About four years ago, my mother's car got attacked by some kind of superpowered freak. It put my mother in a coma for a good while, and she's been hospitalized ever since.
Now you'd THINK that the cops would be interested in pursuing someone who would and CAN punch cars into oblivion, but pretty everyone I told about what happened laughed in my face.
The only person who actually DID believe me is a girl I met in the park the night after the accident... and thanks to her, now I have my own powers.
After a pleasant visit at the hospital to see my mother, me and Lorelei are headed back to her hotel room for the night.
>Thread archive:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=false+dendrite+quest
>Branches known thus far:
http://pastebin.com/WDXAfN9q
>Twitter:
https://twitter.com/QM_Archelon
>Ask thing:
http://maouzenigame.tumblr.com/
>Game production blog:
https://studioarchelon.wordpress.com/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
do it
do it
do it do it do it do it do it dooooooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit
"Might as well make it a full two weeks of absences," I say, my voice cracking so bad it sounds like I'm going through puberty all over again.
"That's right," Lorelei says with a twinge of guilt. "You're still in school..."
"It's fine," I shake my head. "You don't have to worry about that."
"You saying that only makes me feel even guiltier about inviting you over," she sighs. "This isn't going to get you in trouble with your uncle, is it?"
>maybe I should call to say that I'm not coming back tonight
>maybe I should go over there to pick up a change of clothes
>meh, who cares about that asshole
>>44352019
>maybe I should go over there to pick up a change of clothes
>>44352019
>maybe I should call to say that I'm not coming back tonight
>>44352019
>maybe I should go over there to pick up a change of clothes
Hi turtle!
Merry OX∆□mas
>>44352019
>>maybe I should go over there to pick up a change of clothes
need more than just a phone call.
>>44352019
>maybe I should go over there to pick up a change of clothes
>>44352019
>>maybe I should call to say that I'm not coming back tonight
>writing
It would be the easiest thing in the world to just say "forget it" and go with Lorelei as-is. No calling, no worrying about my responsibilities, no nothing. I mean, I've already made the decision to skip school tomorrow so that I can be with her.
But then I remember this morning when the voice in my head finally coaxed me to step foot outside my room for the first time in what felt like forever. And the fact that I stunk to high heaven thanks to my lack of bathing. Even though I have absolutely NO intention to repeat that bout of uncleanliness, I'm still kind of self-conscious about it.
Mostly I'm worried that Lorelei would think I'm gross for putting on the previous day's dirty clothes.
"...maybe I should go over there to pick up a change of clothes," I say with a sigh of defeat.
"Hmm," Lorelei places a finger to her lips. "that actually sounds like a good idea. I'll be able to get back to the hotel on my own, so I guess I'll meet you there?"
>yeah, I don't want to subject her to the bullshit that would ensue if I brought her with me
>nah, why don't you come with me instead
>>44353612
>>yeah, I don't want to subject her to the bullshit that would ensue if I brought her with me
Wallace a shit
>>44353612
Kiss her goodbye
>>44353612
>yeah, I don't want to subject her to the bullshit that would ensue if I brought her with me
>>44353612
>>nah, why don't you come with me instead
>>44353612
>yeah, I don't want to subject her to the bullshit that would ensue if I brought her with me
>writing
"Yeah," I nod, "that's probably for the best."
I really don't want to subject her to Wallace being Wallace, especially since he's already warned me about bringing girls home. It's tough enough as it is to keep from blowing up at him when he gets on my case.
though he has an actual reason this time
since you're going to be skipping school again just so you can get some
Who's side are you on, anyways?
>[1/?]
>>44354267
>since you're going to be skipping school again just so you can get some
"Quit being bitchy, technically you're getting some too."
>>44354299
That feel when we realise that Irene's still alive
Harmony-kun might rebel if that's the case.
Unless Lorelei is such a power-top or something that she claims Joshua's asshole, leaving Harmony-kun free to deploy the penis into Gangbang-chan.
>>44354386
Nah, she probably knows to take her time with that.
>>44354386
We are probably going to get sat on.
>>44354267
>[2/2]
After keeping Lorelei company until her bus arrives (and making sure to get a parting kiss), I start the longish walk back to my residence of the part four years. And the closer I get, it's like all the giddiness and embarrassment that filled my time with Lorelei is replaced with the same depression and anxiety from before.
Shit.
it's this house
Maybe it is.
>tell wallace I'm gone (if he's around), grab my stuff, and leave
>just grab my stuff and leave
>>44354559
>Tell wallace I'm gone (if he's around), grab my stuff and leave
>>44354532
>pic related
>>44354559
>tell wallace I'm gone (if he's around), grab my stuff, and leave
>>44354532
>>44354592
>>44354630
Just ignore the troll.
>>44354559
>>just grab my stuff and leave
>>44354559
>tell wallace I'm gone (if he's around), grab my stuff, and leave
>>44354532
But Joshua is a boy and Lorelei is a girl
We're being hetero now.
>writing
After kicking off my shoes since Wallace is a stickler about that kind of thing, I follow the sound of low-grade singing all the way to the living room. And sure enough, Wallace is sitting in his usual seat and watching one of those garbage live performance shows. And it looks like today's singer is especially awful.
"Hey," I say, peeking my head through the doorway.
"Hm?" Wallace whips his neck around to see who just called out to him. "...oh, it's you."
"I'm just making a quick stop to get some clothes, I won't be around for the next few days."
"Eh?" he glares at me with accusing eyes. "So that chick who showed up here really -was- your girlfriend... for a while there I thought you were gay."
I want to punch him.
