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File 164464828336.png - (41.45KB , 800x700 , 8C18FC47-2FD7-4759-B657-54F1D206B9F0.png )
1023193 No. 1023193 ID: 41caaf

Dial Up Tone.

May contain nsfw
Expand all images
>>
No. 1023194 ID: 41caaf
File 164464830750.png - (16.18KB , 800x700 , 8757C5CB-7974-4B2D-B05D-CB85B9290022.png )
1023194

>>
No. 1023195 ID: 41caaf
File 164464832070.png - (16.92KB , 800x700 , 659180C2-5E61-4A66-8B92-7CDADF7BA050.png )
1023195

>>
No. 1023196 ID: 41caaf
File 164464835582.png - (97.63KB , 800x700 , 1634343A-F927-471C-8F4C-C0B75F134466.png )
1023196

Gods, my head feels like it's full of cement.
>>
No. 1023197 ID: 41caaf
File 164464840673.png - (65.02KB , 800x700 , 347F015F-FB1F-4381-840A-0D9A9CD51D43.png )
1023197

What the fuck?
>>
No. 1023198 ID: 6e6730

Those can't be the fabled HOT SINGLES in your AREA, right?? You have to investigate further.
>>
No. 1023200 ID: b86b0c

Dude snap out of it, your internet connection has dropped, how are you gonna catch all the hot singles in your area?
>>
No. 1023201 ID: e7c7d3

Did you pass out looking at furry porn again?
>>
No. 1023202 ID: e51896

Go on questden.org!

actually no, that might cause a paradox or something

inspect what is on the computer
>>
No. 1023203 ID: 575fcc

Wow your desk space is kind of a mess, isnt it. How's the rest of the room look?
>>
No. 1023204 ID: c57dc9

>>1023197
google pikachu rule 34
>>
No. 1023205 ID: 629f2e

Why are you offline? Internet down?
>>
No. 1023206 ID: 96c896

No need to panic, it's just a computer.
>>
No. 1023207 ID: 094652

Enhance Knockers.
If you don't know what those are, use the COMP.
>>
No. 1023210 ID: 782e0e

You camming my friend? Good for you, support local sex workers!!
>>
No. 1023211 ID: c92a02

Eat Pacman magnets.
>>
No. 1023212 ID: 41caaf
File 164465791468.png - (43.45KB , 800x700 , 01.png )
1023212

You just woke up and you're already being assaulted by too many thoughts to process. You hold your head for a moment to ease the headache. Sheesh, you go to sleep for a hundred years and now you're thinking about things like singles and porn. Has it really been that long?

The thought is sobering, but everything is too confusing. You move to focus on what's in front of you.

You can't remember the last time you've been on a computer. You... can't remember much at all.
>>
No. 1023213 ID: 41caaf
File 164465794839.png - (53.72KB , 800x700 , 02.png )
1023213

Hmmm... you remember what offline means and things like internet connection. The other demons were quick to monopolize on it last you remember. Something about memes making a good food source, whatever.

The site itself is a classic camhuman porn site, you don't plan on messing with anything outside of momentarily scrolling and it's rather bland to your personal taste.

You check the chat window, scrolling up to see how the conversation started.

offline
Client: heyy can i have the usual?
Syl: omg of course thx for returning
Client: you like what you see?


Your eyes start to glaze over so you quickly scroll down to the end.

Client: payment sent. send nudes & i'll tip.
Syl: hehe thx. sorry nudes r extra.


Well... that barely helped. You don't remember ever doing sex work, at least as the worker? Although that explains why you're missing your underwear.

You move the mouse and your eyes shift to the date that appears, March 16 20X3. You went to take your nap 3 years ago, but no one was supposed to wake you up this early.
>>
No. 1023214 ID: 41caaf
File 164465797755.png - (49.11KB , 800x700 , 03.png )
1023214

>>1023203
You agree. These aren't your things, whoever's desk this is reminds you of someone with overly cutesy taste. Besides the bottle of lube and the chest that you're confident has some type of toy.

When you move to survey your surroundings it's... weird. You are surrounded by other cam workers and the posters on the walls have encouraging yet condescending messages. It hits you immediately where you are, you're in some type of heart demon's domain.

Your teeth grit, the tender flesh of your palms sweating, that can only mean that you're human. Or at least, in some human.

How did this human see with so much hair in their face.
>>
No. 1023215 ID: e51896

heart demon, like a succubus?

anyway, this is confusing. So I take it whatever human we are is named Syl? We need clues. blue oni clues. Check the notes on the wall of the cubicle, the picture on your desk. And I know you find looking through the computer boring, but maybe check emails or the desktop for useful documents for any leads??
>>
No. 1023216 ID: 96c896

Claim to be taking a five minute break. Then make your escape.
>>
No. 1023217 ID: 782e0e

I like to think Heart Demon is like some Sugar Sugar Rune stuff, capturing peoples hearts and all that.

Anyways, if you’re inside a human are you stuck inside of them? Or is it like taking off clothes, ya just slip out’ve em ya know?
>>
No. 1023218 ID: e7c7d3

Tie your hair back, silly
>>
No. 1023222 ID: ce39da

Okay, so, step back and assess the order of events, maybe get some additional facts.

