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"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?

>>6419793
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah, 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.

>>6419803
Sure, +1 to this.

>>6419793
Welcome back, QM!

>>6419792
Welcome 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!

>>6419793
lets 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

>>6419793
Welcome 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

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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?

>>6420085
perhaps we could chip-in to help her get some slightly better batteries?

>>6420085
What 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?

>>6420086
She 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?

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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?

>>6420706
now im going to need some Emogen in a Zero Suit Samus outfit fanart...

>>6420706
Look 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 use
A giant (for her) spiked metal bat! She and Kamiko can be a metal club duo!

>>6420706
>Emogen in a skin-tight suit
I'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

>>6420791
Suggest 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.

>>6420983
Emogen isn't exactly chunky, but she is beeg. Most of the "mom options" seem to be. I guess Martin has a type..

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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?

>>6421060
Well, we're a gun enthusiast so...
>Go learn about rayguns from Aylmilf

>>6421060
>Try very hard not to imagine Emogen in a skintight suit
>Fail
And then we can go talk i guess.

>>6421067
this.
maybe we could get...hey wait a minute...where are Tamako and Hilde?

>>6421072
RED ALERT, RED ALERT!

>>6421060
Changing vote to
>locate daughteru

>>6421060
>Alert the others, Tamako and Hilde are missing.
Tamako is better than this, Hilde is a terrible influence...

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>>6421060
Oh, 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.

>>6421315
Kill 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.

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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?

>>6421344
didnt 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

>>6421344
As much as we want to play protective daddy, we can easily become the lost kid in this place

>>6421344
As 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

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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?

>>6421887
Use 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 for
Like, 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?

>>6421923
this
if we think of Tamako as "an item" perhaps the marketplace itself will take us directly to her

>>6421887
Wait, 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.

>>6419792
Hello again QM. Looking forward for the rest of the thread.

>>6421923
SUpporting this one.

(Going to try moving my off day to Tuesdays. I'll update tomorrow.

It feels good to be back.)

>>6422383
no worries EggOP, cya tomorrow!

>>6422383
Thanks for looping us in. See you soon!

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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?

>>6422931
Offer your hand, pray it's not too sweaty for her to notice.

>>6422935
+1
GRAB THAT HAND!

>>6422931
>Grab that hand, for safety's sake!

>>6422931
Would 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?)

>>6423177
We're a grown man. I support doing it.

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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 interlaced
Martin? More like Manwhore.

Anyway, a fighting ring seems like something that our dear robot friend might pull...

>>6423307
H-hot.

>>6423309
+1

>>6423309
+1 to this

>>6423307
>two people in stained lab coats and trousers

Also, 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 shop

Seems like a good place to find a robot looking for weapons

>>6423943
I hope you had a good time, OP.

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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?

>>6424430
Hmm, sure, might as well try. Enjoy your handholding while you make your way there...

>>6424430
This probably qualifies as guidance

>>6424430
calling 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...

>>6424430
I'll +1 >>6424474

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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?

>>6425061
Perhaps a temporary restriction on what guns she's allowed to use?

>>6425061
just keep focusing on finding Tamako, surely the brochure has the location of that place, right?
>>6425066
she loves her guns and is constantly looking for new stuff, so maybe downgrading her body should teach her a lesson

>>6425061
Hilde 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
>>6424500
Ah, I thought my post got eaten so I retyped it...

>>6425061
>Keep our mind's eye on the prize.

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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?

>>6425471
before 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

>>6425472
Good 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.

>>6425472
Seconded

>>6425471
What are the odds that Hilde actually entered herself into the competition?

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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

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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?

>>6426967
well, 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!

>>6426967
Can we put out an announcements, like when someone's car alarm is going off in a parking lot? Maybe at intermission?

>>6426967
Can we see where the camera is? Might still be pointing int their general direction.

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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?

>>6427389
as 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

>>6427389
Now 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.

>>6427389
We'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.

>>6427398
She 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

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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?

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>>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

>>6427792
Naw, 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

>>6428207
No worries, QM. See you soon!

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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?

>>6428558
we can stay for this match, but after that, we are OUT.

>>6428558
Uh, 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?

>>6428673
Yeah, 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.

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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 escape
If we run straight down the main road (or make the mistake of negotiating) they'll just grab us again.

>>6429753
hang 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.

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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 like
what 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?

>>6430149
I wouldn't bargain with random fairies... We should still hear him out to be polite, however.

>>6430161
I 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

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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?

>>6430588
sure, he is sketchy...but this robot has been the least threatening creature so far in this area...
>push the button

>>6430588
We 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.

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You stare at the box with the button on the counter. Though you have a great desire to see what the unaffordable item does not pull yourself away. Despite what the merchant might say you do not in fact know this devil any better than the potential others around you. You already have one evil, albeit ghostly entity stalking you. You would really prefer not to have another.

You politely, but firmly decline to purchase the escape mechanism.

"Suit yourself, good sir." The long necked robot says, and as you walk away he laughs under his breath and finishes, "I hope you make it home safe."

You make sure to stay in areas that are well lit, or at least well lit as they can be in this nighttime city. Were it not for the danger you would think this would be a fun place to explore, you are pretty sure you spot an alien arcade of some kind, and there are definitely some karaoke bars. You do your best to focus, and concentrate on what you need to find to get safe. At first you think of wanting to buy tickets to the CCC, and then start to consider some of the battery packs you saw Emogen carrying around, and even the actual shield themselves. You walk for some time without anything happening. As you wonder what you are doing wrong, your eyes wander to an alleyway next to what you think is a restaurant. There is a lanky, alien food worker swinging a trash bag. He's attempting to shoo away what appears to a normal cat but with antennae that is standing agitated atop it. The alleyway is short, and you can see to the other side is a well lit arterial road leading to a cul-de-sac plaza with a lot of people.

It's definitely better lit than where you are right now, though you are not sure it is necessarily safer. You look around quickly, then dash down the alleyway, trying to think of other items that might get you closer to the rest of your party. You glance back to check if you are being followed and see that it looks completely different from before. It looks more like the dingy, dangerous mechanical underground you saw all the mad scientists in. Looking forward, you see that the path ahead has transformed as well.

Taking stock of the nearby store, you see it's called "BATS R' US."

It seems to sell all manner of regular and custom bats. On display outside are some spiked bats, one that looks more like a pick, and one made of pure light. You don't spot anything that looks like a Kanabo, but while you browse you get a tap on the shoulder. Looking around, your stomach drops.

It's the environmental suit mad scientist, and he is holding two robotic limbs in his hands. "Hello again! You left before we could have a proper conversation. I noticed you had some lovely appendages. How would you like to make a swap? You play baseball? I assure you my enhanced limbs could help you with your batting average!"

