Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on October 09, 2010, 03:37:00 AM
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>You are Iku Nagae, Gensokyo's premier messenger and dancer, and the sky has fallen!
>You do not know how, or why, but Bhava-Arga has fallen from the sky and now hovers scant yards over the surface of Gensokyo. This has caused numerous problems. On top of this, Tenshi has run off after stealing the Sword of Hisou. This has made her a primary suspect in the eyes of many. Yourself included.
>You are an oarfish youkai in service to the Dragon Palace. As a resident of Bhava-Agra, you bear a status similar to that of a Celestial, and are considered a minor functionary in the Celestial Bureaucracy that makes certain the known universe runs as it should, with all the rights privileges, and duties that come with this position. You are in the service of The Dragon, who reigns quietly as the highest god of this realm, and is among the highest beings in the universe. It regards you well, and you think of it as a guardian.
>While your duties and position suggest your place is in Bhava-Agra, you have a tendency to roam to other places. You somewhat blame this on Tenshi Hinanai, whom you have unfortunately been charged with keeping out of significant trouble, and her tendency to visit Gensokyo whenever possible. You are well-know for your love of dance, and excellence in performing it; oftentimes you've been asked to star in performances given at the Dragon Palace. Others have styled you the Dance Empress, particularly those who would try to claim that title for themselves. You are, as far as you know, well regarded by everyone you know and are welcome practically anywhere in Gensokyo, save perhaps for Higan. The only real black spot in your days is periodically having to deal with Tenshi's chicanery.
>You have been tasked by The Dragon in dealing with this incident. You have taken some stock of the damage surrounding the fall. You have found that Bhava-Agra's food supply has been badly affected by these events. You have been tasked with delivering messages for Patchouli.
>You are currently facing off with Sanae, who seems to want to Incident Solve you right in the face.
>"And what would the intended consequences be? I'm not entirely sure why someone would want this to happen in the first place - or how it would happen accidentally, from what I did see. Still..."
>Though Remilia seems to be enjoying it, and with what Tenshi said...
>"I don't suppose there's anything I could do to prove my intentions to you without having to fight?"
>Certainly some people have benefited, directly or indirectly.
>"I don't know, is there?" she asks.
>"It's unfortunate, but I have no proof other than my word on this."
>Be ready to dodge anything Sanae might decide to throw at us. Danmaku is now an inevitability at this point.
>"I do have one thing I know for certain."
"Oh? And what is that?"
>"You have nothing to do with this Incident."
>"Well it's not like you're going to just say 'I did it' if you really are behind it," Sanae says.
>She hasn't fired yet, but you do not like way she is eying you.
>"Wrf is this shit mastake?"
>_
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> "I don't suppose pointing out all the things that have gone wrong for us while being unable to produce anything that has gone right for us will be enough?"
> "There's not really a whole lot else I can do, as why we fell is as much a mystery to me as anyone else."
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>"Perhaps there's a way I could help figure out what's going on, as that would be good for both of us?"
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Okay guys, here's the deal.
We run - She attacks
We attack - obv. she attacks
We continue talking about nothing - She gets bored and attacks
We prove to her with evidence that we're not that cause of the incident - She doesn't attack
We go to find said evidence - She presumes option one, she attacks.
I'm not saying it's impossible to talk Sanae out of a danmaku fight. I'm just saying it's very, very, very, very unlikely we will. I also believe that we should try to win the fight, because if we lose, the only thing we'll get is a free pass the next time Sanae confronts us. If we win however, we can interogate her for anything she knows.
Now on why we should interogate her - She has been going around beating people up for a while now. That means she's asked a lot of people what they know about what happened. All of that information she collected can be passed onto us if we win. We get jack however if we lose. The worse thing we can get from winning is exactly the same as what we get from losing (No new information, and Sanae doesn't bother us again).
now, having presented my argument, I expect you all to come up with a counter argument for why we should forfeit a danmaku game, and how we can try to talk Sanae out of it in the first place.
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> "I don't suppose pointing out all the things that have gone wrong for us while being unable to produce anything that has gone right for us will be enough?"
> "There's not really a whole lot else I can do, as why we fell is as much a mystery to me as anyone else."
>"Who's us?" Sanae asks. "This is a conspiracy, isn't it!"
>"Perhaps there's a way I could help figure out what's going on, as that would be good for both of us?"
>"I don't know, is there?" asks Sanae. "You sure do like trying to get me to come up with reasons why you're not involved, don't you?"
>_
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We continue talking about nothing - She gets bored and attacks
Disagree.
how we can try to talk Sanae out of it in the first place.
'Swhat we're doing right now. :V
> "'Us' would be the citizens of Bhava-Agra, many of which I have already made mention."
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> "'Us' would be the citizens of Bhava-Agra, many of which I have already made mention."
>"Okay, so if you didn't do it, and things got so bad for your people, what are you doing our in the middle of nowhere meeting with Tenshi?" Sanae asks. "That's just too suspicious!"
>_
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Why to forfeit? To convince her that we're not involved, rather than a stoic or uninformed minion of the incident's instigator, which would get us nothing and may make her tempted to rough us up again if she encounters us in a suspicious location again. (I don't think she'd omit a re-beating if necessary.)
Why try to talk first? Because she might be willing to share some of that information without having to come to blows before she decides whether to attack or not, making that much of the win or loss irrelevant before having to fight or do anything else, rather than as a victory reward.
How to talk her out of it? Provide evidence she can accept, give her something important to show our good faith (i.e. bribe), or offer her something that would help her and go contrary to our interests if we WERE involved in the incident, to show that we aren't. These categories can overlap.
Suggest:
"Honestly, I'm not certain what would convince you. I have some idea where Tenshi is, and I wish to speak with her about this as there have been some... compromising coincidences between her actions and the timing of the Heavens falling. I'm not certain I would be a significant threat if I handed over my spellcards without a fight - I am more interested in figuring out what's going on than getting into fights, and doing so would be a sign of good faith, right? Or perhaps I can help you with some other part of how you're investigating this, though I'm not entirely certain of the details?"
FAKE EDIT AFTER PURVISPOST:
>"Not meeting with - finding. I had to ask Patchouli to help track her down."
Suggest:
"I doubt that Tenshi could do this herself, even with the Sword of Hisou, but the circumstances surrounding when Bhava-Agra suggest that she needs to be spoken with. I would prefer to do so personally to give some semblance of benefit of the doubt, for now, but if you would like to be there as well or go instead, I'm listening."
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>"Not meeting with - finding. I had to ask Patchouli to help track her down."
>"It's still suspicious!" Sanae says.
>_
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Since we're suggesting:
"Alright then, Miss Shrine Maiden. So you suspect me, do you? Then very well. Tell me why I did this. Tell me what reason I would have, endangering our lands, endangering our people, endangering the people of Gensokyo, whom none of us have any reason to attack in the first place, for bringing the islands down to where they are now? Can you think of any sort of ends to those means, anything at all for why I or my people would put so many lives in danger for."
If we're going to talk her out of this, we can't just tell her we're not involved. We have to make her understand we can't be. This is the best way I can think of to get her to think about how wrong she is. She already comes pre-defensive, so pleading her to forgive our position with wordy explanations won't help us any more than any of my posts so far have help against you two.
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Since we're suggesting:
"Alright then, Miss Shrine Maiden. So you suspect me, do you? Then very well. Tell me why I did this. Tell me what reason I would have, endangering our lands, endangering our people, endangering the people of Gensokyo, whom none of us have any reason to attack in the first place, for bringing the islands down to where they are now? Can you think of any sort of ends to those means, anything at all for why I or my people would put so many lives in danger for."
I think she already expressed that she doesn't know or care why we might have done it, just that something's up and we're acting suspicious and that's reason enough to have us unconscious rather than scheming. The usual Incident Solver MO, as Reimu already displayed.
If we're going to talk her out of this, we can't just tell her we're not involved. We have to make her understand we can't be. This is the best way I can think of to get her to think about how wrong she is. She already comes pre-defensive, so pleading her to forgive our position with wordy explanations won't help us any more than any of my posts so far have help against you two.
Which is why I'm saying to offer to do something 'for' her to put weight behind our claims. What would be enough? I don't know.
The goal isn't to show her that she's wrong by repeating ourselves with absolute conviction, it's to get us both on the same side about how to go about doing this rather than fighting to accomplish nothing.
Suggest:
"True. But it does mean that Patchouli can vouch for having to burn Tenshi's dress to find out where she is."
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How about this?
"I agree that Tenshi's disappearance is suspicious. She fled from me as the islands started to fall and she has stolen the Sword of Hisou from its rightful home. I'd like to believe she didn't cause this, but it's important that she be found and spoken with. The Dragon itself has charged me with finding her as my highest priority."
"Consider what would be gained by you attacking me, now. If you incapacitate me and I am innocent, then Tenshi escapes, and we both lose a valuable source of information about what really happened. If you incapacitate me and I am guilty, then nothing changes. The islands remain where they are and Tenshi still escapes."
"Celestials value honesty enormously. I swear that I am not lying to you, and ask that you extend me a little faith, at least for the moment. I do not know how or why the islands fell, or how to reverse it. But I wish no harm to Gensokyo. The last time there was an incident involving the heavens, I took it upon myself to travel around Gensokyo warning people of its coming."
"If you truly wish to resolve this incident, please accompany me. I swear that my intentions are just."
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Which is why I'm saying to offer to do something 'for' her to put weight behind our claims. What would be enough? I don't know.
The goal isn't to show her that she's wrong by repeating ourselves with absolute conviction, it's to get us both on the same side
So basically, our goal is to swindle her into not attacking us. That's not suspicious at all, and will never go wrong.
rather than fighting to accomplish nothing.
I've already detailed why and how fighting accomplishes things.
Suggest:
"True. But it does mean that Patchouli can vouch for having to burn Tenshi's dress to find out where she is."
This is just going to end with us sending Sanae off to Patchouli with the same results as when we sent off Reimu. We won't learn anything, and Sanae will probably find a reason to bug us again when we run into her later. I'm certain Patchouli wouldn't want to be fighting our battles for us, either.
Edit: I can't find a reason why Drake's suggestion wouldn't work or be desirable. I'm okay if we go with that. It's the only dialog suggested so far that actually puts Sanae into a bit of a spot.
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So basically, our goal is to swindle her into not attacking us. That's not suspicious at all, and will never go wrong.
It's suspicious, but it'll go even more right than beating her up if we can pull it off. As for swindling? To an extent, semantics. (http://www.qwantz.com/index.php?comic=1659) It's a bit of a sneaky method, but it does get us both what we want, and does more good than one of us passing out and the other getting worn out by the fight.
I've already detailed why and how fighting accomplishes things.
But does it accomplish as much as teaming up?
This is just going to end with us sending Sanae off to Patchouli with the same results as when we sent off Reimu. We won't learn anything, and Sanae will probably find a reason to bug us again when we run into her later. I'm certain Patchouli wouldn't want to be fighting our battles for us, either.
And I was fine with that solution and sort of regret not letting Reimu speak with us afterwards for transparency and to cash in on getting information from that request if she was satisfied.
Edit: I can't find a reason why Drake's suggestion wouldn't work or be desirable. I'm okay if we go with that. It's the only dialog suggested so far that actually puts Sanae into a bit of a spot.
Well, apart from assuming that Tenshi escapes in either case... :V
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So basically, our goal is to swindle her into not attacking us. That's not suspicious at all, and will never go wrong.
It's suspicious, but it'll go even more right than beating her up if we can pull it off. As for swindling? To an extent, semantics. (http://www.qwantz.com/index.php?comic=1659) It's a bit of a sneaky method, but it does get us both what we want, and does more good than one of us passing out and the other getting worn out by the fight.
Honestly, I don't see it as swindling at all. In fact, it's almost directly honest, if Sanae will believe it. She wants to solve the incident. We want to solve the incident. She wants no one here to come to harm. We want no one here to come to harm. In fact, we're already on the same side; Sanae just isn't convinced that we are.
In any event, it doesn't seem there are serious objections to what I said earlier, so:
>"I agree that Tenshi's disappearance is suspicious. She fled from me as the islands started to fall and she has stolen the Sword of Hisou from its rightful home. I'd like to believe she didn't cause this, but it's important that she be found and spoken with. The Dragon itself has charged me with finding her as my highest priority."
>"Consider what would be gained by you attacking me, now. If you incapacitate me and I am innocent, then Tenshi escapes, and we both lose a valuable source of information about what really happened. If you incapacitate me and I am guilty, then nothing changes. The islands remain where they are and Tenshi still escapes."
>"Celestials value honesty enormously. I swear that I am not lying to you, and ask that you extend me a little faith, at least for the moment. I do not know how or why the islands fell, or how to reverse it. But I wish no harm to Gensokyo. The last time there was an incident involving the heavens, I took it upon myself to travel around Gensokyo warning people of its coming."
>"If you truly wish to resolve this incident, please accompany me. I swear that my intentions are just."
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In any event, it doesn't seem there are serious objections to what I said earlier, so:
Well, apart from assuming that Tenshi escapes in either case... :V
She can demand to beat the information out of us or beat us as punishment for not talking. She can find Tenshi under her own power before she escapes. She can get angry at the insinuation that she wouldn't be able to find Tenshi without our help. She can insist that we fix things if we are guilty and she wins. She takes a risk in letting us get away if we're guilty and she doesn't attack.
There are many possible objections, but not all are immediately intuitive. You have to think from her perspective and account for whatever you can.
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I meant in the sense that no player here seemed to object to it being said. Not in terms of what Sanae may object to, of which I realize there are multiple things.
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More bluntly, I was too subtle in expressing my own uncertainty about it. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Care to account for some of those?
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She can demand to beat the information out of us or beat us as punishment for not talking.
She can do that no matter what we say, or don't say. We don't really have any more information to give her that we're holding back. Sure, she can choose not to believe that, but I'm not sure what we can do about this particular issue, in general. We have nothing to tell her. How do you prove you have no information?
She can find Tenshi under her own power before she escapes.
The issue with this, I believe, if that if she tries to subdue us first, no matter the outcome, Sanae will be occupied long enough for Tenshi to be elsewhere. Sure, Tenshi might be kind enough to stay still, but she might not, and she'll have plenty of time to disappear again.
This, of course, is assuming Sanae will think this through, which is definitely an open question. She might assume she has more than enough time for both, or that Tenshi being down there is a lie in the first place.
She can get angry at the insinuation that she wouldn't be able to find Tenshi without our help.
She could. Although the implication, as far as I saw it, was 'neither of us has time to waste here, or we risk giving Tenshi time to escape'. Not that Sanae is somehow incompetent.
She takes a risk in letting us get away if we're guilty and she doesn't attack.
This is true, I realize. I'm not sure what to say about this in either case. Maybe offer to disarm ourselves somewhat by temporarily giving her our spellcards? Actually, that might be a nice show of good faith in general, now that I think of it... Although it carries risks of its own.
The problem with most of these objections is that I don't see a way to say something that avoids most of them. We'd need real proof of us not having nefarious intentions, and it's very hard to offer hard proof of intentions. Knowing the true culprit would be great, but we don't. We can point out how we've been harmed by the incident, and all the reasons why we wouldn't have done it, but Sanae's free to disbelieve all of them, as she's mostly been doing so far.
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>"I agree that Tenshi's disappearance is suspicious. She fled from me as the islands started to fall and she has stolen the Sword of Hisou from its rightful home. I'd like to believe she didn't cause this, but it's important that she be found and spoken with. The Dragon itself has charged me with finding her as my highest priority."
>"Consider what would be gained by you attacking me, now. If you incapacitate me and I am innocent, then Tenshi escapes, and we both lose a valuable source of information about what really happened. If you incapacitate me and I am guilty, then nothing changes. The islands remain where they are and Tenshi still escapes."
>"Celestials value honesty enormously. I swear that I am not lying to you, and ask that you extend me a little faith, at least for the moment. I do not know how or why the islands fell, or how to reverse it. But I wish no harm to Gensokyo. The last time there was an incident involving the heavens, I took it upon myself to travel around Gensokyo warning people of its coming."
>"If you truly wish to resolve this incident, please accompany me. I swear that my intentions are just."
>"Actually, if I take you out and you're behind it, it means things don't get worse," says Sanae. "Might even fix things altogether."
>_
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>"And if you're wrong? You'll not only have harmed an innocent who is already trying earnestly to fix things, but possibly made the situation even worse."
>"Even in times of crisis, it's important not to make hasty judgements. If you follow me, you'll remain in a perfect position to intervene, should you become convinced I am behind this. But attacking someone without any proof, when they have sworn their innocence... Is that something you truly wish to do?"
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>"And if you're wrong? You'll not only have harmed an innocent who is already trying earnestly to fix things, but possibly made the situation even worse."
>"Even in times of crisis, it's important not to make hasty judgements. If you follow me, you'll remain in a perfect position to intervene, should you become convinced I am behind this. But attacking someone without any proof, when they have sworn their innocence... Is that something you truly wish to do?"
>"I'm not seeing how taking you out is going to make things worse," says Sanae. "But I can definitely see it has a good chance of making them better, or at least keep them from getting worse. And where will you be taking me, exactly?"
>_
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>"Tenshi seems to be Underground. Patchouli used a spell to point me in the right direction, but the longer I wait, the more likely Tenshi will have moved on. This is the only information I have to go by. I don't know what she's doing there, but I think it's important to find out."
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>"Tenshi seems to be Underground. Patchouli used a spell to point me in the right direction, but the longer I wait, the more likely Tenshi will have moved on. This is the only information I have to go by. I don't know what she's doing there, but I think it's important to find out."
>"So...you want me, a human, to follow you underground where all the oni are?" says Sanae, frowning. "Or, follow you underground to meet someone that might well be a part of this too and would definitely be on your side if she was?"
>_
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>"I assure you, if Tenshi is responsible for this, I will almost certainly be more upset with her than you are. Many, many celestials are injured right now, and whoever caused this has a great deal to answer for. Our goals are roughly the same, I believe."
>"I don't think the oni will be a threat to you, given who you are, and I don't even know if Tenshi's that deep inside."
>"But I can understand your reluctance. I don't know what else to say. It's very important that I find her as soon as possible."
>"If you still consider me a threat to you... I am willing to surrender my spellcards temporarily, as a gesture of good faith."
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>"If you still consider me a threat to you... I am willing to surrender my spellcards temporarily, as a gesture of good faith."
This makes me skiddish. I'm wondering if we can't get an audience with Kanasuwa instead, as they're far more likely to believe us and they can just tell Sanae to stop being stupid.
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It makes me skittish, too, to be honest. But I'd like to believe Sanae wouldn't be nearly brazen enough to let us disarm ourselves and then beat us up afterwards, anyway.
The audience with the goddesses is an interesting idea, and they may very well be more reasonable. At least Kanako almost certainly would be. But the time it takes to get to the mountain, speak with them, and return, is more than enough time to lose any benefit we've gotten so far from tracking Tenshi.
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>"I assure you, if Tenshi is responsible for this, I will almost certainly be more upset with her than you are. Many, many celestials are injured right now, and whoever caused this has a great deal to answer for. Our goals are roughly the same, I believe."
>"I don't think the oni will be a threat to you, given who you are, and I don't even know if Tenshi's that deep inside."
>"But I can understand your reluctance. I don't know what else to say. It's very important that I find her as soon as possible."
>"If you still consider me a threat to you... I am willing to surrender my spellcards temporarily, as a gesture of good faith."
>Sanae's obvious suspicion doesn't really change, until you say the last past. "Wait...what?"
>It takes her a moment to consider this. "Okay, but you realize I can't just give them back until I'm completely sure it's not you, right? Otherwise you could just go cause more trouble after I leave, right?"
>_
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Go find Tenshi -> go back up the mountain to talk to Kanasuwa, then? I'd like to get those cards back ASAP, and it would be nice to have some surface-dwellers on our side.
EDIT: Not that it really matters from my perspective, as I'm off to bed.
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I'm personally in favor of doing this.
If we find who the culprit is (assuming it's not Tenshi), and we're not fully armed at the time, we have more than enough powerful people who'll want to beat them in our stead.
And if Tenshi's spoiling for a fight, no matter what, well... the statement above still stands, I think.
Plus, after our immediate business in the Underground, we can go speak with the goddesses directly, which will probably allow us to get our cards back if Sanae's still being stubborn.
Edit: Yeah, I guess we're in agreement, then?
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>"I understand that. So you accept, then?"
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>"I understand that. So you accept, then?"
>"Let's see them," says Sanae.
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>Take out all our spellcards slowly, and in a way that looks the least like actually preparing to use them.
>Show them to Sanae
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>Take out all our spellcards slowly, and in a way that looks the least like actually preparing to use them.
>Show them to Sanae
>You produce your spellcards and display them.
>"Is that all of them?" Sanae asks, as she draws closer and holds her hand out.
>_
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> "If you don't believe me about not being responsible for the catastrophe that has befallen my community, why are you asking me this?"
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> "If you don't believe me about not being responsible for the catastrophe that has befallen my community, why are you asking me this?"
>She frowns for a moment, then shakes her head. "Just give me the cards already."
>_
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If we get a chance to vent our full-blown aggravation with this whole situaiton with Kanako as an audience, please, please take it.
Going to bed for real this time!
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>"Sorry. It is simply frustrating to have so many people mistrust you. These are all of them, yes."
>Give her the cards
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>"Sorry. It is simply frustrating to have so many people mistrust you. These are all of them, yes."
>Give her the cards
>She takes them without a word, then tucks them away. "Okay...I've never had someone just surrender before. What were you planning on doing? Underground, right?"
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>"Yes, Underground. Tenshi must be found, and I hope she has some answers."
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>"Yes, Underground. Tenshi must be found, and I hope she has some answers."
>"Alright, lead the way," says Sanae. "But no funny business."
>_
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>"I assure you, I have been and will be true to my word."
>Continue to the Underground
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>"I assure you, I have been and will be true to my word."
>Continue to the Underground
>You continue toward the entrance to the Underground. Thankfully, there isn't much further to go. Sanae follows behind you, and you get the distinct impression that she's just waiting for you to do something.
>You reach the entrance to the Underground. It is a large, but fairly unobtrusive cavern in the side of the a mountain. A fair amount of greenery; now more of an autumnal brown, surrounds it.
>Flying inside, you descend into the area you know as Yamame's haunt. It is a large chamber filled will stalactites and stalagmites. As well, there is a copious amount of spiderweb, some of it formed into words advertising various businesses in the Ancient City, as well as Kourindou. It is fairly clean for a cavern, as well. Sanae looks around with some interest, though glancing back at you every few moments.
>_
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>"Have you not been down here before?"
>Continue onward
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>"Have you not been down here before?"
>Continue onward
>"Not as such, no..." says Sanae, as she follows you onward.
>You continue past Yamame's haunt. Soon, you come to a place where the path branches. One of the branches continues northward and downward, leading toward the Ancient City. Another inclines upward and toward the west. Obvious exits are North, Southeast, and West
>_
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>"It may have a bit of an unseemly reputation in some corners, but the city's not as bad as you probably think it is. There's a rather upscale club down here that I'm rather fond of, in fact."
>"Oh, and as a friendly word of warning, we're soon going to be approaching the area where Kisume frequents. She's mostly harmless, but be wary of falling buckets. They're not some sort of trick on my behalf."
