Fate of the World Session 7

The last few days had been...interesting. You'd never had a roommate before, let alone a female one. This lead to several instances of you just walking into the bathroom without a care only to get chased out by Renee. That said, the same thing had happened to her, where she'd walk in on YOU while you were busy handling business. She'd claim you were still at fault anyway.

Another thing is that after drinking your 12 beers Renee had indeed proceeded to spew chunks into your toilet and probably because you're too nice you ended up holding her hair when she called for you. You both came to the agreement that she's only allowed 3 beers because goddammit if she drinks them all like she did that time then you'll never have any as back up for yourself.

The next was talking to your landlord. You explained Renee's situation to your landlord and he was actually more than accommodating. Your rent went up a bit, but not as high as you'd expected to. It was within manageable range at least. Renee just had to help pull her weight, which she was more than willing to do. So that problem was already solved.

Holly had also been making herself known. You still got the occasional icy glare whenever you came to pick her up. But according to him, Holly had been eager to hang out with you and Renee since she'd never really had any friends of her own. That said, he always tried to enforce a strict time for her to get home.  Well, can't say you blame him really. The exception of course was the carnival that'd just stopped by in town. The day had finally come and you were ready to kick back and just play some dumb carnival games.

"T-This looks pretty fun." Holly said looking around

"Yeah! Come on Hiro, let's go have fun!"

"Y-yeah...I wanna have fun too."

"Let's go then, take your pick of what to do." You reply, it was your idea after all

>Play some games
>Get some food
>Go to the big top
>Other/Write-in

>Games

Well, first things first is wasting your money away at some rigged carnival games! You run it by the ladies and they're in agreement of playing something. Walking through the crowds you come across one of the old past times: One of those games with the mounted guns that shoots water and causes a balloon to inflate until it pops. You haven't seen one of these in years and you have some memories of your mom and dad letting you play (though you never won without your dad's help of course.)

"How about this game girls?" you say pointing to it

"Oh looks like fun!" Renee exclaims "let's go!"

The three of you walk up to the counter and get ready to play

"I know exactly what I want when I win!" Renee exclaims

"I...I'm gonna save you Mr.stuffed Rabbit!" Holly exclaims with a look you can only assume is determination(Otherwise, it's just a really cute pout).

You take your seat and get ready to fire. Surely you can win against them right?

...Right?

>1d100+6

>Hiro:85+6=91
>Renee:42+4=46
>Holly:26+4=30

The second the call to fire is made, you push the button and watch as your balloon begins to fill up. Renee got a late start, you noticed, and Holly got one even later than her. The balloons continue to grow in size, until finally your balloon bursts, unable to contain all the air that'd been pumped into it. Overall it was a one-sided victory in your favor. You're a bit surprised honestly.

"Noooooooooooo~!" Renee yells in an over dramatic fashion "My one chance at true happiness!"

"P-poop." Holly mutters before covering her mouth like she'd said a swear

"Congrats sir, what's your choice of prize?" The attendant asks

"Well..."

>Choose something for yourself
>Let Holly choose
>Let Renee Choose

>Choose something for yourself

You pick out your personal prize. A small gorilla plush that you can carry in your hand. Cute little thing too, you'll be sure to give it a nice place in your room where you can marvel at it for years to come over your victory today.

"Come on, Come on, let's go already!" Renee huffs

Holly silently nods in agreement and the three of you walk off. You've no idea what's got her so pouty, but you don't let it bother you.

"What are we doing next Hiro?" Renee asks

"I'm...uh...I'm okay with anything really." Holly mutters "I'm just happy to be here..."

>Get some food
>Go to the big top
>Go on one of the rides
>Other/Write-in

>Rides

"Let's go on some rides."

"Ooooh, sounds like fun!" Renee exclaims

"O-okay!"

The three of you walk around the area and see what options you have. This isn't a place like 8-flags where there's a bevy of rides to check out, so your options are unfortunately quite limited. Looking around you see that you have three choices to choose from

There's the ferris wheel, which is great for watching the slowly setting sun.

The Merry-Go-Round, something nice and safe, no worries there at all

And then you see right at the end...motherfucking go karts! Now that could be one hell of a fun time. You've played tons of Mario Kart, so you're sure you could take the girls on and win handily.

>Ride the Ferris Wheel
>Ride the Merry-Go-Round
>Go Karts!

>Go Karts
>Hiro:(98+6=104)
>Renee:(15+4=19)
>Holly:(12+4=16)

"You girls up for some go karts?"

"Sure!" Renee said

"O-okay..."

The three of you head over to the go karting area and after some waiting for the people currently enjoying themselves. It's your group's turn. You all get strapped in and are instructed on how the go karts control. It's something difficult at all, and you and the others get ready to race.

........................

So it turns out calling it a 'race' wasn't the right term. The correct term would have to be 'blowout'. You, Renee, and Holly started out relatively neck and neck, but you quickly outpace them after a little bit and pretty soon, you also lap them a good few times before finally finishing up.

"J-jeez, you're way too good at this Hiro."

"I just play a lot of Mario Kart." You reply with a shrug

"...Hmmm I should study that more." Holly murmurs

"We can play at my place some time. It'll be fun."

"You're only saying that because you'd win a bunch." Renee huffs

"Just a little bit."

The sun is going down further now. Pretty soon, it'll be full on night, you at least want to go to the big top before everything is over. To that end, you can probably squeeze in one more thing.

>Get some food
>Go to the big top
>Go on one of the rides
>Other/Write-in

>Go to the big top

"Let's head to the big top. Can't miss the main attraction you know!"

The girls agree with you and so you all head over to the big top, which is smack dab right in the center of the park. It's a good thing that the tickets include allowing you to sit in and watch the show at no extra cost. You all head inside and take your seats. Looks like you arrived just in time as things are getting started! You'll admit that you're really feeling like a kid again and so you can't help yourself but sit up at the front, you don't want to miss a thing!

As the show gets underway, you're treated to an array of tricks and feats that can only make you smile as the crowd goes wild. From tightrope acts to animal trainers to acrobatic tricks done from a top  the tightrope and landing on an elephant perfectly it truly is a sight to behold.

The show begins to wind down, and as it does two young men take the stage

"Now then everyone! We're glad you've been enjoying the show!" The red haired one calls out

"So much so, that we've got one last trick for you before we end tonight!" The blue one calls out "However, we'll need three volunteers, who is able and willing?"

Dozens upon dozens of hands go up, and even Renee can't stop herself from joining in.

"Oh my, I think you three will do just fine!" The red haired one says pointing to the three of you "Come on, come on!"

At first you don't want to, but Renee manages to convince you and you can't deny that you're getting a bit caught up in it as well. You, Renee, and Holly all head to the center of the area, where the blue haired performer rolls out three large boxes, easily able to fit an adult inside.

"Now then, it is time for a maginificent disappearing trick! Watch as we make all three of these young people disappear before your very eyes! When we open the boxes, you'll see naught but air!"

You all get into your boxes and you have to admit that this is kind of fun. no doubt there's some secret compart or something they'll have you sent through or something. However, as you hear some taps on the box and some other words being spoken, you start too feel...hazy? Is that the right word, no it isn't, but it's as if you're being pulled somewhere. You feel your body warp and churn and god this is uncomfortable, but just as the pain becomes too much, you find yourself in a familiar place.

The front of the park. With no one around...

"Hoho! What a nice trick!" comes a familiar voice echoing from all around you "Now then Mr.Hiromu, we're fair lads, we want a bit of fun! I'll be blunt: We're meant to kill you, but lord Nyarlatheotep has allowed us to play with our food. If you hurry, you may be able to save those young ladies who were with you!"

Oh goddammit, what the hell?! Just as you're getting ready to complain, your COMP kicks on

"Hiromu! There you are!" Hanekoma states "Alright kid, I don't know what's going on, but I got a door to the velvet room hooked up. I don't think I can get you home though, so you'll have to beat whatever or whoever is controlling this space."

"I got it, I'll find the others and we'll take these assholes down."

"Good, oh yeah! I got a little gun for that Holly girl. Comin' through now."

You look to your right as the blue door appears, and...and AK is tossed through.

Well okay then...

"Hurry now, or they won't last long~!" You hear the voice say "If I were you, I'd go to the house of mirrors!"

"Oh no no, brother, he should go to the haunted house!"

"Whichever will he do first~!" They say in unison

"Meet us in the big top when you're done Mr.Hiromu!"

These motherfuckers

>Go to the Big Top
>Go to the House of Mirrors
>Go to the Haunted House

>Go to the House of Mirrors

First stop. The Hall of Mirrors. It's weird, this wasn't even here when you guys were just walking around normally. But you probably shouldn't be surprised that something like this just appeared out of nowhere. You'll just chalk it up to demon magic or something.

Yeah that'll give you less headaches.

Stepping inside you're greeted by a ton of well...mirrors. Just tons and tons of mirrors. You take a step forward, but you don't even know where to begin looking for anyone.

"Eeek! What is this?!"

Wait...that voice, that was Holly!

"Holly, it's me, Hiromu! Where are you?"

