Fate of The World Session 16

You feel as if you are floating. You don't know where you are or how you got here, but you can't make out where you are...you open your eyes, the light of the area causing you to blink several times as your eyes adjust to the lighting. However, as your eyes acclimate you realize where you are.

That same blue room, with that same soothing atmosphere that you've grown so accustomed to. The Velvet Room

"Oh what the hell...assaulting my dreams now Igor? Look man, I just wanna sleep." you say...only to realize that Igor isn't here. The chair that the long nosed man occupied was strangely empty, in fact, The Velvet Room was completely deserted. Not even Igor's usual desk was there.

"Igor...?" You call out to him

Still nothing

"Hanekoma?"

Nothing

"Mirei? Anybody?"

Still nothing...

"Where is everybody?!" You shout out to no one

You sit in the quietness of the Velvet Room...and then you hear a voice

"Do you want it all to end?" A voice says, echoing throughout the Velvet Room

"What the hell...?" you mutter

"Do you want it all to end?" it repeats

"What do you mean, do I want it to end?"

A being appears before you, wearing a black outfit and a mask that covers most of his face, save for one small bit on the right side of his mouth.

"Nyarlatheotep has done a stunning blow to you and your comrades. I am...sorry for this. You were dragged into this without any real idea of what was going on. So I ask you again.

"Do you want it all to end?"

"Who are you?" You ask

"I am Philemon. The one who made the bet with Nyarlatheotep in an effort to save humanity. Or rather, the humanity which gave both me and Nyarlatheotep life. Again...I am sorry. I did not wish for you to suffer so. And so I ask once more..."

"Do you want it all to end?"

>Please end it
>I'm in too deep to just 'end' it.

>Punch Philemon
>"Then next, I'm going to do that to Nyarly."

You don't know what possesses you to take your next action. All the fighting, you gone through, the bodies you seen, the pain you've felt...all of it  just...wells up. You don't why you do it, it's almost as if someone from another world takes control of your body, but the next thing you know your fist has met the side of Philemon's face.

He doesn't try to dodge the punch, instead taking it in full force, his mask flies off, landing on the floor and allowing you to get a full look at his face for just a brief moment.

You blink for a moment, but in that next instant, the mask is already back on Philemon's face as after he retrieves it, the bottom now broken on both sides.

"I'm going after Nyarly next."

"So it seems. Very well, I will respect your choice. However, since Nyarlatheotep is more than willing to get involved...I suppose I can do the same just a bit. Tatsuya did tell me it would have been helpful."

"Who?"

"A...friend...so to speak."

"Right, so what do you have in mind then Philemon?"

"This should do..." Philemon says as he gently taps your chest with his finger. You feel odd, but only for a split moment, power having washed over you like a torrent, before becoming calm. "You are a strong one Hiromu, stronger than you know. The same is said for your allies and those you have called to your aid. Overcome your trials, and that power will be made manifest. Also I am willing to do one more thing."

Philemon takes out a summon crystal, though this one has a golden glow. "I can also call forth allies to aid you, however, my power is a bit beyond Mirei's. If you wish...I can use it to call someone, whoever you want."

>Do it
>No thanks

>Do it

"Very well..." Philemon says calmly as he focuses on the summon crystal "Quite the interesting choice. But it may very well prove helpful in the future."

The crystal disappears from his hand, Philemon smiling all the while.

"It is done. It was nice speaking to you, and perhaps when the time comes, we will meet each other yet again."

You don't hear anything else as Philemon starts to fade, and you feel yourself being pulled back into your sleep. Good, that's all you want right now.

The next thing you know is that you wake up in bed...and you're not alone. You groan as you look to your side and see...Monika, and she's in some extremely risque sleepwear. Almost as if sensing your eyes opening, Monika does the same.

"Good morning Dear, did you sleep well?" Monika asks giving you a warm smile

>Monika. Why.
>What time is it...?
>Other/Write-in

>Monika, I fucking love you

You can't believe your eyes and so you get up and walk over to the computer and begin fiddling with it. It's got a good speed on it, things having loaded up quickly, and you notice that all of your documents and usual stuff is still present.  There's some new programs as well on there, like one that's the shape of a security camera, but frankly, you don't care right now, you're just ecstatic at the upgrade. This would have cost you thousands of dollars and here it was just sitting in front of you. The other 5 screens worked perfectly, your mouse hovering over them like it was nothing and you could have dozens of tabs open this way.

