Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Maybe the succubus wants to be found, at least by customers.
Her reaction to the news won't be distrust or fear, but rather bemusement and curiosity. She sends someone to ask Aiko's last supplier questions. She tries to send someone to spy on Aiko herself.
Her followers that have appeared so far all are beautiful women, which probably isn't surprising given what she trades in.
The message that eventually would come to Aiko, brought by a gorgeous half-elven courier, is a desire to arrange a meeting, and a location - her scrying can't determine where due to uncertainty.
Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
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bc56
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
There may not be a determined location yet, but that isn't going to stop Aikobaz from picking one for the sake of continuing the hypothetical. She needs to enter this meeting knowing exactly what she's going to say; the alternative is risking improvisation with what is obviously a powerful and likely amoral succubus, which is about as good an idea as chainsaw nunchucks.
So, to keep the exercise going, Aiko chooses... The Black Dragon's Den, upstairs. Presupposing that she won't have any problems getting there, since while she is a minor she probably doesn't look very much like one right now.
"Madam." Aikobaz begins the hypothetical meeting. "Thank you for seeing me. I'm sure your time is rather precious."
There may not be a determined location yet, but that isn't going to stop Aikobaz from picking one for the sake of continuing the hypothetical. She needs to enter this meeting knowing exactly what she's going to say; the alternative is risking improvisation with what is obviously a powerful and likely amoral succubus, which is about as good an idea as chainsaw nunchucks.
So, to keep the exercise going, Aiko chooses... The Black Dragon's Den, upstairs. Presupposing that she won't have any problems getting there, since while she is a minor she probably doesn't look very much like one right now.
"Madam." Aikobaz begins the hypothetical meeting. "Thank you for seeing me. I'm sure your time is rather precious."
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
The Den is a good choice. Shady dealing doesn't stand out too much there.
"I must admit, I'm curious," the succubus replies. She's changed into a sleek, curve-hugging black top and skirt with a bared midriff. There's a bright golden ring in her navel. Her bodyguards are absent. "You wouldn't be the first person your age to seek me out, but your request is extraordinary."
She takes a seat across from Aiko. "Why on Earth do you need so much Essence? And how on Earth do you expect to pay for it?"
The Den is a good choice. Shady dealing doesn't stand out too much there.
"I must admit, I'm curious," the succubus replies. She's changed into a sleek, curve-hugging black top and skirt with a bared midriff. There's a bright golden ring in her navel. Her bodyguards are absent. "You wouldn't be the first person your age to seek me out, but your request is extraordinary."
She takes a seat across from Aiko. "Why on Earth do you need so much Essence? And how on Earth do you expect to pay for it?"
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Nad Day]
The room blurs for a moment as she thinks about her answer entirely too much. Again, she wants to be careful about this, but there are at least two entirely different directions this conversation could take...
"I would rather not say." Has some appeal. "I was under the impression this transaction was to be discrete, and you don't need to know what I intend to do with the Essence to sell it to me. So long as I can pay, what does it matter?" Such would keep the succubus out of her business, which was a good idea, broadly speaking. The fewer succubi she ultimately had to deal with, and the less well they knew her, the better.
On the other hand, she could be a little more honest. This succubus is entrusting her with a large quantity of a dangerous substance. How's she supposed to do that if Aiko tells her nothing? For all this lady knows, she intends to make some kind of, like, succubomb or something. She certainly looks crazy and desperate enough.
"...I need it for a school-related endeavor. I had a small amount available to me and was able to use it to great effect to handle a problem for which I do not otherwise have the resources... but I ran out before I could solve it entirely. Therefore, I'm going to need more. How much more is uncertain, so I'm erring on the side of caution."
That doesn't sound so bad. Vague but not worryingly vague. Hopefully such would satisfy the woman.
The room blurs for a moment as she thinks about her answer entirely too much. Again, she wants to be careful about this, but there are at least two entirely different directions this conversation could take...
"I would rather not say." Has some appeal. "I was under the impression this transaction was to be discrete, and you don't need to know what I intend to do with the Essence to sell it to me. So long as I can pay, what does it matter?" Such would keep the succubus out of her business, which was a good idea, broadly speaking. The fewer succubi she ultimately had to deal with, and the less well they knew her, the better.
On the other hand, she could be a little more honest. This succubus is entrusting her with a large quantity of a dangerous substance. How's she supposed to do that if Aiko tells her nothing? For all this lady knows, she intends to make some kind of, like, succubomb or something. She certainly looks crazy and desperate enough.
"...I need it for a school-related endeavor. I had a small amount available to me and was able to use it to great effect to handle a problem for which I do not otherwise have the resources... but I ran out before I could solve it entirely. Therefore, I'm going to need more. How much more is uncertain, so I'm erring on the side of caution."
That doesn't sound so bad. Vague but not worryingly vague. Hopefully such would satisfy the woman.
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
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- Posts: 3619
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Secrecy
"Hmf. I'll find out soon enough anyway. But you haven't answered my other question. How do you expect to pay for it? Money doesn't interest me much, not that I'd expect you to have nearly enough." The succubus leans closer, her hot breath brushing against Aiko's face. It smells sweet, to a slightly sickening extent.
Openness
"Usually, when a high schooler comes to me with a 'problem,' the problem has a name." It's phrased as a statement, but it's clearly meant as a question. "Who's so important that you need so many vials of Essence?" The succubus looks suspicious. What is this green girl up to? She leans back in her chair, considering the possibilities.
Secrecy
"Hmf. I'll find out soon enough anyway. But you haven't answered my other question. How do you expect to pay for it? Money doesn't interest me much, not that I'd expect you to have nearly enough." The succubus leans closer, her hot breath brushing against Aiko's face. It smells sweet, to a slightly sickening extent.
Openness
"Usually, when a high schooler comes to me with a 'problem,' the problem has a name." It's phrased as a statement, but it's clearly meant as a question. "Who's so important that you need so many vials of Essence?" The succubus looks suspicious. What is this green girl up to? She leans back in her chair, considering the possibilities.
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Secrecy
She's... not interested in money?
That doesn't bode well. The sorts of things a demon would barter with her are not the sorts of things she'd willingly give up. If she has any sense at all, she'll get up and leave now. Find some other way to handle her problems. Maybe even find another supplier or power source.
And in one sense, Aikobaz is a very sensible person. She does get up and offer the succubus an amiable smile. "I see. In that case, I expect we will not be able to reach a bargain. Thank you again for your time." She will then bow, and promptly exit stage left.
...But then, on the other hand, the more sensible thing to do would be to ask for more concrete terms. Maybe the trade-off will still be worth it. She's made large sacrifices for her people before, what's one more, really? It might not even be that much of a sacrifice... that seems unlikely, but exactly how is she supposed to know if she doesn't ask?
"...I had expected to pay with money. I was prepared to offer a considerable sum." Aikobaz explains calmly. "But if money does not interest you, what does? Surely you didn't come here just to say 'no deal'?"
Openness
"It's not that simple." Aikobaz frowns, steepling her fingers. Might as well elaborate on the situation, right? In for a penny, in for a pound. "The problem has quite a few different names, since it's quite a few different people. I represent a student-run organization that's grown rather unpopular as of late, to the point where it faces an existential crisis. Part of that is due to my own inadequacy as a spokesperson; with this essence, I intend to step up my proverbial game and change a few minds."
