Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2014, 07:45:47 AM
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>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker (owner) of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.
>After an eventful day at school, and more personally eventful evening in which Rin joined your cadre of heroes, you and your friend set off to investigate the other shrines of the city, to examine the sacred flames there, as well as, hopefully, making contact with the resident Gods, as you had with the Metal Tiger. The Black Tortoise shrine revealed no signs of the God himself, though there were a number of sensations you couldn't identify without transforming, which you felt you could not do at the time. You also made a number of your fans happy, and had a pleasant conversation with Sanae's mother Kanako. You also learned that your new powers can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of drunkenness from your run in with the unfortunate Elis.
>The Blue Dragon shrine, however, had a far more dramatic and otherworldly event. After witnessing a practice duel between your landlord Reimu and the head miko Tenshi, a somewhat bizarre meeting with a green haired shrine maiden involving a piece of jade, and a surprisingly nice conversation with one of Reimu's aides, you and Rin bore witness to the sacred flame turning blue, and a disembodied voice spoke to you in cryptic words, answering your questions in riddles and verse. And yet neither you nor Rin could sense whatever was speaking to you, and a conversation with Kiku came up with no conclusions on the matter.
>After a decent night's rest, you awoke to find your school cordoned off by the faculty and the police. To your dismay, you discovered a dark force within that was similar to that which you sensed from the demons and their youma. Disturbingly, you learned this dark force was your teacher Keine Kamishirasawa, or rather a dark power that had corrupted her and turned her lycanthropic form into something terrible, and dangerously feral. Alongside Rin and Lily, as well as Kaguya Houraisan, your classics teacher with a surprising array of both knowledge and magically empowered items, you entered the school and confronted the corrupted Keine. She put up a tenacious fight, but the light of your Violet Lotus expunged the darkness from her, restoring her mind and body to normal. Weirdly, your light appears to have left some residual energy within Keine's body, the extent and effect of which as yet unknown.
>You had no time to rest, however, nor investigate what caused this dark power to suffuse Keine's body, when a pair of newly arrived demons made their presence known, in force. You were obliged to do battle with the Champion of Ice, while the Fire Champion looked on. Ice was quite different than the other three demons you'd encountered. She seemed regretful for having to fight you, and you sensed within her an incredible sadness. After developing a new spell, you combined your powers with Lily and Rin and drove both demons off, but not before vowing to free Ice from Fire's domination.
>After a conversation with the school reporter Hatate on your way out of the school grounds, you met up with Kiku and learned that someone involved in this mess had access to Lunarian magic, a brand of magic very rare on this planet. As near as you can figure, this individual was Kaguya, though how she came to possess such power, you do not know.
>During this entire affair, you have also felt your ring react to the presence of Komachi Onozuka the police officer, as well as Hatate, in the same way it reacted to Chie days ago. Both of them seem to have the potential to wear one of your rings of Light.
>With the problems at school settled, you, Lily and Rin went to pay a visit to your captive demon, the Champion of Water, to have a little chat with it. You learned that she had a name, Louise, and that her people were residents of a world called Makai. This world, Louise claimed, was possessed of a kind of life, and was actively hostile towards the demons who lived on it, whom Louise referred to as 'Children', created and led by a being she called only 'Mother.' You got the impression that the demons had been fending off the assaults of Makai for ages, but that that this was changing. The reason for the incursion of the Demons into your world was the secure passage for the rest of their kind, so that they could escape Makai and survive in this world. But she maintained that coexistance between your kind and hers was impossible, not the least reason being the inevitable interference from a group she called Celestials, who you gathered were as adversarial towards the Demons as Makai itself is, though you are not entirely certain why.
>In between conversations about her world and her people, you found the time to introduce Louise to a treat unique to your world: ice cream. The demon seemed to enjoy the treat, and more, she enjoyed being able to have a meal without fearing for her life, for the first time in her life. Possibly the whole of her species' life since their arrival on Makai. And while the enormity of this idea may be a bit beyond your scope of understanding, you are more than a little pleased to have been able to bring some peace into Louise's life. Now, if you can have half as much success with the rest of her people...
>But the conflict can wait for a little. You are slated to attend a gathering of local city defenders in a couple of hours, but for right now, you are at home, awaiting a meal cooked by your faithful servant Rin, in the company of your close friend Marissa, and discussing an upcoming- potentially- concert at one of the local shrines.
>"No, I suppose there mightn't be, at that. I do wish you the best of luck."
>"Want me to grab one for you, too, if I can?" Marissa inquires.
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>Do we have any familiarity with Flandre's music?
>At least enough to have any idea if we like it?
>How are we for loud and noisy gatherings?
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>Do we have any familiarity with Flandre's music?
>At least enough to have any idea if we like it?
>How are we for loud and noisy gatherings?
>You definately do. You're actually a fan of hers. Not as big a fan as your brother is of hers, which is not entirely surprising since he was the one who introduced you to her music. You have a couple of her albums, and you attended a concert of hers last year, as a matter of fact, in the company of Marissa and a couple of her friends.
>You don't have any real problem with them, provided they're no so loud as to hurt your ears.
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>So, possibly a concert like this might actually be something we'd enjoy? Presuming no other untimely commitments?
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>So, possibly a concert like this might actually be something we'd enjoy? Presuming no other untimely commitments?
>If indeed you have the freedom and the opportunity to attend such a concert, you believe very much you would enjoy it.
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>Do we know if Orin has an interest in that kind of thing?
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>Do we know if Orin has an interest in that kind of thing?
>You've noticed that loud, high-frequency noises tend to hurt her ears, but she still enjoys music. And she enjoys spending time with friends, and of course yourself.
>As to whether or not she would enjoy a concert, you've never actually asked her directly. Though you imagine she'd say she would enjoy this one.
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>"Oh, that might be nice. So long as they don't end up being too expensive, I suppose; it is a more exlcusive-than-normal venue, after all."
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>"Oh, that might be nice. So long as they don't end up being too expensive, I suppose; it is a more exlcusive-than-normal venue, after all."
>"Oh, says the woman who makes bank with Shameimaru Inc." Marissa teases.
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>"Well, I don't even know the price range we're talking about for sure, and neither do you, I imagine. I wouldn't want to assume prematurely."
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>"Well, I don't even know the price range we're talking about for sure, and neither do you, I imagine. I wouldn't want to assume prematurely."
>"Aw, ain't you a doll." Marissa drawls as she flings her arm over your shoulder. "Watchin' my pocketbook like that."
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>"Oh, I wouldn't expect you to pay my way, even if it were possible for you to get me a ticket."
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>"Oh, I wouldn't expect you to pay my way, even if it were possible for you to get me a ticket."
>The blonde waves your sentiment away. "I been meaning to get a little gift for ya anyways. Perfect time fer it."
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>"Oh, that's very kind of you."
>Rin, assuming it were possible to obtain one other ticket, would you have any interest in coming as well?
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>"Oh, that's very kind of you."
>Rin, assuming it were possible to obtain one other ticket, would you have any interest in coming as well?
>"My absolute pleasure." Marissa says with a smile. Though you do wonder privately how she plans to cover the costs, if they're as expensive as you expect they'll be. Marissa's one of the best you've ever known at stretching a dollar, but she is never flushed with cash.
>Sure would. Rin replies promptly. If I don't havta work, of course.
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>"If you can, do you think you might be able to try and get a third ticket? I would pay for that one, of course."
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>"If you can, do you think you might be able to try and get a third ticket? I would pay for that one, of course."
>"Planned on it, sweetheart." Marissa tosses a wink in Rin's direction. "Nobody gets left out on my watch."
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>"Well, thank you. I do very much appreciate the thought."
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>"Well, thank you. I do very much appreciate the thought."
>"I aim ta please." Marissa chortles, giving you a quick friendly shake before disengaging from you, turning towards your veranda door. "I just hope Tenshi doesn't throw a big damper on the whole affair." she muses.
>"What makes ya say that?" Rin asks.
>"Trust me, kitty, that shrine maiden can be a real party-pooper when she wants to be. Probably could bring the Dragon Palace to a screeching halt if she wanted." Marissa sits heavily upon the floor. "Y'ever meet her, Byakuren?"
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>"Yes, I have, if only briefly. She did seem like she could be a bit... brusk? She and Reimu actually had a duel with swords at the Dragon Shrine the other day - when I noticed them setting up booths there. Blunted ones, I should say; but it was still very spirited. Reimu won. I think the crowd thought Tenshi was a bit unsporting."
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>"Yes, I have, if only briefly. She did seem like she could be a bit... brusk? She and Reimu actually had a duel with swords at the Dragon Shrine the other day - when I noticed them setting up booths there. Blunted ones, I should say; but it was still very spirited. Reimu won. I think the crowd thought Tenshi was a bit unsporting."
>Marissa snorts out a chuckle. "Wouldn't surprise me at all." Then she pauses. "Wait a sec, crowd?"
>"They were fighting outside." Rin puts in.
>The blonde whistles. "There's somethin' that don't happen every day."
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>"It was something of a minor spectacle, I would say."
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>"It was something of a minor spectacle, I would say."
>"Wish I'da been there." Marissa says with a slight pout. "I love watchin' Reimu work."
>"You've seen her fight before?" Rin asks, which garners an emphatic nod from Marissa.
>"She might be a princess, but she can swing a mean sword. She can hold her own against most of her bodyguards, don'cha know."
>"Can you?"
>"Can I wha, go toe to toe with a Hakurei enforcer?"
>"No, no, with Reimu-san herself."
>Marissa laughs boisterously. "Aw man, don't I wish." She points lazily in your direction. "I'd lay better odds on your boss here in that scene. Tennis's closer than I've got to proper swordswork."
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>"Tennis isn't really very much like what they were doing, I'm afraid; I would rather embarrass myself if I were to try, I'm sure."
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>"Tennis isn't really very much like what they were doing, I'm afraid; I would rather embarrass myself if I were to try, I'm sure."
>"Bah!" Marissa blurts with a grin and a wave of her hand. "Just channel a bit of that inner hero of yours."
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>Smile. If only she knew what she just said.
>"I am quite content to leave such matters to them."
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>Smile. If only she knew what she just said.
>"I am quite content to leave such matters to them."
>Never one to let a good idea go to waste, Marissa's grin only broadens as she launches into a grandiose description of "Byakuren the Lotus Fencer!", which you have to admit sounds a lot like a shoujou manga, complete with a pantomime sword fight with one of the four great generals of the shadow blade. You'd laugh a little harder at her antics, were they not striking closer to accurate than she has any idea. She carries on for the better part of a minute, before Rin interrupts her, "Uh, Marissa?"
>"Wha?"
>"You wanted me to listen for that car ear-"
>"It's back?!" Marissa shouts, making Rin flinch slightly.
>"I think so? I think it's comin', there's a car coming...." Rin trails off as Marissa darts past her, throwing the front door open and sticking her head outside. You can't hear anything right away, at least nothing specific beyond the ambient sounds of the city.
>"You sure, girl?" Marissa asks her after a moment.
>"I don't know what dat car sounds like, but I can guess a supercar when I hear one, and I'm pretty sure dere's one comin' dis way."
>"You REALLY su... Hold on." the blonde trails off, cupping her hand around her ear. Sure enough, you start to hear one car's engine above the other noises of the city, a verbose bass shout.
>Marissa beams. "That's her!" she exults as she bounces out the door like a schoolgirl.
>Rin pushes the door shut behind her. "Does she have a... a low gear?" she asks you after a moment's thought for the proper term.
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>"One doesn't see it often."
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>"One doesn't see it often."
>Rin chuckles quietly then gives her vegetables a stir. I was thinkin', she starts, switching to her mental comm line. You can sense magic and powers, better than me or Lily, right?
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>That does seem to be the case so far, yes.
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>That does seem to be the case so far, yes.
>'f we get the chance, before I gotta leave for work, d'you think you could teach me how ya do it? If our powers work that way, of course.
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>I can most certainly try. I imagine none of us fully understands the limits of what we each can do and how our powers differs from one anothers', but I will give it my best effort.
>Do we know when she has to leave for work? If not, ask.
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>I can most certainly try. I imagine none of us fully understands the limits of what we each can do and how our powers differs from one anothers', but I will give it my best effort.
>Do we know when she has to leave for work? If not, ask.
>Thanks. Rin frowns a touch. I didn't like how Ice got the drop on us. If they try that again, I wanna be ready.
>Barring any changes in her methods of transport, she will have to leave a little before 4 to make it to Koakuma's on time. She can delay departure until a little later if she and Reisen are working together, Reisen having a bike and all, but you believe Reisen has the day off today.
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>And what time is it now?
>Frown slightly, ourselves
>I could not detect her presence either until she openly attacked us. That was very unlike how it was with the others. I am not certain what it is about Ice that allows her to mask herself from view or how we could overcome it. That being said, I imagine that like any other skill, our own can grow with practice and effort. When we have opportunity, there are several things I might like to try without the pressure of battle around us.
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>And what time is it now?
>Frown slightly, ourselves
>I could not detect her presence either until she openly attacked us. That was very unlike how it was with the others. I am not certain what it is about Ice that allows her to mask herself from view or how we could overcome it. That being said, I imagine that like any other skill, our own can grow with practice and effort. When we have opportunity, there are several things I might like to try without the pressure of battle around us.
>Three minutes before 2PM.
>I guess that'd be an upside of the school being closed for a day or two. Rin muses. Gives us more time to test out what we can and can't and can-but-shouldn't do.
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>Yes, though the damage to the school is unfortunate, the free time might itself be timely.
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>Yes, though the damage to the school is unfortunate, the free time might itself be timely.
>Rin nods as she takes a container of rice out of the fridge, and pops it into the microwave, her ears twitching slightly. Probably due to the rumble of the engine outside. You think you can hear Marissa's gushing over that racket, amazingly. Ynever know. Rin says, Might turn out we can work construction ourselves, get the place up and runnin' sooner. Make Yamame happier, for one, I think.
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>One problem at a time, I think.
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>One problem at a time, I think.
>Yeah, you're right. Rin agrees.
>Minutes later, your kasha announces the readiness of your lunch. She sets out the table before sticking her head out the door to summon Marissa in to eat. You can hear your blonde friend's strained noise, caught as she is between the prospect of lunch and the sight of a machine beloved to her. While Marissa stews, you help Rin is setting out the table before sitting down. Marissa manages to drag herself indoors as Rin finishes serving up the goods.
>Unsurprisingly, Marissa rabbits on about the car in question throughout most of your meal. Gently, you remind her now and again that food needs to be chewed, not merely talked around. It never ceases to amaze you how much passion resides within your friend, especially given the struggles she's had in her own life. But then, you've wondered now and then if that's why she's as passionate as she is. Some things that would crush the spirit of one seem to serve to empower another. Humans are strange beings sometimes.
>Marissa's presence at the dinner table does reduce the overall volume of your take a bit, but her company helps to make up for this. And Rin makes a good stir-fry, quantity notwithstanding. There's never enough water chestnuts, but that was true for your mother's stir-fries as well.
>As is the norm, Marissa finishes up first, pushing her chair back from the table with a satisfied sigh. "Mighty fine eats, Orin."
>"Glad you liked."
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>"Yes, it was quite tasty; thank you."
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>"Yes, it was quite tasty; thank you."
>Rin smiles. "You're welcome."
>"Now that we're fed and watered," Marissa says, reclining in her chair, "Whacha got in mind for the rest of the day, Byakuren? Visitin' more shrines?"
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>"Hmmm... I might. Though I find the idea of a quiet evening rather appealing at the moment, to be honest."
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>"Hmmm... I might. Though I find the idea of a quiet evening rather appealing at the moment, to be honest."
>"Yeah, I hear that." Marissa says with a nod. "When ya got the chance for a bit of downtime, nothin' wrong with taking it."
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>"What about yourself?"
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>"What about yourself?"
>"Not sure myself, really. Sorta between tasks at the moment." She grins. "Good day to be lazy, maybe?"
>"Well, not for me." Rin says as she stands. "I got work in a couple hours."
>"Sweet, now I've got something to do tonight."
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>"Oh?"
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>"Oh?"
>"I'm like you, Koa's gave me an open invite to work there when I wants." Grinning lasciviously, she adds, "Among other things."
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>"And did you suddenly remember?"
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>"And did you suddenly remember?"
>Marissa nods. "Just thought of it, yeah." She glances over at Rin. "Want a lift?"
>"Sure. Thanks."
>"less of course you wanted to join us, Byakuren." Marissa says. "Then I'd rent Reimu's Merc down there."
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>"I think I'll pass, just the same."
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>"I think I'll pass, just the same."
>"Aw." Marissa says with an exaggerated pout. Then she pops to her feet with one of her grins. "Better luck next time, eh, Rin-chan." she says as she gives your kasha a little hug. "For now, if you ladies will excuse me, I wanna go ogle that 'vette for a bit longer." And with that, she is gone again.
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>"Have fun!"
>Help tidy up the dishes and such. Then when we're done and safely alone:
>"So, did you want to try working on your magical perception now, then?"
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>"Have fun!"
>Help tidy up the dishes and such. Then when we're done and safely alone:
>"So, did you want to try working on your magical perception now, then?"
>Marissa gone to annoy the driver of the corvette for a while, you turn your attention to matters more domestic. You and your Rin make short work of the leftover mess from dinner, working around each other easily.
>Rin glances towards the door for a moment, then nods. "Sure. And I'll keep an ear open, just in case."
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>Can we still sense any magic coming from Patchouli's place?
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>Can we still sense any magic coming from Patchouli's place?
>A quick scan reveals the aura of magic is still in place. Though there is another odd sensation coming from below you as well. It isn't from Patchy's place, but from outside, probably in the front yard. It doesn't feel like magic, at least not anything you've felt so far, but it's different enough to stand out.
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>Can we tell anything more about this sense?
>If we can go to a window and glance in that location as well, let's do so and see if we can see anything.
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>Can we tell anything more about this sense?
>If we can go to a window and glance in that location as well, let's do so and see if we can see anything.
>The sensation is weak compared to other auras you've sensed before. It doesn't feel like a sense of power, at least not anything you can recognize. It may be the presence of an individual with a powerful sense of spirituality, perhaps a rare kind of youkai, or a magician whose power is suppressed or inactive. It stands out from the background noise, but not by a great deal.
>It is in the front courtyard, and neither your wall nor door has a window bigger than a peephole, which doesn't have enough range to include the courtyard. To see down there, you'd need to at least poke your head out the front door.
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>Well, let's go do that.
>"One moment."
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>Well, let's go do that.
>"One moment."
>"Problem?" Rin asks as you open the front door, taking a step outside to have a look below you. Letty and Hyozan are both sitting against the wall near the street, the yuki-onna feeding Hyozan slices from an apple. Neither one of them is the source of the strange sensation. It seems to be coming from the black corvette Marissa is standing next to, trying not to drool over. Either from the machine itself, or perhaps from someone in it, you're not entirely sure. The driver side door is open, the one Marissa is standing next to, but you can't make out if there's anyone sitting in it.
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>"Most likely not. But I'm getting a curious sensation from that car down there, and I was trying to figure out why. It might be from someone sitting inside, but I can't see them from here."
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>"Most likely not. But I'm getting a curious sensation from that car down there, and I was trying to figure out why. It might be from someone sitting inside, but I can't see them from here."
>Rin steps closer to you, looking down at the car with her youkai eyes. "Can't see him either, but I can hear a man's voice coming out of de car."
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>"No one you recognize, I assume?"
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>"No one you recognize, I assume?"
>Rin listens a moment longer, then shakes her head.
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>"Well, it doesn't seem like anything to be overly concerned about - I was just curious. I can always ask Marissa later, I imagine."
>Head back inside.
>"So. You've said that your ability to sense the supernatural does not come as readily as I have found mine to, but do you sense anything at all nearby that you couldn't, the day before yesterday? If you open your awareness to the space around you?"
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>"Well, it doesn't seem like anything to be overly concerned about - I was just curious. I can always ask Marissa later, I imagine."
>Head back inside.
>"So. You've said that your ability to sense the supernatural does not come as readily as I have found mine to, but do you sense anything at all nearby that you couldn't, the day before yesterday? If you open your awareness to the space around you?"
>Rin nods and pulls back as well, allowing you to close the door on the winter again.
>"Not as I'm just standin' here, no." Rin says with a shake of her head. "'course I haven't really... uh, focused, is that the right word?"
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>"Right enough I think. Just try a little. Tell me if you can notice anything. Not with the car - that was subtle even for me - but elsewhere."
>"And don't feel bad if you can't at first. I will do my best to help."
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>"Right enough I think. Just try a little. Tell me if you can notice anything. Not with the car - that was subtle even for me - but elsewhere."
>"And don't feel bad if you can't at first. I will do my best to help."
>"Understood." The kasha's eyes turn a bit vacant as she casts her mystic senses outward. "Feels weird to do this with something other than m'ears." she mutters, then focuses again. "I AM gettin' sumthing. I think it...." She squints in concentration. "Is that comin' from Patchy's pad?"
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>"It is. You can feel it?"
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>"It is. You can feel it?"
>She nods. "Ain't strong, nothing like what Fire felt like, but it's there. Feels sorta.... wet, an' cold."
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>Try to coach her, as best we can, to get a clearer picture of this, using whatever we can draw from our own experiences of utilizing this sense
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>Try to coach her, as best we can, to get a clearer picture of this, using whatever we can draw from our own experiences of utilizing this sense
>Although your senses are not as sharp in your human guise as your heroic one, the same principals you use apply here as well, and you are familiar with the sensation of Patchouli's magic as well, thanks to her her experiment the other night. The sensation you feel now is stronger than what you felt last night, and just as Rin said, it feels somehow colder as well. You're not quite sure what to make of that, which you tell Rin when she asks about the sensation. The important thing is that Rin detected the sensation as well, and your praise makes the kasha smile. She seems to have the same depth of perception of Patchouli's magical aura as you do yourself. The difference being that your passive awareness of the aura is more acute than hers.
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>As in, she can sense it just as well when actively focusing on it, but would be less apt to notice it than us if she wasn't specifically looking?
>Suggest she see what she can sense from the direction of that car - something more subtle. Assuming we can still sense that, of course.
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>As in, she can sense it just as well when actively focusing on it, but would be less apt to notice it than us if she wasn't specifically looking?
>Suggest she see what she can sense from the direction of that car - something more subtle. Assuming we can still sense that, of course.
>Essentially, yes.
>It takes a long moment for Rin to locate the odd, mute sensation coming from the front lot. She frowns. "Dat's a weird feelin'. Sorta looks like someone hidin' behind a curtain, or something."
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>Does that sound like a reasonable description of how it feels to us?
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>Does that sound like a reasonable description of how it feels to us?
>It wouldn't be the terms you'd use, but that does sound rather accurate.
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>"That's an... interesting way to put it. But yes, I think I agree with that description. "
>Can we sense anything somewhat further away from here than either of these other sensations?
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>"That's an... interesting way to put it. But yes, I think I agree with that description. "
>Can we sense anything somewhat further away from here than either of these other sensations?
>Casting your psychic senses out, the burning presence of the Champion of Fire still registers strongly. Unlike Ice or Air, he appears not to be making any effort to conceal his presence.
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>Where does he seem to be at the moment?
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>Where does he seem to be at the moment?
>He appears not to have moved from where he ran after your confrontation: the Miskovsky Downs.
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>"Rin, can you sense anything if you look further afield?"
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>"Rin, can you sense anything if you look further afield?"
>"How far out?"
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>"Just go until you think you notice something."
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>"Just go until you think you notice something."
>Rin nods, then focuses her mind once more. It doesn't take her long for her eyebrows to narrow. "Fire. I ain't likely to forget that feelin'."
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>"Can you tell where he is? At least roughly?"
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>"Can you tell where he is? At least roughly?"
>"Uh....." Rin frowns in concentration. "I think it's.... Is that the pony track out there?"
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>"Yes."
>Smile
>"You seem quite a bit better at this than you gave yourself credit for, I think."
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>"Yes."
>Smile
>"You seem quite a bit better at this than you gave yourself credit for, I think."
>"When I'm workin' on it." Rin answers humbly. "Takes me more focus, more attention, ta get readings, you can just pick em up easy."
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>"But you still managed to sense all of these things on your own power. There is no shame in things taking effort; there may even be virtue in expending it. And I'm sure you may find it coming even more naturally with practice. The first time I used these powers, I was left so exhausted I could barely get out of bed for a while - you remember. By those standards, you're a natural."
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>"But you still managed to sense all of these things on your own power. There is no shame in things taking effort; there may even be virtue in expending it. And I'm sure you may find it coming even more naturally with practice. The first time I used these powers, I was left so exhausted I could barely get out of bed for a while - you remember. By those standards, you're a natural."
>Rin smiles gently at your praise. "Well, this ring did come from you after you'd learned a thing or two. Maybe that sorta thing came with the package."
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>"It is possible. There is still much we do not know about these power. But from what I have seen so far, I have every confidence we will be able to grow into them still further with effort and practice. Our need is great."
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>"It is possible. There is still much we do not know about these power. But from what I have seen so far, I have every confidence we will be able to grow into them still further with effort and practice. Our need is great."
>"An' if I just gotta be a bit more on my toes in the meantime, well that's no big thing. Heck, I'da done that anyway, wit' Ice and Air still around out there."
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>"I assume Ice might be found with Fire, and Fire is fortunately easy to locate. I do wish we had some idea where Air was, however."
>"But in the meantime, there is another matter that I would like to see if we can resolve first - or at least gain greater knowledge of - and that is the darkness at the Shrine of the Metal Tiger. Without knowing its aims or its reach, but knowing that its perceptiveness is enough to give a god cause to shield our memories even from our own awareness... It is because of this that I have been especially reluctant to expand our circle beyond those I trust most, for fear that our identities might somehow filter back through them to those the Tiger was defending us against. Even if they do not mean to, these forces are subtle, and we cannot know for certain who might have been affected by them without looking into their hearts directly."
>"But I also fear that continuing to eschew potential allies might prove a dangerous flaw in the other confrontations we know are coming. I have the utmost faith in all of us to strive as far as we are able, but our adversaries are frightfully powerful and have just as much cause as ourselves to strive - perhaps even more, so desperate is their need to leave their world. I should not want to turn down whatever allies would join our cause, but until I feel we can do so in safety..."
>Let out a little sigh
>"I suppose just one supernatural darkness at a time was too much to ask for."
-
>"I assume Ice might be found with Fire, and Fire is fortunately easy to locate. I do wish we had some idea where Air was, however."
>"But in the meantime, there is another matter that I would like to see if we can resolve first - or at least gain greater knowledge of - and that is the darkness at the Shrine of the Metal Tiger. Without knowing its aims or its reach, but knowing that its perceptiveness is enough to give a god cause to shield our memories even from our own awareness... It is because of this that I have been especially reluctant to expand our circle beyond those I trust most, for fear that our identities might somehow filter back through them to those the Tiger was defending us against. Even if they do not mean to, these forces are subtle, and we cannot know for certain who might have been affected by them without looking into their hearts directly."
>"But I also fear that continuing to eschew potential allies might prove a dangerous flaw in the other confrontations we know are coming. I have the utmost faith in all of us to strive as far as we are able, but our adversaries are frightfully powerful and have just as much cause as ourselves to strive - perhaps even more, so desperate is their need to leave their world. I should not want to turn down whatever allies would join our cause, but until I feel we can do so in safety..."
>Let out a little sigh
>"I suppose just one supernatural darkness at a time was too much to ask for."
>"But not too much that we can't handle it." Rin says with confidence, placing a firm hand on your shoulder. "We got this far. We just needs a plan to take on this problem."
-
>Put our hand on top of her hand and smile
>"Thank you. And yes, but this is why I want to try and work on the Satori problem as soon as possible - so our focus can be free to deal with the other."
-
>Put our hand on top of her hand and smile
>"Thank you. And yes, but this is why I want to try and work on the Satori problem as soon as possible - so our focus can be free to deal with the other."
>"Sounds good ta me. Do we have a plan?"
-
>"I'm not certain. But the ritual Kiku spoke of taking place tonight might keep Satori in a known location for some time, which could give us a chance to look into places we otherwise might not. We would need to speak with Kiku, and certainly our presence there comes with risks that her own alone does not; I do hope that Kiku's investigations into a ward against sleeping magics may have born some fruit by now. Were it not for our other issues, I would be content to wait for a slower solution to work itself out, but I fear we may not have the leisure for this."
-
>"I'm not certain. But the ritual Kiku spoke of taking place tonight might keep Satori in a known location for some time, which could give us a chance to look into places we otherwise might not. We would need to speak with Kiku, and certainly our presence there comes with risks that her own alone does not; I do hope that Kiku's investigations into a ward against sleeping magics may have born some fruit by now. Were it not for our other issues, I would be content to wait for a slower solution to work itself out, but I fear we may not have the leisure for this."
>"Places like what, up at the shrine?"
-
>"Yes, at the shrine itself."
-
>"Yes, at the shrine itself."
>Rin nods. "Tonight?"
-
>"This might be an opportunity, if Satori will indeed be out of the picture to some degree tonight. And the sooner the better, for many other reasons. But I would need to consult with Kiku regarding exactly how long this ritual she is involved with will last, and whether Satori is certain to be present the whole time. As well as many other smaller matters, I imagine. Though if it turns out that the circumstances seem poor, perhaps we will have to wait some more time; I don't want to expose us to more risk than needed."
-
>"This might be an opportunity, if Satori will indeed be out of the picture to some degree tonight. And the sooner the better, for many other reasons. But I would need to consult with Kiku regarding exactly how long this ritual she is involved with will last, and whether Satori is certain to be present the whole time. As well as many other smaller matters, I imagine. Though if it turns out that the circumstances seem poor, perhaps we will have to wait some more time; I don't want to expose us to more risk than needed."
>The look on Rin's face speaks volumes. She plainly doesn't like the idea of you going into a dangerous situation when she has to be somewhere else.
-
>"Yes, it doesn't entirely sit well with me either, but nor does leaving this matter for too much longer without any progress. But before I can make any specific plans, I do need to talk with Kiku. For that matter, I don't even know when this ritual is supposed to be taking place."
-
>"Yes, it doesn't entirely sit well with me either, but nor does leaving this matter for too much longer without any progress. But before I can make any specific plans, I do need to talk with Kiku. For that matter, I don't even know when this ritual is supposed to be taking place."
>"Yeah, she did say tonight, but she didn't say when tonight, did she?"
-
>"No. In truth I suppose I do not know if this is an opportunity or not, but I just hoped. And there's still that meeting tonight with the other mikos, though I understand Kiku's misgivings about that as well..."
>What time was that supposed to be again?
-
>"No. In truth I suppose I do not know if this is an opportunity or not, but I just hoped. And there's still that meeting tonight with the other mikos, though I understand Kiku's misgivings about that as well..."
>What time was that supposed to be again?
>"It's an idea. I mean, Lily'd still be able to head up there with ya, right?"
>Around 6 PM.
-
>"I imagine so. And she does know the place better than I do."
-
>"I imagine so. And she does know the place better than I do."
>"She do- Oh yeah, she works there, too, dat helps."
-
>"Or she did, anyway. Under the circumstances, we decided that she shouldn't continue; she and us collectively might be exposed to risk by her doing so."
-
>"Or she did, anyway. Under the circumstances, we decided that she shouldn't continue; she and us collectively might be exposed to risk by her doing so."
>"Ahhh. Smart call. Safety first."
-
>Nod. Pause.
>"Before I contact Kiku, there is one other thing I wished to speak with you about; I do hope the subject doesn't make you feel uncomfortable."
-
>Nod. Pause.
>"Before I contact Kiku, there is one other thing I wished to speak with you about; I do hope the subject doesn't make you feel uncomfortable."
>"Uncomfortable?" Rin seems perplexed.
-
>Gently: "Earlier, when Marissa asked what myself and Lily had been doing when Marigold was born, you seemed... upset at the idea of what her suggestion might have been."
-
>Gently: "Earlier, when Marissa asked what myself and Lily had been doing when Marigold was born, you seemed... upset at the idea of what her suggestion might have been."
>Rin winces. "Well... It sounded like she was bes.... besmer.... insulting your honor." she says after chewing over the middle word a bit.
-
>"Is that truly what bothered you about it?"
-
>"Is that truly what bothered you about it?"
>"Well, yeah. I guess I should've known she didn't mean anythin' by it, but still."
-
>"Even if Marissa were really suggesting that the two of us were being... intimate, I am sure she of all people wouldn't see that as an insult against anything."
>"...though I might expect some teasing."
-
>"Even if Marissa were really suggesting that the two of us were being... intimate, I am sure she of all people wouldn't see that as an insult against anything."
>"...though I might expect some teasing."
>The kasha chuckles. "At least, aye."
-
>"In any case, you needn't worry about defending my honor in such a fashion. Even if someone did mean ill by it, one need not feel shame for sharing affection, I think - and I should not be genuinely insulted by the suggestion that I had done so."
-
>"In any case, you needn't worry about defending my honor in such a fashion. Even if someone did mean ill by it, one need not feel shame for sharing affection, I think - and I should not be genuinely insulted by the suggestion that I had done so."
>Rin nods in understanding. "I'll keep... Well, try to keep that in mind." she says with a shy smile.
-
>Smile
>"I appreciate the sentiment, nonetheless."
>Slightly concerned frown
>"To be honest, I had wondered if it would have bothered you if it were true..."
-
>Smile
>"I appreciate the sentiment, nonetheless."
>Slightly concerned frown
>"To be honest, I had wondered if it would have bothered you if it were true..."
>"Bothered? You mean if you and Lily really HAD- Uh... Been doin' that?"
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>Rin thinks about that for a moment, her tails slowly swishing side to side, until finally she says, "Honestly, Byakuren, I think I'd be happy ta hear it."
-
>"Oh? That's not quite what I expected to hear."
-
>"Oh? That's not quite what I expected to hear."
