SataiRolePlayingGuy

That was it then. Maybe Jumi would have asked something if no one else did, but she was honest when she said she probably did not have anything worth asking. She was just glad the woman did not hint at further interest in her personally. The question about Lenneth probably would have counted as one too, so better that she did not ask. She just sighed in relief that they left with trouble, eyeing what was left in Mitsuko’s hands. “Goody, she gave us both an apple now. Probably harmless, but I still wouldn’t eat it.” She had no idea if there was anything behind leaving them with apples, but she was reluctant to treat any gift as harmless. “At least we did not need his help after all.” She said with a look to the statue of Maxim. Who knew how much damage there could have been if he got involved. ”We learned something. Though not as much as I would have liked.” Hikaru added, releasing his hold on the sword and returning to normal form. “We have confirmation Shinigami is not a demon. And that woman is not death. Though exactly who she is is a more troubling question. Some broken Magical Girl, or something else.” It was not even certain she was actually human, though it seemed more likely now.

While I have not heard anything since my last update, will say, in case anyone was worried about it, the cause of the lack of privacy and Gard not logging in does not have anything to do with other users of this site. But don’t want to say more than I should, so I’ll leave it at that until he is back. Hopefully closer to the beginning of September than the end. Do like the ideas above. Of course talk of that brings up my possibly too obscure idea of bringing an Ar Tonelico like twist to it. Where someone could essentially ‘connect’ to another person’s mind. Explore little worlds created their subconscious. Though it it the sort of thing that would probably require some sort of implant into the brain to be possible and may only be an option for some characters.

So, Eli was the one to apologize first? Well that made some of this easier. “No, you did nothing wrong. I got carried away in the moment. Did not consider how new you were to everything, how you might feel. Got lost in feelings I had not felt for years until several days ago.” It had technically started with Emi, got more intense with these two. Even with the complication of how it all started, she should have considered what Elie might have wanted and hoped for. But at least they seemed to be past that now. This was potentially where they began to figure out where things went from here? She took a seat, did her best to relax. “That was a reason I wanted to come here though. To make up for that.” They both had the same desire, though it was not the only reason, and she might have waited if not for the other reason, especially after what she had learned. Assuming one or both of them figured it out, she continued. “The other reason was something important, but it should be able to wait until after we eat.” Maybe bring it up in the middle of eating, if they needed to plan how to handle it. But it probably did not hurt to have some more pleasant conversation first. It would be interesting to hear what Exzel might say to each of them.

@DreamsnThings Like I said, no rush. Take time on getting better, and see if we wait for Gard to be back before some or all of the downstairs trio gets up to anything else. But like I said while you were out, you, and Gard when he is back are free to add any thoughts you have about the wider setting or specific places/things that might be worth adding to the setting development topic (the one thing there at the moment is something you may remember of course, but something you could remind yourself about if needed, or possibly consider adjustments to cyberpunk the place up).

Jumi bit her tongue, not saying more. The whole experience with the dream and what this woman did to Shinigami weighing on her still. But like Hikaru, she did not want to be the one to provoke a fight. Maxim would probably get involved, at least if there was a fight in the temple, especially unprovoked. But it was still too dangerous. It was hard to know if they had any chance, even if it was finally a little clearer what this woman was. Not literally death after all. It was still not clear if she was human or not, but with so few questions, it was not worth clarifying. Though it looked like she was not Shinigami’s mother after all. Unless Death was the ‘father’ and her the mother? But no, probably not that, and not worth overthinking that part either. Death, however you classified such a being, was apparently Shinigami’s creator, whether a parent in the traditional sense or not. A tense silence from Jumi, Umi and Hikaru. No one planned to give up their souks here, so there was only one question left. Not something to waste on something insignificant. The most important things had probably been resolved. The woman’s identity and what Shinigami was were both a little clearer now. Hikaru felt that gave some more hope for Shinigami but would save such words for after the woman man left. Feeling her replies probably would not help. “If anyone else wants to ask the final question. I’m still passing my ‘turn’. I probably have nothing worth asking, and I don’t intend to give her my soul, even if she seemed to like it.” She was reminded of the interactions in the dream that she was informed was probably about a desire for her soul, though she interpreted it differently at the time. Though this woman desiring either her soul or body were both rather unappealing.