An accurate answer. But perhaps not an honest one. That would probably sound something more like-
"Mary Brignole. She's taken particular issue with the organization I run as of late and is in the process of trying to dismantle it by whipping up our fellow students in protest. She tells them she's doing it to improve the school, but we both know that's a lie. She made it very clear when we talked that her goal is to spite me, personally. That she might manage to improve quality of life at the school is just something of a bonus... which isn't helped by the fact that she very likely won't, especially not in the long run. I intend to pump the brakes on her tantrum before it spirals too much further out of control."
Secrecy
She's... not interested in money?
That doesn't bode well. The sorts of things a demon would barter with her are not the sorts of things she'd willingly give up. If she has any sense at all, she'll get up and leave now. Find some other way to handle her problems. Maybe even find another supplier or power source.
And in one sense, Aikobaz is a very sensible person. She does get up and offer the succubus an amiable smile. "I see. In that case, I expect we will not be able to reach a bargain. Thank you again for your time." She will then bow, and promptly exit stage left.
...But then, on the other hand, the more sensible thing to do would be to ask for more concrete terms. Maybe the trade-off will still be worth it. She's made large sacrifices for her people before, what's one more, really? It might not even be that much of a sacrifice... that seems unlikely, but exactly how is she supposed to know if she doesn't ask?
"...I had expected to pay with money. I was prepared to offer a considerable sum." Aikobaz explains calmly. "But if money does not interest you, what does? Surely you didn't come here just to say 'no deal'?"
Openness
"It's not that simple." Aikobaz frowns, steepling her fingers. Might as well elaborate on the situation, right? In for a penny, in for a pound. "The problem has quite a few different names, since it's quite a few different people. I represent a student-run organization that's grown rather unpopular as of late, to the point where it faces an existential crisis. Part of that is due to my own inadequacy as a spokesperson; with this essence, I intend to step up my proverbial game and change a few minds."
An accurate answer. But perhaps not an honest one. That would probably sound something more like-
"Mary Brignole. She's taken particular issue with the organization I run as of late and is in the process of trying to dismantle it by whipping up our fellow students in protest. She tells them she's doing it to improve the school, but we both know that's a lie. She made it very clear when we talked that her goal is to spite me, personally. That she might manage to improve quality of life at the school is just something of a bonus... which isn't helped by the fact that she very likely won't, especially not in the long run. I intend to pump the brakes on her tantrum before it spirals too much further out of control."
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
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- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
secret deal
"I deal in favors. Or souls, but you don't seem desperate enough for that. If you want that much Essence, I'll need you to do a job for me." The succubus leans back and steeples her fingers while she waits for Aiko's response.
open but misleading
"I see. Maybe we can make a deal," the succubus looks skeptical; that still sounds like less of a problem than the amount of Essence would indicate. "I don't deal in money for trades this large. You'd have to do a job for me."
the truth
There's a pregnant pause.
"Pfft. Bwa ha ha ha!" the succubus breaks out laughing. "If you're going to take the royal whelp down a peg, I think I can give you a discount. You'd just need to do a simple job for me. Or I might have an alternate way to achieve your goals..."
secret deal
"I deal in favors. Or souls, but you don't seem desperate enough for that. If you want that much Essence, I'll need you to do a job for me." The succubus leans back and steeples her fingers while she waits for Aiko's response.
open but misleading
"I see. Maybe we can make a deal," the succubus looks skeptical; that still sounds like less of a problem than the amount of Essence would indicate. "I don't deal in money for trades this large. You'd have to do a job for me."
the truth
There's a pregnant pause.
"Pfft. Bwa ha ha ha!" the succubus breaks out laughing. "If you're going to take the royal whelp down a peg, I think I can give you a discount. You'd just need to do a simple job for me. Or I might have an alternate way to achieve your goals..."
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Well, that sounds...
"What did you have in mind? (...in mind?) (...in mind?)"
Well, that sounds...
...ominous.
...reasonable.
...fortunate.
...reasonable.
...fortunate.
"What did you have in mind? (...in mind?) (...in mind?)"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
"A simple matter. I have with me a device and a paper with an address on it. I want you to plant the device in the building at that address. There is a ritual chamber somewhere in the building. Hide it in that room." The succubus holds up a small emerald, the size of a thumbnail. Thin strands of golden thread crisscross through it, forming arcane patterns. "It should be simple enough. The security is minimal."
"A simple matter. I have with me a device and a paper with an address on it. I want you to plant the device in the building at that address. There is a ritual chamber somewhere in the building. Hide it in that room." The succubus holds up a small emerald, the size of a thumbnail. Thin strands of golden thread crisscross through it, forming arcane patterns. "It should be simple enough. The security is minimal."
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
...That doesn't sound good. There has to be something this woman isn't telling her. A lot of somethings, actually. That device is almost certainly going to cause someone else a lot of headaches, and her downplaying it only makes it sound even worse. Is it really worth it to cause that kind of damage in exchange for keeping a damned club up and running?
...Maybe? The club is important. It's literally a life-defining feature for some of its members, and would likely go on to be for many more if it were allowed to persist. She should at least take the time to weigh the options properly. "...What do you intend to do with that?" She asks, hoping to glean some important answers before accepting.
---
...She doesn't like that one bit. If that's as much of a non-task as the succubus is trying to make it sound, she would never actually offer that much in return for it. There has to be something she isn't telling her. Some added difficulty to the task that justifies the obscene price tag.
"...What is that, exactly?" She asks quietly. Perhaps knowing what she's handling will explain the discrepency.
---
Just that?
Thank god. Aikobaz doesn't exactly have a strong bargaining position here. This woman could be asking for so much worse than just putting a thing in a place. She could have asked Aikobaz to kill someone. Or to sell some essence in a place she can't normally get to. Or sell herself, even!
...Not that she would have agreed to any of that. She couldn't see herself doing anything that blatantly awful in exchange for succubus juice.
"Okay, sure. But I want half up front."
She might end up using some of it in this mission, after all!
...That doesn't sound good. There has to be something this woman isn't telling her. A lot of somethings, actually. That device is almost certainly going to cause someone else a lot of headaches, and her downplaying it only makes it sound even worse. Is it really worth it to cause that kind of damage in exchange for keeping a damned club up and running?
...Maybe? The club is important. It's literally a life-defining feature for some of its members, and would likely go on to be for many more if it were allowed to persist. She should at least take the time to weigh the options properly. "...What do you intend to do with that?" She asks, hoping to glean some important answers before accepting.
---
...She doesn't like that one bit. If that's as much of a non-task as the succubus is trying to make it sound, she would never actually offer that much in return for it. There has to be something she isn't telling her. Some added difficulty to the task that justifies the obscene price tag.
"...What is that, exactly?" She asks quietly. Perhaps knowing what she's handling will explain the discrepency.
---
Just that?
Thank god. Aikobaz doesn't exactly have a strong bargaining position here. This woman could be asking for so much worse than just putting a thing in a place. She could have asked Aikobaz to kill someone. Or to sell some essence in a place she can't normally get to. Or sell herself, even!
