, it's bound to have plus-sized armor for larpers.+1, worth a shot asking if Amazon delivers to hidden bases. Considering the CEO's probably some sort of vampire, it makes sense that they do.
>>6420983Emogen isn't exactly chunky, but she is beeg. Most of the "mom options" seem to be. I guess Martin has a type..
You ask her if she's tried to order armor from the real world. Cosplayers and Historical Reenactors need armor after all, and they are all sorts of shapes and sizes."I actually hadn't thought of that." Emogen says with a little surprise. "I might look into it, thanks for the tip!"You ask if you could get Tamako some armor, maybe even some that looks like regular clothes."I know transforming armor exists, but I don't think they are quite as good as the skin suits. And the Armory probably have one she could use already since Tamako is basically Martian sized." Emogen says thinking. "Although I think I've heard that making armor for shapeshifters is harder so who knows. You'll have to talk to the the hammer swingers down there to find out."You ask if you could get one of those future suits. If you are going to get into some trouble it might not be a bad idea to have some protection. You have been shot once already after all."Again, you'd have to talk to the guys at the Armory. As long as you aren't going to the real world I don't see why they'd deny it. Don't let it go to your head though. Most fairies could still take a human pretty easy." Emogen says with a warning, and then turning to the circular counter says, "I think I'll go with the different battery for now. Ring me up, shopkeep!"You let your co-worker purchase her goods, and decide to see what the others are up too.What do you do?
>>6421060Well, we're a gun enthusiast so...>Go learn about rayguns from Aylmilf
>>6421060>Try very hard not to imagine Emogen in a skintight suit>FailAnd then we can go talk i guess.
>>6421067this.maybe we could get...hey wait a minute...where are Tamako and Hilde?
>>6421072RED ALERT, RED ALERT!>>6421060Changing vote to>locate daughteru
>>6421060>Alert the others, Tamako and Hilde are missing.Tamako is better than this, Hilde is a terrible influence...
>>6421060Oh, damnit. Time to go to the security booth and ask for a lost child alert.And I wanted to check out the kama and tonfa with Kamiko after the blasters that look like IRL guns, too.
>>6421315Kill good Sig does. We just need cold iron ammo for it. Tbh, we don't need to be particularly well-armed when we have all these big ladies lining up to protect us, and I have a feeling any adversary would prefer us alive than dead.
You look around the shop, and notice that your group appears to be two people short. Namely Hilde and Tamako. As you look around where they were standing before you get approached by Kamiko, carrying a sort of backwards club and a stick with a small scythe like blade on it."Hey, I bet Tamako would love the corner over there. It has all sorts of Japanese weapons and stuff. What's wrong?" Your taller co-worker asks, her excitement turning to concern.You ask if she knows where Tamako and Hilde went."Huh? They were just here a second ago." She says, scanning the nearby box of discount items. "Hey where are you going?"You barely heard the latter part as you have already made your way out the door. You look wildly among the crowd, and though you spot all manner of bizarre fairy you do not spot the one you are looking for. You begin to yell out for Tamako."What are you doing?" Zul says as she and Kamiko quickly follow after you. "You are making a scene."You ask Zul if she knows where Hilde and Tamako went, which she replies, "Wait, did they run off? That blasted robot. I specifically told her to-""Tamako!" Kamiko yells, looking over the side of a nearby walkway and peering down into the neon lit alleyways below your floor. You lean over the railing and scan below. It goes so far down that you can't even see the bottom. There is no sign of your daughter, but it's so dim even a floor or two down that most of the people just look like shadows. You ask how safe it is down there."Well..." Zul starts, and seemingly picking her words carefully responds, "Hilde is quite a capable battle droid, despite how childish she acts. I'm sure Tamako will be unharmed."You can't say you are a fan of what that statement implies."Hey, what's going on?" Emogen says, appearing last while tucking the battery she just bought into her pocket.You ask what the quickest way to the lowest floors are from here."Probably our own two feet, but you need to calm down." Zul says as Kamiko gets Emogen up to speed. "I know you are worried but we need to consider things. For one, don't go running off by yourself-"You comment that this isn't really the time for a lecture."And you clearly still don't understand how large the Marketplace actually is. We aren't going to find the two of them by just running around yelling their names." Zul sighs and then says, "Whatever happens just make sure to stick with at least one of us, alright? It's especially dangerous for a human to wander around the deeper places in the Market."You ask what they should do then."We could try to contact a guard." Emogen offers, weakly."It might be best to just wait here. They'll have to come back to find us at some point." Zul says. "And we can prepare a proper dressing down for them.""Does anyone know what Hilde might have been looking for?" Kamiko says, still looking over the railing, "If we know that we might be able to catch them."What do you do?
>>6421344didnt she mention she was looking for weapons or something like that? ammo places and whatever passes as gun shops here could be a great starting point
>>6421344As much as we want to play protective daddy, we can easily become the lost kid in this place
>>6421344As a dad, we at least have to try to look for them.Do we have any sort of communicators? If we do we might leave the shop keep a message in case they come back before we do. See if Zul has an idea of what "body parts" Hilde may be after.
