Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on September 01, 2012, 04:06:09 AM
-
>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker and owner of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.
>You've had a heck of a day. You've been present for the birth of a new youkai, whom you've tentatively named Marigold. Being called 'mother' was somewhat embarrassing, but not in an entirely bad way. You bestowed a power ring upon Lily White, making her a Magical Girl like yourself, and in the process of both, discovered that something is not right with the mikos of the Metal Tiger shrine; specifically, Satori Komeji, the elder miko.
>After befriending the somewhat dubious character who calls herself the Eagle, member of a local gang of no-goodnicks, you and she went off to locate young Chen Yakumo's missing pendant. And after a stop at Kourin-dou's, which yielded in the purchase of a new book for yourself, you found the pendant, in the form of a youma terrorizing Ran Yakumo's store. Despite the old oni named Doubles and Ran herself displaying their own unusual powers and abilities, despite their best efforts, both of them were bested by the youma. You yourself found this one much more powerful than the first youma, and while you're confidant you would have overcome it on your own, you had some unexpected and powerful help in the form of the Metal Tiger miko named Kiku, who greatly hastened the defeat of the youma, and the restoration of the corrupted pendant to its true form, for which Ran promised to repay you for one day.
>At the CRA building you had your second encounter with a youma, as well as a human working with, or perhaps for, the demon, purifying them both after some effort. As well as an otherworldly oil slick that resulted in a truly horrific experience, as well as almost overwhelming hunger. The latter, you're currently attending to now. The former... might stay with you a bit longer.
>After defeating the youma, you confronted the demon itself, and found it about to enslave Kiku, having overwhelmed her with her own fears. Your efforts to snap her out of it resulted in another ring being produced, and Kiku chose yours, albeit it was a very, very near thing. The three of you combined your powers and defeated the demon. From it, you learned that there are five more demons who will menace this world, each bearing the title of Champion of one of the six elements of western magic - Water, Earth, Air, Ice, Forest and Fire. With the support of Lily and Chrysanthemum, Kiku's Magical title, you sealed the demon in a pocket dimension, although Kiku would rather have murdered the Champion of Water outright.
>After ensuring the safety of the youma's victims, restoring the corrupted item to its owner Kikuri, and checking in on your daughter Marigold, as well as, unexpectedly, Marissa (which was a very welcome experience after all you'd been through today), you had the sensation that Chie, one of Kiku's fellow Mikos, had the potential to become a Hero like yourself. At Kiku's... 'request', you did not pursue the matter at present.
>You, Lily and Kiku are currently seated as Szenska's restaurant, discussing the lingering issue of Satori, the head miko of the Tiger shrine, whom the Tiger seemed quite convinced was an enemy of yours. Or at least would be, if she learned of your encounter with Him. You are also awaiting the arrival of both the Eagle, who agreed to meet you here, and your steak, to completely satisfy your hunger. Hopefully.
>Smile. "Even if he does, we won't."
>Kiku's expression darkens. "You are not my God, Byakuren."
-
>"But we are your friends, and friends stick together."
-
Hahah, I turn my back on you for like minute, Hanzo =]
>"He will not shun you, Kiku. This much I know for certain. His heart would have to be darker than the Champion of Water's to view a devoted follower such as yourself, willing to go to such lengths to keep in line with her interpretation of his faith, and turn away. I can assure you, beyond any doubt, that this will not happen."
-
>"But we are your friends, and friends stick together."
>"You don't understand." the miko says shortly. "And I wouldn't expect you to, either of you."
>"He will not shun you, Kiku. This much I know for certain. His heart would have to be darker than the Champion of Water's to view a devoted follower such as yourself, willing to go to such lengths to keep in line with her interpretation of his faith, and turn away. I can assure you, beyond any doubt, that this will not happen."
>The tiger youkai scowls. "How dare you speak for a God. You may have stood in His presence, but don't you dare speak in His stead."
-
>Shake our head.
>"I don't speak in his stead. Rather, I speak as an observer. Anyone takes the time to consider you would realize that any deity would be thrilled to have you as a follower."
-
>Shake our head.
>"I don't speak in his stead. Rather, I speak as an observer. Anyone takes the time to consider you would realize that any deity would be thrilled to have you as a follower."
>"Now you presume to speak for whole pantheons?"
-
>"Do you really feel you're so unworthy of any kind of recognition, Kiku?"
-
>"Do you really feel you're so unworthy of any kind of recognition, Kiku?"
>"I seek no recognition from Him. I serve Him and His temple, and protect and watch over His followers. That is all. I've done nothing to garner any favor or attention from His eyes, certainly not before Satori."
>The words sound like they come automatically, but, she hesitates after speaking Satori's name, and lowers her head slightly. "Or... at least I would have thought."
>Lily puts down her stuffed roll. "This is a lot to process at once, isn't it, Kiku? You should give it some thought, while we're here. Judge for yourself if this is something you want to do."
>The tiger youkai considers the blondes' words for a moment. "I am afraid." she admits in a quiet voice. "Everything about the idea of... standing before Him. It scares me."
-
>"Well, you said that you were afraid that you would be shunned. Why is that?"
-
>"Well, you said that you were afraid that you would be shunned. Why is that?"
>Kiku glares at you again, but not quite as sharp this time. "Do you truly not see the desire to see one's God as rising above oneself? We are but mortal, and our Gods do not walk among us any longer. That is the way of things. To even entertain the thought of standing in the presence of one's God, before the end of one's mortal life, is almost blasphemy."
-
>
"If the gods are so great how they haven't attained Nirvana? ::smug::"
>"Ah. I admit, I do not quite view it that way, but now that you've said it, I think I can respect your thoughts on the matter."
-
>"If the gods are so great how they haven't attained Nirvana? ::smug::"
>"Ah. I admit, I do not quite view it that way, but now that you've said it, I think I can respect your thoughts on the matter."
>Kiku nods, her severe countenance softening, a little. "I understand your perspective as well, as it differs from mine. I was all but born into the temple, have been a woman of faith ever since I became a woman. It's only natural my views on many matters would not be shared by those outside the temple."
>"Well, that and you never talk about yourself, either, Kiku." Lily mutters.
>Kiku flinches. "No. I suppose I don't."
-
>"If it makes you feel any better, you can blame us for suggesting the idea, and go along with it because it's a more pleasant alternative than possibly getting into a row with Satori"
-
>"If it makes you feel any better, you can blame us for suggesting the idea, and go along with it because it's a more pleasant alternative than possibly getting into a row with Satori"
>"That's sophistry."
-
>"Perhaps, but it also seems to reflect the situation. It is our idea, and you seem to be considering it largely because it is preferable to the alternative. And I suspect if you don't go along with it Lily will tickle you half to death, so I suppose there may be coercion as well."
-
>"Perhaps, but it also seems to reflect the situation. It is our idea, and you seem to be considering it largely because it is preferable to the alternative. And I suspect if you don't go along with it Lily will tickle you half to death, so I suppose there may be coercion as well."
>Lily, who had been taking a sip of water, chokes slightly as you 'threaten' Kiku with her. She manages to swallow before laughing. "Tickle?" she asks between giggles.
-
>"But above all else, Kiku, do not go in doubting yourself. If the Tiger chooses not to appear to you, it is not a condemnation of you. When I spoke to him, he told me that while he had actually shown himself to me, he had merely spoken to Lily. He said that this was because he judged it unnecessary to actually show himself to Lily. If he does not show himself to you, Kiku, it will not be a condemnation of your worth. It will simply mean that he does not deem his presence necessary."
-
>"But above all else, Kiku, do not go in doubting yourself. If the Tiger chooses not to appear to you, it is not a condemnation of you. When I spoke to him, he told me that while he had actually shown himself to me, he had merely spoken to Lily. He said that this was because he judged it unnecessary to actually show himself to Lily. If he does not show himself to you, Kiku, it will not be a condemnation of your worth. It will simply mean that he does not deem his presence necessary."
>"Is this true, Lily?"
>The winged woman nods. "I didn't see Him myself, no. He sent me a vision, a wave of shadow washing over the world. I didn't meet Him, like Byakuren did, but I knew after the vision passed, without a doubt in my mind, that He showed me what I needed to see." She absently toys with the sakura-pink ring on her hand. "And the vision's what led me to accept Byakuren's ring." She looks Kiku in the eye then. "I don't mean to talk above myself, Kiku, but I can talk to what I experienced. And to that I think, if he sent me, a part-timer, a vision, before I became a magical girl, then you, someone deep in his faith and already a part of this fight, is easily worth a vision or two, if not more."
>The metal miko lets out a breath, and follows it with another drink. "It's a lot to consider." she says after a few moments.
-
>Put a hand over Miko's, and look her in the eye, but try to keep our look soft rather than a glare.
>"You may not agree with what I said earlier, about any deity being thrilled to have one such as you as a follower, but I did not say it simply to reassure you. I spoke honestly about the truth as I have experienced and reasoned. Do you understand?"
-
>Put a hand over Miko's, and look her in the eye, but try to keep our look soft rather than a glare.
>"You may not agree with what I said earlier, about any deity being thrilled to have one such as you as a follower, but I did not say it simply to reassure you. I spoke honestly about the truth as I have experienced and reasoned. Do you understand?"
>Kiku seems a touch uncomfortable by the contact, but she does not retract her hand or scowl in return. She simply nods, slowly.
>"I... think so." she says quietly. "I find myself... slightly overwhelmed. This would be overwhelming in and of itself, let alone after everything else that has happened to me today."
-
>"How do you think I felt? At least you have me to help you along; I was thrust into this on my own, with no warning."
-
>"How do you think I felt? At least you have me to help you along; I was thrust into this on my own, with no warning."
>"Did you face the prospect of meeting your God after your first battle?" she asks you pointedly.
-
>"No. But being thrust into battle was harder for me than it was for you; unlike you, I have not trained for such things."
>"My point is that something like this can be overwhelming to anyone, even if it's for different reasons."
-
>"No. But being thrust into battle was harder for me than it was for you; unlike you, I have not trained for such things."
>"My point is that something like this can be overwhelming to anyone, even if it's for different reasons."
>Kiku nods again. "I can understand that."
>"I think I... merely need some time. Time to think on this, to process, if you will."
-
>"I understand."
-
>"I understand."
>Kiku falls silent, then, her conflicting emotions playing over her face for a moment longer, before she gets herself under control. After a moment, she looks back at you again. "I... may have been..." She clears her throat before continuing. "I did not mean to... attack you, as I did. My...." Kiku lets out a breath, sounding vaguely annoyed. "I'm having trouble controlling my emotions."
-
>"It's okay. You don't need to worry about keeping everything bottled up with us."
-
>"It's okay. You don't need to worry about keeping everything bottled up with us."
>"I'm a centered person. I pride myself of not submitting to wild swings of emotions." She scowls briefly. "I realize that this will likely pass, as I grow accustomed to the events of the day, and what is to come. But it irritates me in the meantime."
-
>"It is fine to be centered, but don't cling too hard to it. Sometimes, it's best to express one's feelings, as long as no harm is done. And thus far, you've done no harm."
-
>"It is fine to be centered, but don't cling too hard to it. Sometimes, it's best to express one's feelings, as long as no harm is done. And thus far, you've done no harm."
>Kiku's mouth works sideways. "It is... kind of you to say, Byakuren."
-
>"You're welcome, but please do not think of them as merely kind words."
-
>"You're welcome, but please do not think of them as merely kind words."
>Kiku seems a bit uncertain for a moment, then nods. "I believe I understand." She casts her eyes slightly downwards. "You are a... sincere person, Byakuren. You're quite different from nearly every human I've ever had contact with."
>Lily smiles broadly and throws her arm around your shoulder in a half hug. "Better believe it! Byakuren's got a great big heart."
-
>Chuckle. "Now you're both just being too kind."
-
>Chuckle. "Now you're both just being too kind."
>Lily laughs a golden laugh. "Well, Lily has a big heart, too."
>Kiku seems slightly unsure of how to react in the face of such casual affection.
>Your blonde waitress emerges from the back again, rolling out a metal cart with a trio of plates upon it, but she heads to your table empty handed. She addresses you with a smile, "It'll be just a few minutes more, miss, for your steak to finish. Can I get you another drink in the meantime?"
-
>"Just some more water. I need to keep a clear head tomorrow."
-
>"Just some more water. I need to keep a clear head tomorrow."
>"Sure."
>Stephanie tops off your glass and Lily's, then returns to her cart, proceeding to carry a pair of plates over to the tall woman in red and the short blonde. The green haired girl in the school uniform stands from the oni's table and rejoins her companions as Stephanie brings her her meal.
>Kiku sits back in her seat, lost in thought again. Considering her words from before, you decide to give the tiger youkai a few minutes to mull things over in her mind, as Lily dives into her own offering.
>About four minutes later, the door opens again and the Eagle strides into the place.
-
>"There she is."
>Wave to Eagle.
-
>"There she is."
>Wave to Eagle.
>Kiku jerks upright and quickly removes the gold ring from her hand, tucking it into her sleeve as you wave the Eagle over to you.
>She smirks and heads your way as a strikingly attractive youkai follows in after her. This one has short tawny hair and dark green eyes, a short stubby tail protruding out behind her, clad in a faded brown leather trenchcoat, a long dull orange skirt with brown and black trim, a feline form stitched on the lower left side, and a white blouse. A pair of feline ears mount her head, each ear having a point tuft of black hair topping them. Though a pretty girl, there is an intensity about her that makes her somewhat unapproachable. She and Eagle exchange a quick word, and the feline remains where she is as the Eagle makes her way over towards you and your friends.
>Her casual smirk matches her her gait as her eyes land upon Kiku. "I knew you were followin' us, Kiki." she gloats. Kiku scowls but says nothing. "But I never thought I'd be seein' ya here." Eagle turns to Byakuren. "Ya musta made one hell of an impression of her, girl."
-
>"We helped each other, much as you and I did. Please, make yourself comfortable. May I ask who your friend is?"
-
>"We helped each other, much as you and I did. Please, make yourself comfortable. May I ask who your friend is?"
>She tilts her head back towards the feline youkai. "That right there is Lynx, one of my Manari sisters." She flares her wings out slightly, and Lynx moves from her current location towards you. "'hawk'll be here too, in a minute. Dragonhawk, that is. 's how I got here 's fast as I did, 'hawk was out for a cruise. Got lucky."
>There is not enough room at your booth to accomdate both members of the Manari, let alone the third on her way in, so the Eagle removes her leather jacket and places it over the back of a chair at the table closest to your right.
>"So what exactly did you do t'assist miss Morning Star here?" Eagle asks Kiku as Lynx falls in behind her.
>"None of your business." Kiku says shortly, her tone very clear she'd much rather not be here at the moment.
>Eagle chuckles as Lynx frowns sharply. "'zat so?" Eagle asks you.
-
>"It would be difficult to go into details, as then they would be known. I think you can appreciate the need to keep some things from being widely known, even among people you trust."
-
>"It would be difficult to go into details, as then they would be known. I think you can appreciate the need to keep some things from being widely known, even among people you trust."
>"If anyone would know..." Lynx says in a sly voice, glancing sideways at her friend.
>Eagle seems to take that as a compliment, smirking and chuckling. Lynx turns her deep green eyes upon you next. "In case she hasn't said so, Morning Star, we owe you some thanks. The good faith you've shown to Eagle is not given to us Manari very often. We appreciate it when it is given."
-
>Wave a hand. "It's only a fraction of what I owe her. There's no need to compliment basic politeness."
-
>Wave a hand. "It's only a fraction of what I owe her. There's no need to compliment basic politeness."
>"Mornin' Star here never been a con, nor Manari." Eagle remarks to her friend.
>"Obviously." Lynx replies to Eagle before fielding your comment. "When you're Manari, basic politeness doesn't come your way often." She shrugs faintly. "That's the name we've built for ourselves. But that doesn't mean we don't appreciate it when we get it."
-
>Smile. "More people should be willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, because who knows? They might find a valuable friend and ally if they do."
-
>Smile. "More people should be willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, because who knows? They might find a valuable friend and ally if they do."
>"That's an idealistic way of looking at it." Lynx says, but her tone is one of.... not 'admiration', but something related to it.
>"She's an idealistic person, like I told ya, Lynx." Eagle remarks.
-
>Smile. "I prefer to think it is quite practical, if the results I've seen now have anything to say about it."
-
>Smile. "I prefer to think it is quite practical, if the results I've seen now have anything to say about it."
>Lynx grins. "And speaking of results, it's not often someone outdoes Eagle when they're after the same thing."
>That, you note, makes Kiku's scowl curl into a smirk.
>At this point, a woman whom you presume to be the third member of the Manari enters the restaurant, marked by her unorthodox wings. The prominent green bone structure of them is bat-like in appearance, and yet, angular feathers are spaced inbetween, a peachy color closer to the body, a vivid purple on the outer edges. There seems to be an odd coloration at her temples, and she sports a dark green and black crop top shirt. Her shorts are dominantly green with brown undertrim, matching her shoes, and her arms are sheathed in fingerless gloves of black and green leather up to her elbows. She's also quite muscular, not BUILT, but definitely strong.
-
>Have we any idea whom this beefy youkai is?
>"A friend of yours?"
>Gesture toward Beefwing
-
>Have we any idea whom this beefy youkai is?
>"A friend of yours?"
>Gesture toward Beefwing
>You've never seen her before, you don't think. And she's distinctive enough that you'd remember.
>Eagle glances back over her shoulder as Lynx nods. "Dragonhawk." Her ears twitch once, briefly. "I should warn you, though, she's not the most social of us, so, don't be surprised if she doesn't seem as outgoing as Eagle or myself."
>The oddly-winged youkai trods over towards her Manari comrades. The coloring at her temples, you note, is a pair of red patches starting at the corners of her temples and tracking back into her hairline. She seems to have a tattoo, as well, on the sides of her neck, but this is mostly covered by her severe black hair, which falls down to just below her shoulders. A silver chain is around her neck, grasping a black jewel. Her eyes are a brilliant, piercing shade of blue. If Lynx is 'somewhat unapproachable', this one is 'better steer clear'.
>You note an odd silence descend upon the restaurant as she joins the other two Manari. The conversations at the other tables all become much quieter, or cease altogether.
>Lily seems distinctly uncomfortable at the sight of Dragonhawk's predatory presence.
-
>Even the oni? Dang.
>"Good evening. You are Dragonhawk, yes?"
-
>If even the Oni went quiet, then she's one tough customer.
>...I'd hate to see a Demon get a hold of her.
-
>Even the oni? Dang.
>If even the Oni went quiet, then she's one tough customer.
>Even the Oni. Which puts you slightly on guard. Quiet Oni means trouble as often as not.
>...I'd hate to see a Demon get a hold of her.
>If a demon could take an ordinary woman and make her as dangerous as that striped-faced woman from the CRA, this youkai would be in another league.
>"Good evening. You are Dragonhawk, yes?"
>The new arrival locks her eyes upon you. After looking into the eyes of a demon, Dragonhawk isn't all THAT bad. But it's still a somewhat unsettling experience.
>Your question is answered by a very small nod. "Yes." she intones.
-
>Friendly smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
>"I assume the three of you are here for dinner after Eagle and I conclude today's business?"
>Were the Manari allowed to gather, legally,after whatever got Eagle on probation?
>...What even was a Manari? A nationality/ethnicity?
-
>Friendly smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
>"I assume the three of you are here for dinner after Eagle and I conclude today's business?"
>Were the Manari allowed to gather, legally,after whatever got Eagle on probation?
>...What even was a Manari? A nationality/ethnicity?
>The Dragonhawk merely vocalizes an 'mmm' sound.
>Lynx gives you a nod. "We're still welcome here. Well, most of us are." she adds with a small smirk.
>"Might change in a minute or two, though, girls." Eagle comments, jerking her thumb back towards the Oni table. Three of which are looking in the direction of the Manari. Konngara, however, merely looks unamused.
>Eagle never mentioned if that was a part of their probation or not.
>The Manari were a quartet of female youkai, who were in the third year during your first year at Mayoiga high. They took their name from an old Moscovich word meaning 'Predators'. They took the name literally. The four were a traveling thunderstorm, spreading trouble and mayhem wherever they went. A gang of bullies of the highest order, they made life miserable for everyone around them. They attended school at their leisure, up until principal Unzan challenged them all to a 4 on 1 wrestling match, and won. After that, they at least tried to clean their act up a little. From what you recall, they had little success. The four of them have a reputation on par with most gangs.
-
>Roit, thanks!
>"Let's not worry about them right now. Would it be alright if I spoke with Eagle for a few moments and conclude our business?"
-
>Roit, thanks!
>"Let's not worry about them right now. Would it be alright if I spoke with Eagle for a few moments and conclude our business?"
>Dragonhawk merely nods, but Lynx is a bit more vocal. "It's fine by us, but, you sure you'd rather do that now, before your bill from here comes?" She and Eagle exchange a look, which Eagle nods at, so Lynx continues. "I can tell you for a fact, Eagle's not gonna be cheap, considering how things went down between you two."
-
>"Well, if I can't afford it now, I would at least like to make some arrangements."
>We do have our bank card, right? How hard is it to find a usable ATM around here?
-
>"Well, if I can't afford it now, I would at least like to make some arrangements."
>We do have our bank card, right? How hard is it to find a usable ATM around here?
>Lynx nods sagely. "We're always open to arrangements."
>"Well, not always." Eagle counters. "Depends on who I'm dealin' with." She gives you a generous smile. "But I got no doubt Byakuren's good fer it. I'm sure we can work somethin' out."
>At this point, Kiku's scowl darkens even more. She holds her tongue, but it seems to be becoming difficult for her.
>You do have your bank card, and ATMs aren't entirely uncommon around town. Most restaurants of this size have one, so you glance around to see if there is one here. None are visible, but there is a sign for an ATM beneath the Washroom sign.
-
>"Well then. What kind of compensation are you asking for?"
-
>"Well then. What kind of compensation are you asking for?"
>Eagle stands from her seat, and pulls her chair out into the hallway. She straddles it backwards, and leans her arms against the back as she gives you her full attention. "Well, there's the good hand, and the bad hand. Which ya want first?"
-
>"Bad."
-
>"Bad."
>"Brave girl." Lynx compliments you.
>"The bad thing, from your point of view, is that you made me violate one of my principals." The Eagle starts. "I don't work alongside clients except in the rarest of occasions, and absolutely never on the first contract. You insisted I break that rule. Maybe you did it for the right reasons, maybe you did it for my sake, I don't know. And it doesn't really matter, because it doesn't change the facts. I don't break my rules easily, and I don't break 'em cheap."
>"I hope you understand, it ain't personal, and I genuinely hope this doesn't sour our relationship, or future deals. But I'm a woman of principals."
-
>"And the good hand?"
-
>"And the good hand?"
>Eagle nods. "The good news is, you solved the problem without me. And if you found it in Ran's, ya did it in a short space of time. Like I said before, I ain't about to charge a body a lot for essentially nothing. That's just bad business. So on that front, apart from the two items we agreed upon earlier, I ain't gonna charge ya much more than I would have anyway."
>The Dragonhawk rumbles, "Soft."
>Eagle winces. "Principals, 'hawk. I'm a businesswoman, not a crook."
>You hear a distinct popping sound from Kiku's location. A glance in her direction reveals her right hand is clenched very, very tight.
-
>It'll be okay, Kiku.
>"And I did agree to that."
-
>It'll be okay, Kiku.
>"And I did agree to that."
>Hoping Kiku's restraint holds, you await the verdict from the businesswoman of the Manari gang.
>"Five hundred and twenty-five dollars." Eagle says solemnly.
-
>"Huh. What would it have cost if you did find it?"
>How much do we make off Aya in a shoot?
-
>"Huh. What would it have cost if you did find it?"
>How much do we make off Aya in a shoot?
>"You mean if I'd found it after you and I split up?"
>It depends on the nature of the shoot in question, and the length of time you spend on it. But Aya's basic bottom rate for her models is eighteen dollars an hour. She has a generous nature, though, and takes good care of her employees, so you're never actually known any of your co-workers to make only that. You yourself, given your 'natural talent', as Aya has said, combined with your honesty and excellent attitude towards work, and your ability to work with just about anyone, you tend to make at least twenty-one fifty an hour, sometimes more. This of course is the rate for basic promotional and editorial works, catalogs and high-end contracts bring much more. The upcoming job she told you of earlier today would likely bring at least your usual rate, if not more.
-
>Nod. "Or if we were together when it was located."
-
>Nod. "Or if we were together when it was located."
>Eagle thinks about that. "Well, in that case, I probably wouldn't have charged you much more, honestly. Ran's reward woulda yielded a pretty penny, in one way or the other. No need to charge you more if I'm gettin' supplemented by another source."
>"If we were together.... probably knock it up to 550, maybe 575, dependin' on which one of us found it. But if I found it myself, let's say.... 650. Naw, 625, for yer first dealin' with me, and in good faith. Mind you, that would depend on how long it took, of course. More time invested means more money, you understand."
>"I might add, as well, that I ain't interested in just cold cash, if you'd rather swap goods or services instead."
-
>"What would you be interested in, instead?"
-
>"What would you be interested in, instead?"
>Eagle spreads her arms expansively, but as she opens her mouth to answer your question, Kiku interjects. "You would be wise to stick to simple currency when dealing with one such as this, Byakuren. Her 'deals' are never what they seem."
>"You keep your tail out of Manari business, shrine maiden." Dragonhawk snarls.
>Kiku curls her lips into a fierce scowl, but Eagle waves her hand in a pacifying manner. Not at Kiku, but at her fellow Manari. "Don't ruffle your tail feathers, Dragonhawk. Kiku doesn't like me, doesn't trust me. Ain't exactly an uncommon sentiment, is it, now." She then glances at you. "And don't you let that bother you none, either. I was simply giving you more info to work with. I know cash is a bit tight for folks, even those in the modelin' world, so I wanted you t'know what your options were with me."
-
>"You've piqued my curiosity, in either event."
-
>"You've piqued my curiosity, in either event."
>Kiku and the more muscular Manari continue to stare daggers at each other, but Eagle ignores them as she addresses your curiousity. "Well, I accept things like jewelery, bikes, CDs, both in leiu of and in concert with currency. As well as a favor or service I might be in need of. Say, someone I deal with owes me a grand, and they offer me five hundred cash and a collection of older, rarer books. Or, the use of their slave for a few days. That'd suit me just fine." She smirks a proud smirk. "I consider myself both versatile and reasonable."
>Kiku snorts derisively, which draws another growl from Dragonhawk.
-
>Chuckle. "Well, you do often quite a few more options than the usual vendor."
>Did she tell us why she makes a big deal out of hunting for stuff on her own?
I suppose we could try to haggle her down, but frankly I don't think it'd help things move smoothly at all. Five hundred isn't too bad, given what we have in the bank. And I think there may be some value to paying it upfront, especially if that actually catches us off guard.
-
>Chuckle. "Well, you do often quite a few more options than the usual vendor."
>Did she tell us why she makes a big deal out of hunting for stuff on her own?
>Eagle bows her head slightly. "I consider it a point of pride to be able to tailor my business to the one I'm dealing with at the time."
>She mentioned that she wanted to keep her 'trade secrets' to herself. She also mentioned something about how, the last time she worked with one of her clients on a job, it didn't end well either for her or the client. She did not elaborate.
-
>"Well, I have to say that does seem fairly steep, but then, the best always are worth more. Even if finding it did end up being less difficult than I expected, you do deserve your payment."
>Do we have enough money on us, or will we have to withdraw it?
-
>"Well, I have to say that does seem fairly steep, but then, the best always are worth more. Even if finding it did end up being less difficult than I expected, you do deserve your payment."
>Do we have enough money on us, or will we have to withdraw it?
>"I don't break my rules for cheap. That's just how it is. Had we done things my way, woulda only cost ya twenty bucks or so."
>You are currently carrying $48.59 cash.
-
>"It would have been cheaper, but it wouldn't have gotten done what needed to be done. Just let me go visit the ATM for a moment."
>Presuming no objections, go do so.
-
>"It would have been cheaper, but it wouldn't have gotten done what needed to be done. Just let me go visit the ATM for a moment."
>Presuming no objections, go do so.
>Eagle nods. "Of course."
>"Wise decision." you hear Kiku say quietly.
>You stand from the table and head towards the indicated area. Eagle, you note, returns her chair to its table as you do so.
>The ATM is situation in a recess in the wall across from the men's bathroom. There is a $1.50 service charge levied upon all transactions, and you may only withdraw $200 at a time. Do you wish to proceed?
-
>Perhaps Dragonhawk would be so kind as to tip it over...
>Oh well, we've probably gotten that amount worth of free stuff from the oni and the chef as it is. Might well do multiple transactions.
-
>Perhaps Dragonhawk would be so kind as to tip it over...
>Oh well, we've probably gotten that amount worth of free stuff from the oni and the chef as it is. Might well do multiple transactions.
>From the look she's giving Kiku, she'd probably tip this thing over for free, just for an outlet. Ah, well. Being an upstanding citizen has it drawbacks, after all.
>Justifying the expense with the free food and drink you've received here, you withdraw $400 first, and then start the third necessary transaction. How much do you wish to withdraw on this one?
-
>Let's make it 150 even, enough to cover Eagle, and the meal.
-
>Let's make it 150 even, enough to cover Eagle, and the meal.
>This ATM works in increments of 20, so you withdraw an extra hundred and sixty, bringing your cash on hand total to $608.59.
-
Fuck my dyslexia, I meant 150 =I
-
Corrections applied.
-
>Count out what we need to pay off Eagle, and present it to her.
>"I am sorry I had to ask you to break your code, but please understand that at least a dozen people are very grateful that you did. Thank you so much for helping me."
-
>Count out what we need to pay off Eagle, and present it to her.
>"I am sorry I had to ask you to break your code, but please understand that at least a dozen people are very grateful that you did. Thank you so much for helping me."
>As you tick off the crisp bills in your hand, you note Dragonhawk stop glaring at Kiku long enough to look a little surprised at the payoff. Lynx shoots her an amused smirk, which Dragonhawk responds to with another glare, a brief one, this time.
