Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: DracoOmega on August 28, 2010, 09:48:22 PM
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>You are Keine Kamishirasawa, and the world around you is not the one you remember. Something happened in the future which broke the past, and you intend to fix it.
>Two evenings ago, 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 what caused this.
>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 at 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 the time when you awoke.
>You have witnessed a large explosion of magical energy that appears to have transported 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 and she has mapped the location of similar fissures across Gensokyo
>You have explained your situation to Mokou, and she has been travelling with you ever since. She seems to be growing close to you already, 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, breaching the wards that surrounded it, and convinced Kaguya to restore the full moon.
>You've found Yukari's house, seperated from the rest of Gensokyo by a reality splice. Inside it, Yukari has been slumbering in a web of barriers for seven years, after she froze the border between the past and present to prevent a change in the future from rippling further backwards in time
>You have rescued Ran from inside this barrier and reunited her with Chen, after being seperated for seven years.
>Ran has opened a path along the fissures to where she believes the pieces of Gensokyo were transported. You have travelled along this path, discovering that it leads to Kyoto, 11 years in the future. You've found no sign of anything mysterious on the other side, however.
>You are currently at the Moriya Shrine, asking Sanae for advice about functioning in outside world. Ran and Mokou are accompanying you.
>"Hmmm, so I can only take one other person with me?"
>"Via that entry-point, yes," Ran says. "It's unfortunate that most of the more accessible fissures are either small or old."
> How far so you think the we'll end up from each other?
>Ran shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't even estimate. This is also, um, assuming that we both pass through it intact."
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>Frown.
>"...Intact?"
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>Frown.
>"...Intact?"
>"I spoke too hastily, I think," Ran says. "The portal key is very good at reinforcing stability in such things. We'd probably be fine."
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> "I'd really like to know my chances of being torn to pieces you know".
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> "I'd really like to know my chances of being torn to pieces you know".
>"I'm not trying to withhold information from you," Ran says, looking a little uncomfortable. "Keep in mind that you implied I'd be accompanying you. I've no desire to be torn apart, myself. In all likelihood, we'll probably be fine."
>She sighs. "Perhaps if we wait some time, a more suitable launching point will appear?"
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>"Perhaps. But wouldn't that be letting the problem get worse?"
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>"Perhaps. But wouldn't that be letting the problem get worse?"
>"I suppose it might," Ran admits, "But if you look at the dating on the map Patchouli constructed, most of the fissures are old, with increasingly fewer new ones the closer we get to the present. The phenomenon seems to be slowing down. It's quite reasonable to believe that it may stop altogether, given enough time."
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>Nod.
>"I suppose it is too early to make these kinds of decisions. I wouldn't recommend going back until late this evening, anyways. It would be, I think, mid morning there now, and far too busy. If a new fissure opens up, then we can use it then."
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>Nod.
>"I suppose it is too early to make these kinds of decisions. I wouldn't recommend going back until late this evening, anyways. It would be, I think, mid morning there now, and far too busy. If a new fissure opens up, then we can use it then."
>"That does seem sensible," Ran says.
>"What are you hoping to find over there, anyway?" Sanae asks. "Other than the Hakurei Shrine Maiden?"
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>"That youkai I told you about. The one that, as far as we know, started this whole mess."
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>"That youkai I told you about. The one that, as far as we know, started this whole mess."
>"And what will you do once you find her?"
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>"Find out what is going on, and why."
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>"Find out what is going on, and why."
>Sanae nods. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
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>"Yes, but an entirely unrelated matter. A bit more private, as well. Would you mind coming with me a bit?"
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>"Yes, but an entirely unrelated matter. A bit more private, as well. Would you mind coming with me a bit?"
>"Of course," Sanae says.
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>Lead her outside, and away from the shrine a bit, to someplace relatively private.
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>Lead her outside, and away from the shrine a bit, to someplace relatively private.
>You leave Ran and Mokou behind, and walk out of the main gate of the shrine and into the rocky cliffs beyond. Sanae follows quietly behind you. Once you are satisfied that you're far from other people, you stop.
>"What's on your mind?" Sanae asks.
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>"The hell raven. You have her in your possession, as I understand."
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>"The hell raven. You have her in your possession, as I understand."
>Sanae looks at you oddly. "What are you talking about?"
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>"I mean you are holding her prisoner."
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> "The Hell Raven, Utsuho. I have heard she is being held by Kanako. Is this correct?"
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>"I mean you are holding her prisoner."
> "The Hell Raven, Utsuho. I have heard she is being held by Kanako. Is this correct?"
>"What?" Sanae says, looking genuinely dismayed. "W- why would you- I'm afraid there must be some sort of misunderstanding. Where did you hear this?"
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>"From the people who waited for her to come home. She never did."
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>"From the people who waited for her to come home. She never did."
>"I- I don't understand."
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>"I- I don't understand."
>"What happened to her, Sanae? As far as you know?"
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>"What happened to her, Sanae? As far as you know?"
>"Kanako defeated her. She sealed the source of her power, such that she would never again be able to threaten anyone. Beyond that, I'd never given it much thought."
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>"She never came home, Sanae. Perhaps it is time we go have a look at that sealed power?"
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>"She never came home, Sanae. Perhaps it is time we go have a look at that sealed power?"
>"Look at the- I'd assumed that she'd sealed it in the hell raven herself. Outside of that, I'd have no idea where to even look."
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>"I am reasonably sure I have a general idea where she is."
>Point toward the facility where the Kappa were entering.
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>"I am reasonably sure I have a general idea where she is."
>Point toward the facility where the Kappa were entering.
>Sanae's gaze follows where you're pointing. "That's just the mine. Well, there's also a couple research labs down there, for the more heavy-duty industrial projects. You know, hazardous materials and all that. What would it be doing there?"
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>"The suspicion I've heard is that she's being used to power all the lights and such."
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>"The suspicion I've heard is that she's being used to power all the lights and such."
>"She's... what?" Sanae's expression suddenly becomes stern. "I don't think I like what you're implying."
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>"I don't like it either. But it begs the question of where the power comes from without creating any smoke or the like."
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>"I don't like it either. But it begs the question of where the power comes from without creating any smoke or the like."
>Sanae's expression remains stern and her tone firm and neutral. "I don't understand the technicalities of how our power grid operates. And no more do you. If you have questions about it, you can raise them with the kappa."
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>"The kappa wouldn't necessarily know, either. They wouldn't have had a role in it if Utsuho were involved. But...you're right. I really am jumping to conclusions, I think. Perhaps we should ask Kanako about it? It is terribly concerning that Utsuho didn't go home, and her family misses her terribly."
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>"The kappa wouldn't necessarily know, either. They wouldn't have had a role in it if Utsuho were involved. But...you're right. I really am jumping to conclusions, I think. Perhaps we should ask Kanako about it? It is terribly concerning that Utsuho didn't go home, and her family misses her terribly."
>"You speak of her as though she were some lost and harmless child. In case you've forgotten, she was a creature of hell, who rose to burn the world. Why are you be so concerned what happened to her? Kanako was satisfied that it was safe again. And so am I."
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>"Because you're wrong. She wasn't just some creature. She was a woman who lost herself in the power she was given, and made a mistake. And now she's missing, and the ones who love her suffer for it. If her power is safely sealed away and there's nothing to worry about, do you begrudge her and her family the simple desire to be together?"
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>"Because you're wrong. She wasn't just some creature. She was a woman who lost herself in the power she was given, and made a mistake. And now she's missing, and the ones who love her suffer for it. If her power is safely sealed away and there's nothing to worry about, do you begrudge her and her family the simple desire to be together?"
>"Well, no, of course I- But how would you know this? And are you suggesting that Kanako would begrudge such a thing? If you truly are, then the Kanako of your world must be a very different person. Mine is a kind and just god. It is the safety and well-being of her worshipers that drives all that she does. Please don't besmirch her name by saying otherwise."
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>"I didn't say Kanako. I said you. As for how I know? I visited her family yesterday. They bear a great deal of anger toward you for her disappearance. One of them, Orin, claims she came up here to ask, and was brusquely turned away."
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>"I didn't say Kanako. I said you. As for how I know? I visited her family yesterday. They bear a great deal of anger toward you for her disappearance. One of them, Orin, claims she came up here to ask, and was brusquely turned away."
>Sanae shakes her head, looking vaguely troubled. "The name means nothing to me, but I've turned no one away...."
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>"Do you think Kanako might have?"
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>"Do you think Kanako might have?"
>"Kanako does speak with supplicants. I'm certainly not privy to the details of any conversation she might have had, however. There is a solemn confidence between a god and those who would seek their counsel."
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> "Well, do you remember a cat youkai, a Kasha coming here at all some time after Utsuho showed up?"
> "I am sorry for having been rude, but from what I have heard, Kanako is holding Utsuho prisoner, and Utsuho's family miss her. Despite being youkai, families are families, and either they are telling a large lie, or they are being honest."
> "May I speak with Kanako herself about this, to hear her side of the story?"
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> "Well, do you remember a cat youkai, a Kasha coming here at all some time after Utsuho showed up?"
> "I am sorry for having been rude, but from what I have heard, Kanako is holding Utsuho prisoner, and Utsuho's family miss her. Despite being youkai, families are families, and either they are telling a large lie, or they are being honest."
> "May I speak with Kanako herself about this, to hear her side of the story?"
>"I'm afraid not, but I do spend a day or two most weeks at the shrine in the human village."
>Sanae shakes her head. "If the hell raven - Utsuho, you say she was called? - is as you describe, I cannot imagine this is possible."
>Sanae pauses and stares at you intensely for a few moments. "It it not my place to turn people away from her based on personal feelings."
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>Nod.
>"Thank you. I didn't mean to imply that you did such a thing, only that I be allowed to speak with her."
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>Nod.
>"Thank you. I didn't mean to imply that you did such a thing, only that I be allowed to speak with her."
>"Very well," Sanae says, looking somewhat unconvinced. "Did you wish to speak with her now?"
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> "If that is alright."
> "Once again, I am sorry if I sounded rude to you."
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> "If that is alright."
> "Once again, I am sorry if I sounded rude to you."
>Sanae looks at you again, and after a moment sighs. "I'll try to see it as nothing more, on your part, than genuine concern for the welfare of another. Although I admit I have a hard time imaging the hell raven as someone deserving of it. Still, your counterpart here did more than enough to warrant my good faith, so I'll try to give you the benefit of the doubt. Let's just chalk this up to a misunderstanding and move on."
>"And yes, I can speak with Kanako now and see if she's available to speak with you."
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>Nod again.
>"Thank you. I am happy you're willing to have that much faith in me."
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>Nod again.
>"Thank you. I am happy you're willing to have that much faith in me."
>"Your counterpart was one of the most selfless and vigilant protectors I have known. I feel I owe you understanding out of respect for her, at the very least."
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>"Now you've made me afraid you got the worse end of the deal."
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>"Now you've made me afraid you got the worse end of the deal."
>Sanae smiles. "Oh, don't let that trouble you. You may very well have done the same, in her circumstances. You were simply fortunate to have never been forced to. In any event, shall we head back?"
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>"Of course."
>Head back.
>"What did happen, anyways? The other me kept a diary, but Ive yet to find the key to it."
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>"Of course."
>Head back.
>"What did happen, anyways? The other me kept a diary, but Ive yet to find the key to it."
>You nod, and the two of you head back towards the shrine.
>"I... don't know many details," Sanae says. "Your counterpart didn't like to talk about it. Most of what I heard came from the other villagers. But in essence... a great many of these villagers own her their lives. During the Year of Winter, humans were not the only creatures suffering from starvation. Many youkai, as well, were desperate for food. And when their other food supplies dwindled... they turned towards the village. I don't know how many of them there were, but the villagers speak of attack after attack by dozens of starving youkai. A normal human can't defend themselves against that. If there had been no one to drive them back, the entire village might have eventually fallen. But she was there; she was always there. She drove herself to the point of exhaustion to defend them because there was no one else who could. She nearly starved herself so that others could eat her share. She did more than could possibly be asked of someone, and refused to stop. I... don't think she ever quite forgave herself for not saving everyone."
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>"Wow...I daresay you did get the worse end of this deal. I don't know if I could have done all that..."
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>"Wow...I daresay you did get the worse end of this deal. I don't know if I could have done all that..."
>Sanae gives you a gentle smile. "I doubt that she would have thought so, either, until circumstance asked it of her. One doesn't do those sorts of things because one wants to, but because one feels that they must. You obviously care about the well-being of others, or we wouldn't even be having this conversation. ...perhaps even others not worthy of that concern," she adds, quietly.
>You reach the main gate of the shrine. You can see Mokou leaning up against a column. She nods in your direction when she spots you. Ran seems to be on the other side of the grounds, speaking with a kappa.
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>"Perhaps, I suppose I wouldn't normally be looking to give you or Kanako a hard time about these things."
>To Mokou: "Looking into that issue for Orin. Shouldn't be too long, I hope."
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>"Perhaps, I suppose I wouldn't normally be looking to give you or Kanako a hard time about these things."
>To Mokou: "Looking into that issue for Orin. Shouldn't be too long, I hope."
>"I'll trust to your good intentions," Sanae says. "Hopefully, Kanako will be able to allay your concerns."
>"Got it," Mokou replies, and goes back to contemplating the air.
>Sanae pauses as you reach the entrance of the main shrine building. "Wait here. I'll only be a moment," she says, before disappearing inside.
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>Wait.
>Look around idly.
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>Wait.
>Look around idly.
>You wait for Sanae to return, while watching people come and go, paying their respects. A couple people nod and smile in your direction; you do your best to unselfconsciously reciprocate. Fortunately, no one attempts to strike up a conversation with you.
>After a few moments, Sanae returns. "Kanako will speak with you. Follow me, please." She gestures towards the shrine interior.
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>Follow.
>Try to prepare self to what will probably be adversarial times ahead.
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>Follow.
>Try to prepare self to what will probably be adversarial times ahead.
>You follow Sanae into the shrine, mentally steeling yourself for what will quite possibly be a very unpleasant conversation.
>The interior of the shrine building is simple and traditional, with tatami flooring and paper screens. You find Kanako sitting cross-legged on the floor of a small room, in front of a low table, drinking from a tall ceramic cup.
>Sanae bows and leaves the room, once you enter it.
>Kanako places the cup on the table, and regards you impassively. "I believe you have something you wish to say to me."
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>"I do. I recently visited with the familiar of Utsuho, the hell raven, and wish to know what became of her. She never came home."
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>"I do. I recently visited with the familiar of Utsuho, the hell raven, and wish to know what became of her. She never came home."
>"I see." Kanako is silent for a time.
>"After her actions," she says, at length, "can they honestly expect a happy outcome?"
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>"I think they can expect her to come home, if her power has been safely sealed as Sanae tells me it is."
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>"I think they can expect her to come home, if her power has been safely sealed as Sanae tells me it is."
>Her eyes narrow very slightly at the mention of Sanae's name. "That power will never be safe unless I keep it so. I told Sanae that the threat was neutralized, and so it was. I do feel sorry for her family; it was not their choices which led to this. But their loyalty does not change her actions."
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>"And how did she get this way?"
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>"And how did she get this way?"
>"Irrelevant," Kanako says, taking another sip of her tea. "She alone chose her path."
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>"No, it is very revelant. We cannot control the circumstances of our birth, or the world in which we mature. Nor do we have much control over the opportunities we are offered, only the choice of whether to take them or not. And sometimes, we don't know the full circumstances of those choices. So, let me ask you again, how did she end up as she did, to begin with?"
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>"No, it is very revelant. We cannot control the circumstances of our birth, or the world in which we mature. Nor do we have much control over the opportunities we are offered, only the choice of whether to take them or not. And sometimes, we don't know the full circumstances of those choices. So, let me ask you again, how did she end up as she did, to begin with?"
>"I suspect you already know the answer to that question or you would not have asked it. But very well. She consumed the body of a yatagarasu that had fallen into hell and gained its power. You are right that the opportunity was outside her control. But the choice was hers, both before and after."
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>"That's not the whole story, is it Kanako?"
>Ice cold, Keine. Ice cold. We have Ran and Mokou just outside if she tries something dumb. If anyone could stop her...
>...Just have to get to them, first...
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>"That's not the whole story, is it Kanako?"
>Ice cold, Keine. Ice cold. We have Ran and Mokou just outside if she tries something dumb. If anyone could stop her...
>...Just have to get to them, first...
>You adopt the iciest tone you can muster, fortified by the fact that you may have enough firepower on your side to dissuade her from exercising divine anger in your general direction. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.
>"If you are referring to my own involvement, that also changes nothing." Kanako's tone is still neutral and steady. "I offered her a choice. I said what it would do to her, and I was entirely honest. I did not force her or coerce her. She could have refused, and I would have accepted this, but she did not. The choice she made was her own, and she is fully responsible for it."
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>"So you gave the poor girl a thing she barely understood, and then what? Did you help her understand it? Did you guide her on how to use it well?"
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Examine Kanako.
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>"So you gave the poor girl a thing she barely understood, and then what? Did you help her understand it? Did you guide her on how to use it well?"
>"The power she obtained is different than my own. I could no more teach her how to properly wield it than you could. But it was not a lack of mastery over it that led to this situation. She proved herself immensely capable of using that power. I did not foster her destructive nature, nor did the yatagarasu change the essence of who she is. Her desire to burn the world was her own. Her new power may have given her means, but only she could have given herself cause. If you were to obtain a great power, would it also be my responsibility to re-educate you on what is right and wrong?"
Examine Kanako.
>Kanako is sitting cross-legged behind a low table on the floor in front of you. While this means you're currently taller than her, it feels very much like the situation is reversed. There is something about her bearing that makes her feel far larger than her physical presence would indicate. She is regarding you with a neutral expression, but her gaze has been intently focused on you since you started; it feels heavy and penetrating.
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>Examine self in Kanako's mirror.
>"I would expect you to not just leave me to my own devices and do nothing until it is too late. Someone who has witnessed as much history as you, and has as much understanding of how people work as you must have understood you don't just give a child a sword, and expect them not to cut themselves."
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>Examine self in Kanako's mirror.
>"I would expect you to not just leave me to my own devices and do nothing until it is too late. Someone who has witnessed as much history as you, and has as much understanding of how people work as you must have understood you don't just give a child a sword, and expect them not to cut themselves."
>"I did not, as you say, 'do nothing until it was too late'. I kept a close eye on her after she obtained her power. I watched her learn to control it. And it was because of this that I was able to intervene before it was too late. I did not allow her to harm another living being. In any event, your analogy is flawed. She was not a risk to herself, but to only to others. Had she shown signs of harming herself as she tried to harness her power, I would also have intervened. To put it in your own words, would you think it reasonable that if you give a child a sword, you should expect them to try and kill everyone they can find? And even if this were so, the weapon cannot be blamed for their warped thinking."
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>"So you are saying she just suddenly snapped, and in the space of, let us say a few hours, when from being relatively normal to power mad?"
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>"So you are saying she just suddenly snapped, and in the space of, let us say a few hours, when from being relatively normal to power mad?"
>"No, that is not what I am saying. I cannot read minds, I can only judge actions. She may have been debating her course since the moment she acquired her power. And it matters not how long it took her to arrive at that conclusion. Her actions are what is important. When she chose to begin scorching the surface, I put an end to it."
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>"Since you were keeping an eye on her, I presume you also had some knowledge of her family, as well?"
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>"Since you were keeping an eye on her, I presume you also had some knowledge of her family, as well?"
>"Only after the fact. Not once after I first met her did Utusho leave the Hell of Blazing Fires, save to come to the surface. This should give you some indication of her priorities."
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>"And they didn't come after her?"
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>"And they didn't come after her?"
>"If you are referring to Orin, yes, she did come here after some time. It is sad that her faith and loyalty are so misplaced."
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>"Of out curiosity, during that time, did you notice a proliferation of evil spirits on the surface?"
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>"Of out curiosity, during that time, did you notice a proliferation of evil spirits on the surface?"
>"Some escaped from the breech in hell, yes. They were dealt with."
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>"Kanako, I think you're stretching the truth just a little bit. You say to me that you saw no signs of her being odd, but you're also telling me she never left Blazing Hell during that whole time. Yet, Orin was able to recognize that something was direly wrong from just one meeting. Enough that she panicked and sent evil spirits up to the surface in hopes that it would lure someone down who could try to do something about her."
>"I know you had a good reason at heart to have given her that power. But, either you weren't paying as close of an attention as you claim or you chose to ignore the warning signs. To that I ask, why?"
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>"Kanako, I think you're stretching the truth just a little bit. You say to me that you saw no signs of her being odd, but you're also telling me she never left Blazing Hell during that whole time. Yet, Orin was able to recognize that something was direly wrong from just one meeting. Enough that she panicked and sent evil spirits up to the surface in hopes that it would lure someone down who could try to do something about her."
>"I know you had a good reason at heart to have given her that power. But, either you weren't paying as close of an attention as you claim or you chose to ignore the warning signs. To that I ask, why?"
>"She said it was her job to tend the Hell of Blazing Fires. It does not seem so odd that she would spend her time there in consequence. She spoke of how the fires had been waning; there was much work to be done to rekindle them. It was to this I thought she was attending. As for Orin, are you suggesting the spirits were released intentionally? As some sort of message? Perhaps her judgement is even more questionable than I suspected."
>Kanako pauses. "I will admit that I made an error in selecting Utsuho to receive this power. But it is a mistake I will not repeat."
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>"So, when you learned she did have family coming after her, all of that didn't seem odd to you in retrospect?"
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>"So, when you learned she did have family coming after her, all of that didn't seem odd to you in retrospect?"
>"I feel sorry for her family. But it changes nothing. Would you pardon a criminal because their sister grieved at their punishment? I understand that Orin blames me for what happened, but I did not steer Utsuho down the path she chose. She chose it freely and without provocation. She proved herself too dangerous to be given such a power. Sadly, the past cannot be undone."
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>"You're not answering my question, Kanako. I asked you, didn't you think it was strange when you learned she did have a family, and was still isolating herself there? Did you not suspect anything by that point? Or did you simply not notice due to not paying attention."
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>"You're not answering my question, Kanako. I asked you, didn't you think it was strange when you learned she did have a family, and was still isolating herself there? Did you not suspect anything by that point? Or did you simply not notice due to not paying attention."
>"Not all families are close, Keine. And not all affection is equally reciprocated. Perhaps, once she realized what she was capable of, she no longer cared. Or perhaps she was simply preoccupied with the task before her. Why does this matter?"
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>"It matters because you are making more and more convoluted excuses to try to justify that either you didn't notice, or you did notice and didn't care. Kanako, you let it happen. Whether it was accidental or not, you could have done something, and you didn't. And you're trying to hide it. And, more to the point, you're trying to hide her. More over, I don't believe she is nearly as bad as you claim she is. Or, at least she wasn't before you stuffed her into some hole in the ground."
>Stay calm. Stay cool. Don't be intimidated. She's just...a major deity...stay calm!
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>"It matters because you are making more and more convoluted excuses to try to justify that either you didn't notice, or you did notice and didn't care. Kanako, you let it happen. Whether it was accidental or not, you could have done something, and you didn't. And you're trying to hide it. And, more to the point, you're trying to hide her. More over, I don't believe she is nearly as bad as you claim she is. Or, at least she wasn't before you stuffed her into some hole in the ground."
>Stay calm. Stay cool. Don't be intimidated. She's just...a major deity...stay calm!
>"I let nothing happen. She demonstrated intent, and I acted accordingly. No one was harmed only because I did not 'let it happen', as you so put it. What would you have had me do? Speak softly to her of how wanton destruction is neither amusing nor acceptable? No one of sound character should ever need be reminded of this."
>You do your best not to feel very small in the face of Kanako's presence. It's... harder than you'd like to admit. While she seems calm, there is a weight behind every word she speaks to you. It feels like confronting a force much greater than you, in more than one sense.
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>"You either ignored obvious signs, Kanako, or you just ignored her. It didn't have to happen if you had gotten to her in time. And you, of all people, should have been able to get to her in time. You talk about choice and whatnot, but people don't choose to go insane, Kanako. It's something forced upon them."
-
>"You either ignored obvious signs, Kanako, or you just ignored her. It didn't have to happen if you had gotten to her in time. And you, of all people, should have been able to get to her in time. You talk about choice and whatnot, but people don't choose to go insane, Kanako. It's something forced upon them."
>"So you think her actions are the product of insanity, now? Then what do you expect I could have done to fix that? And if you honestly believe that explanation, then by your own admission she cannot be trusted to roam free with the power she has. It is dangerous enough in the hands of someone sane."
-
>"And, you are saying she is sane, then?"
-
>"And, you are saying she is sane, then?"
>"I suppose it depends on how one chooses to define the term. If you mean insane in the sense of not being in control of her rational thought processes, I do not believe she was. Though some might call her insane because of the conclusions she reached through them."
-
>"Perhaps, then, it is best we let her speak for herself."
-
>"Perhaps, then, it is best we let her speak for herself."
>Kanako shakes her head. "She already let her actions speak far louder than any words."
-
>"And since then?"
-
>"And since then?"
>"What more is there to be said? She proved her character, and I cannot and will not allow someone like that to be a threat to anyone else. Criticize my judgement in allowing her to gain this power, if you must. I admit that I regret it greatly. But regret will not change the present."
-
>"That sounds suspiciously like you don't know."
-
>"That sounds suspiciously like you don't know."
>"Would you expect her to say anything other than what she thinks will buy her freedom?"
-
> "What if you simply beat her and let her go? I'm sure she would have had second thoughts about decimating the area above ground if someone had simply put her in her place and left it at that."
-
> "What if you simply beat her and let her go? I'm sure she would have had second thoughts about decimating the area above ground if someone had simply put her in her place and left it at that."
>"That is risking a great deal on the reasonable behavior of someone who has already proved themselves dangerous and destructive. Put simply, I wasn't willing to take that kind of chance."
-
>"Moreover, what would be the difference between her just saying anything, and her being sincere? But you really have just locked her in some hole and not even bothered with her since, haven't you?"
-
> She doesn't know we aren't this timeline's Keine does she?
-
> She doesn't know we aren't this timeline's Keine does she?
>Sanae knows. So there's a pretty good chance Kanako knows one way or another.
-
>"Moreover, what would be the difference between her just saying anything, and her being sincere? But you really have just locked her in some hole and not even bothered with her since, haven't you?"
>"It is difficult to trust someone's sincerity when their past is as hers is. But she is safe and tended to. No harm will come to her here. That is more than she would have provided were our positions reversed."
> She doesn't know we aren't this timeline's Keine does she?
>You hadn't mentioned this to her, but given that you informed Sanae, and Sanae said she would ask Kanako on your behalf about the mysterious youkai, you suspect Kanako has already been informed.
-
>"And what have you done with her, exactly?"
-
>"And what have you done with her, exactly?"
>"She is secure and healthy, and the world is safe from her. Despite her actions, I bear no malice against her."
-
>"That's avoiding the question. What did you do to her? Or do you want me guess?"
-
> "Would I be off the mark if I assumed that the lights around the village are powered by her?"
-
>"That's avoiding the question. What did you do to her? Or do you want me guess?"
> "Would I be off the mark if I assumed that the lights around the village are powered by her?"
>"You would be... partially correct." Kanako pauses. "Her power was meant to help usher in a better age for both humans and youkai. Would that I could give it to a better steward, I would do so."
-
>"And what part am I not correct about, exactly?"
-
> "Let me guess: She isn't powering it herself per se, its more she is hooked up to something that is more or less siphoning it from her body?"
-
>"And what part am I not correct about, exactly?"
>"Let us just say that she now helps better the lives of the very people whose lives she would have taken away. It seems a fitting fate. And, before you ask, she is not harmed by doing this. I am not willfully cruel."
> "Let me guess: She isn't powering it herself per se, its more she is hooked up to something that is more or less siphoning it from her body?"
>"Does it matter? I said she is unharmed, and I do not speak falsely."
-
>"Yes, it matters. Please allow me to see her."
-
>"Yes, it matters. Please allow me to see her."
>"I'm afraid the reactor and surrounding facilities are off-limits except to authorized personnel. I appreciate your concern for her well-being, strangely placed though it may be, but I will not break protocol for it."
-
>"Then you may authorize me. You may accompany me, or have Sanae do it."
-
>"Then you may authorize me. You may accompany me, or have Sanae do it."
>"No," she says simply. "I do not need to prove myself to you."
-
>"Are you afraid, Kanako?"
-
>"Are you afraid, Kanako?"
>Kanako's eyes narrow. "You presume a great deal with that question."
-
>"What? That you clearly feel no guilt about what you've done with her and to her, but you certainly don't want anyone else finding out about it? Sanae doesn't know, I've noticed. If I am wrong, by all means prove it to me."
-
>"What? That you clearly feel no guilt about what you've done with her and to her, but you certainly don't want anyone else finding out about it? Sanae doesn't know, I've noticed. If I am wrong, by all means prove it to me."
>"Sanae should not be burdened by this." Kanako's tone changes little, but the emphasis behind her words leaves little question to the implication. "Nor must I prove anything to you. Be thankful I am tolerant of such presumption."
>"I have already admitted that I regret several things about the current situation, but of all the options available, this is the best. Her confinement is regrettable, but unavoidable."
-
>"And not letting anyone see her? Not letting even your own priestess know the truth? Those are unavoidable as well? What do you have to be afraid of?"
>Keep calm, she's not Eirin. She actually does some good things...
-
>"And not letting anyone see her? Not letting even your own priestess know the truth? Those are unavoidable as well? What do you have to be afraid of?"
>Keep calm, she's not Eirin. She actually does some good things...
>"If you think the area is restricted to contain a terrible secret, I'm afraid you're being rather fanciful. The environment down there is genuinely dangerous to people who are not fully trained in its operation. It if off-limits both for the protection of visitors and for everyone else. You would find the interior of reactors in the outside world, which this one mimics, to be the same."
>"And not a word of what I said to Sanae was false. She... is a gentle soul, and I do not want her to bear guilt over this. That is mine and mine alone." Kanako pauses, and stares at you coolly. "Do not attempt to use her as a tool to gain leverage with me. You would not enjoy the outcome."
>You try to remind yourself that, this issue aside, Kanako at least seems to have put a lot of effort into helping and protecting her worshipers.
-
>"The only tool I am using are facts. You are holding her, and isolating her. And hiding it. If my deductions are wrong, I would invite you to prove me wrong."
-
>"The only tool I am using are facts. You are holding her, and isolating her. And hiding it. If my deductions are wrong, I would invite you to prove me wrong."
>"I have already admitted that I am holding her, for the health and safety of Gensokyo itself. Though she is less of a secret than you seem to think. She is simply something the public need not know. They would be fearful, though they are completely safe. What else is there for me to prove to you?"
-
>"Show me. If she is truly in good condition, there should be no reason to hide her away. I'm certain you can arrange for a reasonably safe trip."
-
>"Show me. If she is truly in good condition, there should be no reason to hide her away. I'm certain you can arrange for a reasonably safe trip."
>"And what good would it do, either way? You've given the distinct impression you will not be satisfied with her confinement, no matter its nature."
-
>"And you seem to be content to keep her a prisoner forever, never having a chance to redeem herself, have any kind of life, or be anything other than a glorified water wheel."
-
>"And you seem to be content to keep her a prisoner forever, never having a chance to redeem herself, have any kind of life, or be anything other than a glorified water wheel."
>"Contentment has nothing to do with it. She has proven that she cannot be trusted with the power she has, and it cannot be removed without killing her. It is too dangerous to risk giving her another chance to cause devastation. It is fortunate she was contained so quickly the first time. Doubtless she would be more cautious were she to try again, and might well kill a great many people before I could intervene. Were it possible, I would gladly remove her power and return her to her family. But it is not."
-
>"So it is exactly as I said. You will never even give her a chance at a life now, let alone a chance at her freedom. Instead you'll just exploit her, and try to deceive as many people as you can about it. How much have you profited off her now, I wonder?"
-
>"So it is exactly as I said. You will never even give her a chance at a life now, let alone a chance at her freedom. Instead you'll just exploit her, and try to deceive as many people as you can about it. How much have you profited off her now, I wonder?"
>Although her expression changes little, you feel Kanako's presence grow colder. "I would not be so crude as to try to profit off another being, even one such as her. It is not for my benefit that I make use of her powers. All of this was built for the people of Gensokyo. What I have given, I have given freely. If Utsuho must be imprisoned here regardless, what good does it serve to leave her power untapped when it could be benefiting others?"
-
>"And you take all the credit, telling no one the truth. How many of the people out there sincerely believe you are the source of that power, and not some youkai you offered power to, then sealed away like some windmill? You're not only taking it from her, you're taking accolades that are rightfully hers for it."
-
>"And you take all the credit, telling no one the truth. How many of the people out there sincerely believe you are the source of that power, and not some youkai you offered power to, then sealed away like some windmill? You're not only taking it from her, you're taking accolades that are rightfully hers for it."
>"Rightfully hers? Do you truly think they are? Would she have done all this? Would she have helped this place grow, as I have? I think she already answered that question quite decisively. She may be providing the power, but it is we who have built all this, we who have turned her power into something useful. If anything, the kappa engineers are the ones who deserve the most credit. I have provided knowledge and guidance, but it is their dedication and ingenuity that have made this possible."
>"But let's say that you're right, and this all hinges on a lie. If I were to tell the public what the source of their electricity was, what do you think would happen?"
-
>"You say that other deserve the credit to me, but do you say it to those who worship you and say it is all thanks to you? and following that logic, would it make it alright for me to stuff you in a bottle and use you to power something if the many benefited from it?"
>"What would happen? People would get on with their lives. Some cynics might think you arranged the whole thing from start to finish on purpose. I am not one of them, I know that's not what you wanted to happen. There would be some undercurrent of panic, but it would die. The only damage, Kanako, would be to your reputation, for lying to your followers, and for exploiting a woman who made a mistake. And even that would pass with time."
-
>"You say that other deserve the credit to me, but do you say it to those who worship you and say it is all thanks to you? and following that logic, would it make it alright for me to stuff you in a bottle and use you to power something if the many benefited from it?"
>"What would happen? People would get on with their lives. Some cynics might think you arranged the whole thing from start to finish on purpose. I am not one of them, I know that's not what you wanted to happen. There would be some undercurrent of panic, but it would die. The only damage, Kanako, would be to your reputation, for lying to your followers, and for exploiting a woman who made a mistake. And even that would pass with time."
>Kanako shakes her head and sighs. "It saddens me that you think I am so pompous as to claim credit for all of our success. I have given much to these people, yes, but they have given much to each other, and to me. We are all working together towards this future. I make this much clear to everyone. And you analogy is again flawed. I did not deprive Utsuho of her freedom because her power would be beneficial to others. I imprisoned her because otherwise she would have destroyed them. The fact that her power can now benefit them is but a positive side-effect of a necessary confinement. I would never have imprisoned her solely for that reason."
>"Have I lied to them? I said that I defeated the hell raven before she could threaten them. This I did. I said that I had ensured she would never again threaten them. This I did. I said that I had harnessed a source of power they could use to build a modern age. This I did."
-
>"If the analogy is flawed, it is because it followed your argument. You've said it is alright to imprison her in perpetuity and treat her like an object because it benefits the many. I don't see why you should be exempt from that, either. If I cuold stuff you in a bottle to power a weather-controlling machine, by your own words I would be right to do it. And now you are trying to act like she isn't even a person, that she's just some spoke in a while, with no sense of pain or personality, and just now are trying to act like you didn't have a role in it, like you aren't treating Utsuho like she's just some tool, like you didn't offer her the devil's agreement that made her that way, and that you're not lying to all and sundry about it. And when confronted with it, despite all your justifications, you can't even allow her to be seen.
>"You won't even provide proof she's being treated with the dignity given to a cow in its pen, let alone an actual prisoner. Do you even know who she is? Are you so devoted to stripping her of any vestige of personality because to do otherwise is to admit you are mistreating her?"
-
>"If the analogy is flawed, it is because it followed your argument. You've said it is alright to imprison her in perpetuity and treat her like an object because it benefits the many. I don't see why you should be exempt from that, either. If I cuold stuff you in a bottle to power a weather-controlling machine, by your own words I would be right to do it. And now you are trying to act like she isn't even a person, that she's just some spoke in a while, with no sense of pain or personality, and just now are trying to act like you didn't have a role in it, like you aren't treating Utsuho like she's just some tool, like you didn't offer her the devil's agreement that made her that way, and that you're not lying to all and sundry about it. And when confronted with it, despite all your justifications, you can't even allow her to be seen.
