Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Rin Kagamine on July 22, 2010, 09:02:08 PM
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> Welcome back, it's been quite some time since you last did anything. In fact, you've managed to occupy a space on Satori's couch without moving at all for over 4 months and have yet to perish! But rather than try to explain that mystery, let us instead deposit you back into action.
> What's this? You'd like a recap of your previous adventure? That can easily be arranged; after all, you have been immobile for far too long.
> You are Toshiro, a human who has just started working for the Gensokyo Delivery Corps, where the motto is ?Delivery at any cost!?
> Your day began with an encounter with a cat-like youkai named Chen who had lost her hat. You agreed to help her find it after completing your first delivery to Sanae at the Moriya Shrine. On your way through the Tengu Village, the two of you were stopped by Momiji, a tengu guard who insisted that Chen was not permitted to pass through the village before dropping Chen off at the Kappa Village much to your dismay. Ensuring that Chen was not hurt, you set off back to the Shrine, with Momiji as your forced escort. The two of you discussed philosophy and the purpose of Rule of Law, as well as what force dictates the behavior of mankind; Momiji eventually became overwhelmed and burst into tears. You were able to assure her that her blind duty had not been for naught, but that she needed to respect others more in the future. As a penance, she traded her sleeves at Kourindou for Chen's hat; she also gave you her tokin as a token of her appreciation. For some reason, you have odd feelings about Momiji.
> Your delivery to Sanae revealed that she dyes her hair green when a gust of wind blew over the package you had delivered. You managed to obtain one of the bottles of hair dye. You also asked Suwako to have a good day, to which she insisted that she would try her best.
> You encountered Hina, the curse youkai, who insisted that a grave misfortune was imminent in your future.
> Aya the spaz gave you a package to deliver to Satori, which you have successfully completed.
> Nitori the Kappa requested that you deliver a set of strings to Lunasa Prismriver, the ghost Violinist, for an unknown reward.
> You had morning tea with Reimu and met Mima the ghost and the oni Suika. Reimu explained some of the basics of the spellcard system over tea, and you made note of her beauty. She also gave you a ?read? which revealed that you have a great amount of potential, possibly to use magic. You are unsure how to harness this potential yet and will require more research. Mima offered to accompany you to the Poltergeist Mansion to search for the Prismrivers.
> You encountered your former teacher Keine having tea with the youkai Ran, who is apparently a good friend of hers. Ran requested that you deliver a pie to Eientei for her. Keine showed you to the edge of the Bamboo forest suggested you ask Mokou for guidance through the forest. You were not able to resist looking at her breasts, which were somehow even more impressive than when you were young.
> Mokou was quite gruff, but guided you to Eientei for a fee.
> Eientei's massive size was shocking, and the amount of rabbits inside was daunting, but Reisen guided you to Princess Kaguya's chamber, where you delivered the pie. Before you were able to taste any, you reveled that you had been guided through the forest, and Kaguya ran off towards the entrance. Reisen led you back towards the gate and managed to pass Kaugya on the way in an attempt to get you away from the impending battle.
> Outside the gate, Mokou was unsuccessful to lead you away before Kaguya appeared. The two of them fought a very grisly battle: Mokou somehow set Kaguya's clothes on fire which spread across her body rapidly while Kaguya attacked Mokou with a hatchet, scoring two very wounds into Mokou's back. For some unknown reason, you lent Mokou your knife, which she used to slash out Kaguya's throat. Kaguya expired from the strike and the immolation.
> You used Mokou's shirt to tie a field bandage around the deepest gouge while she led you back to her shack. After arriving, you were able to apply a better bandage to her entire torso; Mokou informed you that she and Kaguya were both immortals that engaged in a fight-to-the-death nearly everyday, and that they are able to feel pain and die, but death is not permanent and they are able to recover. While washing up behind her shack, you considered the reality of what you just witnessed, and that your knife was used to injure someone, a wound that would have killed anyone else. Mokou gave you a ribbon of hers, charmed to resist fire, as an expression of gratitude, which you tied around your shirtsleeve.
> On your way from Eientei to the Underground you encountered Aya again, who reveled her spastic mannerisms to be a farce. She also warned you about two youkai near the Eastern fields, Yuka and Medicine.
> Underground, you encountered two youkai in the path down, one in a bucket, with a very odd manner of speaking. You also met Parsee, who guards the bridge to the Oni Village. She requested your company later for a visit.
> In the Oni Village, you were forced into a ?party? with the Four Devas of the Mountain, one of which was Suika. It turned out to be a highly unpleasant experience, but Suika promised to give you something to prove that you were able to party with the Devas. You will have to meet with Yuugi to obtain it.
> Finally, you arrived at the Palace of the Earth Spirits, home of Satori the mind-reader. She questioned why you were so apprehensive about using your knife after it had been used to inflict injury, as well as the relations between youkai and humans in Gensokyo and the effect humans can have on youkai.
> The previous thread can be found here (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php?topic=5081.0)
> We now return to your discussion, already in progress.
>Speaking of which, the locals mentioned a 'bad person' named Yukari. Information on this person couldn't possibly hurt.
> ?You can't seem to focus on the subject at hand, can you? Oh well, I might as well indulge you a bit.?
> ?I assume you're talking about Yukari-denka? Keeper of the border and manipulator of boundaries? Queen of gaps? I don't believe there is anyone else with that name. She's arguably the most important person in Gensokyo, since she can control the Hakurei border as well. She tends to sleep a lot though, days at a time, so she likes to live it up when she comes around. That fox with all the tails you saw earlier is her shikigami, basically a servant tied to her forever. Both of them are pretty powerful. Probably best to avoid her unless you have to meet her. She's not usually dangerous, but she's not someone you want to mess with. She's probably asleep right now. I don't know too much, her power doesn't affect much down here, and she only comes around as a guest for meals and feasts. Good company though, far better than the oni.?
>Sport a grin as you continue the conversation.
>"I would say I'm enjoy the conversation. It's nice to match your views of the world against someone else's to see how they match up with one another. One needs experience and conflict in this world to grow."
>Get a bit relaxed as you continue the conversation.
>"Too tell you the truth I'm not exactly show how shaken up chen was by having momiji carry her away from the kappa village. I see the reasoning behind it but it's just not fair for the tengus to say who or who can't enter their village just based their race. Chen had done nothing wrong in that situation and was behind harassed for no good reason."
>"I suppose I can see what you mean when it comes to the whole Mokou and Kaguya feud. I don't really know much about them and I reacted to what came natural. AKA, freaking out that I might have been an accomplice to a murder. I suppose I'm still a bit shaken up from the event but I'm sure it's something that I will eventually grow accustomed too."
>Quirk an eyebrow as you begin your next little speech.
>"Where do you happen to be pulling all this "ready to change the lives of the heathen youkai!" garbage from? The fact that I tried to talk to momiji about fighting for what she believes is right rather then blindly listening to orders? That's a bit far-fetched and it would almost seem like you're slapping a label on me before you even get a chance to know me. Also, even if I didn't change anything about Momiji I believe it's the effort that counts in the end. Momiji saw a human or maybe just a person that cared about her and wanted her to live a happier life. Even if she goes back to being a stubborn girl following the law to the letter the memory of what I said to her won't just disappear."
>"Also, if you would be so kind as to tell me, what is my place in life. Where do I stand in this world? You seem to have all the answers do you not?"
> ?Back to this then? It's interesting to get someone's opinion about things. Yes, I agree that one needs experience, especially in Gensokyo, to learn how the world actually works. You'll be in for quite a surprise for sure.?
> ?Again, the tengu have their own society and, until that shrine appeared at the peak, that entire mountain was their's. They'll enforce whatever rules they like-?
> You hear a crash from the kitchen and Satori's head pivots to glare at the doorway, her eye affixed as well. A cat screeches and hissses, but eventually emerges. It's the same black cat from earlier, being held by the tails by a small girl. Her outfit is yellow, but reminds you strongly of Satori's outfit, with hair a noxious shade of gray. Luckily, it is covered by a large brimmed hat.
> ?Koishi? What are you doing out?? Satori asks.
>"Oh. Well...not gonna lie and say I enjoyed that, but I guess you didn't mean to be mean about it. You want to know why I do it? Because because if people don't try, nothing improves. I think we can agree that trying to make it so pain and suffering is an improvement, right? Maybe it is a purely human way of thinking, I don't know. If it is, I suppose you could argue it's trying to convert others and resisting natural impulses and all that, but...well, I'd say that's fine. I mean, they don't have to listen to me, I can't force them in any proper way. But if I can convince someone else to feel that way, even a little, it tells me that it's not just a purely human thing. And even if it is, it's still worth trying.
>"So, even with all that stuff you said? I do it because I think it's worth it."
> ?Sachi, who is that?? the little girl asks with an obnoxiously high-pitched voice.
> ?This is Toshiro, he's here to deliver a package.?
> ?He's bad.?
> The cat continues to squirm in her grasp.
> ?He isn't bad, why would you say that??
> ?You two are fighting, anyone that you fight with can't be good.?
> ?We're not fighting Koishi, we're having a conversation.?
> ?But why are you getting angry Sachi??
> Koishi moves closer to the two of you.
> "I guess I was being a bit overkill on the knife topic, but then again that was the first time I have been involved in lethal combat so that is probably why I am so stuck on the knife topic."
> Try as hard as possible to stop making a big deal over the knife.
> ?Sometimes discussions can become a little heated Koishi, that doesn't mean it's a fight.?
> ?But he's a bad man, I can tell.?
> ?How can you tell? He's not even moving.?
> ?Because the two of you are fighting! And he's strong! REALL STRONG!?
> ?Koishi, he doesn't even know how to use a spell card.?
> ?SACHIIIIIII!? Koishi screams and runs closer towards you, dropping the cat.?
> ?What are you doing Koishi??
> ?ANYONE THIS STRONG THAT FIGHTS WITH YOU CAN'T BE GOOD!? She reaches her hand into a pocket on her blouse.
> ?Koishi, what-stop! Koishi put that away! Koishi! KOISHI!?
> Koishi pulls a slip of paper from her blouse and shouts out ?SYMBOL SIGN: DANMAKU PARANOIA!?
> Suddenly the subtle lighting that had filled the room completely drops away, leaving the room to be very dark. However, you are able to see Koishi take to the air. Satori remains seated and looks on grimly.
> An eerie red light begins to glow around you from all angles. You glance around and realize that you are surrounded by tiny red orbs of light, pulsing very quickly. It sounded to you like Koishi just pulled a spellcard and engaged you in combat, it seemed to fit in with what Reimu had mentioned. These must be bullets then?
> The ring begins to spin and move to the right. Unable to track the movement of the bullets, you are forced to follow it.
> White light overhead breaks your concentration. You stare upwards to find a large white orb.
> No, two.
> Five.
> Nine.
> More and more of these orbs appear and begin to move towards you slowly. The ring grows tighter around you as you frantically try and figure out how to dodge the white orbs. You're supposed to dodge them, right? Reimu said that spell cards have to be survivable!
> You move backwards as the first of the orbs buries itself into the ground. Hey, they're moving pretty slowly, you should be able to dodge them fairly easily.
> The ring constricts even tighter as the overhead barrage continues. More and more orbs fill the room, soon coming from all sides and moving faster and faster. You continue to dodge as best you can, moving left and right and ducking whenever, trying to avoid touching the ring.
> Without notice, the speed of the orbs doubles, and orbs you had not seen assault you from all sides, you continue to desperately dodge them.
> However, it becomes too much, and you stumble and fall through the ring. A searing hot pain slices through your body, and you are unable to move and you crash into the earthen floor.
> Before you can process the pain of hitting the ground, a new pain assaults you from your back: a white orb has struck you. The pain is immense and you are unable to think. Are you going to die?
> Another orb glances through your head and your vision goes dark. Did it hit? The pain throughout your body is unimaginable, you cannot tell if you're bleeding or even in one piece. Is this the end?
> You are vaguely aware that the barrage has stopped, and can hear Satori's voice screaming at Koishi, but as your consciousness fades you cannot make out her words.
> The floor is warm, is it blood? Your blood? No idea.
> Hands. Delicate but strong hands pluck you.
> You're flying.
> Through the air.
> It's so wonderful.
> You could be like this forever.
> ?..fuel for the fire!?
> You collapse, folded up.
> In some kind of box.
> Are you moving?
> Fading. Where are you going?
>
>
>
>
>
> You begin to come to your senses. You feel an oppressive heat surround you. Everything is on fire.
> Just ahead, you can hear the sounds of shouting, but the voice isn't familiar.
> What's going on?
>_
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>New personal goal: Smash Koishi's Face >=[
>Look around without moving too much. How sore are we?
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( Darn you Pervisen, I was gonna be the first to post)
> Check Inventory, do we still got all our things?
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>Retrieve katanas from trunk
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Restart for the win.
> Bang loudly with fists on box.
> If unable to use fists, struggle and call for help.
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> Check for fond memories of Momiji.
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>New personal goal: Smash Koishi's Face >=[
>Look around without moving too much. How sore are we?
> What the hell was that about? Mad as you are though, it would be nice to wait to deal with her. You can only take dealing with so much crazy. She'll get hers though, oh how she will!
> A far more pressing worry is being whole. Hopefully you're still in one piece!
> You move around a little: wiggle your toes, flex your feet, rotate ankles, move legs, rock hips, drum fingers, roll wrists, bend elbows, move arms, shrug shoulders and move your head.
> Yep, everything works. Very sore, but everything is working.
> Check Inventory, do we still got all our things?
> Inventory:
> GDC uniform
> Sweet Hat
> Courier bag
> Manifest
> Wallet (7,400 yen)
> Knife
> Canteen
> Hard roll
> Bottle of Green Hair Dye
> Chen's puzzle
> Strings for Lunasa
> Master Grade Gundam?
> Momiji's Tokin
> Mokou's Ribbon
> As far as you can tell, it's all there.
>Retrieve katanas from trunk
> Unfortunately, you have no trunk with you, or any swords for that matter. Only a knife.
> Bang loudly with fists on box.
> If unable to use fists, struggle and call for help.
> You work through the dull pain and slowly lift your arms to beat on the box. You manage to raise your arms higher and higher until they're sticking straight up.
> Hm, there doesn't seem to be a top to this box, and the sides seem quite low. Maybe it isn't a box at all?
> You let your arms fall back down.
> Check for fond memories of Momiji.
> Her ears were soft and fuzzy, and her wagging tail was quite adorable. Oh, and she had really thin arms. Like, thinner than you imagined.
> The verbal berating continues in the distance. As you continue to wake up, the tirade becomes more clear, though the volume certainly helps.
>_
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> You know....are our eyes open
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> Solid Snake we are not. Make like a tree and get the hell out of that box before somebody gets hurt!
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> Try banging on the side of the box.
> "H-hello? Is anyone their?
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> You know....are our eyes open
> Yes, of course they are. Well, now they are.
> You look around. An expansive black ceiling spreads out far above you, while all the illumination comes from fires burning around you, though they're all quite far away. Judging from what you can see of your confines, you think you are in some kind of wheelbarrow.
> Solid Snake we are not. Make like a tree and get the hell out of that box before somebody gets hurt!
> How do you propose that?
> Try banging on the side of the box.
> "H-hello? Is anyone their?
> You bang on the side of the box-barrow thing. Wow, these sides are almost too low.
> You call out very weakly, and receive no reply.
> You can, however, almost hear the rather one-sided conversation perfectly now.
>_
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>Listen to the conversation.
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>Let's get out of that wheelbarrow before the thing tips over on us.
>Are we wounded?
>Once out of the wheelbarrow, look around to get a better idea of where you are, and obvious exits.
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>Let's get out of that wheelbarrow before the thing tips over on us.
>Are we wounded?
>Once out of the wheelbarrow, look around to get a better idea of where you are, and obvious exits.
> Seems pretty sturdy so far, what kind of wheelbaroow wouldn't be. Maybe it's more like a cart?
> You don't seem to be.
> You would, if not for your BURNING CURIOSITY! Curse being human!
>Listen to the conversation.
> It's not hard to listen in. You lean your head back and open your ears.
> ?...sake Orin, how hard is your fucking job!??
> ?I said I'm sor-?
> ?Sorry doesn't bring me corpses to burn for POWER! How are you not fucking understanding this!??
> ?But it looked li-?
> ?NO! Shut the fuck up and listen OK? I'm down here making Nuclear fusion. NUCLEAR FUCKING FUSION OK!? Y'know, splitting the atom to create energy? I'm also down here doing fission, something the humans can't even do yet! And that takes energy! ENERGY ORIN!?
> ?yes?
> ?And where do I get energy from? I sure do need an awful lot! Tell me Orin, WHAT PROVIDES SOME GOOD FUCKING ENERGY!??
> ?c-corpses-?
> ?CORPSES! YES! You bring me corpses and then I burn them so that I can power the Underground and Youkai Mountain! And what is your fucking part in this!?
> ?I...get the corpses?
> ?That's right! You get the corpses! In fact, that's your fucking power isn't it? To move corpses??
> ?...yeah?
> ?AND YOU CAN'T EVEN FUCKING DO THAT! It's the easiest fucking job to perform, and it's your power! And you still failed! Look at him! He's not even fucking DEAD!?
> ?sorry-?
> ?HEAD in the fucking GAME Orin! Come on!?
> Wow.
> You soon hear footsteps approaching you and see a rather imposing figure standing over you.
> ?Yo!? it calls.
>_
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>"Um, hi? I'm very confused right now..."
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> "Do you know were I am? What happened to Satori-san? Why am I in a wheelbarrow?"
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> "Please tell me Koishi isn't around right now..."
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>"Um, hi? I'm very confused right now..."
> "Yeah well, here's the short version: if you were dead we were gonna throw you in the fire and use your corpse for fuel. As you can see, you ain't dead so we got a bit of a problem right now."
> From your current vantage point you can't make out much about the way these people look, though the one standing over you right now seems to be wearing a white shirt and have a pair of enormous black wings. A large red jewel in the middle of the shirt glows vibrantly.
> "Do you know were I am? What happened to Satori-san? Why am I in a wheelbarrow?"
> The imposing figure continues
> "Yeah, you're in hell. Some call it Hell of Blazing Fires, but we take the dead and burn them, so it's pretty much just hell."
> "Dunno, I never go up there. Maybe Orin can finally be of some use and answer that."
> A girl in green dress stumbles into your view, you assume it's the same one from the earlier chewing-out.
> "Sorry, let me help you," she says a she pulls you up.
> You're still pretty sore, but you manage to sit up and look at the girl. You notice that her red hair is pulled into two pigtails and bedecked with a pair of cat ears.
> "Erm, Satori's still upstairs, she never comes down here, no reason for her to."
> "The wheelbarrow's how I move corpses. I thought you were dead! I mean, with Koishi and all that...so I dropped you in here and took you down here for fuel."
> The other girl scoffs.
> "Please tell me Koishi isn't around right now..."
> "No, she's upstairs. She's supposed to be locked away most of the time, which is why I was so surprised when I found her in the kitchen-"
> "Yeah yeah, touching stuff really. Important things: what to do now," the winged girl continues, "Much as I'd like to, I can't kill ya, but I ain't giving you no fuckin' tour or anything."
> "I guess I could take him out-"
> "Oh, that's a GREAT FUCKING IDEA Orin! Why didn't I think of that!?" She smacks the back of Orin's head with her hand. "Well go on then!"
> Yeesh
>_
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>Ponder for a moment while they squabble.
>"Why did you think I was dead? I mean, if you deal with corpses a lot..."
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>Ponder for a moment while they squabble.
>"Why did you think I was dead? I mean, if you deal with corpses a lot..."
> "Erm," Orin squirms a little, "well, you're just a human and you had no experience with cards, so once you got hit with Koishi's I thought that was the end. You hit the ground really hard though! And you're not an oni, so I figured that there was no way you could have survived getting hit. I just swung right in and picked you up. I mostly deal with oni, so I'm not used to humans, are all of you so light?"
> You think you're about average in size for humans. How much do these oni weigh?
>_
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>Perhaps the mass comes from the extra stomaches for all the booze.
>"Oh well, no hard feelings, I suppose. So, can you get me out of here without another meeting with Koishi?"
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> "No, I think it's the Oni that are heavy, but then again I am human, so maybe where light to them?"
> "Umm, by the way, which way is out?"
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>Perhaps the mass comes from the extra stomaches for all the booze.
>"Oh well, no hard feelings, I suppose. So, can you get me out of here without another meeting with Koishi?"
> "Well, we'll have to go through the house again, but Satori's probably taking care of Koishi right now, so she should be restrained once we get back up there."
> "No, I think it's the Oni that are heavy, but then again I am human, so maybe where light to them?"
> "Umm, by the way, which way is out?"
> "Possibly, they're always bragging about how strong they are, so maybe they're just bigger?"
> Orin goes to grab the wheelbarrow.
> "Can you walk? I'll lead you out. I should go gather some corpses anyway."
>_
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> Follow Orin out
> Try not to look at the corpses, but do it anyway
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> Follow Orin out
> Try not to look at the corpses, but do it anyway
> You climb out of the wheelbarrow and try to follow Orin. You're still extremely sore, but somehow the walking seems to be helping.
> As Orin pushes her cart, the other girl flies off towards a lake of fire in the opposite direction. You look around for corpses, but see none. Perhaps they waste no time in disposing of them?
> Orin sniffs
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> "Uh, what are you doing?"
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> "Uh, what are you doing?"
> "N...nothing!"
> Orin sniffs again and wipes her nose with her fist.
>_
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> "Are you alright?"
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> Offer hanky or shirt-tail
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> Offer hanky or shirt-tail
> Unfortunately you don't have anything like a hanky to lend out. Further, your shirt doesn't have any kind of tail, but do you really want to walk around wearing youkai snot all day? You've managed to stay somewhat clean so far, even riding in that wheelbarrow that carries...corpses.
> Ew
> "Are you alright?"
> Orin glances back. You do the same and notice that you can no longer see the other girl.
> She sighs. "It's just, Okuu's such a hardass all the time. I rarely mess up, but she expects perfection 100% of the time. She's got that damn superiority complex as well, and that certainly doesn't help."
> "I mean, she lost to those humans a while back as well, and yet she still insists that she's perfect and can do no wrong! Yeah I'm not doing anything crazy sciencey like nuclear fuison or whatever, but I've got an important job! Nothing's wrong with doing labor, right? That's what you all do on the surface isn't it?"
> "She doesn't have to act like I stopped the fires if I mess up just a little bit..."
> Sniff
>_
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> "Yeah, she was pretty hard on you back there, but she has a tough job keeping these fires going so she might be stressed a lot"
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> "Yeah, she was pretty hard on you back there, but she has a tough job keeping these fires going so she might be stressed a lot"
> "She could be a little nicer! It's not like she'd ever be able to gather the dead!"
> She moves in front of you and points to her ears. Her...human ears?
> "See these? These are just normal ears, they hear sounds just like you, but these," she points up to her cat ears, "detect sounds of death. Y'know, violent rows, knife fights, death rattles, arterial blood gushing, that kind of thing. That's how I'm so efficient at gathering corpses: I use these and I'm able to pinpoint exactly where is a corpse is. I can get there quickly and bring them back to the Blaze to feed the fire."
> She resumes pushing the wheelbarrow. You look around a little. You seem to be down in a very elaborately overgrown cave. Off in the distance are some very impressive columns, while stalactites and stalagmites pepper the scenery, slowly seeming to encroach on you. A path starts to form as the rocks move in closer, though you don't seem to be moving upwards yet. The lack of light is annoying, as it makes all the formations seem black.
> Orin sighs.
>_
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> "Yeah I agree, she could be a little bit nicer about it, do you think there is anything we could do?"
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>Tilt your sweet hat in a cool way, because that's what sweet hats are for.
>"Also, do you have a flashlight or something? It's kind of dark."
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>"What would happen if the fires went out, anyways? Because if it's not terrible tragic, maybe you could get a new job?"
>Wish fervently for some water.
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> "Yeah I agree, she could be a little bit nicer about it, do you think there is anything we could do?"
> "Honestly, I can't think of anything, but even if I could I'd have my doubts as to its effectiveness. Those humans put her in her place, but her attitude's been unchanged. She sees herself as the most important person around, but that really can't be questioned. She's down here all alone doing completely thankless yet extremely difficult work for the benefit of most of Gensokyo. I wouldn't even know where to start. She's fine if she's not angry, but the smallest thing can set her off."
>Tilt your sweet hat in a cool way, because that's what sweet hats are for.
>"Also, do you have a flashlight or something? It's kind of dark."
> You attempt to tilt your hat, but it's lack of a brim makes it seem like you just can't wear it properly.
> "Oh, sorry about that, but I don't. Cat eyes and all that, I can see just fine. You can see the trail right? Just follow that, not much down here besides rocks."
> You look down and finally see that she does indeed have a cat-like tail. In fact, she has two of them, like Chen. Having one might be annoying, but two? And that Ran person had nine, and they were huge! Wow.
>"What would happen if the fires went out, anyways? Because if it's not terrible tragic, maybe you could get a new job?"
>Wish fervently for some water.
> "Oh, riots. Like, immediately. The fires provide power for the Underground and Youkai Mountain, and maybe some other places. One of the things powered is the oni sake distillery. Fire dies and the distillery can't run. Ever seen a sober oni? It's not pretty, and if there wasn't any sake in the entire village? I can't even imagine what they would do. And then there's the Kappa, and the Tengu, and we'd probably even get it from the Shrine. Above all else, the fires can never go out!"
> "I...can't really leave though, Satori's my master. She's Okuu's master as well, she's really the only person Okuu is patient with. I can't leave Satori, and none of her other pets can collect fuel as efficiently as me."
> If only you had a canteen of water from the Kappa Village. Damn that was some good water.
> ...
> OH WAIT! You shove your hand in your bag and triumphantly produce your canteen, proceeding to drain nearly the entire thing into you mouth. Ah, how refreshing.
> Orin chuckles at your spectacle. "A little thirsty huh? It is pretty hot down here, especially if you're not used to it."
> You feel the trail finally start to move upwards. You wonder where exactly you are anyway.
>_
-
>Yay remembering things after being beaten senseless!
>"I suppose that's right out. Have you ever tried shouting back?"
-
> Add quest 'All Work and no Play': Find a way to make Okuu less witchy (I have a no swearing thing)
> Thank Orin for her help, now lets get out of here
-
>Yay remembering things after being beaten senseless!
>"I suppose that's right out. Have you ever tried shouting back?"
> Hell yeah! But you remembered how much you have to do today. Oy vey.
> "She doesn't really give you a chance to speak, and she'd just get louder. She's also a lot stronger than me, but she's never tried to attack. She knows how valuable I am to what she's trying to do, but I'm just not perfect. I can't be."
> Add quest 'All Work and no Play': Find a way to make Okuu less witchy (I have a no swearing thing)
> Thank Orin for her help, now lets get out of here
> Seriously, how can someone be so stuck up? Oh well, it's not like you to leave a pretty girl hanging!
> You thank Orin and set off ahead of her. in short order, you kick a stalagmite and hurt your foot, ouch.
> "I thought you said you couldn't see where you were going? We've got a long way to go, so just walk with me."
> You fall in back behind Orin and look up the path. There's a light resembling a doorway quite a ways up, but aside from that it's just black. You follow the trail as it turns up a switchback, no wonder you missed it.
> "There's quite a lot of these, makes it so I don't lose the cart."
>_
-
> Follow Orin
> "So, I was wondering, was she always like that?"
-
> Follow Orin
> "So, I was wondering, was she always like that?"
> You follow Orin as the two of you continue to climb up the trail. How much climbing have you done today? Regardless, you're going to have some MANLY thighs and calves by the time you're done.
> "Actually, not really. When she first started off we were great friends still and had a blast. Then she began to get deeper and deeper involved in her work and push for only perfection. She also started to develop the superiority complex, which just built and built until those humans set her straight. She's been like this for an incredibly long time though, so long that I wonder if the old Okuu is still there."
>_
-
>"You know... if the fires went out, would you get blamed, or would she?"
-
>Examine Quests
>Examine Inventory
>Examine Feet
-
> "Who were does humans and what would they be doing sown here in the first place?"
-
>"You know... if the fires went out, would you get blamed, or would she?"
> "That's a tricky question. As far as the oni are concerned, anyone in this house is responsible for creating the power. So, once they start to riot they're just going to come tearing through here. Unfortunately, this would put Satori and me as the first line for them to push through. While we're strong, the oni would eventually push through us. Even then, they may not find the entrance to the Blaze or even make it to Okuu, and she's stronger than me and Satori combined. It would almost guarantee death for at least one of us, there's no way we can let the fire go out."
>Examine Quests
>Examine Inventory
>Examine Feet
> Your Quests are:
> DELIVER!
> A DELIVERATOR MUST DELIVER! IT IS HIS DESTINY! You currently have no required packages to deliver.
> Fu you gonna call?
> Nitori made some strings for a ghost, and now you have to find her.
> Your self-designated Quests are:
> All work and no play
> Okuu has been unreasonable with Orin, perhaps you can find a way to calm her down?
> Your Inventory contains:
> GDC uniform
> Standard issue for all Deliverators, fairly utilitarian.
> Sweet Hat
> A rather unique hat from Kourindou, you'd never seen one like it before.
> Courier bag
> One strap is all you need to lug around parcels
> Manifest
> List of the packages you are required to pick up and deliver today.
> Wallet (7,400 yen)
> Made from tape, slightly sticky
> Knife
> Basic folding knife
> Canteen
> Can hold about 2 liters of water
> Hard roll
> Sustenance!
> Bottle of Green Hair Dye
> The text is in a foreign language, but you can tell it's green dye. Belongs to Sanae
> Chen's puzzle
> Tavern puzzle made by Chen, consists of two interlocking nails, unsolvable.
> Strings for Lunasa
> Nitori asked you to give these to Lunasa for her violin, they appear ordinary.
> Master Grade Gundam?
> White box with "Master Grade Gundam" written on the side
> Momiji's Tokin
> Traditional red Tengu hat, a gift from Momiji
> Mokou's Ribbon
> Resists fire, currently tied around left sleeve
Your feet are currently in your shoes, which are black and made from leather. It would probably not be a good idea to remove your shoes down here since you wouldn't be able to see anything. Luckily, they are quite comfortable. You feel you could walk all day in them!
> "Who were does humans and what would they be doing sown here in the first place?"
> You stumble over your words, but Orin answers anyway.
> "There was a witch and that other shrine maiden, not the one from the mountain. They also had some youkai with them: the witch had one of the kappa with her, as well as the weak one that's friends with the troll, and one other one that looked human but used puppets; the shrine maiden had an oni, a rather spazzy tengu and, er, that really important youkai. She's been down here before for dinner. Yukari-denka or something like that. They whupped up on Okuu, but she bounced back after only 2 days though."
> The two of you continue your climb. You judge yourself to be about halfway through when Orin informs you that there's not much more to go.
>_
-
>"I guess Satori can't help even with all her mindreading?"
>Ponder.
>"You said there was a time before she got all that power, right? Was she still running the fires back then, or is this a new task?"
-
> Hey, didn't we deliver the green hair Dye?
> Hmmm, maybe they could beat some sense into her again
-
>"I guess Satori can't help even with all her mindreading?"
>Ponder.
>"You said there was a time before she got all that power, right? Was she still running the fires back then, or is this a new task?"
> "Help with what exactly? Okuu usually plays the sweetheart as son as Satori shows up at the Blaze, which isn't often. I suppose that if she stayed far enough back she might be able to witness something. What are you thinking?"
> "The fires have been running as long as I can remember, but back then we only had enough to power the distillery, and maybe a little bit extra. With Okuu discovering the nuclear power, she was able to produce much more, and picked up powering the rest of what we do."
> Hey, didn't we deliver the green hair Dye?
> Hmmm, maybe they could beat some sense into her again
> You did deliver it, and then a gust of wind knocked the box over and a bottle rolled out the door, but Sanae shut the door before you could return it.
> You ponder this, but Orin seems rather apprehensive about anything involving getting physical with Okuu.
> You continue up the trail, the grade having gotten much steeper. Orin seems to have no trouble pushing the cart even with the steepness. "Just a little bit left."
>_
-
> "Well, I can't think of anything right now that would help you, but maybe I might find something on my deliveries?"
-
>"Well, I can't think of anything right now that would help you, but maybe I might find something on my deliveries?"
>Never give up! Never surrender!
>"Well, she's pretty good at catching unconscious thoughts, right? So, just say something when she's around Satori that will get her thinking about things she did. Say you're not doing all that well at supper, maybe?"
-
(eh, go with Purvises, I don't think I did [whats his name?] justice)
-
> "Well, I can't think of anything right now that would help you, but maybe I might find something on my deliveries?"
>Never give up! Never surrender!
>"Well, she's pretty good at catching unconscious thoughts, right? So, just say something when she's around Satori that will get her thinking about things she did. Say you're not doing all that well at supper, maybe?"
> You consider throwing in the towel, but remember that you are a MAN!
> "Hm, that might be a possiblity. We don't eat together very often, and Okuu usually stays down at the Blaze, but she's not one to refuse dinner. I'll talk to Satori, she should probably be able to get a nice dinner ready for tonight."
> The grade begins to level off, and the light is becoming brighter. "Almost there, you seem to be doing better. How do you feel?"
>_
-
> "I'm still a bit sore but I can take it, quite good for someone who should be considered dead huh?" Smile jokingly at her
-
> "I'm still a bit sore but I can take it, quite good for someone who should be considered dead huh?" Smile jokingly at her
> "Yeah, I guess you could say that, ha. At least you're doing better."
> You go around a final switchback and see a doorway filled with light ahead.
>_
-
> "So, uh, are you sure Koshi is restrained?"
> We definitely need to learn how to Danmaku use spell cards
-
> "So, uh, are you sure Koshi is restrained?"
> We definitely need to learn how to Danmaku use spell cards
> "No way to know, but probably. Satori wastes no time in taking care of Koishi, but Koishi doesn't usually act that quickly. You should be fine."
> Yes, you definitely need more research. There's still several people you've been told to speak to about it.
> You're almost at the door now. Orin pushes onward.
>_
-
> Hmm, Marisa might be a good choice for a teacher
-
>Walk along.
>"Yeah, I think the dinner idea ought to do it."
>Pause.
>"Actually. That might not even be necessary. Is it even possible to lie to Satori?"
-
> Hmm, Marisa might be a good choice for a teacher
> Indeed, she's probably the most knowledgeable after Reimu about the subject. Although Sanae is supposed to know a lot as well, and you've still got a bottle of her hair dye. Then there's the maid of the vampires, who's supposedly a human, and you could talk to her about your knife situation. Or the half-human Netherworld gardener. Oh, and you still have two more deliveries to make before you're done, and you have to still deliver Lunasa's strings. And you have some rewards to pick up.
> Luckily, it's not even lunch time, but you could use a little something to eat. You remember passing a yakitori stand in the Forest of Magic earlier.
> Ugh, so much to do.
> Orin exits the doorway and you follow behind to find yourself in an earthen room, looking remarkably like the Palace of Earth Spirits. Perhaps you never left?
>Walk along.
>"Yeah, I think the dinner idea ought to do it."
>Pause.
>"Actually. That might not even be necessary. Is it even possible to lie to Satori?"
> You follow Orin as you walk through the room. The room is empty save for a ramp on the far wall reaching to upper floors. Orin sets the cart down and stretches her back.
> "I'll talk to her about it, it's been a while since we've had a nice dinner like that, I'm sure Satori would be willing to host it."
> "Hm? I'm not exactly sure. She's not a lie detector and she can only read minds. If you lie to her but think about the truth in order to change it then she'll catch you, but if you talk to her and only think about the lie, then she won't be able to tell with any certainty whether or not it's a lie."
> Orin licks her lips. "Mind if I have some of that water?"
>_
-
> "Yeah sure, here you go" Give the canteen to her
> "Thank you for your help, uh, do you know which way is it to the exit?"
> Did we finish that debate with Satori?
-
>"Well, if you tell her, wouldn't she be able to read your thoughts and see that, at the very least, you wholeheartedly believe everything you're saying?"
>Pass the canteen, if there's any left.
-
> "Yeah sure, here you go" Give the canteen to her
> "Thank you for your help, uh, do you know which way is it to the exit?"
> Did we finish that debate with Satori?
>"Well, if you tell her, wouldn't she be able to read your thoughts and see that, at the very least, you wholeheartedly believe everything you're saying?"
>Pass the canteen, if there's any left.
> There is indeed some water left, but not terribly much. You pass the canteen to Orin, who finishes it in short order.
> "Oh sorry, I didn't realize there was so little. Thank you though, it was oddly refreshing, not like the water we have down here. Is all water like that on the surface?"
> "The exit is through the mansion, though I'm heading into the village to gather some corpses, so feel free to follow me out of the house."
> You're not sure if you finished, but you feel strangely apprehensive about starting into it again right now.
> "Well yeah, that's true. I've never really bothered to bring it up too much, since Satori already knows that Okuu can be a handful, but I don't think she knows the extent. She'd need universal recognition before she took action though, she refuses to act unilaterally. I suppose that's only fair though."
> Orin picks up the cart and starts towards the ramp, with you falling in behind once more.
>_
-
>"Do it anyways. She deserves to know about family matters, right?"
>Try to keep up. Damn speedy felines.
-
> "The water is actually from the Kappa Village, its a fresher than anything I ever had"
-
> "The water is actually from the Kappa Village, its a fresher than anything I ever had"
> "Is that right? I suppose that makes sense after all. I'll have to collect some next time I'm up there, I'm sure Satori would like some as well."
>"Do it anyways. She deserves to know about family matters, right?"
>Try to keep up. Damn speedy felines.
> "Mmm, I suppose you're right. How soon should I bring it up though? Should I spring it over dinner or lay it out now as my reasoning for wanting a nice dinner tonight?"
> You decide to blame her second tail, there's got to be some use for it.
> You reach the top of the ramp and arrive in the kitchen? Huh, strange place to put an entrance to "hell". The earthen theme continues with a mud-like oven, but the rest of the kitchen looks like one you'd find in the Human Village, with cabinets and cold storage and an actual stove.
> You hear, "He's alive? Oh thanks goodness!" from the living room area you had been in earlier.
>_
-
> "Lay it out now, It's better this way so you guys can talk it out peacefully"
> See who the person in the living room is
-
>"Whichever you think is better. But I would tell her first."
>Unless it's Koishi. Then we run!
-
>Unless it's Koishi. Then we run!
> But we are a MAN, we must face all obstecles
> But a Tactical Retreat will do
-
> "Lay it out now, It's better this way so you guys can talk it out peacefully"
> See who the person in the living room is
>"Whichever you think is better. But I would tell her first."
>Unless it's Koishi. Then we run!
> But we are a MAN, we must face all obstecles
> But a Tactical Retreat will do
> You decide that should the person in the living room be Koishi, you will flee in the MANLIEST of ways. But, her voice doesn't sound like Koishi's
> "No, Koishi is now secure, not to worry this time. I...lectured her on behaving around guests."
> Satori appears in the doorway.
> "You have something to discuss with me Orin?
> Orin puts down the cart and looks downward.
> "Erm, do you think...we could have a big dinner tonight? With all of us?"
> "Of course, but I agree with Toshiro that you should discuss your reasoning right now."
> "It's...ah, nothing important."
> "Hm, what about Okuu?"
> "Guh!" Orin winces.
> "Orin, you know that you can tell me anything. What's wrong?"
> Orin moves to back away but bumps into you, crying out with a tiny yelp.
> Satori approaches and takes Orin into her arms.
> "Orin, no secrets. I want to help, but I need to know what's going on. You know how I hate fighting, especially among the two of you."
> "Sniff"
> Is the rope wrapping around Orin as well?
> "It's...just..." Orin's voice breaks.
> "Down there in the Blaze"
> "And...I try and collect..."
> "She should have enough corpses though."
> "And when I don't-"
> "Well that's not how I raised her."
> Orin's definitely crying now.
> "I try to talk..."
> "You two are practically sisters, I won't allow this to continue."
> "But-"
> "No! None of that Orin. Okuu is important, but she can't work with you. If she can't shake this attitude then I'll have to fix her. I thought the miko and witch would have been enough, but I see that there's still a lot to be done."
> Orin's has her head buried firmly in Satori's breast, still sobbing. Satori calmly strokes the back of her head, continuing to assure her that she'll resolve the issue.
> You make a movement to leave, but Satori shakes her head at you, so you lean against the wall and wait.
> Time passes. Eventually, Orin straightens up and blots at her eyes. "Th-thank you."
> Satori smiles warmly. "I'll get started on planning dinner, you keep working alright?"
> Orin coughs. "Yeah, will do."
> She picks up the cart and starts to roll it slowly through the living room.
> "Go on!" Satori whispers at you.
>_
-
>Thoughts: Oh god, what now!
>"Uh, see? Just like I said. It'll all work out. Satori's with you and things."
-
> "So, uh, do you feel better letting it out?"
-
>Ask Satori why Koishi tried to kill us.
>Ponder Satori.
>Ponder Koishi.
>Ponder Satori naked >Don't do that.
-
>Ponder Satori naked >Don't do that.
> Seriously, don't even think of the idea, in fact it never existed
-
> Seriously, don't even think of the idea, in fact it never existed
> I concur with this. it never happened. We don't want to dig our grave more than we have.
-
>Ask Satori why Koishi tried to kill us.
>Ponder Satori.
>Ponder Koishi.
>Ponder Satori naked >Don't do that.
> "You're a little bad at promptly following directions, aren't you?"
> "Koishi's my sister, as you could probably tell, and she's a little...unstable, to the point that it's a hazard to have her around other people. As I mentioned, she gave up her ability to read minds and gained the ability to read, erm, souls for lack of a better term. Gaining that ability pretty much damaged her, and we've kept her in solitude since then. The main issue is that reading souls is far from exact. It's like reading Tarot in that it's very open to interpretation. Like in your case, she was able to since immense strength, so she acted on the thought that you were using your strength to overpower me. That's the conclusion she jumped to, and that's all I could really get her to tell me."
> "The oni don't think too much, and they're very simplistic, so I live down here. Oni thoughts are essentially white noise, so they're easy to ignore for the most part. It's kind of peaceful but they're awful neighbors. As a result, I collect pets and pet youkai to help numb the boredom."