Hikaru watched the transformation, gripping the sword tighter, but still not drawing. Watching carefully, nit intending to start the fight just yet but prepared to act immediately if it looked like there would be one. Mitsuko’s choice to along with this, at least to a degree, would be respected. For now he would just observe, be back up if needed, hopefully make the invader more reluctant to fight. ”All the mysteries to be revealed, with just two questions, or giving up souls, what a wonderful and fair game.” Jumi remarked with some sarcasm and caution. Two questions was very unlikely to tell them much, unless this ‘Death’ was rather wordy and even then maybe not too much. Shinigami might not be a demon, but this game felt more like a demon’s style. “You want to play this game, or ask ‘mom’ anything?” She asked Shinigami. If they were going to ask one or both of these questions, it was best to give Shinigami first chance.

Not a surprising question, from Mitsuko. But a disappointing answer, even if it was cut off. Disappointing Shinigami’s was not very effective. It might have been interesting to hear whatever else ‘Death’ had intended to say, but Jumi was not sure how honest or informative it would be. But one more figure made his appearance finally in the moment of quiet. Maxim did not intervene yet, but Hikaru stepped into the doorway. Transformed. A Knight is shining golden armor. Sword at his side, still sheathed, but hand on it. Prepared to draw if necessary. ”Forgive me for being late.” He said to his guests and Umi, before looking over the intruders whose presence led to him transforming on the way. “I invited the three ladies here, I did not invite you.” He had not heard much of what they said, which made him more cautious. “This temple only accepts its members and guests. Whatever you might be, let my guests have peace. If you are not here to help them leave. If you are, be quick about it.” Jumi was relived he did ask any questions, in case he got pulled into the ‘game’. He was not friendly, but not recklessly hostile, perhaps experience warning him this was a very dangerous potential enemy. Not one who could be approached like a simple demon or monster.

Well I'll go see what I can what I can do elsewhere, and maybe get back to that idea I started talking to you about earlier. Hopefully I can finally get my gears going again here tonight and my remaining day off tomorrow.

Another minor update from Gard. I've been hearing this on Discord, at the time being he says doesn't have the needed privacy to be able to login to the site. He is hoping to be able to get on before October. But nothing more specific.

It's a private club. Was originally a few more people but currently down to the three of us, as we have had to make adjustments since the rule change. Yeah, now on hold until he is back, though I'm sure he wants to get back to that too when he can.

Did hear from Gard. Will let him give the details when he is back, if he wants. But might be some time before he is back, though he does want to keep playing when he is able. Can consider whether we wait or shift things around, especially with Evi.

Exzel was the first to enter by herself. Alexandrine was not entirely sure how to react. She was not a slave, not a complete one anyway. But she was the one who willingly sold her soul to the demon, called her mistress. They were not equals, by her own choice. Choices she could not take back, but at least so far did not really regret either. She was willing to see where things went, willingly obey. Though she was not sure how respectful to be. How to react around Exzel. She was sure she would be taught as they went. That being the case, she remained in the chair, letting Exzel pull her up and guide her. Exzel was treating her well enough to not feel uneasy at least. She listened to what she was told. Nothing that was a revelation to her. Having already leaned of Zorn’s survival from Hikaru through Ellie’s visit to the temple. Though there was the question of how Exzel learned of it. How Zorn came to her, not considering the alliance fragile or not the two demons made, or the fun they had making it. No, it returned her mind to what to do about it, and hopefully deal with it before anything happened to Emi. “It is not as secret as he hopes. You are not the only one to warn me recently.” She said, a hint of her hate for Zorn in the voice. There were questions to ask, what her mistress thought about Zorn or her intention to fight him. But since she was being led to Elie that would have to wait a little while. That was the more immediate priority. She let herself be led into the room where Elie and the butler was. She had to assume if Exzel was here, she and Elie spent time together recently. Hopefully that made Elie feel a little better. She looked at Elie, the usual passive on her face, no hint of anger or being upset. But as it was Elie’s house, she thought she should give Elie the chance to speak first as she considered how to apologize and let her know what she had learned. It was probably best to move fast. But they could probably eat first, if it was not too long. Potentially good to eat before heading into what might be a battle.