It's perfect...!

"So, do you like it? It took a bit of doing but-oh!"

Before she can finish you have her wrapped up in her arms, Monika happily wrapping her legs around your back to keep herself steady.

"Monika, I fucking *love* you." You say before giving her firm kiss on the lips

"Oh-oh my, dear, you're going to make me blush saying things like that so brazenly!"

You're about to give her more thanks, when someone else enters the room

"Hey, Hiro, I need to talk to you abou-Whoa!"

You whip around to see Renee staring a the two of you, and blushing *hard*

"Um...uh...wow, I uh...I didn't mean to interrupt anything! I'll er...just go...?"

>What's up Renee? Need help?
>Jealous?
>I know what this looks like, but I swear nothing happened!
>Other/Write-in

>Have you fucking seen this set-up?

"I'm sorry, but have you *seen* this set up?" You say pointing at your computer

"Wow, what the-how did you get that?"

"Monika got it!"

"...*How* did you get that?" she asks looking at Monika

"Oh you know...I pulled a few strings. Namely exposing some corrupt politicians and taking some of their slush money and then putting in the right orders to get things here."

You...aren't sure how to take that. At the very least, she didn't harm any good people while doing that.

"Ri-right...anyway, put some clothes on Hiro or...or something."

"It's my apartment!" you reply with a deadpan look

"Our apartment and...um...look, I don't wanna say anything buuuuuut..." She mutters pointing downwards

You look down and...oh that's uh...that's you making that tent in your pants

"Oh...uh...sorry."

"It's fine...I'm just...gonna go get breakfast. You can join me if you want...after you're uh...you're done. I mean...o-only if you're hungry and uh...not hung like that. I mean, shit! uh! I'm gonna go now!"

Renee quickly leaves, with you and Monika staring at one another. You didn't expect that sequence of words

>Breakfast sounds good
>JUST. MONIKA.
>Other/Write-in

>breakfast sounds good

"Breakfast sounds good." You say nodding to Monika

She agrees with you, the two of you getting dressed, with you just...tucking things away in your pants. Heading downstairs, you decide to let out your summons so they can get some food. However, you notice that the one Philemon gave to you isn't present. Weird. Maybe that was just a dream after all?

You don't get to settle on it, as everyone starts clamoring for food. Rhea being mystified by modern day technology, while Ryza gets to work helping cook things via Alchemy. Darkness is busy trying to burn herself, which causes Eve to sigh in disgust. Frankly, it's chaos and you wouldn't be shocked if you got a noise complaint.

Thankfully, some of the more mature people in the room keep things under control, Julius is great at doing both, with Issac and Eizen helping him out. Without them, things may have gotten out of hand. Once the food is done (and your wondering of how long your reserves will last) everyone grabs a bite to eat.

"Huh, where's Holly?" You ask

"She...went home, she said she needed to be alone for a while."

"Oh...right." You reply, the sting of yesterday's...revelations hitting you all the more

"Yeah, but um...Hiro...I know things are a bit um...rocky between us, but I...I need your help."

>What a surprise
>You always need my help
>I'm not giving you more money
>What's up?
>Other/Write-in

>What's up?

"What's up? I'm not covering any shifts I can barely handle my own."

"What? No! No...this is...Hiro, if this goes well...and if you agree, then I think I can finally get *both* of us out of that shithole."

Now that has got you interested. Renee seems to realize this and continues on, now that she's got your attention.

"You see...I didn't tell you, but I've been making some moves to start my modeling career properly. That day when you and Holly came and saved me, I was actually coming back for an audition and well...they called me back! They wanna do some more shots and talk deals...but there's just one problem."

"And that is...?"

"They're gonna give me an agent and I...kinda told em I already have one."

"And let me guess........."

"Look, just help me please. Come on Hiro...I really wanna model, but I've heard about the creeps out there! And...after the last time..."

You watch as she visibly shivers recalling the memories of her molestation.

"Well..." You say rubbing your chin.

