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978105 No. 978105 ID: 15a025

Previous Threads & Wiki:
https://questden.org/wiki/The_Herd

Discussion Thread: https://questden.org/kusaba/questdis/res/115339.html
Expand all images
>>
No. 978106 ID: 15a025
File 160212653103.png - (4.86KB , 800x600 , 1.png )
978106

We head upstairs to Sharcole's apartment and Marsh pounds on the door.
Candy: "Quiet! You trying to wake everyone up?"

Marsh: "Who'd be sleeping at- oh right."
She goes to knock again but the door opens before she can.

Kyle: "And you jerks blame me for why she can't sleep. The hell you two wa- eugh! What, you two go dumpster diving or something?!"

Candy: "Not far off the mark I guess. Can I use your shower?"

Kyle: "Yeah, for five bucks. Each."

Candy: "What?"

Kyle: "Call it an annoyance fee for antagonizing me all the time. Plus, there is no way you're washing that smell out in just a few minutes and I got bills to pay. Water ain't cheap."
>>
No. 978107 ID: b1b4f3

Cut that in half and it's almost sensible.
>>
No. 978108 ID: e7c7d3

Five bucks each sounds reasonable. Oh, but Candy and Marsh aren't paying. Kyle is. Call it the "not getting hugged by two people who need a shower fee"
>>
No. 978115 ID: 894419

Oh god this asshole, yeah sure whatever dude. Here's your five bucks now step aside we have things to discuss.
>>
No. 978258 ID: 15a025
File 160237203724.png - (4.86KB , 800x600 , 2.png )
978258

>Cut that in half and it's almost sensible.
I don't care how much it costs, I hate having to give this jerk cash. If it wasn't so cold out and I had my sweater, I'd just shave off my wool.
>Oh god this asshole, yeah sure whatever dude. Here's your five bucks now step aside we have things to discuss.
Candy: "Guess we don't have a choice here. You're paying too though Kyle-
>Call it the "not getting hugged by two people who need a shower fee"
Candy: "Paying the: 'Not getting hugged by people that need a shower fee'."
Kyle: "I I wanted hugs, I'd just get them from my girlfriend."
Marsh hands the jerk ten bucks and lets me go in first.
>>
No. 978259 ID: 15a025
File 160237207229.png - (5.61KB , 800x600 , 3.png )
978259

[One shower later...]
Ugh! Yeah, when we get home this wool's getting sheared. It's just too thick to wash all this-

I hear glass break in the other room!
Marsh: "What did you put in my drink!"

Kyle: "I didn't put shit in your drink!"

I- ah...

Candy: "Baah!"

What do I do, what do I!
>>
No. 978260 ID: b1b4f3

Grab towel, find out what's going on.
>>
No. 978320 ID: 15a025
File 160245717813.png - (6.38KB , 800x800 , 4.png )
978320

>Grab towel, find out what's going on.
Already got one wrapped around me. Guess it blends in with my wool a bit? I rush out the bathroom to see what's happening. Marsh is practically howling at this point.

Marsh: "You think I'm stupid or something! I've been trained for drug testing and scenting! I know you put something in that!"

Kyle: "Then why'd you drink it!"

Marsh: "Because all I can smell is sewer waste!"

Candy: "Hey slow down here! What's going on?"

Marsh: "He spiked my drink!"

Kyle: "You know, if you're such an expert here, then tell us all what was in it!"

Marsh: "I dunno, some kinda powder?"

I don't think Marsh would be lying about this. Powder in a drink is pretty incriminating, but she had to go and destroy the evidence! I'm not sure if anything could be found in the broken glass and stained floor now. Okay, one thing at a time. I gotta diffuse this before Marsh beats the life out of Kyle and commits assault herself.
>>
No. 978322 ID: b1b4f3

...you may not be able to tell from the spilled drink, but if you soaked some up with a paper towel and put it in a sealed plastic bag you could bring it somewhere for testing. Or, you could do that now, and then have Marsh go take her shower then come back and sniff it to find out what was in it.

So yeah, soak some up then seal it in a bag and then tell Kyle you're gonna find out what it was one way or another. If he comes clean now it'll turn out better for him.
>>
No. 978323 ID: d82849

Ask if Marsh saw where he got it from. Get her focused on telling you what she saw instead of beating the crap out of Kyle.
>>
No. 978328 ID: b1b4f3

...what kind of drink was it? Can't discount the possibility that the powder was part of the drink.

Personally I'm betting it was some dumb revenge prank like laxatives.
>>
No. 978339 ID: 894419

>>978323
This, but if marsh starts swaying, acting odd, or is otherwise immediately negatively effected you got to tag team beat the shit out of Kyle before Marsh is down for the count.
>>
No. 978573 ID: 15a025
File 160272275699.png - (5.49KB , 800x600 , 5.png )
978573

>...you may not be able to tell from the spilled drink, but if you soaked some up with a paper towel and put it in a sealed plastic bag you could bring it somewhere for testing.

Candy: "Okay first things first. I need a paper towel and plastic bag."

Kyle: "For what"

Candy: "Soaking up some evidence to have tested."

Kyle: "Oh for the love of- I didn't. Drug. Her drink!"

Candy: "Well science will clear your name then if you didn't."

I go grab some paper towel from a cupboard and start soaking up the smashed drink.
>Ask if Marsh saw where he got it from. Get her focused on telling you what she saw instead of beating the crap out of Kyle.
Candy: "Marsh, did you see Kyle get your drink?"

Marsh: "Sort of? I just asked for water and he went over and filled it up. I heard some banging but he had an ice tray with him. I just kinda assumed he was trying to get the ice out."

Kyle: "Because I was!"

>So yeah, soak some up then seal it in a bag and then tell Kyle you're gonna find out what it was one way or another. If he comes clean now it'll turn out better for him.
Candy: "Give me a plastic bag, we're taking this to get analyzed. Unless you want to come clean now-"

Marsh: "And take your beating here instead of in prison!"

Candy: "Marsh you can't beat him up, that's assault!"

Marsh: "And what he did isn't?"

Candy: "Okay, think of it like this Kyle. Come clean and we won't press charges. If you don't and this comes back positive-"
>>
No. 978574 ID: 15a025
File 160272278885.png - (4.90KB , 800x600 , 6.png )
978574

Marsh runs up and grabs Kyle by the scruff of his wool and starts snarling at him!

Marsh: "You tell me right now what the hell was in that drink, or so help me I will chomp down on your scrawny neck and you can take that secret to the grave."

Kyle: "Alright! Fine! I crushed up some laxatives and mixed them in with your drink. Call it some petty revenge for taking Sharcole away from me!"
>>
No. 978575 ID: 15a025
File 160272282761.png - (5.43KB , 800x600 , 7.png )
978575

She slams him down into the couch.

Marsh: "You ever mess around with me like that again, and you're dead!"
>>
No. 978576 ID: e7c7d3

Marsh, go shower before things get uglier
>>
No. 978577 ID: 894419

The only thing that took Sharcole away from you is you being a pathetic creepy fuck Kyle.

Marsh, I think we've earned a refund on our 10 bucks, how about we grab that, then head back home.
>>
No. 978578 ID: b1b4f3

>>978575
Yep, called it.
Tell Marsh to calm the fuck down, it wasn't something serious. Death threats are going way too far. She should go shower so you can leave.

Also by my understanding, Kyle hasn't actually done anything creepy? He's just been antagonistic towards you and Marsh, and from his perspective pulling a prank like this isn't too far out of line since you DID separate him from his girlfriend.

Once Marsh is in the shower, maybe you can try asking him, again, if he knows what's keeping Sharcole awake at night. They've both been cagey about it, but you are admittedly being overprotective of Sharcole.
>>
No. 978596 ID: 15a025
File 160273471140.png - (5.38KB , 800x600 , 8.png )
978596

>Marsh, go shower before things get uglier
Candy: "Marsh, why don't you go take your shower now?"

She still sounds pretty upset as she replies,
Marsh: "Yeah, fine!"

She storms off into the bathroom. I hear Kyle mumble to himself, but I can't understand what he says.
>I think we've earned a refund on our 10 bucks, how about we grab that, then head back home.
Candy: "I think after pulling that stunt we should get our ten bucks back."

Kyle: "Bite me! I'm down a drinking glass now after that. Now it's going to replace it."

Candy: "Well, that's kind of on you, not us. What made you think you could even get away with that?"

Kyle: "Thought I mixed it good enough."

Sharcole comes out of her room and walks over to the couch. She looks like she's half a asleep.

Candy: "Watch out, there's broken glass!"

Sharcole: "Guess that's one sound explain. I heard a lot of yelling out here. Everything okay?"

Kyle: "Someone got pissed off over a little joke, that's all."

Candy: "I wouldn't call putting laxatives in Marsh's drink a joke."

Sharcole: "Why would you do that her Kyle?"

Kyle: "Because she pissed me off by taking you away the other week."

Sharcole: "So my friends making sure I get sleep and my medicine helps makes you upset?"

Kyle: "You know that's not what I mean!"

Sharcole: "Well, that's how it comes off to me. You never care if I get any sleep or not!"

>try asking him, again, if he knows what's keeping Sharcole awake at night.
Candy: "There's another question I'd like to ask. You two keep dodging it or being vague when I ask. What's keeping Sharcole up all night."

Kyle: "I dunno, I'm gone doing night gigs."

Sharcole: "Oh yes you know! You keep me up all night blasting your music in here when you practice!"

Kyle: "Oh sure, blame me for trying to make sure I can pay the bills! I ain't that loud and I'm usually gone by nine."

Sharcole: "You- ah... never mind. I'm going back to bed. You can sleep on the couch tonight Kyle."

Kyle: "Aw what the hell!"
>>
No. 978598 ID: b1b4f3

>>978596
Ah, another mystery solved.
Well, somebody's gotta clean up the glass and Kyle doesn't seem to be in a hurry to do it, may as well do it yourself.
>>
No. 978624 ID: 36784c

>>978596
Might as well clean up the glass. You’ve still got that check that Freeze gave you, right? Gotta make sure you hold onto it so that someone else doesn’t take it and cash it in!