What do you do?

>>6430982
>"Unfortunately, I'm currently the property of SHR and modifications will have to be approved by them. I was told in no uncertain terms that if lost, my first priority is to return."
Eh, I dunno how reasonable this guy is, but let's try to polite route first.

>>6430994
+1
maybe mentioning that we are with the SHR will scare them enough to get them off of our back

also, >>6430982
neet seeing some color! maybe we could see Tamako and the rest in full color some day

>>6430982
>>6430994 +1


Also that head reminds me of Fawful

>>6430994
+1, worth a go!

>>6430982
>>6430994
Oh, I forgot earlier; if he's looking for someone who might want extra parts/upgrades, there's Hilde, who was looking for a mad scientist-type to begin with...

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You say that it is a generous offer but you are not interested. If he is a fan of robotics though, you know someone who might be interested in buying some new pieces for herself.

"No no, no. That's no good. It has to be a cybernetics! The flesh intertwining with wires, bones with support rods... The absolute peak of beauty. A thing living, but with the strength of the machine!" He cries.

You could have gone without that last bit, but it doesn't seem like he wants to back down. You politely, but firmly decline.

"Is that so? Hmm, hmm... Then to the other matter is reimbursement." When you say you don't owe him anything, the scientist grins and points a robotic arm at you. "Do you know how much trouble you caused me? There I was, discussing particle disassemblers with my colleagues, minding my own business, and you come flying at us! Had I not popped my Kinetic Force Decay Field™ (KFDF) you would be a smear on our lab coats!"

You thank him, but say you don't have any money on you.

"Trying to skip out on the bill, huh? Don't worry, I have some ideas how you could pay off your debt." The Mad Scientist says, advancing on you.

You say that you are under SHR custody, and if anything happens to you there will be trouble.

"SHR? Ha! How do you even know about the-" The scientist starts to say, but he is suddenly hooked by his coat and hoisted into the air and out of the entrance way of Bats R Us. The hook turns out to be a large, green electrode connected to the arm of an equally green mech. Green Lightning winds up, and with a flick of his arm the mad scientist flies away. While airborne, the scientist seems to ripple slightly. His velocity sharply decreases, and he slowly floats down several streets away from you. The last you see of him is the mad scientist running away, clearly cursing and making rude gestures at you with both his real and robot arms. Your vision is suddenly obscured by green, and you take a step back as the robot starts to lean towards you, but seconds later the hatch on it's head opens, revealing your other small, green, female co-worker.

"Oh my GOD, like, I am SO sorry I sent you flying? Like, I totally didn't mean to, I just go like, so over the top whenever I fight. You should have, like, totally seen Kamiko and that changeling girl? They were like, SO mad, it was like, insane. Are you, like, alright Human? Swebe asks.

You say you are fine, and ask the goblin how she found him.

"You are like, right next to the stadium? I'm like, SO not even kidding right now." The Swebe says, pointing a dainty finger up. Looking high, You can see the top of the arena by the advertisements for the illegal tournament being held inside. It's perhaps a block away. "Omigod, like, shouldn't you be, like, way farther away? You, like, totally flew pretty far?"

You shake your head and sigh. You aren't even sure yourself.

What do you do?

>>6431491
Would you mind giving us a lift to the others? Also, how did the fight go?

>>6431491
Oh, Swebe. So why does Hilde bother to come down to look for mad scientists again?
Uh, please let the others know that I am alright, and, like, could you bring me back to them, please?
Oh, how did the fight go? Did you win?

>>6431496
+1, and also what a WOMAN. Wow!

>>6431496
+1

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You thank the goblin for her help, and then ask if she could get him back to the rest of your party. You are worried about Tamako especially, though you think you are probably in more danger than she is currently.

"Totally!" Swebe says, leaning out of the robot. She has a flip phone out and is attempting to take a selfie. "Omigod, you're like, not even in the frame? That is SO not cute. Like, can you, like, get closer or something? Like, literally, I cannot even see you."

You nearly press your cheek into the robot to get in focus, and the goblin snaps a photo. She then flops back into the seat of her mech and begins typing a text.

You ask who she's sending a message too.

"Hilde."

You say that she may not answer. Zul said she may have turned off communications because she attempted to run off with Tamako to come down this way.

"Like, she'll totally answer me. Literally don't even stress about it. OMG, wait, is THAT why you guys were like, down here? Hilde is like, a total riot, isn't she? Like, I literally cannot even with her. She's like, SO funny." Swebe says. A second later the phone emits a cute ringtone, and the gobline checks the new message. "Oh my GOD, so like, Hilde's like, totally saying they're coming back towards the stadium with the others? And like, we're supposed to meet them, like, at the south entrance? Okay, hop on, like, let's go!"

Green Lightning's hatch closes, and Swebe leans the robot down and offers you a shoulder. While you try to grip tightly onto whatever you can to stay stable, you ask Swebe how her fight went. You mention that you got to see some of it before your ejection from the stadium.

"I like, totally won? Like, obviously! There's no way that, like, quack was even gonna, like, beat Green Lightning? As if!" Swebe says with a laugh.

You say you are surprised Hilde is sneaking away for other mad scientists for new parts when she has you.

"Omg, thanks! Like, you're so sweet! And like, I'm like I'm totally still working on my doctorate? Like, it's taking FOREVER. I literally cannot even. I'm like, SO over it." She says, "Oh. My. God. Like, there are totally, like, *way* better scientists out there than me right now? I'm like, SO not even kidding?"

You ask if that means she won the tournament, or if she still has more matches.

"Oh my god, so like, I don't even have another fight until tomorrow? And like, I literally barely took a scratch during the last one, so I'm like, totally thinking of celebrating with some friends? Like, don't even worry, I'm like, SO gonna get you back up to the others before that."

What do you do?

>>6431899
>Ask what her friends are like and what a techno-faiey party is like
>Ask if she's ever had a really close contest

>>6431899
Uh, sure >>6431931
I mean, the ride to our destination is probably the only time we'll ever get alone with her.

>>6431899
dont get me wrong, she is cute and i like her, but damn thats like...a LOT of "like´s"
lets just go with her, i want to put my hands on Hilde for basically kidnapping our daughteru

Wait a minute, is that a low-key invitation to a party?

>>6432309
even if it was, we can't go. we're here on work, with our daughter.

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You ask what a fairy party is like.

" They are like, SO wild? Like, you totally shouldn't go to one though, for real. It can like, totally mess with humanss really bad." Swebe explains. You ask what she means and she says, "Like, temporal stuff a lot of the time? Aging really quickly? Or like, accidentally spending hundreds of years partying? That kind of thing?"