EVENTS
> You went to sleep wherever it is you do that, for whatever reason demons sleep.
> This human began working for a heart demon, through whatever channels allow for that to happen.
> This human recently met with what seems to be a fairly standard client shortly before you awakened.
> At some point between then and now, she falls asleep at her workstation.
> At some point between then and now, her workstation goes offline for some reason.
> You wake up in her body.

QUESTIONS
> Is it possible to stuff a sleeping demon into a human (whether through intent or circumstance)?
> Is this like a physical pocket realm in hell or more like territory staked in the human realm?
> What kind of demon are you supposed to be?
> Is Syl this human’s real name? (Some desktop/physical desk hunting should reveal that fact.)
> What’s YOUR name?
> What’s the full extent of Syl’s situation? (Should be more immediately (or at least partially) solvable.)
>>
No. 1023397 ID: 41caaf
File 164479583443.png - (95.05KB , 800x700 , 04.png )
1023397

After realizing that you're possessing the body of someone named Syl, you try to look through the computer further, but it appears that it's locked on the website and cannot be closed. You next move to inspect the items on the desk. It's a strange array of clues that gives you bits of this human's life, or at least job. And you try to specifically look for some type of hairtie.

The first thing you notice is the warning write up slips that were posted onto the cubicle wall, one is a write up for tardiness and the other is a write up for poor performance. Both slips warn that receiving a third write up within a month would constitute immediate termination. This heart demon is rather generous with what they allow their underlings to get away with.

On top of one of the warning slips is a post-it note from someone called DaD.

You're doing gr8! Love u

An odd note to have at your work station? You aren't very familiar with human parental relationships.

Next is another post-it note with a series of numbers labeled "Dues"

Dues 1500C
CL 200C 100C
FD 250C?
Pay 500C 450C


You guess this was meant for Syl's expenses or budgeting. A very meager lifestyle for that much credits, but there isn't much to expect from no contract humans.

The calendar has three events labelled. For today it says "Eval Day" and tomorrow has an event called "Lunch with Davi." In 3 days, you're expecting that the "Dues" will be well, due.

The picture in the frame looks like a contractor idol telling from the heart on her cheek. Perhaps Syl knows her? That would be a valuable asset for you.

The last thing you find snooping around the desk is a key labelled 246. You pocket it right away in case it may prove useful later. There was nothing else to identify Syl further on the desk, so you assumed her personal things are likely somewhere else.

Sadly, there were no hairties, but you did get the idea to use the headphones as some type of hairband, moving it forward than brushing the hair bangs back. Although some of the hair still escapes, it's pleasing to have full vision.
>>
No. 1023398 ID: 41caaf
File 164479587057.png - (44.69KB , 800x700 , 05.png )
1023398

>Anyways, if you’re inside a human are you stuck inside of them? Or is it like taking off clothes, ya just slip out’ve em ya know?

You try to leave the body but you mostly succeed in tensing up and makng yourself dizzy. Thankfully, it doesn't hurt, but you've never personally been inside a human before. The thought always made you feel a little icky, being exposed to human emotion and meat.

As your pulse begins to rapidly beat you try to rationalize what could have happened to you. You went to sleep, Syl was working, and you woke up in their body at some point that they fell asleep. It's an odd series of events, although you don't even remember why you fell asleep.

> Is it possible to stuff a sleeping demon into a human (whether through intent or circumstance)?

Personally, you have never heard of anyone capable of doing so. Demons can't use their powers on each other, and you have never met a contractor strong enough to bind a demon to a human body. You don't think you were in a place of weakness either before you fell asleep.

> What kind of demon are you supposed to be?

You know this, well, you're supposed to know this. But you can't remember. The personal details of yourself are lost somewhere in your mind that draws more and more blanks.

Worst of all, you don't know your name. Your name is your core. Without it, you aren't even a demon. And your powers fail to come to you.

You feel the blood beating in your ears hard enough to drown out sound. You're bound to a human body and you have no power. At this rate anyone can kill you.
>>
No. 1023399 ID: 41caaf
File 164479588965.png - (46.03KB , 800x700 , 06.png )
1023399

You stand quickly to make your escape, the office chair clattering against the cubicle with a noise that has you wince. Thankfully, no one looks in your direction.

You get about 10 steps down the pathway before you hear the approach of footsteps and pause, a figure looming behind you.

When you turn to look, you see more clearly that the figure is wearing a nice pressed suit with a tag that just says "Manager" on it. Some gray scales go down her face and her eyes are a stark pink, hair gelled back to give a professional air. She squints at you with barely contained contempt and your fingers twitch at the disrespect. Is this how she is with everyone or is Syl particularly on her list? Telling from the way she's looking at you, there's an amazing level of arrogance in there. The anger starting to boil under your skin butts against the rationale that you can't kill her as you are, so you look back at her blankly.

She seems surprised at your behavior, her carefully filled in eyebrow rising slightly. Her voice draws the air like a firm line, "Worker 136, the boss has requested a talk with you over your latest performance review. Follow me."

