Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Fightest on September 10, 2010, 09:03:48 AM
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> You are Akyu, youngest scion of the Hieda family. Through a series of unfortunate events, you have been embroiled in a poorly-defined and terribly-managed combat tournament that has swept across Gensokyo, stirring up many of its inhabitants into a frenzy. Despite your humble beginnings, you have trained yourself into a formidable warrior with the aid of your legendary eidetic memory and excellent learning acumen.
> Your exploits are already numerous:
> You have earned the title of Honorary Fairy by assisting the fairy mob, led by Cirno, in their siege of Eientei.
> You may have earned the ire of the Mistress of the mansion on the lake by assisting in the break-out of the mansion's fairy maids.
> You have defeated numerous Youkai in combat, and have achieved a Standing of 129.
> You have been nominated for Rookie of the Tournament, but you shouldn't tell anyone that you've been told.
> You have formed a mystic bond with Meiling with the aid of Kaguya and Eirin.
> You have used your home as a temporary shelter for the fairies and rabbits injured in the aftermath of the Eientei attack.
> You have learned a large array of skills and techniques:
> Skills:
Eidetic Memory: 5 - you remember everything you've experienced at least once. Also governs learning and pattern recognition.
Brawling: 3 - You've really gotten accustomed to this whole fighting business. You've got plenty of combat experience, and are able to perform complex Moves that are still in the realm of mortally-possible. Governs attack power and difficulty, also physical strength and general fitness.
Martial Arts: 4 - You have a exceptional degree of control over your actions, and you are able to chain many actions together into powerful combinations. Your spirit and soul are exceptionally-tuned, giving you excellent resistance to spiritual and magical attacks. You are now able to divine the purpose of any Move or Stance upon seeing it fully just once. Governs technique, combination attacks, agility and spell resistance.
Calligraphy: 4 - your calligraphy skills are unmatched among the human population of Gensokyo, and you'd give many Youkai a run for their money. Also governs reading and writing.
> Moves:
Kiai Shout - You are the master of your Qi. The user of this move focuses her Qi by drawing it from key points in her body, and releases it in a mighty shout. Whilst it has no direct offensive use, the advantages that a kiai provides are plentiful.
Nimble Shift - Agile and quick, the user of this move takes advantage of her opponent's surprise to immediately slip behind her foe, bypassing many defenses for a brief moment.
Flying Hieda Tackle - You are the most reliable projectile you've ever used. The user of this move launches herself bodily at the opponent, providing a bonus to attack, as well as quickly closing distance. When used for the first time in a fight, also counts as a surprise attack.
Cross Counter! - In a clash of heroes, there is no time for defense! The user of this move must ready a counterattack action, or be in a stance that enables counterattacks. When hit, this move alleviates some of the damage received in exchange for an attack against the opponent that is very hard to block.
Sledgehammer Fist - The force of your strikes is such that air whips around them, and the earth shatters beneath them. This move cannot be dodged. If it hits, the damage done is reduced, but the user is knocked into an unfavourable position.
Tiger Claw - The vast power of your strikes is unstoppable. This move cannot be blocked. This move is slower than usual, however, and leaves the user open to counterattack.
> Stances:
Eagle Hides Talons - An opponent is weakest when committing to an attack. The stance's user sinks into a low position, waiting for attacks to her upper body and shoulders, blocking and counterattacking each one. All offensive capability is sacrificed for improved defense and the ability to counterattack.
Tiger Rends Prey - No defense is necessary when your opponents lie bleeding at your feet. This stance puts the user into an unbalanced position on the tips of her toes, outstretched arms crossed in front of her. This is a highly aggressive stance that gains speed, damage and accuracy in exchange for defense, control and technique.
Furious Rage - Hell hath no fury like an Akyu scorned. The user of this stance flies into a berserk frenzy, attacking friend and foe alike until nobody stands but her. This stance severely boosts all physical attributes and ignores fatigue and damage penalties for its duration. Whilst this stance is active the user must attack everything that can be considered to be a threat. The stance only ends when nobody else can be perceived, or the user falls unconscious.
Marble Bulwark - Attacking you is akin to attacking a mountain - pointless and futile. The user of this stance prepares to defend every vulnerable part of her body with both arms and legs. The stance sacrifices attack power and the ability to counterattack due to the concentration required to maintain a strong defense. At Complexity 4 the user no longer receives penalties whilst in this stance.
Meiling's Tower - Power gathers to those who are strong. The user of this stance is able to fully tap the channels of Qi in her body, and shape them to her will. While offensively and defensively weak, this stance is able to quickly counter attacks with a mystical component, as long as they can be affected by touch, simply by channeling Qi to the correct location in the body. To the outside observer, the user of Meiling's Tower would seem unmoving and unflinching even as attack after attack breaks itself upon her. Once her Qi has been shaped, the user of this stance does not need to remain in it to enjoy its effects, but would have to return to it to alter the flow of her Qi into another fashion.
> Miscellaneous:
Snake Coil Parry - Like a snake winding around its victim, always avoiding a direct confrontation, so does the user of this technique avoid blocking powerful attacks head-on, instead using agility and flexibility to redirect their momentum. A Permanent effect that requires no activation, Snake Coil Parry enhances the user's blocking ability, reducing by half any damage incurred from attacks that damage through a block. At Complexity 4 this technique perfectly cancels damage from attacks that have been successfully blocked.
Opening the Mind's Eye - The five senses are limited and imperfect, easily confused and misled. The user of this technique subdues all her other senses in favour of perceiving everything around her through her Qi. A Permanent effect that requires no activation, Opening the Mind's Eye enhances the user's Qi sense, when applicable, to perceive anything around her with a mystical component. Only situational in the real world, this is a perfect sense in Gensokyo, where everything has such a component.
> You have descended into the caves just off the Hakurei Shrine, looking to find the party responsible for bombing Eientei. On the way, you have learned of someone who walks unseen, who seems to have gained control of the hellcrow - the kappas' reactor's guardian - without permission.
>"Alright, thank you. I would like to move on, but is there anything else you need before I do?"
> The spider girl awkwardly, trying to avoid getting healing goop all over you, gives you a weak hug.
> "Nothing. Nothing. Friend."
> She pauses, averting all eight of her eyes. A healthy colour's returned to most of them, now. She gives you a small smile.
> "Name. Yamame."
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>"I am Akyu. It's a pleasure, Yamame. I've met too many angry people lately."
>Pause.
>"Actually, one small question."
>Poke at a bit of web clinging to our clothes.
>"Does this wash out?"
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>"Actually, one small question."
>Poke at a bit of web clinging to our clothes.
>"Does this wash out?"
> Yamame's recovered enough to give you an incredulous look. Four of them.
> "Wash out? Good, strong web, strong against fire, strong against heat, strong against cold. Light and flexible. Why do you want to wash it out?"
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>"It just doesn't match very well. And I'm kind of afraid dust and things will stick to it. It's not a huge problem, though."
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>"Goodbye for now. Be careful and take care of yourself. It still is not safe out."
>Depart.
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> Inventory
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> "Be well Yamame. Friend. May happiness find you."
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> Inventory
> I knew I forgot something. Objects of note include: rapier, 30 money in a money pouch, goggles, strands of spider web.
>"It just doesn't match very well. And I'm kind of afraid dust and things will stick to it. It's not a huge problem, though."
> "Stick? No stick, no stick, unless you want it to stick. Sensitive magic, very old, very useful."
> "Be well Yamame. Friend. May happiness find you."
>"Goodbye for now. Be careful and take care of yourself. It still is not safe out."
>Depart.
> You leave Yamame behind, who skitters off into the shadows, seeming to merge with with the rough living rock of the cave walls. She will probably recover due to your help, both physically and mentally.
> You encounter no further obstacles as you follow the winding path underground. Perhaps an hour, maybe two have passed when you start to hear the underground rivers converging.
> You find yourself at the top of a vast waterfall that drops deep into the darkness below. Before and below you a vast and violently messy, yet filled with colour, city spreads from cavern wall to cavern wall. There is no obvious way down, although you notice rough handholds all around the cave mouth that lead out onto the sheer wall.
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> Carefully make an attempt to climb down via the handholds.
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>Free-climbing tips: Do not rely on the arms, rely on the legs as they are stronger, and have more endurance. Probe for a secure spot, and ease your weight onto them. Even a small crack can be suitable, jam your hand/foot in and wedge it to where it can support weight (it can be painful, but it works in a pinch). Affixing those stray web strands to our gauntlets and shoes might help.
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>Free-climbing tips: Do not rely on the arms, rely on the legs as they are stronger, and have more endurance. Probe for a secure spot, and ease your weight onto them. Even a small crack can be suitable, jam your hand/foot in and wedge it to where it can support weight (it can be painful, but it works in a pinch). Affixing those stray web strands to our gauntlets and shoes might help.
> Carefully make an attempt to climb down via the handholds.
> You ready yourself for a difficult climb with a few stray strands of Yamame's web wound around your gauntlets and shoes.
> The handholds are curiously easy-to-use - as if they were made to be grabbed by humanoid hands and feet.
> You swing yourself out of the cave mouth and onto the wall proper. The cavern stretches out around you. It's many hundred feet down to the ground and the walls. The rushing sound of the waterfall almost completey drowns out all other noises around you.
> You have comfortably descended a few dozen feet when hear a girl's voice, quiet and slightly hoarse, just behind your head.
> "You will not interfere."
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> Don't loose grip and calmly ask the voice "Don't interfere in what exactly?"
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> Dig our hands and feet into the wall in case of any kind of impact.
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> Don't loose grip and calmly ask the voice "Don't interfere in what exactly?"
> Dig our hands and feet into the wall in case of any kind of impact.
> The voice behind you does not say anything else.
> The noise of the waterfall no doubt drowns out the sound of parting air, as your left side explodes in pain and you feel your grip tear away as you are sent hurtling along the wall from the force of the impact. You can still feel chunks of rock in your palms - your handholds broke off along with you.
> You catch a glimpse of a figure, floating in mid-air, dressed in a dust-coloured robe, her face mostly concealed by a hood and scarf made of the same material. Piercing green eyes seem to glow from the shadows under the hood.
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> Look around for anything to grab in order to stop our descent.
> If there isn't anything, brace for the inevitable impact and try to roll when we hit the ground in an attempt to lessen the shock.
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> Look around for anything to grab in order to stop our descent.
> If there isn't anything, brace for the inevitable impact and try to roll when we hit the ground in an attempt to lessen the shock.
> You flail out towards the wall to try to grab a handhold and feel yourself almost screeching to a halt against smooth rock. The web strands are holding you fast.
> Good thing, too - the ground is still very far away.
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> Can we climb down from where we are?
> Has the figure noticed us stop or did she fly off?
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> Can we climb down from where we are?
> Has the figure noticed us stop or did she fly off?
> You find that the web sticks you to the wall as long as you concentrate on it. It's strange, like having to concentrate on each breath you take, but you can climb quite freely otherwise.
> There's nowhere to hide on the sheer wall, and the figure, after confirming where you are, is now hurtling towards you.
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>"What are doing!? Stop that!"
>Can we tell how she knocked us loose to begin with?
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>"What are doing!? Stop that!"
>Can we tell how she knocked us loose to begin with?
> "No."
> Sheer force, probably a kick.
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>Do we feel the webs would hold our weight with just one hand clinging?
>If so, wait for her to strike again, and try to grab her leg, then redirect the force of her attack to smack her into the wall.
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>Do we feel the webs would hold our weight with just one hand clinging?
>If so, wait for her to strike again, and try to grab her leg, then redirect the force of her attack to smack her into the wall.
> The webs seem to hold very well as long as you concentrate on them. You can only do two of the following three simultaneously: channeling Qi, focusing on webs, fending off attacks.
> The figure hurtling towards you notices your recovery and, with a brief deceleration, brings a circle of bright-green bullets into existence in front of her, sends them screeching towards your general direction with a wave of her hand and, with a burst of acceleration, chases after them.
> The figure probably intends to use the bullets' impact to wind you and knock you off the cliffside, so that she can immediately follow up with more attacks.
> You have just enough time to reposition yourself and pick some tactics.
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>Focus on webs to keep from falling. Channel Qi in Meiling's Tower, keeping parallel to the wall, creating a Qi shield on the side the enemy is approaching from, crafting it so some of our back is covered as well. Essentially trying to block bullets coming from one side and as much of the rear as is safe to stretch the coverage area of the Qi.
>Play defensively, using the shield to block incoming shots. If they come from an unshielded side, simple scuttle upside down so the shield switches positions.
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>Focus on webs to keep from falling. Channel Qi in Meiling's Tower, keeping parallel to the wall, creating a Qi shield on the side the enemy is approaching from, crafting it so some of our back is covered as well. Essentially trying to block bullets coming from one side and as much of the rear as is safe to stretch the coverage area of the Qi.
>Play defensively, using the shield to block incoming shots. If they come from an unshielded side, simple scuttle upside down so the shield switches positions.
> You centre your Qi, then focus. The power flows like water around you.
> The bullets smash into your shield. You're not yet skilled enough to redirect their energy accurately, but you can make sure that none hit you. The wall around you explodes into dust and debris where the bullets strike it, others are sent flying off into the cavern.
> You see your assailant shoot past, completely miscalculating her attack - you were nowhere where she expected you to be. You've got an opening. She's still a few metres away from the wall, though.
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>Pull down those goggles, it is target acquisition time. Grab a piece of the wall weakened by the blast and fling it at the Gliding Green. Scuttle away towards the waterfall, and use the shield to protect us.
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>Pull down those goggles, it is target acquisition time. Grab a piece of the wall weakened by the blast and fling it at the Gliding Green. Scuttle away towards the waterfall, and use the shield to protect us.
> The goggles go bweeeeee and make everything a blinding shade of green when you turn them on, but quickly seem to adapt to ambient light conditions, and everything takes up a semblance of normal colour again. The initial attack sent up a massive dust cloud that's starting to envelop the area around you. Your attacker gets a bright green outline around her, however, and the text Adult Female, Hostile, Unknown, Automatic IFF calibration in progress.
> The selective masking text lights up as your vision begins to be completely obscured by the dust, and, all of a sudden, the dust cloud becomes almost completely transparent.
> You toss a rock, which catches your attacker by surprise and clocks her solidly in the back. She whips around, looking for you.
> Failing to find you and hesitant to approach the wall, she flings another spread of bullets, but only one or two actually head towards you. They are harmlessly turned aside by the shield and impact into the wall, sending up more dust.
> Continue towards waterfall, maintain cover in dust cloud, or something else?
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>Descend toward the bottom of the cloud.
>How to the floor?
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>Descend toward the bottom of the cloud.
> You slide downwards. Bits of rock and pebbles shower you from above.
>How to the floor?
> Gonna have to run that by me again, hombre.
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>I'm you fuck dyslexic.
>How far to the bottom?
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>I'm you fuck dyslexic.
> Not judgin' you, man, just gotta make sure I get you right!
>How far to the bottom?
> A good two hundred metres.
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>Take a quick look around the cliff face for any tunnels, alcoves, or ledges we could slip into/onto.
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>Take a quick look around the cliff face for any tunnels, alcoves, or ledges we could slip into/onto.
> A series of ledges are situated on both sides of the waterfall along almost its entire height. There could be alcoves behind the waterfall itself, too.
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>Let's try to get to those ledges, using the dust cover for as long as we can.
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> A good two hundred metres.
That's about a 6-7 second drop.
>Have two rocks at the ready. Make an easy lob with one rock at the hostile, then once she finishes dodging send the other speeding directly at her. Make a break for those ledges.
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That's about a 6-7 second drop.
>Have two rocks at the ready. Make an easy lob with one rock at the hostile, then once she finishes dodging send the other speeding directly at her. Make a break for those ledges.
>Let's try to get to those ledges, using the dust cover for as long as we can.
> The first rock shatters when the attacker spots it and smashes it with a roundhouse kick. The second clips her on the side of the head - she just barely made the dodge. Her green eyes flare.
> You scuttle along the wall towards the ledges as she levels her gaze at you. You should be able to...
> What were you doing again?
> There's no possible way that you can crawl along the wall like this. Gravity catches up with you and you slip, slide, and start to plummet downwards uncontrollably. As you fall, you notice some useless-looking strands of silk wrapped around your hands. How did they get there?
> You hear a voice at your left ear amidst the rushing air - "The spider speaks too much."
> Your attacker swings a kick upwards, aiming at your back.
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>Try to twist in midair, and grab onto her leg. If we're gonna plummet, she can come with us!
>If we can remember how to reactivate the silk, do that too if we can grab on. If not, just cling for dear life.
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>Try to twist in midair, and grab onto her leg. If we're gonna plummet, she can come with us!
>If we can remember how to reactivate the silk, do that too if we can grab on. If not, just cling for dear life.
> You twist and grab her leg with your whole body. The sudden maneuver unbalances your attacker, who flails around wildly, trying to regain her balance as the both of you start to succumb to gravity. Her eyes stop glowing.
> The silk! How did you forget that? You stick to your attacker like glue, foiling her attempts to shake you off in the air.
> You feel a burst of acceleration, and the wall rushes up to meet you as both you and your attacker smash into the rock. That one hurt - jagged rocks plow into your soft, fleshy bits, and your head rings from the impact as well. Your attacker doesn't look much better, though.
> Still not letting go, though. That silk holds real well.
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>Do we feel confident enough in our strength to climb up her using only our arms? If so, try to avoid the pain and do so, letting the silk hold us up.
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>Do we feel confident enough in our strength to climb up her using only our arms? If so, try to avoid the pain and do so, letting the silk hold us up.
> You scramble up your attacker, using whatever part of her that comes up as a handhold. She appears entirely unaccustomed to grappling, and continues flailing about, smashing the both of you into the cliff wall.
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> If we're near the wall, make an attempt to grab at it with the silk.
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>Alternately, try to twist so that when she does a wall slam, she mostly slams herself.
>"Land!"
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> If we're near the wall, make an attempt to grab at it with the silk.
>Alternately, try to twist so that when she does a wall slam, she mostly slams herself.
>"Land!"
> Why not do both? As you skim the wall, you reach out and, with a sudden jerk, come to a halt. Your attacker keeps on going and, with a twist and a turn, you use her momentum to smash her bodily into the wall.
> You then use the rebound to smash her into the wall again, on your other side. You attacker grunts weakly from the impact.
> The brief lull in the action allows her to get a good look at you. Her eyes flare again.
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>Give her a kiai to the face.
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> Give her a headbutt as well but try not to damage the goggles.
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>Face yell while averting eyes. Proceed with forcible jarring of brain cells.
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>Give her a kiai to the face.
> Give her a headbutt as well but try not to damage the goggles.
>Face yell while averting eyes. Proceed with forcible jarring of brain cells.
> With singleminded intent, you gather your Qi for a kiai. The concentrated shield that you've been using to deflect bullets serves as an excellent source, providing you with far more Qi than you could have gathered in this short time. As if a current smashing through a dam, washing everything away in its path, your Qi comes out in a roar!
> Your attacker goes limp in your grip. Cracks snake their way up the cave wall behind her, and the dust cloud parts in a neat, clean circle as your kiai rips through it.
> You smash your head into hers to make sure. She ain't moving.
> Learned Move: Qi Release. Complexity: 3. Power is nothing if it is not used against one's foes. The user of this technique explosively releases any accumulated Qi - whether in the body or stored elsewhere - to augment a single attack. The attack becomes unblockable and undodgeable under normal conditions, and gains a great increase to damage.
> You just hear a deep humming sound over the crashing of the waterfall. A portal opens in mid-air, and Shikieki confidently strides through. Her first step meets nothing but thin air and you see brief panic in her eyes as she starts to fall, before catching herself and pulling up into a hover. Her facial expression quickly becomes the usual impassive nothing-unusual-has-happened-here.
> "Ahem. Congratulations with your victory, Participant Akyu of the Hieda clan. Your points have been recorded into the Tournament Record. The Exalted Administration of the Seven Heavens wishes you great success in your battles, and may you further achieve glorious victory," she says, her eyes occasionally flicking back and forth to eye her surroundings."
> She glances at the cave wall, cracked and chipped in the wake of your kiai. "That's, uh, quite a finishing move you've got there. We've lost track of you since the whole Eientei deal. You've really improved!"
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>"It's...something I've picked up, we'll say."
>"I have a question. For the purposes of ranking, does accepting an opponent's surrender count as a victory?"
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>"I have a question. For the purposes of ranking, does accepting an opponent's surrender count as a victory?"
> Shikieki blinks a few times. "I...don't know. None of these idiots ever considered surrendering, so there's no precedent. Let's have a look at your Standing number, that might tell us."
> Your Standing's... changed since you last saw it. Severely. It now reads 892.
> Shikieki whistles. "Just who surrendered to you like that? The Value players are going to have a nervous breakdown!"
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>"Yuka. And, well, it was really more she wanted to fight, then we agreed not to after she pummeled me a bit. Yamame wanted to hurt me, but I got her to relent as well. I'm not sure if she's technically involved, though."
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>"Yuka. And, well, it was really more she wanted to fight, then we agreed not to after she pummeled me a bit. Yamame wanted to hurt me, but I got her to relent as well. I'm not sure if she's technically involved, though."
> Shikieki shrugs, looking a bit lost. "They are both Participants, as far as I know. And, well, I would guess that both of those events counted as fights? I really don't know, the rules for this whole affair are very unclear and poorly thought-out. It's very amateurish, if you ask me. Still, I do my best to make sure it runs smoothly."
> She looks away and mutters something under her breath. You make out the words "lazy, good-for-nothing idiot judges."
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>"It seems that some people have really gotten out of hand. Has Miss Hakurei always been so...harsh?"
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>"It seems that some people have really gotten out of hand. Has Miss Hakurei always been so...harsh?"
> "I do not know her that well. I hear that she has always been extremely cold to Youkai, and that certainly showed when I talked to her regarding her victories. She respects my position, but that's about all she was willing to give."
> She pauses, irritation showing on her face.
> "I'm glad that challengers have stopped showing up - I did not appreciate being treated as an object."
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>"An object? By the contest organizers or the challengers themselves?"
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>"An object? By the contest organizers or the challengers themselves?"
> "No, no, I'm still talking about the Hakurei girl. She's gotten no challengers since the vampire way back then, and thank the powers-that-be for that. The fighting is going on everywhere else just as always."
> She sighs.
> "I'm running myself ragged. But nobody else is going to do it."
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>"Ah, I'm sorry. Well, it would be rude to keep you any longer. Thank for the information, thought."
>_
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Wait, I'm just reading here, bafling, so what the hell, we just had a fight with Parsee, while FALLING? And beating the SHIT out of her while falling?? That's Fucking awesome, Fightest you're da man!
Go on.
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Wait, I'm just reading here, bafling, so what the hell, we just had a fight with Parsee, while FALLING? And beating the SHIT out of her while falling?? That's Fucking awesome, Fightest you're da man!
I've taken up a position of the Fighting Finesse, so to speak, thinking how to win in a scrap. This latest fight really threw me for a loop. My hat's off to you Fightest.
>The best way to climb with a unconcious person in tow would probably be to grab the wrist, secure with the spider web, and use the three free limbs to climb and reach a ledge. Our body should be at a diagonal and the load hanging limply. Take a good break once on that ledge. Climbing is tough work.
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Wait, I'm just reading here, bafling, so what the hell, we just had a fight with Parsee, while FALLING? And beating the SHIT out of her while falling?? That's Fucking awesome, Fightest you're da man!
Go on.
I've taken up a position of the Fighting Finesse, so to speak, thinking how to win in a scrap. This latest fight really threw me for a loop. My hat's off to you Fightest.
I try my best, and, of course, I appreciate the compliments!
>"Ah, I'm sorry. Well, it would be rude to keep you any longer. Thank for the information, though."
>_
> Shikieki carefully looks around, ruffles your hair and winks at you. "Keep at it!" she says.
> She glides into the still-open portal, which closes behind her with the same low hum.
> Your ability to [S] has replenished.
>The best way to climb with a unconcious person in tow would probably be to grab the wrist, secure with the spider web, and use the three free limbs to climb and reach a ledge. Our body should be at a diagonal and the load hanging limply. Take a good break once on that ledge. Climbing is tough work.
> You finish your climb down the cave wall after a lot of difficult maneuvering, doing your best to keep your unconscious assailant from falling. Hopefully there's going to be an easier way to get back, as, even with the help of the silk, it's a long way up.
> The waterfall crashes down into a small lake to your right, streams trickling from it every which way. A disorganised town stands ahead of you, its buildings festooned with brightly-coloured cloth and lamps. You've heard that Oni take up residence here, so the town is practically perpetually one large fight. However, it's quiet, from where you are. A single-horned figure lies prone just a bit ahead near a stream, the water splashing into her face every so often.
> Your assailant lies equally unmoving where you put her down. A lump is beginning to swell on her head where you headbutted her.
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>Leave the assailant in a decently comfortable position that doesn't agitate her wounds.
>Then go investigate that oni getting splashed. It would be bad if she got some of that in her nose.
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>Leave the assailant in a decently comfortable position that doesn't agitate her wounds.
>Then go investigate that oni getting splashed. It would be bad if she got some of that in her nose.
> She's probably going to be out for a while.
> The other figure, a single red horn adorning her forehead, is sprawled near the stream's side. She's dressed in brightly-coloured patchwork clothes, her loose-fitting trousers worn to the point of being translucent and her long-sleeved shirt torn in a few places. She looks pretty relaxed, actually, and you can hear her giggling slightly every time the stream's chilly water splashes in her face.
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> "Hello?"
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> "Hello?"
> She opens one eye to look at you. "Eya!"
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>"Well, you seem to be in better condition than I initially anticipated. Still, are you alright? I was afraid you were about to drown yourself by accident."
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>"Well, you seem to be in better condition than I initially anticipated. Still, are you alright? I was afraid you were about to drown yourself by accident."
> "Hah! 'Course I'm all right! Just takin' a break from a fight. Good fight, too! Glad you care, though."
> She leans back, dunking her head into the stream, then jerks upright into a sitting position, splashing water everywhere.
> "Saw you comin' down - those were some great moves! I feel obligated as an Oni to match strengths, but..." she wobbles a little, "I have to say, I won't be able to offer my best right now. Maybe later!"
> She shrugs, then lies right back down. "What can I do you for?"
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>"I'm here to see what the problem is with the hell raven. She attacked Eientei yesterday, and...well, it's it's been leveled. And, according to the Yamame (or the Spider Youkai if we didn't get her name), apparently quite a few people have been coming here and causing problems."
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>"I'm here to see what the problem is with the hell raven. She attacked Eientei yesterday, and...well, it's it's been leveled. And, according to the Yamame (or the Spider Youkai if we didn't get her name), apparently quite a few people have been coming here and causing problems."
> You did get Yamame's name. Also a hug.
> "Pff, yeah. There was that goddess, then that invisible thing, then the witch - I tells ya, haven't had this much excitement since the last time the hell raven started a ruckus. You want after them, you want the Palace, over yonder."
> She raises a hand, and points over to a large rocky structure in the distance, beyond the patchwork town.
-
>"What could you tell me about them? Especially that invisible thing?"
-
>"What could you tell me about them? Especially that invisible thing?"
> "Tell ye? Uh... Goddess is about two heads taller than you, red shirt, floats two feet above the ground, can't miss her. Decent fight, didn't seem to really be into it, though. Invisible thing... Yeah, not much I can say. Fights dirty. Real dirty. No clue what it wanted. Just kept smiling that creepy smile of its. Then there was the witch. She's a human, right? Don't you all know each other?"
-
>"You mean Miss Kirisame? I think I know a bit about her. And, how did the invisible one fight dirty?"
-
>"You mean Miss Kirisame? I think I know a bit about her. And, how did the invisible one fight dirty?"
> "Well, you're already below the belt if you're invisible, ya know what I mean? But then... it's just weird, you know? Like it's untouchable unless it wants to be touched. I dunno, I don't really think about these things."
-
> "Can you tell me about the fight with it?"
-
> "Can you tell me about the fight with it?"
> The Oni scratches her forehead.
> "Pretty bad, I tells ya, though I reckon I still won. I think. Other than that, can't really tell. Sorry. Oh yeah!"
> She bolts up straight again, extending a large, callused hand in your direction, a carefree grin on her face.
> "Name's Yuugi!"
-
> Shake hands with Yuugi.
> "And I'm Akyu Heida, so...do you know the direction to the palace?"
-
> Shake hands with Yuugi.
> "And I'm Akyu Heida, so...do you know the direction to the palace?"
> "Uh... That way." She points towards the structure in the distance again. "Big rock facade, stained-glass windows, unwelcoming aura, crazy cat lady, can't miss it."
-
>"Why is Miss Kirisame down here? Collecting points for the tournament?"
-
>"Why is Miss Kirisame down here? Collecting points for the tournament?"
> "Marisa? Heh, wouldn't be surprised if she was. But nah, she was lookin' for something was nicked from her. Say, uh, do you know what them points actually do? I mean, do we see who's got the most? Do we trade them in for loot? And when?"
-
>"As far as I can tell, they are a measure for who is doing the best. I've not heard that they're redeemable for anything."
-
>"As far as I can tell, they are a measure for who is doing the best. I've not heard that they're redeemable for anything."
> "Well, makes sense. There a time limit on this thing? I wanna be sure to have a go with you before then!"
-
>"I'm not sure. But I'm certain we'll have a bit longer, yet. Do you know what Kanako was doing down here? You said her heart wasn't in it."
-
>"I'm not sure. But I'm certain we'll have a bit longer, yet. Do you know what Kanako was doing down here? You said her heart wasn't in it."
> "Dunno. She really needed to get down below, and so wasn't in the fightin' mood. I don't get that - how can you not be in a fightin' mood?"
-
>"She was certainly willing to abuse Yamame..."
>"...What has the Hell Raven been up to?"
-
>"...What has the Hell Raven been up to?"
> "Dunno. The crazy cat lady and her pets don't really come down this way."
-
>"Oh, I see. Um, how has the city taken the announcement of the tournament?"
-
>"Oh, I see. Um, how has the city taken the announcement of the tournament?"
> "Oh, man, it was awesome. I don't think there's anyone left conscious! We must've had, like, a billion points going between all of us! Mebbe we can all claim the prize and then just fight it out for it between us..."
-
>"It must have been quite a scene."
>Consider telling her about the faeries having the same plan. Decide otherwise, no need to bring the Ancient City down on the lot of them.
>Contemplate the damage to the city from here.
-
>"It must have been quite a scene."
>Consider telling her about the faeries having the same plan. Decide otherwise, no need to bring the Ancient City down on the lot of them.
>Contemplate the damage to the city from here.
> "I tells ya. Awesome."
> Oni have their strength, but fairies have mob numbers, and most of them should have recovered by now. Who knows how it'd end?
> The city looks like it's physically falling apart, being barely held together by patches over patches over patches - wood and cloth of all hues cover bricks, mortar and stone in a riot of colour. That said, it looks like it's been this way for quite some time - what's the point of building solid, sturdy buildings, when a typical fight in this place usually has more collateral damage than intentional damage?
-
>"Would you know anything about the Palace? If I'm going to be going there, some foreknowledge would be most welcome."
-
>"Would you know anything about the Palace? If I'm going to be going there, some foreknowledge would be most welcome."
> "Uh, I think one of our group went over to start a scuffle, but couldn't even lift a finger against the crazy cat lady. Something about 'immunity.' I guess she doesn't want to fight."
> Yuugi rolls her eyes.
> "Crazy cat lady. Dunno anything else."
-
>"Oh well. Perhaps that means she won't beat me up before I get to the real problems. Thank you, Yuugi."
-
>"Oh well. Perhaps that means she won't beat me up before I get to the real problems. Thank you, Yuugi."
> "No big. See ya!"
> She dips her head in the stream again.
-
> Head towards the palace but keep an eye out for danger, there could be a Oni who is recovered enough for a fight with someone, most likely us.
> Do we know anything about the crazy cat lady?
-
> Head towards the palace but keep an eye out for danger, there could be a Oni who is recovered enough for a fight with someone, most likely us.
> Do we know anything about the crazy cat lady?
> You pass through the centre of town. Damp wind blows down the empty streets. Here and there you see unconscious bodies lying about, most in the midst of some wreckage or other. Nobody accosts you as you pass through town and approach the Palace of Earth Spirits.
> It is a magnificent construction, almost organic in its design. Rock has been masterfully sculpted with smooth, flowing lines, with never a sharp edge or a straight line for the eye to follow. Large areas have been carved out for stained-glass windows, although you cannot enjoy the colours from here, it must look quite magnificent from the inside.
> You've been told that the satori youkai that resides inside is a bit of a shut-in and, indeed, you know very little about her. She has never been the subject of conversations.
-
> Continue to what looks the most like a front entrance.
> Knock.
-
>Flip on goggles for IR detection, watching for traps and the like.
-
> Continue to what looks the most like a front entrance.
> Knock.
>Flip on goggles for IR detection, watching for traps and the like.
> The front entrance of the Palace of Earth Spirits is a tall archway, beautifully-patterned and engraved, looming ominously over you in the darkness that envelops this part of the vast cavern. Dark, wooden doors block your path. They look weathered and strengthened by age to be as tough as any steel.
> Your knock elicits no response. The door, however, creaks open slightly. A faint sliver of light shines through the crack between the doors.
> The IR yields no response - everything is an even, vaguely-purple hue.
-
>Peek inside.
-
>Peek inside.
> The inside of the Palace is built like a vast cathedral. The ceiling hangs far above you, cut from the living rock in much the same organic way as the facade, and held up by vast columns. It is unnaturally empty - the whole floor space is unoccupied.
> Hundreds and hundreds of dancing lights - small spirits, you figure - noiselessly flit this way and that, sporadically lighting up the naturally dark cavernous space inside. Despite the darkness outside, the stained-glass windows all around the Palace are lit up by an eerie light, casting bright, multicoloured patterns on the polished stone floor.
> You can just hear some noises coming from the back of the Palace.
(For those curious, the architecture for this place is a combination of Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican for the interior and Gaudi's Unfinished Cathedral for the exterior. Look 'em up, they're quite something.)
-
>Walk inside. Try to figure out what those noises are.
-
>Walk inside. Try to figure out what those noises are.
> The flitting spirits' light throws shadows everywhere completely at random. The effect is quite disorienting.
> You walk inside.
> Your footsteps echo in only the way they could when in a vast chamber such as this.
> Near a pillar, where there was once light, there is shadow for a brief moment, then the shadow pulls away, leaving a black silhouette of a nekomata in its wake. Its careful footsteps do not echo much in the same way that yours do.
> It's stalking towards you.
-
>"Um, hello. I apologize for inviting myself in, but no one answered the door, and in such a large place, I felt maybe it was because no one heard me."
-
>"Um, hello. I apologize for inviting myself in, but no one answered the door, and in such a large place, I felt maybe it was because no one heard me."
> The nekomata turns its back towards you, then seems to start standing up on its hind feet. A shadow sweeps over it and, when it has passed, its shape has changed to a distinctly humanoid one.
> The girl turns around to face you. Her red hair and patterned black-and-green dress seem unusually vivid in the sporadic light.
> "We choose not to hear others," she says in a soft, gentle voice, "the sound of silence is a far grander spectacle. No doubt you seek Okuu. Come, but tread softly - we are poor, and have only our dreams."
> She glides away, her feet barely touching the ground, towards the back of the chamber.
-
>Follow her.
>"I do. It seems she's rather popular these days. If I may, have any others come for her lately?"
-
> Inspect the girl further. Does she have any visible weapons or other threatning objects?
> Check her with the googles. (You know, where it shows wether they are harmful/aggresive or not)
-
> Inspect the girl further. Does she have any visible weapons or other threatning objects?
> Check her with the googles. (You know, where it shows wether they are harmful/aggresive or not)
> Red-furred cat ears pop up through her hair, and her two black tails move and twirl ceaselessly. She is neither carrying nor wearing any weapons.
> The goggles have a bit of trouble identifying her outline due to the ears and tails, but quickly settle on one that does not include either of the unusual features. The readout says Adult Female, Friendly, Unknown, Automatic IFF calibration in progress.
>Follow her.
>"I do. It seems she's rather popular these days. If I may, have any others come for her lately?"
> She glides at walking pace towards the back of the Palace, occasionally reaching up and plucking one of the spirit-lights out of the air, then gently lowering them in front of her to about waist-level, where they disappear after briefly illuminating the outline of what looks like a wheelbarrow.
> The girl pauses for a few seconds, then resumes her glide.
> "Yes. The goddess and the phantom."
> She stops in front of an inconspicuous half-open door in a dark corner of the Palace main chamber and gestures for you to enter. You can hear a rhythmic thunking sound coming from inside, like a knife hitting a chopping board.
-
> "Did they tell you what their business down here were?"
> Step closer to the door, be sure to quickly look inside before entering. The readout said friendly, but you never know.
-
> "Did they tell you what their business down here were?"
> Step closer to the door, be sure to quickly look inside before entering. The readout said friendly, but you never know.
> "No," she says, a hint of sarcasm creeping into her voice, "We are but mortals, never privy to the workings of the divine will. And the phantom strikes me not as one to share anything."
> A warm glow from a lit fireplace suffuses the small room beyond the door. The walls are hewn roughly from living rock, but there is an air of coziness in the small area that triples as a bedroom, kitchen and living room. A pink-haired girl in a soft-pink dress and a white apron stands in front of a small wooden counter, carefully and methodically chopping a head of lettuce.
> The red-haired girl whispers, "Think of small things. There is no room in here for grand designs."
> She gestures to a pair of small, wooden chairs with red cushions, then sits herself down on one.
-
>Follow her in.
>Small things?
-
>Follow her in.
>Small things?
> Yes.
> Small things.
> Good.
-
>...What in the world?
>Frown.
-
>...What in the world?
>Frown.
> Stay calm.
> Hungry?
> Soon.
> The girl with cat ears nods approvingly at you, then gestures to the pink-haired girl, who is now cutting up a slice of beef.
> "Satori," she whispers.
> Pointing to herself, she whispers, "Rin."
> Orin.
> Giggle.
-
>More frowning.
>Gesture toward self.
>"Akyu."
-
>More frowning.
>Gesture toward self.
>"Akyu."
> The pink-haired girl stops chopping, then, her back still to you, slowly raises her left hand up to shoulder height, as if doing so requires a lot of concentration, until you can see it clearly.
> She waves her left hand.
> Wave.
> See?
-
>Confusions!
>We do see.
>Well, at least visually.
>Return the gesture. Though not as stiffly.
-
>"Would it be rude to invite oneself to a meal?"
>"Would you like help preparing?"
-
>Confusions!
>We do see.
>Well, at least visually.
>Return the gesture. Though not as stiffly.
> Many confused.
> Giggle.
> Smile.
>"Would it be rude to invite oneself to a meal?"
>"Would you like help preparing?"
> Satori clutches her head as you speak, as if in pain.
> Wince. Pain.
> She points at the ingredients and the stove. Rin nods.
> Follow. Outside.
> Satori, making as few movements as possible, starts to float towards the door that leads back into the cavernous Palace chamber. She's doesn't even look like she's flying - more like floating in water and letting the current take her.
-
>Follow.
>Wonder if something is wrong.
-
>Follow.
>Wonder if something is wrong.
> Echoes.
> You follow her out of the small room and into the cavernous main chamber. Here, her movements seem more expressive, more vivid. She gently spins in the air, sometimes turning upside down, her dress rippling as if in water.
> Subjects, objects, intentions and suggestions, subtext and overtext, all ring and echo, clamoring for attention and importance.
> My home is too small for such ambitious designs - only here can they take up the space they so desire.
-
>"I'm afraid I don't quite understand, but I'm sorry if I said too much. It just sort of slipped...You seem much better now, at least."
-
>"I'm afraid I don't quite understand, but I'm sorry if I said too much. It just sort of slipped...You seem much better now, at least."
> "Better" is a subjective term that in the context that you use is reserved for illness and health and do not apply to my case - I choose the cramped, confined space for its soothing silence.
> She floats around you, getting a better look.
> Strife is not a stranger to you today, and strangers not strange to me, but perhaps you would be the first to listen to my plea - would you release Utsuho from the prison of her purpose?
-
>"What would this imprisoning purpose be?"
-
>"What would this imprisoning purpose be?"
> The goddess came and gave her the means to take power, keeping the means to control the power to herself - all to make her the unfeeling, untiring guardian of the solar furnace deep beneath the earth.
> Now she is but a mindless puppet of those that would choose to seize and use this power, unable to resist or choose for herself, trying to scream with a mouth that she cannot open.
-
>"I've been told of someone unseen, who is full of hatred. Is she involved with this?"
-
>"I've been told of someone unseen, who is full of hatred. Is she involved with this?"
> The phantom hides her body and intentions, but her thoughts betray her.
> She seeks destruction with any means possible at any cost possible, all for the ends of bringing this forsaken tournament to an ignoble end.
-
>"Why?"
-
>"Why?"
> What a question asked by someone who has seen their share of the ridicule that this affair has spawned.
-
>"Perhaps so...but, I've heard some terrible things about her, which leads me to feel there may be more to it than what you have just said."
-
>"Perhaps so...but, I've heard some terrible things about her, which leads me to feel there may be more to it than what you have just said."
> I can only gaze so deep into the abyss before it starts to gaze back, and there is nothing else I can say about the phantom's means and ends.
> She floats herself right-way-up and nods towards the door to the small room.
> Dinner would soon be ready, join Orin and I, then I will take you where you wish to be taken.
-
>"Madam Satori, would you be able to help me see through the fog of memories that entered me into this contest in the first place?"
-
>"Madam Satori, would you be able to help me see through the fog of memories that entered me into this contest in the first place?"
> Time is never lost, merely forgotten and tucked away into a dark corner of a mind already stressed to the breaking point.
> Ask and ye shall receive.
> Satori floats overhead and puts her soft hand on the crown of your head.
> Memories flash by like a flock of birds - you cannot tell them apart, but sometimes, for the briefest of moments, you get a fleeting impression before it flits away.
> Your past few days had been chock-full of experiences that you only got to hear second-hand of before you got involved with this tournament. You relive your learning of your abilities, your fights, your struggles, and new friendships. Just seeing all this fly though your mind hardens your spirit and determination.
> Your Brawling has increased to 4. You are an expert fighter, likely to win against any typical mortal, and pose a great challenge to weaker youkai. You have excellent technique and control of your Moves, and your combat expertise improves many Moves and Stances that you already know.
> You are sitting in your chamber, putting the finishing touches on a recent history scroll that you so painstakingly put together with Keine's aid.
> Carefully, flawlessly, line after line, your brush paints characters on the parchment, each one beautiful to behold - this is your very life, the essence and purpose of your being.
