Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on March 19, 2010, 01:20:35 AM
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Cover Art (http://b.imagehost.org/view/0663/ReisenQuest)
<Kitten1u> Reisen was all WA-TAH
<Kitten1u> and Rise was all HI-YAH!
<Kitten1u> and the other rabbits were all HOOOOO-WAH!
<Kitten1u> and Watatsuki was all OOOOO-HAH!
>You are Reisen Udongein Inaba, Gensokyo's premier gunbunny, and now one of the most dangerous people to walk the face of the land!
>You an immigrant to Gensokyo from the moon. The events surrounding that have left you with a powerful hatred of Neil Armstrong, which you do not like to get into. You have been living at Eientei after running away from home. You work for Eirin Yagokoro, which has led to many rumors being spread about the abuses she heaps on you. Only a few of them are true! She has given you a variety of strange jobs over the years; you've done your best to handle them and think you did pretty well outside the moon incident. Kaguya Houraisan considers you her pet and you still don't know what she means by that; aside from the fact she uses it as an excuse to pat you on the head sometimes. You are deeply concerned about the rights and treatment of rabbits, particularly those in Eientei, and have managed to argue for them to have better treatment on a few occasions. You have crazy eyes and it freaks some people right out; thankfully you have gotten some tinted glasses to deal with this. You are a goddamn snappy dresser. You have tapped into the power of a set of exceedingly powerful artifacts, and have become powerful enough you could defeat your masters without undue effort.
>The Hakurei Shrine and Byakuren's Followers are at each other's throats over UFOs supposedly spying on the Hakurei Shrine, you've discovered it to be a Lunarian plot! A mysterious unnamed rabbit has been causing trouble, you've learned she is the rabbit who took your place and your name, and is also part of the Lunarian Plot. Marisa has asked you to hook up Alice with a suitable friend, or perhaps significant other. You've vowed to prove to the world you aren't just good for your sex appeal, however ample it may be. You are wracking your brain to figure out how to make a base six pair of paints. You have taken control of a set of exceedingly powerful artifacts, and can now rival either of your masters without undo effort.
>You recovered your stockings from being hung out like flags! You have befriended the Yakumo family! You've done multiple errands for Patchouli! You have hoodwinked Remilia into thinking you robbed Hakugyokorou on her behalf! You have Youmu's gratitude for returning her sword! You helped Letty deal with her hangover. You helped Hina find her missing arm and get it reattached! You've helped Nitori recover some scrap metal from a crashed rocket! You rescued Satori from a dumbwaiter chute she got stuck in! You've impressed the faeries with your ability to mutilate reason! You've gotten in good with the boss of the underground's premier club, The Felt! You have befriended a lone wolf, and had him trained! You've uncovered interesting bits of Gensokyo's mostly forgotten history! You have defeated an ancient terror of the Underground, the Oni Eater! You have been attacked several times by a mysterious apparition that wants the gems! You have become romantically involved with Eirin!
>Presently, you are confronting Yorihime about the actions and intentions of the Lunarians in Gensokyo. It has not gone well, but at least neither she or the rabbits have tried to shank you yet.
> "How do you expect to enforce Lunarian law here on Terra?"
>"My intention is to forcibly extradite her," Yorihime answers. You sense that you're starting to irritate her, though her face is as calm as ever.
>_
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Cover Art (http://b.imagehost.org/view/0663/ReisenQuest)
> Contemplate that your finger appears, in fact, to be a sausage
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> Contemplate that your finger appears, in fact, to be a sausage
>It is not Af's fault he has sausage fingers. You should be nice.
>_
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> "If I may be so bold, why haven't you done it yet, then? We both know what power you have at your disposal. There must be something holding you back, keeping you here underground with holograms set up so Gensokyo's citizens won't notice you."
> "Incidentally, I wouldn't recommend doing it right now, since Master Eirin is currently working alongside Patchouli, researching the nature of the broken sword. There's a good bet you'd have to talk to her about what you're doing."
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> "Oh, I should also mention that Master Eirin's not terribly happy with Rise running around and pretending to be an Eientei rabbit in order to further unknown goals. I know you said you expect no interference on her part in this endeavour, but I imagine she'll still want words, at the very least, after Rise made her presence known in Eientei and also indirectly started a scuffle between the Hakurei and Hijiri camps."
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> "If I may be so bold, why haven't you done it yet, then? We both know what power you have at your disposal. There must be something holding you back, keeping you here underground with holograms set up so Gensokyo's citizens won't notice you."
> "Incidentally, I wouldn't recommend doing it right now, since Master Eirin is currently working alongside Patchouli, researching the nature of the broken sword. There's a good bet you'd have to talk to her about what you're doing."
>"Because however you may think of me now, Reisen, I'm not simply some storm trooper seeking to sate the public desire for vengeance. I have been quietly trying to make certain that my findings are completely correct. The things you have told me, once I've verified them, will certainly speed it along. And yes, we're staying hidden. It is easier that way. However, it seems your replacement has grown a little sloppy."
>She frowns at the news about Eirin. "That will be difficult. But we do not anticipate direct opposition from The Sage or The Princess. However much they've turned from us, we understand they still hold loyalties to the capital. They shall not stand in our way."
> "Oh, I should also mention that Master Eirin's not terribly happy with Rise running around and pretending to be an Eientei rabbit in order to further unknown goals. I know you said you expect no interference on her part in this endeavour, but I imagine she'll still want words, at the very least, after Rise made her presence known in Eientei and also indirectly started a scuffle between the Hakurei and Hijiri camps."
>"She may have words, then."
>_
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> Consider how much backup we would get from Eirin and Kaguya on this topic.
I assume "The Sage" is Eirin.
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> Consider how much backup we would get from Eirin and Kaguya on this topic.
I assume "The Sage" is Eirin.
>You aren't entirely certain. You suspect that they would both fall upon the side of respecting Patchouli. But they both also consider themselves Lunarians in exile, rather then full rogues, so it is possible one or either of them may choose to uphold the decree. You've never really discussed weighty matters like this with them.
>_
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> Ponder how big of a mess this will turn in to.
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> Ponder how big of a mess this will turn in to.
>This could get nasty.
>"Now that all of this has been said, Reisen," says Yorihime. "I ask you one more time, what will you choose to do?"
>_
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>This could get nasty.
>"Now that all of this has been said, Reisen," says Yorihime. "I ask you one more time, what will you choose to do?"
>_
>"I refuse to be a part of the eradication of Patchouli Knowledge."
Also, I giggled when I saw the smiley faces at the base of Reisen's ears in the picture.
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>"I refuse to be a part of the eradication of Patchouli Knowledge."
>Yorihime frowns and exhales strongly through her nose. You know her well enough to know she is very disappointed. "I am afraid I will not be able to let you leave this installation until the mission has been completed," she says. "Cooperate, and we shall treat you as an honored guest."
>_
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>Seriously contemplate how to kick her ass properly. Wait for other voices before actually doing it.
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>Seriously contemplate how to kick her ass properly. Wait for other voices before actually doing it.
>You start to review your options in light of the situation. If she intends to detain you, you are either going to have to accept, escape, or fight your way out. If you accept, you'll be a prisoner for heaven know how long; it seems like it will be days or weeks before they are done here. If you try to escape now, you are most certainly going to have to outrun her, as she does not want you spreading word of her presence. Or you could accept, then wait to escape, but that may well take hours or days before you can find a proper opening. The final option, then, would well be to overpower her.
>You aren't certain how you'll go about doing that outside the basics of hitting her until she stops moving. All you know is that she has literally thousands of tricks up her sleeve. You think you may have a couple of advantages. She can't have any idea how many tricks you have up your sleeve, although you can't imagine she doesn't have some idea of the gems' capacity now. As well, you are not on the moon, but rather on the impure earth. She may not be quite so capable of calling on the gods here. Maybe.
>_
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Voices, I propose we run like hell, and we get back up. If we fail at this, we'll need to kick her ass. All of us are pretty clever, so we'll probably win...even without flaming legos of fuckwin. But, still, I'd prefer to run and just have Reimu and company help kick her ass. Sound fun?
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Let's at least try to talk our way out of this first. We have a few tricks up our sleeve related to outside resources at our disposal, and our relationship with Eirin means she'll likely side with us when the chips are down, so we can use her as a threat.
> "I'm not so sure detaining me here is a good idea. Eirin knows we're on the hunt for Rise, and when I disappear she'll suspect something's up. I can't imagine she'll take long to find this place, there's at least one other prominent figure in Gensokyo that knows I was on my way to this area, and I met with them very recently. Even if you think she'll step aside for your Patchy Quest, she will not be happy with you for holding me here."
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Aww, I wanted to kick her ass.
/me needs to learn that fighting isn't everything :P.
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Have to go for a while, will leave the rest of you a few notes.
- Try to talk Watathingy there down as best you can, but if you're faced with a fight-or-capture dichotomy, blow her up.
- Don't forget that Eirin and Tewi know about Rise, Reimu knows we were headed to this field and that the wolf came down with us (don't remember exactly where in the complex he is right now, though if he's with us then this part can be ignored). Also remember that Eirin knows we've been helping Reimu out. Use Eirin threats to the best of your advantage to get your way, the way we've built our relationship with her means she'd take our side against anyone except the princess.
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> "I'm not so sure detaining me here is a good idea. Eirin knows we're on the hunt for Rise, and when I disappear she'll suspect something's up. I can't imagine she'll take long to find this place, there's at least one other prominent figure in Gensokyo that knows I was on my way to this area, and I met with them very recently. Even if you think she'll step aside for your Patchy Quest, she will not be happy with you for holding me here."
>"As I have said," Yorihime answers, "The Sage will not stand in our way. She will understand the necessity of detaining you until the mission is complete. As for others, I am not worried about them. Should they find their way here, they will be at a disadvantage and readily dealt with. Now, kindly remove that backpack, divest yourself of those crystals, and empty your pockets, please."
>The wolf has followed you and laid down near your feet while you and Yorihime were talking, seemingly unaware of the situation.
>_
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We have two choices, voices. Fight or run. Both of these are best done with the element of surprise.
>How well do we remember the way out?
>Inventory, but preferably from memory so we don't have to waste time.
I also suggest we use a tone of voice that would strike the wolf into action, while saying something perfectly normal to Yorihime. Any suggestions?
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>Thoroughly protect our gun arm. We don't want any Revolver Ocelot incidents happening, do we?
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>How well do we remember the way out?
>Inventory, but preferably from memory so we don't have to waste time.
>It is only a couple turns, you remember it well enough. The difficulty is that everyone else knows the way much better.
>You try to remember your inventory.
>Your Inventory contains:
>Dress Suit w/ Stockings (Wore as clothes)
>Cresent Pin (Worn as accessory)
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (Significantly Expended.)
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (Partially Expended)
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>Pair of Tinted Glasses
>Beautiful Seashell
>Dark Blue Backpack
>Faerie Ribbon
>Bottle of Wind
>600~☼
>Red Gem
>Silver Medal (Worn as accessory)
>A Song Thing
>Opal Brooch
>Blue Gem
>Purple Gem
>Heal Plus tm potion
>Green Gem
>Vial of Pollen
>Sealing Talisman Set
>_
>Thoroughly protect our gun arm. We don't want any Revolver Ocelot incidents happening, do we?
>This goes hand in hand with not letting Yorihime get close enough to use that sword. Should this happen, you know for a fact that even with the gems, you'll be in deep trouble.
>_
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>Oh right, while we're considering (VERY QUICKLY), is there a way we could incite the wolf to attack and then us start throwing everything we have at her without her realizing we ordered the wolf to attack til it springs? (um...that didn't make sense, but basically Satori said something about tone of voice, and can we talk to Yorihime in such a way that gets the wolf to attack her without her realizing it?)
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>Oh right, while we're considering (VERY QUICKLY), is there a way we could incite the wolf to attack and then us start throwing everything we have at her without her realizing we ordered the wolf to attack til it springs? (um...that didn't make sense, but basically Satori said something about tone of voice, and can we talk to Yorihime in such a way that gets the wolf to attack her without her realizing it?)
>You don't think there is any tone of voice you could use to put the wolf on alert that Yorihime wouldn't interpret as hostile, or at least terrible rude.
>...Did Satori even teach him to attack on command?
>_
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>Save the game.
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>Save the game.
>There are only quick saves in the Z-Machine Adventures. Otherwise people would abuse the dupe tricks we could never figure out how to bust.
>_
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> Input up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start
> Would using the Blue Gem to try and blind Yorihime be feasible, if it came down to it?
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> Input up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start
> Would using the Blue Gem to try and blind Yorihime be feasible, if it came down to it?
>Patchouli used that one up.
>You...think you might be able to do this. But you would have to take a little time for it shift from its usual function, and probably have to get it right in her face. But it could work.
>_
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>Ooh, good idea, do that if possible and RUN RUN RUN LIKE HELL!
>Create a wall of flames behind you as you flee if you flee.
>Actually, can we make a wall of force, and if so, how long can we keep it up and how far away can we get from it?
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>How much time is a little time? If it's short enough, float the gems over to her first as if you are giving them up after the blue one is ready, blind her and enact above plan.
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>Ooh, good idea, do that if possible and RUN RUN RUN LIKE HELL!
>Create a wall of flames behind you as you flee if you flee.
>Actually, can we make a wall of force, and if so, how long can we keep it up and how far away can we get from it?
>How much time is a little time? If it's short enough, float the gems over to her first as if you are giving them up after the blue one is ready, blind her and enact above plan.
>You aren't sure, probably tens of seconds.
>You cannot create walls of force. You can sorta make walls of flame, insomuch as you can keep the flames coming from the gem. You don't think that would stop Yorihime for long.
>"Reisen, that was not a request," says Yorihime, as her hand drifts down to her sword.
>_
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>Too long. Fuck.
>"I'm concentrating!"
>Said in a tone of voice to say "DANGER!" to the wolf, and hopefully incite it to attack.
>Send some force danmaku at Yorihime, run like hell
>Call the dog to us after we've gotten through the door to this room.
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> Ah great...
> If possible, equip sunglasses and set the blue gem to a really blinding light setting.
> Get ze 'ell out of zere.
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To voices: Sorry, we needed to act then. We had about three windows of attack opportunity. The first was immediately, without contemplating plans. Might have worked well, had a high chance of backfiring. Right now, Yorihime feels like "She's...she MIGHT be thinking about attacking me? But that's pretty damn stupid. She'll probably comply, let me just seem threatening." This second window has less advantage compared to the first, but still should be fine. The third window would be her realizing we're attacking and defending herself. Clearly suboptimal.
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>Too long. Fuck.
>"I'm concentrating!"
>Said in a tone of voice to say "DANGER!" to the wolf, and hopefully incite it to attack.
>Send some force danmaku at Yorihime, run like hell
>Call the dog to us after we've gotten through the door to this room.
>You snarl a reply at Yorihime. She narrows her eyes; while the wolf sits up in attention. Then you draw upon the force gem, and fire a brief and thick wave of danmaku at her before turning on your heel and dashing through the door! You hear her sword clear its sheath as you call the wolf to follow after you.
>You dash down the hall, passing the three astonished rabbits, and hearing the wolf running behind you. You also start to hear footsteps following some yards behind you.
> Ah great...
> If possible, equip sunglasses and set the blue gem to a really blinding light setting.
> Get ze 'ell out of zere.
>You have them on already!
>You direct the blue gem to refocus itself.
>_
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>Run! Run! Run! like hell!
>Send a gout of flame after us as long as it doesn't slow us down!
>We have a long run ahead, we need to get to the closest "place we know people" place.
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>Oh yeah, can we ride the wolf?
>And if so can we get on fast enough so we can escape Yorihime?
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>We have a long run ahead, we need to get to the closest "place we know people" place.
Might as well make that Yuka, if we can. We'll tell her that Yorihime will destroy her flowers if she's not stopped.
Also, what if we used the Bottle of Wind to slow Yorihime down?
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>Yuka isn't a good idea. She knows Rise, and is on her side likely. She also doesn't like Patchy much after that sun incident. Yuka would attack us.
>The bottle of wind is a good idea
>Go to the nearest place that isn't Yuka's!!!
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>Yuka isn't a good idea. She knows Rise, and is on her side likely. She also doesn't like Patchy much after that sun incident. Yuka would attack us.
>The bottle of wind is a good idea
>Go to the nearest place that isn't Yuka's!!!
> But make sure its a place with people who'll help us.
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>Run! Run! Run! like hell!
>Send a gout of flame after us as long as it doesn't slow us down!
>We have a long run ahead, we need to get to the closest "place we know people" place.
>You run for all you're worth! You aren't sure if she's catching up, and don't know if it's wise to devote time to finding out.
>You direct the Red Gem behind you, and unleash a gout of flame as you turn the corner. Thankfully, the wolf has started to outpace you, and is in no danger from it. You have no idea if this achieved anything.
>The closest place would be north of here, in Yuka's field. Second closest would be Northeast, to Medicine's Hill. Third closest would be south, to Byakuren's makeshift temple.
>Oh yeah, can we ride the wolf?
>And if so can we get on fast enough so we can escape Yorihime?
>You were way too big for this even before you drank that Potion of Object Detection
>Yuka isn't a good idea. She knows Rise, and is on her side likely. She also doesn't like Patchy much after that sun incident. Yuka would attack us.
>The bottle of wind is a good idea
>Go to the nearest place that isn't Yuka's!!!
>This would be Medicine's Hill.
>You hear her behind you, still. You aren't sure how far behind she is. The second corner is coming up; it is a three-way intersection, going right should lead you back toward the rec room.
> But make sure its a place with people who'll help us.
>You have no idea if Medicine would get involved.
>_
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>Byakuren's it is.
>Go back whichever way we came. That was the rec room, right?
>Other voices, please countermand me if I misremembered.
>Bottle of wind at the installation's exit, blowing INTO the place.
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>Bottle of wind at the installation's exit, blowing INTO the place.
>Please elaborate.
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> He means that once we're out, use the bottle of wind in a way that it will prevent anyone from coming after you because the wind will be blowing into the hideout, thus forcing them back.
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>Once we reach the exit that we came through, use the bottle of wind to blow a strong gout of wind INTO the installation, so it's blowing AWAY from the exit. Actually, what were the bottle modes again?
> He means that once we're out, use the bottle of wind in a way that it will prevent anyone from coming after you because the wind will be blowing into the hideout, thus forcing them back.
>Or she means this, yes.
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> He means that once we're out, use the bottle of wind in a way that it will prevent anyone from coming after you because the wind will be blowing into the hideout, thus forcing them back.
>Once we reach the exit that we came through, use the bottle of wind to blow a strong gout of wind INTO the installation, so it's blowing AWAY from the exit. Actually, what were the bottle modes again?
>Or she means this, yes.
>You try to recall what Kanako said about the Bottle of Wind as you round the corner and dash toward the Rec Room. Something about how just opening it would create a thin stream, and smashing it would create a storm.
>The door to the Rec Room opens ahead. It should just be a straight shot now, toward the stairs and the way out. You can hear Yorihime's footsteps behind you, she's definitely closer; did she take that corner without slowing down?
>_
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> FFFFFFFFFFFFF-
> Smash the bottle in the room just before the exit.
> Exit the hideout.
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>That works well. Flee for Byakuren's.
>Shout command to wolf "IF I DON'T MAKE IT, SEE SATORI!"
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> FFFFFFFFFFFFF-
> Smash the bottle in the room just before the exit.
> Exit the hideout.
>You panic a little, but you can feel yourself remaining in control despite it.
>You smash the bottle against the doorframe of the Rec Room. Suddenly your feet are no longer touching the ground and roaring fills your ears! You fly across the room, tossed into the air by a sudden sirocco. Thankfully, you are adapted enough to flight and in good enough physical condition to react swiftly that you are able to twist in midair and land more or less on your feet. You stumble forward painfully, nearly tripping over the wolf who was sent rolling around of you by the winds, and stagger out of the Rec Room into the entry hall.
>Two rabbits who were walking through there stare at you dumbly, but you can't hear what they say over the roar of the wind and do not bother with them. You dash out the stairs, the wolf galloping behind you, and out into the grassy field.
>That works well. Flee for Byakuren's.
>Shout command to wolf "IF I DON'T MAKE IT, SEE SATORI!"
>You start fleeing south. You try to shout to the wolf, but you are too busy using your breath for other things now.
>_
>_
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> If its not too cold and if its faster, fly to Byakuren's.
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>Think to yourself how fucking awesome that was.
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> If its not too cold and if its faster, fly to Byakuren's.
>It is too cold. But it's also faster. You decide that given the circumstances, you can endure a chill for a little while and take to the air. It is difficult for the wolf to keep up, but you suspect he'll find you. It's not him they're after, anyways.
>Think to yourself how fucking awesome that was.
>You are far more concerned about dodging the wrath of Yorihime than awesome at the moment.
>You fly over the barren fields, and soon come into sight of the lone tent sitting in the vacant meadow at the edge of town. Obvious exits are north, south, and west.
>_
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>Go to the tent.
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>Go to the tent.
>You stumble into the tend, your sides heaving, your chest burning, and your legs feeling like icicles. Byakuren is there, apparently in meditation. She opens her eyes as you enter, and gapes. "A-are you alright!?" she exclaims, a bit more loudly than is comfortable. It seems she has a comparably huge set of pipes.
>_
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> Explain the situation and findings.
> After this, head for the Hakurei Shrine. We cannot afford to rest yet.
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>Don't head out immediately. Byakuren might be able to restore us a little.
>Actually, we may need her help to fight off Yorihime if she's still following.
>Getting caught alone is NOT AN OPTION.
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> Make sure we emphasize that the people chasing us are the ones responsible for the UFO found at Reimu's, so the grief Byakuren's friends have gone through is their fault.
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> Explain the situation and findings.
> After this, head for the Hakurei Shrine. We cannot afford to rest yet.
> Make sure we emphasize that the people chasing us are the ones responsible for the UFO found at Reimu's, so the grief Byakuren's friends have gone through is their fault.
>You try to explain things as well as you can, fighting for breath. Part of the way through, the wolf walks in, panting heavily. Byakuren doesn't seem very concerned about a predator entering her tent, apparently she doesn't have much to worry about from the smaller ones. He looks like he could really use some water.
>"I'm...not sure if I understand all of that," says Byakuren as you conclude. "I've been gone for a long time, so some of this a little bit difficult for me... But you say that they're the one's behind the UFOs? Do you have anything I could show Reimu to prove it?"
>_
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> "Well I'll probably have a full regiment of infantry led by a pissed off Lunarian after me in awhile if thats enough evidence for you."
> Belay the previous statement if we do have evidence.
> Get the wolf some water.
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> "Well I'll probably have a full regiment of infantry led by a pissed off Lunarian after me in awhile if thats enough evidence for you."
> Belay the previous statement if we do have evidence.
> Get the wolf some water.
>All you really have is your good word, unfortunately.
>"I suppose there isn't much need to wait around for such a thing. What do you plan to do now?"
>You do not have any water, but you do see an ewer and a cup across from Byakuren. You pour yourself a quick and much needed drink, then give one to the wolf. Byakuren doesn't seem to mind you're letting a wolf drink out of her cup.
>_
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> "Get away from the Lunarian squad somehow, suppressing them if necessary. Ideally I'd like to get to the Scarlet Devil Mansion and meet up with my master, but if I could enlist some help along the way that would be great. Watatsuki no Yorihime is not exactly a pushover."
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> "Also, I need to inform Reimu about this. She'll be able to help and your feud'll be over once we take care of the Lunarians."
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>"I don't see any way out of this except fighting her. I want to get back up. Would you be willing to help me? I'm sure that Reimu will help me at this point, since it's kinda become an incident. Scarlet Devil Mansion will almost certainly assist. I'm not sure if Eientai will...I think Eiren will, but I'm not sure about my princess...And I'm not sure I can gather all of us in time...do you have any ideas?"
...You all just said what I did in two posts. Meanies.
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> "Get away from the Lunarian squad somehow, suppressing them if necessary. Ideally I'd like to get to the Scarlet Devil Mansion and meet up with my master, but if I could enlist some help along the way that would be great. Watatsuki no Yorihime is not exactly a pushover."
> "Also, I need to inform Reimu about this. She'll be able to help and your feud'll be over once we take care of the Lunarians."
>"I don't see any way out of this except fighting her. I want to get back up. Would you be willing to help me? I'm sure that Reimu will help me at this point, since it's kinda become an incident. Scarlet Devil Mansion will almost certainly assist. I'm not sure if Eientai will...I think Eiren will, but I'm not sure about my princess...And I'm not sure I can gather all of us in time...do you have any ideas?"
>Bykauren nods. "You may want to get on your way, then. I'll try to explain things to Reimu, if you prefer. As for assisting, I am not sure what help I could be if she is as much of a monster as you say. I suppose I can at least escort you if you would like that."
>_
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>"It might be better for us to talk to Reimu and you visit the SDM warning them. I can just imagine the time wasted as Reimu tries to start another fight with you, ne?"
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>"It might be better for us to talk to Reimu and you visit the SDM warning them. I can just imagine the time wasted as Reimu tries to start another fight with you, ne?"
> Good plan. Get Byakuren to escort us to the Shrine and speak with Reimu while she goes ahead to warn the SDM.
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>"It might be better for us to talk to Reimu and you visit the SDM warning them. I can just imagine the time wasted as Reimu tries to start another fight with you, ne?"
>"I've never been to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, though," says Byakuren. "I'm not sure if anyone would listen to me there, Patchouli aside. Don't they have a gatekeeper to keep people out?"
>She motions for you to leave the tent, likely so she can have room to get out without knocking it over.
>_
-
>Get out of the tent
>"That's a fair point...hmm...maybe it would be best if you just escorted me to Reimu. Since I'm investigating this, she'll at least not come up with spell cards blazing. We can then head to the SDM and get this show on the road"
-
> "Crap. Well we'll just have to go after we've convinced Reimu."
> Head for the Shrine with Byakuren and the wolf.
-
>Get out of the tent
>"That's a fair point...hmm...maybe it would be best if you just escorted me to Reimu. Since I'm investigating this, she'll at least not come up with spell cards blazing. We can then head to the SDM and get this show on the road"
> "Crap. Well we'll just have to go after we've convinced Reimu."
> Head for the Shrine with Byakuren and the wolf.
>"I suppose that will have to do," says Byakuren as she exits the tent, stands, and then has a stretch and a yawn. "Pardon me."
>Looking around, you don't see any signs of pursuit. You aren't sure what to make of that.
>The three of you quickly make your way through town and up the path to the Hakurei Shrine. You find Reimu sweeping away snow that had drifted back from the path. She looks over at you and Byakuren, and her face darkens. "I'm going to hate this." she says.
>_
-
>"yep. Good news though! I figured out who was behind the incident! Bad news is it's my dear Yorohime. Probability is quite high we need to solve this incident by beating her."
>Explain the entire situation as quickly as possible.
-
>"yep. Good news though! I figured out who was behind the incident! Bad news is it's my dear Yorohime. Probability is quite high we need to solve this incident by beating her."
>Explain the entire situation as quickly as possible.
> "Ah hell," Reimu says. "I was really hoping she wouldn't be involved."
>You summarize the situation for Remiu. Thankfully, given her general familiarity with Lunarians and Yorihime, you don't have to spend too long emphasizing things. Reimu nods. "Hmm. So she wants Patchy, eh? That means she's probably gearing up to do it right now. Her cover's been blown, after all, so she'll have to act fast. This is what's going to happen. Someone's going to have to go there and see what's happening, maybe head them off at the pass. Someone's going to need to go warn Scarlet Devil Mansion. And someone's going to need to watch the town in case they decide to cut through here. So, who's doing what?"
>_
-
>"SDM likes me right now, and I have super powerful gems, as you know. Further, I probably have the most familiarity with her abilities. So, I should probably protect the SDM. I wanted to see if I could get assistence from Eientai...do you think there is time?"
-
>"SDM likes me right now, and I have super powerful gems, as you know. Further, I probably have the most familiarity with her abilities. So, I should probably protect the SDM. I wanted to see if I could get assistence from Eientai...do you think there is time?"
>"I wouldn't risk it," says Reimu. "By the time you get out of the bamboo forest, they could have already been there and gone. Okay, if you're going to the Mansion, I guess that leaves me with trying to head them off at the pass," she sighs, then looks at Byakuren, "Guess that leaves you to watch town, Biggun,"
>Byakuren shakes her head. "Please don't call me that."
>"Sure, okay," Reimu replies. "I assume I don't have to tell your job's to stop damage, not fight 'em down?" She looks at you. "I'll make sure things go well here, you get moving."
>_
-
>Head to SDM. Hope we still have VIP treatment.
>Check approximate time
And here, voices, we need to come up with a plan to take Yorohime. I wasted our surprise round to get the word out. So we'll have to fight her without as much benefit of surprise. Any ideas?
-
>Head to SDM. Hope we still have VIP treatment.
>Check approximate time
>You return to Scarlet Devil Mansion as quickly as you can. The wolf stops not too far from the gate, as per usual.
>You find Meiling in the process of cuddling the Young Basset House, who is currently licking her face. She opens the gate with a foot and waves you in.
>_
-
And here, voices, we need to come up with a plan to take Yorohime. I wasted our surprise round to get the word out. So we'll have to fight her without as much benefit of surprise. Any ideas?
Purple Gem + Tele-Mesmerism might be an option. ...Wait, what does the Green Gem do again? I've forgotten.
-
> Hurry in to the library and explain the dire situation to Patchouli and Eirin.
-
> Hurry in to the library and explain the dire situation to Patchouli and Eirin.
>You rush into the library, and find Eirin and Patchouli in the middle of discussing...something. They stop as you hurry in.
>You waste little time with pleasantries, explaining things quickly as possible. Patchouli's expression hardens as you tell the story, while Eirin seems to grow thoughtful.
>"So it is them," Eirin says. "How saddening. You were right to come here, but I sense that Yorihime may have slightly mislead you."
>_
-
> "Mislead... What?"
> PLEASE don't tell me Eirin is in on it...
-
>"Oh Suwako Dammit. How did I get tricked?"
-
> "Mislead... What?"
> PLEASE don't tell me Eirin is in on it...
>"Oh Suwako Dammit. How did I get tricked?"
>"She's had a spy in Eientei for far too long for this simply to be a search for a particular magician," says Eirin. "She might as well have sent spies underground to look for kappa." Eirin stands and walks toward one of the windows facing the gate, looking toward it. "I am quite certain that suggests she has more interests at heart than justice alone. I am willing gamble that there is as much of a political motive to this as anything else." She smiles sadly. "It seems they still have difficulties with our loyalists in the face of Chang'e."
>_
-
> "She kept saying you would be willing to step aside and let her take Patchouli. Is this true?"
-
>"Does this still end in us needing to kick her ass?"
-
> "She kept saying you would be willing to step aside and let her take Patchouli. Is this true?"
>"In light of that, I would likely have to," says Eirin. Patchouli gives Eirin an appraising look. "If I am right, Yorihime is doing this to serve as a display of power and loyalty to the capital as much as enforcing any kind of safety of our combined worlds. There's been many questions of the regents' ability to maintain the safety of the capital, given recent events. Yorihime seems to be trying to make a show that they can, and are willing to be aggressive in pursuit of that goal. Were I to stand in her way, well, it would be a sign that I disapprove of my own heirs. And the loyalists would seize upon that, and cause more trouble."
>"So you're willing to sell me up the river, so to speak," says Patchouli darkly.
>"Not quite," says Eirin. "More accurate to say I wouldn't be able to help you out of the river after you've fallen in. But yes, Yorihime is correct. I won't be able to directly help you without causing more damage in the long run. But more pertinently, it makes me wonder what her plans for Eientei are."
>"Does this still end in us needing to kick her ass?"
>"Well, I certainly couldn't order you to do it," says Eirin. "But it seems I wouldn't have to, would I? I daresay it would be best for everyone if she were not able to succeed. Unfortunately, it would destabilize her own own position more, and likely would only sour your name further, Reisen, but it would also convince them that invasions of Gensokyo are as foolish as invasions of the moon."
>_
>_
-
> "I guess that means we should get to Eientei correct?"
> Ask about their research.
-
> "I guess that means we should get to Eientei correct?"
> Ask about their research.
>"Perhaps," says Eirin. "If we're lucky, we'll have more time than we thought before they come. I don't imagine they'll do anything untoward at Eientei if they go there; even though she is in dishonored exile, the Princess is still the the Princess. I suppose it comes down to what you believe, Reisen, as you were the one that spoke to her. Do you think she'd come here first, or there?"
>_
-
> "That's a hard decision to make, but if your assumption is correct then she may have told me the Patchouli thing as a cover-up in order to divert me from Eientei..."
-
> "I don't want to just leave here if you're not going to interfere with Yorihime, though, master. Patchouli, is there someplace here or elsewhere you can hide?"
-
> "That's a hard decision to make, but if your assumption is correct then she may have told me the Patchouli thing as a cover-up in order to divert me from Eientei..."
>"I suppose that depends on how much she felt the need to deceive you. And when she felt it."
> "I don't want to just leave here if you're not going to interfere with Yorihime, though, master. Patchouli, is there someplace here or elsewhere you can hide?"
>"Hmmm," says Patchouli. "I expect I should be welcome on Youkai Mountain."
>"Until they find you," says Eirin.
>"A point," says Patchouli. "It seems I will inevitably be a magnet for them, won't I? I suppose we'll have to use that to our advantage."
>"I have a plan," says Eirin. "It's rather risky, in that it requires us to make several assumptions about Yorihime's plan, but the best I can do under these circumstances. Yorihime is the greatest threat by far, as she can call upon more gods than any of us care to count to empower her. So, perhaps we are best served by making the gods unavailable to her?"
>_
-
>"How do you propose to do that, Eirin?"
-
>"How do you propose to do that, Eirin?"
>"I don't think it would be impossible to convince Kanako and Suwako that it is time for a feast," says Eirin, "given the joy that they seem to take in them. And, following that logic, it wouldn't be impossible to convince them to join their brethren."
>_
-
>"That IS true. Kanako, at the least, half owes me a favor. Then again the green gem might have counted for that. I think this would be a good course of action. I think Patchouli should consider travelling with me from here on. It will lure her into these four-"
>Circle the gems a little
>"-which might lead to a decent chance of defeating her, especially if she doesn't have her gods"
>"Of course, if Patchouli would rather stay here or hide somewhere else, it's up to her"
-
>"That IS true. Kanako, at the least, half owes me a favor. Then again the green gem might have counted for that. I think this would be a good course of action. I think Patchouli should consider travelling with me from here on. It will lure her into these four-"
>Circle the gems a little
>"-which might lead to a decent chance of defeating her, especially if she doesn't have her gods"
>"Of course, if Patchouli would rather stay here or hide somewhere else, it's up to her"
>"The problem is," says Patchouli, "what if she attacks the mansion while we're doing this? It might be better that one of us tries to distract her. And I think we both know who is best suited for that task."
>"Alternately," says Eirin, "You could let yourself get captured, Patchouli."
>_
-
> "What would happen to her if she was captured?"
-
> "What would happen to her if she was captured?"
>"Likely she would be taken back to capital and tried," says Eirin. "I imagine Yorihime would detain her in the meantime."
>"Oh damn it," says Patchouli, "you're going to make me do it, aren't you?"
>_
-
> "That's...not really an option for me if you can't ensure her being able to safely rejoin her home in short order. I understand that you're in a different position than me, but I'm not here to play politics, I'm here to do what's right, and jailing an innocent in the name of boosting popular opinion doesn't seem too right to me."
-
> "That's...not really an option for me if you can't ensure her being able to safely rejoin her home in short order. I understand that you're in a different position than me, but I'm not here to play politics, I'm here to do what's right, and jailing an innocent in the name of boosting popular opinion doesn't seem too right to me."
>"Well, I admit that I assumed you intend to rescue her as soon as possible," says Eirin, "So I didn't think it would be that much of a problem. It would be a little difficult, I expect, if you intend to leave her sit for awhile."
>"Mukyu," Patchouli mutters, apparently hoping you wouldn't hear. It's hard to stifle a giggle.
>_
-
> "I don't even know where she would be held. Surely Yorihime doesn't plan on using her underground facility again."
-
> "I don't even know where she would be held. Surely Yorihime doesn't plan on using her underground facility again."
>"She might," says Eirin. "I can't imagine they'd risk making two of them. Alternately, they might well ask for a place to stay at Eientei, now that they have been revealed. The Princess would not be able to refuse them, without ruining the work she has done so far."
>"I think I can arrange for something," says Patchouli. "Do either of you have any jewelry that comes in pairs, something small and subtle?"
>_
>_
-
> "Outside of the gems, I've got one piece."
> Show Opal Brooch
-
> "Outside of the gems, I've got one piece."
> Show Opal Brooch
>"No good," says Patchouli, "I need two of them if I'm going to use them to talk with you. I suppose I'll have to improvise."
>She turns toward one of the wings of the library and calls, "Koakuma, I need you!"
>Moments later, the bat-winged familiar flies from behind one of the shelves and lands in front of Patchouli with a curtsy. "What can I do for you, Mistress?"
>"I need the two of the buttons from your vest, immediately," says Patchouli.
>Koakuma folds her hands together, wide-eyed, and draws them to her mouth. "I-In front of others, Mistress? How bold!"
>Patchouli groans, putting a hand to her forehead. "I don't need this from you right now, just give me the buttons and let me get to work. Please."
>"Oh fine," says Koakuma, pouting, as she produces a pocket knife and cuts free two of the buttons from her vest. "You're no fun at all anymore."
>"I was never any fun," says Patchouli as she takes the buttons and walks toward one of the empty tables. She lays the buttons down and examines them for a moment. Koakuma removes her damaged vest, making more of a show than you really would have expected possible out of it. Patchouli studiously ignores it. "The two of you should make your last minute preparations," she says, as she positions her hands over the buttons, then begins to chant.
>_
-
> "Eirin, a problem with letting Patchy get caught then rescuing her. Yorihime would likely be near Patchy, making a rescue and escape difficult. It's down to either, a big fight, or avoid being detected."
-
> "Eirin, a problem with letting Patchy get caught then rescuing her. Yorihime would likely be near Patchy, making a rescue and escape difficult. It's down to either, a big fight, or avoid being detected."
>"I daresay someone is going to have to defeat Yorihime anyways," Eirin says, "Unless you want to see her try again in a few months. Unfortunately, you are the best candidate for that at the moment. In this, we are rather lucky that it is Yorihime, rather than Toyohime, that we're dealing with. Yorihime is much less inclined to fight dirty and try to abuse any hostages."
>"Don't worry," says Koakuma, as she sidles up to the two of you, "Patchouli has no intention of going down without a fight. I'm sure if you hurry along, it won't be an issue at all."
>_
-
> "Past her God and Goddess based abilities, anything I should know of? At least bring me back up to speed of what she can do, past that sword she had."
-
> "Past her God and Goddess based abilities, anything I should know of? At least bring me back up to speed of what she can do, past that sword she had."
>"Don't underestimate her swordsmanship," Eirin says. "Even without the heavens to support her, she has a Lunarian's lifetime of skill with it. She is also quite agile, be careful not to misjudge her ability to escape from seemingly hopeless situations. This is what I know for certain, she may well have developed other abilities since I last was able to truly work with her. In short, Reisen, don't take her lightly. With luck, she will take you lightly."
>_
-
> "Master Swordswoman in practicly every sense of the word huh? Can I assume she has Danmaku or Spellcards? In the end, I need to convince Kanako and Suwako, somehow, to, again somehow, cut her off from the Gods and Goddess's that she calls upon. Any ideas?
-
> "Patchouli, if we mention your situation to the Moriya goddesses, do you think they'll be sympathetic enough to take action? Or inaction, as the case may be."
-
> "Master Swordswoman in practicly every sense of the word huh? Can I assume she has Danmaku or Spellcards? In the end, I need to convince Kanako and Suwako, somehow, to, again somehow, cut her off from the Gods and Goddess's that she calls upon. Any ideas?
>"I don't think she would be familiar with danmaku or spellcards," says Eirin. "That is an invention particular to Gensokyo. However, I do expect she would have familiarized herself with them since the last invasion."
>"As for the goddesses, well, I think you'll have to play it by ear. However, they have nothing to gain from Lunarians running rampant in Gensokyo. But at the same time, Lunarians honor the gods as much as anyone else, so it will be a tricky situation for them. I do believe Suwako will be more willing to aid, we have bound some of her less ruly kin away, and I doubt she'd be adverse to evening that score."
> "Patchouli, if we mention your situation to the Moriya goddesses, do you think they'll be sympathetic enough to take action? Or inaction, as the case may be."
