Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2010, 09:33:24 PM
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>You are Keine Kamishirasawa, and the world around you is not the one you remember.
>Yesterday evening, you investigated a strange disturbance in the woods near the village. There you found an unknown human girl, and a mysterious white-winged youkai whose presence seemed to make you drift towards sleep. And then they spoke, and reality broke around you. You awakened to a world where some things are very different, and you've been trying to determine how to fix them.
>You have discovered the human village abandoned, and inhabited only by Hina and a strange human woman named Shiouko. The Spring Snow incident went unresolved, and Gensokyo endured an entire year of winter. The ensuing famine killed a great many people, including your close friend Akyuu. The surviving humans now live in a new village in the foot of Youkai Mountain, under Kanako's protection. Kanako is working with the Kappa to industrialize Gensokyo, and some of the fruits of this work can already be found in the human village.
>You have met and befriended Rumia, who has been following you around ever since.
>You have found a chasm where the Hakurei Shrine should be. Apparently Reimu disappeared with it, sometime after the Scarlet Mist Incident.
>You have fought off Mystia, who evidently held a grude against you for reasons you cannot remember.
>You discovered a house that belonged to your counterpart in this timeline, who seems to have lived a life that you do not remember. She seems to have vanished since yesterday; possibly when you awoke.
>You have realized that Eirin succeeded in sealing the moon years ago, thus preventing you from utilizing your hakutaku powers. You decided to breach Eientei to restore the true moon.
>You have witnessed a large explosion of unknown magical energy that appears to have removed a large patch of forest at a point between Yokai Mountain and the Scarlet Devil Mansion. When you investigated, you were attacked by a winged shadow creature that emerged from remnants of the energy. You obtained a sample of this energy, and gave it to Patchouli to analyze.
>You have explained your situation to Mokou, and she is travelling with you to help you break into Eientei. While she does not remember you, she seems to be growing accustomed to you, and it's comforting to have her along.
>You have ventured into the Hell of Blazing Fires, and discovered that it has turned cold.
>You have learned that Utsuho is being held captive by Kanako, and she has told Orin that Utsuho can never be released.
>With the help of Suika, you have tunneled a path into Eientei from below.
>You are currently confronting Reisen inside Eientei, outside of Kaguya's chambers.
>"We don't have a lot of time, I'm afraid. We must see the Princess soon. You'll forgive us for entering as we have, but really there was little choice in the matter."
>Don't look at the eyes.
>You make certain to avoid eye contact, and try to explain yourself.
>"The ward was erected for a reason," Reisen says. "Outsiders are not allowed here. If there were any exceptions, I would have been informed. Remain where you are and take no aggressive action, or I will be forced to subdue you."
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> Spell Keine's name wrong in the topic title.
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> Spell Keine's name wrong in the topic title.
>You devour the history of this unfortunate accident. It never took place.
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>"Reisen, do you really think that is the best way to approach this situation, all considered?"
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>"Reisen, do you really think that is the best way to approach this situation, all considered?"
>"All I can see is that two intruders have managed to breach a supposedly impenetrable defense, and then head directly for the princess's chambers. Intruders who are clearly not kindly disposed towards her," she eyes Mokou pointedly. "The princess has chosen to remain hidden for a reason, and gone to great lengths to ensure her secrecy. I have little choice but to regard you as hostile."
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>"And you didn't notice I knew your name."
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>"And you didn't notice I knew your name."
>"You've already demonstrated knowledge of a number of things an ordinary outsider should not know," she says, her expression unchanging. "You've clearly done your reconnaissance well, by whatever means it was accomplished. But it changes nothing."
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>"So, you don't know how we got in. You don't know how I know who you are. And your reaction is to try to fight us, rather than solving these mysteries? Eirin trained you better than this, Reisen. Or, do you really think you have a prayer against Mokou, let alone all three of us? It would be best if you handled this civilly."
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>"So, you don't know how we got in. You don't know how I know who you are. And your reaction is to try to fight us, rather than solving these mysteries? Eirin trained you better than this, Reisen. Or, do you really think you have a prayer against Mokou?"
>"I don't intend to fight you unless you force me to. And there will be answers from you before all this is over, one way or the other. But spare me the psychology; if you feel that you can overpower me so easily, why are you still here?"
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>"Ah, so you say this now. In any event, it is because I have no desire for it. Now, if you don't intend to be helpful and work toward resolving this peacefully, please move aside."
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>"Ah, so you say this now. In any event, it is because I have no desire for it. Now, if you don't intend to be helpful and work toward resolving this peacefully, please move aside."
>"No," she says firmly. "I will not let strangers wander freely around this house. Remain where you are."
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>"As you wish."
>Invoke familiars. Move if she tries something.
>"Mokou, please try not to be too rough."
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>"As you wish."
>Invoke familiars. Move if she tries something.
>You begin to summon familiars, and then suddenly the corridor seems to change shape in front of you; the movement is hard to follow and dizzying. There are now three hallways branching away from you, and Reisen stands at the end of each of them. "If you know who I am," she says, the source of her voice shifting back and forth between them, "then you know what I'm capable of. Don't expect any mercy from me."
>"Mokou, please try not to be too rough."
>"Like hell!" she replies, her eyes shifting back and forth in front of her.
>Rumia squeals, then turns and runs into a nearby wall with enough force to knock her off her feet. She yelps.
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>Place a hand on the nearby wall.
>"Nothing of substance should Mokou set you on fire."
>Can we trace her voice?
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>Place a hand on the nearby wall.
>You place a hand on the closest wall. It still feels solid and normal enough.
>"Nothing of substance should Mokou set you on fire."
>"Power is meaningless when you cannot even see what's in front of you," Reisen replies.
>Can we trace her voice?
>Her voice seems to come from one direction and then another. Sometimes even from several directions at once, getting nearer and then drifting further away.
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>Ponder if we know Eientei to be warded against fire, given Mokou and being made of paper and wood.
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>Ponder if we know Eientei to be warded against fire, given Mokou and being made of paper and wood.
>You think that Kaguya used a little of her eternity power to keep the mansion itself in good repair over the centuries, but you're not sure how well that translates to being unable to burn, in the short term.
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>"Reisen, before you get too wrapped up into things, you have considered that we're in a house full of paper. Right next to the Princess' quarters, and that your tactics are going to cause Mokou to throw a lot of fire around in an attempt to hit you?"
>Were there any windows in Kaguya's room?
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>"Reisen, before you get too wrapped up into things, you have considered that we're in a house full of paper. Right next to the Princess' quarters, and that your tactics are going to cause Mokou to throw a lot of fire around in an attempt to hit you?"
>"If you set things on fire, that is your doing," she replies, "and the consequence is also yours. I only told you to stay where you were. You are the aggressor, here."
>Were there any windows in Kaguya's room?
>There was one, yes.
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>"Doesn't mean they're any less on fire, Reisen. And you're smart enough to know it takes two for things things to happen. Please don't devour your common sense in the name of strict loyalty, neither your master nor the princess would be proud of you for it."
>Feel for that door.
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>"Doesn't mean they're any less on fire, Reisen. And you're smart enough to know it takes two for things things to happen. Please don't devour your common sense in the name of strict loyalty, neither your master nor the princess would be proud of you for it."
>"Then what do you expect me to do? Walk off and forget about you? Let you do as you please in our home?"
>Feel for that door.
>You reach for the door. It seems to be where it ought to be.
>"If you attempt to flee," Reisen says, noting your gesture, "I will shoot."
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> Won't the effect be rendered null if Rumia uses her darkness?
> If so and the window is big enough, tell Rumia to envelope the hallway in darkness and get everyone to escape through the window in Kaguya's room.
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>Given it affects sound, mere darkness probably won't cut it. But it would even the odds a bit.
>"I told you what to needs to be done, Reisen. This is far more important than just you. You may either accept this is true, in light of the evidence you've seen so far, or you can continue to pretend this is just some assault on your princess. Don't you think Mokou's been very restrained for an attack? Doesn't this tell you anything?"
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> Won't the effect be rendered null if Rumia uses her darkness?
>You're not certain if she can manipulate the appearance of things she can't see herself. At the very least, though, she shouldn't be able to see you.
>Given it affects sound, mere darkness probably won't cut it. But it would even the odds a bit.
>It does seem like it might help. How much, you probably won't know until you try it.
> If so and the window is big enough, tell Rumia to envelope the hallway in darkness and get everyone to escape through the window in Kaguya's room.
>The window is probably big enough to get through, once opened, but you're not sure whether darkness would break the effect Reisen's creating, nor whether all three of you are even seeing the same thing.
>"I told you what to needs to be done, Reisen. This is far more important than just you. You may either accept this is true, in light of the evidence you've seen so far, or you can continue to pretend this is just some assault on your princess. Don't you think Mokou's been very restrained for an attack? Doesn't this tell you anything?"
>"It tells me that you don't yet want to provoke a battle. There are several possible reasons for this, and many of them do not require your honest intentions. If you truly believe you have business with the princess, tell me what it is."
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>"Will you cooperate, regardless of what I say, if I do so and there is no implied threat?"
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>"Will you cooperate, regardless of what I say, if I do so and there is no implied threat?"
>"I can't promise to do anything before I know what you're going to say. But speak."
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>"We need to unseal the moon, so that the past can be put back together the way it's supposed to be."
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>"We need to unseal the moon, so that the past can be put back together the way it's supposed to be."
>"The past?" she says, raising an eyebrow at you. "What's that supposed to mean?"
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>"It is exactly as I said. The past has been altered, drastically. How aware are you of the outside world? Do you know how the long winter ravaged the human village? Do you know how the Hell Crow lost her mind and was captured by Kanako? None of it was supposed to happen! Something important change, and many people have died! And since you sealed off the moon, which also never should have happened, we can't fix it. There, are you satisfied? Can we stop wasting time? Or do you still want to tell yourself this is just some dumb raid, even though the one woman who has less reason than any to show restraint has had the buddha's patience tonight?"
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>"It is exactly as I said. The past has been altered, drastically. How aware are you of the outside world? Do you know how the long winter ravaged the human village? Do you know how the Hell Crow lost her mind and was captured by Kanako? None of it was supposed to happen! Something important change, and many people have died! And since you sealed off the moon, which also never should have happened, we can't fix it. There, are you satisfied? Can we stop wasting time? Or do you still want to tell yourself this is just some dumb raid, even though the one woman who has less reason than any to show restraint has had the buddha's patience tonight?"
>Reisen's brow furrows as you explain yourself. "That's a very... original alibi. But you asking us to reopen the way to the moon is suspicious enough in its own right. They cannot be allowed to find us. I doubt people like you are their agents, but it doesn't matter; I'm not the one who decides what to do with you."
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>Calming breath.
>"Will you please take us to the Princess now?"
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>Calming breath.
>"Will you please take us to the Princess now?"
>You take a deep breath. Honestly, you're getting tired of people not believing you.
>"No." She pauses, and considers. "But if you will just remain where you are, Eirin should be here shortly. You can attempt to convince her if you want."
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>"Mpkou, do you feel like this all the time?"
>Another deep breath.
>"And how do we know it's not just some trick of yours? We've laid our cards on the table, when really we don't even owe you that, as you're the ones who've forced us to-"
>Another breath.
>"No, this isn't achieving anything. But we have shown you a great deal of faith and forbearance. Perhaps you could work with us just a little? You may recall I mentioned time is of the essence. And that stupid barrier has give us a very frustrating night, like you wouldn't believe."
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>"Mpkou, do you feel like this all the time?"
>"Sometimes," she grumbles, sounding none too happy, herself.
>Another deep breath.
>"And how do we know it's not just some trick of yours? We've laid our cards on the table, when really we don't even owe you that, as you're the ones who've forced us to-"
>Another breath.
>"No, this isn't achieving anything. But we have shown you a great deal of faith and forbearance. Perhaps you could work with us just a little? You may recall I mentioned time is of the essence. And that stupid barrier has give us a very frustrating night, like you wouldn't believe."
>"I believe I'm being lenient by not having fired on you already; I doubt anyone would complain if I had. And if you think you don't even owe us an explanation for breaking into our house... I don't know what to say to that. It's pretty nervy to complain that our defenses made it difficult for you to get here. That is why they're there, you know." She pauses. "Look, you can wait a few more moments for Eirin, or you can attempt to force your way past me or flee. Either of those last two options will lead to us fighting. If you truly wish to avoid that, you can hold still. Whatever rush you're in, you can spare that much time."
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>Deep breath. Don't tell her the only one benefiting from the lack of fighting is her and her home.
>"I'll save it for Eirin. She's more to blame than you. I've antagonized you enough."
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>Deep breath. Don't tell her the only one benefiting from the lack of fighting is her and her home.
>As satisfying as that might be to say, you have to wonder if she'd even agree at this point.
>"I'll save it for Eirin. She's more to blame than you. I've antagonized you enough."
>Reisen scowls at you, but says nothing.
>A minute or so later, you hear footsteps in the hallway. "Udonge?" a voice calls out.
>"I'm over here," Reisen replies.
>"And the intruders?" you hear her walking towards you.
>"They're...." she glares at you, then sighs. "They're also over here."
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>While she's approaching.
>"Hello Eirin, we need to talk. Preferably on the way to seeing the Princess."
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>While she's approaching.
>"Hello Eirin, we need to talk. Preferably on the way to seeing the Princess."
>"And they're still conscious, Udonge?" she says, her tone rather unconcerned, and making no acknowledgment of your statement.
>"....yes, master."
>"Why is that?"
>"Well they said it was important that they-"
>"And you listened?" Eirin cuts her off. "You know full well that-"
>"Dammit, woman, get over yourself!" Mokou snaps, "And stop talking about us like we're not fuckin' here!"
>"Mokou..." Eirin replies coldly, as she steps into sight. "I suppose I should have expected you'd eventually find a way in here."
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>Put a hand on Mokou's arm. "Thank you, but that's enough for now."
>Look to Eirin. "Tell me, how sensitive are you to the flow of time, and changes in it? I've never quite understood your sensibilities in that regard, but it might make things easier if you are."
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>Put a hand on Mokou's arm. "Thank you, but that's enough for now."
>Mokou grumbles, but seems to back down a little.
>Eirin chuckles, a thin and not at all light-hearted sound. "Now, there's a surprise."
>"What's it to ya?" Mokou snaps.
>Look to Eirin. "Tell me, how sensitive are you to the flow of time, and changes in it? I've never quite understood your sensibilities in that regard, but it might make things easier if you are."
>"Before I answer any question of yours," Eirin replies, "you will tell me exactly how you reached this place."
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>"That's not time sensitive, this is. But long story short, we got the help of an oni to power through. I'll explain in greater detail later, but please understand we do not have time right now."
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>"That's not time sensitive, this is. But long story short, we got the help of an oni to power through. I'll explain in greater detail later, but please understand we do not have time right now."
>"An oni?" She sounds rather taken back by this, and pauses, seemingly considering. "And why are you so short on time?"
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>"We have until the moon sets to set things right. Then we'll have to wait another month. And given I've already been attack by some sort of extra-dimensional fiend once tonight, I might not have that kind of time. As you're suspecting, I'd hope, this is a long story."
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>"We have until the moon sets to set things right. Then we'll have to wait another month. And given I've already been attack by some sort of extra-dimensional fiend once tonight, I might not have that kind of time. As you're suspecting, I'd hope, this is a long story."
>"It does sound that way. Or an incredibly fanciful one. And the moon is important in all this because....?"
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>"I assume you know what a hakutaku is. I suspect you can figure out what a were-hakutaku is. That's what I am. And a significant portion of this issue is involved with history being altered."
>We'll leave out the 'I think' that should be at the end.
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>"I assume you know what a hakutaku is. I suspect you can figure out what a were-hakutaku is. That's what I am. And a significant portion of this issue is involved with history being altered."
>"And I suppose you're going to say that you've come here to restore the moon so that your powers can manifest fully? This would be the night of the full moon, after all."
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>"Precisely. And before you say it, there's no danger to you. You never originally completed the spell. Nothing happened."
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>"Precisely. And before you say it, there's no danger to you. You never originally completed the spell. Nothing happened."
>"That's a very convenient set of facts you ask me to accept on faith." She glances at Mokou. "And you're not exactly helping your credibility by bringing her along."
>"Hey!" Mokou protests.
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>"Hasn't the fact she hasn't burned the damn place down already more or less established there's something greater than a simple raid going on? Because, quite frankly, I imagine she would be pretty happy to do that just for your ward on the forest alone if she felt like indulging her whims."
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>"Hasn't the fact she hasn't burned the damn place down already more or less established there's something greater than a simple raid going on? Because, quite frankly, I imagine she would be pretty happy to do that just for your ward on the forest alone if she felt like indulging her whims."
>Eirin looks at Mokou for a moment. "For all her hatred of the princess, she has always been surprisingly considerate about collateral damage. And neither I nor Udonge are her targets. I cannot help but notice that you went directly for the princess's chambers. Why? If you are as informed as you appear, you should know the seal is mine, not hers."
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>"I suppose I shouldn't speak for Mokou, but from what she's said, she's not been very happy with any of you lately. And I came here because the Princess outranks you. In the proper series of events, she was the one who brought the sealing charm to a halt."
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>"I suppose I shouldn't speak for Mokou, but from what she's said, she's not been very happy with any of you lately. And I came here because the Princess outranks you. In the proper series of events, she was the one who brought the sealing charm to a halt."
>"Very well. Let's entertain this theory. You say that history has been altered? How?"
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>"I'd run out of fingers if I counted them all out. The big one is that the Hakurei Maiden vanished, as did her black magician compatriot. That means, for a long time, Gensokyo was practically undefended. Sakuya alone wasn't able to stop the long winter, which was supposed to be stopped. She and Remilia couldn't stop you from sealing the full moon from us. The oni never reappeared. Hundreds of people who were supposed to survived died. The human town was never supposed to have been abandoned. Utsuho was never supposed to reach the surface, or be captured. And, frankly, since Eientei never opened itself, I doubt wonder if you ever heard of many of these people. There's more, but I think that's a good enough recounting to start."
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>"I'd run out of fingers if I counted them all out. The big one is that the Hakurei Maiden vanished, as did her black magician compatriot. That means, for a long time, Gensokyo was practically undefended. Sakuya alone wasn't able to stop the long winter, which was supposed to be stopped. She and Remilia couldn't stop you from sealing the full moon from us. The oni never reappeared. Hundreds of people who were supposed to survived died. The human town was never supposed to have been abandoned. Utsuho was never supposed to reach the surface, or be captured. And, frankly, since Eientei never opened itself, I doubt wonder if you ever heard of many of these people. There's more, but I think that's a good enough recounting to start."
>"Ok, that's one 'how'. Now the other. What caused this change, and how do you intend to fix it?"
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>"I have only a vague idea what caused it, and no real proof to support it, only some correlation. I am hoping to find that out once the moon is back to normal. As for fixing it, that is what a hakutaku does, solidify history."
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>"I have only a vague idea what caused it, and no real proof to support it, only some correlation. I am hoping to find that out once the moon is back to normal. As for fixing it, that is what a hakutaku does, solidify history."
>"So, essentially, I am supposed to undo the primary protection that keeps Lunar emissaries from reaching us, because you think it may help you fix events that are supposedly wrong, but which, from my own perspective, seem unremarkable, and of little concern to us in any case. In fact, the only 'mistake' you cite that directly bears on us is that I did not fail in completing this spell. You're not making this sound very appealing."
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>Deep breath.
>"The lunar emissaries never came for you. They didn't care. Or maybe they had more important things to do. Regardless, we never heard a peep from them. You will be fine."
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>Deep breath.
>"The lunar emissaries never came for you. They didn't care. Or maybe they had more important things to do. Regardless, we never heard a peep from them. You will be fine."
>"Normally, I would assume this was some sort of deception on their part," she glances at Mokou. "But I feel quite confident you are not involved with them in any way. Nevertheless, if you say that history was altered, your predictions of how they will react must necessarily also be suspect."
>"Moreover, this timeline does not seem so bad from my perspective."
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>Silence.
>"You. Damned. Parasite.
>"Shut your filthy mouth and never open it again!
>"Not one word! Shut your mouth! You who squat upon out world like some tapeworm, you have no right, none whatsoever, to even pretend you have a say in the fate of our world like that! Who asked you to come here? Who!? Who asked you to come here? Who gave you the right to come upon this world and act like you belong here! Who gave you the right to seal away our forest? Who gave you the right to steal the full moon from us? What have you given us in return?! What do you even do! Nothing! You don't give a single thing back to this planet that graciously accepted you! All you do is take! You are a tapeworm! Now you dare, you have nerve, to claim it's alright for hundreds to have died so you can hide from some fake threat! Fall to your filthy, thieving knees and give thanks to the world for even tolerating your presence until now! Don't you dare pretend that people can die for your benefit, and this is alright! Not while all you do is drain from this world you squat upon! Every last one of them has given more to this world that you, every last one did more to make it a better place than you. And you dare to call that better?"
>"I can only pray that the princess has more sense to appreciate what she has than you do. Now get out of my way."
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>Silence.
>"You. Damned. Parasite.
>"Shut your filthy mouth and never open it again!
>"Not one word! Shut your mouth! You who squat upon out world like some tapeworm, you have no right, none whatsoever, to even pretend you have a say in the fate of our world like that! Who asked you to come here? Who!? Who asked you to come here? Who gave you the right to come upon this world and act like you belong here! Who gave you the right to seal away our forest? Who gave you the right to steal the full moon from us? What have you given us in return?! What do you even do! Nothing! You don't give a single thing back to this planet that graciously accepted you! All you do is take! You are a tapeworm! Now you dare, you have nerve, to claim it's alright for hundreds to have died so you can hide from some fake threat! Fall to your filthy, thieving knees and give thanks to the world for even tolerating your presence until now! Don't you dare pretend that people can die for your benefit, and this is alright! Not while all you do is drain from this world you squat upon! Every last one of them has given more to this world that you, every last one did more to make it a better place than you. And you dare to call that better?"
>"I can only pray that the princess has more sense to appreciate what she has than you do. Now get out of my way."
>A heavy silence descends on the corridor. For a time, it feels like people forget even to breathe. Mokou is staring at you in wide-eyed disbelief, as if she isn't even sure that the person standing beside her is still you. Eirin's lips draw into a thin line and her eyes seems to stare clear through you; you meet her gaze defiantly. Nothing is said. There is nothing more to be said. This place is your home, and you will never accept someone so selfishly dictating what is or isn't worth saving. She can choose to help you, or she can choose to try and stop you, but you've made it clear that she cannot change your mind. After one of the longest couple seconds of your life, you start to take a step forward.
>"How- how dare you!" Reisen cries, reaching into her pocket. "Lunar Eyes: Tele-Mesmerism!"
>Two walls of familiars appears, lining the edge of the corridor to your left and right. They start to fire bullets straight across the hallway.
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>"Burn it down, Mokou!"
>What butn what down? Good question!
>Move on, dash and hope to beat the bullets to the end.
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>"Burn it down, Mokou!"
>What butn what down? Good question!
>Move on, dash and hope to beat the bullets to the end.
>"Can't say we didn't try to play nice," Mokou responds, and bring her hands together in a seal. The air around her flares red.
>You sprint down the corridor, but Reisen moves to block your escape, standing amid the bullet's trajectories. Then suddenly your vision bends and stretches, and Reisen is all around you. You are in the center of a pinwheel of hallways, each of them looking the same. Reisen is even behind you. You can't see Mokou or Rumia. It's difficult to even read the path of the bullets.
>"What would an earthling like you know about right?" Reisen cries. "You are ignorant and greedy; you invaded us just because we were there! And now you think you can break into our home, insult us and then expect us to do what you want? Unforgivable!"
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>"That's funny, because Eientei's been here a whole lot longer. Looks like it was you who invaded us! And funny how you call us greedy when all you do is take and take from the earth and give nothing back! I just hope that the Princess is smarter than this like she was in proper history! Now bitch, get out of the way!"
>Does it seem like there's any particular height the bullets are favoring?
>Keep moving what feels like forward, regardless. Keep an arm up over our lower face to keep us from smacking into a wall face first.
>_
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>"That's funny, because Eientei's been here a whole lot longer. Looks like it was you who invaded us! And funny how you call us greedy when all you do is take and take from the earth and give nothing back! I just hope that the Princess is smarter than this like she was in proper history! Now bitch, get out of the way!"
>Does it seem like there's any particular height the bullets are favoring?
>Keep moving what feels like forward, regardless. Keep an arm up over our lower face to keep us from smacking into a wall face first.
>Reisen glares at you, but does not respond.
>The bullets are spread out among most of the vertical space in the corridor. This isn't too difficult, given the relatively low ceiling here. They're not more than a foot away from you, at this point.
>You keep running in what feels like the direction you were already going, trying to shield your face with your arm. Reisen moves to grab you, only inches away from you, now.
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> What direction was Reisen in from us before we started moving and she made everything all weird? If she hasn't move, where would that put her now?
> Unleash some danmaku in that general direction, or if possible, in all directions.
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> What direction was Reisen in from us before we started moving and she made everything all weird? If she hasn't move, where would that put her now?
> Unleash some danmaku in that general direction, or if possible, in all directions.
>Not this. Danmaku just plays into what she wants.
>Grab her instead, and if it feels like the real one, keep a firm grip, latch on with both hands, and go for the Headbutt Heard Round the World.
>If the grab attempt proves she's fake, keep going.
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> What direction was Reisen in from us before we started moving and she made everything all weird? If she hasn't move, where would that put her now?
>Reisen was directly in front of you, to begin with, about halfway down the hallway. After the corridors shifted, there was still a Reisen directly in front of you, looking much the same as ever, although there were several identical mirrors of this hallway at different angles. She moved closer to you as you started to charge at her.
> Unleash some danmaku in that general direction, or if possible, in all directions.
>Not this. Danmaku just plays into what she wants.
>You consider just shooting her, but decide not to give her the satisfaction. Although it would probably feel pretty satisfying for you at the moment, too, to be honest...
>Grab her instead, and if it feels like the real one, keep a firm grip, latch on with both hands, and go for the Headbutt Heard Round the World.
>If the grab attempt proves she's fake, keep going.
>You decide to grab her before she grabs you. You reach out for her arm.... and pass through it. You keep sprinting forward. The bullets are practically grazing you, now. Suddenly, they become intangible and shift across space. The area around you is full of them, now, and you don't think you're going to be able to dodge them all unless you stop and focus on nothing but that.
>The air around you suddenly grows hot as a wave of fire sweeps along the walls. You can hear the sound of familiars shattering under it.
-
>"You're running out of time, Reisen! She's gonna come for you next, and she doesn't care how many illusions you make!"
>Keep going forward. Duck and weave as we can.
-
>"You're running out of time, Reisen! She's gonna come for you next, and she doesn't care how many illusions you make!"
>"She can't see where she's shooting any better than you can," she replies. "It's only a matter of time before you both lose your way forever."
>Keep going forward. Duck and weave as we can.
>You keep moving forward, doing your best to dodge the incoming fire, but there's simply too much coming at you from beyond your peripheral vision. You feel painful impacts strike along your side and arm. One hits you badly in the leg, and you nearly stumble and fall. You're almost past the cloud, now! Just another foot... and you step free! Then, the world spins around you. There are bullets coming from every angle, from impossible angles. You see three Mokous, and you can't even tell how many Reisens. Is that a corridor in the ceiling? Another plummets away into the floor below you, your foot barely an inch from the edge.
-
>Close eyes, crawl forward. Let our hands do the seeing.
-
>Close eyes, crawl forward. Let our hands do the seeing.
>You close your eyes to shut out the madness in front of you, and try to feel your way forward. You nervously reach over the pit before you, but you hand meets solid floor. You can't help but feel a surge of relief, and you hurry forward. You hear more more fire around you, and feel the wash of its heat across your face. A bullet strikes you across the back, and another connects with your right arm. You grit your teeth.
-
>Keep going. Most of the bullets are probably fake, too.
-
> "Reisen, you have an immortal burning down the mansion, are you really willing to risk getting engulfed by the flames? I may get engulfed as well, but you should know that the bigger the fire the fast it spreads. If you made certain I would die, would you still be able to escape with your life?"
-
>Keep going. Most of the bullets are probably fake, too.
>You keep moving forward. You feel a wall ahead of you that shouldn't be there. At least, unless you're already turned around. You turn right along the angle of the wall, trying to follow it. You feel more impacts from both sides, and above. You cry out. They certainly don't feel fake to you.
> "Reisen, you have an immortal burning down the mansion, are you really willing to risk getting engulfed by the flames? I may get engulfed as well, but you should know that the bigger the fire the fast it spreads. If you made certain I would die, would you still be able to escape with your life?"
>"The mansion will survive," she replies. "And I can see the ways out clearly; you can't even see anything at all, anymore! No one will be harmed here tonight but you."
-
>"At least, not until the things from the gaps rip it apart, you damned stupid parasite!"
>Does the voice seem to have solidified in one spot?
-
>"At least, not until the things from the gaps rip it apart, you damned stupid parasite!"
>"The mansion is eternal," Reisen says. "It could survive the end of everything around it."
>"...what things?" Eirin asks, at length.
>Does the voice seem to have solidified in one spot?
>Unfortunately, no.
-
> "Time for a free lesson: I encountered something from a series of gaps today that can only be described as some kind of Horror."
> Keep crawling.
-
>"Close your eyes and keep telling yourself that, Reisen. I suppose that's the way of things here."
>Look toward Eirin's voice. "Why would you care? Don't you have more tragedies to gloat over? I'm sure there's a child dying of colic somewhere you can smirk about. At least Reisen had the basic decency to be somewhat ashamed about it."
-
> "Time for a free lesson: I encountered something from a series of gaps today that can only be described as some kind of Horror."
>"...I see," Eirin replies. "And you're implying this is a threat to us, as well?"
>"Close your eyes and keep telling yourself that, Reisen. I suppose that's the way of things here."
>Look toward Eirin's voice. "Why would you care? Don't you have more tragedies to gloat over? I'm sure there's a child dying of colic somewhere you can smirk about. At least Reisen had the basic decency to be somewhat ashamed about it."
>"I am not so crude to take gloat over people's sufferings," Eirin replies. "A pity you seem to think that."
>"Don't you dare insult her!" Reisen yells.
> Keep crawling.
>You keep crawling forward. If anything, Reisen's fire seems to have increased. Your limbs throb and ache, and bullets continue to impact you from all sides. You think you're probably bleeding by now. Despite yourself, you feel tears form in your eyes, righteous anger the only thing keeping them back.
>"What the hell are you doing!?" you hear Mokou yell.
>"Leave her alone!" Rumia cries, sounding pained. You hear footsteps running towards you. You can't even tell what direction they're coming from anymore.
-
>"Shut your damn mouth, parasite! You were all too happy to act like those people dying were a good thing! Don't even pretend to act like you didn't say this! And I hope your servants heard you say it. And never forget it. And yes, they're a threat to you as well, but continue to close your eyes and pretend the world exists only for you. I would hope they come here next, but that would just lower me to your level."
-
>"Shut your damn mouth, parasite! You were all too happy to act like those people dying were a good thing! Don't even pretend to act like you didn't say this! And I hope your servants heard you say it. And never forget it. And yes, they're a threat to you as well, but continue to close your eyes and pretend the world exists only for you. I would hope they come here next, but that would just lower me to your level."
>"I don't welcome the deaths of others," Eirin says, "but I have higher obligations. I wouldn't expect an earthling to understand."
>"You shut your damn mouth!" Mokou cries, and you hear more footsteps running towards you. Then something collide with a wall. She curses. Reisen gives a wry chuckle. "You shut it, too!" Mokou snaps.
