> "Not usually, and it is my hope that we will not be here for much longer. But simply leaving her there in the ground feels a little inhumane."
> "No, she is the servant of the one who caused all of today's mess."
> "One is quite enough."
> "Indeed."
> Get comfy on the ground behind Yoshika.
> "Waiting for Seiga to arrive."
> How exactly is Yoshika buried?
> How difficult would it be to dig her up?
> "She is not here, no. I am waiting for her to arrive and retrieve you."
> "I assume so. This is where she left Yoshika. But you may be right. It might be easier to dig her up and take her home myself."
> "Oh, really? That makes things easy, then. I'll just go meet her at the graveyard myself."
> Youmu: Look to Kotohime. "There are no guarantees on how long this will take. Are you planning on tagging along again, or will you return home?"
> Nod. "Very well." Stand back up. "Let us head to the graveyard."
> Head back out of the Netherworld, still avoiding Reimu, and toward the Human Village.
> Return the wave.
> "Indeed. I just departed from the location where she is presently working."
> "Yes, she is presently performing a purifying ritual and needs to not be disturbed."
> Look to Tojiko and smile. "It did indeed. All has been resolved. How was your time here?"
> Nod.
> "Very good. I am pleased to see and hear this."
> Look toward the oni.
> "Miss Ibuki, then? I do not believe we have met. I am Toyosatomimi no Miko, a simple Taoist hermit.l"
> "I am, yes. I did not realize anyone else lived here, though."
> "Ah, yes. I actually came back for my companion."
> Look to Tojiko.
> "I may need your assistance once I arrive at my next destination. Are you willing to join me, or do you wish to remain here, for the same reasons as last time?"
> How long has it been since Futo was first properly nodding off? Pretend the mindscape battle with the tree took no real time when making this assessment.
> "Perhaps. She does look much better than before. It has been a couple of hours since she fell asleep, yes?"
> Put on a thinking face for a few monents, then nod.
> "Yes, I suppose it is worth asking her to join us. At this point, my largest concern is making sure she is fit and ready for tomorrow, and that is not terribly important in the grand scheme of things."
> "Mmm, I suppose. Very well, then."
> Make our way over to Futo and give her shoulder a gentle nudge.
> Take on a quiet, gentle tone.
> "Futo, dear."
> "Apologies, Futo, but it is time to awaken."
> Provide said time, or at least a rough idea.
> "There is not need to apologize. You needed your rest after what happened today."
> "Not yet. There is actually a bit of business to attend to on the mountain, and I would like the two of you along with me for this."
> Back off a bit, and give Futo some space to wake up properly.
> Look to the oni.
> "Miss Ibuki, please give Reimu our regards, and gratitude once more for allowing us to spend our time here this day."
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> Look to Tojiko and gesture to the futon.
> "Do you recall from where this was retrieved? We should return it there, or possibly prepare it to be washed Instead."
> "Ah, I see. Very well, if you are willing to do so."
> Look to Futo and Tojiko. "Are you ready to depart, then? Or do you need another moment or two?"
> "Excellent. There is one last thing I should take care of before we leave, however."
> Walk over to the donation box and toss in 10 more of the local currency.
> Look to Miss Ibuki. "You are most welcome. Money may be immaterial to us, as it is missing its power over all who follow the Tao, but I can certainly understand its necessity to the daily functions of others. I am quite happy to assist this establishment as I am able. Fare thee well, Miss Ibuki."
> Look back to Futo and Tojiko. "With that complete, let be off. Our destination is the mountain."
> Take flight and head to the foot-entrance to Youkai Mountain.
> Begin walking up the mountain, heading for the Kappa Village.
> While proceeding, pull the key back out. Quick mental check: the insect youkai claimed to have found this in the forest southwest of the kappa village?
> "So. Our goal is to investigate the origins of this key, and the doom it carries. It is my understanding that it was found in the forest near the kappa village."
> "Indeed there is. But with three of us starting at the village, we will cover a lot of ground in the areas most likely to contain what we seek."
> "That may be for the best. We can make a proper decision once we have arrived, however."
> "I am glad you two enjoyed the colors. I was fortunate to spy a local goddess painting the leaves those colors. She gave me the fantastic idea to have a picnic in that part of the forest; we should do this within the next few days."
> "There certain were previously. I wonder if they are in hiding from the fairy storm?"
> "Perhaps they will resurface while we work."
> Head toward the southwest corner of the village.
> Did any of the dwellings look active as we passed by them?
> How does the forest in this area look? Are there any obvious footpaths?
> Are there animal trails large enough for us to reasonably use?
> How dense is the forest?
> How long do we likely have before the sun goes down properly?
> "Mmm. Perhaps it would be better to stay as a group, given how little time there is left before dark, and how dense the forest is."
> "That was my rationale, yes. Come, let us begin."
> Enter the forest using the closest animal trail.
> "This, I admit, is the challenging part. This key must go to something, but beyond a rough guess at the size of the keyhole, I am not sure what that something may be. In that vein, I suppose anything out of the ordinary is worth looking into."
> Did Hina have anything useful to say about that?
> "I have learned the key was originally found in this area of the forest, southwest of the kappa village. Beyond that, the one whom identified the doom that is apparently upon it claims it must have been some 'quite momentous'. While this does not precisely tell us for what we are looking, it does at least seem likely that what we are seeking is something out of the ordinary for a forest, and possibly quite large."
> Nod slowly a couple of times and take on a slightly more empathetic tone, one more likely to convey that we are not being sarcastic or otherwise rude.
> "Yes...yes, it certainly could be."
i> "At the very least, it would probably be best to follow established paths. Thinking in terms of the key being found, It seems unlikely that someone would be wandering these woods aimlessly."
> Nod.
> "Truly, I wish I could offer you two more than what I have. But...such is the difficulty of strange mysteries."
> Nod.
> "Thank you, my friends."
> Anything look suspicious in the forest so far?
> Continue onward, then.
> Turn back around.
> "Apologies, Yuyuko-sama. I did not realize there was something else you required of me. What can I do for you?"
> Perk up.
