Youkai Quest: The Continuing Adventures!

[Kyo Tanaka]

>Hibachi will not stay tuned! We must continue on! We must find out way Chen was summoned!

>Wait, what was that about staying tuned?
>...Let's head over to Nitori anyhow, maybe we can ask her about staying tuned in.

[Kasu]

> Find out on the next exciting episode of YOUKAI QUEST Z.

> "I was thinking of heading over to Nitori's. Anyone wanna come with, nya?"

[Hanzo K.]

> Find out on the next exciting episode of YOUKAI QUEST Z.
> "I was thinking of heading over to Nitori's. Anyone wanna come with, nya?"

>Rumia nods cheerfully. "I got nothing going on, so I can tag along!" Well, that's one traveling partner!
>Mokou, just seems to shrug. "Eh, I don't really do mountains that much. I got a little 'business' to take care of deeper in the Bamboo Forest, I've been a little late on taking care of it thanks to this mess with that little icecube. Thanks for the food again by the way, bird. I'll see about digging up some Bamboo Shoots for next time we all get together, they're pretty #%#$ healthy for you y'know." And with that, she flies off, deeper into the bamboo. She almost seems to start letting off a few tongues of flame as she goes. Wonder why? Maybe she's getting fired up about getting to whatever she's got planned?
>Dai seems to fidget and move about slightly. "W-well...I...I guess...? I won't have anyone to play with since Cirno hasn't respawned yet..." Awwww, Shy Fairy is Shy. And cute too. Not quite as cute as you or Chen, but she's cute in her own way. According to Yukari, some folks go for that kind of cute.
>Wriggle, of course, just smacks her on the back in a heary and jovial kinda way. "'ey now, chin up Dai! You'll have Hibachi with ya, and she's pretty strong too! I bet she'd even give Cirno a run for her money too. I'd tag along too, but I got some stuff back home to take care of meself. So I'll catch you guys later!"
>And that having been said, Wriggle too flies off, but towards the exit.
>Ponga, for what it's worth, just grunts in a neutral-sounding way. And, as normal, you can't even tell what's going on in the guy's head. Even now that he's got a face that you'd think would be easier to make expressions with, he's just got that blank, near-emotionless expression.
>Mystia's busy cleaning off the counter to the cart, and just flaps her wings slightly, in a neutral-ish seeming way. "I'd tag along, but you already know they'll just turn me away at the door so to speak. Plus, I have to go out and gather more ingredients for something folks have been talking about a lot lately."
>Rumia then cuts in with a cheesy grin. "Oh, That thing that's gonna be happening in the underground in a few weeks? I hear it's a Test of Strength! Wish I could join in though, but I heard the Oni are doing the testing to see if you're good enough for the real deal!" "Yeah, I got given a permit to operate my cart down there too. Normally us surface Youkai don't go down there too often, and they don't come up here too often either, but I found a permit in my mailbox earlier today from 'A Mysterious Benefactor'. I dunno who it was, but she had really fancy handwriting, and the ink was all purplish."
>Come to think of it, since you're heading to the Mountain, you could even visit Momiji, and all the others at the Moriya Shrine too!
>But fancy handwriting, and purplish ink...You can't help but think that it sounds vaguely familiar...You can't quite think of it right now, but you're pretty sure it'll come to you sometime, you just need to find the right memory trigger.

>Hibachi will not stay tuned! We must continue on! We must find out way Chen was summoned!
>Wait, what was that about staying tuned?
>...Let's head over to Nitori anyhow, maybe we can ask her about staying tuned in.

>Staying tuned? Come to think of it, you missed that show with the funny talking guys! There was a new episode airing last night! Hope Ran recorded it...Or Nitori. She knows you like that show. Or Sanae, she kinda likes it too, but she prefers Shin Hisou Z. She especially likes how Takeminakata is the patron god of Hisou Z in that timeline. Last time, it was Zeus. The Outside World sure is weird!
>But that said, with Rumia and Dai in tow, you bid farewell to Mystia, and make for the Youkai Mountain!

