Drunkard's Walk Forums

Rob, Zest will meet Jail in a few years, when he gets sent in to bust up a combat cyborg op.  This is me giving him and me some backstory, so that I can make that change.
BA:  If it were anybody else, I'd be tempted.  I sort of need the TSAB not hating me for my plan, though- and both Acous and Zest have roles to play in the scenario- ohgreatIsoundlikeGendo.
**********

"Run that by me again, please." 
She couldn't have said what I thought she said."I'd like you to go out with me tomorrow."
She did say what I thought she said.  Well, this is awkward.  How do I let her down gently?  I mean, she *is* my sister; I'm certainly not going to go out with her- and I don't want to encourage her to think of me that way.Come to think of it, why is Cinque thinking of me like that?  Sure, it'd be harder to believe Uno- or especially Tre- saying something like that, but I still wouldn't peg *Cinque* as being the one to-"...Imma?  Are you all right?"
I blinked, looking over at a concerned Cinque.  "I-I'm fine.  I was just thinking about your request.  I'm not sure it's-"
Cinque reached out, taking my hands in hers, a pout on her face.  "-such a good idea?  But why?  Yes, it'd be my first time, but I've been studying!  I'm sure it'll go well!"
I tried to ignore the pout, with rather less success than I'd like.  ...don't tell me you practiced puppy-dog eyes, too?  Finally, I steeled my resolve.  "No.  I won't go out with you, Cinque."
Phew.  I said it.  Now, let's hope she takes it well.
That got me a glare.  "I see.  I suppose I'll have to learn about civilian behaviors on my own, then.  Good day."  Cinque turned on her heel, and began to walk out the door.Civilian behaviors?  Wait.  She was talking about-

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

Well, isn't Imma lucky he's not in a harem anime? Then this would have been exactly what it looked like, and two or three of the other girls would have burst in with comedic timing to create even worse misunderstandings and insist they go along as well to keep him from slaking his perverse appetites on poor, innocent Cinque and/or be included in any such activity.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow....

Well, I guess not everyone can get it... I mean, I had a HUGE family, so the idea of going out with cousins doesn't trigger alarm bells for me.

There's a difference between cousins and sisters though, and the psychological relationship is still significant even with a lack of blood kinship. An age gap would normally also be a factor, but with both of them being vat jobs and the Numbers having their minds designed and/or sim-grown at a compressed time scale that would be wonky from any angle.

Garrik's case is also different in that respect, he gets a bit of a pass on that because their prospective life spans are in the thousands of years so as long as they hold off on anything too involved for a measly half decade or so the gap will quickly vanish into irrelevance, sort of the reverse of the Numbers.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

...you say that like I couldn't change my mind and go Full Harem.  I've laid the foundations for it, haven't I? :3(I'm not going to change my mind and go Full Harem.)
BA, I'm an only child.  More than that, a sheltered, introverted only child who never really fit in at school.  I Get People as an intellectual exercise.  Sort of, anyway.More than that, a prudish, sheltered, introverted, hopeless romantic of a sheltered child.  Yeah.  On top of that, the phrasing was ringing all sorts of alarm bells- I specifically wrote it to do that.
Really, such a pairing has so many issues that it isn't even funny.  There's the physical age issue to consider.  Then there's the mental age gap, which is less of an issue than it might be because of the way their minds work.  I'm trying to write the Numbers as being mature, but lacking an understanding of non-combat activities; that, combined with my mind going 'she's less than TWO YEARS OLD!', is the mental age issue in a nutshell.  Then you have me shoving them into the 'sibling' mental box so hard their genetic donors landed in the friend zone, the biological oddities implied in combat cyborg construction, and what would likely be the Overprotective Father From Heterodyne Castle to worry about.
**********
Cinque didn't stop, forcing me to run for a second to catch up.  "Wait!  I didn't realize you wanted to go out to study!  OF COURSE I'll go out with you!"
That stopped her in her tracks.  Cinque stopped glaring at me, shifting from annoyed disdain to surprise, and then to confusion.  "You will... but what did you?  Why?"  She stopped herself, gathered her wits, and tried again.  "I'm sorry?  What did you believe I meant?"
Ah, good.  She didn't even think of it.  That's a relief!  I adopted my best lecturing pose (read: not that great), and my best (considerably better) didactic voice.  "The phrase 'go out with', in the culture I grew up in, is generally used to describe either a romantic relationship, or the activities that prospective couples use to determine their romantic compatibility."  I dropped the pose, and gave (a shocked) Cinque a relieved grin.  "In short, I thought you were asking me out on a date."
[Mal, get a photo of that face.  Save it in the same folder as the one from that time with the Relic.]
[DONE.]
"...but I... I didn't... I wouldn't..."  Again, Cinque stopped, visibly gathered herself, and then tried again.  "Certainly not!  I would never be so forward, so abrupt!  I merely wished for you to escort me, as my brother and mentor, to a social event!"
Okay, there are holes in what you just said large enough to throw the complete Wheel of Time through... but there's NO WAY I'm going there... and stop blushing!
[EPIDERMAL TEMPERATURE READINGS SUGGEST YOU ARE BLUSHING AS WELL.]
[...shut UP, Malleus!]
[SHUTTING UP AS REQUESTED.]
Why did I have to get a Device with a sense of humor?
[IT IS UNCOMMON FORTUNE.]
Clever.
I turned my attention back to Cinque- my mental discussion with Mal having only taken half a second or so- and nodded.  "Well, in that case, I accept."  Right as I finished saying that, though, I found myself thinking What have I gotten myself into?... so naturally, I asked.
"Hey, Cinque.  What have I gotten myself into?"
"Fun."  She smiled, and waved me on down the hall.  "We depart in one hour.  Meet me at the transport room."Right.  Now, what to wear?