> Noises outside - you ignore them as distractions to your work.
> The sound of something heavy flying through the air and a vast crash as your wall explodes in a shower of splinters as a fairy comes smashing through.
> Coincidence, accident, chance - all these words go through your mind as you behold the ruined remains of your work, ink spilling, mixing with splinters and dirt.
> Coincidence, accident, chance - all these words are drowned out by the fury at the insult, the mockery that was inflicted on your very life, the essence and purpose of your being.
> The fairy, battered and bruised already, is helpless against your flailing, inexperienced onslaught as you beat her with anything that comes to hand, as you drag her against a wall and smash, smash, smash her head against it, reveling in your revenge, your payback, your victory...
> ...and the rage evaporates in an instant, like a demon fleeing an exorcism, and you see the evidence of the past few moments strewn across the room: ripped tatami mats, broken windows, jagged fragments of ornaments and pottery scattered on the floor. In the corner you spot a scroll with your impossibly-neat handwriting, seemingly freshly-written, judging by the glistening of fresh ink. A vast ink stain covers most of the scroll, seeping into the rest of the roll of paper. A fairy lies huddled in the corner of the room, bruised and beaten - she's unconscious, but breathing. Your fists are raw and bloody, and ache like hell...
-
>Take a moment to reflect on that.
>Do we remember what we were writing in particular.
>Try not to get too angry at this memory...
>"Thank you."
-
>Take a moment to reflect on that.
>Do we remember what we were writing in particular.
>Try not to get too angry at this memory...
>"Thank you."
> It all seems so long ago, yet not even a week has passed since that day.
> Now that your memory is your own again, you recall with vivid clarity the entire contents of the scroll - a comprehensive work on all Incident participants, instigators and resolvers starting from the Scarlet Devil Incident onwards. You had noticed tendencies, patterns and timings that bound them all together, and this was to be a preliminary study before you continued with your main investigation.
> Time heals all wounds, and, with the shield of calm hindsight on your side, you are able to recall the memory without anger. It was surely but an accident.
> Satori smiles, then floats over to the door, beckoning you inside. A tantalising smell from inside reminds you that you haven't eaten in quite a while.
-
>Follow her back inside. Food would be nice...
>Try not to think in full sentences once inside. =[
-
>Follow her back inside. Food would be nice...
>Try not to think in full sentences once inside. =[
> And remember...
> Small thoughts.
> Thank you.
> Time passes. The hearty stew served up by Rin filled you up without weighing you down. Conversation was sparse in the small room, but the self-discipline of small thoughts required of you both focused and calmed you. You feel ready for anything.
> Satori, true to her promise, leads you down a series of twisting, turning passages. The air gets hotter by the minute, but your stamina and resolve ward off its detrimental effects for the moment.
> A red light illuminates the end of one such tunnel. Led by Satori, you head towards it and, exiting the cramped space, find yourself in another vast cavern.
> The whole place is illuminated by flowing, churning magma flows, flowing out of and into countless orifices in the cavern wall. The heat here is intense, now strong enough for you to feel its effects. You probably won't be able to stay near the bottom of the cavern for very long. However...
> Down at the bottom, where the blood of the earth flows, you will find the passage to the solar furnace where Utsuho resides and where the threads of the mighty tangle.
-
>"Is it as bad as it seems down there? The heat, I mean?"
-
>"Is it as bad as it seems down there? The heat, I mean?"
> The blood of the earth burns fierce indeed, despite the protection inside the chambers of the solar furnace - you would be wise to conduct your business with the haste it deserves.
-
> Query: does the BURNING SPIRIT OF COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE protect from the heat? Either way, stretch a bit and warm up your muscles in preparation of taking THE PLUNGE!!
-
> Query: does the BURNING SPIRIT OF COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE protect from the heat? Either way, stretch a bit and warm up your muscles in preparation of taking THE PLUNGE!!
> No it does not, but your stamina and resolve will allow you weather the effects for a certain amount of time.
> You're limber and focused, ready to take on anything that might come at you down below.
-
> Deep breath to calm our self.
> Descend.
-
> Deep breath to calm our self.
> Descend.
> The descent is challenging, the paths treacherous, the heat intense. At the bottom you find a set of plate steel doors, twice your height, that have been smashed inwards and gouged open wide enough for a humanoid to pass through.
> Beyond them is another set of similar doors, destroyed in a similar manner. And beyond those...
> A vast, cylindrical structure, dozens of metres tall, stands in the centre of an open space, lights and indicators spread across its entire surface. Beneath the steel-grating floor you see exposed magma flows, no more than ten metres below - the air ripples wildly from the convection currents, and standing above such exposed areas will be like standing over a bonfire. Thankfully, not the entire surface is exposed, with safe islands here and there with blinking equipment that is attached to the central pillar.
> There are others here beside you: you see the witch, Marisa, desperately dodging spheres of plasma that appear out of thin air, whilst trying to chase down a vague, shapeless shadow that effortlessly dodges all of her attacks, and, high above, an unmoving winged shape suspended in mid-air, her arms stretched out ahead of her, a bizarre view of a beautiful starry sky behind her.
> You are, for the moment, unnoticed.
-
>Take a few moments to assess the terrain. Is there much in the way of cover or hiding spots? Are there any areas of exposed magma? How much of the place is grating and how much is rock? Is there any sign of Kanako? How dense are the shots that Utsuho is throwing?
-
>Take a few moments to assess the terrain. Is there much in the way of cover or hiding spots? Are there any areas of exposed magma? How much of the place is grating and how much is rock? Is there any sign of Kanako? How dense are the shots that Utsuho is throwing?
> Rocks are strewn around the place, and equipment stands here and there - cover is a-plenty.
> There is no exposed magma per se, but some of those gratings look awfully rickety.
> It's about 60% grating, 40% rock, most of the rock being around the reactor and the supporting equipment.
> No Kanakoes here that you can see.
> Utsuho is less throwing than making them appear out of thin air. As such, she has a great deal of control over their density. The real limiting factor here is her reaction speed and the delay in plasma sphere formation, which, you notice, is just under a second, judging by her arm and finger movements.
-
>Move from cover to cover. The goal is not to be seen. And if possible to get behind the machine with with Utusho. Or at least approach it from the sides.
>As well, examine the machinery for breakable bits.
-
>Move from cover to cover. The goal is not to be seen. And if possible to get behind the machine with with Utusho. Or at least approach it from the sides.
>As well, examine the machinery for breakable bits.
> The heat warping the air and the frantic action around serve as excellent distractions as you scoot into the chamber proper. You can immediately feel the heat from the under-floor magma flows, even on the safer rocky areas. You break out into a sweat immediately.
> You've been through fire before - this is nowhere near as bad as being in melee with Kaguya's Spell Card. You are currently suffering no penalties.
> Utsuho is out of immediate reach - she is about five metres up, so as to get a good line of sight to Marisa.
> All the machinery looks very delicate, fragile and, most of all, important. Breakable bits are everywhere, but who knows what might happen to the reactor.
-
>What do we know about reactors?
>Can we see anything that looks like ways to control it?
-
>What do we know about reactors?
>Can we see anything that looks like ways to control it?
> Oh gosh no. It's unlikely that anyone in Gensokyo really knows the nitty-gritty about this thing, really, or the whole of it, anyway.
> Considering the above, you do not.
-
>Consider Utsuho. Is there anything obviously connecting her to any machine? Or just anything that looks weird?
-
>Consider Utsuho. Is there anything obviously connecting her to any machine? Or just anything that looks weird?
> Utsuho, a cold, unfeeling look in her eyes, hovers almost motionlessly, framed by her jet-black wings and the odd view of a starry sky. You do not recognise any of the constellations in it. She is wearing close-fitting metallic plates that protect her legs, upper body and shoulders. An undercoat of fine black scales that can be seen through the armour covers her body completely save her head.
> She is not physically attached to anything.
> However, strands of magic, resonating in your Qi sense, connect her to a mind-bogglingly intricate matrix of energy that weaves its way into and around the reactor. They pulse every time Utsuho creates a plasma sphere, as if she is drawing power from the reactor itself.
-
>Are there any other significant sources of Qi we can note?
-
>Are there any other significant sources of Qi we can note?
> Not Qi, but there's lots of magic flying about, and you pick it up all over the place. The most decidedly magical, however, are the combatants immediately involved - the shadow, now a more smallish humanoid shape now that you see its Qi, Marisa, blazing with magical energy, and Utsuho, absorbing power from the reactor.
> The shadow has an immense source of Qi located somewhere on its chest, completely out-of-line with the rest of it.
-
Considering the lifelessness Hell Raven is sporting, the problem might be mind control. We could give a Kiai to see what's up, and attempt to disable any connections....
>How much can we extend Qi from our body? Can we create a sharp edge with it?
-
Considering the lifelessness Hell Raven is sporting, the problem might be mind control. We could give a Kiai to see what's up, and attempt to disable any connections....
>How much can we extend Qi from our body? Can we create a sharp edge with it?
> Satori did almost outright say that Utsuho is being mind-controlled, or some similar effect. She did use pretty flowery language, though.
> You are not quite able to project your Qi - you are able to control and focus it in and immediately around your body. Your nails might do as a base sharp edge, though...
-
> We have the rapier correct? Are we able to channel Qi into objects?
-
> We have the rapier correct? Are we able to channel Qi into objects?
> Whilst you have never done so before, it might be possible.
-
>Do we feel we could shape our Qi to counter that which is binding Utsuho to the reactor, or the think that the shadow wears on her chest?
This said, I think Qi would probably be more effective through us than through the sword, unless we need the sword to physically pierce a thing. I don't think sharpness would matter when magic is concerned.
-
Right, so if we're all set to beat the sparkles out of magic, we need some target proirity. Thinking of disabling the Corvid Artillary first, then maybe a blitzkrieg to the shadow. Or maybe a Kiai strike to the shadow first, and Switch to take care of the Raven.
-
My thoughts are the best thing we could do is try to attack all those things connecting Utsuho to the reactor. Either it will work, or go catastrophically bad and force a premature end to the battle. As well, she's less likely to react to us coming.
-
>Do we feel we could shape our Qi to counter that which is binding Utsuho to the reactor, or the think that the shadow wears on her chest?
This said, I think Qi would probably be more effective through us than through the sword, unless we need the sword to physically pierce a thing. I don't think sharpness would matter when magic is concerned.
> Destroying the bindings requires direct interaction with them. Indeed, it is more the quality and quantity of your Qi than whether you are channeling it through something that will determine how much damage is dealt. As such, you are trying to duplicate Meiling's secret technique - the Spell-Shattering Palm, which, at your level of expertise, is going to be a great challenge. You will need time and effort to set up even a single Qi-imbued strike.
> The same applies to the mass of magic on the shadow's chest.
-
>How does Utsuho's armor seem to be physically attached?
-
>How does Utsuho's armor seem to be physically attached?
> There seems to be at least some mystical component there - the metal plates are fused to the underlying mesh with a noticeable magical effect. Now you look at it, the armour seems to form the anchor points for the connections to the main reactor.
-
>Where on the reactor are those lines of Qi connecting? Do these points of connection seem to correspond to some physical feature of the reactor?
-
>Where on the reactor are those lines of Qi connecting? Do these points of connection seem to correspond to some physical feature of the reactor?
> The lines trail from a web of magic that more or less surrounds and penetrates the reactor. The lines come from areas where the web is most dense, but there is no direct connection to the reactor's physical properties.
-
>Do we feel we could try to break that web with our Qi?
-
That's more of a "we don't know until we try" type deal.
>How much cover can we afford ourselves if we tried to sneak over to Shadow? What about a path to the raven?
-
That's more of a "we don't know until we try" type deal.
>How much cover can we afford ourselves if we tried to sneak over to Shadow? What about a path to the raven?
> There is less cover around Utsuho, but she appears quite focused on trying to shoot down Marisa. There is more cover around the central area, but the shadow's ducking and weaving away from Marisa makes it difficult to keep up with it.
>Do we feel we could try to break that web with our Qi?
> That's a lot of magic. You might need multiple Spell-Shattering Palms to break it all down, and you can barely even manage a single one.
-
>Do we still have the spider strands attached? Would an approach from the ceiling be viable (would it be too hot)? How high up is the Raven (could we get closer by stalagmites or stalactites)?
-
>Do we still have the spider strands attached? Would an approach from the ceiling be viable (would it be too hot)? How high up is the Raven (could we get closer by stalagmites or stalactites)?
> The cavern is mostly artificial, and is too dry for stalactite and stalagmite growth. That does not preclude a ceiling approach, however.
> Utsuho floats around 4-5 metres off the ground.
-
>How far is she from the ceiling?
>How quickly do we feel we can skitter up the wall?
-
>How far is she from the ceiling?
>How quickly do we feel we can skitter up the wall?
> The ceiling is tall - about 15 metres.
> You can probably do a metre a second.
-
>How does a Spell-Shattering Palm to Corvid's Chestplate sound? Is there anything that could be used to get 4-5 meters up from the ground?
-
>Might it be within our abilities to leap up and grab onto her, then climb up as we did with Parsee beforehand?
-
>How does a Spell-Shattering Palm to Corvid's Chestplate sound? Is there anything that could be used to get 4-5 meters up from the ground?
>Might it be within our abilities to leap up and grab onto her, then climb up as we did with Parsee beforehand?
> It's entirely possible to get a bit of height off climbing a wall and leap the rest of the height off it.
-
>Recall the specifics of summoning Meiling's aid.
-
>Recall the specifics of summoning Meiling's aid.
> In contrast to the ritual required to form it, activating the link is as simple as focusing one's Qi - the actual manner of focus varies from user to user and is entirely based on personal preference - and feeling the connection. The magic does the rest of the work in forming the long-range bonds and transferring Qi back and forth.
-
> In contrast to the ritual required to form it, activating the link is as simple as focusing one's Qi - the actual manner of focus varies from user to user and is entirely based on personal preference - and feeling the connection. The magic does the rest of the work in forming the long-range bonds and transferring Qi back and forth.
>Climb the wall, preferably in a spot where the shadow is not too likely to see us, leap onto the Corvid, and we'll plan out next step from how she reacts.
>_
-
>Climb the wall, preferably in a spot where the shadow is not too likely to see us, leap onto the Corvid, and we'll plan out next step from how she reacts.
>_
> You skitter up the wall, sticking to shadows and clefts in the rock to remain out of sight. You notice Marisa barely clipping a plasma ball, incinerating her left sleeve and leaving a nasty black mark on her shoulder.
> In a few seconds, you find yourself close enough to Utsuho, and enact plan "Hurl self bodily at enemy and wing it from there."
> You launch yourself off the wall, arms spread, in trusty Hieda Tackle fashion.
> Perhaps sensing something amiss, Utsuho spins around just a fraction too late and a hint of surprise crosses her normally-expressionless face as you slam into her.
> You can feel yourself accelerating downwards - you have about a second before you and her crash into the ground.
-
>Draw upon Meiling's aid. Brace for impact.
-
>Draw upon Meiling's aid. Brace for impact.
> The magic-enhanced Qi bond feels like nothing you've experienced before. It is almost like you are in two places at once, thinking with two minds, feeling with two bodies, yet you're here, right here, and you can feel the rush of power as the ghostly form of Meiling materialises behind you. It feels like years, yet not even a moment has passed...
> With incredible agility, you swing around Utsuho, grabbing her by the waist from behind and, arcing your back, slamming downwards into a stone-shattering suplex as both of you hit the ground.
> Moments later, the fully-materialised Meiling proxy crashes down into Utsuho with a thunderous elbow drop that sends cracks running up and down her armour.
> A few moments after that, the feeling returns to your legs and feet, and your vision clears.
> You hear a halting voice with a metallic tinge as Utsuho speaks from her prone position, "...Damage within...acceptable parameters. Battle mode engaged...Altering space."
> You can feel your hair stand on end as the very air around you starts to spark.
-
>Draw back before she blasts us for being too close. Stay reach to dodge, no need to test Meiling's Tower against her stuff just yet.
>"Satori doesn't want you to do this, Utsuho."
-
>Draw back before she blasts us for being too close. Stay reach to dodge, no need to test Meiling's Tower against her stuff just yet.
>"Satori doesn't want you to do this, Utsuho."
> You dodge backwards just in time - a plasma sphere zaps into existence where you just were, heating the rock underneath to a dull red.
> Utsuho kips up and dashes backwards, hovering three inches above the ground, her gaze, once again expressionless, fixed on you.
> "...Loading...Loading...Subject "Satori" found. Irrelevant attachment, no contribution to required function."
> She raises her hands to shoulder-height, and the air around you once again starts to spark.
-
>Do we feel we could ready and unleash a Tiger Claw before she fires again? I
>If so, do that and strike her either on the chest or at the most damaged part of her armor.
>If not, target the same places with a Sledgehammer Fist.
-
>Do we feel we could ready and unleash a Tiger Claw before she fires again? I
>If so, do that and strike her either on the chest or at the most damaged part of her armor.
>If not, target the same places with a Sledgehammer Fist.
> Requires clarification of intent - at this stage, the only difference between Tiger Claw and Sledgehammer Fist is that the former is unblockable and the latter is undodgeable. You can freely make either attack without preparation.
-
>Tiger's Claw leaves one open to counterattack due to slowness. This is very bad right now, so only use it if we feel we'll have time to actually connect it and do the job.
>So favor Sledgehammer Fist unless it feels like we'll not have to worry about counters before the other attack is done.
-
>Switch into Tiger Rends Prey, keep up the offense. Blitz forward into a Sledgehammer Fist, and follow up with a Tiger Claw.
-
>Tiger's Claw leaves one open to counterattack due to slowness. This is very bad right now, so only use it if we feel we'll have time to actually connect it and do the job.
>So favor Sledgehammer Fist unless it feels like we'll not have to worry about counters before the other attack is done.
> Apologies for miscommunication. As of Brawling: 4, you receive no penalties on using Sledgehammer Fist or Tiger Claw. Furthermore, Marble Bulwark no longer penalises your offensive capability, and penalties to defense and technique imposed by Tiger Rends Prey are significantly reduced.
>Switch into Tiger Rends Prey, keep up the offense. Blitz forward into a Sledgehammer Fist, and follow up with a Tiger Claw.
> You lean forward onto the tips of your toes and dash straight at Utsuho, feeling the heat of a materialised plasma sphere right behind you.
> You can see her starting to dodge, her levitating stance giving her excellent maneuverability, but your attack, enhanced by Meiling's presence, explodes all around her, pummeling her down into the ground.
> You follow up with the insidious Tiger Claw against Utsuho's hasty one-armed block as, simultaneously, she sweeps her other arm at you, her fingertips trailing sparks.
> You feel your strike break through Utsuho's block and collide against her chest, you feel the metal crumbling in your hand and you feel the air scorch and explode into an inferno all around you.
> The blinding whiteness becomes a hazy blue as Meiling's proxy folds herself around you to protect you from the terrible heat, but you can feel it burning against you so deep that it feels like your very soul is on fire.
> You feel yourself being flung back. Across the already-fading plasma, you see that Utsuho has been equally tossed backwards by the force of your blow.
-
>Groan.
>Try to stand up. Hopefully without becoming a bunch of pain...
-
>Groan.
>Try to stand up. Hopefully without becoming a bunch of pain...
> Oh gosh that hurts a lot. The sweltering heat of the reactor cavern isn't helping much, either.
> You pull yourself up. The Meiling proxy protected you from the brunt of the flash-frying, but repeated exposure will not be healthy at all.
> Across the scorched and cracked dent in the floor you see Utsuho pulling herself together as well.
> "Opening rift," she says, the air immediately behind her warping and shifting until it forms the same starry sky effect you saw earlier. The way it shifts and moves makes it almost look like a cloak.
> She's obviously preparing to do something.
-
>Kiai
>If that delays her at all, Tiger Stance into Sledgehammer Fist. we need to stagger her out of whatever she is doing, ASAP. Breaking more of that armor would be nice.
>If the Kiai does nothing, it is time to dodge.
-
>Belay the follow-up attack. The distance is likely too long for us to be in an effective striking threat range. The kiai will give insight and reflexes to dodge or block hopefully.
-
> Reminder: any kiai you make when channeling Qi already (for example for a Qi shield or, in this case, for the Two Fight As One technique) may be boosted by releasing the Qi charge.
> Unless stated otherwise, the parser will assume that this is not being done.
>Belay the follow-up attack. The distance is likely too long for us to be in an effective striking threat range. The kiai will give insight and reflexes to dodge or block hopefully.
> You shout!, clearing the area around you of dust and grit, and buffeting Utsuho's star-cloak effect. She recoils some, but does not stop what she is doing.
> You feel incredible vertigo as your Qi sense penetrates the star-cloak, your feeling of self being lost in a realm where the stars themselves are but grains of sand in a vast ocean.
> It is not just an effect, you realise, as you pull away in time - that is the cold, unimaginably vast darkness of space, harnessed and contained by the magics that bind Utsuho.
> The starfield begins to change and shift, as if the portal that is the star-cloak is moving at unimaginable speeds towards some destination.
> The destination becomes quickly clear - a roiling, spasming, white-hot sphere of plasma hanging in space, the unimaginable energies within barely contained by its own mass, sometimes released in titanic fountains of destruction.
> The star fills the field of view of the star-cloak, until all there is behind Utsuho is the evershifting ocean of reds and whites. Keeping her gaze on you, Utsuho carefully dips her right hand into the star-cloak.
-
>Try not to stagger; and hope we at least messed up the phantom.
>If it is plausible, move so that we're between her and the reactor and prepare to dodge as needs be.
>If it's not plausible, say that we're on the wrong side, just prepare to get out of the way.
-
CAUTION CAUTION Utsuho has Star Power CAUTION CAUTION
>"Don't do it Utsuho! You'll kill the entire underground! Satori and Rin would never want this, fight for your Freedom!"
>Attempt to Irish Whip Meiling Proxy at Utsuho. Sprint after the proxy. "We're doing an low-high combo!"
-
CAUTION CAUTION Utsuho has Star Power CAUTION CAUTION
>"Don't do it Utsuho! You'll kill the entire underground! Satori and Rin would never want this, fight for your Freedom!"
>Attempt to Irish Whip Meiling Proxy at Utsuho. Sprint after the proxy. "We're doing an low-high combo!"
> "...Satori...Rin...Loading...Loading...Orin...?"
> A hint of doubt creeps into Utsuho's metallic voice. Her movements, however, are calm and certain.
> You make a two-step windup and fling the ephemeral proxy at Utsuho - it might as well have had no weight, so you send it flying in a shallow arc even as you come in low.
>If it's not plausible, say that we're on the wrong side, just prepare to get out of the way.
> Utsuho is faster on the draw, however. She tears out what looks like a chunk of the star through her star-cloak, its radiance filling the cavern with a near-blinding light, and sends it screaming in your direction.
> Leaving a vortex of air, superheated to the point of glowing, behind it, the ball of plasma arcs straight towards you and the Meiling proxy.
> You throw yourself to the ground and roll, despite having to go off the rock floor and onto the gratings. It is brief, but you can smell yourself smouldering nonetheless.
> The Meiling proxy managed an almost impossible aerial dodge by riding the shockwave of the plasma blast. Your charge has been halted, but the proxy is still in the game.
> The starpiece impacts against the far wall, sending molten rock flying everywhere in a blinding explosion.
-
>Get off that grate and onto some good honest rock, and try to shake the dazzlement out of our eyes.
>"Yes! Orin! You remember her, right?"
>If possible, get between ourselves and that reactor.
-
>Get off that grate and onto some good honest rock, and try to shake the dazzlement out of our eyes.
>"Yes! Orin! You remember her, right?"
>If possible, get between ourselves and that reactor.
> "...Orin? Where is... Orin?"
> In continued contrast to the uncertainty in her words, Utsuho readily plunges both hands into the star-cloak, groaning slightly from the exertion.
> You continue your roll into a running stumble that puts the reactor behind you. The first plasma blast arced in its flight, however, so Utsuho might have some control over their trajectory.
-
>"She's up in the Palace of the Earth Spirits, Utsuho. You could go see her, right now."
-
>"She's up in the Palace of the Earth Spirits, Utsuho. You could go see her, right now."
> "...O-Orin...? Satori...? H-Help...me..."
> A contemptuous voice rings out out of nowhere. "Seriously? This is the bullshit I have to deal with? An honest soul just can't get any damn competent help around here, can they?"
> The shadow appears just to the side of Utsuho, who has paused in indecision.
> "Administrator override enabled, you stupid broad. Commence memory wipe, engage automatic offensive routines. Shit, why didn't I think of this sooner? Sure, you'll be dumb as a damn brick, but 'least you're not going to be all sentimental about it. I'm a damn, honest-to-goodness genius."
> Utsuho spasms as her armour crackles with energy pulsing from the reactor.
> "Offensive routines five through twelve, enabled. Memory wipe engaged. Progress: one percent....Help...me..."
-
>Utsuho and Shadow are occupied, while we are near the reactor, correct? There may be enough time to prepare a Double Spell-Shatter Palm on the Reactor Web of Mysticalfulness.
Good thing Bird-Brain can't harness the full power of a star: "The English astronomer James Jeans once figured that if you placed a piece of the sun's core the size of the head of a pin on Earth, its heat would killl a person 94 miles away." - Extroidinary Book of Facts and Bizarre Information.
-
>Utsuho and Shadow are occupied, while we are near the reactor, correct? There may be enough time to prepare a Double Spell-Shatter Palm on the Reactor Web of Mysticalfulness.
Good thing Bird-Brain can't harness the full power of a star: "The English astronomer James Jeans once figured that if you placed a piece of the sun's core the size of the head of a pin on Earth, its heat would killl a person 94 miles away." - Extroidinary Book of Facts and Bizarre Information.
> Marisa finally manages to catch up to the events going on at the bottom of the cavern, and wastes no time in trying to lay into the shadow, who nimbly dodges.
> "Don't just stand there!" she shouts to you, although she seems unclear on what exactly you're doing in the first place.
> "Progress: four percent," Utsuho says, in a lifeless voice.
> Two Spell-Shattering Palms? You might be able to pull one off, but two at once will require you to use your Qi Release to get the necessary Qi from elsewhere.
(And yeah, Utsuho can harness exactly an amount of the power of a star that is appropriate to the story. :V Also, a star's surface is far hotter than its core, no?)
-
>Double meaning the proxy does one and Akyu does one.
Don't know where the data comes from, or how that conclusion was reached, but (http://comics.com/f_minus/2010-10-09/)...
-
>Before doing all this, can our Qi senses tell us more about what the shadow has done? In particular, how this is working so that the best way to shatter the effect can be found?
-
>Double meaning the proxy does one and Akyu does one.
> Unfortunately, it does not quite work that way - it is your Qi that feeds the proxy (along with an additional powerup from the magical link). As Meiling is not in direct control of the proxy, it is not possible for it to channel the Qi required to perform an additional Spell-Shattering Palm as it is, basically, an extension of you.
>Before doing all this, can our Qi senses tell us more about what the shadow has done? In particular, how this is working so that the best way to shatter the effect can be found?
> There is a lot of information moving between the reactor and Utsuho as of the shadow's interference, and you can see something being drained out of Utsuho and being replaced by the same magic that weaves around the reactor.
-
>"Utsuho! Blow up that reactor thing!"
-
>"Utsuho! Blow up that reactor thing!"
> "Progress: nine percent."
> Utsuho does not respond in any other way than to lower herself into a combat stance again, her hands deep in the star-cloak.
-
>Is Marisa occupied?
>If not, yell, "Marisa! Blow that thing up!"
>Should she be, quickly assess it for the best place to hit it and do what looks like significant damage, then follow through on it.
-
>Is Marisa occupied?
>If not, yell, "Marisa! Blow that thing up!"
>Should she be, quickly assess it for the best place to hit it and do what looks like significant damage, then follow through on it.
> "Do what now? You're crazy!"
> Her tone is that of approval, however, as she twists around mid-chase after the shadow and throws a heavy punch at the closest part of the reactor. The impact makes a thick, crunching sound as the metal plate that she struck buckles inwards.
> You can see bits of the magical weave around the reactor unravel from the damage done.
> Utsuho takes notice.
> "Defense protocols initiated. Opening rift. Progress: fifteen percent."
> Pulling both hands, trailing solar plasma, out of the star-cloak, she briefly opens a direct connection to the star, sending a blast of unfathomable energy at Marisa.
> Marisa raises both her arms in front of her, trying to block the attack, scattering it in all directions, her shirtsleeves and vest getting disintegrated by the heat.
> The most damage that can be done, you figure, is by destroying the reactor nodes that feed into Utsuho's armour.
> You centre and focus, shutting out all outside distractions. You barely notice Utsuho winding up another starblast. You perceive only slightly the shining mandala forming in front of Marisa. The clash of titanic energies as the two launch their attacks at each other is like gentle waves lapping at the beach of your consciousness.
> All there is is you, and the reactor matrix.
> You know what you need to do. With a series of precise strikes to your own body, you activate the flow of Qi from all your chakras simultaneously:
> your forehead
> your throat
> your chest
> your heart
> your navel
> the base of your spine
> the top of your head
> The Qi overflows your body, flowing out into the space around you, then returning to its core, expanding, returning, expanding, returning, over and over again, until you are nothing but a ball of pure Qi, beating like a living heart.
> Before the sensation consumes you, you strike your right arm, channeling every drop of Qi into one immeasurably precise strike, ponderous on the scale usually reserved for the shifting of continents.
> On the edge of your consciousness, you feel something shift, strain, and crack. With a sound like a bell-chime, the reactor matrix shatters into a million fragments, each gently sailing through the air before evaporating with a little sigh...
> You open your eyes to an incessant clicking sound. You see Marisa kneeling over you, clicking her fingers in your face.
> "Hey, come on, no time to snooze around!"
-
>Assess self. Assess immeadiate danger. If no immeadiate danger present: "Ugh. Five more minutes..."
-
>Assess self. Assess immeadiate danger. If no immeadiate danger present: "Ugh. Five more minutes..."
> You feel drained. The massive release of Qi took a lot out of you, dissipating your proxy as well.
> There are alarms blaring from every piece of equipment that has an alarm on it. Looks like you broke something vital to the reactor, and it's not responding well at all.
> Utsuho lies out cold just off to the side, her plate armour in pieces.
> "Come on! The whole thing's gonna blow!"
-
>"Karisame, secure Utsuho, we escape to the Palace."
>Book it, but keep an eye out for the Shadow.
-
>Try not to let that all dissolve into a groan.
-
>"Karisame, secure Utsuho, we escape to the Palace."
>Book it, but keep an eye out for the Shadow.
> "Uh, yeah. No need to be so formal, you pulled your weight plenty! And that little twit ran away. Lucky she dropped this, eh?"
> Marisa produces an eight-sided block. You recognize it as the Hakkero. Didn't you also see it back at Kourindou?
> "Anyway, I've got us a ride out."
> She puts two fingers into her mouth and lets out a deafening whistle. Her broom zooms in out of nowhere and screeches to a halt next to her.
> "Get on, hold the crow girl tight! I'll have my hands full steering this baby!"
>Try not to let that all dissolve into a groan.
> It's almost like every fight you get into is designed to just leave you barely conscious enough to stand after a hard-won victory, despite your progressively growing strength.
> Marisa swings a leg over the broom, looking back to check if you're firmly attached.
> "Ready?"
-
>"Think so."
>Hold onto the crow girl tight.
-
>"Think so."
>Hold onto the crow girl tight.
> With a rush of speed, you zoom out through the long hallway and, as explosions shake the cavern behind you, begin to...
> [S] Ascend.
> You are Youmu, last student and beloved ward of Youki Konpaku, who disappeared when you were very young, leaving you with the instructions to love and protect your mistress, the lady of the Saigyoji clan Yuyuko. And you are furious.
> They dared refuse to let you attend to lady Yuyuko.
> Their so-called reasoning matters not in the face of the fact that lady Yuyuko could be tired, could be hungry, could wish to go for a walk or need for your loyal assistance in any myriad of ways.
> And their reasoning is certainly not something that your blade cannot cut.
> The world ahead of you becomes a slight hint of blue as you sprint up the last few dozen metres of the mountainpeak and leap the several hundred metres to the lowest floating island of Heaven. Beneath and behind you, having taken on a vague hint of red, Gensokyo stretches out like a finely-crafted carpet - a magnificent sight to spend hours gazing at on any other day.
> You land softly, scattering leaves, the colours reverting to normal. From here, the path to lady Yuyuko is quite simple - you just have to follow the scattered cherry petals, their vivid pink hue standing out against the soft green of the grassy plains of Heaven.
> Following the path, however, will be a challenge worthy of your prowess: the golden-haired monk and her tiger stand in your way, a sad smile on the face of the former, an uncertain scowl on the face of the latter.
> "You may not pass, Youmu. Accepting this into your heart will prevent much needless violence," the monk says, her simple white dress rippling slightly in the wind.
> Preposterous. Her honeyed words, infused with kindness and compassion that is enough to sway any other, smash like a rotten dinghy thrown against the granite cliffs of your Conviction.
> Your blade is ready. Your draw is fast enough to cross two hundred yojana in one slash. None shall stand between you and your lady.
>_
-
>Humor them for now. And size them up.
>"And why am I not to pass, exactly? I am not entirely certain how this is your decision."
-
>Humor them for now. And size them up.
>"And why am I not to pass, exactly? I am not entirely certain how this is your decision."
> It physically hurts to have to stop your inoxerable push to reunite yourself with your lady, but you cannot deny the tactical advantage gained from evaluating your esteemed opponents.
> The tiger could once have been formidable, but you can tell from her stance that she has not had any battle experience in a long while. While she will only get stronger with time, you feel, you currently have the upper hand on her.
> The monk is a mystery. She is utterly calm, and her stance, so casual at first glance, contains no weaknesses easily exploited. It is clear that she holds many tricks hidden.
> "Not my decision, Youmu, I regret to say, and not even the decision of the panel of judges. It is by the very Mandate of Heaven that you are forbidden from having contact with your lady. Any more information I am forbidden to divulge, but I tell you this - I will strive to protect the word of the Mandate with everything I have."
-
>"And what gives you the right to force your mandate onto me, exactly? If there will be problems with these so-called judges, I'll handle them when the time comes. Step aside, and feel fulfilled that you've done what you can."
-
>"And what gives you the right to force your mandate onto me, exactly? If there will be problems with these so-called judges, I'll handle them when the time comes. Step aside, and feel fulfilled that you've done what you can."
> "Just as you are ready to fight for your beliefs, so am I for mine. Come, servant of the Saigyoji. If you will continue along this path, it will be over my broken body."
> She extends a hand, palm towards you, an iridescent mandala forming just in front of her. Energy crackles along the complicated patterns of the mandala - she is about to open fire.
-
>"You avoid the question, I see!"
>Move, and strike down the tiger before she can do something silly. We don't need the distraction.
-
>"You avoid the question, I see!"
>Move, and strike down the tiger before she can do something silly. We don't need the distraction.
> Your speed is your greatest strength, and you use it to its fullest. The bullets seem to move as if through molasses as you duck and weave past them.
> The monk and her tiger seem to move in slow-motion as well, ponderously moving to try to keep up with you. Yet you, in your blue-hued world, are untouchable.
> WIth a single smooth movement, you strike the tiger in the side with your sheathed sword. The force of the blow lifts her off the ground and she starts a slow, lazy arc that you could cross several times over before she lands. Not that it's necessary - the one attack knocked her out cold.
> A flash of light comes from behind you. Turning around, you just catch seeing a white rectangle form and dissipate in the monk's hand.
-
> Do we have our spellcards?
-
>Move away from the rectangle. Try to get to her side for now, keep it so she has to adjust to us.
-
>Move away from the rectangle. Try to get to her side for now, keep it so she has to adjust to us.
> That was flowery language for "she has used a Spell Card." Proceed as normal?
> Do we have our spellcards?
> Moves:
Spell Card: Ghost Sign: Phantom Pain. Being half-dead has given you great insight into the art of battle. You exist both in the mortal and the spirit worlds, and your strikes affect the two simultaneously. For the duration of the Spell Card's effect, for every attack you make, you can make two instead.
Sun-Through-The-Clouds - The first strike decides the outcome of a battle. This move can only be performed whilst your sword is sheathed - you draw and attack in a single motion. Regardless of circumstances, this attack will always be the first to hit. The actual strike can be performed with either sheath or blade.
Tsubame-Gaeshi - Your attacks are so swift and accurate that you can split the feathers on a swallow's tail mid-flight. This attack cannot be blocked or dodged, but may be the only attack performed in an action.
Seven Shadows Evasion - You move so quickly that you arrive at your destination before you have left. This move successfully dodges any attack made against you, including attacks that cannot be dodged. Due to its difficulty, you can perform it a limited number of times per battle.
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> That was flowery language for "she has used a Spell Card." Proceed as normal?
>Determine Spell Card affects and effects.
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>Proceed as normal while assessing the spellcard.
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>Proceed as normal while assessing the spellcard.
>Proceed as normal while assessing the spellcard.
> You slow down to examine the monk's Spell Card's effects.
> There are no dazzling displays of firepower, or explosions of magic, or any of the other things that tend to happen when a Spell Card is used. Instead, all you can tell is that the monk's movements are more fluid, more accurate, more... perfect, as if approaching closer and closer a vague, undefined ideal of they should be like.
> "Superhuman. Greater than human, so close to reaching the eternal perfection of Nirvana... yet so grounded in the oh-so-mortal desire to see oneself superior to others. A wonderful juxtaposition of virtue and vice in one simple word, is it not?"
> You blink, and she disappears out of sight. She's fast.
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>Show her what true speed is. Retreat away a bit; away from the direction we ostensibly want to go for now, she'll be defending that almost certainly.
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>Show her what true speed is. Retreat away a bit; away from the direction we ostensibly want to go for now, she'll be defending that almost certainly.
> It is simply not possible to surprise you for any meaningful amount of time. You dash backwards, the world turning a red hue, twist and sprint forwards, turning everything blue again. At the edge of the island, you slam your sword down into the ground and flip over the edge of the island.
> In less time than it takes for gravity to catch up with you, you run along the underside of the island, crossing its length, and flipping back onto solid ground at the other end.
> At this speed, you can keep with with the monk's movements - she is warily eyeing the edge of the island that you ran over, her back to you. Perhaps sensing something amiss, she starts to turn around.
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>Uppercut and Hilt Thrust combo.
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>Approach at an angle, so that we evade her line of sight for a little longer. Then smack her in the back of the head with our hilt.
>Should this not drop her, follow with a solid kick to the back as she staggers.
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That was an unexpected hiatus. But we're back!
>Uppercut and Hilt Thrust combo.
> Uppercutting her back is less feasible than the hilt attack, so it will be combined with...
>Approach at an angle, so that we evade her line of sight for a little longer. Then smack her in the back of the head with our hilt.
>Should this not drop her, follow with a solid kick to the back as she staggers.
> Kicking up chunks of rock, you explode forwards, thrusting your sheathed sword like a spear at the monk's unprotected head.
> The strike lands home with a satisfying thud, sending her sprawling forward off the edge of the island.
> Not one to waste an opportunity, you spring off the edge of the island after her, aiming a flying kick as her flight path spins her around to face you...
> ...And with a perfect movement, the monk catches your foot with one hand, stopping your kick dead, and smashes a punch straight into your solar plexus, launching you up and away from her.
> For a few tense seconds you fail to catch your breath, then splutter and manage to grab a lungful.
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>Actually, is she out of the way now?
>If so, to hell with her. Move on toward the goal. Revenge can come later.
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>Actually, is she out of the way now?
>If so, to hell with her. Move on toward the goal. Revenge can come later.
> She is, technically speaking, out of the way. However, you are not that much faster than her that she wouldn't be able to catch up with you eventually. Her movements are perfect - you'd have to make just one mistake for her to be on top of you.
> Proceed regardless?
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>Proceed. But be ready for a running battle; hopefully this will make her reckless.
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>If she does catch up, stop, keep our sword sheated and then go with a lightning fast Sun-Through-The-Clouds to hit her in any vunerable place(Preferably in the back of the head) that can K.O her. Unless there's danmaku involved.
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>Do not stop if she catches up. Keep her running, keep her concentration divided. She cannot be as used to this as we are.
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> You are at your best when at maximum speed. The arc the monk's punch threw you along ends you up on a small floating island, no more than two metres across. Touching down for a brief moment, you kick off, the force of your push splitting the island in half, and leap upwards.
> Narrowing her eyes, the monk darts after you. Her flight is faster and more maneuvrable than yours, but she still cannot outpace you on the ground. Unfortunately, there's not that much ground for you to fight on.
> Your leap slams you into the side of yet another island feet first. Slowly, but surely, you are making your way to the upper reaches of Heaven. You plant your sword to reorient yourself, and sprint along its side to find a good spot to leap off again.
> Cresting a small rise, you come face-to-face with the monk, who has managed to anticipate your trajectory. Her strike comes in with perfect timing...
> And you return a previous favour, slamming her in the chest with the hilt of your sword, before her punch even crosses half its distance. She cringes, clutching at her chest, her attack rendered harmless. You use this moment of weakness to dash past her towards a group of islands in the distance with several structures dotted around - looks like that's approximately the half-way mark.
> You feel a surge of energy behind you. The monk, having quickly recovered, launches a spread of bullets at you from her position, and jets off after you, overtaking her own danmaku. Like wings of a vast moth, patterns of magic spread out from her back, coalescing at points at the centre of each wing into small buds that quickly bloom into flower-like shapes, each trailing bullet after bullet.
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>How much further have we to go, and what does the path or lack thereof look like?
>Can we leave danmaku in our wake, in hopes of slowing up the monk by forcing her to dodge or take high velocity blows to the face, without slowing ourself?
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>How much further have we to go, and what does the path or lack thereof look like?
>Can we leave danmaku in our wake, in hopes of slowing up the monk by forcing her to dodge or take high velocity blows to the face, without slowing ourself?
> Still a bit to go - you have to get to the half-way mark, which is several islands away, and then it's almost straight up, island after island, to get to the upper reaches.
> Sure you can!
> With a practiced draw, you unsheathe your sword. Adjusting its grip, you carve through the air in front of you. You briefly see double as the unfathomably-fast strike sends the light ahead of you in two separate directions.
> With a snap, the two images merge, exploding into a shower of bullets.
> You dart through your bullet screen.
> The monk doesn't even slow down. She parries two bullets with her bare hands, takes two more straight in the chest and leg, and powers on through.
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>If we can do this without slowing down, make a few more; cutting the air at different angles. Either she slows to dodge, or she takes the hits and hinders herself anyways.
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> Is this dead?
> No. No it is not.
>If we can do this without slowing down, make a few more; cutting the air at different angles. Either she slows to dodge, or she takes the hits and hinders herself anyways.