>>6421399+1 to thism.what stores does Hilde consider the most "fun"? That's what she was impatient to check out. We should go with Kamiko to find them. Waiting around is an awful idea considering our luck lately.>>6421344
You take a second to center yourself. Rushing could cause you to just get as lost as Tamako. You announce that Hilde wanted to buy stuff she couldn't find in the surface shops. She kept calling them body parts, but you are pretty sure she meant uniquely illegal weaponry."More likely something uniquely foolish. She may be trying to find a mad scientist." Zul says, rubbing her head."Gods, she would wouldn't she." Kamiko groans.You ask how much danger Tamako may be in."That's hard to say... Like I mentioned before, Hilde's platform is very capable in battle and with it she is one of the stronger of her size and weight class." Zul explains. "She can't attack anything living without explicit orders except when defending herself or others.""Unfortunately her mouth gets her in trouble, and not even always on purpose." Kamiko grunts.You ask if there is some way to track or communicate with Hilde."We can communicate with her, but only if she accepts our call. Something I imagine she won't do right now. We've tried placing trackers on her, but she always removes them." Zul sighs."Okay!" Kamiko says taking her eyes away from the lower floors. She turns to the others and says, "You two make a report to a guard and wait here in case they return. Martin and I will go try to find them.""Now wait a minute. We have to properly explain how the Market wor-." Zul starts, but Kamiko interrupts and says, "I'll explain on the way. C'mon Martin and make sure to stay close.""Buddy system!" Emogen says, walking up to Zul, "Let's make sure not to lose anyone else. Anyway, good luck you two!"As you and the the half-oni walks away. The LGM says something, but you are already moving fast enough that you couldn't hear the response. Jogging to keep up with Kamiko, you ask what Zul meant by having to explain the Market."The Marketplace has a way to leading you to exactly what you are looking for, but at the same time you have to take any guidance the Market gives you to get to your goal. Sometimes the path it tries to take you isn't so obvious, but as long as you keep walking you'll eventually find your way. Probably. Hopefully."You can't say you are a fan of the uncertainty in her comment."Sorry, it's just that there are a bunch of other rules, and they even change depending on what part of the Market you are in. To make things simple, just make sure to keep concentrating on trying to find mad scientist wares. If the general idea is too hard, maybe think of purchasing something common to them. A Jacob's Ladder perhaps, or vials of mysterious mutagen." Kamiko says, as you approach the elevators. However, instead of pressing the down button she starts to head down the adjacent staircase. "And keep your eyes open for any opportunities."You can't say it makes much sense to you, and do your best to focus on lab coats and goggles, along with books on quantum physics. Unfortunately you can't keep the worry of Tamako out of your mind.What do you do?
>>6421887Use the worry of Tamako and try to think of tracking devices created to find a specific changeling, that might be mad science-y enough
>>6421899+1! Good thinking.>>6421887
>>6421887>The Marketplace has a way to leading you to exactly what you are looking forLike, it terms of items for sale? Or perhaps even someone we're looking for?I mean, if we can locate a mad scientist by focusing on him/her, could we not do the same for our changeling daughter?Also, do we need to hold hands to keep from getting lost, especially if it gets crowded?
>>6421923thisif we think of Tamako as "an item" perhaps the marketplace itself will take us directly to her
>>6421887Wait, wouldn't Tamako also influence their path? Perhaps trying to follow Hilde's solo path isn't the best plan, especially since she likely didn't tell Tamako about this stuff.
>>6419792Hello again QM. Looking forward for the rest of the thread.>>6421923SUpporting this one.
(Going to try moving my off day to Tuesdays. I'll update tomorrow.It feels good to be back.)
>>6422383no worries EggOP, cya tomorrow!
>>6422383Thanks for looping us in. See you soon!
You ask if you can just focus on wanting to find Tamako specifically and cut out the middleman. "The grammar of this place doesn't really let you find specific people, only things. It is a market place after all, so it's trying to get you to buy stuff." Kamiko says with a sad chuckle, "Closest thing living it will lead you to are pets and Slaves. If we knew what specific place they were going to we could have tried that..."You ask with a bit of alarm if Tamako could get taken as a slave. "Oh! Sorry to worry you. When I say Slaves i mean the species of fairy. Like the PMCs or Lab Workers, you know?" Kamiko says, pausing at a door out of the stairwell briefly before stepping through. "Except for the farther parts of the Market you aren't going to find literal enslaved fairies or humans."You say you thought you were heading towards the fringes of the Market yourselves."Well yeah, but mad scientists were pushed to the fringes because merchants don't want neighbors who's products explode or cause mass damage."There are just as many shops and vending machines here as above, but snaking through and around the mostly concrete and metal walls are grates, pipes, and shoddily constructed scrap bridges and ladders. The place is lit by the neon store signs and fading tube lights with the occasional floating, football sized robot advertisements. The place smells mostly of grease with a distinct metallic tang. Nothing appears to be particularly mad science-y."Hmm, still not quite there I think, keep an eye out and stay close. Humans have a hard time getting through the market themselves, and though I doubt Tamako will be grabbed, I can't say for sure something won't come and try to enslave you.You thought she said there wouldn't be any enslaved fairies or humans around here."To buy, yeah. But the Market helps people find what they are looking for, and there are lot's of fairies who wouldn't mind finding a free wandering human around." Kamiko warns. "But don't worry, if we are dealing with robots I can keep you safe."You joke and ask if you should hold hands so you don't get separated.She goes silent for a second and then says, "I-I mean, if you want to."What do you do?