>Continue towards the city
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>"It may have a bit of an unseemly reputation in some corners, but the city's not as bad as you probably think it is. There's a rather upscale club down here that I'm rather fond of, in fact."
>"Oh, and as a friendly word of warning, we're soon going to be approaching the area where Kisume frequents. She's mostly harmless, but be wary of falling buckets. They're not some sort of trick on my behalf."
>Continue towards the city
>"I just know it's not a good place for humans to visit," says Sanae.
>She nods as you warn her about Kisume. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind."
>You continue onward, passing into a chamber whose floor is covered with fissures that would easier catch someone's ankle and break it. You floatover them, and continue onward to a chamber filled with rocky shelves, forming a sort of Byakuren-sized stairway toward to the Ancient City.
>As you descend, you hear Sanae cry out, as something slams hard into the rock behind you.
>_
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>Shift aside and look back. Does Sanae seem ok?
>Was that Kisume?
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>What have our previous encounters with Kisume been like?
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>Shift aside and look back. Does Sanae seem ok?
>Was that Kisume?
>You shift aside and look back. You see a somewhat familiar bucket youkai on the ground, perilously close Sanae, who is in the process of skittering back.
>"Doggonnit," says Kisume, as she flies off.
>What have our previous encounters with Kisume been like?
>Roughly like that. Though she used to announce herself.
>_
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>"Are you ok?"
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>What do the oni generally think of humans? Particularly someone like Sanae?
>... what is standard etiquette when dealing with Kisume, anyway?
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>"Are you ok?"
>"I think so," says Sanae, her voice shaky. She takes a few deep breaths.
>What do the oni generally think of humans? Particularly someone like Sanae?
>... what is standard etiquette when dealing with Kisume, anyway?
>As far as you know, oni generally consider humans kind of flaky, but also kind of fascinating. They tend not to like admitting the latter part. You know they have a reputation for kidnapping humans that catch their interest. Sanae might well fall under that.
>Try to see her coming.
>_
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>On the other hand, most oni would probably have a hell of a time succeeding at that, with her.
>"It's just what she does, as far as I can tell. You get used to it after a while. More or less. You usually get a little bit more warning, though..."
>"Anyway, shall we carry on?"
>Assuming agreement, continue forward
-
>"May I ask what details you know about the oni? There might be a few more important warnings to give you..."
-
>On the other hand, most oni would probably have a hell of a time succeeding at that, with her.
>"It's just what she does, as far as I can tell. You get used to it after a while. More or less. You usually get a little bit more warning, though..."
>"Anyway, shall we carry on?"
>Assuming agreement, continue forward
>You could easily imagine any such attempt ending in failure, or possibly a riot.
>Sanae nods. "I see. It's just...a little surprising.
>"Let's."
>You continue onward, reaching the bottom of the shelf chamber, which flares out to an immense cavern. Ahead, you can see the bridge leading toward the city, a long immaculately kept wooden span. There doesn't seem to be anyone on it at the moment. Up ahead, you can see the city, and hear it as well. Glancing up, you can see some clouds gathered around the shadowy roof of the cavern. Obvious exits are North and South.
>"That's a cool song," says Sanae, as she looks around.
>"May I ask what details you know about the oni? There might be a few more important warnings to give you..."
>"I kinda know a bit about them from Suika," she says. "And I've heard lots of stories from the tengu and the kappa. So I know to be careful. But...aside from Suika, I've never met one."
>_
-
fuck year bees.mp3
>What was OUR first visit to the Oni City like, anyway?
>What song is this, and where is it coming from?
>"Good, that helps a little. You know about the usual interest in humans, then, right?"
-
>What sort of raport or lack thereof do we have with notable inhabitants in the Ancient City?
>How have the oni tended to treat us?
-
>What was OUR first visit to the Oni City like, anyway?
>What song is this, and where is it coming from?
>"Good, that helps a little. You know about the usual interest in humans, then, right?"
>It was honestly a bit scary. You had a few clashes with some oni, but nothing particularly serious. You also got a bit lost trying to find your way.
>You don't think oni name their songs. Or really plan them out ahead of time. You know there's musicians around, though. The provide music in exchange for pretty much whatever nearby people will pay. You're pretty sure they have some kind of arrangement with the Devas.
>Sanae nods.
>What sort of raport or lack thereof do we have with notable inhabitants in the Ancient City?
>How have the oni tended to treat us?
>You are on pretty good terms with Yuugi, though you'd consider her an acquaintance at most. You've never met the other Deva here. You have had some brief, friendly encounters with Utsuho. You've also met Parsee on many occasions, especially here, which were usually not pleasant encounters.
>About like they treat anyone. Usually quite friendly, but occasionally wanting to test your strength.
>_
-
>Hopefully we acquitted ourselves admirably, when such challenges arose?
>Continue into the city
-
>Does Parsee get pissed if people cross the bridge when she's not there? And would that be a problem of any significance, if she does?
>How well do we know our way through the city?
>Nod.
>"Right. Then don't be surprised if someone challenges you, or threatens to kidnap you. They're a little rough and can be eager test their strength, but they're pretty friendly overall."
>"If we do get into a fight, would you rather I try to help out to show my support, or stay out of it?"
Ace in the hole: She would have to fight through this anyway if she went to investigate Tenshi on her own - our presence makes little difference for getting through the oni city, advice aside.
-
>Hopefully we acquitted ourselves admirably, when such challenges arose?
>Continue into the city
>You've done well for yourself. At the same time, none of the city's heavy hitters have come after you. You imagine it'll be a matter of time.
>You cross the bridge. Glancing down toward the banks, you notice a red-haired youkai in a dark green dress on the banks, fishing along side a smallish youkai with purple hair and cool-colored clothing.
>Does Parsee get pissed if people cross the bridge when she's not there? And would that be a problem of any significance, if she does?
>How well do we know our way through the city?
>Nod.
>"Right. Then don't be surprised if someone challenges you, or threatens to kidnap you. They're a little rough and can be eager test their strength, but they're pretty friendly overall."
>"If we do get into a fight, would you rather I try to help out to show my support, or stay out of it?"
>Parsee probably does, but you don't think it would amount to anything.
>You know the west side pretty well. The east side, you have a general idea.
>You nod to Sanae and give her more warnings. "I was expecting that," she says. "And, I guess I'll handle things. It really gets tricky when there's two people."
>_
-
>Do we know these youkai by sight?
>Do they look like they'd be in a good position to have seen anyone else pass over the bridge? Assuming they've been there for any length of time?
-
>Do we know these youkai by sight?
>Do they look like they'd be in a good position to have seen anyone else pass over the bridge? Assuming they've been there for any length of time?
>You think one of them might be Orin.
>You suspect they could probably see people passing by.
>_
-
>"I'm just going to go over there and ask them if they may have seen Tenshi come this way."
>Walk over towards them.
>"Excuse me, but I don't suppose you've seen a woman with long blue hair pass this way recently?"
-
>"I'm just going to go over there and ask them if they may have seen Tenshi come this way."
>Walk over towards them.
>"Excuse me, but I don't suppose you've seen a woman with long blue hair pass this way recently?"
>You walk to the edge of the bridge and call down.
>"Yeah, why?" the red-haired woman calls back
>_
-
>"It's very important that I find her. Do you know how long ago she passed by here?"
-
>"It's very important that I find her. Do you know how long ago she passed by here?"
>"Um, a little bit again, I think?"
>She confers with the other youkai.
>"Yeah, a little bit ago!"
>_
-
>"She was entering the city, not leaving it, correct?"
-
>"She was entering the city, not leaving it, correct?"
>"Yeah!"
>_
-
>"Thanks!"
>Enter the city
>Keep an eye out for any hints of blue hair in crowds
-
>"Thanks!"
>Enter the city
>Keep an eye out for any hints of blue hair in crowds
>"No problem!" calls back to the red-haired youkai.
>You step through between the old stone columns of the gateway, from which two old wooden doors, covered with graffiti, hang open. Up ahead, you can see the bustling food market; where practically anything that can be fried is fried and put on a stick. Off to the west, you can see a side street running along the city wall that leads to the clinic maintained by the Myouren Shrine. You don't see any blue hair up ahead, but there's a fair crowd.
>"So where are we going?" asks Sanae.
>_
-
>Have we known Tenshi to come to the Ancient City much before?
>If so, can we think of places she might have gone to while she were here?
-
>Have we known Tenshi to come to the Ancient City much before?
>If so, can we think of places she might have gone to while she were here?
>You suspect she has. But you wouldn't have been there with her at the time.
>_
-
>"That's a good question. Beyond knowing that she entered the city, I'm not sure where she would have gone. I don't know if she's simply hiding from me, or if she's pursuing some other objective. Frankly, I would ordinarily suggest we split up to cover more ground, or that one of us stay by the gate to make sure she doesn't leave, but I understand the situation between us makes that difficult."
>"I'll see if I can get a wider view."
>Ascend, and gaze around the city. Can we see any signs of either Tenshi or other unusual activity?
-
>"That's a good question. Beyond knowing that she entered the city, I'm not sure where she would have gone. I don't know if she's simply hiding from me, or if she's pursuing some other objective. Frankly, I would ordinarily suggest we split up to cover more ground, or that one of us stay by the gate to make sure she doesn't leave, but I understand the situation between us makes that difficult."
>"I'll see if I can get a wider view."
>Ascend, and gaze around the city. Can we see any signs of either Tenshi or other unusual activity?
>Sanae nods.
>You ascend, and have a look around. No one especially Tenshi-like stands out. You don't see any crowds that strike you as unusual. Some at the market, some at the pub district. Not much activity around the warehouses or the distillery.
>_
-
>Descend
>"Well, no sign of her from here."
>Head in the direction of The Felt. Keep an eye out, as we walk.
-
Oi. I don't know why I even bother.
It just occured to me last night as I was sleeping. Do we know for certain that we want to lead an incident solver to Tenshi? I've been harboring an idea in my head that Tenshi has actually gone out to try and stop the cause of the Islands decent all by herself. I think it's likely that (since it fit very well with the naritive so far), so Tenshi busting might actually make things worse.
in any case, it's far too late to say or do anything about it now. I'll just hope I'm wrong.
-
>Descend
>"Well, no sign of her from here."
>Head in the direction of The Felt. Keep an eye out, as we walk.
>You descend again.
>"You there there's someone we can ask?" Sanae says, as she starts to follow you down the street.
>Will you take the long way toward The Felt, or a shortcut?
>_
-
>"Do you mind if I ask a few things while we walk?"
>"Have you found out anything about the incident so far?"
>"Who have you 'spoken' with so far on what's happened?"
-
I'm not planning to just sic Sanae on Tenshi either. I'm neither convinced of Tenshi's guilt or total innocence. But Sanae, at the very least, was less aggressive than Reimu. Reimu started attacking us before we'd barely opened our moth. If Tenshi is innocent, it doesn't have to come to blows with anyone. We're back at the negotiating table. And if Tenshi actually has any new information, that could help with negotiating. And frankly, if Tenshi is innocent, and it still turns into a battle for whatever reason, I'd place better odds on Iku(without spellcards)+Tenshi vs. Sanae than Iku(with spellcards) vs. Sanae.
>"There's a couple people I know down here. Whether or not they would have seen anything, I don't know."
>What shortcut is this?
>Do we know Nue? If so, where is her tavern located along this path?
-
>"Do you mind if I ask a few things while we walk?"
>"Have you found out anything about the incident so far?"
>"Who have you 'spoken' with so far on what's happened?"
>"Sure," says Sanae.
>"Not much," she says. "I spent most of the time trying get through the tengu panicking and such."
>"Well, I met Suika on the bit that fell on the mountain. She was pretty angry. After that, I went toward the town, ended up getting attacked by faeries. Cirno said that you were there, so I decided it was more likely you were more likely to visit the forest than anything to the north, and I checked around. Then I met you."
>"There's a couple people I know down here. Whether or not they would have seen anything, I don't know."
>What shortcut is this?
>Do we know Nue? If so, where is her tavern located along this path?
>She nods.
>It would take you through some back alleys along the more run down parts of town.
>You do know of Nue and her establishment. She is the opposite way of The Felt, on the other side of town.
>_
-
>Head to the Felt along the shortcut
>"Some of Bhava-Agre fell onto the mountain itself? I... hope no one was seriously hurt."
-
>Head to the Felt along the shortcut
>"Some of Bhava-Agre fell onto the mountain itself? I... hope no one was seriously hurt."
>You take a side ally, and avoid the marketplace entirely.
>"Well, Suika was really upset," says Sanae, "But aside from that, no. It hit the side."
>_
-
>"That's comforting. I'd hate to think anyone on the surface was injured by this as well. I've already seen more than injuries among those who live on the islands, including some people I know quite well. And much of our harvest may be spoiled on top of this, to say nothing of the property damage."
-
>"That's comforting. I'd hate to think anyone on the surface was injured by this as well. I've already seen more than injuries among those who live on the islands, including some people I know quite well. And much of our harvest may be spoiled on top of this, to say nothing of the property damage."
>She nods. "So, who are you looking for, to help out, I mean?"
>_
-
>"Well, right now I'm just checking one of the places I frequent when I'm down here. If Tenshi isn't laying low, it's even possible she'd go there at some point. But more likely, I may simply see someone I recognize, there. It is a popular gathering place. If that doesn't work, I may check with the Myoren Clinic, or even Yuugi. She may know someone to ask, at any rate. Really, I have only the barest idea where Tenshi would be, down here. Or even why."
-
>"Well, right now I'm just checking one of the places I frequent when I'm down here. If Tenshi isn't laying low, it's even possible she'd go there at some point. But more likely, I may simply see someone I recognize, there. It is a popular gathering place. If that doesn't work, I may check with the Myoren Clinic, or even Yuugi. She may know someone to ask, at any rate. Really, I have only the barest idea where Tenshi would be, down here. Or even why."
>She nods. "Why wouldn't she be laying lay, though, if she's running away? Especially with all the stuff going on?"
>You walk through a rather run-down area. Most of the buildings here are in fairly lousy shape. You don't know if it's due to the oni just not caring for them, or if it is because they were cause in the middle of a riot. Thankfully, though, there isn't that much traffic here.
>_
-
>"If she's laying low, then I'm going to have a very hard time finding her in a place this large without help; someone who knows it better than I do. As for why she mightn't be, well... Tenshi's not the most subtle person. If she was honestly uninvolved, which I'm not prepared to rule out entirely, she may not realize the magnitude of what happened."
>Continue to keep our eyes peeled for anyone as we proceed.
-
>"If she's laying low, then I'm going to have a very hard time finding her in a place this large without help; someone who knows it better than I do. As for why she mightn't be, well... Tenshi's not the most subtle person. If she was honestly uninvolved, which I'm not prepared to rule out entirely, she may not realize the magnitude of what happened."
>Continue to keep our eyes peeled for anyone as we proceed.
>Sanae nods.
>There are couple of oni here. Most of them seem to be going about their business, but you notice one, a short one with dark hair and two horns, seems to be watching you.
>_
-
>Keep a discrete eye on her as we walk
>Can we guess anything about her disposition?
-
>Keep a discrete eye on her as we walk
>Can we guess anything about her disposition?
>You watch the oni as you move on. You don't think she's going to attack, but she's definitely giving the two of you some odd looks.
>_
-
>Does she seem to be standing near anything in particular? A door? An alleyway?
-
>Does she seem to be standing near anything in particular? A door? An alleyway?
>She seems to be leaning against a wall, near a door to a home in a tenement.
>_
-
>"Excuse me, but have you seen a blue-haired woman around here today?"
-
>"Excuse me, but have you seen a blue-haired woman around here today?"
>"Might have," she says. "What're you paying?"
>_
-
>"20☼ if you can tell me where she was going."
-
>"20☼ if you can tell me where she was going."
>She nods, and holds her hand out.
>_
-
>Pay her the money we offered
-
>Pay her the money we offered
>You pay her 20☼
>"I saw her heading east off Bridge Street," says the oni. "Looked like hell. Not sure where she went after that. So maybe you ought to hit up the streetear queen, Deva K. Check out the Pub District. She's usually there. You'll know her when you see her; she's regal-like. Might get lucky and find your celestial, too."
>_
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Head towards the Pub District.
>Does east of Bridge Street happen to be the in the same area?
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Head towards the Pub District.
>Does east of Bridge Street happen to be the in the same area?
>The oni nods. "Just doing what I do."
>You head toward the Pub District, which is east of Bridge Street. It is the street that descends from the Parsee's bridge and neatly cuts the city in half.
>The Pub District is well named; the main thoroughfare is pretty much wall to wall drinking establishments. Here and there, oni on the streets and in the alleys advertise various concoctions. Being rigorously honest, you can be certain that whatever they are selling is drinkable. For one of there one. But even then, it's hard to know just how rhetorical and just how serious something called Headache in a bottle really is. It's fairly busy, with revelers and street hucksters and musicians. You notice that you and Sanae are getting looks.
>_
-
>Continue along the district
>Look around for anyone that might match Deka K's description
>Or Tenshi herself, for that matter
-
>Continue along the district
>Look around for anyone that might match Deka K's description
>Or Tenshi herself, for that matter
>You continue to look around. While there are pleanty of oni about, there's none that you would call regal. More like half drunk and mildly riotous. You also see no signs of Tenshi.
>_
-
>Find a coherent and sensible looking unbusy oni who is also not giving us a strange look. Perhaps a stall owner. Walk up to them.
>"Excuse me, but have you seen a blue-haired woman pass by this way recently?"
-
>Find a coherent and sensible looking unbusy oni who is also not giving us a strange look. Perhaps a stall owner. Walk up to them.
>"Excuse me, but have you seen a blue-haired woman pass by this way recently?"
>You find an tall, rather portly oni selling what you assume are bottles of homemade liquor out of the mouth of an alley. The lack of labels leaves you to guess this, anyways. She nods to you.
>"Sure hain't," she says.
>_
-
>"I'm also looking for Deva K. I don't suppose you know where I might find her?"
-
>"I'm also looking for Deva K. I don't suppose you know where I might find her?"
>"She doesn't hang out on the streets, that's for sure!" says the oni. "Look into one of the establishments around here. That's were people who have business with her tend to be, people what can answer that better."
>_
-
>"Thanks."
>Look around at the nearby establishments. Find something that looks classy and upscale, or that we know has a reputation for such.
>Enter it.
-
>"Thanks."
>Look around at the nearby establishments. Find something that looks classy and upscale, or that we know has a reputation for such.
>Enter it.
>The oni nods.
>You look around the nearby establishments. None of them strike you as...exactly reputable. Some are definitely cleaner than others, or don't seem to have active brawls in them. Some have names that don't make you think of active barfights or people stabbing knives into the tables, others don't have someone passed out outside of them. But no one place really seems to have all of these elements, let alone classy or upscale. You think this is part of why The Felt is popular.
>_
-
>Nue's bar is somewhere in this area, correct?
>If so, go there.
-
>Nue's bar is somewhere in this area, correct?
>If so, go there.
>You do not know exactly where Nue's bar is located. But you are able to use a fair deal of logic and process of elimination to rule out many of the possibilities, then peek through the front windows of the one you think is it to confirm it. The Rose and Weasel.
>You enter it, finding it to be moderately busy at the moment. A sizable bar with a formidable rack of bottles dominates the rear of the room. Large tables fill the floor, while booths for smaller parties line the walls. The oni here seem to be fairly subdued at the moment. You do notice one rather intense-looking game of go in the corner, though, if the players faces have anything to do with.
>Nue, in her usual short black skirt, is behind the bar, wiping it down at the moment. She looks up at the two of you as you walk inside, and gives Sanae a long, appraising look. "Well, well," she says.
>_
-
>Nod
>"Good day, Nue. I hope things are well with you."
>"I'm hoping you may be able to help us with something. We're looking for someone. Or rather, two someones, although I suspect you having anything to add about one of them is rather unlikely."
>"I'll start off with the more obvious one first. I'm looking for Deva K. I hear she frequents establishments in this area. I don't suppose you have any idea of good places to look for her?"
>"After that, I don't suppose you have any idea who Tenshi is?"
-
>Nod
>"Good day, Nue. I hope things are well with you."
>"I'm hoping you may be able to help us with something. We're looking for someone. Or rather, two someones, although I suspect you having anything to add about one of them is rather unlikely."
>"I'll start off with the more obvious one first. I'm looking for Deva K. I hear she frequents establishments in this area. I don't suppose you have any idea of good places to look for her?"
>"After that, I don't suppose you have any idea who Tenshi is?"
>You nod to Nue, she barely notices as she smirks at Sanae.
>"Huh?" she says, looking over at you. "Oh. Huh. Sure, maybe I can help."
>"Kay comes in here sometimes. She checks up on all the places around here." says Nue. "But not today, I don't think. Today, she'll probably be at home. What do you need her for?"
>She shakes her head. "I kinda know the name, but nothing else. Haven't been prowling up topside much. I guess that's why you're looking for Kay? Well, you might be out of luck. She doesn't hear much about topside affairs."
>_
-
>"No, Tenshi's down here at the moment. Someone spotted her moving east of Bridge Street a short time ago. It's rather important that we find her. Blue-haired celestial? I don't suppose there's any chance you saw her?"
>"Barring that, where does Deva K live?"
-
> "Do you two...know each other?"
-
>"No, Tenshi's down here at the moment. Someone spotted her moving east of Bridge Street a short time ago. It's rather important that we find her. Blue-haired celestial? I don't suppose there's any chance you saw her?"
>"Barring that, where does Deva K live?"
>"Been here all day," she says.
>"You know the warehouse district? It's just south of there. You want to find Vine Way, right? And there's this little stairway, seems to go into a basement? That's where she lives.
> "Do you two...know each other?"
>"Oh, we've got a history," says Nue, winking at Sanae. "What's the matter, hon? Cat got your tongue?"
>Sanae frowns. "Geez, it's not like you have to rub it in..."
>_
-
>Despite curiosity, it doesn't sound like Sanae wants to talk about it. Or at least have Nue explain it instead of herself.
>"Do you think she'd mind a visit?"
-
>Despite curiosity, it doesn't sound like Sanae wants to talk about it. Or at least have Nue explain it instead of herself.
>"Do you think she'd mind a visit?"
>This seems exactly right.
>"She wouldn't mind a profitable one," says Nue.
>_
-
>Do we know where Vine Way is, outside of what Nue just said? Or are there few enough streets around that we don't think we'd have problems finding it?
>"I'm not sure how profitable I can make it, I'm afraid. It is important, though. Topside's in full incident mode at the moment and Tenshi may have important information."
-
>Do we know where Vine Way is, outside of what Nue just said? Or are there few enough streets around that we don't think we'd have problems finding it?
>"I'm not sure how profitable I can make it, I'm afraid. It is important, though. Topside's in full incident mode at the moment and Tenshi may have important information."
>You think you can find it.
>Nue frowns and shakes her head. "Well, if it's topside business, you might as well not waste your time. No one down here except Utsuho and her group care about what happens up there anymore. Well, and me. But I don't know about any Tenshi."
>_
-
>"Well, I have to try nonetheless. At worst, I won't know any less than when I started. Thank you, Nue."