> "It's sad really, she has such power, but she's too damaged to really do anything with it. Hopefully she can reawaken the power to read minds, that might hopefully shake her out of this. It would take a long time though, and she's not even willing to try right now."
>Thoughts: Oh god, what now!
>"Uh, see? Just like I said. It'll all work out. Satori's with you and things."
> All of a sudden you panic!
> "Orin's probably outside waiting for you, hurry and catch up to her!"
> You head off to find Orin.
> "So, uh, do you feel better letting it out?"
> Unfortunately, Orin's not in the living room to hear your query.
> You continue out into the yard and find Orin's cart with ease. However, you don't see Orin anyway.
> You feel something small tug on your pant leg. You glance down and see the same black two-tailed cat with the red collar from your earlier talk with Satori.
> She tugs on your pant leg again and stares up at you.
>_
-
> "Orin? That you? That is pretty cool!"
> Which do we prefer, cats or dogs?
> "Honestly, with you like this, I'm kinda wanting to pet you... is that normal... at all?"
> "Didn't I tell you Satori would help? Don't worry, things are gonna be ok."
-
> "Orin? That you? That is pretty cool!"
> Which do we prefer, cats or dogs?
> "Honestly, with you like this, I'm kinda wanting to pet you... is that normal... at all?"
> "Didn't I tell you Satori would help? Don't worry, things are gonna be ok."
> The cat...nods? Its head bobs up and down, and those ears seem rather familar...
> You don't really have a preference, and you don't have either at home.
> She paws at your leg again. You bend down to pet her, and run you hand down her back. It'd be nicer if her fur didn't feel as matted as it does.
> "Um, could you pick me up?"
> Who said that?
>_
-
> "Ok, so you are the cat Orin. Ok, wanna sit on my shoulder on something?"
> Pick Orin/the cat up.
-
> "Ok, so you are the cat Orin. Ok, wanna sit on my shoulder on something?"
> Pick Orin/the cat up.
> You pick up the cat and sit it on your arm while you continue to pet it.
> "Sorry about the change, but I'm more comfortable in this form. I really just couldn't wait to get back to this."
>_
-
>Exeunt, kitty in hand!
>"Can't say nothing against that."
>_
-
>Exeunt, kitty in hand!
>"Can't say nothing against that."
>_
> "Ah! My cart! Please don't leave yet."
> "I suppose, but I don't know what to do. I mean, what happens next? What do I say?"
>_
-
>"Um, well... I guess you're gonna have to lean on Satori support. I mean, you're both pretty upset with Utsuho, right? So it's not like she's just gonna leave you high and dry. But you gotta be honest, too. And it's not like Utsuho is gonna do anything in front of Satori, right? And even if she did afterward, Satori would know."
>Ponder for a moment.
>"But, um, I guess you don't wanna make her too mad, either. Since, well, you don't hate her, right? so make sure she knows that too. That'll help on both sides."
-
>"Um, well... I guess you're gonna have to lean on Satori support. I mean, you're both pretty upset with Utsuho, right? So it's not like she's just gonna leave you high and dry. But you gotta be honest, too. And it's not like Utsuho is gonna do anything in front of Satori, right? And even if she did afterward, Satori would know."
>Ponder for a moment.
>"But, um, I guess you don't wanna make her too mad, either. Since, well, you don't hate her, right? so make sure she knows that too. That'll help on both sides."
> "Exactly. Satori may provide the arena, but she's not going to bring it up, it's going to have to be me. But, I don't even know what to say to Okuu, much less how I'll say it. Should I just confront her directly? Try to trap her? I have no idea."
> "Also, how did you know Okuu's real name? I haven't heard anyone call her that in quite some time."
> This is not the kind of conversation you'd have ever expected to have with a cat.
>_
-
> "Also, how did you know Okuu's real name? I haven't heard anyone call her that in quite some time."
>_
>Bitch I'm psychic too. Please disregard this mistake. I thought both got used, and went with the one that implies less familiarity.
>"I suppose it comes down to how shocking you want to, I guess? There's a difference between telling her she has a problem and telling her she's an unbearable ass and the only reason you haven't run away is because you don't want the oni to riot and hurt Satori. I'd start by saying you need to talk, and go onto whatever you feel needs to be said, and how strongly. Don't worry too much about making her mad, like I said."
>Pause.
>"You know. There may be a way to make everyone happy. Have you ever tried to get some oni to help out with the corpse gathering?"
-
>"I suppose it comes down to how shocking you want to, I guess? There's a difference between telling her she has a problem and telling her she's an unbearable ass and the only reason you haven't run away is because you don't want the oni to riot and hurt Satori. I'd start by saying you need to talk, and go onto whatever you feel needs to be said, and how strongly. Don't worry too much about making her mad, like I said."
>Pause.
>"You know. There may be a way to make everyone happy. Have you ever tried to get some oni to help out with the corpse gathering?"
> "Right, but did you see me down in the Blaze? It's a little hard for me to even confront her. Talking to her is easy, but actually confronting her may be a little too much. How should I bring it up?"
> "No, never. What do you mean?"
>_
-
>"Just say you need to talk. Then you're kinda obligated to speak up. And Satori will support you."
>"Okay, so she's mad because you can't keep up with her demands. What if you got a few oni to help out? You give them directions, they range out and help you fetch things. That would have to increase speed, right? Not sure how you'd pay them...maybe arrange for a deal with the distillery to pay them in kind? They do owe you for the heat and stuff. That ways Okuu gets her fuel, you get some relief. But, even then, she still needs a talking to."
-
>"Just say you need to talk. Then you're kinda obligated to speak up. And Satori will support you."
>"Okay, so she's mad because you can't keep up with her demands. What if you got a few oni to help out? You give them directions, they range out and help you fetch things. That would have to increase speed, right? Not sure how you'd pay them...maybe arrange for a deal with the distillery to pay them in kind? They do owe you for the heat and stuff. That ways Okuu gets her fuel, you get some relief. But, even then, she still needs a talking to."
> "So, just kind of casual? I guess that's possible, but what exactly should I say? I'm not exactly quick on my feet. Pretty sad for a cat, huh?"
> Her tail swishes
> "Won't the drunkenness be an issue? I suppose if I could convince them to collect dead they know about and leave them in a designated pick-up area. That could make things quicker for dealing with the underworld, and I could concentrate on the surface."
> "Yeah, that could probably work. Assuming I could convince the oni to actually help out, it would make things a lot better. But, who could I talk to about that?"
>_
-
> "Well actually, I'm kinda friendly with the Deva's, so maybe I can ask them for you"
-
>"Just say, "I need to talk with you." then when she asks about it, just...well...say what's in your heart, I guess. How strongly do you feel about it? Just be honest."
>"As for getting help, ask around town. Leave up a few fliers. All depends on how you wanna pay 'em. If you're gonna do that deal with the distillery I mentioned, approach whoever runs it, first."
-
>"Just say, "I need to talk with you." then when she asks about it, just...well...say what's in your heart, I guess. How strongly do you feel about it? Just be honest."
>"As for getting help, ask around town. Leave up a few fliers. All depends on how you wanna pay 'em. If you're gonna do that deal with the distillery I mentioned, approach whoever runs it, first."
> "So, maybe say something like:"
>> "Though you may not think it, I'm really trying my best, but I can't always be perfect. I'm always giving the most I can possibly give because I know that we need to be successful, and we're the best team possible to do this. I'm currently researching ways to be more effective though, so that our best can be even better. So please, can you cut me a little bit of slack on the job?"
> "Something like that?"
> "The fliers may not be terribly effective, and it might take a while to get some support. If possible, it'd be nice to find some help, or at least be on the way to arranging something today. Plus, I personally don't have anything to pay them with, and I know Satori can't really give them anything material. I guess I could talk to the one that runs the distillery, but I don't exactly know them. I think getting the entire village to pitch in instead of a select few oni would be more effective."
> "Well actually, I'm kinda friendly with the Deva's, so maybe I can ask them for you"
> Her eyes light up at this bit of news.
> "Wait, you know the Devas? How!?" Her two tails swish so fast that they almost meld into one.
> "They don't run the village, but they're legends, they have so much pull! Do you think they could help out somehow?"
>_
-
> "Well, I guess I could, Suika kinda owes me a gift for [insert reason here], so maybe she can help"
> "So, maybe say something like:"
>> "Though you may not think it, I'm really trying my best, but I can't always be perfect. I'm always giving the most I can possibly give because I know that we need to be successful, and we're the best team possible to do this. I'm currently researching ways to be more effective though, so that our best can be even better. So please, can you cut me a little bit of slack on the job?"
> "Something like that?"
> "Hmm, that is actually quite good"
-
> "Well, I guess I could, Suika kinda owes me a gift for [insert reason here], so maybe she can help"
> "Hmm, that is actually quite good"
> You explain your little run-in with the Devas from earlier, and that Suika said she'd give you something to prove you could party with them.
> "You really survived drinking with them? Wow, I didn't think anyone but the strongest oni could keep pace with the Devas. That's really impressive. Do you think they'd help me though?"
> "You liked that? Huh, I kinda just said it. I don't know how she'd react to it though."
> Cat-Orin stretches and jumps off you arm, and yet Orin is the one that lands. The mysteries surrounding youkai continue.
> "I...feel a little better now, thanks."
>_
-
>"Well, glad to help. And, I'll see what I can get Suika to do, if I find her again."
-
>"Well, glad to help. And, I'll see what I can get Suika to do, if I find her again."
> "Neat, I'd appreciate that. In the meantime, I told you I'd walk you out, and I need to pick up a corpse in the village, so shall we head off now?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, lets"
> Follow Orin out
> Whats the time? If we don't know, ask Orin
-
> "Yeah, lets"
> Follow Orin out
> Whats the time? If we don't know, ask Orin
> Orin picks up her cart and starts to leave the yard while you fall in step beside her.
> You can't really tell what time it is down here, and you're not sure how long you were out in the cart.
> "Mm, we don't really keep track down here, but I think it's almost 11."
> The two of you follow the crest and soon approach the distillery, the noise level gradually approaching the level of din you experienced on your way through the village earlier. As you pass the distillery, you see several oni rolling wooden barrels from the distillery into town.
> Upon arrival, you notice a different atmosphere than earlier: the oni, while not speaking to you, are giving you a wide berth as the two of you walk down the streets.
>_
-
>"Do they usually do that?"
-
>"Do they usually do that?"
> "Yeah, from the beginning. They know I only leave the mansion to collect the dead, so they try to stay away if they can help it. It doesn't seem to be more than that, since they'll readily bring their dead out for me."
> The two of you continue down the street before arriving at the main square. Dozens of oni bustle through, but you can see Yuugi's horn and hair poke out over the top of the crowd. She seems to be waiting by her statue at the fountain.
>_
-
> "Hey, I think I can see Yuugi, why don't you come with me so we can ask her about that solution"
-
>Make way for Yuugi in any event.
-
> "Hey, I think I can see Yuugi, why don't you come with me so we can ask her about that solution"
> "Oh, one of the Devas? Uhhh...okay?"
> Orin seems a but apprehensive about talking to Yuugi.
>Make way for Yuugi in any event.
> But you head for her anyway!
> While oni traffic may have parted for you, no one's standing within about 4 meters of Yuugi. Perhaps her power is a little feared?
> Yuugi notices you once you break through the crowd and raises her hand high.
> "Yo! Ya finally made it back out here huh? I been waitin' for a spell, ain't nice ta leave a lady waiting! HA!"
> She brings her hand down hard on your back while she guffaws, promptly knocking the wind out of you.
> "Ha, couldn ta expected ya ta stand up ta that, even if'n ya can drink! Suika left in a hurry and told me ta give ya somethin, but didn thinka it herself! Think I got somethin righ-oi!"
> Her gaze falls on Orin.
> "Yo, Black Cat! Whatchu doin' out here girlie? I ain't been in a fight yet today, so ya got nothin' ta collect from me! HA!"
> Another guffaw, but thankfully no hand this time.
> "Um, ah, you see Miss...Yuugi?"
> "Ahyep, thass me!"
> "Um, I had...a uh...ques..." Orin trails off.
> Maybe she's starstruck, or just intimidated?
>_
-
> "What Orin here trying to say here is that she is currently overworked and we're wondering is you can get the Oni to provide assistance for her" Pat Orin on the back while saying so
-
> "What Orin here trying to say here is that she is currently overworked and we're wondering is you can get the Oni to provide assistance for her" Pat Orin on the back while saying so
>Let's make this a little more appealing.
>"We wanna make a deal with you. With the city in general. Orin can't keep up with your guys' heat demands. But, she doesn't want to let you down. No one does. So, we wanna reach an agreement. You know how much she needs those carcasses for fuel, right? And that distillery of yours certainly relies on it. But, like I said, it's just too much for her. So, we want you guys to help her, so she can keep the heat coming. Not only that, it'd help make Utsuho a lot better to be around.
-
> Whisper to Orin "She's more 'have fun and be happy' then anything Orin, no need to worry. I kid you not, she may be famous and powerful, but she is still a normal person, er a normal oni, who likes to have fun, party and drink. I'm a normal human, and I lived meeting and drinking with her and the other Deva's, so can you."
-
> Whisper to Orin "She's more 'have fun and be happy' then anything Orin, no need to worry. I kid you not, she may be famous and powerful, but she is still a normal person, er a normal oni, who likes to have fun, party and drink. I'm a normal human, and I lived meeting and drinking with her and the other Deva's, so can you."
> "Oh, I hope you're right. It's still hard not to be impressed by her!" Orin whispers back.
> "Whassa matter? Got your own tongue? HA!"
> "What Orin here trying to say here is that she is currently overworked and we're wondering is you can get the Oni to provide assistance for her" Pat Orin on the back while saying so
>Let's make this a little more appealing.
>"We wanna make a deal with you. With the city in general. Orin can't keep up with your guys' heat demands. But, she doesn't want to let you down. No one does. So, we wanna reach an agreement. You know how much she needs those carcasses for fuel, right? And that distillery of yours certainly relies on it. But, like I said, it's just too much for her. So, we want you guys to help her, so she can keep the heat coming. Not only that, it'd help make Utsuho a lot better to be around.
> "Izzat what she uses the dead for? Huh, musta forgottin' that bit. So our power comes from that? Guess that makes some sense, ashes ta ashes and dead ta drink!"
> "It's more than just the distillery, it's the entire, ah, village"
> "Gots 2 questions first fer ya. One, who tha hell is Utshuho? Second, whatchu mean ya need our help? Ain't you the one that carries 'em around?"
>_
-
> One, who tha hell is Utshuho?
>Why it gotta be like that? =[
>"And yeah, but she's just one person. It's way faster to burn them than get them there, right? And since your whole town is running off of it, maybe it'd be good of your guys to pitch in a bit? Help poor Orin."
-
>Why it gotta be like that? =[
>"And yeah, but she's just one person. It's way faster to burn them than get them there, right? And since your whole town is running off of it, maybe it'd be good of your guys to pitch in a bit? Help poor Orin."
> Orin did mention that the oni know practically nothing about the house, and it probably extends to the occupants as well.
> "Look, I see you got yer mouth runnin' and that's good cuz yer talkin', but yer words got no meaning with me. Ya said ya want help, but ya ain't said what we got ta do. If'n it's reasonable I can prolly do it 'steada givin' ya a reward."
>_
-
>"Maybe help Orin gather up bodies instead of making her chase after them. Set up a kind of compost heap near the mansion, where she can just run out and grab them, maybe? Or if you really wanted to be helpful, have some people go out and help her find them."
-
>"Maybe help Orin gather up bodies instead of making her chase after them. Set up a kind of compost heap near the mansion, where she can just run out and grab them, maybe? Or if you really wanted to be helpful, have some people go out and help her find them."
> "So wait, lemme get it on the straight. We gather out own dead up fer her, and she just runs out ta get 'em? That's it?"
> Yuugi folds her arms and leans against, well, nothing in particular. You're not sure what message she's trying to convey, but she continues.
> "What about th'rest? I know it ain't only us oni she's usin'. You saying to just use us? We gon' have a problem if that's th' case."
>_
-
>"Maybe it would be good for you to give us some more details on what you do, Orin?"
>_
-
>"Maybe it would be good for you to give us some more details on what you do, Orin?"
> Orin steps forward and casts her eyes downward.
> "Well, i-it's a little hard to explain, but I could try. See, the ears on my head can zero in on sounds of impending death, like during a brutal fight or the death rattle of someone older. It's not exact though, since it only gives me an idea or where a corpse can be found, so I still have to do some searching myself, both here and topside."
> "An' then ya take 'em and burn 'em and that means we get th' sake flowin'?"
> "N-no, not exactly. The dead are burned, but the power doesn't come directly from that fire. instead, that fire is used to provide the power for Okuu to use nuclear fusion to split atoms and, ah-!"
> Orin finally looks up in time to see Yuugi's blank stare and recoils a bit.
> "Um, it provides power for...a series of reactions that produce even more power then would result from burning the bodies alone."
> "So then, ya wan' us to gatha up our own dead an' dump 'em off somewheres fer ya ta grab 'em easy so ya don't hafta look around for 'em, that right?"
> "Um, it'd be a big help and more efficient that way."
> "An' like I said, whaddabout up there? Said ya go topside, right?"
> "Um, y-yeah. This would, um, give me more time to search topside for corpses. It's a lot bigger out there than down here, so every bit helps."
> Yuugi turns to you and jabs her thumb in Orin's direction.
> "So, ya wan' us ta help her? I can make this happen, pitch it ta th' other two Devas an' get some support for it 'n' pass the word around that this is happenin' but I ain't gon' do it fer free. Firs', ya wan' what I gotcha fer th' party earlier?"
>_
-
>"You wouldn't be doing it for free. You'd be getting more power to run your stuff. But, I suppose I can have a look at what you got me..."
>Try to recall if Orin mentioned that the oni gave anything for it to begin with.
-
Hi busy weekends, how are you?
>"You wouldn't be doing it for free. You'd be getting more power to run your stuff. But, I suppose I can have a look at what you got me..."
>Try to recall if Orin mentioned that the oni gave anything for it to begin with.
> You don't remember Orin ever mentioning the oni rewarding her or Okuu for their work.
> "An' that more power'll lead to more sake yeah? Always like th' idea a more sake."
> Yuugi squats down and picks something off the ground and holds it out to you.
> "Issa manacle," Yuugi stands up, "Ain't something we give away. Hell, dunno if I eva gave one away, much less a human gettin' it."
> You look closer to examine the manacle. The entire thing is black as pitch, with about a 12cm chain hanging from the cuff. Despite belonging to an oni, it might be small enough to fit around your wrist.
>_
-
>"...Wow. That's actually pretty touching."
>Poke the chain.
>"Would this make me, like, a sort of friend of the oni? Or is it just an thing I was really missing?"
-
>"...Wow. That's actually pretty touching."
>Poke the chain.
>"Would this make me, like, a sort of friend of the oni? Or is it just an thing I was really missing?"
> "Touching, whazzat? Maybe so, but alls I know is that you're gonna be someone with this."
> You poke the chain, and it starts to sway lightly. You feel...a very odd sensation when you touch it.
> "I wouldn't say friend, specially with oni ya gotta earn that. But havin' this manacle'll prove that you got what it takes ta hang with oni. Gonna get you respect, 'n' dat's more important than friendship."
> "You ain't got it yet, so I guess it's missing from ya. Still, I said it's rare, so ya gots a choice: manacle or I help ol' Bad Omen ova there. More power means more sake yeah? Shouldn't make it that hard of a sell then."
>_
-
> Our wants, or Orins... I'm voting we give up the manacle so that Orin will get some help.
-
>Conflict!
>Well, we could do more cool stuff later to get the manacle.
>Orin really needs the break.
>The path is clear.
>"She needs the help more than I do."
-
> Our wants, or Orins... I'm voting we give up the manacle so that Orin will get some help.
>Conflict!
>Well, we could do more cool stuff later to get the manacle.
>Orin really needs the break.
>The path is clear.
>"She needs the help more than I do."
> Indeed, this is quite the conundrum.
> Possibly, you're not sure exactly though. It did seem very interesting.
> Yuugi did say she'd try and help.
> You decide to forsake the manacle in order to try and help Orin.
> "Gonna help the kit then? Fair 'nuf. I'll go round up the other two Devas an' have the kit pitch it to us. No promises that it'll work, but we should be able ta do something 'bout it. Sound good kit?"
> "Um, yeah. Yeah yeah, that's, um, really nice of you!"
> Yuugi smiles and turns to you. "What about you?"
>_
-
>"As long as you do what you can to help out, that's good enough for me."
-
>"As long as you do what you can to help out, that's good enough for me."
> Yuugi nods. "Get the otha' two on board and we'll work our magic. Should be able ta make some kinda dent on it ta help the kit. I'd tell Sui, but she ain't down hea enough, don't matta."
> She walks up to Orin and throws her arm around her shoulders, causing her knees to buckle slightly.
> "I gots ta find th' others, but we'll meetcha back here in 'bout an hour, yeah? Probably got some things ta do til then, yeah?"
> "Yeah, that sounds fine. Just meet back here?"
> "Course, ain't no betta place to meet the Devas!" She gives Orin another crippling squeeze before releasing her.
> "Anyway, I gots ta go find them now, ya betta be here later, or he's gonna be mad that he wasted his gift. Least I'd be ifin I were him! HA!"
> Yuugi heads off into the crowd, oni stepping aside without a prompt from her. Orin turns towards you.
> "Um, I think there's a corpse near here, so I'll grab it and walk you to the bridge, that sound good?"
>_
-
>"Wouldn't hurt to have an escort."
>Bridgeward, unless she runs off after that cadaver first.
-
> "You did good Orin. Once you start talking with her, she's not all that bad. The worst of it is when she starts getting physical, like hugs and such, and as you can tell, they aren't all that bad. She is one of the nicer people I have met within Gensokyo so far, definately means well with what she does."
> "Things are gonna work out fine in the end Orin. You just gotta believe in it, and it'll come true."
-
>"Wouldn't hurt to have an escort."
>Bridgeward, unless she runs off after that cadaver first.
> Orin goes to grab her cart and turns it around. "Well, let's go then."
> The two of you set off back through the village towards the bridge, Orin looking around constantly.
> Suddenly she stops. "Hmmm..." she murmurs.
> "You did good Orin. Once you start talking with her, she's not all that bad. The worst of it is when she starts getting physical, like hugs and such, and as you can tell, they aren't all that bad. She is one of the nicer people I have met within Gensokyo so far, definately means well with what she does."
> "Things are gonna work out fine in the end Orin. You just gotta believe in it, and it'll come true."
> You say some encouraging words to Orin.
> "Yeah, she didn't seem that bad, and I have a goo idea of what I'm going to say now, but I'm not really concerned about that right now."
>_
-
>"What's wrong?"
>Look around as well!
-
>"What's wrong?"
>Look around as well!
> "The corpse. It should be around here, but I'm not exactly sure where. Oh well, I can just find it later."
> You look around. You imagine that you're in a residential district, as the percentage of buildings that are bars is quite low. The houses look similar to the ones in the Human Village, only in more disrepair.
>_
-
> "The corpse. It should be around here, but I'm not exactly sure where. Oh well, I can just find it later."
> You look around. You imagine that you're in a residential district, as the percentage of buildings that are bars is quite low. The houses look similar to the ones in the Human Village, only in more disrepair.
> "Maybe the person just recently, well, passed? If that's the case, they could be in their home."
-
> "Maybe the person just recently, well, passed? If that's the case, they could be in their home."
> "Truth be told, I lost track of where it was while talking to Yuugi, hence where the difficulty in tracking comes up. Another reason why the oni help would be much appreciated."
> She sighs and looks around before pointing to her left. "I think it's over there, but it's only one corpse. I'll look for it after I drop you off."
>_
-
>"Maybe it's a ghost?"
-
>"Maybe it's a ghost?"
> "Don't be silly, it's dead, not a ghost. I don't have the power to trace ghosts. Besides, if it were a ghost it wouldn't be here anyway: it'd be be off to Hakugyokurou or across the Sanzu in the Netherworld."
> Orin picks up her cart and slowly starts to walk out before stopping again. Another "Hmmmmm..."
>_
-
>"Maybe it's a walking corpse?"
-
>"Maybe it's a walking corpse?"
> "Ha, doubtful. Well, I'd rather find it sooner rather than later, if you don't mind. Just sit tight and I'll ask around."
> Orin pushes the cart up a path to a small row of houses, leaving you standing in the street.
>_
-
>Sit tight.
>Try not to get mugged.
>Keep an eye out for odd things.
-
>Sit tight.
>Try not to get mugged.
>Keep an eye out for odd things.
> You consider sitting on the path before quickly reconsidering. These are oni, and the path may have been subject to countless occurrences of sick.
> Glancing around, you see no one in the vicinity, save for Orin working her way around the houses, probably inquiring about the presence of a corpse.
> Just houses, Orin and the faint sounds of oni merriment from the center of the village. All is currently quiet out here. Even the small blue ghosts off in the distant are silent.
> Wait, what?
>_
-
>Observe those ghosts.
>Try not to get too unnerved by them.
>Be ready to beat feet if they stop being distant.
-
>Observe those ghosts.
>Try not to get too unnerved by them.
>Be ready to beat feet if they stop being distant.
> You stare at the ghosts, or at least that's how you'd describe them. They seem rather small, and not just based on perspective, and they have a white center with blue, erm, "flames" surrounding them.
> You're a MAN! You're not afraid of some tiny far-off ghosts!
> They appear to be hovering in place near a house in the middle of a row across the street from where Orin is. They almost seem to be marking it.
> Orin walks back towards you shaking her head. "None of those houses has anyone die today, but there's still some more to check. I'd rather get you out of here soon though, so I'll just check one more row and then we'll head off."
>_
-
>Point at the ghosts. Try not to say anything silly.
-
>Point at the ghosts. Try not to say anything silly.
> "Hm? What's going on?"
> Orin looks in the direction that you're pointing.
> "You want to check those houses?" turning her head towards you.
>_
-
>"Maybe. Ghosts have to be gathering there for a reason."
-
>"Maybe. Ghosts have to be gathering there for a reason."
> "Ghosts? What do you mean? I told you there wouldn't be any ghosts down here."
> She pauses.
> "So you see ghosts? What do they look like and which house?"
>_
-
> "They're like blue flames with a white center. Kinda like will o' wisps I think."
> Lead Rin to the house.
-
> "They're like blue flames with a white center. Kinda like will o' wisps I think."
> Lead Rin to the house.
> "Those? One of the humans, the red one, mentioned something about those when she was down here, but she mentioned it down in the Blaze. I couldn't see them, so I wasn't sure what she was talking about."
> You head off towards the ghostly house while Orin follows behind you. Upon arrival, you notice that the ghosts don't change from their position, which is right in front of the front room of the house.
> "So, they're right at this house huh? I wonder why."
>_
-
>"I guess you don't feel anything weird?"
-
> "Try knocking. This may have something to do with that corpse you're looking for."
-
>"I guess you don't feel anything weird?"
> Orin shakes her head.
> "Not particularly. I wouldn't all it weird but I feel like this is probably the right house."
> "Try knocking. This may have something to do with that corpse you're looking for."
> "Might as well try."
> Orin knocks on the door. After a rather short time the door slides open. "Ah, I figured you'd be here soon."
> In the doorway is a rather young looking female oni wearing a blue robe with short black hair. "Mama said to expect you."
> Orin says nothing and pushes her cart inside. "Where is she?"
> "This way." The oni leads her to the right of the door and they disappear from view. You hear a grunt from Orin followed by a clatter of wood. Orin reappears at the door with the cart now containing a lumpy object covered by a tattered gray blanket: the body of an oni.
> "Thank you," Orin calls as she pushes the cart away from the house. The oni in the doorway gives a solemn nod and shuts the door.
> "Well, I don't feel anything else, let's head back to the bridge." Orin starts away as you catch up to her.
> Slight movement catches your eye; the ghosts are now floating around the cart.
> "What happened with those ghosts anyway?"
>_
-
> "They're kinda floating around your cart. Probably following the corpse."
-
> "They're kinda floating around your cart. Probably following the corpse."
> "Hm, I guess that's a possibility weird as it is. They're not doing anything?"
> They don't appear to be and you tell her as such.
> "I wonder what they represent. Probably related to the oni at any rate."
> The presence of buildings gets lighter. You suspect that you're almost out of the village by now.
>_
-
> "I don't quite get why you can't see them though. Maybe its a human thing?"
-
> "I don't quite get why you can't see them though. Maybe its a human thing?"
> "Either that or a human and oni thing, or maybe I'm the only one that can't see them? Hmm, interesting. Maybe they're the souls of oni, or something similar. They seemed to follow them down to the Blaze, so then they have to be related to the oni? Regardless, they don't seem to do anything, so there's no cause for alarm, but I still wonder what they are."
> You leave the village behind entirely and enter a massive yet barren field, populated only with dirt. Quite a ways ahead is the bridge.
>_
-
>Onwards! No looking at the corpse, because that's just nasty.
>Have we seen ghosts before? Like, around the graveyard or when a neighbor passed away or anything like that.
-
>Onwards! No looking at the corpse, because that's just nasty.
>Have we seen ghosts before? Like, around the graveyard or when a neighbor passed away or anything like that.
> Even though it's tattered, the blanket does a good job covering the corpse. Still, it's not something you particularly want to see, so you avert your eyes from Orin's cart.
> You don't remember seeing any ghosts before today, and especially not ghosts like these. As distinct as they look, they would not be easily forgotten.
> Dirt, dirt and more dirt. You realize how noisy the cart is as the rickety wheels creep along the ground. Orin hums something to herself, but you can't make it out clearly.
>_
-
> "Was there ever anything out here?"
> How far to the bridge?
-
> "Was there ever anything out here?"
> How far to the bridge?
> "Not that I remember. Funny thing about it is that it seems longer or shorter depending on which path you take into the village."
> She's right, you don't remember the walk taking this long earlier, but you're currently walking at an angle to the bridge. Earlier you walked straight in.
> You're almost to the bridge at this point. Orin sets down the cart and lifts her arms high. Arching her back, she goes into a series of stretches. Soon, she finishes with a satisfied sigh.
> "Well, there's the bridge, so you should be good from there. Thanks for your help earlier! Like, with Okuu and Satori, and you even talked to Yuugi for me, and gave up your present to help. I, uh, didn't really think about it until now, but you've really helped a lot, so thank you. Thank you very much. I just hope the meeting with the Devas goes well, but I've got a good idea of what to say. Um, this is a little strange for me, but this is how they thank on the surface, right?"
>_
-
>"Yep. And your welcome, although I really didn't do much but pitch ideas. And it's easy to give up a gift I wasn't really anticipating, anyways. Good luck!"
>OVER THE BRIDGE! =D!
-
> Feel proud of ourself, we did quite good so far, but not to proud, must be humble and all
-
> Feel proud of ourself, we did quite good so far, but not to proud, must be humble and all
> All in a day's work! Well, that and delivering, but it sure feels good to help out.
>"Yep. And your welcome, although I really didn't do much but pitch ideas. And it's easy to give up a gift I wasn't really anticipating, anyways. Good luck!"
>OVER THE BRIDGE! =D!
> "Well, I really appreciate it. It's really nice to know that all humans aren't bad, or as violent as the red and black. Your ideas really helped me figure out new ways to do things, that I didn't have to shoulder everything myself."
> "I guess that's one way to look at it, but you still turned down a manacle, I thought most humans would have loved that. I wish I could do more than do more than just thank you but...thank you!"
> Orin giggles. This is a side of her you haven't seen yet today, but it's rather disarming.
> You wave at Orin and start to walk away. She returns a big wave and shouts out, "Come back sometime!"
> You turn ahead as Orin picks up her cart to leave. Just ahead is the bridge, which you manage to cross without incident.
> "Hey!" comes a shout as soon as you step off the ridge. You turn towards the shack to see Parsee sticking her head out the door.
> "You're heading out? You said you'd stop by and have tea on your way out..."
>_
-
> "Oh yeah, i did, didn't I? Well I kinda forgot hehehe" Well this is awkward
-
>"...Oh yes! I'm sorry. Way too much crazy stuff. You know Koishi? She flipped out and nearly killed me."
-
> "If its not too much trouble, could I still accompany you?"
-
> "Oh yeah, i did, didn't I? Well I kinda forgot hehehe" Well this is awkward
> "Well, at least I'm here to remind you. Come on then!"
> Parsee steps out to grab your arm and starts to drag you inside.
> "If its not too much trouble, could I still accompany you?"
> "That's...what...we're...DOING!" Parsee grunts as she tugs you into the house.
> You take a few steps to make it easier for her. Once you're inside she reaches over and shuts the door.
>"...Oh yes! I'm sorry. Way too much crazy stuff. You know Koishi? She flipped out and nearly killed me."
> "Koishi...oh her! The little brat with that awful dress? Ugh, I just can't stand her. She just prances around wherever she wants, like the entire world is her oyster. It's obscene!"
> You look around Parsee's place. You're in a rather small front room linked with a tiny kitchen, an elaborate rug sits on the middle of the floor topped with a circular table and several chairs. Parsee moves to the stove and opens a container.
> "Actually, I'm out of tea for now, is coffee alright?"
>_
-
>"That sounds alright."
>Have a seat. We could use the load off, probably.
-
>"That sounds alright."
>Have a seat. We could use the load off, probably.
> "Alright, it'll take a bit though," is all she manages to get out a before a whir and a grinding sound fill the air.
> You have a seat at the table. Very few tables in the human village have tables tall enough for chairs. You look around at the walls and recognize none of the decorations Parsee has displayed, you've never seen that style before.
> A pungent but oddly pleasant smell permeates from the kitchen. Is that what coffee smells like? You've heard about it, but have yet to try any yourself.
> The grinding stops and is replaced by the clattering of dishware. Soon Parsee approaches the table with a large plate.
> "Sorry, I wasn't thinking too far ahead so all I really have is hummus right now, but please have some," setting the plate down in the middle of the table.
> As she moves back to the kitchen she calls back, "Oh right, how sweet do you want it?"
>_
-
>"Surprise me."
>Examine the hummus. Are we familiar with this?
-
>"Surprise me."
>Examine the hummus. Are we familiar with this?
> "Alright, I'll give you a little sugar since you're probably not used to this kind of coffee."
> With that, Parsee sets to work at the stove, measuring and pouring into a small pot with a spoon.
> Your eyes wander over to the hummus. You believe it sits in a shallow dish in the middle of the plate, surrounded by pieces of what you assume to be thin bread. The hummus is a pale yellow color with a thick consistency, similar to jam you imagine, but still runny on top.
> You would wager that you are familiar with almost nothing in Parsee's shack. Where does she get all this stuff anyway?
> You continue to look around the front room the walls are adorned with geometric shapes cast in clay, all painted with intricate designs and extravagant colors, and all stands in such sharp contrast to the subdued decorations in the Human Village.
> The arrival of Parsee brings your attention back to the table as she sets a large ceramic mug in front of you. The mug itself is filled with a dark liquid topped with a thick, rich foam, its aroma intoxicating. Parsee drags a chair over and sits directly next to you. "Have a sip," she encourages.
>_
-
>Do so!
-
>Do so!
> You lift the mug to your lips and take a sip. Your assumption of its thickness is justified, but a very pleasant warmth spreads through your body. Despite the thickness, it's deceptively smooth, but bitter. Very bitter, more than any tea you've ever had. You sink back into your chair and take another sip. Heavenly.
> Parsee leans over and looks into your eyes, a piece of bread clutched in her fingers. She smirks at you, her green eyes dancing.
> "You're from the surface huh? Tell me about it."
>_
-
>"Yeah, I'm from the town. It's not too bad there. Working for a delivery service, obviously, which gives me an excuse to roam, and a bit of a deterrence against some of the more unfriendly youkai. Or at least I'd like to think it's a deterrence. I could probably talk all day about the little mundane stuff, like my neighbors. And that dog..."
>Sip!
>Have a bit of bread.
-
>"Yeah, I'm from the town. It's not too bad there. Working for a delivery service, obviously, which gives me an excuse to roam, and a bit of a deterrence against some of the more unfriendly youkai. Or at least I'd like to think it's a deterrence. I could probably talk all day about the little mundane stuff, like my neighbors. And that dog..."
>Sip!
>Have a bit of bread.
> "Being able to wander all over Gensokyo must be nice. Heck, not even being able, but being required to! Going all around and seeing everything! Talking to everyone! That would be just so perfect!"
> "The vast majority of the youkai you'll run into will be fine. As long as you aren't aggressive you'll probably be safe. Reimu probably gets into all that trouble because she likes to shoot before she can even see what's going on."
> "Mundane? Please, I'd love to hear about them! Have you seen who my neighbors are? Crazies! All of them! I wish I could leave the Underground more often, but sadly I don't usually get to leave. In fact, I get more visitors down here than I get to visit up above." Parsee sighs. "It's just...so wonderful up there, isn't it?"
> "Hm, dog? What about a dog? I saw you in the distance with that Black Cat, but there's more pets at the house?"
> You decide to ignore ponder these questions as you have another sip of the coffee. The foam is slowly starting to dissipate, but the richness stays. Oddly, the farther you get into the mug the more grit you taste, which are absolutely bitter. Are these dregs?
> You reach out and grab a piece of the bread. It's light and airy, and a taste reveals that it's quite bland.
> "Nono, dip it in the hummus!" Parsee guides your bread to the dish and scoops a great glob onto the end.
> It's smooth, with a very mellow taste. It's not subtle, but you can't exactly describe it. It's quite good, but it doesn't pair very well with the coffee.
>_
-
> "I must say, this hummus is quite delicious."
-
>She wants mundania, she'll get it!
>Rhapsodize about our goddamn hippy neighbors. And the dog that won't shut up at night.
-
> "I must say, this hummus is quite delicious."
> "Isn't it? I just love the stuff! Even if I do have to grow my own chickpeas to make it, it's just so worth it! I like to share it though, since the oni never have anything this good. They don't seem like they appreciate it compared to all the greasy fried shit they have, but I just KNOW that they know that it's the best thing they'll get down here. And my pita bread? Fantastic! Not even the oni bakers can make bread this good!"
> She chuckles to herself and scoops some hummus onto her own pita.
>She wants mundania, she'll get it!
>Rhapsodize about our goddamn hippy neighbors. And the dog that won't shut up at night.
> Some people are just weird like that.
> You regale Parsee with the most boring aspects of life in the village: your neighbors that play music until late at night, the stray dogs that patrol the streets all night for food, the village shutting down for tea twice a day, the tiny schoolhouse run by Keine, and on and on as you both drink your coffee and eat the hummus.
> Oddly, Parsee seems legitimately interested in Village life, and moves closer and closer to you as your story goes on, not saying anything, until her chair bumps into yours.
> "Oh, I'm sorry," but she never breaks eye contact with you. You return the favor and stare at her.
> Even sitting, you can tell that she's short. Her pointy ears barely poke out from her blonde hair and her outfit, like everything else in her shack, is totally foreign to you.
> She cocks her head and smiles warmly. "Fun on the surface, isn't it?"
>_
-
>"It's alright. I mean, if that's really what you consider fun? I've lived with it all my life, so it's just mundane. Probably like the music here for you."
-
>"It's alright. I mean, if that's really what you consider fun? I've lived with it all my life, so it's just mundane. Probably like the music here for you."
> "Ugh, don't even call that music. It's obnoxious, but I've gotten used to it. It's just white noise at this point."
> "Everyone's life is mundane, no matter where you go, but at least you have variety. I'm stuck down here. Sure, I have my garden and my kiln and paints, and when Patchy stops by she brings some books, but that's really about it. Things are at least different for you up there! Down here it's the same, day in and day out. What can you do though?"
> Parsee drains the last of her coffee and sets the mug down before resuming her previous staring position.
> You follow suit. Bleh, those dregs are nasty, and you stick out your tongue in protest of the offensive bitterness.
> Parsee giggles. "Well that was cute. Do it again?" She moves in even closer to you, her face less than an arms length from yours.
>_
-
>Miji gon' kill us ._.
>"What?"
-
>Miji gon' kill us ._.
>"What?"
> Youkai are crazy, here's proof.
> "That face, it was adorable."
> Is she starting to rise out of her seat?
>_
-
>Ponder if we like being called adorable.
>Let's give her a chance to save face. =[
>"Something the matter?"
-
>Ponder if we like being called adorable.
>Let's give her a chance to save face. =[
>"Something the matter?"
> Better than To-chan.
> We only just met!
> "Gonna play around a bit? I like that. Ehehe."
> With that, she leaps off of her chair and tackles you, bringing you, her and your chair to the ground. Parsee straddles your stomach and pins your shoulders with her arms before lowering herself right above you.
> "A young boy like you out for the first time huh? Let me show you what you can never back with the Humans."
> A glint flashes through her eyes, almost sparkling.
>_
-
>Oh god this is so hot!
>...Damn it...
>"Please don't..."
-
> "...I'm on duty, and I sorta like someone currently" Think of Momiji
-
> "...I'm on duty, and I sorta like someone currently" Think of Momiji
> "Aw, sure you can't take a little break? I think there's always time for that."
> She traces a hand down your cheek, her cool fingers lightly tickling.
> "Besides, if they're up on the surface, then they don't matter down here. Don't you agree?"
> Agree!? That's the most...
> ...logical line of reasoning you've ever heard!
>Oh god this is so hot!
>...Damn it...
>"Please don't..."
> Damn right it is! You wish you had someone to high-five!
> Parsee frees your arms and presses herself against your body as you wrap your arms around her.
> "Hm? Now you're getting it." She grins and runs her hand through your hair, knocking your hat off, before pressing her lips into yours.
> Your back arches as a chill runs through you. Her mouth is electric, and the connection is perfect. Her tongue digs in further as you grip her tighter.
> And yet
> Sparks fly
> It's not right
> It's wonderful
> You
> Push through
> No
> Digging
> Can't
> Snake your hand
> Not the time
> Perfect chance
> STOP!
> "W-what?"
> Parsee pulls back, her eyes having lost the earlier gleam.
> "It...wasn't good? But I thought, surely, that would win you? What, w-w-w-what happened?"
>_
-
>"It was..."
>Pre-emptively prepare to avoid or block further attempts.