>"You won't even provide proof she's being treated with the dignity given to a cow in its pen, let alone an actual prisoner. Do you even know who she is? Are you so devoted to stripping her of any vestige of personality because to do otherwise is to admit you are mistreating her?"
>"If I, too, were an incurable risk to those around me, then yes, I suppose what you say would be justified. My role in making her what she is started and ended with the power she obtained. I did not change her personality, her goals, or direct her actions towards destructive ends. That alone is what caused this outcome."
>Kanako glares at you in silence. Despite your righteous indignation, it is quite unsettling.
>At length, she speaks again. "I think you have said quite enough now. I have been tolerant, because you were motivated by concern for another. But I think there is little more to discuss. You would have me unleash possibly the most destructive being in Gensokyo because her family misses her, and because you feel I am violating her rights. Is her well-being so much more important to you than the lives of who knows how many others she might take?"
-
>Be strong, Keine! We have Mokou to set her straight if she tries something. Let's break her.
>"How would you know what she'd do? You have literally no idea who she is or what she is like now. And you're determined to make sure no one else does either. For someone who's claimed to regret the past, you are very eager to bury it and run away rather than face it and correct for it. I wonder if you even know what her last name is?"
-
>Be strong, Keine! We have Mokou to set her straight if she tries something. Let's break her.
>"How would you know what she'd do? You have literally no idea who she is or what she is like now. And you're determined to make sure no one else does either. For someone who's claimed to regret the past, you are very eager to bury it and run away rather than face it and correct for it. I wonder if you even know what her last name is?"
>You steel yourself, and decide to push the limits of how much one can safely risk provoking a god. You really don't feel right backing down on this one.
>"You are correct that I cannot know for certain what she would do. I am basing my judgement on her past behavior. Perhaps she might choose to return home and live in peace, but perhaps not, and the damage she could inflict might be catastrophic. That is a risk I am not willing to subject my people to. If I am forced to choose between her and them, there is no decision to be made."
-
>"I didn't say you didn't know what she would do. I am saying you refuse to even try to understand who she is so you can tell what she would do. You have buried her alive. You made her what she is, and now you refuse to face it. You are trying to murder her in all but name. And then you bask in praise for it, practically no one the wiser. You won't even try to prove is being treated with the dignity of a hen in a coop, so eager are you to pretend she's not even a person. It's disgusting."
-
>"I didn't say you didn't know what she would do. I am saying you refuse to even try to understand who she is so you can tell what she would do. You have buried her alive. You made her what she is, and now you refuse to face it. You are trying to murder her in all but name. And then you bask in praise for it, practically no one the wiser. You won't even try to prove is being treated with the dignity of a hen in a coop, so eager are you to pretend she's not even a person. It's disgusting."
>Kanako's expression hardens. Is it your imagination, or did the air in the room just grow colder?
>"You have crossed a great many lines today, Keine. Be glad that I do not succumb to anger; most gods would not be so tolerant. I will give you another few moments out of respect for your counterpart. And then you will leave."
>"You accuse me of forgetting she's a person, but no person worthy of that word would decide that the best use of their newfound powers was to set the world ablaze. If I had not stopped her by force, you would not even be alive now to condemn me for it."
-
>Oh hell no, she did not just threaten us.
>"And that justifes nothing else you've done. You've buried her alive. You've deprived her of everything. You've turned her into a windmill. You steal praise that is rightfully hers. You pretend she isn't even a person. You probably don't even know her whole name. If I've crossed a line, then that line is the truth. You made her that way. You wrote that devil's contract, you convinced her to accept it. You then ignored her as she lost control, and now you try to take the side of the celestials. You are lower than Shinki. I can only hope that Sanae is listening in us right now, and trying not to vomit in disgust at hearing you reveal what you are."
-
>Oh hell no, she did not just threaten us.
>"And that justifes nothing else you've done. You've buried her alive. You've deprived her of everything. You've turned her into a windmill. You steal praise that is rightfully hers. You pretend she isn't even a person. You probably don't even know her whole name. If I've crossed a line, then that line is the truth. You made her that way. You wrote that devil's contract, you convinced her to accept it. You then ignored her as she lost control, and now you try to take the side of the celestials. You are lower than Shinki. I can only hope that Sanae is listening in us right now, and trying not to vomit in disgust at hearing you reveal what you are."
>She just may have...
>Kanako shakes her head. "You truly cannot see beyond the one injustice before you. Sanae would understand, in time. The single driving force behind my actions is the defense and betterment of my people. Utsuho is an active risk, and I have contained her. What happened in the past is unfortunate, but unchangeable. I can only base my actions on the situation as it now stands. I wonder what it would truly take to satisfy you? Even if I gave praise to her in the public eye, as you ask, I doubt it would affect your opinion. The choices before me are either to kill her, leave her as she is, or allow her to roam free and possibly destroy everything that anyone around me has ever cared about. In my place, which of those would you choose?"
-
>"Far better not to be able to see beyond an injustice than to ignore and personally perpetrate and perpetuate one. And I choose none, because I do not buy into that false dilemma. You could treat her humanely as a prisoner. You could work toward rehabilitating her. You could let her see her damn family! You could treat her like an intelligent being, rather than burying her like a corpse! You could all of this right now! You could have done it from the beginning painlessly! Or, when she escapes, and do not kid yourself into thinking she won't in the long run for we both know very well the history of perfect seals failing, you'll have bred an even worse monster than you ever imagined. And it will be ever more your fault than what already is."
-
>"Far better not to be able to see beyond an injustice than to ignore and personally perpetrate and perpetuate one. And I choose none, because I do not buy into that false dilemma. You could treat her humanely as a prisoner. You could work toward rehabilitating her. You could let her see her damn family! You could treat her like an intelligent being, rather than burying her like a corpse! You could all of this right now! You could have done it from the beginning painlessly! Or, when she escapes, and do not kid yourself into thinking she won't in the long run for we both know very well the history of perfect seals failing, you'll have bred an even worse monster than you ever imagined. And it will be ever more your fault than what already is."
>Kanako stares at you in silence, again, although her gaze feels less piercing this time. Is there... a glimmer of doubt in it? Maybe you're being too hopeful.
>"Will that be all, then?" she says, eventually.
-
>"Unfortunately, no. I need to see her for myself, so that I can assure her family she isn't being harmed. And, you need to see her, too. There is no reason why we should delay either thing."
-
>"Unfortunately, no. I need to see her for myself, so that I can assure her family she isn't being harmed. And, you need to see her, too. There is no reason why we should delay either thing."
>"I have already given you my word that she is not being harmed. It is your right to refuse to believe this, of course, but I do not speak falsely. You are hardly in a position to be asking for favors after all this."
-
>"And you are hardly in a place to ask others to trust your word about this issue. I need to see her. And so do you. There is no reason why we cannot. Let's both go, you can make certain I don't try anything foolhardy."
-
>"And you are hardly in a place to ask others to trust your word about this issue. I need to see her. And so do you. There is no reason why we cannot. Let's both go, you can make certain I don't try anything foolhardy."
>"If I refuse, you will remain convinced I'm too ashamed to let you see her. If I accept, you will undoubtedly be dissatisfied with what you see, no matter her condition; you've made that much clear. And nothing you say or do will convince me to change my mind. So I fail to see what can be accomplished by this."
-
>"If I am going to be dissatisfied, then you are lying about her conditions. And honestly, you don't even know what her conditions are, you know next to nothing about her. This is why I say you need to see her. We should go, right now. There is nothing to be gained from delaying except prolonging her suffering."
-
>"If I am going to be dissatisfied, then you are lying about her conditions. And honestly, you don't even know what her conditions are, you know next to nothing about her. This is why I say you need to see her. We should go, right now. There is nothing to be gained from delaying except prolonging her suffering."
>"I... will consider what you say. But I see no way she could convince me she's trustworthy. And if there is even a chance she could turn around to harm others, I will never release her. It seems a futile exercise."
-
>"So why aren't you confined? You've harmed others. Or does the Suwa War not count? You claimed to bear her no malice. Then you should have an interest in minimizing her suffering and encouraging her to reform. In particular, let us go see her and see what can be done right now to minimize her suffering."
-
>"So why aren't you confined? You've harmed others. Or does the Suwa War not count? You claimed to bear her no malice. Then you should have an interest in minimizing her suffering and encouraging her to reform. In particular, let us go see her and see what can be done right now to minimize her suffering."
>"I have never harmed another out of anger, or a genuine desire to inflict suffering and destruction. Force is sometimes necessary as a means to accomplish other ends, but force for its own sake is never justifiable. Do you truly think one such as her is capable of reforming? A desire to willfully harm is a poison rooted deeply in one's soul. It's not the sort of thing one can move on from as though nothing ever happened."
-
>"Yet you still did it. And were wildly more successful than she's even been. Did Utsuho actually hurt anyone other than Sanae and yourself? And more importantly, why aren't we talking about this on the way there?"
-
>"Yet you still did it. And were wildly more successful than she's even been. Did Utsuho actually hurt anyone other than Sanae and yourself? And more importantly, why aren't we talking about this on the way there?"
>Kanako regards you for a moment, and exhales audibly. "You are an incredibly stubborn, unyielding, insolent, and brazen person. And very brave. I trust you realize this?"
-
>"Perhaps so. But none of that changes that I am right. Particularly on the last part, which is the most important one as it focuses on what we should be doing now rather than assigning blame."
-
>"Perhaps so. But none of that changes that I am right. Particularly on the last part, which is the most important one as it focuses on what we should be doing now rather than assigning blame."
>"I believe you have already assigned more than your fair share of blame today," Kanako says. "I feel no obligation to prove myself to someone who regards me the way you seem to. Still, I am not a monster. It is unfortunate that you see me as such, after all that I have given these people." She pauses. "I will let you speak with her. Perhaps, then you will finally see why I felt this was necessary."
-
>Nod.
>"Shall we, then?"
-
>Nod.
>"Shall we, then?"
>Kanako rises to her feet. "We shall," she says, leading out of the room.
-
> Follow Kanako!
> Be glad she didn't decided to send any divine judgement our way... yet...
-
> Follow Kanako!
> Be glad she didn't decided to send any divine judgement our way... yet...
>You follow Kanako out of the shrine, and see Mokou waiting for you just outside the entrance of the building. She eyes Kanako curiously as you exit, and then looks at you. "What's up?" she asks, a touch of wariness in her voice.
>You take a deep breath and try to let some of the tension out of yourself. Although Kanako never took a single hostile action against you, being the same room with a god who is obviously displeased with you is... a little overwhelming. Hopefully she takes her pledge not to use violence without necessity as seriously as she claims.
-
> Whispering to Mokou "Checking out first hand what happened to Utsuho. Also, I'm certain that Kanako isn't to pleased with me."
-
> Whispering to Mokou "Checking out first hand what happened to Utsuho. Also, I'm certain that Kanako isn't to pleased with me."
>Whispering would be suspicious, just tell her the first part in a conversational tone. The latter, she can infer certainly.
-
> Whispering to Mokou "Checking out first hand what happened to Utsuho. Also, I'm certain that Kanako isn't to pleased with me."
>Whispering would be suspicious, just tell her the first part in a conversational tone. The latter, she can infer certainly.
>You decide to be direct with Mokou. She nods slowly in response, and takes a more appraising look at Kanako. Kanako casts a vaguely disapproving glance in your direction, and continues onward across the shrine grounds.
>As she walks, you can see many of the people in the shrine turn and bow in her direction. Kanako, for her part, returns every bow with a smile and nod of her head. In this atmosphere, she seems more like a gentle patron than a cold sovereign. Once you reach the exit of the shrine grounds, Kanako takes to the air and heads down the mountain towards the kappa village. She lands in front of a large metallic structure, apparently built into the cliff face.
>"I trust you will exercise at least some discretion?"
-
>"Mokou already knew. She was there with me. Your secret is exactly as safe as it was a few minutes ago."
-
>"Mokou already knew. She was there with me. Your secret is exactly as safe as it was a few minutes ago."
>Kanako shakes her head. "I wasn't referring to her. Remember that I am granting you something exceptional by allowing this. Please be respectful of the others here."
>She opens the door and steps inside. You enter into a large open area, filled with tables, workbenches and mechanical equipment. You can see various kappa working with all kinds of tools and devices for which you have no name. There are several doors along the side wall, leading to similar smaller areas separated from this room by large glass windows. Most of the kappa pay you little attention as you walk through, so focused are they on... whatever it is they're doing. Some appear to be assembling objects, others disassembling them, and yet more conducting inscrutable operations on them.
>Kanako leads you past them all to another door on the opposite wall. Stepping through it, you arrive in a small room. An imposing looking metal door stands in front of you, and a smaller one to your right. There is a somewhat bored looking kappa sitting at a desk built into the wall at your left. Next to her you note a bank of glass panels which seem to contain... moving images, depicting different locations. Several of them look distinctly like the room you just passed through, while others show places you don't recognize: what appears to be a mine, a room where molten metal flows through a gridwork of metal chutes, and place with small metallic bridges spanning a brightly lit corridor, and other rooms filled with devices whose purpose is inscrutable to you.
>The kappa looks up idly as you enter, and then becomes significantly more attentive when she notices Kanako's presence.
>"I just need to speak with someone," Kanako says, her voice reassuring. "No need for concern."
>"Oh, um, of course," the kappa sputters out, and presses a button on her desk. There is a small buzzing sound and a large metallic click. "Please go on in."
>Kanako nods respectfully, and opens the large door in front of you. It is substantially thick.
-
>Step through. "Thank you."
-
>Step through. "Thank you."
>You say thanks and step through the door. It closes behind you with a heavy thud.
>You are in a long passage, apparently carved out of the mountain. The floor has been evened, and the ceiling is reinforced by metal beams, but the stone along the sides is still rough in some places. There are small, but very bright lights placed along the corridor at intervals, creating alternating pools of shadow and harsh light. You can also see some piping, running along one of the walls.
>After some time, you reach the end of the tunnel. There is a large metal platform built against the tunnel wall. A small panel with several buttons sits on top of a small column near the rear of it.
>"Stand here," Kanako says, stepping onto the platform.
-
>Do so.
-
>Do so.
>You stand next to Kanako and she presses one of the buttons on the panel. The platform lurches and starts to slowly descend, the walls of the cavern scrolling past you. This continues for quite some time, until the tunnel at which you started looks at least a couple hundred feet above you. You see another tunnel in front of you come into view from below, and the platform comes to a jarring stop.
>"The most sensitive and dangerous of what we do is down here," Kanako says, as she leads you down this new tunnel, "although not all of it regards Utsuho. Hazard materials and equipment that would be dangerous outside a controlled environment."
>The tunnel itself is similar the previous one, although the floor has been reinforced with a metal walkway, and you pass several metal doors set into the wall along your way. It also appears to branch. Kanako takes a right, and then a left. Is it just you, or is it getting hotter in here? You pass a couple kappa as well as an armed tengu on the way. They regard Kanako curiously, although they save their more dubious gazes for you directly. Still, no one says anything.
>Eventually, you reach a large double-door at the end of the corridor, flanked by two tengu. The door itself reads 'Central Reactor', accompanied with several warning insignia. The tengu stand at attention as Kanako approaches.
>"I wish to inspect the reactor," she says. The tengu on the left looks hesitantly to their companion. "I take full responsibility for my companion," Kanako continues. "You need not be concerned over it."
>The other tengu looks ready to protest, but the first bows and inserts a card into a small panel next to her. "Of course, Yasaka-sama," she says as the doors slide open. Kanako steps inside without further comment.
-
> Follow Kanako.
> Examine the room we follow her into.
-
> Follow Kanako.
> Examine the room we follow her into.
>You follow Kanako into a large circular chamber with a very high ceiling. The heat is very obvious here. A metal walkway with a tubular guardrail runs around the perimeter of the room, and you see various consoles and panels to which a few kappa seem busily occupied . The chamber itself is dominated by a massive cylinder of jet black metal in its center, reaching from floor to ceiling. The walkway extends out to it on a single side, and you can a heavy containment door. From near the top of the cylinder extend a a labyrinth of pipes, many of them glowing with heat. Some of them project into the ceiling, while others worm their way in groups towards multiple walls of the room. Some extend through the walls, while a couple connect with some of the consoles and machinery the kappa are attending to. There is a lot of ambient noise, much of it difficult to place.
>Kanako pauses for a moment, before announcing to the room. "I wish to enter the reactor core." Virtually as one, the kappa turn to her, wearing a mixture of expressions ranged from plain surprise to indignation. You notice a few less-than-pleasant glances in your direction as well.
>"You're kidding, right?" one of them says, a serious faced kappa with dark blue hair. "We're not scheduled for another shut down for two weeks. And what's she doing here?" She jerks a thumb at you.
>"Her presence is my concern," Kanako says, "and mine alone. I will be brief, I promise, but please do as I ask."
>The kappa frowns at her for a few moment and then gives an exasperated sigh. "You heard the boss, people!" she calls out. "Let's get those doors open." The rest of the kappa become a great deal more active, moving between switches and calling commands and verifications back and forth to each other. You can hear the release of steam vents, and several noises start to quiet. After a length of time standing around uncomfortably and feeling distinctly out of place, you hear a loud grating noise, and see the large doors on the cylinder start to slide open.
>"Safe to go inside," the kappa says. "Well, as safe as it ever is in there. Just be quick about it."
>Kanako nods and moves towards the doors.
-
>Enter. Steel self.
>Try not to ponder the chance of being disappeared forever.
-
>Enter. Steel self.
>Try not to ponder the chance of being disappeared forever.
>You follow after Kanako, trying to prepare yourself for what's inside.
>You try not to think about the fact that if anything were to happen to you down here, Mokou might never be able to find you. ...not so successfully, it seems.
>You enter a very small square room, with another door on the other side. Kanako presses a few controls by the side of the door, and this too opens. A wave of heat hits you immediately. You really could use a fan, or something...Through this door is what seems like a very small replica of the room outside, with more piping and mechanical devices, and fewer controls, although it does seem that it was intended to be operated by people, perhaps for maintenance. A narrow walkway loops around the cylinder in the middle, and Kanako proceeds along it to a door on the opposite side of the entryway, facing into the center. With a few more button presses, the final door opens and you step inside. It feels stiflingly hot in here.
>You are in a small room, featureless except for a glass and metal cylinder in its center. Countless charms cover the metal surface of the cylinder, and more are found on the walls of the room, with a large shimenawa tied around the cylinder. Inside it, you can see someone slumped on the floor, both arms and legs shackled to long metal chains fixed to the walls. She does not react to your entry.
-
>Frown deeply. Move forward, if it feels safe, and examine the person in the tube.
-
>Frown deeply. Move forward, if it feels safe, and examine the person in the tube.
>You frown. Moving forward feels no less safe than being here at all, at the moment, so you do so. And tube may be too small a thing to call it. It's at least the size of a small bedroom.
>The person on the floor has long black hair, and raven wings. You feel fairly certain this is Utsuho. Her clothing looks a little disheveled, but you can't tell much more about her, since she's curled up on the floor beneath her wings.
-
>Examine the tube for furnishings.
>"Utsuho?"
-
>Examine the tube for furnishings.
>"Utsuho?"
>There do not appear to be any.
>She does not respond.
-
>"Utsuho, can you hear me? I'm here for Orin and Satori."
-
>"Utsuho, can you hear me? I'm here for Orin and Satori."
>It takes a moment, but eventually she raises her head slowly from the ground towards you. Her eyes... look unfocused, almost vacant; her face, expressionless. Then she seems to glimpse Kanako beside you. You see a very slight twitch near her cheekbone and something flashes in her eyes. She turns towards her; her face remains impassive, but her eyes seethe. It is... a disturbing expression to witness.
-
>"Utsuho, don't worry about her. Talk to me. Do you have any concept of how long you've been here? They need to know."
-
>"Utsuho, don't worry about her. Talk to me. Do you have any concept of how long you've been here? They need to know."
>"Who knows," she says, her voice flat and hollow. She does not shift her gaze.
-
>Give Kanako a brief, poisonous look, then back to Utsuho.
>"Tell me what they do to you down here. Utsuho?"
-
>Give Kanako a brief, poisonous look, then back to Utsuho.
>"Tell me what they do to you down here. Utsuho?"
>You throw a glare in Kanako's direction. She appears to take no notice of it.
>"They don't do anything," Utsuho says. "Besides leaving me here."
-
>"Do they feed you? Do you get to wash yourself? Do they even talk to you?"
-
>"Do they feed you? Do you get to wash yourself? Do they even talk to you?"
>She turns back towards you. "Why do you care?"
-
>"Because I want to know everything Kanako has done to you, and everything she's deprived you of. I want to hear it in your own words. I want it to come to an end."
-
>"Because I want to know everything Kanako has done to you, and everything she's deprived you of. I want to hear it in your own words. I want it to come to an end."
>"Don't get ahead of yourself," Kanako says. Utsuho turns her gaze back to her. To say she was glaring would put too much force into her hollow expression. But you feel that if you could touch what smoldered behind those eyes, it would consume you.
>"I don't know that I even care anymore," Utsuho says.
-
>What no.
>Do not look at Kanako, just talk. "...Did I ask you to speak, monster? No I did not. I asked Utsuho to speak."
>"Even if you don't care, Orin does. If you truly want to remain here, then there's nothing I can say. But, I want to be able to tell her your words. What has Kanako done to you?"
-
>What no.
>Do not look at Kanako, just talk. "...Did I ask you to speak, monster? No I did not. I asked Utsuho to speak."
>"Even if you don't care, Orin does. If you truly want to remain here, then there's nothing I can say. But, I want to be able to tell her your words. What has Kanako done to you?"
>You're not about to come down here and let her claim she doesn't care
>"If you say another word like that," Kanako replies, coldly, "you will leave and that will be that. There are limits to the lines even I will allow someone to cross."
>"Is... is she ok?" Utsuho asks.
-
>Do not look at Kanako. "You have no right to speak of lines being crossed, monster."
>Back to Utsuho. "I apologize to for that. Your torturer seems to be upset that you're actually getting treated with something approaching dignity for once."
-
>Do not look at Kanako. "You have no right to speak of lines being crossed, monster."
>Back to Utsuho. "I apologize to for that. Your torturer seems to be upset that you're actually getting treated with something approaching dignity for once."
>"Have you abandoned even the pretense of respect, now?" Kanako says. Suddenly, the air in the room seems much less sweltering. "Bringing you here was an even greater misjudgment than I feared. We will leave. Now."
-
>That's it. That is it.
>Turn to face her.
>"I have abandoned no respect. You have lost it. You lied to me and you've tortured this poor woman for you own perverse amusement. And I will leave when I am damned good and ready."
>If she tries anything that looks like a hostile motion, point a hand at the shimenawa around the tube and prepare to fire our most penetrating danmaku upon it. "Make me. Go ahead. Make me."
-
>"Is it respect you deserve?"
>First Gensokyo Isle, and now this?
>Consider if Violence is the Only Option. (http://a.imageshack.us/img64/6703/touhounitorifromimmorta.png)
-
>That's it. That is it.
>Turn to face her.
>"I have abandoned no respect. You have lost it. You lied to me and you've tortured this poor woman for you own perverse amusement. And I will leave when I am damned good and ready."
>If she tries anything that looks like a hostile motion, point a hand at the shimenawa around the tube and prepare to fire our most penetrating danmaku upon it. "Make me. Go ahead. Make me."
>You decide that you simply cannot bear any more of this.
>You turn to face Kanako.
>The air around you is positively icy now. "I have not tortured her," Kanako replies. "Since our battle, I have not raised a hand to harm her. Nor would I condone anyone else to do so. You are blinded by your preconceptions if you think this is the case."
>"Is it respect you deserve?"
>First Gensokyo Isle, and now this?
>Consider if Violence is the Only Option. (http://a.imageshack.us/img64/6703/touhounitorifromimmorta.png)
>"You are free to disapprove of my actions as you choose," Kanako says. "But you will not insult me repeatedly and then expect me to continue to grant you indulgences."
>What is it about these gods and alternate histories, anyway?
>Hopefully not... As angry as you are, you're still quite certain Kanako could wipe the floor with you without breaking a sweat.
-
>Let the air get icy, she has to be very careful how she attacks if she doesn't want to hurt some of the equipment.
>"How have you not harmed her, you stupid beast!? Look at her! You've deprived her of practically everything! You are torturing her by deprivation! Would you say it wouldn't be harm if Sanae were thrown in there instead? I can see why you wouldn't tell her, now. How could she face the that the being she worships is torturer? It is disgusting that you pretend otherwise! You are disgusting."
-
>Let the air get icy, she has to be very careful how she attacks if she doesn't want to hurt some of the equipment.
>"How have you not harmed her, you stupid beast!? Look at her! You've deprived her of practically everything! You are torturing her by deprivation! Would you say it wouldn't be harm if Sanae were thrown in there instead? I can see why you wouldn't tell her, now. How could she face the that the being she worships is torturer? It is disgusting that you pretend otherwise! You are disgusting."
>At least you hope so, anyway...
>"She had more," Kanako says. "She incinerated it all. Eventually we stopped giving her things for her to destroy."
>"I don't need your pity," Utsuho spits.
-
>Restrain your fury.
>To Utsuho: "No, I think you're gonna need my pity right now. Have you considered your position at all?"
>Let the other voices in your head talk to Kanako.
-
>"Your reaction to someone who is clearly having difficulties it to deprive her of everything? To bury them and murder her in all but name?"
>Spit at Kanako's feet.
>"Tell me why I should not bring a Tengu reporter down here? Tell me why I shouldn't bring all the tengu reporters down here. Tell me why I shouldn't do everything in my power to expose you for the monster you are."
-
>Restrain your fury.
>To Utsuho: "No, I think you're gonna need my pity right now. Have you considered your position at all?"
>Let the other voices in your head talk to Kanako.
>That seems to be getting harder to do....
>Utsuho gives a dead, mirthless chuckle. "What else do you think I do, down here?"
>"Your reaction to someone who is clearly having difficulties it to deprive her of everything? To bury them and murder her in all but name?"
>Spit at Kanako's feet.
>"Tell me why I should not bring a Tengu reporter down here? Tell me why I shouldn't bring all the tengu reporters down here. Tell me why I shouldn't do everything in my power to expose you for the monster you are."
>"I cannot force her to accept the things we offered her," Kanako says. "I was more than charitable, given the circumstances. If she refuses everything, than she has made her own choice to do without."
>Kanako seems remarkably unfazed by your demonstration. You admit a grim satisfaction in doing so, just the same.
>"I cannot stop you from telling who you choose. But all you will accomplish is to sow fear and conflict. If that is truly what you wish, then by all means attend to it. But now, we shall leave."
>You feel a strong wind whip up around you, pushing you towards the exit.
-
>Hand toward the Shimegawa. Ready our most penetrating danmaku.
>"Make me, monster. Give me one more reason to doubt that everything you said was a lie! One more! "
-
>Hand toward the Shimegawa. Ready our most penetrating danmaku.
>"Make me, monster. Give me one more reason to doubt that everything you said was a lie! One more! "
>You place your hand towards the Shimenawa and prepare a blast that you think will have the best chance of breaking through it. However, the wind is rapidly pushing you out of the room, despite your efforts to keep your position.
>Kanako looks at you with an expression of disbelief. "You would seek to unleash as destructive a force as her in the heat of anger?" Her expression hardens. "If your actions bring harm to anyone here, I will not be forgiving."
-
>"Then you had best cease this at once, you idiot beast! Because frankly, you've done nothing but lie to me! The only one in danger here is you!"
>If we are being blown back, move sideways so we hit the wall rather than being blown out the chamber door.
>If she cranks up the wind even a little, make good on the threat.
-
>"Then you had best cease this at once, you idiot beast! Because frankly, you've done nothing but lie to me! The only one in danger here is you!"
>If we are being blown back, move sideways so we hit the wall rather than being blown out the chamber door.
>If she cranks up the wind even a little, make good on the threat.
>"I have not spoken a single lie," Kanako says. "But it's clear you will not believe me, either way. I am done explaining myself."
>You try to move out of line of the door, but the wind seems to shift to push you towards it no matter where you position yourself.
>"Stop it..." you hear Utsuho say weakly.
-
>Hold out ground as best possible. Kneel down to present less area for the wind to catch. Be thankful we left our hat with Rumia.
>Look to Utsuho. "Why?"
-
>Hold out ground as best possible. Kneel down to present less area for the wind to catch. Be thankful we left our hat with Rumia.
>Look to Utsuho. "Why?"
>You do your best to brace against the wind, kneeling down in the process.
>"You want to end up like this?" she says.
-
>"I would say Kanako is no fool, and knows what would happen if she tried. But you're right, we're dealing with Kanako... Needless to say, I wouldn't be here for long."
-
>"I would say Kanako is no fool, and knows what would happen if she tried. But you're right, we're dealing with Kanako... Needless to say, I wouldn't be here for long."
>Utsusho's mouth curls into the faintest hint of a sneer. "What do you honestly think you can do?"
-
>"Let's just say I have friends."
>Take aim.
>"This is your last chance to try and refute that you are a monster, Kanako."
-
>"Let's just say I have friends."
>Take aim.
>"This is your last chance to try and refute that you are a monster, Kanako."
>Utsuho slowly shakes her head.
>You take aim for the shimenawa
>"And how do you propose I do that now?" Kanako says. "You have already made your decision, haven't? Your decided before you'd heard her say a word. I think you decided before you'd even spoken with me."
-
>"We don't all think like monsters. Some of us can change our minds, rather than blindly following their prejudices and burying anything that denies them. It would be hilarious you are practically everything you accused Utsuho of being, were you not torturing her for your own sick pleasures. At least a Lunarian could be honest about their selfishness!"
>Does she give any hint of stopping after this?
>If not, fire on the Shimenawa.
-
>"We don't all think like monsters. Some of us can change our minds, rather than blindly following their prejudices and burying anything that denies them. It would be hilarious you are practically everything you accused Utsuho of being, were you not torturing her for your own sick pleasures. At least a Lunarian could be honest about their selfishness!"
>Does she give any hint of stopping after this?
>If not, fire on the Shimenawa.
>The wind slacks for a moment.
>"In what way am I like her?" Kanako says. "I have never tried to destroy for the sake of it. I strive to build, to protect. I have never tortured another living soul. But you simply refuse to listen."
-
>"Look at her, you stupid fucking monster! Listen to her! Tell me she isn't hurt by the isolation, by the deprivation! Try and tell me that! You wove the entire situation she's in! How is this not torture? How is this not destroying a person! You want to know what the difference is? I will tell you the difference between you two. You succeeded. Utsuho failed to harm the surface. You have most certainly succeeded in harming her! Do you not believe me? Show this to Sanae, let's see what she thinks!"
-
>"Look at her, you stupid fucking monster! Listen to her! Tell me she isn't hurt by the isolation, by the deprivation! Try and tell me that! You wove the entire situation she's in! How is this not torture? How is this not destroying a person! You want to know what the difference is? I will tell you the difference between you two. You succeeded. Utsuho failed to harm the surface. You have most certainly succeeded in harming her! Do you not believe me? Show this to Sanae, let's see what she thinks!"
>"If she had not chosen to be so destructive, she would not be in the position she is now. She chose that, not I. I did not set out with intent to harm, while she did. You are carefully selecting which facts you embrace and which you ignore, Keine."
>"Moreover, if the cost of safeguarding the hundreds of people who look to me for protection is to harm one other, I will regretfully make that choice every time."
-
>"I'm selecting facts? You blind idiot! Look at her! Fucking look at her! Look at what you've done to her! You are torturing her! Are you trying to deny that isolation is torture? Are you pretending deprivation is torture? Then let's do it to Sanae! It'll be perfectly fine, right? It's not hurting her! Toss her in the tube for a week, pretend like she doesn't exist! Let's send you back to the outside world and deprive you of faith! It's not torture, right? How does anything Utsuho did, or rather failed to do, Butcher of Suwa, changes these facts? How are these facts any different! Why are you so hellbent on torturing her?"
-
>"I'm selecting facts? You blind idiot! Look at her! Fucking look at her! Look at what you've done to her! You are torturing her! Are you trying to deny that isolation is torture? Are you pretending deprivation is torture? Then let's do it to Sanae! It'll be perfectly fine, right? It's not hurting her! Toss her in the tube for a week, pretend like she doesn't exist! Let's send you back to the outside world and deprive you of faith! It's not torture, right? How does anything Utsuho did, or rather failed to do, Butcher of Suwa, changes these facts? How are these facts any different! Why are you so hellbent on torturing her?"
>"I am hellbent on nothing of the sort," Kanako says. "I would wish her a kinder fate, but she is too dangerous to roam free. You may see this as unjust, but it is also necessary."
-
>"It is not necessary to deprive her of all contact! It is not necessary to leave her with nothing to do but spiral into madness! It is not necessary to confine her for her whole life. For someone who isn't hellbent, you sure are ever so happy to do it! You've killed more people than she has, Butcher of Suwa! Why do you get to roam free? What gives you the right to pass judgment on her? If anything, you'd be lucky that the Enma wouldn't label you an accomplice, given your history! "
-
>"The empty cell is her own doing," Kanako says. "You cannot force someone to accept even small kindnesses. And it matters not simply the number of people who have died, but the reasons. A person can kill a hundred and be a hero, or kill one and be a monster." She shakes her head. "I do not know why I continue to indulge you. Perhaps I am hoping for some glimmer of understand to piece your righteous hatred. I had thought you concerned, yet misguided, but you've proven yourself far worse than that. I am a very patient person, but I cannot condone such behavior."
-
>"Oh, the torturer and murderer can't condone my behavior? I can't think of a better indication I'm doing something right! And it's okay if you kill them for the right reasons? What self-serving bullshit! You're just trying to evade your own guilt again! The Suwa War was a war of conquest. There's a reason the Suwa were called the Native Gods. Because you weren't! You invaded them and you conquered them! Don't try to feed me some history written by the winners garbage, monster."
>Look to Utsuho: "Now, let's try to get back to business. Tell me how they treat you here."
-
>"Oh, the torturer and murderer can't condone my behavior? I can't think of a better indication I'm doing something right! And it's okay if you kill them for the right reasons? What self-serving bullshit! You're just trying to evade your own guilt again! The Suwa War was a war of conquest. There's a reason the Suwa were called the Native Gods. Because you weren't! You invaded them and you conquered them! Don't try to feed me some history written by the winners garbage, monster."
>Look to Utsuho: "Now, let's try to get back to business. Tell me how they treat you here."
>"So, were you in my place," Kanako says, "you would allow death and destruction at a whim, because it would be too cruel to stop the perpetrators of this? I am glad that you have never had the chance, in that case."
>Utsuho raises her head towards you. "They don't. 'At least they don't, anymore."
-
>"Because the only solution to doing something wrong is to invade there homelands and conquer them, or hide them underground and torture them for one's perverted pleasure. Right. No wonder a monster like you fell out of favor outside."
>"What did they used to do, Utsuho?"
-
>"Because the only solution to doing something wrong is to invade there homelands and conquer them, or hide them underground and torture them for one's perverted pleasure. Right. No wonder a monster like you fell out of favor outside."
>"What did they used to do, Utsuho?"
>Kanako simply shakes her head. "Perhaps you really have nothing in common with our Keine, after all."
>"They kept me here," Utsuho says. "Outside of that, I don't even care."
-
>"From everything I've heard, the Keine you know would have broken all this several minutes ago. You should be thrilled I am willing to indulge a monster in hopes she'll have a glimmer of self awareness."
>Back to Utsuho. "Perhaps you don't care. But Orin and Satori do. They want to know everything that's happened to you. As do I, as I hope I've demonstrated."
-
>"From everything I've heard, the Keine you know would have broken all this several minutes ago. You should be thrilled I am willing to indulge a monster in hopes she'll have a glimmer of self awareness."
>Back to Utsuho. "Perhaps you don't care. But Orin and Satori do. They want to know everything that's happened to you. As do I, as I hope I've demonstrated."
>"Then perhaps," Kanako says, "you understand her as poorly as you understand me."
>Utsuho is silent for a moment. You think you detect a glimmer of emotion in her for a moment. "Tell them... tell that no one has mistreated me, and that they can stop worrying about me."
-
>"Well, it's not as though people mean anything but cattle to a monster like you, anyway."
>Is Utsuho still on the floor? If so, kneel by her. "Satori would see through that pretty quickly, I think. Hopefully before Orin turns all her spellcards on me for such an obvious deception. Did you know Orin came up here before? She tried to visit you. The false deity turned her away, of course."