"Mr.Hiromu!? I'm-eek! I'm over here! There's...some THING here!"

Great, way to be specific Holly.

"W-where exactly?!"

"Eeek! Um...follow my voice! That should work!"

>Roll 1d100

>71

You do your best to follow Holly's yells. It sounds like she's fighting something, you aren't sure what, but you continue following the sounds, running through all the place as fast as possible, unfortunately, at some point, you get a bit turned around.

Shit.

"Holly am I close?!" You call out

"I-I think? I-urk!"

Dammit, she just took a hit from the sound of it

"Holly? You okay?! Goddamit!"

Gotta focus Hiro! You can't linger around like this for too much longer!

"Hang on Holly! I'm coming!"

"H-hurry up p-please!"

>Roll 1d100 again!

>96

You focus some more on Holly's voice and you start to follow again. You hear more cries of help and you finally stumble onto where she is. It looks to be a center area, every entrance save for the one you came down having a mirror in front of it.

"Mr.Hiro!" Both Hollys yell

That's right...there's two of them. Fuck.

"Two of you? Oh don't tell me..." You grumble

"I-I'm the real one!" The one of the left exclaims

"Don't listen to her, I'm the real one!" The one of the right calls out

"Please Mr.Hiro!" Both of them yell out

Oh goddammit, why the hell are you put in this predicament, there's gotta be some way to sus out which one of them is the fake!

>What will you do? You've got to think of something!

>You've got a plan!

You stop there for a moment, thinking about how to handle this, but then you get an idea. There's a tic about Holly that you've noticed, that she almost never drops no matter what.

"Alright then, what's your name?" you ask them

The two look at each other confused for a moment before shrugging

"Holly Keith." The right one says

"H-H-Holly-"

BANG

You whip out your gun and take a shot at the one on the right, she lets out a scream as her body falls to the ground. Her likeness melts away into an all black body.

"M-Mr.Hiro, how did you know it was me?!"

"Holly, have you ever listened to yourself speak?"
"Er...no?"

"You stutter. A lot. Like a ton."

"O-oh...s-sorry..."

"No, no! In this case, it's a good thing. A very good thing."

The two of you can't help but embrace one another in a hug before you hand her the gun Hanekoma gave you

"Um...w-what is this?"

"A gift from Mr.Hanekoma. Never know when it'll come in handy."

"O-oh...okay. I've never shot a gun before b-b-but I'll do my best!"

"Good. Now let's get out of here and-"

"Like hell am I letting you go!"

The black figure rises to their feet a psychotic grin on their face "Ya know, I was hopin' to kill you nice and slow. But now, I think I'll take the direct approach. Hey get out here!"

Another black figure appears, this one taking on the appearance of you

Oh great...

>The Doppelgangers attack!

>Who will you field?

>Fielding Hiro, Duran, Dante, Holly, Aqua

"Let's go Holly!"

"R-right!"

You both use your COMPs and call forth your allies. You bringing out Duran and Dante, while Holly calls out Aqua.

"Now ain't that unfair! Five on two? Hey, come on you guys!"

Even more Doppelgangers show up and this time they take on the forms of your summoned allies.

Oh great...

"Hehehe! Now it's fair! Get ready to die!"

>Make your combat choices and get ready to roll.

>Hiro - Finger of Flames(58)
>Duran - Bear it (Holly)
>Dante - Sword Attack(82,105)
>Holly - Gun Attack(86)
>Aqua - Sword Attack(71)

Alright, it's a mimic battle they want is it? Fine, you'll give it to them! You go towards your own clone and attempt to give him the same flame treatment you've given everyone else...

Only to miss embarrassingly as he just moves to the side, lauging at you the whole time.

"Too slow~!"

Oh fuck you...

"Here Holly!" Duran Calls out raising his shield at her, causing a small glow to wrap around her body.

Holly's defense increased! She now takes -2 damage!

"Here Hiro, let me show you how it's done!" Dante laughs as he moves in and strikes the Aqua Doppelganger with his sword before following up with some some blasts from Ebony and Ivory.

Trait Activated: Dope to Stylish

"U-um, I'll help Mr.Hiromu!" Holly exclaims taking aim with her gun at your clone and unloading on him and hitting him square on.

The last to act is Aqua as she takes as swipe at the Duran clone only to miss...

The Doppelganger of you, angered at Holly rushes up to her and takes a brutal slash at her with his sword. causing the poor girl to scream in pain. But thanks to Duran, she's able to handle it better than usual.

You managed to dodge the Duran Doppelganger's attack with ease. The Dante Doppelganger misses his initial hit on Dante, but is able to get in a sneaky gun attack on him. Mimicking his movements easily.

"Gah, dammit. It hits just as hard as me!" Dante cried out

And like your Aqua, the Doppelganger misses her attack. The same going for Doppelganger Holly who just barely misses with her bat.

>Hiromu: HP: 55/55 MP:34/37
>Duran: HP:82/82 MP:42/47
>Dante: HP:18/45 MP:58/58
>Holly: HP:20/37 MP:45/45
>Aqua: HP: 38/38 MP:67/67

>Hiromu Doppelganger 156/165
>Duran Doppelganger 215/215
>Dante Doppelganger 135/135
>Holly Doppelganger: HP:125/125
>Aqua Doppelganger: HP:64/114

>Hiro - Finger of Flames(71)
>Duran - Bear it (Aqua)
>Dante - Sword Attack(burger,104)
>Holly - Gun Attack(104)
>Aqua - Sword Attack(71)

Okay, so you failed the first time, you can totally pull it off this time right? This time you go to attack your clone again, who once more moves out of the way of your attack. Laughing all the while. You once again feel like an idiot at how he sidestepped you, but you notice you almost had him that time.

"Hang on Aqua, I'll toughen you up!" Duran Calls out raising his shield at her, causing a small glow to wrap around her body.

Aqua's defense increased! She now takes -2 damage!

You notice that Dante took a heavy hit, he's looking a bit worn down, so you fish out one of those burgers Ryza made, despite being a few days old, it still looks pristine. "Dante, Take a bite!" You call to him.

"The hell is this? I mean it looks good but..."

"Ryza burger. Eat NOW!"
Not questioning any further, Dante takes a bite of it. "Holy crap, this thing is amazing!"  Dante says dodging a blow from the Aqua clone and hitting her with his blade and knocking her back.

Trait Activated: Dope to Stylish

"I-I've got you covered!" Holly calls out to Dante. She turns her fire towards the Aqua Clone, seeing that it's on the ropes. She's able to put a lot of holes in it, causing her to stagger back in pain.

And once again Aqua misses her attack.

This is where the enemy attacks would go, but would you believe that they all missed their rolls horribly? Like, none of them rolled about 74 terrible. It's actually kind of impressive.

>Hiromu: HP: 55/55 MP:31/37
>Duran: HP:82/82 MP:42/47
>Dante: HP:34/45 MP:58/58
>Holly: HP:20/37 MP:45/45
>Aqua: HP: 38/38 MP:67/67

>Hiromu Doppelganger:HP:156/165
>Duran Doppelganger:HP:215/215
>Dante Doppelganger:HP:135/135
>Holly Doppelganger:HP:125/125
>Aqua Doppelganger: HP:17/114

>Hiro - Brutal Slash(105)
>Duran - Bear it (Patchy)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory and Stinger(107,90)
>Holly - Gun Attack(86)
>Aqua - Switch to Patchy

"Take this!" You call out slashing your doppelganger. This time, he doesn't dodge, in fact, you slash him hard, which causes him to tumble back as he curses.

"A-Aqua, switch out for Ms.Patchouli!"

Aqua nods, heading back into the COMP and is replaced with the library girl. The second she appears next to you all she squints at the enemy.

"Interesting...dopplegangers. These one in particular are weak to ice attacks." she states calmly

"Here, take this!" Duran calls out to Patchouli as he raises his shield again.

Patchouli's defense is increased, she now takes -2 damage

Dante whips out his guns and opens fire on the Aqua clone, this time dealing extremely heavy damage to her. He fills her full of holes causing her to keel over and turn into a black puddle of mush before taking out his sword and jamming it straight into the Doppelganger of himself.

Trait Activated:Dope to Stylish

Holly Meanwhile, opts to continue unloading on the enemy, now turning her attention to the the Doppelganger of you as well. Blasting it with as much lead as she can manage before he gets out of the way.

In a shocking display, all of the other Doppelgangers except for the Duran and Dante ones. The Duran doppelganger actually manages to hit you, and you feel yourself get slightly weaker from the hit!

Hiro's defense has decreased, he now takes an extra +2 damage

The Dante clone misses his initial attack on Holly but as she jumps away she's hit, leaving her open for the Dante Clone to hit her dead on.

"Urk...o-oww..."


>Hiromu: HP:45/55 MP:31/37
>Duran: HP:82/82 MP:42/47
>Dante: HP:29/45 MP:55/58
>Holly: HP:4/37 MP:45/45
>Patchouli:HP: 18/18 MP:92/92

>Hiromu Doppelganger:HP:121/165
>Duran Doppelganger:HP:215/215
>Dante Doppelganger:HP:114/135
>Holly Doppelganger:HP:125/125

>Hiro - SMG(83)
>Duran - Bear it (Ryza)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory to sword(86,77)
>Holly - Swap to Ryza
>Patch - Princess Undine(66)

"Holly, you hang back. You're hurt!"