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

Go-do-something-fun clothes for a first (play)date? Polo shirt and neutral toned pants, I'd say, business casual but something you can move in. Maybe a hat, like a fedora, trilby, or driver's cap. And Mal's storage form, of course, but if you're leaving that behind, ever, yer duin it rong.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Quote:Bluemage wrote:

---

[Mal, get a photo of that face.  Save it in the same folder as the one from that time with the Relic.]
[DONE.]
"...but I... I didn't... I wouldn't..."  Again, Cinque stopped, visibly gathered herself, and then tried again.  "Certainly not!  I would never be so forward, so abrupt!  I merely wished for you to escort me, as my brother and mentor, to a social event!"
Okay, there are holes in what you just said large enough to throw the complete Wheel of Time through... but there's NO WAY I'm going there... and stop blushing!
[EPIDERMAL TEMPERATURE READINGS SUGGEST YOU ARE BLUSHING AS WELL.]
[...shut UP, Malleus!]
[SHUTTING UP AS REQUESTED.]
Why did I have to get a Device with a sense of humor?
[IT IS UNCOMMON FORTUNE.]
Clever.

This whole series of byplays had me in stitches.  Kudos! 

Yeah.  Devices go with everything. ^^Never been much of a hat person, though.  I know- the irony.  Besides, trying to get the modern me into a trilby or a fedora would have me worried about growing a neckbeard.
Good. ^^  That was the goal.Food for thought, BA- have you noticed how Mal never refers his user (well, me specifically) with an honorific, when Mid-style devices (and some Belkan ones) invariably do?
***********

We appeared in the back of a tent- an honest-to-goodness marquee tent, at least twenty feet wide and I-don't-even-know-how-long.  The majority of the tent was full of- of all things- wooden crates, blocking the other end (and presumably the exit) from view.
My survey of the area (I'd just gotten to the wall of the tent, which was apparently some sort of polymer that looked almost like canvas, held up by metal poles) was interrupted by Cinque, who took my hand and began to drag me out of the tent.
Hey!  I can see the exit just fine- no need to drag me by the han- wait, why're her hands so soft? 
We rounded the corner, and began to maneuver back and forth around even more crates.  I could see light from here, but not the exit itself.Cinque fights, same as me.  Sure, she doesn't go hand-to-hand as a matter of habit, but I'd still expect her to have some callus.... es...
We finally reached the exit, and I got my first look at what was outside the tent.  It looked like a fairly normal, Mid-like (and Earth-like, for that matter) world- green grass, blue sky (though a bit more blue than I expected), and fluffy white clouds.  There was a small hill nearby, topped with a single tree (maddeningly similar to the maple tree outside my old house); Cinque dragged me up to the top of it, before letting go of my arm.
As I massaged my arm, trying to work a bit of feeling back into it, I idly took a look around the area, trying to get my bearings....what the crap?  This can't be what it looks like.
The tent we just exited was one of a dozen or so similar tents I could see, pitched in a line on the bare grass.  They were placed directly behind a bewildering array of stands, carts, and larger tents, which were themselves facing a wide aisle of sorts.  I couldn't see what they were for, being behind them, and all, but I could see their counterparts on the other side of the aisle just fine....food carts, games, shows... signs pitching events and rides...?  Where did Cinque find a genuine carnival?  More to the point... "How is this possible?"
Cinque looked over at me- then stared, intently, at my face.  "This place- this event- is familiar to you... but you're confused by it."  She thought for a bit... then smiled.  "Your people have traveling fairs as well, then?"
I sighed.  "Exactly like this, Cinque- though we usually call them 'carnivals'."
That just made the smile get wider.  "Then you're familiar with what one does at such an event?"Why do I have a feeling of dread creeping up my spine?  "Somewhat, yes.  Enough for us to get by."  I forced a smile.  "The rest we'll have to learn as we go."
I got a nod in response.  "Yes.  All of it."
And then we were running down the hill, Cinque once again pulling me along by one arm.