>ask him about this girl
>whatever, time to go
>>44355084
>ask him about this girl
>>44355084
>whatever, time to go
>>44355084
>>ask him about this girl
>>44355084
>>whatever, time to go
>>44355084
>opposite of the above post
>>44355084
>Wrong girl.
>>44355084
>whatever, time to go
>>44355084
>>comment with double quotes
>>44355187
>>Literal autism.
>>44355084
Can someone explaint to me why we cannot take our school-stuff with us and go to school the next day? Is the get let option actually "screw like rabbits until you pass out from exhaustion in the morning and sleep the rest of the day" or something like that?
>>44355084
"Actually, how did that girl look anyway?"
>>44355194
>Let's take this
>>to the
>>>next level
>>44355187
You know that if you highlight and include the carat it'll add the second, right?
Looks like a tie so it's time for FINAL DESTINATION voting.
Reply TO THIS POST with the number and ONLY the number of your choice.
>1: ask him about this girl
>2: whatever, time to go
1
>>44355318
pst, sillyYou forgot to reply to arch.
>>44355353
Bleh, some FDs say nothing but number, whatever.
>>44355307
(my post's ending digit)
>CLOCK OVER
"Whoever you texted me about -wasn't- my girlfriend," I say. "What did she even look like, anyways?"
"So you're not..." he trails off. "Whatever, not like I give a damn."
Pausing his show (why the hell would he even record that trash?), Wallace gets up from his chair with a long, unpleasant yawn accompanied with the sound of cracking joints.
"Like I says," he shrugs, "green hair, huge tits..." he scratches his head. "And I think her eyes were blue or something? Sounded kinda foreign too, now that I think about it."
wait a minute
irene fits that description exactly
>how do I react?
>>44355548
"She give a name?" Might be a sister or cousin come looking for answers.
>>44355548
Did she say where she'll be going then? Or did she leave a phone number to reach her?
>>44355548
>outwardly
"Huh."
>inwardly
"That...that's impossible. There's no way she survived that!"
>>44355548
>Figure it was Irene's sister.
Remember we are convinced she is dead.
>>44355548
How far away *is* that church anyway? If it’s like, 20 minutes away I would vote to check it out before going to Lorelei.
Also I still don’t get why we cannot get our school stuff to Lorelei and go to school tomorrow. Or at least have it there to got to school next week.
>>44355548
>Holy shit it's Irene....
>Wait, she had a sister who was into this branch crap.
>Oh shit.
Also I'm retarded. I'm colorblind and thought I was being bullshitted by Irene having blue eyes since I have a hard time differentiating between blue/green (and for some reason have assumed that green is the default when I can't tell).
>>44355661
>Also I still don’t get why we cannot get our school stuff to Lorelei and go to school tomorrow.
Nonstop fucking.She can kiss all day.
>>44355704
>>44355661
>Also I still don’t get why we cannot get our school stuff to Lorelei and go to school tomorrow. Or at least have it there to got to school next week.
This is entirely doable.
>>44355219
>Can someone explaint to me why we cannot take our school-stuff with us and go to school the next day? Is the get let option actually "screw like rabbits until you pass out from exhaustion in the morning and sleep the rest of the day" or something like that?
The idea was that he'd rather spend the whole day with lorelei instead of waking up next to her and then leaving at av way too early hour to go to a place that'll only remind him about Bad Things.
But you could always do so anyways, it's up to you guys.today is wednesday, thursday would be skipped, friday is a day off regardless
>writing
>>44355818
Hey archelon, how are you going to celebrate Kurisumas?
>>44355878
Probably going to just sit around and be depressed.
>>44355904
>>44355904
Play some video games you shit cunt
ENJOY THEM VIDEO GAMES
I'm at my mother's house for christmas and her computer can't play very many video games.
"Huh," I nod.
That's fucking impossible, there's no way she survived that! I -heard- her heart stop beating and I tried to keep her alive but-
calm down
I'm calm. I'm calm.
try and think about it rationally
Yeah, you're right. There's probably tons of people who could fit that description.
"Did she leave a name?" I ask.
"Uh..." Wallace scratches his head. "Something 'een'... Maureen, maybe? I wasn't really paying attention to what she was saying, if you catch my drift."
you are related to this person
>[1/?]
>>44355970
Why did people vote to talk to him?
>>44355970
Huh. Better check this shit out, see if the Church of kidnapping and sharing pain has any info on it.
>>44355988
Because having access tohis gfdoesn’t invalidate all other character traits and desires he has.
Still curious how long moving to the church and back would take.
>>44355970
>[2/2]
"C'mon..." I groan.
"I -do- remember her last name though since it's the same as a soccer player's," he says, smiling like he's proud of himself. "Lindegaard."
that's irene's last name
Yeah, I know...
"Anything else?" I ask. "Did she say what she wanted?"
"She wanted to talk to -you-," Wallace points at me. "Was pretty forceful too but it's not like I know where the hell you are most of the time. Too bad for her that today's the day you finally decided to rejoin the outside world, huh."
"...thanks," I mumble.
A fat load of help that was.
>maybe I'll make a detour to that church before I head back to the hotel
>mai waifu is waiting for me, I have no time to spare
>>44356014
>Still curious how long moving to the church and back would take.
It'd add about twenty minutes to a halfhour to the trip.
>>44356035
>maybe I'll make a detour to that church before I head back to the hotel
Do it
Then go and fug Prima and never stop
Arch, is Joshua more fit than CC, and can jog for 15 minutes if need be?
>>44356035
>>maybe I'll make a detour to that church before I head back to the hotel
20-30 minutes is *nothing*.