>"Byakuren, you're the best woman I've ever met. You deserve that kind of love." She smiles and half-shrugs. "I admit, Lily White wouldn'a been the first woman I'd think about like dat for you, but you deserve all the love and all the happiness you can get. And more besides." she adds for emphasis.
-
>Smirk.
>"Now you have me half-afraid that you're going to try to manipulate things behind the scenes, you know."
-
>Smirk.
>"Now you have me half-afraid that you're going to try to manipulate things behind the scenes, you know."
>Rin seems to stew over that for a moment, then smiles and shakes her head. "I reckon I won't have to."
-
>Raise an eyebrow
>"Oh?"
-
>Raise an eyebrow
>"Oh?"
>"I haven't been with ya long, but I know enough to know that you don't need no help from me makin' folks love ya. You do that everytime you walk into a room."
-
>Chuckle lightly
>"Now, now, that's very sweet of you, but I don't think that's quite the same thing."
-
>Chuckle lightly
>"Now, now, that's very sweet of you, but I don't think that's quite the same thing."
>"Well, maybe." Rin replies. "But the point is, ya don't need ta worry about me when it comes to this kinda thing. I want to see my master happy, bottom line."
-
>"The reverse goes for me as well, you realize. I wouldn't say I was... 'worried', as such, but your feelings are important to me; I wouldn't want to do something that upsets you unknowingly. Nor would I want you to keep your own feelings quiet out of any sense of duty to me. If something is on your mind, you can always confide in me and I will never turn you away - no matter what it is. The greatest responsibility to have to me is simply to be true to yourself."
-
>"The reverse goes for me as well, you realize. I wouldn't say I was... 'worried', as such, but your feelings are important to me; I wouldn't want to do something that upsets you unknowingly. Nor would I want you to keep your own feelings quiet out of any sense of duty to me. If something is on your mind, you can always confide in me and I will never turn you away - no matter what it is. The greatest responsibility to have to me is simply to be true to yourself."
>Rin's mouth opens, then closes slowly. "I don't.... I don't know if I can be that open, mistress. If I could ta anyone, I'd want it to be you!" she adds quickly, the poor girl looking rather stricken. "But I don't know if it... If it's in me."
-
>Smile gently
>"It's okay. You don't need to force yourself. Just know that I'm here for you, and this will always be a safe place for you."
>Put a hand gently on hers and give a little reassuring squeeze.
>"Nothing you would say or do could change that."
-
>Smile gently
>"It's okay. You don't need to force yourself. Just know that I'm here for you, and this will always be a safe place for you."
>Put a hand gently on hers and give a little reassuring squeeze.
>"Nothing you would say or do could change that."
>Rin's ears perk up, and she smiles softly. "Give me time." she breathes.
-
>Smile
>"As much as you need, of course."
-
>Smile
>"As much as you need, of course."
>Your kasha lets out a short breath that may have been a laugh, then says, in Eire, "You must have the biggest heart in the world." Or something very near to it, anyway. Your Eire still needs a bit of refinement.
-
>She does know we could understand that, yes?
-
>She does know we could understand that, yes?
>Oh yes. In fact, she's the one who's been teaching you Eire.
-
>In Eire: "Thank you."
-
>In Eire: "Thank you."
>Rin starts to say something else in Eire, which you don't immediately recognize, but then she pauses and switches back to Yamato. "I do wish dat I wasn't the only one. I know dat... you don't always like when I talk like I'm going to, but you're the kind of owner that a slave dreams of having."
-
>Were there any fellow slaves in her environment, back when Orin was with Konngara?
>"I'll take that to mean simply I treat others with respect and dignity. But does that mean you feel somewhat... lonely, in your position?"
-
>Were there any fellow slaves in her environment, back when Orin was with Konngara?
>Clarify, please.
>"I'll take that to mean simply I treat others with respect and dignity. But does that mean you feel somewhat... lonely, in your position?"
>"No, no, not one tiny bit!" Rin assures you. "I just think sometimes that... Well, that I weren't the only one, yknow what I mean?"
-
>Orin was Konngara's only slave, yes? But would there have been others in the household, perhaps owned by other parts of the family?
>"You think it might be nice to have more company?"
-
>Orin was Konngara's only slave, yes? But would there have been others in the household, perhaps owned by other parts of the family?
>"You think it might be nice to have more company?"
>To your recollection, Rin has mentioned only one other slave that served Konngara's family during her time with them. Her mother owned a swan youkai for a short time, but lost her over an outstanding gambling debt.
>Rin considers your wording for a moment, then nods. "Yeah, you could say it that way."
-
>"What do you imagine it would be like?"
-
>"What do you imagine it would be like?"
>"Well, for a start, we'd probably need a bigger place."
-
>Laugh
>"Is that really the first thing that comes to mind?"
-
>Laugh
>"Is that really the first thing that comes to mind?"
>"I have my practical moments." Rin replies, somewhat proudly. "..least I think that's the right word, there."
-
>Nod
>"Right enough. Though I imagine a larger home is not what you were thinking about when you mentioned it first?"
-
>Nod
>"Right enough. Though I imagine a larger home is not what you were thinking about when you mentioned it first?"
>Rin chuckles quietly. "Well, no. I don't know that I was thinking anythin' specific. And it would sorta depend on the slave, some would take to this kinda life better than some others. I know I've got my... issues, with that side of life, but I'm not as bad as a lot of others out there."
-
>"Just... well, I guess it's often nice simply to have companions to share your time with, no matter your lot."
-
>"Just... well, I guess it's often nice simply to have companions to share your time with, no matter your lot."
>"After living with you, I know how true that can be. I mean, I think I knew it then, too, just not as well, if that makes sense."
-
>"You didn't really have a chance to experience it yourself."
-
>"You didn't really have a chance to experience it yourself."
>"Not often, no, you're right about that."
-
>"Well, no matter what lies in our future, at least we know we have comrades to share the road with - and more to come, I hope."
>Give her a little hug
>"Now I should probably contact Kiku."
-
>"Well, no matter what lies in our future, at least we know we have comrades to share the road with - and more to come, I hope."
>Give her a little hug
>"Now I should probably contact Kiku."
>"I sure hope so."
>There is still that little fleck of happy surprise in Rin's body when you hug her. That little sign that still says, 'I can't believe this is my owner now.' She says nothing as she returns the gesture, but you can sense that inner joy at this simple act of affection.
>Rin nods, separating herself from you.
-
>Reach out to Kiku
>Kiku, may I speak with you a moment?
-
>Reach out to Kiku
>Kiku, may I speak with you a moment?
>Rin turns her attention to the washing of the soaking dishes as you turn your mind's voice out towards the other feline member of your group. Her voice returns a moment later, What is it, Byakuren?
-
>The ritual you spoke of for tonight. When is it to take place? And about how long might it last?
-
>The ritual you spoke of for tonight. When is it to take place? And about how long might it last?
>Sunset. As for how long, that largely depends on Toune. It is her magic and will that is the center of the ritual.
-
>Sunset would be about when, currently?
>Could you at least estimate roughly?
-
>Sunset would be about when, currently?
>Could you at least estimate roughly?
>At this time of year, somewhere in the neighbourhood of 6 PM.
>Kiku makes a thoughtful noise. If I had to guess, I would say no less than an hour. But that would be the earliest it would be over, an hour. It could take as much as all night. Given that it's Toune.... Mmmm.... Possibly two hours? Maybe more? There's really no way to tell until we begin.
-
>Wasn't that around when we were to meet with those mikos?
>And would Satori be present for the entire ritual?
-
>Wasn't that around when we were to meet with those mikos?
>And would Satori be present for the entire ritual?
>It was indeed.
>Satori? The tiger youkai pauses, and you can almost see her leery expression from here. You're... planning something, aren't you.
-
>Simply considering. It occurred to me that if she were to be cloistered away at a known location for a known period of time, it might be more possible for someone to move about the shrine and investigate certain things that would ostensibly be off-limits. I realize this carries risks that a more patient approach might not, but I feel increasingly that we need to at least get the measure of exactly what threat we face there and how wide its reach. As things stand, the spectre of it limits my freedom to invite other people into our circle and there were several opportunities just today. I admit I fear that prudence in the matter at your shrine may leave us underprepared for matters elsewhere.
-
>Simply considering. It occurred to me that if she were to be cloistered away at a known location for a known period of time, it might be more possible for someone to move about the shrine and investigate certain things that would ostensibly be off-limits. I realize this carries risks that a more patient approach might not, but I feel increasingly that we need to at least get the measure of exactly what threat we face there and how wide its reach. As things stand, the spectre of it limits my freedom to invite other people into our circle and there were several opportunities just today. I admit I fear that prudence in the matter at your shrine may leave us underprepared for matters elsewhere.
>Are you proposing that you slink about the shrine trying to unearth the root of the darkness surrounding the Metal Tiger Shrine?
-
>....maybe. If the circumstances are indeed ones that might facilitate this - hence my asking.
-
>....maybe. If the circumstances are indeed ones that might facilitate this - hence my asking.
>Even before she answers, you prepare yourself for a rather stern retort. You know Kiku well enough to know that she probably will have a large number of objections to that idea. Instead of any of the ones you can imagine she must be thinking about, however, Kiku's voice comes back with, That's rather bold of you, Lotus.
-
>I fear that we can ill-afford to wait - we do not know when the other champions will show themselves and some of them promise to be much more powerful than those we have already faced. So long as this other threat remains veiled, we are exposed to greater risk on both fronts. It is difficult to predict what dangers might be presented by the darkness at your shrine without knowing the agenda of the force behind it, and operating conservatively because of this denies us the chance of allies we might end up needing against the demons.
-
>I fear that we can ill-afford to wait - we do not know when the other champions will show themselves and some of them promise to be much more powerful than those we have already faced. So long as this other threat remains veiled, we are exposed to greater risk on both fronts. It is difficult to predict what dangers might be presented by the darkness at your shrine without knowing the agenda of the force behind it, and operating conservatively because of this denies us the chance of allies we might end up needing against the demons.
>I agree. Kiku replies. No one wants this matter settled more than I. However, I have not uncovered anything that could be considered a lead for you to explore here. For any of us, for that matter. I am no closer than I was yesterday. Do you believe your presence here would yield a different result?
-
>I don't know. Maybe not. But I have seemed more sensitive to the impressions of magic and other supernatural powers than several of our number. Maybe I might notice something that you hadn't?
>Had you been able to examine the sacred flame after gaining back the memory of what happened there?
-
>I don't know. Maybe not. But I have seemed more sensitive to the impressions of magic and other supernatural powers than several of our number. Maybe I might notice something that you hadn't?
>Had you been able to examine the sacred flame after gaining back the memory of what happened there?
>It is possible, but the risk is very great. And even if Satori-sama is cloistered away, as you put it, there are many other shrine maidens here. If they are compromised as she may be, it could be as dangerous as though you had been found by Satori herself.
>No more than a brief sweep with my magic. It doesn't appear to have changed from before. It feels the same as it did when it turned black, so I assume it still is black.
-
>But you did not enter the chamber, I take it?
-
>But you did not enter the chamber, I take it?
>Not as yet. Since Satori has taken such pains to keep it off limits, I didn't want to enter the chamber until I had a justifyable reason to do so, or was definately unobserved.
-
>Is the place monitored continuously? By spiritual or other means that you know of? On reflection, it might actually be safer for me to attempt to enter than it would you, as I have less of a 'cover' to compromise if observed - they would not know who I was and you need not be visibly involved.
-
>Is the place monitored continuously? By spiritual or other means that you know of? On reflection, it might actually be safer for me to attempt to enter than it would you, as I have less of a 'cover' to compromise if observed - they would not know who I was and you need not be visibly involved.
>Monitored, no. Not directly, at least. But Byakuren, have you ever tried to sneak around a building full of animal youkai?
-
>No. But would I need to hide my presence entirely? Or merely the fact that I had entered a room that I should not have? I assume people are moving about the halls not too far away on a somewhat regular basis. If some sound was made, would it be obvious to anyone who wasn't observing closely exactly who had moved where?
>I don't mean to make light of the difficulty or the risks. I just don't like to let more days pass and hope that a better opportunity will present itself. If you think there might indeed be some small opportunity here, I would like to capitalize on it. I will respect your judgement, as you know the shrine far better than I - do you think tonight would offer us some more freedom to investigate matters? Is there some other occasion in the near future that you suspect would be better?
-
>No. But would I need to hide my presence entirely? Or merely the fact that I had entered a room that I should not have? I assume people are moving about the halls not too far away on a somewhat regular basis. If some sound was made, would it be obvious to anyone who wasn't observing closely exactly who had moved where?
>I don't mean to make light of the difficulty or the risks. I just don't like to let more days pass and hope that a better opportunity will present itself. If you think there might indeed be some small opportunity here, I would like to capitalize on it. I will respect your judgement, as you know the shrine far better than I - do you think tonight would offer us some more freedom to investigate matters? Is there some other occasion in the near future that you suspect would be better?
>It is not just sound, Byakuren, it is scent as well. Some of us can smell a stranger almost as soon as one enters. Your own scent, while not especially strong, is still noticeable.
>Your questioning makes Kiku pause for a moment. There are still many unknowns here. she says at last. I am not fond of having so much uncertainty in what has become my home. Your presence here could indeed shed some light on this problem. And the only time we would have to investigate the shrine while it was completely secure to us would be if no other Metal mikos were present, which simply does not happen. If Satori is the main problem, then tonight may indeed provide the opportunity you seek. Satori's attention will be focused upon Toune and her ritual, and upon myself during my involvement. And I know of no other events that would have this effect within the foreseeable future.
>Ultimately, the decision is yours, Lotus. I may be the strongestsecondstrongest miko of this shrine, but you are the leader of our little group. If you feel the risks are worth taking in order to uncover the truth, then I will do whatever I can to minimize those risks.
-
>Forgive me for sidetracking briefly, but... 'strongestsecondstrongest'? You used that term before, I believe. Is that some traditional title in your order?
-
>Forgive me for sidetracking briefly, but... 'strongestsecondstrongest'? You used that term before, I believe. Is that some traditional title in your order?
>What are you talking about? I said no such thing.
-
>You said 'I may be the strongestsecondstrongest miko of this shrine', no?
-
>You said 'I may be the strongestsecondstrongest miko of this shrine', no?
>Byakuren, that phrase is nonsense. I said quite clearly that I was the second strong-strongest miko of my shrine. ... Didn't I?
-
>Second strong-strongest?
-
>Second strong-strongest?
>But I said... Pah, does it matter? Kiku snaps, switching suddenly from confusion to hot anger, only for a moment later to add, I'm sorry, I... I don't know why I snapped at you...
-
>I... I fear that I might. I may be wrong, and it would be nice if I were, but I am reminded unpleasantly of how Lily acted when questioned on Satori's behavior shortly after I spoke with the Metal Tiger - saying things she did not mean to say, or even fully realize she had. Can you try again to repeat what you believed that you said?
-
>I... I fear that I might. I may be wrong, and it would be nice if I were, but I am reminded unpleasantly of how Lily acted when questioned on Satori's behavior shortly after I spoke with the Metal Tiger - saying things she did not mean to say, or even fully realize she had. Can you try again to repeat what you believed that you said?
>What about Lily? Kiku asks. You say you have some knowledge about this? Say what you mean.
-
>Someone placed some kind of block in Lily's mind. When she tried to speak on oddness in Satori's recent behavior, instead she would insist that everything with her was normal and trustworthy - even if that had not been what she had meant to say a moment earlier. It seemed to confuse even her awareness of what she had intended to speak, as well as her memory, like some kind of fog. I assumed it was something of this nature that prevented you from remembering the incident with the sacred flame, but I wonder if there might still be other blocks remaining, even after that was removed.
>Or perhaps I'm leaping to conclusions - I don't know.
-
>Someone placed some kind of block in Lily's mind. When she tried to speak on oddness in Satori's recent behavior, instead she would insist that everything with her was normal and trustworthy - even if that had not been what she had meant to say a moment earlier. It seemed to confuse even her awareness of what she had intended to speak, as well as her memory, like some kind of fog. I assumed it was something of this nature that prevented you from remembering the incident with the sacred flame, but I wonder if there might still be other blocks remaining, even after that was removed.
>Or perhaps I'm leaping to conclusions - I don't know.
>The Metal miko emits a long, thoughtful growl. This... block, you say you found. Is it still in place?
-
>No, I removed it. If you were here in person, I could probably search to see if something similar might have happened to you.
-
>No, I removed it. If you were here in person, I could probably search to see if something similar might have happened to you.
>That should not be necessary. Kiku replies quickly. Maybe a little too quickly?
-
>Oh?
-
>Oh?
>'Oh?' Oh, what?
-
>Why would it not be necessary? Surely, even if I am wrong, it is worth checking to be sure?
-
>Why would it not be necessary? Surely, even if I am wrong, it is worth checking to be sure?
>Checking into what?
-
>This doesn't sound very promising...
>Where are you right now, anyway? I think I'd rather speak face-to-face if that's possible?
-
>This doesn't sound very promising...
>Where are you right now, anyway? I think I'd rather speak face-to-face if that's possible?
>In the pool building of your school. I have nearly finished my experiments.
-
>With positive results, I hope?
-
>With positive results, I hope?
>I believe so. I have been somewhat limited by this location, but I believe I have learned as much as I need for tonight. Enough so that no one at the shrine should notice anything different about my powers, at the very least.
-
>That is good to hear. I shall be over your way shortly, then.
>"Rin, I fear there may be something of a problem."
-
>That is good to hear. I shall be over your way shortly, then.
>"Rin, I fear there may be something of a problem."
>As you wish, but I do ask you be quick. I would like to return to the shrine before too much longer.
>In the interim, Rin has finished her domestic shore, and is now reclining in one of your living room chairs in her feline form. She looks up at you when you speak aloud.
-
>Of course.
>"I'm worried someone may have done something to Kiku's mind, just as was done to Lily's. She was acting strangely when questioned on certain topics, saying things she immediately did not remember saying and then explicitly said made no sense, only to forget about it shortly thereafter. I need to go see her in person, just to be sure."
-
>Of course.
>"I'm worried someone may have done something to Kiku's mind, just as was done to Lily's. She was acting strangely when questioned on certain topics, saying things she immediately did not remember saying and then explicitly said made no sense, only to forget about it shortly thereafter. I need to go see her in person, just to be sure."
>Rin stands and stretches grandly, like any proper cat would. She then hops off her chair, transforming back to her humanoid form in mid-leap to land on her feet. "Do you need me to come along?"
-
>"Not unless you wish to, I think. I don't believe there should be any danger involved here, but planning an infiltration of the shrine while I cannot entirely trust what Kiku says about it sounds potentially very dangerous. I need to be sure."
-
>"Not unless you wish to, I think. I don't believe there should be any danger involved here, but planning an infiltration of the shrine while I cannot entirely trust what Kiku says about it sounds potentially very dangerous. I need to be sure."
>Rin nods. "Just one thing, Byakuren. Is she still at the school?"
-
>"Yes. By the pool, she says."
>Frown slightly
>"I do hope it isn't too difficult to slip inside at this point, but if it turns out so, I assume we can just meet up somewhere nearby. We would need some privacy, but there are other places to find that."
-
>"Yes. By the pool, she says."
>Frown slightly
>"I do hope it isn't too difficult to slip inside at this point, but if it turns out so, I assume we can just meet up somewhere nearby. We would need some privacy, but there are other places to find that."
>"Let me check." Rin offers. Moving past you, she opens up the front door and stick her head outside, her ears twitching for a moment before she pulls back in. "I don't hear anythin' like cops from that way, but ain't a guarantee they're all gone."
-
>"No. Well, we'll see. It's hardly suspicious to walk by one's own school. I can figure out the rest on the fly."
-
>"No. Well, we'll see. It's hardly suspicious to walk by one's own school. I can figure out the rest on the fly."
>"Okay." Your Rin taps the side of her head. "Just gimme a ring if you need a distraction, or somethin'."
-
>"Of course. Let's hope all goes well - I'll let you know, either way."
>Let's get bundled up nice and warm again and head back to the school
-
>"Of course. Let's hope all goes well - I'll let you know, either way."
>Let's get bundled up nice and warm again and head back to the school
>Throwing on your thicker black long coat, you step back outside once again. Casually, you pass your senses over the black corvette sitting outside, but you can pick up no trace of the odd aura you and Rin sensed before, and neither Marissa nor the driver appear to be in evidence. Letty is the only humanoid outside, sitting on the ground near the front gate staring lazily up at the snowy sky, a dreamy look of contentment upon her face. You know that she is a Yuki-Onna, a snow woman, but it still seems remarkable how something as simple as snowfall seems to affect her so. Hyozan is resting comfortably by his master's side. You elect to leave them both to their meditations.
>A glance down the street towards to school reveals significantly less activity than when you left. This is only one police car parked out front of the closed main gate, flanked on either side by vans belonging to news broadcasters. One set of which is standing outside conducting an interview outside with a familiar woman in an elaborate white and blue kimono.
>As you take in this sight, you hear soft footfalls behind you. Glancing over your shoulder, you see Hyozan walking along in your direction.
-
>"Oh, hello there."
>Give him a little pet if he comes close
>Are we actually away from our apartment at this point, or still very nearby? As in, would this be somewhat distant for him to have wandered off, or still 'home'?
>Does it look like the side entrance is quite enough to maybe slip in, or can we not see that from here?
-
>"Oh, hello there."
>Give him a little pet if he comes close
>Are we actually away from our apartment at this point, or still very nearby? As in, would this be somewhat distant for him to have wandered off, or still 'home'?
>Does it look like the side entrance is quite enough to maybe slip in, or can we not see that from here?
>He does indeed come close, and receives your attention with quiet gratitude.
>You've walked a little ways, but he does have a sense of intent about him. He seems to want to follow you.
>After a couple more steps, you get yourself a look at the side entrance. It is not abandoned. You spy Meiling Hong in a rather embarrassing situation. She is asleep, reclining against the closed gate, with a trio of fairies harassing her. You recognize the tallest of the bunch, Sunny Milk, drawing something on China's face with a marker, while her co-troublemakers are poking at the sleeping faculty member, one at her right thigh, one at her chest.
-
>Is Luna among them?
>Do the rest of them tend to have gushy reaction to us, or is it just her?
>Does Meiling have something of a reputation for this? Either for napping on the job, or being hard to roust from it?
-
>Is Luna among them?
>Do the rest of them tend to have gushy reaction to us, or is it just her?
>Does Meiling have something of a reputation for this? Either for napping on the job, or being hard to roust from it?
>She is not.
>Luna's reaction to you is fairly unique. Well, unique among the fairy population, anyway. Sunny, by comparison, has a tendency to flee from you, ever since you defended Luna from her a while back.
>Both, actually. In fact, the fairies and the somewhat less than mature students of other races have made a bit of a game out of this. Sort of like a life-sized version of that old 'Don't Wake Daddy' board game. This is not the first time you've seen a fairy draw on China's face.
-
>Approach
>Quietly, but firmly: "That's not a very nice thing to be doing."
-
>Approach
>Quietly, but firmly: "That's not a very nice thing to be doing."
>"Sure it is." Sunny retorts without looking up, carefully scribing a kanji on Meiling's forehead. "Everything's nice if it's fun."
-
>The kanji for what, incidentally?
>"Would you like it if you woke up and found out that someone had scribbled over your face?"
-
>The kanji for what, incidentally?
>"Would you like it if you woke up and found out that someone had scribbled over your face?"
>She appears to be forming the kanji for 'sleeping'.
>Sunny actually chuckles. "You gotta get up pretty early in the morning ta catch me sleeping."
>"Didn't Marissa catch you once?" the fairy jabbing Meiling's thigh asks.
>"Shut it! And you too!" Sunny yells at both of her partners.
-
>She appears to be forming the kanji for 'sleeping'.
>Which one?
>"Would you appreciate it, if you were in her place?"
-
>Which one?
>"Would you appreciate it, if you were in her place?"
>They're all the same.
>"But I'm not." Sunny says stubbornly, finally turning from her mostly finished task to look in your direction. "Wanna have a-oh crackers." she breaks off, her face dropping as she sees just who she's dealing with.
-
>Smile sweetly
>"At the very least, I do not think that I would appreciate it if I were in her place."
-
>Smile sweetly
>"At the very least, I do not think that I would appreciate it if I were in her place."
>"Uh yeah." Sunny stammers. Hyozan, you note. has come up to join you. In contrast to your sunny no pun intended visage, Hyozan somehow seems rather stern. Being a malamute helps with that.
>Gathering her wits, the little blonde fairy gives you a fairy's scowl. "Why's it always you?" she cries. "How come you always gotta come along and butt in?"
-
>"I don't like seeing others treated poorly. I would do the same for you, if the positions were reversed. And surely there's all manner of fun to be had that wouldn't make anyone else sad at the same time?"
-
>"I don't like seeing others treated poorly. I would do the same for you, if the positions were reversed. And surely there's all manner of fun to be had that wouldn't make anyone else sad at the same time?"
>"You talk like one of the teachers here." One of the other fairies says as she too turns to look back at you. Except she gets a bit distracted by the sight of the canine flanking you. "Ahhh! Big doggy!" The frightened redhead immediately takes to wing, leaving a contrail of dust in her wake.
>"Hey! Wait for me!" her partner yells after her, abandoning her poking of Meiling's chest to chase after her fellow troublemaker. Remarkably, the sleeping teacher shows no real sign of waking, despite all this.
>Sunny gives the dog a rather fierce glare for her, but the effect is effectively negated by the simple fact that she is a fairy, and fairies faces simply weren't designed for scowling. Hyozan returns the look simply by opening his mouth slightly, giving Sunny a canine grin full of teeth. The fairy shrinks back, then turns on you again. "Bet you wouldn't be so tough without your dog." she says pugnaciously.
-
>"Does one really need to be 'tough' to make a polite request? I'm not trying to reproach you - simply ask that you consider the people who your actions affect."
-
>"Does one really need to be 'tough' to make a polite request? I'm not trying to reproach you - simply ask that you consider the people who your actions affect."
>"I do. ME." Sunny says with emphasis.
-
>"And people other than yourself?"
-
>"And people other than yourself?"
>"I ain't soft." Sunny says, sounding rather like a stubborn child. Hyozan gives the little fairy a bass rrrfff, and she can't help but shrink back a little from the big malamute.
-
>"Concern for others does not make one soft. It makes one a decent person. It is not about being strong or weak, but about understanding that each person is really not so different from ourselves, in the end. How would you wish to be treated?"
-
>"Concern for others does not make one soft. It makes one a decent person. It is not about being strong or weak, but about understanding that each person is really not so different from ourselves, in the end. How would you wish to be treated?"
>The little fairy's face strains a bit as you speak. You take this as a good sign. It means she's listening. Understanding may be something else, but she does indeed seem to be listening, which is a plus. After several moment, she shakes her head. "You give me a headache." she mutters as she turns and stomps heavily away down the street.
>As she goes, Hyozan turns his blue-eyed gaze up to you, almost as if to say, 'You tried.'
-
>Shrug a little sadly
>Meiling doesn't look too badly affected, does she? And also still quite asleep?
>Assuming no major damage done and no one around to observe, let's sneak past and inside the school.
-
>Shrug a little sadly
>Meiling doesn't look too badly affected, does she? And also still quite asleep?
>Assuming no major damage done and no one around to observe, let's sneak past and inside the school.
>Apart from the kanji marked on her forehead, which should wash off easily enough, she seems perfectly fine. And is still quietly sawing logs. Her sleeping skills are legendary.
>You observe a trio of young men down the road away from the school walking in your direction, but they turn off down a side road before reaching the school lot. The only being awake within sight is Hyozan, and the big malamute has padded over to stand by Meiling's side. He gives the dozing faculty member's face a quick lick, then lies down next to her. China murmurs something quietly, but still does not wake.
>Leaving the big malamute to stand guard over Meiling, you quietly test the gate, finding it closed but not locked. A stroke of luck for you. As quietly as you can, you push the wrought-iron gate open and slip inside the school grounds, pushing the gate closed behind you. Hyozan spares you a glance as you close the gate, half-standing. He almost seems to be showing his willingness to follow you further
-
>Smile and gesture at him appropriately
>"You stay here."
>Let's make for that pool
-
>Smile and gesture at him appropriately
>"You stay here."
>Let's make for that pool
>The dog rumbles shortly and sits down again. Meiling, you note, leans a little closer to the big warm canine.
>Not knowing who may be inside the school or how much more damage Keine did in their before you cured her, you elect to circle around behind the school, taking the long way to the pool building. While there appears to be no one outside on the back side of the school, you keep an eye out for a guard at the read gate. Sure enough, there is a faculty member standing at the rear gate. Mokou-sensei, to be precise, and from what you can tell from her profile and her stance that you're even luckier you didn't try to get in that way. She doesn't look like she's in a very good mood at all. But she doesn't look your way as you, as quietly as you can, walk in and out of line of sight from her, leaving her alone with her bad mood.
>A cat with gun-metal grey fur is standing outside the entrance to the pool, but it registers on your mystic senses are something abnormal. It feels broadly similar to the two shikigami spirits Kiku summoned earlier.
-
>Smile, and assuming we are reasonably out of earshot of Mokou, quietly: "Hello there."
>To Kiku: I'm outside the pool building now. Am I correct in assuming this cat is one of your shikigami?
-
>Smile, and assuming we are reasonably out of earshot of Mokou, quietly: "Hello there."
>To Kiku: I'm outside the pool building now. Am I correct in assuming this cat is one of your shikigami?
>The cat acknowledges your presence with a metal-eyed stare. It would be slightly unnerving, if you weren't sure of the cat's nature.
>You assume correctly. I employed it to stand watch while I was practicing. But it will admit you.
-
>Very good.
>Give the cat a little wave as we walk past, then go on in and find Kiku
-
>Very good.
>Give the cat a little wave as we walk past, then go on in and find Kiku
>The shikigami regards you steadily for a moment more, then sidesteps slightly to admit you unimpeded entry into the pool building.
>Unlike the public pool, the school facility does not smell like chlorinated water upon entry. In fact, the only smell in the air right now is a faint metallic tinge. This door, the side door, opens upon into an admittance lobby where the Mayoiga swim teams over the years display their accolades and memorabilia. It also contains two vending machines along the west well and two long benches on either side of the room.
>Kiku is standing in the arch leading deeper into the building. "You were not seen, I trust."
-
>"Not entering the grounds, as far as I could tell. Though remember that this is my school, and even if I were to be scolded for trying to sneak into it, I doubt it would seem suspicious in the way you seem to mean. I do come here all the time, under ordinary circumstances, after all."
-
>"Not entering the grounds, as far as I could tell. Though remember that this is my school, and even if I were to be scolded for trying to sneak into it, I doubt it would seem suspicious in the way you seem to mean. I do come here all the time, under ordinary circumstances, after all."
>"Today yielded circumstances that were anything but ordinary, let us not forget." Kiku reminds you, more than a little unnecessarily. "And my presence here would not be so easily explained."
-
>"No, but you've posted lookouts for the possibility yourself, no?"
>"I understand your concern, but of the many things we have cause to worry about these days, I think this is fairly nonthreatening among them."
>When we sensed the block in Lily's mind first, how did we do it? We were able to get at least some sense of it without touching rings, yes?
-
>"No, but you've posted lookouts for the possibility yourself, no?"
>"I understand your concern, but of the many things we have cause to worry about these days, I think this is fairly nonthreatening among them."
>When we sensed the block in Lily's mind first, how did we do it? We were able to get at least some sense of it without touching rings, yes?
>"I am of a more cautious nature than you are." Kiku replies simply.
>You could sense the grey veil within Lily's mind before you touched rings, yes. You did so by focusing your will upon the connection you sensed between your ring and hers, though you were unable to glean much in the way of details before you brought your rings together.
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
>"This may sound a silly question, but please bear with me - what do you recall us discussing just before I said I would come here in person?"
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
>"This may sound a silly question, but please bear with me - what do you recall us discussing just before I said I would come here in person?"
>The miko's ears twitch. "All right." she says tolerantly. "We were discussing the idea you had of snooping around the shrine while Satori and I were involved in Toune's ritual. An idea which, I might add, I still have serious reservations about, Byakuren."
-
>"And so you recall nothing of the veil in Lily's mind?"
-
>"And so you recall nothing of the veil in Lily's mind?"
>Kiku scowls. "Yes. I do remember that. Evidently you find it more pressing an issue than the other."
-
>"Do you not think it is also cause for concern? Or at least caution?"
-
>"Do you not think it is also cause for concern? Or at least caution?"
>"Evidently not as much as you."
-
>"Well, will you at least permit me to have a look? It cannot hurt, surely?"
-
>"Well, will you at least permit me to have a look? It cannot hurt, surely?"
>"A look? I thought you said you had solved the problem with Lily."
-
>"At you, I meant."
-
>"At you, I meant."
>"You believe I have been similarly compromised?"
-
>"I am a bit concerned, yes, and would like to rule it out - particularly if we are to attempt something that is itself already risky."
-
>"I am a bit concerned, yes, and would like to rule it out - particularly if we are to attempt something that is itself already risky."
>Kiku considers that. "Yes... And there is the fact that my memory has been affected once before by something. But the Tiger lifted that veil from my mind."
-
>"Surely it cannot hurt to check, nonetheless?"
-
>"Surely it cannot hurt to check, nonetheless?"
>"You tell me, Byakuren."
-
>"It shouldn't be uncomfortable to you, no, if that's what you mean. You may sense me doing it, but Lily at least did not seem to find it unpleasant."
-
>"It shouldn't be uncomfortable to you, no, if that's what you mean. You may sense me doing it, but Lily at least did not seem to find it unpleasant."
>Kiku lets out a measured breath. "I question the necessity of this, Byakuren. You seem to imply that you believe the Tiger left a problem within me partially unsolved. But on the other hand, if I was compromised once, I can't ignore the possibility that it happened in some other form. Especially if it happened to Satori as well. Optimistically, your efforts could grant us an insight into how to remove the dark force that shadows my home." She takes another breath. "Very well, proceed."