>>6422931Offer your hand, pray it's not too sweaty for her to notice.
>>6422935+1GRAB THAT HAND!
>>6422931>Grab that hand, for safety's sake!
>>6422931Would it be a too ballsy move to do it but say that you don't care about safety and just want to hold her hand?
>>6423074(Not sure, would it?)
>>6423177We're a grown man. I support doing it.
You say that you are glad, since you wanted to hold her hand anyway and now you have a good excuse."H-hey! Don't tease!" She says, holding out a hand. "I-I know how you feel about me after what I did to you and Tamako during our first meeting..."You reach up, lacing your fingers into hers as you walk. She doesn't say anything, in fact she doesn't seem to be looking your direction very much at all. You have to admit you feel a lot less nervous about the whole situation now. You also hope your hand isn't sweaty. Or shaky. You take a glance up at her and see she is blushing rather furiously. Honestly, you begin to feel your own cheeks heat up.You continue to walk in silence, trying to see anyway or anything that might bring you closer to Tamako or Hilde, but it all looks like industrial garbage and rusting mechanical parts to you."Wait, hold on." Kamiko says, coming to a stop abruptly and looking around down a small semi-circular clearing beside the path. Among and between the metal grating and a large corrugated metal pipes are a few shops.Inside one of the shops is a gangly engineer wearing oil smeared overalls, working on a rather large tracked robot so intensely that he is ignoring his store front. Around him are various robotic arms and armor. He seems to be trying to decide what pieces to attach to his creation.At another shop you see what appears to be a rat person arguing with the shopkeeper. The rat person is wearing raggedy clothes with a threadbare and patched poncho. Sitting on their back nearly as big as they are is backpack full of trash and scavenged parts. It sounds like the rat-person may have tried to steal something.Beside one of the shops are two people in stained lab coats and trousers. One is younger with goggles and red hair that spikes out comically, almost like he was shocked by cartoon lightning. The other is older, squat, bald, but with a white handlebar mustache so magnificent that you can't even see his mouth beneath it. They appear to be talking about a 'fight ring', though they aren't being particularly loud about it.What do you do?
>>6423307>fingers interlacedMartin? More like Manwhore.Anyway, a fighting ring seems like something that our dear robot friend might pull...
>>6423307H-hot.>>6423309+1
>>6423309+1 to this
>>6423307>two people in stained lab coats and trousersAlso, I just remembered Camelia is still a problem... We probably should make sure we are never alone.
(Had a few drinks today, not getting an update tonight probably.)
>>6423307>Look inside the engineer's shopSeems like a good place to find a robot looking for weapons
>>6423943I hope you had a good time, OP.
A killer robot kumite sounds exactly like something that your robot co-worker would be attracted to after purchasing some nice new gear. You approach the pair of crazed researchers and ask what this fight ring is that they are talking about."Huh? And who are you?" The older one says, his eyes lingering on you. "Seek your thrills elsewhere, this is an event for the likes of laymen like you.""Oh, but what's this?" The taller one with wild hair says, his goggles telescoping in and out. "Looking for a place to go on a date? Forgive my friend, what I think he means is I'm not sure this will interest you unless you are a fellow STEM elite.""Oh, we are! I'm uh, an electric engineer." Kamiko says, her face red at the mention of 'date'. She motions to you and says, "And he's a programmer for... Robots."The pair of mad scientists turn to each other for a moment, whispering loudly."He does sort of have that look...""I heard a lot of humans were..."The older one clears his throat and says, "Since the beginning of technology there has always been one question on an inventors mind, and that's what the most efficient way to destroy your enemies. This bracket isn't like those weenie, cowardly fights they have normally. unlike regular tournaments, this one doesn't have pesky things like 'rules' and 'regulations' and all that. The only condition is that the fighter has to fit in the ring.""My colleague will be entering it with one of his inventions." The younger, taller one says with a properly mad laugh. He fixes his goggles and then continues, "I must say, I'm not much of a betting man but I think he's got this one in the bag."You ask what he's bringing."Oh ho ho, you are thinking of attending, correct? Now why would I go and ruin the surprise." the mustached man says, wiggling a finger and giving an indulgent wink. "But I'm sure you'll enjoy it. If you are a good cheer squad I may just let you take a lil' look at the code!"The pair soon depart, saying that they have to get ready. The older one hands Kamiko a brochure and your larger co-worker flips it open."I guess it's called the 'CCC', or 'Clash of the Cunningly Creative'. What the heck, it even says on the ad here that it's illegal. Why would they print this out." Kamiko says shaking her head and chuckling. "Seems like something Hilde would like. Shall we go?"What do you do?