> "Oh, has someone found her?"
> Blink.
> "...Oh."
> Frown.
> "And no one could have told me this?"
> Can Miko read our mind? Or our desires, or whatever.
> "So you and everyone except me could be trusted with this information, even though there is no reason Miss Miko could not have figured it out from anyone else."
> Don't go anywhere just yet.
> "The ghosts I talked to were still searching for her. Why would I think she had been found?"
> "And how was I supposed to know that when talking to them?"
> Does this all sound reasonable?
> Frown some more, then give an exasperated grunt and follow.
> Is it the same vacant smile as before?
> "My apologies for trying to introduce an unfamiliar person into your situation."
> "If I may ask, with her gone, then, what do you plan to do now?"
> Did we previously mention Satori's possible arrival to Koishi?
> Did we warn the PrismRivers about more underground visitors?
> Frown.
> "Mmm. A shame Satori was unable to come here."
> "I see. What about the kasha, though? Would she have also not come?"
> "Ah, I see. Wait...wait."
> Look to Yuyuko.
> "I wonder if the PrismRivers stopped them."
> "Lyrica did stop Miss Miko earlier, and they've been keeping a general eye out ever since they caught wind of what happened this morning."
> "Indeed she did. I do hope she learns to be less belligerent, however. It may come back to bite her some day."
> "It could very well have done so today, truth be told. Thankfully, Miss Miko was patient with her."
> "Indeed."
> Look to Koishi.
> "Would you like me to check to see if the PrismRiver Sisters have seen to your family?"
> "...Oh. I guess that's true."
> "That makes sense."
> "They did seem a bit frustrated by their inability to find you."
> "Anyway, it is up to you if you want to see them again or not."
> Nod.
> "Let us see them, then."
> Lead the way back to Utsuho and Parsee, unless we don't know where they are (in which case, follow Yuyuko to them).
> Move to the side to get out of the way of the door frame, and let this conversation happen a bit.
> Do we know what might possess someone like Koishi to single out someone like Miko as undesirable?
> "I suppose it suggests a desire to see this through."
> "I suppose we are left with the question of what to do now, though. Or if we even need to do something right now."
> "No, I mean whether or not something needs to be done right this moment, as opposed to a more gradual process."
> "That certainly woh't be a problem tomorrow, at the very least."
> "The mahjong tournament at the Hakurei Shrine."
> Blink.
> "Did the Underground's citizens not receive this news?"
> "I imagine there will be plenty of people there for it, and the location suggests it will be reasonably safe and inoffensive. It seems an ideal opportunity to be around people."
> "You think Yukari-sama would misbehave in that setting?"
> Make sure this is not said in an accusatory tone.
> Look to Yuyuko.
> "I think this is more your area than mine."
> Does Yuyuko know that Yukari doesn't like us and that we don't like her?
> "I'm not so sure. I mean, I get along reasonably fine every day..."
> "She sure fooled me, then."
> Frown.
> "I would hope one as mature and intelligent as Yukari-sama would have little difficulty resisting such a thing."
> "I would really rather not. But it seems we are getting off-task again."
> "That's a problem. If the mahjong tournament is out, I don't have any other ideas."
> "Oh, hey, wait. What about Eientei, and all their rabbits? Or perhaps the Myouren Temple?"
> She didn't happen to change her facial expression while doing so, did she?
> "What do you mean?"
> "How about the Moriya Shrine, then? Or the Scarlet Devil Mansion, as much as you would probably have to disavow all knowledge of us."
> "That doesn't leave very many options, you realize."
> "Well, it seems to me that if there are no likely possibilities, the next thing to try is the unlikely possibilities."
> Shrug.
> "I think we've already gone over several of them."
> Look to Koishi.
> "Though I suppose it's worth first asking if there's anywhere that you would like to go."
> "Well, is there anyone that you find interesting, or entertaining, or enjoyable to be around?"
> Frown.
> "Sorry, I didn't mean it that way. But what about anyone that doesn't know you very well? I mean, I didn't know you very well this morning, and look where we are now."
> "You mean you don't know those things already? I kind of figured it was an all-at-once sort of deal."
> "Then what about living by yourself, but planning small amounts of regular interaction with a variety of people?"
> "Well, yes. This would be more a long-term solution than an immediate action to take."
> "In the meantime, though, we'll need to find someone for you to follow around tomorrow, if you're that adamant about not being in the same area as Yukari-sama."
> "The same could be said of anybody, though."
> "So...what now, then?"
> Let's see where this goes, at least a little bit.
> Have a look over at Yuyuko with a quizzical expression.
> Turn our hands up in a gesture of confusion.
> "Anything. I feel way over my head right now."
> "That certainly makes sense."
> Do we actually do that, or is that just a metaphor?
> Look back to the undergrounders. Are they still talking about sending Koishi 'home'?
> "Yuyuko-sama raises a good point. Koishi, what is it that you want? Is there anything specific?"
> "Well, I think it's been established that there is one such place, but also that it comes with its own problems. Forgive my asking if this is too personal, but if, say, your sister lived somewhere else, perhaps above ground, would that be any better for you?"
> "Well, with all due respect, it seems that at least one of you is going to have to make some sort of unpleasant short-term sacrifice in order to secure long-term betterment, if not long-term happiness, for both of you."
> "And, if I may, it may be best for both of you to make said short-term sacrifice, in the interest of fairness as well as a demonstration of solidarity with one another."
> "Is that an acceptable solution, either short-term or long-term?"
> "Presumably, what you've been asking her to do all this time."
> "It seems true that a long-term solution involving Satori moving to the surface would be detrimental to Satori. But she could spend time on the surface some days while Koishi spends time underground other days, until everyone feels better about the idea of Koishi being alone again."
> "What sacrifice would Satori be making, then, in return for Koishi's underground visitations?"
> "Then what reason does Koishi have to cause herself grief for her sister's benefit, if her sister won't do the same?'
> "If it were that easy, don't you think she would have done it already?"
