Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2013, 07:34:37 AM
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>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker (owner) of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.
>Thus far, your day has been happily demon-free, though hardly an uneventful one. After tackling your math mid-term, and befriending transfer student Sanae Kochiya, you were recruited into the drama club's christmas play, a musical production of "A Christmas Carol". You are slotted to play the role of Bob Cratchit, though drama club captain Yamame Kurodani, informed you that the current Scrooge, drama star Kogasa Tatara, was willing to trade if you wanted.
>After classes were over, you had another checkup with school nurse Utsuho Reizushi, who examined you for any lingering signs of cranial trauma resulting from your fall down the stairs last wednesday. She seemed a bit out of sorts, but she did her job thoroughly, and you checked out to her satisfaction, though you are still slated for an MRI this coming friday. For some reason, proximity to her generated a swirl of yellow color in the jewel on your ring, but unlike with Lily, Kiku, the miko Chie, your slave Rin and your schoolmate Luna Child, whom you met on your way out of school, there was no accompanying sensation from your ring with Utsuho, just the color. You are still uncertain what this could mean.
>Returning home to take a power nap, you found the physical embodiment of the Purpose of the Barrier waiting for you outside your door. It felt that it would be the safest place for it, and you agreed, placing the doll in your room. Following that, you dozen for a little while, and after supper at Minoriko's, you sat down with your Rin to have a talk with her about what you'd been up to over the past few days. Not the mundane parts, the otherworldly parts. Not the least reason being that you sensed her potential to wear a ring from her. Rin practically jumped at the chance to wield the power of the Light, to protect you as you protected her, she said.
>With Rin ringed, you decided to take her and investigate the other shrines, to see if you could make contact with the ghosts of the other animal gods, while Kiku continues the investigation into the issue surrounding Satori and the Tiger shrine. Reisen agreed to give you and Rin a lift to the Shrine of the Black Tortoise, headquarters of Miko Miko Suika, and, after a somewhat unpleasant encounter with a street racer called Motormaster, who seemed interested in purchasing Reisen, the three of you are about to set off towards the Tortoise shrine once more.
>"Yes, let's be off."
>Reisen turns over her bike's engine once again, and Rin settles down behind her once more.
>"I wonder what Patchy would say about this." Reisen wonders aloud.
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>"Oh, something or other indignant about Motormaster's presumptuousness, I expect. You know she cares about you."
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Wait, is Motormaster male or female? Because he/she was referred to as both.
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Who knows man. I've got one or two suspects in mind though, given the subject matter, and the model of ride Motormaster has.
>"We just need to be mindful of things now though, I wouldn't put it past Motormaster to pull something when it's just Reisen. I might sound a bit paranoid, but better safe than sorry."
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I think the pronoun use varied back and forth because it was supposed to be ambiguous what gender the person actually was.
>"We just need to be mindful of things now though, I wouldn't put it past Motormaster to pull something when it's just Reisen. I might sound a bit paranoid, but better safe than sorry."
>Reisen is already feeling shaken. No need to give her more cause to fret about right now, particularly when Motormaster has already seemed unwilling to deal with her directly.
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>"Oh, something or other indignant about Motormaster's presumptuousness, I expect. You know she cares about you."
>Reisen's face yields a half-smile as she shifts her bike into gear. "Sometimes she does. But I'm still... Well, the only reason I'm with her is because of her parents. And we all know how she feels about them and their... ways."
I think the pronoun use varied back and forth because it was supposed to be ambiguous what gender the person actually was.
Pretty much this. Ambiguity is a bit hard to convey in this medium, and that method seemed better than referring to Moto as 'it'.
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>"This is true, but I understand they're highly protective of their Patchouli, yes? Does it really seem likely they would be content to leave her without your watchful gaze? At the request of a 'ruffian', no less?"
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>"Besides, I doubt she'd let it happen herself."
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>"This is true, but I understand they're highly protective of their Patchouli, yes? Does it really seem likely they would be content to leave her without your watchful gaze? At the request of a 'ruffian', no less?"
>"Besides, I doubt she'd let it happen herself."
>Reisen snorts out a chuckle. "Not likely. They like to keep me on as tight a leash as they do their daughter. I doubt they're looking to replace me, not unless they find someone they can control better."
>".. is what I'd LIKE to say, but, I can't be completely certain." Reisen adds after a moment. "If the right offer comes along, if they can find a replacement..."
>Rin nods in quiet assent. "Our lives ain't certain ones."
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>"Well, you know how Patchouli is about them. She's not likely to surrender as valuable an assistant as you are, especially if they say so."
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>"Forgive me if this is presumptuous, and I know it is easier to say than to do, but there is little value on worrying about what is very likely to never be. While I cannot guarantee your future - no more than any of ours - I do not think you need feel threatened by that person's wish to own you. And should the future bring something unwished for... well, I suppose I shall just need to find some grounds to challenge her as well."
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>"Well, you know how Patchouli is about them. She's not likely to surrender as valuable an assistant as you are, especially if they say so."
>"I appreciate the sentiment, believe me. But it isn't really up to her. Neither she nor I have much say in the matter. Which is why I hope this doesn't get back to her." Reisen adds with a frown. "I'd hate to have her reminded, once again, that she doesn't get a say in my place. She gets that enough from her parents."
>"Forgive me if this is presumptuous, and I know it is easier to say than to do, but there is little value on worrying about what is very likely to never be. While I cannot guarantee your future - no more than any of ours - I do not think you need feel threatened by that person's wish to own you. And should the future bring something unwished for... well, I suppose I shall just need to find some grounds to challenge her as well."
>Reisen's hand almost slips off her handlebars. "You... What?"
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>"I've done it once before." Indicate Rin. "I can do it again."
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>"And I could hardly stand by and allow a friend to suffer at the hands of a brutish master, no matter how intimidating their stature."
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>"I've done it once before." Indicate Rin. "I can do it again."
>"And I could hardly stand by and allow a friend to suffer at the hands of a brutish master, no matter how intimidating their stature."
>Reisen slows once more, and smiles a big smile. "Do you mind if I stop again, just for a second?"
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>Nod gently
>"Of course."
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>Nod gently
>"Of course."
>Reisen pulls over to the side of the road once again, slowing to a halt. She then dismounts her machine, and you find yourself a touch curious. The rabbit exchanges a look with Rin, and something passes between them, something between slaves that you can't imagine. Whatever it was seems to please Reisen, as she pads around the front of her bike, walks up to stand next to you, and then bends over and gives you a hug. "What a master you are." she says brightly.
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>Chuckle, and return the hug. "Being nice like this is in my nature, you should know this by now."
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>"I have never once thought of either of you as less than myself and I never will."
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>Chuckle, and return the hug. "Being nice like this is in my nature, you should know this by now."
>"I have never once thought of either of you as less than myself and I never will."
>"Being nice is one thing." Reisen starts.
>Rin, however, finishes. "Being a good master is somethin' else."
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>"I only wish to see you treated with the kindness and dignity of person that you deserve. Matters of legal status are immaterial to this."
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>"I only wish to see you treated with the kindness and dignity of person that you deserve. Matters of legal status are immaterial to this."
>Reisen detaches herself from you, her expression somewhat mysterious. She gives Rin that look again. The kasha merely nods.
>"You could be the best owner in the world that never would consider herself an owner." Reisen says.
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>"Perhaps it is so because I would not consider myself that. You are friends to be cherished, not property to be owned. Others may think differently, but I will not."
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>"Perhaps it is so because I would not consider myself that. You are friends to be cherished, not property to be owned. Others may think differently, but I will not."
>Reisen scratches one of her ears. "What if- No, I can wait. That question might call for a long answer." she stops herself, walking around her bike again and mounting up.
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>"I have time for a long answer, if you still wish to ask the question. But it's up to you."
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>"I have time for a long answer, if you still wish to ask the question. But it's up to you."
>Sitting down on her machine again, Reisen does consider, then shakes her head slightly. "If it's all the same to you, I think I'd rather ask when we're both back home. Or at least somewhere quieter, and maybe a bit privater, than the side of the road."
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>Nod
>"Of course."
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>Nod
>"Of course."
>Orin gives Reisen a pat on the shoulder as you get yourself comfortable again.
>As she pulls out back into the road, Rin gives you a small smile. "Dat's one upside to havin' a scooter, there. Never have ta race 'em 'gainst folks like that."
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>Chuckle a little
>"I suppose that could be an unexpected upside, yes."
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>Chuckle a little
>"I suppose that could be an unexpected upside, yes."
>"You were thinking about getting a scooter?" Reisen asks.
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>"Perhaps a little, though it may be only an idle thought at this point."
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>"Perhaps a little, though it may be only an idle thought at this point."
>"They get the job done. Practical enough, but they're not my cup of tea."
>"That said, if you ever wanted one, I can try and find one at a decent price. They're not as common as bikes around town, but I might be able to come up with something."
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>"Well, I would appreciate that. I don't suppose you have some idea, off-hand, what price range I could expect?"
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>"Well, I would appreciate that. I don't suppose you have some idea, off-hand, what price range I could expect?"
>"I'm not entirely sure. I don't deal with scooters much myself. But when it comes to vehicles, it depends on a number of things." Stopped at a red light at the end of University Drive, Reisen ticks off items on her fingers, her left ear twitching up and down slightly as she does. "The condition its in, the age of it, any new parts, the rarity, its specs, its look- looks matter, even for a scooter."
>"Anythin' that looks better costs more." Rin adds.
>"But for a decent used scooter- Actually, would you rather new or used?" she asks as the light turns green.
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>"Used would probably be more economical. Provided it wasn't in poor condition or prone to soon becoming so, at least."
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>"Used would probably be more economical. Provided it wasn't in poor condition or prone to soon becoming so, at least."
>"Always the big risk for buying used." Reisen nods. "But for a good used scooter...." The rabbit purses her lips and rolls her ears. "Somewhere between 1500 and 3000, would be my ballpark."
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>Nod slowly
>"I see. Well, if you happen to run across something you consider a good deal, please do mention it, though there's no need to go out of your way looking; I'm hardly committed to the idea just yet."
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>Nod slowly
>"I see. Well, if you happen to run across something you consider a good deal, please do mention it, though there's no need to go out of your way looking; I'm hardly committed to the idea just yet."
>"Sure, I can do that. I didn't think you had your license yet, but I did think it was worth mentioning."
>"Although now that I think about it, Marissa might be able to serve you better in this area. She's got a nose for getting good stuff when saving a buck, and she knows more about two-wheelers than I do. A lot more."
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>Ah, yes, a license. We don't have one of those, do we? And if not, how long and involved would be the process of getting one?
>"Ah, that is a point, yes."
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>Ah, yes, a license. We don't have one of those, do we? And if not, how long and involved would be the process of getting one?
>"Ah, that is a point, yes."
>You do not, yet. But the process is rather straightforward. It starts with a written test, to test one's basic knowledge of rules and road signs, and this test costs $20, pass or fail. Passing the test grants you a driver's permit, which allows one to drive while accompanied by a licensed driver. After that there is a road test with a certified instructor to get one's full license. One cannot take the road test until at least two weeks after taking the written test, to allow practice driving with another driver.
>"If you do decide to go for your license, I'd suggest learning in a car before a two-wheeler. Much as I love bikes, cars are easier to learn in." Reisen grins a little. "Sounds like common sense, I know. But it seems to me that a lot of folks, who aren't named Byakuren Hijiri, want to just jump onto a bike and go." The rabbit shakes her head. "Bad idea."
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>"A sensible idea. I am in no hurry to cause an accident, certainly. I suppose I shall give the matter some more thought."
>Onward to the shrine!
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>"A sensible idea. I am in no hurry to cause an accident, certainly. I suppose I shall give the matter some more thought."
>Onward to the shrine!
>The sky darkens completely as you make your way towards the north shrine, as the sun, already hidden beneath the scuddy sky, sinks below the western horizon. The heavily residential zone in this part of town is densely populated by tall trees, almost more of the latter than there is the former. Here and there, you can see the white and red ceremonial clothing of a miko of Suika's shrine about town. You see them all over town as it is, but the population of them is denser closer to their home base, as one might expect.
>The Tortoise shrine does not require walking up a long flight of stairs, as the Tiger shrine does, so Reisen is able to drive you and Rin all the way up the sloping hill leading to the shrine. The shrine's parking lot is filled with more cars than you would have thought for after dark, and is occupied by a trio of teenagers watching a red and white-clad miko with auburn hair a reptilian tail show off her skills on a skateboard.
>A small pond stands in front of the grounds of the shrine itself, a trio of bridges connecting the grass on this side to the grounds on the other. Older-style dark brown wood planks and metal handrails and supports, painted a dark cherry red, comprise the bridge construction. Oil lamps line the bridge, well illuminating the sacred grounds. A pair of shrine maidens are walking down the left-hand bridge lighting the lamps.
>The grounds themselves are lively as well, fully a dozen children running around a rather large playground, easily twice as big as the one at the Tiger shrine, overseen by a middle aged couple and a tall shrine maiden. A pair of fairies, and a shorter shrine maiden with long orange hair and a pair of horns, seem to have joined the youngsters in their game. The fairies, you don't recognize, but the oni in miko's clothes can only be Miko Miko Suika herself. The grounds themselves are composed of a grassy field, as opposed to the stone of the other Shrines, with a pair of small trickling streams of water framing a cobblestone path leading to the shrine itself.
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>Can one ordinarily walk on in to the room the sacred flame is housed in?
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>Can one ordinarily walk on in to the room the sacred flame is housed in?
>Under normal circumstances, yes.
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>Then thank Reisen for the lift and let's head there now
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>Then thank Reisen for the lift and let's head there now
>Reisen nods and, true to her word, she revs her engine as you and Rin put some distance between you and takes off again, as Patchouli asked of her.
>As you cross the bridge over the pond in front of the shrine, you glance to your right and find it deeper than you'd have thought. You could probably swim in it if you wanted, and it's perfectly clean, too.
>Rin sidles up close to you and whispers a question to you, "What's the plan?"
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>"Let's stop in and take a little look at the sacred flame, shall we?"
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>"Let's stop in and take a little look at the sacred flame, shall we?"
>Rin nods, her expression a stern one. "If we can't?"
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>"Then I am afraid we may have to go away disappointed."
>Though after that, I think I shall try and see if the Black Tortoise wishes to grace me with His presence. At least if we cannot sense something closer at hand which warrants immediate investigation.
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>"That alone will tell us something's up, though."
>The flames are normally open to the public, after all.
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>"Then I am afraid we may have to go away disappointed."
>Though after that, I think I shall try and see if the Black Tortoise wishes to grace me with His presence. At least if we cannot sense something closer at hand which warrants immediate investigation.
>"That alone will tell us something's up, though."
>The flames are normally open to the public, after all.
>Rin jumps a little, her ears and tails frizzing.
>Oh right, I forgot we could do this. she says, her telepathic voice betraying her embarrassment. Well, I didn't forget, but... Rin blushes. Sorry.
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>Nothing to apologize for. But I think it safer for sensitive matters when in public, in case someone else might overhear something.
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>Nothing to apologize for. But I think it safer for sensitive matters when in public, in case someone else might overhear something.
>Real good idea, Mistress. I shoulda thought of that myself.
>About four fifths of the way across the bridge, you hear a loud splash to your right. Rin yelps, while you merely start a little. The head of a blue-haired kappa has broken the surface of the water, and she announces herself with a cheerful "Kappa! Welcome to the Black Tortoise shrine!"
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>Smile
>"Good evening to you as well."
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>Smile
>"Good evening to you as well."
>Rin, grasping your arm, is somewhat less cordial, though you suspect it is more out of surprise than anger. Rin's nerves can get a touch frayed when someone sneaks up on her. "Do ya always greet temple guests dat way?"
>The kappa smiles guilelessly. You note that she is clad in the red and white robes of a shrine maiden, though her hakama and sleeves seems to be a bit shorter than the norm, and she totes a blue backpack on her back. Waterproof, most likely. "When I'm out here. It's a good night for a swim." Her bright blue eyes dart between you and Rin. "What brings you both here tonight?"
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>"We thought we'd pay a visit to the sacred flame. It's been a dreary day and there's something comforting about seeing them blazing merrily."
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>"We thought we'd pay a visit to the sacred flame. It's been a dreary day and there's something comforting about seeing it blazing merrily."
>"I'd take the water myself, but I can float along with that." The kappa points towards the shrine building. "Have you ever been here before?"
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>Have we?
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>Have we?
>You have not.
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>"Not to this shrine, no. But I thought tonight would be a good night for a change of scene."
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>"Not to this shrine, no. But I thought tonight would be a good night for a change of scene."
>"Well, the flame room's in the same place as the other three shrines keep it. I might have tried something different, like on the roof. Giant point of light, like the north star in Mayoiga." The kappa grins expansively. "Kinda poetic, isn't it."
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>"Perhaps it is a little, yes. But wouldn't the rain be a problem, then?"
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>"Perhaps it is a little, yes. But wouldn't the rain be a problem, then?"
>"Naw. See, it's sacred fire." she says, drawing out the word 'sacred'. "Rain hitting it would just make holy water. Nothin' short of a really major demon could make that fire go out. Or a giant squid." After a moment, she adds, "I think."
>"Ya think?" Rin asks.
>The kappa nods. "I've only been swimming these waters about a month. There's things I don't know for certain yet."
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>About how large are these flames, anyway?
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>About how large are these flames, anyway?
>The flames themselves, or the housing surrounding the flame's brazier?
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>Both, I guess
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>Both, I guess
>The brazier, if the term is appropriate here, is housed within a wooden box formed of blessed logs. In both the Fire Bird shrine and the Wood Dragon shrine, this boxy altar is a little more than foot wide and five foot six inches tall. A metal bowl holds the flame itself, the size of a rather large cake bowl. Both are festooned with designs and talismans to ensure the purity of the temple, the sanctity of the flame and the strength of the prayers of the faithful.
>The flame itself is largely static in size, depending on the wind in the room, filling the bowl and reaching an elevation of about four or five inches over the lip.
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>"Even if the rain were no threat to the flame, surely that would still generate quite a bit of steam?"
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>"Even if the rain were no threat to the flame, surely that would still generate quite a bit of steam?"
>"Sacred steam." the kappa corrects brightly.
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>"Hmm...And I suppose that given what this shrine's patron is, that would not be too amiss, would it?"
>After all, we know enough about animals to know that tortoises are cold-blooded. Which means steam is a rather nice refresher in the right amounts.
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>"Hmm...And I suppose that given what this shrine's patron is, that would not be too amiss, would it?"
>After all, we know enough about animals to know that tortoises are cold-blooded. Which means steam is a rather nice refresher in the right amounts.
>The kappa nods. "And it's good for the pores! At least, that's what Kirino tells me."
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>"Kirino?"
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>"Kirino?"
>"Yup, Kirino."
>"Who's dat?" Rin asks her.
>"New girl." the kappa replies, somewhat unhelpfully, though still cheerfully.
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>"Ah, I see. Well thank you for the directions, and I hope you have you have a pleasant evening as well."
>Carry on to the sacred flame room.
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>"Ah, I see. Well thank you for the directions, and I hope you have you have a pleasant evening as well."
>Carry on to the sacred flame room.
>"Thanks! You, too-kappa!" the bright eyed kappa bids you a farewell and ducks her head underwater again, leaving you and Rin to continue on along your way.
>Is that a good sign? Rin asks you mentally. She never said the fire was out of bounds.
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>I suspect that means everything is fine, yes. But still, it will be nice to see it with my own eyes.
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>I suspect that means everything is fine, yes. But still, it will be nice to see it with my own eyes.
>I'll still keep my ears peeled. Rin decides.
>The temple itself is larger than the Tiger shrine, having an extra story built atop it, and a taller tower extending from the front center section of it. It's color scheme is largely dark and light blue, intermixed with dark red and black here and there. The kanji for Black Water Tortoise are emblazoned under the square-cut window of the tower, ending over the top of the veranda. Wave-like crenelations top the veranda, painted blue with white caps, like the waves of the sea. Two streams of water pour from two slits cut into the roof, sending water down over the veranda to the far left and far right of the main entrance, pouring into a small moat that circles the temple building, everywhere except in front of the offertory box, six feet in either direction. The cobblestone walkway leading to the offertory box branches off left and right, going around the temple as well, possibly providing access to the lake behind it.
>A single black-haired shrine maiden sits atop the roof of the shrine, reading what seems from this distance to be a manga, while another shrine maiden, a statuesque blonde with three very long ponytails, one running down her back and one on either side of her head, is mopping the area in front of the main entrance and to its' right. She catches your approach out of the corner of her eye, stops her mopping, then nods a greeting to you both.
>My apologies. Kiku's voice rings in your mind. I was speaking with Satori. You wished to speak to me?
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>Return the greeting and carry onward.
>To Kiku: I did, though first I think I shall ask if everything remains well on your end?
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>Return the greeting and carry onward.
>To Kiku: I did, though first I think I shall ask if everything remains well on your end?
>"Watch your step, visitors." the blonde advises in a clear voice. "The floor here is still wet."
>Rin slows as you approach the entrance, and asks, somewhat quietly, "Ain't it normal ta put somethin' in that box with the bell?"
>Oh, yes. We were merely discussing whether or not we should hold an event for the christmas season this year.
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>What are the customs here regarding leaving offerings before entering the shrines?
>And our own habits in that regard, moreover.
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>What are the customs here regarding leaving offerings before entering the shrines?
>And our own habits in that regard, moreover.
>Ordinarily, one would only make a donation when making a prayer at the shrine. None of the four shrines enforce, or even encourage, donations simply to enter. That would be like charging admission, and so far as you know, there's only one hokey religion in south Eurasia that does that. Now, some people do indeed offer monetary sacrifice each and every time they visit a shrine, you know, but these people are usually the especially devout sort. Or the insanely generous.
>It's also an accepted tradition to leave donations at shrines when a miko, or someone associated with that shrine, has done you a favor.
>You yourself, while certainly a very, very generous soul, fall into the same category as the majority of people you know, and that is offering a donation only preceding a prayer. Rin, however, may have experienced differently in her time with Konngara. The issue's never come up.
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>"If we were making a prayer here, certainly. But it isn't a customary requirement if we're simply paying a visit."
>To Kiku: That is a pleasingly mundane topic. In any case, I was wondering if you know anything of a three-eyed Yatagarasu?
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>See, an aquaintaince of mine has been having dreams of late, dreams where she sees a three-legged bird that, from the description I was given, sounds like a Yatagarasu. Except that the creature described to me had three eyes in addition to the three legs, something I've not heard of before. I'm afraid I know little about the subject, and I thought you might know more.
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>"If we were making a prayer here, certainly. But it isn't a customary requirement if we're simply paying a visit."
>To Kiku: That is a pleasingly mundane topic. In any case, I was wondering if you know anything of a three-eyed Yatagarasu?
>"Ahh." Rin looks at the box. "Never thought a dat. Never came here much with Konngara, her family wasn't that faithy."
>Don't you mean three-toed Yatagarasu?
>See, an aquaintaince of mine has been having dreams of late, dreams where she sees a three-legged bird that, from the description I was given, sounds like a Yatagarasu. Except that the creature described to me had three eyes in addition to the three legs, something I've not heard of before. I'm afraid I know little about the subject, and I thought you might know more.
>A dream of a divinity is something that should always be investigated. Kiku says approvingly. But a three-eyed Yata- Kiku cuts off abruptly, and after a few moments' pause, her voice returns, Actually, that DOES sound familiar, albeit vaguely. I believe I have read something about a three-eyed Sun Raven in one of the texts here. But it was some years ago since I last read that volume. Give me a few minutes, I shall check.
>Do you have any idea why this individual would be dreaming of a Yatagarasu? Does she have some connection to the divine you are aware of?
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>Not that I know of. She is a bird youkai, though. A raven, I believe. I don't know if that's relevant, but I thought it worth mentioning.
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>Not that I know of. She is a bird youkai, though. A raven, I believe. I don't know if that's relevant, but I thought it worth mentioning.
>Indeed. A raven youkai may indeed have some kind of connection, or at least an affinity, to a Yatagarasu, much as a tiger youkai like myself has an affinity for the Metal Tiger.
>These dreams of hers you mentioned. What form do they take? Nightmare, portent, pleasant?
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>I should probably say that this was told to me not by the youkai in question, but by a mutual friend. And the word that friend used was 'nightmares', although being secondhand, I don't know how true to the dreams that designation truly is. She also said that she got the impression the raven youkai is starting to see, or at least hear, this... being even while awake.
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>I should probably say that this was told to me not by the youkai in question, but by a mutual friend. And the word that friend used was 'nightmares', although being secondhand, I don't know how true to the dreams that designation truly is. She also said that she got the impression the raven youkai is starting to see, or at least hear, this... being even while awake.
>Intriguing. And this was a recent development?
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>I don't know how long the dreams have been going on for, but seeming to hear the being while awake does seem to be a fairly new development, yes.
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>I don't know how long the dreams have been going on for, but seeming to hear the being while awake does seem to be a fairly new development, yes.
>By that, I mean, since the demons began their invasion of our world?
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>I do not know. And yes, the possibility that it's a demon trick did occur to me. Do you think that's what this is?
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>I do not know. And yes, the possibility that it's a demon trick did occur to me. Do you think that's what this is?
>The timing of it seems too great to pass off as mere coincidence. If this youkai does have a latent connection to a divine spirit, these demons would take advantage of it, if they could. Of this I am sure
>Have you seen her recently? Was she wearing a new ring, like the one the demon used to control that woman? Like it nearly did me?
-
>Was she? Whatever the answer, tell Kiku.
-
>Was she? Whatever the answer, tell Kiku.
>She was not.
>That seems to be how the Water demon controls its victims. I don't know if the others would employ the same means, but it does seem logical.
>Still, if she is reporting nightmares, that means that the demons may not have fully taken control of her. I suggest that one of us investigate her personally. Our Light powers may be able to detect demonic taint upon her, and remove it before it is too late.
-
>Coincidentally, I had actually spoke with her myself earlier this afternoon, before my friend had told me of these nightmares. She had seemed pensive, but not otherwise unlike her normal self. Though my ring did seem to have a reaction in her presence, unlike those it has had with you or Lily. There was a swirl of yellow inside it which dissipated as I grew more distant from her; I was not fully certain what it meant.
-
>Coincidentally, I had actually spoke with her myself earlier this afternoon, before my friend had told me of these nightmares. She had seemed pensive, but not otherwise unlike her normal self. Though my ring did seem to have a reaction in her presence, unlike those it has had with you or Lily. There was a swirl of yellow inside it which dissipated as I grew more distant from her; I was not fully certain what it meant.
>Yellow? Kiku makes a thoughtful noise. That was the color of the ring Water's first victim wore. And the color of the ring it tried to use on me. But then again, your ring was also yellow. Well, gold, but, you know what I mean. I wonder if that might be signifigant.
>Regardless, you sensed no demoic power, no taint, from her when you spoke with her?
-
>We did not, correct?
-
>We did not, correct?
>Correct. Although your ring swirled with color, you sensed nothing out of the ordinary from either it, or Utsuho herself.
-
>I did not. In fact, aside from the coloration of my ring, I sensing nothing at all unusual from her.
-
>I did not. In fact, aside from the coloration of my ring, I sensing nothing at all unusual from her.
>That does not mean it was not there. If you were not in your Lotus guise, your senses may not have been as accute.
>By this point, Rin has led you inside the shrine itself, offering you her arm over the wet floor on the outside. The antechamber of this shrine is layed out identially to the one at the Tiger shrine, though it is somewhat larger, and it has an extra doorway set in the left wall, leading to a flight of stairs going up.
>A trio of shrine maidens are present here, one close to the exit on her hands and knees, cleaning up more spilled liquid. This one, with her aqua-green eyes and gorgeous blonde hair currently tied into a ponytail, seems strikingly familiar to you. You think you've seen her in Aya's studio, though you've never worked with her if she is a model. She certainly has the looks for it. At least, she would, but her face is presently engaged in showing her distaste for the task she is performing, as she wrings her rag out into a nearby bucket of water.
>The other two stand towards the center of the room, slightly to the right. The shorter flat chested one has red hair of moderate length tied in a pair of braids encircling her head around the back. You suspect it would be somewhat long let down. She stands speaking with a very tall youkai whom is currently back on to you, but you recognize her wings, currently wrapped around her body, her hair, and the color of the uniform. It appears to be Haruka, the miko from the Fire Bird shrine.
>I suggest one of us investigate her in our Magical form. Kiku continues. To be sure.
-
>Spilled liquid? So it doesn't look like the floor is just wet because someone was cleaning it?
-
>Spilled liquid? So it doesn't look like the floor is just wet because someone was cleaning it?
>By the looks of it, the blonde is just getting started cleaning it up.
-
>Can we tell what it looks like has spilled here? And how sizable is it?
-
>Can we tell what it looks like has spilled here? And how sizable is it?
>Based on the smell and yellow-whitish appearance, you would guess lemonaide. And you would guess about.... maybe a small pitcher's worth?
-
>That does make sense and I will certainly do so when next I get the opportunity.
>Continue forward, and keep a casual ear in Haruka's direction. Can we tell what they're talking about?
-
>That does make sense and I will certainly do so when next I get the opportunity.
>Continue forward, and keep a casual ear in Haruka's direction. Can we tell what they're talking about?
>Rin in tow, you proceed towards the large double sliding doors in the north wall, letting your attention wander towards the tall winged youkai and the redhead in front of her. As you approach, you note a third miko, whom Haruka's frame had obscured from you, a young woman with short gradient hair, orange tapering into a light blue at the back of her head, falling just down to barely touch her shoulders. She has a single horn protruding from her forehead, but it's much shorter than any oni's horn you're even seen. Blunter, too. She wears a black cord in loose necklace, large purple beads threaded through it at intervals, and has a metallic flask in her hand.
>The redhead seems to be discussing her impression of a TV show you're not familiar with with Haruka. Something about 'which brother is better', but you can't place the names of the characters she tosses out. Haruka has the bearing of one who only slightly knows what the other is talking about, but is politely interested nonetheless.
>As you walk past the trio, the oni, taking a swig from her flask, pauses and points in your direction. "The Morning Star!"
-
>Pause and smile in her direction
>"Good evening to you."
-
>Pause and smile in her direction
>"Good evening to you."
>"This is a pleasure." the oni says, walking boldly between the redhead and Haruka, both of whom also look in your direction. You spare a moment to wonder about Rin. The girl spent many years with an oni family who left her in a bad way, so you've wondered how proximity to oni would affect her. To your relief, Rin doesn't seem at all uncomfortable as the oni approaches you with a big smile on her face. "What brings you to our little piece of the city tonight?"
-
>"Well, it had occurred to me that I'd never been to this shrine before, and I felt like doing a little sightseeing."
-
>"Well, it had occurred to me that I'd never been to this shrine before, and I felt like doing a little sightseeing."
>"Not here on a photo shoot, are you?" the oni asks, walking right up to you, somewhat uncomfortably close, if you're honest.
>"No way, Nora." the woman scrubbing the floor behind you remarks sourly. "If Aya was doing a shoot here, I'd have known about it by now."
>"Don't be a spoilsport, Kirino." the blunt-horned oni retorts, still smiling.
-
>Even if she's uncomfortably close, try to keep our own bearing as comfortable as possible and don't back away
>"I'm afraid I meant what I said; I simply felt like having a look around the shrine and the grounds. I hope this doesn't disappoint you somehow."
-
>Grin. "It sounds as though you're looking to make your big break."
-
>Even if she's uncomfortably close, try to keep our own bearing as comfortable as possible and don't back away
>"I'm afraid I meant what I said; I simply felt like having a look around the shrine and the grounds. I hope this doesn't disappoint you somehow."
>She may be closer than you'd prefer, but you've been this close to people more overbearing and less pleasant. This girl seems genuinely friendly, though you have to wonder if she respects personal space.
>The oni does indeed seem a bit crestfallen. "Well... Yeah, a little. I've been a fan of yours since your first spread."
>"So have I." The redhead next to Haruka says, her voice showing nervousness, a blush upon her face.
>Grin. "It sounds as though you're looking to make your big break."
>"Who, me?" Nora the oni asks.
>"She means me." Kirino the human (at least you're fairly sure she's human) says irritatedly, coming to her feet and shaking the water off her hands. "And pretty soon, people will pointing me out in shrines." she adds.
-
>Smile gently at Kirino
>"I have no doubt that someone with your looks could go far in the industry. I believe I've seen you at Aya's studio before, yes?"
-
>Smile gently at Kirino
>"I have no doubt that someone with your looks could go far in the industry. I believe I've seen you at Aya's studio before, yes?"
>The blonde smirks and tosses her ponytail. "Keen eye. Yeah, I signed on with Aya a couple of weeks ago. Kirino Kitaya." she introduces herself.
-
>Nod politely
>"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kirino. Perhaps we shall find ourselves working together some day."
-
>Nod politely
>"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kirino. Perhaps we shall find ourselves working together some day."
>"Someday soon, if you've talked to Aya lately. You know she's got a few jobs on the block for this week, right?"
>"She does? You do?" the oni asks, her interest clearly piqued. Enthusiasm aside, you wish her breath didn't smell of whiskey.
-
>Give the oni a sympathetic smile.
>"She does, yes. And I'm sorry if I'm dashing your hopes a second time now, but I'm afraid I don't think I'll be participating in those shoots, either. Life has been very busy for me lately."
-
>"Although if I find myself having the time, I may show up."
-
>Give the oni a sympathetic smile.
>"She does, yes. And I'm sorry if I'm dashing your hopes a second time now, but I'm afraid I don't think I'll be participating in those shoots, either. Life has been very busy for me lately."
>Nora's face is rather sad. "Why not?"
>"Yeah, Byakuren, why not?" Kirino asks.
>Haruka, however, supplies, "I'm sure the Morning Star has many demands on her time."
>Rin, you note, gives Haruka and appreciative look.
>"Although if I find myself having the time, I may show up."
>The oni's face perks up again, hopefully.
-
>"I suppose we shall have to see.?
-
>"I have indeed found myself busy of late, but if I can somehow find the time, I'll be there."
-
>"I suppose we shall have to see.?
>Nora may look hopeful, but Kirino merely tosses her ponytail back over her shoulder. Her smug expression states, rather clearly, 'Better for me to show what I can do.' No lack of confidence in this kid.
>"I have indeed found myself busy of late, but if I can somehow find the time, I'll be there."
>"Well, I'll hope." Nora says optimistically. "In the meantime..." she pauses, looking somewhat apprehensive, then blurts out, "Will you sign my flask for me?"
-
>Smile
>"If you'd like me to, I'd happy to do so. Do you have something I can write with?"
-
>Smile
>"If you'd like me to, I'd happy to do so. Do you have something I can write with?"
>"Just a sec!" the oni chirps, but as she turns and starts to move towards the door to your right, Haruka's hand snakes out between her wings and holds a black marker out to Nora.
>"Unless you have a special pen, or something." the tall youkai says friendlily. Nora shakes her head and accepts the offered writing instrument, then turns and holds it out to you, her excitement clearly showing.
>"You carry around a marker?" Kirino asks the taller miko.
>Haruka merely nods sagely. "I try to be prepared for whatever comes my way." This statement, you note, makes the redheaded miko next to Haruka flush again.
-
>Accept the pen
>"How would you like me to sign it?"
-
>Accept the pen
>"How would you like me to sign it?"
>"Oh! Uh... However you like!"
-
>Pause and consider for a moment
>Then in our best penmanship, write on the flask:
"May you always be filled with good spirit
-Byakuren Hijiri"
-
>Pause and consider for a moment
>Then in our best penmanship, write on the flask:
"May you always be filled with good spirit
-Byakuren Hijiri"
>You have signed a number of things for fans before, but a metallic surface is a rare one, let alone a curved one. But you adapt quickly enough, and, with just a slight flourish, you leave your sentiments upon Nora's drink receptacle.
>The short-horned oni retrieves her flask, reads your penmanship with rapid eyes, and a massive smile spreads across her face. You have no doubt that you've made her night.
-
>"I'm happy to have brought a smile to your face."
-
>"I'm happy to have brought a smile to your face."
>The oni hugs her flask, and her eyes glitter. "Wait till Yuna hears about this!" Nora then sprints off towards the stairs, your hair and Rin's tails ruffling with her passage.
-
>Turn back to Haruka with a smile
>"Well, I'd say this has been a worthwhile excursion already if I've managed to brighten someone's evening by so much."
>Offer her back her marker.
>"Thank you for the loan of it."
-
>Turn back to Haruka with a smile
>"Well, I'd say this has been a worthwhile excursion already if I've managed to brighten someone's evening by so much."
>Offer her back her marker.
>"Thank you for the loan of it."
>The tall youkai nods slightly and offers you a quiet smile of her own, reclaiming her marker. "Any day you can make someone's day better is a good one in my books, as well."
-
>Nod
>"Well, I shall leave you to your business then, and I wish you all a pleasant evening."
>Carry onward
-
>Nod
>"Well, I shall leave you to your business then, and I wish you all a pleasant evening."
>Carry onward
>"See you at Aya's." Kirino calls with a smirk in her voice, while Haruka merely inclines forward in a small, polite bow. She does, however, give Rin a slightly curious look, but says nothing to her. If Rin notices, she says nothing about it, and merely walks along with you, opening one of the sliding paper doors to allow you entrance to the chamber of the sacred flame of the Black Water Tortoise.