Shit. Does she know?
>>
No. 1023401 ID: afe7de

Follow, examine your surroundings as you do, the "manager" seems surprised at your neutral attitude, this must mean that your instinctual anger was the normal response and they might treat you better then previous and you might be able to get a little bit of info.
>>
No. 1023405 ID: ce39da

> Lacking Memories
Oh, fuck, that's never a good sign. Can someone even do to a demon what's been done to you? Can someone do this to themselves? So you don't remember why you went to sleep, but you do remember that this is too soon for you to wake up? Did you go to sleep in something that would cause someone to get possessed?

> Barely Contained Rage
The flashes of anger either mean Syl had an antagonistic opinion of this lady, or you are a demon associated with wrath.

> What Do
No point in not playing along until you do recover your Name (or it becomes untenable).
>>
No. 1023573 ID: 41caaf
File 164499305248.png - (34.05KB , 800x700 , 07.png )
1023573

> Can someone even do to a demon what's been done to you? Can someone do this to themselves?

Possibly? A contractor for a Mind demon would have some capability, at least to erase your memories and do weird mind things. You do know that your base personality is intact as well as instinctual things since that's considered of the Heart, so knowing you woke up early feels right, while context like why and where feels gone.

You aren't sure if binding a demon to a human body counts as a power of the Body or of the Soul, but you weren't really one to get technical or study that kind of thing.

> associated with wrath
You do have a temper. Or rather, you have a thing for manners and being spoken to by anyone below you was always a one way ticket to set you off and kill someone. Although you couldn't kill a demon directly, killing their contractors were always enough to get them back in line. You're rather old fashioned and demons are hierarchal and individualistic, though you can't remember your exact rank, you were at least above a Jack.

Generally, all demons fall under 4 categories: Mind, Heart, Body, and Soul.

A demon's powers are determined by what they eat, something of either of those categories. Heart demons eat desires, emotions, things like that and then can manipulate those desires in other people. Mind demons eat memories, senses, etc. Body and Soul demons are pretty literal. Demons can feed on anyone but regular humans are only "filling," the real sustenance comes from humans a demon contracts with, and depending on the strength of that human, it can give the demon more power and raise their ranking. A rather beneficial situation.

While demons can't harm each other directly, any humans they form contracts with can use their abilities to harm other demons. And demons have free reign on anyone that isn't a demon. Generally, demons just have their contractors go at it to settle disputes.

And of course, some demons have more of an advantage or disadvantage against each other in terms of abilities. Heart powers beat Mind powers which beat Body powers yadda yadda. But an advantage does not guarantee victory. The only one exempt are Soul powers, they neither get an advantage or disadvantage, but Soul demons are pretty rare to find anyway.
>>
No. 1023574 ID: 41caaf
File 164499307694.png - (61.20KB , 800x700 , 08.png )
1023574

> Follow

You have no choice really, so you turn to follow the Manager, walking in step next to her rather than behind, which also gets you another odd look. You don't know if you're pushing it but she's at least not attacking you?

She looks forward as you continue to stare. You're unsure of what to ask and this is getting a little awkward, her eyes darting back and forth at you like she isn't sure what to do either. You need to gather information, but you can't raise too much suspicions about who you are, at least not to her and the Boss.

You clear your throat, your voice scratchy and soft, likely from previous activities. "So... How bad is it?"

How bad is it??? You might as well become one with the ground.

Her mouth forms a line as she turns to look at you, "Not good, you've had too much of a drop in clients, the Boss has been considerate of your situation, but some of the newer highers have already passed your ranking."

You wince and look around to avoid eye contact, noting how the room seems so wide and endless, full of cubicles and people talking in faux high or sexy tones. It's a rather eerie atmosphere, knowing how desperate these humans must be to work until they are acknowledged, and how this will likely never happen. Extraordinary, or rather, delicious ones, get picked up quickly.

When you look back you see that her posture is back to its professional tone. You cross your arms, "How much of my situation has been considered?"

She gives you an uncomfortable look that's very satisfying, "As your household's only income earner, she may be more lenient about your punishment, but I wouldn't hold my breath. You're likely on the road for termination rather than a warning."

Great, great, your first(?) job and you're already being fired.
>>
No. 1023575 ID: 41caaf
File 164499311775.png - (118.93KB , 800x700 , 09.png )
1023575

Eventually, you enter a hallway with an ornate door at the end, windows to the outside world finally in your vision as it lines the wall. You see a beautiful city that is unfamiliar to you. Dots roam the streets and the sun is partially set in the sky as it draws to afternoon.

It's been decades since the Merge, the human world once closed off from intervention now fully merged with the demon realm. Demons were quick to establish themselves with humans as subservient, as the Gods intended, but not without some needed chaos and bloodshed.

Now though, there is an odd peace in the atmosphere. Maybe this is why you slept.

GOALS:
> Recover Name
> Recover Memories (Which can lead to recovering name? Or the other way around)
> Survive as Syl

You have enough time to ask the Manager one last question before meeting the boss.
>>
No. 1023577 ID: afe7de

Either:
> If this goes badly when'll I see my last paycheck?

or

> Knowing my skillset you think there's anything nearby so you don't starve?