>>44356035
>>maybe I'll make a detour to that church before I head back to the hotel
>>44356035
>mai waifu is waiting for me, I have no time to spare
I'm a heartless bastard.
In addition to that, it's not just 20-30 minutes. If it /is/ Irene then the night is shot (in a good way) but we leave Lorelei peeved at the very least.
If it's her sister then we're fucked since it seems like she's the type you can't really turn down once she asks for you.
Also the vibes of Irene being forceful doesn't sound right. She has tended to be pretty neutral or mopey when dealing with depressing/terrible circumstances.
>>44356035
>maybe I'll make a detour to that church before I head back to the hotel
>>44356057
>Arch, is Joshua more fit than CC, and can jog for 15 minutes if need be?
Four years of running around and jumping from rooftop to rooftop have forced Joshua to get into the best shape. Physical-wise, Cecile might as well be Jabba the Hutt when compared to him.
>>44356103
>In addition to that, it's not just 20-30 minutes.
Well of course I was only referring to transit time.
>writing
>>44356158
>Well of course I was only referring to transit time.
"What took so long?"
"Someone who died showed up, so I had to be sure it wasn't a trap."
>>44356171
There is such a thing as calling ahead that we will return a bit later than expected.
>>44356158
Which he should do btw
Hurrying up to my room as quickly as I can, I grab the spare backpack that I use when doing "longterm operations" and throw in a few days' worth of clothes. Shirts, pants, underwear, socks... and deodorant. Can't forget that.
don't want to get dumped over poor hygiene after all
Once I've made sure that I have everything that I'll need, I start towards the door...
>tomorrow is lorelei day, with a dash of truancy
>even though I'll be crashing at the hotel tonight, maybe I should still try and go to school tomorrow
>>44356270
>tomorrow is lorelei day, with a dash of truancy
>>44356270
>tomorrow is lorelei day, with a dash of truancy
Not necessarily because he's thinking about skipping school but because school is probably the last thing on his mind right now.
>>44356270
>tomorrow is lorelei day, with a dash of truancy
>writing
Got my keys.
Got my backpack of clothes.
School stuff's on my desk.
With everything all set to go, I hurry back downstairs, throw on my shoes, and head out the door. Deep down, I'm nervous as hell about seeing Lorelei again... and on the surface, I'm nervous as hell about whoever it was that showed up looking for me earlier today.
going to go check it out?
Yeah, that's the plan. Especially with what Wallace said (as mostly useless as it was), I'm not going to be able to concentrate on anything else until it's dealt with.
>[1/?]
>>44356495
>[2/2]
With the help of my mastery of bus routes and schedules, I reach the shady neighborhood where the Tree of Life's church hideout is located pretty damned quickly. And the Synapse that I get as I approach all but confirms that they've still got a Branch Holder lurking around.
no sign of either of those two assholes from before
let me take over if they show up
please
>I'll grant you this one
>no, vengeance is mine
>>44356520
>I'll grant you this one
>>44356520
>I'll grant you this one
>writing
>>44356591
I got to go now. Wish you a merry Christmas or whatever other thing you wish to celebrate.
Thank you for the thread. You bring joy to many people.
Okay. I'll grant you this one, if for no other reason than that I know you had a thing for Irene.
thanks
you won't be disappointed
And so, with bloody vengeance still on my mind, I step through the front door of the church... and find Lloyd sitting on top of one of the pews?
>[1/?]
>>44356648
"Heh," Lloyd lowers his sunglasses, "so that Synapse was you after all. I was wondering when you'd finally get here."
"Yeah," I mumble. "Umm, my uncle said that someone was looking for me?"
"Whoops," he hops off the pew. "Better go get her..."
And without another word, Lloyd vanishes through the back door. I can make out his footsteps as clear as day as he jogs down a long hallway, stopping at a door to announce my arrival. But instead of actual words, the only reply he gets is a long, tired groan. A chair is then slid back and a different, lighter set of footsteps makes its way towards the sanctuary where I'm waiting.
wonder who it is
>[2/?]
>>44356697
>[3/3]
step
step
step
The impact of highheeled shoes hitting the hardwood floor echoes through the sanctuary as their owner steps through the doorway and into view.
"It took you long enough to show up," she says with a derisive glare as she continues to approach me. And my blood runs cold.
Slightly covered by swooping green bangs, a pair of sharp blue eyes pierce right through me. With no emotion on her face whatsoever. It doesn't make any sense, but I know there isn't anything wrong with my eyesight.
it makes no sense
it makes no sense
no sense
that heartbeat
like playing the same melody with a different instrument
that which devours
>how do I react!?
>>44356772
Cry. Shout out her name. Hug her.Song of bittersweet love
>>44356772
>>how do I react!?
"...I heard your heart stop."
>>44356772
Cryhug
>writing
>>44356772
Wtf?
U ded nigga
y u no longer ded nigga
My legs move on their own, propelling me towards her. My arms extend their full length, pulling her towards me.
"Oh my God..." I hold her as tightly as I can. "Irene, I heard your heart stop! I saw you die!"
"Yes, I'm sure you thought that you did," she replies as she slides her hands up my chest.
And then pushes me away as hard as she can. It's so starling that I'm not even able to muster up the willpower to counter the impact of my ass hitting the floor.
"I- Irene?" I squeak out.
"That is -not- my name," she replies, glaring at me like I'm lower than dirt.
>[1/?]
>>44356772
>like playing the same melody with a different instrument
>that which devours
....wait, does that mean Irene was eaten?
