Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on March 02, 2015, 01:11:46 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.
>With possibly one or two exceptions, yesterday was the most trying day of your life. On four seperate occastions were you forced to risk your life in confrontations with dark and dangerous forces, including your teacher Keine Kamishirasawa who had been corrupted by a malign power, a pitched battle with the demonic Champion of Ice overseen by her companion champion, Fire. You met the Air Champion once again and fought its latest youma, this one much more powerful than the ones you fought before. And to top it all off, when you went to the White Tiger shrine to snoop about for information about the elder miko Satori, you inadventantly unleashed some kind of Deathbringer creature, a titanic aberration that existed only to snuff out life. With the expected help of the mikos of the shrine, and the extremely unexpected help of the Champions of Ice and Fire, you destroyed this evil creature, leaving Satori to face the judgement of her fellow mikos for what she had done while under the death creatures' influence. The situation there may be resolved, but there will be fallout still to come.
>Between those battles, you had a chance to visit the Champion you were able to defeat, the Water demon, and had a long and informative conversation with her. Her name was Louise, and she and her kind hail from a world called Makai. But they do live there by choice. They are prisoners on that world, trapped there by beings Louise called Celestials. And Makai is alive, and is actively trying to massacre the Children, as Louise called her own people. The lives of the Children are filled with nothing but unrelenting horror, consumed by the struggle to survive. Louise, imprisoned though she was, claimed that it was the only time in her life she had ever felt truly safe, since she knew you would not kill her, nor would you let Kiku kill her. The six Champions, empowered such by their creator whom she called only Mother, managed to pierce the barrier between Makai and Earth to try and gather the energy they need to destroy that barrier, leading their people into your world to save them. But while you insist that the demons relocation does not have to come at the expense of the people of Earth, Louise did not, or simply could not, agree. Nevertheless, you remain wholeheartedly committed to saving both her people and yours. Somehow.
>But the night ended in a way that honestly made you forget all those struggles, all that tragedy, all the pain you and those you encountered experienced. Driven by the emotions of that day, Rin became more than your friend, and you ended the day in each others' arms. You discovered a passion and intensity in your Kasha that surprised you considerably. In diplomatic terms, while you initiated the experience, she took over very quickly, and proved to be, in her own way, as physically taxing as fighting a youma. Never, though, have you been as happy to be taxed.
>That said, however, when your eyes flutter open into wakefulness this morning, you do not meet the day with your usual get-up-and-go. Based on the sounds of boiling water coming from the kitchen, and the level of light poking its way through your drawn curtains, Rin started with the day, but the idea of staying right where you are is a very tempting one. Then again, you're also very hungry, and knowing Rin, the dear heart will be preparing a fine meal to help her mistress 're-energize' after her exertions yesterday. Especially, perhaps, the exertions she herself caused.
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>If we feel like lounging, let's lounge a little while longer; if we haven't earned it after yesterday, we never ever will.
>Then when the smell of food gets too enticing (assuming Rin does not enter first), let's drag ourselves up to have some breakfast.
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>If we feel like lounging, let's lounge a little while longer; if we haven't earned it after yesterday, we never ever will.
>Then when the smell of food gets too enticing (assuming Rin does not enter first), let's drag ourselves up to have some breakfast.
>You do indeed feel like lounging a bit, and you very much have earned it. But something seems to be drawing your attention from the kitchen, something you can't quite put your finger on. Much as you'd enjoy a good lounge, your curiosity won't leave you alone until you investigate. So you pull yourself out of your bed and head towards your kitchen.
>It's much darker in your living room than it is in your room, and in your kitchen you find not Rin, but Patchouli Knowledge, staring at the pot of boiling water on the stove. Or rather, one of them. Every burner is occupied, every one boiling, the mage simply staring at the bubbling water.
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>Are we actually dressed well enough for company at the moment?
>If so: "Um... good morning?"
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>Are we actually dressed well enough for company at the moment?
>If so: "Um... good morning?"
>You are presently clad in your Magical Lotus ensemble.
>The neophyte mage slowly twists her head to look at you. Her eyes are filled with a glowing blue light, and they gaze at you accusingly.
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>"Is there... something wrong?"
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>"Is there... something wrong?"
>"You tried to hide it from me. To steal what's mine." The mage then violently jabs her hand into the nearest boiling pot. "You really have betrayed us, haven't you." she presses on, seemingly ignoring her now boiling hand.
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>"No, of course I haven't! You know I wouldn't!"
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>"No, of course I haven't! You know I wouldn't!"
>"You made your choice." Patchouli withdraws her dry hand from the boiling water, and there is a band of glowing blue energy around her middle finger, the same color as her eyes. "And you'd do the same to the others, too, wouldn't you, keep us all from what belongs to us."
>The door behind Patchy opens slowly, and you see five humanoid figures standing outside the door, their only visible features their glowing eyes. Red, White, Yellow, Green and Brown, the six glare at you with their different colored eyes, accusations in each one as severe as Patchouli's.
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>"What is it I've taken from you?"
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>"What is it I've taken from you?"
>"You would know, if you hadn't betrayed us."
>"But we don't need you anymore."
>"If you refuse us, then we will simply move forward without you."
>"It's your own fault. You had your chance, and you chose this."
>"I do wish it could have been different, but this is the road you chose for all of us."
>"We'll decide our future now."
>"You tried to take this from me." Patchy says after her comrades have had their say, pointing her powerband at you. "Try taking it now." The band flashes an intense light, a bolt of blue energy explodes out and flies at you like a bullet-
>And then you wake up in your bed.
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>Sigh
>Hadn't we earned some better rest than this, after all we did last night?
>...not that last night was without its own rewards, either....
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>Sigh
>Hadn't we earned some better rest than this, after all we did last night?
>...not that last night was without its own rewards, either....
>No rest for the weary, or so they say.
>But on that front, your apartment is quiet now, bereft of either sound or smell coming from the kitchen. And the reason for this is the source of the only other sound in the room apart from your breathing: Orin, lying next to you, sleeping peacefully and with a big grin on her face. A cat's grin, if you'll pardon the expression.
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>Aww... let's just lie here besides her for a little while longer. There's no rush to greet the day just yet.
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>Aww... let's just lie here besides her for a little while longer. There's no rush to greet the day just yet.
>The sight of the red-haired Kasha soothes your heart, so you lie back and relax, relishing the sensation of her warmth. The logical part of your mind wonders just how you got to this point. But logic doesn't always have much to do with matters of the heart. Once before you could have found yourself in this position, with another woman, another girl you care deeply before. But that night, you hesitated, as did she, worried about changing the relationship you had.
>You didn't hesitate last night. And now, after the 'deed' has been done- and the thought does make your cheeks flush a little red at the memory- you find none of the awkwardness you were afraid of the last time. Just peace, a kind of peace you've never felt before. You love this girl. This faithful, sincere, devoted girl. The word broadens your smile all the more. You love her.
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>Indeed we do
>Rest until either Rin starts to stir or our desire to eat outgrows our desire to bask in the comfort of the bed. If this wins out while she's still asleep, try to get up as gently as possible to avoid waking her, and maybe we'll make breakfast for her for a change.
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>Indeed we do
>Rest until either Rin starts to stir or our desire to eat outgrows our desire to bask in the comfort of the bed. If this wins out while she's still asleep, try to get up as gently as possible to avoid waking her, and maybe we'll make breakfast for her for a change.
>After some well deserved loafing on your part, Rin shows no obvious signs of waking, and your stomach has started to complain more pointedly about your body's lack of fuel. So as stealthily as you can, you slide out of your bed, slide on a robe, and head for the kitchen. You have to stifle a laugh at the sight the spoiled egg on the pan where Rin left it before being rather firmly sidetracked. Tidying that away, you start work on a more Yamato-style breakfast.
>Closer to the door, you now hear the sounds of activity coming from the yard below, a handful of voices, most of them familiar, belonging to your neighbors, but you swear you also recognize the voices of Kanako Yasaka and Sanae Kochiya.
>The sound of Rin yawning diverts your attention from pondering what those two would be doing here. The kasha emerges into the living room shortly thereafter, having tossed on an old T-shirt to cover herself, her hair still tangled and messy. "'morning..." she drawls drowsily.
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>Bright smile
>"Good morning."
>How rare is this situation - Rin being the sleepy disheveled one while we're up tackling the day?
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>How rare is this situation - Rin being the sleepy disheveled one while we're up tackling the day?
>It has never happened before. Even on the occasions you've been up first, Rin always takes care to present herself in a collected manner. She actually apologized the first couple of times it happened where you got up before her. This is the most casual you've ever seen Rin present herself. Or, perhaps, the most comfortable.
>Bright smile
>"Good morning."
>Rin sniffs the air experimentally, smelling the steaming rice and the cooking fish and smiling at the sensation. "Smells good."
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>"Thanks. I figured it was about time I cooked you some breakfast for a change."
>Keep doing whatever prep work is needed
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>"Thanks. I figured it was about time I cooked you some breakfast for a change."
>Keep doing whatever prep work is needed
>"But-" Rin starts to protest, almost automatically, but she stops herself and smiles. "Well, if that's what you want. I'll grab a shower first, then?" At your nod, she heads into the bathroom as you start garnishing the miso. She pauses at the door, though, her ears twitching. "Mistress, I think someone's movin' in ta that empty apartment on the bottom floor."
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>"Oh, are they?"
>Is there a nearby window for us to go take a peek? If so, do so.
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>"Oh, are they?"
>Is there a nearby window for us to go take a peek? If so, do so.
>Rin nods. "I hear lots a talk like that, and I think I hear boxes movin'."
>You will need to open your front door to look down into the front yard.
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>In that case, let's leave curiosity aside from the moment and concentrate on breakfast. We can investigate once we're ready for the outside world.
>"Oh, well I shall have to go say hello later."
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>In that case, let's leave curiosity aside from the moment and concentrate on breakfast. We can investigate once we're ready for the outside world.
>"Oh, well I shall have to go say hello later."
>First things first.
>Rin nods, the issue seemingly settled with her for now, and ducks into the bathroom, leaving you to attend to the rest of the meal preparations., which you finish by the time Rin emerges, herself now wrapped in her red and black robe. Weirdly, though, her face is deeply red, and her blush only deepens when she looks your way as you spoon up bowls of rice.
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>Smile as we serve up breakfast
>"You're looking a little more awake."
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>Smile as we serve up breakfast
>"You're looking a little more awake."
>"Yeah, I uh..." Rin trails off, then clears her throat. Twice. "I got to, uh, thinkin'... rememberin', and, uh..."
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>"Please, don't feel uncomfortable with saying anything that you want to say - not with me."
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>"Please, don't feel uncomfortable with saying anything that you want to say - not with me."
>"I'm not uncomfortable!" Rin quickly protests. "I... I guess I'm...." Struggling for the right word, Rin eventually abandons that idea and asks, "Does this... change things? For you?"
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>"It doesn't have to change anything that you don't want it to. Though if it meant that I could kiss you again whenever the urge struck me, I think that would be nice."
>Grin a little
>"More seriously, the friendship and companionship that we've shared for all this time means a great deal to me, and isn't something I would want to lose. But right now I don't see why we cannot still have that and something even deeper. The you that I care about, the you that I wanted to kiss and hold against me last night is the same you that you were yesterday morning. However far you want this to go, I leave up to you - what would you like to happen?"
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>"It doesn't have to change anything that you don't want it to. Though if it meant that I could kiss you again whenever the urge struck me, I think that would be nice."
>Grin a little
>"More seriously, the friendship and companionship that we've shared for all this time means a great deal to me, and isn't something I would want to lose. But right now I don't see why we cannot still have that and something even deeper. The you that I care about, the you that I wanted to kiss and hold against me last night is the same you that you were yesterday morning. However far you want this to go, I leave up to you - what would you like to happen?"
>Rin returns your grin. "Ya coulda done that from day one."
>"I'm just confused a little." the kasha says, pulling out her chair and sitting. "I'm your slave. I know you never really liked me saying that, but it's still true. That's still how I think. An' if us doin' what we did last night came as somethin' you asked for, something you ordered, then I'd be totally fine, I'd know how to handle it. But that isn't what happened. So I'm..." She smiles and shrugs, using the word "Confused." again.
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>"It's alright to feel confused. Relationships can be complicated for all of us, I think. And when one crosses a threshold of intimacy, as we did last night... it can take some time to get a feel for where the new boundaries lie - what is now okay that might before have been uncomfortable or even frightening. So it's fine if you feel a bit unsure of your footing for a while - this is new territory for me too, remember."
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>"It's alright to feel confused. Relationships can be complicated for all of us, I think. And when one crosses a threshold of intimacy, as we did last night... it can take some time to get a feel for where the new boundaries lie - what is now okay that might before have been uncomfortable or even frightening. So it's fine if you feel a bit unsure of your footing for a while - this is new territory for me too, remember."
>Rin tries a smile. "Yeah, but nothing rattles your chains." she jokes.
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>Earnestly: "Perhaps it seems that way most of the time from the outside, but I'm still human - I still get confused and frightened and sad, like everyone else, and worry whether I'm doing the right thing or not. I was scared last night when I asked if I could kiss you - worried I would make you feel uncomfortable, or that I was exploiting your sense of duty to me. And of course I felt nervous at first to be seen by you naked - who would not feel a little vulnerable in that position? If I seem immune to all this, then perhaps I'm just better than most at putting a good face on things - I'm still stumbling my way through life as best I'm able and hoping I can make things work out alright in the end. And it's alright if you are, too."
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>Earnestly: "Perhaps it seems that way most of the time from the outside, but I'm still human - I still get confused and frightened and sad, like everyone else, and worry whether I'm doing the right thing or not. I was scared last night when I asked if I could kiss you - worried I would make you feel uncomfortable, or that I was exploiting your sense of duty to me. And of course I felt nervous at first to be seen by you naked - who would not feel a little vulnerable in that position? If I seem immune to all this, then perhaps I'm just better than most at putting a good face on things - I'm still stumbling my way through life as best I'm able and hoping I can make things work out alright in the end. And it's alright if you are, too."
>That wasn't quite the response Rin had been expecting, as evidenced by the look on her face. She diverts her attention by spearing her rice with her chopsticks, a habit you've noticed over your time together. "I don't think it's you putting a good face on." she says at last. "I know you well enough to know that you're just really good at dealing with things. Even when you get rattled."
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>"Perhaps so, but I think that is more about forging forward despite my uncertainty than about having none to start with. I apologize if I'm getting a bit too serious here, but I want to make sure you feel comfortable with whatever uncertainties you have and whatever you want to do with them. I cannot tell you how you should feel, and I would not. But I greatly enjoyed what we did last night - all of it - and have no regrets. If that kind of intimacy is something you would like to share with me again, then I should also like that very much indeed."
>"But what matters to me most here is your feelings. And if you aren't altogether sure what they are, then please take as long as you feel you need."
>Do we know of any social strictures about romantic involvement with one's slaves? Would it be complicated and/or scandalous if Rin and ourselves kissed in public, for example?
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>Do we know of any social strictures about romantic involvement with one's slaves? Would it be complicated and/or scandalous if Rin and ourselves kissed in public, for example?
>There is no law against it in Oni culture, and no specific laws pertaining to those matters in any other races' laws. Social convention, as is usually the case, varies a bit. Certainly public displays of affection between master and slave are not frowned upon in general, Nazrin and Yuugi are proof of that. But as for more intimate displays of affection, there is some discrepancy from region to region. In some parts of the world, the assumption among outsiders if they saw a master kiss a slave in public would be, in the bluntest terms, that the slave was a sex slave. But that conception is mostly limited to more wild parts of the world nowadays, given the downturn of that area of slavery brought about by changing rules and changing times. Other regions do not have this stigma, and Yamato is one of those. In this country, such a public act of affection would likely raise a few eyebrows here and there, but it would only be looked down upon by old-fashioned people who still hold to the aforementioned prejudice. Yamato is a progressive country.
>Here in Mayoiga, the greater reaction would likely be more in response to 'Byakuren kissed someone' rather than 'that master just kissed her slave'. For every one person who might think it odd that you kissed a slave, there'd me at least a dozen more who wouldn't think that at all.
>Optimistically, the scene could have a certain romance to it. After all, in the eyes of the public, you saved a damsel in distress from a rather evil demon. And the hero always gets the girl. People love that sort of Good End. Obviously you wouldn't put it that way yourself, but you've heard the event described that way for a long time.
>"Perhaps so, but I think that is more about forging forward despite my uncertainty than about having none to start with. I apologize if I'm getting a bit too serious here, but I want to make sure you feel comfortable with whatever uncertainties you have and whatever you want to do with them. I cannot tell you how you should feel, and I would not. But I greatly enjoyed what we did last night - all of it - and have no regrets. If that kind of intimacy is something you would like to share with me again, then I should also like that very much indeed."
>"But what matters to me most here is your feelings. And if you aren't altogether sure what they are, then please take as long as you feel you need."
>Rin's smile loses some of its tension. "Is there a selfish hair on your head?" she asks gently.
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>Idly run a finger through our hair, as though looking for something
>"Oh, here and there, perhaps. I try not to let them get in the way."
>Grin
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>Idly run a finger through our hair, as though looking for something
>"Oh, here and there, perhaps. I try not to let them get in the way."
>Grin
>This draws a chuckle from your Rin, who then meditatively chews over a mouthful of fish. "So then, it's all right if I still call you Mistress?"
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>"If that is what you feel more comfortable doing, then it's completely fine by me."
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>"If that is what you feel more comfortable doing, then it's completely fine by me."
>"It means a lot to me, to be able to call someone Mistress and have it be someone I really care about." the redhead says earnestly. "So, do we... tell our friends? I mean, folks do that 'round here. Some folks."
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>"I'm comfortable with anyone knowing if you are. After all, why should I feel any embarrassment for having fallen for a beautiful young woman and been lucky enough for her to reciprocate?"
>Smile, then pause slightly
>"But I, um... I suspect Reisen, at least, might already know...."
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>"I'm comfortable with anyone knowing if you are. After all, why should I feel any embarrassment for having fallen for a beautiful young woman and been lucky enough for her to reciprocate?"
>Smile, then pause slightly
>"But I, um... I suspect Reisen, at least, might already know...."
>Your praise makes the kasha blush anew.
>"Ah yeah, her ears are 'bout as good as mine, and we... WERE kinda loud." Then she chuckles quietly. "Ah, but she won't say nothin', I don't think. Not if we don't say something first."
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>"I see no reason to keep it a secret, unless you'd feel more comfortable keeping quiet about it."
>Pause
>"...but not too quiet, I hope. I, um, rather enjoyed that part, too."
>Grin a little sheepishly
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>"I see no reason to keep it a secret, unless you'd feel more comfortable keeping quiet about it."
>Pause
>"...but not too quiet, I hope. I, um, rather enjoyed that part, too."
>Grin a little sheepishly
>"I don't really need to, I don't think. 'leastways not to the girls 'round here."
>Rin's answering grin shows her cute little fang. "Oh I know."
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>Grin back: "Good."
>Lean over and give her a quick little kiss
>Munch some more breakfast
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>Grin back: "Good."
>Lean over and give her a quick little kiss
>Munch some more breakfast
>"Unya?!" Rin emotes as you give her a quick peck on the cheek. She's never made a sound quite like that before, and it actually seems to make your heart skip a beat. My, my. You really ARE in love, aren't you?
>But the food laid out before you offers you a tempting distraction from remembering some of the other sounds you now know Rin can produce. You are still hungry, and some things are best pondered on a full stomach.
>Is this what it's like in the head of those like Marissa and Koakuma, you wonder as you consume a hot meal. The two of them certainly seem to have their mind on, shall we say, similar matters more often than anything else. Nah, that can't be at all, it's just new to you. New and good.
>As you finish off the last of your codfish, a polite knock sounds upon your door. Ever the responsive one, Rin hops to it quickly. Even though she opens the door only a crack, the cold winter wind wastes no time winding its way through the entrance, teasing goosebumps from your legs with its chilly touch. "It's Reisen, Byakuren." Rin calls back.
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>Let's get up and go say hello
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>Let's get up and go say hello
>Taking a swig of your tea, you rise and head for the door, as Rin opens it wider to allow the rabbit to step inside. "Chilly out there." she remarks as she brushes a bit of snow off her head. Sparing a smile at Rin, she says to you, "With her ears, you probably know about our new arrival?"
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>"Yes, I'd heard. I do mean to drop by and say hi later."
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>"Yes, I'd heard. I do mean to drop by and say hi later."
>"Sanae's been asking after you almost ever since she arrived. But I've told her you'd still be unprepared for company at this point." The red-eyed rabbit says this in a very knowing tone as she glances between you and your Rin. "I just wanted to check if that was still the case."
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>"Well, I've only just had time for breakfast, but I'm sure I can make myself presentable before too much longer. Say... half an hour?"
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>"Well, I've only just had time for breakfast, but I'm sure I can make myself presentable before too much longer. Say... half an hour?"
>"There's no rush. She's been very distracted by Hyozan." She smiles again. "She seems to have a ticklish chin."
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>Chuckle a little
>"Is that all that brings you here this morning?"
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>Chuckle a little
>"Is that all that brings you here this morning?"
>Reisen and Rin exchange a look, and you feel that something unspoken passes between them, one slave to another. Rin nods slightly, and Reisen smiles gently. "Yeah, I think it is." she says quietly.
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>"Fair enough. You can tell Sanae I'll be down to say hello in a little while, then."
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>"Fair enough. You can tell Sanae I'll be down to say hello in a little while, then."
>Reisen nods, gives Rin another smile, then takes her leave, trying not to let too much winter blow in.
>"Well, that answers dat." Rin says quietly.
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>"I mightn't have even noticed if I hadn't already suspected."
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>"I mightn't have even noticed if I hadn't already suspected."
>"I guess she just wanted ta make sure we were still... okay."
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>"I had wondered. She seemed slightly... pensive, at the end there."
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>"I had wondered. She seemed slightly... pensive, at the end there."
>"Pensive?" Rin asks, not sure about the word.
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>"Oh, um... not exactly 'nervous', but... slightly guarded and concerned, maybe? I'm not sure that's the best way to characterize it, but...."
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>"Oh, um... not exactly 'nervous', but... slightly guarded and concerned, maybe? I'm not sure that's the best way to characterize it, but...."
>"You thought so? Seemed ta me that she liked what she saw."
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>"Before that, I meant. Like you said, wondering if things were okay. I... may not be doing a good job explaining myself, I fear."
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>"Before that, I meant. Like you said, wondering if things were okay. I... may not be doing a good job explaining myself, I fear."
>"Oh, that makes sense. She's a slave too after all. She probably just wanted to know how I was after havin'.... sex with my master." She pauses just long enough to let her cheeks regain their normal shading.
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>Smile
>"Well I, for one, am feeling happier this morning than I can rightly remember."
>Give her another gentle kiss
>"Thank you, Rin."
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>Smile
>"Well I, for one, am feeling happier this morning than I can rightly remember."
>Give her another gentle kiss
>"Thank you, Rin."
>The kasha blushes again, but you pull back from her, her face, red though it is, is oddly fierce. Like one who is consciously conjuring up their courage, Rin leans in quickly and kisses you, with some determination. In Eire, she says quietly, "You're welcome."
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>"Mmm..."
>Give her another gentle kiss or two and run a hand gently through her hair. Somehow, it feels so warm just to be close to her. Love is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
>...but we do have other things we said we'd do today.
>"Well, I should probably go get a shower before I find myself putting Sanae off for another half-hour."
>Grin a little at Rin
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>"Mmm..."
>Give her another gentle kiss or two and run a hand gently through her hair. Somehow, it feels so warm just to be close to her. Love is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
>...but we do have other things we said we'd do today.
>"Well, I should probably go get a shower before I find myself putting Sanae off for another half-hour."
>Grin a little at Rin
>And being in love is a special kind of wonderful, too. You could get lost in this real easy....
>If you were someone else. But you are Byakuren Hijiri, and you are well versed in impulse control. Even when you do so with something approaching regre, as you do when you pull away from Rin.
>"Half hour or more?" Rin replies, her tone teasing a host of images to dance in front of your mind's eye.
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>"Let's just say that I've every intention of keeping my itinerary uncluttered this evening."
>Let's go get that shower.
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>"Let's just say that I've every intention of keeping my itinerary uncluttered this evening."
>Let's go get that shower.
>Rin doesn't seem to entirely understand every word among what you just said, but the context brings a smile to her face.
>She does leave you to your cleanliness duties, though, and goes off to get dressed while you hop into the shower. And try not to think about Rin's unclad form standing where you were, the water framing her....
>What's the word, 'twitterpated'? That's what you are, young lady.
>Though a part of you can't help but wonder, if you hadn't stopped that night last year with Marissa, if one of you had overcome the fear of changing for the worse, would this have been what the days to come would have been like? Walking around in a little cloud of joy, challenging yourself not to think too hard on your lover, or thinking about her while maintaining control of impulses you weren't sure you had before?
>Regrets are not like you, and you give your head a good shake under the water, banishing them from your mind. What's done is done, and to regret is to despoil your newfound feelings, and that's not fair to you or Rin.
>Finishing off your wash, you towel off, wrap up your wealth of gradient hair, and leave the steamy bathroom in search of your hair dryer and clothes. In the living room, though, you find a now clothed Rin watching something on TV. It seems to be a report about a bizarre event that occured last night at the White Tiger shrine, and the still image on the screen plainly shows the Titan under assault by your power.
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>"What's this?"
>Let's take a closer look at that news
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>"What's this?"
>Let's take a closer look at that news
>"-details are as yet unknown." the reporter on the news declares as the video displays the Titan's body being engulfed by the light of your combined attack with White Rose and Lily. The quality of the video is not great, but clearer than your average cell phone camera. Probably shot an entushiastic amateur who spent more than a few dollars on their camera. An avian amateur, at that, since the cameraman is clearly shooting from the air.
>"Somebody followed Fire on his way to the shrine." Rin informs you. "I think I missed who they said it was, though. But they caught the fight after Fire got there."
-
>"I suppose it was too big to think someone wouldn't. I wonder how the shrine will choose to explain it?"
>Are either of us visible in the footage that we can see? If not, ask "Were any of us in the footage earlier?"
-
>"I suppose it was too big to think someone wouldn't. I wonder how the shrine will choose to explain it?"
>Are either of us visible in the footage that we can see? If not, ask "Were any of us in the footage earlier?"
>"I don't know. But I'll bet Kiku's gonna madder than a hornet about it."
>All three of you are. The view is somewhat distant, but you can clearly make out all the individuals who were outside the shrine at the moment the titan was destroyed.
>"After this giant humanoid was destroyed by the three young mages," the woman on the TV continues, "A brief exchange was observed between the two magical beasts, the unknown mages and the Metal Tiger shrine maidens, after which the two beasts left." The film matches her commentary. "Our young film provider attempted to follow the two, but both seemed to vanish into thin air."
>The TV picture then switches to Hatate Himekaidou, and the caption at the bottom of the screen identifies her as the source of the video. "I'd never seen anything like it. Not even in Muenzuka."
>"The school paper's big picture taker?" Rin says, more a statement than question.
-
>"She's rather intrepid, isn't she? Though I can't help but fear for her safety, if she was trying to chase after the Champions...."
-
>"She's rather intrepid, isn't she? Though I can't help but fear for her safety, if she was trying to chase after the Champions...."
>"She got lucky they shook her." Rin agrees.
>"Thus far, the Metal Tiger shrine has refused all requests for interviews, and the other three shrines have declined to comment until an official statement comes from the Tiger Shrine. We will bring you more information on this apparant attack on the holy ground as it develops."
-
>"My... ring reacted to Hatate, when she spoke to us yesterday. I think she has the power within her to become one of our circle. But I have to admit I am concerned what she might do if she did. Wanting to bring truth to the public is admirable, but I wonder about her... discretion."
-
>"My... ring reacted to Hatate, when she spoke to us yesterday. I think she has the power within her to become one of our circle. But I have to admit I am concerned what she might do if she did. Wanting to bring truth to the public is admirable, but I wonder about her... discretion."
>"So do I. Decent odds she'd have our names and faces on the tv next."
-
>Nod
>"The thought had occurred to me. I feel a little bad about it, since I know she means well, but...."
-
>Nod
>"The thought had occurred to me. I feel a little bad about it, since I know she means well, but...."
>"But at least we know she didn't catch us changing back. That's some good news."
-
>"Hopefully. As for the rest, I hope it doesn't cause the mikos too many more problems than they already have. Regardless of Hatate or not, the public catching wind of the Champion's activities in one form or another was probably inevitable anyway. Though it's safe to say that more people are going to start recognizing us in our magical guises; I suppose this is not entirely bad, though I liked the anonymity."
-
>"Hopefully. As for the rest, I hope it doesn't cause the mikos too many more problems than they already have. Regardless of Hatate or not, the public catching wind of the Champion's activities in one form or another was probably inevitable anyway. Though it's safe to say that more people are going to start recognizing us in our magical guises; I suppose this is not entirely bad, though I liked the anonymity."
>"Liked the what?"
-
>"Oh, sorry. I liked not being recognized by anybody - at least some of the time."
-
>"Oh, sorry. I liked not being recognized by anybody - at least some of the time."
>"Musta been a different feelin' for someone as known as you are 'round town."
-
>"Yes. I mean you saw what happened at the Tortoise Shrine - that's hardly typical, but nonetheless.... I do appreciate the positive regard, of course, but it's nice to be able to walk around without drawing too much attention to yourself."
>"Worse now, though, is that I would not be at all surprised to be accosted with questions about what happened at the shrine that I do not currently care to answer."
-
>"Yes. I mean you saw what happened at the Tortoise Shrine - that's hardly typical, but nonetheless.... I do appreciate the positive regard, of course, but it's nice to be able to walk around without drawing too much attention to yourself."
>"Worse now, though, is that I would not be at all surprised to be accosted with questions about what happened at the shrine that I do not currently care to answer."
>"If I know Kiku at all, I think she might help you with that. I wouldn't be surprised if she scared a number of reporters away from asking questions." She pauses, then looks a bit nervous. "If that's what akostid means."
-
>Frown a little
>"Oh, sorry, sorry. I seem to be bad with that today. Think of it a little like someone getting up in your face about something or metaphorically pulling you aside."
>"And, if anything, the fact that the shrines won't answer questions makes me feel someone would be all the more likely to ask questions of someone outside their command structure, in the hope that they would. But I guess we'll deal with that if and when it happens."
-
>Frown a little
>"Oh, sorry, sorry. I seem to be bad with that today. Think of it a little like someone getting up in your face about something or metaphorically pulling you aside."
>"And, if anything, the fact that the shrines won't answer questions makes me feel someone would be all the more likely to ask questions of someone outside their command structure, in the hope that they would. But I guess we'll deal with that if and when it happens."
>Rin smiles. "Maybe making love makes you sound smarter?" she says lightly, chuckling quietly afterwards.
>More seriously, she says, "Ya think there's anything we can do to help Kiku? I mean first she has to deal with Satori and what she did, and now this. It's gotta be overwhe.... wilming?"
-
>"Overwhelming. And yes, I'm sure it must be, though I'm not sure how much we can do to help at the moment besides 'don't give her extra work'. There's many things I'd like to ask her about the parts of last night that I wasn't around to witness, but I thought to at least give the heads time to have their meeting before firing off questions. I... suspect it will be rather heavier than even Haruka expected it to be...."
-
>"Overwhelming. And yes, I'm sure it must be, though I'm not sure how much we can do to help at the moment besides 'don't give her extra work'. There's many things I'd like to ask her about the parts of last night that I wasn't around to witness, but I thought to at least give the heads time to have their meeting before firing off questions. I... suspect it will be rather heavier than even Haruka expected it to be...."
>"Talking to you's gotta be less stressy than talking to reporters." Rin points out. "That's gotta count for somethin', right?"
-
>Slight chuckle
>"Perhaps. Maybe I will give her a shout after I pay my neighborly visit to Sanae, and see if there's anything I could do to help."
>Is that news article basically concluded now? If so, any other noteworthy bits from it?
-
>Slight chuckle
>"Perhaps. Maybe I will give her a shout after I pay my neighborly visit to Sanae, and see if there's anything I could do to help."
>Is that news article basically concluded now? If so, any other noteworthy bits from it?
>"Speaking of attention." Rin says with a chuckle. "Soon as word gets out she's livin' here now, there's gonna be all kinds of Iron Rings fans comin' up here, isn't there."
>It has. After the last time it was mentioned news lady promised more news would be coming, it moved on to a story about a runaway snowmobile.
-
>Smile
>"Who knows?"
>Let's go get properly dressed and go say hi to Sanae.
-
>Smile
>"Who knows?"
>Let's go get properly dressed and go say hi to Sanae.
>After drying off your hair (which is a bit of process, given the length and volume of your wealth of said resource), you select a fashionable knee-length purple dress and long, thick thighhighs to ward off the cold, opting as well for the matching purple hat and coat. It's a more expensive ensemble than you'd buy yourself, but it was part of a selection of clothes you received from Aya. With Rin decked out in a green and grey sweatshirt and black jeans, the two of you step outside, braving the cold in search of your new neighbor.
>Cold it is, too. It isn't snowing, but the cold is shocking, worsened by the frigid winter wind. This is turning into one of the coldest Novembers on record. But that doesn't mean everyone is staying indoors. From below you hear the sounds of a young girl's laughter, while above there is shouting. A pair of fairys fly over the back of the Moonside apartment building, passing something between them and giggling loudly, while an infuriated tengu youkai pursues them. Cold or not, fairies still love to play pranks on people.
>In the yard before there are a collection of vehicles. In addition to the sizable moving van, Reimu's car is in evidence once again, as is a rather expensive looking white and blue motorcycle. Said bike is being rather closely examined by Nitori, while a short man with short blue hair, pointy ears and a sour look on his pretty face looks on, rather obviously making sure the over-enthusiastic kappa doesn't wheel the bike away for some experimentation.
>Next to the van, Letty and Minoriko stand next to a short blonde girl, the source of the laughter. The girl is carrying two stout wooden casks on her shoulders, and is wearing easily the most unique hat you've ever seen in your life. The wide-brimmed brown hat has a pair of eyes on its top, which goggle as she laughs. You've never met her in person, but this is definitely Suwako Moriya, owner of Iron Rings.
-
>Approach the group by the moving van, with a smile
>"So, I heard we were getting new neighbours this morning - thought I ought to come say hello."
>What do we know of Suwako?
-
>What do we know of Suwako?
>Suwako Moriya is the mother of Sanae Kochiya, and the owner of the Iron Rings franchise, a series of combination night clubs/host clubs all across Yamato. She is reputed to be rather eccentric, having a marked fondness for frogs, and doesn't deal with the public as much as her wife, Kanako, does. She seems awfully young to be a parent, though. To look at her, you have to be honest when you admit that you'd assume her to be around 15, 16 at the oldest. You know she has a bright smile and a big laugh, and from the size and apparent thickness of those casks, you would wager she is stronger than she appears as well.
>Approach the group by the moving van, with a smile
>"So, I heard we were getting new neighbours this morning - thought I ought to come say hello."
>"Morning, girls." Letty answers your greeting.
>"Ah, so this's the last two, eh." Suwako says as she gives you a look. She seems a bit surprised when she looks at you. "I'll be damned. It IS you." she says as her smile returns.
-
>"I am me, yes. Or at least I was the last time I looked in the mirror."
>Feign glancing over ourselves as if to confirm this, then grin slightly and bow our head more formally as we introduce ourselves.
>"Byakuren Hijiri, pleased to make your acquaintance."
-
>"I am me, yes. Or at least I was the last time I looked in the mirror."
>Feign glancing over ourselves as if to confirm this, then grin slightly and bow our head more formally as we introduce ourselves.
>"Byakuren Hijiri, pleased to make your acquaintance."
>Suwako laughs a little at your joke, then tosses one of her casks up in their, the wooden cask coming down squarely atop its made with a heavy clunk, the contents making a sloshing sound. Her now free hand waves a little. "No need for that. This isn't any business meeting." Then she grins. "'less of course you're looking for a job?" she asks, sounding transparently hopeful.
-
>"I'm afraid my plate feels quite full enough at the moment, as is - though thank you just the same. Also that's...."
>Glance up at the two large crates being shouldered by this tiny woman on one shoulder
>"...pretty impressive."
>Do we know of any supernatural attributes Suwako might have?
-
>"I'm afraid my plate feels quite full enough at the moment, as is - though thank you just the same. Also that's...."
>Glance up at the two large crates being shouldered by this tiny woman on one shoulder
>"...pretty impressive."
>Do we know of any supernatural attributes Suwako might have?
>Suwako shrugs. "I'da brought more but the missus wouldn't let me." The little businesswoman makes a face. "She's always trying to keep me in line. Oh, right." she adds with an abashed chuckle, then sticks out her free hand. "Suwako Moriya."
>You do not.
-
>Accept the handshake
>"Pleased to meet you, and welcome."
-
>Accept the handshake
>"Pleased to meet you, and welcome."
>Suwako's grip is as deceptively strong as her appearance is, but she manages not to break any bones with the gesture. Then she does the same with your girlfriend (hehe, the term still makes you mentally giggle.) "And I'm Rin, Rin Kaenbyou." the redhead introduces herself.
>"Yamato name with an Eire brogue?" Suwako inquires.
>"Well, I ascended here in Yamato."
>"Ah, that makes sense."
-
>"Is there anything we can do to lend a hand?"
-
>"Is there anything we can do to lend a hand?"
>"Sure!" Suwako replies. "How 'bout a song?"
-
>"A... song?"
-
>"A... song?"
>The little blonde nods enthusiastically.
-
>Glance around
>"Now?"
-
>Glance around
>"Now?"
>"Music makes work go faster."
-
>Smile a little hesitantly
>"Any requests?"
-
>Smile a little hesitantly
>"Any requests?"
>"Do you know A Native Face (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O-T1-3nBoU)?" she asks, citing a popular song from recent years.
>Before you can answer in the affirmative, for you do in fact know that tune, Kanako's voice comes rumbling out of the open door behind Letty, "Suwako, stop harassing the neighbors."
>"Whaaat?" the blonde replies in an exaggerated tone. "She's got a pretty voice."