Yeah, take your time get better. Though we will see how things play out, once you get going again, there is at least a chance Dai won't be going upstairs alone and might cause a different distraction.

Jumi finally shifted back. There she was again, and she hoped the girl had lost interest in them or would not appear again so soon or in what should have been the safest place. But at least she was confident there would be backup this time, and not just Hikaru. At least Nall was pulled away from the whatever the woman was. She rubbed her forehead a bit in frustration with a soft sigh. “You and your damn apples.” She was not sure how much they could really trust her to be honest even if they went along with it. Or if she might try something like what happened to Shinigami last time they ran into her. Was not excited about the idea of eating another apple of hers. ”We just talked to the master of the place. I don’t think he appreciates your trespassing, or threatening our souls.” They did have that advantage. Whatever ‘Death’ really was, could she just shrug off the idea of offending Maxim in the center of his temple? They were presumably than anywhere else this might happen. Though she glanced to Shinigami. Most curious how she wanted to handle this. Did she, or Mitsuko, want to take their chances with this, ask any questions?

Many many installations later. See about posting now. Dreams did have her status update on the 20th, mentioning her return from inactivity, wanting to jump back into RPs but not being sure who would want her to come back in. I encouraged to keep going here, though did not get a reply to that. If you see this, Dreams, still would welcome you to jump back in here. But no pressure/rush.

Long weekend. Have Monday off, was off a little early today too, but short term distraction of a new computer and getting it setup/things installed. Will get some replies in elsewhere soon. May look for other pictures/info for the setting thread here too. Hopefully Gard is just busy, not dealing with more difficult stuff. Will wait a little longer there at least. But if he still does not login for a while, may have Dai wander upstairs, check on Ryoko, see what else is going on and see if he involves himself at all but don't want to shake things up there too much before he is back..

Noises of footsteps, sounds of voices. Alexandrine could not hear the words, but it sounded like both Exzel and Elie were here. Whether that made things awkward or not would remain to be seen. She was not sure if she should go to them, wait for them, or for the butler to lead her to them. Her mind had been too distracted, a rare thing, that she had missed the butler’s earlier question on whether she wanted to wait in a different room. Reflexively scratched a moment at her neck, the collar that could not be seen or physically felt at the moment, but that she was there. Not trying to activate it, but distracted by thoughts of the nearby demon. One of at least two in the building. Were there more? Now that she was tied to a demon, she had to guess she would be seeing more of them. Could only hope they were closer to Exzel than Zorn and those who followed him. That was something else she had to figure out what to do about, and hope Emi did not get tangled up in it on her own.

Should hopefully get a reply in there tomorrow.

Maxim’s eyes drifted off to the distance as Shinigami spoke, listening but feeling they should end it here. There was irritation on his face. “I do not appreciate those who invade my temple. I may have to consider getting personally involved. But for now I will send you back. Hikaru is approaching as well, and can assist if needed. I can help get him into the room if needed. It may be a while before we speak again. But I will keep watching, and tell you anything I may learn about ‘Death’.” He had long avoided getting involved in mortal affairs, or assisting him family in non-subtle ways. But the sanctity of a temple must be defended, he would watch a little, but had to consider dealing with the invaders, punish them in some way. But first, he began sending Shinigami back, so she could assist as necessary, against the invaders that appeared to know her. As Jumi and the others began to shift back, Umi turned with anger and alarm. No one had dared enter this place uninvited like this. And while those three were apparently having an unprecedented holy audience? Did they really dare tempt divine intervention? “Begone from this holy place! You are not welcome here. If you seek a battle it is unlikely to go well for you.” She did not have the power to fight. Hikaru would not ignore this though. Perhaps Maxim, or even his father, would not either. She did not actually know if these invaders were looking for a fight, but they did not give off a good impression. Coming uninvited was not appreciated either.

The original idea was a work/home blend for the women. They live there and do at least most of their work in their rooms. But yeah, could be more specialized rooms too. May or may not copy character images from that club, for some of the women there, though still looking for a picture for Ryoko’s mom.