Yes it's showing a sign of weakness, but it's also a form of information gathering.
>>
No. 1023604 ID: ce39da

> Deductions
Something we can say for certain is that a Mind Demon is involved. There's no other explanation for your memory loss, barring some Demon-made artifact or something, but context tells me that ain't a thing. It could be you, but I think it was most likely someone else - I don't see a Mind Demon inflicting a full wipe on themselves, after all; they'd know how to be more selective with their amnesia gambits.

> Question
I think asking about severance details is fine, especially if it reveals where we live.
>>
No. 1024316 ID: 41caaf
File 164559675648.png - (57.31KB , 800x700 , 10.png )
1024316

Hmm.. You're priority is to either keep your job or find an alternative workplace. Well, that doesn't sound too hard. Really, how hard can it be? Everyone has jobs nowadays right?

> Skillset
You feel like you could ask the Heart demon about the finer details of the "paycheck" so you opt to gather information.

"Knowing my skillset, do you have any suggestions for where else I could work?"

She tilts her head and gestures with this ominously satisfied air. You already get the tingling feeling that you wont like what's going to come out of her mouth.

"For you? Someone with no degree, no certifications, no appeal outside of being a shy stuttering fool?"

She looks down at you as you're starting to shake. The threat in her clawed finger is obvious to you. If this hallway wasn't empty, you could already imagine the way people would duck their heads or avert their eyes.

"You would be better off begging to be someone's meal."

It's all red. Body shaking with barely repressed anger. You've killed people like her for less and to speak in that tone? Insolent. Little. Bastard. Your fingers dig into your palms, fists tight enough to draw blood.

Did your nails grow just now?

With a quickness, the air around her dissipates, returning back to a professional posture. "Although, you seem different. Are you holding back tears? Have you been fed on recently?"

You don't get a chance to respond as the door just appears in front of you and she moves quickly to open it. In a blink, the Manager is gone. Most likely left to go fulfill some other order. Good riddance.
>>
No. 1024317 ID: 41caaf
File 164559677843.png - (52.18KB , 800x700 , 11.png )
1024317

As you look through the door to the Heart demon, your own heart starts to quicken. A festering beat beat beat that claws at your ears. Are these Syl's feelings? This fear? How strange. How new.

The sound of gentle lofi-chill-beats-to-capitalize-and-fuck-to plays in the background of the office.

"Are you going to just stand there or are you going to come and greet me, Syven?"

You note the drop of the human's real name. Already with a powerplay huh?

Names have a power to them and titles establish a type of dominance. It's why the Manager goes by Manager and how there isn't a name placard at all on the Heart demon's desk. Just the simple title of Boss. Between demons, you only exchange nicknames.

You twitch, but you still nod your head in a type of begrudging bow and enter the room. "Apologies... Boss."

You had to spit the words out but at least you did it.
>>
No. 1024318 ID: 41caaf
File 164559680223.png - (70.80KB , 800x700 , 12.png )
1024318

"Oh you looked me in the eye this time, I like that." They giggle and lean more on their hand. "I just had to apply a little more pressure it seems."

You stand a bit straighter. So... This is good? Don't tell me you were put in Syl to give them some agency...

The Heart demon though seems very interested in you, from the way their hungry eyes trace your form. You aren't the shy type, so you don't falter, thankfully.

They clear their throat. "Do you know why I called you here?"

"I'm... getting fired?"

"You don't seem bothered by that."

"Should I?" What, do they want you to beg? You would rather defenestrate yourself. You don't know if you'd survive but maybe that would be a good way to test this body.

To your surprise, they laugh. Hard.

You awkwardly tack on, "Um... So how am I getting my last paycheck? Will it be mailed to me or would I be getting it after this...?"

They point at you, still laughing. "Who are you?"

Fuck.

Options:
A. Be honest (Pick a set of 3 letters. 2 will be your initials)
B. Lie
C. ___
>>
No. 1024319 ID: 96c896

Do not give up your name. Give a nickname.

Initials: PSI
>>
No. 1024339 ID: ce39da

A, continuing to lie about it may only piss her off, considering we got some basic facts and opinions wrong, it seems. I choose AOI as our initials.
>>
No. 1024340 ID: e51896

Going with the card theme, initials are:
POT
>>
No. 1024344 ID: 0838d6

A

Your initials are HMB for HEART, MIND, and BODY.

Because you hope your real name has something to do with SOUL/DIAMONDS because shit's cool
>>
No. 1024445 ID: 59f57a

Initials? Sure!

#FML
>>
No. 1024487 ID: 34dfce

>>1024318
Voting A. but i cant think of any good initials.
>>
No. 1024506 ID: cdbf4f

seconding FML. they might think it’s funny!
>>
No. 1025142 ID: 41caaf
File 164620269427.png - (48.01KB , 800x700 , 13.png )
1025142

> FML

Your mouth scrunches in a line at the suggestion, but you are dealing with likely the most difficult situation you've ever been in. So. You guess you should try to score some charismatic points.