>_

[Kyo Tanaka]

>Check self for usual growth experience gain.
>Party status (items, health, etc.)

>Onward to Youkai Mountain! Let us hike like no cat has hiked ever before!

[Kasu]

>Check self for usual growth experience gain.
>Party status (items, health, etc.)

>Onward to Youkai Mountain! Let us hike like no cat has hiked ever before!

> Or flying. Flying's good too.

[Hanzo K.]

>Check self for usual growth experience gain.
>Party status (items, health, etc.)

-Own Inventory-
[As Listed in Main Post]
-Own Skills-
[As Listed in Main Post]
-Own Status-
Health: 100%
Mana Points: 8

-Rumia's Status-
Health: 100%
Mana Points: 12
-Rumia's Skills-
Youkai of the Dusk - Innate
"Waha~! Even in the heat of summer, I'm always surrounded by the night~!" - Rumia
Danmaku Mastery ~ Rank D
"I guess I'm alright, but there's loads more stronger folks!" -Rumia
Youkai Strength ~ Rank D
"I like hitting things way more than using danmaku~!" -Rumia
Youkai Resilience ~ Rank D
"Ehehehe~ I bump into stuff a lot, so I'm used to it~" -Rumia
Flight

-Rumia's Inventory-
Amulet Ribbon
The rumors say that this suppresses some strange aspect of her, and that she's incapable of removing it. But nobody knows if that's true or not.
Dusk Set
This snazzy set of clothing is perfect for flying around at night, or inside a bubble of Darkness!
Emergency Snack(Unknown Meat): 3
This piece of unidentified protein is Rumia's emergency snack, she always carries around a couple chunks of it just in case she gets hungry.
-Rumia's Spellcards-
Moon Sign - "Moonlight Ray" (Cost 3)
"Waha~! It's one of the first cards I made y'know! ...it's not very good though." -Rumia
Night Sign - "Night Bird"(Cost 1)
"Waha~! Waaaaves~! It's not as good as Moonlight Ray though, But it's way easier to use!" -Rumia
Darkness Sign - "Dark Side of The Moon" (Cost 6)
"I like this card a lot! It's my best card ever! ...Eh? Why? Oh, I just like it 'cuz it's fun!" -Rumia
Night Sign - "Midnight Bird" (Cost 6)
"Waha~! This one's another of my favorites~! But it's all...Ranged'n'stuff. I like Dark Side of The Moon way more!" -Rumia
Darkness Sign - "Demarcation" (Cost 4
"Y'know, I never thought about why I called it Demarcation. That's a real funny word!" -Rumia

-Daiyousei's Status-
Health: 100%
Mana Points: 18
-Daiyousei's Skills-
Fairy Revival - Innate
"U-umm...Fairies don't stay dead for very long...So...Uh...Please don't worry about me!" -Dai
Fairy Danmaku - Innate
"U-umm...I don't like to fight..." -Dai
Fairy Teleport - Innate
"U-umm...I don't really have much to say about this...What you see is what you get..." -Dai
Fairy Healing - Innate
"U-umm...If you're hurt...I can help...?" -Dai
For 4 Mana Points, Daiyousei can restore 20% of a party member's lost Health.
Fairy Strength - Innate
"U-umm...I'm not much stronger than a human child so...I-it's up to you and the others!" -Dai
Fairy Resilience - Innate
"U-umm...I don't do too good with pain..." -Dai
Flight

-Daiyousei's Inventory-
Greater Fairy Set
This cute little ensemble is popular among the more quiet sort of Fairy. It adds appeal, while remaining modest.
First-Aid Kit (Bandages: 30)
"I always carry this around in case Cirno or the others get hurt." -Dai
Daiyousei can expend her turn to restore 10% of an ally's lost Health. You can use this as many times as she has Bandages in stock.
-Daiyousei's Spellcards-
"U-umm...Sorry...But I don't have any...I-i'm sorry!" -Dai

>Onward to Youkai Mountain! Let us hike like no cat has hiked ever before!