Other than paying back Marsh, what should we spend it on? I’m thinking that we should find out how much it would cost to get some running water back at the mansion. I doubt we’d be able to afford the price, but it would be nice to know what it would cost so that we can save for it. That way we don’t have to keep coming back here and having to deal with Kyle all the time.
>>
No. 978650 ID: 15a025
File 160281723107.png - (5.06KB , 800x600 , 9.png )
978650

>You’ve still got that check that Freeze gave you, right?
Yup! Safe in my wool. Don't worry, I remembered to take it out before I showered. That would've sucked if I didn't.

>Other than paying back Marsh, what should we spend it on? I’m thinking that we should find out how much it would cost to get some running water back at the mansion.
It's not that there isn't running water, it just the plumbing for the bathroom is an absolute nightmarish state. That and Sugar mentioned the shower itself needed to be torn out and replaced? It might be out of my budget here, but it should be a good 'down payment' on getting something to happen with it.

>Well, somebody's gotta clean up the glass and Kyle doesn't seem to be in a hurry to do it, may as well do it yourself.
>Might as well clean up the glass.
Candy: "Well since you don't seem to care about the broken glass on the floor, gurdd I'll clean up after Marsh then."

Kyle: "Why should I have to clean it up anyway? She broke it."

Ugh. I grab the paper towel up again and start carefully picking up glass with it. Pain in the butt trying to find it all in this shaggy carpet. Sucks you can't vacuum this crud up. Kyle at least got off his lazy rear end and brought the trash can to me.

By the time I'm done cleaning up, Marsh gets out of the shower. And without saying a word she just heads for the door and leaves.
>>
No. 978653 ID: 15a025
File 160281773007.png - (4.43KB , 800x600 , 10.png )
978653

I follow Marsh out to the car and she speeds off like I used to. As we go she slams her paws on the wheel a few times.

Marsh: "I can't believe that jerk! I should have smacked him in the face for almost putting me through that again!"

Candy: "Again? He's done that to you before?!"

She jumps a little bit,
Marsh: "No, not him. S-someone else."

Candy: "Someone else tried to-"

She slams on the wheel again, this time swerving the car a bit in the process. Her voice is back to a snarl.
Marsh: "I don't want to think about or remember it!"

She takes a few deep breathes before talking again.
Marsh: "Sorry, I just. Something bad happened back when I first moved here. Can we leave it at that?"
>>
No. 978678 ID: e7c7d3

Sounds like we should leave it at that. What's next on the agenda?
>>
No. 978684 ID: 15a025
File 160287367182.png - (5.06KB , 800x600 , 11.png )
978684

>Sounds like we should leave it at that. What's next on the agenda?
Candy: "Yeah sure. So, what's next on our agenda?"

Marsh: "Heading home now. I'm sure your sister isn't going to be happy about me being out late. Oh well though. This kept me away from the computer a bit so it's all worth it."

The rest of our ride home is pretty uneventful, other than a little jam session on the radio.
>>
No. 978685 ID: 15a025
File 160287370468.png - (6.25KB , 800x600 , 12.png )
978685

Once home we head inside to start warming up. Oh that's gonna suck when I shave my wool off.
Marsh: "We're home!"

Sugar: Iz about time!"

Ah great, someone sounds wasted. She clumsly heads down the stairs with a bottle beer in hoof.
Sugar: "The hell you twos been all night? And what's the stench?"

Marsh: "Probably your beer breath. I had to take inventory after some punk thought he could sneak into the bar's cellar. Then after that we went over to Sharcole's for dinner and a shower."

Sugar: "Well, you did a rotten job washing up. Oh by the way, there's a letter for-"

Marsh: "Tell me in the morning, I'm not in the mood for it."

Sugar: "You sure? I'm pretty sure iz that-"

She snarls back at my sister
Marsh: "I said I'm not in the mood for it!"

Sugar: "What crawled up your read end and died? Fine, juz go up and type our bizness crud up then."
>>
No. 978686 ID: 15a025
File 160287372848.png - (5.84KB , 800x600 , 13.png )
978686

Marsh stomps upstairs and slams the door shut.
Sugar: "What got into her tonight?"

She starts taking big sniffs around me.

Sugar: "Oh! Now why's someone over here smellz like smoke? I thought you were ol goody two shoes here trying to quit!"
>>
No. 978688 ID: b1b4f3

>>978686
Tell her you literally almost died in a fire. In the sewer. While killing cultists.
>>
No. 978689 ID: d82849

Tell her it's a cheat day. Really need to unwind a bit.
>>
No. 978690 ID: a9af05

>>978686
Tell her that you did quit. You smell like smoke because some asshole thought it'd be funny to light your wool on fire.
>>
No. 978692 ID: 36784c

>>978686
You were kidnapped by some cultists and taken to their hideout in the sewer. They kept insisting you were Sugar and no matter how many times you told them you weren’t her, they didn’t believe you. They kept mentioning that Sugar owed them something.

You only managed to escape because the church and the police raided the sewers and freed you and some other prisoners. You smell like smoke because someone started throwing some magic fireballs around and you had to go through a room that was set on fire.
>>
No. 978693 ID: b1b4f3

Why are we lying about this, again?
>>
No. 978699 ID: 15a025
File 160289598815.png - (5.84KB , 800x600 , 14.png )
978699

>Tell her you literally almost died in a fire. In the sewer. While killing cultists.
>Tell her that you did quit. You smell like smoke because some asshole thought it'd be funny to light your wool on fire.
Candy: "I did quit. I smell like smoke because some jerk tried lighting me on fire!"

Sugar: "You don look burned er singed to me."

Candy: "Yeah, because I managed to get out alive! I was in the sewer with Roxie earlier tonight killing cultists. One of them lit the room on fire and we got trapped inside."

Sugar: "Oh for the love of. Don't tell me you suddenly wanna work fer the church too! You know what then, you... you can just leave then!"

Candy: "I'm not leaving, and I'm not 'working' for the church. I was trying to help Roxie!"

>[The Cult] kept insisting you were Sugar and no matter how many times you told them you weren’t her, they didn’t believe you.
Candy: "And you know what, speaking of the cult. That reminds of something else we need to talk about."

Sugar: "And wazz at?"

Candy: "One of them kept insisting that I was you and mentioned something about you stealing from them. Care to explain that at all?"

Sugar: "No cuz I got no idea what you're talking about. I dun.. I dunno any cultists or fugging basement nerds. Or whoever you're talking about."

Candy: "She even mentioned Pepper damn it! Why do they know you two!"

Sugar: "I dunno. I am a pretty big deal around here after all. Mayve someone's trying to impostor me for...sumthing. All I knows you barking up the wrong tree."

Ugh! I'm getting nowhere on this. I wish they would have said what she stole so I could nail it on her. What could she have even stole that'd get her on their hit list or whatever?
>>
No. 978701 ID: b1b4f3

>>978699
Hmm? I thought you knew already? She stole the essence stones that the dead snow leopard was collecting, didn't she?
>>
No. 978702 ID: 894419

Besides, even if I was working for the church what would it matter to you? The cult clearly hates you and the church pays (it does pay right?) surely there is no wrong way to earn a dollar in your book.
>>
No. 978770 ID: 15a025
File 160297073788.png - (6.05KB , 800x600 , 15.png )
978770

>Hmm? I thought you knew already? She stole the essence stones that the dead snow leopard was collecting, didn't she?

No, I thought she was selling them to that leopard guy? Roxie was delivering a stone to him or something wasn't she? But then that doesn't answer where she got them if that's the case. Maybe I can ask her though.

Candy: "Okay, you know that big bag of enchantment stones you got?"

Sugar: "Yeah, whatta bout dem? You wanna pick yours out yet?"

Oh right, she also owe me one still too!
Candy: "Where exactly did you get those?"

Sugar: "Hell if I'm telling! Finding someone smuggling them in through the docks was hell enough!"
>>
No. 978771 ID: b1b4f3

Oh, then, I guess... that was the only ship smuggling them in, and she got to the stones before the cult could? So they consider it a theft even if she paid for it.
Did she pay for it though
>>
No. 978784 ID: cef86d

Well get your stone now anyway. But tell her if you're going to be in danger because of something they're mixing up the two of you about, she'd better say what it is.
>>
No. 978995 ID: 15a025
File 160315827294.png - (5.82KB , 800x600 , 16.png )
978995

>I guess... that was the only ship smuggling them in, and she got to the stones before the cult could? So they consider it a theft even if she paid for it. Did she pay for it though.

Candy: "Did you pay for them though?"

Sugar: "Uh, yeah? I paid them with drugs."

>Well get your stone now anyway. But tell her if you're going to be in danger because of something they're mixing up the two of you about, she'd better say what it is.
Candy: "Alright, let me set things straight here then. If there's something I have to worry about because I'm getting mixed up as you. I want to know now"

Sugar: "Uh, everything then. You realize there's like, quite a few people that wouldn't mind if I died right? Then there's also the police to worry about too."

Candy: "I'm talking specifically about the cult, but thanks for the warning on that too I guess."

Sugar: "I said I barely know anything about them nerds. Go bug Roxie about those idiots, that's her department now from the sounds of it.. Now you want your stone or what?"

Candy: "Yeah, you get them appraised?"

Sugar: "Yeah. Lot easier to sell them now too."
>>
No. 978996 ID: 15a025
File 160315831617.png - (4.86KB , 800x600 , 17.png )
978996

Sugar brings me up to her office and takes out some papers.
Sugar: "So what kinda flavor you want?"

Candy: "Fire."

Sugar: "Alright, here's what I got for the hot stuff!"

She hands me a small list.
Sugar: "I've only got the heavy firepower boxed up, but there's some smaller legal stuff in there too."

Enchantment Appraisal Report: Fire. Land Mine: x3 [Illegal!] Flamethrower: x1 [Illegal!] Fire Shield: x2 [Requires Permit] Flame Whip x1 [Illegal!] Self Body Temperature Regulation x12 [Legal] Fireball x5 [Illegal!] Mini Flame, aka a magic lighter x20 [Legal] Grenade x1 [Illegal!] End of Appraisal Report.
>>
No. 979003 ID: 15a025

*For clarification, the number amounts are how many of an enchantment Sugar has.
>>
No. 979020 ID: 894419

Oooh landmine sounds useful, but it also seems like the kind of thing we'd throw down behind us while fleeing only for it to kill a sewer infrastructure technician 10 years later. Fire shield sounds useful, and the police are issuing us a permit soon, right? Likes go with Fire-shield.
>>
No. 979022 ID: 36784c

>>978996
Get the Fire Shield.