You say it's a shame, it sounds kind of fun. You say she hopes she has fun with her friends there.

"Oh. My. GOD. We're not, like, going to a party-party? Because, like, I totally have a fight tomorrow, after all?! It's mostly just to, like, blow off a little steam" Swebe says humming. "Oh, hey! You should, like, totally come!

You ask if the others can come as well.

"So like, oh my god, I love Kamiko and all? But like, she and Zul are like, totally not the social hanging out type? And like, Hilde? She can be like, a little bit much, you know? And like, I barely even know Tamako and that orc lady? Like, whatever." Swebe says shrugging.

You say it's probably not a good idea. It's your first day off for a bit, and it be nice to relax a little.

"Oh. My. God. Like, don't be a total party pooper, okay? Like, after I totally blasted you with, like, lightning, I feel like the least I can do is, like, buy you a drink?" Swebe says, "Come on! My friends are, like, SO cute. They'll totally love you!"

What do you do?

>>6432708
>politely refuse
even if its just for a little bit and partying not too hard...that sounds like its way riskier than anything we have gone through in the last few hours, and we still have to put hands on Hilde and have a talk with Tamako about stranger danger and communicating with us before going anywhere

>>6432708
We kinda have to do parent stuff after we get back with the others

>>6432708
Raincheck

>>6432708
You people seem to have made up your mind, but me? Let them wait a little. Maybe the suspense will make Tamako think a little. We should go with her, just for one drink.

>>6432708
>Maybe if we can find a babysitter for the night... does she know anyone good?
>show her the suggestions Margaret gave us, and get her opinion

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You consider for a second going, as it may make Tamako think a little about how you felt when she disappeared. However you think better of it, and say that you'll have to take a rain check. You have to speak with your daughter, and it's probably not a good idea to bring a child along on any sort of wild night.

"Ugh, like, you're SO not fun." Swebe says, sticking out her tongue at you playfully. "Being a parent is like, totally tough, huh?"

You nod, your thoughts going to you date with Margaret and why you had to cut it short. She gave you suggestions about babysitters that the SHR provides, and ask Swebe if she knows anything about those services.

"Babysitters? Like, no way, I don't even have a kid, you guys? Like, do I look like I have a kid?" Swebe cackles. "Hmm, like, maybe she meant the Storytime Sitters? Come to think of it, your daughter might, like, totally fit in there since it's like, for Unseelie kids."

You ask why the 'Seelie-Human Relations' has an Unseelie kid daycare.

"Oh my god, like, to raise any Unseelie kids we got, doy? Like, sometimes, like, encounters with them end, like, tragically? Or like, maybe an Unseelie kid is just, like, left in SHR custody or something? And we're not gonna, like, totally throw them out onto the street, as if! So we, like, totally do our best to raise and educate them. " Swebe says, coming to a stop in front of one of the Stadium's entrances. Luckily, most of the mad scientists avoid the robot crackling with green electricity and they few that don't are only interested in speaking with Swebe about Green Lightning. A few minutes later you see your taller black haired co-worker parting the crowd, carrying Hilde's body on her back while clasping the robots head under her arm. When she spots you she quickly comes over, taking smaller strides so Tamako can keep up.

Your daughter runs up and grabbing you by the hand. "You have to hold my hand, alri-"

She stops though, noticing that Kamiko has taken up your other hand, which she is clasping tight.

"Ohhh?" Tamako says, a small smug grin on her face. "Were you worried about Dad that much?"

"I-I just wanted to make sure we didn't lose him again. Humans can disappear quite fast in the Market." Kamiko responds.

"Careful, don't get human cooties." Hilde says, rolling her eyes.

Tamako just continues to smile.

What do you do?

>>6433123
>"Now that we're all together, I'm sure it's fine."
>Don't hold hands, nod surreptitiously at our over-enthusiastic daughetru as explanation
Don't want Tamako or Kamiko getting their hopes up unduly, since we're still playing the field.
>Let's go find Zul

>>6433128
This, but also tell them both we're having a looong discussion about what they've done when we get home

>>6433123
Thank Swebe for the rescue, and ask if she has any other days she comes to fight as Green Lightning.

Also now that Tamako just got her first firearm, we should probably look into having a family range day to teach her about proper firearm use.

And do the thing with Kamiko where each parent holds one of their kid's hands and swing them forward and backward. Will likely end with both of us being swung by Kamiko.

>>6433132
I have to agree with the anon that we shouldn't go too hard on Kamiko if we're still trying to check up other women.

>>6433133
While that is true and fair, I mainly just wanted to see a picture of us and Tamako being swung over Kamiko's extremely flustered head.

>>6433136
We can do that if we choose Kamiko. I just don't wanna close in and give the idea we've pretty much just chosen her if we're still browsing.

I still wanna see if there's any interest coming from Emogen.

>>6433123
Lets just do our best to get back home.
Before we do anything else, we first need to have a serious talk with Tamako about safety and let her know she really had us worried there, this is top priority right now, after that im down for anything else.

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You say that you should be safer now that you are all together, Letting go of Kamiko's hand and taking up Tamako's. You ask if you can have a moment alone with your daughter.

Swebe waves goodbye and as she stomps away in her mech the goblin says, "You should like, totally come by the lab sometime? Like, we still totally have to get you, like, equipped? I'm like, SO ready for you to be, like, all set up, or whatever."

You agree and wave goodbye, making sure to thank Swebe for the rescue.

Kamiko, who still has Hilde under one of her arms, takes a few of her giant strides away, doing her best to take notice of some of the advertisements and merchant stalls.

Tamako is already starting to tear up again, so you start by saying you aren't as mad as you were before. She just needs to understand that she really had you worried over this whole thing. Right now your priority is to get out of here but you'll need to have a discussion when you get back. Tamako nods sadly in agreement. You give her a hug, and ask her to never do that again.

"I won't, I'm sorry..." Your daughter says, managing to hold back her tears.

You then beckon the others back over. Tamako drags you over so she is standing between you and your taller co-worker, making sure to clasp onto Kamiko's right hand. Chaining you all together. Because of your mismatched heights, this causes your daughter to have to take a bit of a hop every time Kamiko's arm swings. This in turn, starts to turn to Tamako jumping and swinging. You think it's cute, but you aren't sure Kamiko will agree.

Luckily she doesn't seem put off by it, in fact the Tamako might as well being hanging off one of the thick steel pipes for how much she can make your more muscular co-worker move. Kamiko starts to get into it a little, swinging her arm slightly higher so that Tamako gets a bit more air time. Unfortunately you have to put a stop to this once you are almost whipped off your feet by one of the swings.