>"But why? We don't even know each other!"
-
>"It was..."
>Pre-emptively prepare to avoid or block further attempts.
>"But why? We don't even know each other!"
> You drop your arms from behind Parsee and start to sit up. Parsee scoots back to your lap and sits up fully.
> "Why? Well, it's just...you're from the surface, and you're actually nice. You came down here and actually spent time with me, and no one ever does that. I thought that I could capitalize on it because, well, I could sense all the attention the others have heaped on you and I couldn't let it pass. I had have you, just like the others had!"
> Parsee casts her eyes down, but still doesn't move from your lap.
>_
-
>"Well...uh...you passed up where all the others have had a while ago."
-
>"Well...uh...you passed up where all the others have had a while ago."
> "Exactly! If I make you mine then I'll have something no one else does! I'll be the first, and no one can take that away from me! I've never had that before, so please. Please!"
> Parsee tries to lean back towards you, but you grab her shoulders to stop her.
>_
-
>"You already did! Alright? You beat 'em all to that. I mean...do you do this with all the nice people you don't know?"
-
>"You already did! Alright? You beat 'em all to that. I mean...do you do this with all the nice people you don't know?"
> "No! I can't! No one ever stops by!" Parsee screams directly to your face, her lips quivering.
> "I'm alone down here, there's only the oni and the children in the tunnel. No one from the mansion at the other end ever leaves except for the cat, and she's always busy. Patchy's the only one that stops by on a regular basis, but no one else from above ground stops by routinely, and it's usually that Spaz anyway, and I'd rather be alone than share tea with her."
> Parsee leans back more, but still watches you.
> "And then you stopped by. You stayed for tea and you told me stories that I asked to hear and, I don't know what to call it, but you get to experience all these things! Be above ground and meet everyone, like you've been doing all day. I can tell, I can feel all the attention you've gotten, everything the others gave to you and everything you've given in return, and I wanted that. I've always wanted that. Not always from you, but from someone, and I've never gotten it before. So you showed up and I went for it again, and now you're just going to leave and never return, aren't you!?"
>_
-
>"I'll probably be back, when I have another delivery to make this way."
>"Maybe you should leave? The bridge can take care of itself for a day, can't it?"
-
>"I'll probably be back, when I have another delivery to make this way."
>"Maybe you should leave? The bridge can take care of itself for a day, can't it?"
> Parsee rolls off your lap and collapses on the floor.
> "Yeah, sure. That's what they always say. Why would you be any different? After all, you just got attacked by the troll..." Her voice lacks the ire you expected, sounding more apathetic than anything else.
> "Leave? And go where? Party with the oni? Wander the surface? Follow you until you ditch me? Nono, sitting here waiting for nothing to happen is more important..."
> Youkai sure seem to be testy.
>_
-
>"Yeah, go wander on the surface. I mean, if you're so interested in all the things going on there, just go see. What will it hurt?"
-
>"Yeah, go wander on the surface. I mean, if you're so interested in all the things going on there, just go see. What will it hurt?"
> "Oh what's the point anyway? If I go up then I'm not going to see anything, and I won't know where to go so I'll just get lost. What's the point in going somewhere without people to go with?"
> "What will it hurt? Well, me for starters! Aside from the mansion, I've never been anywhere up there, and those trips were always with an escort. Anywhere else is probably too dangerous."
> Parsee rolls over onto her stomach. "Pointless," she pouts.
>_
-
>"Well, it is dangerous. But I've gotten by, haven't I? And, well, even if you get lost, you'll still see things. You don't need an escort. Hell, I bet you even know how to fly. Besides, you might like it enough up there to want to sell this place off and stay."
-
>"Well, it is dangerous. But I've gotten by, haven't I? And, well, even if you get lost, you'll still see things. You don't need an escort. Hell, I bet you even know how to fly. Besides, you might like it enough up there to want to sell this place off and stay."
> "You deliver things, you've basically got a pass, but look at me! I'm just a youkai, and I'm not that powerful. If I run into anything out there I'm in trouble."
> "Well yeah, everyone can fly, it's not like that's going to help since everyone else is faster."
> "Sell this place? I can't, I'm supposed to be here. I'm the guard, it's all I can do. Youkai tend to have special abilities, and mine is guarding bridges. Such a useful skill, don't you think?"
> Parsee sighs. "Maybe I'll just stay in, though I did finish the last book Patchy gave me."
> She rolls over and sits up. "The sooner I return it the sooner I can get a new one. You deliver things, right? Can you run this by the mansion for me? Or walk me over there?"
>_
-
> "I wouldn't mind escorting you at all. If anything, it'll be a nice change from always being Underground right?"
-
>WAIT!
>Where are we delivering to, first? Do we have a job near the SDM?
>Regardless: "It doesn't work as well as you'd think, and...well, you're probably tougher than me, if that tackle meant anything.
-
> "I wouldn't mind escorting you at all. If anything, it'll be a nice change from always being Underground right?"
> You open your mouth BUT ARE STOPPED!
>WAIT!
>Where are we delivering to, first? Do we have a job near the SDM?
>Regardless: "It doesn't work as well as you'd think, and...well, you're probably tougher than me, if that tackle meant anything.
> You currently have no required deliveries, only the strings for Lunasa. You remember hearing about a mansion with a human maid that was quite knowledgeable about knives, perhaps it's the same mansion? You could also talk to her about spell cards or magic if she's human.
> "Heh, thanks. Well, the gardening certainly helps a little." She smiles shyly and turns away from you.
> "Far as toughness goes," turning back towards you, "maybe, but I'm just not very experienced with other youkai. It's not something I'm used to dealing with them aside from waving them over the bridge and having tea with an assorted few. I, uh, I just don't really know..."
>_
-
>"I suppose my schedule's clear enough to take you there."
-
>"I suppose my schedule's clear enough to take you there."
> "Oh, r-really? Like, you're not going to ditch me up there or try to lose me or anything?"
-
>"Well, I'll probably leave you at the mansion, if that's okay."
-
>"Well, I'll probably leave you at the mansion, if that's okay."
> "Yeah, that would be alright. Um, gimme a second."
> Parsee stands up and heads back to into the kitchen. You take the time to get yourself put back together: fix your hat, grab your bag and fill your canteen at the sink. Ugh, it's nowhere near as good as the water from the Kappa Village. You note to return there at some point.
> "Alright." Parsee emerges with a large bag that seems to be mostly empty. "Got the book, shall we go?"
>_
-
>"Let's!"
>Exeunt!
>Don't be awkward, don't be awkward, don't be awkward...
-
>"Let's!"
>Exeunt!
>Don't be awkward, don't be awkward, don't be awkward...
> The two of you leave Parsee's shack, pausing while Parsee locks up, before setting off to the long and arduous trail up.
> Your attempts to remain non-awkward only last a few seconds before Parsee latches onto your arm.
>_
-
>Dagnabbit.
>Ponder the best way to break the lack of interest to her.
-
>Dagnabbit.
>Ponder the best way to break the lack of interest to her.
> Maybe today just isn't your day?
> Gently is probably the best way, but she may not be too receptive to that. In the meantime, you manage to shake her from clamping your arm to an escort position, far more reasonable.
> You enter the cave to the surface. You don't see, or hear, the bucket from earlier.
> Really though, is Parsee that bad?
>_
-
> Aren't we interested in Momiji?
-
>Parsee isn't that bad...but she lacks the moral superiority of Momiji. And the puppy ears. And the sword skills...
-
> Aren't we interested in Momiji?
> Don't ask me, I'm just the Parser
>Parsee isn't that bad...but she lacks the moral superiority of Momiji. And the puppy ears. And the sword skills...
> Well no, Momiji she is not. Momiji didn't try to jam her tongue down your throat either, but maybe she didn't have a chance?
> Youkai are weird.
> You continue up the trail. After the mountain earlier today and now this, you're pretty sick of walking uphill.
>_
-
>"So why don't you tell me about life underground?"
-
>"So why don't you tell me about life underground?"
> "There's really not much to it. The oni party all the time, so I tend to keep to myself."
> Parsee goes on to talk about her rather expansive garden and her pottery works. It's rather incredible that she manages to do all that alone, and yet she refuses to let go of your arm.
> The carved stairs disappear and the trail slowly starts to level off. You should be out of the cave soon.
>_
-
> "So...how did you get the job guarding the bridge anyways?"
-
> "So...how did you get the job guarding the bridge anyways?"
> Parsee pauses. "You know, I'm not exactly sure anymore. I can't even remember a time when I wasn't down there. But hey, I like the bridge and I like the quiet of being alone. Guess that's the point of being a bridge princess huh? Better than troll."
> Spiral spiral up and up until you eventually see sunlight start to flood the passage. You could not be more thrilled to be out of the Underground. Parsee, on the other hand, looks uneasy.
> "So this is outside right? It's a lot...brighter than I remember it being."
>_
-
> "I think it's just your eyes adjusting to the light, it kinda happens when people spend a lot of the time in the dark"
-
> "I think it's just your eyes adjusting to the light, it kinda happens when people spend a lot of the time in the dark"
> "Guh, why's it gotta be so bright anyway?"
> While it is a little painful going from the lighting of the Underground to this, it doesn't seem abnormally bright.
> You continue up the trail and finally step out into the light! The sun is warm and bright, the grass is a lush green, the plants add brilliant shades of every color in the distance and Parsee is not enjoying any of it.
> "How can you live in this!?" she shrieks.
>_
-
>"It's like oni music, you get used to it."
>Onwards, once she's adjusted.
-
>"It's like oni music, you get used to it."
>Onwards, once she's adjusted.
> "Yeah well, oni music goes away if I close my ears, but closing my eyes up here doesn't do ANYTHING!"
> She grips your arm tighter. "Guide me, I'm not opening my eyes."
> You are standing before an enormous cave providing the entrance to the Underground somewhere in the Northeast section of Gensokyo. You are currently facing Southwest. Directly before you is a massive meadow full of bright flowers, while to your right-ish is Youkai Mountain. The air feels suspiciously cool coming from an area before the mountain.
>_
-
>"I though you'd been up here before?"
>Shit, where is Scarlet Devil Mansion =[
-
>"I though you'd been up here before?"
>Shit, where is Scarlet Devil Mansion =[
> "It's been a while, Patchy usually comes down to visit. And even if I've been up here before it's still going to be bright!"
> You ask Parsee about the mansion's location. "Not sure, one of the devils always provides the escort when I do visit."
> You remember the map at the GDC headquarters suggesting that it was near the Misty Lake, somewhere off the Eastern side of Youkai Mountain.
>_
-
>So if we're facing southwest, and Youkai Mountain is to the right, that puts Youkai Mountain to the Northwest... So east of that would be to the north of us.
>Head rightwards, try to keep out of the field, even we have to know about that one. =[
>"You really should open your eyes, there's all sorts of stuff to trip over."
-
>So if we're facing southwest, and Youkai Mountain is to the right, that puts Youkai Mountain to the Northwest... So east of that would be to the north of us.
>Head rightwards, try to keep out of the field, even we have to know about that one. =[
>"You really should open your eyes, there's all sorts of stuff to trip over."
> More West by Southwest since Youkai Mountain is due North.
> Regardless! You start to head towards the cooler air. It's somewhat refreshing, however minute it is.
> You've not heard anything about these flowers, and that's surprising considering how pretty they are!
> "Well that's why you're going to prevent me from running into anything, isn't that right?"
> You insist that she open her eyes. She does so reluctantly and hisses like a cat at the sunlight.
>_
-
>"I have to keep myself from running into things. You'll adapt to it. But I best the surface doesn't sound so great now, does it?"
>Onwards!
>Keep eyes open for danger.
-
>"I have to keep myself from running into things. You'll adapt to it. But I best the surface doesn't sound so great now, does it?"
>Onwards!
>Keep eyes open for danger.
> "It's more colorful than Underground, but you should really do something about this sun thing. It's just too damn bright."
> Despite some casual suggestions on your part, Parsee refuses to ease her grip on your arm. At least you can still feel your fingers for now.
> Tromping through the grass, it eventually recedes to dirt as you enter the Youkai Forest. Unlike the Forest of Magic, Youkai Forest isn't suffocating with trees, there are large expanses between trees. It hardly seems fair to classify both as forests.
> The marked trail becomes wider and more of a suggestion before disappearing altogether. You stop and look around, shushing Parsees's babbling about the certain dangers sunlight must cause.
> Soon you can hear faint sounds of splashing and what sounds like children laughing.
>_
-
> What do we know about faeries?
> Decide to give them a wide berth because you never know.
-
> What do we know about faeries?
> Decide to give them a wide berth because you never know.
> You've heard that they can be annoying, but you have no experience with fairies. Well, aside from Lily White, who fits the role of annoying to a T.
> You could, where would you suggest going?
> "Is that the lake? The mansion's over there," Parsee finally loosens her grip to point in the direction of the sound.
>_
-
>"Sounds like there's people there. Let's be careful, alright?"
>Approach the splashing, but try not to blunder into any clearings or the like. Try to see them before they see us.
-
>"Sounds like there's people there. Let's be careful, alright?"
>Approach the splashing, but try not to blunder into any clearings or the like. Try to see them before they see us.
> Parsee nods and returns to her previous clinging position.
> You make a note of where the sound is coming from, as it is quite faint, and set off in that direction.
> The forest doesn't change along your trek, but the splashing grows louder. You manage to avoid any clearings but eventually arrive at the edge of the forest.
> What greets you is an immense lake teeming with fairies. Dressed in all sorts of clothes with hair of every color and style, you can see them flying over the lake, sitting in the waters edge, eating, playing, fighting, chasing each other through the air, just about everything you can think of.
> Parsee releases you entirely and stares with a "wooooooooow." It's certainly impressive to see that many fairies at once.
> You don't think they've seen you yet. At the far edge of the lake you can see a large structure.
>_
-
>Just watch for a bit. This is quite a thing!
>After a bit, check the large structure.
>Gesture toward it and quietly ask, "Is that it?"
-
>Just watch for a bit. This is quite a thing!
>After a bit, check the large structure.
>Gesture toward it and quietly ask, "Is that it?"
> It is quite a sight! One fairy in particular catches you attention: a fairy in a blue dress bombing through the air shooting icicles with reckless abandon.
> You turn your attention back to the structure. It's on the far side of the lake from you, and you can barely see it but for the distance and the throng of fairies.
> Parsee squints. "I think so, the roof is the right color."
>_
-
>"This may be the most adorable thing I've seen in forever..."
>Try to plot a course toward that building that would keep us from impinging upon faerie playtime.
-
>"This may be the most adorable thing I've seen in forever..."
>Try to plot a course toward that building that would keep us from impinging upon faerie playtime.
> "Yeah, they're like oni without being drunk."
> By staying on the outskirts of the forest, you should be able to go around the right side of the lake and keep out of the fairies' way. However, the forest is very thin, so you could be seen fairly easily. The forest to the left would be longer, but the cover would be thicker.
> Parsee continues watching the fairies with great interest.
-
> We have time. Use the passage on the left.
-
>But watch the faeries a bit more, first.
-
> We have time. Use the passage on the left.
>But watch the faeries a bit more, first.
> Rather than make a decision, you decide to watch them a little longer. The blue ice fairy has taken a liking to shooting ice at one fairy in particular: a small one with green hair pulled to the side. She was also blessed with a loud voice.
> "Cirno! Stop it! That's not fair!"
> The one you now presume to be Cirno just cackles with laughter. You decide that now would be a good time to leave.
> "Huh? We're going that way? Why?" Parsee follows you, confused, but no longer holding your arm.
>_
-
>Quietly: "So we don't get in their way. I don't feel like having to run from a faerie horde. Do you?"
>Onwards
-
>Quietly: "So we don't get in their way. I don't feel like having to run from a faerie horde. Do you?"
>Onwards
> "I guess not. After seeing that one shoot the ice, mayb they're dicks just like the oni."
> To the left! Leaving behind the fairies as the tree cover thickens, you and Parsee start to wind around the lake. The sounds of merriment continue, but vision is impeded.
> As you walk you come across a green-haired youkai wearing a cape, crouching with it's back to you, apparently engrossed in the dirt.
>_
-
>Pause.
>Glance to Parsee.
>If she has no immediate ideas, say, "Pardon me, may we go around?"
-
>Pause.
>Glance to Parsee.
>If she has no immediate ideas, say, "Pardon me, may we go around?"
> You look at Parsee, who stares back at you blankly before throwing up her hands.
> The crouching youkai freezes slightly before standing and facing you. In addition to the cape, he's wearing shirts and a button-down shirt, with antennae on his head.
> "Yeah sure, course you can. Just wide berth y'know? Doing some research and don't want you to step on anything."
>_
-
>"Thanks, pal!"
>Give him and his field of observation a wide berth.
-
>"Thanks, pal!"
>Give him and his field of observation a wide berth.
> You thank him and give a MANLY pat on the back. His knees slightly buckle, apparently not expecting that.
> You step around him and see the ground littered with notebooks and magnifying glasses, with small metal stakes and twine marking off about 3 square meters of the forest floor.
> "Wider berth than that."
>_
-
> Give the area a wider berth.
-
> Give the area a wider berth.
> You go a little farther around the twine, easy. Nothing hard about this...
> Thump. You turn around and see Parsee lying sprawled on the ground, the twine uprooted by her foot.
> "Gaaaaaah! What did you do!? No!" The caped youkai runs over towards Parsee.
> "Uh, tripped. What's the big deal?"
> "The big deal!? What if you crushed something? It's roped off for a reason!"
> He turns towards you and gestures wildly at Parsee.
>_
-
> Help Parsee up.
> Examine any signs of damage.
-
> Help Parsee up.
> Examine any signs of damage.
> You start towards Parsee, but the other youkai cuts you off, practically dragging Parsee aside fuming about her "ruining everything."
> He drags Parsee to your feet and drops her. You pick her up to a chorus of "look at this!"
> You both look at where he's gesturing and see...nothing.
> Parsee points. "What, dirt? I fell on your dirt?"
> Aside from the dirt, you don't see anything else.
>_
-
>"There's things too small for me to see, aren't there?"
-
>"There's things too small for me to see, aren't there?"
> The youkai let's out an exasperated sigh before he points at the dirt and says, "Are you telling me you can't see them?"
> You lean down closer and are finally able to see-
> "What are these? Ants?" Parsee reaches down.
> "No! Not ants, worms!"
> You exchange a look of confusion with Parsee."
>_
-
>"Sorry. I don't have good eyes for little things like that... Maybe you better show us the safe way to go?"
-
>"Sorry. I don't have good eyes for little things like that... Maybe you better show us the safe way to go?"
> He ignores your question and continues his his tirade.
> "You may not be able to see them, but you have to know about them. Hell, you have to know that they're there! They're worms! Don't you know how important they are!? If it wasn't for them you wouldn't even be here!"
> Parsee, for whatever reason, is speechless.
>_
-
>Kneel down, assess condition of the worm, if possible.
-
>Kneel down, assess condition of the worm, if possible.
> You crouch down to where Parsee fell. Aside from yhe disheveled twine and the uprooted stake, and a distinct Parsee-shaped impression, you don't see anything. No worms on the surface, or even in the Parsimpretion, not even a squished one.
> You glance over to where he had been working. There us a significant amount of churned dirt next to a small trowel. Even from here you can see the worms crawling through that dirt.
> Parsee, apparently just noticing the dirt on her dress, has taken to brushing it madly.
>_
-
>"Hey, did she hit any of them. I'm not seeing any here."
-
>"Hey, did she hit any of them. I'm not seeing any here."
> "What? That doesn't matter! Of course she hit them, they're all over!"
> You look back down. Concentrate...ah yes, there they are, and maybe the ones you saw earlier.
> But none in the Parsimpretion.
> "I fell on a worm? Ugh."
> The youkai looks at you in shock.
>_
-
>"No, come here, have a look, I can't see any in the dent she made. Maybe they got away alright?"
-
>"No, come here, have a look, I can't see any in the dent she made. Maybe they got away alright?"
> "No, they're still there, under the surface! If she didn't crush any then my name isn't Wriggle Nightbug!"
> He squats down next to you and begins digging through the dirt in the Parsimpretion. After clawing about for a minute he throws up his stained hands and cries, "There's still worms in there! Always burrowing!"
> He resumes his frantic digging; Parsee looks at you.
>_
-
>Slip away. Give it a wider berth this time. And be prepared to catch Jealousy McKlutz if needs be.
-
>Slip away. Give it a wider berth this time. And be prepared to catch Jealousy McKlutz if needs be.
> You decide to leave His Worminess to his digging and continue on, grabbing Parsee's hand on your way out.
> "He-"
> You shush her before she can continue.
> With the treeline to your right, you keep walking around the lake.
> Parsee pulls her hand out from yours. "It's not my fault, he had that stupid twine all over the place. He could have said something..."
>_
-
>Nod, but say something.
>Once the staked off area has been cleared, continue along the way toward the mansion.
-
>Nod, but say something.
>Once the staked off area has been cleared, continue along the way toward the mansion.
> You assure Parsee that it wasn't her fault. She mumbles in what could only be construed as agreement and attaches herself to your arm again.
> Continuing through the forest, you can hear the fairies once again, maybe about halfway to the mansion.
> Parsee moves in closer and starts to grind her head into your chest.
>_
-
> "Ahh, can you not do that, it's kinda uncomfortable"
> Try to dislodge her
-
> "Ahh, can you not do that, it's kinda uncomfortable"
> Try to dislodge her
> "You're warm though, and it's comforting; that guy was kind of a dick, over worms!? I mean really."
> You shake you arm a little to deter Parsee, but to no avail. Though you're used to her clinging by this point, it's somewhat nice having someone like this, even if it is Parsee. She doesn't seem to be relenting from your arm.
> "Um, could you scratch my head a little?"
>_
-
>"Geez, if it'll make you feel better."
>Do so.
>"And, yeah, he was. But I think he was probably doing something important."
>Onwards!
-
>"Geez, if it'll make you feel better."
>Do so.
>"And, yeah, he was. But I think he was probably doing something important."
>Onwards!
> You scratch Parsee's head. She makes a sound that can only be described as one of being extremely pleased and muzzles into your chest.
> "Mmm, maybe, yeah," followed by a giggle. You don't think she's actually listening to you.
> Stepping over a broken tree limb, you continue through the woods. The trees are getting abnormally thicker as you draw nearer to the area surrounding the mansion.
> Parsee lifts her head off your chest. "That looks a little different than what we've been walking through."
> The bulk of the fairy activity is centered away from this section of the woods.
>_
-
>Okay that was hella cute and....NNNG. Mustn't fall for this!
>"Yeah, it is getting kind of thick."
>Toward the mansion, if we can. Should Parsee not let go, subtly engineer for her to stumble over a root.
>Keep an eye out for unpleasant things in the darkness.
-
>Okay that was hella cute and....NNNG. Mustn't fall for this!
>"Yeah, it is getting kind of thick."
>Toward the mansion, if we can. Should Parsee not let go, subtly engineer for her to stumble over a root.
>Keep an eye out for unpleasant things in the darkness.
> She's like a cute little lapdog, only she tried to jump your bones earlier. Here in the forest, her scent stands out from the musty woods: light and sweet, not what you'd expect from someone living underground.
> But she is making it a little hard to walk.
> "Maybe we could try checking outside of the forest now?"
> You agree and walk to the edge, trying to guide Parsee over a root. She successfully trips, and forces herself, somehow, to fall harder into you. How did she fall that way?
> You look out towards the lake. The fairies all seem to be facing away from you watching something. You think it's that "Cirno" fairy that's captured their attention. You turn from the fairies and look to the left at...the....
> "Oh, look how close we are," Parsee leans out past you and points at the mansion.
> It's enormous! Sure Eientei may be bigger but this is downright imposing! And it's very very red, almost obnoxiously so. Keine-sensei had mentioned mansions like this existing in the Western world, way outside of Gensokyo, but she had never mentioned HOW BIG they were! Is this even a house anymore? It might even be a castle!
> Parsee stare at you though. "Hello?"
>_
-
>"Sorry, just marveling..."
>Approach mansion!
-
>"Sorry, just marveling..."
>Approach mansion!
> Parsee looks at the mansion and then back at you. "At that? It's not that great," she shrugs.
> You depart the woods and approach the mansion. A few meters in front of it is a tall iron fence, forcing you around.
> "Yeah, big fence, we gotta go in through the gate. Just keep going down this way."
> Can't argue with that! You follow the fence for a while before you can see a small guard house next to a tall brick pillar. In front of the guardhouse there's a figure dressed mostly in green as well as one in a white top with a red and black skirt.
>_
-
>Let Parsee lead the way here. She presumably knows what she is doing.
-
>Let Parsee lead the way here. She presumably knows what she is doing.
> "But it's right there!" pointing directly at the guardhouse. She then pauses, and adds with a sheepish grin, "Well, if you insist."
> Parsee takes the lead but doesn't release her grip any, so while she's still attached to your arm, you feel like a small puppy being dragged by an excited girl. It's...less than pleasant.
> Once arriving within earshot, Parsee abruptly stops. You stumble a bit, and then look around for a reason.
> You can see the couple in front of the guardhouse clearly now: a red-haired woman in a green Chinese dress stands in front of the gate with her arms folded while Momiji makes a plea to get in. You listen a bit.
> "But it's a library! They've got to have what I'm looking for!"
> "Ma'am, it's not that kind of library."
> "Oh it doesn't have to be public but I'm just looking for one book! OK maybe two but still!"
> "Again: no one enters the mansion without and invita-"
> "But I need this book!"
> Oh my. Parsee chuckles, "Wow."
>_
-
>"So, you have an invitation, right?"
-
>"So, you have an invitation, right?"
> Parsee points to her bag.
> "Returning a book, plus I'm a regular. Not an issue."
> Momiji continues her, erm, "discussion" with the guard.
>_
-
>Oh, that's Momiji? Well that changes things.
>Step one: disengage from Jealousite.
>Step two: Approach! Wave!
>Step three: "Hey, Momiji! What's going on?"
-
>Oh, that's Momiji? Well that changes things.
>Step one: disengage from Jealousite.
>Step two: Approach! Wave!
>Step three: "Hey, Momiji! What's going on?"
> If it's dressed like Momiji and it's named Momiji then it's probably Momiji.
> Before you can even attempt to move away from Parsee, she releases your arm and slides across your body, clamping her arms around you, with one arm against your chest and the other across your hip. It's exceptionally uncomfortable, and you suspect it's more of a claim then a hug, as no amount of shaking deters her.
> Well that was a miserable failure, let's try the second step!
> You shuffle over towards Momiji and reach your arm. That wasn't hard...
> You hail Momiji. Both she and the guard turn towards you.
> "Ah! It's Toshiro," she scoots on over to you. She is still missing her sleeves, but is now wearing an old and worn-out black tokin.
> "I was thinking about what you said earlier, and while I don't agree that karma is the overarching law that governs society, I think I need to keep my mind open to new ideas. Oh, and more research, which is why I'm here. I'm trying to get into the Library and get some new books, but it's harder than I anticipated."
> The woman in green steps forward. "No one without an invitation gets in," her eyes catch Parsee clinging to you and fall, "Ah, you again."
> Parsee clucks her tongue at the woman. "No respect," she mutters.
> Momiji notices Parsee as well. "Oh, who's your friend? And what brings you around here anyway?"
>_
-
>Look appropriately uncomfortable! Make periodic off-shaking attempts!
>"This is Parsee, she keeps watch over the bridge underground. I had a job there, we had a nice conversation, and I agreed to escort her to the library. I'm really glad to run into you here, though. Means I don't have to climb up the mountain. And, I'm really glad you're looking into new things."
>Look to Big Green. "Hey, how does one get an invitation to enter?"
-
>Look appropriately uncomfortable! Make periodic off-shaking attempts!
>"This is Parsee, she keeps watch over the bridge underground. I had a job there, we had a nice conversation, and I agreed to escort her to the library. I'm really glad to run into you here, though. Means I don't have to climb up the mountain. And, I'm really glad you're looking into new things."
>Look to Big Green. "Hey, how does one get an invitation to enter?"
> She must be part-frog, because those arms of hers just aren't moving!
> You introduce Parsee, she nods and bends her knees in something that could loosely be seen as a curtsy. "Charmed."
> "Oh neat, so we're pretty similar! I head the guard the watches the Tengu Village..."
> Parsee's nails dig into your skin, you wince.
> "I'm Momiji Inubashiri." She extends her hand, which Parsee glares at for a few seconds before Momiji rescinds her offer of gratitude.
> "So, what did you mean by having to climb the mountain again?"
> You ignore her question and pose one of your own to the guard.
> "Get invited by someone inside, the Mistress or the Librarian mostly," she nods towards Parsee, "though exceptions may exist. Here for the usual?"
> "Yeah," her voice muffled by your chest, "she's in right?"
> The guard nods. "Head on in whenever you want."
> "Hey wait a minute!" Momiji interjects only to receive a hand placed before her face.
> "Executive privilage," as curtly as possible.
> Parsee looks up at you. "Should I ask Patchy if you can come in?"
>_
-
>"Try to ask her if we could both come in, please? Momiji's got a good reason."
-
>"Try to ask her if we could both come in, please? Momiji's got a good reason."
>_
> "I, uh, don't think it works that way?"
> Excuse you!
>_
-
>"Wouldn't hurt to try, would it? It'd be a nice thank you for escorting you up here around that crazy bug guy, anyways. Momiji's a good friend of mine, and I'd hate to have her left in the lurch."
-
>"Wouldn't hurt to try, would it? It'd be a nice thank you for escorting you up here around that crazy bug guy, anyways. Momiji's a good friend of mine, and I'd hate to have her left in the lurch."
> Parsee scoffs when you mention that Momiji's a friend of yours.
> After some hemming and hawing, she nods.
> "Fine, I guess I owe you that much. No promises though!"
> She starts to back away from you, slowly, to the point where you question if she's even releasing her arms. Eventually, you're free and Parsee slinks cautiously through the gate, staring at you, before breaking into a run towards the stairs.
> The guard ambles over to you and watches Parsee run off. "Ugh, how'd you get suckered into carting the troll around?"
> Momiji shakes her head, "What a bitch."
>_
-
>"Because I'll probably have to go over that bridge someday... And...oh geez, you don't even know! I mean, she's a sweet person, she really is. Just she's also crazy... You don't even want to know what happened..."
>Shake head.
>"You have no idea what a sight for sore eyes you are after that, Momiji."
-
>"Because I'll probably have to go over that bridge someday... And...oh geez, you don't even know! I mean, she's a sweet person, she really is. Just she's also crazy... You don't even want to know what happened..."
>Shake head.
>"You have no idea what a sight for sore eyes you are after that, Momiji."
> The guard chuckles. "I hope she's an absolute freak in bed, or else I'm going to question why Patchouli hangs with her. You really saw when she wasn't bad? Imagine that."
> The guard slaps her knee. "Oh yes, story time! Uh uh, you ain't getting past without telling me what happened."
> Momiji coos. "Aren't you sweet? But really, I'm just down here to try and get the book. I'm kinda on break right now."
>_
-
>"Then I'm not getting past, because that story is going with me to the grave. The only reason I haven't run for it already is because I wanna make sure Momiji gets in, too."
-
>"Then I'm not getting past, because that story is going with me to the grave. The only reason I haven't run for it already is because I wanna make sure Momiji gets in, too."
> "Tch, you're no fun. It's a pretty boring job to begin with, and you're not gonna help? No fun at all."
> The guard moves back towards the guardhouse and beckons that you follow. Momiji shrugs and falls in behind, as do you.
> You notice that Momiji isn't carrying her sword and shield right now, and that slit on the guard's dress seems downright impratical.
> The guard stretches a little before taking a stance. "So you'd run off? Most people would love to get inside the mansion. Did you just come up here to drop off the troll?" She twists slowly, closing her arms like she's holding a ball.
> Momiji yawns and leans against the fence behind the guard. "You didn't answer my earlier question: why would you have to come back up the mountain?"
> "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-YAH!" The guard strikes the air, before taking a different pose. "Oh right," she adds, standing on one leg, "Proper manners should be used. Names please."
>_
-
>To Momiji: "Sorry, lots of things going on at once. Why? Because after the stuff that happened this morning, it'd be terribly rude not to drop in at least once and see how you're doing. And maybe establish an excuse to drop in again later."
>To Big Green: "I'm Toshiro, it's a pleasure, and sorry to be boring. Just...some things die with me. And, well, it's interesting. But at the same time, I don't feel like pushing my luck."
>Wisely leave out that there's stories about this place =[
-
>To Momiji: "Sorry, lots of things going on at once. Why? Because after the stuff that happened this morning, it'd be terribly rude not to drop in at least once and see how you're doing. And maybe establish an excuse to drop in again later."
>To Big Green: "I'm Toshiro, it's a pleasure, and sorry to be boring. Just...some things die with me. And, well, it's interesting. But at the same time, I don't feel like pushing my luck."
>Wisely leave out that there's stories about this place =[
> Momiji smirks. "Well, thanks again for this morning, I really can't thank you enough, but," she taps your forehead, "Don't be too full of yourself."
> Why is she so cute?
> You and Momiji introduce yourselves. "Hong Meiling. Mistress calls me China, you can't."
> She spins quickly. You feel that Big Green was more appropriate, since you haven't seen tits that big since, well the oni earlier today, but these are equally worthy of praise.
> Some more grunts from China (dammit) as she continues practicing whatever it is she's doing. Momiji has taken to trying to make her current tokin actually stand up straight on her head. You successfully avoid mentioning the rumors about the vampires living here.
> China straightens up and turns towards you. "You ain't been here before, right? Once again, and I ain't asking a third time, what brings you up to Scarlet Devil? It can't be the Vampire rumor, not dark enough yet."
>_
-
>Hangdog expression and slump in defeat at the tap on the head. "Not even a little bit?
>To Big Green, "I was escorting Parsee, like I said earlier. I don't really have any business here, aside from talking with you guys. I'll be on my way once getting Momiji inside is settled."
-
>Hangdog expression and slump in defeat at the tap on the head. "Not even a little bit?
>To Big Green, "I was escorting Parsee, like I said earlier. I don't really have any business here, aside from talking with you guys. I'll be on my way once getting Momiji inside is settled."
> Momiji titters. "Well, a little's fine, you deserve that much."
> You explain yourself to China, who is standing quite close to you. You realize that she really isn't that tall. In fact, she's maybe 5 cm shorter than you. But those muscles must be what makes her seem so big.
> Greeny sizes you up before waving her hand. "You're boring, dangerously so. I blame the troll though. Have some fun! If she manages to get you in talk to the librarian, or the knifey maid, or the vampire, or.....nah that's pretty much it.
> Her attention is sapped behind you. You turn and see a girl with long red hair and a black dress leaving the mansion door.
> "Huh, they sent one of the devils? Weird."
>_
-
>"Hey, I nearly got beat to death by Koishi because her sister wouldn't stop reading my mind and arguing with me. And kidnapped by oni. I get to be dangerously boring for awhile. Though...well, maybe."
>Heed what the devil says.
-
>"Hey, I nearly got beat to death by Koishi because her sister wouldn't stop reading my mind and arguing with me. And kidnapped by oni. I get to be dangerously boring for awhile. Though...well, maybe."
>Heed what the devil says.
> "Koishi? Tiny, annoying, dressed in the dark? Yeah, maybe a little rough. You should relax, I suggest inside the man-sion." The sing-song at the end was a little annoying, but maybe she has a point?
> "C'mon, do it! Oh right, prim and proper." China lets out an enormous yawn while Momiji seems to be getting her tokin to fit properly finally.
> The devil finally draws near as China comes to attention. The devil has a pair of wings on her head, as well as on her back. She floats right past Momiji and stops in front of you.
> "The Library will see you now."
>_
-
>Wow that's creepy...
>No! We cannot be defeated now!
>"And Momiji, I hope?"
-
>Wow that's creepy...
>No! We cannot be defeated now!
>"And Momiji, I hope?"
> You had hoped "devil" was a term of endearment, but her vibe is just nonstop creepy.
> The devil looks at Momiji briefly and returns to you shaking her head.
> "You're the only one for whom Lady Patchouli granted permission."
> China and Momiji both scoff. "Figures," adds Momiji, pulling out a slip of paper.
> She hands it to you. "The two books on top if you could get them, I'd much appreciate it."
>_
-
>"Sure thing, Momiji. I'll see if I can convince the librarian to let you end. I get the feeling Parsee didn't ask..."
-
> China and Momiji both scoff. "Figures," adds Momiji, pulling out a slip of paper.
> She hands it to you. "The two books on top if you could get them, I'd much appreciate it."
> "Okay, I'll see if I can get the books for you"
> Follow the devil in
-
>"Sure thing, Momiji. I'll see if I can convince the librarian to let you end. I get the feeling Parsee didn't ask..."
> "I don't know. Maybe she did and they can only let in one person, but she probably didn't. Still, I'm just here for the books."
> "Okay, I'll see if I can get the books for you"
> Follow the devil in
> "Great I'd really appreciate it."
> You take the paper
> "I'll just head back then, since I'm supposed to be making myself a new tokin to replace the one I "lost" and anyway," Momiji leans in and whispers, "This gives you an excuse to come up and see me again." She pulls back with a smile that appears to be genuine and flies off with a wave.
> The devil gives a little cough to grab your attention. "You shouldn't keep The Library waiting for long."
> China leers at you. "Doesn't sound like she's the only one."
> You set off towards the mansion, with the devil floating just in front of you.
> "You're an acquaintance of Miss Mizuhashi and you've come here for a book, correct? Is The Library the only person you've come to see today?"
>_
-
>"Well, yeah. A couple books, actually. And, I suppose just her, but if it's okay, I wouldn't mind seeing others while I'm here."
-
> "Actually, are there any books for learning magic?"
-
>"Well, yeah. A couple books, actually. And, I suppose just her, but if it's okay, I wouldn't mind seeing others while I'm here."
> "The Library will see you first, and either she or Miss Izayoi could grant permission to see Lady Scarlet."
> "Actually, are there any books for learning magic?"
> The devil nods. "Indeed, there are thousands. The Library will help locate the proper books for your purpose, us devils are just her assistants."
> The door into the mansion looms just ahead.
>_
-
>Nod, and follow her to the library.
>Check what books Momiji wants.
-
>Nod, and follow her to the library.
>Check what books Momiji wants.
> She opens the enormous door without any difficulty and ushers you in.
> You walk into into the main foyer for the mansion. Naturally, it's an elaborate affair, with twin winding marble staircases as the centerpieces. The carpet and walls are both dark shades of red with various pieces of art lining the walls with no thought given to theme. You see several fairies dressed in maid clothes flying about carrying cleaning supplies.
> The devil ascends on of the staircases, you check the paper Momiji gave you as you walk.
> The first two books are by someone named Hegel: The Phenomenology of Spirit and The Science of Logic. The rest of the list is populated by other foreign authors, Voltaire, Rousseau , Kant, Kierkegaard and so on. You don't recognize any of them.
> The red motif continues on the second floor, with the devil leading you down an unadorned hallway to a set of double doors at the end.
> She reaches for the door and pauses. "Are you prepared?"
>_
-
> "Yeah"
-
> "Yeah"
> You psyche yourself up! Why wouldn't you be prepared?
> The devil opens the doors and enters. You follow inside and freeze.
> You weren't prepared at all.
> From the outside the mansion seem to be about 3 stories tall, but this library is easily 10 stories tall, and as large as the entire Human Village! You've come across a lot of big things today, but this is something else! And it's only full of books!? Shelves comprise nearly all the floor space, with the top 3 or so stories empty.
> You're standing on a large platform without a balcony about 8 stories up. A staircase to the left seems to lead down to the ground level.
> "I shall inform her of your arrival." With that, the devil falls off the edge of the platform and flies off.
>_
-
> Wait for a bit
-
> Wait for a bit
> That sounds like a pretty good idea right now.
> You stay away from the edge and wait, looking around the library every so often.
> After a few minutes of this, a voice calls from the edge, "You would be Toshiro, correct?"
>_
-
>Face the voice!
>"Yes, I am. Thank you for allowing me to come inside."
-
>Face the voice!
>"Yes, I am. Thank you for allowing me to come inside."
> As you speak, a figure rises above the edge. It's a...well you aren't quite sure, didn't Keine-sensei call this a sedan?
> Four devils, all looking identical to the one that walked you in, each hold up a corner of a platform laden with cushions. A girl dressed in a pink robe and hat lounges on a purple cushion that matches her hair.
> She waves you forward. "Please, step aboard! Far be it from good manners to force you to walk down the stairs."
>_
-
> "Well this is uh...unusual"
> Hop on board the cushion
-
> "Well this is uh...unusual"
> Hop on board the cushion
> "I take it you are not used to flying? I can assure you that there is no risk."
> You step onto the platform. As you do, four more devils fly to join the current supporters. Knowing about the extra support helps to calm you.
> You sit down on a cushion across from the woman. She smiles, before suddenly pulling out a handkerchief and coughing into it.
> "Apologies," she puts the handkerchief away, "I am Patchouli Knowledge and this is my library: the greatest collection of intellectual thought and practical science from around the world! Are you looking for anything in particular?"
> You feel the platform start to fly away into the library itself.
>_
-
>"A few things, actually."
>Show her the list.
>Look around. Try not to look down. "So, this is all yours? Where did you get it all?"
-
> "It's not the flying, but more the cushion and yeah, um, I'm looking for books that are on this list" hand her the list
> "Also, do you have any books begginers to learn magic?"
-
> "Also, do you have any books begginers to learn magic?"
>Belay this. It'd be incredibly foolish to dive into it this way. If we decide to at all.
-
> Yeah, but the books might help supplement the training
-
>"A few things, actually."
>Show her the list.
>Look around. Try not to look down. "So, this is all yours? Where did you get it all?"
> You hand the list to Patchouli. She glances over and frowns.
> "Nothing out of the ordinary, but this is quite a lot of books to ask for at once. Are there any in particular you wish to borrow?"
> "Yes, every last sheet of parchment is mine. Before we crossed over I spent all my time hunting down rare and unusual texts, as well as reading what I already had. I traveled the world to find what I needed, and paid any price to obtain them. After all, the pursuit of knowledge is the most important aspect of life, and that justifies any cost."