>>44356920
>>44356926
This is Vanilla!Irene, the original personality.
She is a B I T C H.
Just like her sister.
>>44356920
>[2/2]
"Wha...?" I scramble to my feet. "But you're that which devours-"
"Yes, I am," she rolls her eyes. "But I am -not- Irene. My name is Katrine. Katrine Lindegaard."
what?
"Katrine...?" I repeat, unsure about what I just heard.
"Yes, that's right," she sighs. "I am Katrine. The 'person' who you watched die goes by the name Irene."
"Wha..."
but they look the same
they have the same face
and the same breasts
and the same heartbeat
and the same branch
"Then how are you-" I point at her. "So Irene really is-"
"Ugh..." she buries her face into her hand. "Leave it to that idiot to flirt with a teenaged boy and then traumatize him with her sacrifice fetish."
After taking a deep breath, she looks me right in the eyes.
"Long or short," she says.
"Huh?"
"Long or short?" she repeats herself. "Though it goes against protocol, I do feel that I owe you at least some explanation of what's going on here. So pick: so you want the long explanation of that idiot's actions or the short explanation?"
>the abridged version please
>I want to know everything
>>44356963
>I want to know everything
>>44356963
>I want to know everything
Turtle you said Katrine wasn't just Irene's mainpersonality
you fucking lied
>>44356963
>>I want to know everything
>>44356963
>>44356932
>I want to know everything
... Is Irene's sister actually just the original?
Can !Irene eat the clone Irene but not all/the other original one(s)?
>>44356978
>Turtle you said Katrine wasn't just Irene's mainpersonality
>you fucking lied
I didn't say that.I said something that could be construed as that
>writing
"The long explanation, I guess?" I say.
"Very well..."
Katrine takes a deep breath and places a hand to her temples.
"A long time ago..." she closes her eyes, "...back in Denmark, my parents had identical twin girls. Me and my sister Irene. And though we were only separated by about ten minutes, I took my role as the elder sister very seriously. I would decide what games we'd play, I would decide when we would pester our grandparents for sweets... I was the leader."
not sure where this is going
"But one day, Irene said to me that it wasn't fair that I always got my way and that we should take turns," Katrine says, shaking her head. "This was the first and last fight that we ever had."
"Last?" I ask.
"Yes, that's right," she nods. "Afterwards, Irene ran off and we never saw her again."
wait a minute
>[1/?]
>>44357091
>wait a minute
Imaginary friend>branch voice?
This keeps making more and less sense as it goes on.
>>44357091
"But Irene-"
You asked for the full story and that's what you're going to get," Katrine cuts me off. "Now..." she takes another deep breath, "...Irene never came home that night after we fought. Our entire village helped in the search for my little sister who ran off because I just -had- to always get my own way, but she was never found."
"Wha?"
"Maybe a month later, someone found the remains of her favorite dress, the one that she was wearing on the day that she disappeared. It had washed up at the bottom of the cliff where we used to go to watch the sun set."
suicide?
"It was all my fault," Katrine says, pointing to herself. "The person who I loved more than anything else... who was a part of me since before we were even born... was dead. And when she died, a part of me did too."
With a bitter smile on her lips, Katrine begins walking in a circle.
"I spent the next year or so in a haze," she says, "deadened to the world. I hated myself and absolutely nothing could console me... but then I mer her."
"Her?"
"A woman who just so happened to be passing through my village on the way to meet an acquaintance of hers, or so she claimed," Katrine says, scowling. "And she told me that she didn't like to see unhappy faces so she'd give me a 'gift' that could potentially lead to a brighter future."
>[2/?]
>>44357162
Uh oh
>>44357162
>[3/3]
"The next thing I knew," Katrine continues, "I woke up in the middle of the woods. Thinking that I'd just encountered a fairy that played a prank on me, I ran home as fast as I could and went to sleep. And when I came to, I began hearing voices."
voices
"I wondered if I was possessed," Katrine laughs bitterly, "or if I'd just gone mad... but then I noticed something?"
"What?"
"The voice that was talking to me sounded exactly like me. And in my grief, I reached for the most convenient explanation- that Irene had had seen how miserable I was without her so came down from Heaven to keep me company."
>interrupt her [specify with what]
>keep on listening
>>44357205
>keep on listening
>>44357205
>>keep on listening
But we'll have to ask L later if she's ever been to Denmark.
>>44357205
>>keep on listening
I want to know if that was Lorelei (probably is) but I'd rather ask Lorelei than the Tree of Life headcase.
Too bad we haven't heard of her before so we can't ask why she's such a psycho bitch.
>>44357205
>had had
>writing
>>44357261
We have heard some things about her before from a brief mention by Lloyd and the aftermath of her phonecall with Irene.
Giving a "gift" because she doesn't like to see unhappy faces... and that "gift" turns out to be a Branch. As much as I hate to admit it, that sounds a lot like something that Lorelei would do. I'm going to have to ask her about that when I get back to the hotel.
"That voice," Katrine continues, "she told me exactly what I wanted to hear. That she was Irene and that she loved me and that we'd never be alone again. And I believed her." she says with a grimace. "The smile returned to my face, and for the next year or so, I was happier than I'd ever been. In addition to having 'Irene' back, I found that I was now stronger than anyone else in the village... and that I could eat anything without getting sick."
"Dragon's Tooth," I say.
"Exactly," she nods. "And I will admit that it was great fun being a thirteen-year-old girl who could challenge grizzled old lumberjacks to drinking contests and win every time without fail... but I digress.
sounds like something that I'd like to see
"But after a while, something changed," Katrine says. "The voice in my head..." she sneers, "the demon that claimed to be the ghost of my sister... she began asking me to do strange things."