>Eagle nods as she accepts her cash. "I believe ya when you say you had good reason. And it makes me happy that my having to charge a penalty for it hasn't soured your disposition towards me. I'd be genuinely sad if I drove away the first person that gave me the benefit of the doubt in a long, long time, but I have to stick to my principals. I wouldn't be the woman, or businesswoman I am, if I didn't do that."
>With the Manari's cash due paid, you now have $83.59 in hard currency remaining.
>Eagle passes each bill casually, but carefully, through her hands, double checking the amount while checking for funny money. She does in a way that's almost automatic, so you expect she gives all cash transactions this treatment. Satisfied, she pockets the wad of bills. "Well, that takes care of the unpleasant part."
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"Which leaves the rest." Eagle says easily, nodding at Lynx, who produces an older model camera from her coat pocket.
>"'The rest'?" Kiku growls, looking between you and Eagle.
-
>Laugh.
>"I had all but forgotten about that part!"
-
>Laugh.
>"I had all but forgotten about that part!"
>"WHAT part?" Kiku insists.
>"Loosen your sarashi, Kiki, it's only a couple of little favors, really." Eagle assures Kiku. The use of that particular nickname, however, does little to improve Kiku's disposition. "Byakuren promised me a couple pieces of her uniquely gorgeous hair for my bands here. And a simple picture, of her and me." Kiku's face goes pale, but Eagle continues, "Consider this, metal miko. At the start of the day, would you have thought, for a passing second, that the Morning Star and a Manari would ever be photographed side by side, with the Star being a willing participant? And in a public place, no less."
>Looking at you out of the corner of her eye, Kiku says simply, "No."
>"And neither would a lot of folks I associate with a lot more regularly than her crowd. Hence, a little proof that at least one member of the upper branches of society doesn't see me as nest droppings."
-
>"Eagle, there's no need to talk down to Kiku like that."
-
>"Eagle, there's no need to talk down to Kiku like that."
>The winged Manari merely shrugs.
>"That's how she is, Morning Star." Lynx informs you. "It's not disrespect, it's just the way she talks."
>"You don't need to explain for your sister, Lynx." Dragonhawk growls at her.
-
>"Ah. My apologies."
-
>"Ah. My apologies."
>"Nothin' personal." Eagle replies easily.
>Kiku sits back down. Your coming to her defense, as it were, seems to have restored some color to her face, and calmed her. Somewhat.
>Lily, quiet during all these exchanges, finally stands. "If you and Byakuren have more business to settle, then feel free to do it, Asuka. But I don't want to see any more trouble tonight, okay?"
>Dragonhawk levels her piercing blue eyes at Lily. "And who are you?"
>To your surprise, Lily's chin comes up defiantly. It is, however, the Lynx who answers her fellow Manari. "She happens to be the daughter of one of the owners here, Dragonhawk. So let's not get kicked out of here, shall we?"
>The burly member of the Manari grumbles, grunts, then sits down at the table Eagle was seated at. Kiku smirks once, briefly, then stifles it.
-
>Quietly to Eagle, if we can without shifting too much or being overheard by the others. "Your friends seem to have come expecting trouble, but not quite from the expected sources."
-
>Quietly to Eagle, if we can without shifting too much or being overheard by the others. "Your friends seem to have come expecting trouble, but not quite from the expected sources."
>Lynx is close enough to overhear you, you think, if her ears are as sharp as the average feline youkai's.
-
>Then just keep our mouth shut, and try not to smirk at the scene.
-
>Then just keep our mouth shut, and try not to smirk at the scene.
>You settle for restraining a smirk at Dragonhawk's expense. You wouldn't have expected that kind of attitude from Lily that she demonstrated.
>Lynx and Eagle exchange another look, then Lynx taps her nose, nods and joins her angry sister at the table while Eagle remains standing. "We can settle up the other two little bits after you're done your food. Lynx's nose never lies, and it says yours is on its way."
-
>"It is? That's good, thank you."
So. We're going to exploit the shit out of this photo It is destiny.
The only question is how,
-
>"It is? That's good, thank you."
>Eagle nods and starts to cast a glance at Kiku. She stops, however, before completing the act, and merely turns and joins the other two Manari, as Lily sits herself back down as well.
>True to her word, mere seconds after you return to your seat, Stephanie emerges from the kitchen, wheeling a tray with yours and Kiku's dinner upon it. Despite her hitherto professionalism, you can't help but see her pause when she lays eyes on the three Manari sitting at the table across from you. She approaches your table after a moment, and takes the empty plate that held your garlic fries before. She clears her throat and says, evenly, professionally, "If you'd like, guests, you may avail yourself of another empty booth."
-
>"No, this is fine, thank you. I doubt I could wait another minute, having seem the main course, in any event."
-
>"No, this is fine, thank you. I doubt I could wait another minute, having seem the main course, in any event."
>That brings a smile back to the waitresses' face. "The chef will be pleased to hear that."
>She returns to her cart and brings back a fair size of a plate, weighted down by twelve ounces of grilled steak, combined by fluffy mashed potatoes with a respectable amount of gravy upon them, as well as baby carrots, green peas, and a portion of coleslaw as well.
>"Looks hot." Lily comments as Stephanie sets down Kiku's stirfry. The smell of freshly grilled meat confirms the heat, too, even the steam is warm on the nostrils.
-
>"I'll have to try that, next time."
>Dig in!
-
>"I'll have to try that, next time."
>Dig in!
>Lily nods. "The stirfry's one of Papa's specialties."
>Eagerly, you attack your generously sized steak first. It's thick but not tough, and your knife makes eager work of it. You can sense the heat as you raise the piece to your lips, so you blow on the offering a time or two, despite your eagerness, before popping it into your mouth. Perhaps a touch more blowing might have been advised, as the meat is indeed quite hot, as Lily warned. But it tastes wonderful. It's been seasoned with a kind of salt you'd never tasted before. As a matter of fact, you can't recall ever having a steak prepared in a western style before. It may be on the pricey side from your usual fare, but, at first blush, it's worth it.
>Thanks for defusing things between Kiku and Dragonhawk. Lily's voice sounds in your mind. I thought the Manari was going to take a swing at her for a second there.
-
>Not a problem at all, they're rather alike when you think about it. Aloof, quiet, and somewhat imposing.
>We'll have to see about getting the recipe sometime, Orin could enjoy something like this.
>...We should bring her back something too.
-
>Not a problem at all, they're rather alike when you think about it. Aloof, quiet, and somewhat imposing.
>We'll have to see about getting the recipe sometime, Orin could enjoy something like this.
>...We should bring her back something too.
>Lily snickers out loud, but her laugh in your mind's ear is much more generous. I wouldn't let Kiku hear you say that.
>You make a note to consult with the chef for the steak's recipe as you chew, enjoying the taste and sensation a bit more than you might normally. But you've earned it, and you're quite hungry.
>Orin does appreciate gifts quite a lot. She doesn't talk much about it, but you've seen enough to know her previous owner, currently seated at the other end of the building, was none too generous herself.
-
>Oh, remind me to get the recipe for the steak, Orin would probably love to know it.
>We'll bring her back some sweets then, surely something on the dessert menu strikes her fancy.
-
>Oh, remind me to get the recipe for the steak, Orin would probably love to know it.
>We'll bring her back some sweets then, surely something on the dessert menu strikes her fancy.
>Mmm, I really shouldn't. Most of the chefs here are very protective of their techniques. Gives them an edge over the competition around town.
>Knowing Rin, she'd probably enjoy just about anything you brought back. Except hot and/or spicy things. Some feline youkai retained their 'cat's tongue' after their ascension. Rin appears to be numbered among them.
-
>Hmm...something simple should do it.
>What all would you recommend off the dessert menu again? I'm planning to bring something sweet back for Orin.
-
>Hmm...something simple should do it.
>What all would you recommend off the dessert menu again? I'm planning to bring something sweet back for Orin.
>Orin? Lily ponders that one for a few seconds. Is that a nickname for Kaenbyou-senpai?
-
>Indeed. As you already know, she tends to things for me, so I thought I would do something nice for her, and get something while we're here.
-
>Indeed. As you already know, she tends to things for me, so I thought I would do something nice for her, and get something while we're here.
>Lily ponders the dessert options available. You can't go wrong with the cupcakes. I'd go with.... vanilla frosting, or maybe the strawberry. Although the chocolate's really good, too. Oohh, that's what I should have, too...
-
>I suppose I'll bring a trio of them back for her then.
>Let's enjoy the steak some more!
-
>I suppose I'll bring a trio of them back for her then.
>Let's enjoy the steak some more!
>Oohhh, I think one'd do the trick. See, when it says 'Eagleland sized', it means about twice as big as your basic cupcake. Lily holds her hands apart to emphasize the size. Western folks love their desserts. Or so they tell me.
>This is really very good meat. If you had to pick anything at all to niggle over, it's that it would be ever SO slightly closer to well done than perfectly medium, but that's hardly worth noting. Not forgetting your veggies, you bite into a baby carrot. It's soft but not too soft and flavorful, boiled. As are the peas, though to be honest, you've never been an enormous fan of green peas. Something about the taste of them never did it for you.
>Kiku, you note, seems a bit less enthusiastic about her portion, despite the appetizing colors of the vegetables and the sizable chunks of beef. She keeps glancing over at the Manari table, said gang now browsing the menus provided them by Stephanie. Obviously no love lost there, still.
>Somewhat to your relief, though, the rest of the restaurant no longed seems as tense as it was when Lynx and Dragonhawk first entered. Makes the dining experience a lot more enjoyable, that, and not even Kiku's sour puss can ruin the taste of yours.
-
>Chuckle a little. Orin certainly loves sweets though, doesn't she?
>Well, at the very least, there would be extras for later. Besides, a girl has to enjoy her sweets every now and again.
-
>"Don't worry about those guys, Kiku."
>_
-
>Chuckle a little. Orin certainly loves sweets though, doesn't she?
>Well, at the very least, there would be extras for later. Besides, a girl has to enjoy her sweets every now and again.
>She does enjoy her treats, yes.
>Lily giggles.
>"Don't worry about those guys, Kiku."
>The tiger youkai flares her nostrils. "I'm just thinking."
-
>"What's on your mind?"
-
>"What's on your mind?"
>"About- What we were talking about before." she appends quickly.
-
>If you don't think we should speak about it, we can talk in this manner. Or we can wait until later.
-
>"Ah. Why do you keep looking at them, then?"
-
>If you don't think we should speak about it, we can talk in this manner. Or we can wait until later.
>Kiku narrows her eyes, frowns, then nods.
>"Ah. Why do you keep looking at them, then?"
>Glancing over at the Manari, Kiku merely shakes her head and pops a piece of spinach into her mouth.
-
>"I don't think they're paying any attention to us, if that's what you're wondering."
-
>"I don't think they're paying any attention to us, if that's what you're wondering."
>Kiku points discreetly to her ears, then even more discreetly at the Lynx.
-
>"I'm not particularly worried about that, either. But I see your point."
-
>"I'm not particularly worried about that, either. But I see your point."
>Kiku lowers her hand and nods. "As you probably know, feline youkai, as a rule, have hearing much better than that of a human. Especially when we focus. I don't intend to boast, but were I to concentrate, I could tell you the details of any conversation going on in the building, including the one in the kitchen."
-
>"Despite all the background noise drowning it out? I'm impressed!"
-
>"Despite all the background noise drowning it out? I'm impressed!"
>Kiku marginally shrugs her ears. "Merely biology."
-
>"Youkai certainly are marvels of the world, aren't they? So full of abilities and talents that humans can scarce begin to dream of."
-
>"Youkai certainly are marvels of the world, aren't they? So full of abilities and talents that humans can scarce begin to dream of."
>"Being human has its advantages, as well."
>Lily smiles a big smile. "We live in an awesome world. With awesome people in it."
-
>Chuckle a bit. Doesn't that remind us of that one commercial we found once? The one with the catchy tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0).
>Smile warmly. "And it's that sort of world we have to protect."
-
>Chuckle a bit. Doesn't that remind us of that one commercial we found once? The one with the catchy tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0).
>Smile warmly. "And it's that sort of world we have to protect."
>Yes. Yes it does.
>Kiku seems distinctly uncomfortable on that topic, but she stifles it quickly enough. "But feline hearing is a simple fact, for those like me. It is no different than a human being born with great beauty."
>Lynx chimes in from across the way, "All animal youkai retain some biological vestiges from their old existences. Felines like myself, and the shrine maiden, do almost always have enhansed hearing compared to a human's. Avian youkai, like Eagle here, have sharper vision. For canines, it's scent."
>Eagle nods. "'s a matter of fact, there's a number of beast youkai that hold themselves as superior to other kinds for these edges. Other kinds like, oh, say, tsukumogami, or magician-types. Or even the kappa or oni. A beast youkai has the instincts, experience and biology of our old lives, and all the benefits of the new bodies."
-
>Did Orin show a propensity for such things, and are we just being lectured on things we largely already know?
>How common are beast (and other kind) of youkai superiority complexes?
-
>Did Orin show a propensity for such things, and are we just being lectured on things we largely already know?
>How common are beast (and other kind) of youkai superiority complexes?
>Rin does have good hearing, but she's never made a big deal of it. From what you know, though, hers may not be as sharp as Kiku's. She actually doesn't make a big deal about much, when it comes to herself. Her previous owner wasn't interested in hearing her talk about herself.
>You are relatively familiar with the subject matter of Eagle and Lynx's lines, but you wouldn't call it a lecture, per se. They're just making conversation.
>Arrogance of that sort is somewhat common among winged youkai, especially birds. They can fly. And they know it. Magicaian-type youkai, like Patchouli's family, also are reputed to hold themselves as above the next person, be they human or otherwise. Patchouli herself seems not to share that mindset, but from what she's said of her family, she's the odd one out, in that sense.
>You've known a few Oni that have no qualms with looking down on other species. Konngara comes immediately to mind. They're the race with completely legal slavery, after all. They're far stronger, and tougher, than any other youkai species on the planet, and their history is one of conquest. Even currently, the United Nations of Eire were united by the Oni, who overthrew the human rulers of those countries one after another. Despite this, the Oni with obnoxious arrogance and superiority complexes are rather rare. In fact, it is an Oni, Suika Ibuki, who's the most beloved figure in town.
>Tengu, however, are the worst offenders at this. Their racial arrogance is proverbial, and nearly all the tengu you've met has done nothing to dispel this reputation. Aya appears to be the sole exception among the Tengu you've known. She's very proud of her work, and very competitive with other tengu, but the traditional Tengu superiority seems to have passed her over, at least for the most part.
-
>"And, it seems, a talent for finding things."
-
>"And, it seems, a talent for finding things."
>Eagle grins. "Gotta make a living somehow."
>"Might need some practice after today." Dragonhawk mutters.
>The barb from her fellow Manari does nothing to affect Eagle's grin. "That or a bit of advice. 's no knock to my pride that Mornin' Star here trumped me." She has a swallow of water before continuing. "Meybe I can compensate you for a lesson or two in doin' whatever it was you did?" she poses to you.
-
>"I did little to find the item. You were the one who pointed me in the right direction. You deserve more credit for finding it than I do."
-
>"I did little to find the item. You were the one who pointed me in the right direction. You deserve more credit for finding it than I do."
>Eagle shoots the Lynx a small smirk, and the Lynx laughs. "You were right about her, Eagle."
>"Told ya."
-
>"Gossiping about me now, Eagle?"
-
>"Gossiping about me now, Eagle?"
>Lynx answers for her fellow Manari, "My sister shared her first impressions when we met up."
>"And I didn't believe her until I saw you." Dragonhawk rumbles in that seemingly-perpetually snarl she has. "Morning Star and Manari don't mix."
>"Or, rather, don't, except in rare circumstances." Lynx adds quickly.
-
>"You would think, but I've learned to give people the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of their past."
-
>"You would think, but I've learned to give people the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of their past."
>"And we've learned, in our time, that that kind of sentiment is often feigned." Lynx replies. "Genuinely sincere people are a rare breed in the world."
>The Dragonhawk smirks a crooked smirk in the direction of Eagle. "Also rare when Eagle's impressed that way."
>"Stow it, sister." Eagle growls.
-
>Nod with a warm smile. "Generally, they are rare to a point. But I've become somewhat known for being kind after all, it's just in my nature."
-
>Nod with a warm smile. "Generally, they are rare to a point. But I've become somewhat known for being kind after all, it's just in my nature."
>The Dragonhawk has a brief chuckle at Eagle's expense, while Lynx gives you a nod. "We appreciate it, too, just as we appreciate you willing to do business with Eagle in the first place." She flicks her eyes back at Dragonhawk before she adds, "We have been trying to clean up our act, after all. Before you, Satori was the only one on the outside really willing to give any of us a fair shake."
-
>"Well, just keep at it. If you found one, I'm sure you'll find another before long."
-
>"Well, just keep at it. If you found one, I'm sure you'll find another before long."
>Lynx nods. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
-
>Smile, and back to our meal!
-
>But before that.. "A word of advice, try the fries, and make sure to ask for them to be lightly salted with Garlic Salt. Quite nice really."
-
>But before that.. "A word of advice, try the fries, and make sure to ask for them to be lightly salted with Garlic Salt. Quite nice really."
>"I prefer cinnamon, myself." Lynx smiles in response. "But thanks for the advice."
>Smile, and back to our meal!
>There's not a tremendous amount left to your meal, as you've been talking around bites. Much as you enjoy a conversation, you were quite hungry. And it's not hard to make short work out a meal when it's a good one, let alone when you're quite hungry to go with it. You'll be finished long before Kiku is. Not that this is hard, she eats at a rather measure pace, fitting her disciplined image. She seems to be pulling herself back together, no longer concerned with exchanging dirty looks with Dragonhawk. She did look at you a bit sideways once or twice during your exchange with Lynx, but said nothing.
>Despite the initially icy reception to the Manari, the other patrons of the restaurant return to their own affairs, seemingly content to leave the gang to their own affairs. Perhaps seeing them get along with the Morning Star helped but the people at ease, for one reason or another. The pregnant woman and her companion did stand up to leave, but a glance at their table revealed they were finished their meal anyway. Stephanie comes out from the back to settle up their bill with the child-bearing one as her companion departs the building.
>As your remaining offerings dwindle, the next person to stand is a bit tenser. One of the oni, the one with the bright blue streaks in her red hair, comes to her feet. Despite yourself, you feel a touch of apprehension. Every oni you've ever known loves a good fight, and the Dragonhawk seems to be the kind of woman who never turns one down. A bad combination. Fortunately, the table she moves towards is not the Manari table, but rather, the one with the green-haired school who had joined her before. The two of them exchange a friendly smile as the oni joins the trio. You note the tall one seems a bit stern in the face, but she keeps her peace. Not entirely unlike Kiku, that.
>Dragonhawk, you note, seems almost dissapointed.
>As you polish off the last the coleslaw, you consider the lone remaining carrot and couple bits of meat left. That was good. And filling, too, which is very satisfying. Although, you could definitely go for some dessert.
-
>Clean up them leavings. There's starving children in Eire or something who's slit every last one of our throats for this. Then nab a dessert menu.
>Does Kiku seem any more or less perturbed?
-
>Clean up them leavings. There's starving children in Eire or something who's slit every last one of our throats for this. Then nab a dessert menu.
>Does Kiku seem any more or less perturbed?
>Slicing up and popping one of the hunks of meat into your mouth, you consult the dessert menu again. It is unchanged.
>Less perturbed, you would say.
-
>Look for some cheaper sundae-esque entries.
-
>Look for some cheaper sundae-esque entries.
>The dessert menu seems a bit devoid of anything quite sundae-esque. The current options include:
>Apple pie with fresh ice cream
>Cherry cheesecake
>Mille-feuille, topped with icing or chocolate
>'Eagleland' sized cupcake, with four different types of frosting available
>Double chocolate chocolate cake
>Blintz
-
>Well, we could go for either the Cherry Cheesecake, or the Apple Pie, or a chocolate-topped Mille-feuille. Decisions decisions...
-
>We compromised on taters, we shant compromise on dessert. There is only double chocolate cake.
>But cheesecakes are good, too.
-
>Well, we could go for either the Cherry Cheesecake, or the Apple Pie, or a chocolate-topped Mille-feuille. Decisions decisions...
>We compromised on taters, we shant compromise on dessert. There is only double chocolate cake.
>But cheesecakes are good, too.
>The double chocolate slice is the cheaper of the two options, as well, albeit not by much. It is $5.49, while the cherry cheesecake is $5.99.
>"It's a bit limited tonight." Lily informs you as you ponder your options. "The dessert menu changes from day to day, depending on the staff. They're Papa's specialty, he's a pastry chef by expertise, so the menu's bigger when he's on the job. Not that the rest aren't good, of course!" she adds quickly.
-
>We can enjoy a good cheesecake, we can even bring home a slice for Orin too. Besides, it's not much more expensive, only 50 cents more.
-
>We can enjoy a good cheesecake, we can even bring home a slice for Orin too. Besides, it's not much more expensive, only 50 cents more.
>Having decided on your dessert course, all that remains is to await the arrival of your friendly neighborhood waitress to place the order. Which you do by meditatively chewing your final piece of steak. It'd be expensive to do often, but every now and then would be a-okay.
>Stephanie arrives at your table exactly three minutes and twelve seconds later. "How was your meal?" she asks you, noting your empty plate while Kiku's still working.
-
>Smile. "Quite nice really. A little expensive, but a girl has to treat herself sometimes."
>So, do you two want dessert as well?
-
>Smile. "Quite nice really. A little expensive, but a girl has to treat herself sometimes."
>So, do you two want dessert as well?
>"I couldn't agree more." Steph replies. "Are you all done, Morning Star, or are you up for some dessert?"
>Kiku gives you a small shake of the head, while Lily replies Mmm.... No, I think I'm good. But, why the thought-speak?
-
>"I'll have a slice of the Cherry Cheesecake, and I'll also be ordering a slice to take home when I'm done as well."
>It's rather convenient, quick too. Mundane use for an otherwise abnormal power and such. I daresay it outdoes even a cellphone.
-
>It's rather convenient, quick too. Mundane use for an otherwise abnormal power and such. I daresay it outdoes even a cellphone.
>Let's not do this. Flaunting magic is lame; it leads to teleporting to the corner store when a perfectly good walk can do, and that just leads to of catching the cackles.
-
In case you didn't notice, it's just communication, not teleporting.
-
Which is probably why I was talking a general sense. But yeah, even that bit aside, let's not into whole power overuse thing, it's one of those things bad RPers do in lieu of good RPing.
-
Regardless:
>Say the line; we were asked for an explanation, after all.
-
>"I'll have a slice of the Cherry Cheesecake, and I'll also be ordering a slice to take home when I'm done as well."
>"Good choice." the waitress compliments you on your selection. "Lily?"
>"I COULD....." Your white winged friend stretches her various limbs, forcing you back in your seat a bit as her wing pokes out in front of you for a moment. "But I'll pass tonight. Starting to wind down, with a nice full tummy.."
>Stephanie laughs. "Little early for you."
>"I've had a looOoOong day..."
>It's rather convenient, quick too. Mundane use for an otherwise abnormal power and such. I daresay it outdoes even a cellphone.
>Let's not do this. Flaunting magic is lame; it leads to teleporting to the corner store when a perfectly good walk can do, and that just leads to of catching the cackles.
>Say the line; we were asked for an explanation, after all.
>After debating with yourself, for reasons you're not entirely sure of, you field Lily's question.
>It's handy for keeping things secret, too. You can practically hear the wink in her 'voice'.
-
>Chuckle a little. "We've all had a long day."
>Indeed. It also serves as a handy means of making sure everyone's alright as well. Today was proof of that.
-
>Chuckle a little. "We've all had a long day."
>Indeed. It also serves as a handy means of making sure everyone's alright as well. Today was proof of that.
>Well, at least for you and me. Kiku can't take to us this way, I don't think.
>"I can bring a pot of tea with your cheesecake, if you'd like." Her eyes flick behind her right side, where the Manari are seated. "This one's on me, Lily."
>"Ohhhhh, I could go for a cup of tea..." Lily drawls contentedly.
-
>In time Lily, in time.
>Nod with a smile. "Tea sounds rather nice. A perfect way to end the meal really."
-
>In time Lily, in time.
>Nod with a smile. "Tea sounds rather nice. A perfect way to end the meal really."
>"I concur." Kiku adds.
>"Make it, three, then." Stephanie notes to herself. "Now I know Lily prefers cream over fresh milk, but how about you two?"
-
>How do we usually take our tea?
-
>How do we usually take our tea?
>More often than not, you drink tea flavors that do not take milk of any sort. But when you do, you tend to prefer cream.
-
>"I suppose cream will do for myself as well. And you, Kiku?"
-
>"I suppose cream will do for myself as well. And you, Kiku?"
>"I have no preference either way."
>"Did you want anything for dessert after you're done with your stirfry?" Stephanie asks the metal miko.
>"I do not believe so, but thank you."
>Stephanie inclines her head. "All right, one slice of cherry cheesecake and some tea. I'll be with you in a couple of minutes." She then turns to the Manari's table, to take their order.
>Lily plops her elbows on the table and rests her head in her cupped hands, looking very drowsy and content.
-
>Smile warmly. "We'll all enjoy a nice sleep after today's efforts. To be fair though, we've earned it."
>Let's kick back and relax while we wait ourselves.
-
>Well, at least for you and me. Kiku can't take to us this way, I don't think.
Haven't we already spoken with Kiku that way?
-
Haven't we already spoken with Kiku that way?
You can speak to her telepathically, yes. But as of yet, she has been unable to speak to you that way.
>Smile warmly. "We'll all enjoy a nice sleep after today's efforts. To be fair though, we've earned it."
>Let's kick back and relax while we wait ourselves.
>"Mmmmm, I could nap right now." Lily says with a yawn, all the earlier tension from the Manari absent from her body.
>After taking the Manari's orders, Stephanie takes the empty plates from in front of you and Lily and makes her way back into the kitchen.
>Eagle says to you, somewhat suddenly, "Let me buy ya a drink, Byakuren. A drink to our workin' together, and a hope to do it again."
-
>"I've had a drink already and have things I need to do tomorrow. May I take a rain check?"
-
>Smile. "After all, a girl has to know her limits. No offense intended though."
-
>"I've had a drink already and have things I need to do tomorrow. May I take a rain check?"
>Smile. "After all, a girl has to know her limits. No offense intended though."
>Eagle nods. "None at all taken. It's just a little tradition of mine."
-
>Nod. "Understandable. Perhaps another night then?"
-
>Nod. "Understandable. Perhaps another night then?"
>"Absolutely."
>About a minute and a half later, Stephanie returns, and places before you your dessert; a generously sized slice of cheesecake topped with about eight fresh cherries is cherry sauce. Followed shortly by a trio of steaming mugs of black tea, and a platter of small plastic milk creamers, some fresh milk, some cream. Sugar is on your left near the wall.
-
>Let's doctor up the tea how we usually do when having it with cream.
>Once we've got it set how we like it, let's cool it down a bit, and get to enjoying the dessert!
-
>Let's doctor up the tea how we usually do when having it with cream.
>Once we've got it set how we like it, let's cool it down a bit, and get to enjoying the dessert!
>It's been quite some time since you had black tea, but if memory serves, one cream and three sugar packets should do. Kiku passes you the requested sugar as you stir in the cream.
>"I'll have your other slice in a cooling bag for when you're ready to leave, Morning Star." Stephanie informs you before she leaves your table again.
>You give your tea a couple puffs of breath, then set it down and turn your attention to your cheesecake before you. It is, perhaps, a bit sweeter than you'd like, but the cherries are fresh and tasty.
>Lily, you note, takes twice as much sugar in her tea, while Kiku adds none, simply drinking it black.
-
>"Hmm...It's a bit sweeter than I'm used to, but it's still quite nice."
>Rin should enjoy it quite a bit then. She always has been one for sweets after all.
>Let's cool down the tea a bit more, and see how it meshes with the aftertaste of the cheesecake.
-
>"Hmm...It's a bit sweeter than I'm used to, but it's still quite nice."
>Rin should enjoy it quite a bit then. She always has been one for sweets after all.
>Let's cool down the tea a bit more, and see how it meshes with the aftertaste of the cheesecake.
>Lily nods slightly, the motion carrying through her arms. "Andrei likes his cakes sweet, and it shows."
>Setting down your fork, you heft your tea mug again and have a sip. Black tea's a bit different than what you're used to, but it's not bad. A bit on the weak side, though. And it could do with another sugar packet.
-
>Let's add another one then. "Tea's a bit on the weak side. Not bad, but not quite strong enough for my usual."
>Nod. "But overall, I think Rin will definitely like the cake."
-
>Let's add another one then. "Tea's a bit on the weak side. Not bad, but not quite strong enough for my usual."
>Nod. "But overall, I think Rin will definitely like the cake."
>Lily passes you another sugar packet.
>From the next table over, Lynx comments, "A common thing for restaurant black tea. It's never quite so good as you get at home."
>Even though the tea is a touch weak, the bitterness of it offsets the slightly excessive sweetness of the cake. It works well.
-
>Nod, and use the sugar packet. "Yes..And to be honest, I don't normally drink Black Tea myself, I'm more of a Green Tea sort of person really."
>It should be a good combo now with that last packet.
-
>Nod, and use the sugar packet. "Yes..And to be honest, I don't normally drink Black Tea myself, I'm more of a Green Tea sort of person really."
>It should be a good combo now with that last packet.
>"You might try a dash of cinnamon, next time." Lynx advises. "It goes well with black tea."
>You stir in the extra sugar, and take an experimental sip. Much better.
-
>Smile a bit. "I'll have to remember to try that then."
>Let's enjoy the tea and cheesecake!
-
>Smile a bit. "I'll have to remember to try that then."
>Let's enjoy the tea and cheesecake!
>Lynx smiles back, the tufts of hair on her ears twitching slightly. "Cinnamon goes with everything." she says rather confidently. Both of her companions snicker quietly, and the Lynx is quick to point her tail at them both. "And not one word out of you. Eggplant doesn't count."
>With your tea sweetened to your liking, you tuck back into your dessert. It really is a fine way to cap off the meal.