> "Think about it. Clearly, returning underground is exceedingly painful for Koishi. She knows it would make her sister and the extended pet family happy, and she knows that it gives her a better chance at survival. But she still isn't doing it. Why might that be?"
> "The point is the strength of the gesture, as well as a need for compromise. Perhaps Koishi would be more willing to return home if her sister were willing to meet her halfway."
> "Well, all right then. What would get you to visit Underground, if anything?"
> Nod.
> "That is true."
> "And yet here you stand. Is there anything else?"
> Soften our tone a little.
> "It's okay. You can tell us."
> "I guess you could only tell some of us, if that would be better."
> Frown.
> "Then I think we're kinda stuck."
> Raise an eyebrow and look to the other two Undergroundlings.
> Nod.
> "Well, all right then. I am proud of you for making such a choice, as odd as that may be given we only just met."
> Let this continue a bit. This isn't our place to interrupt right now.
> "Ah, you are all set, then? I can show you the way out if you like, unless there is any final business you wish to conduct.'
> Give Yuyuko a bow.
> "By your leave, Yuyuko-sama. Thank you very much for all of your help."
> Turn to the others.
> "Let us depart, then."
> If there are no objections from anyone, lead our party back to the entrance to Hakugyokurou.
> Smile.
> "You are quite welcome. I was glad to be of assistance. I look forward to our next meeting, be it tomorrow, or some later date."
> "Certainly. Have a safe journey home, and best of luck with that script."
> Chuckle.
> "Indeed. But there is little fun where there is little challenge."
> Look to Koishi.
> "And best wishes to you in particular, Koishi. Please let me know if you need anything from me."
> How dirty/gross/unpleasant/whatever is Yoshika's hair, from what we could tell?
> "You're welcome. Take care, all of you."
> Watch them leave, then turn to Kotohime once they're out of earshot.
> "I believe this is where our paths must part for today as well, as what I have to do next, I would prefer to do alone."
> "Because this business is personal, and what I wish to do is made more difficult with the presence of a second person, especially if they are clearly allied with me."
> "Yes."
> Shake head.
> "I was not planning on it, no."
> Give an easy smile.
> "I have defeated Seiga in combat before, and I have dispatched a warrior today that she empowered specifically to be able to defeat me. I am not worried about anything else she might try."
> "She's nothing I can't handle. Like I said, I have done so before."
> "That is one of the places I plan on traveling, yes."
> What time is it?
> Give an uncertain look.
> "Um...I would really like to deal with Seiga before she runs away, but I guess I could join you for dinner after that?"
> "....Are you okay?"
> Keep up the uncertain look, with a bit of suspicion added, for a few seconds in silence.
> "...Okay, yes, I promise to join you for dinner. But you must tell me what's going on once we are eating."
> Change our look to an unimpressed one.
> "Kotohime, you're pretty clearly nervous and worried about something."
> Sigh.
> "It's fine. But you must tell me what is going on over dinner. Normally I would not pry into personal matters, but you are oddly adamant about following me around."
> "Well, um, thank you. But as I said, we will discuss this over dinner. Would the tavern in the Human Village suffice?"
> "Very well. I would not be surprised if I brought Seiga back to this place to retrieve her zombie, but once my business with her is concluded, I will make my way there."
> "Yes, of course."
> Nod.
> "That is fine. I am going to retrieve something from the zombie, and then be on my way to the graveyard."
> "Of course. Farewell until dinner."
> Head back to where we left Yoshika.
> "Hello again. I am about to fetch Seiga to free you and take you home, but I am going to borrow your hat to do so, to show her that you are safe."
> "Okay."
> Take Yoshika's hat.
> "Farewell until we meet again."
> Depart the Netherworld and head to the human village graveyard with all due haste.
> Enter the graveyard properly, with hat and letter ready.
> Hold up Yoshika's hat.
> "I believe you know this hat, Miss Kaku."
> "You might be surprised at how fine she is, or how I am prepared to lead you to her so you can take her home."
> Hold up Miko's letter and bring Yoshika's hat back down.
> "But more importantly, I have a letter here from your boss, or your former boss, or whatever happened. Both she and I would really like you to read it."
> Place the note on the ground and place a small stone on it so it doesn't blow away.
> Take several steps back, gesture to the note with our non-hat hand, then place our hands behind our back and give Seiga an expectant look.
> Nod.
> "I am glad we have come to this understanding. Your servant is, unsurprisingly, still back in the Netherworld. If you have means to travel stealthily, however, I advise you use them, as I imagine most of its citizens are not particularly pleased with you. Not to mention the Prismriver Sisters."
> "Certainly."
> How tired are we right now?
> "I considered that when making my request, but quite frankly, I have had a long and exhausting day, including dispatching Miss Meira. And then there is the lack of witnesses, as well as the lack of guarantee you have not set up traps in this area in preparation for possible combat."
> "It is simple enough to request Miss Miko serve as a judge and immediately disqualify anyone that attempts underhanded or dishonorable tactics. But if the terms of the challenge still do not meet your satisfactions even with that, then you may tell her tomorrow morning that you decline."
> "As I said earlier, she is back in the Netherworld. I will be happy to lead you to her, as I know it is easy to lose one's way there if one is not very familiar with the area. Do you have the means for stealthy movement?"
> "That is...not exactly an option right now. She is, uh...well, Yukari-sama did something and now she is buried in the ground up to her neck."
> "Even if I wished to plan such a thing, given how much time your boss spent in the Netherworld today, I would have been exceedingly hard-pressed to try anything without her noticing. But I suppose you can instead leave Yoshika there if you wish."
> Shrug.
> "Very well. Do as you wish. You can have this, too."
> Grab Yoshika's hat by the brim and gently frisbee-toss it to the hermit.
> "She talked to Yoshika about the contents of that letter, and then proceeded to leave her where she was buried before leaving the Netherworld for the final time. Not once did she make any request that I unearth her. Were she expecting me to handle that task, rather than someone that could do the job in five seconds by creating a giant hole in the ground, I am sure she would have said something."
> "You may also consider how she would react upon learning I requested we go through the contents of that letter, only for me to turn around and try something underhanded the day before. I admit you know her better than I, but I imagine she would not be pleased."