> Or flying. Flying's good too.

>You decide to make for the mountain after taking off....

~Intermezzo~

To liven things up, and put more things in the hands of the players, I've chosen to change how improving skills and status works.
Well, except for getting better at Wildcard and Wildcard Weapon that is.
So from here on, at certain points in the story, you, the players, will have a chance to spend Skill Points, here at the Intermezzo Screen, to improve on your own existing skills, and obtain some skills that you could feasibly figure out on your own.
Although, to learn some skills, you'll need more than just SP. Some might need a specific item, while others might require a certain other skill, while others still might require knowing a certain person, or even facing them in combat for a chance to add a skill they have to your own list.
You can only increase your Mana Count directly though, as Youkai Fortitude dictates your Health.

Right now, thanks to recent events, you have 140 SP. And by completing quests, sidequests, and at certain story points, you'll get more of these.
For some skills, you will end up altering future events somewhat, to allow for obtaining that skill.
Your available options are as follows.

-Skill Upgrading-
Catlike Tread E -> Catlike Tread D = 30SP
Confusion Resistance E -> Confusion Resistance D : 15SP
Sense Presence Novice -> Sense Presence E : 25SP
Youkai Fortitude D -> Youkai Fortitude C : 70SP
Youkai Strength D -> Youkai Strength C : 70SP
Danmaku Mastery C - Danmaku Mastery B : 120SP
 
-New Skills-
Knifekind Novice - 40SP, Train with [Unknown]
This skill shows how good you are with a Knife. Stab Stab Stab~

Greavekind Novice - 40SP, Train with [Unknown]
Ba-ba-ba-ba~n! Galactic Punt the foe straight into the stratosphere! Crush the earth underfoot with your mighty legs!

Swordshieldkind Novice - 30SP, Train with Momiji, Knifekind D
A path meant for those wishing to protect, but do you have the resolve to see it through?

Twinswordkind Novice - 40SP, Train with Youmu, Swordshieldkind D
"If one sword has a power of 100, then two swords means I'll be twice as strong!" -Swordsman in Red

Unarmedkind Novice - 40SP, Train with [Unknown]
You may be able to use your claws, but your skills are as poor as an unworked stone! With this, you'll eventually be able to punch through brick!

Improved Agility Novice - 50SP, Train With Chen, [Unknown], and [Unknown].
Gotta go fast! Surpass and Transcend the limits of the world with your speed!

-Status Upgrading-
Mana 8 -> Mana 14 : 80 SP

Note: You can forgo using them right now, and save up to use them at the next Intermezzo, but do you really wanna be held back?

[Kyo Tanaka]

>well guys, I don't know about you, but I'd say we level knifekind and twinswordkind, since cats has agility after all!

Would Knife and Twin Sword skills stack together?

My will be as followed, Twin, Knife, and catlike trend.

If twin and knife don't stack together, then just level up catlike trend while I think of another possible build!

Oh, will we also apply elements to our claws? If twin knives won't work, then probably claws can be a considerable replacement.

[Hanzo K.]

On the question of the claws, may I direct your attention to this?

Wildcard [Weapon]: Rank Novice
This skill measures how effective you are at applying the effects of Wildcard to any weapon you might be using at the time. Right now you can only apply it to one weapon/attack type(not including Danmaku, which is separate.) at a time, but getting better at this will allow you to affect more at once.

Weapon Forms
Frozen Frog's Hoop [Only Accessible when under Wildcard(Ice).]
This is the Ice version of the Froggy's Iron Ring, the frogs on it don't look to happy with being frozen though...
Frost Knuckle [Only Accessible under Wildcard(Ice).]
This imbues your fists with the power of a raging blizzard! Sometimes attacks will slow the enemy down!
Frost Kick [Only Accessible under Wildcard(Ice).]
This grants your feet all the might of the frozen wastelands! Sometimes a kick from this will momentarily freeze an enemy in their tracks!
Frost Claw [Only Accessible under Wildcard(Ice).]
This makes your claws as sharp as an icicle honed by a midwinter gale, and just as cold too!