>You drag yourself another inch forward, under the hail of bullets. The tears spill down your face. It hurts to walk. It hurts to stop. It hurts to see them care so little. You've seen so much suffering today. This isn't how it's supposed to happen!
>You feel a hand on you, and then something warm and heavy land on top of your body. The bullets stop hitting you. "Hang in there," you hear Mokou's voice, close to your ear. And then it is suddenly, swelteringly hot.
-
>Try to shout through the heat. "A so-called doctor, talking about a higher objectives than life? You were a good person when time was right! Now you're even more of a parasite than a tick youkai!"
-
>Try to shout through the heat. "A so-called doctor, talking about a higher objectives than life? You were a good person when time was right! Now you're even more of a parasite than a tick youkai!"
>"Some lives are worth more than others," she replies.
>Mokou yells, and you feel the heat disperse away from you with a crackling roar. Reisen screams. You note that the sound seems to only come from a single direction.
-
>Are we feeling any better, now that the the bullets have stopped?
>Open eyes, survey the damage. If we can see Eirin, focus on her.
>"By that system, the life of a parasite is worth less than nothing... Bitch...get out of the way. We have...worthwhile people to find...and save."
-
>Are we feeling any better, now that the the bullets have stopped?
>You ache and burn all over, and you suspect that trying to move is only going to make that worse. Although it certainly helps not to be sustaining any extra injuries at this point
>Open eyes, survey the damage. If we can see Eirin, focus on her.
>You open your eyes and look about. You can see both of Mokou's arms extended over you, touching the floor in front of you. Several of the walls, and a couple patches of the floor and ceiling seem to be on fire. Reisen's clothing and face seem singed, and she's currently putting out a small fire on her skirt. Eirin is nearby, looking at both you and Reisen.
>"By that system, the life of a parasite is worth less than nothing... Bitch...get out of the way. We have...worthwhile people to find...and save."
>Eirin says nothing.
-
>Force ourselves forward.
-
>Force ourselves forward.
>You bring yourself to your feet, your legs quivering beneath you, and take an unsteady step forward. You limbs protest the exertion, but you refuse to listen to them. You take a second. And a third.
>Reisen pulls another spellcard out, but Eirin puts a hand on her shoulder. She is staring at you silently.
-
>"Hmm? Higher obligations? What would these "higher obligations" be?"
-
>Add an acidic "Doctor" to the end of that.
-
>"Hmm? Higher obligations? What would thse "higher obligations" be?"
>Add an acidic "Doctor" to the end of that.
>"The Princess, of course," she replies. "I would have thought that was obvious."
-
>Snarl, "Any specific obligations?"
-
> Keep moving forward.
> Where is Rumia exactly?
-
>"And if this is what you call serving her, then I would for her. At least Mokou does her the honor of letting her speak for herself and make her own decisions, rather that forcing her into this tapeworm existence you revel in while laughing at the dead."
>Forward.
-
>Snarl, "Any specific obligations?"
>"To keep her safe. And to make sure that none of the people she hides from ever find her. No matter what."
> Where is Rumia exactly?
>It looks like Mokou grabbed her and sheltered her from the blast, too.
>"And if this is what you call serving her, then I would for her. At least Mokou does her the honor of letting her speak for herself and make her own decisions, rather that forcing her into this tapeworm existence you revel in while laughing at the dead."
>Forward.
>Eirin does not respond.
>You stumble a few more steps forward. You're only a foot or two from them, now.
-
>Walk quietly.
>Note that Eirin just tempted fate into having the Lunarians come get her.
-
>Walk quietly.
>Note that Eirin just tempted fate into having the Lunarians come get her.
>You slowly walk past them. Eirin continues to start at you intently, yet distantly, her expression hard to read. Reisen, on the other hand, is glaring at you and Mokou with barely suppressed aggression. Mokou returns the expression. Rumia, for her part, looks almost traumatized. Still, you pass by without incident. Eirin does not even turn to follow you.
-
>Head opposite of the direction of the door we came through to get here.
>Take Rumia's hand.
-
>Head opposite of the direction of the door we came through to get here.
>Take Rumia's hand.
>Opposite what? The corridor you're in turns right just past Reisen and Eirin. At that point it extends for some distance with doors along both sides. Then it intersects with another corridor. Past that is the door to the courtyard.
>You take Rumia's hand. She looks up at you with an expression of great concern. "You don't look so good...." she says.
-
>Prepare to defend yourself if Eirin is attempting to attack us from behind.
>"Don't worry, Rumia. I'm fine."
-
>Prepare to defend yourself if Eirin is attempting to attack us from behind.
>You try to keep aware for any possible attack from the rear, although to be honest, you don't think you're in any shape to dodge them at this point, regardless. Fortunately, she makes no action to stop you in any way.
>"Don't worry, Rumia. I'm fine."
>Rumia nods slowly and tries to force a smile. It doesn't really work. You're pretty sure that even she didn't buy that.
-
>"I'll be fine, at any rate."
>Head for that intersection, then.
-
> "I feel lots of pain all over, but I'll be ok. I have other things to worry about other then myself."
> "Come Rumia, can you give a big smile, like you did when I gave you the pooky box, and the food. You smiling makes me feel better."
-
>"I'll be fine, at any rate."
>Head for that intersection, then.
>You head down the corridor.
>"You're just letting them go!?" you hear Reisen say, from behind you.
>"Enough," Eirin says, quietly.
>You reach the intersection. To door to the courtyard is in front of you, and the other corridor extends off to your left, connecting with a perpendicular corridor after a short distance. You think the second door to the courtyard that you saw from outside is just to the right of that intersection. There two doors along the left wall of this hallway.
> "I feel lots of pain all over, but I'll be ok. I have other things to worry about other then myself."
> "Come Rumia, can you give a big smile, like you did when I gave you the pooky box, and the food. You smiling makes me feel better."
>"Rumia doesn't want you to be hurt," she protests, softly. "Rumia came with you so that you could stop being hurt...."
>She considers this for a moment, and then tries to give you a big smile. She still seems a little sad, but she's certainly putting effort into it. It's touching, really.
-
> "Thank you Rumia. The hurt goes away with a bit of time, and you have helped so much already. Just seeing you smile makes me feel better."
> If we haven't already, give Rumia a hug.
-
> "Thank you Rumia. The hurt goes away with a bit of time, and you have helped so much already. Just seeing you smile makes me feel better."
> If we haven't already, give Rumia a hug.
>She smiles even wider.
>You lean down and give her a hug. Ow... it hurts to bend. She wraps her arms around you tightly in return.
>"You've got some guts, y'know," Mokou says. You notice she looks a little blasted herself; probably from when she was shielding you with herself.
-
> "Heh, thanks."
> "Thanks for sheilding me Mokou."
-
> "Heh, thanks."
> "Thanks for sheilding me Mokou."
>"Yeah, well..." she trails off. "Just try not to pull another stunt like that, ok?"
-
>"I hope I don't have to."
>Look around as we travel. Try to get some idea where Kaguya might be.
>"If she's not in her room at this hour, you know where she might be, Mokou?"
-
>"I hope I don't have to."
>Look around as we travel. Try to get some idea where Kaguya might be.
>"If she's not in her room at this hour, you know where she might be, Mokou?"
>"That makes two of us," Mokou says.
>You don't see signs of anyone else in this area at the moment. And giving the noise of the battle, it seems likely there probably isn't anyone at all; surely someone would have come look. Maybe the only chambers over here are the princess's? They were a little more isolated, and Reisen came from the other side of the courtyard.
>"Eh, how should I know? Taking a walk? Sitting on her ass, somewhere?"
-
>"I was hoping you made enough of a habit breaking and entering to have a fair idea. Oh well."
>Onwards. Keep a steely eye open.
-
>"I was hoping you made enough of a habit breaking and entering to have a fair idea. Oh well."
>Onwards. Keep a steely eye open.
>"Well, I didn't exactly write down her itinerary, y'know."
>Onwards in which direction?
-
> Go straight ahead.
-
> Go straight ahead.
>You open the door and return to the courtyard. It looks much the same as it did a few minutes earlier. The three rabbits are still standing near the pond. However, there is one addition. Standing among them is a woman with long black hair, dressed in a pink shirt and a long flowing burgundy skirt. She seems to be talking with them.
>You can practically feel Mokou start to bristle.
-
> "Mokou? Try not to be hasty okay?"
-
>"We talk to her before you beat the crap out of her, okay?"
-
> "Mokou? Try not to be hasty okay?"
>She sighs, although you can hear the angry edge to it. "I won't. I'm not letting you get out of here with nothing, after all this."
>"We talk to her before you beat the crap out of her, okay?"
>"I'll let you do your thing. No promises about afterwards."
-
>"Pardon us, may we have a word with you?"
-
>"Pardon us, may we have a word with you?"
>One of the rabbits looks over at you, and her eyes widen when she sees you. You imagine you look like a bit of a wreck at the moment; you certainly feel like one. The rabbit takes a step back behind Kaguya, who reaches out and strokes her gently on the head.
>"Hello, Mokou," she says, without turning around. Mokou just grumbles in reply.
-
>"Yes, Mokou's here. And the fact she's holding back ought to tip you off that this isn't just a joke, Princess. We need the moon to be unsealed, please."
-
>"Yes, Mokou's here. And the fact she's holding back ought to tip you off that this isn't just a joke, Princess. We need the moon to be unsealed, please."
>"Come closer," she says.
-
>Approach carefully. It may be a trap.
-
>Approach carefully. It may be a trap.
>You walk cautiously over to Kaguya. Mokou elects to stay where she is. Maybe she doesn't trust herself to get that close to Kaguya and not start something. The rabbits back away again.
>"Don't worry," Kaguya says gently. "She won't hurt any of you."
>You walk to within normal conversation distance of her, and she turns and looks at you with gentle eyes. She reaches a hand out towards your forehead. "Please excuse me."
-
>"Why are you going to touch my forehead?"
-
>"Why are you going to touch my forehead?"
>"I just want to be certain of something. It shouldn't be uncomfortable."
>She touches your forehead with two fingers and holds them there for a moment, closing her eyes. Then she withdraws her hand. "As I suspected."
-
>Jerk back.
>"Suspected what?"
>Goddamn Lunarians, let us say yea or nay for once!
-
>Jerk back.
>You take a step backwards.
>"Suspected what?"
>"Please forgive Eirin, if you can," she says calmly. "She does what she does for my sake. But... I understand why you said what you did."
>Goddamn Lunarians, let us say yea or nay for once!
>There really has been a frustrating shortage of straight answers tonight.
-
>"Well, I'll try, if you explain what just happened."
>Maybe a lie. Maybe not. Still pissed.
-
>"Well, I'll try, if you explain what just happened."
>Maybe a lie. Maybe not. Still pissed.
>She nods. "Forgive me. I believe you're already familiar with my powers of eternity, at least to a degree. I have a connection to the permanence of things and the flow of time that subsumes and binds us all. I... sensed an anomaly. And... no offense intended, you are it. Or, rather, you belong to a different eternity than everyone else in this household."
-
>"Well, you acknowledge that much. I don't know if I'm in a different world or history has changed or what, but...I'm here, and I shouldn't be. History has gone radically different since the long winter started. I need the full moon to be restored, so I may try to fix it. And even if I can, many of the youkai need it simply because of what they are."
-
>"Well, you acknowledge that much. I don't know if I'm in a different world or history has changed or what, but...I'm here, and I shouldn't be. History has gone radically different since the long winter started. I need the full moon to be restored, so I may try to fix it. And even if I can, many of the youkai need it simply because of what they are."
>"What were we like, in this world of yours?"
-
>"Well your doctor was a hell of a lot better, that's for sure."
>"Sorry..."
>Okay not really.
>"Anyways, I didn't know you well. But I can say Reisen would come to the village and sell medicines, which was immensely useful. Eirin would help people, not sure if she made house calls or not. There was an exposition on lunar items here, which was very fascinating. I suppose...less antagonistic."
-
>"Well your doctor was a hell of a lot better, that's for sure."
>"Sorry..."
>Okay not really.
>"Anyways, I didn't know you well. But I can say Reisen would come to the village and sell medicines, which was immensely useful. Eirin would help people, not sure if she made house calls or not. There was an exposition on lunar items here, which was very fascinating. I suppose...less antagonistic."
>"So... we weren't all locked away in here. It sounds... nice."
-
>"You weren't. Nothing bad happened. You could drop all the wards right now, and everything would be fine. I would encourage it."
-
>"You weren't. Nothing bad happened. You could drop all the wards right now, and everything would be fine. I would encourage it."
>"Eirin was fairly insistent after the night the vampire and her servant invaded. I can't say I disagreed with her at the time. I don't want to go back. My home is here."
-
>"Well, you'll do alright. Worse comes to worst, you can entertain Remilia for a little bit, and assuage her ego. Perhaps a duel so she gets it out of her system. But yes, it would be best to destroy all of these spells this instant."
-
>"Well, you'll do alright. Worse comes to worst, you can entertain Remilia for a little bit, and assuage her ego. Perhaps a duel so she gets it out of her system. But yes, it would be best to destroy all of these spells this instant."
>"And you think that if I do, you can set things right again?"
-
>"If nothing else, I'll have a much better understanding of what happened, and can proceed from there. Either way, it is good for both that and for the world."
-
>"If nothing else, I'll have a much better understanding of what happened, and can proceed from there. Either way, it is good for both that and for the world."
>She looks up at the moon. "It's been a long time since I've seen the real thing. I think I miss that, too." She is silent for a time. "Very well, I'll see what I can do." She walks off towards the doorway you exited from, the rabbits kind of nervously trailing in her wake.
-
>Follow along. Take Rumia's hand again. And Mokou's arm.
-
>Follow along. Take Rumia's hand again. And Mokou's arm.
>You go back over to where Mokou was waiting, and then take her arm, and Rumia's hand, and start to follow Kaguya. You feel Mokou tense up a little.
>"Given the circumstances," Kaguya calls back, "it might be best if you waited for me to return."
-
>By the way, the Hakurei border repels Lunarians (http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Kaguya_Houraisan#Imperishable_Night_-_.E3.82.AD.E3.83.A3.E3.83.A9.E8.A8.AD.E5.AE.9A.txt)
as well as bugs, humans, hellseals, and tomatoes that throw themselves at people. (http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-504) Does Keine know this?
-
>Reisen got in. As did Toyohime. And Yorihime if you count the Inabas.
-
>By the way, the Hakurei border repels Lunarians (http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Kaguya_Houraisan#Imperishable_Night_-_.E3.82.AD.E3.83.A3.E3.83.A9.E8.A8.AD.E5.AE.9A.txt) as well as bugs, humans, hellseals, and tomatoes that throw themselves at people. (http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-504) Does Keine know this?
>Reisen got in. As did Toyohime. And Yorihime if you count the Inabas.
>Essentially you understand that it is difficult to penetrate the border, but clearly not impossible, as several examples you are aware of show. Whether it is more difficult for Lunarians than anyone else, you don't know. All you know is that no one dragged Kaguya, Reisen, or Eirin back to the moon for whatever reason.
-
>Regardless, wait.
>"Mokou, you've been a dear through all of this. Thank you."
-
>Regardless, wait.
>"Mokou, you've been a dear through all of this. Thank you."
>"I..." she hesitates, then sighs. "I just didn't want to ruin this for you, ya know? And this world of yours, well... seems like a pretty decent place. I wouldn't want to keep your Mokou waiting for you too long." She looks into your eyes for a moment. "Well... maybe I would."
>"'sides," she says, looking away again, "if they take the damn ward down than I can come back and kick her ass whenever I bloody well please."
-
>"Think of it like this... If things do spin around, and the Keine of this world comes back, chances are she's had to deal with my Mokou. So you'll have a reason to go harass her. Though personally? I hope this really was just a change in history, because it means you were the same person the whole time."
-
>"Think of it like this... If things do spin around, and the Keine of this world comes back, chances are she's had to deal with my Mokou. So you'll have a reason to go harass her. Though personally? I hope this really was just a change in history, because it means you were the same person the whole time."
>"Yeah... I think I do, too."
-
>Wait around until the moon's back to normal.
-
>Nod.
>Wait. Enjoy the garden.
-
>Wait around until the moon's back to normal.
>Nod.
>Wait. Enjoy the garden.
>You wait, and try to enjoy the scenery. It's really very pleasant actually. A beautiful garden, beneath a clear sky, holding hands with someone who's pretty much the person you fell in love with. If it wasn't for nearly every part of your body aching badly, you think you could just spend the rest of the evening here and not have any complaints.
>Time passes, and still more. You don't know if Kaguya and Eirin are arguing, or if something happened, or if it simply takes that long to undo what was done.
>And then you feel something in the air change, feel it reach out and touch something buried deep within your being. You take a deep breath and look up at the sky. The moon is full. The moon is full!
>You take a step away from Mokou as you feel the awakening overtake you. No matter how many times you experience it, it is always an overwhelming sensation. Your limbs tingle, like you stood too close to a bolt of lightning, and two spots on the top of your head start to throb. You take another step forward and stagger a little, breathing heavily.
>"Hey, you ok?" Mokou says, her voicing sounding distant now.
>You feel power and potential surging through every inch of your being. It is almost as if you can feel the very fiber of the air around you. You look up at the moon again, and feel your eyes change, your vision sharpening. And then, with a cry, your horns burst from your head. You feel alive! More alive than you ever can on any other day of the month. You feel the strength in your body, and in your mind. You let out another deep breath and grin. After all you've been through tonight, by god does it feel glorious!
-
>"Yes, I'm fine. Better than fine! The moon is back!"
>Now that we have our proper self back, how much can we fiddle with history?
-
>"Yes, I'm fine. Better than fine! The moon is back!"
>Mokou nods. "Figured as much." She seems to be looking at your horns.
>Now that we have our proper self back, how much can we fiddle with history?
>You'd still need to know fairly precisely what you wanted to change, but you generally have greater reach and power in this form, and a better ability to sense the flow of history.
-
>Get to sensing. What can we find that is broadly wrong?
-
>Get to sensing. What can we find that is broadly wrong?
>You turn your senses outward. You feel the same muted connection that you did earlier in the forest, when you were attempting to remove the ward. You weren't sure whether it was another side-effect of the ward itself at the time, but are more certain now: this world's history is not yours; your connection to it is much more tenuous. It is harder to sense and harder to shape. You can still work with it, but it feels a bit like trying to perform surgery while wearing oven mitts.
>You look back, and try to see if you can find something about what happened that you don't already know. There is.... something wrong with history beyond about 7 years ago, somewhere around the time the Hakurei Shrine vanished. It doesn't flow the same way, and you're not certain why. It is almost like two timelines were spliced at that point.
-
>Can we pinpoint the splice itself from here?
-
>Can we pinpoint the splice itself from here?
>It doesn't seem to have a physical location as such, rather that something was done to history itself at that point. You're not sure what or how.
-
>Would we be able to read it better if we were there?
-
>Would we be able to read it better if we were there?
>Physical proximity to a relevant location might certainly help
-
>"I think I know where I need to go next."
>Look to Mokou. "Would you like to come along, or do you want to settle matters here?"
-
>"I think I know where I need to go next."
>Look to Mokou. "Would you like to come along, or do you want to settle matters here?"
>Mokou looks towards the direction Kaguya disappeared to. "....nah," she says, at length. "As much as I hate to say it, she did something pretty big for you tonight. She ain't going anywhere." She pauses. "Think they took down the ward outside, too?"
-
>"If Kaguya's hatred of being cooped up is to be believed, I think they did. If not...well, I sure as didn't tell Eirin about the back way for a reason."
>That reason being if we had to flee and come back later, of course.
>"Should we say goodbye, or just leave?"
-
>"If Kaguya's hatred of being cooped up is to be believed, I think they did. If not...well, I sure as didn't tell Eirin about the back way for a reason."
>That reason being if we had to flee and come back later, of course.
>Mokou nods. "Of course, someone might notice the hole in the well eventually."
>"Should we say goodbye, or just leave?"
>"Up to you." She shrugs.
-
>"We'll give them a few minutes. It would be bad form to leave without thanking her."
-
>"We'll give them a few minutes. It would be bad form to leave without thanking her."
>"Sure," Mokou replies.
>After a few more minutes, Kaguya returns.
>"I see that you have already regained yourself," she notes, once she's closer to you. "Has it helped you discover anything?"
-
>"I've discovered a couple things. Thank you. Should we presume the misdirection field is down, as well?"
-
>"I've discovered a couple things. Thank you. Should we presume the misdirection field is down, as well?"
>Kaguya sighs. "It is. Eirin argued that it's entirely unnecessary to your success or failure, but I felt it should be done, just the same."
-
>"Order her to make herself be useful and provide some medicine for the town. That will help change her attitude. But for now, we must go. Thank you for being reasonable."
>We're in a courtyard, right? Take to the air!
>Toward the former Hakurei Shrine.
-
>"Order her to make herself be useful and provide some medicine for the town. That will help change her attitude. But for now, we must go. Thank you for being reasonable."
>"You're welcome," she says, "and I wish you luck."
>We're in a courtyard, right? Take to the air!
>Toward the former Hakurei Shrine.
>You take to the air and head towards the last location of the Hakurei Shrine.
>"Feel free to come back any time, Mokou," Kaguya calls out as you leave. You can't help by notice the undercurrent to her tone.
>"Don't get cushy!" Mokou calls back
>You have an uneventful flight towards the shrine and after some time find yourself above the chasm that you first encountered shortly after you woke up here.
-
>Do another history scan here.
-
>Do another history scan here.
>You try to see if you can learn anything relevant about the history of what happened here. On first brush, you don't discover a great deal you didn't already know. The time period associated with its creation is consistent with what you already suspected. You still have a hard time narrowing down what caused this. Although the Hakurei Shrine's disappearance may be the cause of most of the changes you've witnessed here, you think this is also a symptom of something else.
-
>Can we trace where the shrine went?
>Can we find the exact trigger for this event, or close to it?
-
>Can we trace where the shrine went?
>It seems it was here... and then it vanished from history altogether. You... don't think it was as simple as a geographic replacement.
>Can we find the exact trigger for this event, or close to it?
>You have a strong suspicion the event was very similar to the one you witnessed on the way back to the Scarlet Devil Mansion earlier today. The root cause seems to... not be connected to history in the proper way. You're not quite sure how.
-
>Can we tell if the cause is out of place in the timeline, or not a part of it at all?
>If the latter, does the timeline as we perceive it affect only Gensokyo, or the universe as we know it?
-
>Can we tell if the cause is out of place in the timeline, or not a part of it at all?
>It... may be out of place. You really can't tell for sure at the moment. It's very strange.
>If the latter, does the timeline as we perceive it affect only Gensokyo, or the universe as we know it?
>In theory, your perception is not limited to Gensokyo. In practice, proximity affects it, and the border itself would generally make it difficult to sense anything outside.
-
>Have we ever encountered something reaching outside its place in the timestream to affect something out of sequence before?
-
>Have we ever encountered something reaching outside its place in the timestream to affect something out of sequence before?
>Not to the best of your knowledge. That... might theoretically be able to cause a similar sense to what you're getting from this chasm.
-
>Can we devour this event, and return the shrine proper?
>Failing that, can we restore that tract of forest?
-
>Can we devour this event, and return the shrine proper?
>Failing that, can we restore that tract of forest?
>You attempt to restore the shrine, but the point of origin of the event feels out of reach, and beyond your ability to affect. You don't think you'll be able to fix it directly like this.
>The patch of bamboo you removed earlier tonight is doubtless already back in place. Alterations like the one you performed then are not permanent; it probably reverted once you got far enough away from it, or diverted sufficient power to some other task.
-
>Consider if there's anything that doesn't feel like it's been properly fixed into history, as we're supposed to do on nights like this.
-
>Consider if there's anything that doesn't feel like it's been properly fixed into history, as we're supposed to do on nights like this.
>Outside of the strange vagueness about this incident's point and method of origin, nothing here seems out of order. You suspect that nothing of consequence has happened here for many years, now.
-
>Trace back along its history, see if we can find anything odd in its past.
>Can we compare it to the bit of forest where we fought the gap thing from here?
-
>Trace back along its history, see if we can find anything odd in its past.
>You can feel the point at which this change was brought into being, shortly before the Spring Snow incident. And you can vaguely sense its origin elsewhere, not in history, as such, but beyond it. However, in this timeline, nothing appears to have happened here after the shrine's initial disappearance.
>Can we compare it to the bit of forest where we fought the gap thing from here?
>You haven't examined that place as a Hakutaku to compare it with, but it definitely seems reminiscent. You strongly suspect a similar phenomenon is behind both.
-
>"Not as much here as I had hoped..."
>To the missing forest. Don't actually fly over it, but get close.
>Assuming we arrive in one piece: "This is where we were attacked by that...thing, Mokou. Be cautious."
>Assuming nothing happens, examine it.
-
>"Not as much here as I had hoped..."
>"Too bad," Mokou replies.
>To the missing forest. Don't actually fly over it, but get close.
>Assuming we arrive in one piece: "This is where we were attacked by that...thing, Mokou. Be cautious."
>Assuming nothing happens, examine it.
>You fly towards the place where you fought the shadow creature, passing north of the village and the Scarlet Devil Mansion. The giant chasm isn't hard to spot from a distance.
>"Got it," she replies. You can see her keeping a watchful eye on her surroundings.
>Fortunately, you don't see any immediate signs of the creature. The remnants of energy seem to have dispersed somewhat from the last time you were here, although they are still much stronger than at the other fissure.
-
>Read the history of the night, and the few days preceding it.
-
>Read the history of the night, and the few days preceding it.
>You try to read the history of what has happened here. Being a patch of forest in the middle of nowhere, that turns out to not be a great deal. Until the magical explosion and your battle, nothing at all seems to have happened. You don't even think anyone was here. Look at the explosion itself, you do get a similar sense to the fissure at the Hakurei Shrine. It occurred earlier this evening, and yet it did not. Oddly, the point of origin for this feels very similar to the previous one, despite it occurring many years later.
-
>Can we use these two event points, the Shrine vanishing and this place vanishing, to try and triangulate the point of origin?
-
>Can we use these two event points, the Shrine vanishing and this place vanishing, to try and triangulate the point of origin?
>Unfortunately, no. They feel every so slightly outside your grasp of history; almost like they have not yet fully come into being. You are fairly certain the point is the same, or nearly the same, however.
-
>Would outside our grasp of history and events that have not yet happened in linear time be synonyms?
-
>Would outside our grasp of history and events that have not yet happened in linear time be synonyms?
>They certainly could be. You don't know for sure if it's the only explanation. You've never really encountered something like this before.
-
>Reach further back into this area's history. See if anything of note regarding this place has happened.
-
>Reach further back into this area's history. See if anything of note regarding this place has happened.
>You find nothing noteworthy in this area's history.
-
>Ponder what makes this area so special that no one has ever been here and literally nothing has happened.
-
>Ponder what makes this area so special that no one has ever been here and literally nothing has happened.
>Well, it's not so much that literally nothing has ever happened here, but nothing which catches you attention. Animals dwelling in a place, or people passing by it leave only faint marks on history. The sense you get from this patch of forest is not much difference than you would expect to find for any other arbitrary track of uninhabited wilderness. You cannot detect any event of any significance having taken place here.
-
>People passing through would be pretty significant, given there seems to be nothing else of interest here. Perhaps they were up to something? Or simply had something about them. Analyze that.
-
>People passing through would be pretty significant, given there seems to be nothing else of interest here. Perhaps they were up to something? Or simply had something about them. Analyze that.
>You can't tell very much about things that haven't left a distinct mark on history, unfortunately. You think it was probably mostly faeries. You can't tell much more than that.
-
>Make a mental note to badger the faeries.
>"Practically nothing here, despite all evidence to the contrary. I have...one more ace to play, I think."
>Back to where we originally woke up.
-
>Make a mental note to badger the faeries.
>You consider badgering some faeries, but wonder if that would actually give you more a headache than them.
>"Practically nothing here, despite all evidence to the contrary. I have...one more ace to play, I think."
>Back to where we originally woke up.
>"Huh." Mokou says. "And if that doesn't work, what then?"
>You fly back towards the spot where this all began, and arrive at the outskirts of the forested area without incident.
-
>Head inside. And assuming something doesn't jump us, read its history.
-
>Head inside. And assuming something doesn't jump us, read its history.
>You head into the trees, with Mokou and Rumia following you. As you get further inside, you start to feel tranquil and lethargic. It's really rather peaceful... Your eyes feel heavy.
-
> Stay awake darn it.
> If we can't, have either Mokou or Rumia slap us.
-
>"Stop!"
>"Do either of you feel this?"
-
> Stay awake darn it.
> If we can't, have either Mokou or Rumia slap us.
>You try to force yourself to stay awake. It... feels a little different than last time. Lighter, gentler, harder to resist. More lulling....
>"Stop!"
>"Do either of you feel this?"
>You call out for everyone to stop.
>"Feel what?" Mokou asks. Rumia just looks around and frowns.
-
> "Its getting really hard to stay awake..."
> Slap ourself.
-
>Back out.
-
> "Its getting really hard to stay awake..."
> Slap ourself.
>You yawn and slap yourself. You're not sure you're accomplishing much.
>"Well, you've been going all night..." Mokou says, looking at you oddly.
>Back out.
>You turn and try to leave the forest. You start to stumble after a couple of steps.
>"Hey, you ok?!" Mokou calls out.
-
>"Keep me awake...I don't care how..."
>Stumble onward.
-
>"Keep me awake...I don't care how..."
>Stumble onward.
>"Uh, I..." Mokou looks around. "What?"
>You take a few more steps. It's hard to keep moving in a straight line. You can only barely see through half-closed eyes. Sleep feels like a wonderfully soft cushion on which to fall. Maybe you should just let yourself rest....
-
>"Damnit...not again..."
>"Rumia...shoot it."
>Try to lean against a tree.
-
> Wonder what the possibility that sleeping would make you switch worlds with the other Keine.
-
>"Damnit...not again..."
>"Rumia...shoot it."
>Try to lean against a tree.
>"Not again?" Mokou says. "What the hell's going on?" She takes another look at you, and then grabs you by the shoulders and starts to shake. You're not sure she's accomplishing much more than making you dizzy, though.
>"What's Rumia supposed to shoot?" she asks, looking around expectantly
>You prop yourself up against a tree, as best you can. You're nearly out of the woods, but every step feels like such an unnecessary exertion...
> Wonder what the possibility that sleeping would make you switch worlds with the other Keine.
>You... don't know. You didn't really fall asleep the first time, you don't think. At least until... whatever that happened, happened. You mind feels foggy. Maybe it would be nice to just dream of home. Maybe you could get back....
-
>"It's...in there. Shoot it...."
>Stumble onward. Almost out... Think about what an absolute monster Eirin was and what she would probably say about this, and let the rage impel us onward.
-
>"It's...in there. Shoot it...."
>Rumia frowns and flies off deeper into the trees.
>Stumble onward. Almost out... Think about what an absolute monster Eirin was and what she would probably say about this, and let the rage impel us onward.
>You try to focus on unpleasant memories and your own righteous indignation. There is nothing pleasant here! You're not going to just drift off to sleep and pretend it never happened! You manage to move a few more steps forward.
>"W- what am I supposed to do?" Mokou asks.
-
> "Keep... Me.... Awake somehow..."
> Keep going.
-
>"Help...me...away...then Ru...mia."
-
> "Keep... Me.... Awake somehow..."
> Keep going.
>"Help...me...away...then Ru...mia."
>You continue to stagger out of the woods. Just one foot, in front of the other. That's all you have to do.