> "If you are off to inform her of these happenings, I must wonder if you are aware where she has gone."
> Did she fly off toward the Netherworld, or a different direction?
> What is east of here?
> Sigh.
> Take flight and give chase, but not urgently so. We don't need to push top speed to catch up to her anyway.
> "We can retrieve your zombie tomorrow morning, before the duel, with Miss Miko along for peace of your mind. Unless you are prepared to suggest I would try something underhanded against the both of you, and that she would succumb to it."
> Roll our eyes.
> "If you wish to pursue her yourself, then go ahead. I believe she is currently investigating the forest near the kappa village, due to a matter regarding a key with a doom on it. She likely made a stop at the Hakurei Shrine to bring one of her servants along."
> Yuck. We should just forget the forced servitude; we don't want to have to deal with that nonsense for two weeks. The humiliation of losing and getting stripped of that wand should be enough. Heaven only knows how Miko ever put up with her.
> ...Not that we need to tell anyone any of this until after we beat her, of course. Insult can (and should) be added to injury then.
> Head off to the tavern to meet up with Kotohime.
> Join her.
> "I did. She was not particularly happy."
> "Oh, she was constantly trying things. It was all verbal, though. There was no actual combat."
> "I know what you mean, don't worry."
> Float our ghost half over to Kotohime's side of the table while speaking.
> "Perhaps high noise levels are permissible on private property as long as they do not disrupt other property?"
> Bob our ghost half up and down a bit.
> "Will you attempt to arrest them all, then?"
> Keep it bobbing, though not quickly so.
> "That seems like a rather tall order."
> "Indeed."
> "I am willing to solve the occasional incident. But Gensokyo is not truly my territory, and my duties to Yuyuko-sama trump all else."
> Chuckle a bit.
> "We just had one today."
> Is there a menu available?
> "In all seriousness, visitors are rather rare, and active troublemakers are rarer still. The living tend to not have business in the land of the dead."
> Have a look at it while speaking.
> "Yes, today has been very unusual in that regard. I imagine the visitors from the Underground will not be making regular appearances, though, at least. I've no idea what Yuyuko-sama wishes to do for rehearsals."
> What are our food preferences when it comes to dinner?
> "Ah, I see. I will pass this information along, then, and we will see what comes of it. Thank you for your hospitality."
> Any noodle/veggie combo dishes?
> "How did you find that place, anyway? The entrance is not exactly obvious."
> "Ah. How lucky."
> "Right, since you're from the moon."
> "Me? I'm not from the moon, no."
> "I acknowledged where you were from, and you asked me what I thought was whether or not I was from the same place."
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Then I'm afraid I don't understand what you were asking."
> ...Do we have any such things?
> Well, what from our past is significant to us?
> How often do we see things that remind us of our father?
> Do we know who our mother is/was?
> "Ah, sorry. Hmmm...there are a few places around the Netherworld that carry particularly strong memories of my father. He has been gone for some time, and I've never really known where he went."
> "Hmm?"
> "Ah, I see. Well, if it was related to my father, he was a good man. The greatest I have ever known. I am sure he had his reasons, and has handled himself fine."
> "With whatever business he has had since he left, yes. I honestly do not know for sure if he still lives, though I do know that he would not pass away easily."
> How often do we visit those places that remind us of him?
> "It depends on where my daily tasks take me, really. Some places I visit quite often, other places quite rarely."
> "The feeling of nostalgia, I mean."
> Stillness?
> Blink.
> "Stillness?"
> "Oh. Well, I'm not really sure if I think about him more or less than the average person, since I have only my experiences to go on, and I know I am a bit of an outlier as far as Gensokyo is concerned."
> "Well, for one, I reside in the land of the dead rather than the land of the living, and keep the company I do accordingly.'
> How is Tenshi doing?
> Shake head.
> "My upbringing has simply been much different from that of the average Gensokyo citizen."
> "I have been trained for servitude all my life, and I have spent my days with the dead rather than the living, so their perspectives are bound to be different."
> "They are less concerned with staying alive, for one, which seems to bring them to be more peaceful."
> Were we?
> "I do not think I caused too much trouble, no."
> "No. If nothing else, facing my father knowing what I had done would have been impossible."
> "I tried not to do anything, for that very reason."
> Give a small, rueful frown.
> "I...may have made my fair share of mistakes, as I imagine any child would."
> Try not to look too flustered.
> "Hey, I am sure you did as well!"
> "Hmm. Actually, I am a little surprised to hear that from someone from the moon."
> "Oh, I suppose that's true, regarding rabbit shenanigans.'
> ...Did she just say 'Lunarians' herself?
> "Huh. I would never have thought such a thing of the Lunarians."
> "Indeed. The other Lunarians here in Gensokyo are rather proper, at least in my experience."
> "Oh, sorry, I said it again."
> Shake head.
> "Don't worry about it."
> "Not to abruptly change the subject, but I did mention I have more to do this evening than just dealing with Seiga. I do also plan on visiting the mansion in the Bamboo Forest. May I assume you will wish to accompany me?"
> Wait for a response.
> "Mmm. My travels here really depend on whatever business I may happen to have in Gensokyo at that point in time. It is a nice place to visit when I can, though."
> How often do we leave the Netherworld?
> "Not too much. Perhaps a couple of times each season."
> "It is what it is, I suppose."
> "What kinds of places have you visited?"
> Did we know about this Open House stuff?
> "What is their open house?"
> Probably so Remilia can show off some more.
> "Huh. I was not aware they started doing that."
> "Ah, I see. Well, I must admit that our two houses do not really see eye-to-eye, so I have not really kept abreast of their daily activities. I am glad you have enjoyed yourself, however."
> Shake head.
> "It is a personal tale from several years ago. Suffice it to say that we strongly disagreed on how best to solve a particular problem, and things were done that are not easily forgiven or forgotten."
> "You could say that. No permanent harm was brought to anyone, though, at least. Much as their librarian tried."
> "That is one way of putting it, yes."