>>6424430Hmm, sure, might as well try. Enjoy your handholding while you make your way there...
>>6424430This probably qualifies as guidance
>>6424430calling it now, somebody is forcing Hilde to participate, probably by having Tamako as an incentive...lets go but be on the look out for Tamako, if my hunch is right, somebody must be keeping an eye on her, probably in a cell or cage
>>6424474>probably by having Tamako as an incentive...I don't think so. The carrot works much better on Hilde than a stick. Threaten her and she will step up, but if you promise to give her something if she participates, then...Yeah, I can see why people are so wary (and weary) of her; she's a walking WMD with the mind of a child that never had to learn any hard lessons (because she's a walking WMD that doesn't care about anyone else).
>>6424474>probably by having Tamako as an incentive...I disagree. The stick does not work on Hilde, she'll step right up to you, offer her the carrot, however...You can't threaen Hilde, but if you offer her something she want's she'll happily participate in whatever you ask, especially in a destruction derby. I can see why the others are so wary (and weary) of her; she's a walking WMD that never had to learn any hard lessons and apparently cares for no one except for herself. A powerful, dangerous, and very selfish child that cares about the next toy (weapon) she can get her hands on.I hope Tamako doesn't turn into the biological equivalent of Hilde...
>>6424430I'll +1 >>6424474
You say that a flyer to an event certainly seems like guidance, so you should probably follow it."Yeah, but do you have a feeling that it is right? Any sort of compulsion that way?" Kamiko says as you continue on.You shrug and say it's a hunch and you don't have any sort of strong feel towards it. You are just trying to go with the flow like she suggested. Heck, you are even literally being handheld at this point. "I-I suppose you are, ahaha... A hunch is good though." Kamiko says, and then a little unsure continues. "I had heard humans had trouble with the Marketplace, both getting to exactly where they want to go, and also easily getting lost. Everything seems fine so far though."You nod, looking around at the dimly lit industrial hazards around you. You duck under a tube of some chemicals and then take a wide berth around a pair of live wires. You wouldn't exactly call this fine. You ask if Hilde is the kind of robot to put Tamako in danger, or use her as a hostage or... Well, you don't want to even consider what else."Don't think much of Hilde do you."You aren't sure what to think of her anymore."I suppose that is fair." Kamiko agrees, "Not to make excuses, but she's just a bit... Rebellious. And a brat. She generally means well and I don't think she'll willingly put Tamako in peril."You say her current actions beg to differ."Hilde probably doesn't think she's putting Tamako in any danger. Probably thinks she can blast her way out of any bad situation she gets herself in."You can't say that helps you feel any better."Sorry. Don't worry, we'll make sure Tamako is safe." She says firmly. "I would say try to think up some good punishments for Hilde, but that just might get us lost."What do you do?
>>6425061Perhaps a temporary restriction on what guns she's allowed to use?
>>6425061just keep focusing on finding Tamako, surely the brochure has the location of that place, right?>>6425066she loves her guns and is constantly looking for new stuff, so maybe downgrading her body should teach her a lesson
>>6425061Hilde is now on the "B" team, the first individual placed on that list, for consideration for which team member we take with us in the future. Everyone else is remains in the "A" team.So we tell her, but I guess who we take depends on the what we'd expect out of a mission>>6424497>>6424500Ah, I thought my post got eaten so I retyped it...
>>6425061>Keep our mind's eye on the prize.
The brochure itself doesn't give clear directions, instead couching them inside rather difficult math questions. The pair of you do your best to figure them out, and luckily the amount of people starts to increase, and following the fellow pedestrians with flyers brings you to a stadium. You actually see it far before you get there, as it glows and flashes with an assortment of neon gas, gouts of flame, and crackling electrical arcs. You thought it was the tournament creating these disturbances, but it seems to be coming from noise machines set all around the collosseum. Your taller co-worker translates what the loud speakers are saying, which is announcing the excitement, brutality, and illegality of the fights. As you and Kamiko join a queue, you comment that the Marketplace must want you to get tickets."That seems to be the case." She agrees with a titter. "I bet if they are here that Hilde snuck them inside."You say that she got money from Zul, so she probably just bought the ticket."No, she almost certainly at least tried to sneak inside."Since you lack money, Kamiko pays for your two tickets to the CCC and enter the stadium.The inside smells like burning oil with a tang of corroding metal, and you can see the bright flashes of the fight even from the hallways circling the stadium. The cheering and cries of the crowd assault your senses, but you move forward farther in. Thankfully, there aren't many people out in the halls since a nearby monitor reveals there is currently fight between two battling robots."Still no Tamako or Hilde. What now?" Kamiko says, looking around.You suppose you could head up to the stands and try to find your seats. If this is where the Market wanted you to be, then it probably wants you watching the event as well, right?There are also concession stands, though you can't read what they say, and some don't even look like they are selling food. Outside of the stands themselves, this seems to be the most populated audience area.There is also a hallway that leads to a door that Kamiko says is marked "Competitors and Staff Only." Unfortunately, it's also being guarded by a wall of a robot. Despite being mostly torso, it's size takes up much of the hallway before the door frame.What do you do?