>Mokou look uncertain for a few moments. Then she slings your arm around her shoulders and tries to help carry you out. You move a lot faster this way, although you need to remind yourself that Mokou is not a good place to fall asleep against. Not right now. There'll be other times. Although it would be nice...
>You emerge from the tree cover, and Mokou puts you down and looks at you with concern, again. You can see her furiously trying to think.
>"Dammit, I'm sorry!" she says, and puts a hand on your leg. It burns! You bolt upright.
-
>"Ow fuck!"
>Do we feel any more wakeful?
-
>"Ow fuck!"
>"Sorry, sorry!" Mokou says. She actually looks pained.
>Do we feel any more wakeful?
>Yes. You can't say that you don't still feel sleepy, but it's hard to actually nod off when your leg is throbbing like that.
-
>"Agh...dammit...thanks!"
>Look around, any sign of Rumia?
-
>"Agh...dammit...thanks!"
>"I, uh... just give me some better ideas next time, ok?"
>Look around, any sign of Rumia?
>You don't see any sign of her at the moment.
-
>"Go find Rumia...please."
-
>"Go find Rumia...please."
>"You sure you'll be ok, here?" She frowns. "What if you fall asleep and there's no one around?"
-
>"Then I'll punch this burn."
-
>"Then I'll punch this burn."
>Mokou eyes widen. "Uh, ok..." She turns and dashes back to the forest. "You better still be ok when I get back, you hear?" She calls out as she disappears into the trees.
-
>Try to find a good place to rest.
>How tired are we feeling?
-
>Try to find a good place to rest.
>You find a comparatively comfortable looking rock and sit down on it.
>How tired are we feeling?
>Still not right, but you may be able to keep yourself awake for a bit. Your leg is still stinging fiercely.
-
>How confident do we feel that we could view the area's history here without slipping off for the evening.
-
>How confident do we feel that we could view the area's history here without slipping off for the evening.
>You could try. You aren't certain that it wouldn't make you more susceptible, though. You tend to drift, a bit, when you're sensing
-
>Save it for now.
>Just try to fight off the drowsiness, and wait for them to return.
-
>Save it for now.
>Just try to fight off the drowsiness, and wait for them to return.
>You decide it's better to wait, and try to focus on simply staying awake.
>If does seem to be taking them a while to return... you feel yourself lulling against the rock.
-
>Fight it! Fight it!
>If all else fails, grit teeth and smack the burn.
-
>Fight it! Fight it!
>If all else fails, grit teeth and smack the burn.
>You try to force every last bit of your will into resisting the urge to sleep. You hold for a bit, but then feel yourself slipping again. The burn is already healing; you're significantly more resilient in hakutaku form. You find your eyes closed before you even notice that it's happened. That's it....
>You brace yourself teeth and hit your burn. Oh god, oh god! You stifle a yell through gritted teeth.
>"Shit, you actually did it," you hear Mokou say, walking towards you. When'd she step out of the trees? Did you actually slip off there for a moment? Rumia is with her.
-
>"Yeah... find anything?"
-
>"Yeah... find anything?"
>"Not a thing," Mokou says. "Just her running all over the place." She jerks a finger in Rumia's direction.
>"Rumia didn't see any scary shadow monsters..." Rumia says, her face downcast.
-
>"Right. Then maybe it's just an area effect... Okay. I'm going to try to get a look at it. If I seem to fall asleep, well...whack me in the burn or something."
>Stand up, try to shake off the weariness, focus, and go for it. Delve into this place's history.
-
>"Right. Then maybe it's just an area effect... Okay. I'm going to try to get a look at it. If I seem to fall asleep, well...whack me in the burn or something."
>Mokou frowns at this, but nods, anyway.
>Stand up, try to shake off the weariness, focus, and go for it. Delve into this place's history.
>You stand up and take a deep breath of the cool night air. You think you've got a little bit of time, anyway. You try to discover what happened at this place.
>You sense the mark of the original encounter you witnessed in the forest. Well, not exactly the same. You don't sense your own presence in it, but your participation might have been too peripheral. However, it is odd, in and of itself, that it feels like the very same event occurred here as occurred in your own time, seven years after things began to diverge.
>The two beings who were here with you... something is odd about them, as well. Or rather, while one's presence is fuzzy, the other... seems to come from literally nowhere. She had no history before she came here last night. Wait. You're not sure it's exactly that, but... there's something about it that doesn't fit.
-
>Would the very same event include our presence?
>Try to focus on the fuzzy one. She'd she come from?
-
>Would the very same event include our presence?
>You don't know enough to tell. Looking at history isn't quite like looking at a playback of an exact event. You can sense pivot points in the course of events, and sometimes important players. But many people can be at the site of the event without being a part of its history in any strong sense. You'd need an actual comparison to be certain.
>Try to focus on the fuzzy one. She'd she come from?
>You think she came from elsewhere. Another place, another plane, you can't be sure. Her existence is rather wispy, but you don't think her history is abnormal so much as the fact that you just can't grasp it well.
-
>Focus on one who just came into history there. Can we find what caused it to do so?
>Try to examine the event of last night, and see what we can detect of ourself there.
-
>Focus on one who just came into history there. Can we find what caused it to do so?
>You try to examine her more closely, but... honestly, you simply can't tell. She was just suddenly there. And then she stopped being there equally suddenly. But... the closer you look, you think there are some similarities between her history and those of the two fissures you've looked at.
>Try to examine the event of last night, and see what we can detect of ourself there.
>How do you propose to do this, if you're currently in a different timeline?
-
>How do you propose to do this, if you're currently in a different timeline?
>Oh. Seemed like both were visible. =[
>So there is an event from last night that we can sense, and an identical one seven years ago? If so, can we sense any real deviance between them?
-
>Oh. Seemed like both were visible. =[
>So there is an event from last night that we can sense, and an identical one seven years ago? If so, can we sense any real deviance between them?
>You can currently read the history of an event that took place here last night, in this timeline. From what you can sense, it seems to have been very similar to the one you actually experienced last night in (presumably) your own timeline. You cannot currently read the history of the event in your own timeline, since you're not there, but your non-magical recollection of it works just fine. The strange thing is that two nearly identical events seem to have occurred at the same place and the same time in two seperate timelines that have been diverging for seven years by this point. At first glance, that seems rather implausible.
-
>Let's focus on the no history person. Aside from coming out of nowhere, can we sense any similarities between her and the rifts? What about differences?
-
>Let's focus on the no history person. Aside from coming out of nowhere, can we sense any similarities between her and the rifts? What about differences?
>Well there's the obvious difference that she's a person, while the anomalous history you sensed at the rifts was from a momentary event. After their creation, the rifts had history in the same sense that you would expect any rock feature to have it; there was nothing further unusual about it. But both this girl and those events seemed to originate from somewhere beyond your history's reach, something beyond the normal flow and sequence of events.
-
>Is it possible to reasonably conclude they experienced time more or less the same way we do from what we see, or that they may not move through it normally?
-
>Is it possible to reasonably conclude they experienced time more or less the same way we do from what we see, or that they may not move through it normally?
>It's hard to say whether they move through history differently or not as a general rule. At the very least, while she was here, she seemed to flow through history like any mundane human would. How she got here, and how she left, you don't know.
-
>Let's check a few minutes ago. What caused that drowsiness effect?
-
>Let's check a few minutes ago. What caused that drowsiness effect?
>You... think something reached out for you. It was different than the last time you were here. That was something passive. This... you think was targeted.
-
>Can we find a point of origin, and what was aiming?
-
>Can we find a point of origin, and what was aiming?
>It feels a lot like that fuzzy presence you encountered here initially, but you're fairly certain it is not the same being. Sadly, your history reading generally can't function precisely enough to act as a true radar.
-
>Can we tell if it's still lingering about?
>If it is, can we devour it?
-
>Can we tell if it's still lingering about?
>If it is, can we devour it?
>You... think it may have left. Or at least it's hiding very well. You don't feel as drowsy as you did earlier.
-
>"Well, whatever hit me with that sleeping it gone..."
>Does the event seem devourable, regardless?
-
>"Well, whatever hit me with that sleeping it gone..."
>"Yay!" Rumia exclaims.
>"Well, that's good.... I guess," Mokou says, looking back at the trees.
>Does the event seem devourable, regardless?
>You don't think you could use your history powers to prevent it from affecting you, if it happens again. Generally, individual short-term spells are too transient to have enough history to grasp on and affect directly like that.
-
>If Mokou and Rumia were to enter, could we trace them via this history perception? Or is it too current for that?
-
>If Mokou and Rumia were to enter, could we trace them via this history perception? Or is it too current for that?
>Whether recent or not, you can't really track people as specifically as that. You can see people's involvement with pivot points in history, and in how they've interacted with events, but you can't really follow someone directly."
-
>Can we discern anything about that fuzzy presence, where it came from and where it went?
-
>Can we discern anything about that fuzzy presence, where it came from and where it went?
>It seems to have dissipated, or at least fallen below a level your senses can detect. Looking back, you think it probably arrived by whatever mechanism the other fuzzy presence used to materialize themselves here.
-
>Can we discern where they both were?
-
>Can we discern where they both were?
>If you mean where they were physically standing, no.
-
>"I can't find a damned thing... There's two people, I think, slipping into and out of history as we know it. I can't track them. I can't track what they're doing. One of them practically didn't even have history until it appeared and faded. And since I can't track them, I can't fix a thing! We pretty much wasted the whole night, as far as that's concerned..."
-
>"I can't find a damned thing... There's two people, I think, slipping into and out of history as we know it. I can't track them. I can't track what they're doing. One of them practically didn't even have history until it appeared and faded. And since I can't track them, I can't fix a thing! We pretty much wasted the whole night, as far as that's concerned..."
>"....damn." Mokou replies. "You sure there's not something else you're overlooking? And, well, you did still fix the moon and the forest. That's gotta count for something, right?"
-
>"....damn." Mokou replies. "You sure there's not something else you're overlooking? And, well, you did still fix the moon and the forest. That's gotta count for something, right?"
>"I don't think so...I've looked for both the people who where there...I've tried to probe the spot where the timelines diverged. I've tried to find causes for a lot of things. And yeah...that's a good thing. I was just hoping for...I don't know. I wanted to be able to fix this stupid timeline and make everything like it's supposed to be."
-
>"I don't think so...I've looked for both the people who where there...I've tried to probe the spot where the timelines diverged. I've tried to find causes for a lot of things. And yeah...that's a good thing. I was just hoping for...I don't know. I wanted to be able to fix this stupid timeline and make everything like it's supposed to be."
>Mokou walks over and puts her arm around your shoulder. "We'll get it straightened out. History ain't going anywhere, right?"
>"If you can't find what happened this way," she says, "there must be something else you can try. Somewhere else you can look. Right?"
-
>"At this point, about all I have left is hope that Patchouli discovers something. Well, that and the weird girl at the village, but I don't think she's connected. She's too...mundane."
>_
-
>"At this point, about all I have left is hope that Patchouli discovers something. Well, that and the weird girl at the village, but I don't think she's connected. She's too...mundane."
>"Someone still lives in that old place?" Mokou says, then shrugs. "Was going to say it was strange, but I guess it's not a whole lot different than me, really."
-
>"Yeah, she said something about honoring the people who died there, something like that. I don't think she's connected."
>_
-
>"Yeah, she said something about honoring the people who died there, something like that. I don't think she's connected."
>"Kinda noble, in a way," Mokou says.
-
>"In a way. Ultimately unrelated, though. Suppose there's nothing left but to go drop in on Patchouli and hope for the best."
>Get on with that.
-
>"In a way. Ultimately unrelated, though. Suppose there's nothing left but to go drop in on Patchouli and hope for the best."
>Get on with that.
>"Here's hoping." Mokou stops and looks at you. "C'mon, we'll get it. Ain't come this far for nothing."
>You take off again and head back towards the mansion. Meiling looks up at you as you arrive.
>"Never saw any of those shadow things you mentioned," she says, sounding a little tired. "You sure you weren't just making that up to spite me?" She looks over at Mokou. "New friend?"
-
>"No, it just means you managed to make them think twice, I expect. And yes, this is Mokou."
-
>"No, it just means you managed to make them think twice, I expect. And yes, this is Mokou."
>She frowns a little dubiously at your first statement, but lets it slide, then nods at Mokou as you introduce her.
>"Go on in, if you want," Meiling says, opening the gate.
-
>Head on in, go to the library.
-
>Head on in, go to the library.
>You enter the mansion and make your way towards the library. As you walk, you can see Mokou scanning the decor with a mixture of curiosity and distaste. You know that this sort of ostentation is just utterly not her style, even if there's a few objects here or there which she seems to like. Mokou raises an eyebrow at a fairy maid haphazardly batting an ornamental suit of armor with a feather duster. Clearly they're not all kept on staff for their efficient housekeeping skills.
>You reach the library a few moments later. Patchouli is staring at a large chart of some sort spread out on the desk before her. You note the crystalline lattice nearby, as well as an assortment of other devices.
>She looks up at you as you enter, and you can detect just a moment's hesitation as she takes in your change in appearance. "Welcome back," she says. "Shall I assume the moon was your doing?"
-
>"Yeah. The results weren't as astounding as I had hoped by far, but I've been able to confirm a couple things. Please tell me you've made a breakthrough."
-
>"Yeah. The results weren't as astounding as I had hoped by far, but I've been able to confirm a couple things. Please tell me you've made a breakthrough."
>"The mistress is actually rather ecstatic about it, in her way," Patchouli continues, "although I fear you can't expect her to be overtly grateful in your direction. Pride and such; you solved a problem she herself was unable to. She may be pleased with the result, but unwilling to acknowledge that your role was more pivotal than her own. No matter."
>"I'm not certain I would call it a breakthrough, as such, but it has proved interesting. I haven't been able to learn as much as I would like, but I have still discovered a few things." She picks the lattice up. "The energy contained in this is not magical in the typical sense. Well, I suppose it is, but it is not the latent traces of a spell, as such. I do believe you are right when you suspected that those slivers led to somewhere else. It is not teleportation exactly, but rather as if... well, I must qualify that this is largely supposition, but it seems as though something may have torn a bridge between here and elsewhere. I do not know where else, and I am not certain how we could check. The effect itself is chaotic, as if it were torn entirely with raw power rather than any finesse. And judging from your description, I fear that any attempt to travel along the remnants of this effect could tear one apart."
-
>"What I've found is that the thing that attacked me seems to come from outside of history as I understand it. And, given I can understand pretty much all the history that is history... that suggests they're from something completely different than the universe as we know it. I have suspicions they don't exactly move through time like we do, or at least aren't limited to move through it like we are. Where they come from, I don't know. I can tell you that I've also discovered the same thing around where that patch of forest and the Hakurei Shrine used to be. As well, I've found the same thing around where I appeared. There was a thing there that just wasn't part of history until it appeared, then it left and stopped being part of history again. And, something attacked me there, with that sleep-inducing thing again."
-
>"What I've found is that the thing that attacked me seems to come from outside of history as I understand it. And, given I can understand pretty much all the history that is history... that suggests they're from something completely different than the universe as we know it. I have suspicions they don't exactly move through time like we do, or at least aren't limited to move through it like we are. Where they come from, I don't know. I can tell you that I've also discovered the same thing around where that patch of forest and the Hakurei Shrine used to be. As well, I've found the same thing around where I appeared. There was a thing there that just wasn't part of history until it appeared, then it left and stopped being part of history again. And, something attacked me there, with that sleep-inducing thing again."
>Patchouli's brow furrows as she listens to your explanation and considers its implications. "It is unfortunate that you could not also get a trace of that sleep magic, this time, although I understand the logistic impossibility of such an action. I suspect that, at least, has a more mundane, if rare, explanation. And if I could find a signature of sorts, I may be able to help you track it. Or at least ward you against a similar action." She sighs. "Sadly, sleep magic is not among my strengths or areas of experience. Perhaps another would be better suited to that task."
>"As for the anomalous history, is it possible that these 'elsewheres' lead to some place outside your grasp of history? Perhaps this mysterious being entered through a similar, but more controlled instance of this phenomenon and exited again through the same method? At the very least, the similarities you detected at the location of multiple events lends credence to the theory that their causes are interconnected."
-
>"Yes, but the thing is, there's really no place outside my grasp of it. The barrier makes accessing things outside of Gensokyo difficult, but I still have awareness that it's there. If it's outside of that...then I really can't imagine how it'd be related to the world as we know it."
-
>"So, you have no theory at all as to why this could be?"
-
>"So, you have no theory at all as to why this could be?"
>"Nothing that isn't just a guess. It's theoretically possible, if we discard the idea of other completely and totally separate histories, that they're from the future."
>_
-
>"Nothing that isn't just a guess. It's theoretically possible, if we discard the idea of other completely and totally separate histories, that they're from the future."
>Patchouli frowns. "As much as I wish I could say otherwise, I believe that may be theoretically achievable through this effect, from what I have observed. I could not say for certain if that's what indeed happened, of course."
-
>"And if they are, they're a kind of life pretty alien to the world as we know it. I'm not even sure how you can have...anything in a place where nothing's happened yet."
>_
-
>"And if they are, they're a kind of life pretty alien to the world as we know it. I'm not even sure how you can have...anything in a place where nothing's happened yet."
>"Forgive my presumption, since I cannot understand your senses as you do, but are you certain that the fact you could not read their history implies that they had none from their own frame of reference? Or just from your own?"
-
>"It means they have no part in history as we know it, until they entered in. So, not mine so much as ours."
-
>"It means they have no part in history as we know it, until they entered in. So, not mine so much as ours."
>"Yes, but could you read the history of events that, from your own perspective, had not happened yet? Even if someone else had experienced them?"
-
>"Perhaps not. But the perspective isn't just mine, it's...well...the present's as a whole. But you may have a point."
-
>"Perhaps not. But the perspective isn't just mine, it's...well...the present's as a whole. But you may have a point."
>She nods. "In any event, although I don't yet know where these passages lead, or even how you would attempt to journey through them, I may have another possible avenue for you to explore." She gestures to the parchment on the table; it appears to be a map of Gensokyo, with several colors lines and markers on it that you don't recognize. "The signature of this energy is quite distinctive, and there was a sufficient quantity of it gathered to use it as an anchor to search for similar concentrations elsewhere. This sort of magic can provide only general information, but I have attempted to assemble it as best I can. In addition to the site you discovered, and the shrine, a similar phenomenon seems to have occurred in the area of lake, as well as several other locations. Most interesting is this, however." She points to an area on the map, near the southwestern edge of Gensokyo. "I think an event occurred here whose magnitude dwarfs any of the others we have encountered. I cannot localize its origin specifically."
-
>Examine the map.
>What would normally be to the southwest?
-
>Examine the map.
>What would normally be to the southwest?
>You look at an area marked with a circle that Patchouli gestured towards.
>It's a fairly isolated corner of Gensokyo, with limited habitation that you know of. The Garden of the Sun is in that general area; the region Patchouli is indicating is much larger than that, so it may or may not be particularly close.
-
>"Mmm. Is...Yuka alright?"
-
>"Mmm. Is...Yuka alright?"
>"I should expect so; it would take a great deal to make her otherwise. Not that anyone hears much from her, either way." She pauses and considers. "Are you speculating that she, too, may have been swallowed by this phenomenon?"
-
>Nod.
>"I can't imagine why they would target her, aside from being horribly strong, but I can't imagine why they'd have targeted that section of forest. There was nothing there."
-
>Nod.
>"I can't imagine why they would target her, aside from being horribly strong, but I can't imagine why they'd have targeted that section of forest. There was nothing there."
>"Or the bottom of the lake, for that matter," Patchouli says. "While the shrine might constitute an important location, virtually none of the others seem to. I'm not so certain these incidents are targeted at all." She pauses and considers the map. "I don't have enough firm data points to be certain, but it seems that most of the incidents that we're aware of are near what one might crudely call ley lines. The shrine being located at the terminus of one is no co-incidence. Even its disappearance may have been incidental."
-
>"Would Marisa's home be another?"
-
>"Would Marisa's home be another?"
>Patchouli shakes her head. "As I said before, I do not even know where she lives."
-
>"Right. Sorry."
>Check the map. Is there anything else of note on these ley lines.
-
>Check Forest of Magic for ley lines.
-
>"Right. Sorry."
>Check the map. Is there anything else of note on these ley lines.
>Check Forest of Magic for ley lines.
>You examine the map more closely. You're not entirely sure how to read all of it. There are some circles and x's drawn in various locations; you note several of them corresponding to the fissures you have seen. There are also a few lines roughly sketched in, intersecting some of these points.
>A few of the lines pass through the forest, as well, but they don't look very precisely drawn.
-
>Do any of them pass through noteworthy locations?
-
>Do any of them pass through noteworthy locations?
>The map is not terribly detailed. There are no points of interest at all marked within the Forest of Magic. The leyline that intersects part of the lake also passes fairly close to the mansion. Elsewhere, one major terminus is at Youkai Mountain. Most of the lines appear not to pass through any points of interest.
-
>Ponder the Youkai mountain line.
>Point it out.
>"Can you tell me anything about this one?"
-
>Ponder the Youkai mountain line.
>Point it out.
>"Can you tell me anything about this one?"
>Patchouli looks at the line you indicate. "What is it you wish to know? The Moriya Shrine is similarly located near a terminus, although a much lesser one than the Hakurei Shrine was. It is probably why they arrived in that location; they may not, in fact, have had a choice in the matter. In many ways, the lines are a reflection of the border itself, and its structure. You may crudely think of them as intersecting planes within a crystal, although one with geometry far more convoluted than any physical one."
-
>"I am wondering if the presence of Kanako, and the presence of the hell raven Kanako is keeping captured there would have an influence on it?"
-
>"I am wondering if the presence of Kanako, and the presence of the hell raven Kanako is keeping captured there would have an influence on it?"
>"In what way? They are generally beyond the ability of most to shape. And the boundary itself has not seemed especially unusual lately. What did you have in mind?"
-
>"Being overly jumpy, I suppose. Just, you said these lie along ley lines. And, having two major sources of power on top of one, it makes me wonder if that would do anything to them."
-
>"Being overly jumpy, I suppose. Just, you said these lie along ley lines. And, having two major sources of power on top of one, it makes me wonder if that would do anything to them."
>She considers this. "I do not think so. It certainly would not be a passive effect. Unless you are implying that you believe either of them is directly instigating this somehow?"
-
>"I doubt it, it predates the both of them. My worry was that they might influence the ley line by being there. And, well, influencing may make it active."
-
>"I doubt it, it predates the both of them. My worry was that they might influence the ley line by being there. And, well, influencing may make it active."
>"Oh, I very much doubt that is possible. Ley lines are not something that can generally become 'active' in the sense I think you mean it. Any more than than a border between a river and its shore can become 'active'. Whatever occurred most likely happened across these lines because they were a path of least resistance."
-
>Nod. "Alright."
>"Can you tell me anything about Yuka? I would hate to have to tangle with her of missing something between our divergent timelines."
-
>Nod. "Alright."
>"Can you tell me anything about Yuka? I would hate to have to tangle with her of missing something between our divergent timelines."
>"I have not personally had any contact with her for quite some time, nor have I heard of her involved in any incidents. Beings as old as her tend not to change a great deal over short periods. The usual caveats apply: be respectful, and take care not to offend her. But I gather you are aware of this much already."
-
>"I suppose it could worse."
>Study the map again; are there any of spots that have been taken indicated besides the old shrine location, the one we saw tonight, and the one near the garden?
-
>"I suppose it could worse."
>Study the map again; are there any of spots that have been taken indicated besides the old shrine location, the one we saw tonight, and the one near the garden?
>There is another marker over the lake, and second a ways to the north of the mansion, and there are a couple question marks elsewhere: south of the bamboo forest, southwest of the village, and southeast of the shrine.
>"I'm afraid this is not yet comprehensive," Patchouli adds, noting your attention. "There may be more I have yet to find; I am not certain these are even all visible on the surface, or if their magnitude would be great enough to notice unless you were immediately next to them."
-
>Do we think we could check out the history of those points from here with any usefulness?
-
>Do we think we could check out the history of those points from here with any usefulness?
>It doesn't appear so
-
>Check the map one more time to find the best route to the large fissure near the Garden of the Sun.
-
>Check the map one more time to find the best route to the large fissure near the Garden of the Sun.
>Looking at the map, you're pretty sure you'll have no trouble finding the indicated area.
-
>"I'll go investigate it now, and try to report back soon."
>Start to leave, then stop. "Would it be too much to hope for something to eat when we get back?"
-
>"I'll go investigate it now, and try to report back soon."
>Patchouli nods. "Very well. May your investigation prove fruitful."
>Start to leave, then stop. "Would it be too much to hope for something to eat when we get back?"
>"I-" she pauses, and frowns a little. "It is hardly my job to-" Then she sighs and shakes her head. "Very well, I will ask."
-
> "Thank you" Bow towards her.
> Go investigate the Garden of the Sun.
-
> "Thank you" Bow towards her.
> Go investigate the Garden of the Sun.
>You thank Patchouli and she nods back at you before returning to pondering the contents of the desk in front of her.
>You exit the mansion, and head towards the southwest corner of Gensokyo. You pass by the lake, and the road to the human village, and head further south. Much of this region of Gensokyo is uninhabited and it's an uneventful trip. Eventually you can see the location of Utsuho's last battle in the distance. It seems like so much more than an evening since you descended into hell. Soon, you pass this by as well.
>The Garden of the Sun is obvious, even at a considerable distance: a patch of brilliant color quite unlike its surroundings. You don't see any obvious signs of a fissure from this distance, but the region Patchouli indicated would be quite a bit more than sight range, and the Garden itself only a portion of it.
-
>Angle away from the garden, and toward where the fissure should be.
-
>Angle away from the garden, and toward where the fissure should be.
>You were only given a general area. Presumably Patchouli's ability to locate these things precisely diminishes with her own distance from them. Nevertheless, you decide to give the garden a wide berth until you've examined the rest of the area. And who could honestly blame you for wanting to leave Yuka as a last resort?
>You continue west, staying what you feel is a safe and inoffensive distance north of the garden. Everything looks perfectly normal for a time. Eventually, you think you can see a column of dark purple in the distance.
-
>Frown disapprovingly.
>Head toward the column, but don't get too close.
-
>Frown disapprovingly.
>Head toward the column, but don't get too close.
>You transmit your disapproval to... whatever that is. You suspect it does not grasp the full force of your displeasure.
>You head towards the column. It is certainly quite a lot less energetic than the burst you witnessed earlier today. It seems smaller, more contained. Stable, even. However, once you navigate past a ridge of hills, you become aware of another obstacle between yourself and it: an utterly massive fissure. It is many, many times the size of the one at the Hakurei Shrine. It might even be a whole kilometer wide and so deep that you can't see the bottom from here. Standing near the opposite end of it, nearly against the border itself rises the column of energy, its surface seeming to shift and shimmer ever so faintly.
-
>"Well then..."
>"I'm just going to have a look at the history of this place, do be ready to catch me if I fall, punch me if I fall asleep, and the like..."
>Have a look at the history of the area.
-
>"Well then..."
>"Yeah, that's uh..." Mokou looks around at the terrain, or rather lack of it.
>"I'm just going to have a look at the history of this place, do be ready to catch me if I fall, punch me if I fall asleep, and the like..."
>Mokou looks at you, and the corner of her mouth dips a little. "Y'know, I really don't want to do that to you, again." Still, she doesn't argue further.
>Have a look at the history of the area.
>You try to delve into the history of this place. You see the event that consumed the terrain even more clearly than at the shrine, feeling much the same but at a larger scale. You think this happened at around the same time. Moving further back, the history of the place seems veiled. You think that there is something important about this place, somehow, but it's almost as if someone has hidden it. You can't see anything very clearly.
>However, one other thing attracts your attention. The pillar in the middle... history seems to bend around it, or rather, you don't think the same history exists inside it. It is almost like it forms a boundary between this history and another.
-
>Probe the history of that barrier.
-
>Probe the history of that barrier.
>The barrier itself seems to be as old as the rest of the fissure here, you think. Looking more closely.... you find that the shift in history from outside to inside reminds you of the 'splice' you felt earlier, in history of this place more generally. It is almost as though what's on the inside is a pocket of an earlier timeline.
-
>Try to trace the barrier's creation. Given its longevity, this has to be a notable event.
-
>Try to trace the barrier's creation. Given its longevity, this has to be a notable event.
>You think that it went up at essentially the same time as the burst of energy that caused this fissue. You can't tell for certain who did it, given that the history of the entire area is veiled beyond that point.
-
>Can it be traced to one person, or one casting? Can we determine what went into the creation?
-
>Can it be traced to one person, or one casting? Can we determine what went into the creation?
>Determining the exact mechanics of its creation would require a greater understanding of the subtleties of spellcraft that you possess. But it was only erected a single time, and has remained since then.
-
>Can we determine things we'd normally be able to observe; such as spell components?
-
>Can we determine things we'd normally be able to observe; such as spell components?
>You can't generally sense minutia such as that, or the internal mechanics of an event in such a detailed way. For example, you might be able to tell that a house was built at a certain spot, and that a family lived there, but you wouldn't be able to tell what kind of wood it was made with, or how many nails were used, or a precise schedule of construction.
-
>Examine the energy itself. Can we determine anything about it?
>In particular, what would happen if it weren't be kept separate.
-
>Examine the energy itself. Can we determine anything about it?
>In particular, what would happen if it weren't be kept separate.
>You think the barrier may actually simply be a side-effect of keeping the two timelines separate at that one point. You... honestly aren't certain what would happen if it were removed. The two timelines might collapse together. Something worse might happen. It's outside of your experience.
-
>If the barrier is a side effect of the separation, can we determine anything about a cause?
-
>If the barrier is a side effect of the separation, can we determine anything about a cause?
>You think it was intentionally created, but you don't know how or why
-
>Can we figure out a when?
-
>Can we figure out a when?
>About the same time as both the Hakurei fissure and this one: approximately 7 years ago
-
>Can we tell how much time separates those two events?
-
>Can we tell how much time separates those two events?
>You're not certain there's any. At the very least, they're extremely close
-
>Can we make any accurate predictions about what would happen if we did something stupid, like, say, dropped a rock onto the pillar.
>How high does it extend, anyways?
-
>Can we make any accurate predictions about what would happen if we did something stupid, like, say, dropped a rock onto the pillar.
>How high does it extend, anyways?
>You're not certain. It might pass right through. It might bounce off. Something even stranger might happen. You're really just guessing at this point.
>Maybe 50 feet or so into the air
-
>Is there anything interesting around its base? Does it seem to reach underground?
-
>Is there anything interesting around its base? Does it seem to reach underground?
>It seems to extend to the bottom of the fissure, as far as you can see
-
>Does the fissure seem as active as the recently opened one in the forest?
-
>Does the fissure seem as active as the recently opened one in the forest?
>No, it's much like the shrine was. Mostly just a very large pit, with a very faint sheen to parts of it. You don't think there's any immediate danger.
-
>"Think it's safe down there?"
-
>"Think it's safe down there?"
>"Eh, don't see why not," Mokou says.
-
>"Alright. You know the usual warnings about this kind of thing."
>Descend.
-
>"Alright. You know the usual warnings about this kind of thing."
>Mokou nods. "Don't worry, I get it."
>Descend.
>You fly out into the chasm. Nothing reaches out and grabs you, or hinders your progress in any other way. That's reassuring, right?
-
>Hopefully.
>Go for the bottom.
-
>Hopefully.
>Go for the bottom.
>You don't feel like taking any mercy for granted tonight.
>You descend. Eventually you reach the bottom, a couple hundred feet down. It seems to be made of the same sort of uneven rock as the Hakurei fissure. You notice nothing else unusual. Well, other than the fact that you're in a giant hole carved out of the landscape.