-
>Do so. Let's reach out to her as we did with Lily and feel if anything seems off.
-
>Do so. Let's reach out to her as we did with Lily and feel if anything seems off.
>As you did with Lily before, you focus on the connection between yourself and Kiku, joined through your rings. However, the connection between you and the metal miko is not as strong as it was with Lily. You cannot see the same detail in the colors within Kiku, merely a subdued mix of yellows and silvers mixed with traces of reds. There is something beneath this layer, however, you can sense that much. It feels distinct from the outer layer, somehow different. With the connection at this strength level, however, you can't tell much about it. It does appear to be grey in color, however, plainly different from the silver. Duller, less vibrant.
-
>Does it feel at all similar to the veil we sensed in Lily's mind?
-
>Does it feel at all similar to the veil we sensed in Lily's mind?
>Impossible to tell at this level. It's too well concealed beneath the surface level of colors and emotions. However, that veil was clearly out of place within Lily's mind. While you can't tell if the same phenomenon is at work here, it does feel different from what you sense on the surface. You can't be sure, but your gut says it something that didn't come from Kiku herself, at least not on any conscious level.
-
>"I can sense... something. It is not as clear as it was with Lily, but I can definitely feel something that does not feel the same as the rest of you. Something that might not belong. I wish I could be more specific, but I cannot see it very clearly in this manner. But it does concern me enough to want to look more closely."
-
>"I can sense... something. It is not as clear as it was with Lily, but I can definitely feel something that does not feel the same as the rest of you. Something that might not belong. I wish I could be more specific, but I cannot see it very clearly in this manner. But it does concern me enough to want to look more closely."
>"It may simply be the remnants of whatever He removed from me." Kiku counters. Although she seems her normal self, the fur on her tail is a bit stiffer than normal. If that's a sign like it is for Rin, you gather she's apprehensive about the idea of 'more closely', you would guess.
-
>"That may be, but its presence feels strange enough to me that I do not feel confident to simply leave it unexplored. Looking deeper should not be difficult, I think, but it is... somewhat more personal. Our consciousnesses will touch each other, at least to a degree. I promise I will look only to what I am searching for here, as best as I am able."
>"I would not suggest this if I did not think it important."
-
>"That may be, but its presence feels strange enough to me that I do not feel confident to simply leave it unexplored. Looking deeper should not be difficult, I think, but it is... somewhat more personal. Our consciousnesses will touch each other, at least to a degree. I promise I will look only to what I am searching for here, as best as I am able."
>"I would not suggest this if I did not think it important."
>Kiku's hesitation is obvious. "Exactly what do you mean, our conscoiusness will touch each other?"
-
>"While the bond lasts, we will each be able to sense some of the thoughts and feelings of the other as though a part of our minds were briefly shared. It is not harmful, nor does it lay oneself wholly bare - there is privacy even then, and I will respect yours, I promise."
>"If it is any comfort, I will be exposing myself to you as much or more than you would to me. I feel it is important not to leave this unexamined."
-
>"While the bond lasts, we will each be able to sense some of the thoughts and feelings of the other as though a part of our minds were briefly shared. It is not harmful, nor does it lay oneself wholly bare - there is privacy even then, and I will respect yours, I promise."
>"If it is any comfort, I will be exposing myself to you as much or more than you would to me. I feel it is important not to leave this unexamined."
>The miko's hesitation turns into something approaching anger. "What you ask is.... an unwelcome idea."
-
>"I can appreciate why this might not sit well with you. I do not ask it lightly, but I know no other way."
-
>"I can appreciate why this might not sit well with you. I do not ask it lightly, but I know no other way."
>Kiku huffs. "If it weren't you asking, Byakuren, I wouldn't even consider it, not even for an instant. Especially after-" Kiku cuts herself off, looking away from you, her face haunted.
-
>"I am sorry. I do not mean any invasion of your privacy, but you also have nothing to feel shame about. Nothing I could see would make me think less of your courage and will, and certainly not any wound you still bear. Remember - you did not give in."
-
>"I am sorry. I do not mean any invasion of your privacy, but you also have nothing to feel shame about. Nothing I could see would make me think less of your courage and will, and certainly not any wound you still bear. Remember - you did not give in."
>The haunted look on Kiku's face is matched in depth by the pain in her eyes. "I am.... afraid." she finally admits.
-
>Smile gently
>"That is okay. Fear is just a sign that one is still alive, and stepping outside the known is always frightening. I was afraid too, when first I did this - before I knew what to expect. But this is a safe place, and your fear is safe with me. I will neither judge you nor harm you nor turn you away."
-
>Smile gently
>"That is okay. Fear is just a sign that one is still alive, and stepping outside the known is always frightening. I was afraid too, when first I did this - before I knew what to expect. But this is a safe place, and your fear is safe with me. I will neither judge you nor harm you nor turn you away."
>"You will not speak of this, of what you see?" Kiku asks, almost a plea.
-
>"I will say nothing you do not wish me to."
-
>"I will say nothing you do not wish me to."
>Kiku's clawed hands clench and relax, the tiger youkai emitting a very long breath. "How are you not afraid?" she asks quietly. "What you propose is.... a frightening intimacy."
-
>"I have the advantage of having experienced it once before. It was... not as unpleasant as I expected, nor likely as much as you fear. But no, I am not indifferent to my own privacy, nor fearless in the face of baring myself to another; I am still human, after all. But I also trust you, and I believe this is important. If that means sharing of myself, then I am prepared to do this. I will endeavor to be unashamed of anything within me."
>"Besides, who can one confide in if not their friends, hmm?"
-
>"I have the advantage of having experienced it once before. It was... not as unpleasant as I expected, nor likely as much as you fear. But no, I am not indifferent to my own privacy, nor fearless in the face of baring myself to another; I am still human, after all. But I also trust you, and I believe this is important. If that means sharing of myself, then I am prepared to do this. I will endeavor to be unashamed of anything within me."
>"Besides, who can one confide in if not their friends, hmm?"
>"That sense of trust you speak of, and friendship. It is not something which I am accustomed to. The sense of community I feel towards my fellows at the shrine is not the same thing. What you speak of is... Something that I have never known." She looks away from you once more. "Before you, there was no one I would truly call friend, or feel that way towards."
-
>"Then I am honored to be the first, and hope there shall be many more."
-
>"Then I am honored to be the first, and hope there shall be many more."
>The tiger youkai almost manages to suppress a wince. "That thought alone will take some adjusting to." She closes her eyes and takes a breath, clearly bracing herself. "All right." she says quietly. "If this is the only way..."
-
>"I will be gentle, I promise."
>"Hold out your hand, if you would?"
>Let's bring our rings together as we did with Lily. Slowly. Give Kiku time to adjust.
-
>"I will be gentle, I promise."
>"Hold out your hand, if you would?"
>Let's bring our rings together as we did with Lily. Slowly. Give Kiku time to adjust.
>Still plainly hesitant, Kiku extends her ring hand out towards you. Despite knowing how reluctant she is to do this, it still seems striking to see this strong shrine maiden's hand shake. Even if you hadn't decided to take this process slowly, that alone would have prompted you to do just that.
>Despite her acceptance of this intimacy, the connection between you and Kiku is not as prevalent as with Lily. Not only because of your own more delicate approach to the connection, but because you still sense Kiku's resistance to it. It may not be a conscious resistance, but there is a not insignifigant part of her that still wants no part of this connection. Still, this part is not strong enough to force your away, nor do you get the sense that Kiku truly wants to. You can feel that, among the other things she fears, is the possibility that she may still be affected by the dark force that threatens her shrine. She may fear you, but you sense she knows you could be her best hope at curing not only herself, but her sisters as well.
-
>Press forward gently
>As we do so, try to share with her some sense of peace or security that we can provide, just as part of Lily and ourselves rubbed off on each other - something reassuring. This is a safe place, and whatever is in her heart is safe with us.
-
>Press forward gently
>As we do so, try to share with her some sense of peace or security that we can provide, just as part of Lily and ourselves rubbed off on each other - something reassuring. This is a safe place, and whatever is in her heart is safe with us.
>The sensation of joining your consciousness with Kiku's is remarkably different than Lily. It is as though you were trying to push through thick fog in this case. Not a heavy or conscious resistance but a hazard still, a natural impediment. Straightaway you can sense her fear, not only for what you are doing now, but so much more besides. You can clearly sense that is what the yellow coloring within her is; the fear she carries. The depth of it staggers you. You promised her you would respect her privacy, and you do, but it is impossible not to be startled by the fear Kiku carries within her. And it old fear, too, you sense, stretching back many years. Possibly even as far back as when she ascended from animal to youkai. You can sense that she grapples with this fear every day, that's what the colors within her are. The measures she takes not to give in to the dread that dwells within her.
>Despite all this, however, invading her privacy was not, and is not, your intention. And you can sense that she senses this, too, not just through the connection you share, but in her pale yellow eyes. The tiger youkai grips your wrist with her free hand. She is frightened, perhaps nearly as frightened as that terrible day beneath the CRA, but she wants to trust you. She doesn't know if she can; even that idea scares her, but she wants to trust you.
>Even at this level, you can get a better sense of that grey area deeper within Kiku. You can plainly sense it did not come from her, it has none of Kiku's will or fear. It could be the same sort of phenomenon that you sensed in Lily, in fact you're almost certain it is, but it is much stronger than you saw in Lily, much thicker. It will definitely be harder to remove.
-
>Let's narrow in on it; try to get 'closer' to the grey area, in a proverbial sense
-
>Let's narrow in on it; try to get 'closer' to the grey area, in a proverbial sense
>You tighten your focus on the greyness within, but Kiku's grip on your wrist tightens slightly, giving you pause. "Wait a moment, please." she says aloud.
-
>"Of course."
>Pause a moment, until she says otherwise
-
>"Of course."
>Pause a moment, until she says otherwise
>Kiku visibly braces herself, then says quietly, politely, "Excuse me." You can sense her focusing upon you as you just did her. She seems to be searching for something. "I can sense what you see within me." she informs you. "I know you removed it from Lily. If I see how, I might be able to aid you in removing it from me." There is more to her request than a simple desire to help, you sense. Despite the burgeoning faith she has in you, now bolstered by your efforts today, she seems to need to take action herself.
-
>Let her see
-
>Let her see
>With your guidance, you and Kiku relive the memory of that moment you shared with Lily in the forest outside the shrine. In vivid detail. You've always had a good memory after all.
>And then something you never imagined would happen happens. At the sight of that memory, of the emotions you shared with Lily, Kiku the stern-faced shrine maiden blushes. "I'm sorry, I didn't know." she says quickly.
-
>"Oh, um..."
>Try not to blush too much ourselves. Wasn't exactly what we had been thinking of by this...
>"It's alright, really."
-
>"Oh, um..."
>Try not to blush too much ourselves. Wasn't exactly what we had been thinking of by this...
>"It's alright, really."
>"Well..." Kiku starts, clearing her throat. "I suppose I shouldn't be entirely surprised. This IS Lily White, after all. I may not know her that well, but, well... this is largely in-keeping." This is one area where your connection to Kiku helps the both you. Each of you are quite good at maintaining your composure alone, let alone when you're both focused on the task. Kiku, at least, seems to be glad of this. "Anyway," she starts after a moment, "I can sense that this... veil, within me, is much thicker and stronger than the one within Lily. This probably won't be easy on either of us, Byakuren."
-
>"Perhaps not, but the size and strength of it makes me think this is even more important, I think; who knows how much something like this might be concealing? But between the two of us, I am certain we have enough will to push it aside. I will make sure of that."
-
>"Perhaps not, but the size and strength of it makes me think this is even more important, I think; who knows how much something like this might be concealing? But between the two of us, I am certain we have enough will to push it aside. I will make sure of that."
>"I wonder if our transformed state will aid us." Kiku suggests. "We do have greater access to our Light powers in those forms."
>Although she does not say it, you do detect a note of uncertainty in her about her suggestion. This isn't quite the same as other situations in which you've used your powers, and she knows it as well as you do.
-
>"It seems worth trying."
>Let's transform, then, and see how this affects our senses in this mental realm.
-
>"It seems worth trying."
>Let's transform, then, and see how this affects our senses in this mental realm.
>With a nod, you and Kiku take a step back from each other and transform into Magical Lotus and Chrysanthemum. That done, you bring your rings back together, to see what effect, if any, this has on the power you can employ on the psychic plane. However, when you bring your rings back together, you cannot detect any discernible change in Kiku's psychic landscape, or the senses you employ to view and affect it. The connection shows that Kiku has the same result, which elicits a frown from the tiger youkai. "That's a disappointment. But it was worth a try."
-
>"No matter. Our strength of will is not determined solely by the powers we wield, and I am determined to give it all I have to give. Are you ready to try?"
-
>"No matter. Our strength of will is not determined solely by the powers we wield, and I am determined to give it all I have to give. Are you ready to try?"
>Kiku takes another steadying breath. "Yes." She doesn't need to add, 'As I'm going to be.', it'd be obvious to you even if you weren't joined at the ring.
-
>"Then let's begin."
>Let's begin!
-
>"Then let's begin."
>Let's begin!
>Once more, you and your fellow magical girl turn your focus towards the veil of grey within Kiku's mind. Although your transformation doesn't seem to have effected your own power or focus, it does seem to have affected Kiku. The tiger youkai is more focused now, her emotions more settled than they were before. The yellow fear is as strong and prevalent as before, of course, but Kiku seems to have it better under control. For now, at least. This is good for her of course, but for you as well. This task is going to be more difficult than it was with Lily already, having to deal with a barrage of Kiku's fears and anxieties would only make matters much worse.
>Not that Kiku's fears remain silent as you move through them towards the grey blot in her mind. Most strongly of all is not for herself, but for her fellow shrine maidens at the Tiger shrine. She knows that if she could be compromised, they probably have as well, and not knowing to what extent weighs on Kiku like a lead cloak. She wonders just how long this has been going on. Did it start with the Demons from Makai? Could it be something else? Another kind of demon, a malicious spirit, something remaining uncleansed after the death of the old city? Did it start with Satori and work its way down? Did it start with another sister and work its way up? What if it affects Byakuren? What if it HAS affected me? If it does, could it affect Myoren, or Rin, or Marissa, or the girls at Moonside? Could I spot it inside myself? Could Kiku? Too many possibilities, no way to control them all....
-
>We do not need to control everything, just this. Focus on the present and on the task before us; the future can be attended to in its own time. We need not be afraid of what might be - focus instead on what is, and know that we can be stronger than it. Steady ourselves and reach out to pull the veil away.
-
>We do not need to control everything, just this. Focus on the present and on the task before us; the future can be attended to in its own time. We need not be afraid of what might be - focus instead on what is, and know that we can be stronger than it. Steady ourselves and reach out to pull the veil away.
>You give yourself a slight mental shake of the head. You know yourself and your own strength, and with a bit of focus, you call this forth. Kiku's anxieties and insecurities quiet in response to your unshakable faith in one single axiom: All will be well. Quiet, but not completely still. You have the distinctly uncomfortable sensation of floating down through layers of someone's nightmares, if nightmares were daily life. Worryingly, you wonder back to the battle under the CRA, about what Kiku said, what the demon did. Is this what she saw, as well? Is this how she took advantage-
>No. You stop yourself from thinking along those lines. The last thing you want to do is make Kiku relive that day, or even think about it. All that matters is that you did overcome it. And you will overcome this situation. You and she have faced down a demon together, and sent it spiraling into defeat. As you draw nearer to the Grey, you can feel Kiku trying hard to hold on to that thought. She still feels the fear of that day very strongly, the sense of despair and dread and utter defeat the Champion of Water made her feel, but above them all is the sense of victory, of grim satisfaction she felt when you imprisoned the demon. If you're honest, it isn't the sort of emotion you'd encourage, but if it helps her in this situation, you're not about to tell her to stop. Nor do you, and buoyed by Kiku's support, the two of you eventually, finally, descend down past what seemed like miles of nightmarish dread to stand by the Grey thing within Kiku.
>When you reach out to touch it, however, you find that not only is it much firmer than the veil within Lily, it isn't really a 'veil' per se. In the thoughtscape of Kiku's mind, you see the Grey blot extending out in many directions, seeming almost like vines streaming out from a great grey root. Lily's mind contained a simple block around one or two facts, but Kiku's is far more pronounced, far older, running far deeper. A kind of systemic corruption of her mind.
-
>Can we see or sense any part of it that would seem to be its 'center'? The core from which this stems?
-
>Can we see or sense any part of it that would seem to be its 'center'? The core from which this stems?
>You brace yourself. This may be tougher than you were thinking. But you didn't come this far to stop now. You stretch your senses out along the vines in front of you, trying to find the root, or source, of this stuff. It is an unpleasant sensation. The vines have wrapped themselves in and around Kiku's memories, stretching back for what seems like miles, which probably indicates years. It could take quite a while to fully scan the vines, but you don't get a sense that they're flowing to a core, or from one. It's more like they've grown out of their own accord. Or possibly draped across Kiku's mind by some fell gardener.
-
>Does any part of this network seem stronger than the rest somehow? Thicker?
-
>Does any part of this network seem stronger than the rest somehow? Thicker?
>To your eye, there are some that seem thinner than others, but your other senses reveal the same sense of strength in these locations as in others. You're not sure such a discrepancy would exist, but it does.
-
>Well, if it all seems more or less the same, let's take hold of whichever vine is nearest to us at the moment and will it to be gone. If we cannot tap into our powers of purification as they function in the physical world, then use force of will alone. This does not belong here and we will not allow it to remain. This is a realm of the mind and there is always the capability for the mind to have mastery over its own thoughts.
-
>Well, if it all seems more or less the same, let's take hold of whichever vine is nearest to us at the moment and will it to be gone. If we cannot tap into our powers of purification as they function in the physical world, then use force of will alone. This does not belong here and we will not allow it to remain. This is a realm of the mind and there is always the capability for the mind to have mastery over its own thoughts.
>Steeling yourself to the task at hand, you focus on the strand directly in front of you and grip it firmly, setting your will against it. Your efforts, however, are met with a backlash of psychic pain, as though someone struck your mind with a sledgehammer.
-
>Give us a moment to collect ourselves
>Was that just from touching it, or from trying to force it away?
>Does Kiku seem to be affected by this, in either sense?
-
>Give us a moment to collect ourselves
>Was that just from touching it, or from trying to force it away?
>Does Kiku seem to be affected by this, in either sense?
>You withdraw your will from the vine for now. That was unexpected, and unpleasant.
>Definitely the latter. It didn't seem to react to your simple contact.
>You didn't detect any reaction from Kiku. On the other hand, you can't sense her conscious mind or presence with you, either. You may have traveled too deep into her mind for her consciousness to reach. Or perhaps the grey vines are interfering with your ability to contact your fellow magical girl.
-
>Wait, we lost track of her altogether? When?
>Go back and fetch her and bring her down with us. This will need the both of us working together.
-
>Wait, we lost track of her altogether? When?
>Go back and fetch her and bring her down with us. This will need the both of us working together.
>About the time you dove past the colors of her fears.
>Leaving the grey vines alone for the moment, you turn and face the upper reaches of Kiku, the swirling colors of her emotions and personality, diving up into it once more.
>"What did you do?" you hear Kiku ask aloud.
-
>"I tried to push away the grey that has woven itself around your mind. Did it... hurt?"
-
>"I tried to push away the grey that has woven itself around your mind. Did it... hurt?"
>Kiku shakes her head. "No. It felt... Well, I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. I could feel you do something, and it felt bizarre, but not what, specifically."
-
>"Well, it hurt me a fair deal, at any rate. Whatever force has taken root in your mind does not seem to enjoy being disturbed...."
>"How clearly can you see that deeply, yourself?"
-
>"Well, it hurt me a fair deal, at any rate. Whatever force has taken root in your mind does not seem to enjoy being disturbed...."
>"How clearly can you see that deeply, yourself?"
>Kiku nods. "It is stronger than what you found in Lily, that much is obvious. But it is not invincible, of that I am sure. It can be overcome."
>She hesitates towards answering that for a moment. "Not well."
-
>Can we use our link with Kiku to somehow to bridge her awareness to the deeper reaches of her mind, and the corruption that lies there? To somehow let her see as we see, and to be there through us even if she cannot be there herself?
-
>Can we use our link with Kiku to somehow to bridge her awareness to the deeper reaches of her mind, and the corruption that lies there? To somehow let her see as we see, and to be there through us even if she cannot be there herself?
>Theoretically, yes. But you would be essentially be brining at least part of her awareness into your own mind, in a way more intimate than you have simply by linking rings. You would be exposing more of yourself than you have to anyone before, even to Marissa or your brother.
-
>Can we think of any way to allow her to see the grey more clearly that wouldn't be quite so intimate? Some way to focus specifically on this task, or on the parts of her mind that the grey has infiltrated (or the parts around them?)
>"What do you see of it?"
-
>Can we think of any way to allow her to see the grey more clearly that wouldn't be quite so intimate? Some way to focus specifically on this task, or on the parts of her mind that the grey has infiltrated (or the parts around them?)
>"What do you see of it?"
>In theory, you could take her hand, for lack of a better term, and keep her with you as you descend through her fears. The only problem with this, conceivably, is that Kiku would be encountering that anxiety or fear more closely than she may ever have before.
>You sense Kiku's focus turn inward again. "I can see something like a sheet of grey in my mind. An iron curtain, to borrow a phrase from Selwynn."
-
>How much do we think we could offer her of our own mental fortitude while we did this? Enough to buffer the worst of it?
>"Could you sense me at all while I was among it?"
-
>How much do we think we could offer her of our own mental fortitude while we did this? Enough to buffer the worst of it?
>"Could you sense me at all while I was among it?"
>Hard to tell. This may depend more on Kiku than you. It could depend on the area of anxiety you encounter, and Kiku's reaction to it.
>"Not specifically, no, not until I felt you try to move it."
-
>"If I tried to guide you down with me, could you follow? It might help to be able to bring your own mind to bear directly against what has taken root in it."
-
>"If I tried to guide you down with me, could you follow? It might help to be able to bring your own mind to bear directly against what has taken root in it."
>Kiku hesitates again. "Are you certain you need my aid in this? You penetrated the... uncertainties within me much more easily than I could."
-
>"Am I certain? No, I suppose not. But I know you wanted to take action with your own hands, and two together is stronger than one alone. You need not fear the fears within yourself; they hold no threat, no power you do not yourself give them, and I will be by your side."
-
>"Am I certain? No, I suppose not. But I know you wanted to take action with your own hands, and two together is stronger than one alone. You need not fear the fears within yourself; they hold no threat, no power you do not yourself give them, and I will be by your side."
>"No thr-" Kiku cuts herself off, her right arm snapping down to her side, breaking the link between you. "Byakuren, fear has been my constant enemy, since the very first day I became Kiku. Every day of my life, I have spent fighting the dread that suffuses my soul, and you've seen, you more than any other, how strong they are still. The thought of facing those fears, even one of those fears, in this way, is...." With a pained grimace, she finishes, "Is more than I can bear."
-
>"I am sorry. I did not mean to pressure you. I will not presume to understand the depths of it within you, but I know you have walked a hard road, and I wish only I could somehow make your burden lighter. But you have nothing to be ashamed of here - nothing. No matter how many fears you keep within you, nor how able you feel to face them now. Each of us has the fragile parts within us, and yours have not kept you from being a strong and righteous person."
-
>"I am sorry. I did not mean to pressure you. I will not presume to understand the depths of it within you, but I know you have walked a hard road, and I wish only I could somehow make your burden lighter. But you have nothing to be ashamed of here - nothing. No matter how many fears you keep within you, nor how able you feel to face them now. Each of us has the fragile parts within us, and yours have not kept you from being a strong and righteous person."
>Kiku's hands close into fists again, her knuckles cracking in the process. "If we do this..." She takes a steadying breath. "We draw closer to unraveling the danger around my home. This could help my fellow shrine maidens. That ultimately is what matters most." The Metal miko thrusts her ringed hand out again.
-
>Take her hand.
>"Besides, I don't intend to tell anyone of what I've seen here. And, I doubt anything I see will disappoint me gravely. The past is the past, and I won't judge you for the mistakes you may have made, anymore than I'd want you to judge me for mine."
-
>Take her hand.
>"Besides, I don't intend to tell anyone of what I've seen here. And, I doubt anything I see will disappoint me gravely. The past is the past, and I won't judge you for the mistakes you may have made, anymore than I'd want you to judge me for mine."
>Kiku seems plainly surprised that you didn't brofist connect your ring with hers straight away.
>Choosing her words carefully, Kiku says, "Your consideration is.... appreciated, Byakuren."
-
>"Are you ready?"
>Assuming so, let's descend in again.
-
>"Remember, we're in this together - for as far as this road may lead."
-
>"Remember, we're in this together - for as far as this road may lead."
>"Are you ready?"
>Assuming so, let's descend in again.
>With a solemn nod, you and Kiku, for the third time, bring your rings together and turn your focus to the grey growths within the tiger's mind, descending down through the sea of anxieties that suffuce Kiku's conscious mind. And this time, you make sure the connection between your conscious and Kiku's remains intact as you go. You have the sensation of holding her hand. And it is as well, since she plainly looks like someone trying very hard not to let their fears get the best of them. You give her 'hand' a reassuring squeeze.
>Joining your mind more closely with Kiku's seems to have affected her mindscape slightly, or perhaps it is a consequence of her conscious mind descending deeper than it had before. The grey vines below are more obscured than they were the last time, concealed behind thicker clouds of yellow and grey coloration. You can make out the vines below, but only just, like you were looking through a thick cloudbank. Kiku pulls up again, and you sense her desire that you do as well.
>"This will be unpleasant for both of us, Byakuren." she says aloud, her mental projection echoing the words in a bizarre stereophonic effect. "This is my mind. I can tell that I cannot descend to the level of what you found without passing through at least one distinct fear. I will experience the worst of it, I have no doubt. And so will you, if we continue as we are."
-
>"That's alright. It means neither of us will have to deal with it alone."
-
>"That's alright. It means neither of us will have to deal with it alone."
>Kiku squints at the clouds of yellow light below her. "I can't make out any details on what we will find from here. I can't prepare for what we may encounter."
-
>"Many things in life come unexpected. We simply have to deal as best we are able with the things that come our way. We will be okay; I promise you."
-
>"Many things in life come unexpected. We simply have to deal as best we are able with the things that come our way. We will be okay; I promise you."
>"My biggest concern, though, is.... Well, I don't know the exact nature of this connection, this scenario. Our lives could be at risk here. My fears and nightmares are sometimes... Dangerous."
-
>"A great many things in our lives these days are dangerous; if that is also true here, it will be no different than the rest. We have fought and prevailed against mighty demons. If we now face inner demons, then let us show them the fruits of our practice."
>Descend!
-
>"A great many things in our lives these days are dangerous; if that is also true here, it will be no different than the rest. We have fought and prevailed against mighty demons. If we now face inner demons, then let us show them the fruits of our practice."
>Descend!
>Your bravado finally manages to coax a grin from Kiku, albeit a rather small one. She nods only once, and for lack a better option, the two of you drop straight down until the ugly yellowness below you. As you pass into the cloud of color, you make sure to keep a hold of Kiku's hand. Reassuringly, you feel her doing the same thing.
>As Kiku predicted, this time you experience something different as you make your way down. The sensation of entering the yellow is more like passing through something solid this time, and your vision is clouded by the ugly color. You feel something almost solid surround you, like thin water.
>Abruptly you feel a sharp lurch and the yellow ends. You blink your eyes and shake your head, trying to clear the cobwebs. You find yourself in a very dark, narrow corridor with darkly stained wood walls. The corridor runs to the north and south. It seems vaguely familiar, but it takes you a moment to identify the architecture. It looks very much like the hallway in the Tiger shrine, only much more narrow. This corridor also has no doors to be seen, no decorations on the wall, and the place is deathly quiet. The air feels as still as a graveyard at midnight. Kiku is no longer next to you, but you can still sense her this time. She seems to be farther down the hallway in front of you, but you cannot see her through the darkness ahead.
-
>Approach where she seems to be
>"Kiku?"
-
>Approach where she seems to be
>"Kiku?"
>"Over here, Byakuren." Kiku's voice comes out of the darkness. She sounds close, but you can sense her presence farther away than her voice would show. Both of your voices seem to echo hollowly up and down the blanched corridor.
>Setting off down the corridor, you still hear your words and Kiku's echoing, but you also hear something else reporting back to you. The ends and edges of your words are joined by the sounds of women's voices, crying and moaning, the sounds of deep sorrow. These sounds grow louder as you head down the hallway. Decorations appear on the wall as you walk, the blackness ahead of you still seeming solid, unmoving. The decorations are framed pictures of a young girls' face. You recognize it as Toune, the shrine maiden you met before and whom Kiku spoke of. Each picture is slightly different, showing her in different moods, but disturbingly, each one has the same look in her eyes. Each portrait's eyes seem to be fixed upon you, accusing you, blaming you. You have a sense you should know what she is blaming you for, but you can't think of it right away.
-
>Perhaps her blame is not meant for us, as such...
>Continue forward
-
>Perhaps her blame is not meant for us, as such...
>Continue forward
>You remind yourself; this is Kiku's mind, not yours. But by the same token, if you're feeling this, you imagine it must be worse for Kiku herself.
>That thought in mind, you walk a bit faster down the corridor. Something about being so caught up in Kiku's fear must be interfering with your mystic sense. You should be able to see Kiku by now, but all you can see is more darkened hallway ahead of you. Each step making the sounds around you louder, louder, the sounds of crying, wailing actually, voices raised in lamentation though you cannot make out the words. And always, more pictures around you, with those eyes beating down on you, almost seeming to say, 'It was YOUR fault. It was YOUR fault. It was YOUR fault....'
>"Believe it or not, Byakuren, you were lucky." you hear Kiku's whispering voice cut through the sounds of despair assaulting your ears and mind. "This fear of mine is recent, not as predatory as others."
-
>"You have not let your sisters down, Kiku. I have met them, I have seen how they care about you. This is not real."
-
>"You have not let your sisters down, Kiku. I have met them, I have seen how they care about you. This is not real."
>"Of course it's not real." Kiku replies from the darkness ahead. "But that doesn't mean it isn't real. Or that it couldn't be."
-
>"I do not think anything you could do would make them look upon you so. They respect you. I think many even admire you. I know you feel responsible for them, and I know well what it is like to feel the weight of the well-being of others upon your shoulders. I admit that I too fear sometimes what might happen to the people I have sworn to protect, should I should fail them. But even if the worst were to happen, I cannot imagine your sisters would ever look upon you with such accusation, because they would know as well as I do that you tried your hardest. No more could ever be asked of you than what you give."
-
>"I do not think anything you could do would make them look upon you so. They respect you. I think many even admire you. I know you feel responsible for them, and I know well what it is like to feel the weight of the well-being of others upon your shoulders. I admit that I too fear sometimes what might happen to the people I have sworn to protect, should I should fail them. But even if the worst were to happen, I cannot imagine your sisters would ever look upon you with such accusation, because they would know as well as I do that you tried your hardest. No more could ever be asked of you than what you give."
>"But I can imagine the worst that can happen. Whether I want to or not. And this is one of those."
>As Kiku finishes her thought, you finally come into view of her. She is standing in what seems to be the main lobby of the Metal Tiger temple, standing outside the closed door to the flame chamber. The lobby has black curtains draped along the walls, with slashes of a dark liquid splashed across them and the floor. This liquid can only be blood. The sounds of lamentation are clearly coming from beyond the closed chamber doors. Kiku stands frozen before them, her arms in front of her. Two pictures hang from the doors: the one on the left is Toune, her face at peace, her eyes closed. The other is concealed behind an ugly smear of blood, dripping down the door and pooling at Kiku's feet.
>"What do you suppose is on the other side of this door, Byakuren?" Kiku asks quietly.
-
>Can we sense anything that might answer that question - outside of our own intuition, of course?
-
>Can we sense anything that might answer that question - outside of our own intuition, of course?
>Your other senses tell you nothing about what is beyond the door.
-
>"A dread for the future yet to come."
-
>"A dread for the future yet to come."
>"Specific dread, actually. It's a funeral."
-
>"I know. Does tonight's ritual truly hold such a risk?"
-
>"I know. Does tonight's ritual truly hold such a risk?"
>"It does. Many things can go wrong. I have heard of young shrine maidens being lost in such an event, strong ones, stronger than Toune is, with stronger overseers than I."
-
>"But it does not happen often, does it?"
-
>"But it does not happen often, does it?"
>"Fatalities are not common, no. But that really doesn't matter, does it, Byakuren. Facts and figures seldom bring comfort to a mind. Once the possibility takes root... Well, here we are."
-
>"I wish I could offer you the certainty that would put your mind at rest, but I cannot. I have the utmost faith and confidence in you, but I cannot see the future any more than you can. And you are right that sometimes one does not need even the possibility of something occurring for the fear of it to take root. But that does not mean we need to fear it either, or that a seed of fear, once planted, can never be uprooted. This tomorrow is no more real than a thousand others without pain or grief or recrimination."
>Approach and take her hand gently in ours
>"Toune understands the risks involved in this ritual, does she not?"
-
>"I wish I could offer you the certainty that would put your mind at rest, but I cannot. I have the utmost faith and confidence in you, but I cannot see the future any more than you can. And you are right that sometimes one does not need even the possibility of something occurring for the fear of it to take root. But that does not mean we need to fear it either, or that a seed of fear, once planted, can never be uprooted. This tomorrow is no more real than a thousand others without pain or grief or recrimination."
>Approach and take her hand gently in ours
>"Toune understands the risks involved in this ritual, does she not?"
>As you walk up to stand beside Kiku and reach your hand out to hers, you see that her folded hands are bound by thick chains, connected to a metal belt around her waist.
>"I don't know. I am sure Satori has explained it to her, but I don't know if she truly understands."