>>979020
We actually already have a permit.
>>
No. 979026 ID: b1b4f3

>>978996
Well you have a permit so get Fire Shield. From what we know about stones you can probably use it offensively if you get creative.
>>
No. 979158 ID: 15a025
File 160325654173.png - (4.84KB , 800x600 , 18.png )
979158

>Likes go with Fire-shield.
>Get the Fire Shield.
>Well you have a permit so get Fire Shield. From what we know about stones you can probably use it offensively if you get creative.
Candy: "I'll take the fire shield. I've got a permit, and something for a little self-defense around here would be nice."

Sugar: "Kay. I got them all boxed up in gramp's smoking room. They're all labeled and I trust you aren't dumb enough to pilfer some more either."

Candy: "You mean that family room?"

Sugar: "You know what I mean. Not like it wasn't a smoking room for the old fart."

Candy: "Anyway, yeah. I won't take any more than just the one."

With that, it seems like it's back to drinking with her.
>>
No. 979212 ID: 15a025
File 160332467301.png - (4.37KB , 800x600 , 19.png )
979212

I leave her "office" and head upstairs and enter the familly r-
Candy: "Pepper?"

Pepper: "Heheh, sup big sis?"

Candy: "What are you doing up here? Hang on, is that-?"

Pepper: "Sugar Cane's special homebrew. Come up here to share some smokes with me?"

I have to do a double take because I can't believe it.
Candy: "You put that out right now! You're too young to be getting caught up in this crap!"

Pepper: "You can't make me. I'm old enough to do w'ever I want buzz kill. Since when do you care anyway, you and Sugar always get high and do crazy stuff."
>>
No. 979220 ID: 894419

Pepper, do you actually want to end up like Sugar, living in a wreck of a house full of holes and surrounded by enemies you've made? Someday soon you could have an opportunity to get out of this shitty town! Don't throw it away!
>>
No. 979222 ID: 36784c

>>979212
Tell her that you haven’t gotten high for years now because you’ve quit!
>>
No. 979224 ID: b1b4f3

I'm getting tired of you having to repeatedly tell your friends and family you're not doing drugs anymore.
>>
No. 979235 ID: 15a025
File 160333993207.png - (4.18KB , 800x600 , 20.png )
979235

>I'm getting tired of you having to repeatedly tell your friends and family you're not doing drugs anymore.
>tell her that you haven’t gotten high for years now because you’ve quit!
Candy: "Okay we're setting this record straight for the last time here, because this is getting old now. I've quit doing drugs for awhile now, and I'm trying to quit smoking altogether now!"

Pepper: "Doesn't change you used to, or that you and Sugar went and did all kinds of crazy stuff and partied all the time."

Candy: "Yeah, sure we had fun and got partied all night doing drugs. I'm not going to lie there. But the higher we got, the steeper the fall we had after words. Mom and Dad never talk about the couple of times I was in jail for partying too hard? How I was on the most wanted list for a bit my second year of college? How I burnt my dorm room down?"

>Pepper, do you actually want to end up like Sugar, living in a wreck of a house full of holes and surrounded by enemies you've made? Someday soon you could have an opportunity to get out of this shitty town! Don't throw it away!
Candy: "Let's not forget where Sugar is right now either. You wanna be like her? Living in this dump of a mansion, full of holes and fearing over enemies you made? Running from the cops, and working with people that'll dump you in the lake with cement shoes the second you fuck up or screw them?"

Pepper: "Hmpf! The mansions only messy because it's really spensive to get things-"
Candy: "You really think tight wad can't afford to fix this place? You realize how much money she probably makes selling drugs, on top of the bar and candy store? Thousands probably. Money's only an issue for her because fixing this place up would cut into her funds to get high and drunk herself!"

Pepper: "That's fine if we get to still have a good time-"

Candy: "Oh okay you know what, you wanna know what crazy stuff I've been doing here then Pepper? I helped a high skunk that got stabbed in a drug deal with Roxie get to a hospital. I watched two people at the candy almost get into a knife fight over a box of drugs! I ended up helping Roxie kill a bunch of cultists in the Sewer tonight and almost died in a fire! What's Sugar been doing these last few weeks? Getting passed out drunk, being a lazy asshole, and throwing me and Marsh around to clean up after her messes without any thanks! I haven't got paid a cent for helping out around here! Is that who you want to be? The lazy dependent jerk everyone hates!"

Ah great, I might have laid on a little too hard on her here. Here comes the water works.
>>
No. 979236 ID: b1b4f3

>>979235
Well, you can apologize for yelling. Hug it out. Tell her she can have *some* fun, just be careful, stick to the soft stuff.
>>
No. 979238 ID: 894419

>>979235
Aww... give her a hug, let her get it out.

"Pepper, I'm sorry I didn't mean to be so harsh, but this stuff really isn't to be trifled with, I worry about you. If you're up to it, why not tag along with me tomorrow? Its been forever since me and you just... hung out and talked sister to sister. I miss it."
>>
No. 979250 ID: 094652

Wait it out; those may be crocodile tears. She needs to think about what she's done, then you react with a hug.
>>
No. 979487 ID: 15a025
File 160360029483.png - (5.93KB , 800x600 , 21.png )
979487

>Well, you can apologize for yelling. Hug it out. Tell her she can have *some* fun, just be careful, stick to the soft stuff.
>Aww... give her a hug, let her get it out. "Pepper, I'm sorry I didn't mean to be so harsh, but this stuff really isn't to be trifled with, I worry about you. If you're up to it, why not tag along with me tomorrow? It's been forever since me and you just... hung out and talked sister to sister. I miss it."

Candy: "Ah, look. I'm sorry I yelled at you like that, but there's a reason I quit doing this stuff. I just don't want you to go through what I did. Not to mention the bitch withdraws were.

She doesn't say anything and just stands there sniffling. I decide it's time to go in for the hug and a few pats on the back.

Candy: "How about we try and hang out tomorrow? It's been too long since we've had a chance to do anything together?"

Pepper: "Wh..what do you wanna do?"
>>
No. 979500 ID: 894419

>>979487
Well, I did just get paid, shopping is an option! If you're not up for that maybe we could catch a movie or get a drink somewhere quiet, on me of course.
>>
No. 979576 ID: 15a025
File 160367846275.png - (6.07KB , 800x600 , 22.png )
979576

>Well, I did just get paid, shopping is an option! If you're not up for that maybe we could catch a movie or get a drink somewhere quiet, on me of course.
Candy: "Well, I did just get paid so there's always shopping?"

Pepper: "Not around here. All the stores in town are pretty boring."

Candy: "Really? Nothing at the mall?"

Pepper: "Well, I guess there's the video store, but I think Marsh said they're closed from some robbery or something."

Candy: Oh yeah... Okay then, is there a movie theater in town or somewhere we could chill out and have drinks?"

Pepper: "Oh yeah! There's that coffee place or whatever Marsh always talks about. I don't think I ever got to check that out."

Candy: "Sure, we can do that. I'll see if Marsh will take us. With that settled now,"
I take the candy cane blunt away from Pepper now and put it out.
Candy: "No more smoking this crap, got it?"
She groans.
Candy: "I said, got it?"

Pepper: "Yes..."

Candy: "Good. We're going to have a good time tomorrow. Now to take care of what I came up here for."

I dig around over by the shelf and find some boxes of enchantment stones and take mine. I'll have to find someone to add it to my earring later though. Now, should I start getting ready for bed, or should I go back to my sister's office and yell at her for trying to get our little sister into drugs?
>>
No. 979578 ID: b1b4f3

You've had enough yelling I think.
>>
No. 979580 ID: 894419

>>979578
Agreed, no need to exacerbate this problem, we have our stone, now we should head to bed
>>
No. 979923 ID: 15a025
File 160394128596.png - (6.09KB , 800x600 , 23.png )
979923

>You've had enough yelling I think.
>Agreed, no need to exacerbate this problem, we have our stone, now we should head to bed.
Yeah, I think I've had a long enough night here.

Candy: "Alright, goodnight then Pepper. I'm going to bed. You probably should too."

Pepper "Yeah, goodnight."
>>
No. 979924 ID: 15a025
File 160394131759.png - (5.23KB , 800x600 , 24.png )
979924

I start walking back to my room and here a loud noise come from Marsh's...office? I guess it's her office if she does computer work in there.

Marsh: "PIECE. OF. CRAP! WORK! WORK!"

I hear more banging, sounds like the poor keyboard and decide I should check in on her.
Candy: "You okay in here Marsh?"

Marsh: "No! This stupid thing crashed and now I can't even log into the computer! Ugh! Keeps telling me I got the wrong password but I know it's the right password!"

Huh, didn't we get into her computer before without the password? Shoot, how did we do that?
>>
No. 979931 ID: 36784c

>>979924
>Huh, didn't we get into her computer before without the password? Shoot, how did we do that?
Oh, I remember that! What we did was just hit cancel or the escape key on the login prompt. That’s how you, Roxie, and Pepper got on the computer last time.

We also needed to make sure there was a disk inserted in the computer, so check and see if Marsh remembered to do that.
>>
No. 980000 ID: 1dc4ef

>>979931
Once we do this, we gotta go make sure marsh goes to bed. Its been a long night and now is not the time to be up all night fighting the good fight against computers.
>>
No. 980001 ID: b1b4f3

Any chance Pepper is the one that stole stuff from the cult, and they mistook her for Sugar? Alternatively, it could have been someone wearing a disguise to pin the crime on Sugar. Like that kid again.
>>
No. 980013 ID: 15a025
File 160403450507.png - (5.23KB , 800x600 , 25.png )
980013

>Any chance Pepper is the one that stole stuff from the cult, and they mistook her for Sugar?
Not a chance. I don't think she even has her driver's license. Then again, I thought the same about her ever doing drugs.

>What we did was just hit cancel or the escape key on the login prompt.
Oh yeah, that's right.
Candy: "Just hit the escape key at the login screen."