"O-okay Mr.Hiro!" she replies jumping back and seeking what cover she can find.

"Ryza, you're up!" you call out, calling her out to cover for Holly

"I got it. Let's finish these guys off!"

You take out your SMG unloading on the evil Dante, and pumping him full of lead. Following your lead, Dante begins to lay into him as well with his guns and sword.

Trait Activated: Dope to Stylish

Duran once again, raises the defense of an ally, increasing Ryza's so that she can take more punishment.

"Now then, freeze!" Patchouli calls out opening her tome and casting a spell, a large flow of ice appears around the enemy...only for them to all dodge it fairly easily.

"Tch. They're like ants..." Patchouli mumbles

You manage to dodge both attacks, from the Doppelgangers of yourself and Duran, and once again, while the doppelganger Dante flubs his first attack, he's able to get a hit in with the second. managing to get a hit off on Duran!

The rest of them manage to somehow miss their attacks. Maybe these guys aren't as combat viable as you thought...?

>Hiromu: HP:45/55 MP:31/37
>Duran: HP:68/82 MP:27/47
>Dante: HP:29/45 MP:55/58
>Ryza: HP:33/33 MP:59/59
>Patchouli:HP: 18/18 MP:72/92

>Hiromu Doppelganger:HP:116/165
>Duran Doppelganger:HP:215/215
>Dante Doppelganger:HP:69/135
>Holly Doppelganger:HP:125/125

>Hiro - SMG(64)
>Duran - Break Armor(98)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack(44,59)
>Ryza - Ice Bomb(65)
>Patch - Princess Undine(93)

You continue opening fire with your SMG, but it's no good, the other you is too good at dodging and you don't hit him at all.

Meanwhile, Duran goes in for a slash on his Doppelganger and gets a solid hit off. leaving it reeling. It grumbles out something, but you don't know(or care) what it is.

*Doppelganger Duran's  Defense decreased, he now takes +2 damage*

Dante goes for the attack on his Doppelganger, but this time, all of his attacks are dodged. His gun shots parried, his sword strikes blocked, you all have to duck for a moment to dodge the resulting fire. It's so bad, that it causes Ryza to miss her ice bomb attack.

The only outlier is Patchy who kept her distance from everything. Casually casting another ice spell before firing it off.

"Now, Princess Undine!"

Unlike last time, *all* of the enemies take the hit this time. With Patchouli smiling smugly as they do.

*Hello, this is the QM again. So did you think all the enemies could miss again? No? Me neither. But that just happened. twice. in one session. The dice gods are a fickle bunch.*




>Hiromu: HP:45/55 MP:31/37
>Duran: HP:68/82 MP:17/47
>Dante: HP:29/45 MP:49/58
>Ryza: HP:33/33 MP:54/59
>Patchouli:HP: 18/18 MP:52/92

>Hiromu Doppelganger:HP:73/165
>Duran Doppelganger:HP:164/215
>Dante Doppelganger:HP:26/135
>Holly Doppelganger:HP:82/125

>Hiro - SMG(70)
>Duran - Break Armor(79)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack(57,83)
>Ryza - Ice Bomb(104)
>Patch - Princess Undine(78)

You continue opening fire with your SMG, but it's no good, the other you is too good at dodging and you don't hit him at all. Clearly, as an American, you need to go to the firing range more. That or you used up all your luck at the water gun game earlier

Meanwhile, Continues assaulting his clone, dealing another slash to it and causing more damage to it than before,the doppleganger mumbling about feeling weaker.

Doppelganger Duran's  Defense decreased, he now takes +4 damage

Dante goes for the attack on his Doppelganger again, And while he flubs his first attack with his guns, he's able to follow up with a solid sword strike to it's chest.

Ryza this time, is able to properly throw her Ice bomb at the enemy! Dealing a powerful blow to them all. The Dante doppelganger unable to keep up the fight and turning into mush as well. Another one down!



"Freeze and Die." Patchouli mutters calmly

Once again, Patchouli smiles smugly as the ice tears at the Doppelganger's bodies.

This time, your doppelganger, hones in on you and delivers a heavy hit to you with his sword, slashing you directly across the chest.

"Guh-!"

"M-Mr.Hiro, are you okay?" Holly called out

"J-just fine!"

The other two miss terribly, not managing to hit anyone at all.



>Hiromu:HP:32/55 MP:31/37
>Duran:HP:68/82 MP:7/47
>Dante:HP:29/45 MP:46/58
>Ryza:HP:33/33 MP:49/59
>Patchouli:HP:18/18 MP:32/92

>Hiromu Doppelganger:HP:26/165
>Duran Doppelganger:HP:103/215
>Holly Doppelganger:HP:35/125

>Hiro - SMG(75)
>Duran - Attack(59)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack(86,94)
>Ryza - Ice Bomb(62)
>Patch - Switch with Aqua

"Patchouli, are you holding up okay?" You call out as you spray your clone with bullets.

"My magic is a bit low, I can still keep going for a bit longer though."

"Holly, can you call her out for Aqua?"

"O-okay Mr.Hiro!"

Holly does as told and while that's happening Ryza manages to get in a free pot shot with her magic

Trait Activated: Follow Up

Seeing that your doppelganger is almost down, Dante opens fire on it.Causing it to finally melt away before he strikes at the Holly Doppelganger with his sword.

Ryza tries throwing a bomb, but the remaining two managed to dodge out of the way. After which the Duran clone misses, but the Holly one, manages to get a good hit in on you.

You let out a cry of pain as you're clocked on the head with a bat. Well, you can't say Holly's choice of weapon was bad...

>Hiromu:HP:22/55 MP:31/37
>Duran:HP:68/82 MP:7/47
>Dante:HP:29/45 MP:43/58
>Ryza:HP:33/33 MP:44/59
>Aqua:HP:38/38 MP:67/67

>Duran Doppelganger:HP:103/215
>Holly Doppelganger:HP:25/125

>Hiro - SMG(74)
>Duran - Attack(64)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger(78,61)
>Ryza - Ice Bomb(93)
>Aqua - Blizzard(90)

>Hiro - SMG(70)
>Duran - Attack(100)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack(98,102)
>Ryza - Ice Bomb(89)
>Aqua - Blizzard(84)

You open fire one more time and miss, much to your lamentation, however, what this does do, is leave the copy open to Duran and Dante, who absolutely clobber the last Doppelganger until he's down for good.

"Finally."  You mutter to yourself as the Doppelganger melts away into mush.

"Yeah, didn't see that coming at all." You hear Duran say "But let's get out of here, we saved Holly

You nod in agreement, your allies returning to your COMP and Holly's doing the same. The mirrors that were in the area all shatter, the way out being illuminated for you.

"Well that's nice at least. You both hurry out of the house of mirrors and once outside, the taunting voice of the jesters ring out again.

"You did it! You did it! You saved your friend!"

"Now hurry to the haunted house! Your other lady friend is in real trouble you know!"

You ignore them, you know your next stop at least.

"You ready Holly?"

"Y-yeah! Let's go save Ms.Renee!"

>Doppelgangers defeated!
>The party gained 135 EXP!
>Holly grew to level 6!
>Holly learned Reinforce
>Patchouli grew to level 3!
>Obtained 5 Doppel Sources
>Obtained 6 Common Core Crystals!
>Obtained $600!

>Velvet room

As much as you want just rush in to the haunted house, you instead move for the Velvet room. Stepping inside, you and Holly are greeted by Igor.

"Hello my friends. How may I be of service?"

"Is there anyway you could heal our wounds Igor? Holly in particular took a pretty hard hit in our last battle." you reply

"Hoho, a simple task indeed."

"Great!"

"However...we will require some compensation from you in doing so."

"Wait, so you're telling me I have to pay money to get us healed up?!"

"Indeed, do not fret, it is ultimately for your benefit." Igor says

"I somehow fail to see how that is..." you grunt "Fine, how much do I have to pay?"

"$400 will do."

Dear god...

>Pay up
>Never Mind

>Pay up

You fork over the cash, with Igor taking it and putting it in his pocket. With a small snap of his fingers, you feel yourself feeling refreshed and invigorated. Much better than you were feeling just a moment ago.

"There, are you feeling better?"

"Much better..." You say looking at your hands "It's like I just got a good night's sleep. What about you Holly?"

"I-I'm feeling good. Way better!"

"Good to hear. Now then, unless you've anymore things to attend to, it is best you go. Ms.Byrd is likely in grave danger even as we speak.

Well, he's not wrong...

>Anything else you wanna do, or are we heading out?

>Power up Allies
>Ryza - 1 crystal
>Duran - 1 crystal
>Dante - 1 crystal
>Aqua - 2 crystals
>Patch - 1 crystal

You need to get your allies stronger. In this particular situation, it'll benefit you to have them as strong as possible. You picked up some summon crystals from the doppelgangers, so now is the perfect time to blow them with reckless abandon! You walk through the right door into Mirei's area where she calmly greets you.