Each weapontree is largely it's own separate thing. Though some are required to branch into others. You'll have to pass through Swordshieldkind in order to get to Twinswordkind. But you'll need to get Knifekind first.
But, in the case of some more bizarre weapons like Greaves/Boots(which are both under Greavekind), you do get a bonus from Unarmedkind, and can use skills from Unarmedkind while using Greavekind.

However, you have to meet the person who can teach you about that style. For example, you've already met Momiji, who can train you in Swordshieldkind, but you have to meet the person who teaches you Knifekind before you can start seriously approaching the Way of The Sword. Who is she? Well, you might find her during the Between-Arcs Period. You simply need to know where to look.
You'll find hints that will help Hibachi deduce who can teach her what new skills as you go along.

[Raitaki]

Hmm...I'd say we get some Improved Agility and Catlike Tread first, and save for Knifekind :3c
EDIT: Or let's just DUMP POINTS INTO KNIFEKIND AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

[Hanzo K.]

Oh yeah, almost forgot this one little detail.
You can trip certain flags by opting for certain skills now. This is important.

EDIT: (I suggest you try to get as many skills as you can, they'll be useful in the long run.)
EDIT2: (Also, when obtaining a new skill, you will have to wait until the next Intermezzo to use Skill Points to increase it's level. Though you can trip Bonus Events that can help you level it up during the game.)

[Kyo Tanaka]

If that's so, then

>Points into Catlike Trend and Agility. I believe that's 80 points used up?

We could ask around and see if there's a knife specialist, maybe Nitori knows?

I'm assuming that Knifekind and Twin Swordkind does indeed stack. And since we need to get Swordshieldkind first... we can use the shield as a defensive utility!

Also, for the claws, I made a mistake there. I already knew if we could apply element... I was wondering if using Unarmedkind skill would strength the element on the claw as well.

[Kasu]

>Points into Catlike Trend and Agility. I believe that's 80 points used up?

Agreed.

Also this is just me, but we should totally put some points into Twinswordkind because duel-wielding is awesome~

[Hanzo K.]

Ah, Wildcard Weapon influences the strength of the element.
Also, you'll need at least one more flag tripped before you can learn Improved Agility.

However, if you play your cards right, you could be tripping it sometime soon.

[Darkoda]

I'd personally suggest putting points into Unarmedkind. We're a cat and all and we have claws, we should learn to use them. And fisticuffs rule

Besides, we can show up our mean twin when she shows up again by being a better cat.

>Did we ever figure out what was up with our mean twin anyway? Or ask Ran and Yukari about it?

[Kyo Tanaka]

>When we meet our twin again, let's pounce and nibble on her ear! That'll teach her a listen... probably.

[Hanzo K.]

Oh yeah, you guys have until the 7th to hammer something mutual out, okay?

[Darkoda]

>Voting for Agility, catlike trend, and Unarmedkind

[SirChaotick]

>Voting for Agility, catlike trend, and Unarmedkind

[Hanzo K.]

Kasu? Kyo? Raitaki? Your thoughts?

[Kasu]

Well I was kinda hoping there would be more interest in Twinswordkind, but we are a cat so I'll let it go.

The consensus seems to be Agility, Catlike Tread, and Unarmedkind, so I'll jump on the bandwagon.

[Kyo Tanaka]

No objections, your honor.

Spoiler:

will claws be upgradable though?

[Hanzo K.]

Alright then.

Spoiler:

Yes. Each upgrade aside from Mana(Which you guys really should've put points into) does trip a flag though, some are more important than others. S-Links are still a thing after all! And...*shifty-eyes* ...Well, you didn't hear it from me, but Swordshieldkind is important. Oh well, next Intermezzo!

And yes, this little Intermezzo takes place during the trip TO the Mountain.

>Voting for Agility, catlike trend, and Unarmedkind

Tabulating Point Usage...20 Points Remain.
Confirming Flags...Flags Confirmed.
Logging Flags...Flags Logged.
Processing Route...Route Processed.
Loading Disc 2...
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Disc 2 Loaded.
Loading Save....
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Save Loaded.