Marsh: "I doubt it's that ea- hey it's working! How did you know that?"

Candy: "I uh... took some computer classes in college."

Marsh: "You went to college? Lucky. I barely made it out of high school."

Candy: "Wouldn't call it lucky till I land a nice job. Went through a lot to get that stupid paper."

>Once we do this, we gotta go make sure marsh goes to bed. It's been a long night and now is not the time to be up all night fighting the good fight against computers.
Candy: "But hey, it's getting late. We should be going to bed, not staying up playing on the computer Marsh."

Marsh: "I'm not playing solitaire or minesweeper here, it's stupid number work I gotta get done, and before this thing decides to crash on me, again."

Candy: "Well, getting upset and smashing and yelling isn't going to get anything done."

Marsh: "Maybe if we could chill and talk while I work on it then? If something breaks or crashes, you could help talk me through my anger issues?"
>>
No. 980015 ID: e7c7d3

Luv ya Marsh, but before bed is not the best time for talking down anger. Especially after the day we've had. Is it possible to work on it tomorrow with a fresher head?
>>
No. 980016 ID: b1b4f3

>>980013
...yeah. She's your friend, help her out.
>>
No. 980018 ID: 894419

Sure thing Marsh, I'll pull up a chair.
>>
No. 980022 ID: 36784c

>>980013
Help her out.
>>
No. 980064 ID: a9af05

>>980013
Marsh needs help, so let's give her some help.
>>
No. 980090 ID: 15a025
File 160411535337.png - (5.21KB , 800x600 , 26.png )
980090

>Luv ya Marsh, but before bed is not the best time for talking down anger. Especially after the day we've had. Is it possible to work on it tomorrow with a fresher head?
Candy: "Not something you can put off till the morning? It's been a pretty long day for me."

Marsh: "Nope, gotta update our inventory and crunch out sales numbers. Sugar's gotta put in orders for new stock in the morning."

>She's your friend, help her out.
>Sure thing Marsh, I'll pull up a chair.
>Help her out.
>Marsh needs help, so let's give her some help.
Candy: "Alright, I'll stay up a bit then. Got another chair in here for me?"

Marsh: "Uh... I can make you a pile of books to sit on?"

Candy: "Works for me."

She pulls some hardcover books off the shelf for me and I stick down on the stack of them.
Marsh: "Okay, booze list. Let's see... we got five cases of the, ...cases of..., there's...

Candy: "So what do you want to talk about?"

Marsh: "Hmm... I dunno? I guess I don't really know much about you even though we live here together."

Candy: "Same I guess. I just know you like drinking and movies, and hate this computer with all your heart."

Marsh: "I'd say cheers to that, but I can't be drinking on the job. Eugh, probably would smash this thing to bits if I did."

Hmm... like I said, other than movies and drinks I don't know much about Marsh here I guess. What's something I could about her? Anything you spirits would like to know?
>>
No. 980094 ID: b1b4f3

>>980090
Wanna ask about her wool?
>>
No. 980114 ID: 36784c

>>980090
Ask if she’s got any hobbies.
>>
No. 980155 ID: 15a025
File 160420296022.png - (4.61KB , 800x600 , 27.png )
980155

>Ask if she’s got any hobbies.
Candy: "Got any other hobbies beside collecting movies and drinking?"

Marsh: "Not sure I'd call drinking a hobby. Uh let's see..."

She types away at the keyboard for a few moments before answering
Marsh: "Used to play video games for a bit with Pepper. Used to have a handheld in the car for her too."

Suddenly the computer beeps when she goes back to typing.

Marsh: "Ah don't be giving me this crud now!"

Candy: "What's the problem?"

Marsh: "Says keyboard error now! It was just working a few seconds ago!"

Candy: "Try unplugging and then plugging it back in?"

Marsh: "No don't do that! It'll crash the whole computer!"

Candy: "Can you close out of the error message and use the mouse to save the document?"

Marsh: "I-uh... yeah I guess I can. Thanks."

Candy: "Alright, shut it down now. Let's see what's wrong down here."

I get down and unplug the keyboard. It takes a gentle tug to get it out. The metal connector on it looks kinda rusted? I wonder if that makes it have a intermittent connection? I let Marsh know it's rusted

Marsh: "Already know about that. Should get a new one, but a new keyboard is like, twenty bucks."

Candy: "Could always try cleaning it?"

Marsh: "With what?"

Candy: "Rubbing alcohol. Got any?"

Marsh: Maybe? Unless your sister drank it all.

I shudder at that thought, yuck. I plug the keyboard back in and Marsh manages to get back in.
>>
No. 980156 ID: 15a025
File 160420301380.png - (5.23KB , 800x600 , 28.png )
980156

>Wanna ask about her wool?
Candy: "So, maybe you could tell me about that wool sweater or vest? What's the big deal about it?"

Marsh: "Ugh, yeah I guess I can talk about it. Short version of it though, alright?"

Candy: "Sure."

Marsh: "When I first moved out here, it sucked. I was always getting thrown into some kinda trouble for not being from here. I met your sister at a bar though, and we had a great time drinking together. She left halfway in the night. Then...some bad stuff happened and I woke up in the back alley by the trash. Memory's a little foggy, but your sister found me and brought me back here. I needed some new and warmer clothes, so she sheered herself down and made me this. I keep it now because it makes me feel like I'm part of the family here now. It makes me feel like I actually fit in."

Candy: "Wow, I can't actually believe my sister would sheer herself like that. She hates shaving."

Marsh: "Ha, yeah. Knowing her now I'd be surprised if she ever did that again. Shame she's not the person I knew her as at first. But, she's also why I have a paycheck, so I guess I can't complain too much here."

She goes back to typing and muttering out numbers.

Marsh: "Okay so how about a heavy question for a heavy question. Sugar used to tell me about some of your wild nights together. What made you decide to quick doing drugs and smoking?"

Candy: "I don't really want to share all the details, but. The biggest reason was I accidentally burnt my dorm room down in college."

Marsh: Sounds like it was some party alright."

Candy: "Not really a party. I was dumb and tried smoking while I was blind. Science project messed up my eyes for a bit."

Marsh: "Oouf, yeah yikes. I can't imagine being in a situation like that.
>>
No. 980233 ID: 894419

So what happened to her? What made my sister change so much from being the nice girl who made you a sweater as charity?
>>
No. 980242 ID: e7c7d3

What sort of job were you looking for before?
>>
No. 980328 ID: 15a025
File 160445166606.png - (5.26KB , 800x600 , 29.png )
980328

>So what happened to her? What made my sister change so much from being the nice girl who made you a sweater as charity?
Candy: "So, what happened to my sister then? How'd she go from a charitable friend to crab that makes you crunch numbers at night?"

Marsh: "Work mostly. She doesn't know how to use a computer for all this office work, but she thinks it's so easy. I'm not her drinking buddy anymore, I'm her rake for bringing in cash. Man, you could pretty much say I run the whole bar by myself and own it. I'm not sure what she does for the candy store, but I'm sure she pulls the same crap with Roxie and Sharcole."

Candy: "Yeah that sounds like her alright. When we were dealing together back in high school and after graduation, she made the stuff and I had to do all the foot work to sell it. Finding buyers, arranging meet ups, dodging the cops while she sat at home getting high all night. It sucked, but it got me a hoof in the door to start college."

> What sort of job were you looking for before?
Candy: "So, before you met her. What kind of job were you looking for?"

Marsh: "Anything really. I came here broke and with the clothes on my back. Pretty happy I ended up with the job bartending. Just wish your sister wasn't such a jerk most of the time. Man, I can't even remember the last time we sat together and had good couple of drinks together."
>>
No. 980329 ID: b1b4f3

Maybe you should do exactly that.
>>
No. 980364 ID: 3ed3c3

>>980328
Y'all need a vacation.
>>
No. 980651 ID: 15a025
File 160488001696.png - (5.11KB , 800x600 , 30.png )
980651

>Maybe you should do exactly that.
>Y'all need a vacation.
Candy: "Sounds like you two need a vacation and share a couple of drinks then."

Marsh: "Yeah, too bad it's sounding like my 'vacation' is coming up again. Stupid mail. Something to think about though."

Candy: "Oh yeah, what was with that letter from awhile ago?"

Marsh: "Can't talk about it. Doesn't concern you anyway."

She goes back to mumbling out numbers and typing on the computer.
Marsh: "Stupid letter. Stupid-Stupid computer!"
She smashes her paws on the keyboard.
Marsh: "The program just closed and disappeared!"

Candy: "Huh? No it didn't. It's still open on the taskbar Marsh."

Marsh: "The what?"

I get up and click on it in the taskbar.
Candy: "You just minimized the window it was in. You might have hit alt and tab to minimize it."

Marsh: "You know more about this crud than I do."

Candy: "Well I did have to use computers a lot in college. Just comes with practice."

Marsh: "Well thanks. I'm almost done, so that would've sucked. Getting this done in record time for once."


She types away at a few more cels in a spreadsheet before saving and shutting down.

Marsh: "Well, that's that then. Anything else you wanna talk about, or we calling it a night here now?"
>>
No. 980652 ID: e7c7d3

Should probably just call it a night
>>
No. 980662 ID: 894419

It would probably be best to call it tonight Marsh. Remind me to help re-familiarize you with computers later so you can do this stuff without some much pain.
>>
No. 980672 ID: a9af05

>>980651
Any chance we could get a ride to the bank to cash in that check?

Make sure you keep it close to you when you go to bed tonight!
>>
No. 980673 ID: a9af05

>>980672
*Get a ride to the bank in the morning.
>>
No. 980702 ID: 15a025
File 160497471317.png - (5.45KB , 800x600 , 31.png )
980702

>Should probably just call it a night
>would probably be best to call it tonight Marsh.
Candy: "Let's call it a night then."

>Any chance we could get a ride to the bank to cash in that check?
Candy: "Oh! are you going to be free tomorrow though?"

Marsh: "Other than working and packing up for the road, yeah."

Candy: "I need a ride to the bank tomorrow, is on your way to work okay?"

Marsh: "Yeah."

Candy: "Alright, good night then Marsh."