-
>take a closer look at the base of the energy pillar
-
>take a closer look at the base of the energy pillar
>Since the pillar is still a significant distance from you, you decide to fly in to have a closer look. As you approach, you get a better sense of the size of it; it's probably something close to 30 or 40 feet in diameter. The surface of it looks flat and stable, although the depths of it seem to shift and scintillate slightly as you look at it. It's quite opaque, though, and you can't see any hint of what might be inside. You also don't see anything unusual around the base of it other than the pillar itself.
-
>Can we tell if it extends underground?
-
>Can we tell if it extends underground?
>You don't believe it does.
-
> Find a rock and toss it at the pillar.
> Prepare for the worse.
-
> Find a rock and toss it at the pillar.
> Prepare for the worse.
>Bracing yourself for something incredibly unpleasant, you find a loose rock, pick it up and throw it at the pillar. It bounces off with a slight pinging sound and clatters back to the ground. Nothing else seems to happen.
-
>Look around the crater a bit more. Does there seem to be any activity other than the pillar?
-
>Look around the crater a bit more. Does there seem to be any activity other than the pillar?
>Not that you can see. Just a large featureless rocky pit.
-
>Reading into the area's history, can we tell if anything of note was here?
-
>Reading into the area's history, can we tell if anything of note was here?
>The history of this place before this event is vague, almost like it was intentionally hidden. You can't tell if there was anything here.
-
>Try to discern how history could be intentionally hidden.
-
>Try to discern how history could be intentionally hidden.
>You're not really sure. It's possible there are esoteric techniques that could shield things from your senses, in much the same way that people can shield things from other magical senses.
-
> Could it possibly be similar to your own abilities?
-
> Could it possibly be similar to your own abilities?
>You don't think so. It isn't that the past here, beyond 7 years ago, has been altered. Just that you can't read it very well. You don't think that's something you'd be capable of.
-
>Can we trace anything about this history-hiding effect; who did it, how they did it, where they've based it. Perhaps their motivations?
-
>Can we trace anything about this history-hiding effect; who did it, how they did it, where they've based it. Perhaps their motivations?
>Other than the fact that it appears to cover the immediate area, and nowhere else, you can't tell much. You doubt it's covering up a major event of some sort, or you suspect you would have heard about it through more mundane means. Despite being an isolated corner of Gensokyo, behind foothills and away from more or less everyone, you doubt they could keep anything loud and flashy hidden through this means alone. For that matter, you don't know that history was specifically what was being hidden here, but rather one of many senses being screened away.
-
>Are there any signs of people coming or going recently?
>Presuming not, "Well, this is was informative. Think I'll risk asking Yuka for details."
>_
-
>Are there any signs of people coming or going recently?
>Presuming not, "Well, this is was informative. Think I'll risk asking Yuka for details."
>There are not, as far as you can tell.
>"Hopefully she's in a good mood," Mokou replies.
-
>"Yeah. And to be honest, it might be wiser if I go alone. Can't imagine she'd prefer a group showing up unannounced..."
>Recall what we know of Yuka etiquette.
-
>"Yeah. And to be honest, it might be wiser if I go alone. Can't imagine she'd prefer a group showing up unannounced..."
>Recall what we know of Yuka etiquette.
>"Might have a point," Mokou admits. "Make sure you come out without anything broken, ok?"
>"Flower lady is scary," Rumia says.
>You've had very few dealing with her, and none of them especially unpleasant. Her reputation does proceed her, but you suspect much of it is born more from fear of her than actual menace she's intentionally projecting. She's known to be very touchy, and is of course extremely protective of her garden, whose flowers might even be tantamount to children in her eyes. Still, she is generally courteous. You're honestly not certain how she'll react to uninvited guests in her home at night.
-
>Extract ourselves from the crater, and head toward the garden. Try to see if any sign of Yuka can seen from a distance before drawing too close to it.
-
>Extract ourselves from the crater, and head toward the garden. Try to see if any sign of Yuka can seen from a distance before drawing too close to it.
>You leave the crater and fly off towards the garden. Despite both being within the same area Patchouli marked, they're actually relatively far away from each other. The was no scale on the map you looked at, but it must be a couple kilometers, anyway.
>You don't notice any sign of Yuka at a distance; the sunflowers do a very good job of hiding forms beneath them.
-
>Survey it for paths through the flowers.
-
>Survey it for paths through the flowers.
>For the most part, the garden doesn't look especially groomed, and is without obviously large paths. There are some spaces which are slightly more open than others, though, and you could probably walk through them without disturbing anything unduly.
-
>Pick a nice-looking one and head for it.
>"I'll try to be back soon."
-
>Pick a nice-looking one and head for it.
>"I'll try to be back soon."
>You left Rumia and Mokou back at the crater, and are well past communication range with them now.
>You pick a suitable landing spot and head towards it. As you get closer, you think you can actually make out Yuka's form on top of a small rise, sitting and looking up at the moon.
-
>Wave, and try to get her attention.
>If that doesn't work, call out, "Pardon me!"
-
>Wave, and try to get her attention.
>If that doesn't work, call out, "Pardon me!"
>You wave, but she doesn't seem to notice you.
>You call out, and she turns her head towards you. Her expression is hard to read at this distance. Actually, you suspect her expression would be hard to read at any distance.
-
>"Good evening! May I have a bit of your time, please?"
-
>"Good evening! May I have a bit of your time, please?"
>She continues to stare at you without speaking for a few moments. It's distinctly disquieting.
>Eventually she inclines her head towards you ever so slightly. "Very well, I suppose I can share a moment with you. The moon is indeed rare tonight, is it not?"
-
>Approach so we don't have to shout.
>"Well, hopefully it won't be so rare anymore. Just tonight, the seal around it was removed. It is nice, isn't it?"
-
>Approach so we don't have to shout.
>"Well, hopefully it won't be so rare anymore. Just tonight, the seal around it was removed. It is nice, isn't it?"
>You move closer to Yuka.
>Yuka turns back to the moon. "It is. I felt it might be worth watching, for a time. Do sit down." She gestures to a spot on the rise, near her.
-
>Follow directions like a well-trained terrier.
>"Would you be interested in knowing what happened to it?"
-
>Follow directions like a well-trained terrier.
>"Would you be interested in knowing what happened to it?"
>You decide that following every innocuous request to the letter may be best for your health at the moment. Perhaps even the not-so-innocuous ones...
>You walk over to the indicated spot and sit down
>"I suspect I can already infer enough; we need not let such trivialities interfere with our appreciation of the moment. Don't you think the Brugmansia in particular look vibrant tonight?"
-
>Do we have enough botany knowledge to have a clue which one that is?
>If not: "You'd have to point that one out to me, I'm afraid."
-
>Do we have enough botany knowledge to have a clue which one that is?
>If not: "You'd have to point that one out to me, I'm afraid."
>Unfortunately, no.
>"Should I be pleased at your honesty, or upset at your ignorance, hmm?" Her tone is light, but she lets the words hang in the air just long enough to make you a tad edgy. She chuckles softly at your reaction. "No matter, they are these." She gestures towards a plant from which trumpet shaped blooms hang; crimson fading to yellow at their tips
-
>"It is not like I could fool you."
>Make an effort to appreciate their vibrancy!
>Have we seen them before?
-
>"It is not like I could fool you."
>"No," she agrees, a faint smile on her lips. "But some might still seek to try. I'm glad you're wiser than that."
>Make an effort to appreciate their vibrancy!
>Have we seen them before?
>They honestly are quite pleasant looking, although you don't really have a frame of reference for whether they're more or less vibrant than normal. Yuka's probably a good one to trust on that, though...
>You think you have, but they don't really stand out distinctly in your mind.
-
>"I can't say they're vibrant, but they do look pleasant."
-
>"I can't say they're vibrant, but they do look pleasant."
>Yuka raises an eyebrow at you. "You can't?"
-
>"Not without implying I know more about them than I do, anyways. I can't remember the last time I've seen any."
-
>"Not without implying I know more about them than I do, anyways. I can't remember the last time I've seen any."
>"Fair enough," she says, turning back to the moon. "I doubt there are any to be found in Gensokyo, outside of my garden."
-
>"Do they not grow very well outside of here?"
-
>"Do they not grow very well outside of here?"
>"They prefer more tropical climes, to be honest. But that is no issue here."
-
>Nod. "I see."
>Glance around, do we see any snow drops, or anything else blatantly out of season?
-
>Nod. "I see."
>Glance around, do we see any snow drops, or anything else blatantly out of season?
>Not as far as you can tell, with your limited botanical knowledge. Although there is a diverse variety of flowers that aren't common in Gensokyo; you don't even know what many of them are.
-
>"Do you have flowers that aren't in season yet?"
-
>"Do you have flowers that aren't in season yet?"
>"No different than usual," she replies. "Much grows here that would not find purchase elsewhere. It is my treasure and my joy." She turns to you, and faintly smiles. "I trust you can appreciate the artistry."
-
>"I've been trying to digest what you tell me. I'm afraid, though, I am too uneducated to really enjoy the subtlies of your garden. I can appreciate the colors and layouts, but the finer points elude me."
-
>"I've been trying to digest what you tell me. I'm afraid, though, I am too uneducated to really enjoy the subtlies of your garden. I can appreciate the colors and layouts, but the finer points elude me."
>Yuka gives you a cool look for a few more moments, and then chuckles softly. "Oh, you are trying so hard, aren't you?"
-
>Shrug.
>"I suspected it would be much less polite to not make the effort at all."
-
>Shrug.
>"I suspected it would be much less polite to not make the effort at all."
>"Indeed it might," she nods. "Still, it's amusing to see you fidget."
>"In any event, I am not so naive as to think you came here at this time of night to enjoy the garden. So do hurry up and say what you came to say; such chatter rather dampens the mood."
-
>"I want to ask you about the crater to the <proper compass direction>. It's tied to a rather ruinous incident I've been trying to deal with for the past couple days. What do you know about it?"
-
>"I want to ask you about the crater to the <proper compass direction>. It's tied to a rather ruinous incident I've been trying to deal with for the past couple days. What do you know about it?"
>"Ah, that. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. It appeared without warning about seven years ago now, I think. If you're thinking I know why, I fear your trip here has been wasted." Then she stares at you for a moment, and one side of her mouth curls into a somewhat off-putting grin. "You really don't know what was there, do you?"
-
>Shake head. Try not to be off put.
-
>Shake head. Try not to be off put.
>She laughs. "I wonder, should I tell you?"
-
>"It would probably be helpful to know, yes,"
-
>"It would probably be helpful to know, yes,"
>"That doesn't really answer my question, dear." She turns back to the moon.
-
>"Well, I think you should. It might help us establish if there is any kind of pattern to this thing."
-
>"Well, I think you should. It might help us establish if there is any kind of pattern to this thing."
>She gives you another calculating glance. "Very well; I suppose it will keep you from asking too many other pointless questions. That was Yukari's home."
-
> Well... That was unexpected.
> "W... Really? Has she been seen since?"
-
> Well... That was unexpected.
> "W... Really? Has she been seen since?"
>Yeah.... although that might do something to explain why the whole place seemed hidden to you; she was always secretive about where she lived. It might have been fairly geographically hidden, too, if something hadn't taken out all the hills for a kilometer around it.
>"No, she hasn't," Yuka replies, smiling at your flustered expression. "She may still be alive inside that barrier of hers, for all I know."
-
> "I would assume that goes for her shikigami as well correct?"
-
> "I would assume that goes for her shikigami as well correct?"
>"I did see Chen running about in a panic shortly after it happened. Nearly trampled some things that would have been distinctly detrimental to her health," she adds. "I haven't seen her for some years; probably some small glimmer of wisdom from her."
-
>"Hmmm. And, to your knowledge, nothing has happened there since?"
-
>"Hmmm. And, to your knowledge, nothing has happened there since?"
>"Nothing at all," she replies. "It is rather unlike her, I admit."
-
"That does put an interesting spin on the problem. I had been presuming Yukari was simply being her usual mysterious self."
-
"That does put an interesting spin on the problem. I had been presuming Yukari was simply being her usual mysterious self."
>"Not an unreasonable assumption. Still, I think even she would have done something about that, were she able. Unless it, too, is part of some plan only she understands."
-
>"It wouldn't be the first time. Thank you Yuka, you've helped me a lot, I think. If it is alright, I'll leave you in peace now."
-
>"It wouldn't be the first time. Thank you Yuka, you've helped me a lot, I think. If it is alright, I'll leave you in peace now."
>"Very well," she nods at you. "Enjoy the evening." She turns back to the sky, again.
-
>"You as well."
>Pick our way out and head back to the crater.
>_
-
>"You as well."
>Pick our way out and head back to the crater.
>Yuka gives you no further acknowledgment, and you decide not to wait for one.
>You take off back for the crater, and arrive at it soon enough. Rumia seems to be playing something akin to hopscotch, leaping unsteadily from one rocky outcropping to the next. Mokou has found a flatter one and is currently sitting on it. She looks up at you as you arrive.
>"So, how'd it go?" she asks.
-
>"Excellently. I've learned what's in there. This is where Yukari lived. Or, perhaps, lives."
>Check this history of this area for signs of Yukari.
-
>"Excellently. I've learned what's in there. This is where Yukari lived. Or, perhaps, lives."
>"Really?" Mokou looks around the place. "Would never have guessed."
>Check this history of this area for signs of Yukari.
>You can't detect any signs of her being here within the last 7 years, and can't tell much of anything before that. It seems likely that if she's anywhere at all, she's still inside the barrier.
-
>"Me either. I thought she was just elsewhere...well, being Yukari."
-
>"Me either. I thought she was just elsewhere...well, being Yukari."
>"Yeah, wouldn't surprise me," Mokou agrees. "So, what do you figure she'd doing in there? If she is in there, of course."
-
>"I don't know, possibly trying to hold on."
>Consider devouring the history of the otherworldly energy, to see if we can detect what is under it.
-
>"I don't know, possibly trying to hold on."
>"I don't think I like the sounds of that idea," Mokou says
>Consider devouring the history of the otherworldly energy, to see if we can detect what is under it.
>You don't think you could devour it any more than you could devour the boundary between a river and its shoreline. Given that you now know Yukari's involved in it, you suspect it literally is a boundary between two different timelines.
-
>Not the boundary, so much as the event that makes the boundary necessary to begin with.
-
>Not be boundary, so much as the event that makes the boundary necessary to begin with.
>The point of origin for the event that created the fissure itself is out of your reach, much like the other two were. As for the boundary, you wouldn't even know where to begin, since it seems to span timelines, rather than existing inside a single one. You suspect you wouldn't even be able to affect anything inside from out here. That may have been the reason it was created in the first place.
-
>"There's not a lot I can do for her in there, either..."
>Resist the urge to put a rock on top of that pillar.
-
>"There's not a lot I can do for her in there, either..."
>Resist the urge to put a rock on top of that pillar.
>Mokou frowns. "You think there's any way to get inside?"
>You resist the urge to start weighing alternate timelines down with heavy objects.
-
>Shake head.
>"It resists physical contact. I don't think I can cancel the barrier, which would be bad in any event, and I can't prevent the event from happening to begin with because its origins are completely outside of history as we know it. Unless she hid a back door somewhere, which would demand the question of why she didn't use it herself..."
-
>Shake head.
>"It resists physical contact. I don't think I can cancel the barrier, which would be bad in any event, and I can't prevent the event from happening to begin with because its origins are completely outside of history as we know it. Unless she hid a back door somewhere, which would demand the question of why she didn't use it herself..."
>"Yeah... that does sound kinda... Think anyone else would know what to do with it?"
-
>"Patchouli or Sanae might know something about the barrier itself. But, I don't think this is within their abilities to do much about it."
>Fight off the temptation to poke it with a stick.
>"I wonder what danmaku would do to it?"
-
>"Patchouli or Sanae might know something about the barrier itself. But, I don't think this is within their abilities to do much about it."
>"Well, Yukari is... well, Yukari," Mokou says.
>Fight off the temptation to poke it with a stick.
>Actually, beating with a blunt instrument might be somewhat satisfying at the moment....
>"I wonder what danmaku would do to it?"
>"Want to find out?" Mokou raises one hand.
-
>"I can't imagine she didn't think of it..."
>Shrug.
-
>"I can't imagine she didn't think of it..."
>Shrug.
>"What's she doing in there, anyway, you figure?"
>"'sides, if anyone has some answers for where all this vanished to, I figure she would."
-
>"I literally have no idea."
>Walk closer to it, maybe something can be seen within.
>"All I can imagine is that this...thing is targeted at her, and this is all she can do to hold it off."
-
>"I literally have no idea."
>Walk closer to it, maybe something can be seen within.
>You walk closer to the pillar. The surface of it is quite opaque, but you feel a strange connection to the history inside, the closer you get.
>"All I can imagine is that this...thing is targeted at her, and this is all she can do to hold it off."
>"That's a pretty disturbing thought," Mokou says.
-
> Check the history for signs of Ran.
> Check the history for signs of Chen.
-
> Check the history for signs of Ran.
> Check the history for signs of Chen.
>You see no signs of Ran.
>You think Chen may have passed by her a few times since the barrier went up, but can't tell anything beyond that. It's been a while since she was here, at the very least.
-
>Ponder that connection. How is it different than our typical one, and how is it strange?
-
>Ponder that connection. How is it different than our typical one, and how is it strange?
>You think... the history on the inside is more in tune with your own. Or at least a piece of your own, suspended in a sea of another.
-
>"What in the...?"
>Get closer.
-
>"What in the...?"
>Get closer.
>You move within reach of the barrier. You're... pretty sure you're right about your previous assessment. It's like someone preserved a pocket of an alternate history, although you're not quite sure how that's possible. Then again, it is Yukari. If anyone could put up borders between impossible things, it would be her....
-
>"Mokou...I think it's my timeline in there!"
-
>"Mokou...I think it's my timeline in there!"
>"What!? How... how is that even possible? And... how does that even work? I hope your Gensokyo was larger than a postage stamp."
-
>"Yukari."
>Get closer. See if anything can be seen.
-
>"Yukari."
>You get no acknowledgment. Either she cannot hear you, or she is choosing not to respond.
>Get closer. See if anything can be seen.
>You walk until your face is all but pressed up against the barrier. Nothing more can be seen inside it.
-
>That was an explanation to Mokou.
>Does it feel unsafe at all?
>It not, tentatively touch it.
-
>That was an explanation to Mokou.
>Apparently she was too stunned to acknowledge, either.
>Does it feel unsafe at all?
>The barrier seems stable and not especially threatening.
>It not, tentatively touch it.
>You reach out your hand to touch it... and it passes right through. The transition is an odd sensation, but you feel nothing unpleasant on the other side; just open air.
>"Hey, what?" Mokou says, noting the reaction. "Then why'd the rock bounce off it?"
-
>Sigh. "Yukari, again."
>"It doesn't feel...dangerous or anything."
-
>Sigh. "Yukari, again."
>"It doesn't feel...dangerous or anything."
>"Huh," Mokou says, walking up next to you. "What's she playing at?" She reaches her hand out towards the barrier, and it rests against it as if it were solid. "Huh?"
>She pulls back and punches the barrier, then winces at the impact. "Ok, how the hell does that work!? Wait, right... Yukari." She sounds rather exasperated.
-
>"Rumia? Touch this, please?"
-
>"Rumia? Touch this, please?"
>"Ok!" Rumia trots over and puts both hands against it. And then her face.
>"Is shis ohay?" she says, mouth mashed against the barrier.
-
>"Perfect, thank you."
>Pat her on the head.
>"I think I need to look into this. I'll try to be back shortly."
>Enter!
-
>"Perfect, thank you."
>Pat her on the head.
>You pat Rumia on the head. She smiles into the barrier.
>"I think I need to look into this. I'll try to be back shortly."
>"I was getting used to sitting around here, anyhow," Mokou replies. "C'mon, pipsqueak." Rumia wanders off after her.
>Enter!
>You step through the barrier. It is a curious sensation. Two curious sensations, in fact. One, more mundane: an odd tingling across each part of yourself as you cross the threshold. The second, rather more unusual as you sense the history around you shift. It's momentarily jarring, but passes quickly enough.
>You are in a small grassy area, surrounded by the barrier on all sides. In front of you is a small cottage with a gabled roof, perfectly mundane in appearance. There is very little else to speak of, and in fact, there would be very little room to put anything else, were it here.
-
>Head toward the cottage.
>Does it feel like our world in here?
-
>Head toward the cottage.
>Does it feel like our world in here?
>You move towards the cottage. To be honest, given that the whole world here seems to be little more than 30 feet in diameter, you almost arrived on the front doorstep as it is.
>Yes... and no. But you feel that, at the very least, this is a part of your world in the way that the outside wasn't.
-
>Knock on the front door.
-
>Knock on the front door.
>You knock on the door. You wait, and get no response, so you try knocking again. This time you hear footsteps inside the house. The door opens a crack, and you can see Ran staring at you with an expression of absolute disbelief. She says nothing.
-
>"Hello, Ran. I believe you and I have some catching up to do."
-
>"Hello, Ran. I believe you and I have some catching up to do."
>"Uh...." She blinks a couple times, then her eyes dart back and forth, surveying the area behind you. She looks totally bewildered.
-
>"Perhaps we have a lot of catching up to do. May I come in?"
-
>"Perhaps we have a lot of catching up to do. May I come in?"
>She blinks again, and then her expression shifts, as though she has suddenly realized that someone is standing in front of her. "What!? How'd you get in here!? No, no, wait, we both know that's impossible, Ran." She smiles at you. "Good day!" then closes the door again. You can hear her muttering to herself, inside.
-
>"Ran. I'm still here. And there's been a great deal of impossible things happening lately."
-
>"Ran. I'm still here. And there's been a great deal of impossible things happening lately."
>"Go away!" she calls out. Then she opens the door a crack again. "Who are you supposed to be, anyway?"
-
>"I'm Keine, and...we never properly met, did we?"
-
>"I'm Keine, and...we never properly met, did we?"
>"Nope, I must be getting creative. Good day!" She closes the door again.
-
>"Ran, I've have a very long and very frustrating night and if you don't open the damned door right now, I'm going to kick it in and make myself comfortable whether you like it or not."
-
>"Ran, I've have a very long and very frustrating night and if you don't open the damned door right now, I'm going to kick it in and make myself comfortable whether you like it or not."
>"Sure, fine, be my guest," she calls out without apparently moving.
-
>...
>"You seriously want me to do that?"
>If she calls our bluff, well, it's time to relieve some stress and exercise some youkai-like strength on the thing.
-
>...
>That really seems like the most appropriate response at the moment
>"You seriously want me to do that?"
>If she calls our bluff, well, it's time to relieve some stress and exercise some youkai-like strength on the thing.
>"Go right ahead," she responds cheerfully.
>Well, you can't say you didn't give her fair warning... There's been a great many things you've felt like kicking tonight, and this seems as good a target as any. May as well get some use out of your were-strength for all the good it's been doing you otherwise tonight. You pull your leg back and slam it into the door with as much force as an exhausted and irritated were-hakutaku can muster.... which is actually quite considerable. You hear a splintering sound as the door tears off one of its hinges. That was a very satisfying impact.
>Ran leap awkwardly out of her chair as the door crashes in. "Gah!"
-
>Ah, that's the stuff.
>"Not fixing it."
>Stride in. Have a seat.
>"So, like I was saying, we have a lot of catching up to do, I think?"
-
>Ah, that's the stuff.
>"Not fixing it."
>Stride in. Have a seat.
>"So, like I was saying, we have a lot of catching up to do, I think?"
>You hate to admit to yourself that it actually felt good to break something at this point
>You confidently stride into the house and sit down on a chair next to the table where Ran herself was sitting a moment ago. Ran stares at you wide-eyed, looks back at the door, then back to you again.
>"So, like I was saying, we have a lot of catching up to do, I think?"
>Ran reaches out an arm out tentatively and grasps your own, then immediately retracts her hand as though the contact burned.
>"Um..." she begins, "let's just pretend you're actually here, for the moment. Is that ok?"
-
>"Ran. Is something that isn't here going to be able to kick down your door? Go on, check it. I'll wait."
-
>"Ran. Is something that isn't here going to be able to kick down your door? Go on, check it. I'll wait."
>"I believe that I see it," she nods. "I just don't believe what I see."
-
>"Go feel. Walk through the doorway. Gnaw on the wood a little bit if you want to."
-
>"Go feel. Walk through the doorway. Gnaw on the wood a little bit if you want to."
>"One sense is no less fallible than the others," she replies. "But this is a pointless argument. Unless the point of it is simply to have no point. Either I am arguing with myself, in which case I already know what I'm about to say, and thus this is unnecessary, or I am arguing with someone else, in which case my argument itself itself is faulty and thus unnecessary." She sighs. "But I suppose imaginary company is still better than none at all. If I am going crazy, I may as well indulge myself. What did you want?"
>She gingerly pokes your shoulder with her finger, just the same.
-
>"Ran go walk through the damn door so when you don't break your noise you'll realize this is real, please. You are not going to hallucinate out of or breaking your nose."
-
>"Ran go walk through the damn door so when you don't break your noise you'll realize this is real, please. You are not going to hallucinate out of or breaking your nose."
>"I already said you could speak," she says. "And I think you underestimate the ability of the mind to fool the body. I could be sleeping right this moment, or any of a number of things. But if it makes you feel better...." She gets up, walks through the broken door, then returns to her chair. "Now, can we trade explanations?"
-
>"Thank you. And, I'm Keine. I came from outside, the human village to be precise. You probably don't know me, do you?"
-
>"Thank you. And, I'm Keine. I came from outside, the human village to be precise. You probably don't know me, do you?"
>"I'm afraid not. You're clearly a were-hakutaku, though. I haven't seen one of those in... well, a very long time. You knew my name, however. I'd probably be surprised at that if I wasn't more surprised by your being here at all."
>"Assuming you are," she adds, under her breath.
>"How did you get here?"
-
>"I stepped through the barrier. It seemed to be separating the timeline outside from the one here. I think...it may be because I'm not part of the timeline outside."
-
> "By the way, is Yukari around?"
-
>"I stepped through the barrier. It seemed to be separating the timeline outside from the one here. I think...it may be because I'm not part of the timeline outside."
>"Then you mean-" she practically leaps out of her seat with enthusiasm, then seems to catch herself and sit back down again. "That- That might actually be possible, if what you say is true. I'd never thought it would happen. So... you can come and go freely?" You can hear a hint of hope resonate in her voice.
> "By the way, is Yukari around?"
>"Yukari is.... Well," she says as she stands up, "you can come see for yourself." She walks off towards a back room.
-
> Follow her.
-
>"I think I can leave freely."
-
>"I think I can leave freely."
>"I hope you can," Ran says. "I certainly have not been able to."
> Follow her.
>You follow Ran down the hall. She stops in front of a door on the right, pauses, sighs, and then opens it. "Here," she says.
>Looking into the room, you dimly note the presence of a bed, a dresser, and various other furnishings you'd expect to find in a bedroom. They all seem singularly irrelevant in contrast to what you find yourself staring at now. You cannot help but be momentarily stunned and frightened by what you see.
>A complex angular mesh of gaps and barriers dominates the room, sufficing it with a harsh purple glow. It is at once both chaotic and orderly, precise geometries inside other geometries, at odd or impossible angle. And in its center, you can see Yukari, suspended in midair, her eyes closed. The mesh envelops her like some terrifying spider web.
>"And there she has been for seven years, now," Ran says. "Never once moving."
-
>Grimace
>Stare impolitely
>"...Is she awake?"
-
>Grimace
>Stare impolitely
>"...Is she awake?"
>It really is hard to figure out what to make of that... and pretty impossible not to stare. It's truly captivating, in both the good and bad senses of the word.
>"I... don't know that she's aware," Ran says. "At the very least, I haven't been able to communicate with her in any way since this happened."
-
>"Disrupting her, no doubt, would be cataclysmic."
>Stare some more. "What happened, here, anyways?"
-
>"Disrupting her, no doubt, would be cataclysmic."
>"I don't know that I could. But... you are correct that I would be reluctant to try."
>Stare some more. "What happened, here, anyways?"
>"I... wish I could tell you the full story, but I've had very little information to use, myself. It was a perfectly ordinary day, as far as I could tell, when Lady Yukari bolted out of bed, suddenly. She shouted something about how she hadn't woken up, how she would never wake up, how everything would break. And that... is when I thought the world was ending." She stops for a moment, her eyes distant. "I don't know how to describe it, exactly, but I could feel reality shattering around me; could see the land being torn apart. Something was rippling backwards through time. But then Yukari did something. She did... that." Ran gestures towards her. "I think... she froze the border between the past and the present, at that point seven years ago. She held reality together with sheer will. Since then, I've been sealed in this house and have not been able to communicate with another living soul. I don't know what happened after that."
-
>"How do you know that time was being affected, exactly?"
-
>"How do you know that time was being affected, exactly?"
>"I may not be able to replicate what Yukari does, but I have observed her very carefully for a very long time. And I've had seven years to stare at this. I can't say I know what she was stemming off, but I'm fairly certain of what she did here. Essentially, she prevented whatever happened from propagating back any further in time than this."
-
>Nod.
>"Let's go back to the front. I have a story to tell you that you may be able to make some sense of."
>Head back to the front. Tell the whole sordid tale. The winged youkai, the child, the altered timeline, disappearing bits of land, the thing in the crater, the lot of it. Don't bother with personal things like fixing the moon or delve too deep into the altered timeline, unless Ran asks.
-
>Nod.
>"Let's go back to the front. I have a story to tell you that you may be able to make some sense of."
>Head back to the front. Tell the whole sordid tale. The winged youkai, the child, the altered timeline, disappearing bits of land, the thing in the crater, the lot of it. Don't bother with personal things like fixing the moon or delve too deep into the altered timeline, unless Ran asks.
>"Very well, I'll do my best."
>Ran closes the door and you head back to the table where you were discussing things earlier.
>You give Ran as much detail about what you think are the most relevant parts of your recent experiences. She nods thoughtfully and attentively as you continue.
>"Those fissures... what you describe does sound very reminiscent of Yukari's techniques... were she to exercise no finesse at all in their application. Particularly those tiny gaps left in the wake of the explosions of energy. I... do not know of anyone else who has that sort of power, I'm afraid. But what you say about their cause existing outside of the current flow of time... I think they probably were, at the very least, a symptom of whatever was rippling backwards in time. They may all even have originated at the same moment, despite occurring at different times in our own frame of reference."
>"I don't believe I know of a youkai that matches that description, either, I'm afraid. But you said she spoke of a 'waking dreamer'? The sensation of reality shattering around you that you experienced then reminds me of what I felt happening here until Yukari stopped it. Yukari too spoke of being unable to wake, despite being awake. I'd wondered if she was delirious somehow, but... Is it possible that youkai played a role in this, somehow? Or will play a role? I can offer even less explanation for her shadowy doppelganger, however."
>"In terms of the divergent timeline you've experienced, my theory is that the reason the divergence, from your frame of reference, starts at seven years ago is because Yukari prevented history from changing even further back. But this didn't stop the effect of the original trigger that were to have resolved after the point she froze things."
-
>Nod.
>"So, your observation is that this is something from the future, then? And, I ponder if there is some coincidence between her slumber, and the way these things have of forcing it?"
-
>Nod.
>"So, your observation is that this is something from the future, then? And, I ponder if there is some coincidence between her slumber, and the way these things have of forcing it?"
>"I think there's a good chance that whatever it was that started to alter the timelines happened in the future." Ran pauses. "Happened? Will happen? Sorry, grammatical tenses really weren't designed for this sort of situation. In any event.... if you are thinking that the reason she is now 'asleep' is because of these youkai... I don't believe so. I think that it's simply taking every last bit of herself to keep this boundary frozen."