>Leave the Rose and Weasel and follow Nue's directions to Deva K's place
-
>"Well, I have to try nonetheless. At worst, I won't know any less than when I started. Thank you, Nue."
>Leave the Rose and Weasel and follow Nue's directions to Deva K's place
>"Well, you're welcome for that," says Nue. "Good luck!"
>You leave the tavern, and head southward toward the warehouse district. This part of town is less traveled than the others; it serves more as a background to the other parts of town. It makes you feel like you are up to no good just being here. There aren't many oni here, those that are have the definite aura of haulers and head bashers about them. You get the feeling that bothering them would be a very bad thing. Thankfully, your need only keep to the outskirts of it, rather than entering it proper.
>Vine Street takes a little time to find, it is practically an alley between two buildings. Walking between them, you soon find a stairway off to the side, leading under one of the buildings, a tenement that looks abandoned. A simple wrought iron railing is all that keeps someone from accidentally walking into it and falling. A thin oni with short dark hair loiters near it, she watches you idly. Obvious exits are North, South, and East.
>_
-
>"Is this Deva K's place?"
>Assuming the affirmative: "Is she around?"
-
>"Is this Deva K's place?"
>Assuming the affirmative: "Is she around?"
>"Who wants to know?" asks the thin oni, keeping an eye on you without turning her head while standing in a relaxed pose.
>_
-
>"I'm Iku Nagae. I'm looking for someone, and I hear Deva K's the person to talk to about information around these parts."
-
>"I'm Iku Nagae. I'm looking for someone, and I hear Deva K's the person to talk to about information around these parts."
>"And what would an Iku Nagae want with the Deva?" asks the oni.
>_
-
>"As I said, I'm looking for someone who recently came to the Ancient City. A blue-haired celestial. She was spotted moving east of Bridge Street not long ago."
-
>"As I said, I'm looking for someone who recently came to the Ancient City. A blue-haired celestial. She was spotted moving east of Bridge Street not long ago."
>"And why does the Deva care what you want?" the oni says, stretching.
>_
-
Suggestion: "This celestial coming underground is a result of a topside incident. I hope to retrieve her so that this incident doesn't bleed into the underground further. I understand the Deva doesn't much care for topside affairs."
-
I agree with presenting that to Deva K herself, but I'm not sure it's worth trying to reason with the lackey on those terms.
>"I have no idea whether she will or not. But I imagine what interests her is her own call to make, isn't it?"
-
>"I have no idea whether she will or not. But I imagine what interests her is her own call to make, isn't it?"
>The oni shakes her head. "Wouldn't be paying me to stand here if she wanted just anyone stepping in, would she?"
>_
-
Or perhaps I underestimated the degree to which she would be conscientious. I kinda pegged her for a hanger-on
>"Perhaps not. In any event, the celestial's presence here is related to a major incident that's happened on the surface. I realize that you generally don't care what happens up there, but I know for a fact that the Hakurei Shrine maiden is also looking for her, and will probably be quite willing to turn this place upside down to get her if I can't find her first. And there will be other similarly-minded people following her. I'm sure Deva K might have some interest in avoiding that."
-
>"Perhaps not. In any event, the celestial's presence here is related to a major incident that's happened on the surface. I realize that you generally don't care what happens up there, but I know for a fact that the Hakurei Shrine maiden is also looking for her, and will probably be quite willing to turn this place upside down to get her if I can't find her first. And there will be other similarly-minded people following her. I'm sure Deva K might have some interest in avoiding that."
>She listens to you, frowning. "You know," she says, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that sounds like a coercive attempt than something that'd make the Deva interested in seeing people. Not too sure what she'd think about hearing this during her personal time."
>_
-
Had a feeling that might be the reaction. Wish I could have thought of a better way to phrase it.
> Do we still have stab wounds from Reimu's needles? If so, where are they?
-
>"I say it because it's the truth. I honestly wish to avoid any major problems, but there's a lot of angry people up on the surface right now and not all of them are as inclined to be polite. I've run into the shrine maiden myself this morning already. It was a... less than pleasant meeting. Obviously it's up to the Deva whether she wants to hear this or not, but it doesn't change what's likely to happen if I can't find Tenshi before the others realize where she is."
-
> Do we still have stab wounds from Reimu's needles? If so, where are they?
>At this point, they're more like irritating abrasions you've mostly forgotten about.
>"I say it because it's the truth. I honestly wish to avoid any major problems, but there's a lot of angry people up on the surface right now and not all of them are as inclined to be polite. I've run into the shrine maiden myself this morning already. It was a... less than pleasant meeting. Obviously it's up to the Deva whether she wants to hear this or not, but it doesn't change what's likely to happen if I can't find Tenshi before the others realize where she is."
>The oni nods. "And you're gonna make it all right and proper, then?"
>_
-
>"That is what I hope to do, yes. I have a strong motivation to resolve this as quickly and peaceably as possible."
-
>"That is what I hope to do, yes. I have a strong motivation to resolve this as quickly and peaceably as possible."
>The oni snorts. "Right, I'll tell her. But don't be half surprised if she tells you to sod off. Or figures her sword's cold and needs to be sheathed in your gullet.
>With that, the oni descends down the staircase.
>_
-
>To Sanae: "Let's hope it's not the latter, at least, shall we?"
-
>To Sanae: "Let's hope it's not the latter, at least, shall we?"
>"You're on your own if it is," says Sanae, who looks a bit uncomfortable.
>The oni returns a minute later. "Head on in," she says. "Don't blow your nose on the curtains or anything."
>_
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Head on in
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Head on in
>"Don't thank me too much," says the oni. "You're muscling in on her inspiration."
>You follow the stairs downward, noting the continue down for a few yards under the building, ending at a small landing with a wooden door, carved with various horned faces featuring crescent-shaped eyes.
>Opening it, you come into an immaculate vestibule that has been carved out of the rock itself. I looks almost like being inside a stone manor, save for the lack of windows. Past the vestibule, you see a large chamber. In the middle of it is a large low table, and a dark-haired woman kneeling in front of it on a pillow, paying you no mind as she writes. She is dressed in a red kataginu with matching hakama, with gray sleeves underneath. Her long back hair is drawn back into a ponytail, while a single red horn extends from her forehead. You see a sword resting beside her on another pillow, completing the samurai image.
>"Make it fast," she says. "I'm busy."
>_
-
>"I'm looking for a blue-haired celestial that recently made her way into your side of the city. It's rather urgent that I find her. The person who gave me the most recent information on her location said to come speak to you."
-
>"I'm looking for a blue-haired celestial that recently made her way into your side of the city. It's rather urgent that I find her. The person who gave me the most recent information on her location said to come speak to you."
>"And why am I telling you?" she asks, as she sets a page aside, and begins on a fresh one.
>_
-
>"The most obvious reason that occurs to me is that if I can't find her quickly and try to resolve things peaceable, the Hakurei Shrine Maiden is likely to chase down here after her and turn the place upside down looking for her. This celestial is connected with a major incident, and there's a lot of people very worked up about what's happened. I want to settle things with the least trouble to everyone involved."
-
>"The most obvious reason that occurs to me is that if I can't find her quickly and try to resolve things peaceable, the Hakurei Shrine Maiden is likely to chase down here after her and turn the place upside down looking for her. This celestial is connected with a major incident, and there's a lot of people very worked up about what's happened. I want to settle things with the least trouble to everyone involved."
>She continues to write, slowly filling up the page. At one point, she pauses for a moment, frowns, then raises her eyebrows for a moment and continues. Sanae glances toward you.
>_
-
>"Is helping to avoid future problems in your city not a sufficient reason?"
-
>"Is helping to avoid future problems in your city not a sufficient reason?"
> Belay.
I know what your intentions are, and I know you don't mean this as antagonistic, but she'll take it as antagonistic, and that's the only opinion that will matter if we want to keep her attention.
> "If you're worried that this is some sort of threat, I can tell you she's already stabbed me up pretty good with those needles of hers."
-
> "If you're worried that this is some sort of threat, I can tell you she's already stabbed me up pretty good with those needles of hers."
>"I hear she does that," says the oni. She pauses, not looking up at you. "What's a good adjective for fast?"
>_
-
> "'Quick' or 'speedy'."
> "Or 'stuck', depending."
-
> "'Quick' or 'speedy'."
> "Or 'stuck', depending."
>She frowns at the page for a moment, then brightens. "That should do," she says as she resumes writing. "You going to stand in the antechamber all day, or are you going to come in here and tell me why Reimu's going to burn the town down?"
>_
-
> "Oh, right."
> Enter the room Deva K is in proper.
> "Long story short, you know Bhava-Agra? Home of the celestials? It fell down. Really far. Part of it bounced off Sanae's mountain, I understand. No one knows why it fell, but Reimu thinks it's our fault anyway, and if she learns Tenshi is down here, well."
-
> "Oh, right."
> Enter the room Deva K is in proper.
> "Long story short, you know Bhava-Agra? Home of the celestials? It fell down. Really far. Part of it bounced off Sanae's mountain, I understand. No one knows why it fell, but Reimu thinks it's our fault anyway, and if she learns Tenshi is down here, well."
>You entry the room properly. It is quite large, with a ceiling that reaches up a few yards. The walls are covered with elaborate scrollwork, here and there touched with moss that you are certain is decorative. There are statues of various animals, which seem to have been carved from rock itself, set into wall sconces. Large sliding doors, covered with bright paintings, are set into the walls here and there, and you see balconied stairway leading deeper inside near the back. You think that you hear a fountain somewhere. The Deva sits in the middle of the room, writing away. You notice a box at her side which is filled with many sheets of paper. Obvious exits are West, North 1, North 2, South, South 2, and East
>"That sounds like a-" says Deva K, before she stops and looks up. "Wait. Did you say 'Sanae's mountain'? As in, Youkai Mountain?"
>_
-
> "Yes, the home of the tengu, the kappa and the Moriya Shrine."
-
> "Yes, the home of the tengu, the kappa and the Moriya Shrine."
>The Deva sets her writing brush down.
>"Well, well, well," she says, looking toward the two of you with a toothy grin. "So the queen of the mountain finally came to pay her respects to the Devas, eh? Only took how many years?"
>"Um..." Sanae says, biting her lower lip a little. "I'm sorry?"
>_
-
> Hasn't Sanae been in Gensokyo for not very long?
> Unless this means that Deva K's gonna...oh dear.
> "I didn't realize you had a history. Or does this have something to do with Suika?"
> Are we standing next to or ahead of Sanae? Shift a little bit ahead if the former, shift a little bit in front of her if the latter.
-
> Hasn't Sanae been in Gensokyo for not very long?
> Unless this means that Deva K's gonna...oh dear.
> "I didn't realize you had a history. Or does this have something to do with Suika?"
> Are we standing next to or ahead of Sanae? Shift a little bit ahead if the former, shift a little bit in front of her if the latter.
>Only a couple of years, as you understand it.
>...Oh dear.
>"Oh, not a history, none at all," says Deva K as she stands up. "Just they took over the mountain, and didn't even pay us any respects. Makes you think, you know?"
>You were standing beside Sanae, so you shift upward a bit.
>_
-
> "I...wasn't aware, actually. And Suika doesn't seem too bothered by it, so it never occurred to me."
-
> "I...wasn't aware, actually. And Suika doesn't seem too bothered by it, so it never occurred to me."
>"Heh, about the only way you bother Suika is if you steal her gourd," says the Deva, as she picks up her sword. "But you know, it's nothing to get that worked up over, we did leave it behind and all. Still, makes you wonder, doesn't it?"
>Sanae takes a small step, but you note that she isn't retreating so much as falling into a good stance to dodge.
>_
-
> Oh hell.
> "...Whoa, wait. We're not seriously going to do that here and now, are we?"
-
> Oh hell.
> "...Whoa, wait. We're not seriously going to do that here and now, are we?"
>"It'd be nice if we stepped outside," says Deva K.
>_
-
>"With all due respect, if, as you say, you relinquished the mountain of your own accord in the past, wouldn't the respect any newcomer would owe be to the inhabitants who ruled there when they arrived? And as far as I understand, the Tengu and Kappa have been treated with such. When you left, it became their mountain, did it not?"
-
>"With all due respect, if, as you say, you relinquished the mountain of your own accord in the past, wouldn't the respect any newcomer would owe be to the inhabitants who ruled there when they arrived? And as far as I understand, the Tengu and Kappa have been treated with such. When you left, it became their mountain, did it not?"
>"Yeah, but that's not the point," says Deva K, as she walks around the table and starts to approach. "Like I said, that's nothing to get worked up over. But, you know what is worth getting worked up over?" She smirks. "Whether the new queen can hold a candle to the old queen."
>_
-
>Well, at least she still seems friendly. By oni terms.
>"Ah, I see. But mightn't your challenge be more properly taken up with Kanako, in that case?"
-
Man Sanae's going to be so pissed at us :ohdear:
And here I was hoping for a chance to ship them. >_> <_<
-
>Well, at least she still seems friendly. By oni terms.
>"Ah, I see. But mightn't your challenge be more properly taken up with Kanako, in that case?"
>"She didn't come down here, did she?" says the oni, as she approaches Sanae.
>Sanae looks like she is about to say something, then decides otherwise.
>"Oh, right," says Deva K, "You wanted to know about what's her name, right?"
>_
-
>"I did, yes. Very much so."
-
>"I did, yes. Very much so."
>"Last I heard from the streetears," she says, as she motions for you and Sanae to move toward the stairs, "She was going somewhere near the east side of the warehouse district, not far from the slags. I don't think she's moved from there, someone would have said something. Got to keep an eye on thief types."
>_
-
>Move up the stairs
>"Thank you very much. I don't suppose you have any idea what she was doing there?"
>Do we know what the slags are?
-
>Move up the stairs
>"Thank you very much. I don't suppose you have any idea what she was doing there?"
>Do we know what the slags are?
>You let the oni shoo you back up the stairs.
>"Just roving around. Maybe looking for something? Don't know what she expects to find there."
>You do. It's the southeast corner of the city; it burned down some time ago, and has been ceded to the evil spirits.
>_
-
>"Thank you again. I admit I'm as unsure of her aims as you are. It's part of the reason why it's important I find her quickly, given the circumstances."
-
>"Thank you again. I admit I'm as unsure of her aims as you are. It's part of the reason why it's important I find her quickly, given the circumstances."
>You emerge outside into the street again, a moment later you hear the sword being drawn. The thin oni watching the door looks over toward you, eyebrows raised.
>_
-
>How are the two positioned?
>How does Sanae seem to be reacting to this?
-
>How are the two positioned?
>How does Sanae seem to be reacting to this?
>They're both still on the stairs.
>She takes to the air, nearly slamming into you as she moves forward to get away from the oni.
>Deva K laughs heartily, as shots follow the priestess out.
>_
-
>Back away and give them some room
-
>Back away and give them some room
>You back away, as more bullets fire.
>"Go find her!" Sanae shouts, as she flies over the top of the building and produces a spellcard. "I'll meet you at the bridge!"
>_
-
>"Thank you! And good luck! I have faith in you!"
>Quickly proceed towards the area Deva K indicated.
-
>"Thank you! And good luck! I have faith in you!"
>Quickly proceed towards the area Deva K indicated.
>You say your goodbyes as the air starts to get uncomfortably thick with bullets.
>You follow the directions, skirting around the edge of the warehouse district, and approaching the burned out region of the city.
>There is a line of mostly intact homes near the edge of the slags, though still in an obvious state of disrepair and really not worth living in. You imagine that they've been abandoned for some years. There certainly doesn't seem to be much activity. To the east, there is little left in the way of standing structures, just fire-gutted wreckage. You can see a few evil spirits floating around them idly, but it doesn't seem like they have any presence around the rundown houses.
>_
-
>Start to search around the area for any sign of Tenshi.
>Try to avoid parts with evil spirits for now.
-
>Start to search around the area for any sign of Tenshi.
>Try to avoid parts with evil spirits for now.
>What sort of searching will you be doing?
>_
-
>What sort of searching will you be doing?
>Walk along the streets here in a sequential fashion, and peer into the open wreckage for signs of Tenshi, or even other people
>If this turns up neither of the above things, start looking inside apparently abandoned buildings. Be alert in case they're not quite as abandoned as they appear.
-
>Walk along the streets here in a sequential fashion, and peer into the open wreckage for signs of Tenshi, or even other people
>If this turns up neither of the above things, start looking inside apparently abandoned buildings. Be alert in case they're not quite as abandoned as they appear.
>You walk along the streets, peering through windows and open doors. As far as you tell, there's not been much disturbing this place. Here and there you not places where it looks like the dust might have been kicked up.
>_
-
>Are we satisfied that we've covered the nearby buildings adequately and that Tenshi wouldn't be hiding inside any of them?
>Can we discern anything in the way of footprints or simply a general path among the places where the dust appears to have been kicked up?
-
>Are we satisfied that we've covered the nearby buildings adequately and that Tenshi wouldn't be hiding inside any of them?
>Can we discern anything in the way of footprints or simply a general path among the places where the dust appears to have been kicked up?
>You've yet to really go through any of them, having made a cursory search thus far. She theoretically could be in any of them.
>There are three buildings that seem to have things that could be construed footsteps. One is a small building that has partially collapsed on itself. Another seems to be a tenement, with several homes in it, and a third seems to have been a shop of some kind.
>_
-
>Examine the partially collapsed building, and what interior is accessible.
>Take care to avoid parts of it that look like they might collapse on top of us or below us, even now
-
>Examine the partially collapsed building, and what interior is accessible.
>Take care to avoid parts of it that look like they might collapse on top of us or below us, even now
>You examine the partially collapsed building.
>You're not sure what it once was, but it seems to have had multiple rooms. This rooms are now just suggestions, as the roof caving in did much to knock out the walls. There isn't much of the place that you feel you can explore. Judging by the marks in the dust, whomever was here agreed with that. She seems to have poked around a little bit, though.
>_
-
>Examine a couple of the parts that seem to have been poked around at.
>Go examine the former shop
-
>Examine a couple of the parts that seem to have been poked around at.
>Go examine the former shop
>You examine those parts. Near as you can tell, it seems someone had be going through the wreckage in some of the safer-looking parts of the building.
>You examine the former shop. Across the road from the slags, it is better condition than many of the other buildings here. Entering it, you find yourself in an empty storefront. There are some shelves built into the walls, bearing nothing at the moment, and an empty counter. Behind the counter is a doorway that hangs open, you are certain a curtain used to go over it. Obvious exits are East and West.
>The dust is a little disturbed, it seems whomever was here looked out a window, then headed toward the back.
>_
-
>Head towards the back ourselves
>Try to be quiet, and be extra alert for the chance someone is still in here. Be ready to respond accordingly
-
>Head towards the back ourselves
>Try to be quiet, and be extra alert for the chance someone is still in here. Be ready to respond accordingly
>You head toward the back, trying to be quiet.
>The back seems to have been a storeroom. There are still a couple of old crates here in the corner. The marks in the dust lead toward them.
>_
-
>Examine the crates and the area around them
-
>Examine the crates and the area around them
>You approach the crates. As you do, you get a better view of what is around them. Past the crates, sitting in the corner, you see someone with a blue skirt sitting on the floor, hugging her legs to her chest. You have perhaps a second before she sees you, too.
>_
-
>Does it look like Tenshi?
>Are we in a position that she'd essentially have to run past us to exit the building?
>If so, softly: "Tenshi?"
-
>Does it look like Tenshi?
>Are we in a position that she'd essentially have to run past us to exit the building?
>If so, softly: "Tenshi?"
>You believe so. Unless she has left another dummy.
>More or less, though she has lots of room to maneuver at the moment if she tried to run.
>She starts visibly, and cries, "Oh crap!"
>_
-
>Gently: "Please, Tenshi. I just want to speak with you."
>What sort of state does she look like she's in? Outside of being startled.
-
>Gently: "Please, Tenshi. I just want to speak with you."
>What sort of state does she look like she's in? Outside of being startled.
>"J-just go away, damn it..." she mutters, then buries her face in her knees.
>She looks like she's been in a few fights, and didn't do very well.
>_
-
>Take a few steps towards her and crouch down towards her level
>"Please, Tenshi. Tell me what's happened."
-
>Take a few steps towards her and crouch down towards her level
>"Please, Tenshi. Tell me what's happened."
>You take a few steps closer and kneel.
>"Just go away..." she mutters into her dress. "I wanna be alone."
>_
-
>"Please Tenshi... I'm here because I'm concerned about you."
-
>"Please Tenshi... I'm here because I'm concerned about you."
>"Don't care..." she mutters.
>_
-
>"But I care, Tenshi. Please. I'm very sorry about what passed between us this morning. I genuinely am. But you're hurt, and frankly I think you need someone to confide in. Whatever it is won't get better by keeping to yourself in an abandoned corner of the Ancient City. Please try to trust me. At least a little."
-
>"But I care, Tenshi. Please. I'm very sorry about what passed between us this morning. I genuinely am. But you're hurt, and frankly I think you need someone to confide in. Whatever it is won't get better by keeping to yourself in an abandoned corner of the Ancient City. Please try to trust me. At least a little."
>"Everybody thinks I did it anyways, so it doesn't matter what I say," she says. "Just go away"
>_
-
>"I does matter what you say, because I'm not convinced you did it. And if you truly didn't, I will defend you against anyone who says otherwise. Even Reimu, if necessary."
-
>"I does matter what you say, because I'm not convinced you did it. And if you truly didn't, I will defend you against anyone who says otherwise. Even Reimu, if necessary."
>"Too late for that," she says. "Barely got away..."
>_
-
>"From who? Reimu? She found you?"
-
>"From who? Reimu? She found you?"
>Tenshi nods. The gesture isn't quite so effective with her face buried in her skirt.
>_
-
>Sigh
>"And I guess she didn't wait for an explanation then, did she? I already told her that I didn't think you were responsible. Of course, that didn't stop her from attacking me, too. For whatever consolation it's worth, I'm gaining some understanding of what it's like for everyone to think it's your fault, and refuse to listen otherwise. She's not the only one who's tried to attack me this morning, either."
-
>Sigh
>"And I guess she didn't wait for an explanation then, did she? I already told her that I didn't think you were responsible. Of course, that didn't stop her from attacking me, too. For whatever consolation it's worth, I'm gaining some understanding of what it's like for everyone to think it's your fault, and refuse to listen otherwise. She's not the only one who's tried to attack me this morning, either."
>"Did you run into Marisa, too?" she asks, glancing up toward you.
>_
-
>"I saw her, but managed to hide in the forest while she flew overhead. After what had already happened to me, I didn't want to risk talking to her."
-
>"I saw her, but managed to hide in the forest while she flew overhead. After what had already happened to me, I didn't want to risk talking to her."
>"I did..." she says. "It's how stupid Reimu found me..."
>_
-
>"And Marisa assumed you'd done it, too, then?"
-
>"And Marisa assumed you'd done it, too, then?"
>She nods again.
>_
-
>"Then I guess you and I have had more in common this day than you might have thought. I ran into Sanae, as well, who was similarly obstinate. I've just been fortunate to escape with fewer injuries than you."
>"Tenshi, do you have any idea why Bhava-Agra might have fallen?"
-
>"Then I guess you and I have had more in common this day than you might have thought. I ran into Sanae, as well, who was similarly obstinate. I've just been fortunate to escape with fewer injuries than you."