"Ah, good to see you are all safe and sound." the voice of your Martian co-worker says. Surprised, you look up to see that you are on the surface, right in front of the store this all started at. Emogen waves to you all, but Zul is transfixed on the robotic head. Hilde does her best to look anywhere but at the alien, a difficult feat considering she can't really move.

"You are lucky I still have some business here." She says to the robot. "You'll be returning home early. We'll talk more when I get back."

Hilde gives a defeated sigh and a heavy nod. "Wait, what business did you have?"

"Sorry you had to cut your trip short." Zul says to your taller co-worker, ignoring the robot.

"It's fine. Frankly, I've had a good amount of excitement for the day." Kamiko says with a thumbs up.

"Well, I'm going to join Zul on whatever her meeting is. She's being kind of secretive so I'm curious. What about you? Thinking of heading back?" Emogen asks as the other three talk.

What do you do?

>>6433636
>Head back
Zul can keep her secrets. We need to figure out a babysitter and stuff.

>>6433643
+1
too much adventure already, its time to go home

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You say that you'd prefer to return home, as you feel you've had enough adventure for the day. Tamako doesn't seem happy about this, but she does her best to hide it. You get the feeling she doesn't want to make you angry again. You begin to wonder if Hilde is employing a similar tactics as she is being silent as well, simply staring slightly above everyone as if looking at something in the distance.

You bid Zul and Emogen farewell, and return to the train stop.

"Sorry your first trip to the Market was a bit of a disaster. It can be a nice place if you are looking for something in particular." Kamiko says, sitting down and plopping the detached body of Hilde upright in a seat.

You'll have to take her word for it. you and Tamako sit and your daughter leans on you, and with a yawn almost immediately passes out. She really is adorable despite what she just did.

"So this was all a plot to see Swebe fight?" Kamiko asks, putting the robot head on her knee so they are facing each other. "Don't you know how dangerous that was?"

"What? No, that was just me getting lucky and hearing an ad mention Green Lightning. I went to-" Hilde starts to defend herself before shutting up entirely.

"Where did you go and what did you buy?" Kamiko asks pointedly.

"Uh, running low on battery so I'm just gonna-" Hilde says, her face now replaced on her screen with small plain text reading 'powersaving mode'.

Kamiko gives a sigh and leans back in her seat. You ask if there is any way to snap Hilde out of this state.

"Yes, but it activates her alarm system and I'd rather not make a scene." Kamiko says. "I'll just ask Swebe to look her over next time she goes for maintenance."

You ask Kamiko if she's heard of the Storytime Sitters.

"Thinking of them for Tamako? Well, I guess changelings do tends towards being Unseelie. Hopefully she won't pick up any bad habits from them."

You ask if you actually think they'll be bad influences on her.

"Possibly? Maybe just don't let Tamako mention she has a human dad. Heck, maybe she'll be a good influence on them? If you are interested just send a message out to HR. You know how to use the screen in your room right?"

Soon enough you are back at base. Kamiko, hauling Hilde's body and head, says she's going to drop off Hilde at the armory and departs. Readjusting the sleeping Tamako on your back, you figure you can drop her off and rest yourself. Checking the time, you realize it's not even that late in the day despite everything.

What do you do?

>>6434142
looks like Tamako is asleep, so maybe we´ll have to put our talk for tomorrow.
Perhaps we could look some info on the Storytime Sitters on our screen? from what Kamiko said, they appear to not really like humans, so knowing what they are and can do could be valuable info for us

>>6434160
+1, let's find some options for sitters. If we still have time after, maybe we can check in with Anne?

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You tuck Tamako snuggly into the sheets of the bed, and then go to the screen near the door. You must admit you are happy to finally see some words on a display you can actually read. You find the 'Help' section, and in the provided search bar you type out the word "Storytime Sitters" on the window of light, causing it to distort slightly with each tap before returning to normal.

An automated message immediately pops up.

---

Storytime Sitters, Care That Supports Peace Between Humans

Balancing work and family can be challenging. Our workplace babysitting service is here to help by providing dependable, caring childcare specifically from the Unseelie community. When you use our babysitting service, you're doing more than finding trusted care for your child. You are giving them a new path forward. A way to figure out how to live life without disturbing the human population we all so depend on.

Why advocates, parents, and employees choose our service:

-Trusted, experienced babysitters that know how to deal with the unique challenges of raising an Unseelie child.
-Convenient scheduling for workdays and special events.
-Your child's safety is one of our highest concerns. Our engineers deploy the most cutting edge protective wards and scientific shielding fields around each daycare to ensure the safety of everyone within.

Enjoy greater peace of mind during your workday, knowing your child is in caring hands—and that your family's choice is helping make a positive impact on the lives of other children, both Seelie and Unseelie alike.

Ask Human Resources or visit our employee portal to learn more and book your childcare today!

---

Below the final bit of text is a button that takes you to a form, which you quickly fill and send out. Afterwards, you glance over to your daughter to still see her asleep. You quickly scribble out a note saying you'll be back in a bit, and head out the door.

Ever since your visit to the interrogation rooms this morning you've been worried about Anne and her brother. You can't imagine turning into a zombie has been that easy, nor being kidnapped and brought to a secret underground base. You take the elevator down to Containment. You find a clerk, and explain how you were told you could visit the newly turned zombie if you came back later today.

He goes to discuss with some co-workers, and then returns and says, "You are lucky, apparently she's been asking about you. Normally you'd probably have to wait longer."

Soon enough, you are sitting at a table across from the Anne. She looks much at her ease, and if it weren't for the stitching and greenish tone of her skin you'd think nothing was wrong.

"Heyyy! Ian said he talked to another human here, and after he described him I knew it was you. What a coincidence, huh?" Anne says chuckling, "So hey, you didn't turn me into a zombie did you? You can tell me. It's cool."

You were most certainly not.

"Dang." She says with a sigh.

What do you do?

>>6434622
>"Dang"
what do you mean "Dang"? were you expecting us to turn you into one?
Perhaps we could explain to her what is happening, it seems like it wouldnt really bother her that much, maybe she could even join our squad or help around, help her adjust to her new life?

>>6434622
We should apologize to her if we haven't already, we kinda caused this by getting her involved in all this stuff.

I'd be happy to at least try to uh...make up for her? In some way? I don't know how you make up for causing your turn into a zombie.

>>6434622

>>6434627
+1, but also >>6434625 is right and we should explain the situation we've both somehow found ourselves in, being involuntary members of the FBI (Fairy Bureau of Insanity).

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You ask Anne what she means by 'dang'. Did she want you to be the one that turned her into a zombie?