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

.... Why am I now imagining a sequence similar to the one in the first Dispicable Me movie? The very idea of Cinque going "IT'S SO FLUFFYYYYYY!!!" (•`o•´) tickles my funny bone something fierce.

"Yes. We will ride all of the rides, play all of the games, and pet all of the cute animals." Delivered in that deadpan Cinque does so well.

--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Because you're psychic, BA.  Now shush. ^_^
Eh, Cinque's not nearly as monotone as some.  Sette, Otto, and Deed are the really bad ones.  Cinque tends toward a certain reserved formality, familial love, and a protective streak a mile wide.
**********

"Hey!  Look!  Elephant ears!"
"What's an elephant, Imma?"
"What?  Oh, it's an animal from my homeworld- a plant-eater.  Twice as tall as a man, with tusks, a long trunk, and big, floppy ears."
"...and you eat its ears!?  Imma, how could you!  That's so cruel!"
"Relax, sis.  They're just called 'elephant ears'.
Two, please."
"Really?  You really exmrfle"
"Thank you.
See, Cinque?  It's just fried dough, covered in sugar.  No elephant at all."
chewchewchew
GULP
"...you're right.  Sorry."
"Eh, it happens.  Don't worry about it."
"...um, Imma?  Could I get another of those 'elephant ears'?"
"Heh.  I don't see why not."
*****
"Knife throwing?  They made an entertainment out of knife throwing?"
"Eh... not so much an entertainment as a competition.  See here?  You're given twenty knives to throw, forty seconds to throw them, and twenty targets to hit.  If you manage to hit ten or more targets during that time, you win a prize."
"Ah.  And what... are..."
"Cinque?"
"Looks like the little lady there really likes that top prize.  Why don't you step up and try your luck?  Only two credits a play!"
Hmm.  On the one hand, she really wants that prize.  On the other, I can't throw knives worth crap.  What to do?
...yeah, I'll just take a third option.  "Hey, Cinque?  If you come over here for a bit, you can win that prize you're staring at."
...okay, I get that you really want that thing, but you didn't have to shove me out of the way!

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

Cinque is to carnival games as Lina Inverse is to all-you-can-eat buffets, isn't she? At least Imma's can get full use out of his enhanced musculature carrying all those mega-plushies!
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Kinda wish Quatro had come along. I could just see how adorable she would have been looking all nervous and bashful in the public setting.

CD: Heh.  :3
BA:  Yeah, that would be fun.  Sadly, Due wouldn't allow it. >.>
**********
*****
"...and DONE!  Nine hits for the little lady!  So close!You can try again for just two more credits!  Two credits for another play!"
"Thanks, but not yet.  The two of us need to have a talk."
"But, Imma-"
"We NEED... to have... a TALK."
"..."
"...yes, we'll be back, and you'll get to try again."
"Fine, then.  Let's go talk."
"What is it you wanted to say?"
"Well... youshouldawonthatgame."
"What?"
"You should have won that game."
"...yes, I am aware of that.  My aim is normally better than that."
"No.  You don't understand, Cinque.  It wasn't your aim."
"...What."
"How much research did you do about carnivals?"
"Enough to know I wanted to visit one, but I don't see how that's-"
"It's relevant because carnival games aren't fair."
"-oh.  I wondered why each knife felt different."
"Yep, that's probably part of it.  You'll have to adjust for a slightly different balance with every throw... and considering the time limit, I suspect most people won't be able to do it.  I also noticed that some of your shots bounced off of the targets when they should've penetrated; you may have to put a good deal more force behind them."
"I can do that.  Thank you, Imma.......but why would he do something like that?"What a sheltered individual.  "Look at it from his perspective.  That stand is his business, and it's his goal to make as much money as possible out of it.  He makes money by getting people to play the game... but loses it whenever anybody has to win a prize.
To make a long story short, having the prizes there and winnable is more profitable than not, simply because it attracts more customers- but only if they aren't too easy to win.  So he cheats things just a bit."
"Ah, I see.  That does put it in perspective."
"Back already?  Is the little lady going to try her luck once more?"
"Yes, please."