-
>"Well, it's not as though people mean anything but cattle to a monster like you, anyway."
>Is Utsuho still on the floor? If so, kneel by her. "Satori would see through that pretty quickly, I think. Hopefully before Orin turns all her spellcards on me for such an obvious deception. Did you know Orin came up here before? She tried to visit you. The false deity turned her away, of course."
>"Feel free to ask any villager if they feel I have used them," Kanako says. "I have given much, and asked little. I'm sure nearly anyone would tell you the same thing."
>Utsuho hasn't bothered to move anything more than her head since you arrived. You kneel down by her. "...did she? Suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I'm sorry I don't have a better story for them."
-
>"So the farmer says about her chickens. But the second one steps out of line..."
>Give Utsuho a concerned look. "The truth will do. This isn't anything like decent treatment."
-
>"So the farmer says about her chickens. But the second one steps out of line..."
>Give Utsuho a concerned look. "The truth will do. This isn't anything like decent treatment."
>"I do not harm others simply because they disagree with me," Kanako says. "The fact that I have not harmed you yet despite all the hateful things you have said should be proof enough of that."
>Utsuho stares into you. "There's nothing to tell," she says. "They brought me here, I tried to kill them, they left me be. Now... I don't think I'd even care if they tried to kill me. We could die together."
-
>"I'm sure all the followers of the Suwa who died take comfort in that."
>"Utsuho...that's a terrible thing to feel. But, I think it's pretty indicative of how you're treated, or not treated. Do you have any idea how often they feed you? Or used to feed you if that is the case?"
-
>"I'm sure all the followers of the Suwa who died take comfort in that."
>"Utsuho...that's a terrible thing to feel. But, I think it's pretty indicative of how you're treated, or not treated. Do you have any idea how often they feed you? Or used to feed you if that is the case?"
>"You could say as much about the other side," Kanako says. "The use of force in wartime is different than silencing dissent during peace."
>"I haven't gone hungry unless I wanted to," Utsuho says.
-
>"Of course, it's war! That forgives murder. Even the Buddha agrees, I'm sure."
>"That's good, at least. How often have you wanted to?"
-
>"Of course, it's war! That forgives murder. Even the Buddha agrees, I'm sure."
>"That's good, at least. How often have you wanted to?"
>"Would you let people you cared about die because you refused to kill?" Kanako says. "Would they think that was alright? War often forces these choices."
>"Sometimes," Utsuho says, her tone neutral, almost disinterested.
-
>"Says the invader. What convenient reasoning, you invade their land then say it's their fault. ...This sounds familiar, don't you think?"
>"Why do you do that to yourself, Utsuho?"
-
>"Says the invader. What convenient reasoning, you invade their land then say it's their fault. ...This sounds familiar, don't you think?"
>"Why do you do that to yourself, Utsuho?"
>"Wars are rarely as one-sided as that," Kanako says. "You of all people should realize this."
>Utusho shifts her shoulders in something resembling a shrug. "Didn't feel like bothering."
-
>"I'm sure that made the victims and the innocents caught in between feel so much better."
>Nod to Utsuho. "I apologize if this is a tender subject, but...do you still have dreams when you sleep?"
-
>"I'm sure that made the victims and the innocents caught in between feel so much better."
>Nod to Utsuho. "I apologize if this is a tender subject, but...do you still have dreams when you sleep?"
>"I do what I can," Kanako says. "If you think it possible to rule for millenia without any harm coming to friends or enemies then I wish I could inhabit this world."
>"W- what kind of question is that?" Utushuo says, looking at you oddly.
-
>"I think I can go through life without putting people to the sword. Coincidentally enough, people have done it all throughout history. But please, continue to do everything possible to avoid even the briefest moment of self-reflection."
>"It's a logical one, Utsuho. It seems that would be all you have left. You do still dream?"
-
>"I think I can go through life without putting people to the sword. Coincidentally enough, people have done it all throughout history. But please, continue to do everything possible to avoid even the briefest moment of self-reflection."
>"It's a logical one, Utsuho. It seems that would be all you have left. You do still dream?"
>Kanako simply shakes her head, a pitying expression on her face.
>Utsuho shrugs. "Sometimes, maybe."
-
>Pay Kanako no more mind.
>"Maybe?"
-
>Pay Kanako no more mind.
>"Maybe?"
>You decide to ignore Kanako. For the time being, it seems that feeling is mutual.
>"It's a pretty strange thing for you to care about," Utsuho says.
-
>"When it's all you have, there isn't much else to inquire about."
-
>"When it's all you have, there isn't much else to inquire about."
>Utsuho looks up at you again. "What do you want from me?"
-
>"I'm trying to estimate just how badly you've been affected by all this, in better words than really badly. So please, just answer my questions."
-
>"I'm trying to estimate just how badly you've been affected by all this, in better words than really badly. So please, just answer my questions."
>"Asking me if I dream is a pretty strange way to go about it," she says. "Sure, from time to time, like anyone else. Happy?"
-
>"What about? And, if you have any way to measure it, how often?"
-
>"What about? And, if you have any way to measure it, how often?"
>"Just stuff," Utsuho replies, looking back down again. "If you want to psychoanalyze, go find someone else."
-
>"Does it really seem so strange that someone would care about you?"
-
>"Does it really seem so strange that someone would care about you?"
>"Maybe," she says. "But I still don't see what dreaming has to do with anything."
-
>"Because you've been isolated for a long time, Utsuho. Months, at least. Perhaps longer. I've met, very recently, a youkai who endured seven years worth of isolation in a house, having a small yard to roam about in. To a large degree, she had difficulty telling fantasy from reality. While you've not been isolated for quite so long, your own case is much more severe. That is why I am asking you about dreams, it's about the only thing you have left."
-
>"Because you've been isolated for a long time, Utsuho. Months, at least. Perhaps longer. I've met, very recently, a youkai who endured seven years worth of isolation in a house, having a small yard to roam about in. To a large degree, she had difficulty telling fantasy from reality. While you've not been isolated for quite so long, your own case is much more severe. That is why I am asking you about dreams, it's about the only thing you have left."
>"Still got hate," Utsuho says, turning towards Kanako. She holds her stare for a moment, then lets her head drop again. "Or at least what's left of it. There's nothing I want from them. Or anyone else."
-
>"You wouldn't want to hear Satori call your name again? Or see palace of the earth spirits again? Do you really not wish to be free anymore?"
-
>"You wouldn't want to hear Satori call your name again? Or see palace of the earth spirits again? Do you really not wish to be free anymore?"
>Utsuho is silent for a moment. "I... don't know."
-
>"What do you do, when you're awake?"
-
>"What do you do, when you're awake?"
>"Pretty much this," she says.
-
>"Pretty much this," she says.
>"I imagined. But, do you think about things? Does your mind just go blank? Do you see things that aren't there?"
-
>"I imagined. But, do you think about things? Does your mind just go blank? Do you see things that aren't there?"
>"Blank's better," she says. "Nothing worth thinking about anyway."
-
>Nod.
>"How often does it happen?"
-
>Nod.
>"How often does it happen?"
>"How often does what?" Utsuho shrugs. "Probably the same answer, anyway. Who knows?"
-
>I think I could've negotiated Utsuho's release better.
>"Why is it that you don't care about anything anymore?"
-
>I think I could've negotiated Utsuho's release better.
>"Why is it that you don't care about anything anymore?"
>"Because there's no point, is there?" she replies.
-
>"Utsuho, tell me why you tried to burn everything, please?"
-
>"What is wrong with you? Why don't you think there's no point to life anymore?"
>Inspect Kanako, but not too obviously.
-
>"Utsuho, tell me why you tried to burn everything, please?"
>"Because I could," she says. "Because I didn't think anyone could stop me. Because that's what this power was meant to do."
>"What is wrong with you? Why don't you think there's no point to life anymore?"
>Inspect Kanako, but not too obviously.
>"And what point do you think there is when this is all I'll ever have?"
>You spare a glance in Kanako's direction. While looking distinctly displeased, she is standing with her arms folded in silence.
-
>"Do you still think it is meant for that?"
-
>"Do you still think it is meant for that?"
>"Well, it's not what she meant me for, anyway." Utsuho practically spits the word out. "But it's all I know how to do."
-
>"Perhaps it means little now, but you could have used it to maintain Blazing Hell."
-
>"Perhaps it means little now, but you could have used it to maintain Blazing Hell."
>"I did," she says. "Or I tried to. Still probably would, if I could. But you can't say that doesn't count as burning stuff. The name's not just for show."
-
>Nod.
>"I doubt you need any lectures, then. I wonder though, did you ever consider the people who live up here when you made that plan?"
-
>Nod.
>"I doubt you need any lectures, then. I wonder though, did you ever consider the people who live up here when you made that plan?"
>Utsuho is silent for a moment. "And why should I care about them?"
-
>"Why shouldn't you?"
-
>"Why shouldn't you?"
>"Because they hate us," she says, no sign of resentment in her voice, despite her words. "They hate all of us. That's why they cast us down there."
-
>"That may have been true long in the past. But, when you arrived, people had completely forgotten there was an Underground to begin with. It's why the oni went there, people had forgotten about it. I don't think anyone hates underground dwellers simply for being there."
-
>"That may have been true long in the past. But, when you arrived, people had completely forgotten there was an Underground to begin with. It's why the oni went there, people had forgotten about it. I don't think anyone hates underground dwellers simply for being there."
>Utsuho jerks her head in Kanako's direction. "Why don't you try telling that to her?"
-
>"Like she has an idea what Gensokyo is like. She's only been here a couple years. But if you need proof, Orin came up here and she was fine."
>_
-
>"Like she has an idea what Gensokyo is like. She's only been here a couple years. But if you need proof, Orin came up here and she was fine."
>"Orin's good at not being found." Utsuho pauses and shifts over onto her back. "So, say they don't. So what? What does it change?"
-
>"Well, it could change your assumption that we all hate you. Which, given how your tormentor is completely incapable of self reflection, is a thing you should cherish as a definite sign you're better than she is. To be honest, if most people knew what had happened to you, they would be at least somewhat outraged. And that is with the reputation you've gained from her version of events."
-
>"Well, it could change your assumption that we all hate you. Which, given how your tormentor is completely incapable of self reflection, is a thing you should cherish as a definite sign you're better than she is. To be honest, if most people knew what had happened to you, they would be at least somewhat outraged. And that is with the reputation you've gained from her version of events."
>"I don't want their pity," she says. "Not theirs, not her's." She turns and scowls at you. "Not even yours."
-
>"Why not?"
-
>"Why not?"
>Utsuho looks away and is silent.
-
>"Even if I left and never spared you another thought, you would still be prominent in Satori and Orin's hearts. Whatever mistakes you may have made, whatever has been done to you, that won't change."
-
>"Even if I left and never spared you another thought, you would still be prominent in Satori and Orin's hearts. Whatever mistakes you may have made, whatever has been done to you, that won't change."
>"If... if you see them again... tell them I'm sorry."
-
>"I shall make a special trip to do so. But, in the meantime, I want you to promise me something. Alright?"
-
>"I shall make a special trip to do so. But, in the meantime, I want you to promise me something. Alright?"
>She rolls over again. "Promise you what?"
-
>"Don't give up, for their sakes if not for your own.The world would forgive you."
-
>"Don't give up, for their sakes if not for your own.The world would forgive you."
>Utsuho closes her eyes. "It's not worth it, anymore."
-
>"Would you say the same thing if I had cut that shimenawa?"
-
>"Would you say the same thing if I had cut that shimenawa?"
>Utsuho shakes her head. "Wouldn't have mattered. You think that's the only thing keeping me in here?"
-
>"Perhaps not. But let's say it was so? Would you really have just languished in there?"
-
>"Perhaps not. But let's say it was so? Would you really have just languished in there?"
>"I... don't know what I would do."
-
>Nod.
>"All I can say, Utsuho, is there is one thing you can hold close to your heart. Whatever mistakes you've made in the past, you are, at this moment, a better person than your tormentor can aspire to be. This may mean nothing to you now, but in the future it will. Hold fiercely to that, and do all you can to maintain it."
-
>Nod.
>"All I can say, Utsuho, is there is one thing you can hold close to your heart. Whatever mistakes you've made in the past, you are, at this moment, a better person than your tormentor can aspire to be. This may mean nothing to you now, but in the future it will. Hold fiercely to that, and do all you can to maintain it."
>"I... don't really understand," she says. "Why does it matter to you?"
-
>"Because this isn't right. Whatever you may have done in the past, this is not the correct way to punish it; what has this done to show you the error of your ways? All it's done, I would wager, is deepen your resentment toward your tormentor and drive you to the brink of madness. That you've held on as strongly as you have, frankly, amazes me. So what does it matter to me? It's wrong, and you're suffering for it."
-
>"Because this isn't right. Whatever you may have done in the past, this is not the correct way to punish it; what has this done to show you the error of your ways? All it's done, I would wager, is deepen your resentment toward your tormentor and drive you to the brink of madness. That you've held on as strongly as you have, frankly, amazes me. So what does it matter to me? It's wrong, and you're suffering for it."
>"She's not wrong, though, you know," Utsuho says calmly. "If they let me out, I might just turn this place into slag. And them along with it."
-
>"Perhaps. But, I think you're also wise enough to understand there's no point to it. It would just make you into something like her. There's better uses for that power. You could well use it to be loved by the underground and the surface alike."
-
>"Perhaps. But, I think you're also wise enough to understand there's no point to it. It would just make you into something like her. There's better uses for that power. You could well use it to be loved by the underground and the surface alike."
>Utsuho snickers darkly then keeps going until it slowly turns into full-blown laughter; harsh, bitter, and humorless. "I don't know what world you think you're living in," she says when she finally stops.
-
>"Gensokyo. Are you saying that the oni would not be happy to have Blazing Hell stoked and lively again? Because they are most certainly not happy with the underground being cold as it is. Are you saying the people up here wouldn't be happy with power you could provide? I assure you that they would be."
-
>"Gensokyo. Are you saying that the oni would not be happy to have Blazing Hell stoked and lively again? Because they are most certainly not happy with the underground being cold as it is. Are you saying the people up here wouldn't be happy with power you could provide? I assure you that they would be."
>"Just because I'm useful to someone doesn't mean they care about me," she says. "If they could rip the power out of my chest and run their machines on it, I'm sure they'd have done it. If they didn't need me, they'd have let me die."
-
>"I doubt it. It's pretty obvious the monster thrives upon this. But if she didn't, she'd probably rip it out and give it to another. I can say this, much, though. I doubt many of the people here would want you to be killed if you could be depowered."
-
>"I doubt it. It's pretty obvious the monster thrives upon this. But if she didn't, she'd probably rip it out and give it to another. I can say this, much, though. I doubt many of the people here would want you to be killed if you could be depowered."
>"And despite what you think," Kanako says, breaking her silence at last, "I would number among them. If I could have, it would have been done long ago. And even so, she would have long since been free to go, did she not demonstrate her violent nature time and time again."
-
>"Transparent liars aside, you'll find the people here are willing to forgive and forget a lot of things. Especially when you didn't succeed to begin with. Look at the Scarlet Devil, for instance. No one really remembers or cares when she tried to block out the sun and trap the world in eternal night."
-
>"Transparent liars aside, you'll find the people here are willing to forgive and forget a lot of things. Especially when you didn't succeed to begin with. Look at the Scarlet Devil, for instance. No one really remembers or cares when she tried to block out the sun and trap the world in eternal night."
>"I don't want their forgiveness," Utsuho says. "And I might just do it again, anyway."
-
>"And how would you face Satori, afterward?"
-
>"And how would you face Satori, afterward?"
>Utsuho does not respond.
-
>"You can't say that then run from this question, Utsuho. What would Satori say if you did that? What would Orin say?"
-
>"You can't say that then run from this question, Utsuho. What would Satori say if you did that? What would Orin say?"
>Utsuho remains silent for a while. "...what do you think they'd say," she eventually speaks, so quiet as to be almost inaudible.
-
>"I don't know if they'd be able to say anything to you, Utsuho. But I know they'd be heartbroken. Orin, especially, had faith in you. She never gave up on you."
-
>"I don't know if they'd be able to say anything to you, Utsuho. But I know they'd be heartbroken. Orin, especially, had faith in you. She never gave up on you."
>Utsuho shakes her head slowly. "Don't know why..." she says. Is that... a tear you see, forming in her eye?
-
>"It's because they love you. Even now. That's how it works."
-
>"It's because they love you. Even now. That's how it works."
>"Don't think I deserve it anymore," she says. "But... tell them I love them. Ok?"
-
>"Everyone deserves it for being there. And, I will. Don't forget what I've told you. This will be resolved, one way or another. You will not be buried down here forever."
-
>"Everyone deserves it for being there. And, I will. Don't forget what I've told you. This will be resolved, one way or another. You will not be buried down here forever."
>Utsuho snorts derisively. "Not holding my breath. But do what you want."
-
>"I would prefer that you just keep breathing. I have a few ideas I can employ."
-
>"I would prefer that you just keep breathing. I have a few ideas I can employ."
>"Have you forgotten I'm even here?" Kanako says. "Or do you hold me in such utter contempt that it is not worth even veiling your intentions?"
-
>"The only one of my plans you factor into is the one where you realize the concept of remorse, understand what a monster you've been, and work to undo the harm you've done. Have you?"
-
>"The only one of my plans you factor into is the one where you realize the concept of remorse, understand what a monster you've been, and work to undo the harm you've done. Have you?"
>"Did she not say herself," Kanako says, "no more than a few moments ago that she would turn this whole facility and everyone in it to slag were I to let her go?"
-
>"Is selective hearing a divine trait? I wonder if the Aki Sisters are nearly this bad. I can't imagine it."
>Shrug.
>"Utsuho, I'll have to take a more drastic route, it seems. I hope to see you soon. Remember everything I said. You are better than her, and hopefully you will be able to prove it soon. And, you'll be able to tell Satori and Orin everything yourself."
>Stand up.
-
>"Is selective hearing a divine trait? I wonder if the Aki Sisters are nearly this bad. I can't imagine it."
>Shrug.
>"Utsuho, I'll have to take a more drastic route, it seems. I hope to see you soon. Remember everything I said. You are better than her, and hopefully you will be able to prove it soon. And, you'll be able to tell Satori and Orin everything yourself."
>Stand up.
>Kanako stares at you, but says nothing.
>"Just get back to your life, while you have one," Utsuho says, and puts her head back on the ground
>You stand up.
>"I do not believe I have ever dealt with someone as flagrant as you," Kanako says. "Conspiring with a prisoner about forcing her release while her jailer stands next to you. No matter. Despite a staggering number of reasons not to, I have kept my end of the bargain. Now you will leave, and if you attempt to return here on some fool's endeavor to release her, know that I will not be so lenient. The full consequence of your actions will be upon your own head. This is the only warning I will give you."
-
>Oh this will be sweet.
>"It's hilarious you call me flagrant, when I all do is tell you the undisguised truth. Then again, I suppose I can't be expected to understand someone with a torture fetish. And frankly, foreigner, I will go wherever the hell I like in my land. If I decide to come back and visit your victim, you will damn well sit there and like it while thanking your lucky stars I don't burn you damn shrine down for polluting my home with your warmonging "us or them", self-serving, self-deceiving idiocy. Simply put, the Scarlet Devil is more worthy of the mantle of divinity than you. At least she has genuine class. You may lead me out."
-
>Oh this will be sweet.
>"It's hilarious you call me flagrant, when I all do is tell you the undisguised truth. Then again, I suppose I can't be expected to understand someone with a torture fetish. And frankly, foreigner, I will go wherever the hell I like in my land. If I decide to come back and visit your victim, you will damn well sit there and like it while thanking your lucky stars I don't burn you damn shrine down for polluting my home with your warmonging "us or them", self-serving, self-deceiving idiocy. Simply put, the Scarlet Devil is more worthy of the mantle of divinity than you. At least she has genuine class. You may lead me out."
>You decide you just can't pass down another good opportunity for cutting remarks
>"I think now," Kanako says, "that you may harbor even more hate than this one. She at least had no pretense of acting in the name of righteousness. Your threats are unbecoming and futile, and if you think that anyone here would allow you to burn my shrine, then you truly understand nothing about this community and what we have built here, together." She looks to the door. "I believe you know the way out."
-
>"Threats? These are warnings, monster. Hate? It is only disgust at you two-faced pretenses of goodness. It would be hilarious tragic, really, it wasn't for the fact you're torturing actual people to fuel you perversions. I wish I knew what happened to the real Kanako, because you are most certainly not her. I will weep for Sanae when she learns what you really are."
>Exit.
-
>"Threats? These are warnings, monster. Hate? It is only disgust at you two-faced pretenses of goodness. It would be hilarious tragic, really, it wasn't for the fact you're torturing actual people to fuel you perversions. I wish I knew what happened to the real Kanako, because you are most certainly not her. I will weep for Sanae when she learns what you really are."
>Exit.
>Kanako maintains her stare on you as you leave the room, and then follows behind you. You circle through the inner layers of the reactor core and emerge in the main reactor room.
>"You may resume operations," Kanako says to the kappa in charge. "We are done, here."
>"You heard her," the kappa calls out. "Get it running!" Several of the kappa get to work, presumably undoing whatever they did to allow you entrance in the first place.
-
>"Don't make too many plans, I'll be back in a few hours, maybe by nightfall."
>Exit.
-
>"Don't make too many plans, I'll be back in a few hours, maybe by nightfall."
>Exit.
>The head kappa gives you a strange look, then turns to Kanako. You stride out of the room before you can see her reaction, moving past the large double-doors and their guards. Kanako soon falls in next to you again, however. You travel the rest of the way out of the facility in silence until you reach the elevator. When you step onboard, Kanako turns to you.
>"So, you are absolutely intent on breeching this facility to perform your idea of a heroic rescue?"
-
>"When did I say that? Not everyone is a monster. But, for the sake of argument, let's assume I have no other options. Then yes, I would. Fortunately, I shouldn't have to. You really need to reconsider this, right now."
-
>"When did I say that? Not everyone is a monster. But, for the sake of argument, let's assume I have no other options. Then yes, I would. Fortunately, I shouldn't have to. You really need to reconsider this, right now."
>"The line of reasoning supporting my actions has not changed," Kanako says. "Utsuho is a grave danger to everyone around us. She has said as much, even today, and has proven it with her actions. The only way to ensure the safety of everyone else is to keep her imprisoned. You say that I torture her with neglect, but she has rejected every comfort we sought to offer her. If she would choose isolation over everything but freedom, I cannot force her to change. Thus, my only choices are to leave her as she is, or to sign the deaths of who knows how many innocent people just so that she might be happier. Among these, the choice is clear."
-
>"Selective hearing and selective vision..."
>Shake head.
>"I would feel very bad for you, were you truly Kanako. But you are not. Your unwillingness to even begin to doubt your own righteousness is sickening. It makes me wish I were a shrine maiden, so I could exorcise you. But, I'll just have to use other avenues to humiliate you into self reflection and expose you to all the monster that you are."
-
>"Selective hearing and selective vision..."
>Shake head.
>"I would feel very bad for you, were you truly Kanako. But you are not. Your unwillingness to even begin to doubt your own righteousness is sickening. It makes me wish I were a shrine maiden, so I could exorcise you. But, I'll just have to use other avenues to humiliate you into self reflection and expose you to all the monster that you are."
>"It is not about righteousness," Kanako says. "It is about necessity. But I will waste no more breath on you. I warn you though, if you harm a single soul here on your crusade against me, I will respond tenfold. Their safety means far more than my good image."
-
>"So you'll hurt me and nine unrelated people? That would be par for the course of a warlord, wouldn't it? And it's not even about necessity. Utsuho wasn't a good little follower, and you torture her to get your jollies. Simple as that. Your whole world is nothing more us and them, anything bad is clearly the work of them, who are vile and evil and hateful and must be stomped until they kneel. And, coincidentially, because They are perfectly evil you must be the opposite, and thus never ever have to question or doubt anything you've done. What a neat little delusion you live in."
-
>"So you'll hurt me and nine unrelated people? That would be par for the course of a warlord, wouldn't it? And it's not even about necessity. Utsuho wasn't a good little follower, and you torture her to get your jollies. Simple as that. Your whole world is nothing more us and them, anything bad is clearly the work of them, who are vile and evil and hateful and must be stomped until they kneel. And, coincidentially, because They are perfectly evil you must be the opposite, and thus never ever have to question or doubt anything you've done. What a neat little delusion you live in."
>"And you accuse me of selective understanding," Kanako says. "I will harm no one who is not involved. I use force only as a tool of the utmost necessity. But I think we have talked far too long already."
>The rest of the trip passes in silence again and you eventually reach the outside. Kanako turns to you once more.
>"Do what you feel you must," she says. "And so will I." And with that, she takes to the air and returns in the direction of the shrine.
-
>Return to Mokou and Ran.
>"Well, Mokou, Orin was wrong in what she said about Kanako. But only in that she didn't say "very" enough at the front of all her blunt statements. I intend to bring it to an end."
-
>Return to Mokou and Ran.
>"Well, Mokou, Orin was wrong in what she said about Kanako. But only in that she didn't say "very" enough at the front of all her blunt statements. I intend to bring it to an end."
>You return to the shrine, lagging notably behind Kanako; presumably airspeed is part of the whole wind god package.
>You find Mokou slumped against a torii by the outskirts of the temple, looking idle. Ran is nowhere to be seen at the moment.
>"Huh," Mokou says. "Is it that bad? And, uh, what're you planning to do?"
-
>"We're going over her head. In particular, we're going to the Sanzu River. If she wishes to act like she is justice, then we shall show her justice."
-
>"We're going over her head. In particular, we're going to the Sanzu River. If she wishes to act like she is justice, then we shall show her justice."
>"You're... what?!" Mokou's eyes bulge. "You can't be serious."
-
>"It is as simple as that. If she wishes to entrap people, then torture them via isolation for her own sick desires, I see no reason not to let it be known to the Enma, do you?"
>"I suppose the other plan is we break in there, break her out, and you pretend she's Kaguya with worse hair. But, that would just feed into her self righteousness. No. I want her torn down in a way she cannot refute. Legally."
-
>"It is as simple as that. If she wishes to entrap people, then torture them via isolation for her own sick desires, I see no reason not to let it be known to the Enma, do you?"
>"I suppose the other plan is we break in there, break her out, and you pretend she's Kaguya with worse hair. But, that would just feed into her self righteousness. No. I want her torn down in a way she cannot refute. Legally."
>"That's..." Mokou fumbles. "Has anyone ever even tried that? Do you'll even be able to speak to her? Without, uh, the whole being dead thing?"
>Mokou frowns. "I dunno... The vibe I got off her when you walked out. I don't know I'd want to have to fight her."
-
>"I don't want to fight her, either. It would merely feed her whole self righteous, "I am perfectly good never mind the torture" mindset. As satisfying as it would be to slap her, it would only make her worse. And, I don't know if anyone has done this. But it's certainly the best route. Should a god act up, report her to the Celestial Bureaucracy. Hopefully, the fact that Utsuho is being put into passive torment as we speak will help move things along."
>Recall route to the Sanzu River.
-
>"I don't want to fight her, either. It would merely feed her whole self righteous, "I am perfectly good never mind the torture" mindset. As satisfying as it would be to slap her, it would only make her worse. And, I don't know if anyone has done this. But it's certainly the best route. Should a god act up, report her to the Celestial Bureaucracy. Hopefully, the fact that Utsuho is being put into passive torment as we speak will help move things along."
>Recall route to the Sanzu River.
>"She really torturing that girl?" Mokou says, frowning. "She didn't seem the type."
>The Sanzu River can be found along the southern edge of Gensokyo, some ways to the east of the Garden of the Sun
-
>"By isolating her from everyone and everything. Did Ran tell you about what happened to her in that rift? Imagine that, in a glass tube. To be honest, I am amazed Utsuho hasn't given in to hallucinations fully by the point. I know she's fairly close to developing other serious problems."
>Start out that way.
>"This said, if the Enma doesn't help, I fully intend to solve this via invasion."
-
>"By isolating her from everyone and everything. Did Ran tell you about what happened to her in that rift? Imagine that, in a glass tube. To be honest, I am amazed Utsuho hasn't given in to hallucinations fully by the point. I know she's fairly close to developing other serious problems."
>Start out that way.
>"This said, if the Enma doesn't help, I fully intend to solve this via invasion."
>"A glass tube!? Who the hell's idea was that? And, uh, what kinds of other problems?"
>You take off and head towards the Sanzu River. "We just leaving Ran here?" Mokou asks, following along with you.
>"You're...." Mokou sighs. "I don't even know what you are. I already feel like I can barely keep up. I think you might be biting off more than you can chew this time, though."
-
>I thought Ran was there too. Go get her before we leave. And make sure she heard all the rest of it.
>"She's a monster, Mokou. She's lied to these people about what she's done, she's torturing Utsuho. She's even deceiving her own priestess about it. I refuse to stand by and let this happen. I am not going to have the people my counterpart worked so hard to protect be used by this monster. If I am biting off more than I can chew, then I'll just have to cut it and take small bites until it's done...alright that didn't make much sense but neither did the metaphor. I know in my heart the Enma will rule against her, and I cannot imagine she can ignore this kind of situation."
-
>I thought Ran was there too. Go get her before we leave. And make sure she heard all the rest of it.
>"She's a monster, Mokou. She's lied to these people about what she's done, she's torturing Utsuho. She's even deceiving her own priestess about it. I refuse to stand by and let this happen. I am not going to have the people my counterpart worked so hard to protect be used by this monster. If I am biting off more than I can chew, then I'll just have to cut it and take small bites until it's done...alright that didn't make much sense but neither did the metaphor. I know in my heart the Enma will rule against her, and I cannot imagine she can ignore this kind of situation."
>You curse your lack of attentiveness, and go to fetch Ran. But then you realize that you still can't see her around.
>"I still don't get it," Mokou says. "What's she torturing her for? She just pissed off at what she tried to do?"
>"She went to have a look around the kappa village," Mokou offers, noting your searching. "Wanted to have a look at some of the projects Sanae was talking to her about."
-
>"Your unwillingness to even begin to doubt your own righteousness is sickening."
>That's rather hypocritical. Don't say it.
>It's probably a bad idea to rant on Kanako any more during this point. Based on what we said, it's too late to negotiate with Kanako, so we're just going to have to beat the crap out of her.
-
>That's rather hypocritical. Don't say it.
>It's probably a bad idea to rant on Kanako any more during this point. Based on what we said, it's too late to negotiate with Kanako, so we're just going to have to beat the crap out of her.
I think you're kind of late.
> Head for the Kappa village.
-
>That's rather hypocritical. Don't say it.
>It's probably a bad idea to rant on Kanako any more during this point. Based on what we said, it's too late to negotiate with Kanako, so we're just going to have to beat the crap out of her.
>Unfortunately, you lack the power to devour your own remarks. Would be a handy thing to have, sometimes...
>She certainly has not proven receptive to your past tactics, and trying to trash her would give a certain kind of satisfaction, but there may still be other options...
I think you're kind of late.
> Head for the Kappa village.
>You fly down to the kappa village, Mokou following along. After a brief aerial scan of the area, you find Ran conversing with a kappa near the thin gridwork tower you noted earlier.
-
>Beat the crap out of her? No no. We're gonna headbutt her in the righteousness.
>Descend near Ran.
>"I only have vague ideas why, Mokou. I think it's probably because Utsuho didn't do what she wanted and Kanako takes it as a personal affront, although she might not even admit it to herself."
-
>Beat the crap out of her? No no. We're gonna headbutt her in the righteousness.
>Descend near Ran.
>"I only have vague ideas why, Mokou. I think it's probably because Utsuho didn't do what she wanted and Kanako takes it as a personal affront, although she might not even admit it to herself."
>Less tactile, but even more satisfying
>You land near Ran.
>Mokou frowns. "Might not admit- I guess she's not gonna come right out and say that, anyway."
>Ran looks over at you as you land. "You were gone rather longer than we expected," she says. "How did it go?"
-
>"Horrendously, Ran. I'll tell you more on the way to our next stop, once your done here."
-
>"Horrendously, Ran. I'll tell you more on the way to our next stop, once your done here."
>Ran frowns. "I'm very sorry to hear that. And I can leave now, if you wish." She turns to the kappa and bows her head. "Thank you for you assistance," she says.
>"No prob," the kappa replies, with a tip of her head. "You got any more questions, you know where to find me. Always nice to find someone new interested in this stuff." With that, she turns and walks off.
>"So," Ran says. "Where is this next stop of ours?"
-
>Make out way out of town, so we cannot be easily overheard. For the time being, we don't need to be overheard and have people misconstrue the story from just hearing bits.
>"Do you know anything about Utsuho, Ran?"
>_
-
>Make out way out of town, so we cannot be easily overheard. For the time being, we don't need to be overheard and have people misconstrue the story from just hearing bits.
>"Do you know anything about Utsuho, Ran?"
>You head out of town, staying quiet until you're satisfied that you can't be overheard.
>Ran shakes her head. "The name doesn't mean anything to me, I'm afraid."
-
>Toward the Sanzu River!
>"Utsuho is a hell raven, who used to tend to Blazing Hell underground. About a year ago, give or take, Kanako approached her, and bestowed upon her the power of fusion. I am not entirely sure how the process worked, but it involved taking the power of Yatagarasu. Kanako intended for her to use that power to provide the energy that the mountain runs upon. Unfortunately, the power was too much for Utsuho. Kanako claims she kept watch over Utsuho, and saw no warning signs. But frankly, she is either lying about not seeing them or lying about watching over her. In the end, Utsuho decided the only thing her power was good for was igniting fires, and decided to ignite the surface world."
>Shake head. "In my time, she was stopped by Reimu before she could leave the underground. Here, she was stopped by Sanae and Kanako when she came to the surface. In my time, she got over it rather quickly. In this time, Kanako captured her and shoved her under the mountain. She's down there now, stuck in a glass tube, completely isolated from the world and mostly deprived of anything. I was able to talk with her, and really, it was astounding she hadn't gone on to remove the line between fantasy and reality as you had, Ran."
-
>Toward the Sanzu River!
>"Utsuho is a hell raven, who used to tend to Blazing Hell underground. About a year ago, give or take, Kanako approached her, and bestowed upon her the power of fusion. I am not entirely sure how the process worked, but it involved taking the power of Yatagarasu. Kanako intended for her to use that power to provide the energy that the mountain runs upon. Unfortunately, the power was too much for Utsuho. Kanako claims she kept watch over Utsuho, and saw no warning signs. But frankly, she is either lying about not seeing them or lying about watching over her. In the end, Utsuho decided the only thing her power was good for was igniting fires, and decided to ignite the surface world."
>Shake head. "In my time, she was stopped by Reimu before she could leave the underground. Here, she was stopped by Sanae and Kanako when she came to the surface. In my time, she got over it rather quickly. In this time, Kanako captured her and shoved her under the mountain. She's down there now, stuck in a glass tube, completely isolated from the world and mostly deprived of anything. I was able to talk with her, and really, it was astounding she hadn't gone on to remove the line between fantasy and reality as you had, Ran."
>You continue forward towards the Sanzu River, filling Ran in as you go.
>Ran looks away rather sheepishly. "Well, to be fair... I had thought it was literally impossible for anyone else to be there. I wasn't usually dreaming up things that didn't exist.... I think. Although I can sympathize with her isolation. At least I still had my home. And no one forced it upon me in that way. But still, they seem like good people. Surely there's a reason for this."
-
>"Kanako claims there is no way to trust her. The problem is, she doesn't make anything more than a token effort to even do anything to treat Utsuho like a person, rather than a corpse that just happens to move. There is no attempt to rehabilitate her, speak with her, or offer her any kind of basic dignity. Then Kanako has the nerve to tell me Utsuho is just fine right to my face. However guilty Utsuho has been, nothing justifies that. So, we're going to see the Yama."
-
>"Kanako claims there is no way to trust her. The problem is, she doesn't make anything more than a token effort to even do anything to treat Utsuho like a person, rather than a corpse that just happens to move. There is no attempt to rehabilitate her, speak with her, or offer her any kind of basic dignity. Then Kanako has the nerve to tell me Utsuho is just fine right to my face. However guilty Utsuho has been, nothing justifies that. So, we're going to see the Yama."
>"The... Yama?" Ran says. "That is... you realize that gods are outside her jurisdiction, correct? They do not belong to the same cycle of life and death that mortals do. They do not cross the Sanzu."