"Well, I have no memory of my past and I'm stuck in this body I don't recognize. I'm pretty sure some Mind demon is involved rather than me doing it to myself. But I wouldn't know. And you're going to fire me. So, you can call me FML, I guess."

You realize that being called FML would be absolutely mortifying so you quickly tack on, "No, actually, just call me P.I."

You try to avoid eye contact out of sheer embarrassment as the Heart demon starts to laugh hard enough that you can almost feel the room shake. Maybe it is. You hope that all the stuff on their desk tips over.

"Are you pulling my tail? What are you?" the multiple stabs at your ego is punctuated by more laughs, "Were you born yesterday??"

You scratch at your head, face flushed hard enough that you feel like a human schoolgirl, speaking through gritted teeth, "I'm having a bad day." Your teeth grit harder, "I need help trying to figure things out."

"So? Use your powers. Unless you want me to help you eat? You made me laugh, so I'm feelin' charitable."

There's a long pause.

"I don't know what I eat." What kind of demon I am.

They nod and move to get up from their desk, prompting you to take a step back.
>>
No. 1025143 ID: 41caaf
File 164620271301.png - (61.74KB , 800x700 , 14.png )
1025143

You instantly feel the demonic miasma start to come out of them. A thick sweet scent that reminds you of cherries as their powers activate, punctuated by the feeling of soft smoke being lightly dragged across your skin. Goosebumps start to form on your arms and you instinctively move yourself into a defensive position. Is that sweat?

"What. Are you doing." You keep your voice as firm as you can as they stare down at you, walking close until you're completely drenched in their sickening powers.

"Huh, I can't get a read from you. That's good right?" Their voice is mocking. "You don't know, but there's a lot of fight in you, anyone can see that."

You don't answer. They're prodding at you like any demon that's found vulnerable, searching for even more weakness to tear you apart.

"You remind me of those big houses, real nasty attitudes those nobles have, PI. I'm envious you can't remember them."
>>
No. 1025144 ID: 41caaf
File 164620273240.png - (34.20KB , 800x700 , 15.png )
1025144

They grin big enough that it almost splits their face, scales shining, "Always staying up in their little castles or taking over all the good resources. Harkin' about the old ways and beatin down every demon that looks at em wrong. I've always wanted to teach one of those guys' a lesson. And y'know what I just remembered? A lot of them go by initials."

You stand firm, even as you look up at them, a coiling feeling worming it's way up your gut and into your hands.

"Look at that. Have I angered you? It looks like you got some power now. But we both can't fight each other, can we?"

You think about the Heart demon's contractors wandering around just outside, barking orders, and what they'd taste like. Cherries and flesh drenching your teeth. You don't even know if it'll sate your hunger, but the manic glee you would get from taking them down would be delicious.

But you swallow it all down. You don't have much to show for yourself right now. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And if you have to bow a bit to an underdemon you'll just have to... Deal with it.

"I need help. I'm not here to fight."
>>
No. 1025145 ID: 41caaf
File 164620277183.png - (45.17KB , 800x700 , 16.png )
1025145

Their powers and the tense air instantly dissipate, leaving you with an almost sticky feeling. You've gotta shower some time soon.

They laugh and put a hand on your shoulder, "You're a funny guy, real unfortunate that you're dealing with this, but I have no idea how to help you. I'm only a 5th rank and I have a few contractors but they're all here to help my business."

Well... A 5th rank is pretty decent? Nothing too sneer at but very painfully average.

"Can you at least direct me to some kind of memory manipulator? A detective? Not fire me?"

They shrug, "Ah no. I can't not fire you, sorry. Company policy you know, 3 strikes and you'e out haha."

They pat your shoulder and you lean to the side so their hand slides off but they hold firm, much to your irritation. "I was actually planning to sell Syven out to a few other demons BUT you're here now, so that would be awkward. I'll have to make some calls after this."

......

"Haha don't worry though, I'll give you all the info I have on Syven that's on file, and I'll put a little extra on your last paycheck. I'm real generous like that." They finally let go of your shoulder, "I'm only in a Heart house so I don't know any good Brainiacs, not many that want to be around someone like me anyway."

You're genuinely befuddled for a moment. Unsure how to respond to well.. All of that.

"Oh, but I am having a meet up with a few members from my house later, would you wanna join?"

Should you?

> A. If you go, you could learn some new information and meet people that could potentially help you with your situation, but you'll be exposing yourself to others that will likely know about your situation and might take advantage of it.
> B. If you don't go, you can explore around the city to look for help and learn more about Syven and the world in general, but anything could happen while being perceived as human.
> C. _____
>>
No. 1025146 ID: 96c896

Coiling feeling... like a snake? Or ropes? What kinds of demons are there, anyway?
I wonder if Syven summoned you on purpose to prevent them from being sold...

Anyway, B.
>>
No. 1025153 ID: 3328c7

Awww, give the fella a big thank you hug!

You could actually try to go to the meeting posing as a servant. It would allow you to glean information without garnering attention.