Marsh: "Nighto."
>>
No. 980703 ID: 15a025
File 160497472687.png - (3.94KB , 800x600 , 32.png )
980703

I head back downstairs and into my room. Eugh, time to sheer this stinky- wait. Ah crud! I left my sweater back at the police station, dang it! That was my only shirt too, I can't shave with no clothes to cover me. Ugh! Guess clothes are on my to buy list now. So I don't lose my check, I slip it in my case for safe keeping. After that, I climb into bed and call it a night.
>>
No. 980704 ID: 15a025
File 160497476714.png - (4.57KB , 800x600 , 33.png )
980704

Later in the night...

Ugh... huh? What am I doing up in bed? I don't remember getting up at all. Eugh, and this wool wreaks even more now. All I can smell is that smoke from that fire now.
>>
No. 980705 ID: e7c7d3

Is that fire?
>>
No. 980706 ID: b1b4f3

>>980704
Were you... sleep-smoking? Or is this a nightmare?
Anyway, you need to put out that fire.
Where's the fire extinguisher? Lacking that you can get a pot of water. Or stamp it out, since the flames aren't too high yet.
>>
No. 980711 ID: 894419

Smother the fire with your mattress, its small enough that you still have time!
>>
No. 980712 ID: 36784c

>>980704
Your floor is on fire! Quick, put it out! And save the check!
>>
No. 980733 ID: a9af05

>>980704
Candy put out the fire!

I wouldn't be surprised if this was Sugar's fault. She's drunk enough that she could've come in here to smoke and just tossed it on the floor without putting it out!

Candy might've woken up and the smoke from the drugs made her delirious enough to just sit there and stare at the fire while it got bigger.
>>
No. 980894 ID: 15a025
File 160523484292.png - (4.83KB , 800x600 , 34.png )
980894

>Were you... sleep-smoking? Or is this a nightmare? Anyway, you need to put out that fire.
>Smother the fire with your mattress, its small enough that you still have time!
>Your floor is on fire! Quick, put it out! And save the check!
Sleep smoking? I thought I threw out my cigarettes? Wait, fire?!

Candy: "Fire!"

I start freaking out and throw the mattress on the fire.

Candy: "Baaah!"

Shit shit shit! Why'd it get bigger! The mattress just burst into flames!
>>
No. 980895 ID: 15a025
File 160523486321.gif - (28.68KB , 800x600 , 35.gif )
980895

>Where's the fire extinguisher? Lacking that you can get a pot of water. Or stamp it out, since the flames aren't too high yet.

Candy: "Marsh! Marsh! Get the fire extinguisher!"

I run over to the door, but it's stuck! It won't open! I start pounding on the door.

Candy: "Help! I'm stuck in here with a fire!"

Ugh! What do I do! What do I do!
>>
No. 980896 ID: e2f5cc

You're just dreaming, no huge deal. Make note of how it was a cigarette that caused the fire, which you said yourself is impossible. Also I don't know too much about how fire works, but I do know it doesn't eat through a mattress like that, especially not so quickly.

Even that's ignoring the impossibility of your door magically becoming stuck without a shitload of noise, and how no one's answering your yelling. Just pinch/nick yourself and at the very least go on whatever wild ride your psyche's taking you on with the knowledge that this is all a dream.
>>
No. 980898 ID: b1b4f3

>>980895
Well this is clearly a nightmare. Can you lucid dream?
Kick the door open.
>>
No. 980902 ID: 894419

>>980896
Unless she's being framed for destroying the house by a resentful, selfish, and criminal sister. Or rival of said sister.

Is there a window out of here? Crack it open and climb to the eaves if you can.
>>
No. 980904 ID: 36784c

>>980894
>I thought I threw out my cigarettes?
Actually, when you first arrived in town, your sister stole your cigarettes from your suitcase and you never got anymore.

>Fire got bigger
Ok, this has got be either a magical fire or you’re dreaming. There’s no way that fire should’ve gotten that big that fast!

>>980895
Do you have a window in your room? You could try going out that way.
>>
No. 980949 ID: 15a025
File 160532058730.png - (4.35KB , 800x600 , 36.png )
980949

>when you first arrived in town, your sister stole your cigarettes from your suitcase and you never got anymore.
No, she gave me another pack. Shoot, instead throwing those out I should have just gave them back to her...

>Is there a window out of here? Crack it open and climb to the eaves if you can.
>Do you have a window in your room? You could try going out that way.
No, this door's the only way out.

>Kick the door open.
I kick at the door a couple times, but for old wood it's sure holding up. I finally hear Marsh though!

Marsh: "Outta the way I'm busting in!"

She manages to smash the door right off the hinges.
>>
No. 980950 ID: 15a025
File 160532060432.png - (4.76KB , 800x600 , 37.png )
980950

Marsh: "Uh...Candy? Where's the fire you were yelling about?"

Candy: "It's by my now burning bed!"

Marsh: "I just see your mattress and pillow on the ground."

Candy: "What!"

What!
>>
No. 980952 ID: b1b4f3

>>980950
Even we saw it, so that would've been a very powerful hallucination. Or... you were half-asleep and still dreaming?
Or Marsh being here is part of the dream.

Whatever. Tell her you guess last night took more of a toll on you than you thought. Maybe you can drag your mattress into her room for the night?
That way if you start hallucinating again or sleepwalking or whatever that was, she can be there to keep you grounded.
>>
No. 980995 ID: 894419

I'm... I'm sorry marsh. I think I was sleepwalking... during a nightmare.
>>
No. 981059 ID: 66d80e

>>980950
The fire may not have been real, but the door not opening was definitely real! Why didn't the door open when you tried to leave?
>>
No. 981064 ID: 15a025
File 160547825897.png - (4.67KB , 800x600 , 38.png )
981064

>Tell her you guess last night took more of a toll on you than you thought. Maybe you can drag your mattress into her room for the night?
That way if you start hallucinating again or sleepwalking or whatever that was, she can be there to keep you grounded.
>I'm sorry marsh. I think I was sleepwalking... during a nightmare.
Candy: "Sorry Marsh. I guess what I went through took a bigger toll on me than I thought. I must of have been having a nightmare and sleep walking."

Marsh: "Must have been one nightmare if your beds on the floor."

Candy: "Mind if I crash in your room tonight then? In case I have another nightmare, you can help keep me grounded."

Marsh: "Sure, you can crash on my couch if you want."

She helps me lift the mattress up and throw it back on the frame.

>The fire may not have been real, but the door not opening was definitely real!
Candy: "Oh shoot, what are we going to do about the door?"

Marsh: "Worry about it later. Thing was probably going to snap off one of these days anyway."
>>
No. 981065 ID: 15a025
File 160547829495.png - (4.17KB , 800x600 , 39.png )
981065

I walk with Marsh back to her room and lay down on the couch.

Marsh: "Good night Candy."

Candy: "Goodnight."

As I nod off, I keep having passive thoughts about fires still. I need to get my mind off that crap. Let's think here. I got a lot of stuff to do tomorrow, probably. Let's see, I need to cash my check for starters. Hanging out with Pepper is another thing. What else do I have to do tomorrow spirits?
>>
No. 981094 ID: e7c7d3

If you can't remember anything more, then probably nothing else
>>
No. 981292 ID: 894419

Uh I don't recall anything else. Maybe drop by the station to check up on your friends in the force?
>>
No. 981294 ID: 36784c

>>981065
Don’t think there’s anything else.

>>981292
Weren’t they forced to go off duty for a few days? I’m not sure if they’ll be at the station.
>>
No. 981737 ID: 15a025
File 160602283013.png - (4.35KB , 800x600 , 40.png )
981737

>Maybe drop by the station to check up on your friends in the force?
>Weren’t they forced to go off duty for a few days? I’m not sure if they’ll be at the station.

Yeah, Nibbles and Freeze are off duty. Plus they made it sound like the station isn't safe to go to.
Emm.... guess that's it then.


Before I know it Marsh is poking at me.

Marsh: "Hey, time to get up. Hope you like cereal for breakfast because someone's sister didn't mention we needed food."
She hands me a bowl and I get up, trying to adjust to the light.

Marsh: "So, where did you need to go again? The bank right?"

Candy: "Mm...Yeah. Gotta cash that check."

Marsh: "Anywhere else?"

Candy: "Promised I'd go to that coffee place you like with Sharcole tonight."

Marsh: "Sounds like fun, but you're also cutting it close. I might have to leave town again for a few days. If I gotta leave, I gotta be gone by tonight to make it on time."

Candy: "Why don't you just read the letter now?"

Marsh: "Because I want to hold on to the small hope it's just junk mail."

I start scooping away at my cereal.

Marsh: "Your sister's dying to know too. She wants me to do Roxie's delivery jobs now while you run the bar."

Candy: "What'd you tell her?"

Marsh: "I told her bite me, I ain't screwing around with her drug deals. Smoking the stuff once and while is fine in my books, but I know enough to stay away from her crowd. Just look at the mess Roxie's tied up in right now. Screw getting tied up in that."
>>
No. 981741 ID: e7c7d3

Where's Marsh headed?
>>
No. 981800 ID: 894419

>>981737
That's a good call Marsh, I'm doing everything I can to stay out myself. Mind telling me where you're headed?

I don't mind cutting it a little close on travel time if you don't.
>>
No. 981823 ID: 15a025
File 160609811169.png - (4.61KB , 800x600 , 41.png )
981823

>Where's Marsh headed?
>That's a good call Marsh, I'm doing everything I can to stay out myself. Mind telling me where you're headed?
Candy: "That's a good call. I'm doing my best to stay out of it as much as I can as well. So where are you going anyway?"

Marsh: "Also a secret."

Candy: "Ah. Was going to say I don't mind cutting time close if you don't mind."

Marsh: "Ehh... we'll see-"

Sugar hollers for us upstairs.
Sugar: Candy! Marsh! Get up here!"

Marsh: "Great, what does she want now."
>>
No. 981824 ID: 15a025
File 160609815566.png - (5.06KB , 800x600 , 42.png )
981824

We put the cereal bowls down and head up into her office.
Sugar: "Alright, there's a change of plans going on around here. Slick and some of the others big shots are coming here tonight."

Marsh: "Okay, and?"

Sugar: "We got our own secret crap to sort out. Marsh, you're heading out of town for something right?"