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

.... You know, some time I think we'll have to write a fic where you and I are swapped: You wind up in Tenchi Muyo and I wind up in the company of Jail and the Numbers.

"C'mon, short stuff. Too much death ain't healthy fer a cutey like you!"
"You're just as short as me! And Due says-"
"Let me deal with Due. Gots me some tricks I needed to show her anyways."

Oh, and why am I seeing a rather sharkish smile on Cinque's face there?

...like, at this point in the narratives?  'Cause I don't think I could manage to survive if I were just dropped in to the Tenchiverse like you were.
As things are now, though... eh, who am I kidding?  I'd get splattered by somebody-or-other.  That, or trapped in the Lab until the End of Days.
Also, apologies for the shortness of the snippet.  Being barely awake and terribly busy has affected the industriousness of my muse. -_-
**********
*****
"Aaaaaand WE HAVE A WINNER!  Look here, everyone- this young lady just managed a PERFECT SCORE!  CONGRATULATIONS!  Here's your prize, little missy- you earned it!  Now, who wants to be the next to try their luck?  You!  You, sir!  You look like the sort of man who could win our NEW grand prize!  Why, that young lady..."
I'd believe your congratulations more if I couldn't see you starting to sweat.  Still, that was masterfully done, turning her win into advertisement.  ...wait a second.  Cinque just won the grand prize.  The grand prize was a GIANT bear plushy.  The bear is about as tall as Cinque.  How's she going to... no.  Oh, no.
"Could you hold my bear, Imma?"
Ack!  No!  Bad Cinque- bad!  Not the puppy-dog eyes!
"Not really, no."Keep your disapproving look to yourself- and stop quivering your lip at me!
"Think about it.  It's as tall as I am, and wider around than I can hold.  I can lift it, yes, and I could carry it... but I'd probably drop it, and I don't want your nice, new bear all dirty."
That turned things around.  Now to really get out of this.
"Let's carry it together.  You know, back to the tent?"
Ah, good.  She got the hint.
"Well-reasoned, Imma.  Let's."
"So what do you want to do after that?"
"I saw an advertisement for a 'magic show', set to start in about twenty minutes.  It might be educational."
...or it might be a complete (and entertaining) surprise to you.  Either way, I'm good with it.
"Sure."

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

Soo... introducing her to the concept of "stage magician"?

Yep. ^^
**********
*****
Oh, wow.  The look on her face is even better than I'd expected."...but they... how... what?!  How are they DOING that?  That's not magic!"
"Let me guess.  You can't find their Devices, you don't see any circles, there's no glow of mana, and you know that what they're doing can't be done, so you're stumped.  Am I right?"
"...for the most part, yes.  Explain."
"What makes you think I know what's going on, dear sister?  I'm just another member of the audience, marveling at the miraculous-"
"And you only carry on like that when you know something, and want to be clever about it.  Explain."
"If you insist... no.  I'd rather see you reason it out.  Here's a hint, though.  You're right that what you're seeing done can't be done.  Check your other assumptions."
"No need.  You're slipping, Imma- you gave me the answer just then."
Well, of course I did.  That's why I said that that way."What I'm seeing can't be done, not what they're doing.  They're not actually doing what they appear to be doing- it's all an illusion.  I still don't see how the illusion is being generated, though-"
"It's not."
"Then how-"
"It's a metaphorical illusion, not a magical one.  They use clever devices, trickery, and sleight of hand- nothing more."
"Oh.  Oh.Then the woman being cut in half?"
"The version I'm familiar with uses two different women- one visible, and the other hidden inside the table.  The legs you saw belonged to the hidden woman, and not the one that climbed into the box."
"Right.  And the impaled assistant?"
"Hmm... I know it could be done by using a trick corset.  Put a sleeve on the back for the blade to go into, and a retractible fake sword tip in the front, and you're set."
"What's... oh, it must be her garment.  The levitation?"
"There's a lot of ways that one could be done.  Transparent wires, magnetic or gravitic attraction... heck, 'levitating' an inch or two can be done with a trick of perspective.  It's not that complex, compared to some of the illusions out there."
"I see."