Apropos, how could you tell the other demon was female but not this one?
>>
No. 1025156 ID: ce39da

> WHAT DO
C: Clean out Syven's desk and check her logs more thoroughly. Whatever arrangement ended with her being chosen to house you, it likely happened on the chat client. Considering that your possession improved her situation, you can't deny the possibility of Syven herself being an accomplice, if only a spur-of-the-moment one with an independent motive.

This will be followed by B. Someone wanted you gone, or vulnerable to true destruction if you do pop back up; several someones, if it's true that no single demon could wipe your mind and stuff you into a mortal without your consent - sounds like Mind and Soul Demons working together as accomplices on this. Maybe the help of a willing and desperate mortal - any would do. So, yeah, maybe it's a bit dangerous to be making a big splash this early in the investigation.
>>
No. 1025158 ID: f581d4

>>1025156

ooh, agreed, let's snoop around those chat logs!
>>
No. 1025717 ID: 41caaf
File 164680797206.png - (50.01KB , 800x700 , 17.png )
1025717

> Coiling Feeling

It's gone now so it's hard to pin down the exact feeling, but it felt all encompassing, like a snake that was moving to your will to consume.

> What kinds of demons are there, anyway?

Well... any kind? The Gods created demons to be rather versatile, within the 4 domains there are endless possibilities from rock demons, memory demons, shadow demons, puppet demons, etc. Demons were originally created by the four Gods to regulate the worst of the worst humans in the afterlife, but our designs and abilities are rather diverse. Some demons have no legs or undefinable bodies or 4 arms or more animalistic characteristics. You have heard that some of the more favored demons were called the Gods "OCs" meaning that they had an outstanding character. Or something.

But as the years have gone by after the Merge, demons have been able to propogate from other sources since we are no longer bound to our original intention. Namely, from contractors. Contractors over time will take on the characteristics of their patron demon, but they are sitll considered human until they consume enough contractors. If they want to become a demon at least.

To do this, humans get powers from their demon in the form of 2 abilities. These abilities are based off of the demon's domain and the human's inherent domain. And wont be known until the human is contracted. It's the most ideal contracting a human of your domain to raise your ranking. The only hint a demon has for a human's capability is a type of 6th sense, where you'll automatically know their biggest desire, their age, gender, and other surface things. It's how you knew the Manager's gender as opposed to the Boss's, since demons were originally created genderless. But you wont know their name.

If multiple demons were conspiring to get you out of the picture, they likely used their contractors to do it. Although it's rather tricky, since a single demon can employ several contractors that potentially have a versatile enough set of abilities to accomplish what has been done to you. At the very least, there has to be 4 demons responsible. They likely share a House (minimum of 4 demons allied together) of the same ranking (e.g. 4 Jacks).

You honestly wouldn't be surprised if a House conspired to kick you out. You feel like you've made a lot of enemies.
>>
No. 1025718 ID: 41caaf
File 164680798417.png - (48.46KB , 800x700 , 18.png )
1025718

The Boss thankfully moves quickly enough to write a check and retrieve Syven's file for you. You now have information about Syven's:

> Address
> Full name
> History of employment
> Top 3 clients (Ephi, GigNut, J0hnny2)
> Summarized Biogrophy
> Family
> Criminal/Drug History

You put the file away for now since you don't exactly want to be reading this in front of them. You have also acquired 750 credits. That leaves you with another 750 credits to pay off for the rest Syven's Dues.

> C: Clean out Syven's desk and check her logs more thoroughly.

You tell the Boss that you plan to go back to the cubicle to retrieve your things. They generously hand you a box to put your things in, telling you not to take longer than half an hour since someone is going to come by and scrub your cubicle for the next hire. Great. They also inform you of an employee locker room where you'll find some of Syven's things in.

You place the file in the box and head out.
>>
No. 1025719 ID: 41caaf
File 164680800006.png - (76.42KB , 800x700 , 19.png )
1025719

The walk to the cubicle is quiet. There are no managers in sight, much to your relief. Though most of the other employees seem to avoid your eye out of some odd social shame.

Not that you mind...

Once there, you set the box down on the desk and get to work going through the chatlogs. You aren't very tech savvy, so it takes you a while to get the hang of finding older logs and opening them to skim.

You find that the logs only go back to about a week, yet it's still a lot to sort through with an average of 6-8 different clients a day. You go through the logs starting from today to the end of the week. It's mostly filled with softcore sexting and promotions of other "sexy tiers." And a few assholes that got blocked pretty quickly after sending terrible pick up lines. Nothing outright suspicious.