> In a blur of red and blue motion, you slice the air ahead of you several times. Your vision is so distorted by this that you are forced to move blind for a few moments.
> The air snaps back into place behind you, releasing wave after wave of bullets, making a dense screen. The monk will have trouble getting through that unscathed.
> You feel the tingling of immense flows of magic being shaped and targeted, and a massive column of light lances past you, missing by a hair. You barely dodge it as it tracks towards you by kicking off your own sonic shockwave and spinning over the beam, but this causes you to slow down.
> In less than a moment, the monk is right on top of you, four beam attacks from her moth-like wings converging on you.
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>How close is she?
>If there is space to get closer and avoid the converging beams: shift direction, move toward her and lead in with a sheathed sword toward the anything. Hopefully being devoted to shooting, she won't be able to adapt.
>If there is no space to close in, circle around as fast as we can, unsheathe the blade and slash up a wing.
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>How close is she?
>If there is space to get closer and avoid the converging beams: shift direction, move toward her and lead in with a sheathed sword toward the anything. Hopefully being devoted to shooting, she won't be able to adapt.
>If there is no space to close in, circle around as fast as we can, unsheathe the blade and slash up a wing.
> Extremely close.
> You attempt to continue your air-dodge to place yourself in a better position, but the monk is simply faster in the air than you are. Two of the beams track across you, blasting you full-on. The sheer pressure of magic battering against you makes you feel like your very bones are being ground into a paste, and your muscles and organs liquified. You know that it's not quite that bad in reality, though. Your Conviction prevents the pain from affecting your fighting capability, but you can dimly feel that while the pain won't stop you, the sheer amount of damage done to your body will eventually take its toll.
> For now, though, you are still at peak fighting capacity - you briefly see the monk's surprised expression as you finish your maneuver and, with a fierce slash, sever one of the magical wing constructions.
> The monk grits her teeth and swings up level to you, placing herself between you and the midpoint island. You recognise Eagle Sheathes Talons in her stance, but that is only there to mask its main, most potent component, a rare one indeed - Protection of Celestial Bliss. You have never fought against this stance before, but you know that its defensive capabilities are formidable indeed, able to block and parry even the most potent attacks over and over again.
> You note that the swarm of bullets that the monk had shot back then are going to be catching up very soon.
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>If she wants to be defensive, that's fine. Fly around her, let her have to adjust to match us and put her between her shots and us.
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>If she wants to be defensive, that's fine. Fly around her, let her have to adjust to match us and put her between her shots and us.
> Despite her defensive stance, she's still more nimble in the air than you are, and is able to adjust her position to always have you in-between her and the shots.
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>In this case, move perpendicular to the oncoming shots, take a defensive posture, and spare a single glance toward finding a spot where we can maneuver through; or at least not get hit by everything.
>Keep the blade unsheathed for now. If she's going to try something, she gets to deal with being blocked by sharp things.
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Looks like interest is low. As such, I will finish this interlude and let the thread die. Curious, would have thought the concept to have ultimately drawn more people.
> The monk's demonstrated time and time again her aerial superiority, so you act to bring the advantage back on your side of the board.
> You drop straight down and, as soon as your feet touch ground, blast off perpendicular to the oncoming shots.
> You are at full speed when the first bullets begin to hit, gouging out large chunks from the islands in their path. You let your momentum carry you between islands, gravity only having the briefest of moments to catch up to you before you are on solid ground again. The monk is unable to keep you contained as you pull further and further ahead. Without her as a distraction, you are able to dodge between and through blasts, bullets missing you by calculated inches.
> Soon enough, the attack wears off and your dash, seemingly a random path, has placed you within a stone's throw from the mid-point island, and the monk still catching up.
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> How far behind us is Byakuren?
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Naw, it's just low thread activity combined with some of the usuals not being around and being in a hard to solve situation. Just keep with it. =]
>Keep moving. A stone's throw is nothing for us. And, hopefully that spellcard will be wearing off shortly.
>Once we get onto solid ground again, consider what the monk is doing, and plan a counterattack, preferably to strike down another of those wings.
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> How far behind us is Byakuren?
> She is further away from you than you are from the midpoint.
Naw, it's just low thread activity combined with some of the usuals not being around and being in a hard to solve situation. Just keep with it. =]
Oh all right, that's good enough for me!
>Keep moving. A stone's throw is nothing for us. And, hopefully that spellcard will be wearing off shortly.
>Once we get onto solid ground again, consider what the monk is doing, and plan a counterattack, preferably to strike down another of those wings.
> In a flash, you reach the midpoint island, skidding to a halt amidst a few low stone pillars. This island is larger than most of the others, and there are a few modest houses dotted around here and there.
> From here it's straight up.
> Indeed, the storm of bullets has abated, and the monk's moth-wings have faded. She looks worn out, but you yourself are starting to feel the pain catching up to you. The next exchange could well be the last one for either of you.
> She is floating off just out of leap's range, looking for an opening.
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>If her card has worn off, she's done. Leave her in the dust; run back a bit to open up some more space and then leap upwards. Not directly upwards, but off to the side a little, to throw off any parting shots.
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>If her card has worn off, she's done. Leave her in the dust; run back a bit to open up some more space and then leap upwards. Not directly upwards, but off to the side a little, to throw off any parting shots.
> Apologies for lack of clarity - Superhuman has not worn off yet, but it cannot last much longer as it is.
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>If that is the case, draw back a bit, and use the houses as barriers if she gets to close. Try to lead her into a less open place. Stay defensive.
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>If that is the case, draw back a bit, and use the houses as barriers if she gets to close.
> You stay amongst the houses, using them for cover - you're quite certain they are inhabited, and the monk would be highly unlikely to endanger the people inside. A warrior must use every advantage at their disposal, and you are well-versed in doing so.
> A flicker of energy catches your attention just a fraction too late - a single bullet, streaming a trail of white energy, comes hurtling around the corner of the house, as if seeking you out. It moves with an uncanny precision, infinitely accurate in its flight-path, adjusting its movement every fraction of a moment to adjust to your own motions. Your practiced eye knows this attack, knows its nature - it is a perfect attack, and with unerring certainty you understand that you cannot dodge or block it.
> With perfect timing, the monk approaches from the opposite direction to catch you between her and the shot.
>Try to lead her into a less open place.
> Ain't nothing but open space up here, with maybe a small obstruction of some sort here or there. Good for taking in the infinite expanse of the cosmos in one's meditation.
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>Our sword is unsheathed; slash through the bullet while moving forward to open more distance between us.
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>Our sword is unsheathed; slash through the bullet while moving forward to open more distance between us.
> In your arms - the slightest sign of fatigue, in your strike - the slightest imperfection: the bullet slips through the single opening you left and strikes you full-on in the chest. The impact sends you reeling back, your focus broken, the pain starting to rush through the hairline crack in the near-impenetrable wall of your Conviction.
> A crushing sweep through your legs knocks you off your feet, everything moving in slow-motion as you uncontrollably spin backwards, your view of the sky becoming obscured by the monk's form as she comes in from above with the finishing blow.
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>Do we still have our sword? If so, bring it up to defend ourself. If she's going for a blow, she is going to have to deal with a few feet of reach advantage.
>As well, put that Myon to work, and have it fill the air with some good dense flak when she gets close, too close to effectively dodge around it.
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> Advance apologies for cliche storytelling technique, but this interlude needs to be wrapped up.
>Do we still have our sword? If so, bring it up to defend ourself. If she's going for a blow, she is going to have to deal with a few feet of reach advantage.
>As well, put that Myon to work, and have it fill the air with some good dense flak when she gets close, too close to effectively dodge around it.
> In a last-ditch effort to do some damage, maybe take the monk down with you, you reposition your sword for a counterattack even whilst still falling off your feet.
> Darkness creeps in at the edges of your vision, the monk's form blurring, whether through speed or simply due to your eyes failing, as she closes in. You loose a few shots in every direction, but you know you can hardly keep up a decent sustained barrage. Gravity catches up to you, the world loses its blue-and-red hues to regain full colour, and you crash down.
> ...
> Everything seems to stop. You do not hit the ground. In contrast to your usual pace, every still moment seems to last an eternity. A glowing purple-and-violet butterfly passes across your vision, gently flapping its wings in the sudden silence. You feel an achingly familiar arm supporting you. You do not know when you lost track of your sheath, but it now sits snugly over your sword, held by a sky-blue-sleeved hand.
> You hear a whisper at your ear that seems to softly echo around the entire island.
> "That's enough. Youmu, Byakuren - that's quite enough."
> You've done it. You've found your Lady Yuyuko.
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Kurses. I was hoping to reenact the beheading of Cao Cao.
>"Wha-?"
>"My lady...I am sorry I took so long..."
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Kurses. I was hoping to reenact the beheading of Cao Cao.
>"Wha-?"
>"My lady...I am sorry I took so long..."
The what now? I mean, my knowledge of history is next to none, but a cursory glance shows that he died of illness.
> The monk that your lady called Byakuren gives Yuyuko a level glance, then nods and, with a sigh, releases her Spell Card.
> She then gives you a deep bow.
> "You were a magnificent opponent, Youmu, and your Lady is in good hands indeed when you are attending her. I would have us meet under more peaceful circumstances."
> Sending another glance at Yuyuko, she swiftly flies up and out of sight.
> Yuyuko watches her fly off for a few moments before returning her attention to you. Her expression is almost pained, and she speaks slowly, as if choosing each individual word very carefully.
> "Youmu. I... can't have you doing your usual duties: there are certain rules in place that I have to follow. Once... they are no longer in power, once the tournament has...ended, we can return to Hakugyokoro together. Maybe you could take this chance to find some opponents to practice your skills? There are a few with undefeated records, you know! Don't worry about me, I'm not helpless or anything."
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The beheading was symbolic (and possibly apocryphal)
>Try not to be too heartbroken.
>"But...why?"
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The beheading was symbolic (and possibly apocryphal)
>Try not to be too heartbroken.
>"But...why?"
You've lost me so hard the trees have started to shake.
> Why could your lady possibly say something like this? Could she be unhappy with your service? Have you made a mistake somewhere? Could she not want you at her side any more?
> "It's all right, Youmu. You mustn't worry. These rules have to be followed, can't really help it, otherwise we wouldn't be very good judges, now will we?"
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It's an story from one of the particularly commentaries on the Art of War.
>Do we know what she's talking about?
>If so: "...Why are you a judge, my lady?"
>If not: "...What?"
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Computer died back on 16th. Be a few more days before permanent fixes are in place. Interest in gentlemanly fisticuffs is as high as ever.
>As consciousness fades again, "If you so wish it, my Lady, I will train to become an even more devoted and helpful servant."
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>Do we know what she's talking about?
>If so: "...Why are you a judge, my lady?"
>If not: "...What?"
> Vaguely, but you were too focused on finding your lady to learn the specifics.
> "For my stunning looks, no doubt, and great sense of humour."
> Yuyuko smiles briefly, and for a moment she's once again the happy-go-lucky lady that you know so well. Then the intense focus returns to her expression.
> "Heaven knows, Youmu. I certainly don't."
>As consciousness fades again, "If you so wish it, my Lady, I will train to become an even more devoted and helpful servant."
> Don't pass out on yourself quite yet! You will need some time to lie down and rest, though.
> Yuyuko smiles and ruffles your hair in just the right way to make it a complete mess.
> "Keep well, Youmu. Stay out of trouble. You'll make it through just fine - I believe in you."
> End conversation?
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>"One...last question. That monk. Who is she, and why is she here?"
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>"One...last question. That monk. Who is she, and why is she here?"
> "That's Byakuren - she's quite new here, but she's got a good head on her shoulders. I'm afraid I can't tell you what she's doing here, but I daresay you will probably see her again, just like you'll see me."
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>It's probably been awhile since we entertained a grudge, let's have a go at that.
>End conversations.
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While I sort out a few things, I would like input: as most pieces are pretty much in place, as it were, I am pretty much ready to start the final stretch, as it were. Do you guys want to start on that, or shall I add another arc prior to that? I certainly have ideas for the latter, so both are equally possible.
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I wouldnae mind another arc, if it fits in seamlessly.
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Another arc sounds entertaining, even if it comes at the price of some delays to sort details.
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All right then!
>It's probably been awhile since we entertained a grudge, let's have a go at that.
>End conversations.
> You are now Akyu.
> Your escape from the underground complex that housed the reactor was frantic indeed as the place exploded around you, but, with deft maneuvering on Marisa's part, the both of you and the unconscious Utsuho safely made it out and back to the Palace.
> Marisa mentioned that's she's not too good at thinking quietly, and elected to stay inside the main cathedral area, leaving you to explain - with some difficulty stemming from small thoughts - matters to Satori.
> You finish your description of the events that passed just as Utsuho, who had been tucked into bed, opens her eyes.
> Her voice is weak, like the mewling of a kitten, and seems almost empty without the metallic tinge that suffused it when you fought her.
> "O-Orin? Sa...Sa..."
> Oh no.
> Rin and Satori rush over to Utsuho's bed. A flash of recognition and a smile appear on Utsuho's face when she sees Rin. However, she has only a blank, confused expression for Satori.
> Frown.
> Time is never...
> Confusion grows on Satori's face as her eyes dart to and fro, as if reading from an invisible book just above Utsuho's head. Confusion that slowly turns into despair.
> ...lost.
> She slowly floats back to you, her eyes glistening but her expression stoic.
> Fifteen percent.
> Lost.
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>Gather self. Small thoughts are hard!
>Think: "Can be found?"
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> No.
> The single thought resounds so strongly with charged emotion that Satori winces.
> She quickly composes herself.
> Come.
> Grand designs.
> She floats towards the door to the cathedral area, sending a single glance towards Utsuho, whom Rin is busily fussing over.
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>Follow.
>Assess physical condition.
>Ponder if we got any score for those last actions.
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>Follow.
>Assess physical condition.
>Ponder if we got any score for those last actions.
> You've got burns and bruises everywhere, but it's probably nothing that a liberal application of healing goop won't fix.
> Your Standing has improved to 960. Your inflated score was what probably prevented you from getting more points off Utsuho.
> When you go outside into the cathedral area you are met with an impatient-looking Shikieki, her arms crossed, her foot tapping against the polished stone. When she sees you, she furrows her eyebrows and starts talking in a rush.
> "Congratulations with your victory, Participant Akyu of the Hieda clan, Your points have been recorded into the Tournament Record, The Exalted Administration of the Seven Heavens wishes you great success in your battles, andmayyoufurtherachievegloriousvictory there. Done. You're quite hard to get to - first you're in the middle of everything exploding, then you're in that room that is so... weird!"
> It appears that not even a Judge is above discomfort at having to curb their mind's ambitions and submit themselves to the humility of small thoughts - do not mind the weird room's inhabitants, though - I am sure their completely unreasonable state of being is utterly unlike spending one's days surrounded by the spirits of the deceased, avoiding all contact with others.
> Shikieki sighs, and gives Satori a short bow.
> "Your point is well-made. My apologies for the insult I have given you - I was out of line. I will leave the two of you be, unless I can help you with something, Akyu?"
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>"Please accept my apologies for being so hard to find. And, just one question. That shadow, is she acting within the tournament, or outside of it? As well, are you able to tell me what became of her?"
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>"Please accept my apologies for being so hard to find. And, just one question. That shadow, is she acting within the tournament, or outside of it? As well, are you able to tell me what became of her?"
> Shikieki scratches her head awkwardly.
> "I... was not being entirely serious, no apologies needed. The contestant you refer to as the shadow, if I understand correctly who you are talking about, is entirely bound by the rules of the tournament. They have trodden on the line very often, but never broken it - they cannot, fundamentally. I am not at liberty to tell you where they are, but, well, I am certain you could find a skilled Scroll reader to find them for you. This I will tell you freely, as they need a good what-for to put them in their place! Er, off the record, of course."
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>"I think I concur wholeheartedly. You may place that on the record as you like."
>Let the Enma be on her way, then allow Satori to elaborate.
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>"I think I concur wholeheartedly. You may place that on the record as you like."
>Let the Enma be on her way, then allow Satori to elaborate.
> The portal closes with a low hum, and you and Satori are left alone in the cathedral.
> Raising her arm with a lot of effort, Satori slowly rubs her eyes, then floats down to eye-level.
> Someone stronger than I would have the understanding and patience required to renurture over time memories lost forever like tears in the rain, but I am not such a person.
> While the memories that Utsuho lost cannot be found again, I am of the belief that they can be reforged - rebuilt from nothing but my own and Rin's recollections and put where they belong, forcefully and intrusively.
> I do not ask you to understand or agree with me, but merely beg that you consider my request - seek out my sister, Koishi, on the great mountain, and ask for her help on my behalf.
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>Ponder for a moment.
>"...This sounds oddly like getting a child a new dog when the previous one had run away, if I am understanding you right. You're going to make a set of replacement memories that wouldn't actually be hers?"
>"Not that I won't help, just I want to understand what you're trying to do."
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>Ponder for a moment.
>"...This sounds oddly like getting a child a new dog when the previous one had run away, if I am understanding you right. You're going to make a set of replacement memories that wouldn't actually be hers?"
>"Not that I won't help, just I want to understand what you're trying to do."
> Satori grits her teeth. You can see tears welling up in her eyes.
> I will do anything to give Utsuho the life she needs, but I am not above indulging my own selfishness - I want to see a smile when she sees my face, not a blank stare devoid of recognition, devoid of the emotion that should by all rights be there - she is now not as she was, and I swear by anything that I will see her as she used to be, as she was before so much of her was taken against her will.
> Yes, I will have my sister make a collection of replacement memories - but they are Utsuho's by right, they are hers to begin with, just as her arms and legs, her eyes, her heart are hers and only hers!
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>Consider arguing further, as such memories wouldn't actually he hers, they'd be someone else's and not match with what she experienced.
>Disregard it, we'll help either way and hope it just doesn't go wrong.
>"Tell me more about her."
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>Consider arguing further, as such memories wouldn't actually he hers, they'd be someone else's and not match with what she experienced.
>Disregard it, we'll help either way and hope it just doesn't go wrong.
>"Tell me more about her."
> It is indeed a bit of a sticky conundrum.
> She is impossible to explain to someone who has not already met her in the flesh, metaphorically speaking, and speak in metaphors is all I can do as she tends to defy many sensibilities that so many take for granted.
> All I can say about her is that she thinks, therefore she is, and she is so potently that others often find themselves unconsciously thinking her for her - in that sense she is most comfortable when she can be in open spaces, and, as such, detests coming underground, where the mind is almost physically constrained by walls on all sides.
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>"And where would I find her on the mountain?"
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>"And where would I find her on the mountain?"
> It would be like her to spend time at the shrine there - I am told open space is in abundance there, plenty of room to let herself wander.
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>Nod.
>"Very well. Would she know me upon, well, sensing me as you have? Is there something I could do to get her attention. What does she look like, exactly. Her name was Koishi, yes?"
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>Nod.
>"Very well. Would she know me upon, well, sensing me as you have? Is there something I could do to get her attention. What does she look like, exactly. Her name was Koishi, yes?"
> Koishi, yes, she holds a natural curiousity towards strangers and the strange in general - you will find yourself thinking her soon enough.
-
>"Before you said the goddess went down there; but I never saw her. Did she come back out?"
>Are we smart enough to connect the deity mentioned in the past with the one on the mountain? Presuming so, add in: "If I'm going to the mountain, I suppose I should be wary of her."
>Regardless, finish with: "And the phantom? Did she come back?"
-
>"Before you said the goddess went down there; but I never saw her. Did she come back out?"
>Are we smart enough to connect the deity mentioned in the past with the one on the mountain? Presuming so, add in: "If I'm going to the mountain, I suppose I should be wary of her."
>Regardless, finish with: "And the phantom? Did she come back?"
> Neither the goddess - whom you should indeed be wary of - nor the shadow came back through the path I know - perhaps they have the knowledge of another means to enter and leave the underground, not that it matters now.
-
>"Hm. What a pain. Can you tell me about the goddess? I've...never dealt with her before. And, if they do come back, is there a way you can alert me?"
-
>"Hm. What a pain. Can you tell me about the goddess? I've...never dealt with her before. And, if they do come back, is there a way you can alert me?"
> Their returning is not even something that I had considered, and there seems little reason for it now that the solar furnace has fallen, yet I cannot deny the spite of mortals and immortals - take her, take Utsuho with you, protect her and find a way to petition for her immunity in this forsaken tournament, that she might have time to rest and recover.
> I can tell you nothing more of the goddess that you do not already know.
-
>"When I said come back, I meant from below, not above. If they do return from above, I couldn't protect Utsuho any better than you could. Perhaps Marisa could. As for exempting her, all she needs to do is surrender when challenged. That is will let her aggressor get her points and hopefully be satiated."
-
>"...theoretically that should be correct, but the rambunctious or hot-blooded would want to fight, stopping because of a surrender would be illogical for them. Likewise, the foolish or arogant may see such a surrender as weakness and attack regardless, believing themselves superior. I know not what asylum the mountain could provide, if any. Even if such safety existed, the price to be paid may be heavy. If Utsuho were to come along, I fear it would be a great toll on her, when what she may need now is recovery.
-
I've only just noticed my avatar is now a kitty how can I be taken seriously when there's a kitty? This are serious thread with serious fightans.
>"When I said come back, I meant from below, not above. If they do return from above, I couldn't protect Utsuho any better than you could. Perhaps Marisa could. As for exempting her, all she needs to do is surrender when challenged. That is will let her aggressor get her points and hopefully be satiated."
>"...theoretically that should be correct, but the rambunctious or hot-blooded would want to fight, stopping because of a surrender would be illogical for them. Likewise, the foolish or arogant may see such a surrender as weakness and attack regardless, believing themselves superior. I know not what asylum the mountain could provide, if any. Even if such safety existed, the price to be paid may be heavy. If Utsuho were to come along, I fear it would be a great toll on her, when what she may need now is recovery.
> "Eh, I could look over the kid for you," Marisa says, walking over from somewhere amongst the cathedral's columns, "'s no big deal, but she'll have to stay at my place 'til the whole thing blows over, or 'til Akyu here finds a better solution with that immunity thing."
> My gratitude to the two of you would know no bounds if you agreed to this course of action, for it is not retribution that I fear, but the single-minded desire to recreate again this absurd solar furnace scenario with Utsuho again as its sole, unwilling victim.
-
>"Did you encounter the goddess down there, Marisa?"
>Did Yamame mention that Marisa brutalized her?
-
>"Did you encounter the goddess down there, Marisa?"
>Did Yamame mention that Marisa brutalized her?
> "Nah, only that stupid shadow-thing and the crow kid."
> Yamame said, and I quote:
> "Strong. So strong. Did not fight, just flung me, flung me like a broken doll."
-
>"Wonder where she was, then?"
>Shrug.
>"I suppose I am ready to leave when you are. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to climbing that wall again, so a lift would be much appreciated."
-
>"Wonder where she was, then?"
>Shrug.
>"I suppose I am ready to leave when you are. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to climbing that wall again, so a lift would be much appreciated."
> Marisa nods vigorously.
> "Ready to help! Don't think I coulda gotten my Hakkero back without your help back there, so you're good people in my book!"
> She sticks her fingers in her mouth and makes a deafening whistle that echoes around the cathedral space. Within moments, Marisa's broom is hovering diligently at her side.
> "You make yourself comfortable, I'll go get the crow kid - Utsuho, right? - and we'll be on our way!"
> Satori nods, and Marisa jogs into the back room and soon enough comes back out, a somewhat confused Utsuho slung over her shoulder, followed by Rin.
> Satori gives Rin a pointed glance, who whispers a few words to Utsuho. Still confused-looking, she nods.
> Marisa sets Utsuho down on the broom, straddles it herself, and looks back at you.
> "Ready?"
-
> "Yep."
> Turn to Satori.
> "Leave this to us."
> Get on the broom.
-
>Once we've departed.
>"I have a question. What did you do to Yamame on your way down here? She was practically a wreck."
-
> "Yep."
> Turn to Satori.
> "Leave this to us."
> Get on the broom.
> The broom lifts off and, with a rush of speed, the three of you jet out of the Palace and into the vast cavern.
>Once we've departed.
>"I have a question. What did you do to Yamame on your way down here? She was practically a wreck."
> "You mean that spider girl in the caves up ahead? I, well, kinda sorta might have maybe run her over a little. I was in a rush, wasn't really paying attention! Is she all right?"
-
>"Well, she had kinda gotten beat up twice by those other two... I really had to go out of my way to keep her from trying to tie me up with webs and do heaven knows what. If you could stop and apologize on the way out, she would probably appreciate it. Poor thing was practically in tears."
-
>"Well, she had kinda gotten beat up twice by those other two... I really had to go out of my way to keep her from trying to tie me up with webs and do heaven knows what. If you could stop and apologize on the way out, she would probably appreciate it. Poor thing was practically in tears."
> "Aw heck, now I feel real bad about that. Yeah, we'll make a stop."
> You cross the main cavern with no incident - you're too high up to make out any detail of the Ancient City, but you see some movement here or there that suggests some of the Oni might have come around.
> Marisa sets down around the place you met Yamame.
> Yamame's nowhere to be seen.
-
>Look around. Are there signs that anything troublesome has happened?
>"Yamame, are you here? It's me, I was hoping to talk to you. There's nothing t worry about, I assure you."
-
>Don the Goggles.
-
>Don the Goggles.
>Look around. Are there signs that anything troublesome has happened?
>"Yamame, are you here? It's me, I was hoping to talk to you. There's nothing t worry about, I assure you."
> The goggles flash up briefly with a status message: IFF calibration complete.
> You hear a skittering somewhere above and behind you that tracks down the side wall and, eventually, you see Yamame peer out from a gap between some stalagmites just ahead of you. The goggle readout outlines her in a bright green, also adding the words Allegiance: Akyu [Hieda Clan].
> "Akyu-friend?"
-
>"Hello, again. I hope things have been okay?"
>Once she answers that: "Marisa here has something to say to you."
>See what the goggles tell us about Marisa whilst she talks, presuming Yamame doesn't skitter off at the sight of her.
-
>"Hello, again. I hope things have been okay?"
>Once she answers that: "Marisa here has something to say to you."
>See what the goggles tell us about Marisa whilst she talks, presuming Yamame doesn't skitter off at the sight of her.
> "Quiet, quiet, no intruders, wounds healing, spirit healing."
> Marisa nods with an uneasy smile, then steps forward, thrusting her hand out for a handshake. Yamame recoils a little.
> "Sorry for running you over back then! Wasn't really paying attention back there, hope there's no hard feelings!"
> Yamame, if anything, looks bewildered, but returns the handshake.
> "No, no grudge, no grudge, grateful, grateful for apology. Marisa-friend?"
> "Marisa-friend indeed!" Marisa exclaims, and slaps Yamame on the back, sending her sprawling into you. You manage to stop the two of you bowling over.
> The goggles have added a bright green outline to Marisa, and the status Allegiance: Akyu [Hieda Clan].
-
>Once Yamame is properly standing: "Out of curiosity, has anyone come through here since I came by?
-
>Once Yamame is properly standing: "Out of curiosity, has anyone come through here since I came by?
> "No, none, quiet, quiet as the grave this passage."
-
>"That's good to hear. I was afraid someone else might bother you. Do be careful, though, those other two might come out this way later."
-
>"That's good to hear. I was afraid someone else might bother you. Do be careful, though, those other two might come out this way later."
> Yamame nods. "Hide well, hide well, never found!"
> Yamame waves you good-bye as you, Utsuho and Marisa get back on the broom and speed off towards the entrance.
> "I'll take a quick stop at Reimu's, she'll probably be worried about me, then we'll be on our way, right?"
-
>"I suppose. But maybe it's better we don't let her see Utsuho? Um, she kind of had some strong things to say about youkai on my way through earlier."
-
>"I suppose. But maybe it's better we don't let her see Utsuho? Um, she kind of had some strong things to say about youkai on my way through earlier."
> "Oh, right. Yeah, she's a bit of a stick in the mud when it comes to the youkai folk. All right, we'll land outside the shrine, I'll pop in, say hi, and we'll be off. You want to come along?"
-
>"I think it would be best if one of us stays with Utsuho, don't you think?"
-
>"I think it would be best if one of us stays with Utsuho, don't you think?"
This voice's thoughts exactly. But to miss interacting with the Shrine Maiden? Hmm.
Thinking it may be better to have Utsuho tag along, unless Utsuho is particularly adverse to tagging along.
Explaining to Reimu the Solar Furnace Incident and about the Moriya Shrine's and the Shadow's involvment may interest the Red-White.
-
>"I think it would be best if one of us stays with Utsuho, don't you think?"
This voice's thoughts exactly. But to miss interacting with the Shrine Maiden? Hmm.
Thinking it may be better to have Utsuho tag along, unless Utsuho is particularly adverse to tagging along.
Explaining to Reimu the Solar Furnace Incident and about the Moriya Shrine's and the Shadow's involvment may interest the Red-White.
Well, make up your minds. Can't really get a tie-breaker with activity low as it is.
-
>shit lets ask the riddler of steel.
>"Do you think that Reimu would be alright with us bringing Utsuho there? I admit, I would kinda like to hear what she has to say about things in general..."
-
I think we should opt for bringing Utsuho with us, if only so we can keep an eye on her in her 'condition'.
-
Well, make up your minds. Can't really get a tie-breaker with activity low as it is.
Reimu would more than likely be displeased, but to outright attack, probably not. Plus it isn't like Utsuho is some invalid, although in Red-White's she is definately an un-person. Doubtful if Reimu would speak to Utsuho with how polarized she is against youkai right now.
-
>shit lets ask the riddler of steel.
>"Do you think that Reimu would be alright with us bringing Utsuho there? I admit, I would kinda like to hear what she has to say about things in general..."
> "Oh, I'm sure she'll be fine. Might get a bit cranky, but she's a big girl, she'll get over it."
I think we should opt for bringing Utsuho with us, if only so we can keep an eye on her in her 'condition'.
Reimu would more than likely be displeased, but to outright attack, probably not. Plus it isn't like Utsuho is some invalid, although in Red-White's she is definately an un-person. Doubtful if Reimu would speak to Utsuho with how polarized she is against youkai right now.
Consensus!
> "All right! Easier for everyone!"
> Marisa makes a sharp turn and, suddenly, you're out in bright sunlight as you shoot out of the cave. The cool breeze feels wonderful after the cloying atmosphere of the caverns.
> You hear Utsuho make a quiet gasp - the only sound she's made this whole journey so far - as she takes her first look at the noonday sun, and stares at it without flinching. She looks elated.
> "The real deal, kid! It's quite a thing to look up to!" Marisa shouts over her shoulder.
> A minute or so later the Hakurei Shrine comes into view and, with deft maneuvering, Marisa lands the broom in the centre of the courtyard.
> A cold voice comes from a side hut. "What company. I doubt you are here to place offerings and pray at the shrine."
> You see Reimu come out of the hut, carrying a large barrel in her arms. She's not even looking in your direction.
> She pauses for a moment, puts down the barrel, then looks at Marisa. "Kirisame."
> Marisa returns the cold stare. "Hakurei."
> The two stare at each other for a few very uncomfortable seconds.
> They then burst out laughing.
> After a while Reimu, grinning widely, wipes a tear from her eye, and turns to you. "Ah, the Hieda girl. You're fine as well. I am grateful to you for finding my headstrong friend."
> "Hah, you were totally worried about me!" Marisa says, still giggling.
> "You will close that mouth of yours, Marisa, lest it find itself filled with something unpleasant. Now..."
> Reimu's mirth completely vanishes.
> "Why have you brought that thing here?"
-
>You know what? We've been through too much shit today to deal with this kind of sass.
>"Thing? You mean the broom? We rode on it, of course. It's really quite handy."
-
>You know what? We've been through too much shit today to deal with this kind of sass.
>"Thing? You mean the broom? We rode on it, of course. It's really quite handy."
> "The broom is at least worthy of respect in that it knows its place."
> Reimu gives Utsuho an utterly withering glance. Utsuho shies back.
> "That said, judging by its injuries, you certainly took the effort to teach it its place. Well done, its spirit is quite broken."
> Marisa finishes her giggling and, a huge grin still on her face, slaps Reimu on the back.
> "Hey now, don't get your knickers in a bunch. Kid's with me, going to keep her somewhere quiet so nobody bothers her. Akyu here actually helped her out!"
> Reimu narrows her eyes at you. "Indeed?"
-
>"I did. Though without Marisa, I doubt thing would have gone as well as they had."
>What sort of knowledge do we have of Reimu's activities as a shrine maiden. In particularly, do we know if she's good at or diligent with the parts of the task that aren't keeping youkai under control? If she's going to keep this up...
-
>"I did. Though without Marisa, I doubt thing would have gone as well as they had."
>What sort of knowledge do we have of Reimu's activities as a shrine maiden. In particularly, do we know if she's good at or diligent with the parts of the task that aren't keeping youkai under control? If she's going to keep this up...
> "And what would those things be, that would not have gone well?"
> The Hakurei Shrine maiden's tasks are not particularly numerous: keeping the Shrine in good condition - and it is in very good condition indeed - and ensuring the integrity of the Great Barrier by any means deemed necessary. Whilst goodwill to all and tolerance are somewhat expected of the function, they are not mandatory.
-
>You know what? Way too long of a day to put up with this.
>"I don't know, but since we're talking about 'things' knowing their place, why weren't you there to find out? That's supposed to be your job, isn't it? As well, could you tell me the name of the deity enshrined here? I seem to have misplaced it."
-
>"I don't know, but since we're talking about 'things' knowing their place, why weren't you there to find out? That's supposed to be your job, isn't it? As well, could you tell me the name of the deity enshrined here? I seem to have misplaced it."
> "I did not deem it necessary - whatever was happening down there would not pose a danger to the Barrier, and it is not my duty nor my interest to keep track of every minor squabble the youkai might get into. It is a rare event indeed when things do not take care of themselves."
> Your second comment gets a bit of a reaction from her - her expression darkens, her eye narrow to slits.
> "Oh? The great keeper of all Gensokyo's history, whose memory is second to none in the entire land, who is so high and mighty that she can tell me how to do my job, cannot remember something? And how would you then expect a humble shrine maiden as myself to accomplish a task that even you cannot?"
> Marisa, still grinning, puts a hand on both your and Reimu's shoulder.
> "Hey now, it's hotter here than in the reactor cavern! Let's all calm down, Reimu, get us some of those rice cakes you had left over and wrap 'em up, Akyu, you get Utsuho settled, and we'll be on our way."
> "...Fine." Reimu turns around and starts to head off, then pauses.
> "No prune filling, right? Hieda, do you have any preferences? ...Does the youkai?"
-
>Let it drop for now, though there's another opening with the veiled insult to Utsuho. But later.
>Does Utsuho look coherent enough to eat and express preferences? If so, ask her, "What would you like?"
>Afterward, "I'll have whatever is there, I'm too tired to be picky about it."
-
>Does Utsuho look coherent enough to eat and express preferences? If so, ask her, "What would you like?"
>Afterward, "I'll have whatever is there, I'm too tired to be picky about it."
> "R-Red bean..."
> Reimu nods, then heads off to a small building to the side of the courtyard and disappears inside.
> "Sh-She isn't very nice," Utsuho stammers.
> "Oh, she's not that bad," Marisa says.
-
>"No, Utsuho is quite right. She has no reason to treat people that way, and no reason to think of youkai in such a manner. And I'm through pretending I have to put up with it. I don't care how much she's been through; I've been through a lot myself and you don't see me doing that."
-
>"No, Utsuho is quite right. She has no reason to treat people that way, and no reason to think of youkai in such a manner. And I'm through pretending I have to put up with it. I don't care how much she's been through; I've been through a lot myself and you don't see me doing that."
> "Oh, she's always been like that. It's no big deal, it's not like she gives anyone trouble unless they're asking for it."
-
>"Did you ask for, Utsuho? I didn't hear you ask for it. Did you hear her ask for it, Marisa?"
-
>"Did you ask for, Utsuho? I didn't hear you ask for it. Did you hear her ask for it, Marisa?"
> "Oh, come on, that wasn't trouble. She's just a bit cranky, is all."
> "Who's a bit cranky?" Reimu comes out of the small building, holding a basket with three wrapped bundles in it.
> Marisa grabs the basket and gives it a sniff. "I will be, once my stomach remembers I haven't eaten anything since yesterday. Right, you two, hop on. Kid, hold the basket. You drop it, you'll be responsible for feeding me. Got that?"
> Utsuho nods sheepishly.
> "Akyu?"
-
>Follow those directions!
>"Yes?"
-
>Follow those directions!
>"Yes?"
> "Right, you're ready!"
> Marisa gives Reimu a stare. "Hakurei."
> Reimu returns the favour. "Kirisame. Hieda."
> Marisa sniggers, so does Reimu, and, suddenly, the shrine is far behind as the broom shoots off into the sky.
> The view is quite breathtaking, you rarely get the opportunity to see the land from such a vantage point. Utsuho certainly looks awed by the panorama.
> "Right, I figure I'll drop you off - Akyu - where you want me to, then head back to my place with Utsuho. Seems like the quickest way about things. What'd you think?"
-
>"Just take me home. It's in town, there will probably be enough rabbits and faeries there for you to figure out where it is."
-
Reimu: Dour and Gloom!
Akyu: Wah! Meanie!
Reimu: Sass.
Akyu: Sassier.
Reimu: No you di' n't, girlfriend!
Akyu: Boo Hoo.
Oh, you guys.
>Onward. Try not to get headache from imaging how things are holding up back home. But be happy to see everyone regardless.
-
>"Just take me home. It's in town, there will probably be enough rabbits and faeries there for you to figure out where it is."
>Onward. Try not to get headache from imaging how things are holding up back home. But be happy to see everyone regardless.
> The landscape shoots by below you.
> Time passes.
> ...
> With a good-bye wave, Marisa jets off, Utsuho hanging on tightly to her. You have been dropped off on your front lawn, your home looking none the worse for wear, at least from the outside. The rice cakes, carefully-wrapped, are tucked under your arm. You can hear what sounds like a major scuffle coming from inside of your house.
> "Get the sod off me, you berks, lest you find a sodding shiv up your..."
> You take a deep breath, and walk inside.
> It's...a bit of a scene.
> Kaguya and Eirin have teamed up to restrain a furious-looking albino girl wearing nothing but some dirty red trousers and strategically-placed sarashi, pinning her to your kitchen table, while Keine - oh, look, it's Keine - her foot planted in the girl's side, looks like she's trying to wrench one of the girl's arms - battered and bleeding, nearly lifeless - right off. Fairies and rabbits are scattered around, holding all sorts of surgical implements. The whole place is an utter mess. Everybody freezes when you come in. You're the undivided centre of their attention.
> "Uh. Hi." says the albino girl. Everyone else is obviously trying to do their best to look innocent without actually moving.
> At least you know who the newcomer is - Mokou, the last scion of the Fujiwara clan, and an immortal who has lived for over a thousand years. A bit of a recluse, only recently establishing the smallest of contact with the human village, she's got the reputation of a hooligan and a troublemaker. Her dedication to guiding people lost in the Bamboo Forest has earned her a dose of respect. At the behest of Keine, she has worked with you once or twice to correct and clarify certain aspects of Gensokyo's history. Her favourite colour is red, and she enjoys getting riled up.
-
>"Keine, I am way too tired for all this. Give me the short version, please."
-
>"Keine, I am way too tired for all this. Give me the short version, please."
> Keine looks at Mokou, then at Eirin and Kaguya, then back at you. She smiles.
> "I found Mokou!"
> She punctuates her statement with a wrenching pull that has Mokou roar "sonovab...!" and lets go. Mokou's arm starts quickly looking healthier and healthier.
> Humming to herself, Keine starts washing the blood off her hands in a bucket on the kitchen table. Everyone else is still looking for an opportunity to start moving.
-
>"Well I'm happy for that. Did something else happen, or is Mokou just after the Princess?"
-
>"Well I'm happy for that. Did something else happen, or is Mokou just after the Princess?"
> Keine gives Mokou a stern stare.
> "Mokou, are you planning on getting into another fight with Princess Kaguya?"
> Mokou looks taken aback.
> "Heavens no, guv! Gave up the old harangin' weeks ago, you know that! Lest some berk be itchin' to go a round with yours truly nevertheless?"
> Mokou turns around a gives Kaguya a dirty stare. Kaguya returns it with equal intensity, but doesn't say anything. Eirin just sighs and rolls her eyes.
> Keine shrugs, takes a white silk shirt off a nearby chair and hands it to Mokou, who starts putting it on without taking her eyes off Kaguya.
> Keine then crosses her arms, and her expression goes a bit sour. "I went to look for Mokou a few days ago, and only managed to catch up to her earlier today. Found her in quite a state at the foot of the Youkai mountain. I had an adventure or two on the way, but I would have to say that Mokou has some far more interesting stories than me. Mokou?"
> The albino makes an annoyed clicking sound, then breaks eye contact with Kaguya. Her stare is now on you, instead. Her voice, already naturally hoarse, is low and imposing.
> "Yours truly found out what the cutters were so bloody coy about. The prize, I mean."
> She finishes buttoning her shirt.
> "It's sodding ambrosia, nectar of ye gods. In chant relevant to us..."
> Kaguya and Eirin speak at the same time, interrupting Mokou. They sound haunted.
> "The Hourai Elixir."
-
>"Who wants the Hourai Elixir now?"
-
>"Who wants the Hourai Elixir now?"
> "Oh, you know, only every sodding idiot who knows about it."
-
>Think.
>"Point taken. Please elaborate on your tale, Fujiwara ."
-
>Think.
>"Point taken. Please elaborate on your tale, Fujiwara ."
> "Don't reckon I need tell how the glit sends lives down the gutter. They don't dub it the curse of immortality for shits'n'giggles, you follow? Yet some sod up above got it in their head that it'd be a right laugh to put it up for grabs. Heard it first from the bird down in the forest, no sodding clue who she got got the grapes from, but she was sure holdin' on to them real tight until yours truly got her to gab. Moseyed along to see for myself - ham'n'eggs, Mokou, I thought, no cutter's stupid enough to mess around with the glit, for sure it's a con - had to pound a few munchers into the ground on the way, made it up to the pearlies, and there it was, all fine'n'dandy, on a fancy pedestal and everything. I'd recognise the stuff anywhere. Wound myself up to torch it, whats-her-face got in the way and, well, now yours truly is here. Couldn't lay a sodding finger on her. How's that for storytime?"
-
>"I am a Recorder of Events, Mokou, not a flibbin', errr... not a Guesser of Events. Who is this Face of Whats? Can you describe her, or draw her?"