>The large flame chamber has an almost theater-like feel about it, with a fair-sized elevated wood stage standing in front of the flame. The flame itself burns a bright orange and red, dancing in the still air of the large, vaguely circular room. Bamboo flooring covered with tatami mats comprises the floor of the room, while blue and white painted thick bamboo columns line the room at intervals, about five feet from the walls of the room in any direction. Banners and talismans hang from the ceiling beams. Occupying the front half of the room are eight rows of benches, with individual chairs built into them, almost identical to what you'd see in some theaters. Sliding doors are set behind you, and in the north, east and west walls. Aisles divide the benches into groups of six. The area behind the flame is cordined off by a thick, expensive looking blue curtain.
>The stage is currently occupied by a grey and blue-haired miko with flowing, circular wings protruding from her back, like a manta ray's, and a light blue, thin tail, sweeping up the raised platform.
>Standing between the stage and the flame is a familiar head of green hair. It looks remarkably like Sanae from back on, and she seems to still be weaing her school uniform. Her head is bowed slightly, as though she were in prayer.
>Two chairs are presently occupied: On the right side of the room, in the front row, is an elderly gentleman with bushy grey hair and eyebrows, clad in a sensible black and grey suit, leaning on a dark red cane, his eyes intently focused on the flame. The other occupied chair, on the left and in the fifth row of eight, is a woman with short purple hair, clad in a red shirt and brown skirt. She seems familiar, and you place her a moment later. She was seated with Sanae last night, at Szenska's. She has a confidant, almost impersious, bearing, and her short blue hair is kept out of her eyes by a white headband with a pair of autumn-colored leaves.
-
>Everything about the flame looks normal, yes?
>Approach it
>Can we sense anything unusual at all in the space, using what of our magical senses we can access untransformed?
-
>Everything about the flame looks normal, yes?
>Approach it
>Can we sense anything unusual at all in the space, using what of our magical senses we can access untransformed?
>The fire looks to be a perfectly normal fire.
>While your senses are not as refined in your human form as your magical one, you do still detect a faint trace of power from the flame itself. It's akin to whiffing the dissipating scent of a meal cooked and eaten hours previous, but it's definately present.
>As you step forward, Rin, visibly on guard, communicates I feel a tingle in here, Mistress. Somethin' I don't recognize.
-
>What sort of tingle? Can you describe it?
>Sense harder
-
>What sort of tingle? Can you describe it?
>Sense harder
>It's like... Rin frowns. Like a.... power? Maybe? The kasha shakes her head. It ain't like ours. she says confidantly. Then adds, a moment later, I think.
>Attempting to narrow your focus, you glean enough to come to the same conclusion as Rin: Confusion. The power you sense doesn't have the same feel as that wielded by your or any of your friends. And yet, it doesn't seem entirely unfamiliar, either. You're quite sure you haven't felt anything exactly like this before, but what it reminds you of, you can't get a clear sense of.
-
>I... believe I sense something as well. I am not certain what it is.
>Can we localize it? Get a distance? A direction?
>Try slowly walking around the room and see if this helps. Does it get stronger or weaker as we move in particular directions?
-
>I... believe I sense something as well. I am not certain what it is.
>Can we localize it? Get a distance? A direction?
>Try slowly walking around the room and see if this helps. Does it get stronger or weaker as we move in particular directions?
>So far as you can tell, it suffuses the room.
>Circling the room produces largely the same result, a general sense of saturation, as well as a vague sense that whatever power this is has been here a long time.
-
>Could it be from the sacred flame itself, possibly?
>Does it feel... benevolent? If we can ascribe such terms to it.
-
>Could it be from the sacred flame itself, possibly?
>Does it feel... benevolent? If we can ascribe such terms to it.
>It is a distinct possibility.
>... Vaguely. More than anything else, it feels somewhat similar to the sense of age and time you felt when you came near the ghost of the Metal Tiger. Here, however, it is not so much a feeling of the weight of the ages, but a sense of... peace. Tranquility, almost, like standing near the edge of the ocean and watching the waves lap upon the shore. You're not sure you'd call it 'benevolence', but it does feel somehow sheltering.
-
>I... think that may be the divine power here. It does not feel malicious to me.
-
>I... think that may be the divine power here. It does not feel malicious to me.
>Sounds right for a shrine. But, is that what we came here to find? I don't feel nothin' bad here, either. Is that good? Rin responds.
>The winged miko, taking a break from her sweeping, straightens up, stretching out her back, which pops audibly.
-
>I do think that is good. Certainly, all seems to be well here. Under these circumstances, finding nothing unusual would seem to me to be positive.
>Pause another moment and survey things. If they really do seem to be all in order...
>I think I would like to take a little walk by the pond at the rear of the shrine
-
>I do think that is good. Certainly, all seems to be well here. Under these circumstances, finding nothing unusual would seem to me to be positive.
>Pause another moment and survey things. If they really do seem to be all in order...
>I think I would like to take a little walk by the pond at the rear of the shrine
>Taking a good look around with both mundane and extra senses, nothing else really draws your attention. The chamber itself feels rather inviting, all things considered. The fact that you probably have a better sensation for that feeling than others doesn't change the feeling itself. It's something of a relief that you've found nothing bad here. The flame, and by extention the flame chamber itself, are considered especially sacred grounds, both for spiritual and more grounded people, around town. Whatever is the matter at the Tiger shrine, the idea that it doesn't seem to have extended to the Tortoise shrine is a welcome one.
>Actually, there IS one thing that draws your attention. The purple haired woman is looking at you rather closely.
>Sure thing.
-
>Take another glance in the purple-haired woman's direction. If she continues to appear to scrutinize us and does not otherwise react to our noticing, smile at her
-
>Take another glance in the purple-haired woman's direction. If she continues to appear to scrutinize us and does not otherwise react to our noticing, smile at her
>The woman's response to your polite gesture is to beckon you over with a gesture.
-
>Approach
>"Good evening."
-
>Approach
>"Good evening."
>Rin, you note, follows you with some trepidation. She seems almost apprehensive about going near the tall woman.
>The purple haired woman does have a somewhat... intimidating air about her. She seems the sort of person who dominates a room just by being in it. Whether this is her natural bearing or a conscious effort on her part, you can't tell yet.
>She does, however, have a very unique fashion accessory: A hand-sized circular mirror hangs from a cord around her neck, ornate silver filigree surrounding it.
>She gives you a measures nod as you approach, and asks, in a quiet yet firm tone, "Would you be a Miss Byakuren Hijiri?"
-
>"I would indeed."
-
>"I would indeed."
>The tall woman cracks a small smile, and gestures to the empty seat next to her. "I was hoping to meet you at some point. Wouldn't have thought it would be here, but so much the better." She then glances at Rin. "My daughter mentioned you, as well, but she didn't mention your name."
>"Rin." the kasha replies. "Rin Kaenbyou. And you are?"
>"Kanako Yasaka." the purple haired woman replies. Looking at her more closely, you see her hair is closer to a very dark blue, rather than purple. "Sanae Kochiya is my daughter."
-
>"Ah, I had wondered if that might be true."
>Take the offered seat, so long as there is another beside which Rin could also take. Sort of rude to leave her standing if the rest of us aren't.
-
>"Ah, I had wondered if that might be true."
>Take the offered seat, so long as there is another beside which Rin could also take. Sort of rude to leave her standing if the rest of us aren't.
>Kanako raises one eyebrow slightly as you sit down, Rin sitting next to you. "You had wondered?" she asks curiously.
-
>"I noticed you seated with her at Szenska's last night, and you are here together now as well."
-
>"I noticed you seated with her at Szenska's last night, and you are here together now as well."
>The tall woman seems pleased at your powers of deduction and observation. "Very clever."
-
>"I simply try to be observant of the world around me."
-
>"I simply try to be observant of the world around me."
>"And take care of its people, I would say." Kanako nods towards the praying Sanae. "My daughter told me about your meeting at school today."
-
>"I just wanted to help her feel at home in her new school. Though I suspect she won't be having a great deal of difficulty with this, from what I've seen."
-
>"I just wanted to help her feel at home in her new school. Though I suspect she won't be having a great deal of difficulty with this, from what I've seen."
>"You might be surprised." Kanako says, leaning back in her seat. "Despite what you might think, my daughter has not always had an easy time acclimating to a new town, new school. Especially when her connection to Iron Rings comes up, as it has already. The girls' celebrity has brought her little favor in her life. She is a good girl, but there are those who have tried to take advantage of that."
-
>"She seemed to me to handle this celebrity with practiced ease - so much so that I was a touch surprised at first. But I suppose I can understand what you mean; it is unfortunate when the fame of a person's associations can overshadow themselves."
-
>"She seemed to me to handle this celebrity with practiced ease - so much so that I was a touch surprised at first. But I suppose I can understand what you mean; it is unfortunate when the fame of a person's associations can overshadow themselves."
>Kanako nods. "As a celebrity yourself, I had hoped you would understand." The tall woman looks at the back of her daughter's head. "What did you think of my daughter, Miss Hijiri?"
-
>"I don't know her very well yet, of course, but she seems like a bright and enthusiastic girl - very outgoing, as well."
-
>"I don't know her very well yet, of course, but she seems like a bright and enthusiastic girl - very outgoing, as well."
>She nods once. "And you, Miss Kaenbyou?"
>Rin hesitates. "Miss?"
>"Would you prefer I called you something else?"
>"Well uh... I just ain't used ta bein' called 'Miss'. I don't remember anyone callin' me that before."
>"Then it pleases me to be the first." Kanako says with a small smile. Your kasha smiles in response, no longer looking tense.
>"Well, she seemed a smart girl, and pretty, too. And confidant, has to be confidant to wear a guy's outfit to Mayoiga High, with vice principal Mima bein' the hardass she is."
>Kanako chuckles. "My daughter's never been one to be bound by 'male and female' distinctions such as that." She shakes her head slightly. "Some of the friends she's had have said that she doesn't seem 'bound' by common sense. There are times when I'm not sure that isn't true."
-
>"Well, so long as she bound to being a good person, that is fine."
-
>"Well, so long as she bound to being a good person, that is fine."
>"Heh. Suwako's said as much herself. Though I might have liked her to have become a little more world wise as she has grown."
>"I wouldn't say she ain't world wise." Rin says hastily.
>"That's kind of you to say, but I know my daughter. It is true, she is a good girl, but in many ways she is still innocent. Despite seeing nearly the whole of this world, it has yet to stain her, if you will." The tall woman laughs quietly and closes her eyes, lowering her head. "Forgive me. I've been told I can ramble on about my daughter."
-
>"That's not a problem. It simply means that you care. This said, I think it's fine if she is a bit innocent, too. There's too many people who retreat into world-weariness and use it as an excuse for whatever wrongs they choose to do, don't you think?"
-
>"That's not a problem. It simply means that you care. This said, I think it's fine if she is a bit innocent, too. There's too many people who retreat into world-weariness and use it as an excuse for whatever wrongs they choose to do, don't you think?"
>The tall woman leans forward, resting her forearms on her legs. "I have known many that would fit that description very well, in my time." Looking at you out of the corner of her eye, she continues, "It isn't often I hear someone your age talk about, though."
-
>"Too many my age, and I think other ages as well, have already adopted such an outlook. Or at least pretend to affect it."
-
>"Too many my age, and I think other ages as well, have already adopted such an outlook. Or at least pretend to affect it."
>Kanako is a moment before responding. "I have also known people your age make the same claim, often in an attempt to make themselves wiser than they appear. But I don't believe that is the case with you, Miss Hijiri. You speak like an old soul."
-
>"I don't think I sound that way. Rather, it's merely an observation and the aged have had enough time to be more likely to make it."
-
>"I don't think I sound that way. Rather, it's merely an observation and the aged have had enough time to be more likely to make it."
>"An observation that the young do not often make." Kanako counters. "At least not without a rather trying life leading up to it." The purple-haired woman sits up straight again and looks fully at you, her face surprisingly gentle. "Has your life been trying, Byakuren?"
-
>Has it?
-
>Has it?
>By most peoples standards, no. You come from a good home, with parents and a brother who love you, and you love them deeply. You've never wanted for money or materials or food or shelter, you've never been the target of bullies or peer pressure, and while there have been some that have tried to take advantage of your kind and giving nature over the years, you've been able to spot them for who they really were. You've never suffered from many of the angsts that plague other girls as they grow, such as hangups about boys, other girls, your looks, your weight, or anything of that nature.
>That said, to say that you haven't faced your own trials would be greatly off-base. As much as you love your little brother, his life has had a massive impact upon your own. His life has been complicated, hampered by ill health, since he was born prematurely. He has been in and out of hospitals for the whole of his life. He's never really HAD a life of his own; anything he might ever have wanted to do, or aspired to be, he cannot. Schemers, scammers, slavers and scum are free to lead whatever life they wanted, while he, a kind, intelligent boy sits in his room, or in a hospital bed, and watches the world pass him by. And while you tried not to let the unfairness of this sour your outlook, color your demeanor, the reality of the situation was something that bound you as surely as it bound your brother. Watching his body fail him while people like Konngara got do to whatever they wanted was... Upsetting.
>This, you suspect, was one of the contributing factors to the sense of isolation you had for much of your life. You'd always been a little bit different from the people around you, no matter their age. Kanako called you an old soul. Objectively speaking, this isn't entirely an unfair statement. You've always seen the world through eyes that have seen more than merely eighteen years. You didn't have the same sort of attachment to the physical that so many others did, yet you didn't engage in the same areas of organized faith, either. You were always your own person, separate from the rest of the world. People had a hard time approaching you, and you couldn't really relate to people outside of Myoren your brother.
>This sense of distance, of isolation, of not quite belonging to the same world as all the disingenuine and shallow people around you, persisted until your 15th year, when you met a very unique individual named Marissa Kirisame. Outside of your brother, Marissa was the first person who ever understood you, and accepted you, with all your quirks and philosophy and eccentricities. You had had a number of acquaintances before, but Marissa was your first true friend. Just as you were her first true friend, who accepted and understood her. Once you and she became friends, and helped each other sort out issues neither one of you had even identified, that was when you felt you truly belonged to this world. She provided you with a sense of attachment to the world, and you provided her with a spiritual strength that she had been lacking from her life.
-
>"I am not certain I would use that word, but it has given me cause to ponder such things before."
-
>"I am not certain I would use that word, but it has given me cause to ponder such things before."
>"A wise answer." Kanako grants you.
>The winged miko, evidently finished with her sweeping, lays her broom flat upon the stage and sits upon its east edge, producing a set of pan pipes from her garb.
>"I'm sorry, our conversation seems to have become somewhat maudlin." Kanako says after a moment.
-
>"Oh, don't let that trouble you; this is a suitable place for reflection, is it not?"
-
>"Oh, don't let that trouble you; this is a suitable place for reflection, is it not?"
>The tall woman chuckles quietly. "It is, at that." She leans back in her seat. "I admit to being a little surprised at this place. It looks almost identical to how it was before the war." she continues, as the winged miko begins to play, a melancholy old folk song you can't quite put a name to off the top of your head.
>"You were here before da war?" Rin asks her.
>Kanako replies with a nod. "I was astonished at how rapidly the Saigyoujis and the Hakureis put the city back together, after the bomb dropped. I had thought this place would have been deserted for sure. I'm glad I was wrong." The corners of her mouth curl slightly into a smile. "We haven't been here long, just a couple of days, but I believe this is a good city, with good people in it."
-
>Smile back
>"It is that. I have many friends here whom I cherish greatly and I am sure your daughter will be able to find likewise, if she wishes."
>How long ago was this war, anyway?
-
>Smile back
>"It is that. I have many friends here whom I cherish greatly and I am sure your daughter will be able to find likewise, if she wishes."
>How long ago was this war, anyway?
>The war she is referring to is almost certainly the second Lunarian war, which ended 41 years ago.
>"I know she would like it if she could count you among that number, Miss Hijiri. And you as well, Miss Kaenbyou." she adds after a brief breath.
>Rin's ears twitch a little. "Just Rin'll be fine."
-
>"I will certainly do what I can to help her feel welcome and at home here."
-
>"I will certainly do what I can to help her feel welcome and at home here."
>Kanako nods. "I believe I would like that, myself."
>Rin's ears twitches and she glances back towards the door you entered from. Mistress, I'm hearin' a lotta voices from back dat way.
-
>Is there something unusual about them?
>Can we hear anything ourselves?
-
>Can you make out what they're saying?
-
>Is there something unusual about them?
>Can we hear anything ourselves?
>Can you make out what they're saying?
>You can hear a faint noise, now that you stop to listen.
>Can't tell yet. Dat flute's messing up my high range hearin'. Dere's about a dozen or so, I can tell dat much. And dey sound kinda excited.
-
>Excited in a good way or a bad one?
-
>Excited in a good way or a bad one?
>Good. I think. Give me a second here.
>"Is something the matter, Rin?" Kanako asks her suddenly.
>"The matter? Why?" the kasha blurts, surprised.
>Kanako points to Orin's head. "Your ears appear to be twitching."
>Rin's hand flashes to one of her ears. "You noticed?"
>"I've spent a great deal of time around animal youkai. I'm quite practiced at spotting little details such as that."
>Rin points towards the rear door. "I think I head somethin' like a crowd formin' back there."
>"Perhaps a ceremonial procession?"
>With a shake of her head, Rin replies, "They sound kinda excited for a ceremony."
>Sanae's mother makes a thoughtful noise, then stands (you note one of her knees popping quite sharply as she does so) and walks back towards the doors in question.
-
>Well, we may as well wander over and take a look ourselves then
-
>Well, we may as well wander over and take a look ourselves then
>Following Kanako's example, you rise from your seat and head towards the door yourself, the sound growing as you approach. Glancing behind, you find Rin following you as well.
>Kanako slides the door, and the site that greets you is somewhat unexpected, but not altogether surprising. At least a dozen white and red garbed mikos have gathered in the antechamber, several of them carrying books, or scraps of paper, and one carrying a calender. Even from here, you can recognize it as the calender you shot with Rin.
>The tall woman slides the door shut again, the hint of a smile playing upon her lips as she looks back in your direction. "Fans of yours?"
-
>Frown slightly
>"I, um... I do believe they may be, yes."
-
>Frown slightly
>"I, um... I do believe they may be, yes."
>Rin's face switches from a slightly concerned frown to a big grin. "Sorry fer not tellin' ya, Mistress." she jerks her thumb back towards the flute-playing shrine maiden. "Couldn't make out details over that."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright. I guess Nora must have spread word."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright. I guess Nora must have spread word."
>"Girls will talk." Kanako says sagely. "It's as true in a shrine as it is in school." She smiles in your direction. "Sanae mentioned you were something of a celebrity. I see she was correct."
-
>"Sometimes I am not fully sure why, but... if I can bring a smile to these people's days from time to time, then I suppose it cannot be all bad."
-
>"Sometimes I am not fully sure why, but... if I can bring a smile to these people's days from time to time, then I suppose it cannot be all bad."
>"You are not sure why?" Kanako seems puzzled.
>Rin walks up to stand next to you. "Dat's one of her good points, Yasaka-san. She don't know how good she really is."
-
>Smile a little sheepishly
>"So I have been told more than once."
-
>Smile a little sheepishly
>"So I have been told more than once."
>Kanako looks at you analytically. "Is this sort of attention unwelcome to you?" she asks, indicating the closed door behind her.
-
>"I... do not think I would use that word, though we all have times when we'd rather others pay us less attention. Perhaps it is more that I simply do not feel I deserve this kind of adulation; I have only tried to be a kind and decent person to those around me and help others in what small ways I can. These are things that any of us can do."
-
>"I... do not think I would use that word, though we all have times when we'd rather others pay us less attention. Perhaps it is more that I simply do not feel I deserve this kind of adulation; I have only tried to be a kind and decent person to those around me and help others in what small ways I can. These are things that any of us can do."
>Kanako chuckles wryly. "I see what you mean, Rin." The kasha's ears twitch appreciatively. "If you wish, Miss Hijiri," she continues, "I can try to disperse the crowd before you leave. If you'd rather not face them."
-
>"Thank you, but no. They came here with innocent enthusiasm and I should hardly wish to send them back disappointed. I can sign a few more things tonight."
-
>"Thank you, but no. They came here with innocent enthusiasm and I should hardly wish to send them back disappointed. I can sign a few more things tonight."
>Kanako nods, approvingly. "Though, speaking of enthusiasm, there is one thing I would be re-missed if I did not mention. Are you presently employed?"
-
>"I do some casual work with a modelling agency, actually, though things have been a bit busy for me lately."
-
>"I do some casual work with a modelling agency, actually, though things have been a bit busy for me lately."
>"If you meet my wife, I believe she will attempt to recruit you. If I may, you are a very lovely young woman, and she has a soft spot for Sanae's friends. And that goes for you as well, Rin."
>The kasha blinks, then shakes her head. "I've actually got a job."
>Kanako grins. "That doesn't always stop my Suwako from trying."
-
>"I appreciate the offer nonetheless."
-
>"I appreciate the offer nonetheless."
>"It was worth mentioning. Suwako can be somewhat aggressive when it comes to chasing talent. Or doing right by Sanae's friends."
>The mystery of the crowd settled, Kanako moves back towards her seat.
>Rin's voice comes into your mind, Didn't mean ta get you worried like that, Mistress. But with all this demon stuff, I guess I just jumped the gun, got worried for nothin'.
-
>That is quite alright. It is better to err on the side of vigilance than otherwise, I think, and no harm is done.
>"Well, perhaps I should not leave them waiting too much longer now."
>Let's go open those doors and face the fans
-
>That is quite alright. It is better to err on the side of vigilance than otherwise, I think, and no harm is done.
>"Well, perhaps I should not leave them waiting too much longer now."
>Let's go open those doors and face the fans
>Orin nods soberly.
>Kanako gives you a surprisingly jaunty wave. "I hope to see you again, Miss Hijiri, Rin."
>The noise of the crowd appears to have settled a bit during this exchange between yourself and Kanako, which you find yourself slightly grateful for, but also a bit curious about. Rin opens the door for you, and you see what might be the source of the order. Haruka has placed herself at the head of the crowd, and the tall, broad shouldered woman makes a somewhat imposing figure, even with her wings folded across her body. The crowd before her contains approximately fifteen young girls, ranging in visible age from 19-27, and while most of them are clad in the red and white uniform of the miko, two young girls and wearing more 'civilian' apparel.
>A rather short blonde miko at the front of the crowd is the first one that spots you, her brown eyes lighting up, and her empty hands pointing you out to the crowd. The buzz of voices becomes distinctly more pronounced, but there is no dramatic surge forward, like other celebrities might have garnered.
-
>Appproach that crowd, keep smooth and causal.
>"Does anyone have a pen I may use?"
>What months do we and Rin occupy on the calender?
-
>Appproach that crowd, keep smooth and causal.
>"Does anyone have a pen I may use?"
>What months do we and Rin occupy on the calender?
>Amidst a hushed chorus of 'It's really her!' 'She's taller in person' 'She's bigger in person' 'Is that the cat?' mutterings and whispers, you step out of the chamber of the flame to face your 'faithful' fans. Unsurprisingly, you see a number of blushing and shy faces among them.
>A tall, cool-looking miko with long, straight dark purple hair steps forward as others rustle about and search their clothes, and extends a black ballpoint pen out to you. Despite the faint flush under her eyes, she seems much more composed than the most of the others.
>February, August, October and December. There was a modicum of discontent about a relative newcomer such as yourself getting a solo spread of December, the christmas month, but Aya insisted. She believed you were the best fit for the best costume available for that spread. She doesn't play favourites.
-
>Accept the pen. "Thank you, you can be first."
>Which months did Rin have? Or did she share them with us?
-
>Accept the pen. "Thank you, you can be first."
>Which months did Rin have? Or did she share them with us?
>The young lady smiles slightly and nods. "Thank you very much, Hijiri-san."
>In her cat form, Rin was pictured with you for the February spread. Aya expressed curiousity at seeing Rin shoot with you in her human form for August, but the kasha wasn't entirely comfortable with that at the time. Aya respected her wishes.
-
>"Did you have something you wanted me to sign?"
-
>"Did you have something you wanted me to sign?"
>The shrine maiden shakes her head once. "I just wanted to meet you." She reaches out to her side and places her arm around the shoulders of the short miko who saw you first, gently pushing her forward. "Chiyo here is the one that wanted your autograph."
>The small brunette with the short braid nervously presents you with a small pink and white covered notebook, with a cute cat motif. "If... that's okay?" she asks in a tiny voice.
-
>Smile gently
>"Of course it's okay."
>Accept the notebook
>"How would you like me to sign it for you?"
-
>Smile gently
>"Of course it's okay."
>Accept the notebook
>"How would you like me to sign it for you?"
>"Oh, just... something simple, like 'Best wishes', or something. Or just your name, if you want."
>The taller miko smiles at her friend. "Chiyo isn't picky."
>The braided miko giggles in reply.
-
>"I think it a good thing to be readily contented in life."
>Sign: "Best wishes - Byakuren Hijiri"
>Return the notebook to her with a smile
>"And I hope you have a pleasant evening."
-
>"I think it a good thing to be readily contented in life."
>Sign: "Best wishes - Byakuren Hijiri"
>Return the notebook to her with a smile
>"And I hope you have a pleasant evening."
>One of the shrine maidens behind the pair in front of you, a blue haired pigtailed kappa with wide eyes, whose sarashi could probably stand to be a bit tighter to satisfy modesty, emits "Oooh! Could you sign mine that?!"
>"Or put it on a pillow." another voice from the crowd chimes, drawing chuckles from a few, but one miko, a tallish woman with short brown, somewhat messy hair, looks towards the source of the voice, looking somewhat offended at the comment.
>Haruka, however, speaks before the brunette can bite off a retort, "Now ladies, try to keep things in good taste. Hijiri-san is donating her time to you all, after all."
>While Haruka plays crowd control, the kappa marches forward, extending what appears to be a sketchbook out to you.
-
>Accept the sketch book
>If it's not actually open to any particular page: "On the inside? Or outside?"
-
>Accept the sketch book
>If it's not actually open to any particular page: "On the inside? Or outside?"
>The kappa blinks. Then exclaims, "Oh, I forgot. Page... Fifth page, I think it's on."
-
>Open the sketch book to the fifth page
>What sort of drawings are in here, anyway? Is she any good?
-
>Open the sketch book to the fifth page
>What sort of drawings are in here, anyway? Is she any good?
>The first four pages you flip though are actually blank, save the fourth page, which has a blank ink frame drawn around the edges of the page, and a rather crude drawing of what appears to be a turtle. The sort of thing an average five-year old might produce.
>The fifth page, however, makes you pause. The picture here is one of Suika herself in what appears to be a karaoke box, enthusiastically belting out a song, while Nora and the ponytailed blonde miko you met outside sit upon the couch behind her, Nora cheering while the blonde smiles a brilliant smile. And the quality of the piece is exquisite. The detail is simply superb, from the lines on Suika's neck to the shadows falling on her horns, even the beads of condensation on the glasses sitting on the table. Apart from the fact that Nora's breasts aren't quite that large in reality, the picture is incredibly realistic and remarkably well done.
-
>"Oh my, this is very impressive! Did you draw this yourself?"
>Do we have any drop of artistic talent ourselves, incidentally?
-
>"Oh my, this is very impressive! Did you draw this yourself?"
>Do we have any drop of artistic talent ourselves, incidentally?
>"Sure did." the kappa replies. She cranes her head forward. "Oh, guess I never signed it. Guess it isn't finished yet."
>"That IS impressive." Haruka adds, glancing at the portrait with turned head. "You must paint a lot."
>The kappa semi-shrugs. "I used to do a lot of tattoos. Portraits and realism, mostly."
>That, unfortunately, is one area into which your talent does not extend too far into. Your mother is the artist in the family, but it seems that neither you nor your brother really inherited too many of her genes from that area, though Myoren does try, now and then.
-
>Is there available room on the indicated page to sign something without getting in the way of the artwork?
-
>Is there available room on the indicated page to sign something without getting in the way of the artwork?
>The page is well and truly covered. You could probably fit in a rather small note on the side of the karaoke TV stand, in the lower left portion of the picture, or in one of the upper corners, on one of the ceiling tiles.
-
>"Surely you didn't want me to sign something on this page, did you?"
-
>"Surely you didn't want me to sign something on this page, did you?"
>The kappa's head, and chest, bob up and down in an affirmative. "I'd have gone for a nicer piece, but that one was close at hand, and I wanted to get in before you got swamped."
-
>Almost a little hypnotic, watching them swaying back and forth like that, and- wait a sec- what were we saying?
>Frown a little
>"But I... it hardly feels right to simply write over such excellent artwork. Are you sure?"
-
>"Maybe I could sign the back?"
-
>Almost a little hypnotic, watching them swaying back and forth like that, and- wait a sec- what were we saying?
>Frown a little
>"But I... it hardly feels right to simply write over such excellent artwork. Are you sure?"
>Stupid sexy kappa...
>She is a pretty girl, too, her large green eyes set in a pleasant face, lit by her genuine smile. And the miko clothes match her well-
>Oh, wait, you have a task to perform. Sizing up the locals can wait.
>"Yeah, I'm sure." The kappa assures you.
>"Maybe I could sign the back?"
>She considers that for a moment, as some of miko behind her whisper among themselves. Commenting on your considerate nature, you believe.
>"That works, too." the kappa says with another bouncing nod.
-
>Turn the page over to its back
>"And how was it you wanted me to sign it, again?"
-
>Turn the page over to its back
>"And how was it you wanted me to sign it, again?"
>Flicking the page over to its back, you find the rough outline of another drawing on the page beneath. It seems to be a rather tasteful nude depiction of a woman reclining on some sort of raised seat, or perhaps a couch, you can't tell. It'll probably turn out just as good as the one you're signing, if the girl's as talented as it appears.
>"'I think it a good thing....'" The kappa pauses and frowns. "Damn, how'd the rest of that go?"
>A red eyed woman with long white hair fills in, in a somewhat aristocratic voice, " 'to be readily contented in life.' "
>The kappa snaps her fingers in recognition. "That was it! Thanks, Saori." she tosses over her shoulder.
-
>Smile and write that on there, sign, and then in small text underneath, add "Keep drawing!"
-
>Smile and write that on there, sign, and then in small text underneath, add "Keep drawing!"
>The sexy little kappa smiles at your extra sentiment, and utters a happy little "Kappa!" as she accepts her sketchbook back.
-
>"Oh, I don't believe I caught your name."
-
>"Oh, I don't believe I caught your name."
>"Ayumi Fujimara." the kappa replies, giving you a respectable bow.
-
>Smile
>"Pleased to meet you, Ayumi."
>Look out upon the assembled group and beckon the next over, then let's work our way through the rest of these autographs
-
>At some point before the calender comes up, give Rin a telepathic nudge.
>Would you like to sign the calender, too? I bet it would make her day!
-
>Smile
>"Pleased to meet you, Ayumi."
>Look out upon the assembled group and beckon the next over, then let's work our way through the rest of these autographs
>At some point before the calender comes up, give Rin a telepathic nudge.
>Would you like to sign the calender, too? I bet it would make her day!
>The talented kappa returns your smile, but after she stands aside to let the next fan approach you, she turns her notebook to a blank page, produces a pen, and scribbles a note.
>While she is doing this, the next pair of young women that approach you are not as 'healthy' as the bold, perky kappa, both blondes with more moderate but still flattering-sized breasts. The taller one has short hair, curled at the end and decorated with a red ribbon, while her slightly shorter friend sports a blue ribbon of matching style, and wears her long hair braided down the middle, and compliments it with a black necklace. Both of them have simple black-bound autograph books, and ask for no more than your name, which you gladly provide. They look upon you with the same slightly wide-eyed look of idol worship that you've seen people give celebrities, or their heroes. While you've come to understand, at least partly, why people make heroes for themselves of this nature, you continue to wonder what you've done to garner such fame and attention.
>With the blondes satisfied, Ayumi tears a strip of paper out of her book and hands it to Rin, as the next miko approaches you. It's the messy haired brunette you noticed before, and she carries one of the calenders of yours. Getting a better look at her face, you notice that her eyes are mismatched, her green left eye contrasting with the violet of her right. Noting the calender, you prod Rin telepathically, and the kasha jumps slightly at your voice in her head. Well, I guess? But how would dey know? I never posed in my youkai body.
-
>We could always tell them, but did you not hear someone already wonder aloud if the cat in the calendar may have been you?
-
>Rin's ears flatten slightly. I missed that one.
>The heterochromatic youkai (at least you assume, as that condition is vanishingly rare in humans) seems to confirm that, as she glances at Rin and asks, "You're Rin Kaenbyou, aren't you?"
>The kasha nods. "That's right."
>The miko looks delighted, and judging from the chorus of 'Ooohhhhs' that the crowd emits, she isn't alone in that stance.
>One of the shrine maidens remaining, a green eyed woman with dark, olive green hair, asks of Rin, "Hijiri-san really fought Konngara for you?"
>"I heard that Konngara took on the whole tennis club, and that Hijiri-san was the last one standing." the blue ribboned miko adds.
-
>Presumably the only part of the tennis club Konngara actually took on was us, yes?
-
>Presumably the only part of the tennis club Konngara actually took on was us, yes?
>It was. Although both Shikako and Luna Child were willing to duel Konngara in your place, you were the one that issued the challenge, so you were the one that had to fight her.
-
>Luna Child? That... would have been an extremely one-sided match, wouldn't it? Though perhaps the little girl wouldn't have even realized it....
>"I'm afraid the tale may have grown a little exaggerated in the telling, but yes, I did do what I could to help her out of a bad situation."
-
>Luna Child? That... would have been an extremely one-sided match, wouldn't it? Though perhaps the little girl wouldn't have even realized it....
>"I'm afraid the tale may have grown a little exaggerated in the telling, but yes, I did do what I could to help her out of a bad situation."
>The little fairy's enthusiasm does not always match her tennis prowess. Though that pretty much goes without saying when it comes to fairies in general, not just your self-proclaimed biggest fan.
>"It seems to be the nature of stories to grow with each telling." Haruka says wryly, casting a small grin over the crowd of young women. Most of which look just slightly abashed, called on their gossiping ways. But girls will be girls.
>"It WAS still a tennis match, though, right?" the youkai with the mismatched eyes asks.
>"Tell us about it!" a short girl in a leather jacket and jeans calls from towards the back of the small crowd, a call that is quickly picked up by the others, save the albino who spoke before.
-
>Let out a little chuckle and smile.
>"Yes, it was a tennis match."
>Recount the tale of our tennis match. Try not to fan the flames of the wild stories that have grown up around it, but there's nothing wrong with trying to be a little entertaining while we're about it. But be respectful about how we mention Rin's role in this, particularly if she seems uncomfortable.
-
>Take care not to make Konngara look bad; we don't want her to think we're gloating or spreading shit about her.
-
>Let out a little chuckle and smile.
>"Yes, it was a tennis match."
>Recount the tale of our tennis match. Try not to fan the flames of the wild stories that have grown up around it, but there's nothing wrong with trying to be a little entertaining while we're about it. But be respectful about how we mention Rin's role in this, particularly if she seems uncomfortable.
>Take care not to make Konngara look bad; we don't want her to think we're gloating or spreading shit about her.
>Making a note to treat both Rin's and Konngara's role in the story with some care, you tell the assembled ladies of the day you challenged Konngara for legal ownership of Rin. Not all at once, as you are frequently interrupted by members of the crowd, save the albino, as they venture their own versions of the tale, which you correct as they come up. The olive-haired miko, whose name is apparently Sabrina, had thought that Konngara had also offered herself, as a way to assuage her honor after being defeated. Which simply was not the case. There was some disappointment when you clarified that it was simply a one on one match between you and her, rather than some form of gauntlet or tournament involving Konngara's gang and your own tennis club, but you do your best to make this up with the tale of the match itself. Which all in all was far and away better than the Royal Rumble.
>Although Konngara's reputation speaks for itself, you do praise her skill at the game. She doesn't have your years of practice and play at the game, but she did show a great deal of natural talent, which you complimented her on, both then and now. You consider mentioning the possibility of a rematch between you, but decide against it. Both you and Rin spend enough time thinking about that as it is, no need to bring it up here.
>When you reach the end of the match, the first comment, once the cheers subside, is from the heterochromatic youkai, when she asks Rin, "What were you thinking, when Hijiri-san won?"
>Despite looking perfectly comfortable during your telling of the tale, Rin does look slightly uneasy when suddenly thrust into the center of attention.
>Haruka clears her throat, somewhat loudly. "Perhaps that isn't the time to ask Kaenbyou-san that sort of question." she says, rather firmly. The gathered mikos mutter a chorus of agreement, the girl with the mismatched eyes, uttering an apology to Rin.
>"Why not?" Saori the albino asks pointedly. Haruka does not answer her with words, but rather with a very stern look. The other girls seem to shrink away from the proud-face albino, and even she gives ground beneath that look.
-
>To Rin: If you wish to keep that private, that is your choice, but you need not feel you have to shy away from their attention; I will support you.