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

For shame, not even waiting until the act is over to give it away? It's no fun making Cinque learn how to deal with being asked to leave, you know.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Neither of us talk particularly loudly, CD, and Cinque's not particularly given to rash behavior.  We aren't- nor are we likely to- cause a scene.
Besides, I tried to dodge the question.  She didn't cooperate.
**********
..."...you know, you weren't wrong earlier.  This is educational."
"What?  What could this teach you about real magic?"
"Oh, nothing much.  Just how to use it, that's all."Okay, Cinque does the best unimpressed stare."Well, maybe that's not the best way to put it.  What I mean to say is... well, look at what we've seen.  We've just spent the last twenty minutes watching a guy fake the impossible.  How did he do it?Tricks of perspective.  Managing the attention of the audience.  Theatricality and deception."If I were at home, that would've been a reference.  Thank you, alternate reality!"Anyway, the point is that a lot of that carries over into combat.  You can't block the attack you don't see coming, after all- or the attack you see coming from the wrong direction."
"...that's true.  Perhaps there are lessons to be learned here, after all."
*****
"So what is this?"
"That, Cinque, is a hot dog.  A surprisingly high-quality one, at that."
"...I assume they aren't actually made out of dog?"
"Now that you mention it, we've seen a lot of misleading names today, haven't we?  No, 'hot dogs' are just sausages in buns-"
"What was that for?"
"It's not finished yet.  You're supposed to add toppings to it before you eat."
"Oh....what would you recommend I have?"Hmm- the spread here is shockingly similar to what you'd see back on Earth.  I really must have a word with the people in charge."Well, the canonical hot dog has mustard, relish, and onions... but you can top it with just about anything, really.  I tend to melt cheese on mine, and then add ketchup."
"...then I shall try mine both ways."
VHHT
"...um, Cinque?  There are knives right over there?"
"And?"
"Well, most people don't materialize their own cutlery at the bench.  Most people can't."
"...ah.  I see your point.  Should I..?"
"No, go ahead.  Just.... keep it in mind, okay?"
"Of course."

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

I see Cinque has daringly chosen the Chameleon Dog, with various condiments arranged so that each bite is a new taste sensation! It's a classic for trying out unfamiliar offerings, but it can backfire if you find something you really don't like, so I hope she's got a bag of french fries or popcorn handy to clear the taste between combinations, Blue.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Chameleon Dog?  Guess I wasn't all that clear about what was going on, then.  Cinque pulled a knife out of nowhere, cut her dog in half, and did one half each way.
I suppose here is where I should mention that I am quite literally the ONLY person I know who thinks melted cheddar cheese and ketchup works on a hot dog. ^^
As for taste-clearing, maybe I need to give us sodas.  That would be thematic.
**********
...
"This is quite good!"
"I've never been a fan of onions, myself.  Nor mustard.  Mustard's too spicy.  Different things for different people, I guess."
"I suppose.  Now- gurk!"
"Cinque?  You okay?!"
"...yes, I'm fine.  Just... had a bit of a problem swallowing."
"Phew!  That's a relief!How was it?"
"......"
"Cinque?"
"...I can see why there were so many different toppings available.  'Different things for different people', indeed!"
"So you don't like it."
"That set of toppings isn't to my liking, Imma."
"...fair enough."
*****
"Look at that woman.  What do you see?"
"Hmm... female, between 35 and 50 years of age... no visible Device, no signs of muscle development, weak linker core... she doesn't move like a trained fighter... I think it'd take me one move, two if she resisted."
SLAP
"Why did you just hit yourself?"
"...because I've got a lot of work ahead of me.  Is that all you saw?"
"Of course.  If I'd noticed anything else, I would've mentioned it.  Why?"
"Because you need to widen your perspective, Cinque.  I'm not an expert, but let me tell you what I see."
"Certainly.  In fact, I'd appreciate it."
"Ahem.  Female, or a really good approximation thereof.  I'll take your word for it on the age- I would've said 25 to 35 years old, but lifespans here are longer.  Single, and looking for a romantic partner.  She has a job of her own- a service job, maybe, or office work.  Whatever it is, she's in a position of some authority, but not too much.  Middle management, maybe.  If I had to guess, she lives in one of the larger cities... with a pet."
"What?  How did you?"
Must resist urge to- "Elemen- I mean, it's simple."That was close.