"Hello Hiromu, Hello Holly, how may I be of service?"

"We're making our summons stronger." You state

"Very well, you know what to do."

You and Holly take 3 Crystals each and funnel the power of them into your COMPS, both of you making sure it goes to the allies you want.

>Ryza grew to level 5!
>Ryza learned Poison Bomb!
>Duran grew to level 4!
>Dante grew to level 3!
>Aqua grew to level 5!
>Aqua learned fire!
>You feel Ryza trying to teach you something...Will you learn Summon Star?
>Hiro learned Summon Star!

With you now finished having blown all your crystals(yet again) you bid Mirei farewell. You and Holly exit the velvet room and return to the carnival. You should be all set now to enter the haunted house properly. Like the House of Mirrors, this wasn't here before You're sure of it.

"C-Creepy..." Holly mutters looking at it

"I'll say, but still, Renee needs help. Let's get in there."

You both walk up the slowly falling apart stairs, and once you set foot inside, the door slams behind you and you feel a chill run down your spine.

"Eeek!" Holly whimpers

"C-calm down.  We'll be okay!" You say, a bit louder than you wanted to, you have to admit that it's pretty damn creepy in here. Props to the psychopaths for that. Renee has got to be around here somewhere. There's a few rooms to check out here. Looks to be a living room, a kitchen, and a dining room by the looks of it. There's also some stairs leading to an upper floor.

A lot of places to look...

>Check the Kitchen
>Check the Dining Room
>Check the Living Room
>Head upstairs
>Split up with Holly and search(Tell her where to check)

>Kitchen

"Let's try the kitchen first."

"Okay..."

You head into the kitchen, but there doesn't seem to be much  there at all. It's dirty and rank with the smell of fetid food permeating the air.

"Jeez, you think they could have at least cleaned this place..." You grumble

Holly doesn't say anything as she looks around,  however she can't help but let out a muffled scream as she looks at the fridge.

"Holly, what's wrong?!"

"M-m-m-message..." she stutters out

You look at the fridge door and see a message somewhat difficult to make out. However it simply reads

Look behind you...I see you

Without a second thought you turn around and see that there, in the part of the house that you're sure is the living room you see a...something. You don't know what, but you know it has a glowing green eye. It sinks behind the wall slowly, almost as if daring you to go into that room.

"W-what do we do...?" Holly asked

>Go to the living Room
>Go to the Dining Room
>head Upstairs
>Other/Write-in

>Open fridge

"Yeah okay we're just going to...ignore that. That okay with you Holly?"

"Y-yeah!" she exclaims nodding frantically

With that being the case, you go back to looking at the fridge and open it. There's...oh god there is almost nothing in there but really rotten food.

"I instantly regret this." You say covering your nose.

"W-wait, Mr.Hiro, look! There's a key there!" Holly points out

Sure enough, in an open box of extremely moldy pizza is a  gleaming gold key. Why it's there and how it's clean, you have no fucking idea, but right now, you're in a haunted house. So up is down and down is west for all you know.

"Well, that could be useful." You say pocketing it.

You hear some thumping and turning back to where that...thing looked at you, you just barely see something running up the stairs.

"U-uh...I think it's gone? F-from the living room anyway." Holly mutters

"Yeah...whatever it is..."

>Go to the living Room
>Go to the Dining Room
>head Upstairs
>Other/Write-in

>Go to living room

Now that the living room is monster free you and Holly decide to see what's in there...so far there seems to be a whole lot of nothing. Just a broken down tv and a really musky odor. The kind that comes from a place having been rained on for a while.

"U-um...there doesn't seem to be anything here..."

"Yeah, maybe we should check somewhere else?"

Before you can leave, the tv flicks on by itself, startling you and Holly. On it you see a passed out Renee being suspended by rope dangling from  ceiling. She's not too high off the ground, but she's completely trapped as it is now.

"What the hell?! R-Renee!" you call out in vain, hoping she'd wake up

Someone from off screen holds up a sign in front of the camera

Better find her. We're getting bored. That won't be good for her. Tick tock.

Great, now the motherfuckers are taunting you! You look around the room some more and notice a door on the other side! At the same time, you hear more thumping from upstairs. Almost as if it's daring you to go after it.

>Go for the door
>Go upstairs
>Other/Write-in

>Go for the door

You don't waste any time and go for the door. It's locked! But, you recall the key you found and hurriedly jam it in to the lock. With a small click it opens...and leads downwards into a sea of darkness.

"A-A basement?"

"Looks like it. Come on let's go."

"B-but it's dark." Holly mumbles

"Don't worry, just hold my hand and we'll be okay." You say to Holly

She quickly takes it, trembling all the while...at least you think it's her. You aren't sure if you are as well. You both descend down the stairs and appear in a thin hallway. It's narrow and there's only one way forward. You both continue walking  until you hear a thump behind you. For each step you take, it also takes a step. Getting slightly closer all the while.

"M-Mr...Hiro?" Holly whimpers again

Shit, what is that behind you. Is it going to attack? If you act fast enough you could maybe hit it...but...

>Just keep walking
>Screw that, turn around and attack it.

>Just keep walking

You and Holly just keep walking forward, not saying anything. The thumping behind you still keeping up with you.

"Won't you look at me?"

"Am I ugly...?"

"I just want to see your face."

The voice is a smooth female one, and a part of you wants to turn and face her to see just what she is.

thump

thump

You continue walking...is that a door? You're almost there.

"If you keep going, I won't be able to save you."

"It's not fair..."

"Look at me..."

>Continue walking
>Turn around

>Continue walking

The door is almost there! You and Holly continue walking, ignoring the pleas of the voice behind you, until you finally reach the door. You grip the doorknob and open it, quickly, stepping inside and slamming the door shut before letting out a deep breathe.

"God that was awful..." You breathe out

"Y-yeah, but look! Ms.Renee!"

It appears that you were able to find Renee, suspended from the ceiling and still passed out, you quickly cut her down with your sword. The girl still passed out.

"Renee! Renee, wake up!"

"Ugh...what the...Hiro?" Renee groans getting up "What happened?"

"Looks like we got sucked into a carnival of hell. We managed to get here and save you though."

"Oh...right. There was...some sort of robot...looked her in the eyes and...can't remember the rest." Renee mutters staggering to her feet. You help her steady herself as she regains her bearings. It takes a few minutes, but Renee is back to normal soon enough.
"Okay, let's get the hell out of here. Only one way back though..." you say heading for the door, as you begin to walk, you're stopped by one of the ringleaders, the one with red hair smirking at you.

"No no, can't have that, though I commend you for not falling for Baby's ploy. With that said, I'll leave my summons to take care of you. We're still putting on a show after all. That said, get out here you two!"

He snaps his fingers and you're greeted by two...okay you aren't entirely sure of these two. Okay, that first one is a digimon, you remember that at least.

But the other...what in the actual fuck... is that what was following you the whole time? It has the green eyes at least...

"Do me a favor and die now." The ringleader states before disappearing

>Scrap Baby and Piemon attack!

>Who will you field?

>Hiro
>Dante
>Duran
>Miku
>Patch

You call out your allies, with Holly sending out Patchouli to help as well. As you all take to the field Patchouli speaks up first.

Trait Activated: Immovable Library

"Interesting...that...robot is it? It's weak to fire. Burn it quickly." She says state calmly.

>Decide your actions and get your rolls goin'

>Hiro - Finger of Flame (Robot)(37)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack (Piedmon)(98,102)
>Duran - Bear it (Dante)
>Miku - Common World Domination
>Patch - Royal Flare(99)

You get the fight underway, and the first thing that happens is that Miku begins singing, raising your attack power.

All allies physical attack raised. +2 damage on physical attacks

You go for the...god what whatever the fuck Baby is meant to be and attempt ot hit her with a finger of flames, except Baby manages to rollerblade out of the way.

Goddammit...

"Dante, I'll buff you up!" Duran calls out raising his shield to him

Dante's defense increased! He now takes -2 damage!

"Hehe thanks, now let me show you how it's done Hiromu!"

Dante, moves in towards Piedmon, opening fire with one of his guns on him, before moving in to slash at him wit his sword, even though Piedmon is hurt, he oddly, doesn't grunt or say anything at all...

"Now Burn." Patchouli says calmly, firing off her spell.

In retaliation to your attacks, Baby lets out a terrifying scream. You feel your skin crawl, but you're able to keep your emotions in check, the same being said for everyone else as well.

What you don't like though is what comes next. Taking aim at you, Piedmon shoots lightning from his hands aimed directly at you, sending electricity coursing through your body and causing you to scream in pain.

"Hiro, holy shit, you okay?!" Dante calls at you

You're in too much pain to answer...