-
>"I am a Recorder of Events, Mokou, not a flibbin', errr... not a Guesser of Events. Who is this Face of Whats? Can you describe her, or draw her?"
> "Oh sod it, you know, the pearly-bird, the one with the peaches and the sword. Started a ruckus a while back, I think?"
> Reisen's voice comes from deeper inside the house. "Tenshi. Eldest Daughter of the Hinanai family. Mistress, I told you about her back then, she was the one who started the earthquakes."
> Eirin nods.
> You recall the earthquake incident. It was an incredible mess to record, as there were at least twelve individual and unique accounts of what happened, neither agreeing on anything other than the fact that the culprit - a Celestial called Tenshi - was thoroughly beaten, literally and figuratively, at the end of it. You have very little information indeed on Tenshi.
-
>"Oy..."
>Shake head.
>"And she was too much for you? What did she do, exactly?"
-
>"Oy..."
>Shake head.
>"And she was too much for you? What did she do, exactly?"
> "Oh, she fights like a little girl, all fancy-pants "finesse" and "tactics" and jank like that. Just... you know the peckoes who you can't even think about attacking, or even mouthing off at them, long as they don't fight anyone? Well, she had that first part, and didn't look like she gave a sod about the second."
-
>"You couldn't even fight back, then? Huh."
-
>"You couldn't even fight back, then? Huh."
> "It would seem to me that this Tenshi might be a valuable source of information about the tournament," says Kaguya.
> "Oh yes, if she is able to cheat the immunity clause like that," says Keine, then exclaiming, "oh dear me, I almost forgot!"
> Keine fishes a small envelope out of her pocket and hands it to you. It smells faintly of roses.
> Akyu Hieda designates you as the intended recipient on the front in neat, cursive handwriting. You've seen that handwriting once before, on a note accompanying the very rapier that you are wearing at your side when it first came into your family's collection.
-
>Frown, read it.
>Consider what we know about Tenshi as well. Is she renowned as a little shit?
-
>Frown, read it.
>Consider what we know about Tenshi as well. Is she renowned as a little shit?
> Inside the letter is a single card, delicately embroidered with watermarks along the edges. It says You are hereby cordially invited to a meeting with Her Ladyship the Countess Remilia Scarlet at the Mansion on the Lake A.S.A.P.
> You don't know much about Tenshi at all. The dozen-or-so different accounts each describe her in differing light, ranging from "misguided troublemaker" and "raving lunatic" to "unfortunate girl" and "that poor child, she could use a friend or two."
-
>Sigh. What do we know about Remilia?
>Are we at all rested from prior shenanigans?
-
>Sigh. What do we know about Remilia?
>Are we at all rested from prior shenanigans?
> After getting somewhat of a hint after being the first individual to have fingers pointed at when an Incident occurred several times over, Remilia Scarlet has been very diplomatic with at least the human population of Gensokyo. Nobody trusts her as far as they can throw her about this, but she gets some grudging respect for, as many of the villagers put it, "sticking to the act." You met her once, and she gave the impression of being an impeccable lady. Some of her customs are a bit strange, but never intrusive. She likes to stay up late and enjoys fava beans and a nice Chianti.
> You could use with a good night's sleep, the fact that it's early afternoon be damned.
-
>Then it's too soon to be possible.
>"Look, I'm going to bed. Remilia wants to yell at me at, and I'm having trouble standing. I'll give you my short version. Utsuho has been dealt with. Some phantom and possibly Kanako were controlling her. She's with Marisa now. Sometime soon I need to go find Satori's sister and try to do something about the mental damage Utsuho took. But as far as that front is concerned, things should be fine from now on. Someone have breakfast ready when I wait up, and I'll not mention this again. ...Oh, and a couple of take away lunches."
>Presuming there's no more pressing needs, head to bed.
>_
-
>Don't be too adamant about going directly to bed. The others may want to see us, and brushing them off would be rude. However, we really do need to rest up, so if it can wait, it will have to wait.
-
>Then it's too soon to be possible.
>"Look, I'm going to bed. Remilia wants to yell at me at, and I'm having trouble standing. I'll give you my short version. Utsuho has been dealt with. Some phantom and possibly Kanako were controlling her. She's with Marisa now. Sometime soon I need to go find Satori's sister and try to do something about the mental damage Utsuho took. But as far as that front is concerned, things should be fine from now on. Someone have breakfast ready when I wait up, and I'll not mention this again. ...Oh, and a couple of take away lunches."
>Presuming there's no more pressing needs, head to bed.
>_
>Don't be too adamant about going directly to bed. The others may want to see us, and brushing them off would be rude. However, we really do need to rest up, so if it can wait, it will have to wait.
> You stomp off to bed, nobody looks like they're going to stop you. Behind you you hear your near-semi-permanent visitors busying themselves with clearing the mess they made.
> "Princess, you and Miss Doctor collect the equipment, I'll start cleaning up. Mokou, please get the fairies doing something useful."
> "Of course. It is quite embarassing that we got our hostess' house into such a state."
> "Reisen, gather the rabbits, make sure they're not being a nuisance!"
> "Right, you little sods, get to scrubbing lest you find yourselves in sore want of some teeth!"
> You climb into bed after disarming yourself and tossing yet another ruined outfit into the corner and fall asleep immediately.
> ...
> The mind continues to work whether one wants it to or not. Arranging and rearranging thoughts and memories, emphasising experiences, consolidating things learned...
> What do you dream about?
> > Your fight against Utsuho, and the defense you found yourself sometimes lacking.
> > Your conversations with Satori, and the self-control you had to enforce on yourself for small thoughts.
> > Your encounter with Yuka, and the Compassion that allowed you to endure her assault, defeating her without lifting a finger.
-
>Well, at least they're doing that much.
>Dream of Yuka. That was a brighter spot of the day.
-
>If we want a more peaceful resolution, we better increase our compassion.
-
Was ill. Am no longer.
>Well, at least they're doing that much.
>Dream of Yuka. That was a brighter spot of the day.
>If we want a more peaceful resolution, we better increase our compassion.
> You dream.
> The warm embrace reinforces your mind and steels your body.
> The blows that rain down on your back mean nothing to you, for how could a friend, an ally - even one who does not know it yet - hurt you?
> It is impossible.
> And how indeed can you be hurt when you hold such feelings in your heart?
> How can you allow yourself to be hurt when you fight for something more than the joy of combat?
> How can you afford to be hurt when you fight for those dearest to you?
> You cannot.
> Your Compassion drives you and guides you. From now on, you can never be forced to hurt your allies, even if your mind itself is in the clutches of your enemy.
> Your Compassion protects you. For an amount of times per fight equal to your Martial Arts, as long as you are fighting for something you care about, you may use:
> Heavenly Guardian Defense. As long as you hold love deep within you, your body will remain unbroken. This move automatically and completely blocks any single attack, including such attacks that cannot be blocked.
> ...
> You wake up. It's dark outside.
-
> Contemplate new understandings while getting dressed. Head out to get something to drink. Figure out what tie it is along the way.
-
>Figure out what time of day it is along the way.
>Do a quick stretch and controlled breathing to get rid of any lingering stiffness or pain.
-
> Contemplate new understandings while getting dressed. Head out to get something to drink. Figure out what tie it is along the way.
> Your Compassion is a great strength, and can certainly play a major role in your future fights. You feel extremely close to making a breakthrough in your fighting capability.
> You get dressed and leave your room. This floor is conspicuously empty of fairies and rabbits.
> You think it's probably approaching late evening.
>Do a quick stretch and controlled breathing to get rid of any lingering stiffness or pain.
> You pull yourself this way and that, and a quick breathing exercise gets the Qi flowing freely, washing away fatigue and the aches and pains of the day.
> You spot where everyone is from the kitchen area - Keine has sat herself on a chair in the main reception room, with fairies and rabbits sitting on the floor all around her. She's telling old fairy-tales - you can tell from the brief snippets that float your way. Mokou is amongst the crowd on the floor, listening with rapt attention. Kaguya and Eirin are off to the side of the room, playing some odd variant of shogi.
> On the kitchen table you see a plate covered with a linen cloth with a piece of paper attached with Akyu written on it. There's a wicker picnic basket to the side of it.
-
>Aw bless their hearts.
>Have a seat by the covered plate, uncover it. Presuming it's proper food and it's clear the faeries haven't made it the subject of a prank, dig in!
-
>Aw bless their hearts.
>Have a seat by the covered plate, uncover it. Presuming it's proper food and it's clear the faeries haven't made it the subject of a prank, dig in!
> The meal's still warm, a hearty mix of rice and vegetables with just enough spice to wake you up.
> Keine gives you a smile and a wink as you eat, not skipping a beat of her story.
-
>Smile and nod to Keine
>Once finished with the meal, write "Thank you, will be back sometime" on the opposite side of the note, take the picnic basket, and head for SDM.
-
>Be sure to include our destination as well. And for the heck of it, write using calligraphy (if it is handy), just to make sure our hand still knows it's stuff.
-
>write "Thank you, will be back sometime" on the opposite side of the note, take the picnic basket, and head for SDM.
>Be sure to include our destination as well. And for the heck of it, write using calligraphy (if it is handy), just to make sure our hand still knows it's stuff.
> Oh yes, you've still got it. As some would say, you have all of it - the shaping and patterning of each letter is perfect, the harmony in the lines and curls, inscrutable.
> You leave the house. The sun has long since set, but you can see everything clearly in the bright moonlight.
> By the time you reach the mansion on the lake the moon is high in the sky - it's probably just past midnight.
> You see Meiling at the gates, leaning lazily against the metal bars.
> You hear her mumbling to herself, "brightest...day...snrf...in blackest...hrrk...night..."
> She's obviously asleep.
-
>Ponder inviting ourselves in.
>Decide that'd probably be a poor idea, and gently shake her by the shoulder.
-
>Ponder inviting ourselves in.
>Decide that'd probably be a poor idea, and gently shake her by the shoulder.
> Meiling starts, and looks like she's about to blurt out something, but stops herself in time.
> She stares at you blankly for a few moments, then finally seems to wake up and gives you an awkward smile.
> "Oh, uh, Akyu. The Mistress is expecting you. I hope you don't get into too much trouble, she was really upset by the whole breakout thing."
-
>"I suspect she'll probably want to defeat me. Let us hope this isn't the last of these I'll have to give you, then."
>Give her the Picanic Basket.
>"May I go in, then?"
-
>"I suspect she'll probably want to defeat me. Let us hope this isn't the last of these I'll have to give you, then."
>Give her the Picanic Basket.
>"May I go in, then?"
> "It probably isn't that bad," Meiling says, frowning.
> She accepts the basket with a bow.
> "Yes, you'll be met at the front doors. Good luck!"
-
>"You too, and thanks for helping out with the hell raven yesterday."
>Enter!
-
>"You too, and thanks for helping out with the hell raven yesterday."
>Enter!
> Meiling grins.
> "That was quite something. I only got some vague snippets, though."
> The grounds beyond the gates are well-maintained, with gravel paths winding between carefully-trimmed hedgerows. Flowerbeds are tastefully scattered around the place, their bright-white flowers almost seeming to reflect the light of the moon.
> The front doors of the mansion open as you approach. You recognize the head maid of the mansion standing just inside - Miss Izayoi. You've never really spoken with her before, but, that said, nobody else has - she is said to only have time for her Mistress, and her Mistress alone.
-
>Bow politely to Sakuya and present invitation.
-
>Bow politely to Sakuya and present invitation.
> Her face impassive, the Head Maid examines the invitation, then bows in return and beckons you inside.
> "Please enter, Lady Hieda. You are expected."
-
>"Thank you."
>Don't be scared, don't be scared, we can handle this. We handled Utsuho, right? ...Kinda.
>Walk in. Try not to be too nervous. Or at least not visibly nervous.
-
>Expand our awareness.
-
>"Thank you."
>Don't be scared, don't be scared, we can handle this. We handled Utsuho, right? ...Kinda.
>Walk in. Try not to be too nervous. Or at least not visibly nervous.
> It probably won't be that bad, right? Meiling said as much, didn't she? And the Mistress of the mansion has been quite nice lately, hasn't she? Or was it all a ruse? But it was just a harmless prank, really, wasn't it?
> Great, you've gone and gotten yourself thinking in circles.
> You enter. You've never been inside the mansion on the lake before, and the first impression is majestic indeed - you see a spacious entry hall, resplendent in marble and crimson carpeting. Paintings hang on the walls, portraits of people you do not recognize. Staircases on your left and right lead up to an open second tier.
> "The Mistress is waiting in the dining room. Please follow me."
> The maid heads towards one of the staircases.
>Expand our awareness.
> There is magic in the air, but it's not much stronger than the natural background of the land.
> In your sphere of awareness, there is only the maid that is worth noting. Despite her stature and poise, the flow of Qi you get from her is muted, dull. Considering her infamy, it's impossible that that is a genuine reading - she must be suppressing her power so as not to stand out.
-
>Follow the maid. Take note of things that bear historical interest, if we see any we'd recognize.
-
>Follow the maid. Take note of things that bear historical interest, if we see any we'd recognize.
> You take in the details of the paintings lining the walls, but you do not recognise any of the landscapes or people there - all of them look foreign.
> You are led through a series of double doors in the centre of the first floor landing, down a wide and tall corridor.
> The head maid stops at a set of double doors to your left, opens them and bows to you.
> "The Mistress awaits inside, Lady Hieda."
-
>Return bow.
>"Thank you."
>Enter.
-
>Return bow.
>"Thank you."
>Enter.
> You enter what is no doubt the mansion's main dining room.
> It is decorated in much the same style as the rest of the mansion you've been in, but the centrepiece of the room is certainly the vast dining table in the centre, illuminated by three ornate chandeliers.
> At the far end of the table, facing the door, sits the Mistress of the Mansion on the Lake, the Lady Remilia Scarlet, her diminutive stature looking almost comical against the unnecessarily large chair she is sitting in. She is wearing her customary pink summer dress.
> "Welcome, Madam Hieda!" she almost-shouts. You note that if she were any quieter, you wouldn't be able to hear her.
> "Tea? I assume "yes" - Sakuya, tea for two, please, centre-table this time, would you kindly? Madam Hieda, seat yourself over there, I swear, sometimes that girl just..."
> The rest of her sentence she grumbles to herself, and you're not able to make out what she's saying. She did point you to a seat half-way down the table, though.
> She herself, still grumbling, gets up from her seat, walks down the long table and, clearly annoyed, sits herself down opposite the chair she pointed you at.
-
>Well, she didn't kill us first thing!
>Take the indicated seat.
-
>
Vegeta Hieda what does the scouter Qi say?
-
>Well, she didn't kill us first thing!
>Take the indicated seat.
> You still feel alive, so that's certainly a good sign.
> The chair is firm and rigid, not very comfortable. It does look like Remilia's is identical, though.
>Vegeta Hieda what does the scouter Qi say?
> You get an exceedingly odd reading off her - it is as if there is a field of magic not her own suffusing her. You cannot begin to judge combat ability off her, and even thinking of fighting her requires some serious mental somersaults - she most likely has the tournament's immunity effect. You reckon you would have gotten the same off Satori and Orin, if you took the time to look.
> Remilia steeples her hands and rests her chin on them, eyeing you with one bright-red, almost glowing eye.
> "Well?"
-
>"What do you ask of me, Eternally Young Scarlet Moon?"
-
>"What do you ask of me, Eternally Young Scarlet Moon?"
> She narrows her open eye, her eyebrows starting to furrow. While she looked a bit annoyed in general, some of that annoyance is clearly now aimed at you.
> She doesn't say anything, though, as if still waiting for the correct response.
-
Let's not taunt the vampire in front of her crazy maid anymore =[
>"You may be pleased to know the plan went off virtually without a hitch. Eientei did not know what hit it."
-
Let's not taunt the vampire in front of her crazy maid anymore =[
>"You may be pleased to know the plan went off virtually without a hitch. Eientei did not know what hit it."
> You can see Remilia try her best to maintain a stern expression, but she can't help a bit of a smile forming on her face.
> "That's not quite the answer I was looking for, but I have to say - that is actually quite amusing. Those little nuisances can really get things done when they can mob everything. However, I was more referring to the fact that you're about the only person I can find who can take responsibility for the breakout in the first place. You have to understand that I was very upset that my home would be violated in such a manner without provocation."
-
>"Honestly, the real damage was done by Marisa. We had no intention of blasting through things like that. The original plan was, more or less, to try to sneak them out the back door if possible. But when circumstances change, one changes with them. Please accept my apologies for breaking in; there were strict orders not to loot, at least. There really wasn't any other way to contact them that we had available to us."
-
> Remilia's annoyance is starting to come back.
> "You do not seem to understand. First off, I am upset at this lack of trust: you could have come to me personally and asked to borrow my maids. I would have said no, but that's not the issue here.
> "Second, I do not care what was done during the break-in, I am well-aware of the extra library-robbing event that took place simultaneously: I am very offended that the break-in took place entirely. I do not suppose you would take kindly to uninvited strangers barging into your own home and doing whatever they like?
> "Third, I accept the apology, excuse-filled though it may be, but I am afraid that merely words will not quite do."
> Remilia relaxes a little, she looks like she's had that pent up for quite a while.
-
>"Have you some idea of what would do?"
-
>"Have you some idea of what would do?"
> "I was rather hoping you would come up with something, but I do have an errand for you that will put you through enough trouble to placate me."
> Remilia nods to Sakuya, who had entered just a moment ago, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.
> She waits patiently to be served without saying a word. When the tea is poured, Remilia takes a whiff of the tea, ponders for a bit, then nods to Sakuya.
> The maid bows and leaves.
> After taking a few more moments to make sure everything is perfect, Remilia then sips her tea dramatically and makes a sweeping gesture.
> "I want you to negotiate for immunity for my little sister."
-
>Nod.
>What do we know about the little sister?
>"What is her situation at the moment?"
-
>Nod.
>What do we know about the little sister?
>"What is her situation at the moment?"
> The little sister, Flandre Scarlet, is the subject of many rumours. A lot of rumours. Really, more is known about her through rumour than through fact, which is an easy task, considering that the only fact known about her (aside from her being Remilia's little sister) is that she is kept in a sealed room made from very expensive material, custom-made by the kappas from reverse-engineered outside-world artifacts.
> "She's downstairs, in her sanctuary. It wasn't her fault she lost the immunity, not really - she was merely concerned about the new and unusual magical effect on Sakuya when she was visiting Flandre, and, with best intentions at heart, tried to kill it."
> Remilia shrugs.
> "And now I have two active participants on my hands. Fortunately, nobody seems particularly enthusiastic to come here and challenge either of them."
-
>"I certainly have no intentions of trying ti defeat either one of them, in any event. Have you any idea how you would go about negotiating her immunity?"
-
> "I am under the impression that the goddess presiding over the shrine up on the mountain is one of the judges in this farce of a tournament, and is the one in charge of the immunity-granting process."
-
>Bugger.
>"I'll see what I can do. Hopefully, her circumstances are a bit more sympathetic than mine were."
-
> Whoops, silly parser. Forgetting to have Sakuya serve you tea as well. How rude of her.
> Parser Sign - Retcon:
>> Sakuya serves you tea as well, without so much as a tinkle of cup touching saucer. It smells strong and deep.
>Bugger.
>"I'll see what I can do. Hopefully, her circumstances are a bit more sympathetic than mine were."
> "Oh, she's the sweetest girl. She can get a little... intense at times, but she's all heart. Would you like to meet her?"
-
>Well damn it, now we can't decline without looking like we're calling her a monster. Damn you, Scarlet.
>"Certainly."
>Sip.
-
> Mm, the tea's delicious.
> "Come along, then, please."
> Remilia leads you out of the dining room, back down the stairs to the foyer, down another corridor, down some stairs, down some more stairs, down even more stairs, no longer decorated like the rest of the mansion, but now cold and unpolished...
> ...Into a large, nearly-empty chamber lined with mirrors.
> Every surface is mirrored, even the floor and ceiling.
> In the centre of the mirrored room stands a black cube, about the size of a comfortable hut for one person. The walls of the cube reflect light oddly, in precise geometric lines - light, dark, light, dark, light, dark - as if the entire surface of the cube is woven and interwoven with impossibly-thin strands.
> "Flandre, dear, you've got a visitor!" Remilia calls.
> In response, a child's voice comes, slightly muted, from inside the cube:
> "Remilia! Why didn't you
say
you were
coming?
I was
getting a bit
lonely."
> ...
> At least you're pretty sure the voice came from inside the cube. And that it's a voice.
> "Her name is Madam Hieda, Flandre, so do show your manners." Remilia calls to the cube. She then smiles at you. "Let's go in, shall we?"
> "She
won't get
scared,
will she,
Remilia?"
> "Oh, I'm sure she'll be quite fine, Flandre," Remilia says, as she fiddles with one of the walls, pries open a small door, and walks inside, beckoning you follow her.
-
> Follow.
-
Neat.
-
> You enter.
> Your first impression is black.
> Everything in the room is black, a pure, perfect blackness that seems to suck in the pale glow that seems to be coming from the walls, although from no one point in particular.
> You can make out the shapes of a bed and a desk, and a bunch of other indistinct silhouettes by the way the light doesn't illuminate them.
> The only colour in the room is on the little girl sitting in its centre, her back to you. She appears to be squeezing something in her hands.
> She turns around at the sound of the two of you entering.
> Her eyes glow far brighter than the dim lighting in this room, a kaleidoscopic red that seems to suck you in,
> an almost hypnotic swirling gaze
> unblinking
> unmoving
> fixed
> fixed
> fixed on you
> what's this?
> blood?
> no matter, this is absurd,
> you're already dead
> dead
> dead the moment you entered the room
> not even a person
> "dismantled"
> through the neck, back of the head, from the right eye to the lips, upper right arm, lower right arm, right ring finger, left elbow, left thumb, left middle finger, left breast, from the rib to the heart, from the stomach to the abdomen in two places, left groin, left thigh, left leg, left toe
> not even in a second
> truly, in an instant, entirely
> you were "dismantled" into seventeen pieces of meat
>...
> Freak out? Y/N
-
>Yeah probably. Unless we're just too stunned and dismembered to be capable of such a feat.
-
> Take a couple of deep breaths and attempt to keep our composure.
-
>do your best to keep calm
-
>Does it hurt?
-
>Yeah probably. Unless we're just too stunned and dismembered to be capable of such a feat.
> A mortal mind can only be witness to its own ultimate mortality for so long until it...
>Does it hurt?
> If you're dead, then who's doing the thinking?
> You manage to focus enough to get a coherent thought out, and, suddenly...
> Take a couple of deep breaths and attempt to keep our composure.
>do your best to keep calm
> Your perceptions roiling and churning, you focus. The effort is titanic, and you can almost feel your synapses firing against their will.
> You quell your deepest, most animalistic instincts, reigning them in, allowing your sense and reason to come to the forefront....
> ...
> "Flandre, what have I said about your manners?" You hear through a black haze, and the influence breaks free completely, as if lifting a mountain's weight from your shoulders.
> You see Remilia covering the little girl's eyes with her hand.
> "I'm sorry,
Remilia. Sorry,
Miss Hieda."
-
>Groan.
>"Are all my parts still in place? I can't tell..."
-
>Check chest for usual growth.
-
>Groan.
>"Are all my parts still in place? I can't tell..."
> "Considering the circumstances, I would say that you are more than all right," says Remilia. You can hear admonishment in her voice, but it's not aimed at you.
> " Sorry,
Remilia."
> says the little girl.
> "Flandre, this is Miss Hieda. Miss Hieda, this is my little sister, Flandre."
> Remilia removes her hand and
> your entrails spilling out
> your bones crushed
> Flandre closes her eyes, gets up, and curtsies.
> "Hello
Miss Hieda."
>Check chest for usual growth.
> You're ten. What are you talking about?
-
>Is there actual pain involved in these experiences, or just shock and grim knowledge?
>If the former, artlessly collapse into a heap of pain.
>If the latter, do our best to speak in a normal tone as opposed to gasping and groaning. "Hello, Flandre."
-
>Curtsy back as well.
>"Can you tell me about what happened?"
-
>Try not to wince or fall over whilst curtsying.
-
>Is there actual pain involved in these experiences, or just shock and grim knowledge?
>If the former, artlessly collapse into a heap of pain.
>If the latter, do our best to speak in a normal tone as opposed to gasping and groaning. "Hello, Flandre."
> There is no pain you are receding.
> Flandre gives you a big grin, and Remilia ruffles Flandre's hair.
>Curtsy back as well.
>"Can you tell me about what happened?"
>Try not to wince or fall over whilst curtsying.
> You curtsy, hoping that you don't fall apart at the seams. You're still in one piece when you finish.
> Remilia crosses her arms.
> "Flandre's eyes are very special - she can, well, see the death of anything she looks at. It's very unpleasant for her, the poor thing."
> Flandre nods emphatically, although the big smile on her face makes it hard to believe she's in any sort of discomfort.
> "Her eyes are so potent that anything she looks at becomes aware of its own mortality as well. It's usually not very pleasant for the recipient, either, as most people are very fragile, evidently."
> "So she spends most of her time here, where there isn't much to see. It's terribly dull, so we have to visit very often!" Remilia says, smiling, as she gives Flandre a hug.
> Flandre nods again.
-
>"I see."
>Try not to stammer and such.
>"I suppose if there's nothing to be done about it, there'd be no choice."
>Look around, does she have any toys or anything?
-
>"I see."
>Try not to stammer and such.
>"I suppose if there's nothing to be done about it, there'd be no choice."
>Look around, does she have any toys or anything?
> You're starting to recover from the experience - hindsight is already shutting out most of the shock.
> "So that is Flandre's story. Flandre, Miss Hieda will be getting back your immunity, so try to keep your enthusiasm in check next time, and ask me before doing anything unusual, all right?"
> "Yes, Remilia.
Thank you,
Miss
Hieda!"
> Flandre gives Remilia a chastised look that lasts all of two seconds, before smiling broadly at you.
> The thing that Flandre was squeezing as you came in appears to be an entirely black teddy bear. There are, you think, other entirely black stuffed toys scattered around the room.
-
>She needs legos, STAT
>"Can you tell me what happened, Flandre?"
-
>It'd be perfect, after she's done building, she can tear it down as she likes.
-
>"Can you tell me what happened, Flandre?"
> Flandre scratches her head and looks bashful. The bashfulness looks somewhat insincere.
> "Sakuya came to
visit back then, and
had
this
strange
magic
around her. I
... thought it might
be bad. So I
...
I
broke
it!"
> Flandre grins.
> Remilia gives an exasperated sigh.
-
>Try to gauge why Remilia is exasperated.
-
>Try to gauge why Remilia is exasperated.
> Flandre is probably too chipper about her actions for Remilia's tastes - no doubt the Lady of the Mansion wants her little sister to be more chastised about the matter.
-
>"What made you think it was bad, exactly? Why didn't you think it might be good, instead?"
-
>"What made you think it was bad, exactly? Why didn't you think it might be good, instead?"
> Flandre shrugs.
> " I'd
never
seen
it
before."
-
>"Well, you've likely never seen certain kinds of cake, as well, but if you were to be presented with one, would you think it's a bad thing? What I'm getting at is, was there anything that made you look at it and think 'That can't be good'?"
-
>"Well, you've likely never seen certain kinds of cake, as well, but if you were to be presented with one, would you think it's a bad thing? What I'm getting at is, was there anything that made you look at it and think 'That can't be good'?"
> Flandre scrunches up her face in thought.
> "I guess ... it
didn't come from
anyone I
know. Remilia
doesn't allow
strange magic
around.
So I
thought
I'd
help."
> Remilia nods.
> "That much is true. I am indeed partially responsible for the misunderstanding."
-
>"Howso? No strange magic seems to be a perfectly sensible rule."
-
>"Howso? No strange magic seems to be a perfectly sensible rule."
> "Yes, well, there are always unforeseen exceptions. And, thus, this is where you come in! Are you clear on what I would have you do?"
-
"I think there's a clear case to be made, based on Flandre's lack of knowing and the ways of the household."
-
"I think there's a clear case to be made, based on Flandre's lack of knowing and the ways of the household."
> Remilia narrows an eye.
> "A case for what, I dare ask?"
-
>"Her exemption from the tournament, isn't this what you wanted?"
-
>"Her exemption from the tournament, isn't this what you wanted?"
> Remilia puts her hand to her mouth in genuine surprise.
> "Well, yes, certainly, but I rather thought you would just go and beat the stuffing out of every party involved until something gave. You clearly have a better solution in mind, and I sincerely apologize for lumping you in with the rest of those unmannered hooligans!"
-
>"From what I understand, they already thought about that. And, you place way too much faith in my abilities as a fighter. Your guard is an excellent teacher, but I have a long way to go before I can measure up to her."
-
>"From what I understand, they already thought about that. And, you place way too much faith in my abilities as a fighter. Your guard is an excellent teacher, but I have a long way to go before I can measure up to her."
> Remilia strokes her chin.
> "So that's where she's been. Her absence without leave will be punished, certainly. Anyway, you know what you must do. Any questions before we send you off?"
-
>"Been? I've met her by the gate every time. I've never seen her elsewhere."
-
>May we get the Head Maid's side of the story as well?
-
>"Been? I've met her by the gate every time. I've never seen her elsewhere."
> Remilia eyes you for a few moments.
> "Indeed? I suppose her punishment should be more severe, then. I had thought she was at least missing for wholesome reasons."
>May we get the Head Maid's side of the story as well?
> To avoid getting bogged down in more exposition: Sakuya confirms the story, and describes it as Flandre lunging towards her, and tearing through the air just ahead of her with both hands, accompanied by a sound almost like that of breaking glass.
-
>"Wait, when did she go missing, exactly?"
-
>"Wait, when did she go missing, exactly?"
> "Somewhere around midday yesterday, for just over half an hour."
-
>So Flandre attacked the tournament participation enchantment on Sakuya, and broke it; but interefereing with it caused a similar enchantment of participation to be cast on Flandre herself? Is that correct?
>With Sakuya's enchantment in pieces, what does that mean for the maid's participation in the tournament?
>"Flandre, has anyone else visited you, and talked about what you did? Maybe a woman dressed in blue, addressed herself as a Yama, or explained about what being a participant means?"
>Does Flandre have a number?
-
>Would that disappearance time coincide with our invoking her?
-
>If it does, we will end up having to apologize for that as well, as it was not Meiling's fault.
-
>So Flandre attacked the tournament participation enchantment on Sakuya, and broke it; but interefereing with it caused a similar enchantment of participation to be cast on Flandre herself? Is that correct?
>With Sakuya's enchantment in pieces, what does that mean for the maid's participation in the tournament?
>"Flandre, has anyone else visited you, and talked about what you did? Maybe a woman dressed in blue, addressed herself as a Yama, or explained about what being a participant means?"
>Does Flandre have a number?
> Yes and no. The enchantment in question is the immunity enchantment that protects non-participants. Flandre destroyed Sakuya's, in turn removing her own. Both now no longer have the protection, and are full-fledged participants.
> " I haven't
seen anyone
like
that."
> You check Flandre's hand. It glows with a soft 0. Technically-speaking, if you interpret the rules correctly, she didn't get into an actual fight with anyone, and thus has not won or lost anything.
>Would that disappearance time coincide with our invoking her?
> No, but it would coincide with her coming over to your house for the Two Fight as One ritual.
-
>"I think I know what happened with Meiling; she did leave to help me. Sorry, it's been a very rough and long couple of days. I've been beaten nearly to death almost as many times as I have fingers. She participated in a ritual of sorts assist me, when I descended down to try to sort of things with the Hell Raven. That's why she was gone. Please accept my apologies."
-
>"I think I know what happened with Meiling; she did leave to help me. Sorry, it's been a very rough and long couple of days. I've been beaten nearly to death almost as many times as I have fingers. She participated in a ritual of sorts assist me, when I descended down to try to sort of things with the Hell Raven. That's why she was gone. Please accept my apologies."
> Remilia chews her lower lip for a few moments.
> "All right. A bit late-coming, but an apology nonetheless. I'll chalk this up to "mitigating circumstances.""
> Do you have anything else to discuss with Remilia? If not, we'll start on the next scene.
-
>Naught more than the usual parting pleasantries.
>Meiling got her lunch, right?
-
>Meiling got her lunch, right?
> No. She didn't. That said:
> Remilia eyes the basket warily.
> "I'll have Sakuya give it to Meiling once I've figured out what the punishment will be. But not any sooner!"
> You leave the mansion. Everyone wishes you a good journey.
> The walk to the mountain is long, but uneventful. The occasional fairy zips by - you recognize most of them, the ones least injured by Utsuho's bombing run, now going about their usual fairy business.
> In other words, being pests.
> Still, they always give you a friendly wave or a salute as they pass by.
> You reach the foot of the mountain. A single path leads up, along the side of a crashing river that calms down as it flows down into the plains.
> The sounds of music can be heard from further up the path.
-
>Proceed up the path, and enjoy the music's break of the monotony.
-
>Proceed up the path, and enjoy the music's break of the monotony.
> The music is a pleasant little ditty, relaxing and uplifting. It is played by a trio of instruments.
> Invigorated, you make good time up the path, led by the joyful music.
> The parser should not forget the time of day. You left Remilia's mansion at near-midnight.
> It is still very early morning - the stars and moon provide all of the light.
> Rounding a bend in the path, you come across a small alcove in the rocks where the music is coming from. A trio of girls in elegant, formal dresses, one a dark purple, one red and one pink, are seated on some logs scattered around the alcove, each playing their instrument - a trumpet, a violin and something you know is called a "keyboard."
> They haven't noticed you yet.
-
Whachu think, Bobert? Greet or Avoid? I'm leaning toward greet.
-
Would be a pity to let such an opportunity to let slip. I'm wit' ya' Purv.
-
>Wave to the musicians; hopefully that won't disturb them too much.
-
>Wave to the musicians; hopefully that won't disturb them too much.
> They turn to look at you as one, then at each other. They each do a slight nod.
> The music takes on a more determined bent, the mindless melodies of the ditty transforming into strong motifs, each played in turn by each instrument while supported with potent harmonies by the other two, winding and weaving into a breathtaking fugue.
> The trumpet starts to take on a more supportive role, the fugue quiets down into a gentle duet of piano and violin, and the girl in the pink dress puts down her trumpet while her other two companions continue playing.
> "You surprised us! Uh, if you're looking for opponents, we're out of the tournament, sorry."
-
>"No, that's fine. I was just being friendly. Have you been up the mountain today, then?"
-
>"No, that's fine. I was just being friendly. Have you been up the mountain today, then?"
> The girl looks sheepish, and pulls back, sitting down on her log, pulling out her trumpet and joining back into the performance. The keyboard starts to pull out, the violin and trumpet now in a brash contest of flavour and tone.
> The keyboardist, the red-dressed girl, jumps up to you, quivering in indignant rage.
> "Oh, we were totally gonna! We were going to show that mountain what-for, starting with the boring teacher-lady we saw on the way. Nobody ain't told us she was so tough!"
-
>"Which teacher lady?"
-
>"Which teacher lady?"
> "Well, it wasn't actually today. Two days ago, I think. The human-village-teacher-lady, you know?"
-
>"Oh, her! Yeah, she can be vicious. But I'm sure you gave nearly as good as you got. Hey, do you know what's going on up the mountain, today?"
-
>Do we get the impression any of them are lying?
>Assess trio's apparel for battle readiness.
-
>"Oh, her! Yeah, she can be vicious. But I'm sure you gave nearly as good as you got. Hey, do you know what's going on up the mountain, today?"
> The girl in red hmphs and sits back down on a log, joining back into the trio.
> The violin pulls out, the keyboard and trumpet suddenly taking a turn to the slow and moody, the trumpet carrying a piercing, improvised melody, the keyboard supporting with a few harmonic chords here and there.
> The violinist - the last of the girls, dressed in a dark purple - gets up to talk to you.
> "Things have been quiet - Fujiwara did a lot of damage when she came through, and any feelings of revenge in those who could still fight were quickly quashed by Kamishirasawa who came through afterwards. I do not know about the other areas, but the tournament has certainly left its mark here. It used to be so lively."
>Do we get the impression any of them are lying?
>Assess trio's apparel for battle readiness.
> They seem pretty earnest.
> You've had a lot of combat experience, and you can get a general air off your opponent about their determination. These three have no fighting spirit whatsoever.
-
>Bow toward violinist. "Thank you, that is most helpful."
>Assuming they have nothing to add, move on.
-
>Ask if they know anything on how Tengu or Kappa fight, and if they know how the shrine at the top has been faring.
-
>Ask if they know anything on how Tengu or Kappa fight, and if they know how the shrine at the top has been faring.
> She didn't know that the shrine would be the least of her worries!
> "The two are related - the shrine maiden of the Moriya shrine-
> "The cheating hag!" shouts the girl in red, breaking off from the music. The girl in pink throws up her hands in exasperation and stops playing as well.
> Somehow, the music keeps echoing long after it should be gone.
> "-has finally begun her campaign, and after her first pass, most of the tengu and kappa have withdrawn from the fight. The speed of the former cannot withstand the terrible winds that she can whip up, and the elaborate technology of the latter seems to crumble and break in her presence. There are a few remaining - Shameimaru of the tengu and Kawashiro of the kappa are still in the tournament as far as we know.
> "And what my sister means by her cheating is that, well, rumours have gone around that she has some of the tournament's judges on her side. Nobody knows the details, though."
Nobody but the most cunning and intelligent! No wonder nobody has caught on!
>Bow toward violinist. "Thank you, that is most helpful."
>Assuming they have nothing to add, move on.
> The music follows you up the mountain, but soon it fades away.
> Normally one would expect to be accosted by youkai of all sorts by now - the name Youkai Mountain is well-deserved - but you seem to be the only person around for miles.
> Little did she know that she was being followed, so quiet, so sneaky, by the most interesting girl she'd ever met thus far!
> The brief headache passes as quickly as it came on. That's the third time already.
> Akyu was getting tired, no doubt. The tournament was wearing her down, slowly, but surely. Will she even make it to the top of this mountain, the poor thing?
-
>"...Who's there?"
-
>"And then the unknown, but very interesting girl, revealed herself (Oh what very good manners) and introduced herself as.....?"
-
>"...Who's there?"
> There is no response but the blowing of the wind.
> The path is narrow, but the view all around, lit by the moon and stars, is expansive. There is nobody here.
> The gentle rays of the morning sun light up the mountain in a wondrous pink-red. Such colours have only be seen in storybooks!
> But Akyu's grim demeanor did not let her appreciate the beauty of her surroundings. She had a mission, and she would carry it out even if her body fell apart!
>"And then the unknown, but very interesting girl, revealed herself (Oh what very good manners) and introduced herself as.....?"
> Said Akyu, furtively glancing around. She was wary of sudden attacks, and the grove she was in, surrounded by trees and bushes, offered many a place for hidden assailants to strike from.
> The path winds up and up the mountain, rock looming over you on either side.
> Taking a deep breath, the girl steps out from behind an ancient oak tree, her elegant dress blowing gently in the wind, giving her an aloof, mysterious air.
> Your Qi sense is as sharp as ever, but even here, a few minutes away from the Moriya shrine, there is nobody around.
> The shrine maiden's campaign was terrible and mighty indeed, and no tengu or kappa could stand in her way!
> But this mysterious girl, she is so clever, oh so clever, and completely outwitted the dull shrine maiden.
> And now she stands before Akyu, smiling a knowing smile.
> Koishi, so courteously, her manner perfect, her attitude divine, introduces herself by name, for she is not afraid that it will be used for nefarious purposes.
> Is she friend, or foe? An obstacle to overcome, or an ally to rely on? Only the future will tell...
-
>"Ah. Hello Koishi. I've come here to find you...as you likely already know."
>Bow, since she said she was in front of us.
>"Thank you for cutting that search a bit shorter."
-
>"Ah. Hello Koishi. I've come here to find you...as you likely already know."
> Akyu said, bowing, returning the gesture to the girl in front of her.
>"Thank you for cutting that search a bit shorter."
> She concluded, carefully evaluating Koishi's reaction. Koishi knew to be wary - Akyu was a cunning and devious tactician, and would stop at nothing to achieve her goal.
> With a wistful melancholy that somehow made her look even prettier than
> she already is, Koishi wondered how this encounter could have gone in different circumstances.
> But, deep in her heart, she knew of the cruelty and coldness within Akyu. Koishi knew that only she was the one who could stand against Akyu - the one who had been her nemesis for so long.
> Now Akyu would know of the hero destined to end her - Koishi, only survivor of a destroyed world, a world whose lifespark had been snuffed out so callously by the dark overlord known as Akyu.
-
>"Akyu, the Cold, Cruel, Dark Overlord, snarls at the beautiful hero, 'Koishi, know you are no match for I. Unless you uncover my secret weakness, you have no hope of repairing damage of the evil design.'
-
> Akyu, the Cold, Cruel, Dark Overlord, snarls at the beautiful hero, "Koishi, know you are no match for I. Unless you uncover my secret weakness, you have no hope of repairing damage of the evil design."
> Koishi recoils from the threat, but
> stands her ground bravely. She was stronger now, with the help of her many friends that she met on her travels - the many friends who can stand by her side no longer.
> Her eyes blazing like embers, Koishi proclaims the villain's downfall, if not for herself, then for all her friends and everyone whose life depends on her!
> With a battle-shout filled with equal parts fear and determination, Koishi lunges at the overlord, her fists enflamed with the mystic energies she can barely control!
-
>Do we see or sense anything that suggests Koishi is actually about to pitch us a beating?
>If not, say, "Unfortunately, Koishi, in her eagerness to prove herself to the dark overlord before her, had made a small, yet fatal miscalculation. She had forgotten to consider the small stone between them, and in her haste, catches her foot upon it. She sprawls to the ground in a jumbled heap at the Akyu's Feet, sore and embarrassed. At least the dark overlord did not laugh at this unfortunate but understandable oversight."
-
>Do we see or sense anything that suggests Koishi is actually about to pitch us a beating?
> It is clear as day that our hero will not stand down from her fight, and her power, dangerous to herself as it may be, will certainly defeat her dreaded enemy!
>If not, say, "Unfortunately, Koishi, in her eagerness to prove herself to the dark overlord before her, had made a small, yet fatal miscalculation. She had forgotten to consider the small stone between them, and in her haste, catches her foot upon it. She sprawls to the ground in a jumbled heap at the Akyu's Feet, sore and embarrassed. At least the dark overlord did not laugh at this unfortunate but understandable oversight."
> ...
>If not, say, "Unfortunately, Koishi, in her eagerness to prove herself to the dark overlord before her, had made a small, yet fatal miscalculation. She had forgotten to consider the Overlord's mystic defense, and in her haste, smashes head-on into it. She sprawls to the ground in a jumbled heap at the Akyu's Feet, sore, but determined. At least the dark overlord did not laugh."