>"Tenshi, do you have any idea why Bhava-Agra might have fallen?"
>"Guess so," she says, looking away.
>She shakes her head. "Didn't know it could..."
>_
-
>"That makes two of us. No one else I've talked to knows why, either."
>"Tenshi, what did you mean when you said you were going to remind everyone in Bhava-Agra how they weren't as great as they thought they were?"
-
>"That makes two of us. No one else I've talked to knows why, either."
>"Tenshi, what did you mean when you said you were going to remind everyone in Bhava-Agra how they weren't as great as they thought they were?"
>She's quiet for a moment. Then she says, "I was gonna make it rain on them."
>_
-
>"That's... that's it?"
>Does it never rain in Bhava-Agra?
>Also, despite her other faults, have we known Tenshi to flatly lie about things?
-
>"That's... that's it?"
>Does it never rain in Bhava-Agra?
>Also, despite her other faults, have we known Tenshi to flatly lie about things?
>"Yeah. Doesn't seem so great anymore."
>It's very uncommon. Rain clouds typically don't get high enough for it.
>Yes.
>_
-
>Then how do the peaches grow, without rain?
>"It was very unfortunate timing on your part, as well."
-
>Then how do the peaches grow, without rain?
>"It was very unfortunate timing on your part, as well."
>Most of the islands produce their own water. You're not sure if it's a fully magical thing, or part of some kind of cycle.
>Tenshi doesn't say anything.
>_
-
>"I just want to ask you directly, one last time: you swear you had no involvement at all in Bhava-Agra's descent?"
-
>"I just want to ask you directly, one last time: you swear you had no involvement at all in Bhava-Agra's descent?"
>"Didn't I just say that?" Tenshi asks. "Geez...although to be honest, it's probably a good thing anyways."
>_
-
>"And why do you think that?"
-
>"And why do you think that?"
>"Well it's pretty obvious, isn't it?" she says. "It's hard for them to act all better than everyone else when they aren't miles above everyone else."
>_
-
>"Do you feel I act that way?"
>"And be that as it may, this incident has still caused a great many problems. Many celestials have been injured, their homes damaged or destroyed. Remilia has claimed part of Bhava-Agra as her own and taken its inhabitants as her servants. Our food supply has been seriously diminished by the fall. And there's the whole issue of numerous people wanting to shoot at us. You, me, other celestials, too."
-
>"Do you feel I act that way?"
>"And be that as it may, this incident has still caused a great many problems. Many celestials have been injured, their homes damaged or destroyed. Remilia has claimed part of Bhava-Agra as her own and taken its inhabitants as her servants. Our food supply has been seriously diminished by the fall. And there's the whole issue of numerous people wanting to shoot at us. You, me, other celestials, too."
>She looks away. "Well yeah. Usually, anyways..."
>"Yeah, but putting it back isn't going to fix much of that," says Tenshi, "Is it?"
>_
-
>"I apologize if I've seemed that way to you. I don't mean to be."
>"And you're right that some of those problems won't be fixed by putting it back, but others will. Certainly, the people on the surface will be satisfied that we are not invading if we are gone."
>"But in either case, the first step to bringing any kind of resolution to this is to try and discover the real culprit behind Bhava-Agra's fall. You would like to clear your name, right?"
>The Dragon asked us to locate Tenshi. Did it actually ask us to bring her to it?
-
>"I apologize if I've seemed that way to you. I don't mean to be."
>"And you're right that some of those problems won't be fixed by putting it back, but others will. Certainly, the people on the surface will be satisfied that we are not invading if we are gone."
>"But in either case, the first step to bringing any kind of resolution to this is to try and discover the real culprit behind Bhava-Agra's fall. You would like to clear your name, right?"
>The Dragon asked us to locate Tenshi. Did it actually ask us to bring her to it?
>"That's what they all say,"
>"And I guess. But wouldn't not invading also show them we're not invading."
>"Well, yeah. But no one's going to be believe me any more now than they did the first time."
>No.
>_
-
>"Well, I think if we can prove what actually caused it, it'll do a lot to convince even the most stubborn of people."
>"Come with me, Tenshi. Let's do it together."
-
>"Well, I think if we can prove what actually caused it, it'll do a lot to convince even the most stubborn of people."
>"Come with me, Tenshi. Let's do it together."
>She frowns. "I don't know if I should trust you..."
>_
-
>"I'm choosing to trust you right now, Tenshi. Please choose to trust me back. I promise I'm not trying to mislead you."
-
>"I'm choosing to trust you right now, Tenshi. Please choose to trust me back. I promise I'm not trying to mislead you."
>"Until you whack me for taking back my sword, anyways," she says. "And I've gotten beat up enough as it is, today."
>_
-
>"The matter of the sword can be settled some other time. For now, I think we can put it aside entirely. I ask you to come with me because I'm genuinely concerned for you, and I because honestly wish to help you prove your innocence. Please, let's do it together."
>Extend a hand towards her
-
>"The matter of the sword can be settled some other time. For now, I think we can put it aside entirely. I ask you to come with me because I'm genuinely concerned for you, and I because honestly wish to help you prove your innocence. Please, let's do it together."
>Extend a hand towards her
>She looks at your hand as though it were a snake. "What would you even have me do, anyways? How am I supposed to be any kind of help to the likes of you?"
>_
-
>"You make it sound as though I should think your presence beneath me. Is it so hard to accept that under the circumstances I might genuinely welcome the company?"
-
>"You make it sound as though I should think your presence beneath me. Is it so hard to accept that under the circumstances I might genuinely welcome the company?"
>"And you don't?" she says.
>_
-
>"No. I don't."
-
>"No. I don't."
>She gives you an appraising look. "So...what do you want me to do want me to do, anyways?"
>_
-
>"I admit I haven't figured out any long-term plans, but I don't think it's good for you to stay here. If I could find you, Reimu and Marisa can, too, and I think it's best that the next time we meet either of them, we do so together."
>"Sanae is down here right now. One of the Devas challenged her; they may still be fighting. But I've promised to meet her back at the bridge after I found you. I will tell her you're innocent and insist that she respect this."
>"Aside from that, I'll need to think of where next to look for information about what happened to Bhava-Agra."
-
>"I admit I haven't figured out any long-term plans, but I don't think it's good for you to stay here. If I could find you, Reimu and Marisa can, too, and I think it's best that the next time we meet either of them, we do so together."
>"Sanae is down here right now. One of the Devas challenged her; they may still be fighting. But I've promised to meet her back at the bridge after I found you. I will tell her you're innocent and insist that she respect this."
>"Aside from that, I'll need to think of where next to look for information about what happened to Bhava-Agra."
>She frowns, staring at the floor intently.
>_
-
>"Please, Tenshi. I'm on your side, here. What would you rather do? Wait alone in an abandoned abandoned building for someone more hostile to find you?"
-
>"Please, Tenshi. I'm on your side, here. What would you rather do? Wait alone in an abandoned abandoned building for someone more hostile to find you?"
>"Yeah, but that's what makes it kind of suspicious." she says, "I don't get people on my side."
>_
-
>"Tenshi, have you ever known me to lie so blatantly as would be required for this entire thing to be a deception?"
-
>"Tenshi, have you ever known me to lie so blatantly as would be required for this entire thing to be a deception?"
>She stares at the floor again. "...No."
>_
-
"I don't get people on my side."
>_
>"That's because up until now, you have chosen to do nothing that others would consider a worthy cause. Whether is because the chance never happened, or because you choose not to, you have never once done something that people would believe in you for. It's because you choose to instead do things like [whatever we call the SWR incident] that you only find enemies."
>"But, this is a chance. For the first time I can remember in my time with you, this is finally a chance for you to do something good. for you to make allies, even with me. For you to fight for a cause that will makes others happy."
>"Please, Tenshi. Believe me when I say I want you to help me solve this incident. All of Bhava-Agra is facing a crisis now. Please? Don't you want to help?
-
>"That's because up until now, you have chosen to do nothing that others would consider a worthy cause. Whether is because the chance never happened, or because you choose not to, you have never once done something that people would believe in you for. It's because you choose to instead do things like [whatever we call the SWR incident] that you only find enemies."
>"But, this is a chance. For the first time I can remember in my time with you, this is finally a chance for you to do something good. for you to make allies, even with me. For you to fight for a cause that will makes others happy."
>"Please, Tenshi. Believe me when I say I want you to help me solve this incident. All of Bhava-Agra is facing a crisis now. Please? Don't you want to help?
>Wait a second. It's way too strong to say she's never done anything anyone else could support, or ever had a chance to support. It's only going to feed into her impression of how other people view her by being this judgmental when she's already feeling this tentative.
-
But that is how other people see her. And the point of the whole thing is to get her behind the idea that she now has the power to change that view.
-
You people and your words.
> Hug Tenshi. She needs it.
-
But that is how other people see her. And the point of the whole thing is to get her behind the idea that she now has the power to change that view.
I'm not saying what you said is entirely untrue. But remember it was already mentioned in this quest that she was fairly well behaved until to the SWR incident, and she'd been in Bhava-Agra a long time by that point. I think "you have never once done something that people would believe in you for" is particularly harsh, given that. She's been more of a troublemaker lately, that's certain.
She's feeling isolated and vulnerable right now, and the last thing she needs is for us to reaffirm that we think she's done a lot of bad stuff. Sure, we probably still think that, and she probably still thinks we think that, too. But we can work up to that when she's more on-board. At the moment, it's more important for her to simply feel comfortable with us. I agree with your intent, but I think it risks driving her off if we do it exactly like that, right at this moment.
-
> Hug Tenshi. She needs it.
>You try to think of some things to say. In the end, approach her and give her a hug. She stiffens a bit, then says, "What's that for?"
>_
-
She can sit around and cry like a baby for hours on end, or she can stand up and fight for her own namesake, for the sake of Bhava-Agra, and for what is perceptionally the first time she's ever tried to get someone to like her. We have to convey somehow that there is a right course of action to take, and that we are presenting it to her personally, and that if she accepts, people will start to like her. It gets nothing accomplished to show her unconditional love, and expect the conditions to come later - especially since it's clear Iku has never shown Tenshi love of any kind, much less unconditional.
It may not be what Tenshi wants to hear now, but it's what she needs to hear.
-
> "I'm just so glad I've found you."
-
She can sit around and cry like a baby for hours on end, or she can stand up and fight for her own namesake, for the sake of Bhava-Agra, and for what is perceptionally the first time she's ever tried to get someone to like her. We have to convey somehow that there is a right course of action to take, and that we are presenting it to her personally, and that if she accepts, people will start to like her. It gets nothing accomplished to show her unconditional love, and expect the conditions to come later - especially since it's clear Iku has never shown Tenshi love of any kind, much less unconditional.
It may not be what Tenshi wants to hear now, but it's what she needs to hear.
I agree mostly with the intent of this, but not all of how it was put in the previous commands. I didn't mean to suggest we should just forget about everything she's done. But telling her, essentially "you're been nothing but a terrible person" when she's already feeling obviously defensive and self-isolating, is only going to prop up her own view that other people dislike her. Sure, there may be good reasons they do, but I don't think reminding her of this is going to do anything but drive her more into her shell.
Right now it's enough to get her doing something good. We can worry about what she did before, later on.
>"Because it looked like you could use someone caring about you. Not a word I've said to you here has been a lie. You know me well enough to know that."
-
> "I'm just so glad I've found you."
>"Oh," she says. "Um...you're not going to start saying weird things again, right?"
>"Because it looked like you could use someone caring about you. Not a word I've said to you here has been a lie. You know me well enough to know that."
>"I guess that's not too weird," she says, frowning a bit toward the floor. "I still think it was the right thing, whoever did it. I think I'm mad they beat me to it."
>_
>_
-
Welp, looks like she still hates everyone.
I've made my suggestion, do whatever you guys want/
-
>"What about all the damage that's been done in the process? The people with broken limbs and broken houses? The lost harvest?"
-
>"What about all the damage that's been done in the process? The people with broken limbs and broken houses? The lost harvest?"
>She stares at the floor again.
>"Well we oughta leave it that way."
>_
-
>"And why do you think this is better for us? I ask that honestly, so please be honest with your feelings in return."
-
>"And why do you think this is better for us? I ask that honestly, so please be honest with your feelings in return."
>"I was honest..." she says.
>_
-
>"About why you think it's better? I'd just assumed you had a longer answer about that, that's all."
-
>"About why you think it's better? I'd just assumed you had a longer answer about that, that's all."
>She frowns. "I didn't really need to say more, did I?"
>_
-
> "Tenshi, there's something I don't understand. You say you want our people to feel humbled, to the point where you approve of us being starved. You say I have been acting weird, too."
> "Do...do you want to be disliked?"
-
Actually, I got the distinct impression from her reaction that she feels at least a little bad about all the collateral damage. She just thinks that, now that the damage is already done anyway, we ought to leave things as they are.
>"You say that the celestials act like they're above everyone else. But how many everyone elses are normally around for them to act above? Are you concerned about their attitude towards the people of Gensokyo... or towards you?"
-
> "Tenshi, there's something I don't understand. You say you want our people to feel humbled, to the point where you approve of us being starved. You say I have been acting weird, too."
> "Do...do you want to be disliked?"
"Yeah, well, it's already been done," she says, scowling at the floor, "And taking out the good part isn't going to change it now!"
>"You say that the celestials act like they're above everyone else. But how many everyone elses are normally around for them to act above? Are you concerned about their attitude towards the people of Gensokyo... or towards you?"
>"...What's that supposed to mean?"
>_
-
> "But I don't want to dislike you. And I don't dislike you. Why do you want me to?"
-
>"You say the islands being low is a good thing because you think it would cause everyone to be more humble, right? But is that mostly because you feel they look down on you?"
-
> "But I don't want to dislike you. And I don't dislike you. Why do you want me to?"
>"I never said that!" Tenshi says. "I just said it's a good thing Bhava-Agra fell, and we ought to leave it because it's better that way."
>"You say the islands being low is a good thing because you think it would cause everyone to be more humble, right? But is that mostly because you feel they look down on you?"
>Yeah, well they do!" Tenshi says, scowling at the floor.
>_
-
>"And why do you think they do?"
-
>"And why do you think they do?"
>"What do you mean think?" she says, giving you a sidelong glance. "They do! I know it and so do you..."
>_
-
> "You could change all that, by helping fix this. Our people are in dire straits right now. If you helped fix the problem, they would look up to you, not down on you."
> Grin.
> "And you could show that nosy Reimu a thing or two by proving she was wrong, too."
-
>"But why, I asked. What do you think their reason is?"
-
> "You could change all that, by helping fix this. Our people are in dire straits right now. If you helped fix the problem, they would look up to you, not down on you."
> Grin.
> "And you could show that nosy Reimu a thing or two by proving she was wrong, too."
>She looks back at the floor. "No it wouldn't. It doesn't matter what I do, they've all already made up their minds."
>"...Maybe."
>"But why, I asked. What do you think their reason is?"
>"Because they think they're all better than everyone else."
>_
-
>"Then do you think they also look down on each other?"
-
>"Then do you think they also look down on each other?"
>"No, why would they?" Asks Tenshi, "All the others are just like they are.."
>_
-
>"Then who is this everyone that they're always looking down on, besides you?"
-
>"Then who is this everyone that they're always looking down on, besides you?"
>"Everyone else," she says. "Isn't it obvious?"
>_
-
>"Maybe I'm not following... You said that everyone in Bhava-Agra looks down on you. But that they don't look down on each other, because they're all the same. Who else there does that leave?"
-
>"Maybe I'm not following... You said that everyone in Bhava-Agra looks down on you. But that they don't look down on each other, because they're all the same. Who else there does that leave?"
>"There's a whole lot more to the universe than Bhava-Agra, you know..." she says.
>_
-
>"I'm aware of that. I was just trying to make sure that's what you were saying. Maybe it's just been a rough day for both of us, but some of your earlier remarks seemed a little ambiguous."
>"And do you feel bad about the other people they look down on?"
-
>"I'm aware of that. I was just trying to make sure that's what you were saying. Maybe it's just been a rough day for both of us, but some of your earlier remarks seemed a little ambiguous."
>"And do you feel bad about the other people they look down on?"
>"No they weren't," she says, frowning at you.
>"Not really," she says. "They don't have to deal with it."
>_
-
>"Hey, I'm willing to take the fault for misunderstanding. I'm not saying you misspoke."
>"So really, the main reason you think the islands falling is good is because you think it'll cause people to start to treat you better?"
>"What's it like for you, then?"
>Could Tenshi technically leave Bhava-Agra and live elsewhere permanently, if she so chose? Presumably most people simply have no desire to leave, but has that particular issue come up before?
-
Okay, I think I've found a way to work around Drake's problem with my last suggestion.
>"Tenshi, tell me something. Before today, what was the latest Remarkable thing you did?"
The first step to changing somebody is making them understand the problem starts with them. I want to keep asking Tenshi these sorts of questions until she admits to herself she hasn't done anything worth making others like her.
-
Personally, I think she's amply demonstrated her conviction that other people simply don't like her because they're closed minded. (ie: it's all their problem) She even said a moment ago that even if she DID do something wonderful in the service of Bhava-Agra, they wouldn't care, because they've all already made up their minds.
That being said, don't take this as me trying to stop you from trying that, because I'm not. I'm simply stating my opinion.
Incidentally, Drake is someone else on MoTK entirely, and you've called me that twice now. Not that it's especially ambiguous in this context, since he hasn't posted in this thread or anything, but just pointing that out.
-
Err, right. Sorry. I honestly don't know why I keep calling you Drake.
And I've been aware for a while that she's convinced everyone hates her forever and ever, and nothing she will ever do will be worthwhile, but that's basically just angry-depressed teenager logic. She just needs to get out, and get more active, and actually try something before writing it off as "No use." Although I'm sure Iku will be touching on what I just said herself when we get to that bridge.
-
I personally question the wisdom of telling her she's at fault - even just partially - while she's still brooding. I would wait until she's in a good mood again before trying that route.
To be honest, I think both she and our position would benefit greatly from a visit to the island full of the injured. Give her a chance to take in the real condition of all those she's spiting. I think she'll be much more open to new ideas after that.
-
>"Hey, I'm willing to take the fault for misunderstanding. I'm not saying you misspoke."
>"So really, the main reason you think the islands falling is good is because you think it'll cause people to start to treat you better?"
>"What's it like for you, then?"
>Could Tenshi technically leave Bhava-Agra and live elsewhere permanently, if she so chose? Presumably most people simply have no desire to leave, but has that particular issue come up before?
>She blinks. "Huh, okay."
>"Well, yeah. But also because it'll be pretty much proving they aren't nearly so hot as they think they are."
>"Um...it's hard to say in words, you know?"
>The idea has been proposed, and vetoed by The Dragon. Admittedly, it was couched in terms of permanent exile and disgrace, but she probably wouldn't feel it was that way. As for why, you aren't sure. The Dragon never felt the need to clarify.
>"Tenshi, tell me something. Before today, what was the latest Remarkable thing you did?"
>"Um, what do you mean, remarkable?"
>_
-
>"It may be hard to put into words, but can you try, a little? I'd like to understand better."
>Are there restrictions on how much time she is allowed to spend in Gensokyo of her own accord, then?
>What are our own estimation of how other celestials think of and treat Tenshi?
-
>"It may be hard to put into words, but can you try, a little? I'd like to understand better."
>Are there restrictions on how much time she is allowed to spend in Gensokyo of her own accord, then?
>What are our own estimation of how other celestials think of and treat Tenshi?
>"Everybody acts like I'm the problem, when they're all even worse for being so damn full of themselves, trying to act like they're any different! And there's no getting away from it, either."
>Not really, but she does have to return to tend to various things.
>You've...not really seen her mistreated or condescended yourself. At most, treated with some suspicion.
>_
-
>"Didn't you just say they were different, a moment ago?"
>"But I guess that's why you like spending as much time in Gensokyo as you do? Both to get away from them, and to be someplace where people aren't as full of themselves, as you put it?"
>Tenshi was fairly well behaved up to the Scarlet Weather Incident, wasn't she?
-
>"Didn't you just say they were different, a moment ago?"
>"But I guess that's why you like spending as much time in Gensokyo as you do? Both to get away from them, and to be someplace where people aren't as full of themselves, as you put it?"
>Tenshi was fairly well behaved up to the Scarlet Weather Incident, wasn't she?
>"No, I said they act like they are!" she says. "They think they are! That's why it's worse than me."
>She nods. "It's a lot more fun here, too."
>She was well behaved before then.
>_
-
>"Did you always feel this way about them? I mean, it didn't seem like it to me until a few years ago."
-
>"Did you always feel this way about them? I mean, it didn't seem like it to me until a few years ago."
>"I didn't notice it until then," says Tenshi, staring at the floor again.
>_
-
>"So you feel the other celestials were looking down on you, even before you created that incident?"
-
>"So you feel the other celestials were looking down on you, even before you created that incident?"
>"Yeah, but I didn't know it at the time," she says. "I knew something was off, but I hadn't figure it out yet."
>_
-
>"Why would they have been looking down on you back then? You never seemed to act obviously different than they did."
-
>"Why would they have been looking down on you back then? You never seemed to act obviously different than they did."
>"I don't know," she says with a shrug.
>_
-
> "Then how could you tell?"
-
> "Then how could you tell?"
>"You just can," says Tenshi. "You can hear it in what they say, even if what they're saying ought to be perfectly nice."
>_
-
> "And do you think I act like this?"
-
> "And do you think I act like this?"
>"...Maybe not," she says, frowning a bit at the floor. "And least not all the time."
>_
-
> Look at the floor and close our eyes.
> Sigh.
> "...I...wish you had told me this before."
-
> Look at the floor and close our eyes.
> Sigh.
> "...I...wish you had told me this before."
>"I thought it was pretty obvious," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Sometimes...things aren't as obvious when you're the one doing them."
> Were we really this bad? Tenshi could be a jerk, sure, but she used to be just fine...were we really hurting her emotionally all that time?
> "I'm...I'm sorry, Tenshi...I never meant..."
-
> "Sometimes...things aren't as obvious when you're the one doing them."
> Were we really this bad? Tenshi could be a jerk, sure, but she used to be just fine...were we really hurting her emotionally all that time?
> "I'm...I'm sorry, Tenshi...I never meant..."
>"I guess," she says.
>You don't think you were. You really have tried to be patient with her most of the time, despite her being a pain to pretty much everyone. There's a part of you that wonders if she's not exaggerating or misinterpreting.
>"Maybe you didn't," she says with a shrug.
>_
-
> Perhaps, or perhaps this has been a death spiral since after that one incident, where dissent has bred more dissent. She became a celestial through her family rather than her own deeds, right? Maybe the others really have been looking down on her for so long because of that, and she only started 'fighting' back after that incident.
> "Do you...not believe me?"
-
> Perhaps, or perhaps this has been a death spiral since after that one incident, where dissent has bred more dissent. She became a celestial through her family rather than her own deeds, right? Maybe the others really have been looking down on her for so long because of that, and she only started 'fighting' back after that incident.
> "Do you...not believe me?"
>This is also possible.
>"Well...um," she says. "I think you're sincere, but I wonder if it's actually going to change anything..."
>_
-
> "Change in what regard? I hope it can change our relationship, at least."