Marsh: "Yeah, probably."

Sugar: "Good, then you're taking Candy and Pepper with you as well."

Marsh: "I can't take anyone with me! You know that!"

Sugar: "Here's two hundred bucks, figure it out."

Marsh: "What the hell. Money isn't magically going to let me take them with."

I whisper to Marsh, "She's gotta be serious, or up to something. She'd never hand out that kind of money for free."

Marsh: "Why do I have to take care of your family? This is your problem, not mine."

Sugar: "Because this isn't exactly a good get together and I don't need to see my sisters getting used for a ransom if things go bad!"

Marsh: "What?"

Sugar: "You should know what Marsh, you do the accounting after all!"
>>
No. 981833 ID: e7c7d3

Well, $200 should cover a hotel room for the day?
>>
No. 981835 ID: 36784c

>>981824
Hopefully, no one will mistake you or Pepper as Sugar and think she’s trying to leave town. Because then they’ll chase after you instead of meeting with Suagr!
>>
No. 981975 ID: e2f5cc

Well, do we need to be out of town? Cause if not you and Pepper can just have your bonding time now and spend the night at a hotel. If you do need to skip town then Marsh probably knows another settlement she could take you to do the same, probably just with a cab or uber to take you home.
>>
No. 982447 ID: 15a025
File 160669572227.png - (5.14KB , 800x600 , 43.png )
982447

>Well, $200 should cover a hotel room for the day?
>Well, do we need to be out of town? Cause if not you and Pepper can just have your bonding time now and spend the night at a hotel. If you do need to skip town then Marsh probably knows another settlement she could take you to do the same, probably just with a cab or uber to take you home.
Candy: "Do you want us out of town, or is in town fine?"

Sugar: "Shoot, I didn't think about it. I don't think being in town is going to be a problem, so just do whatever."

Marsh: "Hang on a second, this isn't about money is it?"

Sugar: "Kind of is?"

Marsh: "Because we're pulling good dough at the bar still. If we weren't, and things are bad like you're saying. Why give us two hundred bucks?"

Sugar: "Because two hundred is a small price to keep my sisters out of trouble."

Marsh: Something ain't right here. Guess we better get going then. Candy's got a stop somewhere on the way."

Sugar: "Where?"

Candy: "None of your business."

Sugar: "Better not make it mine then. I got enough trouble to deal with now."
>>
No. 982448 ID: 15a025
File 160669578184.png - (5.14KB , 800x600 , 44.png )
982448

We all get in the car and Marsh starts driving off.
Marsh: "Man your sister sure knows how to screw with me. Listen, I'm holding on to that money she gave me Candy, I don't trust her giving me that kind of dough for this. Something feels off."

Candy: "Well, a hotel room isn't cheap Marsh."

Pepper: "Hotel room?"

Marsh: "Your older sister wants some privacy for some business meeting Pepper."

Pepper: "Ah, so boring crap then?"

Marsh: "Yeah. Anyway, I'm not wasting her money on a hotel room. There's gotta be cheaper options."

Pepper: "Roxie's place! We could sleep with Roxie!"

Candy: "She's staying at the church volunteering, so that's not an option."

Marsh: "Well if she's staying at the church, someone's gotta watch her house while she's gone."

Candy: "Could stop there and ask her I guess?"

Marsh: "Yeah, but from what I remember the ma- ehhm. Sugar's friends are on thin ice with her too. Plus that's another stop I gotta make."

Pepper: "Oh! Sharcole! We could stay with-"

Marsh: "Hard no on that. I don't like Kyle and after last night I don't trust him at all."

Candy: "Are you still-"

Marsh: "Yes I'm still mad over that!"
She turns the radio down a bit.
Marsh: "I don't like this option much either since it's close to where I have to go, but I know a rest stop you could stay at. It's closer to where I'm going and I have to stop there for a night anyway. It's your call though Candy."

Guess we've got more options than I thought. I think Roxie's place wouldn't be too bad, but I guess it could be a little risky if the mafia came there looking for her. Wouldn't mind a hotel or that rest top Marsh mentioned either I guess. At least with the rest stop Marsh wouldn't be far from the sounds of it.
>>
No. 982500 ID: bad0af

Rest stop sounds fine, as long as pepper is cool with it.
>>
No. 982534 ID: e7c7d3

I guess rest stop is the easiest, but my vote is to stay at Roxie's
>>
No. 982544 ID: e2f5cc

Why is being close where Marsh needs to go a bad thing? But yeah due to possible mafia-related issues I'd rather stay at the rest stop if Pepper is cool with it.
>>
No. 982645 ID: 15a025
File 160688239668.png - (5.20KB , 800x600 , 45.png )
982645

>Why is being close where Marsh needs to go a bad thing?
Candy: "Why is the rest stop being close to where you're going a bad thing?"

Marsh: "Cause I got private stuff to take care of here. I guess it's fine since you won't have a way to really follow me."

>Rest stop sounds fine, as long as pepper is cool with it.
>yeah due to possible mafia-related issues I'd rather stay at the rest stop if Pepper is cool with it.
Candy: "Pepper, you alright with the rest stop then? Sounds like our safest option."

Pepper: "Yeah, sure."

Marsh: "Alright then, rest stop it is."
>>
No. 982647 ID: 15a025
File 160688247082.png - (5.02KB , 800x600 , 46.png )
982647

The rest of the drive is pretty quiet, just bopping it to some music on the radio.

I head inside and I'm surprised how empty it is. Guess not a lot of people would be hitting up the bank this early in the day yet.

Teller: "I can help you over here."

Candy: "Oh thanks. I've got a check to cash."

Teller: "Alright, just sign the back on this line please."

I grab a pen and scribble my signature on it.

Teller: "Would you like that in cash or deposited in your account?"

Candy: "Cash please."

I hear a drawer open and he counts out the money.
Teller: "Alrighty then. One, two, three- "

Candy: "Oh uh, could I have that in smaller bills? A little bit of everything please."

Teller: "Sure!"

He puts the bills back in the drawer and gives me some twenties , tens, and fives.

Teller: "Anything else?"

Candy: "Nope, that'll be all."

Teller: "Okay, have a nice day then!"

Well, there's a good chunk of change. Some of this needs to go to Marsh I can't remember what I owe her. I guess with gas and everything I should give her fifty bucks? That'd leave me with four-fifty to myself. What am I going to spend that kinda cash on?
>>
No. 982708 ID: 894419

Well that should definitely cover the day out, maybe mentally estimate how much that'll cost, and then that ought to be enough for a rest stop in the evening. Consider buying some pepper spray for your little sister, just in case a situation arises where she needs to defend herself.
>>
No. 982774 ID: e7c7d3

>>982708
Some self defense seems like a prudent choice.
>>
No. 983280 ID: 15a025
File 160757589651.png - (4.04KB , 800x600 , 47.png )
983280

>Well that should definitely cover the day out, maybe mentally estimate how much that'll cost, and then that ought to be enough for a rest stop in the evening. Consider buying some pepper spray for your little sister, just in case a situation arises where she needs to defend herself.
>Some self defense seems like a prudent choice.
Uh... shoot. I dunno how much I'm going to actually spend tonight. I need some clothes for sure. Then there's getting drinks at that coffee place with Marsh and Pepper. So, I dunno. Probably a fifty bucks there as well?
I head outside and hop back in the car.

Candy: "Here's the money I owe ya Marsh."

Marsh: "Whoa fifty bucks? I don't remember you borrowing that much."

Candy: "Yeah, but gas for hauling me around probably adds up and stuff. Now I need to goto the mall and get-"

Marsh: "Hey, do I look like a taxi here? I gotta open up the bar here soon. If you wanna go to the mall, you'll have to call a taxi to come back to the bar or shop around for eight hours. Or, you wait till we go there after closing and make it snappy."
>>
No. 983282 ID: b1b4f3

Mall first, ride back second.
>>
No. 983285 ID: e7c7d3

Head to the mall now
>>
No. 983347 ID: 894419

>>983285
Sounds like we're all in agreement
>>
No. 983349 ID: e2f5cc

>>983347
Sounds like we're mall in agreement*
>>
No. 983689 ID: 15a025
File 160806541091.png - (7.06KB , 800x600 , 48.png )
983689

>Mall first, ride back second.
>Head to the mall now
Candy: "Can you drop us off at the mall then?"

Marsh: "Okay. If you need the taxi's phone number there's a phone book in the booths."

Marsh makes a quick trip over to the mall and drops us off. There's a clothes store pretty close to the entrance that we go too.

Pepper: "Wow, they got all kinds of stuff in here!"

They've got all kinds of little stuff like make up and little accessory stuff up at the front. I skip past it and head for what I'm here for, a new sweater. Their clothing line up is pretty solid back here. There's sweaters, hats, purses, collars, all kinds of stuff. I'm wondering what I should get? Should I just grab a red sweater like I had last, or should I go with something new?
>>
No. 983695 ID: 598b92

Girl, you are not getting out of here without a grey flat-cap and nice dark green sweater. Its a stylish combo. Maybe a scarf too? A black scarf would look good on you!

Don't forget to encourage your sister to pick out some things!
>>
No. 983768 ID: 15a025
File 160816642545.png - (6.97KB , 800x600 , 49.png )
983768

>Girl, you are not getting out of here without a grey flat-cap and nice dark green sweater. It's a stylish combo.
Candy: "How's this look?"

Pepper: "Kinda plain."

Candy: "That's kinda what I'm going for. I think it's a pretty stylish combo though."

>Maybe a scarf too? A black scarf would look good on you!
I'm going to pass on a scarf. I've never been a big fan of them.

>Don't forget to encourage your sister to pick out some things!
Candy: "You can something out too if you want."

Pepper: "Nah, I'm fine with just my nice, thick wool coat here."

Candy: "And here you're calling me plain."

Well, with my clothing problem here solved, where to next?
>>
No. 983787 ID: e7c7d3

There an arcade in this mall?
>>
No. 983995 ID: 15a025
File 160843974440.png - (5.83KB , 800x600 , 50.png )
983995

>There an arcade in this mall?

I think we there's some close to where that cafe place is?