>You arrive uneventfully at the base of the Youkai Mountain, and it looks like Rumia and Dai are still good to go too!
>"So this is the Mountain..." "Is That So~?" "I-if they keep scaring Mysty away, then they must be mean..." Sounds like Dai's a bit nervous, maybe there's something you can do to get her to be brave? Or maybe someone you can introduce her to?
>Come to think of it, you do know one person that might be able to help. You haven't visited her for a while either, on accounts of her job keeping her busy lately.

>Did we ever figure out what was up with our mean twin anyway? Or ask Ran and Yukari about it?

>When we meet our twin again, let's pounce and nibble on her ear! That'll teach her a listen... probably.

>You haven't gotten a chance to ask either of them yet! But all the same, you decide to nibble her a bit the next time you see her.
>Oh, there's the path. You've gone down this one a few times, but it looks like Rumia and Dai haven't.
>Just then, a rather strong wind kicks up, which ends up setting Dai to spinning head-over-heels. "Is That Sooo~?!" "K-kyaaa~!"
>And just as soon as it happened, it dies off, leaving you hearing a somewhat taunting, and slightly annoying voice. "So this is the kid that 'miji's been talking about, hmm? I have to say, you don't really look like much."
>You turn to face the voice, to find a somewhat tall-ish girl with wings staring at you with an inquisitive yet disappointed expression. She seems to holding a little notebook too! She's pretty average-looking in terms of build and curvature. Kinda reminds you of Hatate when you first arrived on the Mountain. Maybe it's a typical build for people like her?
>"Then again, everyone knows about the new kid on the block. And her little 'Encounter' with 'miji. Thanks to me of course. I have to thank you for that chance, since it isn't often I get something like that. It really boosted sales y'know."
>She then seems to pause in her scribbling, and smack her forehead with the little book. "Ah yes, sorry about not introducing myself."

~BGM: Northwind Reporter~
>She shoves the book into her shirt pocket, and appears to enclosed completely in a whirlwind that vanishes almost as soon as it starts! But, she seems to be wearing a different outfit from the usual blouse-skirt combo. It's more like something a ninja would wear! "You're looking at Gensokyo's #1 Reporter, Aya Shameimaru!"
>Suddenly, she vanishes before your eyes, only to re-appear right in front of you! ...Damn she's fast. Your eyes couldn't even track her movements! Definitely not someone you want to get in a fight with right now.

>_


Parser Note: Yes, that is indeed the famous 'Kourindou Tengu Outfit'.

[Kasu]

> Have we heard of her?

[Darkoda]

>"You're a ninja?!"

[Hanzo K.]

> Have we heard of her?

>You've heard Nitori and Momiji talk about her when you visited them on occasion while you were learning how to fly.
>Sanae, Kanako, and Suwako also talked about her a bit.
>According to what you've heard, she can be pretty pushy when she's after a 'scoop', and tends to be a bit arrogant, like most Crow Tengu generally are. Though she's on a whole other level compared to them when it comes to being pushy and arrogant. It's because of this however, that the Bunbunmaru Newspaper is one of the more prolific of the newspapers written by the Tengu.
>Of course, most people only read it for a quick laugh, or to keep an eye on Aya herself. Apparently she's had a bit of a history with printing exaggerated news.
>But according to what Kanako said a week or two ago, Tenma's been cracking down on that. Hard. Apparently the guy really takes reporting seriously. But you guess it comes with being the big boss in Tengu Society.
>You never did get to meet him like you thought about doing. After all, you're practically one of the crowd up here, given how you're on good terms with the Moriya Crew, as well as Nitori and Momiji.
>That, and you're ostensibly in cahoots with Yukari and the others. You'd think that would be enough pull to arrange for a meeting, but you don't know why it hasn't happened yet.
>That, and you're not sure if it even is a guy. For all you know, it could merely be an official title, like 'Mayor', or 'Elder', and Tenma's actually a girl like everyone else!
>But if it's just a title, then it could be someone not too different from yourself either!
>You steady yourself for a bit as your mind starts to go fuzzy for a few seconds. Aya, in response, raises an eyebrow. "Was I really that hard to track that you got dizzy trying to pull it off? I wasn't even going a third of my full speed."
>....What. How is....That shouldn't even be possible. Is she seriously that fast?