-
>To Rin: If you wish to keep that private, that is your choice, but you need not feel you have to shy away from their attention; I will support you.
>Thanks. But that isn't the kind of question I wanna answer in public, least not 'round strangers.
>"All right, ladies, show time's over, you all have your duties to attend to." Haruka announces. Despite the unmistakable disappointment on many of their faces, none of the shrine maidens protest, and start to disperse. Save the youkai with the mismatched eyes, still holding her calender hopefully.
-
>I respect that.
>Smile gently at the one remaining miko
>"Don't worry; I still have time to sign that, if you'd like."
>Do you feel comfortable enough to offer yours as well?
-
>I respect that.
>Smile gently at the one remaining miko
>"Don't worry; I still have time to sign that, if you'd like."
>Do you feel comfortable enough to offer yours as well?
>Well, two, if you count Haruka, but this one is the lone remaining resident of this shrine.
>"Yes. Please."
>Rin nods ever so slightly. That, I can do.
-
>Accept the calender
>"Did you want it signed anywhere in particular?"
-
>Accept the calender
>"Did you want it signed anywhere in particular?"
>"I've always liked February."
>Kiku's voice comes unbidden into your mind, Lotus, I have located the text speaking of the three-eyed Yatagarasu.
-
>Were Rin and ourselves the only people pictured on February?
-
>One moment, please.
-
>Were Rin and ourselves the only people pictured on February?
>The only sentient people, yes, though there were two other mundane cats as well.
>One moment, please.
>Certainly.
-
>Smile at the girl
>"Me, too."
>Flip open to February
>"In fact, Rin is in this picture with me as well. Right here."
>Point her out to the youkai
-
>Smile at the girl
>"Me, too."
>Flip open to February
>"In fact, Rin is in this picture with me as well. Right here."
>Point her out to the youkai
>Pointing out the feline form of Rin, pictured as she ran around your feet while chasing a striped tabby, makes the odd-eyed youkai look happier. "I thought so!" she declares. Looking at Rin, she starts to say "Why di..." She trails off as she throws a glance back at Haruka, then starts again, "Would you mind if I asked why you wanted to pose in that form instead of this one?"
>Haruka nods slowly, while Rin answers, "Well, it was Aya's idea. She had an idea for a shot, she asked me if I wanted to be shot in the form, so I went 'long with it."
>"Shameimaru-san is good at what she does." the miko says, smiling. "Would you mind signing this as well, please?"
>The kasha looks slightly surprised that she was the one that asked, and not you, but she squelches that look and nods, "Sure, if ye want."
-
>Smile brightly
>See?
-
>Smile brightly
>See?
>Guess you was right. she replies mentally. Verbally, she says, "What's your name, miko-sama?"
>"Yuna Sekino." the shrine maiden replies.
-
>"Pleased to meet you, Yuna."
>Sign our name then hand the calendar and pen to Rin
-
>"Pleased to meet you, Yuna."
>Sign our name then hand the calendar and pen to Rin
>"Pleased to meet you as well, Hijiri-san."
>Scrawling your name in the mostly empty upper right corner of the calender page, you then pass both it and your borrowed pen to Rin, who adds her own Jane Q. Nixon to complete the set. You are not certain which signature makes Yuna look happier, but she is a very happy miko indeed when Rin hands her calendar back to her.
>"Thank you both, very much." she says with a polite bow.
-
>Give a little bow of our head as well
>"My pleasure."
-
>Give a little bow of our head as well
>"My pleasure."
>"And I'm sorry if I asked something I shouldn't have, Kaenbyou-san." she adds.
>Rin shakes her head. "Don't worry 'bout it. Ya didn't know."
>Yuna gives Rin a grateful smile, before looking between the both of you. "If there's anything we can do for you while you're here, please don't hesitate to ask."
-
>The miko who lent us the pen has left already, yes?
-
>The miko who lent us the pen has left already, yes?
>She has.
-
>"Thank you, Yuna. Though at the moment, I think I will be satisfied if you can simply return this pen to its rightful owner. She seems to have already left."
-
>"Thank you, Yuna. Though at the moment, I think I will be satisfied if you can simply return this pen to its rightful owner. She seems to have already left."
>"Ah, yes, Sakaki gave this to you, didn't she?" Yuna asks as she reclaims the pen from Rin.
>"Never caught her name, but she was da tall one with da black hair."
>"Yes, that's Sakaki." Yuna says with a nod. "I'd be happy to." She bows to you again. "Thank you once again." she says formally, before departing to the east, leaving you alone with Rin and Haruka.
>The tall youkai lets her breath out in a puff. "I didn't expect someone to ask a question like that, Rin." she says apologetically. "I should have."
>"She didn't know what she was askin'." Rin replies simply.
-
>"It was meant with only innocent curiosity, I am sure. They seem like nice girls."
-
>"It was meant with only innocent curiosity, I am sure. They seem like nice girls."
>Haruka nods. "Suika tends not to let women serve here unless they are good at heart. Not that this is normally an issue, as it's usually good people who want to serve in the first place."
>The tall youkai flexes her shoulders, setting her feathers rustling. "I have to ask, Hijiri-san, did this sort of thing happen to you at the Metal Tiger shrine as well?"
-
>Shake our head
>"No, nothing quite like this, really."
-
>Shake our head
>"No, nothing quite like this, really."
>"I imagine it must not be uncommon for you, though."
>Rin, however, looks a bit surprised. "Have you met my Mis- Byakuren before?"
>Haruka pauses a moment, a look passing between her and Rin. Then she nods. "We met last night, at the shrine of the Metal Tiger."
-
>"Are you here on business today as well, by any chance?"
-
>"Are you here on business today as well, by any chance?"
>"I actually don't know yet." Haruka admits. "I was summoned here by Suika. Well, 'summoned' isn't quite the right word for her, she's never that formal. Invited works better. Regardless, when I got here, she was enmeshed in an impromptu birthday party she decided to throw for a little boy. You probably passed them on your way in."
-
>"I did notice her playing with some children, yes."
-
>"I did notice her playing with some children, yes."
>"She does that whenever she learns that a young person is here on their birthday. Suika seems to be fond of nearly everyone, though I believe she has a special soft spot in her heart for children." With a brief chuckle, she adds, "And a special soft spot for parties of any kind."
-
>"So I have heard."
-
>"So I have heard."
>"Can I ask what brings you up to this shrine tonight?" Haruka asks politely. "It's somewhat rare for someone to visit two different shrines in two days."
-
>"Somehow I found myself in the mind to pay a visit to the sacred flame. And, of course, the Tiger Shrine's was closed last night."
-
>"Somehow I found myself in the mind to pay a visit to the sacred flame. And, of course, the Tiger Shrine's was closed last night."
>"And you?" Haruka asks Rin, an odd note in her voice.
>"My company was welcome." Rin replies, oddly formally.
>Haruka smiles. "I'm sure." she says quietly. If you didn't know better, you'd swear there was some kind of affinity between the two. Which is odd, since tall, somewhat imposing people tend to provoke a touch of nervous energy from the kasha, like you noted with Kanako before the woman won her over a bit.
-
>"Well, I feel like taking a little walk, I think. Thank you for you help with the crowd earlier. I do appreciate it."
-
>"Well, I feel like taking a little walk, I think. Thank you for you help with the crowd earlier. I do appreciate it."
>"Happy to help. I've learned a little crowd control can go a long way." To Rin, she adds, "I am pleased to have met you." After a moment's pause, she adds, formally, "Serve well."
>"Always." Rin's strong voice replies.
-
>Take our leave of her and head off in the direction of the pond
>After a short distance, and if no one is immediately around: "Did I see Ayumi hand you a note before she left?"
-
>Take our leave of her and head off in the direction of the pond
>After a short distance, and if no one is immediately around: "Did I see Ayumi hand you a note before she left?"
>Rin and Haruka exchange one last look before your slave follows your lead and makes for the front door of the shrine. The ponytailed blonde is still within earshot to your right, so you and Rin take a left turn and start to walk around the shrine, making for the cobblestone path circling the Tortoise shrine.
>After you put a bit of distance between her and you, you ask Rin about that scrap of paper Ayumi gave her. Orin nods, "Yup."
-
>"I find myself curious as to what it says - assuming this isn't private, of course."
-
>"I find myself curious as to what it says - assuming this isn't private, of course."
>Rin produces the scrap in question. "I dunno. She said it was for you, so I never looked."
-
>"Oh, I see. May I have a look, then?"
>Take the note and have a look at it
-
>"Oh, I see. May I have a look, then?"
>Take the note and have a look at it
>"Of course!" Rin says, handing over the scrap instantly.
>In a somewhat simplistic scrip, the note contains three words, and a series of numbers beneath. Clearly a phone number. The note reads 'Thanks for lookin'.'
-
>Thanks for lookin'.... Well, then....
>Take a slightly self-conscious glance in Rin's direction
-
>Thanks for lookin'.... Well, then....
>Take a slightly self-conscious glance in Rin's direction
>Pretty sharp eyes, that one has...
>Rin has not looked at what your note says. She merely appears curious. "Somethin' bad, Mistress?"
-
>"....no, I suppose it isn't that, though I do find myself feeling slightly sheepish nonetheless."
>Turn the note in Rin's direction
-
>"....no, I suppose it isn't that, though I do find myself feeling slightly sheepish nonetheless."
>Turn the note in Rin's direction
>This does nothing to alleviate the kasha's curious look.
>Rin gives the paper a quick look, then breaks out into a grin. "Didn't see dat comin'."
-
>"I believe that makes two of us."
-
>"I believe that makes two of us."
>"Think you'll ever call her?"
-
>Pause a moment
>"Well... she did seem like a nice girl, and she was very talented...."
-
>Pause a moment
>"Well... she did seem like a nice girl, and she was very talented...."
>Rin takes a moment to hum thoughtfully as you round the corner of the shrine. The area to your right is wooded pretty densely, and there is a small pond in the northeast section. There is a tracked trail leading into the woods, and a trio of quads parked not far from the pond. A miko with seafoam green hair sits on a large rock next to the pond, and is tossing a baseball back and forth with a ponytailed young man sitting on the smalled of the four-wheelers present. The cobblestone path continues on to the north.
>"Well, ya might have time, once we're done at dis lake here." Rin offers helpfully. "If ya wanted to... take care of her while you was here."
-
>"If I-"
>Pause
>"...take care of her?"
>Is the trail into the woods the correct path towards our intended destination? At least as well as we can figure? Or is that pond in the northeast the largest body of water around here?
-
>"If I-"
>Pause
>"...take care of her?"
>Is the trail into the woods the correct path towards our intended destination? At least as well as we can figure? Or is that pond in the northeast the largest body of water around here?
>Orin nods.
>No. You want to follow the stone path to the back side of the shrine, your destination is behind the shrine. The quad trail leads off to the east.
-
>"I, um... well..."
>We're not flushing a little, are we? Perhaps we're just reading unnecessary things into that....
-
>"I, um... well..."
>We're not flushing a little, are we? Perhaps we're just reading unnecessary things into that....
>As you ponder that, Rin tilts her head to the side and asks, "Are you blushin', Mistress?"
-
>"...am I?"
-
>"...am I?"
>Rin looks a touch closer. "A little."
-
>"Ah. Well."
>We can work on that, right?
-
>"Ah. Well."
>We can work on that, right?
>"Somethin' wrong?" Rin asks, then her mouth elongates into a grin. "Ahh, I get it now. Now I sees what you were thinkin' about."
>Your self control is considerable. Shouldn't take much to bring your truculent blood to flow where it should instead of brightening your cheeks. Although Rin's grin isn't helping much.
-
>"Well. I suppose now I have even more cause to feel sheepish."
>But perhaps we can manage a little chuckle at ourselves anyway
-
>How frequently do we get these things, anyways?
-
>Apologies, Kiku. I am ready now to hear what you've found out.
-
>How frequently do we get these things, anyways?
>Not all that frequently, actually. Although you are very popular, and have dropped far more than your fair share of jaws in your time, it isn't often that someone is bold enough to drop you their number. You've certainly received a massive number of love letters, and fan letters as well, but having someone hand one to you in person has only happened about half a dozen times or so. Ayumi the kappa is a fair bit bolder than most of your admirers, it seems.
>"Well. I suppose now I have even more cause to feel sheepish."
>But perhaps we can manage a little chuckle at ourselves anyway
>You certainly can, and do so.
>And Rin joins you in your chuckle, though hers is a bit louder than yours. "Somethin' ta keep in mind, anyway, after we're done. Priioorities, right?"
>Apologies, Kiku. I am ready now to hear what you've found out.
>A tome in our temple here tells of a cursed Yatagarasu, named the Hell Raven. It is the only Sun Crow, as far as I know, that has more than two eyes, and the only one that ever fell from the heavens into darkness.
-
>"Yes. Priorities."
>Smile a little
>Fell into darkness? Howso?
-
>"Yes. Priorities."
>Smile a little
>Fell into darkness? Howso?
>"She's braver'n most of your fans, give her credit for that." Rin speaks, echoing your own thought on the ample-chested kappa's boldness.
>Are you familiar with the tale of the time when Amaterasu Omikami concealed herself from the world?
-
>Are we?
-
>Are we?
>Amaterasu.... Yes, actually. According to Shinto myth, Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, locked herself in a cave after she grew disgusted by the behavior of the other gods, particularly her brother Susano'o. The patron goddess of shrine maidens, Uzume, organized a divine party in front of the cave, and performed a dance so wild and bawdy that the gathered divinities roared with laughter. Amaterasu's curiosity got the better of her, and she came out of hiding.
>Though what that story has to do with a Yatagarasu, that, you don't know.
-
>I've heard the tales.
-
>I've heard the tales.
>What isn't commonly known is the effect Amaterasu's absence caused among the lesser divinities associated with the sun. The Yatagarasu were virtually lost with Amaterasu removed from the world. One of them, in despair and desperation, dove down into Yomi itself.
>Yomi, you know, is the Shinto afterlife for the cursed or damned, akin to the western Hell, or Hades, or the norse Nifleheim.
>The book doesn't say why this Yatagarasu chose to enter Yomi. Perhaps to appeal to Izanami herself for aid. Regardless, the evil spirits and devils of Yomi assaulted the divine bird, tainting it with their dark essences, filling it with damned power. They thrust a third eye into the Yatagarasu's breastbone and seared it there with evil flames, sewing it with the flesh of the unhallowed dead. It is said that this eye was as a cursed mirror, and all that it would show the now Hell Raven was the twisted abomination it had become, and the vile realm of shadows that was now its home.
-
>What became of it?
-
>What became of it?
>After it emerged from Yomi, the Hell Raven flew towards Takamagahara (the heavenly home of the kami) but its hideous countenance and repulsive corruption caused the kami to reject it, and cast it back down to earth. It is said that the Hell Raven shed one tear of pure water from its left eye when it saw the face of Amaterasu, and one tear of blood from its right eye when it was repulsed from the heavens. It's cursed third eye burned with vile hate, and the kami recoiled from it in fear, but it shed no tears.
>When the hero god Susano'o slew the Yamato-no-Orochi, he discovered the body of the Hell Raven within one of the beast's stomachs. How the Orochi came to consume the Hell Raven after it's rejection from the heavens, I don't know. This book doesn't say.
-
>Is that all that's written?
-
>Is that all that's written?
>In this book, yes. I don't know if any record exists of what happened to the Hell Raven while it was on earth and before it was eaten by the Orochi. Though I believe that there is a story about what Susano'o did with the body of the Hell Raven in another book. Give me a few minutes, I can check.
-
>Please do so, I don't think it's going to hurt to have more information.
>"I suppose so, but I'm not sure if that bravery is to be commended or not..."
-
>"I suppose so, but I'm not sure if that bravery is to be commended or not..."
>Don't say this, instead:
>"It is good to have confidence in oneself, so long as one has temperence as well."
-
>Please do so, I don't think it's going to hurt to have more information.
>"I suppose so, but I'm not sure if that bravery is to be commended or not..."
>Don't say this, instead:
>"It is good to have confidence in oneself, so long as one has temperence as well."
>I agree.
>After a brief debate about your phrasing, your choice of words makes Rin blinks once. "Tem'prance is that word for... balance, right?"
-
>"I suppose you could put it that way, yes. In a sense, arrogance or recklessness could be the result of confidence without this balance."
-
>"I suppose you could put it that way, yes. In a sense, arrogance or recklessness could be the result of confidence without this balance."
>Her expression tells you that you may have lost her slightly. "So, it's good to be brave, but not TOO brave, or it makes you stupid and pompous?"
-
>"Well.... I fear that may be oversimplifying, but... perhaps, yes. Though I certainly don't mean to imply that Ayumi is either of these things."
-
>"Well.... I fear that may be oversimplifying, but... perhaps, yes. Though I certainly don't mean to imply that Ayumi is either of these things."
>The kasha nods. "Onea those 'general wisdoms', right?"
-
>Have a quiet chuckle at ourselves
>"Yes, perhaps I may slip into philosophy a little quickly sometimes."
-
>Have a quiet chuckle at ourselves
>"Yes, perhaps I may slip into philosophy a little quickly sometimes."
>"Yer smart is all." Rin says with a smile.
-
>"Well, thank you. Though I think this is more the result of long time spent thinking about such things."
>Carry on for a few more steps
>"Do you think someday, if you were to find yourself in a position similar to Ayumi's there, you might feel bold enough to do likewise?"
-
>"Well, thank you. Though I think this is more the result of long time spent thinking about such things."
>Carry on for a few more steps
>"Do you think someday, if you were to find yourself in a position similar to Ayumi's there, you might feel bold enough to do likewise?"
>"Ya mean give my phone number ta someone I was a fan of?"
-
>"Well, for example."
-
>"Well, for example."
>Rin thinks about that for a moment as you walk abreast of the green-haired miko playing catch. "Ahh, ya mean could I do somethin' like that, and in front of a crowd?"
-
>"Well, I think she was relatively private about it, but it still does require exposing oneself to the recipient, in a sense."
-
>"Well, I think she was relatively private about it, but it still does require exposing oneself to the recipient, in a sense."
>Rin pauses for a moment to consider your question. "If I was standin' in front of someone I fancied, would I have the balls to do what she did...?"
>Her use of the word 'balls' outside of one of the holy grounds of town doesn't seem entirely appropriate, but you let it slide while she thinks.
>After a pause, Rin answers, "I think I could, yeah. If I knew the other person wouldn't get upset over it."
-
>Chuckle a little
>"Well, in that respect I'd like to think that I was a disarming audience, at least."
-
>Chuckle a little
>"Well, in that respect I'd like to think that I was a disarming audience, at least."
>Rin blinks. "Try that again?"
-
>"I just meant that I hope no one would think I would get upset over such a thing, at least."
-
>"I just meant that I hope no one would think I would get upset over such a thing, at least."
>"Well, there's at least one Kappa that don't, that's fer sure." Rin replies with a grin.
-
>"Yes, I suppose there is. Or willing to risk it anyway, at any rate."
-
>"Yes, I suppose there is. Or willing to risk it anyway, at any rate."
>Rin's grin turns to a small smile, "Can't blame her, either."
>Kiku's voice returns, I have found the book I was looking for. It does indeed tell of what became of the Hell Raven's corpse.
-
>Smile a little self-effacingly
>And what did?
-
>Smile a little self-effacingly
>And what did?
>Susano'o took pity upon the Hell Raven when he saw it dead. He forgave it for its weakness that drive it to Yomi, and in a funeral pyre sparked by the first light of the sun, he set the twisted corpse of the fallen kami ablaze. Its corruption burned away, and the freed kami was taken to the heavens by Susano'o, where it stood in judgement by Amaterasu. The cleansed kami was smiled upon by the Sun kami and was given form again, and though it was once more a pure divine spirit, its feathers were forever blacker than its fellows, and its eyes never once shed any tears, for any cause.
>The cursed third eye, however, did not burn. It weathered the flame that consumed the flesh surrounding it, and its countenance burned with hatred so vile and toxic, that wherever the fire touched it, the flames turned black and belched poison smoke into the sky. What Susano'o did with that eye, this book does not say. I have a theory, but nothing to confirm it.
-
>A theory?
-
>A theory?
>I believe that Susano'o may have buried the eye where he buried the main head of the Orochi, beneath Mount Sentsu to the west.
-
>Do we know where this Mount Sentsu is?
-
>Do we know where this Mount Sentsu is?
>Much like Kiku said, it lies to the west of Mayoiga, on the main island of Yamato. It's one of the tallest mountains on Yamato, and unique for its somewhat isolated location; though part of a greater range, it is considerably taller than the mountains around it for miles in any direction.
-
>About how far away is that from here?
>You say it belched poison smoke, yes? Forgive me if I am being altogether silly here, but when the sacred flame of your shrine turned black, did it also produce some kind of foul smoke?
-
>About how far away is that from here?
>You say it belched poison smoke, yes? Forgive me if I am being altogether silly here, but when the sacred flame of your shrine turned black, did it also produce some kind of foul smoke?
>You don't recall exactly how far, but when you and your family traveled there by car to celebrate Myoren's fifth birthday, you remember it took at least six hours to get there, so.... you guess between somewhere in the vicinity of 400 to 450 miles away.
>Yes. As a matter of fact, it did. But the smoke wasn't poisoned, if that's what you were thinking. It couldn't have been, all of us present would have been affected by such a thing.
-
>Are you certain you weren't? What about the block in your mind, and those of your sisters? And of Satori's recent behavior?
-
>Are you certain you weren't? What about the block in your mind, and those of your sisters? And of Satori's recent behavior?
>Kiku does not immediately answer.
>After a long moment's pause, her voice returns, No, it cannot be. I would have sensed such a thing. My memories may have been affected, but my powers haven't been. Someone here would have sensed a power at work within the shrine.
-
>But there is some power at work there, no? Whether it is this or something different. The barriers in your minds came into being somehow, and it would take a powerful force indeed to affect the sacred flame as it has been. Even if you still cannot sense what form it has, there is tangible evidence of something's presence.
-
>But there is some power at work there, no? Whether it is this or something different. The barriers in your minds came into being somehow, and it would take a powerful force indeed to affect the sacred flame as it has been. Even if you still cannot sense what form it has, there is tangible evidence of something's presence.
>Of this there is no doubt. But it cannot be the work of the Third Eye of the Hell Raven. If that object had once again become active, it would mean that the Orochi had also been resurrected. And THAT would be an event of apocalyptic proportions.
-
>Forgive me, but I do not understand how one implies the other. Was there any connection between the two aside from the fact that the Orochi had eaten the hell raven?
-
>Forgive me, but I do not understand how one implies the other. Was there any connection between the two aside from the fact that the Orochi had eaten the hell raven?
>As I told you, I believe the two were buried and sealed together by Susano'o, after he had slain the Orochi. If one is active again, the other would have to be as well.
-
>But you said you had nothing to confirm this theory, yes? Perhaps they did not share the same seal?
-
>But you said you had nothing to confirm this theory, yes? Perhaps they did not share the same seal?
>Even if that were the case, an object so tainted, so potentially powerful, would have sent up signs all over town if it was used, if not the country. Even mages would have detected its presence, not just onmyouji like myself. Surely one of the other shrines' more powerful members would have detected it and informed the rest of us by now.
-
>Yes, I suppose you may be right. Forgive me if I am leaping at connections which may not exist; it just sounded ominously coincidental that the woman I mentioned earlier would suddenly start having visions of this hell raven near to the time when your sacred flame was affected in a manner reminiscent of the flame that touched its eye. Given the events of late, I hesitate to dismiss something merely because it sounds too incredible to be true.
-
>Perhaps, just to be safe, we should keep an eye on her all the same. It is quite possible that this is not mere coincidence.
-
>Yes, I suppose you may be right. Forgive me if I am leaping at connections which may not exist; it just sounded ominously coincidental that the woman I mentioned earlier would suddenly start having visions of this hell raven near to the time when your sacred flame was affected in a manner reminiscent of the flame that touched its eye. Given the events of late, I hesitate to dismiss something merely because it sounds too incredible to be true.
>Perhaps, just to be safe, we should keep an eye on her all the same. It is quite possible that this is not mere coincidence.
>I'm not in the habit of dismissing coincidence, myself. Nevertheless, I am reasonably confidant in that the Third Eye is not at work here. I could attempt to divine the item's location, but the process involved has multiple risks.
>As I suggested myself earlier. Our Light powers may offer more insight than our mundane senses.
>The back side of the Tortoise shrine is virtually a mirror of the front side. It has a step leading up to the veranda and several sliding doors to the left and right of the main entrance. A brown-winged miko with dark green hair sits to the left of the entrance, listening to a pair of young girls who stand in front of her, and while you can't tell what they're talking about from here, the girls arms' and bodies are quite animated.
>There is a decent sized field in front of the veranda, a grassy patch of land standing in front of a woodland area. A somewhat winding path has been cut through the trees straight across from the exit of the shrine, strung at intervals with tall covered lamps, though the power lines show they are electric, not oil, like the ones on the way in.
>"What about you, Mistress?" Rin asks quietly.
-
>I don't suppose your reading may have led to any theory about why these visions could be assailing her, though?
>"What about me? You mean, would I do likewise were I in Ayumi's position today?"
-
>I don't suppose your reading may have led to any theory about why these visions could be assailing her, though?
>"What about me? You mean, would I do likewise were I in Ayumi's position today?"
>Not from these readings here, no. But my experience gives me one theory right away, though the implications could be dire for your friend, if I am correct.
>Rin nods.
-
>And what is this theory?
>"A fair question, and one I suppose I am not altogether sure of. But... to be honest, I suspect I would not be so bold in that particular arena as her, no."
-
>And what is this theory?
>"A fair question, and one I suppose I am not altogether sure of. But... to be honest, I suspect I would not be so bold in that particular arena as her, no."
>"Well, ya were bold enough ta stand up ta Konngara. What's so hard about tellin' someone ya like em?"
>Your friend may have been cursed.
-
>"I do not think it is a matter of being frightened, as such. Perhaps it is more... not to wish to unduly impose upon them, should they not wholly reciprocate."
>Cursed? How might this come to happen?
-
>"I do not think it is a matter of being frightened, as such. Perhaps it is more... not to wish to unduly impose upon them, should they not wholly reciprocate."
>Cursed? How might this come to happen?
>"I think I get you. You wouldn't wanna make em feel uncomfortable."
>Any number of reasons, really. I would need more information myself before forming a more solid idea.
>The two voices compete with each other as you feel a dull ache starting to brew at your temples. Maintaining two separate conversations through two avenues isn't exactly easy.
-
>Assuming we're generally out of earshot of bystanders: "Forgive me, Rin, but could you hold that thought a moment? Kiku is trying to speak with me."
>Is there anything specific I could do which would help you with this? Aside from, as you suggested, examining her more closely with my augmented senses?
-
>Assuming we're generally out of earshot of bystanders: "Forgive me, Rin, but could you hold that thought a moment? Kiku is trying to speak with me."
>Is there anything specific I could do which would help you with this? Aside from, as you suggested, examining her more closely with my augmented senses?
>You are presently heading towards the lit trail heading towards your target lake, and are at a reasonable distance from the trio of girls sitting outside the shrine. They should not be able to hear you, so you issue your request to Rin. The kasha nods promptly.
>The tiger miko Hmms for a moment. See if you can find out if she recently acquired some new item, something unusual or different. Or if she has done any travelling recently, visited a place she had not before, or had an unusual visitor. Since this started a few days ago, something would have to have changed within that time. Even if it is a curse that has been within her for some time, if it is only active now, something must have triggered it, even if she doesn't know what.
-
>You think a curse could have been lying dormant within her?
-
>You think a curse could have been lying dormant within her?
>It has happened before. A descendant bearing the curse of an ancestor, a family cursed by a being of power, a family in safekeeping of a cursed artifact, or merely in possession... The forms a curse can take are hundreds, if not more.
-
>So, in essence it would be unproductive to speculate without further information.
-
>What are the risks involved in divining the third eye's location?
-
>So, in essence it would be unproductive to speculate without further information.
>Not necessarily. You said that this woman was a raven youkai, correct? If it is that fact that has started her visions of the Hell Raven, then it's possible that other raven youkai may have been afflicted as well. Let me make some inquiries; I am well acquainted with the second elder of the Fire Bird shrine. I can learn from her if this has affected any of the raven youkai serving at that shrine. If not, if it is isolated to this friend of yours, that will eliminate a lot of possibilities and allow us to focus our efforts on her.
>What are the risks involved in divining the third eye's location?
>The primary risk, at this time, would be that a divination of that nature would expend a great deal of power, and would definitely be noted by the other onmyouji of the shrines. Including Satori. I would need to explain to her why I was searching for a long-forgotten relic. Under the present circumstances, I don't believe that's wise.
-
>I think I would have to agree. Perhaps it may become necessary to find the eye at some point, but for now, let us pursue other avenues.
>You speak to the Fire Bird miko, then. I shall meet with my friend tomorrow, see what I can sense.
-
>I think I would have to agree. Perhaps it may become necessary to find the eye at some point, but for now, let us pursue other avenues.
>You speak to the Fire Bird miko, then. I shall meet with my friend tomorrow, see what I can sense.
>Understood. But take care when you see her, Byakuren. If she is indeed under some kind of divine curse, then probing into it could put you at risk as well. There's no telling what could happen when your powers meet the divine, especially if it's some form of cursed power.
-
>Thank you for your warning; I will be cautious.
-
>Thank you for your warning; I will be cautious.
>And you have as yet detected no further signs of demons or youma?
-
>I have not. I am at the Black Tortoise Shrine as we speak, in fact, and have confirmed the sacred flame with my own eyes - and other senses; all seems well here so far. I had planned to report to you once I finished examining the grounds.
-
>I have not. I am at the Black Tortoise Shrine as we speak, in fact, and have confirmed the sacred flame with my own eyes - and other senses; all seems well here so far. I had planned to report to you once I finished examining the grounds.
>I understand. I presume that you do not require my presence at this time?
-
>All seems perfectly normal here, thankfully; I'm just being thorough. But if the situation changes, I will let you know.
-
>All seems perfectly normal here, thankfully; I'm just being thorough. But if the situation changes, I will let you know.
>You note that the slight ache in your head has dissipated completely now. You suspect that with some more time and practice at it, holding a verbal and a telepathic conversation simultaneously shouldn't cause discomfort.
>Very well. But if the need arises to transform, you should know that the majority of the grounds of the shrine, the path to the lake, and the lake itself, are almost always monitored by the shrine maidens of the temple. None of the four temples treat the safety of their guests as seriously as the Black Tortoise mikos. It is only, shall we say, matters of an intimate nature that are never observed.
-
>So I should expect to draw attention to myself, should I ever do that here?
-
>So I should expect to draw attention to myself, should I ever do that here?
>Most likely. Even if you conceal yourself, the upwelling of power from your transformation would likely draw the eyes of at least the more powerful mikos. To say nothing of whatever forced you to transform in the first place.
>On the other hand.... Kiku pauses for a moment. Thinking back, I don't recall sensing any such surge when you transformed before the battle at Yakumo Jewelers. The onmyouji at the Black Tortoise shrine might also be unaware of your power.
-
>That wasn't the 'that' that I was talking about doing, Kiku.
>Perhaps whatever this power is is different enough not to register conventionally? Or might the barrier around Yakumo Jewelers have had a muting effect? In either case, I will keep this in mind - not that I anticipate any need to transform while I am here, at this moment.
-
>That wasn't the 'that' that I was talking about doing, Kiku.
>Perhaps whatever this power is is different enough not to register conventionally? Or might the barrier around Yakumo Jewelers have had a muting effect? In either case, I will keep this in mind - not that I anticipate any need to transform while I am here, at this moment.
>You've been spending too much time with that there Marissa, young lady. See me in my office after hours.
>Let us hope.
-
>Indeed. Is that everything for now, then?
-
>Indeed. Is that everything for now, then?
>I shall examine a few more texts here on the subject of the Hell Raven, but that is all the information I have on it at the moment.
-
>Very well, then. If you find anything you think relevant, let me know, and I shall do likewise.
-
>Very well, then. If you find anything you think relevant, let me know, and I shall do likewise.
>Understood.
-
>Until later, then.
>To Rin: "My apologies. It's... a little tricky carrying on two conversations at once."
-
>Until later, then.
>To Rin: "My apologies. It's... a little tricky carrying on two conversations at once."
>"Well, there's some folks I've known have trouble carrying on the one." Rin says. Then she frowns. "Dat was mean, wasn't it?"
-
>"It's understandable to have frustrations with people sometimes. I'm sure you didn't mean anything spiteful by it."
-
>"It's understandable to have frustrations with people sometimes. I'm sure you didn't mean anything spiteful by it."
>Rin smiles at your understanding. The kasha doesn't always broadcast her emotions, but she has an honest face. You can tell plain as day how much your understanding means to her.
>"Was it good news?" she asks.
-
>Assuming we're still somewhere relatively discrete: "Perhaps not as such, but matters on her end have at least remained status quo. Disarmingly normal, in fact; she and Satori not long ago were discussing plans for a possible Christmas party, so she says. I told her of the situation here, or rather lack thereof. At this rate, perhaps it may end up being a relatively quiet evening for all of us."
-
>Assuming we're still somewhere relatively discrete: "Perhaps not as such, but matters on her end have at least remained status quo. Disarmingly normal, in fact; she and Satori not long ago were discussing plans for a possible Christmas party, so she says. I told her of the situation here, or rather lack thereof. At this rate, perhaps it may end up being a relatively quiet evening for all of us."
>"That's good, isn't it?" Rin asks. "A day without fightin's a good one in my thinkin'."
-
>"I agree. Though I know full well that there will be more to come before this is over with; if anything, perhaps it makes the respite that much more precious, for how fleeting we might fear it will be."
-
>"I agree. Though I know full well that there will be more to come before this is over with; if anything, perhaps it makes the respite that much more precious, for how fleeting we might fear it will be."
>"'Respite means.... 'break'?"
-
>"Sorry, yes."
-
>"Sorry, yes."
>"May-" Rin starts, then stops herself. She glances around and, although the coast is still clear on the wooded, well traveled path towards the lake, returns to her thought telepathically, Maybe while we're out here, I should transform, get in some practice with my power. After we clear the lake, of course.
-
>Not here, I think, unless some immediate need arises. Kiku felt it worth warning me that this area is monitored spiritually by the mikos of the shrine and they may well detect our transformations. Which could raise uncomfortable questions, among other things....
-
>Not here, I think, unless some immediate need arises. Kiku felt it worth warning me that this area is monitored spiritually by the mikos of the shrine and they may well detect our transformations. Which could raise uncomfortable questions, among other things....
>Spiritually?
>The kasha slows her step and narrows her eyes. "Just a second, please."
-
>Slow with her
>Can we tell what she may be looking at?
-
>Slow with her
>Can we tell what she may be looking at?
>Matching your pace to hers, you glance in her direction. She, is looking straight ahead, where the path you are following takes a rather sharp right turn. Nothing out of the ordinary appears to be in sight.
>Actually, that's not entirely true. The light pole in the center of the bend has a paper talisman stuck to it. Looking around, you note that all the poles within your line of sight have similar charms stuck to them, some more than one.
>Rin's ears twitch for a moment or two, then she shakes her head. Quietly, she says, "If someone's watchin' us, I can't hear em or smell em."
-
>"I did not mean to suggest they were physically present, merely that potential threats within their grounds are monitored by some spiritual power possessed by the shrine maidens."
>Point to one of the talismans
>"For example, those talismans there. While I certainly do not know the details of their rites, I would not be surprised is something similar could serve as a ward or way to detect hostile presences."
-
>"I did not mean to suggest they were physically present, merely that potential threats within their grounds are monitored by some spiritual power possessed by the shrine maidens."
>Point to one of the talismans
>"For example, those talismans there. While I certainly do not know the details of their rites, I would not be surprised is something similar could serve as a ward or way to detect hostile presences."
>"I figured that's what you meant by 'spiritually', but a good listen and sniff never hurts, just ta make sure." She taps her nose with her finger. "I know this a lot better than I know that, after all." Her eyes dart to her ring to show what she means.
-
>"Yes. Myself as well, to be honest, though it's somewhat remarkable how quickly I can feel myself growing accustomed to it."
-
>"Yes. Myself as well, to be honest, though it's somewhat remarkable how quickly I can feel myself growing accustomed to it."
>"I ain't surprised at that."
-
>Smile
>"As I am sure you will in time, as well."
-
>Smile
>"As I am sure you will in time, as well."
>"I reckon I will, too, and soon." Rin says confidently. "I ain't about to be a burden."
-
>"A burden?"
>Put a hand on her shoulder
>"Rin, no matter whether you could have wielded this power or not, you could never be that. Not to me."
-
>"A burden?"
>Put a hand on her shoulder
>"Rin, no matter whether you could have wielded this power or not, you could never be that. Not to me."
>"What I mean, Mistress, is now that I GOT this power, I can protect you now." The kasha's eyes shine with her determination. "You'll never have to worry that it's me watching your back; I'll master dis power as quick as you blink and keep you safe and sound."
-
>Smile
>"We shall keep each other safe."
-
>Smile
>"We shall keep each other safe."
>Rin smiles. "I never doubted you can and will protect me, no matter what we find her or anywhere else. But I wanted you ta know that you can count on me, too."
-
>"Of this, I never had a doubt."