> "It's not the flying, but more the cushion and yeah, um, I'm looking for books that are on this list" hand her the list
> "Also, do you have any books begginers to learn magic?"
> "The cushions are to relax, but the sedan is stable enough. Koa is perfect in any regard after all."
> She sucks her teeth. "Magic can be complicated, but more importantly magic is varied. In fact, I recently obtained my 50,000th book that can be classified as magic. What exactly are you looking to do?"
>Belay this. It'd be incredibly foolish to dive into it this way. If we decide to at all.
> Rats, you and your loose tongue.
> Yeah, but the books might help with supplementing the training
> Possibly, but it sounds difficult anyway. Plus, what would you be pursuing?
> Patchouli coughs again.
>_
-
> " The top 2 on the list, if that's okay"
> She sucks her teeth. "Magic can be complicated, but more importantly magic is varied. In fact, I recently obtained my 50,000th book that can be classified as magic. What exactly are you looking to do?"
> "Actually, do you have about a book that introduces the magic in general? and that list the different types of magic you could learn?"
-
> " The top 2 on the list, if that's okay"
> "Actually, do you have about a book that introduces the magic in general? and that list the different types of magic you could learn?"
> "Hegel right? He's a good read. Are they for you or for someone else?"
> "That's where the issue arises. Most of the books that market themselves as introduction to magic focus solely of magic as a theory instead of magic in practice. Still, with more information about what you're looking for I can help select more accurate books for your purpose." She coughs again. "More is better right?"
> She claps her hands. Yet another devil appears next to the sedan. "I'd like some tea, the usual please." The devil nods at Patchouli's request.
> "Would you care for anything?"
>_
-
> Are we thirsty? If so, get green tea
> "Yeah, those books are for someone"
> "I'm actually going to see someone about learning magic and I thought a book might help with that, I never knew there were so much different about magic though. What book would you recommend?"
-
> Are we thirsty? If so, get green tea
> "Yeah, those books are for someone"
> "I'm actually going to see someone about learning magic and I thought a book might help with that, I never knew there were so much different about magic though. What book would you recommend?"
> You're more hungry than thirsty, but you could definitely use some tea. You inform the devil and she flits away.
> "Ah, it seemed like something that tengu would ask for. In that case I'll have Koa copy them instead of lending out my original copies. Is that acceptable?"
> "Who would you be seeing about this? Not to be narcissistic, but I am quite skilled at magic, with my specialty being Aristotelian elementals. The other two I would suggest talking to about magic as a catch-all would be Marisa Kirisame and Alice Margatroid. Marisa specializes in emotional magic while Alice uses puppetry." She draws a circle in the air. "The three of us are the most powerful magicians in Gensokyo."
> The sedan continues through the air. You think you see Parsee some distance away, leading a devil carrying an armload of books.
> "Though I'm going to assume that rather than harnessing magical powers, you seek danmaku ability, or perhaps flight. Am I correct?"
-
>"Just information about them, but yeah."
-
> "Yes, that is correct."
> "I spoke with Reimu earlyer today, and she said that I have very notable potential, and thus I decided to pursue that."
-
>"Or at least give it a look, see if it's for me."
-
>"Just information about them, but yeah."
> "Just information for now? That's certainly doable, we can discuss it over tea."
> The sedan comes to a stop about halfway up a shelf. Patchouli moves to the edge and starts pulling books from the shelf.
> "Hm, Hegel should be here. Down Koa."
> The sedan sinks a few levels before Patchouli resumes her search.
> "Right."
> The sedan obeys her command and she quickly hands you two books.
> "Here they are, please hold onto these."
> You take the books from Patchouli, old leather-bound volumes with yellowed parchment, but the proper books Momiji had been looking for. You can see why Patchouli would have reservations about lending these.
> Patchouli sits back down and coughs. "Copy."
> The sedan takes off again, banking sharply and it maneuvers through the shelves on its way to the floor. Despite having nothing to grab, Patchouli is oddly calm about the ride, more than you say for yourself. This whole flying thing is going to take some getting used to.
> The sedan drops in next to a table covered in typewriters and stacks of paper and surrounded by more devils. Patchouli takes the books from you and hops off the sedan, handing them off to one of the devils.
> "Koa, please copy these. Paper-bound will suffice."
> The devil nods and sits in front of a typewriter. Other devils join and soon a flurry and keystrokes fill the air as they furiously copy the books. Patchouli returns to her cushion.
> "Parsee." The sedan storms straight up quick enough to turn your stomach, followed by a slalom through the shelves that does little to alleviate your problem. Another sudden stop is enough to almost turn you off of flying forever.
> You look up and see Parsee floating in the air next to the book-laden devil. She looks down at Patchouli's combined whistle and coughing fit.
> "Oh, you're finally here!" She drops right into the sedan, with enough force that the lack of a crash shocks you, a feeling soon amplified by Patchouli becoming Parsee's target of affection.
> Shock and sick, you'd rather be drinking with the oni again.
> The sedan flies off once again and you clamp your eyes shut, but you can still feel the lurching as the sedan curves through the library. The jolt of landing is welcome relief.
> The three of you file off the sedan, where a small lounge area greets you, set with an extravagant tea setting. Reimu's tea earlier today just doesn't compare. You plop down in a seat, ready for pretty much anything, long day and all that. Patchouli sits down with Parsee saddling right up next to her.
> "Sorry for the delay," Patchouli announces, "But I was absolutely famished for tea. Now, danmaku and flight was it?"
> "Yes, that is correct."
> "I spoke with Reimu earlyer today, and she said that I have very notable potential, and thus I decided to pursue that."
> She reaches for a pot. "Excellent."
> "Potential for magic or danmaku? There's a pretty big difference between the two," she fills her cup, "But both will allow you to shoot, which I assume to be your goal, yes?"
> "You're twying cho wearn chu phoot?" Parsee asks through a mouthful of cake, "Why?"
> "Are you looking to get started today?" Patchouli reaches out for a plate of cream puffs.
>"Or at least give it a look, see if it's for me."
> "I take that as a yes. Won't you have something to drink? I believe you said green."
> She gestures towards a seperate pot to your left. "That one should be green."
> Parsee snatches a pastry from Patchouli, earning her a disapproving glare coupled with a hair-tousling.
> "Well, flight is difficult, no two ways around it, and will take quite some time to master without help." Patchouli sips some tea and continues, "Danmaku is a bit different. One can rather easily learn to shoot, but the path for mastery is multi-branched and takes serious effort. The best way to use danmaku is to link that power with something else. Do you understand so far?"
>_
-
>"I think so, though I am not sure what this something else is."
>Are there snacks? If so, help self.
-
>"I think so, though I am not sure what this something else is."
> "Well that's understandable."
> She snaps her fingers. Unsurprisingly, a devil appears and fills your cup with tea then places a small cake on your plate before disappearing. You don't think that will ever not be creepy.
> "Now let's continue. Remember what I said earlier about linking magic powers, like how Marisa uses emotions? Having something else to draw power from makes your danmaku not only more powerful, but just plain better. Drawing from your own natural power for shots isn't difficult, but it's severely limited in its abilities: the shots are not as powerful, not as versatile, your ability to make patterns is very limited, as is the amount of shots you can create, and you still need a catalyst to create them. You won't be defeating any youkai aside from fairies but it's better than nothing right? Are you still with me?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, I think so"
-
> "Yeah, I think so"
> "Good, now drink some tea. It may be made by fairies but it's making me uncomfortable to just see it sitting there."
>_
-
>"Sorry, just too trying to internalize all this."
>DRINK.
>And have some of that cake.
>"So what kinds of things can be used for enhancement? Or is it easier to ask what can't?"
-
>"Sorry, just too trying to internalize all this."
>DRINK.
>And have some of that cake.
>"So what kinds of things can be used for enhancement? Or is it easier to ask what can't?"
> "It's understandable, theory always takes some time to digest. It's usually easier in practice anyway."
> Parsee has taken to leaning on Patchouli now, capitalizing her right arm. Patchouli, for some reason, seems content with this.
> You utilize the break to finally have some tea. You'd say it's wonderful, but it's just tea. It's way better than Reimu's from earlier, and it's steeped just right.
> OK it's wonderful. You have more, and chase it with some cake, which is just a little too sweet.
> "What can enhance it? Just about anything, as long as you can harness it. Some examples, Sanae uses the power of miracles, but I really think it's just wind manipulation, Reimu can use the power of faith. You've been underground right? Utsuho can use nuclear fusion while Rin can use the powers of dead spirits."
> "Okuu and Orin," Parsee adds, noting your confusion.
> Patchouli nods and continues, "It's the same as whatever you can link to to boost your magic potential. You can cheat the system and force an unlock using someone else's powers, but that only works if you're compatible with their source. There's never any one thing one can use for power, but once you connect to something it's impossibly difficult to switch."
> She sips some more tea, you follow. "It'd be better if Koa made it, but the fairies are competent enough. Anyway, do you understand?"
>_
-
>"I believe so, but I don't quite understand this concept of cheating the system via someone else's powers."
>Sip. Cakemunch.
-
> "So cheating is your relying on some other persons enchantment?"
-
>"I believe so, but I don't quite understand this concept of cheating the system via someone else's powers."
>Sip. Cakemunch.
> "Well, this goes back to theory, but you know how electricity works?"
> The basics, a nod.
> "Saves me some trouble." She jerks her arm from Parsee, who surprisingly relents.
> "Sorry, need my arms for this bit. So then you know a power surge yeah?"
> Might as well go with it. A nod, a sip.
> She starts to gesture with her hands. "With electricity, if you feed too much power into something then it can't be contained, and it ends up overloading the object, which leads to catastrophic failure."
> Keeping nodding, another sip.
> "Luckily humans don't overload like an electrical appliance, but power is still power. Think of power as Power with a capital P and substitute that for electricity. If we think of it as tangible, then it should be able to be shared."
> More nods, more tea.
> "So if we take someone with a lot of Power, and they can find some way to channel it into a person, it can lead to an overload. Now, this is where the theory part comes in. Power is naturally occurring in people, it's just a matter of accessing it. But if you have Power that's being amplified by by an outside source, you can think of it as really being supported by it. As a result, it's like having a well you can draw on, bigger than one you store naturally, and one that's nearly bottomless. The theory is that, if you find a way to pump all this Power into somehow who can support it, you can force an adaptation to that source, or you might have be able to replace the inert power totally. But we're talking a serious power draw, and an incredible transfer of it by someone, well, very powerful."
> You're out of tea right now, so you don't nod.
> "So cheating is your relying on some other persons enchantment?"
> "Pretty much. Assuming that the transfer is successful and you're compatible, your should have the same powers as whoever you connected with."
> Parsee is enraptured by Patchouli's explanation, but you think it's for the wrong reasons.
> "Do you still understand?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, I think I got it, although I don't really like the Idea of relying on someone"
-
> "So, if used how you described it, it's basicly mimicing the Power sources abilities and capabilities, but basicly tossing your own away.
> Enjoy the cake.
> Is the pot our tea was poured from still here? If so, pour ourself a bit more tea.
-
> "Yeah, I think I got it, although I don't really like the Idea of relying on someone"
> "I think you're mistaken. You wouldn't be relying on them for power past the transfer. After that point, you're on your own, you wouldn't share any kind of link aside from your power draw being from the same, but unshared, source. The other person wouldn't be required after that."
> "So, if used how you described it, it's basicly mimicing the Power sources abilities and capabilities, but basicly tossing your own away.
> Enjoy the cake.
> Is the pot our tea was poured from still here? If so, pour ourself a bit more tea.
> Patchouli starts to nod, but stops. "It's more like copying the power source, since without a power source your power is just about worthless. It's less throwing your's away and more like replacing it with some power that actually works."
> You chew some cake to mull over what she said, and pour yourself a bit more tea.
> "It's, uh, I never thought it would be that, y'know, hard to do this." Parsee joins your mulling. "I guess it's a good thing I'm a youkai?"
> "Well, you don't have to deal with this, so that's an advantage. This kind of thing is inherent in youkai. They can learn to source there own power, and so can you, but it takes years and years, something youkai have in spades."
> Patchouli coughs, first time in a while, then continues.
> "Sorry to monopolize the conversation, but does that help? I'm sure you have some more questions."
>_
-
> "Definately helps knowing all of this. And even if it would take decades to do that, to source my own power, It's still worth trying. Plus, If I truely cared about it that much, couldn't I become a youkai so I could continue improving myself?"
-
>"What would you recommend I do, if I wanted to try to develop the talent I have?"
-
> "Definately helps knowing all of this. And even if it would take decades to do that, to source my own power, It's still worth trying. Plus, If I truely cared about it that much, couldn't I become a youkai so I could continue improving myself?"
> Patchouli nods. "Understandable, but I'm just telling you the theory behind it. After all, you seemed like you didn't really want to wait to reach your mastery. Like I said, you can override powers to something else, it's just very difficult."
> She sighs, quite heavily.
> "That's...complicated. I can't really help you with that, but I do know a bit. First, the only route that works to go from human to youkai is to become a magician. There may be others, but that's the only proven path that works. Second, results will vary. I only know of two currently, Alice and that Buddhist priest. Alice got hers through locking herself away and focusing solely on her studies, and that pure dedication is said to have transformed her, but you should ask her for the full story. That priest transformed but..." her face darkens, "they locked her away for hundreds of years. Youkai are much more powerful than humans, and it can be difficult to contain that power. Some say she went mad because of it. It's a dangerous path and I can't recommend it. Besides, Reimu and Marisa are still human and they get along fine."
>"What would you recommend I do, if I wanted to try to develop the talent I have?"
> "Well, you have several options. The main one is, especially if you haven't already, talk to Reimu or Marisa, or Sanae I believe. They keep the world in check and would probably know the most about humans mastering magic, mostly with danmaku and flight..."
> Patchouli thinks for a minute.
> "You could also talk to Sakuya, the head maid here. She's human, we think, and she helped solve an incident once. She might be able to help, and she also knows a lot about knives if that's your thing. I'd say she's unparalleled in that regard."
> She pours herself some more tea, and pulls Parsee's head in closer to her chest.
> Did Parsee just moan?
> Patchouli continues, "I could teach a little, of course, but an issue arises with that, and that's Reimu. She likes to keep a hold of things like that, and doing too much without her knowledge could set her off. With that transfer of power thing I mentioned earlier, that's probably an easy way to get Reimu and Marisa crashing through your window shooting."
> "Still, they're the best to talk to, because they can probably give some concrete advice on the mastery aspects. If you'd like though, because you've actually been nice to Parsee, I can help you with the bare basics of danmaku. Namely, firing a shot. Would you care to learn now?"
>_
-
>Ponder. How are danmaku using humans regarded? Particularly among family and friends?
>What of magician types?
-
> "Thank you very much!"
> We are still flight-less, correct?
> If so to the above "Would it be to much to ask for assistance in learning flight?"
-
> "Thank you very much!"
> We are still flight-less, correct?
> If so to the above "Would it be to much to ask for assistance in learning flight?"
>Before asking this, ponder family/friend thoughts on it as well. It's not like we need either of them.
-
>Ponder. How are danmaku using humans regarded? Particularly among family and friends?
>What of magician types?
> You pause and think for a few moments, finishing your cake and tea in the process.
> It's not something that's talked about, aside from Reimu, Marisa and Sanae, but even then the ability is never mentioned outside of Incidents. You're not actually sure how many can use them, but you don't suspect it to be a lot, if any. Still, those three haven't received any flak for the ability, and you've never heard of anyone else getting in trouble for it.
> Wait, didn't Reimu make the spell card system so humans could defend themselves against youkai? If so, then wouldn't that require a lot of humans having the ability to do danmaku? Then maybe a lot can! And either way, you've never heard a bad word about it, even from your mother, who doesn't seem to like, well, anything.
> You only know of Marisa and Alice, and Alice never leaves her house it seems, and if she does you've never seen her in the Village. Marisa seems to get about fine. Hell, everyone seems to like her.
> There's also the priest. Is it the same one as at the templeship south of town? If so, you're not sure how she's received. You don't know much about her, even her name, and you've never been down there.
> Hmmm
> "Thank you very much!"
> We are still flight-less, correct?
> If so to the above "Would it be to much to ask for assistance in learning flight?"
> "Are you thanking me for the explanations or for the offer to teach? If it the former then you're welcome, and thank you for being a nice guest for a late Tea. If it's the latter then is that a rejection or are you suggesting we start?"
> That is correct, aside from cruising around on the sedan.
> "Yes, I can't teach you that. It's something you'd want to learn after danmaku anyway, since it's for more difficult. Plus, I never had to learn, what with latent abilities and all that."
>Before asking this, ponder family/friend thoughts on it as well. It's not like we need either of them.
> Well, flight would make deliveries so much easier. Hell, it'd make just about everything easier. And having danmaku would be a nice skill, since it seems to be more effective at combat with youkai than any other method, especially with that knife. Ugh.
> Even still, didn't Reimu and Sanae both suggest it was a path worth pursuing? Reimu seemed like she'd be offended if you let your ability go to waste.
> It doesn't even sound like there's a downside.
> Patchouli taps the table. "Could you answer my question?"
>_
-
>"I suppose it wouldn't hurt."
-
>"I suppose it wouldn't hurt."
> "In that case, please follow me."
> She shakes Parsee's head, who stirs awake slowly before sitting up. At least, she appeared to be asleep.
> Patchouli stands up and boards the sedan once more, followed by you and then a lumbering Parsee, who curls up on Patchouli's cushion and lays her head on her lap.
> Patchouli snaps her fingers and the sedan takes off, only flying a short distance before landing in an empty space between shelves. It seems to be an area where a shelf is missing.
> Patchouli leaves the sedan while Parsee elects to stay on the cushion. You follow Patchouli into the open area until she stops.
> "Basics of danmaku: What we're going to do here is learn how to tap into your magical ability and power stores, focus that power into energy and dipel the energy as a concentrated shot. As a beginner, you'll need a catalyst to focus your energy through at the beginning. For this, many people just use their hands, but you can use something else if you'd prefer, like a wand or a book or what have you. What will you be using?"
>_
-
>"Let's got with the hands. Nothing to lose that way."
-
>"Let's got with the hands. Nothing to lose that way."
> Patchouli nods. "There's nothing wrong with that."
> She coughs a little, sounding forced, but continues.
> "Are you familiar with meditation?"
> A little, but not terribly good in practice.
> "Hm, what about yoga?"
> Not at all.
> "I see, then we'll start from the beginning. The most important thing to keep in mind is that danmaku should not be something to think about. While your ability may not be innate, you need to draw on it like it is. With that, you should never think about danmaku while you do it. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it works that way."
> She stands straight up and clasps her hands before her. "Follow me."
> You assume the same pose.
> "Don't think about danmaku, don't think about bullets or power or ability or anything like that. Instead, focus on your breathing. More than anything you should try and clear your mind, empty mind is open canvas. Give a few deep breaths."
> She guides you through some breathing exercises, which are easy enough. Soon she sits on the floor, trying for a half-lotus but settling on cross-legged.
> "Breathing's easy, not comes the hard part: the mind clearing. Try and sit still and don't think, just do. Focus on your breathing, concentrate on my voice, and clear your mind."
>_
-
>Listen to Patchy's voice, focus on breathing. Try to clear out mind, instead of thinking about how weird this all is, or what a soothing voice Patchy has, or the ten thousand other little myriad thoughts you get when try not to think of anything.
-
>Listen to Patchy's voice, focus on breathing. Try to clear out mind, instead of thinking about how weird this all is, or what a soothing voice Patchy has, or the ten thousand other little myriad thoughts you get when try not to think of anything.
> You close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
> Yeah it is a little weird, how can you do something without thinking about doing it? How does that even work?
> Her voice is so wonderful, she speaks with a rhythm like she's tired but it really works for her. Wonder why she lounges around all day in pajamas though, and why her hat has a moon on it? Moon isn't an element...
> Wonder what's for dinner, hopefully tonkatsu since Mom hasn't made it in a while. Haven't seen Takumi in a while, hope he's alright. So many people to talk to today. So much has happened, goodness. Momiji's really cute, so was Reimu though, and that guard was downright hot, Orin was nice too...dammit, dammit youkai.
> This...isn't working.
> In and out, breathe
> Breathe
> Breatheeeeeeeeeee
> In through the nose
> Down the throat into the lungs
> Exchange oxygen
> Back out again
> In
> Out
> In
> Out
> "Focus"
> There's only breath, nothing else.
> In
> Out
> ...
> Your breathing comes naturally now.
> "Breathe and hold it."
> Hold it in.
> "Now exhale, never hold your breath in this."
> Out, in and out
> "Good, we can continue. Don't force this, but let your energy take over. Don't reach, feel it everywhere."
> Silence. In. Out. In. Out. Think of nothing.
> Feeling kind of warm. In. Out. Curl lips.
> "Warmth is good, you feel it. Now connect, absorb it."
> Spread the warmth, send it to your hands. No, it's fading, gone. Flick eyes open.
> "You thought too much, focus too much on it and you'll get overwhelmed. You already know what this power does, so you have to connect to it without thinking about what it truly is. Try again?"
>_
-
> "Sorry. I'd like to have another go at it."
> Focus.
-
>Back to this breathing thing. Try not to get too distracted by warmth this time.
-
> "Sorry. I'd like to have another go at it."
> Focus.
> She nods, you close your eyes again.
> "Point your hands palm up this time." You oblige.
> Focusing on the breathing was a bit boring, but probably the most effective. A lot goes on when you just breathe.
>Back to this breathing thing. Try not to get too distracted by warmth this time.
> In and out, in and out.
> In. Out.
> In
> Out
> "Let it spread"
> In. Out. Warm.
> Keep it, pleasant.
> More breathing. Warmth spreading
> Nice
> More breathing
> "Connect"
> In and out, the warmth folding
> Folding in
> Warmth fading, but different. Not vanishing.
> "Tap it"
> In
> "Fold it"
> Out
> "Focus"
> Warmth radiates from your core, it feels amazing.
> "Slowly, send it to your hands. Don't think, just move it."
> Breathe, chew the words.
> Warmth spreads, your arms warming.
> Spread
> Warmer
> In and out, spread.
> Hands are warm
> Warmer
> Hot
> HOT!!
> Your eyes fly open and you stare at your hands. Your right hand glows with hot, while a small orb of electricity sits, half inside your hand, but it disappears as soon as you see it.
> "Distractions, they bring you down. The heat isn't unnatural, it's still you, your energy, the essence behind it. You have to keep trying though, you've almost got it. Try it once more?"
>_
-
>Stare at hands in mute amazement.
>Holy shit, how did that happen?
>After a few moments of incomprehension have passed: "Was that supposed to hurt?"
-
>Stare at hands in mute amazement.
>Holy shit, how did that happen?
>After a few moments of incomprehension have passed: "Was that supposed to hurt?"
> You don't have any words. That was.....something alright!
> Energy? But these are the hands you've used for years and that's never happened, even when you relax!
> You finally find your voice after closing your fallen jaw.
> "Hurt? No, nothing besides the heat, but you can't do anything about the heat. Did you feel something else?"
>_
-
>"No. Just...it was very uncomfortable toward the end."
-
>"No. Just...it was very uncomfortable toward the end."
> "Energy concentrations will do that. If you pump too much energy into something, it'll expend the unused energy as heat, like how a light bulb gets hot. That's excess, unused energy. If it's too hot then you might be pushing too much energy through. Still, you can't exactly control your energy yet, but take solace in the fact that this heat isn't harmful. Since it's your energy, it's your heat. It may be uncomfortable, but stick with it and the pay-off will be tremendous."
> She waves her hand in front of her. A spiral of bullets form around her, reaching 10 meters into the air. Suddenly, they all take off, flying upwards and converging into one enormous bullet, which zooms down between the two of you before zipping back upwards and exploding in a shower of light. It was quite impressive.
> "I did that without thought, which is why the linking is important. In a battle, you won't have time to center yourself before conjuring a shot, it needs to happen like that."
> She snaps a few times for emphasis, creating a small bullet each time that flies harmlessly upward.
> "Your body will adapt to the heat, but as your studies progress you'll learn how to use your energy more efficiently. Eventually, there won't be any wasted energy, meaning no heat."
> She scoots over and sits next to you. "Care to try it again?"
>_
-
>"Very well."
>Give it a third go.
-
>"Very well."
>Give it a third go.
> You close your eyes again. It's not as difficult to get back to breathing and mind-clearing and soon find yourself back.
> Breathe in and out.
> Fill the lungs.
> Exhale.
> Feel the warmth.
> "Spread"
> It fills you
> "Fold it in"
> Then it's only in your core
> "Hands"
> Slower this time
> Warm arms
> Warm hands
> Keep them warm
> Focus on breath
> Not hot
> Breathe
> "Good. Shoot."
> Warmth stays
> Breathe
> Coming out?
> Eyes flutter open. Orb emerging from hand, smaller than original.
> Breathe
> Orb emerges fully, floating about your hand.
> "Perfect, you see?"
> Still so warm
> "Shoot it"
> The orb flies straight up from your hand, nowhere near as fast as Patchouli's shots had been, but it's quick enough to make you giddy. As you watch, you feel the warmth slowly start to fade away.
> Patchouli puts her hand on your knee and shakes it. "Excellent! How did that feel?"
>_
-
>"Sort of like building up a huge sneeze. Only with heat instead of that nagging feeling."
-
>"Sort of like building up a huge sneeze. Only with heat instead of that nagging feeling."
> "You mean the anticipation of doing something with the energy? Yeah, that can be expected when you're new. Once you learn to control it, it's not as apprehensive. Still, you did really well for a beginner, let's try this."
> She stands up in a slight squat with her hands stretched in front of her, one hand behind the other. You mimic that pose.
> "Try a shot like this."
> You close your eyes, dropping down to only breathing in short order as the warmth floods your body again. You push it down towards your hand, embracing the energy as it moves.
> Soon, like a chicken laying an egg, an orb emerges from your hand, flying straight ahead without pausing upon exit. It only flies about 20 meters before starting to peter out, but you still feel giddy.
> "Not bad, but as you can see it's not very powerful. You're also getting quicker about it. How's the heat issue"
>_
-
>"I don't think it was so bad, this time."
-
>"I don't think it was so bad, this time."
> She nods. "You're already getting a better handle on using it, that's great."
> She stretches, then coughs. "Well, from here on it's about practice on your part. Got any lingering questions?"
>_
-
>"More than I could likely think straight, let alone ask in a way that makes sense. Is there anything you think I need to know? Things I should look out for?"
-
>"More than I could likely think straight, let alone ask in a way that makes sense. Is there anything you think I need to know? Things I should look out for?"
> "Need to know? Don't go getting into fights with your skills as they are, chances are you'd get beat by anyone save for the weakest fairies. Maybe."
> She thinks for a minute.
> "Just keep practicing, but practice away from any youkai, since they might take it as a show of force. Honestly though, most of the big-name, meaning important, youkai shouldn't give you trouble. They've all acted up and been whipped into shape by Reimu, so they've taken their lumps and move on. It's the riff-raff you have to worry about, the rogues, but aggressive youkai seem to be a dying breed. I could give you the standard warning to watch out for Medicine Melancholy, but she's about it. Some people would say Yuka, but I don't know why. Oh, Yukari as well, they call her Yukari-denka as well. She's more weird than anything, but I haven't seen her around in a while. Sorry I don't know too much, but I don't leave the library very often. Anything specific and I might be able to help more, but for general stuff I can really only parrot the standards."
> She pauses. "Sorry, I really can't think of anything else."
>_
-
>Nod. "Don't worry, it's good advice. Oh! Um, are there any....um... diseases, I guess, that I need to worry about? I mean, like, things that happen to magic to make it go weird? Or stuff I really shouldn't do because it'd make me sick?"
-
>Nod. "Don't worry, it's good advice. Oh! Um, are there any....um... diseases, I guess, that I need to worry about? I mean, like, things that happen to magic to make it go weird? Or stuff I really shouldn't do because it'd make me sick?"
> Patchouli gives you a quizzical look.
> "Diseases? You mean like the flu and such? I wouldn't worry about anything like that, aside from normal human illness. Of course, I'm a youkai, so not only are our diseases incompatible with each other, we have different ones to worry about. Even still, they only affect physical health, not magic. The main way your magical ability can be affected is through curses, but those can be lifted without too much trouble. After that just don't overexert yourself and you should be fine."
> She turns back for the sedan. "Let's go get those volumes, we can talk on the way back."
>_
-
>"Okay, good. I was wondering if tapping into this made me vulnerable to those kinds of things."
>Make with the following!
-
>"Okay, good. I was wondering if tapping into this made me vulnerable to those kinds of things."
>Make with the following!
> "No, it seems that the biggest natural risk is self-depletion and that's fixable with time, although you'll be defenseless for a while. Just another reason why gaining Power from an outside source is important, since it gives you that well to draw from. But since all you're doing is basic danmaku you shouldn't worry, unless you start shooting it constantly, then you'd have to worry after a few hours."
> You walk back to the sedan. As you settle back into your cushion you become aware that the feeling of warmth in your core hasn't faded out completely yet.
>_
-
>"Is the feeling supposed to linger?"
-
>"Is the feeling supposed to linger?"
> Patchouli settles down on a cushion next to you, leaving Parsee curled up on her previous cushion, before entertaining your question.
> "What feeling, the warmth?"
> Nod
> "Well, not exactly, but it's not a bad thing. Remember, you're trying to tie the energy stores to your body in order to draw from them without effort, and the warmth is a sign of that bond. It's not a permanent thing though, as your link becomes stronger it'll fade until it disappears entirely, at which point danmaku should be as natural as, well, breathing."
> "Excuse me." Rather than the coughing fit you expected she places her hand on your chest. Ya! Cold hands!
>_
-
>Start.
>"What?"
-
>Start.
>"What?"
> It's not hard, her hands are like ice! You squirm against her, but she keeps her hand firm against your chest.
> She seems to consider you for a minute before withdrawing her hand and answering.
> "Sorry, but I was checking to see what kind of heat it was. I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary, so it seems to be energy heat. Try to shoot a few shots as we fly."
> You were too distracted by her attack to realize that the sedan had taken off.
>_
-
>"Is it safe to do that? I don't want to hurt anything, or anyone.
-
>"Is it safe to do that? I don't want to hurt anything, or anyone.
> "If you're afraid of hitting something, then aim for Koa. In fact, you should probably do that anyway, since it will help with the aspect of aiming shots. Don't worry about hitting her, danmaku by nature is non-lethal, and your shots shouldn't register as anything more than irritation."
> She claps her hands and a devil appears next to the sedan, keeping pace but moving up and down.
> "Again, Koa has been through much worse, and the practice is invaluable."
> You lift your arm up and breath slow. Clearing your mind takes no time, and you can feel the warmth of energy still concentrated in your core.
>_
-
>"I'd rather not hit Koa, either."
>Look upwards, what is the chance of hitting something if we fired straight up?
-
>"I'd rather not hit Koa, either."
>Look upwards, what is the chance of hitting something if we fired straight up?
> Patchouli chuckles. "I hate to repeat myself, but your bullets won't harm her. Plus, it's good to get practice shooting at a youkai target before one engages in combat with you. If you'd like, I could have her fire some shots at you to give some incentive. Would that be acceptable?"
> Very little. You're about halfway up in the grand scheme of the library, so above you is a lot of open space and the tops of shelves, but your shots never seemed to come back down anyway. However, there isn't anything to be used as a target except for the ceiling, and it's too far to judge if you scored a hit or not.
>_
-
>"Perhaps they won't harm, but they would at least cause her pain, I imagine. I'd rather not do that. I won't worry too much about aim right now, just making them fly."
>Lie back, if there's room to do so without laying on anyone, and try unleashing a few shots toward the ceiling. Don't think too much about them, just will them to arise and fly. Aim broadly away from anyone who might be flying overhead.
-
>"Perhaps they won't harm, but they would at least cause her pain, I imagine. I'd rather not do that. I won't worry too much about aim right now, just making them fly."
>Lie back, if there's room to do so without laying on anyone, and try unleashing a few shots toward the ceiling. Don't think too much about them, just will them to arise and fly. Aim broadly away from anyone who might be flying overhead.
> "Mmm, I understand. So you're going to take that route?"
> You lay back and hold your arms out. It's almost like relaxing on your futon back home. After a few deep breaths you can feel your arms getting warmer.
> Slowly in and slowly out. With as little thought as possible you feel the warmth reach your hands before producing an orb, which floats lazily upwards.
> You coax another orb out, which flies away with a bit more force.
> Right into Patchouli's outstretched hand! What is she doing!?
> She shakes her hand a few times and then motions for you to sit up. "Sorry, but you're going to have to practice. Down Koa."
> The sedan drops from the sky and lands between two shelves. Patchouli flies over you head and lands some distance away from the sedan.
> "Since you won't shoot at Koa, you'll have to shoot at me. If you refuse, then I'll have to start firing as well. Are you ready?"
>_
-
>"I would rather not, to be honest. But if you volunteer, and press the issue, I suppose I shall."
-
>"I would rather not, to be honest. But if you volunteer, and press the issue, I suppose I shall."
> "I understand your reluctance, but training like this is necessary. It also enables me to witness your power firsthand. You've seen samurai movies, haven't you? At some point the student must always battle the master. Lucky for you this is a test and not a battle."
> She widens her stance and starts to hover a little off the ground. "I'm going to do some basic movements, don't worry about strength yet, just try and hit me. Begin whenever you're ready!"
> She slowly starts to rise upwards.
>_
-
>"What's a movie?"
>Well, if she insists.
>Try to consider what speed the shots move at, and how far ahead we'd need to aim to hit her at that speed and the speed she's moving. Once considered, let her have it. Don't even think about it too hard, just will it to be so.
-
>"What's a movie?"
>Well, if she insists.
>Try to consider what speed the shots move at, and how far ahead we'd need to aim to hit her at that speed and the speed she's moving. Once considered, let her have it. Don't even think about it too hard, just will it to be so.
> A series of moving pictures set to sound, like a video game you don't play
> It doesn't seem like you'll be getting out of this easily, or at all.
> You collect yourself and let off a basic shot to judge its speed. It misses Patchouli by a large margin and she scoffs.
> Another collection, Patchouli continues her upward motion. You aim about 1 meter above her, relax, and fire.
> It flies directly towards her and nails her shoulder. "Good," she didn't even flinch, "Try again."
> She starts moving downward, and barely to the right as well. Appears to be the same speed as last time.
>_
-
>Aim just a little less than one meter to the down by right diagonal of her.
>Do the collections seem to be coming more easily now?
-
>Aim just a little less than one meter to the down by right diagonal of her.
>Do the collections seem to be coming more easily now?
> You lead her by about 85 centimeters, collect yourself and fire, catching her where you suspect her left thigh is.
> "Nice, a little faster now." She starts to move in a big loopy circle, quicker than she had been earlier.
> You're not really keeping track of how long they're taking to collect, what with the whole not thinking and all that, but it's definitely easier to compose a shot.
> "Two more after this one!"
>_
-
>Take aim, compensate for speed and moving in arcs, fire!
-
>Take aim, compensate for speed and moving in arcs, fire!
> You start to follow Patchouli with you arm, then move it ahead by about 60 cm and keep pace for a bit.
> You drop right into a collection, the warmth flowing right into your hands and you shoot as she's coming down, hitting her around the stomach.
> Without a flinch, "Directional changes," and she starts to move left and right, but not evenly. It's a little bit harder to read.
>_
-
>Try to aim so we'll smack her as she's zipping through the middle.
>Try to avoid a headshot, it's not polite.
-
>Try to aim so we'll smack her as she's zipping through the middle.
>Try to avoid a headshot, it's not polite.
> You try to pace her a little to figure out how fast she's moving.
> Confident that you have it nailed down, you collect yourself and shoot for the middle when you expect her to be there.
> Except that she never came back towards the middle. You try to shoot again and feel a little worked up.
> Close your eyes and relax. Breathe. Collect.
> You open them again, and fire one off without a second thought.
> It travels much faster than your previous, and manages to hit her square in the chest.
> She smiles, then starts to move away from you. "Time for a chase!"
>_
-
>Observe her motions, look for a pattern if any are to be found.
>Try to send out another fast shot at her, once we we feel reasonably confident.
-
>Observe her motions, look for a pattern if any are to be found.
>Try to send out another fast shot at her, once we we feel reasonably confident.
> Right now she's just moving straight back, nothing weird about it.
> You try a fast shot, but it dies before it reaches her.
> "You have to run after me!" she calls out and stops, probably to wait for you to start chasing.
>_
-
>Are we on foot to do this?
>If so, dash after her. Try to ready a shot on the run.
-
>Are we on foot to do this?
>If so, dash after her. Try to ready a shot on the run.
> That appears to be the case
> You take off after Patchouli, who seems to be moving back as straight as possible. You hold out your arm and try to collect yourself, but with the running it's hard to only focus on your breathing.
> "Your breathing will come naturally, just shoot!"
> You leave the breathing to your body and chase after Patchouli some more. Slowly, you can feel the warmth pool in your arms. You aim and shoot!
> You graze her arm. It's technically a hit, but you're off by a fair amount.
> Patchouli zooms back over to you. "I'm going to count that as a hit. Still, 5 for 5. It may have been easy, but you're pretty decent for someone brand new."
> She heads on back to the sedan. "We need to pick up those books, right?"
>_
-
>Climb back on.
>"Yes, if that's okay?"
-
>Climb back on.
>"Yes, if that's okay?"
> Maybe that flight thing is pretty cool, because Patchouli just glides right over to the sedan and drops herself on board. Parsee stirs awake at the jolt and rubs her eyes.
> You arrive shortly after. Parsee gives a great yawn and leans onto Patchouli again, who has returned to her original spot.
> "Of course, Koa should be done by now." The sedan takes off for the Copy area. Upon arrival, a devil hands the original volumes back to Patchouli, and two volumes bound in paper to you. "Those are for the tengu, she doesn't have to return those." She turns to the devil, "Thank you Koa." The devil nods and the sedan flies off.
> Parsee yawns again. "So, how'd it go?"
>_
-
>"Well I had Patchouli order me to shoot her. I think I did alright, but I don't think the last one counted. But overall, it went quite well."
-
>"Well I had Patchouli order me to shoot her. I think I did alright, but I don't think the last one counted. But overall, it went quite well."
> "WHAT!?"
> Parsee bounds across the sedan to your cushion.
> "You can shoot now!? Wow, that's amazing! Showmeshowmeshowme!"
>_
-
>"Well, okay."
>Send another one toward the ceiling.
-
>"Well, okay."
>Send another one toward the ceiling.
> You agree collect yourself before shooting up. Hey, you're getting pretty good at this now!
> Parsee watches the shot in awe. "And you just learned that with Patchy? Woahhhh, you're gonna be so good!"
> "We'll be arriving at the platform soon. I hate to cut our time short, but I have other matters to attend to. Do you have any last-minute questions?"
>_
-
>"A couple."
>"First, would be okay for Momiji to visit the library? I think she's going to have a lot of need for it, given the reading list. If not visit herself, leave requests with the gate guard and come collect them later?"
>"And, I guess, since I'm here, can I see some of the other parts of the mansion?"
-
>"A couple."
>"First, would be okay for Momiji to visit the library? I think she's going to have a lot of need for it, given the reading list. If not visit herself, leave requests with the gate guard and come collect them later?"
>"And, I guess, since I'm here, can I see some of the other parts of the mansion?"
> She nods. "Ask away."
> "A meeting can be arranged, we'll have to see how she treats the books and the purpose she is using them for. Until that time I can arrange for Koa to pull the volumes she desires and store them with Meiling. Is that acceptable?"
> "I only have control over the library, but I can grant you permission to try and meet with Sakuya. She should not be hard to find, as she's the only non-fairy maid. She may be able to show you around the mansion. If you can't find her, follow the screaming."
> The sedan pulls up parallel to the platform. "Oh yes, and if you'd like to meet with Remilia, then only Sakuya can grant that permission, unless Remilia herself chooses to meet with you. Don't forget these."
> You obtain: Books for Momiji
> "Do you have everything?"
>_
-
>Check to see if we have everything.
>If so, "I think I do."
-
>Check to see if we have everything.
>If so, "I think I do."
> You put the books in your bag, it's quite convenient. You don't seem to be missing anything.
> "You have been a wonderful guest, you may return if you so desire at any time."
> Parsee hops up and gives you a hug. It's actually kind of nice when she's not trying to squeeze the life out of you.
> "Thanks for taking me over here." Well, at least the muffled voice is familiar. She releases you and returns to curling up on Patchouli's lap.
> "Take care!" Patchouli waves as the sedan pulls away from the platform.
> A devil opens the door leading back into the mansion for you and you pass through it.
> You are in an undecorated hallway painted a deep red. Before you is the 2nd-level foyer with 2 grand staircases reaching the first floor, with the mansion continuing beyond.
>_
-
>Enter the foyer, have a look around.
>Listen for the screaming.
-
>Enter the foyer, have a look around.
>Listen for the screaming.
> You walk forward to the landing. Aside from a large vase atop a marble stand, it's spartan. The walls are painted in the now-familiar-but-still-noxious dark red with the floor a darker red. It's not quite as aesthetically pleasing as you expected a mansion would look.
> You look around and see no one else on this floor. A peek over the balcony reveals two fairies in maid outfits flying around carrying rags. There doesn't appear to be any screaming.
> "THIS IS NOT HOW YOU MOP A FLOOR!"
> Well, there is now. Sounds like it came from the opposite wing on the ground floor. What a piercing voice though.
>_
-
>Very critically consider the wisdom of this plan.
>Decide if running is the better part of valor, following that voice is the better part of wisdom.
-
>Very critically consider the wisdom of this plan.
>Decide if running is the better part of valor, following that voice is the better part of wisdom.
> You weigh your options. Aside from heading towards the voice, what else can you do?
> Patchouli didn't exactly warn you about Sakuya. If you don't follow the voice you could either leave the mansion or wander aimlessly, which may put you face to face with someone else.
> "NO, STOP MOPPING!"
>_
-
>Wandering aimlessly will almost certainly get that voice pointed at us.
>Follow it. But don't intrude if we find it.
-
>Wandering aimlessly will almost certainly get that voice pointed at us.
>Follow it. But don't intrude if we find it.
> Or in kissing distance of a vampire.