-
>"I am not so sure about that, Ran. Yatagarasu died, and ended up in Blazing Hell. This suggests someone judged him. If the Yama cannot help us, she may be able to show us to who can."
-
>"I am not so sure about that, Ran. Yatagarasu died, and ended up in Blazing Hell. This suggests someone judged him. If the Yama cannot help us, she may be able to show us to who can."
>"Perhaps..." Ran says. "What are you hoping the Yama will do? She rarely intervenes directly in the affairs of the mortal world."
-
>"I am hoping that a god engaging in entrapment and torture while posing as a beacon of goodness will be enough to incense her to act. My real hope is she'll intervene for Utsuho's sake, and assign some sort of punishment that isn't being buried alive. If she also condemns Kanako publically, that will be all the better."
-
>"I am hoping that a god engaging in entrapment and torture while posing as a beacon of goodness will be enough to incense her to act. My real hope is she'll intervene for Utsuho's sake, and assign some sort of punishment that isn't being buried alive. If she also condemns Kanako publically, that will be all the better."
>Ran nods. "I suppose a lot is riding on how she chooses to respond. If you even get the opportunity to speak with her."
-
>"True, but if we don't make the effort, nothing will happen. Even if we broke Utsuho free, it wouldn't change anything. This is pretty much the only path we have to correct the problem in the long term."
-
>"True, but if we don't make the effort, nothing will happen. Even if we broke Utsuho free, it wouldn't change anything. This is pretty much the only path we have to correct the problem in the long term."
>"Perhaps that is true," Ran says. "Kanako does seem to be by far the largest authority in Gensokyo at the moment. Although there are probably still places beyond her reach."
-
>"There may be places beyond her reach, but I don't think that would stop her at this point."
-
>"There may be places beyond her reach, but I don't think that would stop her at this point."
>Ran frowns. "Would she be so intent on pursuing her that she would seek to recapture Utsuho, even if she were to live quietly outside her domain?"
-
>"She's insistent there is no way Utsuho can be trusted. And all too happy to torment her via deprivation. I can't imagine Kanako wouldn't make it a personal mission to bury Utsuho again."
-
>"She's insistent there is no way Utsuho can be trusted. And all too happy to torment her via deprivation. I can't imagine Kanako wouldn't make it a personal mission to bury Utsuho again."
>"Well...." Ran says. "Wouldn't she be proving her trustworthiness by not attacking again?"
-
>"Obviously. But Kanako has said if there's even a chance she might, she must be detained."
-
>"Obviously. But Kanako has said if there's even a chance she might, she must be detained."
>Ran frowns. "Although I sympathize with her plight more than you can know, I... cannot say that I don't understand where she's coming from."
>Eventually, the banks of the Sanzu River come into view in the distance. You can vaguely see a figure slumped against a tree, although it's hard to make out more details.
-
>"I don't think anyone is really saying to just let her go free and do whatever. Even her family would certainly keep a very close eye on her if she were let go. The problem is that she can be restrained without being tormented, and if there's no effort to rehabilitate her, then she needs to be put in the care of someone who will."
>Approach the slumped figure.
-
>"I don't think anyone is really saying to just let her go free and do whatever. Even her family would certainly keep a very close eye on her if she were let go. The problem is that she can be restrained without being tormented, and if there's no effort to rehabilitate her, then she needs to be put in the care of someone who will."
>Approach the slumped figure.
>"And I take it Kanako was not amenable to such suggestions?" Ran says. "Do you... have any ideas who else's care might be workable?"
>You move towards the slumped figure... and discover that it does not resemble the one you were expecting. Although you can only see part of her from around the tree, her build is much slighter than Komachi. She has short silver hair with a black ribbon tied in it, and is wearing a dark green dress. You think you can see a sword sheathed at her side.
-
>Approach. Do we recall this person from that night?
-
>Approach. Do we recall this person from that night?
>You get a little closer. With a wider angle on the tree, you can see a ghostly form floating by her left side. While you saw her only briefly during the night the moon was stolen, you have seen her more than once since, and her appearance is distinctive enough not to mistake. You are fairly certain this is Youmu.
-
>"Hello, you are Youmu, right?"
-
>"Hello, you are Youmu, right?"
>You move closer to her and inquire. She looks up at you as you do so, her eyes narrow and suspicious. You notice a prominent scar on the right side of her face, near her eye. You also notice a hand subtly moving towards her weapon.
>"And you know this how?" she says. "Declare yourself."
-
>Nod.
>"I am Keine Kamishirasawa. And I don't mean you any harm. I heard the name from Sakuya."
-
>Nod.
>"I am Keine Kamishirasawa. And I don't mean you any harm. I heard the name from Sakuya."
>"You are hardly disarming suspicion by associating yourself with her, Keine Kamishirasawa," Youmu says. "What do you want with me?"
-
>"I was hoping to find the shinigami. And, I am not here on her behalf, no worries there."
-
>"I was hoping to find the shinigami. And, I am not here on her behalf, no worries there."
>"Komachi is attending to her duties," Youmu says. "She will return in due time." She pauses and examines you. "You recognized me quite readily for having only a second-hand description, especially when you should otherwise have no reason to expect my presence here."
-
>"Have you encountered a number of white-haired swordswomen with a spectral thing floating around them? I've certainly not. Thought it does raise the question, why are you here?"
-
>"Have you encountered a number of white-haired swordswomen with a spectral thing floating around them? I've certainly not. Thought it does raise the question, why are you here?"
>"I watch," she says. "And I wait."
-
>"What for?"
-
>"What for?"
>"For someone to cross here, once more," she says. There is an unmistakable wistfulness in her voice.
-
>"Would it do no good to find her before it's time to cross?"
>Have a seat near her. Invite the others to do the same.
-
>"Would it do no good to find her before it's time to cross?"
>Have a seat near her. Invite the others to do the same.
>"I do not think it possible," Youmu replies, shaking her head. "It is... an unusual situation."
>You sit down next to her, and gesture for Mokou and Ran to do the same.
-
>"How is it unusual?"
-
>"How is it unusual?"
>"Because she died a long time ago." Youmu gazes out towards the river. "It... is a personal matter."
-
>"Alright. I won't pry. But, if I knew more, I would be happy to tell you if I met her."
-
>"Alright. I won't pry. But, if I knew more, I would be happy to tell you if I met her."
>"You would not know her if you saw her," Youmu says. "I only hope that even I can, now." She stares out at the river in silence for a moment.
>"Years ago, I made a grave, grave mistake, and it cost me everything. This has been my vigil ever since. I pray only that I may someday atone."
-
>"Why wouldn't I know her?"
-
>"Why wouldn't I know her?"
>"I could describe what she once looked like," Youmu says, "but... I do not think she will be the same. She has shed the form I knew. I only hope that I can recognize her in my heart when she passes this way again."
-
>"What are you hoping to recognize? Speech? Mannerisms? Interests? Surely you have to feel something would have carried over beyond appearances."
-
>"What are you hoping to recognize? Speech? Mannerisms? Interests? Surely you have to feel something would have carried over beyond appearances."
>"Her soul," Youmu says simply.
-
>"So even if you did see her alive, you wouldn't know her, huh?"
-
>"So even if you did see her alive, you wouldn't know her, huh?"
>"I would," Youmu replies. "I... have to believe that I would."
-
>"Do you think she'd remember you, or be anything like her old self?"
-
>"Do you think she'd remember you, or be anything like her old self?"
>"She would have to have something of her old self in her. The soul is immutable. But... I doubt she would know me."
-
>"How did she come to change forms? Would she remember anything of her former life, you think?"
-
>"How did she come to change forms? Would she remember anything of her former life, you think?"
>"She... passed on," Youmu says, eyes staring into the distance beyond you. "It may sound like a strange thing to speak of the dead passing, but..." She shakes her head. "I not know what form she inhabits or where she would dwell. But when she returns, I will be waiting for her."
-
>"Who did she used to be?"
>Like Yuyuko, but...wait a minute...
-
>"Who did she used to be?"
>Like Yuyuko, but...wait a minute...
>"She..." Youmu looks down and pauses. "I suppose there is no reason not to say. I have said so much already; I know not why I've done so. She... was my mistress, Lady Yuyuko. Ghost Princess of the Netherworld. I am her servant, and I will serve her to the end of my days, through death and life and death again. It is my failing which has caused this, and I will keep watch here until I can find a way to right it."
>That... sounds remarkable familiar, now that you think about...
-
>Oh hell, why didn't we see this before? She ever kinda looked like Yuyuko.
>"So. She would have an affinity for ghosts? Perhaps speak with them?"
-
>Oh hell, why didn't we see this before? She ever kinda looked like Yuyuko.
>"So. She would have an affinity for ghosts? Perhaps speak with them?"
>Now that you think about it, yeah... Maybe it was just the incongruity of the connection at the time at the time, and the shock of seeing your home in shambles. Who would draw the connection between a human you don't know a ghost you also don't really know without any reason to suspect that something like that had changed....
>"I cannot say," Youmu says. "Her connection with the spirits of the dead was always extremely strong. It may be possible that some of that is still present in life."
-
>"The old human village. There was a woman who lives there; she refused to leave because she feels someone has to honor the dead. She said she could speak with ghosts. I met her there two days ago."
-
>"The old human village. There was a woman who lives there; she refused to leave because she feels someone has to honor the dead. She said she could speak with ghosts. I met her there two days ago."
>Youmu gives you a curious look. "And? It is an uncommon, but not altogether rare ability."
-
>"Why would she honor those dead, in particular, Youmu? Even leaving herself in an abandoned village where an enterprising youkai might get her?"
-
>"Why would she honor those dead, in particular, Youmu? Even leaving herself in an abandoned village where an enterprising youkai might get her?"
>"I certainly wouldn't know," Youmu says. "Some people have strange motives. And why do you bring this up?"
-
>"Call it instinct. But, I am willing to gamble it is her. You're supposed to be speedy, right? Go check, quickly, before Komachi returns. I'll do all in my power to distract her from ferrying anyone over until you get back."
-
>"Call it instinct. But, I am willing to gamble it is her. You're supposed to be speedy, right? Go check, quickly, before Komachi returns. I'll do all in my power to distract her from ferrying anyone over until you get back."
>Youmu shakes her head. "Spirits that pass through the Netherworld end up in many places, and Gensokyo is but a small one of those. Merely finding someone who can speak with ghosts means nothing, and if her soul re-entered the cycle of reincarnation she would still be far too young. I appreciate your concern, but they cannot be connected."
-
>"What do you have to lose? I need to talk with Komachi anyways, and I'll make sure she doesn't ferry anyone off before you get back, so you won't miss anyone here."
-
>"What do you have to lose? I need to talk with Komachi anyways, and I'll make sure she doesn't ferry anyone off before you get back, so you won't miss anyone here."
>Youmu fixes you with a penetrating expression. "You solemnly swear?"
-
>"Yes. But if it is her? Don't linger too long. Come back here and let me know, so I can take Komachi out of whatever headlock I have to put her into to keep her here, okay?"
-
>"Yes. But if it is her? Don't linger too long. Come back here and let me know, so I can take Komachi out of whatever headlock I have to put her into to keep her here, okay?"
>Youmu rises to her feet. "I suppose it cannot hurt to investigate. Where does she live? I'm... afraid I'm unfamiliar with most of Gensokyo."
-
>Give her some quick and dirty directions to the old human village, and to Wossname the Ghosttalker's house.
-
>Give her some quick and dirty directions to the old human village, and to Wossname the Ghosttalker's house.
>You give Youmu as good directions as you can, and she nods attentively at each step of the journey as you delineate it.
>"I will return as quick as I am able," she says, turning and flying off at a substantial clip.
>"So, I guess we just wait for this Komachi person to get back now?" Mokou says, after Youmu has left.
-
>"Yeah. Sorry for that, just...well, I feel bad for her. And I hope I'm right."
-
>"Yeah. Sorry for that, just...well, I feel bad for her. And I hope I'm right."
>"Did you know these people in the other world, too?" Mokou asks.
-
>"Did you know these people in the other world, too?" Mokou asks.
>Nod.
>"They...kinda beat me up, during the whole moon incident thing. I sorta thought they were coming after the village, and...well... heh heh..."
-
>Nod.
>"They...kinda beat me up, during the whole moon incident thing. I sorta thought they were coming after the village, and...well... heh heh..."
>Mokou starts to chuckle. "You? Jumping the gun? Who'd have thought it? Pretty nice of you to want to help if all they've ever done for you is beat you up. You really think that woman's this Yuyuko person? How does that even work?"
-
>"I don't know all the details offhand, but someone who can talk to ghosts is pretty rare. Yuyuko was behind the whole long winter incident. Well, her and Youmu. Yuyuko was trying to awaken a youkai cherry tree, so she stole all the essence of spring that she could. In my time, she was stopped. Here...well...I suppose the consequences of her actions caught up to her. And then she is reborn, apparently. Then there is a girl in the village who stays with the winter's victims, and can talk to ghosts..."
-
>"I don't know all the details offhand, but someone who can talk to ghosts is pretty rare. Yuyuko was behind the whole long winter incident. Well, her and Youmu. Yuyuko was trying to awaken a youkai cherry tree, so she stole all the essence of spring that she could. In my time, she was stopped. Here...well...I suppose the consequences of her actions caught up to her. And then she is reborn, apparently. Then there is a girl in the village who stays with the winter's victims, and can talk to ghosts..."
>"The Saigyou Ayakashi," Ran says. "I know of it. It never blooms. Theirs was an... interesting solution."
>"You saying that girl's the reason we had that damn year of winter?" Mokou asks, sounding none too pleased about it.
-
>Nod.
>"It seems their plan went terribly awry. My understand was they didn't intend to actually keep spring from happening, just delay it until they could make the tree bloom."
-
>Nod.
>"It seems their plan went terribly awry. My understand was they didn't intend to actually keep spring from happening, just delay it until they could make the tree bloom."
>"Damn right it went 'awry'," Mokou says darkly. "You know what it's like to starve to death? And then keep on starving afterwards? Be glad you'll never have to find out."
>"I, uh, wonder what went wrong?" Ran says, giving Mokou a wary glance.
-
>"Well, I'll be sure to keep you fed, Mokou."
>Give her a grin.
>"As for what went awry, it's probably like Youmu said. The ghost princess died, somehow. I assume she was instrumental in undoing the damage."
-
>"Well, I'll be sure to keep you fed, Mokou."
>Give her a grin.
>"As for what went awry, it's probably like Youmu said. The ghost princess died, somehow. I assume she was instrumental in undoing the damage."
>You can see traces of a grin struggling against Mokou's scowl.
>"You don't seem to be holding it against them much," she says, "if they really were the ones who ended up killing all those people."
>"This land seems to have suffered a great number of unfortunate accidents compared to your own memory of events, Keine," Ran notes. "I hope we can set things right again."
-
>"I want to think they aren't like Eirin was, Mokou. I want to believe try regret what happened. Youmu called it a mistake, which is a lot better than the things Eirin was saying. Though...in retrospect at least she was being honest about it. There's a kind of perverse nobility in that. Even if it's kind of nobility that makes me want to smack her right in the bridge of her nose. But like I was saying, I think Youmu and Yuyuko, if that is Yuyuko. at least realized they messed up and are doing what they can, which isn't much given the nature of what happened. That's the difference between evil and foolish, isn't it? A fool can realize she had been a fool in hindsight."
-
>"I want to think they aren't like Eirin was, Mokou. I want to believe try regret what happened. Youmu called it a mistake, which is a lot better than the things Eirin was saying. Though...in retrospect at least she was being honest about it. There's a kind of perverse nobility in that. Even if it's kind of nobility that makes me want to smack her right in the bridge of her nose. But like I was saying, I think Youmu and Yuyuko, if that is Yuyuko. at least realized they messed up and are doing what they can, which isn't much given the nature of what happened. That's the difference between evil and foolish, isn't it? A fool can realize she had been a fool in hindsight."
>Mokou shakes her head. "Doesn't bring 'em back, though."
>"No," Ran says. "But perhaps we can."
>"Yeah." Mokou nods. "Maybe we can.... Screw that; we're damn right going to, got it?" She gives you a roguish grin.
-
>"Nor would treating them like garbage, which is my point. But yes, we are very much going to fix that problem if I have a thing to say about it."
-
>"Nor would treating them like garbage, which is my point. But yes, we are very much going to fix that problem if I have a thing to say about it."
>Mokou and Ran nod at you.
>"I suppose we shall return to that issue once this matter is resolved, then?" Ran says.
>You believe you can see a boat starting to come into view in the distance.
-
>"Well, I suppose it is time. And yes, we'll revisit it in a bit."
>Hope that Youmu hurries it up.
>Wait for the boat to arrive.
-
>"Well, I suppose it is time. And yes, we'll revisit it in a bit."
>Hope that Youmu hurries it up.
>Wait for the boat to arrive.
>Ran nods.
>To be fair to Youmu, it's a pretty long trek, even for someone speedy.
>The boat continues to drift towards the shore at what feels like a gratingly slow pace. Komachi's presence becomes obvious after a short while, gently steering the craft away from the current. Eventually, the boat reaches the dock, and Komachi secures it. She casts a curious eye in your direction.
>"Well, ain't this place getting crowded," she says as she saunters towards you, spending a few moments examining you and your companions. "Ok, spill it. What'cha all doing here? Ain't exactly a popular spot for the living."
-
>"It's a somewhat complicated matter. I need to speak with the Yama. There is a matter of justice that only one such as she can address."
-
>"It's a somewhat complicated matter. I need to speak with the Yama. There is a matter of justice that only one such as she can address."
>Komachi frowns. "She doesn't usually deal with the living. 'cept to warn them off something from time to time. What's this about?"
-
>"We have a goddess who is trying to enforce her own justice upon people, and is deprivation torturing someone in the name of it, refusing to acknowledge she's even hurting the victim. Worse still, she entrapped the victim in the first place."
-
>"We have a goddess who is trying to enforce her own justice upon people, and is deprivation torturing someone in the name of it, refusing to acknowledge she's even hurting the victim. Worse still, she entrapped the victim in the first place."
>Komachi's frown deepens. "That's... I dunno. Shiki doesn't really do gods. Sorta outside the system, ya know?" She pauses, and idly rubs the back of her head. "Doubt she'd like that someone was trying to pass that off as justice, though. What'd this person do?"
-
>"It's a very long story. Have you heard anything about Utsuho?"
-
>"It's a very long story. Have you heard anything about Utsuho?"
>"Doesn't ring a bell," Komachi says. "Don't exactly get to talk to many living people around here. And miss serious-face over there never goes... anywhere....?" She stares towards where Youmu was sitting and frowns. "Uh...."
-
>"She's following a lead. As for Utsuho..."
>Make it a long story, for Youmu's sake. Talk a bit about how things are underground, so that Utsuho's background is decently understood. About how youkai were sealed there, and have since been forgotten about. Then lead into how she looked over Blazing Hell, and how Kanako approached her. Try to keep the assessment of this as neutral as possible, but make it clear that it was more or less entrapment with Kanako dictating out the whole thing, getting Utsuho to agree, and then not really doing enough follow-up or not caring to. Throw in evidence of Orin immediately figuring it out to establish Utsuho losing it was obvious and should have been noticed. Then take about what followed briefly, and how Kanako defeated her, caputured her, and imprisoned her under the mountain. At this point, go into rather lurid (but accurate) descriptions of her conditions, and how Kanako essentially refused to make more than token efforts to treat Utsuho like a sentient being rather than a cog in a machine, and hides knowledge of it as effectively as she can, including to her own priestess.
>"So you see the problem, I hope. It's that Utsuho is fully innocent or undeserving of some kind of punishment, it's that Kanako doing so excessively and without any real authority to do it, and intends to do so until Utsuho either dies of a sick heart or takes her own life in desperation."
-
>"She's following a lead. As for Utsuho..."
>Make it a long story, for Youmu's sake. Talk a bit about how things are underground, so that Utsuho's background is decently understood. About how youkai were sealed there, and have since been forgotten about. Then lead into how she looked over Blazing Hell, and how Kanako approached her. Try to keep the assessment of this as neutral as possible, but make it clear that it was more or less entrapment with Kanako dictating out the whole thing, getting Utsuho to agree, and then not really doing enough follow-up or not caring to. Throw in evidence of Orin immediately figuring it out to establish Utsuho losing it was obvious and should have been noticed. Then take about what followed briefly, and how Kanako defeated her, caputured her, and imprisoned her under the mountain. At this point, go into rather lurid (but accurate) descriptions of her conditions, and how Kanako essentially refused to make more than token efforts to treat Utsuho like a sentient being rather than a cog in a machine, and hides knowledge of it as effectively as she can, including to her own priestess.
>"So you see the problem, I hope. It's that Utsuho is fully innocent or undeserving of some kind of punishment, it's that Kanako doing so excessively and without any real authority to do it, and intends to do so until Utsuho either dies of a sick heart or takes her own life in desperation."
>You give Komachi a lengthy explanation of Utsuho's history, and all of her interactions with Kanako leading up the present day. At first she nods idly, but you see her grow more seriously engaged as your description continues, frowning and shaking her head. "Man... that's pretty awful. Think Utsuho actually feels guilty about what she did?"
>"And well... as much as I hate to say it, I'm not sure what Shiki can do. She's got no authority to compel anyone to do anything on the mortal side of things. Threatening someone with an eternity in hell's enough to get a lot of them to wise up, but... Kanako ain't got that to worry about. Gods like her, well... as long as someone believes in her, she'll probably still be kicking around on this side of things."
-
>"Given what she's been through? I wouldn't be surprised if Utsuho didn't hold some pride over it just to spite the woman responsible for tormenting here. But, were she not in such a state, I think she would be guilty. What I am hoping that the Yama can do is twofold. First, and most importantly, I am hoping that the Yama can make Kanako yield up Utsuho, and a penalty more fitting with her crimes and one that can lead her to be rehabilitated be levied. As well, I am hoping being subject to the Yama's judgment, even if it is not binding, is enough to make Kanako reconsider what she is doing. I mean, if someone as objective as the Yama says it is so...well, it holds a great deal of weight, I think."
-
>"Given what she's been through? I wouldn't be surprised if Utsuho didn't hold some pride over it just to spite the woman responsible for tormenting here. But, were she not in such a state, I think she would be guilty. What I am hoping that the Yama can do is twofold. First, and most importantly, I am hoping that the Yama can make Kanako yield up Utsuho, and a penalty more fitting with her crimes and one that can lead her to be rehabilitated be levied. As well, I am hoping being subject to the Yama's judgment, even if it is not binding, is enough to make Kanako reconsider what she is doing. I mean, if someone as objective as the Yama says it is so...well, it holds a great deal of weight, I think."
>"Well... I suppose it's possible. Though if Kanako sticks to her guns, there's probably not much Shiki can do about it." Komachi pauses and considers. "Look, tell you what. I'll run it past Shiki when I'm back that way, and see what she thinks. Speaking of which, I should probably get going."
-
>Have we seen anything climb into the boat.
>If not: "Did you collect any spirits? I've not seen any."
-
>Have we seen anything climb into the boat.
>If not: "Did you collect any spirits? I've not seen any."
>"Well, I haven't gone anywhere yet, have I? 'sides, most spirits don't have enough presence to see unless you're in touch with that sort of thing. Not all of them are like the ones you see floating about. Why?"
-
>"Well, ah, I was sort of hoping that Youmu would be back before you made your next trip, so if the person I saw wasn't Yuyuko, she would be able to have a look at them..."
-
>"Well, ah, I was sort of hoping that Youmu would be back before you made your next trip, so if the person I saw wasn't Yuyuko, she would be able to have a look at them..."
>Komachi sighs. "I feel sorry for her. I really do. She's been camping out there for who knows how long, now. I don't think she even could recognize a soul after it's reincarnated. But she's pretty determined." She tilts her head to the side. "You trying to give me an excuse to sit around for a bit? ...'cause I think I might just take you up on it. I mean, would be rude to argue, y'know?"
>She walks over to a nearby tree and slumps down against it.
-
>"I have a question, since we're waiting. Do you get to know the people you ferry across? If so, have you see a Reimu Hakurei? She was a shrine maiden here, instrumental stopping the Scarlet Devil from blotting out the sun."
-
>"I have a question, since we're waiting. Do you get to know the people you ferry across? If so, have you see a Reimu Hakurei? She was a shrine maiden here, instrumental stopping the Scarlet Devil from blotting out the sun."
>"I chat with them, yeah," she says. "Gotta have someone to talk to on the way. And I've heard about Reimu. Disappeared without a trace, right?" Komachi shakes her head. "Hasn't come past this way. I'm pretty sure I'd remember her, after all the people I've heard talk about her."
-
>Nod.
>"How about a Marisa Kirisame?"
-
>Nod.
>"How about a Marisa Kirisame?"
>She shakes her head again. "Don't think so."
-
>"Good. You know about what happened to the Hakurei Shrine, yes?"
-
>"Good. You know about what happened to the Hakurei Shrine, yes?"
>"More or less. I've heard the story a few times. Got no idea what actually happened to it, if you're gonna ask."
-
>"Not really, but we've been working on the problem. It's grown complicated."
-
>"Not really, but we've been working on the problem. It's grown complicated."
>Komachi laughs. "Doesn't it always? What'cha bringing it up for, anyhow? Got something you're thinking I can help with? Other than keeping tabs on who's dead and who isn't?"
-
>"Really, that's about it. Trying to keep tabs on who passed on and who has just gone missing. Hmm. Know of an Alice Margatroid? I've not heard mention of her, now that I think about it."
-
>"Really, that's about it. Trying to keep tabs on who passed on and who has just gone missing. Hmm. Know of an Alice Margatroid? I've not heard mention of her, now that I think about it."
>Komachi shakes her head. "Sorry. That name doesn't even sound familiar."
>Out of the corner of your eye, you see Youmu's form appear in the distance, approaching quickly. She lands next to you, an expression of barely contained emotion on her face.
>"I cannot even believe it is so," she says, "but you were right! It can be no one else but her! It should be impossible for her to be as she is, but I am certain my senses do not deceive me." She pauses, and look at the ground. "She... does not remember me."
-
>"You can fix that with a little time, tender care, and reckless endangerment, I think."
>Quick wink toward Mokou.
>"I'm glad I was right, though. It means I got at least one good thing done today."
-
>"You can fix that with a little time, tender care, and reckless endangerment, I think."
>Quick wink toward Mokou.
>"I'm glad I was right, though. It means I got at least one good thing done today."
>Youmu looks at you curiously. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
>Youmu nods at you. "I owe you a debt of honor, Keine Kamishirasawa. And I owe this world even more for my mistakes. I... had not realized the suffering we had caused until I spoke with them. It is an error of the gravest order. I know not how I can atone."
-
>"My thoughts are that you may be well served in watching over those who survived. Note this is not the same as siding with Kanako. Not at all."
>Ponder for a moment. "What became of the Netherworld? Is there a new princess there now?"
-
>"My thoughts are that you may be well served in watching over those who survived. Note this is not the same as siding with Kanako. Not at all."
>Ponder for a moment. "What became of the Netherworld? Is there a new princess there now?"
>"I will," Youmu says, nodding solemnly. "Though my life is forever pledged to Lady Yuyuko, I will do my utmost to ensure the safety of these people from anything else that might threaten them." She pauses. "...may I ask who this Kanako is?"
>Youmu shakes her head. "There is not. It is rare to find one suited to the task. In time I am sure they will find a... I am sure someone will take up that role. In the meantime, most of the spirits of the dead will carry on as they have always done. The Netherworld is a realm of little change."
-
>"Alright. If I need you, I'll look for you in the village."
-
>"Alright. If I need you, I'll look for you in the village."
>Youmu bows deeply. "If you have need of me, I will be there."
>With that, she turns and departs for the village.
>"So..." Komachi says lazily. "suppose that means I've got no more excuse to be sitting here, does it?"
-
>"Unfortunately, no. But, would it be possible for me to come along, and present my case myself? Or is this strictly forbidden?"
-
>"Unfortunately, no. But, would it be possible for me to come along, and present my case myself? Or is this strictly forbidden?"
>"That's uh..." Komachi frowns. "Let's just say that I don't want to get in trouble for trying it. I'll do my best to be convincing, though. Can't make any promises, I'm afraid."
-
>Nod.
>"I'll be here, if she wishes to ask me anything."
-
>Nod.
>"I'll be here, if she wishes to ask me anything."
>"Might take a little while, you know." She sighs. "'suppose I can try to be quick."
-
>"Might take a little while, you know." She sighs. "'suppose I can try to be quick."
>"Thank you, I have really nothing else in mind for the day, so I suppose I can wait here."
>Look to the others. "You need not, though. I'll meet with you back at the mansion, if you prefer."
>_
-
>"Thank you, I have really nothing else in mind for the day, so I suppose I can wait here."
>Look to the others. "You need not, though. I'll meet with you back at the mansion, if you prefer."
>"Suit yourself," Komachi says, moving towards the dock.
>"Unless you feel you need my aid for something," Ran says, "I think I may return and check on Chen. Perhaps consult with Patchouli and see if we can make some use of our new information about the outside world."
>"I'll stay," Mokou says. "Got nothing better to do, anyway."
>"Ok, folks!" Komachi calls out, to no one in particular. "Let's get moving!"
>At first you see no obvious motion at all, but then you catch a faint hint of something wispy moving out of the grass. It is insubstantial, and you might not even notice it were you not looking for something. A vague cloud of it follows after Komachi and into her boat. You can hear her chatting idly as she drifts away from shore.
-
>Wave to Komachi as she departs.
>Make self comfortable near Mokou.
-
>Wave to Komachi as she departs.
>Make self comfortable near Mokou.
>You wave to Komachi as she sails merrily on her way, her chatter faintly audible across the water.
>You find a comfortable looking spot near a tree and sit down. Mokou sits down beside you.
>"Well, I'll leave you two be," Ran says, flying off.
>"You know," Mokou says, leaning back against the grass, "Since I met you, I've done an awful lot of waiting around."
-
>"Well, at least this time I'm waiting with you. That's a small improvement, right?"
-
>"Well, at least this time I'm waiting with you. That's a small improvement, right?"
>"I'll take it," she says, grinning at you. "And hey, we're alone this time, too."
-
>"Mmhm."
>Snuggle closer, if she doesn't seem uncomfortable with it.
-
>"Mmhm."
>Snuggle closer, if she doesn't seem uncomfortable with it.
>You smile at Mokou and snuggle closer to her. After a moment, she leans back into you.
>"You know," she says, "people can get used to almost anything, given enough time. After you live as long as I have, you sometimes forget that things can be different. I mean, you do the same thing for enough decades in a row, and... Well, I think I'd forgotten there were things I missed, you know? And hearing you talk about what we had together... well, what I could have had... I'm not sure I even realized I'd wanted it until then. You forget to see outside yourself sometimes, you know? Anyway, all I'm trying to say is... ah, hell, I don't even know what I'm trying to say. Just... thanks."
-
>"I understand. You've gotten so used to not having much to live for other than your feud that you more or less forgot there were other things."
-
>"I understand. You've gotten so used to not having much to live for other than your feud that you more or less forgot there were other things."
>"Yeah, kinda," she says. "I mean, it's not like there's exactly many people around to talk to, either. And don't get me wrong, I like it that way. ...mostly. But... maybe a little bit more wouldn't be so bad."
-
>Nod.
>"Personally, I think you just have cycles like everyone else does when you want to be left alone and when you want to be with people. Just, they're on a whole different scale than most of us. But that's just me having theories."
-
>Nod.
>"Personally, I think you just have cycles like everyone else does when you want to be left alone and when you want to be with people. Just, they're on a whole different scale than most of us. But that's just me having theories."
>She shakes her head. "Naw, you might be right. Maybe it's just getting time for a change."
-
>"Maybe. There's a lot more complexity in there than most people think, so I'm don't want to simplify too much."
-
>"Maybe. There's a lot more complexity in there than most people think, so I'm don't want to simplify too much."
>"Yeah, but... well, you know me better than most people. Or, someone close enough to be me. Last seven years of my life... you aren't missing much. Pretty damn close to the seven before that."
-
>"I know. It's part of why I took an interest in you, back before I really took an interest in you. It seemed so sad on the outside. I didn't understand so well back then why you did it, though, I just thought you were...kind of deprived, I guess. But I think get it a little better now."
-
>"I know. It's part of why I took an interest in you, back before I really took an interest in you. It seemed so sad on the outside. I didn't understand so well back then why you did it, though, I just thought you were...kind of deprived, I guess. But I think get it a little better now."
>"Ha. At least one of us does." She smiles. "In all seriousness, it's nice to feel a bit understood by someone, even if you don't really know 'em well enough to know how. I... think it's why I feel comfortable around you already. I can... see why I fell for y- why she fell for you. Why- oh, you know what I mean."
-
>"I like to think this is just the proper events reasserting themselves. Force of two souls bridging the voids between realities and all that. "
>_
-
>"I like to think this is just the proper events reasserting themselves. Force of two souls bridging the voids between realities and all that. "
>"Wow," Mokou says. "That's... pretty deep. And, uh, damn romantic." She looks at you. "You always that good at that?"
-
>"When you study enough history, you either become a romantic or a terrible cynic. I guess I have the former."
>Play with some of that hair, Mokou's got enough to around.
-
>"When you study enough history, you either become a romantic or a terrible cynic. I guess I have the former."
>Play with some of that hair, Mokou's got enough to around.
>"Well, I'm probably enough of a cynic for the both of us," Mokou says. "I guess it balances out."
>You run your hand through Mokou's hair, toying with a bit of it around your finger. Mokou looks back up at the sky. "'course, that means you need to be twice as romantic to make up for me, right?"
-
>"Sounds like too much work. I'll just have to drain some of the cynicism from you."
-
>"Sounds like too much work. I'll just have to drain some of the cynicism from you."
>"Oh? Got a plan for that one? Been hanging onto that for a while now, y'know."
-
>"I'll tickle it out of you...when I'm feeling less lazy."
-
>"I'll tickle it out of you...when I'm feeling less lazy."
>Mokou laughs. "Well, that's original, anyway. And, you know, I'd swear you couldn't have a lazy bone in your body, from what I've seen."
-
>"I have to take it when I can get it, these days..."
-
>"I have to take it when I can get it, these days..."
>"I know, I get it," Mokou says. "Can't blame you, either." She turns and looks over at you, a solemn expression on her face. "You've... been putting on a brave face through all this. I can only imagine what it's like. I'll catch you if you fall, you know."
-
>"I know, I get it," Mokou says. "Can't blame you, either." She turns and looks over at you, a solemn expression on her face. "You've... been putting on a brave face through all this. I can only imagine what it's like. I'll catch you if you fall, you know."
>"I know. To be honest, it's why I felt I could tell Kanako the facts to her face as brusquely as I did. If she tried to do something, I knew you'd come for me. And probably burn the damn temple to the ground in the process."
-
>"I know. To be honest, it's why I felt I could tell Kanako the facts to her face as brusquely as I did. If she tried to do something, I knew you'd come for me. And probably burn the damn temple to the ground in the process."
>Mokou laughs again. "Damn straight I would! Well, uh, if I had to. The place is still important to people, even if Kanako's a bitch. But heaven help them if they tried to get in the way."
-
>"Well, you might have to yet. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if she were trying to watch us."
-
>"Well, you might have to yet. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if she were trying to watch us."
>"She can do that?" Mokou looks around, frowning. "Think she'll try to pull anything?"
-
>"No idea. But I would imagine she could. And...who knows? I wouldn't put it past her. But it's a bit late, now."
-
>"No idea. But I would imagine she could. And...who knows? I wouldn't put it past her. But it's a bit late, now."
>"You really think this'll solve the problem, then? And, uh, what are you planning to do if the Yama won't intervene? Or if Kanako won't listen?"
-
>"If we can't get the Yama to intervene, and there's truly no way to sway her...then we'll just have to act on our own. As for not listening; if Kanako is not going to listen, I am sure the peoples of the mount will should the Yama render judgment against her. And, I intend to make sure there are as many tengu reporters there as possible to make this information be known."
-
>"If we can't get the Yama to intervene, and there's truly no way to sway her...then we'll just have to act on our own. As for not listening; if Kanako is not going to listen, I am sure the peoples of the mount will should the Yama render judgment against her. And, I intend to make sure there are as many tengu reporters there as possible to make this information be known."
>Mokou grins. "You're really going to drive this one home, aren't you? 'course, if the Yama can't force Kanako to release her, the people sure can't, either. Might drive some away from her, though. For all the good that does Utsuho."
-
>"Oh, if that's the case, afterward we're busting her out. Just, if Kanako's not going to give, then I want the world to know the monster she is."