-
>Are they too shackled to even hold?
>"Do you think she would accept this risk if she did understand?"
-
>Are they too shackled to even hold?
>"Do you think she would accept this risk if she did understand?"
>Not to hold; you are indeed holding one of said right now. But you don't think she can move them very far, not even far enough to open the door.
>That one Kiku does not answer right away. "Probably." she says after a moment's thought.
-
>"And you are well-instructed in the ritual, and will do your very utmost to ensure her safety?"
-
>"And you are well-instructed in the ritual, and will do your very utmost to ensure her safety?"
>"Of that you can have no doubt. The doubt is whether or not that will be enough. And it isn't entirely up to me, either. I know what will occur, and things could go wrong in a heartbeat. If it does..."
-
>"If it does, then you will still have done all you could have, and there will be nothing else that could have been. I am certain you are already doing everything in your power to avoid this end, and that is the most any of us can do. I am sure there is no other person there whose hands she would be safer in."
-
>"If it does, then you will still have done all you could have, and there will be nothing else that could have been. I am certain you are already doing everything in your power to avoid this end, and that is the most any of us can do. I am sure there is no other person there whose hands she would be safer in."
>"But if I fail, or she fails, then this happens. And this, and it shames me to admit it, is what I fear even more than that failure. It is facing all the others."
-
>"They will know you did all that you could, just as I do. I do not think they will blame you. Truly, you will bear even deeper wounds from this than they and I think at least some of them would realize this. If the worst were truly to come to pass, they would grieve with you."
-
>"They will know you did all that you could, just as I do. I do not think they will blame you. Truly, you will bear even deeper wounds from this than they and I think at least some of them would realize this. If the worst were truly to come to pass, they would grieve with you."
>"I cannot share your certainty, Byakuren." She tries to raise her hands, and the chains around her wrists snap taut with a fierce noise. "I can't face them. Not if I fail. You should go."
-
>"We can go together. I will support you here just as I will if any dark tomorrow dawns. And as your sisters will also. I may not be able to predict the future, but of this I am confident. You are not alone, Kiku, and even tragedy will not split apart the bonds you share with your sisters."
>Give her hands a gentle reassuring squeeze with one of our own, then step towards the door. Try to lead her with us, but don't actually pull her if she is reluctant to move.
-
>"We can go together. I will support you here just as I will if any dark tomorrow dawns. And as your sisters will also. I may not be able to predict the future, but of this I am confident. You are not alone, Kiku, and even tragedy will not split apart the bonds you share with your sisters."
>Give her hands a gentle reassuring squeeze with one of our own, then step towards the door. Try to lead her with us, but don't actually pull her if she is reluctant to move.
>Plainly Kiku looks pained, but she does not resist your efforts to move her. At least you sense no resistance on her part. However, she does not move. When she tries, you hear a sick, slicky sound. Looking down, you see the blood pooling on the floor has now spread beneath both her feet, and seems to be holding her to the floor.
-
>Gently: "This is still your mind, Kiku. If you are willing to step forward past your fear, you can. You will not do so alone."
-
>Gently: "This is still your mind, Kiku. If you are willing to step forward past your fear, you can. You will not do so alone."
>Kiku's face betrays her anguish at the idea of opening that door, but she steels herself after a moment. "The longer you stand here with me, the less time we'll have later." she says as firmly as she can manage. "Just leave me, it's the most efficient plan." Despite her trying to use logic, you can't help but feel she's grasping slightly for any reason not to open that door.
-
>"There is nothing 'efficient' about abandoning a friend to such suffering. For however long it takes, I will stay here with you."
-
>"There is nothing 'efficient' about abandoning a friend to such suffering. For however long it takes, I will stay here with you."
>Kiku scowls. "That's time better served removing whatever is influencing my mind."
-
>"Is that not why we are here at all?"
-
>"Besides, it's best to do it in the most effective way, wouldn't you agree? And the both of us will be more effective than just me alone."
-
>"Is that not why we are here at all?"
>"Besides, it's best to do it in the most effective way, wouldn't you agree? And the both of us will be more effective than just me alone."
>"Yes, but..." Kiku starts, trailing off. She seems to be almost squirming.
-
>"It will be alright. Whatever lies ahead, between the two of us, we can face it."
-
>"It will be alright. Whatever lies ahead, between the two of us, we can face it."
>"All right, fine!" Kiku practically explodes, her agitation at your persistance finally overcoming her dread. Flexing her arms, the chains binding her wrists shatter as she reaches out and takes hold of the door. Despite her agitated efforts and dramatic show of effort, the door refuses to budge. Snarling at the obstacle before her, Kiku casts an eye sideways at you. "Assit me." She doesn't add 'While I still have the nerve', but you can see it in her eye.
-
>Help her open the door. No need to say anything, we don't need to draw attention to this and possibly embarrass her.
-
>Help her open the door. No need to say anything, we don't need to draw attention to this and possibly embarrass her.
>With your help, the sliding doors finally yield, opening with a dull hissing of wood on wood. A brilliant light emerges from the chamber beyond, filling you with a sense of repose, of resolution
-
>Let's enter, hand in hand
-
>Let's enter, hand in hand
>Kiku's face mirrors your own sense of peace. Or are you sharing in hers? You're not sure, but for right now, that doesn't matter. What matters is what lies ahead of you both. With no hesitation, you and your shrine maiden friend step forward into the light.
>When the light fades, you find yourself standing in a heavily forested landscape, overlapping barks and fronds growing from no ground you can discern. If there is ground here, it must be completely concealed beneath the jungle before, above and below you. And everywhere, the ugly grey vines you saw before, growing around and sometimes through trees, leaves, plants, marring the colors with their ugliness. Instinctively, you sense that this is how Kiku's subconscious manifests itself to her, at least in part. Without her presence and proximity, you could not see it before.
>Rather than comment on either the jungle or the grey vines, Kiku sighs, a peaceful sigh. Possibly the first time you've ever heard her make such a sound. Despite her private nature, and usually severe bearing, she makes absolutely no effort to remove her hand from yours.
-
>Gently: "You did it. We did it."
-
>Gently: "You did it. We did it."
>"All day, since I heard, I've been stuck outside that door. I couldn't see their faces, but their voices, their crying and moaning, the sorrow, the recriminations, and my own failure, my own regrets. And now, all the voices are silent..."
-
>"You have earned this peace."
-
>"You have earned this peace."
>Kiku is silent for a moment, then her peaceful face straightens. "No. No peace, not yet. Not yet, Byakuren. We're not done yet. We still have to finish what we came here to do." The tiger youkai straightens herself out to her full height. "I believe we are among my memories here. I can sense them stretching out around me." She points her clawed hand out towards the nearest grey vine. "That, however, is not mine. I presume that is what you saw before."
-
>"Yes. I could not see these trees before - I think because you were far away - but the grey vines... they do not belong here."
-
>"Yes. I could not see these trees before - I think because you were far away - but the grey vines... they do not belong here."
>"But you said you encountered.... resistance, when you tried to remove them, as I recall."
-
>"Yes. I tried to push it back with my will, and it... stuck at my mind somehow, I think. It was... quite unpleasant, to be honest. But I am sure there is something we can do about it - particularly now that you are here as well."
-
>"Yes. I tried to push it back with my will, and it... stuck at my mind somehow, I think. It was... quite unpleasant, to be honest. But I am sure there is something we can do about it - particularly now that you are here as well."
>Kiku nods, thoughtful. "Let me get a closer look at these things." she says quietly, walking forward already.
-
>Follow with her and let her observe
>Pay careful attention ourselves, to see if we notice any change in either it, its surroundings, or Kiku herself as she interacts with it
-
>Follow with her and let her observe
>Pay careful attention ourselves, to see if we notice any change in either it, its surroundings, or Kiku herself as she interacts with it
>You walk abreast of Kiku. You take care, as well, not to disturb anything you don't have to as you move through the dense jungle around you. If Kiku is right about this place being her memories, you're not sure what would happen if you were to touch the plantlife. You could end up experiencing one or more of the shrine maiden's memories, and have no way of knowing which one it would be until the deed was done. This is something you would be uncomfortable doing under the best of circumstances, let alone with someone as private as Kiku is.
>Kiku scrutinizes the vine from up close, studying its ugly greyness with a predator's gaze. At point-blank range, the thing gives you an almost 'fungal' feel. If you could smell anything of the environment, you imagine it would reek. Kiku's nose is also working, you can hear her taking deep samples of the air close to the vine. Curious. You can't seem to smell anything beyond yourself and Kiku, yet she seems to be able to.
>After about a minute or so, Kiku cautiously lays her hand on the vine. She doesn't report any backlash or discomfort, though her eyes do narrow with intent. "It doesn't seem to react to simple contact." she says at last.
-
>"It did not when I touched it, either."
>"Can you... smell anything of this place, besides each other? I cannot."
-
>"It did not when I touched it, either."
>"Can you... smell anything of this place, besides each other? I cannot."
>"Yes. It smells here like the jungles of my old life. And it smells of my life."
-
>"Hmmm... it makes sense that you would be more in tune with this place than I am. I am just a guest here, after all."
-
>"Hmmm... it makes sense that you would be more in tune with this place than I am. I am just a guest here, after all."
>"Too, I am by nature reserved. Even for you, Byakuren, it is only natural that my mind, conscious or no, would not be yielding all of its details. Plus I know you are trying not to pry, even accidentally. Which I appreciate, in the event I had mentioned it before."
-
>Nod politely
>"Of course. I promised I would."
>"Can you sense anything else about these vines that perhaps I did not? It is your mind, but their presence was also specifically hidden from you."
-
>Nod politely
>"Of course. I promised I would."
>"Can you sense anything else about these vines that perhaps I did not? It is your mind, but their presence was also specifically hidden from you."
>Kiku gives the thing another touch. "They were. But that was then. Here, I am quite aware of their presence. And while I can sense nothing about specific about them, I can smell- I don't know that I can describe it, but I can smell where theses vines are weaker and stronger." She points towards the east. "The scent is stronger that way. If we head in that direction, we might find a larger concentration, possibly even a root."
-
>"Then let us do so. Lead the way."
>Follow!
-
>"Then let us do so. Lead the way."
>Follow!
>"I have another idea." Kiku says instead. Her body is surrounded by an orange and black glow which seems to shrink and elongate. When it passes, she is in her tiger form. "This will be faster. And my sense of smell is better."
-
>Does she seem to be suggesting we ride her again?
>If so, let's get on board.
-
>Keep an eye out for the Midnight Sea.
-
>Keep an eye out for the Midnight Sea.
>Does she seem to be suggesting we ride her again?
>If so, let's get on board.
>That does seem to be the impression you get, so you do so.
>"I am curious, Byakuren." she says quietly as she sets off in an easterly direction. "Have you thought about why this part of my mind resembles a jungle?"
-
>"I hesitate to press metaphors too far in this place, but you said it reminded you of some place you used to call home, yes?"
-
>"I hesitate to press metaphors too far in this place, but you said it reminded you of some place you used to call home, yes?"
>"Indeed. It is not the same, obviously, but this seems to be a derivative of the jungle where I was born and lived before I became Kiku. In a way, there is a part of me that has never truly left this place. I know that humans form powerful, sometimes lifetime bonds with locations that have similar significance to them, but it is not entirely the same thing for youkai such as myself. In some way I cannot truly explain, a part of the place where we transmogrify into our humanoid selves becomes a part of us, imprinted onto our essence. This I suspect is a reflection of that."
>"I mention this," she adds as you duck under a low-hanging branch, "in the event it becomes necessary for you to do this sort of thing again with a youkai such as myself. That way, you will have an idea what to expect, at least in terms of the environment within."
-
>"I will keep it in mind, thank you. I would like to think that would be unnecessary, but at this point I am afraid I cannot be so hopeful."
-
>"I will keep it in mind, thank you. I would like to think that would be unnecessary, but at this point I am afraid I cannot be so hopeful."
>"Best to be prepared. After all, you are the only one of us thus far that has demonstrated the capacity to perform this act with more than one individual. It may be that you are the only one of us who can. I wonder now just how far this ability extends. Not so much with us, but with other individuals, those who do not possess the power we do."
-
>"Yes, I am unsure myself. There is much about these powers I do not yet fully understand, and I suspect we will be required to draw upon the deepest reserves of them before our battles are over."
-
>"Yes, I am unsure myself. There is much about these powers I do not yet fully understand, and I suspect we will be required to draw upon the deepest reserves of them before our battles are over."
>"Let us hope, however, that such an act as we undertake now will not be necessary for the rest of my sisters. Whether you are able to or no. Hold." Kiku pauses next to a thick grey vine and sniffs the air again. "We are drawing close to what I believe is a large bundle of these vines. I suggest we try to destroy that. Doing so may disrupt the rest of them."
-
>Nod
>"It is worth the attempt."
-
>Nod
>"It is worth the attempt."
>"It is possible that trying to destroy a larger vine will result in a stronger backlash. The risk is considerable."
-
>"We'll examine it first. There may be a more suitable way to remove it."
-
>"We'll examine it first. There may be a more suitable way to remove it."
>"A sensible approach. Perhaps a weak spot or a thin area can be located."
>While Kiku does not sound beyond the norm for her, she does appear to be speaking a touch faster than she usually does. You can't help but feel it's a sign of her apprehension. Unsurprising, really. Even though she overcame the fear you witnessed, you can't be sure she isn't still experiencing more. Plus there's really no way for you to know what running bodily through her memories is doing to her. She could be reliving her life in a blur, or trying hard not to.
-
>Let her lead. She knows what she's doing as much as we do.
-
>Let her lead. She knows what she's doing as much as we do.
>Carefully picking her way through a particularly dense patch of brush and undergrowth, Kiku's target comes into view. At least ten grey vines flow down and up from this spot, forming a twisted, gnarled knot growing out of dessicated, damaged tree. You don't know if you'd call it a 'root', at least in the truest sense of the word, but the word 'crossroad' would not be inappropriate.
-
>Last time we touched the vines, they did not react, yes?
>Lets get closer and have a look. Kneel by it and see if we can extend our senses into it.
-
>Last time we touched the vines, they did not react, yes?
>Lets get closer and have a look. Kneel by it and see if we can extend our senses into it.
>Casual contact did not provoke a response from the vines, yes.
>Dismounting the feline form of Kiku, who proceeds to walk along next to you, you approach the main mass of grey vines. The damage done to the tall, thick tree it is attached to is considerable. It's fairly remarkable the tree hasn't toppled completely. You wonder what that would mean in this place, but you put that aside for the moment.
>Focusing your senses upon the main body of the knot of vines, your vision shifts, and you find yourself standing just inside the Metal Tiger shrine, looking through eyes much sharper than yours at Satori Komeji. She seems to be assessing the room around you. You hear Kiku's voice, coming from you, "Except yourself, Satori-sama?"
>"Generous of you to say, Kiku, but let us not be so sure of that. After all, I don't know for sure how strong the other mikos in town are."
>"I stand corrected."
-
>Withdraw our senses.
>"Did you feel that?"
-
>Withdraw our senses.
>"Did you feel that?"
>"More appropriately, I relived it." Kiku answers as she sniffs around. "This area of my memory, this tree specifically, contains the events of the day Satori arrived at the shrine to assume her position as head of the shrine. I was among those who greeted her arrival."
-
>"As did I. I saw it through your eyes and heard it through your ears. I apologize, I didn't mean to intrude like that."
-
>"As did I. I saw it through your eyes and heard it through your ears. I apologize, I didn't mean to intrude like that."
>Kiku shakes her head. "I do not mind so much, in this case. There may be some significance about this day. This collection of vines may not have formed here at random."
-
>"That is what I think as well. How do you want to proceed? They are your memories, after all."
-
>"That is what I think as well. How do you want to proceed? They are your memories, after all."
>Kiku takes another close look at one of the vines running out of the tree and away to the north. "I can't seem to detect any weakness in the vines outside the knot, and none of them seem any thinner than the others. And I don't think reliving the memories of that day would be a good idea, it would take far too much time." Kiku growls a thoughtful growl. "I propose this. I will attack this knot, attempt to dislodge it from the tree. You monitor it with your enhanced senses. If I fail to destroy it, perhaps we can learn something from the attempt."
-
>"That may work. Let me have a closer look at it first."
>Where does the knot seem to be rooted, exactly? Can we feel anything from it?
-
>"That may work. Let me have a closer look at it first."
>Where does the knot seem to be rooted, exactly? Can we feel anything from it?
>Kiku nods.
>It has broken the trunk of the tree about four feet from the ground. It doesn't feel different from the rest of the grey vines you've encountered so far, there's just more of them in this place. You can clearly sense their alien nature, but no more strongly than you could before. You have to imagine they have done something to at least this part of Kiku's memories, but you can't tell precisely what.
-
>Can we see where it has rooted in, precisely, or does the trunk obscure this?
>"Alright, try and we'll see what happens."
>Pay attention!
-
>Can we see where it has rooted in, precisely, or does the trunk obscure this?
>"Alright, try and we'll see what happens."
>Pay attention!
>It hasn't 'rooted', so far as you can tell. You can't tell if the main body of the tangle of vines burst out from inside the tree, or grew inward and damaged the tree that way.
>Suddenly, Kiku bellows out a furious roar that rattles your bones and lunges forward, landing on one of the upper vines and sinking her sharp fangs into the grey thing. The sound was so sudden and so loud, you find yourself momentarily stunned as Kiku bites into the thing. Retracting her fangs from the vine, Kiku shouts down, "Well?"
-
>Examine the root. What can we sense. And see, for that matter.
-
>Examine the root. What can we sense. And see, for that matter.
>Turning your senses on the tangle of vines, you sense that Kiku's feral attack has indeed weakened one of them. Your eyes confirm this. There are fang-marks where she bit into the vine.
-
>Do we sense any other reaction at all? From either this localized point or elsewhere?
-
>Do we sense any other reaction at all? From either this localized point or elsewhere?
>Not that you can tell. But you wonder if, since Kiku's attack seemed mostly experimental, it might take something more substantial to provoke a reaction from the vines, at least one that you can detect. You have no doubt Kiku was hurt by the attack, even though she hasn't said so yet.
-
>Oh? We are? For any reason besides the fact that we were when we tried to interfere with it by a different means?
>And we do sense damage to the vine by means more than just sight, yes?
-
>Oh? We are? For any reason besides the fact that we were when we tried to interfere with it by a different means?
>And we do sense damage to the vine by means more than just sight, yes?
>There's some logic to it. You tried a light attempt to remove a vine earlier, and got shocked for it. It stands to reason that a more drastic attempt to remove a vine would result in a stronger backlash. On the other hand, Kiku really hasn't given you any indication, one way or the other....
>Yes.
-
>"That seems to have weakened it. A little, anyway. Are you okay?"
-
>"That seems to have weakened it. A little, anyway. Are you okay?"
>"I am functional."
-
>"That's not quite the same thing. Did it do anything to you?"
-
>"That's not quite the same thing. Did it do anything to you?"
>Kiku snuffs out a short snarl. "As you said, I experienced some pain. But it can be tolerated. This sort of pain is not entirely unknown to me. The spiritual pain we of the shrines endure is not completely different from this 'psychic' pain." She pauses. "I do admit, however, I can not tell how much pain will come before we see some real progress. It could be... signifigant."
-
>"I think...it may be best if we tend to it indirectly, then."
-
>"I think...it may be best if we tend to it indirectly, then."
>Kiku jumps down from the root. "How do you mean, indirectly?"
-
>"Thus far, we've tried to extend our own essences directly into the vines, in our various ways. I feel this is akin to reaching into a fire. What would be best, I think, is to find a way to affect them without getting involved personally."
>Consider the tree. "I wonder if we could strengthen this memory, for instance, well enough that it can remove the vines on its own?"
-
>"Thus far, we've tried to extend our own essences directly into the vines, in our various ways. I feel this is akin to reaching into a fire. What would be best, I think, is to find a way to affect them without getting involved personally."
>Consider the tree. "I wonder if we could strengthen this memory, for instance, well enough that it can remove the vines on its own?"
>"Mm." Kiku makes a thoughtful purr. "It's a novel idea. And it could very well save us both some considerable pain. However, I am not quite sure how we would go about doing that. The vines as they are give us something tangible to attack, after all."
-
>"If only we understood their nature better. Is the backlash a defensive reaction to deter interference, or something somehow shared incidentally by virtue of being in contact with it while it is being damaged? It does not seem very proactive at the moment, otherwise."
-
>"If only we understood their nature better. Is the backlash a defensive reaction to deter interference, or something somehow shared incidentally by virtue of being in contact with it while it is being damaged? It does not seem very proactive at the moment, otherwise."
>"That lack of activity is what tells me we have an opportunity." Kiku says, her tail twitching. "That wound I put in the vine has not healed, and shows no sign of healing. That indicates to me that whoever or whatever put this here is not actively observing it."
-
>"That may require proximity to you, or perhaps even something more involved, which you cannot currently remember. But the relative dormancy of these vines does make me wonder if there is some way to circumvent the means by which this backlash is inflicted. It cannot be simply that the vines are so entwined with your mind that any harm to them harms you also, since my own attempt affected only me, and not you. I am certainly willing to endure pain for your sake, if that is needed, but the sheer scale of what we have to weed out here makes me think there must be some better way than to suffer for every inch. Neither of our endurances is limitless."
-
>"That may require proximity to you, or perhaps even something more involved, which you cannot currently remember. But the relative dormancy of these vines does make me wonder if there is some way to circumvent the means by which this backlash is inflicted. It cannot be simply that the vines are so entwined with your mind that any harm to them harms you also, since my own attempt affected only me, and not you. I am certainly willing to endure pain for your sake, if that is needed, but the sheer scale of what we have to weed out here makes me think there must be some better way than to suffer for every inch. Neither of our endurances is limitless."
>"Our time is not limitless, either." Kiku counters. "Let us not forget, we are still standing in a fairly public building, and neither of us can afford to stand there forever. I am in no more hurry than you to endure more of that kind of pain if I have a choice in the matter, but circumstances may demand."
-
>"I have an idea."
>Let's try to create a mote of autonomous energy, which can exist without us having to actively maintain it. A familiar, if you will.
-
>"I have an idea."
>Let's try to create a mote of autonomous energy, which can exist without us having to actively maintain it. A familiar, if you will.
>Clarification request. Do you intend this 'familiar', or construct, to be capable of action without your direction?
-
>Would something which is not capable of self-directed action, but which does not require continuous control to perform tasks be possible? If so, that.
-
>Would something which is not capable of self-directed action, but which does not require continuous control to perform tasks be possible? If so, that.
>You believe so. In analogous terms, it would be like a mage conjuring a fireball, or a blaster bolt leaving a weapon.
>What shape do you wish this construct to take?
-
>A gardener. Don't forget the pruning shears!
-
>A gardener. Don't forget the pruning shears!
>This is going to be a little different. You have little doubt you could create such a construct in the physical world, but in this thoughtscape, you're not entirely sure how your powers will work, if they'll work at all. But on the other hand, do you even need them in this place? The power of your mind may be all you need. So, extending your hand out, you focus your mind upon the task you've set yourself to. A moment later, the figure of Meiling Hong appears before you in a puff of smoke, a large set of shears in hand.
>Kiku blinks. "What is this?"
-
>"An experiment. I don't know if this will introduce any useful degree of separation between myself and the act of disrupting the vines, but it seemed worth trying."
>Instruct the construct to very gingerly attempt to snip into the vine. Do it slowly enough that we could hopefully sense mild discomfort and ease off before being slammed upside the head by something more severe.
-
>"An experiment. I don't know if this will introduce any useful degree of separation between myself and the act of disrupting the vines, but it seemed worth trying."
>Instruct the construct to very gingerly attempt to snip into the vine. Do it slowly enough that we could hopefully sense mild discomfort and ease off before being slammed upside the head by something more severe.
>Kiku emits another of those thoughtful purrs of hers. "Indeed."
>The ersatz Meiling gives you a salute and walks forward, aiming for one of the vines closer to the ground than the one Kiku bit into earlier. With deliberate care, she brandishes her shears and experimentally cuts into the vine. You brace yourself for the backlash of psychic pain that struck you before, but this time, nothing comes.
-
>Does the vine seem to have been actually successfully cut into?
>Did the construct show any reaction to this event, if we did not?
-
>Does the vine seem to have been actually successfully cut into?
>Did the construct show any reaction to this event, if we did not?
>Well, 'knicked' might be a better term, but some damage is visible, yes.
>Not so far as you've noticed.
-
>"Hmmm... I didn't feel anything from that."
>Tell her to give it a little larger snip
-
>"Hmmm... I didn't feel anything from that."
>Tell her to give it a little larger snip
>"Nor I." Kiku says, her whiskers twitching.
>Upon your orders, the construct Meiling takes a bigger cut at the vine. A larger gap appear in the vine, but still no psychic pain assaults you.
-
>Look to Kiku
>"Still nothing?"
-
>Look to Kiku
>"Still nothing?"
>The tiger shakes her head. Although she says nothing, you can't help but notice the twitching in her whiskers, the fur standing on edge on parts of her body, the tension in her muscles. You don't think these are signs of pain, at least you're fairly sure, but she seems rather agitated.
-
>"Are you sure you're okay? You seem... agitated. More than a few moments ago, I mean."
-
>"Are you sure you're okay? You seem... agitated. More than a few moments ago, I mean."
>"Agitated? No, Byakuren. I am angry."
-
>"Angry?"
-
>"Angry?"
>"While you have been conducting your experiment, I have been conducting one of my own. I've been looking over the memory this tree represents. And there is something wrong. Now, in this place, I can sense something beneath that memory. These vines are concealing something about an important day in my life, and to see them before me, their bloated forms hanging in front of me eyes...." Her lips curl back in a feral snarl. "I want them gone, Byakuren. I want them out of me."
-
>Gently: "That is what we are here to do. And we will see them gone."
>"At any rate, this seems a promising avenue of attack, so far."
>Have Meiling continue to work on those vines. Pause if there seems to be any significant change or reaction.
-
>Gently: "That is what we are here to do. And we will see them gone."
>"At any rate, this seems a promising avenue of attack, so far."
>Have Meiling continue to work on those vines. Pause if there seems to be any significant change or reaction.
>"I don't know if this is some new devilry, or something old." Kiku snarls as you send your construct back to the job. "I don't know who did it, I don't know why, but I want it gone. I want it gone now!" The enraged feline emits another bone-jarring roar and leaps forward again, landing in almost exactly the same spot she did before, raking the vine furiously with her claws, sending hunks of grey matter flying.
-
>"You need not harm yourself like that. We will have it gone."
>Though if she's not willing to stand by and let us take the slow and steady approach, let's try to pick up our own pace. Conjure a few more phantom gardeners if we think we can without taxing ourselves unduly.
-
>"You need not harm yourself like that. We will have it gone."
>Though if she's not willing to stand by and let us take the slow and steady approach, let's try to pick up our own pace. Conjure a few more phantom gardeners if we think we can without taxing ourselves unduly.
>Kiku's immediate response is another terrifying roar and a swipe of her claws. "First Water and now this! No more! I will be WHOLE again!"
>Clearly, she is unwilling to take things slowly, at least not without a stronger form of restraint from you. She seems far too angry for that. And rather than try to restrain an angry tiger, you shift your focus to speeding along the task at hand. Your first construct, with its oversized shears, should be done with the vine it's working on in short order, and Kiku is shredding her vine at a furious pace. That will leave eight vines remaining, assuming that each extension you see leaving the massive tangle attached to the tree is independent from each other. Without knowing just how far you can stretch yourself and whatever powers you have in Kiku's thoughtscape, and not wanting to unleash anything that could damage the tree itself anymore than the grey vines have, you bring forth two more psionic constructs, manifesting themselves as Youmu Konpaku and Minoriko, both of whom you know have a gardening hobby. Any more than that, and you'd worry about damaging the tree in the chaos unleashed by so many constructs and Kiku, if the tiger miko gets any more angry than she already is. You only hope that she won't still be this angry when the job is done.
>This you suspect will not take long. Even before your own constructs finish their vines, Kiku's gnashing teeth tear out one more solid chunk of vine, and the ragged damaged thing finally gives way, sagging beneath her and snapping like frayed rope. Kiku roars her defiant triumph, heedless of her situation, and plummets back down to the ground. Unlike virtually every other cat you've ever seen in your life, Kiku does not, unfortunately, land upon her feet. She lands on her jaw, and none too gently, sagging to the ground.
-
>"Are you alright?"
-
>"Are you alright?"
>You are answered with a rumbling growl.
-
>Does that seem more like a grunt of acknowledgement, or a pained groan that may not even be in response to us?
>How're the rest of the vines coming?
-
>Does that seem more like a grunt of acknowledgement, or a pained groan that may not even be in response to us?
>How're the rest of the vines coming?
>If you were to guess, more of the latter than the former.
>The Meiling construct has just now cut all the way through her vine. The heavy knot of vines embedded in the tree sags slightly as that vine disintegrates.
-
>Give her another couple moments, and if she gives no further response: "Kiku, are you okay?"
-
>Give her another couple moments, and if she gives no further response: "Kiku, are you okay?"
>".. my head hurts."
-
>"Let yourself rest. I'll take care of the rest of it."
-
>Do we see any more vines?
-
>Do we see any more vines?
>Of the ten you saw protruding from the middle knot, eight remain.
>"Let yourself rest. I'll take care of the rest of it."
>"Grrr, no.." Kiku rumbles, trying to stand. As she does, blood starts to trickle out of her nose. "I can't... just lie here."
-
>"Please, no. You're injured, and you will only injure yourself further. There is no need to do this; you have done enough already."
-
>"Please, no. You're injured, and you will only injure yourself further. There is no need to do this; you have done enough already."
>Kiku hauls herself back to all fours. "Byakuren... I haved exhausted my rage. But please, give me my pride. I cannot yield to the pain."
-
>"It is not 'yielding' to save one's strength for the places that benefit most from it. I know you could push forward despite the pain, I know you would shoulder the most incredible of burdens. But this does not mean that you always should. You led me to this place. Because of you, I am now able to take action here. If this can be done without further suffering, then let there be no more today. You overcame much simply to reach this place; please let that be enough for now. Please."
-
>"It is not 'yielding' to save one's strength for the places that benefit most from it. I know you could push forward despite the pain, I know you would shoulder the most incredible of burdens. But this does not mean that you always should. You led me to this place. Because of you, I am now able to take action here. If this can be done without further suffering, then let there be no more today. You overcame much simply to reach this place; please let that be enough for now. Please."
>The bleeding tiger lets out a rather lengthy breath, leering at the remaining vines. Then she sags as she sighs. "I am a proud woman. But not so proud as to ignore logic when I hear it. If I were alone... But, I am not."
-
>Smile
>"No, you are not alone. For as long as this takes, I will be with you."
-
>Smile
>"No, you are not alone. For as long as this takes, I will be with you."
>"Inside my own head, no less." Kiku says, trying to sound wry but sounding only tired. "For me to lose control of my anger like that..." she says as you both watch Youmu and her twin swords cut their way through their target vine. "Justified, you might think, but it worries me."
-
>"Corrupting one's memories is a violation of the innermost kind and anger over this is understandable. You've also been through a lot of difficult things, just recently. This could strain anyone's composure."
-
>"Corrupting one's memories is a violation of the innermost kind and anger over this is understandable. You've also been through a lot of difficult things, just recently. This could strain anyone's composure."
>"I fear it may be a sign of some other kind of corruption." Kiku murmurs. "Ever since my meeting with the Water demon, I have had... difficulty controlling my emotions as I had before. You were there, you saw what happened that night at the shrine."
-
>"There is nothing untoward about being moved by unexpected kindness or profound experiences."
-
>"There is nothing untoward about being moved by unexpected kindness or profound experiences."
>"There is for me." Kiku counters. "I've always been able to keep my emotions in check, even when I was a fledgling humanoid." She swipes her paw through the drops of blood on the ground beneath her head. "I fear the Water demon may have damaged me more than you and your ring healed."
-
>"Had you ever experienced anything quite like what has unfolded since that day? Experiences affect people, without the need for anything supernatural behind them; nothing about the way you acted seemed 'damaged' to me. Perhaps you are used to keeping a tighter check on your emotions, but there is nothing wrong with expressing sadness or joy or even sometimes anger. To me, the way you responded to your sisters' affection felt... genuine."
-
>"Had you ever experienced anything quite like what has unfolded since that day? Experiences affect people, without the need for anything supernatural behind them; nothing about the way you acted seemed 'damaged' to me. Perhaps you are used to keeping a tighter check on your emotions, but there is nothing wrong with expressing sadness or joy or even sometimes anger. To me, the way you responded to your sisters' affection felt... genuine."
>"I have no issues with expressing emotions, but only on my terms. Only as much as I feel is appropriate. But over the past two days, this has not been the case. Make no mistake, their... display of affection made me happy, but for me to cry is unheard of."
-
>"Do you not feel that that could also have been appropriate, then?"
-
>"Do you not feel that that could also have been appropriate, then?"
>"For some, perhaps." she says as Minoriko cuts through the vine she'd been working on.
-
>"But not for you?"
-
>"But not for you?"
>"I am not one for public outbursts of emotions like that. I never have."
-
>"Is it so public in front of a friend? I certainly would not judge you for it."
-
>"Is it so public in front of a friend? I certainly would not judge you for it."
>"... No, I suppose not. But that is beside the point. I feel- Wait, your creations have stopped."
-
>Have they?
>Are they finished, or does something seem to be interfering with them? Or did our concentration just lapse too much?
-
>Have they?
>Are they finished, or does something seem to be interfering with them? Or did our concentration just lapse too much?
>They have indeed. They are not finished, but nothing seems to have stopped them. They seem to be waiting.
-
>Can we tell what they are waiting for?
>If nothing seems amiss as far as we can tell, have them continue
-
>Can we tell what they are waiting for?
>If nothing seems amiss as far as we can tell, have them continue
>Best guess is that they are waiting for instructions. Which you provide them, and the three of them do return to work posthaste.