> "No. But that problem has since been resolved, and I am fine now."
> "More emotionally than physically, really. But things have been restored, so I content myself with ignoring that they exist unless life requires otherwise."
> Wave a hand dismissively.
> "That is not a problem. My issues with them are my own. There is no need to censor yourself or alter your activities."
> "Your concern is appreciated. Very well, you may do as you wish."
> "Quite a few, if I do say so myself. Hmm, let's see..."
> Recant the events of Immaterial and Missing Power from our perspective.
> Stop.
> Look to our friends, raise one hand in a 'stop' sigh, and put a finger to our lips in a 'shush' gesture with the other.
> Close our eyes and focus on the new, unknown thing.
> Would our friends be able to detect this as well, or is this unique to us due to our talents?
> Would meditation help us focus on this thing?
> Would earmuff removal help us hear this thing, or are there too many distracting/painful ambient desires?
> Bring our hands down.
> Lower our voice.
> "There is something nearby. Please, pardon me a moment."
> Once our friends have had a chance to respond, begin meditation in an attempt to learn more about this thing.
> Can we tell where it is coming from?
> But we cannot tell if it is ahead, or behind, or to the left or right?
> Continue our meditation.
> Stand back up and look to our friends again, keeping the same voice volume as before.
> "There is a muted desire close by, one I have not heard before in this forest. I cannot tell where it is, beyond our being fairly close to it, but it is pointedly not similar to the other ambient desires."
> Shake head.
> "Sadly, it is too muted for either of those things. I can only tell that it is nearby. Since I had not heard it until now, however, I will at least presumably know when we are traveling in the wrong direction."
> "That seems to be the best course of action, yes. Come, let us continue."
> Continue on our current path in the direction we were traveling, focusing on paying attention to the mystery desire.
> Can we tell anything else about it yet?
> "It seems, unfortunately, that this is the correct way."
> Gather our cloak up and wrap it around ourselves so it won't get caught in the vegetation, and continue onward.
> Has it been increasing in noticeability all this time until now, or was it holding steady for a while until now?
> Stop and hold up a hand to indicate to the others than they should stop as well.
> "The desire has just started to fade a little."
> "It seems so. Curious in that it did not seem to gradually rise and fade as one would expect, but held roughly the same volume until just now."
> How straight-line has our path been since we first noticed this desire?
> "Perhaps. On the surface, it does not seem likely geometrically, but it is not our place to say how this land functions. Let head back a bit and try a new direction."
> Head back the way we came, about 75 yards or so.
> Once we get to about the 75-yard mark, stop and have a look around for other ways through the forest, particularly to the left and the right.
> "My apologies, my friends, for what we are about to go through."
> Head rightward.
> !
> Can we tell anything new about it?
> "Ah, how fortunate. It appears this is the correct direction."
> Keep going.
> What could that mean?
> Could it possibly have to do with changing environments, such as getting louder when there's less tree cover?
> When it gets weaker, is it just going back down to what it was when we first started going in this direction, or is it getting weaker than that?
> Inventory
> Let's keep going, then, and make a note of the next time it feels stronger.
> Look to the left and the right. Is there a difference between the two, in terms of walking through the vegetation?
> Head right.
> "Mmm. I am sorry, friends, but it seems this is the wrong way."
> Turn around and head back east.
> Is it still not strong enough the earmuff removal would help us pick up on it?
> Can we tell anything more about it yet?
> "Yes, this direction is much better."
> Let's proceed a little further and see if the sensation fluctuates some more.
> Once we hit the next patch of stronger, turn right and head in that direction.
> "Mmm, no, not this direction."
> Turn around 180 degrees and head back in the opposite direction.
> The four cardinal directions are for chumps! Turn at a 45 degree angle and start heading northeast.
> This is a slight increase that is further still, or is it the same as the one we first got when heading northward?
> That's a good sign. Keep going this way.
> Can we tell if it is the source of the unknown, muffled desire?
> "Interesting. There appear to be several of them, but they are most definitely not the source of the muffled desire. Who else would be traipsing about these woods at this hour...? We had best stay alert and let them come, I think."
> Wait out the approach of the newcomers.
> Did those new desires all come from Seiga?
> Blink in surprise, but relax just a little bit.
> "Seiga? What in Heaven's name are you doing out here?"
> "Do you mean how they have her buried up to her neck in the ground, near that giant tree? I did observe this in my time there, yes. I am rather surprised you have not retrieved her yet, to be honest."
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "I do not recall any such thing being prepared while I was there...do you need someone to go with you to retrieve her, then?"
> "I imagine they would find little need to show some sort of good faith when it was us that had wronged them."
> What 'underhanded tactics' were these?
> "What underhanded tactics were these, again?"
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "I was under the impression Miss Meira simply lost in a duel. Did you witness something different?"
> "The news was brought to me originally by her red-headed friend, as I recall. Apparently she bore witness to the event."
> "Ignoring everything else about our conflicting assumptions, I find it rather unlikely Youmu would have had her friend lie to me."
> "I would not, in fact, given my experiences today."
> "I rather disagree with the notion that they're holding her hostage."
> "And what, again, is stopping you from going back there with help in tow?"
> "I imagine a lack of desire to exert further manual labor to assist you when you have done nothing to right the wrong you wrought upon them. Particularly given you could do the job much faster."
> "'Alleged' shameful actions, for which there does not seem to be any evidence. Regardless, were I in their position, I would wait for you personally to show some sign of remorse, or good faith, before agreeing to help you retrieve your servant."
> Shrug.
> "I simply think that you are letting your own biases cloud your judgment on both counts. All of us here know first-hand of Youmu's skill as a warrior, and Yoshika was not being mistreated or hidden away in isolated captivity. The ghost princess even spend a fair amount of time feeding her their cherries."
> "A pointless question, as we do not agree on the premise. But since it is clear this is going nowhere, since you insist on not retrieving her, I will do so myself once my business on this mountain is concluded."
> "Does that mean you will join me?"
> "It is ultimately your decision."
> Pull out Yuyuko's script.