>Patchouli is busy casting at the moment.
>"Oh, Suwako owes her big, real big," says Koakuma. "That'll definitely get her frogs in gear."
>_
-
> "Where is Remilia? I think she might want to directly get in on this herself, and I could use all the help I can get."
-
> "Where is Remilia? I think she might want to directly get in on this herself, and I could use all the help I can get."
>"I intend to ask her to accompany me," says Patchouli, as she scoops up the buttons from the table. "I've no doubt she'll be interested in trying to get revenge. Worse comes to worst, she'll buy us some more time. I have no intention of making it easy on Yorihime, to say the least."
>Patchouli walks over and hands you a button. "Talk into it and I will hear you, and vice versa." She says. "Your task is not to allow any sound to come through it on your end. Merely listen in quiet places. Should I be captured, I will do my best to transmit where they are taking me. But if they hear sounds from your button coming through mine, it may tip them off. So wrap it in some cloth and put it someplace safe. Just listen to it in quiet places. Unfortunately, the sound quality will be terrible, but it should be enough for you to make out voices through. That is the problem with a rush job with bad materials."
>"Hey! Those are good buttons!" Koakuma says, scowling at Patchouli.
>"Yes I know, that's why they work at all," Patchouli says with a sidelong glance to her familiar. Then she looks back to you. "Do you understand?"
>_
-
> "Hm, that seems simple enough. While I head to the Moriya Shrine, we need to try them out, to see first-hand the sound quality."
-
> "Hm, that seems simple enough. While I head to the Moriya Shrine, we need to try them out, to see first-hand the sound quality."
>Patchouli nods. "We'll do that. In the meantime, it may be best that you take the back way out. It'll take you directly into the southern wing of the forest. It's unlikely that the Lunarians will go that way, if they are looking to strike quickly."
>_
-
>mental note: To get Suwako completely pissed off, mention that Yorihime may have implied that the Lunarians may have sealed the Cosmic Horror possessing her on this impure Earth. And, in a sense, her.
>overdue shitjustgotreal.gif
-
>mental note: To get Suwako completely pissed off, mention that Yorihime may have implied that the Lunarians may have sealed the Cosmic Horror possessing her on this impure Earth. And, in a sense, her.
>overdue shitjustgotreal.gif
>How would you know some of these things?
>Shit's been real since day one~
>"I'm going," Patchouli says, "The back way out is through the east wing. Follow it to the door, then fly over the wall. You'll be in the middle of the forest. Just go north, and eventually you'll find Mystia's stand."
>With that, Patchouli walks over to a chest on a nearby table and extracts what seems to be the Commemorative Stein she was using early, and a bottle of red liquid, and makes her way out.
>_
>_
-
> Bid Eirin farewell.
> Head out the way Patchouli mentioned.
-
> Bid Eirin farewell.
> Head out the way Patchouli mentioned.
>You bid Eirin farewell, but feel it is a bit premature as she follows you down the hall.
>"I won't be able to do much else to help you, Udonge," she says, after a moment of silence between the two of you. "So instead, I'll devote the time to trying to work out a bit more on the mystery of the gems. In the meantime," she adds, as you reach the door Patchouli indicated, "I expect you to come back in one piece, and accompany me to the performance tonight."
>_
-
> Give Eirin a hug and and a kiss on the cheek, for good luck.
> "I wanna see that show with you too... and I wanna see you again, so I will come back, alive."
-
>"And while this is completely out of proportion for today's events, I did invite Medicine to come along. We'll have to make sure she doesn't go to war with Alice."
-
> Give Eirin a hug and and a kiss on the cheek, for good luck.
> "I wanna see that show with you too... and I wanna see you again, so I will come back, alive."
>You've not let an opportunity slip you by thus far, and you're not about to break that record. Thankfully, there is no Tewi to break up this moment nor any sign of Koakuma; whom you are certain would eat this up. Eirin returns your kiss with one of her own. Then parts from you. "Make me proud, Udonge," she says, giving you a small smile, then heading back down the hallway.
>"And while this is completely out of proportion for today's events, I did invite Medicine to come along. We'll have to make sure she doesn't go to war with Alice."
>"You remember things at the oddest times, don't you?" Eirin says with a chuckle, looking over her shoulder. "I'll have to consider that when we get into chemistry. We'll do what we can about Medicine when the time comes."
>_
-
> "Heh."
> Start stealth mission by stealing our way into the forest.
-
> "Heh."
> Start stealth mission by stealing our way into the forest.
>You allow yourself a Heh, and head outside.
>It's easy, if mildly chilly, to get over the wall and into the forest.
>You are in what would normally be a thickly wooded part of the Forest of Magic, but winter has done much to thin out the foliage and leave a number of leafless bushes. A thin path leads further north, while the wall of Scarlet Devil Mansion lies south. Looking west, you can see the wolf, waiting dutifully edge of the wall. He seems unaware of your presence. Obvious exits are north.
>_
-
> We may want to leave the poor canine out of this, so head for the mountain.
-
> We may want to leave the poor canine out of this, so head for the mountain.
>You decide you don't want to traumatize the poor thing any worse than you already have. You head north.
>The path remains are you head deeper into the forest. You can Alice's Home in the distance, though the foliage.
>Up head, you can see a number of faeries gathered around an old tree that fell over the path and caught onto some other trees. Many thick bushes and young trees line the road here. Obvious exits are North and South.
>_
-
Though the foliage, you see yourself pass by Alice's home in the distance.
>wait, what?
>if that was a parser error, try to press on toward the mountain: no time to waste!
-
>wait, what?
>if that was a parser error, try to press on toward the mountain: no time to waste!
>The responsible writer for that segment was experimenting in omniscient second person. He has been sacked.
>You continue northward.
>"Hey!" says a dark-haired faerie as you come close to the fallen tree, "This is our base! What're you up to, then!?"
>_
-
> We still have our Fairy Ribbon, right? Display it prominently.
> "I'm off to save the world, like any good moon rabbit would do in a time of crisis. There's a base six pair of pants that needs inventing, and the very gods themselves wait with baited breath."
-
> We still have our Fairy Ribbon, right? Display it prominently.
> "I'm off to save the world, like any good moon rabbit would do in a time of crisis. There's a base six pair of pants that needs inventing, and the very gods themselves wait with baited breath."
>"Why would the very gods eat bait?" asks a blonde faerie with pigtails. "Wouldn't that be more in tune with the fish gods?"
>"Pants are an abomination." adds the black-haired faerie, giving you a suspicious look from her perch on the dead tree. "Your mother would be ashamed of you!"
>"What's the magic word?" asks third faerie, another blonde with thick ringlets in her hair, as she drops down on the path. You think you might have seen this one before, some time ago.
>_
>_
-
> Sigh.
> "Listen, I'm heading for Youkai Mountain to meet with the two Goddess's there and every second counts right now. If I don't hurry, many people could die! I'll talk with you later if you want, but I really need to be going."
> Continue heading to Youkai Mountain, and ignoring what the fairies say, if they try to stop us, we force our way through and say sorry while doing so.
-
> Sigh.
> "Listen, I'm heading for Youkai Mountain to meet with the two Goddess's there and every second counts right now. If I don't hurry, many people could die! I'll talk with you later if you want, but I really need to be going."
> Continue heading to Youkai Mountain, and ignoring what the fairies say, if they try to stop us, we force our way through and say sorry while doing so.
> Stop ourselves before we do this.
Dude, that's not how fairies operate here. I'm assuming you didn't see our first encounter with them, and I'm willing to cut you some slack for that. Fairies dabble in utter nonsense and don't really like being pushed around.
> Try to recall our previous conversation with a cloud of fairies - was there anything about a magic word?
-
No magic words that I can remember, but we did define the cube root of wisdom as "Schr?dinger".
-
> Sigh.
> "Listen, I'm heading for Youkai Mountain to meet with the two Goddess's there and every second counts right now. If I don't hurry, many people could die! I'll talk with you later if you want, but I really need to be going."
> Continue heading to Youkai Mountain, and ignoring what the fairies say, if they try to stop us, we force our way through and say sorry while doing so.
> Stop ourselves before we do this.
> Try to recall our previous conversation with a cloud of fairies - was there anything about a magic word?
>It's hard not to be impatient in a situation like this. You consider being rational for a moment, then stop. You understand faeries well enough to know that this sort of thing wouldn't be the fastest approach, they simply don't approach the world that way.
>The faerie blocking you is about the size of an eight year old. So really, she is only slightly more effective at barring your path than you would be at barring Byakuren's path; given you'd have to duck under the fallen tree.
>You don't recall any specific magic words from that encounter that seems to apply here; although the faeries were throwing around a lot of odd phrases that might work. You suspect this faerie isn't looking for a specific password or anything like that.
>_
-
> Are there any fairies other than the three that have spoken?
> "Oh, you wanted the magic word? Why didn't you say so in the first place? 'Milk'."
-
> Wait, no, shit, I take that back. Do not say that last line.
>"Oh, you wanted the magic word? Why didn't you say so in the first place? 'BMMPXF'."
-
> Are there any fairies other than the three that have spoken?
> "Oh, you wanted the magic word? Why didn't you say so in the first place? 'Milk'."
>There's a few, mostly hovering about and watching.
> Wait, no, shit, I take that back. Do not say that last line.
>"Oh, you wanted the magic word? Why didn't you say so in the first place? 'BMMPXF'."
>That is not very easy on your tongue.
>The faeries look around expectantly. "I don't think it worked..." says the faerie in your path.
>"No magic," agrees the black-haired faerie. "I don't see anything."
>"Did you say it wrong?" asks a red-haired faerie overhead.
>_
>_
-
> "That IS strange. Let me try again..."
> Prepare the blue gem for illumination.
> Say 'BMMPXF!' and illuminate the blue gem at the same time.
-
> "That IS strange. Let me try again..."
> Prepare the blue gem for illumination.
> Say 'BMMPXF!' and illuminate the blue gem at the same time.
>You say it one more time, and command the blue gem to light.
>"How convenient!" cries the faerie with blonde pigtails. Others join in with appreciative phrases and applause in one case.
>"I guess it's all about the accent," says the faerie blocking your path, as she steps aside.
>_
-
> "Yeah, you need to say the word just right to make it sunny. If it was too easy, you'd do it all the time, and the milk would spoil."
> Proceed on toward/up the mountain.
-
> "Yeah, you need to say the word just right to make it sunny. If it was too easy, you'd do it all the time, and the milk would spoil."
> Proceed on toward/up the mountain.
>"She remembered!" cries the pigtailed faerie, "Cheese it!"
>The faeries quickly scatter.
>It's nice to see those three are doing well. You'd be a little embarrassed that you didn't remember them more quickly, but faeries do have a way of blending together. You suspect they do it on purpose.
>You continue northward, pushing your way through the increasingly dense bushes. Soon you come to an open clearing, with debris and strands of gossamer all over the ground. It doesn't seem there has been much activity since your last visit here. Obvious exits are North, West, East, and South.
>_
-
> Keep pushing our way toward/up the mountain.
-
> Keep pushing our way toward/up the mountain.
>You continue northward.
>The clearing contracts back into think forest, and be grows difficult to pick your way through again. You see find another path thin worn into the ground, and follow it through the worst of the brush. A flurry of motion catches you attention, as a startled deer bounds away from you and deeper into the eastern parts of the forest.
>The brush begins to lighten up, as you come to a place littered with dozens of knee-high snowmen. Another trail intersects with this one you're following, leading further east into the forest. To the north, you think you can make out Mystia's home through the leafless trees. Obvious exits are North, South, and East.
>_
-
> Head to Mystia's place
> If we're not immediately greeted, knock on the door
-
> Head to Mystia's place
> If we're not immediately greeted, knock on the door
>You pick your way through the field of snowmen and head north.
>You reach a familiar light clearing, where Mystia's stand lies. Mystia does not seem to be tending to it; you recall her mentioning that she was closed today, but made an exception for Letty. Her house lays nearby, a tall and narrow thing made of rather decent quality daub and wattle. A thin plume of smoke curls from its chimney. Obvious exists are West, East, and South.
>You knock on Mystia's door. It opens a moment later, and Mystia peers out. "Oh! Eirin got you my message? I was wondering if you were going to show up today."
>_
-
> "She did. Unfortunately, I don't have the time right now. A crisis has come up. I'd still like to come by later, if you're available, but I wanted to let you know about this incident coming up."
-
> "She did. Unfortunately, I don't have the time right now. A crisis has come up. I'd still like to come by later, if you're available, but I wanted to let you know about this incident coming up."
>"Sure, I'll be here all day." says Mystia, "Though I go to bed around ten, so don't wait too long. Now, what's this about incident? Is this about that rabbit you were asking Letty about?"
-
> Let's spam this info to whatever notable beings we run across. Yorihime can't suppress everyone, right?
> "Yeah. Turns out she was a spy for a former master of mine, who's been hiding here in Gensokyo and waiting for a chance to imprison Patchouli for something she didn't mean to do and fixed anyway. Master Eirin said it's a political move. I said it's a load. My former master wanted me captured, since I know too much or whatever, but I managed to get away and tell Reimu, Byakuren and a bunch of others. Given the number of people that know about her now I can't imagine jailing for information suppression is still possible. At this point I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll have to fight her. She calls upon the powers of gods in battle, so I'm on my way up the mountain to the Moriya Shrine to see if I can convince Kanako and Suwako to talk to the other gods and keep them occupied elsewhere while I fight her."
-
>While a good idea in theory, it might take some time given you're preparing to go through a fairly populated mountain.
>Mystia blinks, a moment after you finish. "Oh, okay," she says after a moment.
>_
-
> "Yeah. At this point, you have a few choices. I don't think Yorihime, my former master, is going to wander out over here and make herself known to anyone she comes across, so you can sit here and you'll probably be safe. On the off-chance she does show up at your door, if you pretend you don't know anything you should be okay. Make sure not to mention expecting me for singing lessons, she might camp out here in wait. Or you can come with me. You're more likely to run into her, but I'm sure that the next time I meet her, I'm going to end up fighting her, so at least you won't be alone like you might be here. It's entirely up to you."
> "Also, since I plan on getting out of this alive, I'll tell you that the Eientei rabbits are holding a play later tonight. You're welcome to attend if you don't have additional plans. We could easily work a singing lesson around it, I'm sure."
-
> "Yeah. At this point, you have a few choices. I don't think Yorihime, my former master, is going to wander out over here and make herself known to anyone she comes across, so you can sit here and you'll probably be safe. On the off-chance she does show up at your door, if you pretend you don't know anything you should be okay. Make sure not to mention expecting me for singing lessons, she might camp out here in wait. Or you can come with me. You're more likely to run into her, but I'm sure that the next time I meet her, I'm going to end up fighting her, so at least you won't be alone like you might be here. It's entirely up to you."
> "Also, since I plan on getting out of this alive, I'll tell you that the Eientei rabbits are holding a play later tonight. You're welcome to attend if you don't have additional plans. We could easily work a singing lesson around it, I'm sure."
>Mystia takes a moment to process all this, frowning. . "I think I'll stay here and sweep out the pantry, if it's all the same."
>You invite Mystia to the upcoming play. "Oh, that does sound nice! I'll be certain to be there!"
>_
-
> "Ok then Mystia, I should probly be hurring off to continue dealing with this, I mainly wanted to give you a heads up warning."
> If we haven't described Yorihime or w/e to Mystia then we should tell her to be wary of anyone she doesn't know, for now.
-
> "Ok then Mystia, I should probly be hurring off to continue dealing with this, I mainly wanted to give you a heads up warning."
> If we haven't described Yorihime or w/e to Mystia then we should tell her to be wary of anyone she doesn't know, for now.
>You give her a quick description of Yorihime. Mystia nods. "Um, I don't really get what's going on at all or who you're talking about, but I'll look out for a girl with long purple hair, and make sure to say I never saw you. Good luck, I suppose?"
>_
-
> "Thanks, I'm going to need all the luck I can get since she can fend off multiple of the stronger people and youkai that live here in Gensokyo."
-
> Unless Mystia stops us for anything, head on out and back toward the Moriya Shrine.
-
> "Thanks, I'm going to need all the luck I can get since she can fend off multiple of the stronger people and youkai that live here in Gensokyo."
>"Oh." She grimaces, and looks a bit sympathetic.
> Unless Mystia stops us for anything, head on out and back toward the Moriya Shrine.
>You depart. Knowing where you are now, it's not difficult to make your way back to Youkai Mountain. With a bit of time, you reach the gate of the Moriya Shrine once again.
>The Shrine grounds are clean and mostly empty at the moment. However, Suwako is perched on the roof, crouching in a rather frog-like manner and apparently staring off into space.
>_
-
> Call out Suwako's name.
> If she responds explain why we're here.
-
> Call out Suwako's name.
> If she responds explain why we're here.
>You call out to Suwako. She looks down toward you curiously.
>The manner you use to explain things will be important, you sense. You are begging the gods for a favor. Think carefully about how you will do this.
>_
-
Okay, so who do we want writing this speech? This is pretty important shit right now, so saying any ol' thing isn't going to get the job done.
-
Having fucked up in my talking to Yorihime, I do not trust myself entirely! But I could try.
>fuck, forgot to sound test with Patch
>"Patchouli's in trouble."
-
>"Go on," says Suwako, drawing her lips into a thin line and furrowing her brow a little.
>_
-
> Give self a brief mental history lesson of everything we know surrounding Patchouli, the cosmic horror she supposedly let loose, and Suwako.
-
> Give self a brief mental history lesson of everything we know surrounding Patchouli, the cosmic horror she supposedly let loose, and Suwako.
>You...don't actually know a whole lot. You know Patchouli had something to do with a Cosmic Horror being let loose, which involves that broken sword, and that Suwako apparently feels very indebted to her. You aren't even sure if Suwako's indebtedness is related to the incident with the Horror.
>Thinking on, you aren't actually sure if Patchouli really did summon the thing. But, she certainly didn't deny the charge when you told her about Yorihime, so you suspect it's true. Certainly she's been involved with something like that, given the sword.
>_
-
All right, let's give this a go, then.
> "A Lunarian force has stationed themselves in Gensokyo, and they've been spying around for a while now. Apparently their mission is to capture and imprison Patchouli for supposedly letting a cosmic horror loose, and the fact that it was an accident AND that she fixed the problem doesn't matter to them. Master Eirin tells me it's a political move, but I still think it's wrong, so I'm looking for ways to help her. I know you and Patchouli have a special relationship, and Master Eirin also told me that Lunarians have, in the past, sealed away some of your brethren, so I was hoping you'd be willing to help."
> "The catch is that the Lunarian at the head of this operation, Watatsuki no Yorihime, honors the gods to the point where she can draw upon their power in a fight. With such power at her disposal, I am sure her mission will succeed, even if I try to interfere. If she did not have the gods at her disposal, however, I think I can stop her. I realize this is asking a tremendous amount from you, but would it be possible for you to somehow distract the other gods away from paying attention to Yorihime so I can prevent this injustice?"
> "Incidentally, if it matters, this Lunarian squad were the ones responsible for planting the UFO piece that started the war between Reimu and Byakuren."
-
> "A Lunarian force has stationed themselves in Gensokyo, and they've been spying around for a while now. Apparently their mission is to capture and imprison Patchouli for supposedly letting a cosmic horror loose, and the fact that it was an accident AND that she fixed the problem doesn't matter to them. Master Eirin tells me it's a political move, but I still think it's wrong, so I'm looking for ways to help her. I know you and Patchouli have a special relationship, and Master Eirin also told me that Lunarians have, in the past, sealed away some of your brethren, so I was hoping you'd be willing to help."
> "The catch is that the Lunarian at the head of this operation, Watatsuki no Yorihime, honors the gods to the point where she can draw upon their power in a fight. With such power at her disposal, I am sure her mission will succeed, even if I try to interfere. If she did not have the gods at her disposal, however, I think I can stop her. I realize this is asking a tremendous amount from you, but would it be possible for you to somehow distract the other gods away from paying attention to Yorihime so I can prevent this injustice?"
> "Incidentally, if it matters, this Lunarian squad were the ones responsible for planting the UFO piece that started the war between Reimu and Byakuren."
>Suwako drops from her frog pose to a more humanlike cross-legged sit, listening quietly, her expression unchanged. "It was no accident," she says at length. "Patchouli did it very deliberately. She said the words, and she said them rightly. And I shall not forget that debt." A smirk dances across Suwako's lips. "And I know Watatsuki no Yorihime. I know her well. She's one of the better Lunarians, immigrants excepted. She almost makes me forget, sometimes. But I'll never forget what they did to Daikoku."
>She shifts again, dangling her feet off the edge of the roof, and resting her chin on her hands, a slight grin on her lips and her eyes narrowed. "So, you want me to pick a favorite, then? Patchouli or Yorihime? Gensokyo or Luna? The Pure Lands or the Defiled? That's an easy thing for me. But I won't be able to act alone. Still, I'll support you."
>_
-
>a moment of surprise
>"Debt...? No, that isn't the issue. My master recommended holding a feast among the gods to serve as a distraction and make it difficult for Yorihime to call upon them, so that I can try to face her on even grounds. Would that work?"
-
>a moment of surprise
>"Debt...? No, that isn't the issue. My master recommended holding a feast among the gods to serve as a distraction and make it difficult for Yorihime to call upon them, so that I can try to face her on even grounds. Would that work?"
>Suwako leans further forward, grinning and bring her other hand to up to her chin, resting her head heavily upon them. "Your master knows her victims well. But don't expect Kanako to be so...eager as I am. The Lunarians have always been friends of the Yamato. But try your best, she and Sanae are inside, having some time alone. You have my welcome to enter. They should be in the second room to the right."
>_
-
>Okay what the hell do we know about the Yamato and Lunarian relationships and how Kanako would be involved in that.
>nod slowly and walk to the entrance, plan for the moment
-
>Okay what the hell do we know about the Yamato and Lunarian relationships and how Kanako would be involved in that.
>nod slowly and walk to the entrance, plan for the moment
>Not a whole lot. You were never particularly religious, rabbits in general tend not to be. Though the Earth Rabbits do have a kind of fondness for Daikoku, enough to remember him in song if not with any actual devotion. As far as you know, though, it seems the Lunarians fully supported Kanako's side during the Suwa War, finding them more representative of ideal purity. You aren't sure if the Lunarians actually did anything, aside from a few sealings afterward.
>You slowly walk inside while you ponder, coming into the immaculate front hallway. You can see the main body of the shrine up ahead, and easy pick out a the door that Suwako pointed out to you, amidst two insecting hallways and four doors. One of the halls, you remember, leads to the basement. Obvious exits are West, East, North 1, North 2, North 3, South 1 , South 2 and South 3.
>_
-
> Head into the room Suwako said to go to, but knock first. This may be a big situation we are dealing with, but we still need our manners when dealing with a Goddess and her Shrine Maiden.
-
>remind mystearica not to fuck things up
>make sure clothing's presentable
-
>remind mystearica not to fuck things up
>make sure clothing's presentable
>You look fine; though a discerning eye might notice your stockings are a bit tight now. Hopefully they won't be paying attention to that.
> Head into the room Suwako said to go to, but knock first. This may be a big situation we are dealing with, but we still need our manners when dealing with a Goddess and her Shrine Maiden.
>You go to the proper door, and knock on the frame. "Come in," answers Sanae's voice.
>You enter a surprisingly humble little den, dominated chiefly by a kotatsu in the middle of the floor. Kanako and Sanae sit there, playing a game of Domino while a small censor heats the room. They both regard you curiously, before Kanako says, "Come in, Reisen. You have something on your mind."
>_
-
> "Yes. I have a tremendous favor to ask of you, regarding the resolution of what I believe to be an injustice."
-
> "Yes. I have a tremendous favor to ask of you, regarding the resolution of what I believe to be an injustice."
>Kanako nods once, and gestures for you have a seat near the kotatsu. Her face seems to grow more grave, although her expression is unchanging, and you begin to feel more of the aura about her that you felt when you met her the first time. Sanae stays quiet, meekly folding her hands on her lap.
>"Please, ask." says Kanako.
>_
-
Note to other voices: I think a back-and-forth strategy would be best for dealing with Kanako. We were able to WoT Suwako into helping us since she was already inclined toward Patchy's side over Yorihime's, but Kanako will need convincing, and throwing a ton of words at her won't do that. Best to take her concerns and criticisms and deal with them as they are presented instead of showing our entire hand immediately.
> "I seek help in stymieing my former master, Watatsuki no Yorihime, in the interest of preventing her from imposing Lunarian law on Gensokyo and arresting Patchouli Knowledge for what both I and Master Eirin believe is merely a political move and NOT the just cause she claims it is."
-
> "I seek help in stymieing my former master, Watatsuki no Yorihime, in the interest of preventing her from imposing Lunarian law on Gensokyo and arresting Patchouli Knowledge for what both I and Master Eirin believe is merely a political move and NOT the just cause she claims it is."
>"I know of Watastuki no Yorihime," says Kanako. "Her devotions are most pleasing. It is...unfortunate that she opposes Patchouli, but why do you come to me about this?"
>_
-
> "I know that Yorihime reveres the gods and is able to call on their power to enhance her own. I wish to sever that connection, even just temporarily, so the playing field is level enough that I can show Yorihime the error of her ways and she stops pursuing Patchouli in the interest of a power play. I turn to you and Suwako because I have communicated more with you than any other gods, and because the two of you also know Patchouli fairly well."
> "I do not wish to turn the gods against Yorihime, for multiple reasons. Instead, I think it would be best if they were pre-occupied with something else while I attempt to thwart Yorihime's plans. A feast would do the trick, for example."
-
> "I know that Yorihime reveres the gods and is able to call on their power to enhance her own. I wish to sever that connection, even just temporarily, so the playing field is level enough that I can show Yorihime the error of her ways and she stops pursuing Patchouli in the interest of a power play. I turn to you and Suwako because I have communicated more with you than any other gods, and because the two of you also know Patchouli fairly well."
> "I do not wish to turn the gods against Yorihime, for multiple reasons. Instead, I think it would be best if they were pre-occupied with something else while I attempt to thwart Yorihime's plans. A feast would do the trick, for example."
>"And if she is not in error?" Kanako asks. "I do not see any evidence that either of you are particularly correct. But you ask is to ignore a very great obligation. That we cannot do. But, I am more interested in this idea of a feast. Elaborate on it."
>_
-
> Recall any recent reason the gods might have to get together and get wasted.
-
Note to other voices: Go with the flow of what is happening. Do NOT try to shift the discussion focus back on to Yorihime vs. Patchouli.
-
> Recall any recent reason the gods might have to get together and get wasted.
>You aren't sure if it counts, but the Aki Sisters are rather deeply entwined with the harvest festivals in autumn, whose timing at the end of the growing season allow for an easy hangover day.
>_
-
> Try to recall particular events in recent memory that could be considered cause for celebration. For example, would the resolution of the cosmic horror incident qualify?
-
> Try to recall particular events in recent memory that could be considered cause for celebration. For example, would the resolution of the cosmic horror incident qualify?
>You could certainly spin it that way.
>You search for other reasons people might decide to spontaneously celebrate. You are pretty certain that Lily White is due to appear within a week, barring any Incidents. As well, the oni seem to be celebrating numerous funerals.
>_
-
> I suppose we could spin it that way. Man, of all the times to not have Hina handy.
> Recall all details of cosmic horror that we have been made aware of. We know Suwako said Patchouli knew what she was doing when she unleashed it - do we know how it was sealed before or where it went when Patchouli did whatever she did to it (i.e. did she simply re-seal it or did it go away entirely)?
-
> I suppose we could spin it that way. Man, of all the times to not have Hina handy.
> Recall all details of cosmic horror that we have been made aware of. We know Suwako said Patchouli knew what she was doing when she unleashed it - do we know how it was sealed before or where it went when Patchouli did whatever she did to it (i.e. did she simply re-seal it or did it go away entirely)?
>The Lunarians really have ruined everything, haven't they?
>You don't know any of these details. A shame that it never came up the last time you met with Patchouli. You don't think, however, that cosmic horrors are properly sealed so much as they are simply in aspects of the universe that cannot be handled by normal people, parts that should not cross over with reality as it is known. But your education on such matters is spotty at best; Eirin's hardly had you focus on such things. As for it's fate, all you know is that Patchouli told you it would no longer be a problem when she asked you to get Eirin to study that crystal shard.
>_
-
Guess we'll just have to roll with that.
> "I understand that the cosmic horror Patchouli unleashed is no longer relevant. Surely that is a cause worthy of celebration by the gods? I can't imagine it was truly tucked away safely beforehand if she was able to summon it."
-
> "If you like, you could combine the celebration of the upcoming spring with the celebration of one less cosmic horror on this plane of existence."
-
> "If you like, you could combine the celebration of the upcoming spring with the celebration of one less cosmic horror on this plane of existence."
>"That might not be a terrible idea," Kanako says. "though in truth we tend not to talk about those kinds of things. But, it would be something of a bother to set up such a thing on short notice."
>_
-
> "Actually, given recent events underground, I believe the oni are in the process of honoring their dead, and I'm sure they're doing it in the only way oni know how. I don't think they'd mind of the gods joined them, and that saves you the trouble of setup, since they're already underway. I don't know how much they care about the upcoming transition to spring, but I'm sure they wouldn't be averse to adding the removal of a cosmic horror from this plane of existence from their list of reasons to eat, drink and be merry."
-
> "Actually, given recent events underground, I believe the oni are in the process of honoring their dead, and I'm sure they're doing it in the only way oni know how. I don't think they'd mind of the gods joined them, and that saves you the trouble of setup, since they're already underway. I don't know how much they care about the upcoming transition to spring, but I'm sure they wouldn't be averse to adding the removal of a cosmic horror from this plane of existence from their list of reasons to eat, drink and be merry."
>"It's hard to say," says Kanako. She smiles faintly. "The oni and the gods have never really been friends, you understand. I suppose that could be an argument to either join them or outshine them. But it does rather avoid the issue of all the bother that would go into gathering everyone."
>_
-
> "I'd say it's an argument to join them. Part of their celebration is the fall of a great terror, similar to your reasons for celebration."
> "Besides, even if you're not best friends with the oni, they're no denying they know how to throw a great party. Bring up the common ground and I'm sure the oni won't think too hard about letting more party-lovers into the fun. Who knows, with them honoring their dead, some of you might even get a few new followers."
-
> "I'd say it's an argument to join them. Part of their celebration is the fall of a great terror, similar to your reasons for celebration."
> "Besides, even if you're not best friends with the oni, they're no denying they know how to throw a great party. Bring up the common ground and I'm sure the oni won't think too hard about letting more party-lovers into the fun. Who knows, with them honoring their dead, some of you might even get a few new followers."
>Kanako laughs a surprisingly mocking laugh. "Oh, I wouldn't trust an oni's faith, as it were, to last any longer than the trip to the next drink. But that is fine. But I wonder, Reisen, what will you be doing to help me with this?"
>_
-
> "You can use my name if need be. At the very least, Yuugi Hoshiguma knows that I am the one responsible for their terror being no more. I can only speculate that she's told others, though I think it very likely. If you produce my name when asking to join them, I think they'd be more inclined to let you join in."
> "If that is not what you meant, then I ask what you need of me."
-
> "You can use my name if need be. At the very least, Yuugi Hoshiguma knows that I am the one responsible for their terror being no more. I can only speculate that she's told others, though I think it very likely. If you produce my name when asking to join them, I think they'd be more inclined to let you join in."
> "If that is not what you meant, then I ask what you need of me."
>"There would be a few myriads of invitations to send out, I imagine," says Kanako.
>_
-
> "Really? I just kinda assumed the gods had really fast communication with one another, since you're, well, gods. I think I can do that, though. If nothing else, keeping me moving will hopefully keep Yorihime off my tail. Who exactly are you looking to invite?"
-
> "Really? I just kinda assumed the gods had really fast communication with one another, since you're, well, gods. I think I can do that, though. If nothing else, keeping me moving will hopefully keep Yorihime off my tail. Who exactly are you looking to invite?"
>"I thought the problem with Yorihime was that she was after Patchouli, rather than you." Says Kanako. "Regardless, let's start with the major ones first; it would be rude not to begin with them. I'm sure you can find Amaterasu, Ame-no-Koyane, and Susano-O?"
>Sanae gives Kanako a curious look, breaking from her prior polite background attendant's demeanor.
>_
-
> "She's after me as well, but I'm less important to her than Patchouli."
> "I don't know where they are off-hand, but if you give me directions I will do my best. Your shrine maiden doesn't seem to have too much faith in me, though."
-
> "She's after me as well, but I'm less important to her than Patchouli."
> "I don't know where they are off-hand, but if you give me directions I will do my best. Your shrine maiden doesn't seem to have too much faith in me, though."
>Sanae shifts uncomfortably, while Kanako smiles and says, "Don't mind her."
>"But," says Sanae, "none of them live in Gensokyo...do they? And isn't Patchouli in danger?"
>Kanako shakes her head, then looks to you. "It won't be a problem, I hope?"
>_
-
> "Patchouli's in a...rather unique situation right now. From what we can tell, however, she is in no immediate physical danger. Yorihime is only interested in capturing her. Ideally, Patchouli won't be imprisoned for very long before I solve that problem."
> "As for those gods, since they do not live in Gensokyo, how long would it take me to get to them? Yorihime is admittedly a time-sensitive issue."
-
> "Patchouli's in a...rather unique situation right now. From what we can tell, however, she is in no immediate physical danger. Yorihime is only interested in capturing her. Ideally, Patchouli won't be imprisoned for very long before I solve that problem."
> "As for those gods, since they do not live in Gensokyo, how long would it take me to get to them? Yorihime is admittedly a time-sensitive issue."
>"It's hard to gauge time when crossing worlds is concerned," says Kanako. "But if worse comes to worst, I'm sure you'll have no problem retrieving Patchouli from the moon."
>Sanae quirks her lips, but says nothing.
>_
-
> Mentally consider that perhaps our sudden interest in the lake might be related to this.
Or it might not be. Just throwing ideas out there.
-
> "Er, that could be a problem. Given the circumstances surrounding Patchouli's capture and my leaving the Moon in the first place, it would be very difficult indeed to extract her, difficult to the point where I think both myself and Patchouli would be better served if I took Yorihime on right now, as unpleasant as the thought is."
-
> Mentally consider that perhaps our sudden interest in the lake might be related to this.
>You don't have any idea about that. It doesn't seem to be related, but you aren't sure what Kanako is getting at. The lake seems a lot more appealing than the situation you are in right now, though.
> "Er, that could be a problem. Given the circumstances surrounding Patchouli's capture and my leaving the Moon in the first place, it would be very difficult indeed to extract her, difficult to the point where I think both myself and Patchouli would be better served if I took Yorihime on right now, as unpleasant as the thought is."
>"I suppose it is not impossible to arrange for other ways to contact them," says Kanako. "But that does leave a question hanging in regards to your contribution toward this, given I am considering it at your behest."
>_
-
> "Would you like me to go underground and ask the oni myself if this combination shindig is okay by them? I shouldn't have much trouble talking Yuugi into it."
-
> "Would you like me to go underground and ask the oni myself if this combination shindig is okay by them? I shouldn't have much trouble talking Yuugi into it."
>"That may be alright for a start," says Kanako, "But didn't you say that time was of the essence?"
-
> "I have time enough to spare going back down underground, though I'll probably hurry anyway just to be sure. Patchouli has Remilia with her, so capturing her will be no easy task, not even for my former master. Reimu and Byakuren are also on watch. We are preparing for the event that she does get captured, however. My guess is that Yorihime will not immediately return to the moon - she's not nearly desperate enough to snatch her target and flee immediately."
-
> "I have time enough to spare going back down underground, though I'll probably hurry anyway just to be sure. Patchouli has Remilia with her, so capturing her will be no easy task, not even for my former master. Reimu and Byakuren are also on watch. We are preparing for the event that she does get captured, however. My guess is that Yorihime will not immediately return to the moon - she's not nearly desperate enough to snatch her target and flee immediately."
>"If that is the case," says Kanako, "rather than direct assistance, an offering of some kind may be more suited to your abilities?"
>_
-
> Inventory
(Sorry for completely domineering this, but since no one else has interjected with extra dialogue ideas I'm assuming no one else wants to take the mantle up. Once our Kanako conversation finishes I'll have no problem slinking into the background for a while.)
-
> Inventory
>Your Inventory contains:
>Dress Suit w/ Stockings (Wore as clothes)
>Cresent Pin (Worn as accessory)
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (Significantly Expended.)
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (Partially Expended)
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>Pair of Tinted Glasses
>Beautiful Seashell
>Dark Blue Backpack
>Faerie Ribbon
>Bottle of Wind
>625☼
>Red Gem
>Silver Medal (Worn as accessory)
>Candid Friend
>Opal Brooch
>Blue Gem
>Purple Gem
>Dirty Black Feather.
>Heal Plus tm potion
>Green Gem
>Vial of Pollen
>Sealing Talisman Set
>_
-
> Identify feather - that period is suspicious.
> "An offering? I wish you had asked sooner. I had this great 1/60 Scale Valsione model that you would have loved..."
> Say above with a grin, then wipe it off face for what comes next.
> Lower self onto one knee, pull out the Opal Brooch, and extend it toward Kanako.
> "I, Reisen Udongein Inaba, servant of Kaguya Houraisan, apprentice of Eirin Yagokoro, humbly offer my Opal Brooch to Kanako Yasaka, goddess of the sky and goddess of Youkai Mountain, in return for the favor I have selfishly asked of her."
-
> Identify feather - that period is suspicious.
> "An offering? I wish you had asked sooner. I had this great 1/60 Scale Valsione model that you would have loved..."
> Say above with a grin, then wipe it off face for what comes next.
> Lower self onto one knee, pull out the Opal Brooch, and extend it toward Kanako.
> "I, Reisen Udongein Inaba, servant of Kaguya Houraisan, apprentice of Eirin Yagokoro, humbly offer my Opal Brooch to Kanako Yasaka, goddess of the sky and goddess of Youkai Mountain, in return for the favor I have selfishly asked of her."
>Dirty Black Feather
>A black feather with a fair amount of grime on it. It is rather large.
>You quip about the model, drawing a small grin from Kanako.
>You then offer her the Opal Brooch, with as much humility as you can. "You may keep it," she says. "Material goods are not very interesting. Or rather, that material is not very interesting. Take it and trade it for wine. I think you shall do me a favor in turn."
>_
-
(Other people feel free to jump in at any time, I think the worst of this conversation is over.)
> "Do you mean your favor to be my trading the Brooch for wine or something else?"
-
> "So long as you don't send me to fight other Gods or Goddess's, I would have no problem doing a favor or two for you."
> Ponder what sort of favors a Goddess such as Kanako would have for us.
-
(I was afraid I'd screw something up somewhere, since diplomacy isn't a strength of mine.)
> Bug reporting - Bottle of Wind has been smashed and no longer exists
> "Also, what type of wine would you prefer?"
-
I'm a fighter, not a diplomancer. Though I can spin some good words, I'm not very good with knowing what appeals to our beloved touhous.
-
> "Do you mean your favor to be my trading the Brooch for wine or something else?"
>"It would be a start," says Kanako.
> "So long as you don't send me to fight other Gods or Goddess's, I would have no problem doing a favor or two for you."
> Ponder what sort of favors a Goddess such as Kanako would have for us.
>Sanae gives you something of a foul look for a fraction of a moment. "Ah, you don't know me very well if that is the sort of thing you are expecting of me," says Kanako. "But no matter."
>Well, it clearly wasn't that. How awkward...
>"It seems to me that is only fitting the earth mirror the heavens," continues hte goddess, "Do you not agree? If you ask me to hold a celebration for the myriad gods, is it not appropriate that you too host a celebration in turn? It would please me greatly, I think, to feast among the rabbits and see the people of Gensokyo mingle with the people of the Moon."
> Bug reporting - Bottle of Wind has been smashed and no longer exists
> "Also, what type of wine would you prefer?"
>Friend Parser thanks you for your loyalty, citizen.
>"Nothing too sweet," answers Kanako.
>_
-
>"I think we could arrange that. Perhaps even Yorohime can join us after she's been...made to come to her senses. I'll discuss it with master and the princess once we resolve this situation."
-
> Make a mental note to procure a Lunarian beverage from Yorihime if we do manage to subdue her, so that we can repay our debt to Yuyuko
-
>"I think we could arrange that. Perhaps even Yorohime can join us after she's been...made to come to her senses. I'll discuss it with master and the princess once we resolve this situation."
>Kanako nods. "That shall be acceptable."