>You finish your cheesecake about the same time Kiku finishes her own supper, and lean back a bit, feeling rather pleasant, if a bit logy.
-
>Alright, note to self; Eggplant and Cinnamon probably don't mix too well. We'll have find out how exactly she tried though. Perhaps a rice stir-fry with cinnamon and other spices, with lightly fried eggplant mixed in.
>But not today though, that's for another meeting.
-
>Alright, note to self; Eggplant and Cinnamon probably don't mix too well. We'll have find out how exactly she tried though. Perhaps a rice stir-fry with cinnamon and other spices, with lightly fried eggplant mixed in.
>But not today though, that's for another meeting.
>In your experience, eggplant doesn't mix well with much, though you've never heard of anyone trying it with cinnamon before, either. Perhaps Lynx and Minoriko could exchange notes, figure out a way to make the stuff edible.
>But again, for later.
>Lily sighs contentedly. "That's the way to end a long day."
-
>"Shall we be on our way, then?"
-
>"Shall we be on our way, then?"
>Lily's feather rustle a little. "Do we have to move?" she asks half-halfheartedly.
-
>Smile slghtly. "Sad but true. We can't stay here all night after all."
-
>Smile slghtly. "Sad but true. We can't stay here all night after all."
>Lily groans lightly, but nods. "Bed sounds nice..."
>"How does one go about settling a bill here, Lily?" Kiku asks her, dabbing her lips with her napkin.
>"Well, Stephanie'll bring out our bill, when she comes back. Or you can wait at the register over where we came in." She grins. "I suggest the not-moving-just-yet choice."
-
>"I agree."
>Wait! But do try to catch Stephanie's eye.
>Thinking on it, what kind of living expenses and income do we tend to have?
-
>Thinking on it, what kind of living expenses and income do we tend to have?
>In general, or specifics?
>"I agree."
>Wait! But do try to catch Stephanie's eye.
>Nothing wrong with taking a minute or two to digest and take it easy after a fine meal. So you content to keep a look out for Szenska's waitress.
>"Headin' home now, then, Byakuren?" Eagle inquires.
-
>"Here in a little while, yes."
-
>"Here in a little while, yes."
>"In that case, we oughta settle up the last couple bits of our deal now."
-
>"That we should."
Okay, for reals, we need to exploit the shit out of this.
-
:wat:
And here you get on my case for being ooc.
-
>"That we should."
>"Lynx." Eagle starts shortly, as both girls come to their feet, Lynx producing her camera again.
>The Eagle moves to stand behind and to the side of your booth, and sweeps her arm out. "M'lady."
-
>Stand up, and wave for Dragonhawk to join in.
-
>Stand up, and wave for Dragonhawk to join in.
>You come to your feet and step out of the booth, Eagle moving to stand alongside you. She starts to fling her left arm over your shoulder, then hesitates, nodding back towards her arm. "Y'don't mind, do you?"
-
>"Go ahead."
-
>Throw an arm around Eagle.
>Dragonhawk even notice us beckoning her?
-
>"Go ahead."
>Throw an arm around Eagle.
>Dragonhawk even notice us beckoning her?
>That catches all three of the Manari slightly off guard. Eagle recovers first, and grins ferociously at Lynx. "Boss Miko'd keel over if she could see us now." Both of her fellow Manari nod, Dragonhawk more grimly than Lynx.
>She did not, until now. She quirks one of her eyebrows, and points to herself in curiousity.
-
>"Yes, you. There's no reason to hide over there, is there?"
-
>"Yes, you. There's no reason to hide over there, is there?"
>The taller Manari gives Eagle a questioning look. The brown-haired Manari thinks for a moment. "Why not. Ain't the letter of the deal, but, I'm a flexible bird."
>Dragonhawk emits a sound halfway like a grunt, and pulls herself to her feet.
>"We'd best move back a bit, into the hall there." Eagle advises in her accented tone. "Give us a bit of room for my Sister there."
-
>Do so!
>Are Lily or Kiku showing any interest in this?
-
>Do so!
>Are Lily or Kiku showing any interest in this?
>With the practiced skill of a model before a camera, you spin, stride and pivot. Your skill, however, seems to elude the shorter Manari, as Eagle follows you with less flourish. Dragonhawk, however, watches you for a moment, and then moves out from behind her table, taking up a position to your left. You note some of the other restaurant patrons, specifically the green-haired girl and her oni friend, watching this display.
>Kiku shows only a hint of disapproval. Lily, now back on to you, hasn't moved from her position of resting her head in her hands.
-
>Ask one of them to take the picture so Lynx can be in it, too.
-
>Ask one of them to take the picture so Lynx can be in it, too.
>Which one?
-
It's probably better to use actual dialogue for things like that anyways.
>"Hey Lily, think you could take a decent picture of us?"
-
>"Hey Lily, think you could take a decent picture of us?"
>Lily does not reply immediately, then jumps in her seat. "Hm? What was that?"
-
>Snicker.
>"If you think you could hold a camera steady, could you get our picture?"
-
>Snicker.
>"If you think you could hold a camera steady, could you get our picture?"
>She sniffs. "Uh... Yeah. Yeah, I can do that."
>She stands a bit slowly while the Lynx, looking a bit puzzled, asks you, "What, don't trust me with a camera?"
-
>"It's hard to be in a picture if you're the one taking it."
-
>"It's hard to be in a picture if you're the one taking it."
>Lynx's ears twitch in unison with her blinking eyes. "Me, too? Why?"
-
>"You're the odd one out, and there's no reason for that."
-
>"You're the odd one out, and there's no reason for that."
>"Uh..." Lynx mutters, the looks to your right. "Eagle?"
>"Eh, room for one more."
>As Lynx hands her camera to Lily, Dragonhawk says, a touch wryly, "Perhaps you'd like to invite that waitress, as well."
-
>"Would you like me to? I wouldn't mind."
-
>"Would you like me to? I wouldn't mind."
>Dragonhawk snorts, and shakes her head in a negative.
>"One for her side." Eagle observes, which draws a scowl from her taller Sister. "But you have got me curiousity aroused here, Byakuren." Eagle continues. "Deal was for a photo of just you'n me."
-
>Warm smile.
>"I'd feel bad if your friends were left out."
-
>Warm smile.
>"I'd feel bad if your friends were left out."
>All three Manari exchange a look.
>"That's different." Lynx says after a moment.
-
>"I don't think so. But at the same time, I won't force you if you're feeling camera shy."
-
>"I don't think so. But at the same time, I won't force you if you're feeling camera shy."
>A half-sneer half-smirk spreads across the face of the feline youkai. "Camera shy, my tail. Get behind us, Dragonhawk." she commands, marching forward. The tallest Manari grunts and takes a step backwards, allowing Lynx to take her place at your left side. Dragonhawk takes up a position behind and between you both.
>"It's different fer us, she means." Eagle says. "Ain't a lotta folks around would give a damn whether or not any of us felt bad, 'specially in a situation like this."
>"That or be afraid of us." Dragonhawk rumbles. You have to admit, it DOES sound a bit ominous, hearing that deep voice resonate from right next to you, flanked on either side by her fellow Manari.
-
>Smile warmly. "Well, I'm not most people either."
>Compared to champy earlier, this is nothing.
-
>Smile warmly. "Well, I'm not most people either."
>Compared to champy earlier, this is nothing.
>"So I see." the taller Manari rumbles.
>"Told ya." Eagle repeats her earlier sentiment.
>Now totally surrounded by Manari, which really isn't nearly as bad as the Demon, if perhaps not 100% comfortable, Lily holds the camera up to her eye. "All right, girls. Say 'fuzzy pickles'!"
-
>Friendly arms around Lynx and Eagle. Let's make them squirm for once!
>Don't get real estate scammed!
>"Fuzzy pickles!"
-
>Friendly arms around Lynx and Eagle. Let's make them squirm for once!
>Don't get real estate scammed!
>"Fuzzy pickles!"
>Flinging your arms around the two Manari flanking you, you smile and speak the requested line, followed shortly after my the click of the older camera. Flash and all.
>$7500 bucks for a tumble-down shack? Highway robbery!
>"One more for luck!" Lily announces, so you and the Manari hold your positions, Dragonhawk doing so only after a small nod from Eagle.
>Lily cranks the camera over, and takes another photo. Both times, you note Eagle shut her eyes at the moment of the flash.
>"Happy now?" Dragonhawk grumbles at both you and Eagle.
-
>Glance to Eagle. "Well?"
-
>Glance to Eagle. "Well?"
>Eagle grins. "I'da been happy after one."
>"Good." Dragonhawk rumbles, moving out from behind you and heading back to her seat. She barely acknowledges Lily, forcing the blonde to move aside.
>Lynx fills you in, "Dragonhawk doesn't consid-"
>"Shut it, Lynx." the taller Manari growls, drawing a chuckle from Eagle.
>Lynx moves out from your side over to Lily and extends her hand. "Thank you, Lily." she says simply.
>"Yeah, no problem." Lily answers as she hands the camera back to Lynx.
>The Eagle then produces a small set of scissors from one of her jacket pockets. "And that just leaves one- Oh!" She interrupts herself. "Be rude of me not to ask. You want a copy of that for yourself?"
-
>"Of course!"
>Yield up the relevant information needed to collect it.
-
>"Of course!"
>Yield up the relevant information needed to collect it.
>Relevant information being something like mailing adress?
-
>Or whatever else she might need to know.
-
>Or whatever else she might need to know.
>Address seems to suit Lynx and Eagle well enough, which you offer up.
>"We'll get it to you as soon as they're ready." Lynx assures you.
>"And now, Byakuren..." Eagle starts, snipping her scissors twice. "If'n you wouldn't mind."
-
>"How much do you want, again? And, I suppose loose hairs won't do?"
-
>"How much do you want, again? And, I suppose loose hairs won't do?"
>"Hmmmm... Two, I think, would show up nicely on my bands." She gives you a confidant smile. "Relax, I ain't gonna mess you up. I've done this lots of times."
-
>Nod. "Alright, I trust your expertise in picking the best ones."
-
>Nod. "Alright, I trust your expertise in picking the best ones."
>The Manari moves behind you with a nod.
>"Eagle would never harm someone's look." Lynx assures you. "Certainly not someone she's taken a liking to. As a matter of fact, she does my hair."
>The winged Manari runs her free hand through your hair, with a surprisingly gentle touch. "Such fine quality.... No wonder you got scouted as a model." She pokes her head back out to look you in the corner of the eye. "You oughta do shampoo commercials."
-
>"Now you're just trying trying to lower my guard before you play some kind of prank, aren't you?"
-
>"Now you're just trying trying to lower my guard before you play some kind of prank, aren't you?"
>Eagle seems wounded.
-
>Sigh.
>"You know I'm kidding, Eagle. What am I supposed to say in the face of flattery like that?"
-
>Sigh.
>"You know I'm kidding, Eagle. What am I supposed to say in the face of flattery like that?"
>"Ya might try 'thanks' next time."
-
>"I suppose so, I'm sorry."
-
>"I suppose so, I'm sorry."
>The Eagle regards you evenly for a moment more, then her expression softens. "Accepted."
>As she moves back behind you, Lynx speaks up. "You have to understand, Byakuren. We're accustomed to people thinking the worst of us as a rule. And even though we're inclined to believe you're different than most, we really don't know you well enough to judge that kind of comment yet."
>The Eagle runs her fingers through your hair again, then you feel her hand hold up a pair of threads, and hear the snip of her scissors.
>"And that concludes our transaction." Eagle says formally. Then adds, a bit more casually, "But, may I say, hopefully not the last."
-
>"Indeed so, though something other than a transaction is fine, too, once there's time.
"
-
>"Indeed so, though something other than a transaction is fine, too, once there's time.
"
>Eagle chuckles, her good mood seemingly restored, and she drops her arm around your shoulders friendily. "But of course. After all, I owe ya a drink."
-
>Smile, and chuckle a bit. "Of course, I'll be looking forward to it in the future."
-
>Smile, and chuckle a bit. "Of course, I'll be looking forward to it in the future."
>Eagle pats you on the shoulder again, and returns to her seat, just as Stephanie emerges from the kitchen again. She seems a bit surprised to see you standing beside your booth.
>"All finished here?" she asks you.
-
>"I think we are."
>Run!
-
>"I think we are."
>Run!
>The waitress nods, and produces a leather-bound notebook from her back pocket. "Seperate cheques?"
>"Atta girl!" Eagle cheers you on. And despite Stephanie's best efforts, you actually make it out the door. But as you cast about for a cool car to jack, Lancer shanks you.
-
>Nod. "Please."
-
>Nod. "Please."
>The young blonde withdraws a pen from the top of her notepad, then scribbles a few quick notes on the paper. She then tears the slip from her book and hands it to you.
>"There you are." she says politely, before walking past you to Lily and Kiku.
>A glance at the slip show that your steak and two pieces of cheesecake, plus taxes, comes to a total of $34.63.
-
>Let's pay that off and get the separation anxiety done with.
-
>Let's pay that off and get the separation anxiety done with.
>You approach the cash register near the entrance you came in through as Stephanie distributes Lily and Kiku's bills.
>Do you wish to pay by cash or debit card?
-
>Cash.
-
>Cash.
>Lily, Kiku and Stephanie follow you a couple of minutes later.
>Opting for currency, you fork over $35 in bills, pocketing 37 cents in change, leaving you with a total of $48.96 in cash.
>Stephanie smiles at you, despite the lack of a tip. "And may I say, it was a pleasure to serve you, Morning Star."
-
>Who said we weren't leaving a tip? Let Stephanie have three dollars and the 96 cents.
-
>Who said we weren't leaving a tip? Let Stephanie have three dollars and the 96 cents.
>Well, it hadn't been stated prior to now. Now that it's been adressed, you opt to leave $3.96 on the counter top, leaving you an even $45. Nice round number.
>Stephanie smiles at you, a genuine smile. "And may I say, it was a pleasure seeing you here, and to serve you, Morning Star."
-
>"The pleasure was mine."
>Exeunt once the others are ready.
-
>"The pleasure was mine."
>Exeunt once the others are ready.
>Kiku, like yourself, pays in cash, while Lily opts for her cash card.
>You take a moment to enjoy the fact that Konngara didn't make any trouble for you while you were here. You know she's been gunning for you ever since you won Rin from her, but she did nothing at all tonight, apart from give you the eye once or twice.
>"Heading home now?" Stephanie asks Lily as the winged blonde settles her bill.
>"I think so. I could use a few day nap."
>Stephanie laughs. "Well, if you're awake long enough to catch Mountain, tell me about it tomorrow, okay?"
>"'kay."
>Kiku holds the first door for you and Lily, and you return the favor for the two girls on the outer door. It's turned a bit cooler since you've been inside, and the breeze has picked up a bit. Thick grey clouds have rolled in in places.
>The parking lot is mostly empty, save for a pair of girls standing next to a small budget hatchback near the south end of the lot, engaged in conversation with the rider of a motorcycle in front of them.
>Lily stretches out her arms and wings once she steps outside, and yawns.
-
>Look to Kiku. "I think our next move is in your hands, now."
-
>Look to Kiku. "I think our next move is in your hands, now."
>The tiger youkai looks away, up towards the cloudy sky. She seems quite pensive.
>"Then I ask you, Byakuren. Will you tell me where you met the Tiger? Unless you would prefer to take me there yourself."
-
>"Would you prefer I came with you, or would you rather go alone?"
-
>"Would you prefer I came with you, or would you rather go alone?"
>Kiku looks between the two of you. "When you had your encounters with Him, you had individual experiences, yes?"
-
>"We entered the woods together, but were then led to seperate locations. If the Tiger would rather you be by yourself, I imagine this will be made fairly obvious, likely by whatever animal may be sent to guide you making hostile motions if we attempt to accompany you."
-
>"We entered the woods together, but were then led to seperate locations. If the Tiger would rather you be by yourself, I imagine this will be made fairly obvious, likely by whatever animal may be sent to guide you making hostile motions if we attempt to accompany you."
>Lily, still stretching, adds "What she said."
>"Then the choice is yours." Kiku says after a moment. "However, I believe that I should be fine on my own."
-
>"At the very least, I shall accompany you to the shrine."
-
>"At the very least, I shall accompany you to the shrine."
>Kiku nods. "As you wish."
>"Girls... I think I should head home." Lily chimes, seeming a bit guilty to say it. "I wasn't kiddin' in there, I'm wiped."
-
>"All right."
-
>"Rest up. You've earned it. And don't worry, it'll probably be easier next time."
-
>"All right."
>"Rest up. You've earned it. And don't worry, it'll probably be easier next time."
>Lily gives you a tired smile, and then hugs you. Minus a great deal of the enthusiasm she had before. "I'll see you in school tomorrow."
-
>Hug back.
>"See you then."
-
>Hug back.
>"See you then."
>Lily disengages from you and walks over to Kiku. She doesn't hug her as easily as she does you, but after a moment, she goes for it. Kiku doesn't object.
>The winged blonde takes her leave of you both and heads back inside Szenska's.
>Now alone with Kiku, the Metal Miko looks to the west, and intones, "I know you are fatigued, Byakuren, so if you'll allow me, I shall provide transport back to the shrine."
-
>"I would appreciate that. Thank you."
-
>"I would appreciate that. Thank you."
>The miko nods, her expression rather serious. And then, in a way that you've seen Rin do a time or two before, Kiku transforms before your eyes into her tiger form.
-
>Watch with raised eyebrows. Do the beasty types tend do this this sort of thing often, or publically?
>Can Rin talk while she's catted up?
-
>Watch with raised eyebrows. Do the beasty types tend do this this sort of thing often, or publically?
>Can Rin talk while she's catted up?
>It's not the first time you've seen a beast youkai revert to their animal-side. Especially bird youkai, the majority of them have no trouble whatsoever flaunting their natural flight in public, in either form. Some youkai do have issues with it, though, of course, much as some humans are self-conscious about singing in public.
>Technically, yes, but she rarely does so. In general, whenever she has something to say, she does so in her humanoid form. She finds it comforting to separate her two forms' existences like that.
-
>Presumably, she intends for us to ride her, so let's get on.
-
>Presumably, she intends for us to ride her, so let's get on.
>This'll be a first in your life. You've ridden horses before, but a tiger is a bit of a different stroke. Still, transport IS transport, and free, no less.
>Kiku lowers herself to the ground to let you mount her. It's a different experience, there not being a saddle between you and the beast beneath you. You balance yourself as best as you can, but you silently hope Kiku doesn't take off like a bolt.
>A voice from the tiger beneath you growls, "How fast are you comfortable with? I would not want to unseat you."
-
>"Let's start slow, and work up toward it. I'll call out or yelp when it's too much."
-
>"Let's start slow, and work up toward it. I'll call out or yelp when it's too much."
>The tiger under you nods, an odd sight for a tiger to do, and pads forward slowly, heading vaguely westward. Despite being a not uncommon sight, you're just as glad it's night out. Kiku IS still a tiger after all, and a tiger walking through the streets of Mayoiga is quite a sight. You hope that no children cross your path, though most young ones should be in bed at this time on a Sunday.
>Per your request, Kiku starts off at a casual pace a casual stroll, really, out of the western end of Szenska's lot and into a small alley between the restaurant and a used car lot.
>"I do not wish to pry, Byakuren," Kiku says as she pads behind a moving van lot. "But I could not help but notice that oni back at Szenska's looking at you rather coldly, constantly. Does she hold a grudge against you?"
-
>"Yes. She owned a slave, a feline youkai named Rin, and treated her... well, badly. So I challenged her for ownership and won."
>"I think I'm ready to go a bit faster."
-
>How did we take down the likes of Konngara anyways?
I think I asked this before, and can't remember what the answer was =|
-
>How did we take down the likes of Konngara anyways?
I think I asked this before, and can't remember what the answer was =|
>When you challenged her for ownership of Rin, she named the battlefield. She chose tennis, your sport. She wanted to beat the Morning Star at her own game, she claimed. And she was quite a challenge, too. She had a devastating serve and a cannonating overhand volley, which made it very hard to play a defensive style of game against her. But her net game was somewhat weak, and she had trouble executing shorter drop shots. The challenge was for a best two sets out of three match. She took the first set, but you took the subsequent two, ending with a final score of 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
>You've often seen her practicing her tennis game since that day, and she has been improving. If she challenged you again, the match could be practically a toss up.
No worries. I don't think it's actually been addressed since episode one, and that was actually over a year ago. Good lord, a year...
>"Yes. She owned a slave, a feline youkai named Rin, and treated her... well, badly. So I challenged her for ownership and won."
>"I think I'm ready to go a bit faster."
>Kiku steps up the pace, up to about the speed of a fairly brisk walk. You place your hands on her flanks for a bit of extra stability, but you think you can handle this pace. You have to admit, though, it's an odd sensation riding on the back of an animal that didn't have a saddle, and not entirely a stable one. It'd take an experienced rider to stay on at the speeds you know a tiger can reach.
>"Ah, yes. I believe I heard some of my sisters gossiping about that incident. I admit, a human challenging an oni in that way is a rare sight, so I didn't think much of it, at the time."
>"Still, if that oni is carrying a wound to her pride, that could prove to be an obstacle to us. We can ill afford any more enemies, mortal or not, until we deal with the remaining problems."
-
>"She will not be a danger to us unless a demon gets to her, which, admittedly, is a worry. Barring that, though, any challenge she makes will be in the form of a tennis match. I happen to be fairly skillful, and she wanted to beat me at my own game. She's been practicing, so clearly she intends to demand a remtach."
>Have we been improving our own game since then? If not, we really should start doing so. We don't want her taking Rin back.
-
>"Her serves and overhand volleys were quite difficult to best, very powerful and cannon-like. I had to discard my defensive play in favor of a net game."
-
>"She will not be a danger to us unless a demon gets to her, which, admittedly, is a worry. Barring that, though, any challenge she makes will be in the form of a tennis match. I happen to be fairly skillful, and she wanted to beat me at my own game. She's been practicing, so clearly she intends to demand a remtach."
>"Her serves and overhand volleys were quite difficult to best, very powerful and cannon-like. I had to discard my defensive play in favor of a net game."
>"I am prepared to trust your judgement on this, Byakuren. Still, I would offer a word of caution. Oni may be honorable and honest, but that doesn't mean they cannot be vicious and vindictive, especially if they've lost something of value to them."
>She pauses, then continues, "I do hope, though, that I am merely concerned over nothing. Perhaps... I am seeing enemies where there may not be any."
>Have we been improving our own game since then? If not, we really should start doing so. We don't want her taking Rin back.
>You've certainly tried. Not for nothing are you captain of the tennis club, after all. But between adjusting to life with Rin, finding work for her and helping her adjust to her own life free from Konngara, your own work with Aya, you've not had a great deal of time in the past couple months. You haven't even touched your racket since Wednesday. You're not out of practice, by any stretch of the imagination, but you honestly don't think you're any better than you were before, not by an appreciable amount, anyway.
-
>"It's good to keep such things in mind, I think."
-
>"It's good to keep such things in mind, I think."
>Kiku sniffs the air, then pauses at the exit of an alley onto a street, allowing a car to go past.
>"I reccomend getting a solid grip, Byakuren." she advises you. "I am familiar with this part of town, and would prefer to move somewhat quickly through it. We can make time here, if you wish, but I would not want you to fall off in doing so."
-
>"Alright, um, I don't want to hurt you, and I'm not that familiar with tiger anatomy..."
-
>"Alright, um, I don't want to hurt you, and I'm not that familiar with tiger anatomy..."
>"So long as you don't try to pull my fur out, we'll both be fine. Just get a good grip."
-
>Try to get a good grip, without sinking out fingers into her coat or her flesh.
-
>Try to get a good grip, without sinking out fingers into her coat or her flesh.
>The tigress' fur doesn't offer you a great deal of purchase, but it is a bit thicker than the eye might suspect. And surprisingly smooth to the touch, as well, at least on the surface. But the musculature beneath that fur is undeniable, and you can't help but rest your hand against her flank for a moment. She must be incredibly strong. Of course she is, she's carrying you without any sign of heavy effort whatsoever.
>After a few moments, though, you manage to get a solid, relatively comfortable, but not too hard hold on Kiku's flank fur.
-
>"Alright, I think I'm ready. I'll try to cry out if something is wrong."
-
>"Alright, I think I'm ready. I'll try to cry out if something is wrong."
>"Understood." Kiku answers. If your grip is causing her any discomfort, she doesn't show it. She waits another few seconds, letting another car go past traveling north, and then she launches herself forward in a leap, which causes you to rock slightly backwards in your 'seat'. Instinctively, you tighten your grip on her fur for a moment, but again, this causes her no obvious signs of discomfort.
>Her limbs still feel coiled with energy, but she pauses in the street, as though waiting to see if you were comfortable with that maneuver. Or to regain your balance, possibly both.
-
>"I think I'm alright. I' didn't hurt you, I hope?"
-
>"I think I'm alright. I' didn't hurt you, I hope?"
>"Not at all. This body is much tougher than my humanoid one."
-
>"Alright, let's proceed!"
-
>"Alright, let's proceed!"
>Kiku nods briefly and surges forward again, banking a somewhat sharp left turn and heading down the right side of the road. Feeling her muscles pump beneath you, you wouldn't be at all surprised to see her pull turns might tighter than that, were she not mounted. She takes off at a running pace now- well, running for a human, anyway, running for a tiger would be a clip faster than this. She runs down the road for a minute or two, then ducks down a side street, taking another sharp left just after this one, ducking down a small alley. Moments later, she turns again, right this time.
>You find yourself in what seems to be a residential district now, no more alleys for Kiku to duck down as she emerges into the road. She does make sure that the road is empty, though, before walking out.
>She pauses again. "If you wish, I can circumvent this area, though it will add considerable time to our travel back to the shrine. I simply wanted to see if you had any trepidation about being seen atop a tiger."
-
>Would we usually worry about such a thing?
-
>Would we usually worry about such a thing?
>You've never actually considered the possibility that you'd be riding a tiger through the streets of Mayoiga.
-
>Laugh a little. "To be honest, I never really thought I'd ever be doing something like this."
>It's rather late, isn't it?
-
>Laugh a little. "To be honest, I never really thought I'd ever be doing something like this."
>It's rather late, isn't it?
>"Nor would many, I would say."
>It is quite late, must be after ten by now.
-
>"We should be fine though, it should be after ten right now, so very few people will be out and about. Let's continue on as we have been."
>Let's brace for her to resume the pace.
-
>"We should be fine though, it should be after ten right now, so very few people will be out and about. Let's continue on as we have been."
>Let's brace for her to resume the pace.
>"Understood."
>With you sufficiently braced, Tora-Kiku takes off again, traveling south down the street then turning west and running down a small street. The lanes here are more narrow than on the main streets, the colored lines on the road fairly dull. The roads themselves show obvious signs of age, and Kiku has to bank a time or two as she runs to avoid potholes. None that would do any notable harm to a car, but enough for a land based animal to avoid.
>She travels more south than west, and though you try to take notes of the scenery around you, the tiger is moving slightly faster now than she was before, and you find yourself needing to focus to maintain your grip. It's not uncomfortable, but you silently hope she slows a bit before the end of the journey.
>Despite the need for concentration, you have to note the sensation of this ride. There's something somehow special about running along on the bare back of a powerful beast. You know that the tiger is really Kiku, which gives you a sense of security. You have no doubt she is taking care not to go too fast, and to avoid any obstacle or sudden stop that might throw you from her back. But you also can sense the tremendous power held within her body. You feel as though the world would be naught but a blur, were she to take off at full speed. It is a shame, you think, that she is running through a jungle of concrete, instead of the natural world. She obviously feels at home in this city, but somehow, in this form, she doesn't quite seem like she belongs here. The city limits the tiger, cages her.
>After what seems like only a few minutes, in a small wooded trail next to an empty playground, Kiku pauses again, and sniffs the air. You are slightly grateful for this halt, but more disappointed. "Grant me a moment. I must gain my bearings."
-
>"Take as much time as you need."
-
>"Take as much time as you need."
>Kiku raises her head slightly, sniffing the air. Your own nose doesn't reveal much of anything, apart from the faint scent of rust from the playground, and the bare hint of what might be fresh roofing tar.
>"It's the tar." she clarifies. "It's a disruption to the familiar in this area."
>As Kiku gathers her senses, a pair of humanoids walk across the front of the trail before you. You recognize them as Kogasa Tatara, the star of the drama club, and Yamame Kurodani, the current head of the drama club. This isn't an entirely common position for a second year like Yamame, but she seems to be conducting herself well in the role, based on the school performances you've seen.
>The two are engaged in a conversation with each other, Kogasa seeming slightly embarrassed about something, but they walk on without noticing you. Or so you think, but as Kiku lowers her head, apparently satisfied, Yamame walks backwards back into your line of sight, and looks at you, very quizzically. "Morning Star?"
-
>"Hi."
-
>"Hi."
>"Hi...." she starts, obviously uncertain about what to make of this.
>Kogasa sticks her head out. "What's up, Yamame?" She then turns her head towards you. "Ah, Morning Star." The umbrella-carrying youkai bows in greeting to you. "Evening, Hijiri-sempai. Tiger-san."
-
>"Good evening."
>"I don't know if you've met her, so this is Kiku."
-
>"Good evening."
>"I don't know if you've met her, so this is Kiku."
>"Ah. Hello, Kiku." Yamame replies, seemingly a little nervous.
>Kogasa gives Yamame a pat on the shoulder, then speaks to the tiger. "Kiku, the shrine maiden at the Tiger shrine?"
>Kiku pauses for a moment, then answers, "Correct."
>Kogasa smiles. "Nice to meet you."
>"Out for a study break, Hijiri-senpai?" Yamame asks you.
-
>Chuckle.
>"It's a long story."
-
>Chuckle.
>"It's a long story."
>Both girls seem content not to pry.
>"We won't keep you, senpai." Yamame says. "I didn't mean to stop you, either, but... Well, I'll be honest, I had to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me."
-
>"Yes, I think it would be easiest if we kept this between ourselves."
-
>Don't say that. Instead, say: "That's understandable. It's not every day you see someone riding a tiger."
>"And you can feel her heart, and you know she's clean."