> ...
>If not, say, "Unfortunately, Koishi, in her eagerness to prove herself to the dark overlord before her, had made a small miscalculation. She had forgotten to consider the Overlord's mystic defense, and in her haste, nearly smashes head-on into it. She nimbly springs away from the shield's retaliation, halted, but determined to succeed. The dark overlord frowned - this fight would not end due an unfortunate oversight."
> Before Akyu can prepare a fatal attack, Koishi springs forward again, nimbly spinning through the mystic shield, and lands a solid strike across the overlord's chest-plate, buckling it inwards. Once the armour is destroyed, the overlord will be defenseless against her special attack!
> Your chest explodes in pain,
> cracks shooting across the black metal, the overlord spewing
> blood
> most vile at the hero.
-
>This rewriting, is this just Koishi speaking over us, or is she actually affecting out though process.
>"It is unfortunate that Koishi, in her rush to strike at Akyu, did not perhaps her attack properly. The rush of pain in her hand was all she needed to know she wouldnot be able to use that hand again without a few hours of rest and some treatment."
>"Then Akyu said, "The Hell Raven needs you, desperately. Is it wise to waste time with me, when I've brought her up here for you?"
-
Parser's note - Koishi has taken over parser send hel
>This rewriting, is this just Koishi speaking over us, or is she actually affecting out though process.
> Little did Akyu know that Koishi chose to face her where she is strongest. She will do everything she can do lay low her enemy!
>"It is unfortunate that Koishi, in her rush to strike at Akyu, did not perhaps her attack properly. The rush of pain in her hand was all she needed to know she wouldnot be able to use that hand again without a few hours of rest and some treatment."
> ...
>"It is fortunate that Koishi, despite her rush to strike at Akyu, timed her attack perfectly. The rush of pain in her hand was mild - she barely avoided the terrible retributive aura that, were she more careless, would have had her lose the use of her hand for maybe a few hours!"
>"Then Akyu said, "The Hell Raven needed you, desperately. She was not wise to waste time with me, when you herself, knowingly or not, brought her before me that I may end her swiftly."
> Tears flowing down her face in mourning for her now-gone friend, the Hell Raven, Koishi
> ...
> ponders briefly
> help
> ...
> lashes out with a kick that smashes into the overlord's lightning-fast block, shattering
> bones cracking
> black metal.
> small
> The overlord scoffs in
> pain
> thoughts
> and readies her attack. But Koishi is ready!
-
>"And as Koishi kicked , her other leg, damaged in her prior fall, has too much weight put on it, and fails her. Koishi tumbles to the ground. Still, she wonders, "why am I not helping Okuu? Wouldn't this relieve a burden of worry from my sister?' The overlord waits, having analyzed Koishi's moves, anticipating how she would move again."
-
>Is there anything in Koishi's appearance that seems odd, or out of place?
>Okuu.
>Memories.
>Satori.
>Gone.
>Love.
>Love.
>Love.
>Love...
-
>"And as Koishi kicked , her other leg, damaged in her prior fall, has too much weight put on it, and fails her. Koishi tumbles to the ground. Still, she wonders, "why am I not helping Okuu? Wouldn't this relieve a burden of worry from my sister?' The overlord waits, having analyzed Koishi's moves, anticipating how she would move again."
> ...
>"And as Koishi kicked , her other leg, prepared in her prior fall, has just enough weight put on it, allowing her to send out another kick. Koishi sends Akyu tumbling to the ground. Still, she wonders, "why could I not help Okuu? Wouldn't
> ...
> it be good if she knew who she was
> ...
this compound the burden of loss on myself?' The overlord waits, having analyzed Koishi's moves, anticipating how she would move again."
>Is there anything in Koishi's appearance that seems odd, or out of place?
> The overlord stood amazed at Koishi's prowess, never before had a foe given her so much pause!
>Okuu.
>Memories.
>Satori.
>Gone.
>Love.
>Love.
>Love.
>Love...
> ...
> The
> overlord
> Satori
> Gone
> Hero
> agility
> ...
> strikes...
> Our hero
> ...
> springs back from the overlord, readying her next assault!
-
>"Koishi found her last attack barely achieved anything. Rather than being sent tumbling, Akyu merely fell back a step and shifted her weight. Koishi found her own strength was failing her, she had poured so much into these last assaults, and the overlord had yet to strike a blow! As Koishi springs back, she bumps her against that rock once again, she was getting careless. In her heart, she knew that she could help Okuu remember, that Akyu brought her for this purpose. That Akyu had saved her before."
-
>Help Okuu Together.
-
>"Koishi found her last attack barely achieved anything. Rather than being sent tumbling, Akyu merely fell back a step and shifted her weight. Koishi found her own strength was failing her, she had poured so much into these last assaults, and the overlord had yet to strike a blow! As Koishi springs back, she bumps her against that rock once again, she was getting careless. In her heart, she knew that she could help Okuu remember, that Akyu brought her for this purpose. That Akyu had saved her before."
> ...
>"Koishi found her last attack achieving more than she had hoped. In addition to being sent tumbling, Akyu fell flat on her back.
> jagged
> bleeding
> Koishi found her own strength flooding to her, she had poured so much into these last assaults, and the overlord had yet to strike a blow! As Koishi springs back, she steps around that rock once again, she shouldn't get careless. In her heart, she knew that she could help Okuu..."
> ...
> help who?
> ...
> Koishi sized up her opponent. Had she overprepared herself? Was this all the great Akyu could muster? This was almost... disappointing. Koishi-
>Help Okuu Together.
> ...
> The attack comes-
> ...
> Koishi, preparing a-
> ...
> She swings savagely-
> ...
> ...
-
>Take a measured step back.
>"And Koishi misses. In her savagery, she leaves herself wide open, a fatal mistake! Yet, Akyu does not exploit this flaw in Koishi's defense! ...But why? Why hasn't she struck once? Most certainly she could. Perhaps what she said about Satori's wish was true? Perhaps Utsuho does truly need her help? Is this why Akyu does not strike, for fear of harming the one that Utsuho needs so badly? Plagued by doubt, Koishi stops."
-
>Get back up.
Do you think anything should be changed with this next action? What's our battle tactics?
>Negate savage attack with Heavenly Guardian Defense. Counter with hug. "Enough Koishi. I can't fight you like this. Okuu needs your help. Go to her."
-
>"And Koishi misses. In her savagery, she leaves herself wide open, a fatal mistake! Yet, Akyu does not exploit this flaw in Koishi's defense! ...But why? Why hasn't she struck once? Most certainly she could. Perhaps what she said about Satori's wish was true? Perhaps Utsuho does truly need her help? Is this why Akyu does not strike, for fear of harming the one that Utsuho needs so badly? Plagued by doubt, Koishi stops."
>Get back up.
Do you think anything should be changed with this next action? What's our battle tactics?
>Negate savage attack with Heavenly Guardian Defense. Counter with hug. "Enough Koishi. I can't fight you like this. Okuu needs your help. Go to her."
> ...
>"And Koishi misses in her savagery. She leaves herself wide open - a calculated mistake! Akyu hasn't struck once, most certainly she could. Was Koishi going to win, she thought? Perhaps Utsuho..."
> ...
"Enough Koishi. I can't fight you like this. Okuu needs your help. Go to her."
> Koishi, finally frustrated by her opponents weakness, steps back to give the overlord time to get herself together. This was not the arch-foe she was expecting. This was a mewling child, unable to even keep her mind in check. And her whining, her blabbering - Koishi crosses her arms and demands to know who this Utsuho is, anyway.
-
>"How do you not even..."
>Shake head.
>"No matter. She is one of Satori's pets; her mind was greatly harmed by the events of this tournament and Satori believes that only you could help her. "
-
> Akyu shakes her head in misplaced wonder that Koishi is unaware of every single event that goes on in this land.
>"No matter. She is one of Satori's pets; her mind was greatly harmed by the events of this tournament and Satori believes that only you could help her. "
> She says.
> Koishi adjusts
> the brim of her elegant hat, and shrugs.
> She could no doubt help some pet that her sister's picked up yet again, but what would be in it for her, she wonders.
> She presents this very question to Akyu, adding with a wry smile that, should Akyu be unable to find a suitable reason, actually presenting a challenge in combat would be sufficient.
-
>"Is it not enough to restore a damaged mind? Is it not enough to ease your sister's anguish? You called yourself a hero, before, did you not? Wouldn't a hero, if she were the only one who could help another, do so without reservation? Wouldn't it be nice to truly be one in deed as well as title?"
-
>"Is it not enough to restore a damaged mind? Is it not enough to ease your sister's anguish? You called yourself a hero, before, did you not? Wouldn't a hero, if she were the only one who could help another, do so without reservation? Wouldn't it be nice to truly be one in deed as well as title?"
> Akyu says, emphatically, hoping in vain that words alone
> will sway Koishi.
> Koishi points out to Akyu that she does not need to prove herself to anyone, least of all to a sister whom she hasn't heard from in years, or to her hired lackey.
> If her sister wants her so badly, Koishi thinks, then she should come up here personally.
-
Alright Bobert, Imma let you get your say on this before I go ruin things, because I'm pretty much wanting to go down this road.
"So now we see the true colors of the great hero Koishi. Wonderful. And, you really have to ask why Satori wouldn't come up, with things like they are? The tournament's affected the underground as well."
-
You're talking using road of persuasive force? Considering our senses can not detect any nearby life forces, I'm wondering if this attack is psychic in nature; like fending off an intrusion on our subconscious.
>"Do you have no desire to see your sister of your own accord? To once again visit the Underground City, your hometown? If you thought it was painful living down there, I, the Overlord Akyu, will teach you the pain of existing up here."
-
Not persuasive force, But rather a combo of guilting and disappointment.
-
Would the guilting and disappointment be more effective after Let's Fighting Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBTGWjnIYQw)?
-
> Koishi cocks her head impatiently, wondering when Akyu will decide on a course of action.
-
I leave it to you, Bobert.
-
Thank you for the vote of confidence.
A defeated Koishi may be more receptive towards the pushing to help Satori and Utsuho. Plus this route let's our fists do the talking.
Additionally we should probably finally send help to the parser now that Koishi has taken over. (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,7079.msg533920.html#msg533920)
>Breathe in.
>Breathe out.
>Kiai.
-
>Breathe in.
>Breathe out.
>Kiai.
> ...
> Breathless, she...
> ...
> Her breathing...
> ...
>Kiai.
> Koishi is buffeted by the
> shout that echoes across the mountain
> and takes a guarded stance. She examines her opponent closely - Akyu is already bruised and bloodied from her previous attacks. She will not last long.
> It will end when it ends, thinks Koishi, and concentrates...
-
>Are our Ki senses telling us anything about her? Can we actually see Koishi yet?
-
>Tiger Rends Prey
>Rush
>Tiger Claw
>Sledgehammer Fist
-
Parser's note - we are back in busin-
> Koishi narrows her eyes. She was in charge here.
>Are our Ki senses telling us anything about her? Can we actually see Koishi yet?
> Akyu eyes Koishi warily, no doubt estimating her opponent's abilities. Finally, Koishi thought, her opponent has come to her senses.
>Tiger Rends Prey
>Rush
>Tiger Claw
>Sledgehammer Fist
> ...
> Like a tiger...
> ...
> Rushing...
> ...
> Koishi is thrown back by her opponent's attack
> breaking free
> Akyu takes the offensive. Koishi realises that she must be on her guard
> crushing blows, again and again
> ...
> As Akyu's mounted archers break through Koishi's skirmishers. Yet she will hold the fortress walls, thought Koishi, as she directs her armoured spearmen to head off the archers, whilst her elite shock troops hold the front line.
-
>Eagle Hides Talons
>Opportunity
>Parry
>Cross Counter!
Parser's note - we are back in busin-
Yay.
-
>Eagle Hides Talons
>Opportunity
>Parry
>Cross Counter!
> Koishi's cruisers make a breach in Admiral Akyu's fighter screen, and her elite squadrons slip through the gap, only to
> break
> themselves on the blazing point-defense fire of the Insurgent light corvettes
> ...
> Her hold
> beginning to weaken, just as you feel yourself on your last feet from the exertion and mental damage
> Koishi gathers herself for a final confrontation. Her deck was perfect, the synergies between the cards meticulously thought-out, the most powerful spells, the most potent creatures stood at her command. She draws her opening hand, and grins victoriously - an undefeatable combination awaited Akyu if she made but a single mistake. Surely, the Fates smile upon her.
-
>Akyu Tackle
>Nimble Shift
>Qi Release
>STRIKE
-
>Akyu Tackle
>Nimble Shift
>Qi Release
>STRIKE
> ...
> ...
> Koishi reels back from her opponent's objection. She never expected Akyu to follow this line of reasoning, only a madman would try to connect the murder to the tragic zeppelin accident!
> Koishi realises that she can do nothing but watch as Akyu worms her way through the carefully-constructed framework of logic and deduction, her each statement sending it crumbling further down until nothing is left.
> And, as
> You release all your energy, every drop you have
> Koishi throws up a fast blo
> The shock of pure will sends dust and pebbles flying
> Desperat
> With a soft sigh, the whirling, everchanging mass of imagery fades
>...
> Koishi
> disap
> And, as if nothing had ever happened, you are alone on the mountainside, the end of the path visible just up ahead.
-
>Check self, then the surroundings.
>Try to piece together what just happened.
-
>Check self, then the surroundings.
>Try to piece together what just happened.
> You are unharmed. You have the mother of all headaches, but, otherwise, are in tip-top shape.
> You are exactly where you last remember - going up a narrow mountain path, surrounded by rock and sky. The path is starting to flatten off, so you're probably near your destination.
> It is not entirely easy to say what just happened.
> What is there to explain, wonders Koishi. Akyu thought her. Still is, for that matter.
> Magnificently so, she added, somewhat grudgingly.
-
>"It was....interesting. I need some willow bark..."
-
>"It was....interesting. I need some willow bark..."
> Willows will be hard to find at this altitude, but you do have a jar of healing goop. Who knows? It might act as a fast-acting painkiller when ingested.
-
>Try smearing a bit on the afflicted areas.
>"Please forgive me, this is a rather new experience. Um, are you hurt as well?"
-
>Try smearing a bit on the afflicted areas.
>"Please forgive me, this is a rather new experience. Um, are you hurt as well?"
> You rub the healing goop on your... head. It feels tingley, like rubbing your face in a bowlful of mint leaves, but the pain is indeed subsiding.
> Twirling a lock of her wondrous hair idly, Koishi mutters that her pride has certainly taken a dent. Then, with a comically overblown sigh of resignation, she smiles - after all, she did promise to do whatever Akyu wanted if she proved a capable opponent.
-
>"Do you know how to get to Marisa's home? As I said before, one of your sister's pets is there. Events around the tournament have caused her to take damage to her mind. She has lost some memories."
-
>"Thank you for the lovely match, Koishi (and for returning our Parser); I just don't feel everything should be solved with fists if we can both talk about it."
>"On that note, you mentioned the Moriya Shrinemaiden, what do know about the happenings on the Mountain?"
-
>"Do you know how to get to Marisa's home? As I said before, one of your sister's pets is there. Events around the tournament have caused her to take damage to her mind. She has lost some memories."
> Koishi scratches her head, wondering how to best put her statement. She could hardly tell Akyu that she felt highly uncomfortable in the confines of the Forest of Magic - that would be almost embarassing. Perhaps if she said that she would prefer that Akyu tell her the whole story once they're both there, so that she wouldn't make any mistakes? She presents this little white lie to Akyu with a remarkably straight face.
>"Thank you for the lovely match, Koishi (and for returning our Parser); I just don't feel everything should be solved with fists if we can both talk about it."
>"On that note, you mentioned the Moriya Shrinemaiden, what do know about the happenings on the Mountain?"
> With a wry smile, Koishi tells Akyu of her exploits in confounding the Sanae girl as the latter went about her spontaneous crusade to subdue every single Youkai on the mountain. Despite seeming to have a double dose of divine power behind her, the girl is a poor thinker, and an even poorer tactician, which gave Koishi the upper hand.
> Koishi does not mention the fact that she got quickly bored with the girl's dull mind and left soon afterwards, and that she now has no idea where the Sanae girl is - that'd merely detract from the tale.
-
>Team up with Koishi until we're done in the Mountain?
-
>"Well, I suppose I could accompany you, but I do have some other things here I need to look into. In fact, you might even be quite helpful in those regards. You have been travelling around the mountain, have you not? What has been happening lately?"
-
>"Well, I suppose I could accompany you, but I do have some other things here I need to look into. In fact, you might even be quite helpful in those regards. You have been travelling around the mountain, have you not? What has been happening lately?"
> Koishi looks at Akyu askance, her hair fluttering in the wind. What an unclear question to ask somebody! She's already told her everything she considered important, so what else could this girl possibly need?
-
>"Koishi, would you like to travel with me?"
-
>"Koishi, would you like to travel with me?"
> Koishi agrees nonchalantly, as if she does not care much one way or the other. She most certainly does not give away that she is actually quite excited to have a traveling companion for the first time in many years.
-
>Oward, together!
-
> You proceed up the mountain path, accompanied by an odd tickling sensation somewhere at the base of your cerebellum.
> The path plateaus out soon, and you find yourself on a flat expanse of rocky ground, worn smooth by thousands of little streams running here and there, no doubt merging further down the mountain into the gushing river that you saw below.
> The mountain continues upwards off to your right.
> Ahead of you are the Moriya shrine buildings.
-
>Recall the various reasons we came here. It's been a bit. Get Flandre properly exempted, find Koishi...
>Did Mokou say she met the celestial guarding the elixir at the top of the mountain?
-
>Recall the various reasons we came here. It's been a bit. Get Flandre properly exempted, find Koishi...
>Did Mokou say she met the celestial guarding the elixir at the top of the mountain?
> Both are correct, with the addition that Satori has asked for immunity for Utsuho as well.
> Yes she did. Not literally at the top of the mountain, but in Heaven, which is geographically above the mountain.
-
>Examine the shrine for activities.
>Recall what we've heard about Yasaka-sama lately.
-
>Keep the awarness high
-
>Examine the shrine for activities.
>Recall what we've heard about Yasaka-sama lately.
>Keep the awarness high
> There is a rippling in the air ahead of you, like the air above a fire, that becomes more intense as you come closer. It subsides when you move away. As the rippling grows more intense, things become different - the streams crisscrossing the rocks underneath your feet now flow upwards into the air, then fall back down in a perpetual rainfall all around you, yet never so much as a drop lands on you. The rocks start to move and change shape beneath your feet, cracking and reforming to ensure that every step you take lands on a smooth, solid surface, never on a crack or a bump.
> It looks like you're being expected.
> The Goddess of the Wind and the Rain is an old goddess, despite her looks, having been around since times immemorial. As such, she has many generations' worth of experience and knowledge, which, it is rumoured, she is not afraid to use to set up long-reaching schemes and gambits in her constant effort to amass power. It has been theorised that her coming to Gensokyo has actually limited her power beyond her expectation, due to the strange rules that this realm has to follow. She does not tolerate ignorance, is quick to judge, and enjoys flattery. Her favourite colour is purple.
-
>Well, that is kind. If we are being expected, it would be terribly rude to turn away.
>Head toward the shrine. Try not to get soaked.
>"I apologize in advance if this gets unpleasant, Koishi."
Personal vow: Not gonna snap at Kanako this time ;_;
-
>Well, that is kind. If we are being expected, it would be terribly rude to turn away.
>Head toward the shrine. Try not to get soaked.
>"I apologize in advance if this gets unpleasant, Koishi."
Personal vow: Not gonna snap at Kanako this time ;_;
> Koishi dances along through the grass, kicking up leaves, enjoying the sunlight filtering through the tree canopy above. She is not worried about the two Goddesses in the shrine, but is quite curious to see what they are like - she has never had much reason to go in this direction, and welcomes the opportunity for new experiences.
> The mountainside starts to warp entirely, and where before the shrine buildings seemed to be perched precariously on untreated rock, now they stand in the middle of a magnificent rock garden, outlined and accentuated by streams expertly channeled to emphasise the feng shui of the area.
> Koishi sits down to examine a particularly interesting flowe...
> ...
> The folia...
> ...
> Koishi frowns. It seems to her that the Goddesses were particularly insistent on their view on things.
> The rock garden guides you towards the central shrine building, its doors open. Inside is a spacious ceremony room, impeccably clean, dimly lit within by candles lit along the walls and at the altar on the far end. The perpetual rainstorm outside makes everything otherwise quite dark.
-
>Be sure to remove shoes first, then walk inside.
-
>Be sure to remove shoes first, then walk inside.
> The far end of the room suddenly seems to extend far out of view. The walls to your sides do the same, and the doorway behind you, despite yours having just stepped through it, seems miles away. It is as if the whole room has been forced to expand to house its inhabitants.
> As if out of cracks between moments, two women step out into the infinitely vast ceremony room. One is tall and imposing, her stare heavy with the weight of countless centuries. Dressed in luxurious reds and purples, she radiates a presence that the ceremony room is just barely large enough to contain. She hovers a few inches above the ground as she moves. She sits down mid-air cross-legged, resting her chin on her right hand. This is the enshrined goddess, you are certain.
> The other woman - barely out of her childhood, dressed in colourful whites and purples, adorned with decorations of frogs at play - you do not recognise. She walks on the ground with light steps, yet each one resonates through the room as if they were the footsteps of a mountain. Her eyes have the same age to them, but there is no sense of heaviness as she examines you. She casually lies down on the floor, propping up her head on her hand to look at you.
> The little one winks at you.
-
>Approach to a respectful distance, and kneel. In fact, kowtow. Might as well give respect where it is due.
>Wait to be spoken to.
-
>Approach to a respectful distance, and kneel. In fact, kowtow. Might as well give respect where it is due.
>Wait to be spoken to.
> "Oh, but the people of this land yet know how to show respect," says the goddess, her voice deep and silky.
> "You had judged too quickly yet again, oh great and mighty Kanako," says the child to the goddess, her tone mirthful, "am I not supposed to be the one with lordship over the earth? Yet you repeatedly impinge upon my domain with your rock-headedness."
> "What a boon it is that I have you to keep me honest," says the goddess to the child, her voice laced with sarcasm.
> "Akyu of the Hieda clan," the goddess says to you, "I've been watching you since your first step upon my mountain..."
> The child coughs derisively.
> "...wondering what your business was right up until you showed up on my shrine's doorstep."
> The cough again.
> "What is it then that you want that you require my very presence for?"
-
>Sit up, but maintain a respectful kneel.
>"I have questions, Yasaka-sama, which I feel need to be answered. First, I would wish to know what happened in the oni city, yesterday. One matching your description was seen there, and I suspect you are aware of the events that followed there."
-
>Sit up, but maintain a respectful kneel.
>"I have questions, Yasaka-sama, which I feel need to be answered. First, I would wish to know what happened in the oni city, yesterday. One matching your description was seen there, and I suspect you are aware of the events that followed there."
> The goddess grins. There is no humour in her eyes.
> "And here I had thought I would have had to play more games. Come out." She says the last sentence to nowhere in particular.
> The space to the side of the goddess parts into a wicked smile. The air shifts and tears to form a vaguely humanoid silhouette.
> "I was wonderin' where I saw that ugly face of yours, kid," the silhouette says. "Play on higher ground, we do here, can't expect to keep track of all the worms crawlin' around..."
> The goddess waves the silhouette quiet.
> "Oh, I am well-aware of the events at the solar furnace. I am equally-aware that you are to be blamed for the destruction of a lot of hard work."
> You can see the anger in the goddess' eyes, and the quiet air in the ceremony room starts to violently shift.
> "You wouldn't even believe," says the child.
> "And now we are back at square one," she says, the winds picking up force. "Be satisfied, hero. You've damned us to suffer this wretched tournament and to the mercy of the fools up in Heaven!"
> Winds whip around the room to match the goddess' fury, but they stop quickly when the child gives the goddess a swift kick from her lying position.
> "But no, I am magnanimous and merciful. I will hear your excuses and explanations. I might even consider them."
Personal vow: Not gonna snap at Kanako this time ;_;
:V Not doing this deliberately, mind you.
-
>"I would hear and consider yours as well. The harm you done, I hope, would be obvious to one of your wisdom. But the reasons are not clear to me at all."
>Remain kneeling. Could we potentially do a Meiling's Tower from this position if needs be?
-
Personal vow: Not going to snap at Kanako this time.
You don't mind if I feel the need to layeth-the smackdown, right?
>"You mean to say you meant good by doing harm? If the ends truly justified the means, then would not the means justify the ends? I will not have such a selfish sacrificing of another, even if it is a means to end the tournament. However, this does not make us enemies. We have a common goal, perhaps we could work together."
-
>"I would hear and consider yours as well. The harm you done, I hope, would be obvious to one of your wisdom. But the reasons are not clear to me at all."
>Remain kneeling. Could we potentially do a Meiling's Tower from this position if needs be?
> "It will be a sorry day indeed when a god has to explain her motives to a mortal. Suffice it to say that a little hellcrow is easily sacrificed for the good of many."
> Absolutely.
>"You mean to say you meant good by doing harm? If the ends truly justified the means, then would not the means justify the ends? I will not have such a selfish sacrificing of another, even if it is a means to end the tournament.
> The silhouette laughs sarcastically. "That's the stupidest pile of garbage I've ever seen spew from someone's mouth!"
> "Empty rhetoric," says the goddess, "if nobody takes responsibility, then responsibility chooses its champion by itself. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if responsibility went unchecked."
However, this does not make us enemies. We have a common goal, perhaps we could work together."
> "Told you so," says the child. "Rookie of the Tournament and all."
> "And what can you contribute, you little runt?" says the silhouette.
> The goddess waves the both of them quiet.
> "The Informant has a valid point. What can you possibly offer me?"
-
>"I strongly disagree with the underhanded methods undertaken by your phantom champion. I nominate myself to undertake the responsibilty of ending the tournament by fair means; by which I mean to overthrow your current race horse."
Too much?
-
>"I strongly disagree with the underhanded methods undertaken by your phantom champion. I nominate myself to undertake the responsibilty of ending the tournament by fair means; by which I mean to overthrow your current race horse."
Too much?
> Just enough!
> "Oh, that is rich!" says the silhouette. "Little girl versus millennia-old force of goddamn nature. Nobody will see the result coming."
> The silhouette's distorted laugh echoes throughout the ceremony room.
> "I can just imagine that crow broad's newspaper headline: Dumbass Kid Messes With A Genuine Bonafide Force Of Nature. Results As You Would Goddamn Predict. Oh, hey, no offense." The last sentence is aimed at the goddess.
> The goddess rolls her eyes.
> "You want at me, then? Well, come at me! Here, I'll give you the first hit, free of charge, that's how goddamn generous I am!"
> The silhouette appears to spread its arms.
-
So, how shall we approach this, Bobert? My theory is we try to enrage her into doing something stupid, and revealing more of her hand. Surprise seems to be the biggest advantage she has here. At the same time, maybe you have a better plan?
ASSUMING BOB GOES WITH IT
>Look at the phantom for the first time.
>"Who was talking to, or about you?"
-
We'll have to confront this shadowy rival at some point or another, but I want to make sure if we fight we can expect some serious backing from the shrine. And you pretty much nailed it, I want to see what the goddesses say about our offer.
-
Seems like we're gonna have to do it right here, right now.
-
>Ignore the shadow for now.
>Instead look to Yasaka and her associate to speak.
-
>Ignore the shadow for now.
>Instead look to Yasaka and her associate to speak.
> "What're you looking at us for?" says the child. "We like ourselves a good scuffle as much as the next anthropomorphic deity, and you just called our Informant out. So go on. Scuffle."
> The child twirls her left hand, and, out of nowhere, a familiar-looking object appears in it - is that the Hakkero?
> "Hey, that's mine!" shouts the silhouette, but is silenced by a glare from the goddess.
> "Winner gets to do the honors... given they figure out how, now the solar furnace is busted."
-
Looks like that bridge was burned.
>Stand up.
>Loosen anything constrictive
>"Who will be acting judge?"
>Adopt ready stance
Take off gauntlets for speed? y / n? (May need some hand wrappings)
-
Looks like that bridge was burned.
>Stand up.
>Loosen anything constrictive
>"Who will be acting judge?"
>Adopt ready stance
Take off gauntlets for speed? y / n? (May need some hand wrappings)
> The goddess raises an eyebrow.
> "You possess a rare dose of common sense. What irony. And what a shame. Judge Yamaxanadu, your presence is required!"
> After a few seconds of nothing happening, the goddess grins sadistically, and shrugs.
> "It seems that-"
> The vast ceremony room hums with power, and, with a sound of breaking glass, contracts to its natural size. You spot a brief look of shock on the faces of the goddess and the child as this happens.
> With a familiar low hum, the air parts and Shikieki steps out, wearing an unusually grim expression.
> An unnatural noise threatens to overwhelm your senses, as if that of glass breaking, but in reverse, and suddenly the ceremony room expands in all directions again.
> "What did you expect, Judges Yasaka and Moriya? That you would engage in your activities without my noticing? You may be obeying the letter of the law, but you certainly hold no respect for its spirit. You might think yourselves almighty in your sanctum, but there are boundaries to even a god's power. Now, I am to fulfill my duty, correct? I am ready. Contestant Inaba, Standing 777 and contestant Hieda, Standing 6■╦... "
> Shikieki's right eye twitches.
> "Contestant Hieda, Standing ?4|9..."
> Shikieki rubs her eyes.
> "...and Contestant Hieda. Are you ready?"
> "Oh, not this bullshit again," says the silhouette, "whatever, I'll still grind the dumbass kid to a paste. Yeah, ready."
-
>Stand and take the time to assess our target via Qi senses.
>Take a couple of stretches while doing this, we have been kneeling. Continue to assess the target.
>Once we feel adequately loosened up: "I am ready."
-
>Stand and take the time to assess our target via Qi senses.
>Take a couple of stretches while doing this, we have been kneeling. Continue to assess the target.
>Once we feel adequately loosened up: "I am ready."
> Oh goodness is the target magical.
> Very, very much so.
> They are shrouded in a thick and evershifting layer of deeply arcane magic. They wear it like a second skin. It is going to be hard to strike through that - your blows more likely than not will just be harmlessly turned aside.
> In addition to that, there's the visual effect - much more modern and very functional. It does not serve much use against your Qi sense and the mass of magic pinpointing the silhouette like a beacon.
> You are loosened up.
> Shikieki looks at the both of you in turn, then says, "then begin."
-
>Does it feel like that arcane second skin would get in the way of grapples or throws? Or just strikes?
I'm thinking we're going to have to judo our way through this for awhile, Bobert.
-
Judo? Sounds good, I'll have to brush up on it, maybe some sambo too. And geez, we're fighting Tewi, no wonder we didn't encounter her at Eientei.
>Don the goggles to attempt piercing the shadow cloak.
>Adopt Marble Bulwark to make sure we aren't vulnerable during acquisition.
>Eidetic Memory: Tewi Inaba. Have any of our past incarnations had any dealings with her?
-
>Does it feel like that arcane second skin would get in the way of grapples or throws? Or just strikes?
> You should have no trouble throwing once you get a solid grip. Getting a solid grip in the first place, though, looks to be more of an issue.
Judo? Sounds good, I'll have to brush up on it, maybe some sambo too. And geez, we're fighting Tewi, no wonder we didn't encounter her at Eientei.
>Don the goggles to attempt piercing the shadow cloak.
>Adopt Marble Bulwark to make sure we aren't vulnerable during acquisition.
>Eidetic Memory: Tewi Inaba. Have any of our past incarnations had any dealings with her?
> Bweeeeeee. After a few diagnostic messages and Enhanced Acquisition popping up, the goggles manage to locate the silhouette's outline, and accentuate it, overlaying a high-contrast red on top of it. The words adolescent female and hostile are attached.
> Visual Amplification flashes at the top-right, and the ceremony room grows more comfortably brighter.
> You enter a defensive stance.
> You've met her personally, but did not get any impressions off her - she is very fickle and secretive, and her relationship with Eientei has never been properly understood by anyone. She appears to come and go as she pleases, and appears to enjoy using her power to equally help and hinder anyone around her, most likely for her own sheer amusement. The only thing known about her for certain is that she is ancient, with the cunning and experience that comes with age.
-
>What does she seem to be doing?
-
>Begin to close distance while remaining bulwarked.
-
>What does she seem to be doing?
> Your opponent hops from one foot to the other, then spins her arms in an elaborate set of motions, each one releasing a wave of bullets.
> The bullets travel slowly, but start to accumulate into a very dense screen.
> "Now, what, dumbass? I can keep this up all day!"
>Begin to close distance while remaining bulwarked.
> Going to be hard, with all them bullets.
-
> Going to be hard, with all them bullets.
>Then change into Meiling's Tower, channeling into the forward fist, and as much body coverage as we can acheive without exertion.
>What happens when one of these slow-moving globules is struck towards Tewi?
-
>Then change into Meiling's Tower, channeling into the forward fist, and as much body coverage as we can acheive without exertion.
>What happens when one of these slow-moving globules is struck towards Tewi?
> The stance moulds your flow of Qi, forming the familiar protective shield to cover your front.
> You press on, through the cloud of bullets. You feel the impacts as they glance off at every angle, and it is like water droplets bouncing off jagged rocks at the bottom of a waterfall in slow motion.
> The silhouette frowns and stops the barrage - not many bullets have been redirected in its direction, the remaining ones easily dodged, but more and more would no doubt become an annoyance to it.
> "Cute. So the dumbass kid has a trick up her sleeve. I've got sleeves in my sleeves!" snarls the silhouette, a white rectangle forming in one of its hands.
> "Spell Card: Superstition: Lucky Rabbit's Foot," says the silhouette, its wicked red grin spreading from ear to ear, "improbability factor: two to one."
> The silhouette lunges forward, haloed by the the now-spreading in all directions cloud of bullets, and sends a simple, obvious strike at your torso...
> Or is that strike going for your head?
> Or your legs?
-
Bobert: I'm thinking let the tower's effect stand in front of us, and cross counter?
-
>How much space is there between the impact of bullets and the impact of the spellcard?
->Qualifier: How quckly can Two Fight as One be implimented?
-->Take most of the bullets with The Tower. Then Two Fight as One, Akyu performing a vertical high jump into a heel drop, and Double doing a rising handspring bicycle kick. Ideally a high to low attack comboed with a low to high.
--->"Let's even up those odds."
->If not, retreat and evade without getting hit from behind with leftover bullets.
-->If unable to safely retreat, prepare to CrossCounter! at (going to guess) torso.
-
Well that there was some hiatus.
>How much space is there between the impact of bullets and the impact of the spellcard?
->Qualifier: How quckly can Two Fight as One be implimented?
-->Take most of the bullets with The Tower. Then Two Fight as One, Akyu performing a vertical high jump into a heel drop, and Double doing a rising handspring bicycle kick. Ideally a high to low attack comboed with a low to high.
--->"Let's even up those odds."
->If not, retreat and evade without getting hit from behind with leftover bullets.
-->If unable to safely retreat, prepare to CrossCounter! at (going to guess) torso.
> Although it may seem like an eternity, the mental link takes but an instant, enveloping you in the warm blue light of Meiling's projection.
> The proxy follows your thoughts perfectly, executing its part of the maneuver, the force of its kick tearing up the flooring from below, while you leap and aim a crushing axe kick at the silhouette from above.
> The sudden change in status quo seems to catch the silhouette off-guard. Its strange attack stops, and the silhouette briefly appears to be in three places at once:
> One taking the full brunt of your downwards kick.
> One unable to block the proxy's blow in time.
> One just dodging both of your attacks, but toppling to the ground in a clumsy mess.
> The three images align to match the one that had dodged.
> "You are seriously starting to piss me off, kid. Just lie down and play dead, before someone loses an eye. Improbability factor: five to one."
> The silhouette's already vague outline seems to almost waver.
-
Bobert: Seems our options are to try to defend against it, retreat away from it, or deck her before she can launch it.
>In the meantime, let's see if we can infuriate her into clumsiness the slow and steady way.
>"You should show more respect to your opponents."
-
Bobert: Seems our options are to try to defend against it, retreat away from it, or deck her before she can launch it.
>In the meantime, let's see if we can infuriate her into clumsiness the slow and steady way.
>"You should show more respect to your opponents."
> "Listen to her talk! Listen, dumbass, you don't get to tell me to do jack. I was hanging out scrubs like you to dry before your little excuse for a dynasty thought growing legs and crawling out of the water was a good idea."
> The silhouette blurs in a flurry of motion, as images of her crossing her arms, shrugging, and doing all sorts of mocking gestures overlap.
> She can't seem to decide how to make fun of you best.
-
Wow, that's a good trick we're up against. If I'm reading this right, we'd only be able to counter 40% of the attack.
>Stick tongue out.
>See if we can't learn more about the attack by taking an assault or five.
>Akyu and Proxy enter back-to-back Marble Bulwark into a Marble Carapace.
-
Wow, that's a good trick we're up against. If I'm reading this right, we'd only be able to counter 40% of the attack.
>Stick tongue out.
>See if we can't learn more about the attack by taking an assault or five.
>Akyu and Proxy enter back-to-back Marble Bulwark into a Marble Carapace.
> "Oh, that's really mature, well done. Didn't your parents ever teach you to respect your elders? How about I remove that tongue of yours?"
> The silhouette blurts and splits, fenting left and right, leaping into a charge, or hanging back, then going low, all simultaneously. How could it be possible to keep yourself covered from all that?
> Developed Stance: Marble Carapace. Complexity: 4. Surrounded on all sides, your defense remains unwavering. Marble Carapace augments the effects of Marble Bulwark when you employ Two Fight As One. During this stance, you take no penalties to defense against multiple opponents, and cannot be caught off-guard in combat. At Complexity 5 your defense cannot be reduced by any effect when in this stance.
> You become an unbreakable bastion as none of the silhouette's attacks, despite her wavering, evershifting attempts, are able to connect.
> The silhouette splutters in frustration, catching her breath.
-
>Does she seem open?
-
>Can the Proxy throw us?
-
>Does she seem open?
> As good a time as any.
>Can the Proxy throw us?
> Sure can!
-
Whoops nearly forgot
> Martial Arts increased to 5.
> With your ability to use small thoughts directly in combat, your control of mind and body has reached its peak. Your focus allows you to perform near-superhuman feats of agility, and, even without tapping on your Qi, your resistance to supernatural effects is phenomenal. You have no limit on the amount of actions you may try to perform simultaneously, but the quality of each one will suffer with each additional action. Governs technique, combination attacks, agility and spell resistance.
-
>Lauch the Akyu Missile.
>Nimble Shift into a German Suplex
>Proxy follows up with an Elbow Drop.
>Attempt to engage in ground combat.
So with this unlimited simulataneous action, we could hypothetically do something like:
"A punching, eye-gougeing, elbow, while doing a kneeing kick, and a biting headbutt" ? With similar actions for all limbs?
-
>Lauch the Akyu Missile.
>Nimble Shift into a German Suplex
>Proxy follows up with an Elbow Drop.
>Attempt to engage in ground combat.
> Before the silhouette regains enough composure to engage in more shenanigans, you spring at her.
> She is quite surprised at this sudden turn of events.
> Without your feet even touching the floor, you grab the silhouette by the waist, feeling an odd, oily sensation as you pass through the silhouette's magical field, spin yourself around using her as a pivot, then plant your feet and
> yank her backwards into a floorboard-crushing suplex.
> You notice Shikieki, the Goddess and the Child wince. Shikieki rubs the back of her neck unconsciously.
> With a quick spin-and-flip, you hold the silhouette on the ground as Meiling's proxy appears out of nowhere right above the silhouette, elbow at the ready.
> The impact is satisfyingly meaty. The silhouette gurgles.
> "Im... Improbability factor: th...three-thousand seven hundred twenty... to one."
> ...Things start to get weird. You're pretty sure you're sinking into the floor.
So with this unlimited simulataneous action, we could hypothetically do something like:
"A punching, eye-gougeing, elbow, while doing a kneeing kick, and a biting headbutt" ? With similar actions for all limbs?
> Yes. However, the quality of each action will deteriorate as more actions are added, if such maneuvers are performed without specialised Moves or Stances.
-
>Do we still have a hold on her, post suplex?
-
>Do we still have a hold on her, post suplex?
> Possibly. The silhouette has started to change shape in odd ways, and some of her could well be melting out of your hands.
-
>Try to get her in a headlock from behind with one hand and rib her with the other. Try to squeeze the air out of her with our legs.
>Have Proxy try to contain the shape, by striking anything that melts away.
-
>Employ the gloves' webbiness to help us if we can get a decent hold on her.
-
>Try to get her in a headlock from behind with one hand and rib her with the other. Try to squeeze the air out of her with our legs.
>Have Proxy try to contain the shape, by striking anything that melts away.
>Employ the gloves' webbiness to help us if we can get a decent hold on her.
> Through some seemingly-impossible deformations of joints and limbs, the silhouette slips through your grip, although you do get a few meaty hits in.
> It winds up your body, and starts to squeeze.
> You can hear a mocking laughter emanate from it, but it doesn't seem like it has a mouth any more.
-
Bob, I'm thinking, if she's right in our face, nowis a good time for a Kiai before air becomes a problem.
-
Right.
>Kiai
>Qi Release: Get the hell out of that grip!
-
Right.
>Kiai
>Qi Release: Get the hell out of that grip!
> You feed the entire power of your mystic link into a terrifying roar! that buffets the air around you and causes all observers to wince.
> The flowing form of the silhouette takes the brunt of the Kiai, exploding into small droplets that splatter around the room.
> Lethargically, the droplets ooze off the ceiling and walls to coalesce into one mass, on its hands and knees, panting heavily.
> You must have damaged something else as well - the silhouette flickers off every so often, revealing a small, humanoid form in tight-fitting pink sleeveless shirt and shorts.
> She has rabbit ears.
-
I'm seeing two possibilities, Bobert. One is a flying Hieda tackle. Problems being she's seen it before, at we may not be able to time it around one of those flickers. The other is a Sledgehammer fist, which shouldn't miss and will keep her off balance. But, may not get there in time to exploit it. Thoughts?
-
If speed is needed, Tiger Rends Prey will help. If sledge hammer hits, and she's off balance, in a fight than means you can't evade without falling over. Which leaves blocking to mitigate; following up with a Tiger Claw should break through.
-
Let's do it.
>Tiger Rends Prey, if it can be used while moving
>Sledgehammer fist when we see an opening.
-
Let's do it.
>Tiger Rends Prey, if it can be used while moving
>Sledgehammer fist when we see an opening.