>>6425471before we try to sneak in, look for a betting booth, if this is the kind of event we think it is, there is sure to be some money making on the side, that means bets and they most likely have a registry and schedule of all the fights, if we are finding a place that can tell us if Hilde is here, then thats the place
>>6425472Good thinking; +2.If they don't know, asking at teg food vendors could be good, especially if we find one that sells something Japanese. Our weeb daughter only eats anime chow.
>>6425472Seconded
>>6425471What are the odds that Hilde actually entered herself into the competition?
You say that they should check out the food stall area."I'm not sure it's a good idea for us to eat anything." Kamiko warns, but you tell her that there might be some sports betting going on, and they can check to see if Hilde entered herself."Oh, that's smart." Your co-worker says, and then sighing says, "I bet she'd use her real name too."You walk over to the concessions area, and find that Kamiko was correct. None of this looks like meals you want to eat. Some of the food looks like what you are used to, but with added bits or strange colors. You even spot a reasonable facsimile to a cheeseburger, but with eyes. There are also some oddly colored and shaped cuts of meat, as well as giant grub location creatures and angry looking wasps. Some of the stuff doesn't even look like food. You are pretty sure you spotted jerrycans of oil, and soup made of batteries and acid. You spot the betting area rather easily, as the floor is scattered with betting slips being trampled by a small crowd of fairies as they jostle to get their bets and parleys in. You take a look up at the tote board and ask Kamiko if any of those look. A few of the names are in English but the text is mostly alien."Raze-bot, The Tentaculator, Bastion MKIV, Green Lightning..." Kamiko lists off, "I'm not seeing our little robot friend anywhere. Green Lightning feels familiar for some reason though, perhaps that is her?"You ask for the odds, and your co-worker translates translates them to be about +125. As she scans the board your taller compatriot says, "It looks like the fights go on all day, but that Green Lightning character is going on in two fights. Maybe I'll place a small bet."You ask her to not forget why they are here."S-sorry. Even the best of us fairies are drawn to bets." She apologizes sheepishly.What do you do?
>>6426446>Maybe I'll place a small bet.Sure, why not. We're not some killjoy who'll tell her what she can and can't do with her money.Then, I guess we just grab a seat a watch for a little bit? Would be nice to have some drinks, but I guess we shouldn't drink anything here, either.
>>6426446>"Its ok, just dont get too carried away, do your bet and then we´ll start looking for more clues, if anything, if that name turns out to be Hilde, it might get her attention if she sees the cash pilling up"
>>6426481+1, as good a start as any.>>6426446
You comment that you don't mind if she makes a bet. It's her money after all."R-really? Okay, I'll be super quick." She says, rushing off to one of the counters with you in tow. She begins speaking animatedly to the half-plant alien clerk at the counter. Since you are unable to understand the otherworldly language you just sort of let your gaze wander. You noticed stares from the fairies before, but it feels much more intense now. While you wonder if it's because of the multi-eyed tentacle creature beside you Kamiko takes her betting slip and pulls you back towards the ring. You can't quite shake the feeling of being watched.However you are quickly distracted from that thought. The cheering and cries in various languages and the sounds of the skirmish below is so loud it's nearly earsplitting. You've also never seen so many people in lab coats. You'd almost describe it as a sea of white, but most of the lab coats aren't so white anymore. Other than that there are quite a few steampunk looking individuals decked out in all sorts of gears, bolted metal, and hissing boilers. There is even some torn and weathered clothing along with makeshift, post-apocalyptic looking contraptions made of cars, power tools, and scraps of other machines. There are even quite a few Zul-like Martians.Currently, there is a fight between a tower-like robot with spider legs and some sort of blob creature. It's unclear who is winning, as the blob seems unable to effectively grab the robot, while the machine seems unable to deal any actual harm to the monster."Oh, well at least we know they are safe." Kamiko says, and at your confusion she points up to a jumbotron across the field from you. The large, oval screen shows two very familiar individuals in the audience. Tamako doesn't seem to notice the camera on her and is focusing on the fight, but Hilde is playing it up for the crowd. The screen changes to other audience members, and then to stats that you can't read."Where are they...?" Kamiko says, already scanning the stands for the changeling and the robot.You ask if you should search the place systematically. If they are watching then they hopefully won't move anytime soon."Sure hope we don't have to do that. Look at the size of this crowd." Your taller co-worker says, "Plus I'm not exactly the most sneaky person around, and if Hilde sees us coming she might bolt."What do you do?