> "But if you truly need further reassurances that no harm will befall you, I would say that it would be very unwise of them to offend me so, given I have agreed to participate in a theatrical production they are planning."
> "The Tao frowns upon untruthfullness, Seiga."
> "Is there a problem?"
> Give a small, wry grin.
> "It is admittedly not something I expected to participate in, but today has been full of such surprises. Regardless, I believe expediency is in order. Will you accompany me to retrieve Yoshika or not?"
> "No, we will continue here until the mystery has been unraveled. I was not planning on leaving this mountain until all of my business is concluded."
> Put on a thoughtful look.
> "...Come to think of it, Seiga, how did you know I would be here?"
> "Interesting. I did not realize any kappa had spotted us, given how deserted the village was when we arrived. Regardless, we must get back on track. Please give me a moment to focus again."
> Give a listen for that mysterious desire again.
> "Mmm. Very well. Follow me."
> Continue forward and pay attention to the fluctuations.
> Which compass direction are we presently traveling in?
> Can we mentally recap the directions we've taken so far?
> Hahaha, sorry. I only asked because I'm on my phone and can't do it myself right now. I'll get to it when I get home.
> "Hmm, no, I am losing it again."
> Turn around and head back southwest until we're back in the thick of the stronger feelings.
> Turn right and head southeast.
> "Ah, no, that was a mistake. Apologies."
> Do a 180 and head northwest.
> Onward, then! And make notes of more fluctuations.
> Is it still too muffled to determine anything about it?
> Stop, put a hand up to signal to the others to stop, and have a look around. Is there anything unusual present?
> "We are definitely close now. Can anyone else sense anything unusual?"
> Nod.
> "This unknow desire has been growing gradually stronger, and it has also stopped flickering in its strength as well. It is a strong, steady presence in this area. Let us all keep our eyes peeled. I will be sure to update if something changes."
> Continue on forward, a little bit past the mossy rock.
> Nod, then take our sword out and poke at the bush a bit with it.
> If nothing earth-shattering happens, push on toward and past said bush.
> Stop and look back at the bush. Give it a proper visual study this time.
> Frown.
> "This bush does not appear unusual, save perhaps its density...what have you spotted, precisely?"
> Squat down a little bit (without mashing our face into greenery and getting our eyes stabbed out) and investigate the ground around and under the bush.
> What is Futo talking about?
> "The ground beneath this bush does seem peculiarly level..."
> How clear is the area immediately surrounding the bush?
> Could we reach the flat ground area deeper toward the middle of the bush without stabbing ourselves on bush branches (or at least not stabbing ourselves too much)? If not by hand, could we reach it with our sword?
> Reach for it and pat it.
> "Hm!"
> Start brushing the dirt away.
> "There is some sort of metal set into the ground here."
> What is etched into it?
> Is there enough room for anyone to help us brush dirt away?
> "Perhaps it is...I suppose a locked trap door would explain the key. There also appear to be some lines etched into the metal."
> Keep clearing the dirt off of the metal.
> How securely rooted does the bush appear?
> "If such is possible, it would be greatly appreciated, yes."
> Reach into our bag and pull out a machete.
> We did it without even thinking that much about it earlier!
> "That is possible, but...I think I would actually rather do as little harm to the bush as possible, as I imagine the goddess from earlier today would frown upon doing so."
> If it isn't already assumed, keep brushing while speaking.
> "The one that was painting the leaves on this very mountain autumnal colors. Shizuha, her name was, yes. And we can remove a few branches if need be, but I would like to explore other, less damaging options first."
> Have we?
> In the space where 'at least one more' person could join us, would that person be able to reach anything more?
> Do the lines in the metal look like anything significant yet?
> Does anyone present have a longer reach than us?
> How much lower can we go before the vegetation causes us active discomfort, or we end up kneeling or sitting on the ground?
> Can we summon light without also summoning fire and risking burning the greenery?
> If we cannot, can anyone else present (with lightning a consideration in Tojiko's case)?
> "It will be reasonably considered, then. And not yet. I am going to call forth some light to be able to see this metal better, so prepare your eyes accordingly."
> Summon a bit of light near the metal sheet, enought o illuminate it properly, and have a better look at it.
> Presumably, we cannot tell what the patterns mean?
> Is there a keyhole anywhere on the plate?
> "Indeed. Can you tell what they mean?"
> "Fascinating. I wonder how it came to this place? I still see no keyhole, however."
> Gesture toward parts of the metal still covered by dirt that we could reach if we moved around.
> "Perhaps we should clear off more of this plate."
> "Aha."
> Pull out the key.
> "Yes. The dirt Seiga removed revealed an indentation shaped exactly like this key."
> Look back at the others.
> "I have no idea what will happen when I place this key in the indentation, so for safety's sake, I would prefer you all prepare yourselves, and perhaps take a step back."
> Mentally roll our eyes at Seiga, then return our attention to the plate.
> Place the Iron Key in the indentation.
> Shield ourselves with our arms!
> Could we stand up without falling over from the force of the wind?
> Stand up. If we succeed at standing up without falling over, take a couple of steps back.
> Take a peek through our arms at the plate.
> Groan a bit and rub our eyes to help the process along.
> "Is everyone well?"
> Crap.
> Look up through the haze for something with wings.
> Where is it looking?
> Where is it going?
> Do we have any idea what this thing is?
> "Oh my, that's not good..."
> "I must find out what it is and what it wants, and if it is as malevolent as its desires suggest, I must put a stop to it before it causes trouble."
> "I think I will approach it and attempt communication. The three of you should stay back, out of rangge, but be ready to approach upon my call. Surrounding it would be best; wherever I am situated, Futo should be to my left, Tojiko to my right, and Seiga opposite me, on the other side of this creature."
> "Good."
> Deep breath.
> "And...I am deeply sorry that I have brought this upon all of you."
> Give a small smile.
> "Of course. Best of luck to all of us."
> Take flight and head toward the head of the creature, keeping some distance and not coming at it too quickly.
> What ARE its desires?
> Look it in the eyes.
> "Who are you?"
> Zoom upward!