> You walk down the the stairs, seeing more fairies dart about carrying more rags, and one with a mop.
> "GIMME THAT MOP!"
> The mop-laden fairy turns around and flits back down the hallway.
> "NOW GET OUT!"
> The fairy flies back through the foyer to join the others.
> You head towards the back of the foyer and turn down the hallway. A girl much taller than the fairies with silver hair in a blue maid outfit disappears into a room carrying a mop. Before you can even suspect that it might be Sakuya, she emerges, leaving the mop by the door. Well that's odd.
> You don't think she's seen you yet.
>_
-
>Well, damned if we do, damned if we don't.
>"Um, pardon me?"
-
>Well, damned if we do, damned if we don't.
>"Um, pardon me?"
> Hopefully she's nice!
> She turns your way looking...not at all upset. How strange.
> "Greetings. I assume you came in through Patchouli. How can I help you?"
>_
-
>"That's right, I was hoping to have a look around, without causing any difficulties."
-
>"That's right, I was hoping to have a look around, without causing any difficulties."
> "It's a possibility, but it depends. Can I get your name please? It's only polite."
>_
-
>"Certainly. I am Toshiro."
>Well, this seems nice. Maybe she just really doesn't like faeries?
>Think back to the lake scene
>What kind of jerk hates faeries?!
-
>"Certainly. I am Toshiro."
>Well, this seems nice. Maybe she just really doesn't like faeries?
>Think back to the lake scene
>What kind of jerk hates faeries?!
> She returns with a very elegant curtsy, it's textbook-perfect. "I am Sakuya Izayoi, head maid. Pleased to meet you."
> Yeah, she doesn't seem at all like someone who would yell at fairies.
> Then again, there was that one fairy that kept shooting the others, and none of them seemed to actually be doing anything down there.
> Maybe they're just terrible at cleaning?
> Still, if cleanliness is her forte, what didn't she even mop that room? She was only in there for a second.
>_
-
>"Likewise."
>Look real hard for signs she's faking it.
-
>"Likewise."
>Look real hard for signs she's faking it.
> "So, what brought you out here to the house? You deliver, don't you? Was it a delivery for Patchouli?"
> Faking what exactly? You would think she was overly sweet, almost fake, were she not a maid. Aren't they always supposed to act like this?
>_
-
>"In a sense. Parsee wanted to visit the library and asked me to escort her. But since I'm here, it seems like a waste not to look around and things."
-
>"In a sense. Parsee wanted to visit the library and asked me to escort her. But since I'm here, it seems like a waste not to look around and things."
> Sakuya's smile fades. "The troll's here?"
>_
-
>Nod. "She's with Patchouli right now. They seem...ah...really close."
-
>Nod. "She's with Patchouli right now. They seem...ah...really close."
> "Yeah, Remi and I still have no idea what's up with that. I guess she's nice, but the way she clings to Patchouli, ugh."
> She clears her throat. "Sorry, that's not something for a lady to discuss," the oddly sweet smile having returned to her face. "So, you wanted to see around? Would you like to see anything in particular?"
>_
-
>Mutter: "Better Patchouli than me..."
>"Well, I don't know what there is to see around here, really."
-
>Mutter: "Better Patchouli than me..."
>"Well, I don't know what there is to see around here, really."
> You don't think she heard you muttering, probably for the best.
> "I suppose I have enough time to give you a quick look around. Hopefully the fairies will actually finish their chores in the meantime."
> "Anyway..." Her face falls and she points at the ribbon tied around your arm. "First, where did you get that?"
>_
-
>"Oh! I got it from Mokou earlier. She kind of had a bad run-in...I helped out."
-
>"Oh! I got it from Mokou earlier. She kind of had a bad run-in...I helped out."
> She must be talking Mokou's ribbon.
> "Mokou...mokou.....hm..." she turns the name over in her head.
> While she does that, you consider what Mokou had said earlier. If this ribbon resists fire, is it just the ribbon itself or does it apply to your shirt or your arm? You resolve to experiment to find out.
> Sakuya snaps her fingers. "Oh, you mean Fire-bitch? Wears red pants and lives in the Bamboo? So she tangled with the Psycho earlier huh, how'd you help out?"
>_
-
>Try not to frown at that.
>"I helped her a little in the fight; she dropped her knife, and looked after her wounds while they were still wounds."
-
>Try not to frown at that.
>"I helped her a little in the fight; she dropped her knife, and looked after her wounds while they were still wounds."
> You avoid frowning, which Sakuya makes up for at your explanation.
> "Knife problems? How disappointing, thought it would have been something more interesting."
> She sighs. "Troll's here, fairies still can't clean, you're here with stories and I'm assuming questions, yeah? I have a feeling it's just going to be one of those days."
> She pulls out an ornate-looking silver pocketwatch. "It's not even noon yet.....did you really want a tour or did you just want to talk? Honestly, I'd rather not drag you around the house if it's not your top priority."
> Some maid she is...
>_
-
>"Well, if you're busy, I suppose I can set it aside."
-
>"Well, if you're busy, I suppose I can set it aside."
> "No, you've got a knife story, that means beer time. C'mon."
> She turns and walks towards a door on the left, which swing when she pushes through it.
>_
-
>Not again...
>Follow, regardless. Maybe she won't be so insistent as the oni...
-
>Not again...
>Follow, regardless. Maybe she won't be so insistent as the oni...
> Maids aren't exactly known for their assertiveness, right?
> You follow through the swinging door and find yourself in a great kitchen. Pots and pans of every material hang from hooks while several fairies scrub a large stove.
> Sakuya reaches inside a large metal box and pulls out two bottles.
> "Gensokyo's finest huh? It's the only beer we have out here, and that's what they call it? The nerve, but still better than whatever nastiness the oni pass off as liquor. Want one? I know it's a little early though."
> She holds the brown bottle out towards you.
>_
-
>"Just one, the oni already did a number on me..."
-
>"Just one, the oni already did a number on me..."
> She chokes on her laughter. "Glad I hadn't opened this yet; you had to drink with the oni!? Damn, surprised you're still walking around. How'd you end up Underground anyway? You gotta have some good stories."
> She tosses a bottle your way, cracking her bottle open against the counter. Not much notice, but you manage to catch it.
> "Nice catch." She takes a swig and makes her way to a small table against the wall. "C'mon, be nice to sit," waving you over.
>_
-
>Have a seat.
>"Well, they have some sort of hangover cure, and it's kind of like having a whole case of the flu compacted into five minutes. Anyways, I was down there due to having a delivery to make to Satori. Then her psychotic sister nearly killed me..."
-
>Have a seat.
>"Well, they have some sort of hangover cure, and it's kind of like having a whole case of the flu compacted into five minutes. Anyways, I was down there due to having a delivery to make to Satori. Then her psychotic sister nearly killed me..."
> "Wait wait!" She snatches your bottle, cracks it open against the table and places it in front of you.
> "This is your first day doing this, isn't it?" She says this with a grin that, while not sweet like earlier, seems to be more natural for her.
>_
-
>Nod. "Yeah. It's been fun, though, when I'm not terrified for my life or have Parsee clinging to me like some kind of leech. Met some really great people."
-
>Nod. "Yeah. It's been fun, though, when I'm not terrified for my life or have Parsee clinging to me like some kind of leech. Met some really great people."
> She takes a swig from her bottle, motioning you to do the same.
> You comply. You've had this beer before, the brewery is in the Human Village. It's bitter and rather hoppy, you're not terribly fond of it, but it's the only beer in Gensokyo.
> "OK so, I'm curious about this whole knife thing, but we'll get to that. Troll clings to you as well? Can't say that I'm terribly surprised to hear that, she's a weird one. I'm guessing you ran into some more youkai then? They really aren't that bad. The villagers like to make a big deal about them, but they've got protection with Reimu and Marisa, not like any youkai are going to attack the village. It's all a big overreaction. Who you met today?"
>_
-
> "Shall I tell the knife story first, or would you prefer to hear about my various encounters first?"
-
> "Shall I tell the knife story first, or would you prefer to hear about my various encounters first?"
> "Knife story can wait, you don't want to get me started on knives!"
> She slams her fist into the table for empha-oh god she stabbed the table what the hell!?
>_
-
>"All Kinds of people. My first job took me up to Youkai Mountain, and I met Chen on the way. Then there was this nice engineer named Nitori. Then I got up the mountain and met Momiji, we had a conflict a first, then a really good argument. Went to the shrine, met the shrine maiden there. Made a wish at the pond and saw Suwako. Then...um...I think I went to the bamboo forest next. Oh! I saw a fox-youkai named Ran at the village, learned she was Chen's guardian or something. Very nice person. She had me make a delivery to that mansion in the bamboo forest, and...wait, let me remember it right..."
-
>"All Kinds of people. My first job took me up to Youkai Mountain, and I met Chen on the way. Then there was this nice engineer named Nitori. Then I got up the mountain and met Momiji, we had a conflict a first, then a really good argument. Went to the shrine, met the shrine maiden there. Made a wish at the pond and saw Suwako. Then...um...I think I went to the bamboo forest next. Oh! I saw a fox-youkai named Ran at the village, learned she was Chen's guardian or something. Very nice person. She had me make a delivery to that mansion in the bamboo forest, and...wait, let me remember it right..."
> You steel your courage and ignore the...knife?
> Huh, where'd it go? In your confusion you find difficulty telling your story.
> Sakuya waves her hand, drinking still. "Take your time baby."
> Some maid
>_
-
>We've seen someone burned alive today. And nearly got killed. We're way too traumatized to worry about a knife in the table.
>"Yeah, I think it's the bamboo forest. Mokou led me through there, and I meet a nice rabbit youkai at the mansion. Then the princess. Afterward things got bad between her and Mokou. Afterward, um...
>Was it straight on to the underground from Mokou's?
-
>We've seen someone burned alive today. And nearly got killed. We're way too traumatized to worry about a knife in the table.
>"Yeah, I think it's the bamboo forest. Mokou led me through there, and I meet a nice rabbit youkai at the mansion. Then the princess. Afterward things got bad between her and Mokou. Afterward, um...
>Was it straight on to the underground from Mokou's?
> It was, you went through the countryside were you ran into Aya again and then you made it to the Underground.
> "I'm going to guess that you gave your knife to Fire-bitch and she did the Psycho with it, that about right?"
>_
-
>"Yeah..."
>Let's not dwell on that again.
>"After that, I headed toward the Underground and met Aya. For the second time, actually. She showed up briefly when I was with Momiji. I went down, met Yamame and Kisume on the way, and they were terribly confusing to talk with. Briefly met Parsee, then had that encounter with the Devas. Managed to escape that, and got to Satori's mansion. Met everyone there, including Koishi who tried to kill me... After than, I came here. Oh! I met some guy who was watching worms. Seemed obsessed with them"
-
>"Yeah..."
>Let's not dwell on that again.
>"After that, I headed toward the Underground and met Aya. For the second time, actually. She showed up briefly when I was with Momiji. I went down, met Yamame and Kisume on the way, and they were terribly confusing to talk with. Briefly met Parsee, then had that encounter with the Devas. Managed to escape that, and got to Satori's mansion. Met everyone there, including Koishi who tried to kill me... After than, I came here. Oh! I met some guy who was watching worms. Seemed obsessed with them"
> "Oh, we'll get back to that in a bit, but first-"
> She leans over and clinks your unsuspecting bottle. "Congrats on not dying down there. From the Devas to Koishi? Sounds like you just got shit on, least you avoided Utsuho it sounds like."
> "Worms? Had a big green cape? Yeah, that's Wriggle, we just ignore her. Try to figure out what she's doing and she'll just blather on and on about the importance of bugs. Whatever."
> She downs the last of her beer. "And now the day's looking a little better."
>_
-
>Her? Well then.
>"I did meet Utsuho briefly. She wasn't that bad. But she was pretty horrible to Orin."
-
>Her? Well then.
>"I did meet Utsuho briefly. She wasn't that bad. But she was pretty horrible to Orin."
> You blame the short pants.
> "So hang on, hang on! Devas, Koishi and then Utsuho? It really sounds like Suwako decided to shit on you today, fuck. I heard from Marisa that Utsuho and Koishi are both really strong, and incredible pains in the ass. How'd you get out anyway? And you gonna finish that?" She gestures towards your beer.
>_
-
>"It's yours. The Devas kind of made me want to take a vow of temperance..."
>Slide it over.
>"Well, Utsuho was nothing but nice to me. She probably felt bad after the whole Koishi thing. Really, the Devas were too. Just...a bit too much in certain ways."
-
>"It's yours. The Devas kind of made me want to take a vow of temperance..."
>Slide it over.
>"Well, Utsuho was nothing but nice to me. She probably felt bad after the whole Koishi thing. Really, the Devas were too. Just...a bit too much in certain ways."
> "Call yourself a man? Suit yourself though." She catches yours and sets to work.
> "Nice? Huh, Marisa mentioned that she flew off the handle soon as she showed up. I should get out more, been cooped up in here for too damn long. Sounds like it hasn't changed too much though, be nice to remind people that I'm still around."
> "Anyways," she sets the bottle down and sticks out her hand, "gimme!"
>_
-
>"The knife?"
>Assuming she says so, let her have it.
-
>"The knife?"
>Assuming she says so, let her have it.
> Sakuya nods, and you pass her your knife.
> Before checking it, she roots around under her apron.
> "Shit, no cigarettes, you have any? Sorry, it's a habit. Knife work means smoke."
> You shake your head.
> "Damn. Ah well, c'mon," hopping of the chair, "We're adjourning this to my room in that case."
>_
-
>Follow.
-
>Follow.
> You follow Sakuya to a door at the back of the kitchen and into the same hallway as earlier. Sakuya starts down the hallway to the end of the house, with you right behind.
> You pass a few more nondescript doors before stopping next to alcove with a stairway hidden inside. Sakuya pulls a key and unlocks a door next to the alcove and opens the door, you following inside.
> It seems fairly unimpressive given the nature of the mansion. A basic four-poster bed is made of impeccably with the sheets turned down. Aside from the basic dressers and wardrobes, there is only a long workbech, covered in bits of metal. Oh, and knives.
> Knives occupy every flat space aside from the bed. Several in varying states of disrepair are strewn across the workbench and several more hang from the ceiling suspended by wires while even more litter the floor.
> Sakuya removes her apron and headdress and starts to search through a bedside table. "Have a seat," she calls.
>_
-
>Find a place to sit that isn't likely to stab us.
-
>Find a place to sit that isn't likely to stab us.
> There's a single chair in front of the workbench, in addition to the bed being knife-free.
> Sakuya produces a cigarette from a drawer, which she lights with little delay.
>_
-
>Take the workbench chair.
-
>Take the workbench chair.
> You gingerly step over to the the chair and have a seat. Sakuya appears beside you, holding your knife.
> "Surprised you didn't go straight for the bed. Good man. I don't like that chair anyway."
> She drops your knife on the table. "Alright, give me the story behind it. You don't seem to fond of it right now."
>_
-
>"Mokou used it to kill the Princess. And honestly, I'm kind of not happy having it around anymore. I'd pitch it out, but with my luck I'd end up littering some angry youkai's home."
-
> "It probably sounds silly to you, and I know it likely sounds cowardly, but after seeing that Mokou used it to kill another person... I just get a creepy vibe from the knife, along with knowing that I helped kill someone..."
> "If I'm not being to rude, may I ask why their are so many knives here, and why knife stories call for a beer?"
-
>"Mokou used it to kill the Princess. And honestly, I'm kind of not happy having it around anymore. I'd pitch it out, but with my luck I'd end up littering some angry youkai's home."
> While you explain what happened with Mokou, she examines your knife.
> "Hmm, it has a nice feel to it, some decent heft. Seems like you take pretty good care of it. It opens very smooth, that's a well-oiled hinge, the lock catches nicely and the blade is nice and sharp. I like the black blade design, sets it off real good and shows the sharpness better and I like the smooth blade, never been a fan of serrated blades. What's this handle made from, ash? I really like the wooden handle. It's a great-lookin' knife, I'm not sure what the issue is here. Want to explain it to me baby?"
> As she looks it over, smoke starts to settle around her. Standing over all the knives at the workbench, especially with that cigarette, makes her seem much more grizzled than she should be.
> "It probably sounds silly to you, and I know it likely sounds cowardly, but after seeing that Mokou used it to kill another person... I just get a creepy vibe from the knife, along with knowing that I helped kill someone..."
> "If I'm not being to rude, may I ask why their are so many knives here, and why knife stories call for a beer?"
> She sets the knife down. "Well of course knives kill people baby, that's what they're supposed to do. First thing they're good for is cutting, but a knife has been used for killing for years, same as a sword or what-have-you. Getting worked up because it killed someone is like being mad that a coat kept you warm. Besides, Psycho isn't dead, and neither is Fire-bitch, neither of them are ever leaving."
> "Knives are my specialty, I've been making blades since I was little, and I just love working with them. A knife is art just like any painting is art. Personally, I also think watches are art, but a knife takes a special craftsman to make a quality blade that'll stand the test of time, and that's what I do here baby. I use them against youkai as well, a silver blade is just as effective as a bullet, even if it takes more of them."
> "Nah, days like this will become call for beer, two people meeting calls for stories, but knife work calls for a cigarette because I've just done it that way for so long. It's just a habit right now. Damn, forgot to offer you one! Want a smoke baby?"
>_
-
> Do we smoke?
> If Yes "Thank you."
> If No "No thank you."
> "I guess your right... I gotta get over it though. If anything, never having seen lethal combat before, then being chased by that princess screaming insanely, it does not help. But you are right." resolve to stop worrying about the knife. We brought it with us in case a kill or be kill situation came up, and one did.
> "You could say the issue was cowardice on top of never seen lethal combat. Certainly you can remember some of the first times you were in a fight to the death? Although I'm getting over it."
> "Keeping it in good condition was a safety procaution at first, just in case I got in a fight and needed it to survive."
-
> "I guess your right... I gotta get over it though. If anything, never having seen lethal combat before, then being chased by that princess screaming insanely, it does not help. But you are right." resolve to stop worrying about the knife. We brought it with us in case a kill or be kill situation came up, and one did.
> "You could say the issue was cowardice on top of never seen lethal combat. Certainly you can remember some of the first times you were in a fight to the death? Although I'm getting over it."
> "Keeping it in good condition was a safety procaution at first, just in case I got in a fight and needed it to survive."
>What no. We are not this spineless.
>"You can say like that, but I don't agree. A knife's job isn't to kill people, it's to help out by cutting things that need to be cut. Killing people with it is misusing it, just like strangling someone with a coat is. And, maybe they get better? But the intention was still there, and so was the action. But, I think we can both believe as we like on this issue. I really don't want to argue it again."
-
> Do we smoke?
> If Yes "Thank you."
> If No "No thank you."
> "I guess your right... I gotta get over it though. If anything, never having seen lethal combat before, then being chased by that princess screaming insanely, it does not help. But you are right." resolve to stop worrying about the knife. We brought it with us in case a kill or be kill situation came up, and one did.
> "You could say the issue was cowardice on top of never seen lethal combat. Certainly you can remember some of the first times you were in a fight to the death? Although I'm getting over it."
> "Keeping it in good condition was a safety procaution at first, just in case I got in a fight and needed it to survive."
> You don't smoke, it's mostly the older men in the village that smoke, so you decline.
> "Good man, don't ever start, just not worth it." Guess what's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander.
> You attempt to explain yourself to Sakuya, but she stops you early with a laugh.
> "Aww, you're just adorable! Does your mommy know you're out here? Do you have you be home before sundown for supper?" She slaps your shoulder, "Man up."
>What no. We are not this spineless.
>"You can say like that, but I don't agree. A knife's job isn't to kill people, it's to help out by cutting things that need to be cut. Killing people with it is misusing it, just like strangling someone with a coat is. And, maybe they get better? But the intention was still there, and so was the action. But, I think we can both believe as we like on this issue. I really don't want to argue it again."
> Who the hell does this girl think she is!?
> Sakuya sighs. "There's a lot of things I'd like to say to you about this, especially because I consider myself to still be a hunter, but I'm sure you've talked about this at length with the youkai and they insisted w-w-w-whatever the hell they insist. As a human though, I still maintain that a knife's true purpose is for killing, and that it always has been. They worked that way across the border and I'm sure they work the same way here baby."
> The smoke continues to settle around her. As hard as she may make herself out to be, it's very difficult to be threatening in lacy sleeves.
> She spins your knife. "So now, we have this knife that you hate, what do you want to do with this? And before you suggest it I'm not just going to "take it" because that would be an insult to the maker and baby please, I am not dealing with that shit."
>_
-
>"Actually, I was going to suggest trading it for a clean one. I figure if anybody could made a fair exchange, it would be you."
-
>"Actually, I was going to suggest trading it for a clean one. I figure if anybody could made a fair exchange, it would be you."
> "Naturally, you've come to the right place baby. I'm usually not fond of locking blades, but you've got a rather nice one here, and I'm very fond of this handle."
> She sets the blade down and faces you. "So then, just a normal old knife or what?"
>_
-
>"Normal is fine, unless you have something else in mind. You know what I want from it."
-
>"Normal is fine, unless you have something else in mind. You know what I want from it."
> "No, I actually don't what you're looking for; I'm not exactly sure what your issue is with the current knife. Are you against carrying a knife at all or are you just not comfortable with how it was used or is there something else?"
>_
-
>"Just really not comfortable with it after how it was used."
-
>"Just really not comfortable with it after how it was used."
> She stamps out the little remaining of her cigarette on the corner of the workbench and sits down, facing you.
> "But if you got another knife and it was used in a similar fashion then you'd get all sick and girly about it and ditch right? So then, are you looking for a knife to be a knife or are you looking to defend yourself? Whatever you're trying to do here I can probably get it done."
>_
-
>"I'm looking for one I can use as a tool, and to eat with."
-
>"I'm looking for one I can use as a tool, and to eat with."
> "Sounds like a boring old knife. Nothing for defense?"
>_
-
>"I have no intention of stabbing people. Especially since Patchouli has been showing me the basics of how to make danmaku."
-
>"I have no intention of stabbing people. Especially since Patchouli has been showing me the basics of how to make danmaku."
> "Really, a human using danmaku? Interesting, gonna be a miko or something? I never bothered to learn, I just adapted my knives to the rules of danmaku."
> "Well, if you insist on a normal knife, I only have a few. Would you be fine with a bowie?"
>_
-
>"Probably not, but I figured it would be a useful thing to have. And yes, a knife would be fine."
>_
-
>"Probably not, but I figured it would be a useful thing to have. And yes, a knife would be fine."
> "You're so boring, where's your sense of adventure? Ah well."
> She hops off the bench and begins rummaging through the drawers. "I don't want a knife because I might hurt someone, myeh myeh myeh," she mumbles in a mocking tone of voice.
> After rooting the 4th drawer she produces a rather sizable knife: a glittering blade sharpened on both sides with a rather elegant grip wrapped in black leather.
> She holds it out towards you with a grin. "Tell you what baby, this right here is a good knife! Won't find one better than this, I know cause I made it myself!"
>_
-
>"Ive had a good deal of adventure today without stabbing anyone, I think I'll be fine in there."
>Take knife, examine it.
-
>"Ive had a good deal of adventure today without stabbing anyone, I think I'll be fine in there."
>Take knife, examine it.
> Sakuya hands you the knife. "Careful, not a bowie but it's still a knife for men."
> You ignore her comment and take the knife, noting its substantial heft immediately. Your previous knife had a 7 cm blade with about a 10 cm handle while this knife seems to be easily over 30 cm. The blade shines like no other steel blade you've ever, with the glint continuing to the thin guard and orb on the butt of the handle. The ornateness of the knife makes it seem more appropriate for ceremony than, well, anything at all.
> "Gorgeous, isn't it? Every knife I make is, even the normal ones. Most of those are old though, now I just make these," she waves her hand in a broad fashion, "I call them Gensokyo blades, since they're all I ever need around here."
>_
-
>"Wow, this would fuck up a rope in a hurry. Not much for eating, though."
>Consider storage!
-
>"Wow, this would fuck up a rope in a hurry. Not much for eating, though."
>Consider storage!
> She howls with laughter and claps her hands. "You're GODDAMN right it would! Now you're getting it! It's not a table knife, but it'll fillet like you couldn't believe, fabulous control! Check this out."
> She takes the knife from you and begins...some kind of knife game? With her hand opened on the table, she stabs the point of the blade between her fingers very quickly. "Look, perfect control, and not a hint of wobble. Just marvelous."
> You could keep the old knife in your pocket, but this one is far too big. Maybe hang it from you belt if you cou-
> "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
>_
-
> Is someone screaming? Are we screaming? Check out that scream.
-
>Jump!
>Check her hand for blood.
-
> Is someone screaming? Are we screaming? Check out that scream.
> No, you're just standing right now. It's definitely coming from Sakuya.
> "FUCK! F....FUCK!"
>Jump!
>Check her hand for blood.
> And now you're jumping! She's quite loud.
> "Fucking.....ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"
> You utilize her decreased volume to examine her hand. The knife is buried into her hand, skewering it to the table. You don't see any blood though, maybe the knife's stopping it.
> She grunts, biting her lip lip hard enough to turn it white.
>_
-
>"Oh hell!"
>Try to remember what we learned about this kind of thing from treating Mokou.
>"Is there are doctor here?! Please tell me there's a doctor here!"
>_
-
>"Oh hell!"
>Try to remember what we learned about this kind of thing from treating Mokou.
>"Is there are doctor here?! Please tell me there's a doctor here!"
> You consider giving Suwako a piece of your mind later.
> First things first though, didn't Mokou have the knife pulled out before you wrapped it? That seemed to work, but she was immortal.
> Sakuya shakes her head. "No, fairies are too incompetent," through clenched teeth.
>_
-
>Look around for something to use as a bandage.
>Consider pillowcases.
>"The knife has to come out first, just...do you know much about dressing wounds? Please say yes!"
>Ponder if it's better to try to cut off the blood flow first, then pull it.
-
>Look around for something to use as a bandage.
>Consider pillowcases.
>"The knife has to come out first, just...do you know much about dressing wounds? Please say yes!"
>Ponder if it's better to try to cut off the blood flow first, then pull it.
> You look around the room. Sakuya's apron sits on the bed.
> It's possible, but you're not sure how difficult it would be to clean.
> "Out? OK," and she rips the knife out and cries out.
> Sakuya grimaces and clutches her hand to her chest.
> You glance at the table and see no blood stain.
>_
-
>"Wait, why are you bleeding?"
-
>"Wait, why are you bleeding?"
> "I-I...I don't, pft, not sure..."
> Her face is shaking like she's holding something back.
>_
-
>"We'll worry about that later! Hold still, I'll bandage your hand."
>Take the apron, and do so.
>"Do you think Patchouli could help with this?"
-
>"We'll worry about that later! Hold still, I'll bandage your hand."
>Take the apron, and do so.
>"Do you think Patchouli could help with this?"
> You dash across the room and grab her apron. When you get back Sakuya makes a noise like she's about to pop.
> You grab for her hand, at which time she bursts out laughing, yet again, and lets the knife clatter to the floor. Hysterics do some crazy things to people!
> You wrest her hand towards you, ready to wrap it in the apron, when you notice the lack of blood, or anything really. Her hands aren't even scratched.
> Meanwhile, Sakuya is doubled over in laughter, most likely at your expense.
>_
-
>Frown. piece things together.
>"You know. Maybe I should try knifing people just once. See if it's for me. Hold still?"
>No actions to back that up, of course.
-
>Frown. piece things together.
>"You know. Maybe I should try knifing people just once. See if it's for me. Hold still?"
>No actions to back that up, of course.
> So far, this seems to be a very unfriendly house. Silly you for expecting some class.
> Sakuya wipes the tears from her eyes and speaks through her laughter. "Yeah, go nuts. Gensokyo blades don't cut flesh!" Her laughter continues as she slides the blade towards you with her foot.
> How can a knife not cut flesh?
>_
-
>"What?"
>Examine the bowie knife. Tap the edge.
-
>"What?"
>Examine the bowie knife. Tap the edge.
> Shocked, you retrieve the knife. It looks the exact same as it did earlier.
> Gingerly, you tap your finger against the edge. It burns a little, but it doesn't feel sharp. It reminds you a little of getting hit by one of Koishi's shots.
> Sakuya stands up and recomposes herself. "Remember when I said I didn't use danmaku? This is my replacement."
>_
-
>"Huh."
>Ponder for a moment.
>"Does it work on meat?"
>Idly drag the blade across our palm.
-
>"Huh."
>Ponder for a moment.
>"Does it work on meat?"
>Idly drag the blade across our palm.
> "No, these blades are solely offensive weapons. They cut meat, but it'd probably be pretty messy, since you're essentially shooting it with danmaku. It might cut through other things, like rope, but I carry around real knives for that."
> While she talks, you play with the knife more. The edge hurts, more of a burning still, and you're only lightly touching it, but it still doesn't feel sharp. Maybe it doesn't cut after all?
> "Oh? Now you seem interested in the knife."
>_
-
>"Well, it's different. Interesting..."
-
> We could probably use this knife for defense, we should get another knife for eating and cutting though.
-
>"Well, it's different. Interesting..."
> "Isn't it though? Humans have a bitch of a time learning danmaku, and my magical aptitude lies elsewhere, so it wound up easier to enchant the blades than to learn shots. Instead of shooting, I throw knives. It isn't as effective as a proper shot, but it works well enough for me."
> We could probably use this knife for defense, we should get another knife for eating and cutting though.
> You could, but there are knives at home for eating with. You could probably getting one for cutting things, but you may not actually need it.
> "So, still want that normal knife?"
>_
-
> "Humans have a hard time learning Danmaku?" Didn't we learn it quite easily?
-
> "Humans have a hard time learning Danmaku?" Didn't we learn it quite easily?
> "In general the ability comes to youkai with great ease and to most humans with great difficulty, but some people pick up on it easier. I think Patchouli mentioned something about those with high magic potential being more proficient at it or something. I couldn't really pick up on it, but I think that's because I originally came from the outside world, so my magic abilities got tied up in outside magic."
> You picked up on the aspect of shooting pretty quick, but you've heard from others that you have high potential. Plus, you're originally from Gensokyo, so maybe it's easier for humans from Gensokyo than those from outside?
>_
-
>"That sounds like a good reason for it. Anyways, I'll take it."
-
>"That sounds like a good reason for it. Anyways, I'll take it."
> "Not this one though." She puts the knife back in the drawer.
> "First, a question. Would you be using this for throwing or for slashing? Slashing would probably be better suited for you."
>_
-
> "I have Danmaku for range, so I guess slashing"
-
> "I have Danmaku for range, so I guess slashing"
> "No offense, but throwing would be pretty pointless for you baby."
> "Unfortunately all of my knives are for throwing, so I'll have to make you myself. I'll take your previous knife as payment, and you can do me a favor as payment for the rest. Sound fair?"
>_
-
>"So far. What's the favor?"
-
>"So far. What's the favor?"
> "Not sure yet. First I'll take you up to see Remi, she gets dibs on the request front. If she doesn't have anything then I'll think of something. You deliver things, so something along those lines."
> "So, any particular way you want this knife to look?"
>_
-
> A MANLY knife, this knife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LHR_Combat_Knife2.jpg).
-
>"Something people aren't going to look at me funny for having with my."
-
> A MANLY knife, this knife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LHR_Combat_Knife2.jpg).
>"Something people aren't going to look at me funny for having with my."
> You tell Sakuya what you'd like, and in short order she hands you a knife in a leather sheath. You draw the knife and examine it.
> The blade glimmers just like the other knife, but you suspect this one to be only about 24 cm long. The grips are wooden, and drilled right into the tang. Gripping it in your hand, the balance and weight feel perfect.
> Sakuya smirks. "It's great, no?"
>_
-
>"Seems pretty good."
-
> "Balence and weight feel perfect, the blade looks great and the grips are nice and solid as well."
> Let out an impressed whistle.
-
>"Seems pretty good."
> "Balence and weight feel perfect, the blade looks great and the grips are nice and solid as well."
> Let out an impressed whistle.
> You heap praise on the knife, which Sakuya merely waves off.
> "Do it as long as I have baby and it's a big deal to not make something perfect. Silver really sets it off, it's the only proper blade."
> Sakuya stands up and starts to tie her apron. "About time to go see Remi, will you take tea with her?"
>_
-
> Do we want to take tea with a vampire?
-
> Do we want to take tea with a vampire?
> You did just have tea with Patchouli, and that was excellent tea, but you're not sure if you're up for more.
> Then again, it would be tea with a vampire, so perhaps it would be better to accept her hospitality, although it's Sakuya and not a vampire currently offering tea.
> You feel conflicted
>_
-
>We owe Sakuya, go for it.
-
>We owe Sakuya, go for it.
> You tell Sakuya that you'll take tea.
> "Excellent." She puts on her headdress and opens the door. "Just a minute."
> You step into the hall.
> "Ready?" You turn and find Sakuya holding a tea set and wearing her strangely-fake smile again. "Let's go!"
> She heads for the alcove next to her door and ascends the stairs, while you follow behind as usual. Extravagant double doors line the hallway dotted with abstract paintings. Sakuya doubles back and ascends a second staircase.
> The third floor landing has an eerie feeling, deadending about where you'd expect the foyer to be. Amid the continuing blood-red motif, only two doors exist, one on either side of the hallway, while a metal spiral staircase sits by the window at the hallway's end.
> Sakuya approaches on of the doors and knocks lightly.
> "Milady, I've brought your tea, plus a guest."
> Oh how delightful," calls a saccharine voice from within, "We do so love guests. Do come in!"
>_
-
>Do go in!
>Prepare self.
-
>Do go in!
>Prepare self.
> You steel your nerves as Sakuya opens the door and ushers you inside.
> You enter a rather sizable sunroom, or so you assume do to all the windows being covered by heavy curtains. Through the candlelight, you can see several chairs and couches arranged around several tables. A young woman sits in an oversized chair at the back of the room.
> "Welcome," she calls. "Please, come in and join us. Sakuya?"
> "Yes milady."
> "Please escort him over."
> "Right away milady."
> Sakuya walks towards the cluster of seats, the tray elegantly balanced on her hand.
>_
-
> Follow Sakuya.
> Have a seat.
-
> Follow Sakuya.
> Have a seat.
> You follow Sakuya and have a seat next to the young woman, who you are now certain is a vampire. Aside from her short stature and pink dress, a pair of wings that appear to be from an enormous bat sprout from her back.
> Gotta be a vampire.
> "How wonderful that you would join us for tea. I am Remilia Scarlet, mistress of Scarlet Devil. It is not often that we have guests. Tell me, what brought you to Scarlet Devil today?"
> Sakuya steps crouches down and begins to set up a tea serving for two.
>_
-
> "My name is Toshiro. I came to the mansion in an effort to escort Parsee Mizuhashi to the library, however I also ended up having to obtain some books from Patchouli for a friend of mine."
-
> "My name is Toshiro. I came to the mansion in an effort to escort Parsee Mizuhashi to the library, however I also ended up having to obtain some books from Patchouli for a friend of mine."
> "I see. We may not be too fond of the troll, but she seems to make Patchouli happy. We aren't sure why, but we can venture a guess or two as to why. And book delivery? How kind of you."
> Sakuya hands a cup and saucer to Remilia, leaving you to grab your own, before she folds her hands around the tray and steps back.
> "Now then, you are a delivery man, are you not?"
>_
-
> "Yes I am. If you need something delivered I will make absolutely sure it will get to its destination."
-
> "Yes I am. If you need something delivered I will make absolutely sure it will get to its destination."
> "Well, we might be able to think of something, but first we would like to hear your tale. Please, enrapture us with a story about the wilds of Gensokyo!"
> You're not quite sure what she's asking, so instead you drink some tea. You usually avoid black tea, but this is very smooth; it's quite pleasant. Maybe she's not a bad maid after all?
>_
-
>Begin to weave the story once again. We've told it enough times we probably have a standard version by now.
-
>Begin to weave the story once again. We've told it enough times we probably have a standard version by now.
> Indeed you have. This time you decide to focus solely on your visits to Eientei and the Underground. Remilia seems to take exceptional interest in the Underground.
> "It sounds so wonderful, and entire place with no sunlight. Sakuya, have you ever been?"
> "No, I have not milady," comes a voice from behind you.
> "Well, we think that such a place deserves a visit. You would accompany us, would you not?
> "Of course milady."
> "Splendid! It sounds like such a fascinating place."
> She sips her tea and sets the saucer down before her.
> "This is your first visit to Scarlet Devil, is it not? Do you have any questions for us?"
>_
-
>"Well, one. Why is this place so different? It doesn't look like Eientei or the village, or the city below, or anything I've seen. The way it's built is all w-different."
-
>"Well, one. Why is this place so different? It doesn't look like Eientei or the village, or the city below, or anything I've seen. The way it's built is all w-different."
> Nice save
> "As you may have heard, Scarlet Devil was not originally from Gensokyo. We traveled through the barrier several years ago and established ourselves here. That would explain the difference in architecture. As for the abundance of red, well, we just find red to be a very calming color. After all, red is the color of life, don't you agree?"
>_
-
>"I always thought it was green and blue, but I can see your point."
-
>"I always thought it was green and blue, but I can see your point."
> "You could make that argument, and in a classical sense that humans came from the Earth you might be correct, but in a purely medical sense, it's red. Blood drives everything in the body, and so many things exist today because of humans. In that sense, red is almost more of a life color. However, we might also credit that line of thought towards the vampire mind."
> A real vampire...
>_
-
>"Indeed, I can see where you are coming from. Actually, I have another question. What do you do with your time? I can see what your maid, your library, and your guard do with there day pretty easily, but you, not so much. I'm kinda curious what life is like in a big house like this when you're rich."
>_
-
>"Indeed, I can see where you are coming from. Actually, I have another question. What do you do with your time? I can see what your maid, your library, and your guard do with there day pretty easily, but you, not so much. I'm kinda curious what life is like in a big house like this when you're rich."
> "Oh my, we've never had someone this bold visit before. Have we Sakuya?"
> "N-no ma'am, erm, milady."
> You turn around and see a look of shock on Sakuya's face. Eeep, you turn front again.
> "No matter, we can entertain your query. We often sleep most of the day, since avoiding the sun is easier at night. We usually like to take walks, and we tend to our garden in the back."
> "The fairies are quite bad at maintaining flowers," Sakuya adds.
> Remilia nods. "We prefer to care for our own flowers, but not the vegetables. Of course, there's also visiting the library and reading. One good thing about living as long as we have is that the great works never change. Throughout history, the same authors have always been regarded as Greats, new ones may be added but old ones don't fall out of favor. Don't you think so?"
>_
-
>"Wish I read enough to really tell you. Not really had time for it. I bet, though, you must be a great writer, if you've studied so many of the well known authors that closely."
-
>"Wish I read enough to really tell you. Not really had time for it. I bet, though, you must be a great writer, if you've studied so many of the well known authors that closely."
> She chuckles. "Books will never fall out of fashion, you'll have plenty of time for reading as you age so don't worry about not reading enough now. But alas, we don't study what we read, we simply read it. So many worlds out there, and so many stories set in our own world. If we had any ideas for a story, we may write our own, but we really prefer to lose ourselves in worlds that others have created. In a sense, We suppose that's why Gensokyo was so appealing: it was a world different from our own, but at the same time, it was constructed in a way that made it easily recognizable to us. It truly is a wonderful place."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Well, I can't argue with that."
-
>Nod.
>"Well, I can't argue with that."
> "Well, we weren't exactly seeking an argument."
> She picks up her tea and resumes sipping. An odd silence spreads through the room, not a peep from Remilia or Sakuya.
> You follow suit. The tea is good, but you feel unnerved.
>_
-
>Enjoy the tea a bit.
>"So, you spend pretty much all your time around the mansion? Do you leave much?"
-
>Enjoy the tea a bit.
>"So, you spend pretty much all your time around the mansion? Do you leave much?"
> You wonder if all black tea is this good.
> "Sometimes we leave if we're invited somewhere at night. Otherwise, we sometimes go out on cloudy days. We still need a parasol, but it's much easier to get around. We like to drop in and visit the Ghost Princess and the Border Queen, though we recently began visiting the Flower Queen. Oh, she's just divine to dine with!"
> She places her saucer on the table. Sakuya approaches and fills her cup with tea again.
> "So then," Remilia asks, "Seeing as we're both outsiders, what do you think of Gensokyo?"
>_
-
>"It's...well, it's home. You grow up in the village, get used to the daily life there. Lock up at night so a faerie won't get in and mess with your things. Keep peace with the neighbors. But then, you go down the road a little bit, and it's all different. Different people, different ways of doing things, and so on."
-
>"It's...well, it's home. You grow up in the village, get used to the daily life there. Lock up at night so a faerie won't get in and mess with your things. Keep peace with the neighbors. But then, you go down the road a little bit, and it's all different. Different people, different ways of doing things, and so on."
> "Certainly, but you're used to the village. Once you leave though, you're certainly out of your element. Like you said, different beings, different ways, but it's like that for everyone in Gensokyo. No matter where, you'll be out of your element. Even here at Scarlet Devil, things are different than Underground for example."
> Sakuya retreats and Remilia continues. "Have you ever given thought to why Gensokyo has such a varied population?"
>_
-
>Shake head.
>"I just figured it was the way things are."
-
>Shake head.
>"I just figured it was the way things are."
> "Indeed, and we assume that Gensokyo has been in it's current state for longer than either of us have been around. This is something Patchouli suggested, and we have not been able to forget it since then, and that is why. Why is Gensokyo home to so many types? Why do you think?"
>_
-
>"I am looking at it kind of the other way, I think. I would ask why it shouldn't be home to so many types? And, why it wouldn't be like that elsewhere. Wouldn't it be really weird to go down the road and find things are the same?"
-
> "Hmmm, well, maybe the world outside Gensokyo isn't as kind to many of these types of beings. A safe haven, a place you could call home and feel safe, or like you belong."
> "Is sunlight that dangerous for you? You mention avoiding sunlight, thus I'm curious why you avoid it."
-
>"I am looking at it kind of the other way, I think. I would ask why it shouldn't be home to so many types? And, why it wouldn't be like that elsewhere. Wouldn't it be really weird to go down the road and find things are the same?"