-
>"Rather the opposite. I am wondering if her dormancy is affecting them."
-
>"Rather the opposite. I am wondering if her dormancy is affecting them."
>"I'm not sure I understand what you're implying. Are you suggesting that those beings are somehow creations of hers? Some side-effect of all this?"
-
>"To be frank, it makes a great deal more sense then them coming from someplace that doesn't exist. But, I freely admit I'm grasping at straws."
-
>"To be frank, it makes a great deal more sense then them coming from someplace that doesn't exist. But, I freely admit I'm grasping at straws."
>Ran ponders in silence for a moment. "I can't see how... but even I don't understand much of what Yukari does, or what effects it could have outside of here. But you... you can leave. You can investigate things that I can't. If you can find that youkai again, perhaps speak with it, we may be able to discover how they're connected to all this. If they even are, of course."
-
>Ponder for a moment.
>Take out one of the spellcards we looked from our house in the alternately timeline. Check it's history.
-
>Ponder for a moment.
>Take out one of the spellcards we looked from our house in the alternately timeline. Check it's history.
>You pause for a moment to think, then pull out one of the spellcards that you obtained here and try to examine its history. It seems to have been created several years ago, and never used. You think your counterpart may simply not have had need of them in quite some time, now.
-
>"Perhaps. Ran, I wonder if I could get you out of here? I was able to bring this spellcard from outside in with me, as well as some money. I wonder if this means I could take you out with me?"
-
>"Perhaps. Ran, I wonder if I could get you out of here? I was able to bring this spellcard from outside in with me, as well as some money. I wonder if this means I could take you out with me?"
>"I...." she looks startled. "I don't know. Do you even know how you brought those things in to begin with?"
-
>"Not a clue. I simply walked through. I want to think that they were touching me had a role in it, but they are definitely out of place items, so far as that barrier was concerned."
-
>"Not a clue. I simply walked through. I want to think that they were touching me had a role in it, but they are definitely out of place items, so far as that barrier was concerned."
>Ran stands up. "Please.... try."
-
> Nod.
> Get up and head for the barrier with Ran.
-
>Consider the best way to do it for a moment, then say, "Please excuse me." and scoop up Ran into a princess carry, and try to back through.
-
> Nod.
> Get up and head for the barrier with Ran.
>Consider the best way to do it for a moment, then say, "Please excuse me." and scoop up Ran into a princess carry, and try to back through.
>You nod and head outside the house. Ran follows you. Once you reach the barrier, you pause and consider for a moment, then ask Ran's permission and scoop her up before she can respond.
>"W- what?" Ran cries as you sweep her up in your arms, nearly getting a face full of tails in the process. Aww... they're so fluffy and warm... Wait, is that really something you ought to be thinking at the moment? Normally she'd be a bit much for you to transport this way, but not tonight. Ran fidgets weakly as you take a step forward into the barrier. You feel your hands pass through and then you hit something. Or rather, Ran hits something, bringing your momentum to a halt.
-
>Darkly: "No. It's a possession. I'm carrying it, it's not moving under its own power. Let me through with it. I'll come back with it later."
>Apply a little force, not enough to hurt Ran, but enough to try to nudge her through.
-
>Darkly: "No. It's a possession. I'm carrying it, it's not moving under its own power. Let me through with it. I'll come back with it later."
>Apply a little force, not enough to hurt Ran, but enough to try to nudge her through.
>You refuse to accept that this cannot work, and try to will both history and whoever else may be listening to let. her. through. You try to push forward again, but you can feel Ran compressing against the barrier. She winces slightly, and you stop.
>You think you know what the problem is. You can travel through the barrier because you are not anchored firmly to either history. Both Patchouli and Kaguya spoke of how your existence seemed out sync with the rest of the world around you; you did not belong there, yet could still exist there. This is probably why you are the only one who remembers the old world. Something about who and what you are placed you outside the flow of the changes. The reason that your possessions can travel through the barrier with you is probably because their own history is minuscule and malleable; just being who you are is enough to allow them to shift along with their reality. The history of a sentient being on the other hand.... Ran is many centuries older than yourself, and a being of great knowledge and power in her own right. You can't simply passively shift her connection to reality in the way you can for a coin or a spellcard.
-
> Could we get her through if we hid Ran's history?
> If it sounds possible, attempt it.
-
> Could we get her through if we hid Ran's history?
> If it sounds possible, attempt it.
>You don't know if this would be possible. But moreso, you fear what would happen if you did succeed in getting her through the barrier only because her history was hidden and then the effect wore off. If Ran's existence was suddenly incompatible with the world she was in.... You're honestly not sure what would happen, and you have a hard time consciencing experimenting on her.
>You do wonder though, if you might be able to pull her through if you had an anchor on the other side. Something that could solidify her connection to the outside world, while you acted as a bridge.
-
> What would work as an anchor? A piece of clothing or something?
-
> What would work as an anchor? A piece of clothing or something?
>It would need to be something that had a strong connection to the outside reality. The stronger the better. You're not even sure an ordinary person would be enough.
-
>Put her down.
>"I think I have a way around this. I need to find where Chen is hiding."
-
>Put her down.
>You put Ran down again. You... think you can see tears starting to well up in her eyes.
>"I... thank you nonetheless; it was too much to hope for." She self-consciously brushes the tears away. "I'd thought I was resigned to this already. I'm sorry."
>"I think I have a way around this. I need to find where Chen is hiding."
>"Chen?" she asks. "Why... what does she..." Ran looks away from you. "Is... is she ok?"
-
>"I know she managed to survive this whole mess."
>Gesture toward the border.
>"Yuka told me that she had seen Chen. Unfortunately, I don't know where she is. But, I've been travelling with Rumia. Hopefully she knows. I'll try to be back with her as soon as I can."
>Exit if Ran has nothing to add.
-
>"I know she managed to survive this whole mess."
>Gesture toward the border.
>"Yuka told me that she had seen Chen. Unfortunately, I don't know where she is. But, I've been travelling with Rumia. Hopefully she knows. I'll try to be back with her as soon as I can."
>Exit if Ran has nothing to add.
>"I'm glad she's safe," Ran says. "But how will you get her in here any more than you could get me out? And... as much I dearly wish to see her again... I would rather she be free, though I never lay eyes on her again."
-
>"Not quite. Rather, I intend to use Chen's ties to you to try to safely root you outside. Then I can try to fool the barrier into letting you through."
-
>"Not quite. Rather, I intend to use Chen's ties to you to try to safely root you outside. Then I can try to fool the barrier into letting you through."
>"Do you... do you think that would be possible?" You can see Ran struggling not to hope; her expression is practically transparent.
-
>"I wouldn't be suggesting it otherwise. Hopefully, this won't take long."
>Exit!
-
>"I wouldn't be suggesting it otherwise. Hopefully, this won't take long."
>Exit!
>"....thank you," she says. "If it helps, Chen often preferred to spend time in the forest of magic when she had no other duties to attend to. Perhaps she's still there."
-
>Nod.
>Exit!
>Once out, if nothing strange has happened, head for Rumia. "Rumia, I need to ask you something important. Do you know where to find Chen?"
-
>Nod.
>Exit!
>Once out, if nothing strange has happened, head for Rumia. "Rumia, I need to ask you something important. Do you know where to find Chen?"
>You nod at Ran and exit the barrier again. Nothing of consequence seems to have happened in your absence. Rumia is still skipping back and forth. You see Mokou idly pick up a stone off the ground and toss it against another outcropping. She looks up at you as you emerge.
>You walk over to Rumia and ask her if she knows where to find Chen.
>"Chen?" She puts a finger to her chin and looks towards the sky thoughtfully. "Hmm.... maybe~!"
-
>"Where? I need her to help me save someone inside there."
-
>"Where? I need her to help me save someone inside there."
>"Umm... I think she's over that-a-way!" She points dramatically to the northeast. "I don't think she's good at saving people, though..."
-
>Is That-a-way toward the Forest of Magic?
>"That's okay, she only needs to be here."
-
> "We'll be doing the saving. We need her as a link to the person inside for this to work though."
> Head northeast with everyone.
-
>Is That-a-way toward the Forest of Magic?
>It does look that way, or at least in that general direction as best you can tell at the moment. You are pretty much on the opposite end of Gensokyo.
>"That's okay, she only needs to be here."
> "We'll be doing the saving. We need her as a link to the person inside for this to work though."
>"Oh, ok," Rumia says, nodding sagely. "Rumia doesn't get it, but quiz lady's real smart, so I'm sure it'll work!"
> Head northeast with everyone.
>You flag Mokou over and head off towards the direction Rumia pointed. It's a fairly extended trip, but eventually you can see the forest come into view in the distance.
-
> Land outside of the forest.
> Look around for signs of life.
> If nothing is found, head inside the forest.
-
> Land outside of the forest.
> Look around for signs of life.
> If nothing is found, head inside the forest.
>You land at the outside of the forest and look around. You don't see any signs of people or anything else of interest for the matter. You step into the forest.
>"This-a-way!" Rumia says, happily bouncing off ahead of you.
-
>Follow the bouncing Rumia~
-
>Follow the bouncing Rumia~
>You follow after Rumia as she ducks past one tree and loops around another, humming to herself. She stops occasionally, staring hard at a tree or rock and making audible thinking noises. Still she seems purposeful in her meandering, despite clearly not walking in a straight path. You swing left, then right, and virtually double back at one point. After a while you grow increasingly concerned that you've gotten turned around entirely.
>"Hey, you sure this is the most direct route, pipsqueak?" Mokou asks.
>"Nope!" Rumia replies without breaking stride.
-
> Sigh.
> "Well either way, Rumia IS the most likely person right now to have had the most recent contact with Chen, so we should probably keep following her."
> Keep going.
> Consider calling out Chen's name.
-
> Sigh.
> "Well either way, Rumia IS the most likely person right now to have had the most recent contact with Chen, so we should probably keep following her."
> Keep going.
> Consider calling out Chen's name.
>You sigh, but explain to Mokou that you're still better off following her than wandering around without direction.
>"Yup!" Rumia agrees. "Leave it to Rumia! Rumia knows where she's going." She wanders off again. "Except when she doesn't." Mokou rolls her eyes.
>You continue to follow Rumia through the forest, around one bend, past a little brook, and through gaps in the trees that seem intended only for Rumia-sized travelers. Eventually she stops and turns back towards you. "Here we are!" she states proudly.
>You consider calling out to Chen. Especially considering that you see nothing else of interest wherever here is.
-
> Examine the area.
> Call out Chen's name.
> Listen for a response.
-
> Examine the area.
> Call out Chen's name.
> Listen for a response.
>You take a look around the area. You are in a nondescript section of forest, sheltered beneath a canopy of tall oaks and maples. The trees themselves are fairly sparse here, creating several open areas with little underbrush, but the canopy still shuts out all but the occasional shaft of moonlight. You can hear a small stream flowing somewhere to your left.
>You call out Chen's name. You don't get a response.
-
> "Are you sure Chen is around here Rumia?"
-
> "Are you sure Chen is around here Rumia?"
>"Nope," she replies. "But this is where Rumia saw her last."
-
> "Oh. That makes sense."
> Poke around the are and look for clues.
> If nothing is found, check the history to see if we can find a possible direction she may have gone.
-
> "Oh. That makes sense."
> Poke around the are and look for clues.
> If nothing is found, check the history to see if we can find a possible direction she may have gone.
>Rumia nods enthusiastically at your reply.
>You fan out around the immediate area and look for signs of habitation. Sadly, this seems pretty fruitless; all you see is dirt and trees and rocks, and the occasional mushroom.
>"Hey," Mokou calls out, "I think there's footprints over here."
-
> "Coming!"
> Head over to Mokou.
> Check the history of the footprints.
-
> "Coming!"
> Head over to Mokou.
> Check the history of the footprints.
>You head over to Mokou and look at the footprints. They're faint and a bit smudged; probably not too recent. They're probably about the right size to be Chen's, although you couldn't say for certain. You don't think you would have noticed them yourself at all, but Mokou is actually a competent tracker.
>You try to get a sense of their history... footprints are not much to go on, but you get the definite sense that whoever left those has spent a lot of time in the area. Unfortunately, they've also criss-crossed the area so many times that it's hard to trace any single path; all the wanderings blur together.
-
> "There is a good chance they're hers, but I can't track the owner's path. They at least seem to frequent the area though."
> Look around a bit more, and if nothing comes up, head in the general direction the prints lead to.
-
> "There is a good chance they're hers, but I can't track the owner's path. They at least seem to frequent the area though."
> Look around a bit more, and if nothing comes up, head in the general direction the prints lead to.
>"Well, that's something anyway," Mokou says. "And if you can't follow these, I can."
>You have another look around the area, but don't find much so you decide to have Mokou follow the prints and follow her in turn.
>Progress is a little slow-going, and Mokou has to stop and search around a few times when the prints get cut off by unfavorable terrain, but you continue to follow the trail.
>Eventually you hear a young-sounding voice call out to you from one of the trees. "Hey!" She sounds a little angry.
-
> "Yes?"
> Look for the source of the voice.
-
> "Yes?"
> Look for the source of the voice.
>"Where do you think you're going!?"
>The voice seems to be coming from high up in a tree somewhere to your left. There's far too much foliage to see the source of it, though.
-
>That doesn't sound like Mystia, does it?
>"We're looking for Chen. It's important."
-
>That doesn't sound like Mystia, does it?
>"We're looking for Chen. It's important."
>The voice is quite a bit different. Younger and higher-pitched. And, despite sounding a bit aggressive, quite lacking the deep-seated resentment you could hear from Mystia.
>"What're you looking for, uh, her for?"
-
> "We need her in an attempt to rescue someone from inside a barrier."
-
> "We need her in an attempt to rescue someone from inside a barrier."
>".....what did you say!?"
>You hear rustling in the trees.
-
>"Exactly that. We can get Ran out of there. But we have to do it tonight, or else she'll be stuck for another month."
-
>"Exactly that. We can get Ran out of there. But we have to do it tonight, or else she'll be stuck for another month."
>"Really!?" Her voice practically glows with excitement. You hear someone scrabbling down a tree, branches swaying and leaves shimmering beneath her. Then the motion stops suddenly. "Wait.... how do I know this isn't some kinda trick?"
-
>"Because it would be a really mean thing to trick you over, and if we were that mean we would have just had Mokou burn that tree down while you're in it."
-
> "You don't know this is a trick. And we can't prove it isn't. But you have to trust me on this."
-
>"Because it would be a really mean thing to trick you over, and if we were that mean we would have just had Mokou burn that tree down while you're in it."
>"Nuh-uh," she replies. "You couldn't catch me in it!"
> "You don't know this is a trick. And we can't prove it isn't. But you have to trust me on this."
>"Then why are you are you threatening to set me on fire?"
>"Stop being a meanie!" Rumia calls out.
>"Hey!"
-
>"I'm not threatening, Chen. It was just an example. No one is going to set you on fire. Besides, Rumia is here to bite me if we do anything like that."
-
> "Chen. You have to trust us on this. It isn't a trick. If you truly want to save Ran, you have to come with us. Please?"
-
>"I'm not threatening, Chen. It was just an example. No one is going to set you on fire. Becauses, Rumia is here to bite me if we do anything like that."
>"Yeah, that's right!" Rumia agrees. "Wait...."
> "Chen. You have to trust us on this. It isn't a trick. If you truly want to save Ran, you have to come with us. Please?"
>She climbs down the tree just far enough that you can catch a glimpse of her.
>"How...." she says. "How can you do it? I've tried everything....."
-
>"I'm a Hakutaku, Chen."
>Tap a horn for emphasis.
>"I can manipulate the flow of history a bit to make it work. But, I need you to be there, or there's nothing I can do. And, we don't have much nighttime left."
-
>"I'm a Hakutaku, Chen."
>Tap a horn for emphasis.
>"I can manipulate the flow of history a bit to make it work. But, I need you to be there, or there's nothing I can do. And, we don't have much nighttime left."
>Chen leaps to the ground at the base of the tree and walks tentatively over to you.
>"You'd... you'd do that?"
-
>"I would not have come all this way otherwise. Are you with me, Chen?"
-
>"I would not have come all this way otherwise. Are you with me, Chen?"
>She takes another couple steps forward. "O- okay... But you better not be lying!"
-
>"Then let's hurry back, so I won't be a liar."
>Hurry back.
>Contemplate the best way to do this on the way.
-
>"Then let's hurry back, so I won't be a liar."
>Hurry back.
>Contemplate the best way to do this on the way.
>Chen nods at you, and the group of you take off and head back for Yukari's place.
>Assuming this is going to work at all, you'll have to serve as both a literal and metaphoric bridge between Chen and Ran. If you can touch them both at the same time, you may be able to use their connection with each other to synchronize Ran's 'timeline signature', for want of a better term, with Chen's and thus the outside reality. You just hope that their shikigami bond will be strong enough to allow you to do this. Also, there's a very good chance that if it works, Ran won't be able to re-enter the barrier afterwards.
>After some time, your group arrives back at the chasm before the barrier. Chen has grown noticeably reticent as you approach. It... must be a hard sight for her to see again.
-
>"I'm going to go in and speak with Ran. I'll be right back."
>Head through.
-
>"I'm going to go in and speak with Ran. I'll be right back."
>Head through.
>Mokou nods. Chen follows you up to the edge of the barrier and puts her hand against it, then looks at you; you can see a desperate hope in her eyes, and a terrible fear that this hope is a lie. "Please..." she says, quietly.
>You step through the barrier. You can see Ran standing in front of the house, hammer in hand, attempting to repair the door.
-
>"Ran, I've found Chen. And given how much she wants to pull you out, I am certain will be enough to do so. But...once I pull you out, I don't think you'll be able to return. Not without taking some great risks, anyways."
-
>"Ran, I've found Chen. And given how much she wants to pull you out, I am certain will be enough to do so. But...once I pull you out, I don't think you'll be able to return. Not without taking some great risks, anyways."
>Ran turns to you. "So... that would mean I'd have to leave Lady Yukari? Forever?"
-
>"Until this business is fixed, at least."
-
>"Until this business is fixed, at least."
>"You really think you can, then? Fix all this, I mean."
-
>"I would like to think if anyone could, it would be me. Lack of success so far notwithstanding..."
-
>"I would like to think if anyone could, it would be me. Lack of success so far notwithstanding..."
>"Yes, perhaps, but... you must realize that, as a shikigami, abandoning one's master is.... nearly unthinkable."
-
>The past few years must have left some cracks to put that nearly in there.
>"Then you'll just be obligated to help deal with all of this so that we can free her safely. I'm sure Yukari would prefer that."
-
>The past few years must have left some cracks to put that nearly in there.
>Spending seven years alone in a house that is literally the only location in your entire world would probably leave a few more cracks than that in your own mind. It's pretty incredible that she would seriously contemplate staying at all.
>"Then you'll just be obligated to help deal with all of this so that we can free her safely. I'm sure Yukari would prefer that."
>"It's true that I'm unable to do anything to improve the situation from inside here. I... just pray that this is the correct course of action. If you can give me a few moments?"
>Ran turns and walks back into the house.
-
>"Certainly."
>While Ran is gone, have a look at the history here, to see if Yukari's left anything we can use.
-
>"Certainly."
>While Ran is gone, have a look at the history here, to see if Yukari's left anything we can use.
>While waiting for Ran, you try to look at the history of the area, and encounter the same warding field that was active over the outside area until 7 years ago. It seems Yukari is quite good at protecting her privacy.
>Eventually Ran returns, looking rather somber.
>"I am ready," she says. "No matter whether you succeed or fail... I wish to thank you for trying."
-
>"Thank me when I succeed."
>Head toward the barrier.
>"What I intend to do is hold your hand, and Chen's hand, on either side of this barrier. Then, I am going to try to synchronize your place in time when her own, so that you may live there without difficulty. What I am going to need you to do is focus on your bonds with her. As a Shikigami, as a Yakumo, as everything. As strongly as you can. Hold nothing back. The more you do for me, the more likely I'll be able to succeed."
>Assuming she understands, head toward the barrier and call Chen over.
-
>"Thank me when I succeed."
>Head toward the barrier.
>"What I intend to do is hold your hand, and Chen's hand, on either side of this barrier. Then, I am going to try to synchronize your place in time when her own, so that you may live there without difficulty. What I am going to need you to do is focus on your bonds with her. As a Shikigami, as a Yakumo, as everything. As strongly as you can. Hold nothing back. The more you do for me, the more likely I'll be able to succeed."
>Assuming she understands, head toward the barrier and call Chen over.
>You walk towards the barrier, and Ran follows you.
>She nods as you explain. "I will do my utmost, I swear."
>You pass through the barrier, and find Chen practically up in your face before you can see your surroundings again, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Everything ready? What do you need me to do?"
>"She's been freaking out ever since she saw you actually walk through that thing," Mokou says, chucking a little.
-
>"Alright Chen, this is what I need you to do. I am going to hold your hand, and her hand. What I need you to do is concentrate on her as hard as you possibly can. Think about everything you have that connects you. Your bond as her Shikigami, your connection as members of the Yakumo family, everything that connects you and her. Don't hold anything back, the more strongly you can focus on it, the more easily and smoothly I can bring her through. Alright? Can you do that for me?"
>Offer a hand to her, and one to Ran.
-
>"Alright Chen, this is what I need you to do. I am going to hold your hand, and her hand. What I need you to do is concentrate on her as hard as you possibly can. Think about everything you have that connects you. Your bond as her Shikigami, your connection as members of the Yakumo family, everything that connects you and her. Don't hold anything back, the more strongly you can focus on it, the more easily and smoothly I can bring her through. Alright? Can you do that for me?"
>Offer a hand to her, and one to Ran.
>Chen nods vigorously. "I can do that."
>You hold out your hand to her and she grips it tightly, squeezing her eyes together even tighter.
>"Good luck," Mokou says.
>"Good luck!" Rumia agrees.
>You reach your other hand through the barrier and feel Ran grasp it firmly.
-
>To Chen. "Alright, now."
>Poke head through to Ran. "Now!
>Let's re-intertwine some histories.
-
>To Chen. "Alright, now."
>Poke head through to Ran. "Now!
>Let's re-intertwine some histories.
>With a word to both of them, you close your own eyes and focus on bringing Ran back into the outside world.
>You can feel it. You can feel both of them; alike, yet different. In the same world, yet not. You are a bridge between histories and history flows through you. You can feel the past of both of them, alone and then together, the flow of their experiences harmonizing. They are complements and they are family.
>But they have more than a shared history. There is a part of the each of them in the other's being; such is the bond of a shikigami and its master. Even separated by a splice in reality itself, a part of them still reaches out for the other, grasping at something just beyond their reach. But you have bridged the gap in dimensions that separates them. You can be the conduit through which their bond reasserts itself. You feel it trying to do so, even now.
>You open yourself to the sensation and feel a part of them reach out through you and touch each other. You sense a glimmer of recognition, and feel a bond knitting itself tightly together once again. And then you set to work.
>Ran and Chen belong to different realities. The history they are anchored to is not the same. But they are connected now in a way more profound than almost any other. There is already so much of each of them in both their histories, so much of each of them in each other. It takes little more than a push of will to grasp onto this and weave the few dissonant chords of their histories together. Each change feels natural and proper and slips smoothly into place like it was always meant to be that way. It feels like no time at all has passed before you feel them anchored as one again. In heart and soul and history. And then you pull.
>Ran stumbles across the barrier as you yank on her arm, nearly losing her footing. You open your eyes and look around, feeling very hazy as though waking from a long nap. From the looks of it, both Chen and Ran feel similarly. And then you can feel the precise moment where they become aware of their surroundings again.
>Chen looks up at Ran, and Ran back at her. There is silence for a moment and then with a great cry Chen leaps through the air and throws her arms around Ran's neck.
>"Raaaaaaan!!" she cries, and starts to bawl.
>Ran returns the embrace fiercely and then falls to her knees
>"Chen...." she says softly, smoothing her shikigami's hair with her hands. "Oh god, Chen...." Then she starts to cry, herself.
-
>Allow them their privacies, and step through the barrier again.
>Assuming nothing cataclysmic has happened, head to Yukari.
-
>Allow them their privacies, and step through the barrier again.
>Assuming nothing cataclysmic has happened, head to Yukari.
>You decide to give Chen and Ran some time alone. Well, relatively alone considering Mokou and Rumia are still out there. But Mokou seems to be keeping Rumia from bumbling over into them, at the very least.
>You step into the barrier. Nothing seems to have changed in here. Other than the door appearing to be largely attached to the house again.
>You head towards the room you saw Yukari in, and open the door. ...yeah, that's still unsettling to look at. But she doesn't seem to have moved or changed in any way, either.
-
>"I have no idea if you can hear me, or if you expected me to come, or if this is your fault in some way or what. Regardless, from pretty much everything Ran has told me, you're the reason I even have much of a chance to do anything to fix this. So for that, thank you. And, I intend to do my best to try to make it so you can safely get out of this, and everything is back to normal. I don't know what kind of things you've left to help me, if any. I don't know what role Ran played in being here, and if I happened to have ruined things by bringing her out. But I am hoping she'll be very useful in dealing with this whole problem. Regardless, there's one more thing I need to do, to be sure that I haven't missed anything you've left behind. Please accept my apologies, I normally don't do this."
>Read Yukari's history. The last decade or so. No need to go further back or force more sanity checks.
-
>"I have no idea if you can hear me, or if you expected me to come, or if this is your fault in some way or what. Regardless, from pretty much everything Ran has told me, you're the reason I even have much of a chance to do anything to fix this. So for that, thank you. And, I intend to do my best to try to make it so you can safely get out of this, and everything is back to normal. I don't know what kind of things you've left to help me, if any. I don't know what role Ran played in being here, and if I happened to have ruined things by bringing her out. But I am hoping she'll be very useful in dealing with this whole problem. Regardless, there's one more thing I need to do, to be sure that I haven't missed anything you've left behind. Please accept my apologies, I normally don't do this."
>Read Yukari's history. The last decade or so. No need to go further back or force more sanity checks.
>Yukari makes no sign of acknowledgment, not that you'd expected one. It felt good to get it off your chest nonetheless.
>You try to peer into Yukari's history... and find that you barely can. In fact, you feel yourself developing a headache simply from trying. Normally you'd be wondering how that was even possible, but you already seem to have developed a pet answer to that question. You don't really see anything you wouldn't already know, and nothing that seems helpful for your current situation.
-
>Stop that.
>"Oh well. I'd hoped you would have left me a little something. ...And you know, after seven years in here? I'm surprised Ran hasn't drawn all sorts of things on you out of sheer boredom. Oh well. Until we meet again."
>Exit!
-
>Stop that.
>"Oh well. I'd hoped you would have left me a little something. ...And you know, after seven years in here? I'm surprised Ran hasn't drawn all sorts of things on you out of sheer boredom. Oh well. Until we meet again."
>Exit!
>You grimace in Yukari's general direction. It's vaguely satisfying, even if you're unsure if she's even aware of you.
>You exit the room, closing the door behind you, and head back outside the barrier.
>Ran is sitting on a nearby rock, Chen in her lap; they're talking softly to each other. Ran looks up at you as you emerge, her eyes still wet with tears.
>"I... don't know that I can ever thank you enough for this."
-
>Smile. It's good to have made a difference.
>"We're going to think of something, I'm sure. I have no doubt, before this is done, you have thanked me enough to that you'll keep a ledger so that you may be properly paid back for them. For now...shall we head off to Scarlet Devil Mansion? Patchouli will be very interested in all of this."
-
>Smile. It's good to have made a difference.
>"We're going to think of something, I'm sure. I have no doubt, before this is done, you have thanked me enough to that you'll keep a ledger so that you may be properly paid back for them. For now...shall we head off to Scarlet Devil Mansion? Patchouli will be very interested in all of this."
>It really is. At least there's something you can look to after all the events of the night and say 'Here's why it was worth it.'
>"Well, I think we're in this together now," Ran says. "Whatever it takes. And I can accompany you where you think best. If you'll just permit me a moment to do something here first."
>Ran stands up and walks some distance away from you, then reaches into her pocket and pulls something out. You see a brief purple glow, and then she puts it away and returns.
-
>"What was that?"
-
>"What was that?"
>"This?" Ran reaches into her pocket and takes out a small glass butterfly, with wings of purple and blue. "You can think of this as a sort of portal key, I suppose. It can open and stabilize existing folds in the fabric of space. In layman's terms, it can reopen a latent gap. Yukari created it as something of a convenience for myself, or to be used in case of emergency. Though this has been seven years in the making, I think our current situation qualifies as the latter. Note that it can only push where a connection between two locations already exists, before you get any crazy ideas of how to utilize it."
>"In any event, these fissures were created by some power that resembles Yukari's own, and the residual energy in them suggests they may still be loosely connected to an end point. Your encounter with the shadow youkai strongly supports this. This key may be able to open a stable gap along this connection long enough for someone to pass through. Unfortunately, the technique used to create these fissures came closer to shredding space, rather than opening a clean path through it. If there was even a strong enough connection here to reopen, I don't know that I'd consider it safe to follow."
>"However, if I can essentially sample a few more active locations, I may be able to triangulate a mean point of origin."
-
> "That... Could really help us solve this thing."
-
> "That... Could really help us solve this thing."
>"I hope so," Ran agrees. "Assuming that whoever did this isn't simply gapping them into nothingness, or some reality we can't exist in. The shadow creature is a rather worrisome angle."
-
>"I can show you a few other places."
>Is the bit of forest that disappeared or the former Shrine site on the way to Scarlet Devil Mansion?
-
>"I can show you a few other places."
>Is the bit of forest that disappeared or the former Shrine site on the way to Scarlet Devil Mansion?
>Ran nods
>Neither of them is on the way. The patch of forest is relatively close to the mansion, however. The shrine is a fair bit further away.
-
>"When you're ready, I can show you one of them on the way to the mansion."
-
>"When you're ready, I can show you one of them on the way to the mansion."
>"Very well. I'm done what I needed to do here. Let's be off."
-
>Let's be off.
>Roll with the crew down to the forest crater yet again.
>Let Ran do her thing, stay near Rumia so she doesn't get too bothered.
-
>Let's be off.
>Roll with the crew down to the forest crater yet again.
>Let Ran do her thing, stay near Rumia so she doesn't get too bothered.
>The group of you set off for the forest crater once again. Each time you return here, you seem to bring more people in tow. At the very least, you feel pretty comfortable that if a shadow creature like that appeared again, it would last all of two seconds with this much firepower in the same location.
>When you arrive, Ran takes a step into the fissure and looks around at the tiny slivers, still winking in and out of existence across it. "There is... still quite of spatial instability here. Although I'm rather amazed that anything could step out of something that small and transient. Still, it should be fairly easy to get a read of the place."
>Ran holds the butterfly out on her palm. You see its wings start to flap slightly and it glows faintly. You think the slivers become more active in her general vicinity. After a few moments, it stops glowing and she puts it away.
>"The path is still partially open here, but... it feels like it's going to dozens of different destinations, all twisted together."
-
>"Any idea at all where they lead?"
-
>"Any idea at all where they lead?"
>Ran shakes her head. "I'm afraid I can't tell without actually setting foot into them. That's why I want to have a point of comparison; see if I can find a common current among them all. Otherwise...."
-
>Nod.
>"With that done, let's continue on."
>Do so once people wrap things up, onwards to SDM.
-
>Nod.
>"With that done, let's continue on."
>Do so once people wrap things up, onwards to SDM.
>"Very well," Ran says.
>You gather everyone together and head back towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>Meiling looks at your group curiously as you approach.
