Other Side of the Raid

Consequences (Part 1)

📻 BBN Transmission Log

World: Post-Comet Earth
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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”

Chapter 6, Part 3: Cherry Blossom Diplomacy

On her final day in Japan, Aria’s quiet visit to Senso-ji Temple took an unexpected turn when she encountered Captain Whiskers—a cat wearing a professional camera rig. What began as a simple greeting became an impromptu collaboration that reached seven trillion viewers across the Andromeda system. The reality of her galactic fame crashed down on Aria when Captain Whiskers revealed her fight with Veracitrin had pulled fifty trillion live viewers, effectively making her one of the galaxy’s most-watched influencers.

Behind his enthusiastic social media persona, Captain Whiskers brought disturbing news about The Efficient Exterminators, an A-rank Explorer party operating in Los Angeles. This group deliberately targets lower-level dungeons and other Explorers, creating what Captain Whiskers described as “dark content” that producers ignore because drama drives engagement. The situation became personal when he explained that LilyBlossom, an educational content creator and his collaborator, had been critically injured investigating them. Only Captain Whiskers’ intervention—watching raw feeds and contacting dungeon staff—had saved her life. He suggested that Aria, with her skills and the upcoming UN conference on Dungeon exploration as diplomatic cover, might be the one to finally stop them.

Before departing Japan, Aria received one more visit from Misaki, who confirmed that her suggestions for the Senso-ji Dungeon had brought positive changes. The youkai spirits were more engaged, and visiting warriors found greater joy in their challenges. However, Misaki also noted that many youkai now wished to test their skills against Aria herself—a reminder that her growing reputation was drawing attention from multiple worlds. As she boarded her flight back to the UK, Aria’s mind was already working on how to balance her diplomatic responsibilities with this darker threat in Los Angeles, knowing she would need to discuss The Efficient Exterminators situation with Vaeloria before taking action.

Key Takeaways:

• Aria’s impromptu collaboration with Captain Whiskers reached seven trillion viewers, and her fight with Veracitrin had fifty trillion live viewers.

• Captain Whiskers revealed himself as a serious journalist beneath his influencer persona, bringing information about The Efficient Exterminators—an A-rank party in LA that targets lower-level Explorers.

• LilyBlossom, an educational content creator, was critically injured investigating The Efficient Exterminators and was only saved by Captain Whiskers’ intervention.

• The galactic producers ignore The Efficient Exterminators because the drama drives engagement, and Earth authorities lack evidence to act.

• Captain Whiskers suggested Aria could use the upcoming UN conference on Dungeon exploration in LA as diplomatic cover to deal with the threat.

• Aria’s suggestions have successfully improved the Senso-ji Dungeon, increasing enthusiasm among both youkai and visiting Explorers.

• Many youkai now want to challenge Aria directly, adding to her concerns about drawing too much attention.

• Aria plans to consult with Vaeloria before taking any action against The Efficient Exterminators.

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Consequences (Part 1)

Aria arrived home to find Mittens and Vaeloria sharing tea in her living room, the air shimmering slightly with interdimensional energy.

Vaeloria: “OMG, our totally amazing star is back!” She bounced excitedly in her seat. “Like, how does it feel to be literally famous across the galaxy?”

How does one even process having a fan base larger than Earth’s population? Aria sank into an armchair.

Aria: “Please don’t...” She replied, feeling her cheeks flush. “I’m still trying to decide if this attention is good or bad.”

Mittens: “My dear, notoriety can be quite the double-edged sword,” she observed with refined concern, delicately adjusting her position on the cushion. “Particularly given your rather... unique position in both terrestrial and celestial affairs.”

Vaeloria: “Your fight was like, totally epic! Best ratings EVER!” She practically vibrated with excitement. “And that cameo with Captain Whiskers? Talk about bonus content!”

Aria: “Can we please change the subject?” She pleaded, massaging her temples.

Vaeloria: “Kay, so like, serious talk time,” her expression shifted to something more business-like. “The Producers are super interested in you now. They’re literally talking about meeting you in person!”

Mittens: “Such an audience is indeed a rare honor,” she noted with aristocratic precision. “Though one must consider the implications most carefully.”

Aria felt her stomach tighten at the thought.

Vaeloria: “Chill! Their scheduling is like, totally backed up for ages,” she waved dismissively. “For now, spill about your Japan adventure!”

Aria detailed her experience at Senso-ji, explaining the youkai situation and her solution. Vaeloria listened with uncharacteristic focus, occasionally nodding.

Vaeloria: “Ugh, this is like, so typical,” she rolled her eyes dramatically. “Using locals ALWAYS causes drama. They get all emotional and stuff, while our regular employees just do their jobs!”

Aria: “Actually, I wanted to discuss implementing similar changes across other Dungeons,” she leaned forward earnestly. “The rotation system could work globally.”

Vaeloria: “That would make things way harder for Explorers,” she twirled a strand of hair thoughtfully. “But like, those ratings though! I’ll talk to the Producers, but we’ll probably only do it in the popular spots that get cleared too fast.”

Time to bring up the more serious matter. Aria took a steadying breath.