>She looks to Sanae. "Go procure Suika, if you would. I have a use for her."
>"Of course," says Sanae. She stands, bows, and quickly departs.
> Make a mental note to procure a Lunarian beverage from Yorihime if we do manage to subdue her, so that we can repay our debt to Yuyuko
>Traditionally, the winner serves drinks to the loser, but you think that you could probably make a request after setting her straight.
>_
-
> Recall specifics of rabbit play events: are they festive enough to qualify as feasts, or simply normal theatrical happenings? As normal as Eientei rabbits can get, anyway.
-
> Recall specifics of rabbit play events: are they festive enough to qualify as feasts, or simply normal theatrical happenings? As normal as Eientei rabbits can get, anyway.
>They tend not to be feast events in and of themselves, though they are often added as events alongside feasts. You don't recall any feast preparations from your visits to the kitchens earlier today.
>_
-
> How long do feast preparations normally take? Could the rabbits have something ready for tonight if they were prompted soon?
-
>Usually it takes a few days. The food has to be gathered, and it usually takes most of the day to get it ready. You think things could be hurried along, though, with the proper assistance.
>_
-
> What sort of assistance? Extra bodies in the kitchen?
-
> What sort of assistance? Extra bodies in the kitchen?
>Skilled extra bodies would be a start. And food.
>_
-
> Recall list of people who owe us favors.
> Also consider potential sources of food.
-
> Recall list of people who owe us favors.
> Also consider potential sources of food.
>You are owed favors to varying degrees by:
>Remilia
>Youmu
>Hina
>Letty
>Marisa(?)
>Oni in general.
>You could probably find some stores around the various villages. Alternately, you hear that Scarlet Devil Mansion has an expansive pantry, and likely Hakugyokorou as well is the stories of Yuyuko's gourmet inclinations hold any truth.
>_
-
Alright, I think that will work.
> "Okay, I have an idea, as long as I am here. Eientei's rabbits are holding a play tonight. While we did not have a banquet planned in conjunction with this theatrical performance, with a little bit of luck and the princess's permission, we could try to set up an impromptu feast to follow it. All of the Moriya Shrine is invited, of course. Would this interest you?"
> Do we actually have one of Koakuma's buttons or did we walk away from the SDM without grabbing one?
-
>"That sounds splendid," says Kanako. "If you could arrange to display some of those Lunarian artifacts again, that would be perfect."
>We will say for the sake of argument that you do have it, if only because Patchouli would probably hit you with a chair if you tried to leave without it.
-
> "I will talk to the princess to see if that can be arranged. Who knows, perhaps Yorihime and her rabbit crew will also be able to donate to such a cause."
> "If that is all you require of me, I will take my leave to begin preparations. This is suddenly a very busy day. Again, I am deeply grateful for the consideration you have given my selfish request."
> Bow to Kanako and make to leave.
-
> "I will talk to the princess to see if that can be arranged. Who knows, perhaps Yorihime and her rabbit crew will also be able to donate to such a cause."
> "If that is all you require of me, I will take my leave to begin preparations. This is suddenly a very busy day. Again, I am deeply grateful for the consideration you have given my selfish request."
> Bow to Kanako and make to leave.
>"Of course," says Kanako. "As for my task, you'll know when they have been truly set into motion. May your efforts not be without reward, Reisen."
>You take your leave of Kanako and exit the Moriya Shrine. Suwako is still sitting on the roof. "Nice work," she says, grinning down toward you darkly. "Now go give those Lunarians a few more problems for me."
>_
-
> "You know it."
> Gunwink Suwako
> Whisper "Hey, Patchouli, are you still safe?" into Koakuma's button.
-
> Whisper "Hey, Patchouli, are you still safe?" into Koakuma's button.
> On second though, don't do this. Listen into the button first.
-
> "You know it."
> Gunwink Suwako
> Whisper "Hey, Patchouli, are you still safe?" into Koakuma's button.
> On second though, don't do this. Listen into the button first.
>Suwako replies with a lazy fingergun of her own. Then she leaps from the roof and walks into the shrine.
>You take the button out, and can hear some garbled sounds coming from it. Holding it up to your ear, you can distinguish the sounds of a lot of a lot of danmaku flying around, shouting, and...what sounds like a small crowd cheering.
>_
-
> Continue listening, moving toward a quieter location as we do so.
-
> Continue listening, moving toward a quieter location as we do so.
>The Shrine's grounds are rather quiet, but you move toward the far edge of them to minimize the sounds coming from tengu town.
>You here what sounds like a sudden rush of roaring flame, and Remilia crying out in mingled pain and anger, then shouting, "Oh that's it!"
>Following this is Patchouli crying, "Go higher! Now!" followed by another cry from Remilia, and more cheering.
>_
-
> "Crap."
> Head for Eientei. We need to get these errands done NOW.
-
Okay SO
Plans for this impromptu feast:
- Head to Eientei, get Kaguya's permission to actually do this, let the other rabbits know
- Head to Hakugyokurou, invite residents, enlist Youmu's help in the kitchen (with foodstuffs if possible)
- Head back to the SDM, invite as many residents as will come, enlist Sakuya's help in the kitchen (with foodstuffs if possible) by playing our Remi Favor card
- Optional assistance: head back underground, talk to Yuugi, see if there are spare foodstuffs the oni can lend to Eientei
-
> "Crap."
> Head for Eientei. We need to get these errands done NOW.
>You hurry toward Eientei.
>Thankfully, the mountainside remains peaceful, and you don't encounter any particular problems moving through the forest of magic.
>As you work your way through the Bamboo Forest, you start to catch bits of sounds from up ahead, shouting that you can't quite make out and danmaku fire.
>_
-
> "Double crap."
> Keep going.
-
> "Double crap."
> Keep going.
>You keep going.
>Though the bamboo you periodically get glimpses of crimson danmaku flying into the sky. The noises become easier to distinguish, though adding clarity to random shouts and the like doesn't tell you much more.
>You can see Mokou up ahead, sitting on large rock and peering through the bamboo. Glimpses of light and the closeness of the sounds suggest that the fight ahead is very close by.
>_
-
> Try to keep our voice down.
> "Hey, Mokou, what's going on over there?"
-
> Try to keep our voice down.
> "Hey, Mokou, what's going on over there?"
>You approach Mokou, you looks back at you as you do. She gives you a momentary appraising look, then shrugs and returns her attention to the spectacle ahead.
>She doesn't look at you as you ask your question, nor does she as she says, "Not all that sure. The vampire's having a tangle with some purple-haired girl. And getting her ass beat, too. There's a bunch of rabbits with Purple Hair, got suits like yours."
>_
-
> "What, shit, already? How long has this been going on?"
-
> Fill Mokou in on the situation.
-
> "What, shit, already? How long has this been going on?"
>"Little bit," says Mokou. She shrugs. "I'm guessing the vampire came after 'em; looks like the rabbits were just going to visit up your way. But I didn't get here til the fireworks started."
> Fill Mokou in on the situation.
>You give Mokou a summarized account of the situation.
>"Huh," she says. "Good luck with that."
>_
-
> "Hah... This is a really bad situation..."
-
> "Hah... This is a really bad situation..."
>"Yeah, they tell me that's what happens when you get the vampire involved," says Mokou. "What're you gonna do, though?"
>_
-
> "Well I was hoping to ask the Princess for a favor before THIS happened..."
> Can we get in unnoticed through the back?
-
> "Well I was hoping to ask the Princess for a favor before THIS happened..."
> Can we get in unnoticed through the back?
>Mokou nods, saying nothing.
>You could probably go around, if you gave the battlefield a wide enough berth. It seems that everyone's attention is likely focused on the fight itself.
>_
-
> "I gotta go okay? Try not to get hurt."
> Give the battlefield a wide berth and head for the back.
-
> "I gotta go okay? Try not to get hurt."
> Give the battlefield a wide berth and head for the back.
>You take a wide detour around the battlefield, and manage to circumvent it successfully and return to the path to Eientei. If nothing else, Remilia was a good distraction.
>_
-
> Head for the back if the coast is clear.
-
> Head for the back if the coast is clear.
>The back of what, precisely? Either way, it doesn't seem anyone has seen you.
>_
-
> Head for the back of Eientei.
-
> Head for the back of Eientei.
>You continue to make your way through the Bamboo Forest and soon each Eientei, leaving the battle behind. You make your way through the front gates, passing by the rabbits on cleaning duty there, go through the courtyard, where a few rabbits are gathered and chattering among themsleves, and reach the rear parts of the Eientei.
>You stand at the intersection of two hallways, heading in the four cardinal directions. A few rabbits are busy sweeping the northern hall. Obvious exits are North, South, East, and West.
>_
-
> Look for Kaguya.
-
> Look for Kaguya.
>You have to poke around a bit to find her. Thankfully, you can eliminate a lot of places pretty quickly; you know she's had her bath today, and she tends not to linger around the kitchen often. Soon you find her in a sitting room in the southern wing of the manor.
>You are in a simply appointed sitting room. The rice paper walls are decorated with simple ink paintings of autumn leaves twirling in the wind, while several chairs and stools allow for a modest amount of company. Kaguya is here alone, reading a scroll. Looking up at you as she enters, she says, "Ah, Reisen. I've been wanting to talk with you."
>_
-
> "Oh good, I've been wanting to talk to you as well, Your Highness. But please, you go first."
-
> "Oh good, I've been wanting to talk to you as well, Your Highness. But please, you go first."
>She nods. "I understand that you've become involved with Eirin. Is that so?"
>_
-
> そーなのかー
> "I don't know if what I've done qualifies as succeeding, but I've certainly tried."
-
> そーなのかー
> "I don't know if what I've done qualifies as succeeding, but I've certainly tried."
>You shouldn't speak Moon while on Gensokyo, even if it's just among other people from there. It makes you seem suspicious.
>She nods, then smiles. "I thought so. Eirin's quite easy to read sometimes. I just wanted you to know that despite whatever misgivings she might have, the two of you have my full blessing. She knows that as well, but she can be a little silly about those things sometimes."
>_
-
> Bow deeply to show gratitude.
> "That you very much, your Highness!"
-
> Should we tell her about the current situation regarding Yorihime?
-
> Not until she prompts us.
-
> Bow deeply to show gratitude.
> "That you very much, your Highness!"
>She waves her hand, still smiling, "No need for such words. Only a fool believes she can rule her subjects' hearts. I will warn you that Eirin can be quite clingy and a little prone to grumbling at times. It comes from making herself be so dependable all the time; when she can get a break in private, she'll take it."
>She pauses for a moment, then taps a fingertip to the side of her lips "That'll stay between us, I think."
> Should we tell her about the current situation regarding Yorihime?
> Not until she prompts us.
>You decide to be polite about the issue at hand.
>"Also, I see you're dabbling into artifacts now. I trust there have been no issues?"
>_
-
> "Only very minor ones, and they have been handily dealt with. I suspect they will never amount to any significance. The time I have spent with Master Eirin has actually helped that a lot."
-
> "Only very minor ones, and they have been handily dealt with. I suspect they will never amount to any significance. The time I have spent with Master Eirin has actually helped that a lot."
>She nods. "That is good. I would worry if you tread too closely to the path that Eirin and I have chosen without reason."
>_
-
> "I appreciate your concern. With all due respect, I rather like me as I am, so I do not expect to see myself stray from that."
-
> "I appreciate your concern. With all due respect, I rather like me as I am, so I do not expect to see myself stray from that."
>Kaguya smiles.
>"You wished to ask something of me?"
-
> "Yes, but I must check something very quickly before I ask. I apologize for my rudeness."
> Listen to button again to check in on the battle.
-
> Should we mention the little fight that was happening in the forest? After checking the button of course.
> If Kaguya asks about the button, lets give her a simple explanation, "It's a crude 2-way communicator" for example.
-
> "Yes, but I must check something very quickly before I ask. I apologize for my rudeness."
> Listen to button again to check in on the battle.
>She raises an eyebrow, but nods once.
>You listen to the button, and can hear Remilia cursing very floridly. He voice sounds pretty ragged, leaving you to wonder how much fight she has left in her.
> Should we mention the little fight that was happening in the forest? After checking the button of course.
> If Kaguya asks about the button, lets give her a simple explanation, "It's a crude 2-way communicator" for example.
>You suspect Kaguya would probably like to know. Though you are not sure if it would be wise to tell her; she can be impulsive sometimes. But, you don't think she would get personally involved, if the things that Eirin said ring true.
>She hasn't asked, but she's clearly curious.
>_
-
> "Hmm, that's not good, but it seems I still have some time."
> "All right, your Highness, this is going to sound oddly disjointed at first, but I have two things to talk about. The first is to ask whether or not you are aware of the brawl outside."
-
> "Hmm, that's not good, but it seems I still have some time."
> "All right, your Highness, this is going to sound oddly disjointed at first, but I have two things to talk about. The first is to ask whether or not you are aware of the brawl outside."
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
> "Okay, well. That's a fight between Remilia Scarlet and...Watatsuki no Yorihime. Yorihime is here to arrest and imprison Patchouli Knowledge regarding events that happened during the sun incident related to a cosmic horror. I have talked the situation over with Master Eirin, and while I understand that neither she nor you will interfere with Yorihime, I don't have the bureaucratic ties you have, and I believe Yorihime's actions to be sufficiently unjust that I've decided to help Patchouli."
-
> "Okay, well. That's a fight between Remilia Scarlet and...Watatsuki no Yorihime. Yorihime is here to arrest and imprison Patchouli Knowledge regarding events that happened during the sun incident related to a cosmic horror. I have talked the situation over with Master Eirin, and while I understand that neither she nor you will interfere with Yorihime, I don't have the bureaucratic ties you have, and I believe Yorihime's actions to be sufficiently unjust that I've decided to help Patchouli."
> Do we know for certain it was Yorihime? I know it couldn't be anyone but her, but would reisen know for sure it was Yorihime?
-
> I think Mokou gave a positive ID that it was Yorihime.
-
> "Okay, well. That's a fight between Remilia Scarlet and...Watatsuki no Yorihime. Yorihime is here to arrest and imprison Patchouli Knowledge regarding events that happened during the sun incident related to a cosmic horror. I have talked the situation over with Master Eirin, and while I understand that neither she nor you will interfere with Yorihime, I don't have the bureaucratic ties you have, and I believe Yorihime's actions to be sufficiently unjust that I've decided to help Patchouli."
>"Ah, she's made her move," says Kaguya. "I expected we would have a few more months." She chuckles. "Unfortunately, I am unable to sanction any act that you make, should you not succeed. But I am certain you understand that. I have no doubt you are aware of how difficult it will be, so there will be no need to lecture there. I would ask that you be gentle with her if you get the upper hand."
> Do we know for certain it was Yorihime? I know it couldn't be anyone but her, but would reisen know for sure it was Yorihime?
> I think Mokou gave a positive ID that it was Yorihime.
>You pretty sure it is from Mokou's description.
>_
-
> "I understand what I'm putting at risk here, but I still feel this to be the right course of action."
> "This actually brings me to the second thing I wanted to talk about. Throughout the course of today, I have invited several people to this evening's rabbit theatrics, and most of them have expressed interest in attending, including the goddesses of the Moriya Shrine. With your permission, assuming I am able to procure the necessary womanpower and supplies, I would like to turn tonight into something more festive for our guests - perhaps a feast on top of the rabbit performance."
-
> "With all due respect, this is Yorihime we are talking about here. From what I have heard, she fended off multiple of Gensokyo's strongest and even blocked the ever infamous Master Spark. Against an opponent like that, I am in serious trouble, but if I do start gaining an advatage, somehow, I won't kill her since that would probably only make things worse."
-
> "I understand what I'm putting at risk here, but I still feel this to be the right course of action."
> "This actually brings me to the second thing I wanted to talk about. Throughout the course of today, I have invited several people to this evening's rabbit theatrics, and most of them have expressed interest in attending, including the goddesses of the Moriya Shrine. With your permission, assuming I am able to procure the necessary womanpower and supplies, I would like to turn tonight into something more festive for our guests - perhaps a feast on top of the rabbit performance."
>She nods in response to affirming the righteousness of your cause.
>You outline your plans for tonight's performance. "How sudden," says Kaguya. "I was not aware that they would have an interest in rogues like us. It would be unthinkable to cancel, if you already made arrangements. But I shall expect you to treat our guests in a manner that will not embarrass us."
> "With all due respect, this is Yorihime we are talking about here. From what I have heard, she fended off multiple of Gensokyo's strongest and even blocked the ever infamous Master Spark. Against an opponent like that, I am in serious trouble, but if I do start gaining an advatage, somehow, I won't kill her since that would probably only make things worse."
>"You shall do much less worse than that," says Kaguya. "We cannot appear as savages before our neighbors, let alone the capital. I shall expect you to carry yourself with as much dignity as you would were you not in exile."
>_
>_
-
> "With all due respect, this is Yorihime we are talking about here. From what I have heard, she fended off multiple of Gensokyo's strongest and even blocked the ever infamous Master Spark. Against an opponent like that, I am in serious trouble, but if I do start gaining an advatage, somehow, I won't kill her since that would probably only make things worse."
"I'm honored that you think so highly of me, your Highness; getting the upper hand on Yorihime could be exceptionally difficult. But don't worry for her: I have had good experiences with her in the past as well, and would rather not see her seriously hurt, even if I don't like what she's doing right now."
={
>Is Kanako asking for the feast later in exchange for her help now, or to serve as the distraction for the other gods, meaning it needs to be set up ASAP before Yorihime levels the place?
-
"I'm honored that you think so highly of me, your Highness; getting the upper hand on Yorihime could be exceptionally difficult. But don't worry for her: I have had good experiences with her in the past as well, and would rather not see her seriously hurt, even if I don't like what she's doing right now."
={
>Is Kanako asking for the feast later in exchange for her help now, or to serve as the distraction for the other gods, meaning it needs to be set up ASAP before Yorihime levels the place?
>It is meant to be an additional feast, as you understand it. You probably could deal with other matters first, but you won't have too much time to spare.
>_
-
> "Kanako Yasaka, in particular, was quite interested. She made a specific request for another Lunarian artifact viewing, as it seems she enjoys them very much. Do we have something we can set up in that regard?"
-
> "Kanako Yasaka, in particular, was quite interested. She made a specific request for another Lunarian artifact viewing, as it seems she enjoys them very much. Do we have something we can set up in that regard?"
>"I suppose something could be arranged," says Kaguya. "It won't be anything impressive, but since this is her first time, hopefully it will do."
>_
-
> "Excellent. Shall I inform the rabbits of the change to tonight's plans? Truth be told, they're more likely to pay attention to you, but I am still ready and willing to do it."
-
> "Excellent. Now then, shall I inform the rabbits of the change to tonight's plans? Truth be told, they're more like to pay attention to you, but I am still ready and willing to do it."
>"I would like to know how you intend to do it, first." Says Kaguya.
-
>guns blazing and fists punching
>"ALRIGHT YOU PRIMITIVE SCREWHEADS, LISTEN UP"
>Tewi would be effective, but convincing her would probably be a nightmare. Unless we offered to let her tape us making out with Eirin
-
> Trying not to break it, grip Koakuma's button in our fist so sound going into it becomes muffled.
> "I plan on enlisting the help of the Scarlet Devil Mansion and Hakugyokurou, as both are rather indebted to me. Sakuya and Youmu would be very helpful in the kitchens, and both households should be able to donate supplies as well. In addition, I believe the oni may be willing to donate supplies, as they are in the midst of their own celebrations, and they are also indebted to me."
-
>Or have we heard Sakuya participating in the brawl?
-
> Patchouli only said Remilia was going to accompany her. Besides, it seems very unlikely that they'd leave the house to Meiling and Flandre.
-
> Trying not to break it, grip Koakuma's button in our fist so sound going into it becomes muffled.
> "I plan on enlisting the help of the Scarlet Devil Mansion and Hakugyokurou, as both are rather indebted to me. Sakuya and Youmu would be very helpful in the kitchens, and both households should be able to donate supplies as well. In addition, I believe the oni may be willing to donate supplies, as they are in the midst of their own celebrations, and they are also indebted to me."
>You cover the Enchanted Button with your palm, and explain the gist of your plan.
>"Oh, it'll be quite busy then," says Kaguya. "I suppose as long as they behave themselves, it shouldn't be a problem to allow them help. I am a little wary about the oni, but I expect you'll use your best judgment there. In the meantime, I'll see what artifacts we can set out for people to enjoy."
>Or have we heard Sakuya participating in the brawl?
> Patchouli only said Remilia was going to accompany her. Besides, it seems very unlikely that they'd leave the house to Meiling and Flandre.
>Or leave Eirin there with only Koakuma to stop her if she got any ideas. You are quite certain Sakuya is minding the Mansion.
>_
-
>AND it'd give Eirin something to do to help so she doesn't get any ideas. Sounds like a good priority to make, then.
>"Since time's a bit short for preparing, I think I'll take my leave now to gather help preparing the feast. Thank you for all your support, Princess."
-
> "Ah! One other thing slipped my mind until just now."
> Humbly present the Beautiful Seashell to Kaguya.
> "I saw this earlier today. It reminded me of you, being a cowrie shell. I've been meaning to give it to you since acquiring it, but things kept happening, and, well. Regardless, please accept it, along with my gratitude for all that you have done for me."
-
>consider whether the moment is right to complete huggling quest
-
>AND it'd give Eirin something to do to help so she doesn't get any ideas. Sounds like a good priority to make, then.
>"Since time's a bit short for preparing, I think I'll take my leave now to gather help preparing the feast. Thank you for all your support, Princess."
>She nods.
> "Ah! One other thing slipped my mind until just now."
> Humbly present the Beautiful Seashell to Kaguya.
> "I saw this earlier today. It reminded me of you, being a cowrie shell. I've been meaning to give it to you since acquiring it, but things kept happening, and, well. Regardless, please accept it, along with my gratitude for all that you have done for me."
>You present Kaguya with the Beautiful Seashell. She takes it and examines it curiously. "My. If I didn't know any better, I would be forced to ask how you stole this from me. It's quite a lovely replica. I daresay it the work of some skilled craftswoman at the Capital. The thought is greatly appreciated, Reisen."
>consider whether the moment is right to complete huggling quest
>You already did this. But you could probably make sure if you like.
>_
-
>smile and curtsy
>head out to the SDM via the same stealth route we came in, give Mokou a non-threatening wave on the way if encountered
-
>smile and curtsy
>head out to the SDM via the same stealth route we came in, give Mokou a non-threatening wave on the way if encountered
>You smile and curtsy. Kaguya gives you an acknowledging nod, and her implicit permission to leave.
>You leave the sitting room and Eientei, giving the battle in the Bamboo Forest a wide berth. You notice that the stray danmaku coming from that site is no longer purely red. You see Mokou and wave at her, but she doesn't seem to notice you for watching the fight.
>You make your way through the Forest of Magic and around the lake without any issues. It's hard not to stop and contemplate the lake's icy surface, but the situation is severe enough that you can ignore the urge without difficulty.
>As you approach the gates of Scarlet Devil Mansion, the wolf notes your presence, and seems bemused by your coming from the opposite direction that you left him. Still, he remains at that spot as you pass by.
>You arrive at the gates of Scarlet Devil Mansion. Sakuya and Meiling are here, talking among themselves. They both look over toward you as you approach. "Forget something?" Meiling asks.
>_
-
> Tell Sakuya the situation and ask if she would be willing to supply some of the food.
-
>To be clear, we are setting up the dinner now because we are waiting for Kanako to generate her own feast, and we will know when that is, right?
-
> Tell Sakuya the situation and ask if she would be willing to supply some of the food.
>You tell Sakuya the situation involving the feasts and Yorihime. She frowns, then says, "I suppose we may be able to do a little something. The situation is a bit dire as it stands, but I guess it should be alright to at least loan you a few of the maids right now. Mistress did say that you were to receive the best treatment we could give, so I guess if it's just food you want, that shouldn't be an issue. Especially given the circumstances. When things calm down, if Mistress allows, I may attend to it myself. Will that be fine?"
>"Can we come?" asks Meiling.
>To be clear, we are setting up the dinner now because we are waiting for Kanako to generate her own feast, and we will know when that is, right?
>Kanako said you would know when she had fulfilled her part of the deal. What you do until then while Remilia and Patchouli are getting beaten up by Yorihime is tied into your own desires.
>_
>_
-
> "It shouldn't be a problem at all for you two to attend."
-
> "It shouldn't be a problem at all for you two to attend."
>Meiling pumps her fist. "Yes!"
>"Meiling, you do realize that-" Sakuya starts
>"Don't even say it, Sakuya," says Meiling, fixing a look on the maid. "Don't take this away from me. I never get invited to anything."
>Sakuya sighs and shakes her head. "You're such a little kid, you know that?" she says.
>_
-
> "When would you be willing to spare the maids needed?"
-
> "When would you be willing to spare the maids needed?"
>"I can send some of them now," says Sakuya. "They really wouldn't be all that useful in stopping any serious Lunarian offensive as it stands aside from sounding an alarm, so the loss is negligible."
>_
-
> "Well in all honesty I wasn't planning them to face the Lunarians anyway, but it is greatly appreciated."
> Once the maids are ready with any supplies for the feast, lead them to Eientei.
-
> "Well in all honesty I wasn't planning them to face the Lunarians anyway, but it is greatly appreciated."
> Once the maids are ready with any supplies for the feast, lead them to Eientei.
>Sakuya nods. "I meant in the defense of the mansion, should it come to that. I would hope you wouldn't lead them into battle."
>She disappears into the mansion. "Y'know," Meiling says, "It's not like her to be this worried. Then again, that woman did take out the boss, so I guess it's to be expected."
>After a few minutes, Sakuya returns with a dozen or so maids following her, carrying baskets with various foodstuffs and chattering excitedly among themselves. "They should be sufficient for starting you out," says Sakuya. "When matters calm down, I should be able to bring more."
>You begin to lead the maid troop toward Eientei. As you start to traverse the Bamboo Forest, you realize that it is going to be much trickier to sneak around with a dozen talkative and burdened maids who aren't used to moving through bamboo without causing undue noise than it was by yourself.
>_
-
> In an effort to quiet them down tell them that there is a potentially lethal battle happening that we must avoid at all costs.
> Listen into the button.
> Head onwards.
-
> In an effort to quiet them down tell them that there is a potentially lethal battle happening that we must avoid at all costs.
> Listen into the button.
> Head onwards.
>You tell them there is a terrible battle going on up ahead. That certainly quiets them down, replacing their previous gaiety with a quiet tension and fear. It helps make them less obvious, but it does little to silence their inexperienced bumbling through the dead bamboo.
>You listen to the button. You hear the sound of a lot of cloth swishing about, and Patchouli breathing heavily, with the sound of electrical crackles and rushing wind in the background.
>You proceed onwards, and soon come to the rock that Mokou has chosen for her spectating. She looks back at you and screws up her face. "What the fuck?"
>_
-
> "Don't mind us. Just passing through."
-
> "Don't mind us. Just passing through."
>Mokou shrugs. "Okay. Knock yourself out."
>_
-
> Use the long away around to get to Eientei.
-
> Use the long away around to get to Eientei.
>You start to circumvent the battlefield again. The maids do their best to keep quiet, but it is still like a stampede to your ears.
>You are about halfway around the battlefield when you hear someone approaching from the battlefield's the direction. No, several someones.
>_
-
>You start to circumvent the battlefield again. The maids do their best to keep quiet, but it is still like a stampede to your ears.
>You are about halfway around the battlefield when you hear someone approaching from the battlefield's the direction. No, several someones.
>_
>Try and make out who they are.
-
>Try and make out who they are.
>You aren't able to see them through the bamboo yet, but you are pretty sure you can guess who it is.
>_
-
> If possible, get the maids to get a move on. Or even better, if it doesn't make as much noise, get them to fly. They are fairies correct?
-
>You are pretty certain you could tell them to hustle. Burdened as they are, flying isn't really an option.
>Yes, they are faeries, though they seem to be less outright daffy than most.
>_
-
> How likely are the maids to get into Eientei unsupervised? Would they be stopped and questioned by the rabbits, or would dropping our name be good enough to get them to Kaguya?
-
> How likely are the maids to get into Eientei unsupervised? Would they be stopped and questioned by the rabbits, or would dropping our name be good enough to get them to Kaguya?
>You aren't sure if they're expected or not by the people in front. Kaguya should be expecting them herself. However, them getting there through the forest is not a certain thing by any means.
>_
-
> Damn, forgot about that.
> Nothing else for it. Keep herding the fairy maids toward Eientei, perpendicular to the battlefield (and thus not toward the people coming our way).
-
> Damn, forgot about that.
> Nothing else for it. Keep herding the fairy maids toward Eientei, perpendicular to the battlefield (and thus not toward the people coming our way).
>You keep marching, taking a wider yet path and trying not to approach the oncoming people. The maids stay quiet, though you can read the unease on their faces easy enough when you glance back at them.
>You manage to gain a little distance before you hear them catch up. "Who goes there?" calls one of them in a strong voice. A couple of the maids cry out, and a few of them start to run. Looking back, you see five moon rabbits, with their helmets and standard issue rifles in hand, have come up behind your group.
>_
-
> Blind 'em with LIIIIIIIIIIIGHT.
-
> Blind 'em with LIIIIIIIIIIIGHT.
>You are rather far away to do this, and will take a few moments to charge.
>"Hold it!" shouts one of the rabbits as she levels her rifle at your group.
>"Look, it's Reisen!" says another, pointing at you.
>_
-
> Assess danger of rifles from prior knowledge of them.
-
> Use the Force gem if in range.
> If not in range, get close and blind them.
-
> Assess danger of rifles from prior knowledge of them.
>They are about as dangerous as one can expect of firearms. As well, they have long bayonets on them, should they have to deal with a foe in close quarters.
> Use the Force gem if in range.
> If not in range, get close and blind them.
>You turn the force gem on them, unleashing a swift and powerful stream of bullets on them before they can do much more than shout. The bullets cut through three of them pretty quickly, sending flying back a couple yards and landing sprawled in the bamboo. A quick sweep catches a fourth rabbit before she can take proper aim at you. The fifth rabbit ducks under the and aims her rifle at you.
>The maids scream and panic, some throwing themselves onto the ground and starting to run in various directions.
>_
-
> Quick time-stopped check: Are our sunglasses on?
-
> Quick time-stopped check: Are our sunglasses on?
>Yes.
>_
-
Great.
> Dodge to the side, toward whichever of the rabbit's hands is the balance hand and not the trigger hand. Keep firing Force shots at them.
-
Great.
> Dodge to the side, toward whichever of the rabbit's hands is the balance hand and not the trigger hand. Keep firing Force shots at them.
>You dive aside, as the rifle cracks. The rabbit, having aimed and steadied herself, is in no position to dodge you and staggers back a good couple yards from the Purple Gem's shots before going down.
>_
-
Awesome, we're in the Matrix.
> Assess the physical condition of the rabbit soldiers. If they are sufficiently incapacitated from our shots, confiscate their rifles.
-
Awesome, we're in the Matrix.
> Assess the physical condition of the rabbit soldiers. If they are sufficiently incapacitated from our shots, confiscate their rifles.
>They don't seem to be in too bad a shape. A couple are groaning, the rest seem to be unconscious.
>You obtain: 5 Lunarian Rifles.
>Your hands are now very full; it will be difficult to make agile motions.
>"Is it safe?" asks one of the seven maids who haven't run off. You can hear more people approaching from the direction of the battlefield; at a fairly quick pace.
>_
-
> If any of the maids have available hands, given the the rifles. Otherwise, throw them away, preferably away from the defeated rabbits.
> "Not yet. If you can't find your way to Eientei on your own, I'd suggest simply hiding until this situation has been dealt with. See if you can gather your friends together again, you don't want to get lost."
-
> If any of the maids have available hands, given the the rifles. Otherwise, throw them away, preferably away from the defeated rabbits.
> "Not yet. If you can't find your way to Eientei on your own, I'd suggest simply hiding until this situation has been dealt with. See if you can gather your friends together again, you don't want to get lost."
>Two of the maids are lightly burdened enough that they can carry a rifle. They both look at the weapons curiously. One of them stares down the barrel. You toss the the rifles aside.
>"Um, we'll try," says the maid. "But I think we're already pretty lost." The others nod in agreement.
-
>"Nonsense! Were not lost yet." Try to gather morale.
-
>"Nonsense! Were not lost yet." Try to gather morale.
>"Maybe you're not," says one rifle carrying maids. "But we don't have a clue which way to go..."
>The sound of oncoming people is getting fairly close. The maids are starting to shy away from that direction.
>_
-
> "Everyone here come with me."
> Quickly direct the available maids toward Eientei.
-
> "Everyone here come with me."
> Quickly direct the available maids toward Eientei.
>You try to give them directions, which consist of going through the places with less thick bamboo and what rocks to look out for; as using large stones for landmarks are the easiest way to navigate through the shifting forest.
>"Okay, I think I got it," says one of maids.
>_
-
> "Okay. Take the maids with you and lead them to Eientei. I'll get there as soon as possible. PLEASE don't get lost."
-
> "Okay. Take the maids with you and lead them to Eientei. I'll get there as soon as possible. PLEASE don't get lost."
>"We'll try not to," says the maid, as the seven of them rush off.
>"Hands up!" cries a voice from nearby, as several rabbits emerge from the bamboo, training their rifles on you. They don't seem to care much about the maids escaping, though a couple of the rabbits look their way curiously.
>_
-
> Take off sunglasses.
> "You know... You grunts from the Lunarian forces are rather predictable."
> Hit them with the red gem.
> Examine green gem.
-
> Take off sunglasses.
> "You know... You grunts from the Lunarian forces are rather predictable."
> Hit them with the red gem.
> Examine green gem.
>You take off your sunglasses. "Hey! Hold still!" shouts the rabbit.
>Then unleash a wave of fire from the Red Gem. They are a bit far away to really feel its effects, but it is enough to force them to fall back, and a few to shoot wildly in the process. It also ignites some of the dry, dead bamboo around you.
>Green Gem
>A gem shaped like a triangular pyramid. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to attraction, and can impart attraction qualities to your attacks and the other gems.
>_
-
> So the green gem can act as a homing device for the other gems?
> Put sunglasses on.
> If they're having trouble trying to get back to us head for Eientei.
-
> So the green gem can act as a homing device for the other gems?
> Put sunglasses on.
> If they're having trouble trying to get back to us head for Eientei.
>You've not tired it yet, but you feel that is what it can do.
>You replace the Pair of Dark Glasses.
>The moon rabbits are quickly regrouping, and trying to keep away from the burning bamboo. You don't know if it's wise to turn your back to them yet. You estimate there are about eleven of them.
>_
-
> "I have no quarel with you, please do not put me into a position that will force me to fight any further. You know who I am, you know how powerful I was back then, but I am even stronger now. Please retreat whilst you still can."
> When the Green Gem imparts attraction to attacks, that basicly means that they home in and that things are drawn to them, like a magnet. Correct?
-
> "I have no quarel with you, please do not put me into a position that will force me to fight any further. You know who I am, you know how powerful I was back then, but I am even stronger now. Please retreat whilst you still can."
> When the Green Gem imparts attraction to attacks, that basicly means that they home in and that things are drawn to them, like a magnet. Correct?
>"Then you should just give up!" says one of the rabbits. You can tell her heart isn't in it, but she puts up a good show. Regardless, they are regrouping, a few are are training their weapons on you.
>You are pretty certain this will be an effect it imparts.
-
> "I can't give up, I have far to many things to do. A large feast, a play, and saving a friend of mine from Yorihime. I do not wish to harm any of your, my kin... but if I must then I will."
> Prepare the gems to attack the rabbits, but with attacks that shouldn't hit vitals. Do not actually attack though, wait for them to attack us.
-
> "I can't give up, I have far to many things to do. A large feast, a play, and saving a friend of mine from Yorihime. I do not wish to harm any of your, my kin... but if I must then I will."
> Prepare the gems to attack the rabbits, but with attacks that shouldn't hit vitals. Do not actually attack though, wait for them to attack us.
>You make try to reason with the rabbits, while quietly preparing the gems to attack. "Well, there's nothing you can do about that witch anyways!" says the speaker. "Just surrender, and you'll be okay once we're done here. Then you can feast and whatever, okay?"
>Will you be using all of the gems?
>You probably got lucky the last time. You aren't sure if you can dodge again after they had time to steady to and aim.
>The fire you started is beginning to spread. A couple of the rabbits closest to it are looking that way nervously.
>_
-
> "I have no intention of letting you take Patchouli away, now stand down immediatly or I will be forced to attack you. I'm trying to be nice, I'm giving you time to run away and escape the forest, to escape the fire."
> All gems on the ready, but be careful with the Red Gem.
> "Thank you though for your kindness, your offer to let me avoid fighting by way of me giving up. I won't surrender, but thank you for your offer."
> 11 grunts with no clue what we can do, should be easy if we avoid that first attack of theirs.
-
> "I have no intention of letting you take Patchouli away, now stand down immediatly or I will be forced to attack you. I'm trying to be nice, I'm giving you time to run away and escape the forest, to escape the fire."
> All gems on the ready, but be careful with the Red Gem.
> "Thank you though for your kindness, your offer to let me avoid fighting by way of me giving up. I won't surrender, but thank you for your offer."
> 11 grunts with no clue what we can do, should be easy if we avoid that first attack of theirs.
>"I think we have probable cause for escape," says one of the rabbits close to the blaze.
>You've learned your lesson with the Red Gem, at least for the time being, and resolve to make special effort to keep the fire from spreading worse.
>It's clear the commander is conflicted now. You get the feeling she never actually expected to pin you down, and knows there's more to you than meets the eye. Still, you're in deep trouble if they shoot first. "Withdraw," she says at length, "We've got no time for a prolonged fight here."
>The rabbits start to slink away, many visibly relieved and some moving to grab their fallen companions.
>The fire is still spreading. It's starting to get uncomfortably smoky here.
-
> Attempt to change the Red Gem's function so that it absorbs fire. Sort of like how we changed the Blue Gem's function.
> If this is not possible, go find Mokou.
-
> Attempt to change the Red Gem's function so that it absorbs fire. Sort of like how we changed the Blue Gem's function.
> If this is not possible, go find Mokou.
>You try to tinker with the Red Gem's functions, and find that it's not able to absorb flames.
>You head back, and find Mokou still watching the fight. One of the maids who ran off is there with her; she watches you with some trepidation.
>_
-
> Turn to the maid.
> "Those soldiers decided to withdraw. Things are okay now. Your friends are on their way to Eientei, and I plan to head there myself. You might want to come with me."
> Turn to Mokou.
> "Um, Mokou, I need some help. Some of the bamboo has caught on fire."
-
> Turn to the maid.
> "Those soldiers decided to withdraw. Things are okay now. Your friends are on their way to Eientei, and I plan to head there myself. You might want to come with me."
> Turn to Mokou.
> "Um, Mokou, I need some help. Some of the bamboo has caught on fire."
>The maid nods, relaxing herself a little. "Y-you're not mad, right?"
>"What?" says Mokou, "Shit. What'd those dumbass rabbits do that for? It is spreading?"
>_
-
> Back to the maid.
> "I'm not mad, no. I imagine you're not as trained for combat as they are."
> Now back at Mokou.
> Now back at the maid.
> We're on a horse.
> "It's still fairly small, but it seems intent on spreading once it gets bigger. A bunch of dry stuff got caught, which would help it."
-
> Back to the maid.
> "I'm not mad, no. I imagine you're not as trained for combat as they are."
> Now back at Mokou.
> Now back at the maid.
> We're on a horse.
> "It's still fairly small, but it seems intent on spreading once it gets bigger. A bunch of dry stuff got caught, which would help it."
>The maid relaxes and nods.
>"Shit. Better go deal with it, then," says Mokou. "But if that gets out of control, about the only one around who could do anything about it is busy getting the shit kick kicked out of her." She nods toward the battlefield to emphasize, then gets up and jogs toward the direction of the fire.
>_
-
> Beckon to the maid.
> "All right, let's get moving to Eientei."
> Proceed back toward Eientei, keeping an eye out for any other wandering maids.
-
> Beckon to the maid.
> "All right, let's get moving to Eientei."
> Proceed back toward Eientei, keeping an eye out for any other wandering maids.
>You follow after Mokou, though she is fast enough to quickly leave your behind.
>The fire has spread a bit by the time you get back to the spot where you fought the rabbits. Mokou is cursing loudly, uprooting some of the burning stalks and shoving them into the snow, while kicking others over and stomping on them. It's a good thing the fire doesn't actually seem to bother her, but you wonder if she's going to be able to contain the black on her own.