>"Y'know, just because Patchy said you're allowed in doesn't mean you get to drag half of Gensokyo inside with you."
-
>"Think of it as the opportunity to defend half of Gensokyo. But, if you feel the need to clear it with her, I can wait."
-
>"Think of it as the opportunity to defend half of Gensokyo. But, if you feel the need to clear it with her, I can wait."
>Meiling scowls at you. "Look, I'm not falling for that kind of line again. And even she doesn't call all the shots. Why don't you just go in by yourself and save us both the trouble?"
>"I'm content to wait outside, if it would be less problematic," Ran says.
>"See?" Meiling says, smirking. "She gets it."
-
>"You're the one I need to go inside, Ran. Patchouli has been helping us with this problem, and the two of you together stand the best chance of unraveling things so that we can solve this. Really, were it not for her, I doubt I would have found you tonight."
>Look back to Mokou and Rumia. "I hate to ask this again, but would you wait for me one more time? I'll do my best to be quick."
-
>"You're the one I need to go inside, Ran. Patchouli has been helping us with this problem, and the two of you together stand the best chance of unraveling things so that we can solve this. Really, were it not for her, I doubt I would have found you tonight."
>Look back to Mokou and Rumia. "I hate to ask this again, but would you wait for me one more time? I'll do my best to be quick."
>"Well, I suppose in that case..." Ran says.
>Mokou shrugs. "No worries. I've got no place else worth being at the moment, anyway."
>Meiling gives a resigned sigh. "Ok, fine. Just go...." She opens the gate.
-
>"Thank you, Mokou. Hopefully Meiling will be good company."
>Head in. "Thank you, Meiling."
>To the Library.
-
>"Thank you, Mokou. Hopefully Meiling will be good company."
>Head in. "Thank you, Meiling."
>To the Library.
>Mokou rolls her eyes at your comment.
>"Yeah, yeah..." Meiling says, idly waving you forward.
>You and Ran walk into the mansion and head towards the library. Patchouli is unsurprisingly unmoved since you last saw her. You can only hope she's invested in a comfortable chair. The map is still spread out on the desk in front of her, and a new stack of books has appeared next to it. She's currently sitting back, a large tome open before her face.
>"You seem to be rotating traveling companions tonight," she says, without having apparently looked up from her book.
-
>"I left a few at the gate to mollify Meling. Anyways, it seems that the location you sent me to is where Yukari lived. I believe Ran can explain what happened there better than I can."
-
>"I left a few at the gate to mollify Meling. Anyways, it seems that the location you sent me to is where Yukari lived. I believe Ran can explain what happened there better than I can."
>"Really?" Patchouli says. "I suppose she fared little better than the shrine maiden did?"
>"Not exactly so," Ran says, and proceeds to give a brief recap of the information she related to you earlier, about the initial incident, the barrier, and Yukari freezing the border between past and present. Patchouli puts her book down shortly after Ran begins, her brow furrowed in focused attention and analysis. And more than a little displeasure, you think
>"From the future?" Patchouli says, eventually. "That is... Well, I will spare you the full litany of my reservations regarding that explanation, for both our sakes. In any event, what do you intend to do about it? And, more to the point, what are you hoping I can contribute? I suspect you would not be back here otherwise."
-
>"My hope is that two heads will serve to be better than one on this issue. Ran has a learned a great deal about the nature of borders and barriers from Yukari, and has personal experience with the incident. My hope is that the two of you would be able able to make more progress in studying and understanding this problem than either of you alone."
-
>"My hope is that two heads will serve to be better than one on this issue. Ran has a learned a great deal about the nature of borders and barriers from Yukari, and has personal experience with the incident. My hope is that the two of you would be able able to make more progress in studying and understanding this problem than either of you alone."
>"Does that mean your plan is to hope we come up with one?" Patchouli says, raising an eyebrow.
-
>"Largely."
-
>"Largely."
>"I still think our best option at this point is to find a stable way through those gaps," Ran says. "If we can figure out who caused them, we may be many steps closer to finding a solution."
-
>Nod.
>"That does seem our best course."
>What time is it, roughly?
-
>Nod.
>"That does seem our best course."
>What time is it, roughly?
>"And for that," Ran continues, "it would be best if I could get measurements from as many active locations as possible."
>Judging by the light on your way here, it's still no later than 4-ish. ...which is odd, now that you stop and think about it. With all the travelling you've done, it really ought to be dawn by now.
-
>It's been a busy night.
>"Might I have a copy of that map?"
-
>It's been a busy night.
>"Might I have a copy of that map?"
>If you never have such a busy night again, it'll be too soon.
>"Do you intend to use it to go sample these points, then?" Patchouli asks.
-
>Nod. "And it would be easier than coming back here every time."
-
>Nod. "And it would be easier than coming back here every time."
>"That is true." Patchouli stares at the map for a few moments. "Oh very well. It's not fully complete, but take it if you must. These markers next to the events denote magnitude and age, respectively." She points out elements on the map. "I've added several more since you last saw it, but they're all quite minor. I suspect any remaining unmapped ones will be similarly minor."
>"And assuming you do find what you're looking for, and walk through to... wherever it leads. What then?"
-
>"I personally have no intention of walking through until we've all had a fair amount of time to find what is there, unless it seems we need to rush for other reasons."
-
>"I personally have no intention of walking through until we've all had a fair amount of time to find what is there, unless it seems we need to rush for other reasons."
>"Yes, I agree that would be prudent," Patchouli says. "For all that any of us knows, the space on the other side of that may be... less than conducive to our continued existence."
-
>"We shall get on that, then."
>Claim the map.
>Exit and rejoin with the others.
>Consider the next minor point along the way to the former Hakurei shrine location.
-
>"We shall get on that, then."
>Claim the map.
>Exit and rejoin with the others.
>You collect the map and head out; Patchouli returns to her book as you do so, paying you no further mind.
>As you arrive back at the gate, you see Chen and Rumia playing tag, some distance away, while Mokou is resting up against a tree, staring off at the sky.
>Consider the next minor point along the way to the former Hakurei shrine location.
>There is a small one marked near the outskirts of the Forest of Magic, a very small deviation from the path between here and the shrine.
-
>"Alright, we have our next couple of goals in mind. But, with that said, if anyone here feels they have other things to do, or are just sick of running around, I won't be upset if you take your leave."
-
>"Alright, we have our next couple of goals in mind. But, with that said, if anyone here feels they have other things to do, or are just sick of running around, I won't be upset if you take your leave."
>"Hey, I'm not bailing until we've got this settled," Mokou says. "I've got a promise to keep to myself."
>"I'm going wherever Ran goes," Chen says.
>"Rumia doesn't want to leave until she's suuuuure quiz lady's all happy again. " Ran raises an eyebrow at her.
-
>Smile. "That's good. I was feeling a little like I was just dragging some of you around."
>To the minor point!
-
>Smile. "That's good. I was feeling a little like I was just dragging some of you around."
>To the minor point!
>"Eh, kinda," Mokou says. "But I stand by what I said."
>You head off towards the shrine, taking a detour at the appropriate point into the forest. Unfortunately, the map isn't amazingly precise, and you don't see any signs of any chasm from where you are. You fan out and have a look around the area. Eventually, you hear Chen call out. "Found it!"
>You walk over to where she indicated. It's... about the size of a large pothole. It would look entirely unremarkable if not for the incredibly faint purple sheen to parts of it.
>"I... don't think I'm going to be able to do much with this," Ran says.
-
>"Huh."
>Check the local history just in case there was something small but important there.
-
>"Huh."
>Check the local history just in case there was something small but important there.
>The others seem to share your sentiments.
>You don't find signs of anything notable having been here.
-
>Can we tell how old it is?
>"Well, it seems to be able to work on a small scale, as well."
>That said, move on to the former shrine location.
-
>Can we tell how old it is?
>"Well, it seems to be able to work on a small scale, as well."
>That said, move on to the former shrine location.
>You think it's about 4 years old
>"Yes," Ran says. "And it seems fairly arbitrary in its targets. Or more probably, that it simply wasn't targeting anything in the first place."
>The group of you travel a little further along, and arrive at the chasm where the Hakurei Shrine used to stand.
>Ran moves towards it. "Despite what you told me, it's still disturbing to see it gone like this. Of all the places to have been enveloped...."
>She takes out the portal key, and activates it in a similar fashion that she did at the last fissure. "It seems a little more stable here," she says, shaking her head. "But it's still very old."
-
> Look around for a pillar similar to the chasm we found Ran in.
-
>"This is why I don't think think it's random, to be honest. It's just too much a coincidence. As well, Marisa is also missing. I've been meaning to try and check up on her, but I have no idea where she lives, nor does anyone else I've asked."
-
> Look around for a pillar similar to the chasm we found Ran in.
>While it would be nice to think that part of the shrine was preserved here, you can clearly see the entire fissure from where you are and there is no sign of any barrier.
>"This is why I don't think think it's random, to be honest. It's just too much a coincidence. As well, Marisa is also missing. I've been meaning to try and check up on her, but I have no idea where she lives, nor does anyone else I've asked."
>"I can understand why you'd think that," Ran says, "but the curvature of space around the shrine and our home would likely make it easiest for this effect to manifest there, if it were indeed just applied through brute force. They are points of importance for the boundary, and it is easier to cross boundaries there for similar reasons. Many of the other points on that map seem entirely arbitrary."
-
>"Perhaps so, but I still hold my reservations given it successfully struck at the two, perhaps three people most likely to stop it."
>"Were you able to find anything?"
-
>"Perhaps so, but I still hold my reservations given it successfully struck at the two, perhaps three people most likely to stop it."
>"Were you able to find anything?"
>"A little," Ran says, "but it would be much easier if we could find another more recent occurrence. The more this has faded, the less I can work with it."
-
>Check the map.
-
>Check the map.
>You examine the map. There are several incidents marked as comparatively recent, although most of them are small. Interestingly, the most recent major incident outside of the one where you encountered the shadow creature is at Misty Lake.
-
>"How close to do you have to get. There's one more large one, but it's underwater."
-
>"How close to do you have to get. There's one more large one, but it's underwater."
>"Underwater?" Ran frowns. "I need to be more or less within arm's reach of it, I'm afraid."
-
>"Well then."
>Look for another one that's recent, and second largest.
-
>"Well then."
>Look for another one that's recent, and second largest.
>There really seems to be a shortage of large ones that you haven't already covered. Ignoring the ones you've already been to, the most recent one not marked tiny is somewhere to the southwest of the bamboo forest; it seems to be fairly small itself, though.
-
>"Hm. I have this..."
>Point to the map
>"...or one other possible idea, which would be to go back to the area where I first awakened. And was attacked tonight..."
-
>"Hm. I have this..."
>Point to the map
>"...or one other possible idea, which would be to go back to the area where I first awakened. And was attacked tonight..."
>Ran looks at the map.
>"Hmmm.... and what are you hoping to find there?" she asks.
-
>"The place I woke up? There are...similar things there, as far as I can sense. Things with origins outside of history."
-
>"The place I woke up? There are...similar things there, as far as I can sense. Things with origins outside of history."
>"I... see." Ran pauses, and considers. "I suppose it couldn't hurt to have another look there. And this fissure may be sufficient. It's difficult to tell without seeing it in person. It's less about the absolute size, and more about the clarity of the linkage. I'll follow wherever you think is best to go."
-
>"We'll check the fissure first. I'm in no hurry to go back to that grove."
>To the fissure!
-
>"We'll check the fissure first. I'm in no hurry to go back to that grove."
>To the fissure!
>"Very well," Ran says.
>You fly towards the fissure indicated on the map. This one turns out to be a fair bit easier to spot than the last one, although it's still quite small; roughly a large as a house. The energy in it does seem to be a bit more active than the most of the ones you've seen, outside of the fissure you were attacked in. Ran repeats the trick with the glass butterfly.
>"Well, it's not as good as I hoped," Ran says, "but better than I feared. I think we're making progress, at any rate. Still, with what we have, I may need to spend a little bit of time analyzing it, and we don't have a great opening point. The fissures at the shrine and by our house are too faint to use for more than a reference point. The one where you were attacked is still actively connected to wherever it leads, but twisted. This one is rather weak."
-
>"Well, there's nothing better on the map. I suppose we should go to the grove."
>Groveward. Don't enter.
-
>"Well, there's nothing better on the map. I suppose we should go to the grove."
>Groveward. Don't enter.
>Ran nods. "Very well."
>You take off towards the grove where you nearly fell asleep twice and land at what you feel is a safe distance away.
-
>"There it is. I'm not sure if I should approach it or not. The last time I did, something in there tried to force me asleep again. Were it not for Mokou, I wouldn't hav been able to resist. It didn't bother with her or Rumia, though. I don't know if you would be safe or not."
-
>"There it is. I'm not sure if I should approach it or not. The last time I did, something in there tried to force me asleep again. Were it not for Mokou, I wouldn't hav been able to resist. It didn't bother with her or Rumia, though. I don't know if you would be safe or not."
>"I'm prepared to risk it if you are," Ran says. "Are you hoping to find whatever creature you met the first time you were here?"
-
>"I'm hoping I never have to meet it again. The problem is, I have no idea how it attacked me. I didn't see it or anything. That said...Mokou, you know what to do. I don't intend to run this time."
>_
-
>"I'm hoping I never have to meet it again. The problem is, I have no idea how it attacked me. I didn't see it or anything. That said...Mokou, you know what to do. I don't intend to run this time."
>Mokou sighs and shakes her head. "Better not make me do that a second time," she mutters.
>"Well, what are you hoping to find here, then?" Ran asks.
-
>To Mokou. "You'll have to take that up with them. And, if they're behind this, I encourage you to."
>To Ran. "I am hoping what you've been tracking and what are going on here are related things, and you can get enough of a reading to make a useful observation."
-
>To Mokou. "You'll have to take that up with them. And, if they're behind this, I encourage you to."
>To Ran. "I am hoping what you've been tracking and what are going on here are related things, and you can get enough of a reading to make a useful observation."
>"If I lay eyes on whatever it is, you better believe I will," Mokou says.
>"Even if the being who created the fissures is in here," Ran says, "I don't think that would help with what I was doing. Well, outside from the obvious method of simply forcing them to take us where we want to go."
-
>"Maybe. I don't know, given I woke up here in an entirely different timeline, it has to have something connected to all this. But, alright."
>Check the map.
-
>"Maybe. I don't know, given I woke up here in an entirely different timeline, it has to have something connected to all this. But, alright."
>"It's up to you," Ran says. "I'm not adverse to looking. But if you expect that this will provide information I can use to stabilize our transit, I'm skeptical, that's all."
>Check the map.
>You've already identified the largest and most recent fissures. Is there something specific you wish to examine it for?
-
>Look for the largest one we have yet to examine, regardless of age, and the most recent one that's on a scale similiar to the house-sized one.
-
>Look for the largest one we have yet to examine, regardless of age, and the most recent one that's on a scale similiar to the house-sized one.
>The most recent one of comparable size you can find is 2 years old, towards the other end of the bamboo forest. The largest one you have yet to examine, aside from the one under the lake, is a little ways north of Yukari's house. However, it doesn't appear to be marked as much larger than the one you're already at, and is a fair bit older.
-
>Show the map to Ran. "Which do you think is most likely?"
-
>Show the map to Ran. "Which do you think is most likely?"
>"It really would be nice if that one was more accessible," she says, looking at the map, "but after that, I think this one might be best." She points to the fissure on the other end of the bamboo forest.
-
>Nod.
>"Regardless, we're here now. Let's see if you can find anything."
>"If anyone starts to feel unusually tired, announce it immediately so we can do something about it."
>Into the forest once more.
-
>Nod.
>"Regardless, we're here now. Let's see if you can find anything."
>"If anyone starts to feel unusually tired, announce it immediately so we can do something about it."
>Into the forest once more.
>"Well, we can look," Ran says. "And fair warning. Make sure to do ask she asks, Chen."
>"Got it," Chen replies.
>You move back into the forest. No drowsiness hits you immediately, nor does it seem to even after you've spent a minute or two moving deeper into the trees. You see no sign of anyone's presence, either.
>Ran tilts her head to the side. "I... think I sensed something, just then."
-
>"What did you feel?"
-
>"What did you feel?"
>"Something's presence." She turns her head to the other side, her brow furrowing. "I... think I lost it again."
-
>Nod.
>Keep going.
-
>Nod.
>Keep going.
>You continue to walk through the forest. Ran's head darts to one side or the other occasionally, like she'd heard or seen something, but she makes no further comment.
>You spend a few more minutes looking around, but don't see anything of note, or feel more drowsy than you'd expect to be at this time.
-
>Can we find the spot where we woke up?
>"Something bothering you, Ran?"
-
>Can we find the spot where we woke up?
>"Something bothering you, Ran?"
>You think you can get fairly close, but the forest is unfamiliar and the place you woke up indistinct. You probably couldn't be entirely certain.
>Ran frowns. "Every now and then I can sense just a hint of that presence I did earlier. I don't really know what it is. I think it may be following us, though."
-
>"Hmm. Stay wary, I'll try something."
>Check the very recent history of this place.
-
>"Hmm. Stay wary, I'll try something."
>Check the very recent history of this place.
>Ran nods, and look around the terrain.
>You find much the same as you did when you tried this earlier. You get a vague impression of a wispy presence that's been back and forth through here recently. You're certain it is not like the youkai you originally encountered here, although it's quite reminiscent of it.
-
>"There's something here, all right. A kind of wispy presence, it keeps fading in and out."
>Hold still a bit. See if we can sense it return or not.
-
>"There's something here, all right. A kind of wispy presence, it keeps fading in and out."
>Hold still a bit. See if we can sense it return or not.
>"That would seem to agree with my own senses," Ran says.
>You can't really detect its presence actively, so you wouldn't be able to tell exactly where it is, or if it has shifted in or out. You can meanly tell that it has spent time wandering around here lately. You wait a little, but don't notice any other activity.
-
>"Whatever it is, it's not going to show itself, and doesn't seem to be trying anything. Can you detect anything at all about it, Ran?"
-
>"Whatever it is, it's not going to show itself, and doesn't seem to be trying anything. Can you detect anything at all about it, Ran?"
>"I can barely detect it at all, most of the time," she says. "But what I do sense is... almost ethereal, like a fragment of a dream. I don't know if it's entirely here, to be honest. Or perhaps it's just doing that to hide itself?"
-
>"Think we should call out to it?"
-
>"Think we should call out to it?"
>"Assuming it can understand us," Ran says. "I think it's reasonable to assume it already knows we're here, however. Its following us is unlikely to be incidental."
-
>"Quite. But for all we know, it's afraid of us."
-
>"Quite. But for all we know, it's afraid of us."
>"I suppose that's possible. Although if it was aggressive to you earlier, perhaps it's best if it's afraid of us."
-
>"Indeed. So perhaps we can make use of this position of power and try to contact it?"
-
>"Indeed. So perhaps we can make use of this position of power and try to contact it?"
>"If you have any ideas, be my guest."
-
>"Is it still around, as it were?"
>If so, just call out. "We're not here to hurt you!"
>If not, "Let me know when it is."
-
>"Is it still around, as it were?"
>If so, just call out. "We're not here to hurt you!"
>If not, "Let me know when it is."
>"I don't know that it ever left," Ran says. "I just can't sense it very clearly. Kind of like something you think you hear, but then aren't certain you actually did."
>You call out that you don't intend to hurt it.
>Ran looks at you and shakes her head.
-
>"Nothing?"
>Wait a few moments.
>If nothing unusual happens. "Well, we don't have all night. And I am certainly not going in there alone to get its trust at this point."
-
>"Nothing?"
>Wait a few moments.
>If nothing unusual happens. "Well, we don't have all night. And I am certainly not going in there alone to get its trust at this point."
>"No different than usual, anyway," Ran says.
>You wait a few more moments. Nothing appears to happen.
>"I can't say I blame you," Ran agrees.
-
>Nod.
>"Let's go. You wanted to see that one on the far side of the Bamboo forest?"
-
>Nod.
>"Let's go. You wanted to see that one on the far side of the Bamboo forest?"
>Ran nods. "It may be the best of the available fissures we have left unexamined."
-
>Head for it.
-
>Head for it.
>You exit the grove and head towards the next fissure marked on the map. You find it sheltered among some small hills, and cutting one of them in half; it's about the size of a small house, again. You can see the bamboo forest stretching across the horizon to your south. Ran steps into it and take another reading.
>"Well, that might help a little," she says, "but to be frank, outside of finding a particularly choice location, I don't think there's much additional purpose to examining the remaining ones. This is probably as best as I'll be able to do."
-
>"Do you have enough to do anything with it?"
-
>"Do you have enough to do anything with it?"
>She nods slowly. "I... think I can. We may have two options, as I see it. I can try to open a path through the fissure we were just at. It'll be small, and a tight squeeze even for one person. Or we can try the active one in the forest. I should be able to get more people through there, but the path may be... bumpier, so to speak."
-
>"Is it the kind of bumpier that kills people?"
-
>"Is it the kind of bumpier that kills people?"
>"I.... hope not. Probably not. I wish I could say so for certain. But... we may not end up exactly where we're expecting to go."
-
>Frown.
>"This sounds like something we ought to go over with Patchouli, and see what kind of assistance she can offer in regards to it."
-
>Frown.
>"This sounds like something we ought to go over with Patchouli, and see what kind of assistance she can offer in regards to it."
>Ran shares your frown. You don't think she's much happier with the situation than you are.
>"I suspect this is a little outside the domain of her experience," Ran says, "But it's always possible she knows of something that could assist in some way."
-
>Nod.
>"And the other way, where one of us goes at it alone? First off, how would this person get back?"
-
>Nod.
>"And the other way, where one of us goes at it alone? First off, how would this person get back?"
>"The latent trace of the path they followed to get there should remain in the spot they arrived for a time. The portal key should be able to get them back along it, assuming they didn't delay too long in returning."
-
>"Would there be enough to make multiple trips? Both in the sense of moving people through one by one, and in the sense of going, returning, and going back?"
-
>"Would there be enough to make multiple trips? Both in the sense of moving people through one by one, and in the sense of going, returning, and going back?"
>"The connection would probably survive at least a few trips. But... I think the portal key would need to accompany whoever goes in as sort of an... anchor and a guide. This isn't going to be the easiest trip no matter what. Without it... I think it's possible the connection would veer off-course in transit."
-
>Nod.
>"Can you tell me anything about the other side? Is it survivable?"
-
>Nod.
>"Can you tell me anything about the other side? Is it survivable?"
>"I think so," she says. "Well, I couldn't tell you much about where it leads, but it connects to a plane like ours; there should be no incompatibility in that regard. Whether there are any other natural or unnatural hazards near the exit point, I'm afraid I don't know. One should at least have the chance to make a quick retreat if that is the case."
-
>"Hmm. Then...it may be best if one of us does some scouting, while the rest of us consult with Patchouli and make necessary preparations for a proper entry."
-
>"Hmm. Then...it may be best if one of us does some scouting, while the rest of us consult with Patchouli and make necessary preparations for a proper entry."
>"Very well," Ran says. "I volunteer to be the one to look around. In... case there really is something dangerous on the other side."
>"Hey," Mokou pipes up. "I've got the least to risk if we don't know what we're getting into here."
-
>"Mokou would have the least to risk. And, honestly, I'd rather have your expertise with Patchouli. It might be best if I go through, though. I need to know how strongly my abilities extend there, and whether or not our moon holds any sway there."
-
>"Mokou would have the least to risk. And, honestly, I'd rather have your expertise with Patchouli. It might be best if I go through, though. I need to know how strongly my abilities extend there, and whether or not our moon holds any sway there."
>"Well, I can tell you what the moon looks like," Mokou says. "Assuming they even have one. ...but I guess that doesn't tell you whether it does anything for you or not."
>"It's up to you," Ran says.
-
>"I think I may be in the position to learn the most in a short amount of time, so yes, I'll go."
>"Ran, once I'm there, is there anything I can do to establish a stronger connection?"
-
>"I think I may be in the position to learn the most in a short amount of time, so yes, I'll go."
>"Ran, once I'm there, is there anything I can do to establish a stronger connection?"
>Ran nods. "If you think it's best."
>"Be damn careful, you hear?" Mokou says.
>"And I don't think there's anything you can do from the other side that would help with this," Ran replies. "The portal key cannot create new paths, only open ones already in place. Short of finding a better connection on our end, we'd probably need Yukari's help to improve on this. Or whoever did this in the first place..."
-
>"That's a shame, I was hoping we could make the other route less bumpy at the same time."
>Nod to Mokou. "I will. And, if you'd be willing, I'd like you to stay nearby, just in case I have to make a quick escape and something follows."
-
>"That's a shame, I was hoping we could make the other route less bumpy at the same time."
>Nod to Mokou. "I will. And, if you'd be willing, I'd like you to stay nearby, just in case I have to make a quick escape and something follows."
>"Well, that much may be possible, actually," Ran says. "It's less that the other route itself is flawed, but that it's... tangled among a bunch of others. It's possible I might be able to get a clearer picture of it, given some time and work."
>"You got it," Mokou says.
-
>Start toward the fissure location.
>"Is there something I could do to assist with it on the other side?"
-
>Start toward the fissure location.
>"Is there something I could do to assist with it on the other side?"
>You head off towards the fissure
>"I don't think so. Well, aside from finding something obviously connected to this whole incident. I'm just hoping you'll see something over there that'll make this all make a lot more sense."
-
>"Likewise. Is there anything at all you can tell me about the other side?"
-
>"Likewise. Is there anything at all you can tell me about the other side?"
>Ran shakes her head. "Not other than that it bears a great many similarities to here."
-
>"I suppose I'll just have to find out."
>Onward.
-
>"I suppose I'll just have to find out."
>Onward.
>Ran sighs. "I really wish I could tell you more. I'm sorry."
>After a short while, you arrive back at the fissure. Ran takes out the portal key.
>"Are you... ready to leave?" she says.
-
>"Just tell me what to do, and how to get back."
-
>"Just tell me what to do, and how to get back."
>"Once I lock this to a particular path, it should be straightforward. On the other side, simply hold this out to the air and activate it to reopen the passageway. Like so."
>Ran holds the butterfly out on her palm and closes her eyes. You can see the wings of it start to move; slowly at first, then more rapidly. A purple seam appears in the air in front of you, then widens.
>Ran opens her eyes and hands you the portal key.
>"Good luck in there," she says.
-
>Take the key.
>"I'll do my best. Mokou, keep an eye out for anything weird."
>Step through.
-
>Take the key.
>"I'll do my best. Mokou, keep an eye out for anything weird."
>Step through.
>You accept the portal key. It feels warm to the touch.
>"Anything weird, huh?" Mokou says. "Other than pretty much everything else I've seen tonight, I guess."
>With a deep breath, you step into the gap.
>It is a strange and very unnatural sensation, moving in the space between worlds. You lose all sense of time and place. It feels like you are running and tumbling and flying, all at once. You quickly start to grow dizzy. If this was the option that wasn't bumpy, you really hate to imagine what the other path would have been like. You feel yourself being pulled on from different directions, and hear sounds you don't know how to understand. And then the world around stops not making sense, as you feel your face unceremoniously collide with dirt. You can taste grass in your mouth. At least you're out of... whatever that was, though.
-
>Sit up.
>Spit out the grass.
>Look around.
>Try not to throw up.
-
>Sit up.
>Spit out the grass.
>Look around.
>Try not to throw up.
>You pull yourself to your feet and spit the grass out of your mouth, then take a look around. You are in a small field, sheltered by many tall and stately trees. You can also see a few trails, winding their way between the trees. They look groomed, although the area still has a wilderness quality to it. You don't see signs of any people, or anything else notable, at the moment.
>Fortunately, while you feel a bit unsteady and disoriented, you don't think you're currently at risk of decorating the ground with your last meal.
-
>Check time of day, moon status, and presence of horns and tail.
-
>Check time of day, moon status, and presence of horns and tail.
>You look up at the moon. It's... waxing gibbous. Once you get your bearings, it's easy enough to tell that you're not in hakutaku form, even without reaching for the obvious physical signs of it. It seems to be evening, but earlier than when you left. Perhaps 8 o'clock.
-
>Examine the trails.
>Do we see any signs of animals?
-
>Examine the trails.
>Do we see any signs of animals?
>The trails are made of finely crushed stone, and wide enough for two to three people to walk abreast. There's one near you running north and south. You see it intersect with another trail heading west, some distance to the north.
>You think you may be able to hear a bird or two, but no other animal signs are clearly evident.
-
>Look around. Can we see any sign of the portal we used to get here?
-
>Look around. Can we see any sign of the portal we used to get here?
>You don't see it. You assume it closed behind you. You could probably open it again if you wanted to, though.
-
>Take some time to memorize what this area looks like, then follow the nearest path to elsewhere.
>_
-
>Take some time to memorize what this area looks like, then follow the nearest path to elsewhere.
>You look around and try to memorize your location. You think there's a moderately distinctive tree in your vicinity you can use for a reference point. Satisfied that you can find your way back here, you take the nearest path and walk for a distance.
>The scenery is quite pleasant, you have to admit, the large trees looming protectively over the path. After a little while, you see a pair of people come into view in the distance, one male, one female. They appear to be walking casually and speaking with each other.
-
>Assess their species and clothing. Do we stick out terribly?
-
>Assess their species and clothing. Do we stick out terribly?
>They appear to be human as far as you can tell. The both appear to be wearing short-sleeved shirts and pants of a style you're unfamiliar with. Your dress is rather more elaborate, but you don't know if it would seem out of place to them or not.
-
> Keep walking.
> Attempt to listen to a snippet of their conversation when we pass them.
> If they greet us, greet them back.
-
> Keep walking.
> Attempt to listen to a snippet of their conversation when we pass them.
> If they greet us, greet them back.
>You continue walking down the trail and try to see if you can inconspicuously listen in on what they're saying. Unfortunately, they grow quiet as they approach you, so you can't hear much. You think you catch something about an upcoming election, but you don't recognize any of the names or other details.
>You think they give you a bit of an odd look as you walk by, but otherwise make no notice of your presence.
-
> Consider the possibility that we're probably wearing something abnormal in this universe.
> What did the pants look like?
-
> Consider the possibility that we're probably wearing something abnormal in this universe.
> What did the pants look like?
>It might be possible, but you don't really know what counts as normal. Two people aren't a lot of data points
>They were deep blue, with a pronounced grain to them, and seemed fairly form-fitting
-
>Keep the costume party excuse in mind.
>Onwards!
-
>Keep the costume party excuse in mind.
>Onwards!
>There's always that possibility as an explanation for incongruous dress...
>You continue further along the path, and eventually emerge in a larger open field, bordered by more trees. You can see a fair number of people spread out across here, in small groups, walking or talking among each other. Some of them seem to be sitting on benches along the trail, or at small wooden tables in the open areas.
-
>Examine their species and styles of dress. Do we stand out?
-
>Examine their species and styles of dress. Do we stand out?
>They all appear to be human, as best you can tell. Many of them are dressed similar to the ones you passed earlier, although there is some variety in their clothing. You have to admit that none of them are wearing anything much like yourself, however.
-
>Consider the advantages of being inconspicuous.
-
>Consider the advantages of being inconspicuous.
>Well, it could certainly help you look around unimpeded. None of these people have seemed hostile thus far, but you can't be certain that won't change. Moreover, it might be best if whatever you're chasing didn't realize you were here. Of course, you don't know that new clothes would help with that.
-
>Have a look at the surroundings, and what is beyond the immediate area. Stay close to the trees for now.
-
>Can't do anything about that, then.
>Continue down the path.
-
>Have a look at the surroundings, and what is beyond the immediate area. Stay close to the trees for now.