-
>"Yes, I think it would be easiest if we kept this between ourselves."
>Don't say that. Instead, say: "That's understandable. It's not every day you see someone riding a tiger."
>"And you can feel her heart, and you know she's clean."
>Yamame nods in agreement.
>"And it's cool, too." Kogasa adds with a bright smile. "No disrespect, miko-sama, but.. The Morning Star riding a tiger, well... A lotta my friends would get a bit week in the knees at the idea."
>Kiku doesn't seem to mind. As near as you can tell from a tiger's body language, anyway.
>"Really?"
>"Fifty bucks a pop." Kiku answers. After a moment of stunned silence, "Not everyone gets to touch the tiger for free."
-
>"Understandable. It's not something I expected myself, either."
>"Oh, don't you see what I mean?"
-
>"Understandable. It's not something I expected myself, either."
>"Oh, don't you see what I mean?"
>"It would be appreciated, as well, if you would not speak freely of this among your peers." Kiku informs them.
>"Sure!" Kogasa replies easily.
>Yamame adds a moment later, "You have my word." She continues, with a note of caution, "But I wouldn't be all that surprised if the girls in school were talking, anyway. Like you said, this is a rare sight."
-
>"I don't think many people have seen us, so it may be the odd rumor at most."
-
>"You two are the ony ones that I know for sure have seen us."
>"Got to get away, get awaaaaaaaay."
-
>"I don't think many people have seen us, so it may be the odd rumor at most."
>"You two are the ony ones that I know for sure have seen us."
>"If you hear talk of this little..." Yamame pauses for a moment, searching for the right word, before settling on "ride in school tomorrow, it won't be from us."
>"Appreciated." Kiku then growls, very softly. "Perhaps, you could also remind me of what street we are on?"
>Kogasa points at the street behind her. "This is Hanabira extension-"
>"Which opens onto the west exit to the Metal Tiger Shrine." The tiger bows her head slightly.
>"Happy to help." Kogasa says with a smile.
>"We should be going, Kogasa." Yamame reminds her friend. "I still have to feed the kids, after all." She then nods to you. "Sorry for stopping you like that."
-
>Feed the kids.
>"Have a good evening!"
>Prepare for Kiku to proceed.
-
>Feed the kids.
>"Have a good evening!"
>Prepare for Kiku to proceed.
>That is what she said.
>Saying your farewells to your schoolmates, the two of them take their leave of you, and continue their way southwards. Kiku, allowing you to recenter yourself and re-apply your grip, then walks out of the trail and turns right, heading northwards up the road, accelerating as she goes.
>"From here, it should take us between twenty minutes to half an hour to reach the steps of the shrine." Kiku informs you. "I believe that is as quickly as I can get there without risking your safety. I would advise you, though, to take a tighter grip from here until we reach the hill leading to the shrine. We will be traveling down one of the main roads of town, and traffic here can be dangerous. I may have to stop or turn rapidly."
-
>Take as good of a grip as we feel we can without hurting her.
>"Alright, I'm ready."
-
>Take as good of a grip as we feel we can without hurting her.
>"Alright, I'm ready."
>Kiku takes the left corner of the road at a run, testing your strengthened grip slightly. She slows, though, as she approaches the end of the side road, glancing back and forth at the street before you, her nose working. You recognize the street as the road you and Aya drove down earlier on today. It was relatively quiet then, as fair as main streets go, and should be quieter still, considering the time and day. Your mount is proving to be a cautious one.
>She turns right onto the main road and accelerates again, satisfied that there was no traffic coming up from behind. She takes the street for about a minute, before adjusting her course to the right, and hopping up onto the sidewalk in front a block of buildings. She won't be able to stay up on the sidewalk for the whole trip, you don't think, but she'll stay here for now.
>"If I may, Byakuren, I would honestly expect talk of this ride to be the talk of your school tomorrow. It is the nature of teenagers to gossip, especially about those who are beloved and famed in their eyes."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "If anything, this will likely serve to make people either respect me even more for having the courage to ride a Tiger, make you have more attention, or spawn rumors of us having a relationship that's more than just friends. Either way, I rarely put much stock in rumors."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "If anything, this will likely serve to make people either respect me even more for having the courage to ride a Tiger, make you have more attention, or spawn rumors of us having a relationship that's more than just friends. Either way, I rarely put much stock in rumors."
>"As do I, but that doesn't mean their impact should be ignored. There will always be someone that accepts hearsay and half-truth as gospel."
>Kiku ducks back onto the road to circumvent a garbage can outside a high end clothing store, before returning to the sidewalk.
>"Personally, it would be the rumors involving the Manari that concerned me the most, were I you."
-
>"I feel those kinds of things aren't worth considering. If people think less of me for treating others with basic dignity, the problem is not mine."
-
>"I feel those kinds of things aren't worth considering. If people think less of me for treating others with basic dignity, the problem is not mine."
>"The problem could very much be yours." Kiku counters. "Suppose one of the teachers in your school calls your character into question because you did business with Eagle. Or your employer, or landlord."
-
>"Legally, 'I don't like who she did business with' holds no ground. Morally, the only issue is theirs. I'm not going to change who I am just because some people may not like it."
-
>"And I think that would probably reflect more on their character than mine, as far as the public conscious goes."
-
>"Legally, 'I don't like who she did business with' holds no ground. Morally, the only issue is theirs. I'm not going to change who I am just because some people may not like it."
>"And I think that would probably reflect more on their character than mine, as far as the public conscious goes."
>Kiku does not reply for a moment, and when she does, her voice is somewhat subdued. "Aren't you at all afraid?"
-
>"What can they do to me that I should be afraid of?"
-
>"What can they do to me that I should be afraid of?"
>"You could find yourself as ostrasized as the Manari themselves are, for one."
-
>"I do what I feel is right. No matter the consequences, I will continue to do so."
-
>"I doubt it'll happen, the past few years have been on my side."
-
>"I do what I feel is right. No matter the consequences, I will continue to do so."
>Kiku's breath escapes her in a thoughtful purr.
>"And, I suppose, after facing a demon and its minions, a few malicious rumors doesn't seem all that bad, either."
>"I doubt it'll happen, the past few years have been on my side."
>Kiku pauses at an intersection, letting a white porsche go past with plenty of room to spare.
>"I hope you are right, Byakuren. I truly do."
-
>"As do I Kiku, as do I. But yes, compared to Demons and Youma, a few rumors and idle gossip mean nothing."
>Let's brace to get going once more!
-
>"As do I Kiku, as do I. But yes, compared to Demons and Youma, a few rumors and idle gossip mean nothing."
>Let's brace to get going once more!
>With the porsche passed, Kiku sets off again, making a beeline for the hillside road leading to the shrine of the Metal Tiger.
>Kiku remains silent for several long minutes, her attention on the road ahead of her. Eventually, though, as she begins to climb the hillside road, she speaks again, "There is one thing I have been wondering since the fight ended. Is it merely the nature of your power that you can speak to me with your mind, but I cannot do the same?"
-
>"It's complicated. Let us say that Lily and I unintentionally, and deeply touched each other's souls during her awakening."
-
>"It's complicated. Let us say that Lily and I unintentionally, and deeply touched each other's souls during her awakening."
>"...Ah." Kiku replies after pondering that for a moment. "And that experience is something we obviously have not shared. Still, that doesn't necessarily explain the one-directional communication between you and I. I would have thought that, without whatever you and Lily experienced, no telepathy between us at all would have been possible."
>"Still, it is an advantage for us, should the need arise for you to communicate with me covertly. Have you discovered a maximum range between Lily and yourself yet?"
-
>"Not as of yet, but we've not really experimented very much."
-
>"Not as of yet, but we've not really experimented very much."
>"I believe you should, at the first opportunity. There is still a great deal none of us know about these new powers, and we MUST know, if we are to win this war."
>Kiku pauses as the natural landscape to your left becomes blocked by a concrete divider. You are not all that far from the shrine now. She looks at the woodlands briefly, then continues on up the road.
>"If Komeji-sama is present when we arrive, I will know her scent. If she is, we will have to approach the location of the Tiger's Spirit another way."
-
>"It shouldn't matter how we approach, if we are meant to be found, we shall be."
-
>"Have you been attempting to communicate with me mentally? And if so, how have you been doing it?"
>For that matter, how do we do it?
-
>"Have you been attempting to communicate with me mentally? And if so, how have you been doing it?"
>For that matter, how do we do it?
>"I have tried, yes. When you first did it, I had thought it was similar to how we mikos sometimes commune with the spirits of the elements. As you cannot hear me, however, this appears not to be the case."
>It seems to be a matter of 'directed thought', for want of a better term. Much like speaking, but instead of using your mouth and voicebox to form words and sounds, you use your mind, and then project those words to the person, or people, you wish to speak to.
>"It shouldn't matter how we approach, if we are meant to be found, we shall be."
>Kiku slows abruptly, forcing you to hold on tighter to your grip. "Did you not say, earlier tonight, that the Tiger believed that Komeji-sama was a threat to you? And that He warded your minds and memories when you were in her presence?"
-
>"I do it by, essentially, thinking 'at' you and Lily."
>"Yes. That is why you thought we should approach differently if she is present, correct? I agree with that. I was simply saying that, either way, the Tiger will know of our approach."
-
>"I do it by, essentially, thinking 'at' you and Lily."
>"Yes. That is why you thought we should approach differently if she is present, correct? I agree with that. I was simply saying that, either way, the Tiger will know of our approach."
>"A rather simplistic method, but, it obviously works."
>"Oh. .. Yes, that would be true, yes."
>"Can I assume that the same precaution need not be taken if others of my sisters are present?"
-
>"I don't think they should be a problem."
-
>"I don't think they should be a problem."
>Kiku sounds rather relieved when she says, "Good."
>Several minutes later, Kiku slows and comes to a stop. The long stairs leading up the hill towards the Metal Tiger Shrine lie before you.
>Kiku begins sniffing the air before she ascends.
-
>"Anything?"
-
>"Anything?"
>The tiger's ears twitch a time or two before she answers. "No sign of Satori. I can hear someone's voice from atop the hill, but they are being very quiet. I cannot determine who it is, not from here."
>"Still, if what you say is true, I believe it should be safe. However, if you wish to approach our destination by another route, I have no objection to that."
-
>"I think it's your call."
-
>"I think it's your call."
>"Hmm..." the sound comes out of Kiku as a combination of human sound and feline purr. "I don't mind seeing my Sisters up there, if that's the case as I think it is. But what would you say to them to explain your return?"
-
>"I...really don't have one, aside from accompanying you back. Somehow, I doubt you have much of an explanation for deciding to give me a free ride. Who is it, if I may?"
-
>"I...really don't have one, aside from accompanying you back. Somehow, I doubt you have much of an explanation for deciding to give me a free ride. Who is it, if I may?"
>"I cannot be certain, not from this distance. If I were to guess, however, I would guess it is Risa. She is the overly emotional squirrel youkai you met before."
-
>"Let's try to avoid her, then, if it can be done without too much trouble. I don't really think either of us wants to come up with an explanation."
-
>"Let's try to avoid her, then, if it can be done without too much trouble. I don't really think either of us wants to come up with an explanation."
>"Indeed. I dislike being dishonest at all times, but especially with my Sisters. But they do not need to know of what happened tonight."
>She points her head to the forested area to the left of the stairs. "We can cut through the woods, away from the shrine. The going will be a little rougher, but we should avoid humanoid contact. I would suggest, though, that you keep your head down, as many of my Sisters have good night vision."
-
>"I can do that."
-
>"I can do that."
>The tiger nods. She takes a step forward, then pauses, taking a deep breath. Then another. "Byakuren?" she asks, her voice a bit unsteady.
-
>"Yes? What's wrong?"
>Let's see about hopping off, in case she wants to resume her humanoid form.
-
>"Yes? What's wrong?"
>Let's see about hopping off, in case she wants to resume her humanoid form.
>In a quiet voice, Kiku says, ".. I am afraid."
>Kiku is currently at rest, so you can dismount Kiku whenever you wish.
-
>"Of what?"
-
>"Of what?"
>"One of two things will happen here. Either I will stand in the presence of my God, or not. And I afraid of both."
-
>"I know it's hard to believe me, but either way, it will be fine. Would it help if I walked with you?"
-
>"I know it's hard to believe me, but either way, it will be fine. Would it help if I walked with you?"
>"I do... welcome your companionship. But, if you don't mind riding, I would be... content to bear you on my back, until we reach our final destination."
-
>"The choice is yours, whichever makes it easiest for you to proceed."
-
>"The choice is yours, whichever makes it easiest for you to proceed."
>"I think I would like to proceed this way."
-
>"Then let's proceed!"
-
>"Then let's proceed!"
>Kiku walks forward at your command, picking her way up the stairs for a few steps, then pauses. She sniffs the air again, and looks around. "If my memory serves, you and Lily went into the southern woods? The area to our left, I mean."
-
>That's right, right?
>If so, tell her that is the case.
-
>That's right, right?
>If so, tell her that is the case.
>It is, and you inform her of it. She makes a left turn, hopping over a bush and landing in the woods southeast of the shrine itself. Kiku begins traveling straight ahead, adjusting her course to the west to evade trees and low-hanging branches. She takes her time, her bright eyes fixed on the route ahead.
>The ground doesn't seem entirely even here dipping in places even as it rises. The lanterns along the stairs of the temple cast their thin light into the woods, but this grows duller and duller as Kiku picks her way to the northwest. She is taking great care, circling wide around trees with low-hanging branches, going around brambley bushes whenever possible, jumping them only after giving you warning.
>Perhaps that's why she wanted you to accompany her in this way, you ponder. If she is trying to conquor her fear of what is to come by focusing on the safety of her rider.
>The lights from the temple stairs have faded almost completely away as Kiku stops. She stands in front of a small pool, more of a puddle, with a depression in the ground running to the northeast. The ground is covered with fallen, decaying leaves, and needles from the pines. It is not this, however, that you would surmise caused Kiku to halt. The sensation of age that you experienced before out here in the wood suffuses the air around you. And judging from the trembling you feel from Kiku beneath you, she can sense it, too.
-
>"Don't worry, I feel it too. It was like this when Lily and I came here as well, so I suppose we should take it as a good sign."
-
>"Don't worry, I feel it too. It was like this when Lily and I came here as well, so I suppose we should take it as a good sign."
>"So, what... *gulp* What happens now?"
-
>Teehee, tiger nervous swallows.
>"We proceed. We'll be guided where we need to be soon enough."
-
>Teehee, tiger nervous swallows.
>"We proceed. We'll be guided where we need to be soon enough."
>The sound is almost cute, but you keep yourself from giggling. Out loud, anyway.
>Kiku tries to take a steadying breath, but it only calms her trembling slightly. She nods towards the depression in the ground. "Should I follow that, or cross it and continue straight?"
-
>"Let's follow it for now."
-
>"Let's follow it for now."
>"Understood."
>She sets off following the north side of the depression. She seems rather tentative, her eyes darting back and forth as she takes slow, measured steps.
>The depression in the ground deepens as Kiku progresses, and after ten feet or so, you encounter water in the ditch. A trickle, really, the water is stopped by a buildup of fallen leaves and branches in the depression.
>And then, without any anthem of sign that it was there, a large silverbacked gorilla steps out from behind a thick tree trunk. Kiku gasps a feline gasp, and stops dead in her tracks. Fortunately she wasn't going too fast, so you don't have to hang on any harder.
>"What is a gorilla doing here?" Kiku breathes as the large ape stops about eight feet in front of you and faces your way.
-
>Ah, this lovely fellow was here last time as well, was he not?
-
>Ah, this lovely fellow was here last time as well, was he not?
>Although you saw a large number of animals your last visit here, a gorilla was not among them. Though given the exotic nature of some of the beasts you saw last time, such as the lion, a gorilla being here doesn't surprise you tremendously.
>Unlike Kiku, who is shaking a bit worse now than she was before.
-
>"Don't worry. Last time I was here, there was a Lion instead."
>Let's face the Gorilla. "I assume this means we are on the right track, yes?"
-
>"Don't worry. Last time I was here, there was a Lion instead."
>Let's face the Gorilla. "I assume this means we are on the right track, yes?"
>A lion among other things.
>Kiku exhales heavily, but does not answer.
>Neither does the big ape, at least not vocally. He does, however, nod, and grunt once.
-
>"Then may we pass?"
-
>"Then may we pass?"
>The gorilla shakes his head, and grunts twice.
-
>"Is Kiku to proceed alone?"
-
>"Is Kiku to proceed alone?"
>The gorilla grunts once.
>"But Byakuren has led me this far!" Kiku protests.
>The gorilla simply grunts again.
-
>"It's alright, what's ahead is only for you."
>Dismount.
-
>"And do not worry, even if I am not with you in person, I am with you in spirit."
-
>"It's alright, what's ahead is only for you."
>Dismount.
>"And do not worry, even if I am not with you in person, I am with you in spirit."
>"If... you say so." Kiku says as you climb off her back. Your own back aches just a little as you straighten up, as do your hips.
>The miko returns to her humanoid form, looking rather apprehensively at the silverback. "So... Where do we go?"
>The great ape grunts once, softly, and turns half on to her. "That way?" The ape grunts once.
>Kiku takes a step forward, then stops. She opens her mouth to say something, then closes it again. "Have faith, Kiku. Faith." Kiku and the gorilla walk off to the north together, leaving you alone in the dark woods.
-
>Note to self; Invest in learning how to ride bareback. Never know when we'll have to do this again after all.
>Well, we'll just wait here for her return. We'll be with her in spirit after all.
-
>Note to self; Invest in learning how to ride bareback. Never know when we'll have to do this again after all.
>Well, we'll just wait here for her return. We'll be with her in spirit after all.
>You make a mental note.
>Settling in to wait for Kiku to return from whatever the Tiger has in store for her, you look around the forest surrounding you. At least, as much as you can. It's really quite dark out here. Already Kiku and the ape have faded into the blackness before you.
>The wind picks up a bit as the minutes drag on, but you think you feel the chill more keenly now than you normally do. With some time to yourself, the fatigue of the day begins to catch up to you again. As much as you want to be here for Kiku, you start to hope that her experience doesn't take too long.
>Ducking behind a tree to evade the gusts of chill winter wind, you rest your back against the sturdy oak, after checking to make sure it was free of sap or insect-life. It's going to get colder yet.
-
>...We'll need to invest in new winter gear or something of the like as well then.
>We can hold out for her, we'll just sleep extra good tonight as a result of all this.
-
>Rub our arms to keep the warm and try to be patient. Maybe try to mentally review some of that math we were supposed to be studying for...
-
>...We'll need to invest in new winter gear or something of the like as well then.
>We can hold out for her, we'll just sleep extra good tonight as a result of all this.
>Rub our arms to keep the warm and try to be patient. Maybe try to mentally review some of that math we were supposed to be studying for...
>You add a thicker coat to your shopping list. Or, at least, elect to wear pants instead of a skirt, the next time time you go out into the woods with a tiger and a gorilla near the start of winter while physically exhausted.
>You hunker down and settle in to wait, folding your arms and scrunching up in an attempt to retain your warmth, rubbing your arms as well. This would be a lot easier if you weren't beat, as well.
>Five more minutes pass, and still no sign of Kiku. Or anything else, for that matter. Apart from the sound of the wind, the forest is completely quiet, devoid of any sounds of animal life, any sights of the wildlife. The sense of age associated with the Tiger's presence persists, but you seem to have been left to your own devices. So you decide to revisit some of the formulas expected to be on Wriggle-sensei's test.
>Two more minutes pass, and you make out a creature approaching you from the south. In this kind of darkness, it's hard to discern its form, but it seems to be a smaller animal of some kind, perhaps a fox. Or a lynx.
-
>"Hello, there."
>Try not to give in to teeth chatters.
-
>"Hello, there."
>Try not to give in to teeth chatters.
>You greet the little beast as it approaches. And then try to keep your teeth still, for more than one reason. Potentially, the little critter could be a predator out for a meal, or a wild beast that ain't gonna be happy about a human on his turf.
>Then again, you are on the Tiger's turf. Presumably he won't let you get mauled just because he's secluded himself with Kiku.
>The animal draws closer, revealing itself to be indeed a fox. And one with mismatched eyes. It takes you a moment to recall, but this fox is the one called Hideo, the one that lured you and Lily into the forest during your first visit here. He stops a few feet in front of you and sits himself down, his tail wagging back and forth once.
-
>Chuckle slightly. "Chilly evening, isn't it? Then again, being a fox or any other animal has it's perks during the colder days of the year, no?"
-
>Chuckle slightly. "Chilly evening, isn't it? Then again, being a fox or any other animal has it's perks during the colder days of the year, no?"
>The foxes' tail goes 'tick-tock' again.
>And then, to your surprise, he speaks, in a voice as natural sounding as any 20-year old male. "You don't need to stay here."
-
>Try not to startle too bad.
>"Oh, well...I think I should see things through."
-
>Try not to startle too bad.
>"Oh, well...I think I should see things through."
>You do a rather good job of keeping your surprise under wraps. After all, you just rode here on the back of a talking tiger, a talking fox isn't such a stretch.
>"Time doesn't quite work the same way in Father's place as it does outside of it. And it's cold here, especially for a fur-less human."
-
>"Perhaps so, but I imagine that she's still going to want to talk afterward. Or are you saying I'll be waiting all night for her?"
-
>"Perhaps so, but I imagine that she's still going to want to talk afterward. Or are you saying I'll be waiting all night for her?"
>"Maybe. I don't know for sure. When you were here before, you were with him for hours. But maybe she'll come back out in the next minute. She's one of us, after all, a child of the Father. Things might work different for her than they did for you."
-
>"I'll wait a bit longer, then."
-
>"I'll wait a bit longer, then."
>The foxes' tail wags back and forth again, then he stands up and walks over to you. He pauses in front of you, his right side brushing up against your bare legs. He feels warm to the touch.
-
>"Oh, keeping me company?"
>And then he gave us rabies.
-
>"Oh, keeping me company?"
>And then he gave us rabies.
>"It is cold out tonight, and you have no fur."
>Never let it be said that he is not a generous fox.
-
>"Ah, thank you."
>After a moment, "Have you always been able to speak with us?"
-
>"Ah, thank you."
>After a moment, "Have you always been able to speak with us?"
>In a light voice, the little fox replies, "Is anyone born knowing how to talk?"
-
Curse you and tempting me to argue neurolinguistics >=|
>"Mmm, perhaps not. Let me reframe it, have you known how to speak for long?"
-
Curse you and tempting me to argue neurolinguistics >=|
>"Mmm, perhaps not. Let me reframe it, have you known how to speak for long?"
Mwa ha ha.
>"I think so. I never actually thought it about, it's not that important. I talk to Terrans in their way when I have to. Like now. But you're special." He looks up at you with his mismatched eyes as he flicks his tail out, tickling the back of your leg a little. "Don't tell the Terrans that live here, okay? I like the way they look at me now."
-
>"They won't hear a word of it."
>"Hm, are you familiar with miss Satori?"
-
>"They won't hear a word of it."
>"Hm, are you familiar with miss Satori?"
>"Thank you."
>"Everyone that lives here knows the Satori."
-
>"Well, more than in general, I mean. Tell me about her."
-
>"Well, more than in general, I mean. Tell me about her."
>"The Satori is special among Terrans. She can see our minds better than any other." The little fox lies down in front of you. "Some like me came here because she was here. Not me, though, I've always been here. There was one even followed her here from her last home. Very strange."
-
>"Has she done anything unusual, lately?"
-
>"Has she done anything unusual, lately?"
>"Anymore unusual than talking to the Children of the land?"
-
>"I've come to find things like that rather normal these days. Has she been acting differently than she usually does?"
-
>"I've come to find things like that rather normal these days. Has she been acting differently than she usually does?"
>"She's spent a lot more time in her den for days. She used to spend a lot more time out with us, but now she doesn't."
-
>"Hm, do you know what she's been doing in there?"
-
>"Hm, do you know what she's been doing in there?"
>"I don't go in there." He pauses for a moment, then adds. "Actually, one of us out here has, in the past few days. Which is not usual. Wild animals used to be welcome in there, but not now."
-
>"Did he or she have anything to say about it?"
-
>"Did he or she have anything to say about it?"
>"Not to me. She might talk to you, though. You're special."
-
>"I would like to speak with her, then."
-
>"I would like to speak with her, then."
>Hideo stands.
>"She likes to hunt at night. Finding her might be be easy. But I can try."
-
>"Alright, thank you."
-
>"Alright, thank you."
>The fox hops and skips away to the west. His fur no longer tickles your legs, but your exposed skin does miss his warmth after a few moments. You settle in to wait for his return, as well as Kiku's.
>The cold night air nips at your legs as the minutes pass. The fatigue is getting worse than the cold, though, and you start to wonder if you might nod off before either Hideo or Kiku return. You do your best to keep yourself awake and focused. There's a list of reasons why falling asleep in the middle of the woods on a winter night is a bad idea, even a forest inhabited by the ghost of a God.
>Help comes to you in this effort unexpectedly, as your cell buzzes with the arrival of a new text message.
-
>Hm? Let's look at it then.
-
>Hm? Let's look at it then.
>It is from Marissa, and reads simply, "Ready for Wriggle-chan's exam?"
-
>That's tomorrow, isn't it? If so; fire off this. 'I've had a few delays, though I have been going over the problems in my head. I should be able to get a much better finish on it when I get home.'
-
>That's tomorrow, isn't it? If so; fire off this. 'I've had a few delays, though I have been going over the problems in my head. I should be able to get a much better finish on it when I get home.'
>Marissa replies with: "'When you get home?' So where are you now?"
-
>Fire back 'Oh, just waiting on a friend over around the Metal Tiger Shrine. I'll head home once I've finished this little meeting, I wanted to follow up on something that caught my interest.'
-
>Fire back 'Oh, just waiting on a friend over around the Metal Tiger Shrine. I'll head home once I've finished this little meeting, I wanted to follow up on something that caught my interest.'
>Marissa replies with: "Oho?" It's still a bit odd to see that sound of curiosity in text, but, you've got used to it.
-
>Reply: "It's kind of a private thing. Maybe I'll tell you about it someday."
-
>Reply: "It's kind of a private thing. Maybe I'll tell you about it someday."
>Marissa replies with: "Ohoho?" Which usually means 'Now I'm REALLY curious. But I ain't gonna pry.'
-
>Reply: "You're such a silly, sometimes."
-
>Reply: "You're such a silly, sometimes."
>Marissa replies with: "And I look good doin' it." *grin*
>She fires off just after with: "Got a lift home from there, btw? Buses ain't runnin' this time of night."
-
>Reply: "No, but I don't know when I'll be leaving."
-
>Reply: "No, but I don't know when I'll be leaving."
>Marissa replies with: "Gotcha. Well, buzz me if ya don't have somethin' else come up. I'll be awake a while yet."
-
>Reply: "Thanks."
-
>Reply: "Thanks."
>Marissa replies with: "Anytime."
>You feel a puff of warm air against the back of your hair.
-
>Glance back.
-
>Glance back.
>A large predatory feline with gleaming silver-gold eyes is standing to the left of the tree you are currently standing behind, right behind you. It's spotted hide with grey, white and tawny fur indicates it is a snow leopard. And a rather large one.
-
>"Hello."
-
>"Hello."
>The leopard gazes at you with its quiet eyes.
-
>"Are you the one that Hideo told me about?"
-
>"Are you the one that Hideo told me about?"
>The leopard does not speak. But it does nod.
-
>The leopard does not speak. But it does nod.
>"Ah, good. Um, are you able to speak as I do? I have some questions that are a bit more complex than a yes or a no answer."
-
>"Ah, good. Um, are you able to speak as I do? I have some questions that are a bit more complex than a yes or a no answer."
>The leopard's eyes glint as they narrow slightly.
-
>Sigh.
>"I'm not sure what that means, but let's proceed, shall we. Hideo has said that you've seen something unusual with regards to Satori?"
-
>Sigh.
>"I'm not sure what that means, but let's proceed, shall we. Hideo has said that you've seen something unusual with regards to Satori?"
>The cat growls when you mention Satori's name.
>Despite the angry predator's proximity, you note the reappearance of Hideo himself, coming up from behind the leopard. "You can talk like them here." he says. "This is a special time."
>The large cat hisses, but doesn't take her eyes of you. In a low, snarling voice, she finally asks you, "Why are you here?"
-
>"For several reasons. In part, because I am here with Kiku. In part, because I need to know what's happening in regards with Satori. But primarily, I am here because the barrier has chosen me as one of its representatives."
-
>"For several reasons. In part, because I am here with Kiku. In part, because I need to know what's happening in regards with Satori. But primarily, I am here because the barrier has chosen me as one of its representatives."
>"You knew that." Hideo chides the leopard. "You know she wouldn't be here if He didn't wish it."
>The predatory cat hisses savagely. It doesn't seem to like Hideo anymore than it likes you.
-
>"Normally, I wouldn't be here bothering you at all, and for that I offer my apologies. But this all contributes to a problem that we all face, and I cannot turn away from potentially learning something about it."
-
>"Normally, I wouldn't be here bothering you at all, and for that I offer my apologies. But this all contributes to a problem that we all face, and I cannot turn away from potentially learning something about it."
>"So if you have HIS support, why do you call me?" the cat asks you bluntly.
-
>"Because I have been told you know something, about Satori in particular."
-
>"Because I have been told you know something, about Satori in particular."
>"I know many things."
-
>Nod.
>"I've heard that things have been different within the shrine and around her, lately. Howso?"
-
>Nod.
>"I've heard that things have been different within the shrine and around her, lately. Howso?"
>"Why do you want to know?"
-
>"Because I am afraid she might in trouble."
-
>"Because I am afraid she might in trouble."
>The large cat takes a step closer to you. You think, fleetingly, that you're glad Hideo mentioned the Tiger's favor of you.
>"Why do you say this?" Despite her proximity, you take comfort in the impression that her voice has lost some of its confrontational hostility, and has been replaced by what could be concern.
-
>"It's difficult to explain. But, you understand that the Metal Tiger has asked us to avoid her, yes? There is...some problem, some issue that would lead her to falling astray if we were to meet. The problem is, she can no longer be avoided. So, we must find out what is wrong, and resolve it if we can."