By the end, there are 3 logs left, but you only have time to read 2. Which 2 chatlogs do you choose to read from:

> A new client named Broker99
> A returning client named J0hnny2
> A coworker named June
>>
No. 1025723 ID: e51896

Returning client, and our coworker
>>
No. 1025736 ID: ce39da

New client, and if haven't encountered any other logs of the like yet, the coworker. (If the fact that she opened a chat log with a coworker isn't unusual, open the returning client's chat instead.)
>>
No. 1025758 ID: 34dfce

>>1025736
seconding
>>
No. 1025766 ID: afe7de

>>1025723
This, the coworker lets us know a bit of the interpersonal you had before this, the returning client may let us know of someone we can squeeze for a favor later in better detail then a document would.
>>
No. 1025863 ID: fcd3dd

coworker and the new client. the username “broker” is kind of interesting and makes me think of contracts/deals, so it could be a lead? especially if it’s a new notification as in it’s popped up today, when we’ve conveniently just ended up here to see it
>>
No. 1026461 ID: 41caaf
File 164749489894.png - (52.69KB , 800x700 , 20.png )
1026461

You start with the longer chatlog. A conversation from a newer client might give you a better lead than a returning one.

7 days ago
Broker99: is this syl? lookin to make bank?
Syl: hehe depends on whos asking, ill only do things that i have outlined in the terms page tho ^_^
Broker99: how about for 5k?
Syl: waaat
Syl: dont tease me omg
Broker99: here i paid for audio. respond thru there and i'll happily send u more
Syl: what do you want?
Broker99: audio
Broker99: i know meeting up w a client is against the rules but setting you up w someone else doesnt count right?
Broker99: my employer wants to meet u
Broker99: cant tell u who
Broker99: itll be in public
Broker99: its up to u
Broker99: ull have to go alone
Broker99: no demons involved i swear
Broker99: i cant guarantee that
Broker99: itll be in jackerie park. its in the area
Broker99: yeah around 4 pm
Broker99: shouldnt take longer than 2 hours
Broker99: bring whatever u want just no extra ppl
Broker99: alright thats fine
Syl: sorry haha it would probably be against some kind of rule if i did that
Syl: thx tho! do you want anything else ; )
Broker99: pose w ur face uncovered
Broker99: payment sent
Syl: hehe okay
Broker99: thats all i need thanks
Syl: thx! hope to see u


Well, that was something. It's a bit hard to interpret with mostly one side of the conversation but you get the basic gist: get paid to meet up with a shady person. You kind of get a feeling that it isn't fully what it seems, but you can't quite place where.

You also mentally note down the name of the park and the day. This Broker person could prove to be important later.

You next decide to read the log with the coworker. It's the only log that you've found that isn't with a client.

5 days ago
June: Hey! I've been meaning to talk but we haven't had breaks at the same times.
June: I just wanted to ask if you were doing okay?
June: And I know we aren't that close but I've always wanted to talk w u more.
Syl: oh hey! yeah, im doing alright
Syl: i just had something weird to eat last night sorry
June: It's totally okay. I get indigestion sometimes too.
June: Would you want some tums or something?
Syl: no haha sorry im good
Syl: thanks for asking though
Syl: do i look off?
June: No no, you just seem tired?
June: I know the, y'know, can be pretty hard on you sometimes.
Syl: im not tired
Syl: and yeah they havent said anything lately but i know i was almost late today
Syl: its all good though
June: That's good.
Syl: yeah
June: Would you want to grab lunch at the sandwich place across the street?
Syl: um idk, i might be busy
Syl: actually id love to
June: Cool, I'll see you later.


Hmmm... The logs are two days apart but something definitely occured inbetween them if Syven's coworker noticed something. That, or reading Syven's talking style outside of clientelle is a little too jarring for you.
>>
No. 1026462 ID: 41caaf
File 164749492148.png - (44.71KB , 800x700 , 21.png )
1026462

You lean back on your heels a bit and try to reassess what you've learned. You haven't been approached by any of your coworkers, perhaps June isn't in today? Or they've decided to take part in the social ostracization now that you've been fired.

From the evidence presented, your biggest lead is likely this Broker99. You can imagine Syven getting approached by some shady House and getting roped into working for them as a little guinea pig. With how desperate Syven seemed to be for money, it wouldn't be hard to convince her. Now you just have to locate these someones, somehow.

That'll be the real tricky part. Navigating this with little money and no connections.

In the peripherals of your vision, you see a couple people approaching with cleaning supplies and you take that as your cue to quickly grab everything on the desk and chuck it into the box. As you move to head out one of them gestures to your head. You just kind of stare at them before realizing what they meant, Apparently, the headphones are company property, so you reluctantly hand it over.
>>
No. 1026463 ID: 41caaf
File 164749494795.png - (74.19KB , 800x700 , 22.png )
1026463

When you enter the staff locker room to acquire your things it's forebodingly empty. Maybe since it's still working hours? It's a large area with rows of lockers that cut the room into smaller hallway. It takes you a solid minute to find the locker that matches the key number, much to your impatience.

Thankfully, the key you found slots easily into the locker and you see all the things that you expected to find earlier. Underwear. And a bag. And other things.

You put on a jacket first, noting how it smells heavily of laundry detergent. Maybe to cover up the... well... sweat smell.

Anyway, you've now acquired some new objects to your inventory. You put all the things in the box into the bag and keep the rest on your person.

Your inventory includes:
> A set of (5) keys
> A phone with a broken front camera (that you don't know how to unlock)
> A wallet with a few credit cards and no cash
> Some loose hard candies
> The sticky notes that were on Syven's desk
> The file, which you'll be keeping on hand to read

You also have two more locations in mind that may have importance. The total possible locations you can explore include:

> Syven's Home
> Jackerie Park
> Sandwich Shop

You leave through an exit in the locker room and find yourself outside in an alley. It's around afternoon.