>I'll do it
>No thanks, I don't think I could do it

>I'll do it

You think back to something your dad once told you when you were a teenager. When you were a kid, he told you to never turn down a lucrative offer. If it could secure you a decent pay and a good future, you should take that deal...you know if it wasn't illegal. If it was illegal, then you shouldn't take it at all, you don't need that trail coming back to you. What you're looking at here is a prime moment that could change your life for the better.

"I'll do it."

"Look, I know it's a big ask and I've really been piggybacking off of you and-wait what?"

"I said I'd do it. You said it yourself: Our current work? It fucking sucks. We could go real big with this kind of thing. Maybe even get an actual house instead of an apartment."

"You...you're serious? You aren't messing with me?"

"Why would I?" You ask taking a sip of coffee.

"Oh my...Oh my god." Renee whispers

You haven't seen Renee cry since that time she got evicted. However this time, she's clearly happy and not distraught. What you also don't expect is for her to run over to your side and hug you tight.

"Thank you Hiro! ThankyouThankyouThankyou!" she squeals

"I-it's fine, just let me finish my coffee!"

"No!" Renee exclaims, bringing your face close and kissing you...hard "You're the best Hiro! The best! I...I need to make some calls...I'll be right back!"
She sprints out of the room, leaving you alone with all the summons, who are all staring at you

"So...when's the wedding?" Dante jokes

"C-come on man, it's not like that." you reply

"Sure looked like that."

"I'll say." Mythra chimes in "Girls don't just kiss guys like that."

"How would you know?!"  You reply blushing

"Teehee, Hiro is turning red!" Miku teases

"I am not!"

"Don't rush things Hiro, play it cool and she'll be all over you." Ace says

"Not you too Ace!"

"Ugh, Commoners..." Eve sighs

"Analyzing...Hiro's hormone levels have increased significantly after receiving affection from Renee. Cataloging response for future reference."

"Aeda what the hell?!"

Many of the summons laugh at your teasing, even Y'shtola gets in on it

"My my, it would appear we've struck a nerve no?" she says with a catlike grin

"Please stop..." You groan burying your face in your hands

This continues on until Renee comes back

"H-Hiro! Um...so, about that call. I got us a chance to sit down and talk out some things!"

"That's good. So what day do we have?"

"Er...they actually said they'd be willing to do it today? I mean if that's okay!"

>Let's go meet them
>Can you reschedule it?

>Do I need a suit?

"Do I need a suit?" you ask

Renee gives you a deadpan look, like you just said the most dumbest thing possible

"Well gee, you're only going to office meeting as my agent. I'd *expect* you to have one,  what do you expect to just be allowed to show up in some shorts and t-shirt?"

You look at her for a moment

"So is that no or...?"

"Ugh, yes Hiro. Suit. Now. Go!"

She shoos  you to your room and you go about getting yourself a suit. You manage to find the old one you wore to your job interview for the call center in your closet (Oddly, the velvet room entrance disappeared this time)and it's in relatively good shape. A quick ironing and it should do well enough. You should definitely shower though.

You quickly hop in, doing your best to wash up and make yourself presentable. As you exit Renee rushes past you, not paying any attention to you being covered in only a towel, exclaiming she needs to wash up as well. It's clear, she's really into this and she's not trying to mess things up. It's kind of admirable really, she's far more into this than she ever was with the call center.

You get yourself dressed up while Renee bathes and once done, you hear a knocking at the door.

"Come in!" You call out

The door opens to reveal Miku, looking at you sheepishly "Oh good, you're dressed, Monika told me about this morning and-"

"Please don't mention that." You sigh

"R-right, anyway um...if you don't mind, could I see your new computer?

>Sure thing
>No touchy!
>Other/Write-in

>Sure thing

"Sure thing." You say flashing her the thumbs up "Just don't break anything alright?"

"Don't worry Hiromu, I'm sure Aeda or Monika could fix any problems that occur."

Well, she's got a point. You let her do what she wants as you wait for Renee and in a matter of a few minutes, you hear a nice angelic vocal voice entering your ears, as Miku begins singing. It's...mesmerizing really. You hadn't really been into the whole Vocaloid thing, but Miku's voice is great, and it's no surprise that she's as popular as she is. You watch her as she closes her eyes continues singing, really getting into it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEyvYm2YRXQ

You wait for her to finish and when she turns to you, you see the biggest smile she's ever had on her face. "What'd you think Hiro?"