>"She does have a point, Byakuren." Letty adds with the slight smirk of amusement of hers.
-
>"I do know it, but I fear it loses something without the music."
-
>"I do know it, but I fear it loses something without the music."
>"But then you get to hear how good someone really is, without all that bass and drumlines getting in the way."
-
>"I fear you may be expecting more than I can deliver, but if you really would like me to, I suppose I can give it a try."
>Assuming we get the expected nod, let's give it our best try - as curious a circumstance as this to be drafted into doing such a thing.
-
>"I fear you may be expecting more than I can deliver, but if you really would like me to, I suppose I can give it a try."
>Assuming we get the expected nod, let's give it our best try - as curious a circumstance as this to be drafted into doing such a thing.
>Suwako beams, and promptly squats down to have a seat on the cold ground, her posture bringing to mind a from sitting on a lily pad, for some reason.
>Game though you are to try, Kanako's voice once more interjects before you start your song. "Don't encourage her, Byakuren." The tall woman strides out of the open door of the apartment, her arms folded and a stern look upon her face, aimed at Suwako. "She's just trying to maneuver you into working for her."
>"Spoilsport." the grinning blonde spits at her wife.
-
>"Well, unless your establishment operates by very curious rules, I don't believe I obligate myself to accept a job by singing a song outside my own front door?"
>Grin slightly
>"Though I'm perhaps starting to question whether this really would make any work go any faster, after all."
-
>"Well, unless your establishment operates by very curious rules, I don't believe I obligate myself to accept a job by singing a song outside my own front door?"
>Grin slightly
>"Though I'm perhaps starting to question whether this really would make any work go any faster, after all."
>"A lot of things with Suwako operate under very curious rules." the taller woman replies in a tone like one discussing their disobedient son. Suwako doesn't help this image with that guileless grin on her face.
>"Translation, dear: Get back to work." Kanako orders.
>"Yesyes." the little blonde yawns out, hopping back up to her feet, making her casks contents slosh again. She doesn't leave though without giving you another smile. "I was looking forward to meeting you, too, Byakuren. Sanae was right, I'm gonna like you."
-
>Smile
>"Welcome to Moonside."
-
>Smile
>"Welcome to Moonside."
>With a tip of her weird looking hat, Suwako hops off, brushing by Kanako as the tall woman steps out from under the awning above the door. "I too was pleased to hear that you were going to be among our Sanae's new neighbors." the blue-haired woman says. "Truth to tell, I had been hoping Sanae would have more chances to spend time with you, but this is more than I had hoped."
-
>"It can be a surprisingly small world sometimes."
-
>"It can be a surprisingly small world sometimes."
>"Especially in a city this big." Letty adds. "You never told us you knew Kanako-san, Byakuren."
>"Well, we haven't seen her much these past couple of days." Minoriko points out quietly.
>"... Touche."
-
>"We ran into each other at the Tortoise Shrine a couple nights ago."
-
>"We ran into each other at the Tortoise Shrine a couple nights ago."
>"You've got a knack for making friends in high places, don't you?"
-
>"I just try to be a good neighbour to those around me - um, typically in a less literal sense than this one."
-
>"I just try to be a good neighbour to those around me - um, typically in a less literal sense than this one."
>"Well, I for one am pleased, and pleasantly surprised." Kanako intones. "The last neighbors we had back in Hai-lan proved to be... less genuinely accommodating."
>"That's one thing you won't have to worry about, Kanako-san." Letty assures her. "All of us here are nothing more than who we are."
>"Indeed." the tall woman says, directing her gaze at Nitori, who is busy ignoring the blue haired woman's attempts to shoo her away from her bike. "That is her usual level of technological enthusiasm?"
-
>"I do think she's actually restraining herself somewhat, believe it or not. She's very... exuberant when it comes to engines and automotive work."
>Point to Nitori's shed
>"That's her workshop over there. If you ever glance inside and think a bomb must just have detonated within, let me reassure you: it always looks that way. She's very good at what she does, though."
-
>"I do think she's actually restraining herself somewhat, believe it or not. She's very... exuberant when it comes to engines and automotive work."
>Point to Nitori's shed
>"That's her workshop over there. If you ever glance inside and think a bomb must just have detonated within, let me reassure you: it always looks that way. She's very good at what she does, though."
>"Amen to that." Letty says with a nod.
>Kanako chuckles warmly. "A Kappa through and through." she says with a smile. "I don't recall ever meeting one that wasn't prone to getting a bit carried away, at the expense of their rooms, or what have you. Tell me, does she buy and sell motorized vehicles as well, or simply work on them?"
-
>What do we know of her habits in that regard?
-
>What do we know of her habits in that regard?
>She has purchased old scooters and at least one motorcycle before, but exclusively for parts to use on other machines. So far as you know, she's strictly a garage, rather than a dealer, though she obviously knows one or two.
-
>"She's bought a few old ones for parts, every now and again - mostly small things such as scooters and the like. I've no doubt there's all manner of fancier things she'd jump at the chance to work on, though. I mean-"
>Jerk a finger meaningfully at Nitori's current target of fussing
>"The amount she knows is not to be scoffed at, though I could also hardly blame someone who doesn't know her for being nervous with her orbiting their expensive machines. This scene may have happened once or twice before."
>Grin a little
-
>"She's bought a few old ones for parts, every now and again - mostly small things such as scooters and the like. I've no doubt there's all manner of fancier things she'd jump at the chance to work on, though. I mean-"
>Jerk a finger meaningfully at Nitori's current target of fussing
>"The amount she knows is not to be scoffed at, though I could also hardly blame someone who doesn't know her for being nervous with her orbiting their expensive machines. This scene may have happened once or twice before."
>Grin a little
>Kanako frowns thoughtfully. "Something wrong, Kanako-san?" Minoriko asks her.
>"My Sanae has been asking, rather insistently, for her own bike for some time now. I have been rather reluctant to accede to that request, but living next door to a dealer would have made me rather nervous, I must confess."
>"But on the bright side," she says with a nod in your direction, "If she does circumvent me, at least I can rest assured that she lives close to a reliable mechanic."
-
>"I'll vouch for that much."
-
>"I'll vouch for that much."
>"And Minoriko here knows her way around a first aid kit." Letty says, clapping her neighbor gently on the shoulder.
>"Oh?"
>"I don't know if I'd go that far." the young woman replies modestly. "But I have taken a few lessons from our school nurse."
>"A mechanic, a medic, an author and a model." Kanako replies, bemused. "An impressive array of skills, especially for ones who have so much life ahead of them."
-
>"Minoriko's an excellent cook, too."
-
>"Minoriko's an excellent cook, too."
>Kanako nods. "So your friends have told me."
>"And it'll be on display later today." Letty informs you. "For Sanae's welcoming party."
-
>"Oh? A party?"
>Smile
>"One would almost think you were expecting this."
-
>"Oh? A party?"
>Smile
>"One would almost think you were expecting this."
>"Well, we did ask Reimu about it yesterday." Letty says. "Didn't you talk to her before you left yesterday?"
-
>Shake our head
>"No, I never saw her yesterday."
-
>Shake our head
>"No, I never saw her yesterday."
>"She turned up yesterday with Kohaku and Kokuyo to clean out the empty apartment down here." She jerks her thumb over her shoulder at the open apartment door, through which you can hear Suwako humming a bit tunelessly.
>"That guy still gives me the creeps." Nitori adds, demonstrating her own hearing skills.
>"That guy?" Kanako asks.
>Letty, more diplomatic than Nitori, fills her in, "That's one of Reimu's bodyguards. He's the tallest of them, and, while I wouldn't put it quite like Nitori, he is a bit intimidating. Anyway, we all sort of wandered down to find out what was going on, and we learned that Sanae was coming."
>"We would have liked to have moved in yesterday." Kanako says solemnly. "But the incident at school delayed our plans a bit."
-
>Frown
>"Yes, that was rather distressing. Do you know if anything more has come to light about it?"
-
>Frown
>"Yes, that was rather distressing. Do you know if anything more has come to light about it?"
>"Only what my daughter told me happened. She was there at the time."
>"When you say 'there', do you mean caught up in it?" Minoriko asks, concerned.
>The taller woman nods. "Obviously she is fine now, but she was wounded in the incident." She pauses and glances up at the sky for a moment. "Perhaps we should take this conversation indoors, girls. It is rather cold out here."
-
>"Oh, of course."
>Let's do so
-
>"Oh, of course."
>Let's do so
>The empty apartment is anything but, now. Numerous boxes and crates and milk crates are stacked along the walls, as well as the other accoutrements of one moving into a new home. You find Suwako kneeling on the floor, one of her wooden casks placed between her legs as she appears to be measuring it with her thumb, her tongue sticking out in concentration. Then she curls up her fist and bashes in the top of the cask expertly. She smiles in satisfaction, then looks up at your approach. "Beer's on!" she calls out.
-
>Are we even of legal drinking age here?
>Whether or not that is the case, have we or any of our friends here engaged in said, that we know of?
>Putting aside, for the moment, the fact that it's still the start of the morning
>Smile a little awkwardly
>"I'm afraid I'll pass."
-
>Are we even of legal drinking age here?
>Whether or not that is the case, have we or any of our friends here engaged in said, that we know of?
>Putting aside, for the moment, the fact that it's still the start of the morning
>Smile a little awkwardly
>"I'm afraid I'll pass."
>Of course. You've partaken before. Even to excess.
>Of course. The only one who hasn't, so far as you know, is Patchouli, and that's only because her parents have forbidden it.
>This is also true.
>"I'll have some of that!" Nitori calls out, jogging into the room, the annoyed looking blue-haired man following behind her. Though, now that 'he's' closer, and affords you a better look, you see that it's actually a woman, merely one whose 'obvious' assets are much less obvious than other women's. Plus she looks rather masculine when she's scowling.
>"I could use a mug of that myself." she says to Suwako as two more women emerge from the bedroom, these two being Reimu and Kohaku, both carrying metal tankards. Kohaku takes Reimus from her and offers them both to Suwako.
>"Help yourselves!" the little blonde declares as she retrieves a dented tankard from a tote box next to her. "Plenty more where that came from!"
>Kanako, catching your look, gives you a slight smile. "This I'm afraid is how Suwako greets the neighbourhood when we move."
-
>"It's meant in good spirits, so I shan't complain at the sentiment."
>"Although I am starting to suspect she's got a little oni in her."
>And where in the world did Reimu and Kohaku get those tankards from the bedroom on cue?
-
>And where in the world did Reimu and Kohaku get those tankards from the bedroom on cue?
>Good question.
>"It's meant in good spirits, so I shan't complain at the sentiment."
>"Although I am starting to suspect she's got a little oni in her."
>"A suspicion you would not be alone in having." the tall woman says with a sigh.
>Nitori, after dipping her cup into the broached cask, looks around the room before asking Kanako, "Where did Sanae go?"
>"Oh, she went next door."
>"Chasing the white rabbit." Suwako adds as she knocks her tankard back.
-
>Is Patchouli's place next door, by any chance?
-
>Is Patchouli's place next door, by any chance?
>Yes.
-
>"...Reisen?"
-
>"...Reisen?"
>"That her name?"
>"You knew that." Kanako chides her wife.
>"Well, if you say so." the eccentric blonde says as she takes another swig.
-
>Chuckle
>"Well, I think I'll go say hi to her, if you'll excuse me a moment."
>Let's go drop by Patchouli's and see if Sanae is there. Though give Reimu a little friendly wave of acknowledgement before we step out.
-
>Chuckle
>"Well, I think I'll go say hi to her, if you'll excuse me a moment."
>Let's go drop by Patchouli's and see if Sanae is there. Though give Reimu a little friendly wave of acknowledgement before we step out.
>Kanako smiles again. "Of course. She's been hoping to see you again."
>"Tell her the beer's on!" Suwako adds, waving her once again empty mug.
>Giving Reimu a friendly greeting, which both she and her bodyguard Kohaku return, you make your way past the blue haired woman, who seems much less annoyed with a cup of ale in her hand, and out into the cold. A few short steps next door, you knock politely on Patchouli's door. Moments later, the purple haired mage herself opens the door, to your slight surprise. "Byakuren? Thought you'd be Kanako."
-
>"I heard Sanae had dropped in your way; I thought I'd stop by and say hello to her - Reisen told me she was asking after me earlier."
-
>"I heard Sanae had dropped in your way; I thought I'd stop by and say hello to her - Reisen told me she was asking after me earlier."
>The neophyte mage nods and pulls her door open wider. "Come on in."
-
>Nod and enter
-
>Nod and enter
>The air in here is damper than you were expecting, even more so than when you were here the other day, and the scent of salt water hangs heavy in the air. You stop yourself from wrinkling your nose at the smell, and from blanching at the memories it stirs of that battle with the Water Champion at the CRA. Low volume music floats through the thick air, a Bonn opera if you're not mistaken. Patchy does enjoy classical music, though someone has turned it low to accommodate easier conversation, which is what is presently going on between Sanae and Reisen. The two women are seated at a small kotatsu, and based on the ease of Sanae's smile and the energy in her voice, she appears none the worse for wear for her experience yesterday.
>Weirdly, though, you spot some of what you believe to be magical accoutrements out in full display. The bowl Patchy was using the other day is sitting on the kitchen countertop, next to a trio of jars containing different kinds of powders, and an open book written in Bonn sits not far from it. Considering that Patchy's experiments are supposed to be hush-hush, seeing evidence of them out in view of a relative stranger in Sanae is most unexpected.
-
>Would these seem like obviously magical components if we didn't know Patchy (or magic) very well, though?
>Let's go over and say hello
-
>Would these seem like obviously magical components if we didn't know Patchy (or magic) very well, though?
>Let's go over and say hello
>Likely. The powders in the jars don't look all that much like spices, and the open page of the book contains a diagram of some kind of mystic symbol.
>"Byakuren!" Sanae cries as you make your presence known, her big smile growing bigger. "How are ya?"
-
>"Quite well, thank you. And yourself?"
-
>"Quite well, thank you. And yourself?"
>"Happy as a fisherman with full nets." the green haired woman replies. "I only wish I'd have started the year here."
-
>Smile
>"I'm glad to see you're feeling so at home here already. It was quite the surprise to see you moving in here this morning; many of the others had apparently already gotten word from Reimu, but I was away for a lot of yesterday."
-
>Smile
>"I'm glad to see you're feeling so at home here already. It was quite the surprise to see you moving in here this morning; many of the others had apparently already gotten word from Reimu, but I was away for a lot of yesterday."
>"Out saving the world, I bet."
-
>Try not to look too much like a deer caught in the headlights, and pass it off with a chuckle
>"Whatever makes you think that?"
-
>Try not to look too much like a deer caught in the headlights, and pass it off with a chuckle
>"Whatever makes you think that?"
>"'cuz my gut tells me that you're a good guy." Sanae replies. "I think I'd think that even if I hadn't heard you make a habit of saving damsels in distress."
-
>"Well... I do try to help out where I can. Though I should hope that not every time I go for a walk about town are there any damsels in need of rescuing."
-
>"Well... I do try to help out where I can. Though I should hope that not every time I go for a walk about town are there any damsels in need of rescuing."
>"If there was, you'd never finish your walk, would you." Patchouli remarks dryly as she sits down at the kotatsu, while Reisen and Sanae laugh at her wit.
-
>Chuckle a little
>"Yes, I do also have to sleep occasionally."
-
>Chuckle a little
>"Yes, I do also have to sleep occasionally."
>"Come over here, girl, and sit down." Sanae calls, waving you over to the kotatsu.
-
>"Sure, sure."
>Let's go get ourselves comfortable
-
>"Sure, sure."
>Let's go get ourselves comfortable
>Walking up to the kotatsu, you now see why Reisen isn't quite sitting as close to the table as normal. Hyozan the big malamute is layed out on her lap. The big furry lug is warm enough without any technology needed. "Where's Rin?" the rabbit asks you.
-
>"Next door. Suwako broke open a keg of beer to break in the new apartment, and a bunch of people were joining in. Nitori, Reimu and her entourage...."
-
>"Next door. Suwako broke open a keg of beer to break in the new apartment, and a bunch of people were joining in. Nitori, Reimu and her entourage...."
>"Yeah, that's her normal habit." Sanae says with a nod.
>Reisen seems as surprised as you were when you saw Suwako's choice in activity. "At this time of the morning?"
>"Mom doesn't really care about time of day the way other people do. Except when she wants to do some serious drinking, then she tries to keep that until the sun goes down."
-
>Lightly: "I wonder how many kegs it takes to start counting as 'serious'."
-
>Lightly: "I wonder how many kegs it takes to start counting as 'serious'."
>Sanae shakes her head. "Not as many as she thinks it will."
-
>"Oh dear. Sounds like there's a few stories there."
-
>"Oh dear. Sounds like there's a few stories there."
>"You got that right. But she tells 'em all better than I do."
>"She doesn't have trouble remembering things after having a few too many?" Reisen asks.
>"Well, she usually forgets Da- Kanako yelling at her, but apart from that, nope."
-
>"This sounds like a rather spirited household you have."
-
>"This sounds like a rather spirited household you have."
>"I'm not bored when I'm home." Sanae chuckles. "Besides, Dad- Kanako always says she's making up for lost time."
>"Why do you do that?" Reisen asks her. "Call her 'dad' AND 'Kanako'?"
>"Well, she gets embarrassed by 'Dad'. But I like it, so it's a hard habit to break."
-
>"Making up for lost time?"
-
>"Making up for lost time?"
>"Oh, she was in the war." Sanae explains.
-
>"Oh, I see."
-
>"Oh, I see."
>"But don't worry." she says quickly to Reisen. "She never had anything against moon RABBITS, even soldiers. She's totally cool with you."
>The lunar rabbits ears droop as she looks away from Sanae. "That's, that's good." she mutters.
>For the first time, Sanae seems a bit unsettled. "What, was it something I said?" she asks, looking between you and Patchouli.
-
>Do we know what about that remark might have made Reisen uncomfortable? Beyond, perhaps, mention of the war at all?
-
>Do we know what about that remark might have made Reisen uncomfortable? Beyond, perhaps, mention of the war at all?
>Not specifically. Obviously being a Lunarian rabbit living on earth comes with its share of complications, being enemies of earth not half a century ago, but Reisen herself has never made any specific mention of a connection to the war.
-
>Do we know how long Reisen has lived on earth? Or, for that matter, whether she immigrated when she was very young or more recently?
>She can't be the only moon rabbit we know of around here... can she?
-
>Do we know how long Reisen has lived on earth? Or, for that matter, whether she immigrated when she was very young or more recently?
>She can't be the only moon rabbit we know of around here... can she?
>You do not. Neither Reisen nor Patchouli have said much of anything about Reisen's past. You know Patchouli's parents own Reisen, but how they came into possession of her is one thing they haven't mentioned.
>She is. She may actually be the only Moon Rabbit living in Yamato. After wiping Mayoiga off the face of the planet, the Lunar people are especially unwelcome in this country. You personally only know of one other besides Reisen, and that's Dr. Eirin Yakogoro. Every other rabbit you know of around town is either an earth rabbit, or a youkai who ascended from an animal.
-
>Is it actually common knowledge outside of friends that Reisen is a moon rabbit, for that matter? Like, do most people even know what one would look like specifically enough to differentiate them from other youkai rabbits?
>If so, has this caused Reisen problems in school and such?
-
>Is it actually common knowledge outside of friends that Reisen is a moon rabbit, for that matter? Like, do most people even know what one would look like specifically enough to differentiate them from other youkai rabbits?
>If so, has this caused Reisen problems in school and such?
>It is relatively common knowledge. There are physical differences, Moon Rabbits have different ears than either Earth rabbits or rabbit youkai, and tend to be taller and sleeker.
>To your knowledge, no. Mayoiga High is largely excempt from the resentment some feel towards the Moon. Plus, she is also a slave. People may see her as that before they see her as a Lunarian, though she's never made mention of this happening either.
-
>Softly: "Perhaps just a reminder of an unpleasant subject."
-
>Softly: "Perhaps just a reminder of an unpleasant subject."
>"I'm sorry." Sanae says to Reisen, most sincerely. "I didn't mean anything bad."
>The rabbit nods. "I know. I just don't like to think about the war."
>"Yeah. And I should know better, too, Dad doesn't like to talk about it too much, either, and she wasn't even a prisoner."
>Patchouli's head snaps up. "What did you say?" she demands.
>Surprised at her reaction, Sanae points at Reisen's ears. "That's what that button on her ear means. Didn't you know?"
-
>Did we?
-
>Did we?
>Negative.
-
>Well, let's just see what the others say. The question wasn't directed at us, and I'm sure Reisen doesn't need anyone one else gawking at this at the moment.
-
>Well, let's just see what the others say. The question wasn't directed at us, and I'm sure Reisen doesn't need anyone one else gawking at this at the moment.
>"Of course I know." Patchouli replies sharply. "She belongs to me."
>"Uh, technic-"
>"Don't technically me." the mage cuts the rabbit off. "And how did you know?"
>"I know a lot of things." Sanae says defensively. "Dad was on the Moon during the war, she told me a lot of things." The new arrival glances over at you, her eyes seeming to ask, 'Help me out here?'
-
>Gently, to Sanae: "I know you didn't mean any harm, but perhaps it would be better if we let the subject drop. The war holds few good memories for anyone that was a part of it."
-
>Gently, to Sanae: "I know you didn't mean any harm, but perhaps it would be better if we let the subject drop. The war holds few good memories for anyone that was a part of it."
>Sanae takes a breath, but one look at the still uncomfortable Reisen and the still glowering Patchouli makes her think twice about whatever she was about to say. So she simply closes her mouth and nods in agreement. "Sorry." she says again.
>And then Reisen quietly asks, "You didn't know, did you, Byakuren?"
-
>Shake our head
>"No."
-
>Shake our head
>"No."
>"It's nobody's business." Patchouli asserts firmly.
>"Isn't it?" Reisen asks her sort-of mistress. "She deserves to know who her neighbor is, doesn't she?"
>"Not if it doesn't matter." the mage replies, folding her arms. "You're mine now. That's what matters, not what you did during the war."
>Reisen actually smiles at Patchouli's statement of ownership, but addresses you when she says, "It's your choice. Sanae surprised me, yes, but I'm not afraid to talk about it, if you want to know."
-
>"I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious. But your privacy is your right to keep, and I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."
-
>"I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious. But your privacy is your right to keep, and I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."
>"Perhaps, another time." Reisen says, glancing at Sanae and smiling slightly. "Stories about the war aren't the best way to welcome a new neighbor, are they."
>The green hairen woman smiles in reply.
-
>Let's try to shift onto something a little lighter
>"Suwako's already tried to recruit me, you know."
-
>Let's try to shift onto something a little lighter
>"Suwako's already tried to recruit me, you know."
>"Ahh, you're gonna love working with her." Sanae exclaims as, quietly, Hyozan raises her nose to Reisen's face and the rabbit embraces the big dog. "Trust me, Byakuren, she can be a bit weird, but she's a good boss."
-
>Chuckle slightly
>"Oh, I have no doubt that she's a good woman, but I'm afraid I did actually decline. Nothing against her or the job itself; I just don't really feel like taking on any other commitments right now."
-
>Chuckle slightly
>"Oh, I have no doubt that she's a good woman, but I'm afraid I did actually decline. Nothing against her or the job itself; I just don't really feel like taking on any other commitments right now."
>Sanae whistles. "You ARE different, aren't ya, girl. I haven't met too many folks that'd turn that offer down."
-
>"Well, there's only so many things one can juggle before something starts to suffer."
-
>"Well, there's only so many things one can juggle before something starts to suffer."
>"Wise words." Sanae says with a nod, leaning back and stretching. "I guess working for someone like Aya Shameimaru keeps you busy most days, doesn't it?"
-
>"Not as many days as she would like, I think. But between school and friends and other commitments, the days have felt pretty full lately."
>Understatement of the year
>"Work experience is valuable, and the money is nice, but it's important to try to keep a balance in one's life."
>Fine for us to talk - as if we wouldn't push ourselves past exhaustion as Lotus, if we had to....
-
>"Not as many days as she would like, I think. But between school and friends and other commitments, the days have felt pretty full lately."
>Understatement of the year
>"Work experience is valuable, and the money is nice, but it's important to try to keep a balance in one's life."
>Fine for us to talk - as if we wouldn't push ourselves past exhaustion as Lotus, if we had to....
>"Not as many as she likes?"
>Reisen explains to the newcomer, "Byakuren's more of a freelancer than a full-time model."
>"Didn't know there WAS freelance models."
>"Shameimaru-san is a bit different than your average business owner."
>Sanae grins. "Starting to think there's a lot of that here in New Mayoiga."
-
>Smile
>"Well, I do get the impression our town has just acquired another."
-
>Smile
>"Well, I do get the impression our town has just acquired another."
>"You called it 'New' Mayoiga?" Patchy asks Sanae, her tone still a bit on the frosty side.
>"Oh, that's what Dad calls it. She remembers the old city, even lived there for a while." Then the green haired woman frowns. "I didn't step on another mine, did I?"
>"No." Reisen assures her. "It's just that not many people refer to Mayoiga as 'New'."
>Sanae draws her hand across her brow. "That's a relief. I'd hate to think I managed to annoy the first moon rabbit I've met in years twice in one day."
-
>"You've met others, then?"
-
>"You've met others, then?"
>"I have! Not here, though. We lived in Mahovlich two years ago, out on the east coast of Japanada. Why Mom decided to open a franchise out there, I STILL don't know, Dad and she argued over that one for weeks. But I got to know one of the girls who came to work at the shop, and she was a moon rabbit." The green haired woman's grin broadens a bit, becoming somehow Marissa-esque. "She was actually my first girlfriend."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"Oh?"
>"It was the ears." Sanae sort of explains, glancing obviously at the named appendages on the woman sitting next to her. Reisen actually blushes, which does nothing to improve the stern look on Patchy's face.
-
>Chuckle slightly
>"Surely it was a little more than that."
-
>Chuckle slightly
>"Surely it was a little more than that."
>Sanae laughs. "Well, the head they were attached to weren't so bad, either." After another chuckle, Sanae smiles nostalgically. "Still surprises me that I ended up with a rabbit. I always thought someone with wings would land me first."
-
>"Someone... specific?"
-
>"Someone... specific?"
>"Oh, I never thought specifics. Well, not about a specific PERSON." Sanae corrects herself. "I just got a thing for a gal or guy with wings. Think I always have, even before I started growing up."
>"That would be a bit unusual." Patchouli remarks dryly.
>"Is it?" Sanae asks, leaning forward, a dreamy look in her eyes. "Haven't you ever wanted to fly?" she asks the three of you.
-
>"There are times where it does seem convenient."
-
>"There are times where it does seem convenient."
>"I know I have." Reisen agrees.
>Patchy, however, differs. "No, as a matter of fact, I haven't. There hasn't been anywhere I wanted to go that badly."
>Sanae stares at the mage for a moment, then laughs. "Practical, ain't she?" she asks you with a smile.
-
>Chuckle slightly
>"That or a homebody."
-
>Chuckle slightly
>"That or a homebody."
>Reisen visibly stifles a chuckle at the look of consternation that crosses the face of her keeper. Sanae, meanwhile, simply asks, "So you never wanted to pop wings once you master magic?"
>"Not unless I have a reason." Patchouli replies with aplomb, seemingly unconcered about the topic.
>"That'd be the first thing I do." Sanae says dreamily, turning her gaze towards the window only to frown once she sees the curtains.
-
>It is quite atypical for Patchouli to be so unguarded about her ambitions with someone she doesn't know well, yes?
-
>It is quite atypical for Patchouli to be so unguarded about her ambitions with someone she doesn't know well, yes?
>It is. You know Patchy well enough to know that if she made an admission like that so freely, Sanae already knows that Patchouli practices magic.
-
>To Patchy: "I have to admit I'm a little surprised you've even mentioned the subject."
-
>To Patchy: "I have to admit I'm a little surprised you've even mentioned the subject."
>"I didn't." Patchouli replies without a trace of the annoyance you might have expected from her on the matter. "She already knew."
>"Dad knew the Knowledges were wizards." Sanae explains.
>"Magicians." the mage corrects, this time with a touch of irritation.
>"There's a difference?"
>Patchy sighs. "You wouldn't understand."
>Sanae shrugs then continues her explanation, "She didn't want me to move into to someplace without knowing a bit about the neighbors, so she told me that Patchouli here's probably a magician." The green haired woman grins. "I thought it was cool. Never lived next door to a magician before."
-
>"She's a very ambitious and studious woman. I have no doubt she'll make quite a name for herself in her field one day."
-
>"She's a very ambitious and studious woman. I have no doubt she'll make quite a name for herself in her field one day."
>"Maybe you could tell my parents that." Patchouli mutters. "They might listen to you."
-
>She didn't do very much listening to us last night....
>"I know it stings, but in the end, they will not be the ones that arbitrate what you have made of your life. Others will acknowledge you, even if they do not."
>Smile a little
>"For what it's worth, some already do."
-
>She didn't do very much listening to us last night....
>"I know it stings, but in the end, they will not be the ones that arbitrate what you have made of your life. Others will acknowledge you, even if they do not."
>Smile a little
>"For what it's worth, some already do."
>That she didn't.
>Patchy lets out a slight breath. "You know I respect that about you, Byakuren. You never offer false praise, or condemnation."
-
>"Thank you."
>"Though on that topic, might I ask why it smells so much like saltwater in here right now?"
-
>"Thank you."
>"Though on that topic, might I ask why it smells so much like saltwater in here right now?"
>"Lingering effect of an experiment I performed this morning. I'm still trying to get to the bottom of that little event that happened two nights ago."
-
>"Any progress?"
-
>"Any progress?"
>"None worth reporting."
>"What happened?" Sanae asks.
>"I'd prefer not to discuss the details. Not until I know more about how it could have happened."
>"Well you're discussing them with her." Sanae protests, pointing at you.
>"Byakuren was there at the time."
>Sanae grins at you. "Bet it was cool, right?"
-
>Smile
>"I think you'd think so."
-
>Smile
>"I think you'd think so."
>"Gonna invite me next time?" Sanae anxiously asks Patchy.
>"Byakuren was not invited the last time." the mage answers. "Her presence was something in the nature of an unexpected coincidence."
>"You mean an accident?"
>"In layman's terms, I suppose you could say that. Though not an unwelcome one. And the next time she happens upon an experiment of mine, it shall be a successful one." the neophyte mage says with a reserved passion.
-
>"I have every confidence."
-
>"I have every confidence."
>"In fact... I see no reason why I can't try now. But first, Reisen, get me a glass of water, please."
>"Right." the rabbit replies.
>"Have you still got that piece of jade you showed me that night?" Patchy asks you as Reisen moves behind her.
-
>Do we still have that on us, or is it back in our apartment?
-
>Do we still have that on us, or is it back in our apartment?
>You still have it on your person.
-
>"I do, yes. Why do you ask?"
-
>"I do, yes. Why do you ask?"
>"You will recall that I didn't have a great deal of success at analyzing the thing when last we spoke about it?"
-
>"Nothing about it seemed to particularly stand out to you, as I remember it. Did you want to have another go at it or something, then?"
-
>"Nothing about it seemed to particularly stand out to you, as I remember it. Did you want to have another go at it or something, then?"
>"I do. I did some research after that, and I think I've found a way to divine some information from the gem." she informs you as she accepts her glass from Reisen.
>"Did you two want anything while I'm on my feet?" Reisen asks you and Sanae.
-
>"No thank you."
>Take out the jade and hand it to Patchouli.
>"Here you go."
-
>"No thank you."
>Take out the jade and hand it to Patchouli.
>"Here you go."
>"Thank you. Reisen, fetch my gear. Have you yourself learned anything more about this thing since last we spoke?" she asks you.
-
>Shake our head
>"No."
-
>Shake our head
>"No."
>"Well, we'll see what we can do about that."
>"I've missed something else cool, haven't I?" Sanae asks enthusiastically.
-
>"Well, something curious, at any rate."
>While Patchouli gets set up, relate the basics of our first meeting with Giada to Sanae
-
>"Well, something curious, at any rate."
>While Patchouli gets set up, relate the basics of our first meeting with Giada to Sanae
>As you recount the tale of your initial encounter with the someone odd miko of the Tortoise shrine, Reisen brings another table out from Patchy's room, this one a smaller wooden affair, and then follows it with a purple-covered book and a fist-sized chunk of salt.
>"So this snake eyed shrine maiden just gave you a piece of jade?" Sanae remarks as you finish your tale. "There's something that don't happen every day."
-
>"Yes, I didn't really know quite what to make of the whole encounter."
-
>"Yes, I didn't really know quite what to make of the whole encounter."
>"I've met some youkai that were a bit out there." Sanae says as Patchouli slowly pulls herself to her feet. "Maybe she was just one of those?"
-
>"Well, she's certainly an unusual sort, to be sure. But I feel there was still some deeper meaning to the exchange - at least to her, even if one less apparent from the outside."
-
>"Well, she's certainly an unusual sort, to be sure. But I feel there was still some deeper meaning to the exchange - at least to her, even if one less apparent from the outside."
>"I guess she couldn't be too out there, yeah. Not if she was a miko."
>"Shrine maidens can be as unique and idiosyncratic as the rest of us." Reisen says from the kitchen as she fills another glass with water. "And sometimes as daring."
>"I assume that last part was directed at me, Reisen." Patchouli mutters as she opens her book.
>"Yes. You know how your parents feel about you casting even minor cantrips, let alone in front of people."
>"I am growing increasingly disinterested in what they desire." the mage says as she accepts the water from Reisen. There is a dark look in her eyes. "And growing more interested in aiding those whose opinions do matter to me. People like Byakuren here, and Sanae too."
-
>"I'm flattered, and I do understand your frustrations - but at the same time, I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble over something done on my behalf. So I guess what I'm saying is just... be careful, okay?"
>Give her an encouraging smile
-
>"I'm flattered, and I do understand your frustrations - but at the same time, I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble over something done on my behalf. So I guess what I'm saying is just... be careful, okay?"
>Give her an encouraging smile
>Patchouli actually returns your smile, though hers isn't quite as encouraging or comforting as yours. Rather, ambitious. "Thank you. But, not just for your sake, Byakuren." The purple haired mage pours the water into a bowl on the table. "There's a world of magic out there just waiting for me. I should have been a part of it years ago. Everything starts somewhere, and I can think of far worse places to start." She pulls a strand of her hair back behind her ear and adds, "And if I rend aid to an acquaintance of mine in the process, there is no harm in that."
-
>"Quite the opposite, I think."
>Let's see what she can do
-
>"Quite the opposite, I think."
>Let's see what she can do
>Sanae nods. "Just makes a good thing better. Go for it, girl." she eggs Patchy on, a surprisingly eager look in her eyes.
>Patchy breaks off a chunk of salt from the cube on the table and dissolves it in the bowl of water. "In the deeps are secrets, old and new. " she intones after glancing at her book. "Let salt and water bring one to view." Patchy takes the piece of jade and places it in the bowl of water, which starts to glow ever so faintly.
>Hyozan, who had been padding his way quietly around the kotatsu towards you, stops and sniffs the air, and emits a quiet whine, sounding to your ear like a sound of worry. Heedless of this, Patchouli continues, "Stone of green and mystery, show your secrets now to me."
>The walnut-sized piece of jade flashes with a green light, and you feel a very faint wave of power emanate from it. And then following it immediately is a massive surge of formless power, like the blast wave of a bomb. The power is beyond anything that you have encountered so far, even beyond that of the Champions. So great and so sudden is the power swell that it nearly overwhelms your mystic senses. And you are not alone in detecting this wave. Reisen's red eyes widen in horror and then she closes and covers them desperately. Sanae stiffens in her seat, like a deer in the headlights. Hyozan barks angrily, the hackles on his neck standing on edge. And Patchouli, the mage who seems to have unleashed this wave, faints, dropping to the floor like a sack of grain.
>And in your mind, you hear Rin's voice scream, What was that?!
-
>I don't know! Patchouli tried to cast a divination on the piece of jade Giada gave me, and then there was a sudden surge of power.
>Nothing physical in the room seems to have changed as a result of this power, does it?
>Is there any part of it we can see or otherwise detect with our more mundane senses?
>Is the power continuing to emanate, or does it seem like it was a singular burst that has since ended?
-
>Nothing physical in the room seems to have changed as a result of this power, does it?
>Is there any part of it we can see or otherwise detect with our more mundane senses?
>Is the power continuing to emanate, or does it seem like it was a singular burst that has since ended?
>Correct. Unless you count the living physical things.
>Negative.
>The latter. The blast has come and gone.
>I don't know! Patchouli tried to cast a divination on the piece of jade Giada gave me, and then there was a sudden surge of power.
>Are you okay?
-
>We're fine, aside from being a little bit startled, yes?
>Does Patchouli seem like she's completely unconscious, though?
>Is the jade still glowing?
-
>We're fine, aside from being a little bit startled, yes?
>Does Patchouli seem like she's completely unconscious, though?
>Is the jade still glowing?
>Your mystic senses are still reeling, but apart from that, you are undamaged.
>She appears to be.
>No.
-
>I think so. Just a little stunned. Patchouli seems to have fainted, though.
>Look around the room
>"Is everyone else alright?"
>Then go check on Patchouli
-
>I think so. Just a little stunned. Patchouli seems to have fainted, though.
>Look around the room
>"Is everyone else alright?"
>Then go check on Patchouli
>Whatever she did, made everyone out here jump, too. Rin informs you as you take in the sights of the people around you. Sanae still appears shaken, but is pulling herself together. She answers you with an "Uh huh."
>Reisen uncovers her eyes slowly. "What in the hells was that? Patchy!" she screams as she sees the fallen mage, running to her side. "Patchy, are you okay?"
>The purple haired magus mumbles as Reisen cradles her head in her lap. "Stop shouting." she mutters as you approach as well. "I can hear you." Reisen heaves a hugh sigh of relief, her ears dropping along with the rest of her body.
-
>"Are you alright?"
-
>"Are you alright?"
>"I've felt better."
-
>"Do you... know what happened?"
-
>"Do you... know what happened?"