-
>Do we think this is because we were not paying attention to them for a while, or do we have no idea? They were still gardening for some portion of our talk with Kiku, after all.
-
>Do we think this is because we were not paying attention to them for a while, or do we have no idea? They were still gardening for some portion of our talk with Kiku, after all.
>Possibly. Or it's also possible that, since you directed them only to one target each, they awaited further instructions once that target was removed. You're not sure which, or both.
-
>Are all 3 of the vines they were originally working on dealt with, then?
>And were the instructions we gave specific to a vine or just all of them in general?
-
>Are all 3 of the vines they were originally working on dealt with, then?
>And were the instructions we gave specific to a vine or just all of them in general?
>Correct.
>You gave them each one vine to target specifically. At least initially.
-
>Direct them to find any vine they can and cut it.
>If we feel the need, conjure up a few more of them.
>"Do you at least feel a bit better with some of those vines gone?"
-
>Direct them to find any vine they can and cut it.
>If we feel the need, conjure up a few more of them.
>"Do you at least feel a bit better with some of those vines gone?"
>At the rate the three are going, they should be sufficient to deal with the remaining vines. Anymore constructs flying about with cutting tools increases the risk of one or more of them damaging the tree while working around each other, and you'd prefer to avoid that.
>Kiku sniffs. "I begin to sense more clearly something beneath the memory I can access. But not clearly enough to discen any details, not yet."
-
>"Well, it looks like only a matter of time, at this point."
-
>"Well, it looks like only a matter of time, at this point."
>"So it would appear. But do not set your mind on that just yet. The lack of opposition to our efforts so far may yet be temporary."
-
>"It would be nice if it weren't, but yes."
-
>Have a look around, how many more vines are there? Not just on this tree, but in general?
-
>"It would be nice if it weren't, but yes."
>Have a look around, how many more vines are there? Not just on this tree, but in general?
>Your range of vision is a bit restricted by the dense jungle around you, but apart from the knot in front of you and the remaining vines related to it, you can spy one large vine to your southeast, running from northeast to southeast, and one more vine above this one, running perpendicular to it.
>Beyond the tree you've been working on, you spy another vine about fifteen feet away, running from east to west.
-
>Send the pruning squad out to deal with these ones. If they need more help, create a few more. Let's try to get this done quickly.
-
>Send the pruning squad out to deal with these ones. If they need more help, create a few more. Let's try to get this done quickly.
>Before or after you deal with the remaining vines in and around the tree before you?
-
>After. Try to employ efficient pathing.
-
>After. Try to employ efficient pathing.
>With that goal in mind, you append the instructions to your constructs.
>As they work, you look to where the vines they've cut were to confirm what you saw earlier. Once those vines were cut, they didn't simply drop to the ground like dead vegetation, they faded out of existence after a moment. Gives you less to analyze, but you chose to be optimistic. Perhaps whatever influence they have over Kiku's memories fades completely, as they themselves do, once they are broken.
>It takes your constructs a little more than half a minute to hack, sheer and prune their way through their target vines, which they do at nearly the same moment. Two of the other vines fade out of existence after your ersatz Minoriko and Meiling finish off their targets; they must have been the same vine, their connection obscured by the body of the tree and the complexity of the knot. Which, being reduced now to just one vine, is significantly less complex than it was before.
>As the three constructs start to target the final thick grey vine, Kiku says, "Wait a moment, Byakuren."
-
>Tell the constructs to hold
>"Yes? What is it?"
-
>Tell the constructs to hold
>"Yes? What is it?"
>Kiku exhales sharply. "I want to finish this myself."
>"I haven't forgotten what happened the last time." she adds quickly, forestalling your protest. "I haven't developed a desire for more pain. I thought I would try it your way."
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
>Instructing your constructs to back off a bit, Kiku pads forward a couple of steps, then growls softly. Whereas your constructs simply faded into being, the shape that Kiku conjures forth appears in a metallic grey cloud of smoke. The image of the Metal Tiger himself emerges from the cloud of iron gas, and announces his presence with a roar that puts Kiku's to shame. You have no choice but to cover your ears against that horribly loud noise.
>The massive tiger-god strides forward, his footsteps shaking the plantlife around you while making an odd metallic grinding noise as it leaves huge footprints in the soil and grass. With a sharp feline glare, he raises his right arm and takes one swipe at the final vine attached to the tree, the sound of metal scraping furiously as the Tiger's mighty paw simply obliterates the grey vine, reducing it to little more than a bad memory. With a defiant, triumphant howl, the Tiger construct fades, leaving only the badly damaged tree behind.
-
>Well, that was certainly a bit more dramatic than our own
>Wait a moment
>"Do you... sense any change?"
-
>Well, that was certainly a bit more dramatic than our own
>Wait a moment
>"Do you... sense any change?"
>Perhaps she replaced her anger with a flair for the dramatic. At least temporarily.
>Kiku is silent for a moment longer, before glowing faintly silver and reverting back to her human guise. She stares at the tree with cloudy eyes. "Yes." she says at last. "I will need your help again, Byakuren."
-
>"What is it?"
-
>"What is it?"
>"I can heal this tree. Restore this memory to what it should be. But I need your strength of mind to support me." In saying, she extends her hand out to you.
-
>"Of course. I am there for you."
>Give her our hand, and our strength.
-
>"Of course. I am there for you."
>Give her our hand, and our strength.
>Hand in hand, Kiku leads you forwards, towards the tree. The tiger youkai lays her free hand on the split, broken trunk of the tree, and you sense her focus her will upon the memory embodied by the damaged tree before you. Fibrous green and grey tendrils appear along the edges of the main break, sliding their way across the wound like stitches. These tendrils start to pull the wood together gently but firmly, as a soft green light starts to fill the wound.
>Although you wish to aid Kiku in her task, you have no wish to pry into her memory. Nevertheless, you hear whispers and snippets of voices float through your mind as Kiku works to heal the tree. "-heard she was posted up north." "This is most unusual,-" "-assure you, there is nothing-" "I trust there will be no more concerns?" Some of the voices you recognize: Kiku's and Satori's especially. Others belong to some of the shrine maidens you met during your visits there, others are strange to you.
>It takes Kiku around a minute to draw the wound in the tree closed, the gaping wound glowing a brilliant green as it closes. When this light fades, the trunk is in one piece. Kiku lets out a ragged breath, her hand lowering from the tree.
-
>Give her a moment
>"Did you see anything? I tried not to look too closely."
-
>Give her a moment
>"Did you see anything? I tried not to look too closely."
>The look on Kiku's face is one of stark disbelief. "But that...."
-
>"What is it?"
-
>"What is it?"
>Kiku takes a couple of short steps backwards, releasing your hand as she does so. Abruptly, you feel a wrenching sensation as your conscious mind and body are reconnected.
>Back in the physical world, Kiku has broken the connection between you, her body's actions mirroring those she took in the thoughtscape of her mind. Something she saw in that memory has her stunned, almost incoherent. "It's impossible..."
-
>"What?"
-
>"What?"
>When her back connects with the wall behind her, Kiku slides down into a seated position. "It's Satori. She... It's her."
-
>"What about her?"
-
>"What about her?"
>"She.. manipulated us all." Kiku gasps out. "I don't know how, she... she must have some kind of power, some kind of... It was supposed to be me, Byakuren. I was supposed to be the new elder, all those years ago. But Satori showed up on the day I was to be elevated, named herself to the position. All this time, I thought that..." She shakes her head. "But it was a lie. It was a lie. She did something to all of us, made us stop asking her about it, stop worrying about it. We just accepted it. Accepted her. And then she.. changed our memories."
-
>"This was... how many years ago now?"
-
>Before we broke off, were there any vines left over, or trees that seem to be damaged?
-
>Before we broke off, were there any vines left over, or trees that seem to be damaged?
>You didn't notice any signifigant damage on any of the trees around the scene of the knot, but there were at least three more vines in that vicinity that you saw. Kiku's reaction to the memory she saw broke the connection between you and her before you saw if destroying all those vines at the tree had any effect on the vines in other locations of her mind.
>"This was... how many years ago now?"
>"Almost five years. She came to us almost five years ago now."
-
>"Mmm, that's awhile. Is there anything else you can remember. Why she did it, perhaps?"
-
>"Mmm, that's awhile. Is there anything else you can remember. Why she did it, perhaps?"
>"Why? No, no I...." Kiku's face contorts as she deals with this new truth, then presses her hand against her head. "I can feel my... Feels like my mind is... unraveling. Truth and lies... What did she DO to me?!" she snarls.
-
>"I can only guess. Do you need to sit down for a little while?"
-
>"I can only guess. Do you need to sit down for a little while?"
>"I need...." Kiku makes another pained noise, clenching her eyes shut. "She... I need to know why. Why she..." The tiger youkai sighs and her head sags backwards, clunking against the stone wall she rests against. "My memory is... restoring itself. I think. I can't... focus."
-
>Move over and put an arm around her shoulders.
>"Don't worry, it's for the best that it does. Just let it come."
-
>Move over and put an arm around her shoulders.
>"Don't worry, it's for the best that it does. Just let it come."
>"This.... this changes things." Kiku manages to get out as you embrace her gently.
-
>"Yes, it does."
-
>"Yes, it does."
>"I still have... How can I face her tonight? Knowing what she did."
-
>"I do not know. I think what we do tonight at all will need consideration in light of this, once you feel your memories are more... settled."
-
>"I do not know. I think what we do tonight at all will need consideration in light of this, once you feel your memories are more... settled."
>Kiku shakes her head. "No, it... It doesn't change what I have to do. Toune's rite still will go ahead, and I still have to be there for that. Unless.... Unless Satori did something to her, too, but..."
-
>"She may well have done something to many of you; there is no telling how far it may have reached if it's extended down to even to a part-timer like Lily. Probably we have to assume someone has been affected unless we have confirmed that they have not."
-
>"She may well have done something to many of you; there is no telling how far it may have reached if it's extended down to even to a part-timer like Lily. Probably we have to assume someone has been affected unless we have confirmed that they have not."
>Kiku rests her head against the wall again, closing her eyes in thought. It is a lengthy moment before she speaks again. "I must return to the shrine."
-
>"So quickly? Are you sure you should not give yourself some more time for your memory to... settle?"
-
>"So quickly? Are you sure you should not give yourself some more time for your memory to... settle?"
>"I have to contact the Tiger himself again. I have to know if what we've done has changed if he can protect me, as he did before."
>"And I have to know before tonight." she adds, clenching her teeth. "Before the ritual begins."
-
>"That sounds like a sensible precaution, yes."
>"Do you remember anything else than what you told me?"
-
>"That sounds like a sensible precaution, yes."
>"Do you remember anything else than what you told me?"
>"I have a sense that...." Kiku passes her hand over her eyes. "It is hard to explain. But I don't feel that there are very many more memories of mine that have been altered. Instead, I... I think it is my.... my emotions, my mindset, that has been affected more strongly."
-
>"What do you mean?"
-
>"What do you mean?"
>"I don't know that I can explain more than that, not yet. It barely even makes sense to me right now."
-
>"I can scarcely imagine what it must be like to experience."
-
>"I can scarcely imagine what it must be like to experience."
>"What I really don't understand, though, is why I don't feel angry about this. I know myself, I know I should.... And yet, I don't."
-
>"Let us consider that a small miracle. Anger would be no comfort, I imagine."
-
>"Let us consider that a small miracle. Anger would be no comfort, I imagine."
>"But it would make sense, considering..." Kiku sighs and pushes herself back to her feet, your arm sliding off of her shoulders. "If this... If she's been doing this for all this time, then it can't be due to these new demons of yours. But I... just can't imagine her as someone who'd do this for evil reasons. It's not just the influence on my mind, Lotus, it's instinct. There HAS to be more to it than that."
-
>"What were the exact circumstances under which she arrived and took the position that was intended for you?"
>"And do you perhaps recall any other oddities with the sacred flame in past, now, aside from this one recent event which she concealed?"
-
>"And do you perhaps recall any other oddities with the sacred flame in past, now, aside from this one recent event which she concealed?"
>Kiku ponders that, then shakes her head. "No, nothing's come to my mind. There was a time about two years ago when the Flame chamber was closed, but that was for repairs to the room itself. And the room beyond, as well. There was an... altercation between a pair of Oni."
>"What were the exact circumstances under which she arrived and took the position that was intended for you?"
>Kiku winces. "It's still... It doesn't sound right, that."
-
>"No, I imagine not. Perhaps in time."
-
>"Did anyone leave at that time?"
-
>"No, I imagine not. Perhaps in time."
>"Did anyone leave at that time?"
>"When Satori took over? No. Well, only the previous elder, but she had left the shrine almost two months prior to Satori's arrival. Residence at the shrine actually increased after Satori's arrival. She seems to attract youkai, especially animal youkai."
-
>"Has she done anything strange since then? Or failed any important duties?"
-
>"Has she done anything strange since then? Or failed any important duties?"
>'"Strange' is a rather broad term, Lotus." Kiku retorts. "Although there is something. Over the years, she's been more aloof than the other temple heads. There are a number of matters in which the four temple heads meet to discuss or handle certain affairs, from the mundane to the serious. But Satori almost always sends one of the silver rank to act in her stead, myself or another of my station."
-
>"How are the heads chosen in the first place? And what explanation did she or anyone else give for taking over where you had previously been intended? Is there anyone else who ought to have been involved in this?"
-
>"How are the heads chosen in the first place? And what explanation did she or anyone else give for taking over where you had previously been intended? Is there anyone else who ought to have been involved in this?"
>Kiku presses her hand against her temple as you grill her. "Could you repeat that, perhaps one at a time?"
-
>"My apologies. I'm sorry if I am rushing you."
-
>"My apologies. I'm sorry if I am rushing you."
>"Mm...." Kiku murmurs, stretching out her tail behind her. "You were saying?"
-
>"How are new heads of the shrines normally chosen?"
-
>"How are new heads of the shrines normally chosen?"
>"The choice is made by the faith's leaders at the main shrine, out in Muenzuka. This shrine used to be the head of the faith in Yamato, but it was moved out west after Mayoiga was destroyed in the war. They consider a number of factors: personality, ability to lead, how well an elder will fit into the community they're going to, and more besdies. There's a lot more to it than simple devotion to the Tiger."
-
>"And so the decision was made by them for you to become the new head here?"
-
>"And so the decision was made by them for you to become the new head here?"
>"Yes. The exact details of their decision are still... foggy, in my mind, but of this fact I have no doubt. It was to have been me, before Satori arrived."
-
>"And when she arrived, did she claim that the heads had changed their mind about this?"
-
>"And when she arrived, did she claim that the heads had changed their mind about this?"
>Kiku nods. "I remember now, we found this odd at the time, of course. There had been no word about it from the alphas. But she told us, 'don't worry about it.', those were her exact words. And... we didn't."
-
>"And nothing came of it from higher up? No visits or inquiries?"
-
>"I presume that means no one ever checked to verify at any point, as far as you know?"
>"Had any of you, or her, had contact with the heads after that point? Surely they had to at least be aware of her position here eventually, whether they send the original dispatch or not."
-
>"And nothing came of it from higher up? No visits or inquiries?"
>Kiku shakes her head.
>"I presume that means no one ever checked to verify at any point, as far as you know?"
>"Had any of you, or her, had contact with the heads after that point? Surely they had to at least be aware of her position here eventually, whether they send the original dispatch or not."
>"You presume correctly."
>"Both of us have. To my knowledge, they never mentioned anything out of place about Satori holding the position she does."
-
>"I wonder how high this goes...."
>"Can you recall any other behavior of hers now that seems suspicious? Anything else that was conspicuously covered up?"
-
>"I wonder how high this goes...."
>"Can you recall any other behavior of hers now that seems suspicious? Anything else that was conspicuously covered up?"
>"I must as you something first, Lotus. What did you mean, you wonder."
-
>"I mean, did the decision for Satori to head your shrine indeed come from them, or might they have been affected much as you have? What need would there be for her to conceal a change of plans if it had been sanctioned through the usual channels, I wonder?"
-
>"I mean, did the decision for Satori to head your shrine indeed come from them, or might they have been affected much as you have? What need would there be for her to conceal a change of plans if it had been sanctioned through the usual channels, I wonder?"
>"That would be my assumption. That whatever Satori did to us, she did to them as well. Some of them, at least. The alternative implies a conspiracy, and I've never liked speculating on those in the face of more logical alternatives."
-
>"Do you have any idea what her motive might have been at all? If she was capable of this kind of prolonged deception, there is presumably a lot of other places she could have insinuated herself. Why here?"
-
>"Do you have any idea what her motive might have been at all? If she was capable of this kind of prolonged deception, there is presumably a lot of other places she could have insinuated herself. Why here?"
>"She's been a part of the temple for decades. Thirty years, at least. It's only the last five that she's spent here."
>"But as for why THIS temple, specifically, that I don't know. It could be because of our status. As I mentioned, this temple was once the headquarters, for want of a better term for our faith in Yamato. Or perhaps she has...." She trails off, glancing down in thought. "A personal connection. She might have moved here to be closer to her sister. I believe Koishi lived in Mayoiga for some years before Satori came."
-
>"That seems an awfully benign motive for such an act of mass deception. Surely there would be some other means to be closer to one's family? Even the Metal Tiger Himself seemed to consider her as something that was wrong with His shrine."
-
>"Has she been, well, good at the job? The obvious things aside. Has she benefited besides becoming popular?"
-
>"That seems an awfully benign motive for such an act of mass deception. Surely there would be some other means to be closer to one's family? Even the Metal Tiger Himself seemed to consider her as something that was wrong with His shrine."
>"I'm merely speculating, Lotus."
>"Has she been, well, good at the job? The obvious things aside. Has she benefited besides becoming popular?"
>"Do you mean in terms of money, possessions?"
-
>"Yes and less tangible things. But, the first part of the question is also important, too. Has she been actually leading the shrine and making sure things run smoothly, performing the appropriate rituals satisfactorily, and keeping things under control? Has she seemed...sincere, I suppose?"
-
>"Yes and less tangible things. But, the first part of the question is also important, too. Has she been actually leading the shrine and making sure things run smoothly, performing the appropriate rituals satisfactorily, and keeping things under control? Has she seemed...sincere, I suppose?"
>Kiku nods. "She has indeed. Apart from what I mentioned before, about being more reclusive than normal on inner-shrine matters, she's performed every duty expected of her, and more besides. Matters pertaining to magic within the Tiger shrine go through her, as they should. If anything, she's made the Tiger shrine here more prosperous and more public an institution than it had been before. She's even gone out of her way to invite more dubious individuals to be part of the temple, even in limited form. The Eagle is just the latest to come through us that way."
-
>Nod.
>"And, to your knowledge, she's not dipping her hand into the coffer too deeply or quietly auctioning off shrine property?"
-
>Nod.
>"And, to your knowledge, she's not dipping her hand into the coffer too deeply or quietly auctioning off shrine property?"
>The hair on Kiku's ears and tail stand on end slightly as she answers, "No." Then she breaths out a sigh. "I still had to stop myself from taking offense at the idea."
-
>"That's alright. It'll probably take a bit for you to work all of the little idiosyncrasies out."
-
>"I wonder if her tendency to avoid face-to-face meetings with the other heads is connected with how she insinuated herself into this shrine, rather than just a personal idiosyncrasy."
>"But she has not always avoided such meetings, yes?"
-
>"That's alright. It'll probably take a bit for you to work all of the little idiosyncrasies out."
>"I wonder if her tendency to avoid face-to-face meetings with the other heads is connected with how she insinuated herself into this shrine, rather than just a personal idiosyncrasy."
>"But she has not always avoided such meetings, yes?"
>"Not always, no. There are some duties that can only be handled by the head of a temple, idiosyncrasies or no."
-
>"Then do you mean to say that, as a rule, unless it was impossible for her to avoid such things, she would?"
-
>"Then do you mean to say that, as a rule, unless it was impossible for her to avoid such things, she would?"
>"That might be too strong a statement." Kiku says thoughtfully. "I think that would have aroused suspicion from the other temples by now, which I don't believe is the case."
-
>"Well, it seems there are more than a few things around Satori that ought to have aroused suspicion, yet did not."
>"You don't have any recollection of her doing anything more 'active' to change your memories, do you? Beyond simply that first suggestion upon her arrival?"
-
>"Well, it seems there are more than a few things around Satori that ought to have aroused suspicion, yet did not."
>"You don't have any recollection of her doing anything more 'active' to change your memories, do you? Beyond simply that first suggestion upon her arrival?"
>"Not as yet. Though this may change with time."
>"And speaking of which, Lotus, I really can't linger much longer. I must return to the shrine and try to contact the Tiger."
-
>"Very well. I am not certain where I stand now on attempting this infiltration tonight after all, in light of this. I feel there may be more that can be learned now through other channels, and perhaps should be. Though I still have no idea how the black flame might be connected with any of this, if indeed it is. I had thought some influence it exerted might be responsible for recent actions, but if some of this stretches back so many years now.... I am not sure what to think."
-
>"Very well. I am not certain where I stand now on attempting this infiltration tonight after all, in light of this. I feel there may be more that can be learned now through other channels, and perhaps should be. Though I still have no idea how the black flame might be connected with any of this, if indeed it is. I had thought some influence it exerted might be responsible for recent actions, but if some of this stretches back so many years now.... I am not sure what to think."
>Kiku presses her two index fingers together. "... There might be someone you can speak to about this, if she is there at the meeting tonight. The one you mentioned, I mean."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"Oh?"
>"Carefully, I mean. I don't mean to imply she is somehow aware of what Satori has done or how, but she might be able to tell you more information about her. You mentioned other channels, after all."
>"Her name is Haruka Sawashiro. She's the second at the Red Bird shrine. Next to Suika-sama, I believe she's served in this city longer than any other shrine maiden."
-
>"And why do you recommend her in particular?"
-
>"And why do you recommend her in particular?"
>"She pays a good amount of attention to the activities of the other three shrines outside of her own. If anyone would have a sense of Satori having the sort of dubious or underhanded activities ongoing as you suggested earlier, it would be her. And she would be willing to discuss those matters with outsiders, if she felt they could help." With a slight frown, she adds, "Which is something I myself would probably not have done, prior to these events."
-
>"I believe I have met her twice already, just recently. She was at your shrine to see Satori the other night, and then later at the Turtle Shrine."
-
>"I believe I have met her twice already, just recently. She was at your shrine to see Satori the other night, and then later at the Turtle Shrine."
>"To see Satori?" Kiku seems a bit surprised at that, then emits a thoughtful purr. "Did she happen mention why she was at the Turtle shrine?"
-
>"I believe she said that Suika had called for her, though she never mentioned why."
-
>"I believe she said that Suika had called for her, though she never mentioned why."
>Kiku nods. "I can speculate. She may have been at both places to discuss the supernatural disturbances that have been plaguing our town since the demon's arrived."
-
>"Anything I don't already know about?"
-
>"Anything I don't already know about?"
>"Probably not. After all, Lotus, you are the leading expert on these beings." Kiku answers wryly.
-
>"Not nearly expert enough, sadly."
>"Do you think we can meet with this person before the ritual?"
-
>"Perhaps, but that does not mean I am necessarily privy to everything they have done within this city. Besides, I am curious how much is known outside our circle."
-
>"Not nearly expert enough, sadly."
>"Do you think we can meet with this person before the ritual?"
>"Interrogating the Water demon should help with that, when we make the time for it."
>"Possibly. Though I'm not aware of all of her movements. The only place I know for sure you might find her at any given time is the Bird shrine."
>"Perhaps, but that does not mean I am necessarily privy to everything they have done within this city. Besides, I am curious how much is known outside our circle."
>"Indeed. There are those with resources even we do not possess."
-
>Yes, perhaps speaking of our 'interrogation' of the water demon should wait for a later time....
>"Well, I suppose I should let you go, now. Keep me apprised of what you learn. Also, if you remember anything else you feel may be relevant, please let me know. I think we have a fairly narrow timetable this evening, between the various things each of us is to attend to."
-
>Yes, perhaps speaking of our 'interrogation' of the water demon should wait for a later time....
>"Well, I suppose I should let you go, now. Keep me apprised of what you learn. Also, if you remember anything else you feel may be relevant, please let me know. I think we have a fairly narrow timetable this evening, between the various things each of us is to attend to."
>That might not be a bad idea.
>"Of course." Kiku assures you. "And you, as well, be sure to contact me when you decide what you feel is the best course of action."
-
>Nod
>"I will. And let us hope that all of our endeavors pan out positively. Be well, Kiku."
>Let's head back home, then.
-
>Before we head home, how fair is it to the bird temple from here, and from home?
-
>Nod
>"I will. And let us hope that all of our endeavors pan out positively. Be well, Kiku."
>"And you, Byakuren." The tiger youkai clasps your shoulder solemnly, then walks towards the door on her way out.
>Let's head back home, then.
>Before we head home, how fair is it to the bird temple from here, and from home?
>The Bird shrine is the southern point of town, and is the closest to your home of all the four shrines. It is about a thirty to fourty minute walk from here to there. School is close enough to your apartment that it would be that long, whether you set out to the Bird shrine from school or home.
-
>Home, first
-
>Home, first
>Returning to your human guise, you follow Kiku out the door of the pool, retracing your steps back towards the western gate. As you suspected, Meiling is still present, and still quite asleep. Hyozan hasn't moved either, the big malamute resting comfortably by Meiling's side. You're less sure if the canine is awake or not, but you see no reason to disturb him, so you leave the pair alone after you close the gate behind you, and head for home.
>The sloppy snow that was falling earlier has stopped now, but the sky is still covered by an ugly mass of grey clouds, threatening more wet snow to come at some point. You make a mental note to consider an umbrella when you're going out later. Weather has never really affected you or bothered you that much, but in these times, the last thing you want is to be laid up with a cold. Though being nursed back to health by Rin and Marissa has its upsides...
>All vehicles that were present when you left are still here, though Letty is no longer in evidence. Probably went back inside after the snow stopped to work on her next novel, if her habits hold true. The yard is presently deserted.
-
>Let's go back inside
-
>Let's go back inside
>You return to your apartment, to find no immediate sign of either Marissa or Rin, though once you close the door, you hear an inquiring meow come from your room.
-
>"Hello."
>Head towards the bedroom
-
>"Hello."
>Head towards the bedroom
>Rin mews again in greeting as you take off your boots and coat.
>Everything okay with Kiku? her psychic voice inquires as you make for your chambers.
-
>As well as can be expected, given the circumstances. There was indeed a block in her mind, and one far more pervasive than Lily's, stretching back many years now. It seems that she was intended to take the leadership of her shrine before Satori assumed it, and that Satori somehow displaced her to do so, then erased all memory of this. Almost certainly many of Kiku's sisters are likewise affected.
-
>As well as can be expected, given the circumstances. There was indeed a block in her mind, and one far more pervasive than Lily's, stretching back many years now. It seems that she was intended to take the leadership of her shrine before Satori assumed it, and that Satori somehow displaced her to do so, then erased all memory of this. Almost certainly many of Kiku's sisters are likewise affected.
>Years? Rin blurts as you come into your room, finding the feline reclining upon your bed. But why?
-
>Years, yes. I don't know why, and neither does Kiku; we discussed it for some time. She seems to have done a fine enough job of running the shrine, and she cannot recall much else suspicious that Satori has done since, though it may be possible that her memories have not finished sorting themselves out yet. But either way, I feel this may have raised more questions than it answered.
-
>Years, yes. I don't know why, and neither does Kiku; we discussed it for some time. She seems to have done a fine enough job of running the shrine, and she cannot recall much else suspicious that Satori has done since, though it may be possible that her memories have not finished sorting themselves out yet. But either way, I feel this may have raised more questions than it answered.
>But if Satori's been up to no good for years, doesn't that mean that the Demons aren't behind it?
-
>Probably, yes. I am not sure how to explain it, though the power to so quickly alter the minds of others is frightening, regardless, and if even the Tiger felt He could not speak freely around her....
-
>Probably, yes. I am not sure how to explain it, though the power to so quickly alter the minds of others is frightening, regardless, and if even the Tiger felt He could not speak freely around her....
>But look at it this way. Rin says, sounding rather optimistic. We've fought these demons and won, we know we can handle their power. We should be able to handle whatever power Satori has. I mean how much worse could it be?
-
>It is power of a very different kind, and I do not know how resistant we would be to it. Being able to rewrite someone's perception of events without them even being aware of it.... I think I might rather face torrents of ice and fire to something so insidious. I fear she may be even more dangerous than I had first suspected. Though at the same time, she seems to have done little actively threatening with this power, and doubtless she had the means to. Without understanding her agenda, I am not sure what I should think.
-
>It is power of a very different kind, and I do not know how resistant we would be to it. Being able to rewrite someone's perception of events without them even being aware of it.... I think I might rather face torrents of ice and fire to something so insidious. I fear she may be even more dangerous than I had first suspected. Though at the same time, she seems to have done little actively threatening with this power, and doubtless she had the means to. Without understanding her agenda, I am not sure what I should think.
>Agenda? That's like, 'plans', right?
-
>And also why why is doing what she is doing. It is hard to predict someone's actions if you do not even understand their goal.
-
>And also why why is doing what she is doing. It is hard to predict someone's actions if you do not even understand their goal.
>Rin makes a thoughtful noise, her tails twitching back and forth. Yeah, I can see what you mean. I mean at least knew what the demons wanted pretty clear.
-
>Yes, and even moreso after our conversation with Louise. But why does one rewrite the memories of potentially dozens of people to take over a position of leadership intended for someone else, and then... do a perfectly fine job of fulfilling the duties of this position, as far as we can tell?
-
>Yes, and even moreso after our conversation with Louise. But why does one rewrite the memories of potentially dozens of people to take over a position of leadership intended for someone else, and then... do a perfectly fine job of fulfilling the duties of this position, as far as we can tell?
>Well, maybe she thought the job belonged to her, but she didn't get it at first, so she took matters into her own hands?
-
>I suppose that is possible. It would certainly be a relatively... harmless line of reasoning compared to some of what I've feared, though I would hesitate to bet on it yet. There's still too much we don't know.
>And I am not sure how this affects our plans for tonight. Kiku has gone to see the Tiger can still shield her from Satori, now the block in her mind has been removed, though I am not even sure what best to do if it turns out He still can.
-
>I suppose that is possible. It would certainly be a relatively... harmless line of reasoning compared to some of what I've feared, though I would hesitate to bet on it yet. There's still too much we don't know.
>And I am not sure how this affects our plans for tonight. Kiku has gone to see the Tiger can still shield her from Satori, now the block in her mind has been removed, though I am not even sure what best to do if it turns out He still can.
>So, finding out what you found out really didn't help much, did it?
-
>It helped Kiku, at least. And, we did learn quite a bit about this problem. Just we know enough to know that we need more.
-
>It helped Kiku, at least. And, we did learn quite a bit about this problem. Just we know enough to know that we need more.
>So where do we look to get it?
-
>It may still be worth trying to infiltrate the shrine tonight, but that depends upon Kiku. Other than that, I am not sure.
-
>It may still be worth trying to infiltrate the shrine tonight, but that depends upon Kiku. Other than that, I am not sure.
>And I still say that I should be the one to try first. Rin asserts. I'm a cat, I can sneak around a lot more easy than a human.
-
>That is true, but I would like to see the state of the sacred flame myself. I seem to be the most supernaturally sensitive of our group - it is possible I may be able to detect something there that others could not. I do not know now if the black flame is at all connected to Satori's actions, but I still feel it may be significant itself.
-
>That is true, but I would like to see the state of the sacred flame myself. I seem to be the most supernaturally sensitive of our group - it is possible I may be able to detect something there that others could not. I do not know now if the black flame is at all connected to Satori's actions, but I still feel it may be significant itself.
>So you'd want to get Satori out of the shrine to have a look around?
-
>Well, tonight's ritual itself will hopefully keep her cloistered away from a sufficient length of time. I am not sure the ease of getting her out of the shrine entirely - apparently she is in the habit of delegating a lot of tasks that would require this to other people.
-
>Well, tonight's ritual itself will hopefully keep her cloistered away from a sufficient length of time. I am not sure the ease of getting her out of the shrine entirely - apparently she is in the habit of delegating a lot of tasks that would require this to other people.
>Nobody can stay cooped up forever, not if they're free. All you need is some bait.
-
>Bait?
-
>Bait?
>I could probably get her out of the shrine, if I had to. she says as she comes to her feet to have a stretch.
-
>What did you have in mind?
-
>What did you have in mind?
>I'm not sure yet. she admits, lying back down. But people chase cats. Especially odd cats sometimes. She flicks her tails through the air. And I'm a bit different than normal cats.
-
>Satori is the head of a shine full of cat youkai. You may be unusual by unfamiliarity, but I suspect not by nature. And if what the Tiger said is correct, even in that form she may well be aware of who you are, and what you intend.
-
>Satori is the head of a shine full of cat youkai. You may be unusual by unfamiliarity, but I suspect not by nature. And if what the Tiger said is correct, even in that form she may well be aware of who you are, and what you intend.
>It's still a safer bet than if she saw you sneaking around. Rin insists.
-
>I don't intend to go near her at all. Kiku should be able to keep me apprised of where she is.
-
>I don't intend to go near her at all. Kiku should be able to keep me apprised of where she is.
>Rin's mental answer comes in the form of a slight sigh. You can almost hear her thinking, 'Well, I tried.'
-
>I do very much appreciate your intentions. I promise that if I go ahead with this, I will use the utmost caution and discretion. But it still depends upon Kiku.
-
>I do very much appreciate your intentions. I promise that if I go ahead with this, I will use the utmost caution and discretion. But it still depends upon Kiku.
>So, wait and see what she says, right?
-
>Yes.
>What is the social etiquette for petting youkai in animal forms similar to how one would for the actual animal. Is it considered diminutive or patronizing, or considerably more intimate than it would be with an ordinary animal?