"Uh..."
"I'll refrain from mentioning the specifics since it's none of your business," she continues, "but after a while she stopped 'asking' and finally forcibly took control of my body to perform the task she'd requested of me."
Katrine looks me in the eyes.
"Do you have any idea how horrifying it is to stand there helplessly as you're forced to mutilate yourself?" she asks.
I don't even know how to respond.
>[1/?]
>>44357333
"And when the deed was done," Katrine continues, "she walked me right to my room and had me lay in my bed until the sun rose..." she shudders. "And when it finally did, I was able to see myself in two places at once. One was outside in the field where she controlled me like a puppet and the other was in my bed."
"How...?" I stare at her.
"I was wondering the same thing myself," she replies. "But the next thing I new, I felt myself under attack. Not the me that was outside," she shakes her head, "not the me that was still lying in my bed, but the 'me' in here," she says, pointing to her head. "My soul."
over
"Overgrowth?" I stare in horror.
"If you know about that," Katrine smiles bitterly, "then you must know what it's like. To have pieces of your SOUL torn off and eaten by someone else."
She's assuming that you...
you know that I would never do that to you
"But I got off lucky," Katrine shrugs, "as all she wanted was the part of 'me' that was outside in that field. So with half of my very existence having been consumed, I fell into a coma."
>[2/?]
>>44357333
>"Do you have any idea how horrifying it is to stand there helplessly as you're forced to mutilate yourself?
I pulled one of my wisdom teeth, don't be a bitch.
>>44357388
>branchvoice got fed up with her treating it like her sister all the time and fucked off via branchpowers, leaving her alive when it could have easily overwhelmed her
>she goes to a coma
>acts like her branchvoice is literally hitler
jej
>>44357388
>[3/3]
"I woke up a week later," Katrine says, "to my mother weeping with joy that a miracle had occurred. Not that I'd managed to regain consciousness... no, not that," she shakes her head, "but that Irene had been found -alive-."
but it was the her that was in the field
"And since of COURSE I would be the happiest to learn of this news, my mother brought my long-lost sister into my room... and I knew right away that it wasn't the Irene that died. -My- Irene. No," she shakes her head, "the person posing as 'Irene' was actually -me-," she says, pointing to her chest.
After breathing a long sigh, Katrine walks up to me and pats me on the shoulder.
"You see, my Branch's Full Bloom grants me extra bodies," Katrine says. "And the vine decided that she wanted to take one of those bodies for herself, along with the place of my dead sister."
"Extra bodies?" I stare at her.
"That's right," she nods. "The specifics of how it's done are none of your business, but at the very least you ought to know that there's no reason for you to feel guilty about 'Irene's'' death. "She'll be right back here to fool around with you first thing tomorrow morning."
>how do I respond?
>>44357454
>I am going to go now.
>>44357454
Get mad and leave. She literally got herself a new body so that she can interact with people, while our best bro inside our head can't do that and she's being salty about it too.
>>44357454
>So what makes you so mad gangbang-chan got a spare body?
>>44357454
>>how do I respond?
So if you and her got together, would that be incest or masturbation?
On second thought, let's just stay quiet and be secretly relieve that she's still alive.
>>44357454
>>how do I respond?"Aren't you supposed to be the 'Tree of Life'?"
>>44357454
>how do I respond?
So, where is Irene now?
>>44357496
The soul-priests stole it from the druids.
> mfw the original, non-branch Irene is alive somewhere as well.
Okay, I think I have enough for the next post. But sadly, I really need to not be awake right now.
There's still a little bit to go before this particular bit of Song of Unison comes to an end though, so I'll be coming back to this thread sometime in the afternoon to finish things off.provided the thread is still alive
I'll be up for the next ten minutes or so so feel free to ask questions or whatever and I'll get to them before I go to sleep.
>>44357454
>So you never bothered to confirm if the normal Irene actually died?
Shit I am a lifeguard and they won't even let me declare people dead. I'd still have to CPR their corpse.
>>44357565
Who is best nep?
>>44357587
>TFW Iris heart looks like Alison.
>>44357565
>>44357565
So Overgrowth isn't an all-or-nothing deal? I thought for sure Irene/Katrine/whatever's mind would have to be completely consumed, not just one of the spare copies.
>>44357675
>Thinking it isn't the original Irene.
>>44357697
Look, this is getting confusing enough as it is.
>>44357587
>Who is best nep?
As someone who has yet to play any of those games, Noire appeals to me the most.this may change when I actually do play them
>>44357675
>So Overgrowth isn't an all-or-nothing deal? I thought for sure Irene/Katrine/whatever's mind would have to be completely consumed, not just one of the spare copies.
In the vast majority of cases, it's a simple question of eat or be eaten. But for Katrine, her soul was split between two bodies so all Irene had to do was "eat" the portion that remained within the one that she wanted. Once the deed was done, the two of them fully independent beings and there's no worry of Irene jacking Katrine's copies or vice-versa.
And now I sleep. See you in a few hours!
So is "Irene" evil or not? Is she right to hate herself? Does she deserve to live?
>>44357771
We've yet to hear her side of the story, and what happened after her hijack.
>>44357771
Irene is stupid and has issues, but she is not evil. It was extremely shitty of her to pretend to be Irene (and to continue pretending she is Irene), but otherwise she seems alright.
>>44357810
At the same time it's not easy to get a life when you have no legal existence or history to show the world. And the Irene backstory gave her one ready-made to use.