>Hiro:HP:25/55 MP:34/37
>Dante:HP:64/64 MP:61/64
>Miku:HP:31/31 MP:49/49
>Patchouli:HP:26/26 MP:80/100

>Baby's HP: 220/250
>Piedmon's HP:258/340

>Hiro - Consume boiga
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack(92,52)
>Duran - Bear it (Hiro)
>Miku - Strobe Last
>Patch - Satellite Himawari(102)

Okay, that hurt. That really fucking hurt. You need to get one of those miracle burgers down your gullet right now. You take the thing out and bite into it hungrily, feeling your body' wounds close up.

As you do that, Miku belts out another tune, and you feel a healing sensation envelop your body.

Gained passive healing for 3(+2) turns!

"Here you go Hiro! Hang in there!" Duran calls out raising his shield to you

Hiro Defense has increased he takes -2 damage!

Dante keeps up his momentum and attacks Piedmon again, shooting him, but missing his sword strike

"Drown in the light." Patchouli say coldy, calling forth a large light magic spell to hit both of them. Piedmon reels back in pain, letting out a grunt. He still doesn't really say anything. That's not normal...you remember him being way more talkative.

Piedmon's weakness found!

Baby, once again lets out that crazed yell and you...you can't take it! Your heart is shooting out of your chest. You feel your breathe quicken and you just...you gotta...!

Hiro is now inflicted with Panic!

In return Piedmon attempts to fire lightning again,this time at Miku, but she manages to dodge easily with a dance move.

>Hiro:HP:46/55 MP:34/37
>Dante:HP:64/64 MP:58/64
>Miku:HP:31/31 MP:42/56
>Patchouli:HP:26/26 MP:50/100

>Hiro - SMG FOR LIFE(PANIC OVERRIDE)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger(86,88)
>Duran - Holy Saber (Dante)
>Miku - Patra Stone Hiro
>Patch - Royal Flare(61)

You try to get up the will to attack, you take out your gun, but it's no good! You can't bring yourself to do anything but stare at Baby in front of you.

Dante comes in on Piedmon again, doling out his attacks on him, keeping up the pressure

Trait Activated: Dope to Stylish

"Here Dante, take this!" Duran calls out, powering his sword (and guns)up with the light element

"Hoo, Holy bullets, now that is what I'm talking about. Thanks Duran."

"Snap out of it Hiro!" Miku exclaims snatching out one of the patra stones and crushing it over you. You feel your body relax and that battle focus setting back in.

"Thanks. I owe you Miku."

The diva smiles back, as Patchy casts her fire spell again, only to miss both enemies this time. Much to her chagrin

Baby, rolls up near Dante, and tries to grab him, the demon hunter deftly dodging the clawed swipe she made.

Piedmon this time blasts lightning at Miku, she's about  to take the blow, when Duran leaps in the way, tanking the blast for her.

Trait Activated: Take the Blow

"Y-you okay Miku?!"

"Y-yeah...don't let that hit me please..."

Miku's Weakness found! Though Duran took the hit so no extra damage on him

>Hiro:HP:51/55 MP:34/37
>Dante:HP:64/64 MP:55/64
>Duran:HP:75/101 MP:33/47
>Miku:HP:31/31 MP:42/56
>Patchouli:HP:26/26 MP:30/100

>Baby's HP: 197/250
>Piedmon's HP:202/340

>Hiro - Finger of Flames (Baby)(84)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger (Piedmon)(98,65,)
>Duran - Break Armor (Piedmon)(30)
>Miku - Switch to Sailor Moon
>Patch - Royal Flare(90)

"Renee, can you bring in Sailor Moon? Miku, you fall back!"

"Got it!" They both say in unison. Miku is replaced with Sailor Moon who gets into a fighting stance. As for you, you rush in to Baby, this time, successfully managing to set a part of her on fire. She lets out a scream of pain, causing you to smirk at her suffering.

Meanwhile, Dante opens fire on Piedmon, but the clown is able to dodge the sword strike he went for after. Causing Dante to scoff

"Dismal..." He mutters to himself

Following up with that is Patchy again, calling forth another magic attack and setting baby even more on fire. In retaliation, Baby attempts to grab Patchy with her arm, but she's able to dodge easily.

Meanwhile, Piedmon summons four swords, but Dante manages to dodge them with ease, laughing all the while.

>Hiro:HP:55/55 MP:31/37
>Dante:HP:64/64 MP:52/64
>Duran:HP:79/101 MP:23/47
>Sailor Moon:HP:42/42 MP:42/56
>Patchouli:HP:26/26 MP:10/100

>Baby's HP: 160/250
>Piedmon's HP:144/340

>Hiro - Finger of Flames (Baby)(98)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger (Piedmon)(90,88)
>Duran - Holy Saber (Hiro)
>Sailor Moon - Moon Tiara Action(53)
>Patch - Switch to Ace

"Holly call Patch back in, I'll bring in Ace!"

"O-okay!" Holly calls out, bringing Patchy back to her COMP.  You quickly bring in Ace, who cracks his knuckles ready for a fight.

"Bout time ya called on me."

You don't pay him any mind, instead focusing on burning baby even harder than you already had. She screams again, though thankfully this time you don't shit your pants in fear.

Dante, continue assaulting Piedmon, this time not dropping his attacks, at all and getting a decent hit in with both his gun and sword.

Trait Activated: Dope to Stylish


"Here you go Hiro! This should help!" Duran calls

Hiro's weapons are imbued with light element for 3 turns

Meanwhile, Piedmon summons four swords, but Dante manages to dodge them with ease, laughing all the while at how easy he is to hit.

Sailor Moon for here part throws her tiara at Piedmon, but unfortunately, her throw is wide and she ends up missing her attack.

Hello, QM here. The enemies fucking suck and missed everything, MOVING ON

>Hiro:HP:55/55 MP:28/37
>Dante:HP:64/64 MP:52/64
>Duran:HP:79/101 MP:19/47
>Sailor Moon:HP:42/42 MP:60/70
>Ace: HP:51/51 MP:41/41

>Baby's HP: 160/250
>Piedmon's HP:144/340

>Hiro - Brutal Slash (Piedmon)(79)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger (Piedmon)(98,59)
>Duran - Holy Saber (Dante)
>Sailor Moon - Moon Tiara Action (Piedmon)(19)
>Ace - Flamethrowerx2(91,58)

Of the two enemies, Piedmon is looking to be the weakest, so you rush in on him and deliver a hard slash to him, the power of your light imbued sword sending him reeling from the pain.

Following up behind you, Dante opens fire...but misses the sword strike yet again unfortunately.

"Here Dante, Keep it up!" Duran called out enchanting his weapons more

Dante's light element buff has been extended for 3 more turns

Sailor Moon throws her Tiara again, but Piedmon, once again is able to dodge it with ease.

As for Ace? He does what he does best, which is setting the enemy on fire. He gets both enemies the first, time, but is unlucky the second time as they dodge out of the way.


Hello, QM here. The enemies fucking suck and missed everything **AGAIN**, MOVING ON AGAIN.

>Hiro:HP:50/55 MP:28/37
>Dante:HP:64/64 MP:52/64
>Duran:HP:83/101 MP:15/47
>Sailor Moon:HP:42/42 MP:50/70
>Ace: HP:51/51 MP:21/41

>Baby's HP: 144/250
>Piedmon's HP:78/340

>Hiro - Brutal Slash (Piedmon)(93)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger(42,91)
>Duran - Holy Saber (Self)
>Sailor Moon - Moon Tiara Action (Piedmon)(80)
>Ace - Flamethrower X2(89,38)

Piedmon is looking even more tired than before, and so you don't let up, hitting him hard once again with your sword and dealing some solid damage to him.


Following up behind you, Dante opens fire and ends up shooting a bit wide and missing, but getting Piedmon with his sword this time.

Duran keeps providing support, imbuing his own weapon with the light element.


Sailor Moon throws her Tiara again, And this time, she finally manages to land a hit on Piedmon dealing serious damage to him.

Ace once again sets the two on fire, managing to get the two once, but unfortunately, not a second time.

Baby lets out that same scream as before and...goddammit, you can't take it! The same goes for Dante as the two of you start to freak out again.

Hiro and Dante have been inflicted with Panic!

Thankfully, despite the freak out, Dante still manages to not get hit by Piedmon's lightning attack! Though he's still not faring too well.

>Hiro:HP:45/55 MP:28/37
>Dante:HP:61/64 MP:52/64
>Duran:HP:83/101 MP:11/47
>Sailor Moon:HP:42/42 MP:50/70
>Ace: HP:51/51 MP:1/41

>Baby's HP: 128/250
>Piedmon's HP:30/340

>Hiro Gun(PANIC OVERRIDE)
>Dante Style(91,8-NAT 1 OVERRIDE)
>Duran SWORD(83)
>Meatball head Tiara attack(83)
>Ace magic rock Dante then swap for Ryza

You try to gulp down your fear but it's no use, you can't do anything.

"Ace!" Renee calls out "Can you fix up Dante and then switch with Ryza, Hiro can't do too much right now!"

"You got it Pinky!" Ace calls adminstering the Patra Stone to Dante, so he snaps out of it

"Damn, don't know what came over me, thanks Ace."

"Heh, no problem, you know you're not living it down right?"