-
>"Oh, if that's the case, afterward we're busting her out. Just, if Kanako's not going to give, then I want the world to know the monster she is."
>"Remind me never to get on your bad side," Mokou says. "I may be immortal, but I still don't think I'd survive it."
>You think you can see Komachi's boat drifting into sight on the horizon. It's moving rather more quickly than the last time you saw it coming in.
-
>That wasn't too long.
>"Well, you aren't a hypocritical blight upon the land just yet, so I think you'll be alright."
>Stand up, and go to the docks.
-
>That wasn't too long.
>"Well, you aren't a hypocritical blight upon the land just yet, so I think you'll be alright."
>Stand up, and go to the docks.
>Not at all, considering. You wonder how far the journey is, considering you can't see the other bank. Although, given that the journey is at least partially metaphysical, maybe ordinary rules don't apply?
>Mokou laughs. "Hey, the day I end up ruling a country is the day something's gone horribly wrong."
>You stand up and walk over to the dock. Once the boat becomes more visible on the horizon, you note with disappointment that there is only one occupant. Komachi pilots the boat in gently, whistling to herself, then hops up on the dock and ties it up.
>"Well, good news," she says, once she's done with the boat. "Shiki's decided she'll take a look at it, after all. Once she can dig herself out under all the paperwork she buried in." Komachi sighs. "You know how it is, some of the understaff get transferred around, and it takes ages to get everything running right again. So, say, a month or two from now?"
-
>Frown. We were prepared for this.
>"She understands that during this month or two, Utsuho will continue to be tortured and will suffer further harm that may never go away?"
-
>Frown. We were prepared for this.
>"She understands that during this month or two, Utsuho will continue to be tortured and will suffer further harm that may never go away?"
>It seems the Celestial Bureaucracy has an unfortunate number of things in common with plain old terrestrial ones.
>Komachi waves her hands in front of her. "Sorry, sorry, bad taste," she says. "Well, not about the paperwork; that's real enough. But Shiki said she'd try to come have a look during evening recess, anyway. ...not that she exactly needs to skip her breaks," Komachi mumbles. "But I think she agrees with you on this one, whether she can do anything about it or not."
-
>"Ah. So...evening recess is this evening, right?"
-
>"Ah. So...evening recess is this evening, right?"
>"When else'd you think it'd be?" Komachi shrugs. "I guess you can wait here if you want, but Shiki can find her way to the mountain on her own. And Kanako ain't gonna be hiding anything from her when she gets there."
-
>"I'd like to be there when it happens. Can you give me some idea of when the Yama is likely to appear? Or should I just return when the sun gets low?"
-
>"I'd like to be there when it happens. Can you give me some idea of when the Yama is likely to appear? Or should I just return when the sun gets low?"
>"That works, I guess," Komachi says. "Or you could wait by the mountain. Up to you."
-
> "Well, whether or not she can get this situation resolved I am more then thankful that she is willing to try. You also have my thanks, for telling her for me, it makes solving this possible."
-
>"There's no way we could really have a good effect without her help. Thank you, Komachi."
>Check the sky, how long do we think we have til sunset starts looming?
-
> "Well, whether or not she can get this situation resolved I am more then thankful that she is willing to try. You also have my thanks, for telling her for me, it makes solving this possible."
>"There's no way we could really have a good effect without her help. Thank you, Komachi."
>"Eh, don't worry about it," Komachi shrugs. "All I did was deliver a message. Shiki's the one doing all the hard stuff. ...about the same as usual. For what it's worth, I hope she can straighten things out."
>Check the sky, how long do we think we have til sunset starts looming?
>Probably another three hours or so
-
>"Well, what now Mokou? I'd kind of like to tell Orin and Satori about this. But...going through that hole again? No thanks."
-
>"Well, what now Mokou? I'd kind of like to tell Orin and Satori about this. But...going through that hole again? No thanks."
>"That makes two of us," she replies, grimacing. "Suppose there's still the well at Eientei. Bet Kaguya'd just love people using her house as an entrance to the underground." Mokou snickers. "But... pretty sure we wouldn't get all the way down there and back again before sunset."
>"Well, if you two don't need me for anything else," Komachi says, "I ought to head off again. Never a shortage of work around here..."
-
> "Very well then Komachi. And thanks again, even if all you did was deliver a message, you still have helped greatly."
> Think back, do we know of how Reimu and Marisa gained access to the Underground when they stopped Utsuho in our world?
-
> "Very well then Komachi. And thanks again, even if all you did was deliver a message, you still have helped greatly."
> Think back, do we know of how Reimu and Marisa gained access to the Underground when they stopped Utsuho in our world?
>"Sure thing," Komachi nods, and heads back towards the boat, gathering up a few more spirits along the way.
>You have a rough idea of where the entrance is, in the hills south of the Forest of Magic.
-
>Do we have a rough idea of how to get to the city from there? Given how twisty the caves get?
-
>Do we have a rough idea of how to get to the city from there? Given how twisty the caves get?
>You're not sure how maze-like it is down that way; you've never traveled it in person. To be perfectly frank though, you're not certain you'd know exactly how to backtrack from the Eientei entrance, either. Suika took you along a lot of twists and turns following the seeking stone.
-
>Do we have any idea how long the main entrance would take?
-
>Do we have any idea how long the main entrance would take?
>It would probably shave some time off the other route, but there's a very real risk of still not being back here in time for sundown, especially if you end up getting turned around down there.
-
> It's worth a try to take the main entrance!
> Besides, Orin and Satori would want an update about Utsuho, and they would love to hear that they should be able to see Utsuho again soon.
-
>"Don't think we could reliably find our way through any of the other ways unless we got lucky and found a guide..."
-
> It's worth a try to take the main entrance!
> Besides, Orin and Satori would want an update about Utsuho, and they would love to hear that they should be able to see Utsuho again soon.
>You decide that it's probably worth attempting the likely shortest route. Hopefully there's enough time for it.
>They would certainly like to hear what you have to say. Hopefully you really will be able to promise that they'll see her again soon.
>"Don't think we could reliably find our way through any of the other ways unless we got lucky and found a guide..."
>"Yeah, maybe..." Mokou says.
-
>Do we have any idea where Alice lives, aside from somewhere in the forest?
>If so, would her place be along the way to the main entrance to the underground? It might be worth asking her about some of the events of the past few years, and see if we can get a beeline on Marisa. And maybe directions for underground.
-
>Do we have any idea where Alice lives, aside from somewhere in the forest?
>If so, would her place be along the way to the main entrance to the underground? It might be worth asking her about some of the events of the past few years, and see if we can get a beeline on Marisa. And maybe directions for underground.
>Unfortunately you don't have any better idea than that.
>Nevertheless, you're fairly certain it's also not on the way. The entrance to the underground is south of the bulk of the forest, and you're currently on the southernmost edge of Gensokyo.
-
>Toward the main entrance, then.
-
>Toward the main entrance, then.
>You and Mokou head out for the underground, leaving the Sanzu behind, and flying over the forests and grasslands that surround it. Eventually the terrain grows rougher as you enter the hilly area where the entrance is located. The tree cover makes searching for the precise location rather more time-consuming than you would have liked, but eventually Mokou calls out that she's spotted something. Flying down to investigate, you see a large opening into the side of one of the hills, well-concealed by the trees. The path inside has a pronounced downward slope.
>"I guess this is what we're looking for," Mokou says.
-
> "Only one way to find out."
> Head inside.
-
>"Be ready with those marker talismans again."
-
> "As some reckless human once said, or rather shouted, Leroy Jenkins."
> If Mokou asks, just Hand Wave it.
XD Gotta have some comedy now and then, so why not :3
-
> "Only one way to find out."
> Head inside.
>"Pretty much," Mokou nods.
>You head into the cavern, following the bumpy floor downward. The tunnel is roughly straight, although the walls are uneven. The tunnel itself slowly widens as you progress, and stalactites start to descend from the ceiling. After a little while, the passage curves to your right. You can see a small tunnel branch off to your left, while the main one appears to continue in front of you.
>"Be ready with those marker talismans again."
>"Got it," Mokou nods. "Not planning to get lost down here. Even if there's no pissed off dead things shooting at us this time."
> "As some reckless human once said, or rather shouted, Leroy Jenkins."
> If Mokou asks, just Hand Wave it.
>"Huh," Mokou says. "Never heard of him."
-
>Check the branches for signs of civilization.
-
>Check the branches for signs of civilization.
>Neither seem to have any signs of habitation, but you're not especially deep yet.
-
>Ignore the branches and carry on.
-
>Ignore the branches and carry on.
>You carry on down the main tunnel. Soon, you start to hear the sound of running water in the distance; at first, just a faint trickle, but eventually you discern what you think is more than one source. After a time, the tunnel starts to flatten out and widen; stalagmites protrude from the ground here, many of them large enough to conceal a person behind, and some of them rising all the way to the ceiling. You can see a couple tiny stream of water, issuing from the rock and then flowing along the incline of the tunnel, narrow channels carved in their wake. Soon you spot a more vigorously flowing stream, emerging from a very narrow tunnel to your right; far too narrow to walk through.
>The tunnel narrows again, and twists to the right. There are a series of small pools along pathway that you're forced to navigate around, possibly fed by slow drips from the cavern ceiling over many years. The larger stream from earlier runs along the right of this section of the tunnel, swelled from several smaller streams along the way. At several points, water issues from gaps in the rock in a sort of waterfall, tumbling towards this river. Some of them are fairly vigorous; there must be a large place for this to drain into eventually, or the entire cavern should have been flooded by now.
>You hear a sudden splash to your right!
-
>Look right!
-
>Look right!
>You turn to your right just in time to see a wooden bucket barreling towards your head, barely inches away! A spray of water from the falls scatters in its path.
-
>"Aaah!"
>Throw self back!
-
>"Aaah!"
>Throw self back!
>With a yelp, you leap backwards. The bucket sails unnervingly close to your head just the same, water splashing across your face. You hear a heavy thud on the rock behind you.
-
>Look toward the bucket!
-
>Look toward the bucket!
>You turn around to where the bucket landed, and just barely catch it vanishing up towards the ceiling behind a stalactite.
-
>"Don't do that!"
-
>"Don't do that!"
>You hear the sound of a young girl giggling. The way the sound echoes in this area, it's hard to tell exactly where she is.
-
>There went that plan.
>Quietly: "Keep an eye down low, Mokou. I'll watch the ceiling."
>Do so, and proceed.
>_
-
>There went that plan.
>Quietly: "Keep an eye down low, Mokou. I'll watch the ceiling."
>Do so, and proceed.
>You grumble in your own head.
>Mokou nods, and starts to keep a careful eye on the terrain around her.
>You move forward, keeping your eyes on the ceiling for any signs of falling buckets. The ceiling is fairly high here, although you can see it clearly enough; the main issue is stalactites blocking your view of things. Still, no sign of anything so far...
>You hear another splash to your right.
-
>Glance right, be ready to move.
-
>Glance right, be ready to move.
>You glance to the right, but see nothing more than a plume of water in a pool, where something must have hit it.
>You hear a loud impact to your left, and see Mokou roll out of the way. "Son of a-!" The bucket is already ascending before she can even turn about.
>"Oh no you don't!" she cries and flicks her hand towards the bucket. The wood suddenly ignites, and you hear a little shriek. The burning bucket tumbles back towards the ground, and a small flailing figure tumbles out of it, landing on the ground with an yelp. The white robe she's wearing looks singed.
-
>Level hand at her with intends of Danmaking!
>"Hold it!"
-
>Level hand at her with intends of Danmaking!
>"Hold it!"
>You aim your hand at her and call out for her to stop. She makes a noise somewhere between a shriek and a whimper and stumbles back into a sort of crouch, wrapping her arms around her legs and pulling her knees practically up above her chin, as though she were trying to hide behind them. Her eyes are wide and terrified looking; they dart back and forth between you, Mokou, and her burning bucket.
-
>Do we know of bucket youkai?
-
>Do we know of bucket youkai?
>You do. While you've never been down here before, you're familiar with most of the youkai that have been encountered by people on the surface and eventually documented.
-
>"Kisume, right?"
-
>"Kisume, right?"
>She nods very tentatively, still stealing glances back at her bucket.
-
>"Mokou, dunk the bucket in the lake, please?"
-
>"Mokou, dunk the bucket in the lake, please?"
>"Uh, sure," Mokou says, walking over to the bucket and casually picking it up as though it weren't currently engulfed in flames. She dunks it in a nearby pool. There is a sizzling noise as the flames are quenched. When she pulls it out again, the bucket looks a little charred, but still solid.
>"....thank you," Kisume says, her voice barely more than a whisper.
-
>Nod. "You're welcome. So...what was that all about?"
-
>Nod. "You're welcome. So...what was that all about?"
>"...just playing," Kisume says. She attempts to gingerly sidle towards her bucket.
-
>"Who do you usually play with, then?"
>Who's closest to the bucket? If it's within reach, put a hand on it for now.
-
>"Who do you usually play with, then?"
>Who's closest to the bucket? If it's within reach, put a hand on it for now.
>"...whoever comes by," she says, still sidling. "Faeries sometimes...."
>Mokou's still currently holding the bucket. She's a couple feet away from you.
-
>"Well, I guess if you were playing a game, this means we won, right?"
-
>"Well, I guess if you were playing a game, this means we won, right?"
>Kisume nods timidly. "...can I have my bucket back?"
-
>"Gonna try to hit us with it again?"
-
>"Gonna try to hit us with it again?"
>Kisume shakes her head.
-
>"Up to you, Mokou."
-
>"Up to you, Mokou."
>"Eh, well..." Mokou looks down at Kisume, who continues to slowly edge towards her, and frowns. "Ok, fine. But if you pull that again, there ain't gonna be enough left of this to start a campfire, got it?" Kisume nods. Mokou hold the bucket out to her, and she reaches out a tiny arm to grab hold of it. The moment Mokou lets go, she slams the bucket down over herself, like a turtle withdrawing into its shell, then manages to roll the bucket over with herself in it. She is inexplicably right-side up in the bucket when this process is complete.
>Kisume beams. "Nice to meet ya!" And with a giggle, zooms back up to the ceiling again. "Next game, you're it!!~" she calls out once she's out of sight.
-
>"Wait! Since we won, you have to tell us how to get to the city."
-
>"Wait! Since we won, you have to tell us how to get to the city."
>"Left at the big pillar!" she calls back. "Then right at the lake!"
-
>"Thanks!"
>Continue onward. Keep an eye out for bucket youkai and the big pillar.
>Should the former be seen, pause, and consider tagging her.
-
>"Thanks!"
>Continue onward. Keep an eye out for bucket youkai and the big pillar.
>Should the former be seen, pause, and consider tagging her.
>"You're welllllcomeee!" Kisume's voice merrily echoes around the chamber.
>You continue forward, past the pools and small waterfalls, keeping an eye out for a reprise of Kisume or something that could pass as a 'big pillar'. The tunnel widens again after a short distance, and you find yourself in a large chamber with an abundance of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as other irregular rock formations. It's relatively drier than the areas you just went through, but visibility is much obscured by rocks. There also seem to be a few rather large spider webs spun between some of the stalactite formations. The chamber winds and spreads out in such a way that it's eventually difficult to determine which way counts as 'forward', but eventually you see something which catches your eye. At one point, a bunch of closely positioned stalagmites have mostly merged together into a column which is notably bigger than anything around it.
-
>Make a left at that mighty pillar.
-
>Make a left at that mighty pillar.
>You take a left at the pillar, and work your way through another, somewhat narrower tunnel that descends in a very loose spiral. After traversing a few more nondescript passages you emerge in a large, low-roofed chamber. A moderately sized body of water occupies much of the chamber, with a river continuing off into the gloom. You can hear the sound of rushing water in the distance. The whole place feels rather damp.
>There are several passages leading out of this chamber: one in the wall ahead of you, where the river runs, two to your left, one narrow and craggy, another somewhat larger, and one to your right, rounded and smooth.
-
>Make a right.
-
>Make a right.
>You walk around the lake and enter the right passage. This continues in a mostly straight fashion for a time, then eventually opens into a very large chamber, split down the middle by a deep fissure. A sturdy and rather old-looking bridge spans the fissure, made of wood with iron reinforcements. You can see a river moving swiftly in the depths below it.
>There is a blond-haired woman standing nearly the middle of the bridge, gazing over the side. She doesn't seem to have noticed you yet.
-
> Head for the bridge.
-
>greeneye lasers pew pew pew
>"Hello?"
-
> Head for the bridge.
>greeneye lasers pew pew pew
>"Hello?"
>You head for the bridge, and greet the woman standing on it. She turns her head towards you, a faint scowl on her face.
>"Well, don't you two look lovely together," she says. "Traveling to the Ancient City? It's been a long time since someone from the surface came down here."
-
>"We are, yes."
-
>"We are, yes."
>"What reason do you have for being there?" she says. "It's not the kind of place people should just come and go from as they please."
-
>"We just need to talk with someone, it won't be an issue."
-
>"We just need to talk with someone, it won't be an issue."
>"Oh?" She tilts her head. "And how does someone from up there know anyone down here?"
-
>"We came in through the back way yesterday, actually. Given we're coming this way now, I think you can see how eager we are to repeat it."
-
>"We came in through the back way yesterday, actually. Given we're coming this way now, I think you can see how eager we are to repeat it."
>"Back way?" She frowns. "There's no back way. This bridge is the only way in there is, and I should know. Not much point in guarding an entrance if someone can just walk in the back door."
-
>"Well, you know what happened with the Hell Raven, right? She left a hole to the surface from Blazing Hell. The problem is, there's also hundreds of evil spirits in the way..."
-
>"Well, you know what happened with the Hell Raven, right? She left a hole to the surface from Blazing Hell. The problem is, there's also hundreds of evil spirits in the way..."
>Parsee grins darkly. "Serves you right for trying to be clever." Then she pauses and frowns again. "Still in one piece though, lucky bastards; waltzing in and out wherever you want. Such a show-off."
>"Hey!" Mokou says. "What's your problem?"
>Parsee turns to Mokou. "And someone to stick up for you, too. How quaint," she adds, dryly.
-
>"No, we're not going to be waltzing back in that way any time soon, we got lucky last time."
-
>
Note that this woman may shank you later.
>"I wonder. What's with your attitude?"
-
>"Do you get free texting?"
-
>"No, we're not going to be waltzing back in that way any time soon, we got lucky last time."
>"Oh, it's just that fate smiles on you." Her eyes narrow. "I suppose you think that makes it better?"
>Note that this woman may shank you later.
>"I wonder. What's with your attitude?"
>In fact, you seem to have a faint memory of her shaking you before. Which is odd, since you've never met her....
>"I could say the same to you," she says. "Have a little respect, why don't you?"
>"Do you get free texting?"
>"Whaddaya think I'm doing right now?"
-
>"Well, what makes good luck good or bad?"
-
>"We're here to speak with Satori about something very important to her."
-
>"Well, what makes good luck good or bad?"
>"What kind of question is that?" she says, giving you an odd look. "Of course good luck's good and bad luck's bad. Just because you have good luck doesn't mean you have to flaunt it."
>"We're here to speak with Satori about something very important to her."
>"Ok, now that I don't envy you for. Downright creepy that woman is sometimes. Well, they're your secrets. Have fun losing them."
-
> "I respect those who respect themselves. Respectable people don't make their living guarding over a bridge."
> We shouldn't waste any more time here, continue on.
-
>"By and large already lost. Good day."
-
> "I respect those who respect themselves. Respectable people don't make their living guarding over a bridge."
> We shouldn't waste any more time here, continue on.
>"By and large already lost. Good day."
>Parsee shanks you.
>You decide to stop bothering to converse and continue over the bridge.
>Parsee shrugs. "Do what you want. Not going to waste my time trying to stop you at this point."
>You carry on past her without incident, and eventually arrive in the large chamber that your detour with Suika started in. You can see the Ancient City ahead of you.
-
>Head in, and try to avoid the more crowded spots; make way toward the Palace of the Earth Spirits.
-
>Head in, and try to avoid the more crowded spots; make way toward the Palace of the Earth Spirits.
>You move into the city, trying to avoid the oni as best you can on the way to the palace. The city is substantially less rambunctious than it was the other night. No giant parties, and fewer crowds in general, although there are still plenty of oni going about their daily affairs. The glances you get seem to be less openly amazed or pushy, although some curiosity still trails in your wake. Perhaps word spread about your encounter with Suika?
>You reach the palace without incident, its ornate gothic door looming in front of you. There is a heavy-looking iron knocker set in the middle of it.
-
>Tap that knocker.
-
>Tap that knocker.
>You tap the knocker several times, making a dull, resonating sound. After a little while, the door opens.
>"What're you back for?" Orin says, scanning behind you for any other companions that might not be readily visible.
-
>"Shit just got real"
-
> "I learned something you and Satori would likely wish to hear. May I come in?"
-
> "I learned something you and Satori would likely wish to hear. May I come in?"
>"Sure," she says, opening the door wider, "come on in."
>You step inside, and follow her down the main hallway until you come to the entrance to the sitting room.
>"Satori's cooking supper at the moment," Orin says. "Go have a seat and I'll fetch her." She takes a step away and then stops. "...this is about Okuu, isn't it?"
-
> "Yes, it is about her."
> Don't look sad, that'll just give ideas that we don't want to give.
> If Orin goes to get Satori, wait patiently.
-
> "Yes, it is about her."
> Don't look sad, that'll just give ideas that we don't want to give.
> If Orin goes to get Satori, wait patiently.
>You attempt to answer Orin with as neutral a tone as possible.
>"Is she ok? Did you-" Orin stops. "...sorry, I'll just go get her." She leaves the room.
>You wait patiently, and after a few moments Orin returns with Satori, a pair of cats trailing after her and nudging up against her leg.
>"You have some information about Utsuho?" Satori says.
-
> "Ok, good news and bad news. First of all, the good news, Utsuho is alive, a bit rough over all and kinda depressed, but alive, I spoke with her myself. She wanted me to tell you two that she loves you. Also, if all goes according to plan, you'll be able to see her again."
> "The bad news, Kanako is holding Utsuho captive, and is depriving her of any rights she would have. But, as I said, I have a plan to free Utsuho from her captivity."
I'm not so good at major importance bits, so if you see issues in what I post, feel free to fix/ suggest a fix.
-
Let's do it this way.
>"Let me begin with the the worst. Orin, all your suspicions about what Kanako was doing with Utsuho are true. She has more or less buried Utsuho under the mountain, depriving her of more or less everything. She insists, still, that Utsuho is perfectly fine despite the obvious toll it's taken upon the poor girl. She and I had...a rather bitter falling out over it.
>"That said, I have taken actions to deal with this. I have informed the Yama of Kanako's actions, and she has taken interest in this case. I hope to meet with her soon. While the Yama won't have any official power over Kanako, I am hoping the shame of being ruled against will be enough to convince her to change her mind.
>"And to that effect, Orin, I wish you to be there. We may need you to serve as a witness against Kanako, should she try to distort the truth."
-
>"Let me begin with the the worst. Orin, all your suspicions about what Kanako was doing with Utsuho are true. She has more or less buried Utsuho under the mountain, depriving her of more or less everything. She insists, still, that Utsuho is perfectly fine despite the obvious toll it's taken upon the poor girl. She and I had...a rather bitter falling out over it.
>"That said, I have taken actions to deal with this. I have informed the Yama of Kanako's actions, and she has taken interest in this case. I hope to meet with her soon. While the Yama won't have any official power over Kanako, I am hoping the shame of being ruled against will be enough to convince her to change her mind.
>"And to that effect, Orin, I wish you to be there. We may need you to serve as a witness against Kanako, should she try to distort the truth."
>You relate your encounter with Utsuho and your plan for resolving the situations. Orin stares at you intently as you speak, doing her best not to blink. After a few moments, Satori simply looks down and slowly shakes her head.
>"Y- you want me there?" Orin says. "I... don't think I could help her case..." She looks away.
-
>"Why do you think you wouldn't be able to help?"
-
>"Why do you think you wouldn't be able to help?"
>"I'm... not sure I could hold myself back if I saw her."
-
>"I can understand the feeling now, but think of it like this: If we can do this and do it properly, we will hit Kanako where it hurts the most; we will expose her deceptions to her faithful and reveal her as the monster she is. Your experience with Utsuho would be invaluable for this."
-
>Calling Kanako a monster and considering her a monster was not the best idea, but it's too late.
>"If you're doing this for Utsuho, you'd better hold back."
-
>"I can understand the feeling now, but think of it like this: If we can do this and do it properly, we will hit Kanako where it hurts the most; we will expose her deceptions to her faithful and reveal her as the monster she is. Your experience with Utsuho would be invaluable for this."
>"I... I don't care about Kanako," Orin says, still looking away from you. "Her and her followers can rot! ...I just want Okuu back again."
>Calling Kanako a monster and considering her a monster was not the best idea, but it's too late.
>"If you're doing this for Utsuho, you'd better hold back."
>It may not have been the most tactical choice, but you just couldn't bring yourself to negotiate respectfully with someone whose actions were so abhorrent. Nevertheless, you will see this course through.
>"I..." Orin looks to Satori, who nods gently at her.
>"I have faith in you, Orin. I'm sure Okuu does, too. I know you can find the strength in yourself, for her sake."
>Orin slowly shakes her head. "I dunno...."
-
>Nod.
>"I won't force you. But, the stronger the case we can make, the more likely we'll be able to do something."
>"To be honest, I don't expect the Yama to free Utsuho. What I do expect, though, is that she'll be able to levy a punishment that is significantly less cruel and will allow you to see her again. If we're lucky, a year of isolation may well be enough in the Yama's eyes, given Utsuho didn't actually harm anyone but Sanae."
-
>Nod.
>"I won't force you. But, the stronger the case we can make, the more likely we'll be able to do something."
>"To be honest, I don't expect the Yama to free Utsuho. What I do expect, though, is that she'll be able to levy a punishment that is significantly less cruel and will allow you to see her again. If we're lucky, a year of isolation may well be enough in the Yama's eyes, given Utsuho didn't actually harm anyone but Sanae."
>Orin nods, and then looks up at you, a pained yet determined expression on her face. "...I'll do it. For her. Whatever I can."
>"She has already done far more harm to Utsuho than Utsuho ever did to anyone," Satori says, shaking her head. "I have to believe that, even now, she'd listen to me."
-
>"I think she would listen to you. You might have to remind me her to be sensible, but I think in the end it would be fine."
>"I would invite you, Satori, but...to be honest, I am not sure what being exposed to the Yama's thoughts and possibly Kanako's thoughts would do to you."
-
>"I think she would listen to you. You might have to remind me her to be sensible, but I think in the end it would be fine."
>"I would invite you, Satori, but...to be honest, I am not sure what being exposed to the Yama's thoughts and possibly Kanako's thoughts would do to you."
>Satori nods. "You have seen a time where she wields her great power with restraint. It gives me hope."
>"And you are right; there are too many people there, and there will soon be too many passionate minds in the one space. Orin can speak on my behalf."
>"Oh, come on," Orin says, "You know I suck at- well..." She pauses, then nods. "I'll do my best. I'll... make you proud. ...and I'll bring her home. I have to."
-
>"Very well then, let's be off. I do not want to risk missing the Yama."
-
>"Very well then, let's be off. I do not want to risk missing the Yama."
>"Then what're we waiting for?" Orin says.
>"Good luck to you," Satori says. "And thank you for this, Keine. I cannot recall the last time an outsider cared enough to do us a kindness like this. I hope that you can fix what you've found broken. I wish to live in the world you've seen."
-
>Nod back to Satori. "You helped me, it's only fair I do the same."
>Depart and head back to the surface.
-
>Nod back to Satori. "You helped me, it's only fair I do the same."
>Depart and head back to the surface.
>"I think the magnitude is more than a little different, nonetheless," Satori replies.
>You leave the palace with Orin, and head back towards the surface. It is an uneventful trip for the most part. You cross Parsee's bridge without incident and make your way back through the tunnels that you took to get there. As you pass through the watery passage, you can hear Kisume's laughter echoing. "Not gonna catch me!~"
-
>"Are we going to take that, Mokou?"
>Look for for buckets. We have one to catch.
-
>"Are we going to take that, Mokou?"
>Look for for buckets. We have one to catch.
>Mokou snickers. "I guess I'm not supposed to burn it this time, am I?"
>"Why do I feel I've missed something?" Orin says.
>You keep a careful eye towards the ceiling for any signs of a bucket, or any hint of motion. You manage to cross half the passage without seeing anything but rock and water. Every now and again you hear Kisume giggle.
-
>Does the giggle seem to be coming from above, or below?
-
>Does the giggle seem to be coming from above, or below?
>Above, as best you can tell. The echoes make it a little hard to locate; you think it may be moving. But you're pretty certain it's above you.
-
>Above, as best you can tell. The echoes make it a little hard to locate; you think it may be moving. But you're pretty certain it's above you.
>Glance toward Orin, "Just a game with Kisume."
>Look to Mokou, "See anything?"
-
>Glance toward Orin, "Just a game with Kisume."
>Look to Mokou, "See anything?"
>Orin shrugs.
>Mokou shakes her head.
>You catch a flash of movement out of the corner of your eye, and turn your head towards it just quickly enough to see the edge of a bucket disappear behind a cluster of stalactites.
-
>Tap Mokou, point toward the stalactites, then motion for her to take the long way around them.
-
>Tap Mokou, point toward the stalactites, then motion for her to take the long way around them.
>You gesture to Mokou and she nods, setting off quietly in the direction you indicate.
-
>Go the other way, ready to catch Kisume if she comes out from the other direction, or below.
-
>Go the other way, ready to catch Kisume if she comes out from the other direction, or below.
>You slip around the stalactites from the opposite side as Mokou, keeping a careful eye on the ceiling. After a few steps, you catch sight of the bucket again, floating forward. Suddenly, she bolts to the right, away from you, and vaguely in Mokou's direction.
-
>Chase! Try to drive her toward Mokou.
-
>Chase! Try to drive her toward Mokou.
>You dash towards her, angling in such a way as put Kisume between yourself and Mokou. She zips around another column, out of your sight. Then you hear running from Mokou's direction, and Kisume flies back into sight again, trying to move away from both you and Mokou. You've gained ground on her, though. She seems to be flying towards another cluster of stalactites a few feet in front of her.
-
>Let Mokou take the lead, compensate for the direction she's not taken.
-
>Let Mokou take the lead, compensate for the direction she's not taken.
>You see Mokou dash out from behind the column after Kisume, and you run past to try and cut off her escape. Kisume swings around behind the stalactites, but you've essentially got her cornered between the two of you, now. She'll have to try to fly past one of you if she's going to get out.
-
>Move to better cut off routes of escape.
>Leave an opening, one not obvious and not too open, and wait for her to go for it.
-
>Move to better cut off routes of escape.
>Leave an opening, one not obvious and not too open, and wait for her to go for it.
>You and Mokou move in closer. You can see Kisume hesitate.
>Then you shift a little to the side as you close, opening up a small gap between you and a nearby column. It's a very natural looking motion... and Kisume goes for it! She's surprisingly speedy, but you were expecting that motion and leap after her, all but tackling the bucket. You manage to catch it bodily and hang on. Kisume squawks, rocking the bucket in your arms. Then she starts to giggle again.
-
>Poke her in the shoulder.
>"Got you. Now, I'm afraid we really must be on our way."
-
>Poke her in the shoulder.
>"Got you. Now, I'm afraid we really must be on our way."
>You poke Kisume in the shoulder and she squirms a little, smiling.
>"You're pretty good at this!" she says. "Next time it's 1-on-1, got it?"
-
>"We'll see."
>Let Kisume go, wave, continue on toward the exit.
-
> "Heh, sure, why not, it's actually kinda fun."
> Let Kisume go, and start walking away "See you later Kisume, we gotta go help a friend."
-
>"We'll see."
>Let Kisume go, wave, continue on toward the exit.
> "Heh, sure, why not, it's actually kinda fun."
> Let Kisume go, and start walking away "See you later Kisume, we gotta go help a friend."
>Kisume grins at you. "You see?"
>You let Kisume go, and she sails back up to the ceiling. "Good luck with your friend!~"
>"Well, that was... different," Orin says, looking up at where Kisume flew off to. She already seems to have managed to blend in with her surroundings.
>You continue towards the exit from the underground, and reach the outside again without event. The sun is already pretty low in the sky. Getting back to the Sanzu before sunset is going to be a tight squeeze.
>Orin surveys the terrain around her, then looks up at the sky and frowns. "....sorry, the sky kinda freaks me out a bit. Don't you guys feel kinda exposed out here?"
-
> "Well, not really. We were born above ground, and have lived with it our entire lives, hundreds of years, just like how you have lived in the underground for pretty much your entire life. To us, it's normal like how the underground would feel normal for you."
-
> "Well, not really. We were born above ground, and have lived with it our entire lives, hundreds of years, just like how you have lived in the underground for pretty much your entire life. To us, it's normal like how the underground would feel normal for you."
>"Eh, well I suppose that's how it works," Orin says, still looking at the sky dubiously. She sniffs the air a little. "Everything smells differently up here, too. It's... I dunno. It's weird. No offense." She pauses and sighs. "Anyway, let's get to it. No time to be frowning at the scenery."
-
>"Mokou, I need you to do something for me."
>"Go to tengu town, and find as many reporters as you can and let them know someone important is coming. Don't think I'll have time myself."
>_
-
>"Mokou, I need you to do something for me."
>"Go to tengu town, and find as many reporters as you can and let them know someone important is coming. Don't think I'll have time myself."
>"Sure, what is it?" she asks.
>"Eh? That's, uh, not really my thing, y'know.... But, well... How much am I suppose to tell 'em?"
-
>"Hmmm. Let's say an important guest for Kanako. And I know it's a little different from what you tend to do, but I can't miss the Yama. Oh! And fetch Ran, if you could? We'll need her experience. Do that first, in fact."
>Sigh. "Sorry."
-
>"Hmmm. Let's say an important guest for Kanako. And I know it's a little different from what you tend to do, but I can't miss the Yama. Oh! And fetch Ran, if you could? We'll need her experience. Do that first, in fact."
>Sigh. "Sorry."
>"If I'm fetching Ran, I'm letting her do the talking," Mokou says. "Uh, you don't mind that, right?"
>"Eh, don't worry about it. I know this is important."
-
>"Okay, Ran can do the talking. It's just important that they're told."
-
>"Okay, Ran can do the talking. It's just important that they're told."
>"Thanks." Mokou turns to leave. "Oh, and is that everything then?"
-
>Nod.
>"Should have told Ran to meet us back at the mountain, but I didn't think ahead. Oh, if she asks, or if Sakuya insists, bring the others too."
-
>Nod.
>"Should have told Ran to meet us back at the mountain, but I didn't think ahead. Oh, if she asks, or if Sakuya insists, bring the others too."
>"What, the whole gang? You worried about keeping them under people's toes over there or something?"
>"Or are you getting ready to bust her out if the Yama can't do it for us?" Orin asks, a trace of a grin on her face.
-
Suggest: "If it comes to that, I think I'd rather (wait until/make sure) all of the mountain is against her."
-
>"Really, more thinking if Ran didn't want to leave Chen behind. Or is Chen and Rumia got on everyone's last nerve already. I'd be afraid to get them involved if we had to bust Utsuho out."
-
>"Really, more thinking if Ran didn't want to leave Chen behind. Or is Chen and Rumia got on everyone's last nerve already. I'd be afraid to get them involved if we had to bust Utsuho out."
>"Rats," Orin says.
>Mokou laughs. "Oh, don't worry. We've already got all our big guns up front here. Keine's right. I wouldn't want those two underfoot if things got serious."
>Orin scuffs her foot. "...sorry if I'm still kinda hoping we get to convince Kanako the hard way...."
-
>"Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll try to sass the Yama, and get put in her place. Speaking of such, we need to get going. Meet you at the mountain, Mokou!"
>Depart!
-
>"Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll try to sass the Yama, and get put in her place. Speaking of such, we need to get going. Meet you at the mountain, Mokou!"
>Depart!
>Orin smirks. "Now that would be fun to see."
>"Got it," Mokou nods. "I'll meet you there." She turns and flies towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>You and Orin exit the trees and fly back to the Sanzu River. You note the steadily setting sun with some apprehension, although you arrive back at the river before it's truly sundown. There is no sign of anyone else here at the moment.
-
>If there's no sign of Komachi, scan the river for a boat.
-
>If there's no sign of Komachi, scan the river for a boat.