If speed is needed, Tiger Rends Prey will help. If sledge hammer hits, and she's off balance, in a fight than means you can't evade without falling over. Which leaves blocking to mitigate; following up with a Tiger Claw should break through.
> You do not let your opponent time to compose herself, and go for an all-out offensive.
> You cross the distance in a quick set of steps, just on-balance enough to land a crushing blow across your opponent.
> You feel the strange aura around your opponent push your attack aside as she herself tries to roll away, but the attack cannot be dodged by normal means, and the girl is smashed against the floor.
> She weakly raises her arms against your finishing blow.
> With almost no effort, you crush her guard with the Tiger Claw, and the strike lands solidly against her solar plexus.
> The silhouette effect shuts off completely as the girl, eyes open wide in a helpless panic, seizes up, unable to draw a good breath.
> Still gasping for air, she falls unconscious.
> Shikieki nods, signalling the fight's conclusion. She walks over to the prone girl and, narrowing her eyes, lands a series of soft strikes with one hand against the girl's chest.
> You can hear the girl's breathing stabilize.
> Shikieki turns to you, her expression inscrutable. "Congratulations with your victory, Participant Akyu of the Hieda clan. Your points have been recorded into the Tournament Record. The Exalted Administration of the Seven Heavens wishes you great success in your battles, and may you further achieve glorious victory."
> The Goddess rubs at her chin, looking lost in thought.
> The Child shrugs. "A promise is a promise. Congratulations, Hieda, you get to figure out how to break us out of this stupid tournament."
-
>Has Meiling's spectre been dismissed? If not, bow toward her, then do so.
>Afterward, return to our prior kneeling postion, and say, "It would help if you told me all of the details."
-
>Has Meiling's spectre been dismissed? If not, bow toward her, then do so.
>Afterward, return to our prior kneeling postion, and say, "It would help if you told me all of the details."
> It went with the Qi release that you used during the Kiai.
> "Most of the details you already know," says the goddess. "It was our decision to shatter the effect maintaining the tournament in place by means of the release of a vast amount of energy at the right location. It remains our hypothesis that the Hakkero's destruction ought do sufficiently for this purpose. The location, no doubt, is someplace in Heaven. Meaningless now, of course, now our sole method of destroying the artifact has been solidly ruined."
> "By you!" says the child in an exaggerated whisper.
-
>"I would say that this method was ruined the moment that coercion was used, rather than cooperation. But let us set that aside. As it stands, I wonder how you got drug into this tournament to begin with, and...what prevents you from simply winning it and ending it in that fashion?"
-
>"I would say that this method was ruined the moment that coercion was used, rather than cooperation. But let us set that aside. As it stands, I wonder how you got dragged into this tournament to begin with, and...what prevents you from simply winning it and ending it in that fashion?"
> The Goddess shakes her head.
> "I have been designated as a Judge of this contest, much like the honorable Judge Yamaxanadu, and, as such, may not..."
> The Goddess stops suddenly, as if straining against an unseen weight.
> "May not... participate..."
> She... appears to be breaking out in a sweat.
> "Participate...in combat...nor...attempt to...interfere directly...with the...tournament."
> She strains out the last few words, and hunches over, panting.
> The child looks at the goddess, concerned, then at you. "There are certain... rules in place."
-
>"If you are a judge, then perhaps you could tell me a bit about what is going behind the scenes? I've heard stories of the supposed prize, for instance."
-
>"If you are a judge, then perhaps you could tell me a bit about what is going behind the scenes? I've heard stories of the supposed prize, for instance."
> The Goddess, still breathing heavily, says "What...you have heard is probably true. I... cannot confirm or deny what you know. Not even here."
-
>Nod.
>"I expect then, that you could not confirm or deny the presence of any guards. Or tell me how this tournament came to be?"
-
>Nod.
>"I expect then, that you could not confirm or deny the presence of any guards. Or tell me how this tournament came to be?"
> Shikieki says, "I can provide that information. Ahem. By the Divine will of the Exalted Administration of the Seven Heavens and its Most August Representative, the Lady of the Celestial Gates Tenshi Hinanawi, the Gensokyo-Wide Tournament of Strength and Skill is to be held until a clear winner achieves glorious victory. Seven Esteemed Judges have been appointed and bound by the Fifth Celestial Doctrine to manage and adjucate the various aspects of the tournament until such time as their services are no longer required."
-
>"Hm. So I see. May I ask who the other judges are?"
>Once this is answered, look back to the deities.
>"You've said several times your plan would deal with the tournament, but you've not really stated how. Or in what manner you were able to initiate it, given the bindings you are clearly struggling against."
-
>"Hm. So I see. May I ask who the other judges are?"
>Once this is answered, look back to the deities.
>"You've said several times your plan would deal with the tournament, but you've not really stated how. Or in what manner you were able to initiate it, given the bindings you are clearly struggling against."
> The child shakes her head.
> "You may, but you're fighting a lost cause against some certain stupid rules."
> The goddess nods.
> "Despite their almighty nature, the rules to which the bindings adhere are too strict to be truly effective at holding down a deity as resourceful as myself. It was a simple enough matter to find agents willing to do my bidding. As for the plan - I've said as much just before - it is my hypothesis that the destruction of the Hakkero at a key spot will shatter the spells holding the tournament in place."
> The child winks at you. "If you can find some other way though, knock yourself out, but we're stumped."
-
>"Wouldn't a better way simply be to convince others the tournament is a farce run by a well-known troublemaker? Or, does this too brush up against the rules?"
-
>Can we send a message to Eientei about recovering Tewi? This old lagomorph will need to recouperate, and I don't think me being around when she wakes will do her any good.
>How did Tewi come to be your agent, and what were some other things she did while employed? You mentioned other agents?
>What has happened to your shrinemaiden after her crusade?
>"Truly, you have proven yourself a very resourceful deity, even under such stipulations. May I beseech some of your ingenuity in aiding bystanders?"
-
>"Wouldn't a better way simply be to convince others the tournament is a farce run by a well-known troublemaker? Or, does this too brush up against the rules?"
> The goddess narrows an eye.
> "It is within my knowledge that the general consensus of the land is well-against this tournament, yet it seems that many cannot resist their nature to solve their problems through violence. It is a good excuse, and an insidious proposition. Still, that we disagree means little in the face of the rules that bind."
>Can we send a message to Eientei about recovering Tewi? This old lagomorph will need to recouperate, and I don't think me being around when she wakes will do her any good.
>How did Tewi come to be your agent, and what were some other things she did while employed? You mentioned other agents?
>What has happened to your shrinemaiden after her crusade?
>"Truly, you have proven yourself a very resourceful deity, even under such stipulations. May I beseech some of your ingenuity in aiding bystanders?"
> The parser is not sure which of those are questions and which aren't, and will thus answer as per the parser's discretion.
> You do not have means of contacting neither Eientei nor your home in a remote manner.
> The goddess looks askance at the rabbit girl. "She was in agreement with my plans, and her dedication to her goals made her a strong agent. She had no trouble securing the Hakkero and establishing direct control over the hellraven, as you well know."
> "Sanae is still on the warpath, I would expect. She has received no small boon from the two of us, and should complete her task admirably."
> "I presume that you are asking about my judicial function. I will make you an offer - present to me a convincing plan to end this absurd tournament, and I will grant immunity to whomever you need."
-
>"I can think of three methods. One would be to simply win the thing, to stretch the definition of simply well beyond breaking. A second would be to assault the originator of the tournament herself, which I presume was your plan. The third would be to take a stand against it. May disagree with it, but there is really no one who vocally stands against it. It is my understanding that such an element and an organizer is necessary for any real protest or boycott to succeed."
-
>"I can think of three methods. One would be to simply win the thing, to stretch the definition of simply well beyond breaking. A second would be to assault the originator of the tournament herself, which I presume was your plan. The third would be to take a stand against it. May disagree with it, but there is really no one who vocally stands against it. It is my understanding that such an element and an organizer is necessary for any real protest or boycott to succeed."
> "You would think that with such almighty power of enforcement, those who had created the tournament had thought it out enough to include the most basic of things. Know this, scion of the Hieda clan: there is no win condition. It is only a logical conclusion that literally the last being standing is the winner, but there is not one single rule that states this. Indeed, this is Sanae's objective even as we speak - to reduce the amount of possible competitors to a countable level by any means necessary, but I am afraid that, should we be reduced to fully implementing this solution, we would quickly run into the most unbreakable of stalemates."
> "A boycott would not undo the twisting spells that hold us in place. We could indeed attempt to forget this tournament ever exists in the hope that the fools up in Heaven simply get bored of it. I know for a fact, however, that they can wait for a very long time."
> "A direct assault, I feel, is the most expedient and justified response to this charade, but whether you might convince Heaven to call off the tournament is another matter entirely. Know however, that the Judges of the tournament will be forced to stand against you by the same rules that bind them to their functions."
> You notice that Shikieki's been staring at you for some time, rubbing her eyes every so often.
> "Forgive me," she says, "I do not know what you have done, but your Standing is... broken. It seems whatever system Heaven has implemented cannot deal with whatever is wrong with you."
> "Perhaps," says the goddess, "if you can force what's wrong with you on the system itself, you might cause it to break from the inside out. It would require some drastic anomaly for this to happen, I would imagine. Regardless, I would be satisfied with any of the above options, although the boycott would leave a sour taste in my mouth - I would not be pleased with a geas sitting on my shoulders for all eternity. So be it. Whom should I bestow immunity upon? "
> The Goddess will go along with whatever option you pick. Depending on your choice of action you will reach either the BAD ENDING, the NORMAL ENDING or the GOOD ENDING.
> The GOOD ENDING requires certain non-obvious actions to be taken, although all information required to correctly choose these actions has been presented in some way or other.
> The parser may be asked for hints regarding any of the endings, and will provide them to the best of his ability.
-
>"A simple boycott would be a start, I think. I can consider a few more actions we can take. It's been established that surrender is an acceptable method of defeat. If there's general ill will, it should be easy enough for use to simply vote on a victor, or possibly draw lots in the event of a tie. Alternately, once organized, it should not be impossible for us to express our displeasure in other unified ways. I would be curious to see if a geas could hold against the combined displeasure of many of Gensokyo's inhabitants."
>Glance to Shiki, "Would this indicate I am disqualified? And, would you know how that happened?"
>Back to the divinities. "Flandre Scarlet, without a question. She was drawn into this accidentally."
-
>"A simple boycott would be a start, I think. I can consider a few more actions we can take. It's been established that surrender is an acceptable method of defeat. If there's general ill will, it should be easy enough for use to simply vote on a victor, or possibly draw lots in the event of a tie. Alternately, once organized, it should not be impossible for us to express our displeasure in other unified ways. I would be curious to see if a geas could hold against the combined displeasure of many of Gensokyo's inhabitants."
>Glance to Shiki, "Would this indicate I am disqualified? And, would you know how that happened?"
>Back to the divinities. "Flandre Scarlet, without a question. She was drawn into this accidentally."
> "Perhaps if it is an impressive enough union of like-minded bodies, yes," says the Goddess.
> "That is the strangest thing," Shikieki says, still looking you up and down, "you're still in the running, although the system is having a severe problem putting you somewhere concrete."
> "The younger Scarlet sister? So it shall be."
> The goddess' eyes flash briefly.
> "So it is done."
-
>"May I have some token, to prove that it has been done to the elder Scarlet?"
-
>"May I have some token, to prove that it has been done to the elder Scarlet?"
> You mean the younger?
> "You presume too much, scion of the Hieda. I have said that it is so, and so it is. Were I in fouler mood, I might believe that you were questioning my competence."
-
>Remilia's the one we got to convince.
>"I do not, but Lady Scarlet may. I would prefer not to have to say to her that she must come to you for confirmation."
-
>Remilia's the one we got to convince.
>"I do not, but Lady Scarlet may. I would prefer not to have to say to her that she must come to you for confirmation."
> Ah, right.
> "The Mistress of the Scarlet Mansion holds no more sway over me than you do. I need not prove anything to her, either, and she will have to take my, and therefore your, word for it."
-
>Nod.
>"Only, I am the one who has to worry about sleeping at night should she be unconvinced. But very well, we'll leave it at that. Hmmm, is there anything more you can tell me about the overall situation? It's difficult to know what you can and cannot answer."
-
>"Was Utsuho a participant before falling under mind control? If she was not, her rightful immunity should be restored."
I don't like the fact Sanae is out on the war path, violence begets violence, we aren't going to get a collective 'Stop the Tournament' from groups seeking vengence. The sudden switch from 'Murder! Death! Kill!' to 'Spread the Love and weed, Man' isn't going to fly.
Any ideas?
-
Indeed, I was just about to suggest reigning Sanae in.
-
>Nod.
>"Only, I am the one who has to worry about sleeping at night should she be unconvinced. But very well, we'll leave it at that. Hmmm, is there anything more you can tell me about the overall situation? It's difficult to know what you can and cannot answer."
> "Anything more? Do you not already have enough on your mortal shoulders as it stands?"
>"Was Utsuho a participant before falling under mind control? If she was not, her rightful immunity should be restored."
> "The hellraven is of no more use to me. So it shall be."
> The goddess' eyes flash briefly.
> "So it is done."
-
>"Enough that more information can only lighten the burden."
-
>"Taking grievances against the tournament directly to the troublemaker of the Scarlet Weather Rhapsody incident seems to have the highest possiblity of success; especially if backed up by the discontent of a majority of Gensokyo. However, there are a few loose ends I must tie up before making the ascension. The one that concerns the Moriya Temple is the reigning in of your shrinemaiden. Because of the tactics employed, many of the youkai would likely mob together and try to lynch your temple, which would likely be an interesting scenario from heaven's perspective. A possible solution would be a public exhibition, in which some of those wronged would be satisfied, should Moriya's champion lose. This stage can serve as a grandstand to denounce the ill-begotten tournament, making it clear it being a ruse by heaven. This should serve as a good backdrop for a final confrontation in heaven. Do you have any suggestions to such a plan?"
-
>"Enough that more information can only lighten the burden."
> "Then it would seem that your burden shall not yet be lifted, for I have nothing more to say."
>"Taking grievances against the tournament directly to the troublemaker of the Scarlet Weather Rhapsody incident seems to have the highest possiblity of success; especially if backed up by the discontent of a majority of Gensokyo. However, there are a few loose ends I must tie up before making the ascension. The one that concerns the Moriya Temple is the reigning in of your shrinemaiden. Because of the tactics employed, many of the youkai would likely mob together and try to lynch your temple, which would likely be an interesting scenario from heaven's perspective. A possible solution would be a public exhibition, in which some of those wronged would be satisfied, should Moriya's champion lose. This stage can serve as a grandstand to denounce the ill-begotten tournament, making it clear it being a ruse by heaven. This should serve as a good backdrop for a final confrontation in heaven. Do you have any suggestions to such a plan?"
> "You would have me force the loss of my beloved ward, or otherwise set her up for such? You overstep your bounds, mortal. I will have her stand down, however, as her actions are indeed unnecessary as of now."
-
>"Then how would you propose to make amends for the actions you've sent your shrine maiden to do?"
-
>"You misunderstand. It would not be fair to the shrine to rig the match in question; indeed, a false match, would likely only make matters worse: patronizing and inflaming the audience if seen through, and fooling the others into thinking Moriya is weak. Such an event can go a long way to persuade opinion against the tournament and further our goal. Think upon this potential and let me know your response in due time."
>Leave? With Tewi in tow? Or leave her in the care of her previous benefactors?
-
>"You misunderstand. It would not be fair to the shrine to rig the match in question; indeed, a false match, would likely only make matters worse: patronizing and inflaming the audience if seen through, and fooling the others into thinking Moriya is weak. Such an event can go a long way to persuade opinion against the tournament and further our goal. Think upon this potential and let me know your response in due time."
> The parser does seem to be misunderstanding. Is it your intent to set up a match, which Sanae throws?
>"Then how would you propose to make amends for the actions you've sent your shrine maiden to do?"
> "I do not propose to make amends, for I am answerable to nobody upon this mountain."
> The child nods. "We're in charge here."
-
>The intent is to set up a public match as a retributive outlet for the youkai the shrine wronged. Of course the shrine would never throw the match, too much pride, though them losing would actually be beneficial in the long run methinks. If they want to be sticks in the mud, that's their prerogative.
-
>The intent is to set up a public match as a retributive outlet for the youkai the shrine wronged. Of course the shrine would never throw the match, too much pride, though them losing would actually be beneficial in the long run methinks. If they want to be sticks in the mud, that's their prerogative.
> Indeed, the shrine are very likely to be sticks in the mud. Kanako's tone suggests that she would do anything to prevent Sanae from losing in any given matchup.
-
Nackers, why you make me gotta do this?
>"I don't recall the Ancient City being part of the mountain. Nor do I recall quite a few other parts of Gensokyo being part of it, either."
-
Nackers, why you make me gotta do this?
>"I don't recall the Ancient City being part of the mountain. Nor do I recall quite a few other parts of Gensokyo being part of it, either."
> "If the representatives of the Ancient City and the inhabitants of the Palace of Earth Spirits have qualms about my activities regarding them, they are welcome to present their cases to me themselves. The same applies to anyone else who might hold a grudge, but it strikes me that you do not hold power of attorney for anyone other than yourself."
> The child wags a finger at you. "And if you still keep insisting, then doesn't that make your intrusion into someone else's interests just as bad as Kanako's? Anyway, relax - Sanae's a good diplomat, she takes that from me. There are probably fewer savage beatings than you think."
-
>"Very well. Perhaps I was too hasty, seeing that most of the mountains inhabitants were driven to hiding on my way here, and hearing rumors of a brutal campaign. My apologies. Then please inform Sanae of the change in tactics we have discussed."
Looking through last few pages, seems things aren't quite as bad as was thought. Only thing I'm concerned about right now then, is how to handle an unconscious rabbit, and the possiblity of fast travel.
>Oh. And we get the Hakkero right?
-
>"Very well. Perhaps I was too hasty, seeing that most of the mountains inhabitants were driven to hiding on my way here, and hearing rumors of a brutal campaign. My apologies. Then please inform Sanae of the change in tactics we have discussed."
Looking through last few pages, seems things aren't quite as bad as was thought. Only thing I'm concerned about right now then, is how to handle an unconscious rabbit, and the possiblity of fast travel.
>Oh. And we get the Hakkero right?
> The goddess and the child nod in unison.
> Fast travel might be achievable depending on what you wish it to achieve.
> The rabbit girl will most probably be safe here. Eirin or Kaguya should be able to pick her up later.
> The child carelessly tosses you the Hakkero.
-
>Examine Hakkero. With and without goggles.
Think we're about done here, then.
-
>Examine Hakkero. With and without goggles.
Think we're about done here, then.
> Rare tool: Mini-Hakkero. Complexity: 2/Special. An eight-sided block of black wood with patterns printed on the front, it is a potent reactor for magical energy. Is commonly-seen in the possession of the witch Marisa Kirisame. Identical versions seen in the possession of Tewi Inaba and Rinnosuke's store. Considering the unique nature of this artifact, at least one of them must be a fake. Goggles do not yield more information.
> Just waiting on Purvis' clarification on fast travel.
-
I was happy walking ;_;
-
I was happy walking ;_;
> Well fine.
> Where to?
-
Well, we still need to return the Hakkero, inform home of the current going-ons, check in at the Scarlet Mansion, see what Koishi can do for Utsuho, and then see about dealing with the Celestrials.
-
My inclinations lead toward continuing up the mountain, and see if we can gather any information from there.
-
My inclinations lead toward continuing up the mountain, and see if we can gather any information from there.
> You can see that the mountain path gets ever steeper and more perilous as it goes up, soon getting lost amongst crags and rocks. You would quickly be stopped by the mountain's peak, with no means of your own of crossing to Heaven.
-
We can't fly. Bummer. We'll have to figure out a way to get up there as well. Add to quest list.
-
We can't fly. Bummer. We'll have to figure out a way to get up there as well. Add to quest list.
> It is not out of the question that one of your allies might offer you a ride up.
-
.....Didn't occur to me.
I feel dumb.
Well, if the way up is blocked, where should we head over to first?
-
>I suppose we best report back to Scarlet Devil Mansion, then.
-
>I suppose we best report back to Scarlet Devil Mansion, then.
> Anything to do along the way, or scene cut?
-
>Assuming we don't meet anyone along the way, scene cut.
-
> Time passes.
> It is early morning when your home comes into sight. You are somewhat weary after the long journey up and down the mountain.
> The fields around you, and the dirt path leading into the human village, are wet and muddy - no doubt a rainstorm had passed down the valley while you were up the mountain. Everything glistens brightly in the light of the morning sun.
> You see a few rabbits scurrying about here and there around your house, carrying mops and buckets.
> They notably avoid the area around your front door.
> A girl sits in formal posture just off the short path to your front door, in the wet grass, a pair of swords in front of her, their handles pointed to the right.
> As you get closer, you note that her clothes - a dark-green gi over white hakama - are soaked.
-
She waited out in the rain while in seiza? Geez.
>Gauge visitor's battle worth, readiness, and hostility.
>Assuming she's friendly, formality with formality. Sit in seiza on the opposite side of the short path. Bow, and introduce ourselves," I am Hieda Akyu. Do you have business with me?"
-
She waited out in the rain while in seiza? Geez.
>Gauge visitor's battle worth, readiness, and hostility.
>Assuming she's friendly, formality with formality. Sit in seiza on the opposite side of the short path. Bow, and introduce ourselves," I am Hieda Akyu. Do you have business with me?"
> You recognise your visitor, although you've only seen glimpses of her during the Lunar Exhibition, the ever-present shadow of the enigmatic Lady Saigyouji, an inscrutable bodyguard. You do not know her name - as far as you've seen, she never conversed with anyone.
> She radiates a self-sure calmness, her poise perfect, her expression serene. Her swords' blades are pointed towards her, an indication that she means no hostility.
> You sit and present yourself.
> She bows deeply in return, and speaks, her forehead still touching the ground.
> "Honorable Lady of the Hieda, this humble servant presents herself before your household to beseech the aid of your House - and that of your allies' - to mount an expedition to free my Master, the Exalted Lady of the Netherworld, Yuyuko Saigyouj, from captivity. I have only my life to present in exchange, and would gladly give it should you accept my plea."
-
>"Tell me your situation."
-
> Still bowing, she continues.
> "It shames me greatly that I was... unable to decipher my Lady's cryptic instructions. But that she was forced to speak in riddles has told me enough - that she is in some manner of difficulty. All I know is that she has been appointed a so-called Judge of a tournament of combat prowess that has been taking place in these lands, and that I am unable to be at her side."
> Her hands ball into fists, crushing dirt and grass.
-
>"The tournament has been a problem for everyone. Please tell me more."
-
>"The tournament has been a problem for everyone. Please tell me more."
> "I know that the Judges congregate in the upper reaches of Heaven, and from there preside over this tournament. I know that they are bound by rules not their own, and that my Lady is such a Judge. I know that there are other Judges, at least two others, and that they are mighty indeed, perhaps even equals to my Lady in power, and that at least one, a monk accompanied by a tiger, believes that this tournament must endure as long as Heaven wishes it to."
-
>"And why did you seek me, of all people?"
-
>"And why did you seek me, of all people?"
> "I have learned of a gathering of mighty warriors at your homestead, and it was my assumption that you are hosting a gathering for war."
-
>"I am afraid not. If anything, this is more a combination of a hospital and a homeless shelter for those who have been harmed in the tournament. But, this said, I think our goals are largely the same. I have learned some...rather disquieting things about the tournament of late. In particular, there is no real way to end it."
>What do we know of this person and her mistress?
-
>"I am afraid not. If anything, this is more a combination of a hospital and a homeless shelter for those who have been harmed in the tournament. But, this said, I think our goals are largely the same. I have learned some...rather disquieting things about the tournament of late. In particular, there is no real way to end it."
>What do we know of this person and her mistress?
> "No doubt the tournament will end should we cast down the Judges. We must make war upon Heaven!"
> Nothing, really. The girl in front of you is an everpresent shadow of her Mistress, should the latter ever be seen in the lands of the living. The Mistress herself, the enigmatic Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji, is an extremely rare sight. You saw her briefly at the Lunar Exhibition, talking quietly with a woman in a magnificent off-white dress. The two seemed close.
-
>"I don't think that more violence will solve the issue. At least, not as a first resort. But, from what I understand, the only people even a little happy with the whole affair are the oni. And, even then, I suspect it wouldn't be too difficult to nudge them away from it. Of the three judges I've encountered, none are happy with it. I have the feeling, if we could turn the other judges against it as well, it wouldn't be too difficult to stop the thing without, well, forgetting the lessons of the Lunar War"
-
>"I don't think that more violence will solve the issue. At least, not as a first resort. But, from what I understand, the only people even a little happy with the whole affair are the oni. And, even then, I suspect it wouldn't be too difficult to nudge them away from it. Of the three judges I've encountered, none are happy with it. I have the feeling, if we could turn the other judges against it as well, it wouldn't be too difficult to stop the thing without, well, forgetting the lessons of the Lunar War"
> "You may use my life as you wish, honorable Lady Hieda."
-
>"I'll be certain to return it in proper condition. So, you said your Mistress was one judge. Tell me about this monk? And do you know of any other judges?"
-
>"I'll be certain to return it in proper condition. So, you said your Mistress was one judge. Tell me about this monk."
> "She is a mighty warrior, strong of body and spirit. It was clear to my eyes that she had seen Nirvana, yet had foregone the ascension that accompanies the revelation. Her strikes and spells carry with them the clarity of perfection. She is magnificent in combat."
>"And do you know of any other judges?"
> "The only other Judge I know of is the honorable Judge Yamaxanadu."
-
>"So, that's five of them, between the two of us. I suspect the sixth would be the originator of this tournament, if I understand correctly. That leaves one more."
-
>Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Tenshi, as the organizer, was also the representative, not actually a judge.
>"Before we start discussing tactics, I still have not heard your name."
>"Well, ________, I do not think warring on Heaven, nor casting down the Judges will solve our problems. But please, will you not raise your head and join me inside for tea?"
-
>Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Tenshi, as the organizer, was also the representative, not actually a judge.
>"Before we start discussing tactics, I still have not heard your name."
>"Well, ________, I do not think warring on Heaven, nor casting down the Judges will solve our problems. But please, will you not raise your head and join me inside for tea?"
> "This servant's name is Youmu, and she is a daughter of the Konpaku family."
> "Please, do not concern yourself over this servant's comfort. I could not possibly intrude upon the privacy of your home."
> From inside you can clearly hear the noises of some sort of scuffle.
> "-side, ye little sod-", "-not the dishes!-", "-is it this ti-", "-get ba-"
> The soft whud of an explosion from the inside shakes your front door on its hinges and rattles your windows in their frames. Youmu's eyes widen, but she doesn't say a word.
> So far forgotten, the modest maiden Koishi reminds everyone of her presence with a polite cough - her mission was not yet completed, after all.
-
>"My home is not very private anymore, Youmu, I think we better go inside."
>Koishi, what do you like to drink?
>Damage assessment stat!
-
>"My home is not very private anymore, Youmu, I think we better go inside."
>Koishi, what do you like to drink?
>Damage assessment stat!
> Youmu nods, and bows again.
> "This servant is deeply humbled by your hospitality."
> Koishi considers Akyu's question for some time. After all, she had partaken in many an exotic beverage, enjoying many, but she could not imagine that Akyu had many ingredients available. She settled on requesting an aromatic herbal tea blend, wondering slyly at what and how Akyu would present.
> Nothing a little goop won't fix!
-
>Go inside
-
> You open the door and are greeted by a puff of smoke in your face.
> Mokou, Kaguya, Eirin and Keine are lying in a soot-stained heap on the floor all tangled up in each other. Kaguya is triumphantly holding aloft a somewhat blackened, but still entirely vigorous rabbit in one hand, a spatula in the other. Keine's cradling a stack of dishes and a flowerpot.
> You are the target of three sheepish grins and an "Uh, hi."
-
>"It's a good thing there's not any reporters around."
>Hmmm...actually, one of those could be useful.
>"Do I want to know what happened?"
-
>"It's a good thing there's not any reporters around."
>Hmmm...actually, one of those could be useful.
>"Do I want to know what happened?"
> "We saved your house from collapsing into a fiery singularity!" Kaguya says happily.
> "That we might'n've kinda-sorta gunned self-wise," mutters Mokou.
> "We nearly lost the dishes there, I caught them just in time," sighs Keine.
> "Maybe if we double the force of the reaction next time..." says Eirin.
-
>"Reaction?"
-
>"Reaction?"
> "Yes, the gelation step of the healing paste. We were working on making it more potent, but at the current rate the system, well, explodes. I thought that if we could try to make the reaction go so fast that the mixture doesn't have time to explode. It's a work in progress."
-
>"Does it really work like that?"
>"Let's clean up for right now, there are various details that I need to fill you all in on. Firstly, this is Youmu, she'll be helping us."
>Clean up and put some blended tea on.
-
>"Does it really work like that?"
>"Let's clean up for right now, there are various details that I need to fill you all in on. Firstly, this is Youmu, she'll be helping us."
>Clean up and put some blended tea on.
> "Possibly," says Eirin.
> "At the worst case," says Kaguya, "you are welcome to stay at Eientei - once we've rebuilt it - while your house is being rebuilt. We have gotten quite apt at this whole "rebuilding" process."
> Youmu bows to the congregation on the floor, who have started to disentangle themselves.
> Koishi watches the teamaking process closely, and, appearing satisfied, flits out into the living area, eager to have a look around the spacious house, and the colourful and esoteric group that has inhabited it.
> Kaguya raises an eyebrow. "There appear to be some stray thoughts following you around, Madam Hieda, and they do not appear to be wary of minding their own business."
-
>"That would be Koishi. I felt it would be best to let her introduce herself as she desired. I'll be taking her to help out Utsuho, once things get properly settled here."
-
>"That would be Koishi. I felt it would be best to let her introduce herself as she desired. I'll be taking her to help out Utsuho, once things get properly settled here."
> With a sly wink, Koishi introduces herself to Akyu's visitors with an elegant bow.
> "Then I will treat... her... with the same courtesy as you," says Kaguya. "What business do you have to discuss?"
-
>"Well, last time I was home, I set off to Scarlet Devil Mansion to do business with the headmistress, which included solving some interior problems. Afterwards, I traveled up to Youkai Mountain, and met with Koishi, who has agreed to help us with restoring Utsuho. Thereafter, I came upon the Moriya Temple and did battle with their ace in the sleeve, Tewi. After defeating her, I spoke to the deities at length regarding the circumstances of the tournament. It was quite informative, as their had much insight into the workings due to being judges, and as such we may have come up with a way to peaceably end the tournament. The main perpetrators behind this charade are the celestrials, namely Tenshi. As such, I will have to go up to heaven and confront them there. In the meanwhile, if we can get everyone in Gensokyo to simultaneously reject the very idea of the tournament, we should be able to throw off the yoke. The main problems currently, are me securing access to the upper reaches of the sky, and the rest of the Genoskyians understanding the folly of the tournament."
>"Other issues are: we still need to help Utsuho, solve the mystery of two hakkeros, report our success to Remilia, and what Eientei wants to do about Tewi."
>"When you do begin to experiement with the reaction again, make sure my life's work is safe."
-
"me securing access to the upper reaches of the sky"
> Kaguya nods. "We would be happy to help you get wherever you must."
>"the rest of the Genoskyians understanding the folly of the tournament."
> Applying plot-expedition protocols.
> A gale erupts in the living room, sending everything that's not nailed down tumbling every which way. It recedes as quickly as it appeared, revealing at the centre of the tumult a lanky figure with black crow wings. There is probably nobody in the land that does not know her, whether they like it or not - Aya Shameimaru, self-styled reporter and publisher of rumours and questionable facts in her personal tabloid paper.
> "Folly? Rest of Gensokyo? News to be spread?"
> She buzzes with excitement, seeming to be in several places at once as she bombards you with questions, untiringly scribbling away in a little notebook.
> "You know about the tournament? Have you really spoken with the judges themselves? What do you know about the grand prize? Is it true that the world will end if the tournament ends? How far does the rabbit-hole really go? What is your favourite insect?"
>"Other issues are: we still need to help Utsuho, solve the mystery of two hakkeros, report our success to Remilia, and what Eientei wants to do about Tewi."
> "Tewi can find her way back," says Kaguya. "Otherwise, we will hold down the proverbial fort while you finish off the rest of your business before we head to Heaven."
>"When you do begin to experiement with the reaction again, make sure my life's work is safe."
> Eirin nods sagely.
-
> "Folly? Rest of Gensokyo? News to be spread?"
> She buzzes with excitement, seeming to be in several places at once as she bombards you with questions, untiringly scribbling away in a little notebook.
> "You know about the tournament? Have you really spoken with the judges themselves? What do you know about the grand prize? Is it true that the world will end if the tournament ends? How far does the rabbit-hole really go? What is your favourite insect?"
Do these need to be answered, or does the plot-expedition protocolTM solve that?
-
Do these need to be answered, or does the plot-expedition protocolTM solve that?
> She probably needs to be dangled a few facts if you want her news-report to at all go in the right direction.
-
>Lead Aya away, somewhere where an interview can happen comfortably.
>"Before I begin, may I ask you to tell me what you know? It's much easier to fill in the gaps when I know what they gaps are."
-
>Lead Aya away, somewhere where an interview can happen comfortably.
>"Before I begin, may I ask you to tell me what you know? It's much easier to fill in the gaps when I know what they gaps are."
> You find space and seating in your back garden. Aya remains airborne, her buzzing excitement unabated.
> "Tricky Tournament a Torment! Surprising Prize Presented! Corrupt Karate Crosses Constraints in Calamitous Campaign!"
-
Bob. You know what we forgot to do? We forgot to crawl up the Deities' asses for bombing Eientei. Fuckdamnit =[
>Nod, and take a moment to decode all of that.
>"You seem to have the basics, at least. What I can tell you is that it was arranged by a certain personage in the Heavens, who has been very sloppy about it. In particular, there's no way to actually win this tournament, short of there being but one person left standing. This is a significant problem. Every one of the judges I have met, which amount to more than half of them at this point, are not happy with this situation in the least. As well, you can see the amounts of collateral damage it caused. So in short, we're destablizing our home for nothing at all, really."
>"As such, I have decided to gather up as many of the peoples of Gensokyo as I can, and present our collective outrage at this in the best manner we can, marching to the doors of heaven itself and peacefully refusing to have any part of this as one entity. If the goal is to cause chaos for some silly reason, then let us respond with harmony in turn until such a time as they realize the futility of their desires."
-
>"As such, I have decided to gather up as many of the peoples of Gensokyo as I can, and present our collective outrage at this in the best manner we can, marching to the doors of heaven itself and peacefully refusing to have any part of this as one entity. If the goal is to cause chaos for some silly reason, then let us respond with harmony in turn until such a time as they realize the futility of their desires."
> "Peaceful Protest Proceeds to the Pearlies! Gensokyan Gathering Goads the Gods! A story! A great story! The lands will know all! Closing Comments from the Careful Co-ordinator?"
> The girl's buzzing intensifes as she grins at you.
-
>"I would like for those interested to contact me. As I tend to travel around, a lot, it should be fine to just leave a message at my home. At some point, I'll have to gather everyone. If I could count on you to announce that when the time comes, Miss Shameimaru?"
-
Bob. You know what we forgot to do? We forgot to crawl up the Deities' asses for bombing Eientei. Fuckdamnit =[
Ah, that's true. Though we did go, "You ain't sellin' yous'lves freelance no more sugah, you be MY wenches now."
This makes me think of a harem ending, what with the ass crawling and the wench slapping.
-
>"I would like for those interested to contact me. As I tend to travel around, a lot, it should be fine to just leave a message at my home. At some point, I'll have to gather everyone. If I could count on you to announce that when the time comes, Miss Shameimaru?"
> "News reaches all! The story, everpresent! Ready Reporter will Rally Resistance!"
-
>"That will be most helpful, thank you. I presume I can count on you to be here yourself when the time comes?"
-
>"That will be most helpful, thank you. I presume I can count on you to be here yourself when the time comes?"
> Aya flashes you a huge grin and beats her wings, whipping up a small tornado around her, sending dirt and debris flying everywhere. She shoots up into the sky and, in moments, vanishes among the clouds.
-
>With this done, contemplate the time, the distance to Marisa's house, and how hungry we are.
>Also see if any faeries are hanging around, Cirno needs to be filled in.
-
>With this done, contemplate the time, the distance to Marisa's house, and how hungry we are.
>Also see if any faeries are hanging around, Cirno needs to be filled in.
> It's early morning.
> Marisa's house is a few hours' walk from the village.
> You are feeling quite peckish.
> There's always a fairy hanging about areas where people live. You get the occasional wave or a salute when they zip by.
-
>Do we feel wakeful enough to actually make the trip as is?
-
>How far is Marisa's House from the Scarlet Devil Mansion?
-
>Do we feel wakeful enough to actually make the trip as is?
> Yes, provided the trip isn't stressful.
>How far is Marisa's House from the Scarlet Devil Mansion?
> The opposite direction.
-
>Oh well, let's go deal with Utsuho now. Satori's probably beside herself with worry and grief.
>But first, get something we can eat on the road, and flag down a faerie and make sure she has Cirno find us.
>And make sure Koishi's still following us when we set out.
-
>Oh well, let's go deal with Utsuho now. Satori's probably beside herself with worry and grief.
>But first, get something we can eat on the road, and flag down a faerie and make sure she has Cirno find us.
>And make sure Koishi's still following us when we set out.
> You wrap yourself a lunchbundle.
> The fairy salutes and zips off.
> Koishi wonders to herself whether she should play at being offended - she might be a free spirit, but she was no slacker.
> After some deliberation, she adopts a haughty pose, and tosses her silky hair indignantly at Akyu's apparent lack of trust, covertly watching Akyu out of the corner of her eye for her reaction, and trying her best to hide a mischievous smile.
-
>"Slacker? Of course not. But curious? This seems much more likely, wouldn't you think?"
>Linger around a bit to see if Cirno is going to show up. "Would you like something to eat, too, Koishi?"
-
>"Slacker? Of course not. But curious? This seems much more likely, wouldn't you think?"
>Linger around a bit to see if Cirno is going to show up. "Would you like something to eat, too, Koishi?"
> Koishi lets out a dissatisfied hmph, but quickly bores of the little play and assumes her usual carefree demeanour.
> She thanks Akyu for her gracious offer, but declines, still enjoying the warmth that the herbal blend had infused in her.
> Some time passes, and a fairy - possibly the same one you had flagged by earlier - zips up to you.
> "Commander! The General says that she'll be around in a bit!"
> The fairy fidgets a bit.
> "Are we going to fight again, Commander?"
-
>"Not if we play our cards correctly."
>Wait for Cirno to show up.
-
>"Not if we play our cards correctly."
>Wait for Cirno to show up.
> Some more time passes as the day slowly creeps on towards late morning.
> Eventually you start to hear a whistling sound that gets louder and louder before the ground several dozen metres to your right explodes in a plume of dirt, grass and flying shrubbery.
> From amidst the explosion you hear a gleeful "Yeah!" that quickly turns to coughing and spluttering.
> A dirt-covered Cirno stumbles out of the debris cloud, rubbing her eyes and spitting bits of grit out of her mouth.
> She finally spots you and flies over.
> "Ey!" she says.
-
>"Are you alright?"
-
>"Are you alright?"
> "Mostly!" she says, with a thumbs-up and a wide grin.
-
>"Perhaps you should tell me what happened."
>Let her explain, can Cirno really surprise us anymore?
>After that, inquire about how the faeries are doing as a whole, and try to probe to see if the army has held together at all.
>Once all this is done: "I've learned some things about the tournament. Cirno. In particular, it's not possible to really win. The person who made the thing didn't put in a way to do it. You can get the most points, but that wouldn't end it, because someone else could always take them away. We've been tricked."
>_
-
>"Perhaps you should tell me what happened."
>Let her explain, can Cirno really surprise us anymore?
>After that, inquire about how the faeries are doing as a whole, and try to probe to see if the army has held together at all.
>Once all this is done: "I've learned some things about the tournament. Cirno. In particular, it's not possible to really win. The person who made the thing didn't put in a way to do it. You can get the most points, but that wouldn't end it, because someone else could always take them away. We've been tricked."
>_
> "Oh, I was a-thinkin'-a makin' a cool entrance, yanno? Ain't too sure 'a what happened exactly, but that had ta look awesome! The smashin' and the ground explodin' and the dust cloud and all that, I mean!"
> Cirno pauses.
> "It did look awesome, right?"
> You inquire about the condition of the fairy mob.
> "The gang's mostly fine, we're tough! Dunno about mow-ralle, many ain't lookin' too chuffed and just wanna get back to trick-'n'-treatin'."
> Cirno looks taken aback at your revelation.
> "No winnin'? Then how're we supposed ta, yanno, win?"
-
>"There can only be one person in the competition standing. At all. Which...well, I think you understand the problem with that."
-
>"There can only be one person in the competition standing. At all. Which...well, I think you understand the problem with that."
> "So I gotta litter-alley beat up everyone in the world ta win? Huh. I reckon I'm pretty awesome, but that's takin' it a bit too far. There some awesome people I don't wanna beat up!"
> She lightly punches you in the shoulder.
-
>Frown.
>"Possibly more than beat up; given that if they can come back to get you again later, there goes your points. The only way to really end it is to be the last one capable of standing at all."
-
>There some awesome people I don't wanna beat up!"
>"That's precisely what I've come to realize as well. We don't need to fight anybody, and in fact we shouldn't because it causes heaps of trouble, and no one is really off for the better, unless they're really asking for it. As a group, we'll show the dumb-dumbs who made the tournament that we don't appreciate them stirring up trouble, and we will figure out how to make them stop the tournament in some way or another."
-
>Frown.
>"Possibly more than beat up; given that if they can come back to get you again later, there goes your points. The only way to really end it is to be the last one capable of standing at all."
> For the first time since you've met her, Cirno looks genuinely worried.
> "That's, uh, a pretty serious thing to say, chief. I don't like the sound-a that."
>"That's precisely what I've come to realize as well. We don't need to fight anybody, and in fact we shouldn't because it causes heaps of trouble, and no one is really off for the better, unless they're really asking for it. As a group, we'll show the dumb-dumbs who made the tournament that we don't appreciate them stirring up trouble, and we will figure out how to make them stop the tournament in some way or another."
> "Hey, that sounds all sorts of smart! You'd give Great Fairy a run for her money! Whatever you want, I gots your back!"
-
>"I know you do, Cirno. I know you do. When the time is right, I'm going to need you to gather as many faeries as you can, and we shall go and express our displeasure toward them. We shall make sure they never get this kind of idea in their heads again."