"Yeah yeah whatever..." Dante says as Ace disappears, Ryza replacing him, he leaps into the air and opens fire on Piedmon again, ready to land on his feet and stab him...only to fall flat on his face. There is silent for a moment, but everyone quickly goes back to what they were doing.

Duran manages to land a solid blow on Piedmon dealing the fatal blow to him and defeating him, causing him to fade away in a flash of light. All that's left of him is an odd blue ring that he'd had on his neck...


Sailor Moon throws her Tiara again, with Piedmon being out of the way, she focuses instead on baby, hitting her square on.

Baby atttempts to strike back, but to no avail. Sailor Moon, dodging her easily.



>Hiro:HP:47/55 MP:28/37
>Dante:HP:60/64 MP:52/64
>Duran:HP:85/101 MP:11/47
>Sailor Moon:HP:42/42 MP:40/70
>Ryza: HP:55/55 MP:66/66

>Baby's HP: 120/250

>Hiro - SMG (69)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger(73,59)
>Duran - Attack(92)
>Sailor Moon - Moon Tiara Action(91)
>Ryza - Fire Bomb(94)

You manage to focus enough to push down the fear in your body and try to open fire only to miss baby! Dante tries to follow up, but she skates around him, his attacks missing her entirely.

"Damn, fast thing for how big it is..." He grumbles.

Dante and Hiro's Holy Saber buffs have ended



Duran once again, gets a solid hit in on Baby, she having run right into his line of sight. This ends up making her a prime target for Sailor Moon and Ryza who hit her with their attacks. Ryza having thrown a fire bomb at her causing Baby to scream in pain.

Baby attempts to grab Sailor Moon with her claw, but it's no good. She's just not fast enough to catch her!

"I think she's almost down!" Ryza calls out


>Hiro:HP:47/55 MP:28/37
>Dante:HP:55/64 MP:52/64
>Duran:HP:85/101 MP:7/47
>Sailor Moon:HP:42/42 MP:40/70
>Ryza: HP:55/55 MP:61/66

>Baby's HP: 62/250

>Hiro - Brutal Slash(61)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Stinger(74,93)
>Duran - Attack(93)
>Sailor Moon - Moon Tiara Action(91)
>Ryza - Fire Bomb(41)

You manage to focus enough once more. Pushing the fear down even further. You go to take a slash at Baby, but again she manages to skate out of the way. However this leaves her open...

"Gotcha!" Dante exclaims, Opening fire and then jabbing at her with his sword.

Finally it's Duran and Sailor Moon who put Baby down, the robot being hit by a sword attack from Duran and then a Tiara attack from Sailor Moon.

Baby screams before fading away and like Piedmon leaves behind a weird blue ring that was sitting on her neck.

>You've defeated Baby and Piedmon!
>You got 340 EXP
>Hiromu grew to level 7!
>Hiromu learned Spray and Pray!
>Renee grew to level 7!
>Renee learned Buck shot!
>Sailor Moon grew to level 5!
>Sailor Moon learned Moon Blast!
>Mythra grew to level 4!
>Rajaki grew to level 3!
>Rajaki learned Gourd Swig!
>Patchouli grew to level 4!
>You obtained 4 Common Summon Crystals
>You obtained 1 Rare Summon Crystal
>You obtained $800!
>You got a broken robot arm
>You got Weird Blue Neck Ring(Key Item)
>You got Piedmon's Broken Sword
>You got 1 Attribute Point!

You all take a deep breathe before leaving this crappy ass house. The second you step out it disappears.

"How droll...getting rid of Baby and Piedmon! Oh well...come to the big top, it's time we handled this ourselves..." The voice echoes out overhead.

Well...only one more stop really

>Go to the big top
>Go to the Velvet Room

>The Velvet Room

You don't say a word as you lead your group to the Velvet Room, still feeling haggard from the battle. As you step through the blue door, you're once again greeted by Igor

"Ah, Mr.Hiromu. It is good to see that you were able to save Ms.Byrd. How may I be of service?"

"Well..." you start

"Say no more, your eyes give it away. You require my healing services correct?"

"Yeah...fought a psychotic looking robot and a clown that can shoot lightining. But it was weird, after we beat them, these stayed behind." You fish out the two broken rings and present them to Igor.

"Hmmm...interesting. Most interesting. I will have Hanekoma take a look at these, but in the meantime, shall we set that aside so that I may help you?"

"Sure..."

"Very well. $400 as before. Worry not, it will ultimately benefit you."

>Heal up
>Forget it

>Heal up

You begrudgingly fork over the money to him. Seriously, why does it cost money? Where is the money *going* to? You watch as Igor pockets the cash and then waves his hand over your group. That same refreshing feeling coming over you. Whatever tiredness you felt melting away from your very soul.

"It is done."

"Uh...we have to *pay* for you to keep us alive?" Renee asks

"Yes indeed."

"Jeez, even supernatural entities are capitalists?! What's the world coming to?"

Igor merely laughs at her words. "Worry not Ms.Byrd, things will become clear soon enough."

"Yeah...right."

"That aside, I believe my work is done. Feel free to use our services and put an end to this terrible show that our enemies put on.

>What's your next move?

>Shop

Well, stopping by to see Hanekoma couldn't hurt. You know that you had some items used up in that last fight for sure. You, Renee, and Holly make your way over to the left door that leads to Hanekoma's shop.

"Hey there Hanekoma." You say with a wave

"Hey Hey, if it ain't my most favorite customer!"

"Anything new in?"

"Not yet, but I recently came in to some...generous donations. So I should be able to increase my stock soon enough."

Well that's good to hear, though you wonder where the donations came from.

"What are ya standin' around for? You gonna buy somethin' or not?"

-List of items-
>Medicine($50)
>Chakra drop($100)
>Revival Bead($300)
>Patra Stone($100)

>2 Patra Stones
>Chakra Drop

You pick up the items you want and hand your cash over to Hanekoma.

"Hoo boy, this'll come in handy. Nice doin' business with ya kids!"

"Right..." You say walking away and back through the door with your friends in tow.

"Jeez, I feel like our allies are just out to rob us sometimes." Renee mutters

"I-It's okay, I-I'm sure they've got a good reason for needing the money..." Holly replies

"I sure hope so..." you reply, especially since you can't keep shelling out cash like this all the time

>Anything else, or are you heading out?

>Power up Allies(Ace,Duran,Dante,Ryza)

"I'm gonna head to the velvet room, and use these crystals. What about you two?"

"I'm fine." Renee said "Knock yourself out."

"I-I'm okay too, we'll wait for you Mr.Hiro."

"Alright, I'll be back in a bit." You say heading to Mirei's room, you head inside and are greeted by her once again.

"Seeing you again so soon?" How nice." Mirei says with a smile "How may I help you?"

"I'm powering up my allies again."

"Oh my, so soon? You should be careful of reckless spending like that Mr.Hiromu, the consequences can be quite dire."

You can't help but wonder if she's speaking from experience, but you shrug it off and get to funneling the power from the crystals into your desired summons.

>Ace grew to level 5!
>Ace learned Flame Burst!
>Ryza grew to level 6!
>Duran grew to level 5!
>Duran learned Shield Bash!
>Dante grew to level 4!

After once again emptying out your reserve of crystals, you leave the velvet room and join the others back at the carnival.

"Well, time for the last stop." you say heading for the Big Top...

"Yeah, lets finish this and get the hell out of here." Renee grumbles "I was having such fun too before all this."

"I-I just want to go home already and eat some pudding." Holly mumbled

You all enter the big top. There's no crowd here and all that's illuminated is the middle of it, with the ringleaders nowhere in sight.

>Alright, come out already
>I'm not participating in anymore tricks!
>Other/Write-in

>C'mon out, I know you're there!

"Come out! I know you're there!" You call out, your voice echoing

For a few moments, the big top is completely silent and you call out again, only to hear nothing yet again and become slightly irritated.

"Maybe they went for a bathroom break?" Renee said

"I highly doubt it." You say looking back at her

"Actually she's right!" You hear the annoying voices call out again. "So sorry for the delay! Come come, it's time to enjoy the show!"

The Big Top illuminates with the two Ringleaders standing in the center, You and your allies walking forward to meet them.

"Welcome Welcome Hiromu! Once we kill you, we can finally have the world we want!"

"The world you want...?" Renee asks

"But of course! Do you know how many people these days merely stay at home on their computers, not doing anything, not going out! So so many! The Red Ringlinger says

"And it causes us to suffer! We put on beautiful shows, spectacular performances, and yet so few people come to see!"

"F-few?! But there were so many people here!"

"Thousands maybe, but we more! Millions! In Lord Nyarlethotep's new world, we will have our millions!" The blue haired one shouts, his eyes going wild "And all we have to do is end you! With the powers Lord Nyarlatheotep has bestowed upon us, we can make it so! Now then...you have so many people with you...it's only fair we even things up a bit...but....hmmm...oh that will do!"
The Blue-Haired Ringleader pulls his brother into a whisper, his eyes going wide as he smirks

"Oh I like that brother, that will do nicely!"