-
>What is the social etiquette for petting youkai in animal forms similar to how one would for the actual animal. Is it considered diminutive or patronizing, or considerably more intimate than it would be with an ordinary animal?
>Basically, it depends on the youkai. In times gone past, that sort of thing used to cause some social consternation, as did a large number of things when it came to human-youkai interaction. Nowadays, however, people are much more progressive on both sides of the racial line. The common stance is, any youkai who is comfortable enough to laze about in their animal form, as Rin is now, is not opposed to such activities as petting, or fetching a stick in the case of canines, or other such behavior. Though when dealing with a strange youkai, it's considered common courtesy to ask first. In Rin's case, you know that this is not necessary.
>Yes.
>And you're sure you don't want me to take the night off work, stay with you in case you do go up there?
-
>Pet Rin
>How much trouble might it cause with your work if you did?
-
>Pet Rin
>How much trouble might it cause with your work if you did?
>You give your Rin a casual petting on the head. The feline emits a very contented purring sound as she nuzzles her furry head against your palm.
>Hmmmm? her mental voice drawls. Oh! Right. Uh, work. Well, none, that I can think of. I mean, you're basically loaning me to Koakuma as it is. If you need to keep me around for a day, that's your right as my owner.
-
>I'm a little surprised you haven't abused that loophole beforehand.
-
>I'm a little surprised you haven't abused that loophole beforehand.
>Rin tilts her head in confusion, a questioning 'Mrr?' coming from her throat.
-
>The temptation of an easy day off must be a hard one to resist.
-
>The temptation of an easy day off must be a hard one to resist.
>Easy day?
-
>Surely you've entertained the idea of taking a day off simply because you didn't feel like going for some reason or other.
-
>Surely you've entertained the idea of taking a day off simply because you didn't feel like going for some reason or other.
>Rin gazes at you with her feline eyes for a moment, before shaking her head slightly. Extricating herself from under your hand, she springs off the bed and transforms back to her humanoid form. She gives you a faint smile when she turns to face you. "Master, that's not my choice to make. It's yours."
>"Besides," she adds, a bit more brightly, "it was my idea to get a job in the first place, and you let me. Why would I duck out of it if I didn't have to?"
-
>"Well, because some days one doesn't feel like going. And I think we've discussed this thing about me making your choices in the past."
-
>"Well, because some days one doesn't feel like going. And I think we've discussed this thing about me making your choices in the past."
>"This is a bit different, though." Rin replies. "When I'm working, I'm... Bah, dunno the word for it, but because you're my owner, me doin' a good job or bad job comes back on you. Since it's with your permission I'm workin' in the first place, there's no way I'd just duck out on it even if I ever wanted to."
-
>Shake head.
>"It's not with my permission, though. It's because you wish to. What you do really doesn't reflect on me, any more than what Patchouli or Letty do reflects on me. Well...not to the minds of anyone whose thoughts on the matter I would care about."
-
>Shake head.
>"It's not with my permission, though. It's because you wish to. What you do really doesn't reflect on me, any more than what Patchouli or Letty do reflects on me. Well...not to the minds of anyone whose thoughts on the matter I would care about."
>"But I care." Rin says simply.
-
>"Okay, you got me. Not to the minds of anyone whose thoughts on the matter that I would care about, save for one significant exception."
-
>"Okay, you got me. Not to the minds of anyone whose thoughts on the matter that I would care about, save for one significant exception."
>Rin smiles. "Understood. But I still don't get why someone wouldn't feel like not showin' up for work. Is that a human thing?"
-
>"Well, unfortunately, not everyone enjoys their jobs in the first place and are often there more for obligation or necessity than any joy in what they do. But even for those who do, that doesn't mean they would on every single day. Maybe they were tired, or preoccupied, or frustrated for reasons completely unrelated to their work, but nonetheless would rather simply not have an obligation to be there at that particular moment."
-
>"Well, unfortunately, not everyone enjoys their jobs in the first place and are often there more for obligation or necessity than any joy in what they do. But even for those who do, that doesn't mean they would on every single day. Maybe they were tired, or preoccupied, or frustrated for reasons completely unrelated to their work, but nonetheless would rather simply not have an obligation to be there at that particular moment."
>Rin nods. "Is this one of those 'Shit happens' things that comes up now and den?"
-
>"I suppose that could be some of it, yes."
-
>"I suppose that could be some of it, yes."
>"I can understand not showin' up if someone had, like, big problems, or sick, or something, that only makes sense. But other than that?" Rin shakes her head as she sits down on your bed once more. "I'm just not sure I get it."
-
>"Are there not any things that you enjoy doing sometimes, but might not be in the mood to do at all times?"
-
>"Are there not any things that you enjoy doing sometimes, but might not be in the mood to do at all times?"
>"I don't know. I never really thought 'bout it."
-
>"Spending time with friends is one such example for many people. Sometimes one enjoys company, while other times one might desire solitude and quiet instead - some people more than others."
>"Though I feel we may have gotten somewhat sidetracked."
>If Rin taking time off is technically on our authority as her master, does that mean proper form would be to call Koakuma ourselves and inform her, rather than Rin doing so?
-
>If Rin taking time off is technically on our authority as her master, does that mean proper form would be to call Koakuma ourselves and inform her, rather than Rin doing so?
>Essentially, yes. In this case, Koakuma knows you both and trusts you both. She would give you and Rin the benefit of the doubt, even if, technically, she does need to hear it from you directly.
>"Spending time with friends is one such example for many people. Sometimes one enjoys company, while other times one might desire solitude and quiet instead - some people more than others."
>"Though I feel we may have gotten somewhat sidetracked."
>Rin chuckles, but agrees, "Maybe a little."
-
>Well, if that's the 'proper' way, there's no need to assume on her good grace if we're just as free to make the phone call as Rin
>"Well, if that's what we're going to do, I suppose I should give Koakuma a call and let her know you won't be able to make it tonight. Unless you'd rather yourself?"
-
>Well, if that's the 'proper' way, there's no need to assume on her good grace if we're just as free to make the phone call as Rin
>"Well, if that's what we're going to do, I suppose I should give Koakuma a call and let her know you won't be able to make it tonight. Unless you'd rather yourself?"
>"Hmmm, yeah, I can, yeah. Guess I should, I mean, she's my boss and all."
-
>"It's up to you."
-
>"It's up to you."
>Rin nods. "Gimme a minute." The kasha ducks out of your room then, presumably to use the apartment's landline, leaving you alone with your thoughts for the moment. The image of the Tiger shrine looms in your mind, the mysterious evil about the place casting its shadow over the building. The most prudent parts of your mind would tell you that going there yourself is too big a risk at this point. There's still too many unknowns. It would be most logical to let Kiku keep sniffing around, since she has access and- hopefully- protection that you do not.
>But on the other hand, your presence there might very well shake loose one or two of those answers you and your friends are looking for. And the sooner you settle this problem, the sooner you can devote all your resources towards the other problem facing you and your friends.
>With a faint smile, your thoughts drift to your friend Marissa. This would be an easy decision for your cock-sure blonde friend to make. She'd kick down the Temple's front door and whatever else needed kicking down until everything was better. Seeing her as empowered as you are.... THERE'S a thought.
>"Byakuren?" Rin's voice calls to you from the other room, snapping you out of your thoughts of Marissa in a miniskirt blasting some unnamed horror.
-
>"Yes?"
-
>"Yes?"
>"Koa wanted ta have a quick word with ya."
-
>"Oh, of course."
>Go accept the phone call
-
>"Oh, of course."
>Go accept the phone call
>"Hello, my dear Byakuren." Koakuma's voice greets you after you take the phone from Rin. You can hear what sounds a little like tribal music in the background, but not enough to compete with Koa's sultry yet somehow simultaneously formal voice. "Rin-chan has explained the situation tonight, and I completely understand. However, I absolutely couldn't forgive myself if I didn't offer you my concern over that little accident you had last week."
-
>"Oh, thank you. I'm feeling quite fine now, thankfully, and have been given a clean bill of health, so no need to worry yourself over it."
-
>"Oh, thank you. I'm feeling quite fine now, thankfully, and have been given a clean bill of health, so no need to worry yourself over it."
>"Ahh, you've made my day. You must look after yourself. Remember, if you must fall down a flight of stairs, you should only do it when you have a strong, beautiful person at the bottom waiting to catch you."
-
>"Well, I promise that the next time I will endeavor to do so."
-
>"Well, I promise that the next time I will endeavor to do so."
>"Splendid. And, should your Rin not be around, and you happen to need a volunteer..." You can practically feel the look in Koakuma's eyes through the phone line.
-
>Do we know anything in particular about what kind of being Koakuma is?
>"I should think I would find it a much more comfortable landing than the last time, at any rate."
-
>Do we know anything in particular about what kind of being Koakuma is?
>"I should think I would find it a much more comfortable landing than the last time, at any rate."
>Specifically, no. She has bat wings, much like Remilia Scarlet, although Koa has wings on her head as well. It's one of her charm points, among many. She could very well be a bat youkai, extraneous wings don't always discount a mundane origin, but you're not sure on that. Some folks believe her to be a fabled succubus, and her alluring ways do little to dispel those rumors. This is rather unlikely, however, as the last recorded succubus was destroyed millennia ago during the dark ages. The succubi have gone the way of the vampire and the dinosaur, though it's not hard to see how someone like Koakuma can keep the legend alive.
>Koakuma laughs a warm, golden laugh. "Oh, I can promise you that." she practically purrs. "But, I shan't keep you. Business does call, and all. Do take care, my dear."
-
>Does that mean we don't think Remilia is a vampire either?
>"And you as well."
-
>Does that mean we don't think Remilia is a vampire either?
>"And you as well."
>It does. Though you haven't spent a great deal of thought on Mayoiga's premiere wedding planner in general, to be fair.
>Koakuma disconnects.
-
>"Well, then I guess the main remaining wrinkle is the timing of the meeting I promised those other shrine maidens. Or, I suppose, even what I ought to tell them. Well, beyond all the difficulties in infiltrating in the shrine in the first place, of course."
>How far away is where we said we'd meet them from the Tiger Shrine?
-
>How far away is where we said we'd meet them from the Tiger Shrine?
>The police stand where you agreed to meet the local enforcement is in the large park near the center of town. It is closer to one of the main roads in town, which lead directly to the four shrines, but is still farther away from the Tiger shrine than your apartment is. On foot, travel from the police stand to the shrine would probably take somewhere around an hour and a half, give or take fifteen minutes.
>"Well, then I guess the main remaining wrinkle is the timing of the meeting I promised those other shrine maidens. Or, I suppose, even what I ought to tell them. Well, beyond all the difficulties in infiltrating in the shrine in the first place, of course."
>"Ain't that three wrinkles?" Rin says with a faint grin.
-
>Is there any conveniently timed bus route running past there, that we know of?
>"I fear I may be all wrinkles before this is over with."
>"But the park is a long way from the shrine, and if the opportunity presents there, we may not have much time to waste on transit. Ideally, the meeting with the other shrine maidens would happen at some later time, but that perhaps should also not wait. I suppose I can hope to fit both things in without overlap, but I don't know how realistic that is."
-
>Is there any conveniently timed bus route running past there, that we know of?
>"I fear I may be all wrinkles before this is over with."
>"But the park is a long way from the shrine, and if the opportunity presents there, we may not have much time to waste on transit. Ideally, the meeting with the other shrine maidens would happen at some later time, but that perhaps should also not wait. I suppose I can hope to fit both things in without overlap, but I don't know how realistic that is."
>You're not sure. You know the town buses don't run through the park itself, but it's not too far from the police stand to the park's edge.
>Rin offers you a chuckle.
>"If travel time's the problem, maybe our magic could make us go faster?" your kasha suggests. "I mean, I can fly with my wheels, and you had that blue disc-thing, right?"
-
>Didn't one of our neighbors have a motorcyle?
>And did we have a license?
-
>Didn't one of our neighbors have a motorcyle?
>And did we have a license?
>Two. Both Nitori and Reisen own a motorcycle.
>You do not.
-
>"That may not be the most... inconspicuous way to traverse the city, I fear. I suppose, worst come to worst, we could probably simply grab a taxi."
>"Either way, I suppose we're left with a couple hours before we need to be anywhere now."
-
>"That may not be the most... inconspicuous way to traverse the city, I fear. I suppose, worst come to worst, we could probably simply grab a taxi."
>"Either way, I suppose we're left with a couple hours before we need to be anywhere now."
>"What's inconspitus mean?" Rin asks, not quite getting the word right.
>The kasha nods. "Oh yeah, Marissa's gonna be back up before too long, still thinks she's givin' me a ride ta work. What do we tell her?"
-
>"What's inconspitus mean?" Rin asks, not quite getting the word right.
>"I mean that we might attract attention flying that way, and I would rather not if we're trying not to stand out."
>"And what to tell Marisa is a good question. Maybe... that there was a scheduling conflict? I mean, there was...."
-
>"I mean that we might attract attention flying that way, and I would rather not if we're trying not to stand out."
>"And what to tell Marisa is a good question. Maybe... that there was a scheduling conflict? I mean, there was...."
>"Ah, yeah. An' people fly all the time 'round here, but magic's kinda weird. Might stand out. Still, if it works..."
>"I feel sorta bad for lyin' to Marissa, but, I guess we gotta." Your Rin gives you a supportive smile. "But, she seems a real good sort. I don't think she'll press ya too hard."
-
>"It's not really a lie. Just deferring to elaborate."
-
>"It's not really a lie. Just deferring to elaborate."
>"Defurr means 'puttin' off', right?"
-
>"More or less."
-
>"More or less."
>"Well, I'll have time ta fix us up somethin' before we leave." Rin grins. "Can't let a grumbling stomach give us away sneakin' through a temple."
-
>"Well, I wouldn't say no if you're preparing something."
-
>"Well, I wouldn't say no if you're preparing something."
>Censored avatars now, Purvis? Words fail.
>"Understood." Rin replies enthusiastically, her tails swishing back and forth as she heads for the kitchen. "You can sit back for a while, I'll get ya somethin' good."
-
>NONE FOR YOU
>"Sounds delightful!"
>Sit back. Maybe idly play with drawing on our power a bit, to get a bit more accustomed to doing it. Don't actually do anything with it; just let it fade. Invocation practice is the key.
-
>NONE FOR YOU
>"Sounds delightful!"
>Sit back. Maybe idly play with drawing on our power a bit, to get a bit more accustomed to doing it. Don't actually do anything with it; just let it fade. Invocation practice is the key.
>As your Rin heads to the kitchen, you lie back on your bed and relax for a little while. As Rin predicted, however, it is not long before Marissa returns to your apartment, asking Rin if she is ready to depart? Your slave replies, in rather vague terms, that circumstances have demanded your attention elsewhere tonight, and that her presense has been requested by you. Naturally, Marissa is a bit curious about this change in plans, but you, like Rin before you, try to explain without actually explaining your itenerary for this evening. Your close friend, knowing you as she does, does not pry. She simply smiles and accepts what you are saying. There is no doubt in your mind she suspects something more than what you say, but she won't ask. She respects you enough not to pry, she's said as much before. The look of concern in her eyes, though, brings a pang of guilt upon you. On an impulse, you glance down at your ring to see if its color has changed in Marissa's presence, but it is the same as always. You can't help but be a little dissappointed.
>Marissa departs shortly thereafter that, leaving to take Rin's place at Koa's. Your Rin, less one mouth to feed for the moment, takes the expedient option of heating up a batch of Eire style stew that she'd made a couple days ago. The vegetables don't quite hold the same volume of flavor after a day or two of refrigeration, but it hits the spot all the same.
>Electing to walk down to the park, you and Rin depart from your apartment leaving yourself plenty of time to make your appointment and some to spare. The way your life has gone lately, an unexpected delay along the way would hardly be a surprise. The snow has started falling, you find as you leave, wet flakes filtering down from the dull grey sky, whisked about by fitful rises of the easterly wind. Not the most pleasant of conditions, but more in the nature of an inconvenience than an obstacle. Rin does bring along an umbrella for you, thoughtful lass that she is. You being who you are, of course, insist on sharing the tool between you both. As she, rather futilely, tries to argue the point, you hear another voice. It is Kiku, reaching out to your mind's ear. Lotus?
-
>Yes?
-
>Yes?
>I have spoken with the Metal Tiger. Briefly. The sensation His presense was weaker than when first I stood before Him. But He was able to tell me that what we discovered earlier will not expose me to Satori. The inflection in her voice when she mentions the name of her elder miko is far sharper than you've heard before. Mere contact with her will not betray us.
-
>Interesting. Then what will betray us?
-
>Interesting. Then what will betray us?
>Kiku does not reply for a moment, and when she does, the sound of her laughter comes to your ears. I... have never heard that one before.
-
>But can you answer it? It's important to know how far we can push things.
-
>But can you answer it? It's important to know how far we can push things.
>Oh, you were serious. Kiku chuckles again. Well, I don't know. I simply asked if His protection still applied after we had opened my mind, for want of a better term.
-
>We'll just have to hope for the best, then. Was there any other news?
-
>We'll just have to hope for the best, then. Was there any other news?
>Since we parted, I have felt my mind open more and more. I can feel more of what Satori did to me. It wasn't just my memories, Byakuren. She affected my emotions, my mentality. Made me more.... docile. So that I would accept her leadership, feel more... subservient to her. Kiku almost spits the word.
-
>Merely to her, or docile and subservient toward others as well?
-
>Merely to her, or docile and subservient toward others as well?
>Her, specifically. Kiku snorts. You know me, Byakuren, you've seen me around my Sisters. I am many things towards them, but docile is not one of them.
-
>I had hoped not, otherwise if that was want it looked liked while ratcheted down...
>Try to convey that with a tone of amusement.
-
>I had hoped not, otherwise if that was want it looked liked while ratcheted down...
>Try to convey that with a tone of amusement.
>With a note of grim humor, Kiku replies, I'm sure there's a few among my sisters who might have wished.
>Speaking of them, now that I know what Satori did to me, and the form it took in my mind, I have discovered the same power present in at least two of my sisters. I can't be sure yet, but I'm thinking we've all been affected by Satori in similar ways.
-
>I would not be terribly surprised by this, I can't imagine you were the only person to be suspicious.
-
>I would not be terribly surprised by this, I can't imagine you were the only person to be suspicious.
>I haven't probed too deeply or too strongly, but I suspect that none of the others have been affected to the same extent that I am. I'm using very minimal power to take these scans. I still don't know if Satori has the ability to sense our power, but thus far, she doesn't seem aware of my actions.
-
>I don't think we can do anything about them right now, either. Not without causing more problems.
-
>I don't think we can do anything about them right now, either. Not without causing more problems.
>I agree. But at least now, we know that we can use our powers on at least a limited scale in this area without alerting Satori. I don't know how far I'd like to explore that right now, not before the ritual tonight.
-
>This bit about 'mere contact not betraying us' still applies only to you though, doesn't it?
-
>This bit about 'mere contact not betraying us' still applies only to you though, doesn't it?
>So far as I know.
-
>I suppose we take what blessings we are offered.
>And do you think you have it in you to perform tonight's ritual as though the events of the day did not precede it?
-
>I suppose we take what blessings we are offered.
>And do you think you have it in you to perform tonight's ritual as though the events of the day did not precede it?
>You hear Kiku drawing in a deep breath. I have to. Toune's safety is more important than my anger.
-
>I have faith in you. And know that we will see all this resolved, one way or the other.
-
>I have faith in you. And know that we will see all this resolved, one way or the other.
>Your faith.... is appreciated, Byakuren. I would be lying if I said seeing her tonight would be easy for me. I consider myself a disciplined, controlled youkai, but what she has done to me...
-
>I understand. But try not to worry, she will be dealt with soon.
-
>I understand. But try not to worry, she will be dealt with soon.
>Thank you.
>There's still some time before the ritual is set to begin. Since I am reasonably confidant that whatever power Satori has is not related to the demons we've fought, it may be terrestrial in origin. I will consult our archives. Perhaps there has been some precedent for this kind of psychic manipulation.
-
>That sounds like a wise idea. Let me know if you find anything.
-
>That sounds like a wise idea. Let me know if you find anything.
>Of course. However, you may be able to gain some information for us on that yourself.
-
>At the shrine tonight, you mean?
-
>At the shrine tonight, you mean?
>No, I mean at the meeting you're going to tonight. I may not be familiar with powers of the mind, but that doesn't mean that one of them doesn't. I've attended meetings like this before, and it's not much of an exaggeration to say it's a gather of some of the cleverest and most knowledgeable minds in town, at least in the realms of the supernatural. Especially the jade youkai of the Turtle shrine. Tell them about the manipulative powers of the Demons. One of them may have experience with terrestrial powers of that sort. It may not help us against the demons, but it might help us against Satori.
-
>I have no idea who will be in attendance, but I will keep this in mind, thank you.
-
>I have no idea who will be in attendance, but I will keep this in mind, thank you.
>You can expect at least one magically trained member from each shrine, and one or more magically trained members of the police force. No, correction, one from each of the shrines apart from ours. The one who usually attends those sorts of things is me, and I have other priorities tonight.
-
>Should word of this meeting have reached your ear by now from sources other than us, then?
-
>Should word of this meeting have reached your ear by now from sources other than us, then?
>The two shrine maidens who tried to fight the two demons would have told their elders, and they in turn would have informed the other two temple heads.
-
>And so Satori would know by now, but you have heard nothing?
-
>And so Satori would know by now, but you have heard nothing?
>Not as yet. But I haven't met her since I got back to the shrine either.
-
>Ah, fair enough.
>Well, I suppose I should leave you to your tasks. Tonight promises to be a busy evening for both of us, regardless of how it pans out.
-
>Ah, fair enough.
>Well, I suppose I should leave you to your tasks. Tonight promises to be a busy evening for both of us, regardless of how it pans out.
>Truly.
>One last thing, however. Kiku adds as an afterthought. It's possible Tenshi-sama herself will be there tonight. If she is, don't take her foul mood too seriously. She gets annoyed when people make magical trouble in 'her' town. She says it seriously, but you can almost hear the faintly amused look on the face of the tiger youkai.
-
>Yes, I've met her before, and I... would not be altogether surprised at that.
-
>Yes, I've met her before, and I... would not be altogether surprised at that.
>I can be accused of being sour of disposition, but it seems to come even more naturally for her than I. The tiger youkai's voice pauses, then softens a bit when she says, Then again, you've handled me fairly well over these last few days, Byakuren. Perhaps Tenshi-sama won't be beyond your skills either.
-
>I'm sure we'll manage.
-
>I'm sure we'll manage.
>Bidding Kiku good fortune in her research, you break contact with the Tiger miko.
>The easterly wind blows almost continually now, blowing the falling snow past you and Rin, buffeting the rust-red umbrella the kasha had the foresight to bring along with you. Normally you probably wouldn't have bothered, if it was just you yourself. Cold weather has never particularly bothered you, not until it gets down to around a dozen degrees below zero or so, but a bit of extra defense against a possible cold bug, especially given your present circumstances, is most wise.
>More than that, though, the simple thoughtfulness of Rin is rather touching. As a little sign of gratitide, you clasp the kasha's hand with yours. Rin blushes for a moment, but makes no effort to escape the contact.
>The city streets are anything but bare, despite the deteriorating weather, but only twice do vechicles familiar to you cross your path. Crossing your path outside a block of duplexes is the black clad Motormaster, thundering away from you followed by a quartet of rather less sinister but still somehow intimidating bikers. Rin scowls at the dark rider once the group are safely around a corner.
>The next vehicle is much less sinister, though the woman driving it has been referred to as such by a few camera shy models. Aya's ferrari comes past you heading the other way. You are slightly surprised that she stop to give you badger you about a job or two, but Rin informs you that she already had a passenger, your schoolmate and fellow model Kagerou. Two of them probably are already on the way to a job, and Aya's car only carries two. Just as well today, really.
>The transition into the park, at least from the direction you and Rin enter it from, is rather sudden. Buildings and houses on one side of a four lane road give way to long fields of well-cleaned grass beneath trees, the vast majority of which stand naked against the winter wind, save a few stubborn peach and maple leaves clinging desperately to their branches. The path you and she walk down on your way in is paved at first, then yields to a grassy field where children play and young people frequently come to study. Or persue other forms of activity. Presently the field, its benches and other features are all deserted, quite likely due to the weather. Not everyone is as resistant to cold and weather as you, of course. The only life form other than Rin is a very large golden eagle gliding through the cold air at a very casual pace. The huge bird waves one wing up and down as it passes over you. You have the distinct impression it was waving at you.
>"We should probably transform when we get the chance." Rin offers in a quiet voice. "They're expecting Magical Lotus and Magical White Rose after all."
-
>"Yes, of course."
>Find somewhere subtle along the way and make doubly sure we're unlikely to be spotted, then do just that.
-
>"Yes, of course."
>Find somewhere subtle along the way and make doubly sure we're unlikely to be spotted, then do just that.
>The path you are walking returns to tree cover a couple of dozen feet ahead, with a few fairly thick trunks to be seen. And no one around to see you, by the looks of it. Rin's youkai senses don't report anyone else in the vicinity either, save that huge eagle flying around. There's an outside chance that it could be a youkai, so you wait until the bird has flown on ahead for some distance before placing a cluster of trees and a single large iron streetlight between you and it, and invoking your transformation once again.
>Rin takes another long look and listen around, her face very serious. "All clear." she says after a moment.
-
>"Thank you."
>If she isn't transformed yet, gesture for her to go and do so as well.
-
>"Thank you."
>If she isn't transformed yet, gesture for her to go and do so as well.
>She had not, opting to keep her eyes peeled for trouble. She's very serious about that sort of thing. But upon your unspoken command, she follows your example and assumes the form of Magical White Rose.
-
>Proceed onward!
-
>Proceed onward!
>From where you entered the park, it's a relatively short walk to the road Komachi mentioned earlier today. This walk is made even shorter by the fact that you don't have any obstacles in your way, such as people and their assorted trappings. The only people you see at all on the ground are a young man and woman, sitting together on a laquer bench, their hands entwined. They're even sharing the same scarf. The two are plainly far more interested in gazing at other's faces than they are in even acknowledging your presence, and so you and Rin simply continue on your way.
>Perhaps fifteen or so minutes later, the Park's police stand comes into view. It's a building of decent size, possibly the only one of that sort within the park. The stables for the officer's horses are around the back of the building, and the front entrance is on the side you and Rin approach. A hakama clad shrine maiden has seated herself atop the building, her grey-black wings giving testament to how she got up there. It's the second shrine maiden who fought the two Demons with you earlier today. Chisato, you recall was her name. At the moment, she has her eyes fixed on the massive eagle floating through the air.
-
>"Hello there! Sorry if we kept you waiting."
-
>"Hello there! Sorry if we kept you waiting."
>The brown haired youkai glances down, and smiles at your coming. "Actually, you're early! We're still waiting on the Tortoise and Dragon people to arrive."
-
>"We?"
>Glance up at the eagle she was watching
-
>"We?"
>Glance up at the eagle she was watching
>"Uh huh." the miko replies as you look up at the oversized raptor once again. The big bird is presently vectoring towards the west, and you can see from this angle that it has a passenger. A small fairy clings to the bird's back. "Haruka onee-sama wanted me to come along, since I was there today. That's her up there." Chisato says with a note of pride in her voice.
-
>"I had wondered."
>Does the bird seem to be approaching or just circling around?
>And how small a fairy are we talking? At least as best we can guess from this distance.
-
>"I had wondered."
>Does the bird seem to be approaching or just circling around?
>And how small a fairy are we talking? At least as best we can guess from this distance.
>"Oh?" Chistao's eyes alight with curiousity. "Have you heard of Haruka onee-sama?"
>If she continues on her current course, she will be heading back down towards the ground, though not directly towards the police station.
>She seems to be somewhere in the neighbourhood of two feet tall, give or take a few inches. Small enough to be completely concealed by the gigantic birds' wings and torso from a number of angles.
-
>"Just a little."
-
>"Just a little."
>Chisato chuckles a short, boastful noise. "Of course, everyone's heard of Onee-sama, even folks from.... Well, wherever home is for you folks."
>"Oh, Komachi's arrived here, too." the smaller winged youkai informs you as the huge eagle begins her descent. "And she brought some wizard with a big attitude with her."
>"Did ya catch this wizard's name?" White Rose asks her.
>The miko rolls her eyes. "She was very firm about being called 'Madame Knowledge'. Have you heard of her, too?"
-
>Have we met Patchouli's mother before, or just heard stories?
>Does this seem likely it could even be her, or do we know that their clan extends further/wider?
-
>Have we met Patchouli's mother before, or just heard stories?
>Does this seem likely it could even be her, or do we know that their clan extends further/wider?
>Patchouli is the only member of the Knowledge family you have met in person.
>From what you know of her family, you know that the Knowledges' did live elsewhere. Patchouli's immediate family, for instance, moved here from Avalon. But if they have any family back in Avalon, or anywhere else, she hasn't mentioned.
-
>"I... may have. Someone by that name, anyway."
-
>"I... may have. Someone by that name, anyway."
>"Sounds like she didn't make de best impression?" Rin observes.
>"That's normal for wizards." Chisato replies, putting a sharp emphasis on the last word. "But this one, you don't even need to look at her to know she thinks she's above us." The gigantic eagle form of Haruka spreads her wings out wide to slow for a landing as Chisato continues, "I don't mind Komachi bringing in a wizard, they can do things we can't and all, I get it. By why she brought that one, I don't know."
-
>"Because she's well-qualified in her field, I expect - personality notwithstanding."
-
>"Because she's well-qualified in her field, I expect - personality notwithstanding."
>Just as well Patchy ain't one of us. Rin observes privately. Not with things the way they are 'tween her and her mama.
>"You are correct." the eagle calls out to you, just before she is engulfed in a golden glow. Haruka the shrine maiden returns to her humanoid guise, the fairy that had been riding her migrating to her broad shoulder with a flitter of her little wings. In your Magical Lotus form, you can read magical auras much more clearly, and Haruka's presence is very strong. Kiku is quite powerful, you know that, but based on the sensation of Haruka's aura, you would guess the eagle youkai is at least twice as powerful as your fellow magical girl. "I am familiar with the Knowledge clan, Chisato. I've worked with them before. They have their opinions, yes, but they very well versed in lore and the ways of magical." she explains as she strides towards you and Rin. "And you must be Magical Lotus." The tall miko extends her large hand towards you. "I hear that this city owes you some thanks, as do I."
-
>Return the gesture
>"I'm simply glad that we were able to avoid worse harm coming to others - nothing is owed us, but I accept your thanks in the spirit it is offered. And yes, I am Magical Lotus, and this is my trusted companion, White Rose."
>Gesture to Rin
-
>Return the gesture
>"I'm simply glad that we were able to avoid worse harm coming to others - nothing is owed us, but I accept your thanks in the spirit it is offered. And yes, I am Magical Lotus, and this is my trusted companion, White Rose."
>Gesture to Rin
>"Pleased to meet you." the tall youkai says as she exchanges a firm handshake with Rin. The normally simply formal words have a ring of genuine sincerity about them when they come from the mouth of this woman. With a faint smile, she says, "I'm fairly certain Chisato up there will have mentioned, but my name is Haruka Sawashiro. I have the honor of serving in the Shrine of the Fire Bird here in Mayoiga."
>"She's reeeeeeeeeeal important." the little fairy chirps from Haruka's shoulder.
-
>Smile
>"Pleased to meet you as well."
-
>Smile
>"Pleased to meet you as well."
>"What kinda eagle are you?" Rin asks with a small amount of wonder. "I didn't know they got that big."
>Haruka smiles. "My species is rather rare. It is found naturally only in parts of Aukland."
>"And none of em are as big and pretty as Big Sis!" the fairy chimes in, wrapping her little arms around the big youkai's head.
>"That will do, Melon." the big eagle youkai says tolerantly.
>Rin chuckles in your mind's ear. Kinda reminds ya of li'l Luna, don't it?
-
>Answer back with a mental chuckle, Perhaps a tad.
-
>Answer back with a mental chuckle, Perhaps a tad.
>"Since I'm sure you'll be obliged to field any number of questions once the other representatives arrive, I'll spare you my own for now." Haruka says as she gently unwraps the little fairy's arms from around her head. "Apart from one, if you'll grant me. I had been told there were three of your group. Will she be joining us this evening?"
-
>"Likely not. She has other obligations. But I feel between the two of us, we should be able to answer your questions as well as we can."
-
>"Likely not. She has other obligations. But I feel between the two of us, we should be able to answer your questions as well as we can."
>"I expect you'll be called upon to answer a number of them." Haruka restates with a wry grin. "It isn't every two two groups of being show up in this town, both wielding unidentified power. Run along and play, Melon." she says to the little fairy on her shoulder. "This is business."
>"Riiiiiiight." the tiny blonde says with a little wave before fluttering off of the eagle youkai's shoulder and flittering off aimlessly.
>"On that note." Haruka says rather seriously but in a subdued voice. "There was another matter I wanted to address while we were outside. After the battle you had with the demons was over, did you have any... difficulty with the police officers at the scene?"
-
>"No, why?"
-
>"No, why?"
>"Because there are some on the local force who can be suspicious of circumstances such as these."
>"How d'ya mean?" White Rose asks.
>"I don't want to offend either of you," Haruka assures you. "and if I do, I'm sorry. But the creatures you fought seemed to be impervious to both conventional weaponry, 4 Primes magic and necromancy, and they don't seem to immediately conform to any known type of supernatural being. The only power that seemed to affect them was your power, and you also seem to possess an unknown power and aren't like anything or anyone that jumps out of the pages of history or common knowledge." With a faint smile, the golden eagle adds, "Unless you count the mahou shoujou genre."
-
>Quickly reinforce the forth wall with Sapphire Lotus; it seems to be sagging slightly.
>"Are you suggesting they might suspect us of somehow being complicit in this?"
-
>Quickly reinforce the forth wall with Sapphire Lotus; it seems to be sagging slightly.