We wonder over and low and behold there are! What a rare sight these days. Two arcade games that aren't those stupid golfing or basketball cabinets. There's two games we could play, Dungeon Hunters or Fatal Bite: Mark of the Werewolves. One's a classic gun game where we go bounty hunting for dragons in a dungeon. The other I remember used to be a popular fighting game a few years ago. Both of them are quarter munchingly priced at fifty cents a player. So it'd be a dollar for both us to play.
>>
No. 984012 ID: 598b92

>>983995
Dungeon Hunters, duh! Get you and your sister 5 bucks of continues and see where you can go!
>>
No. 984014 ID: e7c7d3

Yeah, do a round or two of shooting
>>
No. 984031 ID: b1b4f3

Hmm, was there any unfinished business with Roxie or the church?
>>
No. 984061 ID: 15a025
File 160852144720.png - (5.84KB , 800x600 , 51.png )
984061

>Hmm, was there any unfinished business with Roxie or the church?
I don't think there is? We killed off some important cultist last night and from the sounds of it, Relina helped kidnapped people escape from the cult.

>Dungeon Hunters, duh! Get you and your sister 5 bucks of continues and see where you can go!
>Yeah, do a round or two of shooting
I go over by the cafe real quick and get five dollars worth the quarters. That'll give us each five plays on the machine. Then Pepper and I coin up for our first round. A sound effect of a roaring dragon plays and the game begins.
A start screen pops up and we select what kind of difficulty we want.

Pepper: "Looks like easy goes slower and gives less points."

Candy: "Yeah, but harder is faster and has more enemies. Which probably means we'll burn through are money a lot faster too."

Pepper shoots the easy route.

Dungeon Hunter: "Round One: Howl-Peak! Awoo!"

Candy: "What, I thought we were hunting dragons?"

Pepper: "Well the dragon's gotta have minions to protect him and his treasure, duh."

Alrighty then. As we go through the dungeon, skeletons of wolves come after us. It takes a little bit, and a continue to get used to holding the controller.

Pepper: "Boo, you already died? We haven't even gotten to-"
A dragon roars, interrupting Pepper.
Pepper: "Quick! put in your quarters it's the dragon!"

Candy: "What's wrong, can't handle him yourself?"

I quickly pop in two more quarters and we start blasting the dragon to bits. We both end up dying once and have to continue again. Pepper finds out headshots end up actually doing more damage and we end up bagging our first dragon bounty.

Dragon Hunter: "Round Clear!"

The game dings as it adds up our bonus points and then we get to buy gun upgrades. I increase the ammo I can hold while Pepper spends it all on making her gun shots more powerful. Seems like a fair balance.

In the second round the game starts to ramp of difficulty with smaller lizard enemies. They're harder to aim at and manage to take another continue out of us. We get to the boss, this time they're a Velociraptor.

Pepper: "A Velociraptor? Are thought we were hunting dragons, not dinosaurs?"

Candy: "Does it matter? Quick shoot his fireballs so we don't get hit!"

Pepper: "Ah!"

Dungeon Hunter: "Player Two has died!"

Candy: "That's what you get for questioning the game I guess."

It's a tough fight and I end up dying myself. It's a tough fight because you spend more time shooting his attacks up than you do shooting him instead.

The next level is where we meet our final demise. It's in an icy cave with skeleton archers. You can only kill them with a headshot, but they've big dragon skulls for heads. They're quick and slick on the ice. The game does a countdown before saying,

Dungeon Hunter: "Game Over."

Well, that was a good half hour of fun.

Pepper: "Dang. We only got half way to the boss there too."

Candy: "I had a blast myself. If it was cheaper I could see playing it more."

Pepper: "I'm starting to get thirsty. Can we go to the coffee place now?"
>>
No. 984180 ID: 50965f

>>984061
Absolutely, I could use a pick-me-up myself!
>>
No. 984211 ID: 7f716e

I don't understand how you can be tired after half an hour of pure, unadulterated dragon hunting, but sure lets go grab that coffee now
>>
No. 984424 ID: 15a025
File 160921346002.png - (5.26KB , 800x600 , 52.png )
984424

>Absolutely, I could use a pick-me-up myself!
Candy: "Sure, I could a warm drink myself."

Hope Marsh won't be too mad we went without her. We head over to the coffee place and Vienna greets us.

Vienna: "Oh hello. No Marsh?"

Candy: "Nope, she's stuck working at the bar."

Vienna: "So a table for two then?"

Candy: "Yes please."
>>
No. 984425 ID: 15a025
File 160921348446.png - (5.13KB , 800x600 , 53.png )
984425

Vienna takes us over to the usual table.
Vienna: "So what'll it be?"

Candy: "I'll just have some hot tea please."

Vienna: "What kind?"

Candy: "I'll have some black tea please."

Pepper: "I'll have a hot chocolate please!"

Vienna: "All out of hot chocolate."

Pepper: "Boo. Okay then, I'll have green tea then."

Vienna: "Okay, I'll be back with your order shortly."

Guess while we wait, this would be a good time to start catching up with my lil sis some more. What should we talk about?
>>
No. 984429 ID: 894419

Ask her if she has any friends around town, whats she do when she's not cooped up in that drafty old mansion?
>>
No. 984542 ID: e7c7d3

Ask where she was on the night of the murder! Where are the bodies?

More seriously, ask what she thinks of Marsh and Sugar. Any problems going on? Concerns?
>>
No. 984650 ID: 15a025
File 160961966666.png - (5.23KB , 800x600 , 54.png )
984650

>Ask her if she has any friends around town, whats she do when she's not cooped up in that drafty old mansion?
Candy: "So, do you have any friends in town?"

Pepper: "Other than Marsh, Roxie, and Shrarcole? Nope. Neither here or over back home by mom and dad. All my friends moved away for college."

Candy: "Aw. What do you do then when you're not stuck in the mansion?"

Pepper: "I like to ride around with Roxie! Sometimes I get to go on deliveries with here too."

Candy: "You...you go on uh, special deliveries with her?"

Pepper: "Yup! She doesn't like taking me on those, but sometimes staying at the candy store with Sharcole isn't always an option."

I'm surprised that I'm surprised. I can't believe my sister makes Roxie take my little sister around for drug deals.

Pepper: "Sometimes Roxie takes me to watch her baseball games."

Candy: "Roxie plays baseball?"

Pepper: "No, she coaches the games sometimes though. It's funny how fired up the gangs in town can get over it. Roxie even mentioned they used baseball to fight for places to operate around or something even."

At least it's a baseball game and not a stabbing competition.

Vienna comes back with our drinks,
Vienna: "Here you two go. Fresh and hot."

I grab my tea and take a gentle sip, making sure it isn't too hot. It feels warm and refreshing.

Pepper: "Now this is the good stuff. Thanks Vienna!"

Vienna: "Glad to hear. Please let me know if I can get you anything else."

While I'm enjoying my tea, I start to get worrying thoughts. Pepper seems to be pretty exposed to gangs and drug dealing scene here, and after hearing that one cultist mention Pepper last night. I wonder if I dare ask if she knows about the cult at all?
>>
No. 984716 ID: e7c7d3

Best ask and know for certain
>>
No. 984766 ID: bad0af

>>984650
Yes, but lead into it carefully. Maybe something about how "even when I'm not doing anything dangerous I always seem to run into trouble here. The cult problem certainly isn't helping, they ever interfere with deliveries?"
>>
No. 984792 ID: 15a025
File 160972738921.png - (5.12KB , 800x600 , 55.png )
984792

>Best ask and know for certain
>Yes, but lead into it carefully.
After Vienna leaves I start to tread carefully to the question
Candy: "You know, even when I'm just doing normal stuff in town, I always end up finding trouble."

Pepper: "What kind of trouble? It's not the cops is it?"

Candy: "No not the cops. It's more or less the cult problem going on. You ever run into those nerds or anything?"

Pepper: "What do they look like?"

Candy: "They're always running around in those purple robes."

Pepper: "Oh yeah! One time I was with Roxie and some guys in purple robes really wanted our uh, candy. They didn't seem like too much trouble for Roxie though."

Candy: "How'd she fight them off?"

Pepper: "It was before a baseball game, so she smashed their faces in with a baseball bat."

Candy: "You said she didn't play though?"

Pepper: "A coach always comes prepared for the forgetful."

She picks up her tea after that and takes a sip.

Pepper: "Mmm... nice and warm."
>>
No. 984816 ID: 894419

>>984792
Hey Pepper, when I'm ready to head back to the city, you should consider coming with me, we can room together or something. Its not so bad, this place on the other hand is apparently one giant roving brawl. We can do better for ourselves.
>>
No. 985061 ID: 15a025
File 160990797488.png - (5.12KB , 800x600 , 56.png )
985061

>Hey Pepper, when I'm ready to head back to the city, you should consider coming with me, we can room together or something.
Candy: "You know, when I'm ready to head back home, you should think about coming with me."

Pepper: "Why?"

Candy: "Well, it's not by a town full of drug dealers and crazy cultists for starters."

Pepper: "Okay yeah, but if I wanted safety I'd just stay home and help with the family business selling winter wear. Yeah it's dangerous here in town but, it's where Marsh and Roxie are and I enjoy being with them."

Candy: "It might be fun now, but you need to think about your future. I'm pretty sure we just talked about you not growing up to be Sugar. You need to find a real job. Shoot, I'm kind of still looking for a job."

She replies in a mocking tone,
Pepper: "Aren't you working for Sugar though?"

Candy: "Yeah, and I didn't have any idea she meant selling 'special candy.' She told me she had a bar and a candy store she needed extra help with. I figured it'd be a nice easy job to earn a little extra cash while I looked around for something."

Ugh, and I wished that was the half of it. Now I'm invested in stopping another group of cultists and now convincing my sister to get out of here. I go to finish off my tea while I think. There's gotta be something I can say or do to convince her.
>>
No. 985126 ID: 0cf8ef

>>985061
Speaking of the cult, even the cops here don't want to deal with them, any clue whats up with that?

Either way, sis, put some thought into it, I'd love to have come back with me. Anything else you want to do here or do you wanna move on somewhere else.
>>
No. 985128 ID: 15a025
File 160998820226.png - (5.21KB , 800x600 , 57.png )
985128

>Speaking of the cult, even the cops here don't want to deal with them, any clue whats up with that?
Candy: "You know, speaking of the cult. Cops don't seem to wanna bother with them at all. Any idea what's up with that?"