>>44357810
>It was extremely shitty of her to pretend to be Irene
How do you figure?
>>44357882
>So when were you born.
>I wasn't.
>>44355084
>After kicking off my shoes since Wallace is a stickler about that kind of thing,
I think I found Wallace's most redeeming feature.
>>44357810
Irene seems like she used to be nothing more than a coldhearted psychopath. That may have changed over the years, but we cannot deny that she used to be a complete monster.
>>44359044
We don't know for certain if she wasn't just experimenting with her branch.
>>44357882
Understandable, especially since she apparently actually *sees* herself as Irene. Fooling even herself, as it were.
Still. Shitty.
>>44359044
I deny it. There are far more degrees of shittyness / psychological issues that can explain her behaviour than just "complete monster"
>>44359044
>psychopath
"Vines" aren't human tho. You could argue that what she did was survival.Which is why they all ought to be exterminated. Too dangerous.
>>44359436
>she apparently actually *sees* herself as Irene
She *pretends* to be, but I thought turtle said she thinks she's an abomination?
>>44359494
>Which is why they all ought to be exterminated. Too dangerous.
Only a madman would exterminate a whole group of people.
>>44359494
>She *pretends* to be, but I thought turtle said she thinks she's an abomination?
She's come to terms with the fact that she's not really Irene, but at the same time knows she's what the church considers a monster. So she uses a combination of religious belief and self-sacrifice as penance.
Hold up. Do Irene and Katrine's clones give themselves synapses? Do they give each other synapses? This could be an interesting thought experiment for what the branches (as a supernatural force) considers to be human.
Point being that if they do trigger synapses on each other then the best thing we have for deciding something's humanity (AKA branches only humans can use) is stating that they're 2 different entities.
Still need to take care of some stuff before I get back to writing.
>>44357771
>So is "Irene" evil or not? Is she right to hate herself? Does she deserve to live?
Well she'd say that she's a horrible monster who deserves to die over and over and over and over again.
>>44360297
>Hold up. Do Irene and Katrine's clones give themselves synapses? Do they give each other synapses? This could be an interesting thought experiment for what the branches (as a supernatural force) considers to be human.
>Point being that if they do trigger synapses on each other then the best thing we have for deciding something's humanity (AKA branches only humans can use) is stating that they're 2 different entities.
All instances of Irene and Katrine trigger Synapses in other people but not each other.
Technically they're still the same person.
This makes me wish CC got on the Irene train even more
So, I take it that IreneNet and KatrineNet are separate? Also, would it be possible for Katrine to take over one of Irene's bodies or vice versa?
>>44363215
Yep. IrenePrime is a clone of KatrinePrime that took over that body to become a separate entity without killing Katrine herself. Arch will have to confirm, but I doubt they can hijack each other since they now spawn separate bodies.
>>44363215
>So, I take it that IreneNet and KatrineNet are separate?
Yup.
>Also, would it be possible for Katrine to take over one of Irene's bodies or vice versa?
Nope, neither one of them has any control over the other. That was the entire point of what Irene did to separate them in the first place.
>we back nao, time to writing
So do you think it's possible for Katrine to forgive Irene at this point?
Through that entire long story, one thing sticks with me. Irene is still alive. Even if she might not be the "real" Irene, it's still a massive relief that one of the two major things that was weighing down on me is no longer an issue.
she's alive
And I guess she's like you if you were able to get your own body... no wonder you liked her so much.
>thank the katrine and leave
>get mad about the irene's treatment and leave
>ask the katrine about something
>[OTHER]
>>44363990
>thank the katrine and leave
>>44363990
>get mad about the irene's treatment and leave
>>44363964
Hell no. Kat seems like a melodramtic bitch if that thing about pulling a tooth (which regrow) is turned into "Self Mutilation" (and mutilation usually carries the connotation of disfiguring or permanence).
>>44363990
>thank the katrine out of relief
>ask if she's in town for the book. If not, why is she personally in town.
>>44363990
>Update
So are you mad because the voice tried to cheer you up by repressing that which you hated most about yourself, or because it took a part of you so it could try and act like your sister?
>>44363990
>ask the katrine about something
Who turned you?
>>44363990
>thank the katrine and leave
>writing
What, Arch is back in the same thread?
What is this heresy?
Who are you and what have you done with the real turtle?
>>44364797
>>44357565
>There's still a little bit to go before this particular bit of Song of Unison comes to an end though, so I'll be coming back to this thread sometime in the afternoon to finish things off.
"...thanks for telling me all that," I say. "Seeing Irene die like that really messed me up."
"I bet it did," Katrine says, rolling her eyes. "That idiot has an awful habit of throwing her life away without hesitation and it -always- leads to someone being traumatized. Somehow, she refuses to understand that saying 'I'll be fine' while people cry over her never helps."
as shown by your actions for the past eight days
"By the way," Katrine says, "what I just told you is considered 'classified information' to people outside our organization so I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it to yourself. I don't generally go around narrating the story of my life to people I just met, but our organization already owes you a great debt as it is so I made an exception."
>great debt?
>kthxbai
>>44365046
>great debt?
I enjoy exposition being typed at me at the speed of turtle power.
>>44365046
>great debt?
I mean I helped you find Stoner and Inhaler but I didn't exactly capture them.
Did I lead you to the book you were looking for or whatever? 'cause I have no idea where the hell that is.
>>44365046
>>great debt?
information is good to have
>>44365046
>great debt?
>>44365046
>great debt?
>writing
>>44365046
Are you going to deal with those reckless brothers?