"I mean, it would have made things easier." Anne says with a shrug, "Those aliens in the lab coats keep asking me if I can remember anything about who did this to me, so it would have been convenient."

You apologize, you don't mention it but you get an idea who might have done it. Instead, you say you might not have zombified her directly, but she was involved because of you.

"It's not like you ate my brains, or however it was I became... This. Don't worry, it's not so bad. Sure, I'll never see my family again, but they say I can still write them. Plus Ian can come and visit, maybe? Oh yeah, I can also do this." Anne says, grabbing one hand in another, and then pulling it straight off, ripping the stitching.

You wince. She may be a zombie, but you get some empathetic pangs from the sight of the flesh and exposed bone.

Anne places her separated wrist back on the stub of her arm, and the stitching sews the appendage to her body by itself. "Cool, huh? They say I might be immortal because of the whole zombification thing. Hey speaking of which, what is this place? I saw a bunch of monsters and aliens and stuff."

You try to explain what the SHR is, comparing to the FBI of the fairy world. The fairy world being where they are right now, or at least you think you are. You aren't sure where this base is, other than underground.

"Huh... So you are like, some sort of secret government agent? That's pretty cool. How do you even apply for jobs like that?" Anne asks. "Oh hey so that's why you wanted to check out the mansion. Wait are the ghosts all real there?"

You explain how you got there, and how you even joined the SHR in the first place. You go on to tell the tale of how Tamako came into your life and how you yourself were kidnapped and brought here because you are an Anomaly. The zombie doesn't know what this is of course, so you do your best to explain what an anomaly is.

"Ah, is that why I find you so attractive now?" Anne asks. "Not that I thought you were ugly before or anything."

You honestly aren't sure how to answer that. Instead, you ask if there is anything you can do to help adjust to her new way of life. You try to explain a bit of what you do for a job now, and ask if she would want to go out on missions sometime if they let her.

"Yeah I'd totally try that out. Gotta admit though, I'm still trying to process this is all." Anne responds nodding. "To think, I was making up ghost stories to make tours more interesting and now I literally become the undead. Ironic, heh."

What do you do?

>>6434967
well, she seems content for now, i´ll take that as a win.
perhaps we could offer her a small tour of the place? im guessing she should be having a room assigned to her pretty soon, we could take her there if possible

>>6434967
Well, you showed off the mansion, so I guess I should return the favor. Want a tour of the place?

Oh, before I forget, can you make your hand move without it being attached to your arm? Because if you can, you can stick a camera on the stump and have it move around places like one of those Boston Dynamics drones!

>>6434993
Almost forgot, since you're now part of the supernatural, your brother's dating pool has now increased by a lot. Like, A LOT a lot. And since he's related to you, he has some leeway on how much he's allowed to know about aliens and ghosts.

>>6434995
That seems like a weird thing to tell her.

>>6435104
Agreed.

>>6434967
>>6434988
+1 to this, though. Let's give her the tour!
Is Martin Knight freaky enough to go for a zombie?

>>6435129
That depends entirely on how well preserved she is.

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You ask if she wants a tour of the place, you know, once Anne is released from Containment.

"Sounds good. I think they said I'd be here for a bit so I might as well get to know the place." Anne says, "Ian can come too right?"

You don't have a problem with that, though you say he should be prepared. Fairies seem to like human males a lot apparently, trying to explain how the collective consciousness of humanity created a gender imbalance in the newer generation of fairies, but it doesn't seem like she really gets it.

"Ha ha ha... So that's a thing? Hey, do you know any hot elf dudes by any chance? Oh wait, I suppose I'm a 'fairy' now aren't I?" Anne says with a chuckle.

You ask if she can move her hand while it detached.

"Yeah!" She says, pulling her hand off again with a disgusting but satisfying ripping of stitches. "I can even still feel stuff through it."

She then makes the hand stand up on the wrist so it's fingers are free to give a peace sign.

You say she should attach a camera to it so it can move around like those real life robots.

"Oh That's smart. I can't see through it after all. I don't suppose you have a webcam and some duct tape do you?" She asks.

Unfortunately you do not.

"Dang... Well try to put in a good word for me okay? And My bro too.. Oh also, it's kinda boring in this room. Seriously though see if they'll give me a radio or a book or something." Anne says, chuckling sadly.

What do you do?

>>6435909
Well, we could entertain her by telling her our first mission for the SHR so she could have an idea what it's like.

>>6435912
this sounds like a decent idea for now, if we have to leave then we could ask them for a magazine so she can pass the time

>>6435915
Could also ask if they have something like Beetlejuice's Handbook for the Recently Deceased, but for normies tuned into fey.

And maybe we should ask what dietary options there are for zombies that eat brains that aren't just straight brains.

>>6435909
>Stick around to entertain her for a bit
>Verify she doesn't want to eat our brain

Pretty sure not all zombies eat brains, right?
Thaumaturgic zombies especially, given they were magically created?

>>6435961
Well, she seems to be the "cartoony" kind of zombie with hands that can move independently and brain eating.

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You ask Anne if she is the type of zombie that eats brains.

"I don't know yet. I mean they gave me one to try." She says, pointing to he plate beside her with a wet, wrinkly mass of flesh on it. The brain has a visible bite taken out of it. "It's alright, I guess. They say I just might not need to eat anything at all if I'm lucky. So uh, what sort of stuff do you end up doing on missions?"

You tell Anne about your first time out with the SHR. Mentioning your co-workers, a few of which she had already met. You then go on to explain the concept of how "Stories" work to the best of your knowledge, and how you they need to be completed or they might start causing problems in the real world.

"Oh cool so you sort of transform into a character from a fairy tale? It's like that interactive theatre at the community center." Anne says nodding. "Oh but I'd be the bad guy a lot since I'm a zombie huh? Dang."

You say that you take over the role of a character, so there isn't any reason she couldn't be the princess, or the heroine of a story. You explain how your co-worker Zul turned into an old man for the story, and how it all came to a climax.

"That was the Grandma from the tour, right? Still can't believe aliens actually walk among us." Anne remarks. "Also wait, did you say the Princess was actually a robot?"

You go on to say you aren't sure what the spider-bot really was, but it was disguising itself using the actual princess from the story.

"Never heard of a fantasy fairy tale with robots. Can't wait to see what I end up running into. You know, wants I get out of here." She says with a sigh.

You two continue to talk until eventually the guard comes around and says your time is up. You say good bye, and as you leave some researchers go in. You ask if there is a way she can get some entertainment in there, and they agree to arrange something.

You look up at the clock at the ceiling. You still have a small amount of time left.

What do you do?

>>6436234
>Get a babysitter set up, and maybe see if Margaret is free for take 2?