What will you do now?
>>
No. 1026465 ID: afe7de

Home first to investigate what you have on you, see if you have any other dues, see if anyone there knows you at a glance when you walk in, and then to check for a damned password book if you keep one. Likely not, but maybe you'll find something to help you unlock your phone, or a wifi-password that can act as a hint. Something significant, or something incredibly dumb from your body's childhood?
>>
No. 1026466 ID: 96c896

>>1026463
If you go to the park, the most likely scenario is those responsible for your situation will spot you. They did this for a reason, and if they don't want you to know what that reason is they'll avoid you once spotted. It's also possible you'll get ambushed, if their intent was to put you in a body where you'd be vulnerable to death. Lastly, if you've been put in this body as imprisonment or extortion or something like that you'll be approached and you won't like the deal they offer. I don't like any of these possibilities.

Go home. See what you can do there, maybe you can get a hint on how to unlock your phone.
>>
No. 1026487 ID: fcd3dd

definitely home first for more clues. just because the park is a lead doesn't mean we need to stroll right into the thick of it when we still don't really have our bearings.
>>
No. 1026491 ID: ce39da

Head home, both to make your list of assets more complete and also to simply touch base and sus out a plan of action. For instance, is the real Syven just gone, or is she still aware in there? Are there methods of communicating with one's own possessee? Failing that, can you at least try to access her memories if you try really hard?
>>
No. 1027149 ID: 41caaf
File 164810319272.png - (78.57KB , 800x700 , 23.png )
1027149

> Head Home

Well, looks like your best course of action is to head home and try to get your bearings. Going to the park right now has too many unknown variables and at your current status, the only advantage you'd have is that other demons can't affect you with their powers. Maybe if you find a way to contract with another demon you could access this body's inherent abilities? If that's even possible.. but you are a pretty big loophole right now.

Best bet might be to remember your name and bust out of this... Or at least try to access Syven somehow if you haven't ejected her or eaten her.

You open up the file to find Syven's address. Fortunately, there's a general map of the city so you have an easier time figuring out where to go. If you had to navigate the city just based on the address you would likely be lost for hours.

Telling from the map, it looks like Syven lives pretty deep in the city. There wont be much to worry about as long as you're walking around during the day. And it'll likely get more dangerous the darker out it is.

To keep yourself conspicious, you mainly focus on walking forward and looking at things from the corner of your eyes as you skim the file contents. Your main focus is on the last 3 pages to discern the best information.

> Summarized Biography

Syven, 23 years old, born in 5th District Concardio. Graduated high school at 18 with decent grades and went to Heir District University as an Architecture major. Dropped out of University at 21 years old after a family emergency that disabled her parent. Stayed home and lived with parent as a NEET for 1 year by taking out loans. Worked on and off in customer service and retail jobs then pleasure work at 23 years old.

Well... From what you understand, this kind of life is pretty standard from the humans you've met before? One tragedy among many, that raises their desperation on and on until the desire reaches full fruition.
>>
No. 1027150 ID: 41caaf
File 164810320838.png - (83.24KB , 800x700 , 24.png )
1027150

> Family

It lists a father as Syven's living immediate relative, but there isn't any information about any other "parents" or "siblings." He's around 57 years old and was previously a construction worker. Ah, is this the one that got into the emergency?

Right... What should you call him? This "DaD" title? You're not really familiar with human family dynamics. All you do know is that some give birth and some don't and humans start out as tiny little inedible creatures.

> Criminal/Drug History

Hah. Like people these days don't commit crimes or do drugs. Though at first glance, Syven's miniscule section is impressive compared to what you'd expect for a standard human. Just petty thieving and occassional abuse of recreational drugs. How pure.

You lose track of time a bit on the way to Syven's home but once you're there you eye the building curiously. How decrepit...You'd almost expect it to topple over with a good enough push.

It takes you a couple of frustrated tries with the keys to figure out the correct one, the creaky door opening loud enough to announce your presence. Yet, there isn't anyone around that you sense. At least outside of their homes.
>>
No. 1027151 ID: 41caaf
File 164810322797.png - (39.80KB , 800x700 , 25.png )
1027151

After a quiet walk up the set of stairs you find yourself in front of Syven's apartment, 315. You can already sense another person behind the door, likely the parent. Shit... What are you going to say? Is this guy gonna figure you out right away too?

Though it shouldn't be a big problem if he's an ally... Maybe you'll be able to make good use of him for information and get the phone passcode.

Okay, okay, greet human parent... Ask for passcode.. Gather things..

Wait...
>>
No. 1027152 ID: 41caaf
File 164810323609.png - (38.63KB , 800x700 , 26.png )
1027152

A little peeper...?
>>
No. 1027161 ID: 8483cf

Do we know the 311 peeper somehow?
>>
No. 1027165 ID: 96c896

>>1027152
Go say hi to peep.
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