I should give an explanation on that. A whole mix of things, some of which LEROZERO is already aware of, has left my writing at a much slower pace than it often is, even with a few RPs on hold as several partners appear to be busy. I have been trying to get my gears going again with existing RPs, picking up the pace on them again, before replying to requests for new stuff. Though that has been taking longer than I thought it might.

Things were quiet. Alexandrine was used to quiet. The familiar feeling of her life at home the past few years, only briefly broken up over he last few days, but that bit of warmth was in danger. What was more certain was those around her in this place. Who would appear first, the butler, Elie, Exzel, both of them together? It was quiet, but a little restless. She had not felt like this in a long time. Was likely to feel certain feelings, or desires if Exzel appeared. But she still had to apologize to Ellie for getting carried away that night. She could not guess where this was going to go now, other than she was following Exzel’s lead, wherever that went. It made her a little tense as she sat and waited. She was not going to go wandering off on her own. It did feel a little strange, in such a big fancy house, compared to her small apartment. Only Hikaru’s temple was somewhat similar, at least in size. She found it a little hard to imagine living in such a place, especially alone or with just one or two others. She just had to wait, for whoever would show up first. Find out what happened after things were resolved with Elie. What Exzel intended for her.

There was an interesting question. One he wondered about to a degree as well. “Ah, the one who could be called your mother? That is a good question. My eyes have been mostly of my family, their enemies. Genuine demons. But that one, she eluded my gaze until I watched Jumi and Mitsuko meet you. Is she truly death? Some sort of goddess? A magical girl, with ambitions to be more? Maybe something in disguise? If she was just a Magical Girl, she should not have been able to resist a goddesss one on one. But her powers are unusual. And to create someone like you, whether through magic or birth…you are correct she does seem to be hiding something, though what it is, I do not yet know. He might not have been able to give Shinigami a useful answer in the moment. But perhaps he could offer something. ”These are things I wish to know as well. Just what is she, and what is her purpose? If I should find answers to these questions, I will share my answers with you. I truly wish to help you three, it was unfortunate I could not offer you more. But that at least is something I can do, try to look into these things and give you the answers you seek. I hope you can find acceptance among humanity on terms that satisfy you, though it probably will be easy. The two girls, and perhaps a few others care about you. I understand why you declined the offer, but Jumi was willing to accept the offer, to help you, perhaps try to understand you better, by temporarily becoming more like you.” Jumi herself was beginning to shift back towards her body, could not add much to that. But Maxim knew Jumi better than Shinigami or Mitsuko, watched her longer. Her could guess her motives, some more playful or curious, but deeper feelings as well. It was something that made him a little more hopeful of their chances.

It’s mostly there due to its connection to Ryoko (I’ll probably also write something up for Dai’s idol agency eventually, among other places). That and being easy to move over due to it originally being its own club. It probably will eventually have it’s own separate thread, people can come and go from, and while not being a big part of the story, others could potentially make characters who work there,

Well looked like she would miss her chance to indulge that curiosity. Mildly unfortunate, but Jumi was not too surprised. She would not push that point, but it was more unfortunate they could not get any help here. It looked like Shinigami and Mitsuko did not see much hope of getting help here, but she felt she should say something before they were sent back. “That idea might not work, but if anyone has anything else they might want to try asking, now is the time. Not every day you get a god willing to help you out.” Maxim did not seem offended, but Jumi had to wonder if they would get another chance, if they thought of something later. Even as she said this, she began to feel something lightly pulling her back towards her body. Only slowly, lightly for now. Not as fast as when they had been brought here. Perhaps he was giving them at least a short chance, to ask for something else, if they had ideas. “It would be tragic for such a fight. When no one involved had been manipulated by demons.” Maxim was troubled by the possibility of Magical Girls fighting each other unnecessarily, though there was only so many ways he could help. He did not intend to get involved, not shed such innocent blood. “As for your trouble with a certain other goddess, I will see what I can do to help.” He would not, perhaps could not, fight that enemy off on his own, but perhaps he could help there, if they were in danger. “Unless there is anything else you would ask, you will all be returned to your bodies in a moment.” As Jumi suspected, he would give them a short chance to ask, if they had their own ideas for how he might help regarding Shinigami.