-
>"Of this, I never had a doubt."
>Rin's eyes glisten, but her ears twitch a moment later, and she looks down the path towards the lake. "Someone's comin'."
-
>Smile and give her hand a little affectionate squeeze
>"Very well, then."
>Continue onward and observe who we're about to encounter
-
>Smile and give her hand a little affectionate squeeze
>"Very well, then."
>Continue onward and observe who we're about to encounter
>Interrupted before you and your Rin can really finish on the topic, you make a note to ask her what she was about to say later, if she doesn't broach the subject herself the next time you're alone. You also note her squeezing your hand back. It's a nice feeling.
>Turning back to the path, you look for the source of Rin's warning. You see nothing for a moment or two, but then a tall, muscular shrine maiden comes into view, walking from the direction of the lake. She's nearly as tall as Haruka, and thicker bodied than even Dragonhawk was, resulting in her miko's clothing fitting her frame rather tightly. Not that there's much to show off in this manner, apart from musculature. Her hair is a rather unhealthy looking shade of green and falls down about halfway down her back, and a long thick scaly tail drags the ground behind her. A crocodile's tail, if you're not mistaken. That might explain the toughness of her body.
>Her right hand is in her pocket, but her left hand waves to you as you approach each other. "Evening, girls." she calls in a thinly accented voice, the origin of which you can't quite place.
-
>Nod politely
>"Good evening to you."
-
>Nod politely
>"Good evening to you."
>The large youkai looks between you and Rin as your paths nearly cross, then she grins. Her angular eyes, with their slitted pupils bisecting her yellow irises makes the gesture almost predatory. "I don't suppose either of you enjoy a card game or two, do you?"
-
>Do we have much experience with card games?
>And are we basically in the middle of the woods at the moment now?
-
>Do we have much experience with card games?
>And are we basically in the middle of the woods at the moment now?
>You do. You have experience at most forms of card games from gin rummy to 5 card poker to blackjack, although you tend to prefer games like chess and shogi when you have a choice in the matter. Your brother tells you that you have a very good poker face, which is a bit ironic considering your honest nature.
>More like, on the north side of the middle. Based on the sound of water whispering around your ears, it won't be that long at all before you reach your destination.
-
>Ah, but that's just because we know how to keep confidences when needed, as well
>"I've played a little, from time to time."
-
>Ah, but that's just because we know how to keep confidences when needed, as well
>"I've played a little, from time to time."
>Quite so. There's not a betraying bone in your body.
>Rin merely nods but says nothing.
>The reptilian youkai's grin grows, but you get the impression that the intimidating impression it gives off isn't on purpose. "In that case, I invite you to make one of those times tonight."
-
>"Oh? And why is that, might I ask?"
-
>"Oh? And why is that, might I ask?"
>"Because I just finished a few rounds of shogi with Genjii, and that always leaves me wanting to play a hand or two afterwards. Ah, sorry, forgot my manners." she adds, inclining her upper torso in a shallow bow. "Lillian's the name." Her teeth, you note as she introduces herself, are all at least slightly pointed.
-
>Return her bow
>"Pleased to meet you, Lillian. I'm Byakuren. And I'm afraid that while I do appreciate the offer, the two of us already have prior commitments this evening."
-
>Return her bow
>"Pleased to meet you, Lillian. I'm Byakuren. And I'm afraid that while I do appreciate the offer, the two of us already have prior commitments this evening."
>The youkai gives you another toothy grin. "I guarantee, I ain't as scary as I look."
-
>"I can believe you. What I said certainly has nothing to do with that, at any rate; we really do have plans."
-
>"I can believe you. What I said certainly has nothing to do with that, at any rate; we really do have plans."
>A rattling breath escapes the youkai's lips, but she grins and nods. "Another time, then, girls."
>"At the risk of stating the obvious, though, I wouldn't recommend a dip in the lake. Mighty cold water tonight."
-
>"I hadn't planned on it, but thanks just the same. And I hope you find someone else to have a few hands with this evening."
>Continue on our way.
-
>"I hadn't planned on it, but thanks just the same. And I hope you find someone else to have a few hands with this evening."
>Continue on our way.
>The muscular miko nods and says a quick "Thanks" before continuing on back towards the shrine. You and Rin continue in the opposite direction, though as the reptilian youkai passes by you, you catch a fleeting sensation of power, not unlike what you sensed from Kiku and Haruka.
>Rin, however, seems oblivious of this, as she asks, telepathically, If there's someone else out at da lake here, think that means we'll find anythin' outta the ordinary?
-
>I imagine it's not unusual for the mikos of the shrine to come and go here. I am not sure we can assume much from this.
-
>I imagine it's not unusual for the mikos of the shrine to come and go here. I am not sure we can assume much from this.
>What about that Genjii person she mentioned? That don't sound like a miko name.
-
>Well, that may be true, but Lillian acted like Genji was a regular, don't you think? I am sure they and we are not the only people who come here.
-
>Well, that may be true, but Lillian acted like Genji was a regular, don't you think? I am sure they and we are not the only people who come here.
>No kiddin'. Even I know that much. Even Konngara used to come out here now and then.
>Rin shakes her head slightly. "Never knew why." she says aloud.
-
>"Perhaps even she could appreciate the atmosphere here."
-
>"Perhaps even she could appreciate the atmosphere here."
>Rin sniffs. "She weren't big on atmosphere. No one in that family was."
-
>Do we know if Konngara was particularly spiritually devout? Or at least went through the motions of said?
-
>Do we know if Konngara was particularly spiritually devout? Or at least went through the motions of said?
>From what Rin has told you, and by her reputation, neither Konngara nor her family holds faith in any particular religion.
-
>"Did she ever bring you with her out here?"
-
>"Did she ever bring you with her out here?"
>Orin shakes her head. "She always came out here alone."
-
>Lightly: "Perhaps she came for the shogi, too?"
-
>Lightly: "Perhaps she came for the shogi, too?"
>For a second, Rin looks like she might laugh. Then she pauses, and visibly considers that. "Ya might have a point dere. She's the one that taught me and all."
-
>Can we play shogi? If so, how much experience do we have?
>Is Rin any good at it, if we know?
>And have we ever played her?
-
>"It might be a good place for Konngara to escape from her grandmother, as well. I bet she wouldn't have thought to look here."
-
>Can we play shogi? If so, how much experience do we have?
>Is Rin any good at it, if we know?
>And have we ever played her?
>You can. You learned the game at the age of 9 from your mother, at the same time she taught Myoren. The two of you are quite good at it, though Myoren is better at it than either you or your mother, possibly better than anyone else you've ever played. At his behest, you've entered a few local tournaments here and there throughout the years, and although you've never won any, you've always performed well, finishing second at a charity tournament last year. You were beaten by Hazuki Hakurei, a then first-year student of Mayoiga High, and a cousin of Reimu's.
>Rin's own skills are... you hesitate to use the word 'average', but 'passable' might serve better. She knows the game well enough, but she's not in your league. From what you've observed of her playing style, and what you've gleaned from her talking about it, Konngara expected her to play well enough to challenge her, but others in the family 'encouraged' her never to win.
>"It might be a good place for Konngara to escape from her grandmother, as well. I bet she wouldn't have thought to look here."
>Rin's face sours. "Makes a lotta sense. Everyone needed a break from her now and den."
-
>"That's be my thought then. Unless she happens to have friends here?"
-
>"That's be my thought then. Unless she happens to have friends here?"
>"I can't think of any. Don't mean it isn't true, though, everyone in town's got a friend or two here."
-
>Do we think Rin's skills at the game are only passable because she instinctively holds back, or just because she genuinely isn't especially good at it?
>"It is a lively place, certainly."
>Carry on to the lake
-
>Do we think Rin's skills at the game are only passable because she instinctively holds back, or just because she genuinely isn't especially good at it?
>"It is a lively place, certainly."
>Carry on to the lake
>If she was holding back during the games you've played, you didn't get the impression that this was the case. She's better at card games than she is as shogi, you know, and doesn't have any issues with winning in that field. Not that she wins all the time, but she doesn't seem afraid to, either.
>The cleared path in the woods before you takes one more turn to the left, and the field before you on the other side of this corner opens up to show the lake of the Black Tortoise.
>It's... a lot darker than you would have imagined. The lights that lit your way here do not extend beyond the opening in the trees, and the lake has no artificial sources of illumination that you can detect. And with the sky covered in low hanging thick grey clouds, there is no moonlight, no starlight. But the illumination from the tall lights to either side of you show a broad expanse of flower-strewn grass before you, only starting now to turn the brown of autumn, the flowers, white and purple, are closed, insulating themselves from the chill of the wind and the dark of the night.
>The shore of the lake is about fifty or so feet in front of you, the cold clear water reflecting the distant lights of the tall lamps flanking you, but further details of the water are lost to the darkness, save the outline of a fair sized island lying on the water. You can hear the sound of voices and splashing of water to your right and far off ahead of you, but cannot see the sources of the female voices.
>There IS another source of illumination coming from your left: a globe of light about eighty feet away, illuminating a small group of people, two on the shore, one in the water before them. The being in the water is a large turtle, sporting a white beard from his chin. That would be Genjii, then. The turtle is sort of like the mascot of the Black Tortoise shrine, apart from Miko Miko Suika herself. Genjii is reputed to be hundreds of years old, a youkai who never achieved humanoid form, but did achieve human intelligence. The other two beings are a grey-haired man with a pair of goat horns on either side of his head, and a blonde woman in a Luyang-styled white and purple gown with several big, fluffy tails.
-
>Does this globe of light not seem connected to a lamp of any sort, then?
>Can we guess at what sort of tails these are?
>Take a little glance in their direction, but otherwise continue onward to the lake shore ahead
-
>Does this globe of light not seem connected to a lamp of any sort, then?
>Can we guess at what sort of tails these are?
>Take a little glance in their direction, but otherwise continue onward to the lake shore ahead
>Not anything you can see from here, at any rate.
>You would guess they are the sort of tails that belong to a fox youkai, perhaps a kitsune. In fact, their blonde coloration seems rather familiar...
>Upon closer inspection, you confirm your suspicions. The tails belong to Ran Yakumo. Meaning the grey-haired Oni sitting next to her, partially concealed by her tails, is more than likely Doubles. A small object is sitting between Ran and Genjii the turtle, but you can't make out what it is from here.
>The same sense of tranquil power that you sensed from the sacred flame chamber permeates this area, as well. Even in the dark, you can sense, amidst the stillness and sereneness, that this place is a kind of sanctuary. A slice of the natural world unspoiled by roads or chainsaws or electric lights. You've never been here before, but you feel a keen sense of belonging. Somehow, it is as though the trappings of the 'civilized' world have not quite managed to penetrate this sanctuary of nature. Although, the pragmatist in your might have liked them to have hung a lamp or two. For practicalities' sake, if nothing else.
>As for whether or not this sense of power is coming from the lake, something in it, or the grove itself, your increasing proximity to the water does not clearly reveal. You do get a sense that the lake is quite sizable indeed, somehow. Perhaps even larger than the one in the Saigyouji Memorial Park.
>Rin asks you, her voice somewhat subdued, "Need a light, Byakuren?"
-
>Is the ambient light here actually enough to see where we're going or what we're doing at all?
>For that matter, what sort of light would Rin have on her?
-
>Is the ambient light here actually enough to see where we're going or what we're doing at all?
>For that matter, what sort of light would Rin have on her?
>You can see what you're doing well enough. Your range of sight is not that great at the moment, however, and making out details in the dark is a bit tricky. You suspect you have have spent too long in the city, gotten too used to excessive light pollution.
>Rin usually carries a small flashlight, just in case. During her time with Konngara, there was a power blackout in their area that lasted days. Rin took it upon herself to be prepared to be more of use should that happen again. She would have preferred a folding lamp, but a flashlight was cheaper.
-
>Does anyone else here have lights?
-
>Does anyone else here have lights?
>Ran seems to.
-
>"Thank you, but I think I'm okay."
>Carefully proceed to the lake shore
>Once there, pause and try to reach out with our senses in a focused manner
-
>"Thank you, but I think I'm okay."
>Carefully proceed to the lake shore
>Once there, pause and try to reach out with our senses in a focused manner
>Orin nods.
>Watching your step, you and Rin step up to immediately in front of the cold water of the Tortoise lake. The chilly wind sets the water gently lapping at the grassy dirt of the shore.
>You start to pull in your senses, but a loud splash to your right and out in the water distracts you momentarily. A long haired head has breached the surface of the water near the shore about fifty feet to your right, near the shore. The figure glances around, throws a jaunty wave in yours and Rin's direction, and submerges herself again.
>With that out of the way, you return to the task at hand. Centering yourself, you send out your psychic senses in front of you. The results are... quite interesting, to say the least. No less than five indiviudual sensations return to you, plus an intensified sense of the gentle energy suffusing the area iteself.
-
>Focus on each of these individual sensations in turn and try to figure out what they are and where they're coming from
-
>Focus on each of these individual sensations in turn and try to figure out what they are and where they're coming from
>Furrowing your brow in concentration, the results of your intensified scan are somewhat less than satisfying. One, or perhaps two, of the sensations appear to be coming from the direction of Ran and her companions, while the rest are jumbled together in the area in front of you. Separating them out, however, vexes you. You can sense vague differences among them- one is older than the others... Actually, two of them might be. One is fainter than the others, but there may be another one there very much like it. Maybe three. One is somehow darker than the others, you think.- but you can't separate them out from each other. One keeps interfereing with the next, or perhaps the one beyond, leading to a jumble of imprints and impressions returning to your mental radar.
-
>Darker? Darker in what sense? A potentially threatening one?
>Can we tell what we think these sensations are at all? Are they coming from people? Are they auras of power or of emotion or of something else?
>After we ponder this a little, lean down and touch the water with our hand
-
>Darker? Darker in what sense? A potentially threatening one?
>Can we tell what we think these sensations are at all? Are they coming from people? Are they auras of power or of emotion or of something else?
>After we ponder this a little, lean down and touch the water with our hand
>It seems to be simply a darker 'shade' than the others. You can't tell if it's more threatening or not.
>You wouldn't say they're emotions. Emotions have been, at least partly, the fuel of your own power, so you think would be able to sense if this was the case here. It doesn't seem to be. You would guess they are auras of power, but you can't be completely certain. Your senses don't seem to be as sharp when you're Byakuren Hijiri than they are when you are Magical Lotus.
>Hoping that contact with the water will result in something a bit clearer, you crouch down on your haunches and stick your fingers into the cold water. Which, while chilly, is not quite as cold you thought at first. Lilian may have been a bit overzealous in warning you about the cold of the water. If it was a degree or two warmer, you could go for a swim here, you think. Actually a tempting idea, now that it occurs to you.
-
>"Rin, I think we might be able to go swimming here if it was just a little warmer."
-
>"Rin, I think we might be able to go swimming here if it was just a little warmer."
>The kasha flinches, but quickly recovers. "Have to come back a bit later, den."
-
>She doesn't like water much, does she? Or is it another trauma from her time with Konngara?
>"Well, that was the idea. Maybe we could schedule a little swimming trip here with the rest of the group sometime, future members included."
-
>She doesn't like water much, does she? Or is it another trauma from her time with Konngara?
>"Well, that was the idea. Maybe we could schedule a little swimming trip here with the rest of the group sometime, future members included."
>If Rin has some Konngara-related aquatic trauma, it's not one you're presently aware of. She also doesn't have any qualms with baths, though she does prefer showers. That said, you've never taken her to open, natural water, such as a lake before.
>The kasha glances around quickly, then asks, "Dat the group at home, or....?" she points with one of her tails to her ring.
-
>Smile warmly. "Everyone. After all, we're all friends."
-
>Smile warmly. "Everyone. After all, we're all friends."
>Rin returns your smile. "Mighty fine point, dat."
-
>"Now then, it seems there's something that I can't quite pick up on fully right now. But what could it mean?" 'We'll have to keep an eye on it later, there's a markedly peculiar presence that seems to be a shade darker than the others. I'm not sure if it's a person or not though, so we'll have to keep an eye out.'
EDIT: Better?
-
Are you sure you want to do that? Kiku made it fairly clear that we'll be detected if we do this, secluded spot aside. And I didn't actually get the impression that this darker sensation was actually something hostile or bad, just merely the peculiar shade of whoever's aura we are sensing around here, so I don't really think it's worth attracting attention to get a closer look at.
-
Well fine then. I guess we can always just keep a sort of 'mark' on the thing, and at least discern who it is for later investigation.
-
Yes, I find myself somewhat uncertain what we should actually do from here (which is why I hadn't posted for a bit). It's possible that swimming out into the lake would be what is required to attract the Tortoise's attention, but that's assuming it would even care to speak with us if it did. And we're not really kitted out for swimming in cold water, to say nothing of the observers around for this (and there are a few other people in the water we haven't seen, too) And while I am curious what, if anything, Ran and co. are up to, we can't exactly speak freely with them in our current guise, nor easily change into the other. And there's a decent chance it's nothing that important, at any rate.
I mean, it doesn't seem like any real harm would be done by just calling our trip here concluded and going home, but I do wonder if there's something else here that would be helpful if we actually did it.
-
Perhaps if we just linger for a while until most of those gathered disperse? I have a feeling that the 'darker presence' is our next lead. We discern who or what it is, and we might get some info that Kiku can work with.
-
I'm still inclined to think it's unimportant and unrelated, but I suppose there's no harm in lingering by the water for a little while. It's always possible something else might even happen, I suppose.
-
That's the plan. 'Good things come to those who wait' after all. So if we just relax here by the lake, I'm certain something will happen.
If not, at least we got some quality time with Rin.
-
Might not hurt to wander the premises around the lake a bit, either.
-
>"Now then, it seems there's something that I can't quite pick up on fully right now. But what could it mean?" 'We'll have to keep an eye on it later, there's a markedly peculiar presence that seems to be a shade darker than the others. I'm not sure if it's a person or not though, so we'll have to keep an eye out.'
>Taking a long look around the lake, Rin returns your thought, Where's it comin' from? I can't feel nothin' dark.
-
>'I'm not sure, but it doesn't seem like a demon, merely of a darker shade than the others. Like how Persian Blue is a darker shade of blue than the regular Blue.'
-
>'I'm not sure, but it doesn't seem like a demon, merely of a darker shade than the others. Like how Persian Blue is a darker shade of blue than the regular Blue.'
>Maybe it's the ghost of some miko that drowned here umpteen years ago? Rin suggests.
-
>'Who knows? It could be just that for all we know. Maybe Suika or Kiku would know?'
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>'Who knows? It could be just that for all we know. Maybe Suika or Kiku would know?'
>Suika prob'ly would. It's her shrine, and all. But if it is a ghost, can't be a bad one. 'least it ain't doin' nothing bad now. Is it?
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>That's true. But it never hurts to find out, on the off chance that it might lead us to the truth of matters.
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>Are there any conveniently located and semi-comfortable places to sit around here? A smooth boulder, perhaps? If so, let's go perch ourselves for a bit and just enjoy the surroundings for a few moments.
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>That's true. But it never hurts to find out, on the off chance that it might lead us to the truth of matters.
>Rin nods. Assumin' Suika likes talkin' about ghosts.
>Are there any conveniently located and semi-comfortable places to sit around here? A smooth boulder, perhaps? If so, let's go perch ourselves for a bit and just enjoy the surroundings for a few moments.
>A glance around doesn't reveal anything immediately within the immediate vicinity. Rin, catching your eye, also looks around, but fails to locate any rocks of considerable size, at least on this side of the lake. The island out in the water evidently has a rocky beach, whereas this side of the lake is smooth sand and dirt. The area surrounding the lake is nothing but smooth grass until you reach the treeline.
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>Well, if there is at least some patch of ground that seems comfortable to have a little sit, go and have one
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>Well, if there is at least some patch of ground that seems comfortable to have a little sit, go and have one
>Strictly speaking, the ground you're standing on seems no worse off than the rest of the grounds, which Rin, with her superior night vision, confirms. So you take a few steps to your left, arrange your skirt beneath you, and seat yourself upon the grassy ground.
>After spending the vast majority of the past two years in Mayoiga city itself, sitting out here is almost like sitting in an entirely different part of the country. The city doesn't suffer from urban blight to the same extent that many other cities do, but it's still very much a big city. Out here, though, there's almost no way to tell. The light poles illuminating the path cut through the woods are the only signs of civilization, and even they don't stand out as garish or unnatural. Well, not too much, at any rate. Even the sounds of vehicles don't seem to reach here.
>Nor is it all that cold, either. The air is still chilly, but the brunt of the cold wind is blunted by the trees around you. If the moon was shining, you're sure it would be absolutely lovely here at night. Even as it is, it's hardly bad.
>Rin, seeing you settle down and get comfy, offers, "Want me ta head back to the shrine, see if I can rustle up a drink for you?"
-
>"I'm fine, thank you. And I'd rather the company than a drink, at any rate."
>Take a deep breath of the cool night air
>"It's pleasant here, isn't it?"
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>"I'm fine, thank you. And I'd rather the company than a drink, at any rate."
>Take a deep breath of the cool night air
>"It's pleasant here, isn't it?"
>Rin smiles and sits herself down beside you, arranging her tails behind her.
>The crisp air tickles your nostrils, free of the assorted smells of the city. That's nice, you could do with more of that.
>The kasha's tails swish back and forth, the sound of fur on plant strange, but somehow soothing. "Didn't think ya could find a place like dis outside of the mountains." she says in agreement.
-
>"I find it strangely soothing, particularly after how... demanding the last while has been."
-
>Take some time to open up our senses and observe what is going on, mystically speaking. See if we can untangle what we've felt a little better.
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>"I find it strangely soothing, particularly after how... demanding the last while has been."
>Rin smiles and nods. "Busy or not, Byakuren, you should take a vacation when this is over."
>Take some time to open up our senses and observe what is going on, mystically speaking. See if we can untangle what we've felt a little better.
>Setting aside Rin's advice for a moment, tempting an idea though it may be, you try to get a better sense of the various auras and presences around you. Unfortunately, you receive even less detail than you did when you were touching the water. The feelings are too vague, too jumbled together, for you to effectively separate out without transforming, at least as far you've discovered so far. At least as far as the bulk of them go, as you can tell almost for sure that one of the feelings is coming from Ran, Doubles and Genjii. What kind of power, you're less sure, but it isn't very strong.
>As best as you can tell, it might be Ran's magic. You got a sense for her power during your battle with the youma, and this power feels somewhat like that, though much less intense.
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>"Yes, that might be nice. But for now, I think a few moments like this now and again will do."
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>"Yes, that might be nice. But for now, I think a few moments like this now and again will do."
>Rin glances at you, then pops back to her feet. "Please turn a bit dis way."
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>Shift a little in the indicated direction
>"Like this?"
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>Shift a little in the indicated direction
>"Like this?"
>She places two fingers on either side of her chin, and tilts her head and forth, thoughtfully. "Right. Now you just sit right dere for a minute, please."
-
>"Ah, alright?"
>Wonder a bit what she might be up to
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>"Ah, alright?"
>Wonder a bit what she might be up to
>Rin nods her thanks and takes a few steps to the side, walking around you. Curious. What's that kasha of yours up to now?
>Your answer comes seconds later, as Rin's hands take a hold of the space behind your shoulders. "You're carryin' a lot of tension in your shoulders and back, mistress." she says quietly. "Let me fix that for you while we're here."
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>"Oh, I'm fine, really. But... I suppose I shan't say no, if you're volunteering."
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>"Oh, I'm fine, really. But... I suppose I shan't say no, if you're volunteering."
>"Trust me, Byakuren, I got an eye for this kinda thing." Rin says confidently, rubbing the back of your shoulders. It is true that you hadn't really felt any unusual tension in the regions she mentioned, but since she offered, there's no harm in taking her up on the offer.
>The kasha's hands take a firmer grip on your shoulders, and she starts to knead the flesh under your clothes. Right away, both of your shoulders emit a surprisingly sharp *pop*, and you stiffen instinctively.
>"Sorry 'bout that." Rin says right away. "Haven't done this through clothes in a while."
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>Try to relax
>"Apparently, I needed it if it's this bad..."
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>Try to relax
>"Apparently, I needed it if it's this bad..."
>"Maybe not as bad as ya think, but... Well, it's like this." the kasha starts to explain, before returning to her work.
>Rin's hands are strong, but careful as she works at the tension in your shoulders. Now that the initial stress has been brought to the surface, you can feel your Rin's hands loosening the muscles and tendons as she works the muscles beneath your clothes. She's... very good.
>"When someone does some heavy work, or strange work, somethin' that they ain't done before that takes it's toll on a body, it... Well, takes it toll." Rin says after a moment's thought. "Even if dey don't know it off the bat. But a practiced eye can see it. And you, mistress, have been carryin' a lotta tension, probably since the first time you... Well, you know." she finishes quietly. "I'm only sorry I never noticed before."
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>"You needn't be. I didn't want to burden you or any of the others with this. If you hadn't noticed, it was only because I had tried not to let it show."
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>"You needn't be. I didn't want to burden you or any of the others with this. If you hadn't noticed, it was only because I had tried not to let it show."
>"It's my job ta notice these things." Rin says firmly, hitting a particularly tight cluster of muscle just below your right shoulder blade, the tension melting pleasurably out of your back as Rin focuses in on it. "That's what a good-" She stops, biting her lip, then tries again, "Now of course, I can't work as best I can till we get back home. But I oughta be able ta take the edge of, at least."
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>"It does feel quite nice, thank you."
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>"It does feel quite nice, thank you."
>You can hear the smile in Rin's voice as she says, "I'm happy you're happy."
>The kasha's hands definitely have you feeling rather mellow after a few minutes of work. She's really very good with her hands. Despite yourself, you wonder what a full blown professional-style massage from your Orin would feel like.
>As Rin rubs another kink out of the thoracic area of your back, the sound of a pan pipes reaches your ear again. Glancing back towards the path leading to the lake, you see the winged miko who was playing before back at the shrine, but this time, she has company. A trio of fairies are flying behind her, flitting around in a rather reserved fashion for fairies.
>Rin, you note, is gamely trying not to wince at the sound.
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>At the sound of the fairies or the pipes, do we think?
>Is the latter especially loud or shrill or off-tune?
>And is said miko approaching this general direction?
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>At the sound of the fairies or the pipes, do we think?
>Is the latter especially loud or shrill or off-tune?
>And is said miko approaching this general direction?
>The pipes, you imagine. She mentioned before something about the sound of the instrument messing with her high-range hearing.
>It is neither shrill nor loud nor out of tune. In fact, it's a rather pleasant sound, and exotic as well. It's not an instrument that gets a lot of play on the airwaves.
>She is.
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>Quietly: "Is that bothering you?"
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>Quietly: "Is that bothering you?"
>Rin (somewhat regrettably) stops attending to your back and crouches down next to you, her ears slightly flattened. "Only a little. Kinda jams my high range hearing."
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>"Would you rather we go elsewhere, then?"
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>"Would you rather we go elsewhere, then?"
>"That's your call." Rin says promptly.
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>Gently: "I am asking you. We needn't stay if you find that unpleasant on your ears."
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>Gently: "I am asking you. We needn't stay if you find that unpleasant on your ears."
>"Well...." Rin purses her lips in thought. "Give her a minute. Still nice here, and she might quit. After that, though... Yeah, it might give me a headache."
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>"And we certainly wouldn't want that. We can leave the moment it feels too uncomfortable; and please don't hesitate on my behalf."
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>"And we certainly wouldn't want that. We can leave the moment it feels too uncomfortable; and please don't hesitate on my behalf."
>Rin's mouth opens and closes, then she nods. "Understood."
>Fortunately for your kasha, the swooping-winged miko puts her pipes away after only a few more seconds, much to the dismay of her fairy companions. Rin, however, sighs quietly in relief.
>"Think I'd be used to that by now." she mutters, rubbing her right ear slightly. "Some sounds still get ta me, though."
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>"Not much to be done for it, is there?"
>Has she complained about noises around the house before?
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>"Not much to be done for it, is there?"
>Has she complained about noises around the house before?
>"Downside ta havin' these ears, I guess."
>While you're only heard her complain about the high pitched tone one of Nitori's power tools, you have seen her wince or flinch in pain a few times since you acquired her, usually at sounds you couldn't hear. It's very common for animal youkai to have sharp hearing, but Rin's seems to be more sensitive than sharp.
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>"Well, they come with their upsides, too."
>Do we know if Rin is at all ticklish?
>And why do I seem to keep asking that question about multi-tailed beast youkai lately?
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>"Well, they come with their upsides, too."
>Do we know if Rin is at all ticklish?
>And why do I seem to keep asking that question about multi-tailed beast youkai lately?
>Rin nods twice. "Couldn't live without em."
>She is indeed ticklish, though not extremely. You, she and Marissa visited a public bath house last month, and while Marissa was washing Rin, you noted Marissa's discovery that Rin's flanks were sensitive to ticking.
>Because tails are awesome. You must play with them.
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>"I have sometimes wondered what it would be like to sense the world as a youkai might - to hear or see or smell things as a human cannot."
>But I suppose these other new senses we have come upon offer something not dissimilar from that experience, no? To feel the world around you as it was never quite before.
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>"I have sometimes wondered what it would be like to sense the world as a youkai might - to hear or see or smell things as a human cannot."
>But I suppose these other new senses we have come upon offer something not dissimilar from that experience, no? To feel the world around you as it was never quite before.
>"Ain't every youkai that got ears or noses like that. Lookit dog youkai. Thier eyes ain't much better than humans, on average. Worse for some of 'em."
>Still feels kinda weird, though. Like, I know I got all this new power now, new senses, but I'm still not sure how to... Turn em on. she finishes after a moment's thought.
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>You may find that if their use became necessary, the 'how' would come to you unbidden. That being said, I would be happy to guide you through the process, at least as best I can, when we are somewhere less likely to be observed.
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>You may find that if their use became necessary, the 'how' would come to you unbidden. That being said, I would be happy to guide you through the process, at least as best I can, when we are somewhere less likely to be observed.
>Well, you said you could-
>As Rin starts her telepathic message, one of the fairies following the miko emits a volumnous squawk of "Catch me if you can!", and takes off forward, towards the lake. The two blondes sharing the air with her waste little time in pursuing their friend, and Rin ducks instinctively as the shorter of the two passes rather close over top of you both.
>The kasha curses quietly in Eire as she raises her head again.
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>Chuckle softly
>"Well, they seem to be having fun."
>And what was it you about to say?
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>Chuckle softly
>"Well, they seem to be having fun."
>And what was it you about to say?
>Rin nods, smiling slightly. "Ain't many fairys that don't."
>Where was I... Oh yeah. You got a better sense for things out here than I did, like that ghost ya mentioned. I never noticed anything like that, 'till you told me, gave me somethin' ta look for. How'd you sense that?
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>Try to describe to Rin in relative detail the sort of mental work we were doing when we cast our senses out. Assuming we can.
>Via telepathy, of course
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>Try to describe to Rin in relative detail the sort of mental work we were doing when we cast our senses out. Assuming we can.
>Via telepathy, of course
>You do the best you can. There isn't as much to explain as there might have been, since it seems, in your experience, to be little different than using a sense like smell or sight: focusing on a sensation. Only you do it with you mind and your heart instead of your eyes or your ears.
>Lemme give it a shot. Rin says, then turns her head towards the lake. She seems to hesitate, however. Well, if you think I should. I don't know how... well, obvious I might be.
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>Do you mean visibly, if someone is watching? Or if someone could someone detect even this use of our power? For the former, I could simply tell you if I felt you might be looking too obviously. For the latter... well, I suppose I had not even considered that possibility. But since I have already done so, I suspect there could be no further harm in you doing so as well.
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>Do you mean visibly, if someone is watching? Or if someone could someone detect even this use of our power? For the former, I could simply tell you if I felt you might be looking too obviously. For the latter... well, I suppose I had not even considered that possibility. But since I have already done so, I suspect there could be no further harm in you doing so as well.
>Rin looks thoughtful for a minute, then shakes her head. Think I'd better wait. Best not to take no chances if we don't have to. 'least while there's a miko dat close. She indicates the curved-winged shrine maiden behind you with a casual toss of one of her tails.
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>Good point. Though that does give us a chance to consult on something I'd noticed as far as the whole group of Ring Holders. We seem to have a flower theme going, Mine is Lotus, And there's also one themed on the Lily, and Chrysanthemum. I'll be sure to introduce you to them sometime soon.
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>Good point. Though that does give us a chance to consult on something I'd noticed as far as the whole group of Ring Holders. We seem to have a flower theme going, Mine is Lotus, And there's also one themed on the Lily, and Chrysanthemum. I'll be sure to introduce you to them sometime soon.
>Ya name yourselves that?
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>It is perhaps somewhat hard to describe, but... it was as though I felt the name and its image come to me without provocation, when I first invoked this power. The others said similarly.
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>It is perhaps somewhat hard to describe, but... it was as though I felt the name and its image come to me without provocation, when I first invoked this power. The others said similarly.
>Rin nods thoughtfully. So whatever my name is'll come ta me when I try to... invoke means to turn it on, right?
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>That is what I meant, yes. And that does seem quite possible, though I still know only a little about all this.
-
>One thing I have noticed though, is that the flower has a deep connection to who that person is. For example, the one tied to Chrysanthemum, that is what her name actually means. And she does have a very orderly nature to her, much like the blooming of one. And when you think about it, the one tied to the Lily does has a feeling of serene purity and kindness. I believe you already know her, if you take into consideration that the name's the same in either form.
(Flower meanings yo. Always a nice theme.)
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>That is what I meant, yes. And that does seem quite possible, though I still know only a little about all this.
>One thing I have noticed though, is that the flower has a deep connection to who that person is. For example, the one tied to Chrysanthemum, that is what her name actually means. And she does have a very orderly nature to her, much like the blooming of one. And when you think about it, the one tied to the Lily does has a feeling of serene purity and kindness. I believe you already know her, if you take into consideration that the name's the same in either form.
(Flower meanings yo. Always a nice theme.)
I rather enjoy it myself. I only wish I was more knowledgeable on the subject.
>So what's Lotus mean? Like, what about dat is connected to you and who you are?
-
>Perhaps so. It symbolizes many things, depending on where you look. The meaning I know best is representing purity of mind, body and speech, as it floats over the muddy waters as one should float above worldly things.
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>Perhaps so. It symbolizes many things, depending on where you look. The meaning I know best is representing purity of mind, body and speech, as it floats over the muddy waters as one should float above worldly things.
>Rin seems impressed. Sounds awful pretty. She pauses, then adds, Don't think I ever seen one before.
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>Have we seen one ourselves?
>For that matter, would we know someplace around here where they might be found?
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>Have we seen one ourselves?
>For that matter, would we know someplace around here where they might be found?
>You have indeed.
>First one that comes to mind is Meiling's garden. Your school groundskeeper keeps a fairly extensive flower collection, located in three places around the school grounds: a little greenhouse, on the north side of the main building, and on the roof of said. It's quite likely that Rin has seen a lotus flower there, but didn't know the name of it.
>They can also be found in the lake in the Saigyouji Memorial park, and in the botanical garden attached to the university, as well as the arboretum that can be found on the east side of town. Mayoiga also boasts at least three flower shops you know of, at least one of which would certainly offer lotus blossoms.
-
>You may have, actually. There are some in the school garden.
>Try to describe them to her
-
>You may have, actually. There are some in the school garden.
>Try to describe them to her
>You start with mentioning the coloration of the flower, which makes Rin's eyes light in recognition. "Oh yeah, I remember now." she says aloud. "Wasn't in China's garden, though, was at de Claudiuses. Dere were a bunch of em floatin' around on the koi pond. Pretty flower, pretty big, too." The kasha cups her chin in thought, then nods slowly. "Lotus flower... Yeah. Yeah, I like dat. That's nice."
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>Do we know who these Claudiuses are?
>"I am fond of it, yes."
>Did Rin ever finish that back massage, or did we get distracted by conversation?
-
>Do we know who these Claudiuses are?
>The name doesn't ring a bell, but you can draw some suppositions based on what Rin has said about Konngara and her family's visiting habits. For her to have mentioned the name in a casual tone, and the mention of a koi pond, means that Konngara had brought Rin to their home, and that only happened with friends of the family, or business partners. And that they were at least decent people, or Rin would have spoken a bit more formally. She always does with people who didn't treat her very well during her time with Konngara.
>"I am fond of it, yes."
>Did Rin ever finish that back massage, or did we get distracted by conversation?
>While you did get a bit sidetracked, you are also feeling much more mellow and loose than you did before Rin started. The kasha is very good with her hands.
-
>Stretch a little
>"That was very nice. Thank you, Rin."
>What time is it now?
-
>Stretch a little
>"That was very nice. Thank you, Rin."
>What time is it now?
>"Happy to oblige." The kasha says happily. "I can do better, once we get home, if ye like. Sittin' up and shirt on ain't the best conditions fer a proper massage."
>A little after 10 PM.
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>About how far away (and how long a trip) would the other two shrines we have not yet visited be?
>And would we expect the sacred flame to be open to the public into that time of the night?
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>About how far away (and how long a trip) would the other two shrines we have not yet visited be?
>And would we expect the sacred flame to be open to the public into that time of the night?