>"Urgh, maybe." she groans as she straightens up. "The spell worked this time. But what I sensed...." The mage locks her eyes on you. "Byakuren, I don't know know if that miko made that jade or enchanted it or if she got it from somewhere else, but that jade was touched by something extremely powerful. And I do emphasize, extremely."
-
>"Even if that were so, why would it cause such... a dramatic reaction merely to take a proverbial look at it?"
>"And does this mean that the jade... does something? I mean, has some property that is not merely that of an inert stone?"
-
>"Even if that were so, why would it cause such... a dramatic reaction merely to take a proverbial look at it?"
>"And does this mean that the jade... does something? I mean, has some property that is not merely that of an inert stone?"
>"When magic meets magic, the results can be dramatic and unexpected." Patchy bites her lip. "I... didn't anticipate anything like this happening."
>"I'd guess it IS inert, except when in the presence of other magic. Help me up." she orders Reisen, who quickly complies. Patchy regards the now as-it-was-before piece of stone with a curious look. "All three of us held it before, and none of us had any clue it had any kind of power at all. A more skilled magician might know how to draw upon that power, but my knowledge only goes so far." She frowns in thought. "Though I don't know if anybody could harness a power like that."
-
>"Somebody did, if there is some of it in this stone."
>"And even if it is inert when not exposed to magic, doesn't that mean it could potentially end up getting 'set off' by other things?"
-
>"Somebody did, if there is some of it in this stone."
>"And even if it is inert when not exposed to magic, doesn't that mean it could potentially end up getting 'set off' by other things?"
>"And it's still in there, too." Patchy says as she seizes up the stone again. "That much I'm sure of."
>"Potentially. But I'd need to analyze it to find out what exactly could do that."
>"And that wouldn't be a good idea." Reisen asserts quickly.
>Patchouli gives the rabbit a stern look. "I CAN speak for myself, thank you."
-
>"Is there any, um... less risky method to examine it? Or perhaps some expert it could be taken to who is better-equipped to deal with something like this? No offense."
-
>"Is there any, um... less risky method to examine it? Or perhaps some expert it could be taken to who is better-equipped to deal with something like this? No offense."
>Patchouli sighs. "No, none taken. And it costs me no pride to say that my parents would be much more in their element than I in this case. My father especially."
>"Still I'm glad you tried." Sanae says, now standing herself. "I don't get to see magic very often. And if this is supposed to be hush hush for you, then I'm honored you count me among the ones you trust me enough to show."
>As she speaks, there is a knocking upon Patchy's door. "Get that, Reisen." the mage orders before she gives Sanae a nod. "Obviously things are usually less dramatic than that. Next time will be smoother. Oh." Patchy holds out the jade to you. "You'll be wanting that back."
-
>"Well, to be perfectly honest, I feel a little wary of the thing now, rather than simply curious."
>Take the jade back
-
>"Well, to be perfectly honest, I feel a little wary of the thing now, rather than simply curious."
>Take the jade back
>"I don't know that you need to be." Patchy says. "Pragmatically, if that miko gave you the jade for any sort of ill purpose, it's had plenty of chances to do them by now, and hasn't."
-
>"Oh, it's not that I think it's malicious. But that doesn't necessarily stop it from being accidentally dangerous somehow."
-
>"Oh, it's not that I think it's malicious. But that doesn't necessarily stop it from being accidentally dangerous somehow."
>"That is true for quite a number of things." Patchouli says mildly.
>And as she speaks to you, you hear Kohaku speaking with Reisen at the door.
-
>"Some quite a bit more than others, and probably none of them would you feel comfortable carrying around in your shirt pocket."
>Can we get a sense of what Reisen and Kohaku are saying?
-
>"Some quite a bit more than others, and probably none of them would you feel comfortable carrying around in your shirt pocket."
>Can we get a sense of what Reisen and Kohaku are saying?
>"Not necessarily, Byakuren. I have little fear in me."
>"Pretty good quality for a magician." Sanae adds with a nod.
>"I've always thought so myself."
>Kohaku appears to be inquiring into the source of that shockwave of power.
-
>"I think a little fear is healthy, if only to help keep one from being too imprudent."
>Do we know if Kohaku and co are familiar with Patchouli's magic?
>Is Reisen being forthright or evasive?
-
>"I think a little fear is healthy, if only to help keep one from being too imprudent."
>Do we know if Kohaku and co are familiar with Patchouli's magic?
>Is Reisen being forthright or evasive?
>The mage shakes her head. "Fear isn't the same thing as prudence. Fear is one of the enemies of learning. Prudence is simply acknowledging one's current limits."
>As Patchouli's landlord, Reimu is aware of Patchouli's magical leanings. Stands to reason her bodyguards do as well.
>As a result, Reisen appears to be being honest. Though you don't believe she's mentioned your involvement in supplying the material Patchy was experimenting on at the time.
-
>"Perhaps."
-
>"Perhaps."
>"Wait a second, that's that Daidouji girl, isn't it?"
-
>"I believe so, yes."
-
>"I believe so, yes."
>"We could ask her about that jade of yours." Patchouli suggests. "Her family works with enchanted jewels."
-
>"Oh? Do they?"
-
>"Oh? Do they?"
>Patchouli nods. "Jewel mages, as they're called. The Daidouji clan specializes in enchanting objects, usually gemstones. Pretty good at it too, from what my father has to say."
-
>"Oh, hmmm... perhaps it could be worth asking, then."
>Do we know Kohaku beyond 'follows Reimu around sometimes'?
>Did we know of any magical connection in her family before?
-
>"Oh, hmmm... perhaps it could be worth asking, then."
>Do we know Kohaku beyond 'follows Reimu around sometimes'?
>Did we know of any magical connection in her family before?
>Patchouli tries to keep a scowl of her face when she says, "I can guarantee it'd be a more pleasurable inquiry than if either of my parents were involved."
>You spoke to her at the Dragon Shrine a couple of nights ago. From that conversation, you found her to be a quite lovely young girl of mild temperment and friendly demeanor. She is apparantly a skilled cook, though humble enough to claim her brother was the better skilled of the two. She's also helpful, using what knowledge of jade she had to try and identify the source of the stone, but not so proud as to deny that she didn't know. She also cuts a fine figure in a stylish suit.
>You did not. Kohaku identified her family as being jewelers, and gave you her family's business card, but she didn't mention the magical aspect of it.
-
>Let's mosey over to Kohaku
-
>Let's mosey over to Kohaku
>The lavender haired woman standing outside in the cold has her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail today, and wears a sensible cardigan and jeans. The ensemble doesn't seem to work as well for her as the Roma suit, but she's still a pretty lady. She smiles and nods politely at your approach.
-
>Do we know about how much Reisen has covered so far? Concerning the jade itself in particular.
-
>Do we know about how much Reisen has covered so far? Concerning the jade itself in particular.
>She seems to have finished her explanation of the incident, leaving out the source of the jade Patchy was experimenting on.
-
>Meaning that the jade was mentioned, but not where it came from?
-
>Meaning that the jade was mentioned, but not where it came from?
>Correct.
-
>To Kohaku: "A little addendum: the jade Reisen mentioned was the same one that I showed you at the shrine the other night. As I recall, you said then that it was possible it had been exposed to magic in the past. Well... that seems rather more likely now, I think."
-
>To Kohaku: "A little addendum: the jade Reisen mentioned was the same one that I showed you at the shrine the other night. As I recall, you said then that it was possible it had been exposed to magic in the past. Well... that seems rather more likely now, I think."
>"Really?" the human muses, glancing at Reisen. "You didn't mention."
>Reisen looks somewhat abashed. "Well, I didn't want Byakuren to be involved in case people were upset over what happened."
>Kohaku gives the rabbit a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that. It might have annoyed Touki, but to be honest, that's not hard." More seriously, she says to you, "From what Reisen's told me, you weren't able to learn much beyond that?"
-
>Shake our head
>"Patchouli said that it was clearly touched by some exceptional power at some point, but couldn't tell what it was. But she did say that your family's expertise with jewels extends well into the magical realm, as well."
-
>Shake our head
>"Patchouli said that it was clearly touched by some exceptional power at some point, but couldn't tell what it was. But she did say that your family's expertise with jewels extends well into the magical realm, as well."
>"That's true." Kohaku informs you. "The Daidoujis have had an affinity for magic for several generations."
-
>"I wonder then if one of you might be able to examine it? I'm doubly curious now that there seems to be some dramatic power associated with this stone, and a proper expert seems the best place to take it."
-
>"I wonder then if one of you might be able to examine it? I'm doubly curious now that there seems to be some dramatic power associated with this stone, and a proper expert seems the best place to take it."
>"Well, there's not a lot I could tell you." she says with a frown. "I'm still just an apprentice. And my brother isn't with Reimu right now. But my father certainly could help you."
-
>"What's the going rate for this kind of service?"
-
>"What's the going rate for this kind of service?"
>Kohaku smiles. "Probably not as much as you might think. Magical services aren't always as expensive as the mundane kind." She pauses, then adds "Well, depending on which service you use and where. May I assume that you want a simple Identify service?"
-
>"Um... perhaps? I'd just like to know what sort of power in it caused it to react the way it did to Patchouli's divination. Since I don't really know what to expect, I don't know what to say for after that. Does this fall under the umbrella of this Identify service?"
-
>"Um... perhaps? I'd just like to know what sort of power in it caused it to react the way it did to Patchouli's divination. Since I don't really know what to expect, I don't know what to say for after that. Does this fall under the umbrella of this Identify service?"
>"I suspect so. In which case, it shouldn't cost anything."
>"Anything?" Reisen asks, startled.
>"Well, magical services don't have to be all that different from normal ones." Kohaku explains. "In our store, the cost of magic is usually mesured in the cost of the materials that need to be consumed. But a simple Identify spell is something a number of employees there can perform without any more time or effort than it would take to use a loupe to examine a jewel, including my family. Other than me. I'm not that good yet."
-
>"Well, that's rather more of a bargain than I was expecting. I may actually make a point to drop by that way today, even."
-
>"Well, that's rather more of a bargain than I was expecting. I may actually make a point to drop by that way today, even."
>Kohaku nods and smiles. "Our address and business hours are on the card I gave you at the Wood Dragon Shrine, if you still have it."
-
>"I do."
-
>"I do."
>"Now, I should ask, you hadn't had any issues with that jewel since I saw it last, had you? This was the first incident of any sort with it?"
-
>"As far as I've noticed, yes."
-
>"As far as I've noticed, yes."
>"Then there's no reason to expect another incident here, is there?"
-
>"Well, Patchouli seems to think not, but I am always hesitant to make assumptions about things we do not yet fully understand. But no, I suppose I would not expect one."
-
>"Well, Patchouli seems to think not, but I am always hesitant to make assumptions about things we do not yet fully understand. But no, I suppose I would not expect one."
>"There won't be any more experiments, either." Reisen assures her. Then she smiles at you. "Much as I'm sure you and Rin want to know now."
-
>"Oh, I'm quite fine with waiting for an expert to take a look at it."
-
>"Oh, I'm quite fine with waiting for an expert to take a look at it."
>"Well, then. I'll inform Reimu-san." The Daidouji girl bows politely. "If you'll excuse me?"
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
>Let's go back to where we were before
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
>Let's go back to where we were before
>Good idea. It's very cold out there. So, armed with this new source of information, you and Reisen turn away from the winter day and head back indoors. In the time that you and the rabbit were speaking with Kohaku, Sanae and Patchouli have both moved to the back sliding door. One of them has pulled back the curtains and opened the door a crack, and Sanae stands directly in front of the opening, seemingly savoring the cold breeze. It is odd to see Patchouli seeming to share in the sensation, though. She is more sensitive to the cold than other people.
-
>Can we see anything of interest out the back door?
-
>Can we see anything of interest out the back door?
>Nothing out of the ordinary. Just the clouds rolling through a bright, cold sky.
-
>"Enjoying the breeze?"
-
>"Enjoying the breeze?"
>Sanae looks back over her shoulder, a far away look in her eyes. "I need to feel the breeze on my skin. Get edgy if I don't after a while."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"Oh?"
>The green haired woman half-turns her face back towards the open door. "Bet that sounds a bit weird for a human like me, eh?"
-
>"We all have our quirks. Much the same could be said for some people and crowded rooms, or too much quiet."
-
>"We all have our quirks. Much the same could be said for some people and crowded rooms, or too much quiet."
>Reisen, a bit more stern-faced, takes a step forward. "Be that as it may, Sanae-chan, I need to ask you to close that door. Patchouli shouldn't be in the cold wind for long."
>"It's all right, Reisen." the mage replies in a quiet voice. "I don't really find it all that cold. Do you?" she asks both of you.
-
>Don't we?
-
>Don't we?
>You do. The winter wind is bitterly cold today.
-
>"I find it very cold today, in fact."
>Glance around: "It's not just me, is it?"
-
>"I find it very cold today, in fact."
>Glance around: "It's not just me, is it?"
>"Not by a longshot." Reisen says, taking your side. "I don't mind the cold as much as humans, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it."
>"Maybe I'm becoming more resilient." Patchouli muses. "It is an attractive thought."
-
>"Would have to be by quite a bit, I think, for this not to feel frigid."
-
>"Would have to be by quite a bit, I think, for this not to feel frigid."
>"So, if you wouldn't mind...?" Reisen prods the two girls.
>Patchouli sighs quietly, then nods to Sanae. "I suppose you should." Sanae takes in one last sizable gulp of cold air, then slides the door shut. "You do worry too much, you know, Reisen."
>The rabbit gives you a sideways look. "Comes with the job description, doesn't it." she remarks wryly.
-
>"Did you really not find it cold out at all?"
-
>"Did you really not find it cold out at all?"
>Patchouli merely shrugs. "I have dreamed of places far colder."
-
>Does that... sound like a rather out-of-character response for her, or is she just weird like that sometimes?
-
>Does that... sound like a rather out-of-character response for her, or is she just weird like that sometimes?
>Perhaps not as far as 'out of character', but it is a bit unusual. Despite her magical leanings, Patchy is a very down to earth person. Usually.
-
>"I've not known dreams to desensitize one to waking temperatures before."
-
>"I've not known dreams to desensitize one to waking temperatures before."
>Patchouli smiles a vague smile. "I always have been rather unique. For good and for ill."
-
>Can we sense anything unusual about her with our mystic senses? Some possible lingering effect of whatever happened when she worked with that jade?
-
>Can we sense anything unusual about her with our mystic senses? Some possible lingering effect of whatever happened when she worked with that jade?
>Actually, yes. There is an aura of power radiating out from Patchouli herself. It is very faint; you doubt you would have noticed it without looking hard. And it seems to be wafting out like a trail. Not towards the jade, though, that stone is inert again, no more than a hunk of rock to your senses. At a casual sweep, you're not sure where that power is going.
-
>Does this aura feel at all like the magic Patchouli has used at various time to us?
>Does this power in any sense remind us of how the jade itself felt?
>Let's try to get a sense of where it's going
-
>Does this aura feel at all like the magic Patchouli has used at various time to us?
>Does this power in any sense remind us of how the jade itself felt?
>Let's try to get a sense of where it's going
>It is different from Patchy's water magic.
>Completely different.
>The trail is rather vague, difficult to follow in your human guise. But with a bit more work, you manage to discern its directionality. Up to a point, anyway. The power that is flowing from Patchouli is heading towards you. More specifically, to the small vial of saltwater in your pocket.
-
>...the one which is the key to Louise's prison?
-
>...the one which is the key to Louise's prison?
>The very same.
-
>And this power is coming from Patchouli, yet does not feel like her own power at all?
>Feel for the status of the prison. Can we detect any change in it?
-
>And this power is coming from Patchouli, yet does not feel like her own power at all?
>Feel for the status of the prison. Can we detect any change in it?
>It isn't exactly the same, no.
>Sending your thoughts down the connection between this world and the walls of the prison you trapped the Water Champion in will require even more focus and attention than you are currently putting forth. It's very possible this would be observed and draw attention to yourself. Proceed?
-
>Let's excuse ourselves to go use the washroom, then check on the prison while out of sight
-
>Let's excuse ourselves to go use the washroom, then check on the prison while out of sight
>Taking leave of the gathered girl, you head into Patchy's bathroom, noting that the magical trail does not dissipate with the extra distance, and door, between you and her. Locking the door, you pull out the touchstone and send your thoughts down the link. The power emanating from Patchy does indeed track down the corridor of light down to the wall of Louise's jail, looking in this place like a thin fog of blue vapor. This misty energy wafts out across the surface of the globe, thus far failing to penetrate.
-
>So the energy appears to be traveling along the link between dimensions, but not reaching all the way into the pocket dimension?
>Can we get any sense of whether this could be Louise's doing? Somehow drawing something through the walls of the prison? Or does it seem like the force needs to be coming from outside in the first place? Or do we have no idea?
>Based on how much has accumulated here, and the rate it seems to be flowing, can we guess how long this has been going on?
-
>So the energy appears to be traveling along the link between dimensions, but not reaching all the way into the pocket dimension?
>Can we get any sense of whether this could be Louise's doing? Somehow drawing something through the walls of the prison? Or does it seem like the force needs to be coming from outside in the first place? Or do we have no idea?
>Based on how much has accumulated here, and the rate it seems to be flowing, can we guess how long this has been going on?
>It appears so. The wall of Water's prison appears to be undamaged. So far. But you're not convinced it will stay that way.
>You don't see how Louise could be doing this herself. You saw her efforts to escape yourself, and the power of the Oubliette resisted all her efforts. More, you still can't sense any activity from her side of the sphere.
>A general estimate would be hours.
-
>So, are we basically at a loss as to how or why this is happening? Or what might happen if it continues?
-
>So, are we basically at a loss as to how or why this is happening? Or what might happen if it continues?
>Your magical senses are limited when you're not in your Magical Lotus form. There's only so much you can sense right now.
-
>How much light or noise or magical shockwaves does our transformation cause? Do we think we could do it in here without anyone outside noticing?
-
>How much light or noise or magical shockwaves does our transformation cause? Do we think we could do it in here without anyone outside noticing?
>If there was a party out in the house, then maybe. But as quiet as it is out there now, someone will notice.
-
>What about if we were in our own apartment when we did it? Do we think that a magically-sensitive person near here would sense something happening there well enough to localize it?
-
>What about if we were in our own apartment when we did it? Do we think that a magically-sensitive person near here would sense something happening there well enough to localize it?
>Your magic appears to operate on a different wavelength than traditional magic. You suspect a skilled or powerful magician might be able to sense it, but someone like Patchy wouldn't.
-
>Is there anywhere else nearby that comes to mind which is sufficiently-concealed, but less personally associated with us? Just in case.
-
>Is there anywhere else nearby that comes to mind which is sufficiently-concealed, but less personally associated with us? Just in case.
>The back of that disused video store served you well when you, Lily and Rin needed a place to transform when you went to visit Louise.
-
>Let's finish up here and go back out to the others. We'll try to come up with a convenient excuse to slip out.
-
>Let's finish up here and go back out to the others. We'll try to come up with a convenient excuse to slip out.
>Leaving the mist and the barrier alone for now, you reel your mental projection back into your flesh. Still a bit of a jarring sensation, that.
>Returning to Patchy's room, you find the three girls have returned to their original positions at the kotatsu, and Reisen and Sanae are engaged in a conversation about motorcycles. Patchouli, however, is looking your way, her expression distant, and somehow curious.
-
>Approach a little
>To Patchouli: "Please forgive me, but... are you certain you're alright after what happened?"
-
>Approach a little
>To Patchouli: "Please forgive me, but... are you certain you're alright after what happened?"
>The young mage nods faintly. "Are you?" she asks quietly.
-
>"Well, aside from being startled by it, and a bit concerned about you...."
-
>"Well, aside from being startled by it, and a bit concerned about you...."
>"Well, don't be." Patchouli says with a quiet smile. "I have to admit, I was overwhelmed by the sensation. But the moment has passed. And there have been no other emanations since then." She tilts her head to the side slightly, curious about something. "I did think I felt..." She shakes her head. "But it was nothing. The moment has passed."
-
>"Well, I'm glad that you feel alright."
>Even if we're not quite convinced that she is
>Let's go take a seat again, then reach out to Rin
>Rin?
-
>"Well, I'm glad that you feel alright."
>Even if we're not quite convinced that she is
>Let's go take a seat again, then reach out to Rin
>Rin?
>"And you, no lingering effects of that wave?" Patchy asks as you sit.
>Yes, mistress? she replies promptly.
-
>Shake our head
>"I don't think so."
>I apologize for spoiling the mood, but something has come up that I need to investigate. There's some power flowing from Patchouli into Water's prison, and I can't figure out what it is without transforming. I may need you to run interference for me if anyone senses something when I do. Could you... maybe come over here and say there was something you need to speak with me about privately? It's... not exactly untrue, after all....
-
>Shake our head
>"I don't think so."
>I apologize for spoiling the mood, but something has come up that I need to investigate. There's some power flowing from Patchouli into Water's prison, and I can't figure out what it is without transforming. I may need you to run interference for me if anyone senses something when I do. Could you... maybe come over here and say there was something you need to speak with me about privately? It's... not exactly untrue, after all....
>"Splendid."
>"Ever been at ground zero for one those magic surges before?" Sanae asks you.
>Of course. I'll be right there. Uh, just so's I'm sure, would it be okay for me to ask ya ta step outside with me a for a sec, would that work?
-
>Yes.
>"Nothing quite like this, I think."
-
>Yes.
>"Nothing quite like this, I think."
>"I have. Back on Hai-lan. There was this rabbit I knew back there, Earth rabbit. Her family were all pyromancers."
>Patchouli sniffs. "A discipline lacking the refinement of the waters." The green haired woman grins as a knock on the door echoes through the apartment. "Oh what now?" Patchouli huffs as Reisen once again stands to deal with the visitor.
>"Anyway." Sanae continues. "Ricky- that's what we called him- invited a bunch of us over one day after school, said he had some kind of new trick he was real eager to show off. Sort of normal for him, but he was more excited this time."
>"Byakuren?" Reisen calls from the door. "Sorry to interrupt, but it's Rin. She says she'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind."
-
>"Oh, of course. If you'll excuse me a moment."
>Stand up and go answer the door
-
>"Oh, of course. If you'll excuse me a moment."
>Stand up and go answer the door
>You and Reisen pass each other by as you head out of the apartment, rendezvousing with your Rin. In your mind's ear, she asks as you pull the door closed, Are you sayin' that Louise is trying to affect Patchouli from that bubble you put her in?
-
>I can't be absolutely sure, but I don't think so - the walls of the prison still seem completely solid. But nonetheless, something is radiating from Patchy and pooling just outside it. Patchouli herself seemed slightly... odd as well, though perhaps I am jumping at shadows.
>Let's quietly head back up to our place
-
>I can't be absolutely sure, but I don't think so - the walls of the prison still seem completely solid. But nonetheless, something is radiating from Patchy and pooling just outside it. Patchouli herself seemed slightly... odd as well, though perhaps I am jumping at shadows.
>Let's quietly head back up to our place
>How's that possible? Patchy doesn't even know about the demons. Does she?
-
>Not as far as I know. I think she's mostly unaware of whatever's happening, in any case.
-
>Not as far as I know. I think she's mostly unaware of whatever's happening, in any case.
>Rin makes no effort to hide her confusion. So she's.... sending power to Louise, without knowing she's doing it?
-
>I'm not really sure. As I said, it was hard to tell for sure what was going on, but this is why I need to examine it in my magical form; hopefully I will be able to get a better sense of what's happening and what it might mean.
-
>I'm not really sure. As I said, it was hard to tell for sure what was going on, but this is why I need to examine it in my magical form; hopefully I will be able to get a better sense of what's happening and what it might mean.
>Rin nods solemnly. What do you need me to do?
-
>Just run interference in case anyone comes to check on me. It's possible someone may notice the transformation, and while I'm examining the effect on the prison I will likely be mostly unaware of my surroundings. Ideally this all passes without event and you won't need to do anything at all. Afterward... well, I am not sure what I am going to find, so I cannot really say.
-
>Just run interference in case anyone comes to check on me. It's possible someone may notice the transformation, and while I'm examining the effect on the prison I will likely be mostly unaware of my surroundings. Ideally this all passes without event and you won't need to do anything at all. Afterward... well, I am not sure what I am going to find, so I cannot really say.
>Understood. Rin replies, opening the door to your apartment for you. Then she grins, looking back behind you. Does he count? A glance behind you reveals Letty's pet, Hyozan, has followed you and yours.
-
>Chuckle slightly
>Perhaps not.
>Give Hyozan a little pet, then step inside
-
>Chuckle slightly
>Perhaps not.
>Give Hyozan a little pet, then step inside
>The big dog nuzzles against the palm of your hand, then he sits himself down next to your door as you and Rin enter into your home.
-
>Close the door behind us
>You stay out here. I'll go to my room and examine this more closely. If you do end up having to deflect someone, try to be subtle. And let me know if you feel you need to. I won't be any longer than I have to be.
>Let's go to our room, transform, then take a closer look at whatever's going on between Patchy and that vial of saltwater
-
>Close the door behind us
>You stay out here. I'll go to my room and examine this more closely. If you do end up having to deflect someone, try to be subtle. And let me know if you feel you need to. I won't be any longer than I have to be.
>Let's go to our room, transform, then take a closer look at whatever's going on between Patchy and that vial of saltwater
>"Understood. Just be careful, okay?" Rin says with a quiet smile.
>With your heart steeled by Orin's concern, you retire to your chambers and assume your magical form. After waiting a moment to hear from Rin about any potential callers, and receiving no word, you once more focus your will on the touchstone and send your mind's awareness down the path to the Rainbow Oubliette.
>Straightaway, you can sense more details about the misty stream of energy flowing from your neighbour down the path to Louise's cell walls. Or at least, more information about what it isn't. It definately isn't the Champion of Water's power, and nor is it Patchy's magic. Nor can you can sense any kind of deliberate intent from Patchy's side of the trail, so your hypothesis about her not being aware of it seems to be accurate. And the walls of Louise's cell are definately holding, so it isn't something she's doing from her side, either.
>But, more worryingly, with your newly enhansed senses, you can see that the mist is indeed having an effect on the Oubliette walls. Here and there where the mist is touching, very very slight patches of weakness are forming in the walls.
-
>So it is definitely coming from Patchy, but yet is definitely not her own power either?
>Can we detect any 'third-party' clinging to Patchy? Some kind of spirit that might be piggy-backing off her? Some kind of item she might be carrying that could be producing this effect on its own?
>Can we make any kind of rough estimate of how long, at the present rate of accumulation, this power might produce a weakness pronounced enough to allow Louise to escape?
-
>So it is definitely coming from Patchy, but yet is definitely not her own power either?
>Can we detect any 'third-party' clinging to Patchy? Some kind of spirit that might be piggy-backing off her? Some kind of item she might be carrying that could be producing this effect on its own?
>Can we make any kind of rough estimate of how long, at the present rate of accumulation, this power might produce a weakness pronounced enough to allow Louise to escape?
>It doesn't feel like the power she's used before. It.... almost seems familiar, somehow. You can't place where from, though.
>Not from here. Your awareness is divided between two planes at the moment. You can sense Patchy herself, but the effect is similar to seeing one across a vast chasm.
>Any estimate would be marred by the potential for Louise to expitide her own escape. If a gap forms in the Oubliette walls, there's a good chance Louise would be able to widen them from her side.
-
>Do we think we can metaphorically 'sweep' the gathered power away from the walls of the prison and back out into the regular world again? So that even if we can't immediately figure out how to stop this, at least we can keep it from eating at the walls for a while?
>Does the power, by any chance, remind us of that dragon she summoned the other day?
-
>Do we think we can metaphorically 'sweep' the gathered power away from the walls of the prison and back out into the regular world again? So that even if we can't immediately figure out how to stop this, at least we can keep it from eating at the walls for a while?
>Does the power, by any chance, remind us of that dragon she summoned the other day?
>Dissipating the energy should be possible. Your own power far exceeds that of the misty field. Though without knowing why Patchy seems to be producing it, there's no guarantee the power wouldn't return.
>It isn't the same sort of magic she used then, you can tell that much. As you were in your human guise at the time, you didn't get as clear a reading of the dragon's power as you might have done in your Lotus form. At the very least, you can tell isn't the magic of that particular dragon.
-
>Dissipating the power here may be a bit like bailing out a still-leaky boat, but that's probably still worth doing
>Let's try to clean up what has accumulated here, then pull our awareness fully back to the normal world and take a closer look at Patchy's aura
-
>Dissipating the power here may be a bit like bailing out a still-leaky boat, but that's probably still worth doing
>Let's try to clean up what has accumulated here, then pull our awareness fully back to the normal world and take a closer look at Patchy's aura
>Manifesting your scepter, you point it at the gathered mist and unleash a wave of power, which in this place emerges as a prismatic sheet of light. This light washes the blue mist away effortlessly, and you wipe out every trace of it that you can see. Straightaway, though, the blue vapors start to waft down towards the Oubliette once more.
>With the mess at least temporarily cleaned up, you reel your mind back in, your head acquiring a slight touch of dizziness this time, one that passes after only a few seconds. Perhaps sending your mind back and forth between one plane of reality and another in rapid succession is not something you should do too often.
>Rin's voice reaches you as you return, I felt you use your power, mistress. Everything okay?
-
>I'm fine. But the power which was gathering around the walls of the prison appeared to be slowly weakening them, so I swept what was accumulated away for the moment. It's only a temporary measure, since more is streaming back already, but I hoped it might at least delay any damage to the prison while I figure out what to do about the source of it.
>Let's reach out and take a closer look at Patchouli again now
-
>I'm fine. But the power which was gathering around the walls of the prison appeared to be slowly weakening them, so I swept what was accumulated away for the moment. It's only a temporary measure, since more is streaming back already, but I hoped it might at least delay any damage to the prison while I figure out what to do about the source of it.
>Let's reach out and take a closer look at Patchouli again now
>Any better idea what it is?
>Reaching now to the level below you, you scan Patchouli's apartment for her aura. You can sense the water magic around her, her elemental alignment. And the power leaking from her that is ever so slowly eroding the walls of the Oubliette. Apart from that, she feels no different than a regular youkai.
>The really peculiar thing you sense, though, is a second trail of energy, much the same as the one Patchy is sending out. This one seems to be coming from Sanae, and leads not towards the Oubliette, but somewhere in the physical world.
-
>Not yet, I am afraid.
>Can we figure out where that one is going?
-
>Not yet, I am afraid.
>Can we figure out where that one is going?
>It seems to be heading in a southwesterly direction.
-
>Can we follow it out, or does it lead somewhere too far away to get any useful sense of?
>And we can still sense nothing else odd about Patchouli aside from this power not her own that is streaming from her? No obvious cause, or source besides herself, or anything like that?
>Any chance we can place that niggling sense of familiarity we felt regarding it?
-
>Can we follow it out, or does it lead somewhere too far away to get any useful sense of?
>And we can still sense nothing else odd about Patchouli aside from this power not her own that is streaming from her? No obvious cause, or source besides herself, or anything like that?
>Any chance we can place that niggling sense of familiarity we felt regarding it?
>It becomes too faint to trace once it travels a few miles beyond the Moonside apartments.
>Even your enhanced senses offer you no insight as to where that power is coming from. Or rather, how it could be coming from Patchy, since it's quite different then her own magical aura.
>Although.... Upon closer scrutiny, something is... off about her. There is a sense of... incompleteness about her. Like there's something missing from her.
>As to what about that power feels familiar, it teases the edge of your mind, but details escape you.
-
>Something missing? Do we have any idea at all what this might be?
>Or how we could maybe figure it out?
>Do we think examining her at closer range would help at all here?
-
>Something missing? Do we have any idea at all what this might be?
>Or how we could maybe figure it out?
>Do we think examining her at closer range would help at all here?
>You do not know. But the damnedest thing of it is, there's a part of you that feels you should know. It's that familiar feeling, that sense of.... something, that eludes you.
>It's certainly possible. Proximity has helped your magical scanners in the past, it could very well help you here.
-
>I fear I'm only finding more mysteries. The power feels distinctly unlike either Patchouli's magic or Louise's, yet it is from Patchouli which it stems. And something similar is flowing from Sanae, yet heading miles away from here - I know not where. And even beyond this, there is something else about Patchouli which is... off, yet I cannot put my finger on it. This power feels... maddeningly familiar somehow, yet I cannot place it.
>Does it feel like something we felt recently, or something long ago?
>Something that was hostile/unsettling/ominous or friendly/comfortable?
-
>I fear I'm only finding more mysteries. The power feels distinctly unlike either Patchouli's magic or Louise's, yet it is from Patchouli which it stems. And something similar is flowing from Sanae, yet heading miles away from here - I know not where. And even beyond this, there is something else about Patchouli which is... off, yet I cannot put my finger on it. This power feels... maddeningly familiar somehow, yet I cannot place it.
>Does it feel like something we felt recently, or something long ago?
>Something that was hostile/unsettling/ominous or friendly/comfortable?
>From... Sanae? How's that possible. You hear Rin groans. Ain't nothin' simple.
>Perhaps.... Both?
>Again, you almost want to say both.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 1%
-
>Does any of it bring to mind any of the sensations we experienced when we first attained our ring, and the inner struggle we waged within our own soul?
>Is it reminiscent of our own power in any way we can tell?
-
>Does any of it bring to mind any of the sensations we experienced when we first attained our ring, and the inner struggle we waged within our own soul?
>Is it reminiscent of our own power in any way we can tell?
>It.... might?
>Not so far as you can tell.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 3%
-
>Reach out to the Purpose: Purpose, can you sense the power flowing from the two woman downstairs? One of which is drifting towards towards the prison in which we have captured the Champion of Water?
-
>Reach out to the Purpose: Purpose, can you sense the power flowing from the two woman downstairs? One of which is drifting towards towards the prison in which we have captured the Champion of Water?
>I cannot. My attention is focused upon maintaining the barrier; there is an assault in progress.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 4%
-
>An assault in progress? Where? Can I assist in any way?
-
>An assault in progress? Where? Can I assist in any way?
>Unnecessary. They will fail.
-
>You are certain?
-
>You are certain?
>Yes.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 2%
-
>Could we... feel some glimmer of that assault on the barrier ourselves, over the last few minutes, by any chance? Reflecting on things?
>Has there been any change in the auras downstairs?
-
>Could we... feel some glimmer of that assault on the barrier ourselves, over the last few minutes, by any chance? Reflecting on things?
>Has there been any change in the auras downstairs?
>You could not. You're not even sure you'd know what to look for to find the barrier between your world and Makai.
>Both remain unchanged.
-
>Earlier we thought that this familiar sense might bring to mind our experiences within our own soul. Well, does it? Think harder on each individual event that transpired there and see if anything matches up, or if we ultimately think we're barking up the wrong tree yet again.
-
>Earlier we thought that this familiar sense might bring to mind our experiences within our own soul. Well, does it? Think harder on each individual event that transpired there and see if anything matches up, or if we ultimately think we're barking up the wrong tree yet again.
>Leaving the Purpose of the Barrier to its own task, you set your mind to your memories, harkening back to that day where that bizarre doll gave you the ring on your finger. You brace yourself against the worst of those memories, the sense of isolation you felt, the fear at the time for the safety of Rin, Lily and Kyouko, the voices in the dark taunting you, teasing you, beckoning you to darker places, the cold that seemed to penetrate your flesh to chill down to your soul. Though it all, there doesn't appear to be any ONE thing that stands out about the others as being similar to what you feel from Patchouli, but there is a distinct sense that something about that experience is something you've felt before then. Something about those voices are like something you've been told, voices of people you knew. Did someone say the same things to Patchy? You don't know. Or is it that you just can't remember? It feels as though you're trying to remember something from your earliest years. You know it's there, or at least you're rather sure, and growing more sure all the time. But reaching it is another matter.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 15
>The cold in your memory is mirrored by the chill you feel in your shoulders and limbs.
-
>If we are growing sure, then try to focus on that certainty. Center our thoughts and reach out for that memory.
>And if the cold of what we experienced chills us, remember well what turned it back that day we gained our ring. Remember that we are not alone. Remember the love that dwells within our heart, for friends and family and the world. And for Rin. Remember that the woman we love is here with us right now. Even in the darkest places, we will never be alone.
-
>If we are growing sure, then try to focus on that certainty. Center our thoughts and reach out for that memory.
>And if the cold of what we experienced chills us, remember well what turned it back that day we gained our ring. Remember that we are not alone. Remember the love that dwells within our heart, for friends and family and the world. And for Rin. Remember that the woman we love is here with us right now. Even in the darkest places, we will never be alone.
>A peculiar sensation crawls through your mind as you try to reach back into the past, while at the same time keeping images of Rin in your mind. It is as though the pleasant memories, the positive emotions you hold to banishes the old memories from reach. The chill also softens in your extremities as you recall just how Rin and you kept each other warm through the cold winter night.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 14.
-
>That... that can't be entirely natural, can it?
-
>That... that can't be entirely natural, can it?
>It doesn't feel artificial. Then again, a whole lot of things you've done and had done to you over the past week would hardly be considered natural.
-
>Well, let's not get sidetracked. Take comfort that we have a warm place to return to, but try to focus on reaching whatever it was that we were on the cusp of recalling
-
>Well, let's not get sidetracked. Take comfort that we have a warm place to return to, but try to focus on reaching whatever it was that we were on the cusp of recalling
>Though you never enjoy putting thoughts of Rin out of your mind, you have a task to accomplish.
>All unbidden, the image of the Dark Lady pops into your head, regarding you with those sad eyes of hers. Yours. The version of you that joined with the Champions as they wanted. Is that how she started down her path, you wonder. Leaving aside, even for a moment, those she loved, believing she would return to them, but never being able to do as she might have wanted. Did she even have a love as you have found?
>But that fate cannot be yours, you remind yourself. You forsook that destiny to carve one of your own.
>Memory is a tricky thing. A stray thought that one has nearly put their finger on can be lost forever, once one becomes distracted. This, though, feels different. The memory is still there. But even without being able to recall the details, you are sure it isn't a pleasant memory. How it could be connected to Patchouli, though, that you're still uncertain of. You're about of the same age. Could you have had a shared experience when you were so young? You don't think so, but then, Patchouli's never mentioned her childhood apart from her rather rocky relationship with her parents as a part of it. As you think on it, though, the more you think, that might be it, something that happened to you that she was around for. Or, something that happened to her when you were around? Something that happened to someone else when you two were around? The details elude you.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 20.