"Great debt?" I tilt my head. "I guess I appreciate the sentiment but I don't really get how anything I did would warrant that. It's not like I was able to capture those two assholes..."
"That's not what I was talking about," Katrine replies.
"Then did I end up leading you to their book somehow?" I ask.
That would lead to a bunch of problems for me so I really hope that's not the case.
"No..." Katrine shakes her head. "That's an issue for Irene to deal with when she gets back."
then what
>[1/?]
>>44365363
If it's about Lorelei we just straight out attack them, right?
I bet Lorelei would find it hilarious how we fell for two immortal abominations of dubious morality in such a short time.
>>44365456
No, that's what a dumbass would do.
We are the hero.
We sneak in and break her out.
Or if they have killed her, we gotta announce JUSTICE before we move in.
>>44365456
If practical.
>>44365363
>[2/2]
"A holder of the Branch 'Lasting Grasp,' guilty of several counts of rape. A holder of the Branch 'Ardent Witch' who broke into several banks and went on a rampage that left dozens of victims. And that's just off the top of my head."
"Wha...?" I stare at her. "How did you even know about that?"
"What do you think happened to them after you beat them senseless and left them for the police?" she asks, placing her hands on her hips. "Do you honestly think they had the capability to contain criminals with Branches?"
"........."
So the Tree of Life and the police...
"Those criminals, who were active in the same region, all gave the same description of the same person defeating them." Katrine says. "All I did was put two and two together."
>how do I react?
>>44366153
Outerly "I did it because it was right, not for fame. If you've looked into my history half as much as I think you have you know why."
Inwardly squee a little.
>>44366153
>>how do I react?
Well, I guess you guys really are a secret society, like those Illumi...nus or whatever in that movie.
>>44366153
"Just another service provided by your friendly neighborhood Sound-man."
>>44366153
>"A holder of the Branch 'Lasting Grasp,' guilty of several counts of rape. A holder of the Branch 'Ardent Witch' who broke into several banks and went on a rampage that left dozens of victims. And that's just off the top of my head."
Sounds like they deserved it.
>>44366153
If you really do want to thank me you just need to don't interfere with what I do and I'll keep on dealing with your problems in this town.
Actually... do you happen to know of a violent branch user who xxxx?
I apologize for the family-based delays in my posting.
>writing
>>44366359
arch I have a weird suggestion
maybe you should spend christmas eve with your family?
>>44366359
So is it Christmas Eve where you're at?
If so why aren't you shitfaced along with the rest of your family?
>>44366378
I thought that arch almost never drink.
>>44366394
What's the point with holidays if you don't drink? It's just like any other normal day when you don't have a good time with the people you're supposed to care about.
>>44366374
You shut your mouth.
I wonder if a Branch would allow someone to be Santa Claus or if that would be too OP.
>>44366696
>ask the katrine about something else before I go
"Any advice about Irene?"
>>44366696
>Hot
>>44366696
>and now it is time for me to go
>>44366696
>>and now it is time for me to go
Good spot to leave. I'd suggest leaving sooner rather than later on the off chance we say something we shouldn't even if we get other info out of it.
>>44366724
Well, it's not exactly surprising that he'd have a boner for punishing lawbreakers.
>>44366696
>ask the katrine about something else before I go
Ask about the guy who hurt our mom.
"So I guess you guys really are a secret society," I say.
"The Tree of life is often described as such," Katrine replies. "And your actions ensured that -we- didn't have to be dispatched to this city before now."
"Hm."
you never wondered what happened to those guys after we kicked their asses?
Not really... though I guess I probably should have.
"Well if you really want to thank me, just keep on not interfering with what I do," I say.
"Heh," Katrine smirks. "Well we'd be foolish not to, seeing as how you've been doing our job for us and all. Rest assured, we'll be out of your hair once the book is retrieved."
>and now it is time for me to go
>ask the katrine about something else before I go
>>44366763
Relinking >>44366753
>>44366753
I guess this, if she doesn't have anything just go.
>>44366745
This is me but I'll support >>44366753
It seems harmless enough.
>>44366763
>and now it is time for me to go
>>44366763
>and now it is time for me to go
We've made Lorelei wait more than long enough.
>>44366891
We've spent like 5 minutes talking to this girl.
>>44366905
PACING
A
C
I
N
G
>>44366378
>So is it Christmas Eve where you're at?
>If so why aren't you shitfaced along with the rest of your family?
What >>44366394
said.
>>44366374
>arch I have a weird suggestion
>maybe you should spend christmas eve with your family?
They have since left.
>writing
>>44366977
Then I'll drink one more in your honour.
it'll be nice for things to go back to normal
well once we find those two assholes and take care of them
Yeah...
"I have things that I really need to get back to," I say, "so I guess this is goodbye for now."
"I suppose it is," Katrine replies. "I trust that we'll be able to count on your continued cooperation with this situation with the Divine Breath and Basaltic Dominion Branch holders?"
"Yeah, sure," I nod.
irene is still alive
but that doesn't mean that I'm about to forgive them for what they did
>[1/?[
>>44366997
You were going to drink anyway.
>>44366977
>I don't drink.
>Waifus a drunk.
>>44366378
Am Shitfaced, rest of family is asleep
>>44367269
>"I have things that I really need to get back to," I say, "so I guess this is goodbye for now."
It's a tie between asking about the guy who hurt our mom and just leaving. Hope you actually end up including both.
>>44366224
WE GOTTA FIND WHO CRIPPLED OUR MOM
>>44367304
Am sober
Am Australian
Am not driving
Am shitposting on 4chan
I need all my wits about me to shitpost at maximum efficiency.