-
>"It's difficult to explain. But, you understand that the Metal Tiger has asked us to avoid her, yes? There is...some problem, some issue that would lead her to falling astray if we were to meet. The problem is, she can no longer be avoided. So, we must find out what is wrong, and resolve it if we can."
>The leopard regards you for several very long seconds, then lowers her head slightly.
>"You know she speaks true." Hideo speaks into the silence. "No one who is favored by the Father would lie to us."
>The feline remains silent for several seconds more, her mouth opening and closing once, before she looks back up at you. "You ask me to trust you."
-
>"I do."
-
>"I do."
>"Your kind only asks for trust when they want something for themselves."
-
>"A reputation I hope to overcome."
>"It is for KIku that I do this."
-
>"A reputation I hope to overcome."
>"It is for KIku that I do this."
>There is another pause before the leopard speaks again. "You want something from her, then."
-
>"No. I do not mean to ask her for anything. I have no ulterior motives, no hidden goals. She now, unexpectedly, faces potential danger drom Satori, and I intend to see her through it safely."
-
>"No. I do not mean to ask her for anything. I have no ulterior motives, no hidden goals. She now, unexpectedly, faces potential danger drom Satori, and I intend to see her through it safely."
>The large cat sniffs the air, and takes a step towards you, then another. Her cold eyes bore deeply into you. "You bear concern for someone outside your pack? Why?"
-
>"You ask why I would be concerned for her. I ask why I shouldn't be."
-
>"You ask why I would be concerned for her. I ask why I shouldn't be."
>"No human has that kind of concern unless they have a reason based in their own selfishness."
-
>"I disagree. Some of us are like that, but not all of us."
-
>"Or if you prefer, I consider my pack to include everyone."
-
>"I disagree. Some of us are like that, but not all of us."
>"You are all like that. I've spent my whole life around your kind. I didn't understand it before Satori saved me, but I knew."
>"Or if you prefer, I consider my pack to include everyone."
>A brief, low growl rumbles from the cat's throat. "I do not understand."
-
>"I try not to regard anyone as being outside of my pack. The buddha has taught us that we all hold the nature of enlightenment, so I try to treat all people as I would my friends in light of that understanding."
-
>"I try not to regard anyone as being outside of my pack. The buddha has taught us that we all hold the nature of enlightenment, so I try to treat all people as I would my friends in light of that understanding."
>"And what is a 'buddha'? Someone who is important to you? Someone who guides your acts?"
>"It's something the humans have." Hideo pipes up. "It's something like a God, to them. I think. Humans are strange, taking lessons from beings they invented themselves."
>"And you worry over Kiku to appease your God, then?" the leopard asks you.
-
>"No. I worry about her because I care. I don't follow the Buddha's words because he said them, I follow them because they are correct. In particular, I'm with Kiku because she is my friend. However, even though Satori isn't my friend, I still worry about her because it is the correct thing to do."
-
>"No. I worry about her because I care. I don't follow the Buddha's words because he said them, I follow them because they are correct. In particular, I'm with Kiku because she is my friend. However, even though Satori isn't my friend, I still worry about her because it is the correct thing to do."
>The cat hisses again, but not as sharply. She lowers her eyes, but her body seems tense. If she were human, you would say she was uncertain, torn over something.
>"She can't be lying here." Hideo presses. "Not while Father is here."
>"Humans always lie." the cat shoots back, but it seems more reflexive than genuine. The leopard then abruptly sits down on her backside. "What, exactly, do you want to know about the Satori?"
-
>"I have heard something unusual has happened; something that apparently most people don't know. What can you tell me about that?"
-
>"I have heard something unusual has happened; something that apparently most people don't know. What can you tell me about that?"
>"About why Satori hasn't let us in recently." Hideo adds.
>"That's her choice." the leopard replies quickly, automatically. Her eyes dart back and forth quickly, perhaps in confusion, then she repeats, in a more measured tone of voice, "That is her choice."
-
>Frown.
>"Why did she make that choice?"
-
>Frown.
>"Why did she make that choice?"
>The leopard's mouth opens. And her whole body immediately freezes, every muscle still and immobile. She remains that way for several seconds, before her jaw closes.
-
>"Can you not say?"
-
>"Can you not say?"
>"I.... can not?" she says, more a question than a statement.
-
>"You seemed to be at a loss for words, I was wondering if you were asked not to say anything, or felt that you couldn't."
-
>"You seemed to be at a loss for words, I was wondering if you were asked not to say anything, or felt that you couldn't."
>"Asked? No, not-" The leopard's mouth locks up again.
-
>"Something's wrong, isn't it? When you try to think about Satori, something happens. Your thoughts are... blocked, somehow."
>"The same thing happened with Lily. Together, she and I were able to remove this effect. If you'd like, I can try to remove it from you, although I cannot promise success, as her situation and yours may not be identical. In particular, you likely do not have the same... potential, I suppose, as Lily does. That potential is what allowed her to aid me in removing the effect. I can try to remove it from you on my own, but I don't know for certain if it will work."
-
>"Something's wrong, isn't it? When you try to think about Satori, something happens. Your thoughts are... blocked, somehow."
>"The same thing happened with Lily. Together, she and I were able to remove this effect. If you'd like, I can try to remove it from you, although I cannot promise success, as her situation and yours may not be identical. In particular, you likely do not have the same... potential, I suppose, as Lily does. That potential is what allowed her to aid me in removing the effect. I can try to remove it from you on my own, but I don't know for certain if it will work."
>The leopard takes a cautious but quick step backwards.
-
>Sigh.
>"Your own 'Father' as you call him, has shown himself to me. If I meant any harm to any of you, do you think he would have granted me such an honor? You may not trust me, but you know you can trust him."
-
>Sigh.
>"Your own 'Father' as you call him, has shown himself to me. If I meant any harm to any of you, do you think he would have granted me such an honor? You may not trust me, but you know you can trust him."
>The cat isn't making this easy...
>She extends one of her rear legs backwards, then freezes again. Once again she tries to speak, but her mouth will not move.
-
>"I can try to help you. If you truly don't want me to, then I won't, but I would ask that you let me at least try."
-
>"I can try to help you. If you truly don't want me to, then I won't, but I would ask that you let me at least try."
>The leopard does not move.
>Hideo carefully approaches the large predatory feline, and walks around her, looking her up and down. "I think she's trapped." he says at last.
-
>"Then I must do what I can to help her."
>Approach her and touch her with the ring.
-
>"Then I must do what I can to help her."
>Approach her and touch her with the ring.
>"Good luck. ... Is what you say here, isn't it?"
>The leopard's body tenses up even more as you approach her. Her muscles shift, but she remains immobile. The only things on her that move are her eyes, which follow you very warily. She seems afraid of you. Very afraid, even. You are certain that, if she could move, she would either strike at you or flee from you. But she needs your help, and her claws are a risk you're willing to take.
>Stepping around slightly to the side of the large predator, you place your ring on her flank. Instantly, a shooting pain flies up your arm, and you clench your teeth to keep yourself from yelling. The leopard is in pain, but it doesn't seem to be physical, rather mental, in nature. Even at this level of contact, you can sense her fear of you. Or rather, what you are.
-
>Push past that. Let her see the kind of person we are.
>And look for any sort of interference like we found in Lily's mind, too.
-
>Push past that. Let her see the kind of person we are.
>And look for any sort of interference like we found in Lily's mind, too.
>Bracing yourself against the pain the leopard feels, you open your own heart to her. To show her the purity of your intentions.
>This contact is remarkedly different than with Lily, and not just because the leopard doesn't have her own ring. She doesn't want you inside her. She doesn't want you NEAR her, let alone in this kind of contact with her. She does her best to keep her self concealed from you, but she can't mask her pain. It doesn't seem to be directed at you specifically, but there is something in her that has been wounded.
>Spotting the same power in her that Lily had is not hard. The veil of grey that was within Lily was relatively thin, but the one within the snow leopard is at least three times as big as that one, and a great deal denser. Whatever put that veil here spent a great deal more time, or effort, or both, on the snow leopard than on Lily. Penetrating this one is going to take some work, especially with the feline fighting you.
-
>Try to give the veil a metaphysical prod, and let her know that we can treat it. Everything will be fine.
-
>Try to give the veil a metaphysical prod, and let her know that we can treat it. Everything will be fine.
>Jabbing the grey curtain yields a different result than poking at the one in Lily. That one rippled like a curtain. This one is much more solid, and barely gives at all. You do, however, have a brief vision in your mind's eye. For an instant, you find yourself looking at a sickly orange wall from behind thick steel bars, a feeling of fatigue and weakness, and a sense of despair.
>The snow leopard returns your encouragement with fear, but you also sense an undercurrent of confusion, directed at both the wall within her psyche, and at you.
-
>She may be concealing herself from us, but we will leave ourself open, show her beyond any doubt that we mean her no harm. We will likely need her aid to remove the veil, so we must first show her everything we are, proove to her that we only want to help.
-
>She may be concealing herself from us, but we will leave ourself open, show her beyond any doubt that we mean her no harm. We will likely need her aid to remove the veil, so we must first show her everything we are, proove to her that we only want to help.
>Leaving yourself bare before the mind's eye of the snow leopard, you invite her to behold yourself and who you are.
>"I do not... understand." the feline stammers out. "You are... human, are you not?"
-
>"Are you the same person as others of your kind? Humans, youkai, animals such as yourself, all of us are individuals. We are not defined by others of our kind, but by ourselves."
-
>"Are you the same person as others of your kind? Humans, youkai, animals such as yourself, all of us are individuals. We are not defined by others of our kind, but by ourselves."
>"No human has ever cared for me beyond what I could give them. Entertainment, food, power, that is what humans use the creatures of the world for. That's how they use everything, even other humans."
-
>"Many of us are like that, yes, but not all of us."
>"This discussion can wait. Right now, we must cast aside this veil."
-
>"Many of us are like that, yes, but not all of us."
>"This discussion can wait. Right now, we must cast aside this veil."
>"I feel it now. What is that?"
-
>"It is what prevents you from speaking about Satori, and what is holding your body in place. I think I can remove it, but only with your aid. To start, push against it with me."
>Push at the veil the same way we just did.
-
>"It is what prevents you from speaking about Satori, and what is holding your body in place. I think I can remove it, but only with your aid. To start, push against it with me."
>Push at the veil the same way we just did.
>"But.... Al.. All right..." the feline murmurs.
>Reaching forth with your will again, you poke the thick grey material spread over the snow leopard's mind. In your mind's eye, a swirl of grey wind and dirty snow appears by your side, forming itself into the mental self of the leopard. She, like you, reaches out with her paw and brushes the grey veil.
>Once again, you see the orange wall and steel bars before your eyes, and are assailed by a pervading sense of despair and hopelessness as you rest upon a floor made of splintery wood and needle-like straw. The snow leopard's acceptance of you, thin though it may be, offers an insight into that vision. It is her memory you see. One of them, anyway, and you have a sense that there are many, many more like it.
-
>Does the memory seem to hold any source of the veil, or does it just seem to be a thing that was hidden?
-
>Does the memory seem to hold any source of the veil, or does it just seem to be a thing that was hidden?
>The memory seems to be a part of the veil, but not its source, at least as far as you can tell.
-
>Look around, and try to sense where the source may be, if there is one.
-
>Look around, and try to sense where the source may be, if there is one.
>Taking a moment to conentrate, you examine the veil more closely. It seems to have been woven within and around the memories of the snow leopard. Its thickness may be being reinforced by her painful memories.
-
>"Thank you for trusting me. Can you lead me to Satori?"
-
>"Thank you for trusting me. Can you lead me to Satori?"
>The snow leopard considers your request, then nods in a rather human-like way. "I believe I can."
-
>"Then please, if you would."
-
>"Then please, if you would."
>"Will you remove your hand from my side?"
-
>Nod, and do so.
-
>Nod, and do so.
>Taking your ring away from the snow leopard brings you fully back to reality, away from the pain of the felines memories. The female cat's fur ripples at the loss of contact between you, and she sags slightly in relief. Pulling herself together, her eyes, now lacking the intensity they shone with when she first arrived, join with yours for a moment, before she turns away from you and begins to walk.
>Hideo the fox, giving the leopard some room to move past him, looks at you and asks, "What about Kiku?"
-
>"I imagine we'll find each other when this is all done. If you see her, it would be kind of you to direct her toward me."
-
>"I imagine we'll find each other when this is all done. If you see her, it would be kind of you to direct her toward me."
>"And where will you be?" Hideo asks, of both you and the leopard.
>"Satori is home. That is where I go." the snow leopard replies.
>"I'll point Kiku there, when she's back in this world."
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow the leopard.
>"May I ask your name?"
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow the leopard.
>"May I ask your name?"
>Walking past Hideo, you start to follow the big cat. She doesn't make this especially easy on you, as the pace she moves at is not a slow one, and you are rather tired.
>"I don't have a name." the snow leopard replies. "The other shrine maidens of the shrine may call me something, but it means nothing to me."
-
>"Is that how Hideo-the one who brought you to me-got his?"
-
>"Is that how Hideo-the one who brought you to me-got his?"
>"The shrine maidens name some of us that live in this forest, and that fox spends a lot of time near them."
-
>"I see."
>Continue on.
-
>"I see."
>Continue on.
>The snow leopard proceeds about another 10 or so feet, then stops abruptly. Which, you have to admit, is a bit of a relief. You almost had to jog to keep her in sight, and you're really not up to jogging right now. The lights of the temple are just now coming into view ahead, through the trees and plants. Not really enough to light your way, per se, but enough to act as a guide. You note that the sensation of the presence of the Tiger has faded a bit as you've moved closer to the shrine.
>"I will lose the ability to speak in your way as we get closer to the shrine. Father's presence weakens."
-
>"I understand."
>Continue.
-
>"I understand."
>Continue.
>The lights of the shrine offer a level of comfort, as you try, again, to keep pace with the feline in front of you. With your destination in range, you don't have to push your weary, fatigued body as hard as you had been. On the other hand, you try not to let the snow leopard get TOO far ahead of you, as it's still the middle of the night, and you're not close enough to the shrine to let its' illumination brighten the forest in front of you.
>After a few more minutes of brisk walking, the ambient light ahead of you grows brighter and brighter, enough to let you recollect the area ahead. You're approaching it from a different angle this time, but you're heading towards the small playground on the south side of the temple grounds. The faint smell of grilling meat wafts across your nose, carried by the cold breeze that washes across your exposed skin.
>Just as the feline said, the presence of age gets thinner and thinner as you go.
>She stops again as the area before you brightens enough to let your human eyes see well enough to make out the ground ahead of you. She turns and takes a few steps to the side as you pause to catch your breath.
-
>As soon as we're ready, continue on.
-
>As soon as we're ready, continue on.
>Gathering yourself, you set off again towards the shrine. The snow leopard, however, does not move as you approach her. She merely keeps her focus on the outline of the building ahead of you.
-
>"Are you coming?"
>Nod our head. "If you don't know the human gestures, do this for 'yes'."
>Shake our head. "And this for 'no'."
-
>"Are you coming?"
>Nod our head. "If you don't know the human gestures, do this for 'yes'."
>Shake our head. "And this for 'no'."
>The leopard shakes her head no.
-
Wait, should we be going toward Satori, given that it has been stated by the Metal Tiger that meeting Satori is a bad thing?
>Examine the building ahead of us.
-
>Examine the building ahead of us.
>There are too many trees in the way for you to get a clear view at this distance and at this level of light, but from here, the temple seems to be outwardly the same as when you were here earlier today.
>At least, for the most part. There seems to be a piece of cloth, or perhaps paper, hanging from the front of the temple with some kind of writing on it, but you can't make out the lettering from here.
-
>"Is that dangling thing important?"
-
>"Is that dangling thing important?"
>The leopard neither shakes nor nods her head.
-
>Proceed forward with caution and examine it more closely.
-
>Proceed forward with caution and examine it more closely.
>Taking care, you walk forwards towards the shrine. The going is slow, as you keep your eyes on the ground, or on the trees around you, moreso than the shrine itself. Never know what might be crawling around on the ground or on the bark around you. The snow leopard pads off to the west.
>As you draw closer to the shrine, you can see that the grounds are populated by a handful of shrine maidens, standing about halfway between the stairs and the shrine entrance. Two of them you met before, the overly emotional squirrel youkai and the miko with the long black hair and matching tail. The squirrel, whom you believe was named Risa, is carrying a homemade sign with lettering much like that on the banner. The figure on the roof is the short miko with dragonfly wings you exchanged a few words with before.
>Risa and the other shrine maiden are conversing with a very tall woman with a thick head of very long dark blonde hair. She seems to be wearing an odd cloak of gold and brown over her blue leggings, but you recognize it instead as a pair of wings, wrapped around her torso. Some youkai do that sometimes to keep their wings clean, or to keep warm or keep their wings from bumping into things.
>The writing on the banner is a hand-painted message in big black letters that reads "Welcome home, Kiku onee-sama!"
-
>Hmm?
>Walk over to the maidens and the winged youkai.
-
We did take pains to come in here undetected, and it'll look hella weird if we just come out of the woods. Let's think about this for a minute.
>Rather than approach them immediately and possibly cause problems, take a moment to consider the situation. Could they see us if they looked over?
>Does Cloakwings look familiar at all?
-
>Hmm?
>Walk over to the maidens and the winged youkai.
>Rather than approach them immediately and possibly cause problems, take a moment to consider the situation. Could they see us if they looked over?
>Does Cloakwings look familiar at all?
>You are partially concealed behind a tree, but not enough to provide total concealment. As a matter of fact, the squirrel is looking your way already, but she doesn't seem to be paying attention to the area beyond the two women around her.
>She herself does not, but the blue coloring, with reddish hem, and styling of her leggings does. It seems to be the lower half of the attire of a shrine maiden of the south shrine.
-
>Which shrine was Lily transferring to?
-
>Which shrine was Lily transferring to?
>She planned on transferring to the south shrine.
-
>This is a bit much of a coincidence. It's too late for this to likely be normal shrine business, and that thing said 'Welcome back, Kiku'. But she hasn't been anywhere, has she? Except for with us, of course.
>Approach casually.
-
>This is a bit much of a coincidence. It's too late for this to likely be normal shrine business, and that thing said 'Welcome back, Kiku'. But she hasn't been anywhere, has she? Except for with us, of course.
>Approach casually.
>Your curiosity getting the better of you, you walk out from behind your partial cover and head towards the edge of the woods.
>The squirrel becomes aware of your presence before the other two and aims a big smile in your direction. She says something, probably your name, and the other two turn their heads to look in your direction. The black haired youkai gives Risa a quick elbow in the ribs and seems to gesture with her head. The squirrel looks quizzical, then, her face surprised, hides her sign behind her back.
-
>"Hello. I hope I'm not inturrupting anything."
-
>"Hello. I hope I'm not inturrupting anything."
>"No! Not really, kinda, naw." Risa rambles out. The miko with the black hair gives her another jolt in the ribs, then looks at you, surprise plain on her face.
>"Welcome back, Byakuren." she manages, trying to sound formal but not quite getting there.
>The winged youkai nods at you. "It's not common for one to arrive at a temple from that direction." she comments in a deep, full voice.
-
>"Long story."
>Indicate the sign. "I didn't realize Kiku had gone anywhere."
-
>"Long story."
>Indicate the sign. "I didn't realize Kiku had gone anywhere."
>"I'll bet."
>Risa sweatdrops. "Yeah, uh, she does that!"
-
>She was there earlier today, was she not?
>"How long has she been gone?"
-
>She was there earlier today, was she not?
>"How long has she been gone?"
>Both Risa and her black-haired Sister were there earlier today, and enjoyed your performance. Risa, in fact, was rather blubbery after you were done. According to her fellow shrine maidens, she is 'overly emotional'.
>Risa curls her eyes and starts muttering numbers, but the youkai with the tail supplies, "A few hours now, why?"
-
>Glance toward the sign. "Do you do this often?"
-
>Glance toward the sign. "Do you do this often?"
>"First time for me." Risa says with a smile.
>The black haired youkai looks around behind you. "Is the Eagle out there, too?"
-
>"I don't think so, but the world is full of surprises."
>Idly glance around, does anything stand out that may fill the criteria of what we were searching for, aside from the unknown youkai?
-
>"I don't think so, but the world is full of surprises."
>Idly glance around, does anything stand out that may fill the criteria of what we were searching for, aside from the unknown youkai?
>By 'what you were searching for', did you mean Satori?
-
>Yes. It's to find her that we came here. It seems that she's been messing with the minds of her maidens, and those of the animals. Someone needs to put a stop to this.
-
>"I don't think so, but the world is full of surprises."
>Idly glance around, does anything stand out that may fill the criteria of what we were searching for, aside from the unknown youkai?
>Yes. It's because of her that we came here.
>"Yeah, that it is." the black haired miko agrees, still looking at the woods behind you. "Did you meet anyone, anything, out there? There's a lot of animals that live in the forest around here. Not all of which like two-legs in their territory."
>Satori does not seem to be present.
-
>"The ones I came across were friendly enough."
>"Is Satori in? I have business with her. And yes, it's important."
-
Wait, what?
Aren't we supposed to be specifically avoiding her on the literal word of god?
-
You're the one who asked the leopard to lead us to Satori. If you didn't intend to meet her, then what was the point?
-
>"The ones I came across were friendly enough."
>"Is Satori in? I have business with her. And yes, it's important."
>The shrine maiden looks relieved. "Good to hear."
>"Ah, that's what you're doing here?" the shrine maiden asks, then answers her own question. "I probably should have guessed that. But I'm afraid she's in a meeting right now-"
>"Yuyuko came!" Risa butts in, prompting a bit of a wince from her fellow miko.
-
I asked the leopard about what was causing the problem, and it lead us here. I didn't say a word about meeting Satori; and rather indicated the opposite during that conversation.
-
>"Thank you for trusting me. Can you lead me to Satori?"
What was your intent here, then?
-
That was digging through memories, as I understood it, not going through actual meatspace to meet actual Satori.
-
I think Sour misunderstood you, then. As did I.
-
Yeah, seems that way. =I
-
I say we play it as is. What was is Kilga said in Nue Quest? Something about if you fuck up, take it and run with it. I say let's do that.
-
I dunno. Running into Satori now would be a bad thing.
BUT!!!
If we learn were Satori is, and go where she isn't...
-
Well, whatever. Do your thing, then.
-
We'll consider Satori something to avoid at this point.
> Are we sensing anything weird from Wingly here?
-
> Are we sensing anything weird from Wingly here?
>None of the shrine maidens give off any sensations that you would describe as 'werid'.
>Oh, wait, that's not quite true. The tall winged youkai DOES have a faint sense of power about her, not entirely dissimilar to Kiku. It's barely discernible, but it's there.
-
>Is what we're feeling from here more like the power Kiku displayed when fighting the youma, or is it more the power we drew out when confronting the demon?
-
>Is what we're feeling from here more like the power Kiku displayed when fighting the youma, or is it more the power we drew out when confronting the demon?
>More like the first, so far as you can determine.
-
Welp, we fucked up, let's take it and run with it!
>"Might I be allowed to enter?"
-
>"Might I be allowed to enter?"
>The black haired youkai swishes her tail back and forth and smiles. "Of course."
>"Everyone's welcome here!" Risa declares, skipping up behind her Sister and throwing her free arm around her.
>Her smile unwavering, the other miko adds, "If you want to see Komeji-sama, though, it might be a bit of a wait. The young Saigyouji mistress is here on business, and that can take some time. And, well, Sawashiro-sama was waiting as well, and on business, too."
-
Haha, you made my kind of typo.
>Nitori? Curious... Do we know anything she's been up to that might involve her meeting with the likes of Satori?
>"Thank you."
>Consider the shrine for a moment. Does anything about it feel off?
-
Haha, you made my kind of typo.
>Nitori? Curious... Do we know anything she's been up to that might involve her meeting with the likes of Satori?
>"Thank you."
>Consider the shrine for a moment. Does anything about it feel off?
Beg your pardon?
>Nothing comes to mind. Traditionally, people come to see Satori on matters of love, and as far as you know, Nitori is currently single and has no plans to change that.
>As you pass your senses over the shrine, you feel your mind brush against something, almost like walking through a spiderweb. It's a very curious sensation, and a somewhat uncomfortable one.
-
>Can we discern anything about this sensation without brushing it again?
-
>Send to Kiku: Kiku, it has become necessary for me to meet Satori directly. I will keep you informed. And I'll let you know if I require assistance.
-
>Can we discern anything about this sensation without brushing it again?
>It's not quite like anything you've felt before. And it seems to have had a slightly detrimental effect as well, as your mind feels slightly muddled. More muddled anyway, as you were very tired before. In fact, you feel more tired now, as well, than you did before.
>Send to Kiku: Kiku, it has become necessary for me to meet Satori directly. I will keep you informed. And I'll let you know if I require assistance.
>There is no reply.
-
>We already know she can't reply to us mentally, but do we feel that she heard us, or does it feel like our message was blocked?
-
>We already know she can't reply to us mentally, but do we feel that she heard us, or does it feel like our message was blocked?
>You sense no indication that she heard you. By the same token, you have no sense she didn't, either. It felt like your message was sent, and didn't SEEM to be obstructed, but whether or not it reached its target, there's no way to be sure.
-
It's not really necessary anyways.
>Disguising it as admiring the sky for a moment, let's try to stretch our senses again, this time let's see if we can avoid that thing and find if there is anything else of interest.
-
>Disguising it as admiring the sky for a moment, let's try to stretch our senses again, this time let's see if we can avoid that thing and find if there is anything else of interest.
>Clarification request. By 'that thing', you mean that sensation you got by scanning the shrine, correct?
-
>Yeah, that.
-
>Yeah, that.
>Stretching out your senses again as you gaze up towards the cloud-covered night sky, you sweep around the shrine this time, not wanting another dose of whatever hit you before. But the only thing that feels slightly out of place is the faint sense of magical power coming from the tall youkai with the wings. Who shivers slightly as your 'radar' passes over her again.
>"Ah, I know!" Risa starts, yelling a little, causing her sister to wince slightly. "You came back to see Hideo again, din'cha, din'cha??" she asks of you.
-
>"...Among other things."
-
>"...Among other things."
>"Oooohh, likewhat?" the squirrel asks enthusiastically.
-
>"Matters that must be discussed with Satori in private."
-
>"Matters that must be discussed with Satori in private."
>The squirrel's mouth telescopes out in an 'O' as she emits another "Ooohhhhhh, little guy's been a bad fox?"
>"Now, Risa, she said 'private'." the black haired miko admonishes her, but in a friendly tone.
>Risa gives her sister a wide eyed look. "Sorry, Koko."
>The tall youkai behind them takes a few steps towards you. "We may as well head inside, miss. You look like you could use a seat."
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow her in.
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow her in.
>"Good to see you again!" Risa cries, waving her tail after you friendily as you start to walk towards the western shrine, the winged youkai walking besides you.
>A nagging suspicion tingles at the back of your mind as the Tiger's words run through your mind again. He was so afraid of what would happen if you met Satori, you can't help but wonder if this is entirely the right move.
>"You seem familiar, miss." the winged miko says as you ruminate. "If you don't mind me asking, have you done any modelling?"
-
>"Some, yes."
-
>"Some, yes."
>The winged youkai ponders that for a moment, then smiles. "Ah, now I remember, Bya- Ah, my apologies." she cuts herself off, giving you a polite nod. "Haruka Sawashiro, shrine maiden of the shrine of the Fire Bird." she introduces herself.
-
Man, I get sick for one day... You know, we weren't obligated to continue telling people we wanted to see Satori, right? Because we kinda don't?
>"It's a pleasure."
>Have we ever been to that shrine? Or know anything of note about it?
-
>"It's a pleasure."
>Have we ever been to that shrine? Or know anything of note about it?
>"Likewise."
>You've only been to the south shrine once, with Yuyuko and Youmu, almost a month ago. You know it is devoted to the Red Fire Bird, who is the Matron of the Beasts of the Air. All winged animals owe their creation to her, so the religion states. The tengu will not say if this involves them or not. Youmu is the head miko there, but apart from her, winged youkai seemed to make up the bulk of the mikos there, from what you saw. It was one of the three shrines to be completely rebuilt along with the city.
>You know that the Saigyouji group is the main financial supporter of that shrine, to the point where some people say they own the shrine outright, in all but paperwork. And that their shrine maidens largely have a good reputation about town.
>Now that you think about, you believe you saw Haruka here when you were there before. She was speaking to a pair of shorter mikos at the time, you never met her. But you did remark at her impressive height and wingspan, which you saw unfurled that day. She may have the largest wingspan of any winged youkai you'd ever seen, obviously a large bird, before her ascension.
-
>"I've been to your shrine before, once. Thinking on it, I may have seen you at a distance. What's it like there?"
>Continue to look around casually, and see if anything else pricks at our senses, but don't actively cast them out like we were doing beforehand.
>Are we heading toward or away from that one anomaly?
-
>"I've been to your shrine before, once. Thinking on it, I may have seen you at a distance. What's it like there?"
>Continue to look around casually, and see if anything else pricks at our senses, but don't actively cast them out like we were doing beforehand.
>Are we heading toward or away from that one anomaly?
>The tall youkai chuckles a quiet chuckle. "That's a broad question, Hijiri-san." she says with a smile. "What would you like to hear about?"
>You have a glance around the vicinity of yourself and the shrine as you and the winged miko head towards the building of the shrine. But nothing stands out to your eye, apart from the dragonfly-winged miko sitting on the roof of the shrine. And nothing tingles your extrasensory perception, either, not even the sense of magical power you partially detected from Haruka earlier. It seems you need to actively scan with more intent to detect that particular sensation.
>The anomaly you sensed before seemed to be coming from somewhere inside the shrine, or perhaps from the shrine itself, so you would be heading towards it.
-
>Try to actively scabn Haruka with a bit more gentleness this time, so as not to disturb whatever is reacting.
>"Mmm, well, let's start with day to day life?"
-
>Try to actively scabn Haruka with a bit more gentleness this time, so as not to disturb whatever is reacting.
>"Mmm, well, let's start with day to day life?"