>The chill in your body intensifies, and you feel a dull pressure on your shoulders.
-
>Did we have a rocky relationship with our parents or something?
-
>Did we have a rocky relationship with our parents or something?
>Definately not. Whatever it was you and Patchy shared, it definately wasn't that.
-
>Think harder. Can we narrow down something about this event? How long ago it was? Where it took place? Try to latch onto anything that brushes past our mind and follow it. Even if this is something unpleasant we are recalling, it feels important.
-
>Think harder. Can we narrow down something about this event? How long ago it was? Where it took place? Try to latch onto anything that brushes past our mind and follow it. Even if this is something unpleasant we are recalling, it feels important.
>Shivering against the cold that wracks your body, you strain your brain to recall the event in question. If event is even the word. Whatever it was was so very long ago...
>Your efforts are interrupted by the sharp, dry voice of the Purpose, Byakuren? Are you alright? You find yourself very annoyed at the little doll. You're doing something important here. It's difficult enough without interruptions.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 22.
-
>Now, that seems rather unfair to it, if it's only concerned about our well-being.
>Also... why are we so cold?
>Respond to it: I am... I am not altogether certain, to be honest. But what prompts you to ask?
-
>Now, that seems rather unfair to it, if it's only concerned about our well-being.
>Also... why are we so cold?
>Respond to it: I am... I am not altogether certain, to be honest. But what prompts you to ask?
>That's true. So why were you so annoyed?
>You don't know.
>I sense an unfamiliar power in this room. I cannot identify it, but it gives me the creeps, as I believe you humans say.
-
>Can we sense anything new here now?
-
>Can we sense anything new here now?
>Apart from the chill you're feeling, no.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 19.
-
>I cannot sense any new power here, but I am... chilled for some reason. Can you tell me anything more about what you sense?
-
>I cannot sense any new power here, but I am... chilled for some reason. Can you tell me anything more about what you sense?
>The sensation is unknown to me. It is not of the demon's realm. Or at least, it is not any kind of demon power I have sensed before. But as for this chill, I detect no change in the temperature of this room. This power may be having an adverse affect on your human biology. I understand cold is not something humans consider healthy.
-
>Generally not, no. I was just... trying to recall a memory. Something distant and fuzzy, like I could almost bring it to mind, but not quite. Something I sensed from Patchouli reminded me of... something old. I know that's not very specific, but I can't yet put my finger on it, and I feel like it's important.
-
>Generally not, no. I was just... trying to recall a memory. Something distant and fuzzy, like I could almost bring it to mind, but not quite. Something I sensed from Patchouli reminded me of... something old. I know that's not very specific, but I can't yet put my finger on it, and I feel like it's important.
>I am hardly an expert on humans, but it seems to me that accessing memories does not usually call upon an unknown chilling energy.
-
>Well, um, no. But I mean, that is all I was doing when you asked if I was alright.
>Does that seem right to us? Something here doesn't seem right, surely?
-
>Well, um, no. But I mean, that is all I was doing when you asked if I was alright.
>Does that seem right to us? Something here doesn't seem right, surely?
>I find that rather strange. the dry-voiced Purpose remarks.
>It's hardly been a routine wracking of your brain, that's for sure.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 15.
-
>So do I. I agree that something about all this feels off, but that only makes me believe that figuring it out is even more important.
>Can you still sense whatever presence you felt in the room?
-
>So do I. I agree that something about all this feels off, but that only makes me believe that figuring it out is even more important.
>Can you still sense whatever presence you felt in the room?
>Very faintly. It appears to be diminishing.
>Perhaps it is something best left alone. the Purpose suggests. You face threats enough as it is, Hero.
-
>If there is something lurking, connected to whatever these memories are, then I think it important to know. With as many threats as we do face, I think it worse to allow any others to remain hidden.
-
>If there is something lurking, connected to whatever these memories are, then I think it important to know. With as many threats as we do face, I think it worse to allow any others to remain hidden.
>This force came upon you only when you summoned it. the Purpose counters. It is likely that it will remain dormant if left unsummoned.
-
>Nevertheless, I feel it important to know what it is. Perhaps it is dormant now, but who knows when it might stop being so. I want to know.
-
>Nevertheless, I feel it important to know what it is. Perhaps it is dormant now, but who knows when it might stop being so. I want to know.
>Byakuren. the Purpose says, using your name for only the second time that you can remember. Your talents are unique. Your safety is more important to me than your curiousity. Without you, I will fail in that which I am. I do not wish to see you risk more than you already have, if it not absolutely necessary to do so.
-
>A friend of mine is unconsciously emitting some kind of power that is seeking out the Champion of Water's prison and weakening its walls. I don't know what this power is or why it is happening, but something about it reminds me strongly of whatever it was I was trying to recall. So I think it is important to figure out what that is - for your mission as well.
-
>A friend of mine is unconsciously emitting some kind of power that is seeking out the Champion of Water's prison and weakening its walls. I don't know what this power is or why it is happening, but something about it reminds me strongly of whatever it was I was trying to recall. So I think it is important to figure out what that is - for your mission as well.
>The Purpose is silent for quite a while. It's doll countenance reveals nothing, but you get the impression it is mulling over what you just said. As much as a Purpose can mull. Eventually, it says, Do you believe that, if left unchecked, this power will facilitate the release of the Champion of Water from the cell you hold it in?
-
>I think it is distinctly possible. I can't give a reliable estimate on how long I think this might take.
-
>I think it is distinctly possible. I can't give a reliable estimate on how long I think this might take.
>That may turn out to be the lesser of two evils.
-
>Do you think this other power represents to grave a threat?
-
>Do you think this other power represents to grave a threat?
>I believe it may. I do not have the emotions you have, Hero, I am not a living thing. But even so, this power, whatever it is, seemed capable of seeping into you without either you or your companion noticing. That is something none of the Champions have been able to do. If I were human, I would say that this is something that worries me greatly.
-
>It worries me too, but that is why I don't want to ignore it, either. And even if Rin could not sense this power from where she is, her presence gives me strength, and I know that she will be able to support me if I need her. Though whatever lies here is dark, I do not think I will lose myself to it so long as I have this warm place to return to. I want to try again.
-
>It worries me too, but that is why I don't want to ignore it, either. And even if Rin could not sense this power from where she is, her presence gives me strength, and I know that she will be able to support me if I need her. Though whatever lies here is dark, I do not think I will lose myself to it so long as I have this warm place to return to. I want to try again.
>I do not approve of this. the Purpose asserts. But, I am also powerless to stop you.
-
>Do not worry; the safety of this world is of paramount importance to me, and I do not plan to endanger it. If things start to feel too dangerous, I will stop.
>To Rin: Rin, could you come here a moment. And make sure the door is locked.
-
>Do not worry; the safety of this world is of paramount importance to me, and I do not plan to endanger it. If things start to feel too dangerous, I will stop.
>To Rin: Rin, could you come here a moment. And make sure the door is locked.
>The Purpose does not reply. If you didn't know better, you'd think it was sullen.
>Right away.
>The kasha arrives a moment later. "Everything okay?"
-
>"I am not wholly certain. I've just had a curious and somewhat unsettling experience. It is somewhat difficult to describe, but... you know how I said that the power flowing from Patchouli reminded me of... something? Well, the more I pondered it, the more convinced I became that there was some old memory it was linked to, something somehow shared between Patchouli and myself - something unpleasant, though I still cannot remember what. But what is more unsettling, the harder I tried to think about it, the colder the room seemed to become, like a deep chill was settling into me. I don't mean the metaphorically. I think there is something more to this than just an unpleasant memory. There seemed to be some sort of presence in the room, vaguely and briefly; I could not sense it well myself, and it started to fade as soon as my concentration was broken. But whatever this is unnerves me, and I don't want to simply let it rest without looking further."
-
>"I am not wholly certain. I've just had a curious and somewhat unsettling experience. It is somewhat difficult to describe, but... you know how I said that the power flowing from Patchouli reminded me of... something? Well, the more I pondered it, the more convinced I became that there was some old memory it was linked to, something somehow shared between Patchouli and myself - something unpleasant, though I still cannot remember what. But what is more unsettling, the harder I tried to think about it, the colder the room seemed to become, like a deep chill was settling into me. I don't mean the metaphorically. I think there is something more to this than just an unpleasant memory. There seemed to be some sort of presence in the room, vaguely and briefly; I could not sense it well myself, and it started to fade as soon as my concentration was broken. But whatever this is unnerves me, and I don't want to simply let it rest without looking further."
>Rin seems to have a little difficulty following the whole of your explanation. In fact, she confirms that once you're finished by saying, "I don't know that I followed all a that."
-
>"My apologies. It is hard for me to explain, since I don't understand it very well myself. But is there anything specific I can try to clarify?"
-
>"My apologies. It is hard for me to explain, since I don't understand it very well myself. But is there anything specific I can try to clarify?"
>"Well this memory thing. I didn't think you and Patchy met before you moved into Moonside here."
-
>We didn't either, right?
>Assuming so: "I didn't either, and yet... there is something here I still cannot shake."
-
>We didn't either, right?
>Assuming so: "I didn't either, and yet... there is something here I still cannot shake."
>Correct.
>"Maybe this is because of Satori." Rin suggests. "Maybe her evil brain power knocked a thing or two loose in our heads."
-
>"Perhaps. Certainly over the last week I have seen people both remember things that didn't happen and fail to remember things which did, so I can't exactly rule it out. But something about this... feels different, I think. More sinister, even. Perhaps I am completely wrong and this is nothing, but nonetheless I want to see if I can try to grasp whatever it is that is lurking there."
-
>"Perhaps. Certainly over the last week I have seen people both remember things that didn't happen and fail to remember things which did, so I can't exactly rule it out. But something about this... feels different, I think. More sinister, even. Perhaps I am completely wrong and this is nothing, but nonetheless I want to see if I can try to grasp whatever it is that is lurking there."
>"I don't think that's a good idea, Mistress." Rin says, looking concerned. "I can't feel this cold, or this presence. If this is something I can't sense, I don't think I can protect you if somethin' goes wrong."
-
>Smile and take her hand in ours
>"You can be here for me. In the chill of whatever lies lurking here, the thought of you made me feel a little warmer. And if I start to slip, I am sure that you will be able to help me pull myself back."
-
>Smile and take her hand in ours
>"You can be here for me. In the chill of whatever lies lurking here, the thought of you made me feel a little warmer. And if I start to slip, I am sure that you will be able to help me pull myself back."
>Rin smiles. "You know I'll try as hard as I can. But are ya sure you don't want to examine this power more before you try to somethin' more dangerous?"
-
>"Did you have something in mind?"
-
>"Did you have something in mind?"
>Rin considers her next words. "This started when you felt that power comin' from Patchy, right? Maybe if you stuck to puzzling that one out, you'd be safer?"
-
>"I felt like I was drawing something of a blank as I tried to figure out any more about it than I've already said. I don't know where it's coming from, or why, or what we can do about it. The only additional avenue I had considered is trying to examine her in person, in the hope that a physical connection might help clarify things, but obviously that presents certain... complexities."
-
>"I felt like I was drawing something of a blank as I tried to figure out any more about it than I've already said. I don't know where it's coming from, or why, or what we can do about it. The only additional avenue I had considered is trying to examine her in person, in the hope that a physical connection might help clarify things, but obviously that presents certain... complexities."
>"Yeah, that's for sure." Rin mutters, looking consternated at her lack of ability to come up with a safer approach.
-
>"Previously, the malign presence did seem to diminish when I turned my attention away from it and back to more pleasant things. I have no reason to think that it will not do so again. If things start to look too dangerous, I can stop."
>How cold are we feeling now? Basically the same as normal, or still some lingering effects?
-
>"Previously, the malign presence did seem to diminish when I turned my attention away from it and back to more pleasant things. I have no reason to think that it will not do so again. If things start to look too dangerous, I can stop."
>How cold are we feeling now? Basically the same as normal, or still some lingering effects?
>Rin nods, still looking concerned but at least somewhat mollified.
>You do still feel the unnatural chill in your arms and legs, but it is not as pronounced as it was before Rin came into the room.
-
>And do we sense anything at all directly about this presence the Purpose mentioned, aside from the chill within us?
-
>And do we sense anything at all directly about this presence the Purpose mentioned, aside from the chill within us?
>Negative.
-
>Nod slowly
>"Well, I am going to try again now."
>Grip Rin's hand firmly, then center our focus and reach back to that which we were inching towards before the Purpose interrupted us. Trust that we will be safe in the hands of the woman we love, whatever darkness we brush across. We will always have a warm place to return. But there is something hidden here, something important, and we must recall what it is.
-
>Nod slowly
>"Well, I am going to try again now."
>Grip Rin's hand firmly, then center our focus and reach back to that which we were inching towards before the Purpose interrupted us. Trust that we will be safe in the hands of the woman we love, whatever darkness we brush across. We will always have a warm place to return. But there is something hidden here, something important, and we must recall what it is.
>The touch of Rin's hand alleviates the chill in your body a bit more as you turn your mind back towards the murky depths of your memory. But the precise memory you seek eludes you, moreso than before. It appears to have receded into the dark places of your mind, banished by the love and warmth that surrounds you.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 8.
-
>Can we think of any way that we could better reach it? Short of completely isolating ourselves from anything positive?
-
>Can we think of any way that we could better reach it? Short of completely isolating ourselves from anything positive?
>You consider using the trick of linking two rings together, like you did with Kiku and Lily, but that probably wouldn't work either. The act in and of itself is an expression of deep faith and trust.
>Failing that, your mind falls back to Satori and her psychic powers. Someone with similar powers could conceivable access your memory with less risk of exposing yourself to whatever that dark force was the Purpose sensed. Though this would entail its own risks.
-
>Do we know of anyone else with similar powers?
>Stop and let out a sigh.
>"This is rather vexing, I am afraid. It feels as though embracing the comfort of your presence is actively causing the memory to retreat."
>Pause
>"That probably sounds bizarre; memories don't normally have a will of their own, and yet that is what it feels like - like the warmth of your presence has driven it further away somehow."
-
>Do we know of anyone else with similar powers?
>Stop and let out a sigh.
>"This is rather vexing, I am afraid. It feels as though embracing the comfort of your presence is actively causing the memory to retreat."
>Pause
>"That probably sounds bizarre; memories don't normally have a will of their own, and yet that is what it feels like - like the warmth of your presence has driven it further away somehow."
>Not for certain. But if Satori's power was biological, and not the result of that black splinter in her mind's eye, then her sister Koishi may have similar powers.
>"Not a lot about this makes sense." Rin agrees. "But at least nothin' BAD happened. Right?"
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 7.
-
>"No, nothing bad. Well, unless you count this mystery becoming even more veiled 'bad'."
>Sigh again
>"Oh, Rin. It is not a pleasant thing to think there is something lurking in the corners of your mind that you cannot touch. Something dark. Something important. It is... unsettling."
>Let's hold her close to us for a moment. We could use the comfort.
-
>"No, nothing bad. Well, unless you count this mystery becoming even more veiled 'bad'."
>Sigh again
>"Oh, Rin. It is not a pleasant thing to think there is something lurking in the corners of your mind that you cannot touch. Something dark. Something important. It is... unsettling."
>Let's hold her close to us for a moment. We could use the comfort.
>The warm embrace of the kasha banishes the cold from your body, from the room, almost even from your mind.
>Dark things are not always to be feared. the dry voice of the purpose intones. Until today, you didn't even know this thing existed. Perhaps it will fade as time passes. Or, if this is in fact connected, somehow, to the Champions and their presence in your world, then it will be taken care of once the others have been defeated.
-
>Perhaps, but I do not like not knowing. I do not like to leave potential threats lurking, rather than truly understanding them. I do not like the idea that there might be something in me that is that unsettling.
-
>Perhaps, but I do not like not knowing. I do not like to leave potential threats lurking, rather than truly understanding them. I do not like the idea that there might be something in me that is that unsettling.
>Take comfort in the fact that you have the strength to combat this force. Not every human does.
-
>You sound as though you recognize something about it.
-
>You sound as though you recognize something about it.
>I may not know a lot about your species, Hero, but I know that much at least.
-
>Do you know why you might have been able to sense this presence when neither myself nor Rin could?
-
>Do you know why you might have been able to sense this presence when neither myself nor Rin could?
>Not yet. But I will probe this presence as much as I can to try and find that answer.
-
>Can you do this while it's not strongly manifested? Or can you still sense it, even now?
-
>Can you do this while it's not strongly manifested? Or can you still sense it, even now?
>Only very faintly. It is all but vanished.
-
>Does all this attention mean the threat to the barrier has passed for the moment, by any chance? And you can give me an opinion on the power emanating from the two woman below us?
-
>Does all this attention mean the threat to the barrier has passed for the moment, by any chance? And you can give me an opinion on the power emanating from the two woman below us?
>Yes. The remaining Champions were not involved in the attempt. I believe only they have the power to penetrate me.
>I cannot detect this power. It may be unrelated to the force you experienced.
-
>We can still sense it, yes?
>Assuming so: Interesting. Though I think this means that for all the investigating I've tried to do, I have only uncovered further mysteries.
-
>We can still sense it, yes?
>Assuming so: Interesting. Though I think this means that for all the investigating I've tried to do, I have only uncovered further mysteries.
>Correct.
>I believe you humans say that life is a series of mysteries. Do not try to take on too many at once, Hero. You have enough already.
-
>That may be so. But it would be nice to find some answers to some of them.
>To Rin: "A fine way to start our day off, isn't it? At least two dangerous mysteries and few clues for either of them."
-
>That may be so. But it would be nice to find some answers to some of them.
>To Rin: "A fine way to start our day off, isn't it? At least two dangerous mysteries and few clues for either of them."
>"Does sorta make havin' a new neighbor a bit less shiny." the kasha says.
-
>Where is the Purpose in our room, anyway? Somewhere it's been visible?
-
>Where is the Purpose in our room, anyway? Somewhere it's been visible?
>Indeed. It occupies a spot on the second shelf down on your bookcase, in front of one of your medical texts, next to a small model motorcycle you got from Marissa a couple of christmases ago.
-
>Take a deep breath
>"Despite all the unpleasantness, I do still think I want to make one last attempt at reaching this memory before I set it aside for the time-being. But before that, there's an introduction I should make - one I fully intended to do before now, but everything has been so... hectic that it kept slipping my mind. I hope you can accept my apologies for that."
>"You remember the being that I said gave me my ring in the first place, back when that first youma attacked?"
-
>Take a deep breath
>"Despite all the unpleasantness, I do still think I want to make one last attempt at reaching this memory before I set it aside for the time-being. But before that, there's an introduction I should make - one I fully intended to do before now, but everything has been so... hectic that it kept slipping my mind. I hope you can accept my apologies for that."
>"You remember the being that I said gave me my ring in the first place, back when that first youma attacked?"
>Rin thinks about that for a moment, then nods.
-
>"It is a manifestation of the purpose of the barrier that separates our world from Makai - to make sure that what is contained within it remains within it. And it has lent me its aid several times since then, with information or warning. But since its form on our world is fragile and limited in its ability to defend itself, I offered it shelter here."
>Turn around and address the doll: "I trust Rin with my life, unconditionally. You can trust her also."
-
>"It is a manifestation of the purpose of the barrier that separates our world from Makai - to make sure that what is contained within it remains within it. And it has lent me its aid several times since then, with information or warning. But since its form on our world is fragile and limited in its ability to defend itself, I offered it shelter here."
>Turn around and address the doll: "I trust Rin with my life, unconditionally. You can trust her also."
>Rin blinks. "Wait a sec. That doll? That's some kinda... magic spirit thing?"
>A crude but not entirely inaccurate description. the Purpose replies, this time its dry voice filling the room. The Hero is correct. The barrier between this world and the world you call Makai was created with a purpose. That Purpose manifested itself as this doll to aid a mortal that had the strength to aid in myself.
>The Eireish kasha seems a bit confused at the description you and the doll itself give her. "So... you're here ta help?"
>In the simplest terms, yes.
>Rin considers that for a moment, then barks out a laugh. "An' this was a weird enough day ta start."
-
>"I mention this particularly because it was the Purpose that could sense directly the malign power manifesting while I tried to reach that memory, not me. I felt... chilled, unsettled, but could sense no other presence directly. Neither of us is quite certain why this should be so."
-
>"I mention this particularly because it was the Purpose that could sense directly the malign power manifesting while I tried to reach that memory, not me. I felt... chilled, unsettled, but could sense no other presence directly. Neither of us is quite certain why this should be so."
>"Any idea why I couldn't feel that?" Rin asks the doll.
>None. It is puzzling. You received your power from the Hero. Your ability to sense powers should be comparable to hers.
>"Well, we do have different kinds of power."
>True, but the source is the same. There are some abilities you both share. I cannot see why this should not be one of them.
>Rin makes a very feline sound of irritation. "But this power, you're both sure it wasn't something the Champions coulda done?"
-
>"Well, I suppose I cannot conclusively rule something out if I do not understand it, but I would be very surprised; this did not feel very much like them in any way."
-
>"Well, I suppose I cannot conclusively rule something out if I do not understand it, but I would be very surprised; this did not feel very much like them in any way."
>"Well, that's somethin' at least."
-
>"Since it seems to be impossible to reach for this memory while bolstered by positive emotions, and I fear that I could do myself harm by allowing this negative force to suffuse me too completely without them, what I propose is this. Since the Purpose is able to directly observe this presence, it can monitor - at least roughly - how much danger I may be in from it. It interrupted me once earlier, as I reached about the closest I have come to finding it."
>To the Purpose: "What I would ask this time is for you to keep silent while I try to focus, even as you feel I am threatened, and only if you feel that the power has grown to such a point that I am in immediate severe danger, tell me to stop. And additionally, tell Rin to come and intervene on my behalf."
>To Rin: "In other circumstances, it might sound as though I were simply being sentimental, but I think there is literally no better ward against this power than to hold you close to me, Rin. I wish I could have you by my side all the while, but if I cannot, then I know you can help me dig myself out of whatever trouble might be waiting for me."
>"I do not think it is a foregone conclusion that it will even come to this. I may well learn what I need to without experiencing anything much worse than I already have - and in the scheme of unpleasantnesses in recent days, that was barely anything at all. Consider this a safety net. If, even pushing it this far, I am unable to learn anything of use, then I will set it aside for now until some alternate approach can be devised, and attend to other matters. But I would like one last try here."
-
>"Since it seems to be impossible to reach for this memory while bolstered by positive emotions, and I fear that I could do myself harm by allowing this negative force to suffuse me too completely without them, what I propose is this. Since the Purpose is able to directly observe this presence, it can monitor - at least roughly - how much danger I may be in from it. It interrupted me once earlier, as I reached about the closest I have come to finding it."
>To the Purpose: "What I would ask this time is for you to keep silent while I try to focus, even as you feel I am threatened, and only if you feel that the power has grown to such a point that I am in immediate severe danger, tell me to stop. And additionally, tell Rin to come and intervene on my behalf."
>To Rin: "In other circumstances, it might sound as though I were simply being sentimental, but I think there is literally no better ward against this power than to hold you close to me, Rin. I wish I could have you by my side all the while, but if I cannot, then I know you can help me dig myself out of whatever trouble might be waiting for me."
>"I do not think it is a foregone conclusion that it will even come to this. I may well learn what I need to without experiencing anything much worse than I already have - and in the scheme of unpleasantnesses in recent days, that was barely anything at all. Consider this a safety net. If, even pushing it this far, I am unable to learn anything of use, then I will set it aside for now until some alternate approach can be devised, and attend to other matters. But I would like one last try here."
>You realize, Hero, that I will most likely try to stop you before you wish me to. The Purpose answers.
-
>"I know you would rather I not do this, as you feel it endangers me and thus your mission. I understand this. Frankly, I would rather not endanger myself either, all things being equal. But I am committed to do this one more time, and I believe that I am capable of handling it, and that the safety net I propose will safeguard me if I cannot. But if you plan to interrupt me prematurely so as to prevent me from risking myself, consider this: unless I feel I can truly trust that you are respecting my request and leaving me be until intervention is urgent, I will assume any warning you give is premature and ignore it - and ask Rin to do likewise. That would endanger both of us quite a bit more than if you would grant me this one indulgence, would it not?"
-
>"I know you would rather I not do this, as you feel it endangers me and thus your mission. I understand this. Frankly, I would rather not endanger myself either, all things being equal. But I am committed to do this one more time, and I believe that I am capable of handling it, and that the safety net I propose will safeguard me if I cannot. But if you plan to interrupt me prematurely so as to prevent me from risking myself, consider this: unless I feel I can truly trust that you are respecting my request and leaving me be until intervention is urgent, I will assume any warning you give is premature and ignore it - and ask Rin to do likewise. That would endanger both of us quite a bit more than if you would grant me this one indulgence, would it not?"
>The little doll does not answer for several seconds, long enough for you to feel awkward about it. At last, though, the Purpose says simply, Fine.
-
>"Thank you."
>Turn to Rin: "Sadly, I'm going to have to ask you to leave me in solitude for the moment, until one of us calls for you. I wish it could be otherwise, but.... I promise I will do my utmost to be safe."
-
>"Thank you."
>Turn to Rin: "Sadly, I'm going to have to ask you to leave me in solitude for the moment, until one of us calls for you. I wish it could be otherwise, but.... I promise I will do my utmost to be safe."
>The kasha doesn't look any happier than the Purpose sounded. Your determination doesn't seem to be winning you any points among your allies. "If that is your decision, Mistress, then I obey."
-
>Frown. That stings a bit.
>"Please... not like that. I don't want to force you. I'm just... trying to do what I feel needs to be done."
-
>Frown. That stings a bit.
>"Please... not like that. I don't want to force you. I'm just... trying to do what I feel needs to be done."
>"I know." Rin pauses for a moment, as though seeking the right words for what she wants to say next, before, in her native Eire tongue, saying "But I don't like it." Or perhaps 'But I don't have to like it', your Eire is not brilliant.
-
>Try to manage a gentle smile
>"I promise I'll make it up to you after all this is over with."
>Then take a deep breath
>"Wish me luck."
-
>Try to manage a gentle smile
>"I promise I'll make it up to you after all this is over with."
>Then take a deep breath
>"Wish me luck."
>"Go n-?ir? an t-?dh leat." Rin replies before she leaves the room, the most common Eireish way of saying 'Good luck.' From the Purpose, there is only a silence you'd almost call sullen.
-
>Let's get ourselves as comfortable as we can and center our thoughts.
>Remember, we have established a safety net for ourselves. Let us put our trust in that and brave whatever cold thing lies beneath without holding back.
>Let us reach out for that veiled memory once more.
-
>Let's get ourselves as comfortable as we can and center our thoughts.
>Remember, we have established a safety net for ourselves. Let us put our trust in that and brave whatever cold thing lies beneath without holding back.
>Let us reach out for that veiled memory once more.
>Left now largely alone in your room, you sit yourself down on your bed, Rin's words and the Purpose's reaction to your threat still leaving a sour sound in your ears. Your determination to get to the bottom of this seems to have offended both of them in different ways. But, though it pains you to admit, for your purposes this may actually be helpful. If positive feelings proved to isolate you from that memory, then the immediate lack of them might help your efforts.
>It takes you a moment to regain that feeling of familiarity, turning your thoughts back to the strange sensation you felt from Patchy, and how it might relate to you. The memory of something that you and she somehow shared. As before, you try to stretch your brain back down the path of years to find something more than you found before. Some stray fragment of memory that might help lead you to the truth.
>Eventually you think you get back to the point you were at when the Purpose interrupted you before. Remembering its words, you pause for a moment, in the event it decided to ignore your threat and try and stop you anyway. But it does not. Good, you think to yourself. This has been hard enough without any interruptions. And a moment later, you think you have results. Something that could be a woman's voice drifts across your memory like a stray breeze, gone as fast as it came but definately making its presence known.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 27.
-
>Try to recall that voice
-
>Try to recall that voice
>A difficult task. Remembering a conversation from a year ago is tricky enough sometimes, leave alone one from you don't know when. But at least now you have something more concrete to look for, that's progress in and of itself.
>After several long moments of concentration, the voice returns. You can't make out what it's saying, the words are staticy and quiet, fuzzy with the passage of time. But the voice itself is familiar somehow. You can't put a name to the voice, but it definitely a woman's voice. And though you can't quite tell what she is saying, the voice somehow sounds warm, inviting, even comforting somehow.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 30.
-
>This voice doesn't, by any chance, sound like the one that spoke to us during the battle with the death titan, does it?
-
>This voice doesn't, by any chance, sound like the one that spoke to us during the battle with the death titan, does it?
>No, that much you're sure of. That voice was like poisoned honey to your ears, doom hidden poorly beneath reason and logic. This voice feels almost like a mother's voice. The kind she used to try and make Myoren and you feel better when you were sick, or after you'd woken up from a bad dream.
-
>Does it sound like our mother's voice, or some other with a reminiscent tone?
>Listen closer to the voice. But even if it feels inviting, do not let it invite us quite yet. Remember, we are here foremost to observe. Let us seek to understand it better.
-
>Does it sound like our mother's voice, or some other with a reminiscent tone?
>Listen closer to the voice. But even if it feels inviting, do not let it invite us quite yet. Remember, we are here foremost to observe. Let us seek to understand it better.
>You can't rule out the possibility that it could be your mother's voice. After meeting Madame Knowledge, stuck-up aristocrat she is, you can't imagine it'd be her voice, but yours? That you're less sure about. Though if it is, it means she was talking to you and Patchy years and years ago, and you can't see how that's possible.
>Pleased to finally be getting somewhere with this investigation of yours, even if it has gotten considerably colder in here, you narrow your thoughts towards the woman's voice. Or at least try to, there's lots of other bits swirling around in your memory down here. Thoughts of your mother has stirred memories of you and her and your father sitting by Myoren's bed as he grappled with another part of his weak body failing, the impotent anger you felt at such a bright soul being forced to endure such a life. How your mother tried to assure you that everything would be okay, but the uncertainly, the worry, the dread in her eyes spoke to her true feelings. Was there some guilt there, too? Perhaps there was.
>Memories of Marissa talking about her mother, wondering how her life would have turned out had she survived. The woman died when Marissa was barely two, yet even now her presence looms in the life of your friend. Would she have turned out the way she did had her mother lived, her father not remarried?
>Memories of Madame Knowledge, and a new anger that accompanies them. Someone like Marissa barely got to know her mother, yet this woman squanders the chance she was given? Every day it seems that distance between Patchy and her mother grows greater and greater, and from what you saw, you doubt she'll do anything to change this anytime soon. Why her, and not Marissa's mother? How is that fair?
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 36.
>The chill in your body gives way to a rush of hot anger as memories stir your emotions, but this lasts only a moment before a blanket of despair falls over your shoulders, the knowledge that you can't change any of it, nor change similar occurrences for your other loved ones' benefits. Even with the power you have, it isn't enough.
-
>There may be things we cannot change, but there are still many things that we can. Maybe we cannot make the best world, but we can make a better world. That is why we are doing this.
>Probe deeper. Find that voice.
-
>There may be things we cannot change, but there are still many things that we can. Maybe we cannot make the best world, but we can make a better world. That is why we are doing this.
>Probe deeper. Find that voice.
>But why can't you? With all the power you possess... And more besides. You know there's more you can do. You just need to find it. Maybe you'll find the way to that power here? You hope so. Of course you'd use that power to help Patchy and Sanae first. But after that...
>You think you hear another voice come to you as you try to isolate that matronly tone. Something that sounds like your own voice, maybe in a tone of caution, of warning. But you ignore this caution. You're close to your answer now.
>Surrounding the motherly woman's voice is a profound darkness. She spoke to you from a very bad place, or at least one that was very poorly lit. And you still can't make out her face, or her hair, or anything about her beyond the voice. Yet, somehow, you can tell she is looking at you, and smiling. An inviting smile, one that invites you into her confidences, and she says, "I can't do this without you."
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 48.
-
>Answer the voice in our mind: "What is it you are trying to do?"
-
>Answer the voice in our mind: "What is it you are trying to do?"
>"You're special. All of you. And-"
>"BYAKUREN!" the voice of the Purpose roars in your ears.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 49.5.
-
>But we're so close! Just a bit more and maybe we will understand what we came here to understand!
>But... but we promised. We promised we would stop here, if we had to. It's important that we keep our promises. Even if....
>Let the memory go and come back to our surroundings
-
>But we're so close! Just a bit more and maybe we will understand what we came here to understand!
>But... but we promised. We promised we would stop here, if we had to. It's important that we keep our promises. Even if....
>Let the memory go and come back to our surroundings
>The temptation to try and keep going is strong. You're close. The woman could have been telling you how to save your world. Save BOTH worlds. How to.... Well, the only way to know for sure is to keep trying. That little doll's already said it worries too much. How does it know when you've gone too far? You still need answers...
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 49.4.
-
>Whether it is wrong or not, we made a promise. Pull out.
-
>Whether it is wrong or not, we made a promise. Pull out.
>Is your word worth as much as your answers are?
>... Yes. Yes it is. You promised Rin. If the Purpose is calling you, then it has to have its reasons.
>At least, it better have...
>With more than a little regret, you turn away from your emerging memories, back to the present. To find the little doll just in front of your face. "We have a problem." it says aloud, its voice surprisingly human.
-
>"What problem is that?"
>How do we feel?
-
>How do we feel?
>You feel rather sad at the moment. You feel as though you were on the verge of discovering something very important, something that would have answered any number of questions. Only to be pulled away by this little.... alien awareness. You may never get that chance again.
>"What problem is that?"
>"I have detected the presence of the Champion of Air. It is heading this way."
-
>And our physical condition?
>Can we sense Air ourselves?
>If so, how quickly do we think it will be here? If not, ask
-
>And our physical condition?
>Can we sense Air ourselves?
>If so, how quickly do we think it will be here? If not, ask
>Not bad at all.
>You can. The belligerant Champion is inbound from the southwest, a few miles out, moving at great speed. It isn't even trying to conceal its presence. By your estimate, it will be here in less than five minutes.
>You can also sense that the trail of power flowing from Sanae is flowing towards the Air Champion.
-
>Not bad at all? None of the deep chill that we experienced the last time we plumbed that memory?
>We do feel... ourselves, do we? Give a quick once-over of our mental faculties.
>"That power emanating from the other woman downstairs... it is flowing towards the Air Champion. Can you still not sense it at all?"
-
>Not bad at all? None of the deep chill that we experienced the last time we plumbed that memory?
>We do feel... ourselves, do we? Give a quick once-over of our mental faculties.
>"That power emanating from the other woman downstairs... it is flowing towards the Air Champion. Can you still not sense it at all?"
>No. Would it matter? You don't mind the cold. Besides, whatever cold you did feel was washed away by the tide of anger your memories stirred before. An anger that persists.
>You do feel just a touch fuzzy, but then, you've spent a while furiously wracking your brain to try and dredge up a memory from possibly as long as 17 years ago. That'll tax anyone's brain. The sensation fades even as you think about it.
>"I cannot."
-
>It won't do us any good to be angry now. We need calm and focused for the battle to come.
>"Well, I'm certain of it, just as the other power reached out to Water. I do not know why."
>"A question first, though: when you called me, was it just because of Air's approach and not because I seemed in immediate danger from this other presence?"
-
>It won't do us any good to be angry now. We need calm and focused for the battle to come.
>"Well, I'm certain of it, just as the other power reached out to Water. I do not know why."
>"A question first, though: when you called me, was it just because of Air's approach and not because I seemed in immediate danger from this other presence?"
>Battle. Yes. Another chance to thwart the demons.
>"Nor do I."
>"It was not just because of the Air Champion." the doll answers. "The danger was growing too great. I felt I had no choice but to risk your anger."
-
>Whoa there. Dial that back a little. No matter how necessary, battle is not a desirable thing, and this is not a desirable place for it. Remember, we want to help the demons in the end, not simply thwart them.
>"I will acquiesce to your judgement, and I thank you for respecting my request and not interrupting sooner. I know it was not what you wanted to do."
>Let's go out to where Rin is
-
>Whoa there. Dial that back a little. No matter how necessary, battle is not a desirable thing, and this is not a desirable place for it. Remember, we want to help the demons in the end, not simply thwart them.
>"I will acquiesce to your judgement, and I thank you for respecting my request and not interrupting sooner. I know it was not what you wanted to do."
>Let's go out to where Rin is
>With a fair amount of conscious effort, you throttle back some of your darker instincts. Even though they started this fight, even though they seem to have chosen your home to menace, even if that means they directly threaten, Nitori, Letty, Minoriko, Patchy... Not to mention yourself and Rin.
>"You didn't give me a choice." the Purpose reminds you. "I only hope this does not affect our continuing alliance."
>Taking another steadying breath to rein in your emotions, you head back out into the main room. Rin is lying in her feline form, curled up atop one of the chairs in the room.
-
>"Rin?"
-
>"Rin?"
>The kasha's ears perk at your calling of her name. She raises her head to regard you. Did you get your answers? she asks silently.
-
>"Not really, I'm afraid. Hints of more, but not quite enough to make sense of it. But I'm afraid we have more immediate problems. The Champion of Air is swiftly approaching our location, and the power flowing from Sanae is connected to it."
-
>"Not really, I'm afraid. Hints of more, but not quite enough to make sense of it. But I'm afraid we have more immediate problems. The Champion of Air is swiftly approaching our location, and the power flowing from Sanae is connected to it."
>Straight away, Rin leaps from her chair and transforms in mid air, not just into her humanoid form, but into her Magical White Rose form as well. "What do we do?"
-
>"Obviously we cannot let Air harm anyone here, but there are unusual... social complexities. I assume Air is here for Sanae specifically, so we may not be able to draw it away from the others without actually moving Sanae herself elsewhere somehow - and I don't know that we even have time to try. So many explanations that will probably be asked...."
>"Given that Water cannot have been initiating this power flow from Patchouli, I would be surprised if Air is responsible, either. They may even be as uncertain as we are about what is occurring, and have come to investigate. I know too little to say."
>"I don't suppose you can think of a good excuse to quickly spirit a girl away from her own housewarming? While no one notices either of us missing?"