>>6426967well, at least wasnt in any actual danger, but i really think we should ground both of them, no more anime and snacks for Tamako for a few days and fucking downgrade Hilde until she is needed again!
>>6426967Can we put out an announcements, like when someone's car alarm is going off in a parking lot? Maybe at intermission?
>>6426967Can we see where the camera is? Might still be pointing int their general direction.
You ask if there is a way to send the pair an announcement over the loudspeakers to get them to come out. Draw them out by using the fairy equivalent of their car alarm going off."Maybe we call about a rampaging science experiment? Say that only the strongest robots should apply?" Kamiko says with a chuckle. She glances at the fighting monstrosities for a moment as the crowd cheers loudly. "For Hilde to care the ruse would have to be something more violent than this. We may end up drawing more attention that way though."You flinch as part of the tower-like robot's spider leg bounces into the stands, nearly hitting some of the audience. You look up at the ceiling, trying to determine where the camera for the jumbotron was. Unfortunately everything above you is a labyrinthian jumble of wires, panels, and blinking lights. You ask Kamiko if she can tell."No, but... I mean we have a bunch of mad scientist around us, maybe they know?" Your co-worker adds, trying to be helpful.As you speak one of said mad scientists start to walk by. He has quite a large head, which is covered in all matter of tools and goggle lenses. You stop him, and ask if he knows where the camera for the jumbotron is."The what? Don't pester me, My massive intellect is far beyond analyzing the work of some wire monkeys." he retorts.You sigh, and turning to Kamiko you say that you'll have to find another scientist to help you out. This one clearly doesn't know. Surely one of these fellows will be smart enough to figure it out."What?!" The mad scientist says angrily, literal steam coming from one of the vents on his metallic head. The lens on his headpiece swivel and telescope, looking all around. "It's right over there, you nincompoop."As he stomps away, Kamiko looks to you a little concerned."Well done, but in the future let me be the one to antagonize other fairies. It might not end well for you if you piss off the wrong fairy."Based on where the camera is, the pair of you guess Hilde and Tamako's general area. The first fight is just starting to wind down as you spot your daughter's spiral hair in the stands. You quickly rush over."Hey dad!" Tamako says. Hilde's head snaps towards you and the robot immediately takes off running. Kamiko however, catches Hilde before she can get very far."Hey guys what's... W-wait!" Hilde tries as your taller co-worker grabs her by the head."You are in big trouble, lil' missy." Kamiko replies. "I can't believe you put Tamako in danger like this! You may be strong, but what if she had to defend herself?""She gave me a weapon, just in case!" Tamako adds happily, waving around some sort of futuristic looking laser pistol."You gave her a gun?!" Kamiko says, turning back to the robot."So what?" Hilde argues, "It's fine! I'm supervising!"As they bicker, you can feel all the rage and worry start to bubble up. You feel now would be a good time to say anything you wanted to about the situation. What do you do?
>>6427389as much as i want to blow her fuses, we should probably get out of here first, this area might be a bit too dangerous and if we bother somebody we shouldnt it might get even worse,Lets save it for later but warn her that we are having a serious talk later.Also, start looking into anything that can create an electro-magnetic pulse, that should be able to give her a nice headache as punishment, also suggest Zul to downgrade her into a toaster or potato battery as punishment, at least until she is needed, she has something of a superiority complex, making her useless shoudl really riley her up
>>6427389Now is neither the time nor place for a serious conversation, but impress upon them we're extremely disappointed about them sneaking off and will be having a proper discussion when we get back home.
>>6427389We'll have a serious talk later, after we're back to HQ, safe and sound.As for Hilde, I don't think we should "downgrade" her as punishment, I stand by that simply telling her we won't be taking her along on our adventures for the foreseeable future should be enough of a punishment. She may not be a biologic, but it would seem she is still drawn to us, possibly because we're an anomaly, but definitely because we have a way of drawing exciting happenings.
>>6427398She gave our infant daughter a gun, she's getting both
>>6427396>>6427398+1 to "I'm not mad, just disappointed" for tamako, plus an explanation of why this was dangerous and scary for us. Hilde gets a cold shoulder for a while.>>6427389
Punishments for this uncaring robot whirl through your mind. You'll have to ask Zul if she can be downgraded into a potato, or maybe even give her a sharp shock of an EMP. You shake your head and compose yourself. This is neither the time nor place for this. You say that you can all talk about this properly when they get back to the surface. For now they should just leave.Tamako's smile falters and she says, "W-wait, are you mad? Like actually angry?"You say that you aren't mad, just disappointed. You explain that running off like that was dangerous and scary for you. Anything could have happened."B-but it's not my fault! Hilde said It'd be okay!" Your daughter says, pointing to the robot and beginning to cry."Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Kamiko says holding up the robot to be face-to-face with her."All Zul said was i had to go with one of you guys. She wasn't specific on who it had to be. I didn't do anything wrong!" Hilde replies."Well I hope you had fun. Let's go." Your taller co-worker orders. "Awe come on! I put a bet down, can we at least stay for that fight?" The robot asks.What do you do?