>You continue to Eientei, finding two more of the maids wandering about, then catching up with the seven you send on their way, who were busy arguing over misremembered directions.
>Arriving at Eientei, the rabbits cleaning the front give you and your troupe a few curious looks, but present no problems. You suspect the maids should be fine, now.
>_
-
> Mental note: Check back in with Mokou's progress once our business in Eientei is finished.
> Move the maids inside and tell them to stay where they are until we return, which won't be long.
> Tell any surrounding rabbits to treat the maids with respect, as they're here for a good reason.
> If no one requires out immediate attention, head off to find Kaguya again.
-
> Mental note: Check back in with Mokou's progress once our business in Eientei is finished.
> Move the maids inside and tell them to stay where they are until we return, which won't be long.
> Tell any surrounding rabbits to treat the maids with respect, as they're here for a good reason.
> If no one requires out immediate attention, head off to find Kaguya again.
>You make a note to try check on Mokou when you get back.
>You give orders to the maids and the rabbits, telling them to behave, then head off to find Kaguya.
>You start toward the sitting room where you found her last, but seeing one of the storeroom doors open, you check there instead. Inside, you find Kaguya overseeing a dozen or so rabbits as they dig through the accumulated objects, looking for good things to display.
>_
-
> "Ah, hello, your Highness. I will be brief, as time is of the essence."
> "The Scarlet Devil Mansion was kind enough to loan us several maids, as well as some supplies. Most of them have arrived, though I believe two more are still wandering the forest. They got scared and scattered when we were approached by armed rabbit soldiers. The head maid is also planning on attending, and I believe that she will be willing to help out in the kitchen, if all goes well elsewhere. Hakugyokurou is my next planned trip."
> "There is also a small fire in the forest right now. It started during my encounter with the rabbit squad. You-Know-Who is currently working to try to put it out, but I do not know if she can handle it herself."
-
> "Ah, hello, your Highness. I will be brief, as time is of the essence."
> "The Scarlet Devil Mansion was kind enough to loan us several maids, as well as some supplies. Most of them have arrived, though I believe two more are still wandering the forest. They got scared and scattered when we were approached by armed rabbit soldiers. The head maid is also planning on attending, and I believe that she will be willing to help out in the kitchen, if all goes well elsewhere. Hakugyokurou is my next planned trip."
> "There is also a small fire in the forest right now. It started during my encounter with the rabbit squad. You-Know-Who is currently working to try to put it out, but I do not know if she can handle it herself."
>Kaguya nods. "I shall have some rabbits ready should the fire come close. And, you mentioned soldiers? I didn't think that Yorihime was so close. I'll have to keep this in mind, as well."
>_
-
> "She's actually out in the forest fighting Remilia Scarlet. You-Know-Who had been watching their fight for a little while. From what she tells me, Remilia was getting beaten badly."
-
> "She's actually out in the forest fighting Remilia Scarlet. You-Know-Who had been watching their fight for a little while. From what she tells me, Remilia was getting beaten badly."
>Kaguya nods again, and seems satisfied with the report.
>_
-
> "Shall I send the maids to the kitchen, or do you want to see them first?"
-
> "Shall I send the maids to the kitchen, or do you want to see them first?"
>"I'll check on them later," says Kaguya, "Just put them to work for now."
>_
-
> "Understood, your Highness."
> Leave Kaguya and return to the maids.
-
> "Understood, your Highness."
> Leave Kaguya and return to the maids.
>You return to the front hall, and find the maids and the rabbits are busy gossiping.
>_
-
> "Sorry to break up the fun, but lets try and do some work, ok? I know you want to talk and such, but at the moment we need to get working, ok?"
-
> "Sorry to break up the fun, but lets try and do some work, ok? I know you want to talk and such, but at the moment we need to get working, ok?"
>The maids line up as you speak, in a manner that the rabbits never have for you. "Just tell us where to go and what to do," says the maid who has maid herself the group's spokeswoman since the attack.
>_
-
> "Just to make sure, are there any other maids missing that I should keep an eye out for?"
> Send the maids to the kitchen to start on the cooking (assuming they can cook).
-
> "Just to make sure, are there any other maids missing that I should keep an eye out for?"
> Send the maids to the kitchen to start on the cooking (assuming they can cook).
>"Yes," says the maid, "Miri and..."
>"Kimiko," supplies one of the others.
>"-And Kimiko are still out there somewhere."
>You direct them to the kitchen, fairly confident that Sakuya was not lying when she said they were skilled cooks.
>_
-
> Instruct a few rabbits to go into the forest and fetch the other two maids.
> Back to Mokou
-
> Instruct a few rabbits to go into the forest and fetch the other two maids.
> Back to Mokou
>You tell a few rabbits to go hunting for the maids. They look between each other, until one of them shrugs. "We'll get right on it," says the shrugger, and run off, presumably to get clothing that can handle the weather.
>You leave, and return to the fire. The thin plume of smoke makes it easy to find. You see that Mokou is still hard at work, still swearing, as she tries to keep the fire at bay. It's not gotten any larger, thankfully, but it has spread out. Mokou now has to run between two places to keep it at bay, and the trip is taking its toll on her.
>You can hear a lot of danmaku from the battlefield at the moment.
>_
-
> Examine gems
-
> Examine gems
>Red Gem
>This is an oval-shaped gem of artificial origin. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to fire, and excels at short range attacking.
>Blue Gem
> This is an eight-sided gem of artificial origin. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to light, creates beams, and imparts beam-like qualities to your attacks and the other gems
>Purple Gem
>This is an gem of artificial origin with five-sided facets. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to force, and manifests this through steady and endless streams of powerful bullets.
>Green Gem
>A gem shaped like a triangular pyramid. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to attraction, and can impart attraction qualities to your attacks and the other gems.
-
> No water power? Great.
> "What do you need to put this out? Just water?"
-
> No water power? Great.
> "What do you need to put this out? Just water?"
>"It'd fuckin' help!" Mokou says as she uproots another stalk of burning bamboo and shoves it into the snow, then stomps on it.
>_
-
> My word what language!
> Kaguya said she'd ready a fire brigade of sorts. Return to Eientei and find them.
> Guide them and water to the blaze and start fightin'!
-
> My word what language!
> Kaguya said she'd ready a fire brigade of sorts. Return to Eientei and find them.
> Guide them and water to the blaze and start fightin'!
>You believe that she meant it was to deal with fires around Eientei. You're a little too far away to conveniently transport enough water here to make a difference.
>_
-
> So, not enough buckets to carry, and too far away to be useful.
> Does Nitori owe us a favor? Think she could help anyway?
-
> Assess likelihood of simply chucking snow like crazy at the fire actually accomplishing anything. At the very least, would it help keep one section of the fire contained while Mokou deals with the other?
-
>Would destroying burning bamboo with lasers work out well? If so, use the blue and purple gem to do so.
-
> Have Mokou work on one side while we use her pants to swat out the other side?
-
> So, not enough buckets to carry, and too far away to be useful.
> Does Nitori owe us a favor? Think she could help anyway?
>The latter.
>Nitori doesn't really owe you, but she'd probably help. Unfortunately she's also quite a ways away.
> Assess likelihood of simply chucking snow like crazy at the fire actually accomplishing anything. At the very least, would it help keep one section of the fire contained while Mokou deals with the other?
>It might do something. But the snow isn't deep enough to give you a lot of ammo. You suspect this is why Mokou is introducing the fire to it rather than the other way around.
>Would destroying burning bamboo with lasers work out well? If so, use the blue and purple gem to do so.
>You could probably cut it down that way. The trick would be to keep it from falling on other bamboo and igniting it anyways. This might do well for containing the blaze.
> Have Mokou work on one side while we use her pants to swat out the other side?
>This might work, but you'd have a hell of a time getting her out of them.
>_
-
>Create a fire break by cutting down the bamboo around the blaze, using lasers.
-
>Create a fire break by cutting down the bamboo around the blaze, using lasers.
>You put the Blue Gem to use, cutting away a fire break around the burning areas and partially isolating them. The cut down bamboo will still have to be cleared, but you've bought some time.
>The battlefield grows quiet.
>Mokou sets to work clearing away the cut bamboo. "When's you learn to do that?" she asks.
>_
-
> "Earlier today actually. Also, the battle seems to have ended..."
> Start clearing the fallen bamboo.
-
> "Earlier today actually. Also, the battle seems to have ended..."
> Start clearing the fallen bamboo.
>"Huh." says Mokou, as you join her in clear the cut bamboo out of the way of the fire. "And yeah, sounds like their done. Purple Hair probably kicked both their asses, way she was going."
>It doesn't take the two of you too long to clear the bamboo out of the road. Mokou sets herself to kicking over the fallen bamboo and stomping out the flames on the snow. "Thanks for the back-up."
>_
-
> "You're welcome... Also, if you see two fairy maids wandering around can you show them to Eientei? The rabbits didn't seem very reliable..."
> Bid Mokou farewell.
> Head for Hakugyokurou.
-
> "You're welcome... Also, if you see two fairy maids wandering around can you show them to Eientei? The rabbits didn't seem very reliable..."
> Bid Mokou farewell.
> Head for Hakugyokurou.
>"Yeah, sure." says Mokou. "They won't have gotta too far off, probably. You tend go in circles after a bit.
>You bid Mokou farewell and begin the long trek to Hakugyokorou, leaving the Bamboo Forest and passing through the Forest of Magic. As you start to cross the plains leading to human town, you begin to notice something: the clouds to the east look...odd. As you watch them, they begin to take on a glow, quietly shifting through the colors of the rainbow. It looks as though they were mixed with the aurora borealis that Tenshi summoned during the scarlet weather incident.
>_
-
> Does it looks like the effects of a Luna Veil?
-
> Does it looks like the effects of a Luna Veil?
>No. You're not quite sure what it is.
>_
-
Oh snap. Reminds me of the dream cutlass.
> Head for the anomaly.
-
Oh snap. Reminds me of the dream cutlass.
> Head for the anomaly.
>You start to head for this anomaly. You quickly realize this is leading you toward Youkai Mountain.
>_
-
> Oho. So THAT'S what Kanako is doing.
> Gunwink in the general direction of Youkai Mountain, then head back toward Hakugyokurou.
-
> Oho. So THAT'S what Kanako is doing.
> Gunwink in the general direction of Youkai Mountain, then head back toward Hakugyokurou.
>You give a gunwink toward the spreading glow among the clouds, and continue on toward Hakugyokurou.
>The rest of the trip is uneventful, though a tad lonely without the wolf following at your heels now. You carry on down the road, slip off of it into the mountains, and find the pass with easy. Continuing through it, the bitter cold of Hakugyokurou winter quickly bites at you as you begin to ascend the stairs. Soon, you reach the Palace of the Dead, and find Youmu waiting for you. "Welcome back," she says with a bow.
>_
-
> "Hello, Youmu. I have a favor to ask of you."
-
>She nods. "I expected that you would. What do you need from me?"
>_
-
> "Eientei's rabbits are holding a theatrical performance tonight, which you and your mistress are invited to attend. Afterward, we will be having a feast. The problem is that this feast is...a rather impromptu decision, necessitated by unforeseen circumstances. As such, we could really use your help preparing for it. Whatever supplies you can donate would be more than welcome, and we could definitely use your help in the kitchen as well."
> "The Scarlet Devil Mansion's residents will also be there, and several of their maids are already at Eientei to begin preparations. I also believe Sakuya will be over later to help, once a part of those unforeseen circumstances are resolved, so you would not be alone with the rabbits in preparation."
-
> "Eientei's rabbits are holding a theatrical performance tonight, which you and your mistress are invited to attend. Afterward, we will be having a feast. The problem is that this feast is...a rather impromptu decision, necessitated by unforeseen circumstances. As such, we could really use your help preparing for it. Whatever supplies you can donate would be more than welcome, and we could definitely use your help in the kitchen as well."
> "The Scarlet Devil Mansion's residents will also be there, and several of their maids are already at Eientei to begin preparations. I also believe Sakuya will be over later to help, once a part of those unforeseen circumstances are resolved, so you would not be alone with the rabbits in preparation."
>"That will be...interesting, given circumstances. But I would be happy to help, it's not often I get to make a lot of food at once. Just let me go make certain that it's alright."
>She turns to leave.
>_
-
> "Actually, if you don't mind, I'll go with you. Just in case your mistress has any questions."
> If Youmu does not object, follow her.
-
> "Actually, if you don't mind, I'll go with you. Just in case your mistress has any questions."
> If Youmu does not object, follow her.
>"Very well," says Youmu.
>She leads you into the Palace, and you quickly lose your way again among the seemingly endless halls, galleries, and chambers.
>Soon enough, you arrive in a small, curiously sparse room. Yuyuko sits there, surrounded by over a score of ghosts, quietly writing something. "Ah, how unexpected," she says as she looks up at you. Some of the ghosts approach you and fly around you, you think they are examining you in some way.
>Youmu quickly explains the situation to Yuyuko. The ghost princess regards you for a moment, then smiles, "I'll be on my best behavior," she says. "There will be no need to worry about anything."
>_
-
> Muffle the button as best we can and bring our voice down.
> "Thank you. Also, please don't forget about the special circumstances surrounding yourselves and the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
-
> "I know you two are polite and wouldn't cause trouble unless it was called for. I hope you two have fun :)"
> Is their anything at all we need to mention to Yuyuko and Youmu? The Apparition maybe? Let's bring that up while we are here, get Yuyuko's input on it.
-
> Muffle the button as best we can and bring our voice down.
> "Thank you. Also, please don't forget about the special circumstances surrounding yourselves and the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>You muffle the button. You want to be certainly certain no one on the other end hears.
>"I'm still trying to figure out who robbed me," says Yuyuko, drawing a fan from her sleeves "I do suspect you, but it was be terribly gauche to simply blame you in your own home. And I couldn't say a thing to Remilia without any evidence."
> "I know you two are polite and wouldn't cause trouble unless it was called for. I hope you two have fun :)"
> Is their anything at all we need to mention to Yuyuko and Youmu? The Apparition maybe? Let's bring that up while we are here, get Yuyuko's input on it.
>You reassure them that you know they'll do their best.
>While expert opinion has led you to believe that the Apparition has nothing to do with proper ghosts, it is possible Yuyuko may know something. She did have one of the gems, after all.
>_
-
>While expert opinion has led you to believe that the Apparition has nothing to do with proper ghosts, it is possible Yuyuko may know something. She did have one of the gems, after all.
> Then lets mention it to her. Didn't we first encounter it outside Hakugyokurou anyway? Despite it's un-natural sort of appearence, Yuyuko may have a bit of info about it, or at least how something like that could come to be.
-
> Then lets mention it to her. Didn't we first encounter it outside Hakugyokurou anyway? Despite it's un-natural sort of appearence, Yuyuko may have a bit of info about it, or at least how something like that could come to be.
>You first encountered with the Apparition was in the northern part of the Forest of Magic, but you think it had been following you since after you left Yuka's Field, if the feeling it gave you was any indicator.
>_
-
> Unmuffle the button.
> Explain the Apparition to Yuyuko.
-
> Unmuffle the button.
> Explain the Apparition to Yuyuko.
>You unmuffle the button, and tell her the story of the Apparition. She listens, holding her opened fan to her chin. As you finish, she says, "Why, I've never heard of anything like that at all. A ghost in the shape of a machine, that even the living can see? How silly!" She snaps the fan shut. "That, Reisen, is no ghost. To be a ghost implies having a soul. That thing is simply willpower."
>_
-
> "Willpower? From whom do you think it comes?"
-
> "Willpower? From whom do you think it comes?"
>"Oh, not anything you'd call a who, dear," says Yuyuko, idly pointing the fan at you. "A what. It has force of will. It seems to think. But it has no soul; not like...let's say a karakasa. I cannot tell you what that thing is, but I can tell you that it is quite a few hundred years too soon for it ever to show its face here, if ever it can."
>_
-
> "Is there anything else you know or can speculate about this thing? Admittedly, I haven't seen it since blasting it full-on with the force of several of these gems, but there's no guarantee that means it's gone."
-
> "Is there anything else you know or can speculate about this thing? Admittedly, I haven't seen it since blasting it full-on with the force of several of these gems, but there's no guarantee that means it's gone."
>"Hmmm..." says Yuyuko. She places the tip of her fan to her lips, and considers for a moment. "That depends on what it is. If it truly is nothing more than will and thought, then you have done all you can do. There is nothing for it but to overwhelm its will so strongly that it cannot reform. I suppose it may be possible to trap it if you're one of those magical sorts, but I think we can both agree it just delays things.
>"But...it has a particular shape. That suggests, at one time, this shape was important to it. If you can find the significance of that shape, I am certain you can solve the riddle."
>_
-
> "Do you have any hints or ideas as to where I could start my search, or is this purly on my own skill, wit, and such?"
-
> "Do you have any hints or ideas as to where I could start my search, or is this purly on my own skill, wit, and such?"
>"You know as much as I do," says Yuyuko.
>_
-
> "All right, thank you for your insight. It is much appreciated."
> "I must now take my leave, since there are still some time-sensitive matters to attend to, such as tonight's festivities. I don't know if I could find my way back out of your home by myself, though."
-
> "All right, thank you for your insight. It is much appreciated."
> "I must now take my leave, since there are still some time-sensitive matters to attend to, such as tonight's festivities. I don't know if I could find my way back out of your home by myself, though."
>"I'll need you to take me to Eientei as it is," says Youmu. "I...don't have the direction sense to find it myself."
>Yuyuko covers her face with her fan and giggles. "I'll be along when the show starts. You may take your leave, Youmu."
>With that, Youmu leads you through the palace once more, and back to the stairs leading from Hakugyokurou.
>_
-
> Lead Youmu to Eientei.
-
> Lead Youmu to Eientei.
>You trek back to Eientei, with Youmu in tow. She follows you quietly. You think she's staring at the gems behind you. After all, she did think that the one Yuyuko gave you was worthless. But she says nothing.
>The trip back is an easy one. The whole sky is glowing now; as you pass through human town, you see many people milling the streets, looking at it in wonder. No one seems to be afraid or worried over it, oddly enough. You wonder if that is Kanako's intention?
>You pass through the Forest of Magic and into the Bamboo Forest. The battlefield has been abandoned, but you can see the scars left behind. Mysterious burns, rocks shattered, bamboo flattened and torn apart in ways that you do not want to imagine the cause of.
>You reach the gates of Eientei, and pause. There are two of Yorihime's rabbits standing guard there. They haven't noticed you yet, as you've not emerged from the bamboo, but you know that any sudden move might alert them. Youmu stops behind you.
>_
-
> Slowly turn back to Youmu and put a finger to our lips.
> Slowly and quietly back away from the gate and the rabbits and head for the back entrance.
> Listen to the button.
-
> Slowly turn back to Youmu and put a finger to our lips.
> Slowly and quietly back away from the gate and the rabbits and head for the back entrance.
> Listen to the button.
>She nods
>You quietly draw back, and out of easy listening range. Unfortunately, there is no back gate to Eientei. Or rather, none that you know about. Tewi certainly has a way out, but you don't know what it is.
>You put the button to your ear. You hear someone breathing slowly but heavily, as though they had been recovering from something strenuous for the past few minutes.
>_
-
> Turn to Youmu, keep voice down.
> "How fast can you move, again?"
-
> Turn to Youmu, keep voice down.
> "How fast can you move, again?"
>"I'm fairly fast," she whispers back. "For short periods of time, I can be blindly fast. What do you have planned?"
>_
-
> "Those rabbits you saw out there? They're a part of the "unforeseen circumstances" I mentioned earlier. I don't want them dead, since they're moon rabbits like me and simply following orders, but things could get very sticky if they spotted me. Given they have firearms, do you think you'd be capable of running by them and knocking them out with the hilts of your swords before they noticed what was going on?"
-
> "Those rabbits you saw out there? They're a part of the "unforeseen circumstances" I mentioned earlier. I don't want them dead, since they're moon rabbits like me and simply following orders, but things could get very sticky if they spotted me. Given they have firearms, do you think you'd be capable of running by them and knocking them out with the hilts of your swords before they noticed what was going on?"
>"Distract them," says Youmu.
>_
-
> "That can be arranged. I think I can do it without letting them see me, too. Let's head back toward them, close enough that they're visible, and get in good position for you to prepare to take them out. Once you're ready, I'll move a bit away from you and shoot down a bamboo stalk or two. That should be enough to get their attention. Sound good?"
-
> "That can be arranged. I think I can do it without letting them see me, too. Let's head back toward them, close enough that they're visible, and get in good position for you to prepare to take them out. Once you're ready, I'll move a bit away from you and shoot down a bamboo stalk or two. That should be enough to get their attention. Sound good?"
>"Perfect." Says Youmu. She lightly treads forward, and positions herself in a low crouch, waiting.
>_
-
> Make our way to a point a decent distance from Youmu so that both Youmu and the guard rabbits are in our view. Maintain a far enough distance away from the guard rabbits that we are not readily visible, however. Hide behind a thick bamboo stalk if possible.
> Check to make sure nothing has changed in terms of the gate guarding.
-
> Make our way to a point a decent distance from Youmu so that both Youmu and the guard rabbits are in our view. Maintain a far enough distance away from the guard rabbits that we are not readily visible, however. Hide behind a thick bamboo stalk if possible.
> Check to make sure nothing has changed in terms of the gate guarding.
>There are no bamboo stalks that are really thick enough to hide behind, but you do you best and find a particularly thick stand of them that conceal you well enough.
>The rabbits don't seem to have done anything new. They stand with rifles ready, in that state between tense nervousness and abject boredom you remember too well from your own stints at guard duty when enemies are nearby, a lifetime ago.
>_
-
> Aim for a stalk of bamboo in the opposite direction of where Youmu is set up that's close enough to the gate for the rabbits to notice something happen to it. Fire enough bullets at to get it shaking a lot, if not knocking it down entirely.
> When shooting, try to aim so that, if the bamboo stalk does fall, it doesn't fall toward Eientei.
-
> Aim for a stalk of bamboo in the opposite direction of where Youmu is set up that's close enough to the gate for the rabbits to notice something happen to it. Fire enough bullets at to get it shaking a lot, if not knocking it down entirely.
> When shooting, try to aim so that, if the bamboo stalk does fall, it doesn't fall toward Eientei.
>You take aim a suitable stack of bamboo, and let the bullets fly.
>You've not really had time to probably appreciate how much the gems have enhanced this aspect of yourself. Several thick waves of bullets fly from your fingers, easily thrice as much as you could normally make, tearing through quite a numerous stalks of bamboo.
>The rabbits cry out, turning toward the direction of the damage. Then Youmu is among them. Steel cries out, blades flash, as do a couple well-placed kicks, and the two are on the ground, disarmed and groaning. Youmu calmly sheathes her weapons again, and waits for you by the entrance.
>_
-
> Walk up to Youmu, still keeping our voice down.
> "Remind me to never piss you off."
> Cautiously enter the gates, checking for more guards.
-
> Walk up to Youmu, still keeping our voice down.
> "Remind me to never piss you off."
> Cautiously enter the gates, checking for more guards.
>You approach Youmu and keep quiet. "I would hope that good manners would prevent that to begin with," Youmu says. "But don't expect too many more of those, it's rather hard on me."
>You enter Eientei, after making certain there are no guards around.
>You are in the front hall. It quiet and empty. Up ahead, a set of closed double doors leads to the courtyard. The southern hall leads to Eirin's Office, one of the storerooms, and the room where the play will be held. To the north are the master bedrooms, another storeroom, and a variety of other side chambers. Obvious exits are North, South, East, and West.
>_
-
> "Okay, Youmu, I'm going to level with you. The 'unforeseen circumstances' mentioned earlier referred to the arrival of my former master, Watatsuki no Yorihime. Her primary reason for being here is the arrest of Patchouli Knowledge, for a bunch of BS reasons that are really just a cover for a political move. She's been hiding in Gensokyo for a while, but I blew her cover and have actively opposed her plan, so she has it out for me as well right now. I'm pretty sure the rabbit soldiers are all on the lookout for me, since the groups I ran into earlier tried to reign me in."
> "My goal is to eventually confront her and stop her plans by force, since talking hasn't solved anything. You, however, are not involved, and I don't want to see you get hurt for my actions. I don't think Yorihime harbors any particular ill will toward you, but if you're seen associating with me, I can't guarantee your safety. If she does see you, do your best to avoid confrontation. I'd recommend flight if possible. Just a few minutes ago she took down Remilia Scarlet and I believe Patchouli at the same time, and I understand the fight was pretty one-sided. That's what you'd be up against."
> Are there windows into the courtyard we can see through?
-
> "Don't worry about me, though, I have a couple of aces up my sleeve, and I fully expect tonight's festivities to proceed as scheduled. Even if you are forced to retreat, give things a little time and try to return, or return with your mistress if she's so inclined. We'll definitely need you in the kitchens."
-
> "Okay, Youmu, I'm going to level with you. The 'unforeseen circumstances' mentioned earlier referred to the arrival of my former master, Watatsuki no Yorihime. Her primary reason for being here is the arrest of Patchouli Knowledge, for a bunch of BS reasons that are really just a cover for a political move. She's been hiding in Gensokyo for a while, but I blew her cover and have actively opposed her plan, so she has it out for me as well right now. I'm pretty sure the rabbit soldiers are all on the lookout for me, since the groups I ran into earlier tried to reign me in."
> "My goal is to eventually confront her and stop her plans by force, since talking hasn't solved anything. You, however, are not involved, and I don't want to see you get hurt for my actions. I don't think Yorihime harbors any particular ill will toward you, but if you're seen associating with me, I can't guarantee your safety. If she does see you, do your best to avoid confrontation. I'd recommend flight if possible. Just a few minutes ago she took down Remilia Scarlet and I believe Patchouli at the same time, and I understand the fight was pretty one-sided. That's what you'd be up against."
> Are there windows into the courtyard we can see through?
>Youmu nods. "I would prefer not to have to fight her myself, then. But if needs be, I can make sure the two of you are left properly alone."
>There are none in the hall, but the sitting room where you met Kaguya a little while ago has some. It is to the north.
> "Don't worry about me, though, I have a couple of aces up my sleeve, and I fully expect tonight's festivities to proceed as scheduled. Even if you are forced to retreat, give things a little time and try to return, or return with your mistress if she's so inclined. We'll definitely need you in the kitchens."
>She nods.
>_
-
> "All right, follow me."
> Head north, toward the sitting room.
-
> "All right, follow me."
> Head north, toward the sitting room.
>You head north.
>You come walk down a length of hall, with several doors in the walls. One to the west leads to a sitting room, while another western one opens to a storeroom. On the east side is a single door leading to a sizable library. Up ahead, the hall turns west. You can hear people in the storage room, looking around. Obvious exits are West 1, West 2, West 3, East, and South.
>_
-
> West 1
-
> West 1
>You go through the nearest door.
>You enter a simply appointed sitting room. The rice paper walls are decorated with simple ink paintings of autumn leaves twirling in the wind, while several chairs and stools allow for a modest amount of company. You can see the scroll that Kaguya was reading causally discarded on a table. Through the windows, you can see several rabbits and Yorihime in the courtyard. You can't tell for sure, but you think Kaguya is with them. It seems they are watching the sky.
>_
-
> Give the courtyard a brief sweeping check for Patchouli.
> Duck back out of sight, out of the room.
-
> Give the courtyard a brief sweeping check for Patchouli.
> Duck back out of sight, out of the room.
>You do not see Patchouli in the courtyard, but you do confirm that Kaguya is there. She is standing placidly with a group of five moon rabbits behind her. It would seem more like they are her entourage than guards, had you not known the truth of the situation.
>You leave the room and return to the hall.
>You are in a hallway on the northeast of Eientei, with several doors in the walls. One to the west leads to a sitting room, while another western one opens to a storeroom. On the east side is a single door leading to a sizable library. Up ahead, the hall turns west. You can hear people in the storage room, looking around. Obvious exits are West 1, West 2, West 3, East, and South.
>_
-
> Make for the kitchen
-
> Make for the kitchen
>In order to reach the kitchen, you will have to go through the courtyard.
>_
-
> Ready gems and tell Youmu to be on her guard.
> Enter storeroom.
-
I was writing something else up, but this actually ties up a potential loose end in what I was about to do, so sure, let's deal with this first.
-
> Ready gems and tell Youmu to be on her guard.
> Enter storeroom.
>Youmu nods, lowering her stance a little bit.
>You enter the storeroom. A large and unadorned room, it is tightly packed with old furniture, wooden crates, and esoteric objects that are too diverse and numerous to quickly name. narrow, meandering paths lead through the stored goods, creating a claustrophobic and somewhat perilous maze. A few moon rabbits seem to be picking through the storeroom. Obvious exits are east.
>One of the moon rabbits looks over as you enter and cries, "It's Reisen!"
>"Huh?" comes the voice of Rise further in.
>"Not you! Her!" says the rabbit as she frantically shrugs her rifle from her shoulder.
>_
-
Oh, well, that shoots my entire plan to shit.
> Shoot the rabbit trying to arm herself.
-
What had your plan been?
> Have Youmu flank the moon rabbits and be ready with a spell card or her swords.
-
I was going to get Youmu through the courtyard on her own by feeding her a semi-legit alibi that Kaguya could back up, then take off for the underground. Fighting Yorihime in Eientei is Not A Good Idea.
-
Oh, well, that shoots my entire plan to shit.
> Shoot the rabbit trying to arm herself.
>You give the rabbit trying to arm herself a faceful of danmaku, dropping her to the ground easily. Luckily, the rest of it hits crates and chests, things that can take the damage.
>"Fall back to me!" Rise cries. You see her taking cover behind an statue near the rear of the storeroom. The other two rabbits duck down behind whatever they can find.
What had your plan been?
> Have Youmu flank the moon rabbits and be ready with a spell card or her swords.
>She nods and moves in. Unfortunately, flanking in such tight quarters is going to be difficult. But she moves in and tries to improvise.
>_
-
Cute, they're going to hide behind valuable stuff and take pot shots at us. Perhaps we should just turn around? No way in hell Youmu's getting through the courtyard now, though.
EDIT: Actually, I think I might have an idea of how to deal with this. Give me a minute.
-
> "Crap! This is no good, we can't attack them in this place. Let's get out of here before anyone else notices us."
> Beckon Youmu to come with us, and run out of the room, back toward the entrance to Eientei.
> Once we're several feet away from the entrance to the store room, stop, turn around and face toward the doorway. Silently beckon Youmu to keep going back toward the entrance. She's a fighter, she'll figure it out.
> Wait for a few moments. If any rabbits decide to pop out of the storeroom, blast them.
-
> "Crap! This is no good, we can't attack them in this place. Let's get out of here before anyone else notices us."
> Beckon Youmu to come with us, and run out of the room, back toward the entrance to Eientei.
> Once we're several feet away from the entrance to the store room, stop, turn around and face toward the doorway. Silently beckon Youmu to keep going back toward the entrance. She's a fighter, she'll figure it out.
> Wait for a few moments. If any rabbits decide to pop out of the storeroom, blast them.
>You draw back, beckoning Youmu to follow you. Then you stop some distance from the entrance and motion for Youmu to move on. She does so. You wait, and faintly hear the rabbits talking, although on you can't make out what they are saying.
>After a few moments, one of the rabbits pokes her head out around the doorframe. She has just enough time to start to cry out before you fill the hallway with bullets and neatly drop her to the ground. You hear Rise and the other rabbit cry out inside.
>_
-
Tch. Hoping for more than just the one.
> Snicker just loudly enough so that the rabbits hear.
> Run back down the hall a ways. If we go far enough to see Youmu again, silently indicate to her that we're not done yet.
> If we don't run into any further trouble (i.e. people coming out of the courtyard), use our flight abilities to float a half-foot off the ground, then fly silently back down the hall toward the storeroom, stopping where we were before, but not landing.
-
Forgot to add:
> Prepare to blast any rabbits that pop out of the storeroom.
-
Tch. Hoping for more than just the one.
> Snicker just loudly enough so that the rabbits hear.
> Run back down the hall a ways. If we go far enough to see Youmu again, silently indicate to her that we're not done yet.
> If we don't run into any further trouble (i.e. people coming out of the courtyard), use our flight abilities to float a half-foot off the ground, then fly silently back down the hall toward the storeroom, stopping where we were before, but not landing.
Forgot to add:
> Prepare to blast any rabbits that pop out of the storeroom.
>You snicker loudly enough for the rabbits to hear, then fall back.
>You find Youmu standing near the intersection, keeping watch in the direction of Eirin's office. You really can't think of a way to indicate that you're not done yet without talking, but she seems content to let you run the show.
>You fly back toward the storeroom, this is harder than it seems as flight is hardly a precise or delicate thing. But given the hall is straight and you're basically moving in a straight line, you pull it off without any problems or undue noise. Hovering it as bit more difficult, but you can hold it for a little while.
>You wait a few moments. One seems to be interested in leaving the storeroom.
>_
-
> Lie in wait for that one to poke her head out. Blast her when we see her. We can play mental games with the remaining one, we're the goddamn rabbit of lunacy.
> Also, how did the door to the storeroom open? Into the room, into the hall, or on a slider?
-
> Lie in wait for that one to poke her head out. Blast her when we see her. We can play mental games with the remaining one, we're the goddamn rabbit of lunacy.
> Also, how did the door to the storeroom open? Into the room, into the hall, or on a slider?
>You wait longer. It doesn't seem like anyone has an interest in coming out. You think you can hear them whispering to each other, but you aren't sure.
>The doors open into the storeroom. Otherwise it would be too easy to break in.
>_
-
> Float just a little bit closer to the door, and then land as slowly and delicately as we can. We want to make no noise when we hit the ground.
> Continue to keep watch for any adventurous rabbits coming out of the storeroom. Try to make out what they're whispering about.
-
> Float just a little bit closer to the door, and then land as slowly and delicately as we can. We want to make no noise when we hit the ground.
> Continue to keep watch for any adventurous rabbits coming out of the storeroom. Try to make out what they're whispering about.
>You float toward the door, doing your best not to overshoot, then let yourself down as easily as possible; you weren't sure how much longer you could just hover there anyways.
>No one seems to be coming out. You try to listen in to their conversation. It's a little difficult, but you think you make it out.
>"So we're just going to tell her that we were pinned down?"
>"It's true enough, isn't it?" Rise says.
>_
-
> Excellent. Keep on waitin' waitin' waitin.
> Give a brief listening into the button while we're waiting. Not too long, though, we don't want to distract from the rabbit conversation.
-
> Excellent. Keep on waitin' waitin' waitin.
> Give a brief listening into the button while we're waiting. Not too long, though, we don't want to distract from the rabbit conversation.
>You keep waiting.
>"What do you think this is?" Asks Rise.
>"I dunno. Hey, look! It's one of those clocks in a dome with the spinny things in it!"
>"What do they call those, anyways?"
>"No clue."
>You listen in on the button. You hear relaxed breathing.
>The courtyard doors open.
>_
-
Tch.
> Fly back toward the front hall, but stop before we come in proper view of anyone that might be in there.
> Listen.
-
Tch.
> Fly back toward the front hall, but stop before we come in proper view of anyone that might be in there.
> Listen.
>You fly back to the hall, stopping near Youmu, who has lowered herself into a position akin to the one she took before dealing with the gate guards.
>You hear the courtyard doors close, and some footsteps. "If they've not reported in, it's a pretty safe bet Reisen's already here," says one of them. "I mean, it's not like she's just gonna disappear."
>"I still don't know what she did in the forest back there," says another. "But I nearly peed myself when she made those flames. Do you think she learned sorcery from the sage?"
>"I'm more worried about the actual plan," the first says. "I don't like the look of that sky. Something bad's happening, I'm telling you."
>They are about to cross where the halls intersect.
>_
-
> Either we pop out and take them down by surprise...
OR
> We could wait for them to notice us, put on a big cheesy grin and fire the Blue Gem and some Danmaku at them.
I'll let this be decided by the others.
-
> Did Youmu notice us?
EDIT: It looks like Youmu's prepping to take them down herself, but let's check in with her first.
-
> Either we pop out and take them down by surprise...
> We could wait for them to notice us, put on a big cheesy grin and fire the Blue Gem and some Danmaku at them.
>You consider some plans with the little time you have left.
> Did Youmu notice us?
>She is glanced at you when you arrived. She knows you're there.
>_
-
In that case...
> Quickly look behind us to see if Rise and her friend are coming out of the storeroom.
> If not, let the guards come to us.
-
In that case...
> Quickly look behind us to see if Rise and her friend are coming out of the storeroom.
> If not, let the guards come to us.
>It doesn't seem like they have any intention of emerging anytime soon.
>The approaching moon rabbits will be on you within a couple seconds.
>_
-
> Prepare to fire, just in case, but only shoot if Youmu doesn't attack.
-
> Prepare to fire, just in case, but only shoot if Youmu doesn't attack.
>You prepare to attack in case Youmu can't cover things.
>Your preparation is entirely unnecessary. The two of them barely have time to set foot past the corner before Youmu is on them, firmly planting a knee into the further one's solar plexus. Within a couple moments, both have been subdued.
>"If I heard them correctly," says Youmu as she sheathes her swords, "I imagine that Yorihime will be expecting them to report back soon."
>_
-
> "If that's the case, then we need to act fast. It's only a matter of time before she knows that someone has entered the building forcefully and assaulted some of her own troops."
-
> "If that's the case, then we need to act fast. It's only a matter of time before she knows that someone has entered the building forcefully and assaulted some of her own troops."
>Youmu nods. "I don't think I can handle her. But, at least I should be able to keep anything between the two of you between just the two of you."
>_
-
> "Let's go back to the sitting room and check on our guest, shall we? These girls aren't going anywhere for a while."
> Head back to the sitting room and peer in on the courtyard.
> Listen to button again.
-
> "Let's go back to the sitting room and check on our guest, shall we? These girls aren't going anywhere for a while."
> Head back to the sitting room and peer in on the courtyard.
> Listen to button again.
>Youmu nods, and follows you.
>You return to the sitting room and look through the windows. You see that Yorihime is looking toward the doors, seeming a bit concerned. Unfortunately, the doors are in the same direction as the window, but she doesn't seem to have noticed you as of yet. ut if she looks over just a little bit and peers through the windows, the chance she'll spot you is pretty good. Kaguya seems to be talking with her guards.
>You listen to the button again, and hear steady breathing still. There much not be much noise wherever the other button is.
>_
-
> Quickly back out of view.
> Boot other voices to contribute more, this one voice is starting to get tired of domineering everything.
-
> Quickly back out of view.
> Boot other voices to contribute more, this one voice is starting to get tired of domineering everything.
>You back out. Lack of quick action on Yorihime's part suggests she didn't see you.
>_
-
> Speak into the button to try and get a response. Try to muffle our voice a little bit when doing so though.
> Hope that the fight we heard didn't end up with Patchy caught, and with Yorihime having the button.
-
> Speak into the button to try and get a response. Try to muffle our voice a little bit when doing so though.
> Hope that the fight we heard didn't end up with Patchy caught, and with Yorihime having the button.
>You hear some odd noises from the button, then Patchouli's voice, sounding oddly distant, says, "They have us at Eientei. I'm not sure where."
>_
-
> "Who's with you?"
-
> "Who's with you?"
>"Remilia is here. They have her bound pretty well, but she did put up quite a struggle. I think I might be in a guest room, now that I look around a little better. I've counted twenty or so rabbits in Yorihime's force. They must be feeling short of numbers, they've not bothered to guard us at all."
>_
-
> "How badly are you hurt?"
> Mental check: are the guest rooms on this side of the courtyard or the other side?
-
> "How badly are you hurt?"
> Mental check: are the guest rooms on this side of the courtyard or the other side?
>"Just a bit sore. And I should warn you, she's figured out danmaku, so don't think that mere distance will keep you completely safe."
>They are on this side of the courtyard, down the northern hall and to the west. But seems a little careless of Yorihime to have no guards there.
>_
-
> Head for the rooms with Youmu, but be cautious as it could be a trap.
-
> Head for the rooms with Youmu, but be cautious as it could be a trap.
>You head down the corridor and turn west.
>This hall has numerous doors to the north and south. Nearby is the dinning hall of Eientei, a huge room that takes up a large portion of the northern part of the manor. Beside it is an series of galleries. Across from it is a drawing room, flanked by Eirin and Kaguya's suites. Further ahead are several guest rooms; converted from other rooms shortly after the incident that led to Eientei's unveiling and periodic guests showing up. Hidden among then are a couple of corridors leading toward the moon and the prior false moon; both presently sealed; you aren't entirely sure how they work. Obvious exits are east, North 1, North 2, North 3, North 4, North 5, South 1, South 2, South 3, South 4, South 5, South 6, South 7, and South 8.