-
> "Change in what regard? I hope it can change our relationship, at least."
>"It's one thing to be sorry about something, and another to actually do anything about it," says Tenshi. She shrugs. "But, I guess you're a lot more likely to do anything than they are."
>_
-
> Lift head and eyes.
> "...What exactly are you expecting to be done?"
-
> Lift head and eyes.
> "...What exactly are you expecting to be done?"
>"Not doing all those things I was talking about would be pretty nice," she says.
>_
-
>"How about this? If you feel I'm doing something like that to you, you let me know? Every change starts with the first step, after all."
-
>"How about this? If you feel I'm doing something like that to you, you let me know? Every change starts with the first step, after all."
>"Okay, but you have to promise not to get mad," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>Nod
>"I'll do my best, Tenshi."
-
>Nod
>"I'll do my best, Tenshi."
>"Okay. So what are we doing next, then?"
>_
-
> "Well, I'm still hoping to figure out how to fix our home, and I still think that, if you helped, you would be seen as a hero to the celestials, and that would kill all the negativity you feel from them."
-
>"We need to return to the bridge where I promised to meet up with Sanae after I found you. I've staked my innocence on not attempting to evade her, so for both our good names, this is something that must be done. I will tell her you're innocent, and I hope she will respect that. If she refuses to believe me, I will defend you. But I ask that you try to be respectful of her as well. The less we seem like aggressors, the more likely she is to believe us. As frustrating as it is to argue against prejudice, she is only trying to protect her own people. I have faith we can resolve it without confrontation."
-
> "Well, I'm still hoping to figure out how to fix our home, and I still think that, if you helped, you would be seen as a hero to the celestials, and that would kill all the negativity you feel from them."
>"It doesn't matter what I do, they'll never change," says Tenshi. "They're convinced they're perfect."
>"We need to return to the bridge where I promised to meet up with Sanae after I found you. I've staked my innocence on not attempting to evade her, so for both our good names, this is something that must be done. I will tell her you're innocent, and I hope she will respect that. If she refuses to believe me, I will defend you. But I ask that you try to be respectful of her as well. The less we seem like aggressors, the more likely she is to believe us. As frustrating as it is to argue against prejudice, she is only trying to protect her own people. I have faith we can resolve it without confrontation."
>"I think we could take her," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"I agree that we possibly could. Especially given that she's almost certainly worn from her fight with Deva K. But that's not the point. If we attack her and move on, we are virtually affirming our own guilt in this. We are innocent, and thus we should not be the aggressors."
-
>"It doesn't matter what I do, they'll never change," says Tenshi. "They're convinced they're perfect."
> "I very much doubt they think they're perfect right now."
-
>"I agree that we possibly could. Especially given that she's almost certainly worn from her fight with Deva K. But that's not the point. If we attack her and move on, we are virtually affirming our own guilt in this. We are innocent, and thus we should not be the aggressors."
>"We don't have to hit first," says Tenshi, "But I don't see why we should bother going too far out of our way when she's wrong. If she starts something, let's just take her up on it and finish it!"
> "I very much doubt they think they're perfect right now."
>"Well, good."
>_
-
>"If we react with violence, which she might even be expecting, we only affirm her own belief that she's right. You've already said how much you dislike it when people look down on you. Let's not give her the chance. If we refuse to bite when she's convinced we will, consider it showing her how wrong she is about you."
-
> "And I'm not sure I'd say it's good that many of them received injuries in the fall. Injuries worse than anything you or I received."
> Have we happened to see Tenshi's family anywhere since the fall?"
-
Tagging out, I needed to go to bed a while ago.
-
>"If we react with violence, which she might even be expecting, we only affirm her own belief that she's right. You've already said how much you dislike it when people look down on you. Let's not give her the chance. If we refuse to bite when she's convinced we will, consider it showing her how wrong she is about you."
>"Maybe," she says, "But that won't matter, because she won't be able to do anything about it afterward. And she'll probably just try to say we're tricking her, anyways, if she's going to start something."
> "And I'm not sure I'd say it's good that many of them received injuries in the fall. Injuries worse than anything you or I received."
> Have we happened to see Tenshi's family anywhere since the fall?"
>"They probably deserved it," she says.
>You have not. You know that they left their shrine to allow for renovations, save for one of them who was supposed to remain behind and maintain things. You have no idea where she might have absconded to, or why.
>_
-
>"Can you genuinely say you believe they deserved it? Lorelei's arm and foot are broken. Her head is injured. She could barely get out of bed. Many of the workers at the orchard are in a similar condition. Can you honestly say they deserve this?"
>"As for Sanae, its true she may believe we're trying to trick her. But it doesn't matter whether or not she can do anything. If we attack her, she will be convinced that we were tricking her. If we refuse to fight her, we may convince her otherwise. At the very least, promise me you won't try to provoke her or strike before she does."
-
>"Can you genuinely say you believe they deserved it? Lorelei's arm and foot are broken. Her head is injured. She could barely get out of bed. Many of the workers at the orchard are in a similar condition. Can you honestly say they deserve this?"
>"As for Sanae, its true she may believe we're trying to trick her. But it doesn't matter whether or not she can do anything. If we attack her, she will be convinced that we were tricking her. If we refuse to fight her, we may convince her otherwise. At the very least, promise me you won't try to provoke her or strike before she does."
>"Maybe not all of them," says Tenshi, "but I'm not really finding many tears for them."
>She shrugs, "Fine, whatever, do it the dumb way."
>_
-
>"Is there anyone you would care about, like that? That you'd be worried for, if they were injured?"
-
>"Is there anyone you would care about, like that? That you'd be worried for, if they were injured?"
>She shrugs. "My family, I guess. But they're fine."
>_
-
>"Are you sure? Does that mean you went back to check on them, then? There've been injuries all over Bhava-Agra."
-
>"Are you sure? Does that mean you went back to check on them, then? There've been injuries all over Bhava-Agra."
>"Maybe I would have if I weren't so busy being chased by you then being beaten up by Reimu and Marisa," says Tenshi. "But there's no need. They're fine. They're always fine."
>_
-
>"I don't understand. Why would they be more likely to be fine than anyone else up there?"
>Can we think of a reason? Were they particularly more powerful than average, for example?
>"In any case, I think we probably should get going before Sanae starts to worry I'm not coming. Are you ready to leave?"
-
>"I don't understand. Why would they be more likely to be fine than anyone else up there?"
>Can we think of a reason? Were they particularly more powerful than average, for example?
>"In any case, I think we probably should get going before Sanae starts to worry I'm not coming. Are you ready to leave?"
>"You're doing it again already," says Tenshi. "If Lorelei had said something like that, no one would have questioned it. But since I did, suddenly it must be wrong."
>You really can't think of a tangible reason why. They are Celestials like anyone else.
>"Yeah, I guess."
>_
-
>"Actually, I believe I would have questioned that statement no matter who had said it. It had nothing to do with the fact that you were the one who spoke; I give you my word on that. I simply couldn't think of why they should be certain to be fine when other people were not, that is all."
>Leave to return to the bridge, Tenshi in tow
-
Geez guys, you shoot down my ideas because you're worried they might make her more depressed, and then you ask Tenshi to logically state why she believes the people she loves most are not fine and happy.
>Take Tenshi to Bridge.
>Can we spot Sanae in the air on our way there? if so, avoid that area for now.
>"Actually, I believe I would have questioned that statement no matter who had said it. It had nothing to do with the fact that you were the one who spoke; I give you my word on that. I simply couldn't think of why they should be certain to be fine when other people were not, that is all."
>Scratch that. We should make an effort here at least.
>"I'm sorry. You're right. I promised to be more courteous."
-
What do you mean, 'we should at least make an effort'? I was pointing out that it was a logical follow-up question and had nothing to do with us doubting her personally.
I didn't ask her to state why they're not fine, but why they should automatically be fine 'just because', which makes no sense. I'm hardly telling her that they're not. What was 'discourteous' about that?
-
If she wants to believe her family is okay, we should let her believe her family is okay. Okay?
-
Frankly, I think it would good for us to actually bring her to them to check. If they really are injured, maybe it'll help get it through her head that actions like this have consequences. Sometimes even consequences that you personally care about.
-
You're missing the point. The point is, you never should have asked her that in the first place. If you explain why you asked, and told her "It's not just because it's you" We'd still be trying to argue against her, and that would basically just mean flushing down everything Iku went through to get Tenshi on her side.
I do agree, she needs to see the state of the islands for herself, but that's not the issue right now.
-
Asked her what? Why she was sure they were fine? It seemed a legitimate question considering she might very well have already had time to check in on them. We didn't know where she'd gone immediately after leaving us, at the start of the morning.
I also fail to see why questioning her logic at any point automatically flushes down everything we've done so far, but I'm not going to press that point.
-
>"Actually, I believe I would have questioned that statement no matter who had said it. It had nothing to do with the fact that you were the one who spoke; I give you my word on that. I simply couldn't think of why they should be certain to be fine when other people were not, that is all."
>Leave to return to the bridge, Tenshi in tow
>Take Tenshi to Bridge.
>Can we spot Sanae in the air on our way there? if so, avoid that area for now.
>Scratch that. We should make an effort here at least.
>"I'm sorry. You're right. I promised to be more courteous."
>You consider pushing it a little further, then decide to let it go and apologize. "Yeah, yeah," she says.
>You start toward the bridge, flying over the warehouse district. Thankfully, it is not quite so imposing from the air. Looking toward where the Deva lives, you don't see any danmaku, suggesting the battle is done.
>As you draw closer to the bridge, you see Sanae standing on it near the gate.
>_
-
>Quietly, to Tenshi: "Remember, try not to let her provoke you."
>Land near Sanae
>"How did the battle go, then?"
-
>Quietly, to Tenshi: "Remember, try not to let her provoke you."
>Land near Sanae
>"How did the battle go, then?"
>"I won't, geez!" says Tenshi.
>You land near the gate. You can see Sanae has taken some wounds, but doesn't seem to be seriously hurt.
>"Well enough, came out on top," says Sanae. "What'd you find out?"
>_
-
>"Very little, I'm afraid. Tenshi seems to have no better idea what happened than I do."
-
>"Very little, I'm afraid. Tenshi seems to have no better idea what happened than I do."
>"So she wasn't behind it?" says Sanae?
>"No, isn't that what she just said?" Tenshi answers.
>Sanae frowns, then asks, "So what do you have in mind now?"
>_
-
>"I'm somewhat uncertain. I've already spoken with several people who tend to be well informed, such as Yukari and Patchouli and they had no speculation on a possible cause, either. Do you think it's possible your goddesses may have something to add, or had they already told you they had no idea why this could have happened?"
-
>"I'm somewhat uncertain. I've already spoken with several people who tend to be well informed, such as Yukari and Patchouli and they had no speculation on a possible cause, either. Do you think it's possible your goddesses may have something to add, or had they already told you they had no idea why this could have happened?"
>"They didn't know," says Sanae, "Which is part of why I'm out here. But, I suppose they might have found something by now."
>_
-
>"Then perhaps we should go to them. I don't really have anything else more productive to suggest at the moment, I'm afraid. At this point, I think all we can do is cast about to find some clue we can work with."
-
>"Then perhaps we should go to them. I don't really have anything else more productive to suggest at the moment, I'm afraid. At this point, I think all we can do is cast about to find some clue we can work with."
>"Maybe we ought to split up?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Did you have a suggestion, then? I'm not sure where else to go at this point that stands a solid chance of uncovering something."
-
>"Did you have a suggestion, then? I'm not sure where else to go at this point that stands a solid chance of uncovering something."
>"No," Tenshi says, frowning, "But we can check more places at once if we do, right?"
>_
-
>"True, if we had a good list of places to go. In this case, though, I'd like to hear what the goddesses have to say, myself, and I'd also rather have you with me for the next time either of us runs into Reimu or Marisa. Perhaps I'll be able to allay their suspicions this time."
>"Sanae, are you yet satisfied that I'm not trying to deceive you?"
-
>"True, if we had a good list of places to go. In this case, though, I'd like to hear what the goddesses have to say, myself, and I'd also rather have you with me for the next time either of us runs into Reimu or Marisa. Perhaps I'll be able to allay their suspicions this time."
>"Sanae, are you yet satisfied that I'm not trying to deceive you?"
>"Well we could stay together and Sanae splits up," says Tenshi.
>"For the most part," says Sanae.
>_
-
>"Thank you. That may be close to the most trust anyone on the surface has given me so far this morning."
>"And I still think I would like to visit the shrine first. Sanae, if you wish to turn your investigations elsewhere when we reach the surface, that's fine, although if you'd prefer to accompany us there, I understand."
-
>"Thank you. That may be close to the most trust anyone on the surface has given me so far this morning."
>"And I still think I would like to visit the shrine first. Sanae, if you wish to turn your investigations elsewhere when we reach the surface, that's fine, although if you'd prefer to accompany us there, I understand."
>Sanae nods.
>Tenshi frowns."I'm just saying if we're chasing after blind hopes, only idiots would all chase after the same one."
>_
-
>"I agree, actually. But this is only one stop, and I already said why I thought it might be best we all go there. I agree it would likely be more productive to part ways afterwards."
-
>"I agree, actually. But this is only one stop, and I already said why I thought it might be best we all go there. I agree it would likely be more productive to part ways afterwards."
>"Okay, fine, we'll go up the stupid mountain," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Well, then I guess if there are no further objections?"
>Assuming none, head out of the Underground
>"I'm curious as to the Deva's reaction, Sanae, when all was said and done?"
-
>"Well, then I guess if there are no further objections?"
>Assuming none, head out of the Underground
>"I'm curious as to the Deva's reaction, Sanae, when all was said and done?"
>"None here," says Sanae.
>The three of you start to make your way from the underground.
>"Well, she kind of fell unconscious," Sanae says.
>_
-
>"Well, then I guess she ought to be satisfied that you've solidly earned your position, for whatever that's worth."
-
>"Well, then I guess she ought to be satisfied that you've solidly earned your position, for whatever that's worth."
>Sanae nods. "I like to think I did what she wanted, anyways."
>_
-
>"That aside, I hope your first visit to the Ancient City wasn't as bad as you'd feared? Getting challenged by a Deva is hardly a run-of-the-mill experience down here."
-
>"That aside, I hope your first visit to the Ancient City wasn't as bad as you'd feared? Getting challenged by a Deva is hardly a run-of-the-mill experience down here."
>"It was interesting," says Sanae. "Would have liked to have done something, though. That food smelled pretty wonderful."
>_
-
>"Well, the city isn't going anywhere. How about, when all this settles down, I show you a few of the nice spots?"
-
>"Well, the city isn't going anywhere. How about, when all this settles down, I show you a few of the nice spots?"
>"That could be interesting," says Sanae. "I tend to be a bit busy, but I could make some time."
>_
-
>"Then it would be my pleasure."
>Continue onward to the surface
-
>"Then it would be my pleasure."
>Continue onward to the surface
>Sanae nods, and you think you hear Tenshi snicker under her breath.
>Soon enough, you return to the surface, with no trouble from Kisume. Thankfully, no one seems to be laying in wait to ambush you at the entrance.
>_
-
>Head towards the Moriya Shrine
-
>Head towards the Moriya Shrine
>You start toward Youkai mountain, taking to the air and flying further northeast. You see a few minor islands here and there, floating between the mountains. Nothing inhabited, to your knowledge. Thankfully, none seem to have actually hit anything.
>The skies are fairly clear at the moment, though in one case a group of rather agitated-seeming faeries flies past to the west, making things tense.
>Soon, you draw close to Youkai Mountain. "I better go on ahead," says Sanae, "The Tengu are pretty agitated right now, and so is Kanako-sama. It'd be better if I let them know you're coming. Just follow me up after a few minutes. It should be okay for you to look around the lower parts, though, past the waterfall."
>_
-
>Nod
>"Very well. I'll see you shortly, then."
>Descend to said lower parts, and scan around for any potentially unusual activity
-
>Nod
>"Very well. I'll see you shortly, then."
>Descend to said lower parts, and scan around for any potentially unusual activity
>You nod, and Sanae flies on ahead.
>Tenshi laughs. "I can't believe you did that! I think this might be the first time I've ever wanted to to back to Bhava-Agra; I can't want to tell everyone!"
>There seem to be two major areas on the lower part of Youkai mountain; the forest where the Aki Sisters and Hina dwell, whom you have a passing familiarity with, and the Kappa Village. The village seems to have a sizable new building on its northern side that you don't remember. The kappa village seems pretty busy at the moment.
>Looking further up Youkai mountain, You can see Guest Island resting on the southern side of the mountain, slightly off center.
>_
-
>"Can't believe I did what?"
>Go have a closer look at the Kappa Village.
-
>"Can't believe I did what?"
>Go have a closer look at the Kappa Village.
>"You totally just asked out that shrine maiden back there!" says Tenshi, cackling.
>You go to have a closer look at the kappa village. There are a few things you can see of interest. One is a large warehouse, set on the southeast end of town, that is home to Nitori. There is also the large building on the North side of town, which looks rather like several barns fused together. It seems parts of it are still under construction. There's a group of kappa near the eastern part of the village, presumably spectators to whatever has occurred regarding the incident here; you notice several picnics among them. As well, there seem to be some kappa gathered at stands around the river on the south side.
>_
-
>Head towards the spectator group
-
> To Tenshi: "Can I not simply have been polite?"
-
>Head towards the spectator group
>Tenshi is apparently amused by your lack of response as well, as she continues to cackle as you approach the kappa gathering.
>There are a couple dozen kappa gathered here, some sitting on blankets or in the dirt, others in the cattails that dominate the water-bound village. Most are talking among themselves, and sharing various foodstuffs, periodically glancing toward the upper regions of the mountain, or pointing toward soaring tengu. Blues and greens, favored colors of the kappa, clash with the brown autumnal foliage and bare dirt.
>_
-
>Tenshi is apparently amused by your lack of response as well, as she continues to cackle as you approach the kappa gathering.
> To Tenshi: "Can I not simply have been polite?"
-
>Look up at Guest Island
>What sort of activity can we see around it?
>How far off balance does it seem to be?
>Is there anything on the island other than guest quarters and such?
-
> To Tenshi: "Can I not simply have been polite?"
>"Who're you trying to fool?" Tenshi says, grinning for the first time you've seen today. "People are going to flip their lid!"
>Look up at Guest Island
>What sort of activity can we see around it?
>How far off balance does it seem to be?
>Is there anything on the island other than guest quarters and such?
>You look toward the Island. It is leaning against the mountainside, at a bit of an angle. From a distance, it seems to be in alright condition. There are some tengu flying near it, and possibly some faeries as well. You aren't too sure about balance, you suppose a strong enough force would send it sliding down the mountain, unless it's actually hovering there now, and just happens to be touching the mountainside.
>The island had a small peach grove, which Suika claimed for herself. But was largely left alone.
>_
-
>Balance, in the sense of how far off from perfectly horizontal does the surface of it seem to be at the moment? Would a person be able to walk normally on it?
>The Kappa around here don't seem to be especially distressed at all, do they?
-
> "Oh please. I know very well what it was I was doing."
> Pull hat down a bit by the brim and grin.
> "Could it be...you're jealous?"
-
> "Oh please. I know very well what it was I was doing."
> Pull hat down a bit by the brim and grin.
> "Could it be...you're jealous?"
>"Yeah, the thing is I do too," she says.
>You pull your hat down and grin, then inquire about jealousy. "Huh? Why?
>_
-
>Balance, in the sense of how far off from perfectly horizontal does the surface of it seem to be at the moment? Would a person be able to walk normally on it?
>The Kappa around here don't seem to be especially distressed at all, do they?
-
> "You think I chose her. That's why."
-
> "Could it be...you're jealous?"
Okay, Tenshi has officially upgraded from thinking bad things about us, to knowing bad things about us. We're getting an Oarfish added to Sanae's pet collection now.
-
> "You think I chose her. That's why."
>"Oh," says Tenshi. "Why would I...wait a minute, is this a set up?"
>_
-
> "Coming to such a conclusion...do you wish it was?"
-
>Balance, in the sense of how far off from perfectly horizontal does the surface of it seem to be at the moment? Would a person be able to walk normally on it?
>The Kappa around here don't seem to be especially distressed at all, do they?
>You should able to walk on it. Just be careful not to drop any coins.
>They don't.
> "Coming to such a conclusion...do you wish it was?"
>"Hey! Stop playing mind games with me!" Tenshi says, furrowing her brow.
>_
-
>If there doesn't appear to be any real issue or distress to address here, and people are just enjoying the novelty of the view, head off towards Nitori's
-
> "Hahaha! Okay, okay. But that's what you get for accusing me of asking Sanae on a date."
-
>If there doesn't appear to be any real issue or distress to address here, and people are just enjoying the novelty of the view, head off towards Nitori's
>You get the feeling it is more general interest and taking advantage of the gathering.
>You start toward Nitori's warehouse. Efforts have been made to match it with the usual kappa decor of a half-buried house surrounded by cattails and moss, but there's only some much one can do with a warehouse. There are two entrances, a large bay door and a smaller door to the side. Neither of them are open at the moment. Obvious exits are South 1, South 2, and West
> "Hahaha! Okay, okay. But that's what you get for accusing me of asking Sanae on a date."
>"What accusing?" asks Tenshi. "It's what you did! I was there."
>_
-
> "It would only be 'what I did' to someone that was vying for either of our attentions. And since I can't imagine you're too infatuated with Sanae..."
-
> "It would only be 'what I did' to someone that was vying for either of our attentions. And since I can't imagine you're too infatuated with Sanae..."
>"You're not gonna trick me into saying anything weird, even if you speak in gibberish," Tenshi says.
>_
-
> "Then I'll say it for you. You think I asked Sanae on a date because you worry about that idea. Because you don't want me to be with her. Because you want me to be with you."
-
> "Then I'll say it for you. You think I asked Sanae on a date because you worry about that idea. Because you don't want me to be with her. Because you want me to be with you."
>"Nu-uh!" Tenshi says, furrowing her brow. "Anybody who was there would have thought that! Maybe that one youkai in the bucket was lurking around, we'll ask her!"
>_
-
> Grin again, if we stopped.
> "Perhaps we shall later, then. After all, you would like to go somewhere and do something with me, wouldn't you?"
-
> Grin again, if we stopped.
> "Perhaps we shall later, then. After all, you would like to go somewhere and do something with me, wouldn't you?"
>"Maybe I'd like to go beat you with a board!" Tenshi says, glaring daggers at you.
>_
-
> Well, that didn't go quite as planned. Drop the grin.
> "All right, I will stop. I did not mean to agitate you that much. I apologize. I guess I am not as good at this sort of interaction as I thought I could be."
-
> Well, that didn't go quite as planned. Drop the grin.
> "All right, I will stop. I did not mean to agitate you that much. I apologize. I guess I am not as good at this sort of interaction as I thought I could be."
>You drop the grin.
>"Huh?" says Tenshi. She gives a brief sniff. "Well...okay. Maybe you're too good at it."
>_
-
> Oh, she's so adorably tsundere for us!
> "I don't think so. My goal was to respond in kind, to demonstrate that I really do view you as an equal. I felt you were teasing me, so I attempted to tease you back, as friends do. Your aggravation tells me that I failed. I am sorry."