>The boat does not appear to be here at the moment.
-
>"I think they're on their way."
-
>"I think they're on their way."
>"On their way where?" Orin says. "On their way here, or on their way to the mountain?"
-
>"They'd have to be on their way here, or Komachi's boat would still be here."
-
> Wait warmly~
-
>"They'd have to be on their way here, or Komachi's boat would still be here."
>"Oh, uh, good point," Orin says, looking a little sheepish.
> Wait warmly~
>The two of you sit and wait while the sun continues to descend. It looks like it's shaping up to be a fairly brilliant sunset; traces of deep orange burn themselves across the clouds and glisten off the water. Orin, for her part, frowns at the whole thing. There's a peaceful and cool breeze blowing off the water, and it would be the perfect kind of evening to simply take in the vista if it were not for what you knew was coming. After a little while, Orin starts to fidget, and then takes to pacing back and forth across the riverbank and around the trees near it. It's easy to understand how she feels; there is an unmistakable tension in the air from what looms over the horizon.
>There also appears to be something literally on the horizon, as the form of a boat comes into view. This time there appears to be a second occupant, in the unmistakable uniform of her station. She sits rigidly upright near the stern of the boat while Komachi guides it in.
>"That her?" Orin asks, looking towards the boat.
-
>"It seems to be."
>Wave! At least Komachi would appreciate it.
-
>"It seems to be."
>Wave! At least Komachi would appreciate it.
>"...I'm kinda nervous," Orin says.
>You wave to them. Komachi returns the gesture enthusiastically. You think you may have seen Shikieiki nod slightly.
>Komachi docks the boat, and Shiki walks towards you while Komachi is busy securing it.
>"Keine Kamishirasawa," she says, inclining her head towards you, "I am Shikieiki Yamaxanadu. I believe you are the one who brought this petition before me."
-
>Bow in return.
>"Thank you, Yama. I am the one who brought this petition before you, yes. Thank you for favoring it with your time."
-
>Bow in return.
>"Thank you, Yama. I am the one who brought this petition before you, yes. Thank you for favoring it with your time."
>You return the bow.
>"No thanks are necessary," she says. "I understand the seriousness of the charge, and while any judgement I make against Kanako cannot be binding, I feel it would be remiss of me to allow one of her station to miscarry justice as grievously as you claim. The influence she wields over her followers is considerable and I feel that she cannot be allowed to mislead them in what constitutes just behavior."
-
>"I am glad you agree."
>Gesture toward the Kasha. "This is Orin. I hope it will be no problem if she accompanies us? She knows Utsuho better than anyone."
>_
-
>"I am glad you agree."
>Gesture toward the Kasha. "This is Orin. I hope it will be no problem if she accompanies us? She knows Utsuho better than anyone."
>"I will see Kanako's actions with my own eyes," she says. "And I will render my verdict. God or no, she would be wise to heed it."
>Shiki nods her head towards Orin. "Greetings, Orin. And it will not be a problem. I understand her investment in this."
>Shiki takes a closer look at Orin, who looks distinctly uncomfortable under her gaze. "Anger at injustice can sometimes lead to good," she says. "But when that anger makes further injustice palatable, it opens the door to sin. Retribution does not beget justice. Reflect on the motivation for your actions, and take care not to let your hurt turn to hate. Even those who tend the Blazing Hell must face their own judgement one day, and one injustice does not excuse another."
>"Uh.... well..." Orin fidgets.
-
>"It's alright, Orin, I'm sure she's not upset at you."
>Be happy we escaped a lecture for...essentially the same thing, really.
-
>"It's alright, Orin, I'm sure she's not upset at you."
>Be happy we escaped a lecture for...essentially the same thing, really.
>"If I am upset," Shiki says, "it is only out of concern. One day I will preside over the fate of both your souls. When that day comes, I would prefer to be able to deliver a positive verdict. Those whose lives were lived in sin suffer a terrible penance. Escaping this is only possible by living virtuously. One cannot deceive the court of Higan, and the course of your lives shall speak for themselves. Take care that they share a worthy tale."
>You allow yourself a moment's sigh of relief that she hasn't decided to chastise you yet.
>"And you, Keine Kamishirasawa," Shiki says, turning to you. "While your intentions are just, take care you do not become too eager to judge the actions of others and inact this judgement upon them. Your own judgement is not impartial, and the freer you allow yourself to be with it, the greater your chances of perpetrating your own injustices. Take care not to slip into pride over what you feel is right. You, too, can be wrong."
-
>Nod. "True. But given some of the things I've seen I've the past couple days, I feel secure that I am on the side of right."
>"Shall we head out now?"
>_
-
>Nod. "True. But given some of the things I've seen I've the past couple days, I feel secure that I am on the side of right."
>"Shall we head out now?"
>"That may be true in these cases," Shiki says. "But take care not to let yourself grow too secure in this. Therein lies the road to sin."
>"Yes, of course. I have limited time, I'm afraid, so we should tarry no longer."
-
>Toward Youkai mountain we go!
>Give Orin an encouraging smile.
-
>Toward Youkai mountain we go!
>Give Orin an encouraging smile.
>You take off towards Youkai Mountain, giving Orin an encouraging smile as you do so. She attempts to return it, but the gesture is clearly half-hearted. Her eyes look distant, and preoccupied. She says nothing on the return trip. Shikieiki is silent as well, leaving you to your own thoughts. The sun sets along the way to your destination, and the sky is suffused with radiant red and orange for a time before falling towards darkness.
>Activity in the villages around the mountain seems more subdued than the last time you were here, although there is a small group of people clustered together in the tengu village along the path to the shrine. You recognize a few familiar faces in the gathering. Ran is speaking with a few of the assembled tengu, while Mokou is leaning up against the side of a building, a small distance from the group, and making a valiant attempt to ignore the tengu currently hovering by her. However, her reticence does nothing to curb the tengu's enthusiasm, and every time Mokou shifts to face away from her, the tengu is suddenly in front of her again. Mokou tries to grab something out of her hands, but the tengu deftly evades without losing a beat. You have a feeling you know who she is without actually being close enough to get a good look at her. Chen and Rumia are nowhere to be seen.
>As you fly closer above the gather, you note some of the tengu turn in your direction. The one by Mokou in particular breaks away; you see several bright flashes of light from her direction.
>"While justice is a matter of public record, Keine, it is not a circus," Shiki says calmly. "Your motives for this are as much selfish and they are noble. You wish shame to be brought to Kanako, not simply because you feel it would educate her, but because you would feel satisfaction to see her suffer under it."
-
>Consider trying to defend ourself, then drop it.
>"That be be so. Unfortunately, when it comes to spreading this information, we have only so many avenues available."
>Approach Mokou. Call out her name if she hasn't noticed us.
-
>Consider trying to defend ourself, then drop it.
>"That be be so. Unfortunately, when it comes to spreading this information, we have only so many avenues available."
>Approach Mokou. Call out her name if she hasn't noticed us.
>You consider saying something, but then decide that it's unlikely you have anything to add that she hasn't already considered from her own perspective. Trying to win an argument with the Yama is generally a losing proposition.
>"I understand this," Shiki says. "But the right choice can be made for the wrong reasons. Culpability lies not only with actions but with intentions, and giving poor intentions purchase will inevitably lead to further sinful acts. Lose not sight of why you do what you do."
>You move towards Mokou and she waves a hand in your direction. Aya has separated from her and is circling around your group to get shots from other angles. You notice some of the other tengu milling about somewhat more respectfully.
>"Well, Ran found who she could," Mokou says, as you get close to her. "She's pretty good at sweet talking when she has to." Then she frowns, and jerks a thumb towards Aya. "Couldn't we just sic her on Kanako and call it a done deal? She'd never get a moment's peace again."
-
>"That might happen anyways. And thanks for putting up with It."
>Look around. "Where is Ran?"
-
>"That might happen anyways. And thanks for putting up with It."
>Look around. "Where is Ran?"
>Mokou shrugs. "Eh, I do what I can."
>"Oh, she's just over there," Mokou says, pointing a small ways away where a few other tengu are gathered. "Probably was keeping them from packing their bags and going home before anything happened."
-
>"You did well, Mokou."
>Approach Ran's gaggle.
-
>"You did well, Mokou."
>Approach Ran's gaggle.
>Mokou shrugs. "Eh, well... thank Ran if you really want to thank anyone."
>You move towards where Ran and a few of the other tengu have gathered. The tengu are watching the Yama with definite interest and some degree of trepidation. Ran nods calmly in your direction.
>"Need I remind you that I my time here is limited," Shiki says, "And that it should not be wasted conferring with reporters and offering explanations. They are free to witness as they wish, but I should speak with Kanako at once."
-
>"That is fine, I have no intention of wasting your time. I was simply gathering someone who may be valuable. But I apologize for giving the misinterpretation."
>Wave Ran over, head for the Moriya Shrine.
>_
-
>"That is fine, I have no intention of wasting your time. I was simply gathering someone who may be valuable. But I apologize for giving the misinterpretation."
>Wave Ran over, head for the Moriya Shrine.
>Shiki nods. "No apology is necessary."
>You wave Ran over, and she walks towards you. "Good evening, Yama," she says, bowing towards her. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence."
>Shiki nods her head towards her. "Good evening you as well, Ran Yakumo. Your faultless loyalty in face of great trials is commendable. Do not forget, however, that we are still culpable for actions performed in the service of others. That it was done at your mistress's will cannot shield you from all that you do."
>"I am aware of this, Yama," Ran replies calmly.
>"I followed your instructions as best I could," she says, turning to you. "Although I suspect some of them would rather not accompany us too closely, given the circumstances. Though I think at least one of them will insist on seeing the whole story. Whether she reports it as faithfully...."
>You head off towards the Moriya Shrine, with Aya tailing you shamelessly. Some of the other tengu follow in a less obviously obtrusive manner. There are only a few worshipers at the shrine at the moment. Sanae looks towards your party as you approach, her expression changing from one of friendly curiosity to concern and disquiet when she spots the Yama's presence among you.
-
>"Thank you, Ran. You've done a great job!"
>Pay Sanae no mind right now. She's not the target.
-
>"Thank you, Ran. You've done a great job!"
>Pay Sanae no mind right now. She's not the target.
>"I do what I can," Ran replies.
>You decide ignore Sanae for the moment. However, Kanako cannot be seen, and Sanae would doubtless raise an objection to you simply walking into the building to search for her.
-
>At this point, it is more or less the Yama's show. Let Yamada take the lead. She is the one with the authority.
>_
-
>At this point, it is more or less the Yama's show. Let Yamada take the lead. She is the one with the authority.
>You decide to let Shiki take charge of things. She walks over to Sanae.
>"Good evening, Sanae," Shiki says, inclining her head towards her. "I would speak with Kanako."
>Sanae looks around uncertainly. "What is this about?"
>"She stands accursed of a serious miscarriage of justice," Shiki replies, "and I intend to address this with her."
>"A... what? I'm sure there must be some sort of misunderstanding." Sanae turns a disapproving glance in your direction.
>"If there has been a misunderstanding, I will set it to right with my own eyes. I cannot be deceived."
>Sanae surveys the assembled group, frowning once she takes notice of the reporters. Even the other worshipers have stopped what they were doing to watch. "She's inside the shrine, Yama," Sanae says eventually. "You may enter and speak with her if you wish." She turns to you, the undercurrent of her tone unmistakably different. "I think we should have a word."
>"Willful ignorance in the name of faith does not excuse a person's responsibilities, Sanae," Shiki says. "Take time to reflect on your own obligations; they do not start and end only with your gods." She turns and heads towards the shrine. "I will leave you to your selves, and address the matter at hand."
>Sanae turns to you. "Are you so fixated on your preconceptions that you would make a show of this? You know full well what some of these people will say of what happened here; in the end, Yasaka-sama's innocence won't even matter. This is nothing but a petty attempt to discredit her; why, I do not know." She shakes her head. "I'd thought you a better person than that, Keine."
-
>"It's an honest attempt to reveal to the world that she is lying to everyone about who and what she is. Even you, Sanae. There's many things she never told you out of, in her own words, desire to spare you from distress. Believe me or not, but think carefully on what she might have done that would cause you distress."
>"And now, I need to tend to this. I am a witness, as are Ran and Orin."
-
>"It's an honest attempt to reveal to the world that she is lying to everyone about who and what she is. Even you, Sanae. There's many things she never told you out of, in her own words, desire to spare you from distress. Believe me or not, but think carefully on what she might have done that would cause you distress."
>"And now, I need to tend to this. I am a witness, as are Ran and Orin."
>"You already made your accusations clear the last time we spoke," Sanae says. "Conviction in their truth does not make them true. And please refrain from slandering her good name."
>Orin starts to laugh. "Good name? Oh, I'll give you 'good name'. Kanako is a self-righteous manipulative bitch who tore my family apart. And if you're too busy kissing her feet to see it, then you can rot for all I care."
>Sanae stares at you firmly. "Your words are poisonous and you surround yourself with it. I can respect the Yama's right to pass, but I am under no obligation to extend the same to you or your... companions."
-
>"I saw her, Sanae. She showed me Utsuho. Sealed away in a glass tube and buried under the mountain, there since the day Kanako captured her. She tried to tell me that Utsuho was fine. Go see for yourself, if you do not believe me. In the meantime, please move aside, so that we can work toward ending this equitably for everyone involved."
-
>"I saw her, Sanae. She showed me Utsuho. Sealed away in a glass tube and buried under the mountain, there since the day Kanako captured her. She tried to tell me that Utsuho was fine. Go see for yourself, if you do not believe me. In the meantime, please move aside, so that we can work toward ending this equitably for everyone involved."
>Sanae hesitates. "I... cannot believe that Yasaka-sama would intend any harm by her actions, regardless of how they may appear." Her face hardens again. "Moreover, I fear that you and I have a very different understanding of 'equitable'. Does she want an 'equitable' solution?" She gestures towards Orin.
>"I want my damn sister back!" she replies.
-
>"She is doing harm, and refuses to stop. Furthermore, I cannot believe she is stupid enough not to know what isolation like that does to a person. And, what does it matter what Orin wants? What is important is what Kanako is doing, and stopping it. Orin the best knowledge of what Utsuho was like before this all began, which is going to be important for this case."
-
>"She is doing harm, and refuses to stop. Furthermore, I cannot believe she is stupid enough not to know what isolation like that does to a person. And, what does it matter what Orin wants? What is important is what Kanako is doing, and stopping it. Orin the best knowledge of what Utsuho was like before this all began, which is going to be important for this case."
>"I do not believe the Yama requires your support to conduct her affairs," Sanae says. "You can await her verdict elsewhere."
-
>"I believe, as witnesses who have seen Kanako's acts firsthand, and heard her words, our input is valuable. Unless you would prefer the Yama have to waste her time digging through the whole of Kanako's millenia of existence to find the important facts? And, you should come with us, as well."
>What is the one excited reporter up to?
-
>"I believe, as witnesses who have seen Kanako's acts firsthand, and heard her words, our input is valuable. Unless you would prefer the Yama have to waste her time digging through the whole of Kanako's millenia of existence to find the important facts? And, you should come with us, as well."
>What is the one excited reporter up to?
>"I... I already know what the verdict will be, so there is no reason for me to be in attendance, either."
>You seem to have lost sight of her. You're not sure where she went.
-
>Nod.
>"So you don't doubt at least some of what we're saying. If that is so, Kanako would probably want you to be there. If not for your sake, then for her own."
-
>Nod.
>"So you don't doubt at least some of what we're saying. If that is so, Kanako would probably want you to be there. If not for your sake, then for her own."
>"It's not that I... well, I..." She frowns at you. "If you think that is an invitation for you to accompany me, think again. I believe you've done far more than enough already."
-
>"We'll see if I've done close to enough in the time to come. But for now, isn't it best that we make certain that this is the only time such a thing needs to happen?"
-
>"We'll see if I've done close to enough in the time to come. But for now, isn't it best that we make certain that this is the only time such a thing needs to happen?"
>Sanae looks at you dubiously. "And are you honestly saying that, even if you are dissatisfied with the Yama's judgement, you will respect it?"
-
>"If the Yama truly believes what Kanako is doing is right. I won't argue."
>The rest of the group should be well aware of what comes.
>"But, if it happens behind closed doors, I won't be satisfied. Matters of justice are matters of public record. And at the very least, Orin should be there. I should be there because I was another that she lied to. And Ran should be there because she can testify on the effects of isolation. And honestly, you should be there as a witness to the battle."
-
>"If the Yama truly believes what Kanako is doing is right. I won't argue."
>The rest of the group should be well aware of what comes.
>"But, if it happens behind closed doors, I won't be satisfied. Matters of justice are matters of public record. And at the very least, Orin should be there. I should be there because I was another that she lied to. And Ran should be there because she can testify on the effects of isolation. And honestly, you should be there as a witness to the battle."
>"Good," Sanae says, although she still doesn't look especially satisfied.
>And she quite possibly has reason not to be. But you're not going to back down at this point.
>"If being there to see it will encourage you to desist from fomenting this, then perhaps I can allow it. For what it's worth, that's the only reason I see to let you enter. I trust that you will be respectful in the Yama's presence, even if you've proven you have little of it for Yasaka-sama herself." She moves towards the shrine. "Let's get this over with."
-
>"I shall be as respectful as possible."
>Which may not be much. But we'll make the effort =[
>Follow.
-
> Hopefully the Yama is reasonable about this. Otherwise, saving Utsuho from the testtube life is going to get really annoying.
-
>"I shall be as respectful as possible."
>Which may not be much. But we'll make the effort =[
>Follow.
>"Mind that you do," Sanae says. You hear Orin mutter something under her breath.
>You'll try to do your best to contain yourself. At the very least, that may save you another lecture...
>You follow Sanae into the shrine building, leaving a few curious onlookers hanging around outside. None of them seem inclined to follow you inside without more explicit permission, although you see a few of them talking among themselves.
>Sanae leads you into the same room that you spoke with Kanako earlier today, although she has not remained seated in the Yama's presence. Kanako looks at Sanae as she enters, and then turns a harsher gaze towards you.
>"Sanae?" she says. "Why have you brought these people here?"
>"My apologies, Yasaka-sama," Sanae says, bowing. "But they promised me they would put the matter to rest only if they were allowed to witness it."
>"Did they?" Kanako says, her voice icy. She turns a withering eye in your direction.
>"Judgement is a matter of public record, Kanako," Shiki says. "You hold no secrets here."
>You notice Orin's tails twitching back and forth. She glares daggers at Kanako.
> Hopefully the Yama is reasonable about this. Otherwise, saving Utsuho from the testtube life is going to get really annoying.
>It certainly looks like you'll have your work cut out for you with all the layers of security you saw on your way down there. It probably doesn't help that you've made your intentions fairly clear. Sanae may be willing to believe you'll leave the matter alone afterwards, but Kanako is unlikely to be convinced so easily.
-
>Withering glare? A little half smile is the proper reply.
>Put a hand on Orin's shoulder. "Everything's going to be fine."
>Confidence! All is well.
-
>To other voices: We should've sic'd Mokou on her, negotiate when Kanako was in no position to argue, and call it a day. No need to do this...
>Remind yourself why you wanted Utsuho out in the first place.
-
>To other voices: We should've sic'd Mokou on her, negotiate when Kanako was in no position to argue, and call it a day. No need to do this...
>Wouldn't have solved anything. She'd just tell herself she was right anyways, and without Reimu-likes to keep her properly in check, and with a fair deal of the populace behind her, she'd have no reason to really doubt it nor many to her otherwise.
-
>Withering glare? A little half smile is the proper reply.
>Put a hand on Orin's shoulder. "Everything's going to be fine."
>Confidence! All is well.
>You try to return Kanako's gaze with a subtle smile. Her expression doesn't waver.
>You put a hand on Orin's shoulder and try to comfort her. She takes a deep breath, but says nothing.
>You allow yourself to be pleased with how things are going so far, despite the overpowering clash of wills in the room. You're not sure you've ever seen so many righteously displeased people in such a small space.
>To other voices: We should've sic'd Mokou on her, negotiate when Kanako was in no position to argue, and call it a day. No need to do this...
>Remind yourself why you wanted Utsuho out in the first place.
>Wouldn't have solved anything. She'd just tell herself she was right anyways, and without Reimu-likes to keep her properly in check, and with a fair deal of the populace behind her, she'd have no reason to really doubt it nor many to her otherwise.
>You debate whether this situation could have been resolved differently.
>It takes little reminding to touch your disgust about how Kanako has treated another living being; someone who would have had a life and hopes of her own had that been ended for her without remorse. It needs to be ended because it is wrong; there need be no other reason.
>"As I was saying," Shiki continues, "of which crime did she stand accused?"
>"Willful and wanton destruction and attempted mass-murder," Kanako says, not lifting her gaze from you.
>"And the punishment you enacted for this?"
>Kanako pauses, and looks at Sanae. Her expression is hard to read.
>"Answer the question, Kanako."
>After another moment's pause, Kanako replies simply. "She was confined." You think you see a glimmer of hurt flash across Sanae's face, though she does her best not to show it.
>"How long has she been confined?"
>"Two years," Kanako says, speaking to Sanae now more than Shiki.
>"Do you consider this proportional to the crimes she has committed?"
>Kanako nods calmly. "I do."
>"You heartless bitch!" Orin cries, jerking her shoulder away your hand.
-
>"I concur, Orin, but let us not stoop to that level."
>Hand on her shoulder again.
>"Your honor, I consider it worthwhile to go more into details on the nature of Utsuho's confinement."
-
>"I concur, Orin, but let us not stoop to that level."
>Hand on her shoulder again.
>"Your honor, I consider it worthwhile to go more into details on the nature of Utsuho's confinement."
>You replace your hand on Orin's shoulder. She lets out a deep breath that is nearly a snarl, but says no more.
>"I know the nature of this confinement, Keine," Shiki replies. "Your concern is unnecessary. My judgement is objective and unimpeded by any attempt to manipulate the facts."
>"The... nature of it?" Sanae says weakly. "What do they mean by that, Yasaka-sama?"
>"It is a technical detail," Kanako replies. "A power as immense as Utsuho's is extremely difficult to contain. Any ordinary prison would be as paper to her. Special precautions were necessary to hold her at all."
-
>"I think there is value in letting the details be spoken as well, your honor, as a matter of public record."
>Not schadenfreude!
>Okay maybe kind of schadenfreude ._.
>Does Shikieiki seem to be willing to allow for the conversation between Sanae and Kanako, or does she look impatient?
-
>"I think there is value in letting the details be spoken as well, your honor, as a matter of public record."
>Not schadenfreude!
>Okay maybe kind of schadenfreude ._.
>Does Shikieiki seem to be willing to allow for the conversation between Sanae and Kanako, or does she look impatient?
>"But that isn't why you wish them to be spoken, is it, Keine?" Shiki replies.
>Yeah, it is!
>Or maybe not...
>She's been quite straight-faced this whole time. She looks serious, but not notably impatient.
-
>"...I can have more than one motive, your honor."
-
>"...I can have more than one motive, your honor."
>"You certainly can," Shiki nods. "And I even believe that you do. But I also don't think you would have made that request then, were you not driven by something less than noble."
>"What are you implying?" Sanae says. "Yasaka-sama, please tell me what they mean...."
>Kanako is silent.
-
>"I can be driven by more than one thing. But we are digressing, I think."
-
>"I can be driven by more than one thing. But we are digressing, I think."
>"We are." Shiki turns back to Kanako. "And when do you feel the term of punishment for her actions will be served?"
>There is a palpable silence in the room.
>"Do you have an answer, Kanako?" Shiki repeats.
-
>Try very hard not to grin.
-
>Try very hard not to grin.
> As sweet justice may be, let's not call the victory grin just yet.
-
>Try very hard not to grin.
> As sweet justice may be, let's not call the victory grin just yet.
>In the interest of not looking too smug, you try to suppress the grin you feel tugging at the corners of your mouth. You think you mostly succeed.
>"She remains a clear and present danger to all the inhabitants of this land," Kanako says, at length.
>"That is not an answer, Kanako," Shiki responds. "Or rather, it is an answer to a different question. When were you planning to release her?"
>Kanako stares at Shikieiki. Neither seems to blink or move. Finally, Kanako opens her mouth again.
>"I was not."
>"Yasaka-sama....?" Sanae frowns uncertainly.
>You feel Orin bristling under your hand, and can hear the barely suppressed anger in her breath.
>"How many people were harmed by her actions, Kanako?" Shiki continues.
>"That is only because I was able to intervene in time," Kanako replies, bypassing the surface of the question and skipping straight to its intent.
>"That is simply what you believe. How many people were harmed?" Shiki's tone is firm and commanding.
>Kanako looks at Sanae, then back to Shiki. "Only one."
-
>Give Orin's shoulder a squeeze.
-
>Give Orin's shoulder a squeeze.
>You squeeze Orin's shoulder, and she jerks her head towards you, glowering fiercely. Her expression softens slightly, but anger and resentment is sternly etched across her face.
>"I'm trying..." she breathes.
>"So, she harmed one person," Shiki continues, "and even those injures were not so severe as to cause permanent damage. Certainly, her actions were without just cause and a punishment was warranted. You were right to act swiftly and avert further damage. But is it your honest belief that a life sentence of solitary confinement is in proportion to this transgression?"
>"It is necessary," Kanako states simply. "Were I to let her go, countless lives would be put in jeopardy."
>"That's a blood lie!" Orin yells. "Okuu's not like that!"
>Kanako turns to her. "Then explain what she tried to do. Explain why she has more than once threatened to destroy this entire settlement and everyone in it."
>"You're lying!"
-
>"Because you tempted her to take a great power, and did not sufficiently teacher her how to use it."
-
>"Because you tempted her to take a great power, and did not sufficiently teacher her how to use it."
>"She needed no instruction on manipulating it," Kanako says. "She proved herself immensely capable of focusing her abilities and turning them to destructive ends."
>"Did you not consider that she was not mentally prepared to ascend to such heights so suddenly?" Shiki says. "Or did you forget that she was a person, and not simply a cog in your machine?"
>"Of course I considered it," Kanako replies. "She had proven herself an dedicated steward of the Hell of Blazing Fires. My choice, however ill-conceived in retrospect, was not at random."
>"But you had doubts," Shiki continues. Kanako does not reply.
-
>"I am curious. Did you not pay much attention to her, and not notice the signs? Or, did you watch over her, and try to ignore them out of hope you were wrong?"
-
>"I am curious. Did you not pay much attention to her, and not notice the signs? Or, did you watch over her, and try to ignore them out of hope you were wrong?"
>"She seemed to be attending to her duty of restoring the fires well enough." Kanako pointedly does not avert her gaze from Shiki while she speaks to you. "Beyond that, how can I be held responsible for knowing the desires that harbored in her heart?"
>"That's because you never knew her!" Orin cries.
-
>"Orin, tell us about your experiences with Utsuho, before and after?"
-
>"Orin, tell us about your experiences with Utsuho, before and after?"
>Orin takes a deep breath and tries to get a handle on her emotions. "Okuu was a good person," she says, her voice quavering a little. "Honest, straight-forward, a bit of a dunderhead... But a good person. She was like a sister to me. I... I love her. The Okuu I know would never do a thing like this. You changed her! You made her something else! Then you tore her away from us and buried her under the mountain so she can power it for you!" Orin is practically shaking.
>"I'm sure that cannot be wha-" Sanae begins. Orin rounds on her.
>"Stop defending her!" Orin cries. "Your god is a lying, self-serving, merciless bitch!" Shiki frowns severely at her. Sanae seems too shocked to respond.
>"I will not tolerate such behavior in my own home," Kanako says firmly. "The Yama's presence I accommodate out of respect. But I have no obligation to endure your spite as well."
-
>"Orin, let's stick to the facts for now, let's not sink to her level. That is the way we'll prove you right. You saw her afterward, right? Tell us about that experience."
>Okay that was an exaggeration, but it'll make Orin feel better =[
-
>"Orin, let's stick to the facts for now, let's not sink to her level. That is the way we'll prove you right. You saw her afterward, right? Tell us about that experience."
>Okay that was an exaggeration, but it'll make Orin feel better =[
>Orin takes another breath and tries to steady herself. "I- I'm sorry...." she breathes, too quiet for anyone not standing next to her to hear.
>She turns to Shiki, pointedly not facing Kanako. "After she ate that god, Okuu was... different. At first I thought she was just excited at her new power and what she could do, but... something was wrong. She started having strange ideas. I... I don't know why. I was... scared. For her. Of her, even. Okuu was happy with her life. I know she was. She wouldn't have wanted to do this. She just wanted to bring the Hell of Blazing Fires back to how it used to be. You have to believe me..."
-
>Nod.
>"Do you think anyone would have noticed something was wrong with her? What of someone who had never met her? And, what did you do in response to this?"
-
>Nod.
>"Do you think anyone would have noticed something was wrong with her? What of someone who had never met her? And, what did you do in response to this?"
>"Maybe... If they didn't really know her, maybe not... But family can tell these things, you know? And I... well, I tried to get someone to come help. I thought that if I got the attention of someone from the surface, they might be able to keep her from doing it, you know? But... no one came. It was a stupid, stupid plan. I don't know what I was thinking." Orin shakes her head. "And then she was gone, and I haven't seen her since."
-
> Who or whatever caused the disappearence of the Hakurei Shrine and Marisa has caused so much trouble in this Gensokyo...
-
>"So, to someone who didn't know Utsuho, it wouldn't have been apparently she was dangerously obsessed? What about someone who had met her once before?"
-
> Who or whatever caused the disappearence of the Hakurei Shrine and Marisa has caused so much trouble in this Gensokyo...
>That feels like the understatement of your life, at the moment.
>"So, to someone who didn't know Utsuho, it wouldn't have been apparently she was dangerously obsessed? What about someone who had met her once before?"
>"Well, it probably might have. But, we're all just from hell anyway, right? I'm sure she thinks we're like this all the time down there."
-
>Glance to Kanako. "What are your feelings about the people Underground? I would assume you had some measure of respect for them, if you intended to give one such power."
-
>Glance to Kanako. "What are your feelings about the people Underground? I would assume you had some measure of respect for them, if you intended to give one such power."
>"A hell raven was the most suitable vessel for that power," Kanako says. "That is why she was chosen. Beyond that, I have no strong feelings about the inhabitants of the underground."
-
>Glance to Shikieiki, to see if she intends to call Kanako out for being deceptive.
>If not. "This would lead me to think you had some basic measure of respect for them. At least enough not to think of them as mindless monsters. Yet, you had some basic experience with her beforehand, and some afterward, and you claim you didn't feel something was amiss?"
-
>Glance to Shikieiki, to see if she intends to call Kanako out for being deceptive.
>If not. "This would lead me to think you had some basic measure of respect for them. At least enough not to think of them as mindless monsters. Yet, you had some basic experience with her beforehand, and some afterward, and you claim you didn't feel something was amiss?"
>Shiki does not appear to be about to speak, so you continue.
>"I would not have given her that power had I felt her a mindless monster," Kanako replies. She turns to Shiki. "But, unlike yourself, Yama, I cannot know what lies beneath a person's words. I misjudged Utsuho; it is a mistake I regret terribly."
>"And you will punish her for your error, then?" Shiki asks. "You sentence is grossly disproportionate to the damage Utsuho caused."
>"And of the damage she still might cause?" Kanako says. "I hold her not because I wish to punish her, but because she is too dangerous to be set free."
>"Why is she dangerous, Kanako?" Shiki asks. "Who made her that dangerous?"
>Kanako does not reply.
>"Refusing to voice the truth does not render it false, Kanako. Who are you seeking to deceive?"
>"I do what I do for the good of my people," Kanako says. "For their safety and peace."
>"You do," Shiki nods. "But you can also be wrong."
>"I already admitted the error that I made. I cannot reverse it. And it changes nothing. Judge me as you will for this, but I do what I must."
-
>"You've misjudged her once. Perhaps you are misjudging her again?"
-
>"You've misjudged her once. Perhaps you are misjudging her again?"
>"I will not gamble others' lives on that chance," she replies.
>"Kanako," Shiki says. "You agree that, were her prior actions her only crime, Utsuho's sentence would be too harsh, correct?"
>"I do," Kanako nods. "But that is an irrelevancy."
>"And you also agree that she has not yet committed any further crimes of that nature?"
>"Only because I will give her no opportunity to do so."
>"Kanako," Shiki states firmly, "you are punishing her for crimes she has not yet, and may not ever commit. That alone is a grievous miscarriage of justice. Not even I have the right to judge people for sins they might have committed had they not died too soon to do so. You are a leader and an inspiration to your worshipers. I will not have you pervert what they believe is just. Some day, I will render judgement against every living soul in this village and I will not have them stained by sins you have exemplified."
>Kanako stares are her coolly. "If you fear what the knowledge of this will do to the souls of my followers, then someone else in this room is culpable."
-
>"It's not knowledge that's the problem. It's ignorance. You wouldn't tell them. They have no way of knowing what crimes you've perpetrated in their name. How can they disapprove?"
-
>"It's not knowledge that's the problem. It's ignorance. You wouldn't tell them. They have no way of knowing what crimes you've perpetrated in their name. How can they disapprove?"
>"But, if they do not know," Kanako replies, "then there is no risk that their own sense of right and wrong could be corrupted by my actions, is there?"
-
>"They cannot stop an injustice they are prevented from learning about. And in following your false example, does not also make their faith that much less sincere?"
-
>"They cannot stop an injustice they are prevented from learning about. And in following your false example, does not also make their faith that much less sincere?"
>"If this is an injustice," Kanako responds, "then it is a necessary one. Necessary to prevent the perpetration of an ever greater injustice. And my example is not false. My followers have faith that I will protect them. I fulfill this faith in ways they do not even know."
-
>"And pervert that faith, but not living up to the standard expected of you. Go and ask them, how many of them, do you think, would say, "Yes, deceive me about the vile things you've done. Sanae?"
-
>"And pervert that faith, but not living up to the standard expected of you. Go and ask them, how many of them, do you think, would say, "Yes, deceive me about the vile things you've done. Sanae?"
>Sanae tenses up. "I- w-well..."
>Kanako's gaze does not waver from you. "It is for their best, whether they would understand or not. Many gods are far less transparent than I, and their worshipers are still served by them. It is not a requirement that gods detail their every action to their followers; merely that they fulfill the faith that has been placed in them. I have done so, and will continue to do so despite your efforts to subvert this."
>"Do not criticize her for petitioning against an injustice," Shiki says. "And you have most certainly perpetrated a grievous one against Utsuho. The reason for her continued confinement stems wholly from your own actions, and you would have her suffer the rest of her life for this. I cannot overlook this."
>Kanako turns back to her. "We both know that you cannot command me. I speak to you out of respect for your position, but I will never cross the river for you to judge. You can threaten no punishment that will bind me."
>"You are preventing another soul from earning their redemption," Shiki continues. "You are fostering in her a hatred that may damn her into the next life. Or she may succeed in killing herself and be damned by that as well. I will not overlook this."
>"Then it seems we are at an impasse."
-
>"That other gods do it too is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. And if you are at an impasse, then we shall simply have to ask the people themselves."
-
>"That other gods do it too is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. And if you are at an impasse, then we shall simply have to ask the people themselves."
>"You are right that it is not," Shiki says. "Too often do people think their crimes are excusable merely because others' are greater. Nevertheless, what do you propose?"
-
>"If Kanako will not listen, there is nothing we can do save tell the people that she has been judged against, and refuses to yield or accept it. But, I am curious about the judgment you would render on Utsuho herself, if that is acceptable for you."
-
>"If Kanako will not listen, there is nothing we can do save tell the people that she has been judged against, and refuses to yield or accept it. But, I am curious about the judgment you would render on Utsuho herself, if that is acceptable for you."
>Shiki nods. "I would need to speak with her to reach a final verdict. Certainly her crime merited punishment. And if her intention of causing even greater damage was as claimed, a harsher sentence would be justified as a deterrent. But the purpose of punishment in this life is to set straight the course of future actions. What Kanako has done stands as much risk of leading her into sin as away from it. If I were satisfied that she had repented for her actions, I might consider her punishment already served."
>"You will find that she has not in the slightest," Kanko says.
>Shiki turns back to her. "You are prideful, Kanako. It is true that you care much for your people, and you have blessed their lives greatly. It is true that you have treated Utsuho as you have done because you believed it was for the greater good. But you have led Utsuho down this path and you deny her a chance to atone."
>"I have tried to be kind to her," Kanako responds. "She rejected these kindnesses. She incinerated many of them, in fact."