> "Ah, that argument could be made, but not necessarily. Are you familiar with the outside world, beyond the Hakurei Border? Certainly you've heard of it. It's where Scarlet Devil came from, as I mentioned, as well as Sanae-"
> Sakuya scoffs
> "-and the Moriya Shrine."
> You know that Hakurei Border keeps Gensokyo separate from the outside world, but you don't know many specifics beyond that.
> "Hmmm, well, maybe the world outside Gensokyo isn't as kind to many of these types of beings. A safe haven, a place you could call home and feel safe, or like you belong."
> "Is sunlight that dangerous for you? You mention avoiding sunlight, thus I'm curious why you avoid it."
> "It goes a little further than that. Here in Gensokyo, the humans occupy a village, but across the border, that world is populated entirely by humans. There are many different kinds depending on where they were physically from, as well as thousands of differing languages and customs, but there are no youkai. No oni, no kappa, no tengu, nothing but humans. Over there, they are regarded as legend, with many people not believing in them. The existence is debated, but the idea of them is feared."
> "Mummies, ghosts, vampires, and other such beings were once believed to inhabit the world, and walk with humans. However, as humanity progressed and advanced, the belief in such beings faded. Do you understand? In a world that won't even recognize them, where will the youkai go? Some may stick around that world, hoping to survive, but the rest come to Gensokyo. We see it as a refuge, for youkai who need a place to belong after the world has rejected them, so they find acceptance here in Gensokyo, among others. A riveting story, don't you think?"
> "Sunlight, hm? Sunlight is dangerous to vampires, those that thrive in the night."
>_
-
>"That's interesting. But if that's the case...why are there humans here? Did we stop believing in ourselves?"
-
>"That's interesting. But if that's the case...why are there humans here? Did we stop believing in ourselves?"
> Remilia chuckles. "No no, they could never stop believing in themselves. Quite the opposite, they believed in themselves more and more, to the point of excluding all others. As for the humans in Gensokyo? When the border went up, there were still some that believed, and so they elected to move into Gensokyo instead of staying behind. You might argue that the sealing off of Gensokyo furthered the disbelief in youkai of the humans that stayed out of Gensokyo. Do you follow so far?"
>_
-
> "Yes, it does make sense."
> "Ok, now you got me thinking that humanity is the evil villian and that youkai are the poor victims who barely escaped the villian."
> "Humans pretty much fear all that is different, we are weak, we have no power compared to youkai such as you, so those living outside Gensokyo do have reason to fear youkai."
-
>"Well, thinking about it, why do youkai care if they're believed in or not? I mean, if it's pretty hard to deny someone when you see them... And even if they don't, you're still there, right?"
-
> "Yes, it does make sense."
> "Ok, now you got me thinking that humanity is the evil villian and that youkai are the poor victims who barely escaped the villian."
> "Humans pretty much fear all that is different, we are weak, we have no power compared to youkai such as you, so those living outside Gensokyo do have reason to fear youkai."
> Remilia nods.
> "Not at all, don't think of it in terms of good and evil. Youkai were not hunted, just ignored."
> "I would agree, but for different reasons. Youkai were originally objects of interest in the other world because of their rumored power and because they were different. As humanity progressed, they got powerful as well, more powerful than youkai were ever rumored to be. As a result, youkai were restricted to creatures of interest only for their differences from humans. Since they never interacted with the youkai, the fear they could have felt isn't like the fear that abounds in Gensokyo. But do you really feel afraid of the youkai around here?"
>"Well, thinking about it, why do youkai care if they're believed in or not? I mean, if it's pretty hard to deny someone when you see them... And even if they don't, you're still there, right?"
> "Now you get it, that's the main issue. Here at Scarlet Devil, we were able to survive just fine in the outside world, since vampires get their power from blood and Patchouli takes power from nature. However, other youkai are creatures of nature too, but they are extensions of nature. As humans became more advanced, they began to tap more into nature, restricting the ability of youkai to pull power from nature. However, youkai can also pull power through faith. Not in the sense of spiritual faith like the Hakurei maiden, but more belief. You're right, it's hard to deny something when faced with it, and especially when one must interact with it. Furthermore, the humans in Gensokyo are several hundred years behind the technology of human in the outside world, so the youkai can feed off nature better. It's almost like Gensokyo is more than a haven, but it's a proper home for youkai."
> Sakuya clears her throat. "Of course, this is all conjecture."
> "Indeed, we have no proof of this, aside from what we have seen of the outside world, which is extensive, and the research of Patchouli into this topic."
>_
-
> "No, I don't really feel all that afraid. I know that if you wanted, you could just kill me now and I wouldn't be able to stop you, but I can also see that, as I am still alive and well, that you aren't eager to just kill me."
-
> "No, I don't really feel all that afraid. I know that if you wanted, you could just kill me now and I wouldn't be able to stop you, but I can also see that, as I am still alive and well, that you aren't eager to just kill me."
> Remilia looks to Sakuya, sharing a perplexed look, before turning back towards you with a sly smile.
> "Now, why would I want to kill you?"
> She hops off her chair and walks over towards you.
> "I see." She sits down next to you. "You're familiar with vampire lore, that they drain the blood of their victims. I can assure that I am different."
> She reaches across your chest and begins to slowly stroke your face. Leaning her, her feel her hot breath on your neck.
> "I don't dine on my guests, but you seem rather interested. Do you wish to witness the way of the vampire first-hand?"
> Sakuya is silent, but Remilia licks her lips.
> "I promise, it won't hurt a bit..."
>_
-
>Oh damn it...
>"I'd really rather not. I like my blood where it is, doing its job. And I have at least one more delivery to make..."
-
>Oh damn it...
>"I'd really rather not. I like my blood where it is, doing its job. And I have at least one more delivery to make..."
> This is not what you needed right now.
> "Are you sure? I don't drink that much."
> A polite knock at the door. Sakuya moves to answer it as Remilia sits up.
> "Remi, are you feeding?" calls an unfamiliar voice.
> "No." Remilia calls without looking at you.
> She turns towards you, and you note her fangs. "Would you mind if Flandre joined us?"
>_
-
> "Not at all. Although... Who exactly is Flandre?"
> Dammit, why do the youkai seem to be making moves on us today?
-
> Well, we don't want to be rude. What can possibly go wrong?
> Mentally cringe at the idea of things going wrong.
> "I wouldn't mind, no."
-
> "Not at all. Although... Who exactly is Flandre?"
> Dammit, why do the youkai seem to be making moves on us today?
> "My sister," Remilia scoots back in the seat next to you.
> Youkai are weird man, though you're not sure if trying to drink your blood can really be construed as making moves.
> Well, we don't want to be rude. What can possibly go wrong?
> Mentally cringe at the idea of things going wrong.
> "I wouldn't mind, no."
> Offending you host would be bad; you'd hate to have your blood sucked by a vampire.
> Or two vampires...
> Remilia leans out and nods towards the door, and you can feel her wings stroke against your back, it's a very odd sensation. Sakuya opens it and a little blond girl with a red dress strolls in.
> "I felt a spike, so I thought you might be feedi-oooooooooooooh, is that him?"
> She skips over and plops herself down next to you. Her turns to face you and you notice her, erm, "wings" though they can hardly be called that. They seem more like a craft project, like someone strung crystals through a steel wire and called them wings.
> "Wow, he looks like a winner, could have sworn I felt it. Hell, I'd feed on him if I could."
> "Flandre, that's no way to talk to our guest."
> "Oh, a guest? You think you're sly don't you?"
> Sakuya places a cup and saucer before Flandre. Wait, where'd that come from? Oh hell, this is getting ridiculous!
> "Anyone else here?"
> "Just Parsee, but she's visiting Patchouli."
> "Ugh, the troll's here again? What does Patchouli see in her?" Flandre kicks the air.
> "Well, perhaps it's because they both spend inordinate amounts of time alone."
> "Apparently she reads a lot."
> "Or maybe she's just a freak in bed."
> "I thought the devils...
> "I sure hope not, they creep me out."
> The conversation continues around you. It's a little odd to have two vampires sitting next to you turned around and talking to a maid you can't see. You hope they've at least forgotten about drinking your blood.
>_
-
>Listen appreciatively.
-
>Listen appreciatively.
> You listen again.
> "...or maybe she just wants someone to fawn over her that she didn't create."
> "I don't really think she's that bad though."
> "Oh me neither, it's not like she's annoying or anything."
> "Not at all, but that clinging-"
> "Ohmigod the clinging!"
> Cackling from the three
> "That and the jealousy."
> "Yeah, it's like she thinks you're going to take her away Remi."
> "Wouldn't be the first time!"
> "Well I, uh"
> "Haha, you can't even defend it!"
> "She's just a friend"
> "Oh please, you know it's not a big deal."
> "Still, I think it's the affinity for study and the loneliness that binds them."
> "Mm-hmm, Patchouli loves the dedication, and Parsee seems to love having someone to cling to, and it's not like she has anything to fear from the devils."
> "What about Marisa?"
> "Nah, that's just friendly. Hard to be in love with a thief."
> "But maybe she's a devilish rogue!"
> "Hardly, she's not that interesting."
> "Sakuyaaaaa~! Could I get some tea please?"
> "Oh, of course. My apologies mistress."
> Sakuya leans out over your shoulder and fills Flandre's cup. You're somewhat relieved for the conversation to have lulled.
> Flandre nudges you. "So, what have you been talking about with Remi?"
>_
-
>"Oh, we were talking about why Gensokyo is like it is, and different from the outside."
-
>"Oh, we were talking about why Gensokyo is like it is, and different from the outside."
> "That's it? Hm. Yeah, she does enjoy discussing that, I think it's a bit of Patchouli that rubbed off on her."
> "or in her," she adds in a whisper.
> "I think it can be pretty interesting, but ultimately it's not terribly important why the two worlds are different, just that they are."
> Sakuya and Remilia seem to be in a lively conversation while Sakuya pours more tea.
> "So, what do you think of those two?" Flandre gestures towards them.
>_
-
>"I'm surprised to so feared, to be honest. They've been nothing but kind."
-
>"I'm surprised to so feared, to be honest. They've been nothing but kind."
> "I think their reputations precede them. Remi is a vampire after all, but she's never killed anyone, she hardly drinks much blood anyway. Still, she's the mistress of a large and imposing house who keeps the company of high-level youkai, and she did cause an incident, but that was years ago. She's also a real cutie-patootie, but not nearly as cute me!"
> Flandre adopts a big dopey grin before continuing.
> "Sakuya's different though. She's hard to read and we don't know much about her. I woke up one day and she was a maid, and Remi refused to explain what had happened. She's crazy powerful though, and a monster with knives!"
> Flandre sits back and sips her tea. "So, what happened to get Remi all riled up and try to suck your blood? Did you provoke her?"
>_
-
>"I kinda made a mention how they didn't seem all that threatening..."
-
>"I kinda made a mention how they didn't seem all that threatening..."
> "And that set her off? Huh, weird. Hey Remi!"
> Remilia turns away from Sakuya, who has since moved around to the side of the couch. "What?"
> "Were you really going to feed on this guy?"
> She freezes. "Uh, well, maybe. I, if he was OK...?"
> "Hm, when did you feed last?"
> Remilia puts her hand to her chin. "I think it's been over a week."
> "That's too long, you should should find some way to feed again soon." Flandre looks at you. "Sometimes she gets a little on edge if she doesn't feed, then her blood heat can spike pretty quick."
> You feel Remilia's eyes boring into your neck again.
>_
-
>"I really need my blood. I have deliveries to make, and it's a lot of walking..."
-
> "Erm, you know, why does it have to be human blood? Is there something special about it that makes it differ from, say, the blood of a wild animal?"
> "I err, get lightheaded easily, yes. I need my blood inside of me."
-
>"I really need my blood. I have deliveries to make, and it's a lot of walking..."
> "Hm? I wasn't sugg-REMI!"
> "Ah! S-sorry..."
> Remilia coughs a little, then straightens up.
> "Could I ask you for a favor Toshiro?"
> "Of course you can!" Sakuya answers for you.
> "I don't need much blood, but I do need some. Could you bring me about half a liter of blood? At this point I have no preference as to type, but that's about the size of one unit of blood."
> Flandre chimes in, "I'm out too, think you can score me a bag."
> Sakuya steps in again. "Why yes, what kind of delivery man would he be if he couldn't deliver things?"
> "Excellent, we're glad to hear that. We, no, Scarlet Devil thanks you."
> "Erm, you know, why does it have to be human blood? Is there something special about it that makes it differ from, say, the blood of a wild animal?"
> "I err, get lightheaded easily, yes. I need my blood inside of me."
> "Human blood is preferred, but youkai blood will also work. Animal blood is no good: the only one of any use is pig's blood, and that requires too much of an exchange."
> "Remi can't drink that much anyway, pig's blood would be worthless to her."
> Flandre continues, "It doesn't have to be your blood though, it's just that Remi can't keep her eyes to herself!"
> "Guh"
>_
-
> Damn our
sex appeal dashing good looks.
> "Well erm, how do you plan to... extract the blood from me?"
-
>"And do you have any idea where I can get some? I mean, you have to have a supply of some kind, right?"
-
> Damn our sex appeal dashing good looks.
> "Well erm, how do you plan to... extract the blood from me?"
> Gotta be the hat!
> "Erm, we just said that we didn't need to extract any from you. Still, if you're volunteering, the most effective method is through the neck."
>"And do you have any idea where I can get some? I mean, you have to have a supply of some kind, right?"
> Remilia continues, "We usually have a supply, but we exhausted in last week and have been unable to hunt since then, and it sounds like Flandre just finished off her supply as well."
> "We usually obtain it through hunting, but other avenues exist."
> Remilia nods. "The doctor at Eientei should have a stockpile, but theft would be the more effective than requesting the blood. The Ghost Princess should also have a supply. Alternatively, anyone that deals extensively with the dead should be able to obtain blood with little difficulty."
>_
-
> Consider if Rin could get some blood.
-
> Consider if Rin could get some blood.
> She could probably get some oni blood easily, but you're not sure how effective it would be for a vampire.
> You wonder about how a princess of ghosts could get blood.
>_
-
> We could try for Yuyuko's supply. After all, I'm pretty sure the Prismrivers are up that way anyway. Two birds with one stone.
-
> "Hmmm, I have a potential idea. Would Oni Blood be ok? I know someone in the Underground who works with the dead very often, so she may be able to help."
> Ponder letting Remilia and Flandre drink from us, if only to avoid another delivery today.
-
> We could try for Yuyuko's supply. After all, I'm pretty sure the Prismrivers are up that way anyway. Two birds with one stone.
> You recall Mima mentioning that they'd be in the same area, it's worth a shot.
> "Hmmm, I have a potential idea. Would Oni Blood be ok? I know someone in the Underground who works with the dead very often, so she may be able to help."
> Ponder letting Remilia and Flandre drink from us, if only to avoid another delivery today.
> Remilia twists her face while Flandre groans.
> "It's...not preferable, but it'll do in a pinch. If you do get it, we'd prefer at least 2 liters of it, in order for Patchouli to filter out the alcohol."
> "If we don't do that, we'd get pretty sick. Alcohol can be pretty nasty to vampires."
> You consider letting Remilia drink your blood. It didn't sound like it was pressing for Flandre, so maybe you could get away with just letting Remilia drink? At any rate, you don't know what the effects of having a vampire drink your blood would be.
>_
-
> Well, Yuyuko it is then. Bid them farewell and go seek Mima.
-
> Well, Yuyuko it is then. Bid them farewell and go seek Mima.
> You decide to find someone named Yuyuko. Hopefully they're the Ghost Princess!
> You excuse yourself and stand up.
> "You're leaving already?" Sakuya asks.
> "Guess that's a no on feeding Remi himself."
> "It's alright, we're patient enough to wait. If you're leaving, Sakuya will show you out."
>_
-
> "Thank you for having me. I had a wonderful time talking to the both of you."
> Follow Sakuya out.
-
>"Well, better sooner than later."
>Let Sakuya show us the way out. "Um, where do I find the ghost princess, anyways?"
>_
-
>Let Sakuya show us the way out. "Um, where do I find the ghost princess, anyways?"
> Wasn't Mima going to take us? I think we met her in the other thread.
-
> "Thank you for having me. I had a wonderful time talking to the both of you."
> Follow Sakuya out.
> "Feel free to stop by again. Naturally, blood will guide your return."
> You give the two vampires a polite bow and head for the door, joined by Sakuya.
>"Well, better sooner than later."
>Let Sakuya show us the way out. "Um, where do I find the ghost princess, anyways?
> You pause at the door and offer some more parting words.
> "Indeed, for Remi's sake," Flandre assures you.
> Stepping into the hallway, you're relieved to be out of the candlelight, though you imagine heading outside will be somewhat painful.
> "She resides in Hakugyokurou, the land of the dead. The entrance should be near the Sanzu River, look for an elegant stairway.
> Wasn't Mima going to take us? I think we met her in the other thread.
> You met Mima at tea with Reimu. Mima only offered to show you to the Poltergeist Mansion though. Anything else beyond to you'd have to ask her.
> You follow Sakuya down the stairs. Upon reaching the ground floor she leads you to the foyer. More fairies with rags flit about. You wonder if they even do anything.
> "Hope they didn't break anything." She rolls her eyes and sighs.
>_
-
> "Hope I don't keep you all waiting too long."
> Bid Sakuya farewell.
> Head back to the gate.
-
> "Hope I don't keep you all waiting too long."
> Bid Sakuya farewell.
> Head back to the gate.
> Sakuya bows deeply. "Think nothing of it. I wish you a safe journey."
> You say your farewells and head for the main door, which a fairy opens for you. As you walk through, you hear a distinctive "WHICH ONE OF YOU SPILLED THE INK!?"
> Compared to the mansion, the sun and lack of reds make the outside seem exceptionally bright. You walk down the stone walkway to the gate, where Meiling is currently leaning against her gatehouse. She notices you and leers.
> "Hey kid, c'mere."
>_
-
>Approach Big Green.
>"What do you need?"
-
>Approach Big Green.
>"What do you need?"
> She continues leering as you approach.
> "I saw you looking at Momiji earlier. What's going on there?"
>_
-
>"...What's it to you?"
-
>"...What's it to you?"
> "Call it burning curiosity, but you've got that air about you. That air of someone that just left home and discovered a youkai that was nice to them. So then, why her and not any of the other youkai? Or what about a nice human girl? Heck, look around and you might find your own Parsee!"
> She slaps the guardhouse and guffaws.
>_
-
>"What is blue? That's about the only answer I can give."
-
>"What is blue? That's about the only answer I can give."
> "Blue? It's the absence of all colored light other than blue light. What does that have to do with falling for a youkai? I sure hope you know what you're trying to accomplish there."
>_
-
>"So, you can't actually say what blue is, just what is is not. There you go."
-
>"So, you can't actually say what blue is, just what is is not. There you go."
> "Oh, you're going to play that game then? Alright, I'll pose a question to you: what is a youkai besides something not human? As far as your blue question, that is how science defines it, so take that up with Patchouli if you disagree, but that's not an argument you'll win."
>_
-
>Shrug
>"It's not my fault if science does it wrong. As for your question, I'd say a person at leave it at that, myself."
-
>Shrug
>"It's not my fault if science does it wrong. As for your question, I'd say a person at leave it at that, myself."
> "Oh? Isn't the very definition of a youkai one that isn't human?"
> She waves her hand. "Nevermind, that's not the point. How serious are you about pursuing her?"
>_
-
>"Serious enough I'll be walking some books up that mountain later on. Serious enough to freak out when Parsee came onto me. So...enough, as far as I'm concerned."
-
>"Serious enough I'll be walking some books up that mountain later on. Serious enough to freak out when Parsee came onto me. So...enough, as far as I'm concerned."
> "So you're pretty confident you're going to pull it off despite your differences?"
>_
-
> Do a firm nod "Yes" simple, sweet and gets your message across.
-
> Do a firm nod "Yes" simple, sweet and gets your message across.
> "Heh, you crazy kids man."
> She shakes her head. "In that case, you should talk to Marisa, she's got experience with that sort of thing. I'd wish you luck, but the odds are pretty stacked against you kid."
>_
-
>"I don't think it's quite so bad as you make it sound, but I'll keep that in mind."
-
>"I don't think it's quite so bad as you make it sound, but I'll keep that in mind."
> "You've got your sights aimed way too high, that's all I'm saying. Be nice if it works out for you; take care kid."
> She resumes her leaning and aimless staring ahead.
> You're in front of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. To the south is the lake, now with significantly less fairies than earlier. Some distance to the west you can see Youkai Mountain.
>_
-
> Head towards Reimu's shrine, we need to get blood for the Scarlets.
-
> Head towards Reimu's shrine, we need to get blood for the Scarlets.
> You waste no time and begin to head south around the lake.
> As you walk along the shore, you pass by several fairies flying about above the lake. Strangely, you don't come across any sitting on the banks like you had seen earlier.
> "Hey!" someone calls.
>_
-
> Look in the direction of the shout.
> "Uh, hello?"
-
> Look in the direction of the shout.
> "Uh, hello?"
> You look towards the voice and get hit in the face with a snowball. You hear riotous cackling from the air.
>_
-
>"...Ow."
>Wipe face.
-
>"...Ow."
>Wipe face.
> That wasn't very nice.
> Looking towards the source of the laughter, you see the fairy in blue from earlier, Cirno was it? Three other fairies float behind her.
> "Hey! Have an ice day!" Her cackling continues.
>_
-
> "That's horrible"
> Deadpan look.
-
> "That's horrible"
> Deadpan look.
> "Ah calm down, snow big dea-hahaha." Her laughter overpowers whatever words she was about to say.
> You look straight ahead at them. Cirno is doubled-over in laughter while the other three fairies titter along, but not as extreme as Cirno.
>_
-
> Lets just leave them and their bad puns be.
> Off to Reimu's.
(If anyone has suggestions for giving them better jokes, Ignore this post)
-
>"That's snow way to treat a newcomer, you know."
>Now depart.
-
It's horrible still, but oh well.
-
> Lets just leave them and their bad puns be.
> Off to Reimu's.
> You don't think there's any getting through to her, so you take your leave of them.
> Oh wait, you thought of something!
>"That's snow way to treat a newcomer, you know."
>Now depart.
> You fire off a quip of her caliber and head off. You hear calls from behind you of "Weak" and "What was that?"
> You make your way past the lake without further incident. There are two paths leading away from the lake: one you took earlier that will lead back through the fields near the Underground, while the other path will take you through the Forest of Magic.
>_
-
>Let's hit up that forest. Maybe Marisa is home.
-
>Let's hit up that forest. Maybe Marisa is home.
> Through the forest it is!
> You follow the narrow trail as it twists through the trees, it's a rather nice place to be considering how hot the middle of the day is. Nice as that tea was, you could sure use something real to eat.
> Lost in thought, you hardly notice when the path dumps you onto the main trail you had followed earlier that do. How convenient. You continue down this trail, coming across the same circular adobe house from earli-
> Your vision goes blue. "SURPRISE!"
>_
-
>"Gyah!"
>Jump back!
>Get this blue stuff from our faceparts!
-
> Fire some danmaku at it.
-
>"Gyah!"
>Jump back!
>Get this blue stuff from our faceparts!
> You cry out in a manner that is very unfitting of a man.
> You jump back in an attempt to dislodge the foreign material. You also decide to add in flailing your arms to clear your face.
> However, your flailing reveals that the blue material seems to comprise clothing. When a girl collapses on top of you with a "Waghg!" you determine that it was likely a dress.
> Fire some danmaku at it.
> It's a little hard to focus after having someone fall on top of you. Plus, she's a little closer than you'd like.
> Your head feels wet.
>_
-
> Lay still. Flailing won't help us.
> "Uh... Can you get off please?"
-
> Have a look at our assailant.
-
> Lay still. Flailing won't help us.
> "Uh... Can you get off please?"
> It's hard to flail with someone on your arms. Regardless, you stop trying.
> "Owie ow ow," she groans.
> Have a look at our assailant.
> You crane your neck up for a better view. Her hair, skirt and vest are all shades of blue while her sleeves are white. She continues her groaning.
> Is that...drool? On your head?
>_
-
> Ewww, get her off us.
-
> Ewww, get her off us.
> Considering her head's stuck in your stomach, you doubt it's her.
> She slowly picks herself up. "...whaaaa?"
> Now something's flapping about your head.
>_
-
> Look at the source of the flapping.
-
> Look at the source of the flapping.
> The girl finally pulls herself off you.
> "Uwa, you aren't supposed to pull me down too."
> You utilize your newly-acquired freedom and roll over onto your stomach. In doing so you come face to, erm, "face" with what appears to be a puple umbrella. With one eye and a giant tongue. It seems to be the source of the drooling.
>_
-
>Grimace.
>Quickly extricate self from the umbrella.
-
>Grimace.
>Quickly extricate self from the umbrella.
> You scamper away from the umbrella, just as the girl reaches over for it.
> "Why'd you knock me down too?" she asks.
>_
-
> "I didn't mean to, it's just you surprised me"
> Rub our head.
-
>"What'd you do, anyways? I didn't see."
-
> "I didn't mean to, it's just you surprised me"
> Rub our head.
> "What?!"
> She scampers to her feet and hoists the umbrella above her head, closes one eye and sticks out her tongue, creating an oddly reminiscent image of the umbrella, down to both of their eyes being red.
> "I did scare you, didn't I?"
> You rub your head. The front of your hat feels a little slimy, but not as bad as your face. Ick.
>"What'd you do, anyways? I didn't see."
> "Why, I dropped down and scared you of course!"
>_
-
> Rub the slime off.
> "Yeah, you did scare me for a bit"
-
>"I...see... Well, you get to tell me how to get to Marisa's house now."
-
> Rub the slime off.
> "Yeah, you did scare me for a bit"
> You rub the slimy drool from your face and flick it to the ground as best you can. Why would an umbrella drool? What's the point?
> "Well of course I did! No one's better at it than me."
> She closes both eyes and grins grins, clearly proud of herself.
> That umbrella is so creepy! Where does that tongue even come from?
>_
-
> "Why does your umbrella have a TONGUE?!"
> "...How does it have a tongue? What's your name, anyways? And what are you doing out here?"
-
> "Why does your umbrella have a TONGUE?!"
> "...How does it have a tongue? What's your name, anyways? And what are you doing out here?"
> She opens her eyes. Huh, that's funny, one eye is blue and the other's red.
> "Huh? Well, why wouldn't he have a tongue? You have a tongue and I have a tongue, so it only makes sense that he does too."
> She closes her blue eye again. "I'm Kogasa, and I scare people, just like I scared you; normally they don't pull me down though."
> Don't youkai have better things to do?
>_
-
>"What'd you do, anyways."
>Grab some leaves from nearby trees to assist with face wiping.
-
>"What'd you do, anyways."
>Grab some leaves from nearby trees to assist with face wiping.
> "Well, I dropped down from the sky. Bet you weren't expecting that huh!? The best appearance is one that isn't expected!"
> You gather a few leaves and clean your face off. Finally it's all gone.
> Even if an umbrella needed a tongue, why make it drool?
> Kogasa sticks her tongue out again.
>_
-
>"Yeah, you got me pretty good..."
>Try not to star-who are we kidding, gawk at that umbreller.
-
>"Yeah, you got me pretty good..."
>Try not to star-who are we kidding, gawk at that umbreller.
> "Hehe, there's none better!"
> You attempt to ignore it, but it's just so grotesque! The tongue seems longer than the pole, with what appears to be a small geta on the end of the pole. The top of the umbrella is black, making the entire thing seem like an awful eggplant.
> "Where you heading anyway?"
>_
-
>"I was looking to get to Marisa's place, then the netherworld."
-
>"I was looking to get to Marisa's place, then the netherworld."
> "The witch? She doesn't scare easy. Hey! Know anyone that needs to be scared? Or maybe a fight?"
>_
-
>"Think you could show me the way? A scary lady like you ought to keep all the nasties away from me."
-
>"Think you could show me the way? A scary lady like you ought to keep all the nasties away from me."
> "Nah, I'm on a roll today! I gotta go find some more people! See ya."
> She takes to the sky, the umbrella's tongue flapping in the breeze.
> You're in the Forest of Magic...somewhere. To your left is the trail back towards the Human Village. In front of you is a circular house.
>_
-
>Can we remember who's house that is from things learned earlier today?
-
>Can we remember who's house that is from things learned earlier today?
> No, we walked right by it with Chen earlier.
> You know it isn't Marisa's though.
>_
-
>Examine it from a distance!
-
>Examine it from a distance!
> You head to the edge of the path and look at the house.
> It's quite a ways through the trees, but you can see it pretty easily. It appears to be constructed entirely out of dirt, looking more like a mound with windows carved into it.
> There does not appear to be anyone home, though there seem to be some boxes in the yard.
>_
-
>What sort of boxes? Are they opened or closed?
>Try to recall where Marisa's house is from here.
-
>What sort of boxes? Are they opened or closed?
>Try to recall where Marisa's house is from here.
> Wooden boxes. One of them appears to have a metal grate on the side.
> Marisa's house is back down the trail towards the Human Village, before you get to Kourindou. You seem to recall a yakitori cart along this trail sometime after Marisa's house.
>_
-
>We'll leave this house along, and head toward Marisa's.
>Check funds.
-
>We'll leave this house along, and head toward Marisa's.
>Check funds.
> You decide to continue heading towards the Village.
> Somehow, you still have 7400 yen in your wallet. Youkai may be weird, but at least they're friendly, especially in regards to not charging for tea.
> You continue down the trail. It sure is a nice day, and after a while the faint sound of singing joins in with the sounds of the woods. You can also smell grilled meat, and boy does it ever smell good!
>_
-
>Yeah, it's way past due for lunchtime. Let's hit up that stand.
-
>Yeah, it's way past due for lunchtime. Let's hit up that stand.
> You follow the smell down the trail, the smell of real food growing more and more intoxicating as your progress.
> Eventually, you reach the area with the cart, which also happens to be the source of the song. The singer is a pink haired youkai with a blue apron and, well, some strange feathery ears on her head. She also happens to be the one manning the grill, though it doesn't exactly smell like chicken.
> On the opposite side of the cart, there is only one customer: a blond girl with a black and white outfit and a large witch's hat resting next to her. This must be Marisa.
> She's currently listening to the youkai's song, probably waiting for her food to be served.
>_
-
>Sit close to Marisa; allow for an empty seat between us, and have a look at the menu.
>_
-
>Sit close to Marisa; allow for an empty seat between us, and have a look at the menu.
> You approach the cart, prompting the youkai to stop her song and bow.
> "Welcome to Mystia's!" she calls, before resuming her song.
> You sit down one space from Marisa and look around for a menu.
> "It's just Lamprey here, no need to get anything else." Marisa eyes you lazily.
>_
-
>Have we had Lamprey before?
>Regardless: "How much?"
>Assuming it's not too pricey, "I'll have one."
>Nod to Marisa.
-
>Have we had Lamprey before?
>Regardless: "How much?"
>Assuming it's not too pricey, "I'll have one."
>Nod to Marisa.
> Never. In fact, you're not even sure what exactly Lamprey is, but you don't think it's any breed of chicken.
> The youkai takes a minute to finish her song before answering. "A skewer is 400 yen and a plate is 700. She starts to hum.
> You decide to order a plate. The youkai nods as she hands Marisa a skewer atop a this ceramic tray.
> Marisa nods back. "Busy day?"
>_
-
>"Active, at least. Um, you're Marisa, right?"
-
>"Active, at least. Um, you're Marisa, right?"
> She raises her hand. "Guilty as charged, I'm the one and the only. Good to hear you're active at least, I'm surprised the business took off like it did, never would have thought there would be a market for it. Well, not exactly took off, but hey, people are using it. Is it mostly just being a courier around the village still?"
>_
-
>"No, they got me running all over the place today. Then I ended up doing some side things for friends. Been a busy day... You?"
-
>"No, they got me running all over the place today. Then I ended up doing some side things for friends. Been a busy day... You?"
> "No shit, they got youkai using you now? Damn, sounds like I missed an investment opportunity ze! Ha ha ha."
> "Got some friends out there already huh? Sounds like you've been pretty busy then. Crazy out there, aren't they? You never know what they're going to do."
> She shrugs. "Been kind of a low-key day. Woke up late, sat around the shop for a while, then said fuck it and came out here. Was hoping to run into someone and then you came along. Funny how that works, huh ze?"
> She grabs her tray and slides over to the seat next to you. "All over huh? Scarlet Devil, Blazing Hell, Youkai Mountain, you really hit all those today?"
>_
-
>"Yep, but you got the order backward. Blazing Hell was the worst. Nearly got killed by Koishi after she decided I was going to try and hurt Satori. Still sore from that. Scarlet Devil Mansion and Youkai Mountain were heaven in comparison. Actually, I was kinda looking for you, the gate guard told me I need to talk with you."
-
>"Yep, but you got the order backward. Blazing Hell was the worst. Nearly got killed by Koishi after she decided I was going to try and hurt Satori. Still sore from that. Scarlet Devil Mansion and Youkai Mountain were heaven in comparison. Actually, I was kinda looking for you, the gate guard told me I need to talk with you."
> She starts to gnaw on her Lamprey skewer. "I do not envy you, not even a little. And Koishi? Christ kid, my sympathies, encountering her once was enough for me. Like, forever."
> The youkai hands a plate down to you. In addition to a big white fillet, there's a small selection of grilled vegetables. Oh, it smells wonderful!
> Marisa continues her eating. "Yeah, Scarlet Devil's a rather nice place. All we had to do was whip the stupid out of the vampires and now it's a fantastic place. And really, Meiling? I'd have suspected a referral from Patchouli before her, but that's not really important. What did you want to talk about ze?"
>_
-
>"Well, part of it is kind of personal. And the other part. Well...according to Reimu, I'm kind of a natural talent for danmaku and magic and things. Patchouli showed me some basics, but I was hoping you might have a few good pointers to add?"
-
>"Well, part of it is kind of personal. And the other part. Well...according to Reimu, I'm kind of a natural talent for danmaku and magic and things. Patchouli showed me some basics, but I was hoping you might have a few good pointers to add?"
> Marisa shrugs. "Personal is your business, but don't expect me to do any kind of love spells or love potions. I use love magic, but I can't control love. If you were lookin' for that, you're SOL."
> "She said that huh? And you've already learned something? I guess you started today, so looks like Rei was right. You can't have more than shots yet, what you curious about?"
> She tears into her Lamprey again. Man it looks good!
>_
-
>Make with the polite devouring of our meat.
>"More, um, advice, really. And, yeah, just some shots. Not that great at actually connecting them, yet. Think I need to figure out how to be a bit faster with them."
>_
-
>Make with the polite devouring of our meat.
>"More, um, advice, really. And, yeah, just some shots. Not that great at actually connecting them, yet. Think I need to figure out how to be a bit faster with them."
> You tear into your fillet. Oh wow that's good! Definitely not chicken, it actually feels more like eel. The vegetables are great too, though you suspect they're more of an afterthought than essential to the meal.
> "It's all about practice ze. Show me right now, make a shot and float it in your hand. I want to see your control."
>_
-
>Finish current mouthful.
>Conjure up a shot like Patchouli showed up. Don't think to hard about it, just make it happen.
>Then try to make it float on our palm.
>Be sure to direct it away from any roofs or awnings about the stand, just in case.
-
>Finish current mouthful.
>Conjure up a shot like Patchouli showed up. Don't think to hard about it, just make it happen.
>Then try to make it float on our palm.
>Be sure to direct it away from any roofs or awnings about the stand, just in case.
> Best to not be distracted by this wonderful food.
> You center yourself, steel your nerves and lose yourself to breathing. You can feel the warmth flood your hands, the bullet just emerging.
> Suddenly, Marisa shakes you. "Come on man! Make it!"
> You concentration breaks, causing a bullet to erupt out of your hand and fly straight up with enough force to rattle your plate.
> "Goodness," mutters the youkai cook.
> "You can make them alright, but you need some practice. You're usually going to have some kind of distraction, so try and work through it. You know I'm going to screw with you now, but give it another shot."
> "Remember, you're using your own energy for this, meaning this shot is an extension of you. If you can't control a shot, you can't control yourself."
>_
-
>Try again. This time, try not to lose ourself into the moment quite so much, so we're ready for Marisa to do something silly.
-
>Try again. This time, try not to lose ourself into the moment quite so much, so we're ready for Marisa to do something silly.
> You decide to try something different. As soon as you start breathing again Marisa starts in with her catcalls.
> Rather than losing touch, you try to block out outside sound.
> You are your breath, filling your lungs and changing your blood.
> You are your breath, rushing back out into the air, ready to be changed.
> Sound dies away as the sound of your breathing fills your ears. Marisa's calls fade, punctuated by the odd jab to your shoulder.
> You hands hot, you conjure an orb. Commanding it to float, it hovers about 10 cm above your palm.
> Marisa nods, and you try to listen to her again, the orb falling about 4 cm.
> "Come back out, you have to be able to control them in the real world as well as your own."
> Your breath falls back into its normal rhythm. Hey, the orb is still floating, wow! Marisa smirks.
> "Looks like you're starting to understand it. We should try and get you some more practice."
>_
-
>Nod. "Yeah...it's a bit weird, though. Sort of like being told to draw something I've never seen before."
>Dismiss the bullet, or let it go harmlessly if it won't dismiss.
>Back to dining!
>"About the other things. Um...well, you've probably guessed."
-
>Nod. "Yeah...it's a bit weird, though. Sort of like being told to draw something I've never seen before."
>Dismiss the bullet, or let it go harmlessly if it won't dismiss.
>Back to dining!
>"About the other things. Um...well, you've probably guessed."
> "I guess you could say that, it's definitely a little odder when you're forced into it. Still, it's an extension of yourself, so it shouldn't feel that strange to summon. Then again, I don't even remember how I felt when I first started shooting, it's been a long-ass time since then."
> You try to ignore the orb, it disappears in a puff.
> Time to keep eating! This stuff is pretty good, whatever Lamprey is. The youkai behind the grill starts to sing again, softly this time.
> "Not really, it could be anything that you came to me for but I'm assuming it isn't for a love spell. Perhaps you came to profess your love for me? Aw, you shouldn't have!"
> She giggles and pushes against your shoulder.
> She abruptly stops laughing. "But if you have something to actually talk about, then go ahead. I've got a few questions for you too."
>_
-
>"Well...It's that Meiling sent me here, after she sort of picked up on it... Um...there's this tengu I kinda like..."
>Let her pick up the rest.
-
>"Well...It's that Meiling sent me here, after she sort of picked up on it... Um...there's this tengu I kinda like..."
>Let her pick up the rest.
> Marisa begins to choke on her Lamprey and erupts into a manic fit of coughing.
> "*cough* *cough* Fucking...*cough* AYA!?!?"
> The youkai behind the grill stops her song and stares at you speechless.
> Marisa continues to cough, reaching for her water after a spell.
>_
-
>"...Sorry?"
-
>"...Sorry?"
> "Aya! The fucking spaz with the camera! Talks really fast! Please tell me you didn't mean her!"
>_
-
>"No...I meant Momiji..."
>Frown. Aya wasn't that bad...
-
>"No...I meant Momiji..."
>Frown. Aya wasn't that bad...
> "Oh! God, please don't do that again. Tengu pretty much means Aya, unless you specify."
> Well, she did mention that she wasn't very well-liked because of how she acted, and letting down the ruse didn't seem to be an option for whatever reason.
> "So, Momiji huh? I fought her once, didn't really stick around. She'll be a little tough to crack because she's a tengu though. Hang on."
> Marisa turns towards another youkai walking up to the cart, you recognize her as the one playing with worms earlier.
> "Hey Wriggs," calls Marisa.
> She stops once she notices you. "Heeyyyyyy..."
>_
-
> Oh hell, bugboy sighting.
> "Um, hi. Sorry about that, earlier."
-
> Oh hell, bugboy sighting.
> "Um, hi. Sorry about that, earlier."
> She really really does look like a boy. There's gotta be some way to fix that.
> "A-ha! So you were the one from earlier!"
> "Earlier when?" Marisa looks at you.
> "How can you not think worms are important!?" Wriggle cries.
>_
-
>"I never said that!.I'm just...uh...."
>Look to Marisa.
-
>"I never said that!.I'm just...uh...."
>Look to Marisa.
> You babble and look to Marisa, who looks back with a mischievous grin.
> "Oh man, this is perfect!"
> Wriggle looks at her with a quizzical expression.
>_
-
>"Does perfect mean something else in a foreign language I don't know?"
-
>"Does perfect mean something else in a foreign language I don't know?"
> "No, this is perfect. You two can fight, and that way you can practice your danmaku! Genius ze!"
> Wriggle gives you a worried look. It seems she wasn't anticipating this.
>_
-
>"...I kind of don't want to fight h-her, though."
-
>"...I kind of don't want to fight h-her, though."
> "Nope, unacceptable. You can hardly shoot right now, and you need the training for under pressure. Plus, Wriggs is weak anyway."
> "I'm not weak!" Wriggle shouts. "I may not be as strong as you, but I could take this guy!"
> "So do it, you said yourself he didn't respect worms. What about other bugs?"
> "Y-yeah! All bugs are important! How come you think you're better than them!?"
> "Just don't hit my stall..." the grill youkai adds.
> "Yeah, Misty's stall is off-limits. And if you hit me, we've got problems. Got it?"
>_
-
>"Can we eat first?"
-
>"Can we eat first?"
> "Huh? You mean finishing your plate? Yeah sure, go ahead."
> Wriggle plops down on a stool at the far end on the stall, and starts talking softly with the grill youkai who you now assume to be Mystia.
> There's not much left of the fillet, and you finish it in short order.
> "Ready?"
>_
-
> "Yeah"
> Stay defensive for now, look for any openings if she attacks and dodge through them but watch out for traps. After you figure out the pattern, launch some danmaku at her, see if we can make some large clusters of it.
-
> "Yeah"
> Stay defensive for now, look for any openings if she attacks and dodge through them but watch out for traps. After you figure out the pattern, launch some danmaku at her, see if we can make some large clusters of it.
> You stand up and move away from the cart, Marisa beside you. Wriggle keeps pace from a distance.