>"Are you suggesting they might suspect us of somehow being complicit in this?"
>There were some budget cuts. We ran a little shy on mortar.
>"Unfortunately, some of them almost certainly will." Haruka says a little sadly. "Some officers are naturally suspicious, others seem to believe it is their job to be suspicious. And that applies to magicians sometimes, as well." she adds, casting a meaningful look back towards the police stand, wherein which can be found a notable magician. "You'll get no such attitude from Komachi, I can tell you that for certain. But she won't be the only officer here tonight, and while her voice carries a lot of weight, it isn't always a lone voice."
>"And I can also promise you this." she adds, her sincere voice intones. "If anyone in there levels any suspicions at either one of you, you'll have my full support. You two stood against a pair of beings whose power was described to me as 'overwhelming', and you did it to save innocent lives. And you helped another innocent life before that conflict. While it is true that none of us really know that much about you or White Rose, as far as I'm concerned, there's no doubting where you stand."
-
>"I appreciate the support, and I assure you that our objective here is to safeguard as many lives that stand threatened by this conflict as we possibly can."
-
>"I appreciate the support, and I assure you that our objective here is to safeguard as many lives that stand threatened by this conflict as we possibly can."
>"Since you seem to have the tools for the job, I will assure you that the shrine maidens of the Bird shrine will do anything we can to help you do just that."
>"Uh, 'scuse me?" Rin interjects quietly.
>"Yes?"
>"Can I ask ye something?" When the tall youkai nods, Rin continues, "Ya said necr... nek..."
>Your kasha visibly stumbles over the word for a moment before Haruka helpfully supplies "Necromancy?"
>"Yeah, that. Isn't that dead magic? I mean magic that controls the dead?" She looks at you. "That's right, right?"
-
>What do we know of necromancy?
-
>What do we know of necromancy?
>Rin's rather short description of the magic style is technically correct. Necromancy is the magical art of manipulating the dead. To your knowledge, it is considered one of the darker aspects of magic. There seems to be a stigma attached to the word itself. It's the type of magic people don't like to talk about, and certainly don't like to acknowledge if and when they have any skill on it.
-
>"More or less, yes."
-
>"More or less, yes."
>"But isn't that evil?"
>"A lot of people consider it evil." Haruka replies. "And there has been a lot of people who have used that magic to do evil. But is isn't evil in and of itself, any more than my magic is. It's up to the practitioner to decide how he or she uses it."
>"Yeah, ya got a good point there. But, if I heard ya right, you said someone used that power during the fight earlier today. But I didn't see any corpses or bones or anythin' like that." Your kasha pauses and frowns. "But I might've missed something, I got real focused on Fire during the fight. I didn't miss anything like someone calling up a zombie or something, did I, Lotus?"
-
>"Not unless I missed it also."
>To Haruka: "But if I had to guess, I would assume you are referring to the black bolt which Sergent Onozuka fired at the Ice champion?"
-
>"Not unless I missed it also."
>To Haruka: "But if I had to guess, I would assume you are referring to the black bolt which Sergent Onozuka fired at the Ice champion?"
>"That is among her spells, yes." the big eagle says with a nod. And with a knowing smile, she adds, "Though she prefers simply 'Komachi'. She may well be the least formal officer of the law I've ever had the pleasure of working with."
-
>Nod
>"Komachi, then. I have never encountered necromancy in person before, though from the aura I sensed from that spell, I do not find it difficult to believe that it was. I admit I am surprised she wields such a power, though."
-
>Nod
>"Komachi, then. I have never encountered necromancy in person before, though from the aura I sensed from that spell, I do not find it difficult to believe that it was. I admit I am surprised she wields such a power, though."
>"As I understand, it wasn't entirely her choice in the matter. She called it a 'family tradition'." Haruka casts a sympathetic look back in the direction of the police stand. "It's about the only topic she doesn't really like talking about, so I've never pressed her on her family. It's enough for me to know who she is, and in all the years I've known her, I've never once known her to use her powers for anything other than to help someone out."
>"How do ya use that kind of power to help people?" Rin asks.
>"You might be surprised. It actually helps quite a bit with her police work sometimes, if you can believe that."
>Rin stares. "How?"
>"Have you ever heard the phrase 'dead men tell no tales'?" Rin nods, and Haruka explains, "That phrase doesn't hold as true when Komachi's on the case."
-
>"That sounds remarkably convenient in murder investigations."
-
>"That sounds remarkably convenient in murder investigations."
>Haruka chuckles warmly. "You said it, Magical Lotus. Well, at least in this country, the legality tends to change in some places. Not every jury in the world wants to accept the testimony of a dead man."
>"You've been involved with that kind of thing, haven't you?"
>The eagle gives Rin a nod. "A number of years ago. But there is a softer side to necromancy as well. Komachi's magic can be used to help a family who's lost a loved one. She can't actually resurrect the deceased, but she can let his family hear his last words, or let the deceased hear his family's last message as well." The tall youkai's eyes soften noticeably. "I've had the honor of being there once when Komachi did just that. It was a sight to behold."
-
>"Almost doesn't sound deserving of the art's reputation."
-
>"Almost doesn't sound deserving of the art's reputation."
>"Unfortunately, it is these acts that do not gain as much focus as the darker aspects of the art. This is, sadly, a good reason why necromancers are seldom well received. With all power there comes a risk of being corrupted by it, but there are some branches of magic that are more prone to it than others. Necromancy among them. Learning the ways of the dead, it can drive people mad. Controlling the dead, it does things to people. I've had to confront some necromancers in my time. Komachi is a good woman who uses her powers wisely, but I have little choice but to admit, she is more the exception than the rule."
-
>"A pity. But I am glad to know that even in an art as maligned as that one, some still strive to use it for good, and others are willing to recognize them for such. It is all too easy to make assumptions."
-
>"A pity. But I am glad to know that even in an art as maligned as that one, some still strive to use it for good, and others are willing to recognize them for such. It is all too easy to make assumptions."
>Haruka smiles. "I'm going to like working with you, Lotus. May I call you that?"
-
>Smile and nod
>"Of course."
-
>Smile and nod
>"Of course."
>"And, how do you like ta be called?" White Rose asks the big youkai.
>"Well, in your tongue, it'd be 'Maigdheann seipiel'." Haruka says, then pauses when she sees Rin's expression of shock. "I did pronounce that right, didn't I?"
>"Yeah. Well, near enough. It's.. Well, I haven't met many Yamato folks that spoke Eire, other than a few Oni."
>"True. I don't often get a chance to speak Eire myself." To you, she asks, "You're not from Eire, though, are you?"
-
>Shake head
>"I am not."
>Is Rin's accent that easy to peg?
>Do we know what what Haruka said means?
-
>Is Rin's accent that easy to peg?
>Do we know what what Haruka said means?
>It is pretty distinct. Eire isn't a common language in this country, but the accent is almost as well known as the Eagleland accent. Both tend to be used for comedy in the world of the media, at least in Yamato.
>You think 'maigdheann' means 'woman', or possibly 'maiden'. While you don't know the second word, if you're right about the first one being 'maiden', it's probably the Eire translation of 'Shrine maiden'.
>Shake head
>"I am not."
>"You said you were from Auckland, right?" White Rose asks the big youkai. "Ya don't really sound like it."
>"I was actually born in this country. Well, born into life as a youkai." Haruka corrects herself. "I was the prize acquisition of an exotic animal collector down in Chireiden."
>Rin grimaces. "Sorry."
>"Don't be." the eagle youkai says with a faint shake of her head. "It was a very long time ago. Though I thank you for the sentiment. While we're talking about respective homes, though, will you two be needing a place to stay while you're in Mayoiga?"
-
>What do we know of Chireiden?
>"That's already taken care of, don't worry - though I appreciate the concern."
-
>What do we know of Chireiden?
>Chireiden is a major city in Yamato, located southeast of Mayoiga on the Pacific coast. It is a military town, boasting the headquarters of the Imperial Navy and a major Air Force base. It was one of the last Yamato cities to have a functional wall for defense, before that wall was destroyed in the last Lunarian war. Despite the strong presense of the armed forces, you've found it to be a friendly town the times you and the family have visited there.
>"That's already taken care of, don't worry - though I appreciate the concern."
>"I understand. Though the offer remains open if you ever need it. A neutral location to stage from can be hard to come by in some places, even a city like this."
-
>"Should the need arise, I will keep it in mind, thank you."
>Barring further questions, let's wait for the rest of the people to arrive
-
>"Should the need arise, I will keep it in mind, thank you."
>Barring further questions, let's wait for the rest of the people to arrive
>Not having anything further specifically to discuss with the tall shrine maiden, the three of you walk closer to the police station to stand in some shelter from the blustery weather. Rin takes the chance to ask the golden eagle youkai about her time in Eire, and the winged woman spends the next several minutes swapping stories of the emerald isle with your kasha. Knowing that this is something of a rare opportunity for Rin, you let her do the lion's share of the talking. Haruka shows your Rin more than simple polite interest. There is a profound sense of sincerity about the big youkai, an honesty of spirit that you seldom see in other people. Plus the sense that she has quite a few stories to tell, if given the chance.
>Somewhere around ten minutes later, Chisato announces the sight of three more shrine maidens incoming. When they come into view, walking down from the north road, you spot the manta-winged youkai who fought alongside you earlier today, Makie. Accompanying her is the burly form of Lillian, the reptilian youkai you met at the Tortoise shrine. Seeing her in daylight really doesn't make her figure any less imposing a sight. If confronted with a youma, you have little trouble imagining her fighting the thing with her bare hands.
>Trailing along a bit behind the two Tortoise shrine maidens is the representative from the Dragon shrine. Giada, the yellow-eyed green haired youkai who gave you that jade yesterday, has come among you.
-
>"Is that everyone, then? From the shrines, I mean."
-
>"Is that everyone, then? From the shrines, I mean."
>"I would think so." Haruka replies. "I would have liked Kiku to be here as well, but I didn't expect it."
>"Kiku's from the last shrine?" White Rose asks.
>"Aye. She is a very powerful and skilled shrine maiden, and a trusted ally."
>"So you're the two that wrangled those dark spirits today, eh." Lillian calls out to you with that oddly accented voice of hers. "Kinda pretty fer fighters, aren't you?"
-
>"Well, we didn't exactly brawl with them."
-
>"Well, we didn't exactly brawl with them."
>"Oya? What would you call it, then?" the reptilian youkai asks with a lazy grin.
-
>"I don't think there is a good word for it. Let's just say it was a mess?"
>Grin back.
-
>"I don't think there is a good word for it. Let's just say it was a mess?"
>Grin back.
>Lillian chuckles a deep rumble of a laugh. "I like that."
>While Makie exchanges greetings with Haruka, the smaller youkai doing a rather poor job at concealing her admiring expression, Giada turns her pale yellow eyes on you and Rin. "You seem so young." she says quietly.
-
>"If one has the will and the power to do good in the world, I think age matters little."
-
>"If one has the will and the power to do good in the world, I think age matters little."
>"Oh." The odd miko blinks her eyes as she starts, before looking at you more closely. "You're not...?"
-
>Give her a moment
>"Not what?"
-
>Give her a moment
>"Not what?"
>The youkai with the jade hair pulls her eyes back after a moment. "Forgive me." she says, her voice just a little melancholy. "For a moment, I thought... But you couldn't be her." She offers you a little smile tinged with an old sadness. "I am sorry, you reminded me very strongly of a friend I once had, a very long time ago."
-
>"Not an unpleasant memory, I hope?"
-
>"Not an unpleasant memory, I hope?"
>Giada's head sways back and forth briefly. "Only the end. And even then..."
>"Don't know 'bout you folks, but I'm going inside." Lilian declares over Giada's words. "Freezing my tail off out here."
>"It doesn't show." Chisato calls down from the roof.
>Lillian flashes her a fangy grin. "You're far too kind." she drawls before stomping towards the police station's door.
-
>"Shall we?"
>Assuming no objections, let's head inside
-
>"Shall we?"
>Assuming no objections, let's head inside
>Virtually surrounded by the spiritual defenders of Yamato, you enter into one of the bases of those who defend the physical side of life.
>Your first impression of the insides of this place isn't wonderful. The very faint scent of old horse droppings wafts across your nose. Probably the result of someone leaving the door or window near the stables around back open a while back. Accompanying this scent is the odor of strong, cheap coffee. The front room is also fairly spartan. A thick barrier which doubles as a desk blocks off the rest of the room a couple of feet inside, and a stocky looking man in a police uniform mans this desk. Beyond, the room is very wide open, the walls a mix of dull grey and white with little in the way of decoration beyond a couple of wanted posters and assorted other papers and posting likely relevant to the officers stationed here. A number of flat grey and brown desks dot the interior of the room at points, and the chairs surrounding them indicate their purchase was based on cost rather than comfort.
>A large conference table takes up the space in the middle of the room, with three individuals seated at it at the moment. Another officer, this one a black haired woman of human stock, is accepting a cup of steaming cup of coffee from a stern-faced winged man wearing a steel-plated jacket and armor over his legs. A second cup sits in front of Komachi, the only one of the group with a smile on her face. Not that this is abnormal for her, but it does seem a bit out of place given the state of the others. The last one of the group, seated at the head of the table, is an older woman with thick glasses, her thinning purple hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. She has an aristocrat's face, and the expression of one that has spent a very long time surrounded by people she doesn't care for. She can only be Patchouli's mother, you could have guessed that at first glance even if you hadn't been told Madame Knowledge was here, but you can see straight away that her daughter may not have been far off when describing her mother, as she put it, as 'haughty'.
>The man with the thin beard behind the desk takes in the sight of all of you entering. He mutters something shortly which you don't quite catch as he straightens up and says more loudly, "Ah, you're all here, lovely." in a voice accented like one whose native tongue is Francias. He presses a button to his left and a portion of the barrier swings open. "Come in, come in."
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Step inside
>To Rin: More people here for this meeting than I expected.
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Step inside
>To Rin: More people here for this meeting than I expected.
>Other two cops're probably the ones that work here. your kasha replies as you follow Lillian through the barricade. Guy with the heavy metal jacket, now, there ya got me. Think he's a spellcaster too?
-
>Can we sense anything unusual from him?
-
>Can we sense anything unusual from him?
>Briefly you send out your mystic senses towards the table. The armor-clad man has an aura no different of a normal youkai, though you do get a feeling of power from his armor. It's probably enchanted in some way. The bearded man behind the barrier appears to be a mundane mortal as well. Komachi's magical aura is a dark thing, the sensation of brushing it is not a pleasant one. The other officer returns the sensation of a magic user as well, but not an especially strong one. Patchouli's mother, however, practically radiates power, largely of the water element. The type of magic she has isn't the same as the shrine maiden's auras, but at a guess, she's at least as powerful as Haruka, and maybe more.
>Among the last mikos to arrive, Lillian's aura is stronger than Makie's, who is about on the same level as Chisato, and the veil around Giada deflects your senses.
>"Right, we're all here." Lillian announces herself with a toothy grin. "Who's up for poker?"
-
>"Would that I were."
-
>"Would that I were."
>The reptilian youkai chuckles a rumbling laugh. "Ah, loosen up." she says as she grab a chair and spins it around, flopping down with a fairly audible thump.
>"We are not here to be 'loose', shrine maiden." Madame Knowledge chides the big youkai in the clipped, accented tones of an Avalon noble. As you sit down in the chair White Rose pulls out for you, you get a better look at Patchy's mother. She seems to share her daughters' fondness for purple clothing, though hers are lacking the ribbons Patchy usually wears, and have more black highlights than the younger Knowledge. The shawl and robe she sports also fit her body more snugly than Patchouli's usual outfits, though they seem only to add to the air of severity around the older woman rather than accentuate her feminine features.
>Her sharp eyes shift from the reptile to you, and you'd be lying if you said the look she gave you didn't make you slightly uncomfortable. This won't be an easy woman to work with. "Komachi has informed me that you two were the ones who bested these..." she pauses, sighs a little, then finishes, "agents of darkness."
-
>"That is correct. Well, there was a third with us at the time, also, but yes."
>Reach out to Lily: Lily?
-
>"That is correct. Well, there was a third with us at the time, also, but yes."
>Reach out to Lily: Lily?
>"Which makes them the best people to ask about how we can deal with these demons." Makie adds.
>"Please. 'Demon' is hardly the term to use for beings who so handily defeated the power of the shrine maidens of Yamato, hmm?" the magus retorts.
>Makie clenches her teeth, but Haruka, politely, points out, "The same beings who seemed to be as resistant to arcane magic as they were to divine, Madame Knowledge."
>Your cheerful friend does not reply during this exchange, or for a long moment afterwards. When she does eventually reply, her voice is lacking almost all of its usual energy, Morning Star?
-
>Lily? Are you alright?
-
>Lily? Are you alright?
>Me? Yeah, I'm fine. she says, sounding quite a ways from it.
-
>Are you... sure? You don't sound very good to me.
-
>Are you... sure? You don't sound very good to me.
>Well... Maybe just sorta fine.
>The elder knowledge seems just a touch annoyed at Haruka's retort, but doesn't reply to it.
>"Well, thanks all for coming." Komachi states as the rest of the mikos and the bearded man take their seats, leaving the winged youkai and Rin the only two standing, White Rose standing next to and just behind you, the armored man assuming a similar position to the right of the wizard.
-
>What's wrong? Did something happen?
-
>What's wrong? Did something happen?
>Lily takes a breath. Well, we had to bring Mama to the hospital. She had a real nasty fall down the stairs.
-
>Oh no, I'm so sorry. Is she okay?
>Try not to look too alarmed to the rest of the room. And try not to miss if anyone is saying something we should reply to.
-
>Oh no, I'm so sorry. Is she okay?
>Try not to look too alarmed to the rest of the room. And try not to miss if anyone is saying something we should reply to.
>She broke her hip. Lily replies as you take a moment to ensure your emotions don't display. The doctors said it wasn't a BAD break, coulda been worse, but she's still in surgery now, to fix it.
-
>Oh Lily... You have my warmest sympathies. If there's anything I can do to help, please just say so.
-
>Oh Lily... You have my warmest sympathies. If there's anything I can do to help, please just say so.
>Thanks. Injecting a bit of cheer into her voice, Lily says, Well, I wouldn't mind if you could bring a heater down. It's a bit chilly down here.
>"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to cut to the heart of the matter." Madame Knowledge says, interrupting something Chistao was saying in the process. "You, Lotus, or whatever you wish to be called. How is it that you seem able to damage something a proper wizard could not?"
-
>"Our powers are of a different nature than yours. These beings seem to possess an enormous resilience to most magical and spiritual arts - on previous occasions we have seen them be similarly ineffective against them. Why precisely our powers are so effective where those of others have not been, I cannot say for sure - merely that the difference has been nearly absolute."
>Are you at the hospital now?
-
>"Our powers are of a different nature than yours. These beings seem to possess an enormous resilience to most magical and spiritual arts - on previous occasions we have seen them be similarly ineffective against them. Why precisely our powers are so effective where those of others have not been, I cannot say for sure - merely that the difference has been nearly absolute."
>Are you at the hospital now?
>"In other words, you don't know." the elder Knowledge says simply.
>"Well, isn't it enough that she CAN hurt them?" the beared man asks.
>"Not if we plan to fight them ourselves." Haruka says with a shake of her head. "Those two demons, or whatever you want to call them," she adds with a glance at Madame Knowledge, "are still out there, and if Lotus and her fellows aren't around, we'll need a plan."
>"They call themselves 'Champions'." White Rose supplies.
>Yeah. Me and Papa have been here ever since.
-
>I'm sure your mother will be fine. She's in good hands. And if she has even half your spirit, I expect there'll be a smile back on her face before you know it.
>"I mean no offense to anyone present, but I want to strongly caution against any attempt to engage these beings directly using conventional means. No matter how confident you are in your abilities in any other circumstance, their power is immense and their resilience extraordinary, and most will not hesitate to kill anyone trying to interfere with them. Trying to deal with them as you might some other magical threat stands a very real chance of simply getting people killed or enthralled by them. I do not say this lightly; several times in the last week we have had to intercede to prevent this very thing."
-
>I'm sure your mother will be fine. She's in good hands. And if she has even half your spirit, I expect there'll be a smile back on her face before you know it.
>"I mean no offense to anyone present, but I want to strongly caution against any attempt to engage these beings directly using conventional means. No matter how confident you are in your abilities in any other circumstance, their power is immense and their resilience extraordinary, and most will not hesitate to kill anyone trying to interfere with them. Trying to deal with them as you might some other magical threat stands a very real chance of simply getting people killed or enthralled by them. I do not say this lightly; several times in the last week we have had to intercede to prevent this very thing."
>You draw a little giggle from the blonde woman. Aw, gee, thanks.
>"And who are you, young lady, to speak with such authority on the subject?" Madame Knowledge inquires.
-
>"We have fought them several times in past, and as best I know are potentially the only ones in living memory to have done so successfully. I have seen those highly skilled in other arts try and fail to injure them despite using the fullest extent of their power. I do not want to see anyone injured because they underestimated the power of what they were confronting. Even if you have misgivings about us, surely you can at least agree that acting with the utmost prudence is warranted in such extraordinary circumstances. I am sure those others who were present can testify to the scale of the power the Ice Champion unleashed."
-
>"We have fought them several times in past, and as best I know are potentially the only ones in living memory to have done so successfully. I have seen those highly skilled in other arts try and fail to injure them despite using the fullest extent of their power. I do not want to see anyone injured because they underestimated the power of what they were confronting. Even if you have misgivings about us, surely you can at least agree that acting with the utmost prudence is warranted in such extraordinary circumstances. I am sure those others who were present can testify to the scale of the power the Ice Champion unleashed."
>"You can say that again." Chisato says with a nod. "That overgrown owl probably has power enough to freeze the whole city if it wanted. And the Fire Champion walked through a seal I threw up like it wasn't even there. If you ask me, we were all pretty lucky to make it outta there with all our feathers attached."
>"Speaking of that, Magical Lotus." Makie says to you, looking a bit concerned. "You took one of Ice's attacks almost head-on. And you kept fighting afterwards. I think you expended more energy than any of us. Are you unhurt after all that?"
-
>How DO we feel, actually? Physically, energy-wise, and so on.
-
>How DO we feel, actually? Physically, energy-wise, and so on.
>Despite your earlier excursions, you actually feel pretty close to tip-top shape. Your legs are just a touch on the sore side, but that's probably as much to do with the walk here as the earlier brawls.
-
>"Well, it hurt a bit at the time, but I honestly feel quite fine now - though I appreciate the concern."
-
>"Well, it hurt a bit at the time, but I honestly feel quite fine now - though I appreciate the concern."
>"You heal pretty fast, don'cha?" Lillian drawls.
>"If we may return to the point." the purple-tressed magician interrupts. "Warnings and prudence certainly have their, place, this cannot be disputed. However, young lady, there are only two of you. And in the event you were not aware, this is a rather large city."
>"Actually, there were three who fought the Champions." Komachi corrects. "There was a cute little girl with blonde hair and fluffy wings."
>Madame Knowledge hmphs, the sound containing a generous dollop of disdain. "And I suppose your partner is on patrol at the moment?"
-
>"She had to attend to a personal matter. And there is actually a forth of our number in the city, though she was not able to make it to the school before the conflict there had already been resolved for the time being."
>"And yes, I do acknowledge the logistical limitations of having so few people defending such a large area, but we are fortunate in that our adversaries here are similarly few in number for the time-being."
-
>"She had to attend to a personal matter. And there is actually a forth of our number in the city, though she was not able to make it to the school before the conflict there had already been resolved for the time being."
>"And yes, I do acknowledge the logistical limitations of having so few people defending such a large area, but we are fortunate in that our adversaries here are similarly few in number for the time-being."
>"And the two you fought today, Ice and Fire." Haruka asks, leaning forward slightly. "Have those two been the only Champions you've encountered?"
-
>"No. Four of these beings have crossed over into our world in the last week or so, and we have encountered all of them at least once, and sometimes moreso. One has since gone into hiding, another was defeated and sealed safely away. You witnessed our first encounter with Fire and Ice. I have strong reason to believe that two more of their number are attempting to gain access to our world, though I'm afraid I cannot estimate how long it may take them to do so. But for now I am quite confident there are only three of them within the city."
-
>"No. Four of these beings have crossed over into our world in the last week or so, and we have encountered all of them at least once, and sometimes moreso. One has since gone into hiding, another was defeated and sealed safely away. You witnessed our first encounter with Fire and Ice. I have strong reason to believe that two more of their number are attempting to gain access to our world, though I'm afraid I cannot estimate how long it may take them to do so. But for now I am quite confident there are only three of them within the city."
>"Then the enemy is based on the six elements of Geddon magic?" the big youkai speculates.
>White Rose blinks in confusion. "Geddon?"
>"It's a kind of sorcery." Haruka explains. With a diplomatic look at the elder magician at the table, she adds, "Though perhaps Madame Knowledge could explain better than me."
>"If I must. Though clearly you're mistaken." she states. "One means of exercising the arcane arts is through power derived from a system of six elements: Fire, Earth, Ice, Water, Air and Forest." Placing her hand upon her breast, she boasts, "I myself am a master of the discipline of Water, though the remaining five are hardly foreign to me. The term 'Geddon' refers to the first documented practicioner of the arts, one Baron Jania Elis Geddon."
>"So other than the two today, which elements are at large?" the bearded policeman asks you.
-
>"Water has been dealt with. Air's current whereabouts are unknown. Earth and Forest have not yet entered our world."
-
>"Water has been dealt with. Air's current whereabouts are unknown. Earth and Forest have not yet entered our world."
>"Did Water and Air come as a pair, like Ice and Fire did?" Lillian asks.
>White Rose shakes her head. "No, Air got here first, then Water. We're not real clear on why they're comin' the other they are."
>"A moment, please." Haruka interjects. To Madame Knowledge, she asks, "What did you mean, I was mistaken about the basis of these Champions powers?"
>"Quite simply, my old friend, no disturbance of an arcane nature such as these Champions seem to be could go undetected by those such as I." the elder mage replies.
>"Then how would you explain the titles they bear?"
>Patchouli's mother levels her arrogant eyes at you at your kasha partner. "If I'm not mistaken, that's what they're here to explain, is it not?"
-
>"Their titles have indeed corresponded to the nature of the powers they wield, though not absolutely - Water was able to wield lightning as well, for example - but if you insist that they could not be wielding this... Geddon magic or you would have sensed it, I do not have grounds to disagree. Perhaps the correspondences with that elemental system are coincidence - merely some alternate form of magic with similarities of terminology but considerable differences of substance. My knowledge of the formal aspects of conventional magic are little more than a layperson, I am afraid. But on their titles, I am quite confident."
-
>"Their titles have indeed corresponded to the nature of the powers they wield, though not absolutely - Water was able to wield lightning as well, for example - but if you insist that they could not be wielding this... Geddon magic or you would have sensed it, I do not have grounds to disagree. Perhaps the correspondences with that elemental system are coincidence - merely some alternate form of magic with similarities of terminology but considerable differences of substance. My knowledge of the formal aspects of conventional magic are little more than a layperson, I am afraid. But on their titles, I am quite confident."
>"Why so confidant?"
-
>"Well, they said them themselves."
-
>"Well, they said them themselves."
>"But not the Champions of Earth and Forest." Madame Knowledge counters.
-
>"Those here did refer to others of their kind by those titles."
-
>"Those here did refer to others of their kind by those titles."
>"And you took them at their word."
-
>"A title is something assumed in the first place, no? If they choose to call themselves that, I see no reason not to do likewise. They made no claims about the system of magic they employ - I do not know if they have enough familiarity with those of our world to even attempt to copy one in form in the first place, nor why they should care to. Is there some reason you object to them being named such?"
-
>"A title is something assumed in the first place, no? If they choose to call themselves that, I see no reason not to do likewise. They made no claims about the system of magic they employ - I do not know if they have enough familiarity with those of our world to even attempt to copy one in form in the first place, nor why they should care to. Is there some reason you object to them being named such?"
>"How naive." the old Knowledge says with a much put-upon sigh. "It's simple deception, child."
-
>"And what are they attempting to deceive us of?, exactly?"
-
>"And what are they attempting to deceive us of?, exactly?"
>Patchouli's mother seems disappointed somehow, but it is Lillian who answers, "Tactics, girl. If the guy you're playing against thinks you've got three of a kind, it makes it easier to drop the flush on 'em."
>"A... crude analogy, but not an ineffective one." the wizard says disdainfully.
-
>"Oh, are you suggesting that these other champions not here yet simply do not exist?"
-
>"Oh, are you suggesting that these other champions not here yet simply do not exist?"
>"Now you're catching on. Or, that their real titles are something else entirely. That way, all the effort you put in to learning about the powers you think they possess is time wasted."
>"I've heard some wizards do that to keep their research secret." Lillian says to no one in particular.
>"It has been known to happen now and again." the elder wizard grants. "Now, if some sort of verity detection is part of whatever power you possess, then I shall stand relieved." she adds in your direction.
-
>We have never felt any better at estimating falsehood in some explicit way since gaining our powers than before, have we?
-
>We have never felt any better at estimating falsehood in some explicit way since gaining our powers than before, have we?
>Not so far as you've noticed. You've just always been naturally perceptive. It takes a pretty skilled liar to get one over on you, if you do say so yourself.
-
>"It is not, but I feel we are getting rather sidetracked here. Perhaps we cannot be certain that more of their number are due to arrive, but it seems even more foolhardy to assume they are bluffing, without means to confirm either way. And their powers already explicitly and demonstrably include domains outside that of their stated title, so it seems a very poor attempt at misdirection. I have never had any intention of engaging these beings under the belief that I know fully what they are capable of - I already know better than to assume as much. What we do know beyond any doubt is that their power is vast and beyond the reach of most others to hinder, and that lives are actively at risk so long as they remain unchecked. I do believe the goal of this meeting is about how best we might cooperate to safeguard them?"
-
>"It is not, but I feel we are getting rather sidetracked here. Perhaps we cannot be certain that more of their number are due to arrive, but it seems even more foolhardy to assume they are bluffing, without means to confirm either way. And their powers already explicitly and demonstrably include domains outside that of their stated title, so it seems a very poor attempt at misdirection. I have never had any intention of engaging these beings under the belief that I know fully what they are capable of - I already know better than to assume as much. What we do know beyond any doubt is that their power is vast and beyond the reach of most others to hinder, and that lives are actively at risk so long as they remain unchecked. I do believe the goal of this meeting is about how best we might cooperate to safeguard them?"
>"Which is why we need your help." Haruka says. "Thus far, you and your colleagues have proven to be the only ones capable of damaging these Champions, and you've obviously dealt with them more than any of us here. But the fact is, there is only four of you, and many more of us. It's simple math, the odds are far better for these Champions encountering a representitive of the organizations represented here, or of a practicioner of the arcane arts like Madame Knowledge, than they are to meet you and yours. Is there anything at all you can tell us about their weaknesses or capabilities that might help us fight them, even if just to hold them at bay?"
>"Haruka's right." Komachi adds with a nod. "Maybe we can't beat 'em, but we can't just stand by and wait for you girls to do all the work."
>"This coming from you, Sarge?" the thus-far silent female officer says with a wry smile. Rather than be offended, Komachi simply chuckles.
-
>"What you say is true, of course - we cannot be everywhere at once. But I am afraid one thing I do not know is any other means by which they can be noticeably impeded. Believe me, I wish I had one to share. If any of you have any suggestions about how their power might be probed in some way that could lead to you fashioning your own methods to combat them, I am open to hearing them, but otherwise I feel the best ways you might be able to help are with reconnaissance and helping to extract bystanders caught near any future altercations and help keep others from approaching. The fewer people we need to keep watch on, the better able we will be to concentrate on our shared adversaries. We can share some of what we know of their goals and methods, which hopefully may help a little."
-
>"What you say is true, of course - we cannot be everywhere at once. But I am afraid one thing I do not know is any other means by which they can be noticeably impeded. Believe me, I wish I had one to share. If any of you have any suggestions about how their power might be probed in some way that could lead to you fashioning your own methods to combat them, I am open to hearing them, but otherwise I feel the best ways you might be able to help are with reconnaissance and helping to extract bystanders caught near any future altercations and help keep others from approaching. The fewer people we need to keep watch on, the better able we will be to concentrate on our shared adversaries. We can share some of what we know of their goals and methods, which hopefully may help a little."
>The golden eagle youkai gives you a smile. "Since the first time any one of us shrine maidens have encountered these Champions was today, what we know about their goals and methods will be a bit limited."
>"And speaking of reconnaissance." Patchouli's mother says slowly. "Have you by any chance managed to discover a way to track these creatures movements?"
-
>Can we still sense Fire?
>Could we at least sense Air when she was actually present, rather than hiding?
-
>Can we still sense Fire?
>Could we at least sense Air when she was actually present, rather than hiding?
>A quick scan reveals the presence of the Fire Champion right where you left him.
>You could.
-
>"I can sense their presence and the use of their powers, sometimes from a considerable distance. I have been unable to locate Air since they went into hiding, but I expect they will not be able to remain so inconspicuous if they are to act. More subtle and localized activities sometimes require closer proximity to detect, but all of us have that capability, and here I expect that some of your arts may function as well. What familiarity do you have with youma?"
-
>"I can sense their presence and the use of their powers, sometimes from a considerable distance. I have been unable to locate Air since they went into hiding, but I expect they will not be able to remain so inconspicuous if they are to act. More subtle and localized activities sometimes require closer proximity to detect, but all of us have that capability, and here I expect that some of your arts may function as well. What familiarity do you have with youma?"
>"Youma?!" Haruka exclaims.
>"Ya've heard that term before?" White Rose asks her.
>"During the first war with the Lunarians. But we always thought they were a creation of Lunar magic, that we Terrans eventually came into possession of ourselves to use against them. Are you telling us they're not? That they've something to do with these Champions?"