>Shiki shakes her head. "Will you refuse to acknowledge that were it not for your actions, she would have already repented? You keep her there for people's safety, but if you had treated her differently, no one would be at risk from her now."
-
>"As I said before, Kanako, a less generous person would look at this situation and think that you engineered it explicitly to drag Utsuho down. And honestly, I don't blame her for incinerating them. What reason has she to trust anything from you, give what you've done to her? You did give her what was essentially a devil's contract. And after two years of isolation...Well, if you truly don't understand what that would do to a person, I am certain Ran would tell you."
-
>"As I said before, Kanako, a less generous person would look at this situation and think that you engineered it explicitly to drag Utsuho down. And honestly, I don't blame her for incinerating them. What reason has she to trust anything from you, give what you've done to her? You did give her what was essentially a devil's contract. And after two years of isolation...Well, if you truly don't understand what that would do to a person, I am certain Ran would tell you."
>Ran nods. "I shall say only that, no matter how content you believe you are with solitude, you cannot truly understand what total isolation is like unless you experience it. And... pray that you never do."
>"Just let me talk to her," Orin says. "Please, just let me talk to her...."
>"I..." Sanae shifts uncomfortably. "I'd... like to see her, too."
>You see Kanako's head turn ever so subtly towards Sanae. She says nothing.
>"You have no reason to deny her request, Kanako," Shiki says. "If you yourself admit that her isolation is intended not as a punishment, but a caution."
>Kanako remains silent. Her presence seems to shrink a little.
>Sanae steps towards her. "Yasaka-sama... please...."
>"....very well." Kanako speaks at last. Her words do not carry the same weight that they once did. They sound... almost tired.
-
>Try not to feel too much schadenfreude. It's unseemly.
>"Let us not take too much of the Yama's time, then."
>...Told 'em we'd be back in a few hours. Teehee.
-
>Try not to feel too much schadenfreude. It's unseemly.
>"Let us not take too much of the Yama's time, then."
>...Told 'em we'd be back in a few hours. Teehee.
>You try to restrain yourself, no matter how enjoyable it is to see Kanako sag like that.
>Kanako leads out of the room without responding to you. She barely even acknowledges Sanae's presence. The rest of you fall in behind her.
>You wonder what kind of look is going to be on their faces when you actually do....
>When you exit the shrine building, you find a couple of the tengu from earlier still waiting outside. They watch your party's progress intently, but make no attempt to move closer or speak. Perhaps they can read the mood in the air?
>The group of you proceed through the same long route that you took this afternoon. The size and unusual composition of your group would likely draw attention regardless, but the Yama's presence draws even more. People seem to make an effort to stay out of your way, some of them bowing deeply to her as she walks by, but you can see them talking furtively among themselves after you pass. For her part, Kanako says nothing except when strictly necessary to progress further, and even then, as few words as possible.
>When you finally reach the main reactor room, the head kappa raises an eyebrow at Kanako and then faintly scowls in your direction. "Suppose I've gotta shut this down again, right?"
>"Yes," Kanako replies.
>The kappa lets out an exasperated sigh. "Ok, people, let's do this for a bloody second time today." Then she notices the Yama, and you can practically see the color drain from her face. Her head snaps back towards Kanako, a twinge of fear in her eyes, but Kanako makes no acknowledgment of the gesture.
-
>Try to avoid giving grins or anything else that would be just a little too ,"I told you so". We had our fill of that with Kanako.
>...Well, maybe not, but don't do it anyways.
>Ponder how much the kappa down here know.
-
>Try to avoid giving grins or anything else that would be just a little too ,"I told you so". We had our fill of that with Kanako.
>...Well, maybe not, but don't do it anyways.
>Ponder how much the kappa down here know.
>You do your best to maintain a neutral expression.
>Despite part of you really wanting to be smug right about now
>Judging by that kappa's reaction, you suspect she probably knows something. Or at least suspects. As for how many others, or whether it's just those who work in this room, it would be hard to say. Kanako undoubtedly knows.
>The kappa initiate whatever procedure they did earlier today; the head kappa eventually snaps herself out of her statue impression to go assist them. After much pulling of levers and mechanical noises, the doors to the reactor core open and Kanako leads inside them.
>Once she opens the final door, Kanako stands aside to let the others enter. It's true that there probably isn't enough room in there for everyone else, but you can't help thinking that's not her only motive.
>You step into the room and find Utsuho more or less as she was earlier. Wait, you think she's shifted about a foot to the left. You're barely through the doorway when Orin pushes past you and practically leaps at the glass, pressing her fingers tightly against it.
>"Okuu! Okuu, it's me!"
>Utsuho lifts her head towards her, a look of open wonderment on her face. "Orin.....?" She glances towards you for a moment, then back to her sister. "Orin?"
>Orin slinks to her knees, her fingers sliding down the glass. "Oh god I've missed you.... I've missed you so much...." Her voice is unsteady.
-
>If there is not room, allow the others priority. We've seen her already.
>Watch the Yama do her thing.
-
>If there is not room, allow the others priority. We've seen her already.
>Watch the Yama do her thing.
>You move out of the way to let the others file in. It's a bit of a tight squeeze and you find yourself forced towards the back of the room, but you can still see most of what's happening.
>"I'm gonna get you out, Okuu," Orin says, starting to choke on her words. "I swear I'm gonna get you home." You can hear her start to sob.
>"Orin..." Utsuho says. "D- don't cry. Please don't... don't cry. ...I'm so, so sorry....."
>Shiki steps in front of Utsuho. "Utusho Reiuji. I am Shikieiki Yamaxandu, judge of the court of Higan responsible for Gensokyo.
>"Haven't I already been judged enough?" Utsuho replies, her face drawn into a scowl. You can see single a tear trail down her cheek.
>"You have been judged unfairly," Shiki replies. "And I shall amend that."
>Utsuho turns her head away. "I don't care to hear what you have to say."
>"Okuu... " Orin says. "She's here to help. Please...."
>Shiki stares at her intensely for a moment. "Utsuho Reiuji, you desired to commit a grievous offense, and took actions to perpetrate this. That you were of troubled mind does not reduce the guilt you bear for your actions. You still chose them freely."
>"I've heard that a thousand times before," Utsuho replies. "You can take your preaching and go jump off a cliff somewhere."
>"Nevertheless," Shiki continues, "You confinement here has not been equal to your actions.The purpose of punishment is to encourage us to learn the error of our ways. And I believe you have, though you refuse to admit it."
>"I haven't learned a damn thing except how long I can starve myself before I start to die." You hear Orin choke back a sob.
>Shiki does not acknowledge the interruption "Since you have been here, you have clung so desperately to your resentment that it has begun to consume you. You refuse you show a glimmer of temperance to Kanako, because you could not bear to accept an inch of kindness from her in return. You know that she might have been more lenient with you if you admitted that you regret your actions, but you refuse to give her the satisfaction of being right about anything. In fact, you have almost convinced yourself that you were right all along. You are destroying yourself, Utsuho."
>"So what if I am?"
>"Okuu!" Orin cries. "Don't you dare say that! D- don't you... d-dare..." She starts to bawl.
>"But you are not beyond hope," Shiki continues. "However," she says, projecting her voice to the rear of the room, "I think that hope depends on you being someplace else. By forcing her to stay here, you are condemning her, Kanako. I will not permit this to continue."
-
>"And had this not been done to begin with, she wouldn't be nearly so messed up as she is now. And this one, you have entrapped her in. You can't blame a person for starting to going mad when you engineered everything to drive her mad to in first place."
-
>"And had this not been done to begin with, she wouldn't be nearly so messed up as she is now. And this one, you have entrapped her in. You can't blame a person for starting to going mad when you engineered everything to drive her mad to in first place."
>"Every action I took," Kanako replies, "I did because I felt it was necessary. Ask her yourself, even now. If I let her go, would she turn her powers against this mountain and its people?"
>"Damn right I would!" Utsuho snaps back.
>"Okuu...." Orin manages between sobs. "Why- why are you saying that.... stop saying that... please stop it...." She pounds a hand weakly on the glass.
>"You can lie to Kanako," Shiki says, "You can lie to your sister. You can even lie to yourself. But you cannot lie to me. You tell yourself that you would burn this all down because it gives you something to cling to in your resentment. But you destroy only yourself in the process. Yes, perhaps this is something you desire. But even now, there is one thing you desire most of all."
>There is a long pause. "....I want to go home." Utsuho's voice is quiet, and there is something different about its sound than anything you have heard her say tonight.
>Orin tries to smile through her tears. "Satori's waiting for you, Okuu. We all are."
-
>"A cynic would say you were trying to breed a monster, Kanako. It is good I am not one."
>Look to Shiki. "What would you recommend for Utsuho? And, for Kanako?"
-
>"A cynic would say you were trying to breed a monster, Kanako. It is good I am not one."
>Look to Shiki. "What would you recommend for Utsuho? And, for Kanako?"
>"At this point, I could not care less what your opinion of me is," Kanako responds.
>"I would recommend she be released to her family immediately, if she can earnestly promise not to harm anyone. They need each other, and their influence is the best chance she has of pulling herself back from the brink. I can do nothing to Kanako but hope that she reflects on the harm she has done here. Though I believe she has already done so more than you realize."
-
>"If it were in your power, your honor, what would you do? Perhaps she can take it as a suggestion."
-
>"If it were in your power, your honor, what would you do? Perhaps she can take it as a suggestion."
>Shiki shakes her head. "I feel there is little I can offer that would be of help. Her own confinement would be of far more harm to others besides herself. It may be distasteful for you to see her in this light, but she is a symbol and a guardian to these people. Her pride and miscarriage of justice in this case cannot take away from what she's done and will continue to do. I would say that she owes Utsuho recompense, but anything I could ask her to do would only bring further harm until Utsuho learns to release her hatred."
>She turns to Kanako. "But be aware that I will keep an eye on you, should you consider similar actions in the future. They will not escape my notice for long."
-
>"I don't think confinement would do much to address the problem. Rather, I suggests she owes Utsuho an apology, and a confession to the public."
-
>"I don't think confinement would do much to address the problem. Rather, I suggests she owes Utsuho an apology, and a confession to the public."
>"I don't want her apology!" Utsuho cries.
>"Nor do I see what purpose such a confession would serve," Kanako adds. "But to instill needless fear."
-
>"It would serve to remind people that you are not infallible, and that you have done injustices and nearly created a true threat to them in the process. You owe it to them, after everything they've given you."
-
>"It would serve to remind people that you are not infallible, and that you have done injustices and nearly created a true threat to them in the process. You owe it to them, after everything they've given you."
>"A symbol must be infallible," Kanako says quietly. "People are not served by an ideal that does not live up to the faith people have invested in it."
-
>"I suppose that means you've failed the people and as a symbol, doesn't it? Are you going to continue to insult their faith with deceptions? Is this the kind of thing a beloved guardian does?"
-
>"I suppose that means you've failed the people and as a symbol, doesn't it? Are you going to continue to insult their faith with deceptions? Is this the kind of thing a beloved guardian does?"
>"They'll forgive you, Yasaka-sama," Sanae says, moving towards her. "I know why you felt you had to do this. But, please... put an end it." Are those tears in her eyes?
>Kanako slowly shakes her head. "Sanae... So much of what we've built depends on her. I would be making everyone throw away years of effort and hope for the future because of my own misjudgement."
-
>"What exactly does Utsuho do for your operation? She's just stuck in a tube in here."
-
>"What exactly does Utsuho do for your operation? She's just stuck in a tube in here."
>Kanako shakes her head. "You think this entire facility was built simply to contain her? The seals and bindings that contain her power do so by siphoning it into the systems here, providing heat and energy necessary to power what we do. You saw the piping running from the reactor core into the rest of the facility, right? Without Utsuho, everything here will eventually run cold."
-
>"You could ask her to assist. Perhaps compensate her for her time? Of course, this would naturally go hand in hand with trying to make for the atrocities and all."
-
>"You could ask her to assist. Perhaps compensate her for her time? Of course, this would naturally go hand in hand with trying to make for the atrocities and all."
>"If I ever get out, I'm not doing a damn thing for her!" Utsuho cries.
>"And there you have your answer, I suppose," Kanako says.
-
>"You wouldn't be doing it for her, Utsuho. You'd be doing it for Sanae, who is Kanako's priestess and who is telling Kanako to let you go. And for everyone else. You remember how I told you no one even remembers the underground youkai? This is a good way to remind them you're still around, and that you're not a threat."
>"But, you don't owe anyone anything. If you declined, I don't think anyone who knew what happened would blame you."
-
>"You wouldn't be doing it for her, Utsuho. You'd be doing it for Sanae, who is Kanako's priestess and who is telling Kanako to let you go. And for everyone else. You remember how I told you no one even remembers the underground youkai? This is a good way to remind them you're still around, and that you're not a threat."
>"But, you don't owe anyone anything. If you declined, I don't think anyone who knew what happened would blame you."
>"Then they could just forget about us," Utsuho says weekly. "Would be better if they'd never remembered."
>Sanae walks over and kneels down by Utsuho. Orin bristles next to her as she does so, and turns a frail glare towards her. It looks like she's simply too weary to protest. Her face is slick with tears and her breathing is ragged and shallow.
>"Utsuho..." Sanae says. "I know why you must hate us. I... don't know that I'd be above that myself, were our positions reversed."
>"What do you care?" Utusho asks, irritatedly.
>"I care because you are a person who has been hurt terribly. I will make no excuses for why this has been so. But so many people here are depending on a good that only you can do. Would you turn your back on all of them because one among them wronged you?"
>"That's what I said, isn't it? I don't give a damn about any of you, and none of you give a damn about me."
>Sanae shakes her head. "That's not true. I care. The Yama cares. Keine cares, or none of us would even be here right now."
-
>"No one is going to make you provide power if you don't want to. We've survived without it before, and we'll do alright without it afterward. Just don't think everyone up here is like Kanako. But, if all you want to do is go home home, I'll leave it at that. Just, I think you're passing up a chance to make a lot of friends and do some good. And don't they say that living well is the best revenge?"
-
>"No one is going to make you provide power if you don't want to. We've survived without it before, and we'll do alright without it afterward. Just don't think everyone up here is like Kanako. But, if all you want to do is go home home, I'll leave it at that. Just, I think you're passing up a chance to make a lot of friends and do some good. And don't they say that living well is the best revenge?"
>"....I never want to come back here again," Utsuho says quietly.
-
>"Then that's that, I suppose. No one can blame you after what you had forced on you."
-
>"Then that's that, I suppose. No one can blame you after what you had forced on you."
>Kanako shakes her head. "I said I would not release her because I feared she would do harm. Now she has guaranteed that she will do so."
>"Utsuho..." Sanae says. "The people who live here are my friends and family. What you do means a lot to everyone. They're good, honest people."
>"You're... still... thinking of her like a damn tool," Orin says, her voice steadying.
>"No," Sanae replies firmly. "I'm not. If there was any way that I could return the favor to you, I would do so. The benefit she gives is real. If you knew these people, you would see."
-
>Marvel at how good a girl Sanae is. Resist strange temptation to pat her on the head.
Suggest: "Kanako, you said that everything here would 'eventually' run cold. How often would Utsuho have to be in here at all?"
-
>"At the same time, I can only imagine what a nightmare that tube must be for her. And I don't blame her for not trusting Kanako to do this all over again. If she doesn't want to stay and help, however nice it would be, she shouldn't have to."
>"Although...it might not hurt to have a look around the villages on the mountain on your way out. We can at least get you a nice meal."
-
>Marvel at how good a girl Sanae is. Resist strange temptation to pat her on the head.
>She really has been remarkably kind-hearted since she came down here. For some reason, you feel like giving her a pat on the head, but decide not to risk spoiling the mood.
>"At the same time, I can only imagine what a nightmare that tube must be for her. And I don't blame her for not trusting Kanako to do this all over again. If she doesn't want to stay and help, however nice it would be, she shouldn't have to."
>"Although...it might not hurt to have a look around the villages on the mountain on your way out. We can at least get you a nice meal."
>"Kanako will not do this again," Shiki adds. "Of this I can promise you. But we likewise cannot coerce Utsuho to remain here. I understand that your desires are honest, Sanae. Still, I would say this to you, Utsuho: the greatest sins you bear upon your soul now are pride and hate. The former led you to this place, and both together have sustained your confinement. But simply being allowed to leave will not redeem from the fate you've set yourself towards. Being willing to help others is a powerful step in a positive direction. Remember how you used to be. Many of these people would be your friends if you allowed them."
>Utsuho shakes her head. "I don't want to be redeemed... I'm a monster, remember?"
>"Okuu..." Orin frowns. "I thought you wanted to go home?"
>"I... don't believe you're a monster," Sanae says. "I believe you're a person. A person with fears and doubts and regrets. A person who'd had hopes and dreams before it became too painful to see them." She closes her eyes, and bows her head in prayer for a moment, then begins to undo the shimenawa.
>"Sanae?" Kanako says. "What are you doing?"
>Sanae does not stop, or turn her head. "I'm going to have faith in her."
-
>"Just like I said, Utsuho. There's only one monster here. The rest of us do care."
>Let Sanae do her thing.
-
>"Just like I said, Utsuho. There's only one monster here. The rest of us do care."
>Let Sanae do her thing.
>Kanako does not bother to protest your remark, and Sanae is nice enough not to stop what she's doing on account of it.
>Sanae finishes undoing the shimenawa and pulls it away from the cage. Then she makes a seal with her hands and you feel a wake of spiritual force surge from her. The talismans lining the metal start to glow faintly and then crumple. Most of them fall off and drift gently towards the ground like dead leaves. Then Sanae pushes on a seam in the glass and it shifts aside. She steps into the chamber. Utsuho just... looks at her. You see uncertainty, and even a little fear on her face.
>"Yasaka-sama. Only you can undo the chains. I'm sure you realize this." There is no response. "Please release them, Yasaka-sama," Sanae repeats, without turning back to face her. "You fear for my safety, but I do this willingly and without regret. If you have any faith in me, please honor my request." Kanako remains silent. Then there is a sound of shifting metal as the shackles fall from Utshuo's limbs.
>Utsuho slowly rises to her feet and looks down at herself, examining her wrists from one side and then the other. Her expression is one of open-mouthed astonishment. She seems barely aware of her surroundings.
>Sanae falls to her knees before her and bows her head to the ground. "I am truly, truly sorry beyond the power of words to express. Though nothing I can say will change what has been done to you, I feel it must still be said. I hope that someday you may find it in your heart not to hold the rest of the village responsible for actions they knew nothing about. If you truly feel the need to exact vengeance for the wrongs that have been done to you... I am here."
-
>"If not, let's get you something decent to eat."
-
>"If not, let's get you something decent to eat."
>Utsuho stares down at Sanae. Her expression is hard to read. You suspect even she is unsure of what she's thinking. No one speaks.
>"....get up," Utsuho says at last.
>Sanae rises to her feet, and bows her head towards Utsuho. "Thank you. If there is something you wish, you have only to ask."
>Utsuho moves past her, taking a tentative step forward; she seems a little unsteady on her feet. She steps outside her cage, her expression uncertain.
>"Okuu?" Orin stands up and looks at her, a tentative smile tugging at her face. "Are you ok?"
>"No." Utsuho looks towards her. "But I'm going home, Orin... I'm going home...."
>Orin reaches out and grasps Utsuho's hand tightly in her own, then falls against her. Utshuo folds her wings gently around her. You can hear Orin sobbing again.
>"Let's go home, Okuu...."
-
>Smile. Just smile. No need for schadenfreude now.
-
>Smile. Just smile. No need for schadenfreude now.
>You smile as you look at them. You've seen so much hurt and anger today that you no longer feel the need to take joy in someone else's suffering. It is enough that someone else can be a little happy, now.
>Orin and Utsuho stay like that for a few more moments; Orin sobbing, while Utshuo remains... distant looking. But there is no anger in her face that you can see now. Only great uncertainty, and a hint of the sadness that lies beneath the surface. Eventually Orin pulls herself away and turns to Sanae.
>"Thank you," she says. "I'm, uh, sorry about what I said to you earlier. You're really pretty ok."
>Sanae bows her head. "Apology accepted. I hope you'll consider what I said, though. When you've had some time."
>Utsuho looks towards you. "I... suppose I ought to thank you, too, eh? ...not sure I know how, anymore."
-
>"Don't worry about it, you'll come up with a way I'm pretty sure. Let's get out of here."
-
>"Don't worry about it, you'll come up with a way I'm pretty sure. Let's get out of here."
>"Yes, let's," Shiki agrees, turning and moving towards the exit.
>"Right," Orin nods. "C'mon, Okuu. Let's get out of this place."
>Utsuho takes another few steps forward, pausing when she reaches Kanako. She turns and glares at her; her face cool, but a deep seething in her eyes. "I never want to see you again." Then she continues out of the room, Orin following close to her.
>Ran turns to you. "Well, shall we depart?"
-
>"Let's."
>Exit.
-
>"Let's."
>Exit.
>You nod to Ran and exit the room, filing in after the rest of them. Notably, Kanako does not move nor make any acknowledgment as the rest of you pass her.
>"Yasaka-sama?" Sanae turns back towards her.
>"Just go, Sanae," she responds. "Do what you feel you must."
>Sanae hesitates for a moment, then turns to follow after you.
>You arrive in the main reactor room after Utsuho has already emerged from it. Without exception, every kappa is staring at her; at least half of them look utterly terrified. Utsuho herself barely acknowledges their presence, simply walking slowly towards the exit. No one seem inclined to question her.
>Shiki steps out a moment after you do, and surveys the room. "Utshuo will not bear arms against you while I am here," she says. "I assure you of this. But..." she turns to face a few kappa, one after another. "that is not what all of you are worried about, is it? Some of you had doubts." She turns to one. "Some of you believed Kanako was entirely correct and this room was your only defense against annihilation." She turns to another. "Some of you believed it was your duty to your god, regardless of personal feelings." Then she turns to the head kappa. "And some of you regarded her as nothing more than a component in your machines. You will all be judged according to your actions and beliefs. Duty does not free us from our crimes, nor does self-deception. Kanako cannot shelter you when your time comes, and you will hold no secrets from me. Take care that you truly understand where each of you have erred here, and do not make the same mistakes again. There is still much good to be done here, but if Utsuho is to help, it must be as a colleague; not an enemy, not a prisoner, not a tool." Shiki exits, leaving a roomful of stunned kappa in her wake.
-
>Slow clap
-
>Follow Utsuho out. We won't worry about the engineers, they're probably harmless.
>Put a hand on Sanae's shoulder. "Thank you."
-
>Slow clap
>Shiki bows. "Why, thank you. I spent all that silent time in the room back there rehearsing." The kappa glare at you
>Follow Utsuho out. We won't worry about the engineers, they're probably harmless.
>Put a hand on Sanae's shoulder. "Thank you."
>You exit the room, deciding that the engineers aren't worth admonishing any further. If they would even be aware of you speaking at this point, judging by the looks on some of their faces...
>Sanae bows her head. "I only wish I could do more. This is... not the situation I envisioned. I'm sorry for the things I said to you, Keine. I feel I have much to atone for."
-
>"I think what you've shown me already will count for a lot."
-
>"You can't be blamed for what you didn't know. Given how you only learned of this a short time ago, I think there is little for you to worry about in light of your recent actions."
-
>"I think what you've shown me already will count for a lot."
>"I can only hope," she says.
>"You can't be blamed for what you didn't know. Given how you only learned of this a short time ago, I think there is little for you to worry about in light of your recent actions."
>Sanae shakes her head. "I am Yasaka-sama's priestess, and she is my god. Our actions reflect upon each other."
>You continue out of the facility mostly without incident. There are more than a few wary glances towards Utsuho, but she continues to ignore them, and Shiki ensures that no one accosts you. She delivers no further lectures; there's probably a good chance most of these people were unaware. Eventually you reach the outside again.
-
>"Well, if the relationship is like that, then your actions reflect well upon her, too."
>Resist the urge to add biting commentary to that.
-
>"Well, if the relationship is like that, then your actions reflect well upon her, too."
>Resist the urge to add biting commentary to that.
>"I would hope that I could embody those ideals," Sanae says, then pauses. "I... realize that you think Yasaka-sama a monster for what she did. I... hope that some day you may be able to understand why she felt it was necessary. She's honestly a very kind and caring person. I know her like almost no one else. I wish that it had never happened, but... if you could find it in your heart..."
-
>"Some hot Kismesis sexings first might make me reconsider"
-
>"I've completely lost respect for her, honestly. She may claim to be kind and caring, but it seems to be primarily only for the people she likes. I might be willing to forgive her, but given her refusal to reflect on her own actions and instead trying to make increasingly inane justifications and deceptions, it will be a long time in coming before I can trust her again."
-
>"Some hot Kismesis sexings first might make me reconsider"
>Sanae smiles gently at you. "Sorry, already taken."
>"I've completely lost respect for her, honestly. She may claim to be kind and caring, but it seems to be primarily only for the people she likes. I might be willing to forgive her, but given her refusal to reflect on her own actions and instead trying to make increasingly inane justifications and deceptions, it will be a long time in coming before I can trust her again."
>Sanae looks down. "I... understand why you don't trust her. Perhaps... perhaps some day you might be able to forgive her. I'm sorry, Keine."
-
>"I meant Kanako"
>"I think you may be the most capable of getting her to the point where I would have to reconsider. I doubt it will be an easy task, but..."
-
>"I meant Kanako"
>"I think you may be the most capable of getting her to the point where I would have to reconsider. I doubt it will be an easy task, but..."
>Sanae grins even wider. "So did I."
>Sanae nods. "I cannot force you to change your mind, and I will not try. All I can say is that Yasaka-sama still has my devotion, and I earnestly believe she loves her people. If you wish to have nothing further to do with us, I will respect that."
-
>"That depends on what you mean by us. I still consider you a friend and a good person, at the least. You did what was right, at more personal risk than I."
-
>"That depends on what you mean by us. I still consider you a friend and a good person, at the least. You did what was right, at more personal risk than I."
>"Yasaka-sama understands why I did what I did," Sanae says. "I feel that she even wished she were in a position to do so herself. I... think I should go speak with her, now that the rest of you are out. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
-
>Nod. "Unless you have any last minute advice for the outside world, I think you can go back to her. Don't let her hide the truth, Sanae. If she does, she'll never face it."
-
>Nod. "Unless you have any last minute advice for the outside world, I think you can go back to her. Don't let her hide the truth, Sanae. If she does, she'll never face it."
>"I'll do what I can," she replies. "And good luck to you, Keine." She turns and re-enters the facility.
-
>Check how Orin and Utsuho are doing. As well as Shikieiki.
-
>Check how Orin and Utsuho are doing. As well as Shikieiki.
>Utsuho is standing a few feet from the exit of the building, looking around at the village and staring at the sky. Orin is next to her. They seem to be speaking quietly. Shikieiki is keeping a watchful eye on Utsuho from a polite distance. You seem to be attracting a few curious onlookers. It's hard to tell if they're in response to the Yama, Utsuho, or both.
-
>Approach the Yama.
>"Thank you for arranging this. It is better than any solution I could have achieved."
-
>Approach the Yama.
>"Thank you for arranging this. It is better than any solution I could have achieved."
>You walk over to Shikieiki.
>"All I did was facilitate," she replies. "The others were what made this possible. I cannot compel Kanako, but truth alone is a powerful tool for change. Where I pass judgement, there can be only truth. Sanae brought justice in its wake."
-
>Nod.
>"It was more than I could do, regardless."
-
>Nod.
>"It was more than I could do, regardless."
>"Don't forget that I would not be here were it not for you as well. In that sense, you are the ultimate reason Utsuho is now free. Nevertheless, I am grateful to have been of help." She looks up at the sky. "Although I should return to Higan. I fear I may already be cutting things rather close."
-
>"Very well. Will you need an escort back?"
-
>"Very well. Will you need an escort back?"
>Shiki smiles. "No, I should think not. Is there anything else?"
-
>"Yes, since I'm going to hell anyways..." Molests
>"I don't think there is any more reason to take up your time. Give my regards to Komachi, please."
-
>"Yes, since I'm going to hell anyways..." Molests
>"I don't think there is any more reason to take up your time. Give my regards to Komachi, please."
>Shiki frowns. "Haven't you been there once today already?"
>Shiki nods. "I will do so. Good luck with your endeavors. And don't forget to heed what I told you." She turns and flies off into the night.
>"You seem to have a talent for reunions," Ran says, after Shiki has gone.
-
>"Better than a talent for the latter."
>Look around. What's everyone up to?
-
>"Better than a talent for the latter."
>Look around. What's everyone up to?
>"Agreed," Ran says.
>Orin and Utsuho are still nearby. It seems like Orin may have been waiting for you to finish speaking to your other companions. Ran is next to you. Mokou is presumably wherever you left her, assuming she hasn't wandered off somewhere.
-
>Dang it, Mokou, you need to keep up with the cool kids more often ;_;
>Look to Orin, "Yes?"
-
>Dang it, Mokou, you need to keep up with the cool kids more often ;_;
>Look to Orin, "Yes?"
>Yeah, she missed the show... Although, perhaps the fact that the show consisted of many people being emotional with each other in a very small room was a disincentive?
>Orin take a step towards you. She looks like a wreck, eyes swollen and puffy. But she's smiling. "I... just wanted to say thanks again, you know? I- I really don't know how to put it. I almost can't believe this is real."
-
>"You're welcome. But it was Shiki who did real work. I'm just glad it worked out as well as I hoped."
-
>"You're welcome. But it was Shiki who did real work. I'm just glad it worked out as well as I hoped."
>"Yeah, well... you were the one who went and got her. I sure as hell wouldn't have thought of it, and I doubt she'd have listened to me, either. I'm... not so good at the talking stuff. ...thought I'd blown it there a couple times. But just, thanks... I'm sure Okuu's grateful, too. She's just..." Orin frowns. "I'm just gonna hope she'll be ok. I've missed her..."
-
>"You'll have your work cut out getting her back to normal, to be honest. I've go no doubt she's going to have nightmares, odd episodes, and the like. But I think you can do it."
>"Where'd we leave Mokou at?"
-
>"You'll have your work cut out getting her back to normal, to be honest. I've go no doubt she's going to have nightmares, odd episodes, and the like. But I think you can do it."
>"Where'd we leave Mokou at?"
>"We have to," Orin says, quietly. "Not going to accept that we can't." She tries to smile again. "Satori's good at that stuff. She'll understand what Okuu's gone through probably better than Okuu herself. ...I feel kinda sorry for what she's gonna have to see."
>"I believe she was over in that direction," Ran says, pointing towards the area where the reporters had originally gathered.
-
>"We're going to go get Mokou, Orin. I suppose you two want to head straight home?"
-
>"We're going to go get Mokou, Orin. I suppose you two want to head straight home?"
>"I, uh..." Orin looks back at Utsuho. "I think we should. But thank you so much again. Drop by sometime, ok?"
-
> "Yeah sure, I will"
>Wave them goodbye and go search for Mokou.
-
> "Yeah sure, I will"
>Wave them goodbye and go search for Mokou.
>Orin nods "Looking forward to it. Good luck with ya!" She turns and heads back to Utsuho and after a moment's conversation they take off through the air. You see Utsuho look back once in your direction. You can't read her expression. Soon they pass out of sight.
>You wave goodbye and head back to where you last saw Mokou. You find her sprawled out on a bench beneath a large oak tree, looking at once comfortable and bored. She turns her head idly towards you as you approach and smiles when she recognizes you.
>"Well, group seems to have shrunk," she says. "That good or bad?"
-
>"Things went as well as can be expected. Utsuho was cleared by the Yama, and Sanae freed her. Kanako's not happy and still not admitting she did anything wrong, but hopefully Sanae can talk some sense into her."
-
>"Things went as well as can be expected. Utsuho was cleared by the Yama, and Sanae freed her. Kanako's not happy and still not admitting she did anything wrong, but hopefully Sanae can talk some sense into her."
>"I'd say that counts as pretty damn good!" Mokou says."So, let me see... since I met you, you've broken through a ward I spent seven years banging my head against, pulled someone out of a different universe, travelled to the future, and forced a god to do what you wanted, even though they still don't agree with you." Mokou flashes you a wide grin. "You're a damn scary woman, you know that?"
-
>Open hand gesture.
>"I had a good role model."
-
>Open hand gesture.
>"I had a good role model."
>Mokou just laughs and shakes her head. "Ok, so what's the next impossible thing you're gonna pull off today?"
-
>"Supper. Let's head back to the mansion, relax a bit, and plan our next move."
-
>"Supper. Let's head back to the mansion, relax a bit, and plan our next move."
>"Sounds good to me." Mokou stretches and stands up. "Let's get going, then."
-
>Get going, then.
-
>Get going, then.
>You head back towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Ran and Mokou in tow. It is a pleasant trip and a pleasant change from the intensity of the last little while. There's a certain satisfaction in returning to rest after a good deed done. Hopefully, Utsuho will be able to heal, given time.
>Meiling nods to you as you approach and lets you in without complaint.
-
>"Good evening! I hope Rumia and Chen haven't been too much trouble for you?"
-
>"Good evening! I hope Rumia and Chen haven't been too much trouble for you?"
>"Eh, well..." Meiling shrugs. "Spent a while chasing each other around the grounds. Don't really mind, though. Not exactly a lot of new faces around here. Nice to see someone having fun."
-
>"I'm surprised you've not lured them over for a couple games yourself."
-
>"I'm surprised you've not lured them over for a couple games yourself."
>"Nah," Meiling says, shaking her head. "Still got a gate to guard and all that. Boring job sometimes. ...well, almost all the time," she adds, under her breath. "But it's still gotta be done."
-
>"Indeed, but I imagine you're probably good enough by now to allow a distraction like that, and keep things perfectly safe."
-
>"Indeed, but I imagine you're probably good enough by now to allow a distraction like that, and keep things perfectly safe."
>"Oh yeah, I'm sure," Meiling nods. "Still, I have my standards. Besides, they're still just kids. Better to let them do their thing."
-
>Nod. "I can respect that."
>Head inside!
-
>Nod. "I can respect that."
>Head inside!
>Meiling nods back at you. "You go have a nice day now."
>You head across the grounds and enter the mansion. A pair of maids are currently busy cleaning the grand staircase in the foyer, their diminutive stature making the job look much more labor intensive than necessary.
>"Have you given any thought to our next action?" Ran asks.
-
> "Hmmm, I have 2 ideas, and I have no idea how to go about one. The first is finding a way to that point in the lake that we couldn't access earlier..."
> How much do we know about the events involving Byakuren and her release?
-
>"I've also been pondering what to do about that rift when the time comes. I want to take someone with me this time, as an extra set of eyes, if nothing else."
-
> "Hmmm, I have 2 ideas, and I have no idea how to go about one. The first is finding a way to that point in the lake that we couldn't access earlier..."
> How much do we know about the events involving Byakuren and her release?
>Ran nods. "It would certainly be ideal if that were possible."
>You are aware of most of the main points. You know that the geyser created by Utsuho's power broke the Palanquin Ship and its inhabitants out of the underground, and that they gathered the fragments of the Soaring Vault in order to unseal Byakuren from a remote corner of Makai. You are aware of Nue's role in hindering their effects, as well as the true nature of the ufos. You are aware of Reimu, Sanae, and Marisa's attempts to investigate.
>"I've also been pondering what to do about that rift when the time comes. I want to take someone with me this time, as an extra set of eyes, if nothing else."
>Ran nods again. "As I said, with the entrances we have available to us, at most two people can travel through, and they would likely be separated once they emerged on the other side. Still, reuniting should be possible through more mundane means."
-
>Nod.
>"The question is who to bring, you or Mokou."
-
> "If we got to some more viable rifts, such as the one under the lake, would it be possible for more people to go through?"
> Ponder, in our world, did we know of any Kappa creations that would allow swimming in deep water without worry of air?
> "Do you think it is possible that Makai, or where the Celestials live may have a rift or two?"
-
>Nod.
>"The question is who to bring, you or Mokou."
>Mokou frowns. "Eh, probably better off with her than me. A city with a million people in it sounds like about the last place I'd wanna be." She casts an eye at Ran. "I might blend better, though."
>"I do have some passing knowledge of the outside world," Ran says. "Yukari sometimes referred to matters thereof, although she did not speak of it often."
> "If we got to some more viable rifts, such as the one under the lake, would it be possible for more people to go through?"
> Ponder, in our world, did we know of any Kappa creations that would allow swimming in deep water without worry of air?
> "Do you think it is possible that Makai, or where the Celestials live may have a rift or two?"