>The hall is empty, though you hear some noise in the dining room that suggests activity.
>_
-
> Check the all of the guest rooms.
-
> Check the all of the guest rooms.
>You quickly check all the guest rooms.
>They are all empty.
>_
-
> Check the dining room.
> Stay frosty.
-
> Check the dining room.
> Stay frosty.
>You look into the dining room, and see a small mob of rabbits getting it ready for the upcoming feast.
>You keep calm, but you're also aware that you don't have much time to spare.
>_
-
> Patchouli said guest rooms didn't she? Are there any other rooms?
-
> Patchouli said guest rooms didn't she? Are there any other rooms?
>You do not know of any other guest rooms.
>_
-
> Listen into the button.
-
> Listen into the button.
>You hear what your presume is Patchouli breathing.
>_
-
> "Patchouli, I just checked the guest rooms. You can't be in there. Are there any other defining features of the room?"
-
> "Patchouli, I just checked the guest rooms. You can't be in there. Are there any other defining features of the room?"
>"It's really bare," says Patchouli, "So I assumed it was a guest room. Let's see... there's a single futon with a nightstand beside it. There is a basin on the nightstand. The walls don't have anything on them. There is a dresser with a mirror atop it, against one of the walls. The bottom drawer is open and empty. There's a door to the north, but no way that either of us can get to it as we are."
>_
-
>"I think I might know where you are. Just a minute!"
>Head to our room.
-
> If not in our room try Eirin and Kaguya's quarters.
-
>"I think I might know where you are. Just a minute!"
>Head to our room.
> If not in our room try Eirin and Kaguya's quarters.
>That does sound a lot like your room!
>Unfortunately, it is on the other side of the courtyard.
>You've only seen the Master Bedrooms a couple times. but what Patchouli described does not sound like that at all.
>_
-
> Crap.
> Is there a way to bypass the courtyard?
-
> Crap.
> Is there a way to bypass the courtyard?
>There's no easy way to do it. You could fly over or around it, but then you'd have to avoid being seen and still have to get inside somehow. Since Mokou showed up, the windows have been reinforced pretty heavily. Unfortunately, this also resulted in the stream flowing from the hot springs being barred after one particularly incident. You're certain Tewi has a way to get in, but you have no idea how she does it.
>_
-
> "Patchy, if you are were I think you are, your in my room. Which means you in a way are being guarded. I would have to pass through the courtyard to get to that side of the building, and our good friend Yorihime is in the courtyard, last I checked."
-
> "Patchy, if you are were I think you are, your in my room. Which means you in a way are being guarded. I would have to pass through the courtyard to get to that side of the building, and our good friend Yorihime is in the courtyard, last I checked."
>"Well piss," says Patchouli.
>_
-
> "Did Yorihime herself fight, or was is just rabbits that you and Remilia fought? Because if you fought Yorihime and hit her, even once, that gives me a better shot at besting her."
> "Is Remilia ok? Like was she hurt, or just beaten around a bit?"
-
> "Did Yorihime herself fight, or was is just rabbits that you and Remilia fought? Because if you fought Yorihime and hit her, even once, that gives me a better shot at besting her."
> "Is Remilia ok? Like was she hurt, or just beaten around a bit?"
>"Yorihime did all of the fighting," answers Patchouli. "And Remilia did cut her side a little bit. Nothing serious, but Remilia was quite proud of it at the time."
>"Remilia is unconscious. I don't believe she is significantly hurt, save for her pride."
>_
-
> "Ok, thanks big time Patchy. I'll hopefully have you home free, so to speak, before sunrise tomorrow. Can you say Yorihime without backup from the Gods and Goddess's?"
> Make sure no one is near us, cept maybe Youmu(dangit, I can't remember for sure how to spell her name) before that last part of the message.
-
> "Ok, thanks big time Patchy. I'll hopefully have you home free, so to speak, before sunrise tomorrow. Can you say Yorihime without backup from the Gods and Goddess's?"
> Make sure no one is near us, cept maybe Youmu(dangit, I can't remember for sure how to spell her name) before that last part of the message.
>"It's been arranged?" says Patchouli, "Excellent. Then by all means stomp the god-bothering tart down and get me out of here."
>_
-
>Examine Quests
>Examine Inventory
-
>Examine Quests
>Examine Inventory
>Your Current Quests Are:
>Eientei Infiltration!
>Yorihime and the moon rabbits have taken over Eientei! What is this world coming to?
>Scarlet Salvation
>Patchouli and Remilia have been taken prisoner by Yorihime so that you would have time to strike a deal with the Moriya deities. Now you need to save them.
>An Expository Feast!
>You have agreed to throw an impromptu feast and Lunarian Exposition at Eientei for Kanako. You've arranged for various help in making it happen, now it's just a matter of bringing everything together.
>Prismrivers Comeback?
>Patchouli asked you to look into the Prismrivers reuniting. You've taken an active hand in getting them back together. They should all be playing at The Felt now.
>Alice's Hookup
>You've been recruited to help Alice find a special someone, or at least a friend. Results with Hina have been mixed, but they don't seem to hate each other. You've invited them to a play at Eientei!
>You Self-Appointed Goals are:
>Prove That I'm Not a Useless Rabbit, Good Only For My Sex Appeal
>People have been talking, you gotta do something about it. You've done well so far, you think.
>Invent a Base Six Pair of Pants
>You don't know what the faeries were talking about when they mentioned this, but it needs to exist. It has been theorized to involve either dice or headquarters.
>A Song for Eirin
>Eirin said she would like to hear a song from you, after learning Mystia was willing to give you some lessons.
>Lakeshore Longing
>You can feel an inexplicable feeling is something fascinating within the lake, and find it hard to resist the lure to investigate.
>Your Inventory contains:
>Dress Suit w/ Stockings (Wore as clothes)
>A professional-looking business suit, blouse, knee-length skirt, and doubled up stockings. What could be classier?
>Cresent Pin (Worn as accessory)
>You wear this to remind you of home.
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>A spellcard where you use your abilities to make twin pattern of bullets seem to go in directions they are not.
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
>A more dense pattern following the same principle as Wave Sign: Mind Shaker. Reality will be terribly distorted to the victim.
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (significantly expended)
>You disalign the wavelengths of a complex maze of bullets to try and trick your opponent into moving recklessly.
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Much like Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning, with a more aggressive pattern. It takes all of your concentration to use this well.
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (half expended)
>This attack surrounds your target with bullets, and distorts them, forcing them to make fast decisions to avoid being caught in the middle.
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>It takes a lot of concentration to correctly apply this card and keep up the stream of bullets.
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon
>Overlapping dense circular patterns of bullets, and alternating their wavelengths to force the victim to see one or other. It is simple, yet highly effective against the unwary.
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>This is your ultimate attack, hitting an opponent with two huge waves of bullets, then shifting them as much as you can. It will leave you with a nasty headache and blurred vision.
>Pair of Tinted Glasses.
>These wire-rimmed glasses have tinted lenses; they also make an odd translucent shadow on the ground when light shines through them.
>Dark Blue Backpack
>A large backpack, perfect for stuffing full of things.
>Faerie Ribbon
>A simple ribbon of cream-white silk given to you by a faerie.
>625☼
>This is 625☼
>Red Gem
>This is an oval-shaped gem of artificial origin. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to fire, and excels at short range attacking.
>Silver Medal (Worn as Accessory)
>This decoration seems to have an enchantment to impart a measure of mental fortitude on the wearer.
>Candid Friend
>A song incorporating odd phrases and rhythms, in hopes that it will be pleasing to listen to after encountering it often.
>Opal Brooch
>A small brooch with an opal set in it.
>Blue Gem
> This is an eight-sided gem of artificial origin. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to light, creates beams, and imparts beam-like qualities to your attacks and the other gems
>Purple Gem
>This is an gem of artificial origin with five-sided facets. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to force, and manifests this through steady and endless streams of powerful bullets.
>Dirty Black Feather.
>A black feather with a fair amount of grime on it. It is rather large.
>Heal Plus tm potion
>A specialty of Eirin's. Don't take more than three a day.
>Green Gem
>A gem shaped like a triangular pyramid. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to attraction, and can impart attraction qualities to your attacks and the other gems.
>Vial of Pollen
>A vial of pollen from lilies of the valley. It is enough to kill a person if ingested, or make them very ill if breathed in.
>Sealing Talisman Set
>A set of four talismans designed to entrap immaterial things and creatures from Makai.
>Enchanted Button
>A button enchanted by Patchouli to let you speak with her, or anyone else who has the matching button. It used to belong to Koakuma.
>_
-
>Youmu taps you on the shoulder. "I am not sure if you heard it," says Youmu, "But someone just found those rabbits that we left at the intersection..."
>_
-
> *Insert expletives here*
> "I guess we're gonna have to take on Yorihime now eh?"
-
> *Insert expletives here*
> "I guess we're gonna have to take on Yorihime now eh?"
>You say some untoward things. Youmu does not seem to object.
>She nods. "You'll have no interference, that I promise. So don't worry about of one of those rabbits trying to shoot you in the back."
>_
-
> Flash Youmu a thumbs up.
> "I'll be on my way then."
> Head for the courtyard.
-
> Flash Youmu a thumbs up.
> "I'll be on my way then."
> Head for the courtyard.
>You head for the courtyard, with Youmu following close behind you.
>Along the way, you note that the storeroom door has been closed; and the rabbit you shot has vanished. You imagine Rise and her companion decided to barricade themselves in and wait out the trouble.
>You open the doors to the courtyard, and find Yorihime standing right there, in the process of reaching for them herself.
>There is an awkward pause between the two of you for a moment. Then Yorihime breaks the moment by saying ,"This is convenient."
>_
-
>HYDRO STORM!
> Force danmaku infused with laser flames to the face, evasive action.
>"Damn straight it is!"
-
>HYDRO STORM!
> Force danmaku infused with laser flames to the face, evasive action.
>"Damn straight it is!"
>You waste no time in letting the Blue and Red Gems empower the Purple Gem, then firing on Yorihime. The Purple Gem's shots, now enhanced, are larger than before, and fan out in a tight spread rather than conforming to a straight line. Yorihime wastes no time in leaping back from the door, hitting the ground in a roll, and coming up with her sword drawn.
>The courtyard erupts into chaos as the gathered rabbits try to figure out what is going on. Youmu passed by you like a shot, making a beeline for the rabbits.
>"I'm not certain how you distracted the Gods," says Yorhime. She starts to dash backwards, holding her sword as though she were trying to slice through the air. In its wakes, a cloud of danmaku stirs from the air currents and starts to twist toward you. "But I must give you my regards for cleverness!"
>_
-
> Dodge the danmaku, and combat roll if necessary.
> Spellcards
-
Yay combat! To voices: The pollen of deathiness needs to be brought into play once we start to get a feel for Yorihime's attacks.
-
> Dodge the danmaku, and combat roll if necessary.
> Spellcards
>You get out of the way of the danmaku, having to abandon your position in the doorway and enter the courtyard to have enough room to move. Yorihime darts to the side, creating another wave of shots in her sword's wake.
>Your spellcards are:
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (Significantly Expended.)
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (Partially Expended)
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>_
-
> Examine spellcards.
> Keep dodging.
> Use the card that takes the least toll on your mental state.
-
> Examine spellcards.
> Keep dodging.
> Use the card that takes the least toll on your mental state.
>Your spellcards are:
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
>A more dense pattern following the same principle as Wave Sign: Mind Shaker. Reality will be terribly distorted to the victim.
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (significantly expended)
>You disalign the wavelengths of a complex maze of bullets to try and trick your opponent into moving recklessly.
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Much like Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning, with a more aggressive pattern. It takes all of your concentration to use this well.
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (half expended)
>This attack surrounds your target with bullets, and distorts them, forcing them to make fast decisions to avoid being caught in the middle.
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>It takes a lot of concentration to correctly apply this card and keep up the stream of bullets.
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon
>Overlapping dense circular patterns of bullets, and alternating their wavelengths to force the victim to see one or other. It is simple, yet highly effective against the unwary.
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>This is your ultimate attack, hitting an opponent with two huge waves of bullets, then shifting them as much as you can. It will leave you with a nasty headache and blurred vision.
>You keep dodging, as another wave of bullets twists and writhes past you.
>Thinking carefully, Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing should be very easy to use. But you aren't sure how effective it would be at this very second.
>_
-
> Keep dodging and counter-attacking.
> Look for an opening to unleash Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing.
-
> Keep dodging and counter-attacking.
> Look for an opening to unleash Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing.
>You dodge, away from the next few waves, as Yorihime ducks and weaves about. You shoot a barrage of normal danmaku every so often, but for now you focus on not getting hurt. You want her to be a bit off center from you, some yards away, but not too many yards away. Even then, you doubt the card alone will be enough, she's simply too agile. You do note a small cut to her side, though, with a bandage placed over it. It looks like Remilia really was able to hit her once.
>"Go Reisen!" shouts Kaguya from the edge of the courtyard.
>You move away from her sixth barrage, and then...there! An opening!
>_
-
> Lock on with the green gem.
> Use Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
> Add the powers of the other three gems to the card.
> UNLEASH THE FURY.
-
> Use Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing
> Lock on with the green gem.
> Add the powers of the other three gems to the card.
> UNLEASH THE FURY.
>You decide that you simply cannot hold back against Yorihime, even in her present state. You infuse it with the power of the Green Gem, then let the add in the others. You feel it all flow through you in an electric tingle, and into the card.
>You declare the card, giving Yorihime a moment's respite as the card invokes a ring of bullets around you. A beams radiate out from the circle, while flames leap between some of the bullets at random intervals. Then you let the illusion fall before it becomes too much to hold, revealing the second ring you created, while firing a few more circles.
>Yorihime ducks under and around the beams, turning the motion into an upward slash that sends a few scattered danmaku you way. They are nothing to worry about. The outer rings of bullets reaches her, forcing Yorihime back a little before she starts to cut through them with her sword. You shift them again, and note to your satisfaction that not only do they shift, they turn and redirect themselves at Yorihime. You can see the look of concentration on her face as she tries to pick her way through them, and not get struck by the flames bouncing between them or the lasers that cut through the whole mess.
>You shift again, redirecting the whole mess. Yorhime dashes forward toward you, then has to stop as the bullets close in on her. Then..she cries out, as one of the flames strikes her in the torso!
>_
-
> Continue barrage.
> If she gets within slashing distance, cut it off and dodge.
-
>If possible, withdraw the deadly pollen and throw the flask at her while she's distracted by the pain. Preferably break it on her face. In fact, use the green gem to home the flask in on her.
-
>Replace all instances of the word flask up there with vial. Further, before doing this try to remember if pollen would spread properly so Yori would breathe it in. Further, make sure to avoid the pollen cloud in the future during this fight.
-
>If possible, withdraw the deadly pollen and throw the flask at her while she's distracted by the pain. Preferably break it on her face. In fact, use the green gem to home the flask in on her.
>Unfortunately, the Green Gem is already occupied, and you don't think that you could infuse it into things other than yourself or your spellcards. But you produce the Vial of Pollen, as Yorihime approaches you while the card's effect shifts, and throw it at her. Your spellcard wavers from the momentary break in your concentration, but holds fast. She brings up her sword and deflects the bottle from hitting her, but the neck snaps off from the impact and sends a fair amount of pollen hint the air. She cries out as some of it gets into her face, while the rest of the bottle spins away uselessly into the ground. Then the next wave of bullets comes, and she is in no condition to dodge them as she tries to clean out her eyes while sneezing. She tries her best, but a bullet slams into her arm and forces her back a little. Still, she is only a few yards from you.
>Replace all instances of the word flask up there with vial. Further, before doing this try to remember if pollen would spread properly so Yori would breathe it in. Further, make sure to avoid the pollen cloud in the future during this fight.
>There isn't much of a cloud at the moment, not too much got released. But you make a note to avoid that area.
>_
-
> Relocate while she is occupied.
> Once a safe distance away, resume the spell card.
-
>Recall if the dirty black feather had any special properties. Consider the viability of cancelling the current spellcard, drawing back, and unleashing our most powerful spellcard while Yorihime is ill.
-
>Recall if the dirty black feather had any special properties. Consider the viability of cancelling the current spellcard, drawing back, and unleashing our most powerful spellcard while Yorihime is ill.
>If it does, you don't know about them.
>You could jump back, but you aren't certain how strongly Yorihime has been affected by the pollen yet.
> Relocate while she is occupied.
> Once a safe distance away, resume the spell card.
>You cancel the spellcard and draw back, moments before Yorihime slashes upwards and sends a wave of danmaku in your direction.
>Dodging back, you can see that Yorihime's eyes seem to be a bit red, and her nose is running. She seems steady still.
>_
-
>Dodge, restart the prior spellcard, but keep the blue and green gems out of it. Instead use those to send lasers at Yorihime's eyes. The goal is to keep her vision fucked up so she will find it harder to hit us.
-
>Actually, also consider the viability of not using spellcards and just relying on non card danmaku and gem power for awhile.
To Voices: If we can use non card danmaku and still keep up a good fight, we'll be able to maneuver as well. But she'll likely not be pinned as easily as a spellcard does.
-
>Dodge, restart the prior spellcard, but keep the blue and green gems out of it. Instead use those to send lasers at Yorihime's eyes. The goal is to keep her vision fucked up so she will find it harder to hit us.
>You stay away from Yorihime's counterattacks and declare the spellcard once again, letting the Red and Purple Gems empower it. At the same time, you direct the Blue and Green gems to work together.
>As you unleash the first ring of danmaku, the Blue and Green Gems fire a swift laser that curves and slinks toward Yorihime, forcing her to dodge rather than press her attack. As the first ring splits into two, balls of fire explode from within the rings, making some of the gaps between the bullets inaccessible.
>Yorhime draws back, sneezing powerfully, then turns and runs for the far side of the courtyard, closing the ground within moments.
>Actually, also consider the viability of not using spellcards and just relying on non card danmaku and gem power for awhile.
>Having extra adaptability against Yorihime wouldn't hurt, but it would be harder to force her into a corner with just that. You suspect it is best to leave all your options open and not depend on any one thing for too long.
>_
-
> Quickly switch out the current card with Loafing Sign: Idling Wave.
-
> Quickly switch out the current card with Loafing Sign: Idling Wave.
>You cancel Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing once again, expending what power the card had left.
>As you do, Yorihime leaps toward the wall, then kicks off of it toward a tree; slashing through another laser as it curves toward her. She then kicks from the tree, and lands on the roof of Eientei. She beckons toward you as you draw out Loafing Sign: Idling Wave, then runs again.
>_
-
> Keep up the assault.
> How close is she?
-
> Keep up the assault.
> How close is she?
>She's disappeared out of sight.
>Your next laser curves around in the air, as though chasing its tail, before winking out of existence.
>_
-
> Cancel everything and try to spot her.
-
>Look up.
>Are we able to use the gems to see through?
>If so, have them cover the other cardinal directions.
-
> Cancel everything and try to spot her.
>You cease the gems' firing and look around. From where you are, you don't see her.
>You do see that you've done a bit of damage to the courtyard walls from the beams you were throwing out earlier. You expect you'll be fixing those tomorrow...
>You notice that Youmu and the Moon Rabbits are gone. Perhaps Youmu led the away?
>Look up.
>Are we able to use the gems to see through?
>If so, have them cover the other cardinal directions.
>You look above you, and see nothing unusual.
>You cannot see through the gems, they are linked to your sense of touch.
>_
-
>Did she used to have super teleporting powers?
>Are the gods still distracted?
>Can she burrow?
>If so to that last, look down and prepare to fly.
-
>Did she used to have super teleporting powers?
>Are the gods still distracted?
>Can she burrow?
>If so to that last, look down and prepare to fly.
>You don't think she does.
>The sky is still full of aurora borealis, you think they should be occupied.
>You don't think she can. It would certainly be beneath her station. Nor do you have any idea how she would do it from the roof.
>_
-
> Head to the middle of the courtyard with your gems ready.
> If nothing happens, head for the roof.
-
> Head to the middle of the courtyard with your gems ready.
> If nothing happens, head for the roof.
>You head to the middle of the courtyard, and suffer no ill effects, though you are a bit close to the pollen. However, the amount in the air now should hardly be a problem now.
>You fly to the roof, and see Yorihime waiting just past the peak of the eastern roof, and watching you.
>_
-
> Set down on the roof.
> "Waitin' for me eh?"
> Ready Idling Wave and ready the gems.
-
> Set down on the roof.
> "Waitin' for me eh?"
> Ready Idling Wave and ready the gems.
>"I didn't wish you to mistake a tactical withdrawal for a retreat," says Yorihime.
>Where on the roof do you set down? On the eastern or western half of the front roof; that is, the one over the entry hall where Yorihime is standing; or another one altogether?
>_
-
> Set down on a part that is close enough to her that she is in range of our danmaku, but not close enough that she can slash at us.
> When ready, let fly Idling Wave coupled with the gems.
-
> Set down on a part that is close enough to her that she is in range of our danmaku, but not close enough that she can slash at us.
> When ready, let fly Idling Wave coupled with the gems.
>You set down opposite of Yorihime and declare Loafing Sign: Idling Wave, letting the four gems empower it. The moment you draw out the card, Yorihime hops over the peak of the roof and begins to charge at you, blade extended and leaving a thick trail of Danmaku in her wake!
>_
-
> Try to dodge the danmaku without canceling the spellcard.
-
> Try to dodge the danmaku without canceling the spellcard.
>Yorihime races toward you faster than your shots can fly, sword ready to strike. You dodge out of the way, barely avoiding the strike. The spellcard wavers heavily. You hear Yorihime dash past you, and leap from the roof. Then the cloud of danmaku left in her wake reaches you. You try to dodge through it without cancelling your spellcard, but there line of danmaku is too long for you to weave through forever, and a bullet cuts into your hip painfully, disrupting the card.
>_
-
> "Dammit!"
> Regain composure by setting the card and gems up again.
-
> "Dammit!"
> Regain composure by setting the card and gems up again.
>You feel you've earned a little foul language, given the circumstances.
>You steady yourself, and make sure you haven't dropped the card. You consider reusing it, when you note that Yorihime is no close enough for the card to be very effective. She is back in the courtyard, picking up the unbroken part of the Vial of Pollen and wrapping a length of cloth around it.
>_
-
> Observe Yorihime for now.
> Consider this as a chance to rescue Patchouli and Remilia.
-
>Lovely. Can we snipe the bottle while she's playing with it? We REALLY don't want her to get OUR poison.
-
>Lovely. Can we snipe the bottle while she's playing with it? We REALLY don't want her to get OUR poison.
> If I recall, most of it was wasted anyway so I doubt the remainder would be potent enough.
-
> Observe Yorihime for now.
> Consider this as a chance to rescue Patchouli and Remilia.
>She is definitely claiming the Vial of Pollen for her own.
>You might be able to, but you don't know if it'd be wise to allow Yorihime the time off.
>Lovely. Can we snipe the bottle while she's playing with it? We REALLY don't want her to get OUR poison.
>You can try, but you have little time.
> If I recall, most of it was wasted anyway so I doubt the remainder would be potent enough.
>Lily of the Valley pollen doesn't take a while lot to be effective when it's gathered up like that. Nor would even a little bit be a good thing for you, given the circumstances.
>_
-
> "What are you doing Yorihime? I'm trying to be honorable and not attack you, so unless you believe you have won, shall we resume?" Don't use a rude tone here, polite is best. We are trying to keep her from claiming the bottle for too long.
-
> "What are you doing Yorihime? I'm trying to be honorable and not attack you, so unless you believe you have won, shall we resume?" Don't use a rude tone here, polite is best. We are trying to keep her from claiming the bottle for too long.
>"Just resupplying," she calls back, as she tucks the crudely stoppered vial away. "The thought is appreciated, good to see you haven't forgotten it!"
>And with that, she runs toward the western wall with the tree near it again.
>_
-
>...that was fucking retarded. Seriously, you should have fucking shot her.
> Well, whatever, you all know spellcards better than I do.
-
> Well, whatever, you all know spellcards better than I do.
I don't actually, I just don't want to resort to below-the-belt tactics such as imolation from an unexpected source that isn't a machine.
-
If you aren't cheating, you aren't trying. Throwing the poison in the first place was pretty below the belt. Funny thing is, in a real fight the dirty fighters tend to win.
-
Touche.
> What can we do that Yorihime wouldn't expect, or would be effective on her, aside from fleeing/stratigic retreat.
> Weren't we going to ask Yorihime about something? Wasn't it for some alchohal or something about the feast?
-
>That's AFTER we kick her ass
>Hmm...we could try a bluff with the black feather, any good ideas? The goal would be to make it seem worse than a bullet so she dodges into danmaku.
-
If we run out of options, using some combination of the Purple Gem and Tele-Mesmerism might work, if we can take the side effects.
Just throwing that out there.
-
>That's more of a "This better kick her ass or we've lost" card.
-
>As you debate what to do next, Yorihime does another series of kick jumps back onto the roof Eientei, on the opposite side of the courtyard from you. You are pretty sure she can't do anything to you at this range, but you doubt you could effectively attack her yourself. She starts to run toward the south, perpendicular to you.
>_
-
> Lets open up a can of whoop-ass on Yorihime! >:D By that I mean, start shooting Danmaku at her.
-
> Lets open up a can of whoop-ass on Yorihime! >:D By that I mean, start shooting Danmaku at her.
>She's too far away to really affect, but you decide that this is no reason she should have an easy time of it. You start firing danmaku at her. It spreads out as it crosses over the courtyard, becoming a wide but relatively easy to avoid fan. Yorihime cuts through the few shots that comes close to her as she ascends to the top of the roof. Then she beckons for you to follow her, and disappears over the edge of it and to the south.
>_
-
>Fuck that noise, it's a trap.
>Go retrieve Patchy and Remi
-
>Fuck that noise, it's a trap.
>Go retrieve Patchy and Remi
>You go to retrieve Patchouli and Remilia.
>"Go finish her off!" says Kaguya, as you land in the courtyard. "You've got the advantage on her!"
>_
-
>"Do we? How do I know this isn't a trap? Regardless, you know her better than I do, so I'll chase her if you'd like..."
-
>"Do we? How do I know this isn't a trap? Regardless, you know her better than I do, so I'll chase her if you'd like..."
>"Well if you're worried about a trap," says Kaguya, "It's probably a bad idea to give her more time to set one up, don't you think? Don't worry about the hostages, I'll get them."
>_
-
> "Lady Kaguya, as is I'd have to use "that one card" and end up destorying part of Eientei if I truly want to finish her quickly. But oh well..."
> Ready whatever card we used in Touhou 12.3 that gave us the freaking eye lasers. Even if we don't have it. >:D
-
>"Good point"
>Pursue Yorihime at top speed, stay VERY AWARE of surroundings, then prepare to dodge that damned poison vial. Since it's rather easy to hit someone with it when they are chasing you. In fact, don't chase linearly, use evasive measures in the chase. Also, fire some super dankmaku in front of you as you go.
-
> "Lady Kaguya, as is I'd have to use "that one card" and end up destorying part of Eientei if I truly want to finish her quickly. But oh well..."
> Ready whatever card we used in Touhou 12.3 that gave us the freaking eye lasers. Even if we don't have it. >:D
>"Well it's a good thing she's running away from Eientei, isn't it?" says Kaguya. "Do try not to hurt her too badly."
>Not translated = Not canon
>"Good point"
>Pursue Yorihime at top speed, stay VERY AWARE of surroundings, then prepare to dodge that damned poison vial. Since it's rather easy to hit someone with it when they are chasing you. In fact, don't chase linearly, use evasive measures in the chase. Also, fire some super dankmaku in front of you as you go.
>You take to the air, and zigzag a bit, letting some waves of danmaku precede you, keeping sharp for any Vials of Pollen
>As you crest the roof, you don't see Yorihime anywhere. You also don't see any place on the roof that she could be hiding. You don't think she had time to get to one of the other roofs...
>_
-
> Quick! Check above us, below us and behind us!
-
> Quick! Check above us, below us and behind us!
>You look around, quickly. And see nothing above or behind you. Looking below, you don't see her either. But, you notice that she could have gone off the edge of the roof and into the forest.
>_
-
> "Son of a... Gone to the forest have you?"
> Consider just giving up on the fair fight and burning the forest down to the ground with the Red GemHead into the forest, calmly, ready for anything to come leaping out from any direction, guns blazing so-to-speak.
-
> Also, if it isn't any trouble, manipulate the wavelengths in the forest to prevent anyone from escaping.
Reisen did this once in SaBND, so if you haven't read that this'll probably be a little strange.
-
> "Son of a... Gone to the forest have you?"
> Consider just giving up on the fair fight and burning the forest down to the ground with the Red GemHead into the forest, calmly, ready for anything to come leaping out from any direction, guns blazing so-to-speak.
>It seems that she has. You indulge in a few choice words. If nothing else, at least now you won't have to worry so much about damaging Eientei.
>You contemplate taking the easy way out, but there's no guarantee it would stop a moving target. Eientei, unfortunately, is an immobile target. Not to mention that Mokou and innumerable others would punch you forever. Instead, you enter the Bamboo forest.
>The bamboo here is fairly thick, as few people bother to walk around Eientei. You can see, near the wall, a spot where someone threw up. It seems that Yorihime is still suffering a bit from the pollen. You don't see her, but you suspect she is nearby. Obvious exits are South, West, and East.
> Also, if it isn't any trouble, manipulate the wavelengths in the forest to prevent anyone from escaping.
>You could do this, but it would take a lot of your concentration. You aren't sure how effectively you could fight while doing this, but you are certain it would prevent you from employing spellcards.
>_
-
> Also, if it isn't any trouble, manipulate the wavelengths in the forest to prevent anyone from escaping.
OOC: This would hide the exits I presume? That would make escape extremly hard.
> Check near where someone threw up, look for signs of footprints. If Yorihime really did throw up, then she likly left a footprint or 2 for us to follow, unless she tried to cover her tracks.
-
>You look around for footprints. The snow has barely falling here, but looking around the site you see an impression that suggests she has gone further south, and deeper into the forest.
>_
-
> Follow the tracks, check the dirt path(I assume it's dirt) for footprints as well, or even displacements.
-
> Follow the tracks, check the dirt path(I assume it's dirt) for footprints as well, or even displacements.
>You follow the tracks and go south.
>The bamboo here is grows in thick clumps, some of it large enough to be durable and difficult to cut despite its dryness. You see Yorihime up ahead, waiting for you. She seems a bit shaky, still, but her eyes don't seem quite so irritated as before. She smiles as you approach. "I considered something sneaky," she says, "but one good turn deserves another. Besides, it would be a shame to risk damaging Eientei any further."
>She brandishes her sword. "Shall we resume?"
>_
-
> "Yes. I can't wait to see the battle's outcome."
> Get Idling Wave ready.
> Set the green and blue gems to the spellcard, and get the red and purple gems to cover our flanks.
-
> "Yes. I can't wait to see the battle's outcome."
> Get Idling Wave ready.
> Set the green and blue gems to the spellcard, and get the red and purple gems to cover our flanks.
>Yorihime nods and closes in with an easy walk.
>You prepare Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (Partially Expended), setting the Green and Blue Gems to empower it. You set the other two gems to guard your sides.
>Yorihime moves so that she's approaching toward the side you covered with the Red Gem. "I wouldn't use that one so carelessly here, if I were you," she says. "I doubt it is as considerate as, say, Lord Kagatsuchi."
>She is about seven yards from you, now. Certainly on guard, but doesn't seem to be doing anything just yet.
>_
-
> "I think the forest should be able to handle some collateral."
> Fire away.
-
> "I think the forest should be able to handle some collateral."
> Fire away.
>"You really have let those things control your heart, if that's what you're truly thinking!" Yorihime shouts as she dives aside from the flames and the Purple Gem's line of bullets.
>The flames come perilously close to some of the bamboo, but nothing ignites yet that you can see.
>"Besides, aren't there people lost out there?" asks Yorihime as she ducks under the Purple Gem's bullets and dashes toward you.
>_
-
> "I asked Mokou to take care of that, so they should be fine by now."
> Continue barrage.
> To reduce risk of fire, only fire the flank gems when Yorihime poses a threat to that position.
-
> Would it be possible to grab the Red Gem and have it shoot flames out in a controllable manner, to make what would look like a Sword of Flame?
-
> "I asked Mokou to take care of that, so they should be fine by now."
> Continue barrage.
> To reduce risk of fire, only fire the flank gems when Yorihime poses a threat to that position.
>She is closing in rapidly, and being very much a threat right now; moving too quickly for the red gem to track on its own!
> Would it be possible to grab the Red Gem and have it shoot flames out in a controllable manner, to make what would look like a Sword of Flame?
>On its own, no. But you quickly realize if you paired the Blue and Red Gems, you could get exactly that.
>_
-
> Counter with said gem-sword and follow up with a dense wave of force danmaku.
> Would the sword still be able to shoot beams?
-
> Counter with said gem-sword and follow up with a dense wave of force danmaku.
> Would the sword still be able to shoot beams?
>You draw the Blue and Red Gems together as Yorihime bears down on you. As she starts to bring her sword upwards, a fiery white beam fires out between the two gems and clashes against her sword. You follow up with a blast of force danmaku, striking her torso solidly and sending her staggering backwards. She quickly draws back, ducking around a thick stand of bamboo.
>The sword of white light is about two yards long, focused between the two gems. You should be able to direct it with your thoughts, but you aren't sure if it would be as fast as Yorihime's weapon. You are very certain you wouldn't be able to match her skill with it.
>_
-
> Would it be possible to grasp both Gems in order to "hold" the blade?
-
> Would it be possible to grasp both Gems in order to "hold" the blade?
>You could, but that would be inefficient. Instead you could just have them focus their power on you and not have to grasp the gems at all. You doubt this would really improve any of the problems from before, but hopefully you can be a bit more precise with it.
>_
-
> Do it. Precision is important.
-
> Do it. Precision is important.
>You direct the gems to transfer it to yourself. You sense that you activate the blade the same way you do your danmaku. Meaning you won't be able to do both at the same time; and that the blade will take both of your hands to use.
>_
-
>As you consider your new weapon, you hear Yorihime's sword slash into something. Then the bamboo that was between you and her starts falling toward you.
>_
-
> Try swinging our new sword at the falling bamboo to block the attack. If this fails, dodge.
-
> Isn't the sword flame-imbued, though? We don't want another fire.
> Dodge.
> What exactly can the Green Gem use its power on? The item description says it affects Reisen's attacks and the other gems, but it doesn't specify how.
-
> Try swinging our new sword at the falling bamboo to block the attack. If this fails, dodge.
> Isn't the sword flame-imbued, though? We don't want another fire.
> Dodge.
> What exactly can the Green Gem use its power on? The item description says it affects Reisen's attacks and the other gems, but it doesn't specify how.
>You consider slashing into the falling bamboo, but you aren't completely sure if the light aspect would keep the heat aspect of the weapon in check, and just try to move out of the way.
>The Green Gem can imbue the other gems, your danmaku, or your spellcards with seeking capacities. You used it earlier with the Blue Gem to create beams that sought after Yorihime. You've not used it independently yet.
>As you move away from the falling bamboo, you see Yorihime slash upwards into the air, creating a wave of danmaku that flies at you and to the left, while the bamboo falls to your right.
>_
-
> Slice through the danmaku coming directly at us.
> Without dispelling the sword, use the Green Gem by itself.
-
> Slice through the danmaku coming directly at us.
> Without dispelling the sword, use the Green Gem by itself.
>You try to slash through the danmake, and find your sword is simply not up to that particular task. As a couple shots cut into your stomach, you suspect it must take either a special weapon or insights into a special technique to cleave through danmaku.
>Yorihime closes in on you, as the Green Gem unleashes a small steam of wedge-shaped green shots. As close as she is, she can't avoid all of them, and takes one to the leg and another across her temple before she can retreat backwards. As she does, she pulls out the Broken Vial of Pollen a pocket.
>_
-
> If possible, send some force danmaku imbued with the green gem to hit the vial.
> If not possible, dive to the side after she throws it.
-
> If possible, send some force danmaku imbued with the green gem to hit the vial.
> If not possible, dive to the side after she throws it.
>You direct the Green and Purple Gems to combine their powers and try to shoot the vial! A line of large orange bullets emerges from between them as Yorihime tosses the Vial. At first, its seems like the shots miss, until then twist about 80 degrees and smash into it in midair.
>The pollen explodes outward in a large cloud, prompting both you and Yorihime to jump away. Still, you feel yourself breathe in some of it and start coughing. You hear her doing the same.
>_
-
> Recall the properties of Eirin's healing potions.
> The sword probably isn't going to be much help, so dismantle it for now. We can use our danmaku to put pressure on Yorihime.
> Shoot a few rounds using the Purple and Green Gems, if we can stop coughing long enough to focus.
-
>"FU *cough* CK!"
> As soon as able do some force focus ight (Blue Green Purple) danmaku at Yorihime's eyes.
>Also recall Heal Potion's abilities and see if a quaff would cure us.
-
> Shoot a few rounds using the Purple and Green Gems, if we can stop coughing long enough to focus.
Belay this, then.
-
> Recall the properties of Eirin's healing potions.
> The sword probably isn't going to be much help, so dismantle it for now. We can use our danmaku to put pressure on Yorihime.
> Shoot a few rounds using the Purple and Green Gems, if we can stop coughing long enough to focus.
>"FU *cough* CK!"
> As soon as able do some force focus ight (Blue Green Purple) danmaku at Yorihime's eyes.
>Also recall Heal Potion's abilities and see if a quaff would cure us.
Belay this, then.
>You cough while saying some undignified things.
>The Healtm potions are designed more to deal with wounds from the aftermath of accidents than diseases or poisoning. It might provide some relief, you aren't sure. However, you do know that Eirin developed an antidote to Lily of the Valley poisoning shortly after the flower incident. She keeps it in the white cabinet near her desk; take one spoonful with water.
>You try to direct the Blue, Green, and Purple Gems to create an specific attack. But this does not happen, as two gems simply serve to reforce another. The Purple Gem unleashes a narrow, continuous spray of large bullets at Yorihime. While it does not blind her, it does force her to throw herself to the ground to avoid them, as apparently she is in no condition to do anything else.
>You feel a little bit dizzy, and a little bit nauseous.
>_
-
>Attack of opportunity, do full force homing danmaku on her while she's prone. Consider cards that would keep her pinned down.
>Try taking a quaff of the heal brand potion at some point in all this.
-
>Attack of opportunity, do full force homing danmaku on her while she's prone. Consider cards that would keep her pinned down.
>Try taking a quaff of the heal brand potion at some point in all this.
>You set the Green and Purple Gems to combine again and fire on Yorihime. Is already in the process of rolling out of the way, so the shots only clip her a little bit. Curiously, this time they do not bend toward her, perhaps it only happens at certain angles?
>You would have to drink the whole potion to have an effect.
>_
-
> Drink the potion now, the powder has been used entirely so it's no longer a threat. We can get whatever healing items we need from Eirin later.
-
> Drink the potion now, the powder has been used entirely so it's no longer a threat. We can get whatever healing items we need from Eirin later.
>You drink the potion. The little wounds you've taken from Yorihime's stop hurting very quickly, and the sense of nauseousness goes away. You still feel a bit dizzy.
>You obtain: Empty Bottle.
>While you are drinking the potion, Yorihime gets to her feet, visibly unsteady.
>_
-
> Fire all Gems but the Red, with the shots lined up, in a manner like so: Green-Purple-Blue-Blue-Purple-Green, with Yorihime in the very center of it all.
-
> Fire all Gems but the Red, with the shots lined up, in a manner like so: Green-Purple-Blue-Blue-Purple-Green, with Yorihime in the very center of it all.
>You decide to take a more organized approach to your attacks, firing some green homing shots, then some force shots, then two lines of beams, more force shots, and seekers at the end of it.
>Yorihime dances round the homing shots with more agility than you would expect from someone of her current condition, sways under the force shots, and cuts through the all of the beams. Then she seems to lose her footing while sidestepping the next line of force shots and stumbles as the final line of homing shots close in on her an strike her in the chest and back, sending her to her knees.
>Something very heavy clamps down on your shoulders suddenly, and squeezes with vice-like tightness!
>_
-
> Check our shoulders to see what it could be, while struggling to break free. Do NOT fire any shots at our new assailant just yet.
-
> Check our shoulders to see what it could be, while struggling to break free. Do NOT fire any shots at our new assailant just yet.