-
>"Obviously we cannot let Air harm anyone here, but there are unusual... social complexities. I assume Air is here for Sanae specifically, so we may not be able to draw it away from the others without actually moving Sanae herself elsewhere somehow - and I don't know that we even have time to try. So many explanations that will probably be asked...."
>"Given that Water cannot have been initiating this power flow from Patchouli, I would be surprised if Air is responsible, either. They may even be as uncertain as we are about what is occurring, and have come to investigate. I know too little to say."
>"I don't suppose you can think of a good excuse to quickly spirit a girl away from her own housewarming? While no one notices either of us missing?"
>Rin ponders that for a moment. "Not a good one, no. If you want keep him away from Sanae, best bet might be to head out and attack it before it gets here."
-
>"Air has proven quite effective at eluding us when it wants to. I am not sure how effectively we can waylay it if it is intent on being somewhere past us."
>Given the direction Air is coming, do we know of any place that might make a semi-isolated battleground before it reaches here?
-
>"Air has proven quite effective at eluding us when it wants to. I am not sure how effectively we can waylay it if it is intent on being somewhere past us."
>Given the direction Air is coming, do we know of any place that might make a semi-isolated battleground before it reaches here?
>"It isn't now, though." Rin points out. "I can feel it comin', too. Last time we met, none of us felt it coming 'till it was there."
>Taking into account the speed you've demonstrated you can travel at in your Lotus form, there is a three story parking garage with automated services you could intercept Air at before it arrives. At this time of day, the people who use it have all, or at least largely, have moored their cars there and walked to their jobs, so it should be deserted, barring one or two latecomers.
-
>How effectively do we think we can leave our apartment and the grounds without being visible to other people in the complex?
-
>How effectively do we think we can leave our apartment and the grounds without being visible to other people in the complex?
>Leaving via the front gate unobserved should not be difficult, as there no windows in the front of the building. The fact that every resident is currently occupied (hopefully) will help in that aim as well.
-
>"We might be able to intercept it at the parking garage if we hurry. It should be relatively unoccupied."
-
>"We might be able to intercept it at the parking garage if we hurry. It should be relatively unoccupied."
>"The one over on Alian Street? Yeah, that could work. But shouldn't we call in Lily and Kiku first?"
-
>How far away does Lily live from here? Or rather, from that parking garage.
-
>How far away does Lily live from here? Or rather, from that parking garage.
>You're not entirely sure where Lily lives.
-
>"We can contact them, but I doubt either of them can be there in time, so we'll have to assume it's just the two of us."
>"We should hurry; we can do it on the way."
>Let's make a subtle, but swift exit from our apartment and head for that parking garage
-
>"We can contact them, but I doubt either of them can be there in time, so we'll have to assume it's just the two of us."
>"We should hurry; we can do it on the way."
>Let's make a subtle, but swift exit from our apartment and head for that parking garage
>"Understood." Rin says quickly as you both make your escape. Luckily for you, the only person you see outside at the moment is Hyozan, still sitting outside your door. The big dog looks up at you as you leave your apartment, He sniffs the air, then growls out a quiet sound that could be an expression of worry.
>"Nothin' to worry 'bout." White Rose says quietly to him. "We're just passing through."
>The malamute tilts his head slightly, sniffs the air again, then seems to relax.
>Rin lets out a quiet chuckle. "Glad you ain't like me, boy. That'd make this hard to explain." Hyozan dealt with, the two of you make quick but stealthy progress down the stairs, and out the front gate. Mistress. Rin's mental voice says in a dour tone. You know.... We can't win this fight.
-
>What makes you so certain of that? We defeated Water with just three of us and we're stronger now than we were then. I know we haven't seen Air in direct combat yet, but the fact that it has thus-far avoided it in favor of using youma makes me question how comfortable it feels in that domain.
-
>What makes you so certain of that? We defeated Water with just three of us and we're stronger now than we were then. I know we haven't seen Air in direct combat yet, but the fact that it has thus-far avoided it in favor of using youma makes me question how comfortable it feels in that domain.
>You and me had all we could handle with that youma of his. And if it makes another one today, it'll probably be stronger than that one. A demon and a youma together would probably be too much for us.
>And even if it doesn't... Air's dangerous, Mistress. That was the gut feeling I got from him the other day. He's different than Louise.
-
>Aside from its active desire for destruction, for its own sake?
>Actually, hold that thought a moment - the sooner I contact the others, the sooner the chance of them being here in time to help.
>Reach out to Lily: Lily, we have a problem. Air is on the move and heading for my apartment complex. We plan to intercept it at [insert location of parking garage here] to keep it away from others, but it's just the two of us. How quickly can you be there?
-
>Aside from its active desire for destruction, for its own sake?
>Actually, hold that thought a moment - the sooner I contact the others, the sooner the chance of them being here in time to help.
>Reach out to Lily: Lily, we have a problem. Air is on the move and heading for my apartment complex. We plan to intercept it at [insert location of parking garage here] to keep it away from others, but it's just the two of us. How quickly can you be there?
>Understood.
>For a moment, the only reply from Lily is a stunned silence. After a moment, though, as you round a corner, the blonde girl replies, H, How close is it?
-
>We have less than five minutes until contact, I think. ...I'm sure you're not in range to get there that quickly, but I had almost no more notice than you.
-
>We have less than five minutes until contact, I think. ...I'm sure you're not in range to get there that quickly, but I had almost no more notice than you.
>I don't think I can get downtime in time. Lily says despairingly. I'm at the other end of town.
-
>Do we.... by any chance think we could use our connection through our rings to summon our fellow magical girls somehow?
-
>Do we.... by any chance think we could use our connection through our rings to summon our fellow magical girls somehow?
>An interesting proposal. Certainly, your powers have a very wide breadth. You've proven capable of things you'd never imagined possible before, but this somehow seems different. Magically hauling someone across a major city seems somehow more... profound that simply shooting magical bullets.
>And yet, as you think on it, you think more and more that it could very well be possible. Even setting aside the connection you feel with Rin for the moment, the magical connection you share with her, Lily and Kiku is both powerful and profound. You can sense each other through the rings you all wear, the connections leaving paths through the city. Why shouldn't it be possible to move along those lines?
>Yes. The more you think about it, the more you think it could indeed be possible. Certainly with Rin, and almost certainly with Lily. Kiku, however, you're a bit less certain about. Even though you've touched minds with her, and she plainly trusts you deeply, the connection between you and her has never been quite as strong as it is between you and Rin, or Lily.
-
>So if we were to summon Lily, how would that work? What would the both of us need to do?
-
>So if we were to summon Lily, how would that work? What would the both of us need to do?
>Getting Rin to help would be a start. Whether or not this works, it will require energy to do so. White Rose could help with that, even if her personal connection with Lily is nowhere is as profound as yours is.
>Beyond that, the approach would probably not be dissimilar to fishing. You would need to reel Lily or Kiku across the city through the tangible connection between you. The stronger the connection, the easier the hauling should be. Assuming this works.
-
>Make sure both of them can hear this: I... think I may be able to summon you. I've never tried this before, but I think I may be able to draw upon the connection between us to bring you to us. ...it seems worth a try, under the circumstances.
-
>Make sure both of them can hear this: I... think I may be able to summon you. I've never tried this before, but I think I may be able to draw upon the connection between us to bring you to us. ...it seems worth a try, under the circumstances.
>Once again, Lily's response is a moment of silence. Well, if you think it'll work. Just give me a minute, I need to get away to transform.
-
>Okay. Let me know when you're ready.
>In the meantime, let's contact Kiku.
>Kiku, I'm sorry to call on you with such short notice, but the Champion of Air has resurfaced and I think a battle is imminent. I don't suppose there's any faint chance you're near [location of the garage] at the moment?
-
>Okay. Let me know when you're ready.
>In the meantime, let's contact Kiku.
>Kiku, I'm sorry to call on you with such short notice, but the Champion of Air has resurfaced and I think a battle is imminent. I don't suppose there's any faint chance you're near [location of the garage] at the moment?
>Gotcha.
>The dour voice of the tiger miko is a stark contrast to Lily's vivacious tone. No. I am not. I haven't been able to leave the shrine since last night. I have been afraid to.
-
>Afraid to? ....for Satori's well-being?
-
>Afraid to? ....for Satori's well-being?
>You're very perceptive, Byakuren. Kiku says. She sounds very weary. You're not sure, but you suspect she hasn't slept much, if at all.
-
>...how is she?
-
>...how is she?
>The miko lets out a tired sigh. Do not concern yourself with that right now, Byakuren. Kiku replies, trying to put her best face forward. For want of a better word. The Champions must take priority over such concerns. I will rendezvous with you as soon as I can.
-
>No. She matters, too, and the well-being of the members of your shrine. And, no offense, but you sound exhausted - have you even had chance to sleep since last night?
-
>No. She matters, too, and the well-being of the members of your shrine. And, no offense, but you sound exhausted - have you even had chance to sleep since last night?
>That doesn't matter either. Kiku replies shortly. I don't need sleep as much as a human does.
>But you can be worn out by things like they can. Rin cuts in. We saw the news. 'tween that, and Satori, and the fight-
>It still doesn't matter. Kiku interrupts her. Knowing her as you do, you'd think she was pleading. If a Champion is moving, we must react.
-
>And we will. But you need rest. I will see to it that you are allowed to have it.
-
>And we will. But you need rest. I will see to it that you are allowed to have it.
>You can feel Kiku's frustration from here. She sighs again, and utters a quiet Damn. More, you think, at herself than you or Rin. You are sure?
-
>We have taken down a Champion with three before. I will see that we do so again.
-
>We have taken down a Champion with three before. I will see that we do so again.
>.... Very well. But do not underestimate Air. It isn't the same kind of demon that Water was. Water sought to enslave souls. I don't think Air is so willing to leave us Earthlings alive.
-
>No. When we met it at the police station last night, it was very blunt with its desire to inflict torment even where this did not further its primary goals. I have no intention of letting my guard down against it.
-
>No. When we met it at the police station last night, it was very blunt with its desire to inflict torment even where this did not further its primary goals. I have no intention of letting my guard down against it.
>Kiku makes a sound like she wants to say more, but pauses. It is several seconds before she speaks again, her voice a mixture of sad and tender. Be safe.
-
>Thank you. You as well.
>To Rin, privately: Three shall have to do.
-
>Thank you. You as well.
>To Rin, privately: Three shall have to do.
>So you're gonna try and pull Lily over here? she asks in reply
-
>Yes, once she says she's ready. ...I hope it works.
-
>Yes, once she says she's ready. ...I hope it works.
>The kasha offers you a smile. You really do have lots of good ideas.
-
>Smile a little self-effacingly
>Thank you. Let's hope I have enough to get everyone through this morning in one piece.
-
>Smile a little self-effacingly
>Thank you. Let's hope I have enough to get everyone through this morning in one piece.
>Heads up. Rin says quickly, grabbing your sleeve as you approach a street corner. She obviously was stopping you due to the BMW coming your way. It wasn't close enough to be any real hard to you, but as your attention was diverted by two seperate conversations, and developing a new use for your powers, she probably didn't want to take any chances.
>Okay, B, fire away. Lily's voice comes to you after the beamer trundles past.
-
>To Rin: Thank you. And Lily says she's ready. I could use your help to do this, if you could lend me a hand?
>Let's stop somewhere that's not in the middle of public view, if we can (though don't take time to go out of our way - we're already on the news, but better not to attract more onlookers than necessary)
>Then let's try summoning our friend and compatriot
-
>To Rin: Thank you. And Lily says she's ready. I could use your help to do this, if you could lend me a hand?
>Let's stop somewhere that's not in the middle of public view, if we can (though don't take time to go out of our way - we're already on the news, but better not to attract more onlookers than necessary)
>Then let's try summoning our friend and compatriot
>Of course.
>You and White Rose have been doing your best to avoid the main streets, sticking to back roads and parking lots and the lot, even briskly across a back yard once. For a spot to stop and pull this trick out of a hat, you glance around and select a rather dim looking alley between a couple of tall buildings. One devoid of either Eagle or Bear, you make double sure of this time, though there are a couple of pervading odors you'd prefer not to spend too much time around. With that in mind, you get down to work.
>You focus your will upon the link binding your ring to Lily, forged not just from the power you both share, but the emotional connection you have forged with the lovely little blonde. If it can be an emotional conduit, as you know it is and can be, then it can be more. As you reach out to her, you sense her mind reaching out to yours as well, meeting in the middle. You hear Lily's voice in your mind, Hehe, that kinda tickles!
-
>Smile
>We do endeavor to make this a pleasant trip.
>Let's reel her in!
-
>Smile
>We do endeavor to make this a pleasant trip.
>Let's reel her in!
>Gripping her 'hand', as it were, you and Rin, for you feel her power now joined with yours, pull on that feel. The sensation is not entirely dissimilar to how you react when using your Sapphire Lotus. Power leaves your body as you reel the girl in like a lithe fish. Albeit one with a bit of weight to it. Even though the act isn't as taxing as it would be to bodily haul a female across any distance, it's still not something you'd want to do eight hours a day.
>Having said that, Lily actually acheives a fair amount of speed as she travels down the pink and purple extradimensional conduit created by your power, its hazy apeture forming in the air in front of you. More speed that you were expecting. You knew that it would be easier to summon her than it would be to summon Kiku, but she progresses more easily, and more rapidly, than you had anticipated. So much so that she doesn't walk out of the tunnel, she flies out at great speed, crashing into you with a short yelp and bowling you over. The two of you land in a tanlged heap, the little blonde ending up on top of you, her lips pressed against yours.
-
>Well. That's um... that's uh...
>Sheepish smile
>"Hello, Lily."
-
>Well. That's um... that's uh...
>Sheepish smile
>"Hello, Lily."
>An entrance to remember.
>Lily's returning smile is not quite as sheepish. "You kiss good."
-
>"Oh, um... er... thank you?"
>Oh dear, are we blushing again?
>Throw an apologetic smile at Rin, then let's get ourselves back on our feet
-
>"Oh, um... er... thank you?"
>Oh dear, are we blushing again?
>Throw an apologetic smile at Rin, then let's get ourselves back on our feet
>Lily giggles again at the sound of your embarassment.
>From the heat in your cheeks, odds are.
>Rin seems unfazed by the sight, and in fact helps the both of you back to your feet, with a comment of, "That actually worked."
>Lily nods energetically. "Heck of a ride, too!"
-
>"And now we know for the future. But we should get moving. I'm afraid Kiku won't be able to join us, so we'll have to do this with just the three of us. Let's hurry."
>Get a move on to intercept Air!
-
>"And now we know for the future. But we should get moving. I'm afraid Kiku won't be able to join us, so we'll have to do this with just the three of us. Let's hurry."
>Get a move on to intercept Air!
>More than a little anxious to get out of this smelly alley, you and Rin head back out onto the street. Lily, however, takes to the air, as is her wont, seemingly heedless of the fact that she is in her magical guise. That may be for the best, though, as time is of the essence. And maybe it's just the influence of that accidental kiss, but you're not going to complain about the view she gives you from up there.
>Stay on target, Byakuren.
>The concrete world of buildings around you affords you any number of opportunities to avoid the major thoroughfares on the way to your destination, and while a city this big and this populous means that it is impossible for you to remain completely unseen, you manage to keep enough cover around you that you are not seen for more than a fleeting moment. Perhaps enough for an especially sharp eyed passerby to recognize you from the news, but not enough for them to raise an outcry about it. At least, none that catches your ears. Still you resolve when this is over to mull over the prospect of devising a cloaking spell of some kind.
>With precious little time to spare, you make it to the north face of the parking garage, a six story tall slate grey ediface. You can sense Air's approach from the sky, so if you want to grab its attention, you'll need to get to the roof. You can make your way up through the building, which will take longer and will keep you out of the public eye, or you and Rin can fly up the side of the garage, which will be much faster but also much more obvious.
-
>Fly up; we can't afford to let Air slip by while we're inside, and any battle up there is going to draw attention once it starts, regardless
-
>Fly up; we can't afford to let Air slip by while we're inside, and any battle up there is going to draw attention once it starts, regardless
>Nearly in unison, you conjure up a blue platform of light to carry you up onto the roof, while White Rose creates one of her stepping wheels to do the same. Lily, you note, has already flown over the roof, and has likely made her landing by now. You join her in short order.
>The roof of the parking garage is a fairly spacious spread of asphault, split into two levels. The top half is only occupied by three vehicles, including one enormous Humvee. The lower part contains cheaper looking cars and bikes, and is about 65% full. There are two ramps leading up to the roof, the ramp leading to the lower half to the east, the ramp leading to the upper level on your northwest.
>You can see the bat-shaped demon cutting a terrific pace through the air with your naked eye now. It is approaching from the southwest for all the world to see.
-
>How close will its current path come to the parking garage?
>Can how quickly will it get here?
-
>How close will its current path come to the parking garage?
>Can how quickly will it get here?
>If it remains on its current path, it will come within twelve feet of the west side of the roof in approximately 30 seconds.
-
>Then let's get over to that west side of the roof and make ourselves obvious
>Before it is right upon us, or passed by altogether, call out: "Champion of Air! I believe we have unfinished business to settle!"
>If it actually decides to ignore us, be ready to fly after it
-
>Then let's get over to that west side of the roof and make ourselves obvious
>Before it is right upon us, or passed by altogether, call out: "Champion of Air! I believe we have unfinished business to settle!"
>If it actually decides to ignore us, be ready to fly after it
>Still riding your Sapphire disc, you flit over to the steel railing surrounding the roof, and make your attempt to flag down the Air demon. Part of you doesn't expect it to stop, though. It's following the trail leading it to Sanae like an arrow, and its bearing gives you the impression that it doesn't want to stop for much of anything. Nervously you grip your scepter. You may need to resort to drastic measures just to get its attention.
>But that seems not to be necessary. The bat-form demon slows when it sees you, coming to a complete halt ten feet away from you.
-
>Let's start off without tipping our hand, and see how much it is willing to volunteer
>"I am surprised to see you moving so openly. You seem in rather a hurry, for some reason."
-
>Let's start off without tipping our hand, and see how much it is willing to volunteer
>"I am surprised to see you moving so openly. You seem in rather a hurry, for some reason."
>The Air Champion doesn't answer right away. It seems to stare at you for a while. You hear Lily activate her shield behind you, and Rin starts to move up next to you, clearly on guard. Finally, the Champion speaks, "You're that Terran that's been getting in my way, aren't you?"
-
>"It is a pity that you were unwilling to put aside your desire to harm my kind in the interest of solution that might better serve the safety of your own. What I said last night about my desire to save your people from the horrors of Makai is true, and it is not too late to change your mind - even a little."
-
>"It is a pity that you were unwilling to put aside your desire to harm my kind in the interest of solution that might better serve the safety of your own. What I said last night about my desire to save your people from the horrors of Makai is true, and it is not too late to change your mind - even a little."
>The bat shakes its head slightly. "Well I don't want to harm your kind now. I've got something better to do." And just as quickly as it stopped, the Champion turns and starts to head towards Moonside again.
-
>Move to follow, and throw a quick barrier immediately in front of Air's path. Large enough that it can't trivially sidestep it, though it doesn't need to be strong enough to survive a real impact. Just hopefully give it pause for a moment, in annoyance if nothing else.
>"I know what it is you seek, and I do not intend to allow you to harm her."
-
>Move to follow, and throw a quick barrier immediately in front of Air's path. Large enough that it can't trivially sidestep it, though it doesn't need to be strong enough to survive a real impact. Just hopefully give it pause for a moment, in annoyance if nothing else.
>"I know what it is you seek, and I do not intend to allow you to harm her."
>The bat-form demon runs head first into your shield with an audible *pang*. When it turns back to face you, it very much looks annoyed.
>"I didn't wait this long and cross into this world to be stopped by you or anyone else." Air snarls, its voice carrying a savage power.
-
>"If the goal of the Champions is to free your people from Makai, then we need not be enemies. But so long as your methods involve doing harm to the peoples of this world, we cannot allow you to continue. Please recognize that this is not the only path that exists before you."
>Get ready to dodge if Air decides they're done talking
-
>"If the goal of the Champions is to free your people from Makai, then we need not be enemies. But so long as your methods involve doing harm to the peoples of this world, we cannot allow you to continue. Please recognize that this is not the only path that exists before you."
>Get ready to dodge if Air decides they're done talking
>"What I'm doing now is helping one of your kind." the bat counters.
>"Helping?" White Rose blurts, still standing next you on guard.
>"You can't understand. But since I don't want to fight you right now, you get the choice of leaving me alone. But don't doubt for a second that I'll go through you if I have to."
-
>"I would like to understand. The one you are seeking isn't going anywhere. You can spare a moment without losing anything. How is it you mean to help her?"
-
>"I would like to understand. The one you are seeking isn't going anywhere. You can spare a moment without losing anything. How is it you mean to help her?"
>The bat scowls at you, but again, no attack comes. "You really want to know?" it asks, though not quite as venomous a tone as it used a moment ago.
-
>"I do."
-
>"I do."
>"Then look at this."
>At without warning, the bat's chest splits open, opening like set of grisly doors. Perhaps it's your interest and background in studying medicine, but the sight of the demons internals doesn't provoke the same reaction of revulsion that you hear from Lily, or see on White Rose's face. Dominating your attention is the sight of the pulsing organ that seems to be the bat's heart. It's shape is broadly similar to that of a human heart, except that it has been distinctly bisected. Half the Air Champion's heart is missing.
-
>How does... how does that connect to anything? Does it still seem to be moving? Is there actual blood that we can see? How is it not all running out the side?
>And will Air provide further explanation without prompting?
-
>How does... how does that connect to anything? Does it still seem to be moving? Is there actual blood that we can see? How is it not all running out the side?
>And will Air provide further explanation without prompting?
>It connects to the internals on the bat's right side of the body, but not the left. It just sort of... hangs there. Pulsing. Doing half its job. No blood flows from the missing half. Like someone cut out half the heart with a scalpel.
>He does. Sort of. As the bat closes its chest, it says "Happy now?"
-
>"I see that something is missing, but how can she help with that? How does that help her? She's human."
-
>"I see that something is missing, but how can she help with that? How does that help her? She's human."
>"So it's a human girl." the bat replies thoughtfully. "Weird. Ice got a Lunarian Avatar. But it doesn't matter. Whatever she is, she's only got half a heart too. Together, we can be whole."
-
>"I'm not very familiar with your physiology, but a human being with literally half a heart could not possibly remain alive."
-
>"I'm not very familiar with your physiology, but a human being with literally half a heart could not possibly remain alive."
>"She only human because she's missing half her heart, like I am." The bat shakes its head, frustration showing on its face again. "Look, I don't have time for this. Now leave me alone."
-
>"What will happen to her if... you make each other whole?"
-
>"What will happen to you if... you make each other whole?"
>The demon gives you an evil grin. "You'll find out in about two minutes." Rather gracefully, Air then pulls a backwards loop and roll, flying over the top of your blue shield, leveling out pointing at Moonside once more and starts to pull away.
-
>Follow after, and fire a warning shot of Scarlet Lotus in front of its path
>"That's not good enough! You've inflicted deliberate harm on many humans thus far. If you won't provide me a more thorough explanation of what you plan to do to her, and what will happen after, then I have no choice but to assume harm will be inflicted to her as well. I cannot allow that."
-
>Follow after, and fire a warning shot of Scarlet Lotus in front of its path
>"That's not good enough! You've inflicted deliberate harm on many humans thus far. If you won't provide me a more thorough explanation of what you plan to do to her, and what will happen after, then I have no choice but to assume harm will be inflicted to her as well. I cannot allow that."
>Flanked by White Rose, you jet after the bat and launch a quick burst of white and red energy across its bow. Once again, the bat stops dead in its tracks. And you stop as well, maintaining some distance between you and the demon.
>After a moment of strained silence, visible trails of wind encircle the Champion of Air, and the sensation of power you get from it rises as much as the stench around you does. You brace yourself for the attack that you know must be coming, but the sense of power makes you need to steel yourself. The power you sense from Air already outstrips the sensation you got from Water, and it grows stronger as the winds close in around the demon. With a dull grey and yellow glow, the form of the bat expands into a humanoid form. Unlike Louise, this Champion's humanoid form is fully clothed, wearing a black vest and long red skirt. Large bat-shaped black and purple wings spread from her back, framing a thick head of long blonde hair, which is capped by a blood-red bow. "I'm going to harm you." the demon answers your challenge, her solemn voice rumbling like distant thunder.
>Let her attack first. Rin's voice says in your mind. I'll block it, you hit her back.
-
>"Elis?!"
>Though try not to let our shock distract us from the fact that this word may not stop her immediately trying to kill us
-
>"Elis?!"
>Though try not to let our shock distract us from the fact that this word may not stop her immediately trying to kill us
>The blonde devil turns in midair, revealing indeed the face of the woman whom you saw badly inebriated at the Tortoise shrine not but two days ago. Except this time, there's no sign of the sickness you saw. Now there is only cold rage. With no warning, a tremendous force of air falls on you from above, striking with the force of an avalanche, forcing you and White Rose towards the ground at tremendous speed.
-
>Can we tell how large this mass of air is? Could we fly out from beneath it?
>Presumably the force is too great to steady ourselves against it and remain airborne?
>How high up are we, and what sort of terrain is beneath us?
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>Can we tell how large this mass of air is? Could we fly out from beneath it?
>Presumably the force is too great to steady ourselves against it and remain airborne?
>How high up are we, and what sort of terrain is beneath us?
>You think so. But it would be tight to do so before you hit the ground.
>Potentially, but the force of the downdraft is such that it would take a tremendous exertion of power to stay aloft.
>You started off at around 65 feet in the air. The downdraft has pushed you down to less than 50 already. You are presently headed towards the backyard of a day-care center.
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>Conjure a broad sloped barrier above ourselves (and allies) to try and redirect the force of the downdraft away, while flying out from beneath it in the other direction
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>Conjure a broad sloped barrier above ourselves (and allies) to try and redirect the force of the downdraft away, while flying out from beneath it in the other direction
>Lily is a ways behind you at the moment, so you only need to concern yourself with deflecting the downdraft away from White Rose. Unfortunately for you, the barrier you erect is battered down by Elis's winds almost as soon as it takes shape. Hammered again by the downdraft, you are knocked off-balance by the blow and thrown from your flying disc, which dissipates in the air.
>Luckily for you, Rin, a more experienced flier, grabs you before you fall and pulls you onto her wheel, barely managing to stay aloft herself. Only a handful of feet off the ground, White Rose manages to get you and her out from beneath Elis' windy attack.
>And just as soon as Rin gets you to safety, the two of you are struck by a bolt of black power, striking with the force of a fastball hurled into your stomach. You tumble from the sky and land heavily on your back on the ground below. White Rose strikes the top of a swing set before falling the rest of the way to the ground.
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>Fire a Scarlet Lotus back at Elis and quickly pull ourselves back to our feet. We can't let her completely dictate the pace of this battle.
>Then spare a glance to Rin. Is she alright?
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>Fire a Scarlet Lotus back at Elis and quickly pull ourselves back to our feet. We can't let her completely dictate the pace of this battle.
>Then spare a glance to Rin. Is she alright?
>Your attack is matched by Lily's spiraling petal stream heading towards Elis from her level. The Air Champion waves her hand and surrounds herself with a cage of lightning, blocking both of your attacks.
>But putting her on the defensive does allow you to take a look at your paramour. The kasha is clutching her back but is trying to get back to her feet.
>You don't feel to spiritely yourself. That downdraft struck you with enough force to amount to a physical blow, and a prolonged one at that. And that power bolt didn't do you any favors either.
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>We may not have gotten off to this battle on the right foot, but we'll just have to make up for that.
>How solid is this cage of lightning? Does it seem to have gaps we could aim through? Do we think Amber Lotus might be able to disrupt it?
>Can we theoretically think of some way our power could counter her air buffets? Some way to 'still' the wind and instill calmness and tranquility in it?
>Or, thinking larger, remove the air from some area instead? Conjure a sphere of vacuum in which there is no wind to manipulate?
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>We may not have gotten off to this battle on the right foot, but we'll just have to make up for that.
>How solid is this cage of lightning? Does it seem to have gaps we could aim through? Do we think Amber Lotus might be able to disrupt it?
>There are gaps in its appearance, yes. But when your Scarlet Lotus and Lily's Petals struck the shield, you saw bolts pop harmlessly against empty spots in the shield. Between that, and the sense you get from it, you believe the shield to be solid and complete. The gaps appear to be cosmetic, essentially.
>You've never tried to use Amber Lotus on something that seems to be defensive in nature. But it could still work.
>Can we theoretically think of some way our power could counter her air buffets? Some way to 'still' the wind and instill calmness and tranquility in it?
>Or, thinking larger, remove the air from some area instead? Conjure a sphere of vacuum in which there is no wind to manipulate?
>Not with your present techniques. And a new one would present the problem of pitting your power directly against Air's. And that's a battle you're fairly sure you can't win.
>You're not sure if your power allows you to create voids like that. Your power is too bright, too linked to the essence of life and creation to generate Nothing, for want of a better word.
>But if you wanted to try, you imagine you could very well generate areas of stillness. At least one such zone. A place of tranquility, removed from the chaos and strife attached to those who would do harm to others. But, you realize, this would affect you and your allies as well. Your own offensive powers would be blunted while standing inside such a zone. By its nature, that's the only way it could exist.
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>Do we think we could selectively activate those zones to muffle incoming area attacks and then dispel them to react, or would creating them take too much time and energy for this?
>Would they affect only what is presently inside the field, or what is created inside the field and later moves outside (or vice versa), or both?
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>Do we think we could selectively activate those zones to muffle incoming area attacks and then dispel them to react, or would creating them take too much time and energy for this?
>Would they affect only what is presently inside the field, or what is created inside the field and later moves outside (or vice versa), or both?
>Tranquility can't be rushed. There would be at least a short casting time, though you imagine they could be dismissed more easily. Peace is much more easily lost than found.
>Clarify.
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>Let's assume that we are standing inside the field, throwing an attack at Air, while Air (standing outside the field) is throwing an attack INTO the field. Will the field weaken Air's attack once the attack itself enters the field, even though Air herself is not inside it? Will our own attack still be weakened once it passes OUTSIDE the field, even if we were standing inside it when we created it?
>And if an attack is created from outside the field, then passes through it and out the other side, will it regain the strength that it lost while inside the field once it exits, or will passing through permanently muffle it, even if it emerges again?
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>Let's assume that we are standing inside the field, throwing an attack at Air, while Air (standing outside the field) is throwing an attack INTO the field. Will the field weaken Air's attack once the attack itself enters the field, even though Air herself is not inside it? Will our own attack still be weakened once it passes OUTSIDE the field, even if we were standing inside it when we created it?
>Yes, to both questions.
>And if an attack is created from outside the field, then passes through it and out the other side, will it regain the strength that it lost while inside the field once it exits, or will passing through permanently muffle it, even if it emerges again?
>You are fairly sure that, should an externally launched projectile pass through your zone of tranquility, its power and velocity will remain affected by it, unless acted upon by an outside force.
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>To our allies: I'm going to try and disrupt her shield with Amber Lotus. Launch your attacks immediately afterward, and perhaps we will catch her before she realizes there is need to avoid them.
>Hit that shield with an Amber Lotus, and put some proverbial muscle into it!
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>To our allies: I'm going to try and disrupt her shield with Amber Lotus. Launch your attacks immediately afterward, and perhaps we will catch her before she realizes there is need to avoid them.
>Hit that shield with an Amber Lotus, and put some proverbial muscle into it!
>Receiving acknowledgements from your companions, you give your scepter a twirl and unleash Amber Lotus upon the Air Champion. This time, though, the orange-yellow light that emerges from your scepter is not a thin beam but a rather meaty one, crashing against Elis's shield in a flash of light. There is no immediate effect on the electricity, but as you pour on the power, one line of lightning warps out of its circle and starts to wind its way down your Amber Lotus back at you.
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>Are we doing that - pulling part of the field apart - or is that the lightning fighting back against us and traveling down towards us?
>Does that seem to be opening any kind of gap in the field that might be exploitable?
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>Are we doing that - pulling part of the field apart - or is that the lightning fighting back against us and traveling down towards us?
>Does that seem to be opening any kind of gap in the field that might be exploitable?
>Seems to be more the latter.
>None that you can detect.
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>See if we can pour even more power into this. We have to get that shield down.
>But if the lightning seems to be winding inexorably closer to us despite this, abandon the attack before it gets too close and get the heck out of the way.
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>See if we can pour even more power into this. We have to get that shield down.
>But if the lightning seems to be winding inexorably closer to us despite this, abandon the attack before it gets too close and get the heck out of the way.
>It is winding most inexorably, and very quickly, so you opt for self preservation and disengage the Amber Lotus. The lightning traveling down your attack does not dissipate, though. It detonates in a spectacular flash of electricity and deafening noise.
>In an incredible display of reflex and agility, White Rose interposes herself between you and the expanding ball of lightning, taking the brunt of the blast as she is thrown back into you so hard, it takes nearly all of your strength to keep the both of you on your feet.
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>Are you okay?!
>Is it too much to hope for that that attack expended Air's shield in any fashion?
>Do we feel that our Amber Lotus was ultimately the wrong tool for the job, or was it just a matter of power differential?
-
>Are you okay?!
>Is it too much to hope for that that attack expended Air's shield in any fashion?
>Sparks dancing across her arms and shoulders, White Rose manages a groan but nothing else. She may be momentarily disabled by the blast.
>A glance up shows that Elis's shield is, in fact, down. But that may be because she is redirecting that electricity towards Lily. Your blonde ally's shield absorbs some of the lightning, but not all of it. Some of Air's power bleeds through Lily's leaf shield, and she screams as she is electrocted, tumbling from the sky, her hair and wings smoking from the lightning strike.
>Do we feel that our Amber Lotus was ultimately the wrong tool for the job, or was it just a matter of power differential?
>Possibly both.
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>If Elis isn't looking, then fire back! Maybe there's an outside chance we can catch her with a scarlet lotus before she raises her defenses again.
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>If Elis isn't looking, then fire back! Maybe there's an outside chance we can catch her with a scarlet lotus before she raises her defenses again.
>Shifting your scepter around White Rose, you fire off a second Scarlet Lotus at the enemy in the sky, hoping to take advantage of the opportunity Lily's pain has bought you. And are rewarded by seeing your blasts strike home. White and Red bullets smash into the Air Champion, who holds her arm across her face to protect that part of herself, put otherwise takes no defensive action. Over the sound of your attacks, you hear her say, "Merely a whisper in the wind..."
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>So it's... not even really hurting her?
>Do we have any better ideas? Sudden bursts of inspiration?
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>So it's... not even really hurting her?
>Do we have any better ideas? Sudden bursts of inspiration?
>Potentially it is. She just may be very good at concealing it. You know from past experience that she doesn't lack in bravado, whatever about anything else.
>Joining your attacks with your partners served you well against the Ice Champion. There's no reason to think the same tactic won't be effective against Air. Presuming she gives you the opportunity.
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>Let's see if we can put a little more juice into it, regardless. Let the pain of the dear woman in our arms who took that shot for us, the pain of our friends, and of all those who will suffer if Air is not stopped drive us. We must protect them.
>Even if a tranquility field would subdue any offensive ability launched from inside it, would it inhibit gathering power for one? So that we could have a moment's breathing room to charge, then dispel the field to fire?
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>Even if a tranquility field would subdue any offensive ability launched from inside it, would it inhibit gathering power for one? So that we could have a moment's breathing room to charge, then dispel the field to fire?
>Using peace to prepare for war seems like a contradiction in intent. On the other hand, it's also very human, and you are many things, but among them is human. You suspect that that could work. Though you would definitely have to dispel the field before you fired, or the effort would be wasted.
>Let's see if we can put a little more juice into it, regardless. Let the pain of the dear woman in our arms who took that shot for us, the pain of our friends, and of all those who will suffer if Air is not stopped drive us. We must protect them.
>Twice as many blasts erupt from your scepter, flying twice as fast as a normal barrage as you summon up your anger and use it to fuel your attack. And this time, you do have a visible effect on the demon. She waves her arm that had been held in front of her and surrounds herself with another barrier, not of electricity this time, but one of visible wind. Even your intensified barrage deflects off the windscreen. But at least she seems to be on the defensive again.
>Again White Rose groans, pulling herself together. That really hurt. she says silently.
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>Are the three of us close enough to fit inside one tranquility field? If not, can we shift to position ourselves so that we are?
>Would it be possible to speak with Elis while creating the field, or would we need too much focused concentration to do so?
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>Are the three of us close enough to fit inside one tranquility field? If not, can we shift to position ourselves so that we are?
>Would it be possible to speak with Elis while creating the field, or would we need too much focused concentration to do so?
>A glance behind you shows that Lily managed to right herself before she hit the ground. She currently is hovering above the field behind the daycare, which is divided by a wooded fence. Either you would need to make the field rather large, or you'll have to call her to you. You can't imagine getting you and Rin over that fence before Elis attacks you again.
>Speech would be possible under those circumstances.
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>To Rin: I'm so sorry....
>Lily, get closer to us.
>Let's work on creating that field, only just large enough to allow some modest mobility for the three of us without spreading our power too thin
>While we start to work, call out to Elis: "I saw you at the shrine the other night, you know. You were looking for your avatar, weren't you? I tried to help you."
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>To Rin: I'm so sorry....
>Lily, get closer to us.
>Let's work on creating that field, only just large enough to allow some modest mobility for the three of us without spreading our power too thin
>While we start to work, call out to Elis: "I saw you at the shrine the other night, you know. You were looking for your avatar, weren't you? I tried to help you."
>The kasha shakes her head as she presses her hand against her temple. It is only then that you notice her ears. Blood trickles from both of them. That thunderclap from the exploding electricity may have damaged her eardrums. A fresh wave of anger blossoms within you at that sight.
>Immediately, Lily makes a dive for your position as you raise your scepter over your head. The field of peace that you wish to invoke fails to materialize. Right away, you sense that the rage you feel at seeing Rin wounded is preventing you from utilizing your power in the manner you intend now. With some considerable effort, you bring your emotions back under control, and as you do so, a pale golden light emerges from the tip of your scepter, stopping several feet over head and spreading out, creating a dome around you with a twelve foot diameter.
>"Pretty." Lily says quietly as she touches down, giving you a better look at your blonde ally. Elis's lightning has left her clothes damaged and blackened, her hair burned and some of her feathers charred. It seems you're the only one who has thus far escaped serious damage.
>"Well you're not helping me now, are you." the Air Champion shouts back. "All you're doing is getting yourself hurt and wasting my time."
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>"No, you're hurting us, just as you've willfully harmed so many others, and that is why I oppose you. These women you've injured are precious to me, as are those who sit beside your 'avatar' even now. I cannot stand aside and let you hurt them or anyone else. It doesn't have to be this way! I would only want to help you if you did not seek to harm others."
>If we are going to have any chance of breaching her defenses and stopping her, we need to combine our powers and give it everything we have. This field is a shelter, but it will waste our power if we fire before I cancel it. Take my hand and gather your strength with me.
>Let's pool our power together and try to form one big attack that can bypass even Air's shields. Think of all those who lie in Elis' path if we do not stop her here.
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>"No, you're hurting us, just as you've willfully harmed so many others, and that is why I oppose you. These women you've injured are precious to me, as are those who sit beside your 'avatar' even now. I cannot stand aside and let you hurt them or anyone else. It doesn't have to be this way! I would only want to help you if you did not seek to harm others."
>If we are going to have any chance of breaching her defenses and stopping her, we need to combine our powers and give it everything we have. This field is a shelter, but it will waste our power if we fire before I cancel it. Take my hand and gather your strength with me.
>Let's pool our power together and try to form one big attack that can bypass even Air's shields. Think of all those who lie in Elis' path if we do not stop her here.
>"You attacked me." Air points out. Then she seems to pause. "Hang on. If you think I'm going to blast away at anyone that gets between me and my other half, that's only if they get in my way, like you are. I don't want to hurt anyone, not if I don't have to."
>Yeah, right. Lily remarks telepathically as she takes your hand, while White Rose takes your other. I really hope this works. she continues as your powers flow. She's really strong.
-
>"Then what about last night? When you said flatly that you wanted to inflict suffering on the peoples of this world, even if you didn't have to? Even when there were nothing to gain by doing so."
>Keep gathering that power
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>"Then what about last night? When you said flatly that you wanted to inflict suffering on the peoples of this world, even if you didn't have to? Even when there were nothing to gain by doing so."
>Keep gathering that power
>"The past doesn't matter." Elis replies derisively. "Right now matters. And right now, I have to get to my other half. That's all that matter to me now."
-
>"And what of after that? Will that be the end to the willful harm you've sought to inflict?"
-
>"And what of after that? Will that be the end to the willful harm you've sought to inflict?"
>"That's not up to me."
-
>"What... do you mean?"
-
>"What... do you mean?"
>"I mean it's not up to me." the demon repeats. "It's a simple enough phrase, isn't it? Look, this is getting me nowhere, if you want to keep fighting, then launch that attack you think I haven't noticed you charging so I can beat it and move on. Or you can leave me alone. Your call."
-
>"I mean who is it up to if not you? Who else decides your attitudes but you?"
>How is the power of that attack coming now, anyway?
-
>"I mean who is it up to if not you? Who else decides your attitudes but you?"
>How is the power of that attack coming now, anyway?
>"Fine. You don't want to choose, I will." And the Champion of Air lowers her shield of wind and raises her hand, sparks of lightning dancing on her fingertips.
>If you dispelled your tranquility zone and launched your attack now, the beam would be at least as powerful as that which you unleashed upon the Ice Champion, if not more so. You suspect your efforts in pooling your energies is hampered by Rin and Lily's injures. They may be hurting more than they're letting on.
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>How confident are we on the power of this field we're in, versus the lightning we saw demonstrated earlier? Do we think it actually stands any chance of nullifying it before it can injure people further?
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>How confident are we on the power of this field we're in, versus the lightning we saw demonstrated earlier? Do we think it actually stands any chance of nullifying it before it can injure people further?
>Your zone of peace would be enough to dampen an attack of that magnitude, but not diffuse it altogether.
-
>And there's not really enough room to properly dodge something like that in here, is there?
>Which would disrupt our charging this attack, even if there were, yes?
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>And there's not really enough room to properly dodge something like that in here, is there?
>Which would disrupt our charging this attack, even if there were, yes?
>Actually there is. You did leave yourself some room to maneuver. Assuming Elis doesn't simply decide to blanket the yard with electricity, if she can.
>Most likely.
-
>In that case
>Let's take this shot, on my mark.
>Drop the field as quickly as we can, before Elis can attack, and then immediately:
>Now!!
>Let's let go with everything we have. The lives of the ones we love are on the line and they have all put their faith in us to defend them. And we will. Fire!
-
>In that case
>Let's take this shot, on my mark.
>Drop the field as quickly as we can, before Elis can attack, and then immediately:
>Now!!
>Let's let go with everything we have. The lives of the ones we love are on the line and they have all put their faith in us to defend them. And we will. Fire!
>"Scarlet Lotus!"
>"White Retainer's Fire!"
>"Spring Lily Petal Cyclone!"
>The energy flowing from your friends into your scepter, and from you into your two friends, takes shape as you intone your attacks as one, emerging from your Lotus Scepter as a massive energy beam, nearly large enough to engulf a semi trailer. The force of the blast blows your hair back as you send that awesome beam up into the air, towards your adversary. The Champion of Air releases her own attack, a head-sized ball of crackling electricity, leaving a contrail of sparks as it flies down to meet your beam. The combined force of you, White Rose and Lily do not so much as defeat Elis's attack as it annihilates it. The lightning orb simply disintegrates harmlessly when your beam strikes it, and doesn't even slow in the least. You watch Elis's face turn from smug to shocked to, just for a moment, afraid, before your beam strikes her.
>Even over the sound of your attack, you can hear Elis's surprised and pained scream as the combined power of the three magical girls arrayed against her ravages her body and pushes her into the sky. Your beam didn't slow when it struck Air's attack, and it doesn't slow when it strikes Air herself, carrying her with it as it flies up into the sky, through the clouds and disappearing into the grey winter sky, screaming all the while.
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>Disappearing....? How far away did we blast her?
>Are we still blasting, or has it stopped on our end, anyway?
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>Disappearing....? How far away did we blast her?
>Are we still blasting, or has it stopped on our end, anyway?
>She's out of sight, behind the clouds. With the ceiling as low as it is today, that's at least 1000 feet.
>You are no longer blasting. You probably could manage another shot like that, but not too many more. That one was a bit draining.
-
>Can we still sense her location? It would be a shame to lose her again, at this point.
>Look to our companions: "Are you two alright?"
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>Can we still sense her location? It would be a shame to lose her again, at this point.
>Look to our companions: "Are you two alright?"
>You can, though it is fainter now than it was. Either due to the damage from your beam, or the distance between you, you're not certain.
>To your surprise, Rin does not answer you. Her eyes remain fixed on the sky. "She can't hear you." Lily informs you sadly. "That thunder hurt her ears. I had to translate what you and Air were saying to each other with our telepathy."
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>Let's keep part of our awareness fixed on Air, and be aware for any change or movement
>"How did... you know that?"
>Did Rin not want to tell us? =/
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>Let's keep part of our awareness fixed on Air, and be aware for any change or movement
>"How did... you know that?"
>Did Rin not want to tell us? =/
>Lily points at the blood coming from Rin's ears. "Soon as I saw that, I had a feeling she'd lost her hearing. It's not the first time I've seen that."
>You could ask.
-
>To Rin: Are you... alright?
-
>To Rin: Are you... alright?
>Now your kasha turns her head towards you. The sight of her bleeding from somewhere like her ears very nearly makes you forget about Air for the moment. Not entirely. she admits. But, before you get upset about me not saying anything sooner, I didn't want to distract you. We had enough to deal with without any of those.
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>Yes, but, well... I'm very sorry. I know you took that blast for my sake. Please forgive me.
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>Yes, but, well... I'm very sorry. I know you took that blast for my sake. Please forgive me.
>The kasha aims an angry look at you. Forgive you?
-
>I... don't want to see others hurt for my sake, least of all you. I cannot help but feel a little responsible. ...I would have taken that blow for you as well, you know.
-
>I... don't want to see others hurt for my sake, least of all you. I cannot help but feel a little responsible. ...I would have taken that blow for you as well, you know.
>I protect you. Rin says most firmly. That's what I do. Just because I shared your bed doesn't change that I protect you. That's not something you apologize for.
-
>Then how about instead I say... 'thank you'
>Can we tell if Air's stopped being catapulted upwards?
-
>Then how about instead I say... 'thank you'
>Can we tell if Air's stopped being catapulted upwards?
>That turns Rin's anger into satisfaction. That sounds a lot better to my ears.
>As Rin says that, you sense that Air has regained control and is no longer moving. She's way up there now, on the north side of half a mile up.
>"Excuse me." a voice calls out to you from the daycare building to your left.
-
>Turn to address this person
>"Yes?"
-
>Turn to address this person
>"Yes?"
>Standing in the door is a blonde woman wearing the orange apron of the daycare, and an autumn-leaf decoration in her hair. You suppress a wince as you recognize Shizuha Aki, Minoriko's older sister. This isn't just any daycare you fell into, it's Shining Apples daycare, where Shizuha works as an assistant.
>One more reason Air had to be beaten.
>"Is that other woman gone?" she asks, concern upon her face.
-
>"How much did you see?"
-
>"How much did you see?"
>"Everything from when you and your catgirl friend fell- You're hurt!" she exclaims, her eyes fixed on Rin's ears.
>The kasha looks over at you and asks, What's she saying? She looks worried.
-
>She's worried about your injuries. And wondering is Elis is gone.
>"I'm afraid her hearing was damaged by that blast. But beyond that, I'm not yet convinced that the threat has passed. The woman's ascent has stopped, but she isn't falling either, so she's still conscious. I don't know how much fight is left in her, but I'm not prepared to assume she isn't intent to come back and resume her prior course of action any moment."
>Elis has stopped moving in mid-air, so she can still fly under her own power. I don't know what her condition is, but I won't assume she isn't still dangerous until I can confirm it with my own eyes. I'd pursue her now, but am reluctant to tangle with her that high in the sky if she really isn't incapacitated. I'll give her just a moment to see what direction she moves in.
-
>She's worried about your injuries. And wondering is Elis is gone.
>"I'm afraid her hearing was damaged by that blast. But beyond that, I'm not yet convinced that the threat has passed. The woman's ascent has stopped, but she isn't falling either, so she's still conscious. I don't know how much fight is left in her, but I'm not prepared to assume she isn't intent to come back and resume her prior course of action any moment."
>Elis has stopped moving in mid-air, so she can still fly under her own power. I don't know what her condition is, but I won't assume she isn't still dangerous until I can confirm it with my own eyes. I'd pursue her now, but am reluctant to tangle with her that high in the sky if she really isn't incapacitated. I'll give her just a moment to see what direction she moves in.
>Oh. White Rose looks back up at the sky. Think she is?
>The elder Aki frowns. "Well. Normally I'd take her inside to have a look at her ears. The woman who runs this place is a doctor. But if that witch is coming back..."
>Yeah, she was tough enough when we weren't in her element. Lily agrees. As she does, though, you sense a disruption in power above you. It doesn't feel like an attack, at least not one she's used before, but she's definately up to something up there.
-
>How strong does her power signature feel from when we were fighting her earlier? Does it seem appreciably diminished?
>Does this disruption by any chance seem like what happened when she transformed earlier?
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>How strong does her power signature feel from when we were fighting her earlier? Does it seem appreciably diminished?
>Does this disruption by any chance seem like what happened when she transformed earlier?
>It is diminished, yes. But not enough to make you feel good about your chances if she decides she wants to keep rumbling with you.
>No, it's definitely different. In fact, after a moment's analysis, it feels similar to the sensation you registered when Air transformed that horse into a youma the other day, though not quite as intense.
-
>So, do we think she's creating a youma from something up there? A bird or something, maybe?
>What do we think the effective range of our combo attack is? Do we think we could ascend close enough to hit her with it without her seeing us through the clouds - particularly if she's preoccupied?
-
>So, do we think she's creating a youma from something up there? A bird or something, maybe?
>What do we think the effective range of our combo attack is? Do we think we could ascend close enough to hit her with it without her seeing us through the clouds - particularly if she's preoccupied?
>From what you've been told about the formation of youma, it could even be something as simple as a cloud.
>You don't actually know the maximum range of that attack. Its effectiveness does diminish with distance, though, so the closer you are to your enemy, the more force you can bring to bear against its face.
>You imagine you could. Presuming the clouds obscure her eyes like it does that of a humans.
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>Are we able to cart a zone of tranquility around with us, centered on us, rather than a specific location?
>Do we think the tranquility field could counter what Air did earlier with the, well, air? Still it enough that it wouldn't knock us out of the sky?
>Could we be charging up our combo attack while flying?
>How long did it take Air to make that horse youma last time, as far as we could tell?
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>Are we able to cart a zone of tranquility around with us, centered on us, rather than a specific location?
>Do we think the tranquility field could counter what Air did earlier with the, well, air? Still it enough that it wouldn't knock us out of the sky?
>Could we be charging up our combo attack while flying?
>How long did it take Air to make that horse youma last time, as far as we could tell?
>No. At the moment, that effect is a stationary one.
>It would take the edge off it, but not stop it altogether. Only a full on Sapphire Lotus could fully block a downdraft of that magnitude.
>You think so, but your teammates would have to fly next to you at the same speed, and you wouldn't be able to move as fast as you normally would.
>Less than a minute.
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>At that diminished speed and Air's current distance, how likely do we think we could reach firing range with a prepared attack before Air is liable to be finished?
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>At that diminished speed and Air's current distance, how likely do we think we could reach firing range with a prepared attack before Air is liable to be finished?
>To reach effective range within the time you think you have before Air completes her youma is doable. But how quick you get there depends on how much you wish to charge your blast before you get there. The equation is one of time vs. charge.
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>Air is making another youma. If we are quick, we may be able to interrupt or catch her unaware. Keep pace and gather power for a second shot while we move.
>Start to ascend as we say this, then call back to Shizuha: "Get back inside and stay there until we give word."
>Ascend up towards Air, gathering power for another combination attack as we do so. Favor speed over full-charge; if she's still busy when we fire, she may be much less prepared to defend herself.
>But keep an eye on Air's signature for movement or other changes.
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>Air is making another youma. If we are quick, we may be able to interrupt or catch her unaware. Keep pace and gather power for a second shot while we move.
>Start to ascend as we say this, then call back to Shizuha: "Get back inside and stay there until we give word."
>Ascend up towards Air, gathering power for another combination attack as we do so. Favor speed over full-charge; if she's still busy when we fire, she may be much less prepared to defend herself.
>But keep an eye on Air's signature for movement or other changes.
>The elder Aki beats feet as you and you two colleagues take flight again. Both of them start to pull ahead of you a little bit, but you reign them in, wanting to maintain the cohesion needed to charge a combo attack. It's actually harder to pull that off as you'd thought, charging a shot whilst moving, especially in a direction you're not used to. Lily and White Rose may be adept at flight, but you're not there yet. More practice will be required, but perhaps best to worry about that when you're not flying into the teeth of an electrified cloud.
>Wait, electrified cloud? Yes, sure enough, the clouds above you start to crackle ominously with electricity as you and your two fellow mahou shoujous climb into the sky, accompanied by a wave of power from the Champion of Air. Elis appears to have electrified the clouds between you and her. Water may have called her a fool, but apparantly she isn't always a fool.
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>Do we think we can still reach effective range without passing into this lightning cloud? (Or close enough for it to zap us)
>How far does Elis appear to be beyond it?
>Do we think we could project a tranquility zone onto a small segment of this cloud to 'quiet it down' enough to pass through it?
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>Do we think we can still reach effective range without passing into this lightning cloud? (Or close enough for it to zap us)
>How far does Elis appear to be beyond it?
>Do we think we could project a tranquility zone onto a small segment of this cloud to 'quiet it down' enough to pass through it?
>Yes. But the lightning would most likely reduce the effectiveness of your attack, if not block it altogether.
>Approximately 1000 feet, give or take a hundred either way.
>You are capable of projecting a tranquility zone into a small area of the cloud, yes. But it wouldn't completely neutralize the electricity, you don't think. It would certainly reduce the negative consequences of flying through a lightning cloud, but not block them completely. And you'd have to slow down even more than you already have to form the field in the first place.
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>Would firing an Amber Lotus at the cloud sacrifice the charge we've accumulated for our other attack?
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>Would firing an Amber Lotus at the cloud sacrifice the charge we've accumulated for our other attack?
>Yes. Whether it worked or not.
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>How much charge do we currently have, and how much more do we think we could regain in the time it took to reach optimal firing range after doing this?
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>How much charge do we currently have, and how much more do we think we could regain in the time it took to reach optimal firing range after doing this?
>Not as much as you had before, but enough to put out a blast to make even Air think twice. You should be able to regain about the same level of power, if not more, before getting as close as you might like to Air. Assuming she doesn't throw something else in your way.
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>Then let's fire an Amber Lotus into that cloud while we're still moving, and see if that can disrupt the electrification enough to pass through
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>Then let's fire an Amber Lotus into that cloud while we're still moving, and see if that can disrupt the electrification enough to pass through
>Without sacrificing more speed than you have to, you point your scepter up into the air and fire a beam of orange light into the lightning cloud over your head. A golden radiance spreads throughout the cloud, and the ominous crackling of lightning diminishes greatly. But not completely. The cloud is still charged, even with an amplified Amber Lotus used against it. Flying through it will not be pleasant.
>And then Lily pipes up. I have an idea. Let me try something.
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>What is it?
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>What is it?
>I can make my shield big enough for the three of us.
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>You think you can block the lightning as we pass through it?
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>You think you can block the lightning as we pass through it?
>I can now. Lily assures you.
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>Then do it.
>Let's get our own powers charging up again as we move. And put some heart into it. We can do this!
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>Then do it.
>Let's get our own powers charging up again as we move. And put some heart into it. We can do this!
>Lily removes her hand from yours and breaks formation, sideslipping up and to her left, taking position relative above you and Rin. "Big Spring Lily Leaf Shield!" she yells, and with a visible wince and audible groan, a rotating barrier of leaves do indeed appear around the three of you. With her playing defense, she can't contribute to the pooling of energy for another attack, leaving you and White Rose alone to that purpose. Despite yourself, you feel a touch of apprehension as you get closer and closer to the stormcloud. Lily's never tried to create a barrier this size before, which doesn't really help with the natural aversion to flying into a lightning cloud in the first place. And so, squeezing Rin's hand a little tighter, you breach the cloud wall.
>Lily's leaves push the electrically charges clouds away from you as they touch the ceiling, their color changing to a vivid blue as the electricity charges them. To actually see sparks dancing within a cloud... It would be a wonderous sight, if your mind wasn't occupied with other matters. You can enjoy the beauty of the world when it's safe. Assuming Lily's shield holds.
>The dense clouds continue on for twenty feet, then fourty, then sixty, lightning striking off Lily's shield all the while, the sound making you extremely nervous as you wonder just how much Lily's shield can absorb. Air's already proven that it can pierce Lily's defenses if she wants to, and you find yourself bracing against another such attack from above, or for the cloud to re-energize around you. But after several nervous moments, the clouds ahead of you thin noticably, and after one last streamer of electricity bounces off the leaves in front of you, you burst out into open air once more.
>The Champion of Air can be spotted several hundred feet away, a black and purple sphere of malign energy just below her and to her right.
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>Does this look like the youma we felt her creating?
>Can we estimate how close it is to completion, or even what it is she is corrupting?
>How's that power gathering coming?
>Can we observe anything additional about Air's condition from here, or how much damage she took from that last attack?
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>Does this look like the youma we felt her creating?
>Can we estimate how close it is to completion, or even what it is she is corrupting?
>How's that power gathering coming?
>Can we observe anything additional about Air's condition from here, or how much damage she took from that last attack?
>It feels like it, yes.
>Very close indeed. And no, its core is shielded from sight.
>Not as much as you would have liked. With Lily playing defense, she couldn't contribute to the charge. You and White Rose can put out a good shot, but it won't nearly match the blast you used before. On the other hand, since Lily's shield is definately carrying a full charge, the addition of that to the attack you want to put out would not be an ignorable secondary shot.
>Not from this distance.
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>Do we have an open shot at Air or is the forming youma in the way?
>Also, is Air still mostly above us, or is the distance lateral?
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>Do we have an open shot at Air or is the forming youma in the way?
>Also, is Air still mostly above us, or is the distance lateral?
>You have an open shot at both.
>A straight line between you and her would be a diagonal one, about 5 degrees off vertical. You came through the cloud more or less pointed straight at her.
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>Let's close until we think we're in effective firing range, but make it quick! Give it all the juice we can on short notice; if we can hit her while she's still preoccupied, we likely get a huge advantage.
>Then, when we're ready, give the signal to our allies to fire, and let's hit her once more with feeling!
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>Let's close until we think we're in effective firing range, but make it quick! Give it all the juice we can on short notice; if we can hit her while she's still preoccupied, we likely get a huge advantage.
>Then, when we're ready, give the signal to our allies to fire, and let's hit her once more with feeling!
>When the time is right, you and Rin point your joined hands forward and unleash the energy within you, projecting a ribbon of red and white light upwards towards the Champion of Air.
>Only for your beam to be interecepted by a beam of brilliant blue light launched from the Champion's hands before it strikes the demon. You can see that your last attack did leave some visible damage on Elis, but obviously not so much that she can't fire back, and with a force that matches yours. The two spells collide in midair and explode in a shower of multi-hued sparks.
>Lily's shield, however, traveling behind your combo attack, carries on through the explosion cloud and towards the Champion. Elis folds her wings, now glowing a dull red, in front of her body to absorb the impact of the shield.
>At this point, the black cocoon hatches, revealing the youma within, but you don't get a chance to get a very good look at the thing before Elis launches her counter attack. Throwing her wings out dramatically, a sextet of blood-red orbs of electricity streak down towards you and your comrades.
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>Try to swerve away from the incoming attack, but throw up a Sapphire Lotus barrier if we do not think we can evade them. Try to cover the others with it, if we have to.
>Try to start gathering charge again; lesser attacks seem utterly wasteful against Elis
>Spare a glance at that youma. What can we tell about it?
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>Try to swerve away from the incoming attack, but throw up a Sapphire Lotus barrier if we do not think we can evade them. Try to cover the others with it, if we have to.
>Try to start gathering charge again; lesser attacks seem utterly wasteful against Elis
>The upside to having as much distance between you and Elis is that you have ample time to react to her attacks. Which is good, since those shots of hers are coming in hot. Lily does a barrel roll and slips to her right, bringing up another one of her leaf shields. Meaning you need only worry about White Rose. With you two joined hand in hand, your evasive powers are limited, but since you can't build up power for a combo attack separated from her, you elect for a sharp sideslip to the left to evade most of the red shots, but you can't get far enough away from the last one before it gets you, you realize. Abandoning the charging efforts temporarily, you project a decent sized Sapphire Lotus in front of you and Rin.
>The sphere of red lightning detonates on your shield with vicious force, exploding into a massive cloud of lightning. In fact, all six shots detonate at the same time, creating a line of crimson lightning in the sky. You are fortunate that you elected to evade the rest of them. You really wouldn't want to try and block more than one of those bad boys.
>"You want to fight something so bad?" Elis roars down at you. "Then fight this. And leave me alone."
>Spare a glance at that youma. What can we tell about it?
>This new youma is a dramatic detachment from the centaur she created before. This one resembles nothing more than a sphere of blood-red and bruise-purple flesh, with patches of black here and there, making the thing look diseased. Thin fibers of a fleshy material rotate around the thing for no discernible purpose. At this distance, you can't tell what Elis made this youma out of, but you can tell it isn't as powerful as the centaur. So either it isn't made from a living being, or its lack of power comes from being a rush job. Either way, it's a stroke of luck in your favor.
>You also note that Elis has turned away from you and seems about to take off, no doubt resuming her course towards Sanae.
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>Call out after Elis: "I never wanted to fight you! Just to ensure the safety of my people! If only you would stop and talk a little longer, we could both put down our arms!"
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>Call out after Elis: "I never wanted to fight you! Just to ensure the safety of my people! If only you would stop and talk a little longer, we could both put down our arms!"
>"You want to talk more?" the demon throws over her shoulder. "Give me a few minutes, then we can talk." The Champion firmly beats her wings once, transforms back into her bat form, and jets away from you, aimed once more directly at Moonside.
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>Is she out of range to throw another barrier in front of her face?
>Is she moving faster than we think we can keep pace with?
>Do any other bright ideas about how to hinder/slow her pop into our heads?
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>Is she out of range to throw another barrier in front of her face?
>Is she moving faster than we think we can keep pace with?
>Do any other bright ideas about how to hinder/slow her pop into our heads?
>She is.
>She is fast, yes. But based on the speed that you tracked her moving at before you confronted her, you might, just might, be able to keep this distance between you and her if you set off now. Though, even if you could keep up with Elis, the effort would drain you more than you can spare if you hope to fight her at the end.
>Not at this distance and with the resources on hand. And certainly not with that youma starting to drift down towards you and White Rose.
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>We take out the youma as quickly as possible and chase after her.
>Lay into the youma with a Scarlet Lotus. Let's make this quick!
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>We take out the youma as quickly as possible and chase after her.
>Lay into the youma with a Scarlet Lotus. Let's make this quick!
>No longer needing to pool your powers, Rin removes her hand from yours and flies out to your left, taking up a wingman position as you point your scepter at the ball of flesh and unleash your Scarlet Light. The creature responds by opening a seam at its midpoint, a fang-filled mouth opening with a sickening sound of grinding flesh. The fangs of the youmas maw detach from the blood-red gums they had been affixed to and fly out at you, tooth and bullet colliding in mid-flight.
>But this youma is not as strong as previous models, and your shots outnumber its. Though the orb's teeth intercept many of your bolts, some do get through to impact upon the youma's body.
>And though your attack's impact is lessened, the stream of flame that shoots out from White Rose's fingertips is not impeded at all. Either the youma doesn't have the power to handle both at once, or the intelligence to. Your lover's attack chars the youma's flesh black, and sets the streams of fiberous tissue encircling it aflame.
>And just for good measure, Lily's shield, its leaves glowing red and blue, flies in from your right and strikes the youma in its side. The side of the youma's body bursts, emitting a toxic-looking cloud of red and purple steam, and begins to fall towards the ground.
>That was quick. Lily's remarks, not trying to hide her surprise.
>This one wasn't like the last one. Rin replies grimly. Finish it, Byakuren!
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>Hit it with Violet Lotus!
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>Hit it with Violet Lotus!
>Admittedly, you're not entirely certain this will work. True, your attack and that of your allies certainly seem to have inflicted catastrophic damage upon the youma, but at this range, you still can't see the core of the creature. Can't be absolutely certain your Violet Light will purge the black seed corrupting whatever object Elis chose to use against you. And you can ill afford any more delays.
>No. No, you have faith in your powers, and faith in the powers of your companions. There is no room for doubt, not now. Clear eyed, you call out your spell, "Violet Lotus: Realization of the Wandering!", and send your brilliant lavender light hurtling through the sky, striking the sphere-shaped youma on the top of its body. Violet light suffuses its frame, the sickly smoke fades to wisps of moist air, and the youma's twisted body dissolves into light. From that maligned body, there spreads out a billowing grey and white cloud.
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>A cloud. With teeth. That's... different.
>We don't detect anything else supernatural or unusual about this cloud, do we?
>Assuming not: Let's hurry; maybe we can still reach her before anything bad happens.
>Let's chase after Air, and be quick, but not so quick that we won't be prepared to fight once we arrive
>Along the way, reach out to The Purpose: Air has waylaid us and will reach the apartments before we do. I felt you should be warned.
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>A cloud. With teeth. That's... different.
>We don't detect anything else supernatural or unusual about this cloud, do we?
>Youma appear to come in all forms.
>Negative. It has been purged of its black core. It is no different now than any other cloud around you. Below you. Whatever.
>Assuming not: Let's hurry; maybe we can still reach her before anything bad happens.
>Let's chase after Air, and be quick, but not so quick that we won't be prepared to fight once we arrive
>Along the way, reach out to The Purpose: Air has waylaid us and will reach the apartments before we do. I felt you should be warned.
>Even though you defeated her youma very quickly, Elis still had enough time to cover a great deal of ground on you. She's far enough away that you have difficulty picking out her chiropteran form, were it not for the power trail linking her and Sanae pointing her out to you. You, White Rose and Lily follow her trail, but even matching her pace proves to be difficult. If you were on ground, the effect would be like running at full speed. You may have to yield ground to Elis to keep yourself from being gassed when you reach Moonside.
>I would aid you if I could. the Purpose replies. But the power possessed by this avatar pales in comparison to that of these Champions.
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>Yield a little ground, if we have to. It's probably better to arrive slightly delayed than to arrive helpless.
>Be that as it may, do you have any power to erect barriers in this world - even minor ones? The walls of Water's prison prevented her link with Patchouli from reaching her. If Sanae were placed behind some kind of barrier, I wonder if Air might lose track of her for a moment? At least enough to cause a momentary delay while she tries to figure out what happened.
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>Yield a little ground, if we have to. It's probably better to arrive slightly delayed than to arrive helpless.
>Be that as it may, do you have any power to erect barriers in this world - even minor ones? The walls of Water's prison prevented her link with Patchouli from reaching her. If Sanae were placed behind some kind of barrier, I wonder if Air might lose track of her for a moment? At least enough to cause a momentary delay while she tries to figure out what happened.
>As you slow your pace to a rapid but not too rapid one, White Rose stays tucked in at your side, the perfect wingman. Lily, however, with her greater aerial aptitude, starts to pull out ahead of you two a little bit. It comes as no surprise that she would be able to maintain a greater comfortable flying speed than you or Rin.
>After a moment, the Purpose replies, I can project shields through my avatar. But doing so would reveal my presence immediately, and would likely result in the destruction of this avatar once Air finds me, which would certainly weaken the barrier between worlds.
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>No way to do it subtly enough not to trace it back to yourself? Remember, there are many people near you, and some of them also have magic. Obviously we cannot seriously risk the barrier, if you do believe that is inevitable if you take action.
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>No way to do it subtly enough not to trace it back to yourself? Remember, there are many people near you, and some of them also have magic. Obviously we cannot seriously risk the barrier, if you do believe that is inevitable if you take action.
>The prisoners of the other world have been throwing themselves against that which is myself for aeons. They would know that power immediately and destroy it.
>But the form of this avatar is not fixed. It can be manipulated to assume different guises. the Purpose suggests.
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>Did you have something in mind?
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>Did you have something in mind?
>No. But I felt I should inform you of my ability to manipulate my avatar.
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>Do you think Air will be able to sense your presence, if she is close by, even without you taking action?
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>Do you think Air will be able to sense your presence, if she is close by, even without you taking action?
>I do not believe so.
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>Another question. Air is seeking Sanae because she claims that she is her 'avatar' - some kind of other half of her, in some sense. And that they each need the other to complete themselves somehow. Do you know anything about this?
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>Another question. Air is seeking Sanae because she claims that she is her 'avatar' - some kind of other half of her, in some sense. And that they each need the other to complete themselves somehow. Do you know anything about this?
>A Terran being connected to a prisoner of the other world in such a manner? Such a thing is unknown to me. Even the Terran souls who left that world seemed to be complete. Though I may be wrong about that, the barrier didn't need to understand Terran souls. But there were no active connections between this world and the other at the time when Air first penetrated myself.
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>Terran souls who left that world?
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>Terran souls who left that world?
>Yes. Not all souls who went into the other world from this one, but some.
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>I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that there were Terran souls sealed in Makai also? That Terran souls later came back through the barrier into this world?
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>I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that there were Terran souls sealed in Makai also? That Terran souls later came back through the barrier into this world?
>I do not know if all of them were imprisoned the way the demons were. Some may have gone there willingly. There are Terrans who are that reckless, or evil, if not both. And yes, some of them did return to this world.
>Don't get too far ahead, Lily. you hear White Rose warn your blonde partner, who has indeed but some distance between herself and you while you've been chatting with the doll in your apartment. We'll need to stick together if we hope to beat Air.
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>Assuming Lily does this, we don't need to second that.
>They did? How? When? Does the barrier not apply them to them as it does to the demons?
>How close are we getting?
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>Assuming Lily does this, we don't need to second that.
>They did? How? When? Does the barrier not apply them to them as it does to the demons?
>How close are we getting?
>Lily does. White Rose appears makes an effective second in command, at least when the more seasoned Kiku isn't around.
>Yes. Almost since my creation. As I said, the details are not known to me. Yes it does, and I am not easy to penetrate. But nor is the barrier bound to repel- The Purpose pauses sharply, and when its dry voice returns, it is more hushed, like it's trying to whisper to you through a door. She is here.
>You're just over a minute away from Moonside. But you can feel the wind begin to blow against you. Hitherto, the wind had been at your back. In fact, it still is. The wind coming from over Moonside is not a natural breeze. You don't think Elis is attacking you, but the very air is being disrupted by her power.
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>A minute. That's a long time for Elis to do something if no one runs interference.
>In this headwind, do we think we would make swifter progress if we return to the ground?
>If so, do so.
>Either way, press forward swiftly.
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>A minute. That's a long time for Elis to do something if no one runs interference.
>In this headwind, do we think we would make swifter progress if we return to the ground?
>If so, do so.
>Either way, press forward swiftly.
>Yes it is.
>Doubtful. You'd have to dodge around or over obstacles on the ground, and your travels might attract more attention than Elis is already doing, and the last thing you want to give her is more bystanders to shoot at. Plus, the headwind isn't actually slowing you all that much. It's unnatural, but it isn't strong, certainly nowhere near as strong as you know Elis can create when she's serious. And it carries a bad smell as well, the faint scent of sulfur mixed with the odor of decomposition one finds in a swamp, topped by the smell of salty air. A plethora of things to make one wrinkle their nose, as Rin is doing now.
>You do however start to descend again back into the clouds, coming down towards Moonside at an angle, hoping to catch Elis from behind. Plus the thought of diving straight down out of the sky makes your stomach spin a little bit. As your altitude drops, you keep your senses peeled for any sudden surges of power, either from the Air Champion or from any of the others at Moonside. But no such surge comes as you close the distance between yourself and home, just the same sense of concentrated power from Air, and an intensification of the link you detect between her and Sanae.
>And, worryingly, a slight increase in the power flow between Patchouli and the cell where the Water Champion lies imprisoned. That's all that you need right now, for that cell wall to fail at a time like this.
>Uncertain about what you'll find when you arrive at Moonside, your worry only increases more and more as you dive down towards the back yard of the apartment building. One stroke of luck is that this time, you are coming in from behind the Air Champion. She is currently hovering in her humanoid form just above Nitori's shack, facing down into the back yard of Moonside. Standing several feet in front of her are Kanako and Suwako, who have plainly placed themselves between Elis and Sanae. The green haired woman is standing just behind them, Patchouli and Reisen next to her. Arrayed behind these two are Reimu and her bodyguards, all three with swords in hand. But there is no sign of any violence having taken place, though judging from the angry expressions on Kanako and especially Suwako's face, you don't think either one is very far away from launching themselves at the demon.
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>Are they speaking to each other?
>And can we make out any of the words they are saying?
>How does Sanae look? Can we read her expression?
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>Are they speaking to each other?
>And can we make out any of the words they are saying?
>How does Sanae look? Can we read her expression?
>Elis is presently speaking. In typical fashion, she sounds fairly annoyed. "Will you two just get out of my way? You're not who I want."
>Suwako replies, rather angrily, but the exact words she uses are obscured by the sound of the wind around you.
>Sanae looks much less angry than her parents. In fact, the look she seems to be giving Elis is one of recognition. Patchouli's expression isn't too off from that either, though more curious than familiar.
>Should we attack? Rin asks you and Lily.
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>I'm not so certain. Elis could have blown them away by now and hasn't - why? And look at Sanae's expression. Something about this has felt like it hasn't added up from the start.
>How close are we to effective firing range, anyway? Particularly along an angle that doesn't risk endangering other people.
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>I'm not so certain. Elis could have blown them away by now and hasn't - why? And look at Sanae's expression. Something about this has felt like it hasn't added up from the start.
>How close are we to effective firing range, anyway? Particularly along an angle that doesn't risk endangering other people.
>Plus, if Air dodges, we'd probably hit a person. Rin adds.
>Aren't demons people?
>I didn't know what other word to use. the kasha protests.
>You're within range now. But you'd need to drift laterally a bit, or your shots would be very much in line with one of the bystanders down there.
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>Then let's move to the side to get a better potential shot, though try to avoid coming into Elis's line of sight
>Do we think we could create a sort of external barrier around the key to Water's prison that could keep Patchouli's power from flowing into it? And do so quickly? It doesn't need to be long-lasting - just enough to stem the flow for a short while until we can give it more proper attention again.
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>Do we think we could create a sort of external barrier around the key to Water's prison that could keep Patchouli's power from flowing into it? And do so quickly? It doesn't need to be long-lasting - just enough to stem the flow for a short while until we can give it more proper attention again.
>Creating a small shield around the vial of water you carry is possible, but there's no telling how long it will last without your constant attention, especially with the increased flow you sense.
>Then let's move to the side to get a better potential shot, though try to avoid coming into Elis's line of sight
>In an attempt not to hit the wrong target should you need to fire upon the Champion of Air, you and your two comrades drift out to your left, placing yourself at an angle where you might hit the Moonside apartment building, but no one being other than the demon of Air. Said demon, meanwhile, having let Suwako and Kanako say their peace, then listens to Sanae say something next. Something which, somehow, you can hear, as her own voice carries on the wind around you. "Calm down you two. She won't hurt me."
>"You're right. You're the one person in this world I would never hurt. And I won't hurt the rest of you, either, so just leave us alone."
>Despite her insistance, not one of the assembled Terrans obeys Elis' command.
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>Then let's place a shield around the vial. Try to make it reasonably strong for something we can do quickly, but surely any countermeasure is better than nothing.