Pepper: "No, I don't deal with the cops at all. Isn't the cult supposed to be like the church's problem or something anyway?"

I guess her staying away from the cops is a good thing for now. Guess I'll have to wait and see what Nibbles comes up with.

>Either way, sis, put some thought into it, I'd love to have come back with me. Anything else you want to do here or do you wanna move on somewhere else.
Candy: "Anyway, put some thought into it at least. I'd love to have you stay with me, even for a little bit. There anything else you wanted to do or should we get going?"

She takes another sip of tea before finishing it off.
Pepper: "I think we should head out now."

Candy: "Alrighty then."

We go back out to the lobby and I ask Vienna to call us a cab. I pay him for the tea plus a little tip.
>>
No. 985129 ID: 15a025
File 160998824083.png - (5.64KB , 800x600 , 58.png )
985129

When we get to the bar I see Freeze is here.

Freeze: "Candy, I've been waiting here for you."

Candy: "I uh, see that. What's up?"

Freeze: "We need to talk, privately. Are you free?"
>>
No. 985130 ID: e7c7d3

You guess so
>>
No. 985167 ID: 894419

I'm kind of in the middle of a thing with my sister, is it urgent?
>>
No. 985245 ID: 651ae0

Don't leave her alone or with strangers. You can talk but only if there's a way to do that, you need to watch out for her.
>>
No. 985643 ID: 15a025
File 161059800804.png - (5.65KB , 800x600 , 59.png )
985643

>I'm kind of in the middle of a thing with my sister, is it urgent?
>Don't leave her alone or with strangers. You can talk but only if there's a way to do that, you need to watch out for her.
Candy: "Is it urgent? I'm supposed to be watching my little sister here."

Pepper: "Hey I'm not that little I'm-"

Freeze: "I guess it's not super important. Uh, here."
She hands me a small package.
Freeze: "Open that up when you're by yourself. You'll know what to do after."

Candy: "Uh, okay. Was that all?"

Freeze: "Kind of, I had some things to talk about. We can talk later though."
>>
No. 985644 ID: 15a025
File 161059803570.png - (5.53KB , 800x600 , 60.png )
985644

She gets up and leaves.

Marsh: "Well that was awkward. So, what'd you two do at the mall? I see someone bought new clothes."

Candy: "I did. Then we played an arcade game and hit up the coffee shop."

Marsh: "Augh, you went without me?"

Pepper: "Sorry we didn't bring anything back for you."

Marsh: "Nah don't worry. Faster we can leave town tonight the better."
>>
No. 985645 ID: 15a025
File 161059805064.png - (6.45KB , 800x600 , 61.png )
985645

The rest of the day I end up helping Marsh a bit with running the bar. It wasn't too busy, but I took care of bringing over drinks to tables while Marsh manned the taps.
>>
No. 985646 ID: 15a025
File 161059806637.png - (4.16KB , 800x600 , 62.png )
985646

After work, Marsh rushes us straight back to the mansion. I've got fifteen minutes to get ready. Not a lot to really pack, but I've got things to take care of. I really need to sit down shave this smelly wool off, it's bothering me. I also got that package from Freeze too though. It might not be super important, but this could also be my only alone time for awhile to mess with whatever it is. What should I do?
>>
No. 985647 ID: b1b4f3

Open it.

You could've left your sister with Marsh, you know...
>>
No. 985651 ID: dfd651

>>985646
Yup, crack that package open (but first shake it to make sure its not a mail-bomb)
>>
No. 985828 ID: 15a025
File 161085499784.png - (4.14KB , 800x600 , 63.png )
985828

>You could've left your sister with Marsh, you know...
I- yeah I guess I could have.

>Open it.
>Yup, crack that package open (but first shake it to make sure it's not a mail-bomb)
I shake the package and I hear something rattle in it, no explosion yet though. Once I'm sure it's not a bomb I open it up. Inside is a cell phone? I flip it open and browse through it. First thing I do is set it to vibrate. Then I see I've got Freeze and Nibbles as contacts. It also says I have two-hundred-forty minutes left, whatever that means. I've got enough time that I could probably squeeze in a call to one of them to see what was up. Should I? If so, should I call Freeze or Nibbles?
>>
No. 985829 ID: b1b4f3

Call Freeze.
>>
No. 985837 ID: 598b92

>>985829
this, but consider texting, if the phone can. It'd be more discrete.
>>
No. 985898 ID: 15a025
File 161094822340.png - (4.29KB , 800x600 , 64.png )
985898

>Call Freeze.
>this, but consider texting, if the phone can. It'd be more discrete.
Unfortunately texting isn't option, so I call up Freeze.

Freeze: "Hello?"
Candy: "Hey Freeze, it's Candy. I got a few moments to talk."

Freeze: "Ah. Are you alone?"

Candy: "Yeah, thanks for the phone."

Freeze: "No problem. We decided to play it safe and get phones that aren't in the police system."

Candy: "So what's the news?"

Freeze: "Nibbles and I are still digging through files still, but we did find something interesting. Churches have been donating a lot money to our anti-drug programs."

Candy: "Okay, that doesn't strike me as anything odd. Practicing what they preach after all."

Freeze: "It wouldn't be odd, except for how much money is being donated. We're talking almost half a million dollars, per station. For reference, other donation groups for our anti-drug program barely hit fifty-thousand."

Candy: "Okay yeah that is a lot of money, but what's wrong about that?"

Freeze: "These donations started around the same time Nibbles got sent here and when the big push to focus on drug crimes started."

Candy: "That's a little odd I guess. Is this going anywhere though?"

Freeze: "Yes, but it's hard to really say without digging more. I feel like the church is trying to keep our eyes of the cult for some reason. Nibbles mentioned that these large donations might be to cover up some kind of money laundering scheme as well though."
>>
No. 985900 ID: b1b4f3

>>985898
Sounds like somebody's gotta investigate the anti-drug organizations. See who's in charge.
Maybe you can do that for them?
>>
No. 986071 ID: 15a025
File 161128632020.png - (4.16KB , 800x600 , 65.png )
986071

>Sounds like somebody's gotta investigate the anti-drug organizations. See who's in charge. Maybe you can do that for them?
Candy: "Sounds like we should investigate these organizations. See who's in charge of them. Is that something I could help with?"

Freeze: "That's a good question, but hard to say. Maybe I could you a meeting or dinner date with one of the head organizers? Anyway, don't want to run all your minutes up. "

Candy: "Oh yeah, what does that mean?"

Freeze: "You have to buy air time for that phone. We got it loaded with four hours right now, but it's expensive. I'd only use it when you need too."

Marsh: "Candy? You almost ready in there?"

Candy: "Okay, gotta go."

I hang up the phone and stuff it in my pocket for now. Then I dig out my briefcase and head out.
>>
No. 986072 ID: 15a025
File 161128636714.png - (6.10KB , 800x600 , 66.png )
986072

Marsh: "Are you two all set? It's going to be long ride before we even get to the rest stop tonight."

Pepper: "How long of a ride is it?"

Marsh: "Six hours if the roads are good."

Candy: "Yikes, that long? We won't be there till midnight?"

Marsh: "Yeah, if we're lucky. Then I got another three hours of road after the rest stop. Be glad you're staying there and not coming with."
>>
No. 986080 ID: 307344

>>986072
Alright then, if you've got your spell stones and your sister is packed, then its time to roll out.
>>
No. 986081 ID: b1b4f3

I wish we could get some entertainment for the trip.
>>
No. 986161 ID: db90b4

Might at well get some snacks, don't want to get hungry. Maybe some ORANGE JUICE!
>>
No. 986392 ID: 15a025
File 161179660828.png - (5.17KB , 800x600 , 67.png )
986392

>Might as well get some snacks, don't want to get hungry. Maybe some ORANGE JUICE!
I rush into the kitchen real quick and grab some snacks for the ride. We got some little bottles of orange juice to take.

>Alright then, if you've got your spell stones and your sister is packed, then it's time to roll out.
Wait, ah crap! I forgot to find somewhere I can fuse my shield enchantment stone into you guys. Eh... I probably won't need it while we're gone. Remind me when we get home after this to do that though.
Marsh takes us back to the car and we get rolling.

>I wish we could get some entertainment for the trip.
Candy: "Yeah six hours in the car is going to be brutal without anything to do. Can we-"

Marsh: "Already planned you'd get bored of the radio. When I stopped at a gas station, I got you a couple of word searches. They're in the back by you Pepper."

Pepper: "Well, it's something to do at least."

Marsh: "Hey what's wrong with word searches. They're fun."

Pepper: "Yeah but I miss playing games in the car."

Marsh: "Blame the jerk wad that stole them. I ain't keeping any expensive stuff in the car anymore. Surprised no one ripped out my radio yet."

Candy: "Probably because it's a cassette player and not a CD player."

Marsh: "You knocking my poor cassette player?"

Candy: "Well, I guess it works."
>>
No. 986393 ID: 15a025
File 161179664387.png - (5.65KB , 800x600 , 68.png )
986393

It ends up being a long boring car, thankfully I still have another word search left to do on the return drive. When we finally stop, it's at a small motel.
Clerk: "Ah Marsh. That time of the month again? Or, I see you have company this time. Vacation away from the city?"

Marsh: "Hey, no questions no problems."

Candy: "Marsh, be nice. Things are a little wild at home and we just needed to get away. Marsh also has something going on out here."

Marsh: "Anyway, we need two rooms. Can you hook us up?"

Clerk: "Sure, here's your keys."

Candy: "Whoa, are these rooms free?"

Clerk: "No, but Marsh's-"

Marsh: "Paid in advance. Now come on, let's get to bed. I gotta get up early for another long drive."
>>
No. 986394 ID: 15a025
File 161179666733.png - (4.34KB , 800x600 , 69.png )
986394

Marsh wanted her own room, so I end up sharing a room with Pepper. The beds are nice a comfy and the room smells nice and clean.

Pepper: "Goodnight Candy."

Candy: "Goodnight Pepper."

[spoiler]End of Volume 10[/spoier]
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