>"You're a ninja?!"

>Of course, in your muddled brain, Tengu=Near-Invisible level Speed=Ninja, so you comment on that. Which draws yet another raised eyebrow. "Ninja? Ah, that human thing. Sorry to say it, but Tengu are on a higher level than them. Wait, why did I say I'm sorry for that? I must not have had enough coffee today. Better go fix that after I take care of what I was sent to do."
>She tosses a small package at you, which you fumble repeatedly for a few moments to get your hands securely on it. "You can thank 'miji and Nitori for that by the way, since they were the ones who pushed for it. The interview will have to wait, I'm going to go get some more coffee."
>And just as suddenly as she appeared, she's off like a shot. "D-dizzy..." "Is That So~?"
>Looking over the package, you see it's got some kinda fancy crest on the side. Looks like a maple fan crossed with two swords, with a ribbon that looks like photo film.
>Wait...You faintly recall Momiji saying that it's something important, but you can't quite recall just what about it is important.

~Item Get!~
Mystery-Crest Package
A strange package that Aya gave you when you arrived at the Mountain. She said to 'thank 'miji and Nitori' for it, but you've got no clue what it could be!
It has a weird crest on it consisting of a Maple Fan overlaid on two crossed swords, encircled with a ribbon of photo film. Momiji's said it's an important thing, but you can't remember WHY it's important.

[Kasu]

> Is it for us? It's for us right? Presents are awesome after all~
> Open 'er up!

[Darkoda]

>When was the last time we talked to Momiji and Nitori anyway?
>Especially Momiji, who knows what state her house is in now?

[Kyo Tanaka]

>If the contents are shockingly surprising, then hurry onto Momiji's house and demand explaination!

>...after we finish business with Nitori.

>"Thanks Tengu gi- wait where did you go-nya?"

[Hanzo K.]

>When was the last time we talked to Momiji and Nitori anyway?
>Especially Momiji, who knows what state her house is in now?

>For Momiji, it was the last time you were up here, which was about two weeks back. Same deal for Nitori.
>Momiji's house was a total wreck last time you visited too. beer cans and empty cup ramen containers all over the place! If she wasn't so obviously a girl(you can personally confirm that due to when you first met her.), you'd think she was a guy!

> Is it for us? It's for us right? Presents are awesome after all~
> Open 'er up!

>If the contents are shockingly surprising, then hurry onto Momiji's house and demand explaination!
>...after we finish business with Nitori.
>"Thanks Tengu gi- wait where did you go-nya?"

>Well, another look-over does indeed confirm that it's for you! What a thrill! So naturally, since it's for you, you decide to open it!
>Inside the package is a small card-looking thing. In one of the corners is that same emblem from the package itself. And on it says....Oh man. it says 'Civilian Passport'!
>Momiji mentioned needing a passport or an escort in order to go through the Tengu Vilage! This is great! THough you wonder what's so different about a Civilian Passport.
>Of course, it takes your mind a few moments to register that Aya's already left, so your words of thanks are left half-said. She did mention something about getting more Coffee. You never liked the stuff yourself, too bitter. Maybe you can find her somewhere you can get Coffee?
>But, since you've managed to pull yourself together for the most part, you decide to grab Rumia and Dai and drag them with you at full speed for Nitori's! "Waaah?!" "Is thaaaat sooo?!"
>Luckily, you don't need the passport to go there!


~Item Lost: Mysterious Package~
~Key Item Get!~
Tengu Village Passport
This is a Civilian Passport for the Tengu Village! Now you can go around there without an escort! But since it says Civilian, that must mean there's still places you can't get on your own.

[Darkoda]

>To Nitori's!