>There's a vague 'ring road' that encircles the outer edges of Mayoiga city, and the four shrines, more or less, lie on this road. Traveling to either the east or the west shrine from this one would be equal in length. The southern shrine, at this time of night, probably wouldn't take much longer, for although it lies on the opposite side of town and goes through the guts of the city, the traffic at this time of night should be somewhat less than in the daylight. In some places, at least.
>As for the length of the journey from here to any of them, it would depend on the mode of transport you intend to take.
>You would expect so. The Dragon shrine to the east may have tighter security than the Bird shrine to the south, but both should still be open.
-
>Let's assume we catch a bus to the east shrine? How long might that take? (And how much time to get home afterward?)
-
>Let's assume we catch a bus to the east shrine? How long might that take? (And how much time to get home afterward?)
>The travel time itself is likely to be around half an hour to an hour, depending on stops and traffic. Not counting wait times for the bus at each stop.
>Getting home from there, wait times aside, would probably be at least an hour, as the route is much less direct.
-
>Smile
>"You make a very tempting offer."
>Since things seem to be well here, shall we perhaps try the Eastern shrine?
-
>Smile
>"You make a very tempting offer."
>Since things seem to be well here, shall we perhaps try the Eastern shrine?
>Ya mean tonight?
-
>It is growing a bit late for another visit, I realize, but I might rest easier to know that another shrine is also safe. Assuming, of course, that is it.
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>It is growing a bit late for another visit, I realize, but I might rest easier to know that another shrine is also safe. Assuming, of course, that is it.
>The kasha nods. Sure, if you want.
-
>"Well, shall we be off, then?"
>Stand, and assuming no further events, head back to the road and wherever we would catch a bus to the other shrine.
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>"Well, shall we be off, then?"
>Stand, and assuming no further events, head back to the road and wherever we would catch a bus to the other shrine.
>Rin is quick in following you to your feet and falling in beside you. You hear a cell phone ringing behind you coming from Ran's direction, but no one stops you as you and your kasha return to the path to the shrine body.
>"Not ta con... contradict?" Rin starts, pauses for a moment to think, then nods. "Yeah, that's the word. Not ta contradict ya, but I gotta say, we head out dat way, it's going to be really late when we get back home, and we do got school tomorrow. Ain't as important as this, for sure, but you're still a student, too, and ya need your rest on top of it."
-
>"Yes, it's true, I know. But if we're quick about it, we could still be home again by midnight, yes?"
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>"Yes, it's true, I know. But if we're quick about it, we could still be home again by midnight, yes?"
>Rin ticks off her fingers, doing mental calculations. "I think so. All goes right. Would have been quicker if Reisen were still around, but she's home by now."
-
>"Such is how things end up, unfortunately. But with the bus we should be alright I think, provided we don't run into any problems."
-
>Assuming we cajole Marisa into giving us a ride home from the next shrine, how long would it take?
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>Assuming we cajole Marisa into giving us a ride home from the next shrine, how long would it take?
>Assuming Marissa is home when you contact her, probably somewhere around an hour, all things considered.
>"Such is how things end up, unfortunately. But with the bus we should be alright I think, provided we don't run into any problems."
>"Cab'd be faster." Rin suggests. "Costs more, but quicker."
-
>"True. Perhaps I might call for one back, if things start to run too late."
>Continue onward to the bus stop here. Let's at least see the schedule.
-
>"True. Perhaps I might call for one back, if things start to run too late."
>Continue onward to the bus stop here. Let's at least see the schedule.
>You spare a glance backwards at the darkened lake, reminding yourself to return here under different circumstances. In daylight, or moonlight for that matter, this would be a very nice spot to spend some time with your friends. No obvious sign of the divinity worshipped at the shrine, but a nice place regardless.
>Keeping your senses peeled on your way back towards the shrine, just in case there's something out here in the woods that is more visible after your visit to the water, reveals nothing you didn't sense on the way in, and the lack of other people translates into uninterrupted progress.
>A little more than halfway back, however, Rin asks you, "Anythin' special to know 'bout the Scale shrine, some rules to observe or such?"
-
>Are we aware of any such rules or customs there?
-
>Are we aware of any such rules or customs there?
>To the best of your knowledge, the Dragon shrine has only one rule that the other shrines do not share, and that is no footwear of any kind, outside of socks, may be worn while within the shrine.
>That's the only official rule, anyway. It does have one unofficial rule as well that's unique to that shrine, and that's 'Try not to let Tenshi get too full of herself.' Or so Reimu has told you. The head miko of the Dragon shrine, one Tenshi Hinanai, has a fair sized ego, and often has a spot of trouble reigning it in when the Hakurei heir is not present. Reimu encourages people to either ignore Tenshi when she gets on herself, or deflate her ego a little. You yourself find this a little unkind, though you can sort of see her point. You've met Tenshi yourself, and Reimu is very right in her description of Tenshi's level of pride. She could be very overbearing, but she's not a bad person. Rough around the edges, definitely, but not bad.
>Knowing Rin as you do, she could very well take Tenshi's bluntness the wrong way. You have a feeling that your kasha and Tenshi wouldn't mix all that well, should Tenshi cross your path at the shrine.
-
>"Well, it's custom to take off your shoes before entering, but nothing other than that."
-
>"Well, it's custom to take off your shoes before entering, but nothing other than that."
>"Ain't that the custom everywhere?"
-
>"I mean to say that you're supposed to keep to just your socks once inside. No slipper or sandals or anything of that nature."
-
>"I mean to say that you're supposed to keep to just your socks once inside. No slipper or sandals or anything of that nature."
>Rin's ears flatten out a little, a sign of surprise you interpret. "'s a weird rule."
-
>Do we have any idea the origin or purpose of this rule here?
-
>Do we have any idea the origin or purpose of this rule here?
>If memory serves, it ties in to the sense of 'nature' proposed by the Wood element. Having no shoes allows one to truly feel the ground beneath their feet. Or tatami and other flooring materials, as the case may be.
-
>"I believe its purpose is to evoke a deeper connection between the visitor and the ground beneath their feet, as the befits the nature of the shrine's element."
-
>"I believe its purpose is to evoke a deeper connection between the visitor and the ground beneath their feet, as the befits the nature of the shrine's element."
>"Guess it must be more sym.... uh, symbolic, than anythin'. What with the whole floor thing and all." Rin quips.
-
>"Yes, I imagine so. Still, symbols can have great significance in matters of faith."
-
>"Yes, I imagine so. Still, symbols can have great significance in matters of faith."
>"Oh yeah, the whole 'somethin' beyond what ya can see' thing, right?"
-
>"There is that, but also simply that they can be meaningful to the people themselves - some tangible connection with their beliefs."
>Continue onward
-
>"There is that, but also simply that they can be meaningful to the people themselves - some tangible connection with their beliefs."
>Continue onward
>"I can understand that. Helps to see proof of somethin' you believe in. No matter how strong you believe in it."
>The rear veranda of the shrine is occupied by a trio of individuals that were not there when you came this way first. The short-horned oni Nora is sitting between a pair of well-dressed individuals, sharing tumblers of drink. You can smell whiskey from here. The tall, older man to her right is wearing a fine white suit and blue tie, with a matching top hat atop his pinkish hair. A brass-rimmed monocle anoints his right eye. The pretty woman to her left is clad in a tan jacket over a pink shirt, and matching knee-length tan skirt. And sports a hard hat, for some reason. The three of them salute you with their drink receptacles as you and Rin walk past. Nora, you note, seems to be displaying her newly autographed flask with pride.
>The children's party that was going on when you arrived is no longer in evidence, but you can hear children's muted voices in numbers coming from inside. Moved indoors, it seems, and rightly so. The wind is starting to pick up a little, turning colder. That said, it is not empty out here. The kappa who greeted you on the way in has left the water and stands, dripping, on the left hand bridge leading to the parking lot. The middle bridge is occupied by the blonde miko you passed on the way in who was mopping the exterior veranda, presently engaged in escorting a rather... unsteady looking bat-winged blonde towards the parking lot. Rin prudently suggests taking the third bridge, currently unoccupied, and you agree.
>You keep an eye on the incapacitated-looking woman as you and Rin cross the bridge. Clad in a bright red dress, white shirt and blue vest, she seems thoroughly intoxicated, as you can hear her mumbling to the miko supporting her. She does not, however, smell of alcohol, as the majority of drunks you've been around do, hinting that the woman with the long blonde hair has a rather low alcohol tolerance. Her being attended to by the ponytailed shrine maiden pleases you, however. You know some establishments in town that don't really do anything to their drunks other than eject them. This miko seems genuinely concerned about her status.
>The woman's head bobs up and down, as drunks often do, but when her bleary purple eyes wander in your direction, they seem to regain some of their focus, and her mumbling pauses. She stares at you, rather intently.
-
>We don't recognize her from anywhere, do we?
>Give her a friendly smile anyway
-
>We don't recognize her from anywhere, do we?
>Give her a friendly smile anyway
>You do not. And she's a rather unique looking individual. Beyond being rather pretty, she has a large red star mark under her left eye, a hairpin of a jeweled flower, a large red and purple bow on the back of her head, and the largest set of bat-shaped wings you've ever seen. If you'd seen her before, you'd definately remember her.
>If anything, your polite gesture makes her eyes narrow even more. She seems to be trying to figure something out about you, or possibly recognizes you. You're not sure, but the attention isn't entirely welcome, on your part. She isn't even blinking.
>The blonde miko makes a thoughtful sound, and looks over at you. "Apologies, guest." she says with an inclined head.
-
>"Oh, no need to apologize."
>Larger even than the bat wings we saw at school the day this all started?
>Gently reach out our senses in the staring woman's direction
-
>"Oh, no need to apologize."
>Larger even than the bat wings we saw at school the day this all started?
>Gently reach out our senses in the staring woman's direction
>"I'm afraid that whatever she drank hit the young lady rather hard." she says by explanation.
>By way of scale, they're not dissimilar. But that demon bat was the size of a large eagle- large wings, yes, but still proportional to that body. This woman has large wings scaled for a humanoid body, and a somewhat tall one, as well. You estimate she'd be about six feet, give or take an inch, were she not hunched over.
>The thought of the bat makes a faint chill run up and down your spine, but this woman's wings are colored differently, thankfully. Black and a dark purple. An odd color scheme, but distinct from the demon, which you find something of a relief.
>As the woman scrutinizes you with her eyes, you opt for a more subtle scan, probing the bat-winged woman with your extrasensory perception. Gently, of course. It is the shrine maiden, however, that draws your attention initially. A faint aura of power surrounds her, the kind of power you're coming to associate with miko-magic. It's not as profound as what you sensed from Kiku, or Haruka, but the miko definately has power.
>The woman she is supporting, however, does not seem to. At least, your simple scan doesn't reveal anything out of the ordinary. At least, it terms of being a normal person. Curiously, as you pass your senses over her, you yourself feel as though you'd just taken a swig of a potent liquor.
>And yet.... Looking at her closely, you have the nagging sensation that you HAVE seen this woman somewhere before. Like a memory long forgotten.
>Rin takes a step towards the woman, looking rather displeased by the unwelcome look the blonde levels at you. "Somethin' we can help ya with?" she asks, politely but pointedly.
>The blonde finally blinks and turns her head to look at her. You can't help but think it's only now she noticed Rin was even there. "I wuz...." she starts, her voice a bit deeper than you would have thought to look at her, but rather slurred. "Wuz looking for.... looking for..... for...." she trails off.
-
>Smile indulgently
>"Looking for what?"
>Try to focus on that nagging sensation a little. Can we figure out where we might have seen her before? Assuming, of course, that we have.
-
>Smile indulgently
>"Looking for what?"
>Try to focus on that nagging sensation a little. Can we figure out where we might have seen her before? Assuming, of course, that we have.
>"Some... someone?" she replies, like she's not certain of the word. She blinks, visibly trying to focus herself, and then nods. "Yeah, someone. Someone.... who.... who...." She places a hand to her temple as she draws out the last 'o'. Clearly, the woman is only on her feet still thanks to the support of the miko to her left.
>If you have at all, it would have been years upon years ago, probably in passing as well. She may have been a patient receiving care during one of Myoren's visits to the hospital, she may have been featured on a magazine cover you saw once, someone you saw on TV... You can't lock it down. Vexing, that. Like hearing part of the melody of a song you only half remember, but the rest is lost to you.
-
>To the miko supporting her: "Do you know if she came here with someone else?"
-
>Rin, do you get the feeling that she looks familiar? I do.
-
>Rin, do you get the feeling that she looks familiar? I do.
>Rin's head moves a little, a very small shake in a negative. Been tryin' to think, but I'm gettin' nothin'. There's a girl in second year, one of Hina's sewing clubbers, who kinda looks a little like her, but her hair's longer, and she don't have wings. Shorter, too, I think.
>To the miko supporting her: "Do you know if she came here with someone else?"
>She shakes her head. "Suika said she came her on her own, walked here."
>"DIDN'T walk....." the inebriated blonde asserts with a shout. "FLU."
>"I stand corrected." the miko replies, trying gamely not to wince. You respect her effort. The burst of breath accompanying that shout reeks of vinegar and something else you can't put a name to and don't think you'd really care to. Whatever it was she drank, you vow here and now never to try.
>"I think it best to take her home." the miko continues. The drunken woman makes a noise that sounds like an objection, but comes out as a slur of vowels. "I don't believe she'll remember much of tonight, and I don't know how she'd like waking up in a strange building."
-
>"Do you know where to take her?"
-
>"Do you know where to take her?"
>"Not yet, no." the miko confesses. "I'm hoping to learn that by the time I get to my car."
-
>"Oh dear."
>Frown a little, then address the bat girl again.
>"Excuse me, miss, but... where do you live?"
-
>"Oh dear."
>Frown a little, then address the bat girl again.
>"Excuse me, miss, but... where do you live?"
>The woman makes a sound akin to a 'Bwahk?' but doesn't quite manage to raise her head all the way, before she slumps again.
>"The hell'd she drink?" Rin blurts out.
>The miko shakes her head in resignation. "I'm not sure, but Suika was the one who gave it to her. The head miko doesn't always take into account how badly some of her drinks can affect people, especially when she's in high spirits herself."
-
>"High spirits indeed, or at least incredibly strong ones..."
>Keep that concerned frown going.
>When we reached out our senses to her earlier, we felt a distinct impression of her drunkenness, yes? Can we try to... push that aside? At least a little? Be cautious about it, though, and only try slowly if we feel we're doing anything at all.
-
>"High spirits indeed, or at least incredibly strong ones..."
>Keep that concerned frown going.
>When we reached out our senses to her earlier, we felt a distinct impression of her drunkenness, yes? Can we try to... push that aside? At least a little? Be cautious about it, though, and only try slowly if we feel we're doing anything at all.
>The kappa on the far bridge provides you with a rimshot.
>You not only felt hers, it affected you as well, somehow. It was an interesting experience. Like having a drink by proxy. But if you can feel it, you might be able to affect it, although 'drunkenness' is more of a simple chemical reaction than anything supernatural. Nevertheless, you still don't know the limits and parameters of your abilities. Anything could be possible. Plus, you think with a stifled grin, Marissa would kill you if found a way to cure drunkenness and didn't go for it.
>Narrowing your focus on the woman again, you try to get a sense of her inebriation. It's a bit tricky, though. Unlike when you sensed the veil in Lily and the leopard's minds, there doesn't seem to be anything solid to grab a hold of this time.
>No, wait, there's something. Thinking about that veil gave you an idea, something to visualize. When a person is this drunk, their mind becomes very foggy, in a proverbial sense. 'Drunkenness' is a state of body, but 'foggy' is a state of mind, and that is something that seems to gel more closely with your powers. That said, however, this is an area where your powers are untested, so you're not sure what, if anything to expect. But if you can help the poor woman a little, then it's worth a shot.
>As you start to push against the fog you see in your mind, however, Rin's voice sounds in your mind, Mistress, are ye trying to do something magical?
-
>I was... this may sound silly, but I was about to see if I could 'brush away' some of this poor woman's inebriation, at least enough for her to help us find her home. I find myself a bit concerned for her well-being.
-
>"I assume she has, ah, purged herself of most of the drink already?"
-
>"I assume she has, ah, purged herself of most of the drink already?"
>"Not yet." the miko says with a wince. "Though... I doubt that's all that far off."
>"I'll get the mop-kappa!" the kappa behind says with a chirp heading back for the temple.
>I was... this may sound silly, but I was about to see if I could 'brush away' some of this poor woman's inebriation, at least enough for her to help us find her home. I find myself a bit concerned for her well-being.
>You can DO that? Rin says with obvious surprise. Then her voice collects itself. Well, it kinda shows. Yer startin' ta squint.
-
>Oh, I am? Could I just pass it off as being concerned, do you think? And, well... I don't know if I can do that, to be honest. It was just an idea.
-
>Oh, I am? Could I just pass it off as being concerned, do you think? And, well... I don't know if I can do that, to be honest. It was just an idea.
>Rin nods, ever so slightly. I think so. Just figured you ought to know.
>Despite the slight distraction by Rin, you think you're actually having an effect. The fog around the woman's mind isn't clearing, you don't think you can bring enough power to bear to have that kind of major effect on her, not in your human form. Or if you could, you'd be a lot more obvious than merely squinting. But it DOES seem to be moving a bit. Not perhaps enough quite yet to affect her coherence, but it's something. And fortunately for you, the effect on your own mind hasn't been that profound. There was the same initial sensation of taking a stiff swallow of alcohol, but it hasn't progressed farther than that.
-
>Keep at it, and if we can, try to look natural.
>After we feel we may have made a bit more progress, try gently inquiring again about where the intoxicated woman lives.
-
>Keep at it, and if we can, try to look natural.
>After we feel we may have made a bit more progress, try gently inquiring again about where the intoxicated woman lives.
>Spurred on by your apparant progress, you press on in your effort to bring the woman back to some sense of sensibility. While trying to keep yourself from squinting too hard, as Rin cautioned.
>Rin, likely in an attempt to keep the miko from noticing any overt signs of your using your power, points back towards the temple and asks, "She need a hand fetchin' the supplies?"
>The miko shakes her head. "Thanks, but-"
>As she starts her sentence, you feel the woman's head swim and her stomach lurch, and a wave of disorientation washes over you. Your own stomach churns as the blonde woman hunches over the bridge railing and empties hers. Loudly. And boy, does it reek.
>Rin grasps your shoulder as your own balance, and stomach, temporarily revolt against the sensations you receive through the connection to the inebriated woman. You think you helped, but your stomach doesn't seem to have a sense of victory.
-
>Pull our mind back, if we haven't already
>Take a few deep breaths and try to steady ourselves
-
>Blurgh. Remind me to not try that again anytime soon would you? Let's make a note for those yet to join up, 'Don't try to scan someone who is drunk'.
-
>Blurgh. Remind me to not try that again anytime soon would you? Let's make a note for those yet to join up, 'Don't try to scan someone who is drunk'.
>Noted. Rin agrees quickly. Well, 'least not without some warning.
>Pull our mind back, if we haven't already
>Take a few deep breaths and try to steady ourselves
>You had instinctively recoiled a little when you felt the woman's stomach lurch, so you finish retracting your senses.
>Sucking wind, you are grateful that you chose to breathe through your mouth. The reeling sensation was bad, but you swear the smell of the expectorate is even worse. Gamely, you suppress a gag and steady yourself on your feet.
>You all right? Rin asks quietly.
-
>How are we feeling?
-
>How are we feeling?
>With the connection between you broken, the sensations of sickness and unbalance are rapidly dissipating. You'll be right as rain momentarily.
-
>I'm okay. Now that I'm... away from her, I think.
>How does the poor woman look?
-
>I'm okay. Now that I'm... away from her, I think.
>How does the poor woman look?
>Rin seems pleased. Well, did it work, at least?
>So far as you can tell, she looks miserable. But then, people often do after violently emptying the contents of their stomach. But she does at least manage to straighten up, with obvious effort. The blonde miko next to her releases her hair, and produces a pink handkerchief to wipe the woman's face.
>On the upside, unpleasant though it may be, vomiting does have the upside of removing the offending substances from the stomach. By the looks of it, that's small comfort to her now, but it'll take at least a bit of the edge off the hangover, at the very least.
-
>I am... I am not entirely sure. Maybe a little?
>Give the woman a few moments and see if she seems any more coherent afterward
-
>I am... I am not entirely sure. Maybe a little?
>Give the woman a few moments and see if she seems any more coherent afterward
>The woman's cheeks bulge once and she slumps again, but she does not expel any more fluid. You are grateful for that, you have to admit. Some of the smells you experienced beneath the CRA were bad almost beyond definition, but that vinegar and grease vomit isn't all that far behind.
>The miko offers her a sympathetic smile, and then offers you an apologetic one. As if to say, 'I warned you.' To the woman, she says, quietly, "You okay?"
>The blonde groans, then mutters something that could have been a sentence. She emits a rumbling belch then tries again. To your ear, it sounds like she's saying, "I'm never drinking again."
-
>"I don't think I could blame you, after that. Are you alright?"
-
>"I don't think I could blame you, after that. Are you alright?"
>"D... I don'... feel right...." the woman stammers out.
-
>"No, I imagine not. But I'm sure you're in good hands here."
-
>"No, I imagine not. But I'm sure you're in good hands here."
>"Haaaands?" the woman draws the word out, before narrowing her eyes again. For a second, then they unfocus and her head sags once more.
>"And you'll be feeling better once we get you home." the miko says gently, trying once more to coax the poor youkai's home information from her.
>The woman mutters something before trying to get a better look at you once more. You get the impression that, much as you were not long ago, she's trying to figure out if she knows you.
-
>Smile a little
>"Do I remind you of someone you know?"
-
>Smile a little
>"Do I remind you of someone you know?"
>The woman's only response is to stare harder.
>"Everyone knows who you are, Byakuren." Rin asserts.
>The youkai's head tilts sideways at the mention of your name. She makes a noise that could be someone thinking, then shakes her head slightly. And immediately grimaces at the motion.
-
>"You said you were looking for someone, though?"
-
>"You said you were looking for someone, though?"
>"Some. One?"
-
>"Well... can you at least remember how to get home?"
-
>"Well... can you at least remember how to get home?"
>"Home?" she asks, sounding like she's never heard the word before. Poor woman.
>"Where you live?" Rin offers.
>The woman lets out a long breath and closes her eyes in thought.
>I ain't seen anyone this wasted in years. Rin muses. She gonna have a headache for days.
-
>I wish there was more I could do for her, but I am uncertain about trying a second time.
>Give her a few moments and then attempt to ask the question again
-
>I wish there was more I could do for her, but I am uncertain about trying a second time.
>Give her a few moments and then attempt to ask the question again
>I wouldn't. your kasha cautions. I saw how ya staggered before. If ya try again, ya might end up wasted yourself.
>The woman audibly strains as she probes her memory. As she does so, a familiar looking miko approaches the pair of blondes. The burly form of Lilian the alligator (or crocodile, you're not entirely certain) youkai steps onto the bridge from the direction of the parking lot. "Everything okay here, Kamitsure?"
>The ponytailed miko nods cautiously. "I think so. Our guest here drank something that didn't agree with her, so I thought it best to take her home to try and recover."
>Lilian sizes the woman up, then hmms an affirmative. "Good call." Turning her attention to you two, she inquires, "I gather that you two ladies did not partake?"
-
>"No, we were just passing by, but she seemed in such bad shape that I found myself concerned for her as well."
-
>"No, we were just passing by, but she seemed in such bad shape that I found myself concerned for her as well."
>"Aren't you a good heart." the reptilian miko lightly teases you, but the smile on her face shows her sincerity. You note a faint expression of pride on Rin's face, as well.
>"And what were you doing out this way?" the blonde shrine maiden called Kamitsure asks her sister miko.
>"Had to break up a bit of a rendezvous out by the bus stop." the lizard pronounces the long word a bit strangely, enunciating the 'zee' and the 's'. "Nothing wrong with a lay here and there, but there's still kids about." Kamitsure nods approvingly.
>"Buh..." the inebriated woman starts. "Bla... Bla- Black. Black? Black...."
>"Blackwell?" Lilian guesses. "Blackwell road?"
>The winged blonde responds with a series of syllables, most starting with 'B', but the tone is generally in the affirmative. A moment's thought dregs up the name in your memory. Unless you're mistaken, that particular road is not all that far from here. Walking distance under normal circumstances, if you're right, though that clearly isn't an option in this instance.
-
>Ask the drunk woman: "Is that where you live?"
-
>Ask the drunk woman: "Is that where you live?"
>The woman belches, and Kamitsure flinches back from the smell. The woman doesn't seem no notice. "S, sounds 'bout ri,ight..."
-
>"Let's get her back there, shall we? Does she live on her own?"
-
>"Let's get her back there, shall we? Does she live on her own?"
>"I don't know." Kamitsure replies, but the taller, reptilain youkai merely looks at you curiously.
>"'We?'" She asks.
>Rin, looking similarly curious, echoes her sentiment, "We?"
-
>"Yes, we. She's not going to get home by herself in this state, and I'm sure you don't intend to just dump her by the side of the path, do you?"
-
>"Yes, we. She's not going to get home by herself in this state, and I'm sure you don't intend to just dump her by the side of the path, do you?"
>"Of course not." the blonde miko replies, soundly mildly offended. "But there's no need for you to accompany me, guests. Situations like this are the responsibility of the Water Tortoise mikos to resolve."
>"Especially when one of 'em causes it in the first place." Lilian adds with a toothy grin.
-
>"My apologies. I most certainly didn't mean to cast any aspersions on your care; I simply thought more hands might make a smoother trip. While this may be your domain, I believe we're all responsible to do what we can to help others in need."
-
>"My apologies. I most certainly didn't mean to cast any aspersions on your care; I simply thought more hands might make a smoother trip. While this may be your domain, I believe we're all responsible to do what we can to help others in need."
>"Offer's appreciated, lady." Lilian replies, with a tip of her imaginary hat. "But Kamitsure's stronger than she looks. Ain't that right, sparky?"
>The blonde miko draws herself to her full height. "Haven't I told you not to call me that." she intones, a statement more than a question.
>"Sure. But you lost the game later."
>Kamitsure grumbles audibly, but diverts her attention back towards her charge, whose head seems to be drooping again. You've been around enough drunks to know that, usually, after vomiting like she did, most drunks tend to start nodding off. The act of vomiting is a taxing thing under normal circumstances, let alone when one is as wasted as she is. It tends to consume what little energy a drunk has left.
>She does, however, make one more effort to fix her eyes on you. With partial success. She manages to lock her right eye on your face, but her left eye seems to wander a bit.
-
>Give her an encouraging smile
>"I'm sure you'll feel better after some time passes."
-
>Give her an encouraging smile
>"I'm sure you'll feel better after some time passes."
>"Who...." she breaks off for a deep breath and a moment's pause, then finishes, "are you...?"
-
>"I'm Byakuren Hijiri. And you are...?"
-
>"I'm Byakuren Hijiri. And you are...?"
>After a long, rumbling breath, the woman replies, "Not myself..."
>"She means your name." Kamitsure prods gently, having seemingly recovered her composure.
>"Oh." The woman thinks again. For a number of long seconds, working her mouth in the process. "El.... Elis. Elis." she repeats, sounding more sure of it the second time. "Elis." she adds after another moment.
-
>Does that name mean anything to us at all?
-
>Does that name mean anything to us at all?
>There is an "Ellis" in your school, a first year student. Short, brown haired and human. This is clearly not her. Aya also once employed an "Elis", though that woman was a tengu.
-
>So basically, this name doesn't help jog our memory about where we might recall her at all?
>"Pleased to meet you, Elis."
-
>So basically, this name doesn't help jog our memory about where we might recall her at all?
>"Pleased to meet you, Elis."
>That is the case.
>"Whu's pleased?" she asks.
-
>"I am, I guess."
-
>"I am, I guess."
>"Pleasd tmeetcha, plesed." the woman slurs, before her head drops again.
>"Come along, dear, let's get you home." Kamitsure guides the woman, taking a firmer grip on her charge and trying to move her towards the parking lot. "Best to sleep these things off in your own home."
>The woman groans and manages to give you one more look, before allowing the miko to lead her in the desired direction.
>Lilian shakes her head as the pair walk past her. "You got this?" she asks her fellow miko.
>"It's not far." Kamitsure assures her. The woman she's carrying extends her arm over her head in a vague waving motion.
-
>Smile and wave back to her
>"Be well, now."
-
>I hope they'll be alright. Though I do wonder why she seemed so familiar. The Elis I knew from working with Aya wasn't this person. I wonder what the odds are of finding two people with the same name are? Especially a somewhat rare-seeming one like that. Perhaps the one I know was using a false name? Who can say for sure?
>"And hopefully nothing bad happens along the way. One has to be cautious after dark, even in a city as nice as this one."
-
>I hope they'll be alright. Though I do wonder why she seemed so familiar. The Elis I knew from working with Aya wasn't this person. I wonder what the odds are of finding two people with the same name are? Especially a somewhat rare-seeming one like that. Perhaps the one I know was using a false name? Who can say for sure?
>It's a mighty big city. Awful lot of people here. I wouldn't be surprised by more'n one Elis around. 'course, on the other hand, yer the only 'Byakuren' I know 'bout.
>Maybe ya might've seen her around town somewhere? Rin suggests.
>Smile and wave back to her
>"Be well, now."
>"And hopefully nothing bad happens along the way. One has to be cautious after dark, even in a city as nice as this one."
>"Good night to you as well." Kamitsure calls back over her shoulder. The woman merely mumbles something then belches again.
>"Sorry you had to see that." Lilian says to you, walking forwards on her bridge. "Having a drink here is fine, but we try not to let people get sick while they're here. Suika should have known better."
-
>"Oh, you've nothing to apologize for. I simply hope that she is feeling better soon."
-
>"Oh, you've nothing to apologize for. I simply hope that she is feeling better soon."
>"I hope she didn't make you feel uncomfortable. I knew Kamitsure had things in hand, but that Elis was looking at you real hard for a while."
-
>"Well, she was a little... intent, yes. But her mind is hardly in a proper state at the moment either, so I don't wish to hold that against her. Truth be told, I find myself more curious what it was about me that kept drawing her attention like that. She claimed not to recognize me, for whatever that can be considered worth from her right now."
-
>"Well, she was a little... intent, yes. But her mind is hardly in a proper state at the moment either, so I don't wish to hold that against her. Truth be told, I find myself more curious what it was about me that kept drawing her attention like that. She claimed not to recognize me, for whatever that can be considered worth from her right now."
>"Wasn't it obvious?" the reptilian youkai asks.
-
>"Well, um... no?"
-
>"Well, um... no?"
>Lilian grins again. "For starters, you're Byakuren Hijiri. You'd have a time trying to find someone here in Mayoiga who didn't know your face."
>"For seconds, you're a really pretty young lady. That's reason enough right there for someone to look more'n once your way."
-
>Nod. "That's true, but I've never really put much stock in popularity. What I find odd is how she seemed familiar. You would think I would remember running into someone with as individual a look as hers, but.."
-
>Nod. "That's true, but I've never really put much stock in popularity. What I find odd is how she seemed familiar. You would think I would remember running into someone with as individual a look as hers, but.."
>Now the lizard looks curious. "So she looked familiar to you, and you looked familiar to her?"
-
>"Well, 'looked familiar' may be overstating it, but something about her did seem to ring a very vague bell. I haven't been able to place her, though, and the name means nothing to me; possibly I am simply mistaken."
-
>"Well, 'looked familiar' may be overstating it, but something about her did seem to ring a very vague bell. I haven't been able to place her, though, and the name means nothing to me; possibly I am simply mistaken."
>"Maybe she was someone close to you in a past life." Lilian suggests.
-
>How much belief do we have in such things ourselves? Or, at the very least, with the idea that people might sometimes be able to tell this?
-
>How much belief do we have in such things ourselves? Or, at the very least, with the idea that people might sometimes be able to tell this?
>You do believe in the cycle of rebirth, and that both the good, and the evil, one does in one life follows a person into the next. Evil must be atoned for, good must be rewarded.
>As for whether or not the relationships one has follow from one life to the next, you're not certain on. You don't know for sure that it happens, but you wouldn't call it impossible, either. You wouldn't be opposed to the idea, though. The thought that you and Marissa have enjoyed a friendship spanning lives is a somewhat satisfying one.
-
>Hmmm... a pleasant idea, perhaps
>Does whatever vague sense of recognition we had with this woman seem distant enough that this explanation seems at all plausible to us in this case, or does it feel more concrete?
-
>Hmmm... a pleasant idea, perhaps
>Does whatever vague sense of recognition we had with this woman seem distant enough that this explanation seems at all plausible to us in this case, or does it feel more concrete?
>Having never experienced a sensation of inter-life familiarity before, you don't think you'd know it even if this was the case. But as to whether or not this sense of recognition was related to the wheel of reincarnation, or if you saw her across a bar a few months ago, you're simply not sure. It could be either one, or something else entirely.
-
>"Hmmm... well, that would certainly be different."
-
>"Hmmm... well, that would certainly be different."
>"Stranger things have happened, lady, in my time." Lilian says with a fangy grin.
-
>"Oh, I am sure that they have."
>And within the past few days, perhaps, for that matter
-
>"Oh, I am sure that they have."
>And within the past few days, perhaps, for that matter
>"Gettin' back ta normal for a sec," Rin interjects, "What time's the next bus get here, do you know?"
>"Heading home, are we, ladies?"
>Rin nods. "School tomorrow, an' all."
>Lilian lets out a short sigh. "Ah, to be that young again." She takes a second to think about Rin's question, then informs you, "Well, the next one's in about 10 minutes or so, that one goes towards the Dragon shrine. Might head out to the airport tonight, though, I can't remember. It does that half the week. Next bus after that heads back into town, that'll be here at quarter to eleven."
-
>"Thank you very much, and I hope the remainder of the evening is pleasant to you."
>Let's head off to the bus stop
-
>"Thank you very much, and I hope the remainder of the evening is pleasant to you."
>Let's head off to the bus stop
>Rin bows formally as you bid the miko farewell. Lilian gives you both a nod. "It was a pleasure meeting you both, ladies. You have a good night for yourselves."
>With Elis safely on her way home (you hope) you and Rin make your way across the parking lot towards the plexiglass hut of the bus stop, pausing only once at the sound of Elis retching again. You glance in that direction, but to your eyes, Kamitsure seems to have things well enough in hand. The way she was, seeing her vomit again hardly surprises you.
>The long stone bench with the bus stop is currently occupied, on one end, by a middle-aged woman in a sweater sitting between a pair of very young boys. The closer end of the bench is presently sat upon by a blonde young woman sitting next to a blonde young man, their arms entwined, leaning on each other in a way that generates a veritable aura of intimacy. Lilian mentioned 'breaking up' something out here, and from the way those two are seated, you wouldn't be entirely surprised if it was those two.
>Leaning against the plexiglass wall is Sanae, with no evidence of Kanako in sight. The woman standing next to her, engaged in conversation, is a vibrant young woman with two-toned electric blue hair, blue jeans and a white t-shirt beneath a blue vest, and a sizable set of headphones around her neck.
-
>Engaged in conversation with Sanae?
>Assuming so, find ourselves a nice unoccupied space a polite distance from the various peoples and wait for the bus
>And of course smile and nod to Sanae if she happens to look our way
-
>Engaged in conversation with Sanae?
>Assuming so, find ourselves a nice unoccupied space a polite distance from the various peoples and wait for the bus
>And of course smile and nod to Sanae if she happens to look our way
>Yes. That.
>Yourself content with Rin's company, you walk around to the front of the bus hut, returning Sanae's wave as she spies you walking past. The woman she's talking with has a scenic sunrise tattoo on her upper left arm and a music note design on the front of her shirt, as well as on her blue and white wristbands. You recognize her as you approach. She, like yourself, is a bit of a local celebrity. Her name is Hanon.... something, but she's better known by her stage name of DJ Trifecta. She's a local trance musician and DJ, and a well liked one at that. Not just for her beats and her cute exterior, but her personality, which is every bit as energetic as her music. You've never had the pleasure of speaking with her, but by her reputation, and the impression she's giving you, she could be a match for Lily White in terms of effervescence.
>Rin quickly checks the bus schedule for you, and reports that Lilian was pretty much dead on in her estimated time of arrival for the bus. The people around you leave you alone with Rin while you wait, passing the time in simple conversation with your Rin. You stifle a yawn along the lines, as well, feeling a sense of fatigue starting to catch up with you. The energy you recouped with your power nap appears to be running out.
>Exactly nine minutes and thirty seconds later, the number 11 bus trundles up the road. And very sparsely populated, it is. Apart from the uniformed driver, you can see but one other passenger aboard. Said woman remains aboard as the bus stops a few feet to your right.
-
>How long does it take for this bus to get to the shrine anyway, according to the schedule that was previously checked?
>And do we think we actually have the energy in us for a round trip now, if our fatigue seems to be catching up to us?
-
>How long does it take for this bus to get to the shrine anyway, according to the schedule that was previously checked?
>And do we think we actually have the energy in us for a round trip now, if our fatigue seems to be catching up to us?
>Rin didn't mention, but you believe it will take somewhere just north of half an hour, maybe more depending on traffic and stops along the way.