>Are we close enough that we think Sanae and company could hear us if we spoke loudly, or would it be better to get closer?
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>Are we close enough that we think Sanae and company could hear us if we spoke loudly, or would it be better to get closer?
>Uncertain. While you can hear Sanae, you could not hear Kanako or Suwako when they spoke. Your voice could be lost in the turbulent winds stirred by Elis' presence, or like Sanae's, it could be carried upon them. Assuming the former, you might need to amplify your voice to make yourself heard.
>Then let's place a shield around the vial. Try to make it reasonably strong for something we can do quickly, but surely any countermeasure is better than nothing.
>As you continue to drift out to Elis's left, you place your hand over the little vial of salt water and generate a sphere of power around it. The flow of power that had been heading down towards the Champion of Water's cell does not stop coming, but it is blocked by your shield completely. It might not last for more than a matter of minutes, but at least for now, that's one less worry to deal with.
-
>Then let's project our voice a little and/or move a little closer and call out to her: "Sanae! What makes you feel so confident of this woman's actions?"
-
>Then let's project our voice a little and/or move a little closer and call out to her: "Sanae! What makes you feel so confident of this woman's actions?"
>Unsure which will be more effective, you opt for both. Unfortunately for you, the first person's attention you catch is Elis', as the Champion of Air whirls in place to face you, causing the gusting winds to tremor in the action. "You again?! What do I have to do to get rid of you?"
-
>"Giving us a better explanation for some things would be a start. And since Sanae is here, I would like to hear her side of things as well."
-
>"I've got a better start." the demon roars as she clenches her fists. You brace yourself against some new onslaught while Rin flies out ahead of you a little bit, her hands clenched in casting pose.
>And then you see Sanae raise her hand and hear her say "Stop." And Elis unclenches her fists, the chaotic wind calming a little. Sanae steps up to stand between her parents, and turns her gaze up at you. "Those girls saved me before."
>"Why would you help my avater?" the Air Champion asks of you.
-
>"Because she was endangered. That is enough."
-
>"Because she was endangered. That is enough."
>"She's a hero." Sanae adds.
>Elis gives her a frustrated look, then turns her eyes back to you. "So you came here to help again. And so have I. Is that what you Terrans call iron-y?"
-
>"Well, considering one of the main reasons we intercepted you where we did was to keep you from harming her, I think there are some important gaps in knowledge that all of us would benefit from clarifying. Surely that is better than having another battle among people that neither of us wish to see harm befall?"
-
>"Well, considering one of the main reasons we intercepted you where we did was to keep you from harming her, I think there are some important gaps in knowledge that all of us would benefit from clarifying. Surely that is better than having another battle among people that neither of us which to see harm befall?"
>"Yeah, there ARE gaps." Elis agrees, turning back to Sanae. "And I'm here to fill one."
>"You are, aren't you?" Sanae says quietly. "I know you, don't I?"
>"We're part of each other. I don't know why you can't remember, but it doesn't matter. You've lost part of yourself, Sanae. I'm here to give it back to you." To your surprise, the demon smiles at Sanae, a gesture completely devoid of malice or ill intent.
>Suwako, however, is not smiling at all, and she screams up at you, "What are you waiting for, blast her already!"
-
>To Suwako: "Whatever Elis's other intentions, I do not think she means your daughter harm, and a battle here would put all the rest of you in jeopardy."
>To Elis, firmly: "But it would be much better if you could explain clearly what you mean to do and what the result will be. You may know little of Terran customs and social bonds, but some of these people here are Sanae's family and friends and right now they're all very worried about her well-being and about the threat to it that you appear to represent. You cannot dismiss their concerns so abruptly without doing an unkindness to Sanae as well, for she certainly cares deeply for her family also. If this matter is as important to you as it seems, then you can surely take a little more time to see it done respectfully to her and the people she cares about."
-
>To Suwako: "Whatever Elis's other intentions, I do not think she means your daughter harm, and a battle here would put all the rest of you in jeopardy."
>To Elis, firmly: "But it would be much better if you could explain clearly what you mean to do and what the result will be. You may know little of Terran customs and social bonds, but some of these people here are Sanae's family and friends and right now they're all very worried about her well-being and about the threat to it that you appear to represent. You cannot dismiss their concerns so abruptly without doing an unkindness to Sanae as well, for she certainly cares deeply for her family also. If this matter is as important to you as it seems, then you can surely take a little more time to see it done respectfully to her and the people she cares about."
>"I've taken enough time." the Champion of Air retorts, finding her anger again. "And Sanae's waited long enough, too." And with that, the demon starts to descend down towards the ground, and the young girl who waits there for her.
-
>Even more firmly: "Why don't you ask her about that?"
>Surely Sanae can say something less passive on her own behalf? Elis won't listen to us, but she might listen to her.
-
>Even more firmly: "Why don't you ask her about that?"
>Surely Sanae can say something less passive on her own behalf? Elis won't listen to us, but she might listen to her.
>"No, it's all right." Sanae calls up to you with a wave of her hand, her eyes on the Air Champion. "This is... right." She spares a glance at Patchouli. "It's like we were talking earlier. All my life, I felt there was something missing from my life, something I could never really explain." She turns her mystified gaze back up to Elis. "I felt it every time I looked up at the sky. Every time I felt the wind blow across my face. There was a... a hole in my soul, yeah, that's the word. Something in me that I'd lost, or never had. It was you, wasn't it?"
>The Champion of Air nods. "I am the missing part of your life, and you've been the missing part of mine. Neither one of us has been whole." Elis extends her hand out to Sanae, offering it to her. "It's time for us to be whole."
-
>I hope I'm not making a very serious mistake in allowing this to happen.
>Offer a prayer for Sanae's well-being and let's see what happens
-
>Don't just give in yet.
>"If you've waited your whole life, then one more day to think about the implications of it all won't hurt, will it? You should make sure this is truly what you believe it is."
-
>I hope I'm not making a very serious mistake in allowing this to happen.
>Offer a prayer for Sanae's well-being and let's see what happens
>Don't just give in yet.
>"If you've waited your whole life, then one more day to think about the implications of it all won't hurt, will it? You should make sure this is truly what you believe it is."
>Neither Sanae nor Elis react at all to your last appeal. They seem oblivious to the world. Even when Kanako, worry plain on her face, asks her daughter "You're sure about this?" all Sanae gives her a very faint nod before stepping forward to stand face to face with the bat-winged Child. Sanae smiles when she takes the demon's hand.
>A faint gust of wind blows out from the joined hands of the two women, but this one does not carry the foul reek you've grown accustomed to smelling whenever Elis is around. This one carries the scent of wood smoke, a pleasant, nostalgic scent, and the air itself is warm and not harsh at all. You feel the power connecting Elis and Sanae flare in intensity, and then, to your surprise, disappear altogether. Even more surprising, the flow of power coming from Patchouli intensifies.
>After a moment, Sanae removes her hand from Elis'. There is a ring on her finger that was not there before, and the green haired girl stares at the thing in a state of wonderment. "What did you do?!" Suwako screams at the Air Champion, breaking the silence.
>"I gave her back the skies." Elis replies, her voice triumphant. She tilts her head over her shoulder and levels a positively fierce grin at you. "You're gonna love this, Hero."
-
>A scary grin or a joyful one?
>What kind of power do we sense from Sanae's ring? Does it feel in any way malevolent? Like the rings Water made for Kiku and her other servant, or closer to ours?
>Give Sanae a moment
-
>A scary grin or a joyful one?
>What kind of power do we sense from Sanae's ring? Does it feel in any way malevolent? Like the rings Water made for Kiku and her other servant, or closer to ours?
>Give Sanae a moment
>Both. Joyful for her, but that look on her face isn't doing your worries any favors.
>It feels.... Very much like yours, in fact. But there is a difference, something you can't quite put your finger on.
>The green haired woman breathes heavily a couple of times, then breaks into a lopsided grin. "Are you all right?" Kanako asks her.
>"I will be." Sanae breathes. "I will be. I understand now. I should have flying all along. But I was trapped on the ground. I lost my wings." She clenches her fist suddenly, and a surge of power bursts from her. This surge reveals the difference between your power and hers. Your power comes from the connections you share with the people around you, the love you feel for them, and the love they feel for you. But the ring on Sanae's finger draws its power from a much darker place. Its power feels like isolation and frustration. Sanae raises her clenched fist over her head, and as Elis looks on with that look of triumph on her face, Sanae yells out, "Dark Air Descent!"
>Black energy streams out of her ring and cascades down over her. And it does, you find your mind flashing back to something from the past. A memory very similar- No. The same memory you were chasing before. That tall maternal woman standing over you, smiling, and saying "I can't do this without you." There were other people there, six others, besides you and her. And one of them was Sanae. Except she didn't look as she does now. Her face and arms were covered in horrible burns.
-
>Do we remember when this was? How this was?
>This power... it's very like what we first felt when we gained our ring, isn't it? Before we rejected it in favor of love and light.
-
>Do we remember when this was? How this was?
>This power... it's very like what we first felt when we gained our ring, isn't it? Before we rejected it in favor of love and light.
>No more precisely than the first time. Only a sense that it was a very, very long time ago.
>It isn't precisely the same, but it's definately in the same ballpark.
-
>Very, very long ago, and yet Sanae was still recognizably the same person?
>Can we remember any other details about that scene quickly, now that this is jogging our memory? Anything at all.
-
>Very, very long ago, and yet Sanae was still recognizably the same person?
>Can we remember any other details about that scene quickly, now that this is jogging our memory? Anything at all.
>Apart from the terrible burns on her body, yes.
>... Yes. Your chest hurts.
-
>What?
>Our chest hurts now or we remember our chest hurting then or what?
-
>What?
>Our chest hurts now or we remember our chest hurting then or what?
>In your memories. Although... you do feel an ache in your chest now. Not as sharp or intense, but the same location.
-
>Do we have any idea what that's about?
-
>Do we have any idea what that's about?
>The present pain could be nothing more than a sympathetic ache stirred by the pain in your memory. And that past pain seems to be caused by the bloody hole where your heart should be. In the past, something or someone impaled you, probably with a sword by the shape of the wound.
-
>Impaled us? Do we have any idea who? Where? Why? How? How we were even still conscious enough to attend a mystery meeting afterward? Anything?
-
>Impaled us? Do we have any idea who? Where? Why? How? How we were even still conscious enough to attend a mystery meeting afterward? Anything?
>Nothing. Only the wound, and the pain from it.
>No, that's not all, now that you think about it. There's also a vague sense of despair and betrayal from the pain of the wound. Could you have known who did this? If you did then, you do not now.
-
>Was anyone else there similarly wounded?
>Do we have any idea why Sanae was so badly burned?
>Do we know what happened afterward?
-
>Was anyone else there similarly wounded?
>Do we have any idea why Sanae was so badly burned?
>Do we know what happened afterward?
>You cannot discern the identities of the other five. Their features are obscured.
>You do not. Something nags, though, like you might have known at one point, but that part of your memory is still inaccessable.
>You do not. The memory runs from the woman telling you that she can't do this without you, you nod, you feel happiness at being part of her circle... And then nothing.
-
>We have no idea what the 'this' that she spoke of is, correct?
>Those wings Sanae spoke of losing. Does that ring any bells?
>How strong is the power coming from Sanae at the moment, if we had to gauge it against familiar things?
>Any change in Elis?
-
>We have no idea what the 'this' that she spoke of is, correct?
>Those wings Sanae spoke of losing. Does that ring any bells?
>Only that it was something important. Both to her and to you, you think.
>None you can hear.
>How strong is the power coming from Sanae at the moment, if we had to gauge it against familiar things?
>Any change in Elis?
>Right now, you can't actually feel anything from Sanae, and Elis is still standing there with that malicious grin on her face. But that changes with the black energy around Sanae swells and vanishes. The young woman's attire has changed dramatically. A light leeching black singlet covers her torso, vaguely reminiscent of the sailor fuku uniform used in some schools. This one has a skirt and epaulets in light grey, trimmed with sky blue, with a large grey ribbon over her chest. Short black boots and gloves cover her hands and feet, though her new ring is still plain to see on her finger. It's grey jewel matches the jewel set on the black choker around her neck. The whole ensemble gives you a very sinister vibe, even the big green ribbons on the back of her singlet.
>Of course, that sinister vibe might have something to do with the sense of power you feel from her and Elis. Sanae's aura now reads as virtually identical to Elis', and may even be more powerful than Elis'. But despite the look of her outfit and the feel of her aura, there's nothing sinister about the look on her face. She seems... well, enraptured is the word that comes to your mind.
>"Are you all right, Sanae?" Kanako asks her, laying a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder.
>The green haired woman replies with a short laugh, then smiles before laughing more, louder. She tilts her head back to look up at the cloudy sky. "Fly?" she whispers, and her feet lift off the ground. She glances down at her booted feet hovering off the ground, and another laughs bursts out of her mouth.
-
>I admit, I am feeling a little less optimistic about this now than I was a few moments ago....
>Let's give Sanae a moment to absorb this and see what happens next. Keep hopeful....
-
>I admit, I am feeling a little less optimistic about this now than I was a few moments ago....
>Let's give Sanae a moment to absorb this and see what happens next. Keep hopeful....
>Giving Sanae a moment leads to her looking back up at the sky, her eyes positively glowing with joy, her smile brighter than that of a young girl who actually got that pony she asked for for Christmas. "FLY!!" she cries out, and blasts off straight up, stirring a chaotic swirl of wind from her launch site, strong enough to force Suwako backwards and actually knocking Kanako and Patchouli off their feet. The green haired woman laughs all the way up, the kind of laugh that would be normal coming from Lily. The sheer, unbridled joy of flight.
>Elis, however, does not seem to share that joy. The bat-winged demon utters a little pained noise and clutches at her chest. "What is this...?" she mutters, not pained but confused.
-
>To Elis: "Is something wrong?"
-
>To Elis: "Is something wrong?"
>"I feel.... Something weird. Something I've never felt before." She points up into the air, at the now-flying in random patterns Sanae. "Something she's feeling. I don't understand it."
-
>"Could it be... joy?"
-
>"Could it be... joy?"
>"I've never heard of joy before."
>"What?" Suwako blurts out incredulously. "What do you mean, you've never heard of joy?"
>"I mean I've never heard of joy before." the demon repeats.
-
>"It might be difficult to put into words if one has not experienced it, but joy is... a profound sense of happiness and well-being, a sense that things are right and satisfying in some fundamental way - like if something one had long wished for and yet never expected was possible were to suddenly come true."
-
>"It might be difficult to put into words if one has not experienced it, but joy is... a profound sense of happiness and well-being, a sense that things are right and satisfying in some fundamental way - like if something one had long wished for and yet never expected was possible were to suddenly come true."
>Elis visibly struggles with that idea. "I don't think we have that emotion."
>White Rose points out, "Apparently ya do."
>"She does." the demon retorts, pointing up at Sanae, who is presently dancing in and out of the clouds.
>"But you said your hearts were connected." Lily says. "So you've got the same range of emotions as her, right?"
>Elis scowls, but nods once. "Wasn't expecting that." she mutters. "How do you Terrans get anything done when you're feeling this way?"
-
>"Well, right now Sanae seems to getting something done that she's wanted to do for a long time, I think."
>"It's true that emotions can sometimes interfere with what we mean to do, but they are also a powerful driving force. Few things can impel someone to persist in the face of adversity more than the emotional bonds they share with each other."
-
>"Well, right now Sanae seems to getting something done that she's wanted to do for a long time, I think."
>"It's true that emotions can sometimes interfere with what we mean to do, but they are also a powerful driving force. Few things can impel someone to persist in the face of adversity more than the emotional bonds they share with each other."
>"Never mind all that now." Suwako interrupts. "What the hell did you DO?" she demands of Elis again.
>"I gave her the power she should have from the minute she was born." the demon answers, more collected now. "She is the Avatar of Air. Her heart, and mine, are connected, halves of a whole. Now she is as she was meant to be." Elis' grin returning, she asks of you, "Still think I'm up to no good?"
-
>"I think that very much depends on what you plan to do now."
-
>"I think that very much depends on what you plan to do now."
>Once again, Elis points up at the sky. "Wait for her to come down."
-
>"I meant after that, into the future."
-
>"I meant after that, into the future."
>"Actually, I've had a better idea, I should just go up and ask her." Elis says, spreading her wings. "Unless you want to fight more."
-
>"I never wanted to fight in the first place - only to safeguard others. And I'd like to speak with Sanae as well, once she's done enjoying herself; it seems a shame to interrupt her so soon."
-
>"I never wanted to fight in the first place - only to safeguard others. And I'd like to speak with Sanae as well, once she's done enjoying herself; it seems a shame to interrupt her so soon."
>Elis actually seems to consider that for a moment. "She wouldn't want to talk to me right now?"
>The shield you have placed around the Oubliette's touchstone is about to fail.
-
>"I can't say that for sure, but moments of such joy are rare indeed, and it might be nicest to let her enjoy it to its fullest."
>Let's reinforce that shield. Still too many things to juggle; we can deal with Water later.
-
>"I can't say that for sure, but moments of such joy are rare indeed, and it might be nicest to let her enjoy it to its fullest."
>Let's reinforce that shield. Still too many things to juggle; we can deal with Water later.
>Elis looks up again. "I'm not used to waiting." she admits as you strengthen the shield. As you do, you realize the flow of power has been growing slowly but steadily during this scene. Pretty soon you'll need to start devoting conscious effort to keeping it up.
-
>"Sometimes waiting is for the best, in the end."
>"But while we have a moment, does this change anything about your plans? Do you intend to resume the same things that brought us to blows yesterday, and in days past?"
-
>"Sometimes waiting is for the best, in the end."
>"But while we have a moment, does this change anything about your plans? Do you intend to resume the same things that brought us to blows yesterday, and in days past?"
>"Not where I'm from."
>"Probably. If I have to."
-
>"It isn't the only way to save your people. Brutal force may be what it takes to survive in Makai, but things are different here. Freedom for your kind does not have to mean subjugation of ours; we have long learned to peacefully coexist here, despite being of many different races and creeds. So long as they did not seek to harm others, I would welcome your kind with open arms."
-
>"It isn't the only way to save your people. Brutal force may be what it takes to survive in Makai, but things are different here. Freedom for your kind does not have to mean subjugation of ours; we have long learned to peacefully coexist here, despite being of many different races and creeds. So long as they did not seek to harm others, I would welcome your kind with open arms."
>"Not my choice." Elis replies easily. "I have my orders."
-
>"Water did not seem to think it was so clear-cut as that. Are your orders literally to enslave us, or simply to take down the barrier?"
-
>"Water did not seem to think it was so clear-cut as that. Are your orders literally to enslave us, or simply to take down the barrier?"
>"I don't think it matters to you, since whatever we do, you're going to try to stop us. You'll fail, but you'll try."
-
>"It does matters to me, since we are only adversaries so long as you attempt to harm the people of this world. If you pursue your aims without this, then we might even be allies. I do not wish to see your kind suffer the malice of Makai any more than I wish harm to befall my own, but I cannot allow the latter to go unopposed. But ask yourself... do you think Sanae would be okay with that, either?"
-
>"It does matters to me, since we are only adversaries so long as you attempt to harm the people of this world. If you pursue your aims without this, then we might even be allies. I do not wish to see your kind suffer the malice of Makai any more than I wish harm to befall my own, but I cannot allow the latter to go unopposed. But ask yourself... do you think Sanae would be okay with that, either?"
>Elis regards you silently for a moment before she asks, "What?"
-
>"Do you think Sanae will be okay will you harming people? With sending youma against them to drain their lifeforce? These people are her friends, too."
-
>"Do you think Sanae will be okay will you harming people? With sending youma against them to drain their lifeforce? These people are her friends, too."
>"That's where you're wrong, Terran. These people are no different than the ones that killed her. She on my side. Always has been."
-
>"That killed her?"
-
>"That killed her?"
>"That's what I said." The Air Champions persistant lack of further explanation is starting to grate on your nerves. But while you are annoyed by Elis's message, her parents, weirdly, seem to have become very pale. It wouldn't be obvious to most people, but a perceptive girl like you gets the feeling that what Elis said means something to them.
>You don't have time to ask again, though, because Patchouli, who has been looking at you hard for a while now, picks this moment to cross the field briskly and approach you, practically glaring at you all the while.
-
>Turn to her: "What it is?"
-
>Turn to her: "What it is?"
>"Give it back to me."
-
>"What?"
-
>"What?"
>"You have something important to me. I want it back."
-
>"...do you fully understand what it is you're asking?"
-
>"...do you fully understand what it is you're asking?"
>"No she doesn't." Reisen asserts, coming up behind her handler, but the neophyte mage sharply holds her arm, stopping Reisen in her tracks.
>"I'm not sure." Patchouli admits, her glower weakening. "But I know you're hiding something from me, something I want, that I need. And I don't know why you are."
>"That's what she does." Elis says, sneering at you. "They've been getting in my way ever since I got here."
>Sanae's coming back down. Rin's silent voice informs you.
-
>"Patchouli. I promise I will explain fully once this immediate situation is resolved, and stay until you are satisfied. You have my solemn promise."
-
>"Patchouli. I promise I will explain fully once this immediate situation is resolved, and stay until you are satisfied. You have my solemn promise."
>"But that still doesn't...." the neophyte mage pauses, and her hard look returns. "How did you know my name?"
-
>Smile gently
>"I'll explain that, too, when I can. For now, consider me an... absent friend."
-
>Smile gently
>"I'll explain that, too, when I can. For now, consider me an... absent friend."
>"A friend who keeps me from what is mine? What kind of friend is that?" she demands.
-
>"One who is trying her best to make sure nobody dies from any of this. You can yell at me as much as you like afterward, but please, for now just trust me."
-
>"One who is trying her best to make sure nobody dies from any of this. You can yell at me as much as you like afterward, but please, for now just trust me."
>"I think you should listen to her, Patchy." Reisen advises.
>The mage scowls. "I do not believe I can wait. Not anymore. I can sense that you hold the key to something I've wanted all my life."
>What she says next is drowned out by a thunderous torrent of wind. Sanae has descended back to hover about ten feet off of the ground, and the air displaced by furious speed and very sudden stop washes over you all like a tide. Once the wind passes, she calls out to Lily, "Why do you ever come down?, her voice now, like Elis, echoing with the power of air.
>Lily gives the Avatar a smile. "There's lots of neat things to do down here, too."
>"Oh, but nothing compares to that. Nothing. And I feel sorry for you and your kind, always have, whenever I saw you on the ground." She spares you a glance. "You're lucky, you know, to work with a flyer.
-
>"I'm lucky to work with people who care about me. How do you feel?"
-
>"I'm lucky to work with people who care about me. How do you feel?"
>Sanae's gaze falls to her ring. "For the first time... Whole."
-
>"It's hard to imagine what a profound kind of experience that must feel like. Do you... remember how this came to be in the first place?"
-
>"It's hard to imagine what a profound kind of experience that must feel like. Do you... remember how this came to be in the first place?"
>"Hard...? the newly christened Avatar mutters, staring at you quizzically for a moment before shaking her head. "It'd be hard to forget, since it just happened." she replies with a laugh which, you note with a mote of irritation, is joined by Lily.
>The shield around the salt water vial is failing again.
-
>Then reinforce it; we really can't afford to deal with more problems all at once.
>"Further back, I mean. Elis spoke of very old memories that you seemed to have lost."
-
>Then reinforce it; we really can't afford to deal with more problems all at once.
>"Further back, I mean. Elis spoke of very old memories that you seemed to have lost."
>You do just that. And hope that the flow of power from Patchy will slack off sometime soon. Though if the hard look on her face is any indication, this may be a vain hope.
>"Ah, those. .. Funny, I... I thought, for a second, that you might have known."
>"It's not her." Elis says sharply. "The Seventh wouldn't be fighting us.
>Sanae ponders that for a moment before she nods. "Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense, the Seventh wouldn't be working against us like this girl is. How did you manage to capture one of the Champions?" she asks you.
-
>"Against us? Are you aware, then, of Elis's recent activities here? And the number of people who would very likely be dead at her hands right now if we had not intervened to save them?"
-
>"Against us? Are you aware, then, of Elis's recent activities here? And the number of people who would very likely be dead at her hands right now if we had not intervened to save them?"
> "I don't like when people try to change the subject like that." Sanae answers darkly. "It's rude."
-
>"We defeated Water in battle after she tried to enthrall a good woman by preying upon the fear in her heart and unleashed a youma in the Center for the Recently Ascended. There's your question; if you could kindly answer mine?"
-
>"We defeated Water in battle after she tried to enthrall a good woman by preying upon the fear in her heart and unleashed a youma in the Center for the Recently Ascended. There's your question; if you could kindly answer mine?"
>"Water." Patchouli cuts in before Sanae can answer. "Champion of Water?"
>"Yes, Patchy." The Air Avatar answers. "The Champion of Water. YOUR Champion." The flow of power spikes again as Sanae turns her gaze back to you. "Now I will answer you, because I am polite. As a matter of fact, I'm not familiar with everything my Champion's done yet."
>"My Champion." Patchouli breathes. "You're holding my Champion?"
-
>This is rapidly getting out of control. I'm having trouble keeping Water's prison from breaching as it is.
>"She is unharmed, which is more than could have been said for others if we had not stopped her then."
>To Sanae: "You may not have known, but answer me this - are you okay with innocent lives being endangered in the pursuit of her goals?"
-
>This is rapidly getting out of control. I'm having trouble keeping Water's prison from breaching as it is.
>"She is unharmed, which is more than could have been said for others if we had not stopped her then."
>To Sanae: "You may not have known, but answer me this - are you okay with innocent lives being endangered in the pursuit of her goals?"
>Maybe we should have called in Kiku after all. Rin muses.
>Quite matter of factly, Sanae replies, "Yes."
>"I want her." Patchouli adds. "Now."
-
If she tries anything drastic, I fear one of you might need to restrain her.
>To Sanae: "I do remember, you know. A little. There were seven of us there, and a tall motherly woman. I remember the burns on your body and the hole in my own heart."
-
If she tries anything drastic, I fear one of you might need to restrain her.
>To Sanae: "I do remember, you know. A little. There were seven of us there, and a tall motherly woman. I remember the burns on your body and the hole in my own heart."
>Both of your comrades look at you sharply. "A hole?!" White Rose yells.
>Sanae scowls. 'I don't know how you know that. And I don't really care right now. You're keeping my fellow Avatar from being whole."
>"That's right." Patchouli says fiercely. "Avatar. That's what I am. What I should have been, should BE. And it's your fault I'm not."
>"You're sure?" Elis asks Sanae. The green haired girl nods. "But the Six were supposed to find the Six."
>"Your heart and mine may be one, my Champion, but my spirit is connected to the other Avatars, and to the Seventh." She smiles at Patchouli. "I liked her the minute I saw her. I knew she was different, somehow, but now I know why. She's like me. She was cast into Makai like I was. Became an Avatar like me. And now we have our chance for revenge."
-
>"I know because I remember it! How many other Terrans could say as much? Could remember her smile, and how she said softly "I can't do this without you.". That could sense the power that connects you with your champions, even when others could not - even when you yourselves did not yet realize it. What do you think this means?"
>Do we think we can drop the disguise part of our transformation without actually depowering ourselves?
-
>Do we think we can drop the disguise part of our transformation without actually depowering ourselves?
>You don't think so.
>"I know because I remember it! How many other Terrans could say as much? Could remember her smile, and how she said softly "I can't do this without you.". That could sense the power that connects you with your champions, even when others could not - even when you yourselves did not yet realize it. What do you think this means?"
>"Then why don't I remember you?" the Air Avatar replies.
-
>If we dropped our Lotus form, our shield around Water would also disappear, wouldn't it?
>Could we project an image of ourselves that closely matched our normal appearance?
-
>If we dropped our Lotus form, our shield around Water would also disappear, wouldn't it?
>Could we project an image of ourselves that closely matched our normal appearance?
>It would not disappear right away, but you would not be able to feed it near as much energy as you are now. It would most assuredly fail very quickly.
>You believe you could. But everyone here would know who you are, including the Air Demon.
-
>"I can't speak to the gaps in your own memory, but I remember you. And I remember Mother's castle, its spires clawing at the sky."
-
>"I can't speak to the gaps in your own memory, but I remember you. And I remember Mother's castle, its spires clawing at the sky."
>"What'd ya do, stick your head through the barrier?" Elis asks.
-
>"Some of this happened a long time ago, and I'm sure you know that."
-
>"Some of this happened a long time ago, and I'm sure you know that."
>"You don't look that old for a Terran."
-
>"Neither did Sanae."
-
>"Neither did Sanae."
>"Except for the fact that you weren't there." Sanae counters. "If you were, I would remember. And if you were, you wouldn't be keeping Patchouli's heart from her." She spares a glance at her intense faced friend, who is now breathing heavily despite Reisen's hands on her shoulders trying to settle her down. "That can't be doing her any good."
-
>"You think I'm not worried about her? You think I don't care? She's my friend! And I don't know what's going to happen to her if they meet. Or if they don't. When I saw you in that classroom yesterday, you were trying to protect those around you. And just now you virtually told me you wouldn't care if they all died! How do you think that sounds, from where I'm standing?"
-
>"You think I'm not worried about her? You think I don't care? She's my friend! And I don't know what's going to happen to her if they meet. Or if they don't. When I saw you in that classroom yesterday, you were trying to protect those around you. And just now you virtually told me you wouldn't care if they all died! How do you think that sounds, from where I'm standing?"
>"There are times when a strategic few must be sacrificed for the success of the campaign." the green haired woman replies, sounding like she's reciting a line. A line which draws an audible gasp from Suwako and a distinct paling from Kanako. The Air Avatar pivots in the air to face her parents, Kanako specifically. "Isn't that right. Kanako-sama. she says, spitting the last word like a snake spitting venom.
>The taller woman winces, looking pained. "It really is you..." she whispers.
>"Please..." Patchouli gasps out, now seeming to be short of breath. "Please... let me see her."
>"Are you all right?" Reisen says.
>"I... I, don't... I need her. I need... now." her mistress stammers out, the color starting to fade from her face.
-
>Descend down to Patchouli and take her hand
>"I can take you to see her."
>I have no idea whether this will just make things worse, but I can't leave her like this. If Elis or Sanae do anything hostile, tell me immediately.
>Let's pull Patchouli along with us into Water's prison
-
>Descend down to Patchouli and take her hand
>"I can take you to see her."
>I have no idea whether this will just make things worse, but I can't leave her like this. If Elis or Sanae do anything hostile, tell me immediately.
>Let's pull Patchouli along with us into Water's prison
>"Please.... Please."
>Both of your colleagues look at the stricken Patchouli, and nod.
>With Patchouli's well-being in mind, you turn your thoughts back to the vial of salt water and attempt to take Patchouli down into the Oubliette. But something makes you pause, like an anchor. It is Reisen. Her uncertainly and doubt about what is about to happen to her keeper is keeping you from taking Patchy out of this world. You can't actually sense Reisen's emotions, but you can read them plain as day in her big red eyes. They seem to ask, "Will this help her?"
-
>To Reisen: "I will do what I can for her, I promise you."
>If that reassures her enough to actually leave, let's go
-
>To Reisen: "I will do what I can for her, I promise you."
>If that reassures her enough to actually leave, let's go
>The rabbit holds out for a moment longer, but another look at the pained expression on Patchouli's face convinces her. She gives you a grim nod and releases her keeper's shoulders.
>With that out of the way, you return to the task at hand. You note, as you enter the rainbow corridor leading down to Water's prison that Patchy's hand is warm to the touch, but not the good kind of warm. More like the fever kind of warm. That helps fortify you against your doubts surrounding this venture. You hate to see Sanae become what she is now, but the alternative for Patchy, at this rate, could prove to be even worse.
>You would have had to carry Patchouli along with you anyway, but her condition makes it feel like you're dragging a load of dead weight. The sight of the Oubliette wall, though, distracts you a little. Despite your shielding, you can see a few holes had already formed in the shimmering wall of Water's jail. And yet you're sure Water has not escaped, and nor do you see the Water Champion attacking those holes. Despite your conversation with her, it's quite a surprise not to see Louise at least trying to take advantage of this opportunity.
>The answer to that pondering comes when you and Patchouli pass through the Oubliette wall into the pocket reality you caged Water within. The Champion herself is on the ground beneath the holes in the wall. And judging by the looks of her, she's in as bad a shape as Patchy is.
-
>Let's carry Patchy over to her, if we have to
>"Louise! I have your avatar! And I think you both need each other right now."
-
>Let's carry Patchy over to her, if we have to
>"Louise! I have your avatar! And I think you both need each other right now."
>Never thought you'd be carrying the distressed damsel towards the demon, but, needs must...
>The blonde demon, who is once again completely unclad, looks up at you as you and Patchy come down. "Magical Lotus. I didn't... think I'd be seeing you again."
-
>"I would have come sooner, but things outside have been... complicated. We are in the middle of something of a stand-off with Air and her own avatar."
>Set Patchy down beside her
-
>"I would have come sooner, but things outside have been... complicated. We are in the middle of something of a stand-off with Air and her own avatar."
>Set Patchy down beside her
>"And you took the, the time to bring me mine?" she says wryly, her lightly amused grin belying the sweat dripping down her face. "Very generous of you."
-
>"I had no idea you would be in this condition, to be honest, but this woman here is a dear friend of mine - even if she does not recognize me at present - and I could not leave her in this state."
-
>"I had no idea you would be in this condition, to be honest, but this woman here is a dear friend of mine - even if she does not recognize me at present - and I could not leave her in this state."
>Louise manages a nod. "Help me up." she asks queitly.
-
>Help her up
-
>Help her up
>"I must say," she says as you haul her to her feet. "When my heart began to fail, I had assumed that your tiger friend had decided to kill me after all."
-
>"No, I would not let that happen."
-
>"No, I would not let that happen."
>"Even though it might ultimately have saved your world?" she asks, sounding a bit better now than she was. Patchy, too, is showing signs of improvement, a bit of color returning to her face. "I wouldn't expect you to, after our talk. But it would have been a sound decision."
-
>"I do not think my world would be saved by allowing you to die, and I do not think it need fall because you live. We can still save both our kinds without either killing the other. We need only the will to take that path."
-
>"I do not think my world would be saved by allowing you to die, and I do not think it need fall because you live. We can still save both our kinds without either killing the other. We need only the will to take that path."
>"You're a very determined woman, to still say that after dealing with Air." The blonde demon straightens. "I didn't think my path would be delivered to me, but here we are." she says as she walks away from you, kneeling down in front of Patchy, who's still a bit short of breath despite other improvements. She never was the healthiest of specimens. "We've found each other, after all this time."
>Patchy looks up at the naked demon, but unlike Sanae, is not transfixed by her champion. She looks at you and quietly says, "Thank you."
-
>"Please be well, Patchouli. The woman you've been all these years, the one that Reisen is so worried for... I pray this is not the last we'll see of her."
-
>"Please be well, Patchouli. The woman you've been all these years, the one that Reisen is so worried for... I pray this is not the last we'll see of her."
>Patchouli lets out a breath. "Does anyone stay the same... when something like this happens?"
>"This doesn't happen to just anyone, my Avatar." Louise says to her warmly. "You are special."
>"No. Not yet." The purple haired mage grasps Louise's hand. "But I will be." And she smiles as she pulls her hand away from Elis', a black ring with a blue gemstone set in purple metal now upon her finger. "I will be. Dark Water Descent." As before with Sanae, black light pours from Patchy's new ring and cascades down over her, obscuring her from view.
>Louise straightens and takes a step back. "She is your friend." she says to you.
-
>"Yes."
>Let us wait for what happens, and hope this is still true afterward
-
>"Yes."
>Let us wait for what happens, and hope this is still true afterward
>"The champion of the Terrans delivering an Avatar to her Champion. One of her friends, no less." Louise shakes her head in disbelief. "It is an irony I thought I would take pleasure in. Instead, I am puzzled why I am not. Perhaps I cannot enjoy irony at your expense, Hero. It feels... somehow wrong."
>When she finishes that sentiment, the blackness fades from around Patchy, revealing the new Avatar of Water. Her ensemble is a bit more revealing than Sanae's is, starting with a light purple blouse with a cutout over her surprisingly developed breasts. Her normal clothes apparently keep those assets well concealed. They do so for her legs as well, but now she sports a pleated skirt in dark purple with a black starry pattern embroidered upon it, and knee high black stockings tucked into high-ankled off-white boots. Frilly purple ribbons decorate the top of her boots, the gold bracelets on her wrists and the ends of her short sleeves. Two hairpins decorate the top of her head, one a blood-red spider lily, the other a silver crescent moon.
>Where Sanae emerged from her transformation with manic energy, the Avatar of Water seems at peace. Completely at peace, in fact. You've never seen her look so calm. Until she opens her eyes and looks down at herself. "Why did my clothes change?" she wonders aloud.
>"I actually don't know." Louise answers.
>Patchy looks up at her Champion and gives her a very pointed gaze. "And why are you naked?" she demands.
>The Water Champion blinks. "Are clothes really that important to Terrans?" she asks you.
-
>Smile a little awkwardly
>"Typically, yes. It's just... other things seemed pressing enough not to make a point of it right now."
-
>Smile a little awkwardly
>"Typically, yes. It's just... other things seemed pressing enough not to make a point of it right now."
>"Well I expect some decency from my Champion, so go put some clothes on." Patchy orders as she stands up, taking in the sights of the world around her. "We're not actually at the park, where are we?"
-
>"No. This is a sort of... pocket dimension we constructed. It was modeled after the park, though; I picked a place with a lot of water in it that I knew well. I'd hoped it could be at least somewhat comfortable, given the circumstances."
-
>"No. This is a sort of... pocket dimension we constructed. It was modeled after the park, though; I picked a place with a lot of water in it that I knew well. I'd hoped it could be at least somewhat comfortable, given the circumstances."
>"You created a contained space?" she asks incredulously as Louise recreates the clothes she put on when you were talking to her before.
-
>"Well, I did have some help. There were three of us, working together."
-
>"Well, I did have some help. There were three of us, working together."
>"That explains what I'm sensing. I knew there had to be more than one person involved in the construction of this place."