-
>"I'm afraid I cannot speak to their origins, but simply that some of the Champions have created and employed youma as their servants. I fought and purified several of them over the last short while."
-
>"I'm afraid I cannot speak to their origins, but simply that some of the Champions have created and employed youma as their servants. I fought and purified several of them over the last short while."
>"What do you mean, 'purify'?"
-
>"Restore what was used to create the youmi to its pre-youma state."
-
>"Restore what was used to create the youmi to its pre-youma state."
>"You can even do that?" Makie says. "I had read that was impossible."
-
>"I've heard others express similarly, but I assure you that I have done it."
-
>"I've heard others express similarly, but I assure you that I have done it."
>"Ah, so we're not the first people you've spoken to about these Champions and their youma." Madame Knowledge observes.
-
>"There were some bystanders at a previous youma attack with some measure of their own power, who recognized it for what it was. There was not much time at that juncture for detailed explanations - certainly nothing like this. We had not even realized quite the scope of this ourselves at that time."
-
>"There were some bystanders at a previous youma attack with some measure of their own power, who recognized it for what it was. There was not much time at that juncture for detailed explanations - certainly nothing like this. We had not even realized quite the scope of this ourselves at that time."
>"Oyah?" Chisato asks with some curiousity. "And who was this powerful good samaritan?"
-
>"Forgive me if this sounds impolite, but I would rather keep the identity of private citizens whose involvement in this matter has been only incidental, well... private. At least without getting their permission first."
-
>"Forgive me if this sounds impolite, but I would rather keep the identity of private citizens whose involvement in this matter has been only incidental, well... private. At least without getting their permission first."
>The smaller bird youkai appears about to protest, but Haruka stills her with a nod. "We can respect that."
>"But Onee-sama, wouldn't it be better to know just who in town can fight these things?"
>"True. But we respect Lotus and her colleagues privacy, so we shouldn't begrudge her extending the same courtesy to someone else."
>Chisato hmms thoughtfully. "Yeah, that's a good point. I hadn't thought of that."
>"And besides." Haruka adds, tossing a smile in your direction. "If Lotus or White Rose thought it was critically important that we knew, I imagine they'd tell us. True?"
-
>Nod
>"Of course. The entire purpose of this meeting is minimize the likelihood of more people being injured, as far as we are able."
-
>Nod
>"Of course. The entire purpose of this meeting is minimize the likelihood of more people being injured, as far as we are able."
>"Just tell me one thing though, if you can. These other people, were their powers able to damage the youma at all?"
-
>"To some extent, at least, though I suspect it may still have ended more poorly had I not been able to intervene."
-
>"To some extent, at least, though I suspect it may still have ended more poorly had I not been able to intervene."
>"But that means that the youma at least are still vulnerable to Terran magic, and that means that those of us here can at least combat something of this threat and have a hope of victory. But I have to ask, how did you ever find a way to purify a youma? No one was able to do that before."
-
>"I fear this is an entirely inadequate explanation, but one of the core aspects of my abilities centers around... what I suppose you could essentially call purification. I simply drove out the... 'darkness' that had gripped the youma, and left it free of it. I imagine this is an altogether unhelpful way to put it."
-
>"I fear this is an entirely inadequate explanation, but one of the core aspects of my abilities centers around... what I suppose you could essentially call purification. I simply drove out the... 'darkness' that had gripped the youma, and left it free of it. I imagine this is an altogether unhelpful way to put it."
>Most of the mikos around you chuckle warmly. "Not to a shrine maiden." Makie answers you. "We ARE exorcists, after all."
-
>"Well yes, but I imagine practitioners of your arts have already tried doing so in your own manner and didn't find it worked to restore youma, no?"
-
>"Well yes, but I imagine practitioners of your arts have already tried doing so in your own manner and didn't find it worked to restore youma, no?"
>"No. No one could. Our magic was able to fight them, destroy them, but not REstore them, I've read."
>"I was there." Haruka adds. "And the books are right. To fight a youma was a terrible thing, not only because it was powerful, but not having any choice but to destroy it was even worse."
>"And we of the arcane arts had no more success with the youma, either." Madame Knowledge says, her narrow eyes fully upon you. "Some of the greatest minds of that generation found no way to restore an object or person that had been turned into a youma, and yet somehow, you, a mere child, claim to have found a way."
-
>"I mean no presumption, and I certainly would not claim greater wisdom or intellect than any of those who fought against them in past. I can only imagine the toll it must have taken on some of them. Youma are creatures of frighteningly negative emotion."
-
>"I mean no presumption, and I certainly would not claim greater wisdom or intellect than any of those who fought against them in past. I can only imagine the toll it must have taken on some of them. Youma are creatures of frighteningly negative emotion."
>"Is this another one of those things you don't know?" the elder wizard asks with very thinly veiled sarcasm.
-
> "I would be more than happy to demonstrate the technique to you, if you feel there is something that could be learned from it. I respect that your knowledge of the formal underpinnings of magic is far beyond my own. It was the same technique I used this morning to free the lycanthorpe of the dark malice that was gripping her."
>To Komachi and the other officers here: "I don't know if either of you happened to catch that part of it?"
-
> "I would be more than happy to demonstrate the technique to you, if you feel there is something that could be learned from it. I respect that your knowledge of the formal underpinnings of magic is far beyond my own. It was the same technique I used this morning to free the lycanthorpe of the dark malice that was gripping her."
>To Komachi and the other officers here: "I don't know if either of you happened to catch that part of it?"
>Chisato shakes her head. "You had that part all sewed up before I got there. Makie?"
>"Yes, I did." the manta- or possibly stingray- youkai says with a nod. "The lycanthrope wasn't just turned back to normal, she was freed of that black power that had corrupted her. It was amazing. What WAS that darkness, anyway?" she asks you. "We didn't have much time to talk after that, after all."
>"Yeah, demons have dat effect." Rin remarks.
>Lily's voice returns at this point, Now that you got me thinking, though, I think I'm forgetting something, somewhere I'm supposed to be.... Am I forgetting somewhere I'm supposed to be?
-
>Gently: No need to worry about that. Right now, you just be with your family.
>"I'm not fully certain. To be honest, it felt similar to the youma and other examples of demonic taint we've encountered, but I spoke with the woman afterward and she was unable to think of any point in the recent past where she might have come into contact with such a thing. It is a matter I intend to continue to investigate, when time permits. It may be unrelated to these larger matters, but I have a nagging suspicion it is not."
-
>Gently: No need to worry about that. Right now, you just be with your family.
>"I'm not fully certain. To be honest, it felt similar to the youma and other examples of demonic taint we've encountered, but I spoke with the woman afterward and she was unable to think of any point in the recent past where she might have come into contact with such a thing. It is a matter I intend to continue to investigate, when time permits. It may be unrelated to these larger matters, but I have a nagging suspicion it is not."
>"Our temples have been recording incidents like that for millennia." says Haruka. "It's possible that whatever this dark force was has been documented by one of the Four shrines. I'll have the matter looked into."
>"And if it turns out to be related to these Champions, perhaps we'll pick up a clue or two more about them." Makie adds.
>"In the meantime, though, what do we do about Fire and Ice?" Lillian asks as she leans forward, her thick tail coiling and uncoiling. "Air might have gone down a hole somewhere, and Lotus's got Water tied down, but those two're still stalkin' about. Can you track either of them?"
-
>"I know where Fire is presently. Ice, I cannot track, but it seems very likely they are still together - or would become so shortly after either is confronted."
-
>"I know where Fire is presently. Ice, I cannot track, but it seems very likely they are still together - or would become so shortly after either is confronted."
>"What makes you say that?" the bearded officer asks you.
-
>"From what I know, they are essentially joined at the proverbial hip - magically-speaking, even - and one is almost never found without the other. Certainly I would be very surprised if either were to be seriously engaged without the other becoming involved."
-
>"From what I know, they are essentially joined at the proverbial hip - magically-speaking, even - and one is almost never found without the other. Certainly I would be very surprised if either were to be seriously engaged without the other becoming involved."
>The bearded man and Lillian grin and chuckle almost in sync.
>"I should mention, Lotus." Haruka says once her fellow miko quits laughing. "That I came up with the same results. After Chisato told me about what happened, I brought the matter before my temple head, Youmu Konpaku. She and I performed our own divination, and we were able to detect the spiritual resonance of the Fire Champion. When we found it, it was stationary at the horse racing track, the Miskovsky Downs. Does that agree with your own findings?"
-
>Nod
>"It does. I even double-checked a few minutes ago to be sure it was still there."
-
>Nod
>"It does. I even double-checked a few minutes ago to be sure it was still there."
>Chisato looks quizzically at her elder Sister. "I'm sort of surprised Youmu-chan didn't sound the battle cry once she knew where Fire was."
>"She wanted to." Haruka answers with a gentle smile. "But I convinced her otherwise." She explains, "Our temple head is very young, and very passionate, but she possesses great talents. I however am much older than she. I wanted to find out more about these Champions before I let any of my sisters go near them, no matter how talented they are, if I could help it. And here we are. Having heard what I have heard here, I believe my advice to her will be to observe this Champion, rather than confront it. Until we find some weakness of theirs, a deliberate confrontation with them is not what I would advise."
-
>"Indeed. And I would have caution, even then, lest you provoke it. For the time-being, at least, it seems content to lick its wounds, which gives us more time to gather our forces. Provided it does not first take action that forces us to intervene, I am waiting on all of our number to be available together to confront them a second time."
-
>"Indeed. And I would have caution, even then, lest you provoke it. For the time-being, at least, it seems content to lick its wounds, which gives us more time to gather our forces. Provided it does not first take action that forces us to intervene, I am waiting on all of our number to be available together to confront them a second time."
>"I wasn't thinking of direct observation." Haruka adds. "Both Youmu-sama and myself are capable of divining this Champion's presence, and we're not the only two among the spellcasters of the Bird Shrine who can do so. And this is true for the other three shrines as well."
>"Hey, I got a question." Lillian says suddenly. "Are these things immune to brute force?"
-
>"I, um, I don't believe I've seen it tried. Though even getting close enough for the attempt sounds rather dangerous to pull off."
-
>"I, um, I don't believe I've seen it tried. Though even getting close enough for the attempt sounds rather dangerous to pull off."
>The large youkai gives you a downright evil grin. "Not as dangerous as it is for the other guy. You ever seen a croc bite down on a piece of meat?"
>"You're backsliding, Lillian." Makie cautions.
-
>"No offense intended, but I think Fire might be more inclined to barbeque than BE barbeque."
-
>"No offense intended, but I think Fire might be more inclined to barbeque than BE barbeque."
>Rather than express offense, the crocodile youkai expresses a deep belly laugh, and her grin does not waver. It is Chisato, though, who speaks next. "Y'know.... She MIGHT actually be on to something there. These demons don't seem to be totally spiritual or spectral or anything like that. They have physical form. You're the expert, Lotus, these Champions do have physical bodies, right?"
-
>It has certainly seemed that way to us, yes?
-
>It has certainly seemed that way to us, yes?
>Yes it has.
-
>"They certainly have appeared to, though I cannot attest to their resilience against physical damage. Given how easily some have shrugged off magic that at least appeared to have some physical component, I would not be surprised if it is great, but I suppose I cannot say for sure."
-
>"They certainly have appeared to, though I cannot attest to their resilience against physical damage. Given how easily some have shrugged off magic that at least appeared to have some physical component, I would not be surprised if it is great, but I suppose I cannot say for sure."
>"Only one way to find out." Lillian says with vicious anticipation.
>In an attempt to reign in her pugilistic fellow miko, Haruka says, "Why don't we save that as a last resort. I for one would rather know why the Fire Champion seems so easy to detect while the other two are not."
-
>"I'm afraid I do not know. Air, at least, I could sense when she was nearby, but I knew nothing of Ice's presence until after she had already attacked us."
-
>"I'm afraid I do not know. Air, at least, I could sense when she was nearby, but I knew nothing of Ice's presence until after she had already attacked us."
>Madame Knowledge, silent for a longer period of time than you might have thought, clears her throat quietly. "In my opinion, this Fire Champion is making itself an easy target. If indeed it and the Ice Champion are as.... intimate as Lotus claims, then either the Fire Champion is shielding its companion from detection at its own expense, which I find somewhat unlikely. Or, it seeks to make itself the more obvious target, so its companion can ambush its foes with impunity."
-
>"That would certainly make sense - it employed much the same tactic this morning. Though Water was still far more detectable than Ice, even when we had no reason to suspect a Champion was nearby. I think there is at least some degree of personal variation there, even if Fire's conspicuousness is a deliberate choice on its part."
-
>"That would certainly make sense - it employed much the same tactic this morning. Though Water was still far more detectable than Ice, even when we had no reason to suspect a Champion was nearby. I think there is at least some degree of personal variation there, even if Fire's conspicuousness is a deliberate choice on its part."
>"Or it could just be a massive egomaniac." Chisato says with a wave of her wings.
>That draws some chuckles from the crowd, though Haruka remarks, "You know, you might have a point there. I've known some individuals, usually spellcasters of some sort, who were so confidant, arrogant, if you will, that they simply didn't bother taking any steps to conceal their presence or power."
-
>"That could also fit with how it acted this morning, I think."
-
>"That could also fit with how it acted this morning, I think."
>Makie smiles faintly. "Maybe you should ask next time."
-
>"Ha, I suppose I could, at that. Though here I am not sure how truthfully I ought to take its answer."
-
>"Ha, I suppose I could, at that. Though here I am not sure how truthfully I ought to take its answer."
>"But of course. Though, while you're at it, ask them why they all came here. I mean, why Mayoiga and not somewhere else?"
-
>"I had assumed this was simply where the weakest point in the barrier between our worlds happened to be located, but perhaps not. They have quite limited personal familiarity with our world, I should point out."
-
>"I had assumed this was simply where the weakest point in the barrier between our worlds happened to be located, but perhaps not. They have quite limited personal familiarity with our world, I should point out."
>"Barrier?"
-
>"There is a great one that separates their world from ours. As a consequence, it is extremely difficult to travel between them - these Champions have somehow managed to force themselves through, regardless."
-
>"There is a great one that separates their world from ours. As a consequence, it is extremely difficult to travel between them - these Champions have somehow managed to force themselves through, regardless."
>"Do you know anything about their world?" Haruka asks.
-
>"Only very little, but what I've heard paints it as a horrifically inhospitable place, quite outside the Champions and their kind."
-
>"Only very little, but what I've heard paints it as a horrifically inhospitable place, quite outside the Champions and their kind."
>"From what I've seen, these Champions aren't exactly 'hospitable' themselves." Chisato retorts.
-
>"Indeed, and yet it may be a brutal realm, even for them."
-
>"Indeed, and yet it may be a brutal realm, even for them."
>"In that case, it makes sense for them to try to come here." says Komachi.
>"If you can, though, please, tell us more about this barrier you mentioned." Haruka asks.
-
>"I only know a small number of details myself, but I believe it is ancient by our reckoning. Whether it was erected to imprison the Champions' kin or simply isolate the horrors of their current world, I cannot say, but I know that they were cast into that realm from ours ages ago. Apparently they have tried to return many times since, but had only been able to do so as beckoned through by someone from our world. This time is different. These Champions possess enough power to breach the barrier themselves."
-
>"I only know a small number of details myself, but I believe it is ancient by our reckoning. Whether it was erected to imprison the Champions' kin or simply isolate the horrors of their current world, I cannot say, but I know that they were cast into that realm from ours ages ago. Apparently they have tried to return many times since, but had only been able to do so as beckoned through by someone from our world. This time is different. These Champions possess enough power to breach the barrier themselves."
>"Ancient.... Do you mean, before even the Dragonstorm?"
-
>Does our knowledge of world history, and what the Tiger and Purpose and others have told us about the events related to the barrier, make us think that it would likely have been before this?
-
>Does our knowledge of world history, and what the Tiger and Purpose and others have told us about the events related to the barrier, make us think that it would likely have been before this?
>It's entirely possible. So little is known about what came before the Dragonstorm.
-
>"It seems quite likely, yes."
-
>"It seems quite likely, yes."
>The big eagle nods slowly. "A relic from prehistory..."
>"Does this supposedly brutal realm have a name?" Madame Knowledge inquires. "They often do, you know."
-
>"Makai."
-
>"Makai."
>The bespectacled mage snorts contemptuously. "Oh, please. Makai is a myth."
-
>"Well, if it is, I'm afraid it isn't one I'd ever heard of outside of this."
-
>"Well, if it is, I'm afraid it isn't one I'd ever heard of outside of this."
>"Makai is the delusion of Dementiaists, and the ramblings of Warlocks. A fairy tale, and nothing more." she says with finality.
-
>Dementiaists?
>"Be that as it may, these Champions clearly came from somewhere that is not a fairy tale; if you dismiss the possibility that it could be Makai, then I believe you may be left with the alternative that it is purely an enigma, no?"
-
>Dementiaists?
>"Be that as it may, these Champions clearly came from somewhere that is not a fairy tale; if you dismiss the possibility that it could be Makai, then I believe you may be left with the alternative that it is purely an enigma, no?"
>"Better an enigma than an illusion." the surprisingly irritated mage states.
>During this declaration, Rin has been sniffing sharply, as though she'd caught wind of something foul, finally coughing. "Sorry." she says, wrinkling her nose. "Caught wind of somethin' nasty outside."
-
>Can we smell anything ourselves?
>Just one of the usual kinds of nasty?
-
>Can we smell anything ourselves?
>Just one of the usual kinds of nasty?
>Only the faint traces of strong coffee and old manure that you've been able to smell since you arrived.
>Sort of. Kinda smells like.... Acid and bad beer.
-
>Is that really worse than the manure?
-
>Is that really worse than the manure?
>'s stronger, aye. your kasha replies, wrinkling her nose again.
>"Whew, you aren't kiddin'." Lillian blurts, waving her hand in front of her face. "What do you feed them horses, Komachi?"
-
>Stronger than the manure? Can we really still not smell anything, then?
-
>Stronger than the manure? Can we really still not smell anything, then?
>Actually, you can now. Rin's description was fairly accurate. It's pretty rank.
-
>Do we have any idea what it might be?
-
>Do we have any idea what it might be?
>It doesn't really smell like anything specific you've ever smelled before. It is as though someone was carrying old battery acid and stale beer, and managed to spill them at the same time.
-
>Can we sense anything unpleasant nearby, in a magical sense?
-
>Can we sense anything unpleasant nearby, in a magical sense?
>Komachi's magical aura is as unpleasant as it's always been.
-
>Other than that
-
>Other than that
>Other than that, there's nothing that really registers-
>No, wait. Yes, there is. Something is emerging from hiding, a dark cresting of power preceding it. Dread bubbles acid into your stomach as you realize what it is you are sensing. It is the malign aura of the Champion of Air.
-
>Where is it? How close?
-
>Where is it? How close?
>Based on what you saw of this place on the way in, you believe it is coming from the police horses' stables.
-
>Stand up
>"I'm afraid we're going to have to take a recess. The Champion of Air seems to have decided that now is a good time to make its presence known again."
-
>Stand up
>"I'm afraid we're going to have to take a recess. The Champion of Air seems to have decided that now is a good time to make its presence known again."
>"Isn't that convenient." Madame Knowledge sneers.
>"No, I sense it too." Haruka cuts her off, standing as well. "It's coming from the stables." That statement gets the three officers to the feet as one.
>"'zat what that smell is?" the crocodillian youkai snarls as she casts her eyes towards the rear door.
-
>"I believe so, yes."
>Let's head off towards the stables with purpose, and try not to let anyone get ahead of us there.
>Keep our senses peeled for any changes in its aura, or other fluctuations.
-
>Let's head off towards the stables with purpose, and try not to let anyone get ahead of us there.
>Did you wish to go through the building or out and around to the stables?
-
>There's an interior path that leads to the stables? Do we even know it? Would it be quicker than outside?
-
>There's an interior path that leads to the stables? Do we even know it? Would it be quicker than outside?
>There is a rear door in this room, and the foul smell of the Air Champion is coming from that direction. Plus, it would make sense for the police to have two or more access routes to their mounts in the event one of them was blocked. You assume at least that this leads to the stable.
>As for whether or not it would be quicker, that you don't know. It would depend on the layout of the building.
-
>To Komachi: "Which way is quickest?"
-
>To Komachi: "Which way is quickest?"
>"Out and around." Komachi replies shortly as the three officers make a beeline for the rear door. "We can't all fit through the halls anyway."
-
>Let's move out the other way, and boot it - let's be the first one on the scene, if we can.
-
>Let's move out the other way, and boot it - let's be the first one on the scene, if we can.
>With Rin right beside you, you make a quick dash for the front door. Makie and Lillian seem to be following your course, while the two Bird youkai accompany the police towards the rear. Madame Knowledge, still looking like one mightily offended, seems in no hurry to move. You are the first out through the barricade, while Rin takes the more direct approach of leaping over the thing. Your kasha actually reaches the door before you do, which means you don't have to slow to open it in order to exit the building.
>Once outside, you find yourself running a bit faster than you're used to moving. You're a quick sprinter, your years of tennis have given you a lot of practice at covering distances in quick bursts of speed, but this time you get the sense that your Light power is speeding you along, responding to your desire to deal with the Demon before it has a chance to harm the humanoids or corrupt something like you know it can. But even with your enhanced speed, you don't arrive before you sense a surge in the Champion's aura. Barely a second later, a second aura of power appears on your mystic radar.
>Any idea where Lily is? White Rose asks silently. We're probably gonna need her.
-
>Second aura of power? Can we tell what kind? Is it maybe a youma?
>Her mother broke her hip and is in surgery; she's at the hospital with her. I'd rather not involve her if we don't have to, and there may not be time in any case.
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>Second aura of power? Can we tell what kind? Is it maybe a youma?
>Her mother broke her hip and is in surgery; she's at the hospital with her. I'd rather not involve her if we don't have to, and there may not be time in any case.
>It could very well be a youma, but if it is, it doesn't have quite the same sensation as the other three youma you've fought. On the other hand, given that it's growing in power, it could be a youma newly forming, and that's something you've never felt before.
>Rin's face hardens. Guess we'll handle it ourselves then.
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>Air was weaker than the others. I am hoping that will still be the case.
>Let's hurry up and get there
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>Air was weaker than the others. I am hoping that will still be the case.
>Let's hurry up and get there
>The second aura spikes in intensity as you push on, accelerating even past White Rose towards the horse stable and the Makai-jin awaiting within. Not that you'd need your mystic senses to see the ugly green and black light pouring out through the windows of the building behind the police station, nor the panicked sounds of the horses within screaming.
>Like virtually every stable you've seen, this one is constructed of sturdy wood and has a large door on one end and likely a matching one on the other. The difference between this doorway and all the others is this one has a glowing bat the size of an eagle hovering in it. The Champion of Air turns as you skid to a halt, White Rose alongside you. "Brave Terrans to come to me. Saves me the trouble of sending my weapon in after you."
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>"It is us you are here for, then?"
>That light is coming from inside the stable, but Air is outside, yes?
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>"It is us you are here for, then?"
>That light is coming from inside the stable, but Air is outside, yes?
>"One Terran's as good as another."
>Slightly outside, yes. It's basically lurking in the doorway.
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>Produce the sphere
>"I bear a message from the Champion of Water."
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>Produce the sphere
>"I bear a message from the Champion of Water."
>As the little marble of power ripples like the surface of a pond in activation, White Rose looks at you in confusion. What's the idea? she asks, perplexed.
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>I am hoping to prevent a conflict altogether. Or, at least, throw it off guard for awhile.
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>I am hoping to prevent a conflict altogether. Or, at least, throw it off guard for awhile.
>Although Rin looks a bit doubtful, but her mental voice says, I hope it works.
>The human-form image of the Champion of Water shimmers into view above the message sphere and recounts the same words she quoted to you earlier, "The Terran carries a warning about the Beasts that Makai spawned. She confronted a Devouring Tar pool on this world. She does not want these predators in this world any more than we do. If the need arises, her and her allies could be our allies, against Makai if nothing else."
>During the playback of this message, the second aura of power seems to stabilize itself.
>"Are you actually choosing to fight the Beasts of Makai?" the demonic bat asks.
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>"No living being deserves those kind of horrors inflicted upon them, and I would not stand idly by to see one of your kin consumed by them. Just as I will defend my own from those who threaten them. There is no need for the people of this planet to suffer so that yours can finally gain freedom from the prison that is your own."
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>"No living being deserves those kind of horrors inflicted upon them, and I would not stand idly by to see one of your kin consumed by them. Just as I will defend my own from those who threaten them. There is no need for the people of this planet to suffer so that yours can finally gain freedom from the prison that is your own."
>"Sure there is. I want them to." The Air Champion's callous statement is followed closely by a terrible roaring sound from within the stable, as though a horse were whinnying with a broken throat through a large bell. "But go ahead and fight Makai if you want. It doesn't really matter to me. One or two more Terrans doesn't make that much of a difference."
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>Skill list
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>Skill list
>Violet Lotus: Realizations of the Wanderings (your purifying ability)
>Sapphire Lotus: Renunciation (your defensive/shield ability, which you can alter the shape of at the cost of additional bodily strain and energy consumption.)
>Scarlet Lotus: Realization of Impermanence (your main offensive ability)
>Amber Lotus: Moment's Respite from Dukkha (an offensive ability, used to disarm enemies and break their hold over objects outside their body.)
>Indigo Lotus: Karmic Touch (an ability used to counter enemies attacks while they're forming, causing them to backfire)
>Vermillion Lotus: Warmth of the Pure Soul (a heat-based offensive ability)
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>Be ready to go handle whatever it is that it just made. I am going to try to get it to gather them in one spot.
>"Desire blinds us, Champion of Air."
>Begin to approach calmly and gather power, and prepare a Renunciation, but alter it a tad, so that instead of merely defending, it drains the power from an attack and adds it to its own.
>"Allow me to show you that yielding to base desire is folly."
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>Be ready to go handle whatever it is that it just made. I am going to try to get it to gather them in one spot.
>You're saying you can handle THAT? Rin jerks her head in the Air demon's direction. Nevertheless, she does begin to edge to her right, closer to the stable door.
>"Desire blinds us, Champion of Air."
>Begin to approach calmly and gather power, and prepare a Renunciation, but alter it a tad, so that instead of merely defending, it drains the power from an attack and adds it to its own.
>"Allow me to show you that yielding to base desire is folly."
>You hold your scepter at the ready as you approach the hovering demon.
>"Oh, so you'd rather fight me now." the bat sneers. "What happened to wanting to go fight Makai?" it inquires as you hear the heavy footfalls and the flutter of wings of the two Tortoise mikos approaching fast behind you.
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>Hold those mikos back before them get themselves killed!
>"I didn't say I was going to fight you. I said I was going to educate you of your folly. It should only take a moment."
>Continue to approach fearlessly.
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>Hold those mikos back before them get themselves killed!
>"I didn't say I was going to fight you. I said I was going to educate you of your folly. It should only take a moment."
>Continue to approach fearlessly.
>I'll try!
>The Champion makes a derisive noise as it shakes its head. "And they called ME arrogant. But fine, if you want to be the first to meet my new weapon, that's fine by me." The bat turns its head towards the towering figure making its way towards the exit nearest you. This youma is much larger than the ones you've seen before, and its presence carries much more power. The things body reminds you vaguely of a centaur, except the head at the top of the humanoid torso is that of an equine. It also has six of the most muscular legs you've ever seen, and it's thick tail is made of a bristly armor, ending in a large club-like growth. Its front legs end in claws rather than hooves, and both of its four fingered hands are similarly clawed. The humanoid part of its torso is covered by a kind of grey and black armor, exposing only the red fur of its neck and head. Below this armor, a long yellow scar bisects the 'front' of the equine torso. The yellow eyes in its head glow with an awful light, and its mouth is open in a soundless howl.
>Your othersight can barely make out the core of darkness within this new youma. The blackness within it is nearly total. Furthermore, there seems to be some kind of mystic armor protecting the thing's body, everywhere except around its head. At least it seems that way to your second sight. Even without exchanging a blow, you can tell this is going to be a much tougher nut to crack than the last three.
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>"Impressive, what did you forge this one from?"
>Take a moment to assess this armor.
>Do we hear any other horrible sounds?
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>"Impressive, what did you forge this one from?"
>Take a moment to assess this armor.
>Do we hear any other horrible sounds?
>"Whatever these beasts here are called. And how does a Terran know what you know?"
>The armor on the youma's body appears no different than mundane armor. The mystic armor your othersight shows is an invisible barrier of force surrounding the thing like an aura. It seems to be an extra layer of defense for the youma against attack.
>The other horses are still screaming. Lillian is shouting at Rin, who seems to be trying not to shout back. And you think you hear Makie praying quietly.
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>At this point, without taking additional time to check, can we tell if the screaming and carrying on in the stables is due to another thing in there, or is it more of a Benny Hill scene of everyone else freaking out over what just happened?
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>At this point, without taking additional time to check, can we tell if the screaming and carrying on in the stables is due to another thing in there, or is it more of a Benny Hill scene of everyone else freaking out over what just happened?
>You don't sense anything else amiss in there other than the obvious monstrosity clomping its way out, nor can you see anything from where you are. Your best guess is that the remaining horses are, understandably, panicked by the transpiring events.
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>It worked. Get back here as soon as you can, I'm about to try something.
>"I'm impressed, in a kind of twisted way. You must have really put some work into this."
>Let us say we wished to take Ourself, Rin, The Champion of Air, and the Youma, and teleport us all into a kind of prison space, would this be possible. Something akin to what we did to the Champion of Water, but rather than a long term prison that exists without us, a short term one that can only exist while we are there. Essentially, trying to create a battlefield outside of our world, where they cannot harm anyone but us. Is this a thing we could do?
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>Let us say we wished to take Ourself, Rin, The Champion of Air, and the Youma, and teleport us all into a kind of prison space, would this be possible. Something akin to what we did to the Champion of Water, but rather than a long term prison that exists without us, a short term one that can only exist while we are there. Essentially, trying to create a battlefield outside of our world, where they cannot harm anyone but us. Is this a thing we could do?
You mean a closed barrier space, sort of like in X or Shakugan no Shana, correct?
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I don't know what those are, but sure.
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I don't know what those are, but sure.
Animes, my good man, animes.
>It worked. Get back here as soon as you can, I'm about to try something.
>"I'm impressed, in a kind of twisted way. You must have really put some work into this."
>"You'll be the first one to see it, too." the demon replies, floating upwards a little. "That one first." it commands.
>At that order, the twisted equine form bellows its resonant war cry and charges directly at you, its broad shoulder knocking out a hunk of the door frame at its passing.
>Let us say we wished to take Ourself, Rin, The Champion of Air, and the Youma, and teleport us all into a kind of prison space, would this be possible. Something akin to what we did to the Champion of Water, but rather than a long term prison that exists without us, a short term one that can only exist while we are there. Essentially, trying to create a battlefield outside of our world, where they cannot harm anyone but us. Is this a thing we could do?
>You think it just might be possible. However, a move like that will almost certainly drain a significant amount of energy from you in the process. When you created the Oubliette to contain Water you had Lily and Chrysanthemum to assist you and draw power from, and even then it took nearly all the power the three of you had left at the time. Even though you wouldn't be creating a pocket world as detailed or long lasting as that in this case, you'd still be taking yourself, and several other lifeforms, out of your own dimension, if only slightly, while consciously excluding other beings. In the face of both an upgraded youma as this seems to be and the Air Champion on top of it, such a drain on power would leave you very vulnerable. You would not want to make this attempt until you were sure you could do it and still be able to defend yourself and whatever allies you brought with you afterwards.
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>Could we set up a Renunciation to block the oncoming charge, and drain away the force from it to provide the oomph necessary for such a spell, or at least some of it?
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>Could we set up a Renunciation to block the oncoming charge, and drain away the force from it to provide the oomph necessary for such a spell, or at least some of it?
>You doubt it. And the effort would probably result in you absorbing more damage in the process of trying to absorb the energy of the impact.
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>Let us move out of the way as quickly as possible, then. If needs be, bring up Renunciation, but focus on dodging primarily.
>Once it has passed, we can begin.
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>Let us move out of the way as quickly as possible, then. If needs be, bring up Renunciation, but focus on dodging primarily.
>Once it has passed, we can begin.
>Tensing yourself, you dodge quickly to your left, and while the hulking monster swings its right arm out at you as it passes, this also fails to connect with your body, though not by a wide margin. The youma has rather long arms.
>And a long tail as well. The beast stops very shortly not too far past you, and lashes out with its club-like tail. At this range, all you have time to bring up is a lesser barrier of blue energy, which shatters under the impact of the heavy bone and muscle of the youma's tail. But at least it slows the thing enough to allow you to jump backwards out of its range, for the moment.
>As it returns its gaze to you and starts to turn around, one of White Roses' flying disc flies in from its side, striking the hulking youma in the human part of its torso. Unfortunately, your othersight shows this attack to have almost no effect on the youma's mystical barrier, nor does the beast react outwardly.
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>There's a shield on it. We will have to be a bit more subtle.
>Let's form a new spell. Similar to some of the things we did against the Champion of Water, let us create a a small mote that latches onto the target, and begins to drain power from it, both kinetic force and more mystical kinds of energy. They more they struggle or channel, the more it feeds; as is representative of the blind struggle against suffering leading only to further suffering. It will then use that energy to feed itself, and direct anything leftover toward a purpose we might have in mind at the time. For instance, drilling a hole in this barrier.
>But before that, let's try to hit the Youma with Rin!
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>But before that, let's try to hit the Youma with Rin!
>Just to see what'll happen, you grab Rin by her tails and attempt to hurl her at the brute of a youkai. This plan comes up a bit short, however, when Rin's tails simply fall off. The assembled monsters and humanoids simply stare, stunned. "Extensions." Rin explains. "I tore them off in a doujinshi once. It was either that or ravish Okuu."
>"Wimp!" Okuu yells as she shanks the both of you. Somehow.