> Does the purple mouth glow seem to be fire, or some other mouth projectile?
> When we fire explodey bullets, how long do they take after we fire them before they detonate?
> Pull out sword out and point it at the wyrm.
> "Cease this at once!"
> Is it flying faster that we can fly?
> Keep heading upward, shooting some danmaku forward as we travel up to see if the creature makes any effort to avoid it.
> Prepare a three-round-burst nondirect danmaku source, and fire it off forward once it is ready.
> Okay, no, don't do that.
> Instead, fire off a salvo of ten explodey bullets in front of us (into the wyrm's path) as we travel upward.
> Do we now have enough time to set up a three-round-burst nondirect source shot?
> Is this thing still moving upward after us as it curves to the right?
> Start curving to the left in our ascent, and leave some more explodey bullets in our wake.
> Follow! We can't let it get away!
> Okay, NOW prepare a three-round burst nondirect source and fire it off into the wyrm's path when it's ready.
> Did we actually get to fire it off?
> How high above the ground are we?
> Left, left, left!
> And leave some more explodey bullets in our wake if we have the energy to do so.
> We have our sword drawn still, yes?
> Fire some regular bullets directly toward the thing, rather than leaving them behind us.
> How is it facing us? More specifically, where are its eyes?
> Back to the right, then! It may have a hard time curving in that direction.
> We compared its wings to bat wings earlier, yes? Do they appear to be made out of similar material? Or are they covered in scales?
> Is it the edge of the wing that's coming right at us like a blade swing, or is it the webbing of the wing coming at us like a wall?
> And it is coming at us from directly above?
> Head forward (not up) and to the left, as much as we can control our movement. While moving, get a grip on our sword with both hands.
> As the wing passes by, thrust a stab behind us and to our right over our right shoulder.
> Take a moment to recover our balance, and then find the behemoth again.
> So it is running away?
> What is to the north?
> Call down to our companions while pointing at the thing.
> "We must give chase!"
> How many of those nondirect sources can we prepare at once?
> How long can we hold them after preparing them before we have to let them go?
> Just to be sure, is that before they are released or after they are released?
> And given the speed this thing is moving at, it is capable of reaching us from its current position in less than 30 seconds, yes?
> What notable locations are in the direction it is currently gliding?
> Can we move while preparing nondirect sources?
> Prepare two three-round-burst non-direct sources.
> How freely can we move while holding onto those nondirect sources?
> How far can we send out those sources?
> How far is the behemoth from our current position?
> How wide is the violet spirally eye laser?
> Blasted thing.
> Up!
> That accursed creature...
> How much closer is it now?
> Is the way directly forward clear, given the eyebeams ent all around us?
> "Hm! Stay spread out a bit!"
> Head forward, still holding onto those sources.
> Did it spead its wings before trying to run us over earlier?
> Is it in source range yet?
> Can we drop or absorb the source energy we've used and prepare two sources anew to reset our internal timer?
> Do so, to prepare a new pair of three-round-burst nondirect sources.
> Continue moving forward while doing this. We don't need to rush or anything, of course. The behemoth will come to us.
> Fire off those nondirect sources toward the behemoth!
> Is the behemoth at least upright?
> Yeah, that's what I was looking for.
> And our friends are below us?
> "Get down!"
> Zoom up!
> Is it going up or do? Or straight forward?
> At least it's chasing after us...
> Did our nondirect sources do anything?
> Keep going up, sword at the ready. Hopefully we can go over it again like last time.
> Fire off a wave of explodey bullets in front of us!
> The 'in front of us' that would the direction we are looking if we are standing still and not tilting our head in any direction.
> Also, for double clarification, keep flying upward while doing this.
> Is our sword at the ready?
> Does it seem to want to bite us in half, like last time?
> Is it actually large enough to do that?
> Keep heading up, and tilt forward a bit as well to add some curve to our flight path away from the behemoth.
> Leave some more explodey bullets in our flight path's wake.
> Couldn't even get those explodey bullets off, huh? Blast it...
> Take the time to get ourselves re-oriented with reality.
> Can we see them coming?
> In which hand is our sword?
> On which side is the behemoth passing?
> Look down.
> Would it hit us in the face, chest, stomach, or legs at its current angle?
> How much longer do we have before collision?
> Take a second to get a two-handed grip on our sword.
> Take a downward overhead slice of a hack at the incoming wing!
> Could we do an upward underhand vertical slice instead, then?
> Given what we have experienced so far, is this thing moving so fast that it would be physically dangerous for us to try to grab ahold of it?
> And how much control do we have over our movement right now?
> Push ourselves forward (as opposed to up or down).
> Keep pushing until the wing goes by.
> The creature has just the one set of wings, yes? We aren't at risk of another wing coming along and clubbing us?
> Keep ourselves steady as best we can until the thing passes us by and we're not being pulled every which way anymore, and then right ourselves again.
> Spare a glance downward to find our friends.
> How is the behemoth looking in terms of teeth?
> How far away is Futo?
> How quickly can we remove our cloak?
> Wait, how is the behemoth blocking our view of what's below us if it's coming at us from above?
> Is its tail still within striking distance with our sword?
> Take a whack with our sword, then!
> How weird. Did the behemoth react at all, that we can tell?
> Look back up.
> Was Futo to our left, our right, or directly below us (ignoring her being in front of or behind us)?
> Head left to lead the behemoth that way.
> Is she within shooting range of the behemoth?
> IS she within shouting range of us?
> In its pursuit of us, is the behemoth now moving toward her or away from her?
> Given the behemoth's current speed, how much time do we have before it is upon us again?
> Is that enough time to prepare a nondirect source?
> Fire off a stream of standard danmaku bullets at the behemoth's face area, pushed ever so slightly off-center away from Seiga's side (so that the behemoth would be more apt to move toward her in order to avoid them).
> Is the behemoth within our striking range? Or did it turn away too soon?
> Is that with the sword, or with danmaku? (Sorry, should have specified in the previous post.)
> Fire off another line of generic bullets and give chase! We need to back Seiga up!