-
> Oh, she's so adorably tsundere for us!
> "I don't think so. My goal was to respond in kind, to demonstrate that I really do view you as an equal. I felt you were teasing me, so I attempted to tease you back, as friends do. Your aggravation tells me that I failed. I am sorry."
>Threatening you with a board sounds more like one of those other kinds of dere.
>"You don't have to be so formal about it," she says with a frown. "I get what you were doing."
>_
-
> "Formal is basically all I know. I...may need some help if I am to become more successful at this."
> What do we do with ourselves in our spare time, aside from the art of the dance?
-
> "Formal is basically all I know. I...may need some help if I am to become more successful at this."
> What do we do with ourselves in our spare time, aside from the art of the dance?
>"Well, if that's your style, I guess it's okay," says Tenshi. "But it really sounds you're too wound up."
>You tend to socialize, It's just that formality and politeness tend to be how things are in Bhava-Agra. As such, places like the Ancient City were a bit of a culture shock...
>_
-
> "Do you really think she would see it that way? Hmmm"
> Would it be unbecoming of our posistion to date Sane?
-
> "Do you really think she would see it that way? Hmmm"
> Alter this slightly: "Anyway, do you really think Sanae would see it that way? Hmmm."
-
> "Do you really think she would see it that way? Hmmm"
> Would it be unbecoming of our posistion to date Sane?
> Alter this slightly: "Anyway, do you really think Sanae would see it that way? Hmmm."
>"...I think so," says Tenshi. She frowns. "Maybe not, though. I guess she can be a little dim.
>One would hope that a person in your position would court sanity.
>_
-
>
God damn parser! I instaled the telepathy moduals!
> Have we talked to Kanako and Suwako before?
> Do we know how they like to be treated/How we should talk to them given our postion?
-
> "I hope she does not take it that way, then."
> Are we capable of contacting the dragon telepathically, like he did with us earlier? Maybe by thinking something very hard?
-
> God damn parser! I instaled the telepathy moduals!
> Have we talked to Kanako and Suwako before?
> Do we know how they like to be treated/How we should talk to them given our postion?
>This is why the Parser has a double-hawk now
>You've never met with them, but you have seen Kanako from a distance, and are familiar with Suwako's general appearance.
>As a part of the Celestial Bureaucracy, you would be within your rights to simply request an audience, and address them as such. That said, they would probably be just as happy if you did not invoke such channels, and gave them the respect any deity would expect.
> "I hope she does not take it that way, then."
> Are we capable of contacting the dragon telepathically, like he did with us earlier? Maybe by thinking something very hard?
>"Are you really sure that wasn't your intent?"
>No. It's attention is not at your beck and call.
>_
-
> Muse to your self that we can probobly keep this informal for now. No need to demand an audiance or anything.
-
>No. It's attention is not at your beck and call.
> WHAT! It can demand our attention any time it damn well pleases but we can't do the same? What kind of sexist bullshit is that? Fuck that noise, I want a divorce! Mr. Dragon can make his own goddamn sandwiches from now on!
> "I assure you it was not. I was merely trying to be polite. I only barely know Sanae anyway. If I were to pursue such an avenue, it would most likely be someone from our home."
-
> Muse to your self that we can probobly keep this informal for now. No need to demand an audiance or anything.
>Given that you have Sanae on your side, it should work out.
> WHAT! It can demand our attention any time it damn well pleases but we can't do the same? What kind of sexist bullshit is that? Fuck that noise, I want a divorce! Mr. Dragon can make his own goddamn sandwiches from now on!
> "I assure you it was not. I was merely trying to be polite. I only barely know Sanae anyway. If I were to pursue such an avenue, it would most likely be someone from our home."
>You do not have the patience for all that paperwork or dealing with the Enma, so you decide to tough it out.
>"That's a pretty big thing for just being polite, though." says Tenshi. "Polite is more holding the door for someone than offering to take them sightseeing around a city that's not even your home, you know?"
>_
-
> "In my defense, you don't normally offer to hold doors open to appease someone that wants to beat you up first and ask questions later."
-
> "In my defense, you don't normally offer to hold doors open to appease someone that wants to beat you up first and ask questions later."
>"I suppose," says Tenshi. "But given you weren't too busy dodging to actually make the offer, you probably were way past that point."
>_
-
>"Still, she'd never been to the Ancient City before, and all she got to do while she was there was fight a Deva. She was nervous enough about the place's reputation before she arrived, and she never got to see the best parts. I just thought it would be a nice gesture. If anything, I was grateful that she believed me about you so quickly."
>Since Nitori's seems to be closed up, let's have a closer look at that new building
-
kilga you glorious bastard
also the dragon is apparently an it anyway
Been preoccupied this weekend, apologies. Generally pleased with how things have gone, though.
>As far as we're aware, what does Tenshi think of the Dragon, and vice-versa?
>Has Tenshi tried to play the pity card to get out of trouble before, or was her initial response unusual?
-
>"Still, she'd never been to the Ancient City before, and all she got to do while she was there was fight a Deva. She was nervous enough about the place's reputation before she arrived, and she never got to see the best parts. I just thought it would be a nice gesture. If anything, I was grateful that she believed me about you so quickly."
>Since Nitori's seems to be closed up, let's have a closer look at that new building
>"I suppose," says Tenshi, "But I've still got my eye on you."
>You leave the warehouse behind, and make your way toward the new building.
>As far as we're aware, what does Tenshi think of the Dragon, and vice-versa?
>Has Tenshi tried to play the pity card to get out of trouble before, or was her initial response unusual?
>You aren't entirely sure. You've never actually heard Tenshi talk about it. You know The Dragon regards her well.
>It was unusual. Usually she is more angry or standoffish. But usually she also hasn't been beaten down repeatedly or is hiding from more. Normally it would have been more like your encounter in the shrine.
>_
-
> Can we readily tell what the new building is?
-
Still sayin' dwagon likes a little havoc! Now I've got half a mind to wonder if it's behind the sky falling.
>Is there anyone at/around the new building?
-
Entertaining havoc is one thing, but I doubt the Dragon would really do something that would cause so much pain and suffering to the celestials.
-
> Can we readily tell what the new building is?
>Not at a glance. But you notice a small signboard beside it which you cannot read from a distance.
>Is there anyone at/around the new building?
>You can see some kappa milling about. A few seem to be working on the building itself, but as you take a look at the amount of scaffolding you can see from this angle it doesn't look like they are close to capacity.
>_
-
> "Tenshi, do you know what this place is? You're here more often than I am..."
> Make our way to the signboard.
-
> "Tenshi, do you know what this place is? You're here more often than I am..."
> Make our way to the signboard.
>"I've heard the kappa were working on some kind of school," says Tenshi. "I guess this would be it?"
>You approach the signboard. It reads: "Riverside University," with "Now taking applicants!" written below. You can see the sign has been painted over several times. Hints of other names like Cucumber University and Overdrive University can be faintly seen underneath the thin layer of covering pain.
>_
-
> Giggle internally at 'Cucumber University'. Really, the kappa are so industrious as to build a school, and THAT was one of their name choices?
> "It appears to be, yeah."
> Is there any other information on the board?
> Do we have a consistent daily schedule, or does the Dragon call us whenever we are needed?
-
> Giggle internally at 'Cucumber University'. Really, the kappa are so industrious as to build a school, and THAT was one of their name choices?
> "It appears to be, yeah."
> Is there any other information on the board?
> Do we have a consistent daily schedule, or does the Dragon call us whenever we are needed?
>You get the feeling that there's been a lot of names by a lot of different people, judging by the handwriting differences.
>There is no other information that hasn't been painted over.
>You are more or less at The Dragon's beck and call. But largely, it is pretty consistent. Delegation keeps your workload from being very heavy, though.
>_
-
>Offhand, what would be be expecting from a kappa school?
>... who around here could be any help in figuring out the Heavens falling, anyway?
-
> Would we have the time or the permission to take on a teaching position, should one be offered to us? It would be nice to spread The Aht of the Dahnce.
-
>Offhand, what would be be expecting from a kappa school?
>... who around here could be any help in figuring out the Heavens falling, anyway?
>You're not sure what to expect. But the feeling you get is that it would be chaotic.
>You do not know. Nitori is the only kappa you know of, by reputation.
>_
-
> Would we have the time or the permission to take on a teaching position, should one be offered to us? It would be nice to spread The Aht of the Dahnce.
-
> Would we have the time or the permission to take on a teaching position, should one be offered to us? It would be nice to spread The Aht of the Dahnce.
>You don't think it would be a problem, aside from possible schedule conflicts.
>_
-
>And what do we know of Nitori?
>Do we know a Minoriko?
harvest goddess + bad peach harvest == potential helper
-
> Interesting. Perhaps something to look into in the future, then.
> "Hmm...this actually looks quite interesting. I wonder what the application and hiring process is like..."
-
>And what do we know of Nitori?
>Do we know a Minoriko?
>You know she has a reputation for wacky inventions, moreso than kappa in general, and being less reclusive than most of her people. By all accounts, she's pretty friendly.
>You are aware of the Aki Sisters.
>_
-
> Interesting. Perhaps something to look into in the future, then.
> "Hmm...this actually looks quite interesting. I wonder what the application and hiring process is like..."
-
>You are quite of the Aki Sisters.
>Quite what now? What do we know of them, precisely?
-
> Interesting. Perhaps something to look into in the future, then.
> "Hmm...this actually looks quite interesting. I wonder what the application and hiring process is like..."
>It may well be.
>Tenshi shrugs. "Looks kind of boring to me."
>Quite what now? What do we know of them, precisely?
>You know who they are, and have a decent idea of where they stay. You know that they don't maintain any large shrines as Kanako does, but tend to be well loved and respected by people as a whole. They seldom interact with things outside their forest.
>_
-
> This probably wouldn't be up Tenshi's alley, would it? More rules, all that studying...
> Now's not a good time to file an app, anyway, we have more important things to worry about. And who knows if we'd get equal opportunity, with things the way they are now.
> Has it been enough time since Sanae left? We were supposed to go up after her and not wait for her to come back, right?
-
>"Tenshi, I don't suppose there's anyone you'd like to visit while we're here?"
-
> This probably wouldn't be up Tenshi's alley, would it? More rules, all that studying...
> Now's not a good time to file an app, anyway, we have more important things to worry about. And who knows if we'd get equal opportunity, with things the way they are now.
> Has it been enough time since Sanae left? We were supposed to go up after her and not wait for her to come back, right?
>Tenshi has never struck you as being very interested in education. And especially not interested in all the attendant work that goes with it.
>You decide to put such ambitions aside for another time.
>It's been a few minutes. Hopefully she's at least tipped off the tengu patrols at this point. She did say to follow her, rather than wait to be fetched.
>_
-
>"Tenshi, I don't suppose there's anyone you'd like to visit while we're here?"
-
>"Tenshi, I don't suppose there's anyone you'd like to visit while we're here?"
>How the fuck do you people keep doing this.
>"Not really," says Tenshi. "Might be neat to see what Nitori's working on right now, though."
>_
-
We can spare a few minutes.
So, humor Tenshi and risk the kappatori, or beg the harvest goddess for help?
-
Well, Nitori's doors were closed, and every other quest we've gone here, they've been open. I assumed that meant she either wasn't around, or wasn't in the company headspace. ...although it occurs to me as I say this that there's another potential reason. I'm inclined towards Nitori, simply because she's the closer of the two and we don't want to keep Sanae waiting too long. Talking to Minoriko about our food supply problems is a great idea for later, though. Unless of course, Sanae comes looking for us while we're there, and there really is part of the jet project lying around inside the warehouse. >.>
-
Actually, it occurs to me that if Nitori really is trying to me low-key about part of the jet while in construction, Tenshi is one of the people most likely to randomly blab that around Sanae when we see her a few moments later. Maybe it would be better to swing by after our meeting with the goddesses, rather than before? I say we go on to the shrine now, and swing back to Nitori's and the Aki's on our way back.
-
Ok, it's been two hours now, so I'm just going to forge ahead. Given that it doesn't really seem to matter greatly what order we do these things in, doing anything is preferable to doing nothing. Feel free to object, if you wish, but it's better than standing around doing nothing.
>If we feel that a suitable length of time has passed since Sanae left: "Yes, I wouldn't mind having a look as well. I think we can swing back once our business at the shrine is finished. Let's head that way now and get it done with."
>Head towards the shrine
-
Ah, the wonders of out of character knowledge :V
I'm somewhat inclined to take that risk, since Mary told a lot of people already, and I don't think removing the surprise part would lose too much effect. Though Kanako might not be fond of it. But how would Iku know, after all?
I say visit and knock on the door - if she doesn't want visitors (or to hide what she's working on) then we'll leave her alone and hope Tenshi doesn't decide to wreck her shit for kicks later. That, and she might be off at the spectator's picnic, since it isn't every day you get to see the sky fall, engineering projects or no.
gah. Oh well :V
-
>If we feel that a suitable length of time has passed since Sanae left: "Yes, I wouldn't mind having a look as well. I think we can swing back once our business at the shrine is finished. Let's head that way now and get it done with."
>Head towards the shrine
>You don't know what would be suitable, but you think she should have had time to arrange things.
>"Okay, fine," says Tenshi.
>You head up the mountainside, Tenshi following behind you. You pass by the waterfall, a familiar sight, and soar over steep trail. You see a few Tengu patrolling, but none give you any difficulty aside from sharp glances. Soon you reach the tengu village, with its tall narrow buildings, and continue on. The tengu you pass by seem to be studiously ignoring you.
>Soon enough, you reach the grounds of the Moriya Shrine. Few of the sounds of the surrounding town disturb it. A stone path leads up to the large shrine. Its timbers are stained and spotless, and the tiles of its sloping room surprisingly clean. Sanae stands by the path, clearly waiting for you, while you notice the insect youaki from before, wearing clothing like Sanae's is busy raking leaves.
>_
-
>Walk up to Sanae.
>"I hope we didn't keep you waiting."
-
>Walk up to Sanae.
>"I hope we didn't keep you waiting."
>"No, but..." she says, worrying at the edge of your sleeves. "Um...you both need to leave. Now. It was stupid of me to bring you..."
>_
-
>"... is Kanako upset?"
Don't forget to politely ask for (some of?) our spellcards back if it becomes appropriate.
-
>"... is Kanako upset?"
>"Very," says Sanae. "I'll try to meet you around the edge of the mountain or something later. Right now you just need to go. And...um...don't get mad if I shoot at you, I don't mean it."
>"What the hell?" Tenshi says. "If you wanna go, I'm not running anywhere!"
>_
-
>Take Tenshi's hand, in case she tries something.
>"Tenshi, she obviously doesn't want to. Don't make this worse."
>"And Kanako won't listen to you? Isn't even willing to hear us out?"
-
>Take Tenshi's hand, in case she tries something.
>"Tenshi, she obviously doesn't want to. Don't make this worse."
>"And Kanako won't listen to you? Isn't even willing to hear us out?"
>You take Tenshi's hand.
>"Like hell I'm going to just sit here and let them run me off after inviting me up here!" Tenshi says
>"Just go, now, please!" says Sanae.
>_
-
>"Tenshi, I understand how you feel, but let's not fight another unnecessary battle. There's been too many of them today already. Please."
>Move to leave. Try to pull Tenshi with us if she seems to be being a little stubborn.
-
>"Tenshi, I understand how you feel, but let's not fight another unnecessary battle. There's been too many of them today already. Please."
>Move to leave. Try to pull Tenshi with us if she seems to be being a little stubborn.
>"Fine! Whatever!" Tenshi shouts, throwing up her hands.
>You move to leave, Tenshi stomping off after you.
>_
-
>Quickly leave the premises and head away from the mountain
-
>Quickly leave the premises and head away from the mountain
>You quickly leave; and hear danmaku streaming out after you!
>"Oh fuck her!" Tenshi says, "Let's beat the piss out of her, right now!"
>You notice that you're getting some looks from the tengu in the town as you hurry away from the shrine.
>_
-
>"She's putting on a show. Don't bite. If she really wanted to beat us, she wouldn't have given us the warning."
>Pick up the speed
>Glance back enough to see the incoming shots, and shift aside a little, if we can
>This really isn't going to make us look good to the villagers....
-
>"She's putting on a show. Don't bite. If she really wanted to beat us, she wouldn't have given us the warning."
>Pick up the speed
>Glance back enough to see the incoming shots, and shift aside a little, if we can
>This really isn't going to make us look good to the villagers....
>"Oh I'll give her a show alright!" says Tenshi.
>You put on more speed and look back. There is a lot of danmaku back there, but most of it isn't coming at you. Close to you, maybe. But you should be fine if you don't move erratically.
>You can't imagine this will endear you to many.
>_
-
>Tenshi didn't just double back to engage her, did she?
-
>Tenshi didn't just double back to engage her, did she?
>Not yet, you still have her by the hand. But you think she might have fired back.
>As you run down the street, you hear a voice from nearby shouting "Let me out of here, damn your eyes!" off to the north a bit.
>_
-
>"Don't shoot back! We're innocent, remember? Going to have a hell of a time convincing people of that if this keeps up..."
>Can we identify the source of the voice?
-
>"Don't shoot back! We're innocent, remember? Going to have a hell of a time convincing people of that if this keeps up..."
>Can we identify the source of the voice?
>"No one cares we're innocent!" Tenshi cries.
>You can't immediately identify where it is coming from, but it does sounds distantly familiar. You can't quite work out who's it would be.
>_
-
>"I care! We can't run around like this forever, and none of this will get better if we beat them down. If they think we're guilty, they'll just do it over again the next time they're on their feet!"
>Keep on moving
-
>"I care! We can't run around like this forever, and none of this will get better if we beat them down. If they think we're guilty, they'll just do it over again the next time they're on their feet!"
>Keep on moving
>"Not if we make 'em think twice about it next time!" Tenshi says.
>"I'll drown you all in your sleep if you don't let me out of here!" cries the northward voice, now distant to hear, as you reach the outskirts of town. The danmaku flying at you is thinning out now.
>_
-
Investigate northward voice.
That will put us right back into the town we're fleeing from. It's unfortunately not something we can deal with at the moment, if we don't want to risk a major altercation, and potentially getting Kanako directly involved.
>"I doubt Kanako will be put off by a show of force, and Sanae's heart already isn't into this."
>"We'll do what she suggested and meet later. Maybe she'll help us understand why this happened. I'm genuinely surprised at Kanako; I wonder if there's some other angle to this situation we don't yet know."
-
>"I doubt Kanako will be put off by a show of force, and Sanae's heart already isn't into this."
>"We'll do what she suggested and meet later. Maybe she'll help us understand why this happened. I'm genuinely surprised at Kanako; I wonder if there's some other angle to this situation we don't yet know."
>"I'll put her off, alright!" Tenshi cries. "But alright, we're totally being the crap out of Sanae then!"
>_
-
>Sigh
>We can argue about that when she's had time to cool down
>Get out of the city entirely and head towards the Aki's
-
>Sigh
>We can argue about that when she's had time to cool down
>Get out of the city entirely and head towards the Aki's
>You leave the upper reaches of the mountain behind, flying over the city, and heading toward the forest at the edge of the mountain. Thankfully, no further fire follows you, though you notice the tengu patrols closing in on you before you leave their area.
>"Now what?" Tenshi asks.
>_
-
>Are the patrols closing in from behind us? Or are they also ahead of us, as well?
>What is their speed, compared to ours?
>Would they have seen the danmaku in the city, from here?
>What is their general posture and intent? Do they seem directly aggressive, or merely wary?
-
Eh. Not sure I would have run away in favor of standing up to Kanako as an innocent and disarmed representative of the Dragon, but what's done is done.
After that, frankly, I'm of the mind to seek an audience with the Dragon and get some information. Kanako was our best hope for a source of neutrality and info but apparently she's on the rag. Given Marisa is a musclebound oaf and will be of a similar shoot-first mentality, we'd need substantial help to get to Eirin which frankly I don't expect we'll get, and Renko and Mari are fuck knows where, at this point we're stumbling around blindly with a Tenshi whose patience with us is rapidly draining. We need a reliable source of information and, quite frankly, a bolt of confidence, and the Dragon is far and away the best source for both of those.
EDIT: This is after meeting Sanae again and getting our cards back, of course.
-
Eh. Not sure I would have run away in favor of standing up to Kanako as an innocent and disarmed representative of the Dragon, but what's done is done.
I considered it, but Sanae seemed nervous enough to persuade me that talking to Kanako was not going to end well. I mean, she seemed almost desperate for us to leave. And if Kanako was really on the warpath, and there's no room to negotiate, what chance do we have against her and Sanae, on their home turf? At the very least, now, we may get some more answers later. But I admit that an argument could be made for the opposite (and really, it's what I would have wanted to do, but it was a judgment call)
I'm similarly inclined about The Dragon. I just figured that talking to Minoriko might be a good way to kill enough time for our later meeting with Sanae. Unless you think that Sanae meant more immediately afterward?
-
>Are the patrols closing in from behind us? Or are they also ahead of us, as well?
>What is their speed, compared to ours?
>Would they have seen the danmaku in the city, from here?
>What is their general posture and intent? Do they seem directly aggressive, or merely wary?
>They were closing in, but seem content to let you go once you left the upper reaches of the mountain and flew past the waterfall. They did seem aggressive at the time, though.
>_
-
Rereading what Sanae said, I guess we have a little bit of time leeway.
I admit it's not an easy call to make, but given we apparently have the authority to request an audience with Kanasuwa instead of going through the normal channels, I think I would have been willing to push my luck a little bit. (I'm also not sure how much Sanae was exaggerating, but I will admit it's certainly possible she wasn't at all.)
But whatever.
I have no particular objections to a Minoriko stopover.
-
>Sigh
>"And here I'd started to hope we were moving past all this aggressive suspicion..."
>Head to the Aki's
-
> To Tenshi: "I'd like to make a quick stopover with the harvest goddess. After that...we're going to see the Dragon again."
> Narrow eyes.
> "I'm already tired of all this horseshit."
-
>Sigh
>"And here I'd started to hope we were moving past all this aggressive suspicion..."
>Head to the Aki's
>You sigh. Today has been awful. And you can't even blame it on Tenshi this time.
>"Yeah, I really expected a whole lot better out of her," says Tenshi. "We should set her straight just because of that."
>You make your way toward the forest at the base of the mountain, landing near the western edge of it. Simply put, the forest is breathtaking. The trees are a riot of fiery reds, golden yellows, and browns of all descriptions. Leaves swirl through the air, with the wind producing a wonderful rustle. The road is buried under a carpet of leaves. The forest is not too think here, perfect for exploring. Obvious exits are East and West
> To Tenshi: "I'd like to make a quick stopover with the harvest goddess. After that...we're going to see the Dragon again."
> Narrow eyes.
> "I'm already tired of all this horseshit."
>"Well, okay," says Tenshi. "But what do you expect The Dragon to do about it?"
>_
-
>"Although I'm... disappointed in Sanae, I also feel a bit bad for her. She probably felt compelled to attack us, if Kanako wanted her to. It was likely an act of mild defiance on her part to essentially let us leave without a fight."
>"As for The Dragon... Honestly, I'm hoping it will have found some of the cause of the islands falling. That may at least give us something we can work with."