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

Ah yes. The difference between the military mindset and the civilian mindset. :p

Ah, I thought she was just using her knife to spread things. I actually like cheese and "special sauce" that's a premixed 1:3 mustard/ketchup on mine.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Shameless double post ho!

How did your power ranking scale work out in the end? Something similar is mentioned in one of the reviews for Nanoha Takamachi and the Horrors of Ineptitude, from the 25th:

Quote:The GREAT ANONYMOUS REVIEWER
Oh! The mysterious magic number in Nanoha's power level system! I'm surprised anyone even knows of that, it's not even mentioned in the wiki!
Greetings! The GREAT ANONYMOUS REVIEWER has been following this story for some time, and it's good to see it updating again! I'm enjoying your melding of the two universes, and cannot wait for some actual Umbridge cock-blocking. Er...wand-blocking? Whatever.
I actually came across the Nanoha numbers one night and decided I needed to create a scale to put things into perspective. If officers are A and above and most soldiers are D or C, how do they fare against our main characters, who are 4 or even 5 ranks higher than the norm? Exactly how powerful IS a Midchildan mage?

This was my result, the Rule of Three and One:
SSS - 100,000,000
SS - 30,000,000
S - 10,000,000
AAA - 3,000,000
AA - 1,000,000
A - 300,000
B - 100,000
C - 30,000
D - 10,000
E - 3,000
F - 1,000
(This assumes the number comes from season 1 manga. If not, shift all numbers up one rank.)

The basic idea is that the curve is not linear, and increases with every step up. Each rank is roughly 3 times the power of the one before it, making such things like the Book of Darkness actual threats too high for regular mages to handle. After all, if magical power is so linear, then the mages that face Precia would have been able to defeat her with ease because of their numbers. In an exponential curve (which this isn't, but...), Jail's reason for replacing magic with science becomes clearer: Mages like Nanoha are so powerful, even while under limiters, that they can overpower weaker foes with ease, as shown in Teana and Subaru's mock battle. In the A's manga (I think) both Nanoha and Fate lose to a AA rank mage even though they are AAA, showing that there is some leeway, but beyond 2 ranks things get dicey. Skill doesn't become enough to beat raw power, and the TSAB's wariness of Lost Logia is much more believable. Heck, most of their ranks don't use even small amounts of magic because they do clerical work.
My scale confirms three things we know about the Nanoha-verse
1) The average soldier (D) is 10 times more powerful than a civilian (F). Not based on anything in canon, but soldiers are soldiers because they are trained, so thus would have to be higher than a civilian, at least enough to make a difference.
2) B rank is an impassable wall for most mages at first. Consequently, it's also 10 times bigger than the average soldier's initial power of D rank.
3) Vita and Zafira are surrounded by soldiers in A's, at least 20. Using a linear scale with equal spacing, and setting 1,000,000 at either AA or AAA, we get C rank at about 500,000 or more. So 20 soldiers hesitate at fighting 2 people, each of whom is roughly twice as powerful as each one of them? I call hax.
4) I wanted to set SSS at something so high that it seems untouchable. After all, no one has ever reached SSS rank in the TSAB's history. Thus, SSS rank is a cool 100 million, higher than even the most powerful lost logias featured throughout the series. On a linear scale it would be about 1.5X higher than Nanoha and Fate, assuming 1,000,000 is set at AA or AAA.

And...that's it! That's my scale. It even fits with your own story. Nanoha and Fate both average around 1 million, which is their rank with limiters. Hermione would be slightly less powerful than Season 1 Nanoha. The average is 100,000 on Midchilda, with the vast majority of D and C ranks being balanced by the few elites, and mages below A don't generally have flight capability, which fits with 500 to 600 thousand being the Air Force cadet average.
And...I got carried away again, didn't I? Sorry, I just get excited about Nanoha. Probably one of my favorite series of all time. Don't bother using the scale if you don't want to. In fact, I probably should have done a PM instead.
I'm looking forward to another great chapter! Keep plugging away on that keyboard, Silent-Scream! PEACE!

"I don't flame, I bitterly critique." - The GAR

Another reviewer gives the specific score Nanoha was recorded at as 1.27 million and AAA rank, as of S1.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows