Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: IdiotsOpposite on June 16, 2012, 01:37:04 AM
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(My apologies if there's already a Keine quest. I didn't see one, and I thought of this plot while bored out of my mind at work, so I thought I'd try it out with you stalwarts. :D)
You are Keine Kamishirasawa. It's mid-Autumn, and as is traditional for the year, the children of your classes take a leave from school for the next lunar cycle to help out with the harvest. This leaves you with a nice 28-day vacation! Unfortunately, your role as village protector has no vacation, but you should mostly have free time. There were an unexpectedly large number of youkai attacks in the summer, but it seems to have quieted down now.
It is sunrise and you are just waking up.
The current phase of the moon is waxing gibbous.
(And now bedtime, see any posters in about 7 hours!)
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> Visit friends.
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>Spellcards on hand
>Relationships
>Curse those dream spirits, or whatever they are, for breaking reality again.
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> Splash water at face.
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> Visit friends.
You decide to visit your friends.
>Relationships
Oh, but first you have to recall who they are.
Relationships
Fujiwara no Mokou - A very good friend of yours. Probably one of the best friends you have in Gensokyo. You really wish you could get her to stop killing herself and Kaguya constantly, though.
Yagokoro Eirin - You have an understanding with her, probably from the common difficulty of dealing with Mokou and Kaguya. You probably wouldn't call yourself friends with her, but you're definitely not enemies either. Because of her, Reisen's one of the few non-humans you'll allow in the village (at least, that you have the power to stop).
Hieda no Akyu - Of course you're friends with Akyu. She's a fellow scholar who records the history of Gensokyo.
>Spellcards on hand
On hand, you carry "National Sign - Three Sacred Treasures", which you can vary to suit the situation. You also carry "Future Sign - God's Realm" and "Future Sign - Next History". You would carry "Pseudo-History - The Legend of Gensokyo" as well, but you seem to have misplaced it somehow.
>Curse those dream spirits, or whatever they are, for breaking reality again.
Damn dream spirits!
Wait, what?
> Splash water at face.
You splash some nearby water on your face. You're now a little more awake. You suddenly realize you haven't eaten since yesterday evening.
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Damn dream spirits!
Wait, what?
http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,6640.0.html
That, my friend, is the first Keine Quest. DracoOmega ran it a couple years back. I'd highly recommend having a read of it. It's quite good. And it will explain any number of shoutouts I may make, along the lines.
>Inventory.
>Wardrobe. Specifically, do we own a kimono?
>Available food.
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> What youkai can't we stop.
> You mention Reisen being one of the few youkai you let in that you could stop. One of the few implies there are others you could stop that you allow in. Who are the others?
> What have these youkai attacks over summer been like? Fairies pulling pranks? Karakasa trying to surprise people? Or actually youkai attempting to eat people, which means a certain red and white shrine maiden isn't doing her job.
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>Who are our enemies?
>What's on the agenda for today?
>Quests
>Inventory
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http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,6640.0.html
That, my friend, is the first Keine Quest. DracoOmega ran it a couple years back. I'd highly recommend having a read of it. It's quite good. And it will explain any number of shoutouts I may make, along the lines.
The parser utters a prayer to Kanako that he won't be distracted too much by this enticing link.
>Inventory.
>Wardrobe. Specifically, do we own a kimono?
>Available food.
You don't have much on you, as you're in bed. Aside from your spell cards and a light fighting raiment, which you wear to bed in case of emergencies, you're pretty much empty. Fortunately, from here you can see a small mechanical clock, a desk with several pens and parchment on it (one of them's a "ball point" that you bought from Rinnosuke), and of course a cabinet with several changes of clothing, including a small selection of kimonos. Aside from a small stock of rice and noodles, you don't keep much food at home, preferring to shop for the day's vegetables and meat. However, the soup from last night might still be warm.
> What youkai can't we stop.
That's a short list, but right front and center is Yakumo Yukari. Her shikigami, Ran, also gives you so much trouble that you prefer to save yourself the injuries and just let her in. For a youkai, she's well-behaved at least. You also don't really stand much chance of stopping Aya, as she's just too fast. The same applies to Kaenbyou Rin, who, while not as fast, is very sneaky to boot. You chase her out whenever you can, though.
> You mention Reisen being one of the few youkai you let in that you could stop. One of the few implies there are others you could stop that you allow in. Who are the others?
As before mentioned, you don't really bother stopping Ran from entering the village. It's just not worth it. You allow and even welcome Alice in, as she's extremely popular with the children.
> What have these youkai attacks over summer been like? Fairies pulling pranks? Karakasa trying to surprise people? Or actually youkai attempting to eat people, which means a certain red and white shrine maiden isn't doing her job.
While there's always at least some attacks in all three categories, an alarming number this summer have been from hungry youkai trying a serious attack. On one incident, you even had to hide the village.
It doesn't surprise you that Reimu's not doing her job properly, though.
>Who are our enemies?
>What's on the agenda for today?
>Quests
>Inventory
Your enemies are anyone who tries to attack the village. Oh, and Kogasa. She seems to have made it her own personal mission to surprise you.
Nothing on the agenda today, but you always try to stick near the village.
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> How harsh are you towards Kogasa, seeing as she's only trying to surprise you and not actually harm anyone?
> What is your stance on Rinnosuke, as a half-human half-youkai?
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> How harsh are you towards Kogasa, seeing as she's only trying to surprise you and not actually harm anyone?
Since she's not harmful, you don't really treat her any worse than you'd treat one of your students when they misbehave. However, you do make sure that when you're done with her, she's out of the village.
> What is your stance on Rinnosuke, as a half-human half-youkai?
While you don't make any real effort to keep Rinnosuke out, the people of the village themselves seem to distrust him, and he knows this, so he rarely comes into the village. You're one of his best customers, though, after Yukari.
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> Eat
> Get dressed
> Visit friends
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> Eat
This is definitely on your mind. But what to eat? There's some leftover soup you could warm up, but grabbing some fresh fruit from the market stalls sounds like a nice idea as well.
>Get dressed
But first things first, you need to get dressed. (Note: I'm going to assume that when you asked if there were any kimonos, this implied you wanted to wear one)
After a few minutes of staring inside your cabinet (which, unfortunately, is NOT extradimensional), you go with a nice-looking blue kimono with a floral design at the end of the sleeves and a matching red obi. You grab your trademark hat, though.
NEW INVENTORY:
Nice-looking Kimono
Pagoda Hat
Spellcards x3 (National Sign - Three Sacred Treasures, Future Sign - Realm of the Gods, Future Sign - Next History)
> Visit friends
You decide visiting your friends would be a wonderful idea to start your vacation. The main question is who to visit! Just walking around town would guarantee you meet someone, given how many humans consider you a friend. You could grab some food for the day that way too. You could also decide to visit Akyu, who lives in a manor at the end of town. You should probably return some of her scrolls anyway, now that your teaching is done for a while. You could also head out to the Bamboo Forest and try to find Mokou. You never have a problem with hanging around with Mokou.
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> Visiting Akyu is probobly more convenient.
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Hm...
> Do either of them have plans that we know of?
> Would either of them enjoy spending a day in town?
I'm thinking if they have the day off, and we have the day off, it might be nice to spend the day together.
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> Visiting Akyu is probobly more convenient.
You think visiting Akyu might be the most convenient at the moment.
Hm...
> Do either of them have plans that we know of?
> Would either of them enjoy spending a day in town?
I'm thinking if they have the day off, and we have the day off, it might be nice to spend the day together.
Unfortunately, you haven't yet convinced Mokou that she should really tell other people what her plans are, and so have no idea what she's doing right now. However, you do remember seeing a lot of light coming from the Bamboo Forest last night, so she probably had it out with Kaguya.
Again.
You know that Mokou would enjoy spending the day with you though, if she's not busy.
As for Akyu, apart from Chronicling, which she always seems to be doing, Akyu doesn't get out much, so it's doubtful she has many plans.
You also consider heading up to the Hakurei Shrine and berating Reimu. The summer's youkai attacks really did come just too often.
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>How many times has this been now that Mokou's had it out with Kaguya this season? Or did we just stop counting?
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> Let's go pick up Mokou. Somebody has to clean up the mess.
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> Let's go pick up Mokou. Somebody has to clean up the mess.
Hope the mess is Kaguya. Not Mokou.
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>How many times has this been now that Mokou's had it out with Kaguya this season? Or did we just stop counting?
Honestly, it happens about once a week. You can usually tell the result by whether Mokou is happy or fuming three days later.
> Let's go pick up Mokou. Somebody has to clean up the mess.
Hope the mess is Kaguya. Not Mokou.
You silently hope that the mess is Kaguya, and not your friend Mokou. That said, we're off to the Bamboo forest!
...
It doesn't take long after you enter. Mokou usually knows where to find you, after all. You see her hanging from a fallen bamboo stick, one hand holding onto the stick and one hand waving at you. The hand waving at you appears to be holding some sort of roasted meat. She's grinning.
Looks like Mokou won.
EDIT: She's holding the meat by a bone sticking out of it. Not holding directly on to the meat.
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> So, how many times did you kill her this time? Take whatever tone we usually take about these events.
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>Assess damage to the landscape.
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>Assess damage to the landscape.
Surprisingly, the landscape appears mostly undamaged. Mokou must have fought Kaguya somewhere else in the forest, or maybe she was careful. You suspect it's more the former.
> So, how many times did you kill her this time? Take whatever tone we usually take about these events.
You take the resigned tone that has somehow become your default tone when speaking with Mokou. She, blissfully unaware or uncaring, just grins and replies.
"Well, I only took her out personally once. The two bamboo poles I impaled that moon-bitch to might have killed her another time or two, though. Or the fire I lit under her when she was impaled like that. You should have seen her, she was so helpless!"
Still casually grinning like she wasn't talking about the brutal torture and murder of another person, Mokou takes a bite of the meat she's holding, then holds it out to you.
"Hungry?"
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> "Yes!"
As long as she's offering, it would be rude to decline breakfast.
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> "Yes!"
As long as she's offering, it would be rude to decline breakfast.
You decide to take the meat offered by Mokou. It's actually quite delicious - you recognize the taste as wild hare. Mokou just leans back against a sturdy bamboo stalk and watches you like she has all the time in the world. Which, to be fair, she does. After a few moments, though, she fills in the conversation gap by continuing from where she left off earlier.
"So yeah, Kaguya's probably gonna be pretty mad with that kill. At least I hope so - I went to a lot of work for her."
As earlier mentioned, you don't really like when Mokou talks about Kaguya, so you may wish to change the subject. Or at least try.
(That's up to you guys of course)
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You decide to take the meat offered by Mokou. It's actually quite delicious - you recognize the taste as wild hare. Mokou just leans back against a sturdy bamboo stalk and watches you like she has all the time in the world. Which, to be fair, she does. After a few moments, though, she fills in the conversation gap by continuing from where she left off earlier.
"So yeah, Kaguya's probably gonna be pretty mad with that kill. At least I hope so - I went to a lot of work for her."
As earlier mentioned, you don't really like when Mokou talks about Kaguya, so you may wish to change the subject. Or at least try.
(That's up to you guys of course)
> Do we anything of interest to Mokou to say?
> Has Mokou helped during any youkai attacks in the past?
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> Do we anything of interest to Mokou to say?
You could always talk to her about the youkai attacks over the summer, or the harvest. Or you could simply invite her to go on a vacation day with you. It's always nice to have a friendly companion, whatever you're doing.
> Has Mokou helped during any youkai attacks in the past?
She helps out whenever she knows about one, although hiding out in the forest so often means she's not around the village that much to help. When she does, though, you've noticed it's best to just stay out of her way as she kicks whatever youkai into next week.
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> Might as well invite her to tag along.
> "How'd you catch it?" gesturing towards the meat.
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> Might as well invite her to tag along.
Mokou shrugs before launching herself upright, flashing another grin. "Sure thing, I don't have anything going on today anyway. I know that Kaguya won't be regenerating for another day or so, and it's her turn anyway. Let her run around an empty forest for a while."
You have gained a FUJIWARA NO MOKOU!
> "How'd you catch it?" gesturing towards the meat.
"Same way you usually do, a trap and some bait. Usually the bamboo forest rabbits are smarter than that, but these ones have gotten pretty dumb in the last month. Dunno why, but as long as I eat, you know?"
Where to now?
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> Points of interest
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> Points of interest
Eientei - Probably not a good idea right now since you have Mokou with you. but it's always nice to check up on Eirin. You could also conceivably bring a few medicines back to the village early.
SDM - Introduce Mokou to Flandre and watch the instant endless fireworks
Hakurei Shrine - Reimu needs a scolding.
Moriya Shrine - So does Sanae, although in her defense, she has other duties than youkai hunting.
Human Village - The marketplace is nice, and you might catch the Aki sisters giving away sweet potatoes. Obviously, they don't cost anything. Akyu's there too, although you know that Mokou would easily get bored if you talk to Akyu.
Underground - Utsuho is made of pure awesome, why would you NOT go there
Myouren Temple - A temple that you've heard is trying to make peace between humans and youkai. One of the practitioners there, Ichirin, has been wanting to preach in the village, but so far you haven't let her, since she insists on bringing Unzan along.
Wander around - Sometimes just roaming with Mokou sounds like a good idea too.
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> Actually, the underground sounds like a fascinating place to spend a day, it would have tons of unusual sights. Any reason it's not recommended?
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Mainly because I couldn't think of a good in-character reason to go there :3
If you can think of one, or if you think Keine just wants to explore the Underground, go right ahead and pick the Underground. I know I'll have fun getting to play as my favorite Touhou character.
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Mainly because I couldn't think of a good in-character reason to go there :3
If you can think of one, or if you think Keine just wants to explore the Underground, go right ahead and pick the Underground. I know I'll have fun getting to play as my favorite Touhou character.
> Well, we are on vacation, and we've never been there. Visiting the underground and learning it's history and culture would be a fun thing to do while we have the chance.
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Okay, so we have one vote for the Underground. I'll allow a few hours in case someone wants a differing path. If no one objects, Underground it is!
*frantic writing of possible Underground events*
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>Because just blithely wandering down there, what do we know about the Underground already?
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>Because just blithely wandering down there, what do we know about the Underground already?
While you've never been down there yourself, you conversed with Akyu on the matter, and you did read her recently published book, Symposium of Post Mysticism. You know there's a large city of Oni down there, and you've heard about the Lady of Chireiden, Satori Komeiji. You've met Rin more than once, but usually just catching her with corpses from the Human Village, and you never stopped to talk to her. She probably doesn't like you very much as a result. You also know that there's someone named Reiuji Utsuho down in the Underground whom Hieda no Akyu didn't dare approach.
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>If we were to spend the day underground, what would happen if there was a youkai attack in the village? Do we know of anyone (besides Mokou, of course) that we could ask to defend it in our absense?
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>If we were to spend the day underground, what would happen if there was a youkai attack in the village? Do we know of anyone (besides Mokou, of course) that we could ask to defend it in our absense?
Mokou would definitely be your first choice in such a situation, but there are always alternatives. The obvious choice would be Reimu, provided she's actually willing to leave her shrine and her precious donation box. Marisa would be a fine choice as well, but you don't know where to find her house. You could also always talk to Eirin. She or Reisen might be willing to help. You also remember that the Aki sisters should be in the market at this time, and while they are not at the level of, say, Kanako, they are still gods and can defend the village from any threat that's not TOO major.
Sanae might be somewhere around the city too. She heads into the market every once in a while to preach.
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>Let's see if she or the gods are around, then.
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>Let's see if she or the gods are around, then.
TO THE VILLAGE!
(http://images.wikia.com/spongebob/images/4/4b/Onehourlater.jpg)
That was quite a trip. You estimate it to be mid-morning now. You and Mokou have spent the last hour catching up on things with each other, which mainly involved a lot of teaching for you and a lot of Kaguya-hunting for Mokou. You know, the usual.
As you enter the market, the first thing you notice is how many sweet potatoes are NOT there. Clearly, you're still a bit early for the Aki sisters to show up. Sad, they make the best sweet potatoes too. Fortunately, you do see Sanae avidly running from stall to stall, preaching the greatness of Kanako to anyone willing to listen which, given the status of Moriya Shrine, is a lot of people. Your sharp eyes also notice another pair of eyes avidly watching Sanae from an alleyway, one blue and one red. You don't need to think about it to recognize Kogasa, although it looks like she hasn't noticed you yet. At least she's working on surprising someone ELSE for a change.
Mokou got intercepted by a couple of children who wanted to talk to her, so she's distracted as well. It's odd how normal she seems when Kaguya isn't around.
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> Could we ask Sanae to watch the village? Or are we not close enough for that?
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> Could we ask Sanae to watch the village? Or are we not close enough for that?
You're at the southeastern edge of the market square, and Sanae's currently running around the western stalls. You'll have to walk over there to speak to her.
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You're at the southeastern edge of the market square, and Sanae's currently running around the western stalls. You'll have to walk over there to speak to her.
No, I mean:
> Do we know her well enough to ask her a favor like that?
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No, I mean:
> Do we know her well enough to ask her a favor like that?
While you don't know Sanae personally that well, you know she'd always be willing to do a task of this nature for you. If it were something else, she might not be willing, but you know Sanae well enough to know she's always willing to play protector for a day.
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>Walk over and say 'hi'.
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>Walk over and say 'hi'.
Kogasa's probably not a threat. Sanae's the important one right now, you decide as you walk over, waving and calling her name.
Sanae turns and smiles, automatically saying "Hello friend, would you also like to receive the blessings of the mountain goddess Kanako?" before coughing once. After shaking her head, she resumes speaking.
"I'm sorry, I was still in preachy mode... how are you doing, Keine-san?"
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> Tell her we're on vacation, our plans, and ask if she has any news to report.
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> Tell her we're on vacation, our plans, and ask if she has any news to report.
You briefly explain to her that since school just ended for the month, you're on vacation and are heading to the underground for a visit. Before you can even ask Sanae if she's willing to watch the village, she exclaims "But wouldn't that leave the Human Village undefended? Don't worry, leave it to me! I'll make sure no youkai makes it inside the city!" This sounds wonderful, although it sounds somewhat less wonderful when you remember that Kogasa is watching her from an alleyway at this very moment.
"No news from the Mountain, I'm afraid, although Aya's been typing up a storm lately. Guess she's preparing some sort of special paper?"
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> Should we warn her about Kogasa?
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> Should we warn her about Kogasa?
> No, she deserves it because of the youkai attacks. If anything we can use Kogasa to illustrate our point.
> In fact, we should take this chance to make it clear to her. In front of everyone. She's not been doing her job as far as we are concerned, she shouldn't be preaching about the greatness of her gods when she's not even protecting the people. Make a point that her word isn't particually good when there have been more youkai attacks this summer with her in Gensokyo than there were without her.
> Unless Sanae has been doing significantly more than Reimu. In which case just let Kogasa have her fun, and save the rage for Reimu.
> On the topic of the underground, if Keine got her Info from SoPM, she'd CERTAINLY not want to go down there, because of the information about Yamane alone, who lives pretty much at the enterence. The last thing she would want to do is get infected, and then infect the whole village. I feel it incredibly OCC for Keine to go down there. Not to mention it's practically the Youkai equivilent of the human village, a haven for youkai.
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I don't see any reason she'd be unwilling to. Of course, I have no idea what's in SoPM, but still, given the kind of things that can be found pretty much anywhere in Gensokyo, I can't imagine it'd have that much of an effect.
Besides, we'll have Mokou with us.
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Mokou isn't really enough to stop plagues from spreading. Raikara is correct; the way Yamame alone is described in that book is enough to give Keine pause. Even if it's not spreading plagues, she probably doesn't want to get sick herself. But...
>How aware are we of Akyu's...'biases'?
>What's the deal with that Miko, anyways?
Edit: Alternately, a trip to Eientei to get some booster shots and shits would definitely be in order, but I do think it'd be enough to keep Keine from just wandering down there on a lark.
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I don't see any reason she'd be unwilling to. Of course, I have no idea what's in SoPM, but still, given the kind of things that can be found pretty much anywhere in Gensokyo, I can't imagine it'd have that much of an effect.
Besides, we'll have Mokou with us.
http://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Symposium_of_Post-mysticism/Yamame_Kurodani (http://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Symposium_of_Post-mysticism/Yamame_Kurodani)
Read this and think if Keine would even want to risk running into her.
She wouldn't.
Yamane specifically nests at the enterence to the underground waiting for people to come into her lair. Even touching someone infected passes it on. Also, it seems to be hinting that Eirin hasn't got a cure yet, since it states she's developing one, and even then, Yamane could just make a new illness, hence why Eirin needs to make a wonder drug.
Although I can imagine Mokou being willing to contract the illness just so she infects Kaguya.
Then there's the information on Rin, Utusho, Satori, Yuugi and Parsee. Satori and Parsee are certainly not characters Keine would want to run into.
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Really, it just comes down to how unreliable Akyu is. (I'd argue, canonically speaking, she's fairly bad about holding grudges and working off of secondhand information, but the call is Idio's to make.)
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You do keep in mind when reading the two books Akyu published that they were written to help protect humans in the village, and so probably contain exaggerated reports of danger. You also keep in mind that as a were-hakutaku, you're somewhat more resilient than the average human. However, you do realize that it might not be a good idea to get anywhere near someone who can spread infectious diseases, especially if you plan on returning to the village.
Out the corner of your eye, you see... someone next to Kogasa hand her a small, clear crystal. You can't tell who, because you can only see the hand, but you think you caught a flash of blue clothing. Kogasa seems to be waiting only for you to turn away, now.
(Choice is up to you, but I won't recommend it. Just keep in mind the potential consequences, as Keine would.)
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> Let's not turn our backs on Kogasa.
> Go over the known dangers of the underground, and what we would need to do to prepare for them, if anything.
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> Let's not turn our backs on Kogasa.
You stay facing Kogasa. She stays in hiding. It's surprising that she hasn't noticed you noticing her noticing you yet.
> Go over the known dangers of the underground, and what we would need to do to prepare for them, if anything.
The biggest danger would definitely be Yamame Kurodani. Parsee and Satori could both be significant dangers to YOU, and you don't know much about Utsuho at all, but she also seems like she'd only be a danger to you. Yamame, however, could infect the entire village through you with a cleverly chosen virus if she chose. You also don't know how much you could do to stop her besides sending in Mokou first to clear out the area. Nothing's a danger to Mokou.
As for Parsee, you don't think there's anything you can do here to prepare against her. Just need to be ready to fight jealousy. Same with Satori... although perhaps you could go to Patchouli and get some sort of barrier? Not that you trust the youkai magician.
Rin probably won't be that much of a danger. Not with Mokou around.
Utsuho... you just don't know.
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And Yuugi?
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Yuugi, from what you've heard in the one or two conversations you've had with Suika while visiting the shrine, is generally pretty friendly, like most oni, so long as you don't get on her bad side. That shouldn't be TOO difficult.
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> Reimu's fought all these things before, let's ask her about them.
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> Reimu's fought all these things before, let's ask her about them.
You decide that seeing Reimu before you go might be a good idea. It certainly couldn't hurt, and you were planning on seeing her sometime soon about the youkai attacks anyway. Is there anything else in town you wanted to get done before you head to the Shrine?
Mokou's over on the other side of the marketplace, chatting with a couple of the children.
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> Gather supplies for trip.
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> Gather supplies for trip.
You grab some general supplies to carry with you on your little trip to the underground. Foods, water, that sort of thing. Is there anything in particular you want to pick up?
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You grab some general supplies to carry with you on your little trip to the underground. Foods, water, that sort of thing. Is there anything in particular you want to pick up?
We might want to spend some time looking for our missing spellcard, seeing as it's our strongest.
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You grab some general supplies to carry with you on your little trip to the underground. Foods, water, that sort of thing. Is there anything in particular you want to pick up?
> Wriggle. Spiders like bugs, right?
> Some kind of gas mask to get by Yamame with would be nice. Anything that we could use to get by a youkai without a confrontation would be nice too. Maybe some kind of gift?
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> The book does say she's reasonable, and we're rather diplomatic, I imagine.
> Be sure to ask Reimu how she got past her without being infected or anything. Knowing her, it involved danmaku, so maybe Yamane can be reasoned with that way.
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We might want to spend some time looking for our missing spellcard, seeing as it's our strongest.
You decide that before you go, you want to spend a little time looking for your missing spellcard. Leaving Mokou behind, you dash to your house and spend about 10-15 minutes checking all the likely places. You don't find it, but you did find a good 1500 yen stashed in various corners. You're feeling a little sad now that you can't find your spellcard.
Fortunately, you keep the requires supplies around, and have a very good memory, so you could recreate it pretty easily if you want to spend 10-15 minutes.
> Wriggle. Spiders like bugs, right?
Agreed. This is the perfect solution. Now if only you knew where Wriggle was.
> Some kind of gas mask to get by Yamame with would be nice. Anything that we could use to get by a youkai without a confrontation would be nice too. Maybe some kind of gift?
> The book does say she's reasonable, and we're rather diplomatic, I imagine.
A gift would probably be nicer than a gas mask. You're charismatic enough, so you'll probably be able to negotiate your way through, and a gift can always help with that.
> Be sure to ask Reimu how she got past her without being infected or anything. Knowing her, it involved danmaku, so maybe Yamane can be reasoned with that way.
Or you could pick the Reimu route and blast your way through. You know Mokou would enjoy that. Mental note, speak to Reimu.
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> We've left Mokou alone long enough.
> Bring spell card supplies with us.
> Gift ideas.
I'm thinking a bottle of wine would be good.
-
> We've left Mokou alone long enough.
> Bring spell card supplies with us.
You don't really want to keep Mokou waiting another 15 minutes while you craft a spellcard. With that in mind, you gather up a few supplies and put them into a small bag, along with some transportable food and some water.
> Gift ideas.
I'm thinking a bottle of wine would be good.
Mmm... delicious wine. You know a good winemaker in town, actually. You could always stop by there on the way out. You meet up with Mokou, who no longer has children around her. She waves to you.
"So, we goin' to this Underground or what?"
-
> "Yes."
> Pick up a bottle along the way.
-
> "Yes."
> Pick up a bottle along the way.
Accompanied by a grinning Mokou, you buy a bottle of wine from your winemaker friend and set off towards the Hakurei Shrine. It doesn't take you long to get there, and on your way up to the shrine, you notice a gray-haired... well, maid calmly leaving, holding an umbrella for what appears to be a fuming vampire. You'd obviously recognize Sakuya and Remilia anywhere.
-
Accompanied by a grinning Mokou, you buy a bottle of wine from your winemaker friend and set off towards the Hakurei Shrine. It doesn't take you long to get there, and on your way up to the shrine, you notice a gray-haired... well, maid calmly leaving, holding an umbrella for what appears to be a fuming vampire. You'd obviously recognize Sakuya and Remilia anywhere.
> "Hello! What brings you out today?"
-
> "Hello! What brings you out today?"
Remilia turns her head to the side and mutters "I don't want to talk about it." Sakuya sighs, and gives you an "I hope you understand" glance before saying "Something's happened at the mansion. We were hoping to get Reimu's assistance, but she apparently wasn't interested. Loudly was she not interested. I wish you best of luck if she is your destination." With that, she continues to walk past you.
-
Remilia turns her head to the side and mutters "I don't want to talk about it." Sakuya sighs, and gives you an "I hope you understand" glance before saying "Something's happened at the mansion. We were hoping to get Reimu's assistance, but she apparently wasn't interested. Loudly was she not interested. I wish you best of luck if she is your destination." With that, she continues to walk past you.
> "Did she start shooting?"
> Ask Sakuya, Remilia's obvious not in the mood.
-
>If Reimu's in a bad mood, we'll just toss a few coins into her donation box. That should put us on her good side.
-
> "Did she start shooting?"
Sakuya shook her head, calm as usual. "Fortunately, we left before it came to that. I was worried at more than one point that she was going to take out a spellcard, though. For what reason are you visiting the miko, if you don't mind me asking?"
> Ask Sakuya, Remilia's obvious not in the mood.
No, definitely not. In fact, you don't think you've ever seen her this angry before. Then again, you haven't seen her often, but still.
>If Reimu's in a bad mood, we'll just toss a few coins into her donation box. That should put us on her good side.
Coins are always a good idea. You hear that 300 yen will make Reimu's mood float up like a jellyfish Fortunately, you have some yen with you. You know Mokou's usually broke.
-
Sakuya shook her head, calm as usual. "Fortunately, we left before it came to that. I was worried at more than one point that she was going to take out a spellcard, though. For what reason are you visiting the miko, if you don't mind me asking?"
> "Planning a little trip to the underground, and since Reimu's one of the few people who's been there, she probably knows the dangers best."
-
> "Planning a little trip to the underground, and since Reimu's one of the few people who's been there, she probably knows the dangers best."
Sakuya nods. "I am sorry that I cannot be of much help to you there, but I have never visited the underground either. Patchouli speaks... spoke of a sun-thrower that lives down there, and Remilia isn't very fond of suns. I'm sure you understand." She doesn't see much room for conversation, and Remilia still looks very angry, so she begins to walk in the opposite direction.
-
> Climb steps to shrine.
-
> Inform them that Sanae is currently inside the human village, and if they wait nearby they might be able to get her help.
> Also remember we've just left Kogasa INSIDE the village.
-
> Inform them that Sanae is currently inside the human village, and if they wait nearby they might be able to get her help.
Sakuya nods, smiling. Remilia looks more than ready to leave. "Thank you for the information, Keine. And a pleasant day to you," Sakuya says before heading down the pathway with Remilia.
> Also remember we've just left Kogasa INSIDE the village.
Oh no! You completely forgot! Well, hopefully Sanae will be able to handle her.
> Climb steps to shrine.
You finish climbing the pathway to Hakurei Shrine. As you approach, you can see Suika relaxing on the donation box. It's still early in the day, but it looks like she's already gotten a good start on her drinking. This doesn't surprise you. She cheerily waves at you as you approach.
"Hey Keine!" she shouts, even though you're less than twenty feet from her. She's about to say more, but is interrupted by a loud yelling from inside the shrine's closed doors.
"Who is it this time? I swear, if it's that damn vampire again, I'm going to take my gohei and shove it-- oh." The doors abruptly open and Reimu Hakurei abruptly stops speaking. It's not that cold, but she's still wearing a scarf. It takes Reimu a moment to regain her composure before stammering out, "Um... hey Keine. What brings you here?"
-
> Maybe Sukia is better to ask about Yuugi, but we should start with Reimu.
> Save rage about youkai attacks until AFTER we have what we want.
-
> Maybe Sukia is better to ask about Yuugi, but we should start with Reimu.
> Save rage about youkai attacks until AFTER we have what we want.
I will take this to mean that you choose to talk about the Underground first.
Reimu sighs, whether in relief or not you can't tell. She opens the door farther and beckons you inside with the words "A story, huh? Well, come on in. Suika, you too. You know you're not supposed to sit on the donation box."
Reimu doesn't seem very interested in serving tea or, well, anything else it seems, preferring to just tuck herself under her kotatsu and look tired and sick. Which she pulls off with aplomb. Mokou chooses to lean against the wall instead, and Suika wanders off into another room. Reimu's voice now that she's in her comfortable position sounds a bit more relaxed and less tense now.
"Well, you asked about the Underground. Anyone in particular or should I just go through the whole event?"
-
> "The whole event would be nice, but I'm mostly concerned about Yamame. Wouldn't want to cause an epidemic!"
-
> "The whole event would be nice, but I'm mostly concerned about Yamame. Wouldn't want to cause an epidemic!"
Reimu chuckled a little. "I don't know how much I can help you with her. Yukari said she was an enemy, and I'm not a fan of spiders, so I just knocked her out with some youkai busters before she could recover from her surprise. Apparently I was the first human to go down there in a while. Doesn't Akyu say that she can be reasoned with? That might be more your thing."
She then sighs, knowing you'll want the rest. "As for the whole event... well, the bridge princess was pretty easy, but that might be my control over my emotions. If you don't have much to be jealous of, you should be fine. Yuugi's a special case. She'll want to fight, but she won't take it that seriously. As long as you display some skill, you'll probably be fine with her. I'd guess the other oni are the same way. The satori... I hope you like having your every thought revealed if you go within a mile of her. The cat, I think you've already met. And Utsuho..." She gives a little shudder before continuing. "Let me put it this way. It took Fantasy Heaven and a significant amount of help from Yukari to beat her, and I still think I got lucky. You couldn't beat Utsuho in a fight, Keine. Don't try. If it looks like she's going to attack you, distract her instead. She's pretty dumb, so that won't be hard. I'm Akyu probably didn't provide a good description of her, but she has large feathery wings and a large, um, eye in her chest. Pretty easy to notice. The whole underground is dangerous, but her most of all. But I'm babbling, and I should be resting..."
She sighs again and stares at you. "I hope I helped at least a little. Anything else?"
-
> "How long have you been in this condition? You don't seem well."
> Naturally if she's been ill for a while this explains summer.
-
> "How long have you been in this condition? You don't seem well."
Reimu sighed. Again. "Probably about six weeks or so. Eirin tells me that I just need a lot of rest, but it's hard to get a lot of rest when everyone in Gensokyo wants you to solve their every problem. 'Reimu, the Prismrivers are annoying me!' 'Reimu, Patchy's gone missing!' 'Reimu, someone put hats on stone statues!' Honestly, it's just tiring."
> Naturally if she's been ill for a while this explains summer.
It would, wouldn't it?
-
Reimu sighed. Again. "Probably about six weeks or so. Eirin tells me that I just need a lot of rest, but it's hard to get a lot of rest when everyone in Gensokyo wants you to solve their every problem. 'Reimu, the Prismrivers are annoying me!' 'Reimu, Patchy's gone missing!' 'Reimu, someone put hats on stone statues!' Honestly, it's just tiring."
It would, wouldn't it?
> "Some of that sounds more serious than other things. Like the missing Patchouli."
-
> "Some of that sounds more serious than other things. Like the missing Patchouli."
Reimu gives you a pained look. You get the feeling she's been doing that a lot lately.
"You too? Patchouli's a high-level youkai magician. Just because Remilia's worried about her doesn't mean she's in any danger. Remilia's probably just being more overprotective than usual. If it was a small child from the village, I'd understand, but I'm not going to waste my time chasing after a powerful youkai simply because she probably went to go study somewhere she wouldn't be bothered."
She then allows herself a small smile and a chuckle.
"Besides, who'd want to kidnap Patchouli? Closest thing I can think of would be Marisa 'borrowing' her. Until she dies, that is."
-
>Allow ourselves a little chuckle. "Which one?"
-
>Allow ourselves a little chuckle. "Which one?"
Reimu even laughs at this a bit. "I dunno, I guess that depends on how good a thief Marisa is. Think she can just 'borrow' a little more life, or a Hourai Elixir maybe?"
Mokou scowls, uttering "I doubt she'll want it if she takes it."
-
> I don't even care about youkai magicians anyway. It's just that someone missing sounds more important than hats on statues. That's the point I was making.
-
> I don't even care about youkai magicians anyway. It's just that someone missing sounds more important than hats on statues. That's the point I was making.
Reimu nodded, looking just a bit guilty.
"Sorry. I'd... just gotten out of an argument about said youkai magician. Remilia came by just before you did."
-
>Nod. "Yes, I had encountered her earlier. Perhaps I should keep an eye out, on the off chance that I run into Ms. Knowledge."
>If it were the right time, we could just make it so she never wandered off in the first place.
-
>Nod. "Yes, I had encountered her earlier. Perhaps I should keep an eye out, on the off chance that I run into Ms. Knowledge."
Reimu nodded. "It would be nice. I suppose I might as well, if I leave. Which I'm trying really hard not to do..."
>If it were the right time, we could just make it so she never wandered off in the first place.
You could, but unfortunately the full moon is still a few days off.
-
This looks like a job for Miko Suika!
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/Haseo88/Touhou%20Project/2007nenga1.jpg)
> Remember to leave an offering on the way out. Offer to tell her news from the village, if she's interested.
-
This looks like a job for Miko Suika!
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/Haseo88/Touhou%20Project/2007nenga1.jpg)
You realize that Miko Suika can fix everything, and so fetch her.
> Remember to leave an offering on the way out. Offer to tell her news from the village, if she's interested.
Reimu's almost always interested in news from the village. Is there anything in particular you wished to tell her?
-
You realize that Miko Suika can fix everything, and so fetch her.
Reimu's almost always interested in news from the village. Is there anything in particular you wished to tell her?
> That Sanae was there preaching. You know, stealing the shrine visitors. [Not like Reimu gets any anyway]
-
> That Sanae was there preaching. You know, stealing the shrine visitors. [Not like Reimu gets any anyway]
You mention this to Reimu, who casts a glance to the side.
"Yeah, her and the Myourens both, I'll bet. Not that anyone ever really came up here anyway," she mutters, frowning. "So it's not like they're changing anything."
Suika, as if on cue, bounds in with her trusty gourd and four small sake saucers. "Oh cheer up!" she interjects, grinning like Suika usually does. "You've been moping for almost two months now. It's not fixing anything. Have some sake!" Into the saucers she pours sake from the gourd, passing them around to you, Mokou, Reimu, and of course herself. Mokou shrugs, she doesn't really get drunk often, but drinks the sake anyway.
-
>We may as well have some too. "Ah, thank you. But only the one cup will suffice for me, I don't want to be drunk this early in the day."
-
>We may as well have some too. "Ah, thank you. But only the one cup will suffice for me, I don't want to be drunk this early in the day."
Suika stares at you blankly for a moment before speaking. "Why not?" is all she says. You begin to wonder if Suika was ever sober.
-
>Chuckle a little. "Because unlike the Oni, I can't function as well while drunk. So I have to pace myself. I have things to do today you know."
>Let's drink!
-
Suika laughs before draining her own sake dish in a single gulp. After she sets it down, she stares intently at you for a long moment before asking "You said you were goin' to the Underground, right? Would you mind deliverin' something for me? I mean, if you're going to the city anyway?"
-
>"Hmm...And who would the delivery be for? Since I was going down there to begin with, I don't see why not."
-
Suika rocks back and forth on the floor. "I think I've told you about her... you remember Yuugi? Big oni, big boobs, big red horn? I got her some great wine from someplace, but I haven't had a chance to go to the Ancient City to give it to her. I know she'll enjoy it. Maybe if you're lucky she'll even share it with you!"
-
>"Hmm...Well, it's rather likely that I'll encounter her, so alright. I'll be sure to tell her the delivery's from you."
-
Suika jumps on you like she's a child. "Yay!" Then she quickly jumps back off, running out of the room and shouting "I'll go get it!" You're left with Reimu and Mokou.
Anything you want to say to either of them while Suika's gone? It's going to take a minute or two to get the wine.
-
Suika jumps on you like she's a child. "Yay!" Then she quickly jumps back off, running out of the room and shouting "I'll go get it!" You're left with Reimu and Mokou.
Anything you want to say to either of them while Suika's gone? It's going to take a minute or two to get the wine.
> "Is she ever sober?"
-
>Adjust anything that got knocked askew, then chuckle. "Hard to believe that she's one of the oldest Oni around, isn't it?"
-
>Adjust anything that got knocked askew, then chuckle. "Hard to believe that she's one of the oldest Oni around, isn't it?"
Mokou smiles, chiming in with "Sometimes the oldest ones can be the most immature. After all, what do they have to lose by doing it?"
> "Is she ever sober?"
Reimu shakes her head and hugs the kotatsu a bit more.
"Not that I've seen. Which is a lot, let me assure you."
Suika comes bounding back in with a finely engraved bottle of very expensive wine. You have no idea where she got the money for something like this. It's clear that just delivering this will get you on Yuugi's good side. At that point, you probably only have to worry about Parsee, Satori, and Utsuho... and of course, anyone who Reimu didn't encounter. She hands it over to you, gripping the expensive bottle by the neck with one hand. Clearly, she IS drunk.
-
>Add it to the inventory! "I'll be sure to give this to her if I encounter her."
>"I just have one question. Just how aged is this wine? Out of curiosity."
-
>Add it to the inventory! "I'll be sure to give this to her if I encounter her."
You take the BOTTLE OF EXPENSIVE WINE and add it to the inventory.
>"I just have one question. Just how aged is this wine? Out of curiosity."
Suika starts counting on her fingers, and after reaching nine (on her fingers) she stops. "Well, it was made 9 years before the Great Hakurei Barrier was formed so... between 100 and 200 years, I guess. Why?"
-
>"Hmm...That was a good year for wines, wasn't it? Well, it was mostly out of curiosity, as I mentioned before."
-
"Yup!" Suika and Reimu seem to have exhausted most of the conversation here. Is there anything you wanted to ask them before you left for the Underground entrance? (Fortunately, you know from conversations with Akyu where it is.)
-
"Yup!" Suika and Reimu seem to have exhausted most of the conversation here. Is there anything you wanted to ask them before you left for the Underground entrance? (Fortunately, you know from conversations with Akyu where it is.)
> Nope. Let's go!
> Unless Suika would like to come along?
-
> Nope. Let's go!
> Unless Suika would like to come along?
Suika shakes her head, saying she's gonna stay up here a little while longer and maybe you'll see her down there later. With that done, you and Mokou head off to the base of Youkai Mountain to find the blowhole!
...
Well, here you are. The blowhole is within a mile, but along the way you see a karakasa, the only one you really recognize, Kogasa, whistling through a sparse forest of trees. She appears... heavily bruised, to say the least, but is also beaming.
A. Notice Kogasa
B. Have Mokou burn Kogasa
C. Not notice Kogasa
D. Find Yuyuko
E. Make one up
Pick an option!
-
Wait, find Yuyuko? What?
D, just because I want to know what the heck Yuyuko has to do with anything (unless that would take too much time, in which case, A).
-
A. "You look happy!"
-
A: You HAVE already noticed her, and it's probobly a good idea to hear if she caused any trouble anyway. [Or managed to scare Sanae, who we let Kogasa stay just to do because of youkai attacks to make a point]
-
A: Invite Kogasa to join the party.
-
Wait, find Yuyuko? What?
D, just because I want to know what the heck Yuyuko has to do with anything (unless that would take too much time, in which case, A).
Haha, D was just a joke option. You know, like heading to the Underground was. Maybe I should stop giving you these.
A: You HAVE already noticed her, and it's probobly a good idea to hear if she caused any trouble anyway. [Or managed to scare Sanae, who we let Kogasa stay just to do because of youkai attacks to make a point]
A. "You look happy!"
Kogasa notices you and jumps a little. Apparently you surprised the karakasa. Upon your comment, she begins to speak quickly and excitedly.
"I surprised someone! And not just anyone, I surprised the youkai hunter! But she wasn't happy about it. Maybe it was too cold? She sure screamed loudly. Then she started whacking me with her stick... I had to get out of the village before she'd stop chasing me and hitting me. Wait, you're not mad that I was in the village, are you?"
A: Invite Kogasa to join the party.
Kogasa stops speaking and stares at you for a moment, curious. "A party? Where are you going?"
-
> Underground.
> You get to be bait!
-
> Underground.
Kogasa grows more excitable, if possible. "And you're taking me with you? This is so shocking! Up until now, I thought you didn't like me much!"
You expect more exclamation points from her in the future.
> You get to be bait!
Suddenly Kogasa realizes that you have more sinister motives in bringing her along.
-
>"It's more that I don't like it when you cause trouble in the village."
-
>"If you would leave your antics at the gate, then I'd have a better opinion of you. Since you don't actively harm humans beyond the repercussions of your foolish antics."
-
>"It's more that I don't like it when you cause trouble in the village."
Kogasa grins. "Well, I'm not trying to cause trouble, I'm just trying to surprise you! But you're too eagle-eyed for it to be easy..."
>"If you would leave your antics at the gate, then I'd have a better opinion of you. Since you don't actively harm humans beyond the repercussions of your foolish antics."
Headtilt. "Why would you want to harm humans anyway? If you did that, then you couldn't surprise 'em!"
-
> "Ask Rumia."
-
Kogasa nods. "Okay!"
You have now reached the blowhole. It's dark. Your choices:
A. Enter Blowhole
B. Turn back now, mortal
C. Have Mokou light fire so it won't be dark
D. Find Eiki
E. None of the above, make your own
-
A and C
And E: Have Kogasa go in first, as an umbrella she's probobly pretty immune to illness anyway. [And she could surprise someone!]
[Have I made it MoTK canon that Rumia knows Kogasa or something 0_0]
-
A and C
And E: Have Kogasa go in first, as an umbrella she's probobly pretty immune to illness anyway. [And she could surprise someone!]
[Have I made it MoTK canon that Rumia knows Kogasa or something 0_0]
[Yes, yes you have. Good job.]
Well, you ACE'd the choices there (hehe), and Kogasa gladly jumps down once you ask her if she can check if there's anyone to surprise down there. It doesn't take long before you hear a startled "Hyaa!?" Mokou, lighting her hand on fire without much effort, dives down afterwords, and you dive down behind Mokou caving everything in sight, especally Mokou.
You see a blonde woman dressed in brown and yellow, rubbing her head with Kogasa standing triumphantly behind her. There's also a bridge in the far distance and a long white string hanging from the ceiling above the woman. You can probably guess what just happened.
-
[Yes, yes you have. Good job.]
Well, you ACE'd the choices there (hehe), and Kogasa gladly jumps down once you ask her if she can check if there's anyone to surprise down there. It doesn't take long before you hear a startled "Hyaa!?" Mokou, lighting her hand on fire without much effort, dives down afterwords, and you dive down behind Mokou caving everything in sight, especally Mokou.
You see a blonde woman dressed in brown and yellow, rubbing her head with Kogasa standing triumphantly behind her. There's also a bridge in the far distance and a long white string hanging from the ceiling above the woman. You can probably guess what just happened.
> "Happy Kogasa?"
-
> "Happy Kogasa?"
Kogasa beams and nods. "That's twice in one day! I'm gonna be the best karakasa ever!"
The yellow-brown woman slowly stands, still rubbing her head. "I didn't plan on there being anyone else here... particularly not a karakasa. But then, neither did I expect to see a pair of humans. What business do you have in the underworld? And can you give a good reason why I shouldn't just infect you here and now?" Now that she's actually standing up, Kurodani Yamame actually looks somewhat... imposing? Or is it just that she's a spider, and so gives off that generally creepy feeling?
-
> If we feel direct threats are the right way:
> Simple, if you infect us, two things will happen. One, we'll tell everyone about you being surprised by a little karakasa. She has a bit of a reputation of not surpriseing anyone above ground, you'd be a laughing stock. Two, my freind here will incinerate you if you lay a hand on me.
> Otherwise, we can call on the likly fear of the Oni's power:
> I bring a gift for Yuugi from Sukia. Do you want to get in the way of the Deva's business?
> Of course, I'm open to other suggestions that are less threat-based. I just think she'll be most responsive to fear. Animals run when in danger, unless cornered, or protecting something,
-
I'm going to leave this particular fork open a bit longer to get more votes. In the meantime, I shall have plenty of entertainment staring at Raikaria's avatar.
-
>Didn't we bring a gift for Yamame?
-
>Didn't we bring a gift for Yamame?
The BOTTLE OF WINE (not to be confused with the BOTTLE OF EXPENSIVE WINE) in your inventory was, when bought, meant for Yamame. Whether it's still meant for her is up to you.
-
>"I apologize for my companion's actions. Surprising people is simply in her nature, and there's little that can be done to change this."
>"As for our business, we are merely heading to the Ancient City. We've never been before, and I must admit to being extremely curious about it."
-
>"I apologize for my companion's actions. Surprising people is simply in her nature, and there's little that can be done to change this."
>"As for our business, we are merely heading to the Ancient City. We've never been before, and I must admit to being extremely curious about it."
Yamame harrumphed. "Well, the last human to come down here certainly had a different attitude. Blasted me before I could even really say hello. I should warn you, if you're going to go to the Ancient City, you'd better be ready to fight. A large concentration of oni means you won't make it a block without getting caught in the crossfire somewhere. Are you sure you can handle something like that? You look more like a scholar than a fighter, to be honest."
-
>"I may be a teacher, but I am also the Human Village's protector. I can handle myself."
>"Besides, have you ever had to handle a classroom full of rowdy children? Makes fighting off a few youkai seem easy."
-
>"I may be a teacher, but I am also the Human Village's protector. I can handle myself."
>"Besides, have you ever had to handle a classroom full of rowdy children? Makes fighting off a few youkai seem easy."
Yamame chuckles. "Try thousands. I have. I'll allow you through this way, I suppose. If only for the novelty of seeing non-oni in the Ancient City. Please don't die in there, I'd hate to lose a potential meal so pointlessly."
With that, she steps aside, opening the pathway to the bridge in the distance.
-
>"Thank you."
>Onward!
-
Your small little group heads up to the bridge, where you see a blonde girl staring at you (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/1109706/1girl-arm_warmers-blonde_hair-bridge-chaigidhiell-). You stop as Parsee Mizuhashi slowly stands up. She begins to speak, slowly and calmly at first, but begins to build up towards a crescendo.
"You come here? And you even bring friends... I want friends too... I'm jealous... aren't you jealous? I want you to be... there's so much to be jealous of. Even if you can't think of anything, I can. Jealous of the clear blue sky and those who fly in it. Jealous of the brightly-lit city and those who party there. Be jealous, human. There's so much that you don't have, that others do. Doesn't that stir up feelings of envy? Tendrils of jealousy? Surely you are feeling it now. Drown in jealousy!"
As she speaks, you get a growing feeling of... want. Wouldn't it be great to, instead of just protecting the village, take it over? You could be the Empress of the village that way. They'd certainly do far better under your rule than they do now. Or even better, you could take Mokou's immortality. You could use it far better than she is. And you know how. She wouldn't even expect it. Just one stab, take out her liver... your hand starts to move toward Mokou's unprotected back.
-
>Focus. We knew this would be coming. We can deal with it.
>Dash up to Parsee and give her the disobedient-child treatment. Meaning headbutt her.
-
>Focus. We knew this would be coming. We can deal with it.
You take a deep breath, calm yourself, and focus your mind against the waves of envy being thrown at you. Calmly withdrawing your hand only seems to make Parsee angrier. "Why won't you respond!?" she demands. "You could have everything you want if you just give in to jealousy and act on it! Everything! Why will you not just take it!?" The waves of envy seem to be growing stronger, until...
>Dash up to Parsee and give her the disobedient-child treatment. Meaning headbutt her.
You run up and bash Parsee in the face with your head. She stumbles back, and you feel your head clear as the waves of envy cease. Parsee's not out yet, though, and if you give her a chance to recover she may deliver another, stronger assault. Mokou is behind you, grinning, and Kogasa is whimpering. It seems that Parsee's assault hit Kogasa particularly hard, but had almost no effect on Mokou.
Parsee is currently dazed.
-
> Be unsurprised that Mokou is either used to jelousy, or has nothing to be jelous about due to her nature.
> Try to not be surprised by Kogasa's state. She wins if you do that.
-
>"Do not try that again."
>Strike again, then move on while she's still out of it. Help Kogasa along if she needs it.
-
>Shake head to clear off effects of Parseeness.
>"Kogasa, you okay?"
-
> Be unsurprised that Mokou is either used to jelousy, or has nothing to be jelous about due to her nature.
You're hardly surprised that Parsee's having no real effect on Mokou. Mokou told you at some point in the summer that up until very recently, the only thing anyone else had that she wanted was the ability to die. Once you convinced her that living was fine too, she didn't really have anything to be jealous of.
> Try to not be surprised by Kogasa's state. She wins if you do that.
You decide that if you're surprised at Kogasa's current emotional state, she wins. This is rather odd reasoning, but you must always be careful when dealing with a karakasa.
>"Do not try that again."
>Strike again, then move on while she's still out of it. Help Kogasa along if she needs it.
>Shake head to clear off effects of Parseeness.
>"Kogasa, you okay?"
One more headbutt and Parsee may as well be knocked out. You're pretty sure she's conscious, but only barely. You shake your head once more to clear your mind, and check on Kogasa. Aside from a little more whimpering, she looks up at you, almost in tears. "I suddenly... had an urge to take my umbrella and... but I wouldn't do that... would I?" She slowly stands up, though, and brushes a bit of dust off her umbrella before walking with you toward the large city in front of you.
(EDIT) The Ancient City certainly is big. Despite its size, there actually don't seem to be too many people at the entrance. As you walk through, however, you quickly find out why. Everyone's gathered in front of what looks to be a soba stand, and a small (five-foot or so) oni is running around yelling and collecting bets. "Yuugi Hoshiguma vs. Kuromaru! And to make it a fair fight, Yuugi's even going to hold a sake bowl while fighting, and promises not to spill the thing! Place your bets! You could double your money here!" A number of the oni around seem to be grinning, like they know something that most of the oni don't.
-
> Get the weird feeling that Yuugi holding a sake bowl and not spilling it is no handicap. She is an oni after all.
> [If this can't be done, have Kogasa get the feeling. She breaks the 4th wall anyway]
-
> Get the weird feeling that Yuugi holding a sake bowl and not spilling it is no handicap. She is an oni after all.
You get the strange feeling, as you watch the preparation for the math, that Yuugi's "handicap" isn't a handicap at all. Considering this, it might be good to place a bet on her.
> [If this can't be done, have Kogasa get the feeling. She breaks the 4th wall anyway]
[Kogasa? Break the 4th wall? Never. :V]
-
> What is our opinion on gambling?
-
> What is our opinion on gambling?
You think of it as a bad influence, but you don't outright ban it. You do know that it's a good way to lose all your money quickly.
-
You think of it as a bad influence, but you don't outright ban it. You do know that it's a good way to lose all your money quickly.
> Place a small bet on Yuugi.
-
> Place a small bet on Yuugi.
You decide a small bet on Yuugi would be acceptable, and give the bet-man about 700 yen. Moving forward to the ring, you see the two competitors. One of them has long blonde hair and a rather large red horn, and she seems to be fighting another oni, with short-cut blue hair and a lot of scars on his face. You hear a bell and the other oni, Kuromaru, darts forward quickly, vainly trying to hit Yuugi with punches that you're sure would take you out if they hit you. Yuugi seems to be holding her own pretty easily, though, choosing to block them with one hand while she twirls a sake bowl around with the other. Even with her handicap, it's obvious that Kuromaru has no real chance. It doesn't take long before Yuugi gets bored, and simply throws her sake bowl high into the air. Now free to use both her hands, Yuugi delivers a crushing meteor strike to Kuromaru's head, followed quickly by a knee that knocks him into the air. You can see her give a sharp-toothed grin as she reels back to deliver a crushing haymaker that knocks him into the crowd. As a finishing touch, Yuugi reaches behind her and gently lowers the sake bowl that was falling to the ground. Not a drop has spilled.
"And that's Yuugi Hoshiguma with the victory! Stay tuned for our next match!"
You see Yuugi walking back into the crowd, but she hasn't noticed you yet. You also will probably need to find that bet-man.
(OOC: I can't remember the term for that person!)
-
>Find bet-man.
-
It doesn't take you long to find him, given that he's still pushing bets. The house took a loss this round, given the lopsided nature of the match, but he was still smiling. "700 yen, then, miss? Here ya go, your 1400. I hope you come again, we'll be having more matches!"
Yuugi has now disengaged herself from the crowd and is walking away from you, but she's moving slowly and you still have time to catch up if you want to.
-
>"Mmh. If I find myself down here again at the right time, I might do so."
>Let's go after Yuugi then!
-
>Let's go after Yuugi then!
> Seconded.
> And challenge her to an arm wrestling contest.
-
>"Mmh. If I find myself down here again at the right time, I might do so."
>Let's go after Yuugi then!
> Seconded.
You and your little party decide to chase after the Oni. It doesn't take long, and when you get close enough to her she turns around, a confident grin on her face as usual. A confident grin that soon melts to, well, curiosity.
"Huh? You three don't look like Oni. Whatcha doin' in the Ancient City?"
> And challenge her to an arm wrestling contest.
Yuugi grins and says "Sure!" As she gets everything set up, you realize that this may have been a bad idea. Within five seconds, you find yourself missing an arm. The last thing you think is how you should have stayed aboveground.
BAD END 37
-
> "Tourism. I'm curious about the history of this place. My companion in red is an old friend whose good in a pinch, and the one with the eyes is
expendable along for the ride."
> Give Mokou and Kogasa a chance to explain their reason to come to the city, if any.
> Give Yuugi the expensive wine.
> "Who should I talk to about the history of the ancient city?"
-
> "Tourism. I'm curious about the history of this place. My companion in red is an old friend whose good in a pinch, and the one with the eyes is expendable along for the ride."
Yuugi nods. "It's a really old place, and there's definitely a lot of history behind it. You probably won't be able to learn much from before we oni came to the city, though. Obviously we just wanted to get away from the aboveground humans. We made a deal with the yamas to control the evil spirits here, although we don't even do much of that anymore. Mostly the Komeiji girl handles it now." You assume that by "the Komeiji girl" Yuugi means Satori.
> Give Mokou and Kogasa a chance to explain their reason to come to the city, if any.
Mokou just shrugs, having done this mainly to tag along with you. Kogasa floats up to the oni and asks cheerily "Are the people here easily surprised?"
This causes Yuugi to laugh heartily and exclaim, "Definitely, but you wouldn't want to be surprising them! Some oni have a temper as short as Suika!"
> Give Yuugi the expensive wine.
You reach into your bag and pull out the BOTTLE OF EXPENSIVE WINE, expressing that it's a gift from Suika. Yuugi takes the bottle for a moment, looking shocked. Then she gives another laugh.
"That little rat! She knows I'm gonna have to get her something just as good in return! Ahaha! Hey, thanks for delivering this. If you're still here in the evening, come find me, I'll treat you to dinner! The City's finest!"
> "Who created the ancient city?"
She shrugs. "Hell if I know, I wasn't around when it happened. Maybe Yamame made it all or something. You'd probably be better off asking the Komeiji girl, she's a bit more studious than I am."
>_
-
"That little rat! She knows I'm gonna have to get her something just as good in return! Ahaha! Hey, thanks for delivering this. If you're still here in the evening, come find me, I'll treat you to dinner! The City's finest!"
> "That sounds fun! Where would we find you?"
-
> "That sounds fun! Where would we find you?"
Yuugi laughs, pointing in a small circle around her.
"I'm always near the entrance! I like to watch for strange youkai entering the city. I'd have caught you too if I wasn't in a fight! If you're looking for attractions, you could always try Chireiden or the Great Deva Pillar, or the Library Tower. Or, hell, just have a nice lunch and look at the architecture, there's stands everywhere."
-
> What do we know about Chireiden, the Great Diva Pillar, and the Library Tower?
-
> What do we know about Chireiden, the Great Diva Pillar, and the Library Tower?
You know that Chireiden is the residence of the satori Satori. You are pretty sure that Kaenbyou Rin and perhaps Reiuji Utsuho can be found there too. You honestly have never heard of the other two locations, but you do see a large tower in the corner of the city that looks quite a bit older than the other buildings. You imagine that this is probably the Library Tower.
-
You know that Chireiden is the residence of the satori Satori. You are pretty sure that Kaenbyou Rin and perhaps Reiuji Utsuho can be found there too. You honestly have never heard of the other two locations, but you do see a large tower in the corner of the city that looks quite a bit older than the other buildings. You imagine that this is probably the Library Tower.
> "What can you tell us about the Great Diva Pillar?"
> Consult with Mokou. Ask where she would like to head next.
-
> "What can you tell us about the Great Deva Pillar?"
Yuugi looks up for a moment, gesturing back to where she fought Kuromaru.
"You see that fight back there, I take it? There's fights like that going on all over the city. We really don't mean anything by them, oni just like to fight. Hardly anyone dies in one of those fights, At the Great Deva Pillar it's different. There's a small courtyard in front of a great, extremely ornate pillar of pure black. There's some writing on it, but it's not in any language we understand. Fighting at the Pillar is reserved for grave insults, because... well, in that courtyard, oni fight to the death, and if you leave before killing the other, you are, well... dead in the onis' eyes. Needless to say we don't get many fights there."
> Consult with Mokou. Ask where she would like to head next.
Mokou grins. "I'm not one for books, but you know that, right Keine? I say we go visit that pillar place, or maybe go to Chireiden. I'd like to see if this Utsuho's really as strong as everyone says."
-
>"An ancient language? Perhaps I might take some time to see if I can translate it. After all, I am, first and foremost, a scholar with a specialty in historical subjects."
-
>"An ancient language? Perhaps I might take some time to see if I can translate it. After all, I am, first and foremost, a scholar with a specialty in historical subjects."
Yuugi laughs. "An intellectual, huh? Well, have your fun. Just make sure not to step in the courtyard unless you want to kill someone, all right? I'll show you the way if you need a guide."
-
>"Ah, if you don't mind, that would be quite appreciated." Bow a bit.
-
Yuugi waves you off as she turns around and begins walking away.
"No need for all the bowing, I'm not some fancy person. C'mon, it's this way."
It doesn't take you long for you, Mokou, and Yuugi to reach what looks to be a large black pillar. There's oni all around it, conducting business and exchanging small talk, but a rather large square in front of the pillar is conspicuously empty. You would guess that's the courtyard. The pillar itself is a little over 15 feet high and covered in some strange alphabet. Whatever it is, it's definitely not kanji.
-
>Let's get a closer look at the inscriptions and the stone they're carved into, being careful to NOT go through the courtyard.
>"Do either of you have any paper and charcoal? I suspect that I'll have to take rubbings, and consult with a friend of mine who might be able to shed more light."
-
> Is Kogasa still with us?
-
>Let's get a closer look at the inscriptions and the stone they're carved into, being careful to NOT go through the courtyard.
Avoiding the courtyard, you step closer to the large black pillar. Most of the text doesn't seem to be legible, but a small segment glows. You aren't sure what alphabet it is, but it looks like this:
MIMANOSVOCAMUSTE
(OOC: Yes, it's in the Latin alphabet.)
>"Do either of you have any paper and charcoal? I suspect that I'll have to take rubbings, and consult with a friend of mine who might be able to shed more light."
Yuugi looks around. "I don't normally carry that sorta thing with me. I'll bet one of the local vendors has some though. I'll go and ask." She then wanders around to the stands.
> Is Kogasa still with us?
Oh dear, she seems to have disappeared!
-
> Hm... Do we know any latin?
> If not, do we know anyone who knows latin?
-
> Hm... Do we know any latin?
Now that you think about it, this looks like Latin. No one's spoken that language in a thousand years. You don't even believe you could translate it, at least not here. With the books at your house, you probably could though. You know at least that "nos" and "te" mean "we" and "you", respectively, but couldn't say about the other two(?) words.
> If not, do we know anyone who knows latin?
If you couldn't do it yourself, you believe Rinnosuke could. If not, you're sure that Yukari could. The hard part would be trying to find her.
-
>That clinches it then, we'll just get rubbings of the inscriptions, and translate them when we get home.
-
>That clinches it then, we'll just get rubbings of the inscriptions, and translate them when we get home.
Yuugi comes back with a few pieces of charcoal and some parchment. "You find anything interesting, or just the usual boring black pillar stuff?"
-
Yuugi comes back with a few pieces of charcoal and some parchment. "You find anything interesting, or just the usual boring black pillar stuff?"
> "Do the words always glow like this?"
-
> "Do the words always glow like this?"
Yuugi stares at the spot you're pointing at, confused. After a few moments she takes a drink of sake. "Nope, haven't seen 'em do that before. It's just a few glowing symbols, though, right? Not like it means anything."
-
>Let's get the paper and charcoal from her and get a rubbing of the glowing inscription.
>"I have a hunch that this part might just be the key to the meaning of the pillar itself. I have found out that this text is Latin though. It's an ancient language you know, dates back beyond even the days of the emperors."
-
> "Anyway, thanks! You've been a huge help."
-
>Let's get the paper and charcoal from her and get a rubbing of the glowing inscription.
>"I have a hunch that this part might just be the key to the meaning of the pillar itself. I have found out that this text is Latin though. It's an ancient language you know, dates back beyond even the days of the emperors."
Yuugi stares at you for a moment. "Latin, huh? Never heard of it. Certainly sounds old. If you can figure out what the glowing words say, more power to ya, I suppose."
> "Anyway, thanks! You've been a huge help."
"Not a problem! Just ask me if you need anything else." She then wanders off into the city. You have several options:
A: Go to Chireiden
B: Go to Library Tower
C: Stay here
D: Go somewhere else in the Ancient City
E: Leave the underground
F: Find Flandre
G: Other
-
> "Hey Mokou, are you ready to meet this Utsuho character?"
> A and F.
-
> "Hey Mokou, are you ready to meet this Utsuho character?"
"Haha, sure thing! Let's go. "
You start heading toward the large palace that you saw when you entered the city. It doesn't take you long for you to get there. The outer gates are wide open, and there is a rather large hole in the courtyard that's glowing with heat. Other than that, you don't really see anyone.
Enter the gates?
> A and F.
You also get the absurd wish to find Flandre Scarlet. You have no idea why this is.
-
>Enter the gates.
-
>Enter the gates.
(I spent a lot of time at work planning out this post. I hope you enjoy it. Perhaps you would enjoy it more with music? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8oHCCawtI&feature=relmfu))
The two of you step inside the gates of Chireiden. As you near the hole to Hell, Mokou grabs your shirt and pulls you back a step. When you give her a questioning look, she nods toward the hole, where you can see a winged form begin to emerge. She slowly rises, her wings furled around her so you can't see anything below her neck, but you can tell just from her glare that this is unlike anyone you've met in the underground. Her legs begin to emerge, and you can see her right foot encased in concrete and her left with some sort of balls of light whirling around it. The final touch, of course, is when her wings unfurl, and you can see three things of note: the control rod on her right arm, glimmering from the fires below. The lidless eye embedded in her chest, staring at you just as she herself is. And hanging from her left arm, the limp and unmoving form of Tatara Kogasa. To top it all off, hanging from her wings is some sort of strange cape that seems to be reflecting... stars? Galaxies? She lowers her head slightly and begins to speak.
"Satori-sama said to watch for a group of humans. And here you are." With her control rod, she indicates the unmoving karakasa. "I found this in the Blazing Hell. I know Orin didn't put it there. So I'm guessing she's yours. A pity, she just couldn't take the heat, I suppose." With one swift movement, she throws Kogasa to the ground in front of you. Kogasa does not move, and looks very, very sweaty now that you get a good look at her. She's drenched. Your attention is quickly brought back to the hell raven, who has now pointed her control rod directly at you. "If you'd be so kind, please, explain why you're invading Chireiden. If you answer well enough, I'll even give you a five second head start to get out of here before I burn you to ashes."
-
>Facepalm. "I should have known she'd get up to her usual antics...."
>"But I take it that you are Utsuho Reiuji, yes? Well, that makes things easier, since we came to see you specifically."
-
>Facepalm. "I should have known she'd get up to her usual antics...."
>"But I take it that you are Utsuho Reiuji, yes? Well, that makes things easier, since we came to see you specifically."
Interrupted from her flow, Reiuji Utsuho lowers her control rod and her glare changes to a somewhat confused look.
"Unyu... me? Why are a couple of humans coming to see me?"
-
>"I heard you were powerful, but I wanted to find out exactly how you got that way. The information from the surface only goes so far you know."
>Smile a bit. "That, and I was in the area, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I am Keine Kamishirasawa, a teacher from the village on the surface. Mokou, be polite and introduce yourself already."
-
>"I heard you were powerful, but I wanted to find out exactly how you got that way. The information from the surface only goes so far you know."
>Smile a bit. "That, and I was in the area, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I am Keine Kamishirasawa, a teacher from the village on the surface. Mokou, be polite and introduce yourself already."
Mokou grins. "Fujiwara no Mokou, resident immortal. I wanted to see you as well. I've heard about your power and I wanted to see it. Since, you know... immortal."
Utsuho is now pretty much disarmed, and you can feel safe now. She begins to rub the back of her head with her left arm. "Well... that's kind of a long story... and it doesn't exactly turn out well for me, unyu... wait, you're from the surface and you know me? Does that mean I'm famous?" She suddenly looks excited.
You see a small black cat jump out of a window a little ways away and start walking towards you. Its tail is forked.
-
>Status check on Kogasa.
-
>Status check on Kogasa.
Kogasa's definitely burning up a bit, but she seems to be alive, if suffering from heatstroke.
-
>Did we bring water and/or a handkerchief or something to moisten to help cool the poor thing?
-
>Did we bring water and/or a handkerchief or something to moisten to help cool the poor thing?
Not really, although there is a very big house in front of you that might help. Alternately, there is probably a source of water somewhere in the Ancient City.
-
> "Somewhat famous. We'll tell you all about it. But first, let's bring this poor girl inside, she needs to cool off a bit."
> Is Utsuho a household name, or do we only know of her through Akyu?
-
> "Somewhat famous. We'll tell you all about it. But first, let's bring this poor girl inside, she needs to cool off a bit."
"I'll handle that," says a voice from your left. The cat from earlier has transformed into KAENBYOU RIN, one of the only people you actually recognize in the underworld. "Long time no see, protector. I hope we can get along a little better down here than up above ground. Well... Satori-sama does anyway," She then turns to Reiuji Utsuho. "Satori-sama wants to see them... and you. She's not too happy, ya know. You should probably take them inside. I'll handle the little umbrella girl here." With care and gentleness, she picks up the sweating karakasa and begins to dart away. Utsuho turns to you, looking... considerably guilty.
"Um... I guess we should go inside now?"
> Is Utsuho a household name, or do we only know of her through Akyu?
Reiuji Utsuho has become a household name through Akyu, although most people speak of her not as a specific person, but rather as a terrifying unknown. You, Akyu, and Reimu are the only ones you know who know much more about Utsuho than that she's powerful.
-
>Look towards that cat. "Hold it. I won't permit her to be carted off like the dead you know. She's currently under my protection, so I'll be having you stick with us if you intend to carry her for us. Otherwise..."
>Remove our hat, and frown somewhat. "Well, you can guess." Then put the hat back on, and go back to smiling like usual. "Now then, let's go inside, shall we?"
-
> Dosen't Marisa know, at least from Reimu, and Sanae, for that matter? [Although we don't seem to know it's Kanako's fault she's like this]
-
>Look towards that cat. "Hold it. I won't permit her to be carted off like the dead you know. She's currently under my protection, so I'll be having you stick with us if you intend to carry her for us. Otherwise..."
>Remove our hat, and frown somewhat. "Well, you can guess." Then put the hat back on, and go back to smiling like usual. "Now then, let's go inside, shall we?"
Orin stops, sighing. "Fine, we'll do it your way. C'mon, I'll take you inside." Carrying the karakasa doesn't seem to slow her down much as she still easily leads your group of you, Mokou, and Utsuho inside. Once the doors open, you can see a very nice empty entrance hall. Orin leads you through a door on the left, and you come into a rather spacious room with a large, six-person table. Books line the shelves, and you can see a couch near a small window. This couch is the eventual target of Orin, who sets Kogasa down before turning to the table, pulling out a pair of seats for you and Mokou. Utsuho moves to stand in front of a bookshelf, looking chastised already. You get the feeling that she didn't exactly obey orders. At the head of the table sits Komeiji Satori, eyeing you with a small frown on her face. After a long awkward moment she begins to speak.
"My apologies for your reception. It was not what I had planned. I am Satori Komeiji, Master of the Palace of Earth Spirits. And you are?"
> Dosen't Marisa know, at least from Reimu, and Sanae, for that matter? [Although we don't seem to know it's Kanako's fault she's like this]
Marisa probably knows, but you aren't sure. You haven't really spoken to her that much since the incident.
-
>Bow slightly, and have a seat. "Keine Kamishirasawa, a teacher from the surface who is currently down here on a small trip thanks to summer not having any classes to teach. The kids do have to help out around the fields after all. I had thought that since I would be down here, I would do well to leave a good impression on the more notable residents."
>Glance at Okuu. "Though it seems one of them nearly got a little carried away."
>THen nudge Mokou a little. "Mokou, don't forget your manners now, this isn't Eientei after all."
-
>Bow slightly, and have a seat. "Keine Kamishirasawa, a teacher from the surface who is currently down here on a small trip thanks to summer not having any classes to teach. The kids do have to help out around the fields after all. I had thought that since I would be down here, I would do well to leave a good impression on the more notable residents."
Satori nods, smiling. "It is always nice to have visitors. As you can imagine, this house is frequently populated by only myself, my pets, and sometimes my sister, so having fresh faces is welcome. I was just enjoying some of a unique Underground tea blend, if you'd like to try it?"
>Glance at Okuu. "Though it seems one of them nearly got a little carried away."
Taking a sip of her tea, Satori gives a small glare at Okuu, who... winces? "Yes, I had noticed. I told her to watch for a pair of humans. I thought she would understand I wanted them to be greeted, not chased off. Fortunately, her actions, rash and misguided as they were, saved the life of Kogasa Tatara, who had wandered down into the Blazing Hell and fainted there, so she'll receive only a very light punishment."
>THen nudge Mokou a little. "Mokou, don't forget your manners now, this isn't Eientei after all."
Mokou grins. "Definitely doesn't look like it. Fujiwara no Mokou, resident immortal. I came along to meet this Utsuho character I keep hearing about. I--"
She's interrupted by a small smile from Satori. "Yes, she's powerful, isn't she? I'll have to see if she's willing to play with you later, if you're willing. Ah, but of course you are."
-
>Sigh a little, in an amused way. "Yes, Tea sounds rather nice. I'm just thankful that she's alright. It wouldn't reflect well on me if someone who was under my protection ended up losing their life."
>"I take it that was the infamous 'Reading of Hearts' power of yours that I've heard about? I must say though, you're far more polite and welcoming of guests than the information I had gathered implied. I shall have to remember to have a word with Akyu about revising that book of hers. And I should remember to not take Reimu's word at face value."
-
>Sigh a little, in an amused way. "Yes, Tea sounds rather nice. I'm just thankful that she's alright. It wouldn't reflect well on me if someone who was under my protection ended up losing their life."
"I understand. I would feel the same if one of my pets got hurt. But then, I have a rather closer relationship with my pets than most." She beckons to Orin, who takes out four ornate cups from a cabinet and pours some of a strange red tea into them. Passing the tea around (to Okuu and herself as well, you notice), she then returns to a spot on the table opposite Satori. Tasting the tea, you find it to be quite sweet, and there is more than a hint of some sort of berry you don't recognize.
>"I take it that was the infamous 'Reading of Hearts' power of yours that I've heard about? I must say though, you're far more polite and welcoming of guests than the information I had gathered implied. I shall have to remember to have a word with Akyu about revising that book of hers. And I should remember to not take Reimu's word at face value."
Satori chuckles a bit. "How did she describe me, then? ...Ah... yes, that would be problematic. The power to read the hearts of those around you often leads one to be hated. I have grown used to it, but... it is still depressing to read about myself in books or hear about myself from the accounts of those aboveground. I hope you understand. And I hope I do not offend with what thoughts I do pick from your mind."
(EDIT) Out the corner of your eye, you catch Mokou stealing sidelong glances at Okuu.
-
>Wave it off a bit, then have some more tea. "Quite alright, I've learned that there is a plethora of peculiar abilities, my own power over History included. it's why I serve as a teacher in the first place, because who better to teach than someone whose power allows them intimate knowledge of the past?"
>"Though I must admit, I haven't had a tea quite like this in the past. May I ask what sort of berry is in this? It's rather sweet and flavorful. And sadly, I can't recognize it."
-
>Wave it off a bit, then have some more tea. "Quite alright, I've learned that there is a plethora of peculiar abilities, my own power over History included. it's why I serve as a teacher in the first place, because who better to teach than someone whose power allows them intimate knowledge of the past?"
Satori nods. "I cannot argue with that. It would be nice if you were to enlighten Akyu and the miko as to my actual personality, though. From what I can tell, they are a trifle biased."
>"Though I must admit, I haven't had a tea quite like this in the past. May I ask what sort of berry is in this? It's rather sweet and flavorful. And sadly, I can't recognize it."
She chuckles. "I would be surprised if you did. It is a very rare berry that grows only in the entrance to the Hell of Blazing Fires. A plant used to such extremes as that could not possibly grow aboveground. I myself did not know much about it until Okuu got curious and asked what it was." She suddenly seems to sigh, turning to Mokou and Utsuho. "You two, go play. I can see the desire in both of your hearts... just do not get too close to the reactor, okay?" Mokou grins, muttering "guess she really can read minds" and, more loudly (and laughingly), "All right, Satori, since you insist" before exiting the room with a suddenly excited Utsuho.
You are now alone with Satori, Orin, and Kogasa.
-
>"Huh. I should have some of this tea shipped up to the village, it's quite nice. I know Akyu has a fondness for sweet things, so at the very least, she'll likely change her tune when she finds out who provided it. Reimu might prove to be more difficult, stubborn as she is."
>Then sigh amusedly. "Mokou certainly has an excitable personality. She always enjoys a good fight. I just hope that she doesn't cause too much damage to miss Reiuji. It would reflect poorly if that were to be the case."
-
>"Huh. I should have some of this tea shipped up to the village, it's quite nice. I know Akyu has a fondness for sweet things, so at the very least, she'll likely change her tune when she finds out who provided it. Reimu might prove to be more difficult, stubborn as she is."
A smile from Satori. "It is difficult to harvest, so I could not provide you with a large amount, but a box as a personal gift could certainly be managed. Orin, could you please fetch a box of the blazeberry tea? And perhaps a cloth soaked in cold water would be helpful as well?"
Orin nods, grinning before dashing off. She certainly is fast.
>Then sigh amusedly. "Mokou certainly has an excitable personality. She always enjoys a good fight. I just hope that she doesn't cause too much damage to miss Reiuji. It would reflect poorly if that were to be the case."
Another smile. This is probably the most she's smiled in months. "I would be more concerned about Fujiwara no Mokou, if she were not immortal. Okuu is no slouch when it comes to fighting. Perhaps after the tea is finished, we can go down into the Hell and I can show you what I mean. With the proper protection, it's very hot, but bearable."
She then sighs and sets her teacup aside. "But then, you are interested in other things than just small talk, yes?"
-
>"Well, there was that Pillar in the city that caught my interest. I've deduced that the text on it is Latin. Unfortunately, I don't have my books with me, so I couldn't translate a portion that started glowing."
>We still have that rubbing, yes?
-
>"I am also interested in the history of the underground city in general, the oni did not seem to know a lot about it from before they themselves arrived."
-
>"Well, there was that Pillar in the city that caught my interest. I've deduced that the text on it is Latin. Unfortunately, I don't have my books with me, so I couldn't translate a portion that started glowing."
Satori stares at you for a moment, her third eye staring at you as well. She sighs. "That is very odd. I do not recognize Latin myself, but from what I could glean, it seems to be... hm. I may have a book that could help you, but I am not sure. There are many books in Chireiden. Even I have not yet had the time to read them all."
>We still have that rubbing, yes?
Why yes, you do. You take out the rubbing, and Satori nods in recognition. "This will certainly make it much easier.
>"I am also interested in the history of the underground city in general, the oni did not seem to know a lot about it from before they themselves arrived."
Satori smiled, leaning forward slightly. "So I noticed. From what I've read, this city was constructed by the earth spiders long ago as a haven for subterranean youkai and earth spirits, and to guard the entrance to the Hell of Blazing Fires. The city was ruled by a very popular subterranean youkai who lived here, once. Somehow, however, she started what would be best described as a civil war... the fallout of that war caused much of the city to become abandoned, and by the end of it, most of the youkai had left. What few youkai remained threw this selfish youkai out of the city and magically forbade her from ever entering it again. It's said that she now spends all her time on a bridge to the city, and that she's never been quite sane since." A smile. "I believe you've met her already?"
She's interrupted from speaking further by the dashing in of a certain kasha, who's carrying in her cart a rather large box marked "BBtea" and next to it, a bucket of clear crystal water and a cloth. "I'm back!" she almost yells, taking the cold water and setting to getting Kogasa a bit colder. Satori gives a relieved smile at the sight of her pet.
(EDIT: I know this isn't really canon, but it's a nice story, okay?)
-
>Take the box. "Thank you kindly, I'll make sure this gets to Akyuu."
>Briefly check on Kogasa to see how she's doing.
>"So earth spiders constructed the city? I can't say I expected that but I guess they weren't very well liked on the surface back then either."
>Reflect on what books we have at home that we think might help with translating the text, maybe they have the same books down here?
-
>Take the box. "Thank you kindly, I'll make sure this gets to Akyuu."
You take the box with a nod from Satori.
>Briefly check on Kogasa to see how she's doing.
Stepping over to see how Kogasa's doing, you see that she's sweating quite a bit less than before. Rin gives you a playful look. "Still can't trust me, Keine? I've done this before, ya know. This umbrella girl's not the first to fall into Hell."
>"So earth spiders constructed the city? I can't say I expected that but I guess they weren't very well liked on the surface back then either."
Satori nods. "At least, that's what the book says. I can't imagine earth spiders would ever be welcome on the surface, to be honest. Too many people are creeped out by spiders."
>Reflect on what books we have at home that we think might help with translating the text, maybe they have the same books down here?
As you think about the translation books you keep at home, Satori rises from her chair. "Something like that, hm? I may have something for you." She moves around, checking the library in the room before pulling out a dusty book. It's not quite the same as yours, but from the title, it would definitely work. "Might this help you?" Satori asks.
-
> "Lets find out."
> Begin translating.
-
> "Lets find out."
> Begin translating.
The book is actually very helpful. You were really only missing one word, since you know that "Mima" is not a word in Latin. All that requires is to find out what "vocamvs" means, and a quick glance through the book reveals that it is the word "summon", in first person plural, though. All together, this gives you the short sentence "Mima, we summon thee". Not that you know who Mima is, though. Akyu certainly doesn't mention her. If she's something that can be summoned, a magician might know more... a quick glance at Satori, who shakes her head, tells you that she doesn't know either. Sometimes reading minds can be useful.
Meanwhile, Rin has come over, curious, and is reading over your shoulder. "Whoa... now those are some weird symbols," is all you hear her say.
-
>"Hmm....This is a mystery."
-
>"Hmm....This is a mystery."
Satori smiles. "A black pillar with glowing words in the middle of a city, with the only known original inhabitant driven insane by her own peers, used to summon... something... yes, I suppose it would qualify as a mystery. Unfortunately, in all the books I've read, there is no mention of a Mima. Nor anything about this pillar, actually. The Oni christen it the Great Deva Pillar and call it a place for serious fights, but they know as much about it as I do, or maybe less. Whatever is going on with it, though, I can keep an eye on it. I doubt anything will happen to it soon."
Orin continues to read over your shoulder, utterly fascinated by the strange symbols apparently.
-
>"I shall see if I can't ask any of the Surface Magicians. One of them might know something."
>"..It's Latin, an Ancient Language from many ages ago. Likely before any of us were even in diapers, to put it simply."
-
>"I shall see if I can't ask any of the Surface Magicians. One of them might know something."
Satori nods. "That might be best. I am uncomfortable with an object of such potential power in the middle of my city. I'm sure you'd feel the same if said pillar were located in the Village."
>"..It's Latin, an Ancient Language from many ages ago. Likely before any of us were even in diapers, to put it simply."
"Whoa..." Orin says before grabbing the book and spinning away. "I wanna borrow this!" She would probably make it out of the door if not interrupted and knocked down by a loud explosion, which causes her to lose her balance and crash right into the doorframe. Satori sighs at watching her pet.
"I'd almost forgotten about the two of them. It seems like their battle is heating up. Would you like to watch? This palace contains a viewing station through which one can see the Blazing Hell without being in danger of the intense heat."
-
>Nod. "I just hope that cat of yours doesn't do anything stupid. But then again, she does keep sneaking into the village to steal bodies, so we can't exactly be hoping she has a sudden turn of common sense."
>"But at any rate, I do wonder how Mokou is doing."
-
>Nod. "I just hope that cat of yours doesn't do anything stupid. But then again, she does keep sneaking into the village to steal bodies, so we can't exactly be hoping she has a sudden turn of common sense."
Orin sticks her tongue out at you. "I'm just doin' my job! We need corpses to keep things nice and hot!"
Satori simply sighs.
>"But at any rate, I do wonder how Mokou is doing."
"Well why don't we find out then? Orin, you come too. And leave the book here."
Orin sighs, but accompanies you and Satori down a couple of flights of stairs. You arrive in a small room with a large window, through which you can see the Hell of Blazing Fires. Right now, Okuu's standing over Mokou in shock. Mokou looks... kind of dead. At least, the large hole where her heart should be would indicate as such. Satori chuckles.
"Poor Okuu... she thinks she's killed Mokou."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "She's in for quite the shock in...Oh, about a minute I'd say."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "She's in for quite the shock in...Oh, about a minute I'd say."
Satori nods alongside you. "Indeed."
Okuu turns around and... begins sulking? You wonder just what happened between the two of them before they started battling. It doesn't take long for Mokou to wake up, though, and heedless of the hole in her shirt... shouts? You really can't tell with the soundproof window, but right as Okuu turns around she gets hit with a concentrated blast of danmaku and flies away. The next reaction is rather hilarious, as you see Okuu begin to shout, waving her arms (and control rod) for emphasis. You're not sure what they're saying, but you think you get the message. Satori looks over at you and smiles.
"Yes, Okuu's rather mad about the sudden attack. Telling Mokou that she should fight fair. Just wait now, she's about to pull out a spellcard. Have you ever seen the power of solar energy before?"
-
>Shake our head. "No, so this should be quite 'illuminating'."
>Pause. "...I can't believe I just made a pun."
-
>Shake our head. "No, so this should be quite 'illuminating'."
>Pause. "...I can't believe I just made a pun."
Satori chuckles. "Neither can I, to be honest. You don't seem the type."
Utsuho pulls out a spellcard, and Satori takes one of her hands and covers her third eye with it. "You may wish to cover your eyes as well, at least until you get used to it. This next card is incredibly bright." Utsuho says a few words that Satori echos, to help you comprehend: "Atomic Fire: Nuclear Fusion!"
The first thing you notice is the, well... suns. Everywhere. She must be making one sun a second and throwing them at Mokou. From her other arm, her control rod arm, she fires dense waves of small danmaku, but you find them hard to see, to be honest, from all the suns everywhere. You'd imagine Mokou's having a hard time as well, as she's got a look of intense concentration as she dodges the massive suns. Eventually she jumps over one only to find herself face to face with an entire wave of small blue danmaku. Getting pelted with that wave doesn't help her concentration, and it's all she can do to seal her arms in front of herself to try to defend herself from an approaching sun. But if you know Mokou, she'll have a counterattack.
-
> This looks like it could give Mokou's trump card a run for it's money... at least in terms of sheer amount of heat.
-
> This looks like it could give Mokou's trump card a run for it's money... at least in terms of sheer amount of heat.
Definitely. After a long moment of waiting, you see Mokou burst out of the sun, flying straight toward Utsuho. Most of her clothes are on fire and she seems to have suffered third-degree burns, but Fujiwara no Mokou just doesn't care. Utsuho and Satori both look shocked at the concept of someone just taking the attack as Mokou flies into point blank range before pulling out a spellcard you know well: "Honest Man's Death". The amount of bullets that appear are just too much to take at point-blank range, not to mention the laser that essentially gets crammed into Utsuho's midsection. She flies down to the ground, hitting it with a loud thud. You hear Satori gasp out, "That level of pain tolerance... what has she gone through!?"
-
>"She's immortal. All of that pain is something she's had centuries to get used to."
-
>"She's immortal. All of that pain is something she's had centuries to get used to."
> "That and I don't think she minds fire. She tends to use a lot of it."
> Be surprised that Mokou can be burned at all.
-
>"She's immortal. All of that pain is something she's had centuries to get used to."
> "That and I don't think she minds fire. She tends to use a lot of it."
Satori sighs. "I see... Okuu's going to take a while to recover from that. If you don't mind, I'm going to take this moment to end their little game."
> Be surprised that Mokou can be burned at all.
You are surprised that Mokou can still be burned. But you do keep in mind that solar fire is probably far hotter than normal.
-
What do we normally do when Mokou burns her clothes this badly? Do we need to find her a new shirt?
-
What do we normally do when Mokou burns her clothes this badly? Do we need to find her a new shirt?
Usually you have to buy her a shirt, since she can't really afford to get one herself. You keep a small stock of white shirts in your cabinet back at the village for her, but that's sort of far away right now.
(EDIT) Satori senses your distress, and frowns. "One of my shirts wouldn't really fit her, but if you're in need, she could borrow something from Orin. They should be at least close to the same size..."
-
> Sigh. "Yeah, I probably do."
> Imagine Mokou in Orin's dress.
> We should offer to pay for the shirt.
-
> Sigh. "Yeah, I probably do."
> Imagine Mokou in Orin's dress.
You imagine Mokou in Orin's dress. (sorry, no picture) You think it would actually look quite good on her... well, if you can convince Mokou to wear a dress in public. That's not easy.
> We should offer to pay for the shirt.
Before you can even say a word, Satori shakes her head. "You are a guest, Keine-san. I can handle giving up an outfit for free." She gestures to Rin, who dashes off toward the Blazing Hell to interrupt the fight.
-
> Continue. Let Satori end the game.
-
> Continue. Let Satori end the game.
As Orin goes out into the Blazing Hell, you can see both Utsuho and Mokou look very disappointed. She leads them both up through a series of passages, and you lose sight of them for a few minutes. Eventually, you see the two hell pets and your favorite immortal coming down a narrow hallway toward you. Mokou's nearly topless, and grinning.
"Yo Keine, let's take this girl with us! She's nothing but awesome!"
-
> "I really wish you'd be more modest sometimes."
> Consider whether Satori would even want Utsuho to see the surface, and the pros and cons of bringing the girl. We do owe Satori a favor, if she would consider that a favor.
-
> "I really wish you'd be more modest sometimes."
Mokou gives you a blank look. "Why? We're all girls here, aren't we?"
> Consider whether Satori would even want Utsuho to see the surface, and the pros and cons of bringing the girl. We do owe Satori a favor, if she would consider that a favor.
Pros:
- Utsuho would finally get to see the surface and learn about what she wanted to burn in the incident
- Mokou would get a perfect traveling companion
- She's really strong
Cons:
- She's also easily tricked and distracted
- Reimu might kill you for bringing a nuclear hell raven aboveground
- You already have to worry about Kogasa
Satori sighs, reading your mind as usual. "I certainly wouldn't mind the alone time. And it would be nice for the girl to see the surface... she doesn't get out much, as I'm sure you can tell. However, it would probably take quite a bit of preparation to get a substitute to maintain the reactor while she's gone... Okuu, how is the reactor doing, by the way?"
Okuu grins and salutes with her control rod. It looks quite comical. "99% stability, Satori-sama! And well-fueled too."
Satori smiles. "Oh, and I don't know if you can handle Okuu. Consider the children you teach, but given near-unlimited power."
-
>Oh, we know how to handle rowdy kids. Even if she's powerful, it wouldn't help her against the patented 'Keine Special'.
-
>Sigh amusedly. "I think I can defuse possible situations, given how simple it was prior."
-
>Oh, we know how to handle rowdy kids. Even if she's powerful, it wouldn't help her against the patented 'Keine Special'.
>Sigh amusedly. "I think I can defuse possible situations, given how simple it was prior."
(I shall take this as two votes yes.)
Satori chuckles at the thought.
"I had actually worried a bit there... who told you that Okuu was so easily distracted?" Mokou straightens up a bit. "Wait, we actually get to take Utsuho to the surface?"
Current tasks:
- Get Mokou clothed again
- Find out what a Mima is
- Bring Akyu tea
- Wonder about underground history
- Take Utsuho to surface (?)
(The above is a reminder for ME, not for you, although you might find it helpful as well.)
-
>To Mokou: "It looks that way. Now I think we could borrow some clothes from Rin then we can get going."
>Mentally to Satori: "We spoke to the hakurei miko before coming down here, she told us that Utsuho was... not the brightest of individuals."
-
>To Mokou: "It looks that way. Now I think we could borrow some clothes from Rin then we can get going."
Mokou gives one look at Rin and frowns. "I hope you mean something different than what she's wearing now. I'm not wearing no dress." Rin scowls at what she perceives to be an insult of her outfit, but says nothing.
>Mentally to Satori: "We spoke to the hakurei miko before coming down here, she told us that Utsuho was... not the brightest of individuals."
She chuckles at your thought. "Of course it would be her," is all she says.
-
>Frown
>"I suppose Utsuho wouldn't have anything that might fit? Considering her wings and that ehm..." Glance at eye on Utsuho's chest meaningly. "That eye."
-
>Frown
You frown. It feels good to frown, you haven't done it in a while.
>"I suppose Utsuho wouldn't have anything that might fit? Considering her wings and that ehm..." Glance at eye on Utsuho's chest meaningly. "That eye."
Satori chuckles. "That depends on if Mokou's willing to wear a shirt with holes in the back and a circular hole in the chest. Which might look... brazen, to say the least."
Mokou just shrugs and says "Whatever gets us moving, I guess. I'll just leave it up to our dear Keine-san over here."
-
> Make note to ask Reimu, Akyu, or someone else knowledgeable about a 'Mima'. Or at least get Reimu to poke Yukari or someone who's more likly to know.
-
>Nudge Mokou playfully. "Oh come on, I bet you'd look rather nice in that dress."
-
>Nudge Mokou playfully. "Oh come on, I bet you'd look rather nice in that dress."
Mokou scowls at you. She's good at it.
"We've been over this before. I don't like dresses. I don't know why you keep trying to get me in one, to be honest..."
-
>"Because you could stand to be at least a little more ladylike. And besides, there have been quite a few dresses and skirts that would suit you."
-
> Just don't get it wrecked fighting the princess. You kinda have to give it back one day, gives you an excuse to say hi to this lot again anyway.
> Besides, the holes can't be that big... and you live in the bamboo forest most of the time anyway, so it's not like anyone will see.
-
>"Because you could stand to be at least a little more ladylike. And besides, there have been quite a few dresses and skirts that would suit you."
You are rewarded with another scowl, but with no real other way out of it, she sighs and gives you... yet another scowl! "Fine, I'll wear one of the damn dresses. But once we get out of the underground, we're going straight to your house to get me a proper shirt! Got it!?"
> Just don't get it wrecked fighting the princess. You kinda have to give it back one day, gives you an excuse to say hi to this lot again anyway.
"Well, I guess there's always that..." she still sighs as Orin pulls out another dress from behind her. Mokou reluctantly puts it on over her nearly-gone shirt and her pants. With the dress AND the pants, she looks faintly ridiculous.
> Besides, the holes can't be that big... and you live in the bamboo forest most of the time anyway, so it's not like anyone will see.
"I'm more worried about that camera tengu than anyone else. You know she's everywhere."
-
>"Hmm....I think shorts would work better with the dress. It keeps the charm of a dress, but retains that tomboyish nature."
-
>"Hmm....I think shorts would work better with the dress. It keeps the charm of a dress, but retains that tomboyish nature."
Mokou thinks for a moment. "I guess that wouldn't look TOO girly, would it?"
Out the corner of your eye you see a little umbrella peeking around the corner.
-
>"The shorts go under the dress, staying hidden by it. But if you kick someone, the shorts are revealed, showing a practical nature. Because if I were to kick someone as you often do, I would be leaving my undergarments on display."
>Look away from the umbrella. "I can see you you know. Teachers have eyes in the back of their heads after all."
-
>"The shorts go under the dress, staying hidden by it. But if you kick someone, the shorts are revealed, showing a practical nature. Because if I were to kick someone as you often do, I would be leaving my undergarments on display."
Mokou nods, looking... well, if not excited, at least less dismayed at the idea. "So where we gonna get shorts anyway?" Satori rolls her eyes slightly and points to Orin, who hikes her dress up to reveal shorts. Orin smiles. "I may not look like it, but I'm a fighter too, ya know."
>Look away from the umbrella. "I can see you you know. Teachers have eyes in the back of their heads after all."
You hear Kogasa jump in surprise. "Is THAT why I can't surprise you!?"
-
>Grin a little, while keeping our face away from Kogasa. We see why she likes surprising people now, it's kinda fun. "Exactly. So unless you can get good enough to evade my ever-watchful eyes, you'll never manage to surprise me."
-
>Grin a little, while keeping our face away from Kogasa. We see why she likes surprising people now, it's kinda fun.
Yes, it is, isn't it? You should really do it more often.
"Exactly. So unless you can get good enough to evade my ever-watchful eyes, you'll never manage to surprise me."
Kogasa stares at you with a certain sense of wonder. Or at least you think she does. Your back is still turned to her.
(EDIT) You see Orin start to guide Mokou away, with a claim of "C'mon, I'll find you something that works."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "You two go on and find something that works, I'm not going to be going anywhere just yet."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "You two go on and find something that works, I'm not going to be going anywhere just yet."
"Unyu?" The near-forgotten Utsuho is kind of curious at what you mean, as Orin and Mokou head off into the hallways of the really rather large mansion. You are left alone with Satori, Utsuho, and an awakened Kogasa, who's still staring at you, presumably trying to figure out where your second set of eyes are.
-
>Administer headpats to Okuu. "I was talking to Mokou."
-
>Administer headpats to Okuu. "I was talking to Mokou."
The headpats make Okuu smile and blush, saying "Don't do thattt~." Satori chuckles, and begins to walk away. "I see you've become friendly with Okuu already. Shall we return to the sitting room? I'm not sure about you, but I'm a little parched. The three of you probably feel the same." As she heads up a long staircase, Kogasa smiles. "Ya know, now that I think about it, I'm REALLY thirsty!"
-
>Chuckle a little. "Just like a pet bird."
>Let's go! "Well Kogasa, you did just suffer a rather nasty heatstroke. You're lucky that you're a Youkai, as a normal human would have expired."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Just like a pet bird."
Okuu headtilts. (see avatar) "Well I am a bird, I guess... Satori-sama, wait up!" As she runs after her master.
>Let's go! "Well Kogasa, you did just suffer a rather nasty heatstroke. You're lucky that you're a Youkai, as a normal human would have expired."
Kogasa smiles. "Really? All I remember was going to a really hot place and seeing a shadow of a winged person with a stick for an arm! It looked kinda like the bird lady over there! Then I woke up and I had a wet cloth on my head!"
You consider the possibility that Kogasa may be more simple than you thought. It's something to consider as you walk up the stairs with your umbrella youkai in tow.
-
> Continue to sitting room.
-
>Seems Kogasa will need to be taught more later. Good thing we have the free time.
-
> Continue to sitting room.
You head up to the sitting room, where Satori is already drinking blazeberry tea with Okuu. She gestures over to your teacups, both filled. "Try it, the tea's good cold as well. It's my favorite attribute about blazeberries." Okuu feels the need to blurt out, "I'm the one who gets 'em!"
>Seems Kogasa will need to be taught more later. Good thing we have the free time.
You're always up for teaching. It's a favorite pastime for you.
-
> Take a sip.
-
> Take a sip.
You take a sip. It's actually quite delicious, although it tastes more of a juice than a tea now. Out the corner of your eye, you see Kogasa who... well, isn't sipping. She seems, rather, to be trying to drink the tea as fast as possible.
-
> "These blazeberries have a very unique taste, don't they? We don't have anything quite like this above ground."
> "Incidentally, how does agriculture work down here? Most the plants on the surface could never survive without the sun, so clearly whatever system you use would have to be completely different than the ones used back home."
-
(Before everything else)>Administer more headpats to Okuu. "I suppose I should be thanking you then."
-
(Before everything else)>Administer more headpats to Okuu. "I suppose I should be thanking you then."
Utsuho grins and blushes again. "I said stop itttt~" She seems to enjoy it though.
> "These blazeberries have a very unique taste, don't they? We don't have anything quite like this above ground."
"I'm not surprised. I'd imagine anything that survives in the Hell of Blazing Fires would be nothing like anything aboveground."
> "Incidentally, how does agriculture work down here? Most the plants on the surface could never survive without the sun, so clearly whatever system you use would have to be completely different than the ones used back home."
"Most of the plants are specially engineered to grow underground. Those that aren't, well... let's just say there's been a big farming boom since Utsuho received her ability."
Utsuho laughs. "I get to make suns for the oni! It's fun!"
-
<Nod some, then have some more tea. "I see. That's actually quite intriguing, how her power is being used for such a useful thing. The right tool or person for the right job, as they say."
-
<Nod some, then have some more tea. "I see. That's actually quite intriguing, how her power is being used for such a useful thing. The right tool or person for the right job, as they say."
Satori smiles. "Perhaps you can find some small use for her aboveground as well. Isn't there some human-friendly flower youkai somewhere around there? I heard a certain black-white witch talk about her once."
-
> Do we know who Satori is talking about?
-
> Do we know who Satori is talking about?
The only flower youkai you know of is Yuuka. But this sure doesn't sound like Yuuka. Perhaps Satori's just as misinformed about the surface youkai as you were about the Underground youkai.
-
The only flower youkai you know of is Yuuka. But this sure doesn't sound like Yuuka. Perhaps Satori's just as misinformed about the surface youkai as you were about the Underground youkai.
She DID hear it from Marisa after all, and Marisa DID learn her signiture technique from her...
-
She DID hear it from Marisa after all, and Marisa DID learn her signiture technique from her...
You consider the definite possibility that Marisa's an unreliable source. It makes a lot of sense.
(EDIT) You see Mokou and Orin come in. Mokou actually looks somewhat fashionable in one of Orin's dresses, but has kept her own hairstyle. Orin seems quite pleased with the results as well. Mokou plops down on a chair at the table, scowling.
"This is the only time I wear one of these, got it?"
-
>Smile, and go administer headpats to Mokou. It;s ironic, but who cares?
>"You look nice, it's a shame you don't dress like this more often. I bet that we could even get Rinnosuke to make one more in your style too."
-
>Smile, and go administer headpats to Mokou. It;s ironic, but who cares?
You pat Mokou on the head. Unlike Okuu, she doesn't seem to be pleased with it.
>"You look nice, it's a shame you don't dress like this more often. I bet that we could even get Rinnosuke to make one more in your style too."
Mokou barks out a laugh. "For all those times when I'm in public? Face it, I'm a pants girl, Keine. Always have been, always will be. And I do mean always, you know."
-
>Smile in a surprisingly devious and playful way. "I'll just have to see about dragging you to parties where you'll have to then."
>Ah, it might be indulging our Youkai side, but messing with people can be fun in small doses.
-
>Smile in a surprisingly devious and playful way. "I'll just have to see about dragging you to parties where you'll have to then."
>Ah, it might be indulging our Youkai side, but messing with people can be fun in small doses.
Mokou grins at you. "Good luck with that! Not much of a party girl either!"
It is fun to mess with people.
The time is now edging toward evening. What would you like to do?
-
>Grin a bit. "Well, you'll just jump that hurdle when the time cones I suppose."
>How long did we intend to leave the village in Sanae's hands?
-
>Grin a bit. "Well, you'll just jump that hurdle when the time cones I suppose."
>How long did we intend to leave the village in Sanae's hands?
Originally, you intended just for the day. However, a LOT has come up since then.
-
Originally, you intended just for the day. However, a LOT has come up since then.
> Options. Wasn't Yuugi going to have a party tonight?
-
> Options. Wasn't Yuugi going to have a party tonight?
You don't remember any party, but you do remember her inviting you to dinner, at "the Underground's finest", if you remember correctly.
-
> Current options.
-
> Current options.
A: Wait a couple of hours and go see Yuugi for dinner.
B: Let Mokou and Okuu play a bit more. This may cause further clothing damage, though.
C: Leave Underground, deliver Tea to Akyu
D: Leave Underground, find nearest magician
E: Leave Underground, find nearest Reimu
F: Investigate Parsee for history, if possible
G: Find Shinki and ask about Rumia
G: Other
-
> Ask Mokou if she wants to wait around for that dinner.
> If yes, head to underground library for that Parsee research, along with other odds and ends. Let's not damage any more clothes.
-
>Ask Kogasa, too.
-
Shinki: Go away I'm not telling a human... wait how did you even get here?!
-
> Ask Mokou if she wants to wait around for that dinner.
>Ask Kogasa, too.
Mokou shrugs. "I suppose we may as well. I don't really need to eat, but I should probably try the "Underground's finest" while I'm down here."
Kogasa laughs. "I've surprised two people today! I feel juuuust fine!"
> If yes, head to underground library for that Parsee research, along with other odds and ends. Let's not damage any more clothes.
You decide to head to the Library Tower. At least I assume that's what you mean.
Since, as previously stated, you chose to take Utsuho with you, Satori has to fuss over her like any good mother. She hands Utsuho the box of blazeberry tea with a stern warning that "don't lose this box, okay? And if you ever get confused about what to do, just ask Keine. She can help you. Got it?" Utsuho seems to quite happily go along with it, and is soon walking with you towards the Library Tower.
It doesn't take long for you to get to the Library Tower, which doesn't look as much like a library from the outside as it does a study in how to put spikes everywhere on a building. You really can't imagine why someone would design a library like this, but apparently they did. It's not hard to locate the doorway, as it seems to be the only opening the building has. It's quite rusty as you pull the door open. You get the feeling that no one's properly maintained this building in a long time.
Inside, it is dark.
>_
Shinki: Go away I'm not telling a human... wait how did you even get here?!
Yukari fooled around again.
-
>"Ugh. They need to take better care of this place!"
>Commence research!
-
>"Ugh. They need to take better care of this place!"
>Commence research!
Mokou smiles as she lights her hand on fire to make a small lantern. "Yeah, must drive you wild to see a place with this many unkempt books, huh?" She begins to wander around, looking for books that she thinks would interest you. While Utsuho joins Mokou in her search, Kogasa seems more impressed at the place itself, and you hear her say, "this place is wonderful, so dark and creepy! Maybe I could live here!"
After about ten minutes of searching, you've uncovered a few incredibly dry and dusty books. While faded, you think that some of them may be helpful:
"The Life and Exile of Empress Parsee"
"Who Really Built the Pillar of Mima?"
"Advanced Mathematics and the Theory of Groups"
"Humans"
"Important Youkai of the 5th Century"
-
>Let's look into Important Youkai of the 5th Century first.
-
>Let's look into Important Youkai of the 5th Century first.
You open up the book Important Youkai of the 5th Century first. Most of the book has been faded away to nothingness, as you'd imagine would happen over 1600 years in a building like this, but you're able to make out three names and a bit of description:
Kome Kurodani
--Extremely popular. Everyone knows who she is, so I won't bother with much description. They say her performances could stop a fight between oni, if she wanted them to. A persistent rumor even says that she had a spell cast so that anyone with the name Kurodani would be an extremely successful musician. While I doubt this is true, there is no doubt that she is one of the most talented and well-loved people in the Underground Village.
Parsi Mizuashi
--Also extremely well known, and very popular, although many state that's due to her position as Empress of the village, and not her actual personality. Still considered a great hero and efficient manager, although can get carried away with personal whims every once in a while.
Yuka Kazamin
--My colleagues thought me a fool to put a newmade weakling flower youkai in this book. Universal consensus is that she will never amount to much, a weakling youkai forever. But I see differently. I've watched her. She'll be powerful, mark my words. Yuka will change history... someday.
Impressions?
-
>"Hmm...."
>Now examine The Life and Exile of Empress Parsee.
-
>"Hmm...."
>Now examine The Life and Exile of Empress Parsee.
Now you open the book "The Life and Exile of Empress Parsee". The book seems a bit less worn than the others, probably written later. One passage in particular catches your attention:
Parsee had anything anyone could ever have wanted: control over an entire city, hundreds if not thousands of loyal friends and followers, all the money she could ask for... but she wanted more. She wanted to bring an old rival down. It's possible that she was a mean, vindictive person, or perhaps she was just jealous of this rival, who had amassed even more popularity than her. Nevertheless, it was when she ordered the execution of Gome Kurodani that all hell broke loose in the Subterranean City.
The passages around it are faded, but you get the feeling that you could probably piece together most of the rest of the story.
-
>"So that's why she behaves as she does...I'll have to be even more careful around her."
>Now read 'Who Really Built the Pillar of Mima'".
-
>"So that's why she behaves as she does...I'll have to be even more careful around her."
>Now read 'Who Really Built the Pillar of Mima'".
You pick up the book "Who Really Built the Pillar Of Mima?" and give it a quick glance. That's really all you need, due to passages like this:
The mainstream opinion seems to be that the Pillar of Mima was created by a few rogue magicians for the purpose of summoning said evil spirit. But this story is full of inconsistencies, and we need to consider alternatives. One alternative I'd like to bring forward is the idea that perhaps the Pillar of Mima was built by aliens as a way to communicate with their home planet. This would explain why something written in Latin found itself in Gensokyo, after all.
-
>Well, seems that whoever this Mima is, it's risky business dealing with it.
>Let's examine Humans.
-
"Advanced Mathematics and the Theory of Groups"
"Humans"
> Lets peak at "Humans". I'm kind of curious what the youkai down here think about them.
> Also, open "Advanced Mathematics and the Theory of Groups".
-
>Well, seems that whoever this Mima is, it's risky business dealing with it.
>Let's examine Humans.
You get the feeling that whoever Mima is, dealing with it would probably be a bad idea. That done, you set the book aside and move on to Humans.
Although humans in general are a part of our diet, there are two particular groups that all good youkai should avoid, if possible. One of these is the Sisterhood of Mikos, a terrifying youkai hunter organization. Anyone seen wearing shoulderless sleeves is probably a member of this group. Avoid at all costs. Anyone dressed in Dragon armor should also be avoided, as they are probably servants of Hakurei, and also trained in youkai hunting. Avoiding these two groups will lead to a stronger front for youkai, but be sure not to grow too strong. If the human population collapses, so too shall we.
You are interrupted from reading further by the sound of a loud crash. A quick look reveals that Kogasa accidentally knocked over a small bookshelf. The interruption is probably welcome, as you probably have no interest in the fifth book. You honestly don't know why Mokou grabbed it for you. Mokou and Utsuho, surprisingly, are behaving themselves rather well, holding a jovial conversation in a dark corner.
> Also, open "Advanced Mathematics and the Theory of Groups".
You nevertheless forge on, and peek at the Groups book.
Now, if we consider a group H to be the group consisting of the unification of the reals with the imaginaries...
Bah. Mathematics was never really your thing anyway. Maybe Ran could get more use out of this.
-
> Hand the group theory book to Utsuho. See if she can make heads or tails of it.
-
>"Such an ancient way of things. Youkai hardly ever even eat anything human anymore, save for that vampire. But she really has no choice in the matter."
-
> "Hey Utsuho, you have to promise not to eat any humans, o.k.?
-
>"Such an ancient way of things. Youkai hardly ever even eat anything human anymore, save for that vampire. But she really has no choice in the matter."
Indeed. The attitudes in this book clearly reflect the great age of this
library.
Patchouli would probably have a field day here. For that matter, so would Marisa. But you got here first ~
> Hand the group theory book to Utsuho. See if she can make heads or tails of it.
On a whim, you ask Utsuho to take a look atthe group theory book. She begins to read, and it doesn't take long for a scowl to appear on her face.
"Constructing rings... subgroups... Tori... this has got to be the most confusing book I've ever-- ooh," Utsuho triumphantly says, pointing at an image in the book with a smile, "a donut!" Taking a look reveals that Utsuho was right: in the upper right corner of a page is a crystal clear, unfaded image of a donut-shaped object. The book calls it a "torus" though.
> "Hey Utsuho, you have to promise not to eat any humans, o.k.?
Utsuho, completely forgetting about the book image, gives you a smile. "If you say so, okay!"
-
>Is it about time to meet up with Yuugi?
-
>Is it about time to meet up with Yuugi?
Now that you think about it, it does seem like it's getting on into evening. You doubt Yuugi would object if you went over to where she usually hangs out now.
Status:
Mokou and Utsuho are currently having a conversation about donuts. Kogasa is replacing books on the shelf she collapsed.
-
>"You know, I heard donuts are related to manjuu."
>We may as well help Kogasa set it back up. We can get rolling once we finish.
-
> Listen in on donut conversation.
> Take notes. For science.
-
> Listen in on donut conversation.
Mokou: "...and then after she died, I took her donut, and it was delicious! Best donut ever, I tell you!"
Utsuho: "Oh, you need to try Satori-sama's donuts then! One time, Orin and I asked really nicely enough to get her to make blazeberry donuts! They were the best ever!"
>"You know, I heard donuts are related to manjuu."
Utsuho: "Oooh... blazeberry manjuu! I have got to ask for that sometime!"
Mokou: "You should try something other than blazeberries, you know. We've got a lot of berries on the surface, too, ya know."
Utsuho: "Um... Keine-sama, you're still planning on a dinner, right? I know I'm a youkai, so I don't really need it, but I'm sort of used to it, you know?"
> Take notes. For science.
You note that blazeberry donuts are apparently delicious. And Mokou's Kaguya-obsessed again.
>We may as well help Kogasa set it back up. We can get rolling once we finish.
After a bit of work, the four of you manage to get the bookshelf straightened out.
>_
-
> Leave library.
-
> Leave library.
The four of you leave the library. Heading down toward the entrance of the city, you catch sight of Yuugi watching a fight. She notices you and steps up over to you.
"Hey, glad you could make it! Find out anything interesting from the Komeiji girl?" She then notices Okuu and grins.
"Well, I guess you got something interesting anyway. Hi Okuu!" Utsuho responds with a grin and a wave of the control rod, "Hi Yuugi!"
-
> "Who're you rooting for?"
-
> "Who're you rooting for?"
Yuugi laughs. "I don't even really know these oni. No stakes for me in this match! It's just fun to watch the fights sometimes."
She then points at you and Mokou. "You two, you should enter the fighter pool, you know? I'll bet you could have some fun with it. I tried to get Okuu in, but the organizer said no for some reason."
-
>"I would assume they don't want the city to blow up."
-
Yuugi waves your concern away with a grin. "Oh, I'm sure she'd be fine! That control rod comes off, you know. Well, the once in a blue moon she wants it off anyway. And she's not a bad physical fighter either, right Okuu?"
Okuu looks to the side, muttering "I still lose against you in a fistfight, though..."
-
Yuugi waves your concern away with a grin. "Oh, I'm sure she'd be fine! That control rod comes off, you know. Well, the once in a blue moon she wants it off anyway. And she's not a bad physical fighter either, right Okuu?"
Okuu looks to the side, muttering "I still lose against you in a fistfight, though..."
> "I'm a little afraid I would die. Mokou, are you interested?"
EDIT:
> Convince Kogasa to enter.
-
> Convince Kogasa to enter.
>Now that's just evil. Let's not be that mean to the poor umbrella.
-
> "I'm a little afraid I would die. Mokou, are you interested?"
Mokou laughs. "I'd love to! But that sounds like a time-consuming thing, and I've got shit to do on the surface. Kaguya's probably tearing her hair out at this point looking for me. Ya know?"
> Convince Kogasa to enter.
>Now that's just evil. Let's not be that mean to the poor umbrella.
You consider getting Kogasa to enter, but decide that even if she's been annoying you for years, you really can't be that cruel to the essentially innocent umbrella youkai. Yuugi grins and gestures for you to follow her.
"Anyway, I told you I was going to show you fine Underground food, right? And Oni don't lie. So come on already!"
-
>Sigh quietly. 'Kaguya' this, 'Kaguya' that.... Makes a girl wonder what'll happen if the two of them DON'T kill each other at least once a day.
>"Well, consider this, Mokou. Letting her stew now and then, for a little while, can't be all bad. Besides, you never know. You might pick up a new trick or two down here."
>Follow the oni!
-
> It's just the fact that Kaguya is the one constant, besides Eirin, in her life, and gives Mokou a purpose.
-
> Is she always this obsessed with Kaguya? It doesn't seem healthy.
-
>Sigh quietly. 'Kaguya' this, 'Kaguya' that.... Makes a girl wonder what'll happen if the two of them DON'T kill each other at least once a day.
>"Well, consider this, Mokou. Letting her stew now and then, for a little while, can't be all bad. Besides, you never know. You might pick up a new trick or two down here."
> It's just the fact that Kaguya is the one constant, besides Eirin, in her life, and gives Mokou a purpose.
> Is she always this obsessed with Kaguya? It doesn't seem healthy.
Mokou doesn't really say anything at first, instead considering what you're saying as you walk with the oni. "That is true... don't you still have to get back up to the surface, though? You sure you can make it there without me to help you up?" she teases.
>Follow the oni!
You follow the oni. After a short walk, you find yourself at what looks to be a very nice restaurant. Stepping inside, Yuugi whispers to a fancily dressed oni, who smiles and gestures, saying... something, you can't tell what. She then turns to you.
"We got lucky, I won't have to pull anything to get a table. Hope you're not a vegetarian, though, because the Underground Bistro serves meat with just about everything."
-
>Surely we know the value of meat in meals?
-
>Surely we know the value of meat in meals?
Indeed you do. You ate the hare Mokou offered this morning, after all, right?
-
>"I'm perfectly fine with that. So, what sort of dishes does this establishment serve?"
-
>"I'm perfectly fine with that. So, what sort of dishes does this establishment serve?"
As a besuited oni steps up and hands out menus, Yuugi grins. "See for yourself!" Checking the menu, you see many of the most familiar dishes, such as tonkatsu and yakitori (and a broiled lamprey dish with the caption "better than the bird's"), but also a few exotic dishes, including a couple things named "Wurst sausage" and "spaghetti". You really wish that the menu would provide descriptions, but none seem to be forthcoming. Meanwhile, Yuugi has pulled out the wine gift from Suika and is engaging Utsuho in conversation.
Utsuho: "Well, Satori-sama said I shouldn't drink though..."
Yuugi: "Oh come on, it's just a glass or four of wine. What could it hurt? She's not even in charge of you right now anyway, is she?"
-
>"Hmm...Only one should be enough, I can't be bringing her back drunk you know."
>Look to Mokou. "So...Anything catching your eye? Because I've never had some of these dishes."
-
>"Hmm...Only one should be enough, I can't be bringing her back drunk you know."
Yuugi grins. "There ya go, Okuu. Keine says it's all right." Okuu takes the chance to get a glass, seemingly a lot more eager now that permission has been established. "Well, if you say it's all right..." Satisfied, Yuugi
turns to you. "So, you never did say if you found out anything interesting at the Komeiji girl's place."
>Look to Mokou. "So...Anything catching your eye? Because I've never had some of these dishes."
Mokou gives the menu a quick stare before tossing it on the table. "I dunno about you, but I'm in the mood for pork. Tonkatsu for me."
-
>"Well, we did find out what that glowing part was. Apparently it's tied to an evil spirit called 'Mima'. Some books we found at the tower library indicated that the pillar might have been made by rogue magicians to summon it. I plan to consult some of the surface magicians when i get the chance."
>So many different dishes...Which to pick?
-
>"Well, we did find out what that glowing part was. Apparently it's tied to an evil spirit called 'Mima'. Some books we found at the tower library indicated that the pillar might have been made by rogue magicians to summon it. I plan to consult some of the surface magicians when i get the chance."
Yuugi frowns for the first time since you've seen her. "An evil spirit, huh... well, you'd better find out then! I mean, I don't want this city to be threatened by some evil Mima. Of course..." she barks a quick laugh, "it's probably nothing to worry about. The city's been here for at least a thousand years, and who knows how long that pillar's been doing that."
Out the corner of your eye you see Utsuho taking a sip of the expensive wine. Her face contorts a little and she sticks her tongue out. "Uwaaagh... bitter..." She looks over at you and Yuugi. "Does alcohol always taste like this?" Yuugi, taking a drink of her own, gives Utsuho a blank stare before replying, "Um... yeah, pretty much. Most of the stuff you'll probably encounter, anyway." As she sees Utsuho set the wine glass aside, she gives you a small wink before continuing. "If you don't like it, Okuu, you don't have to drink it. Alcohol's not for everyone."
>So many different dishes...Which to pick?
You're quite indecisive about the menu. Mokou pokes you in the side. "Hey, if you can't decide, you should get some of that Wurst sausage. I dunno what it is, but I want to try it. I'll give you some tonkatsu in return, of course."
-
> "What is spaghetti?"
-
> "What is spaghetti?"
Another frown from Yuugi. "Um... imagine a plate of soba noodles covered in a sweet red sauce... well, it's nothing like that, but that's about as close as I can get. Oh, and little balls of meat mixed into it."
-
> Order the spaghetti.
-
> Order the spaghetti.
When the waiter comes, you order the spaghetti. Mokou goes with her order, and Utsuho hungrily orders the yakitori. Yuugi seems to be content with her wine.
...
Food's here! You now have a plate of spaghetti. (I assume I don't have to describe what spaghetti looks or tastes like?) Utsuho managed to get a strawberry juice ordered. Yuugi leans back, sipping on wine like a boss. "So, what did you think of Satori?" she says, trying to start a conversation.
-
> "Nice girl. A lot more hospitable than I expected. I didn't quite get a sense of her position down here; is she like the mayor?"
-
> "Nice girl. A lot more hospitable than I expected. I didn't quite get a sense of her position down here; is she like the mayor?"
Yuugi grins. "We don't need a leader! She's more of... well, she lives in the palace, but I guess you'd just call her an influential citizen. I don't think the Ancient City's ever had a leader. Certainly not since the oni moved in."
-
> "What promted the oni to move in anyway? Was it a gradual thing, or did some specific event prompt the mass immigration?"
-
> "What promted the oni to move in anyway? Was it a gradual thing, or did some specific event prompt the mass immigration?"
Yuugi leans back in her chair, reminiscing. "Well... I don't remember too much of the details, but we needed a big place to live, and there was this empty city ready-made for us. We asked the Lady Shiki if she had any problems with us living there, and her response was that it would be fine, so long as we kept guard over the earth spirits. A fair trade, in my opinion. If you talked to the Lady Shiki, you could probably find out more, but I doubt you can get to her without dying first anymore."
Then return to sitting straight. "Are you always this inquisitive? Not that I mind, but I want to know."
-
> "Not usually, but I imagine I'm going to need to add Chireiden to the history curriculum. Plus, the academic in me is curious."
-
>"I AM a teacher, on the surface, after all. Curiousity's one of the larger reasons I came down here. First hand experience is the best way to learn."
-
> "Not usually, but I imagine I'm going to need to add Chireiden to the history curriculum. Plus, the academic in me is curious."
>"I AM a teacher, on the surface, after all. Curiousity's one of the larger reasons I came down here. First hand experience is the best way to learn."
Yuugi laughs. "All right then. I'm guessing you checked out Library Tower at some point too? Pretty foreboding place, huh?"
-
>"It wouldn't be how I'd design a library, no. But, that said, I think I could spend a fair bit of time there, if I had the time to spare."
>"Come to think of it, you wouldn't happen to know who built a library tower that way, would you?"
-
>"It wouldn't be how I'd design a library, no. But, that said, I think I could spend a fair bit of time there, if I had the time to spare."
>"Come to think of it, you wouldn't happen to know who built a library tower that way, would you?"
Yuugi shakes her head. "Like I said, the whole city was built when we got here. And I don't think an oni's entered the Library Tower since I stepped inside... oh, probably about 400 years ago and found out it's a library. There aren't many oni who read for pleasure, you see. I wish I could help you more, but I can't think of a single person who's been here since the city was built. You'd think there would be one, we oni used to be everywhere, but I can't think of anyone."
-
>"Well, I might have a few leads, given how one of the books mentioned a flower youkai who I suspect to still be alive. The author of that book apparently knew her."
>"That book was a compendium of notable Youkai of the 5th Century. It mentioned the ancestors of not just the Bridge Princess, but the Tsuchigumo near the entrance, Miss Kurodani."
-
>"Well, I might have a few leads, given how one of the books mentioned a flower youkai who I suspect to still be alive. The author of that book apparently knew her."
Yuugi leans back in her chair as she gives you a blank stare. "Don't remember any flower youkai, I'm afraid. Good luck with that, I hear they can be temperamental."
>"That book was a compendium of notable Youkai of the 5th Century. It mentioned the ancestors of not just the Bridge Princess, but the Tsuchigumo near the entrance, Miss Kurodani."
"Bridge princess? Oh, you mean the little insane girl on the bridge. Yeah, she's been here since we moved in as well. The oni don't tend to go near her, we're not fans of jealousy. Miss Kurodani on the other hand... she comes into the city and performs every once in a while. Quite the good singer, you know? That's how she earns her money in the Ancient City."
-
>Nod. "Yes, the book made mention of a rumor that her ancestor had a spell cast so that her descendants would always be talented in that field. According to the book, her ancestor was put to death by a prior ruler. The book stated it was by jealousy. That person also bears the same given name as the bridge princess, so it seems jealousy has been a long-running thing for her bloodline."
>"As for the flower youkai, there's one in particular who I suspect to be that same youkai. I know her to be a relatively temperamental one, though she's usually well-mannered."
-
>Nod. "Yes, the book made mention of a rumor that her ancestor had a spell cast so that her descendants would always be talented in that field. According to the book, her ancestor was put to death by a prior ruler. The book stated it was by jealousy. That person also bears the same given name as the bridge princess, so it seems jealousy has been a long-running thing for her bloodline."
Yuugi nods. "Sounds interesting. You could almost teach a class with how much you're finding out, ahaha. I'm guessing you're going to talk to them as well?"
>"As for the flower youkai, there's one in particular who I suspect to be that same youkai. I know her to be a relatively temperamental one, though she's usually well-mannered."
"Well, good luck is all I can say." You notice suddenly that you've finished your food without even noticing. You must have been more hungry than you thought. Taking a look around, you notice Mokou listening in to your conversation and Utsuho doing... something with her yakitori sticks that is apparently very intense, as she is glaring at three of them while the fourth is sticking out of her mouth.
-
>Nod. "I'll at least inform Miss Kurodani. I'm not exactly keen on dealing with Mizuhashi again."
>Let's watch Okuu, see what she's trying to do.
-
>Nod. "I'll at least inform Miss Kurodani. I'm not exactly keen on dealing with Mizuhashi again."
Yuugi grins. "Got a bit of a scare trying to cross, didn't you?"
>Let's watch Okuu, see what she's trying to do.
Okuu appears to be attempting to build a tepee with her yakitori sticks. Her control rod lies discarded at her side as she works carefully to set up the three sticks in a sort of cone. After about 30 seconds of what looks like intense cocentration, she finally gets the three sticks to all rest on each other. In response, she stands up triumphantly, inadvertently bumping the table and causing her stick structure to fall apart. You hear a sad "Unyu..." as Utsuho realizes all her work just fell apart.
-
>"More like it was just irksome. She actually tried to get me to take Mokou's immortality for my own. As if I'd really want that. I had to headbutt her twice to get past. An unneeded hassle if you ask me."
>Look over to Okuu with a consoling look. "Don't worry, you can just do it again. Look, the sticks aren't broken, so you can rebuild it."
-
>"More like it was just irksome. She actually tried to get me to take Mokou's immortality for my own. As if I'd really want that. I had to headbutt her twice to get past. An unneeded hassle if you ask me."
Yuugi nods. "Sounds like Parsee all right. She probably won't bother you as you go back, but be careful anyway."
>Look over to Okuu with a consoling look. "Don't worry, you can just do it again. Look, the sticks aren't broken, so you can rebuild it."
Okuu sighs. "It's just like a sun, though. Takes all that work and energy to build and it falls to pieces the moment you release it. Anyway, is the dinner almost done? Because I am."
-
>Smile at Okuu, and reach across for headpats. "Here's a useful tip. Next time you make one of these at home, use glue. And I've finished, though I'm surprised I finished it so quickly."
>Then look back to Yuugi. "Hopefully."
-
>Smile at Okuu, and reach across for headpats. "Here's a useful tip. Next time you make one of these at home, use glue. And I've finished, though I'm surprised I finished it so quickly."
>Then look back to Yuugi. "Hopefully."
Okuu nods. "Glue... I'll have to get me some of that."
Yuugi toasts you with her wine glass. "You'd probably best be off. I'll linger around this restaurant for a few more hours, have some more wine. If the bridge girl gives you any trouble, just notify me and I'll make sure she never does it again, all right?"
You idly wonder what would happen if someone ever actually made an enemy of Yuugi.
-
You idly wonder what would happen if someone ever actually made an enemy of Yuugi.
> Make a vivid mental picture of exactly what you imagine could happen.
> Do we have many more buisness here, such as the check and tip? Or should we be on our way?
-
> Make a vivid mental picture of exactly what you imagine could happen.
You make a vivid mental picture. It has a lot of blood and significant amounts of gore. Somewhere, you can feel a satori retching.
> Do we have many more buisness here, such as the check and tip? Or should we be on our way?
No, not really. Yuugi said she was treating you, after all. You suppose you should get Utsuho to grab her control rod. You notice Kogasa watching a card game between a pair of oni. Thankfully she wasn't too far away.
-
> Get Utsuho to grab her control rod.
> Does Kogasa look like she's trying to surprise them? If yes, then watch.
-
> Get Utsuho to grab her control rod.
Utsuho stands up and is almost away from the table before you remind her that she forgot her control rod. Giggling in embarrassment, she hurries over and picks up the rod, reattaching to her arm. "Sorry about that..."
> Does Kogasa look like she's trying to surprise them? If yes, then watch.
Unfortunately, she looks more genuinely interested in the card game.
Mokou also stands up, giving Yuugi a quick toast before finishing off her wine. "All right, let's get out of here. We got... wait, what's next on the agenda anyway?"
A: Find Akyu, deliver tea
B: Find Reimu, ask about Mima:
C: Find Magician, ask about Mima:
D: Do something else that I can't remember
-
> B: Bug Reimu.
-
>"Well, since Reimu's on the way, we'll ask her about this Mima."
>Pause.
>"Ah, that reminds me, do you know any cures for a cold? Reimu's gotten one, and she's been in a sour mood due to it."
-
> B: Bug Reimu.
>"Well, since Reimu's on the way, we'll ask her about this Mima."
>Pause.
>"Ah, that reminds me, do you know any cures for a cold? Reimu's gotten one, and she's been in a sour mood due to it."
Yuugi shrugs. "You tried sake? That's what I usually use." Kogasa begins to drift over to you. Your party is now ready to leave.
-
>"Suika was there, so I'd think that probably wouldn't work. But I'll pass the idea along regardless."
>"Well, it was rather enjoyable, but I suppose we'd best be off everyone."
>Let's roll.
-
>"Suika was there, so I'd think that probably wouldn't work. But I'll pass the idea along regardless."
>"Well, it was rather enjoyable, but I suppose we'd best be off everyone."
>Let's roll.
Yuugi gives you another toast as you leave. Exiting the city, it doesn't take you long until you get to the bridge. Parsee's sitting there, her knees to her chest, staring at a spot on the bridge. She doesn't even look at you this time. "Just go. I already know I won't win. Just get out of here."
>Respond to Parsee or continue?
-
> Respond. "Something the matter?"
-
> Respond. "Something the matter?"
She continues to stare at some blank spot on the bridge. "Nothing. Just the same as normal. Don't you have somewhere else you need to be?"
-
> "Yep." Continue looking at her.
> "I've been doing some research, you seem to have a very interesting family history. The historian in me would like to hear more about it."
-
> "Yep." Continue looking at her.
> "I've been doing some research, you seem to have a very interesting family history. The historian in me would like to hear more about it."
She actually cracks a small smile. "Family? I haven't seen any of my family since I was forced out of the city. I doubt you've heard anything about them, no matter how great a historian you are."
-
> "Alright then."
> "I know why you aren't in the city, but if you don't mind me asking, why are you, well, here? As in, on this bridge ambushing visitors?"
-
> "Alright then."
> "I know why you aren't in the city, but if you don't mind me asking, why are you, well, here? As in, on this bridge ambushing visitors?"
Parsee finally looks into your eyes. Hers seem almost to be blank. "This is where I was condemned. I can't leave this bridge, for any reason. The magic binding me here is the strongest of magics. Even the shinigami couldn't overcome it."
-
>"...I suppose I should have put two and two together when Yuugi mentioned you've been here since before the Oni came down, and the book I encountered listed someone like you as a notable Youkai of the 5th Century."
>"That book wasn't talking about an ancestor of yours, It was talking about you, wasn't it?"
-
>"...I suppose I should have put two and two together when Yuugi mentioned you've been here since before the Oni came down, and the book I encountered listed someone like you as a notable Youkai of the 5th Century."
>"That book wasn't talking about an ancestor of yours, It was talking about you, wasn't it?"
Parsee sighs. "Perhaps it was. I was around back then. I used to be famous, and popular, and powerful. All gone now. All because of that damned spider. She's the reason I'm down here, on this bridge. But then, I'm sure you've read all about that already."
-
Parsee sighs. "Perhaps it was. I was around back then. I used to be famous, and popular, and powerful. All gone now. All because of that damned spider. She's the reason I'm down here, on this bridge. But then, I'm sure you've read all about that already."
> "Yep."
> This looks like a lost cause. Can we think of any reason not to continue to the surface?
-
>"Well, you two were famous in different circles. She was a popular songstress who kept spirits high, and was loved for that. You were a leader of the people who kept things running. Two completely different, yet equally-important fields. But, as they say, the past is the past."
>We could always learn more about this, and tinker with history later to give the poor girl a happier tale.
-
(On an entirely unrelated note, why do I have the ability to modify everyone's posts in this topic?)
> "Yep."
>"Well, you two were famous in different circles. She was a popular songstress who kept spirits high, and was loved for that. You were a leader of the people who kept things running. Two completely different, yet equally-important fields. But, as they say, the past is the past."
Parsee almost seems to grow angry at your words. "NO, you don't understand, you weren't there. She tried to steal my followers. She called for civil war. It's all her fault I'm here. She's the reason I've been trapped on a bridge for centuries!"
> This looks like a lost cause. Can we think of any reason not to continue to the surface?
>We could always learn more about this, and tinker with history later to give the poor girl a happier tale.
Inwardly, you debate with yourself whether this person is really worth talking to.
-
>"Well, I shall have to learn more about this then. Until next we meet I suppose."
>Let's move along to the next stop.
-
>"Well, I shall have to learn more about this then. Until next we meet I suppose."
>Let's move along to the next stop.
Parsee shrugs. "Go."
Moving along, you can see the entrance to the underground. Yamame is unfortunately absent, presumably somewhere else at the moment, but you do see a small, cute girl with green hair (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/1050856/1girl-asahana_jun-bucket-chibi-green_eyes-green_ha) sitting in a bucket looking at you. As you approach, she tilts her head and reaches toward you in the bucket. "Hug?" she asks.
-
> Kogasa can give her a hug.
> Note that the default solution to all possible threats is to send Kogasa headfirst into them.
-
> Kogasa can give her a hug.
> Note that the default solution to all possible threats is to send Kogasa headfirst into them.
Kogasa steps forward to give the little bucket girl a hug. As they embrace, you see Kisume's face twist into something harsh. "Burn!" the little girl says, as Kogasa gets lit on black demon fire. She begins to panic, screaming and running around in circles as Kisume falls into the bucket, laughing maniacally. "Hahaha! You fell for it! Burn!"
-
> Did the umbrella take any damage?
> If not, play along until Kogasa counter-pranks and surprises her.
> If so, then actually be worried and feel guilt.
-
> Did the umbrella take any damage?
> If not, play along until Kogasa counter-pranks and surprises her.
> If so, then actually be worried and feel guilt.
The umbrella is also on fire. You feel guilty.
>_
-
>"....Some kids have no manners these days, good thing it looks like school's in session."
>Toss our hat into the air, zip over to the bucket, pop the little troublemaker out and give her a little discipline, then zip back to catch our hat before it falls.
>Then, once we've got the hat, start trying to put the fire out.
-
> Stop feeling guilty.
-
>"....Some kids have no manners these days, good thing it looks like school's in session."
>Toss our hat into the air, zip over to the bucket, pop the little troublemaker out and give her a little discipline, then zip back to catch our hat before it falls.
>Then, once we've got the hat, start trying to put the fire out.
Throwing your hat into the air, you dash over to the bucket, take Kisume out of the bucket, which immediately elicits a shriek from the girl, and headbutt her. Having done so, you drop the girl and grab your hat out of midair, slipping it back on your head with a calm expression. Checking behind you, you can see Mokou giving faint applause. Kogasa unfortunately didn't see, as she's rolling around on the ground trying to get the demon fire off, and Utsuho is vainly trying to stomp out her flaming umbrella. Given anyone else, Utsuho would probably be doing something fairly heroic, but here she's probably making it worse. At least she's not using her right foot, encased in Chernobylite. That would just be painful.
> Stop feeling guilty.
Having neutralized the attacker, you no longer really feel guilty. Of course, the whole situation's still going on.
-
> Hey Utsuho, try stomping with your right foot!
> Kogasa'll survive.
> Still, we should probably help her.
-
> Hey Utsuho, try stomping with your right foot!
"Okay!" Utsuho says, as she gives one great stomp with her encased foot and snaps the umbrella in half, destroying Kogasa forever.
> Kogasa'll survive.
> Still, we should probably help her.
While you feel the umbrella youkai will probably survive, you still think it'd be a good idea to help her out. Step 1 is to get the umbrella okay. Utsuho's actually managed to take out most of the fire, but you pick it up and demonstrate what you SHOULD be doing by patting the remaining fire out. That done, Kogasa stops writhing in circles on the ground and, even though her hair is still aflame, no longer seems to notice. "Owwie... that hurt, you know!" She says to Kisume, who's currently vainly trying to reach her bucket. And failing. She sticks her tongue out at you.
"Blue lady's mean!"
-
> Is Kogasa sticking her tounge out at us, or the bucket girl?
> "Why did you set this youkai on fire? Apologize."
-
> Is Kogasa sticking her tounge out at us, or the bucket girl?
The bucket girl's sticking her tongue out at you.
> "Why did you set this youkai on fire? Apologize."
"Her fault! She fell for it! And it was funny too!" the bucket girl says as she starts giggling to herself. "Now put me back in my bucket!"
-
>Motion to remove our hat again, but don't go through with it.
>"Little girls, even if they're Youkai, should learn proper manners."
-
> Surpress giggle. "How would you like it if someone set your bucket on fire? Now apologize."
> Have Mokou set bucket on fire.
-
>Motion to remove our hat again, but don't go through with it.
>"Little girls, even if they're Youkai, should learn proper manners."
She shrinks back a bit at the hat motion, but continues to stick her tongue out at you. "And blue people should not be mean!"
> Surpress giggle. "How would you like it if someone set your bucket on fire? Now apologize."
As you suppress a giggle at her statement, she frowns. "But you couldn't set my bucket on fire. I'm the only one here with fire." In the background, you can hear Mokou try not to crack up at this.
> Have Mokou set bucket on fire.
Mokou says "with pleasure" and ignites the bucket, which is unfortunately hanging by Yamame's webbing. The whole underground's now aflame. That spider was BUSY.
-
As you suppress a giggle at her statement, she frowns. "But you couldn't set my bucket on fire. I'm the only one here with fire." In the background, you can hear Mokou try not to crack up at this.
> Let Mokou respond.
> Pros and cons of helping the girl back into her bucket.
-
> Let Mokou respond.
Mokou laughs out loud, drawing the little girl back a bit more. "Oh, that's funny! You're dealing with Gensokyo's phoenix here, little girl. I'll burn that bucket and the string attached to it in a heartbeat! Come on, just say the word, Keine, and I'll make it ash!" You do notice that the bucket seems to be attached to a hanging string of web.
> Pros and cons of helping the girl back into her bucket.
Pros:
She might stop yelling at you to put her in her bucket.
Cons:
She might burn you again.
She really doesn't deserve it.
Kogasa's still badly hurt and she doesn't seem to be repentant about that. Nor does it seem likely that she ever will be, given that her attitude suggests a lack of empathy.
-
>Tend to Kogaa first.
>Put out the fire in her hair.
>"Are you okay?"
-
>Tend to Kogaa first.
The bucket girl can wait. You actually care about Kogasa.
>Put out the fire in her hair.
You pat out the fire in Kogasa's hair with her hands. This has the bonus effect of giving her headpats. She blushes and smiles a bit.
>"Are you okay?"
Kogasa smiles. "I'll be fine! I'm a resilient umbrella! But... I'm probably gonna have to go home and rest a bit once we get out of here. So I hope you don't mind if I leave you guys alone after this."
-
>"Quite alright. You've behaved rather well in fact."
-
>"Quite alright. You've behaved rather well in fact."
Kogasa gives you a tight hug that lasts less than a second. "Okay then! I'll see you around!" she says as she drifts toward the entrance. You now have two impulsive, explosively powered powerhouses and a bucket girl with you, still scowling at you and waiting expectantly for you to pick her up and put her back in her bucket. And Mokou's still got her hand on fire, waiting for your signal to light the bucket on fire.
-
>If we knock one of our students down with a headbutt, do we usually help them back up? If yes, help the girl back into her bucket.
-
>If we knock one of our students down with a headbutt, do we usually help them back up? If yes, help the girl back into her bucket.
Sighing, you pick up the little girl and set her down into her bucket. Surprisingly, she doesn't burn you this time, although she gives a satisfied smirk.
"See? Not so hard."
-
>Pick her up again and set her beside the bucket.
>"Let's not be sarcastic, now."
-
>Pick her up again and set her beside the bucket.
>"Let's not be sarcastic, now."
She actually begins to throw a bit of a tantrum, bashing her fists upon the ground. "Put me back put me back put me baaaack!"
-
>Put her back.
>"No more trouble, okay?"
>If she seems to be objecting, have Mokou fire a warning shot.
-
>Put her back.
>"No more trouble, okay?"
>If she seems to be objecting, have Mokou fire a warning shot.
She gives you a harsh look, but otherwise says nothing. After you set her in the bucket, she hides down in it, watching you as the three of you move to exit the underground.
Once outside, you find yourself at the base of Youkai Mountain again. The sun's setting in the sky. You must have been down there a while. Utsuho's staring at the sunset, which actually looks quite beautiful.
Your last command was "Continue to Hakurei Shrine". Continue with this command?
-
She actually begins to throw a bit of a tantrum, bashing her fists upon the ground. "Put me back put me back put me baaaack!"
> Continue to Hakurei shrine.
> "Is this your first sunset?"
-
> Continue to Hakurei shrine.
> "Is this your first sunset?"
Utsuho nods. "Yeah... I want my danmaku to look like that..."
Moving on.
You approach the Hakurei Shrine. Suika appears to be absent right now, and Reimu is enjoying the sunset from her shrine steps, or rather was. Right now she seems to be staring at the three of you in utter shock. Her hand is slowly moving toward the gohei that's resting behind her.
-
> "Don't shoot!"
-
> "Don't shoot!"
Reimu slowly stands up. "Hold still, Keine, there's an extremely dangerous youkai behind you. I'll get rid of her."
-
Reimu slowly stands up. "Hold still, Keine, there's an extremely dangerous youkai behind you. I'll get rid of her."
> "I know, she's here as my guest."
-
> "I know, she's here as my guest."
Reimu's jaw drops. "You... brought not just any youkai... but the Nuke Destroyer of Worlds... to the surface!? Keine I thought you were sane!"
-
> "Why don't we talk about what happened. Tea?"
> Bring out the blazeberry leaves.
-
> "Why don't we talk about what happened. Tea?"
> Bring out the blazeberry leaves.
At the sight of the leaves, Reimu noticeably brightens. "Oh, sure. Come on in. It's late, but I suppose that's all right."
You go inside, and she starts preparing tea from the leaves you brought. As it's warming, she hustles you into the kotatsu room where she's apparently spent most of the day.
"So while the tea's being made, why don't you explain to me just why Reiuji Utsuho's wandering on the surface?" Okuu, for her part, is glaring back at Reimu. You'd guess these two don't have a good history together.
-
> "I owed Satori a favor. She is an incredibly hospitable host, and well, Mokou wanted to take her with us, Utsuho wanted to come with us, and Satori thought it would be good for her to see things."
-
>"And besides, She almost got carried away underground when we first met, but I disarmed that rather easily, and without danmaku or a headbutt."
>Administer some headpats to Okuu.
>"She's a good girl, just prone to being excitable, like any child really."
-
> "I owed Satori a favor. She is an incredibly hospitable host, and well, Mokou wanted to take her with us, Utsuho wanted to come with us, and Satori thought it would be good for her to see things."
>"And besides, She almost got carried away underground when we first met, but I disarmed that rather easily, and without danmaku or a headbutt."
>Administer some headpats to Okuu.
>"She's a good girl, just prone to being excitable, like any child really."
Okuu smiles and blushes, a lot like the last time. Reimu sighs.
"She's still dangerous and unstable in my book," she says, eliciting a small growl from Okuu, "and you're going to have a fun time taking her into the Human Village. I don't suppose you considered that, did you? But I suppose if you and Miss Mind Invader think it's okay, who am I to argue," somewhat sarcastically now. You get the feeling that she doesn't quite agree with your decision. "Did you at least have fun in your little trip to the underground?"
-
> "Yep. By the way, do you know what a Mima is?"
-
>Administer more headpats to Okuu, gotta keep the girl calm.
>"You see, I found out about a strange pillar down in the Ancient City during my stay there. Naturally, the scholar in me couldn't resist studying it. As it turns out, it was covered in a writing nobody could understand, much less read. But that's to be expected, since it was in Latin, a language that has been around since before first emperors."
>"That pillar made mention of something called Mima. Other sources I located indicated it was some manner of spirit."
>"Also, I found that many of the youkai down there are much more polite and good-natured than you and Akyu led me to believe. Even Miss Kurodani, the Tsuchigumo, was quite polite and cordial when we got to discussing a few things. I also discovered that she's a popular singer. But that's to be expected, since several ancient tomes I found down there revealed that an ancestor of hers was also an exceptionally popular singer, and was rumored to have had a spell cast to ensure her descendants would be quite talented in that regard."
(On a side note, where'd the whole Singer Extraordinaire Yamame come from anyways? I know it's a japan thing too, but how'd it get started?)
-
> "Yep. By the way, do you know what a Mima is?"
Reimu tilts her head, and you take that as an opportunity to elaborate.
>"You see, I found out about a strange pillar down in the Ancient City during my stay there. Naturally, the scholar in me couldn't resist studying it. As it turns out, it was covered in a writing nobody could understand, much less read. But that's to be expected, since it was in Latin, a language that has been around since before first emperors."
>"That pillar made mention of something called Mima. Other sources I located indicated it was some manner of spirit."
Reimu sighs. "I've heard the name before. Marisa used to talk about a Mima. But, well... I wasn't really listening, so I can't remember much myself. Maybe you could ask her, or maybe Patchouli. She'd know if anyone does."
>"Also, I found that many of the youkai down there are much more polite and good-natured than you and Akyu led me to believe. Even Miss Kurodani, the Tsuchigumo, was quite polite and cordial when we got to discussing a few things. I also discovered that she's a popular singer. But that's to be expected, since several ancient tomes I found down there revealed that an ancestor of hers was also an exceptionally popular singer, and was rumored to have had a spell cast to ensure her descendants would be quite talented in that regard."
Reimu tilts her head. "You mean the spider I one-shotted? Ehehe... to be fair, I'm pretty sure she was attacking me at the time. And Satori's still a strange one, mark my words." Okuu cuts in with "No she's not, she's nice!" to which Reimu simply scoffs.
>Administer more headpats to Okuu, gotta keep the girl calm.
Keeping Okuu calm, you pat and stroke her head more. In response she... well, figuratively melts. Apparently you discovered her weak spot.
(On a side note, where'd the whole Singer Extraordinaire Yamame come from anyways? I know it's a japan thing too, but how'd it get started?)
(No idea, I just went with it)
-
>Nod. "I see. This helps my inquiry into the pillar's nature considerably. Yuugi, and several others were quite interested in what it was about once I translated that little part that mentioned Mima."
>"On the subject of that spider, she seems to have a long-standing connection with the Bridge Princess. Who I discovered is, quite possibly, one of the oldest youkai known. Hailing from all the way back in the 5th Century. Possibly even further. Apparently she used to rule the ancient city long before the Oni arrived, but was exiled due to having a rival executed. That rival was Gome Kurodani, Yamame's ancestor. Unfortunately, as much as I would have liked to discuss that matter with Miss Kurodani, I only encountered that troublesome Tsurube-Otoshi. An unrepentant trickster on a level beyond even Kogasa, who was remarkably well-behaved today."
>The tea's already been prepared and served, yes?
-
>Nod. "I see. This helps my inquiry into the pillar's nature considerably. Yuugi, and several others were quite interested in what it was about once I translated that little part that mentioned Mima."
>"On the subject of that spider, she seems to have a long-standing connection with the Bridge Princess. Who I discovered is, quite possibly, one of the oldest youkai known. Hailing from all the way back in the 5th Century. Possibly even further. Apparently she used to rule the ancient city long before the Oni arrived, but was exiled due to having a rival executed. That rival was Gome Kurodani, Yamame's ancestor. Unfortunately, as much as I would have liked to discuss that matter with Miss Kurodani, I only encountered that troublesome Tsurube-Otoshi. An unrepentant trickster on a level beyond even Kogasa, who was remarkably well-behaved today."
Reimu laughs. "The little insane jealous girl actually has some history to her? Well isn't that interesting. That actually sounds pretty tragic, though. Maybe I'd feel sorry for her if she didn't try to attack me. And Kogasa? Well-behaved? Do you just exude an aura of good behavior or something?"
>The tea's already been prepared and served, yes?
Not quite, although you see a Suika finishing it up in the kitchen. Reimu apparently forgot about it.
-
>Nod. "Poor dear seems to think that it was all Gome's fault that she was exiled. According to her, she was preparing for a civil war. But even though history shows that human and youkai alike have gone to war for trivial reasons, I find it rather hard to believe that a songstress would bother to do something like that."
>"An interesting tidbit of information I came by via that same tome, also made mention of a young, newly-formed Flower Youkai whose name might be rather familiar to you. Yuka."
>"Since the author of that tome seemed to know her, I suspect that the infamous 'Flower Master of The Four Seasons' may very well know more about this whole sordid affair. So I intend to consult her more on that matter."
>Sigh, then chuckle in an exasperatedly amused way. "Seems the future will be quite busy for me, won't it? Traveling all over gensokyo to gather information to add to the records that I and Akyu keep."
-
And Kogasa? Well-behaved? Do you just exude an aura of good behavior or something?"
> "Relatively well behaved. She did get herself beat up by Sanae and roasted herself in the fires of hell."
> "She was also set alight by a bucket youkai, though I suppose I should have seen it coming. Hugging strange little girls is not always a good idea."
-
> "Relatively well behaved. She did get herself beat up by Sanae and roasted herself in the fires of hell."
> "She was also set alight by a bucket youkai, though I suppose I should have seen it coming. Hugging strange little girls is not always a good idea."
The miko winces. "That sounds... pretty bad, actually. I hope she's all right."
>Nod. "Poor dear seems to think that it was all Gome's fault that she was exiled. According to her, she was preparing for a civil war. But even though history shows that human and youkai alike have gone to war for trivial reasons, I find it rather hard to believe that a songstress would bother to do something like that."
Reimu raises one eyebrow. "That does sound pretty odd. But you have to remember that she's hardly sane. She's probably lying about at least part of it."
>"An interesting tidbit of information I came by via that same tome, also made mention of a young, newly-formed Flower Youkai whose name might be rather familiar to you. Yuka."
Reimu nods, the name is familiar to her.
>"Since the author of that tome seemed to know her, I suspect that the infamous 'Flower Master of The Four Seasons' may very well know more about this whole sordid affair. So I intend to consult her more on that matter."
"Be careful, and you might want to tell Utsuho to be careful as well. You know how Yuuka is." Utsuho gives a small glare and is about to comment, but is distracted by Suika entering with the blazeberry tea. "Yo, I tried this out while I was in there, and it was really delicious! What kind of leaf is this, Keine?"
>Sigh, then chuckle in an exasperatedly amused way. "Seems the future will be quite busy for me, won't it? Traveling all over gensokyo to gather information to add to the records that I and Akyu keep."
Reimu gives a chuckle. "Needless to say, I don't envy you. But at least maybe you'll have something new for the curriculum. Maybe I'll even show up, if you allow visitors in your classes of course."
-
"Be careful, and you might want to tell Utsuho to be careful as well. You know how Yuuka is." Utsuho gives a small glare and is about to comment, but is distracted by Suika entering with the blazeberry tea. "Yo, I tried this out while I was in there, and it was really delicious! What kind of leaf is this, Keine?"
> "Blazeberry. From the fires of former hell."
-
> "Blazeberry. From the fires of former hell."
Reimu nearly chokes. "From the WHAT!? How do you even get something like that!?"
-
>Administer headpats to Okuu. "Satori gave it to me. Utsuho here is the only one who can pick them, so it's a quite rare tea."
>"I myself have already had some, and I feel fine. I would think I would have suffered any adverse effects if it was harmful."
-
>Administer headpats to Okuu. "Satori gave it to me. Utsuho here is the only one who can pick them, so it's a quite rare tea."
>"I myself have already had some, and I feel fine. I would think I would have suffered any adverse effects if it was harmful."
Okuu continues to melt in your arms. Reimu chuckles a bit at the sight in front of you. "I see. It's quite delicious at any rate. Maybe I'll have to visit Satori and find some way to get some from her. Anyway, you said Mima, right? I would definitely check Marisa first, then. Patchouli might know more about evil spirits in general, but I remember hearing Marisa mention that name more than once, so she's probably going to be your best lead. Yuuka might be helpful too, if what you say is true, and I really have no reason not to believe you." She pauses for a moment, setting down the tea. "Just be careful, okay?"
-
>Nod. "As long as you behave yourself, and treat her politely, you should be able to get at least a little. It's rather hard to procure though, due to Utsuho being the only one capable of withstanding the heat. I was lucky to manage to obtain even this small box, which I intend to deliver the rest of to Akyu."
>"You know, Satori actually likes having guests. Something both you and Akyu were incorrect on. I plan to correct Akyu on that when I see her again."
-
>Nod. "As long as you behave yourself, and treat her politely, you should be able to get at least a little. It's rather hard to procure though, due to Utsuho being the only one capable of withstanding the heat. I was lucky to manage to obtain even this small box, which I intend to deliver the rest of to Akyu."
>"You know, Satori actually likes having guests. Something both you and Akyu were incorrect on. I plan to correct Akyu on that when I see her again."
Reimu looks to the side, rubbing her head. You can tell she's feeling slightly guilty. Nevertheless, she defends herself: "Not really my fault, she wasn't that welcoming when I came around..."
-
>"Well, first time mistakes happen. Best thing to do would be to apologize for how things got out of hand back then, and treat her with the proper respect a guest should."
>"Oh, I mentioned that you had a cold, and Yuugi suggested to drink more Sake. But then again, that's an oni's cure for everything, isn't it? I take it that this tea might help you along though, and perhaps you could stay in a warmer place to hasten the healing."
-
>"Well, first time mistakes happen. Best thing to do would be to apologize for how things got out of hand back then, and treat her with the proper respect a guest should."
Reimu sighs. "I should probably go back down there on friendlier terms, huh? I don't think I exactly made a good reputation then."
>"Oh, I mentioned that you had a cold, and Yuugi suggested to drink more Sake. But then again, that's an oni's cure for everything, isn't it? I take it that this tea might help you along though, and perhaps you could stay in a warmer place to hasten the healing."
Another sigh. "Suika suggested that too. I tried it. I got worse. Oni may understand a lot, but they don't understand humans. The tea was a nice boost, though." You get a genuine smile from Reimu. "Thank you."
The sun is now down, and the moon is high in the sky. This is the moon two days before full moon.
-
> Anything else we need to do here?
-
>Look at the moon, it looks nice, doesn't it? "Just two more days before the usual, huh? I guess I can really get to the bottom of things then."
>Marisa should probably still be awake even at this time, given how the sun just set. So let's finish our tea, and get the box with the rest of it back.
-
> Tell Utsuho about moon. And stars.
It's probably her first time seeing the sky.
-
It's probably her first time seeing the sky.
Does her cape count?
-
> Anything else we need to do here?
You idly wonder if there's anything else you ACTUALLY need to do at the Shrine.
>Look at the moon, it looks nice, doesn't it? "Just two more days before the usual, huh? I guess I can really get to the bottom of things then."
>Marisa should probably still be awake even at this time, given how the sun just set. So let's finish our tea, and get the box with the rest of it back.
Reimu gives you back the box, which Utsuho quickly grabs, rather possessively. "Um... I'll hold it, okay?" she says by way of explanation. The three of you head out, giving your farewells to Reimu, who nods sleepily to you. You get the feeling she'll be asleep before you even make it to the forest.
> Tell Utsuho about moon. And stars.
It's probably her first time seeing the sky.
Does her cape count?
It takes you a little while, but you explain what you know about the moon and the stars to Utsuho. She's staring in wonder at the night sky before blurting out "It's just like my cape but bigger! And they're so far away... it's amazing!"
-
>"There's one thing in this world more countless than the danmaku used each day. And that is the stars of the night sky."
>Let's keep heading for Marisa's, this is an important thing after all.
-
>"There's one thing in this world more countless than the danmaku used each day. And that is the stars of the night sky."
>Let's keep heading for Marisa's, this is an important thing after all.
You head towards the Forest of Magic as Utsuho spends her entire time gazing upwards. At least she keeps a firm grip on the box. It doesn't take you long to get to Marisa's house, but the moon is still high in the sky when you get there.
Marisa's house is always a mess, you know that. But you're pretty sure not even she would leave the door blasted off its hinges and lying on the ground as it is.
-
>Let's head to the door and knock.
(When she answers)>"Sorry to trouble you, but I came across some things that Reimu suggested I ask you about."
-
>Let's head to the door and knock.
(When she answers)>"Sorry to trouble you, but I came across some things that Reimu suggested I ask you about."
What door? As mentioned, the door's not attached to the wall right now.
Assuming you mean the frame, you knock on it, but there's no answer. To be honest, the inside looks like there was a danmaku battle fought in here. There's still scorch marks on most of the visible walls, you're guessing from Marisa's hakkero. You try another knock, but still no answer.
-
>"Um..."
>"I think something happened here."
>Is there anything that might indicate how recent this was?
-
>Sigh. "I wonder where she could have gotten? Mokou, you and Utsuho stay out here and keep watch, I'll look around inside."
>Let's poke around inside for any signs of Marisa.
-
>"Um..."
>"I think something happened here."
Mokou nods, lifting up the door. "Definitely looks like it, doesn't it?" Unfortunately, her having stopped means Utsuho bumps into her with the box, which causes Mokou to drop the door on her foot. Fortunately, Mokou doesn't seem to care that much.
>Is there anything that might indicate how recent this was?
Judging from the state of the grass under the door, you're guessing it probably got blasted off its hinges about a month or two ago.
>Sigh. "I wonder where she could have gotten? Mokou, you and Utsuho stay out here and keep watch, I'll look around inside."
>Let's poke around inside for any signs of Marisa.
You step inside the house, checking just about everywhere. You find some discarded hair of many different colors strung throughout the house, and a lot more scorch marks, but you don't find any sign of Marisa. She's well and truly disappeared.
-
>Scorch marks, many differently-colored hairs...And what's more, it's been like this for at least a month or two? Suspicious. Let's head back to the others.
>"Well, I couldn't find any sign of her, it looks like she's been missing for at least a month. But I did find many scorch marks, and many differently-colored hairs."
>Who do we know has Danmaku that causes scorching? Besides the obvious two we have with us.
-
>Scorch marks, many differently-colored hairs...And what's more, it's been like this for at least a month or two? Suspicious. Let's head back to the others.
You head down to the others. Utsuho has set the box down in a space she apparently cleared out. Mokou's leaning against a wall, watching you.
>"Well, I couldn't find any sign of her, it looks like she's been missing for at least a month. But I did find many scorch marks, and many differently-colored hairs."
Mokou grins. "Different-colored hair? Was it by chance black, white, and purple? Or, to make it more clear, Kaguya, Eirin, and Reisen?"
You are, however, sure that the colors were a mix of blonde, red, brown, and black. And purple.
>Who do we know has Danmaku that causes scorching? Besides the obvious two we have with us.
Well, Marisa herself has her master spark, which has been known to scorch the walls. Aside from that, you don't know too many who could. You suppose Patchouli's fire spells could, but she's been missing for a month and a half now, so it's hardly likely she's the culprit.
-
>Do our powers over history enable us to discern, or see, what happened here? Or at least, who was involved?
-
>"...This just came to me, but Patchouli was also missing. For about a month as well. I suspect that if we find Patchouli, we'll find Marisa as well."
>Who do we know has something in common with those two? They're both magicians..
-
>Patchy's been missing? What do we know about this?
>"We now have two missing magicians. Perhaps we should check Alice's house. Two magicians have gone missing at around the same time; there's a chance that Alice is also missing."
>Do we know of any magicians besides those three?
>"A visit to the Scarlet Devil Mansion might also be warrented at some point, at least to see what they know about Patchoulli's dissapearance."
-
It was mentioned earlier, before we went down below.
-
I'm still asking for what we know about this.
-
>Do our powers over history enable us to discern, or see, what happened here? Or at least, who was involved?
Unfortunately not. You have the power to eat history, not to see it!
>"...This just came to me, but Patchouli was also missing. For about a month as well. I suspect that if we find Patchouli, we'll find Marisa as well."
>Who do we know has something in common with those two? They're both magicians..
They are both magicians, and share this trait with Alice and Byakuren.
>Patchy's been missing? What do we know about this?
You remember that Patchouli's also been missing for about a month and a half. From speaking with Remilia, you did find out that she disappeared very suddenly, with no warning, and without a trace. One thing's for sure, Marisa's house is definitely a different story. You're not sure why, though.
>"We now have two missing magicians. Perhaps we should check Alice's house. Two magicians have gone missing at around the same time; there's a chance that Alice is also missing."
>Do we know of any magicians besides those three?
Aside from Alice, Marisa, and Patchouli, you believe Byakuren is also a magician.
>"A visit to the Scarlet Devil Mansion might also be warrented at some point, at least to see what they know about Patchoulli's dissapearance."
You make a plan to visit the SDM. You wouldn't normally do this, but the situation sort of warrants it.
-
>Let's head to Alice's, then.
>Has Byakuren been seen in the past month and a half?
-
>Has Byakuren been seen in the past month and a half?
Not that you know of, although she doesn't visit the town often anyway, so you're not really sure. You don't tend to hang with the Myouren types.
>Let's head to Alice's, then.
Leaving Marisa's house aside from now, you take the short yet tedious journey through the forest to Alice's house. The place is a stark contrast with Marisa, and looks pristine as usual. However, as you step up to the door and knock, you hear the sound reverberate through the house with no response.
-
>Knock again. If there's no response, try the door.
-
>Knock again. If there's no response, try the door.
You knock again, and indeed there is no response. After waiting for a bit, you simply open the door and step inside, directing Mokou and Utsuho to wait outside. Best to keep your intrusion to a minimum.
Once inside, you notice that she really doesn't seem to be anywhere. There's an empty plate on the dining room table and you see the familiar figure of Shanghai staring at you from the table. Unfortunately, with no Alice there, the doll isn't moving. It honestly looks like Alice just up and left during dinner. There is a thin layer of dust everywhere, though, so she obviously left a while ago.
-
>Go back outside.
>"She's gone, too"
>"Let's check the temple next; Byakuren may also be missing. And if she is indeed missing, we can ask her followers about it."
>Head for the temple.
-
>Go back outside.
>"She's gone, too"
Mokou sighs. "Why don't we just go to Eientei and get 'em back then? I can't think of anyone else who'd kidnap every magician in Gensokyo."
>"Let's check the temple next; Byakuren may also be missing. And if she is indeed missing, we can ask her followers about it."
>Head for the temple.
With Mokou protesting to check Eientei, and Utsuho asking just who these people are, you start heading to the temple.
...
A long journey and an explanation of magic to Utsuho later, you find yourself at the steps of the Myouren Temple. Ichirin sits at the front of the steps - you notice her nyuudou is away right now. Upon seeing you, she stands up and bows.
"Welcome to the Myouren Temple, Keine-san. It is a surprise to see you here. Is there anything I can help you with?"
-
> "Maybe. All the magicians have gone missing, may we see Byakuren?"
Mokou sighs. "Why don't we just go to Eientei and get 'em back then? I can't think of anyone else who'd kidnap every magician in Gensokyo."
> "You always blame Eientei."
> "Aw what the heck, fine, have your fun at Eientei. I suppose we don't have any better leads. Lets just finish up here first."
-
> "Maybe. All the magicians have gone missing, may we see Byakuren?"
Ichirin suddenly frowns. "All of the magicians, you say... well, I'm afraid I can't help you. Byakuren's been missing for a good 50 days now. She went out on one of her daily walks and never came back from it. Half the temple's looking for her right now."
> "You always blame Eientei."
> "Aw what the heck, fine, have your fun at Eientei. I suppose we don't have any better leads. Lets just finish up here first."
Mokou grins, her hand aflame. "All right then. Good to know Kaguya won't have to look for me this time."
-
Ichirin suddenly frowns. "All of the magicians, you say... well, I'm afraid I can't help you. Byakuren's been missing for a good 50 days now. She went out on one of her daily walks and never came back from it. Half the temple's looking for her right now."
> "The entire temple, huh? Where have they looked? No sense going to the same place twice."
-
> "The entire temple, huh? Where have they looked? No sense going to the same place twice."
She puts her finger to her mouth in consideration. "Well, mainly just Youkai Mountain, really... I don't suppose you've seen her in the village at all? Probably not..."
-
> Consider the possible places the magicians could be.
-
> Consider the possible places the magicians could be.
You can immediately rule out the Hakurei Shrine, the Forest of Magic, the Human Village, the Underground, and the Myouren Temple, having been to all of those places. You think you can pretty effectively rule out the Scarlet Devil Mansion, too. Hakugyokurou and Higan don't seem likely either, obviously. This leaves the abandoned town on the border called Mayohiga, the house Eientei (or perhaps somewhere else in the Bamboo Forest), Youkai Mountain (but you doubt it), or perhaps the Garden of the Sun or the Nameless Hill. There might be somewhere else too that you haven't checked, but you're not sure.
-
>Let's stop by the village first. No point carrying Akyu's tea with us everywhere.
-
>Let's stop by the village first. No point carrying Akyu's tea with us everywhere.
That's probably a good plan. Ichirin bows to you again. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you find Byakuren. Do you seek any spiritual guidance?"
It's now getting close to midnight, and you really are tired. You'd probably go to the human village so you can sleep anyway.
-
>"That's quite alright, maybe some other time. I should be getting home now, it's quite late."
>Come to think of it, we'll have to get the spare room set up for Okuu, won't we?
-
>"That's quite alright, maybe some other time. I should be getting home now, it's quite late."
"Very well. And please consider allowing nyuudou into the city. We would very much like to preach there." Ichirin usually says this, and you usually say no. You'll probably think about it a bit more, this time. But for now, it's time to go.
>Come to think of it, we'll have to get the spare room set up for Okuu, won't we?
Yes, yes you will.
Setting off to the human village, you're inwardly grateful that it's so late. This means that there's practically no one at the village to panic over Okuu. Unfortunately, it also means that the gates are closed. Sanae's standing defiantly in front of them, clearly watching for youkai. She actually looks rather imposing. Her words following prove she obviously doesn't recognize you in the darkness, though.
"You there, yeah, over there! I can see your wings, and you're not getting into the city! I'll defend this village no matter what!"
-
>Let's step out of the shadows. "Nice to see you're doing such a good job, Sanae."
-
>Let's step out of the shadows. "Nice to see you're doing such a good job, Sanae."
Sanae stops waving her gohei at you and smiles. "Oh, hi Keine! Yup, nothing but grade-A youkai hunting here. Did you enjoy your trip to the underground?"
-
>"Yes, I did. Although I did end up stumbling upon something of a mystery. It seems that Marisa, Alice, Patchouli, and Byakuren all went missing about a month and a half ago."
>"Also, do you know who or what 'Mima' would refer to? I found mention of that name underground, and do not know what it refers to"
-
>"Yes, I did. Although I did end up stumbling upon something of a mystery. It seems that Marisa, Alice, Patchouli, and Byakuren all went missing about a month and a half ago."
Sanae gives you a somewhat skeptical look. "You found this out in the underground? Well, I can at least see what Kanako's willing to do. I'm not sure how willing she'll be though, especially after an incident a few months ago involving Marisa and Kanako's little mirror. It didn't go well."
>"Also, do you know who or what 'Mima' would refer to? I found mention of that name underground, and do not know what it refers to"
She shakes her head, blank. "Never heard of Mima. You have to remember we were from the outside world until recently."
-
>Nod. "True. I only just found out about 'Mima' today myself. According to a book I read while down there, 'Mima' is either a Evil Spirit, some sort of power, or perhaps a Sealed Youkai. I was planning on consulting Marisa, as Reimu said Marisa would occasionally mention a Mima."
>Since Marisa knows something about 'Mima', it's possible that 'Mima' could possibly be a spell, or someone she knew. If it is the latter, then it is possible that this 'Mima' might be a useful ally in resolving this.
-
Sanae gives you a somewhat skeptical look. "You found this out in the underground? Well, I can at least see what Kanako's willing to do. I'm not sure how willing she'll be though, especially after an incident a few months ago involving Marisa and Kanako's little mirror. It didn't go well."
>"Actually, I stumbled onto it when I went to Marisa's place to see if she knew anything about this 'Mima'. When I got there, I found signs of a fight and evidence that nobody had been there for over a month."
-
>"Actually, I stumbled onto it when I went to Marisa's place to see if she knew anything about this 'Mima'. When I got there, I found signs of a fight and evidence that nobody had been there for over a month."
"A month, huh... that does sound pretty bad. Maybe someone... that's just odd."
>Nod. "True. I only just found out about 'Mima' today myself. According to a book I read while down there, 'Mima' is either a Evil Spirit, some sort of power, or perhaps a Sealed Youkai. I was planning on consulting Marisa, as Reimu said Marisa would occasionally mention a Mima."
>Since Marisa knows something about 'Mima', it's possible that 'Mima' could possibly be a spell, or someone she knew. If it is the latter, then it is possible that this 'Mima' might be a useful ally in resolving this.
Sanae bows to you. "I wish you the best of luck with that. But if you unseal any youkai, I'll get mad, okay? So make sure you know what you're doing!" The irony of Sanae trying to lecture you is almost palpable.
"So, um, who's the winged youkai? I thought you didn't let them into the city?" Utsuho's staying back a bit, so you suppose Sanae hasn't noticed all of her other... features.
-
>"Usually, but I'm making an exception for this one for the time. Though I'm sure you already know her. Isn't that right, Utsuho?"
>"You see, I was asked to teach her about the surface. And to do so, I have to show her the surface personally. Since she's in my care for the time though, she'll listen for the most part."
>Administer headpats to Okuu. "Besides, doing this has the bonus effect of keeping her calm."
-
>"Usually, but I'm making an exception for this one for the time. Though I'm sure you already know her. Isn't that right, Utsuho?"
As Utsuho steps forward, nestling the box of tea between her left hand and hip, Sanae and Utsuho stare at each other for a moment. Then they both speak at the same time.
"The hell raven of Yatagarasu!"
"The miko for the bagel lady!"
Sanae quickly gets offended, starting to speak with "What do you mean, bage--" but is interrupted by your cool interjection.
>"You see, I was asked to teach her about the surface. And to do so, I have to show her the surface personally. Since she's in my care for the time though, she'll listen for the most part."
Sanae nods, apparently having calmed down. "Well, as long as you keep control of her. Kanako doesn't want another incident, you know?" She gives a signal with her gohei, and the gates start opening.
>Administer headpats to Okuu. "Besides, doing this has the bonus effect of keeping her calm."
A few headpats later, Okuu is quite calm again, and very happy. She starts looking at the architecture around her. "So this is where the humans live, huh?"
-
>Nod. "Yes, as well as where I live."
>Let's give her a nighttime tour of the area, explaining the landmarks as we go, and then ending at our place.
(When we get home)>"And this is where I live. You'll be a guest here for the night."
-
> Remember to set the alarm for before sunrise. No sense making villagers panic, and we doubt she's seen a sunrise before.
-
>Nod. "Yes, as well as where I live."
>Let's give her a nighttime tour of the area, explaining the landmarks as we go, and then ending at our place.
(When we get home)>"And this is where I live. You'll be a guest here for the night."
(You're reminding me of the old man in Cherrygrove Town in Pokemon Silver. Just wanted to put that out there.)
After explaining the various landmarks of the city to Utsuho, you arrive in front of your house. She gives a yawn and blurts out "you know it's not as big as Chireiden... but I guess you can't really have that big a house up here, huh?" Mokou moves to the door and leans against the wall next to it, giving you a wink. "I don't really need sleep. I'll keep guard for ya. So you can actually get a good night's sleep." Seems she knows what a light sleeper you normally are.
Inside, Utsuho's busy getting herself ready for bed, which seems to involve taking off and polishing her control rod in the living room.
> Remember to set the alarm for before sunrise. No sense making villagers panic, and we doubt she's seen a sunrise before.
You step into your bedroom and set the alarm for about 5 AM, which should beat the sunrise just barely, if you remember right. True, it'll be early, but you've gone with little sleep before.
-
(Unintentional, but hey, this is also the second settlement she's been to, so it kinda fits.)
>Let's get the guest room set up proper.
-
(Unintentional, but hey, this is also the second settlement she's been to, so it kinda fits.)
>Let's get the guest room set up proper.
It takes you a couple of minutes, but you get the guest room all clean and tidy for the hell raven. Upon being told where to sleep, she sleepily walks in and, well, starts rearranging the covers you so carefully arranged, making a circle with them and then curling up in the middle. Whatever works for her, you suppose.
With that, it's time to get to bed yourself!
-
>Shrug, and get set to go to bed. Then, hit the hay!
-
>Shrug, and get set to go to bed. Then, hit the hay!
You prepare for and go to bed.
<Harvest Moon sleep music>
You wake up five minutes before the alarm, rendering it unnecessary. From the vantage point of your bed, you can see three things: one, Mokou is grilling. Two, it's still dark outside. And three, someone opened your bedroom door without asking. The smell of yakitori fills your senses.
-
>Chuckle a little, and get up to take care of the usual morning routine.
-
>Chuckle a little, and get up to take care of the usual morning routine.
Giving yourself a little chuckle, you go trhough your usual morning routine. After closing your bedroom door, of course.
About 15 minutes later, you emerge into the main living area. Mokou appears to have finished grilling, and has set
out two wooden plates of yakitori, eating from a third. She grins as you walk out.
"Didn't think you'd beat the alarm, Keine. I made some yakitori for ya if you're hungry."
Utsuho seems to still be asleep, as far as you can tell.
-
>"Well, I am used to having not much sleep. I'll wake Utsuho."
>Let's go wake Okuu up.
-
>"Well, I am used to having not much sleep. I'll wake Utsuho."
>Let's go wake Okuu up.
Stepping into the guest room, you see that Okuu hasn't really moved at all in her makeshift nest. Gently shaking her only yields a "Five more minutes, Satori-sama... the reactor can wait..." Further shaking causes her to open her eyes and blearily state "You're not Satori-sama..."
-
>Smile. "Good morning. I see you slept well. I take it you remember that Satori left you in my care for a day?"
-
>Smile. "Good morning. I see you slept well. I take it you remember that Satori left you in my care for a day?"
Okuu stares at you blankly for a long moment before suddenly sitting bolt upright. "Keine-sama! Is it morning already? And... do I smell yakitori?"
-
>"Yes and yes."
-
>"Yes and yes."
> Ponder if Okuu eating yakitori is cannibalism.
-
>"Yes and yes."
She slowly stands up, feeling around for her control rod. "But it can't be morning... Orin says that it's really light everywhere when it's morning. You know, like how last night was before the sun went down." Nevertheless, she finds her control rod and attaches it to her arm with a swift movement. That done, she floats out to where the yakitori is set up and takes her place by one of the plates, eating yakitori lazily but happily.
> Ponder if Okuu eating yakitori is cannibalism.
You think it would be if yakitori were made of raven, but fortunately yakitori is chicken, which is different enough that it's not really cannibalism.
-
>"The sun hasn't yet come up. Here in the village, we wake up early, to tend to the crops and such."
-
> "And also, I thought you would want to see a sun rise."
> Where is Ayku's house? Middle of the village, or outskirts?
-
>"The sun hasn't yet come up. Here in the village, we wake up early, to tend to the crops and such."
> "And also, I thought you would want to see a sun rise."
Utsuho nods vigorously. "Yeah, I want to see one. Orin told me about them, said they were really beautiful. It's just I've been too busy with the reactor to see them until now. So what are we gonna do today, Keine-sama?"
> Where is Ayku's house? Middle of the village, or outskirts?
It's on the outskirts of the village, on the opposite side as yours though. You often cut through the marketplace to get to it, but that might not be such a good idea in this situation. Even if it does hurt to have to sneak around your own village.
-
>We can just fly there, faster that way. And the villagers know we fly already.
-
>We can just fly there, faster that way. And the villagers know we fly already.
Good idea. You finish up your yakitori, making sure to grab the tea before you go. It's only a five-minute journey to Akyu's via flight, and you arrive to see the door already open, the light form of Akyu leaning back from her writing table. She looks over at you.
"You're here early, Keine... and I see you have guests. Anyone I should know about?"
-
>"Well, I was wondering if you've had tea first. We can do introductions over that, I've brought a rather rare blend this time."
-
>"Well, I was wondering if you've had tea first. We can do introductions over that, I've brought a rather rare blend this time."
Akyu slowly stands. "I haven't had tea in more than a few hours, no. What sort of rare blend did you bring?"
-
>"I obtained it during my trip to the underground. It's Blazeberry. Reimu already tried some, and I had some the other day as well when I visited Satori."
>"And might I add, the book you've been writing on the various youkai is a tad incorrect. Satori is actually quite fond of having visitors, in addition to being quite amicable and polite."
-
>"I obtained it during my trip to the underground. It's Blazeberry. Reimu already tried some, and I had some the other day as well when I visited Satori."
Akyu prepares some water, beckoning you inside. Mokou and Utsuho follow, but her back's turned so she hasn't met the winged youkai.
>"And might I add, the book you've been writing on the various youkai is a tad incorrect. Satori is actually quite fond of having visitors, in addition to being quite amicable and polite."
Akyu doesn't turn around, but you can hear the audible sigh. "I couldn't establish communication with her. I had a hard time even getting into the city. In the end, I had to rely on the word of Reimu and Kanako. You can imagine how that went."
-
>Let's go in.
>"That would explain it I suppose. I guess I can just act as the intermediary."
>"At any rate, the girl with the wings is Utsuho Reiuji. Also remarkably like, yet unlike the information in the book. She's the one responsible for bringing the Blazeberry Tea about, being the only one capable of gathering the needed ingredients."
-
>Let's go in.
>"That would explain it I suppose. I guess I can just act as the intermediary."
Still not turning, she finishes making the tea. "If you wish. More information is better."
>"At any rate, the girl with the wings is Utsuho Reiuji. Also remarkably like, yet unlike the information in the book. She's the one responsible for bringing the Blazeberry Tea about, being the only one capable of gathering the needed ingredients."
She turns around and pales a bit, but otherwise remains normal. "I see. Pleased to meet you, Reiuji Utsuho." Okuu waves her arm cannon around in response. "Hi!"
Taking a drink from her cup, Akyu smiles a bit. "This is good. I'm surprised such a delicious tea leaf can grow in the depths of hell."
-
>Nod. "It's quite flavorful and sweet, isn't it?"
>"She's quite well-behaved really. A bit of an airhead, but she's a good kid." Administer headpats to Okuu.
-
>Nod. "It's quite flavorful and sweet, isn't it?"
>"She's quite well-behaved really. A bit of an airhead, but she's a good kid." Administer headpats to Okuu.
Akyu takes another sip before setting the tea down. "I must admit that... that is not the impression I got from Reimu," indicating the in-heaven Okuu.
-
> Make a note of telling Akyu about how Utsuho introduced herself to us. But not in front of Utsuho. Probably better to be safe than sorry when writing Utsuho's entry.
-
>"Well, she had apparently lost her mind due to all the power. Getting defeated by Reimu snapped her out of it, and reverted her back to the same goofball she's always been."
>Smile a bit. "Would you like to give it a try?" gesture towards Okuu with a free hand.
-
> Make a note of telling Akyu about how Utsuho introduced herself to us. But not in front of Utsuho. Probably better to be safe than sorry when writing Utsuho's entry.
You make a mental note to explain to Akyu just how you got introduced to Utsuho. It was a very nice performance, after all.
>"Well, she had apparently lost her mind due to all the power. Getting defeated by Reimu snapped her out of it, and reverted her back to the same goofball she's always been."
>Smile a bit. "Would you like to give it a try?" gesture towards Okuu with a free hand.
Akyu smiles and shakes her head. "I thank you, but I am fine. I'm not a very touchy person." She gives all of you a stare before continuing. "So what was the real purpose for your visit, Keine? I know it wasn't just to introduce me to a hell raven."
-
> What we mean is warn Akyu of this side of the girl:
"If you'd be so kind, please, explain why you're invading Chireiden. If you answer well enough, I'll even give you a five second head start to get out of here before I burn you to ashes."
Akyu smiles and shakes her head. "I thank you, but I am fine. I'm not a very touchy person." She gives all of you a stare before continuing. "So what was the real purpose for your visit, Keine? I know it wasn't just to introduce me to a hell raven."
> "Well, a bunch of little things. I thought you might like the Blazeberry, all the magicians are missing, and you're the last person I know who might know what a Mima is."
-
> What we mean is warn Akyu of this side of the girl:
(I figured that. :D)
> "Well, a bunch of little things. I thought you might like the Blazeberry, all the magicians are missing, and you're the last person I know who might know what a Mima is."
Akyu runs through the list of little things. "The blazeberry is surprisingly delicious, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift. The magicians missing... I don't know much about that, unfortunately, but if you find out, I'd love to hear the tale. And Mima... well, I know from Marisa that at one point Marisa was Mima's summoner and student. This was back when Marisa was still just a girl, not the thief we know now."
-
>"So then this Mima is someone who is mostly helpful then. Because the books I found seemed to imply it was some sort of Evil Spirit. But for all we know, it could be false."
>"Perhaps this Mima can shed some light on the missing Magicians."
-
>"So then this Mima is someone who is mostly helpful then. Because the books I found seemed to imply it was some sort of Evil Spirit. But for all we know, it could be false."
"Either that, or maybe Marisa received training from an evil spirit. One cannot be too certain when dealing with her."
>"Perhaps this Mima can shed some light on the missing Magicians."
"Perhaps. And perhaps the missing Magicians can shed light on Mima," Akyu replies before taking another sip of tea. "It is surprising that all four of them would disappear, though... do you have any leads? Perhaps the (Scarlet Devil) Mansion, or that youkai Yukari are to blame?"
-
>"Well, We did find some clues at marisa's house."
>"First off, there were several small scorchmarks inside her house, completely unlike the usual sort her Danmaku leaves."
>"And secondly, there were several strands of hair in a wide variety of colors. Including blonde, red, purple, and brown."
>"Another thing that struck me as odd was that Alice's House was left completely untouched. It was almost as if she'd simply picked up and left to go on vacation somewhere."
>"Overall, it's all quite strange. The evidence I gathered from the others paints a similar picture. Miss Knowledge simply walked off one day, never to return. And Miss Hijiri went out for a walk as well, also to never return."
>"The only odd one out is Marisa. But I did not locate any hair pointing towards Miss Hijiri being involved. So we can rule out her having been the one to go there."
-
>"Well, We did find some clues at marisa's house."
>"First off, there were several small scorchmarks inside her house, completely unlike the usual sort her Danmaku leaves."
>"And secondly, there were several strands of hair in a wide variety of colors. Including blonde, red, purple, and brown."
Akyu considers for a moment. "Blonde, red, and brown are common among the weaker youkai, but purple is a rare color indeed. You'd do well to check those with purple hair first, I think."
>"Another thing that struck me as odd was that Alice's House was left completely untouched. It was almost as if she'd simply picked up and left to go on vacation somewhere."
>"Overall, it's all quite strange. The evidence I gathered from the others paints a similar picture. Miss Knowledge simply walked off one day, never to return. And Miss Hijiri went out for a walk as well, also to never return."
>"The only odd one out is Marisa. But I did not locate any hair pointing towards Miss Hijiri being involved. So we can rule out her having been the one to go there."
A light chuckle. "Perhaps it's possible that Alice and Patchouli got tired of Marisa's thieving antics and kidnapped her? Ah... but perhaps I shouldn't make light of such a situation."
-
A light chuckle. "Perhaps it's possible that Alice and Patchouli got tired of Marisa's thieving antics and kidnapped her? Ah... but perhaps I shouldn't make light of such a situation."
> "Our best lead is to burn down Eientei for the heck of it. Mokou's idea, not mine."
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> "Our best lead is to burn down Eientei for the heck of it. Mokou's idea, not mine."
Akyu gives you a penetrating stare. "I don't expect Mokou to know better, but you should realize that burning down the residence of those who deliver our medicines is a bad idea. Can't you negotiate with them, or something?"
Mokou shrugs. "Negotiate, whatever you want, soon as Kaguya sees me the place is gonna go ablaze."
-
>Sigh exasperatedly. "Mokou, just be sure to keep the fighting away from there, alright? What you do with Kaguya is your own business, but consider the village's health."
-
>Sigh exasperatedly. "Mokou, just be sure to keep the fighting away from there, alright? What you do with Kaguya is your own business, but consider the village's health."
Mokou laughs. "I could try to draw her out of Eientei, if that's what you mean. I can't really stop the little moonbitch from fighting, though."
-
>"Drawing her away would be a more practical thing. Now, we should commence the investigation. We'll leave the tea with you Akyu, since I meant for you to have it to begin with."
>Let's say our goodbyes to Akyu, and depart.
>"Mokou, take Utsuho back to the shrine, and wait for me there. I'll see about leaving the village in Sanae's hands again while I'm away. I have a plan that will require Reimu's assistance anyways."
-
>"Drawing her away would be a more practical thing. Now, we should commence the investigation. We'll leave the tea with you Akyu, since I meant for you to have it to begin with."
>Let's say our goodbyes to Akyu, and depart.
Akyu bows to you, mentioning "I thank you for the gift of tea" as you prepare for leaving. She waves to you as the three of you exit the house. It is now a little before sunrise.
>"Mokou, take Utsuho back to the shrine, and wait for me there. I'll see about leaving the village in Sanae's hands again while I'm away. I have a plan that will require Reimu's assistance anyways."
Mokou grins. "What, no destruction of Kaguya for me? I'm saddened. I'll see you at the shrine, then." Utsuho also waves to you as the two of them fly off.
You are now as you were in page 1: alone.
-
>Alright, now to find Sanae. She'll probably be showing up anytime now to start preaching like she always does.
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>Alright, now to find Sanae. She'll probably be showing up anytime now to start preaching like she always does.
As the sun rises, you see her enter the gates of the city, bright and shiny as usual. She's carrying her usual gohei and not much else. You suppose she plans to either buy food at the village or just pray for it. Frankly, considering her power, that latter might just work.
-
>Head over to greet her.
>"Hello again Sanae, I don't suppose I could trouble you to keep tabs on the village again, like yesterday? I've found some things that require much detailed investigation, so I'll be away from the village for an unknown length of time today."
-
>Head over to greet her.
>"Hello again Sanae, I don't suppose I could trouble you to keep tabs on the village again, like yesterday? I've found some things that require much detailed investigation, so I'll be away from the village for an unknown length of time today."
Sanae bows to you when she sees you. After hearing your predicament, she sighs. "Kanako didn't want me to stay here again two days in a row... but I'll see what I can do." She bows her head in prayer for a moment before giving you a glowing smile.
"She's on her way! Rest assured that the village is safe!"
-
>Smile in a somewhat amused and impressed way. "Oh, so does this mean that Kanako herself has decided to come to the village?"
>"Well, as long as the village is safe, I can continue my investigation. I'm looking into why Gensokyo's most prominent Magicians have gone missing. I do have a possible lead, but I needed someone to mind the village while I follow up on it. So for now, things are in your hands."
>Let's swing past home and pick up our Latin books.
-
>Smile in a somewhat amused and impressed way. "Oh, so does this mean that Kanako herself has decided to come to the village?"
Sanae nods. "And she wanted me to tell you that you'd better be grateful. I told her it's rude, but... she's not like you or me."
>"Well, as long as the village is safe, I can continue my investigation. I'm looking into why Gensokyo's most prominent Magicians have gone missing. I do have a possible lead, but I needed someone to mind the village while I follow up on it. So for now, things are in your hands."
Sanae gives you a thumbs up. "You can count on us! With Kanako around, not even Yukari will dare to step foot in the village!" Somehow you doubt that... then again, technically, Yukari's never actually set FOOT in the village. Sanae heads to the marketplace and you...
>Let's swing past home and pick up our Latin books.
...Stop by your house and grab a few Latin books. "From Altum to Vidatur: A complete Latin-Japanese dictionary" and "Syntax and Structure" are the main ones to pick up, although you decide "An Introduction to Latin: For Students" may be useful as well. All these books are fairly bulky to carry on their own, so you grab a book bag and put the three Latin books in there. You now have LATIN BOOKS.
Silly, you're a teacher, of course you have a book bag.
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>Now that we're set, let's make for the shrine to meet up with the others.
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>Now that we're set, let's make for the shrine to meet up with the others.
Now that you're ready to go, you set off towards the shrine. Once there, you see Mokou and Reimu arguing about something. You take a moment to listen in:
Reimu: "Just because you're here doesn't mean I need to serve you tea and snacks!"
Mokou: "Well you sure seemed happy to take ours yesterday, weren't you?"
Reimu: "There's a big difference! I'm near broke, I don't have enough to share!"
Utsuho, for her part, looks quite annoyed, and you think she might be about to whack one of them with her control rod. Given past history, you figure it'd probably be Reimu.
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>Head on in. "Alright you three, simmer down. Now first, where is Suika?"
>"You see, I have a plan to resolve the case of the missing magicians, but I'll need both your help, and Suika's."
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>Head on in. "Alright you three, simmer down. Now first, where is Suika?"
Reimu shrugs as Mokou grins, clearly thinking herself the winner. "I have no idea, am I my oni's keeper?"
>"You see, I have a plan to resolve the case of the missing magicians, but I'll need both your help, and Suika's."
Reimu raises an eyebrow. "Magicians, plural? What happened to this whole incident being about
Patchouli?"
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>Sigh. "I'm afraid she wasn't the only one to vanish. I have it on authority from the acting leader of the Myouren Temple that Byakuren also went missing roughly 50 days ago. Just as Patchouli did. I investigated Marisa's house shortly after leaving you the other night, and found that she too had not been home for a similar span of time. THe same thing goes for Alice."
>"One notable clue was that Marisa's house was completely wrecked. And I mean worse than her usual cluttered mess. I'm talking about her door being blasted off the hinges, and numerous small scorchmarks inside. Accompanied by several differently-colored stands of hair. They were Red, brown, blonde, purple, and a few others."
>"I also managed to learn about Mima from Akyu. She was indeed related to Marisa. She summoned her in her youth, and ended up serving as a sort of mentor and teacher to Marisa. So if anyone would know where the magicians have gone, it would likely be her."
>"And this is where you and Suika come into play. I was intending for you and Suika to come to the underground with us, so that way when I attempt to either summon or unseal Mima from the Pillar, I'll have some of Gensokyo's more powerful residents as insurance in the event things go south."
>Sigh again. "At this point, this Mima person is the only lead in the case."
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>Sigh. "I'm afraid she wasn't the only one to vanish. I have it on authority from the acting leader of the Myouren Temple that Byakuren also went missing roughly 50 days ago. Just as Patchouli did. I investigated Marisa's house shortly after leaving you the other night, and found that she too had not been home for a similar span of time. THe same thing goes for Alice."
Reimu's struck dumb by this comment, her mouth open. You take this as an opportunity to continue.
>"One notable clue was that Marisa's house was completely wrecked. And I mean worse than her usual cluttered mess. I'm talking about her door being blasted off the hinges, and numerous small scorchmarks inside. Accompanied by several differently-colored stands of hair. They were Red, brown, blonde, purple, and a few others."
The shrine maiden shakes her head, trying to make sense of what you said. "Every important magician in Gensokyo? And Marisa's house a war zone? That's... that's insane."
>"I also managed to learn about Mima from Akyu. She was indeed related to Marisa. She summoned her in her youth, and ended up serving as a sort of mentor and teacher to Marisa. So if anyone would know where the magicians have gone, it would likely be her."
A nod. "We can hope so. I really hope Marisa isn't hurt..."
>"And this is where you and Suika come into play. I was intending for you and Suika to come to the underground with us, so that way when I attempt to either summon or unseal Mima from the Pillar, I'll have some of Gensokyo's more powerful residents as insurance in the event things go south."
>Sigh again. "At this point, this Mima person is the only lead in the case."
You suddenly feel a great weight hit your back, as a drunken voice shouts out "Urameshiyaaaa!" It doesn't take much logic to know the voice is Suika. "I heard ya talkin' about the Deva Pillar, and about how all the magicians went poof. Sounds like a mystery, I'm in!"
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>Sigh, and right ourselves. Dusting off as needed.
>"Yes, well. I was intending to bring you along as well to begin with."
>Look to the assembled team. "Now then, are we all ready? If you need to make some last-minute preparations, Reimu, then you should probably do so."
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>Sigh, and right ourselves. Dusting off as needed.
>"Yes, well. I was intending to bring you along as well to begin with."
>Look to the assembled team. "Now then, are we all ready? If you need to make some last-minute preparations, Reimu, then you should probably do so."
Reimu smiles. "I may be sick, but I'm still in fighting condition. I've got my gohei, I've always got my orbs. Where are we off to? The underground, I assume?"
-
>Nod. "Yes, there's a pillar down there that was what informed me about Mima in the first place. I plan to inform Satori as well, so this will also be a good opportunity for you to start things over with her."
>"So, shall we be off then?" Let's roll!
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>Nod. "Yes, there's a pillar down there that was what informed me about Mima in the first place. I plan to inform Satori as well, so this will also be a good opportunity for you to start things over with her."
>"So, shall we be off then?" Let's roll!
"Ehehe... I had kind of hoped to delay that particular reunion..."
Nevertheless, she sets off with the rest of you to the underground.
Current party:
Keine Kamishirasawa
--The leader, and undoubtedly the only really smart one in the party.
Fujiwara no Mokou (w/ Orin dress)
--It's surprising that no one's commented on her wearing a dress. Or maybe it's not.
Reiuji Utsuho
--The nuclear birdbrain with a fondness for headpats.
Hakurei Reimu
--Sick, but is still probably the strongest in Gensokyo.
Ibuki Suika
--Drunken, powerful, and knows the Ancient City better than even Okuu.
Finding yourself a short while later at the entrance to the underground, you find it surprisingly empty. Nevertheless, Reimu's switched to "incident mode" and blasting... well, since there's no one around, she seems to be trying to kill every loose rock in the passageway. The bridge is up ahead, where Parsee, as usual, sits in eternal loneliness.
>_
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>Tap Reimu on the head lightly. "We don't need to be fighting anyone just yet, your power is a backup plan in case things do go south."
>"Besides, you shouldn't push yourself too hard."
>Let's keep going, offering a slight nod to Parsee as we go past.
-
>Tap Reimu on the head lightly. "We don't need to be fighting anyone just yet, your power is a backup plan in case things do go south."
>"Besides, you shouldn't push yourself too hard."
She stops for a moment, giving you a dirty look before muttering "Well, all right."
>Let's keep going, offering a slight nod to Parsee as we go past.
You nod to Parsee, who doesn't respond. She keeps staring at Reimu, though. After you pass Parsee, it doesn't take you long to reach the Ancient City, and a short flight leads you to the Deva Pillar, where you sight Yuugi watching a rare sight: A pair of oni are fighting in the courtyard. One of them has a broken stub of a horn.
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>Head on over. "That makes two days in a row. But sadly, this time is business."
>Gesture over to the Oni that are fighting. "So, what's the story here? I take it they've had some bad blood between each other?"
-
>Head on over. "That makes two days in a row. But sadly, this time is business."
>Gesture over to the Oni that are fighting. "So, what's the story here? I take it they've had some bad blood between each other?"
Yuugi nods, for once not smiling. "Let's just say the insult one of them pulled today is going to be the last. Sad, too, I was kinda friendly with both of them. Ah well... in the end, one of them will be dead. We'll give him an honorable burial, though." She then turns back to you. "So what brings you to the city a second time? The pillar again?"
-
>Nod. "Yes, I found out more information about the Mima that it mentioned. You recall Marisa Kirisame, yes? Well, In her youth, Marisa had summoned this Mima person, and that person ended up serving as her mentor and teacher."
>"You see, Gensokyo's top magicians have all gone missing, including her. So this Mima is our best lead so far in finding them."
-
>Nod. "Yes, I found out more information about the Mima that it mentioned. You recall Marisa Kirisame, yes? Well, In her youth, Marisa had summoned this Mima person, and that person ended up serving as her mentor and teacher."
>"You see, Gensokyo's top magicians have all gone missing, including her. So this Mima is our best lead so far in finding them."
Yuugi smiles a bit, but not much. "A mystery like that... you should get Suika to join in. She'd never come out and say it, but the girl loves mysteries." It appears that in Yuugi's state of preoccupation, she hasn't noticed Suika's presence yet. "But how exactly do you plan to summon her? From what you've told me, all you know is that the pillar is involved somehow."
-
>"Well, I brought my latin books to see about translating more of the pillar, to find out how. And if worst comes to worst, I could try and figure out how to get Parsee unbound from that bridge of hers for the time. Since she's been around since the 5th century, she would likely know more about it."
>Nod. "But I'll have to wait until after everything's settled down, so the fight can resolve, and the dead be buried."
>Look over to Suika. "You can stay with Yuugi for now, the rest of us will pick you two up when things have settled down."
>Then look to Reimu. "Well, I know you aren't too keen on it, but let's pay a visit to Satori."
-
>"Well, I brought my latin books to see about translating more of the pillar, to find out how. And if worst comes to worst, I could try and figure out how to get Parsee unbound from that bridge of hers for the time. Since she's been around since the 5th century, she would likely know more about it."
"I thought you said it was an ancestor of hers? If that's the actual Parsee you were talking about... damn, I want to know HER secret to longevity, eh?"
>Nod. "But I'll have to wait until after everything's settled down, so the fight can resolve, and the dead be buried."
>Look over to Suika. "You can stay with Yuugi for now, the rest of us will pick you two up when things have settled down."
Suika nods, and the two of them wander back into the crowd watching the fight.
>Then look to Reimu. "Well, I know you aren't too keen on it, but let's pay a visit to Satori."
Reimu sighs. "I guess it will come to that, won't it... well, might as well go." Meanwhile, Mokou pokes you in the arm. "Do you need me around this time? I'd sort of like to watch the fight, myself."
Of course Okuu is enthusiastically coming with you.
-
>"In hindsight, I should have accounted for linguistic drift."
>Nod to Mokou. "Alright, we'll go on ahead. bring those two back with you once everything's cleaned up and such."
>Let's head to Satori's!
-
>"In hindsight, I should have accounted for linguistic drift."
>Nod to Mokou. "Alright, we'll go on ahead. bring those two back with you once everything's cleaned up and such."
>Let's head to Satori's!
The three of you head to Chireiden, where you see a cat-eared girl leaning against the gate, idly directing a zombie fairy to perform little acrobatics. When she sees you, Orin smiles.
"Satori-sama decided to have me wait for you at the gate this time. To prevent... mishaps." Okuu even manages to look guilty. "Surprised to see you here again so soon, though, Keine. Miss us already?" Orin gives a small playful smile as she speaks. Reimu leans in to you and whispers, "Mishaps? Could you explain a bit?"
-
>Look to Reimu. "When I was here the other day, Utsuho was a little...'excitable', to say the least. But I was able to defuse that without having to resort to danmaku."
>Then back to Orin. "I actually came to inform Satori of my findings, in addition to some events going on aboveground that have a possible connection to the Deva's Pillar down here. Shall we go in so I can bring her up to speed?"
-
>Look to Reimu. "When I was here the other day, Utsuho was a little...'excitable', to say the least. But I was able to defuse that without having to resort to danmaku."
Reimu nods in understanding. "I see... I want the full story later, though."
>Then back to Orin. "I actually came to inform Satori of my findings, in addition to some events going on aboveground that have a possible connection to the Deva's Pillar down here. Shall we go in so I can bring her up to speed?"
Orin rubs the back of her head and laughs a bit. "I'd love to, but Satori-sama still needs a little more time before she's ready for guests. Us Underground types sleep later than you humans do. I can at least take you inside, though."
-
>"Well, there wasn't really much to talk about. Mokou was looking to meet her anyways, so I simply stated the truth, that we were looking to meet her. She calmed down pretty quickly after that."
>If Utsuho is vulnerable to headpats, maybe Orin is too...We'll have to ask Satori about that later.
>Nod to Orin. "That's quite alright, From how Utsuho reacted when i woke her earlier, it seemed to be earlier than she was used to...Well, unless she's always so groggy by default."
>Come to think of it, what do we know about Orin's abilities, beyond the fact that she's a common nuisance that carries off corpses?
-
>"Well, there wasn't really much to talk about. Mokou was looking to meet her anyways, so I simply stated the truth, that we were looking to meet her. She calmed down pretty quickly after that."
Reimu nods. "I see. That must have been stressful.l
>If Utsuho is vulnerable to headpats, maybe Orin is too...We'll have to ask Satori about that later.
You make a mental note to ask Satori... wait, she probably already knows about it now.
>Nod to Orin. "That's quite alright, From how Utsuho reacted when i woke her earlier, it seemed to be earlier than she was used to...Well, unless she's always so groggy by default."
Orin laughs. "Oh, I could tell you some stories..." at which point Okuu cuts in with "but you're not going to, right Orin?" which only elicits another laugh. "Of course not, Okuu."
>Come to think of it, what do we know about Orin's abilities, beyond the fact that she's a common nuisance that carries off corpses?
You know she's fast, but she never really sticks around to fight, so you can't say much about her combat abilities. To be honest, you don't know much about Orin herself beyond your limited experiences with her.
-
>Well, she works with the dead, so perhaps she knows something about spirits?
>"So, it seems we just wait for everyone to get their things in order, and then we can get to business."
-
>Well, she works with the dead, so perhaps she knows something about spirits?
It's very likely. You do recall reading in Akyu's book that she deals with the vengeful spirits of Hell, but... you already know how sketchy Akyu's information has been here.
>"So, it seems we just wait for everyone to get their things in order, and then we can get to business."
Orin nods, opening the front door and leading you to the same sitting room where you met Satori before. There is of course a conspicuous absence of Satori right now, but Orin starts to make some tea anyway. She moves stiffly, so you can tell she's not used to hosting like this.
-
>Chuckle warmly, in that parental tone we use when teaching.
>"Loosen up dear, aren't we associates of a sort? Just relax, and let it flow naturally."
-
>Chuckle warmly, in that parental tone we use when teaching.
>"Loosen up dear, aren't we associates of a sort? Just relax, and let it flow naturally."
Orin sighs. "I should, but... we don't get many visitors, so when it comes to hosting... how do I put this?" She suddenly turns and flashes you a fanged grin, eyes closed. "I have no idea what I'm doing.". She starts passing out cups full of blazeberry tea. It's not
nearly as good as the tea you had last time, but the blazeberries fortunately still make it a good drink. "So where's the fiery girl you had last time?" Orin says in an attempt at conversation.
-
>"She's with Yuugi and Suika, they're out watching a fight at the Deva Pillar. Which is partially why I came here. I can't conduct my investigation when there's a crowd of Oni standing around there watching two other Oni going at it."
>Grin. "Well, that and I came to understand that Reimu and Satori started off on the wrong foot."
-
>"She's with Yuugi and Suika, they're out watching a fight at the Deva Pillar. Which is partially why I came here. I can't conduct my investigation when there's a crowd of Oni standing around there watching two other Oni going at it."
The catgirl frowns. "Jeez, again? That's gotta be the twentieth time this year. And I thought those things were
supposed to be rare."
>Grin. "Well, that and I came to understand that Reimu and Satori started off on the wrong foot."
Orin grins right back at you. "Yeah, I remember that. Satori-sama actually got pretty riled up." "I did not," you hear a voice from the door. Satori calmly steps into the room, taking her usual seat at the head of the table. She looks a little more tired than usual. "However, I do accept your apology, Reimu. And don't pretend you weren't going to give one." Reimu handled, she turns to Orin. "Next time, you need to let the tea steep longer, and actually use hotter water. That and you mustn't be so awkward..." Satori stops upon seeing Orin's expression, which seems to be some combination between sad and guilty. The satori smiles. "You still did admirably, Orin. Come here." The two share a small embrace, which ends with Orin, in cat form, lying in Satori's lap. Orin handled, she turns to you.
"It is good to see you again so soon, Keine. I'm guessing... yes, I had figured it would be about the pillar. The news of missing magicians is troublesome, though."
(Mindhax powers go!)
-
>Chuckle. "Well, at least it saves me the trouble of explaining everything in detail."
>Nod. "But the tea was rather nice. Not quite as good as yesterday's, but she just needs practice."
-
>Chuckle. "Well, at least it saves me the trouble of explaining everything in detail."
>Nod. "But the tea was rather nice. Not quite as good as yesterday's, but she just needs practice."
Satori smiles, idly stroking Orin. "It is as you say. As I'm sure Orin mentioned, we don't get visitors often, so she doesn't get much opportunity to practice. Hopefully that will change soon."
She then sighs. "The two oni will be a little bit longer. Neither one is particularly durable for an oni, but.. they are still oni. I hope you understand." Turning to Okuu, she smiles once more. "Okuu, I know the relaxation is nice, but don't you think you should check on the reactor while you're here?" Okuu gives her a blank look for a long moment before rushing out the door, shouting "Right away, Satori-sama!" as she goes.
-
>"Quite alright, I do need Reimu to preserve as much energy as possible after all, should this not go as planned."
-
>"Quite alright, I do need Reimu to preserve as much energy as possible after all, should this not go as planned."
Satori nods, and closes her eyes for a moment. When she opens them again, she smiles. "Seems the battle will be over sooner than I thought. We may as well be on our way now. One of them's already dying."
-
>Sigh. "A sad thing, death. Not everyone can bypass it like Mokou, Kaguya, or a fairy."
>Nod. "But yes, let's make our way there then, they should be cleared out by the time we arrive."
>Once everyone's set, and the tea's been finished, let's roll.
-
>Sigh. "A sad thing, death. Not everyone can bypass it like Mokou, Kaguya, or a fairy."
>Nod. "But yes, let's make our way there then, they should be cleared out by the time we arrive."
>Once everyone's set, and the tea's been finished, let's roll.
Everyone gets ready, and you roll.
Once you get to the Deva Pillar, it's mostly empty, save for the two oni and Mokou. The first thing you notice is that some more words have started glowing on the pillar. The second thing you notice is that Reimu's busily putting seals all around it.
-
>Investigate and translate.
-
>"Let me guess, seals to contain it if something goes wrong?"
-
>"Let me guess, seals to contain it if something goes wrong?"
Reimu nods without speaking, placing more seals around the pillar. She's going to have this thing locked down tight.
>Investigate and translate.
Translating on the fly, you get something like this:
"For the summoning of Mima to be complete, thou requirest the unification of body, mind, and spirit. This requires three ingredients: the energy of life must be splattered on the pillar, then filled with the spiritual energy of a maiden of the shrine, directed by a master of the mind and heart. If done correctly, the summoning will complete and Mima shall appear in her glory, amen."
How nice, it's essentially an instruction manual.
-
>"Well, looks like the book was correct, the pillar is indeed a summoning means, as I suspected."
>"It requires these things to summon Mima. 'The unification of body, mind, and spirit.'."
>"And the ritual, roughly translated, flows something like this. 'the energy of life must be splattered on the pillar, then filled with the spiritual energy of a maiden of the shrine, directed by a master of the mind and heart'."
>Look to Reimu. "We already have a shrine maiden."
>Look to Satori. "And Satori fits the bill of 'a master of the mind and heart', due to her abilities."
>"I can only assume that 'the energy of life' may well mean blood."
>"At any rate, Mima seems to be our best lead on finding the missing magicians."
-
>"Well, looks like the book was correct, the pillar is indeed a summoning means, as I suspected."
>"It requires these things to summon Mima. 'The unification of body, mind, and spirit.'."
>"And the ritual, roughly translated, flows something like this. 'the energy of life must be splattered on the pillar, then filled with the spiritual energy of a maiden of the shrine, directed by a master of the mind and heart'."
>Look to Reimu. "We already have a shrine maiden."
>Look to Satori. "And Satori fits the bill of 'a master of the mind and heart', due to her abilities."
>"I can only assume that 'the energy of life' may well mean blood."
Reimu's staring at you for a moment, considering before shouting out: "Wait, what do you mean directed!? I'm not comfortable with that!"
>"At any rate, Mima seems to be our best lead on finding the missing magicians."
Satori nods, kneeling down for a moment. "Blood, a shrine maiden, and a satori. What an odd ritual... so who's blood shall we spill?"
-
>"Well, that would normally mean a sacrifice, but that usually means someone would have to die..."
-
>"Well, that would normally mean a sacrifice, but that usually means someone would have to die..."
Mokou steps up, putting her hand on your shoulder. "Allow me, then. We all know my track record with dying." She gives you a grin as she steps forward to the pillar, where you notice a small raised platform. It doesn't stand out, which is why you probably didn't notice it before. Looking over, you see Satori calmly explaining to Reimu what she'll have to do, and Reimu not-so-calmly protesting. Apparently it involves a domination of some sort. You have to admit you'd have a hard time agreeing to it too.
-
>Look over to Reimu. "Would you rather be the one to keep tabs on the village with Kanako then? So Sanae can do this, and get one over on you? You do want to find Marisa, don't you?"
>That little barb oughta get her to do it.
-
>Look over to Reimu. "Would you rather be the one to keep tabs on the village with Kanako then? So Sanae can do this, and get one over on you? You do want to find Marisa, don't you?"
>That little barb oughta get her to do it.
Reimu stares at you speechless for a moment. Then she begins to say a word... several times in fact. Finally, she sighs. "You know I can't let Sanae be the hero... fine, I'll do it. What is it you need me to do, Satori?"
Satori chuckles. Of course she saw that coming. "It won't require much. I just need you to remain still and calm. You may want to sit down as well." Mokou, meanwhile, has laid down on the platform, calm such that
you wouldn't suspect she's about to knowingly die. Everyone else seems to have backed up, giving the four of you an element of space. Satori stands behind Reimu, her eyes closed, and begins to focus.
-
>Let's examine the pillar for further instructions, such as maybe requiring a specially-prepared knife.
-
>Let's examine the pillar for further instructions, such as maybe requiring a specially-prepared knife.
You examine the pillar, but all you find is something along the lines of "the words... need glow..." with faded text around it. You think you've got that covered.
Mokou speaks to no one in particular. "Whoever kills me, try to make it something easy to resurrect from, all right? For reference, gaping wounds, easy, missing organs, hard. Got it?"
-
>Look to Suika and Yuugi. "Um...How should we do it then..? With a knife or something? Because I'm only good with those in terms of cooking."
-
>Look to Suika and Yuugi. "Um...How should we do it then..? With a knife or something? Because I'm only good with those in terms of cooking."
Yuugi laughs. "You don't want to be doing something like this unless you really know what
you're doing. Just let me handle it, all right?" She steps forward, pulling a long knife out from under her skirt. When close to Mokou, she says "I'll try to make it hurt as little as possible", to which Mokou laughs and responds with "you know you're dealing with the highest pain tolerance in Gensokyo, right?" At the last moment, Yuugi turns to you.
"You wanna look away or something? I know you humans can be squeamish when it comes to this sort of thing."
-
>Nod, and turn away. Just because we're used to it, doesn't mean we have to like it.
-
>Nod, and turn away. Just because we're used to it, doesn't mean we have to like it.
You turn away from the soon-to-be-bloody scene. It'll probably be better to watch Reimu and Satori instead. From the side, you hear Yuugi step forward, mentioning that she "has to aim here, that will have the best effect". Afterwards, you hear a loud SHHNNK and a startled gasp from Mokou; at least, you assume it's from Mokou.
Watching Reimu, you see her practically fall asleep as both Reimu and Satori begin to glow with a soft purple light. When Reimu's eyes opened once more, it was revealed that they had become a soft purple as well, matching Satori's. Both of their mouths began to move.
"Direction of Miko Energy!"
A white rope of light sped along the ground from them to the base of the pillar, which had become a stark blood-red. You still couldn't look down to Mokou's body, but you could definitely see the blood splatter along the pillar's walls. The energy begins to coil around the pillar, and you can see the pillar itself start to glow with an eerie red light. It doesn't take long for the glow to become a shine, and you have to avert your eyes.
When the light clears, the misty form of a long green-haired spirit dressed in blue stands before you, a triumphant expression on her face. Before you can speak, her voice rolls out, echoing on the walls around you.
"I HAVE COME UPON THIS EARTH, AND WITH MY OWN HANDS TAKEN POSSESSION. STAND AND FEAR THE EVIL SPIRIT WHO HATH BROKEN THE SHACKLES OF A -- ..." She suddenly stops, staring at her own see-through hand. "Faded? Did..." She suddenly gives you a venomous glare.
"You botched the ritual, didn't you?"
-
>Facepalm. "Reimu, the seals interfered, please remove them already. Because like it or not, she's our best bet at finding Marisa and the others."
-
>Facepalm. "Reimu, the seals interfered, please remove them already. Because like it or not, she's our best bet at finding Marisa and the others."
Reimu shakes her head, frowning. "They can't be the problem. I haven't infused them with any energy yet. It's something else... but can't we still use her in this weakened condition?" Mima, in the meantime, has taken to inspecting the
pillar, muttering to herself in a more normal voice. You can hear it clearly, though.
"How the hell do you let it fade like that... Every word is critical, can't these people see that? Without them, I can't bring about the end..."
-
>May as well head over to Mima. "Um, excuse me? Does the name Marisa ring any bells?"
-
>May as well head over to Mima. "Um, excuse me? Does the name Marisa ring any bells?"
Mims turns around quite suddenly, fixing you with a glare that would be terrifying if she was actually solid. "Maybe. The better question is why I should answer you. I am the Terror of Gensokyo after all."
-
>Meet her glare with a level stare. "Because she's gone missing. She has been for the past month and a half now, as have three other notable magicians of Gensokyo. I had heard you were once her mentor and teacher, so I came to the conclusion that you would be the best person to go to for locating her."
-
>Meet her glare with a level stare. "Because she's gone missing. She has been for the past month and a half now, as have three other notable magicians of Gensokyo. I had heard you were once her mentor and teacher, so I came to the conclusion that you would be the best person to go to for locating her."
Mima seems to sigh. "I know that my power must seem like that of a god, but I am not omniscient. Maybe if you tell me everything you know, I might be able to help you... well, with conditions of course. I'm called an evil spirit for a reason, you know."
-
>"I had thought that since you were her teacher, you would know the most likely places she would hole up at. You see, the other day I decided to investigate her house, that was when I had discovered she had gone missing as well. The only problem being, her house was even more of a disaster zone than normal, I suspect a battle occurred there. The door was completely off it's hinges, and there were scorch marks that are not consistent with her danmaku. In addition, there were different kinds of hair scattered about, coming in the colors of red, blonde, brown, and even some purple as well. Normally one would suspect low-grade Youkai, but we all know for a fact that she wouldn't lose to anyone weaker."
>Let's bring her up to speed on the other missing Magicians, as well as anything else that's related to the case.
-
>"I had thought that since you were her teacher, you would know the most likely places she would hole up at. You see, the other day I decided to investigate her house, that was when I had discovered she had gone missing as well. The only problem being, her house was even more of a disaster zone than normal, I suspect a battle occurred there. The door was completely off it's hinges, and there were scorch marks that are not consistent with her danmaku. In addition, there were different kinds of hair scattered about, coming in the colors of red, blonde, brown, and even some purple as well. Normally one would suspect low-grade Youkai, but we all know for a fact that she wouldn't lose to anyone weaker."
"If you say so," Mima replies tiredly. "Last I saw the girl she was a cute child in purple who was excited over broom techniques and wanted to steal every spell in Gensokyo. How's she managing that, by the way?"
"But... I don't know about the purple, but the other colors sound like a trio of thieving animal youkai that like to run around the forest of magic. They almost always stayed close to Marisa's house, since she always had the best items to steal. They probably sound like your best clue. I would find them and consult with them."
Suddenly, an evil grin on her face. "And as payment, all I ask is a promise. At some point in the future, if I appear before you requesting assistance, you must give it, immediately and without reservation. Do you accept, or must we... negotiate?"
>Let's bring her up to speed on the other missing Magicians, as well as anything else that's related to the case.
[/quote]
-
>"Well, she's already copied Master Spark from Yuuka Kazami, and she managed to steal Non-Directional Laser from Patchouli Knowledge. She's probably copied more since then, I haven't gotten into any fights with her since the Endless Night Incident."
>Then, fix her with a determined stare. "Provided that it does not entail causing harm to the Human Village. I have sworn to protect the people who reside within, even if it costs me my life."
>"Although, if you have need of a better body, I'm certain the magicians can resolve that once they're located. Given your, ah, 'diminished status'."
-
>"Well, she's already copied Master Spark from Yuuka Kazami, and she managed to steal Non-Directional Laser from Patchouli Knowledge. She's probably copied more since then, I haven't gotten into any fights with her since the Endless Night Incident."
>Then, fix her with a determined stare. "Provided that it does not entail causing harm to the Human Village. I have sworn to protect the people who reside within, even if it costs me my life."
Mima laughs. It's quite chilling. "Ahahaha! Very well, I shall not ask you to harm your little village. Now leave me to my pillar. I must see if there is a way to gather more energy..."
Reimu is still in a trance, but Satori seems to have regained consciousness. Mokou's still dead, but you can already see her beginning to resurrect."
-
>Let's head over to Satori. "So, do you think she is as dangerous as her words imply?"
-
>Let's head over to Satori. "So, do you think she is as dangerous as her words imply?"
Satori stares at her for a moment as Mima flits busily around the pillar, looking almost like a very large fairy. "In her current state, absolutely not. However, her memories and thoughts hint that she once wielded unimaginable power. The sentence 'I slew a Hakurei Miko' repeats almost obsessively in her mind as well. Any good student of history would know that such is no easy feat."
-
>Nod. "Does her mind say anything about what she intends to do, should she return to full power?"
-
>Nod. "Does her mind say anything about what she intends to do, should she return to full power?"
A shrug. "Other than the vague statement 'change Gensokyo forever'? Not really anything specific. I'm not too worried, I've heard there is a youkai aboveground who's fiercely protective of Gensokyo. Even to the point of helping out when my pet got... over-stressed."
-
>Nod. "Then she shouldn't be too much of a danger just yet. At least, no more so than Yuuka at least."
-
Satori nods. "Perhaps. You have what you needed, do you not? Do you still wish to take my pet to help you out with this case, or shall I keep her in Chireiden with me?"
Reimu appears to be stirring, and so does Mokou, although the once-green dress she was wearing has now become almost entirely a bloody brown. Suika and Yuugi have apparently wandered off.
-
>"I think having Mokou and Reimu around will be enough for the task at hand, but I'll remember to come back to pick her up if I need her power."
>Beat.
>"...Sorry about getting one of Orin's dresses dirty."
>"Come to think of it, I don't think the record books up on the surface speak much of Orin's Abilities either. Beyond that she carries off corpses, and is quite fast."
-
>"I think having Mokou and Reimu around will be enough for the task at hand, but I'll remember to come back to pick her up if I need her power."
>Beat.
>"...Sorry about getting one of Orin's dresses dirty."
Satori waves you off with a smile. "It is fine, we have plenty more. I doubt Orin will even miss it. I will be off now. I wish you the best of luck." As she wanders off, Mokou and Reimu both approach you, saying different things at the same time.
"Hey, I've got a great idea. Let's NOT do that again." Reimu.
"So, Keine, what's next on the list? C'mon, let's have it be 'take down a moonbitch'." Mokou, obviously.
-
>Gesture towards the pillar. "Well, our best lead at resolving things is currently preoccupied, so we should probably wait for her."
-
>Gesture towards the pillar. "Well, our best lead at resolving things is currently preoccupied, so we should probably wait for her."
Speaking of Mima, she appears to have stopped moving around and is shouting again.
"AHAHA! The ritual worked after all! Well, mostly. The delayed return of power was unexpected but otherwise, everything worked perfectly! I'll just need a bit of time to recover it..."
-
>Sigh. "I can certainly see where Marisa gets her enthusiasm."
-
>Sigh. "I can certainly see where Marisa gets her enthusiasm."
After a bit more shouting, she stops without warning, flies down, and glares at you again.
"You! Human, or youkai, or whatever you are. Take me to Marisa's house!"
-
>Nod. "Alright then, we were waiting on you to begin with."
>Let's roll on up to the surface, and then to Marisa's!
-
>Nod. "Alright then, we were waiting on you to begin with."
>Let's roll on up to the surface, and then to Marisa's!
It doesn't take you long to get to the surface, and it doesn't take you long to get to the Forest of Magic after that. However, you notice that the sun is already high in the sky - it's a little past midday. Once you get to the Forest, you notice that there is a light on in Marisa's house, shining clearly through the door. From where you are, you can just barely hear a couple of voices too, although you can't quite discern what they're saying.
-
>"...Everyone quiet down, I'll slip closer to listen in."
>Let's slip over quietly, so that we're within earshot.
-
>"...Everyone quiet down, I'll slip closer to listen in."
>Let's slip over quietly, so that we're within earshot.
A young female voice: "So do you think it's valuable? It's a really ornate book, after all."
A somewhat older female voice, perhaps early teens?: "So, it's still just a book. We're looking for shinies, remember?"
The first voice: "If you look at it right, the book can be shiny..."
-
>What can we do to give these guys a scare?
-
>What can we do to give these guys a scare?
You really have several options here. You could always leap through the window and shock them that way. Simple, but effective. You also have at your immediate disposal the official Youkai Exterminator of Gensokyo, a fiery immortal, and an immaterial evil spirit, all of which would presumably be up for a little fun.
-
>Let's slip back to thr group.
>"So, any of you three up for having some fun with a couple of would-be burglars?"
-
>Let's slip back to thr group.
>"So, any of you three up for having some fun with a couple of would-be burglars?"
Reimu chuckles. "Someone trying to steal from Marisa? How ironic." Mokou looks at you with a questioning look, asking "What do you have in mind?" Mima, of course, nods enthusiastically.
-
>Look to Mima. "Well, let's hear what our newest ally has to offer in the way of ideas first."
-
>Look to Mima. "Well, let's hear what our newest ally has to offer in the way of ideas first."
Mima grins as she speaks. "Being a spirit makes it easy. It's always fun to just slowly rise up from the floor with a wrathful expression on your face. Of course, I'll need someone to pick up the runners. I'm guessing we're not letting them escape?"
-
>Nod. "We should interrogate them, they might know something. So everyone, get into a good position to ambush them when they run."
>Let's slip into one ourselves, right near the doorway.
-
>Nod. "We should interrogate them, they might know something. So everyone, get into a good position to ambush them when they run."
>Let's slip into one ourselves, right near the doorway.
Mokou slips into another ambush position as Mima sinks into the ground. Reimu tries to cover the rest, but quickly finds that she can't, and so instead channels some energy and seals off three more before slipping into yet another position herself. It suddenly strikes you just how many escape routes Marisa has from her house.
...
You hear a startled collective shriek from inside the house, and it's not long before what looks to be a brown-haired 12-year-old with cat ears and a tail come barreling out the front door.
>_
-
>Step right into her path and brace for impact, then grab her when she runs into us!!
-
>Step right into her path and brace for impact, then grab her when she runs into us!!
You take the initiative and step right in front of her! Not expecting anyone to be there, the young catgirl hits you at full speed, which would probably knock you off balance if you were bigger. While she's stunned, you take the opportunity to grab her
by the arm, which elicits a scream of "Help! Shiku help! I'm getting kidnapped!" This is the younger voice you heard inside. From behind the house you can hear another yell from the older voice of "Let her go! Let me go!"
-
>"Alright, bring her out. We'll figure out how to go from there."
-
>"Alright, bring her out. We'll figure out how to go from there."
After gathering your captives, you gain a bit clearer picture. The first, Reimu's catch, is a pre-teen red foxgirl wearing a simple blouse and pants, who's hacking up just a bit. The second, your catch, is the brunette catgirl mentioned earlier. Finally, you have Mokou's catch, what appears to be a 16-year-old girl, with mostly black hair with a blonde stripe down the center, glaring at you. You'd guess this is Shiku. Apparently Mokou had some rope handy, because Shiku has her hands tied behind her back. None of them speak at first.
-
>Sigh. "Their hair matches three of the four colors we found the other night."
>Look towards the oldest-looking of the three with the same sort of glare we reserve for students who failed to turn in a project.
>"Now then, mind filling us in on why you three have been looting this place?"
-
>Sigh. "Their hair matches three of the four colors we found the other night."
>Look towards the oldest-looking of the three with the same sort of glare we reserve for students who failed to turn in a project.
>"Now then, mind filling us in on why you three have been looting this place?"
The oldest, Shiku, returns your glare in full before speaking in an accent similar to Marisa's.
"'s abandoned, isn't it? Abandoned stuff doesn't belong to anyone. Better question is why you're attacking us. I know you don't live here."
She then motions to the others, a small gesture that you would guess means "I'll handle this". The youngest stops hacking.
-
>Sigh, facepalm, and remove our hat. "As much as you want it to be, is isn't abandoned. The owner has gone missing."
-
>Sigh, facepalm, and remove our hat. "As much as you want it to be, is isn't abandoned. The owner has gone missing."
Shiku smiles, clearly thinking she has you. "Exactly. She's missing, so it's abandoned. Now just untie us, why don't you? Not like we would know who kidnapped the witch, right?"
-
>Smirk, then wag a finger at them as if they were little children. "You just clued us in on something important. 'She was kidnapped'."
(BGM! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuoN9MesbW0&feature=relmfu))
>"Now, there were four colors of hair left inside the building. Three of which, if examined, will match the three of you perfectly. Which leaves the Purple hair as the odd one out."
>"Now, Reimu, enter Marisa's house, you should find at least four types of hair left around. Three of which should correspond to our three would-be-looters. The fourth, logically speaking, is the one that belongs to our culprit."
-
>Smirk, then wag a finger at them as if they were little children. "You just clued us in on something important. 'She was kidnapped'."
(BGM! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuoN9MesbW0&feature=relmfu))
Shiku's eyes grow wide as she realized what she just said. Her eyes shift from side to side, lingering on her companions. Her body language tells you she's trying to figure out a way out of this.
>"Now, there were four colors of hair left inside the building. Three of which, if examined, will match the three of you perfectly. Which leaves the Purple hair as the odd one out."
>"Now, Reimu, enter Marisa's house, you should find at least four types of hair left around. Three of which should correspond to our three would-be-looters. The fourth, logically speaking, is the one that belongs to our culprit."
[/quote]
Reimu nods, slipping inside the open doorway as you turn back to the three captured youkai. Shiku actually seems outwardly calm now, as she speaks with a level voice.
"How about this, I'll tell you what. You let my two companions leave, and I'll tell you everything I know. I'd be better at answering them than Neneru or Kaki anyway. So what do you say?"
-
>"One goes free, then you talk. The other goes free once I'm satisfied."
-
>"One goes free, then you talk. The other goes free once I'm satisfied."
(Yawn... sorry about the wait on that, just enjoyed 10 hour sleep)
The older girl gets a bit wary at this point, but nods nervously. "That's... that's fine too. Just let Kaki go," she says, indicating the small foxgirl, "and then I'll take Neneru with me once I answer your questions. Sound good?"
-
>Nod. "Sorry about this, but it's the only way to ensure you'll stick around to answer the questions."
>Let's turn the fox loose, but keep on guard.
>"Now, first off; Who kidnapped Marisa?"
-
>Nod. "Sorry about this, but it's the only way to ensure you'll stick around to answer the questions."
>Let's turn the fox loose, but keep on guard.
You let go of the fox, who scampers off into the forest. You get the feeling she'll remain nearby, but you could probably take down a weak youkai like her in a single blow if it came to blows, so you're really not worried. However, just to be safe, you motion Reimu to be watchful.
>"Now, first off; Who kidnapped Marisa?"
Shiku gives a small smirk. "We didn't see much of it, unfortunately. Just the tail end of Marisa getting flown off." Neneru interrupts with "But, Shiku, th--" A nudge and a "Sssh!" from Shiku shuts her up, though.
-
>Gesture towards the catgirl. "Mokou, Reimu, Mima, I'll speak with this one in private, Keep an eye on the other one."
>Let's take her off to the side, out of Shiku's earshot.
>Once we've done that, replace our hat, and give her a warm look, the sort we reserve for kids. "Now then, what was that you were trying to say before your fried so rudely interjected? Don't worry though, you won't come to any harm, I just seek the truth to this matter."
-
>Gesture towards the catgirl. "Mokou, Reimu, Mima, I'll speak with this one in private, Keep an eye on the other one."
>Let's take her off to the side, out of Shiku's earshot.
As you take Neneru away, you can almost see Shiku's heart sink.
>Once we've done that, replace our hat, and give her a warm look, the sort we reserve for kids. "Now then, what was that you were trying to say before your fried so rudely interjected? Don't worry though, you won't come to any harm, I just seek the truth to this matter."
Neneru gives you a small, shy smile and begins to speak. "Well, um, Shiku must have forgot or something, because we really did see who carried off Marisa! It was some bunny girl with purple hair, and another one with black hair! And, and, and Shiku even followed them! I don't know how she forgot that."
-
>Sigh, and then massage our forehead with one hand. This just keeps getting better and better.
>Then return our expression to normal, and smile. Then ruffle her hair. "Thank you. It seems Mokou was right after all though."
>Let's head back to the others with her in tow, but untied.
>"Well Mokou, it seems you were correct, this little one confirmed that Eientei was behind it. Specifically, Reisen and Tewi."
>Look back to Neneru with a warm, teacherly smile. "You did good. I'm surprised that such a well-behaved girl like you is in the same group as that misbehaved little would-be-bandit."
>Gesture towards Shiku as we say the last part.
>To refresh, do we usually let in well-behaved Youkai?
-
>Sigh, and then massage our forehead with one hand. This just keeps getting better and better.
>Then return our expression to normal, and smile. Then ruffle her hair. "Thank you. It seems Mokou was right after all though."
"Ehehe... who's Mokou though?"
>Let's head back to the others with her in tow, but untied.
>"Well Mokou, it seems you were correct, this little one confirmed that Eientei was behind it. Specifically, Reisen and Tewi."
Mokou grins, subconsciously lighting her hand on fire again. "Hot damn! No need for more mystery solving, we can just go kick moonbitch ass!"
>Look back to Neneru with a warm, teacherly smile. "You did good. I'm surprised that such a well-behaved girl like you is in the same group as that misbehaved little would-be-bandit."
>Gesture towards Shiku as we say the last part.
Shiku growls at you from her tied-up position, but Neneru laughs. "Shiku's not a bandit! She looks after us and helps us out! She's nice!"
>To refresh, do we usually let in well-behaved Youkai?
Not often, although there are a few examples, Reisen and Ran Yakumo being the most prominent.
-
>Chuckle. "Well, she certainly acts like one."
>"Perhaps I should take you three under my wing, and raise you proper."
-
>Chuckle. "Well, she certainly acts like one."
>"Perhaps I should take you three under my wing, and raise you proper."
Shiku growls at you again. "You think I can't handle it? I'm an adult too, you know!" Yup, definitely teenage. She does look to the side after a moment, muttering something you can't quite here. You do catch "...took Marisa to...", though.
-
>Keep up that smile. "Hmm? What was that you were saying?"
>Inwardly chuckle. These three kids really do need someone guiding them.
-
>Keep up that smile. "Hmm? What was that you were saying?"
>Inwardly chuckle. These three kids really do need someone guiding them.
She glares at you again. "I said they took Marisa to that border city, okay?"
-
>Smile a bit. "Now, was that so hard? Being less confrontational will make people respect you more you know....Well, Mokou and Marisa are the rare exceptions."
>Let's untie her too now. "Well, if you want, I suppose you can come along as well. It might be an educational experience to see how adults resolve things."
>What do we know about this 'border city'?
-
>Smile a bit. "Now, was that so hard? Being less confrontational will make people respect you more you know....Well, Mokou and Marisa are the rare exceptions."
>Let's untie her too now. "Well, if you want, I suppose you can come along as well. It might be an educational experience to see how adults resolve things."
She looks sullen, but nevertheless replies in the affirmative. "Fine, we'll go. I suppose it's better than sitting around in the Forest all day." Neneru laughs happily, then whistles loudly. From the trees, you can see the small foxgirl watching all of you. From Neneru you hear "don't worry, she's like that around new people. I'm sure she'll come out eventually."
>What do we know about this 'border city'?
Not too much. You know it's called Mayohiga, and that many have seen more than a few cats there before. You also know it's by and large abandoned. There are rumors that Yukari has made her home there, but... what with it being Yukari, rumors can only ever be rumors.
-
>"Well then, it seems our next destination is the Border City; Mayohiga. Let's get going."
>Look over to the foxgirl with a smile. "Come along now, you'll be safe with us."
-
>"Well then, it seems our next destination is the Border City; Mayohiga. Let's get going."
>Look over to the foxgirl with a smile. "Come along now, you'll be safe with us."
She smiles a bit, but stays a ways behind you as you head to the ancient city.
Do you have any questions for the three of them along the way?
-
>"So, how do you three spend your time when not looting houses?"
-
>"So, how do you three spend your time when not looting houses?"
Shiku shrugs. "The usual things. We eat, we have fun. We scare any humans stupid enough to enter the forest. I try to teach them every once in a while but that doesn't go well... I'm no teacher. Every so often, we take our loot to the shop at the edge of the forest and sell it. You know... life."
-
>Smile. "It just so happens that I am a teacher. I teach in the Human Village, and also serve as it's Protector when I'm available. Though right now I've had to delegate that task to another."
-
Shiku sighs. "Is that so... the Human Village, huh? We don't get out there much. Well, not at all. I've heard a couple of things about it from the half-youkai shopkeeper, though. He says it's not very youkai friendly."
-
>"That's mostly because a good portion of the youkai who attempt to get in have ill-intent. There are a rare few who keep on their best behavior, though from what I've learned from you three, one of them will have to be re-educated on things."
-
>"That's mostly because a good portion of the youkai who attempt to get in have ill-intent. There are a rare few who keep on their best behavior, though from what I've learned from you three, one of them will have to be re-educated on things."
Shiku gives you an odd look, but says nothing, pretending to understand already. Neneru doesn't.
"Huh? What do you mean? Was it the rabbit lady? Um... well, one of 'em?"
-
>Nod. "Yes, the one with the purple hair. She usually sets up shop in the Village Market selling medicines made at Eientei. I'll need to remind her to not start Incidents, she's already been a part of the group of culprits of one Incident. Do you remember when the moon wasn't quite right, and night lasted longer than normal? That was the Endless Night Incident,"
-
Neneru nods, "Yeah, that's when the magician and the dollmaster disappeared! But... what does that have to do with rabbits?"
-
>"Eientei is a mansion deep within the Bamboo Forest of The Lost, it's populated almost entirely by rabbits and rabbit youkai. With those two being the more notable of them. Though there are two non-rabbits who also live there, but let's just say that one of them isn't on Mokou's good side, to put it lightly. That would be Kaguya Houraisan, an exiled lunar princess. The other one is the one who actually creates the medicines, Reisen merely delivers them. Eirin Yagokoro, a brilliant doctor from the moon."
-
>"Eientei is a mansion deep within the Bamboo Forest of The Lost, it's populated almost entirely by rabbits and rabbit youkai. With those two being the more notable of them. Though there are two non-rabbits who also live there, but let's just say that one of them isn't on Mokou's good side, to put it lightly. That would be Kaguya Houraisan, an exiled lunar princess. The other one is the one who actually creates the medicines, Reisen merely delivers them. Eirin Yagokoro, a brilliant doctor from the moon."
Neneru nods, clearly enthusiastically learning. "So then, it was the two non-rabbits who hid the moon and made the night longer? Why'd they do that?"
-
>"Well, they hid the moon yes, but extending the night was an effort on the part of those seeking to resolve the moon being hidden."
>What do we know about their motivations for doing so?
-
>"Well, they hid the moon yes, but extending the night was an effort on the part of those seeking to resolve the moon being hidden."
>What do we know about their motivations for doing so?
From previous conversations with Eirin, you know that she put up the fake moon to hide the Earth from someone on the moon, but you never did get the specifics as to whom, or why.
-
>"As for why they hid the moon, apparently it was to keep someone on the moon from seeing the earth. I never managed to get the details from Eirin though, and she was the mind behind the whole thing."
-
>"As for why they hid the moon, apparently it was to keep someone on the moon from seeing the earth. I never managed to get the details from Eirin though, and she was the mind behind the whole thing."
Mokou laughs. "Yeah, we all know Kaguya isn't the brains of that group." Neneru wiggles around a bit, excited. "That's awesome! Are we gonna get to go meet them? They sound really cool!"
Reimu chuckles. "They'll get to Reimu-meet them all right."
-
>"I generally dislike picking fights, but sometimes people need to be reminded of the rules."
-
>"I generally dislike picking fights, but sometimes people need to be reminded of the rules."
Neneru nods with a smile. "Kind of like how the dollmaster comes to beat up Marisa every once in a while? Because she does that a lot."
-
>"...I suppose it's like that. But we need to find her too, as she's one of the people who's also gone missing that we're looking for."
>Are we almost to Mayohiga?
-
>"...I suppose it's like that. But we need to find her too, as she's one of the people who's also gone missing that we're looking for."
>Are we almost to Mayohiga?
"Geez, lots of people missing! Does this happen often with you humans?"
You can see it in the distance. For some reason, you also start to tingle all over a bit. There's no immediate outward reason why this would be.
The city itself looks as abandoned as ever, without much more than a few stray cats wandering the city. At least, this is your viewpoint from outside.
-
>"There's four of them, all Magicians."
>"Also, does anyone else feel an odd tingling sensation?"
-
>"There's four of them, all Magicians."
>"Also, does anyone else feel an odd tingling sensation?"
The others around you nod, and Mima laughs a bit.
"Oh, isn't that wonderful? That's the sign of great magic being performed somewhere nearby. The stronger or nearer the magic, the stronger it'll get. Just what kind of spell are they performing, I wonder... I want to get in on it!"
You're now nearing the gates of the city, and as Mima predicted, the tingling is getting stronger.
-
>Let's follow the tingling sensation then, with all haste!
-
>Let's follow the tingling sensation then, with all haste!
You attempt to follow the tingling sensation, but only make it a little way inside the city before a rabbit-eared girl jumps in front of you. Her black hair waves as she stares you down with a confident grin, flipping a coin from one hand to another. You'd know Tewi Inaba anywhere.
"So, Keine, what brings you to Mayohiga? Long way from the village, isn't it?"
-
>Meet her confident grin with the sort of glare we reserve for threats to the village. "We're trying to find the missing magicians, and we've found out that you and another brought at least one of them out here."
>Remove the hat. "Now...I won't ask this again, step aside."
-
>Meet her confident grin with the sort of glare we reserve for threats to the village. "We're trying to find the missing magicians, and we've found out that you and another brought at least one of them out here."
>Remove the hat. "Now...I won't ask this again, step aside."
Tewi gives another grin. "You really think you can get past me? It doesn't matter how powerful you are, you know," Tewi smirks as she flips the coin high into the air. "I just need to get lucky." The coin begins to fall. "How about this, heads, you win, tails, I lose?" Another smirk as she watches the coin fall to the ground...
...and land exactly on edge. "Ouch, sounds like luck's not in it for you. Now, miss ultimatum, why don't I give you one of mine? Leave Mayohiga, or you'll suffer."
-
>Look to Mokou. "Well, it seems that rabbit's on the menu. I'm certain Gensokyo won't mourn the loss of another troublemaker."
>"The history of your luck...Will be an excellent meal."
-
>Look to Mokou. "Well, it seems that rabbit's on the menu. I'm certain Gensokyo won't mourn the loss of another troublemaker."
Mokou laughs. "Ain't that a problem? What's your battle plan, anyway? One at a time or all at once?"
>"The history of your luck...Will be an excellent meal."
Tewi grins, pulling out a stack of about 20-25 spellcards, flipping through them and shuffling them in her hands. "Which one will I get, I wonder... I hope I get lucky!"
-
>"The latter, because we simply don't have the time."
>Spellcards?
-
>"The latter, because we simply don't have the time."
Mokou grins. "Perfect... c'mon Reimu, show me the power you had when you fought me!" She moves to the left and Reimu darts to the right, leaving you with the middle. Both of them pull out their own spellcards, trying to decide which one would be best. Mima, you notice, is hanging back. You figure she probably doesn't have her full power yet.
>Spellcards?
Indeed. Since she's not known for using spellcards herself, you figure she must have stolen them somehow.
-
(It was a command for our spellcards. :V)
>Let's just rocket into the thick of it, we'll try to grab and headbutt her until she gives. Or until she gets KO'd, whichever comes first.
>Actually, it's probably better if we headbutt her until she's out cold.
-
(It was a command for our spellcards. :V)
(Oops :blush:)
You have on your hands three spellcards:
National Sign - Three Sacred Treasures (Orb, Sword, and Mirror, depending on the situation)
Future Sign - God's Realm
Future Sign - Next History
You also have the materials for Pseudo-History - The Legend of Gensokyo, but for some reason haven't finalized making that yet. Too bad, because it would be really helpful right now.
>Let's just rocket into the thick of it, we'll try to grab and headbutt her until she gives. Or until she gets KO'd, whichever comes first.
>Actually, it's probably better if we headbutt her until she's out cold.
You attempt a frontal charge, and Tewi pulls a card from the top of the deck. Seeing it, she breaks into a bit of a laugh.
"Oh, am I lucky! Love Sign..."
You've heard that before.
"Non-directional Laser!"
You haven't heard that before. Lasers start flying from Tewi in all directions, coupled with a LOT of star danmaku. As an omnidirectional spell card, you figure this one would be good for fighting multiple enemies. Nevertheless, you don't think it'd be a good idea to get close to Tewi, you might get blasted with danmaku if you do that. Or a laser. Reimu seems to be having no trouble dodging, but can't get close enough to lay a good blow, and Mokou just doesn't seem to care, getting hit but slowly edging closer.
-
>Let's pull back, and bombard her with familiars, lasers, and familiars that shoot lasers.
>"And now we know where you got those spellcards. They were stolen from the four magicians!"
-
>Let's pull back, and bombard her with familiars, lasers, and familiars that shoot lasers.
>"And now we know where you got those spellcards. They were stolen from the four magicians!"
Tewi laughs as she pulls out another card. "Not like they're using them!" However, she's actually having to move around a bit now due to your attack, which is disrupting her flow of attack. You think you can see a small opening to dart through, if she doesn't get lucky and fire a laser right at you.
-
>Luck huh? We never were one to bet on the long odds, but we don't have the time.
>So let's charge in while keeping up the barrage! And when we get in range, grab her by the collar and start headbutting until she drops.
-
>Luck huh? We never were one to bet on the long odds, but we don't have the time.
>So let's charge in while keeping up the barrage! And when we get in range, grab her by the collar and start headbutting until she drops.
As you charge in, Mokou notices. Grinning, she decides to remove all element of luck and bullrush Tewi herself. Distracted, Tewi doesn't even notice you slip through the opening, and you feel a laser graze your back as you slip within range. She barely has time to turn around before you grab her by the collar and slam your head into hers repeatedly, until her eyes finally close. Tewi, despite her status as an Elder Youkai, isn't very durable, so it doesn't take more than a few hits. You are now holding an unconscious Elder Youkai by the collar. Mokou steps forward.
"Well done, Keine."
(If you think the battles are going too fast, just let me know. I'm new at this...)
-
(S'okay, I like 'em fast-paced like this. Just gotta make 'em a bit challenging too.) Tewi's Area Attack was a good example, as we had to wait for the right time to strike.)
(And she also has a few cards of her own y'know, like Ancient Duper, and the ones from StB/DS. All of which are effective Area Attacks.)
>"She's no better than an unruly child."
>Let's take the spellcards back from her. "So, what should we do with this troublemaker?"
>Look to Mima as we say that.
-
(S'okay, I like 'em fast-paced like this. Just gotta make 'em a bit challenging too.) Tewi's Area Attack was a good example, as we had to wait for the right time to strike.)
(And she also has a few cards of her own y'know, like Ancient Duper, and the ones from StB/DS. All of which are effective Area Attacks.)
(I actually did not know that. Of course, I'm not really sticking TOO tightly to canon, at least in my view, but... I probably should have known that at least.)
>"She's no better than an unruly child."
>Let's take the spellcards back from her. "So, what should we do with this troublemaker?"
>Look to Mima as we say that.
Taking the spellcards, you pocket them as you turn to Mima. She gives a small smile. "Well, I suppose you could leave it up to me... perhaps an endless, deathless nightmare? That's about the weakest thing I can think of."
-
>"Hmm....how about just a luck-reducing curse? prove to her that luck isn't everything. But feel free to make sure she'll be plagued by nightmares when she sleeps. Sometimes troublemakers like her need to be taught a lesson."
>Smile a bit. "Besides, it'll be all the more painful to her, being so overly-reliant on her luck. She should learn to improve her resilience if she wishes to stand a chance at taking my headbutt and staying awake."
-
>"But nothing that lasts forever. She doesn't deserve that. Keep it temporary."
I'm fine with the fights as they are, too.
-
>"I think a month or two should suffice. She made her bed, now she has to lie in it."
-
I'm fine with the fights as they are, too.
(Suddenly, I feel a lot more comfortable with my RPing. Which is really saying something, since I'm constantly comparing myself to others and coming up lacking. IMO.)
>"Hmm....how about just a luck-reducing curse? prove to her that luck isn't everything. But feel free to make sure she'll be plagued by nightmares when she sleeps. Sometimes troublemakers like her need to be taught a lesson."
>Smile a bit. "Besides, it'll be all the more painful to her, being so overly-reliant on her luck. She should learn to improve her resilience if she wishes to stand a chance at taking my headbutt and staying awake."
>"But nothing that lasts forever. She doesn't deserve that. Keep it temporary."
>"I think a month or two should suffice. She made her bed, now she has to lie in it."
Mima chuckles, an evil grin appearing on her suddenly shadowed face as she begins to glow. Her staff swings down toward the unconscious form of Tewi as she speaks in an old language that even you barely recognize. Tewi seems to be... jolted with some strange red-and-green energy. As the energy stream terminates, she twitches a bit, having her first in a long series of nightmares. "Well, now that that's done... what shall we do with her?"
-
>"Well, we leave her here. We need to make haste after all."
>Let's get back on the path to the magic Mima talked about!
-
>"Well, we leave her here. We need to make haste after all."
>Let's get back on the path to the magic Mima talked about!
Setting the earth-born rabbit aside, you head on closer to where the tingling's coming from. You come across what appears to be a large temple. The doors are closed, but your body feels like it's on fire right now. This is definitely the place.
-
>"Mokou, Reimu, Mima, skeleton key!"
>Let's charge at the door and try to break through with everyone's help!
-
>"Mokou, Reimu, Mima, skeleton key!"
>Let's charge at the door and try to break through with everyone's help!
You heroically charge at the door!
Which breaks open as soon as you hit it, ending up with the three of you face down on the ground. Mima, being immaterial, wisely chose to just watch you. Looking up, you can see your four magicians, each one chained to a chair, all of them arranged around a small metal disk in the center of a giant magical circle. Patchouli and Alice appear to have fallen asleep, and Byakuren is reciting sutras to herself. Marisa seems to be chanting something. In the quiet of the room, you can hear it clearly.
"57 hakkeros of Spark on the wall... 57 hakkeros of Spark..."
-
>Get up, and dust self off. Then help Mokou and Reimu up as well.
>Then look to Mima. "I believe this is your area of expertise?"
-
>Get up, and dust self off. Then help Mokou and Reimu up as well.
>Then look to Mima. "I believe this is your area of expertise?"
Mima laughs. "It's not a well-designed circle. The function is simple, the magicians are acting as conduits, gathering magic from the surrounding area and storing it in the disk. You know... if it were replaced by a person..."
She looks at you. "I might be able to regain my power this way. Then Gensokyo can truly change."
-
>"Can you tell what its purpose is? What this magic is used for?"
>"Actually, never mind that now, would it be dangerous to unchain them now?
-
>"Can you tell what its purpose is? What this magic is used for?"
She gives a sigh. "The purpose is to store magical energy in the disk. What you do from there is up to you."
>"Actually, never mind that now, would it be dangerous to unchain them now?
She waves her hand side to side. "Oh no worries. Feel free and step in, just rub a hole in the circle or something. I'd do it myself, but... immaterial."
-
>Let's stamp out a part, and then get to unchaining them.
>"What should we do with the disk though? It seems rather important, and dangerous. Especially since they went to such lengths to make it."
-
>Let's stamp out a part, and then get to unchaining them.
You stamp out a part, and Patchouli and Alice begin to stir at the movement. Marisa looks up at you.
"Oh, Keine! Been a long time, ze. What brought ya here?"
>"What should we do with the disk though? It seems rather important, and dangerous. Especially since they went to such lengths to make it."
Mima steps forward, saying "I'll take it. I should be able to summon materiality in my hands at least. And let's be honest, none of you could probably handle the amount of magic stored here." She grabs the disk - apparently she could summon her hands to be material - and almost begins to stroke it lovingly.
-
>"We came to find you four. We had to find an 'old friend' of yours though, Marisa." gesture towards Mima.
>"Mokou, you should be able to get the chains off with little effot."
-
>Keep our eyes and ears open for Reisen, too. Or the other lunarians.
-
>"We came to find you four. We had to find an 'old friend' of yours though, Marisa." gesture towards Mima.
Marisa looks at Mima, and you can almost watch the happy expression on her slide off. Mima simply chuckles, and smiles. "Oh, finally remembering me, is it? Don't worry, little Marisa-chan... we'll have a nice long talk."
>"Mokou, you should be able to get the chains off with little effot."
Mokou nods, stepping up to each girl, grabbing a piece of chain in her hands, near-melting it, then snapping it apart, easily. Fortunately, the girls know better than to move while something like this is happening. Marisa's the first to be released, at which point she starts rubbing her wrists. "Jeez, that was not a fun time at all..." Patchouli is the second, and she's just barely awoken. Alice is similar, but Byakuren stands up and dusts herself off with nary a thought before bowing to you. "Thank you for releasing us, Keine Kamishirasawa. I am truly grateful."
>Keep our eyes and ears open for Reisen, too. Or the other lunarians.
You keep watch for Reisen, and motion for Reimu to do so as well. There doesnt' seem to be anyone, but it's always good to be alert.
-
>"What happened?"
-
>Dole out the spellcards to their respective owners. "I had found that she was once your teacher. So thus, she was our best lead in locating you."
>Nod to Byakuren. "The people of your temple were quite worried about you."
>Look to Patchy. "And your friend Remilia was quite distraught. She wasn't obvious about it, but a teacher always knows these things."
-
>"What happened?"
Byakuren smiles. "The two rabbits accosted me on one of my walks. I couldn't do anything about it, unfortunately, it was all too sudden. They took me here, chained me up, and two others I didn't recognize started this spell. Then, well, I've been here, reciting my sutras. For a month and a half." Despite all this, she seems terribly calm. Not to mention you think she'd recognize Eirin or Kaguya.
>Dole out the spellcards to their respective owners. "I had found that she was once your teacher. So thus, she was our best lead in locating you."
Marisa sighed. "Yeah, but... there's some history here..."
>Nod to Byakuren. "The people of your temple were quite worried about you."
"Oh my..." she gasps. "I'd better go back to them, they must be terrified!"
>Look to Patchy. "And your friend Remilia was quite distraught. She wasn't obvious about it, but a teacher always knows these things."
Patchouli nodded. "That happens... Remilia's good at hiding her feelings, but she really does care about the other people in the mansion, me especially."
-
>Nod. "We should all stay there for the time, I suspect they'll try again by the end of the day, that disc seemed rather important. Important enough for them to go to such great lengths as to capture Gensokyo's top four magicians. We should bide our time until Tomorrow Night, I shall be able to ensure things easier that way."
>Rub out the spell circle entirely, gotta be thorough when dealing with such things.
>Then look to Reimu. "When we exit the temple, I want you to put an unbreakable seal on this building, so they don't try this again. I suspect that the location is key to their plan."
-
>"I'd love to know more of how they captured you all, and what they were doing with you, but that can wait until we've relocated to a safer location."
-
>Nod. "We should all stay there for the time, I suspect they'll try again by the end of the day, that disc seemed rather important. Important enough for them to go to such great lengths as to capture Gensokyo's top four magicians. We should bide our time until Tomorrow Night, I shall be able to ensure things easier that way."
While Byakuren nods and Patchouli somewhat less enthusiastically nods, Marisa looks over at Byakuren for am oment. "Um, Keine ze..." Marisa begins, "That might not be such a good idea. I, um, I tried to steal the Jeweled Pagoda, so..." She's quickly waved off by Byakuren, with the short statement "you're forgiven!"
Marisa, dumbfounded by this act, can only mutter "Well, all right then..." and step outside the temple with you and the others. Mima continues to clutch that disk.
>Rub out the spell circle entirely, gotta be thorough when dealing with such things.
You rub out the spell circle entirely, which takes a while, but it's always good to be thorough.
>Then look to Reimu. "When we exit the temple, I want you to put an unbreakable seal on this building, so they don't try this again. I suspect that the location is key to their plan."
Reimu nods, and as you exit the temple, she channels her miko energy into a larger-than-normal seal, setting it on the crack of the door. You know no one will be entering now.
>"I'd love to know more of how they captured you all, and what they were doing with you, but that can wait until we've relocated to a safer location."
Marisa grins. "My story's a bit different from everyone else's! But then, you'd expect that wouldn't ya?"
Your party now contains:
Reimu Hakurei - She's actually being rather helpful now.
Fujiwara no Mokou - Happy about who the culprit seems to be.
Mima - Immaterial, except her hands apparently.
Shiku - A weak youkai who acts like a teenager.
Neneru - A weak youkai who looks like a 12-year-old catgirl.
Kaki - A weak youkai foxgirl, very shy.
Patchouli Knowledge - Remilia was worried about her. Probably the only person Remilia worries about.
Marisa Kirisame - Plucky magician, apparently worried about Mima's presence.
Alice Margatroid - Dollmaster, hasn't said much. Probably in shock.
Byakuren Hijiri - Your soon-to-be host. With magic, it's said she can gain strength that rivals an oni. Or so it's said.
-
>Nod. "Your house was quite the wreck, we found these three in the process of attempting to loot it. But I think they know not to, now that the house's owner has been rescued." Gesture towards Shiku and her underlings.
>"If you ask me, all they need is a firm hand to guide them. The oldest, Shiku, has a bit of a rebellious streak, much like yourself."
>"Now then, we should be going. I suspect they may well know that their plan has just had a wrench thrown into it, and will be coming here rather swiftly. We'll pick up that troublesome rabbit on the way out to show them an example of what happens when they cause trouble."
>Let's head for the temple, but stop off where we left Tewi to her nightmares to drag her along with us. If she's still there that is.
-
>Nod. "Your house was quite the wreck, we found these three in the process of attempting to loot it. But I think they know not to, now that the house's owner has been rescued." Gesture towards Shiku and her underlings.
>"If you ask me, all they need is a firm hand to guide them. The oldest, Shiku, has a bit of a rebellious streak, much like yourself."
Marisa grins, waving at them. "Heya! Don't go in my house again, all right? At least, not with me not there." She seems to have a very relaxed attitude, surprisingly enough.
>"Now then, we should be going. I suspect they may well know that their plan has just had a wrench thrown into it, and will be coming here rather swiftly. We'll pick up that troublesome rabbit on the way out to show them an example of what happens when they cause trouble."
The others nod. (No way I'm keeping track of 11 separate reactions.) Along your way out, you snatch up the unconscious Nazrin, hefting her over your shoulder like baggage. She's still twitching, and is shivering a bit now to boot.
>Let's head for the temple, but stop off where we left Tewi to her nightmares to drag her along with us. If she's still there that is.
The 11 of you fly off towards the temple, fortunately encountering no mishaps.
...
It's already nighttime when you enter the temple. Shou Toramaru stands there, keeping watch, and looks to be in utter shock when you arrive. It takes her a while to finally stammer out "B-byakuren-sama!" and rush towards the saint, giving her a deep hug.
-
(I think you meant Tewi there bro.)
>Smile warmly. "Glad to see a happy reunion."
>Let's let them enjoy the moment for a while.
-
(I think you meant Tewi there bro.)
(Oh Kanako, I did. My excuse is I've been up for a while.)
>Smile warmly. "Glad to see a happy reunion."
>Let's let them enjoy the moment for a while.
After a good 10 seconds, the hug finally finishes, and Shou says, "I'll rush inside and tell the others! They'll be so excited!" As she rushes in, Byakuren turns to the rest of you.
"Ehehe... sorry you had to see that. Welcome to the Myouren Temple. As a haven for youkai, we of course have plenty of rooms free. That is, if you don't mind."
Most of your party begins to scatter, many of them never having gone to the temple before and so wishing to see it. Only Mokou and Byakuren stay with you.
-
As a side note, I think that may be the first time in Z-adventure history, in terms of on this site, there's been a party of 11 characters. Plus one cargo, Tewi.
And speaking of party members, what happened to Utsuho and Kogasa? I'd tuned out for a while.
>Smile. "Don't apologize. It's nice to see friends reunited, especially under such circumstances."
-
>"Also, to be safe, we should all stay in rooms in the same area. I suspect they may try to recapture the others, and possibly everyone else as well, to prevent further interference."
>"I'll return to the village for a moment to gather a few things, and to update my temporary replacements on what's going on. I should be back shortly, you should here Mokou, so as to act as a means of defense."
>Let's head back to the village to update Kanako and Sanae on things, and how we plan to approach the situation.
-
As a side note, I think that may be the first time in Z-adventure history, in terms of on this site, there's been a party of 11 characters. Plus one cargo, Tewi.
And speaking of party members, what happened to Utsuho and Kogasa? I'd tuned out for a while.
Kogasa left pretty early, just after the first time you left the underground. Getting burned by Kisume, in addition to everything else that happened, was just too much for the poor umbrella.
Utsuho, you left with Satori in the second trip to the underground. She needed to tend to the reactor, and you didn't really need her for what you felt was happening next.
And good to hear I'm setting new first-times.
>Smile. "Don't apologize. It's nice to see friends reunited, especially under such circumstances."
Byakuren laughs. "Yes, I suppose this is a rather emotional time, isn't it? I almost feel sorry for Marisa and Alice, who have no one at home waiting for them."
>"Also, to be safe, we should all stay in rooms in the same area. I suspect they may try to recapture the others, and possibly everyone else as well, to prevent further interference."
>"I'll return to the village for a moment to gather a few things, and to update my temporary replacements on what's going on. I should be back shortly, you should here Mokou, so as to act as a means of defense."
Mokou nods. "Whatever ya say. Trust me, if anyone comes here, they'll get a fistful of fire!" Byakuren waves her off with "Mokou, you must remember we do get nighttime visitors. Please don't just assume they're enemies." The two of them begin to argue... well, Mokou's arguing, Byakuren's just deflecting everything with that calm attitude.
>Let's head back to the village to update Kanako and Sanae on things, and how we plan to approach the situation.
Heading down to the human village, the moon's now high in the sky. The first thing you notice as you approach the village is the onbashira sticking straight up out of the ground all around it. Fortunately, it looks like Kanako avoided the farmland, but they're still very conspicuous. You see the Sky Goddess herself standing on one, staring sternly out into the distance. She gives you a small wave as you approach.
"Welcome back, Keine. Anything to report?"
-
>Nod. "As a matter of fact, there is. I managed to locate the missing magicians, and tomorrow night, I plan to confront the culprits. So for the time being, I'll be staying with the others at the Myouren Temple, so as to ensure the culprits do not try anything once. One of the four has already been captured and punished appropriately, I daresay she'll be having nightmares for quite a while. She was obstructing our path to finding the magicians, so I did the practical thing and knocked her out."
>"I returned to not only update you and Sanae on things, but to procure a few things I'll require come tomorrow night."
-
>Nod. "As a matter of fact, there is. I managed to locate the missing magicians, and tomorrow night, I plan to confront the culprits. So for the time being, I'll be staying with the others at the Myouren Temple, so as to ensure the culprits do not try anything once. One of the four has already been captured and punished appropriately, I daresay she'll be having nightmares for quite a while. She was obstructing our path to finding the magicians, so I did the practical thing and knocked her out."
Kanako sighs. "Sounds like you've been having a lot of fun... you know boring defending this place is? If I didn't know how much faith this is gonna get me, I'd probably go play go with Suwako or something." Suddenly realizing what she's saying, she starts backtracking. "I, I mean, of course I would do anything to help the humans at the village!"
>"I returned to not only update you and Sanae on things, but to procure a few things I'll require come tomorrow night."
Kanako nods and gestures in rather grandly. "Go right ahead then. You live here, so I won't stop you."
-
(And here comes an eventual 12th Party Member. :V As HcBailly would say, "More Party Members!")
>"Hmm...Perhaps you would like to come along tomorrow night then? I'm certain Sanae will suffice for the time you'd be away then."
>Smile somewhat. "Even gods get bored after all. But we'll talk about this more on my way out."
>Let's head for our house, drop off the Latin Books, procure a fresh set of clothing, and grab any spellcards we can use in EX mode that we may have left behind.
-
(And here comes an eventual 12th Party Member. :V As HcBailly would say, "More Party Members!")
(Oh jeez. Keep this up and you'll approach Yuyuko Quest party levels.)
>"Hmm...Perhaps you would like to come along tomorrow night then? I'm certain Sanae will suffice for the time you'd be away then."
>Smile somewhat. "Even gods get bored after all. But we'll talk about this more on my way out."
Kanako laughs. "Sanae will do whatever I ask her to do, without hesitation. She's a good girl that way. I may just have to take you up on your offer... like I said, it'd be a damn sight more interesting than standing on an onbashira for hours."
>Let's head for our house, drop off the Latin Books, procure a fresh set of clothing, and grab any spellcards we can use in EX mode that we may have left behind.
Heading to your house, you take the opportunity to ditch the books and get yourself a new set of clothing. You also wisely decide to grab a new shirt for Mokou (you do have a couple), because you really think she should stop wearing that blood-drenched dress. Checking your spellcard drawer, you slip "Past Sign - Old History" and "Reincarnation - Returning Bridge Ichijo" into your set of cards.
I'm guessing you're also going to reforge Pseudo-History at this time?
-
>Reforge.It might(and probably will) be useful later.
-
>Once that's set, we'll return to Kanako.
>"So, when it's time, we'll return to pick you up. Is that fine with you?"
-
>Reforge.It might(and probably will) be useful later.
You take the moment to reforge Pseudo-History. You now have your full set of Spellcards, minus Epheremality 137. But you figure that if the other cards don't work, Epheremality is't going to help.
>Once that's set, we'll return to Kanako.
>"So, when it's time, we'll return to pick you up. Is that fine with you?"
Kanako frowns. "Perhaps. But you sound like you're going to battle, and before you go to battle, I need to ask you if you have a battle plan ready. If not, you probably couldn't find a better person to help you plan than me. I am a war goddess, you know."
-
>"Well, it would be better to have all the players present to hammer out the plan in full, so we can formulate it then."
-
>"Well, it would be better to have all the players present to hammer out the plan in full, so we can formulate it then."
Kanako nods. "A good idea. Just make sure to invite me in before you actually begin the attack. There's no need to worry about the village, Sanae will be preaching here tomorrow." She gives a little smirk. "Since I showed up, she's been having a lot more success lately. Who are the likely enemies?"
-
>"Irritatingly enough, Eientei. They were trying to use the four magicians as conduits to channel magic energy into some strange disk. It's currently in the possession of one of the others who helped, and will also be participating."
-
>"Irritatingly enough, Eientei. They were trying to use the four magicians as conduits to channel magic energy into some strange disk. It's currently in the possession of one of the others who helped, and will also be participating."
Kanako chuckled. "Eirin's genius must be slipping if she'd try something like that. You should probably go if you still want some rest. It's already past the middle of the night, after all." She flicks her head in a subtle gesture of dismissal.
-
>Nod. "Yes, tomorrow will be a long night indeed.."
>Let's head back to the temple, and find the others.
-
>Nod. "Yes, tomorrow will be a long night indeed.."
>Let's head back to the temple, and find the others.
You head back to the temple, where most of the temple visitors have already drifted into their respective rooms. Only a few people remain out right now - Byakuren, reciting sutras and standing watch at the temple doors, and Marisa and Alice, who seem to be finishing up a conversation next to a statue of Bishamonten out front.
-
>We'll leave Byakuren to her thing for now. Let's just find Mokou.
-
>We'll leave Byakuren to her thing for now. Let's just find Mokou.
You do not find Mokou. Mokou finds you, stepping out of the forest surrounding the temple with a small grin. "Can't help it, you know? I just feel more comfortable in the forests. Anything troubling you?"
Marisa and Alice have now finished their conversation and are beginning to approach you, although they're still a long way away.
-
>We'll be here for a while, so they can get here on their own speed.
>"Well, I spoke with Kanako, and she even expressed an interest in coming along for the ride. So we'll be going to pick her up at the village when we head out. She wanted to know what our plan was, but I said we'd get that sorted out when we have everyone together."
-
>We'll be here for a while, so they can get here on their own speed.
>"Well, I spoke with Kanako, and she even expressed an interest in coming along for the ride. So we'll be going to pick her up at the village when we head out. She wanted to know what our plan was, but I said we'd get that sorted out when we have everyone together."
Mokou nods. "Always good to get the gods on our side. Good luck planning anything now, though, pretty much everyone but the magicians and myself are asleep. Even those three weak youkai you picked up." She gives you a curious look. "What're you planning on doing with them anyway?"
-
>Nod. "I was planning on taking care of the planning when we have Kanako with us. I just hope we can avoid a battle between her and Reimu."
>"As for the kids, they should stay here for the time. I was considering actually taking them in, so long as they behave. They do need someone to guide them, and Neneru- that's the little cat.- seemed to be quite interested in learning."
-
Mokou grins. "Take 'em in? I've seen your house, it's not big enough for three new guests, Keine. And besides, wouldn't you have to deal with the anti-youkai attitudes of the village? I hear they don't even want Rinnosuke in, I doubt they'd let in three youkai. I'm not saying you can't, but... it'll be hard."
-
>"Well, it's either that, or have them live here."
-
>"Well, it's either that, or have them live here."
Mokou laughs. "I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem with that. But don't get me wrong, Keine, I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just saying, if you're going to try to integrate even a couple of youkai into the city, it'll be tough. Might be worth it, but it'll be tough."
-
>Nod. "At the very least, they shouldn't have trouble with Neneru, she seems quite well-behaved."
>What do we know about Shikigami?
-
>Nod. "At the very least, they shouldn't have trouble with Neneru, she seems quite well-behaved."
Mokou grins. "Yeah, I'm not sure about the others, but the catgirl seems fine at least."
>What do we know about Shikigami?
You know they exist, and you know that Ran and Chen are both shikigami. You heard a rumor once that Reimu was considering getting a shikigami, but it was either unfounded or she decided against it. If you wanted to know more, you'd probably ask Patchouli, once she sorted out her library again. You'd ask Ran, but... she never seems to have a schedule for you to speak to her.
Marisa and Alice have now managed to approach you, and Marisa opens conversation. "Yo, Keine! Me and Alice are gonna disappear for a bit, but we wanted to check in with you first. Glad to see you're back, ze."
-
>Nod towards Alice and Marisa. "Just stay together, and stay safe."
>"Also, before you go, I was wondering what you two knew about Shikigami."
>Look back to Mokou with a roguish grin. "Because I think I've figured out how to get the village to accept them."
-
>Nod towards Alice and Marisa. "Just stay together, and stay safe."
>"Also, before you go, I was wondering what you two knew about Shikigami."
Marisa and Alice give each other a look, shrugging. "Ain't seen anything about that... I'm pretty sure Ran and Chen are, you could maybe ask them? Or Patchy, she has a lot of books." After she says that, she flies off on her broomstick towards the forest, Alice following close behind.
>Look back to Mokou with a roguish grin. "Because I think I've figured out how to get the village to accept them."
Mokou raises an eyebrow. "Keine Kamishirasawa with a shikigami? The day that comes, I'll have seen everything." Then she laughs. "Oh, sure, go for it. Don't know who you'd ask, but you could always use some help."
-
>Smirk. "Not just one, but three."
>Beat.
>"....I'll need to have my house expanded. We should find Patchouli and consult her. Hopefully she hasn't gone to sleep yet."
>Let's go find Patchy.
-
>Smirk. "Not just one, but three."
>Beat.
>"....I'll need to have my house expanded. We should find Patchouli and consult her. Hopefully she hasn't gone to sleep yet."
>Let's go find Patchy.
Mokou grins before pointing out a door. "Good luck getting the older one... Shiku, I think, to agree to that. Anyway, Patchy's over here." She knocks on the door, and after a few minutes, you see the face of a sleepy youkai dressed in purple. "...Did you need something?" Patchouli asks, opening the door a bit wider to allow the two of you in.
-
>Nod. "I came to ask you what you know about Shikigami."
>Enter!
-
>Nod. "I came to ask you what you know about Shikigami."
>Enter!
You and Mokou step into the room, closing the door. You're not sure why, but you feel like Patchouli's already gathered every book in the Myouren Temple here, seeing the thick stacks of them gathered around the small writing table. Patchouli sits down on the small bed and gives you her characteristic stare.
"Shikigami... that depends... are you looking for summoned shikigami or contracting an existing being?"
-
>"The latter. You recall those three young youkai that were with us when you and the other magicians were freed, yes? They need someone to guide and teach them."
>"But the problem is, the village isn't likely to accept them as things are currently. But then I recalled that among the rare few Youkai I do permit in, there is a Shikigami."
-
>"The latter. You recall those three young youkai that were with us when you and the other magicians were freed, yes? They need someone to guide and teach them."
>"But the problem is, the village isn't likely to accept them as things are currently. But then I recalled that among the rare few Youkai I do permit in, there is a Shikigami."
Patchouli nods. "A rather... inventive way to get around your own rules, I suppose... but contracting an existing being is simple. All you need is someone with magical energy and the contract in question. It's almost always verbal, of course. A magic circle is drawn, the shikigami and its owner stand in the circle, and they each state their end of the contract before the bargain is sealed. I actually have the circle you'd need in a book in my library... but not here, of course..."
-
>"I'm relatively alright with some youkai, as long as they're well-behaved. It's more a matter of the village itself not accepting them."
>"You see, even for Youkai, they're still largely just children. So they need someone to guide them in the right direction."
-
>"I'm relatively alright with some youkai, as long as they're well-behaved. It's more a matter of the village itself not accepting them."
>"You see, even for Youkai, they're still largely just children. So they need someone to guide them in the right direction."
Patchouli nods. "That sounds almost like little Flandre... not that I would recommend anyone taking her on as a shikigami. You are sure you have enough power to take on a shikigami? It is not easy, since they draw from your power some."
-
>"Is there a way to test if I am capable of managing those three?"
-
>"Is there a way to test if I am capable of managing those three?"
Suddenly stepping off the bed, Patchouli gently grabs your head. You feel a slight tingle as her magical energy flows through you, before she sits back down.
"You'll be fine, so long as these youkai are weak. At least, that's what my analysis seems to indicate. I would advise waiting until after tomorrow, though, as the act of binding a contract is somewhat exhausting."
-
>Nod. "I had planned that. We should be able to find them around somewhere. I can bring them back here if need be."
-
>Nod. "I had planned that. We should be able to find them around somewhere. I can bring them back here if need be."
Patchouli gives a shy smile. "Perhaps if you asked, you could get Shou or Ichirin to keep them at the temple for a little while. I'm sure the youkai wouldn't mind, this is a youkai haven after all. Now if only they had a better selection of books..." Staring at the small library she's already amassed here, you can't help but wonder what Patchouli considers a "good selection".
-
>Nod. "That is a good idea. They probably aren't powerful enough for a serious fight against people as powerful as those at Eientei."
>Chuckle a little. "I have to wonder though, what exactly constitutes a 'good selection' to you? Even a scholar like myself would be rather pleased with this assortment."
-
>Nod. "That is a good idea. They probably aren't powerful enough for a serious fight against people as powerful as those at Eientei."
>Chuckle a little. "I have to wonder though, what exactly constitutes a 'good selection' to you? Even a scholar like myself would be rather pleased with this assortment."
Patchouli resumes her default frown. "Have you ever seen my great library? That... well, that comes close to a good selection. Not quite, though. But at least the books here will satisfy me for a single night." She picks up one of the books, which has as its title "The Fires of Har Megiddo", and smiles. "This one actually contains some elemental magic in it, which may be useful. In particular, fire magic, although given the title, that's probably obvious."
-
>"I'd be willing to wager that you have quite a few history books stored away in there, wouldn't you? I'll have to see about visiting sometime this summer, it might be useful for the students."
>"Well, I wouldn't be surprised that a book like that is here anyways, considering who leads the temple."
-
>"I'd be willing to wager that you have quite a few history books stored away in there, wouldn't you? I'll have to see about visiting sometime this summer, it might be useful for the students."
She frowns again. She does that a lot. "I do not easily give up my books, you know... no matter what the black-white rat says. We could perhaps make an arrangement, though."
>"Well, I wouldn't be surprised that a book like that is here anyways, considering who leads the temple."
Patchouli opens it up and begins to read it, speaking to you through the book. "I'm just glad it's here... I haven't studied in a month and a half, I'd be out of practice if I didn't make sure I was up to date on my knowledge."
-
>"What, exactly, happened to you in that circle for all that time?"
-
>"What, exactly, happened to you in that circle for all that time?"
Patchouli sighs. "I was used. I was forced to be a conduit to drain magical energy from Gensokyo and place it into the disc. So were the others. But the worst part about it..." She gives you a hopeless stare, "Listening to Marisa jabber for 45 days was worse than hell..."
-
>"As I suspected. But then again, Marisa is still only Human, unlike youkai type magicians like you, Alice, and Byakuren, she doesn't exactly have the patience."
>"But did you ever discern the purpose of the disc?"
-
>"As I suspected. But then again, Marisa is still only Human, unlike youkai type magicians like you, Alice, and Byakuren, she doesn't exactly have the patience."
"Even so... her voice is just that annoying in large doses..."
>"But did you ever discern the purpose of the disc?"
Patchouli shook her head. "The closest thing I could figure is that it seems to be a heavily concentrated form of something I found in a book from the outside world once called a 'battery'. In the book, the 'battery' was an energy storage device. I'd imagine the disk represents the same purpose... although I never could get from the rabbits why they'd need so much energy anyway. After a while, I just gave up."
-
>Nod. "I see...Well, we'll find out tomorrow night. We'll have that much easier a time of dealing with them at that point."
>"But at any rate, we'll leave you to your reading. It was nice being able to converse with another scholar."
>Let's head out and find the kids.
-
>Nod. "I see...Well, we'll find out tomorrow night. We'll have that much easier a time of dealing with them at that point."
Patchouli nods, murmuring "By the light of the full moon, you'll definitely be of far greater use..."
>"But at any rate, we'll leave you to your reading. It was nice being able to converse with another scholar."
"Always. I will see you tomorrow."
>Let's head out and find the kids.
You head out, and Mokou directs you to another room. Apparently she scouted everything out beforehand. Knocking on the door, you wait a moment before a tired-looking Shiku slips outside, her finger to her mouth in the classic "ssh" pose. "The others are asleep," she whispers to you, "don't wake them!"
-
>Nod, and keep our voice quiet.
>"I had an idea that would allow you and the other two into the village, which would allow me to guide and teach you and the others."
>"You see, the villagers aren't particularly fond of Youkai. But, if you, Neneru, and Kaki would consent to becoming my Shikigami, the villagers wouldn't be able to complain. And on the upside, you wouldn't need to worry about stealing things to have a means of surviving."
-
>Nod, and keep our voice quiet.
>"I had an idea that would allow you and the other two into the village, which would allow me to guide and teach you and the others."
>"You see, the villagers aren't particularly fond of Youkai. But, if you, Neneru, and Kaki would consent to becoming my Shikigami, the villagers wouldn't be able to complain. And on the upside, you wouldn't need to worry about stealing things to have a means of surviving."
Shiku shakes her head. "You're goin' too fast, d'y'know? First, explain to me what this whole 'shikigami' concept is. Is it a servant or something? Because I'm not being a servant, no way."
-
>"I'm not asking immediately, you can take your time to think about it. And although Shikigami are essentially like servants, you would still be yourself. There would just be a few rules to abide by. Simple ones really, just help protect the village, and not cause harm to any of the humans."
>"Patchouli said you would be the least likely to accept to begin with, but since you're the oldest of the three, I wanted to offer the idea to you first."
-
>"I'm not asking immediately, you can take your time to think about it. And although Shikigami are essentially like servants, you would still be yourself. There would just be a few rules to abide by. Simple ones really, just help protect the village, and not cause harm to any of the humans."
>"Patchouli said you would be the least likely to accept to begin with, but since you're the oldest of the three, I wanted to offer the idea to you first."
She smirks. "Right now, the answer's no. But since you've actually helped us out a bit, and Neneru likes you... a lot, actually, I'll think about it. Not like we have anywhere to go right now anyway... I'm not really enthusiastic about returning to the forest after having been seen in Mayohiga. I'm sure y'understand."
-
>"I'll be waiting for when you decide to accept, I have the time. You should be able to stay here for now anyways, while I see about expanding my home to allow for more residents."
>Smile a bit. "Besides, while I serve as the village's guardian, my official job is being the village teacher. So it's in my nature to help young ones like them.
-
>"I'll be waiting for when you decide to accept, I have the time. You should be able to stay here for now anyways, while I see about expanding my home to allow for more residents."
"Yeah, yeah. Not like they'll turn me out anyways. This place is well known, even in the forest of magic, y'know."
>Smile a bit. "Besides, while I serve as the village's guardian, my official job is being the village teacher. So it's in my nature to help young ones like them.
She sighs. "Yeah, I think ya said that before. I'll talk to the little ones about it, see what they think. Neneru will probably say yes, but Kaki... she's an odd one. Shy as all hell, and I can't really tell what she thinks of you. For a long time I couldn't figure out what she thought of me, either, yeah? Speaking of which... I'd probably better go check on 'em. They don't tend to sleep well when I'm not there, for some reason."
-
>Nod. "We'll let you check on them, and talk things over with them in time. As I said before, there is no major rush."
>Let's go find Shou or something.
-
>Nod. "We'll let you check on them, and talk things over with them in time. As I said before, there is no major rush."
>Let's go find Shou or something.
(yaaawwn... just woke up...)
You say your farewells to Shiku, and decide that finding Shou would be a good idea. Unfortunately, you are stopped at her bedroom door by a serene Byakuren. "Shou is sleeping," she says, "and it would be rude to wake her, don't you agree?"
-
>Nod. "Understandable, she has been rather worried about you."
>"But at any rate, you'll do just as well for what I have to ask. I need someone to keep an eye on those three until I can get things sorted out."
>"You see, I had an idea that should allow the villagers to accept them. Make them my Shikigami. They would get to reside in the village and learn, and I would gain more hands to protect the village. After all, they're still just children as far as Youkai go, so they require a helping hand in becoming proper women."
-
>Nod. "Understandable, she has been rather worried about you."
A chuckle from Byakuren. "That is true, but she's also happy that she won't have to keep night watch as
often. Even someone as good as Shou can have an ulterior motive, as I'm sure you know."
>"But at any rate, you'll do just as well for what I have to ask. I need someone to keep an eye on those three until I can get things sorted out."
She nods, giving another smile. "Protecting and taking care of youkai in need is our primary service, after all. Rest assured that it will be handled."
>"You see, I had an idea that should allow the villagers to accept them. Make them my Shikigami. They would get to reside in the village and learn, and I would gain more hands to protect the village. After all, they're still just children as far as Youkai go, so they require a helping hand in becoming proper women."
Byakuren claps her hands together in delight before realizing just where you three are. "Oh, but that's wonderful, Keine!" she whispers, evidently trying to keep quiet. "Surely such an act will show humans that youkai are not the dangerous beasts we imagine them to be. If you can pull such a thing off, and I know you can, you could be doing more to improve human-youkai relations than a hundred Myouren Temples! I would of course be glad to assist you in such an endeavor!"
-
>Nod. "It's less that I dislike Youkai, and more that the village does. I simply go along with them because it's simpler that way, and that it's easier to keep them safe."
>"That, and most of the youkai that do attempt to get in are rather rowdy and violent."
-
>Nod. "It's less that I dislike Youkai, and more that the village does. I simply go along with them because it's simpler that way, and that it's easier to keep them safe."
>"That, and most of the youkai that do attempt to get in are rather rowdy and violent."
Byakuren waves you off as she begins to lead you away from Shou's room. "It's not to worry, Keine, I understand your motives. Even so, though, what you are doing certainly could provide a bridge towards a common acceptance. I think we can both agree that changing the human attitude on youkai is the first step to creating a better world for both human and youkai, yes?" She turns to look outside, smiling once more. "It looks like Marisa and Alice are back," she says, and indeed you can see the figures of Marisa on her broom and Alice surrounded by a full company of small figures. You can also see a rather packed bag hanging from her shoulder. The two of them wave at you and Byakuren from the distance.
-
>Chuckle a bit, and wave back to them. "I see Alice came loaded for bear. Which is good, we may well need all that power if it comes down to a battle."
>"But to be honest, it's the Youkai who don't care about rules, and just wish to cause harm that are the main issue."
>Let's wait until they get here.
-
>Chuckle a bit, and wave back to them. "I see Alice came loaded for bear. Which is good, we may well need all that power if it comes down to a battle."
>"But to be honest, it's the Youkai who don't care about rules, and just wish to cause harm that are the main issue."
Byakuren sighs. "Yes, though I wish I could deny it, the youkai who do not wish to join society are a major problem. Shou was just telling me about how after I... left, youkai attacks began to pick up, and she couldn't figure out why. I can only pray that now that I am returned, the attacks die down. I've been attempting to think of ways to expand the Myouren influence over youkai, but... nothing yet, I'm afraid."
>Let's wait until they get here.
You decide to wait until Marisa and Alice come in, and indeed they are flying fast. It really doesn't take more than a few seconds for them to come to a landing just in front of the temple entrance. Marisa waves to you.
"Yo, ze! We're back, and we brought friends!" Alice sighs, muttering "No need to talk myself when there's someone so eager to talk for me, I suppose..."
-
>Sigh amusedly. "Indeed. Though Marisa probably shouldn't be the one to speak for us when we confront Eientei. She does tend to have a reputation for being os the 'shoot first, ask later' sort after all. I'd like to find out their reasons for doing such a thing before we teach them a lesson."
>Turn back to Byakuren. "Ah yes, how is that rabbit we brought back? I assume she's still having rather fitful sleep?"
-
>Sigh amusedly. "Indeed. Though Marisa probably shouldn't be the one to speak for us when we confront Eientei. She does tend to have a reputation for being os the 'shoot first, ask later' sort after all. I'd like to find out their reasons for doing such a thing before we teach them a lesson."
Alice nods, then turns to Marisa. "Marisa... no talking at Eientei, got it?" Marisa just laughs and grins.
>Turn back to Byakuren. "Ah yes, how is that rabbit we brought back? I assume she's still having rather fitful sleep?"
Byakuren nods. "She hasn't awoken yet, which is starting to worry me. Just what exactly was done to her at Mayohiga? I never did catch that."
-
>"Just a little punishment. She's an avid troublemaker you see, so I had a low-end curse put on her. Nothing too strong, or permanent. She'll just have nightmares for a few months, and her luck will be notably lower."
>Nod. "That, and I haven't seen anyone, youkai or no, that hasn't gotten back up for a while after I headbutted them into unconsciousness. We'll consult Mima later about this. Hopefully she didn't overdo it."
-
>"Just a little punishment. She's an avid troublemaker you see, so I had a low-end curse put on her. Nothing too strong, or permanent. She'll just have nightmares for a few months, and her luck will be notably lower."
>Nod. "That, and I haven't seen anyone, youkai or no, that hasn't gotten back up for a while after I headbutted them into unconsciousness. We'll consult Mima later about this. Hopefully she didn't overdo it."
Byakuren thinks for a moment before pointing a finger at you. "Are you sure you specified that she be awake for at least part of the time? If this Mima is as evil as she seemed, she may have taken your suggestion to mean a few months of nonstop nightmares, with no time awake, which would be, I dare say, far worse than you were hoping for."
-
>"...In hindsight, I should have been far more clear. We shall have to remedy that at once."
>Let's go find Mima.
-
>"...In hindsight, I should have been far more clear. We shall have to remedy that at once."
>Let's go find Mima.
Byakuren gives you a slight tug. "Come, I know where she is." She leads you farther inside the temple, to a secluded spot where you find the evil spirit softly stroking that battery stone. She looks rather less see-through now than she did before. She hasn't noticed you yet.
-
>"Hello again. I was wondering about the specifics of that curse you used on Tewi. I did specify for it to be temporary, yes, but I had forgotten to stipulate for her to be able to wake up as well. It should appeal more to you to see how she responds to having lowered luck I would wager. Especially considering that she prides herself on her luck."
-
>"Hello again. I was wondering about the specifics of that curse you used on Tewi. I did specify for it to be temporary, yes, but I had forgotten to stipulate for her to be able to wake up as well. It should appeal more to you to see how she responds to having lowered luck I would wager. Especially considering that she prides herself on her luck."
Mima slowly opens her eyes and chuckles. "You are clever, human," she replies, an evil smirk on her face. "Anyone else may have attempted an appeal to mercy, but you know how well that would work, don't you?" She strokes the battery stone a little more, and you can see her get a shade more solid. "Very well, it is done. The young rabbit should awaken very soon. Best go see to her, yes?" It's pretty obvious she wants to be left alone with the rock again. "Oh, it may help you to mention that she was not as normal when I cursed her. Her mind has been twisted somehow. It was almost amusing."
-
>Nod. "That would explain the almost suicidal overconfidence, challenging us despite having not only myself, Mokou, You, and Reimu. Four of the stronger sorts in Gensokyo."
>Smirk just a little. "Besides, I can tell you enjoy seeing people suffer, so making it easier to see the fruits of your efforts would be more appealing, no? But at any rate, we'll go see how she responds to things."
>Let's go find Tewi now, before she panics and bolts.
-
>Nod. "That would explain the almost suicidal overconfidence, challenging us despite having not only myself, Mokou, You, and Reimu. Four of the stronger sorts in Gensokyo."
>Smirk just a little. "Besides, I can tell you enjoy seeing people suffer, so making it easier to see the fruits of your efforts would be more appealing, no? But at any rate, we'll go see how she responds to things."
>Let's go find Tewi now, before she panics and bolts.
Mima laughs a bit more. "You know me so well already, human. Go have fun with your little rabbit."
It only takes you a few minutes to find the room where Tewi is held, which is, you suppose, at least marginally more secure than the guest rooms. It seems the Myouren Temple doesn't do much in security. There is no lock, but the ghost Murasa blocks the door, smiling and nodding at Byakuren as she approaches.
"You sure she's all right, Hijiri?" she asks, "Been thrashing about the whole time, you know. Only just now stopped."
-
>"She'll get over it in a few months. She's actually a rather infamous troublemaker, always causing various people trouble with her pranks. Hopefully this time she's learned her lesson."
-
>"She'll get over it in a few months. She's actually a rather infamous troublemaker, always causing various people trouble with her pranks. Hopefully this time she's learned her lesson."
Murasa nods. "Whatever you say. You here to see the girl?" She says, as she opens the door. "Be careful, looks like a shifty one to me."
Inside, you see Tewi Inaba rubbing her eyes. For the first time,
you notice that they're faintly glowing. You remember that they've never done that every other time you've seen her. She turns her head and gives you a little smirk.
"You're actually trying to hold me in here? You do know all it'd take is a little luck to escape, right?"
-
>Chuckle. "Sorry, but your luck...Has run out."
>"Remember those nightmares? Well, let's just say they're only half of a long-deserved punishment."
-
>Chuckle. "Sorry, but your luck...Has run out."
She tilts her head, seeming not to comprehend what you're saying. At least she makes no move to escape.
>"Remember those nightmares? Well, let's just say they're only half of a long-deserved punishment."
A vigorous shake of the head is what you're rewarded with as Tewi stands up, and tries to stand as tall as she can. Which isn't that much. "Okay, now you're just confusing me. Nightmares, long deserved punishment... explain yourself!" she demands. Byakuren, meanwhile, has moved to close the door, blocking Tewi's main avenue of escape. You silently give thanks that the temple's windows are so small.
-
>Smirk. "Go ahead, you should still have that coin, right? Flip it a few times."
-
>Smirk. "Go ahead, you should still have that coin, right? Flip it a few times."
Tewi gives you an odd look, but fishes out the coin. "Heads, I don't try to escape, tails, I'll stay in this room." That said, she flips the coin and watches expectantly as it falls to the ground...
And lands quite firmly on heads. Tewi is struck dumb - unable to move or speak for several seconds.
-
>"Try a few more times."
-
Tewi obediently does as you say, pulling out a few more coins and flipping them all, as they all land on heads. Apparently her luck is even worse than random now.
"Wha... you replaced my coins. That's it. These coins are rigged. Ha, thought you could trick Tewi, did ya!" She says, quite triumphantly.
-
>"Afraid not. look at them. You should find that they're regular coins."
>Grin. "Besides, where would I find that many rigged coins?"
-
>"Afraid not. look at them. You should find that they're regular coins."
Tewi kneels down and stares at the coins for a moment, verifying that they ARE her coins. She's still kind of struck dumb.
>Grin. "Besides, where would I find that many rigged coins?"
Her hands start to shake as realization slowly dawns on her. She starts to yell. "What the hell did you do to me... what the HELL did you to do me!?"
-
>"Look back to my words earlier. You will realize what has happened."
>"Now, take this time to count up your past misdeeds, and reflect on them."
>Let's step out and leave her to stew for a while.
-
>"Look back to my words earlier. You will realize what has happened."
>"Now, take this time to count up your past misdeeds, and reflect on them."
>Let's step out and leave her to stew for a while.
As you step out the door, Tewi seems to regain her senses. Kind of. You hear a loud BASH as the door starts to rattle, and you can hear her enraged voice through the door, quite clearly shouting "I'll kill you! When I get the chance, I will kill y--" The door suddenly opens and she stumbles out. For about half a second, she starts into a lunge at your neck before a heavy anchor comes right down on her head, knocking her out cold in an instant. As the confusion ends, you see Murasa looking rather peeved, the door handle in one hand and her anchor in the other.
"Doesn't she realize people are trying to sleep? What a troublesome prisoner..."
-
>"I had a feeling she would react that way upon being told her luck is sealed."
>"However, like the nightmares, it's a temporary thing. She should learn her lesson this time around, and perhaps value her luck more."
>"..You always do take something for granted until you lose it."
-
>"I had a feeling she would react that way upon being told her luck is sealed."
>"However, like the nightmares, it's a temporary thing. She should learn her lesson this time around, and perhaps value her luck more."
>"..You always do take something for granted until you lose it."
Byakuren sighs. "It seems that one of the visitors to this temple will be a troublesome one, does it not? I hope we can get through to her. I hate to say it, but almost anyone would probably react in the same way if their prized way of life were to be taken from them." Then she suddenly gives a mischievous grin. "Besides, she promised not to escape, didn't she? When the first coin struck heads, that is?"
Murasa simply sighs and drags the unconscious Tewi back into her room. Once that's done, she comes back out and says "Shouldn't you sleep too? Got a long day and night ahead of you."
-
>Nod. "That she did. Besides, this should teach her a lesson."
>"And yes, if you would be so kind as to point out the room I'll be using, I'll go and get some sleep. for tomorrow."
-
>Nod. "That she did. Besides, this should teach her a lesson."
>"And yes, if you would be so kind as to point out the room I'll be using, I'll go and get some sleep. for tomorrow."
Byakuren gives a serene smile and leads you towards an open door. "I apologize for the furnishings... outside of those who live here, the Myouren Temple's guest rooms are all quite similar." The room inside has a small writing table, furnished with paper and ink, and a soft twin-size bed, along with a wardrobe to put clothing in. It's actually not bad, for a guest room.
-
>"Thank you, it will do just fine."
>Let's set our spare clothes in the Wardrobe, and pass off the replacement shirt to Mokou. "Here, I brought this from home."
-
>"Thank you, it will do just fine."
>Let's set our spare clothes in the Wardrobe, and pass off the replacement shirt to Mokou. "Here, I brought this from home."
Mokou grins. "Hey, thanks! Now I can get out of this damn dress." She takes the shirt and, thankfully, leaves without taking off the dress there. Once alone, you start slipping off into sleep.
...
You wake up, and from what you can tell, the sun's already high in the sky. You get ready and slip out the door. You don't actually see many people, just Nazrin watching from the door and a yamabiko sweeping up in the courtyard.
-
>Let's head over to Nazrin. "So, the others are likely having breakfast I take it?"
-
>Let's head over to Nazrin. "So, the others are likely having breakfast I take it?"
Nazrin gives a grin. "Breakfast? That was a wee bit ago. You slept in, sorry to tell you. Reimu's joined Shou and the magicians in setting up lunch. I didn't really keep track of where the others went."
-
>"Ah, I'll go help them out then. Reimu has been sick lately after all."
>Let's head for the kitchens then!
-
>"Ah, I'll go help them out then. Reimu has been sick lately after all."
>Let's head for the kitchens then!
Nazrin shrugs. "Whatever you want, I'm just here to welcome Temple visitors. Kitchen's that way," she points you in towards the heart of the temple. A short journey in shows the quite crowded and chaotic kitchens, full of magicians, dolls, Shou trying to roast a chicken (and constantly getting distracted), and Reimu and Marisa arguing over what looks to be a meat pie. From what you can glean, they're arguing over what sort of vegetables to include with the pork in the pie. Reimu's insistent on a more traditional approach, while Marisa seems to be suggesting all sorts of vegetables that YOU certainly wouldn't put in a pie.
-
>Sigh, and head over to where Marisa and Reimu are.
>"Now now girls, let's see what we have to work with first."
>What vegetables are present?
-
>Sigh, and head over to where Marisa and Reimu are.
>"Now now girls, let's see what we have to work with first."
>What vegetables are present?
(You guys have really been testing my ability to Wiki food, ya know :P although this one's sort of my fault)
To be honest, you seem to have a huge selection. You have at least two varieties of cabbage, some spinach, some cucumber and eggplant, a small pile of chives alongside a set of several green onions, some radishes and sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes? Must be one of Marisa's ingredients), and for some strange reason a small pile of chestnuts. Marisa grins.
"I suggested the nuts!"
-
>"Hmm...I think the spinach and eggplant should suffice. And some chives, and green onions as well."
>"I believe the regular potatoes shall suffice for a starch."
-
>"Hmm...I think the spinach and eggplant should suffice. And some chives, and green onions as well."
>"I believe the regular potatoes shall suffice for a starch."
Reimu sticks out her tongue at Marisa after your instructions. Marisa sticks her tongue back out, before turning around, sullen. "I still think it'd be good with nuts." Ignoring Marisa, Reimu happily puts the ingredients you suggested in, slipping the pie into a ceramic stove. Meanwhile, it seems that Shou has finally stopped getting distracted, and Alice is making... well, everything. Having that many dolls can be very useful.
-
>"To be honest, chestnuts don't make much sense for a meat pie. Pecans would be better."
>Now we wait for lunch to be finished cooking.
-
>"To be honest, chestnuts don't make much sense for a meat pie. Pecans would be better."
Marisa is still sullen. "I know what I'm doing... I've cooked before ya know..."
>Now we wait for lunch to be finished cooking.
Waiting for lunch doesn't take long, Soon everyone gets arranged in a rather large temple dining room, which still manages to be crowded due to all the people in it. You grab your plateful of food, of course, and now have the option of... do I really have to list all of them to sit nearby. Anyone in particular?
-
>Let's sit near Mokou.
-
>Let's sit near Mokou.
You decide to sit near Mokou. She's loitering near the edge of the room, munching on a leg of the roast chicken. She doesn't have a plate with her. She grins as you approach.
"Ya know, for a moment there, I thought you were going to sleep all day, Keine."
-
>"Yes, well, I didn't expect to sleep so long myself."
>Let's eat!
-
>"Yes, well, I didn't expect to sleep so long myself."
>Let's eat!
You tear into your food with vigor as you realize that you haven't actually eaten a meaningful meal since about noon yesterday. It takes you easily more than a plateful, but you're finally satisfied as Byakuren, sitting at the head of the table, taps her glass with a fork.
"Since we're all here anyway... I believe at least some of you are preparing for battle against Eientei?" A murmur of nods fills the room.
-
>"Should the situation come to it, yes."
-
>"Should the situation come to it, yes."
Byakuren nods. "What's your plan for this? We should probably get something figured out before you go charging in willy-nilly. I thought I would suggest organizing into small groups of two people - that way, you can obtain some modicum of organization while still keeping a lot of flexibility." She then chuckles. "That, and I've heard such a setup is good for breaking into Eientei."
-
>Nod. "Well, Kanako expressed a desire to join as well, so I was going to get things fully sorted out after we go pick her up from the village."
-
>Nod. "Well, Kanako expressed a desire to join as well, so I was going to get things fully sorted out after we go pick her up from the village."
As you say this, Reimu's face darkens a bit. She stands up. "I'll go with you," she says, "I've been meaning to talk to her anyway." Byakuren nods, and motions the two of you away. "Don't worry," she says, "I'll handle the composition of many of the groups. I actually have a few good ideas in mind, hehe."
-
>Nod. "Just as long as you don't start a fight. I left the village in Sanae's care the day before yesterday, since I didn't know what sort of condition you were in."
>Let's head to the village with Reimu to go get Kanako.
-
>Nod. "Just as long as you don't start a fight. I left the village in Sanae's care the day before yesterday, since I didn't know what sort of condition you were in."
>Let's head to the village with Reimu to go get Kanako.
The two of you leave, and fly the short distance from the Myouren Temple to the village. Kanako's still on her onbashira, staring at the two of you. Before Reimu can even open her mouth, Kanako waves a finger.
"I know you don't like me, Reimu, but that's not important right now. Keine, what are the plans?"
-
>"We came to bring you to the Myouren temple so we could sort everything out there. Byakuren suggested two-person teams. But given how they might try to capture the magicians again, it might not work quite as well."
>"At any rate, we should be returning to the temple so we can discuss the plans in detail."
>Let's head back to the temple with Reimu and Kanako in tow!
-
>"We came to bring you to the Myouren temple so we could sort everything out there. Byakuren suggested two-person teams. But given how they might try to capture the magicians again, it might not work quite as well."
Kanako nods. "That really depends on how powerful the teams are. I'm just going to guess they're already making teams."
>"At any rate, we should be returning to the temple so we can discuss the plans in detail."
>Let's head back to the temple with Reimu and Kanako in tow!
"Yes, that would be best."
As you return to the temple, you notice Reimu and Kanako hanging back a bit. They seem to be arguing, but you'd guess Kanako hung back for you not to hear, so you don't go in and check. It doesn't take long to return to the temple.
Once you get there, you find the dining room has become almost a war room, with all non-important people gone. Inside the room are Byakuren, Marisa, Alice, and Patchouli, Mokou and Mima, Kanako, Reimu, and yourself. Byakuren nods at your entrance and begins to speak.
"We already have a couple of tentative teams. Marisa and Alice insist on going together, for 'old times sake' as they say. Patchouli wishes to team up with Mokou, if that would be all right with you. She said something about Megiddo, and that you would know what she's talking about. As for the other teams... well, we haven't made any others. If you have any ideas, that would be wonderful."
-
>Nod. "Yes, but there's just one problem. There are nine of us. which means that someone will end up partnerless. Unless the last group is a three-man-cell."
-
>Nod. "Yes, but there's just one problem. There are nine of us. which means that someone will end up partnerless. Unless the last group is a three-man-cell."
Mima steps forward, and you notice she's almost completely solid now. "I've regained enough energy at this point that I could probably go alone, unless you think the three-man cell is required. The question is, who else gets to be paired up ~" Kanako nods, speaking for the first time since she entered the room. "I'll go with Reimu. The two of us discussed this possibility on the way here, and we came to a mutual agreement that it would be the best choice."
-
>Nod. "Then I guess I'll be teamed with you Byakuren."
>Grin a bit. "Try not to slow me down, okay? I'm on an entirely different level at the full moon."
>"However, we should all go as an entire group at first, and split into teams should a battle break out."
-
>Nod. "Then I guess I'll be teamed with you Byakuren."
>Grin a bit. "Try not to slow me down, okay? I'm on an entirely different level at the full moon."
Byakuren chuckles. "With my help, you'll be on yet another level, Keine. You do know my magical specialty, don't you?"
>"However, we should all go as an entire group at first, and split into teams should a battle break out."
A collective nod at this, accompanied by a frown from Marisa. "You know a battle'll probably break out anyway," she says, "so I still think we should rush right in and surprise 'em!"
-
>Chuckle. "Then I suppose we should be fine."
>Then look to Marisa. "I at least want to find out their reasoning before resorting to that."
-
>Chuckle. "Then I suppose we should be fine."
>Then look to Marisa. "I at least want to find out their reasoning before resorting to that."
Marisa sighs. "But you lose all element of surprise if you wait to find out their reasoning... my way'd be better and more fun!"
-
>Facepalm. "I see you inherited Mima's fondness for the direct and violent approach."
-
>Facepalm. "I see you inherited Mima's fondness for the direct and violent approach."
Marisa laughs. "Name one time it hasn't worked!"
You can think of several, including:
The time Marisa attacked the Hakurei Shrine because she thought Reimu had stolen her hakkero (she had lost it in her mess of a house)
The time she attacked YOU when Eirin was on vacation (to this day, you can't figure out why)
The time she thought the best way to get into the Myouren Temple was by blasting in (it's open to visitors)
And, of course, many others.
-
>Name those.
-
>Sigh. "I can list several. That time you attacked Reimu's place looking for your Hakkero."
>"That time you attacked me while Eirin was on vacation. I never did figure out why by the way."
>"That time you thought the best way to enter the temple here was by blasting your way in."
>"Need I continue?"
-
>Name those.
>Sigh. "I can list several. That time you attacked Reimu's place looking for your Hakkero."
>"That time you attacked me while Eirin was on vacation. I never did figure out why by the way."
>"That time you thought the best way to enter the temple here was by blasting your way in."
>"Need I continue?"
Marisa looks suitably abashed. "Well... I mean... um... I don't really have a counter to that, ze."
Byakuren stands up, looking out the window. "It's about mid-afternoon now... are we still planning to wait until night? It might give our teams a bit of time to plan strategies. Or in Mima's case, a bit more time to regain power." Marisa waves her off with "Oh, me and Alice'll be fine. We'll give 'em a taste of the old Malice Cannon!"
-
>Nod. "We should arrive at the bamboo forest roughly at nightfall if we leave now, yes? That will maximize the potential power we will have if a battle does erupt."
-
>Nod. "We should arrive at the bamboo forest roughly at nightfall if we leave now, yes? That will maximize the potential power we will have if a battle does erupt."
Byakuren considers for a moment before shaking her head. "A little before, I think. That will give us time to pack up and prepare, I suppose. Does anyone need anything from the temple before they go?" She looks around, but Alice already has her dolls ready, Marisa has her hakkero, and Patchouli's holding one of the temple's books. Mima's still fondling her disk, and you figure Kanako can summon onbashira out of nowhere anyway.
Are you ready?
-
>Our outfit changes color when we change, so we should be fine yeah?
-
>Our outfit changes color when we change, so we should be fine yeah?
Indeed it does. This is a special property of the fabric that Eirin helped you with. She really is a genius.
While the other teams move outside to begin final preparations, Byakuren walks over to you, her Sorcerer's Scroll in her hand. "Are you ready, Keine? I know you're rather friendly with the Lunarians, are you sure you can fight them this easily?"
-
>Nod. "I am friends with them, but sometimes friends do stupid things. And it's the other friend's job show them their error. I'll do that by force if it's the only way to get them to understand."
>Let's set our hat on the table. "I'll pick this up later. My horns have a tendency to make wearing this hat of mine a difficult thing anyways."
>Let's head outside with the others.
-
>Nod. "I am friends with them, but sometimes friends do stupid things. And it's the other friend's job show them their error. I'll do that by force if it's the only way to get them to understand."
Byakuren nods. "Very well. I just wanted to make sure."
>Let's set our hat on the table. "I'll pick this up later. My horns have a tendency to make wearing this hat of mine a difficult thing anyways."
>Let's head outside with the others.
She chuckles as you head outside. "That may be a good idea."
You are now in the temple courtyard. Marisa and Alice are leaning against a pillar, casually discussing... well, you don't know at this distance, but you can tell it's casual. Reimu and Kanako are going over tactics, and Mima's staring at that disk again. Patchouli's reading her book with Mokou staring expectantly at you. It's pretty obvious everyone expects you to command.
-
>Do we know about Reisen's hypnotic ability?
>If so, have we ever been affected by them, or do we know how susceptible we would be to them?
-
>Do we know about Reisen's hypnotic ability?
Yes. Yes you do.
>If so, have we ever been affected by them, or do we know how susceptible we would be to them?
You haven't been affected by it personally, but you did see Mokou get hypnotized one time when Kaguya was being particularly playful. She hopped around the forest like a rabbit for a day with her eyes glowing. Fortunately, she doesn't remember it, and you're not going to tell her.
-
>"..Byakuren, we'll need you to bolster us all against mental effects."
-
>"..Byakuren, we'll need you to bolster us all against mental effects."
Byakuren nods. "Of course, you don't want to be unprepared." She unravels a bit of her Sorcerer's Scroll and it recites a few spells. You feel a little stronger and a lot more... mentally resilient, and you doubt Reisen could do much to you know. Byakuren gives you a serene smile and mentions, "I think we're ready now, so shall we be off...?"
-
>Nod. "Yes."
>Step forward to the group. "Alright now. Let's take off!"
>Let's roll!
-
>Nod. "Yes."
>Step forward to the group. "Alright now. Let's take off!"
>Let's roll!
The nine fly to Eientei!
It takes you a while to get there, and you can already feel yourself about to transform when you reach the mansion, the setting sun making it glow a mixture of red and orange. It actually looks very nice. Eirin and Reisen can be seen in front, busily loading a cart full of medicines. Eirin gives one look at the group of you and sighs. She points out three of you.
"Byakuren, Keine, Kanako. Let's you three go inside with me so you can explain why you've brought an army to Eientei."
-
>"Alright, everyone wait here. Mokou, Reimu, keep an eye on the others."
>We may as well go, but stay on guard.
-
>"Alright, everyone wait here. Mokou, Reimu, keep an eye on the others."
>We may as well go, but stay on guard.
Mokou and Reimu nod, and Alice grabs Marisa's shoulder as she's about to dart forward. The last thing you see before you enter the building is the two of them arguing with each other.
Once inside, Eirin closes the door and turns to the three of you. "Okay... let's see what I can guess. The fact that Alice has all of her dolls at the ready means you're looking for a battle. The fact that the four magicians are all here means it involves them, and the fact that you," indicating Kanako, "and Reimu are actually working together means it's deadly serious. Hm... and the fact that you're here, of all places, means that either Mokou has more influence on you than I thought or that this involves Tewi somehow." She puts her hands on her hips as she says "Given all of that, why don't you fill me in on the details?"
-
>Nod. "For starters, Reisen and Tewi, or perhaps someone that looked like Reisen, had captured the four magicians and dragged them off to Mayohiga for some strange ritual requiring them to act as conduits to funnel magical energy into some strange disk."
>"When we went to free them, Tewi was obstructing us."
>Pause.
>"Come to think of it, I just recalled something strange. When Kaguya had Reisen hypnotize Mokou that one time, her eyes were glowing. Tewi's eyes were as well..."
>Were Tewi's eyes glowing like Mokou's had that one time?
-
>Nod. "For starters, Reisen and Tewi, or perhaps someone that looked like Reisen, had captured the four magicians and dragged them off to Mayohiga for some strange ritual requiring them to act as conduits to funnel magical energy into some strange disk."
Eirin considers for a moment. Thankfully, Reisen's not in the room. "Okay, that sort of event COULD be consistent with what I remember. You have a timeframe? Because Tewi disappeared about two months ago. Reisen told me she was on 'important rabbit business', but it doesn't take a genius to see now that she could have been lying."
>Pause.
>"Come to think of it, I just recalled something strange. When Kaguya had Reisen hypnotize Mokou that one time, her eyes were glowing. Tewi's eyes were as well..."
>Were Tewi's eyes glowing like Mokou's had that one time?
Yes, yes they were. Eirin considers this information, but hasn't yet reached a conclusion. She still needs the timeframe information.
-
>Nod. "That would fit with the timeframe. Because the magicians went missing for roughly a month and a half."
>"Now, I'm sure that you can understand what that sort of information would imply."
-
>Nod. "That would fit with the timeframe. Because the magicians went missing for roughly a month and a half."
>"Now, I'm sure that you can understand what that sort of information would imply."
Eirin nods. Then she steps outside for a moment, before coming back in, dragging Reisen by the ears. ...which would seriously hurt. "Master, why are you doing this?" she screams out, before getting a gut-punch from Eirin to silence her. And it does. Eirin pushes her up against a wall.
"Reisen... do be a good rabbit and tell me why you imprisoned Gensokyo's magicians for a month and a half, and hypnotized Tewi to boot? Or would you rather be the first test subject for my newest poisons?" Reisen struggles for a moment before giving up, whispering "...they told me to... and I couldn't say no..." Eirin nods, putting away the scalpel that you didn't even realize she took out. "Good. Now, who is 'they'? And where are Yorihime and Toyohime now?" Her words cause Reisen to flinch, and she breaks into a sob. "They... they don't want me to tell you! They didn't want me to..." This time, you see the scalpel come out, as Eirin whispers "Well, I do. And I'd say I'm a little more important than them right now." A wince as she pokes Reisen in the gut with the scalpel, and Reisen freezes up. "...somewhere else in the bamboo forest... the rabbits can show you there..." she's paralyzed with fear now. Eirin lets her go, and she sinks to the ground, crying. Eirin turns to you.
"Sorry you had to see that. I know for a fact that Reisen will order the rabbits to show you the way. And I'll see you in the city tomorrow, Keine, I assume. Unfortunately, I still have much work to do, so I cannot aid you here.
-
>Nod. "Understandable. She isn't under their domain anymore to begin with, as she signed that away when she joined up with you. And given what tonight is, things shouldn't be as difficult as the last time they showed up. Particularly since Byakuren is along with us."
>"Oh, by the way, Tewi's sitting in containment over at the Myouren Temple. She's already gotten her punishment for being involved though. I think a month or two of nightmares and being luckless should be good enough. She even stole their spellcards in an effort to drive off those who would interfere."
>Grin a bit. "But she didn't quite bargain on me betting on the long shot so to speak."
>"But it seems we'll need to gather more allies if we're to teach them from causing trouble."
-
>Nod. "Understandable. She isn't under their domain anymore to begin with, as she signed that away when she joined up with you. And given what tonight is, things shouldn't be as difficult as the last time they showed up. Particularly since Byakuren is along with us."
Eirin nods. "I don't doubt that you chose this time in particular. You've built up quite a force here, I just hope it will be enough. I'd ask Kaguya, but... Mokou, I'm sure you understand. Do try and be reasonably careful, all right?"
>"Oh, by the way, Tewi's sitting in containment over at the Myouren Temple. She's already gotten her punishment for being involved though. I think a month or two of nightmares and being luckless should be good enough. She even stole their spellcards in an effort to drive off those who would interfere."
>Grin a bit. "But she didn't quite bargain on me betting on the long shot so to speak."
"Betting on the long shot is always trouble with Tewi. Well, was. I may go and pick her up, though, look for signs of hypnotism." She gives a long glare at Reisen, who has managed to wipe the tears from her face and is informing a rabbit on something. "Whatever caused a resurgence in loyalty from her must have been powerful."
>"But it seems we'll need to gather more allies if we're to teach them from causing trouble."
Eirin considers for a moment. "You may be right. If you're lucky, you may encounter Yukari's help. I'm sure you know how willing she'd be to help out against them."
-
>Nod. "I'll have to send everyone out to gather more allies. I have little doubt that Reimu can get in touch with Yukari."
>"Well, We'll head back to the others, and inform them."
>Let's head back to the group!
-
>Nod. "I'll have to send everyone out to gather more allies. I have little doubt that Reimu can get in touch with Yukari."
>"Well, We'll head back to the others, and inform them."
>Let's head back to the group!
You head back out, leaving Reisen and Eirin to their own devices. You have little doubt that it won't be Reisen delivering the medicines tomorrow. You can also feel yourself beginning to transform. You feel stronger, lighter, and faster. Your horns come out of your head, and your hair and clothing changes from blue to green. You practically glow with power. You are Keine Kamishirasawa, hakutaku.
Fortunately, all of this happened while you were still leaving, so your allies didn't actually see the transformation. Marisa grins, she's seen this before. Patchouli is busily filling a notepad, staring at you the whole time. Although your hakutaku form
is well-known, you realize many here haven't seen it before. Marisa steps up, hakkero in hand.
"So when are we gonna get to blastin', Keine? I've been waiting a long time, ze!"
-
>"Not them, that's for certain. Eirin actually had no idea. As it turns out, the true culprit is a certain pair who we already know."
>Look to Reimu. "A pair Yukari will most assuredly be willing to take down a peg or two. I trust you can get in touch with her easily enough?"
>"Because the pair I speak of is the Watatsuki sisters. Though I feel that since tonight is a full moon, and Byakuren has joined the fray, it will not go as last time did."
-
>"Not them, that's for certain. Eirin actually had no idea. As it turns out, the true culprit is a certain pair who we already know."
>Look to Reimu. "A pair Yukari will most assuredly be willing to take down a peg or two. I trust you can get in touch with her easily enough?"
>"Because the pair I speak of is the Watatsuki sisters. Though I feel that since tonight is a full moon, and Byakuren has joined the fray, it will not go as last time did."
Pretty much all of your allies are struck dumb by this. Mokou's the first to recover.
"So then... I take it killing Kaguya is not on the agenda tonight?" After this, Reimu chimes in with "Well, it's not like I have a direct line of communication to her, but if we need her, she'll come..." A new voice chimes in behind you. "Or send someone in her place." It's pretty easy to recognize the voice of Ran Yakumo, who steps through a gap alongside her own shikigami, Chen. Ran sighs as soon as she steps through. "Unfortunately, Yukari-sama has pressing matters with Yuyuko-sama. She will not be able to attend herself."
-
>Nod. "This will have to suffice. Though we'll require more power still. We won't have to worry about collateral damage since I can reverse it in this state."
>"We should find Utsuho, as well as Kazami, those two will be welcome additions to our forces."
-
>Nod. "This will have to suffice. Though we'll require more power still. We won't have to worry about collateral damage since I can reverse it in this state."
>"We should find Utsuho, as well as Kazami, those two will be welcome additions to our forces."
Kanako is the first to break the silence. "Keine... I know you're all for overwhelming odds, but the clock's ticking. You have less than, what, 12 hours until you become a normal human again? Are you sure we have time to retrieve Utsuho, convince Satori that we need her, and convince Yuuka to leave her garden, and still be able to fight for a potentially prolonged period of time? Time doesn't stand still for us, you know."
-
>"....I suppose you have a point. We'll have to make do with picking up only one. We'll have to send someone to fetch Kazami then, I was meaning to speak with her."
-
>"....I suppose you have a point. We'll have to make do with picking up only one. We'll have to send someone to fetch Kazami then, I was meaning to speak with her."
Marisa jumps forward. "I'll go! Yuuka has a great opinion of me, ze!" Alice just grabs her and pulls her back. "Yuuka swore the last time you met that she'd kill you, Marisa. The only reason you lived is because another youkai got into her flowers and distracted her. You'd probably be the single worst person for the job. I'll do it." Reimu shakes her head at this, interjecting with "You're too weak, Alice, no way she'd go along with you. I'm the obvious choice." Kanako cuts in with "Didn't you beat her into a pulp the last time you met? I don't think that's a good basis for persuasion with someone like Yuuka. Why don't I go?" It's clear there's not going to be an agreement anytime soon, although Kanako surely seems more likely than anyone else who's offered so far.
-
>Nod. "Alright. Good luck, and make haste. Odds are likely that the battle will have already begun by the time you return with her."
>Let's get ready to go dish some justice! Find that rabbit or whatever that's going to lead us to where they've hidden themselves!
-
>Nod. "Alright. Good luck, and make haste. Odds are likely that the battle will have already begun by the time you return with her."
Kanako smiles. "I'll do what I can." She flies off.
>Let's get ready to go dish some justice! Find that rabbit or whatever that's going to lead us to where they've hidden themselves!
You follow some of the rabbits deeper into the forest than you even knew, to the point where you have to graze just to avoid the bamboo. After a short while, you see a small old-style house with a compact rocket behind it. It's pretty obvious that this is where the Watatsukis are, considering the rocket. The house is eerily silent, and every door and window is blocked.
-
>Whisper. "And now we prepare fully. Byakuren, We'll need you to bolster everyone to the very limit."
-
>Whisper. "And now we prepare fully. Byakuren, We'll need you to bolster everyone to the very limit."
Byakuren nods and sits down. You get the feeling she'll be there a while. She opens her sorcerer's scroll and begins to chant, and... you feel as much stronger and faster now as you did when your transformation happened. In fact, you feel like you could take on a god without much problem. The others, with the exception of the magicians, are staring at themselves in awe as well. Byakuren smiles. "With how much magic I'm using, I won't be able to move for a while... consider this my support for you, Keine..."
-
>Nod. "Thank you. Really."
>Now, let's check the history of this area for anything suspicious, such as barriers, or traps. "Alright, I'll root out anything like barriers or traps. I'll let you all know when I'm done."
-
>Nod. "Thank you. Really."
>Now, let's check the history of this area for anything suspicious, such as barriers, or traps. "Alright, I'll root out anything like barriers or traps. I'll let you all know when I'm done."
Your historical search reveals nothing. It's possible that they aren't expecting you. Or there could be an ambush. Either way, you don't find any present barriers or traps.
-
>"Alright, there's nothing suspicious. Marisa, hit it with a Master Spark. I can just restore the area to normal in the aftermath."
-
>"Alright, there's nothing suspicious. Marisa, hit it with a Master Spark. I can just restore the area to normal in the aftermath."
Marisa grins. You probably just made her day. "One Master Spark, coming right up!" She raises her hakkero, you spend a few tense seconds watching it charge, and the front of the building gets obliterated as Marisa opens fire.
Then you see the Master Spark get neatly cut in half.
From the resulting destruction caused by all that energy losing its direction, you see a slowly walking purple-haired figure with a sword come from the smoke. A couple of seconds later, she's joined by a small squad of armed lunar rabbits. The purple-haired figure chuckles.
"That again? And you didn't even use the powerful version this time? For shame."
-
>Grin. "Mokou, everyone, let's get ready to have a little fun. We can just find out what they're planning afterwards."
>Let's eat the history of the weapons those rabbits are holding first. Then, let's dash in at full speed and get to caving those rabbits.
-
>Grin. "Mokou, everyone, let's get ready to have a little fun. We can just find out what they're planning afterwards."
>Let's eat the history of the weapons those rabbits are holding first. Then, let's dash in at full speed and get to caving those rabbits.
Mokou grins as well as your entire group leaps into motion. With their history eaten, the rabbits can't particularly notice the weapons, which clatter uselessly to the ground. After all, to the rabbits, they never existed. This causes a couple of seconds of shock, which is all you need.
To the left, you see Reimu rush one of the rabbits while Kanako launches an onbashira at Reimu's unprotected back. At the last second, Reimu jumps and the onbashira hits a stunned moon rabbit direct in the chest, but Reimu's not done, flipping in midair, grabbing the onbashira, and swinging it like a giant club to hit another rabbit behind her before landing on the ground, throwing seals and amulets everywhere she can see. You're rather surprised that the two of them didn't bother with spellcards, but it seems to be working.
Farther to the left, Marisa and Alice are alternating with their blasts, and the rabbits can't quite get the pattern, which you have a hard time following yourself. It overwhelms them quite quickly, and any remaining resistance is cut short by the loud blast of a Master Spark. You hope Marisa doesn't run out of those anytime soon.
To your right, Mima's almost playing with her opponents, turning immaterial whenever and wherever they try to hit her. After a few moments, she gets bored, and creates a whirling black-red ball that she throws at the moon rabbit, who dodges easily only to see it split into 20, flying in literally all directions. She has no hope, and starts screaming and spasming when it hits her. The other balls fly and hit at least three other moon rabbits, all of whom have the same reaction.
Next to you, Patchouli seems to be affecting Mokou's flame somehow, because you know Mokou's fire never glowed that dark before. She seems to be enjoying torching the rabbits, perhaps glad to fight more lunar enemies. In true Mokou fashion, she's simply ignoring every hit they manage to land on her, and looks almost a whirling dervish of fists with nearly-black flame. She soon makes it to Watatsuki no Yorihime, who attempts a stab which connects. Far from flinching in pain or shutting down, however, Mokou simply pulls the sword farther in and grabs Yorihime, who has to jump back to escape, giving Mokou some clearance.
But you're more focused on another figure who's appeared, a light blonde girl with a small old-style fan. She gives you a smile and a wink before waving the fan at you, and summoning massive slicing winds... at least you think they're winds, that fly straight towards you.
-
>Let's barrel on through, but slip aside at the last second! Since Byakuren's bolstered us to the limit, we're far superior to our usual self, even on a full moon.
>Once we slip past, slip her a little grin. "It'll take more than that this time you know, I'm much more powerful than the last time you two showed up."
-
>Let's barrel on through, but slip aside at the last second! Since Byakuren's bolstered us to the limit, we're far superior to our usual self, even on a full moon.
>Once we slip past, slip her a little grin. "It'll take more than that this time you know, I'm much more powerful than the last time you two showed up."
You rush forward, and nearly trip at the speed you're moving. It's that unexpected. You fortunately manage to recover, although moving as fast as Aya on a good day caught you off balance, which makes slipping aside a bit more difficult than normal. You graze the wind, though, and give her a grin and a one-liner. She chuckles, holding the fan to her mouth. "That's too bad, I was hoping this would be easy. It would have been nice if you'd left us alone for just another hour." She taps the fan against her mouth and winks again, before waving at you with a sudden massive torrent of water headed straight toward you. You're pretty sure you can't just slip aside from this one, and it's shocking a lot of the others as well.
-
>Alright then, let's see what we can do...Ah, this should work.
>Let's fire off a cone of lasers, and set them to spinning like a drill! We'll follow right behind the laser-drill-cone!
-
>Alright then, let's see what we can do...Ah, this should work.
>Let's fire off a cone of lasers, and set them to spinning like a drill! We'll follow right behind the laser-drill-cone!
Wow... that sounds pretty damn cool.
Firing off a cone of lasers, you use your enhanced danmaku abilities from transformation to set them spinning. It manages to create a "shield" that you can push through the water, and before long you break through the water to find Watatsuki no Toyohime with her fan about a half inch from your sternum. She has only a single word and a smile: "Hi!"
You have less than a second to react.
-
>Grab her wrist, flip around behind her by using her as a pivot, then headbutt!
-
>Grab her wrist, flip around behind her by using her as a pivot, then headbutt!
Reacting quickly, you use Toyohime as a pivot to flip over her so you can get behind her, then spin her around and give her a good solid horned headbutt. This actually works, as with all of your enhancements you're practically unmatched in the physical arena now, and while she frantically waves her fan and even manages to torch the roof, Toyohime doesn't manage to hit you. Frankly, with all your enhancements, you're surprised she's moving.
-
>Crack our knuckles a few times. "Oh? So I suppose being a Lunarian isn't just for show. I'm surprised you're still standing after a hit like that."
>Smirk just a bit. "Then again, I was only using a little of my power for that. Now the real fight can begin!"
>Let's focus a good and strong orb of danmaku in between our horns, then dash at her at full speed, attempt to grab her, then deliver a few high-speed danmaku-charged headbutts!
-
>Crack our knuckles a few times. "Oh? So I suppose being a Lunarian isn't just for show. I'm surprised you're still standing after a hit like that."
>Smirk just a bit. "Then again, I was only using a little of my power for that. Now the real fight can begin!"
>Let's focus a good and strong orb of danmaku in between our horns, then dash at her at full speed, attempt to grab her, then deliver a few high-speed danmaku-charged headbutts!
Toyohime in her present condition (slightly stunned) can't do too much against a Byakuren'd EX Keine, and you manage to grab her and deliver your headbutts, which changes her condition from "slightly stunned" to "on the ground, fully stunned". You can feel a moon rabbit try to bash you, but it doesnt really hurt that much. In the background, you can hear Mokou shout out "Keine, to the side!" In front of you, you can see a lot of moon rabbits down, as your allies bash their way through. Really, you probably brought too much overwhelming force already.
-
>Backhand the rabbit that tried to bash us, almost as an afterthought, then move to one side.
>"Are Byakuren's bolstering magics really this powerful? Or have the Lunarians really gotten this sloppy? I suppose it's time we end this so we can find out just what they're up to, though we'll have to leave one of them awake."
>Let's fly into the air, and take stock of things.
-
>Backhand the rabbit that tried to bash us, almost as an afterthought, then move to one side.
As you slip to the side, you see a sword fly through where your heart would have been. "Don't you lay a hand on my sister!" Yorihime cries out. Only for just a second, though, as Mokou has taken the opportunity to grapple her, putting her flames on full blast. That's GOT to hurt.
>"Are Byakuren's bolstering magics really this powerful? Or have the Lunarians really gotten this sloppy? I suppose it's time we end this so we can find out just what they're up to, though we'll have to leave one of them awake."
>Let's fly into the air, and take stock of things.
(Don't forget that this time, you actually have field advantage :P)
Well, firstly, the roof's on fire. Most of the moon rabbits are down, with just a couple of stragglers. Toyohime's trying to pick herself up off the ground and not really succeeding. Yorihime would be doing just fine, if it weren't for the hellfire phoenix that is Patchy-enhanced Mokou on her back. You figure this might be the best time to end it quickly.
-
>"Alright Mokou, let's end this! Combination Attack!"
>Let's make another laser-drill cone, but center it on our right forearm this time!
-
>"Alright Mokou, let's end this! Combination Attack!"
>Let's make another laser-drill cone, but center it on our right forearm this time!
You form another laser drill cone, which Yorihime tries to move out of the way of, but is stopped due to Mokou holding her down. With nothing else to do, Yorihime simply grits her teeth as she takes the full impact of the laser drill.
Amazingly, when the attack finishes, she's still conscious and even standing, if only barely. She gasps out a few words.
"I could still fight... but we're outnumbered. I request a surrender with conditions."
-
>"And those would be?"
-
>"And those would be?"
Yorihime sighs. "I wish it hadn't come to this... firstly, you will cease lighting me on fire." Mokou cackles a bit, but the flames do die down. "Secondly, you will allow the rabbits... and Toyohime to leave immediately, no questions asked. I will give you two hours to do whatever you choose with me before allowing me to leave as well. And finally... any questions you ask me that would cause me to be committing a capital crime in the Lunar Capital if I were to answer, I have the right to refuse to answer. Those are my conditions."
-
>"...Acceptable terms."
>Let's land if we haven't already.
>"Now then, first off. What were you planning to accomplish by capturing the four magicians?"
-
>"...Acceptable terms."
>Let's land if we haven't already.
You land. Around you, most of the moon rabbits are hurrying out of there, excepting those few who were hit by Mima's attacks, who have to be carried out. Mima seemed to be the only one using deadly force.
>"Now then, first off. What were you planning to accomplish by capturing the four magicians?"
Yorihime sighs. "To put it simply... the Lunar Capital needed more energy. We determined that the easiest way to get it was to invade Gensokyo and obtain their magical energy." A small smirk. "Consider it turnabout."
-
>Nod. "And what, pray tell, is this energy being needed for? A new weapon perhaps?"
-
>Nod. "And what, pray tell, is this energy being needed for? A new weapon perhaps?"
Yorihime barks out a laugh. "Ha! We wouldn't need one. If the Lunar Defense came down to Gensokyo in force, we would annihilate you. The energy was to be used to ease the growing needs of the Lunarian population, nothing more."
-
>Nod. "That would explain why the disk was likened to an outside world object known as a 'Battery'."
>"But could you not simply find a way to refine what energy you have available to you, thus making it more efficient? I daresay Eirin would have an idea on how to remedy that which does not require using people as living conduits."
-
>Nod. "That would explain why the disk was likened to an outside world object known as a 'Battery'."
>"But could you not simply find a way to refine what energy you have available to you, thus making it more efficient? I daresay Eirin would have an idea on how to remedy that which does not require using people as living conduits."
"Tch," Yorihime replies, "research and refining are ever uncertain. The way we chose was easier and arguably faster." Under her breath, you think you hear Yorihime mutter "besides, they aren't even Lunarian..."
-
>Stare at her as if she was one of our unruly students. "Easier, yes. Faster, yes. Ethical? Hardly. Even a fairy has better morals than that."
>"Which really says something about the so-called 'Lunarian Morality'."
-
>Stare at her as if she was one of our unruly students. "Easier, yes. Faster, yes. Ethical? Hardly. Even a fairy has better morals than that."
>"Which really says something about the so-called 'Lunarian Morality'."
You seem to have struck a nerve. Yorihime seems to want to jump at you. "You're... 20? 25?" You're actually approaching 40, so the underestimation is flattering. But you're pretty sure that's not what she intended. "And you want to lecture me on morality? Do you realize that your lifespan is that of a mayfly's compared to my own? I've seen far more than you could ever dream of, and yet you think you have the right to lecture me about morality? Just who do you think you are?"
-
>Smirk. "Compared to my power, even your lengthy history is little more than a light meal to me."
>As a demonstration, eat the history of that house.
>"I am Keine Kamishirasawa, the History Eater. Last time you and your sister appeared, I wasn't at my best. But this time, the results are plain to see."
-
>Smirk. "Compared to my power, even your lengthy history is little more than a light meal to me."
>As a demonstration, eat the history of that house.
>"I am Keine Kamishirasawa, the History Eater. Last time you and your sister appeared, I wasn't at my best. But this time, the results are plain to see."
The house seems to disappear around her, and although you can see the true history, no one else can. To her, she might as well be sitting in a field. She gives you another glare.
"Well done, then. You have a fancy ability. That doesn't give you the right to lecture Watatsuki no Yorihime, a Lunarian, on morality. You understand me?"
-
>We can restore eaten history as well, correct?
-
>We can restore eaten history as well, correct?
Easily, even if you weren't in your EX form. Your EX form allows you to fabricate history that never existed.
-
>Smirkj just a bit "I am not just limited to places and objects.....I can devour the history of people as well."
>Let's show her and example, by eating the history of her sword arm, then restoring it. We'll restore the house too.
>"In the face of history itself, even one as long-lived as yourself, is but a child. But I digress, consult Eirin on the matter of the energy issue, she will likely have a much better solution."
-
>Smirkj just a bit "I am not just limited to places and objects.....I can devour the history of people as well."
>Let's show her and example, by eating the history of her sword arm, then restoring it. We'll restore the house too.
>"In the face of history itself, even one as long-lived as yourself, is but a child. But I digress, consult Eirin on the matter of the energy issue, she will likely have a much better solution."
Yorihime slowly stands up, retrieving her sword and sheathing it. "Perhaps. There are still 100 minutes remaining in our agreement. Is there anything else?" she asks, glaring at you.
-
>"I believe that shall be all. Just try not to be so sneaky about things next time. And I suggest you get your sister some medicine for headaches, she'll be feeling it in the morning."
>Turn to the others. "Alright everyone, let's head back to Eientei and let Eirin know what was going on."
>Let's roll, but be on guard for back attacks.
-
>"I believe that shall be all. Just try not to be so sneaky about things next time. And I suggest you get your sister some medicine for headaches, she'll be feeling it in the morning."
>Turn to the others. "Alright everyone, let's head back to Eientei and let Eirin know what was going on."
>Let's roll, but be on guard for back attacks.
Your allies nod and move to leave. You, of course, go with them. Ran slips in next to you, whispering "I'm sorry that we didn't help out much, but Yukari's orders were to hang back unless we were needed. And... well, we weren't."
Yorihime turns to leave, but turns back to ask a question as you're about to exit the building. "One more thing... I know Toyohime's going to ask... is Reisen okay?"
-
>Whisper back to Ran. "Quite alright, it seems I overestimated them. Either that, or underestimated our own power."
>Look back to Yorihime. "Oh, she's just being punished for disobeying her true master. She always lives through it though, Eirin's always good about that. You can find out for yourself by going past Eirin's, we were on the way there to begin with."
-
>Whisper back to Ran. "Quite alright, it seems I overestimated them. Either that, or underestimated our own power."
She nods, and she and Chen step into a gap, slipping out of sight.
>Look back to Yorihime. "Oh, she's just being punished for disobeying her true master. She always lives through it though, Eirin's always good about that. You can find out for yourself by going past Eirin's, we were on the way there to begin with."
The Lunarian turns away, but you still hear "perhaps," as she leaves the house. The rest of you start heading off to Eientei.
It doesn't take you long, and now you see Eirin packing medicines into the cart alone. Reisen is mysteriously absent. Eirin looks over at you.
"I'm just going to guess from the fact that you're not badly hurt that you won. The reasons?" she asks.
-
>Sigh. "Apparently they were doing it to alleviate the energy needs of the capital's growing population. Mind you, they were doing it in a completely immoral way. Albeit normal for Lunarians who aren't accustomed to the earth."
>"At any rate, I suggested they consult you for an alternate solution. Yorihime also asked if Reisen was alright on Toyohime's behalf. -I knocked her out you know.- I told her that Reisen was most likely being punished for disobeying you."
-
>Sigh. "Apparently they were doing it to alleviate the energy needs of the capital's growing population. Mind you, they were doing it in a completely immoral way. Albeit normal for Lunarians who aren't accustomed to the earth."
>"At any rate, I suggested they consult you for an alternate solution. Yorihime also asked if Reisen was alright on Toyohime's behalf. -I knocked her out you know.- I told her that Reisen was most likely being punished for disobeying you."
Eirin sighs, shaking her head. "One of the only things I haven't been able to teach them - Lunarians aren't the only important beings. I guess they still haven't learned. I'll have to make sure they do next I see them. Which if you're right, should be soon. And..." she looks to the side for a moment, "She's being punished, yes. And probably will be for a while."
Most of your group seems to be scattering. Marisa and Alice have already walked off, and Patchouli seems to be just about ready to go as well. Byakuren is still waiting, but that's probably more out of courtesy than anything else. Reimu's still listening in. Mokou's still there, of course, as well as Mima. From the distance, you see Kanako arriving alone.
"Sorry... I couldn't get Yuuka away from her flowers. It doesn't look like you've done too badly, though."
-
(Wait, if she went to get Yuuka, then how was she at the battle too?)
>"Well, at least she's learned her lesson this time. Reisen that is."
>"Though I doubt Yorihime and Toyohime have just yet. Even despite being made to surrender."
-
(Wait, if she went to get Yuuka, then how was she at the battle too?)
(Pretend she wasn't. The parser forgot where she was.)
>"Well, at least she's learned her lesson this time. Reisen that is."
>"Though I doubt Yorihime and Toyohime have just yet. Even despite being made to surrender."
Eirin chuckles. You don't like the sound of it. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not done teaching them yet."
-
>Nod. "Well, I think it's time to return Patchouli to her home, I daresay Remilia has been waiting earnestly. Until next time."
>Let's get to taking Patchy to the mansion, we'll help Byakuren if she needs it as well.
-
>Nod. "Well, I think it's time to return Patchouli to her home, I daresay Remilia has been waiting earnestly. Until next time."
>Let's get to taking Patchy to the mansion, we'll help Byakuren if she needs it as well.
Mokou laughs. "You do that, Keine. I'm gonna go back to the Forest, if ya don't need me anymore." Byakuren nods to you, but waves her hand in dismissal. "That's okay, Keine... I'll be fine on my own. They don't call me Superhuman Hijiri for nothing, you know!" The two of them look ready to leave, so if you have anything to say to them, say it now.
Patchouli, at least, is glad of your offer, bowing to you. "Thank you... I wouldn't want to travel to the Scarlet Devil Mansion alone, especially not at this hour..."
-
>Nod. "I'll see you two again tomorrow most likely."
>Look to Byakuren with a smile. "After all, I have to check on the kids every now and again."
>Look back to Patchy. "Well, let's be off."
>Let's roll!
-
>Nod. "I'll see you two again tomorrow most likely."
Mokou grins. "See ya 'round, Keine." She jumps into the forest and disappears within seconds.
>Look to Byakuren with a smile. "After all, I have to check on the kids every now and again."
Byakuren nods and smiles. "You'll always be welcome at Myouren Temple, Keine. See you then." She flies off with a smile.
>Look back to Patchy. "Well, let's be off."
>Let's roll!
Patchouli nods, and the two of you fly off toward the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
...
It takes you a while to get there, and you can feel the night getting on, but you finally arrive in front of the gates. Meiling's leaning against the gate with her eyes closed, but they snap open as she sees you. "Who goes the-- oh, Patchouli!" Meiling practically shouts, "It's so good to see you again!"
-
>Nod with a smile. "I found her the day before yesterday, along with the other four missing Magicians, but I needed some time, and her support, to ensure such a thing wouldn't happen again."
>Smile. "Well, I suppose we part ways here, Patchouli. Don't hesitate to write letters now you know, I'm certain Sakuya can deliver them."
-
>Nod with a smile. "I found her the day before yesterday, along with the other four missing Magicians, but I needed some time, and her support, to ensure such a thing wouldn't happen again."
>Smile. "Well, I suppose we part ways here, Patchouli. Don't hesitate to write letters now you know, I'm certain Sakuya can deliver them."
Patchouli smiles and nods to you. "I shall be sure to inform Remilia of your role in the events. I'm sure she will be pleased." She enters the gate, and Meiling begins to relax again.
You are now alone. Where shall you go?
-
(Pretend she wasn't. The parser forgot where she was.)
As I understand it (though I could be wrong), Shinto deities can split their spirits, effectively allowing them to be in multiple places at once. If that's correct, then there's no reason Kanako couldn't be doing both at the same time.
-
As I understand it (though I could be wrong), Shinto deities can split their spirits, effectively allowing them to be in multiple places at once. If that's correct, then there's no reason Kanako couldn't be doing both at the same time.
(Yes. That's what I was doing. See why it made sense for Kanako to go now?
:mischief:)
-
(True, she should have enough faith for that.)
>"Well, hopefully this is the only Incident I'll have to deal with this summer. Farewell."
>Let's go back to the Temple and pick up our hat, and maybe pass the time there until our transformation wears off again. Can't go into the village looking like this after all.
-
(True, she should have enough faith for that.)
>"Well, hopefully this is the only Incident I'll have to deal with this summer. Farewell."
>Let's go back to the Temple and pick up our hat, and maybe pass the time there until our transformation wears off again. Can't go into the village looking like this after all.
You hope this is the only incident you deal with this autumn, but with that deal you made with Mima, that doesn't seem likely.
You fly to the Temple, which takes a little while. Just about everyone is asleep at this point, but even so you see two figures watching at the temple gates - not only Ichirin, likely just the night watch, but Shiku is there as well, albeit looking very sleepy. The two of them wave to you as you enter the temple, and shout a greeting at the same time.
Ichirin: "Welcome to the Temple, Keine!"
Shiku: "Jeez, took you long enough, didn't it?"
-
>Well, the deal was only good once, so we can pull a trick out of her own hat if need be.
>Simile somewhat wearily. "Yeah."
>We haven't changed back, have we?
-
>Well, the deal was only good once, so we can pull a trick out of her own hat if need be.
>Simile somewhat wearily. "Yeah."
Shiku steps forward, looking away. "So... wait, just to be sure, you are Keine the history teacher, right? Because I've actually got a couple of questions for you."
>We haven't changed back, have we?
No you haven't, there's still a couple more hours until morning.
-
>Nod. "Indeed. You see, once a month, the other side of my dual nature takes the lead, and I can freely control history. Create, obscure, anything required."
>Smile in our usual way. "So, what questions did you have?"
-
>Nod. "Indeed. You see, once a month, the other side of my dual nature takes the lead, and I can freely control history. Create, obscure, anything required."
Shiku nods, a bit shocked. "I'm not sure whether to call that amazing or shocking... Er, no offense intended."
>Smile in our usual way. "So, what questions did you have?"
Shiku continues to look to the side, thinking for a moment how to frame her question. "Well, I... that is, um, Neneru wanted to know if the whole shikigami deal was still open, or if you'd abandoned that idea. And... well, I guess I might be kind of interested too."
-
>Nod and smile warmly. "Of course. You girls do need someone to guide and teach you after all."
-
>Nod and smile warmly. "Of course. You girls do need someone to guide and teach you after all."
Shiku nods, pushing on with the encouragement. "Well, I did as you said and thought it over. And, well, I think it'll be better for Neneru and Kaki if I... if we agreed to that. So... damn it, this is hard! I've never had trouble saying anything before!" You can see her start to get frustrated. From past experience, you'd guess this sort of reaction happens a lot.
-
>Smile, then head over and hug her. "It's alright. I can understand."
-
>Smile, then head over and hug her. "It's alright. I can understand."
She doesn't quite return the hug, but she still gives a small smile. Then the usual sarcasm. "Course you can, you're a teacher. You're supposed to be smart like that."
-
>Let's disengage from the hug now. "So, how were things while I was away?"
-
>Let's disengage from the hug now. "So, how were things while I was away?"
Shiku leans against the gate once more, sighing. "Rather boring. The tiger youkai... Shou, I think," you see Ichirin nod, but Shiku doesn't notice, "tried to teach us about Bishamonten, but Kaki got bored so I had to take her out and play with her in the courtyard for a bit. Kyouko helped out with that. All in all, a rather uneventful day."
-
>Smile. "At least you aren't having to worry about where the next meal comes from, or anything of that sort."
>"Besides, this is the proof of peace. Now that the incident has been resolved, peace reigns once more."
-
>Smile. "At least you aren't having to worry about where the next meal comes from, or anything of that sort."
>"Besides, this is the proof of peace. Now that the incident has been resolved, peace reigns once more."
Shiku crosses her arms. "Peace is boring. You should start another incident or something. But... I'll admit that knowing when I'll be able to eat is nice."
-
>"Incidents come and go, maybe you'll even get to help out with the next one. Since I'll have you, Neneru, and Kaki helping out, I can afford to send you as representatives in Incident Resolution."
-
>"Incidents come and go, maybe you'll even get to help out with the next one. Since I'll have you, Neneru, and Kaki helping out, I can afford to send you as representatives in Incident Resolution."
A rare smile from that. "Wouldn't that be great? Dunno how much help I'd be though, for a youkai I'm really not that strong. Aside from the ability to survive in the Forest of Magic I don't really have that many useful skills."
-
>"Skills can be learned."
-
>Nod. "And for what it's worth, you three have potential. After all, you'll be helping me keep the peace by guarding the village with me. So you're bound to get stronger as well."
-
>"Skills can be learned."
>Nod. "And for what it's worth, you three have potential. After all, you'll be helping me keep the peace by guarding the village with me. So you're bound to get stronger as well."
She gives a small grin. "If you say so. How do we do this Shikigami thing anyway? Or did we already do it with the agreement or something?"
-
>Nod. "We'll handle that tomorrow, when we've all rested up from the battle earlier. I know someone who can help us with that."
>"You remember the magician in purple? She's the one."
-
>Nod. "We'll handle that tomorrow, when we've all rested up from the battle earlier. I know someone who can help us with that."
>"You remember the magician in purple? She's the one."
Leaning against the gate, Shiku smirks. "Her? She didn't seem that strong to me. Looked like she'd collapse under the weight of her own spellbook." Okay, you know she's exaggerating there. "But I guess if you say so, she'd be the one to go to."
-
>Nod. "She's easily one of the most learned individuals in Gensokyo. She knows almost anything about magic that you can think of, and if she doesn't know something, odds are she has a book that does."
-
>Nod. "She's easily one of the most learned individuals in Gensokyo. She knows almost anything about magic that you can think of, and if she doesn't know something, odds are she has a book that does."
Shiku chuckles. "Oh really now? Well, won't that be fun. How are you planning on doing this anyway? We just bop on over to the purple one's house tomorrow and she does some spell and boom, shikigami bond?"
-
>Nod. "That seems to be the speed of things. If I'm not mistaken, the villagers should have no reason to complain, as you'll be under my command. And you'll be helping protect the village, which means they'll have to be grateful."
>Smile in a somewhat devious way. "I've been around long enough to know how people think."
-
>Nod. "That seems to be the speed of things. If I'm not mistaken, the villagers should have no reason to complain, as you'll be under my command. And you'll be helping protect the village, which means they'll have to be grateful."
Another smirk. "Hope you know a good battle trainer, then. Because me and the little ones don't know how to fight that well... we've always gotten by with running, ya know?"
>Smile in a somewhat devious way. "I've been around long enough to know how people think."
The smirk disappears, and Shiku looks to the side. "I sure hope not... I'd hate to think someone could predict my thoughts like that."
-
>Smile cheerfully. "It's the humans I was talking about."
>"But Mokou and myself can help train you three. Mokou's someone you can go all out with though, I just need to tell her to remember to hold back."
-
>Smile cheerfully. "It's the humans I was talking about."
>"But Mokou and myself can help train you three. Mokou's someone you can go all out with though, I just need to tell her to remember to hold back."
"Mokou..." Shiku puts her finger to her mouth, thinking back. Well, to yesterday, but still. "Wasn't she the one who tied me up with my own rope? Yeah, I sure hope she holds back. I don't think I could fight her and win if she had both her hands tied around her back, if she went all out."
-
>Nod. "That would be the one. She's actually quite nice really. A bit gruff and prone to losing her cool at times, but she's been a good friend for ages."
-
>Nod. "That would be the one. She's actually quite nice really. A bit gruff and prone to losing her cool at times, but she's been a good friend for ages."
Headtilt. "Ages? Just how long you been around, anyway? Or her, for that matter? I thought she was just a strong human or something."
-
>Chuckle a little. "It's a figure of speech. I'm only coming close to 40 you know, but she's been around far longer."
-
>Chuckle a little. "It's a figure of speech. I'm only coming close to 40 you know, but she's been around far longer."
A nod. "So you really are pretty much just human then... well, not quite human, but you get my point. That's not a youkai lifespan. Does... does that make Mokou a youkai?"
-
>Chuckle. "She isn't Human, Ghost, or Youkai. You'll understand when you train with her."
>"Besides, the fact that I'm half-youkai means I'll live longer than a human at least."
(Keine is indeed listed as one.)
-
>Chuckle. "She isn't Human, Ghost, or Youkai. You'll understand when you train with her."
Shiku nods. "Well, all right. I don't like not knowing everything, but... I guess I can trust you in this case."
>"Besides, the fact that I'm half-youkai means I'll live longer than a human at least."
(Keine is indeed listed as one.)
(Oh I believe you. The question is if Shiku does.)
Shiku smiles. "Good, I'd hate to be bound to someone who's going to die in 20 years. Wouldn't be any fun, you know?" Just then, she jumps up a bit as you see Neneru peek out from behind her. "Hehe," Neneru chuckles, "I shocked ya! Hi Keine-sama!"
-
>Administer headpats to Neneru. "And how have you been?"
-
>Administer headpats to Neneru. "And how have you been?"
Neneru grins playfully. "Great! We came here and then the tiger lady taught me about Bishamonten and I got to hold the pagoda thing and then we had dinner and they had fish! And it was really good and then I played with Shiku and then she put us to bed but I woke up early because I do that sometimes and then I shocked her! And then you were there!"
Very excitable.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Quite the day then, wasn't it?"
>Look to Shiku with an amused smile. "Always the ball of energy, isn't she? Kids are like that. Human, Youkai, it doesn't matter."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Quite the day then, wasn't it?"
>Look to Shiku with an amused smile. "Always the ball of energy, isn't she? Kids are like that. Human, Youkai, it doesn't matter."
Shiku nods, sighing. "Yes, she's quite exhausting sometimes... I just hope you realize what you're getting into. It'd be like having two children around the house. I hope you don't have any kids yourself?"
-
>Smile warmly. "Did you forget that I'm a teacher? And besides, there's nobody else at my house. Though I will need to get it expanded."
-
>Smile warmly. "Did you forget that I'm a teacher? And besides, there's nobody else at my house. Though I will need to get it expanded."
Neneru jumps out from behind Shiku, apparently eager to participate. "Oooh! You could ask the purple one for help! The witch says her house is really really huge!"
-
>Nod thoughtfully. "Yes, she may well have some useful spells for reconstructing buildings. Though hers is big for a different reason."
-
>Nod thoughtfully. "Yes, she may well have some useful spells for reconstructing buildings. Though hers is big for a different reason."
Neneru... wiggles. Sure. "Huh? Whaddya mean? The witch says the library's like miles big! You'd think someone would see that." She sits down and starts thinking intently, no doubt trying to figure out where a miles-long library would be that she hadn't noticed.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "You see, there is some who lives there that controls time. I once faced her and the mansion's owner long ago. Such a troublesome pair they were, though they didn't bother with the village. And the one who controls time, Sakuya Izayoi, even visits the village on occasion to stock up on supplies. Since she's human, she gets a pass in by the villagers."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "You see, there is some who lives there that controls time. I once faced her and the mansion's owner long ago. Such a troublesome pair they were, though they didn't bother with the village. And the one who controls time, Sakuya Izayoi, even visits the village on occasion to stock up on supplies. Since she's human, she gets a pass in by the villagers."
Neneru stares at you in awe. "A lady who controls time... that sounds really cool! I'll bet she's like some time traveling ninja maid!" Then she suddenly stops. "But how would that effect the library...?" You doubt she's ready to understand space-time equivalency yet. Hell, you're not sure you understand the details of it yourself, even after Sakuya attempted to explain it to you.
-
>Chuckle a little. "She actually is a Maid. And she does specialize in throwing knives, so I suppose she would fit the bill for that."
>"But let's just say that her power over time also lets her toy around with space to a point. I can't quite understand the details, even despite being one of the more intelligent members of the Gensokyo community. You almost need to think beyond even the norm for an ancient youkai in order to understand it."
-
>Chuckle a little. "She actually is a Maid. And she does specialize in throwing knives, so I suppose she would fit the bill for that."
There's almost stars in Neneru's eyes now.
>"But let's just say that her power over time also lets her toy around with space to a point. I can't quite understand the details, even despite being one of the more intelligent members of the Gensokyo community. You almost need to think beyond even the norm for an ancient youkai in order to understand it."
"Um..." She's obviously confused about it, but let's the matter go. "Okay! So are we gonna go see the purple lady when the sun comes up?"
-
>Nod. "Yes, that's the plan. I shall have to remember to ask about spells for reconstructing buildings as well. I've been meaning to get more room for my books anyways."
-
>Nod. "Yes, that's the plan. I shall have to remember to ask about spells for reconstructing buildings as well. I've been meaning to get more room for my books anyways."
The sky all around you is beginning to lighten. The sun's not quite up yet, but dawn should be coming soon. Fortunately, this form acts as quite the buffer, so even when you detransform you'll feel like you just woke up from a nice long sleep. It's a nice little side effect.
Neneru's still bouncing around a bit. "Oh, cool, I can't wait! It's gonna be exciting!" Suddenly she remembers something. "You mentioned 'the owner of the mansion' earlier, right? Who's that? Is that the blonde vampire the witch told us about, the one with the crazy eyes and the crystal wings?"
-
>Shake our head no. "No, that would be her younger sister."
>"And I would advise that you be careful during our visit, that one can destroy anything she desires. She's rather excitable as well, so I suggest you avoid the basement area."
-
>Shake our head no. "No, that would be her younger sister."
>"And I would advise that you be careful during our visit, that one can destroy anything she desires. She's rather excitable as well, so I suggest you avoid the basement area."
Neneru nods, staring at you. "So... don't go in the basement, okay. Anything else? Like, don't make the ninja maid mad or something?"
-
>Nod. "It's difficult to, given her calm demeanor, but err on the side of caution. And stick close when we go."
-
>Nod. "It's difficult to, given her calm demeanor, but err on the side of caution. And stick close when we go."
Neneru nods, and the three of you sit in silence for a few moments as the sun rises over Gensokyo. It's a beautiful sight that you never miss the chance to see in your youkai form. Unfortunately, the sight of that sun also means your youkai form slowly slips away from you, as your horns recede and your green hair and clothing slip back to a normal blue. You also feel the larger part of your power slip away from you... depressing, but what can you do?
When it's all over, Neneru starts tugging at your sleeve. "Um... Keine-sama, should we go get Kaki? Because, um, I really wanna go. To the mansion place."
-
>Nod. "Yes, I'll go pick up my hat that I left here as well."
>Let's go reclaim the hat we left behind.
-
>Nod. "Yes, I'll go pick up my hat that I left here as well."
>Let's go reclaim the hat we left behind.
You turn around to enter the temple and see that Murasa has just helped Ichirin to open the gates. The temple's open for business now, you suppose. Both of them seem to have gone inside for the moment, but you do see Byakuren sleepily heading out for her early morning walk, with Shou on guard. A reasonable precaution, you suppose. Perhaps one of them would know where your hat is. Or you could go wake Kaki. Really up to you.
-
>We'll wake Kaki, and then find Ichirin and ask about the hat.
>Be sure to nod in acknowledgement to Byakuren if we pass her.
-
>We'll wake Kaki, and then find Ichirin and ask about the hat.
>Be sure to nod in acknowledgement to Byakuren if we pass her.
You nod to Byakuren as you pass her on the temple pathway, and she nods back with a sleepy smile. She says nothing, but you doubt she got much rest last night. You enter the room where you last saw Neneru and Shiku and find that the little foxgirl, Kaki, is curled up on the bed. She almost looks too cute to wake.
-
>Smile, and gently nudge her shoulder. "Wake up dear."
-
>Smile, and gently nudge her shoulder. "Wake up dear."
Kaki slowly opens her eyes, and stares at you blankly for a moment before smiling. "Mornin'," she murmurs, "how're you?"
-
>Smile back. "Rather nice. I was technically awake all night though, but let's just say I have a means for keeping my energy up. You'll see soon enough next month."
>"Well, shall we be off? We'll give you the chance to get ready, clean up and such."
-
>Smile back. "Rather nice. I was technically awake all night though, but let's just say I have a means for keeping my energy up. You'll see soon enough next month."
Kaki nods, but says nothing while she pulls herself into a sitting position on the bed.
>"Well, shall we be off? We'll give you the chance to get ready, clean up and such."
"'m fine," Kaki says, and aside from a few wayward tufts of hair she doesn't look that bad. She probably could use a new set of clothing, as the set she has on now doesn't really fit her, but in terms of general cleanliness Kaki's not doing that badly. She stares at you for a moment before asking, "Where we goin'?"
-
>"First, we have to regain my hat, I left it here the other night so it wouldn't get damaged. Then, we'll be stopping by the Scarlet Devil Mansion to take care of a few things so you, Shiku, and Neneru can move in with me."
>"Now, shall we go?"
>Let's go find Ichirin so we can ask about our hat.
-
>"First, we have to regain my hat, I left it here the other night so it wouldn't get damaged. Then, we'll be stopping by the Scarlet Devil Mansion to take care of a few things so you, Shiku, and Neneru can move in with me."
>"Now, shall we go?"
>Let's go find Ichirin so we can ask about our hat.
Your small party of people exit the guest room and begin the search for Ichirin. Before you can get too far, however, you are stopped by Nazrin, giving you a curious look. "You look lost, Keine," she says. "You looking for something?"
-
>"Ah, as a matter of fact I am. I left my hat here the other night, to keep it from getting damaged in the battle. I was intending to ask someone if it was still where I left it."
-
>"Ah, as a matter of fact I am. I left my hat here the other night, to keep it from getting damaged in the battle. I was intending to ask someone if it was still where I left it."
Nazrin gives a grin. "You couldn't have asked a better person then, haha," she says as she chuckles at her little joke. "Actually I happen to know where it is. Byakuren put it in her room for safekeeping. I'll go get it for you if you can wait just a moment."
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>Nod. "Alright, there's no rush.."
>Let's wait!
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>Nod. "Alright, there's no rush.."
>Let's wait!
The waiting doesn't take long - Byakuren's room must be close by, you assume. In less than a minute, Nazrin comes walking back with your signature hat in one hand and her dowsing rods in the other. She hands it to you with a smile.
"Here you go, Keine. And I don't know if you've heard it already, but thank you for saving Byakuren. You really did good there. The whole temple probably owes you."
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>Smile and re-equip hat.. "It wasn't a problem, really. Besides, those Lunarians who caused this fuss in the first place caused quite a bit of trouble a while back, so it was rather nice being able to turn the tables on them."
>Bow slightly. "Besides, I should be thanking you all for tending to these three in my absence. Until next time I assume?"
>Let's make for the SDM now!
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>Smile and re-equip hat.. "It wasn't a problem, really. Besides, those Lunarians who caused this fuss in the first place caused quite a bit of trouble a while back, so it was rather nice being able to turn the tables on them."
>Bow slightly. "Besides, I should be thanking you all for tending to these three in my absence. Until next time I assume?"
>Let's make for the SDM now!
Nazrin smiles and waves at you. "Until next time. Feel free to stop by at any time, all right?"
The four of you take the mildly long journey to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. You actually make it most of the way there when Neneru gets distracted by the large lake next to it and starts rushing off excitedly to go look at it.
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>Sigh, and go after her. "There will be plenty of time to look at the lake later dear."
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>Sigh, and go after her. "There will be plenty of time to look at the lake later dear."
Neneru sighs along with you. "After the mansion thing can we go maybe? I wanna see it!"
The mansion itself looks like it always does. Meiling's leaning against the wall next to the gate with her eyes closed. Honestly, as often as she's seen like this you can see where Aya would get the idea that she's lazy.
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>"This is the Scarlet Devil Mansion. It might look to be normal-sized, but it's far larger on the inside."
>Let's head over to Hong and tap her on the shoulder.
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>"This is the Scarlet Devil Mansion. It might look to be normal-sized, but it's far larger on the inside."
>Let's head over to Hong and tap her on the shoulder.
The four of you head over to the gate and you move to tap Hong Meiling on the shoulder. Before your hand even reaches, though, her own hand is on your shoulder and she glares at you for half a second before recognizing who you are. Her glare softens after that, although she doesn't let go of your shoulder.
"Oh... Keine. You really should know better than to get close to me without warning, you know. The mistress is very interested in seeing you, but I'm guessing you have other business?"
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>Nod. "I was looking to meet with Patchouli about the Shikigami business, and a few other things."
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>Nod. "I was looking to meet with Patchouli about the Shikigami business, and a few other things."
Meiling nods, opening the gate. Once inside the gate, Sakuya appears next to you out of nowhere, walking alongside you towards the front entrance.
"Greetings, Keine. I hope you've been well since last we met?"
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>Nod. "Quite."
>Look to Neneru. "This is Sakuya, the one I spoke of earlier?"
>Look back to Sakuya with a smile. "This is Neneru, one of the three youkai who will become my Shikigami. She's rather taken with what you're capable of."
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>Nod. "Quite."
>Look to Neneru. "This is Sakuya, the one I spoke of earlier?"
>Look back to Sakuya with a smile. "This is Neneru, one of the three youkai who will become my Shikigami. She's rather taken with what you're capable of."
As if on cue, Neneru starts talking to Sakuya in a very fast, excitable tone. "So you're the time travelling ninja maid knife master person right? How do you do all that? Can you teach me? I wanna be one too!" Sakuya smiles, correcting Neneru with a "Time-stopping, not time-travelling. And I could teach you, but I cannot now. There is business to be done." She then turns to you. "Both the mistress and Patchouli are happy to see you, but since the mistress is taking care of something involving her sister right now, I was hoping you would be fine if we stopped by the library first."
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>Nod. "That is quite alright, I was planning to go there to begin with."
>Let's follow Sakuya when she prompts!
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>Nod. "That is quite alright, I was planning to go there to begin with."
>Let's follow Sakuya when she prompts!
She leads you through the first floor of the mansion to a small single door. Putting a finger to her mouth to indicate quiet, she opens the door and you see, through that single door, a library of vast proportions. Marisa might have been exaggerating when she said "miles long" but she wasn't by much. Fortunately, the purple-haired magician of the library, Patchouli Knowledge, is reading a book in a desk a mere 100 feet away from the doorway. She doesn't seem to notice you yet.
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>Let's walk over quietly with the three in two.
>"Hello again. As I said the other night, I would be by with them."
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>Let's walk over quietly with the three in two.
>"Hello again. As I said the other night, I would be by with them."
Patchouli nods. "Ah yes, the three would-be shikigami. I've actually already prepared the circle, if you have a contract prepared. We could get this over with in little more than a half an hour."
Now that you mention it, she DID say something about a contract earlier.
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>"So, we simply need to write it up, yes? Because the main things on my side of the deal are that they cause no harm to the villagers, and protect them as I would. They're free to live as they desire as long as that's adhered to."
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>"So, we simply need to write it up, yes? Because the main things on my side of the deal are that they cause no harm to the villagers, and protect them as I would. They're free to live as they desire as long as that's adhered to."
Patchouli frowns. "No writing up is necessary, both sides state their terms of the contract in the magic circle. It's verbal, although many write it down anyway to save them the trouble of memorization. As for the terms, what you've said so far will work well, but do you not wish to include some form of servitude clause? It's extremely common among shikigami contracts to do so. Obedience clauses are common as well."
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>"Well, I do not wish to obstruct them too much. Freedom to live as they choose was a main point for getting Shiku to agree."
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>"Well, I do not wish to obstruct them too much. Freedom to live as they choose was a main point for getting Shiku to agree."
Patchouli nods. "Very well. Such clauses are not universal, after all. Oh, one more thing to remember: the shikigami bond depends on the contract itself. The clearer the terms of the contract are, the stronger the shikigami bond shall be. So when you state the terms in the circle, be sure to be as clear and unambiguous as possible." Shiku steps forward hesitantly. "Um... Keine, would you be willing to accept a condition of your own?"
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>Look to her. "And what would that be, Shiku?"
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(Holy crap O_O how did this get to 990 replies)
Shiku stares at the floor for a moment before giving you a glare, although you sense it's not you she's angry at. "I want you to swear to protect Neneru and Kaki, even from other humans if you have to, if they're in danger of coming to harm, okay? That's all."
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>Smile. "I shall do my best, you three will essentially be like my children after all."
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>Smile. "I shall do my best, you three will essentially be like my children after all."
Patchouli nods. "Indeed, the point is moot - shikigami bonds are inherently one-sided. One side states the terms, and the other agrees to them." Shiku scowls at this, but mutters an agreement. "Well... all right then. I guess there's no help for it." Patchouli then turns to you. "Whenever you have the wording for your contract envisioned, we can begin."
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>Nod and turn, putting your hand on your chest and standing at attention. "Upon agreement of this contract, Shiku, Kaki, and Neneru shall become the Shikigami of Keine Kamishirasawa. They shall inherit the family name Kamishirasawa with the prestige and honor it holds entitled onto them. They shall be given options to expand upon their academic and martial prowess to the best of their abilities. They will not be held by a ball and chain, nor any other kind of bondage they may obstruct them other then duty, should it arise. Finally, their needs shall be taken care of like family. In return, they shall pledge their loyalty. They shall serve alongside her as guardians of the human village, assisting her as a guiding hand in its politics and serving as a third party as needed. They shall do no harm towards these humans, upon the pain of being prosecuted by a system of law. These are the terms of this contract. You are free to accept these terms or deny them."
(Because Hanzo keeps up with text based adventures. XD)
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>Nod and turn,
Actually, let's get into the circle before doing this. Fortunately, it doesn't take you more than 50 feet for you and the three Shikigami to enter the circle, and Patchouli sets the magic going with a bit of her own power.
putting your hand on your chest and standing at attention. "Upon agreement of this contract, Shiku, Kaki, and Neneru shall become the Shikigami of Keine Kamishirasawa. They shall inherit the family name Kamishirasawa with the prestige and honor it holds entitled onto them. They shall be given options to expand upon their academic and martial prowess to the best of their abilities. They will not be held by a ball and chain, nor any other kind of bondage they may obstruct them other then duty, should it arise. Finally, their needs shall be taken care of like family. In return, they shall pledge their loyalty. They shall serve alongside her as guardians of the human village, assisting her as a guiding hand in its politics and serving as a third party as needed. They shall do no harm towards these humans, upon the pain of being prosecuted by a system of law. These are the terms of this contract. You are free to accept these terms or deny them."
(Wow, nice one.)
Shiku, Neneru, and Kaki all nod. Neneru's actually being serious for once, which is shocking in and of itself. They speak one at a time - of course, since they had no time to practice.
"I, Shiku, accept your terms."
"I, Neneru, accept your terms."
"I, Kaki, accept your terms."
All at once, the circle flares up, sending chains of light directly into your (and your new shikigamis') skulls. They seem to fade away within a moment, but as soon as the chain hit you gained... a perception, a sense you could say, of where the three of them were and what they were doing. The circle slowly begins to fade as all three of them stare at their hands. Shiku's the first to speak.
"I feel so... strong... and Keine... it's like I know exactly where you are..."
(Because Hanzo keeps up with text based adventures. XD)
(He sure seems to keep up with a lot! I don't know how he manages to keep so many straight!)
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(It's a talent. That and we're gonna need a new thread soon. I propose that the sequel series be a slice-of-life detailing the training of the three.)
>"Yes, And I can tell where you are as well."
>Smile. "Now then, how do you three wish to train? I already understand that Neneru wishes to learn from Sakuya, which I approve of. But you'll first need to improve your basic abilities."
>"Ah, but I suppose Remilia wished to speak with me as well, I do wonder if her business is done?"
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(Thanks, had to blind fire mostly. i uh... kinda just came in only with the basic concept and went to town with that. :derp:
Well, everyone had their hobby. what seems impossble for one of us is routine for another. XD)
(...aaaand sorry for dead space. ^^;
I'll just watch now.)
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(It's a talent. That and we're gonna need a new thread soon. I propose that the sequel series be a slice-of-life detailing the training of the three.)
(Oh, don't worry. There's lots of stuff coming up. But yes, training your shikigami's going to be the next big thing.)
(Thanks, had to blind fire mostly. i uh... kinda just came in only with the basic concept and went to town with that. :derp:
(It worked, didn't it? I think you might have a talent for this as well.)
Well, everyone had their hobby. what seems impossble for one of us is routine for another. XD)
(...aaaand sorry for dead space. ^^;
I'll just watch now.)
(Haha, no worries. As long as you're not holding long conversations with no RP content (this isn't long) I don't really mind that much)
>"Yes, And I can tell where you are as well."
Neneru bounces. "This is so cool! And I feel so strong, like I could beat down an oni or something!" Shiku gives her a warning look in response to this.
>Smile. "Now then, how do you three wish to train? I already understand that Neneru wishes to learn from Sakuya, which I approve of. But you'll first need to improve your basic abilities."
"Yeah I wanna learn from the knife ninja maid lady and I wanna throw knives too and--" Shiku calmly and gently places her hand over Neneru's mouth, a clear indication that she should stop talking for a few moments. Neneru, unsurprisingly, quiets down without a problem. Then Shiku begins speaking.
"I don't know if Kaki is quite ready for battle training yet, but you may wish to ask her. As for me, I've always been a physical sort of person. I like to get in and beat down whoever I'm fighting with my fists. So if you know someone like that, that would be supremely helpful."
>"Ah, but I suppose Remilia wished to speak with me as well, I do wonder if her business is done?"
Sakuya speaks from right beside you. ...Where you're sure she wasn't just a moment ago. "The mistress is ready whenever you are. However, she has instructed that you be allowed to take as much time as you wish in the library. So be not in a hurry."
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>Nod to Shiku. "Then you'll definitely want to train with Mokou, she's rather fond of close combat herself.
>Smirk. "Though that's not to say I'm a slouch at that, you should see how I discipline. As well as my fighting style of choice in the form you saw the other night."
>"You know what they say, 'If you try to take the bull by the horns, you'll only get gored'."
>Then nod to Sakuya. "I shall be able to shortly, I just need to look into one last thing."
>Then turn to patchy. "I was wondering if you had any spells for reconstructing buildings? You see, since my little family just got bigger, I'll need more room."
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>Nod to Shiku. "Then you'll definitely want to train with Mokou, she's rather fond of close combat herself.
>Smirk. "Though that's not to say I'm a slouch at that, you should see how I discipline. As well as my fighting style of choice in the form you saw the other night."
>"You know what they say, 'If you try to take the bull by the horns, you'll only get gored'."
Shiku pauses. "I... don't think I've ever heard that actually. But I'm sure with you and Mokou teaching me, I'll learn quite a bit. Too bad I don't quite have the fire Mokou does..."
>Then nod to Sakuya. "I shall be able to shortly, I just need to look into one last thing."
>Then turn to patchy. "I was wondering if you had any spells for reconstructing buildings? You see, since my little family just got bigger, I'll need more room."
Patchouli sighs. "But of course, this library contains a solution for almost every problem. A simple matter like what you describe should be easy to find." A sudden smirk, the first time you've seen her do something other than frown. "Ah, but... enlarging a house, hm? Well, there are a few books in this library that can help with that. Koakuma!" A red-haired girl with bat wings on her back... and head, for some reason, floats down from one of the shelves. You don't recognize her, but you suppose she's Koakuma. "Koakuma," Patchouli continues, "could you fetch the tome 'On the Modification of the Greatest Architectures'? I believe that will be helpful here." Koakuma bows, murmuring "Yes, mistress," before flying off into the recesses of the library. Patchouli turns to you, relaxing in her chair again.
"I'm sorry, but this may take a couple of minutes. Even with Koakuma's speed and organization, the library is still very large. Is there anything else you'll need while you're here?"
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>Smile. "That will be more than enough. You've provided the means for these three to become my Shikigami, you granted Mokou more power during the battle, and now you're providing a means to rebuild my house to better suit my needs. At least with this I can provide more room for the others, as well as for my own collection of books."
>Turn back to Shiku. "Well, you should be able to learn quite a bit. After all, you three have the potential to grow stronger, because you're still just children as far as Youkai go."
(And with this, it's time for a new thread.)
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(New thread made: http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,13029.0.html (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,13029.0.html))