>>6427792
>>6427792>Hilde is trying to pull that shit and acting smart with us.fuck the EMP, we are manually downgrading her ourselves with a rusty wrench, if we do it wrong then thats on her.>What do you do?take her betting ticket and rip it in half, then leave
>>6427792...Damnit, it's real hard not to feel bad with Tamako giving those teary eyes.It definitely looks like we're going to have to explain the concepts of following the spirit and the letter of the law to Tamako. And perhaps schedule a daddy-daughter-date day at the range, since she got her first firearm.As for Hilde, no need to rip up her ticket when we can simply take it and place it on our fridge with a bunch of magnets to keep it from her.
>>6427792... Kamiko put down a bet as well...We'll need to teach Tamako who she should and shouldn't listen to, and at some level, how to think for herself. She needs to know how worried about her safety we were. She really shouldn't just run of without telling us, and ideally asking us.
>>6427808+1 to this too, we have to do some actual parenting from time to time and not all of it will be pretty, but it HAS to be done
>>6427792Naw, fuckoff. You don't get to watch the fight.
>>6427792>Stay, since Kamiko also put down a bet, but leave right afterwards.
(No update tonight.)
>>6427792>>6427810 +1
>>6428207No worries, QM. See you soon!
You sigh, and say that Kamiko did put down a bet as well."Just a small bet, it's no big deal. We can go." Kamiko says, still holding the robot by the head. Hilde doesn't look like she's trying to escape, but who knows if that'll change if she's released."Oh no way, you bet on Green Lightning?" Hilde says, extending a telescoping rod with a mirror to look at the betting ticket. "Me too!""Huh? Yeah, the name sounded good for some reason. I do like lightning, maybe that's why." Kamiko says with a shrug, sitting and apologizing as some of the audience behind you angrily shout something. You don't have to understand it to get that your co-workers large frame blocked much of their view."You don't know who that is do you?" Hilde asks, tapping Kamiko's ticket and then retracting the mirror."Should I...?" Kamiko guardedly asks."Well, I'm not going to ruin the surprise." Hilde says grinning smugly, turning back to look at the arena the best she can while still restrained by the head.Thankfully, the fight first fight ended during your confrontation with Hilde while the second, a fight between two fully equipped chromed flying geometric shapes, ends within moments as the sphere automaton punches through the pyramid with a pinpoint series of missiles and a cartoon round black bomb. Soon enough the rubble is cleared away, and the fight you are waiting for is on deck.An explosion of colored gas and electric arcs announces the arrival of Green Lightning. It takes the form of a small, pill-shaped mecha with legs and two crackling green antennae at the end of both it's arms. Scrap metal is thickly layered and bolted down to the bot's frame, and despite it's heavy look the robot struts in quite confidently. There is also a viewing port on the top of the mecha, though the dark glass obscures whoever is inside.The opponent, Dr. Stitches, is a massive humanoid chimera with some sort of weaponry built into one of it's six arms and wearing a top hat. He, or perhaps it, is made up of body parts of other creatures attached to a robotic frame. The parts you can somewhat recognize are bat wings, several heavily muscled and deformed parts of people, a reptilian arm with claws, a tentacle, and a scorpion stinger.The bell rings, and Green Lightning immediately attempts to direct electricity at the monster, but Dr. Stitches keeps it's distance and instead uses rockets and acidic spit to try and take Green Lightning from afar. Several of the rockets go into the crowd, and one of the bolts of green electricity arc of the seats. No one seems to really notice though.Kamiko and Hilde are cheering on their choice of combantant, and even Tamako's sad face slowly turns to one of joy and excitement as the fight continues.What do you do?
>>6428558we can stay for this match, but after that, we are OUT.
>>6428558Uh, look for nearby cover... Something that will fit both us and Tamako?Kamiko is only half-fairy, if we remind her of the danger maybe she'll become a bit more clear-headed and tell us as to how much of a danger the fight poses to spectators?
Staying for this match goes against the entire point here...it's practically a reward.
>>6428558>"You don't know who that is do you?"Small, Green, Bad-Ass, with energy weapons?Wait a minute, is that Zul!?Anyway sit with Tamako and chat with her, don't scold her but just see if she understands the danger in just wandering off without telling you. Also was she actually crying or just practicing her puppy dog eyes?
>>6428673Yeah, but we're a weeb and this is fuckin SIIIIICK.>>6428558>>6428562 +1>we can stay for this match, but after that, we are OUT.