>>44367439
And I must say, this constant barrage of "You have been WARNED <click> the quality of posts is extremely important to this community" and 24h bans for "garbage outside /b/" are really starting to grate on me.
I gotta find a place that's more lenient.
>>44367439
>Am Australian
>Am shitposting on 4chan
You really don't need to repeat yourself.
>>44367269
"We'll be sure to pay you back for your assistance," Katrine says. "Maybe I can register you as an independent contractor..." she mumbles to herself. "Rest assured, you'll be compensated in some way."
"Hm."
After giving a casual wave goodbye, I turn towards the large doors that serve as this place's main entrance and exit. Now I can finally leave this place and get back to Lorelei.
getting paid would be nice
Maybe so, but I'm not sure how I feel about accepting money from an evil secret Catholic illuminati thing...
"There -is- one thing that you could do for me that wouldn't cost you anything," I say, stopping just before I open the door.
"Eh?" Katrine crosses her arms. "And what might that be?"
"four years ago, my mother got put in the hospital by a Branch holder," I say. "A man ran in front of our car in the middle of the highway at night and smashed it to hell with a giant fist."
Katrine just continues to look at me.
>[2/?]
>>44367638
>[3/3]
"I asked Irene if she knew anything about it back when I first met her and she said that it sounded like s Branch called 'Titanic Shift.' So if you could find any information about who might have that Branch in particular, it'd help me out a lot."
"And what would you do if you obtained this information?" Katrine asks.
>I'm going to kill him
>I haven't decided yet
>[OTHER]
>>44367746
>>I haven't decided yet
>>44367746
>I haven't decided yet
>>44367746
>[OTHER]
A: Verify that he's the prick that hurt my mom
B: See if he has any remorse for his action or desire to reform and make amends.
If he does, then he'll be spending a lot of time helping Mom.
If he doesn't, imma kick his ass so hard he stays in hospital for years.
>>44367746
>>I haven't decided yet
>>44367746
>I haven't decided yet
but>>44367786
seems about right
>>44367746
>>I haven't decided yet
But hopefully said person will make the decision easy for me.
>>44367746
JUSTICE.
>>44367746
>I haven't decided yet
>>44367746
>>I haven't decided yet
but basically what >>44367786
said.
>writing
"...I haven't decided yet," I say. "It all depends on how things turn out."
"Heh," Katrine smirks. I can't promise you anything, but I'll at least look into your case."
"Thanks," I reply.
After waving goodbye a second time, I finally take my leave of this place. And as I walk down the street towards the nearest bus stop, I can hear Katrine talking about that same "Titanic Shift" Branch on her phone... I guess she was serious about helping me.
you really haven't decided what you're going to do if you find that guy?
your mom's been laid up in the hospital for four years because of what he did
Well... first I'd need to make sure that I have the right person. I'm supposed to be a hero, remember? Jumping to conclusions is no good.
and if you do have the right guy?
Then it'll hinge on his actions. That's all I'm going to say.
>[1/?]
>>44368037
We'll give him asoundbeating.
>>44368076
God damn it you little spic I'm voting trump to keep you and your puns out of this country
>>44368087
>I'm voting trump
But you lost the war.
>>44368133
No bro
We ALL lost that war.
;_;7
>>44368148
Well yu can only blame yourselves for that. You should've stayed a colony, and you wouldn't have had any of that trouble.
>>44368350
Fuck you and FUCK your Bank of England.
>>44368362
Sorry, but I am not of the englishmen.
>>44368037
>[2/2]
According to the schedule, I have about ten minutes to wait at the stop until the bus arrives. Sadly, said schedule is only a suggestion. It takes an agonizing half hour for the damned thing to finally show up, and then traffic makes the ride to the hotel take twice as long as it should have.
it's like they're conspiring against you
When I finally reach my destination, I sprint the final few blocks between the bus stop and the hotel, then hurry inside... and nearly slam into Lorelei just as she's coming into the lobby to greet me.
>what do I say to her?
>>44368467
Sorry that took so long. A ghost came to visit my home and I had to make sure everything was alright. The buses decided to shaft me, sorry to make you wait!
>>44368467
>Sorry to keep you waiting, the Tree had some business with me.
>Uhh... [Awkwardly suggest to head to her room since we're totally a virgin]
>>44368467
Fuck. Traffic.
>>44368467
>>what do I say to her?
Sorry, did I make you wait? I ran into a certain... Lindegaard... who had a curious tale to tell me.
Say, have you ever been to Denmark?
>>44368467
>According to the schedule, I have about ten minutes to wait at the stop until the bus arrives. Sadly, said schedule is only a suggestion. It takes an agonizing half hour for the damned thing to finally show up, and then traffic makes the ride to the hotel take twice as long as it should have.
I see they have AC Transit in Joshua's city.
>>44368635
Public transport a shiiiiiiiiiiiiit.
>writing
>>44368702
You still got your bike right?
"Joshua!" Lorelei grabs my hand. "Are you-"
"Sorry that took so long," I say. "I had some business to deal with with the Tree of Life, and then the freaking bus was late and then the traffic on the way here..." I trail off.
"So that's why you were with those other two Branch holders..." she breathes a sigh of relief. "I was worried that you'd gotten pulled into another fight with those boys you were telling me about."
>wait, how'd you know about that?
>oh yeah, I remember what she's talking about
>>44368963
>>oh yeah, I remember what she's talking about
....
>>wait, how'd you know about that?
>>44368963
>>oh yeah, I remember what she's talking about
>>44368979
Going with this guy.