The lights dim for a moment and when they go back to normal, you see the Red-Haired Ringleader holding something...

It's your stuffed Gorilla!

"Haha, this little toy shall do nicely! Now watch and be amazed!"

The Red-Haired Ringleader taps the toy...and it begins to twist and grow, a malevolent looking red energy wrapping around it, until you're greeted with a...

"Holy shit..." You mutter as the toy is now an actual live gorilla with glowing red eyes

"What the hell?!" Renee exclaims "How'd they do that?!"

"With the power of Lord Nyarlatheotep of course!" The Blue-Haired Ringleader states

"Now, come and die!" The Red-Haired Ringleader growls.

The gorilla lets out a maddening roar, ready to fight

>The Ringleaders and Gorilla attack!

"Now, let's start this off right! The Red-Haired ringleader states snapping his hand." You notice a odd red forcefield appear on all three enemies for a moment.

What the hell...?

>Choose who you're fielding!

>Hiro
>Dante
>Duran
>Miku
>Patch

You call out Dante, Duran, and Miku, while Holly sends out Patchouli to aid you. As you all get ready, Patchouli stares at the enemies in front of you for a few seconds.

Trait Activated: Immovable Library

"The blue haired one..." she mutters "He's weak against fire." She says calmly "I shouldn't have to tell you what to do. Well, unless you're a moron."

>Choose them actions

>Hiro - Finger of Flamex2(Blue)(93,96)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack (Red)(78,73)
>Duran - Bear it (Dante)
>Miku - Common World Domination
>Patch - Princess Undine(79)

You all break off into combat with you going after the blue-haired  Ringleader. If he's weak to fire like Patchy says, then you have just the thing to handle him!" You go towards him with your finger on fire, and when you hit him nothing happens. However, you notice the red barrier doesn't disappear afterwards.

"Wh-what the hell?!" You exclaim

The ringleaders only laugh in response. The same thing happens with Dante, his attacks the red brother, but absolutely no damage is done to the red brother either.

"What the...none of my attacks did anything!" Dante calls out
Unperturbed, Miku begins singing, and you feel your attacks become slightly stronger!

All allies physical attack raised. They now deal an extra +2 damage!

"Here, shielding you up Dante!" Duran calls out!

Dante's defense increased! he takes -2 damage

"Princess Undine!" Patchouli shouts, firing off an ice spell and you notice 3 things happen: Theh Blue-haired brother is completely fine, in fact, he seems healthier than ever. The Gorilla is hurt, and the Red Hair brother is Really hurt by it.

Red-Haired Ringleader's weakness found

"Oh! My turn now!" The Blue-haired brother exlaims happily. He snaps his fingers, a blue barrier forming over him and his allies now! he snaps them again and you feel somewhat weaker...

All allies defense decreased! All party members (save Dante) take an extra +2 damage!

The brother in red snaps his fingers, an explosion forming right in front of you! You quickly dodge out of th way, but Dante isn't as lucky as he fires off another.

The Gorilla goes for the attack on Patchouli, but misses as she floats out of the way easily.

>Hiro:HP:72/72 MP:40/46
>Dante:HP:51/79 MP:66/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:47/52
>Miku:HP:31/31 MP:49/56
>Patchouli:HP:31/31 MP:92/112

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:200/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:166/200
>Gorilla:HP:317/350

>Hiro - Spray and Pray, Sword Attack(99,8-NAT 1 OVERRIDE)
>Dante - Holy Star, Ebony and Ivory(26)
>Duran - Bear it (Hiro)
>Miku - LandoltC
>Patch - Princess Udine(63)

You take aim at the group of enemies with your SMG and open fire! You manage to hit all of them at least once, and after that you take out your sword ready to strike the red-haired ringleader...

Only to trip and fall flat on your  face...looking like a total fool. You quickly get back to your feet and rub your nose trying to douse the pain.

"Hang on, I got this! This'll fix us right up!" Dante calls out to you all, holding up a small golden orb. He then tries to open fire on the Red-haired brother, onl to miss badly

All debuffs removed!


Miku begins singing again, this time, affecting her enemies with her song, causing them to move more slowly

All enemies AGI decreased. Their Hit/Evasion decreased!

"Here, shielding you up Hiro!" Duran calls out!

Hiro's defense increased! he takes -2 damage

Patchouli tries to cast her spell again, but unfortunately, this time she doesn't hit anyone at all, much to her chagrin. Letting out a scoff as they all dodge.


The brother in red snaps his fingers this time, Erecting that red barrier like before as the blue one fades away. He snaps it yet again, a red glow coming over him and his allies.

Enemies Attack increased! They now deal an extra +2 damage!

The brother in blue, conjures forth two spheres of ice, hurling them at Miku and Dante,causing the two of them to stagger back as they get hit.

Meanwhile the gorilla Once again goes for a swing on Patchouli, but just barely misses her this time. The magician feeling a bit more pressured from it.

>Hiro:HP:70/72 MP:35/46
>Dante:HP:27/79 MP:53/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:42/52
>Miku:HP:9/31 MP:42/56
>Patchouli:HP:31/31 MP:72/112

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:186/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:152/200
>Gorilla:HP:303/350

>Hiro - Spray and Pray X2(91,99)
>Dante - Boiga, Ebony and Ivory(Red)(73)
>Duran - Break Armor (Monkey)(86)
>Miku - Swap for Sailor Moon
>Patches - Udine(96)

"Renee! Can you bring out Sailor Moon? Miku, you retreat for now!"

"Okay!" Miku replies, as she's replaced with Sailor Moon, you proceed to open fire on the enemies like before, but thanks to that red barrier, Your bullets just bounce off of them not doing anything.

"Dante, eat it up! You say throwing him one of the burgers. He doesn't say anything, taking a bit and opening fire with his guns on the red brother...only to have the same thing happen. His guns don't do anything!

Duran moves in to deliver a strike on the gorilla, but like with you and your guns, it doesn't do anything!

"Gah, dammit! It didn't work!" Duran growls

Patchouli tries to cast her spell again, and this time, she's able to to hit! Although, the blue haired brother still takes no damage from it at all. In fact...he actually seems to heal from it, the wounds he'd gotten from you before closing up and him looking perfectly fine. The same is not said for the gorilla and the red brother.

"Thank you!" he says with a wicked grin, causing Patchouli to recoil in disgust.


The brother in blue once again erects the blue barrier, overriding the red one, and he snaps them again, and you feel yourself become a bit slower...

All allies AGI decreased! Their hit/Evasion has dropped!

The brother in red takes out his blade, attempting to slash you, but you manage to dodge fairly easily

The Gorilla attempts to grab Dante, but Dante is able to easily dodge out of the way of it, taunting it all the while.

>Hiro:HP:70/72 MP:35/46
>Dante:HP:43/79 MP:53/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:32/52
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:75/75
>Patchouli:HP:31/31 MP:52/112

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:200/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:114/200
>Gorilla:HP:273/350

>Hiro - Finger of Flames X2 (Blue)(73,97)
>Dante - Holy Star, Ebony and Ivory(81)
>Duran -Break Armor (Blue)(69)
>Moon - Moonlight
>Patch - Swap for Aqua

"Holly! Call out Aqua!" you say moving towards the blue ringleader. You tap him with your finger and this time you manage to deal damage to him! causing him to yell in pain

"O-okay!" Holly replies calling for Patchouli to withdraw and for Aqua to step in, taking her place.

"I'm ready!" Aqua says readying herself.

Dante once again uses that golden orb of his, and you feel whatever detriments you had in combat ability wash away from you. He then points his gun at the Blue brother and unloads on him. This time, it hits and doesn't bounce off!

All debuffs removed!

Duran moves in to deliver a strike on the Blue Ringleader, but he's unfortunately sidestepped.

"Hang on guys, I've got you!" Sailor Moon calls out, as you feel her power wash over you, making you more durable.

*All allies defense increase they now take -2 damage!(Hiro takes -4)


The brother in blue snaps his fingers, calling forth ice to try and hit you all, but your party all manage to duck out of the way. Unfortunately, he manages to catch you right as you're getting to your feet and delivers a hard slash to you

The brother in Erects the red barrier once more, following up with a snap of his fingers, Another bout of red light covering them

The enemies attack increases! They now deal an extra +4 damage

The Gorilla bull rushes you, but you're too fast for it and you move out of the way, just in time!

>Hiro:HP:56/72 MP:29/46
>Dante:HP:43/79 MP:40/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:22/52
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:75/75
>Aqua:HP:50/50 MP:67/67

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:144/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:114/200
>Gorilla:HP:273/350

>Hiro - Spray and Pray X2(50,93)
>Dante - Ebony and Ivory, Sword Attack (Red)(86,79)
>Duran - Break Armor (Red)(75)
>Sailor Moon - Healing Light
>Aqua - Blizzard (Red)(59)

You pull out your SMG and start raining bullets on the three enemies...and they bounce off doing nothing!

Dante suffers the same problem, attacking the Red Ringleader, but nothing happens, his attacks bouncing off harmlessly.


Duran moves in to deliver a strike on the Red Ringleader, but just like Dante, his attacks bounce off harmlessly.