>>6436234
Check with the babysitter stuff

>>6436237
But NOT the Margaret stuff, I feel like this is a good opportunity to take a leave on Margaret. She clearly just wants a quick lay and doesn't have any interest in a real relationship.

>inb4 thats fine
We're not just gonna get to sleep around with zero consequences.

>>6436242
>We're not just gonna get to sleep around with zero consequences.
Consequences are the stuff stories are made of, and we knew going into our first date she was a man-eater (allegorical). I'm down to have a tumble with a sexy space-nurse.

>>6436245
We knew, sure, but then we confirmed she just did not give a single hoot about Tamako, and my interest in her cratered. It's one thing to not be loojing for a relationship, but she wanted us to just straight up boot her out at the middle of the night so we could bang

Inconsiderate. No like.

>>6436252
Hm, you know, that's fair. Though I get the feeling none of our fairy friends except half-human Kamiko really understand our feelings about Tamako. They all seem to regard her more as what she technically is: a dangerous little homophagus gremlin we have adopted and are treating like a human child. We're like one of those eccentrics who dresses up a chimp and keeps them in their house, but this chimp primarily exists to murder and eat children.

>>6436260
Well, that's not so sure. Ghostfu certainly sees her as a kid, Emogen hasn't expressed much as far as I'm aware, and Anne didn't even know she wasn't our actual child until...uh, now.

>>6436266
Well Anne is a human originally, and Camelia is Unseelie and doesn't value human life at all to begin with.

>>6436234
yeah, lets check that babysitter service

>>6436279
>>6436260
>>6436252
We could see about Swebe's victory party?

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You decide to head back up to check on your babysitter application. As you go up the elevator you pass by medical, thinking briefly on stopping by Margaret's office. You decide against it however. No point until you get childcare for Tamako.

You open the door carefully, just in case Tamako is still asleep, which she seems to be. Returning to the display near the door you check your messages about the Storytime Sitters. HR sent a form for you to fill out for the daycare, and it looks mostly the same as one you'd expect in real life. The difference being that included with things like age, height, and weight, are checkboxes for what the child's "grammar" is. Below are checkboxes for common fantasy races, which "Changeling" is thankfully one of the boxes. Another amusing bit you find is in the section about yourself. You have to indicate what your job is, and among common ones such as "office worker" and "food service" are things like "Adventurer", "Blacksmith", and "Pirate".

While finishing up with the additional information, you think you hear a rustle behind you. You are pretty sure you saw a drill-haired head duck underneath the covers of the bed. It then immediately begins to snore.

Well, you suppose that if you are going to have your talk with Tamako about today's events then it might as well be now.

What do you say?

>>6436665
We need to sit her down and tell her that what she did was extremely dangerous. Regardless of whether or not Hilde told her to, she went off on her own, in a dangerous place, doing something without telling us anything. If Hilde looked away for even a second someone could have snatched her.

I'd say we should punish her, but I don't think we really have any way to do so unless they let us ground her lol

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>>6436665
>breath in
>"Girl."

>>6436665
yeah, its time for "THE TALK"
let her know what she did was extremely dangerous and even foolish, but you are not mad at her but very disappointed.
Also she might not be allowed to hang around Hilde for a while

>>6436667
+1, and I'd say as a punishment we can just make it clear that we won't be getting any new anime for her to watch until she proves she will behave.

(Oh yeah, no update today. Probably pretty obvious why but I thought I'd say just in case.)

>>6436981
Happy Hatching Day to the Freedom Eagle, Americanon!

I don't think punishment will achieve much, because I'm not sure she can even understand what she has done wrong. (She was surprised we we're upset.)

Fairies seem to have a different mindset to humans, and I'm starting to wonder if Tamako needs to cause mischief and drag her NEET dad into adventure, in the same way a beaver feels the need to build a dam.

Get her to recount the day from her perspective and what she was thinking and feeling at the time.

I'm inclined to agree with >>6437660, I don't think she understood what we took issue with. From her perspective, Hilde's an adult, and she put her trust in her to know what she's doing, but in actuality, Hilde's basically a kid herself armored in a body that could shoot through a tank. Maybe we tell her to see her as an older sister, yeah, but not that much older.

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You walk over to the bed and sit on it, trying your best not to crowd her or make her feel trapped. You can't say you know how to handle this for sure, but you don't want to scare her any more than you need too. You calmly tell her that you know she's awake.

The snores become louder.

You say you aren't mad, but you do need to speak to her.

The snoring stops, and after a few moments Tamako sits up and says, "You aren't mad...?"

You say you aren't exactly mad, but you are disappointed. What she did was very dangerous and reckless. You ask Tamako if she knows what she did wrong.

"I said I would hold your hand so you wouldn't get lost, and then I left you alone to go with Hilde..." Tamako admits.

You say that's not quite it. She and Hilde snuck away without telling anyone and went to a very dangerous place. You tell your daughter that if something happened to her you would have been very sad. You and Kamiko also had to put herself in danger just to find them, and you ask the Changeling to make sure to apologize to your taller co-worker the next time she sees her.

Tears welling up, Tamako replies, "S-sorry... Hilde just made it sound like it'd be so much more fun in the lower levels and that it'd be fine because she's strong a-and..."

You say that she's banned from watching anime for three days. She also isn't allowed to hang out with Hilde until they can both prove they can act better.

"No anime?!" Tamako says mortified. "But-!"

You hold firm on no anime, saying that she can still read the manga she has right now if she wants, but she can't get any new ones for now. It wouldn't exactly be a punishment unless she missed something she liked, right?

"That's true, I guess..." She says, sinking down into the bed with a sigh, "Three days? That's foreverrr..."

You suddenly remember that the time she has lived could still be easily counted in days. Is that too much time? Well, can't go back on it now. Also, you have something else you need to explain as well. You tell Tamako you signed her up for some childcare services, in case you need someone to watch her while you can't.

"Like when?" She asks.

You say like if you have a date with a potential mother for her, or if a mission is particularly dangerous.

"Oh... But I like doing missions with you... Wouldn't it be safer if I came on a dangerous mission? I heard I'm stronger than you. I can protect you!" Tamako says, curling up in the blanket.

What do you do?

>>6437679
>"it may be true that you might be stronger than me, but you are still a bit too small and (insert here whatever word the opposite of wise is but without sounding rude), you can still come with us to our missions but you still have a bit to go so you can truly protect me, just give it a bit of time and then we´ll be a truly unstopable team, but until then, you need to learn what is and isnt dangerous"
anyone else feel free to add whatever else we could say

>>6437687
Innocent?