>Beyond the open area in front of you, several trails appear to continue further into the trees in a couple directions. Aside from this, and the people in-between, you can't see a great deal more from this vantage point.
>Can't do anything about that, then.
>Continue down the path.
>Well, you certainly don't have any alternate clothes on your person, at the moment
>You continue along the path into the field. No one really seems to be paying a great deal of attention to you, although you still think you may be getting the occasional odd look from people you pass near. Maybe it's just your imagination.
>The trail you're on continues into the trees to the south, while most of the field stretches out to the east. You can see another trail in the trees further in that direction.
-
>Head for that further trail.
-
>Head for that further trail.
>You cut across the field towards the eastern trail. Along the way you pass near several groups of people, many walking casually or sitting with each other, although you see a pair of people throwing a bright orange disc back and forth across the field and running to catch it before it lands. You reach the other trail without incident, however.
-
>Keep going onward, eyes open for interesting things.
-
>Keep going onward, eyes open for interesting things.
>You continue along the trail, alternating between admiring the view and carefully examining your surroundings for signs of anything unusual. You cross a aesthetically constructed wooden bridge as the trail passes over a small stream. You also pass several more people; one of them seemed to be holding some small object next to their ear and talking loudly to themselves.
>Eventually the trail emerges into another open area, this time without tree cover on the other side, and.... you're not even sure how to describe what you're seeing. Past the open area you're in currently, you can see what looks like a road of some sort, made of flat black stone. There are... large metal objects with bright lights moving along it at high speed. Beyond this, there are dense clusters of buildings huddled together, and extending as far as the eye can see in every direction. In the distance you can see some which are impossibly tall, their surface reflecting the bright lights around them. You don't even know how they could possibly be constructed.
-
>Have a seat somewhere. We're gonna need to take this in.
-
>Have a seat somewhere. We're gonna need to take this in.
>You find an unoccupied bench and sit down, trying not to look as utterly out of place as you feel. The scale of what you can see is truly staggering. You can see more buildings from where you were standing than probably exist in all of Gensokyo. How are you supposed to find anything in a place like this? Especially when you're not even sure what you're looking for?
-
>Ponder if we're even in the right place, given the lack of youkai that don't seem to understand reality at all and things hitting us with sleep-based attacks.
-
>Ponder if we're even in the right place, given the lack of youkai that don't seem to understand reality at all and things hitting us with sleep-based attacks.
>You... don't really know. This is certainly not what you'd expected, but Ran seemed comfortable that she'd opened the path correctly. Maybe she was just simply wrong? How would you even go about checking? Maybe if you can find some point of reference?
-
>Look around a bit more. Try get a sense of what other places there are around here.
-
>Look around a bit more. Try get a sense of what other places there are around here.
>There seem to be a couple small buildings on the outskirts of the park area, near where you're seated. One of them seems to be selling food, as far as you can tell. You're not sure about the others. The road extends for a significant distance to the north and south, intersecting with other roads along the way. If you had to guess, you'd say that most of the buildings near here are houses, although their architectural style is unfamiliar to you.
-
>Do they have signs?
>Are they legible signs?
-
>You're gonna need a world map, and a local map. A local map to find out the name of this place, and the world map to find out where is this place compared to everywhere else. Clearly, this place isn't Gensokyo.
-
>Do they have signs?
>Are they legible signs?
>There are a few signs around. They appear to be in perfectly legible Japanese. One fairly nearby reads "Uetake Public Park" and follows with a list of notices about littering and walking animals on trails.
>You're gonna need a world map, and a local map. A local map to find out the name of this place, and the world map to find out where is this place compared to everywhere else. Clearly, this place isn't Gensokyo.
>A map would certainly be a wonderful thing to have right about now.
-
>Walk toward the buildings and observe their signs.
>Consider the common language as an important facet of data.
-
>Walk toward the buildings and observe their signs.
>Consider the common language as an important facet of data.
>You walk to the nearby buildings and consider their signage. One is labeled "Park Maintenance and Administration". It appears to be closed for the evening. Another is "Visitor Information." It... also appears to be closed for the evening. You think you find a trail map posted on a large free-standing sign, however.
>The fact that they're speaking Japanese implies that you're probably not on some alien plane, at the very least... Despite how it might feel at the moment. In fact, you're growing increasingly suspicious that you may somehow have passed outside the border. Like most people in Gensokyo, you don't know a lot about the outside world, but you've read bits and pieces where you've come across it. The descriptions didn't really prepare you for seeing this, though...
-
>Consider the most modern bits of outside history we know, given we know a whole lot of the not so modern bits.
>...Do we know where the Moriya Shrine used to be?
-
>Consider the most modern bits of outside history we know, given we know a whole lot of the not so modern bits.
>...Do we know where the Moriya Shrine used to be?
>The border was created in 1885, so your records of the outside are fairly comprehensive up to that time period. Beyond that... matters are sporadic and potentially unreliable. You've picked up tidbits from Rinnosuke, or the occasional book, and conversations with other people who know a little. But you have to admit that knowledge of going-ons in the outside world was never something you'd actively pursued. You... never really anticipated this kind of situation.
>You do not, unfortunately.
-
>Look around. Do we see any sign of Mount Fuji?
>If not, we now have our cover story. We're from Tokyo!
>If we do see it, we're from Kyoto!
-
>Look around. Do we see any sign of Mount Fuji?
>If not, we now have our cover story. We're from Tokyo!
>If we do see it, we're from Kyoto!
>You don't see any sign of Mt. Fuji, as far as you can tell, so you decide that your cover story will be a traveler from Tokyo. With odd taste in traveling clothes, apparently. And odd hair color, too, if the people you've seen are any indication. Maybe one will justify the other?
-
>Can we see anything other than park services buildings?
-
>Can we see anything other than park services buildings?
>Besides those buildings, there is a concession stand and a trail map within the area in front of the park.
-
>Check the map. Perhaps it will mention some surroundings.
-
>Check the map. Perhaps it will mention some surroundings.
>You have a look at the trail guide. It is a close zoom on the park area, and outside of a map of the trails themselves, there is very little geographic detail. However, you do see a note in the corner saying "Partially subsidized by the Kyoto Municipal Government."
-
>Mutter: "Haven't they done well since the Restoration?"
>Find the nearest proper exit on the map, and head for it.
>If no one is watching us, trying hovering, just for a moment, to see if it works.
-
>Mutter: "Haven't they done well since the Restoration?"
>Find the nearest proper exit on the map, and head for it.
>If no one is watching us, trying hovering, just for a moment, to see if it works.
>If this really is Kyoto, it's certainly changed an awful lot....
>You seem to be at the edge of the park at the moment. Beyond here, there are roads and residential areas, little of which is indicated on the map in any detail
>You wait to be reasonably sure no one is looking directly at you and try hovering briefly. It still seems to work as you'd expect.
-
>Can we find the spot where the portal is on the map? If so, make a note of it so we can approach it from different ways.
>Start walking down the road a bit, along the edge of the park. See what there is to see.
-
>Can we find the spot where the portal is on the map? If so, make a note of it so we can approach it from different ways.
>Start walking down the road a bit, along the edge of the park. See what there is to see.
>With a little effort, you locate where you believe your entry point is on the map, and then try to internalize how to reach it from different directions. You think you may have a decent idea of how to get back there from other sides of the park.
>You walk out to the road, and since either direction seems as good as the other choose left. The sight and feel of all those metal objects barreling down the road beside you is... unsettling to say the least. After a moment, you realize you can see people inside them. Are they.... cars? You think you've heard reference to that before. How does anyone feel safe walking so close to them? Especially people without a youkai's endurance. Aren't they worried about getting hit? And all the noise.... It's certainly a very different world than the one you're used to. Still, at least nothing is shooting at you, or trying to put you to sleep at the moment.
>Moving down the road, you still continue to see mostly houses. You eventually reach an intersection. Fortunately, there seems to be some sort of system where the cars stop to let people pass by them intermittently. Is appears to happen in time with some bright lights near the street, as far as you can tell.
>Look down the roads to either side, you still see mostly houses. There is a brightly colored sign of some sort down the road to your left, however. Some sort of convenience store.
-
>Convenience sounds convenient! Head for that store.
>If the road is in the way, wait for a little bit, and see if we can figure out this guidance system. There has to be an allowance for people on foot.
-
>Convenience sounds convenient! Head for that store.
>If the road is in the way, wait for a little bit, and see if we can figure out this guidance system. There has to be an allowance for people on foot.
>You turn and head towards the store
>You do not need to cross the road to do this, although you see some other people crossing. You don't think it's a complicated system.
>After a short time, you reach the store. It's brightly lit, and you can see some people walking in and out of it. Through the window you see a variety of items, many of which you don't recognize. There seem to be a few identifiable foodstuffs among them, however.
-
>Walk inside! Have a look around.
-
>Walk inside! Have a look around.
>You enter the shop, the shopkeeper greeting you as you do so.
>You examine the contents of the shop. The place is brightly lit by many lights built into the ceiling. They remind you of the kappa-engineered lights that you saw in the new human village. Browsing the shelves, you find that many of the items you could not identify seem to be packaged foods of various varieties; you see candies and other items you do not recognize but which you assume are edible.
>There seem to be a small number of other customers shopping
-
>Does the place seem to deal in purely groceries, or are there other things that may be interesting?
-
>Does the place seem to deal in purely groceries, or are there other things that may be interesting?
>It appears to be primarily food, although you also see cigarettes, and a few household supplies, like bleach or laundry detergent.
-
>Idly note a few of these, then leave the store and return to circumnavigating the park.
>Try to recall some significant structures we know existed in Kyoto back in the day. Perhaps there might be something there?
-
>Idly note a few of these, then leave the store and return to circumnavigating the park.
>You take another look at the store's inventory, then exit and head back towards the park
>Try to recall some significant structures we know existed in Kyoto back in the day. Perhaps there might be something there?
>You can think of any number of important and historic structures from old Kyoto. You assume many of them are still in existence, although none of them seems to have an obvious connection to the current problem.
-
>Once we get back to the edge of the park, continue to walk around it the outer edge of it, noting what is there.
-
>Once we get back to the edge of the park, continue to walk around it the outer edge of it, noting what is there.
>You return to the park, and continue forward, trying to walk around the edge of it. Judging from the trail map, it's fairly large, and you don't think it's accessible from the road on all sides. The north side ends in a hilly area and you think at least part of the western border backs onto a small river, with housing on the other side.
>Continuing to the south, you pass more people, and more houses. Eventually you reach a turn-off to the right that you think leads along another side of the park eventually. You don't see any obvious points of interest along it either, though.
-
>Let's head for those northern hills.
>Ponder if they have news papers here, like in Gensokyo. That would be terribly useful.
-
>Let's head for those northern hills.
>Ponder if they have news papers here, like in Gensokyo. That would be terribly useful.
>You turn around and head all the way back up the street, turning left along the road with the corner store again. After some time on the road, the road begins to slope up; you can see the density of building rapidly fading in the distance as the terrain becomes more hilly. Eventually, several roads split off into the hills; you can see some of them curving around relatively flat portions, where some dwellings exist, although few in number.
>You would imagine they must. It's probably just a matter of finding a place that sells them.
-
>Sigh with the realization that our chances of finding someone in this are practically nil. Even if they are a strange Youkai.
>Make way back toward one of the residential areas. Perhaps someone there deals in newspapers?
>Ponder recruiting Sanae's assistance.
-
>Sigh with the realization that our chances of finding someone in this are practically nil. Even if they are a strange Youkai.
>Make way back toward one of the residential areas. Perhaps someone there deals in newspapers?
>Ponder recruiting Sanae's assistance.
>You've covered a fair bit of ground without seeing or sensing anything obviously magic or youkai-related. And there's no way you can cover a city this size on foot in.... well, maybe in a decade, even. If something was really hiding, it might be able to hide here forever, unless you had a better way to locate it than stumbling around hoping to bump into it
>You're still in a largely residential area at the moment. You could try spending some time searching other streets for a place that sells one, if you wanted.
>Sanae would certainly have a much better idea of how to operate out here, and might have some useful suggestions to make.
-
>Search around for a place with newspapers. Even seeing the headlines would help.
-
>Search around for a place with newspapers. Even seeing the headlines would help.
>You spend some more time wandering the streets, and eventually come across another corner store; this one seems to stock newspapers. Having a quick glance at the headlines, you see such things as:
?Tanigawa slams opposition budget proposal."
"Democractic Party of Japan widens lead over Liberal Democratic Party."
"Citizen's groups protest closure of Moriyoshi Memorial Stadium."
-
>Consider our monetary resources. Are they coins with a possible mineral value, or paper?
-
>Consider our monetary resources. Are they coins with a possible mineral value, or paper?
>Your money is mostly in coin form; you don't know that the metal in them is particularly intrinsically valuable, however.
-
>Take the proper amount of yen and a paper, and approach the corner store merchant.
>Just lay them on the counter like nothing's wrong.
-
>Take the proper amount of yen and a paper, and approach the corner store merchant.
>Just lay them on the counter like nothing's wrong.
>You take a newspaper, and 250 yen, and lay them on the counter. The attendant pick the money up idly, and then looks at it oddly. Followed by looking at you oddly.
>"You realize this isn't proper modern currency," she says.
-
>"It's antique. It's all I have...my grandma just died and, well...those were her savings. It's still good, we checked."
-
>"It's antique. It's all I have...my grandma just died and, well...those were her savings. It's still good, we checked."
>The attendant frowns. "I... I'm sure this is worth much more than face value. Surely you can find some place that could give you a fair exchange for it. If... things really are that tight."
-
>Wave it off.
>"Don't worry about it. And, not really. We checked... Maybe you'll get lucky, though, and find a collector. We sure couldn't. Thanks for understanding, though."
>Depart back in the direction of the park.
-
>Wave it off.
>"Don't worry about it. And, not really. We checked... Maybe you'll get lucky, though, and find a collector. We sure couldn't. Thanks for understanding, though."
>Depart back in the direction of the park.
>The attendant frowns again, and considers the money in front of her. "I'm really not supposed to do this, but..." She takes the money and hands you the paper. "I hope you find yourself in better circumstances soon."
>You exit the shop and return to the main park entrance.
-
>Make way back to the gate. We're just going to worry the others unnecessarily at this point.
>Peruse the paper along the way if lighting permits.
-
>Make way back to the gate. We're just going to worry the others unnecessarily at this point.
>Peruse the paper along the way if lighting permits.
>You follow the trails back to the place that you arrived at, looking at the paper as you go.
>There is a lot of information in it you only partially understand. There is talk of local and regional politics; evidently the upcoming election is big news at the moment. There's also some concerns about something called a 'stock market'. The coverage also seems significantly more international than similar publications you've read previously. Perhaps their technology makes remote information gathering more practical? There are reports of flooding in rural China, and allegations of corruption in a major American corporation. No signs of any magic or paranormal activity, though.
>You soon find yourself back at the spot where you first arrived at this place.
-
>Have a final look around.
>If nothing presents itself as unusual, back through the portal.
-
>Have a final look around.
>If nothing presents itself as unusual, back through the portal.
>You have a last look around; you see nothing or note, and fortunately no people, either.
>You take out the portal key and activate it. The butterfly's wings start to glow and the gap reopens with a slight tearing sound. Taking a deep breath, you step through.
>You wouldn't go as far as to say that the journey was more pleasant this time, but at least it wasn't unexpected. After an indeterminate length of time between pinched and pulled between worlds, you stumble out on the other side. This time you manage to catch your balance before you collide with the ground; fortunate, considering you're standing on uneven rocks rather than grass on this end.
>Rumia charges at you as you emerge, throwing her arms around your torso. "Yaaay! Quiz lady's ok!"
>"Well shit," Mokou says, standing up. "Was starting to worry. What'd you find?"
-
>Return Rumia's hug. "That's alright, I'm okay..."
>Look to Mokou. "It leads to Kyoto. I am almost certain it is the wrong place entirely..."
-
>Return Rumia's hug. "That's alright, I'm okay..."
>Look to Mokou. "It leads to Kyoto. I am almost certain it is the wrong place entirely..."
>You return Rumia's hug. She smiles back at you.
>"Kyoto?!" Mokou says. "What the hell?"
-
> "Well at least I have a better understanding of what lies outside the border now."
-
> "Well at least I have a better understanding of what lies outside the border now."
>"Did you find anything that might explain any of this?" Mokou asks, gesturing to the fissure around you.
-
> "Not really. I don't know if the outside world has anything to do with it, though I was only there for awhile."
> Do we have the paper?
> If so: "I brought this back if you want a look at it."
-
>"As I said, I am almost certain we've been misdirected. I saw no signs of anything like that at all, nor any mention in the paper about something that could be construed as such."
-
> "Not really. I don't know if the outside world has anything to do with it, though I was only there for awhile."
> Do we have the paper?
> If so: "I brought this back if you want a look at it."
>"Huh. Guess it was too much to hope for that the youkai might just be waiting on the other side."
>You do still have the paper. You hand it to Mokou, who glances through it.
>"Well, ain't that something. The outside world... been a hell of a long time. Not that people there have changed much; still bitching about the same things."
>"As I said, I am almost certain we've been misdirected. I saw no signs of anything like that at all, nor any mention in the paper about something that could be construed as such."
>"You think someone tried to toss you in the wrong direction or something? That even possible?" She shrugs. "Hell if I know."
-
>"Let's go report back to Ran and Patchouli, then call it a night. Unless they've had a breakthrough, there's not much else to do."
>_
-
>"Let's go report back to Ran and Patchouli, then call it a night. Unless they've had a breakthrough, there's not much else to do."
"Sure," Mokou says. "Let's hope they have. I really thought we were onto something..."
-
>Toward that mansion one more time. Ponder if we should have gotten a present to try and make Meiling's night a little better.
-
>Toward that mansion one more time. Ponder if we should have gotten a present to try and make Meiling's night a little better.
>You head back towards the mansion again. You honestly feel a little sorry for Meiling, after all this, but have no idea what a suitable present would be.
>She sighs heavily as you arrive. "Just go on in... I can't even be bothered to complain any more." She opens the gate for you.
-
>"Thank you, Meiling. At least it's better than a night where nothing happens, right?"
>Into the library!
-
>"Thank you, Meiling. At least it's better than a night where nothing happens, right?"
>Into the library!
>"Yeah, probably..." she replies, leaning back against the wall.
>You enter the mansion and head towards the library. You see Ran and Patchouli engaged in a spirited debate, while Chen fidgets in a nearby chair, her tails twitching back and forth. Ran turns to you as you approach.
>"So you're back," she says, "and looking none the worse for wear. What have you discovered?"
-
>"I have. It leads to the outside world. The city of Kyoto, to be exact."
>Show them the newspaper.
>"I am almost certain we've been misled."
-
>"I have. It leads to the outside world. The city of Kyoto, to be exact."
>Show them the newspaper.
>"I am almost certain we've been misled."
>"Kyoto?" Ran says, taking the newspaper and looking at it.
>"The outside world?" Patchouli muses. "What power would still exist there now that's capable of this?"
>Ran scans through the newspaper. "This does seem to suggest your assessment is correct. But... I don't see how it would be possible to have been misled there. I'm certain I followed a path that was left over from the original incident. You may not have arrived at the precise geographical point of origin, but it couldn't have put you on the wrong plane entirely. I doubt it could even put you far enough away to be in a different city."
-
>"I've seen no evidence of youkai activity there, and if there was anything like the thing Rumia and I fought, then almost certainly would have been noticed. It simply would not be coherent enough to hide itself effectively."
-
>"I've seen no evidence of youkai activity there, and if there was anything like the thing Rumia and I fought, then almost certainly would have been noticed. It simply would not be coherent enough to hide itself effectively."
>"Well... Kyoto is a large city," Ran says. "And as limited in cognition as you describe that creature, I doubt it can have been the ultimate cause. Perhaps it was a side-effect? Or something released from the space between spaces? Regardless, some of what was taken from Gensokyo must have ended up there. The degree of subtlety required to misdirect things in the way you suggest... well, the brute force that was applied to do this in the first place suggests whoever it is would be utterly incapable of that."
-
>"The fact that it attacked more or less the same way as the youkai I saw before is too much of a coincidence, I think, for it be something like an unrelated thing in the space between spaces. Though, it may well be a related thing from there. I didn't see any signs of the missing areas, but as you mentioned, it is a large area, and I was hesitant to scout from the air."
-
>"The fact that it attacked more or less the same way as the youkai I saw before is too much of a coincidence, I think, for it be something like an unrelated thing in the space between spaces. Though, it may well be a related thing from there. I didn't see any signs of the missing areas, but as you mentioned, it is a large area, and I was hesitant to scout from the air."
>Ran nods. "I agree it's almost certainly related, but as a symptom or related phenomenon, not a cause. The youkai you encountered in the forest was capable of coherent speech. At the very least, I guess it's reassuring that Kyoto isn't also suffering similar issues that we are."
>"Perhaps the shadow creature was a projection of the instigating youkai?" Patchouli offers. "Some sort of magical construct, with limited intellect. Perhaps a guardian left to prevent someone else from crossing through?"
>"As for signs of the missing areas," Ran continues, "keep in mind that the original geographic terminus was unfocused. That was part of the reason it took additional effort to triangulate a straight course. They almost certainly did not all arrive at the same place."
-
>"Perhaps so, but if how many hundreds of square meters of forest just appeared out of nowhere, would it not be mentioned in the newspaper? Especially for a place like that, it would be a huge event."
-
>"Perhaps so, but if how many hundreds of square meters of forest just appeared out of nowhere, would it not be mentioned in the newspaper? Especially for a place like that, it would be a huge event."
>Ran nods. "Assuming it happened within a populated area... Still, if it only took place a few hours ago, would it have already made the news?"
-
> "Hard to say, but when something is amiss, doubting a humans ability to spread information quickly is not wise."
> The moon's phase was nothing near Full, was it? If so, mention this.
-
> "Hard to say, but when something is amiss, doubting a humans ability to spread information quickly is not wise."
> The moon's phase was nothing near Full, was it? If so, mention this.
>"This is also true," Ran agrees. "The outside world has ways of disseminating information that can be quite a bit faster than our own."
>The moon was a few days away from full. Certainly it was not the same as here. You say as much.
>Ran considers this. "I suppose this isn't entirely implausible. If the ultimate origin of this was further ahead of our own time, the fact that you should travel to someplace where the phase of the moon was different also follows."
>Patchouli frowns, and opens her mouth to say something, but stop herself before she does.
-
>Frown.
>Check the paper for a date. Hope calendars haven't shifted too much.
-
> "Something the matter Patchouli? You look as if you have something to say?"
-
>Frown.
>Check the paper for a date. Hope calendars haven't shifted too much.
>You take the newspaper back from Ran and have a look at the date. It reads "July 22nd, 2021"
> "Something the matter Patchouli? You look as if you have something to say?"
>"I have made my position on time travel clear, I think. It would be best if I said no more."
-
> "Might sound stupid, but what is the current date?"
-
> "Might sound stupid, but what is the current date?"
>"24th of Leaf Month, 125th season," Patchouli replies.
-
>Convert that from Gensokyoan to Gregorian if possible.
-
>Convert that from Gensokyoan to Gregorian if possible.
>That would work out to August 24th, 2010
-
>"Patchouli...this paper is dated about 11 years into the future."
-
>"Patchouli...this paper is dated about 11 years into the future."
>She breathes a heavy sigh and leans her forehead into her hand. "Perhaps the flow of time in Gensokyo isn't synchronous with the outside world. Perhaps they revised their calendar sometime in the last century."
>"Or perhaps Keine did indeed travel to some place in our future," Ran says.
>"Yes, or perhaps that," Patchouli snaps angrily.
-
>"There is another possibility, which is that it's not truly the outside world, but rather some sort of attempt to actualize a version of it from the present. That is...a sort of anomalous...other reality outside of proper time and history."
-
>"There is another possibility, which is that it's not truly the outside world, but rather some sort of attempt to actualize a version of it from the present. That is...a sort of anomalous...other reality outside of proper time and history."
>Ran frowns. "I suppose that might also be possible. But I'd like to think that whatever we're looking for can still be found there. Did you have any ideas that we might be able to assist with?"
-
>"Detection methods would be best, I think. If there is a youkai out there, there likely wouldn't be much else like it."
-
>"Detection methods would be best, I think. If there is a youkai out there, there likely wouldn't be much else like it."
>"On that topic," Patchouli says, "I may be able to assist you. I'm afraid I cannot track the target youkai specifically, without a more tangible sample of it or of the specific magic it used against you, but I believe I can allow you to track the signature of the energy used to transport pieces of Gensokyo. This could help you find any further incidents where this power was applied and may even allow you to find the one who possess this power, although I fear I cannot guarantee that."
-
>"That is better than nothing. If you could find anything to help resist that sleeping attack that is better than Mokou setting one of us on fire, it'd be helpful. Perhaps something that could counteract it after it starts to take hold?"
-
>"That is better than nothing. If you could find anything to help resist that sleeping attack that is better than Mokou setting one of us on fire, it'd be helpful. Perhaps something that could counteract it after it starts to take hold?"
>"Sleep magic is difficult to work with and difficult to deal with through the usual methods." Patchouli pauses and considers. "Again, an actual sample of this effect would be required for any true counter to be created, although... I may be able to provide you with a generalized enchantment dispelling incantation. Its effectiveness would likely be moderate at best, and may not work at all. Still, it's likely the best I can do without more information."
-
>"Preferable to being set on fire, at least."
-
>"Preferable to being set on fire, at least."
>"Indeed."
-
>"That said, I think I'll be going home for the night, then."
>Pause for moment.
>"Ran, Chen, do you have a place to stay tonight?"
-
>"That said, I think I'll be going home for the night, then."
>Pause for moment.
>"Ran, Chen, do you have a place to stay tonight?"
>Patchouli frowns. "Well, if you need rest, I suppose our mutual conundrum is not going anywhere."
>"I, uh, had not yet considered it," Ran says.
>"I just sleep in the forest," Chen says. "It's not so bad." Ran frowns slightly.
-
>"You're all welcome to stay at my house. But..." glance to Patchouli, "Would there be any spare futons they could borrow?"
>_
-
>"You're all welcome to stay at my house. But..." glance to Patchouli, "Would there be any spare futons they could borrow?"
>Patchouli looks at you pointedly. "It is not my business to provision bedding."
>"I don't intend to be an imposition," Ran says to you.
-
>Chuckle. "Perhaps so, but it's easier to ask you than to ask Sakuya."
-
>Chuckle. "Perhaps so, but it's easier to ask you than to ask Sakuya."
>Patchouli sighs. "Be that as it may, it is not my issue to deal with. I'll remind you that I've already invested considerable resources in this endeavor, with little likelihood of compensation. If you really must furnish your home with our supplies, you can argue with Sakuya yourself."
-
>"I'll let you have the newspaper when this is done. A written work from a world that might not technically exist should have some value, don't you think?"
>Grin.
>"In the meantime, do you know where Sakuya is?"
-
>"I'll let you have the newspaper when this is done. A written work from a world that might not technically exist should have some value, don't you think?"
>Grin.
>"In the meantime, do you know where Sakuya is?"
>Patchouli looks at it dubiously for a moment. "...it might, perhaps. And I don't keep track of her itinerary. You're free to search of her if you wish."
>"Honestly, there's no need to go to this trouble on our behalf," Ran says. "I'm more than content to make use of whatever you already have."
-
>"It would be rude of me to force you onto the floor, Ran, without even trying. I'll be back in a few minutes."
>Depart. Hunt for Sakuya. Ask any maids about for her.
>_
-
>"It would be rude of me to force you onto the floor, Ran, without even trying. I'll be back in a few minutes."
>Depart. Hunt for Sakuya. Ask any maids about for her.
>"Nevertheless," Ran says, "even simply a different floor than the one I've seen for the last seven years would be a luxury beyond words."
>You exit the library and start to look for Sakuya. The other maids are both eager to help, and rather poor at giving directions, but it still doesn't take too long for you to find her. She seems to be currently exchanging the paintings on display along one hallway. She raises an eyebrow at you as you approach. "Yes? Is there something I can do for you?"
-
>Bow.
>"Yes, I was oping you could do me a significant favor. I am going to have some guests at my house, due to circumstances. Unfortunately, I don't have a place for them all. If you could lone me a few futons, I would be very grateful."
>_
-
>Bow.
>"Yes, I was oping you could do me a significant favor. I am going to have some guests at my house, due to circumstances. Unfortunately, I don't have a place for them all. If you could lone me a few futons, I would be very grateful."
>Sakuya frowns. "Normally I would say that such a request is out of the question... but given your role in certain recent events I might be inclined to make an exception. Unfortunately, I don't have any to give you; the mistress has no taste for eastern-style furnishings, I'm afraid."
-
>"Oh. Perhaps some thick blankets, then?"
-
>"Oh. Perhaps some thick blankets, then?"
>"That is certainly possible. How many did you need?"
-
>"That is certainly possible. How many did you need?"
>"Well, about three a piece would be nice. So, nine all together? And perhaps some pillows to go with them?"
-
>"Well, about three a piece would be nice. So, nine all together? And perhaps some pillows to go with them?"
>She frowns again. "I can arrange for that, but... how do you intend to carry all of this?"
-
>"Nine blankets and three pillows between five people shouldn't be too bad, I don't think."
-
>"Nine blankets and three pillows between five people shouldn't be too bad, I don't think."
>"Are they all already here with you, then? I could... perhaps I could try to arrange for guest quarters here for you for the night?"
-
>"I would not wish to impose upon Lady Scarlet's generosity..."
-
>"I would not wish to impose upon Lady Scarlet's generosity..."
>"The choice is yours," she says.
-
>"I suppose I do owe them better than a few borrowed blankets on the floor... If you can arrange it, please do."
-
>"I suppose I do owe them better than a few borrowed blankets on the floor... If you can arrange it, please do."
>"Very well," she says. "I'll speak with the mistress. You can return to the library if you wish. I'll send word."
-
>"Thank you very much. Miss Sakuya. I appreciate it deeply."
>Return to the library.
-
>"Thank you very much. Miss Sakuya. I appreciate it deeply."
>Return to the library.
>Sakuya nods, and heads off down the hallway. You leave in the opposite direction and return to the library.
>Patchouli has returned to solitary reading, while Chen and Ran are talking quietly together at a polite distance. Rumia is wandering back and forth the aisles, while Mokou sits in a chair by herself, idly tapping her foot.
-
>"Some good news, everyone. Sakuya is asking Lady Scarlet if it would be alright if we could stay here. Which would mean that most of us wouldn't have to sleep on the floor."
-
>"Some good news, everyone. Sakuya is asking Lady Scarlet if it would be alright if we could stay here. Which would mean that most of us wouldn't have to sleep on the floor."
>"That would be most kind of her," Ran says.
>Patchouli shakes her head. You think you hear her mutter "uncharacteristically generous" just barely loud enough for you to hear.
>Mokou frowns a little discontentedly
-
>Browse around a bit, til the subject's dropped, then sidle over to Mokou.
>"Would you rather go back to your own home?"
-
>Browse around a bit, til the subject's dropped, then sidle over to Mokou.
>"Would you rather go back to your own home?"
>You let the subject drop, and idle around the library for a little bit, until everyone else seems occupied with their own business. You shift over towards Mokou.
>"Kinda," she says, frowning a little uncertainly. "Can't say I like the place, and you're getting a bit of a crowd tagging along with you, now."
-
>"Maybe so, but they're good people, who know things I don't."
>Sigh.
>"I'm sorry, I forgot you don't do so well with crowds. It's really easy to forget you haven't seen and done all the things I remember you going through."
>Shoulder pat. "It's okay, if you need to leave."