>"They built it to cage me." Louise informs her, her eyes closed despite her looking at her Avatar.
>"So not only were and your.... What do you call yourselves?" Patchouli asks you.
-
>"We, uh... we don't really call ourselves anything, now that you mention it. Collectively, I mean. ...Friends?"
>Awkward smile
>"Curious how I'd never really thought about that before. It's been... a very hectic time, lately."
-
>"We, uh... we don't really call ourselves anything, now that you mention it. Collectively, I mean. ...Friends?"
>Awkward smile
>"Curious how I'd never really thought about that before. It's been... a very hectic time, lately."
>"Friends, then. You and yours have the skill and power to build a contained space like this that's strong enough to hold a Champion?"
>Louise nods. "They do indeed. All attempts I'd made to escape this place failed."
>Patchouli regards you approvingly. "A laudable display of magical prowess."
-
>"I did not wish to do her any harm, but nor could we allow her free rein to do harm to others. We did not know of the nature of Makai at the time, or why anyone might rightly seek exodus from that hellscape. As much as we oppose some of their kinds' methods, I do not think Makai is a penance anyone deserves."
>"My allies and I may not share a name, but we do have a purpose: and that is the preservation of life. Human life, youkai life, and also the life of the Champions' own. We do not believe that either of our kinds must fall for the other to have its safety and its peace, and are determined to create a future in which conflict between us is unnecessary."
-
>"I did not wish to do her any harm, but nor could we allow her free rein to do harm to others. We did not know of the nature of Makai at the time, or why anyone might rightly seek exodus from that hellscape. As much as we oppose some of their kinds' methods, I do not think Makai is a penance anyone deserves."
>"My allies and I may not share a name, but we do have a purpose: and that is the preservation of life. Human life, youkai life, and also the life of the Champions' own. We do not believe that either of our kinds must fall for the other to have its safety and its peace, and are determined to create a future in which conflict between us is unnecessary."
>Patchouli's expression darkens. "You are wrong about one thing. Makai is exactly what some people deserve. People who use people, who abuse them. People who see people as tools, as resources. As payment." she practically spits the word.
-
>"I consider it our duty to prevent such things from happening, wherever we are able."
-
>"I consider it our duty to prevent such things from happening, wherever we are able."
>"I see." The Avatar of Water replies, her voice now echoing with the power of the waves. "May I ask your name?"
-
>"Lotus."
-
>"Lotus."
>"It appears then, Lotus, that we will have to conflict." she says rather matter of factly.
-
>"And why is that?"
-
>"And why is that?"
>"Because when I leave this place, which I will very soon, I am going to take revenge on the people that have wronged me. And from you have said, you will try to stop me. Unless I have misunderstood you?"
-
>"Who is it that has wronged you, and how?"
-
>"Who is it that has wronged you, and how?"
>"I shall take that as a no. To that end, my revenge is private. Unless you wish to aid me in it."
>"Oh, I'm quite sure that won't happen." Louise adds.
>"No, most likely not. But this woman brought me here, and quite likely saved my life in the doing. I owe her the asking, at least."
-
>"I find it difficult to condone the willful infliction of suffering, but that goes just as much for whatever wrong was done to you. I do care, and I would defend you, had I known or been able. That is why we fight - to try and find an end to this struggle between worlds where no one need suffer. Where no one is harvested for their energy, where no one is caught in the crossfire of greater powers, where no decent person need suffer the horrors of Makai. I do not want us to be enemies, Patchouli."
-
>"I find it difficult to condone the willful infliction of suffering, but that goes just as much for whatever wrong was done to you. I do care, and I would defend you, had I known or been able. That is why we fight - to try and find an end to this struggle between worlds where no one need suffer. Where no one is harvested for their energy, where no one is caught in the crossfire of greater powers, where no decent person need suffer the horrors of Makai. I do not want us to be enemies, Patchouli."
>The touch of a wry smile touches the lips of the Avatar. "How idealistic." Then the smile fades. "Suffering is inevitable, Lotus. Suffering comes with being alive, whether one lives in Makai or Earth or the Moon or among the countless planets in the cosmos." She clasps her hands at the small of her back and turns away from you, taking a few steps. "Now, this in and of itself is not an evil. With suffering does come gain, or at least the potential for it." She pauses and looks over her shoulder at you. "You have power. You will agree that suffering is quite often the price of power. But, if that suffering is borne willingly by the one seeking power, this is not an evil, yes?"
-
>"To bear suffering willingly is not the same as forcing it upon another."
-
>"To bear suffering willingly is not the same as forcing it upon another."
>"I completely agree. But as someone with power, you know there are many, many people who do just that every day. Every hour, even more often than that in some cases. And unlike the Champions, they are not concerned with survival. Some do it for greed, or sheer selfishness, or for the sadistic pleasure it gives them. If not all of the above. Would you defend them so quickly as you would others?"
-
>"I would not defend their actions, and I would not stand idle and condone them. Some things must be stopped for the good of others. But that does not mean I would visit their own actions upon them. Suffering is not lessened by reprising it; that only fosters the cycle of hate that give rise to it."
-
>"I would not defend their actions, and I would not stand idle and condone them. Some things must be stopped for the good of others. But that does not mean I would visit their own actions upon them. Suffering is not lessened by reprising it; that only fosters the cycle of hate that give rise to it."
>"Then, unfortunately, we will fight someday." the Avatar replies. "I have no desire to fight you either, but if I must, then I must. Because I will have my revenge. Revenge for a life wasted, a life that I only have because they needed a lamb to sacrifice. But take some comfort in this fact." she says as she turns back to you. "We won't have to fight now. Not only because I feel I owe you something for bringing me to my Champion, but because I do not believe you are a fool."
-
>"Thank you. And whatever our disagreements on the particulars of vengeance, I do hope you can see the value in pursuing a less violent solution in the matter of the Champions' exodus. I cannot brook the slaughter of my kind or the subjugation of my world, but I do want to help you."
-
>"Thank you. And whatever our disagreements on the particulars of vengeance, I do hope you can see the value in pursuing a less violent solution in the matter of the Champions' exodus. I cannot brook the slaughter of my kind or the subjugation of my world, but I do want to help you."
>Another of those very Patchy-like wry smiles touches her face. "You are aware of the mutually exclusive nature of what you just said, yes?"
>"Don't forget, my Avatar." Louise adds casually. "She's an idealist."
>"Very much so, by all accounts."
-
>"And why must they be mutually-exclusive? Our kinds are not the same, but nor are we so alien from each other. This world is already home to a great diversity of races who have learned to peacefully coexist with each other; why should it be impossible to include another? Ruthless dominance may be what it takes to survive in Makai, but that is not true here. If you simply wished to live among us, then I would welcome you with open arms, and I know that I am not alone in this."
-
>"And why must they be mutually-exclusive? Our kinds are not the same, but nor are we so alien from each other. This world is already home to a great diversity of races who have learned to peacefully coexist with each other; why should it be impossible to include another? Ruthless dominance may be what it takes to survive in Makai, but that is not true here. If you simply wished to live among us, then I would welcome you with open arms, and I know that I am not alone in this."
>As you draw near the bottom of your speech, Rin's voice comes into your mind, Mistress? Sanae and Elis are leaving.
>"But we don't simply wish to live here, Lotus." Patchy replies. "Oh, no. We Six have the power. We will change this world. Each of was wronged. And each of us will make it so no one will be wronged as we were ever again. We will make this a better world." The Avatar of Water clenches her fist, and sea-blue aura of power surrounds her, with the sound of a crashing tide. "And we will have our revenge."
-
>Do you know where they're going? Or for what purpose?
>"What kind of better world can be founded on the willful murder of innocent people? I have already saved a dozen people from Elis whose only 'crime' was being conveniently located for her to strike at."
-
>Do you know where they're going? Or for what purpose?
>"What kind of better world can be founded on the willful murder of innocent people? I have already saved a dozen people from Elis whose only 'crime' was being conveniently located for her to strike at."
>Sanae wanted to meet Fire and Ice. Or so she said.
>Patchouli gives you a hard look. "No one is innocent."
-
>"No one is perfect. But the world is filled with good, honest, loving people, whose kindnesses far outweigh their flaws and mistakes. And I can vouch with great conviction that many of those who've been attacked were just that kind of person - some of them you had even called 'friend', at least as you were when you woke up this morning."
-
>"No one is perfect. But the world is filled with good, honest, loving people, whose kindnesses far outweigh their flaws and mistakes. And I can vouch with great conviction that many of those who've been attacked were just that kind of person - some of them you had even called 'friend', at least as you were when you woke up this morning."
>"It is not my friends that will suffer my wrath." the Avatar replies, more intensity working its way into her voice. "The people I have called friend are not great in number, but I will not forget them when I rule. But those that have hurt them, those that used them." Her fist clenches again, hard enough to make the knuckles on her small hand turn white. "The ones who saw my friends as tools to control me...."
-
>"Is... this about Reisen?"
-
>"Is... this about Reisen?"
>The rabbit's name makes Patchy look even angrier. "You know her. Do you also know why she lives with me?"
-
>"Because your parents wished to maintain some level of control over your activities, even while you lived away."
-
>"Because your parents wished to maintain some level of control over your activities, even while you lived away."
>"And they used her to do it." she growls, wisps of blue smoky energy wafting up from her aura as she grows angrier and angrier. "I don't blame her for it, she had no choice. But they.... They never saw her as a victim, as a soldier, even as a person. Just another tool they used to control me, to stifle me, to keep from growing into the power and knowledge that should have been mine. That sorcery is a part of me, my birthright, and they denied it to me. They used her to deny it to me, just as they do at every turn. ALL MY LIFE, I have been denied! Globs of spittle fly from her mouth as she starts to roar out her outrage.
-
>"The way you've been treated by them was deeply unfair; of this, you have my full agreement. They didn't respect your talent, they didn't respect you as an individual, and they didn't respect Reisen; to be frank, I'm not sure how much your mother respects anything outside her own intellect. But even were it not for this power you've now gained, your parents would not have been able to stifle you much longer, would have had no choice but to see you outgrow them, see you outstrip them. I know there were many around you who recognized this, who supported you in this.
>"Because for all your parents lacked, you were still surrounded by people who did respect you - love you, even. People who would put themselves on the line for you. Family is more than those to whom we owe the accident of our birth, but the people among whom we are loved. And some of them are still waiting and worrying about you right this moment, wondering if the woman they cared about still exists to come back to them. Does she?"
-
>"The way you've been treated by them was deeply unfair; of this, you have my full agreement. They didn't respect your talent, they didn't respect you as an individual, and they didn't respect Reisen; to be frank, I'm not sure how much your mother respects anything outside her own intellect. But even were it not for this power you've now gained, your parents would not have been able to stifle you much longer, would have had no choice but to see you outgrow them, see you outstrip them. I know there were many around you who recognized this, who supported you in this.
>"Because for all your parents lacked, you were still surrounded by people who did respect you - love you, even. People who would put themselves on the line for you. Family is more than those to whom we owe the accident of our birth, but the people among whom we are loved. And some of them are still waiting and worrying about you right this moment, wondering if the woman they cared about still exists to come back to them. Does she?"
>Breathing heavily, Patchy looks back up at the patchwork of holes in the Oubliette wall. "I am more than I was. No will deny me now." She lowers her head. "But you. I know what I am about to do, and I know that you will try to stop me. But I believe you when you say you care. But why do you care? What does Reisen mean to you?"
-
>"She is a dear friend, and one I have already promised to rescue should her indenture force her to live somewhere she does not want. She cares about you a great deal, you know."
-
>"She is a dear friend, and one I have already promised to rescue should her indenture force her to live somewhere she does not want. She cares about you a great deal, you know."
>The Water Avatar nods. "Eventually I realized that her being there wasn't her fault. She's been used most of her life, did you know that? My parents were just the latest in a long line." She wipes the corner of her mouth. "So many people using others... So much time I could have used... She laughs an ugly laugh as she stares at her hand. "I have a lot of catching up to do."
-
>"What happens to her now?"
-
>"What happens to her now?"
>Slowly, Patchouli closes her fist and opens it, watching the play of power across her hand. "Don't you mean, what do I plan to do to her?"
-
>"Her situation has already changed, whether you do anything else or not."
-
>"Her situation has already changed, whether you do anything else or not."
>The Water Avatar returns her gaze to you. "Meaning?"
-
>"Well, hasn't it? Or do you actually plan to continue living at Moonside and attending school and all the other things that counted as normal life just yesterday?"
-
>"Well, hasn't it? Or do you actually plan to continue living at Moonside and attending school and all the other things that counted as normal life just yesterday?"
>Patchy glances at her avatar, who merely shrugs. "It's your choice. You can live wherever you want. At least until the hero here comes along and drives you out."
>The Avatar breathes out a quiet laugh and shakes her head slowly. "No. No, that life is my past. I don't have any more use for school. Hah, I was only there because of them anyway. I wanted to go to Muenzuka. They wouldn't let me. A normal school for normal people, people who didn't have magic. I never should have been there."
-
>"A very easy thing to change, as obstacles in the world go. Which brings us back to my original question again."
-
>"A very easy thing to change, as obstacles in the world go. Which brings us back to my original question again."
>"It wasn't easy at all." The Avatar growls, rage building again. "Nothing was ever easy with them. There was no change. No choice. No hope. But now I have my power. My destiny. My purpose. And I will have my revenge, and Reisen.... I'll start her revenge, too."
-
>"Her revenge? Do you think that is what she wants, too?"
-
>"Her revenge? Do you think that is what she wants, too?"
>"If you knew what she'd been through, you wouldn't need to ask."
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>"Have you heard the words from her yourself, or are you assuming?"
-
>"Have you heard the words from her yourself, or are you assuming?"
>"I have seen the pain in her eyes when she talks about her past. Those magic eyes of hers couldn't hide everything from me. All these years, she's never been able to escape what they did to her, what she saw, what they forced her to do, and I can't take those memories away, but I can pay all of them back for her pain, and I will. And then some. And I know you won't support me and that you won't help me wreak my havoc upon them, but you can do something, not for me. For her."
-
>"And what is that?"
-
>"And what is that?"
>"Keep her away from my house." she says ominously. "She doesn't need to see my revenge."
>As she says the second line, the aura around her body spreads, her body changing into a ball of chaotic blue light. The ball of light rockets up towards the wall of the Oubliette, trailing dark water behind her.
-
>To Louise: "And where do you stand on this? Are Champion and Avatar always of like mind?"
-
>To Louise: "And where do you stand on this? Are Champion and Avatar always of like mind?"
>"We share the same goal." Louise says as she watches (somehow, with her eyes still closed) Patchouli make her escape from the Oubliette. "Whether or not we'll end up agreeing entirely on how to achieve it, I don't know. I suppose that depends on what kind of mood she'll be in once you stop her. She probably won't be happy for a while."
-
>"I'm surprised you expect me to succeed."
-
>"I'm surprised you expect me to succeed."
>"You've performed so well against myself and the other Champions, I can't very well expect you to fail." she replies with aplomb and a smile.
-
>Hard to know quite how to take that
>"I don't know that she'll listen to me anymore, but she might listen to you. Surely this kind of willful havoc cannot serve your ultimate agenda either."
-
>Hard to know quite how to take that
>"I don't know that she'll listen to me anymore, but she might listen to you. Surely this kind of willful havoc cannot serve your ultimate agenda either."
>"Oh, she'll listen to me. Just not right now. You see, her hatred is very deep-seated. She has to act on it, at least in attempt, or she'll never think of anything else."
-
>"The woman I knew wouldn't have said those things. I am well-aware of her resentment against her parents, but this malice is something more profound. What does becoming an Avatar do to someone?"
-
>"The woman I knew wouldn't have said those things. I am well-aware of her resentment against her parents, but this malice is something more profound. What does becoming an Avatar do to someone?"
>"I don't think I have the time to explain." Louise says thoughtfully. "She isn't moving as fast as she would have, if you didn't have such a way with people, but she'll still get there before you."
-
>Don't suppose we can think of a way to do a sort of 'reversal' of the summoning spell we did earlier and essentially summon ourselves TO a specific location? Particularly if, say, one of our number were familiar with it?
-
>Don't suppose we can think of a way to do a sort of 'reversal' of the summoning spell we did earlier and essentially summon ourselves TO a specific location? Particularly if, say, one of our number were familiar with it?
>You might actually be able to do just that. But it would requite intimate familiarity with the target location. A mistake in transportation could result in teleporting yourself inside of a wall. And there's another risk as well. Your powers don't allow you to see your target in real time, so there's no way to know who or what might be occupying your target destination. You could end up teleporting into the very people you're trying to help. And while you can't be entirely certain what would happen if that happened, you're completely sure it wouldn't be good for either party involved.
-
>Well, could aim for several feet up in the air, where absolutely no one is liable to be at the time
>How far away is Patchy's family home, anyway? Do we actually know where she lives, for that matter?
>"And you don't disapprove of me firing on your avatar, then, if that is what it ends up taking?"
-
>Well, could aim for several feet up in the air, where absolutely no one is liable to be at the time
>In this city, that's not always a guarantee. Between the tengu who live here, the winged youkai, the Bird miko who patrol the skies, the fairies who gad about as they please... The skies of Mayoiga are a busy place.
>How far away is Patchy's family home, anyway? Do we actually know where she lives, for that matter?
>"And you don't disapprove of me firing on your avatar, then, if that is what it ends up taking?"
>You know the Knowledge family manor is somewhere on the southeast side of town, but not precisely where. You've never had cause to visit there.
>"It was bound to happen at some point." Louise says with a slight shrug. "You're still not on our side, after all."
-
>"This isn't about sides. This is about saving lives, and stopping something the woman who was my friend would regret. We will speak later."
>Let's exit the oubliette
-
>"This isn't about sides. This is about saving lives, and stopping something the woman who was my friend would regret. We will speak later."
>Let's exit the oubliette
>"Yes. We will." Focusing on the touchstone once more, you send yourself flying back down the rainbow road between reality and jail. As you exit the Oubliette, you hear the faint sound of the Water Champion's voice float across your ears, "As you Terrans say, good luck."
>The scene at Moonside has changed a bit since you left. As Rin reported, both Elis and Sanae are gone, and they have left not a trace of conflict in their wake. You'd be lying if you said you weren't a little bit surprised, given the belligerent nature of the Air Champion. Reimu and Kohaku are also missing, but the other bodyguard, the sour faced Touki, is still in evidence. She is presently standing next to Rin and is weaving some kind of spell on her. Her ears, specifically. Reisen and Lily are standing a bit apart from them, looking to the east as they talk.
-
>Can we sense where Patchouli is at the moment?
>Approach Reisen
-
>Can we sense where Patchouli is at the moment?
>Approach Reisen
>No. A chaotic kind of interference is blanketing the area between you and the Knowledges' mansion. Patchy's probably shielding her location from you.
>The lunar rabbit glances back over her shoulder as you make your approach. "What happened?"
-
>"Patchouli is physically healthy again, but... not altogether the same, I'm afraid. I'm very sorry; I did my best to convince her otherwise, but I... believe she is currently en route to murder her parents. Or to do even worse things to them, and who knows who else comes afterward."
-
>"Patchouli is physically healthy again, but... not altogether the same, I'm afraid. I'm very sorry; I did my best to convince her otherwise, but I... believe she is currently en route to murder her parents. Or to do even worse things to them, and who knows who else comes afterward."
>"Well you've got to stop her!" the rabbit cries.
-
>"We will try, I promise you, but first I need to ask you something. In private. I will be quick."
-
>"We will try, I promise you, but first I need to ask you something. In private. I will be quick."
>Reisen spares a glance over her shoulder, then looks back at you. "Take me with you. I might be able to- Do something."
-
>If she won't move on her own, let's gently usher her somewhere a bit more out of sight
>"Patchouli as she is now is powerful and dangerous, and not entirely the woman you knew. Are you willing to put your own life on the line here, if doing so means being able to help save her? Being able to save those she wishes to claim vengeance upon? If you felt you had the power to make a difference, would you take it?"
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>If she won't move on her own, let's gently usher her somewhere a bit more out of sight
>"Patchouli as she is now is powerful and dangerous, and not entirely the woman you knew. Are you willing to put your own life on the line here, if doing so means being able to help save her? Being able to save those she wishes to claim vengeance upon? If you felt you had the power to make a difference, would you take it?"
>With a little prodding, you maneuver the bunny into Nitori's shack. And to your credit, you pause only for a brief moment to ponder the implications of that sentence.
>This time, you get the sense that it is your offer, your words, that make your ring react just as much as it is reacting to Reisen herself. In fact, the reaction is a very strong one. But the ring does not appear straight away. Reisen seems troubled by your words, and she hesitates. She half-turns away from you and takes a few steps towards one of Nitori's tables. "I was a soldier once before." she says quietly, staring at one of Nitori's welders, which has a vaguely gun-like shape to it. "I never wanted to be that again."
>Despite her obvious doubt, your ring does not stop reacting to her.
-
>"Neither did I, but there are dangerous forces at work in this city, and people who will die if we do not oppose them. Good, kind, innocent people. We fight not to conquer, but to save - for the lives of our friends and families, and even those of our enemies, that they might be given a chance to choose a better path. I will never ask of you something you are unwilling to do, but in times like this, even just the will to protect the people we care about is a powerful force."
-
>"Neither did I, but there are dangerous forces at work in this city, and people who will die if we do not oppose them. Good, kind, innocent people. We fight not to conquer, but to save - for the lives of our friends and families, and even those of our enemies, that they might be given a chance to choose a better path. I will never ask of you something you are unwilling to do, but in times like this, even just the will to protect the people we care about is a powerful force."
>Although the doubt doesn't leave her face, you see Reisen's ears perk up a little bit. She turns her head towards you, her haunted red eyes seeming to flash briefly. "Can I trust you?" she asks in a subdued voice.
-
>We're out of public view now, right?
>If so, then let's drop our Lotus form for a moment and offer her a sheepish smile: "I would like to hope that you do."
>Though if she understandably reacts by starting to yell our name in surprise or something, do try to gesture for her to keep a little quiet....
-
>We're out of public view now, right?
>If so, then let's drop our Lotus form for a moment and offer her a sheepish smile: "I would like to hope that you do."
>Though if she understandably reacts by starting to yell our name in surprise or something, do try to gesture for her to keep a little quiet....
>You are.
>Pausing only for a moment in the face of the choice, you dispel your transformation, revealing Byakuren Hijiri to the lunar rabbit standing before you.
>Unsurprisingly, Reisen's red eyes widen greatly. For a moment, she stands in stunned silence, but then she returns your smile. "Well, I always thought you had the heart of a hero, but this?"
-
>"These are strange times for all of us, myself included. I really did mean to explain all of this to you and Patchouli after the standoff was over, and I wish there was more time to do so now, but she really does mean to dole out savage vengeance and I don't know how much more time we have to stop her. You have the power in your heart to stand with us, as one of us; I can sense it in you, even now. I promise I will explain everything once there is time to rest, regardless of what you choose now."
-
>"These are strange times for all of us, myself included. I really did mean to explain all of this to you and Patchouli after the standoff was over, and I wish there was more time to do so now, but she really does mean to dole out savage vengeance and I don't know how much more time we have to stop her. You have the power in your heart to stand with us, as one of us; I can sense it in you, even now. I promise I will explain everything once there is time to rest, regardless of what you choose now."
>Reisen sighs deeply, a resigned sound. "And you're sure it's me you want? Not Letty or Nitori?"
-
>"Like I said, I won't push you to do anything you're not comfortable with, but the kindness in your heart and the courage in your spirit is true. And you're my friend."
>Take her hand
>"And right now someone we both care about is planning to do something horrible, and I won't accept that we cannot save her. Even if what we have to save her from is herself."
-
>"Like I said, I won't push you to do anything you're not comfortable with, but the kindness in your heart and the courage in your spirit is true. And you're my friend."
>Take her hand
>"And right now someone we both care about is planning to do something horrible, and I won't accept that we cannot save her. Even if what we have to save her from is herself."
>As you take her hand in yours, a shaft of light emerges from your ring, producing a gentle purple ring with a teardrop shaped blue jewel and white filigree. Reisen eyes the ring hanging between you, and she seems relieved about something. She does not however elaborate on what that is, instead saying "You make a better recruitment speech than the Lunarian military." matter of factly. She sighs again, then holds her head high. "All right." And the ring slides comfortably onto her finger. "How powerful is she?" she asks as she watches the ring don her hand.
-
>"I cannot say for certain, but I believe it's safe to say the answer is 'extremely', and she is also furious. I expect it will take all of us together to have a hope of containing her. There is, I think, no one else who can."
-
>"I cannot say for certain, but I believe it's safe to say the answer is 'extremely', and she is also furious. I expect it will take all of us together to have a hope of containing her. There is, I think, no one else who can."
>Reisen sighs once more. "No pressure, then." Reisen balls her fist and pulls it in close to her chest. "You're right. Questions later. Now we have a mission." She raises her hand over her head. "Drafted into a cause once more. Stars protect me. Poppy Purity Ascent!" Blood red light suffuses her as your powers takes hold in her heart and body.
>The results when the light fade are... not entirely what you were expecting. (http://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/1378389?tags=reisen_udongein_inaba+mage_%28ragnarok_online%29) Your breath catches in your throat as you look at her. You've seen in some of Koakuma's more... daring costumes since Rin starting working there, but somehow this feels different. More... enticing.
>Reisen, however, does not seem entirely impressed. She regards her new ensemble with a look of exaggerated anguish. "Aw, come on...."
-
>"You, um... I am sure there is probably something you could do about that if you... don't like it. This power is very flexible, if you have a purpose you wish to direct it towards."
-
>"You, um... I am sure there is probably something you could do about that if you... don't like it. This power is very flexible, if you have a purpose you wish to direct it towards."
>Reisen heaves a much put-upon sigh. "Maybe later. We've got a more important job first."
-
>"Right. Patchouli has a head start on us, and she's masking her presence so that I can't track her. I'm almost certain she's heading for her family home, but I don't know exactly where that is; I assume you do."
-
>"Right. Patchouli has a head start on us, and she's masking her presence so that I can't track her. I'm almost certain she's heading for her family home, but I don't know exactly where that is; I assume you do."
>The rabbit nods. "I do."
-
>For that teleportation magic, would it be sufficient if Reisen could visualize the specifics of our destination, even if we could not and were 'leading' the spell ourselves, as it were? Would our link allow that image to be shared in a sufficiently concrete fashion?
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>For that teleportation magic, would it be sufficient if Reisen could visualize the specifics of our destination, even if we could not and were 'leading' the spell ourselves, as it were? Would our link allow that image to be shared in a sufficiently concrete fashion?
>For someone else to set the targeting coordinates of the teleportation spell, that person must be the one to cast the spell itself. Excepting in the case of people who are specially close to you. Rin probably would be able to set the target, and possibly Lily as well, but at this point in time, neither Kiku nor Reisen would be capable of that.
-
>And it's likely that's too much to ask of her to do it herself, as the very first act of using her powers....
>Maybe there'll be some landmark nearby we recognize?
>"Where is it, specifically?"
-
>And it's likely that's too much to ask of her to do it herself, as the very first act of using her powers....
>Maybe there'll be some landmark nearby we recognize?
>"Where is it, specifically?"
>That does seem likely.
>Entirely possible, Mayoiga has no shortage of landmarks.
>Reisen provides you with the address. "It's the biggest building for a couple of blocks. The Knowledges couldn't bare not standing out."
-
>Does that address mean anything to us? Do we know anything in the general vicinity well?
>Also, how far away is it by air from here? How quickly do we think we could get there conventionally?
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>Does that address mean anything to us? Do we know anything in the general vicinity well?
>Also, how far away is it by air from here? How quickly do we think we could get there conventionally?
>You've never had cause to be out that part of town before.
>Pushing yourself a little, you could get there in around ten minutes.
-
>To Rin and Lily: Do either of you know any place near [insert address here] well? Enough that you could clearly visualize it?
-
>To Rin and Lily: Do either of you know any place near [insert address here] well? Enough that you could clearly visualize it?
>No, mistress. Rin replies
>That big white and blue place with the huge fountain up the road from Benjie's? Lily asks.
-
>"Is it, by any chance, a big white and blue place with a large fountain up the road from... some place named Benjie's?"
>Do we even know what this Benjie's is?
-
>"Is it, by any chance, a big white and blue place with a large fountain up the road from... some place named Benjie's?"
>Do we even know what this Benjie's is?
>Reisen frowns. "I don't what 'Benjie's' could be, but the description is right. Did Patchy talk about it?"
>You do not.
-
>"No, that was Lily."
>Smile sheepishly
>"Telepathy."
>Reisen says the description matches. Do you know the area well? Enough to visualize it precisely? We need to get there very quickly, and I think I may be able to teleport us there if you can hold an image of our destination well enough for me to see it while we work the magic.
-
>"No, that was Lily."
>Smile sheepishly
>"Telepathy."
>Reisen says the description matches. Do you know the area well? Enough to visualize it precisely? We need to get there very quickly, and I think I may be able to teleport us there if you can hold an image of our destination well enough for me to see it while we work the magic.
>"I've got a lot to learn." She blinks. "Which one was Lily?"
>Uh... Maybe? the blonde replies. I've seen it from the air plenty of times, but I've never got that close to it. Kinda had a 'leave off' feel about the place.
-
>Anywhere nearby could also do, if it's someplace you know more confidently. It would need to be somewhere you could expect would be empty of people and also obstacles.
>"The one with the wings."
>Smile a little
>"The other is Rin."
-
>Anywhere nearby could also do, if it's someplace you know more confidently. It would need to be somewhere you could expect would be empty of people and also obstacles.
>"The one with the wings."
>Smile a little
>"The other is Rin."
>Do clouds count? the little blonde asks seriously.
>That one makes Reisen smile. "I guess I should have known."
-
>Surely a memory of a cloud that has long-since moved on wouldn't be a useful teleport target, would it? Or would her memory of where is was when she saw it maybe serve as a relevant anchor to that specific location?
>Assuming we don't think this is useful: I... doubt it, I'm afraid.
-
>Surely a memory of a cloud that has long-since moved on wouldn't be a useful teleport target, would it? Or would her memory of where is was when she saw it maybe serve as a relevant anchor to that specific location?
>Assuming we don't think this is useful: I... doubt it, I'm afraid.
>The cloud itself wouldn't do you much good, but the sky around the location might work.
>Clouds aren't obstacles?
-
>Oh, I thought you were asking if they counted as landmarks to teleport to.
-
>Oh, I thought you were asking if they counted as landmarks to teleport to.
>No no, the obstacle thing.
-
>I don't think so? I, uh, of course have never done this before. The clearer the better, I am sure.
-
>I don't think so? I, uh, of course have never done this before. The clearer the better, I am sure.
>Well why not just teleport over the place?
-
>That might be possible, but as I said, I have never seen the place with my own eyes, and if I am to do this I will need a very clear and distinct mental image of it. If you can provide me with one, then I will try.
-
>That might be possible, but as I said, I have never seen the place with my own eyes, and if I am to do this I will need a very clear and distinct mental image of it. If you can provide me with one, then I will try.
>I think I can do that. My memory is good! Lily says with a smile you can nearly hear.
>If I may, mistress? Rin puts in. How difficult is it going to be to transport three of us half way across the city?
-
>We did think we could do that, didn't we? Pooling our power together and all that.
-
>We did think we could do that, didn't we? Pooling our power together and all that.
>You are reasonably certain you can do it, yes. But the energy required to do will be signifigantly greater than when you pulled Lily across that city. That spell utilized the bond between you, using a connection that was already there, and quite strong. This time, however, there is no one on the other end doing any pulling, no connection to use to make the job easier. You'd be throwing you and three other women a great distance using only your own power to do it. Doing it yourself would probably come close to exhausting you in the process, and sharing the load between you and the others would leave the lot of you at least winded when you got there.
>Well, except maybe Reisen. Unlike you, Lily and White Rose, she never tangled with the Air Champion, so she's bit fresher than you three.
-
>Difficult, but I believe it's doable if all of us pool our power together. And I am not sure we have time to fly the conventional way, under the circumstances. Also, there's four of us now.
>Reassume our Lotus guise
>"I believe we may be able to teleport ourselves to the Knowledge's house if we work together, and we should hurry; I don't know how much more time we have."
-
>Difficult, but I believe it's doable if all of us pool our power together. And I am not sure we have time to fly the conventional way, under the circumstances. Also, there's four of us now.
>Reassume our Lotus guise
>"I believe we may be able to teleport ourselves to the Knowledge's house if we work together, and we should hurry; I don't know how much more time we have."
>Four?
>You mean Reisen? Lily asks excitedly as you transform back to your Magical form.
>Your newest recruit nods solemnly.
-
>I do indeed.
>Do we think anyone outside our circle likely noticed us drag Reisen in here? If not, let's go back out to the others.
-
>I do indeed.
>Do we think anyone outside our circle likely noticed us drag Reisen in here? If not, let's go back out to the others.
>Sweet!~ Lily chirps.
>I'm glad. Rin adds. She would have wanted to help Patchy.
>You doubt it. The only person out in the yard you hadn't recruited was Reimu's bodyguard Touki, and she seemed pretty focused on that spell she was casting on Rin. Reisen's secret identity should be safe from her. And in fact, she isn't even present when you and Poppy emerge from Nitori's shed. Only Lily and White Rose remain present, talking with each other. Lily greets the newly minted Poppy with a big smile. "Wow, you look pretty!" she cries, flittering forward and giving the rabbit a big hug.
>"Probably should've warned you about that." Rin says with a wry smile as Reisen blushes slightly.
-
>"Just to make sure all of us are on the same page, Patchouli has become Water's Avatar and flown off to extract vengeance on the people she feels have wronged her and Reisen, and I believe this begins with her parents. She is extremely powerful, and also not entirely the person we once knew. I tried my best to dissuade her, but without success. She clearly still cares about Reisen, but there is a dark ruthlessness to her that I don't believe belongs to the friend we know; I fear we will need to use force to stop her, or I don't know how many people will end up dead or worse at her hands."
>"She has a substantial head start on us, so I think we need to try to teleport there to have any chance of reaching there first. I admit I've never done this before, but I am fairly confident we can do this if Lily provides me with a clear mental image of our destination, and all of you pool your powers together with me."
>Look to Reisen: "I know this is all very new to you, and I wish we could start off more slowly, but I hope you will find the use of your power more intuitive than you expect. We will do what we can to help."
>Look around among the assembled
>"Does anyone have any questions?"
-
>"Just to make sure all of us are on the same page, Patchouli has become Water's Avatar and flown off to extract vengeance on the people she feels have wronged her and Reisen, and I believe this begins with her parents. She is extremely powerful, and also not entirely the person we once knew. I tried my best to dissuade her, but without success. She clearly still cares about Reisen, but there is a dark ruthlessness to her that I don't believe belongs to the friend we know; I fear we will need to use force to stop her, or I don't know how many people will end up dead or worse at her hands."
>"She has a substantial head start on us, so I think we need to try to teleport there to have any chance of reaching there first. I admit I've never done this before, but I am fairly confident we can do this if Lily provides me with a clear mental image of our destination, and all of you pool your powers together with me."
>Look to Reisen: "I know this is all very new to you, and I wish we could start off more slowly, but I hope you will find the use of your power more intuitive than you expect. We will do what we can to help."
>Look around among the assembled
>"Does anyone have any questions?"
>Reisen raises her hand. "How can we stop her without hurting her too much?"
-
>"In her current condition, I expect she can take a significant amount of fire before being any more than inconvenienced. I'd rather not have to shoot her either, but if we do, I don't think we can afford to hold back - I expect she won't. If she exhausts her power sufficiently, we can possibly imprison her for the time-being and figure out what to do from there. I'd still like to believe this can be resolved diplomatically, but I think we must be prepared for the possibility that she will try in earnest to kill us for standing in her way. I truly wish I could say otherwise."
-
>"In her current condition, I expect she can take a significant amount of fire before being any more than inconvenienced. I'd rather not have to shoot her either, but if we do, I don't think we can afford to hold back - I expect she won't. If she exhausts her power sufficiently, we can possibly imprison her for the time-being and figure out what to do from there. I'd still like to believe this can be resolved diplomatically, but I think we must be prepared for the possibility that she will try in earnest to kill us for standing in her way. I truly wish I could say otherwise."
>"What about her ring?" Lily asks. "What if we destroy that, like you did with that girl back at the CRA?"
-
>Do we actually think that might work in this case? The nature of the ring and the bond that formed it is somewhat different here, no?
-
>Do we actually think that might work in this case? The nature of the ring and the bond that formed it is somewhat different here, no?
>It does seem to be profoundly different. You're not actually sure what would happen if Patchy's ring were destroyed.
-
>"I'm not certain that we can, or what would happen to Patchouli if we actually succeeded. The nature of her bond with Water is very different than that other woman's was - to the point that their forced separation appeared to be literally killing both of them. Even if we managed to cut her off from this power again, it might be profoundly bad for her health. I don't know."
-
>"I'm not certain that we can, or what would happen to Patchouli if we actually succeeded. The nature of her bond with Water is very different than that other woman's was - to the point that their forced separation appeared to be literally killing both of them. Even if we managed to cut her off from this power again, it might be profoundly bad for her health. I don't know."
>"So we should try to tire her instead of flooring her?" Rin asks, then winces. "Sorry, Reisen."
>The rabbit nods. "It's Poppy. Apparantly."
-
>"I fear some element of the latter will be involved in accomplishing the former; I don't know if we can act purely defensively without her wearing us out first, but I suppose we shall see."
-
>"I fear some element of the latter will be involved in accomplishing the former; I don't know if we can act purely defensively without her wearing us out first, but I suppose we shall see."
>"So how do we make this teleporting happen?" Poppy asks you.
-
>Do we think we should get that image directly from Lily first, or should that be handled during the power linking and magic-weaving part of the process?
>Is there anything else in particular we'll need to do beyond the whole 'hold hands, join power, focus, and exert a lot of will?' bit?
-
>Do we think we should get that image directly from Lily first, or should that be handled during the power linking and magic-weaving part of the process?
>Is there anything else in particular we'll need to do beyond the whole 'hold hands, join power, focus, and exert a lot of will?' bit?
>You need to ask next thread. We've gone over 1k already.