>Hoping to avoid whatever clouded your mind the last time, you send out your will, with more care and subtlety, towards the shrine maiden besides you.
>"Ah, the simple things." The miko sighs with another smile. "Well, in a large number of ways, life at the shrine isn't all that different than life in a home. That's what it is, after all- Our room. We take breakfast together-"
>She stops as your senses pass over her, registering that sense of power again, and the youkai ruffles her feathers as though she was struck by a cold flash. She partially unfurls her wings as her eyes cast about. "What was that?" you hear her mutter.
-
Yeah, looks like we can't stare at Abysses without the staring back. IT IS GOOD THAT WE'VE LEARNED THIS NOW.
>"Is it as populated as this shrine?"
-
>"Is it as populated as this shrine?"
>"Huh?" The miko replies, then blinks and shakes her head. "Uh, perhaps a little more, uh... Sorry, I got a bit distracted there..." She looks around. "I thought I felt someone watching me, for a moment."
-
>Grin. "Well, I was. Anyways, as you were saying?"
-
>Grin. "Well, I was. Anyways, as you were saying?"
>"That's not..." she trails off, then breaths a small laugh. "I suppose that's true, isn't it? My apologies."
>The two of your continue on towards the shrine, which you are very close to now, and though you still have no sense of whatever came over you before, you can't help but be worried about it, and more.
>"Where was I... Ah, yes, daily life. Our shrine has more of a defined schedule, if you will, than this shrine or Suika's. Partly because of our numbers, and partly because of the leadership there. For many years, the elders of the southern shrine have been rather detail-oriented people, and that includes our current leader, Konpaku-sama." The tall miko smiles, showing pride. "She's very young. I think she's actually the youngest head the temple has ever known, but she conducts herself with competence, confidence and skill. I'm proud to serve with her as her second."
>"If you don't mind me asking, though, she's a very serious young woman, in all matters. Is she like that in school, as well?"
-
>Is she? What do we know about her?
-
>Is she? What do we know about her?
>Youmu Konpaku is a third year at Mayoiga high, like yourself. You often see Youmu and Yuyuko together in school, as the Konpakus have been attached to the Saigyojis for generations. Youmu still seems to consider herself subservient to the Saigyoujis, Yuyuko in particular. Yuyuko, however, once described the relationship between the two families as follows: "They used to be our servants. But we grew out of that, and now we're best friends!" As you recall, she promptly gave Youmu a glomp after saying that. Much to Youmu's embarrassment.
>You would describe Youmu as a very serious individual, very devoted to her duties and her studies. She's very young to be a head miko of a shrine, and a samurai on top of that, as she's known to be, but as near as you can tell, she handles her responsibilities very well. Perhaps too well, as you've often heard Yuyuko talking about some convaluted plan to get Youmu to loosen up a little. Youmu also seems to be a little naive, at times, about the world around her. Like mastering her responsibilities has come at the expense of world-savvy. Despite being a skilled swordsman, a studious student and chief miko of the southern shrine of Mayoiga, she seems rather innocent, at times. The effect is rather endearing, and while you're not especially close, you each consider the other a friend.
>The floating spectral half of her that follows her around denotes her as a 'half-ghost'. No one really seems to know how, exactly, this came about, and Youmu hasn't been forthcoming with any details on what this other half is or what function it serves. It's the subject of much talk and many rumors around your school, as one of the many curiosities and wonders the city of Mayoiga possesses.
-
>"By and large. Yuyuko seems to do what she can to keep Youmu from going too far, though. Or much further, depending on your perspective."
-
>"By and large. Yuyuko seems to do what she can to keep Youmu from going too far, though. Or much further, depending on your perspective."
>Haruka nods sagely. "The young mistress is almost a fixture at the shrine, as well. Bright young lady. She and Konpaku-sama suit each other well."
>You are now standing before the main entrance to the temple. You still have no sensation of anything being out of place, but you can detect the faint odor of meat cooking.
>"Our duties differ a bit, as well, as those from other temples." Haruka continues. "But, I'll spare you the more tedious of the details. The Fire Bird is the guardian of the air, and we consider it our duty to maintain the spiritual purity of the skies, if not the physical purity. A temple can only do so much about atmospheric pollutants, after all, and we accept this."
-
>Nod.
>"Out of curiosity, do you visit here often?"
-
>Nod.
>"Out of curiosity, do you visit here often?"
>"Nearly all my visits to the other shrines are matters of official business. Sai.... Yuyuko, says I need to get out more, too." she says with an amused smile. "As a matter of fact, that's why I'm here tonight, to settle a little bit of business. It could have waited until morning, but, I was told Komeji-sama was all right with it, so, I came."
>"I am curious myself, as well, if I may. This shrine doesn't see a large number of guests at this time of night, I know, and even fewer people that visit coming through the surrounding woods."
-
>"Mmm, let's say it was some personal business, and leave it at that. Are you familiar with Miss Komeiji?"
>We've never really met Satori, right, and just know of her by reputation?
-
>We've never really met Satori, right, and just know of her by reputation?
>You did, in fact, meet Satori once, after your meeting with the Tiger.
>"Mmm, let's say it was some personal business, and leave it at that. Are you familiar with Miss Komeiji?"
>"Indeed. I've served in this town for three years, and have dealt with her often."
-
>"How has she been?"
-
>"How has she been?"
>"She's been a bit busier than normal, over the past few weeks. One of the things I've known Komeji-sama is to work with the police force of the country. She offers work terms and community service to those that have been jailed or probated, and, as you can probably guess, those kinds of people need a bit more attention than the average shrine maiden. There is one such person working here already, and I believe she has plans to offer a work term to another. This process is a bit involved, as you might expect."
>"But she never seems to take on more work than she can handle, so, I know she's handling things well. I have hoped that some of that might influence Konpaku-sama, but, she is still young, and has much yet to learn."
-
>"Ah, it's good to know she can handle such things with grace."
-
>"Ah, it's good to know she can handle such things with grace."
>"And she's very reliable in the area of helping people sort out their own problems outside of the law, as well. Whatever problem you came here with, I have little doubt that Komeji-sama can help you resolve it." the winged youkai assures you.
-
>"She sounds astounding. I wonder how she finds time for it all?"
-
>"She sounds astounding. I wonder how she finds time for it all?"
>"One does not become the head of a Shrine without being good at it."
>Haruka smiles slightly. "Some might wonder how you manage to be an A-level student, and a model, and performer all at once."
-
>Smile slightly as well, but with a faint look of realization. "I get it now. Careful scheduling."
-
>Smile slightly as well, but with a faint look of realization. "I get it now. Careful scheduling."
>"A wise and effective combination of words." the shrine maiden affirms. "Especially when you combine it with an adaptable and flexible mind." She gestures to the door to your left. "We can continue inside, if you'd rather sit down."
-
>"I wouldn't mind having a look around, if it is all the same to you."
-
>"I wouldn't mind having a look around, if it is all the same to you."
>"By all means. I should caution you, though, even though you came through there, not to get too close to the forest. It's not entirely safe at night."
-
>Nod.
>"I'll stay inside."
-
>Nod.
>"I'll stay inside."
>"Ah, you meant look around inside the building? My mistake."
-
>"Yes, but please don't think that I am chasing you off, unless you have other things to tend to?"
-
>"Yes, but please don't think that I am chasing you off, unless you have other things to tend to?"
>"Not until Yuyuko is finished, I'm to see Komeji-sama after her. But I do think that one of the Sisters here would make a much better guide than me for this temple."
>"At least, I believe they would still do that at this time of night."
-
>"Alright, I'll wander around for awhile, and see if anyone takes an interest."
-
>"Alright, I'll wander around for awhile, and see if anyone takes an interest."
>"As you wi-
>"Oh, I suppose I should mention now. Before I came here, Konpaku-sama informed me that The hall of the Sacred Flame is closed at the moment, by order of Komeji-sama."
>The mention of the flame jogs your memory. All four temples have a sacred flame burning in their main ceremony hall, a symbol of the spirits of the four corners of the world. It's unusual for this part of a temple to be off limits, barring a very special occasion or some kind of heavy structural damage.
-
>"Mmm, unusual. Did she say why?"
-
>"Mmm, unusual. Did she say why?"
>"No, she didn't. But I wouldn't be worried, there's a number of reasons for such a closure. Repairs, a reservation for a special event, even a ritual unique to this shrine. All four shrines have rituals and practices unique to themselves."
-
>Nod.
>"Do the rituals tend to be as spontaneous as you imply?"
-
>Nod.
>"Do the rituals tend to be as spontaneous as you imply?"
>"It depends on the shrine, and the nature of the ritual in question."
-
>Nod.
>"I suppose seeing a locked room just makes one curious."
-
>Nod.
>"I suppose seeing a locked room just makes one curious."
>"They can have that effect on people. I'm sure one of the Sisters here would know the details, if you're curious. I simply haven't asked myself."
-
>"I think I may."
>If she has nothing to add, get to wandering. Let's try to stay away from where we felt that influence beforehand.
-
>"I think I may."
>If she has nothing to add, get to wandering. Let's try to stay away from where we felt that influence beforehand.
>The winged sister has nothing to add, so you enter into the temple before her.
>The antechamber of the temple is a whitewashed chamber with two pillars standing atop a quartet of stairs. There is a shoe rack to your left and right, where visitors leave their footwear. Slippers and sandals have been placed on top of the shoe racks for guests who do not wish to enter the temple in their socks or bare feet.
>At the top of the stairs there is one door to the west, two doors to the east, and two large double paper doors in the north wall. If this shrine is built like the Fire Bird shrine, those doors will contain the Sacred Flame hall. The closest door on the east has a bathroom symbol on it.
>Haruka enters behind you, removes her wooden sandals and places them in the shoe rack.
>You cannot determine from which direction the sensation you felt before was coming from, but the smell of cooking meat is coming from the east.
-
>Swap out shoes for sandals, then head east and follow the smell.
I have a plan. If we barge into the kitchen, then we'll just collect up some meat scraps for Letty's dog as an excuse for being there, and strike up a conversation.
-
>Swap out shoes for sandals, then head east and follow the smell.
>Finding a pair of wooden sandals your size, you exchange your shoes for them and make your way towards the east door, whilst Haruka makes for the west exit.
>The east corridor extends aproximately 45 feet in front of you, two modern wood doors on the left wall, one eight feet in front of you, one twenty five feet. Judging from the strength of the smell in the air, you would guess it is coming from the more distant door.
>The floors are made of tatami-covered bamboo, and the walls are old-fashioned wood and paper construction as well. Bamboo leaves decorate the right hand wall at six feet intervals, and the air holds their soft woody scent. The effect gives the temple a very old-fashioned feel, apart from the more modern doors to your left.
>There is a bronze-skirted shrine maiden standing outside the distant door, leaning against the wall, teenaged-looking with shoulder length brown hair, playing a PSP.
-
>Proceed, take time to appreciate the decor, glance through any open doors, and let the PSP-player take notice us if she desires.
-
>Proceed, take time to appreciate the decor, glance through any open doors, and let the PSP-player take notice us if she desires.
>All doors along the hallway are presently closed, so it doesn't take you long to close the distance between yourself and the target door, taking note of the small windows in the right hand wall between the bamboo plants.
>The young woman seems intent on her game, her tongue sticking slightly out of the corner of her mouth in focus. By the sound of things, she is playing Gitaroo Man. She is not, however, humming along with the tune, as Marissa does so very often.
-
>Try to stay quiet. No need to disturb her, especially if it's Born to be Bone...
>Does the hall end, or can we see more ahead?
-
>Try to stay quiet. No need to disturb her, especially if it's Born to be Bone...
>Does the hall end, or can we see more ahead?
>It is, indeed, Born to be Bone. Sounds like she's on one of the Yellow Sanbones phases.
>The hallway ends about twenty feet in front of you, and takes a left turn. There seems to be a sliding door just on the other side of this turn, and a large potted bamboo plant in the corner.
An empty picture frame hangs on the wall in this part of the corridor.
-
>Approach the sliding door and consider it.
-
>Approach the sliding door and consider it.
>You walk past the game-playing miko, giving her as wide a berth as you can as she transitions into one of the Sanbones' 'tower' phases.
>The door down the hallway is actually a large double door, and you can hear the sound of the wind blowing. You would guess this door leads to the outside.
-
>Presumably, we've felt nothing unusual in this hall?
>Does it feel like we've explored out most of the eastern wing, given what we've seen of the place from outside?
-
>Presumably, we've felt nothing unusual in this hall?
>Does it feel like we've explored out most of the eastern wing, given what we've seen of the place from outside?
>Nothing has tingled your senses for good or ill.
>There are three more doors down the corridor on the other side of this side door. Two of them are set in the left hand wall are the modern wooden doors, one about six feet in front of you, one a little more than ten. The one furthest from you is open.
>The third door stretches across the hallway about fifteen feet in front of you, and is a sliding paper door. This one is made of thicker paper than the others, and is decorated on both sides with a rendition of the White Tiger.
-
>Let's go peek into that open door. And let's consider the ones we pass along the way, and try to see if they give any hints as to what may be behind them.
-
>Let's go peek into that open door. And let's consider the ones we pass along the way, and try to see if they give any hints as to what may be behind them.
>Passing by the first door, you detect a whiff of meat coming from this one as well, as well as from the open door. You can hear the sound of dishes clinking slightly as you approach the open door. Perhaps this is an extension of the kitchen? The thicker decorated doors at the end of the hall yield no indication of what lies beyond them, unless you count the housefly resting on the right hand door as an indication of something.
>Correction, you do hear a faint sound coming from the other side of those doors. It sounds rather like snoring.
>Peeking into the open door yields a view of a dining hall of sorts, modern walls and flooring, colored grey, white and gold, mixed with lines of Yamato-style tables. The room is large enough, with enough seating space, to accommodate at least fifty people, maybe more. The door you passed appears to be an alternate entrance into this room. The northeast and southeast corners of the room are decorated with small brass statutes, depicting a stag and a mountain lion, respectively. The north wall is decorated with banners, five of them, commemorations victories at the Four Corners Athletic Meet. This is a sports competition between the four shrines that takes place every four years that doesn't get a great deal of attention from the public, but you've come to understand is very important to the mikos. According to Hatate, this lack of attention is on purpose, but she doesn't know why. Knowing her, she's still trying to figure this out.
>The dishes sound is being produced by Chie, who is in the process of setting down glasses and plates.
-
>Head inside, so we don't ruin PSP-girl
>"Hey, want some help?"
-
>Head inside, so we don't ruin PSP-girl
>"Hey, want some help?"
>Chie looks up in surprise at your voice. "Byakuren?" her amazement very evident. "You back? Why you back at night?"
-
>"Just finishing up a few things. Would you like some help?"
-
>"Just finishing up a few things. Would you like some help?"
>"Uh...." Chie looks at the tables around her, and back at the door behind her, where the smell of cooking is coming from. "Chie doesn't have chopsticks yet." she offers.
-
>Nod.
>"Alright, I'll get those."
>Move to do so.
-
>Nod.
>"Alright, I'll get those."
>Move to do so.
>Neko miko Chie points with her tail to the door behind her. "Second shelf on right, blue cabinet. Need eight sets, Chie thinks."
>Armed with her directions, you head into the kitchen itself. Despite the size of the dining hall, the kitchen is the sort you'd see in a good sized home, rather than something grandiose. A pair of shrine maidens are in evidence here, aprons shielding their robes. One is standing with her back to you in front of an over, while the other is standing side on to you at the large sink, rinsing off green grapes and putting them in a bowl. Both have feline ears and tails, but their color schemes are a bit different. The long hair, braided to one side, and tail of the slender one standing by the stove is as black as midnight, her right ear is pierced with a small gold hoop, and a blood red ribbon accentuates her tail. Her hakama is silver colored, like Kiku's, but cut a bit shorter, and her top is sleeveless.
>The other miko, copper-skirted, sports a color scheme in her hair and fur virtually identical to the snow leopard you met outside, even has the same color eyes. She is not as tall as her counterpart, and her expression is severe, like she treats her simple kitchen task as one of critical importance. And unlike her fellow miko, this one looks to have seen some action. A small piece of her right ear is missing, there is a scar at her right temple and on her right forearm below her elbow. There seems to be what looks like a small burned patch near the base of her tail. And there is a black leather collar fastened around her neck.
-
>"Hello, I'm just helping Chie out a little, I hope that's not a problem?"
>Go grab the stuff if they do not object.
-
>"Hello, I'm just helping Chie out a little, I hope that's not a problem?"
>Go grab the stuff if they do not object.
>The leopard glances over at you out of the corner of her eye, and nods sharply. Taking that as an affirmative, you approach the right side of the room, find the blue cabinet indicated by Chie, and open it. The first shelf is lined with glassware, while the second shelf holds a collection of ceramic chopstick sets of varying design and color. Chie asked for a total of sixteen, so you acquire that number, seperating them between both of your hands.
>The black haired miko spares you a glance as you turn around. "A guest is a rare thing at this hour," she purrs in a low voice. "Even rarer one that finds her way into the kitchen." She sniffs the air. "You must be one of Chie's friends."
-
>"Well, a new friend. We've only met earlier today, but we've crossed paths a couple times."
-
>"Well, a new friend. We've only met earlier today, but we've crossed paths a couple times."
>The shrine maiden eyes you with one of her deep purple eyes. "Ah, yes, I thought that voice was familiar, you were the young human who performed with the Eagle some hours ago."
-
>"Guilty as charged. I hope we didn't wake you up or somesuch."
-
>"Guilty as charged. I hope we didn't wake you up or somesuch."
>"I was only dozing." she purrs, reaching out and turning the heat down on the ground beef sizzling in the pan in front of her. "I'm nocturnal." She turns to you and gives you a small bow. "Isumi Hayami, silver-level shrine maiden." She gestures to her fellow feline miko. "This is Anya, a bronze." the leopard nods sharply again.
-
>Bow in return. "I am Byakuren Hijiri. It's a pleasure."
-
>Bow in return. "I am Byakuren Hijiri. It's a pleasure."
>"We are curious, though. It is rare that one visits our shrine twice in one day." She pauses, her ear twitches slightly, then continues, "My sisters told me of what transpired earlier. Is that newborn youkai the reason for your return?"
-
>"Among other things, I had a little private business to tend to as well. Right now, I'm just passing time until it can be handled and looking around."
-
>"Among other things, I had a little private business to tend to as well. Right now, I'm just passing time until it can be handled and looking around."
>"Ahhh, you are here to see Satori, then."
-
>Put a finger to our lips. "Shhh."
-
>Put a finger to our lips. "Shhh."
>The black haired miko chuckles a purring chuckle, but her companion merely grunts once, sharply. "Yes, you're right, Anya." the talkative one says with a nod. Her slightly lopsided smile returns as she says to you, in a somewhat exaggerated tone, "Private, yes. My apologies."
>"Rather than have you grunt at me again, Anya, I'll ask her first." she continues. The leopard-colored miko merely nods, and Isumi says to you, "May I ask how you arrived back here?"
-
>"I took a long way around, so to speak."
-
>"I took a long way around, so to speak."
>"Indeed." she says sideways. You have the distinct impression she knows there's more to the story than that. Anya exhales sharply, though, which seems to settle Isumi down a bit. "Well, that's good enough for me. Guests may be rare at this time of night, but all are welcome here."
-
>"Thank you. I've been rather overwhelmed with all the kindness here."
-
>"Thank you. I've been rather overwhelmed with all the kindness here."
>"Satori will be pleased to hear that. I must ask, does that include from Eagle, as well? I understand you..." Isumi asks, but she trails off and holds up her finger as her ear twitches again. "Excuse me a moment." Very quietly, very slowly, she creeps towards the door on the left of the room, which leads out into the hallway you came down, and pulls it open inwards very slowly. The miko in the hallway seems to have overcome the Sanbones and moved on to Gregorio.
>Anya lets out a breath and shakes her head slightly. She then looks at you out of the corner of her eye, and points to the large fridge just to your right with her tail. "Bag of cherries." she says in a voice colored by a moderate Moscovich accent. Then she glances at your full hands. "Never mind." she corrects herself, flicking some water off her hands then picking up a small towel next to her, drying off her hands.
-
>Shift the chopsticks to out offhand, fetch cherries.
-
>Shift the chopsticks to out offhand, fetch cherries.
>With a bit of juggling, you transfer your load to your left hand. Pays to have hands a bit larger than the average girl sometimes. With your now free right hand, you open the fridge door and locate the small satchel containing the indicated fruit, and walk it forward to the copper skirted miko. The feline accepts it with her left hand, which you note, somewhat disturbingly, has no fingernails, and a small surgical scar at the back of her wrist.
>"Spazeba." she says as she accepts the fruits.
-
>"You're welcome."
-
>"You're welcome."
>"You speak Moscovian." she says, sounding slightly impressed as she turns back to the sink, placing the bag down on the counter to its side.
>From the open door where Isumi went there comes a small noise of surprise. "You're getting better, Maiko." Isumi says complimentarily.
>"In the middle of a charge, Isumi?" the other miko demands.
>"Would you have preferred during a defense?" the feline shrine maiden purrs.
-
>"Not so much that as there isn't much else one would say, and I suspected you wouldn't say 'Eat dirt' just then."
-
>"Not so much that as there isn't much else one would say, and I suspected you wouldn't say 'Eat dirt' just then."
>"You are generous." she says, reaching out to her left and pulling a ceramic bowl down from the cabinet.
>Isumi walks back over to the stove at this point and adjusts the heat on the beef again, while stirring it with a flat wooden spoon. "As I was saying, Hijiri-san. When you left here this afternoon, you took the Eagle with you. I'm curious what sort of deals she made with you, but if those are private as well, then I understand."
-
>Start sorting the chopsticks back into both hands.
>"I needed her help to find something, and she was very suitable for the task."
-
>"As they say, 'the right person for the right job'. And when it comes to finding things, she's good at that."
>Smile a bit. "That, and unlike most, I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt."
-
>Don't add the last part, no need to needle them just yet. And certainly not so blatantly.
-
>Start sorting the chopsticks back into both hands.
>With a little more juggling, you divide your load between two hands again. You have to catch yourself before dropping one set, though. Your fatigue is starting to affect your dexterity a bit.
>"I needed her help to find something, and she was very suitable for the task."
>"As they say, 'the right person for the right job'. And when it comes to finding things, she's good at that."
>Smile a bit. "That, and unlike most, I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt."
>Don't add the last part, no need to needle them just yet. And certainly not so blatantly.
>"She is definitely that." Isumi agrees as she opens the cabinet to her left, revealing a decent sized spice rack. "Finding things is something she does very well."
>Anya mutters something in Moscovian that doesn't sound too complimentary.
>"Did she find it yet?" Isumi asks. "She seems to always get what she's after, but it can take time sometimes."
-
>"It was found, yes."
>To Anya: "Give her a chance. She may surprise you."
-
>"It was found, yes."
>To Anya: "Give her a chance. She may surprise you."
>"That's what I've been telling you, Sister." Isumi agrees with you. "They're not all as bad as the ones in Moscovich."
>Anya pulls her lips back and snarls, baring her fangs.
-
>"She may seem an unsavory sort, but it's in my nature to give her the benefit of the doubt."
-
>"She may seem an unsavory sort, but it's in my nature to give her the benefit of the doubt."
>"I have no more doubts." Anya snarls.
>"Satori trusts her, isn't that enough?" Isumi counters.
>"Satori controls her. Control is not trust."
-
>"Controls?"
-
>"Controls?"
>"She means that Satori doesn't let Eagle do anything, or make any wagers, that would harm this temple or any of us." Isumi informs you. "There's really nothing that goes on here that Satori isn't aware of."
-
>"I'm surprised she can keep Eagle on a leash like that."
-
>"I'm surprised she can keep Eagle on a leash like that."
>Isumi nods. "I used to think that way myself. She's not a tall woman, not a large woman, not a strong woman. I didn't used to think she had much power or control at all. I was wrong."
>"The mind is stronger than body in world of humans." Anya says. "Satori have strong mind."
-
>"So I see. Eagle's mind is not a thing I would underestimate, either..."
-
>"So I see. Eagle's mind is not a thing I would underestimate, either..."
>"There, we are in agreement." Anya says with a short nod.
>The human miko whom Isumi called Maiko enters then, placing her PSP in her pocket, as Isumi says to you, "Eagle's a cunning sort, yes, but I trust Satori. Even if Eagle is working an angle of her own, I believe Satori can keep her from doing us a mischief."
>"The Manari has to." the human chimes in. "She's here on probation, after all."
-
>"I think that repeating things such as that have a way of becoming a self fulfilling prophecy, don't you?"
-
>"I think that repeating things such as that have a way of becoming a self fulfilling prophecy, don't you?"
>Isumi and Maiko exchange a look. "What's that supposed to mean?" the youkai asks you.
-
>"Well, you say she must be up to something, and talk about her being here on probation as though it were some mark of immense shame. If I were in her position, and heard people saying things like that about me, it would give me severe doubts that I should even try to do anything, after seeing so many minds made up against me. What would be the point of trying to improve, if people have already made up their minds."
>Shrug.
>"One might as well just run out the clock, figure out how to avoid getting caught next time and not even bother trying anything else since it's doomed to fail."
-
>"Well, you say she must be up to something, and talk about her being here on probation as though it were some mark of immense shame. If I were in her position, and heard people saying things like that about me, it would give me severe doubts that I should even try to do anything, after seeing so many minds made up against me. What would be the point of trying to improve, if people have already made up their minds."
>Shrug.
>"One might as well just run out the clock, figure out how to avoid getting caught next time and not even bother trying anything else since it's doomed to fail."
>Isumi starts to say "Haven't you been-" but she is cut off sharply.
>Maiko's eyebrows narrow when she interrupts her fellow miko, "How dare you talk to shrine maidens that way. Just because you're Eagle's friend doesn't give you the right to talk to us so disrespectfully."
-
>Shake our head.
>"Forgive me. I meant not to insinuate that you actually feel this way, but rather if I were to hear people speaking this way while in her position, I would assume it's the case and find it very difficult not to just give up on trying to change."
-
>Shake our head.
>"Forgive me. I meant not to insinuate that you actually feel this way, but rather if I were to hear people speaking this way while in her position, I would assume it's the case and find it very difficult not to just give up on trying to change."
>Isumi places her hand on Maiko's shoulder. The human still looks upset, but she seems to settle down a little bit at the touch. "This is a good night, Maiko, let us not let defensiveness spoil it."
>"Sorry, Hayami-sama." Maiko mutters after a moment's contemplation.
>Isumi then says to you,"What you say makes sense, Byakuren." she says in a conversational tone. "And that's one of the upsides of her being here, as opposed to working at some other job. You see, Satori has done this before, offered youkai employment that have had trouble with the law of society. I have served here since she arrived, and I have seen many with Eagle's background spend time. Some with even worse backgrounds than her. And working here has done them all good. I won't tell you that all of them 'saw the light', to borrow the expression, but all of them left here as better people than when they arrived."
>"And until that happens," she adds, in Anya's direction, "Satori will keep an eye on her. Our elder helps people, and believes in second chances, but always makes sure to keep an eye on them in the meantime. She is as vigilant as she is wise. She lets people like Eagle be herself, without doing so at the expense of those that serve here."
-
>You hear the door open behind you, and then Chie's voice sounds, "Byakuren?"
-
>Nod. Then jump just the slightest bit. Not quite out of shock, but more of realization. "Oh yes, the chopsticks! I have them."
>"Well, I'll have to leave this discussion here for the time, I have to finish helping out after all."
-
>Nod. Then jump just the slightest bit. Not quite out of shock, but more of realization. "Oh yes, the chopsticks! I have them."
>"Well, I'll have to leave this discussion here for the time, I have to finish helping out after all."
>Isumi nods. "Of course. Just keep in mind what I said. Despite what Kiku might tell you, or what Anya fears- and she has her reasons- we have actually enjoyed the presence of the Eagle since she arrived. And she herself is in good hands with Satori."
>"Just wish she'd lose a bet now and then." Maiko mutters with a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
-
See what happens when I get sick? I forget things. Also, con weekend then more sick. Sorry =I
>"I'm glad to hear that. Pardon me."
>Head back and give Chie her chopsticks.
-
See what happens when I get sick? I forget things. Also, con weekend then more sick. Sorry =I
>"I'm glad to hear that. Pardon me."
>Head back and give Chie her chopsticks.
I took the opportunity to put more work into another game, and tweak episode three of this one a bit. Which, I might add, I sincerely hope to start before the new year, but, we're getting there.
>Chie retreats back into the other room as you follow after her shortly after. You hand her the utensils, but the feline youkai sniffs curiously as you come close to her. Accepting the chopsticks, she says, "Why do-" She cuts herself off suddenly, looking around you back towards the kitchen, then back to you. She finishes her thought in a voice little more than a whisper, "Why does Byakuren smell like Kiku?"
-
>"I was with her a little while ago. We had our evening meal together."
-
>"I was with her a little while ago. We had our evening meal together."
>"Oh." The young catgirl seems satisfied with that answer. "Smell not strong, didn't notice before. Chie is curious, did Kiku say why she will return to temple?
-
>"She had some other matters to take care of, we parted ways not too long ago really."
>Then smile in our usual warm and caring way. "She'll be back soon enough though, so just be patient."
-
>"She had some other matters to take care of, we parted ways not too long ago really."
>Then smile in our usual warm and caring way. "She'll be back soon enough though, so just be patient."
>Chie returns your smile. "That's good." The feline miko starts to lay the chopsticks down next to the other items she'd laid down. "Kiku was doing hard job outside temple. We're celebrating her good work." Glancing back at you, she adds, "Chie doesn't know if someone not a shrine maiden should stay. Celebration might be for us. But if Byakuren wants to stay, Chie can ask Isumi."
-
So I ran into Seamus and Damien Sandow today...
>"I probably shouldn't. I really have things I need to get done tomorrow. But I do intend to at least greet her."
>"If may ask, though, are Kiku and Miss Satori are close?"
-
So I ran into Seamus and Damien Sandow today...
>"I probably shouldn't. I really have things I need to get done tomorrow. But I do intend to at least greet her."