(Winamp plays Laibach's Opus Dei)
-
>"I know you do, Cirno. I know you do. When the time is right, I'm going to need you to gather as many faeries as you can, and we shall go and express our displeasure toward them. We shall make sure they never get this kind of idea in their heads again."
> "Yeah! Juss tell me when and I'll go start whippin' the troops inna shape!"
-
>"I'll try to give you a day's warning. In the meantime, would you accompany me to Marisa's house? I need to make good on a promise."
-
>"I'll try to give you a day's warning. In the meantime, would you accompany me to Marisa's house? I need to make good on a promise."
> "Uh, sorry, chief, I've got some wranglin' to do back at base. Good luck with whatever ye doin', though!"
-
>"I understand. Make sure everyone is well for me."
>With that, depart toward Casa de Marisa. And have that lunch already!
>And ask Koishi about tales of her many exploits.
-
>"I understand. Make sure everyone is well for me."
>With that, depart toward Casa de Marisa. And have that lunch already!
>And ask Koishi about tales of her many exploits.
> As she and Akyu walk to their destination, Koishi regales many tales of her exploits as she traveled the lands, back when the world was so much bigger. She tells Akyu stories of lords and ladies, of demons and monsters, of heroes and villains, her part in the story always that of the silent observer, always watching others play at glory and honour, never participating herself. With a sigh, she wistfully describes the romance and heartbreak of young lovers surrounded by warring states, and with a tinge of envy in her voice she talks of the adulations heaped upon legendary wandering swordsmaidens, who free many towns and cities from many a tyrant's cruel yoke.
> So caught up is she in her storytelling that she only notices herself and Akyu arriving at their destinations when they are practically on the doorstep of the magician's abode - a rough, yet spacious-looking log cabin that looks as if it has been assembled and reassembled many times over.
-
>Knock on the front door.
-
>Knock on the front door.
> The door slams open on your first knock, nearly taking your nose off, from a strong shove by Marisa, who is just inside.
> "Oh, good. That Satori came in just a bit earlier, and it's been real uncomfortable in that living room ever since. I hope you've solved what you were going to solve."
> She beckons you inside.
-
>She's here?! She comes outside?
>Oh well. Try to keep our thoughts small and head inside.
>"Koishi is with me, yes."
-
>She's here?! She comes outside?
>Oh well. Try to keep our thoughts small and head inside.
>"Koishi is with me, yes."
> A deep feeling of tension and unease washes over you, like a wave of tar, as you cross the threshold.
> The log cabin was built for one, with every facility necessary for a magician of Marisa's calibre crammed into one space. At the far end, in a corner where even light seems to twist and turn, sits Satori, her expression the most worried you've ever seen, despite her attempts to put on a brave face.
> Utsuho lies in the bed opposite Satori's chair, looking extremely uneasy.
> Satori notices you come in, and a ripple of relief breaks through the mire of worry.
> Success?
> Koishi grits her teeth against her sister's small thoughts and determinedly strides forward, braving the deluge of emotion not her own.
> Satori winces, but tries to keep her composure.
> Please.
> Time lost.
> Koishi concentrates her attention on the profoundly confused girl in the bed, and gasps in surprise as parts of herself start to fade away. With an understanding nod, and a reassuring smile for Utsuho, she
> starts
> being
> as Satori shuts her eyes in pain, drops of sweat beading up on her forehead
> Koishi's exertions matching her sister's
> Time.
> Take it.
> memories run like footsteps in shallow puddles
> a warm embrace
> a quiet evening
> a noisy morning
> caverns, deep and dark
> The torrent of thoughts and images weighs down on your mind.
> Marisa looks at you, then nods towards the door and raises her eyebrows.
-
>Have a seat, and see if we can make sense of these images.
-
> Marisa
> flight inside the palace, playing with the spirits
> shrugs, and
> Orin's favourite spot, just under the roof
> steps outside.
> back home to Sa-
> see the festival
> Oni festival
> lights and colours
> Orin and Sa-
> fight with Orin
> stupid fight
> upset, unhappy, friends again
> smile from Sa-
> The images keep coming, free of bias, free of context, always breaking down upon reaching a critical stage, like ripples breaking a perfect reflection in a pond from a violently thrown rock
> Yet each time, Koishi redoubles her effort to reweave frayed memories, tears streaming from her eyes from the pain and frustration
> And each time Satori's strain washes over you, squeezing your breath away, narrowing your vision, scene upon scene from another's life playing out at the corners of your sight. You hear sombody grinding their teeth, loudly and painfully, before realising that it is you who is doing the grinding.
-
>Unclench teeth
>Ease in breathe, hold it, let it go.
>Meditate
>Are the sisters within reach of each other?
-
>Unclench teeth
>Ease in breathe, hold it, let it go.
>Meditate
>Are the sisters within reach of each other?
> As the thoughts invade your mind, so do you let them go, becoming as a hollow log caught in a stream, through which a torrent of water flows unimpeded.
> You can feel the tumultuous flow polishing your mind, carrying away worries and doubts, removing the detritus of bias and uncertainty, exposing the hard, shining truth of your deepest essence that will forever resonate with every action you take.
> Brawling increased to 5. You are a warrior paragon, capable of performing Moves and adopting Stances that stretch the limits of mortal capability. You are nigh-invincible against mortal opponents, and many Youkai will think twice before challenging you to combat. Many of your Moves and Stances have improved directly as a result of your new-found prowess. Governs attack power and difficulty, also physical strength and general fitness.
> Yes.
-
>Do the feelings we got from Satori and Koishi remain the same?
>Can we recall the memories that have passed through us?
-
>Do the feelings we got from Satori and Koishi remain the same?
>Can we recall the memories that have passed through us?
> The psychic pressure is immense, crushing, far stronger than when the process started, but the feelings at the core of it have not changed.
> Yes, to a worrying degree. If your Martial Arts were any lower, a small part of you would have become Utsuho by now.
-
>Establish a direct conduit between the sisters, maybe together they can focus their abilities. After all, conscious memory and unconscious memory are different sides of the same coin?
-
>Establish a direct conduit between the sisters, maybe together they can focus their abilities.
> How do you propose to do this?
-
>Join the the sisters' hands together.
-
>Join the the sisters' hands together.
> Well why didn't you say so?
> Koishi starts from Akyu's sudden touch as the girl enters the system on her own free will.
> Shock.
> and the pressure rises
> what you felt before
> Conduit
> was akin to a small
> stream
> The pull of a fresh, clean mind is too great, and Koishi, feeling the briefest of pangs of guilt, sends the
> tidal wave
> of
> Thought
> Being
> through her companion, feeling horror at how, even now, the unfathomable current ravages Akyu's mind but unable to hide her joy at the sight of such a glorious display of the raw psyche
> your thoughts
> screaming
> disjoined, as if
> crushed to breaking
> point
> losing yourself
-
>Let go, if their hands are joined now.
-
>Let go, if their hands are joined now.
> no
> body
> control
> Irrelevant
-
>Who's thinking?
>I am.
>Akyu.
-
>Who's thinking?
>I am.
>Akyu.
> Koishi, near despair at what she'd done, gazes in shock as a pillar of self rises above flood of thoughts. Akyu was still there, she realises, braving the torrent.
> Have thoughts to yourself.
> Hard to concentrate.
> Your bastion stands.
-
>What's our status?
-
>What's our status?
> Stable.
> Locked in place.
> Torrent uncontrolled, chaotic.
-
>Do we see anything?
-
>Do we see anything?
> As much as thought is sight:
> Your bastion.
> Surrounded by raging thoughtstreams.
> Uncontrolled.
> In the distance, yawning chasm, swallowing thoughtstreams.
> Beyond the chasm, where the thoughts cannot reach, a young forest.
> Forest bearing cruel scorched and lifeless scars.
-
>Move the Bastion at 7 knots towards the yawning chasm. Steady as she goes!
-
>Move the Bastion at 7 knots towards the yawning chasm. Steady as she goes!
> The whole mindspace trembles as your landmass shifts forward, inoxerable as the shifting of continental plates.
> Parting the raging thoughtstreams like a hot knife cleaves through butter, you reach the chasm that so completely swallows the current.
> It is a vast gulf, yet it is certain that the waters must cross it should Utsuho's mind be reconstructed.
-
>Try to picture an aqueduct over the chasm, and will it to form.
>Should this not happen, would our landmass suffice as an aqueduct?
-
>Try to picture an aqueduct over the chasm, and will it to form.
>Should this not happen, would our landmass suffice as an aqueduct?
> The thoughtstreams below warp and bend, forming whirlpools and eddies as land begins to form and rise all around.
> Pillars and outcroppings surge out of the cliff wall with deafening force, bit by bit forming a great bridge towards the distant land.
> As the waters flow along their new route, so does your bastion sail along them, just behind the leading edge of the forming bridge.
> And, with a finality that rattles the world, your bastion settles on the far end, serving as the last connection for the thoughtstreams to rush into the scorched land...
> ...
> ...
> Akyu is lightly shaken awake by Koishi, who is doing her best to hide her emotions. Her feeling of relief is palpable, for, just minutes ago, she was convinced that she had all but destroyed her traveling companion's mind.
> The sense of pressure inside the cabin has vanished, replaced by a wondrous feeling of contentment.
> Satori and Utsuho sit together in a tight embrace.
> The silence in the cabin is only interrupted by the occasional sob from either of the two.
-
>Are we laying down? Let's have a lay down on the floor. We earned it.
-
>Are we laying down? Let's have a lay down on the floor. We earned it.
> The floor is comfortable and steady, never threatening to go anywhere or do anything unusual.
> Koishi wonders if Akyu knew what she was getting herself into when she entered the system, or whether it was a turn-of-the-moment decision. Still, she wondered to herself, Akyu's help was invaluable in the process of reconstructing Utsuho's mind, and for that she'd be eternally grateful - she might not always look eye-to-eye with her sister, but family is family.
> Gratitude.
> Smile.
-
>smile back
-
>Give a slight thumbs up.
>How are we feeling so far? Still rattled and such?
-
>smile back
> Satisfaction.
> Soon home.
>Give a slight thumbs up.
>How are we feeling so far? Still rattled and such?
> You pull yourself together. The experience was rattling, but you are made of sterner stuff.
> Marisa peers in through the door to the cabin.
> "You all done?"
-
New Challengers! Huzzah! Feel free to insert coins and let your fists do the talking whenever you feel like playing.
>Gather ourselves up.
>View the patient.
-
>To Marisa: "I think so."
-
New Challengers! Huzzah! Feel free to insert coins and let your fists do the talking whenever you feel like playing.
>Gather ourselves up.
>View the patient.
> You stand up. Everything swims a little, but your vision quickly stabilizes.
> Utsuho is crying quietly in Satori's arms. She's got a light nosebleed.
>To Marisa: "I think so."
> "Good, I've been waiting to give those Heaveners a piece of my mind."
-
>"Oh, did the paper come?"
-
>"Oh, did the paper come?"
> "It did. At high speed, at that. Nearly took my head off!"
-
>"Well good. It saves me the trouble of having to explain it. ...I hope. May I see the article?"
-
>"Well good. It saves me the trouble of having to explain it. ...I hope. May I see the article?"
> Marisa reaches to a large pile of discarded newspapers and gives you the top one.
> The headline reads HEAVENLY HUBRIS TO BE HALTED! GREAT GENSOKYAN GATHERING GOING GATEWARDS!
> The article is a messy jumble of exclamation marks and buzzwords, but the basic message is as you wanted it.
-
>"Well, at least it gets the message across."
>Tap the paper for emphasis.
I don't usually play in many text adventures beyond parsing, but I've followed Akyu Quest since it's beginning.
If memory serves, it's been around since before Okuu Quest. So it looks like Fightest has the record for longest-running single text adventure focusing on one main character.
-
>How are Utsuho and the Komeiji sisters doing?
>"Will you be going to the Underground?"
-
>"Well, at least it gets the message across."
>Tap the paper for emphasis.
> Marisa shrugs.
> "As much of a message as you can figure out from that mess, anyway. I reckon there might be some with the wrong idea."
>How are Utsuho and the Komeiji sisters doing?
>"Will you be going to the Underground?"
> Utsuho is talking quietly to Satori. The tiniest of ripples touches your mind every so often, but they are so discreet that you cannot even decipher the intent behind them.
> Koishi stands a bit to the side, adopting an aloof pose, trying to get across the impression that this wasn't a big deal for her, an everyday favour. She was most certainly not going to show anyone just how harrowed and vulnerable she was.
> Nod.
> Soon.
-
>"Alright. I'll leave so my thoughts don't get in your way."
>Do so!
>Quests, or at least reminders on things we said we were going to do.
-
>"Alright. I'll leave so my thoughts don't get in your way."
>Do so!
> You leave the house. Marisa follows shortly, wielding her broom.
>Quests, or at least reminders on things we said we were going to do.
> Well, we still need to return the Hakkero, check in at the Scarlet Mansion, and then see about dealing with the Celestrials.
-
>Marisa is with us, can we return the hakkero now?
>if so, do so
>if not, let's bring her to where we have it.
-
>Marisa is with us, can we return the hakkero now?
>if so, do so
>if not, let's bring her to where we have it.
> Marisa eyes you incredulously as you produce a duplicate of her treasured artifact.
> She takes it, and fishes out her own from her pocket.
> As far as you can tell, they are absolutely identical.
> "Well, I'll be. I guess one of them's a fake. A really well-made fake, too - can't tell which is which just by looking. Where'd you get yours?"
-
>"The Moriya Shrine dispensed this one to us for beating up the shadow, who happened to be Tewi."
>"What do you think the existence of a duplicate means?"
>"Will you be able figure out which is which?"
-
>"I think there was one on sale at Kourindou, too."
-
>"The Moriya Shrine dispensed this one to us for beating up the shadow, who happened to be Tewi."
>"What do you think the existence of a duplicate means?"
>"Will you be able figure out which is which?"
> "Them, huh? Up to their smartass tricks again."
> "It means that I can't use any of these things until I figure out which is the real one. A fake couldn't handle the strain of my spellcards. I don't want it blowing up i my face when I need it most."
> "Yeah, eventually. I don't know how long it'd take, but if I get started now, it'd be done all that much sooner, right? Means I won't be able to go to Heaven with you guys, but I reckon I could catch up when I'm done."
>"I think there was one on sale at Kourindou, too."
> "I'll go have a look, then. You want a lift somewhere?"
-
Where do we feel like going, Bobert? I suspect Kourindou might be interesting now.
-
>"Let's move to Kourindou, we need to get to the bottom of this."
>Bid any necessary farewells.
-
>"Let's move to Kourindou, we need to get to the bottom of this."
>Bid any necessary farewells.
> Marisa's house - and the Forest of Magic - quickly drop away as Marisa takes you up and away on her broom. The journey is quick and uneventful.
> Within minutes you set down outside your destination.
> It is uncharacteristically noisy inside the shop: a group of twenty or so youkai, an eclectic crowd indeed, most of them unfamiliar, are shouting over each other, waving scraps of paper in the air.
> You can spot Rinnosuke at his usual place at the counter, his entire attention still fixed on the scroll. He - and a few of the other youkai in the crowd - is relentlessly scribbling in a notebook, every so often ripping out the page and giving over to someone.
-
>"Since when did Kourindou become a gambling hall?"
-
>"Since when did Kourindou become a gambling hall?"
> Marisa gives a sour look at the congregation.
> "Yeah, these Value players were usually quiet. More importantly, they were spread out. Guess they're trying to get the most out of the tournament before you shut it down. Figures Rinnosuke would be at the lead of it - he's made a lot of money off this thing."
> An unfamiliar-looking person - a Youkai, judging by the smoke streaming from her eyes - in a heavy white hooded cloak edges up to you and speaks in a low whisper.
> "You're Hieda, aren't you? Is it true you're not going to be fighting any more? Not my business, of course, but your Value is phenomenal at the moment. It'd be a real shame to waste it like that."
-
>"Read the papers lately? It would be more of a shame to let the tournament continue methinks."
-
>"Read the papers lately? It would be more of a shame to let the tournament continue methinks."
> "To each her own, to each her own, of course. Excuse me, I have some stock to sell."
> The youkai disappears into the shouting crowd.
-
>"Marisa, did you know who that was? And can you find the duplicate?"
>What can our Qi detect within the crowd?
-
>"Marisa, did you know who that was? And can you find the duplicate?"
>What can our Qi detect within the crowd?
> "No, but I can't boast about knowing every Youkai around. As for the duplicate, yeah, I can see it from here."
> The crowd is a mishmash of magical auras and effects, all of them for protection or warding. There are none you recognize.
-
(Where did everybody go? :()
> Marisa pushes into the crowd towards Rinnosuke. They part pretty easily.
> You cannot make out their conversation over the din, but, soon enough, Marisa starts wading back, grabbing the possibly-false Hakkero off its shelf.
> She nods at you. "Called in a few favours. Hope there ain't any more around. Ready to go?"
-
Things happen bro, sometimes folks can't think of anything to input.
It's times like that where you sometimes have to give more stuff to work with, in hopes that it'll inspire 'em!
>"I believe so, shall we?"
>Let's head out with Marisa once more!
Where to now folks?
-
>Actually, let's have a look at the stock before heading out.
-
>Actually, let's have a look at the stock before heading out.
> What are you looking for? The shop is as magnificently-stocked as ever, with plenty of opportunities for the discerning customer.
> Available qualifiers are:
> Mundane, Rare, Exotic.
> Tool, Garment, Weapon.
> Something specific.
-
>Tools of all three classes.
-
Check out the rare and exotic weapon classes.
-
I say rare and exotic garments.
We might find something useful in there afterall.
-
Let's look at common weapons and garments too.
-
Hell, let's look at everything why don't we?
That way we know what all's there, and we can hammer out ideas from there.
-
Hell, let's look at everything why don't we?
That way we know what all's there, and we can hammer out ideas from there.
> >:|
> You see:
> Mundane Tool: Hammer. Complexity: 2. Everything will look like a nail with this tool equipped.
> Mundane Garment: Straw Hat. Complexity: 1. A simple rice-farmer's wide-brimmed straw hat. Shades the eyes from the sun.
> Mundane Weapon: Musket. Complexity: 3. A worn musket that still seems to be in working condition. Comes with enough materials for a few shots.
> Rare Tool: Gohei. Complexity: 0/Special. An essential part of a shrine maiden's panoply, this rod with elaborately-woven paper streamers attached to the end is essential in the practice of driving out evil spirits.
> Rare Garment: Elaborate Head-dress. Complexity: 3. You've seen this before, but the last time you recall seeing it, it was being worn by Shikieki.
> Rare Weapon: Staff. Complexity: 6. A seven-foot-long staff of black metal with golden bands at both ends.
> Exotic Tool: Crossbow. Complexity: 3. This appears to be a crossbow on first glance, but a complicated assembly of wires, cords and pulleys on the sides of the arms suggest a different function. It seems that the projectiles that it fires trail a cord behind them.
> Exotic Garment: Elegant Men's Clothing. Complexity: 3. An ensemble of well-crafted men's clothing consisting of trousers, shirt and jacket. It looks well-crafted and comfortable.
> Exotic Weapon: Yellow device. Complexity: 1. With a handle and trigger assembly similar to that of a crossbow, it is obvious how this weapon should be used. A note attached to this reads: "Incapacitates human target for a long time. Untested on Youkai, but limited effectiveness on fairies suggests their improved resilience. One shot only, twenty feet maximum, shoots in straight line. Requires reloading upon use."
-
I dunno, that Staff is pretty interesting.
The Gohei might be useful, but so could the Crossbow.
What do you guys think?
-
crossbow could aid us in climbing.
>is there a crank attached to the crossbow?
>how much weight can that cord hold
The yellow device suggests taser.
do you guys think the added ranged of the taser is useful?
-
I'm thinking that investing in weapons when we're crusading for peace is a poor idea. It makes us seem two-faced about it.
-
>is there a crank attached to the crossbow?
>how much weight can that cord hold
> The cord disappears into a drum the size of your fist on the underside of the crossbow. There does not appear to be any crank, but there are a few switches near the grip that might work a winding mechanism.
> Hard to say. You certainly can't break it with your bare hands.
-
I'm thinking that investing in weapons when we're crusading for peace is a poor idea. It makes us seem two-faced about it.
Ah, but a staff isn't just a weapon. It also can serve as a walking stick, lever for rubble and etc, as well as a means of boosting us somewhere with pole vaulting!
And plus, there's always the chance that the celestial behind all this mess won't go peacefully.
Especially if it's who I think it is. She's not the sort to go quietly.
Trust me, my general weapon of choice happens to be a Staff, so I know what one can do with a staff outside of combat.
And consider that it's metal. Say we have to get someone out from under something, and that something's too heavy for us normally? That staff can serve as a strong lever.
Also, consider this.
What object did the various monks carry? A staff. What was their main ideal? Peace, or fighting to bring it about if need be.
We're essentially doing just that.
-
They didn't go around carrying black metal staves of obvious asskicking. They carried simple lengths of wood.
Besides, we're way more dangerous unarmed by this point.
-
if we use the staff, I'd expect it to be more of a tool for non-violent purposes because most if not all Akyu's training was for unarmed.
-
if we use the staff, I'd expect it to be more of a tool for non-violent purposes because most if not all Akyu's training was for unarmed.
Exactly my intent.
-
The problem being it's not a staff so much as a big metal whup-ass stick. Which is going to draw attention due to being a big metal whup-ass stick. If it were a normal staff, it'd be one thing.
-
>Might we perhaps be able to find a stick of similar size within the forest or Kourindou quickly enough not to risk our plans?
Perhaps we could use a wooden stick instead of the metal staff
-
>Might we perhaps be able to find a stick of similar size within the forest or Kourindou quickly enough not to risk our plans?
Perhaps we could use a wooden stick instead of the metal staff
> Qualified under Mundane Weapon: Staff, Complexity: 3, trivially acquired with no significant loss of time: you have some high-quality staves - sectioned and non-sectioned - at your home.
-
>In the meantime, have a closer look at the elaborate headdress. If Rinnosuke seems free to take inquires, ask him about it.
-
>In the meantime, have a closer look at the elaborate headdress. If Rinnosuke seems free to take inquires, ask him about it.
> You recall asking about the headdress earlier:
> "Symbol of rank. Bestows absolute and unimpeachable power to judge over a soul in the afterlife."
-
> Applying Plot-Expedition Protocol.
> Rinnosuke acknowledges you with a wave of his hand, if not a look.
> "Good initiative, forced high tension in the Value market. Great potential for gain at a moment's notice - look, there, there."
> He points at a section of the scroll, where a myriad symbols twist and overlap.
> "Such density. One item, on the house. My appreciation."
> You have gained: Retroactive Item Acquisition. You may exchange at any point in the future one RIA for any one item you could have normally acquired in Rinnosuke's shop now.
> Marisa gives you a lift from Kourindou to your home. During your approach you spot a large congregation of fairies gathered a bit outside the village.
> You also spot Yuka lounging in your front garden, in the shade of her parasol.
> Marisa drops you off and, with a wave and a shout of "catch up with you later!" flies up and away towards the Forest of Magic.
-
> Wave to Marisa.
> Turn around and head for Yuuka.
> "Hello Miss Kazami. What can I do for you?"
-
> Wave to Marisa.
> Turn around and head for Yuuka.
> "Hello Miss Kazami. What can I do for you?"
> Yuka gives you a wink.
> "Hey there, scrub. Remember how I said I'd be taking you up on your offer? Here I am."
-
>Nod. "So, have you read the news lately?"
>What was our offer, prexactly? It's been awhile.
-
>Nod. "So, have you read the news lately?"
>What was our offer, prexactly? It's been awhile.
> "Oh yeah. Little scrub's going up in the world."
> She gets up and stretches. Her tone becomes almost gentle.
> "Look, I don't know if you care at all, but... you came at just the right time, back then. I didn't know where the hell I was, and where the hell I was going. I could almost see myself going bad, you know? And you just... just straightened things out. So I decided, I've got your back on this one. Heaven isn't going to be easy."
> You just offered that she come over and visit.
-
(Where did everybody go?)
Internet died.
>"Thank you very much for your vote of confidence Miss Kazami. It was actually when I met with you that I began to fight with compassion rather than violence. Would you like to come inside?"
-
> "Most thanks, scrub. Lead the way."
> Inside the house is surprisingly quiet, considering how you left it.
> Keine is quietly puttering about in the living room, straightening everything out, trying to bring about a semblance of order to the abode. She smiles at you as you enter, and bows to greet Yuka.
> "Two letters came for you," says Keine, "The fairies' leader also came by to say that her group is camped out near the village. I've made sure that they won't be making a mess."
-
>"Thank you for your help, Keine. How are the wounded doing?"
>Accept the letters. Get some tea for Yuka and ourself. Check the time.
-
>"Thank you for your help, Keine. How are the wounded doing?"
>Accept the letters. Get some tea for Yuka and ourself. Check the time.
> "The last batch moved out just after you left. The Princess said that she and her retinue would catch up to you before you would reach the mountain. Mokou went along to keep an eye on them."
> The first letter bears Remilia Scarlet's handwriting. It says: "Receipt of tournament immunity confirmed. You are off the hook - for now. Flandre apologises and says that it will never happen again, will it not, Flandre? It is poor manners to read over one's shoulder, Flandre, I will be with you once I am done and no earlier.
Yours truly,
Remilia Scarlet."
> The second letter is slightly bulky. Inside is a note saying, "Should you need to find my mistress, see attached.
- R.Y."
> Along with the note is a compass. The same compass you lent to the fairies, in fact - you can tell by the little dents and scratches. It's doing what it usually did - pointing somewhere towards the mountains.
-
>Can we analyze the handwriting of this R. Y.?
>See to Yuka receives proper guest treatment.
-
>Can we analyze the handwriting of this R. Y.?
>See to Yuka receives proper guest treatment.
> It is clean and legible, carefully-controlled to waste minimal effort, yet strong enough to give the impression of a confident and self-assured writer. Subtle decorations on the lettering show a creative mind that is aware of purpose first and foremost, yet takes pleasure in indulging their intellect, and is proud of being able to do so.
> That said, you've never seen this writing before.
> Yuka is properly enguested with tea. She waves off any further pandering.
> It is early afternoon.
-
>Hmmm, who would be an R.Y. with a mistress that'd hard to find...
>What do we know of Yukari, anyways?
-
>Hmmm, who would be an R.Y. with a mistress that'd hard to find...
>What do we know of Yukari, anyways?
> When children go missing, when fresh milk turns sour, when wells dry up and when plagues of locusts ravage the crops, the villagers curse at the sky, and pray to the gods for quick reprieve.
> When the doors of the Netherworld open wide, when strange visitors try to change the law of the land to their whim, when the smallest of gods become terrors that scorch the land, the youkai band together to maintain the status quo.
> Seemingly-random events, brought about by chance and happenstance. Yet there are patterns to be seen by the discerning eye. A consistency beyond that of random chance or the fickle play of the gods. This was your study, ruined so utterly by the fateful spill of ink across parchment.
> It is but certain that, at the centre of all things, there must be an individual mind. So began your Study in Violet.
-
>What did this study reveal, particularly in showing what folklore was fake and what was real?
-
>What did this study reveal, particularly in showing what folklore was fake and what was real?
> While word of mouth and that written down by storytellers will tend to embellish historical events, these events played out approximately true to their word - as far back as the separation of Gensokyo from the outside world, history remains more or less intact.
> Concerning events before the separation, things become much more vague and roots of truth become lost in a mess of fiction.
> The largest discrepancy that you have found between truth and tale is the cause of events post-separation. Stories of these events never dwell on the cause, merely on their happening and resolution, and, eventually, it is assumed that events occurred by random chance or the fickleness of gods.
-
>Do we have the mathematical knowledge to measure how the compass' needle varies over a short distance, and estimate how far it is to what it is pointing at?
-
>Either way we should set off.
-
>With Yuka dropping in after we invited her? That would be poor hosting, to say the least.
-
>With Yuka dropping in after we invited her? That would be poor hosting, to say the least.
Point.
>We can make headway after we're done being a proper host and the tea and crumpets have been put away.
-
>Do we have the mathematical knowledge to measure how the compass' needle varies over a short distance, and estimate how far it is to what it is pointing at?
> You do. However, the needle's deviation is practically invisible on the scales that you can work with (on foot). You'd need to cover a larger distance before you can triangulate.
>We can make headway after we're done being a proper host and the tea and crumpets have been put away.
> You are still in the process of crumpeting up Yuka as the front door flies open and a familiar-looking Oni walks through, talking over her shoulder:
> "...and so I says, "Boulder? I 'ardly knew 'er!""
> She strides inside, snickering to herself. You notice the Eientei crew along with Mokou standing in the doorway in a stunned silence.
> You remember the Oni having introduced herself as Yuugi, back when you were looking for the Palace of Earth Spirits.
> Yuka perks up.
> "Is that the joke about the fairy and the landslide?" she asks Yuugi.
> Yuugi nods, still grinning.
> "Nice," Yuka says, high-fiving Yuugi, "I like you already."
> "Sod me," says Mokou, "panned I'd heard them all."
> "You mean there are more such...jokes?" asks Kaguya, her voice filled with morbid curiosity.
> "Hey!" says Yuugi, noticing you. "Heard you got a march on the pearlies! I've got a lot of interested folks just itching for a bruising!"
-
>"Unfortunately, a bruising would almost certainly play into the hands of the person behind this. I assume you've seen the article?"
-
>"Unfortunately, a bruising would almost certainly play into the hands of the person behind this. I assume you've seen the article?"
> "Pff, reading's for losers. I jus' heard you're marchin' somewhere. Can't have a march without a bruisin'."
-
>"That hurts, you know. But, really, we're going to demonstrate peacefully that we will not be participating in the tournament, and voice our demand that it be ended. The tournament itself, we've found, is poorly prepared. Among other things, it can't end. There's no real way to win it.."
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>"That hurts, you know. But, really, we're going to demonstrate peacefully that we will not be participating in the tournament, and voice our demand that it be ended. The tournament itself, we've found, is poorly prepared. Among other things, it can't end. There's no real way to win it.."
> Yuugi smacks her fist into her palm.
> "So we just keep fightin' forever! No problem there!"
> She pokes you lightly in the forehead.
> "How can you not want to fight, anyway? Sure you haven't been hit in the head? Anyway, I've brought the gang all the way up here - we're holed up a bit back near the forest - so, what, you want to tell them to turn 'round and go home?"
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>This is something we've been planning for. The oni would always be a stumbling block.
>"Tell me, Yuugi, do you remember the times when everyone was fighting, for seemingly forever? Do you remember when Yuan Dynasty came, and only divine wind saved us? Do you remember the warring states, when lives were as cheap as grass? Do you remember the starvation of that time? The disrupted lives? You need peace in order to fight. Without it, could you truly enjoy the freedom to brawl as you liked in your city, knowing in your heart that if you needed food, or needed drink, you could rely upon us?
>"Even if we were to simply ignore it, and pretend it never was, its shackles would still be in place. Great people would be bound by it, humiliated. You ask how I can not want to fight? It is because I am done. I have fought to my contentment, and see no further need for it. I will not continue because I am ordered. Would you put down your sake to fight simply because someone told you to, regardless of your wishes? What would that make you, then?"
>Shake head. Smile.
>"No. I'm not going to fight. I'm going to resist. I'm going to fluster those that would plunge us into chaos, heedless of our desires. I will deny them what they wish, and take this denial to the their very doorstep and beyond if needs be. I would ask you to join me, Yuugi. Lend me your strength, not in your fists and your skill, but with your heart and your presence. Stand with us. Deny the heavenly authorities that which they desire. Stand firm with me, unclench your fists and cross your arms, and reassert that you fight because you desire it; not because they do. I could think of no more potent of a symbol than that."
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>This is something we've been planning for. The oni would always be a stumbling block.
>"Tell me, Yuugi, do you remember the times when everyone was fighting, for seemingly forever? Do you remember when Yuan Dynasty came, and only divine wind saved us? Do you remember the warring states, when lives were as cheap as grass? Do you remember the starvation of that time? The disrupted lives? You need peace in order to fight. Without it, could you truly enjoy the freedom to brawl as you liked in your city, knowing in your heart that if you needed food, or needed drink, you could rely upon us?
>"Even if we were to simply ignore it, and pretend it never was, its shackles would still be in place. Great people would be bound by it, humiliated. You ask how I can not want to fight? It is because I am done. I have fought to my contentment, and see no further need for it. I will not continue because I am ordered. Would you put down your sake to fight simply because someone told you to, regardless of your wishes? What would that make you, then?"
>Shake head. Smile.
>"No. I'm not going to fight. I'm going to resist. I'm going to fluster those that would plunge us into chaos, heedless of our desires. I will deny them what they wish, and take this denial to the their very doorstep and beyond if needs be. I would ask you to join me, Yuugi. Lend me your strength, not in your fists and your skill, but with your heart and your presence. Stand with us. Deny the heavenly authorities that which they desire. Stand firm with me, unclench your fists and cross your arms, and reassert that you fight because you desire it; not because they do. I could think of no more potent of a symbol than that."
> Even as you call to memory history and facts that you know so well, even as Yuugi's expression drops from enthusiastic mirth to serious contemplation, you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you're forgetting something.
> Your mind, honed by your recent experiences to razor-sharpness, recoils against the
> falsehoods
> in the history of this land that you - and everyone around you - have been conditioned to consider truth.
> But what are you forgetting?
> Oblivious to your unease, Yuugi speaks in a low tone, taking care with every word spoken.
> "Oh, you spin words well. I'm sure you know why we went underground, and now I'm reminded too well meself."
> Yuugi pauses.
> "And I'm reminded of what I promised a while back. I will not listen to yer words, for they are things I can't defend against."
> Yuugi's tone becomes almost solemn, ritualistic.
> "I know you as equal, as you know me. I will know your might, as you will know mine. As the earth trembles, we will know one another."
> Yuka whistles.
> You know that this is a big deal. You have been challenged to a Trial to establish unilateral superiority of one Oni over another regarding a specific point of view - a Trial of Refusal. Victory means the loser must heed the victor's belief from that moment until a third party contests the results of the Trial. It goes without saying that the Trial occurs by combat, but the one challenged gets to set the rules of engagement.
Fightest's note: I am sure you've been noticing a few oddities cropping up here and there that hint to things occurring on a scale larger than that of the tournament. These are hooks for a set-up that would allow Akyu Quest to continue once the Tournament arc is over. My question to you fine readers and participants is then such: are you interested in a continuation of Akyu Quest? The scale and power level will undoubtedly increase, and we might even leave Gensokyo entirely for a different setting (but one that certainly retains Gensokyo's kitchen-sink fantasy flavour). You would still encounter familiar characters and possibly even locations, but their natures would be somewhat altered to fit the setting.
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Fightest's note: I am sure you've been noticing a few oddities cropping up here and there that hint to things occurring on a scale larger than that of the tournament. These are hooks for a set-up that would allow Akyu Quest to continue once the Tournament arc is over. My question to you fine readers and participants is then such: are you interested in a continuation of Akyu Quest? The scale and power level will undoubtedly increase, and we might even leave Gensokyo entirely for a different setting (but one that certainly retains Gensokyo's kitchen-sink fantasy flavour). You would still encounter familiar characters and possibly even locations, but their natures would be somewhat altered to fit the setting.
I'd like that a lot. :3
I might not post a lot, but I certainly lurk quite a bit and a continuation sounds like it'd be cool.
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I'm down~
>Can we determine what these falsehoods are? They would not have been uttered intentionally, probably...
>What do we know of these Trials?
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>Can we determine what these falsehoods are? They would not have been uttered intentionally, probably...
>What do we know of these Trials?
> Your mind darting to and fro, you find the point before which the history you remember feels wrong - too elegant, too well-structured, as if written by an expert storyteller with a refined taste: the point of separation of Gensokyo from the outside world.
> An Oni Trial can only occur between two Oni. An Oni is within right to call a Trial at any time, provided there are no more pressing matters that concern either side. Trials come in different types, each a solution to a different kind of disagreement that may arise between two Oni. While the call-out is done by a single Oni, that Oni can be a representative for a group, challenging a representative of another group. In all cases, Trials are considered by the Oni unimpeachable save for the result of a Trial being overthrown by another Trial. Trials are always physical affairs, but the rules of engagement can vary without, sometimes, even resorting to combat - from single combat, to group-on-group violence, to a straight-up contest of strength - and these rules are always decided by the side being challenged. An Oni attempting deception or trickery in her Trial - if caught - is immediately considered dishonorable, but it seems almost unthinkable for such a case to have ever actually occurred.
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How do you want to do this, Bobert? Kasu? I think, if we meet power with redirection, we can take her in a fight. Or we could be fuckers and challenge her to a calligraphy contest; which is arguable as a physical thing.
I'm thinking the former is better, though. But, if we can get her to admit that deftness of hand is acceptable as a contest, it would not be a trick, and we'd almost certainly have it. as well, it would stay within a spellcard-ish theme of beauty over force, which I would think the Oni would acknowlegde given at least two devas use spellcards.
>Frown. We'll have to consider this falsehood later...
>Look at Yuugi. Speak softly: "I understand. Do you say this because you doubt my sincerity, or because you do not wish it to be true?"
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I agree with the former option being the best. The Oni could become potential allies later on even we can manage to keep things somewhat peaceful right now so it's best not to deceive them or screw them over unless of course you manage to accept our way as an acceptable challenge.
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Can't think of anything else, other than a straight up fight, though it kind of pisses me off people will be gambling on this. At least we should be able to see Yugi in action and maybe learn a thing or two.
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>Frown. We'll have to consider this falsehood later...
>Look at Yuugi. Speak softly: "I understand. Do you say this because you doubt my sincerity, or because you do not wish it to be true?"
> This revelation did come at an inconvenient time.
> "With this, I won't have ta doubt you. No words to twist my mind whichever way, no little prepared speeches that ye might not even believe in yerself. A Trial's a Trial's a Trial - fists speak the truth."
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>"You understand that a trial by combat would play right into the hands of those who have manipulated us thus far, I assume."
>If she agrees to this point, and has any desire to press forward, say, "Let me propose something different, then. Let us put our fists to use creating a different kind of beauty, one more fitting for the situation we are in. I propose to you a trial that is not of strength, but of dexterity, with a mental agility very different than that of fighting. Should you agree, and only if you will feel satisfied with this, I would challenge you to overcome the best calligraphy I can create with your own. Should you not feel this to be proper, then we shall pursue something more traditional. Which would you prefer?"
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>"You understand that a trial by combat would play right into the hands of those who have manipulated us thus far, I assume."
>If she agrees to this point, and has any desire to press forward, say, "Let me propose something different, then. Let us put our fists to use creating a different kind of beauty, one more fitting for the situation we are in. I propose to you a trial that is not of strength, but of dexterity, with a mental agility very different than that of fighting. Should you agree, and only if you will feel satisfied with this, I would challenge you to overcome the best calligraphy I can create with your own. Should you not feel this to be proper, then we shall pursue something more traditional. Which would you prefer?"
> "Yer terms are good. Can't write, but any Oni can carve a rock. Would that be good for ye, and do ye need time to prepare?"
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>"That is fine. And I am ready when you have your materials."
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>"That is fine. And I am ready when you have your materials."
> Yuugi nods.
> "Gimme a moment."
> She strides outside and, moments later, comes back in.
> "Imma be workin' with this."
> She puts down a pebble - a piece of gravel from the path in your garden - on the table. It is about the size of her thumb and is vaguely spherical.
> Rules for the crafting contest!
> The contest will consist of three time periods, each an hour long.
> You have available two currently-empty Impression slots.
> Each time period you may choose to emphasise two of Speed, Quality or Content.
> Content fills in two Impression slots with average-grade work.
> Speed allows you to acquire two more unfilled Impression slots.
> Quality upgrades a filled Impression slot from average-grade to master-grade.
> At the end of the third round, your filled Impression slots will be tallied up.
> Each filled Impression slot has a chance of generating a successful Impression.
> A successful Impression generated from average-grade work counts once.
> A successful Impression generated from master-grade work counts three times.
> Special rule! You can benefit from your Moves or Stances if you can think up a way of how they would aid you.
> "May the strongest prevail," says Yuugi solemnly, and picks up her pebble, concentrating all her attention on it.
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Neat!
Alright. So we're definitely going to want to master things up; average calligraphy is just writing.
Bobert, thoughts on how to apply stances? If nothing else, having a connection to Meiling gives us a very valuable possibility of being able to see how our work affects others before presenting it.
Edit: Could we possibly try to encapsulate kiai in writing, letting the brush strokes and widths emphasize it?
>Could we have an up to date skill list, please?
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> Skills:
Eidetic Memory: 5 - you remember everything you've experienced at least once. Also governs learning and pattern recognition.
Brawling: 5 - You are a warrior paragon, capable of performing Moves and adopting Stances that stretch the limits of mortal capability. You are nigh-invincible against mortal opponents, and many Youkai will think twice before challenging you to combat. Many of your Moves and Stances have improved directly as a result of your new-found prowess. Governs attack power and difficulty, also physical strength and general fitness.
Martial Arts: 5 - Your focus allows you to perform near-superhuman feats of agility, and, even without tapping on your Qi, your resistance to supernatural effects is phenomenal. You have no limit on the amount of actions you may try to perform simultaneously, but the quality of each one will suffer with each additional action. You can understand the purpose of any Move or Stance as it is being used even if you have never seen it before. Governs technique, combination attacks, agility and spell resistance.
Calligraphy: 4 - your calligraphy skills are unmatched among the human population of Gensokyo, and you'd give many Youkai a run for their money. Also governs reading and writing.
> Moves:
Kiai Shout - You are the master of your Qi. The user of this move focuses her Qi by drawing it from key points in her body, and releases it in a mighty shout. Whilst it has no direct offensive use, the advantages that a kiai provides are plentiful.
Nimble Shift - Agile and quick, the user of this move takes advantage of her opponent's surprise to immediately slip behind her foe, bypassing many defenses for a brief moment.
Flying Hieda Tackle - You are the most reliable projectile you've ever used. The user of this move launches herself bodily at the opponent, providing a bonus to attack, as well as quickly closing distance. When used for the first time in a fight, also counts as a surprise attack.
Cross Counter! - In a clash of heroes, there is no time for defense! The user of this move must ready a counterattack action, or be in a stance that enables counterattacks. When hit, this move alleviates some of the damage received in exchange for an attack against the opponent that is unblockable.
Sledgehammer Fist - The force of your strikes is such that air whips around them, and the earth shatters beneath them. This move cannot be dodged.
Tiger Claw - The vast power of your strikes is unstoppable. This move cannot be blocked.