You say that once this is over you are all out. You chastise and Hilde and say she needs to remember that this is a punishment and-However, your sentence is cut short as a missile and a stream of green lightning explode nearby.---When you are wake again, you find yourself laying in a pile of trash. Looking up a level higher you see see the stadium you feel from, as well as several new, slightly smoking holes in it. You realize a group of nearby scientists loud arguing is probably what woke you up. You listen in, trying your best not to move."No way! He'll totally want robot arms. Humans love these things!" A fairy in an environment suit says. He has a back pack full of various robot parts."No way! He only has two of those and I need those slots!" A muscular, purple researchers says, shaking a jar with a pulsating biceps. "He's going to get ripped and love it!"Move you fools! I have a perfect appendage for him to test!" A creature who is little more than a giant head with a mechanical squid body says, waving a pod with a tentacle in it above his head.You don't seem to be restrained in any way, so you weigh your options while the group argues. The straight shot towards the stadium is down the road you are on. You'll have to find a way upwards, probably an elevator some where. It's also the most exposed path. There are plenty of alleyways to dive down, though you don't know where they go.Lastly, you could try speaking with the mad scientists. Maybe they aren't so bad?What do you do?
>>6429753>Duck into an alley to escapeIf we run straight down the main road (or make the mistake of negotiating) they'll just grab us again.
>>6429753hang on a second, they are all talking about our arms...before we do anything, try shuffling our arms just a bit to see if they are damaged...or if we still have them.>talk to the scientists>politely say that you dont want new arms and decline but if they give you their contacts you are will seriously concider some upgrades later in the future (if necessary)just keeping options open in case we suffer any sort of damage, we do have a dangerous field of work, could be good to have options in case Zul isnt able to fix us.
While they argue, you check your general condition. As far as you can tell everything is still connected and pointing the right direction. Moving doesn't seem to cause you and discomfort."-then it's agreed, we'll grow some flesh and nerve bundles so we can all have a place to put our additions." The vaccuum sealed scientist concludes. "Either of you have anesthesia?""No, is that a problem?" The muscular purple researcher asks as the octo-scientist shakes his head."Shame. We could have up-charged him for it." The environmental suit wearing mad scientist laments.You think you've heard enough. You bolt over to an alley and duck inside. Once out of sight of the trio you dash away. You head generally towards the stadium, though really you just think it's best to escape as quickly as possible. When the alley exits back into the road you stop and look around confused.The arena is gone, in fact you seem to be in a completely different though similar looking place. It's still vaguely futuristic, but instead of chrome and alien contraptions it's neon, smog, and skyscrapers. Robots and augmented human-like fairies walk along side more modern day machines, but there aren't as many extraterrestrials wandering around. Despite the higher level of tech, there is a general feeling of hopelessness and decay.Before you can even start to panic, you hear a voice from beside you."You look lost my friends, is everything okay?" A robot with a long neck says, beckoning you over with a grin on his faceplate. Hi stall is nestled snuggly into a wall between some ventilation tubes and machines. "Perhaps I have something here that can help."You pause for a moment, then remember the market's mechanics, and wonder if it's trying to point you forward. Taking a glance around to see if it's safe, you approach the merchant. The robot is crammed into the stall with all manner of rusted knick-knacks and faded, dusty boxes. He navigates them using his long, segmented and telescoping arms."From the looks of it, you are in need of a quick escape, am I correct? I might have just the thing." It says, producing a small metal box with button on top from among it's wares. Connected to the corners of the cube are leather straps with locking clasps. "It's called the return box. Just put it on and press the button and it should take you back to where you came into the market! I'll even give you a good price for it."That sounds like exactly what you need. The problem is you don't have any money on you."From the look on your face tells me that you may be a little strapped for cash. We can bargain in other things, if you'd like."What do you do?
>>6430149>We can bargain in other things, if you'd likewhat do we even have on us that could have any monetary value for the fairy market?if we got nothing, perhaps we could pay with a future favor? maybe some side-job if possible or perhaps even info?
>>6430149I wouldn't bargain with random fairies... We should still hear him out to be polite, however.
>>6430161I don't know. I'm with >>6430164 : weren't we advised not to accept anything from fairies we don't know in this place? This could be a trick.>>6430149>Politely decline
You ask the merchant what he means by that statement. The others warned you about making deals."Human parts can go for quite a pretty penny." The robot offers, "Even if it's something small. You know, like an eye, or perhaps one of those organs you have doubles of? There are still other things as well."You grimace, and say that you think you are good."Oh? Well that's too bad." The merchant says with a chuckle. "So where are you off too, then?"You look around at the unfamiliar streets and buildings. Despite the hour, or perhaps because of the smog, it's rather dark out except for the harsh glow of the neon signs and street lamps. There doesn't seem to be anyone glancing your way, but you still feel like there are a ton of eyes on you.The robot gives you a few moments for your thoughts, and then cleras his throat and gestures to the box with the button. "You know, there is an old saying that fits here. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't."What do you do?
>>6430588sure, he is sketchy...but this robot has been the least threatening creature so far in this area...>push the button
>>6430588We do not know this devil.>Decline more firmly>Start trying alleys to see if we get transported somewhere more familiar, or at least less threatening
>>6430588>"I'm sure the devil I know (our "wife) will find me soon enough...">Hope she doesn't find us>Focus on placing a bet for the robot coliseum, or making a purchase, like that spiked metal club, where Zul and Emogen are still waiting.