>"If may ask, though, are Kiku and Miss Satori are close?"
What's a Damien Sandow?
Wait... Isn't the guy who's supposedly the second coming of the Genius?
>"That is polite, I think. Did Kiku say when she get other matters taken care of?"
>"Kiku is the second to Komeji-sama at this temple." Chie informs you. "Kiku and Komeji-sama work together all the time. Chie doesn't think the temple would run as well as it does if Kiku and Komeji-sama did not work so well together."
-
That's the one. Intellectual Savior of the masses, and pretty much what I'd do if I were a pro wrestleman.
>"That is polite, I think. Did Kiku say when she get other matters taken care of?"
>"Kiku is the second to Komeji-sama at this temple." Chie informs you. "Kiku and Komeji-sama work together all the time. Chie doesn't think the temple would run as well as it does if Kiku and Komeji-sama did not work so well together."
>Nod.
>"I wonder if Kiku would be able to pick up the slack if miss Satori were to have a problem?"
-
That's the one. Intellectual Savior of the masses, and pretty much what I'd do if I were a pro wrestleman.
>Nod.
>"I wonder if Kiku would be able to pick up the slack if miss Satori were to have a problem?"
I thought CM Punk's angle was savoir of the masses?
Well, then again, I am behind the times.
>"Chie thinks she can. Kiku is smart and disciplined." You've noted that Chie tends to elongate her words that use more than two syllables, like she doesn't feel entirely comfortable using them yet. Except for Satori's name, that one she nails constantly. "Sisters say Kiku too disciplined..." She fumbles about for a moment, evidently looking for the right word, before settling on, "Strict, they say. Chie knows she is strict because she worries. Kiku cares for us. If Kiku had to take care of problems that Komeji-sama could not, Kiku could."
-
But he's not the intellectual savoir! Essentially, Damien Sandow is a parody of what stupid people think that smart people are like. He exists to troll them by getting them to react to the idea he's looking down at them, personally, and it's beautiful.
>"Ah, I take it that Kiku never really has had to step up and take Satori's place, then?"
-
But he's not the intellectual savoir! Essentially, Damien Sandow is a parody of what stupid people think that smart people are like. He exists to troll them by getting them to react to the idea he's looking down at them, personally, and it's beautiful.
>"Ah, I take it that Kiku never really has had to step up and take Satori's place, then?"
Sounds like the modern version of the Genius, all right. Can he wrestle, or is he all mic?
I'm trying to think now if WCW every had anyone like that... Been a lot of years.
>"Not while Chie has been here." The feline miko's ears twitch as she tilts her head to the side slightly. "Chie remembers. There was a day when Komeji-sama had the flu, and Kiku was leader for the day. Chie thinks Komeji-sama wanted to act as normal, but Kiku was worried for her health."
-
Damien's alright. But I'm not knowledgeable enough to tell someone who's good from someone who's just mediocre. He's better than Cena, anyways.
>"I see. Hopefully, then, nothing is troubling Satori these days."
-
Damien's alright. But I'm not knowledgeable enough to tell someone who's good from someone who's just mediocre. He's better than Cena, anyways.
>"I see. Hopefully, then, nothing is troubling Satori these days."
Better than Cena isn't hard to imagine.
Speaking of which, this Ryback guy I see now and then. Is it just me, or is he Goldberg 2.0?
>"Chie hasn't seen Komeji-sama as much as normal for some days. But Chie thinks there something on her mind. Komeji-sama has been quieter, she looks like she thinks hard about something, and hasn't seen as many visitors as she normally does."
>"That is her choice." she adds after a moment's pause.
-
According to my much more educated sister, Sandow is very good at what he does, which is ground and pound work. And yes, Ryback is exactly Goldberg.
>Nod.
>"Do you think anyone would know why?"
-
According to my much more educated sister, Sandow is very good at what he does, which is ground and pound work. And yes, Ryback is exactly Goldberg.
>Nod.
>"Do you think anyone would know why?"
>"Komeji-sama would." Chie says seriously.
-
>Nod.
>"But if she were having difficulty, it might add more to bother her about it. Do you think anyone else would know anything?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"But if she were having difficulty, it might add more to bother her about it. Do you think anyone else would know anything?"
>_
>"Chie thinks that if it is about the temple, Kiku would know. Isumi and Karura might know. Kiku is second elder but Isumi and Karura are below her."
>She thinks a moment more, then adds, in a quieter voice, "Chie thinks that Eagle might know what Komeji-sama is thinking on."
-
>"Eagle and I parted ways earlier. Unless she spends her nights here, I wouldn't know where she might be."
-
>Have we met Karura? Isumi was in the kitchen, right...
-
>"Eagle and I parted ways earlier. Unless she spends her nights here, I wouldn't know where she might be."
>Chie shakes her head. "I don't know where Eagle lives either. Komeji-sama would know."
>Have we met Karura? Isumi was in the kitchen, right...
>Isumi was indeed in the kitchen, but as far as you know, you've never met this Karura person.
-
>"I've met Isami, but not Karura."
-
>"I've met Isami, but not Karura."
>"Chie can check if Karura is home." the young youkai offers.
-
>"You could show me the way."
-
>"You could show me the way."
>Chie thinks about that for a moment. "I don't think that's a very good idea. Karura doesn't like strangers seeing her room unless Karura invites them."
-
>"Quite understandable I suppose, privacy is important after all."
>And for Lily, Kiku, and Us, that's truer now more than ever.
-
>"Quite understandable I suppose, privacy is important after all."
>And for Lily, Kiku, and Us, that's truer now more than ever.
>"Chie doesn't know why Karura is private. I haven't seen her room, either. Young mikos like Chie think Karura's room is very messy."
>Indeed it is.
>"Isumi is in the kitchen now. Byakuren could ask her if you are wondering?" Chie offers.
-
>Take note of that privateness.
>"Maybe."
>Glance that way. Can we see her? Does she look busy? If we can't, did she seem to be when we left?
-
>Take note of that privateness.
>"Maybe."
>Glance that way. Can we see her? Does she look busy? If we can't, did she seem to be when we left?
>You make a mental note of Karura's privateness.
>The door to the kitchen is closed. When you left, Isumi was not engaged at any particular task.
-
>"Alright, let's ask her."
-
>"Alright, let's ask her."
>Chie nods and heads towards the kitchen.
-
>Follow.
-
>Follow.
>You tuck in behind Chie and reenter the kitchen.
>The room is much as you left it, but the number of occupants is down to one. Only Isumi remains in evidence, presently washing her hands.
-
>"Excuse me, could we ask you a question, if you have some time."
-
>"Excuse me, could we ask you a question, if you have some time."
>The silver skirted miko turns off the water, and turns to you as she wipes off her hands on a handkerchief. "Certainly."
-
>"Chie and I had been talking, and the topic turned toward Satori. She mentioned that Satori seemed a little out of it lately, and suggested you may have some insight why that may be."
-
>"Chie and I had been talking, and the topic turned toward Satori. She mentioned that Satori seemed a little out of it lately, and suggested you may have some insight why that may be."
>Isumi turns her eye towards Chie, who shrinks back slightly from the look. "Define 'out of it'." she says to you after a moment.
-
>"Please don't blame her, I did pry. But, apparently she has been more quiet and preoccupied of late, and seeing fewer people?"
-
>"Please don't blame her, I did pry. But, apparently she has been more quiet and preoccupied of late, and seeing fewer people?"
>The black haired youkai seems satisfied by your defense of Chie, then considers your question.
>She tilts her head to the side ever so slightly, then lowers her gaze a touch. Her deep violet eyes glass over for just a second.
>Or at least you think they do, as you have to stifle a sizable yawn. You're very, very tired. You wonder if maybe you should lie down for a while, or at least sit down.
>"Komeji-sama has much on her mind." Isumi says at last, her voice not quite as vibrant as it was when last you spoke with her. "How she conducts her business is up to her."
-
>She's affected, too. All the more reason to meet with Satori. This needs to stop.
>We'll have to guard ourself carefully when we meet with Satori.
-
Think I should press on? I can definitely keep up the social pretexts for awhile.
-
Not sure. But there's certainly something suspicious about all this. All the ones remotely close to Satori, such as Lily, Kiku, that Big Cat from before(can't remember the species exactly. Wasn't it leopard or something?), and now Isumi. They're all affected by the same barricade. I'm thinking that Satori could possibly be in cahoots with the demons, possibly under the same influence as what Water was trying to put Kiku into.
The next question though is a simpler one; Which Champion is it?
-
Normally, I'd be all for going gung ho on this business. But we're kinda drained already, which makes diving into a third fight a significant issue, especially if they aren't immediately up to something, which gives us some IC wiggle room for doing that stuff tomorrow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz-ftFWHAdg).
-
Yeah, we already did a lot, so we'll save this for another day. Potentially when we have another ally or two.
-
Fine.
-
I am thinking, though, we can get more information. But stop me if you think I'm going too far. We can't look like we're just giving up, that's suspicious.
>"How she conducts her business is indeed up to her, but one hopes for a little insight into why she chose it."
-
>She's affected, too. All the more reason to meet with Satori. This needs to stop.
>We'll have to guard ourself carefully when we meet with Satori.
>Memories flick through your mind as you dwell upon meeting the master of the White Tiger temple. Kiku's scowl, Lily's smiling face, the smell of rancid water, Marigold's gentle face.
>Your head feels heavy, like you've been awake for days straight.
>"How she conducts her business is indeed up to her, but one hopes for a little insight into why she chose it."
>Isumi grins slightly. "May I ask why?" she purrs.
-
>"To be honest, because I am curious. I hear such great things about her, and then to hear she seems to be having problems...piques my interest, so to speak."
-
>"To be honest, because I am curious. I hear such great things about her, and then to hear she seems to be having problems...piques my interest, so to speak."
>You find yourself stumbling over the odd syllable as you answer Isumi's question, your mind continuing to jump from memory to memory, scattered, random. Seeking? Unconsciously, you press your hand against your head.
>"Are you all right?" Isumi asks you.
>"Byakuren have headache?" Chie asks almost immediately.
>"Perhaps you should sit down for a moment." Isumi offers. Something in her voice, a faint undertone.... No, it's nothing. Probably nothing.
>The parts of your mind still functioning properly realize that something is wrong here, terribly wrong.
-
>Keep a clear head, Byakuren. We've dealt with more than this, and we can come back tomorrow...
>"No, but perhaps I should think about heading home."
-
>Focus. Don't let this take us, too.
>Let's leave. Surely we can hold out long enough to leave the temple. We can come back tomorrow, when we're not so worn out.
-
>Keep a clear head, Byakuren. We've dealt with more than this, and we can come back tomorrow...
>Focus. Don't let this take us, too.
>You've dealt with worse? Yes, you have, haven't you. You've had a very busy day...
>Tomorrow, though. Yes, that will work, plenty of opportunity to get more answers tomorrow. Wasn't there something you were supposed to do, though....? Doesn't matter.
>"No, but perhaps I should think about heading home."
>Let's leave. Surely we can hold out long enough to leave the temple. We can come back tomorrow, when we're not so worn out.
>Your head settles down a little once you decide to leave. You can always come back tomorrow, after all.
>Isumi nods in agreement. "You do look very fatigued. That would probably be a good idea. Chie." she addresses the junior miko. "Escort our guest on her way."
>Chie smiles. "Chie will!"
>"Do you have transportation arrangements?" Isumi asks you.
-
>Focus. Our business was stopping this mind-altering. Keep that thought in the front of our mind. Don't let it fade.
>"I can get home, yes."
>Keep the thought of the mind-altering in our mind as we exit the shrine.
-
>Focus. Our business was stopping this mind-altering. Keep that thought in the front of our mind. Don't let it fade.
>"I can get home, yes."
>Keep the thought of the mind-altering in our mind as we exit the shrine.
>You try to gather your wits. It seems easier now, somehow. You're still very tired, but your mind doesn't seem to be jumping between memories anymore.
>"Very well." Isumi bows politely. "We thank you for your visit, and welcome you back whenever you have a need."
>Chie takes your arm as you and she exit the kitchen and head back the way you came. You try to tell her that this isn't necessary (which may not be 100% true) but is appreciated, but Chie shakes her head. "Safety of guests important to us shrine maidens of Metal Tiger." She smiles. "And Byakuren is Chie's friend." Her gesture brings a smile to your face.
>You exit the shrine, and the cold night air washes over your face and arms. To say this wakes you up would be an exaggeration, but it does help clear at least some of the haze from your mind. Risa and Koko are still standing in the middle of the walkway, and the dragonfly-winged shrine maiden has joined them in conversation. Anya and Maiko are standing on the temple veranda about fifteen feet or so to your right, a bottle of vodka next to Anya. You can smell it from here. There is still no sign of Kiku.
-
>Where did we part ways with the snow leopard, relative to our current position?
>How far are we from the standard exit to the shrine grounds? And in what direction is this relative to the above?
>About how long ago did we part ways, anyway?
>What time of night is it?
>Did we exchange cell phone numbers with Kiku earlier?
-
>Where did we part ways with the snow leopard, relative to our current position?
>How far are we from the standard exit to the shrine grounds? And in what direction is this relative to the above?
>About how long ago did we part ways, anyway?
>What time of night is it?
>Did we exchange cell phone numbers with Kiku earlier?
>In the woods across from where the trio of shrine maidens are currently standing, between 40 and 50 feet in, and slightly to your current northeast.
>The large staircase leading up the hill to the shrine is directly in front of you, around a hundred feet or so, at least. It is directly north of your current location. From where you parted with the leopard, it would be to the northeast, when facing the temple grounds.
>You're not certain. Your sense of time seems to be a bit off. But you would guess between half an hour and an hour.
>It is now 11:39 PM.
>You did not.
-
After this much time has passed, I figure there's not a very large chance the leopard is still around and I really don't think we should lurk around and try to find it again, after what just happened. A shame that we never got to see whatever was sealed in its mind, but there may not be much that can be done about it now.
Also, in case the implication of this was missed, the fact that everyone's preparing a welcome back party for Kiku after she was "doing a hard job outside the temple" implies very strongly that something about her battles today has already spread, which likewise implies that Satori already knows. The full extent of what she knows is debatable, but I do wonder if even the Tiger offer much help in terms of concealment at this point; it's hard to keep someone from learning what they already know. Feels more than a little ominous to me.
>Presumably the tree cover is too dense to get a look at that spot from here, even if the leopard was still in the general area?
-
>Presumably the tree cover is too dense to get a look at that spot from here, even if the leopard was still in the general area?
>It is both too dense and too dark for your human eyes.
-
As much as I don't like potentially wasted opportunities, I think we should probably write off the leopard for tonight and slip out. We can try to contact Kiku and deliver/receive an update, but she may still be otherwise engaged - in which case, I think we should just text Marisa and get a ride out of here. Any objections?
-
In theory, just about any local varmint could transmit the message.
-
I think I may have lost you - what message is that?
-
The one you wanted to give to the leopard, which I am presuming you want to have transmitted to Kiku. Unless you had some other reason for hunting it down?
-
The reason for caring about the leopard is that I wanted to see the memory that was sealed away in its mind, which you were in the process of peering into when you accidentally wandered off. I got the distinct impression it was something important related to Satori that it wasn't supposed to have seen (and thus can now no longer recall).
-
Ahar!
This said, getting a message to Kiku via some other critter is still valid, I think.
-
Well, I am hoping that if she is done with the Tiger, we can contact her via ring. Of course, we don't know the range on those yet, but I am hoping it would work. And even if she still can't talk back to us via that method, we can deliver our cell phone info via ring and have her call us when she's free.
-
It's worth a go!
-
Well, I had been thinking I'd wait until we got out of the shrine in case this takes a suspicious amount of concentration (and also because we probably don't want to receive a phone call from Kiku while we're with Chie at this point). So, unless there's some reason why we shouldn't....
>Continue onward to the shrine exit
-
>Continue onward to the shrine exit
>With Chie still guiding you, you step away from Satori's temple and make for the steps.
>"Are you going to walk home?" Chie asks you, sounding quite concerned.
-
>Give her a gentle smile.
>"No need to worry about me; a friend of mine offered me a lift."
-
>Give her a gentle smile.
>"No need to worry about me; a friend of mine offered me a lift."
>Chie's relief is obvious.
>Risa the squirrel sees you coming and waves enthusiastically with the hand currently gripping her sign. Koko pokes her, and Risa looks up, only now realizing which hand she used. Blushing, her arms pinwheel manically for a moment, and she hides her sign behind her back again. Koko sighs once.
>Chie giggles briefly, then stops and raises her head slightly, her nose twitching as she sniffs the air.
-
>Glance at Chie
>"Smell something odd?"
-
>Glance at Chie
>"Smell something odd?"
>"Chie smells Kiku."
-
Well, this might be convenient. Or not.
>"Really? Where?"
>Glance around for her, or in a specific direction if indicated.
-
>"Really? Where?"
>Glance around for her, or in a specific direction if indicated.
>Chie points with her tail towards the forest, rather close to the area you exited from. Risa and Koko follow her glance, and the winged youkai does a moment later. You hear her say, "She's right, it's Kiku." although you cannot see anything at present.
>Exactly twelve seconds later, the tiger youkai herself enters your field of vision, stepping through the treeline with measured steps.
-
>How does she look?
-
>How does she look?
>At this distance, you can't read her expression that well. But her walk is light and unburdened, your modelling experience tells you. In fact, she's walking like someone that's just had an enormous weight lifted from her shoulders.
-
>Well, that's good news!
>Wave to her.
-
>Well, that's good news!
>Wave to her.
>This is indeed good news!
>As you raise your arm to wave, Risa does you one better, and practically squeeees at the sight of Kiku, and rather loudly. Until Koko squeezes her big bushy tail, and her 'squeeee' becomes an 'owwwwww'.
>The dragonfly winged youkai merely matches your simple wave, while Chie, smiling like a cat in front of a saucer of fresh cream, sprints forward towards the elder miko.
>In this time, Kiku has managed to come close enough for you to take a guess at her expression. At the moment, you would call her... puzzled.
-
>Does she seem to have noticed us?
>In either case, let the excited ones go on ahead and then follow at a polite distance.
-
>Does she seem to have noticed us?
>In either case, let the excited ones go on ahead and then follow at a polite distance.
>You think so.
>Risa is not long in following Chie, though she does audibly whimper slightly as she rubs her bushy tail where Koko grabbed it. The dark haired youkai, now sporting a rather amused grin, follows behind her, the winged miko walking abreast.
>Chie and Kiku stop in front of each other, Kiku definitely looking puzzled, but her face seems to lack the tenseness, the severity, that seemed to be graven upon it, even from before her meeting with the demon. Her gaze passes between her sisters, Risa's sign, you, the banner hanging from the temple roof.
>"Welcome back, Onee-sama!" Chie and Risa announce in near unison, Risa holding her sign above her head with a proud smile on her face. The other two shrine maidens echo their sisters' sentiment a moment later.
>"What are you all doing out here?" Kiku asks them, gesturing at both displayed signs. "What is all this?" Even her voice sounds somehow lighter than it did before.
>"We wanted to surprise you, Onee-sama." the winged youkai says with a rather shy smile as she glances sideways at Risa.
>Koko lightly raps the squirrel youkai on the top of her head. "You can see how that ended up." she says fondly. Risa merely laughs and sticks her tongue out.
>This does little to alleviate Kiku's puzzled expression. "... Byakuren?" she asks, obviously looking for an explanation of sorts.
-
>Raise our hands disarmingly, but smile a little.
>"I had nothing to do with the welcoming party; if you want to know what all the buzz is about, you'll need to ask them, I think. Did you have a nice walk?"
-
>Raise our hands disarmingly, but smile a little.
>"I had nothing to do with the welcoming party; if you want to know what all the buzz is about, you'll need to ask them, I think. Did you have a nice walk?"
>"Uh..." Kiku begins, but no words follow this. She seems, well, bamboozled by what she sees before her. When her eyes settle upon Chie, however, her ears twitch slightly. "You told them."
>Chie nods, looking slightly abashed. "Was Chie not supposed to?"
>"Well, no, but-"
>Risa interrupts her elder, lunging forward and grasping Kiku's hand. Kiku looks quite shocked, but Risa presses on, "We couldn't help it, we wanted to show you our appreciation, our thanks, our big signs!"
>"You mean YOU couldn't help it." Koko says with a grin. "But you know how she is, Onee-sama, Risa's cheer is pretty catchy."
>Chie adds, "Chie told Isumi first, Isumi wanted to do something for Kiku. Mayumi started on banner..." the green haired winged girl nods once.
>Kiku blinks, seemingly quite at a loss. "I don't... I don't understand..." She once more looks to you.
-
>Offer her a smile.
>"It's a wonderful thing to have friends that care about you like this, isn't it?"
-
>Offer her a smile.
>"It's a wonderful thing to have friends that care about you like this, isn't it?"
>"Friends?" Kiku stumbles over the word, looking at the faces of the shrine maidens before her. A glance to your right shows that the other two, Maiko and Anya, are on their way over here as well. Maiko is obviously happy to see Kiku, and while Anya doesn't look 'happy', per se, she certainly doesn't like as grim as she did when you were speaking with her.
>Chie, still smiling, says, to Kiku, "Friends, sisters. Both are true. We know how hard Kiku works for us. What Kiku goes through for us. We wanted to thank Kiku for it." Risa, Koko and Mayumi all nod in their own way, the green haired Mayumi in an understated way, the horse-tailed Koko casually, and the bubbly Risa quite energetically.
>Faced with the love and appreciation of her sisters, the tall, severe, powerful shrine maiden Kiku's face contorts, her face ripples into a smile, and two great tears roll down her cheeks.
-
>Continue to smile gently and let her have her moment.
-
>Continue to smile gently and let her have her moment.
>"Kiku?" Chie asks, tilting her head curiously at the elder miko. You hear Anya mutter something in Moscovian. She sounds quite surprised herself.
>"Are you crying?" Risa asks her. "Are you crying?"
>Kiku wipes at her eyes, then covers them with both hands, weeping.
>You take a few steps backwards as Chie and Koko approach their weeping big sister. You have your own things to discuss with the tiger youkai, but she obviously needs a moment with her sisters.
>"I..." Kiku manages to say after several moments, poking her eyes out over her fingers. "I didn't... I thought you all hated me...?"
>"How could you think that?" Anya demands, her accented voice stern, yet not harsh at all.
>"Sure, there are times when you can be a bit too strict." Koko adds.
>"And you can be kinda scary." Maiko chimes.
>Mayumi flutters her wings. "But we know you're looking out for us in your own way. Trying to make us the best we can be."
>"And keep us safe, too!" Risa chirps. "Nobody's tougher'n you, and that means nobody walks on us when you're around! And you'll never let us be slack-tailed oafs." A curious look passes over her face, and she turns to Maiko. "Do we like being slack-tailed oafs?"
>The collection of mikos have a pleasant laugh. Even Risa, after a moment.
-
>Continue to hang back until there is an appropriate pause; no need to poke our nose into this nice family moment just yet - there'll be time to deliver unpleasant news later.
-
>Continue to hang back until there is an appropriate pause; no need to poke our nose into this nice family moment just yet - there'll be time to deliver unpleasant news later.
>While Kiku does not join them in their laugh, you do see her trying to smile through her tears. Chie steps closer to her. "We are sorry if you thought we did not like you. We like you. Even Komeji-sama thought this was good idea."
>As Chie comforts Kiku, Anya looks in your direction. She gestures with her head to her left, a sign that she wants a word with you, and steps in your direction.
-
>Raise an eyebrow and nod. "Yes?"
-
>Raise an eyebrow and nod. "Yes?"
>The grey-eared miko and you walk a few steps away from the crowd. "Might not occur to others to say, but you should not speak of this later." she advises you.
-
>"Are you concerned for Kiku's... 'face'?"
-
>"Are you concerned for Kiku's... 'face'?"
>"Partly." She looks back at the tiger youkai, then back at you. She has an intensity that the others lack, even Kiku didn't come across as quite this... harsh. Severe, yes, but in a different way. "I am not at liberty to discuss details."
-
>Nod
>"Well, you needn't worry that this private moment will be made otherwise."
-
>Nod
>"Well, you needn't worry that this private moment will be made otherwise."
>"Especially from Eagle." she adds, for emphasis. "What happens here, not for her ears."
-
>Nod again.
>"Of course. I understand."
-
>Nod again.
>"Of course. I understand."
>The youkai seems satisfied with that, at least as far as you can tell. You're good at reading people, but this one is a bit hard to grasp. "I thank you." she says simply.
>The other shrine maidens, by this point, have all clustered closer to Kiku now. In other circumstances, this might have lead to a group hug, especially with someone like Risa around, but, emotional or no, Kiku isn't quite that type. In fact, she seems to be pulling herself back together. She's still crying, but she seems to have reigned in the high end of her emotions. "Thank you. Thank you, all."
>"We should head inside now." Koko suggests. "Isumi should be finished in the kitchen by now."
>"You all can go ahead." Kiku suggests, looking in your direction. "I need to speak to this guest."
>"Taken care of." Anya informs her.
>Kiku nods. "All the same..."
>Anya shrugs. "Your decision."
>"Don't you be too long." Risa teases Kiku, before bouncing off towards the shrine, most of her sisters following.
>Chie, however, remains a moment, as Kiku places her hand on the shorter feline's shoulder. "Thank you for believing." she says quietly, caressing Chie's face with the back of her other hand briefly. "I remembered you, when I needed strength."
>The younger miko's smile is truly feline as she receives the attention of her senior. "Chie always believed in Kiku."
>Kiku pats her cheek with surprising gentleness. "Go on inside now. I'll join you all in a few minutes." As Chie starts to walk off, her steps light and happy, Kiku calls after her, "And ask Mayumi to take that big banner down. It's nice, but a bit big." Chie calls back an affirmative, leaving the temple grounds empty apart from you and your fellow magical girl. "I never would have imagined..." she mutters to herself.
-
>Give her another gentle smile
>"It seems that even in times like this, not all surprises are unpleasant ones. You are cared for deeply, Kiku; no matter its guise, your concern for your sisters has not gone unnoticed by them."
-
>Give her another gentle smile
>"It seems that even in times like this, not all surprises are unpleasant ones. You are cared for deeply, Kiku; no matter its guise, your concern for your sisters has not gone unnoticed by them."
>"I believed they were afraid of me." she says, her voice still heavy with emotion. "I am not the easiest person to live with. I know this, it is the way I am, the way I chose to be. I imagined, sometimes... But this is beyond anything I had imagined."
>"And you." she adds, turning her head to face you. Her complexion appears somewhat ravaged. Some people have the complexion for tears without ruining their look, but she definately does not. "What are you doing here? Not HERE, I mean..." She shakes her head and tries again. "I suspected you would stay around this area, but I wasn't expecting to see you HERE."
-
>"I wanted to look into a few things, and maybe help the others out a little with what they were up to."
>Smile in a gentle and somewhat playful way.
-
>Frown a little.
>"There's a bit of a story there. But before that... how did it go? I do not mean to pry, so anything you feel is private can remain so, but if there is anything you think should be shared..."
-
>"I wanted to look into a few things, and maybe help the others out a little with what they were up to."
>Smile in a gentle and somewhat playful way.
>Kiku looks at you somewhat analytically. "What you found appeared to be somewhat draining. I know you were tired before, but you seem much worse now."
>Frown a little.
>"There's a bit of a story there. But before that... how did it go? I do not mean to pry, so anything you feel is private can remain so, but if there is anything you think should be shared..."
>Kiku exhales, an almost serene expression spreading across her face. "I stood in His presence, Byakuren."
-
>More smiles!
>"Were you tempted to pet him? I was."
>"I knew he would accept you."
-
>More smiles!
>"Were you tempted to pet him? I was."
>"I knew he would accept you."
>"I didn't want to risk my mercury allergy acting up."
>"It was... Well, I don't really have words. No poet I've ever read could describe what I saw. What I felt."
-
>"I imagine it was even more profound than my own experience, such is the bond that you already shared in His service. And I am glad that it seems to have brought a certain peace to your spirit as well."
-
>"I imagine it was even more profound than my own experience, such is the bond that you already shared in His service. And I am glad that it seems to have brought a certain peace to your spirit as well."
>"You can tell?"
-
>Nod.
>"From nearly the moment I saw you step out from the trees."
-
>Nod.
>"From nearly the moment I saw you step out from the trees."
>"I didn't realize." She looks down at herself. "I'm not used to... Well, I'm not used to feeling anything like this, so of course I wouldn't be used to broadcasting them, wouldn't I."
-
>"To be fair, it is quite possible that others would not perceive it as readily as I did. I hope you don't feel self-conscious about this; it would be a shame to feel such about peace in one's own heart."
-
>"To be fair, it is quite possible that others would not perceive it as readily as I did. I hope you don't feel self-conscious about this; it would be a shame to feel such about peace in one's own heart."
>Somewhat to your surprise, Kiku laughs. "It's funny. Hours ago, I probably WOULD have. Now, though?" She shakes her head.
-
>That deserves a true smile.
>"Then I am all the more glad of this."
-
>That deserves a true smile.
>"Then I am all the more glad of this."
>"I don't know how much I can talk about. I'm still trying to make sense out of all of it, I think. I think it's going to take a while for this to sink in with my conscious mind." She looks back at the temple, then smiles at you. "I do know that you made this possible, Byakuren. I would have lost without your help. I would have BEEN lost without you. I was afraid to say it before, but now I can say it."
-
>"We are in this together, Kiku - from now until whatever end there is to come. I am glad that I could help you find your footing on this path, but never forget that it was still the strength in your own heart that allowed you to choose it. Keep faith in yourself and in the friends who bolster and are bolstered by you; I would be glad to count myself among them."
-
>"We are in this together, Kiku - from now until whatever end there is to come. I am glad that I could help you find your footing on this path, but never forget that it was still the strength in your own heart that allowed you to choose it. Keep faith in yourself and in the friends who bolster and are bolstered by you; I would be glad to count myself among them."
>"Fear has been the dominant force in my life, ever since I became a youkai. It has ruled my life, I can admit that now. I.. do not know if that will change right away. But I do know that I'm not afraid of you anymore." A ragged breath, almost a laugh, passes through her lips. "'I'm not afraid'... I never imagined it would feel this way to say it. To say it and mean it. For the first time in this life, I feel free."