>You look at your shoulders and see nothing at all. No...you see some now-familiar distortion.
>It digs into your shoulders painfully, and starts to lift you into the air.
>_
-
> Oh God dammit
> "Ok, Yorihime, I kinda have issues right now. You'll probably take advantage of them but...um...I'm being attacked by an apparation at the moment. Is there any chance we can have a temporary ceasefire while I deal with this? Or would you rather attack me while I'm distracted?"
> Say that last sentence with some heavy implication of it being rather unacceptable/dishonorable
-
OOC: This is the Appirition(sp?) we are being grabbed by, right? I'm posting assuming that it is.
> "Y-you?!"
> "Yorihime, sorry about everything, but our fight is going to need to wait, this thing is EVIL! It probably want me dead too..."
> Do everything within our power to plow the thing lifting us to pieces
OOC: Uncertain kitten... I had just typed a message too! :3
-
> Oh God dammit
> "Ok, Yorihime, I kinda have issues right now. You'll probably take advantage of them but...um...I'm being attacked by an apparation at the moment. Is there any chance we can have a temporary ceasefire while I deal with this? Or would you rather attack me while I'm distracted?"
> Say that last sentence with some heavy implication of it being rather unacceptable/dishonorable
>This really isn't what you need on the eve of your victory...
>You try to say all this, but you really can't make it all that comprehensible while gritting your teeth against the pain and periodically gasping.
>Yorihime, still on her knees and breathing heavily, just stares. It's clear she has some idea that things are going wrong.
>_
-
> Do anything we can to it. Preferably fire gem powered danmaku.
> If we don't have the concentration to do that, fire normal danmaku
> If we don't have the concentration to do that, kick the thing in the nuts. We don't need concentration for that.
-
> "Yori... hime... please... help me..." The "..." are for the gasping or gritting pauses.
-
> Do anything we can to it. Preferably fire gem powered danmaku.
> If we don't have the concentration to do that, fire normal danmaku
> If we don't have the concentration to do that, kick the thing in the nuts. We don't need concentration for that.
>Dangling several yards in the air now, you turn all the gems against it. You aren't sure if you're actually doing anything to it, given its intangible nature, but you do feel its grip loosen a bit.
> "Yori... hime... please... help me..." The "..." are for the gasping or gritting pauses.
>She nods dumbly. "How?" she asks, before starting to cough.
>_
-
>It's tangible enough to strangle us
> Kick it in the nuts. Even if they are intangible
> Retrieve arms from-
/me is shot
>Fire danmaku at it if possible.
-
>It's tangible enough to strangle us
> Kick it in the nuts. Even if they are intangible
> Retrieve arms from-
/me is shot
>Fire danmaku at it if possible.
>You have your back turned to it, and really only have a vague idea where it is. This will make any kind of kicking hard.
>You can add your own to the danmaku to the mix, but you have to figure out how to shoot backwards when you can barely move your shoulders.
>_
-
> "Hit it... with... something... danmaku... sword... anything... please."
Desperate cries for help need to be typed in the format they are to be said as :D
-
> "Hit it... with... something... danmaku... sword... anything... please."
>"Hit it where?" she says, as she gets to her feet and starts to approach unsteadily. "I can't see it!"
>_
-
> Shake the sunglasses off and distort the light so Yorihime can see it, like we did with Eirin. ...Unless we can't distort light that's hitting behind us, in which case, wait for another
Parsee voice to think of something.
-
> Shake the sunglasses off and distort the light so Yorihime can see it, like we did with Eirin. ...Unless we can't distort light that's hitting behind us, in which case, wait for another Parsee voice to think of something.
>Normally, it's pretty hard to distort light to get a specific effect if you cannot at least partially see what you're doing. But you've done this several times today already, so you have a fair idea of what you need to do even if you can't see the results. You shake the sunglasses off and let them fall to the ground, and set to work. It's difficult concentrating through the pain, but you see the light distort and the world take on the green and purple hues you desire.
>Yorihime speeds up, leaping into the air and out of your sight. Suddenly the grip on your shoulders slackens, and your own weight is enough for you to fall free. You land hard on the snow, just behind your gems.
>_
-
> Look behind us, and see what Yorihime did.
> Take a deep breathe to get a hang of ourselves.
> "T-thanks Yorihime."
-
> "Yorihime! Can you keep it one place?"
> If the answer is affirmative, place the seals that Reimu gave us.
-
> Look behind us, and see what Yorihime did.
> Take a deep breathe to get a hang of ourselves.
> "T-thanks Yorihime."
>You see the Apparition staggering back., but you aren't sure whether it is from the barrage that you're unleashing on it or Yorihime's actions. It does not show any kind of wounds, but it never has before.
>You take a deep, steadying breath, and get back to your feet. The Apparition leaps aside, out of the way of the Gem's onslaught. The Green Gem's shots still follow it, but it seems to be ignoring them.
>Yorihime is a couple yards to your left, leaning heavily on her weapon. You think she mutters an answer, but you can't hear it.
> "Yorihime! Can you keep it one place?"
> If the answer is affirmative, place the seals that Reimu gave us.
>You aren't sure if she answered or not, if so you didn't hear her.
>The Apparition leaps in your direction, drawing back one of its arms!
>_
-
> Dodge, then counter attack with the Blue and Purple Gems.
-
> Dodge, then counter attack with the Blue and Purple Gems.
>Dodge in what manner?
>_
-
> The "get out of the way" kind. Side-step out of the way, dive out of the way, whatever works and is worth using in a fight like this.
-
> Ducking might be good given the situation.
-
> The "get out of the way" kind. Side-step out of the way, dive out of the way, whatever works and is worth using in a fight like this.
> Ducking might be good given the situation.
>You duck! The Apparition's fist flies over your head, almost grazing against your ears.
>You turn the Blue and Purple gems against it. The Blue Gem's Beams cut through it, and you don't know if they have an effect; it's hard to tell with an intangible being. The Purple Gem's streams of bullets, however, slam into its side and cause it to stagger a bit.
>Still, it swipes its other hand toward you in an underhand motion, fingers extended.
>_
-
Note to other voices: I sincerely doubt you're going to be able to get away with things like "dodge" and "keep shooting" for too much longer. Put detail and effort into your actions, those are what will get rewarded with positive outcomes.
-
> Big backstep to dodge the underhand swing. Continue with the assualt, mixing in some Green Gem shots. Use the Red Gem on it's hand after we dodge the underhand swing, but only if it's unlikly anything will light up on fire.
-
> Recall which spellcards are good at keeping enemies in one spot.
-
> Big backstep to dodge the underhand swing. Continue with the assualt, mixing in some Green Gem shots. Use the Red Gem on it's hand after we dodge the underhand swing, but only if it's unlikly anything will light up on fire.
>You step away from the Apparition, your head starting to swim from all of the motion. However, its follow-up misses you.
>You turn the green and red gems again it as well, forcing it to stagger back from the combined weight of the attacks.
> Recall which spellcards are good at keeping enemies in one spot.
>None of your spellcards are really good at pinning someone in one spot, they're more about forcing the victim to second guess themselves while dodging.
>_
-
> Try to regain balance to avoid falling over. Take a deep breathe as well.
> "I'm starting to wish I didn't use that vial on you Yorihime. After we deal with this thing, I vote we call a truce and get something to rid us of the effects of the contents of that vial. But until then, do you think you'll be able to attack this beastly thing?"
> Observe the Apparitions actions, while continuing the assault on it, but reserving the Red Gem for when we won't hit the forest or Yorihime. If the Blue Gem has no visible effect, stop firing it.
-
> Can we see the sun? If so, determine where west is.
-
> Try to regain balance to avoid falling over. Take a deep breathe as well.
> "I'm starting to wish I didn't use that vial on you Yorihime. After we deal with this thing, I vote we call a truce and get something to rid us of the effects of the contents of that vial. But until then, do you think you'll be able to attack this beastly thing?"
> Observe the Apparitions actions, while continuing the assault on it, but reserving the Red Gem for when we won't hit the forest or Yorihime. If the Blue Gem has no visible effect, stop firing it.
>You take this time to regain your balance.
>You don't know if Yorihime heard you, but she is struggling back to her feet. It looks like she's got the dry heaves, too.
>You keep up the pressure on the Apparition. It is...very hard to read a thing that has no facial expressions, bur as it staggers from the Red Gem's range and you silence the Blue Gem, it seems much less bothered, and gathers itself up to leap at you one more time.
> Can we see the sun? If so, determine where west is.
>It's been cloudy all day. But you imagine there are still a couple hours until sunset.
>_
-
> While the apparition is preparing, step to the side so that Yorihime will not be in the line of fire.
> Look for moss on any nearby rocks in order to determine north, but stay vigilant.
-
> Predict the course of the Apparitions next leap and aim the Red and Blue gems to fire at that location.
>Side-step and back-step away from the Apparition until Yorihime is within sight, so she can attack without having to leap over us. If she is already within sight, have the Apparition roughly between us and her.
-
> While the apparition is preparing, step to the side so that Yorihime will not be in the line of fire.
> Look for moss on any nearby rocks in order to determine north, but stay vigilant.
> Predict the course of the Apparitions next leap and aim the Red and Blue gems to fire at that location.
>Side-step and back-step away from the Apparition until Yorihime is within sight, so she can attack without having to leap over us. If she is already within sight, have the Apparition roughly between us and her.
>You move so that Yorihime won't be endangered, and try to predict where the Apparition is going to land.
>it leaps! You back away diagonally, and redirect the Red and Blue Gems to fire on it as it lands. The two hit dead on; the Apparition emits a low rumbling noise as it evaporates like mist.
>Eientei it directly ahead of you, you must be facing north.
>"Is it gone?" Yorihime asks, her voice raspy, before she dry heaves again.
>_
-
> Aww, it's gone. I was hoping we could seal it.
> Pick up sunglasses.
> "For now. I've fought this thing a few times today, and it's vanished in the same manner each time. ...But that's not important now; we need to get back to Eientei and get you some medicine. Do you need help walking?"
-
/me fumes about having her work erased.
Ah well
(Obv not commands)
-
> Aww, it's gone. I was hoping we could seal it.
> Pick up sunglasses.
> "For now. I've fought this thing a few times today, and it's vanished in the same manner each time. ...But that's not important now; we need to get back to Eientei and get you some medicine. Do you need help walking?"
>You pick up your Pair of Tinted Glasses, trying not to wince at your aching shoulders.
>"I see," says Yorihime. "How irksome for...you." She stops and shakes her head. "I am sorry it got between our battle."
>You say talk about getting back to Eientei. "A-are you surr-rendering, then?" she asks.
>_
-
> "No. I just think we should do this fairly. Shall we call a cease-fire until you're feeling well enough to continue?"
-
> "No. I just think we should do this fairly. Shall we call a cease-fire until you're feeling well enough to continue?"
>"If our positions....were reversed, would you e-expect me to do the same?"
>_
-
> "Win, Lose, Surrender, none of that matters right now. We need to get you some medicine... I'm not feeling golden either, but you look like you need it more. Cease fire, truce, for now."
> "I know for certain that you have enough honor that you would do the same. I have known you for long enough to know that you can be kind, and honorable."
> "Thanks for the help Yorihime, I would have almost certainly been dead if not for your help."
> Lets head into Eientei and Eirin's office, or wherever she keeps medicine, while helping Yorihime if she seems to need help.
-
>"A few minutes ago, you could've knock me out right there when the apparition was holding me, but you didn't. I've fully trusted that you'd have helped me with the apparition, of course I expected you would do the same if we reversed position."
-
> "Win, Lose, Surrender, none of that matters right now. We need to get you some medicine... I'm not feeling golden either, but you look like you need it more. Cease fire, truce, for now."
> "I know for certain that you have enough honor that you would do the same. I have known you for long enough to know that you can be kind, and honorable."
> "Thanks for the help Yorihime, I would have almost certainly been dead if not for your help."
> Lets head into Eientei and Eirin's office, or wherever she keeps medicine, while helping Yorihime if she seems to need help.
>"I can't...just surrender..." says Yorihime. She pauses for a moment to hold back a dry heave. "I'm...sorry."
>She holds her sword ready to strike as you draw near.
>"A few minutes ago, you could've knock me out right there when the apparition was holding me, but you didn't. I've fully trusted that you'd have helped me with the apparition, of course I expected you would do the same if we reversed position."
>She shakes her head, swaying a little. "There's a difference...between interference and o-one's own...plans."
>_
-
> "Yorihime, in a dose like what was in that vial, that stuff is lethal to humans and even some youkai, if I am correct. So shut up, stop worry about winning and losing and accept some help damnit! If you care so much about beating me, we can resume the fight later, but now is not the time damnit!"
> Telling a white lie to stop a fight~ Let this lie keep going.
-
Why do you want to stop the fight again? We can win, easily at this point. I mean, I'm not entering commands since I don't want to hijack the will of the majority here, but dear god you all are hurting my pragmatism here. I'm practically screaming "Why don't you just shoot her?"
But, whatever.
-
> "Yorihime, in a dose like what was in that vial, that stuff is lethal to humans and even some youkai, if I am correct. So shut up, stop worry about winning and losing and accept some help damnit! If you care so much about beating me, we can resume the fight later, but now is not the time damnit!"
> Telling a white lie to stop a fight~ Let this lie keep going.
>"I'll get it...afterwards," she says, advancing a halting step. "C-can't go home if...I stop..."
>_
-
> Assess Yorihime's condition. Could she easily weather the toxins, given time?
> Take a step back, remaining defensive.
> "...What do you mean?"
-
> Assess Yorihime's condition. Could she easily weather the toxins, given time?
> Take a step back, remaining defensive.
> "...What do you mean?"
>You...don't know. She's got a bad dosage, that much is clear, but she might get over it with time. It'd still leave her sick for awhile. And given the rarity of disease in a pure land such as the moon, you doubt she'd have an easy time recovering.
>"J-just what I said," she answers, as she takes another step.
>_
-
> Another step back.
> "... Be that as it may, you need to get that pollen out of your system. And if you won't agree to a cease-fire..."
> Prepare Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon, but do not invoke it yet.
> "... Are you sure this is what you want, Yorihime?"
-
> Another step back.
> "... Be that as it may, you need to get that pollen out of your system. And if you won't agree to a cease-fire..."
> Prepare Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon, but do not invoke it yet.
> "... Are you sure this is what you want, Yorihime?"
>You take another step back, trying to ignore the renewed swimming in your head.
>You prepare a spellcard.
>"I need you...poisoned...more than I n-need...to be better, anyways,"
>_
-
> "You need me poisoned more then you need to live? Oh, and why is that, *insert Yorihime's full known name*? You plan on dragging my back to the moon and make an example of me or something?"
-
> Fuck this shit
> Spellcard her ass, expect some very sneaky tricks that use our debilitated condition.
-
> "I'd rather have neither of us poisoned. ...I'm sorry, but this battle has to end."
> Declare Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon, adding the Purple and Green Gems.
-
(Um...that's kinda silly rdj. We threw the poison first :v)
-
(Ah, right, forgot about that. Nix that first sentence.)
-
> "You need me poisoned more then you need to live? Oh, and why is that, *insert Yorihime's full known name*? You plan on dragging my back to the moon and make an example of me or something?"
>"I'll....survive," she says Watatsuki no Yorihime.
> Fuck this shit
> Spellcard her ass, expect some very sneaky tricks that use our debilitated condition.
> Declare Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon, adding the Purple and Green Gems.
>You don't think you're going to convince her.
>You declare the spellcard, letting the Green and Purple gems empower it, and Yorihime explodes into action, faster than you thought possible!
>Still, even though she doesn't seem to be as afflicted as you thought, you can see that she's still not up to her usual self. She stumbles while trying to dodge around the first ring of bullets, which quietly home in on her, and is knocked back by the impact. Then as she slashes through the second ring, one slips under her sword and connects with her armpit. The third ring vanishes, then appears right in front of her, sending her to the ground.
>You are quite sure she's out cold.
>_
-
> Sheathe Yorihime's sword, set the sheathed sword on Yorihime's chest, pick her up and carry her back to Eientei.
> Find the room Eirin puts her medicine-for-use in.
-
> Sheathe Yorihime's sword, set the sheathed sword on Yorihime's chest, pick her up and carry her back to Eientei.
> Find the room Eirin puts her medicine-for-use in.
|
>You put Yorihime's sword away, then pick her up. She is...surprisingly light. Or, maybe you really are stronger now?
>You make your way back to the entrance of Eientei, having to pause every so often to let the world settle down around you.
>Coming to the entrance, you find Youmu, standing over the moon rabbits with her longer sword in hand, while the moon rabbits are sitting in the entry hall with their backs to the wall. Those that are conscious anyways. Some of them are cradling rifles that have been cut in half. Youmu herself has a few cuts and wounds, but it doesn't seem to have slowed her down. The rabbits stare as you bring Yorihime in, murmuring in amaezment. Youmu nods to you.
>_
-
> Nod back to Youmu.
> Continue to Eirin's office, and once there, set Yorihime down on the bed and locate the suzuran antidote.
-
> Nod back to Youmu.
> Continue to Eirin's office, and once there, set Yorihime down on the bed and locate the suzuran antidote.
>You take Yorihime into Eirin's office. As you walk in, horrible angry screeching assaults your ears! Looks like the Monkey Spider's sedative wore off.
>You find the antidote quickly, it is a whitish powder with the consistency of coarse flower. A small spoon is inside. You also find a flask of water.
>_
-
>Administer yourself the poison antidote right away!
-
> Be sure to give a dose to Yorihime as well.
-
Hold up, hold up.
> Do NOT give Yorihime the antidote just yet. Nothing we've done will guarantee she won't just come at us again once she's better.
> Go find Kaguya.
-
>Administer yourself the poison antidote right away!
>Oh god, it tastes like what you imagine an old boot must taste like! It'll take a few minutes to take effect, but you already feel better just from the knowledge that you've administered it.
> Be sure to give a dose to Yorihime as well.
Hold up, hold up.
> Do NOT give Yorihime the antidote just yet. Nothing we've done will guarantee she won't just come at us again once she's better.
> Go find Kaguya.
>You consider giving Yorihime the antidote, but realize that she might not consider it a loss just yet. You don't know how tenacious she might be in the case of this.
>You go to find Kaguya, and after some searching around, find her overseeing the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. Patchouli is standing with her, looking bored. "Ah, there you are," says Kaguya, "Did you give her a proper thrashing? I hope you didn't embarrass me any further."
>_
-
> What did we use to refer to Yorihime back on the moon?
> "Yes, she has been subdued. She stuck to her motives, though, to the point where she was willing to die for them. I'm not so sure this was a simple political move anymore, she was pretty desperate."
> "I think we need to talk this out. There has to be a solution that saves face for her on Luna while keeping Patchouli here."
-
> What did we use to refer to Yorihime back on the moon?
> "Yes, she has been subdued. She stuck to her motives, though, to the point where she was willing to die for them. I'm not so sure this was a simple political move anymore, she was pretty desperate."
> "I think we need to talk this out. There has to be a solution that saves face for her on Luna while keeping Patchouli here."
>She had many titles, but Commander was the one you used. It doesn't really apply anymore. Regent might be better.
>"Good, good, and of course she did," says Kaguya. "To do any less would be an embarrassment and a sign of creeping impurity. Eirin and I have happily proven no one is immune to that, so they'll be giving her a very jaundiced look if she did less than her utmost."
>"You better not be thinking of selling me out," says Patchouli, giving you a look. "Or you'll be coming down with me."
>"Oh hush," says Kaguya. "I think we've blunted her well enough to convince the capital that trying to move into Gensokyo as they will is a very foolish thing to do. Of course, they'll be more wary in the future. But we have our ways to smooth that over. As for salvaging her own position...well, what do you suggest?"
>_
-
> "I suggest we ask Master Eirin. If I knew my way around Lunarian politics we wouldn't be where we are now. To tell the truth, I'm hoping you and her have some ideas..."
-
> "I suggest we ask Master Eirin. If I knew my way around Lunarian politics we wouldn't be where we are now. To tell the truth, I'm hoping you and her have some ideas..."
>"Maybe," says Kaguya. "Patchouli, you should be quite safe now. It's rather undeniable that Yorihime had no divine mandate to take you. The tricky part will be allowing her to properly save face."
>"Good," says Patchouli flatly.
>"Obviously, we'll come out quite alright," Kaguya continues, "Though I imagine this has thoroughly ruined any ambitions you may have had for advancement back home, Reisen. But I expect that doesn't mean much to you, anymore. At least not until we can properly return. But that'll be quite some time. Hmm, Patchouli, would you be willing to sign a few vows not to meddle in the dark again?"
>"No," says Patchouli.
>Kaguya sighs. "We may need Eirin after all..."
>_
-
> "I think I know how to take care of that quickly."
> Check around Eirin's office for any writing utensils and paper that she wouldn't mind us using.
-
> "I think I know how to take care of that quickly."
> Check around Eirin's office for any writing utensils and paper that she wouldn't mind us using.
>"Oh, this should be interesting," says Kaguya.
>You quickly retrieve some writing utensils and some paper. Eirin has more than enough of that stuff around. Despite her periodic chiding of Kaguya for laziness, she hates to get up for anything when she's settled in, so she just keeps basic things like that everywhere.
>_
-
> Write the following note:
> "For Hong Meiling:
Youmu Konpaku has been sent to the Scarlet Devil Mansion to find Master Eirin Yagokoro and call her back to Eientei. Even if you cannot permit her entry into the Scarlet Devil Mansion, please send Master Eirin to her. This matter is urgent and pertinent to the reason Master Eirin is at the Scarlet Devil Mansion in the first place. If Master Eirin resists, show her this letter.
- Reisen Udongein Inaba"
> Make sure that last part is signed.
> "I'll be right back."
> Head back to Youmu.
-
> Write the following note:
> "For Hong Meiling:
Youmu Konpaku has been sent to the Scarlet Devil Mansion to find Master Eirin Yagokoro and call her back to Eientei. Even if you cannot permit her entry into the Scarlet Devil Mansion, please send Master Eirin to her. This matter is urgent and pertinent to the reason Master Eirin is at the Scarlet Devil Mansion in the first place. If Master Eirin resists, show her this letter.
- Reisen Udongein Inaba"
> Make sure that last part is signed.
> "I'll be right back."
> Head back to Youmu.
>You write a quick note, trying to ignore the Monkey Spider screeching and banging on its cage, and sign it.
>You then go to the front doors, where Youmu is still watching over her prisoners. "Have you decided what to do with them?" she asks.
>_
-
>Actually, would it be possible to use the Green Gem's power of attraction to make a paper airplane and have it flew right to the guard of SDM?
-
> "They just watched me haul their unconscious leader's body through here. They're not going to put up any more resistance."
> Turn to the rabbits, smirk.
> "At least, not if they don't want to join Commander Yorihime in La-La Land."
> Turn back to Youmu.
> "I'm not going to do anything else to them unless you think they deserve further punishment. It would be needless bloodshed and cruelty. They were only doing their duty, and they know they've lost."
-
>Actually, would it be possible to use the Green Gem's power of attraction to make a paper airplane and have it flew right to the guard of SDM?
>No. You cannot imbue objects with the Gems power. Only yourself and your spellcard effects.
> "They just watched me haul their unconscious leader's body through here. They're not going to put up any more resistance."
> Turn to the rabbits, smirk.
> "At least, not if they don't want to join Commander Yorihime in La-La Land."
> Turn back to Youmu.
> "I'm not going to do anything else to them unless you think they deserve further punishment. It would be needless bloodshed and cruelty. They were only doing their duty, and they know they've lost."
>The rabbit wince at your threat. But they vocally agree with your assertion that they're not going to cause trouble.
>"As you wish," Youmu says, sheathing her sword.
>_
-
Oh wait, I may not have thought my cunning plan all the way through.
> How much time is left before the rabbit play tonight?
-
Oh wait, I may not have thought my cunning plan all the way through.
> How much time is left before the rabbit play tonight?
>You suspect there's at least two hours. Maybe three.
-
> And how long does it take to get to the SDM from Eientei?
-
> And how long does it take to get to the SDM from Eientei?
>It takes you a little bit of time. But Youmu is supposed to be renowned for her speed.
>_
-
> "Youmu, I may have another favor to ask you, but time may become a factor. How long do you think it would take you to get from here to the Scarlet Devil Mansion?"
-
> "Youmu, I may have another favor to ask you, but time may become a factor. How long do you think it would take you to get from here to the Scarlet Devil Mansion?"
>"Not very long, but...I'm rather not welcome there," she says. "What do you need?"
>_
-
> "I might need you to go and tell Master Eirin to return home. The problem is that she would surely slow you down on the return trip, unless you think you can find your way back here without guidance, and the rabbit play is coming soon, so it might be better for everyone if I went to fetch Master Eirin while you started preparing for that."
Note to other voices, since I'm going to sleep: Don't forget that we still need to head underground and talk to Yuugi about the play and donating to the feast (as well as drop Candid Friend off with the Prismrivers). If Youmu is confident enough in her abilities to race to the SDM, let Eirin know about the situation and then race back to begin preparations, let her go, and head to the underground ourselves (after updating Kaguya on Yorihime's condition). If she isn't, then send her to the kitchens now and head out to the SDM, letting Eirin go directly home to Eientei while we detour off to the underground during the return trip (again, after updating Kaguya on Yorihime's condition).
Two other minor notes should be included in all this, and they can be instructions to Youmu or done ourselves, depending on who goes to the SDM:
- Let Sakuya know that any help she can provide in the kitchens would be much appreciated.
- If Reimu and Byakuren are run across in travels, they deserve to be filled in on the situation.
-
> "I might need you to go and tell Master Eirin to return home. The problem is that she would surely slow you down on the return trip, unless you think you can find your way back here without guidance, and the rabbit play is coming soon, so it might be better for everyone if I went to fetch Master Eirin while you started preparing for that."
>"I can get there quickly enough," says Youmu. "There's certainly enough footprints by now that I can find my way out. It should be alright if I just deliver a message. I should be back in time to help with no real problems."
>_
-
> "Excellent. Please go to the Scarlet Devil Mansion and have the gate guard fetch Master Eirin and Sakuya. Show her this if she tries to resist you."
> Hand Youmu the note we wrote.
> "Please let Master Eirin know that Yorihime has been subdued, but the situation is still hot, so we need her back home quickly. Also, please tell Sakuya that any help she herself can spare in the kitchens here would be appreciated. This is not meant to be a slight against you, it's just that I expect a lot of feasters tonight, and with not a lot of time left before the rabbit play I suspect the kitchens will need all the help they can get to make sure everything is finished on time."
> "Also, if you happen to run across Reimu or Byakuren, let them know that the Yorihime situation is under control."
-
> "Excellent. Please go to the Scarlet Devil Mansion and have the gate guard fetch Master Eirin and Sakuya. Show her this if she tries to resist you."
> Hand Youmu the note we wrote.
> "Please let Master Eirin know that Yorihime has been subdued, but the situation is still hot, so we need her back home quickly. Also, please tell Sakuya that any help she herself can spare in the kitchens here would be appreciated. This is not meant to be a slight against you, it's just that I expect a lot of feasters tonight, and with not a lot of time left before the rabbit play I suspect the kitchens will need all the help they can get to make sure everything is finished on time."
> "Also, if you happen to run across Reimu or Byakuren, let them know that the Yorihime situation is under control."
>You give Youmu her orders and the note. "Oh, I understand the need for extra labor," she says, "No worries there."
>With that, she dashes out the door and vanishes into the bamboo forest.
>"Um," says Rise, "Should we just stay here, then?"
>_
-
> "That depends. Can any of you lot cook?"
-
> "That depends. Can any of you lot cook?"
>"A little bit," says Rise.
>"I can boil water like you wouldn't believe!" says another.
>"I'm alright at chopping vegetables," says a third rabbit, you recognize her as the one who tried to pull a pistol on you a while back.
>Others speak up. It seems about half of them have some modicum of cooking ability; apparently the chef of the group was the one you shot when she peeked out from the storeroom.
>_
-
Guess it's total hijack time again, huh? In that case, I'm going to add in a little quick self-indulgence.
> "Good to know, good to know. Before we do anything, though, Rise, come here."
-
> "Good to know, good to know. Before we do anything, though, Rise, come here."
>She stands and quietly approaches, more or less prepared to flinch or duck.
>_
-
> Hug Rise. Be careful not to break her in half, just in case our suspicions of our new-found strength are true.
> "I'm so sorry about all this. I really am. And we're going to try to fix it all so everyone comes out of it okay."
-
> Hug Rise. Be careful not to break her in half, just in case our suspicions of our new-found strength are true.
> "I'm so sorry about all this. I really am. And we're going to try to fix it all so everyone comes out of it okay."
>She clearly didn't expect that. You are careful at first, but if your physical strength has been enhanced, it's still within fairly sane levels.
>"O-okay," she says. "I...uh...I'm sorry I caused you trouble."
>_
-
> "I'm not evil, I don't want to have to fight any of you, we are kin after all, and I know you were following orders. Sorry for what I've done. I hope we can be friends, or at least, not enemies."
-
> "I'm not evil, I don't want to have to fight any of you, we are kin after all, and I know you were following orders. Sorry for what I've done. I hope we can be friends, or at least, not enemies."
>Rise nods.
>"Um, does this mean we can be part of that feast?" asks one of the rabbits, "It smelled pretty good..."
>_
-
> Weren't we planing on letting them take part?
> "I don't think it should be too much of a problem for you guys... I'll have to check to be sure, but it shouldn't be too much trouble."
-
> Weren't we planing on letting them take part?
> "I don't think it should be too much of a problem for you guys... I'll have to check to be sure, but it shouldn't be too much trouble."
>That seems to cheer the group considerably.
>"I guess it's alright if we pitch in, then" says Rise.
>_
-
> "More help is always nice. Thank you, all of you."
> Whisper to the group of Rabbits "Oh, try to avoid telling Yorihime about this. I plan on letting her join in, but lets keep it a secret for now. It's no problem if she finds out, but lets try to keep it a secret anyway."
-
> "More help is always nice. Thank you, all of you."
> Whisper to the group of Rabbits "Oh, try to avoid telling Yorihime about this. I plan on letting her join in, but lets keep it a secret for now. It's no problem if she finds out, but lets try to keep it a secret anyway."
>There is a round of nods. "It'll be a surprise," says Rise, "We got it. Um, what did you do with her, anyways?"
>_
-
> "Don't worry about her. I brought her someplace where she can sleep her defeat off."
> "Well then! Shall we continue?"
> Direct the rabbits towards the kitchen.
-
I'm preoccupied and need to leave soon, but just as a suggestion, I'd take Rise back to Eirin's office to watch over Yorihime, and have the rabbits that haven't claimed any culinary skills help their fallen comrades out. I'd also explain Yorihime's condition to Kaguya and have her watch over Yorihime as well while we go underground.
-
> "Don't worry about her. I brought her someplace where she can sleep her defeat off."
> "Well then! Shall we continue?"
> Direct the rabbits towards the kitchen.
>"Oh, good." says Rise, apparently content with that answer.
>You direct the rabbits toward the kitchen, and they scurry off to get to work.
>_
-
I'm preoccupied and need to leave soon, but just as a suggestion, I'd take Rise back to Eirin's office to watch over Yorihime, and have the rabbits that haven't claimed any culinary skills help their fallen comrades out. I'd also explain Yorihime's condition to Kaguya and have her watch over Yorihime as well while we go underground.
Good plan.
> "If it isn't too much to ask, I'd like you to watch over Yorihime. Is that okay Rise?"
> If affirmative, lead Rise to Yorihime.
-
> "If it isn't too much to ask, I'd like you to watch over Yorihime. Is that okay Rise?"
> If affirmative, lead Rise to Yorihime.
>"Oh, um, I guess," says Rise, as she hangs back from the group.
>You lead her to Eirin's office, where she winces at the sound of the Monkey Spider going berserk in its covered cage, but tries to ignore it.
>"Wow," she says, looking at Yorihime, "She looks awful."
>_
-
> "Yeah. It looks like the Lilies of the Valley poison really took a toll on her body."
> "Sorry about the caged animal. Not much I can do about that."
> Tell Rise we'll be back soon and leave to look for Kaguya.
-
> "Yeah. It looks like the Lilies of the Valley poison really took a toll on her body."
> "Sorry about the caged animal. Not much I can do about that."
> Tell Rise we'll be back soon and leave to look for Kaguya.
>"Can you do anything about Yorihime?" Rise asks, while casting another look at the cage. You can't blame her, it took you awhile to get used to there being animals around as well. Especially less than friendly ones.
>_
-
> Examine Yorihime. Is she more or less in a stable condition?
-
> Examine Yorihime. Is she more or less in a stable condition?
>She could really use that antidote. But even without, you think she'll eventually get better. Really it's just whether it's a matter of hours or a matter of days.
>_
-
> "Yorihime should be fine if rests for awhile. The poison just needs to run through her system and she should be fine."
> Leave Rise with Yorihime and go find Kaguya so we can deliver a status report.
-
> "Yorihime should be fine if rests for awhile. The poison just needs to run through her system and she should be fine."
> Leave Rise with Yorihime and go find Kaguya so we can deliver a status report.
>You leave Rise in the office and go to report to Kaguya. You quickly find her in the courtyard, overseeing a mixed group of rabbits and moon rabbits as they clean the courtyard.
>_
-
Too the people reading this, I am bad at status reports and official stuff, so if you think I messed up somewhere, feel free to correct me.
> Try to tidy ourself up, we just had to fight Yorihime and the Apparition back-to-back, we must look like a mess.
> Try to regain ourself, so we don't fall over when speaking with Kaguya.
> "Ah, hello Lady Kaguya. I fended off Yorihime without being too harsh on her. She's in rough shape but shouldn't die. She refused to admit defeat, and even to except help from me, even though she looked like she could barely stand. This alone could become a problem when she comes around. I also asked for the rabbits that were taking orders from Yorihime to help prepare, so this feast and play combination should go along nicly. Although their is still one thing bothering me, the Apparition has appeared several times today and seemed aggressive towards me each and every time, including when it showed up so quickly and started attacking me while I was fighting Yorihime. At this rate I am either going to have to skip the play and feast because of the threat is poses, or come up with a plan and set it into action beforehand."
Feel free to pull my post apart and fix problems in it, if any of you see any.
-
> Try to tidy ourself up, we just had to fight Yorihime and the Apparition back-to-back, we must look like a mess.
> Try to regain ourself, so we don't fall over when speaking with Kaguya.
> "Ah, hello Lady Kaguya. I fended off Yorihime without being too harsh on her. She's in rough shape but shouldn't die. She refused to admit defeat, and even to except help from me, even though she looked like she could barely stand. This alone could become a problem when she comes around. I also asked for the rabbits that were taking orders from Yorihime to help prepare, so this feast and play combination should go along nicly. Although their is still one thing bothering me, the Apparition has appeared several times today and seemed aggressive towards me each and every time, including when it showed up so quickly and started attacking me while I was fighting Yorihime. At this rate I am either going to have to skip the play and feast because of the threat is poses, or come up with a plan and set it into action beforehand."
>You try to tidy yourself up a bit, straightening your coat and smoothing your skirt. To be honest, you could really use a bath right about now. It might help out with your shoulders' soreness.
>You're feeling a lot better, now that the antidote has had time to kick in. You shouldn't have to worry about dizzy spells anymore.
>You present things concisely to Kaguya. She nods at the appropriate times without interrupting you. "That Apparition could be a problem. Do what you must to deal with it, I'm sure you have Eirin's full support in the matter. As for Yorihime, I'll have her bound up and put in my room for now. That femtofiber rope the rabbits used on Patchouli should do the job well, don't you agree? It would be a shame if you have to miss the festival you've arranged for, so do try to wrap things up by then. But if it's impossible, I understand."
>_
-
>"Um....should we give her the antidote after she's tied up?"
-
>"Um....should we give her the antidote after she's tied up?"
>Kaguya frowns. "You haven't already? Yes, please do that at once."
>_
-
>"Long story short I was worried it might cause issues involving her trying to continue the fight and I preferred to consult with you first before doing anything that would...cause issues. I'll get her the antidote now."
> Get Yorihime the antidote now.
-
>"Long story short I was worried it might cause issues involving her trying to continue the fight and I preferred to consult with you first before doing anything that would...cause issues. I'll get her the antidote now."
> Get Yorihime the antidote now.
>"Ah," says Kaguya. "That might be an issue with her sister, but no. If you've beaten her, she'll acknowledge it. She's not one to let the people of Gensokyo outdo her in terms of dignity."
>You return to Eirin's Office, and see that Rise is sitting as far away from the cage as she can without actually moving the furniture. She says nothing as you administer the antidote to Yorihime. Thankfully, Eirin has taught you how to administer liquids to an unconscious person without drowning them, so there is no problem in giving it to her.
>_
-
> "Ok, she should recover from the worst of it within a few minutes, but she might remain out cold for... half an hour maybe? Kaguya said she was going to have Yorihime moved to a proper room, so you won't need to stick around in this room for much longer. I understand how it feel being in here with that little thing making so much noise... it still bothers me a bit, but it isn't an actual threat to us right now."
> Place a hand on Rise's shoulder with a kind look on our face when we tell her Yorihime will be fine, and understanding when talking about the noise.
-
> "Ok, she should recover from the worst of it within a few minutes, but she might remain out cold for... half an hour maybe? Kaguya said she was going to have Yorihime moved to a proper room, so you won't need to stick around in this room for much longer. I understand how it feel being in here with that little thing making so much noise... it still bothers me a bit, but it isn't an actual threat to us right now."
> Place a hand on Rise's shoulder with a kind look on our face when we tell her Yorihime will be fine, and understanding when talking about the noise.
>You do your best to reassure Rise. She nods. "Thank goodness. I was afraid I'd have to be here with that terrible thing all night!"
>_
-
> "Master Eirin considered that once as punishment or torture once, but instantly thought it would be to cruel to try and inflict on someone... Thankfully she normal has it sedated, but as you can hear, the sedative has worn off... just a few minutes longer Rise, and I understand your desire to get away from that thing, I understand it all to well..."
-
> "Master Eirin considered that once as punishment or torture once, but instantly thought it would be to cruel to try and inflict on someone... Thankfully she normal has it sedated, but as you can hear, the sedative has worn off... just a few minutes longer Rise, and I understand your desire to get away from that thing, I understand it all to well..."
>She nods.
>_
-
> "All right, I need to get going, if tonight's going to happen."
> Bid Rise farewell and head back to Kaguya to let her know we're going underground."
-
> "All right, I need to get going, if tonight's going to happen."
> Bid Rise farewell and head back to Kaguya to let her know we're going underground."
>Rise nods again.
>You find Kaguya quickly, as she's coming down the hall toward the office with a handful of femtofiber rope and chuckling to herself.
>_
-
> "Ah hello milady, taking Yorihime now I presume?"
> "May I ask what you found amusing? You know I enjoy a good joke and such."
-
> "Ah hello milady, taking Yorihime now I presume?"
> "May I ask what you found amusing? You know I enjoy a good joke and such."
>"Quite so," says Kaguya.
>"One of the little tricks to immortality, Reisen, is to learn how to recognize and enjoy rare pleasures. For instance, even for me, how often do you think I get to say that I've had the opportunity to tie up one of the Capital's regents?"
>_
-
> "Ah, I see what you mean, she won't be able to escape without help with that stuff binding her... that actually sounds a bit fun, even to me."
> Ponder the odds Kaguya could grow to enjoy inflicting pain and such to people... and how well she would get along with Tenshi... xD
-
> "Ah, I see what you mean, she won't be able to escape without help with that stuff binding her... that actually sounds a bit fun, even to me."
> Ponder the odds Kaguya could grow to enjoy inflicting pain and such to people... and how well she would get along with Tenshi... xD
>"Quite."
>You suspect she's more silly than sadistic. Then again, she is pretty hard to read a lot of the time, given how easily she seems to shift from lazy and somewhat daffy to insightful and perceptive.
>_
-
> "Anyway, I have administered Yorihime the antidote. Rise is with her right now, though I imagine she won't want to put up a fight against you."
> "I am off to the Underground, as there are a couple of loose ends left down there to tie up, including procuring more supplies for tonight. I don't expect both Youmu and Master Eirin to return before I do."
-
> "Anyway, I have administered Yorihime the antidote. Rise is with her right now, though I imagine she won't want to put up a fight against you."
> "I am off to the Underground, as there are a couple of loose ends left down there to tie up, including procuring more supplies for tonight. I don't expect both Youmu and Master Eirin to return before I do."