Qi Release - Power is nothing if it is not used against one's foes. The user of this technique explosively releases any accumulated Qi - whether in the body or stored elsewhere - to augment a single attack. The attack becomes unblockable and undodgeable under normal conditions, and gains a great increase to damage.
Heavenly Guardian Defense - As long as you hold love deep within you, your body will remain unbroken. This move automatically and completely blocks any single attack, including such attacks that cannot be blocked. Flaw of Invulnerability: You may not use this move if not fighting in the presence of a target of your Compassion.
Spell-Shattering Palm - The mightiest of spells wither at your touch. The user of this technique focuses all her Qi into a single, perfect strike aiming to disrupt the flow of magic by crushing it with her force of will. This move completely destroys many Spell Cards, but might require multiple precise hits against stronger magics.
> Stances:
Eagle Hides Talons - An opponent is weakest when committing to an attack. The stance's user sinks into a low position, waiting for attacks to her upper body and shoulders, blocking and counterattacking each one. All offensive capability is sacrificed for improved defense and the ability to counterattack. At Complexity 5 the user is able to counterattack any attack made against her regardless of position and direction.
Tiger Rends Prey - No defense is necessary when your opponents lie bleeding at your feet. This stance puts the user into an unbalanced position on the tips of her toes, outstretched arms crossed in front of her. This is a highly aggressive stance that gains speed, damage and accuracy in exchange for defense, control and technique.
Berserker Rage - Hell hath no fury like an Akyu scorned. The user of this stance flies into a berserk frenzy, attacking friend and foe alike until nobody stands but her. This stance severely boosts all physical attributes and ignores fatigue and damage penalties for its duration. Whilst this stance is active the user must attack everything that can be considered to be a threat. The stance only ends when nobody else can be perceived, or the user falls unconscious.
Marble Bulwark - Attacking you is akin to attacking a mountain - pointless and futile. The user of this stance prepares to defend every vulnerable part of her body with both arms and legs. The stance sacrifices attack power and the ability to counterattack due to the concentration required to maintain a strong defense. At Complexity 4 the user no longer receives penalties whilst in this stance.
Marble Carapace - Surrounded on all sides, your defense remains unwavering. Marble Carapace augments the effects of Marble Bulwark when you employ Two Fight As One. During this stance, you take no penalties to defense against multiple opponents, and cannot be caught off-guard in combat. At Complexity 5 your defense cannot be reduced by any effect when in this stance.
Meiling's Tower - Power gathers to those who are strong. The user of this stance is able to fully tap the channels of Qi in her body, and shape them to her will. While offensively and defensively weak, this stance is able to quickly counter attacks with a mystical component, as long as they can be affected by touch, simply by channeling Qi to the correct location in the body. To the outside observer, the user of Meiling's Tower would seem unmoving and unflinching even as attack after attack breaks itself upon her. Once her Qi has been shaped, the user of this stance does not need to remain in it to enjoy its effects, but would have to return to it to alter the flow of her Qi into another fashion.
Two Fight As One - Transcending words and emotions, the two users of this stance share a bond on the instinctual level. When fighting together, their combined co-ordination and strength become greater than the sum of the parts. At Complexity 5 the bond goes so deep that the two combatants share senses, emotions and pain. It goes without saying that there is a mystical component to the use of this stance, and someone without magical aptitude or who is not in touch with their Qi cannot use this stance. The stance can be further enhanced with magic to a level where the two users of this stance do not need to be close to each other to benefit from its effects.
> Miscellaneous:
Snake Coil Parry - Like a snake winding around its victim, always avoiding a direct confrontation, so does the user of this technique avoid blocking powerful attacks head-on, instead using agility and flexibility to redirect their momentum. A Permanent effect that requires no activation, Snake Coil Parry enhances the user's blocking ability, reducing by half any damage incurred from attacks that damage through a block. At Complexity 4 this technique perfectly cancels damage from attacks that have been successfully blocked.
Opening the Mind's Eye - The five senses are limited and imperfect, easily confused and misled. The user of this technique subdues all her other senses in favour of perceiving everything around her through her Qi. A Permanent effect that requires no activation, Opening the Mind's Eye enhances the user's Qi sense, when applicable, to perceive anything around her with a mystical component. Only situational in the real world, this is a perfect sense in Gensokyo, where everything has such a component.
Your Compassion drives you and guides you - You can never be forced to hurt your allies, even if your mind itself is in the clutches of your enemy.
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I was thinking we could face her on her own field, stone carving.
Since our Sledgehammer Fist is described as being able to break the earth in the area of impact, we could use it to carve a large stone/rock/mid-sized boulder.
If anyone has any ideas that might fall in that vein, why don't you toss those into the pot for consideration too?
Perhaps with the support of Two Fight As One?
But then again, this might not work, but it's a potential idea.
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Given it's very much not our field, and calligraphy is, I would recommend against punching rocks.
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>Would two fight as one allow us to use extra hands for more actions?
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GODDAMNIT BOBERT!
>And would we be able to give Meiling any of our skill without affecting our own performance, as far as we know?
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>Would two fight as one allow us to use extra hands for more actions?
> Yes. In Two Fight As One, you get an extra action to emphasise Speed, Quality and Content.
>And would we be able to give Meiling any of our skill without affecting our own performance, as far as we know?
> If this is regarding the extra action from using the stance, then the extra action counts as if it were entirely your own with no penalties.
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>can we use nimble shift to improve speed?
>can we use sledge hammer fist to improve speed?
>can we use Kiai Shout, Tiger Claw, and/or Qi release to improve possible chance of successful impression and/or increase value of the impression?
so far i am thinking content speed content speed quality quality using the two as one to double our actions and these techniques to improve them
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I'm liking the way you think. But I think Kiai might be better as a subject to calligraph than an assistance to such.
>How many of these can we stack on at once?
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>can we use nimble shift to improve speed?
> You tell me. How?
>can we use sledge hammer fist to improve speed?
> You tell me. How?
>can we use Kiai Shout, Tiger Claw, and/or Qi release to improve possible chance of successful impression and/or increase value of the impression?
> You tell me. How?
>How many of these can we stack on at once?
> Each and any Move or Stance can be used once, provided its use is reasonable.
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>our sledgehammer fist means an extremely fast and accurate strike since it is undodgeable. That would translate to quick and precise movements during it.
>Tiger claw is an unblockable strike. This would mean a strong impression from a forcefulness of spirit. Especially when it is combined with Qi Release to amplify the effect and translated to the paper along with the Qi with the precision afforded by the Spell shattering fist.
>Who is present for this? I see a use for infusing the compassion of the Heavenly Guardian defense into our work.
only using a technique once, i am thinking
content speed (extra action from two fight as one; speed boosted by sledgehammer fist) content quality(Combine Heavenly Guardian Defense, Qi Release, Spell shattering fist, and Tiger Claw)
So while in the Heavenly Guardian Defense, Qi Release and Combine the forcefulness of Tiger Claw with the precision of the Spell Shattering Palm to express compassion.
>Is the above mentioned plan feasible?
Edit: Perhaps we can put first impression( the mindsets of Flying Hieda tackle along with berserker rage to express the surprise rage that entered us in the tournament)
Second impression(the mind sets of Eagle hides talons and cross counter for how we appeared weak yet still defeated our foes early on)
Third impression(master piece combo to express the compassion we stared developing strongly and began our path to peace)
Fourth impression(Marble Bulwark and Meilings Tower combo for though is that the very heavens are arrayed against you(Meilings Tower to express mystical) You shall stand firm against the injustice with such resolve that no matter how hard they billow rage, they cannot bend you any more that the wind cannot bend the mountain)
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GODDAMNIT BOBERT!
GODDAMNIT PHONE LINE! Don't break and then have to be repaired by my own horrible soldering skills.
Also, I'm entertaing ideas of honor, by having it a one on one, even though I can't think of any reason not to use Two Fight As One.
Best normal route would be 1. Content, Speed 2. Content, Quality 3. Quality, Quality for a total of 10 possible impression points.
12 if we use Two Fight As One during one of those time periods for another Quality.
Just about anything could be used to improve our writing, it just has to make sense, and you have to be able to explain it.
>Eidetic Memory: Think back to the masterpiece that was ruined at the begining of our journey and gather inspiration and collectedness. We have been given a chance make something even better.
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>our sledgehammer fist means an extremely fast and accurate strike since it is undodgeable. That would translate to quick and precise movements during it.
> Using Sledgehammer Fist during your Calligraphy allows you to immediately acquire an unfilled Impression slot and fill it with average-grade work.
>Tiger claw is an unblockable strike. This would mean a strong impression from a forcefulness of spirit. Especially when it is combined with Qi Release to amplify the effect and translated to the paper along with the Qi with the precision afforded by the Spell shattering fist.
> Using Tiger Claw during your Calligraphy allows you to immediately upgrade an average-grade work to master-grade.
>Who is present for this? I see a use for infusing the compassion of the Heavenly Guardian defense into our work.
only using a technique once, i am thinking
content speed (extra action from two fight as one; speed boosted by sledgehammer fist) content quality(Combine Heavenly Guardian Defense, Qi Release, Spell shattering fist, and Tiger Claw)
So while in the Heavenly Guardian Defense, Qi Release and Combine the forcefulness of Tiger Claw with the precision of the Spell Shattering Palm to express compassion.
>Is the above mentioned plan feasible?
> The combo provided is unnecessarily complex, but the spirit is viable. Using Heavenly Guardian Defense during your Calligraphy allows you to perfectly nullify a master-grade Impression slot belonging to your opponent.
Edit: Perhaps we can put first impression( the mindsets of Flying Hieda tackle along with berserker rage to express the surprise rage that entered us in the tournament)
Second impression(the mind sets of Eagle hides talons and cross counter for how we appeared weak yet still defeated our foes early on)
Third impression(master piece combo to express the compassion we stared developing strongly and began our path to peace)
> The above are too vague to qualify the Moves and Stances utilized, however:
for though is that the very heavens are arrayed against you You shall stand firm against the injustice with such resolve that no matter how hard they billow rage, they cannot bend you any more that the wind cannot bend the mountain
> Is a heck of a description. Stunt Bonus: You automatically fill an unfilled impression slot with average-grade work during the third hour.
>Eidetic Memory: Think back to the masterpiece that was ruined at the begining of our journey and gather inspiration and collectedness. We have been given a chance make something even better.
> Using Eidetic Memory during your Calligraphy automatically improves an average-grade work to master-grade in the first hour.
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I'm thinking heavenly defense is poor sportsmanship.
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>Since Qi is our life and calligraphy dedicated to history is our lives, Qi release would be infusing our life force into this writing. Our passion and duty to prevent the events that occur from becoming distorted into nonsense or naught but dust shall be infused into our work.
>Marble Bulwark is our unshakable spirit, unbent no matter the opposition. Infused into our work, it displays an unconquerable determination.
>Berserker Rage is our untiring spirit. No matter how long the road, our steps shall never falter. Infused into our work it shows that no matter the obstacle, we shall push on.
>Opening the Minds Eye is our truest sight. Seeing through the deception of this tournament, we shall lay bare the travesty that has been forced upon us.
>Spell-Shattering Palm is a very precise move, translating to precise movements.
>Spell-Shattering Palm is our precise mind. With it, we shall shatter the illusion of this tournament that has trapped Gensokyo in its dark grip.
>Kiai Shout is the gathering of Qi into one shout. This shout shall be our piercing voice ensuring that the heavens cannot turn a deaf ear to us.
How about
1. Content(Two fight as one, Heavenly Guardian Defense) Speed (Sledgehammer fist, Tiger Claw) Content()
2. speed content
3 quality quality
Bonus from Eidetic Memory. Not using Stunt bonus, because I don't want to leave an unfilled impression slot after all bonuses are collected.
The above grants 3 average and 4 master slots nullifying one of Yuugi's master slots
this is fifteen maximum
I'm thinking heavenly defense is poor sportsmanship.
I disagree. I see it as an overwhelmingly good impression that causes one of Yuugi's to pale in comparison.
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>Since Qi is our life and calligraphy dedicated to history is our lives, Qi release would be infusing our life force into this writing. Our passion and duty to prevent the events that occur from becoming distorted into nonsense or naught but dust shall be infused into our work.
> Using Qi Release instantly fills all unfilled Impression slots with average-grade work, but removes all bonuses from Two Fight As One for the duration of the Trial.
>Marble Bulwark is our unshakable spirit, unbent no matter the opposition. Infused into our work, it displays an unconquerable determination.
>Berserker Rage is our untiring spirit. No matter how long the road, our steps shall never falter. Infused into our work it shows that no matter the obstacle, we shall push on.
> For the sake of the Parser's sanity, it is not possible to stand in several stances simultaneously. Stances may be switched once per Trial hour.
>Opening the Minds Eye is our truest sight. Seeing through the deception of this tournament, we shall lay bare the travesty that has been forced upon us.
>Spell-Shattering Palm is our precise mind. With it, we shall shatter the illusion of this tournament that has trapped Gensokyo in its dark grip.
>Kiai Shout is the gathering of Qi into one shout. This shout shall be our piercing voice ensuring that the heavens cannot turn a deaf ear to us.
> This is too vague, and, whilst sounding impressive, does not relate to the immediate task of Calligraphy.
I'm thinking heavenly defense is poor sportsmanship.
I disagree. I see it as an overwhelmingly good impression that causes one of Yuugi's to pale in comparison.
> This is a correct interpretation. The use of Heavenly Guardian Defense is not a direct interference in Yuugi's work, but more the prevention of your work being surpassed through an absolute and unshakeable Impression. It is as poor sportsmanship as defending yourself in combat.
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So
Speed(Heavenly Guardian defense, Sledgehammer fist) speed leaving 1 master and 4 unfilled
speed(Qi Release) quality leaving 2 master and 5 average
Quality(Tiger Claw) Quality leaving 5 master and 2 average
Using Eidetic memory
leaving 17 possible
>Spell shattering palm requires precision to perform. Our movement during it is must be precise, which in calligraphy is a requirement for complex characters to be done flawlessly. During it, we should be able to produce higher quality work than normal
>Nimble Shift is the taking advantage of a split-second gap to quickly move to the enemy's rear. During it, our movements require great speed.
>Beserker rage eliminates fatigue and boosts all physical attributes. These include speed and dexterity. This should translate to quick and precise movements.
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>Spell shattering palm requires precision to perform. Our movement during it is must be precise, which in calligraphy is a requirement for complex characters to be done flawlessly. During it, we should be able to produce higher quality work than normal
> Spell-Shattering Palm is, above all else, a monumental release of Qi strong enough to crush magic. Using Spell-Shattering Palm during Calligraphy removes your ability to focus for one round entirely, but instantly creates an unfilled Impression slot and fills it with master-grade work.
>Nimble Shift is the taking advantage of a split-second gap to quickly move to the enemy's rear. During it, our movements require great speed.
> Using Nimble Shift during the first round instantly creates an unfilled Impression slot.
>Beserker rage eliminates fatigue and boosts all physical attributes. These include speed and dexterity. This should translate to quick and precise movements.
> Berserker Rage is, above else, the loss of control to achieve a final purpose. Berserker Rage can only be used on the first round of the Trial. Using Berserker Rage during your Calligraphy removes your ability to focus for the duration of the Trial, and it removes your ability to use Moves and Stances. Instead, these will be used as the Parser deems story-appropriate. While you may lose a degree of certainty of success, the single-minded berserker's trance may lead you to different revelations...
-
So I'm thinking
Speed(Heavenly Guardian defense, Sledgehammer fist) speed(nimble shift) leaving 1 master and 5 unfilled
speed(Qi Release) quality leaving 2 master and 6 average
Quality(Tiger Claw) Quality leaving 5 master and 3 average
Using Eidetic memory
leaving 18 possible
>Snake Coil Parry requires precise movements. As a passive, it should have a passive increase in our precision
>Tiger Rend Prey increases speed
>Flying Hieda Tackle, when used for the first time in a fight, counts as a surprise attack. All our fights are against experienced opponents, which would include those who could read the shifts(such as Meiling) that indicate preparation for a tackle. This means the the Flying Hieda Tackle requires extremely fast movements.
-
Let's see if I understand the nuances correctly: During each hour we can choose two actions. We can only use each ability / move once during the trial.
Stances can only be switched after an hour.
>Can we only utilize one ability / move per action?
>Does Two Fight As One only last one hour?
>Is there a difference between a "round" and an "hour"?
Rage sounds tempting, but anger ruined our masterpeice in the first place. We can try rage-induced trips sometime later.
-
I don't think anger would serve our purpose, given we're pretty much trying to Martin Luther King Jr. this business as a whole.
-
>Snake Coil Parry requires precise movements. As a passive, it should have a passive increase in our precision
> The parser swears that you've been using extremely similar phrasing for no less than five Moves and/or Stances.
>Can we only utilize one ability / move per action?
> No. Your Martial Arts allows you to take a large amount of actions simultaneously, however, you may only adopt one stance at a time.
> You may only, however, use each Move once during the duration of the Trial.
>Does Two Fight As One only last one hour?
> Two Fight As One may be held continuously for the duration of the Trial, and does not count as a Stance.
>Is there a difference between a "round" and an "hour"?
> No. Apologies for ambiguous wording.
-
Since Two Fight as one lasts the whole match
Speed(Heavenly Guardian defense, Sledgehammer fist) speed(nimble shift) leaving 1 master and 5 unfilled
speed(Qi Release) quality leaving 2 master and 6 average
Quality(Tiger Claw) Quality leaving 5 master and 3 average
Using Eidetic memory
leaving 18 possible
Content Speed (Heavenly Guardian Defense, Sledgehammer Fist, nimble shift) 2 filled 3 empty 1 master
Content Quality Quality(Tiger Claw) 1 filled 1 empty 4 master
Quality Quality Speed? 6 master
using Eidetic Memory and stunt bonus
still 18 possible
The top one seems less risky
>When in the third round does the stunt bonus work?
>Marble Bulwark: back when we created this, we were trying to avoid having strong fist impressions made in us. Perhaps this can still be of use.
-
I think having no average slots left be better. We're trying to create high art, it's much better to be masterful in a few things than to have bunch of things and some of them are underwhelming, it drags down the quality of the whole work.
-
>When in the third round does the stunt bonus work?
> This is left to the players' discretion.
>Marble Bulwark: back when we created this, we were trying to avoid having strong fist impressions made in us. Perhaps this can still be of use.
> It can be.
-
>Eagle Hides Talons in writing would be something like, having a penchent for understatement on things that can have a big impression.
This would translate into quick precise mov-
>Cross Counter! might be like introducing a new topic, but tying it back to the original in an unforeseen way. Timing should be important.
>Meiling's Tower seems to have a mystical component to it, something like towering-stylized characters would add to content.
I'll try to make some solid decisions after Thursday.
Also, Two Fight As One still seems unfair, this trial is supposed to be one on one, but I think I'm being too literal.
-
>Eagle Hides Talons in writing would be something like, having a penchent for understatement on things that can have a big impression. This would translate into quick precise mov-
>Cross Counter! might be like introducing a new topic, but tying it back to the original in an unforeseen way. Timing should be important.
> Using Cross Counter! during your Calligraphy prevents you from benefiting from any effect that may give you extra actions beyond the usual two. Instead, if your opponent benefits from such an effect, you receive an equal benefit.
> Using Eagle Hides Talons during your Calligraphy removes all of your actions for a round. Instead, you receive an extra round that takes no real time at the end of the Trial, after all Impression points have been tallied. At the end of this extra round, you receive an extra filled average-grade slot if you have made any filled average-grade slots in this round, and an extra filled master-grade slot if you have made any filled master-grade slots in this round. Any Impression points gained from this extra round are added to your total normally.
>Meiling's Tower seems to have a mystical component to it, something like towering-stylized characters would add to content.
> This is too vague.
-
Content Speed (Heavenly Guardian Defense, nimble shift) 1 filled 3 empty 1 master
Eagle Hides Talons
Content Quality Quality 2 filled 3 master
Quality (Sledgehammer Fist) Quality Quality 1 filled and 7 master
using Eidetic Memory and stunt bonus
22 possible
Speed(Heavenly Guardian defense, Sledgehammer fist) speed(nimble shift) leaving 1 master and 5 unfilled
Eagle Hides Talons
speed(Qi Release) quality leaving 2 master and 6 average
Quality(Tiger Claw) Quality leaving 6 master and 3 average
Using Eidetic memory
21 possible
>Two Fight as One would be entirely powered by one's own Qi, right?
>Opening the Mind's Eye would grant a new perspective on the subjects.
>Flying Hieda Tackle would be a sudden twist in the story M.Night Hieda
-
>Using a different writing style would have a different impression, much like a note written in Times New Roman would have a different affection if the note was hand-written. That's the way I see Meiling's Tower having a subtle effect. Calligraphy not only gives one the chance to write, but to draw using words.
-
>Two Fight as One would be entirely powered by one's own Qi, right?
> Yes.
> For the sake of the Parser's sanity and the pacing, no more Moves or Stances may be applied to the Trial.
> Get on with it :|
-
Content Speed (Heavenly Guardian Defense, nimble shift) 1 filled 3 empty 1 master
Eagle Hides Talons
Content Quality Quality 2 filled 3 master
Quality (Sledgehammer Fist) Quality Quality 1 filled and 7 master
using Eidetic Memory and stunt bonus
22 possible
This is the plan I'm thinking of going with. Any objections?
-
Seems good.
-
>Will we be able to watch Yugi as well? Or will be absorbed in our work?
Regardless:
>Focus on getting some content out first, then remember our past writings with Eidetic Memory.
-
Fightest's note: I will be out on holiday for the next week and a bit. I will try to update, but no promises.
-
Fightest's note: I'm baaaaa-aaaack.
> The first hour starts, and you dive into your work. Your practiced hand lays down a rough outline of the story you try to tell, and, almost subconsciously, you immediately call to surface from the vast depths of your memory turns and passages that, centuries ago, had humbled emperors and brought tears to the eyes of hardened soldiers.
> Yuugi sits, sweat pouring off her creased brow as though she were carrying the Youkai Mountain itself on her back. The pebble on the table in front of her, featureless and dull to anyone else, tells her stories of ancient times, when men were gods, and the world was far, far greater than it is now. While memory may weaken and falter, the earth does not forget.
> You do not notice the passing of the second hour, your work defining your very being. The subtleties and undertones in your tale grow deeper and deeper, utterly obfuscated by the central theme. You will certainly need a trigger to allow them to surface.
> Yuugi remains motionless, her entire body tense with strain. Tales and legends flow into her from the pebble, intertwining, rising, falling, forming a microcosm of an entire world, a world lost to decay, slow and terrible.
> As the third hour draws to a close, you review your work. The core theme of your work resounds strongly, powerful brush strokes accentuating an implacable rhythm, while elegant serif hints at the fragile undercurrent of memory and emotion.
> After nearly three hours of inaction, Yuugi carefully picks up the pebble and, forming a fist around it, starts to squeeze.
> A short crack comes from Yuugi's closed fist. She gently opens up her hand, palm upwards.
> Where the pebble was is now something else entirely: balancing on a delicate stalk of stone, like an opened flower, sits a flat, four-cornered land, a tall mountain at its centre flattening out into a circular continent. More land extends away to three corners, separated from the central island by a yawning gulf that surrounds the central island and continues to the remaining corner. Looking closer, one can see rivers and forests and, perhaps, with a little imagination, one can even start to make out empires and cities.
> You know with no uncertainty that the nature of Yuugi's creation is your trigger. The subtexts and meandering threads of your writing, written and adorned with an almost random thoughtlessness, now suddenly become clear. Where once you spoke of the fragility of memory now runs the deep river of bitterness at a glory lost and an unwinnable struggle. Where once you spoke of the ephemereality of emotion now stands a monument to supreme virtue, and the inevitable ruin that comes to heroes and kings.
> Resultant dice pool:
> Akyu: 7d10 (3 success) + 1d10 (1 success)
> Yuugi: 24d10 (1 success) + 1d10 (3 success)
> Note: Dice that come up 7 or higher are successful.
> Note: Dice that come up 10 receive one extra success.
> Note: Victory is determined best 2 out of 3.
> Rolling:
> Round 1:
> Akyu: 1 3 4 5 5 8 10 + 2 = 7 successes
> Yuugi: 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 + 3 = 8 successes.
> Round 2:
> Akyu: 6 7 7 8 8 8 10 + 3 = 19 successes
> Yuugi: 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 10 10 10 10 10 + 10 = 20 successes. Heavenly Guardian Defense reduces to 16 successes.
> Round 3: 3 6 7 9 9 10 10 + 6 = 17 successes
> Yuugi: 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 10 10 + 1 = 13 successes
> Yuugi bows her head to you with a solemnity entirely uncharacteristic to her.
> "Between two Oni, I know ye, and ye know me. Yer arm is stronger and yer horn is sharper. I bow down afore ye, and yer thought is mine."
Fightest's note: What's up with the baby-blue colour theme? Can I make it look how it used to?
-
>Bow.
>"I could not have asked for a more difficult competitor. Thank you. May I count on your assistance, then?"
-
>Bow.
>"I could not have asked for a more difficult competitor. Thank you. May I count on your assistance, then?"
> Yuugi nods.
> "The gang'll do what ye want."
-
>Offer her the art we made.
>"And please accept this."
-
>Offer her the art we made.
>"And please accept this."
> "So I can see yer victory o'er me in plain sight every day from now on, humblin' me pride? Ah, but ye've got a cruel streak in ye."
> Yuugi carefully rolls up your scroll, making sure that the ink has fully dried, and puts it into her backpack.
-
>"Because I can think of no one more rightfully deserving of it. No one else can appreciate it as much as you. It would be a crime to leave it in anyone else's possession."
-
>"Because I can think of no one more rightfully deserving of it. No one else can appreciate it as much as you. It would be a crime to leave it in anyone else's possession."
> Yuugi gives you a wry smile.
> "Again with the words. Ye be careful with that tongue o' yers, never know who yer goin' to convince o' somethin' they shouldn't be believin'."
> Parser's note: Speak up when you feel you're done on a scene, so we may expedite.
-
>"You do me too much honor."
>Is Yuka still around?
Pretty much done. But it would be best to properly treat Yuka and Yuugi before we move on.
-
>"You do me too much honor."
>Is Yuka still around?
Pretty much done. But it would be best to properly treat Yuka and Yuugi before we move on.
> Yuugi gives you a wave and a nod as she heads out, past the Eientei congregation.
> "We'll meet you at the top. Reckon we can climb faster than you folk can fly," she says as she leaves.
> Yuka appears to have left during the Trial. You spot her lounging outside, much like she was when you first found her here.
-
>Bow to Yuugi before she leaves. "Alright, Yuugi. I hope that you won't encounter any difficulties along the way."
>Once she's sorted, approach Yuka. "I'm sorry about that, things have been like that the last few days..."
-
>Once she's sorted, approach Yuka. "I'm sorry about that, things have been like that the last few days..."
> "Eh, don't worry yourself, scrub. Things were just a bit too serious-business in there for me, was afraid I'd spoil the atmosphere. Nice going, by the way. Don't think I've ever seen an Oni treat a human - of all things - equally."
-
>"Perhaps I should try to kidnap her later on, and see if I can keep things further off balance."
>Chuckle.
>Do we know if there's any real contact between Yuka and Yukari?
-
>"Perhaps I should try to kidnap her later on, and see if I can keep things further off balance."
>Chuckle.
>Do we know if there's any real contact between Yuka and Yukari?
> Yuka chuckles back.
> No reason to suspect any links whatsoever. Yukari's existence is entirely hypothetical to you.
-
>What time of day is it, now?
>If it still seems like there is time to travel, say "Unfortunately, I may have to be off again soon. There's still a few more people that I need to find and convince to join with us."
>If it's too close to night time, "It doesn't seem like I'll get much more done today, would you like to stay the evening?"
-
>What time of day is it, now?
>If it still seems like there is time to travel, say "Unfortunately, I may have to be off again soon. There's still a few more people that I need to find and convince to join with us."
>If it's too close to night time, "It doesn't seem like I'll get much more done today, would you like to stay the evening?"
> If it pleases the players, traveling can be cut out and any further recruitment conversations be mashed together into a montage.
-
I've no problems with a montage, but I imagine peoples like Remilia, Reimu, and Yukari are going to take special convincings.
-
I've no problems with a montage, but I imagine peoples like Remilia, Reimu, and Yukari are going to take special convincings.
I'll state the following now:
> To streamline matters, the parser declares that Yukari will be unavailable for conversation before the march on Heaven.
-
>Well, montage away, Future targets involve following that compass, speaking with people at SDM, and trying to recruit Reimu and people from the village who are willing.
-
>Well, montage away, Future targets involve following that compass, speaking with people at SDM, and trying to recruit Reimu and people from the village who are willing.
> Once again you find yourself across the width of a luxuriously-bedecked dining from Remilia Scarlet, who is carefully studying you with one eye over the edge of a filigreed teacup.
> She puts down the teacup without having taken a single sip.
> "Is it just my presence that you request? I ask because that, by itself, is impossible: I would have to bring my maid with me, and, as such, there would be no-one to watch over poor, lonely Flandre."
> You hear an excited "I'd get the whole house to myself?" from behind the closed doors to the dining room.
-
>Whose voice are we hearing?
-
>Whose voice are we hearing?
> Sounds like Flandre.
-
>"It sounds as though Flandre is doing better now. But no, not just your presence, but the presence of as many as you can bring. But, I can understand how there would be difficulties with such..."
-
>"This is a good chance to spread the knowledge of the Scarlet power and influence, rather than just weathering the storm in isolation. Surely, you too disagree with this tournament charade, seeing as it has even affected your realm."
-
>"It sounds as though Flandre is doing better now. But no, not just your presence, but the presence of as many as you can bring. But, I can understand how there would be difficulties with such..."
>"This is a good chance to spread the knowledge of the Scarlet power and influence, rather than just weathering the storm in isolation. Surely, you too disagree with this tournament charade, seeing as it has even affected your realm."
> Remilia wonders for a while, idly tracing the rim of her cup with her index finger.
> "I have decided. I will send my head maid with you. Do you hear that, Sakuya dear?"
> "Yes, mistress." The voice comes from just behind you.
> You did not sense her approach.
> Remilia nods at you, smiling.
> "That should do just fine, do you not think, Madam Hieda?"
-
I think we should push for a bit more. Youse guys?
-
I think we should push for a bit more. Youse guys?
Sounds good. It might be for the best if we don't push it too far though.
-
>Meiling?
-
>Meiling?
> Meiling was at her guard post. She waved and smiled at you when you walked past.
-
>"That would be good, yes. But, are you truly prepared to simply stay here, when you are more of a victim to these events than many? I would imagine that you have complaints that you wish to voice personally."
-
>"That would be good, yes. But, are you truly prepared to simply stay here, when you are more of a victim to these events than many? I would imagine that you have complaints that you wish to voice personally."
> "Sakuya is given the authority to speak on my behalf. Or are you that adamant I leave poor Flandre alone for the rest of the day?"
> Parser's note: The Parser did think there was something off about Flandre. Vacation is to be blamed.
> "That would
be
so
awesome!"
> you think you hear coming from behind the door again.
-
>There we go.
>Do we know who else is in the house?
-
>There we go.
>Do we know who else is in the house?
> You know that the Scarlet Mansion always has a large staff of maids, and you have heard of a reclusive mage who, for lack of a better word, lairs in the Mansion's library. You have never met her personally.
-
>"Let us say that you and your maid left, wouldn't it be possible to put someone else in charge? I recall stories of a magician you have retained, perhaps she would do?"
-
>"Let us say that you and your maid left, wouldn't it be possible to put someone else in charge? I recall stories of a magician you have retained, perhaps she would do?"
> Remilia narrows her eyes in thought.
> "It would not be out of the question. Lady Patchouli is in dire need of some distraction, after all."
> Remilia nods at you.
> "I shall make the arrangements and will join up with you later. Where shall we meet?"
-
>"The village would be fine, I think. We're mostly gathering there. If that is inconvenient, near the base of the mountain would be fine as well."
-
Do you think we'll be able to get Remillia to let Meiling tag along as well? Not only is she an able fighter, but we could do Two Fight As One with the real McCoy.
-
It's next on the list.
-
>"The village would be fine, I think. We're mostly gathering there. If that is inconvenient, near the base of the mountain would be fine as well."
Do you think we'll be able to get Remillia to let Meiling tag along as well? Not only is she an able fighter, but we could do Two Fight As One with the real McCoy.
It's next on the list.
> Initiating one-step-ahead algorithms.
> Remilia nods again.
> "I am certain you'll be pleased to hear that I've decided to bring along my gatekeeper as well. It's quite a congregation of troublemakers you've assembled, and goodness forbid they try to heckle me."
-
> Initiating one-step-ahead algorithms.
Huzzah Fightest!
>"Thank you Madam Scarlet, your influence will be a boon."
>"And Miss Scarlet, with so much freedom you must remember to be prudent. Good behavior will serve you well."
Is this scene satisfactorily tied up guys?
-
Is this scene satisfactorily tied up guys?
> Plot Expedition Protocols say Yes.
> Cut to the stillness of the Hakurei Shrine, the silence only interrupted by the rhythmic scratching of broom on stone.
> The Hakurei Shrine Maiden is in her usual garb, meticulously-arranged and spotless, carefully sweeping the courtyard, untiring and implacable.
> She speaks to you without a greeting and without looking in your direction.
> "The next time you come to this Shrine it will be as my opponent in battle. That I can foresee this is a sad reminder of what this land has come to."
-
>Let's not take that bait, it's too easy to reverse.
>"Be that as it may, have you seen the paper today?"
-
>Let's not take that bait, it's too easy to reverse.
>"Be that as it may, have you seen the paper today?"
> "The crow's ramblings interest me little. Be mindful that I do not need a weathervane to see which way the wind blows, and your particular crusade, whilst well-meant and influential to the point that you are starting to remind me of, well, myself, is meaningless against the reality of our situation."
> The Shrine Maiden turns to face you, her eyes cold and distant.
> "And I do not mean this farce of a tournament, either. The one at the top might have some grand designs for you - and it is evident by now that you have the spark - but what has been wrought cannot be undone. You will learn when you get there - I was never much of a storyteller."
-
>"You pay me some very high compliments, and I thank you. And, you say what we are doing is meaningless? Am I correct in inferring you've already tried to handle it on your own?"
-
>"What do you know about the one at the top? What other realities of the situation do you know?"
-
>"You pay me some very high compliments, and I thank you. And, you say what we are doing is meaningless? Am I correct in inferring you've already tried to handle it on your own?"
> "There is nothing to handle, Hieda. There is simply not enough power left in this world to bring about any meaningful change. Oh, your enterprise to end the tournament itself might succeed. We might even have a few peaceful months before the next crisis. You have to understand, however, Hieda, that this world is already dead. It is a lifeless husk, being held together by a few desperate individuals who simply cannot let go."
>"What do you know about the one at the top? What other realities of the situation do you know?"
> "It would be better if you were told directly by them, but I will indulge some of your curiosity. It is, after all, a travesty that you, the land's lorekeeper, should operate under this pathetic lie of well-being. Come."
> She leads you inside the shrine's main building.
> "No doubt you are aware of the rumours of a world outside this land, a Barrier standing between us to prevent strays from moving across? And that, sometimes, things and people come across, anyway?" she says, her expression mocking.
> The Shrine Maiden's eyes narrow, and a deep hatred contorts her features and anger tinges her voice as she points to the central shrine, a pedestal with various accessories and paraphernalia standing underneath a torii gate.
> "It is a lie. There is nothing beyond that gate. A wondrous world, a great society? That is what this land was - millions of times bigger, millions of times richer. And it was all lost, squandered to foolishness and arrogance. Do you want to know the real reason the Barrier exists? To keep this land from eroding even more. And the "strays" that come through? They contributed to the erosion in the first place. Do you know what the gods and spirits of the land did about this? Nothing. They sat on their domains, playing their petty power struggles while the world around them fell apart at the seams."
> The Shrine Maiden stops to catch her breath, her shoulders heaving up and down, tears of anger and frustration running down her face.
> "We were glorious once."
-
"And how are we not glorious now?"
-
"And how are we not glorious now?"
> Parser will assume that is an input.
> The Shrine Maiden composes herself, her expression once again cold.
> "I could cross this land - on foot, end to end - in, perhaps, three days. Before, a woman could spend a lifetime traveling and not see all that the world would have to offer."
-
>"So, it is a matter of size?"
-
>"So, it is a matter of size?"
> The Shrine Maiden narrows her eyes.
> "You are in a poor position to mock me, Hieda."
> She turns away and starts to walk back to the centre courtyard.
> "You know where the exit is."
> She resumes her sweeping.
-
>"No. I am trying to understand what you mean. I cannot see any way that we are less glorious in any way that matters."
-
>"No. I am trying to understand what you mean. I cannot see any way that we are less glorious in any way that matters."
> The shrine maiden gives you a brief look.
> "You will remember soon enough."
-
>"I expect I shall see. But it does not address the issue now. Whether or not glory lost means little to the situation now, which I cannot imagine you would find tolerable."
-
>"I expect I shall see. But it does not address the issue now. Whether or not glory lost means little to the situation now, which I cannot imagine you would find tolerable."
> "It will end, and it will end soon. You do not need my presence to do what needs to be done. At least, what needs to be done in Heaven."
-
>"But will it end the proper way without you? I do not feel it would be the case."
-
>"But will it end the proper way without you? I do not feel it would be the case."
> "Astute. But I can play my part in this performance without stepping foot off this shrine."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"You spoke before of the petty power struggles the denizens of Gensokyo were involved in, this is a chance to help end one. One that has indirectly targeted you by giving reason to youkai to attack you without reason. Do you not bear grievances that you wish to resolve personally? If not, do you not have a sense of duty to help resolve such an incident?"
-
>"You spoke before of the petty power struggles the denizens of Gensokyo were involved in, this is a chance to help end one. One that has indirectly targeted you by giving reason to youkai to attack you without reason. Do you not bear grievances that you wish to resolve personally? If not, do you not have a sense of duty to help resolve such an incident?"
> "You quite clearly misunderstand my motivations, so I shall answer clearly and concisely: no and no. I have no desire to involve myself more than what I am already forced to be. If someone challenges me, then I shall do as I always do."
>"Oh?"
> "Knock on the gates of Heaven, Hieda. If matters are not clear for you then, then I have little reason to indulge your persistence."
-
Bob, do we accuse her of giving up?
-
Well, Reimu is taking a back seat, just letting the misfortune come to pass; so in a way, she is giving up.
Though it would not behoove us if all we are doing is blaming her. We may need to sincerely ask for her help too.
-
>"I need you there as I knock on the gates of heaven. I need everyone there. They need to see that arranged against them. If you know why this won't make a difference, then you need to tell me. Not this stuff about lost glory, I don't care about it, I care about what is happening right now, and what will happen."
-
>"I need you there as I knock on the gates of heaven. I need everyone there. They need to see that arranged against them. If you know why this won't make a difference, then you need to tell me. Not this stuff about lost glory, I don't care about it, I care about what is happening right now, and what will happen."
> The Shrine Maiden hangs her head.
> "I cannot, Hieda. I cannot join you, and I cannot even give you the explanation you deserve, for you can receive no aid from me if this plan is to succeed. I have grabbed onto a thin thread of hope like a pathetic fool, and now I am bound by it. I beg you not to force me to break my bonds, Hieda - it has been a long time since I've allowed myself to hope.
-
>Frown.
>"If I were to venture a guess as to what happened, I suppose it would not be possible for you to confirm or deny it?"
-
>Frown.
>"If I were to venture a guess as to what happened, I suppose it would not be possible for you to confirm or deny it?"
> The Shrine Maiden gives you a level gaze.
-
>"I thought not. Then, perhaps you could lend some aspect of your presence in another way?"
>What do we know of the Yin-Yang orb?
-
>"I thought not. Then, perhaps you could lend some aspect of your presence in another way?"
>What do we know of the Yin-Yang orb?
> "Oh?"
> It is a decorative trinket that has always impressed visitors to the shrine, where the orb is on plain view above the offering box, with its craftsmanship and carving. Rumours about its granting immense power to the Shrine Maiden are unfounded.
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>"Allow me to borrow your orb. If you cannot be with us in the flesh, then at least you can be with us symbolically."
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>"Allow me to borrow your orb. If you cannot be with us in the flesh, then at least you can be with us symbolically."
> "Fine. I am aware of what the right symbol at the right time can achieve."
> She carefully works the orb out of its setting and hands it to you.
> "Not a scratch on it, Hieda. Craftsmanship of this caliber does not exist any more."
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>Examine it. What does it seem to be made of? How large is it?
>Ponder some ways to transport it safely that we have access to.
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>"
But aren't you always kicking it around? Understood. And thank you."
>Wrap it up in our - wait what are we wearing again?
>How heavy and big it it?
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>"But aren't you always kicking it around? Understood. And thank you."
>Wrap it up in our - wait what are we wearing again?
>How heavy and big it it?
>Examine it. What does it seem to be made of? How large is it?
>Ponder some ways to transport it safely that we have access to.
> The Shrine Maiden gives you a brief nod.
> The orb is about the size of your head. It appears to have been cut from one piece of stone, yet the black-and-white pattern is perfect, unbroken and unmarred, as if the stone itself grew to be shaped into this ornament. You cannot see any seams or cracks in the orb. Its surface is so smooth that it feels as though it is covered in oil, and you find yourself having to be unusually careful that it does not slip from your hands.
> You are retroactively wearing a fresh kimono, one of your better ones, a fine piece made from black and orange silks. You can wrangle some of the wrappings out of your kimono to make a makeshift sack in which you can carry the orb whilst still remaining proper and fashionable.
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>You can wrangle some of the wrappings out of your kimono to make a makeshift sack in which you can carry the orb whilst still remaining proper and fashionable.
>Do so. Stylish!
>"If it comes to it, would you trust Kirisame, or anyone else to watch over the Orb?"
>"We will meet again. Thank you Reimu."
Expedite?
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>Show her the note and compass. "Does this suggest anything to you? I received it earlier today."
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>Do so. Stylish!
>"If it comes to it, would you trust Kirisame, or anyone else to watch over the Orb?"
>"We will meet again. Thank you Reimu."
Expedite?
> "Marisa? Yes. Nobody else, though."
>Show her the note and compass. "Does this suggest anything to you? I received it earlier today."
> The Shrine Maiden gives a brief look at the compass and where it is pointing and makes a wry smile.
> "No reason not to take it at face value."
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>"And what value do you feel it wears on it's face?"
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>"And what value do you feel it wears on it's face?"
> The Shrine Maiden bares her teeth.
> "Do not mistake allies for friends, Hieda, I have given you what is sufficient. Do not presume to take more."