> Once a fair distance away, you stop and face Wriggle, who looks both uncomfortable and confident at the same time.
> Suddenly, you duck! You roll across the ground and leap over bullets that aren't even there! Your amazing display of athleticism causes Marisa to stare blankly.
> "Uh, it hasn't started yet."
> Oh.
> You return next to Marisa, amid a chorus of laughter from her and Wriggle.
> Marisa wipes a tear. "OK, do you have any idea how this works at all?"
> "Can't I just shoot the bastard!?"
>_
-
> What was that?
-
> What was that?
> What was what? You spin your head quickly looking for something.
> Marisa clamps her hands down on your head. "Calm down kid."
> You stop your twitching and she releases you.
> "Now, considering Koishi just unleashed on you, you probably aren't too keen on spell-card battles. You're going to be fighting Wriggle and I'm going to guide you through it. Well, more like she's going to pull a card and you're going to dodge like crazy and try to get a few shots off. Understand?"
> Wriggle looks antsy.
>_
-
>Chase these silly urges away.
>"Dodge, then shoot. Got it."
>Wait for the games to begin.
-
> "Yeah, nearly getting tossed into an inferno cause of her, REALLY hurts how I feel about this. But oh well."
> Calm ourself, our breathing, our mind. This is meant as training for us, no need to worry.
> When calmed "I guess I am as ready as I can get."
-
>Chase these silly urges away.
>"Dodge, then shoot. Got it."
>Wait for the games to begin.
> "Good luck ze."
> She nods towards Wriggle, who shouts out "Firefly Sign: Meteor on Earth" and leaps into the sky.
> The sky darkens and several streams of orbs erupt from Wriggle's position. One of which is coming straight for you.
> "Naturally, dodge," comes Marisa's voice from behind you.
>_
-
>Step aside!
>If there seems to be breathing room, try to get a counterattack ready without taking our eyes from the action.
-
>Step aside!
>If there seems to be breathing room, try to get a counterattack ready without taking our eyes from the action.
> You sidestep the shots effortlessly.
> Keeping an eye on the bullets you ready-oh hell, they're moving. From the interior, the shots start to rotate outwards towards you in a spiral.
> You drop your breathing and let your hands overflow with heat.
>_
-
>If they're spiraling, that suggests that they're going to hit us from the side. Try to look for a spot between them, and move forward. Hopefully, they shall pass behind us.
>"Just dodge for now?"
-
>If they're spiraling, that suggests that they're going to hit us from the side. Try to look for a spot between them, and move forward. Hopefully, they shall pass behind us.
>"Just dodge for now?"
> They're probably about 10 meters from you, but approaching fast. You start to move up and meet them.
> "Dodging is more important than accurate shooting, tell you why later. Just shoot when you can!"
> The spiral continues as you move closer. You start to recognize the rhythm to it now, and feel you could find a spot to shoot through.
>_
-
>If we don't feel like we're in danger of being hit, open up on Wriggle and send a few shots at her, willing them to be fast as possible.
-
>If we don't feel like we're in danger of being hit, open up on Wriggle and send a few shots at her, willing them to be fast as possible.
> You feel like you have a few seconds.
> Spying an opening, you release the searing heat from your hands. A burst of shots fly out, more than you've ever released in one shot. All but one of them break through the spiral on their way towards Wriggle.
> You feel you may have hit her, because the spiral of small orbs from the earlier fingers vanish, replaced by large white orbs flying towards you in rows.
> "Faster!"
>_
-
>Step aside, gather up another shot, send it at her.
-
>Step aside, gather up another shot, send it at her.
> The orbs are approaching fast, but have not yet reached you. You jog back a few steps to gain some breathing room.
> In addition to rows, the orbs seem to be moving in columns of 3s. You fire off a shot, only to have it stopped as a middle orb shifts outward. They won't stick with each other it seems.
> "Careful." The orbs are about three meters ahead of you.
>_
-
>Get between two of the columns, and look for an opening to hit Wriggle. Ready another shot ahead of time for it.
-
>Get between two of the columns, and look for an opening to hit Wriggle. Ready another shot ahead of time for it.
> You position yourself between two of the columns, only to have them continue to rotate as they approach.
> Seeing an opening, you charge forward, successfully clearing the first set of rows, only to encounter another set rushing towards you.
> You steam ahead, getting within 2 meters of Wriggle and fire, venting heat from your hands. You watch as it scores a hit on Wriggle, pushing her back a little.
> She grunts, but another set of orbs forms directly in front of you, clipping your leg. You drop to one knee and feel the heat from another orb pass through you, dropping you to the ground.
> The shots swirling around the air all vanish. "GET BACK!" cries Marisa.
> The fingers extend again, barely missing your head.
>_
-
>Fingers?
>Regardless, get back!
-
>Fingers?
>Regardless, get back!
> Bullet fingers, just like earlier. They formed a very loose star, assuming a star never came in on itself. The parser is not fond of the term pillars.
> And they're poking at you.
> You scamper to your feet and escape backwards, knowing you'd have at least a few seconds free.
> As you turn around, the orbs are starting to spiral out from the interior again.
>_
-
>This time, let the orbs spiral toward us. Play defensive. Wait for it. Then step through. Keep our distance. Look for an opening to shoot through.
-
>This time, let the orbs spiral toward us. Play defensive. Wait for it. Then step through. Keep our distance. Look for an opening to shoot through.
> You hold your ground and wait for the orbs to come at you. Sure enough, the first spiral of orbs disappears and the set-of-threes orbs come at you.
> You watch as an opening floats your way, creating an orb and holding it in your hand. You leap through the orbs and recklessly shoot towards Wriggle.
> Success! You catch her in the chest, dropping her down lower in the sky.
> Her bullets vanish again. "Nice!" shouts Marisa.
> Wriggle shakes her head and throws a few clusters of bullets at you before declaring, another card.
> "Wriggle Sign: Night Bug Storm!"
> As her earlier shots approach, several arms of danmaku swirl around Wriggle like a pinwheel.
>_
-
>Try to step between the clusters. Wait for another opening to fire. Prioritize dodging.
-
>Try to step between the clusters. Wait for another opening to fire. Prioritize dodging.
> The gaps between clusters increase the closer they come to you, enabling you to step between them with ease.
> The arms of the pinwheel stop spinning and form an arc in front of Wriggle. The shots split into smaller shots, and move towards you from the right and left, crisscrossing as they move.
> You can't get a perfectly clean shot due to the abundance of bullets moving towards you.
>_
-
>If the are coming from the right and left, then the safest way to move seems to be up and down. Get a little close as needs be, wait for an opening.
-
>If the are coming from the right and left, then the safest way to move seems to be up and down. Get a little close as needs be, wait for an opening.
> Unfortunately, they aren't crossing with any regularity, so your advance is quite jerky, shuffling back and forth while trying to avoid the shots from connecting with you.
> The non-pattern distracts you from focusing enough to make a shot.
> "Just protect your core! Don't worry about fully dodging!"
> What is she talking about?
>_
-
>"What!?"
>Keep moving.
-
>"What!?"
>Keep moving.
> You express your confusion, and keep carefully dodging. Wriggle shifts positions to the right and summons another pinwheel.
> "Touch the bullets! Just not your core!"
> What like, run into them?
>_
-
>"I thought the point was not to touch them!"
-
>"I thought the point was not to touch them!"
> "Just do it! Tell you later!"
> The second pinwheel's arms stop and begin to release their shots. The amount of shots is starting to suffocate you, while the heat in your hands is overwhelming.
>_
-
>"Fine!"
>Touch one.
-
>"Fine!"
>Touch one.
> You run your hand through an orb and it passes by you, countering the internal heat with a superficial burning sensation.
> Strangely, it doesn't hurt. In fact, you feel a little rejuvenated after touching it, only then realized how tired all the shooting had made you.
> The shots continue to cross around you. "Feel it yet?!"
>_
-
> Continue letting the shots pass through any place that isn't our main body.
-
> Continue letting the shots pass through any place that isn't our main body.
> You take a few liberties as you move through the shots, letting them pass through your hips and shoulders. Your body twinges as the orbs pass through you, but it still doesn't hurt.
> You force your way through some more shots and finally reach a break in the chaos. You can probably get a direct shot on Wriggle.
>_
-
>Shoot her in the torso.
-
>Shoot her in the torso.
> You drop your shoulders and fire a shot at her, making a connection straight to her stomach.
> Just then, you notice an orb coming from your right.
>_
-
>Back away, favoring the left!
-
>Back away, favoring the left!
> You dash towards the left, just as Wriggle flings some errant shots in your direction, one coming directly at you!
>_
-
>Go a bit more left.
>Does it seem like the previous shot will pass behind us, ahead of us, or right into us?
-
>Go a bit more left.
>Does it seem like the previous shot will pass behind us, ahead of us, or right into us?
> You dodge more to the left, almost running into another orb in the process.
> It's looking like it should pass behind you, but it disappeared.
> In fact, everything did.
> Wriggle lands in front of you, rolls her eyes in disgust and hands you a card.
> Marisa approaches you two, clapping a little too vigorously.
> Confusion on your part rounds out this odd trio.
>_
-
>Accept card.
>"Wha-?"
-
>Accept card.
>"Wha-?"
> You take the card from Wriggle. "You got lucky, but I better not hear about you harming any bugs!"
> She stomps off towards Mystia's cart. Marisa circles around, a big grin on her face.
> "Holy shit man, I didn't think you'd capture a card on your first duel! Christ, maybe you've got some serious talent hiding in there!"
> You'd be more surprised, but exhaustion kicks in first.
> "What's up? That fight really take it out of you?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>Examine card.
-
>Nod.
>Examine card.
> You nod, and realize that it's direly important for you to fall to your knees at this very moment!
> Well, it's less a card and more just a slip of paper. On the front it has the name Wriggle called scrawled on its face, while the back has a seal pasted onto it, with a stamp above reading "Hakurei". All in all, it's pretty non-descript.
> Marisa crouches down next to you. "Let's get you back to the cart for now."
>_
-
>"Yes, lets..."
-
>"Yes, lets..."
>You decide to let Marisa support your travels back to Mystia's. It's not too far, but Marisa doesn't seem to have much difficulty carrying you.
> You feel a nice warmth emanating from her. What is it with everything in Gensokyo being so warm?
> She sets you down at your original stool and resumes sitting next to you. Mystia places a glass in front of you while Wriggle taps your shoulder.
> "So, that was really your first duel?"
>_
-
>Take glass. Have a drink from it.
>Nod to Wriggle. "Not counting that thing Patchouli did to teach me to aim, at least.
-
>Take glass. Have a drink from it.
>Nod to Wriggle. "Not counting that thing Patchouli did to teach me to aim, at least.
> It's just water, but it's certainly nice to get some into your system after that.
> "So, let me get this straight: you can't fly, just learned to shoot today, still use your own power for shots, don't know the rules of dueling and you beat me? Damn, you not respecting bugs is like the least of my problems right now."
> Marisa nudges you. "Once you're done here, you can come back to my place if you still want to talk in private. But first, you should pay Misty."
>_
-
>Pay of Mystia. Finish water.
>"I only did so good because Marisa was yelling instructions at me, Wriggle. Otherwise, you definitely would have had me."
>"Let's go."
>Follow Marisa to her place.
>_
-
>Pay of Mystia. Finish water.
>"I only did so good because Marisa was yelling instructions at me, Wriggle. Otherwise, you definitely would have had me."
>"Let's go."
>Follow Marisa to her place.
> You drain your glass and pay Mystia for the meal.
> "You claim that, but it doesn't change that you still won. I've been beat before, but losing like that is a little hard to swallow. Still, you won, and you deserved it. Just remember what I had said earlier about worms."
> A thump turns your attention back to Mystia, who has dropped a medium-sized box on the counter before you.
> "Well, you're here for this delivery aren't you?" noting your confusion.
> You root around your bag and check your manifest. Third name: Mystia Lorelei. Guess this must be her.
> Wriggle gestures towards the box. "Whazzat?"
> "Eel. Not Lamprey though."
> "Just eel? How weird. Who just gets a box of eel?"
> "Murasa."
> "Ah, now that makes more sense. Wait, doesn't she live on ship?"
> Mystia nods. "I have no idea what's up with this, but she wanted a few kilograms of eel, so here it is. It's not like she couldn't have gone out and gotten it herself. But hey, she wants to pay me for it, then that's her prerogative. I'll happily take her money for this, it's not like she asked for anything bizarre like eel's blood, or chicken." She shudders.
> "Chicken doesn't seem that strange."
> "Wriggle you know how I feel about chicken."
> Marisa pokes at the box. It's covered with tape on every surface, to the point that you can't tell which end is the top, or if there even is a top.
>_
-
> Take the box.
> "I'll be sure to get it to her."
> Say our goodbyes and head out with Marisa.
-
> Take the box.
> "I'll be sure to get it to her."
> Say our goodbyes and head out with Marisa.
> You pick up the box. The contents shift a little, but without any sloshing, eels must be really slimy.
> "Ye-uck, that does not sound pleasant." Marisa shakes her head and grimaces.
> "Good luck." Mystia bows.
> "Watch yourself!" Wriggle adds.
> Marisa leads you down the path. Along the way you pass Alice's house, her dolls silently pruning surrounding trees.
> Without incident, you arrive back at the Kirisame Magic Shop, the emblazoned "M" greeting you from the door.
> "Come on in."
>_
-
> Walk in.
> Examine room.
-
> Walk in.
> Examine room.
> You start for the stairs when Marisa stops you.
> "Uh-uh, eel stays out. I'm not letting that shit stink up my store."
> You crouch down to put down the box and promptly fall the rest of the way over. Oh hey, looks like you were still tired after all!
> Marisa lends her shoulder again and musters you up the stairs.
> "Christ kid, tryin' to kill yourself? Let's get you to a couch and I'll get you some mushroom soup."
> Through the door is a small storefront, about half the size of Kourindou. A shelf lines each wall and a glass case serves as the counter, all filled with various tricks and magical bits. She hustles you past the counter and through a curtain in the back, down a darkened hallway and finally into a large sitting area, her house.
> She drops you near a couch and you collapse right into it. You hear some clattering from a nearby kitchen and she soon returns with a steaming cup.
> "Drink up kid, need to boost your energy."
> You take the cup. It smells off, and doesn't taste good at all, but there isn't much so you muscle through your gag reflex and finish the cup. Mushrooms are not meant for drinking.
> She did have a valid point: you feel more energized than earlier.
> Marisa deposits herself in an overstuffed chair beside you and removes her hat. "So, you've got some questions and I've got some for you as well. We'll alternate, you go first."
>_
-
>"Why do I feel like I let Remilia drain me?"
-
>"Why do I feel like I let Remilia drain me?"
> "Well, one of the reasons is likely that you're just inexperienced with battle, so you expended more energy in that fight than you reasonably should, even if you didn't shoot that much. It's like I mentioned earlier, control is vital to this kind of thing. But the main reason is that you're drawing on your natural energy, meaning only the stuff you have in your own body naturally, as opposed to drawing additional energy from somewhere else. Those two combined is a great way to kick your own ass. Still, you needed the experience, and now you can see the difference between your own power and drawing it from elsewhere. Wait, drain you? Like, Remi drank your blood?"
>_
-
>"She wanted to... But I kinda need my blood for all the running around I'm doing."
>"And, Patchouli said something about external sources. But I didn't really get it too well."
-
>"She wanted to... But I kinda need my blood for all the running around I'm doing."
>"And, Patchouli said something about external sources. But I didn't really get it too well."
> "Hm, wonder why she asked you. I think it might have been alright, she doesn't drink that much, but you probably wouldn't have lasted the entire fight with Wriggle."
> "They're pretty essential if you're going to be doing a lot of shooting, and flying without one is practically impossible unless you cheat like Reimu. Maybe I can clear some of it up for you."
> "But first," she points at your ribbon, "why the hell do you have one of Mokou's ribbons?"
>_
-
>"She gave it to me, after I helped her get home and get bandaged after a nasty run in with Kaguya."
-
>"She gave it to me, after I helped her get home and get bandaged after a nasty run in with Kaguya."
> "Just another day at Eientei, some things never change."
> Marisa sighs.
> "So then, what are you unclear about with regards to energy sources? Everything?"
>_
-
>"More or less. I know it's possible to siphon off another source of energy, and use it to change your own, or some such."
-
>"More or less. I know it's possible to siphon off another source of energy, and use it to change your own, or some such."
> "Well, it's a little complicated to explain, but I'll do my best. Get comfortable."
> "OK, so you already know that the use of magic is not limited solely to magicians right? A magician is someone who specializes in studying and practicing all kinds of magic, but anyone can utilize magic. The biggest issue for the use of magic is how much energy one is able to expend to perform it. You could call it "chi" if it helps you picture it, but this energy is more tangible than that. With me so far?"
> "So then, drawing on an outside power source provides you with far more energy to work with. Youkai are basically an extension of nature, so not only is it easier for them to tap into their magical abilities but they can draw magic from the world around them, and have more options that humans could never tap into. For example, Mystia can use the power of song, darkness and other birds while Wriggle can siphon power from other bugs. It sounds complicated but to them it's totally natural. On the other hand, we humans have to use more abstract concepts to tap into, since we can't connect to the physical world to the same degree as the youkai, but at the same time we have to tap into something that can be proven. Example: I use the power of emotions, love in particular, while Reimu and Sanae harness faith. They can explain what they do better, because it's out of my league."
> She digs around in her pocket and produces a tiny box, holding it out towards you.
> "I also use this, call it Hakkero Reactor. Essentially, I can run my powers through it and it boosts them to obscene levels, using the same powers I do." She puts it away.
> "Now, the biggest issue is obtaining this potential. You've already tapped into your magic potential, hence why you can produce shots, a lot of people can't make it to or past that stage. To find a source you have two options: the first is to search until you find something, like the wind for example, that you can harness. Once you can harness something, you can practice and train your body to work with this force and eventually accept it. Once you can accept it, you can utilize the energy it provides to become more powerful. Problem is that it takes years and lots of dedication to reach that level."
> She leans forward. "The other option is to force an unlock. Basically, you'd need someone who is incredibly powerful and willing to help. From there, it's just an overload of power, as in you allow your body to be filled with energy from the other person's source until it completely overruns your body and forces you to adapt to that power source. On paper it appears to be a sound theory, but I've never tried it personally, I don't know who has."
> She leans back and sighs. "Yeah, it's a little complicated and I'm not used to explaining. Anything you need clarified?"
>_
-
>"I suppose the question is, how do you find something to draw upon? Like, you mentioned how Youkai have their thing that fits them. Are we like that? Do we have a thing that fits us best? Or is it just finding something and claiming it? And, what happens if two or more people draw on the same thing?"
-
> "You mentioned Reimu cheats when it comes to flight, how so?"
-
>"I suppose the question is, how do you find something to draw upon? Like, you mentioned how Youkai have their thing that fits them. Are we like that? Do we have a thing that fits us best? Or is it just finding something and claiming it? And, what happens if two or more people draw on the same thing?"
> "How do you find something? It's mostly through trial and error, just trying to combine with different things, because it's really whatever you can think of. And you aren't even limited to one, you can draw from multiple power sources if you can find more than one to merge with. In fact, that's preferable if you can manage it."
> "Well, unless you're drawing from the same very specific well as someone else, it shouldn't be a problem. I mentioned earlier that Mystia could draw power from darkness right? Well, Rumia draws solely from darkness, and Remilia can too. There's no shortage of it!."
> "So then, I assume you're looking to increase your power then? Where do your strengths lie?"
> "You mentioned Reimu cheats when it comes to flight, how so?"
> "She can fly by herself, but she used to ride a giant flying turtle. That was crazy."
>_
-
>Ponder where our strengths lie.
-
>Ponder where our strengths lie.
> Though some of the people you've encountered today seem to question it, you like to think of yourself as quite MANLY, fitting in with the classic definition of a samurai. You're dedicated to what you set your mind to and don't wish to harm others if it can be avoided. You also don't back down from your beliefs.
> Oh, and you deliver the hell out of packages!
> What else do you think you'd be good at?
>_
-
>"Not really sure where my strengths lie, I suppose. I'd like to think I'm pretty dedicated to not being a schmuck, though."
-
>"Not really sure where my strengths lie, I suppose. I'd like to think I'm pretty dedicated to not being a schmuck, though."
> Marisa chuckles.
> "Well that's good, but I'm not sure how it would help. Maybe you could try and tap into machismo? I've never tried that, obviously."
> "My turn. Tell me about this tengu."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Well, it's Momiji. She's...um...well, she's really nice. We kind of had a rough meeting, but things went pretty smoothly after that. She's pretty loyal to her superiors and tradition, but she's willing to question them for the greater good. Willing to make amends for her mistakes."
-
>Nod.
>"Well, it's Momiji. She's...um...well, she's really nice. We kind of had a rough meeting, but things went pretty smoothly after that. She's pretty loyal to her superiors and tradition, but she's willing to question them for the greater good. Willing to make amends for her mistakes."
> "I see. So right now this is more of a crush than anything. Tengu are tricky, has she shown any interest in you? Sounds a lot better than Aya at any rate"
>_
-
>"Hey... But yeah. She gave me a hug. And asked me to bring some books from the mansion library back up to her."
-
>"Hey... But yeah. She gave me a hug. And asked me to bring some books from the mansion library back up to her."
> "Look kid, no one likes Aya, but she brings it on herself."
> "A hug and asked you to run an errand? That doesn't exactly sound like a match made in Heaven, but it's not exactly a match made in Higan either. I'd bring it up with her if I were you, why not? If you feel that something's there, might as well ask about it. You did say she seemed reasonable."
> "But I don't know how much faith I'd have in it. A youkai is one thing, but tengu in particular are going to be annoying."
> "Your turn for a question."
>_
-
>"Well, tell me more about tengu, if you can?"
-
>"Well, tell me more about tengu, if you can?"
> "Well, aside from Aya? They're pretty private. Like, to extremes. They don't usually let other youkai even pass through unless they're going to the shrine. They definitely tend to have a superiority complex and they generally just aren't very friendly. I never spend much time up there to be honest. I don't have much reason to go to the Moriya Shrine, so when I head to the Mountain it's to see Nitori."
> "They've also got a guard patrol up there, made up of wolf tengu. Momiji's one of those, isn't she? They pretty much fall in lockstep with orders from Lord Tenma, and probably won't go against his word about nearly anything. Code of law is pretty much everything up there."
> "If you're asking how they'd react to you, I have absolutely no idea. I can guess that they wouldn't receive you very warmly, but you might be able to get through them, probably wouldn't be easy though."
>_
-
>"Yeah, the territorial thing is kind of what we original talked...well....argued about. So, what do the tengu in general respect?"
-
>"Yeah, the territorial thing is kind of what we original talked...well....argued about. So, what do the tengu in general respect?"
> "Other tengu."
> Marisa pauses and scratches her chin before continuing.
> "Seclusion and the ability to thrive in it, unending loyalty to a group and its causes, and a holier-than-thou attitude probably wouldn't hurt. Sanae could probably answer that better though, what with being closer to them."
> "Alternatively, there's the ever popular 'give up and pursue someone else' option, but you seem a little too headstrong for that. Is there anyone else in your sights besides Momiji?"
>_
-
>"Yeah, I might have to ask Sanae. And...I don't think it really works like that."
-
>"Yeah, I might have to ask Sanae. And...I don't think it really works like that."
> "It doesn't? News to me, unless the rules changed earlier today."
> She shrugs. "Nothing wrong with casting multiple nets though, you never know what you'll catch. You might bag a tengu, or a kappa, or a regular human girl, or an oni, or a lonely shrine maiden. Who knows?"
> "Still, probably best to be direct about it with her. Tengu don't seem to like pussyfooting around issues."
> "Any other questions? Could be about this or about magic again."
>_
-
>"About this tapping into an external source, how...good at this to do I have to be to do it without having a good chance of blowing myself up in the process?"
-
>"About this tapping into an external source, how...good at this to do I have to be to do it without having a good chance of blowing myself up in the process?"
> "There's really no risk since it's such a gradual process. It's pretty much testing waters until you feel something empower you. From there you just slowly adapt it and push your own limits until you can fully utilize it. It's not something you can rush, so there's really no risk of hurting yourself going that route."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"How do you start it?"
-
> Contemplate the possibility of tapping into our determination to deliver for an external source.
-
>Nod.
>"How do you start it?"
> You nod, so does Marisa.
> "You can feel your energy flowing through you, right? Concentrate and open yourself, and focus solely on what you're trying to draw power from. What you're trying to do is eliminate the distance that exists between you and the source, effectively making it an extension of yourself. It's a spiritual thing, you understand?"
> Contemplate the possibility of tapping into our determination to deliver for an external source.
> It's probably possible, determination seems to be an extension of manliness. Determination to deliver might be too narrow.
>_
-
>"That sounds like it makes sense, in light of everything I've seen so far."
>"One more question. Do you have any idea where to find Murasa?"
-
>"That sounds like it makes sense, in light of everything I've seen so far."
>"One more question. Do you have any idea where to find Murasa?"
> "I wish you luck, it'll be a long and arduous journey. Feel free to ask again if you have any further questions."
> "Murasa? I assume she's talking about CAPTAIN MINAMITSU MURASA as she so eloquently calls herself. She's probably at the Palanquin Ship cum Myouren Temple, unless Byakuren finally got fed up with the bitch. At any rate, Byakuren should know."
>_
-
> "Thanks for everything."
> The temple is in the village right?
> If so, bid Marisa farewell if we aren't too tired and head back to the village.
-
> "Thanks for everything."
> The temple is in the village right?
> If so, bid Marisa farewell if we aren't too tired and head back to the village.
> "Good luck on your romantic endevours!" She blows you a kiss as you leave.
> Just south of town near the fields, but you've never been down there.
> That rest certainly helped, as did the soup even if it did taste rather awful. You leave Marisa's house, grabbing the box of eel on your way out.
> It's a quick jaunt down the path before you arrive at Kourindou. As usual, it seems to be rather unpopular. To the south is the village, less populated than earlier this morning.
>_
-
>Inventory
-
>Inventory
> Your Inventory contains:
> GDC uniform
> Standard issue for all Deliverators, fairly utilitarian.
> Sweet Hat
> A rather unique hat from Kourindou, you'd never seen one like it before.
> Courier bag
> One strap is all you need to lug around parcels
> Manifest
> List of the packages you are required to pick up and deliver today.
> Wallet (6,700 yen)
> Made from tape, slightly sticky
> Canteen
> Can hold about 2 liters of water
> Hard roll
> Sustenance!
> Bottle of Green Hair Dye
> The text is in a foreign language, but you can tell it's green dye. Belongs to Sanae
> Chen's puzzle
> Tavern puzzle made by Chen, consists of two interlocking nails, unsolvable.
> Strings for Lunasa
> Nitori asked you to give these to Lunasa for her violin, they appear ordinary.
> Master Grade Gundam?
> White box with "Master Grade Gundam" written on the side
> Momiji's Tokin
> Traditional red Tengu hat, a gift from Momiji
> Mokou's Ribbon
> Resists fire, currently tied around left sleeve
> Gensokyo Blade
> A knife you got from Sakuya, it doesn't cut flesh
> Parcel for Murasa
> Box filled with eels, yuck.
>_
-
>Decide to hit up Kourindou later. Onwards to the village!
-
>Decide to hit up Kourindou later. Onwards to the village!
> You can't really think of anything you need there anyway!
> You head down towards the village. It's quite a while before afternoon tea, so people are busy being productive and what not. You notice some other deliverators as you pass through the village, running parcels between other humans. How'd you get stuck with the youkai today anyway?
> Speaking of youkai, you also catch Ran out of the corner of your eye, leaving a shop and carrying a large assortment of bags.
> You're about in the village square now.
>_
-
>Wave to Ran.
>Continue on toward the Palanquin Ship if she doesn't want anything.
-
>Wave to Ran.
>Continue on toward the Palanquin Ship if she doesn't want anything.
> You wave towards Ran, she nods back in your direction.
> Well, kind of. Was that a nod or was she beckoning you over?
>_
-
>Oh, why not?
>Approach!
>"Got your package safely delivered, Miss Ran. She was delighted to get it."
-
>Oh, why not?
>Approach!
>"Got your package safely delivered, Miss Ran. She was delighted to get it."
> Things could be worse.
> You walk over towards the tails youkai, who stops walking.
> "Wonderful, thank you very much. I'm just getting a few things for the house that Yukari'denka might be missing. Were you able to try any of it?"
>_
-
>Did we? I don't think we did...
>If not: "Unfortunately, no. She was much more interested in the fact that Mokou had guided me there. And things got...well...rather horrifying after that."
-
>Did we? I don't think we did...
>If not: "Unfortunately, no. She was much more interested in the fact that Mokou had guided me there. And things got...well...rather horrifying after that."
> Sadly you did not.
> You inform Ran as to the circumstances surrounding your failed pie-eating venture.
> "Oh dear, how unfortunate that you had to see them fight. Perhaps there will be another opportunity for pie later. IN any case, seeing as we both have our packages, I must be off. Take care."
>_
-
> "You take care as well."
> Head for the Temple.
-
> "You take care as well."
> Head for the Temple.
> You take your leave of the Tail-y One.
> Reimu's Shrine or the Ship-cum-Temple?
> You begin to make your way south towards where you suspect the ship to be.
>_
-
>Keep heading toward the shimple.
-
>Keep heading toward the shimple.
> You head towards the fields! Leaving the village should enable you to find the templeship easier.
> "Hey Toshi!"
> You turn towards your right. Oh look, it's Yoshi.
>_
-
>Who the what now?
>"Hey!"
>Wave.
>"How's it going?"
-
>Who the what now?
>"Hey!"
>Wave.
>"How's it going?"
> Your friend Yoshi of course! Keine would always refer to the two of you as Toshi and Yoshi, the only time she would call you To-san. Somehow, Toshi stuck, even with him
> You try to remember if anyone has called you Toshiro lately. What is it with people?
> Still, you haven't seen Yoshi in like two days. A fellow Deliverator, he convinced you to start delivering as well. Naturally, he's also carrying a package.
> "Hey," as he approaches, "been running all over town as well? Haven't seen you around. You get stuck with the youkai runs today?"
>_
>
-
>"Yeah, they got me out of town today. Nearly got killed once. Maybe twice. You?"
-
> "Youkai runs, more like time of my life! Overall, I'm learning a lot of stuff you might never learn here, running all over the place, dodging death, meeting new people, having an overall pretty good time."
-
>"Yeah, they got me out of town today. Nearly got killed once. Maybe twice. You?"
> "Damn, my sympathies man. The youkai runs are such bitch work. They don't seem to come up very often though, at least not for me. Youkai are fucking weird though, right man?"
> "Youkai runs, more like time of my life! Overall, I'm learning a lot of stuff you might never learn here, running all over the place, dodging death, meeting new people, having an overall pretty good time."
> "Whaaaaaaaaaaat? You're serious man? Shit, I wouldn't even stick around and talk to them, I'd just, like, throw them their packages and get out. I mean, they do some crazy shit, so I try to minimize my exposure out there. And now you're telling me that you're having fun? Shit, you're crazy man."
> "But hey, since you're crazy and all, think you can help me out? I had human runs all day, key word had, but now I got this thing."
> He shakes the box. Strangely, it doesn't make a sound.
> "Got this box going out to some youkai, Kazumi or something. Since you're having a grand old time with them, think you can run this for me? I'll buy you a drink or something later tonight as thanks."
> "Oh, where you heading anyway?"
>_
-
> Take the package.
> Realize too late he meant Kazami.
> "Have a package to deliver to someone at the Myouren Temple. That's more or less why I was passing back through the village."
-
> Take the package.
> Realize too late he meant Kazami.
> "Have a package to deliver to someone at the Myouren Temple. That's more or less why I was passing back through the village."
> Man, you just can't say no to Yoshi.
> You take the box, it's a little smaller than the eel box, but you're able to fit it in your bag with little difficulty. It's a little heavy though.
> Possibly, but you've not heard that name before either!
> You check the box, which addressed to a "Yuka Kazami"
> ...oh
> "Thanks man, I owe you big time. Oh, the temple? Yeah, right before the fields, got a delivery for the priest? Man she's nice, almost too nice, but she's hot!! Got some tig ol' bitties man!" He makes an exaggerated breast gesture, what a card.
>_
-
> "Naw, its not for the priest. Its for a 'Captain Murasa Minamitsu'."
> Start walking with Yoshi towards our destination.
-
> "Naw, its not for the priest. Its for a 'Captain Murasa Minamitsu'."
> Start walking with Yoshi towards our destination.
> "Oh her! Yeah, not nearly as hot. Also, a little too into the whole "Captain" thing."
> You ask Yoshi to show you to the ship. "Uh, sure I guess. You really ain't missing much by not going there before. It's down here."
> Yoshi starts down the road. "Y'know, weird as they may be, some of the youkai can be pretty attractive. Tits tend to be bigger on them than on human girls. I wonder why that is?"
> About par for the course for a Yoshi conversation.
>_
-
>"You know, it may not be too smart to be talking about that in public. A few youkai come here, and some of them have pretty good hearing. And might not be all that flattered, you know?"
-
>"You know, it may not be too smart to be talking about that in public. A few youkai come here, and some of them have pretty good hearing. And might not be all that flattered, you know?"
> "Maybe, but they can't really do anything here. Still, wouldn't they want to be complimented? I don't really know how they think though, do they prefer tact?"
>_
-
>"Dunno if it counts as a compliment, though. And yeah, everyone prefers tact, man. Best thing I can tell you is to just be polite, and treat them like people. Different outlooks aside, that's pretty much something we all have in common. I mean, some of them have some kind of weird outlooks, but I've not met anyone so weird you can't just talk and get along, you know? They're not that different. Just don't be a fool."
-
>"Dunno if it counts as a compliment, though. And yeah, everyone prefers tact, man. Best thing I can tell you is to just be polite, and treat them like people. Different outlooks aside, that's pretty much something we all have in common. I mean, some of them have some kind of weird outlooks, but I've not met anyone so weird you can't just talk and get along, you know? They're not that different. Just don't be a fool."
> "Mmm, maybe. I mean, you're still alive right now, and I assume you're speaking from experience, but you talk to the Hakurei miko and she paints it like youkai and just waiting around to fuck with you when you don't expect it."
> "So, you almost got killed today, what happened man? Does this tie into not being a fool? What'd you do, try and suck face with one?"
> He slaps your back and laughs.
>_
-
> "No it was more of a 'you're arguing with my sister so you must be trying to hurt her' kind of thing..."
> Shudder.
-
>"Yeah, if you see a green-haired girl with a fancy black hat and a blue eye thing, watch out for her. She's crazy. And apparently some kind of mind reader."
-
> "No it was more of a 'you're arguing with my sister so you must be trying to hurt her' kind of thing..."
> Shudder.
> "Yeah, to me? That sounds crazy."
> You shudder. "Cra-a-a-a-a-azy"
> You finally reach the outskirts over the village where a grassy meadow greets you. To the Southeast you can make out the Bamboo Forest, while you know that the farm area should be nearly everywhere else South of the village.
> "Think it's over here." Yoshi gestures towards the Southwest.
>"Yeah, if you see a green-haired girl with a fancy black hat and a blue eye thing, watch out for her. She's crazy. And apparently some kind of mind reader."
> "I can't even imagine what she wears, but from that description it's probably hideous. Where'd you run into her, around here?"
>_
-
>"Naw, she was Underground. Speaking of that, watch out for the oni. They're pretty nice, but they love to party, any time and any where. They'll make you offers you can't refuse, and they're way better at it than we are. Next thing you know, you're stupid drunk and they're doing who knows what silly shit to you. "
>Follow them directions.
-
> "No, the Underground City, Palace of Earth Spirits to be exact. I think her name was Koishi. Apperently she is just impulsive and fun loving."
> "The Oni their are honest like mad, and love drink, party and fun. Crazy bunch, but definately fun. I speak from experiance yet again."
> How much do we know about Yuka Kazami?
-
>"Naw, she was Underground. Speaking of that, watch out for the oni. They're pretty nice, but they love to party, any time and any where. They'll make you offers you can't refuse, and they're way better at it than we are. Next thing you know, you're stupid drunk and they're doing who knows what silly shit to you. "
>Follow them directions.
> "I've heard that they're, what's the word I'm looking for, oh right, CRAZY! I haven't been down there yet, but I plan on running as fast as I can through there should I ever end up down there."
> You follow Yoshi through the fields. Off in the distance you start to make out...a ship? It definitely seems to have a bow and a mast, it's also nowhere near any kind of water.
> "No, the Underground City, Palace of Earth Spirits to be exact. I think her name was Koishi. Apperently she is just impulsive and fun loving."
> "The Oni their are honest like mad, and love drink, party and fun. Crazy bunch, but definately fun. I speak from experiance yet again."
> How much do we know about Yuka Kazami?
> "Definitely sounds impulsive, only sounds fun if you're crazy."
> "Yeah, and that experience sounds, again, crazy! Look man, I hate to sound like a broken record but those stories aren't doing much to change my mind. Who else have you met that's not crazy?"
> Not much, only that some people have said that it would be best to avoid her. Still, maybe she's not that bad?
>_
-
>"Naw, it's just the warnings, first. There's some weird youkai, but there's some weird humans too, so it all balances out in the end. The girl who runs the food stand in the forest is pretty normal. So is the librarian at the mansion. And the gate guard, I bet you'd like the gate guard. The kappa seemed a lot like how we are. The tengu...well, maybe. But even the weird ones? They're alright."
>"That boat it? And who's this package from?"
-
>"Naw, it's just the warnings, first. There's some weird youkai, but there's some weird humans too, so it all balances out in the end. The girl who runs the food stand in the forest is pretty normal. So is the librarian at the mansion. And the gate guard, I bet you'd like the gate guard. The kappa seemed a lot like how we are. The tengu...well, maybe. But even the weird ones? They're alright."
>"That boat it? And who's this package from?"
> "Mm, you have a point there. Hell, maybe youkai just seem weird to us because they do everything differently. I bet we seem crazy to them huh!?"
> He nudges his elbow into your ribs, a little too hard.
> "All I know about that stand is that it serves eel and not chicken, apparently she'll freak out if you ask for chicken. And the mansion? You mean the vampire mansion? Is the librarian a vampire too? What about the guard? I hope she isn't, and more importantly I hope you meant: "Hey Yoshi I found this youkai chick and she's not weird at all and she's totally hot and you'll love her!" You should introduce me man!"
> "Kappa and tengu, at the big mountain? I've seen the kappa, they seem kinda normal. It's weird. I have no experience with the tengu though, but I've heard they're all supreme assholes."
> Yoshi looks towards the boat, "Yep, that's it. It kinda just fell out of the sky a while and it's been there ever since. Can't believe you haven't been out here yet though man."
> "The box? From the flower shop. I think it's dirt. Like, just dirt. Not sure man."
> He nudges you again, softer this time. "So, you found me a youkai, but did you take some time and find a youkai for yourself as well? C'mon, spill man!"
>_
-
>"Yoshi, I am not about to jinx myself. And...maybe I'll introduce you to the gate guard sometime. But you are gonna have to be a class act the whole time, until she gets used to you. Know what I mean? Because I'm pretty sure she'd break your face if you got her mad. Like, in two."
-
>"Yoshi, I am not about to jinx myself. And...maybe I'll introduce you to the gate guard sometime. But you are gonna have to be a class act the whole time, until she gets used to you. Know what I mean? Because I'm pretty sure she'd break your face if you got her mad. Like, in two."
> He stops dead. "Wait, I was just fucking with you man, but you actually found yourself a youkai? Damn dude, it's been one day! And then you're not going to tell me? That's fucking cold man."
> He mulls his words and sighs. "Fine, you can keep your youkai friend a secret so long as you actually introduce me to this guard, deal?"
>_
-
> "Sounds good."
> Brofist to seal the deal.
-
> "Sounds good."
> Brofist to seal the deal.
> The proper way to seal a deal.
> "I'm gonna hold you to that, else we'll find out what your mother thinks about you dating youkai."
> You shudder at the thought.
>_
-
> "Luckily for you I'll probably be heading out that way again later today."
> Are we almost to the Temple?
-
> "Luckily for you I'll probably be heading out that way again later today."
> Are we almost to the Temple?
> "Like I said, holding you to it man."
> You've stopped for a bit, but now you start walking towards it again. There appears to be a large entranceway cut into the hull. You've got a little bit to go before you arrive.
>_
-
>"I got to make another run out that way anyways, so I'll try to pick you up. But I'm telling you, man. You'll get like one chance. And if you make a fool of yourself, there's not much I'll be able to do if she decides to beat you in the head a bit."
-
>"I got to make another run out that way anyways, so I'll try to pick you up. But I'm telling you, man. You'll get like one chance. And if you make a fool of yourself, there's not much I'll be able to do if she decides to beat you in the head a bit."
> "Hey, you can't give up without trying at least once. We'll see what happens."
> You draw closer to the ship. Over the entranceway is a small awning, while a small garden seems to circle the ship. As you approach, a woman with striped hair and a strange outfit exits the ship to greet you.
> "Welcome."
>_
-
>Oh wow that's some neato hair.
>"Hello there! Is Miss Murasa around? I have a package for her."
-
>Oh wow that's some neato hair.
>"Hello there! Is Miss Murasa around? I have a package for her."
> It sure is, you get a very strong tiger vibe from it.
> "Someone went a little crazy with the bleach," Yoshi hisses at you.
> "A package for her? Yes, she should be around here somewhere. Would you like to come in?"
>_
-
> I don't want to impose.
-
>Give Yoshi a good elbow to the ribs. Not too obvious, hopefully, but enough to give him proper corrections.
>"If that's alright."
-
> I don't want to impose.
> You express your apprehension at accepting her hospitality.
> "Oh not at all, we welcome all travelers and any that seek guidance."
>Give Yoshi a good elbow to the ribs. Not too obvious, hopefully, but enough to give him proper corrections.
>"If that's alright."
> Payback time!
> He gives a small grunt. "Fine, I'll stop."
> "Please, come in."
>_
-
> "Thank you miss..."
> Let her finish that, and follow her in.
-
> "Thank you miss..."
> Let her finish that, and follow her in.
> You follow her in, Yoshi nipping at your heels.