>You're not that tired yet, just starting. For a trip out the Dragon shrine and back.... You'll probably be pretty wiped when you get home, but it should still be doable, depending on how complicated things get at the Shrine itself.
-
>Fair enough, then. We can muster up the energy.
>Board the bus, pay our fare, and take a seat
-
>Fair enough, then. We can muster up the energy.
>Board the bus, pay our fare, and take a seat
>With some luck, things at the Dragon shrine will be as smooth as they were here, as well.
>On your way up the stairs, you spare a moment to wonder if Rin will attempt to pay your share as well as her own. She might consider it her duty, or something like that. But she doesn't. She does offer, but only in the context of asking if you had cash with you, since she did and wasn't sure if you did. You give her a smile, but pay your own fare. She follows suit as you walk past the somewhat chubby man driving the bus.
>The only other occupant appears to be a miko of the Dragon shrine, upon closer examination. The brunette is clad in the white and green uniform of the miko that tend that shrine. Well, some of the mikos. A few of the Dragon mikos wear the more traditional white and red, like Tenshi, but they add a green or brown article, such as a sash or a belt, to denote their home shrine. The willowy woman is presently reading from what seems to be a textbook on chemistry, and does not react to your presence.
>You claim a window seat towards the middle of the bus, and Rin sits next to you.
-
>Has Rin tried to insist upon paying our share of things before?
>Isn't a little odd that the head miko, of all people, wouldn't wear the traditional colors of her own shrine?
>Sit back and try to enjoy the ride as best we can. A city bus may not be the coziest transport, but at least it's quiet
-
>Has Rin tried to insist upon paying our share of things before?
>Isn't a little odd that the head miko, of all people, wouldn't wear the traditional colors of her own shrine?
>Sit back and try to enjoy the ride as best we can. A city bus may not be the coziest transport, but at least it's quiet
>She hasn't, but you can see her doing so. The reason she hasn't done so previously is likely due to the fact that Konngara didn't give her that much money. It wasn't her job to pay for things for her old owner, unless she was specifically order. Still, she is very eager to please in any way she can, and you could see her offering very easily.
>It is indeed a touch unusual, but then again, Tenshi is a bit of an odd bird herself. That may be all there is to it, but then again there could well be a story there as well. Reimu would know for sure, if you were curious and didn't want to ask Tenshi herself.
>No one else embarks at this location, so your chariot departs in short order. Its acceleration curve is much gentler than the last bus you traveled in, a fact which you're sure Eagle would be grateful for, were she traveling with you. This one also smells better, a fact which you're sure everyone would be grateful for, yourself included.
>The journey does not afford you a great deal in the way of exterior viewing. Once you get a bit beyond the Tortoise shrine's vicinity, the level of development along the road drops off. There's a smattering of business out this way, including a combination car/RV dealership and a storage facility, as well as the airport Lilian mentioned and a power transfer station, though the latter pair are pretty far removed from the main road. These factors result in a rather dark first half of your journey.
>Rin takes the opportunity to speak with you about her schooling, specifically a matter in classic lit. Your slave's command of kanji is not strong, so she often checks with you or one of the other girls to ensure she is reading something properly. Her trying to describe the kanji in question is a bit of a thing in and of itself, but she does her best. You can understand her difficulty in this area, kanji can be terribly complicated, especially to a non-native, let alone someone who's language skills in general have been underdeveloped. You're proud of her for coming along as much as she has. Though she is still more comfortable speaking and writing in Eire, her skills in the Yamato tongue should catch up before too long.
>After about twenty minutes or so, the bus makes a stop not far from a gas station, and a short, sweater-clad woman with purple hair embarks, seating herself near the front of the bus. This marks the start of the more developed part of Mayoiga again and you find yourself traveling through the beginnings of another residential zone, apartment complexes looming above the bungalows around, the colors of a number of fast-food signs adding a neon hue to the streets. Outside a Dai's Fries the bus stops again, admitting a group of middle aged men clad in matching leather jackets and jeans, which seem to intimidate the young woman seated up front as they pass her by. Following behind them is a fetching pair of twin girls, redheads, one of them ponytailed while her sister wears her hair long. The latter pauses as she walks down the aisle looking at you, like she recognizes you. Her twin elbows her, and they continue on past you to sit near the back of the bus.
>"Another fan?" Rin speculates quietly, though you note her eyes are watching the group of men seated ahead of you.
-
>Was it anyone we recognized?
>If not, reply quietly: "Perhaps so; I do seem have a few of them these days."
-
>Was it anyone we recognized?
>If not, reply quietly: "Perhaps so; I do seem have a few of them these days."
>Neither of the twins, cute though they were, were familiar to you.
>"You oughta be used to it by now." Rin says with a faint smile.
-
>"One might think, yet somehow I still find it curious, from time to time, that I would warrant such attention."
-
>"One might think, yet somehow I still find it curious, from time to time, that I would warrant such attention."
>Rin chuckles quietly. "There's an old Eire sayin' I heard once. Don't know why, but it stuck with me fer a lot of years. Translated, it'd read somethin' like, 'It's the ones that truly deserve the most attention that never understand why they get it.'"
-
>Smile and chuckle slightly
>"Does that then mean I should attempt to understand swiftly so as not to let the implication of my lack of understanding get to my head?"
-
>Smile and chuckle slightly
>"Does that then mean I should attempt to understand swiftly so as not to let the implication of my lack of understanding get to my head?"
>"Imple-kation?"
-
>"What that saying suggests it means, that is; if I allow myself to continue not to understand, then wouldn't that mean I'm content to believe I truly deserve the attention? That seems a touch unbecoming."
>Smile a little so as not to seem like we mean this too seriously.
-
>"What that saying suggests it means, that is; if I allow myself to continue not to understand, then wouldn't that mean I'm content to believe I truly deserve the attention? That seems a touch unbecoming."
>Smile a little so as not to seem like we mean this too seriously.
>Rin nods as you explain the words, then lets out a hmmm as you explain the rest. "Hadn't thoughta that."
-
>"No matter; I appreciate the kind regard in which you and others hold me, and endevor my best to live up to this ideal, however human I may be. Ultimately, that is all any of us can do."
-
>"No matter; I appreciate the kind regard in which you and others hold me, and endevor my best to live up to this ideal, however human I may be. Ultimately, that is all any of us can do."
>Rin gives you a cautious grin. "Even those of us that ain't exactly human?"
-
>"Human or youkai, we are all souls within the wheel of Samsara; in the end, a person is defined by their actions, not the form in which their soul resides."
>Smile
>"So... I suppose that is a 'yes'."
-
>"Human or youkai, we are all souls within the wheel of Samsara; in the end, a person is defined by their actions, not the form in which their soul resides."
>Smile
>"So... I suppose that is a 'yes'."
>Rin chuckles. "Poetic way ta get around to a yes, there."
-
>Laugh a little ourselves
>"I suppose it is at that."
>Onward to the shrine!
-
>Laugh a little ourselves
>"I suppose it is at that."
>Onward to the shrine!
>Your Rin continues to keep a wary eye the trio of leather jacketed men seated ahead of you as the bus trundles along towards the Dragon shrine. You suspect she's worrying too much. Sure, the men are on the rowdy side and have the atmosphere of 'biker gang', but that doesn't mean they're trouble of any kind, despite the reputation biker gangs seem to carry. You expect it's simply exaggerated, as most if not all reputations are. You advise Rin of this, and she nods in acceptance and seems to relax, though you can tell it takes a bit of effort. Her concern is touching, but she's got to learn to loosen up a bit. But you have faith in her. This will come in time, like all things.
>A spot of traffic impedes your speed once you get further into town, adding a bit of time to your journey and drawing another yawn from you along the way. Which Rin mirrors shortly after, though she tries not to. She must be getting tired, as well. The both you will sleep well tonight, you think, assuming nothing happens out here to keep you both awake.
>Despite being the temple of Wood, the eastern shrine is located in the most developed area of the four shrines, and trees are much sparser here than they were around the Tortoise shrine. But it is well illuminated by streetlights and houselights as well.
>After a total travel time of fourty three minutes, your bus pulls into the stop outside the shrine of the Blue Wood Dragon.
-
>Depart the bus and approach the shrine
-
>Depart the bus and approach the shrine
>The sweater clad woman stands as well and departs the bus via the front door, while you and Rin exeunt through the side door.
>Like the Tiger shrine, the Dragon shrine lines at the top of a stone staircase, the grassy hill to either side of the stairs bare for several dozen feet on either side, leading towards a light industrial area to your right, housing taller business buildings and eateries, with a mobile ramen cart set up about 40 feet away, the scent of grilling meat and cheap sake wafting your way, flavoring the cold night wind.
>Halfway up the stairs, the sweater-clad woman a few steps ahead of you and Rin, the kasha slows and changes into her feline form, yawning and stretching before continuing on.
>Figured I'd see if these new powers and senses work as well when I look this as when I'm on two feet. Rin's voice sounds in your mind.
-
>Is it common for her to move around in public with us like this, sometimes?
>Well, I can hear you loud and clear, at any rate!
-
>Is it common for her to move around in public with us like this, sometimes?
>Well, I can hear you loud and clear, at any rate!
>Indeed it is. Some youkai, you know, are not comfortable walking around in public in their alternate forms, even less comfortable about changing shape for all the world to see. Rin, however, actually enjoys being in her feline form, and has no issue with transforming anywhere. Before she did it the first time, however, she checked with you to make sure you were okay with it, which you were, so long as she was.
>Nor is it uncommon for her to spend time around the house in cat form, either, so long as she has no task to perform which requires thumbs. In some ways, living with Rin is not unlike having a roommate and a pet cat rolled into one.
>Rin mews happily. Good sign right off the bat.
-
>Let me know if you notice anything different, then.
>Can Rin actually speak vocally in this form?
>Carry onward up the stairs
-
>Let me know if you notice anything different, then.
>Can Rin actually speak vocally in this form?
>Carry onward up the stairs
>Got it.
>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.
>Grateful for the comparative shortness of the stone stairs, in short order, you found yourself atop the little hill before the shrine, with Rin tucked in at your left ankle. Despite being in the most 'developed' area of the four shrines, the Dragon shrine has hardly abandoned the idea of reflecting its element in its appearance. The path leading to the shrine appears to be a sort of ceramic clay, or tile, rather than brick, and is lined by trees. Each tree along the path is a different type from the one next to it, save the pair of cherry trees that stand outside the main entrance to the temple. From your past visit, you know that cherry trees surround the shrine. Though they are, of course, bare right now, the sight is remarkably beautiful in spring, when the trees are in bloom. The most notable tree is the giant oak tree growing up through the roof of the temple itself. It towers a good twenty feet, at least, over the building it grows out of. It is said that this tree was the first plant to grow in this area after the destruction of old Mayoiga, and the first sign of true hope that life would one day return to the land.
>A number of stalls appear to be in the process of being erected behind the line of tress on either side. Sure signs of a festival, or some sort of celebration at least, in the days to come. What the occasion is, however, you're not quite sure.
>Nor are you entirely sure why there is a crowd gathered off the left hand side of the path, but there is. A solid ring of shrine maidens and civilians seem to be surrounding something, and there is a general buzz of excitement in the air, albeit a hushed energy. There is a feel of anticipation around the crowd. Among the crowd, you note one of the members of the local police force, and an acquaintance of yours, Komachi Onozuka. She is, however, in her civilian clothes, and appears as engrossed by whatever's going on in the middle of the crowd as the rest.
-
>Let's have a little mosey over ourselves and see if we can figure out what the fuss is about
-
>Let's have a little mosey over ourselves and see if we can figure out what the fuss is about
>Passing between a needley pine tree and a tall elm, you and Rin alter course towards the gathering, to investigate the going's on.
>A closer look reveals that the crowd is surrounding the head miko, Tenshi, and one Reimu Hakurei. Coming up to stand behind a short, tawny haired shrine maiden at the edge of the crowd, you note, with some alarm, that Reimu and Tenshi are armed with swords, Reimu holding a curved Yamato-style blade, while Tenshi carries a straighter blade with a plume of red fuzzy material dangling from the hilt.
>Despite this, the crowd appears excited, really. Their eyes and expressions are like those of the fans at a sporting event, rather than at some kind of duel. And even more curiously, the edges of both women's weapons appear to be colored a shade of purple, almost like a shade of lipstick one of your fellow models wears all the time. Moreover, the weapons don't appear to gleam as much as you'd expect sharp weapons to do.
>Rin, coincidentally, echoes this thought as you ponder the coloration. Their weapons are dull, mistress. You look around for the cat, but she is not readily in evidence. A couple of seconds later, you spot her twin tails ahead of you in the crowd. Well, that's one advantage of being a cat, being able to sneak your way through a crowd like that. Think this is some kinda show?
-
>Do we know of any traditions here involving ceremonial duels or other ceremonial use of swords that this could possibly be an example of?
-
>Do we know of any traditions here involving ceremonial duels or other ceremonial use of swords that this could possibly be an example of?
>Thinking on it, you recall, vaguely, hearing mention that each of the four Heavenly Beasts had a particular weapon that was sacred to them, the last time you were here. If you recall correctly, the Dragon's weapon WAS the sword, but as to any kind of public display of said weapon, that would be new to you.
-
>Perhaps? I recall that the sword is a sacred weapon of the Dragon, so perhaps this is some rite associated with that?
>Do we recall what the other sacred weapons were?
-
>Perhaps? I recall that the sword is a sacred weapon of the Dragon, so perhaps this is some rite associated with that?
>Do we recall what the other sacred weapons were?
>Wouldn't they hold that sort of thing indoors?
>To the best of your recollection, the Bird holds the bow as sacred, while the Tortoise had the.... shield? A shield isn't usually used a weapon, but that's what's coming to your mind. You could be wrong, though, the memory is not strong. Nor can you recall what weapon the Tiger holds as sacred. Something to ask Kiku about, perhaps.
>Reimu, herself garbed in miko-style vestments, although her sleeves are detached from the trunk of her shirt, looks to her left and right. "Back up a bit, people." she calls.
>"You heard the lady." a lavender-haired woman standing behind Reimu in a fine suit calls. "Give miko-sama and Hakurei-sama some more room!" From the emblem of a red and white ying-yang orb emblazoned upon the white cloth band on her left arm, it's safe to assume she works for the Hakureis. Possibly one of Reimu's bodyguards. Her mother worries.
-
>Well, if we're in the sweep of people asked to give them some more room, do so
>But try to remain in sight of what's going on
-
>Well, if we're in the sweep of people asked to give them some more room, do so
>But try to remain in sight of what's going on
>The woman seemed fairly omnidirectional in her request, but as the people standing in front of you shuffle backwards a few steps, you don't have much of a choice but to follow suit. Rin, however, ends up closer to the action.
>Another finely suited individual, this one a handsome brown haired man standing to Reimu's right, glances up towards the sky and then back to Reimu. "You sure you want to finish out here? Smells like rain's coming."
>"Relax." Reimu says confidantly, belying her somewhat casual expression. "We'll be done in a minute."
>"Half that." Tenshi replies, brashly brandishing her weapon- you believe that style of sword is called a 'jian'- before her. "Maybe." Her emphasis on the word broadcasts her arrogance across the field, drawing a fresh round of noise from the assembled people. The general consensus seems to boil down to "I hope Reimu wins", with varying degrees of severity.
>I didn't know Reimu-san could wield a sword. Rin muses as Reimu, almost casually, raises her blade in answer to Tenshi's boast.
-
>Did we?
-
>Did we?
>You did not. Though, thinking about it, the couple of occasions you've seen Reimu accompanied by her bodyguards, they were carrying swords- as are the two suited individuals wearing the Hakurei colors, now that you look- so it's not impossible to assume that, if they had training with blades, their charge might have picked up some lessons along the way herself.
-
>Nor did I. To be honest, I mind myself curious how this will go.
-
>Nor did I. To be honest, I mind myself curious how this will go.
>Tenshi opens the fray by dashing forward, thrusting out her jian in a lunging probe. A fancy-looking move, one which draws some impressed sounds from a handful of folks, but somehow sloppy. Reimu seems to have a similar opinion, and shakes her head once as she raises her curved blade backwards in front of her, catching the jian and turning it to her left even as she shifts her body to the right, sending Tenshi's strike wide. In the same fluid motion, Reimu turns her parry into a backhanded slash, forcing Tenshi to backpeddle quickly. At first glance she seems unharmed, but a closer look reveals a very faint purple line on the belly of her white shirt.
>Reimu shakes her head again as Tenshi scowls. "I must be getting rusty, too." Reimu muses, as she holds her blade out in front of her, holding it more like one would hold a fencing foil than a curved tachi blade. "Should have had you there."
>"I'll give you, 'too!'" Tenshi snarls as she lunges again, a more measured strike this time, you believe.
>As the women clash, Rin ponders telepathically, Y'know, Byakuren, there's a lotta people out here. Might mean that there ain't no one in the flame room right now. I could have a poke around, see if anything's not all right in there.
-
>Hmmm... that might be a good idea. So long as you don't mind missing the show!
-
>Hmmm... that might be a good idea. So long as you don't mind missing the show!
>Ain't gonna be much of a show if the shrine maiden doesn't step up her game. Rin drawl as Reimu parries another thrust, then takes a step backwards as Tenshi follows with a sweeping slash. Rin turns away from the dueling women and begins her approach to the shrine. I've seen enough fights ta know an even one when I see one. Reimu's got her beat, unless the miko's holding back.
>Though you're no expert on swordplay, Rin appears to have a point. Although she maintains her offense, forcing Reimu back and on the defensive, Reimu's movements and strikes are much more measured than Tenshi's. Reimu appears to be 'dueling' while Tenshi swings could almost be considered 'flailing.'
>A raven winged tengu in a brown cap, standing to your right, remarks to those around him, "Three to one odds on Reimu." Instantly the marker carries through the crowd, and with a number of shouts, people surge towards him to place their bets.
-
>This is certainly not going to do anything for Tenshi's sunny disposition...
>And frankly, one has to wonder if it's a bit in poor taste, taking bets on sacred ground about the crushing defeat of the resident head priestess
>Still, let's see how things unfold
-
>This is certainly not going to do anything for Tenshi's sunny disposition...
>And frankly, one has to wonder if it's a bit in poor taste, taking bets on sacred ground about the crushing defeat of the resident head priestess
>Still, let's see how things unfold
>From what you know of her, she doesn't seem to be the type to take losing in stride.
>It may very well be in poor taste. At the very least, something about it rubs you the wrong way. None of the shrine maidens present, however, seem to complain about it- you even note a dark green haired shrine maiden placing a bet, accepting the gambling token in return marking her wager. Still, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
>Reimu holds the flat of her blade in front of her, catching another of Tenshi's thrusts. Despite the jian being an edged weapon, Tenshi's fighting style seems to rely heavily on stabs and thrusts. Which does seem to match the straight construction, and the impression you get, of the weapon, but it appears as though Reimu is very skilled at handling such a technique.
>With a shriek of metal, Tenshi slides her jian down and below Reimu's sword, and thrusts forward again, a surprisingly quick move. Reimu dodges to her left with a harsh hiss of air, but Tenshi's sword still leaves a faint purple mark on Reimu's shirt. Tenshi, clearly sweating, points her sword at Reimu as the Hakurei heir brings her blade up in defense again. "I can be sick and still beat you." she asserts, the confidence in her voice belying the slight labor in her breath.
>Reimu glances over at the lavender haired woman who spoke before. The suit looks analytically at the mark Tenshi made, and announces, "Graze." The ruling draws a half-hearted cheer from some of the crowd, but also sparks another flurry of betting. For her part, Reimu touches the paint on her shirt and holds her hand up to get a better look at it.
>"Good move." is all Reimu says, before Tenshi attacks again, this time slashing her sword forehand instead of going for a stab. The arc of her sword is a bit shallow, and Reimu steps to her left to get around the strike and slashes diagonally down, which Tenshi is barely able to ward off with her blade, backing up a step. Reimu presses her attack, her tachi flashing forward in shallow thrusts and slashes, but Tenshi's defense proves to be superior to her attack. Her blocks and parries are not as clumsy to your eyes as her lunges and stabs. Unfortunately for her, Reimu is better on the attack than she was on defense, and though Tenshi does a remarkable job at keeping Reimu's colored blade away from her, she is unable to mount any serious offense of her own as Reimu chases her around the circle they duel in.
>As the fight wears on, the sound of blunt metal on blunt metal making your ears ring slightly, you note that Tenshi sweats more and more. While you know Reimu's fighting hard, and it shows, the effect of the fight shows on Tenshi much more profoundly. But she shows no sign whatsoever of giving up. You hear people talking next to you, "Only a matter of time now.". Despite neither woman attacking with any intent to injure, and wielding blunted weapons, you find yourself slightly worried about the head miko. Her stubbornness is plain to see, and the way she fights, she might fall over before Reimu satisfies the conditions of winning, which you would guess to be a strike more solid than the one Tenshi landed on her.
>Rin's voice interrupts your musing, I'm inside the flame room, Byakuren.
-
>Does everything seem normal there to you?
-
>Does everything seem normal there to you?
>Well, it ain't like the last one. There's a big tree in here.
-
>Presumably that is normal here?
>We have actually been to this one before, yes?
-
>Presumably that is normal here?
>We have actually been to this one before, yes?
>It is. You've never been inside the flame chamber before, but a big tree would almost have to be the giant oak growing out of the roof of the shrine. Assuming that tree is also sacred somehow, it would make a sort of sense for it to be rooted in the flame room.
-
>Well, that would make sense for here. Can you see the flame also?
-
>Well, that would make sense for here. Can you see the flame also?
>Uh huh. Turns out I was wrong, though, not every miko's outside. Got a feline in here with another girl 'bout our age. But the flame's normal, if you're wonderin'.
>Tenshi's guard slips just a touch, and Reimu thrusts her tachi forward towards Tenshi's pectoral. But the miko wrenches her upper body backwards and desperately swings her sword upwards, deflecting Reimu's sword just enough to scratch Tenshi's shoulder.
>"Graze!" the suited woman calls again, and the crowd cheers for Reimu.
-
>That is good. I trust nothing else there feels amiss to your senses?
>Does this seem to have only been of comparable effect as the last strike?
-
>That is good. I trust nothing else there feels amiss to your senses?
>Does this seem to have only been of comparable effect as the last strike?
>Well, I haven't really looked yet. Yknow, opened my senses, or however ya call it. Just figured that I oughta report that, to normal eyes, place looks normal at first look. If ya don't count the big ass tree in the end of the room.
>Oh, and there's no stage, either. Not sure if that's abnormal or not.
>Reimu's strike has left a purple mark on Tenshi's shoulder, much as Tenshi's thrust did to Reimu earlier. But based on the slash thrown by Tenshi in response, and the riposte by Reimu, this graze wasn't enough to end the fight any more than the first one was. You don't think the sword made contact with Tenshi's shoulder, or if it did it was only barely, but her arm doesn't appear to be damaged.
-
>I suspect that if the flame is fine and wholesome, and the space is open to the public, then the other details are of little importance. Let me know if you notice anything else that strikes you as unusual, though.
-
>I suspect that if the flame is fine and wholesome, and the space is open to the public, then the other details are of little importance. Let me know if you notice anything else that strikes you as unusual, though.
>Understood.
>Reimu manages to sneak another thrust past Tenshi's jian, but the miko is once more able to avoid taking a solid blow, deflecting Reimu's sword just enough to leave a faint purple mark on her dark green belt, drawing another announcement of "Graze!" from the purple-haired suit, and another cheer from the crowd. Tenshi merely snarls.
>"One more touch and it's over." a woman's voice remarks from your left.
>"Tenshi'll hit her once more." a young man answers. "She's too stubborn NOT to."
>The tawny haired miko with the hooded shirt standing just to your left seems to sigh. "Reimu better hurry." you hear her mutter.
-
>Continue to watch
-
>Continue to watch
>Spurred on by the second point scored by Reimu, Tenshi returns to the offensive, making a grand two handed swipe low, at Reimu's thighs. The Hakurei parries the slash, but her defensive gesture leaves her sword in an awkward place, allowing Tenshi to strike again before she can recover, forcing Remiu to back up a step. A strong gust of cold air slashes across the temple grounds as the two pause for a moment. Tenshi appears to be sweating profusely now, and she mops the sweat from her eyes with a harsh swipe. Reimu, for her part, merely lets out a small puff of air and brushes a couple of stray strands of her hair back behind her ear.
>With a defiant cry, Tenshi charges again. As she does, a blue winged youkai in front you lifts off from the ground in excitement, obscuring your view for a moment. You take a step to your left as steel clashes with steel again. Tenshi has again gone low, but this time Reimu seemed to have been ready, and counters Tenshi's strike with one of her own. In a somewhat surprising display of dexterity, Tenshi tucks and rolls to her left, the Hakurei in pursuit, stopping and turning in time to parry Reimu's downward slash with her raised jian, though you note a buckle in her right leg.
>Rin's voice interrupts the action with an update. I am sensin' something in here, Mistress. Sorta like the feelin' back at the Shell Shrine, but a bit different.
-
>A protective feeling?
-
>A protective feeling?
>Mmmm..... Little bit. Shell Shrine feeling was kinda peacful, but this is more.... I dunno, firm, or somethin'. It's a kind of peaceful feeling, but, I get the feelin' it's the kinda peace ya wouldn't want ta mess with.
-
>As might befit a dragon, perhaps. So long as it does not feel unnatural, sickly, or dark, I think we are okay.
-
>As might befit a dragon, perhaps. So long as it does not feel unnatural, sickly, or dark, I think we are okay.
>Well.... Don't jump the candle on that one yet, Byakuren. There's another sensation in here, too.
-
>Oh?
-
>Oh?
>It's real faint, barely even there. But there's somethin' else here, I'd bet my tail fur. Don't know if I can make heads or tails of it, but I'll give it a shot. She pauses for a moment, then her voice returns, Give me a minute or two. Got some company.
>By this point, Tenshi has returned to her feet, but the diagonal slashes she has launched have been met by Reimu's tachi at every turn. Tenshi looks more fatigued, and more frustrated, with every swing that fails to leave a mark on her opponent. The effort of keeping Tenshi from scoring any hits is showing plainly on Reimu, as well, but Tenshi's definately showing it more.
-
>Very well. Keep in touch.
>Let's wait a little bit for another update.
-
>Very well. Keep in touch.
>Let's wait a little bit for another update.
>Understood.
>From your experience at playing the sports you have over the years, you have developed a slight sense for when someone's nearing their limit, for when a game is about to end. Granted, this is the first sword duel you've seen in a number of years, depending on how you score the kendo club's activities, but that sense is telling you that this one's just about done. The slight weakness you note in Tenshi's right leg, the way her vision is obscured by the sweat dripping down into her eyes, even the way she doesn't seem to be striking quite as fast as she was five minutes ago.
>And sure enough, a little less than a minute later, Tenshi's leg buckles again, just enough to throw her slightly off balance and distract her. Reimu seizes the opportunity and knocks Tenshi's jian aside, then aims a diagonal slash down at her left shoulder. With a defiant snarl, the Dragon miko extends her left arm and catches the blunt weapon in her hand. The crowd gasps audibly at Tenshi's amazing move, almost as surprised as Reimu looks, but Tenshi doesn't stop there. She drives her jian forward, poking Reimu in the belly with the flattened tip of her weapon.
>Instantly, the crowd boos and hollers their derision, but Reimu raises her free hand and the crowd quiets after a moment or two. Tenshi seems oblivious to the jeers, she even grins at her brazen move. Remiu, however, simply looks back at the purple haired woman in the suit.
>The woman steps forward. "Third point, Reimu. Solid impact, Reimu." She raises her left hand. "Winner, Reimu."
>A chorus of cheers erupts from the assembled people, even from the tengu who was offering odds, even though, from the way people were gambling as far as you can tell, he stands to lose a fair amount of cash, since most of the money was on Remi. Tenshi, however, doesn't seem fazed by the announcement of her defeat. She merely straightens back up and releases Reimu's sword.
-
>Well, a dramatic finish even if Tenshi's last action made no difference to the outcome.
>Both people fought hard; let's add some of our applause to the crowd's.
-
>Well, a dramatic finish even if Tenshi's last action made no difference to the outcome.
>Both people fought hard; let's add some of our applause to the crowd's.
>She may not have won, but she certainly gave the crowd something to talk about it, something to remember.
>Admiring Reimu's skill, and Tenshi's determination, you offer them your laurels as well.
>With the show over, the people around the dueling women begin to disperse, some heading away in a few directions, while many move to encircle the tengu games master and settle up their business. Those who wagered on Tenshi, however, stalk away, most shaking their heads, several cursing themselves for not taking the 'smart' money. The general opinion of Tenshi's last move, however, is strong disapproval. Which does make sense. She struck after the duel was over. She may, however, have simply been caught up in the moment, and had committed herself to the strike despite the side effect of taking Reimu's blade with her hand.
>Reimu, however, merely rubs her belly and passes her blunted weapon off to the brown haired suit, who approaches her along with the purple haired woman. The tawny haired miko who was standing in front you shoulders her way forward to approach her fellow shrine maiden.
-
>Find someone nearby who doesn't look busy and ask: "Excuse me, but do you happen know what that duel was about?"
-
>Find someone nearby who doesn't look busy and ask: "Excuse me, but do you happen know what that duel was about?"
>A cursory evaluation of the individuals around reveals the closest target is the self-same blue winged youkai who temporarily obstructed your view before. A pleasant looking woman with white tipped feathers among her wings, matching blue hair and a black t-shirt and jeans. The former is a bit tight around her upper torso, as well, but nobody quite measures up in that department in the proximity of Komachi, though she puts in a good showing.
>"Probably the same as last time." she answers in a soprano tone. "Those two just love to fight each other, so they get carried away pretty easily. Most of the time, they start indoors and end up out here. Or on the roof sometimes." she adds with a brief rustle of her wings. "And it's always a heck of a show."
-
>Were we aware of this tendency between them?
>If not: "Are you saying this happens frequently?"
-
>Were we aware of this tendency between them?
>If not: "Are you saying this happens frequently?"
>You knew the two were friends with each other, but this aspect of their relationship was hitherto unknown to you.
>"Uh huh." she says with a nod, then pauses for a moment to consider something. "Well, now that I think about, not 'frequently', no. It's not like they practice with each other every time Hakurei-san comes up here." Another brief pause. "At least I don't think so. But when they DO, they can go at it pretty hard."
-
>Gesture to the stalls being constructed around here
>"Is there some kind of event upcoming at the shrine?"
-
>Gesture to the stalls being constructed around here
>"Is there some kind of event upcoming at the shrine?"
>"Now that's something I've been wondering, too." She glances around the people still around, then stops and waves her wing at an impressive looking red haired shrine maiden walking away from the tengu bookie, counting out a small stack of bills in her hands. "Oy, Tamaki!"
>The redhead looks up and struts over, and you note that she, too, has wings, black feathered tinged with very dark red, and a much smaller span than the woman in front of you, despite being taller than her. Unlike Tenshi, she wears the white and green colors of the Dragon shrine.
>"Hello, Lesa." she says as she halts before you both, and gives you a bow. "Welcome to the Dragon shrine."
-
>Give her a polite nod. "Thank you."
>"I was just wondering about these stalls here. Is there to be some kind of event in the near future?"
-
>Give her a polite nod. "Thank you."
>"I was just wondering about these stalls here. Is there to be some kind of event in the near future?"
>"Very near." the miko called Tamaki says with a slight wince. "Shorter notice than I might have preferred, honestly." She shrugs her shoulders and looks around the grounds. "No matter. We'll be ready."
-
>"What's the occasion, then?"
-
>"What's the occasion, then?"
>Tamaki steals a glance in Reimu's direction, then replies, "Afraid I can't say just yet."
>"Aw, why not?!" Lesa demands with a pout.
>The red haired woman grins. "Because, Lesa, the people involved would rather make the announcement themselves on their own terms. And you, my friend, wouldn't be able to NOT tell anyone after you left."
>Lesa's mouth opens and a strangled sound emerges, but she closes it again after a moment and looks down. The face of a woman who wants to argue, but can't. "Sorry." Tamaki says to you.
-
>"That's quite alright, though I do find myself curious at an event called at apparently short notice and also not announced. Seems it might make it a touch difficult for people to know to attend."
-
>"That's quite alright, though I do find myself curious at an event called at apparently short notice and also not announced. Seems it might make it a touch difficult for people to know to attend."
>"If I'm right, that's sort of the point." Tamaki replies. "But like I said, it hasn't been announced YET. Given who's involved, it could end up skywritten tomorrow by a wing of tengu flying escort for a blimp trailing a giant banner, but until then, it's not my place to say."
-
>"Well, I certainly don't mean to pry. Thank you for your time, and I hope your efforts here proceed smoothly."
>Do Reimu and Tenshi seemed to have separated and gone their own ways, or are they conversing post-battle?
-
>"Well, I certainly don't mean to pry. Thank you for your time, and I hope your efforts here proceed smoothly."
>Do Reimu and Tenshi seemed to have separated and gone their own ways, or are they conversing post-battle?
>"Don't worry about it." the scarlet-tressed miko says easily. "But, if you don't mind me saying, you seem very familiar to me, somehow. You haven't been around here before, have you?"
>Reimu and Tenshi are still conversing, though it appears that Tenshi is doing all the talking. Despite her somewhat haggard appearance, she seems in fine spirits now, and you think you'd use the word 'boasting' rather than 'talking'. She also sports a hat now, a fine looking black hat with peaches, of all things, decorating the right side of it. Reimu's face is that of a woman who would very much enjoy an escape route opening up about now. Tenshi does not seem to notice.
-
>"I have, though not often."
-
>"I have, though not often."
>Tamaki things for another moment, stroking her chin casually, then nods. "That must be it. And you," she continues, turning her red eyes on Lesa. "Don't tell me... are here for another charm?" The look on her face plainly shows this isn't entirely a new thing for Lesa.
>The blue haired woman nods, somewhat shyly. "Uh huh."
>Tamaki shakes her head but softens the gesture with a smile. "Well, come on inside." she says, gesturing towards the shrine with her left arm. "We'll get you set up. Just remember you still need to settle your tab from LAST month."
>"I know, I know." Lesa replies with a hint of exasperation as she moves in the indicated direction.
>The smaller winged woman gives you another bow. "If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask me, or any of us who serve here."
-
>Bow our head a little
>"I will, thank you."
>Now let's mosey over towards Reimu and see if we can't be the escape route she seems to be looking for.
-
>Bow our head a little
>"I will, thank you."
>Now let's mosey over towards Reimu and see if we can't be the escape route she seems to be looking for.
>As the two winged youkai depart, you turn your attention to your somewhat beleaguered looking landlord and the still-boasting miko in front of her. The handsome young man with the long brown braid, possibly having the same idea you had, gives Tenshi a somewhat sarcastic grin. "You know that you would have lost a hand doing that with sharp swords, right?"
>"Still would've won." Tenshi retorts, barely breaking stride. She puffs out her very diminutive chest and places a hand over her heart. "Besides, I happen to be indestructible."
>Reimu sighs again, and starts to raise her hand, but pauses when she notices you walking up behind Tenshi. The look on her face is a mixture of surprise and naked relief, though she reigns both in after a moment. "Well, this is a surprise." she remarks in your direction.
-
>"I could say the same thing. I didn't realize you could handle a sword so deftly."
-
>"I could say the same thing. I didn't realize you could handle a sword so deftly."
>Reimu grins wryly. "With a mother like mine, I pretty much had to learn."
>"Besides," the braided man adds, his grin a fair bit more humored than Reimu's, "someone's got to be around to beat Tenshi."
>"Only technically." Tenshi retorts. "And I got the last hit. And the BEST hit."
>"Still lost." the man jibes, neatly echoing Tenshi's tone from just a moment ago.
-
>"Well, I think you both fought very spiritedly. At least to an untrained eye like mine."
-
>"Well, I think you both fought very spiritedly. At least to an untrained eye like mine."
>"Oh yeah, you've never seen one of these little displays, have you?" Reimu asks. "I guess it's a bit different than your usual fare."
>Sorry for the delay. Rin's voice returns. Had a couple of shrine maidens think I was a stray.
-
>"A little. I hear this is a perennial sort of thing, though."
>I hope they didn't cause you any trouble?
-
>"A little. I hear this is a perennial sort of thing, though."
>I hope they didn't cause you any trouble?
>Reimu blinks. "Was that a tree pun?"
>Her two aides chuckle. "I think Yuyuko-sama might have affected your sense of humor more than you think, Reimu." the pretty purple-haired woman says with a gentle smile.
>Naw. But if ya see em, they'll want a word with ya just to make sure my story checks out.
>"Reimu gives me a good fight." Tenshi says with a cocky smirk. "And that's the best kind."
-
>"And one where both parties can walk away satisfied is perhaps, I think, the best of all."
>I'll keep it in mind. Did you figure anything else out about that other sensation you mentioned?
-
>"And one where both parties can walk away satisfied is perhaps, I think, the best of all."
>I'll keep it in mind. Did you figure anything else out about that other sensation you mentioned?
>"You're too passive." Tenshi retorts, leaning forward and pointing at you quite deliberately.
>Not yet. I couldn't focus on that while I was talking to those two.