>Do we know where the Aki's house is? If so, head towards it. Otherwise, just head deeper into it, from our current location
>Admire the view as we go. At least there's probably nothing in this place that will try to shoot at us. ...right?
-
>"Although I'm... disappointed in Sanae, I also feel a bit bad for her. She probably felt compelled to attack us, if Kanako wanted her to. It was likely an act of mild defiance on her part to essentially let us leave without a fight."
>"As for The Dragon... Honestly, I'm hoping it will have found some of the cause of the islands falling. That may at least give us something we can work with."
>Do we know where the Aki's house is? If so, head towards it. Otherwise, just head deeper into it, from our current location
>Admire the view as we go. At least there's probably nothing in this place that will try to shoot at us. ...right?
>"Maybe," says Tenshi. "I'll give her thirty seconds to explain herself before I beat her like a drum."
>She nods. "Well, you know The Dragon better than I do."
>You have no idea where the Aki Sisters dwell, so you just head inside. The view is quite beautiful, to say the least. All of the trees bear shimenawa here, reminding you of many places in Bhava-Agra, and there is little in the way of underbrush to impede your progress, though there are bushes bearing bursts of leaves on their branches.
>You can hear and see faeries around pretty shortly in, though they don't seem to be quite so agitated as those you've met in the forest. Perhaps a bit nervous, though.
>_
-
>Continue further in
>Can we see signs of a path, anywhere?
-
>Continue further in
>Can we see signs of a path, anywhere?
>You continue further in, and don't see signs of a path anywhere. The leaves are simply too thick. You are also now no longer certain you could find your way out by the ground.
>_
-
>Ascend out of the forest
>From the air, see if we can see a path leading into the woods from either direction
-
>Ascend out of the forest
>From the air, see if we can see a path leading into the woods from either direction
>You ascend, and can see the road into it pretty easily in the distance.
>"What're you doing?" Tenshi asks from below.
>_
-
>"Well, I don't actually know where they live, more specifically than this forest, so I went up to look for a path. I can see one in the distance."
>Do we think we could follow towards it from the ground?
-
>"Oh. I would have just asked one of the faeries, myself," says Tenshi.
>You can probably find your way toward it.
>_
-
>"Oh. I suppose that might have worked, as well."
>Descend
>"I think the path is this way, though."
>Point, and move towards it
-
>"Oh. I suppose that might have worked, as well."
>Descend
>"I think the path is this way, though."
>Point, and move towards it
>You descend and tell Tenshi what you've found. "Okay," she says, as the two of you begin that direction.
>You make your way toward the south, seeking out the road. It's not a bad walk, you've more or less gotten over your soreness from the fights this morning.
>"Excuse me," comes a voice from above. "Are you two lost?"
>_
-
>"If being unsure of where you're headed is the same as being lost, quite possibly."
>Look up. Can we identify who's speaking to us?
-
>"If being unsure of where you're headed is the same as being lost, quite possibly."
>Look up. Can we identify who's speaking to us?
>"I would say so," says the speaker.
>You look up to see an average-sized blonde woman in a red bib-style dress adorned with wheat prints and yellow blouse. She wears a red hat with grapes on it. She sits in the boughs of a tree, looking toward you curiously. You recognize her as the goddess of the harvest.
>_
-
>Smile and nod our head towards her
>"Then I suppose I picked a good direction after all. I was looking for you, in fact. Good morning, Minoriko."
>Although we know of her, have we ever actually met?
>If not: "I am Iku Nagae of the Dragon Palace. And this is Tenshi."
>"I trust you're aware what's happened with Bhava-Agra this morning?"
-
>Smile and nod our head towards her
>"Then I suppose I picked a good direction after all. I was looking for you, in fact. Good morning, Minoriko."
>Although we know of her, have we ever actually met?
>If not: "I am Iku Nagae of the Dragon Palace. And this is Tenshi."
>"I trust you're aware what's happened with Bhava-Agra this morning?"
>You smile toward the deity and nod. She returns the latter gesture.
>You have seen her, but never really spoken.
>"I welcome you, Messenger," she says. "And you as well, Tenshi."
>"Yeah, yeah," says Tenshi.
>"Very aware," Minoriko says, frowning. "You bear a message for me from The Dragon, then?"
>_
-
>Shake our head.
>"No, nothing official like that. I've just been traveling around Gensokyo, trying to find out why the islands have fallen. Unfortunately, I've encountered distrust or even outright hostility nearly everywhere I've gone."
>"Bhava-Agra itself sustained damage in the rapid descent. There are injuries, and damage to structures, but also a significant portion of our harvest has been destroyed. It's this latter point that brings me to you."
-
>Shake our head.
>"No, nothing official like that. I've just been traveling around Gensokyo, trying to find out why the islands have fallen. Unfortunately, I've encountered distrust or even outright hostility nearly everywhere I've gone."
>"Bhava-Agra itself sustained damage in the rapid descent. There are injuries, and damage to structures, but also a significant portion of our harvest has been destroyed. It's this latter point that brings me to you."
>Minoriko nods for you to continue.
>_
-
>Do we know the general extent of Minoriko's abilities, and how directly she tends to get involved in the whole harvest process?
-
>Do we know the general extent of Minoriko's abilities, and how directly she tends to get involved in the whole harvest process?
>You don't know the general extent of her abilities, but she tends not to get directly involved, instead influencing things from a distance.
>_
-
>"As things stand now, I think we'll likely have significant difficulties sustaining ourselves on what remains. The harvest was already looking to be a little sparse before so much of it got smashed against the ground. I'm not sure how much you are either able or inclined to help, but I thought that I would ask."
-
>"As things stand now, I think we'll likely have significant difficulties sustaining ourselves on what remains. The harvest was already looking to be a little sparse before so much of it got smashed against the ground. I'm not sure how much you are either able or inclined to help, but I thought that I would ask."
>"It would be improper, I think, to simply step in," says Minoriko. "There are crop failures throughout the worlds. However sympathetic I am toward the situation, it would not be right to take a direct hand in this problem."
>_
-
>"I suppose I can understand that position. I don't mean to suggest that our plight is more important than others. But I thought that perhaps your influence might extend there more easily, given how close it is."
>"Baring that, perhaps there is something that could be done, indirectly?"
-
>"I suppose I can understand that position. I don't mean to suggest that our plight is more important than others. But I thought that perhaps your influence might extend there more easily, given how close it is."
>"Baring that, perhaps there is something that could be done, indirectly?"
>"It's not impossible to assist," she says. "But, I would need something in turn."
>_
-
>"Of course. What can I do?"
-
>"Of course. What can I do?"
>"I have received entreaties, lately, that a tsuchinoko has been seen near the granaries at the human town. If you could drive it away, it would certainly allow for a additional blessing toward Bhava-Agra's problems."
>_
-
>What do we know about tsuchinokos?
-
>What do we know about tsuchinokos?
>They are fat snakes.
>_
-
>And that's it?
>"I can certainly endeavor to do this. Has it been causing problems for the villagers?"
-
>tsuchinoko
> Gesundheit.
-
>And that's it?
>"I can certainly endeavor to do this. Has it been causing problems for the villagers?"
>That's what you know. They're not really a feature of Bhava-Agra.
>"It will if it gets into a granary," says Minoriko.
> Gesundheit.
>Your mom.
>_
-
>"I see... Perhaps you could tell me a little more about them? I know little other than that they're somewhat fat snakes."
-
>"I see... Perhaps you could tell me a little more about them? I know little other than that they're somewhat fat snakes."
>"They are servants of Kaya no Hime," says Minoriko. "Thus, they have some communion over plantlife. They are also rather voracious eaters, which is why it is a concern."
>_
-
>"Ah, I can see how that would be a problem, then. Do you have any suggestions about dealing with them? You obviously are more familiar with them than I am."
-
>"Ah, I can see how that would be a problem, then. Do you have any suggestions about dealing with them? You obviously are more familiar with them than I am."
>"To my understanding, they aren't very strong," she says. "But they are fast, and can be cunning. At the same time, they're also rather lazy. I don't know if you would be able to trap it, or if you need to go hunting for it. Oh, and I believe they are poisonous, so try not to get bitten."
>"So we'll just have to zap it first, right?"
>_
-
>"Very well. I'm sure we can manage to deter it, one way or the other. And thank you for your offer. It means a great deal to me."
-
>"Very well. I'm sure we can manage to deter it, one way or the other. And thank you for your offer. It means a great deal to me."
>Minoriko nods. "In the meantime, I'll see what I can do for what's left of your harvest."
>_
-
>"Thank you very much. Be well, Minoriko."
>Head back towards Youkai mountain
-
>"Thank you very much. Be well, Minoriko."
>Head back towards Youkai mountain
>"You two as well," says Minoriko.
>How will you be heading there?
>_
-
>How will you be heading there?
>Walk out through the forest, and aim for the side of the mountain, like Sanae indicated. Angle away from inhabited areas and keep a low profile.
-
>You turn eastward, leaving Minoriko behind, and start toward the mountain again.
>As you do, the trees grow more and more bare, becoming more twisted and gnarled. Their barks become darker and more knotted. You can feel a kind of tension in the air. The trees also grow closer together, entwining their branches together and managing to blot out much of the sky despite their lack of leaves. In this murky atmosphere, the ground is without leaves and mostly barren; only sparse and anemic-looking patches of scraggly grass here and there. You feel a sort of apprehensiveness here.
>_
-
>What do we know of Hina, and have we had any personal interaction with her?
>Continue onward
-
>What do we know of Hina, and have we had any personal interaction with her?
>Continue onward
>You had pleasant exchanges with Hina, but she is a light acquaintance. You know she is tasked with dealing with misfortune and keeping it from spreading too far out of control.
>You continue onward. Tenshi follows behind you, not saying a word.
>You think you see motion among the trees here and there, and you have the sensation that something is watching you. You find yourself jumping slightly at odd sounds, which are usually just Tenshi stepping on something.
>_
-
>"A day like today does wonders for making one jumpy, doesn't it?"
>Continue onward
-
>"A day like today does wonders for making one jumpy, doesn't it?"
>Continue onward
>"I don't think it's the day..." says Tenshi.
>You continue onward, trying not to let the forest get to you. Then you hear the sounds of danmaku and see it coming from both sides! Tenshi shouts some surprised profanity.
>_
-
>Quickly assess incoming bullets and shift out of their path
>What seems to be shooting at us?
>Must there always be something shooting at or around us today?
-
>Quickly assess incoming bullets and shift out of their path
>What seems to be shooting at us?
>Must there always be something shooting at or around us today?
>They are coming from both your left and right, about average speed. They seem to be mostly aimed at you, coming from a fairly wide array of angles, but there's also some shots that seem to be just being tossed out to be an obstacle. Most of the bullets seem to have an odd purple color.
>You see some of the shots are coming from faeries. They look a little different than other faeries you've seen, you can't quite put your finger on what is odd about them.
>So it seems. Maybe this is why Reimu is so grouchy?
>_
-
>Did we get our spellcards back from Sanae?
-
>Did we get our spellcards back from Sanae?
>You did not.
-
> Isn't this just dandy.
> Unleash some danmaku at the fairies, preferably the thunder/lightning danmaku we used, or some arrow-head shaped danmaku.
> Do we see any gaps in the pattern?
> If so, slip through the gaps when available while keeping distance from the attackers.
-
> Isn't this just dandy.
> Unleash some danmaku at the fairies, preferably the thunder/lightning danmaku we used, or some arrow-head shaped danmaku.
> Do we see any gaps in the pattern?
> If so, slip through the gaps when available while keeping distance from the attackers.
>Why do faeries always get riled up when things go a little haywire?
>You should pick one of those.
>You could move to the side to get away from most of it, but the random shots drifting in the air could be a problem.
>_
-
> Fly off to one of the sides, whichever one seems to have less danmaku.
> Throw out some of our Danmaku Lightning/Thunder(whatever it is) at the nearest attacker.
> Gracefully dodge around the random shots that come near us, heading away from the cluster of aimed shots.
-
> Fly off to one of the sides, whichever one seems to have less danmaku.
> Throw out some of our Danmaku Lightning/Thunder(whatever it is) at the nearest attacker.
> Gracefully dodge around the random shots that come near us, heading away from the cluster of aimed shots.
>You fly toward the side that seems to have less danmaku. This forces you toward Tenshi, who is being forced toward you. You are also left with the problem that you can't see what's going on behind you; meaning you'll have to turn your back toward either your attackers, or Tenshi and the stuff coming at her.
>You send lightning toward a nearby faerie, striking her and sending her to the ground.
>_
-
>"Tenshi, you take the ones on your side. I'll take these!"
>Turn back to our attackers
>Shift laterally, attempting to move perpendicular to the two groups pinning us on either side
>Fire lightning towards the fairies on our side. Aim for the ones shooting the more random obstacle bullets that can't be dodged as easily by simply shifting
-
>"Tenshi, you take the ones on your side. I'll take these!"
>Turn back to our attackers
>Shift laterally, attempting to move perpendicular to the two groups pinning us on either side
>Fire lightning towards the fairies on our side. Aim for the ones shooting the more random obstacle bullets that can't be dodged as easily by simply shifting
>"Got it!" Tenshi says.
>You turn your back to one of the lines of attackers, and keep moving, trying to circle around them. You hear Tenshi dash forward, and faeries cry out.
>Targetting the faeries sending out random bullets, you are soon able to clear the air a bit. As you circle, you can glimpse Tenshi putting the Sword of Hisou to use among her attackers.
>Soon, you are perpendicular to your attackers, having taken down a few of their number; leaving five left.
>_
-
>Continue to take down the rest on our side
>Shift aside from incoming streams, now that we have more flexible room to dodge
-
>Continue to take down the rest on our side
>Shift aside from incoming streams, now that we have more flexible room to dodge
>You continue to fire on the faeries, taking them down one at a time while shifting away from their fire. With the sky mostly clear of random fire, you are easily able to keep out of the stream, and soon the faeries break and flee.
>Looking over toward Tenshi, you can see she is sending keystones after her own retreating faeries.
>_
-
>"Well, at least that was relatively painless, although I admit I'm growing tired of being fired upon, today."
>Once the fairies are sufficiently scattered, carry on towards the mountain
-
>"Well, at least that was relatively painless, although I admit I'm growing tired of being fired upon, today."
>Once the fairies are sufficiently scattered, carry on towards the mountain
>You resume heading eastward.
>"Yeah, it stops being fun after awhile," says Tenshi, "You should have seen what it was like when the evil spirits came up here and Utsuho was doing her thing, though. Gotta admit, it was kinda dumb to just walk through a forest when the faeries are all riled up."
>_
-
>"I would be flying, if we weren't trying to keep a low profile. I'd much rather have the fairies shooting at us than Kanako."
-
>"I would be flying, if we weren't trying to keep a low profile. I'd much rather have the fairies shooting at us than Kanako."
>"I'd take care of her, no worries," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Oh, so you wouldn't mind her shooting at us?"
-
> Frown
Just wanted to get post number 97300. It has no relevance to me whatsoever :D
-
>"Oh, so you wouldn't mind her shooting at us?"
> Frown
>You frown.
>"Like I said," says Tenshi, "They want to start something, I'll finish it."
-
>"Let's cross the bridge when we come to it, shall we? Or, rather, let's hope we never come to that bridge."
>Continue onward
-
>"Let's cross the bridge when we come to it, shall we? Or, rather, let's hope we never come to that bridge."
>Continue onward
>"If you say so," says Tenshi.
>Thankfully, it doesn't take too long to finish travelling through the forest. The world brightens around you enough to almost make your eyes hurt. The brown grasses and blue sky seem so vibrant you can almost imagine you're back home. To the Southeast, you can see Riverside University.
>_
-
>Head towards the edge of the mountain, a little away from habitation
-
>Head towards the edge of the mountain, a little away from habitation
>You technically already are on the mountain, but the slope here isn't much more than a good hill. You skirt around the edge of kappa town, and approach the northern side of Youkai Mountain.
>The slope here is a great deal steeper than that of the western face of the mountain; you would actually have to use your hands to help ascend it. Here and there you can see an outcropping or overhang, but for the most part it is just dirt and rock with hardy vegetation every so often. To the north, you notice a rather lovely valley between the mountains.
>_
-
>Do we see any sign of a figure that might be Sanae anywhere?
>If not, keep skirting around the mountain towards the aforementioned valley, assuming that is also not among or next to the village
-
>Do we see any sign of a figure that might be Sanae anywhere?
>If not, keep skirting around the mountain towards the aforementioned valley, assuming that is also not among or next to the village
>You aren't sure. There are a few tengu patrolling in the air.
>_
-
>Give the tengu a wide berth, and continue to skirt around the mountain. Try to keep a low profile
>Keep an eye out for anyone moving towards us
-
>Give the tengu a wide berth, and continue to skirt around the mountain. Try to keep a low profile
>Keep an eye out for anyone moving towards us
>You continue to walk around the mountain, approaching the eastern slope. As you do, you notice someone very far in the distance leave the forest by air, and start toward the mountain.
>_
-
>Stop and observe them. Can we tell anything about them, or what part of the mountain they're headed towards?
-
>Stop and observe them. Can we tell anything about them, or what part of the mountain they're headed towards?
>You stop and watch this person. She is definitely heading toward the kappa village, and past it. But she doesn't fly any further, making wide sweeps around the area.
>_
-
>Move closer and see if we can observe anything identifying about the person
-
>Move closer and see if we can observe anything identifying about the person
>You move a bit closer, circling back around to the northern slope, and become reasonably sure that her green hair and blue clothes suggest that she is Sanae.
>_
-
>Move towards her
-
>You continue to circle back toward the mountain, drawing close to the kappa village again. Soon, the green-haired figure notices you and starts toward you direction. You are soon very sure it's Sanae.
>As Sanae approaches, you hear Tenshi draw her weapon.
>"What are you doing here?" Sanae cries, "I told you to meet me at the edge of the mountain! The tengu are going to think you're up to something!"
>_
-
>"I'm sorry, but I thought that we were at the edge of the mountain, back there. But then when you seemed to come no further than this, I wondered if I had misunderstood which edge you were implying."
>"Although frankly, after that display by the shrine earlier, I think the tengu are likely to think we're up to something in either case."
>"Has there been a misunderstanding?"
-
>"I'm sorry, but I thought that we were at the edge of the mountain, back there. But then when you seemed to come no further than this, I wondered if I had misunderstood which edge you were implying."
>"Although frankly, after that display by the shrine earlier, I think the tengu are likely to think we're up to something in either case."
>"Has there been a misunderstanding?"
>"The edge of the mountain past Kappa town," says Sanae, "Otherwise Hina wouldn't chase off people before they get there. Look, let's just get out of here, okay? If Momiji sees you, there's going to be trouble more trouble."
>"There's been sort of a misunderstanding," she says. "It was really stupid of me to just bring you here. I'm sorry."
>_
-
>"Ok, let's get moving."
>Follow Sanae out.
>"And can you tell me why Kanako is so upset? I'm somewhat surprised her reaction to this would be so severe."
-
> Do we know the degree of familiarity the Dragon has with Kanako and Suwako?
> Do we know if the Dragon would be averse to a visitor from the ground?
-
Also we might not want to act like Tenshi's not there. Probably worth at least acknowledging that she's ready to slice and dice.
-
Or hell, if it's my idea, I might as well do it. <_<
> To Tenshi: "Please don't. She's not going to attack us again, and she still has my spellcards."
-
>"Ok, let's get moving."
>Follow Sanae out.
>"And can you tell me why Kanako is so upset? I'm somewhat surprised her reaction to this would be so severe."
>You follow her, as she walks toward the Kappa village.
>"Because now Reimu and Marisa are probably going to think that the Moriya Shrine is in on it," Sanae says. "As well as anyone else who already suspects you're up to something, which is a lot of people."
> Do we know the degree of familiarity the Dragon has with Kanako and Suwako?
> Do we know if the Dragon would be averse to a visitor from the ground?
>All three of them predate you by a lot. They've never interacted as far as you know, but you can't imagine they aren't very familiar with each other.
>If The Dragon wishes for a visitor, it will tell you.
> To Tenshi: "Please don't. She's not going to attack us again, and she still has my spellcards."
>"I've not done anything yet," says Tenshi, "Just making sure she knows I'm not gonna run a second time."
>_
-
>"They would think you were involved, simply because I visited you? I've visited a great many places today."
>"For that matter, you've even had one of the islands crash into your own mountain. That doesn't exactly paint you as especially culpable. Although perhaps I should have learned my lesson about Reimu being entirely rational at the moment..."
>"In any event, had Kanako learned anything new?"
-
>"They would think you were involved, simply because I visited you? I've visited a great many places today."
>"For that matter, you've even had one of the islands crash into your own mountain. That doesn't exactly paint you as especially culpable. Although perhaps I should have learned my lesson about Reimu being entirely rational at the moment..."
>"In any event, had Kanako learned anything new?"
>"Yes. But most of them don't quite have Kanako-sama's connection to the winds or her history."
>"Perhaps, but not everything goes according to plan, they say." Sanae answers. "Alternately, it might well be argued to be part of the plan."
>"No, she hadn't learned anything new. But...she did notice something. Have you looked below any of the islands? The really big ones?"
>_
-
>Was the orchard island directly over the human village? Or just very close to it? If not, what was directly below it?
-
>Was the orchard island directly over the human village? Or just very close to it? If not, what was directly below it?
>It was over the village, and you didn't notice anything especially unusual. At the same time, you were preoccupied. And you want to say you felt there was something odd about it...
>_
-
>Odd? In what way? That the island itself felt odd? Looked odd? Can we qualify this any?
>"Well, the human village itself was below one of the larger ones. Aside from that, I'm not sure what you're getting at. What did Kanako notice?"
-
>Odd? In what way? That the island itself felt odd? Looked odd? Can we qualify this any?
>"Well, the human village itself was below one of the larger ones. Aside from that, I'm not sure what you're getting at. What did Kanako notice?"
>You want to say it was visual. That's about all you can remember.
>Sanae nods. "They're not casting proper shadows."
>_
-
>"...what?"
>Does that match up with our mental image, when we stop to think about it?
-
>"...what?"
>Does that match up with our mental image, when we stop to think about it?
>Sanae nods. "I didn't notice myself. But I wasn't really paying attention to things like that."
>Maybe? You didn't really stop to take note of that, either. But you suppose the village wasn't that shady...
>_
-
>Sanae nods. "I didn't notice myself. But I wasn't really paying attention to things like that."
>Maybe? You didn't really stop to take note of that, either. But you suppose the village wasn't that shady...
>"I was similarly preoccupied when I was at the village, trying to disarm a battle and then being ambushed by Reimu. However, now that you mention it, the village really didn't seem as dark as you'd expect with something that size over it."
>"Did she have any idea why this might be the case?"
-
>"I was similarly preoccupied when I was at the village, trying to disarm a battle and then being ambushed by Reimu. However, now that you mention it, the village really didn't seem as dark as you'd expect with something that size over it."
>"Did she have any idea why this might be the case?"
>"She doesn't really know," says Sanae with a shrug.
>_
-
>"Well, I suppose every new fact we learn is potential step in the right direction, but I wonder what this could mean."
>Looking at the underside of the islands, they do seem to be made of solid rock, correct?
>About how thick are the islands, below the ground? A very rough estimate.