> Chase after it properly! We can't do anything to help Seiga immediately, so we'll just have to count on its behaviour and our ears to determine Seiga's fate.
> How much further do we have to go before that loop is within sword strike range?
> How long do we have before the tail of the behemoth goes through the loop and it gets away?
> Fire off some more standard danmaku at the loop.
> How quickly is it coming?
> Are we being buffeted around by the force of the behemoth's travel?
> Is our sword sharp on both edges, or just one?
> Does our sword have a sharp point at the end?
> The behemoth is probably not paying attention to us right now. Move up a bit, so we're above the wing's current trajectory, and shift our grip on our sword to prepare it for a downward stab with the sharp side pointed in the direction the wing is coming from.
> Up some more!
> Are we still at least above it?
> Keep going upward, then.
> Ugh...
> Get our bearings once again, and find where that thing is.
> Turn around and get the behemoth in our sights again.
> How far away is it?
> "Irritated and embarrassed, but otherwise fine! How are you holding up?"
> "With any luck, that will be the worst any of us feels!"
> Zoom back toward the behemoth, shifting our sword hold back to a regular slashing one.
> Prepare two three-round-burst non-directional sources while heading toward the behemoth. With a fifteen-yard range, hopefully we can surprise the thing before Seiga tires out.
> Are we within range that we can fire them off right next to the behemoth?
> Do so, aiming for whatever part of the behemoth is closest.
> Whoops. Oh well, at least she got away cleanly.
> "Apologies!"
> Slow down and prepare two more three-round burst non-direct sources.
> Is Futo within the monster's field of vision?
> In which direction is the behemoth's head currently facing?
> Fire off some direct knife danmaku right toward the behemoth's face.
> Fly toward the behemoth with a look of determination and sword at the ready.
> How close is Futo to it?
> Damnit, we are not on our A-game today.
> Chase after the thing.
> Inventory
> Are we still several hundred feet in the air?
> How long is the chain that is attached to the steel trap?
> How exactly is the trap activated?
> Among the four of us present, who is the fastest, and who is the most agile?
Crap, that's not as long as I had hoped.
> Is the trap currently open or shut?
> How physically strong is Futo? If the trap were shut, could she pry it open again like we did?
> Continue our pursuit of the monster, sheathing our sword and pulling the trap out.
> Given how long it took us to pry the trap open last time, do we have long enough to do it again before the behemoth crashes into us?
> Do we at least have time to pull our sword back out?
> Are any of our friends immediately to our left or right?
> Do we at least have time to pull our sword back out?
> Since the trap is shut, is there enough space to loop our arm through it?
> Head rightward, looping our non-sword hand through the trap while moving.
> Do we have the time to prepare another nondirect source before this thing collides with us?
> As we continue traveling right, fire off a stream of knives toward the behemoth's oncoming face, slight off-center toward our right in order to encourage it to head leftward to avoid them. (Do this with our non-trap-arm hand.)
> Once we've fired off a decent stream, retrieve our sword with our non-trap-arm hand.
> Follow the knives up with some explodey bullets, deployed in a bit more of a horizontal-line fashion than the direct stream the knives were.
> Is it coming at us from above or a side?
> Start moving forward in addition to rightward, to try to keep the cloud between us and it.
> Leave some more exploders in our wake behind us as we move forward.
> We can't see any of our friends right now, can we? At least not without looking around.
> Keep going right.
> Is it still at least flying in its direction?
> Sorry, I meant to ask if the behemoth is still flying in our direction to get to Tojiko.
> Crap, we can't let it get at her. Readjust flight path to pursue the behemoth instead of trying to get away from it, and pick up the pace.
> While moving, sheathe our sword and take the trap in two hands again.
> Given the speed at which we are both going, do we have time to open the trap again?
> Is there blood or innards or anything in the cut wound or holes?
> Let's go for it, then. Open the trap up while we're flying toward the behemoth and get it set.
> Shit shit shit shit shit
> Is the tail within our reach?
> Adjust our grip on the trap so we're holding the jaws from the sides (that is, not gripping the teeth, or placing our hands or fingers in any space between where the teeth would clamp if the trap were activated).
> Fly directly at the behemoth's tail and shove the open trap into it so that the lever smacks right into the tail and hopefully activates the trap. In anticipation of the trap activating, the moment we feel the behemoth's tail applying pressure to the trap's level, let go of the sides of the jaws, and grab at the trap's chain with both hands.
> Did the trap actually spring and clamp into the tail, then?
> Let out a guttural cry of determination to alert the others to the change in situation, and hold on for dear life!
> Can we at least see what is going on?
> How much longer do we think we could take this?
> Damnit.
> Let go and, once we regain our sense of balance, start firing knives at the tail.
> Take the time necessary to regain balance and control. Once we have done so, reassess the situation.
> Thrash all you want, you won't be getting that thing off any time soon.
> Can we see Tojiko? If so, how is she holding up?
> Which side is Seiga coming from, relative to the behemoth?
> Which side is Futo coming from, relative to the behemoth?
> And we are directly behind the behemoth right now?
> Renew our pursuit of that tail, though we should try not to fly directly toward that flailing chain.
> While moving, look toward Seiga and point toward the right side of the behemoth, hopefully indicating to her that we want her to approach it from there.
> Once she's seen us, turn our head back forward so we're actually focusing on our target again.
> Pull our sword back out, holding it in a ready-to-slash manner, and drift a liiiiittle bit to the left. We should at least be left enough to be well out of range of the flailing chain if we happen to get very close to the tail.
> Let's take a risk and keep heading toward the thrashing tail. It isn't going to suddenly extend backwards, at least - let's keep that in mind while we approach.
> Once we get close enough to do so, slash downward at the tail.
> How strange. Cords being cut, glowing holes instead of actual wounds...is this creature even real...?
> Back away just a little bit and gauge where the behemoth is moving to.
> Well, we meant 'real' more in the sense that perhaps it is a puppet or some sort of magical construct, rather than a living, sentient creature.
> Anyway, coming after us is good. Do we have the time to conjure another nondirect source or two, if we start drifting to the lleft