>"But at the same time, I think I understand now the importance of fear to my new powers." she continues, clenching her fist as she explains. "When I took your ring, all I could think about was 'this could be Chie. This could be any of my sisters.' That fear drove me forward. Fear for their safety, for their lives, maybe even their very souls. Before this day, fear for my own safety, my own life, consumed me, but now it's different. That fear weakened me. Now I realize that my fear for them is more important. For Chie, Risa, Isumi, even Komeji-sama. What happened to me WILL not happen to them." Despite her fierce declaration, she smiles, the look of a comrade. "WE will not let that happen. And if I falter, if ever again I am weak, then I know you will be there. And Lily, too."
-
>Nod
>"We will be there."
>Then frown a little uncomfortably.
>"And... that may be as good a place as any to broach the... other issue at large tonight."
-
>Nod
>"We will be there."
>Then frown a little uncomfortably.
>"And... that may be as good a place as any to broach the... other issue at large tonight."
>"You mean Satori."
-
>"I do."
-
>"I do."
>"I don't know what He told you, but I don't think it was much more than what He told me. At least, as it pertains to the nature of whatever is wrong at this shrine. I still don't know if the problem is Satori herself, or some force manipulating her, or some separate evil. But I have gained some enlightenment on at least one thing. Whatever is wrong, I believe it started last Tuesday, the night of the eclipse." She frowns, more of a scowl. "There was an incident, one that I was present for, even. But one I could not remember until I stood in His presence."
-
>Frown
>"An incident? What sort of incident?"
>What day of the week is it now?
-
>"Whatever has been affecting those of this temple almost affected me, as well, and without meeting with Satori. I was able to resist it long enough to escape its influence, but I don't think I should confront Satori tonight, not as worn as I am."
-
>What day of the week is it now?
>It is Sunday night. Soon to be Monday morning.
>Frown
>"An incident? What sort of incident?"
>"As you may know, the main room of the temple holds a sacred flame, as do all four temples of Mayoiga. These flames burn to symbolize the spiritual purity of this area. There are other reasons and purposes, but that's the basic purpose."
>"During the eclipse, however, the flame roared up, scorching the roof, and it turned black. As dark as blackest night, and a vile sensation washed over us, unlike anything I've ever felt before. The flame died down, but it stayed black."
>"Whatever has been affecting those of this temple almost affected me, as well, and without meeting with Satori. I was able to resist it long enough to escape its influence, but I don't think I should confront Satori tonight, not as worn as I am."
>The memory of those sensations flash over your mind as you recount, in brief, your experience with Chie and Isumi. Kiku, however, looks confused. "You were inside the temple? Didn't you tell me the Tiger warned you about going near Satori?"
-
>"To the best of my knowledge, I was never near her, but you are right of course; unfortunately, matters drifted somewhat off-course when I first encountered your welcome party. They mentioned a "great and difficult deed" that you had done today, and then I realized that word of at least some part of today's events must have already reached them somehow. And if it had reached them, then it had likely reached Satori as well. And that could well mean that she already knows much of what I would rather she not; at least not until we better understand what is afoot here."
-
>"To the best of my knowledge, I was never near her, but you are right of course; unfortunately, matters drifted somewhat off-course when I first encountered your welcome party. They mentioned a "great and difficult deed" that you had done today, and then I realized that word of at least some part of today's events must have already reached them somehow. And if it had reached them, then it had likely reached Satori as well. And that could well mean that she already knows much of what I would rather she not; at least not until we better understand what is afoot here."
>"You're partly right." Kiku starts. Despite yourself, you feel a slight pang of dread, but Kiku follows it with, "But Satori really doesn't know any details of what happened today yet. You'll remember I sent Chie back to the shrine ahead of us to give Satori the news. Well, all I told her was that 'the evil had been sealed', and that I would give her the more pertinent details myself, once I returned. I didn't have the opportunity to share any of the information we got from Ran with Satori, and even if I had, I prefer discussing those matters in person. After all, our efforts in that area are unknown to the populace of the town. I'd never discuss them in public."
-
>Frown.
>"Then I fear I may have only made things worse; I apologize. Though I find myself still uncertain how we are to prevent her learning the full truth through your own presence here; clearly the Metal Tiger did not shield your memories as He did mine or this conversation would be preceding rather differently than it has been. I don't suppose He recommended a course of action to you on this front?"
-
>Frown.
>"Then I fear I may have only made things worse; I apologize. Though I find myself still uncertain how we are to prevent her learning the full truth through your own presence here; clearly the Metal Tiger did not shield your memories as He did mine or this conversation would be preceding rather differently than it has been. I don't suppose He recommended a course of action to you on this front?"
>"As a matter of fact, he did. Lily was right, you see. I'm a beast of the land, one of His children. He can shield my mind in a way that wouldn't be possible for you, or for Lily. My presence here will no longer threaten our secrets or purpose. I may not know the true source of this corruption, but I do believe that I am warded from it by his hand. That should enable me to investigate here safely. It would be for the best if you or Lily did not return here, though, until I learn why this has come about."
>No, that's not right. You mean to come back here yourself tomorrow.
-
>Wait, we do? Even if she says we shouldn't?
-
>Wait, we do? Even if she says we shouldn't?
>So you had decided.
>But she does have a point.
>But you want to get to the bottom of this.
>But could she do that without you?
>Better not. She might need you. And you're always there for people when they need you.
-
>Wait, what? Are we just tired or do our thoughts feel more scattered even than that would explain?
-
>"It seems likely that our enemy is responsible for this. The corrupted flame is likely the source of this problem, and I would assume that it has likely taken Satori. The next demon is striking here. I will not face it now, not until I am ready for another fight, but I cannot let it have its way here any longer than I absolutely must."
-
>"It seems likely that our enemy is responsible for this. The corrupted flame is likely the source of this problem, and I would assume that it has likely taken Satori. The next demon is striking here. I will not face it now, not until I am ready for another fight, but I cannot let it have its way here any longer than I absolutely must."
>Hang on a second. Didn't the Purpose specifically say that there was no presence of demonic power in this area?
-
>If so, then it was quite likely wrong. And even if this isn't one of the demons, we can't ignore it.
-
Well, I'm certainly not suggesting we ignore it; whatever it is is clearly dangerous and likely malicious, but I don't think the demons have the market cornered on that one, sadly. As for whether the Purpose is mistaken... I get the impression that it is very good as sensing demonic incursions, though it may still be wise not to assume that there is no way a demon could hide its presence from it. I just think it's leaping to conclusions to assume that's what's going on here and state as much to Kiku.
Also, it strikes me as a very definite possibility that someone has already meddled with our head tonight more than we realized, which presents a more immediate problem.
-
>Wait, what? Are we just tired or do our thoughts feel more scattered even than that would explain?
>You are indeed very, very tired. But it's more like you had a conversation with yourself. And you raise a good point to yourself. If Kiku got into trouble and you weren't around, you'd never forgive yourself. You can't be sure the Tiger will protect her, after all.
>But He's a God. HER god, in more ways than one. Isn't that enough?
>He also said He was dead. Can you really depend on a dead God?
>"It seems likely that our enemy is responsible for this. The corrupted flame is likely the source of this problem, and I would assume that it has likely taken Satori. The next demon is striking here. I will not face it now, not until I am ready for another fight, but I cannot let it have its way here any longer than I absolutely must."
>Hang on a second. Didn't the Purpose specifically say that there was no presence of demonic power in this area?
>You consider speaking to the issue of the flame, but then a thought occurs to you. The Purpose did indeed tell you that, so far as it could determine, no one in the Metal Tiger shrine was working with the Demons.
>If so, then it was quite likely wrong. And even if this isn't one of the demons, we can't ignore it.
>You consider that it could be mistaken, but even if this isn't the work of the Demons, SOMETHING is clearly wrong here.
-
Actually, upon rereading, I think I misread a particular passage in a way that made it far more ominous than what was actually written, so perhaps I'm worrying needlessly here. Just the same...
>As best our tired focus can muster, can we feel any presence inside ourselves that does not belong? Any presence like the veil we saw in Lily or the snow leopard? Think back to the encounter with Isumi and the strange sensations we encountered then. Try to recall what we experienced as clearly as possible; make sure we're not somehow forgetting anything.
-
>No, worry about that tomorrow. We REALLY need to get home and rest. We can't help anyone when we're this worn out.
>"For now, at least, I need to return home. I'm far too worn to do anything else tonight."
-
>No, worry about that tomorrow. We REALLY need to get home and rest. We can't help anyone when we're this worn out.
>"For now, at least, I need to return home. I'm far too worn to do anything else tonight."
>Hang on a sec. There are at least a couple other things we should ask Kiku before we leave. At the very least, we need to exchange cell phone numbers.
And also, what exactly is the harm in trying to scan ourselves here? I'm certainly not proposing gallivanting about in our current state.
-
>Oh, yeah, scanning ourself is fine. Just don't go beyond that.
-
Yes, don't worry; I have no intention of doing further investigation that requires speaking with other people or getting closer to the shrine or whatnot. It's clear that we're way, way past being useful for much of anything. My concern was just that the manner in which our intention to return here intruded upon our thoughts might be a possible indication of something like a post-hypnotic suggestion and if so, could be dangerous to leave unexplored, even at this point in time. We definitely don't want ourselves operating with a gap in our own mind, after all. But other than that, I figure what remains here is perhaps another short exchange with Kiku, trading contact info and leaving her with a cautionary note or two, and then heading straight for bed as fast as Marisa can take us there. And then we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed that nothing bad happens until we're rested enough to deal with it.
-
We do still have a brainful of the hunger juice, too. Just because we think it's gone don't mean it is.
-
>As best our tired focus can muster, can we feel any presence inside ourselves that does not belong? Any presence like the veil we saw in Lily or the snow leopard? Think back to the encounter with Isumi and the strange sensations we encountered then. Try to recall what we experienced as clearly as possible; make sure we're not somehow forgetting anything.
>No, worry about that tomorrow. We REALLY need to get home and rest. We can't help anyone when we're this worn out.
>"For now, at least, I need to return home. I'm far too worn to do anything else tonight."
>Hang on a sec. There are at least a couple other things we should ask Kiku before we leave. At the very least, we need to exchange cell phone numbers.
>Oh, yeah, scanning ourself is fine. Just don't go beyond that.
>After a brief debate with yourself- another one, more accurately- you make an attempt to turn your extra senses inwards, to see if anything you found in Lily or the grumpy cat is within you. The experience is a different one than what you've experienced before, obviously, and between your physical exhaustion and your lack of magical energy, it's hard to be certain of your search. Nevertheless, you soldier on to the best of your abilities, but you sense nothing akin to what you felt in Lily or the leopard within you.
>You think back to speaking with Isumi and Chie. You had asked Chie if anything had been out of place here at the shrine, or with Satori, and she mentioned that Satori had appeared to have something on her mind recently, by Chie's reckoning. She mentioned that Isumi might know more, given her position of seniority within the shrine, so you went to ask her about it. But your fatigue was very keen at the time, your thoughts scattered and diffused. You felt more tired than you ever felt in your life. In point of fact, you still do, but Kiku's presence has given you something more tangible to focus on, something to FORCE yourself awake, at least for now. Though even that is starting to fade.
>After a particularly bad wave of fatigue washed over you, both Isumi and Chie expressed concern for your health, so you decided that it would be better to come back tomorrow, when you're fresher, more rested, more energized. Isumi thought that would be the best thing to do as well, asked if you had transportation home, and then asked Chie to walk you out. Knowing Chie, she probably would have offered anyway. And with Chie escorting you, you departed the shrine.
>Wait, there was one other thing. Isumi hesitated for a second before answering one of your questions. It's possible she may just have stopped to think about it, and your mind was wandering a little at the time, but taking into consideration everything else that's happened here, and may still be going on, maybe she didn't just stop to think about it.
-
>"What you say makes a certain sense, but I worry nonetheless about having you face this alone; remember, we stand together in this. Whatever power is at work here may well require all of us to confront it together, though obviously we must exercise prudence in how we expose ourselves its gaze."
>"And this may sound like an odd question, but do you know any charms or techniques that could induce sleep?"
-
>"What you say makes a certain sense, but I worry nonetheless about having you face this alone; remember, we stand together in this. Whatever power is at work here may well require all of us to confront it together, though obviously we must exercise prudence in how we expose ourselves its gaze."
>"And this may sound like an odd question, but do you know any charms or techniques that could induce sleep?"
>"I have faith in Him." Kiku says confidently. "Of course, that doesn't mean I'm doing to take any foolish chances, either. I made that mistake today, and I'm not about to repeat it. I know I'm tired myself, my power is not at full. I don't intend to investigate any tonight, not until I have my full powers back. Plus," she adds, gesturing towards the temple with a half smile on her face. "I don't think they'll leave me alone much tonight, anyway."
>"Sleep?" She considers that for a moment. "Yes, I do. I can scribe ofuda to infuse sleep. It's not part of the usual Metal school of magic, but I felt it could be useful when dealing with someone who had been possessed, or if I needed to operate unobserved. I haven't actually used it in years, though."
-
>"Do you think anyone else here might possess the same skill?"
-
>"Do you think anyone else here might possess the same skill?"
>Kiku thinks about that one for a few moments. "Toune might. She doesn't practice her onmyouji as much as she should, but she has a great deal of natural talent, and a broad range of magical interest. I don't know that she's branched that far yet, though, she hasn't been with us long."
-
>"I feel like apologizing for this in advance and I may simply be imagining things since I am very tired already, but I would almost have sworn that I felt a distinct increase in my fatigue as I inquired about Satori with Isumi. Enough to wonder, given the circumstances of matters here, whether or not something could have been producing this effect deliberately."
-
>"I feel like apologizing for this in advance and I may simply be imagining things since I am very tired already, but I would almost have sworn that I felt a distinct increase in my fatigue as I inquired about Satori with Isumi. Enough to wonder, given the circumstances of matters here, whether or not something could have been producing this effect deliberately."
>"That type of magic DOES exist." Kiku informs you. "It's more easily cast by practitioners of Western style magic, though. Such spells in our schools are largely limited to the Water and Earth domains. And of those who dwell in this shrine, Toune and I are the only ones that have the skill and the interest to learn them. There are others that have the talent for it, they just don't have the interest. Or, some that might have the interest, but not the talent."
-
>"As I said, it may have been my imagination; I am close to falling asleep on my feet as it is, I fear. However... I don't suppose your familiarity with those magics might extend to a way to ward against them?"
-
>"As I said, it may have been my imagination; I am close to falling asleep on my feet as it is, I fear. However... I don't suppose your familiarity with those magics might extend to a way to ward against them?"
>"That's a more advanced trick. Generally, wards depend largely on what sort of creature or spellcaster is employing them. The nature of the spell is just as important as the user, you see. It's a basic tenant, but one that often gets overlooked."
>"That said, however, advanced though it may be, it isn't beyond my ability to learn. And I don't think it would take me too long to do it, either. If you think it will help, I can start my training on that tonight." She adds, with a grin, "Once the rest of them are done with me."
-
>Smile.
>"Of course. And it may not even amount of anything. I guess it's just that in present circumstances, I think it better to be prepared for potentially unnecessary contingencies than not prepared enough."
>"One more thing before I go and get some much needed rest. About the sacred flame. You said that it gave off a vile sensation unlike anything you had felt before. Does that still include those sensations you've experienced this afternoon?"
-
>Smile.
>"Of course. And it may not even amount of anything. I guess it's just that in present circumstances, I think it better to be prepared for potentially unnecessary contingencies than not prepared enough."
>"One more thing before I go and get some much needed rest. About the sacred flame. You said that it gave off a vile sensation unlike anything you had felt before. Does that still include those sensations you've experienced this afternoon?"
>"I would agree. I myself prefer to be overprepared than the alternative, by far. My sisters will readily attest to that."
>"It's hard to say." she says thoughtfully. "The sensation was very brief, a second or two at most. None of us were expecting anything like it, my senses were all but overwhelmed by it. It was like sitting down to a meal, only to have the plate in front of you explode and catch your head in the fireball. I plan to meditate upon this, to try and gain some further insight."
-
>Nod
>"Very well. Who else was present to the event, by the way?"
-
>Nod
>"Very well. Who else was present to the event, by the way?"
>Kiku chuckles wryly. "'One more thing', indeed." More seriously, she adds, "Satori, Isumi, Karura and Touka were there at the time as well. We were performing a benediction for the eclipse, a rite to maintain our purity, and the safety of this world, during a moment of darkness." She adds, somewhat darkly, "We seem to have failed."
>"Karura and Touka are of the silver rank, as I am, by the way. You couldn't have met Touka, but I wasn't sure if you met Karura tonight."
-
>"I do not believe I did, no. And is Touka away or something, then?"
>"Have you ever heard of anything unusual happening during eclipses, either here or at the other shrines? Not to this extreme perhaps, but if there is a rite performed then, one suspects there may some specific that is attempted to be warded off."
-
>"I do not believe I did, no. And is Touka away or something, then?"
>"Have you ever heard of anything unusual happening during eclipses, either here or at the other shrines? Not to this extreme perhaps, but if there is a rite performed then, one suspects there may some specific that is attempted to be warded off."
>"She is. She went to Eagleland two days ago, to visit her extended family."
>"It's a tradition performed at every shrine devoted to the Four Gods of the World. The story behind it is somewhat long, going back into the era of legends. But on the more practical side, there are certain spirits and otherworldly beings that becomes more active during moments of eclipse. Solar eclipses more commonly, but lunar eclipses as well. Moments of utterdark, they are referred to in the writings. Our prayers calm those spirits, lull them back to their rest, or keep the stronger ones from becoming too active. At least, that was the intent. And yes, there have been times when that has occurred. Most often, nothing of serious consequence occurred. Other times... it did."
>She scowls. "I wouldn't think that is what happened here, though. Of the creatures I know of that become stronger, more dangerous, during a lunar eclipse, none of them could conceal themselves for so long afterwards, not without some signs. Signs that would have been more obvious before now, I mean."
>"On the other hand, there is still a great deal I do not know about the forces of darkness."
-
>"What kinds of serious consequences? When did they happen?"
-
>"What kinds of serious consequences? When did they happen?"
>"Let me think." she presses her finger to her temple in thought.
>"Kiku! Food's gettin' cold!" you hear Risa shout from the doorway of the temple. "Can I eat yours? Can I?"
>"I'll be right there." Kiku calls back. "The most recent serious incident was about eight or so years ago, in Eire. The ghost of a banshee manifested itself during a solar eclipse, and its wail resulted in the deaths of a large number of animals humanoids slaughter as livestock, as well as eleven humans, before it was exorcised. Farther back than that, I would have to refresh my memory. Unless you wanted to know the origin of the tradition, but that's a long story."
-
>"No, I think that's good enough and I shouldn't keep you from your sisters any longer. Though it may be worth examining your shrine records for other such happenings, just the same, on the off-chance that something relevant to the current situation can be found there."
>"But in any case, I fear I may be reaching my absolute limit of productive thought. You go enjoy your meal and the companionship of your friends; I shall be in touch with you tomorrow."
>"Though on that note... do you have a cell phone?"
-
>"No, I think that's good enough and I shouldn't keep you from your sisters any longer. Though it may be worth examining your shrine records for other such happenings, just the same, on the off-chance that something relevant to the current situation can be found there."
>"But in any case, I fear I may be reaching my absolute limit of productive thought. You go enjoy your meal and the companionship of your friends; I shall be in touch with you tomorrow."
>"Though on that note... do you have a cell phone?"
>"I had planned to. As a matter of fact, I had another avenue to explore, as well, but I can give you the details on that tomorrow."
>Kiku nods. "I don't use it very often, though."
-
>"Well, it may be important for us to be rapid contact with each other and we still don't know the full range of our ring speech. Let me give you my number."
>Give her our phone number and ask for hers in return.
-
>"Well, it may be important for us to be rapid contact with each other and we still don't know the full range of our ring speech. Let me give you my number."
>Give her our phone number and ask for hers in return.
>"A sensible precaution."
>The two of you exchange numbers. "I'll get in contact with Lily tomorrow, get hers as well."
-
>Did we already get Lily's number ourselves?
-
>Did we already get Lily's number ourselves?
>You did. And she has yours.
-
>"I already have Lily's number. Given the circumstances, I'm sure she wouldn't mind me sharing it with you."
>Do so.
-
>"I already have Lily's number. Given the circumstances, I'm sure she wouldn't mind me sharing it with you."
>Do so.
>Kiku frowns for a moment, then nods. "You're probably right." She plugs Lily's digits into her phone.
-
>"I think it more important to be concerned with preparedness than propriety, at the present. Though I suspect she would not mind in any case."
>"And that, I believe, is as much as I have in me for the rest of the night. I think it is time to go back home and sleep very, very soundly."
>Smile a little
>"I should like to think I have earned that much by now."
-
>"I think it more important to be concerned with preparedness than propriety, at the present. Though I suspect she would not mind in any case."
>"And that, I believe, is as much as I have in me for the rest of the night. I think it is time to go back home and sleep very, very soundly."
>Smile a little
>"I should like to think I have earned that much by now."
>Kiku looks upon you with a smile of camaraderie. "And then some, Byakuren." She looks around, then continues, "I would offer to carry you home myself, but I'm not sure my sisters would like that at the moment."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright. Another friend of mine already offered me a drive home."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright. Another friend of mine already offered me a drive home."
>"Very well, then."
>Looking a little unsure of the gesture, Kiku extends her hand to you. "I bid you good night."
-
>Return the gesture and give her a warm smile.
>"Good night, Kiku. Be well, and be safe. And remember, we stand together."
-
>Return the gesture and give her a warm smile.
>"Good night, Kiku. Be well, and be safe. And remember, we stand together."
>"To the end."
>Your farewells said, Kiku turns from you and heads towards her home.
-
>Take out our phone and text Marisa:
>"I hope you're still good for that ride, because I'm about to fall asleep on my feet."
>As we do so, make our way slowly out of the shrine grounds. Be careful not to trip over the stairs in our fatigued state.
-
>Take out our phone and text Marisa:
>"I hope you're still good for that ride, because I'm about to fall asleep on my feet."
>As we do so, make our way slowly out of the shrine grounds. Be careful not to trip over the stairs in our fatigued state.
>Not having access to a Marisa, you decide to text Marissa instead.
>As you reach the stairs, your friend messages you back, "You good to ride?" She does this because her motorcycle has no sidecar, and anyone she transports on it has to ride on back. Therefore, she doesn't transport anyone who is excessively drunk, exhausted, or otherwise incapable of keeping a good grip on her. Marissa takes no chances with passenger safety. When she offers rides to anyone in those conditions, she uses a car. This, in short, is what she is asking you: Should she bring her old bike or a car?
>Knowing her, and how much she values you and your safety, she'd probably insist on the latter.
-
>Not having access to a Marisa, you decide to text Marissa instead.
>No authorial machinations shall stop me from using the canonical spelling!
>Text back: "Better use the car. I'm really dropping."
-
>No authorial machinations shall stop me from using the canonical spelling!
>Text back: "Better use the car. I'm really dropping."
>You make Marissa sad.
>Marissa replies: "Smart girl. ;) Hang tight, I'll be there lickety split."
-
>Text back: "Thank you."
>Finish making our way to the access road and wait for her arrival. Try not to fall asleep outside.
-
>Text back: "Thank you."
>Finish making our way to the access road and wait for her arrival. Try not to fall asleep outside.
>With Marissa informed and en route, you pocket your phone and pick your way down the remainder of the steps. You swear there weren't this many when you were coming up the last time, and someone seems to have widened them a bit while you were chatting with Kiku. But you've yet to be defeated by a flight of stairs yet! Apart from those stairs back on Wednesday, but that fight was a wash due to extraplanar shenanigans. You then congratulate yourself for being able to pronounce those words in your head.
>Eventually, after an hour or so (not really, of course, but it almost feels that way to you) you reach the bottom of the stairs, and rest your back against the concrete barrier separating the road from the woods. The cold air cuts across your face, carrying a dampness with the chill. It will definitely rain sometime before the night is over.
>You find yourself reflecting on your visits to the shrine of the Metal Tiger. Seeing Kiku again did you a world of good, as did hearing of her meeting with her God. And the warmth of the Sisters was genuine, both towards you and towards Kiku. Seeing their demonstration made you very happy for Kiku. But the knowledge that something there is wrong, something you can't as yet identify, weighs on your mind. The sooner you get to the bottom of it, the better, for all parties concerned. And yet, the thought that this could be some evil seperate from the Demons bothers you. You're not naive, you know that this world isn't perfect, but this could be something beyond you. You've proven yourself capable of besting the Demons and their weapons, but you can't be as confidant about something else.
>Shaking your head, you banish those thoughts from your mind. Doubt is meaningless, a form of self-defeat. Byakuren Hijiri never doubts herself. You have the power to help people, to set things right, and you will. That's all there is to it. Whether this evil is the Demons, if it is Satori, if it is a separate evil corrupting Satori, or something else entirely, the time will come when you and your comrades will confront it. And you will defeat it. And all will be well.
>While you've been musing, and trying to keep your back to the cold night wind, an ugly little brown car trundles up the road from town, one you recognize. It's an newer model Bracch, a Bonn-made car, and one owned by Marissa's neighbors, the Shinkirous. Nice people, those, willing to let Marissa borrow their car when the need arises, as the young girl only has a motorcycle, her old Master Spark. You know that people often laugh at Marissa when they see her driving that thing. It's a serviceable car, but it's rather ugly, drab and cheap. It clashes totally with Marissa flashy, bright, BIG personality, the idea that she'd be driving some Bonn made hulk. You of course know better. Marissa's well aware of her image, but she doesn't care a lick about it, especially when her friends are involved. Marissa is Marissa, no matter what she's driving.
>Truth to tell, you had been slightly concerned about contacting Marissa. More to the point, you were concerned as to how much she would inquire into the events of the day. The issue of whether or not to tell your friends about all this still hasn't been settled yet, in your mind, and while you hate lying as it is, the thought of lying to Marissa almost turns your stomach.
>Your blonde friend, however, does not ask why you were at the shrine as you set off for home. She does not ask what you were doing there. She mentions the rumors about an upcoming surprise concert to be held by Flandre Scarlet, and the rear brakes on her old Master Spark had gone 'squirrely' again, every day stuff, but she does not probe into your personal business. This puzzles you, until you recall the exchange you had with her via text in the forest. That would have been enough to tell her that, yes, something was going on, but it was something you could handle. Something you weren't quite ready to tell her about in detail. Marissa would respect that. She knows you enough that, she would think that if you felt the time was right to tell her, or that she needed to know, you would tell her. And that would content her. Marissa, for all her flippancy, respects her friends privacy. She seems to be able to sense these things, somehow. You find yourself smiling at her as your consciousness starts to drift. It feels like you've known her forever, even though it's only been a few years. Yet she still manages to surprise you, just as you surprise her now and then. As you have at times before, you find yourself wondering where the two of you would be now if things had gone differently that night...
>The next thing you know, you find that you've changed positions. Or rather, are in the middle of changing positions. You must have fallen asleep in the car. You are now being carried in Marissa's arms up a flight of stairs. It takes a moment for you to realize that they are the stairs leading up to your apartment. She is speaking with someone, and a glance to your right shows it is Reisen. Patchy had apparently banished her from their apartment for a little while. This is not uncommon, Patchouli sometimes needs her time to herself, and Reisen respects this. Evidently the young mistress has been in a touchier mood than normal, Reisen tells Marissa. She's been having bad dreams. She seems to want to blame Patchouli's parents, but won't. Knowing them, it's more like Reisen can't.
>Seeing you awake, Marissa grins at you. "Mornin', sleeping beauty." she says teasingly as Reisen knocks on your apartment door. Willing yourself not to flush, an act that succeeds but uses up what little energy you have left, you ask her to let you down, which she does. It feels much colder now, and not just because of the winter wind. Marissa is such a warm person.
>Rin opens the door a moment later, and practically pulls you inside. She frets over your condition, and you try to tell her that you're fine, that you're just tired, that she doesn't need to worry too much, but you get the impression she isn't listening to you all that closely. The role of a servant comes to her very naturally, and you've learned that one thing she takes very seriously is the health and safety of her mistress. You've wondered, now and then, how much of that is the result of her upbringing, and how much is Rin being Rin. The look in her eyes, though, is one of genuine concern. You decide it would be best to let her fuss, as she puts the cheesecake you brought home for her in the fridge. Which she thanks you for, of course. It would make her happy, you decide, to take care of you tonight, and that is what you let her do. She even tucks you in, and you can see in her face the simple joy of being of use. Of being able to help in some way not only her owner, but someone she cares for. Eagle asked you, earlier, if you would do it again. Fight an oni to give their slave a better life. One look at Rin's face reminds you that, yes, you probably would.
>Despite the warmth you felt from Marissa and Rin, your dreams this night are troubled. You find yourself in a circus of some sort, and your brother leads you out onto the center stage. The seats are vast, empty, black and formless, but you can see eyes glittering in the blackness beyond. One, two, three... Six sets of eyes watch you as you run up ramps, turn cartwheels, leap through hoops of fire at each snap of your brother's whip. You feel like an animal being controlled by its ringmaster. Yet you have no desire to escape, to flee, to run wild.
>When the show is over, you are led back to your cage by the crazed twin with the yellow stripe on her face, past the other animals, namely Rin, Utsuho, Anya and the three Manari, who glower at each other openly. You feel a sense of pride at performing well, at making the crowd happy. But something about your water bowl makes you shiver, and when you look into it, you see a pair of hideous, slitted serpentine eyes staring back at you from beneath the water's surface. Its sibilant hiss echoes throughout the room, which seems to be closing in on you, "You know you can't hold me forever..."
>Magical Lotus, Mahou Shoujou Byakuren, Episode 2 - End.
-
Episode 3 will be up shortly. In the meantime, I'll leave this thread open for a little while, in the event any of you have questions or comments that I can address without spoiling anything to come.
-
>Check Achievements
-
>We're still in TBC. Achievements haven't been invented yet.
-
>Check Trophies.