"That was great. Really catchy tune."

"Thanks, it's called Clock Lock Works! I've always enjoyed that one. And...actually I've got a request Hiromu."

"Yeah, what's that?"

"Could I...stream myself singing sometime? I think it'd be really fun!"

"You wanna...stream?"

"Pleeease~? Your computer should be fine! and it doesn't show your bed or anything important!"

>Of course you can
>No

>Of course you can
>As long as I don't get sued into oblivion

"Of course you can...as long as I don't get sued into oblivion."

"I...don't see how that'd happen. But thanks Hiro...I'll need a few things first. Maybe I can talk to Monika about it...she got you all of this right?"

"She did...through uh...means."

"Ooooh, I can't waaaaaaaait~!" She giddily runs out of the room with a smile on her face.

>You have allowed Miku to answer her true passion!
>Miku's Affection can be further increased!
>Miku learned News 39!

After that, you're finally able to meet up with Renee. The two of you return your summons to your respective COMPS and then head down to the company building that Renee was at before, she called them on the way, telling the proper people that she(and you) Were fine with meeting up today and were on the way. This time, there is thankfully no enemies trying to get the jump on you. In fact, you didn't feel that usual aura of being watched come upon you. You're confused at first, but you remember what Nyarly said...

"You aren't even worth killing."

You'll make him regret those words...

"We're here, come on Hiro." Renee said, she's clearly nervous, her voice is shakey, but even so, she steps out of your car and looks at the building, as if it's some intimidating figure that'll crush her if she isn't careful.

>Breathe, you've got this
>Come on, no waiting around now
>Other/Write-in

>Breathe, you've got this

"Breathe Renee. You've got this." You say rubbing her shoulders, it turns out to be just what she needed, as she lets out a long breathe. The two of you head inside, a receptionist at the lobby directing you to the proper floor for you to get into talks with the right people. You're surprised really, you were expecting to be told to wait for hours on end before anyone gets to you.

You ride the elevator up to the specified floor and find the office with a surprisingly jolly looking man sitting behind a desk, he greets the two of you, motioning for you to take a seat.

"Ah, hello. You're miss Byrd and...her agent?"

"Hiromu Kazuchika."

"Boy, you're a young one! I was expecting someone slightly older."

"I hope that isn't a problem sir. I'm young, and I'll admit, inexperienced, but I think I've got a shot of helping Renee realize her dream."

"Modest, and not unwilling to admit your faults. I like that. Now then, what do you think is your talent's best traits, why should we give her a chance?"

Shit...you'll have to think of something to say. Make her sound good, but not so much. Gotta ease him in...

>She's insanely beautiful
>She can continue smiling through anything
>She's got a drive I've never seen before
>Other/Write-in

>She's got a drive I've never seen before

"She's got a drive I've never seen before." You say

"How so?" The man asks

"What I mean is that, she's incredibly determined. Before this, before we got here, Renee was in a bad spot, but she never let go of her dream to break out into the modeling world. It was...moving really. I don't think I've ever seen something like that before. It's a bit cliche, but that's the fact of the matter. She'll just keep going no matter what happens."

"I see...I see, that's most interesting."

"Now then, Ms.Byrd."

"Y-yes!" Renee squeaks, speaking a bit higher than intended

"Goodness, calm down! I understand you're nervous, but don't let those nerves eat you up now! Anyway, I wanted to ask you about your Agent."

"O-oh, about Hiro?"

"Hiro? Haha, I see, so you both are close then!"

"H-huh?! Cl-close, um, I mean-"
"Now now, it's no trouble. Friends helping friends is great, it pays to have good friends in the world. Anyway, what do you think of him? What do you think is his strength?"

"Hiro's...strength?" she mutters "Well...Hiro is always there for me. He's had my back a lot over the past while and came through for me when I was at my lowest." She takes a deep breathe "Just recently...we had a...a fight."