>"Satisfaction's all well and good, but ya gotta win, or at least give as good as got! More, even!"
>At this point, Reimu reclaims her blunted tachi, and pokes Tenshi firmly in her exposed ribs. The miko emits a sound halfway between a squawk and a meow, and straightens up immediately.
>"Don't scare people." Reimu remarks dryly.
-
>"But couldn't one be satisfied precisely because they'd given it their all?"
>Very well. The match has concluded so I may join you in a little bit, but keep in touch.
-
>"But couldn't one be satisfied precisely because they'd given it their all?"
>Very well. The match has concluded so I may join you in a little bit, but keep in touch.
>Of course.
>"Faugh! That's not how I look at it." Tenshi retorts, rubbing her poked-ribs.
>Reimu, resting her sword on her shoulder, says "Tenshi here doesn't like coming less than first."
-
>"A demanding standard for oneself."
-
>"A demanding standard for oneself."
>Tenshi puffs herself up again, but Reimu interjects "She's been that way for as long as I've known her."
>"And why shouldn't I be." Tenshi retorts.
-
>"Even pride borne of effort and merit can bring its bearer suffering, I have found."
-
>"Even pride borne of effort and merit can bring its bearer suffering, I have found."
>Tenshi responds with a boisterous laugh. "Aren't we philosophical."
>"You ought to listen to her, Tenshi." the brown haired man says. "Might save you a loss here and there."
-
>"What's a loss or two between friends, anyway, hmm?"
-
>"What's a loss or two between friends, anyway, hmm?"
>"Incentive for a rematch, is what." Tenshi decides, but as she turns back to Reimu, you note her leg waver again. "I'll give you another shot, Reimu."
>The tawny haired miko, who had been standing next to Tenshi and has now pulled her hood up, places her hand on Tenshi's shoulder. "Uh, Tenshi-sama, maybe you should put that off for now?"
>"What for?"
>"Well for one, because you're sweating worse than a kappa in a desert." Reimu answers.
>Tenshi starts to retort hotly, but at that moment, a bead of sweat drips into her eye. With that eye blinking, she, somewhat grudgingly, nods and says, "Might have a point. And I'm hungry." she adds as an afterthought.
>Neither Reimu nor the other shrine maiden bother to hide their relief, but Tenshi isn't quite finished yet, as she asks you, "How 'bout you, B.... Byakuren? You wanna have a go with the sticks after some lunch?"
-
>Incidentally, do we have any experience with kendo? Or any other martial art, for that matter?
-
>Incidentally, do we have any experience with kendo? Or any other martial art, for that matter?
>You do not. You once considered studying the martial art of tai chi chuan, but the idea of hitting people didn't appeal to you.
-
>The tennis ball has a lot fewer feelings to injure, at any rate
>"I'm afraid I have no experience with any sword arts. I play tennis."
-
>The tennis ball has a lot fewer feelings to injure, at any rate
>"I'm afraid I have no experience with any sword arts. I play tennis."
>Quite so.
>Tenshi's answering smirk almost reeks of confidence. "Well, you are in luck, because there's no one better to learn from than me."
>"How about the woman that just beat you?" the brown haired man jibes.
>"Or perhaps the man that taught the both of you?" the other suit replies.
>"Quiet, you!" Tenshi commands.
-
>"Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I have an early day tomorrow and I can't stay for long."
-
>"Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I have an early day tomorrow and I can't stay for long."
>"Your loss." Tenshi boasts.
>The hooded miko behind her clears her throat. "If you are ever interested, we do teach Yamato-style swordsmanship here at the temple. Free of charge."
-
>"Oh? That's quite generous of your time."
-
>"Oh? That's quite generous of your time."
>"Well, thanks, but it's part of the job." the miko says with a smile. "So to speak. The Blue Dragon Shrine is a place where people learn to defend themselves, if they ever have to. We may not have the best teacher in town, but we're plenty good."
>"Even if Remiu's still a bit better than Tenshi." the braided man says absently.
>Tenshi repeats her command of "Quiet, you!" over the quiet chuckles of Reimu and the purple haired woman.
-
>Smile
>"A spirited sort of advertising that makes this then, I guess."
-
>Smile
>"A spirited sort of advertising that makes this then, I guess."
>The woman gives you a knowing grin. "We like to call that a 'happy accident' whenever Reimu-sama drops by."
>"You gonna stick around for some lunch, Reimu?" Tenshi asks her.
>Reimu nods. "Might as well. I need a bath, as well."
>I'm having a bit of trouble making sense of this second feeling in here, Byakuren. Rin reports. I can't pin it down, but what I can say is that it feels like somethin' that don't mix with the bigger sensation.
-
>Hmmm... hopefully it's nothing bad. But I shall be there in person soon.
>"Well, I think I shall leave you two to it and try to find where Rin went. She took a look around while I was watching the duel."
>Assuming we are not stopped, head in the direction Rin went at a reasonably brisk pace. If we can use our telepathic link with her to more specifically sense her direction, use that as an aid as well.
-
>Hmmm... hopefully it's nothing bad. But I shall be there in person soon.
>"Well, I think I shall leave you two to it and try to find where Rin went. She took a look around while I was watching the duel."
>Assuming we are not stopped, head in the direction Rin went at a reasonably brisk pace. If we can use our telepathic link with her to more specifically sense her direction, use that as an aid as well.
>Understood.
>The white hooded miko gives you a slight bow, as Reimu says "Say hi to her for me."
>As you excuse yourself from the group, you hear Tenshi ask Reimu, "Who's Rin again?"
>"Friend of hers." Reimu says diplomatically.
>"She duel?"
>"I would doubt it."
>You return to the clay bricked path towards the shrine, passing by the rapidly dwindling crowd around the tengu. A glance at his face shows him to be in good spirits, though judging from the mood and stray comments of the people around you, that tengu just lost more than a couple bucks. Perhaps he simply enjoys the activity. But before you can take more than a few steps towards the shrine, the purple haired woman's voice catches up to you, "Excuse me, Hijiri-san?"
-
>Pause and turn around
>"Yes?"
-
>Pause and turn around
>"Yes?"
>The woman's hair bounces as she catches up with you, walking briskly. "May I walk with you for a moment?" she asks politely.
-
>"Of course."
>Gesture for the woman to come alongside
-
>"Of course."
>Gesture for the woman to come alongside
>You resume your course towards the shrine as Reimu's aide falls in next to you.
>"I merely wanted to say thank you on Reimu-sama's behalf."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"Oh?"
>"For 'coming to her rescue', I believe my brother would say." she says with a sweet smile.
-
>Smile back
>"Well, she did seem a little like she was looking for a... way out, as it were."
-
>Smile back
>"Well, she did seem a little like she was looking for a... way out, as it were."
>"In most circumstances, Reimu-sama can handle Tenshi-sama, if you'll pardon the expression, without a great deal of difficulty. However, the result of that duel of blades took her by surprise. Tenshi-sama's gambit was extremely unconventional."
-
>"Yes, I imagine so. It... didn't seem to go over entirely well with the audience, either."
-
>"Yes, I imagine so. It... didn't seem to go over entirely well with the audience, either."
>The woman nods. "Indeed not. You see... Ah, you are not familiar with the rules of such a dual as that, correct?"
-
>"Not specifically, but I assume that Tenshi taking hold of Reimu's sword itself counted as a losing contact for her?"
-
>"Not specifically, but I assume that Tenshi taking hold of Reimu's sword itself counted as a losing contact for her?"
>"Correct." the woman replies with another nod. "Strictly speaking, one solid contact on any part of the body is required to claim a win, or three light touches. You'll recall I was announcing grazes during the duel for that purpose. Three grazes, or one blow, and you win." She pauses to step aside, allowing a teenaged boy to walk between you. "The dual was done the instant Tenshi-sama caught Reimu-sama's sword, so technically, Tenshi-sama struck her after the end of the fight. Which is why the strike was so negatively received by the onlookers."
-
>"Yes..."
>Frown a little
>"Well, though this feels a little strange to say, I somehow feel as though she didn't mean any harm by it."
-
>"Yes..."
>Frown a little
>"Well, though this feels a little strange to say, I somehow feel as though she didn't mean any harm by it."
>The purple haired woman gives you a bright, gentle smile. "That's very kind of you, Hijiri-san."
-
>"Well, that is just how it seemed to me; you know her better than I do, I imagine. But it felt more as though she were trying to make a point than to be unsporting to Reimu."
-
>"Well, that is just how it seemed to me; you know her better than I do, I imagine. But it felt more as though she were trying to make a point than to be unsporting to Reimu."
>"That's.... mostly true." the woman says after pausing for a moment, probably to find the right words. "Tenshi-sama is a very proud woman, and she and Reimu-sama have been dueling for many years. In truth, Reimu-sama does possess more skill with the blade, but Tenshi-sama..." She shrugs slightly and gives you a somewhat helpless smile. "Well, she's the sort of girl who refuses to admit being worse than someone at something, especially when she's caught up in something. And her rivalry with Reimu-sama always brings out her passionate side."
>She chuckles a light, airy laugh. "Not that making Tenshi-sama fired up is exactly hard."
-
>"No, I gather that. But there's no need to be shamed by someone else besting you, no matter your skill. Perhaps it's not my place to say, but it saddens me to see people be so... exacting of themselves - I have seen some suffer a great deal for trying to denounce what was instead of accepting that it is and making peace from there."
>Shake our head slowly
>"Sorry. Perhaps Tenshi is right; I do seem rather philosophical tonight. I don't mean to presume."
-
>"No, I gather that. But there's no need to be shamed by someone else besting you, no matter your skill. Perhaps it's not my place to say, but it saddens me to see people be so... exacting of themselves - I have seen some suffer a great deal for trying to denounce what was instead of accepting that it is and making peace from there."
>Shake our head slowly
>"Sorry. Perhaps Tenshi is right; I do seem rather philosophical tonight. I don't mean to presume."
>"You needn't apologize, Hijiri-san." the woman says. "This mote of philosophy speaks to your kind heart. A sympathy for those you've known. And that's not something anyone should apologize for."
-
>Smile and let out a quiet self-effacing chuckle
>"Thank you, um.... I don't believe I know your name?"
-
>Smile and let out a quiet self-effacing chuckle
>"Thank you, um.... I don't believe I know your name?"
>"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself." With a slightly apologetic smile, the woman gives you a formal nod. "Kohaku Daidouji. I work as an aide for Reimu-sama."
>The family name rings a bell. Reimu mentioned the Daidoujis once before. That family is part of the larger Hakurei clan, and hold a lot of esteem within the clan. Their position, as you understand, is rather similar to the position of the Konpaku family within the Saigyouji clan.
-
>Nod polite back at her.
>"Pleased to meet you, Daidouji-san."
-
>Nod polite back at her.
>"Pleased to meet you, Daidouji-san."
>"Likewise, Hijiri-san. And please, call me Kohaku. 'Daidouji-san' makes me sound like my mother." she says with a quiet laugh in her sweet voice.
>The two of you walk up the steps leading to the series of maple doors that open into the temple, stepping between the two large jade-encrusted dragon statues with sapphire eyes on either side of the main door.
-
>Can we sense what direction Rin is in here, once we reach the temple proper?
>If not, or not specifically enough, ask her: I've reached the temple. Where are you now?
-
>Can we sense what direction Rin is in here, once we reach the temple proper?
>If not, or not specifically enough, ask her: I've reached the temple. Where are you now?
>You can sense her right now, now that you think about it. She is in front of you, about.... Thirty feet? No, a bit more than that.
>To cover your bases, you ask her. Still inside the flame room. Been trying to make sense of this second feelin. I've actually got the place to myself, now, the two women that were here before left.
-
>I shall be there shortly.
>Smile
>"Very well; Kokaku, then."
>Continue towards the flame room, saying a polite goodbye to Kohaku if she parts ways before then
-
>I shall be there shortly.
>Smile
>"Very well; Kokaku, then."
>Continue towards the flame room, saying a polite goodbye to Kohaku if she parts ways before then
>Understood.
>The antechamber of the Dragon temple is laid out virtually identically to the Tortoise shrine, though the room is a bit bigger all around, and the stairs leading up into the main body has two extra steps than the Tortoise shrine, as well as an extra ramp for handicapped access. The floors are made of a rougher, darker wood as well, maple, or perhaps elm. The door at the back of the room, which you presume leads into the flame chamber, has a carved dragon head hanging above the middle. Granite, you believe.
>Only one other individual is present, as you and Kohaku pause to remove your footwear, as is tradition. Another shrine maiden, very tall, with long hair as green as her skirt, a silver bracelet studded with jades on her left wrist. She had been leaning against a potted tree on the left side of the room, but when she sees you and Kohaku enter the shrine, she pushes off her backrest and heads in your direction.
-
>If she seems to approaching us, pause and smile as she draws near
>"Yes? Is there something I can help you with?"
-
>If she seems to approaching us, pause and smile as she draws near
>"Yes? Is there something I can help you with?"
>She most definitely is, so you greet her politely.
>Upon closer inspection, you note that the pupils of her yellow eyes are slitted, like a cat's, a sign of her youkai nature. "I am looking for Byakuren Hijiri."
-
>"That is me. What can I do for you?"
-
>"That is me. What can I do for you?"
>"You are the master of one Rin Kaenbyou?"
-
>"I am, yes. Is there a problem?"
-
>"I am, yes. Is there a problem?"
>The green haired woman pauses for a moment, then says "I do not believe so, now that I see you. But, I wonder if you would be willing to grant me a small favor?"
-
>"What is it?"
-
>"What is it?"
>She holds out her left hand and opens it to you. It contains a rough hunk of jade about the size of a walnut. "Would you mind holding this, please?"
-
>Examine the object a little before touching it
>"Might I ask why?"
-
>Examine the object a little before touching it
>"Might I ask why?"
>The rock appears to be just that. A polished but uncut jump of jade. It has the same color and texture of the jades inlaying her bracelet, and is only a hair lighter than the green coloration of her hair. That could signify that she is a youkai of jade, but the slitted eyes are a mystery.
>The woman gives you a somewhat shy smile. "If you wouldn't mind."
-
>"Very well, then."
>Accept the jade
-
>"Very well, then."
>Accept the jade
>You take the hunk of rock from the woman's hand. You'd be lying if you said you didn't have a vague sense of trepidation. Considering what happened the last time you took something precious from a strange being, things went a bit sideways.
>To your relief, however, the gem does not change color or erupt in a shower of light or magic, or send you on any kind of metaphysical journey.
>To your surprise, nothing at all happens. The piece of jade sits in the palm of your hand like, well, a stone. Just to make sure everything's on the up and up, you sweep the piece of stone with your mystic senses, but it reveals nothing out of the ordinary about either the jade or the woman who gave it to you.
>For her part, the tall green haired woman merely stands there for several long moments, her expression distant, mysterious. Kohaku, you note, has removed her boots by this point, and is watching this exchange with open curiosity.
>At last, the woman nods, and a warm smile spreads across her face like the moon rising. "Thank you, lady." she says with a shallow bow.
-
>"I am happy to be of help."
>Return the jade to her
>"Though I... don't suppose you might now be able to explain why you asked this? I am curious."
-
>"I am happy to be of help."
>Return the jade to her
>The woman holds her hand out, palm out, and shakes her head once. "Keep it."
>"Though I... don't suppose you might now be able to explain why you asked this? I am curious."
>"In my own way, I wanted to see if what Rin Kaenbyou said was true with my own eyes."
-
>"I am not certain I understand."
-
>"I am not certain I understand."
>The woman gives you another of her self-effacing smiles. "I could try to explain, but, I'm afraid I wouldn't do a very good job. But as simply as I can put it, I spoke with Rin Kaenbyou earlier tonight, and she told me about you. This was my way of seeing for myself into the truth of her words."
-
>"And this has satisfied you that they are?"
-
>"And this has satisfied you that they are?"
>The woman nods, her smile growing a hair. "And more."
-
>"I am still not sure I entirely understand, but I will take you at your word and am glad to have been able to put your mind at ease, one way or the other."
>Pause, then gesture to the jade in our hand
>"Are you sure you don't want this back?"
-
>"I am still not sure I entirely understand, but I will take you at your word and am glad to have been able to put your mind at ease, one way or the other."
>Pause, then gesture to the jade in our hand
>"Are you sure you don't want this back?"
>"Very sure. Consider it a gift."
>Kohaku, having said nothing during this exchange while removing her boots, finally says, as she looks analytically at the piece of stone in your hand, "Is that Qi Lao jade?" The green haired woman shakes her head, and Kohaku frowns. "Wouldn't be Macedonian, would it...? Could I see that for a minute, please?"
-
>"Of course."
>Hand the jade to her
-
>"Of course."
>Hand the jade to her
>The purple haired woman produces a jeweler's eyepiece as she accepts the stone.
>The miko, for her part, merely gives you a friendly nod as Kohaku starts to examine the rock. "Have a pleasant night, Byakuren Hijiri."
-
>"To you as well."
>Let Kohaku take her look
-
>"To you as well."
>Let Kohaku take her look
>Reimu's aide scrutinizes the hunk of jade in her hand as the miko departs, turning it over in her hand as she peers at it through her eyepiece. "Fascinating. Nearly flawless, yet the shading is strange to me. The facets suggest Macedonian jade, but the coloration is wrong. Where did you..." she trails off as she looks up, glancing around for the absent miko. "Where did she go?"
-
>Where did we see the miko depart to?
-
>Where did we see the miko depart to?
>She exited stage right.
-
>"She went that way."
>Point right
-
>"She went that way."
>Point right
>Kohaku seems a bit disappointed, but she returns to the jade. "I'll have to ask here where she got this, if I meet her again. My father would know, but I still have much to learn." She gives the precious stone one more turn, then offers it back to you.
-
>Accept the jade once more, and pocket it
>"You obviously have some experience with these sorts of things."
-
>Accept the jade once more, and pocket it
>"You obviously have some experience with these sorts of things."
>You acquire: Walnut-sized piece of jade
>"I'm a jewelcrafter and appraiser. Well, an apprentice, really." she adds modestly. "I'm not as good as my father yet, but Reimu-sama seems to think I'm good enough to use as her appraiser."
-
>"And this jade was an unusual piece to your eye? I mean, it is quite pretty, of course, but...."
-
>"And this jade was an unusual piece to your eye? I mean, it is quite pretty, of course, but...."
>"I'm not sure about 'unusual', but... Well, most jade I'm familiar with has at least one quality to it that shows its origin. Jade from, say, northeast Luyang is a bit distinct from southern Eagleland, for example. But I can't place where that piece of jade comes from." Kohaku places a lock of her hair between her thumb and forefinger and strokes it up and down slowly, a thoughtful gesture. "Maybe it was exposed to magic at some point? That would affect its physical properties..." She narrows her eyes slightly. "Of course, it's far more likely that I simply don't know it. I'm still an apprentice, after all."
-
>"You could always try to find the miko again, if you're curious. Even if she does seem the... private type."
>"Though speaking of finding people, I really should figure out where Rin went. It was nice meeting you, Kohaku."
>Assuming nothing else happens, say our farewells, then head off after Rin.
-
>"You could always try to find the miko again, if you're curious. Even if she does seem the... private type."
>"Though speaking of finding people, I really should figure out where Rin went. It was nice meeting you, Kohaku."
>Assuming nothing else happens, say our farewells, then head off after Rin.
>"You could always try to find the miko again, if you're curious. Even if she does seem the... private type."
>"Though speaking of finding people, I really should figure out where Rin went. It was nice meeting you, Kohaku."
>Assuming nothing else happens, say our farewells, then head off after Rin.
>"Perhaps I will, after I'm done in the kitchen. Tenshi-sama requested my services for her food." With a modest face- which suits her beauty very well, you find- she adds, "Personally I think my brother's a better cook, but I'm happy to serve."
>"And you as well, Hijiri-san. But, before you go." she adds quickly, producing a business card and offering it to you with a friendly smile. "In the event you want to do something with that jade, I'd be happy to offer you the services of myself or my father."
>You acquire: Daidouji-ken's Business Card.
>With offer and card in tow, you and Kohaku go your separate ways. She heads off to find the kitchen, you head forward towards the chamber of the sacred flame to rendezvous with Rin, the wooden floor bit chilly on your shoe-less feet.
>The chamber here is a bit bigger than the chamber in the Tortoise shrine, though this impression is colored somewhat by the giant tree trunk that practically fills the north side of the room. The tree is bound by a blue rope with white talismans and ofuda charms attached to it, and green vines droop down its flanks. The flooring is a smooth hardwood, and tall black wood columns are staggered throughout the room. The seating in this temple are pews, brown and white wood sealed and treated. Banners depicting swords and kanji-scrawled sayings of faith drop from the ceiling. The middle of the west wall and the east wall host two more statues of eastern-styled dragons, the eastern one carved of white rock, the west one a very dark grey, almost black. Both have sapphires for eyes and jade and pearl inlay along their scales, fangs and claws.
>The flame itself, not quite as large as the one in the Tortoise shrine, sits in front of the tree, and is supported by a grey wood pedestal with another sacred blue rope surrounding it.
>Rin, still in her cat form, is currently lying down on top of the head of the white statue. She appears to be the only occupant.
-
>Approach her
>"Hello again."
>Any progress?
-
>Approach her
>"Hello again."
>Any progress?
>Rin rises, stretches, and yawns.
>I'm afraid not. I don't think I can get a clearer sense without transforming, and I didn't wanna do that 'less I had to.
-
>Agreed. I'll see if I can find anything.
>Concentrate and cast our senses out. Can we sense anything we feel may be the unusual sensation Rin spoke of?
-
>Agreed. I'll see if I can find anything.
>Concentrate and cast our senses out. Can we sense anything we feel may be the unusual sensation Rin spoke of?
>Straight away you sense what Rin mentioned earlier: the encompassing sense of peace throughout the room. But as she said, while the effect is like having two arms wrapped around your shoulders, they are rather muscular ones. They do not grip you tight or hold you in place, but rather give you a sense of security and safety, that they are meant to warn off all the bad things around you. If the feeling in the Tortoise's flame chamber was akin to a mother's comfort, this would be a father's protection.
>Before you can start to analyze the second sensation, however, there is a loud noise from the back of the room, like a fire igniting. With a rush of air, the sacred flame increases in size and turns a dark blue.
-
>Dark enough blue that it might be considered nearly black?
>Did we feel a change in the second sensation as this ignited?
>Whether yes or no, focus our senses on the flame and the change in it, but be cautious, approach gently, and be ready to pull back at the very first sign of hostile presence or anything else that might reach out at our mind from it.
-
>Dark enough blue that it might be considered nearly black?
>Did we feel a change in the second sensation as this ignited?
>Whether yes or no, focus our senses on the flame and the change in it, but be cautious, approach gently, and be ready to pull back at the very first sign of hostile presence or anything else that might reach out at our mind from it.
>No, it is quite blue. A darker blue, like the ocean or a sapphire, but still blue.
>The second feeling has remained unchanged. And so, too, has the first one.
>Strangely of all, this change in color does not produce a reaction in your mystic senses at all. The room and the flame feels the same now as they did when you entered. Bizarrely. Rin, however, reacted rather strongly, and jumped up slightly with a startled hiss. As you take a step forward, the kasha jumps down off the statue and transforms, landing in her human form on her feet. She looks plainly startled, but before she can say anything, a disembodied voice booms from the blue flame.
>The wheel of time e'er turns.
The Hero of the Heart has come.
Crossroads of that which is and what was
Herald of what is yet to be.
-
>Does this voice seem to have spoken with actual sound, or is this another mental thing?
>Assuming the later, glance at Rin: "Did you hear that?"
-
>Does this voice seem to have spoken with actual sound, or is this another mental thing?
>Assuming the later, glance at Rin: "Did you hear that?"
>Aloud. It definately isn't making a secret of itself.
-
>Which means we're probably going to have company soon, doesn't it...
>Address the flame: "Who is it who speaks?"
-
>Which means we're probably going to have company soon, doesn't it...
>Address the flame: "Who is it who speaks?"
>A reasonable assumption.
>That which is past, though ne'er truly gone.
A witness to the march of ages.
Blood spilled for the living and the dead,
Four hearts broken, five hearts bound.
>Rin, her face a mix of determination and fear in the blue glow of the fire light, places herself in front of you as she comes up on your left. "Should we transform?"
-
>I don't feel we're threatened here, but if others come to investigate, it may raise... questions as to why I am being addressed.
>Assuming there are definitely no mundane witnesses to this for the moment, quickly transform. Surely it won't attract more attention than this booming voice is already doing.
>Feel free to play the innocent bystander to this, Rin, if you don't feel comfortable with transforming yet. It does not seem to be talking to you.
>To the flame: "Are you the voice of the Dragon enshrined here?"
-
>I don't feel we're threatened here, but if others come to investigate, it may raise... questions as to why I am being addressed.
>Assuming there are definitely no mundane witnesses to this for the moment, quickly transform. Surely it won't attract more attention than this booming voice is already doing.
>Feel free to play the innocent bystander to this, Rin, if you don't feel comfortable with transforming yet. It does not seem to be talking to you.
>To the flame: "Are you the voice of the Dragon enshrined here?"
>"Good thinkin'." Rin replies, albiet a little more quietly than before.
>To conceal your identity from any who might barge in on you, your raise your hand with a flourish and call out, with less gusto than previously employed, "Lotus Purity Ascent!" and transform yourself into Magical Lotus.
>Rin visibly blanches, then glances back towards the door. I'll keep my ear open, see if I can hear anyone comin'.
>Blood given for those long gone
Blood given for those come since
Fang and Shell and Scale and Feather
Shield of the world, Shroud of the flesh
-
>Please do.
>"You speak of the Four Gods, yes?"
-
>Please do.
>"You speak of the Four Gods, yes?"
>As Rin takes a few steps backwards, though maintaining a wary look at the dancing blue flames, the voice continues,
>Darkness grows in the place beyond
Light fades in the places of the firstborn
The pain of those born not innocent
Boils the waters of those who forgot them
-
>"Those born not innocent? Are those the demons? And we, those who forgot of them?"
-
>"Those born not innocent? Are those the demons? And we, those who forgot of them?"
>Dragon's blood spread over hearts of black.
The stones of the void swallowed the weak
The champions of the empty places howl in two voices
Avatars sleeping await their other halves.
>"This guy don't make a lick'a sense!" Rin exclaims.
-
>"I wonder if he might mean that the Elemental Champions have a counterpart among the humans and youkai? Or perhaps, we of the ring have a counterpart hidden somewhere, deep in slumber. I suppose it could also mean that the four gods have a physical counterpart hidden somewhere, I surmise that Kiku would be able to make sense of this easier, so we'll consult her tomorrow."
>Do we have anything we could write with? Or does our cellphone have a notepad function that lets us type things down for later?
-
>Do we have anything we could write with? Or does our cellphone have a notepad function that lets us type things down for later?
>You always keep a notepad and paper on hand, just in case.
>"I wonder if he might mean that the Elemental Champions have a counterpart among the humans and youkai? Or perhaps, we of the ring have a counterpart hidden somewhere, deep in slumber. I suppose it could also mean that the four gods have a physical counterpart hidden somewhere, I surmise that Kiku would be able to make sense of this easier, so we'll consult her tomorrow."
>"It'd be mighty nice if that big blue torch was more specific." Rin states, keeping her ear pointed firmly at the door.
-
>To the torch: "Awaiting their other halves? Is it the demons that are awaiting? Or someone else?"
-
>To the torch: "Awaiting their other halves? Is it the demons that are awaiting? Or someone else?"
>Children of one world taken by another.
The sins of the dark lie upon their sleeping souls.
The Six await the Seventh, who stands above the Six.
The Seventh shall come. The First to Fall. The First to Rise.
-
>"I am not certain I understand. Do you mean to say some beings here are somehow twinned to the demons, unbeknownst to themselves?"
-
>"I am not certain I understand. Do you mean to say some beings here are somehow twinned to the demons, unbeknownst to themselves?"
>That which is unknown brings pain to those unknowing.
The children of fear bring death to the land.
Born of one world and drowned in blood beyond them,
They feed the inferno of boiling hate.
-
>"Do speak just of the havoc the demons would cause here, or of something more?"
-
>"Do speak just of the havoc the demons would cause here, or of something more?"
>Black's servants deceived. Six led down a false path.
A hidden traitor lurks in thy midst.
Enemies are friends as friends are enemies
The face of an ally. The mask of a foe.
>"Ooh, I don't like the sound of that." Rin mutters.
-
>"Is the deceit lurking at the shrine of the Metal Tiger what you speak of as the friends who are enemies? Or is this something else?"
-
I think I might be able to see it for this part. Black is the color ascribed to Genbu, the Tortoise.
When he refers to 'Black's servants deceived', he could likely be referring to someone from the tortoise shrine.
-
That's an interesting point, though keep in mind that we did just come from there and none of our senses picked up anything untoward (not that this rules it out by any means)
But weren't the number of demon champions six? At least supposedly (given this mention of the 'seventh'). So I had sort of assumed the six just mentioned might also be them and 'Black' being some other person associated with, or outright in charge of the demons.
-
>"Is the deceit lurking at the shrine of the Metal Tiger what you speak of as the friends who are enemies? Or is this something else?"
>Ebony fingers cover the eyes of those who wish to see.
Hearts and spirits be clouded by evil from within, and without.
Foes from beyond are not the foes alone in the world,
Yet the world is a foe, for those not created in life or light.
-
>"Do you know what the black power at the Metal Tiger shrine is? Can you tell me?"
-
>"Do you know what the black power at the Metal Tiger shrine is? Can you tell me?"
>The blue flame rises and buffets as though struck by a stiff breeze, but the voice does not reply with the motion.
>"Whaddya suppose that means?" Rin asks.
-
>"Can you not speak freely on this matter?"
-
>"Can you not speak freely on this matter?"
>That which leads does not control
That which seeks control does not lead.
The bottomless abyss is a reflection of the dead soul,
but drunk deeply of, a source of fuel eternal consumed.
>In Eire, Rin lets out a curse. "That makes things so much clearer."
-
>"Please forgive my presumption, but... is it not possible for you to speak more plainly? On this or other matters. I feel as though you wish to help me against the foes we share, but it would be much easier for me to do this if I could better understand your words."
-
>"Please forgive my presumption, but... is it not possible for you to speak more plainly? On this or other matters. I feel as though you wish to help me against the foes we share, but it would be much easier for me to do this if I could better understand your words."
>The flame sputters and dances once more, but does not answer immediately.
>"This is weird." Rin says, sounding rather confused. "Not the flame. I can't hear nobody comin'. Ye'd think someone woulda come to check out this big voice by now."
-
>"You would indeed. Perhaps it has taken steps to prevent us from being interrupted somehow? Or perhaps the voice cannot be heard outside this room."
-
>"You would indeed. Perhaps it has taken steps to prevent us from being interrupted somehow? Or perhaps the voice cannot be heard outside this room."
>Rin considers that. "I suppose if this is the spirit of the Dragon, or somethin', it could probably do that."
-
>"I have learned that a great many strange and unusual things are possible, these past few days. This would certainly not be the greatest of them."
>To the flame: "I repeat my last request. I do not mean to sound ungrateful, and I am not - any assistance in safeguarding this world and the lives within it is deeply appreciated, no matter the form it takes. But if our aims are similar, I would be all the more capable of assisting were I to more fully understand what you mean to convey."
-
>"I have learned that a great many strange and unusual things are possible, these past few days. This would certainly not be the greatest of them."
>To the flame: "I repeat my last request. I do not mean to sound ungrateful, and I am not - any assistance in safeguarding this world and the lives within it is deeply appreciated, no matter the form it takes. But if our aims are similar, I would be all the more capable of assisting were I to more fully understand what you mean to convey."
>The flame seems to shrink for a moment.
>"I've just had a thought, Mistress." Rin says into the silence that meets your request. "Whatever this thing is, do you s'pose it's possible all it can do is talk in riddles and nonsense? Might not even be able ta tell you it can't tell ya straight out."
>The words of those who are gone and yet to be
Echo down through the winding corridors of time.
The known and the forgotten are the same to closed ears.
Peace will not be found by those who seek only lies.
-
>"It is truth that I seek, no matter how unpleasant it may be to hear."
>"This traitor of which you speak, how might I know them?"
-
>"It is truth that I seek, no matter how unpleasant it may be to hear."
>"This traitor of which you speak, how might I know them?"
>Born in bleak suffering and despair beyond human,
two hearts sparked a single flame of hope.
Faith in tomorrow is not know to those born only to survive
But may be found in places unsought.
-
>"Two hearts? Who are they?"
-
>"Two hearts? Who are they?"
>One born of a dragon who fell into the abyss,
Its fate joined to a being utterly beyond it.
One who was alone, even when loved and when gave love.
Alone in two worlds, alone in life and death, yet no longer alone.
>The flame wavers once again.
>The storm approaches. We speak no more...
-
>"I will do my best to heed and understand your words. Thank you."
-
>"I will do my best to heed and understand your words. Thank you."
>"Just a dang minute here." Rin says hotly. "T'ain't nothin' approachin' THIS room, least not from this way." Her tail points towards the chamber door for emphasis.
-
>"No, there may not be. But something may be approaching where the being beyond the flame resides, or even approaching here from beyond normal means."
>Cast our senses out. Can we detect any hostile presence or even just a simple change in the ambient 'feel' of the place we're in?
-
>Cast our senses out. Can we detect any hostile presence or even just a simple change in the ambient 'feel' of the place we're in?
>Straight away, you note a profound difference in the sensations around you. Your mystic senses are far stronger in your Magical Lotus guise than as your mundane self. The sensation of peace, you now sense, is not only the result of the lingering presense of a profoundly powerful being, which would have to be the Blue Wood Dragon, but also the will and drive of those who serve the shrine and maintain those beliefs.
>You also now can detect the second presense Rin mentioned. It's a unique sensation, one you haven't felt before. You would describe it as a lingering sensation, a sense of a being who is no longer present. The nature of the feeling does not immediately reveal itself, but it does not feel as 'light' as the sensations of the shrine, or the practicioners of its magic. And yet, it doesn't feel alien to that sensation either. It may be another sort of mystical power, but as to its true nature, or whether or not this is even true, you cannot tell.
>You also detect at least half a dozen localized auras of power similar to the one you've come to associate with Kiku and Haruka, the sensation of a divine spellcaster.
>But as for hostile, however, none of the sensations you are presently detecting would be described as that.
>"No, there may not be. But something may be approaching where the being beyond the flame resides, or even approaching here from beyond normal means."
>Rin frowns, but as the flame dies down and returns to its normal shade, her ears twitch. "Wait a sec, there IS someone comin, and close!"
-
>Did we sense any change in the ambient impression of the powers in this space as the flame died down?
>Go see who it is. Casually. And let me know.
>Would we be visible from the entryway here? If so and some small adjustment would make that not so, do so.
-
>Did we sense any change in the ambient impression of the powers in this space as the flame died down?
>Go see who it is. Casually. And let me know.
>Would we be visible from the entryway here? If so and some small adjustment would make that not so, do so.
>You did not.
>Rin nods at your command.
>You are currently standing next to a row of pews. You could duck down behind them to conceal yourself from view without too much trouble, so you do so. And just in time, as well, for almost as soon as your head ducks out of sight, the door opens with a sizable noise, prompting a yelp from Rin. You hear a quartet of heavy footfalls, and then the voice of Tenshi erupts, "Where'd the guy go?"
>Rin, sounding somewhat startled, answers here, "What guy?"
>"The guy that was just here! I know I heard something funny from here, and that wasn't you, cat." A moment later, Tenshi shouts out, "Who else is in here?"
-
>Well, that's one kind of storm...
>Does dropping our transformation produce any visible or audible effects? In terms of stuff that could still be seen from our position.
-
>Well, that's one kind of storm...
>Does dropping our transformation produce any visible or audible effects? In terms of stuff that could still be seen from our position.
>She certainly arrives like one.
>You do glow for a few seconds going from magical form to mundane one. It's much less flashy than the reverse process, but it's still something.
-
>From our position, could we plausibly rise up as though we'd just been picking something off the ground, rather than actually trying to be unseen?
>If so, do so casually and turn to Tenshi and ask innocently: "Yes?"
-
>From our position, could we plausibly rise up as though we'd just been picking something off the ground, rather than actually trying to be unseen?
>If so, do so casually and turn to Tenshi and ask innocently: "Yes?"
>You can, and do so.
>The blue haired shrine maiden now has her blunted jian belted at her hip, and she has not come alone. Standing in the doorway behind her is the brown haired man who was with Reimu earlier, as well as Reimu herself, who stands just behind him. The hooded miko who was with Tenshi is standing behind Reimu, as well as the tengu who was acting as gambling master during the duel.
>Tenshi looks hard at you for a moment. "Say something." she demands of you.
-
>"What would have me say? Is there a problem?"
-
>"What would have me say? Is there a problem?"
>Tenshi rubs her jaw thoughtfully for a moment, making a humming noise, then shakes her head. "No, wasn't you." She looks around the room again. "Anyone else in here?"
>"What exactly did you think you heard?" the man in the suit asks Tenshi.
>"Don't tell me you never heard that weird rumbling muttering sound, Koryu. Unless your ears suck, you had to have heard that."
>"None of us did, Tenshi." Reimu says. "You think all of our ears suck?"