>"Very well," says Kaguya. "Things should be fine here, now."
>_
-
> "Understood, Princess."
> Exit Eientei out the front entrance.
-
> "Understood, Princess."
> Exit Eientei out the front entrance.
>"Have fun!" Says Kaguya as she steps past you and enters the office.
>You leave Eientei. As you do, you notice Mokou approaching, carrying the two missing faerie maids on her shoulders like they were small children. "Yo," she says. "Found 'em." One of the maids gives a timid little way. "They were pretty freaked out, so I told 'em you wouldn't get mad, and if you did I'd kick your ass forever. So don't make me kick your ass forever."
>_
-
> "I'm not mad, and even if I was I wouldn't be able to do much considering I just defeated royalty from the moon and a pissed off apparition."
-
> "I'm not mad, and even if I was I wouldn't be able to do much considering I just defeated royalty from the moon and a pissed off apparition."
>"You just whupped Kaguya's ass?" asks Mokou, raising her eyebrows as she lets the maids off her shoulders. "Nice. I wanna watch next time."
>_
-
> "Ah... I meant the other royalty. As in the ones who haven't been exiled."
-
> "Ah... I meant the other royalty. As in the ones who haven't been exiled."
>"Oh." Mokou frowns as the maids skitter inside. "Well. Uh...don't play with my emotions like that. Still, Nice work. Purple Hair didn't look like she was any kind of joke."
>She turns and waves. "Anyhow. Gonna be a lot of people getting lost, probably." She starts to walk away. "I better get ready for that. Oh, yeah, those maids said they were gonna sneak me out something to eat, so don't give 'em any shit about it or I'll jam up your whole shindig."
>_
-
> "You got it."
> Gunwink Mokou.
> Give the maids directions to the kitchens and send them inside.
-
> "You got it."
> Gunwink Mokou.
> Give the maids directions to the kitchens and send them inside.
>Mokou waves again, before disappearing into the bamboo.
>You don't think she saw the gesture, as she was departing, but you imagine she would appreciate it nonetheless. You have no idea if she actually would, but you imagine she would.
>The maids curtsy and head indoors.
>_
-
>Proceed our journey to the Underground.
-
>Proceed our journey to the Underground.
>You head into the Bamboo Forest, and make your way toward the entrance to the Underground.
>With the hustle and bustle of Eientei behind you, it truly begins to sink in that you have done it. You've unquestionably stopped the Lunarian invasion, and defeated their greatest champion. All that's left now is to arrange something to satisfy things on the Capital, help Yorihime save face and keep the peace. It would be nice to have a better picture of what is going on, though. Still, even with that, it's hard not to feel a little bit giddy. You only went and outdid Yorihime!
>Soon, you come to the entrance to the Underground, and make your way downward. Along the way, you note Kisume lurking among the stalactites, but she seems content to leave you alone this time.
>As you come to the bridge, you can hear that the funeral celebrations are still going strong in the Ancient City.
>_
-
> Say hello to Parsee if she is outside.
> Continue into the Ancient City and find Yugi. It was Yugi we needed to find for the feast related actions, correct?
-
> Where did we leave the PrismRivers to perform together?
-
> Say hello to Parsee if she is outside.
> Continue into the Ancient City and find Yugi. It was Yugi we needed to find for the feast related actions, correct?
>You look down, and see no signs of Parsee.
>You do, however, see Yuugi kneeling by the riverbank, still wearing the ratty too-small bathrobe.
> Where did we leave the PrismRivers to perform together?
>They were at The Felt. But this was some hours ago, before the funeral processions and such began, so it is possible they may not be there now.
>_
-
> Walk up to Yuugi, making her aware of our presence before we get to close so as to avoid startling her.
-
> Walk up to Yuugi, making her aware of our presence before we get to close so as to avoid startling her.
>You descend down to the riverbank, and greet Yuugi from a distance. She looks back, then stands and tries, with limited success, to close the bathrobe enough to preserve modesty. Then she gives you a look.
>"Those were Asskicker's gems you got floating behind you, aren't they?" she says.
>_
-
> "Well I did find the Purple one where that Oni Eater thing was."
-
> "Well I did find the Purple one where that Oni Eater thing was."
>"I must still be pissed," says Yuugi, raising an eyebrow. "Because I know you didn't just say that."
>_
-
> Was Yuugi "pissed" when we saw her earlyer? I forget and have 0 clue where the page that would have been mentioned on is.
-
> Was Yuugi "pissed" when we saw her earlyer? I forget and have 0 clue where the page that would have been mentioned on is.
>The last time you met Yuugi, you more or less got her out of bed and asked her about the gems. She also told you a good deal about the woman that hid them, whom she had met and fought personally. This meeting was some hours ago. You don't recall if she was properly drunk then, because she was also very groggy.
>_
-
Oh fuck.
> "Oh? What are you pissed about?"
STEER CONVERSATION AWAY FROM PURPLE GEM, ONI DO NOT APPRECIATE BEING LIED TO
-
Actually on second thought it's likely she's pissed about something else and is just incredulous at the idea of a moon rabbit wasting the Oni Eater, rather than pissed that someone killed it. Still, let's make sure before we get punched in the face.
-
> "Oh? What are you pissed about?"
>"Not that kind, the fun liquored-up kind," Yuugi says. "Now, what'd you say about getting around the Oni Eater."
>_
-
> "Oh, yeah, that was me, with a lot of indirect help from Asskicker. Sorry for not telling you before, the thing got me really good and I probably would have died in the caves myself had Yamame not hauled my carcass back to town."
-
> "Oh, yeah, that was me, with a lot of indirect help from Asskicker. Sorry for not telling you before, the thing got me really good and I probably would have died in the caves myself had Yamame not hauled my carcass back to town."
>"...Wait." She looks toward the town, then back to you, furrowing her brows together. "You...ain't saying your beat it, right? Because, that'd be a zogging thing."
>_
-
> "Well, I don't think anyone actually saw me do it, but the thing's dead, isn't it? And Yamame can vouch for my wandering around those caverns and being roughed up good. And then there's this Purple Gem. I shouldn't need to remind you about Asskicker herself, since you actually met her."
> "Besides, I wouldn't lie to an oni like you, if only because I rather like my face arranged the way it is now and don't really want you to redecorate it."
-
> "Well, I don't think anyone actually saw me do it, but the thing's dead, isn't it? And Yamame can vouch for my wandering around those caverns and being roughed up good. And then there's this Purple Gem. I shouldn't need to remind you about Asskicker herself, since you actually met her."
> "Besides, I wouldn't lie to an oni like you, if only because I rather like my face arranged the way it is now and don't really want you to redecorate it."
>"Well break off my horn an stab a zogging dog with it," Yuugi mutters. She looks back toward the city. "I was wondering if I had only slept through the distillery blowing up."
>She shakes her head, then gives you a solid clap on the back; which just agitates your poor abused shoulders. "You're a zogging legend, that's what you are!"
>_
-
> Wince.
> "Happy to help. Have to give a lot of the credit to Asskicker, though, her gems were invaluable in taking that thing down."
> "Actually, I might have a small favor to ask you, if you don't mind. It depends on how things around here work, though. I've heard some stories but I'm not entirely clear on the subject. Pardon me if this is a stupid question, but are you allowed above ground?"
> Did Mystia get invited to tonight's festivities?
-
> Wince.
> "Happy to help. Have to give a lot of the credit to Asskicker, though, her gems were invaluable in taking that thing down."
> "Actually, I might have a small favor to ask you, if you don't mind. It depends on how things around here work, though. I've heard some stories but I'm not entirely clear on the subject. Pardon me if this is a stupid question, but are you allowed above ground?"
> Did Mystia get invited to tonight's festivities?
>"Oh, yeah," says Yuugi. "How'd you think Suika got loose? I mean, traditionally we stay around here, but that's just because it's kinda weird to be topside anymore. And, y'know, the whole human thing." She shrugs.
>Mystia was invited to the play, there was no feast planned at that point, but one will likely lead to the other.
>_
-
> "Excellent. My home is holding a theatrical production, and then an improptu feast will come after it. Folks from various corners of Gensokyo will be there, not to mention the swathes of rabbits we house. My favor would be to ask if you have any foodstuff supplies you could donate to this. I understand the oni are holding celebrations of their own, but if you can spare anything, it would be most appreciated. If you like, you could join us."
> Have we invited anyone else from the underground yet? Yamame and Satori, at the very least, also deserve to be asked.
-
Also we should ask Kogasa because Kogasa. <_<
-
> "Excellent. My home is holding a theatrical production, and then an improptu feast will come after it. Folks from various corners of Gensokyo will be there, not to mention the swathes of rabbits we house. My favor would be to ask if you have any foodstuff supplies you could donate to this. I understand the oni are holding celebrations of their own, but if you can spare anything, it would be most appreciated. If you like, you could join us."
> Have we invited anyone else from the underground yet? Yamame and Satori, at the very least, also deserve to be asked.
>"Huh. Well, uh, we're not much for food that travels good," says Yuugi. "More the "eat it now before it gets everywhere" kind. But I can get you enough drink to keep 'em happy." She takes a moment to pop her neck, left side then right. "Yeah, that'll be no problem."
>You know that Eirin invited Yamame to come to dinner after rescuing you. Satori, given that she went out of her way to avoid a few guests, may not be too eager to go. But it would be polite.
>_
-
> "Great. You can bring Parsee, too, if she wants to come."
> Give Yuugi the best directions to Eientei we can, mentioning that Mokou will be there in the event she gets lost.
-
Going to bed for the night.
Tasks while underground:
- Invite Satori
- Invite Kogasa
- Get Candid Friend to Prismreznors
-
> "Great. You can bring Parsee, too, if she wants to come."
> Give Yuugi the best directions to Eientei we can, mentioning that Mokou will be there in the event she gets lost.
>She nods. "I'll be there. Parsee might be a bit too hung over. We'll see."
>You give Yuugi the best directions you can. Unfortunately, giving directions for the whole forest is difficult. You eventually decide to go with "Follow all the footprints in the snow."
>"Got it," says Yuugi. "I might have a few of the girls with me, to lug all that shit up there. That okay?"
>_
-
>"Sure!"
>"See you at Eientei then!"
>Head to the Felt.
>Consider inviting Nue as well, she did give us a free lunch.
-
>"Sure!"
>"See you at Eientei then!"
>Head to the Felt.
>Consider inviting Nue as well, she did give us a free lunch.
>"Looking forward to it!" says Yuugi, waving as you depart.
>You make your way in the city and head toward The Felt. Along the way, you pass by the funeral procession as it makes its way through the intersection leading to the Palace of the Earth Spirits. Among the dancers, drummers, and flutists, you notice the Prismrivers adding their own touches to the festive cacophony. You also think you see Nue trailing among the dancers near the back of the procession, but it's hard to tell from here.
>_
-
> Would it at all possible to approach the Prismrivers or Nue, and/or talk to them? Or at least hand one of the Prismrivers the item we need to give to them, Candid Friend or w/e it was.
-
> Would it at all possible to approach the Prismrivers or Nue, and/or talk to them? Or at least hand one of the Prismrivers the item we need to give to them, Candid Friend or w/e it was.
>It should be possible to approach any of them, though there is the risk of colliding with a whirling oni here or there if you're not careful. Also, you're pretty sure Merlin won't be very talkative, and Lunasa has her hands too full to actually take anything.
>_
-
> Let's head to the Palace of Earth Spirits to invite Satori and Koishi.
-
> Let's head to the Palace of Earth Spirits to invite Satori and Koishi.
>You decide to move on, since the Palace of the Earth Spirits is nearby.
>Things are significantly more peaceful near the palace, though you can still hear the music quite well in the distance. It seems that little has happened here since you left; you can see see Orin and the wolf's pawprints in the snow. Obvious exits are North, South, and West.
>_
-
> Knock on the door.
-
> Knock on the door.
>You knock on the door. After a moment, Satori opens it. "Oh, Hello Reisen," she says. Then she frowns. "I'll have to decline, I can't deal with large crowds like that."
>_
-
> "Ah."
> "Well then, sorry about that. Just thought you might want to."
-
> "Ah."
> "Well then, sorry about that. Just thought you might want to."
>"Oh, I do appreciate the thought," says Satori, smiling. "Perhaps I'll invite myself over for tea and a look around sometimes after the crowds are gone."
>She frowns. "You shouldn't leave that wolf just sitting around like that, though.
>_
-
> "Yeah. Sorry about that. I didn't want to drag him into the battle I had just in case."
-
> "Yeah. Sorry about that. I didn't want to drag him into the battle I had just in case."
>"Ah," says Satori. "Hmmm, yes, I understand. He likely would have tried to help you out."
>_
-
> "He truly is kind, but if he fought alongside me, I have no idea wether or not anyone I fought would have attacked him or if he would have been caught in the crossfire. I don't know how well he could take a hit, but I still don't want him to get hurt."
-
> "He truly is kind, but if he fought alongside me, I have no idea wether or not anyone I fought would have attacked him or if he would have been caught in the crossfire. I don't know how well he could take a hit, but I still don't want him to get hurt."
>Satori nods. "Such were my thoughts when I said it. If that woman is as much of a hassle as your thoughts suggest, it may have been best for him."
>_
-
> "I probably should find him again, though. Any idea where he might be, just based on natural tendencies?"
-
> "I probably should find him again, though. Any idea where he might be, just based on natural tendencies?"
>She ponders for a moment, and you get the feeling she's picking through your memories. "I think he'd likely be where you left him, I made sure he understood the significance of 'Stay'. Otherwise, he might be trying to track you down, or possibly just roaming about freely."
>_
-
> "So chances are he will be around where he was before. Thanks a lot Satori."
> Past speaking with Nue and the Prismrivers, do we have any other business in the Underground?
-
> "So chances are he will be around where he was before. Thanks a lot Satori."
> Past speaking with Nue and the Prismrivers, do we have any other business in the Underground?
>That would fulfill most of the goals that have been stated, aside from maybe Kogasa as well.
-
> Then lets bid Satori farewell and enter the town.
> Find the general area Nue and the Prismrivers are in, then party our way over to them :Dthen give the one of the Prismrivers Candid Friend, or at least tell them we have something to give them.
-
> Then lets bid Satori farewell and enter the town.
> Find the general area Nue and the Prismrivers are in, then party our way over to them :Dthen give the one of the Prismrivers Candid Friend, or at least tell them we have something to give them.
>It's not too hard to find the procession again, they've only moved a little ways up the street into the center of town. Coming up from behind, Nue is the closest to you now, though you'd still have to dodge some dancers to her to her. The Prismrivers are up ahead, and it seems only Lyrica would be able to free her hands for any length of time.
>_
-
>Approach Nue.
>"Hi Nue! I'm here to let you know about two things."
>"First, I've found and beat the true culprit behind the UFO incident. Apparently the culprit was my old master from the Moon, Yorihime. Though there's still some loose ends, the incident is pretty much solved."
>"Also, we're having a play done by the rabbits along with a feast held at the Eientei later today. You're welcome to join us. The feast's intent is for Gensokyo's residents to mingle with the Moon's residents."
-
>Approach Nue.
>"Hi Nue! I'm here to let you know about two things."
>"First, I've found and beat the true culprit behind the UFO incident. Apparently the culprit was my old master from the Moon, Yorihime. Though there's still some loose ends, the incident is pretty much solved."
>"Also, we're having a play done by the rabbits along with a feast held at the Eientei later today. You're welcome to join us. The feast's intent is for Gensokyo's residents to mingle with the Moon's residents."
>You make your way toward Nue, dodging around a twirling oni.
>"Hey Reisen!" she says. Getting closer to her, you can see that Nue looks fairly worn out. She must have been at this for awhile.
>"What, really?" she says are you explain about the UFO incident. "Well, isn't that a thing? I'm glad you fixed it up, though! Byakuren's going to be on cloud nine when you tell her."
>Nue nods when you tell her about the upcoming feast. "Thanks! I might show up," she says. "I'm kinda pooped from the funerals and stuff. We'll see how it goes." She chuckles. "Maybe it'll be a good chance to practice my rabbit disguise!"
>_
-
> "Well just make sure you don't cause too much trouble with that disguise. We've had enough rabbit-related trickery for today."
-
> "Haha, Nue, I'm just trying to picture you dressing up like me or one of the Eientei rabbits... it would look silly, in the good way, on you."
> "Any clue when the party here is going to calm down, even a bit? I need to give the Prismriver Sisters something, but they looked pretty busy."
-
> "Haha, Nue, I'm just trying to picture you dressing up like me or one of the Eientei rabbits... it would look silly, in the good way, on you."
You do realize Nue is a shapeshifter, right? >_>
-
> "Well just make sure you don't cause too much trouble with that disguise. We've had enough rabbit-related trickery for today."
>"Oh, good point!"
> "Haha, Nue, I'm just trying to picture you dressing up like me or one of the Eientei rabbits... it would look silly, in the good way, on you."
> "Any clue when the party here is going to calm down, even a bit? I need to give the Prismriver Sisters something, but they looked pretty busy."
>Nue smirks. "I always look good. That's what they call style, and I got more than I know what to do with. Makes a good disguise really hard, too!"
>"Probably a couple days," says Nue, "This is a pretty big event. But it'll have lulls and such. If you wanna talk to them, try that keyboardist, she can go one-handed and stuff."
>_
-
> "Nue, try picturing youself dressed up how I am. Yes it would almost certainly look good, but I find it hard to imagine you looking any different then you normally do. I'm to used to your usual look."
> Ponder how Kaguya would react if she saw Nue transform into someone she knew, such as herself.
-
> "Nue, try picturing youself dressed up how I am. Yes it would almost certainly look good, but I find it hard to imagine you looking any different then you normally do. I'm to used to your usual look."
> Ponder how Kaguya would react if she saw Nue transform into someone she knew, such as herself.
>"I could swing that look," she says. "I'll think about it."
>You imagine Kaguya would probably be delighted, and hound her for hours to turn into different things.
>_
-
> "Actually, for the hell of it, wanna try it out now?"
> After having enough fun with Nuefor a few more posts, head to the key-board Prismriver, whatever her name is.
-
> "Actually, for the hell of it, wanna try it out now?"
> After having enough fun with Nuefor a few more posts, head to the key-board Prismriver, whatever her name is.
>"It takes a bit of time to prepare a new one," says Nue. "So I'll have to give it a miss right now,"
>You make your way through the crowd as well as you can, at one point getting a faceful of hair from one whirling oni but otherwise without real difficulty, and approach Lyrica.
>"Nice stones!" she calls out over the noise.
>_
-
> "Thanks. I have something for you and your sisters." *pull out and hand Candid Friend to the Prismriver* "Here you go, hope you like it."
-
> "Thanks. I have something for you and your sisters." *pull out and hand Candid Friend to the Prismriver* "Here you go, hope you like it."
>"Hey, sure, I'll give it a listen later!" says Lyrica, taking Candid Friend from you and quickly shoving it in a pocket.
>_
-
> Did we consider inviting the Prismrivers to the play-feast at Eientei?
> "You guys must be having fun, being able to preform for so many people."
-
> Did we consider inviting the Prismrivers to the play-feast at Eientei?
> "You guys must be having fun, being able to preform for so many people."
>Lyrica nods. "Don't get many chances like this," she says over the cacophony.
>_
-
> "So are things all good now?"
-
> "So are things all good now?"
>"Dunno," Lyrica shouts, as she moves to avoid a dark-haired oni whose twirl has become a stumble. "But it was kinda nice to jam together again for real, even if it was lousy music."
>_
-
> "Well, hopefully that song will solve that problem."
-
> "Well, hopefully that song will solve that problem."
>"Yeah, I'll check it out when things calm down!"
>_
-
>Do we want to invite the Prismrivers too? They seem pretty occupied here.
>Head to the Felt to look for Kogasa if no other voices object.
-
The PrismReznors need time together to bond and aren't likely to be finished partying until the oni are, which could be for a couple of days. Besides, noisy noisy noisy. I'm sure Eirin will appreciate that. >_>
-
>Do we want to invite the Prismrivers too? They seem pretty occupied here.
>Head to the Felt to look for Kogasa if no other voices object.
>You consider carefully the pros and cons of inviting a cadre of poltergeists into Eientei.
>Deciding you could come back to it later, you make your way toward The Felt. The neighborhood surrounding The Felt is as festive as anywhere else in the Ancient City, with quite a bit of dancing going on. As youmake your way into the Establishment itself, you find it's all but abandoned. There are a few faeries flitting around and cleaning things up; and you note the boss sitting at one of the tables at the restaurant, with a bucket of legos at her side and in the process of making something. You see Kogasa is still hanging around the casino, at the blackjack tables; which is currently being run by a faerie.
>_
-
>Approach Nue.Kogasa.
>"Hi Nue!Kogasa! I'm here to let you know about twoone thing."
>"First, I've found and beat the true culprit behind the UFO incident. Apparently the culprit was my old master from the Moon, Yorihime. Though there's still some loose ends, the incident is pretty much solved."
>"Also, we're having a play done by the rabbits along with a feast held at the Eientei later today. You're welcome to join us. The feast's intent is for Gensokyo's residents to mingle with the Moon's residents."
>Ctrl+A
>Ctrl+C
>Ctrl+V
-
>Ctrl+A
>Ctrl+C
>Ctrl+V
>You approach Kogasa, and give her a highly insulting form invitation.
>"Oh, I'd love to!" says Kogasa. "Oh, and good news! I'm on track to win the prize tonight!"
>_
-
> "Awesome! Can you do still do that if you come to our place, though?"
-
> "Awesome! Can you do still do that if you come to our place, though?"
>"As long as I get back before midnight," says Kogasa."That shouldn't be too hard. Or I guess I could ask the boss to make an exception."
>_
-
> "Great. I hope to see you there!"
> Exit the Felt: It's time to head back home.
-
>BEFORE we exit the felt:"Oh, and what's the prize?"
-
>I think it's a mystery prize.
>BEFORE we exit the felt, ask the boss about making an exception for Kogasa, mention that there's basically no competition right now.
-
>BEFORE we exit the felt:"Oh, and what's the prize?"
>I think it's a mystery prize.
>BEFORE we exit the felt, ask the boss about making an exception for Kogasa, mention that there's basically no competition right now.
>You start to ask, before you remember how things work around here.
>Instead, you approach the boss. You see that she is concentrating very intently on where to place the next piece on her architectural endeavor. She doesn't seem to notice you until you're standing over her. "Oh!" she exclaims. "You're looking very flashy today."
>You ask about her giving Kogasa a break. "Hmmm," she says, looking around then twiddling her fake mustache. "I guess it is kinda wrong to be open when the oni are having funerals and stuff. Very well! Lemon Drop, please go fetch the Prize!"
>One of the faeries zips off to fulfill the order, while the boss calls Kogasa over. "You're today's lucky winner!" the boss announces.
>Kogasa squeals with delight.
>As she does, the faerie emerges from the boss' office, pulling an object covered by a tarp behind her.
>"And tonight's big prize," says the boss, "Are you ready?" When Kogasa nods, the boss walks over to the tarp-covered object and gently removes it. "A mobile garden!"
>Beneath the tarp is a wooden wagon, the kind that children play with, loaded with several bonsai trees in little pots load into it.
> "Great. I hope to see you there!"
> Exit the Felt: It's time to head back home.
>As Kogasa begins to coo over her prize, you decide to take your leave.
>Getting through the city is still a little difficult, but you have gotten a feel for dodging around tipsy dancers. Past the city's gates, the trip is blessedly peaceful; you make your way from the Underground with no trouble and pass into the Bamboo Forest. The amount of footprints in the snow now makes it trivial to find your way back to Eientei.
>As the manor comes into sight, you see Eirin standing outside, arms crossed and waiting. She quickly notices you, and with a look somewhere between concern and annoyance, says, "There you are, Udonge. I wish you would have waited for me to get here before running off again. We need to talk."
>_
-
> "Sorry. I had to take care of some of the party stuff."
> Ask her what we need to talk about.
-
> "Sorry. I had to take care of some of the party stuff."
> Ask her what we need to talk about.
>"Ah, that. I've gotten some of the story from Kaguya and the others," says Eirin, as she gestures for you to follow her. "You encountered that Apparition again, did you not?"
>_
-
> "Ah. Yeah. Right in the middle of my battle with Yorihime."
-
> "Ah. Yeah. Right in the middle of my battle with Yorihime."
>She nods. "I was afraid of that. Come with me, I've found something you'll want to know about."
>_
-
>Follow Keine
EDIT:I MEAN EIRIN ;_;
-
>Follow Keine
EDIT:I MEAN EIRIN ;_;
>She's never ever ever going to let you live that down. Good thing Satori isn't here to tell her.
>She leads you back to her office, which is a great deal more quiet than last time. You notice a number of maps laid across her desk. "I spent the time looking into the lake while you were dealing with Yorihime. Which, I hear, you did a good job of defeating." She gives you a smile, "Good work, I knew you had it in you. But, for now, have a look at those maps. They'll explain things more cleanly than I can."
>_
-
>Examine maps
>Apologize to her in your mind for almost calling her Keine
-
>Examine maps
>Apologize to her in your mind for almost calling her Keine
>It's been a long day. You apologize.
>You look at the maps. The one on top is an old, yellowed thing. You see a little note in the corner that reads "~730 years ago." Looking at this map, the first thing you note is that it's horrendously out of date. It lacks Eientei, which is no surprise, as well as most of the features of Youkai Mountain, aside from it's general presence, Scarlet Devil Mansion, and many of things.
>After examining it, you check the next map. This one has a note putting it at approximately 580 years ago. This map is also fairly bad. The scale is off, and it only has a mention that there's a kappa village and a tengu village on Youkai mountain as real improvements. Something else quickly catches your eye; in the middle of the lake is something listed as "Sealed Shrine." As you read these words, you feel a twinge within yourself. You want to see it.
>Checking the third map, this one noted to be 432 years old, you check the lake, and see no mention of anything there.
>_
-
> "A shrine in the middle of the lake...?"
-
> "A shrine in the middle of the lake...?"
>"For only a brief period of time, it seems," says Eirin. "And, during the period where the first woman to use the gems had drowned there. It grows hard to think it's a coincidence. Unfortunately, there is little written about the structure itself that I could find; just that it was there. And now, it is not. But given you've felt compulsions toward it..."
>_
-
>"Perhaps it's still there; sealed, underneath the lake..."
-
>"Perhaps it's still there; sealed, underneath the lake..."
>Eirin nods. "My thoughts exactly."
>_
-
>"But how would I reach it? And still be alive afterward, of course; it sounds to me like the person drowned in the lake by trying to reach this Sealed Shrine."
-
>"But how would I reach it? And still be alive afterward, of course; it sounds to me like the person drowned in the lake by trying to reach this Sealed Shrine."
>"Perhaps," says Eirin. "I suppose it comes down to what that ward-breaking enchantment on them is supposed to do. There is something else I am considering, as well. The previous user, as far as I or Patchouli can tell, never had to deal with the Apparition. Discounting that it is some shadow of the original user, which I think we can do safely, it seems to be a new factor. As well, it seems that shrine was a similar new factor after her death. Either it was lying there all along; either below or above the lake, or she did something to bring it here. I am inclined to think the latter, if the gems are connected to it, and they come from outside."
>_
-
> "Maybe the apparition is something like the deity or spirit that was sealed in the shrine?"
-
> "Maybe the apparition is something like the deity or spirit that was sealed in the shrine?"
>"There's no real proof," says Eirin, " but it's certainly more to go on than we've have in the past, isn't it?"
>_
-
> "Yeah..."
> "If you want, I can go ask Nitori for some diving equipment, unless of course you have another way of getting to the shrine."
-
>"I wouldn't try diving beneath a frozen lake in any event," says Eirin. "But, I think it's obvious we're going to have to try to do something. That thing has attacked you four times today, and sooner or later you'll have to sleep. Of course, I'll stand guard over you, but that will only serve us for so long before it gets lucky..."
>_
-
> "Hah..."
-
> "Hah..."
>"Quite," Eirin says, sighing. "I'm sorry to have to dump all of this on you now, but I can't imagine it would do any good to keep it from you. I'll leave it up to you to decide what to do about it. While you do, how are you feeling? I'm told that suzuran pollen got involved, but you seem to have handled that already."
>_
-
>"About that... I'm sorry for using the antidote without permission."
>"I also gave Yorihime some of it as well, I was told by Lady Kaguya that it would not be a problem even if she recovers."
>"Regarding that matter, what are we going to do with her now?"
-
>"About that... I'm sorry for using the antidote without permission."
>"I also gave Yorihime some of it as well, I was told by Lady Kaguya that it would not be a problem even if she recovers."
>"Regarding that matter, what are we going to do with her now?"
>"You never need my permission to help the sick, Udonge," Eirin says, reaching over and tousling your hair a bit. "And yes, it was the proper thing to administer to Yorihime. She may be driven, but she won't pretend she wasn't defeated, and that it couldn't be done again. As well, it would be very embarrassing for us to not treat one of the regents when it's perfectly within our capacity. It wouldn't do to be seen undermining the current authority of the Capital any more than necessary."
>She has a seat on the examination bed, and shakes her head. "As for what to do about this, that is difficult. We've established the Capital cannot expect to extend its influence here by force alone. We've also decisively proven that we do not them to guard us; or at least that it's beyond their capacity to do so. The difficulty is that this will only contribute to the general unrest that's been persisting the Apollo Invasion. We've established it's unacceptable for them to simply extradite people from Gensokyo, but we are going to have to do something to try to satisfy them if we don't wish to appear to be supporting the unrest. I think we may be able to let her personally inspect some things, and satisfy herself that there is no lasting damage that we can find. I want to extract some sort of guarantee from Patchouli that she won't meddle in such things again, but she is rather reluctant to consider such things. To be honest, I don't know if any of that will satisfy everyone."
>_
-
> Think back to what time it roughly was when the Apparition attacked during the Yorihime fight, as well as our previous encounters.
> "Eirin, roughly at what time did the Apparition attack when we were leaving the Underground. I think we may be able to predict when it will strike next. As you said, it has appeared before me four times today, thus it's next appearence is only a matter of time. If we can figure out when it will show up next, we can capture it with these" *hold out the talismens/what Reimu gave us to capture the Apparition*
-
> Think back to what time it roughly was when the Apparition attacked during the Yorihime fight, as well as our previous encounters.
> "Eirin, roughly at what time did the Apparition attack when we were leaving the Underground. I think we may be able to predict when it will strike next. As you said, it has appeared before me four times today, thus it's next appearence is only a matter of time. If we can figure out when it will show up next, we can capture it with these" *hold out the talismens/what Reimu gave us to capture the Apparition*
>Unfortunately, you have no real way to check the time. But it doesn't feel like there was a regular interval to it at all. This also discounts how much time it might have spent stalking you.
>You show her the Talismans. Eirin takes them and examines them. "Hmm. If I am reading these correctly, it wouldn't affect the thing unless it was a ghost, or a think from Makai. We've ruled out the former, how sure are you about the latter?"
>_
-
> "It's... hard to tell really. But no matter what it is, these are worth a try. If it was mostly physical, we would have killed or ruined it by now, living or mechanical respectivly, so that means it's form is only physical enough to touch us and objects, but immiterial enough that standard magical attacks like Danmaku won't cause any real lasting or visable damage."
-
>Eirin nods. "There is logic in that. Hopefully, you'll be able to drive it off if the seal fails. But, if it comes from that shrine, we may be able to catch it while it is weakened. Presuming we can get to it, of course."
>_
-
> Did the Scarlet Devil Mansion appear on the second or third maps? Disregard, I forgot Remi wasn't around 580 years ago.
> Ponder what the kappa might know about the underwater shrine.
-
> Did the Scarlet Devil Mansion appear on the second or third maps? Disregard, I forgot Remi wasn't around 580 years ago.
> Ponder what the kappa might know about the underwater shrine.
>You ponder if the Kappa know anything about the shrine. Upon reflection, you aren't sure if they even bother with the lake.
>_
-
> Look at the map searching for other places we might know of, such as the Yakumo Manor or Hakugyokoru/Yuyuko's Really Big House.
> Try to find the rough locations of where we encountered the Apparition, look for patterens or such.
-
> Look at the map searching for other places we might know of, such as the Yakumo Manor or Hakugyokoru/Yuyuko's Really Big House.
> Try to find the rough locations of where we encountered the Apparition, look for patterens or such.
>You idly look over the maps for other familiar locations. You find that the latest one has some reference to Hakugyokurou in a vague sense in...generally the right location, marked, "Here there be the dead, travel not" Really, these maps are pretty vague and useless; but they were made back in the bad old days, when travel was exceedingly dangerous.
>You consider the places where you fought the Apparition. The first time was in the Forest of Magic, but you think it had been following you since you got to the northern outskirts of the human village. The second time was in the middle of the Forest of Magic. The third time was just underneath the peak of Youkai Mountain. The last time was just outside of Eientei. If it is bound to the lake in some way, it seems to be able to travel.
>_
-
> "Has anyone arrived yet for tonight's feast?"
-
> "Has anyone arrived yet for tonight's feast?"
>"Medicine came shortly before you did," says Eirin. "But I think it's a bit early to expect many people. Oh, and Sakuya came with me. She's taken charge of the kitchen."
>_
-
> "What about Youmu? I'm wondering if Yuyuko will know anything about this shrine."
-
> "What about Youmu? I'm wondering if Yuyuko will know anything about this shrine."
>Eirin nods. "She returned with me as well. I should have implied it more strongly. And, hmm, I don't know; I suppose you could do worse than asking Youmu. She's in the kitchen as well, I think."
>_
-
> "Going out on a limb here, in more ways then one, but do you think Yukari Yakumo would know anything about the shrine?"
-
> "Going out on a limb here, in more ways then one, but do you think Yukari Yakumo would know anything about the shrine?"
>"It's possible," says Eirin. "She was certainly around then. I actually considered consulting her on the gems beforehand, but Patchouli tells me she is hibernating now, so it won't be an option for a few weeks yet."
>_
-
>"Maybe Ran would know about the shrine? She was investigating the gems herself before I showed up actually, and she's probably one of the oldest beings in Gensokyo, being a Kitsune."
-
>"Maybe Ran would know about the shrine? She was investigating the gems herself before I showed up actually, and she's probably one of the oldest beings in Gensokyo, being a Kitsune."
>"I wouldn't say the one of the oldest," Eirin replies, "But she might know something. I doubt she would have connected it to the gems, however, unless you have a reason to think she wouldn't have told you?"
>_
-
> "Can not believe I didn't think on it further sooner. If I remember correctly, she was studying the Gems and asked me to gather them for study. Could she have known about the shrine when she sent me to gather the Gems?"
> "I'm going to need to speak with her either way though. Who knows, she may actually know something that we don't, she does live with one of Gensokyo's greatest and oldest, Yukari, after all."
> "Oh, and since I survived a battle with Yorihime..." Give Eirin a big hug and kiss.
-
> "Can not believe I didn't think on it further sooner. If I remember correctly, she was studying the Gems and asked me to gather them for study. Could she have known about the shrine when she sent me to gather the Gems?"
> "I'm going to need to speak with her either way though. Who knows, she may actually know something that we don't, she does live with one of Gensokyo's greatest and oldest, Yukari, after all."
> "Oh, and since I survived a battle with Yorihime..." Give Eirin a big hug and kiss.
>"I think I just answered that." says Eirin to your first question.
>"I wouldn't get your hopes up too much," says Eirin. "As I said, if she knew a lot, she likely would have told you something to the effect of minding the lake. Or it might have dissuaded her from seeking the gems out altogether. But I imagine she might have seen it."
>You give Eirin some affection. She smiles and returns your hug with enough ardor to make your shoulders hurt again. "I'll admit," she says, before returning your kiss, "that I was a bit worried, even when it became clear you had succeeded in securing Kanako's assistance. But you did well, I'm proud of you."
>_
-
> "I can't say it was easy defeating her, even with these Gems and the power they offer. I promised I would come back to you alive, didn't I? When was the last time I made a promise to you or Lady Kaguya that I could not keep? Past stopping the intruders during that incident, that is."
> Continue with the hugs and kisses, hope that no one intrudes this time.
-
> Remember that we have to go over to the Moriya shrine and tell them that we succeeded.
-
> Continue with the hugs and kisses, hope that no one intrudes this time.
A bit early to be celebrating, isn't it? We need to make sure the Apparition won't crash the party, and then we can shower Eirin with affection.
-
> "I can't say it was easy defeating her, even with these Gems and the power they offer. I promised I would come back to you alive, didn't I? When was the last time I made a promise to you or Lady Kaguya that I could not keep? Past stopping the intruders during that incident, that is."
> Continue with the hugs and kisses, hope that no one intrudes this time.
>"Well, we won't hold broken vows against you that we ourselves couldn't keep," says Eirin, as she sighs and relaxes a bit more into your embrace.
> Remember that we have to go over to the Moriya shrine and tell them that we succeeded.
>They would probably appreciate not having to be on guard anymore.
>_
-
> "I'm sorry Eirin, but there are some loose ends I'd like to tie up before the feast. May I take my leave?"
> If permitted, bid Eirin farewell and head for the Moriya Shrine.
-
> Give Eirin one last kiss before leaving though.
-
> "I'm sorry Eirin, but there are some loose ends I'd like to tie up before the feast. May I take my leave?"
> If permitted, bid Eirin farewell and head for the Moriya Shrine.
> Give Eirin one last kiss before leaving though.
>"If you must," she says, kissing you one last time. You decide not to let her have the last word on the issue and give her one last one yourself.
>You bid her farewell, and leave Eientei once more. You make your way through the bamboo forest, passing by Yuugi and a handful of Oni carrying several sizable kegs. Along the road to the shrine, you pass through kappa town and tengu town and find many of their residents are out watching the lights in the sky.
>As you reach the Moriya Shrine, you find Sanae and Wriggle sitting on the front porch, talking among themselves over steaming mugs of tea. Wriggle has exchanged her wind priestess outfit for something more typical of her, though with longer trousers and a proper cloak rather than a cape. Sanae waves to you as you enter the shrine grounds.
>_
-
> "Ah hello Wriggle, Sanae." *wave to them*
> "Yorihime has been bested and likly won't be a problem, may I tell Kanako and Suwako the good news so I can properly thank them?"
-
> "Ah hello Wriggle, Sanae." *wave to them*
> "Yorihime has been bested and likly won't be a problem, may I tell Kanako and Suwako the good news so I can properly thank them?"
>You greet and wave to Sanae and Wriggle. "Hoi, choomba," says Wriggle.
>"That's good to hear," says Sanae. "Kanako-sama may not have any preferences in the matter, but I most certainly do. Unfortunately, neither she nor Suwako-sama are here right now I don't anticipate they'll be back til early in the morning. You could leave some offerings if you like."
>"Oh!" she adds after a moment's pause, "Would it be alright if I brought Wriggle with me to the feast?"
>_
-
> "That shouldn't be a problem at all! Also, I'll be back later with some offerings to properly show my thanks."
> Bid Sanae and Wriggle farewell and head for the Yakumo household.
-
> "I do not think it would be a problem. Your not the type to cause trouble so I doubt they would object. It's already a big crowd, one more youkai won't make too much of a difference, if any at all."
> Check inventory for items that would be fitting offerings to Kanako and Suwako.
-
> "That shouldn't be a problem at all! Also, I'll be back later with some offerings to properly show my thanks."
> Bid Sanae and Wriggle farewell and head for the Yakumo household.
> "I do not think it would be a problem. Your not the type to cause trouble so I doubt they would object. It's already a big crowd, one more youkai won't make too much of a difference, if any at all."
> Check inventory for items that would be fitting offerings to Kanako and Suwako.
>Your Inventory contains:
>Dress Suit w/ Stockings (Wore as clothes)
>Cresent Pin (Worn as accessory)
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing (Significantly Expended)
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (Significantly Expended.)
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (Partially Expended)
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon (Partially Expended)
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>Pair of Tinted Glasses
>Dark Blue Backpack
>Faerie Ribbon
>625☼
>Red Gem
>Silver Medal (Worn as accessory)
>Opal Brooch
>Blue Gem
>Purple Gem
>Dirty Black Feather.
>Empty Bottle
>Green Gem
>Sealing Talisman Set
>Temporarily Enchanted Button
>"Alright, we'll pop in a little bit," says Sanae as you bid two of them farewell.
>You make your way back down the mountain, and approach the Yakumo household.
>You don't seen any signs of activity about it, but that is hardly surprising.
>_
-
> Knock lightly on the door.
-
> Knock lightly on the door.
>You knock on the door, then wait patiently.