-
>"Maybe so, but they're good people, who know things I don't."
>Sigh.
>"I'm sorry, I forgot you don't do so well with crowds. It's really easy to forget you haven't seen and done all the things I remember you going through."
>Shoulder pat. "It's okay, if you need to leave."
>"No, you're right; I don't have a beef with them, or anything." She quickly glances to her side. "...although bookworm over there could lose the stick up her ass," she mutters quietly.
>"Yeah, I know, I know. Carbon copy of the love you left behind and all... Don't worry about it."
>"And I... wouldn't mind going back, to be honest. Been enough going on for one night." She scuffs a foot against the floor. "Unless you wa-" she stops. "Forget it. You go do your thing."
-
>Chuckle.
>"Would you be happier if I begged you to stay?"
-
>Chuckle.
>"Would you be happier if I begged you to stay?"
>"Now, don't go doing anything stupid like that on my account." She smiles thinly.
-
>"I can kowtow, if you prefer."
-
>"I can kowtow, if you prefer."
>"Ah, for crying out...." Mokou grimaces. "You know, I should probably just say no. I really should. Hell, since I met you, I got dragged through hell, shot to pieces, passed up a damn good shot at beating Kaguya's ass, which is why I came along in the bloody first place... And yet," she sighs. "damned if I can."
-
>"Well, I suppose I can do better than a kowtow."
>Kneel down by her and give her a hug.
-
>"Well, I suppose I can do better than a kowtow."
>Kneel down by her and give her a hug.
>"And wha-" Mokou stiffens in surprise as you kneel down and hug her. After a few moments, you feel her arms tentatively reach around you, nervously returning the embrace.
-
>Quietly: "You can do it a bit more strongly than that. I'm not that delicate."
-
>Quietly: "You can do it a bit more strongly than that. I'm not that delicate."
>"Yeah, uh, well...." Mokou sounds distinctly uncomfortable, but pulls you tighter just the same.
-
>Hold it for a bit.
>"If you really need to justify it to yourself, you can always think of it as the most interesting thing to happen in the eon or so."
-
>Hold it for a bit.
>"If you really need to justify it to yourself, you can always think of it as the most interesting thing to happen in the eon or so."
>You keep holding Mokou close to you. After all the chaos of tonight, it feels good to just be able to do that.
>"Well... it kinda is," she says. "All this."
>Mokou is silent for a time. "I don't think I'm gonna want to let you go, after all this is over," she says softly.
-
"One way or another, you won't. Even if it all gets put back together like it should be, I'll just tell you the story until you remember it like you were here anyways."
-
"One way or another, you won't. Even if it all gets put back together like it should be, I'll just tell you the story until you remember it like you were here anyways."
>Mokou laughs. "Oh, we're fixing it, alright. Last seven years I had aren't worth keeping over what you've got." She shakes her head and gives you a wry smile. "You know the world's upside down when you can be jealous of yourself."
-
>Suppress a snort, poorly.
>"Hopefully we'll get it squared away soon enough."
-
>Suppress a snort, poorly.
>"Hopefully we'll get it squared away soon enough."
>Mokou smiles a little at your reaction.
>"Yeah, well, I guess the future's not going anywhere, if that's really where you went to. Man, this is all pretty messed up..."
>"The arrangements are made," you hear Sakuya's voice behind you; you mustn't have noticed her come in.
>She looks at you and raises an eyebrow. Is that the faint trace of a smirk you see on her face? "And how many rooms will you be needing, again?"
-
>"I imagine Ran and Chen would want to share one. And, I suspect Chen would like to have her new friend with her. So...two?"
-
>"I imagine Ran and Chen would want to share one. And, I suspect Chen would like to have her new friend with her. So...two?"
>"Very well, two it is," Sakuya says, inclining her head towards you. "I can show you to them now, if you'll follow me."
-
>"Please. Oh! Ah, when are meals served here?"
-
>"Please. Oh! Ah, when are meals served here?"
>Sakuya starts to lead out of the library
>"Given the varied sleeping habits of our residents, there is rarely a fixed schedule. I can arrange for a breakfast to be served at a time of your choosing. I suspect you may not be up very early in the morning anyway, at this rate?"
-
>"That would be lovely. And yes, I've been busy all night."
-
>"That would be lovely. And yes, I've been busy all night."
>"So I've gathered," she says. "I thank you for your efforts, even if the mistress chooses not to."
>Sakuya leads you down the hallway, up the staircase in the main entrance, and down another hallway into a wing in the east.
>"These are the guest rooms," she says, gesturing to two doors along the corridor.
>You peer into the room closest to you. Despite being guest rooms, there are elegantly furnished and decorated with (subjectively) tasteful and undoubtedly expensive pieces of artwork. There is a large pastoral landscape in early renaissance style hanging above the white marble fireplace, while a tapestry depicting some medieval estate adorns an adjacent wall. The bed itself looks sumptuous, topped comforter of vivid scarlet silk, and furnished with an assortment of deep pillows. A maid is currently straightening a few last creases in the spread, while another appears to be having a grand time fluffing the pillows.
>"There's only one bed," Mokou says, with an oddly neutral tone of voice.
>"Yes, is that a problem?" Sakuya asks.
-
>"Not at all."
>Does it look large enough to hold two comfortably?
-
>"Not at all."
>Does it look large enough to hold two comfortably?
>You can practically see Mokou tense up as you say that; you don't think anyone else would have been able to notice, though.
>Sakuya nods. "Very well. Is there anything else you need?"
>It does. It's at least queen size.
-
>"A notice when dinner is done would be nice. Oh, and if there could be a room with multiple beds arranged for the others, it would be nice."
-
>"A notice when dinner is done would be nice. Oh, and if there could be a room with multiple beds arranged for the others, it would be nice."
>"Very well." Sakuya nods again, and departs.
-
>Place newspaper and other possessions on the mantle over the fireplace.
>Once the faeries are done with the bed and depart, flop down onto it.
>Try not to stab through a pillow with the horns in the process.
-
>Place newspaper and other possessions on the mantle over the fireplace.
>Once the faeries are done with the bed and depart, flop down onto it.
>Try not to stab through a pillow with the horns in the process.
>You unload your possessions onto a convenient surface. The faeries soon finish their tasks, and depart with a smile, and a little bow in your direction.
>With the bed no longer occupied, you walk over and allow yourself to collapse limply upon it. Or into it, as the case happens to be, the mattress sinking comfortingly under your weight. Oh, it's so very soft and wonderful. After the night you've had, this feels like a truly rare luxury.
>Fortunately, stabbing through a pillow with top-mounted horns by falling backwards would require a feat of agility you're not at all inclined to preform at the moment.
>After a moment, Mokou walks over to the bed, and sits down on the edge of it.
>"So, uh... here we are, I guess."
-
>"That we are. Just lay back and enjoy it. I'm not gonna make you do anything you don't feel like doing, don't worry."
-
>"That we are. Just lay back and enjoy it. I'm not gonna make you do anything you don't feel like doing, don't worry."
>After a moment or two of silence, Mokou turns and lies back on the bed next to you. "This ain't half bad, actually," she says, shifting a little and testing the mattress's firmness. There is silence again for a time.
>"Look, it's not that," she says, eventually. "Well, I mean, it is, but-" She sighs. "Dammit. It's just, well... it's just been a hell of a long time since I shared a bed with anyone. But, uh, I guess you already knew that, didn't you?"
-
> "Well, give me another minute like this and I'll be sound asleep. All that running around tonight left me tired, so you don't have to worry about me trying anything."
> "Besides, at very least here, for tonight, you can let go of all that's happened in the past, right? For me at least?"
-
> "Well, give me another minute like this and I'll be sound asleep. All that running around tonight left me tired, so you don't have to worry about me trying anything."
> "Besides, at very least here, for tonight, you can let go of all that's happened in the past, right? For me at least?"
>"Oh, uh, that so, is it?" She pauses. "...suppose I can't blame ya."
>"Hey, you're the reason I'm here, you know."
>You feel her tentatively reach for your hand
-
>Take her hand.
>"I don't roll around too much, so you shouldn't have to worry too much."
>Was Mokou this fast to come onto us beforehand?
-
>Take her hand.
>"I don't roll around too much, so you shouldn't have to worry too much."
>Was Mokou this fast to come onto us beforehand?
>You take her hand in yours. It feels nice, just lying here like this. You realize this is the first time you've been alone together since all this started.
>Mokou looks up at your horns. "As long as I don't wake up with one of those things stuck in me." Then she chuckles. "Although I suppose that makes me one of the safest people to sleep with this time of the month."
>No, it took quite a bit longer to get her to open up to you. It must put things in a different perspective, realizing that she'd already fallen in love with you before; a little glimmer of what she might have had, if things had gone just a little differently. It probably doesn't hurt that you've been rather more direct, yourself.
-
>Enjoy the moment for now. Ponder theories of proper history reasserting itself via force of will.
-
>Enjoy the moment for now. Ponder theories of proper history reasserting itself via force of will.
>You lie back and enjoy the soft bed, the peace and quiet, and Mokou's presence beside you. It really feels like you've earned this. And probably a hell of a lot more besides, but this is quite enough to bring a smile to your face and a little peace to your heart.
>You think that if force of will could fix things, they'd already long since be back in place. But if you can identify the root cause, you may be able to fix it at its source. If all of this stems from something that hasn't happened yet, you might even be able to change things so that it never does.
-
>Drift off.
-
>Drift off.
>As you lie back on the bed, you start to feel your eyes drifting closed and your thoughts growing hazy and vague. After all the times you've fought to stay awake tonight, this time you do not struggle. Sleep wells up and takes you; it is a comforting and relieving sensation.
>After an indeterminate length of time, you lazily become aware of your surroundings once again. Everything feels so soft and comfortable; you almost don't want to move. Dimly, you realize that, despite falling asleep on top of the blankets, someone has found another one to toss on top of you. There is no sign of Mokou.
-
> Get up.
> Look around.
-
> Get up.
> Look around.
>After a while debating with yourself whether you really have to get out of bed, you finally rise. Despite being groggy, you actually feel quite well rested. It is with something of a sullen heart that you realize how much there is still for you to attend to now.
>Looking around the room, you see your possessions where you left them. Judging by the light outside, you think it's early afternoon. Nothing else looks amiss.
-
>Are we back to fully human form?
>Gather our stuff.
-
>Are we back to fully human form?
>Gather our stuff.
>You are, unfortunately. It always feels like a bit of a let down on the following day.
>You yawn, stretch, and gather your possessions again.
-
> Consider going back to sleep in the comfy bed~
> Decide against it and exit the room.
-
> Consider going back to sleep in the comfy bed~
> Decide against it and exit the room.
>Well, the bed was cozy... but you decide that you have a lot of things to do and really ought to attend to some of them.
>You exit the room, and see Mokou walking down the hallway towards you, carrying a tray of food.
>"Damn, too slow!" she says.
-
> "Oh, intended breakfest in bed? I knew I should have stayed in for a few more minutes! Oh well, thanks Mokou~"
-
> "Oh, intended breakfest in bed? I knew I should have stayed in for a few more minutes! Oh well, thanks Mokou~"
>"Yeah, well... suppose it tastes the same no matter where you're sitting. C'mon."
>With that, she carries the tray into your room
-
>Have a seat on beat, all smiles.
>"I miss anything?"
-
>Have a seat on beat, all smiles.
>"I miss anything?"
>You sit on the bed, and Mokou pulls an end table over to put the tray on. There's a cup of tea, some toast, and a plate of sausage and fried eggs. It all smells quite appetizing.
>Mokou returns your smile. "Oh, not much. Been up for an hour or two, now, but I didn't want to wake you. I figure if anyone could use some rest..."
-
>Devour with as much dignity as possible for someone who hasn't eaten in like 16 hours.
>"Have things gone well with the others? I'm a little worried about Rumia getting into trouble."
-
>Devour with as much dignity as possible for someone who hasn't eaten in like 16 hours.
>"Have things gone well with the others? I'm a little worried about Rumia getting into trouble."
>You dig in to your breakfast. Simple fare though it may be, it is executed wonderfully. You think you may be forced to ask for seconds.
>"Bumped into Ran again this morning. They all seem alright. Pipsqueak's ok, too, as far as I can tell. Probably off distracting the maids, somewhere."
-
>"She'll have fun with that. Have there been any breakthroughs?"
>Finish breakfast.
-
>"She'll have fun with that. Have there been any breakthroughs?"
>Finish breakfast.
>"I haven't really checked in with them on that. Just passed her on the way to breakfast is all."
>With a contented sigh, and a distinct longing for more, you polish off the rest of your breakfast.
-
>"I needed that. Thanks a lot, Mokou."
>Set the tray aside, stand up.
>"Think I'll check with Patchouli, then assuming she's done nothing earth shattering, it may be time to go consult with Sanae."
>Exeunt! Hold the door for Mokou if she follows.
-
>"I needed that. Thanks a lot, Mokou."
>Set the tray aside, stand up.
>"Think I'll check with Patchouli, then assuming she's done nothing earth shattering, it may be time to go consult with Sanae."
>Exeunt! Hold the door for Mokou if she follows.
>"Eh, no big deal," Mokou replies.
>You stand up, and make you way towards the door.
>Hmmm.... who's this Sanae person?" Mokou asks, following you out.
-
>Toward the library. Note our room's proper location for later.
>"Sanae is the wind priestess of the temple on top of Youkai Mountain. It appeared there a few years ago from the outside world. If anyone can help us understand what is going on there, it would be she."
>_
-
>Toward the library. Note our room's proper location for later.
>"Sanae is the wind priestess of the temple on top of Youkai Mountain. It appeared there a few years ago from the outside world. If anyone can help us understand what is going on there, it would be she."
>You head back towards the library, noting your own room's location.
>"Oh, she's from the outside, is she? Yeah, might be good to talk to someone like that. Might know some stuff we haven't thought of."
>You arrive at the library, sparing a moment to wonder if Patchouli just sleeps in that chair, too. You don't see Ran or Chen at the moment.
-
>"Good afternoon, Patchouli."
-
>"Good afternoon, Patchouli."
>"Afternoon," she says, without looking up.
-
>"I was thinking of asking for Sanae's assistance on dealing with the outside world aspect of this. Do you have anything you'd want me to ask her?"
-
>"I was thinking of asking for Sanae's assistance on dealing with the outside world aspect of this. Do you have anything you'd want me to ask her?"
>"Hmmm... that does seem a prudent course of action. But I expect you're more familiar with the outside world than I am, with regards to asking her pertinent questions."
-
>"Alright. I don't suppose you or Ran had any luck while I was asleep?"
-
>"Alright. I don't suppose you or Ran had any luck while I was asleep?"
>"I have the materials prepared that I said I would provide. Outside of more concrete data on the youkai and its magic, I can do little more than that."
-
>"Regardless, it is kind of you to have done that much for us. Thank you. Can you show me how they work?"
-
>"Regardless, it is kind of you to have done that much for us. Thank you. Can you show me how they work?"
>Patchouli nods. "There are two objects. First, an attuned lodestone." She takes out a small angular stone on a silver chain. "This is attuned to the signature of the energy in those fissures. It is similar in use to the seeking stone, although the principles that underpin its operation are rather different." She pauses. "Speaking of which, could you please return that, now that your use for it is finished?"
>"In any event, just hold it out like this, and it should angle towards the nearest reading. The degree to which it glows indicates proximity and strength."
>"The second is this." She places something that looks a little like a spellcard on the table. "This is a single-use enchantment dispelling invocation. Simply hold physically against the desired target and read the invocation. It is prepared such that a non-magician like yourself should be able to utilize it. Keep in mind that its effect on the sleeping magic may not be very strong, although it is also possible to use it for other purposes, should you find a suitable one."
-
>"Ah, sorry, I completely forgot about it in all the running around last night."
>Hand off the seeking stone.
>"It's keyed to just above Eientei, should anyone there desire to visit. The Princess would probably love the guests."
>Take the new things.
-
>"Ah, sorry, I completely forgot about it in all the running around last night."
>Hand off the seeking stone.
>"It's keyed to just above Eientei, should anyone there desire to visit. The Princess would probably love the guests."
>Take the new things.
>You return the seeking stone to Patchouli. She accepts it with a nod. "At least it turned out to be useful, in the end."
>You take the attuned lodestone and disenchanting invocation
>"Will that be all then?"
-
>"I believe so. Hopefully we'll be out of your hair soon. And, I'll see if I can find you any other false future books while I'm there, to make up for it."
>Exit the library and the mansion. It's time to hit up them Moriyas. Though if we see anyone along the way, wish them a good day.
-
>"I believe so. Hopefully we'll be out of your hair soon. And, I'll see if I can find you any other false future books while I'm there, to make up for it."
>Exit the library and the mansion. It's time to hit up them Moriyas. Though if we see anyone along the way, wish them a good day.
>"If you so wish," Patchouli says, returning to her book.
>You exit the library and head towards the mansion entrance. You pass Ran in a corridor along the way.
>"Ah, good afternoon," she says. "Did you sleep well?"
-
>"Wonderfully. And you?"
-
>"Wonderfully. And you?"
>Ran nods. "The accommodations were impressive and very comfortable. But... truth be told, the most incredible part was to simply be sleeping somewhere else after so long. I... think I'd accepted that it would never happen. Thank you again, so much. I don't even have the words to say it."
>"In any event, what are you off to, now?"
-
>"I'm going to bother Sanae until she can give me more information. And...maybe apologize to my teaching assistants for not showing up today. I meant to tell them, but those beds..."
>"Oh, are Chen and Rumia getting along well?"
-
>"I'm going to bother Sanae until she can give me more information. And...maybe apologize to my teaching assistants for not showing up today. I meant to tell them, but those beds..."
>"Oh, are Chen and Rumia getting along well?"
>"Who's Sanae? And yes, I would hope they'll be understanding, given the circumstances."
>"They seem to be. Chen's off roaming around the grounds now, I think. ...she did ok for herself, under the circumstances, I think."
-
>"Oh, sorry. She's the shrine maiden of the Moriya Shrine that recently appeared on top of Youkai mountain. She's from the outside world herself."
-
>"Oh, sorry. She's the shrine maiden of the Moriya Shrine that recently appeared on top of Youkai mountain. She's from the outside world herself."
>"Really? How did she get here? ...and do you think it could be connected to all this, somehow?"
-
>"I don't think she's connected. Her gods managed to pull their shrine and her, as well as some of the land around it. It happened in the proper timeline, as well. They came because there simply wasn't enough faith for them to continue on in the outside world. If there is a connection, it would be an unknown one on their part."
-
>"I don't think she's connected. Her gods managed to pull their shrine and her, as well as some of the land around it. It happened in the proper timeline, as well. They came because there simply wasn't enough faith for them to continue on in the outside world. If there is a connection, it would be an unknown one on their part."
>"Oh, it happened in your own timeline as well... Nevermind, then. In any event, talking to someone who's recently lived in the outside world sounds like a wise idea. At the very least, it might give some more tools to operate there."
-
>Toward the front doors!
>"Well, just because it happened there doesn't necessarily mean that it's fully unrelated. But, that said, I doubt they are anyways."
-
>Toward the front doors!
>"Well, just because it happened there doesn't necessarily mean that it's fully unrelated. But, that said, I doubt they are anyways."
>You start to head out of the mansion
>"Do you want me to accompany you?" Ran asks.
-
>"You may if you like. Though, I don't know if you would still have much good will among the villagers, or if the tengu would let you approach the shrine."
-
>"You may if you like. Though, I don't know if you would still have much good will among the villagers, or if the tengu would let you approach the shrine."
>Ran frowns. "What reason would the tengu have to disapprove? But if you feel it would be best if I didn't, I'll respect your judgment."
-
>"I wouldn't mind, regardless. And...sometimes the tengu can be a little funny about who they let through their lands."
-
>"I wouldn't mind, regardless. And...sometimes the tengu can be a little funny about who they let through their lands."
>"This much is true. Well, no matter; if they turn me away, I'll respect their wishes. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind meeting this shrine maiden."
-
>"Very well, then, I would be pleased to have you along."
>Head for the gate. Wish Meiling good afternoon if she's about, and head for Youkai mountain.
-
>"Very well, then, I would be pleased to have you along."
>Head for the gate. Wish Meiling good afternoon if she's about, and head for Youkai mountain.
>"Thank you," she says, following along with you. "Even if they ask me to leave, I'll have still enjoyed being able to make the trip."
>You head for the gate, wishing Meiling a good afternoon as you pass by. She seems somewhat more agreeable today, and nods at you as you pass without further display of irritation or exasperation.
>The three of you take off towards Youkai mountain, passing near the fissure, which looks rather less threatening in the daylight, and continuing onward over the forest. You reach the foot of the mountain without incident. The human village is to the west, the kappa village to the east, and the shine itself to the north, beyond the tengu settlement.
-
>Observe the kappa village from the distance. We really never did pay it much mind beforehand.
-
>Observe the kappa village from the distance. We really never did pay it much mind beforehand.
>You observe at the kappa village. There are many traditional style dwellings, circular and made of stone, but also a substantial number of newer structures. Some of these also appear to be homes, built in a more modern style, but many of them seem to be industrial buildings. There are several especially large metal structures, a few of which have large pipes on their roofs from which steam issues. You note several objects resembling the lights you saw in the human village. There are also several other objects you cannot identify, such as a tall thin tower, made of metal gridwork, with some sort of bowl shaped object at its top. Among the village streets, you see the kappa going about their daily lives.
>In the northeast, you see a large opening in the side of the mountain, the entrance of which is reinforced with metal. You see several kappa entering and leaving this, one of whom appears to be driving a metal vehicle of some sort.
-
>Head toward the temple.
-
>Head toward the temple.
>You continue towards the shrine, flying over tengu territory. While you think you attract a few curious stares, none of them make any effort to waylay you. Shortly thereafter, you reach the entrance of the shrine.
>The Moriya Shrine was always larger and better-maintained than the Hakurei Shrine, but seems to be even moreso in this world. Large torii line a wide and finely crafted stone path leading to the main shrine building. The building itself is of traditional construction, but masterfully wrought. It is fronted by a facade of columns, each bearing an elaborate winding snake relief. The grounds off the main path are lined with statuesque trees, majestic yet serene.
>There are a number of people on the shrine grounds, mostly kappa and tengu, leaving offerings and saying prayers. You see Sanae speaking with a tengu, near the main building.
-
>Approach Sanae, but wait from a respectful distance for her to finish up with her petitioner.
-
>Approach Sanae, but wait from a respectful distance for her to finish up with her petitioner.
>You walk towards Sanae, keeping your distance unless she finishes talking to the tengu. After a few moments, they nod to each other, and the tengu leaves.
>Sanae smiles as she sees you. "It's good to see you again, Keine. Are you feeling any better, now?" She looks at Ran and Mokou. "I don't believe I've met your companions before. I'm Sanae, priestess of the Moriya Shrine," she says, bowing her head.
>Ran bows her own head in response. "I'm Ran. Pleased to meet you."
>Mokou replies with a simple "Mokou," and no further comment.
>"In any event," Sanae says, turning back to you, "How've things been with you since we last spoke?"
-
>"Curious would best sum it up, I think. Hmm. Let's cut to the chase, shall we?"
>Show her the newspaper. "Here, have a look at this."
-
>"Curious would best sum it up, I think. Hmm. Let's cut to the chase, shall we?"
>Show her the newspaper. "Here, have a look at this."
>Sanae takes the newspaper with a curious expression and looks at it. It takes only a second for her face to shift from idle curiousity to complete disbelief.
>"Where did you get this?!"
-
>"I was in Kyoto last night, Sanae. Or, something very much like it at least. We've been working on tracing all that stuff I told you about yesterday, with time changing and the like. You know about the bits of land that have just disappeared, right? It's connected to that in some way, though we're not sure how just yet. With Ran's help, I was able to follow one of them, and it took me to Kyoto. It took me some time to recognize what it was, to say the least."
-
>"I was in Kyoto last night, Sanae. Or, something very much like it at least. We've been working on tracing all that stuff I told you about yesterday, with time changing and the like. You know about the bits of land that have just disappeared, right? It's connected to that in some way, though we're not sure how just yet. With Ran's help, I was able to follow one of them, and it took me to Kyoto. It took me some time to recognize what it was, to say the least."
>"So... those fissures... lead to the outside world?" She stares at the paper intently. "But this says it's from 2021...."
-
>"That's the part we don't fully understand. Ran seems to believe they truly lead to the future. I believe that where they lead is a sort of other place extrapolated from the present as it is. Regardless, it seems that the thing or being causing this may be hiding there. I am skeptical, having had a look around, but...I have to admit it's very possible that I simply didn't have time to trip over any evidence. Certainly the newspaper doesn't seem to reflect anything I found odd. But, you also know it better than I do. I was hoping you could offer us some advice, at the least."
-
>"That's the part we don't fully understand. Ran seems to believe they truly lead to the future. I believe that where they lead is a sort of other place extrapolated from the present as it is. Regardless, it seems that the thing or being causing this may be hiding there. I am skeptical, having had a look around, but...I have to admit it's very possible that I simply didn't have time to trip over any evidence. Certainly the newspaper doesn't seem to reflect anything I found odd. But, you also know it better than I do. I was hoping you could offer us some advice, at the least."
>Sanae pauses and considers your words, scanning through the newspaper. "Well, if it's a fake, it's a pretty convincing one. I mean, names and dates aside, this looks just like any newspaper I might have used to read myself." She puts the paper down and sighs. "Of course it's impossible, or should be impossible or... oh, who knows, anymore."
>"I'm not sure what advice you expect me to give you," she says, shaking her head. "This is far beyond my own experience. Nothing in the outside world that I've ever seen is capable of anything like this. And if you couldn't find any signs of them, either..." She shrugs.
>"Wait... if... if the places that disappeared from Gensokyo really showed up in Kyoto... does that mean the Hakurei Shrine Maiden could still be there, too?"
-
>Blink.
>"...Wouldn't that be something? How would we find her, though? If she's been around for seven years, then...either she's been tossed into an asylum, is a fugitive, or has blended in almost seamlessly. With the many thousands of people, I don't know where we'd find her."
-
>Blink.
>"...Wouldn't that be something? How would we find her, though? If she's been around for seven years, then...either she's been tossed into an asylum, is a fugitive, or has blended in almost seamlessly. With the many thousands of people, I don't know where we'd find her."
>Sanae smiles. "Actually, there was quite a bit more than a million people in Kyoto, last I checked. And couldn't you just try the phone book? Oh, wait..." she frowns. "I suppose you don't know what that is, do you?"
-
>"The what book?"
-
>"The what book?"
>Sanae suppresses a chuckle. "Sorry. Now, how to best explain it.... Well, let's just say it's a big public directory of people's addresses and phone numbers. A phone number is, well... Ok, there are these devices called telephones, and people use them to talk to each other across almost any distance. Each phone has a specific number, and when you type this number into another phone, you connect with it, and can talk to whoever is on the other end. So, if you can find a number listed for her in the phone book, you could speak with her, no matter what part of the city she was in."
-
>"That sounds too ludicrously useful to be true. What do they look like? And are these books expensive?"
-
>"That sounds too ludicrously useful to be true. What do they look like? And are these books expensive?"
>"Um, well... they come in different sizes and shapes. Some are about the size of a medium-sized book. Others are small enough to fit in your pocket and can be used anywhere. You'll find there are phones pretty much everywhere in the outside world. Basically every home will have them, many people will carry one around with them, and there's phones in public places you can use. They look like, um... well, the portable ones are usually about this big, with a little screen and buttons for the numbers. You hold them up to your ear while you're speaking on them."
>"And no, the books themselves are usually free. Or you could just look the number up on the internet, and..." Sanae stops and sighs. "You know, I didn't think this was complicated until I had to try explaining it to someone who doesn't know about any of this."
-
>"Oh! That's what that thing that person had was!"
>Ponder a moment.
>"Do you know anything about Kyoto itself?"
-
>"Oh! That's what that thing that person had was!"
>Ponder a moment.
>"Do you know anything about Kyoto itself?"
>"I'm afraid I've never actually been there, myself, although I don't imagine it's much different than most cities like it. ....which probably means there's a very long list of things you don't know. Is there anything specific you want to know?"
-
>"I managed to walk around and not get into any trouble, so that is something... Um, are there any laws we should know about? Or things that would make people send for the guard?"
-
>"I managed to walk around and not get into any trouble, so that is something... Um, are there any laws we should know about? Or things that would make people send for the guard?"
>Sanae pauses and considers. "I don't think you're likely to run into laws any different than you'd expect. Don't attack people, don't steal things, and so on. But... flying or doing anything fancy will almost certainly bring unwanted attention. There aren't really any laws against flying, but... people will probably assume you're some kind of freak. I'm not sure what would end up happening."
-
>"Oh! Are there things from here I shouldn't mention? Youaki and things should be obvious, but...there's got to be other things. I didn't see a single well, now that I think about it..."
-
>"Oh! Are there things from here I shouldn't mention? Youaki and things should be obvious, but...there's got to be other things. I didn't see a single well, now that I think about it..."
>Sanae has another chuckle. "Please forgive me. It's just... well, you won't find any wells of the type you're used to, except maybe in sites preserved for historical value. The entire city has a network of water pipes under it. Fresh water is available in the kitchen of any home, just by turning a tap. The kappa village here already has a network similar to that, now. We're working on extending it to the human village, as well. It'll take some time, but Yasaka-sama fully intends to furnish all her followers with as many of the conveniences of the outside world as we can. And judging by some of the prototypes we have so far, I think we'll be able to manage quite a bit."
-
>"Oh. Anything else like that?"
-
>"Oh. Anything else like that?"
>"The outside world is full of more technological marvels than I could possibly name. There are devices which record sounds and music and play back perfect replicas of them at a later date. Devices which can capture images on paper that look nearly the same as if you'd seen the original with your own eyes. Devices that allow people to retrieve knowledge from anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. Vehicles that transport hundred of people across entire continents through the air, far far faster than any of us here can fly. And that's barely the tip of the iceberg."
-
>Nod.
>"I meant, things from here we shouldn't mention because they'd make us stand out."
-
>Nod.
>"I meant, things from here we shouldn't mention because they'd make us stand out."
>"Oh, well... no magic, nothing supernatural. Basically, assume that no one can do anything more than an ordinary villager could, and that they don't believe anyone else could, either. If you mention things that sound old-fashioned, at worst, people will just think you're strange. No harm should come of that."
-
>"Okay, I think I get it."
>Consider for a moment.
>"There's pretty much no way we'll be able to hide Ran, is there?"
-
>"Okay, I think I get it."
>Consider for a moment.
>"There's pretty much no way we'll be able to hide Ran, is there?"
>Sanae frowns. "I... don't think you could pass that off as a costume."
-
> "Ran, if you went to the outside world, would you have a way to hide the fact that your a Youkai?"
> Be ready for shanking
-
> "Ran, if you went to the outside world, would you have a way to hide the fact that your a Youkai?"
> Be ready for shanking
>"I... may," she says. "Although it's a technique I've rarely had need to use. It won't fool anyone with magical senses, but I don't suppose they're the ones were concerned with fooling. Although, this may be something of a moot point unless we can find a better entry-point for the transit, since only one person can travel there at a time, with the place we've used."
>Is it just you, or can you sense someone creeping up on you?
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>"Didn't you say there was another one?"
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>"Didn't you say there was another one?"
>"Well, the one at the forest chasm could probably fit both of us through, but... I'm not sure how close to the target it would put us, and moreover... I'm not certain we'd both arrive at the same spot. I did say the path there was a little... twisted."
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>"Hmmm, so I can only take one other person with me?"
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> How far so you think the we'll end up from each other?