>"Apparently!"
-
>"Are you certain the sound came from here? I am fairly sure myself and the kasha are the only people here at the moment. Aside from yourselves, obviously."
-
>"Are you certain the sound came from here? I am fairly sure myself and the kasha are the only people here at the moment. Aside from yourselves, obviously."
>"Obviously." Tenshi apes, clearly annoyed by the lack of whatever she was looking for being readily apparent. "Nobody left here a minute ago?" Rin gives her a negative. "Damn and blast." Tenshi whirls around, her long blue hair fanning out behind her, as she storms out as grandiosely as she arrived, given Reimu and the young man in the suit only a moment to get out of her way. "Somebody find me four-tails! I'm getting to the bottom of this."
>And with that, she is gone.
-
>Give a look to the other two, if they haven't left to follow her
>"I hope there's nothing wrong?"
-
>Give a look to the other two, if they haven't left to follow her
>"I hope there's nothing wrong?"
>Four, if you count the other miko and the tengu, but the miko departs after Tenshi, leaving Reimu and the other two.
>Reimu shrugs slightly. "I think the head miko's ears might be playing tricks on her, to tell you the truth. Don't let her get to you, she can get a bit carried away some times."
-
>"She seems a very spirited woman."
-
>"She seems a very spirited woman."
>"That's one way to put it." the brown haired man says with a grin. You can't help but note the little gleam in the corner of his eye as he looks upon you. He's far from the first to have that look in his eye.
>"Good evening, Reimu-san." Rin greets Reimu politely.
>"Evening, Rin. Byakuren hasn't come in yet?" The kasha shakes her head. "She was on her way in here, but she might've got sidetracked talking to Kohaku."
>"Sis can have that effect on folks." the handsome young man in the suit says wryly.
-
>Do we know if there's a nearby washroom or some other isolated place we could drop our transformation without anyone noticing?
>Assuming, of course, that the gang doesn't wander off of their own accord shortly.
-
>Do we know if there's a nearby washroom or some other isolated place we could drop our transformation without anyone noticing?
>Assuming, of course, that the gang doesn't wander off of their own accord shortly.
>You did not notice one on the way in. Though the tree is wide enough, you think, to provide sufficient cover to conceal your light of reversion.
>Yes, assuming they do not go their own way if given time.
-
>The tree providing cover is not much use if people don't leave, since that means explain the sudden appearance of another person without coming in the door
>And we have been here before, right? Did we not in all that time learn where a washroom was?
>But give the group a moment or two to move off, anyway. Try to look slightly aloof; maybe offer a quiet prayer in the direction of the flame.
-
>The tree providing cover is not much use if people don't leave, since that means explain the sudden appearance of another person without coming in the door
>And we have been here before, right? Did we not in all that time learn where a washroom was?
>But give the group a moment or two to move off, anyway. Try to look slightly aloof; maybe offer a quiet prayer in the direction of the flame.
>Good point.
>Quite simply, you never needed one last time you were here. And previously, you were only on the temple grounds outside, not inside the temple itself.
>"Well, if I see Byakuren there, I'll tell her where you are." Reimu says to Rin.
>"I appreciate that."
>Reimu winces at the rather formal tone in Rin's voice. "Don't do that. I get enough of that in the run of a day." In the time you've known her, Reimu has proven not to be the sort to revel in excess formality, especially from those she considers her friends. It seems to be a common thing among the bulk of the people you've come to know over the past few years.
>Rin gives the Hakurei heir an apologetic smile. "Sorry. Forgot."
>Reimu sighs and rubs the back of her head. "Forget it."
>Rin and Reimu exchange a few more pleasant words while you, not being addressed at present, turn yourself towards the flame, pondering again just what was the true nature of the force that turned the fire blue and spoke to you in cryptic verse. Whatever it was, it didn't seem to register on your mystic senses, which is even stranger.
>After a couple of minutes, the tengu says to Reimu, "You'd better get after her, boss, before she wakes up half the temple."
>Reimu puffs out a sigh. "She would, too. All right, let's go. See ya, Rin." Gathering her party, Reimu ventures forth in search of Tenshi, leaving you, once again, alone with Rin.
-
>Give Reimu and co a moment to walk away, in case they double-back quickly for some reason
>Then stand behind the tree, out of view of the doorway, and drop our Lotus form
-
>Give Reimu and co a moment to walk away, in case they double-back quickly for some reason
>Then stand behind the tree, out of view of the doorway, and drop our Lotus form
>Rin catches your casual glance towards the closed door, then nods and takes a couple of steps that way herself, cocking her ear. But she reports no sounds of incoming feet, nor do you sense anything coming with your mystic senses. So you head for the back of the room to avail yourself of the cover of the big tree growing through the floor.
>However, there is a young miko located behind the tree, this one clad in red and white. She is seated with her back against the tree, and she is soundly asleep, her mouth hanging open, two of her four tails covering her body. A kitsune, with thick, long blonde hair.
-
>Would changing back likely wake her?
-
>Would changing back likely wake her?
>Hard to say without knowing her better. The sound of your changing back is very soft, so that shouldn't disturb her. The light you give off, while bright, is also a gentle light. It shouldn't be incredibly disruptive. And she doesn't look like a light sleeper, either.
-
>Let's glance around for another spot all the same.
-
>Let's glance around for another spot all the same.
>Ducking behind a pew would conceal you from view well enough, as would the areas behind the two dragon statues on either side of the room.
-
>Take whichever we think conceals us from both the door and the kitsune best, then shift back to normal
-
>Take whichever we think conceals us from both the door and the kitsune best, then shift back to normal
>Given the angle she is at, the spot behind the black statue would shield you from both the door and at least most of her range of vision if she were to awake. So you mosey in that direction, get word from Rin that there is still no one coming this way- and she has the door ajar slightly use her eyes this time as well- and return to your mundane form.
-
>Approach Rin, smile
>"Ah, there you are."
>Well, that was certainly... different.
>Also, there seems to be a miko sleeping on the other side of that tree. Might even be that 'four-tails' Tenshi mentioned when she ran off. Can she really have slept through all that?
-
>I have to wonder about people sometimes if they can sleep through such a loud voice. And not just the one we heard speaking in riddles.
-
>Approach Rin, smile
>"Ah, there you are."
>Well, that was certainly... different.
>Rin nods, looking a touch surprised for a moment, then catches on. "Fight's over, then?" she asks.
>No kiddin'. But I don't know if that counts as gettin' information, when ya get down to it. I couldn't make heads or tails of any of that.
>Also, there seems to be a miko sleeping on the other side of that tree. Might even be that 'four-tails' Tenshi mentioned when she ran off. Can she really have slept through all that?
>I have to wonder about people sometimes if they can sleep through such a loud voice. And not just the one we heard speaking in riddles.
>It actually wouldn't be the first time I seen something like that. Rin replies. Five years ago, Konngara's father slept through an earthquake when we were living back out west. He'd had the mother of all benders the night before. And a couple of fights, I think.
>But on the other hand, maybe whatever was talkin' to us didn't want her to hear it. Reimu said that none of them heard... She pauses and frowns in thought. "Then again, Tenshi said she heard somethin' in here." she says quietly. "Mighta been us she heard, though."
-
>Odd then, as I heard her remark about a deep rumbling sound.
-
>She is the chief miko of this shrine and if that was the voice of the god enshrined here, perhaps she has a closer connection to it than most? Enough to notice it even when others would not? I do not know for sure.
>"Reimu won, by the way, though the fight in the end was closer than I think you expected it would be. Tenshi mounted a spirited defense."
-
>Odd then, as I heard her remark about a deep rumbling sound.
>Good point.
>She is the chief miko of this shrine and if that was the voice of the god enshrined here, perhaps she has a closer connection to it than most? Enough to notice it even when others would not? I do not know for sure.
>"Reimu won, by the way, though the fight in the end was closer than I think you expected it would be. Tenshi mounted a spirited defense."
>"Good on her." Rin says. "Guess she must've found another gear after I left. Some folks take a little bit to git goin' sometimes."
>But if Tenshi were 'the storm that was approachin', wouldn't that sort of mean she was an enemy? To us or to whatever was talkin to us?
-
>I am not sure it was referring to her or not. But even if it was, the voice might simply mean that it did not wish to be observed, not that she was an enemy to either of us. After all, I would not have wished Reimu to be witness to all of this just now, though she is a friend.
-
>I am not sure it was referring to her or not. But even if it was, the voice might simply mean that it did not wish to be observed, not that she was an enemy to either of us. After all, I would not have wished Reimu to be witness to all of this just now, though she is a friend.
>A private word. Yeah, dat makes sense. Bit it still bothers me that Tenshi heard somethin' when the rest of em didn't. I mean if this thing really was the spirit of the Dragon, or somethin' else that belong at this shrine, wouldn't ya think it wouldn't hide itself from the shrine maidens here?
-
>Perhaps. But I gather that the Metal Tiger did not usually reveal itself to its shrine maidens either. I am afraid I do not presume to know for sure how they might conduct themselves; I cannot say for certain what that voice even was.
-
>Perhaps. But I gather that the Metal Tiger did not usually reveal itself to its shrine maidens either. I am afraid I do not presume to know for sure how they might conduct themselves; I cannot say for certain what that voice even was.
>Rin paces away from the door a bit, her tails swishing thoughtfully. Whatever it was, it sure left us a lotta questions.
-
>Indeed. Though speaking of which...
>"Did you speak with a green-haired miko with slitted eyes earlier?"
-
>Indeed. Though speaking of which...
>"Did you speak with a green-haired miko with slitted eyes earlier?"
>"Oh yeah, that one." Rin nods, then walks back towards you, leaning in slightly. "You were talkin' to her yourself, then. She seem kinda.... weird, to you?"
-
>"She did seem a touch... unusual, yes. She asked me if I was your owner, and the asked me to hold this."
>Produce the jade
>"Then she closed her eyes for a few moments, then told me that she was now satisfied I was telling the truth and insisted I keep this. She never did explain why she had me hold it."
-
>"She did seem a touch... unusual, yes. She asked me if I was your owner, and the asked me to hold this."
>Produce the jade
>"Then she closed her eyes for a few moments, then told me that she was now satisfied I was telling the truth and insisted I keep this. She never did explain why she had me hold it."
>"Whatizat, jade?" the kasha asks as she eyes the rock, pausing as you explain further. "Lugh's Beard." she curses. "I only had a feelin' she was weird, you got proof. Dat's kinda bizarre."
-
>"Yes, I don't know quite what to make of it, and she never gave me a straight answer. I never did get her name either, now that I think on it..."
-
>"Yes, I don't know quite what to make of it, and she never gave me a straight answer. I never did get her name either, now that I think on it..."
>"Giada." Rin informs you. "I got that much out of her, at least."
-
>"Oh, I see. Hmmm.... well, I suppose Tenshi might have some idea... not that I necessarily would plan on asking her in her current mood."
>Though on the previous matter, I think I will ask Kiku if she has any knowledge that might help interpret what occurred here.
-
>"Oh, I see. Hmmm.... well, I suppose Tenshi might have some idea... not that I necessarily would plan on asking her in her current mood."
>Though on the previous matter, I think I will ask Kiku if she has any knowledge that might help interpret what occurred here.
>"The other miko I was talkin' so seemed more normal. Tall woman with brown hair, kinda leafy green eyes. Never caught her name, though. She might know what jade-woman's deal was."
>I sure hope so. Riddles are a pain in the ass best of times anyway, bigger pain when they're supposed to be useful information. She scowls briefly. Least I hope all that stuff turns out ta be useful. If dat was just some ghost jerkin' our chain, I'll have his gizzard.
-
>Whoever it was knew enough of matters to sound convincing, at any rate. So whoever it is certainly cannot have been making this up out of whole cloth, even if I don't yet understand much of what it had to say. If you give me a few moments, I will attempt to confer with Kiku.
>Reach out to Kiku: I have another status update, if you are free?
-
>Whoever it was knew enough of matters to sound convincing, at any rate. So whoever it is certainly cannot have been making this up out of whole cloth, even if I don't yet understand much of what it had to say. If you give me a few moments, I will attempt to confer with Kiku.
>Reach out to Kiku: I have another status update, if you are free?
>Understood. She waits a moment, then her voice returns, Did ya still want me to keep an ear out for someone comin'?
>Kiku's voice is several moments in returning. She sounds rather drowsy when she says, Byakuren?
-
>I... I hope I didn't wake you?
-
>I... I hope I didn't wake you?
>No. The tiger yawns. Though I was about to turn in for the night. The research on the anti-sleep magic took longer than I had anticipated.
-
>I will attempt to keep things brief, then. I finished looking around the Balck Tortoise Shrine and continued to find nothing amiss, so I have moved on to the Wood Dragon Shrine. I have sensed no malevolent presences here, either, but something odd did happen with the sacred flame, while I was near it; it turned blue and a powerful voice spoke to me through it - a voice many others seemed unable to hear.
-
>I will attempt to keep things brief, then. I finished looking around the Balck Tortoise Shrine and continued to find nothing amiss, so I have moved on to the Wood Dragon Shrine. I have sensed no malevolent presences here, either, but something odd did happen with the sacred flame, while I was near it; it turned blue and a powerful voice spoke to me through it - a voice many others seemed unable to hear.
>After a few seconds' pause, Kiku's voice roars, It did what?!
-
>It... it turned blue, and then spoke. Or at least something spoke. It was difficult to understand the meaning behind its words, though the words themselves were clear and booming.
>It seems quite normal again now, for what it's worth.
-
>It... it turned blue, and then spoke. Or at least something spoke. It was difficult to understand the meaning behind its words, though the words themselves were clear and booming.
>It seems quite normal again now, for what it's worth.
>You get the distinct impression that Kiku is stunned.
-
>Give her a moment
>If she is still silent: Is something wrong?
-
>Give her a moment
>If she is still silent: Is something wrong?
>Kiku clears her throat. A very odd sound to hear in one's mind coming form another source. This is a very strange thing. she manages after a moment.
-
>Of that, you will get no disagreement from me. I had wondered if your knowledge of the Four Gods and the history of their faith might offer some insight here. While the voice said much, it often spoke in riddles or cryptic phrases and I fear there is much important in its words that I do not understand. I am not even sure of its identity, though I did ask.
-
>Of that, you will get no disagreement from me. I had wondered if your knowledge of the Four Gods and the history of their faith might offer some insight here. While the voice said much, it often spoke in riddles or cryptic phrases and I fear there is much important in its words that I do not understand. I am not even sure of its identity, though I did ask.
>Did you... Did you do anything that might have triggered this? Spoken to the flame, prayed, something?
-
>I had cast my senses out to see if I could detect anything out of place, but that is all. The flame then addressed me as 'The Hero of the Heart', though I was not transformed at the time. It seemed clearly aware of who I was.
-
>I had cast my senses out to see if I could detect anything out of place, but that is all. The flame then addressed me as 'The Hero of the Heart', though I was not transformed at the time. It seemed clearly aware of who I was.
>The Dragon would know that, of course... Kiku muses. And if the flame turned to blue as well... Well, that IS the Dragon's color, after all. Remind me, did the Tiger know your other face? Your Hero of the Heart title, I mean.
-
>Once He did refer to me as such, yes. I did ask the voice if it was the Dragon, but it did not answer plainly. It did not answer much of anything plainly, in truth. In that regard, the god you serve was much more... comprehensible.
-
>Once He did refer to me as such, yes. I did ask the voice if it was the Dragon, but it did not answer plainly. It did not answer much of anything plainly, in truth. In that regard, the god you serve was much more... comprehensible.
>Ah, and that's why you contacted me. You wished to know if this was in character, as it were, for the Dragon to communicate in this manner.
-
>Or anything else you might know that could help interpret what it said.
>Though, now that you mention... is it?
-
>Or anything else you might know that could help interpret what it said.
>Though, now that you mention... is it?
>Well, none of the four Primes are above speaking in terms that are lofty, or clever. The Bird and the Tortoise see such methods as a way of testing the quickness of the mind of people, while the Dragon's speech can be colored by the person it speaks to. It is the totem spirit of humanoid life, after all, and that life form is more... complicated, than most if not all others. The Metal Tiger is the most straightforward of the four.
>Of course, there are levels of cleverness. Can you give me an example of something this voice said to you?
-
>Let me see if I can get the wording right...
>Pause a moment. Let's make sure we're saying this correctly...
>"Dragon's blood spread over hearts of black. The stones of the void swallowed the weak. The champions of the empty places howl in two voices. Avatars sleeping await their other halves."
>That was a response to me asking for clarification about who it was just speaking about, by the way.
-
>Let me see if I can get the wording right...
>Pause a moment. Let's make sure we're saying this correctly...
>"Dragon's blood spread over hearts of black. The stones of the void swallowed the weak. The champions of the empty places howl in two voices. Avatars sleeping await their other halves."
>That was a response to me asking for clarification about who it was just speaking about, by the way.
>Not the most helpful of clarifications. Kiku remarks dryly. If that was the Dragon identifying himself to an outsider, it is a way which I would not expect.
-
>Well, that was about 'those not born innocent', whoever they are. They may have been demons, but I am uncertain.
>When I asked it directly whether it was the Dragon, it responded with... "Blood given for those long gone. Blood given for those come since. Fang and Shell and Scale and Feather. Shield of the world, Shroud of the flesh." Which could be a yes... I suppose?
-
>Well, that was about 'those not born innocent', whoever they are. They may have been demons, but I am uncertain.
>When I asked it directly whether it was the Dragon, it responded with... "Blood given for those long gone. Blood given for those come since. Fang and Shell and Scale and Feather. Shield of the world, Shroud of the flesh." Which could be a yes... I suppose?
>Those born not innocent.... Rather poetic. I believe I read something like that once in Dickinson.
>That at least is somewhat clearer. Kiku agrees. 'Fang and Shell and Scale and Feather' could be simplified ways of naming the Tiger, the Tortoise, the Dragon and the Bird. They are said to safeguard the spirits of the four types of life that dwell upon this world- the Fire Bird is the guardian of those creatures that fly... Kiku trails off as she stifles another yawn. The Metal Tiger is the protector of the beasts of the land, the Black Tortoise protects the denizens of the waters, and the Blue Dragon is the warden of those who walk upright and reason, humanoids. 'Shield of the world, shroud of the flesh' indeed.
-
>I did gather the reference to the Four Gods, but the statement is also phrased in a way that does not seem necessarily an answer to my prior question. Or is it just me?
>Does a yawn in our mind sound much like a normal one?
-
>I did gather the reference to the Four Gods, but the statement is also phrased in a way that does not seem necessarily an answer to my prior question. Or is it just me?
>Does a yawn in our mind sound much like a normal one?
>It could be an answer, at least of a sort. I have an idea, I think, but I would need to think about it some, however, and I admit, I am rather fatigued. My conclusions might not be as accurate as they might be at the best of times.
>It sounds like a normal yawn for Kiku. Insomuch as you know what she normally sounds like when she yawns.
-
>Yes, perhaps now is not the best time for rigorous analysis. But I will try to run quickly through a few of the most clear points that were made, as best I understood them.
>The voice spoke of a 'Seventh which stands above the Six', who themselves may be the demon champions though I cannot say for certain.
>It spoke also of a hidden traitor in our midst, and I am not convinced it was referring to the darkness we already know has a hold at your own shrine. Though I cannot be certain of that, either.
-
>Yes, perhaps now is not the best time for rigorous analysis. But I will try to run quickly through a few of the most clear points that were made, as best I understood them.
>The voice spoke of a 'Seventh which stands above the Six', who themselves may be the demon champions though I cannot say for certain.
>It spoke also of a hidden traitor in our midst, and I am not convinced it was referring to the darkness we already know has a hold at your own shrine. Though I cannot be certain of that, either.
>Very well. Truth to tell, you're starting to feel your own fatigue as well, now that the thrill of that encounter has worn off. And you're getting hungry, as well.
>A traitor? Kiku demands, suddenly sounding agitated. What did it say? Specifically, Lotus.
-
>It said "Black's servants deceived. Six led down a false path. A hidden traitor lurks in thy midst. Enemies are friends as friends are enemies. The face of an ally. The mask of a foe."
>Whether black's servants are related to this traitor or a separate point, or those six are the demon champions or someone else altogether, I do not know.
>I asked if that was referring to the matter your shrine, and its reply was: "Ebony fingers cover the eyes of those who wish to see. Hearts and spirits be clouded by evil from within, and without. Foes from beyond are not the foes alone in the world, yet the world is a foe, for those not created in life or light." But it answered with only silence when I asked if it knew what the power at work at your shrine was.
-
>It said "Black's servants deceived. Six led down a false path. A hidden traitor lurks in thy midst. Enemies are friends as friends are enemies. The face of an ally. The mask of a foe."
>Whether black's servants are related to this traitor or a separate point, or those six are the demon champions or someone else altogether, I do not know.
>I asked if that was referring to the matter your shrine, and its reply was: "Ebony fingers cover the eyes of those who wish to see. Hearts and spirits be clouded by evil from within, and without. Foes from beyond are not the foes alone in the world, yet the world is a foe, for those not created in life or light." But it answered with only silence when I asked if it knew what the power at work at your shrine was.
>Black's servants.... That could be indicative of one of the shrine maidens at the Tortoise shrine. It's possible one of them could have been compromised as this shrine has.
>Perhaps that matter was one it couldn't speak of. But that doesn't make sense if it was the Dragon. The Tiger wasn't able to tell either of us straight out what the corruption is in His shrine, but He was able to speak about it. I can think of no reason the Dragon would be restricted in such a matter.
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>After its silence, I asked it directly if it could not speak freely on the subject, and it replied with: "That which leads does not control. That which seeks control does not lead. The bottomless abyss is a reflection of the dead soul,
but drunk deeply of, a source of fuel eternal consumed." I admit that I uncertain how to interpret that.
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>After its silence, I asked it directly if it could not speak freely on the subject, and it replied with: "That which leads does not control. That which seeks control does not lead. The bottomless abyss is a reflection of the dead soul,
but drunk deeply of, a source of fuel eternal consumed." I admit that I uncertain how to interpret that.
>Now that sounds like a line from Forbessi. Though, unfortunately, I have no more immediate insight than you on this one.
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>Another interesting detail: after a some time it cut off suddenly with a pronouncement of "The storm approaches. We speak no more." And then moments later Tenshi and some others arrived in the room, the former demanding to know who else was in here; it seems she heard a rumbling noise coming from the flame chamber, though none of the others with her had heard a thing.
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>I suspect one of three things. Either she's highly in tune with the shrine's patron, she's somehow being influenced by the demons, or perhaps she'll be joining us sometime down the line.
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>Another interesting detail: after a some time it cut off suddenly with a pronouncement of "The storm approaches. We speak no more." And then moments later Tenshi and some others arrived in the room, the former demanding to know who else was in here; it seems she heard a rumbling noise coming from the flame chamber, though none of the others with her had heard a thing.
>I suspect one of three things. Either she's highly in tune with the shrine's patron, she's somehow being influenced by the demons, or perhaps she'll be joining us sometime down the line.
>Kiku pauses, you sense she is pondering, and then she replies, There is a fourth possibility, Lotus. It may be that whatever spoke to you was NOT, in fact, the spirit of Seiryuu the Wood Dragon. In which case, whatever that entity was may have viewed Tenshi-sama as an enemy, somehow.
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>Indeed. And the question is 'why', especially since it seemed to want to aid me.
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>Indeed. And the question is 'why', especially since it seemed to want to aid me.
>It may still have been a divine spirit of some sort. Kiku says thoughtfully. An agent of the Dragon acting on his behalf, perhaps. It is exceedingly rare for such a spirit to change the color of the flame, especially when not bidden by a servant of the shrine, but it has happened before. But why such an agent would avoid the servants of the shrine, especially the temple head, I couldn't begin to guess. Surely not all of them could have been compromised in some way...
>I can only assume.... No. No, I shouldn't assume anything at this point. This event is too bizarre, too... Strange, to speculate on, not without thinking on it some.
>Do you think you could summon this entity again, if you needed? You said that casting your senses out prompted this visitation. Do you think it could do so again?
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>I could repeat what I did earlier, but I have no idea whether it would or even could respond. Are you suggesting that I try?
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>I could repeat what I did earlier, but I have no idea whether it would or even could respond. Are you suggesting that I try?
>Not now. But if this entity could be summoned while I was there, I might be able to identify it. Unless of course it wanted to speak only with you, in which case, my presence would defeat the purpose.
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>I cannot say how exactly it might react to your presence, but at least two other people were in the room with me at the time. ...and one was even awake.
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>I cannot say how exactly it might react to your presence, but at least two other people were in the room with me at the time. ...and one was even awake.
>Who were they?
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>The one asleep was a miko of this shrine, a kitstune. I believe she still is, in fact. Asleep, that is, behind the tree here. The other is the fourth companion of our group, just joined earlier this evening - Rin Kaenbyou, my roommate and friend.
>My apologies for not mentioning her earlier, but I had thought to save the introductions until we could meet in person.
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>The one asleep was a miko of this shrine, a kitstune. I believe she still is, in fact. Asleep, that is, behind the tree here. The other is the fourth companion of our group, just joined earlier this evening - Rin Kaenbyou, my roommate and friend.
>My apologies for not mentioning her earlier, but I had thought to save the introductions until we could meet in person.
>If there were others present, that would seem to preclude the entity wanting to talk to you alone. And if the shrine maiden slept through the event- and I know who you're talking about- that means the entity wanted to talk to those of us who wear your rings of power, and no one else. But that could be an indication of a number of things.
>I prefer in-person introductions myself. Kiku says approvingly. Then she adds, more quietly, 'Roommate' isn't what she is exactly, though, is she. I have heard of how you came to... live with her.
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>I am her... 'owner' in a legal sense alone. I do not and have never considered her my property, only my charge. She is here because she wishes to be, and I believe she attained her ring for that very same reason.
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>I am her... 'owner' in a legal sense alone. I do not and have never considered her my property, only my charge. She is here because she wishes to be, and I believe she attained her ring for that very same reason.
>The tiger miko's voice is surprisingly soft when it returns, Then she is more fortunate than some.
>"Komachi's comin' this way, Byakuren." Rin whispers from the door.
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>To Rin: Thank you.
>If we don't already, try to position ourselves such that we don't look like we're staring blankly into space. Sit down, or move towards Rin or something of that nature.
>To Kiku: As am I, to have a companion as loyal as she. Now we may have company coming - is there anything else here you feel I should do before we leave?
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>To Rin: Thank you.
>If we don't already, try to position ourselves such that we don't look like we're staring blankly into space. Sit down, or move towards Rin or something of that nature.
>To Kiku: As am I, to have a companion as loyal as she. Now we may have company coming - is there anything else here you feel I should do before we leave?
>Not wanting to be caught looking a bit derpy, you seat yourself in a nearby pew. Rin takes a cue from your act and moves to sit next to you.
>Can you sense any lingering sign of the being that spoke to you now?
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>We couldn't even sense anything specifically from it while it was talking to us, could we?
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>We couldn't even sense anything specifically from it while it was talking to us, could we?
>Correct. Whatever it was, it was essentially invisible to you mystic senses.
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>I could not sense it even while it was speaking to me, and I did try. I sensed no change at all as it dissipated, either. And I was transformed at that time as well, I should mention, though I had not been when first it spoke. I suspected its voice would draw onlookers and it seemed best not to have to explain to them why it was addressing me.
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>That makes even less sense. Why would this being conceal itself from everyone else in the temple, reveal itself to you and your friend, but then hide its presence from your otherworldly senses?
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>Perhaps if it was talking through the flame, it wasn't really there for me to sense, but elsewhere and out of range?
>Though I suppose the possibility also exists that it feared it might reveal something of its identity to me if it did not do so, and not every motivation for that seems heartening.
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>Perhaps if it was talking through the flame, it wasn't really there for me to sense, but elsewhere and out of range?
>Though I suppose the possibility also exists that it feared it might reveal something of its identity to me if it did not do so, and not every motivation for that seems heartening.
>It is... possible. Kiku says, somewhat reluctantly.
>I would agree. the miko says grimly as Komachi the beat cop pushes the door to the flame chamber open. It is quite a discovery you have made, Lotus, but we cannot discount the possibility that whoever spoke to you was necessarily beneficent. We must give the matter some time, its message some thought.
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>I intend to. But as for the moment, is there anything else you can think of I should look into while I'm here?
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>I intend to. But as for the moment, is there anything else you can think of I should look into while I'm here?
>A moment's pause. If you cannot sense the presence now, I would advice not trying to, not until we've had some time to analyze what it said. And, as much as it pains me to say, do not let Tenshi-sama know of this, or any of the sisters serving there. It may not be safe.
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>Rest assured, I will keep it in confidence.
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>Rest assured, I will keep it in confidence.
>For now, at least. Kiku says quietly. There is a woman serving at the shrine that I think would be trustworthy to ask about this matter, and maybe others, but not yet. Not until we discuss the matter amongst ourselves first. And I would feel better if we resolved the situation at the Tiger shrine first. Until that is settled, we have no way of knowing how many other mikos have been compromised by whatever force is at work here.
>For now, though, I suggest withdrawal. Let us analyze what you've learned tonight, before you go looking for more. Plus, I am sure you are fatigued, given the time of night.
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>I agree. And I am, in truth. I shall bid you a goodnight, then, and we shall speak again of this and other matters later.
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>I agree. And I am, in truth. I shall bid you a goodnight, then, and we shall speak again of this and other matters later.
>Very well. Goodnight, Byakuren.
>Komachi gives you and Rin a friendly nod as she strolls past you.
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>Give a smile and a nod back to her
>If she goes on about her business without further comment, wait a moment or two, then say quietly to Rin: "Well, I'm think I'm getting rather tired now. Shall we head home?"
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>Give a smile and a nod back to her
>If she goes on about her business without further comment, wait a moment or two, then say quietly to Rin: "Well, I'm think I'm getting rather tired now. Shall we head home?"
>She does, actually, moving past you and Rin to take a seat nearer to the flame. Which is actually a bit odd for her. You don't know her very well, but you know that she doesn't pass people by like that without stopping to say hello. Komachi's famous for her love of good conversation. But she may have something on her mind. It happens to everyone from time to time.
>Your kasha nods. "Sound thinkin'."
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>Stand up and stretch
>Let's head home, then. Do we think we have the wherewithal left to manage the bus ride back, or would we rather grab a cab or something?
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>Stand up and stretch
>Let's head home, then. Do we think we have the wherewithal left to manage the bus ride back, or would we rather grab a cab or something?
>Ahhh... Stretching is nice. Though your back does pop once.
>Off the top of your head, you're not sure there is a bus going your way at this time of night. If there is, you could certainly manage the ride, though a cab would be more convenient.
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>Well, let's head to the bus stop and check the schedule anyway.
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>Well, let's head to the bus stop and check the schedule anyway.
>Rin stands after you, and the two of you make for the exit, pausing once to let an older lady walk past you on her way into the flame chamber. The kasha yawns once as you pass through the empty antechamber of the temple, eliciting one from you seconds later. If you're honest, you don't relish the idea of having to be awake in six or seven hours for school, but you will be. Being a hero doesn't mean the rest of life stops, after all.
>The faint scent of cooking meat wafts through the antechamber as you and Rin pass through, doubtless the result of Kohaku's efforts in the kitchen. A pair of fairies in matching bright green and red dresses flutter across the room, traveling in the general direction Kohaku went earlier, and your own stomach rumbles its protests at leaving a potential meal behind. A light snack may be in order once you return home.
>The wind outside has picked up in the time you've been inside, but the cloud cover has thinned, at least marginally. You can see traces of the stars though thin gaps in the scuddy sky overhead. The only person in sight is a small dark-haired fairy in a gaudy yellow and green ensemble sitting in one of the trees, trying to play a tin whistle. Without an enormous amount of success, you have to admit. Rin winces at the sound, and once more you find yourself empathizing with those that have sensitive hearing. Fortunately for her, the uniquely attired fairy seems to bore of her entertainment as you close with her, and flutters off back towards the shrine.
>Glancing back out of idle curiosity, watching the little fairy fly as your mind starts to wander a little, your eyes fall upon a somewhat curious sight. The shrine maiden who gave you the jade earlier on tonight is standing on the roof of the shrine, leaning one hand against the massive oak growing through the building, looking out across the city.
>Think she's lookin' for us again? Rin's voice whispers in your mind.
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>Why would she be, I wonder?
>Is she positioned well enough to see us from our current position, do we think? Is she even looking in the general direction of the exit, for that matter?
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>Why would she be, I wonder?
>Is she positioned well enough to see us from our current position, do we think? Is she even looking in the general direction of the exit, for that matter?
>Curiousity weren't total satisfied? Rin speculates.
>She is currently looking over your head; she shows no signs of having noticed you. She seems to be staring in the general direction of the Saigyou Ayakashi- hardly odd, that, it's a heck of a sight- but she could easily see you, if she were to look down.
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>I think the ones with the unsatisfied curiosities are us, if anything.
>Give another look in her direction, then carry on to the bus stop.
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>I think the ones with the unsatisfied curiosities are us, if anything.
>Give another look in her direction, then carry on to the bus stop.
>Rin chuckles quietly. Ya might be right.
>Another glance back at the jade-haired shrine maiden reveals that she has shifted her gaze towards the skies, studying the grey clouds flying past, her expression distant, wistful. You wonder what she is thinking about.
>But it is an idle curiousity, and you are tired and hungry, so you continue along your way, before it gets any colder out here. You lean to the right to pass by a youngish man in tattered jeans lounging indolently on the bottom of the stairs, gabbing away on his mobile phone. The ramen cart has closed its shutters for the evening, which both you and Rin admit to being quite disappointed about.
>The bus stop is deserted when you approach it. Hardly a surprise, that. A glance at the schedule reveals that there is indeed one more bus tonight, but it will not arrive for about thirty-five minutes.
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>"A bit of a long wait at this time of night, that."
>What time is it, anyway?
>Do we have any estimates on how much a cab from here to home would cost?
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>"A bit of a long wait at this time of night, that."
>What time is it, anyway?
>Do we have any estimates on how much a cab from here to home would cost?
>"I think it's onea them temp'rary ones, 'till the trains're runnin'."
>About ten after 11PM.
>That depends on the company you call.
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>Surely they're not all so dissimilar that we could not get an estimate?
>Do we have any particular one we favor?
>"The idea of waiting another half an hour isn't entirely appealing now, I admit."
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>Surely they're not all so dissimilar that we could not get an estimate?
>Do we have any particular one we favor?
>"The idea of waiting another half an hour isn't entirely appealing now, I admit."
>There's a general range, yes, but it does very from company to company, sometimes by quite a fair amount.
>You do, actually. One of your fellow models, a pleasant brunette by the name of Lorelai, is the daughter of the owner of one of the middle-sized fleets in town. But their drivers are among the best, both in terms of customer service and in terms of getting people to where they want to go with the minimum of time spent on the road, and thus the minimum of money spent. From the Dragon shrine to home, with that company would take.... Anywhere between 25 and 35 dollars.
>"Could be worse." Rin replies, gesturing with her tail towards the bench. "least we got a place ta sit here."
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>Smile a little
>"I'm almost afraid if I sit down for that long I'll be asleep by the time the bus arrives."
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>Smile a little
>"I'm almost afraid if I sit down for that long I'll be asleep by the time the bus arrives."
>"Don't you worry." Rin assures you with a confidant smile. "I'll wake ya when the bus gets here."
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>"Aren't you tired yourself?"
>"I wonder if it might be better to just call a cab...."
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>"Aren't you tired yourself?"
>"I wonder if it might be better to just call a cab...."
>"I am. But I'm also a kasha youkai." Rin says, almost proudly.
>"Get ya home faster." Rin says. "'course it costs 'bout ten times as much."
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>Do we know what the specific relevance of her being a kasha might be to the question asked?
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>Do we know what the specific relevance of her being a kasha might be to the question asked?
>She probably means that she doesn't need to sleep as much as a human does, or at least can ward it off more easily. Many youkai claim this, and your experience says there is something to it. Depending on the species, of course.
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>"That is true, but I think I shall consider it just part of the operating cost of our endeavors; I do wish to be rested for class tomorrow, after all, and I was scarcely so this morning as it was."
>Call a taxi
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>"That is true, but I think I shall consider it just part of the operating cost of our endeavors; I do wish to be rested for class tomorrow, after all, and I was scarcely so this morning as it was."
>Call a taxi
>Rin considers that. "Makes sense."
>The dispatcher answers your hail on the second ring, a friendly sounding gentleman who informs you, after you tell him of your location, that this company, Sito Taxi-named after its founders grandfather, you recall- has a deal with the four shrines for the benefit of those who patronize them. The short version is that your ride will cost five dollars less than it would have otherwise. You thank him for the information, and he informs you that your ride will be along shortly.
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>"Okay, it should be along shortly."
>Have a seat, and wait for the taxi to arrive
>And while we're at it, add Kyouko to our harem
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>"Okay, it should be along shortly."
>Have a seat, and wait for the taxi to arrive
>And while we're at it, add Kyouko to our harem
>Rin nods, and lets you sit first. You of course sit upon Kyouko, your latest conquest and new favorite chair. She's surprisingly comfortable, in more ways than one. And all three of you agree on the fact that touhou 14 is already not as good as it could have been.