> The interior is not what you expected from a former ship. The hold has been renovated to be more like, well, a temple. The walls don't seem to have been removed, but have been lined with paper, while sliding doors mark the hallways.
> The woman bows slightly. "Shall I find Murasa for you? Would you like to speak with the priestess?"
>_
-
>"Please. And I suppose if the priestess has nothing better to do, it wouldn't be a problem."
-
>"Please. And I suppose if the priestess has nothing better to do, it wouldn't be a problem."
> "Well, I asked because some would prefer to find people themselves. In that case, I shall return. The priestess should be at the large room at the end of the hall."
> She gestures to her left.
> "Excuse me." She sets off in the opposite direction.
> "Dude..."
>_
-
>Start to the left.
>"What?"
-
>Start to the left.
>"What?"
> Down the hallway you go!
> "Her hair man! That was wild!"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"You wouldn't think someone could wear it that well."
>Onwards!
-
>Nod.
>"You wouldn't think someone could wear it that well."
>Onwards!
> Well, wild is one way to put it.
> "I think it's the dress too, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's a pet tiger around here man. Oooh! Or a tiger-painted room!"
> Yoshi bounces his tiger ideas down the hallway. Soon you encounter a doorway about a meter taller than the surrounding doors.
> "Looks like a big one to me."
>_
-
>Open it up and head inside.
-
>Open it up and head inside.
> Yoshi shoves through as you open the door.
> Inside, the room appears to actually have true paper walls, while a woman, sporting more outrageous hair, in an odd black and white outfit sits in the middle of the room on a pedestal, her legs in a full lotus.
> "Welcome young travelers. Do you seek guidance?" Her smile is warm and inviting.
> Again with the nudging. Yoshi seems to have noticed that the woman is rather generously endowed.
>_
-
> Whisper "Dude, please behave yourself for now."
> Do we know anything about this woman?
-
>"Not guidance, per se, but rather some nice conversation. We're with the delivery service. Your friend with the tiger-striped hair asked us if we wanted to wait here and talk with you while she finds Captain Murasa."
-
> Whisper "Dude, please behave yourself for now."
> Do we know anything about this woman?
> "Dude, I heard she was stacked, but that's just ridiculous."
> All you know is that she arrived here with the ship a few months ago and set it up as a Buddhist temple and that she's nothing but kind. Aside from those little tidbits you've heard nothing.
>"Not guidance, per se, but rather some nice conversation. We're with the delivery service. Your friend with the tiger-striped hair asked us if we wanted to wait here and talk with you while she finds Captain Murasa."
> "I see. I would imagine that you would require the most guidance knowing how much you travel." She chuckles.
> "I have some time, otherwise I would direct you to Ichirin if you only were only seeking conversation. In any case, proceed. Murasa should arrive in short order."
> Yoshi's eyes have long since glazed over.
>_
-
>"Well, I suppose I am a bit curious about who you are. Not heard too much, myself."
-
> Wonder how Yoshi even manages everyday functions with that personality.
-
>"Well, I suppose I am a bit curious about who you are. Not heard too much, myself."
> "About me? There isn't much to know. I was human who became a youkai and was sealed in Makai for hundreds of years before being recently released, and now I help travelers as they venture on the journey of life."
> Wonder how Yoshi even manages everyday functions with that personality.
> You wonder why he doesn't get slapped nearly as much as he probably should. It's almost an endearing trait, except that he lacks tact almost entirely.
> More nudging. Tits and hair it seems.
>_
-
>"Could you help me figure out how to teach this guy I know how to act with some class, rather than metaphorically blowing his nose on the drapes everywhere he goes. It's starting to be a real problem, and I don't want him to land in hot water."
-
>"Could you help me figure out how to teach this guy I know how to act with some class, rather than metaphorically blowing his nose on the drapes everywhere he goes. It's starting to be a real problem, and I don't want him to land in hot water."
> You decide to casually sell Yoshi out.
> "This guy both of us know," Yoshi hastily adds.
> The woman nods her head deeply and begins to slowly rock back and forth. You must admit, it is difficult to avoid watching her heaving chest.
> "Well, your friend seems to be having issues, but it's nothing that cannot be solved. Are you familiar with the Path?"
> Yoshi shakes his head.
>_
-
>Better he learn from Byakuren than from Big Green. And try not to watch too much, or too closely.
>"Please, elaborate."
-
>Better he learn from Byakuren than from Big Green. And try not to watch too much, or too closely.
>"Please, elaborate."
> Then again, maybe she'd actually get him to act with some tact, with or without kicking his ass.
> The priestess nods. "There are certain guidelines to follow in life that, while not ensuring happiness, can help one to be more in touch with the world around them. It's easy on the surface, but its effects are far-reaching."
> She begins to tell you and Yoshi about the Eightfold Path. Yoshi, as expected, looks completely lost.
> Oh no, wait, he's actually focusing and paying attention. This is unprecedented! It might be because of her sizable assets, but he's actually asking proper questions.
> Just as she begins to explain Right Speech, a cry of "AVAST YE!" from behind makes all three of you jump.
>_
-
>Jump!
>Look back!
-
>Jump!
>Look back!
> You jump once again for good measure.
> You turn towards the door. There you see a short girl clad in a sailor suit, effortlessly carrying an enormous anchor.
> "Which of ye dared to ask for CAPTAIN MINAMITSU MURASA !? Are you not MAN ENOUGH to seek me yeselves!?"
> The priestess sighs.
>_
-
> Regain composure.
> "That would be me. I have a delivery for you."
> Hand her the package.
-
> Regain composure.
> "That would be me. I have a delivery for you."
> Hand her the package.
> Not the first time you've been screamed at today.
> Murasa bounds across the room and stops right at your feet, sending Yoshi jumping back. It might have been threatening if she weren't so short.
> "Ah! Thank ye lad, I knew she'd come through w'them in the end." She snatches the box from your outstretched hands.
> Yuka's box.
> Oh dear.
>_
-
> "Er... That isn't the package I have for you."
> We DO have Murasa's box right?
-
> "Er... That isn't the package I have for you."
> We DO have Murasa's box right?
> "Then why hold it out fer THE CAPTAIN!?" She tosses it back at you, making you dive in order to catch it.
> You do have it, in your bag.
> You hand Murasa the proper box.
> "Much betta! Ye can tellit's fresh by the slidin'!"
> It sounds more like slimy squishing, but you're more just relieved to be rid of the box.
> Yoshi steps forward. "So wait, you're CAPTAIN MURASA?"
> "That's CAPTAIN MINAMITSU MURASA to ye lad!"
> "CAPTAIN MINAMITSU MURASA!?"
> "CAPTAIN MINAMITSU MURASA!"
> "CAPTAIN MINAMITSU MURASAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
> They both seem to be enjoying themselves. The priestess sighs again and shakes her head.
>_
-
> At this rate, we won't even have to introduce Yoshi to Meiling.
-
>Chuckle, for it is a good show!
-
> At this rate, we won't even have to introduce Yoshi to Meiling.
> Perhaps that would be for the best. Then again, maybe she would share the same type of humor?
>Chuckle, for it is a good show!
> Well, why should they be the only ones enjoying themselves?
> Murasa has now taken to waving her anchor like a saber, a move Yoshi is all too enthusiastic to imitate.
> The priestess clears her throat. "Murasa, would you mind taking that elsewhere?"
> "Aw, what'sit to ye?"
> "We had been discussing-"
> Somewhere, a bell sounds. The priestess rises and begins to head for the door.
> "If you have further questions for me, please follow. Ichirin should be able to tell you more about the Path."
>_
-
>"It'd be interesting, but I got more deliveries to make. You gonna hang around, Yoshi?"
-
>"It'd be interesting, but I got more deliveries to make. You gonna hang around, Yoshi?"
> "Very well, I trust you can find your way out?"
> "Huh?" Yoshi pauses his bantering and looks towards you. "Uh, who's Ichirin? I'd...like to finish hearing about it. It was pretty interesting."
> "Come along, I'll point her out."
> Yoshi jogs over and departs the room with the priestess, leaving you and Murasa together.
> "Ye ever had real eel before?"
>_
-
>Have we? Either way, give an honest answer!
>If not, add "Do they taste like lamprey?"
-
>Have we? Either way, give an honest answer!
>If not, add "Do they taste like lamprey?"
> You have not, and answer as such.
> "Missin' out! Lamprey's like eel, but inferior. Uglier too! Should get yer hands on it sometime, a true treat from the deep! PERRRRRFECT for the CAPTAIN!"
> That shouting is starting to grate on you...
>_
-
>"I'll keep that in mind. If it's better than lamprey, then I'll definitely have to get my hands on some."
>Try to imagine this concept!
>"How do you cook 'em?"
-
>"I'll keep that in mind. If it's better than lamprey, then I'll definitely have to get my hands on some."
>Try to imagine this concept!
>"How do you cook 'em?"
> "See to it that ye do!"
> Probably very slippery, a net would almost be required you imagine.
> "Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew."
> "Any old way, isn't that great! Fried, broiled, grilled, steamed, hell, the list goes on!"
> Well that certainly sounds versatile, moreso than cooking whatever's in Yuka's box no doubt.
>_
-
>"Hope you enjoy 'em, then. I need to be on my way. Oh, could you make sure Yoshi doesn't cause any problems while he's here?"
-
>"Hope you enjoy 'em, then. I need to be on my way. Oh, could you make sure Yoshi doesn't cause any problems while he's here?"
> "Plannin' on it. And him cause problems? Naw, he's buckets of fun!"
> Fast friends.
> You leave the room, as does Murasa who flies off to where you assume the kitchen is.
> Before you is the hallway filled with the faux-paper walls and multiple doors. No one else seems to be in it.
>_
-
>Try to retrace our steps out.
-
>Try to retrace our steps out.
> You head straight down the hall until you find the main entranceway you used. The tiger-haired woman, you think the priestess called her "Shou" is standing near the entrance.
> As you approach, she asks "Did you receive the guidance you were seeking?"
>_
-
>"I heard some interesting things, at least. My buddy Yoshi, though, he seemed to really get into it. You might win a convert out of him. Oh, uh, sorry he was acting like a mukluk earlier."
>_
-
>"I heard some interesting things, at least. My buddy Yoshi, though, he seemed to really get into it. You might win a convert out of him. Oh, uh, sorry he was acting like a mukluk earlier."
> "It's nice to hear that he's taking it seriously. We don't seek converts though, we only aim to push others towards righteousness. Far as his behavior, it is not something unexpected Many new travelers tend to focus on the same things."
> "Since you are not with Ichirin right now, may I assume that you did not want to hear more about the Path?"
>_
-
>"Not at the moment, I've got other deliveries to make."
-
>"Not at the moment, I've got other deliveries to make."
> "Feel free to return at any time."
> You take out your Manifest and mark off Mystia's name, noting that she sent a package to Murasa. Only one more required delivery for the day!
> But you still have several others to attend to.
>_
-
>Check what the last delivery is, while making way toward the Hakurei Shrine.
-
>Check what the last delivery is, while making way toward the Hakurei Shrine.
> All that's written is the word "Yakumo".
> You head away from the ship, electing to skirt the eastern side of the village on the way to the Shrine. It's rather nice to see a forest that isn't full of youkai.
> Before long you arrive at the trail through the woods leading to the Shrine. Upon first glance, you can't see Mima anywhere.
>_
-
>Approach. Keep an eye open for her or the other residents of the place.
-
>Approach. Keep an eye open for her or the other residents of the place.
> You start down the path, on the lookout for half-ghosts, drunken oni, robotic maids and armpit mikos.
> What a colorful cast.
> Unfortunately, your journey carries you all the way to the shrine. Reimu is out front. Sweeping. There's a shocker! Suika sits on the steps eyes closed and taking an occasional nip from her gourd.
> Reimu looks up. "Good to see you're still in one piece. How goes the research?"
>_
-
>"I've gotten a basic idea of how danmaku works. Even did okay in a mock battle against Wriggle, with Marisa's assistance. Things been peaceful here?"
-
>"I've gotten a basic idea of how danmaku works. Even did okay in a mock battle against Wriggle, with Marisa's assistance. Things been peaceful here?"
> "Really now? It's only been a few hours. I must admit, I'm impressed. Wriggle's weak, so that's a good place to start. Danmaku's the kind of thing that you'll have to stick with it to get better, but don't go around picking fights with youkai. The last thing you want is to get in a fight with someone like Remilia, who'd wipe the floor with you before you knew it."
> She sets her broom down. "Yeah, been pretty dead here unfortunately. Still, peaceful's always better than dealing with problems. What brings you back around?"
>_
-
> "Mima said that she'd be able to help me with something. Is she around?"
-
> "Mima said that she'd be able to help me with something. Is she around?"
> "I haven't seen her in a bit. Just a second."
> She drops the broom and lets out an awful, ear-piercing whistle. It's enough to make you recoil and clamp your hands over you ears in protest.
> Suika falls off the steps, something you attribute more towards the sound right now than the alcohol.
> But in just a few seconds, Mima floats out of the shrine.
> "Who dares to summon the great and powerful Mima? Show yourself at once!"
> "Knock it off."
> Mima sticks her tongue out at Reimu, who resumes her sweeping. Mima floats over towards you.
> "Ah, you're back. What's up kid?"
>_
-
> "I'd like to take you up on your previous offer. I think I'm ready to make that delivery."
-
> "I'd like to take you up on your previous offer. I think I'm ready to make that delivery."
> "Oh right, to the Poltergeist Mansion? No guarantee they'll be in, but I'll take you out there."
> She floats over to Reimu and slaps her on the back, the broom clattering to the floor. "See ya Rei-rei."
> "Dammit just go! Don't be such a bitch."
> "Says the pot."
> "I will END YOU! Get going!" She sends a few shots towards where Mima's feet should be.
> Mima, ignoring the assault, glides over towards the shrine, returning with a tall staff. "Shall we? Rei-rei's not that much fun anyway."
>_
-
>"No time like the present."
>Follow that shrimp person outta here.
>_
-
>"No time like the present."
>Follow that shrimp person outta here.
> "Really? I think the best time for anything is later, but I have all the time in the world."
> Mima floats down the path, keeping next to you. You suspect she could probably go much faster than you, but when does gliding become flying anyway?
> "Any experience with ghosts before, or is this something way out of your element?"
>_
-
>"Not a bit of experience. no."
-
> "Do my few encounters with you count? Cause if not, then no."
-
>"Not a bit of experience. no."
> "Do my few encounters with you count? Cause if not, then no."
> "Nono, other ghosts only wish they were like me. Sadly, no other ghost is as wonderful or as enchanting as me."
> She does a little spin; enchanting is not the first word you'd use to describe her.
> You finally reach the end of the forest. Mima zips ahead of you around the south side of the village.
> "Come on!"
>_
-
>Follow her!
-
>Follow her!
> It's not fair that she doesn't have to run!
> You give chase! She continues to wrap around the village, cackling as she flies, looping back and forth as you catch up.
> She stops by the bridge Keine-sensei showed you earlier on your way to the Bamboo Forest. By the time you reach her you are quite out of breath.
> "Man, you really aren't that fun huh?"
>_
-
>"W-well, excuse me-"
>Huff
>"-Can't be all that-"
>Puff
>"-entertaining when-"
>Huff
>"I'm running at top speed after you."
>Wheeze.
-
>"W-well, excuse me-"
>Huff
>"-Can't be all that-"
>Puff
>"-entertaining when-"
>Huff
>"I'm running at top speed after you."
>Wheeze.
> "Well then, maybe you should leave the land of the Living and become a ghost. Have you ever thought about it?"
>_
-
>Work on catching breath.
>"Sure, just give me a few score of years to get ready."
-
>Work on catching breath.
>"Sure, just give me a few score of years to get ready."
> "Oh, I'm not ready to be a ghost! I've still got all this living to do!" She waves her arms and uses a mocking tone, no wonder Reimu snapped.
> While you're still trying to catch your breath, she sets off again, seeming to take the same path you took towards the Underground.
> "It's worth some thought, there are worse ways to become a youkai, and even if you fail to become sentient there's a chance you'll wind up at Hakugyokurou, so things could be worse I suppose."
> Back into the green fields, where exactly is she going?
>_
-
>Follow her. "Yeah, that about sums it up. A whole lot of living to do. Speaking of such, what do you do around the shrine?"
-
> Ponder challenging Mima to a Danmaku duel, for the sole sake of a bit of fun and training our skills.
-
>Follow her. "Yeah, that about sums it up. A whole lot of living to do. Speaking of such, what do you do around the shrine?"
> "But when you're alive you have responsibilities and the like, but as a ghost? Why, you have all the time in the world! Who ever said that living is only for the living?"
> She zips around some more, flying in great arcing loops and spins before bobbing over to you.
> "Take me for instance: I stop by the shrine for tea and to bother Rei-rei, but aside from that there isn't anything I have to do! I'm free to come and go as I please, terrify those in the forest, wander through the village, whatever I desire. And besides, no one cares to stop a ghost."
> Ponder challenging Mima to a Danmaku duel, for the sole sake of a bit of fun and training our skills.
> You consider it. She is being rather nice to take you to the Poltergeist Mansion, and you really wouldn't want to offend her. You also have no idea how strong she is. Still, it might be good for practice, and it'd almost certainly amuse her.
> The two of you continue up the rolling hills. My goodness is it a wonderful day!
> "So then, what do you want with the Prismrivers anyway? Having a big party or something?"
>_
-
> "Naw, I have a package that needs delivering. Violin strings I believe."
-
>"I'm surprised you don't have problems with charms and seals and talismans and other things like that that you'd find around a shrine, actually."
-
> "Naw, I have a package that needs delivering. Violin strings I believe."
> "Lunasa snapped hers? Never thought I'd see the day."
>"I'm surprised you don't have problems with charms and seals and talismans and other things like that that you'd find around a shrine, actually."
> "You'd think, but unless they're actually being used they aren't an issue. If they're just sitting there, unblessed and unused, there's no power behind them. Why would I have an issue? It's not like ~I~ cause trouble! A ha ha ha~"
> Her laughter carries over the hills. To the right, the scenery grows darker and less inviting than the greenery ahead of you. Mima starts for the right, beckoning you to follow.
>_
-
> Follow.
> "Whats the deal with the sudden change in scenery?"
-
> Follow.
> "Whats the deal with the sudden change in scenery?"
> You follow her as she bobs over towards the darkness. You think you can make out some buildings in the distance.
> "Land of the Dead," she says very matter-of-factly.
>_
-
>"Ah, that explains it. I'm surprised a lively soul like yourself would want anything to do with it."
>Follow the shrimp sorcerer
-
> Time to ask 'bout a duel, very least to see if she knows someone who would be willing, the practice is nice, and the duels seem kinda fun.
> "Hey Mima, since I'm kinda new at Danmaku and such, do you know anyone who might be up for having a for-fun duel?"
-
>"Ah, that explains it. I'm surprised a lively soul like yourself would want anything to do with it."
>Follow the shrimp sorcerer
> She tosses her hair at your mention of lively.
> "Well, while it may be true that I'm far more entertaining than the others, you are still looking for ghosts, so naturally they'd be around here. Of course, this isn't just for the non-living. The entire area is older, less going on and all that.
> Speaking of shrimp, some of that would be quite nice right now. Mmmm
> Time to ask 'bout a duel, very least to see if she knows someone who would be willing, the practice is nice, and the duels seem kinda fun.
> "Hey Mima, since I'm kinda new at Danmaku and such, do you know anyone who might be up for having a for-fun duel?"
> No time like the present!
> She stops and zips right up to your face.
> "For fun? You want to duel someone for fun? Most would wipe the floor with you, myself included!"
> She gestures towards herself before throwing her head back and cackling "A ha ha ha~"
> "So," the laughter suddenly ceasing, "rather than deliver your package you'd prefer to fight? Is that so~?"
>_
-
>"I was thinking the first thing, then the second, actually."
-
>"I was thinking the first thing, then the second, actually."
> "I see, so you just want to toss a few bullets around then. With who? And why would you want to?"
>_
-
>"I figure it's probably a good idea to get better at it while I can, before some lug decides I'm done with the practice rounds."
-
> "Besides, let's say I dueled with you. I'd see how a pro does it, and would learn from that. How does it go, practice makes perfect or something? You would probly be some of the best practice I could get, considering how good you are."
-
>"I figure it's probably a good idea to get better at it while I can, before some lug decides I'm done with the practice rounds."
> "Not one for Rei-rei's assurances of safety huh? I suppose there's something to be said for that."
> "Besides, let's say I dueled with you. I'd see how a pro does it, and would learn from that. How does it go, practice makes perfect or something? You would probly be some of the best practice I could get, considering how good you are."
> "Oh please, methinks you doth flatter too much. A ha ha ha~!"
> That laugh is starting to grate...
> She backs away finally and "kneels" before you.
> "What inspired you to suddenly desire the practice now though? Scared of ghosts? Keep in mind that a fight with me would be much more difficult than your practice round earlier, is that really what you want?"
>_
-
> "Well, with one match under my belt, thought I should ask. Besides, I'm asking knowing that you'll be really really difficult."
-
> "Well, with one match under my belt, thought I should ask. Besides, I'm asking knowing that you'll be really really difficult."
> "A ha ha ha~! Difficult is certainly one way to put it. Well I certainly can't fault you you for your bravery."
> She reaches into her vest and removes a small piece of paper. Hey, that looks familiar...
> Oh right, spellcard.
> "I haven't really had a chance to spread my wings for a while, funny you should ask now! A ha ha ha~!"
> She holds the card next to her face, still kneeling on the ground. "Any objections? Otherwise prepare yourself!"
>_
-
> "I'm good. Lets do this."
> Get into a dodging stance.
> Brace for impact.
-
> "May the most graceful win, as they say." Give a little laugh.
-
> "May the most graceful win, as they say." Give a little laugh.
> "For someone so hesitant to become you a ghost, you don't balk at danger."
> Thankfully, she doesn't counter you laugh with one of her own.
> "I'm good. Lets do this."
> Get into a dodging stance.
> Brace for impact.
> "Wandering sign: Lost Soul!"
> The ground rocks with an immense explosion as Mima shoots straight back nearly out of sight. Great orbs of crimson begin to rain down upon you.
> You steel yourself for the onslaught, but it is getting rather close.
>_
-
>Are the orbs moving in straight lines, as raining would imply? If so, try to move between them.
>If not, just try to stay out of the way until we can understand what is going on.
-
>Are the orbs moving in straight lines, as raining would imply? If so, try to move between them.
>If not, just try to stay out of the way until we can understand what is going on.
> They are, straight downwards in fact. One is bearing right down on top of you!
> You take off, running to the side as the orb crashes to the ground, shaking the earth on impact. Your knees buckle, but you manage to hold your ground.
> Another is barreling towards you, but you can spy an open area ahead.
>_
-
>Move ahead!
>If we can get what feels like a safe distance from it, try to gauge how much it can touch up before it hits our core.
>Prepare for the impact, keep knees bent to absorb the shock.
-
>Move ahead!
>If we can get what feels like a safe distance from it, try to gauge how much it can touch up before it hits our core.
>Prepare for the impact, keep knees bent to absorb the shock.
> You leap forwards, the orb continuing into the ground.
> Despite being in the clear for a bit, you decide to press your luck a little.
> Your knees ready, you approach the orb as it buries into the ground. You remember being able to at least sacrifice an arm with no consequence.
> You stick your arm in quickly. It feels...slightly warm, odd considering the color. Not enough to knock you down though.
>_
-
>Be on the lookout for the next oncoming shot, and the ones around it.
>If it feels like there's time, assess what Mima is doing.
-
>Be on the lookout for the next oncoming shot, and the ones around it.
>If it feels like there's time, assess what Mima is doing.
> You remove your arm and feeling sad and lonely look to the sky. What a surprise, you're right in the path of an orb!
> Despite the size, you can see several flanking it. A good decision would be to run.
> Not really time to lolligag, but you're not sure which direction Mima disappeared off to.
> "And you're not even going to fight back? What a shame!" calls a voice from far off.
>_
-
> Could we tell where the voice came from?
> If so "Heh, just trying to dodge and learn the pattern. If I'm gonna learn, I gotta learn how to dodge well, THEN counter effectivly and cap a card or two."
> RUN! If we think we can't make it just by running, make a dive and hope for the best.
-
> Could we tell where the voice came from?
> If so "Heh, just trying to dodge and learn the pattern. If I'm gonna learn, I gotta learn how to dodge well, THEN counter effectivly and cap a card or two."
> RUN! If we think we can't make it just by running, make a dive and hope for the best.
> It sounded distant, but it seemed to be from behind you.
> You decide to book it, shouting a rather long-winded taunt as you run through the orb field. For just a bit of flair, you add a little dive at the end, clearing the orbs easily.
> "Then you need more practice! A ha ha ha~!"
> The red orbs burst with color, shrinking to about half their size while a spiral of new orbs spin out of the color explosion. Many colored orbs swirl around the field tightly, you wonder if you'll be able to avoid them all.
>_
-
>Does there seem to be places where those spinning orbs aren't so thick?
-
> Keep running and circle around to where we heard Mima's voice from.
> Try to get a visual on Mima, and if w think we see her at all, toss some Danmaku at her!
> "Unwinable Boss Fight my rear! It's just a really freaking hard fight! Nothing time, effort and the Konami Code can't beat!"
-
>Does there seem to be places where those spinning orbs aren't so thick?
> Only for negligible amounts of time, but you think you might be able to navigate it. Thankfully they're all going the same direction.
> Keep running and circle around to where we heard Mima's voice from.
> Try to get a visual on Mima, and if w think we see her at all, toss some Danmaku at her!
> "Unwinable Boss Fight my rear! It's just a really freaking hard fight! Nothing time, effort and the Konami Code can't beat!"
> You jump into the stream!
> Oh god oh god there's orbs EVERYWHERE this is bad oh god
> You awkwardly run between orbs, moving against the flow. It's neither easy nor fun, but so far so good!
> You look around for Mima and see noth-oh wait there she is. That blue outfit is pretty distinct, but she's pretty far off, maybe 50 meters or so? Farther than Wriggle for sure.
> Oh, trying to cheat huh?
>_
-
> Try and keep running towards her, once we get roughly 45-35 meters from her, try and unleash a bullet or two at her.
> Dodge to the away from any bullets that would hit us. If they would hit our right, dodge left and vice versa. Try to jump over bullets that are about to hit the ground ahead of us.
-
> Try and keep running towards her, once we get roughly 45-35 meters from her, try and unleash a bullet or two at her.
> Dodge to the away from any bullets that would hit us. If they would hit our right, dodge left and vice versa. Try to jump over bullets that are about to hit the ground ahead of us.
> CHARGE! You throw caution to the wind and dash straight ahead!
> Suddenly, you think excessively about the proper logistics pertaining to dodging shots. Unfortunately, you decide to think in the middle of a swirling shot parade, so despite your perfectly-constructed plans to avoid shots, you find it impossible to escape entirely unscathed. Several shots drill through your arms and shoulders. However, your quick thinking with jumping leads to your legs not being hit.
> But it does place you in the path of a shot that passes directly through your chest, dropping you to the ground with a thud, oof.
> Thankfully the card breaks shortly afterwards, so you manage to avoid a repeat of the Koishi fiasco. Luckily, Mima's shots don't seem to hurt as badly as Koishi's, wonder why that is?
> From Mima's direction you hear a foul cackling. Ah yes, perhaps she just couldn't concentrate on the card? That seems more in line with her character.
>_
-
>Fight the temptation to shoot her anyways.
>Make a mental note that just wading in is a bad idea, Tear.
>Let Ghiggles the Ghost get it out of her system.
-
>Fight the temptation to shoot her anyways.
>Make a mental note that just wading in is a bad idea, Tear.
>Let Ghiggles the Ghost get it out of her system.
> Satisfying as that may be, it would likely end the grace you're currently receiving.
> You resolve to make a better battle plan next time Gadget, next time.
> Luckily, Mima calms down fairly quickly.
> "OK," you imagine she'd be wiping tears from her face if she even has the ability to cry, "good as that was for a laugh, you said you wanted to learn. Care to try again?"
>_
-
>How much shit do we feel like? Could we have another go?
>If so: "One more time."
-
>How much shit do we feel like? Could we have another go?
>If so: "One more time."
> You think your pride took a bigger hit than your body, but you figure that you could probably go for another card.
> "It's totally understandable if you want to give up now. I gotta thank you though, been a while since I've had a laugh like that and it wasn't at Rei-rei's expense!"
> Well isn't she cocky...
>_
-
Ok I goofed at thinking we could dodge while moving. I messed up and didn't listen when you told us that. >.>
Vic didn't say that we couldn't dodge and run, you can completly blame me :(
-
>Okay, yeah. Perhaps this falls more into Yoshi's school of thought, but she's getting shot somewhere.
>"One more time."
-
>Okay, yeah. Perhaps this falls more into Yoshi's school of thought, but she's getting shot somewhere.
>"One more time."
> Yoshi might be more concerned with finding out if her breasts are corporeal, but getting revenge would definitely be a high priority.
> Mima floats towards you, halving the distance between the two of you.
> "Alright then, if you insist." She removes another card. "I'll show you the power of the dead. Astral sign: Poltergeist Projection!"
> Within seconds you're surrounded on all sides by Mimas. With a wave of their collective hands, a flurry of shots fill the air, floating about slowly in all directions. The north looks safe for now though.
>_
-
>Move northward, and shoot at the various Mimai, to see how they react.
-
>Move northward, and shoot at the various Mimai, to see how they react.
> You hustle up northward, thankful for the slowness of the shots.
> Once settled you fire off a few shots towards the Mimas ahead of you. Hey, this shooting thing is getting easier! Granted, your shots don't seem to be as powerful as Mima's, but it's still progress.
> Oddly, none of the MImas dodge your shots, choosing instead to stand stock still. One lucky shot connects with a Mima, causing her to pop out of existence.
> Another hand wave. No more bullets, but they zip around faster, one of them clipping your leg. West seems rather thick with shots, but further south of it seems clear.
>_
-
>Move southward.
>Once we feel out of the storm, observe the Mimai. Try to see if one strikes us as unusual; in behavior or appearance.
-
>Move southward.
>Once we feel out of the storm, observe the Mimai. Try to see if one strikes us as unusual; in behavior or appearance.
> You head south again, bound for the promised land of the clear southwest! A shot drills your arm, but you shake it off.
> The shots clear a bit and you glance towards the Mimas. They all seem the look the same though, not a difference among them.
> Well, one looks a little different. She looks a little, what's the word? Oh yes, normal.
> A shot whizzes by your head. Time to move again!
>_
-
>Aim and shoot at the normal one, then move on to the next clear area; taking care to avoid shots along the way.
-
>Aim and shoot at the normal one, then move on to the next clear area; taking care to avoid shots along the way.
> You fire off a shot, which Mima deftly dodges.
> Eastward! You move with stuttering steps, trying desperately to avoid being hit. One nails your right hand, but you're unscathed for now.
> You figure you have enough time for a quick breath before moving on again.
>_
-
>Take a moment to regather our breath, keeping an eye on the field.
>If plausible, try to keep an eye on the Mima that dodged at the same time.
-
>Take a moment to regather our breath, keeping an eye on the field.
>If plausible, try to keep an eye on the Mima that dodged at the same time.
> You gather your breath and look around for Mima, finding her without difficulty.
> In fact, you find yourself facing all the Mimas, the bullets having disappeared.
> Another hand wave. A cyclone of speedy bullets tears towards you.
>_
-
>Get out of the way of the cyclone, and try to figure out what it's doing.
-
>Get out of the way of the cyclone, and try to figure out what it's doing.
> You jump to your left to try and dodge. The cyclone turns to your left as well and continues forward.
> Oh how wonderful, it's following you.
>_
-
>Try to circle so that it's no longer between us and the actual Mima, get close, and shoot her up.
-
>Try to circle so that it's no longer between us and the actual Mima, get close, and shoot her up.
> You can outrun some puny bullets! You take off, arcing around the circle until you arrive at the Mima-that-looks-off-because-she-doesn't-look-off and manage to get off three shots!
> She twists her way around the shots and sticks her tongue out at you. Who knew ghosts were so mature?
> You feel the wind pick up as the cyclone gains on you.
>_
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>Close in some more, and figure out the concept of shotgunning on the fly on real Mima.
-
>Close in some more, and figure out the concept of shotgunning on the fly on real Mima.
> You push even closer, Mima grinning as you charge.
> You get about 5 meters from her, with her still not breaking ranking, and unleash a barrage of shots upon her.
> She floats up, allowing most of them to pass through her tail, leading her to grimace.
> The cyclone is bearing down on you, the other Mimas look on blankly.
>_
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>Keep closing it. Take a few shots of opportunity, and run past her.
>Let's see how she likes getting a faceful of cyclone!
-
>Keep closing it. Take a few shots of opportunity, and run past her.
>Let's see how she likes getting a faceful of cyclone!
> You charge forward, taking a few potshots at Mima as you pass beside her.
> You pivot around to watch the cyclone go directly through her!
> Leaving her entirely unhurt. She throws a few bullets your way as the cyclone continues towards you.
>_
-
>Well it was probably irritating, at least.
>Sidestep the bullets, and continue to flee from the cyclone; loop around so that we are coming at Mima again.
>Presume she doesn't try anything, close in like before, as though we were going to shoot her, then hack her with that danmaku knife when in range.
-
>Well it was probably irritating, at least.
>Sidestep the bullets, and continue to flee from the cyclone; loop around so that we are coming at Mima again.
>Presume she doesn't try anything, close in like before, as though we were going to shoot her, then hack her with that danmaku knife when in range.
> You'd settle for minor discomfort really, beggars can't be choosers.
> You easily avoid the bullets, then lead the cyclone through an immense arc, bringing you back through Mima Circle and face to face with the real Mima.
> She takes a stance to dodge your shot, but you unsheathe your knife and slice the tip through her chest as she ducks away from you.
> She falls to the ground with a "GAH!?" as her staff clatters beside her. The cyclone vanishes immeadiately.
> After a few seconds she pulls herself up and grabs her staff, giving you a glare that could freeze mercury. She levels her staff at you and cries "SPARK!"
> A beam of yellow light erupts out of the staff and hurtles towards you.
>_
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>Move left now!
-
>Move left now!
> This looks quite painful!
> You dive away as the beam rockets past you. Mima slowly starts to turn the beam towards you.
>_
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> The beam is still moving and just turning to hit us, correct?
> Rush at Mima and use the Danmaku Knife when within range. Dang, this thing is helpful!
-
> The beam is still moving and just turning to hit us, correct?
> Rush at Mima and use the Danmaku Knife when within range. Dang, this thing is helpful!
>Don't do this. We want to win.
>Keep moving left,and fire on her. If she's sending out beams, then she's probably not going to dodge much.
-
> The beam is still moving and just turning to hit us, correct?
> Rush at Mima and use the Danmaku Knife when within range. Dang, this thing is helpful!
> Correct, but it doesn't really seem to be moving. It's more like a gigantic ray of danmaku stuck on the end of her staff.
> You charge directly at Mima again!
>Don't do this. We want to win.
>Keep moving left,and fire on her. If she's sending out beams, then she's probably not going to dodge much.
> Oh wait, no you don't charge after all.
> You continue to strafe her as she follows and throw another small barrage her way. She moves slightly to the right, but still absorbs the brunt of the impact. The beam wavers slightly, but continues towards you.
>_
-
>Keep the strafing up and shooting up!
>Be wary of trickery from Mima. Because in her position, trickery is definitely the answer.
-
>Keep the strafing up and shooting up!
>Be wary of trickery from Mima. Because in her position, trickery is definitely the answer.
> You continue your shooting rampage as you outpace the beam, Mima eventually relenting the beam to dodge your shots.
> She sure doesn't look happy! She shouts an obscenity and snaps her fingers.
> Oh look, you're surrounded by Mimas again. Did you strafe into the original circle?
> Mima levels her staff at you again, the others following suit. In one voice, they proclaim "SPARK!"
> Yellow beams hurtle towards you from every angle. Of all the places you could possibly be right now, this is the last place you'd like to be.
>_
-
>Forward, and angle between two of the oncoming beams.
>Our goal is to get out of the middle, and slip between two of Mimai. Real or not. We just want to go between them and hopefully go between the sparks as well. Move forward to get out of the center of fire as quickly as possible. Full run.
-
>Forward, and angle between two of the oncoming beams.
>Our goal is to get out of the middle, and slip between two of Mimai. Real or not. We just want to go between them and hopefully go between the sparks as well. Move forward to get out of the center of fire as quickly as possible. Full run.
> Oh god the last thing you want is to get hit!
> You take a leap forward, then run up parallel to a beam. Unsurprisingly, they also start to follow you, but much quicker than Mima's solo beam.
> That edge seems impossibly far away now, but you pour on the steam and book it away from the mass congruence of beams hunting you.
> Your foot nicks one of the beams as you run, sending a shock of pain and heat through your body that feels completely unlike a danmaku hit.
> Mima screams again.
>_
-
>Try to ignore the pain. Let the ghostly shrieks inspire us. Keep running! between those beams!
>Keep that knife ready. If we get the opportunity, she is totally getting a shanking.
-
>Try to ignore the pain. Let the ghostly shrieks inspire us. Keep running! between those beams!
>Keep that knife ready. If we get the opportunity, she is totally getting a shanking.
> The pain helps significantly with focus, namely focusing on kicking Mima's hopefully corporeal ass!
> You continue forward, the circle seeming to move with you somehow.
> The beams start to move independently, making your life just a touch harder than it had been. You manage to keep ahead of them pretty well, when one suddenly swings in front of you at chest level!
> Your grip your new knife harder in your hand, ready to do some serious but non-threatening damage.
>_
-
>Are we still running between two of the beams?
>If so, assess whether we feel we could duck under this one in our path and keep going.
-
>Are we still running between two of the beams?
>If so, assess whether we feel we could duck under this one in our path and keep going.
>Yes, and fast on your way to becoming a Spark-and-Toshiro sandwich, likely toasted if that last hit was any indication.
> It's high enough that you won't have to flatten yourself underneath it, and with a slide-tackle motion you should be able to keep your momentum.
> Mima screams again, but it's still far preferable to her cackling.
>_
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>Slide tackle under that thing!
>If it's plausible, while running at full tilt, fire on some of the Mimai. See if we can eliminate a beam or two. Or the real one. But don't stop to do this or to locate the real one. Movement is key!
-
>Slide tackle under that thing!
>If it's plausible, while running at full tilt, fire on some of the Mimai. See if we can eliminate a beam or two. Or the real one. But don't stop to do this or to locate the real one. Movement is key!
> Grass stains are the least of your worries! You drop your hip hard and clear the beam easily before popping yourself back up and running again. Seems you've stayed ahead of the chasing beams throughout that bit.
> You lob a few shots towards the Mima closest to your left. As expected, it makes no attempt to dodge and vanishes after being hit, taking one of the immediate chasing beams with her. A repeat performance to your right and you're now blessed with a much wider berth between chasing shots.
> So far you've eliminated 3 Mimas, leaving 9 to deal with, but none directly ahead.
>_
-
>Fire upon the Mimai to the left while keeping ahead of the beams.
-
>Fire upon the Mimai to the left while keeping ahead of the beams.
> All this running would certainly impress...someone back home you think, but now's not the time to think about that!
> You turn left and go back to strafing, managing to pick off two more.
> From the corner of your eye, you see a beam on your left begin catching up. The Mima behind you responsible for it screams again.
>_
-
>Move away from the oncoming beam. Dispose of any convenient Mimai along the way.
-
>Move away from the oncoming beam. Dispose of any convenient Mimai along the way.
> You turn right and hoof it ahead of the beam. You've successfully eliminated all the Mimas to the front now, leaving only the ones behind you and the one on your right, who you highly suspect to be the real one, dragging a beam behind you.
> "YOU CAN'T ESCAPE NOW!" she cries. As her beam gets closer, the remaining Mimas's beams begin to rotate clockwise.
>_
-
>Well if we can't escape, the only solution is to shoot her in the face until we have no time left to do it. So let's go with that.
>Keep moving and fire on the one that talked.
-
>Well if we can't escape, the only solution is to shoot her in the face until we have no time left to do it. So let's go with that.
>Keep moving and fire on the one that talked.
> She's probably never felt the wrath of a true Deliverator before!
> You keep on with the running and turn towards Real-Mima, firing a few shots her way.
> She artfully dodges, slinging three shots in your path as her beam inches closer.
> Thankfully, you aren't in danger of running out of field, but fatigue is starting to set in. You're not sure how much more punishment your legs can take. A runner you are not.
>_
-
>Keep going, man.
>Do it for Momiji!
>Keep closing in, and if we can, give her the knife!
-
> Flight would be nice right about now!
> Start thinking the word Fly, with the hopes that we will.
-
> Flight would be nice right about now!
> Start thinking the word Fly, with the hopes that we will.
>Try not to let this interferewith actual dodging and further irritatings of Mima.
-
> Flight would be nice right about now!
> Start thinking the word Fly, with the hopes that we will.
> Oh god yes, but at least Mima's using her legs, or tail or whatever. She's not flying! Yeah, that's it.
> You think about flying over and over, trying to will the gift out of you. You almost lose track of the shots coming your way...
>Try not to let this interferewith actual dodging and further irritatings of Mima.
> ...but you notice them at th last second and leap into the air. Does this count as flying?
> You flatten out and clear the shots by mere centimeters before catching yourself with your free hand and rolling out of the jump.
> Pain shoots down your back, you suspect that you landed very incorrectly.
>Keep going, man.
>Do it for Momiji!
>Keep closing in, and if we can, give her the knife!
> No matter! Pain brings focus! That and pain, naturally. You hop to your feet and continue ahead of the beams.
> Do it for the doggie! Even if you haven't thought about her in months If only she were here!
> Mima prepares for another volley. Now's your chance!
> You turn the knife in your hand, ready to strike. You can close the distance between the two of you in about 6 seconds.
> Let us commence with an All-Out Attack!
>_
-
>Be ready to move out of the way of the volley, then move back in one it passes. Then gib the ghost.
>Should moving back in be impractical, try to shoot her in the face instead.
>Above all else, keep moving.
-
>
X "Ok, use the All-Out Attack!"
> Try tossing a few shots at Mima, if we can without dropping focus or w/e.