But, we shouldn't let her come on missions, regardless. She's too naive, too much of a baby. She needs to learn more before being able to really be put into the wider world, as shown by this mission.

>>6437679
+1 for >>6437687
>"We'll discuss the amount of time for the punishment, and if there's exceptions on the amount of time or for watching stuff like World Masterpiece Theater or other educational anime."

Got to get her interested in classic literature somehow.

>>6437700
>>6437687
Experience and wisdom, which comes with time. The lack of both is why she didn't realize her wandering off unannounced might be an issue.
Likewise, troubles and threats encountered usually aren't best solved by being strong (violence, or threat of violence), but diplomacy and negotiations.

>>6437720
>or other educational anime
Like Ghost Stories (dubbed)?

>>6437726
>Dubbed Ghost Stories
Kek! Maybe not. But Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple? That could be pretty useful, given our new shared profession...

>>6437687
I think the word is inexperienced, or just immature. Tell her if she shows a bit more maturity and repsonsibility, she can come on missions then. Maybe Seshat's modernity-thened TTRPG night could be a good opportunity for Tamako to demonstrate some growth in a safe setting?

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You say that Tamako is too young to worry about things like that, if anything you feel like it should be the other way around. She may or may not be stronger than you, but she still has some maturing to do. For now she should be watching and learning.

"As long as I'm not banned from missions completely I'm fine! Hey, umm... Wanna read some manga? Seshat keeps sending me suggestions!" Tamako says, opening the closet and pulling out a small box of books. You hadn't realized she had so many.

You know what? It's your day off. An afternoon of reading manga with your daughter doesn't sound so bad. Browsing the box of books, you notice Tamako's tastes certainly lean more towards battle manga, especially if it has magical girls in it. You wonder if you should try to expand her horizons a bit. Maybe get her into some classic literature or something. Or at the very least something that isn't entirely pictures. These recent escapades have shown Tamako needs more life experience. She seems to pick up on things pretty quick, so hopefully the changeling won't run off again without you.

You two only pause your reading binge to grab some food from the Commissary before returning the room to read some more. Soon enough your daughter is passed out again, a manga in one hand and a half eaten katsu sandwich in the other. You scoop her up and place her in bed, doing your best to not let the pins and needles in your legs effect your walking. While tucking Tamako in you glance up at the clock, and see that it's still kind of early in the night. You think you might stretch your legs a little.

What do you do?

>>6438132
>Maybe touch base with Swebe and see if that party is still happening
Fairy party sounds fun!

>>6438132
...whats Seshat doing at the gym? is she training and getting swole? i didnt see that coming

>>6438132
> Maybe we could start with some child friendly light novels, stick with her current interests to expand them slowly

>>6438143
forgot to add, maybe we could check on zombie girl first before doing anything, just to see if she is ok

>>6438135
+1, I kinda want to let off some steam.

>>6438145
We just checked on her earlier today, though, right?

>>6438143
Maybe it's the OTHER Seshat, rather than "Jimiko?"

(Don't think I'm gonna get an update out tonight. Sorry.)

>>6439124
no worries, cya next time

>>6439124
Looking forward to it!

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You decide to head over to the workshop to see if you can find Swebe. Luckily she is right where you met her, leaning back in her lab chair and chatting with two other characters. They are both dressed in the same fashion as she is, though they are completely different types of fairies.

One of them you could almost mistake for a human, were it not for her ashen gray skin. You can't see her face, as much of her incredibly fluffy black decorated hair covers her head. Her presence alone puts you on edge despite the fact she isn't really doing anything other than chattering in a raspy voice that carries despite being barely louder than a whisper.

You had trouble identifying the other friend at first. You mistook the first as a stout man in a dress, but it turns out she's actually just a female dwarf complete with beard. Much like the rest of her group, she is wearing some rather audaciously fashionable clothing.

"Oh. My. GOD. Is that, like, a human over there?" The bearded one asks Swebe, giving you a once over with her eyes.

"Óh̬͙ͭ̿̚ my̭̥̋̒̐̀̕ g̡͔̙̖ͨ͌̔o͗͡d̸̢̨̞ͨ,̢̦̚ h̹̝͉̳̍ȩ̠͎̐̄͋'͕̬ͩ̓_͑sͮ l̶̳̪͉ͬ̓ͦi̧̝̚k̷̠͌eͣ̆,̰ͤ t̖̀̽ͣo̭͢t̏͗̉͞a̷̬̠̞ͪ͒l̶̪_lͬ̌͝y̪̹ͦ͊̔ c̱ͭuẗ̩͂̒_e̳̫͗̎̀̚?̨̱̮̬ͧ I̧̘̎̆̎̚ l̯̩̩̩̂͒͠ite͉̦r_̱̒̄ä̫̟͋̇ll̯̯̿̾y̓ c̵ͦą̷̟̘͟͡n̛͚͑ͨͧ͜n͙̝̒̀͜ò̱͊t̰ e̞̳v͉͍͓̭ͣ̆ͩȩ̢͒͂̄̓͢n.̾" The taller, paler one says.

"He's like, also a co-worker who probably needs something?" Swebe says spinning in her swivel chair, "Like, you can totally tease him some other time?"

They let out disappointed noises, but also giggle and whisper furtas they walk away.

"Like, do you like, regret not coming now? Like, totally?" Swebe asks, catching your eye as you watch her two friends leave. "Oh my god, I totally told you? Like, they are SO cute, right? I literally cannot even."

You ask if she is already all done partying. You kinda wanted to let off some steam yourself.

"Oh. My. God. Like, yeah, I'm totally just got back? Sorry! Like, tell you what, depending on how I do in, like, the tournament, we are probably going to go out again? Like, I can totally call you up if we do. Like, whatever." The goblin says, grinning.

You thank her, and ask why she's still in the workshop. You'd figure if she just got done partying she'd be going to bed or something.

"So like, I totally need to do a little maintenance on Green Lightning? Like, he wasn't even like, damaged that badly during the fight, but it never hurts to be prepared, you know? And like, Kamiko totally wants me to check out Hilde's body and see if like, anything new was added?" Swebe says, pointing over her shoulder where the robot's headless body is laying down prepped on a table. "So like, was there like, something I could totally help you with or?"

What do you do?

>>6439464
Kinda wanted to see if I could catch the latter half of the party, mainly. I felt bad for refusing, but I'd have felt like a hypocrite if I did what Tamako had done at the market. And I couldn't abide being that.

That being said, we've just gotten a possible new recruit. Former tour guide we met on a mission got turned into a zombie. Seems to be a sentient undead type animated by magic. I figure it's some sort of residual effect from modern media, probably inspired by Santa Clarita Diet and the Zombie Land Saga anime.