"A fight?" the man asks

"Yeah...we um...vented some truths out to one another, but Hiro...didn't leave, he didn't kick me out of our apartment..."

"You share an apartment?"

"Part of the 'lowest point'." You say quickly, the executive merely nods, motioning for her ot continue

"And well...Hiro...we talked out, got some things off our chest. We're still working it out, but he agreed to help me without a second thought."

"Most interesting..."The exec says folding his hands together "Now then, the both of you: Do you think you can see this through? Modeling isn't easy, you'll face some serious hardships. You may gain many fans, many followers and what have you, but one day, it could all be gone, or some scandal could break out. What then?"

>Well we'd have given it our shot
>We power through
>I don't know
>Other/Write-in

>Power through.

"Power through. Done it before, we'll do it again."

"I see. That's interesting to hear..."

The executive continues sitting there for a moment before smirking to himself. "I like this, I like it!" he exclaims with a smile

"L-like what?" Renee asks

"You two! When you were adamant about your agent sticking with you, I was curious. We like to get people we can trust, but this kid? Hiromu? He's some fresh blood! I like it! We've got a lot of older fellows, good people, but you gotta give young people some room to spread their wings eh?"

"I think I get it." You say "Can't rely on the old heads forever right?"

"Exactly! Exactly! You get it!"

"S-so, I can work for you guys? I passed the interview?"

At this the executive blinks. "Huh? Interview? What are you talking about, you were set to go from the second you got the callback. Well, unless some emergency came up."

"W-wait, then why...?"

"What? This? I just wanted to meet you all myself! I'm the big boss of this place, figure I should at least know the talent!"

"THE BOSS?!" You both spit

"Hehe, yep! Sorry for the lie, but...I kinda like playin' pranks, sooooorrry!" he says with a bashful smile "Anyway, your first job will be the big technology expo going on in a few weeks. I think Renee would make a good booth babe, if she doesn't mind?"

"Um...no? I mean, I'm totally fine with that." Renee says waving her hands

>Cannot Compute
>T-thanks...sir?
>I'll never understand adults
>Other/Write-in

>T-thanks...sir?

"T-thanks...sir?" You say extending a hand automatically, still trying to process everything

"Haha, welcome aboard Hiromu, Now give me your number, I'll keep in touch, be sure to shoot me an email too!"

You quickly exchange numbers with him, and just as you're getting ready to leave, he pulls you aside "Also, get the hell out of customer service. It'll save you some gray hairs."

"How did you-"

"My boy, I've had that same look in my eyes before. Believe me when I say I *know* what it's like. Now off you go, looking forward to the tech expo! If this all goes well, Allsoft is gonna be throwing money our way!"

You nod at him and leave the office, and once you and Renee are in the elevator  you turn to her. "Well, congrats." You say with a smile

"H-huh...?" Renee blurts out

"You're uh...your dream? You're one step closer to achieving it?"

"Oh. OH CRAP I AM!!!" Renee exclaims "Hiro! I'm gonna do it! I'm gonna be a model!"

"Yep you are!" You say with a smile

"I...fuck you're the best thing ever to happen to me Hiro." she says as her eyes start to water

>I think I should be saying that to you
>See? I don't hate you
>Nah, I'm nothing special
>Other/Write-in

>Hug
>"Now let's get home before your mascara starts to run."

You sigh, there's no words to really say as you open your arms, and Renee doesn't hesitate to embrace you as you two quietly hug things out. There is nothing said. There is no *need* to say anything, as your actions say everything itself. For a good few minutes, you and Renee simply sit in the elevator hugging things out. Even though you've reached the lobby floor and the door lets out a little ding as it opens you remain there for a good minutes, placing your foot in front of the door so it doesn't close. You're like this for a few minutes, before finally stopping.

"Now let's get home before your mascara starts to run." You say

Renee, still choking back tears, shakes her head in agreement.

You both know her mascara is running anyway, but you both *really* don't care right now.

>You have helped Renee take one step closer to realizing her aspirations.
>Renee's Affection can now be further increased
>Renee gained the trait Dazzling Star!
>Renee learned the team attack Thunderous Carnage!

You both quickly drive home, ecstatic to share the news...and to tell your boss at the call center that you both will no longer be working with him for the foreseeable future.