>After a minute or so, the door opens, and a rather disheveled and drowsy-looking Ran peaks out. "I expected it would be you," she says through a yawn as she steps outside. "Oh, you've found them all. Well then. You must tell me where the one in the mountains was hidden."
>_
-
> Tell her about the ordeal regarding the green gem, then ask her about the lake shrine.
-
> Tell her about the ordeal regarding the green gem, then ask her about the lake shrine.
>You summarize the tale of the green gem. Ran facepalms. "I knew it! Every time, Chen said we should check out the waterfall cave, but I couldn't believe that somehow hadn't already gotten up there and found it. I suppose this is what I get for not know tengu customs better. I wonder though, if the Moriyas knew about it, why didn't they use it beforehand? They certainly had every reason to...Oh well, I'll talk with them about it later."
>You ask her about the lake shrine. "Oh, that old thing?" says Ran. "I never bothered with it much, it had a bad feeling about it. The faeries really didn't like it when people got close to it, either. I think it sank a few hundred years ago. I presume, since you're asking me, that it had some connection to the gems?"
>_
-
> "Yes actually, quite possibly more then I would like to believe. In fact, the creature that attacked me four times today, that Apparition, seems connected to the Gems, and quite possibly to that Shrine."
-
> "Yes actually, quite possibly more then I would like to believe. In fact, the creature that attacked me four times today, that Apparition, seems connected to the Gems, and quite possibly to that Shrine."
>Ran frowns. "Well. Let me try to remember. It was in the middle of the lake, I remember that for certain. It wasn't really all that much to look at as I recall, rather drab and boring. We really only called it a shrine because there was nothing better for it. Um, I think there was some writing on it, but I don't remember for sure. It's been ages." She looks downward, furrowing her brow. "Let me think...it definitely had some warding magic on it. That's why the faeries didn't like it. I'm not sure why it sank, but I think there might have been a storm. That makes me think it was floating. That's about all I can remember. I know a few of the more foolhardy youkai of the day messed with it, but I don't think any of them are around now and I doubt they achieved much. I know Yukari looked into it, but well, she's still out for the season."
>_
-
> "Hmm... If only we could get down to the bottom of the lake..."
-
> "Hmm... If only we could get down to the bottom of the lake..."
>"That, I cannot help you with," says Ran. "It might be better to ask Patchouli, she has considerable knowledge of water magic. Or possibly Byakuren, she might know a way to make it float again."
>_
-
> "Any ideas for that little pest thats been bothering me every now and then since I found 2 Gems? It's definately agressive and definatly attracted to these Gems."
-
> "Any ideas for that little pest thats been bothering me every now and then since I found 2 Gems? It's definately agressive and definatly attracted to these Gems."
>"I have no clue," says Ran. "I've never heard anything about such an entity until you told me of it today. I wish I could tell you something."
>_
-
> "Well, tell me your thoughts and idea's about it from what I've told you and will tell you then. it has shown up 4 times today, within a few hours at most of each encounter, the 1st encounter being shortly after I found the 2nd of the Gems, and the most recent encounter was only a few minutes ago, just outside Eientei. It's form looks mechanical, but ghostly in the sense that it's largly see-through. It only seems effected to any degree by attacks launched from the Gems, danmaku has no visable effect on it, and even then it can easily figure out how to dodge some of my Cards. I also have to manipulate the light and such in order to be able to actually see it."
Did you mean to edit my post >.> I don't like it when people edit my posts for me.
[purvis]Not intentionally. Quote and modify are right next to each other, and sometimes I slip.[/purvis]
-
> "Well, tell me your thoughts and idea's about it from what I've told you and will tell you then. it has shown up 4 times today, within a few hours at most of each encounter, the 1st encounter being shortly after I found the 2nd of the Gems, and the most recent encounter was only a few minutes ago, just outside Eientei. It's form looks mechanical, but ghostly in the sense that it's largly see-through. It only seems effected to any degree by attacks launched from the Gems, danmaku has no visable effect on it, and even then it can easily figure out how to dodge some of my Cards. I also have to manipulate the light and such in order to be able to actually see it."
>Ran ponders for a moment. "Have you asked anyone else about it, have they been able to tell you anything?"
>_
-
> "I have asked various people and have found out little, no one knows for sure what it is or anything, just what I have seen first-hand."
-
> "I have asked various people and have found out little, no one knows for sure what it is or anything, just what I have seen first-hand."
>"There's not much more than I can add," says Ran. "It's probably not a ghost. The invisibility aspect is weird. Has it ever really seemed to notice when you removed that?"
>_
-
> "Ummmm... that's difficult to tell, considering it's barly noticeable normally, but are you thinking thats why it got aggressive, and it held onto that hostility even after being defeated? Because I hadn't messed with the light at all when it attacked me the 4th time, and it grabbed me by the shoulders, in a painful manner, and lifted me into the air before I actually knew it was their. It's definatly possible it was initially aggressive due to me noticing it, but that doesn't change the fact that it only showed up after I had 2 of the Gems, making it very hard to deny some sort of attraction to the Gems themselves, especially considering that it had held onto the Green Gem tightly before I claimed it."
> Gently rub one of the places the Apparition grabbed us by. Actually, did it make us bleed at all when it grabbed us?
-
> "Ummmm... that's difficult to tell, considering it's barly noticeable normally, but are you thinking thats why it got aggressive, and it held onto that hostility even after being defeated? Because I hadn't messed with the light at all when it attacked me the 4th time, and it grabbed me by the shoulders, in a painful manner, and lifted me into the air before I actually knew it was their. It's definatly possible it was initially aggressive due to me noticing it, but that doesn't change the fact that it only showed up after I had 2 of the Gems, making it very hard to deny some sort of attraction to the Gems themselves, especially considering that it had held onto the Green Gem tightly before I claimed it."
> Gently rub one of the places the Apparition grabbed us by. Actually, did it make us bleed at all when it grabbed us?
>"Well, I am wondering more if it is a conscious thing that it did, or simply a side effect of being...whatever it is. From what I gather, it didn't really seem to react to being uncloaked. I wonder, then, if it is aware that it was?"
>You rub your left shoulder. It's tender, but you don't think that it was bleeding. But, you do suspect that you got some nasty bruises from it.
>_
-
> "Do you know of a way for me to get to the shrine? Either by raising it up from the bottom of the lake, or making it plausible for me to get down their without drowning or freezing?"
-
> "Do you know of a way for me to get to the shrine? Either by raising it up from the bottom of the lake, or making it plausible for me to get down their without drowning or freezing?"
>"Well, as I said, if you want to make things fly, Byakuren is the one to ask, and I'd bet that would apply to unsinking things too. But, that'd probably take a lot of time and work on her part. If you want to be able to go underwater, I would ask Patchouli. Her specialties include water magic. It would almost certainly be easier than asking Byakuren, too. But if you're going to try anything, you'll want a way to handle those wards around it. I do remember that they were quite formidable."
>"As an aside," she adds, looking upwards toward the multicolored light among the clouds, "Please tell me I'm not seeing things."
>_.
-
> "Those lights are, if I am correct, the various God's and Goddess's having a feast. I needed to prevent an opponent of mine from calling upon them for aid, and the best idea I could come up with was for them to have a feast. If I am correct, and the lights mean they are feasting, then the lights are no harm, or at least should be harmless. So no, your not going crazy, but I can understand why you thought that, I was surprised by the lights myself."
> We stopped messing with the light after we got rid of the Apparition the 4th time, right?
-
> "Those lights are, if I am correct, the various God's and Goddess's having a feast. I needed to prevent an opponent of mine from calling upon them for aid, and the best idea I could come up with was for them to have a feast. If I am correct, and the lights mean they are feasting, then the lights are no harm, or at least should be harmless. So no, your not going crazy, but I can understand why you thought that, I was surprised by the lights myself."
> We stopped messing with the light after we got rid of the Apparition the 4th time, right?
>"Wait," says Ran, drawing her hands into her sleeves and her tails twitching as her voice takes a more serious tone. "You were fighting someone that invokes the gods? Do you mean Watatsuki no Yorihime?"
>_
-
> "Actually yes, and beat her, is that a problem?"
-
> "Actually yes, and beat her, is that a problem?"
>Ran grimaces, then gives you a scrutinizing look. "Really? You beat her?"
-
> "Well, me and her were fighting, she ended up out cold from one of my attacks, I never went out cold. I consider that a victory."
-
> "Well, me and her were fighting, she ended up out cold from one of my attacks, I never went out cold. I consider that a victory."
>Ran squints at you a bit more, as though she were trying to see your words. Then she cackles loudly, as though you just completed a wonderful joke, "Oh, Yukari will be so overjoyed to hear that when she wakes up! She'll probably want to give you a present! Yorihime beaten down, by someone from Eientei no less! Oh, I must know what she was doing!"
>_
-
> Give Ran the details of the fight, including the Apparitions interuption.
-
> Give Ran the details of the fight, including the Apparitions interuption.
>You almost feel guilty about telling the tale, as Ran has a tendency to grin at the wrong times. She and Yukari must really have it out for the Watatsuki sisters...
>"Oh, do expect a visit from Yukari when she wakes up," says Ran, "She'll want to hear every detail."
>_
-
> "Will do Ran. Patchouli or Byakuren for dealing with a method of getting to the Lake Shrine, got it."
> If Ran has nothing else to say or do with us, bow and take our leave, heading for Patchy or Byakuren, whichever is closer.
-
> "Will do Ran. Patchouli or Byakuren for dealing with a method of getting to the Lake Shrine, got it."
> If Ran has nothing else to say or do with us, bow and take our leave, heading for Patchy or Byakuren, whichever is closer.
>You think Byakuren would be closer, but Ran did say that it would probably take her a lot more time to help.
>_
-
>We still need to inform Byakuren of the situation anyways, can't have her stand on guard for nothing.
>Head for Byakuren.
-
>We still need to inform Byakuren of the situation anyways, can't have her stand on guard for nothing.
>Head for Byakuren.
>You head for the human village.
>Along the way there, you see Murasa flying a patrol route over the southern part of the road. She waves to you, and heads back toward town briefly. You also note what you think is Shou in the distance, over the eastern part. As you reach the town; finding it's still quite busy with people watching the sky and talking with each other, Byakuren approaches you. "I've not seen any sign of them," she says, "I think, by now, it seems likely they went around the town and continued onward." She frowns, "I've not seen Reimu, either, since she left to visit their base."
-
> "Yes. Sorry for not informing you earlier, but I've been...preoccupied. Suffice to say, Yorihime was taken down for the count. The threat is over for now."
-
> "Yes. Sorry for not informing you earlier, but I've been...preoccupied. Suffice to say, Yorihime was taken down for the count. The threat is over for now."
>"Praised be," says Byakuren. "Was anyone hurt?"
>_
-
> "A few, but they're tough, they'll get over it. We have the medical resources at Eientei to fix any real damage anyway."
-
> "A few, but they're tough, they'll get over it. We have the medical resources at Eientei to fix any real damage anyway."
>"It's good that nothing serious happened," says Byakuren. "I think I'll look into what happened to Reimu next."
>_
-
> "Actually, I have a quick question, and possibly a favor to ask of you. There is a shrine sunk beneath the lake near the Scarlet Devil Mansion, apparently with some unknown wards surrounding it. I was wondering how much time and effort you think it would take for you to raise it so I can get to it. A bizarre apparition has been..."bothering" me all day, and the only clue I have on how to do away with it for good is that shrine."
-
> "Actually, I have a quick question, and possibly a favor to ask of you. There is a shrine sunk beneath the lake near the Scarlet Devil Mansion, apparently with some unknown wards surrounding it. I was wondering how much time and effort you think it would take for you to raise it so I can get to it. A bizarre apparition has been..."bothering" me all day, and the only clue I have on how to do away with it for good is that shrine."
>Byakuren closes her eyes, and says "Hmmm. That would be a little difficult. How large is this place? How close will I be able to get to it? How long will you want it to stay afloat?"
>_
-
> Did Eirin, Ran or the map happen to mention how deep underwater the shrine was?
-
> Did Eirin, Ran or the map happen to mention how deep underwater the shrine was?
>No. You really have no idea how deep the lake is.
>_
-
> "I, uh...don't really know any of those. The closest we could get is the surface of the lake, since it's frozen. I don't know how large it is, though I understand it can only barely be called a shrine so I don't think it's too big. As for time, I would need however long it would take me to make this thing go away. I realize this is a lot of ambiguity, and I apologize for that."
-
> "I, uh...don't really know any of those. The closest we could get is the surface of the lake, since it's frozen. I don't know how large it is, though I understand it can only barely be called a shrine so I don't think it's too big. As for time, I would need however long it would take me to make this thing go away. I realize this is a lot of ambiguity, and I apologize for that."
>"Well, you don't want it to be permanent," says Byakuren. "That will help. It sounds like a challenge, but I think I may be up to it. A little request, though. If you could give me some sort of artifact I could consume the charge from, the whole exercise would be much easier. When will you want me to do this?"
>_
-
> How long do we have before the feast? Man, we really ran this down to the wire.
-
> How long do we have before the feast? Man, we really ran this down to the wire.
>It's getting reasonably close to sunset. With as many people that are coming, though, you expect there will be probably be delays. You think you have an hour at the most.
>_
-
> "I have an hour before a very important deadline. If possible, I'd like to do this before that."
> Quests
-
> "I have an hour before a very important deadline. If possible, I'd like to do this before that."
> Quests
>"I should be able to do something temporary," says Byakuren. "If you have something I could harvest a charge from, though, I can guarantee it."
>Your Current Quests Are:
>Alice's Hookup
>You Self-Appointed Goals are:
>Invent a Base Six Pair of Pants
>A Song for Eirin
>Lakeside Longing
-
> "Will any random thing do, or do you need something with a power output?"
> Identify gems
-
> "Will any random thing do, or do you need something with a power output?"
> Identify gems
>"Something magical," says Byakuren. "I need to be able to deconstruct it and use its power."
>Red Gem
>This is an oval-shaped gem of artificial origin. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to fire, and excels at short range
>Blue Gem
> This is an eight-sided gem of artificial origin. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to light, creates beams, and imparts beam-like qualities to your attacks and the other gems
>Purple Gem
>This is an gem of artificial origin with five-sided facets. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to force, and manifests this through steady and endless streams of powerful bullets.
>Green Gem
>A gem shaped like a triangular pyramid. You have drawn upon its power, and it has strengthened you. It is attuned to attraction, and can impart attraction qualities to your attacks and the other gems.
>_
-
> "...Deconstruct? Like, not getting it back? I think I have something in mind, but..."
EDIT: Going to bed. If feasible, throw the Purple Gem at Byak for this, but not if it means perma-sacrificing it.
-
> "...Deconstruct? Like, not getting it back? I think I have something in mind, but..."
EDIT: Going to bed. If feasible, throw the Purple Gem at Byak for this, but not if it means perma-sacrificing it.
>"Yes. It would cannibalize the enchantment permanently," she says. "So, don't offer anything that is too valuable."
>You consider offering her one of the gems, and find that you cannot honestly fathom the idea . They're a part of you now, it would be like offering up one of your hands.
>_
-
> Inventory of Magical Items, Spell Cards included.
> "Spell Cards have magical energy within them, would one or two of them work?"
-
> Inventory of Magical Items, Spell Cards included.
> "Spell Cards have magical energy within them, would one or two of them work?"
>You have:
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing (Significantly Expended)
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (Significantly Expended.)
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (Half Expended)
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon (Partially Expended)
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>Red Gem
>Silver Medal (Worn as accessory)
>Blue Gem
>Purple Gem
>Green Gem
>Temporarily Enchanted Button
>"If they haven't been used, one or two of them would help," says Byakuren.
>_
-
> Descriptions of unused spellcards, and how much mental effort they require. We might give her the two middle ones, and keep the simplest one and the hardest one.
-
> Descriptions of unused spellcards, and how much mental effort they require. We might give her the two middle ones, and keep the simplest one and the hardest one.
>Your Spellcards are:
>Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
>A spellcard where you use your abilities to make twin pattern of bullets seem to go in directions they are not.
>Visionary Wave: Mind Blowing (significantly expended)
>A more dense pattern following the same principle as Wave Sign: Mind Shaker. Reality will be terribly distorted to the victim.
>Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning (significantly expended)
>You disalign the wavelengths of a complex maze of bullets to try and trick your opponent into moving recklessly.
>Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker
>Much like Lunatic Sign: Visionary Tuning, with a more aggressive pattern. It takes all of your concentration to use this well.
>Loafing Sign: Idling Wave (half expended)
>This attack surrounds your target with bullets, and distorts them, forcing them to make fast decisions to avoid being caught in the middle.
>Indolence: Mind Stopper
>It takes a lot of concentration to correctly apply this card and keep up the stream of bullets.
>Spread Sign: Invisible Full Moon (Partially expended)
>Overlapping dense circular patterns of bullets, and alternating their wavelengths to force the victim to see one or other. It is simple, yet highly effective against the unwary.
>Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism
>This is your ultimate attack, hitting an opponent with two huge waves of bullets, then shifting them as much as you can. It will leave you with a nasty headache and blurred vision.
-
> Hand Byakuren Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker and Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
> "Will this be enough?"
-
> Hand Byakuren Lunatic Gaze: Illusion Seeker and Wave Sign: Mind Shaker
> "Will this be enough?"
>You give her the two spellcards. She runs her fingers over them, considering. "Yes, they'll help tremendously. Are you sure you're alright with losing them?"
>_
-
> "I can always replace Spell Cards with time."
-
> "I can always replace Spell Cards with time."
>She nods. "That's true. But if you're expecting a fight, I hope you are confident enough to go without them. In any event, when you are ready, lead me there."
>_
-
> "My Spell Cards seem to have little effect on that Apparition anyway, so I don't think losing those two cards will set me back combat wise for a while."
> Lead Byakuren to above where we think the Lake Shrine is, using landmarks we can see that were on the maps to be certain. "Ok, it should be around here, if I'm correct."
-
> "My Spell Cards seem to have little effect on that Apparition anyway, so I don't think losing those two cards will set me back combat wise for a while."
> Lead Byakuren to above where we think the Lake Shrine is, using landmarks we can see that were on the maps to be certain. "Ok, it should be around here, if I'm correct."
>She nods, and you start to lead her toward the lake. As you do, she makes a gesture to Murasa, which you presume is some kind of all clear as the sailor flies off in response to it.
>The two of you pass through the Forest of Magic with little problem, other than Byakuren having to duck under the occasional branch. Soon you come to the shore of the lake. Having proven the ice is strong enough to walk on when you went fishing this morning, you lead her to roughly the center of the lake and tell her that is about as close as you can get.
>"You should move back a little bit," she says. "And take to the air, I doubt the ice is going to hold up well when that shrine crashes through it."
>_
-
> "Touche, I could suggest taking to the air to you as well for the same reason."
> Start flying/floating about 7-15 feet above the ice. Just to be safe.
-
> "Touche, I could suggest taking to the air to you as well for the same reason."
> Start flying/floating about 7-15 feet above the ice. Just to be safe.
>"I fully intend to," Byakuren says, as she starts to hover as well.
>The two of you float over the frozen lake. Your heart is racing, you can feel the anticipation so strongly that you can almost taste it. It's right there, just below your feet! A mystery no one has ever solved! You try to keep patient, but it is difficult not to tap your finger impatiently against your shoulder as you do your best to keep the chilly breeze from finding its way up your skirt.
>Byakuren extends her arms and begins to chant, your spellcards in her hand. A glowing yellow-orange aura manifests around her, quickly unfolding and expanding to look something like a cross between wings and flower petals. The spellcards in her hand go up in a flash of flame, pooling around her hands as a whitish glow. She begins to gesture into the air, tracing out designs with her fingers and leaving rainbow colored energy in their wake that coalesces into glowing runes that float in the air, begin to circle around the middle of the lake. She continues to create them; A dozen, now two dozen, then more than you can easily count. Your impatience gives way to fascination as the runes float and dance across the air. Then you hear a high-pitched whine come from the ice.
>Looking downward, you watch cracks race across the ice, then huge chucks of it lift from the water. A stony dome slowly emerges from the lake, scattering huge chunks of ice in every direction. It rises, until it is nearly eye level with you, a dozen feet into the air. It is shaped like a square, with its flat dome on top to give some support. It's whole surface is covered with moss and lake scum, but through it, you can see a number of reliefs carved into the surface, all of them bearing writing. Before you is a door of solid stone, with a relief carved over it. You do not recognize the lettering at all, but something tells you that you can read them if you wanted.
>You feel an electric tingle run through your body and the gems, as the sound of grating rock overwhelms everything else. The door slides open, revealing a dimly lit stairway leading downwards.
>Byakuren draws herself into a lotus position in midair, eyes closed. "It's larger than we thought," she says. "I can give you forty minutes at most. But that should be more than enough time, if the size indicates anything."
>You're grinning now, you can't help it! You feel like you're a kid again, at your birthday party with a stack of presents just ready to be opened in front of you!
>_
-
> ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod
> "Thanks! Forty minutes, huh? That's all I'll need. Since I forgot to mention it before, Eientei is having a shindig this evening. Come by and join us in about an hour."
> Inspect the relief's runes.
-
>You inspect the relief. You have no idea what language this is, but you can understand exactly what it is saying. You suspect there is a spell of some kind on it that translates them. It reads:
>"This place is a message? and part of a system of messages? pay attention to it! Sending this message was important to us. We considered ourselves to be a powerful culture. This place is not a place of honor?no highly esteemed deed is commemorated here? nothing valued is here. What is here is dangerous and repulsive to us. This message is a warning about danger. The danger is in a particular location? it increases toward a center? the center of danger is here? of a particular size and shape, and below us. The danger is still present, in your time, as it was in ours. The danger is to the body, and it can kill. The danger is unleashed only if you substantially disturb this place physically. This place is best shunned and left uninhabited."
>_
-
> Oops.
-
>Good job Reisen (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NiceJobBreakingItHero)
-
>Good job Reisen (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NiceJobBreakingItHero)
>The picture example in this article is Kirby unsealing Nightmare. When is followed by Kirby beating Nightmare's ass.
>Time to kick ass. Go in that Sealed Shrine, and prove once and for all that we're good for more then our sex appeal!
-
> Oops.
>Good job Reisen (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NiceJobBreakingItHero)
>You feel a twinge of dread as you read that, and wondering if you made a mistake. But it cannot deny your excitement. The mystery of the lake is just waiting for you now!
>The picture example in this article is Kirby unsealing Nightmare. When is followed by Kirby beating Nightmare's ass.
>Time to kick ass. Go in that Sealed Shrine, and prove once and for all that we're good for more then our sex appeal!
>You resolve to deal with whatever is there. You enter the shrine.
>You enter a shadowy, downwards-leading staircase. There is light here, provided by a line of softly glowing stone in the ceiling. The walls of the stairway are lined with more reliefs bearing writing. You sense that you could read them, too. Obvious exits are north and south.
>_
-
> Read 'em.
> Did we not invite Byakuren to the party tonight?
-
> Read 'em.
> Did we not invite Byakuren to the party tonight?
>Byakuren did not respond. You get the feeling she is busy.
>It seems each relief is prefaced with: "You have ignored our words. It is important that you turn back! Seal this place with your most enduring architecture. Only death is served by opening this place. Leave it." However, below that is something else, sculpted less crudely. "Witness the words of he whose acts caused this place to be place to be built, o interloper, and decide!"
>One relief reads: "There is no Brahman, of this I am certain. For these words, my head is forfeit. But it matters not, samsara continues without such figures. Yet my brothers resist the truth. They, whose arts put them most fully in touch with the fabric of the world, turn their backs to this reality. They, whom bend and break the rules of the world, hold this facade as if to pretend some sort of respectability! They, who offer at the altar of knowledge, ignore he that has gained the most knowledge! Have I not crystallized the essences of sorcery and the heart? Have I not reached further than any of them, pulled back more of the veil than any of them? I have seen the faces of the true gods, and they are not Brahman. No loving deities are they, no integral part of us all, drawing us into one. They are cold things not to be comprehended by the likes of us, not yet."
>A second relief reads: "O woe to those who cling blindly to tradition! How can I uncover their eyes? How can I convince the Shudras they are but slaves? The Unclean that they are but dupes? They live a lie, I have seen it! Yet they turn a deaf ear. The sorcerers have made me, the highest among them, their enemy in trying to open the eyes of the many! Not a Kshatriya that lives but would have my head. How terrible this fate, to see the truth and be hated by those that should love me best! The sorcerers think to gain acceptance with my blood, to embrace what they best know is a lie. I dabble in forbidden things, they say! To this I ask, who has forbidden it? Let them all see the face of the true gods, and understand the futility of their pains.
>A third relief says: "There is no Brahman, and I shall prove with deed to what they close their eyes and their eyes. They cry for their false gods, and I shall give them that. I shall create Rudra with my own hands, and let them see what it is that they seek. Let them cry to Vishnu and Brahmin, let them say "How could they allow such a thing?" And there will be no answer, for there is none to answer. Let it pull apart their works with its own hand Let the cold true gods be its sword, let the sorceries I wrought be its soul! Let them see their falsehoods torn asunder and despair! Then, they may understand and they may progress"
>There are more reliefs, but they echo the warning, the invitation, and the messages.
>_
-
>Well no way we're turning back after going through so much trouble :V.
>Continue walking while keeping an eye on any interesting reliefs.
-
>Well no way we're turning back after going through so much trouble :V.
>Continue walking while keeping an eye on any interesting reliefs.
>You continue down the stairs, reasoning it is too late to do anything else now
>No new messages can be seen on the reliefs, just the same warning, the same invitation, and the same three rants repeated. You suspect copies were make in case some of them were destroyed.
>At the bottom of the stairs, you can see a large room, which a similar sort of feeling to the chamber that Kanako was using when you first saw her, manipulating the winds. The walls are bare and within any decoration.But you hardly pay any attention to the walls, as your eyes are drawn to the middle of the room.
>There is a statue there, the familiar towering form of the Apparition. Its body is made of a silvery metal, while the breastplate, armor, feet, and elbow joints are cast in a golden metal. There is no dust, dirt, or patina on it; it seems as though it were cast yesterday. It stares ahead with its strange, mask-like face.
>You feel a sudden wrenching sensation in your stomach, as the four gems begin to move toward the statue of their own accord.
>_
-
>Attempt to resume control over the gems! :ohdear:
>Wonder if this place is the seal thing Patchy mentioned that the gems are made to break.
-
>Attempt to resume control over the gems! :ohdear:
>Wonder if this place is the seal thing Patchy mentioned that the gems are made to break.
>You try to exert control over the gems, with little success as the wrenching sensation continues. The connection between you and they is weakening. You feel their power leaving you.
>The gems begin to hover around the statue, bobbing up and down. It starts to twitch.
>_
-
>Good job Reisen (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NiceJobBreakingItHero)
again :ohdear:.
>Probably wouldn't work but try grabbing the red gem out.
>If it didn't work then get a spellcard ready.
>Regret not listening to Byakuren about reserving spellcards.
-
again :ohdear:.
>Probably wouldn't work but try grabbing the red gem out.
>If it didn't work then get a spellcard ready.
>Regret not listening to Byakuren about reserving spellcards.
>You're starting to see why all those people respect Byakuren so much...
>You run for the Red Gem. As you do, the statue moves, stepping off of the dais it was standing on with all the grace of the Apparition. It begins to shift its shoulders, as if working out a cramp of some kind.
>You wrap your fingers around the Red Gem. Suddenly, the world goes white.
>You are standing in the middle of the Bamboo Forest. Looking upwards, you can see four moons hovering serenely in the sky. Something's wrong with this place, but you can't quite put your finger on what. There's a sense of something...bad in the air.
>_
-
> Oh crap
> What do the four moons look like, and how big are they?
-
> Oh crap
> What do the four moons look like, and how big are they?
>You look up at the moons. They seem very much like the moon you know; which is curiously absent. One is pale green, another is light lavender, a third is a deep watery blue, and the fourth is a rusty red.
>_
-
>Are we in Gensokyo's Bamboo forest?
>Now's not the time to be bothered by cold. Fly upwards to get a better view of what has happened if there's nothing but boring bamboo around us.
-
>the gems were moons? Are we on top of the Apparition?
-
>Are we in Gensokyo's Bamboo forest?
>Now's not the time to be bothered by cold. Fly upwards to get a better view of what has happened if there's nothing but boring bamboo around us.
>It seems to be that way.
>You take to the skies.
>the gems were moons? Are we on top of the Apparition?
>You aren't sure what is happening. But as you think on it, you get the sense that this isn't exactly real, and that you aren't really anywhere. At the same time, it's important.
>Looking downward, the bamboo forest seems to be...dissolving away, like mist in the sun.
>_
-
>Reach for the Moon.
>What does the ground look like now with the forest dissolved?
-
>Reach for the Moon.
>What does the ground look like now with the forest dissolved?
>You reach for one of the moons. It is quite far away.
>The Bamboo Forest dissolves away, reveal bare earth. As you watch, that too begins to boil away. You start to feel a sort of emptiness inside.
>_
-
> Shoot the moon.
> Aim at the red one, specifically.
-
> Shoot the moon.
> Aim at the red one, specifically.
>You try to shoot the red moon. At first, it seems about as effective as any attempt to shoot the moon as danmaku. Then you suddenly feel a wave of pain cut through you, and whole world seems to go blurry for a moment.
>_
-
> Examine surroundings.
> Try to shoot the moon again.
-
> Examine surroundings.
> Try to shoot the moon again.
>You are up in the sky. Looking around, you see that it the sky is clear, and it is nighttime. Below you is a barren field where the Bamboo Forest was, until it evaporated. Now the ground itself seems to be disappearing. Looking toward the horizon, you can see the Forest of Magic, which seems to be dissolving away as well. Watching this leaving you feeling a strange sense of emptiness.
>You try to shoot at the Red Moon again, and get the same result. Everything seems to blurry for a moment, and you feel a strong stab of pain cut through your body, worse than before.
>_
-
> Fly higher.
-
> Fly higher.
>You fly higher up, soon exceeding the height where the clouds would be, and reaching your normal ceiling. Normally the air would be a bit thin and uncomfortable, but it doesn't seem to be the case here.
>_
-
Don't shoot the moons anymore, they're clearly connected to us. It's probably the equivalent of shooting the gems in the normal world.
> Inspect surroundings: anything out of the ordinary other than the four moons?
-
> Inspect surroundings: anything out of the ordinary other than the four moons?
>The sky here is pretty empty. There's no clouds or anything. You also note that the stars seem pretty dim, but this may be due to there being four moons in the sky.
>No, wait, the stars are dimming! You watch one of them wink out of the sky, feeling oddly sad.
>_
-
> Try and fly all the way to the red moon.
-
> Try and fly all the way to the red moon.
>You try to fly to the Red Moon. You quickly realize this isn't going to work; it's simply too distant. Even with a lunar veil, it would take some time.
>A few more stars wink out.
>_
-
> "Hello? Anyone out there?"
-
> Detect location of gems
> Attempt to use gems in the usual manner, infusing danmaku and firing at air. do NOT target anything, the moons or ourselves
> (Sure, why not) Wake up
-
>Oh, Detect Apparation with light waves if it feels like it's around.
-
> "Hello? Anyone out there?"
>You wonder if you are alone, and ask aloud. You receive no answer, but you feel that you are not alone here. You cannot tell what else is here, or where it is. But you know it is here. In your heart, you feel that it is not a person like you are.
> Detect location of gems
> Attempt to use gems in the usual manner, infusing danmaku and firing at air. do NOT target anything, the moons or ourselves
> (Sure, why not) Wake up
>You try to feel where the gems are. They seem to be... above you. No, there's everywhere. No...they're nowhere at all.
>You try to draw upon the gems' power, and have no luck at all. You can feel there is a slight connection between you and they, but apparently not enough of one do do anything with them. This connection feels like it is failing you.
>You wonder if this is a dream, and try to wake up. You do not, but you get the feeling that you are not actually here. Or rather, that you're also somewhere else as well as here.
>Oh, Detect Apparation with light waves if it feels like it's around.
>You try to bend the light, and don't reveal anything.
-
> Come to the realization that this is an illusion.
> Hope the realization causes a textbook example of waking up upon realization.
-
> Feel with gems
> Pinch Self
> Try to sense threats outside of "here"
-
...
>Do we still have the enchanted button?
> If so, try to contact Patchy with it.
-
> Come to the realization that this is an illusion.
> Hope the realization causes a textbook example of waking up upon realization.
>You try to tell yourself this is an illusion, and feel that it is not really right. At the same time, it's not really wrong.
>This doesn't seem to affect anything around you, though a few more stars die out as you try it.
> Feel with gems
> Pinch Self
> Try to sense threats outside of "here"
>You try to feel through the gems. The sensation is...a numb one. You think the connection may have grown too weak to allow for that. But as you try, you feel a little of that empty feeling...not quite recede, but shift around a little.
>You pinch yourself. This doesn't cause anything unusual.
>You try to turn your attention outward. You feel...that you're still there, holding the red gem. You aren't aware of anything else around you.
...
>Do we still have the enchanted button?
> If so, try to contact Patchy with it.
>You wonder if you have the Enchanted Button, and it is in your hand.
>You try to use it. It doesn't seem to work at all.
>Two more stars wink out.
>_
-
> See if your "real self" can grab another gem.
> If so, attempt to grab all four, or make contact with them in some way.
-
> See if your "real self" can grab another gem.
> If so, attempt to grab all four, or make contact with them in some way.
>You try to do this. As you do, a number of stars suddenly wink out, leaving sizable swaths of the sky empty. A sense of desolation comes over you, and the feeling of the gems grows noticeably weaker. You aren't sure if you were able to succeed or not...
>_
-
> Try to reaccept the gems
> Let go of any gems you've grabbed.
-
> Use Moon-Rabbit Telepathy!
> Contact Rise, and tell her just that you're in an illusion and perhaps talking to someone from the real world will help break it.
> If it doesn't, have her see about getting someone to head to the shrine doubleplusquick.
-
> Try to reaccept the gems
> Let go of any gems you've grabbed.
>You try to reaccept them gems. You...can't feel that they are asking to be accepted. Something has gotten in the way, perhaps?
>You attempt to force your outside self to let them go, but you are too drained from the prior effort to really put forth something like that again.
>_
-
> Can we altar light to see the "real" world?
-
> Use Moon-Rabbit Telepathy!
> Contact Rise, and tell her just that you're in an illusion and perhaps talking to someone from the real world will help break it.
> If it doesn't, have her see about getting someone to head to the shrine doubleplusquick.
>You've never been very good at this, as your abilities lies elsewhere. You put forth the effort, but you don't get a reply.
> Can we altar light to see the "real" world?
>You don't think that this place and the "real" world are connected in that kind of way. You can't really see there at all....you don't know if your senses are really active there. What you sense here seems to either be overriding it, or is simply more real to you now.
>It is getting cold here. Large swaths of the sky around you are empty.
>_
-
> Detect the armor that started moving in the outside world.
> If we can, try to shoot it in the "real world"
> Figure out some way to reobtain the gems, possibly by bring whatever gems we hold to our stomach?
-
> Detect the armor that started moving in the outside world.
> If we can, try to shoot it in the "real world"
> Figure out some way to reobtain the gems, possibly by bring whatever gems we hold to our stomach?
>You try to do a number of things elsewhere, in the 'real world' but you don't know if you have any success.
>It is getting colder, enough to start to be painfully unpleasant.
>You aren't sure how you can reconnect to the gems. Something has gotten between you and they. You would have to find a way to deal with that.
>_
-
>We're fairly high up in the sky, right? This should be a good vantage point. Look to see how the world below us is.
-
>Well, it's clear the armor is between us, I think...
> do we still have the courage pin?
-
>We're fairly high up in the sky, right? This should be a good vantage point. Look to see how the world below us is.
>You look down, and see nothing but darkness. The land is gone.
>Well, it's clear the armor is between us, I think...
> do we still have the courage pin?
>You conclude that the Construct must be the cause, but you aren't sure how.
>You wonder if you have the Silver Medal, and it appears in your hand, on top of the button you are holding.
>_
-
> Can the Courage pin's strength draw us back to "reality" so we can deal with the construct?
-
> Can the Courage pin's strength draw us back to "reality" so we can deal with the construct?
>You put it on, and you feel a bit better. The few remaining stars don't seem quite so dim now. There is still that gnawing sense of emptiness, and now a terrible feeling of being truly alone in the darkness. But now, perhaps, you feel you can face it. You not sure if it can do anything to draw you out of here. Not directly
>_
-
> Well, we aren't alone. We've had gods help us, we have Eiren, we even have Byakuren right outside helping us.
> So, we aren't alone.
> Can we cast a spellcard in the "real" world?
-
> Well, we aren't alone. We've had gods help us, we have Eiren, we even have Byakuren right outside helping us.
> So, we aren't alone.
> Can we cast a spellcard in the "real" world?
>You try to tell yourself you're not alone. To some degree, it is true. But they are not here. As well, you can sense there's still something else out there, something not at all like you.
>You've had no success doing anything past here, that you can tell, since your first efforts. If even that.
>A few more stars wink out. There's only a dozen or so left now.
>_
-
> "Eirin, Eirin, Tasukete Eirin!"
> Could the "moons" be the Gems?
> Well, we aren't alone. We've had gods help us, we have Eiren, we even have Byakuren right outside helping us.
^ This. We're not alone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHsXNkI1rfA). Even if they aren't by our side, they are still with us, within our heart and thoughs
> "Byakuren! Tewi! Ran! Anyone! Can you hear me?"
> Do not lose hope, we can get out of this.
-
Ok voices, I'm spent. The stars are a countdown of sorts btw. Please try to find some clues amongst the actions done so far, we only have two or three left IMO.
> Could the "moons" be the Gems?
IT TOOK YOU THAT LONG TO FIGURE THIS OUT? DEAR GOD IT'S BEEN FUCKING OBVIOUS SINCE THE START
/me breathes heavily
Wellp, that was a waste of actions thar Tear.
-
Uncertain Kitten, I was asking so that it became obvious. I myself thought so, but I needed to ask.
-
Sorry. I'm irritated because I can't figure out this Weird Puzzle Shit (http://mspaintadventures.wikia.com/wiki/Weird_puzzle_shit), and feel there has been an indication that time is quickly running out.
-
> "Eirin, Eirin, Tasukete Eirin!"
> Could the "moons" be the Gems?
^ This. We're not alone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHsXNkI1rfA). Even if they aren't by our side, they are still with us, within our heart and thoughs
> "Byakuren! Tewi! Ran! Anyone! Can you hear me?"
> Do not lose hope, we can get out of this.
>You call for help, for anyone to come, but there is no answer.
>You try to think about them, and it does give you more of a reason hold on; if those warnings were correct they will be in trouble if you fail. But...you must act if you're going to achieve that goal.
>_
-
Okay, clearly we're not interacting with the real world right now. Let's focus on what can be done in this fake world.
> What was the original gem's owner's name? Say her name out loud.
-
> What was the original gem's owner's name? Say her name out loud.
>It was Iria.
>You say the name aloud. There is no response. Nothing seems to happen.
-
> Who are we?
> Are we still Reisen in this world?
> Where are we?
> Why are we here?
> How did we get here?
> How are the moons affecting us?
> How close are the moons?
> How high up are we?
> Where is the armor?
> Do we know how to get out of here?
-
> Who are we?
> Are we still Reisen in this world?
> Where are we?
> Why are we here?
> How did we get here?
> How are the moons affecting us?
> How close are the moons?
> How high up are we?
> Where is the armor?
> Do we know how to get out of here?
>It is hard not to wonder these things, as the stars seem to burn out.
>You are very sure you are Reisen Ugondein Inaba, here and elsewhere.
>You don't know where you are. You aren't sure if this is actually a place in any real sense.
>You do not know why you're here. You know it happened when you grabbed one of the gems while they were flying away as the Construct was animating. Then you were here. They are apparently here in some sense, as is something else else. There has to be a reason for it.
>You think it was when you grabbed the gem when it left you. You don't know if it was the whole cause, or just a catalyst.
>You...don't think they are affecting you anymore. If they are the gems, they've been almost entirely severed from you now.
>You don't know if height means anything anymore, there's no longer anything be above.
>You think it is where you recall it being when you grabbed the gem. You wonder why it hasn't done anything yet, there's been time.
>You do not know how to escape.
>Three more stars burn out, now nine remain.
>_
-
> Can we locate the armor that is "here"?
> If so, can we fight it?
> Do we have any idea what the stars are connected to?
> Is there anyway to restore the stars?
I'm pretty much out of ideas :S.
-
>Supernova occurs.