"I'll fix you up!" Sailor Moon calls out as she causes a white light to engluf you all, helping to heal up whatever wounds you have.

Aqua attempts to fire off a blizzard spell at the Red Ringleader, but he easily dodges out of the way.


The brother in red snaps his fingers, calling forth fire to try and hit you, but you're able to dodge out of the way of it without trouble, similar to how he did with Aqua.

The brother in Blue erects the blue barrier again following up with a snap of his fingers, this time making you feel even slower than before

Your AGI has decreased further! Your chances to hit/evade have dropped further!

The Gorilla tries to attack Aqua, but she's able to somersault out of the way of it easily.

>Hiro:HP:70/72 MP:19/46
>Dante:HP:59/79 MP:34/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:12/52
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:71/71
>Aqua:HP:50/50 MP:65/67

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:144/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:114/200
>Gorilla:HP:273/350

>Hiro - Finger of Flames X2 (Blue)(92,93)
>Dante - Holy Star, Sword Attack (Blue)(76)
>Duran - Break Armor (Blue)(99)
>Sailor Moon - Moon Tiara Action (Blue)(81)
>Aqua - Fire (Blue)(83)

You move in and hit the Blue Ringleader with a two fingers again, managing to damage him this time!

Dante, raises the orb in the sky again, removing that slow feeling you've had and then proceeds to strike the Blue Ringleader with his sword. The strike hitting him cleanly.


Duran hits the blue brother too, following up behind Dante and getting a decent hit in himself.

*The Blue Ringleader's defense decreases! He takes an extra +2 damage!*

Next up, Sailor Moon and Aqua both fire off their attacks at The Blue Ringleader, Unfortunately, their attacks don't do anything as the blue barrier nullifies them completely!

The Blue Ringleader attempts to attack Aqua, but she easily dodges his moves.

The brother in Red erects the Red barrier again following up with a snap of his fingers, Making his allies stronger!

*The enemy's attack has increased! They now do an extra +6 damagee!*

The Gorilla can't hit a damn thing it looks like...

>Hiro:HP:70/72 MP:19/46
>Dante:HP:59/79 MP:24/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:2/52
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:61/75
>Aqua:HP:50/50 MP:63/67

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:90/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:114/200
>Gorilla:HP:273/350

>Hiro - Summon Star X2 (Blue)(102,103)
>Dante - Chakra Hiro and Duran
>Duran - Bear it (Aqua)
>Moon - Moon Tiara Action (Blue)(82)
>Aqua - Fire (Blue)(43)

That barrier. You think you have it figured out. It's red....so that should mean...! You raise your sword out like Ryza does with her staff, firing off 2 orbs of light at the Blue Ringleader...and it works! He's knocked back by the attack!

Dante, fishes out two of the chakra drops you'd bought and tosses one to you and Duran "Eat up you two!" He calls out, as the two you catch them and eat them whole

>Hiro restored 20 MP
>Duran restored 7 MP!


Duran raises his shield at Aqua, increasing her defensive capabilities.

Aqua's defense increases! She takes -2 damage!

Sailor Moon throws another tiara at the blue brother, hitting him this time! And pretty hard at that.


Aqua meanwhile...misses another attack. Ouch.

The brother in Blue erects the Blue barrier again following up with a snap of his fingers, Making you guys feel weaker.

All allies attack reduced! They now do -2 damage!

The Ringleader in Red fires off more magic, but you all dodge the attacks easily.

The Gorilla can't hit a damn thing again. Why is it even here, I thought it would be scarier than this.

>Hiro:HP:70/72 MP:33/46
>Dante:HP:59/79 MP:24/69
>Duran:HP:131/131 MP:9/52
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:51/75
>Aqua:HP:50/50 MP:58/67

>Blue-Haired Ringleader:HP:27/200
>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:114/200
>Gorilla:HP:273/350

>Hiro DOUBLE SMG PRAY AND SPRAY(100,87)
>Dante Style on Red(105,73)
>Duran swap for ryza
>Aqua Keyblade(Red)(84)
>Meatball head(Moonlight)

"Duran, tag Ryza in!" You call out taking your SMG and shooting at all of them. The blue ringleader takes the hit and goes down, unable to continue fighting.

"Got it!" Duran replies heading back into the COMP, with Ryza taking his place.

"B-brother! No!" The Red one calls out in anguish, before turning to you "I'll make you regret that!"

"Worry about yourself!" Dante calls out managing to catch the Red-Haired Ring Leader off guard Shooting at him and then slashing him with his sword.

Trait Activated: Dope to Stylish

Aqua moves in too, following up on Dante's attack slashing at the Red-Haired Ringleader as well!


Sailor Moon once again brings your defenses up. You're feeling even more hardy than usual! As if nothing can knock you down!



All Defense raised! They now take -4 damage!

The Ringleader in Red fires off more fire magic at you, this time managing to hit Aqua!

The Gorilla Grabs you and then proceeds to slam you into the ground HARD. You feel pretty dizzy after.

Hiromu is dazed! He can't act for 3 turns!

>Hiro:HP:49/72 MP:23/46
>Dante:HP:59/79 MP:21/69
>Ryza:HP:68/68 MP:72/72
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:47/75
>Aqua:HP:24/50 MP:58/67


>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:63/200
>Gorilla:HP:246/350

>Hiro - Spray and Pray X2(85,77)
>Dante - Patra Stone Hiro, Holy Star
>Ryza - Ice Bomb (Red)(67)
>Sailor Moon - Healing Light
>Aqua - Blizzard (Red)(47)


"I got you Hiro!" Dante calls out, throwing a patra stone towards you and using his golden orb again to fix up any troubles you may have.You feel yourself no longer dazed and you start opening fire on the remaining two enemies.

All debuffs removed!

**Trait Activated: Follow Up!**

Ryza, throws an Ice Bomb at the Red Ringleader, but it misses! However, she quickly fires off a magic sphere that manages to hit him!

Sailor Moon heals the party up, fixing up some of the damage you took from the Gorilla, While Aqua blasts another blizzard spell at him...and misses again.


The Ringleader takes a swipe at Ryza, but she dodges it easily!

The Gorilla swings its arm, this time at Aqua, hitting her right in the gut!

"Urk...oh god that hurts..."


>Hiro:HP:59/72 MP:23/46
>Dante:HP:73/79 MP:21/69
>Ryza:HP:68/68 MP:67/72
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:41/75
>Aqua:HP:23/50 MP:56/67


>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:30/200
>Gorilla:HP:223/350

Hiro Brutal slashx2 Ape(87,84)
Dante-Gun and sword attack(37,68)
Ryza-Ice Bomb(Red)(46)
Sailor Moon-Moonblast(96)
>Aqua switch out for Renee

You go all out and hit the ape as best as you can. You're a bit sad though...you were gonna sit it in your room and everything...

Trait Activated: Follow Up!

Ryza, Follows up behind you, shooting magic at the Ape and throwing another bomb that sadly misses its target yet again.

Sailor Moon fires off a blast of energy at both of them, managing to connect!


Aqua, hang back! Renee calls out running in front of her. The Keyblade Master nods to her, retreating to Holly's COMP

The Red Ringleader, feeling tired, still tries his best to fight on! He fires off another bout of magic, but his aim is off and ends up missing by a wide margin.

The gorilla thankfully does not manage to grab or hit anyone this time.

>Hiro:HP:49/72 MP:23/46
>Dante:HP:73/79 MP:21/69
>Ryza:HP:68/68 MP:67/72
>Sailor Moon:HP:53/53 MP:41/75
>Renee: HP:65/65 MP:58/58


>Red-Haired Ringleader:HP:16/200
>Gorilla:HP:154/350

You unload on the Red-Haired Ringleader one last time, causing him to drop to his feet. He and his brother are completely worn out. So much so that the weird atmosphere around the big top disappears and things go back to normal. The Gorilla changes back into its stuffed form as well...and you quickly scoop it up, wanting to take back your prize.

"Y-you...youyouyouyouyouyou!" The Blue Ringleader starts

"Calm yourelf brother!" The red one says putting a hand over his chest. He turns to your group glaring at you "You've won today, but worry not, we'll be back...and when we meet again, we'll make sure to put your head on a pike!"

Before you can do anything,the ringleader in red tosses a small orb down in front of you all. It lets out a blinding light, and when you're able to see again they're gone.

"Great...more psychos to worry about..." You mutter "Come on, everyone, let's just go home.


>You defeated the Ringleader Brothers
>You gained 425 EXP!
>Miku grew to level 4!
>Holly grew to level 7!
>Aqua grew to level 6!
>Obtained 12 common Summon Crystals
>Obtained 5 Rare Summon Crystals
>Obtained $3000!

With the fight being over, you and your friends exit the Carnival and head home. You don't know how long you were in that twisted hellspace, but the moon is out and you all file into your car (After recalling your summons) and you head home. Holly gets in touch with her Uncle, Claiming that everyone got super tired and fell asleep so that's why she didn't call.

Somehow he bought it...and the girls once again steal your bed.

...You really need to invest in a pull-out couch.

>End