>"I would need to examine it in person to be sure," Ran says, "but that is a distinct possibility from the readings Patchouli has marked on this map."
>You have little familiarity with what devices the kappa have made in your own world. However, considering that the kappa themselves are already aquatic, such a creation might not have been a high priority.
>Ran ponders for a moment. "I suppose it is possible, although I don't know that the phenomenon would have manifested outside Gensokyo proper."
-
> "Well, random idea. The Kappa are great inventors, it is possible they have built something that would allow those that are not aquatic to act underwater as if they were aquatic. That would likely be our best chance at getting to the point at the Lake, that or Patchouli being able to help through her magic."
-
> "Well, random idea. The Kappa are great inventors, it is possible they have built something that would allow those that are not aquatic to act underwater as if they were aquatic. That would likely be our best chance at getting to the point at the Lake, that or Patchouli being able to help through her magic."
>Ran muses. "Patchouli does have great skill with elemental magic. It would probably be prudent to ask, even if she is somewhat... perturbed by the generosity this situation has ended up requiring of her."
-
>"It would be worth a try, I suppose. But give how old that rift is, do you think you could find anything from it?"
-
>"It would be worth a try, I suppose. But give how old that rift is, do you think you could find anything from it?"
>"The rift there was comparatively new, actually," Ran says. "At least for one of its magnitude. This was why I said it merited investigation in the first place."
-
>"Alright. I wasn't sure how long they were good for. Then, I suppose we should ask Patchouli again."
-
>"Alright. I wasn't sure how long they were good for. Then, I suppose we should ask Patchouli again."
>Ran frowns. "I'm afraid I can't give a strict measurement of their time of usefulness, either. It's not an entirely predictable thing and has quite a lot to do with the lattice of space where they occurred. Some geometries produce more enduring conduits than others. This is why it would need to be examined directly."
-
>Nod, and head for the library.
-
>Nod, and head for the library.
>You nod, then proceed towards the library. You find Patchouli, as always, seated at her desk, and currently perusing book on no doubt some esoteric subject.
>"I assume you have something else to request of me," she says, turning a page in her book, and continuing to read. "Perhaps I should put a sign up: 'Magical philanthropy. Inquire within.'"
-
>"I would be happy to help you place it. And, yes. I was hoping you had a way for Ran to get underwater, to examine that rift in the lake. In turn, I will try and bring you back a phone book from outside."
-
>"I would be happy to help you place it. And, yes. I was hoping you had a way for Ran to get underwater, to examine that rift in the lake. In turn, I will try and bring you back a phone book from outside."
>"I might," she replies. "And what exactly is a 'phone book'?"
-
>"A book of the outside world, with a listing of every name and place in a city, and the means to contact them."
-
>"A book of the outside world, with a listing of every name and place in a city, and the means to contact them."
>"The means to contact them?" Patchouli look at you, eyebrow raised. "Are you saying a single tome maintains a set of active bindings large enough to encompass an entire city's population? Do you know what degree of contact can be established through this?"
-
>"From what Sanae has told me, I think it's just communication. But, with the information in hand, you may be able to expand it. I am not sure, this is rather far outside my field of knowledge."
-
>"From what Sanae has told me, I think it's just communication. But, with the information in hand, you may be able to expand it. I am not sure, this is rather far outside my field of knowledge."
>Patchouli's brow furrows. "I suppose you have no idea of the principles through which it achieves this communication, either? Presumably such bindings would not be able to cross the gap between dimensions to their original targets, but the process by which they were originally created may still be scrutable from the tome itself." She stares off thoughtfully.
-
"I think she said the book was related to some kind of device that allowed the communication but... She didn't really go in depth about it."
-
"I think she said the book was related to some kind of device that allowed the communication but... She didn't really go in depth about it."
>Patchouli frowns. "I suppose such an incantation might require a focus outside the tome itself. Is this implement a singular artifact, or do multiple such ones exist? I think I would be quite interested in acquiring one for study."
-
> "Well considering what Sanae said and what I saw in the Outside World... I would say that the artifact in question is more likely to be some kind of technology using science rather than magic."
-
>"But with that in mind, I can't imagine it's beyond your skill to replicate their ability."
-
> "Well considering what Sanae said and what I saw in the Outside World... I would say that the artifact in question is more likely to be some kind of technology using science rather than magic."
>Patchouli frowns. "Oh. I see."
>"But with that in mind, I can't imagine it's beyond your skill to replicate their ability."
>"Well, I suppose it may be an... interesting curiosity, at the very least."
-
>"I'll definitely get you one. And maybe one of those devices as well."
-
>"I'll definitely get you one. And maybe one of those devices as well."
>"Very well," Patchouli says, putting her book down with a sigh. "You said you desired a means to reach the bottom of the lake? How long did you intend to remain there? Was Ran to be the only one to go there?"
-
> "Well, only one person should need to go, maybe two. We wouldn't need much more time then what it would take to get to the location in question and do what is needed."
-
>Let Ran explain how much time she'll need.
-
> "Well, only one person should need to go, maybe two. We wouldn't need much more time then what it would take to get to the location in question and do what is needed."
>Let Ran explain how much time she'll need.
>You offer a little explanation and then ask Ran to provide the rest.
>"If I'm simply to sample the latent spatial indentation and triangulate a path through it," Ran says. "I should need no more than 30 seconds at the site itself. Of course, I do not know precisely how deep the fissure is located." She turns to you. "If I can find a superior path through this location, do you intend to depart from there at once?"
-
>"It would be midday there, now. I'd be much happier waiting until some time after midnight, when it is dark there and people are less active."
-
>"It would be midday there, now. I'd be much happier waiting until some time after midnight, when it is dark there and people are less active."
>Ran nods. "That seems sensible."
>Patchouli sighs. "I very, very much hate to say that this would be easiest if I went to assist in person. You are exceedingly fortunate that I will consider doing that at all. I certainly do not intend to attempt it twice."
-
>"While I am thinking about it, Ran...why did that gate open up into the park where it did?"
-
>"While I am thinking about it, Ran...why did that gate open up into the park where it did?"
>"Presumably because that was the path of least resistance along the folds in space," Ran replies. "To grossly simplify, think of it like water flowing down a hill. The path was aimed along the existing connection as best I could, and the terminus was a local minimum in the spatial contour. There need likely be nothing else special about that location besides that."
-
>"I see. But, you're certain it's in the same general vicinity of where the actual endpoint was, and not a point of least resistance that may be weeks or worlds away?"
-
>"I see. But, you're certain it's in the same general vicinity of where the actual endpoint was, and not a point of least resistance that may be weeks or worlds away?"
>Ran frowns. "The time differential is something I wouldn't have expected. To be perfectly honest, I've never see such a thing happen. But the passage felt firmly anchored to me, and I would be surprised if you'd ended up in a different city, let alone a different world."
-
>"Alright. Hopefully the underwater rift would get us closer. We'll wait a while and let it get dark there, first, so that Patchouli need not make two trips."
>Look to Patchouli. "What are the details on this method you intend to use?"
-
>"Alright. Hopefully the underwater rift would get us closer. We'll wait a while and let it get dark there, first, so that Patchouli need not make two trips."
>Look to Patchouli. "What are the details on this method you intend to use?"
>"Very well," Ran agrees.
>"To put it crudely," Patchouli says. "I will wrap the water around us. It's primarily a defensive spell, but can be used for other purposes. I should be able to extend it around a small group if you stay close. It will essentially allow us to travel through water as if it were air, although I should not want to tarry long."
-
>"Good. How many can you bring? Our hope is to find a site that is large enough to allow for three more more to pass through."
-
>"Good. How many can you bring? Our hope is to find a site that is large enough to allow for three more more to pass through."
>"I believe I could ferry that many," Patchouli says. "Keep in mind it will take a significant exertion to perform this at that depth, so make sure you know what you're doing."
-
>"Actually. This raises a very important question. Ran, let us suppose there is a rift down there three or more of us could use. Wouldn't we have to use it to return? That is, reappear at the bottom of the lake?"
-
>"Actually. This raises a very important question. Ran, let us suppose there is a rift down there three or more of us could use. Wouldn't we have to use it to return? That is, reappear at the bottom of the lake?"
>"We would," Ran says. "And... we would." She frowns. "I expect I could hold my breath long enough to surface. Mokou, no doubt, would be fine even if she could not."
>"Hey, define 'fine'," Mokou grumps.
>"That leaves yourself, Kiene," Ran continues. "I suppose it depends on how deep the fissure is."
-
>"The problem is, well, coming from that gap is very disorienting. I'm not sure it's possible to reliably hold my breath through it."
-
>"The problem is, well, coming from that gap is very disorienting. I'm not sure it's possible to reliably hold my breath through it."
>"Disorienting?" Ran frowns. "I'm sorry I couldn't make a smoother connection. A properly made one is generally little more disorienting than stepping through a curtain. Although, to be fair, perhaps I'm simply more used to it than most."
>"If you're thinking to suggest that accompany you to the other side," Patchouli says, "I would advise you come up with some other plan. I have no intention of wandering around strange cities searching for creatures of unknown intent."
-
>"No no, I'm not complaining. Just, disorientation and being underwater sound like a pretty fatal combination. And no, Patchouli, I wasn't thinking that all for the reasons you just named. You've been too good to us to force you along."
-
>"No no, I'm not complaining. Just, disorientation and being underwater sound like a pretty fatal combination. And no, Patchouli, I wasn't thinking that all for the reasons you just named. You've been too good to us to force you along."
>Patchouli gives a curt note of acknowledgment. "Did you have an alternate proposal?"
-
>"At this point, there doesn't seem to be much reason to do it at all, if we can't come back safely that way."
-
>"At this point, there doesn't seem to be much reason to do it at all, if we can't come back safely that way."
>"An understandable aversion," Patchouli says.
>"Look," Mokou says, "worst come to worst, I can always step through first. Drag the two of you up with me if ya stop breathing right." She frowns. "...doesn't sound much good, either, does it?"
-
>"Can you swim?"
-
>"Can you swim?"
>Mokou nods. "Yeah, I can swim."
-
>"With two people in tow?"
-
>"With two people in tow?"
>"Can try," she says.
>Ran frowns. "I think I had been hoping for a less problematic option than this."
-
>"I daresay, unless Patchouli and Cirno feel like joining forces to freeze the lake over for a day or two, we had best set this idea aside."
-
>"I daresay, unless Patchouli and Cirno feel like joining forces to freeze the lake over for a day or two, we had best set this idea aside."
>"Work jointly with her?" Patchouli looks rather offended. "I believe you vastly overestimate her abilities."
>"So, is it back to the original plan, then?" Ran asks.
-
>Chuckle. "It was an example of just how impossible things seem, Patchouli. And yes, Ran, I suppose it is back to the original"
>_
-
>Chuckle. "It was an example of just how impossible things seem, Patchouli. And yes, Ran, I suppose it is back to the original"
>Patchouli continues to scowl at you.
>"So," Ran asks, "do you intend to try the two-person option this time?"
-
>"I'll still bring you a phone book, Patchouli."
>Give her the paper.
>"And I'm done with this, now, so it's yours."
>Nod to Ran. "I don't suppose you'll be able to hide your tails, will you?"
-
>"I'll still bring you a phone book, Patchouli."
>Give her the paper.
>"And I'm done with this, now, so it's yours."
>Nod to Ran. "I don't suppose you'll be able to hide your tails, will you?"
>"It may still be worth an inspection," Patchouli says.
>Patchouli accepts the newspaper with a wary expression, and then begins to glance through it
>"I said back at the Moriya Shrine that I can probably hide them with a simple glamour. It would be an easy illusion to see through for anyone with some magical awareness, but I suspect those who would be most wary of my nature would have no such awareness."
-
>"Well, if you still want to do it, Patchouli, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to at least look."
-
>"Well, if you still want to do it, Patchouli, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to at least look."
>"So," Patchouli looks back up at you, raising an eyebrow, "you've decided you're content with the unpleasant re-entry after all?"
-
>"No, not at all. But you see to be suggesting you think there other reasons worth looking into it."
-
>"No, not at all. But you see to be suggesting you think there other reasons worth looking into it."
>Patchouli shakes her head. "I was referring to this phone book you spoke of. While it is not the grimoire I had envisioned from your initial description, it may still be worth examining, should you find one to bring back to me."
-
>Nod. "Alright then. My misunderstanding."
>To Ran and Mokou, "If there's nothing else, I suppose we have some time to ourselves. And lunch would be very nice right about now."
-
>Nod. "Alright then. My misunderstanding."
>To Ran and Mokou, "If there's nothing else, I suppose we have some time to ourselves. And lunch would be very nice right about now."
>"No worries." Patchouli returns to the newspaper.
>"If you intend to pursue the other rift site," Ran says. "I think I should work on a solution to finding each other again, should we get separated." She turns to Patchouli. "I believe you may have the necessary materials."
>Patchouli sighs. "I may."
>"I've got nothin'," Mokou says. "Not that I ever do at these things. And yeah, I'm starved."
-
>Head out to find Sakuya and arrange for foodstuffs.
>If Ran follows. "I assume physical contact might not be enough keep us together?"
-
>Head out to find Sakuya and arrange for foodstuffs.
>If Ran follows. "I assume physical contact might not be enough keep us together?"
>You turn to leave the library, looking for Sakuya and hopefully something to eat.
>"I think I'll stay and attempt to attend to this for the moment," Ran says. "And while physical contact might help, I suspect it won't be enough, and would rather not depend on it. I should be able to fashion a sufficient way to relocate each other, however. The principles are similar to the magic that allows a shikigami and their master to communicate. It will merely take some time. You two go ahead and get something to eat."
>With that said, you leave to look for Sakuya, following directions from the maids. You find her, conveniently enough, rearranging items in the pantry. She turns to you as you enter.
>"Good afternoon," she says, nodding to you. "Is there something I can do for you?"
-
>"Dinner would be nice, if that is possible. With luck, this will be the last night we need to impose upon you."
-
>"Dinner would be nice, if that is possible. With luck, this will be the last night we need to impose upon you."
>"It isn't a problem," she replies. "I was about to prepare the mistress's meal, in any case. I'll make sure portions enough for each of your party are prepared as well."
-
>"Would the Lady of the Mansion mind if we joined her? Or does she prefer to dine alone?"
-
>"Would the Lady of the Mansion mind if we joined her? Or does she prefer to dine alone?"
>Sakuya pauses. "It is not a question that has arisen in a very long time. With guests, I mean. I could inquire, if you'd like me to."
-
>"Please. It seems rude to run about all over the mansion and not pay her any respect, or even a simple hello."
-
>"Please. It seems rude to run about all over the mansion and not pay her any respect, or even a simple hello."
>Sakuya nods. "Very well. I will ask, and send word to you when the food is prepared in either case."
-
>"I'll be in the library, then."
>Go be at the library, then, unless Mokou cuts in with another idea.
>Once there, peruse around for something interesting to read.
-
>"I'll be in the library, then."
>Go be at the library, then, unless Mokou cuts in with another idea.
>Once there, peruse around for something interesting to read.
>"Very well," Sakuya says, turning back to her task.
>You leave Sakuya and head back towards the library. Mokou follows without complaint. Or, at least, without any verbal ones.
>Once you arrive, you set to browsing the shelves for some interesting to read. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the vast majority of books here deal with magic or similar esoteric subjects. Not only are these outside your field of interest, many of them are beyond your ability to comprehend. You do eventually find sections containing books on other subjects; there are several shelves on philosophy, as well as some books on architecture and medieval politics. There is also a fairly extensive collection of the classics of western literature, perhaps gathered from the time that the mansion stood in the outside world. Comparable works of Japanese origin are virtually absent here.
>Mokou takes a brief glance at the shelves while you examine them, then finds a table in the back corner of the room, leans her chair back against the wall and kicks up her feet upon it. You decide it is probably fortunate that Patchouli can't see this part of the library from where she's sitting.
>Eventually you settle on a copy of Herodotus's Histories, classic of western writing on the subject that it is, and sit down next to Mokou. It proves a fairly easy read, as books on the subject go, which seems fortunate at the moment; your mind is still distracted from the events of the day, and you're not sure it would be in any shape to tackle more weighty prose or philosophical thought right now.
-
>Lean head on Mokou's shoulder if at all possible without knocking her over.
-
>Lean head on Mokou's shoulder if at all possible without knocking her over.
>You lean back on your own chair and put your head on Mokou's shoulder. She turns to you and smiles, then reaches her arm around your own shoulder.
>"Y'know," she says, "I mightn't like the place all that much, but it's nice to be able to just sit back like this."
-
>"Mmhm. Just consider it a change of scenery. It'll make going home all the sweeter."
-
>"Mmhm. Just consider it a change of scenery. It'll make going home all the sweeter."
>"Yeah, well..." Mokou nods. "Probably true. Can't go worrying about that while there's work to do, anyway. I'm not tagging along for a holiday, after all."
-
>"And I appreciate it. I wish I could take you along with me, but Ran really will be more helpful and I don't want her to be left to drown if we found a way under the lake big enough for the three of us."
-
>"And I appreciate it. I wish I could take you along with me, but Ran really will be more helpful and I don't want her to be left to drown if we found a way under the lake big enough for the three of us."
>"Hey, nobody's drowning on my watch," Mokou protests. "But... I know what you mean. Probably wouldn't be much good to anyone out there, anyway, until it came time to beat in whoever's face started this mess and make them put it back."
-
>"I think there's more to your uses than that, but don't worry. One of my first goals is going to be to find a stable way back that we can pull you through."
>Enjoy the time til supper occurs.
-
>"I think there's more to your uses than that, but don't worry. One of my first goals is going to be to find a stable way back that we can pull you through."
>Enjoy the time til supper occurs.
>"Won't that be something," Mokou replies. "Well, we'll see, I guess."
>You sit and enjoy the rest of your time until supper, idly browsing your book and enjoying Mokou's company. The time passes peacefully. Eventually, a blond-haired fairy flies over and curtsies toward you in mid-air.
>"Culinary completion compels communal consumption," she begins, a most solemn expression on her face. "Consequently communicative concerns call for colleagues to convey company forthwith!"
>Mokou blinks. "Say what?"
-
>"I believe she's saying it's time for dinner."
>Set the book aside and stand. "Lead the way, please."
-
>"I believe she's saying it's time for dinner."
>Set the book aside and stand. "Lead the way, please."
>The fairy nods sagely. "Dinner demands direct departure!"
>You put your book down and stand up. "Follow faithfully, for fine food few fellows feast on figures fully in your future." She leads out of the library. "Appetizing aromas await!"
-
>Follow.
>"You have quite a way with words, I wonder if I could borrow you for helping out with a composition class or two?"
-
>Follow.
>"You have quite a way with words, I wonder if I could borrow you for helping out with a composition class or two?"
>You follow the fairy onward.
>"Your gracious gesture gives great gladness to my garrulous grandiloquence," she replies as you walk. "Sadly, my time and talents are taken tending other tasks of non-temporary term."
>You follow the fairy out of the library, collecting Ran along the way. Patchouli waves the fairy away with a dismissive gesture.
>The fairy leads you back to the main entryway and into an adjoining corridor, open a set of double doors at the end of it. You emerge into an opulently appointed dining room with marble floors and a vaulted ceiling from which hang several ornate chandeliers. A long table covers much of the length of the room, capable of seating quite a few more than your party. Silverware is already laid out for seven people. One at the head of the table, another next to it, then five towards the other end. The fairy seats you, Ran, and Mokou among these five place settings.
>Shortly after you arrive, you see another pair of fairies leading Rumia and Chen into the room. Chen takes a seat next to Ran, and Rumia takes the chair to your right, giving the cushioning an experimental bounce.
>"Hi, Quiz Lady!" she says, smiling at you. "Isn't this place neat? Rumia never saw inside it before. They always chased Rumia away..."
-
>"Have you been having fun, Rumia? And not giving the maids too many problems?"
-
>"Have you been having fun, Rumia? And not giving the maids too many problems?"
>Rumia nods enthusiastically. "And Rumia hasn't given aaaaanyone problems. That big scary maid was the only one giving problems. Came by all grumpy and said everyone had to stop having fun." She frowns, then starts beaming again after a moment. "Did you know they've got these neat poofy sticks? They made Rumia's face all tickley."
-
>"Those are dusters, Rumia. They uses those to remove dust from things. And, what were you doing when Sakuya told you to stop?"
-
>"Those are dusters, Rumia. They uses those to remove dust from things. And, what were you doing when Sakuya told you to stop?"
>"Nah-uh," she shakes her head. "Rumia's face isn't dusty. And we were playing hide-and-seek!"
-
>"Oh? Where were you hiding?"
-
>"Oh? Where were you hiding?"
>"Rumia was a statue!" she says in a hushed tone, spreading her arms out wide.
-
>"And who were you hiding from?"
-
>"And who were you hiding from?"
>"The fairies," she replies. "I even got up against the wall with the other statues. It was perfect! But then they started poking me with their poofy sticks."
-
>Chuckle
>"They were probably supposed to be working, then."
-
>Ponder the possible implications of adopting Rumia.
-
>Chuckle
>"They were probably supposed to be working, then."
>"Hey!" she frowns. "Finding someone who's hiding is hard work, too. 'specially if they can turn invisible, like me." Suddenly your vision goes dark.
>"Dammit," Mokou mutters.
>"See!" Rumia says proudly. You hear some of the maids giggling.
>Ponder the possible implications of adopting Rumia.
>That would certainly add a note of... unpredictability to your life. You wonder whether the adorableness would make up for the headaches. ...and whether you'd be able to keep yourself in ink and paper ever again.
-
>"Enough of that, Rumia. And I mean, working at their maid tasks. But I'm glad you made friends."
-
>"Enough of that, Rumia. And I mean, working at their maid tasks. But I'm glad you made friends."
>The bubble of darkness dissolves. Rumia is grinning at you in an entirely self-satisfied manner. "Yup!" she adds. You hear Mokou grumbling.
>A door at the opposite end of the room from where you entered opens and Remilia steps through it, Sakuya beside her. She moves to the chair at the head of the table and pulls it out for Remilia, who sits down.
>Sakuya bows her head. "Dinner will be served momentarily," she says, then turns and departs the room again.
>Remilia regards you with a sort of unnerving half-grin. "I trust you've been enjoying the hospitality?"
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>Nod to Remilia. "Very much so. Thank you for your generosity, it's made things much less stressful."
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>Nod to Remilia. "Very much so. Thank you for your generosity, it's made things much less stressful."
>"It is no burden," she replies. "What is the purpose of opulence if it cannot be shared by others from time to time, no? And you've given Patchouli a more interesting task to apply her mind to than any she's had in quite a few years."
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> "Well, I'm more then glad to help people out, and helping some people has required calling on Patchouli. I'd say that a notable amount of the things I have done have been possible, or at very least, easier, due to help from Patchouli. Also I suppose any help from her can be also thought of as help from you, and in that sense, I thank you as well."
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> "Well, I'm more then glad to help people out, and helping some people has required calling on Patchouli. I'd say that a notable amount of the things I have done have been possible, or at very least, easier, due to help from Patchouli. Also I suppose any help from her can be also thought of as help from you, and in that sense, I thank you as well."
>No need to smooze too hard. Let's drop that last line for now and let it be implied instead.
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> "Well, I'm more then glad to help people out, and helping some people has required calling on Patchouli. I'd say that a notable amount of the things I have done have been possible, or at very least, easier, due to help from Patchouli. Also I suppose any help from her can be also thought of as help from you, and in that sense, I thank you as well."
>No need to smooze too hard. Let's drop that last line for now and let it be implied instead.
>"Yes, Patchouli is quite the genius at her art," Remilia nods. "I'm pleased that our resources have been of benefit to you. And I trust your accommodations were also suitable." This, oddly, does not sound like a question. Remilia pauses and looks around the table. "It's been a long time since we'd had dinner guests. I promise you will find our cuisine of the rarest order."
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>"The accommodations were much more than suitable. I would have been happy to have a pile of straw to rest upon after last night, so a bed like that was simply heaven."
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>"The accommodations were much more than suitable. I would have been happy to have a pile of straw to rest upon after last night, so a bed like that was simply heaven."
>Remilia's grin is a mockery of magnanimity. "I'm glad you enjoyed them."
>The doors to the dining room open again, and Sakuya leads a procession of fairies into the room, carrying trays laden with food. They circulate around the table, depositing them before each of the people seated and at the one remaining unoccupied place setting. You receive a bowl of thin whitish soup with herbs, and a plate of meat in a sauce, topped with garnish. Both are impeccably presented, the aroma that issues from them is quite appetizing.
>"Cream of wild mushroom and onion soup with fresh tarragon," Sakuya says, nodding to the table, "and veal fillet braised in red wine, with tomato and basil." She takes the seat next to Remilia.
>"Please, do enjoy," Remilia says, taking a spoonful of the soup to her lips.
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>"It smells wonderful."
>Dig in; politely.
>Observe the others.
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>"It smells wonderful."
>Dig in; politely.
>Observe the others.
>"Thank you," Sakuya says, beginning to eat her own meal.
>You sample your meal and find that the praise that fairy was singing about it may not have been wholly exaggeration. It's really good! The cuisine is really not typical fare for you, but the flavor is rich and subtle and blends together wonderfully. You find yourself eating it eagerly.
>While you eat, you look around at the others. Remilia consumes her meal with impeccable poise, although you see her cast a vaguely unsettling glance around the table from time to time. Mokou skips directly to the meat, sawing off a big piece of it and chomping down. She nods encouragingly as she takes the first couple bits and quickly goes for a second piece. You see Ran give Chen a quick pointer on the subtleties of fine-dining etiquette and the most polite way to hold one's spoon while eating from it. Rumia stares curiously at her plate for a moment, then takes a fork with both hands and impales her veal upon it. She tries to lift the entire serving at once, but it slips off the fork and back onto her plate. She smiles and repeats this process.
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>"You should use a knife, too, Rumia. Like this."
>Demonstrate!
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>"You should use a knife, too, Rumia. Like this."
>Demonstrate!
>You attempt to demonstrate to Rumia how to properly cut your food. She watches your display with a certain degree of consternation, then attempts to replicate it as well as she can. Which is to say, not very well. After an unnecessary amount of sawing at her fillet while moving it all over her plate, she finally manages to separate a piece. Which she promptly picks up with her fingers and tosses into her mouth. She chews thoughtfully then starts to grin. "Rumia likes this!" she declares.
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>Chuckle.
>"Try the soup, you'll enjoy it too."
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>Chuckle.
>"Try the soup, you'll enjoy it too."
>You allow yourself a little laugh at Rumia's naivety. At least she seems to be enjoying herself.
>Rumia frowns at the bowl, then looks over at the other people sampling from it. She takes a spoon awkwardly in hand and dunks it into her soup, somehow managing to get the contents to her mouth without spilling them. You see her mull the flavor over thoughtfully and then tentatively nod. "Rumia doesn't like this this as much," she says. "But it's still ok."
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>"Well, it's a little different for you. But I think it's quite nice, myself."
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>"Well, it's a little different for you. But I think it's quite nice, myself."
>"Yeah, this is pretty good stuff," Mokou says, between bites.
>"I agree wholeheartedly," Ran adds.
>"Sakuya is very talented," Remilia agrees. "At a great many things."
>Rumia stares at her soup curiously, then picks the bowl up and tips it up to her lips. After a moment, she returns it to the table with a satisfied look on her face.
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>Well, that's not too bad for Rumia.
>"Does Patchouli typically not join you for dinner?"
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>Well, that's not too bad for Rumia.
>"Does Patchouli typically not join you for dinner?"
>At least she's not making a mess of the place
>"Patchouli eats when she chooses to," Remilia says. "Sometimes, with us. Often, not. Sometimes, not at all. She gets consumed by her own tasks for days or weeks at a time, mostly. But she is as she is."
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>"As long as she does sometimes, then I suppose it is alright."
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>"As long as she does sometimes, then I suppose it is alright."
>"Her absence is by her choice," Reimila replies. "No ours. Would that she would come up for air a little more often."
>"Youkai of her nature don't actually require food," Sakuya says. "Sometimes she simply can't be bothered to eat for days or weeks at a time. I've long since stopped thinking it was a slight against my cooking."
>Remilia laughs. "Oh, I think it would be quite impossible to slight your cooking. Don't you agree?" She turns to you.
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>"Not without also being dishonest, in any event."
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>"Not without also being dishonest, in any event."
>"You see?" Remilia says to Sakuya. Sakuya just nods politely.
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>"I'm a little envious of you, Lady Scarlet, for having this all to yourself. I can only imagine what a hit a restaurant run by Sakuya would be."
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>"I'm a little envious of you, Lady Scarlet, for having this all to yourself. I can only imagine what a hit a restaurant run by Sakuya would be."
>Remilia grins. "I'm afraid I could never bear to part with her."
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>"Actually, it's rather a shame the village is so far away. It would be really interesting if you opened the house to the public, say, once a month and let people come and browse the galleries and sample the wonderful food here. Obviously, nothing as fancy as what you've offered us here, but...well, frankly, I suspect Sakuya could mix rice and tofu alone and somehow create a feast."
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>"Actually, it's rather a shame the village is so far away. It would be really interesting if you opened the house to the public, say, once a month and let people come and browse the galleries and sample the wonderful food here. Obviously, nothing as fancy as what you've offered us here, but...well, frankly, I suspect Sakuya could mix rice and tofu alone and somehow create a feast."
>"I have little experience preparing eastern-style foods," Sakuya says.
>"Oh, nonsense," Remilia responds. "I'm sure you'd do a far better job than any of them would, regardless." She pauses thoughtfully. "Though that is an interesting idea you propose. Some of the artworks really do deserve to be admired by a wider audience."
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>"Such as yourself?"
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>"It'd be a little difficult to people to come, but some posters around town ought to attract attention. Is there a good road? I tend to fly most of the time."
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>"Such as yourself?"
>"I'll have you know," Remilia says imperiously, "that my taste in fine art is of the highest caliber."
>"It'd be a little difficult to people to come, but some posters around town ought to attract attention. Is there a good road? I tend to fly most of the time."
>"There isn't," Sakuya says. "There's little reason for people to come this way from the mountain anymore."
>Remilia scowls. "Kanako pampers them with everything they think they need, and they've all flocked to her."
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>Schadenfreude.
>Yama.
>Guilt.
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>"Yes, we've had our clashes with her. I thought that perhaps you filled your pantry from there, though, and would use a land route for this. But I guess it's just as easy to fly if you bring enough people along to carry everything."
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>Schadenfreude.
>Yama.
>Guilt.
>You're reminded of your rather satisfying victory over Kanako this afternoon.
>And the ensuing lectures over how you perhaps shouldn't be so eager to enjoy that.
>Perhaps you really shouldn't....
>"Yes, we've had our clashes with her. I thought that perhaps you filled your pantry from there, though, and would use a land route for this. But I guess it's just as easy to fly if you bring enough people along to carry everything."
>Remilia flashes a grin. "Clashes? Do tell."
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>"Do you know of the Hell Raven, from two years ago?"
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>"Do you know of the Hell Raven, from two years ago?"
>"It does sound vaguely familiar," Remilia says. "What about her?"
-
>"Kanako was keeping her isolated in a glass tube under her mountain, using her to power everything there. Kanao was convinced she would do it again while ensuring, if she ever got free, that she'd have every reason to do it again. In the end, the Yama had to get involved to end it, and her own priestess had to make the first right actions."
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>"Kanako was keeping her isolated in a glass tube under her mountain, using her to power everything there. Kanao was convinced she would do it again while ensuring, if she ever got free, that she'd have every reason to do it again. In the end, the Yama had to get involved to end it, and her own priestess had to make the first right actions."
>Remilia laughs. "So Kanako got brought down off her pedestal by the Yama herself?" She grins rather unnervingly. "Oh, would that I had been there to see it."
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>"She refused to listen to the Yama, at first. It was her priestess who let the hell raven, Utsuho go free. Kanako had to remove the last bounds herself, but only after Sanae had talked her into it."
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>"She refused to listen to the Yama, at first. It was her priestess who let the hell raven, Utsuho go free. Kanako had to remove the last bounds herself, but only after Sanae had talked her into it."
>"Even better!" Remilia says. "By her own priestess's hand. I think it's entirely appropriate that fate should never allow one to grow too comfortable in their pride, wouldn't you agree?"
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>"I was more incensed by what she was doing and the hypocrisy than her being comfortable."
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>"I was more incensed by what she was doing and the hypocrisy than her being comfortable."
>"Yes, well," Remilia's grin vanishes. "I suppose you're entitled to their own opinion."
>You notice that Rumia has cut her meat up into uneven squares and is currently building a leaning tower of veal out of them.
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>"Of course, Kanako's pride was at the heart of her injustice, thinking she understood Utsuho's nature, when she knew nothing of her."
>Try not to smile too much at the veal tower, or at least discreetly hide it.
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>"Of course, Kanako's pride was at the heart of her injustice, thinking she understood Utsuho's nature, when she knew nothing of her."
>Try not to smile too much at the veal tower, or at least discreetly hide it.
>Remilia nods. "Yes, she does think she has all the answers, doesn't she? Such an insufferable woman."
>You do your best to hide your amusement at Rumia's creation. She does very little to hide her own enthusiasm, however, placing the last piece on top with a triumphant "Tada!". You hear Mokou groan and put a hand on her forehead. Sakuya's expression is practiced neutrality; she continues to eat without apparently taking notice.
>The tower starts to teeter, and with a scared little yelp, Rumia lunges her head towards it, catching the falling tower's summit in her... mouth. When her head draws back, the tower has become somewhat shorter. You can hear her chewing.
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>Okay, now it's time to stifle a chuckle.
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>Okay, now it's time to stifle a chuckle.
>You stifle a chuckle in Rumia's direction. Mokou lets one out as well. Chen turns to look, but appears to have missed the show entirely. She casts a confused look towards some of the other occupants. Remilia frowns somewhat severely, although you think you can almost see a twinge of a smile tug at Sakuya's face.
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>"But, back to the prior subject, a monthly exhibit would be quite lovely, I think."
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>"But, back to the prior subject, a monthly exhibit would be quite lovely, I think."
>"It might bear further thought," Remilia agrees.
>"The necessary logistics would be easy enough to arrange," Sakuya says, "should you desire."
>Remilia nods thoughtfully.
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>Enjoy meal! Don't try to ignore any further conversation, though.
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>Enjoy meal! Don't try to ignore any further conversation, though.
>You decide to turn your focus towards the rest of your meal, and it really is quite satisfying. Especially given the somewhat rarity of a solid meal of any description since this all started. Mokou polishes off hers quite quickly and sighs with contentment. Rumia leaves most of her soup, but happily finishes off the rest of her meat. Once she's done playing with it, that is. Soon, everyone seems to be reaching the last of their portions. Remilia stands up.
>"Well," she says. "if there is nothing further, I think I shall retire."
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>"Very well then. Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Scarlet."
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>"Very well then. Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Scarlet."
>Remilia nods. "Let it not be said that I lack generosity." She turns and departs through the way she arrived.
>Mokou stretches, then leans over to you. "We about done here?"
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>"I think so. I think we can rest a bit, then get ready to go."
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>"I think so. I think we can rest a bit, then get ready to go."
>"Sounds good to me," Mokou says, and stands. "Thanks for the food," Mokou calls over to Sakuya, who is currently stacking Remilia's dishes for removal. "Was pretty good."
>"You're most welcome," Sakuya says, nodding her head.
>"Yes, most delicious, thank you," Ran says, also rising.
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>"Indeed, let me state my appreciation again."
>Check time; or moon position if there are no clocks.
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>"Indeed, let me state my appreciation again."
>Check time; or moon position if there are no clocks.
>"It's no problem," Sakuya replies.
>There is a stately grandfather clock on one side of the room. It reads half past eleven.
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>Ask Sakuya to shank Parsee.
>Rest up for a bit, then gather up Ran and head for the "admit two" rift.
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>Ask Sakuya to shank Parsee.
>Sakuya nods her head. "The mistress did ask that I extend you every courtesy. I believe complementary assassinations fall within the bounds of this."
>You stand up to leave the room when Parsee suddenly bursts out from under the table and shanks you! You fall to the ground in a pool of blood.
>"What kinda table manners do you people have!?" she yells. "You didn't drop a damn thing. You have any idea how long it's been since I've had anything to eat but bat? It's-" Suddenly a knife appears in her chest, and she collapses with a very confused expression.
>Sakuya frowns at you. "Did you wish me to prevent her from shaking you as well? Perhaps you should have been more specific..."