Anyway, she's able to remove her hands to use them remotely. You have any video cameras and monitor tablets she can mount on one for spy work?

>>6439469
i guess this works for now...also
>"Hey, who is the tall pale one? she is kinda cute...spooky, but cute"

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>>6439471

>>6439469
>>6439471
+1

>>6439464

>>6439471
I would advise against saying this out loud

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You are about to inquire about the black haired and paler girl, but you stop yourself. The fact she is a spirit makes you think of a certain undead sorceress. You look around a little nervously, and then asks if she can sense any ghosts around.

"Oh my GOD, like, you’re trying to learn more about Emika? That’s literally her name, by the way, as if you didn’t know?" Swebe says with a small smug grin, "Okay first of all? Do NOT call her a ghost, that is like, SO not the vibe. She’s an On- Ohnyo... Orno? Like, Oni! Wait, no, that’s Kamiko? Ugh, whatever. Anyway, she is literally single, and like, I never knew you were such a freak though? Necrophilia is like, SO not a common thing among humans. As if!"

You do your best to explain it's not like that, but Swebe is only half listening and clearly not convinced. While you talk she pulls out a strange soda can shaped object. One side of it is flat with a screen on it. "Also literally NO ectoplasmic-based fairies in the area?"

You sigh with a relief. Before you forget, you say you apologize for not taking her up on her invitation earlier. Tamako was acting poorly on the trip and you had to make sure she got back.

"Oh my GOD, like, single dad problems? Ugh, that sounds like, SO rough. Like, I literally cannot even imagine having to be like, the mom AND the dad? As if! You're like, totally doing everything! Packing lunches, doing bedtime, and like, trying to have a life? Whatever. I'm SO not ready for that kind of energy. But like, you're totally a superhero, okay? Like, props to you, for real." The goblin says sympathetically, putting the device away. "Like, don't even worry about it, okay? Just like, make sure you come next time, for sure? Hey, are you busy? 'Cause like, I could totally use a nice, buff dude to help me with maintenance on Green Lightning? Like, the sooner I get done, the sooner I get my beauty sleep, obviously. Or like, maybe you wanna check out the inside of Hilde? It's like, pretty fascinating, I guess. Don't tell her I said this, but like, I'm literally a little jealous of all that cool tech? Like, I literally cannot even. As if! Whatever."

What do you do?

>>6439947
I mean, Gyaru Mama is a fashion subculture for a reason, so there's probably a few who found a way to thread the needle of being a parent while keeping the style.

Anyway, yeah, I'll take you up on helping with Green Lightning. It's the closest I'll ever get to visiting the life sized Gundam statue in Japan.

>>6439967
+1
we could even learn some engineering stuff, or at the very least something useful for our missions and any tech we could encounter

>>6439967
+1, and ask if Hilde is reckless like this often, and how often she gets disassembled and put in time out like this.

>>6439947

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>>6439967
Also…
>Japanese spirit
>She’s an On- Ohnyo... Orno? Like, Oni!
>Onryō
>Vengeful ghost of a wronged woman
Nope. We’re good. Already seduced one accidentally.

>>6439999
Seconded.

>>6439999
Admittedly, it'd be funny seeing two vengeful ghost-woman squaring off for a man.

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>>6440242

>>6440318
Plz no; the winner will think she's owed something.

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You say you wouldn't mind helping her out with her work, but she has to teach you some about fairy engineering.

"Okay! So like, can you literally grab that toolbox over there? And like, take it all the way over to Green Lightning? Thanks that thing is SO heavy. And I'm like, SO not in the mood to carry it. As if I'm gonna do it myself. Whatever, just like, be careful or whatever." Swebe says, getting up off her seat and grabbing some books and blueprints off her table. You look over to see quite a few toolboxes sitting on a nearby table. Despite this, you are able to find the goblin's tools quickly. This is because the carrying case is a neon pink accentuated with frills, bows, and several orange and purple heart stickers.

A lot of what you do is finding and carrying parts to Swebe as she does maintenance. the goblin keeps the conversation going non-stop, easily meandering through small talk about the weather, personal experience, and her last fight. She does eventually start talking engineering, but she seems to have trouble dumbing it down enough so that you can understand. She settles on starting with some basic laws of electricity, a bit of circuit analysis, and explaining some basic electronic components. You ask for a notepad. Your co-worker obliges.

While fixing some notes after you confuse multimeters for millimeters Swebe asks, "Oh my GOD, so like, what is the human world even like? You guys must be, like, totally amazing if you can make all this, right? Like, I literally cannot even with how cool that is. As if I could ever do that, whatever. I'm SO obsessed with you guys, like, for real."

Looking down at the robot you can barely even understand, you say you didn't create anything, and especially nothing like this.

"Oh my GOD, like, not by yourself, obviously? I mean, it's like, the whole collective consciousness thing? I've totally read some of the books and stuff," Swebe says, popping a section of wiring out of Green Lightning's chest, examining it, and then putting it back with some added electrical tape. "I literally cannot even imagine it does the real world justice? Like, the more humanoid fairies get to go sometimes, but I've like, never been? As if! I'm SO left out, whatever."

You ask why she's never gone. It doesn't seem that hard to get to the real world from the fairy one and vice versa.

"Like, I'm just trying to exist and I'm over here being all, like, noticeable? Ugh, whatever." She says, raising her arm and running a hand along the green skin. "Like, I literally do NOT have the kind of grammar that lets me get there? Like, it's SO not fair. The SHR totally lets us use disguises for missions and stuff, but I've like, never even gotten to do one? As if! So like, come ON, spill the tea already! Like, what is the real world even like? I'm like, SO curious, I literally cannot even. Whatever, just tell me!"

What do you do?

>>6440411
I don't think we'd be a fair judge of the human world, we went from being a shut-in nerd to being a father surrounded at every side by cute girls of all types. The real world seems very lame in comparison to that.

>>6440411
If Zul can get a satisfactory disguise, I'm sure Swebe can!

Anyway, the collective consciousness thing makes a lot of sense given what we've learned about fairyworld.

Oh, right, what's the human world like? uh...

>Well the human world makes a lot more sense, usually. Cause precedes effect, and if you know enough about what's going on, you can often predict what effects will follow from their causes. This world isn't like that. Sometimes, things just happen, or happen based on narrative rules that change genres in an instant.

>The human world isn't nearly as exciting as that, I have to admit.

>>6440411
In regards to robots and stuff, it's mostly just fantasy. Actually doing something cool takes TONS of effort and resources.

(My friends got me onto Palworld and I lost track of time, no update tonight. Sorry.)

>>6440866
No worries, glad you had a good time. See you tomorrow!