Aria: “What about the The Efficient Exterminators? Have you heard what they’ve been doing?”

Mittens: “Ah yes, those dreadfully uncouth individuals,” her whiskers twitched with evident distaste. “One hears the most disturbing reports of their treatment of both Explorers and Dungeon staff.”

Vaeloria: “Look, I totally get it, but my hands are tied,” she sighed dramatically. “We can’t interfere with locals, and our employees signed contracts accepting the risks.”

Aria: “But I could intervene, couldn’t I?” She pressed. “What happens in a Dungeon stays in a Dungeon, at least as far as Earth is concerned?”

Vaeloria: “Like, you can do whatever inside the Dungeon,” she shrugged. “But they’re SO not the first bad party, and they won’t be the last. Drama queens like that tank our ratings, but we can’t stop them all.”

Aria: “I need to at least try,” her voice carried quiet determination. “I have to see for myself.”

Vaeloria: “After that epic fight with Veracitrin? You’re literally on fire right now!” She grinned mischievously. “It would be totally lame to stop you.”

After the discussion, Aria retreated to a much-needed bath, her mind already plotting strategies for dealing with the The Efficient Exterminators. The following day, Aria began convincing the Prime Minister that she needed to attend the UN summit regarding Dungeons. To her surprise, the Prime Minister was already ahead with scheduling - everything for Aria’s trip had been prepared in advance. She had been too busy lately and had completely forgotten about the briefing regarding that exact UN conference.

In the evening, she visited the guild to see how they were doing and to recommend sending a few Explorers to Japan for the unique Dungeon next to the Senso-ji shrine. On her way to the Guildhall, something nagged at Aria until she realized what it was upon arrival - there was no feeling anymore of being followed by the reporter from the The Daily Mail.

I wonder what happened with that reporter while I was away...

As soon as Aria entered the Guildhall, Kate greeted her enthusiastically, happy to see her return - and not just because there was already a new list of items that needed retrieving from Dungeons and Raids across the UK. After meeting with the Guild Master to discuss different Dungeons and Raids in Japan and suggesting local Explorers try visiting places outside the UK, Aria decided to take a break on the Guildhall bench.

Mr. Wiskers found her there, his whiskers twitching with barely contained amusement.

Mr. Wiskers: “Ya got perfect timing, wise star,” he said, settling beside her with feline grace. “We’re needin’ a few more bags of salt and some other spices dis time. Don’t worry about da compensation, see?”

Looks like business is booming. Though I wonder why he needs other spices in such amounts...

Aria: “I’ll bring them to the usual place,” she replied, then hesitated. “By the way, do you know what happened to that reporter who was following me? I haven’t seen him since I returned.”

Mr. Wiskers: “Ah, dat guy,” he purred with satisfaction. “Let’s just say he experienced some... interesting situations last week. Want da highlight reel?”

At Aria’s nod, Mr. Wiskers described the events that had transpired during her absence:

The reporter had burst into his editor’s office, wild-eyed and disheveled.

Reporter: “I’m telling you, it’s a conspiracy!” He had frantically explained. “Every time I get close to evidence, something happens! Yesterday, all my notes were somehow shredded into perfect origami mice!”

Editor: “And this is connected to Minister Aria how exactly?”

Reporter: “Then there was that incident with the yarn!” He gestured wildly. “HUNDREDS of balls of yarn. Rolling UPHILL. Chasing me for six blocks!”

Editor: “Rolling... uphill?”

Reporter: “And the cats! They’re everywhere! Watching me! Last night, I swear I saw one reading my draft through the window - ON THE FIFTEENTH FLOOR!”

From their observation post nearby, Vinnie had turned to Mr. Wiskers.

Vinnie: “Boss, maybe da catnip in his coffee was a bit much?”

Mr. Wiskers: “Shaddup, ya mook! It’s working perfectly,” he had whispered. “Nobody’s gonna believe a guy who thinks cats are running a conspiracy.”

The final straw had come during the reporter’s presentation to his editorial board:

Reporter: “I have proof right here!” He had opened his briefcase triumphantly, only to find it full of premium cat treats and a single note reading ‘Meow :)’

Mr. Wiskers: “Guy’s taken up dog photography now,” he concluded with evident satisfaction. “Won’t be bothering us no more, dat’s for sure.”

Aria: “I don’t want to know the details,” she said, rubbing her temples. “Just... please tell me nobody got hurt.” She paused. “Though I must admit, the origami mice were a rather artistic touch.”

Vinnie: “Nah, just his dignity. Though he did look pretty rough after running from dat yarn avalanche...”

Mr. Wiskers: “And his psychiatrist bills might be a bit high,” he added thoughtfully. “But hey, dat’s what happens when ya mess with da Pride!”

After that graphic conversation, Aria headed home, knowing tomorrow would bring another awkward shopping spree for Mr. Wiskers.

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📡 End of Transmission

Oliver here - That was quite a chapter! Our dimensional frequency is picking up intense emotional resonance from Aria’s world. What did you think of her decision? The comments below are buzzing with theories from other interdimensional travelers...