...Not that she would have agreed to any of that. She couldn't see herself doing anything that blatantly awful in exchange for succubus juice.
"Okay, sure. But I want half up front."
She might end up using some of it in this mission, after all!
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
"If you don't tell me what you're using my product for, I don't see why I should tell you what I'll do with that little thing. And if you don't know, you can't tell anyone. Secrecy is part and parcel to this business." The succubus give Aiko a serious look. "Take it or leave it."
---------
"I'd rather not tell you exactly how it works. Just know that it won't hurt anyone, it's merely for my benefit." The succubus nods thoughtfully. "I'm sure you can do it. I wouldn't ask you to if I didn't think you could pull it off. You in?"
_______
"An eighth. If you're worried about needing some for the job, 10 is more than enough, and I don't want you cutting and running with too much of my supply." The succubus' brow furrows. This would be an audacious way to steal 10 vials of Essence, which is a much more reasonable amount for teenage hijinks.
"If you don't tell me what you're using my product for, I don't see why I should tell you what I'll do with that little thing. And if you don't know, you can't tell anyone. Secrecy is part and parcel to this business." The succubus give Aiko a serious look. "Take it or leave it."
---------
"I'd rather not tell you exactly how it works. Just know that it won't hurt anyone, it's merely for my benefit." The succubus nods thoughtfully. "I'm sure you can do it. I wouldn't ask you to if I didn't think you could pull it off. You in?"
_______
"An eighth. If you're worried about needing some for the job, 10 is more than enough, and I don't want you cutting and running with too much of my supply." The succubus' brow furrows. This would be an audacious way to steal 10 vials of Essence, which is a much more reasonable amount for teenage hijinks.
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
...
And that is officially a boundary.
Maybe it's hypocritical of her to refuse for lack of information, but she doesn't care. She knows exactly what she intends to use the essence for, and that it's a good cause. She has no idea what the woman intends to use this pendant for. For all she knows, her compliance here could enable... god only knows what. It's too risky.
"...Are those the only terms you'll accept?" She asks with a frown.
---
So she's looking at... what, a camera maybe? Maybe not that exactly, but something along those lines. A device that can't be used to harm anyone directly but helps this woman gather information.
That's starting to sound like a fair deal. Aikobaz can plant it without raising suspicion or drawing attention to herself, which would be a considerable opportunity maker for her newfound business partner. There don't seem to be any more gotchas waiting in the wings here.
"...Very well. Tell me everything I need to know about where I'm putting it."
---
Aikobaz gives a moderately offended gasp. Her, run off with essence without paying for it? The idea! She would never do something like that!
...But, fine. Ten should do the job, she supposes.
"All right. An eighth. You brought it with you, right?"
...
And that is officially a boundary.
Maybe it's hypocritical of her to refuse for lack of information, but she doesn't care. She knows exactly what she intends to use the essence for, and that it's a good cause. She has no idea what the woman intends to use this pendant for. For all she knows, her compliance here could enable... god only knows what. It's too risky.
"...Are those the only terms you'll accept?" She asks with a frown.
---
So she's looking at... what, a camera maybe? Maybe not that exactly, but something along those lines. A device that can't be used to harm anyone directly but helps this woman gather information.
That's starting to sound like a fair deal. Aikobaz can plant it without raising suspicion or drawing attention to herself, which would be a considerable opportunity maker for her newfound business partner. There don't seem to be any more gotchas waiting in the wings here.
"...Very well. Tell me everything I need to know about where I'm putting it."
---
Aikobaz gives a moderately offended gasp. Her, run off with essence without paying for it? The idea! She would never do something like that!
...But, fine. Ten should do the job, she supposes.
"All right. An eighth. You brought it with you, right?"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Undertree Manor]
Riftline doesn't travel all the way to the manor, sadly. It's a good hours walk from the station to our heroes' destination. Through the snow. Lex is bundled up pretty solidly, complete with a colorful scarf wrapped around his face. There's something deeply endearing about a slime dragon all cocooned up against the cold. But given how sensitive he is to extremes in temperature it makes sense he would be prepared. The walk is mostly though rolling hills with a light dusting of snow, so in all not terribly difficult.
They'll see the three in the distance first, leafless and bare, like a great many-fingered hand grasping at the sky. A dry, dead thing choked of life. As they draw closer, though, they'll in in for quite the sight. Surrounding the tree is a vast field of sunflowers without a speck of snow on them. And as soon as our heroes step into the field it will feel like they just walked into a bright summer day.
Over the cresting waves of hip-high yellow flowers they'll see the manor, a great and stately estate built into the once living roots and trunk of the tree itself. But like the tree, the manor is worn and dead, vibrant colors bleached like old bones. A heavy spirit of melancholy hangs over this place, a feeling of things lost never to be recovered.
Riftline doesn't travel all the way to the manor, sadly. It's a good hours walk from the station to our heroes' destination. Through the snow. Lex is bundled up pretty solidly, complete with a colorful scarf wrapped around his face. There's something deeply endearing about a slime dragon all cocooned up against the cold. But given how sensitive he is to extremes in temperature it makes sense he would be prepared. The walk is mostly though rolling hills with a light dusting of snow, so in all not terribly difficult.
They'll see the three in the distance first, leafless and bare, like a great many-fingered hand grasping at the sky. A dry, dead thing choked of life. As they draw closer, though, they'll in in for quite the sight. Surrounding the tree is a vast field of sunflowers without a speck of snow on them. And as soon as our heroes step into the field it will feel like they just walked into a bright summer day.
Over the cresting waves of hip-high yellow flowers they'll see the manor, a great and stately estate built into the once living roots and trunk of the tree itself. But like the tree, the manor is worn and dead, vibrant colors bleached like old bones. A heavy spirit of melancholy hangs over this place, a feeling of things lost never to be recovered.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
"I could take your soul, if you prefer," the succubus is pretty sure Aiko doesn't prefer that.
---
"It's an isolated manor house, shielded by arcane wards. Security is loose, it's a residence, not a fortress. There may be demons present, but they won't be alert." the succubus answers.
---
"I did." The succubus lifts her briefcase and sets it on the table, opening it to reveal 8 neat racks of 10 vials. She takes the top rack off and slides it to Aiko, along with the gemstone and note.
"I could take your soul, if you prefer," the succubus is pretty sure Aiko doesn't prefer that.
---
"It's an isolated manor house, shielded by arcane wards. Security is loose, it's a residence, not a fortress. There may be demons present, but they won't be alert." the succubus answers.
---
"I did." The succubus lifts her briefcase and sets it on the table, opening it to reveal 8 neat racks of 10 vials. She takes the top rack off and slides it to Aiko, along with the gemstone and note.
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
"...That would be less than ideal." Aikobaz stiffens. Obvious problems aside, selling off her sould for anything else would be inherently counterproductive, since it takes all further agency out of her hands. She really doesn't get why people do tha-
"...Did you say something?"
---
"...You're sending me to Brignole's manor, aren't you?"
It would make sense. They were just talking about her. And a bug in the demon queen's home would be quite the boon for anyone trying to avoid her. And as much as Mary might not like Aikobaz, Sekhmet didn't seem like the type to-
"...Hold on. Do you feel that?"
---
"Oh good!" Aikobaz burbles, unracking one of the vials and looking it over. It certainly looks legitimate, but she'd really rather be sure. A quick test of some form to confirm its authenticity. Maybe just refueling her wand?
The empress gives the stopper a little tug, and it pops off cleanly, the sound seeming to reverberate around the room despite its small size.
"...Okay, I don't remember it smelling like this, what gives?"
"...That would be less than ideal." Aikobaz stiffens. Obvious problems aside, selling off her sould for anything else would be inherently counterproductive, since it takes all further agency out of her hands. She really doesn't get why people do tha-
"...Did you say something?"
---
"...You're sending me to Brignole's manor, aren't you?"
It would make sense. They were just talking about her. And a bug in the demon queen's home would be quite the boon for anyone trying to avoid her. And as much as Mary might not like Aikobaz, Sekhmet didn't seem like the type to-
"...Hold on. Do you feel that?"
---
"Oh good!" Aikobaz burbles, unracking one of the vials and looking it over. It certainly looks legitimate, but she'd really rather be sure. A quick test of some form to confirm its authenticity. Maybe just refueling her wand?
The empress gives the stopper a little tug, and it pops off cleanly, the sound seeming to reverberate around the room despite its small size.
"...Okay, I don't remember it smelling like this, what gives?"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
"No, wh..."
The dream stretches and warps, threatening to tear at the seams. The reverberating sound of the stopper being pulled and the heady scent of the vial's contents overwhelm Aiko's mental senses. She feels like she's being torn apart by the shifting dream.
Then there's a snap.
The dream world looks like a broken mirror of itself, distorted and fragmented. The succubus in her chair is frozen in three different overlapping positions.
Aiko, on the other hand, was shunted out of her chair. She hits the ground hard on the left. Her body aches from head to toe, and her ears are ringing. Something feels wrong, but it's hard to put a finger on exactly what. It's a nebulous feeling that something's changed, but she feels intact. Everything seems fine, if a little bruised; arms, legs, and face.
She hears someone stirring to her left. A quick glance is enough to identify... Herself, but not quite. The other girl is clearly her, but she has the form of a succubus; the horns, wings, tail, and supernatural beauty to rival Mary.
---
"No, wh..."
The dream stretches and warps, threatening to tear at the seams. The reverberating sound of the stopper being pulled and the heady scent of the vial's contents overwhelm Aiko's mental senses. She feels like she's being torn apart by the shifting dream.
Then there's a snap.
The dream world looks like a broken mirror of itself, distorted and fragmented. The succubus in her chair is frozen in three different overlapping positions.
Aiko, on the other hand, was shunted out of her chair. She hits the ground hard on the right. Her body aches from head to toe, and her ears are ringing. Something feels wrong, but it's hard to put a finger on exactly what. It's a nebulous feeling that something's changed, but she feels intact. Everything seems fine, if a little bruised; arms, legs, face, horns, tail, and wings.
She hears someone stirring to her left. A quick glance is enough to identify... Herself.
"No, wh..."
The dream stretches and warps, threatening to tear at the seams. The reverberating sound of the stopper being pulled and the heady scent of the vial's contents overwhelm Aiko's mental senses. She feels like she's being torn apart by the shifting dream.
Then there's a snap.
The dream world looks like a broken mirror of itself, distorted and fragmented. The succubus in her chair is frozen in three different overlapping positions.
Aiko, on the other hand, was shunted out of her chair. She hits the ground hard on the left. Her body aches from head to toe, and her ears are ringing. Something feels wrong, but it's hard to put a finger on exactly what. It's a nebulous feeling that something's changed, but she feels intact. Everything seems fine, if a little bruised; arms, legs, and face.
She hears someone stirring to her left. A quick glance is enough to identify... Herself, but not quite. The other girl is clearly her, but she has the form of a succubus; the horns, wings, tail, and supernatural beauty to rival Mary.
---
"No, wh..."
The dream stretches and warps, threatening to tear at the seams. The reverberating sound of the stopper being pulled and the heady scent of the vial's contents overwhelm Aiko's mental senses. She feels like she's being torn apart by the shifting dream.
Then there's a snap.
The dream world looks like a broken mirror of itself, distorted and fragmented. The succubus in her chair is frozen in three different overlapping positions.
Aiko, on the other hand, was shunted out of her chair. She hits the ground hard on the right. Her body aches from head to toe, and her ears are ringing. Something feels wrong, but it's hard to put a finger on exactly what. It's a nebulous feeling that something's changed, but she feels intact. Everything seems fine, if a little bruised; arms, legs, face, horns, tail, and wings.
She hears someone stirring to her left. A quick glance is enough to identify... Herself.
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
...Well that was unexpected.
Aikobaz frowns and stands up, her attention still fixed on the succubus immediately in front of her. Or rather, the succubi immediately in front of her. Three? Why were there suddenly three of her? That couldn't be right. Nothing about that made any sort of logical sense at all. There's no reason why she would just... do that.
Her thoughts are interrupted by a cheerful "Oh hi!", coming from the familiar-looking succubus on her left.
Well, that made even less sense.
"...Hi." Aikobaz responds softly, staring at her mirror image with newfound curiosity.
"Hi!" The succubus burbles again. "...Are you, um... me?"
"...That is the question, isn't it?" The empress stares at her hands in contemplation. "One can certainly appreciate a certain superficial similarity. But as evidence to the contrary, there appears to be a definite incongruence between us, suggesting we are not truly the same person-"
The succubus continues to stare innocently at her counterpart, but it's clear from the way her eyes are glassed over that she isn't really internalizing this.
"...I do not know." Aikobaz says finally.
"Well, at least we're in agreement!" The succubus chortles, her tail flicking side to side playfully. "So if we don't actually know we're the same person, I guess we should introduce ourselves to each other! Hi, I'm Aiko! What's your name?"
"...Aiko." The empress deadpans.
"Ooh, neat! What are the odds of that?" The succubus giggles.
Aikobaz frowns. "...You have me worried about your mental health." She says flatly.
"Oh, I'm just joking. It's fun! If I wasn't joking with you I'd have to start thinking about what's going on and I'd probably freak out." The succubus giggles a little, before her smile starts to fade. "Because this, um... this is... actually really... really freaky..." Her smile slowly recedes and she starts hugging herself, looking around the shattered dreamscape around them. "...Really, really, uh..."
The succubus falls silent.
"...We should pick different names."
"Pardon?" The succubus looks over at Aikobaz. "What do you mean?"
"To tell each other apart. Much like Juibilex did when he split."
"Oh. Oh!" The succubus grins. "Good idea! I think I'll just take that syllable in the middle, then!"
"...You want to call yourself 'Ko'?" Aikobaz raises her eyebrow skeptically.
"Well, no, not just Ko, that's too short. I was thinking more... Koko! Yeah, Koko!" She grins. "Doesn't that sound like just the cutest little name?"
"...And I suppose that leaves me as Aibaz?" The empress frowns.
"It doesn't have to if you don't want it to!" Koko objects. "We could call you Aiai! Or Baza! Or Bazai! Or-... or it doesn't even have to be from Aikobaz at all! We could call you something else pretty, like Hanako or Momoko or-" She lets out a happy gasp. "Ooh! I always like the name Tsurugi, we could call you that!"
"...You want to name me after a sword." The empress deadpans.
"Yeah! It sounds pretty and badass!" Koko beams.
"...I will think about it. But logically, so long as we are distinct, it does not matter what our names are. If it is all the same to you, I will simply continue referring to myself as Aikobaz for the time being."
"Okay! Your loss!" Koko hums, pirouetting a little on the spot.
...
"...Now what?"
Aikobaz frowns. "I am uncertain. It is not clear what is to be gained by any action at this time. We will remain here until such a time as the evidence-"
"What? No way! It's all creepy and weird!" Koko frowns. "I say we wake up. It's got to be better than here!"
"Not necessarily. We do not know what will happen if-"
Koko pouts, giving Aikobaz a pair of big, watery puppy-dog eyes.
"...Very well. Brace yourself."
---
Aikobaz jerks awake in her seat in the nurse's office, rubbing at the back of her head irritably. "...That did not go as I planned." She mutters to herself.
What a strange, strange dream. She hopes it's still only prophetic, describing an event that hasn't actually happened yet. And probably never will; everything about the situation with that dealer screams bad idea. That bit at the end there with reality apparently falling apart was just icing on the cake.
She'll just have to make do without the essence. Somehow.
---
Koko jolts awake, sitting up suddenly and consequently banging the back of her head against the lockers behind her.
Klunk!
"Ow!" The succubus squeels, rubbing the back of her head. "Mother of... ow."
Wait a minute. Lockers?
The succubus stands up and looks around, finding herself in one of PREP's many hallways, currently empty as everyone else is still in class. Huh. That's weird, she doesn't remember falling asleep here.
Eh, whatever. She falls asleep lotsa places. She probably just forgot which one she was in again. It happens.
At the sound of the bell, and thus the sound of the halls starting to fill back up again, the succubus steps forward into the crowd, with a large, sincere smile on her face.
"Ohayo! Good morning! Hello! Hi there! Ohayo, you're looking cute today! Hello!"
...Well that was unexpected.
Aikobaz frowns and stands up, her attention still fixed on the succubus immediately in front of her. Or rather, the succubi immediately in front of her. Three? Why were there suddenly three of her? That couldn't be right. Nothing about that made any sort of logical sense at all. There's no reason why she would just... do that.
Her thoughts are interrupted by a cheerful "Oh hi!", coming from the familiar-looking succubus on her left.
Well, that made even less sense.
"...Hi." Aikobaz responds softly, staring at her mirror image with newfound curiosity.
"Hi!" The succubus burbles again. "...Are you, um... me?"
"...That is the question, isn't it?" The empress stares at her hands in contemplation. "One can certainly appreciate a certain superficial similarity. But as evidence to the contrary, there appears to be a definite incongruence between us, suggesting we are not truly the same person-"
The succubus continues to stare innocently at her counterpart, but it's clear from the way her eyes are glassed over that she isn't really internalizing this.
"...I do not know." Aikobaz says finally.
"Well, at least we're in agreement!" The succubus chortles, her tail flicking side to side playfully. "So if we don't actually know we're the same person, I guess we should introduce ourselves to each other! Hi, I'm Aiko! What's your name?"
"...Aiko." The empress deadpans.
"Ooh, neat! What are the odds of that?" The succubus giggles.
Aikobaz frowns. "...You have me worried about your mental health." She says flatly.
"Oh, I'm just joking. It's fun! If I wasn't joking with you I'd have to start thinking about what's going on and I'd probably freak out." The succubus giggles a little, before her smile starts to fade. "Because this, um... this is... actually really... really freaky..." Her smile slowly recedes and she starts hugging herself, looking around the shattered dreamscape around them. "...Really, really, uh..."
The succubus falls silent.
"...We should pick different names."
"Pardon?" The succubus looks over at Aikobaz. "What do you mean?"
"To tell each other apart. Much like Juibilex did when he split."
"Oh. Oh!" The succubus grins. "Good idea! I think I'll just take that syllable in the middle, then!"
"...You want to call yourself 'Ko'?" Aikobaz raises her eyebrow skeptically.
"Well, no, not just Ko, that's too short. I was thinking more... Koko! Yeah, Koko!" She grins. "Doesn't that sound like just the cutest little name?"
"...And I suppose that leaves me as Aibaz?" The empress frowns.
"It doesn't have to if you don't want it to!" Koko objects. "We could call you Aiai! Or Baza! Or Bazai! Or-... or it doesn't even have to be from Aikobaz at all! We could call you something else pretty, like Hanako or Momoko or-" She lets out a happy gasp. "Ooh! I always like the name Tsurugi, we could call you that!"
"...You want to name me after a sword." The empress deadpans.
"Yeah! It sounds pretty and badass!" Koko beams.
"...I will think about it. But logically, so long as we are distinct, it does not matter what our names are. If it is all the same to you, I will simply continue referring to myself as Aikobaz for the time being."
"Okay! Your loss!" Koko hums, pirouetting a little on the spot.
...
"...Now what?"
Aikobaz frowns. "I am uncertain. It is not clear what is to be gained by any action at this time. We will remain here until such a time as the evidence-"
"What? No way! It's all creepy and weird!" Koko frowns. "I say we wake up. It's got to be better than here!"
"Not necessarily. We do not know what will happen if-"
Koko pouts, giving Aikobaz a pair of big, watery puppy-dog eyes.
"...Very well. Brace yourself."
---
Aikobaz jerks awake in her seat in the nurse's office, rubbing at the back of her head irritably. "...That did not go as I planned." She mutters to herself.
What a strange, strange dream. She hopes it's still only prophetic, describing an event that hasn't actually happened yet. And probably never will; everything about the situation with that dealer screams bad idea. That bit at the end there with reality apparently falling apart was just icing on the cake.
She'll just have to make do without the essence. Somehow.
---
Koko jolts awake, sitting up suddenly and consequently banging the back of her head against the lockers behind her.
Klunk!
"Ow!" The succubus squeels, rubbing the back of her head. "Mother of... ow."
Wait a minute. Lockers?
The succubus stands up and looks around, finding herself in one of PREP's many hallways, currently empty as everyone else is still in class. Huh. That's weird, she doesn't remember falling asleep here.
Eh, whatever. She falls asleep lotsa places. She probably just forgot which one she was in again. It happens.
At the sound of the bell, and thus the sound of the halls starting to fill back up again, the succubus steps forward into the crowd, with a large, sincere smile on her face.
"Ohayo! Good morning! Hello! Hi there! Ohayo, you're looking cute today! Hello!"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Nurse's office
"Baz, Aiko?" the nurse calls from the other room. It looks like Aiko woke up just in time; it's her turn to be examined.
Halls
Koko is given several warmly returned greetings, a few confused looks, and several stares, but then...
There's a series of thumps, like someone just dropped their books on the floor in surprise.
"Aiko!? What the Hell happened to you? Are you all right?" Mary looks her fellow succubus over from head to toe, genuine concern on her face. Maybe she's too surprised to gloat over her rival's transformation, or maybe she wouldn't wish succubification on her worst enemy, or maybe she doesn't hate Aiko as much as she let on.
Nurse's office
"Baz, Aiko?" the nurse calls from the other room. It looks like Aiko woke up just in time; it's her turn to be examined.
Halls
Koko is given several warmly returned greetings, a few confused looks, and several stares, but then...
There's a series of thumps, like someone just dropped their books on the floor in surprise.
"Aiko!? What the Hell happened to you? Are you all right?" Mary looks her fellow succubus over from head to toe, genuine concern on her face. Maybe she's too surprised to gloat over her rival's transformation, or maybe she wouldn't wish succubification on her worst enemy, or maybe she doesn't hate Aiko as much as she let on.
Avatar by me! No more outsourcing!
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Nurse's Office
The empress makes her way up to the counter, but rather than go to see the nurse immediately, she stops to address the secretary.
"...For the last time." Aikobaz frowns. "Baz is an honorific suffix. It is not my family name. You either call me by my birth name, Aiko, or you address me as a wizard, Aikobaz. If you need a family name, you use Bloodplunder." She scowls. "And if you are using the vocative, and referring to me in some way other than 'your highness' or some variation thereupon, you are disrespecting me. I will not insist upon it, but I would have it be a deliberate choice rather than incidental. Is that all understood?"
Hallways
"Ohayo, Brignole-chan!" Koko greets the other succubus, beaming. "You also look really cute today! Love what you've done with your hair." She smiles and keeps walking, as though there were no further significance to this meeting than simply running into a familiar classmate... as opposed to, say, the other end of a schoolwide conflict. The concern also doesn't seek to register; she feels fine, so what's the point in worrying about Mary thinking otherwise?
Nurse's Office
The empress makes her way up to the counter, but rather than go to see the nurse immediately, she stops to address the secretary.
"...For the last time." Aikobaz frowns. "Baz is an honorific suffix. It is not my family name. You either call me by my birth name, Aiko, or you address me as a wizard, Aikobaz. If you need a family name, you use Bloodplunder." She scowls. "And if you are using the vocative, and referring to me in some way other than 'your highness' or some variation thereupon, you are disrespecting me. I will not insist upon it, but I would have it be a deliberate choice rather than incidental. Is that all understood?"
Hallways
"Ohayo, Brignole-chan!" Koko greets the other succubus, beaming. "You also look really cute today! Love what you've done with your hair." She smiles and keeps walking, as though there were no further significance to this meeting than simply running into a familiar classmate... as opposed to, say, the other end of a schoolwide conflict. The concern also doesn't seek to register; she feels fine, so what's the point in worrying about Mary thinking otherwise?
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Nurse's office
"Sorry." Students being very particular about how they're addressed, especially when they're magical royalty, "Go on in, Aiko." She doesn't care for the full title, she'll just say "Aiko."
Hallways
Mary does not leave it at a friendly greeting between acquaintances. She turns and follows Koko. "Seriously what happened? You aren't normally so friendly. Or chipper. Not to mention the fact that you're a succubus all of a sudden?" Mary isn't going to accept no answer here. She already likes this Aiko better, but the sudden 180 in personality combined with the change in species is really, really concerning.
Nurse's office
"Sorry." Students being very particular about how they're addressed, especially when they're magical royalty, "Go on in, Aiko." She doesn't care for the full title, she'll just say "Aiko."
Hallways
Mary does not leave it at a friendly greeting between acquaintances. She turns and follows Koko. "Seriously what happened? You aren't normally so friendly. Or chipper. Not to mention the fact that you're a succubus all of a sudden?" Mary isn't going to accept no answer here. She already likes this Aiko better, but the sudden 180 in personality combined with the change in species is really, really concerning.
Avatar by me! No more outsourcing!
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aiko's Very Baz Day]
Nurse's Office
"Thank you." The empress gives a little nod and proceeds into the examination room, taking a seat on the table without prompting and sitting up perfectly straight; despite her purported illness, she seems to be taking efforts to remain the very picture of poise and grace. Whether she's succeeding is, of course, subjective, but if she's at all worried about it, she doesn't give any sign of such.
Hallways
"I know!" Koko chirps, wincing as a passing student accidentally buffets against her hair. "Ow! Why do I wear it like this? It's like a cactus on my head!"
The succubus continues to smile as she starts pulling pins out of her hairbun, casually dropping them into her pocket as she speaks. "I feel really good today, though. Like that little voice in my head that tells me 'stop, stop, you're doing everything wrong and everyone hates you' is just... gone!" She grins and shrugs. "If I knew succubus essence had a use as a cure for social anxiety, I would've popped that cork a long time ago! Hey!"
Koko looks back at the student who just tripped over her tail, smushing the barbed tip against the floor. "That really hurt!" She snaps. "Why don't you look where you're going, you clumsy jerk!"
Nurse's Office
"Thank you." The empress gives a little nod and proceeds into the examination room, taking a seat on the table without prompting and sitting up perfectly straight; despite her purported illness, she seems to be taking efforts to remain the very picture of poise and grace. Whether she's succeeding is, of course, subjective, but if she's at all worried about it, she doesn't give any sign of such.
Hallways
"I know!" Koko chirps, wincing as a passing student accidentally buffets against her hair. "Ow! Why do I wear it like this? It's like a cactus on my head!"
The succubus continues to smile as she starts pulling pins out of her hairbun, casually dropping them into her pocket as she speaks. "I feel really good today, though. Like that little voice in my head that tells me 'stop, stop, you're doing everything wrong and everyone hates you' is just... gone!" She grins and shrugs. "If I knew succubus essence had a use as a cure for social anxiety, I would've popped that cork a long time ago! Hey!"
Koko looks back at the student who just tripped over her tail, smushing the barbed tip against the floor. "That really hurt!" She snaps. "Why don't you look where you're going, you clumsy jerk!"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aiko's Very Bad Day
Nurse's Office
What follows is a cursory physical and magical inspection, followed by a longer one. It's not super invasive, but it's slightly humiliating.
Whatever happened to Aiko, this will probably turn it up.
Hallways
"Are you telling me all the bullying, all the standoffishness, was because of anxiety?" Mary is incredulous. And then the snapping. Apparently not. "Calm down, it was an accident," Mary tries to defuse the situation.
"You took succubus essence?" Mary questioned. It handily explains the change in demeanor and species, but it leads to another question. "How much did you take?" A full succubus transformation normally takes an unhealthy amount of essence.
Nurse's Office
What follows is a cursory physical and magical inspection, followed by a longer one. It's not super invasive, but it's slightly humiliating.
Whatever happened to Aiko, this will probably turn it up.
Hallways
"Are you telling me all the bullying, all the standoffishness, was because of anxiety?" Mary is incredulous. And then the snapping. Apparently not. "Calm down, it was an accident," Mary tries to defuse the situation.
"You took succubus essence?" Mary questioned. It handily explains the change in demeanor and species, but it leads to another question. "How much did you take?" A full succubus transformation normally takes an unhealthy amount of essence.
Avatar by me! No more outsourcing!
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Nurse's Office
To Aikobaz's credit, she is reasonably compliant with the examination, though there is a small incident where the nurse needs to clarify that her leg is supposed to move during a reflex test and her suppressing the literal kneejerk reaction is impressive, but unnecessary and counterproductive.
Physically, she's fine, apart from a few signs of chronic stress and potentially a sleep disorder. Magically... something strange is going on with her aura. Namely, it's at approximately forty percent strength and doesn't match the profile on file for her, suggesting a significant spiritual shift since enrollment day examinations.
Hallways
"It still hurt!" Koko objects, retracting her tail and blowing on it like a bowl of hot soup. "This thing is really sensitive! It's like an eightteen inch-"
She stops and looks over at Mary's own tail, letting out a little sigh. "...Yeah, you know." She confirms. "I'm going to be feeling that all day!"
But thankfully, the mood doesn't last. Koko shrugs and gives a little smile. "I don't know if it was just because I was anxious, but maybe! I do feel a lot better now. Like I don't have to try so hard for anybody, you know?" She grins. "And if I don't have to try so hard, I can just be me! And I like to think this is what I'm like, you know?"
Nurse's Office
To Aikobaz's credit, she is reasonably compliant with the examination, though there is a small incident where the nurse needs to clarify that her leg is supposed to move during a reflex test and her suppressing the literal kneejerk reaction is impressive, but unnecessary and counterproductive.
Physically, she's fine, apart from a few signs of chronic stress and potentially a sleep disorder. Magically... something strange is going on with her aura. Namely, it's at approximately forty percent strength and doesn't match the profile on file for her, suggesting a significant spiritual shift since enrollment day examinations.
Hallways
"It still hurt!" Koko objects, retracting her tail and blowing on it like a bowl of hot soup. "This thing is really sensitive! It's like an eightteen inch-"
She stops and looks over at Mary's own tail, letting out a little sigh. "...Yeah, you know." She confirms. "I'm going to be feeling that all day!"
But thankfully, the mood doesn't last. Koko shrugs and gives a little smile. "I don't know if it was just because I was anxious, but maybe! I do feel a lot better now. Like I don't have to try so hard for anybody, you know?" She grins. "And if I don't have to try so hard, I can just be me! And I like to think this is what I'm like, you know?"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Nurse's office
"Miss... Bloodplunder?" the nurse checks Aiko's medical record to make sure she has the right name. "Did something happen recently?" she turns the charts around so Aiko can see. "Your aura diminished 60% since your last physical."
Hallways
"I know," Mary confirms.
18 inches is underselling it, these tails are generally in the range of 2-4 feet. They easily get in the way. Koko probably noticed that Mary keeps hers close to her legs, almost coiling around herself, minimizing the chance of someone tripping on it.
"I appreciate the new outlook, really. But are you okay? If you took enough succubus essence to change species, you could get really sick."
Mary considers a few things. "I guess this means you have the magic you always wanted?"
Nurse's office
"Miss... Bloodplunder?" the nurse checks Aiko's medical record to make sure she has the right name. "Did something happen recently?" she turns the charts around so Aiko can see. "Your aura diminished 60% since your last physical."
Hallways
"I know," Mary confirms.
18 inches is underselling it, these tails are generally in the range of 2-4 feet. They easily get in the way. Koko probably noticed that Mary keeps hers close to her legs, almost coiling around herself, minimizing the chance of someone tripping on it.
"I appreciate the new outlook, really. But are you okay? If you took enough succubus essence to change species, you could get really sick."
Mary considers a few things. "I guess this means you have the magic you always wanted?"
Avatar by me! No more outsourcing!
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Nurse's Office
"...Not to my knowledge." Aikobaz replies simply. "I have not engaged in any activities that should have any effect on my aura, or any other metaphysical property of mine." She frowns. "...But something... does not feel quite right. I feel... calm. Far calmer than is normal for me." She holds up her hands, splaying her fingers and examining them carefully, as though watching for tremors that aren't coming. "...In point of fact, I believe I have lost a great deal of sensation." She continues. "I was slightly peckish when I came to the infirmary. My back was sore, in a knot near my left shoulder. I had... what is the term, butterflies in one's stomach?" She glances back up at the nurse. "...I am still aware of all of these things. But they do not... bother me. That is not normal, is it?"
Hallways
"Ooh! Maybe!" Koko grins, before raising her hands up in the direction of one of the passing students, her brow furrowing in concentration and the very tip of her tongue pointing out from the corner of her lips. A low, whining grunt of exertion slowly makes its way out of her, growing quickly in volume and intensity, before she lowes her hands and gives a little sigh.
"Nope! No magic! Which is a little disappointing I guess, but hey, at least I'm not any worse off, right?" She beams, leaning into Mary. "I don't feel at all sick, either. I keep saying it, I know, but I feel AMAZING." She giggles and boops Mary on the nose. "Ooh, that's cute." She chortles. "You're squishier than I thought you'd be! Turns out Mary Brignole's been a little softie all this time, who could have guessed?"
Nurse's Office
"...Not to my knowledge." Aikobaz replies simply. "I have not engaged in any activities that should have any effect on my aura, or any other metaphysical property of mine." She frowns. "...But something... does not feel quite right. I feel... calm. Far calmer than is normal for me." She holds up her hands, splaying her fingers and examining them carefully, as though watching for tremors that aren't coming. "...In point of fact, I believe I have lost a great deal of sensation." She continues. "I was slightly peckish when I came to the infirmary. My back was sore, in a knot near my left shoulder. I had... what is the term, butterflies in one's stomach?" She glances back up at the nurse. "...I am still aware of all of these things. But they do not... bother me. That is not normal, is it?"
Hallways
"Ooh! Maybe!" Koko grins, before raising her hands up in the direction of one of the passing students, her brow furrowing in concentration and the very tip of her tongue pointing out from the corner of her lips. A low, whining grunt of exertion slowly makes its way out of her, growing quickly in volume and intensity, before she lowes her hands and gives a little sigh.
"Nope! No magic! Which is a little disappointing I guess, but hey, at least I'm not any worse off, right?" She beams, leaning into Mary. "I don't feel at all sick, either. I keep saying it, I know, but I feel AMAZING." She giggles and boops Mary on the nose. "Ooh, that's cute." She chortles. "You're squishier than I thought you'd be! Turns out Mary Brignole's been a little softie all this time, who could have guessed?"
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Nurse's Office
"You're absolutely sure? No unusual spells cast on you, no potions drunk, nothing like that?" At Aiko's mention of her disassociation with her feelings, the nurse frowns. "Between the tests and that description it sounds like you're suffering some form of soul degradation, but that's not something that just happens, something has to be done to you to cause it."
Hallways
Mary is leaned on. This is surreal. Succubus-Aiko is affectionate, touchy-feely, and carefree, she's more or less nice to everyone, and she seems to be full of chatter and zest for life; it's like she's an entirely different person. Mary might have to start brainstorming ways to dose Aiko with succubus venom more often.
"Hey," Mary isn't super thrilled about having her nose poked. And what does Aiko mean by calling her soft?
"You look good too. Listen, Aiko..." In her current state, listening seems to be something Aiko is less than good at, "If this doesn't wear off soon, you should go see my Mum. She's really good at succubus things and she could probably help you with this. Or at least help you get more clothes that fit." It's lucky Aiko's school uniform apparently altered itself to fit her new anatomy, because wearing a shirt meant for a normal person is impossible with wings.
Nurse's Office
"You're absolutely sure? No unusual spells cast on you, no potions drunk, nothing like that?" At Aiko's mention of her disassociation with her feelings, the nurse frowns. "Between the tests and that description it sounds like you're suffering some form of soul degradation, but that's not something that just happens, something has to be done to you to cause it."
Hallways
Mary is leaned on. This is surreal. Succubus-Aiko is affectionate, touchy-feely, and carefree, she's more or less nice to everyone, and she seems to be full of chatter and zest for life; it's like she's an entirely different person. Mary might have to start brainstorming ways to dose Aiko with succubus venom more often.
"Hey," Mary isn't super thrilled about having her nose poked. And what does Aiko mean by calling her soft?
"You look good too. Listen, Aiko..." In her current state, listening seems to be something Aiko is less than good at, "If this doesn't wear off soon, you should go see my Mum. She's really good at succubus things and she could probably help you with this. Or at least help you get more clothes that fit." It's lucky Aiko's school uniform apparently altered itself to fit her new anatomy, because wearing a shirt meant for a normal person is impossible with wings.
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Nurse's Office
"...Oh dear."
Soul degredation? That sounds pretty serious. Possibly even terminal. And made all the more concerning by the lack of rational explanation for its occurrence; it would be one thing if she did something stupid that obliterated much of her soul and she could simply avoid doing it again, it's a completely different class of problem if, despite the nurse's explanation to the contrary, it apparently just happened.
"Is it possible this is the result of a hostile act?" Aikobaz asks. "A supernatural attempt on my life, perhaps?" That isn't a possibility she likes considering, especially given who the obvious suspects would be if that were the case, but alternative explanations are in short supply.
Hallways
"...Why would I do that?"
At Mary's mention of getting more clothes that fit, Koko looks down at her chest, which despite her newfound succubosity has remained essentially the same size it's always been. "...I don't think I need any new clothes." She notes, giving herself an experimental poke. "And I don't think I need any, um, help with succubus things, either." She shrugs and grins, before pulling Mary back into a hug. "That part I'm doing just fine on my own!" She purrs, all but headbutting Mary's chin.
Nurse's Office
"...Oh dear."
Soul degredation? That sounds pretty serious. Possibly even terminal. And made all the more concerning by the lack of rational explanation for its occurrence; it would be one thing if she did something stupid that obliterated much of her soul and she could simply avoid doing it again, it's a completely different class of problem if, despite the nurse's explanation to the contrary, it apparently just happened.
"Is it possible this is the result of a hostile act?" Aikobaz asks. "A supernatural attempt on my life, perhaps?" That isn't a possibility she likes considering, especially given who the obvious suspects would be if that were the case, but alternative explanations are in short supply.
Hallways
"...Why would I do that?"
At Mary's mention of getting more clothes that fit, Koko looks down at her chest, which despite her newfound succubosity has remained essentially the same size it's always been. "...I don't think I need any new clothes." She notes, giving herself an experimental poke. "And I don't think I need any, um, help with succubus things, either." She shrugs and grins, before pulling Mary back into a hug. "That part I'm doing just fine on my own!" She purrs, all but headbutting Mary's chin.
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Nurse's Office
"It's possible, given your position, but unlikely. Do you have magically potent enemies who want you dead?" That's not uncommon for empresses, right?
Hallways
"Think of it like a doctor's visit," Mary tries to explain, "I know you feel good but she can make sure you're completely healthy." and maybe figure out what happened since Aiko isn't telling.
Then Mary is hugged. She hesitates a moment, then hugs back. "Where was this side of you when we first met? Or even yesterday? You're actually kinda sweet like this."
Nurse's Office
"It's possible, given your position, but unlikely. Do you have magically potent enemies who want you dead?" That's not uncommon for empresses, right?
Hallways
"Think of it like a doctor's visit," Mary tries to explain, "I know you feel good but she can make sure you're completely healthy." and maybe figure out what happened since Aiko isn't telling.
Then Mary is hugged. She hesitates a moment, then hugs back. "Where was this side of you when we first met? Or even yesterday? You're actually kinda sweet like this."
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Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
[Aikobaz's Very Bad Day]
Nurse's Office
"...I did not think I did." Aikobaz says after a moment. She certainly has magically-powerful enemies, but she didn't think Mary's rivalry would ever result in either of them taking it that far. Or, for that matter, that she would have that capability. And anybody who wanted her dead for her role as empress already more or less succeeded at that task by having her banished indefinitely to another realm; from where they sit, she might as well be dead.
"...I must say I concur. It does not seem especially likely." Aikobaz says after a moment. "Which presents an entirely different class of problem."
Hallways
"But I hate doctor's visits!" Koko objects with a whine. "Even when I'm fine they always make me feel so icky!" Her hug around Mary briefly becomes that much tighter, as though the other girl was a teddy bear or blanket she'd hold onto for comfort.
She loosens up a bit when Mary calls her sweet, though. "Aw! Arigato, Brignole-chan! I think you're really sweet under everything, too!"
Aaaaand then it gets tight again. Though this time it at least seems to be more of a gesture of affection than anxiety.
Nurse's Office
"...I did not think I did." Aikobaz says after a moment. She certainly has magically-powerful enemies, but she didn't think Mary's rivalry would ever result in either of them taking it that far. Or, for that matter, that she would have that capability. And anybody who wanted her dead for her role as empress already more or less succeeded at that task by having her banished indefinitely to another realm; from where they sit, she might as well be dead.
"...I must say I concur. It does not seem especially likely." Aikobaz says after a moment. "Which presents an entirely different class of problem."
Hallways
"But I hate doctor's visits!" Koko objects with a whine. "Even when I'm fine they always make me feel so icky!" Her hug around Mary briefly becomes that much tighter, as though the other girl was a teddy bear or blanket she'd hold onto for comfort.
She loosens up a bit when Mary calls her sweet, though. "Aw! Arigato, Brignole-chan! I think you're really sweet under everything, too!"
Aaaaand then it gets tight again. Though this time it at least seems to be more of a gesture of affection than anxiety.
Who're you? ...Don't matter.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
Want some rye? Course ya do!
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few,
And they're aaaaall dead.
-
bc56
- Empowered Revenant Poster
- Posts: 3619
- Joined: Jul 25, 2022 3:09 pm
- Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha
Re: Plots: Serious, silly, random, oh my!
Aikobaz's Very Bad Day
Nurse's Office
"Until we know the cause of your ailment, I can't do anything other than place wards on you to prevent it from getting worse."
Hallways
"Mum's nice, not like a normal doctor. And she loves hugs." Mary accepts the tightening hug and tightens her own grip. "I always wondered, if someone was just kind to you, if you would let them, that maybe you wouldn't need the bullying to feel good." This does feel good, right? Gentle contact with another person? A heartfelt conversation as equals?
Nurse's Office
"Until we know the cause of your ailment, I can't do anything other than place wards on you to prevent it from getting worse."
Hallways
"Mum's nice, not like a normal doctor. And she loves hugs." Mary accepts the tightening hug and tightens her own grip. "I always wondered, if someone was just kind to you, if you would let them, that maybe you wouldn't need the bullying to feel good." This does feel good, right? Gentle contact with another person? A heartfelt conversation as equals?
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