-
> Things on the islands were still casting shadows upon the islands, correct?
-
>"Well, I suppose every new fact we learn is potential step in the right direction, but I wonder what this could mean."
>Looking at the underside of the islands, they do seem to be made of solid rock, correct?
>About how thick are the islands, below the ground? A very rough estimate.
>"That seems like the right way to look at it," says Sanae, as the three of you approach the outskirts of the kappa village.
>They do.
>They tend to average around one third to one half as thick as their diameter at the center, tapering off around the edges. Small islands tend to be be thicker than that.
>_
-
> Things on the islands were still casting shadows upon the islands, correct?
> Are we headed into or out of the kappa village?
-
> Things on the islands were still casting shadows upon the islands, correct?
> Are we headed into or out of the kappa village?
>As far as you remember. You didn't pay especial attention to them.
>You are heading into it. Or rather, skirting around behind the university.
>_
-
> "So what are you planning for us to do in the kappa village?"
> "And what's up with the university? That's pretty new."
-
> "So what are you planning for us to do in the kappa village?"
> "And what's up with the university? That's pretty new."
>"Nothing," says Sanae, "I'm just trying to get you away from the patrols."
>"Yeah, it came about after the dream," Sanae says, glancing toward the building. "They decided there needs to be one."
>_
-
>We don't know what dream they're referring to, do we?
>Assuming not: "The dream?"
>"I suppose the question now is, where do we go next? I could go examine one of the larger island shadows in person, although I'm not certain what that would gain us. We also seem to be exhausting the list of people who might have a good idea what could have caused this."
-
>We don't know what dream they're referring to, do we?
>Assuming not: "The dream?"
>"I suppose the question now is, where do we go next? I could go examine one of the larger island shadows in person, although I'm not certain what that would gain us. We also seem to be exhausting the list of people who might have a good idea what could have caused this."
>You remember hearing about it from Tenshi, during the ocean incident. You suspect the dream holds a key to what happened during that. However, The Dragon told you to put the incident out of your thoughts, and that everything for fine now. This being after it was maddeningly silent about it during those couple of months.
>"We should split up," says Tenshi.
>"I'm not sure where to go next," says Sanae. "But it makes me wonder if this has happened to anything else?"
>_
-
>"I wonder how many similar things there would be for it to happen to, though."
>Does the sun look any different or obviously lower than it should be, for the time of day?
-
> "I imagine we'll have to split up at some point. I have seen and heard enough that I believe a visit with the Dragon is in order, and, with all due respect, Sanae, I am not to bring non-residents to the Dragon's attendance unless the Dragon specifically requests it."
> "That being said, I would like to bring both of you to the island of our injured, as I believe a proper scope of what has happened today would assist you both in your endeavours, whether or not they include me."
-
>"I wonder how many similar things there would be for it to happen to, though."
>Does the sun look any different or obviously lower than it should be, for the time of day?
>Sanae shrugs.
>You glance toward the sun. It doesn't seem any different that usual. At the same time, you don't make a habit of staring at the sun.
> "I imagine we'll have to split up at some point. I have seen and heard enough that I believe a visit with the Dragon is in order, and, with all due respect, Sanae, I am not to bring non-residents to the Dragon's attendance unless the Dragon specifically requests it."
> "That being said, I would like to bring both of you to the island of our injured, as I believe a proper scope of what has happened today would assist you both in your endeavours, whether or not they include me."
>Sanae nods. "I understand. Not all deities can be so open as mine."
>"We're going where now?" Tenshi asks.
>_
-
> What was the name of the island with all the injured on it?
> Where was it relative to the ground?
-
> What was the name of the island with all the injured on it?
> Where was it relative to the ground?
>Orchard Isle, and it is over Human Town.
>_
-
> To Tenshi: "Orchard Isle. We can also take care of Minoriko's concerns while we're there, as it's over the human village."
-
> To Tenshi: "Orchard Isle. We can also take care of Minoriko's concerns while we're there, as it's over the human village."
>"Oh, right," says Tenshi. "Well, I don't have any need to go to the island myself. But you two can, I guess."
>_
-
> "I was hoping all three of us could go. I do think it would do you both well in your endeavours."
> "You've made me curious, though. Is there somewhere you do need to go?"
-
> "I was hoping all three of us could go. I do think it would do you both well in your endeavours."
> "You've made me curious, though. Is there somewhere you do need to go?"
>"No, not really," says Tenshi, "But I'm not going back to Bhava-Agra right now for sure. I don't need the trouble. The surface is better anyways."
>_
-
>"Where are you planning to go, then, Tenshi?" damnit Kilga
Still not sure it's a good idea to let her out of our sight, even though evidence really does point to her not being in on this.
Maybe have her look for that snake while we go to the island? That's not too far away, and it doesn't sound the sort to listen to much more than ultraviolence.
-
> "The surface still thinks you're responsible, though. Orchard Isle is full of people that will just be glad to see you."
Having her go after the snake is a good alternative activity, but I'd like to press this just a little more. I'm also not sure how willing she'd be to go for it given it will benefit Bhava-Agra.
-
> "The surface still thinks you're responsible, though. Orchard Isle is full of people that will just be glad to see you."
>Tenshi snorts. "The only reason they're not happier I'm gone is that I took my sword back."
>_
-
> "They would want to see you regardless of where your sword was. Losing a fellow celestial is the last thing on anyone's mind right now."
-
> "They would want to see you regardless of where your sword was. Losing a fellow celestial is the last thing on anyone's mind right now."
>"I doubt they ever thought of me as any kind of fellow," says Tenshi with a shrug. "Like I said, they all had it coming."
>_
-
> Does Tenshi know about the time her exile was proposed to the Dragon?
> Did the Dragon explain why he didn't allow it?
> "Come now, do you really wish that? Which is preferable to you, a life of hatred and reciprocated hatred, or a life of love and reciprocated love?"
-
> Does Tenshi know about the time her exile was proposed to the Dragon?
> Did the Dragon explain why he didn't allow it?
> "Come now, do you really wish that? Which is preferable to you, a life of hatred and reciprocated hatred, or a life of love and reciprocated love?"
>You don't know what she knows about either proposed exile or it's disallowing.
>"Doesn't matter what I wish," says Tenshi. "Nothing I do matters as far as they're concerned."
>_
-
>"It does matter what you wish. I'll stand up for you, you know."
-
>"It does matter what you wish. I'll stand up for you, you know."
>"Even if you did, it wouldn't make a difference." say Tenshi with a shrug. "I'll just wait around in town for you or something."
>_
-
>"Well, I suppose if you're that set against it... Maybe you could have a little look around here for that tsuchinoko while I'm gone?"
-
>"Well, I suppose if you're that set against it... Maybe you could have a little look around here for that tsuchinoko while I'm gone?"
>"Sure, I'll see what I can find," says Tenshi. "Heh, maybe I'll just handle it for you."
>_
-
>Nod
>"Fair enough."
>Head towards the human village
-
>Nod
>"Fair enough."
>Head towards the human village
>How will you be returning to the human village?
>_
-
>Take the direct aerial route, provided we're past Tengu territory
-
>Take the direct aerial route, provided we're past Tengu territory
>You take to the air, and make a direct route northwest for the human town.
>Thankfully, the air is clear for now. Passing over the fields along the way, you notice another sizable island not too far from the forest where the Hakurei Shrine is. If you recall properly, there should be a modest celestial settlement on it.
>_
-
>Does there seem to be nothing untoward happening around it, at the moment?
>Take a look at its shadow. Is there any at all?
-
>Does there seem to be nothing untoward happening around it, at the moment?
>Take a look at its shadow. Is there any at all?
>From a distance, you see nothing alarming.
>You look under it, and..there's simply not much of a shadow there. You think you can kind of make out faint one, but it simply should not be that faint.
>_
-
>Does the shadow look roughly the right size and shape, aside from its faintness?
>In any case, continue to the village
-
>Does the shadow look roughly the right size and shape, aside from its faintness?
>In any case, continue to the village
>It seems to be the proper shape.
>You continue on toward the village. Orchard Island still floats above it, and there are still faeries and a couple youkai hovering around it. Aside from that, things seem fairly peaceful.
>_
-
>Does the shadow of this one seem similar to the other large island?
>"Well, I guess this is where we part ways, for the moment at least. You'll still be around the village when I return, Tenshi?"
-
>Does the shadow of this one seem similar to the other large island?
>"Well, I guess this is where we part ways, for the moment at least. You'll still be around the village when I return, Tenshi?"
>It does.
>"Yeah, meet me at the tavern," says Tenshi, as she starts toward the village.
>_
-
>"Sure, see you there."
>Head towards Orchard Isle
-
>"Sure, see you there."
>Head towards Orchard Isle
>You head toward Orchard Island, as Tenshi descends and heads north.
>The island is more or less as you left it, save the crowds around it have changed a little bit. No one seems to take especial notice of you.
>_
-
>Head to the barn where the injured were being tended to
-
>Head to the barn where the injured were being tended to
>You ignore the crowds and head toward the barn. One celestial still stands watch outside of it, she nods to you as you land, and gives Sanae a brief, curious look.
>"I never really would have imagined Bhava-Agra would have something like this," says Sanae.
>_
-
>"Why is that?"
>Enter the barn
-
>"Why is that?"
>Enter the barn
>"It just seems so...mundane, you know? Out of place" says Sanae, as she follows you.
>The makeshift infirmary is also as you remember it. Perhaps a few of the celestials on the cots have moved on and things seem a bit more at ease, but there are still many wounded here. Sanae frowns as she looks around.
>_
-
>Is Lorelei still here?
>If so, go over and speak with her
-
>Is Lorelei still here?
>If so, go over and speak with her
>She is where you left her.
>"Lady Nagae," she says, nodding toward you. Sanae regards her curiously.
>_
-
>"Given how it was weighing on your mind earlier, I wanted to come and let you know that I've found Tenshi. She does not appear to have had any hand in this incident."
>"Also, this is Sanae, priestess of the Moriya Shrine. She is also investigating the incident. Sanae, this is Lorelei, the overseer of the peach orchards."
-
>"Given how it was weighing on your mind earlier, I wanted to come and let you know that I've found Tenshi. She does not appear to have had any hand in this incident."
>"Also, this is Sanae, priestess of the Moriya Shrine. She is also investigating the incident. Sanae, this is Lorelei, the overseer of the peach orchards."
>"Thank the heavens," says Lorelei. "I hope you have some idea who or what did it?"
>"Good day, Miss Lorelei," says Sanae, bowing toward the celestial.
>"It is a pleasure," says Lorelei.
>_
-
>"Unfortunately, neither I nor any of the other people I've met have had any real idea what might have done this. The only potential clue that any of us has found is that the islands don't appear to be casting proper shadows. They're not nearly as dark as they should be. Why this is, and whether it's important, I'm still unsure."
>If we feel we seriously need advice, it is considered allowable to seek an audience with The Dragon directly, is it not?
-
>"Unfortunately, neither I nor any of the other people I've met have had any real idea what might have done this. The only potential clue that any of us has found is that the islands don't appear to be casting proper shadows. They're not nearly as dark as they should be. Why this is, and whether it's important, I'm still unsure."
>If we feel we seriously need advice, it is considered allowable to seek an audience with The Dragon directly, is it not?
>"Is that so?" asks Lorelei. "Well, that suggests something to investigate."
>You should be able to. But you suspect it would be annoyed, given that it bequeathed this task to you, unless you were completely out of options.
>_
-
>Didn't it bequeath the task of finding Tenshi, and not of figuring out what happened to the islands themselves?
-
>Didn't it bequeath the task of finding Tenshi, and not of figuring out what happened to the islands themselves?
>You volunteered to deal with this situation, and felt that this is exactly what it brought you there to do.
>_
-
>"Although it is possible this is simply how the islands are, and they were just never low enough for anyone to notice this before."
>Do we know of any other people in Bhava-Agra who might potentially posses some further knowledge of the situation? Sages or lorekeepers or such?
-
>"Although it is possible this is simply how the islands are, and they were just never low enough for anyone to notice this before."
>Do we know of any other people in Bhava-Agra who might potentially posses some further knowledge of the situation? Sages or lorekeepers or such?
>"That may be true," says Lorelei.
>You have heard of a couple, but given that Bhava-Agra is less prone to trouble than Gensokyo, they tend not to be hassled as much and thus do not become as infamous as some of the greater minds in below.
>_
-
>Do we have any idea how we might be able to find one?
-
>Do we have any idea how we might be able to find one?
>Checking population centers might be a good start.
>_
-
>What major population centers do we know of?
>Where are they located in relation to our current location?
-
>What major population centers do we know of?
>Where are they located in relation to our current location?
>You are fairly sure there would be one over the Bamboo Forest. There should be another, but you're not certain where it would be, exactly. Perhaps to the northeast of the Dragon Palace? The Palace itself counts, but you are certain there's no great scholars there.
>_
-
>"Well, I should continue to canvass Gensokyo for any further clues. I just wanted to set your mind to rest about Tenshi. Be well, Lorelei."
>Leave and return to the village
-
>"Well, I should continue to canvass Gensokyo for any further clues. I just wanted to set your mind to rest about Tenshi. Be well, Lorelei."
>Leave and return to the village
>"Thank you for the concern, Lady Nagae," says Lorelei.
>You depart and start back for the village. "Is every place like that?" Sanae asks.
>_
-
>"I haven't had the chance to survey much of Bhava-Agra since it fell, but there were wounded at the Dragon Palace as well. I imagine it is similar elsewhere."
-
> Do we have any idea where Tenshi's family would have been?
-
>"I haven't had the chance to survey much of Bhava-Agra since it fell, but there were wounded at the Dragon Palace as well. I imagine it is similar elsewhere."
>She nods. "Shameful."
> Do we have any idea where Tenshi's family would have been?
>They're always a bit scattered, but you imagine they'd be at one of the two major towns.
>_
-
> "Shameful indeed. Whoever did this to us is going to regret it."
> "Anyway, I think I have an idea of where to head next. I believe getting in contact with Tenshi's family will help us; she will at least listen to them, even if she doesn't listen to me."
-
> "Shameful indeed. Whoever did this to us is going to regret it."
> "Anyway, I think I have an idea of where to head next. I believe getting in contact with Tenshi's family will help us; she will at least listen to them, even if she doesn't listen to me."
>"What does Tenshi have anything to do with this?" Sanae asks. "I thought she was supposed to be innocent?"
>_
-
> "Near as I can tell, she is indeed innocent. But you've seen a bit of how she's resisted helping. She believes that all of Bhava-Agra hates her and has hated her for some time, as she feels they treat her like a lesser instead of an equal. Apparently I...was also guilty of this, which, if true, I am not proud of it, as it was never my intent."
> "My bruised ego aside, Tenshi does not particularly care to help the rest of the celestials and has even gone so far as to say they deserved the injuries you observed, due to how they have slighted her so much. I wanted her to see for herself how bad things were, in the hopes that it would change her mind, but she refused to come."
-
> "Near as I can tell, she is indeed innocent. But you've seen a bit of how she's resisted helping. She believes that all of Bhava-Agra hates her and has hated her for some time, as she feels they treat her like a lesser instead of an equal. Apparently I...was also guilty of this, which, if true, I am not proud of it, as it was never my intent."
> "My bruised ego aside, Tenshi does not particularly care to help the rest of the celestials and has even gone so far as to say they deserved the injuries you observed, due to how they have slighted her so much. I wanted her to see for herself how bad things were, in the hopes that it would change her mind, but she refused to come."
>"Oh, I see," says Sanae. "I bet she really doesn't believe all the things she's saying; don't you think she's the kind of person who is prone to fits of pique?"
>_
-
> "It would not surprise me much if she had a persecution complex, but it's also possible she's right. Both sides may very well be in the wrong here."
> "That was the goal of getting her to come here. I wanted her to see all the injured people for herself, to see if she would perpetuate her belief that they deserved it. It's one thing for her to tell me while we're alone, it's another for her to tell herself while she's looking right at them."
> "I do feel she does care to some degree, though. She has blind faith that her family escaped injury, for one."
-
> "It would not surprise me much if she had a persecution complex, but it's also possible she's right. Both sides may very well be in the wrong here."
> "That was the goal of getting her to come here. I wanted her to see all the injured people for herself, to see if she would perpetuate her belief that they deserved it. It's one thing for her to tell me while we're alone, it's another for her to tell herself while she's looking right at them."
> "I do feel she does care to some degree, though. She has blind faith that her family escaped injury, for one."
>"Oh, I see," says Sanae. "Well, I'm sure you'll lure her up here in time. From what I've gathered, she doesn't think anyone here likes her? That sounds pretty self-fulfilling, if you ask me."
>_
-
> "The whole situation is a death spiral, really. Tenshi doesn't think anyone likes her, and, well..."
> Lower voice.
> "...there are admittedly some that don't."
> Raise voice back to normal levels.
> "I don't know for sure who started it, though. Tenshi blames the others for looking down on her before she first started acting out, which is to be expected. I don't know if they really did, and I doubt anyone ever will figure that out. This is why I'd just rather get them going in a cycle of love, rather than the cycle of hate they have going now. Given Tenshi's love for her family, I believe they'll be instrumental in getting the positive cycle up and running."
> What do we know of Tenshi's family? Would we know them by sight? Do we have names we can match to faces?
-
> "The whole situation is a death spiral, really. Tenshi doesn't think anyone likes her, and, well..."
> Lower voice.
> "...there are admittedly some that don't."
> Raise voice back to normal levels.
> "I don't know for sure who started it, though. Tenshi blames the others for looking down on her before she first started acting out, which is to be expected. I don't know if they really did, and I doubt anyone ever will figure that out. This is why I'd just rather get them going in a cycle of love, rather than the cycle of hate they have going now. Given Tenshi's love for her family, I believe they'll be instrumental in getting the positive cycle up and running."
> What do we know of Tenshi's family? Would we know them by sight? Do we have names we can match to faces?
>Sanae nods. "That may be true, but I think she'd just say they're special because they're family. At least, I would in that situation.
>Not a lot. You know she has a father and mother, and two younger sisters. You would know the second eldest on sight; she is the particularly responsible one of the family, and the father. You had the second sister's name, but forgot it.
>_
-
> "Oh, I expect she'd provide the same reaction if I tried that avenue. What I'd rather do is ask them to help convince her that Bhava-Agra doesn't hate her as much as she thinks. I wonder if they'd mind a trip to the surface..."
> "Alternatively, if they are amongst the injured...well, I hope they're not, for their sake and hers, but it would at least inspire her to work toward getting back at whoever did this."
-
> "Oh, I expect she'd provide the same reaction if I tried that avenue. What I'd rather do is ask them to help convince her that Bhava-Agra doesn't hate her as much as she thinks. I wonder if they'd mind a trip to the surface..."
> "Alternatively, if they are amongst the injured...well, I hope they're not, for their sake and hers, but it would at least inspire her to work toward getting back at whoever did this."
>Sanae nods. "That may work. But in the end, I think it's going to have to be something she'll realize for herself. And, well, maybe not being a brat so much would help."
>_
-
>"Admittedly a fair point. But she hasn't always been that way, so that probably got started some other way..."
>"I don't believe she would listen to the suggestion of changing her behavior unless she thought it could amount to something. I think understanding that Celestia is still willing to give her a chance would have to come first if she's going to seriously consider it."
-
>"Admittedly a fair point. But she hasn't always been that way, so that probably got started some other way..."
>"I don't believe she would listen to the suggestion of changing her behavior unless she thought it could amount to something. I think understanding that Celestia is still willing to give her a chance would have to come first if she's going to seriously consider it."
>Sanae nods. "It might be just that she doesn't want to change it."
>_
-
> "I've considered that, too. I'm still going to try, though."
> We figure Tenshi's family is likely to be in one of two cities, right? Do we know where those two cities are relative to our current location?
-
> "I've considered that, too. I'm still going to try, though."
> We figure Tenshi's family is likely to be in one of two cities, right? Do we know where those two cities are relative to our current location?
>"Of course, I'm not telling you to give up," says Sana. "Just I wonder if it will work."
>Someone is likely to be in one of them. There's one that's likely to the northeast, probably somewhere over the mountains. It wouldn't be too far away from the Shrine. The other is likely somewhere to the southwest, over Bamboo Forest.
>_
-
> "I hope it does."
> "On a completely unrelated note, do you happen to know how to get to Eientei?"
-
> "I hope it does."
> "On a completely unrelated note, do you happen to know how to get to Eientei?"
>"Um, not especially. I've been there once, but there were rabbits guiding us. Maybe you should ask Tewi, she was out and about today."
>_
-
> "Perhaps I will later, then. That is good to know. Thank you."
> "I am going to head off to look for the Hinanai family. You are welcome to accompany me if you so wish."
-
> "Perhaps I will later, then. That is good to know. Thank you."
> "I am going to head off to look for the Hinanai family. You are welcome to accompany me if you so wish."
>She nods.
>"I thought you were investigating?" Sanae says. "But if that's the case, I think I will leave."
>_
-
>"I'm also hoping to find a scholar in that village who may have some additional knowledge on these islands that I lack. Perhaps whatever property that causes them to cast unusual shadows is known to them? I don't know them by name, but I have heard of a couple."
-
>"I'm also hoping to find a scholar in that village who may have some additional knowledge on these islands that I lack. Perhaps whatever property that causes them to cast unusual shadows is known to them? I don't know them by name, but I have heard of a couple."
>"Well, if you say it like that," says Sanae. "Still, I think maybe I should look elsewhere at the same time."
>_
-
For the record, I don't think we need Sanae along with us, I just wanted to give her the opportunity, since she still has our stuff. If she doesn't want to go, then...
> "That's fine. If we are to split up into individual investigations here, I don't suppose I could have my spellcards back? Or do you still think me responsible for what you saw on Orchard Isle?"
-
> "That's fine. If we are to split up into individual investigations here, I don't suppose I could have my spellcards back? Or do you still think me responsible for what you saw on Orchard Isle?"
>"Oh! Right!" says Sanae. "I'm sorry, it almost completely slipped my mind.
>She reaches into a skirt pocket, produces your cards, and hands them to you.
>You obtain: Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>You obtain: Light Orb: "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes"
>You obtain: Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
>You obtain: Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot"
>_
-
>"Thank you. And if you could perhaps put in a good word for us with Reimu or Marisa if you run into them, I'd appreciate it."
>"Do you have any idea where you'll be heading? Or will you just be wandering around in the hopes of finding something that catches your eye?"
-
>"Thank you. And if you could perhaps put in a good word for us with Reimu or Marisa if you run into them, I'd appreciate it."
>"Do you have any idea where you'll be heading? Or will you just be wandering around in the hopes of finding something that catches your eye?"
>"I'll try," says Sanae. Then she shakes her head, "but...well, my word's not going to be worth much, since I brought you to the shrine like you were supposed to be there."
>"Pretty much that second one," she says with a frown.
>_
-
>"Well, just do what you can, then, I guess. On both counts. Good luck to you, and thank you for trusting me. It's been a rare thing today."
>Head off towards the island near the Bamboo Forest
-
>"Well, just do what you can, then, I guess. On both counts. Good luck to you, and thank you for trusting me. It's been a rare thing today."
>Head off towards the island near the Bamboo Forest
>"Well, you did give up, that's worth something, I guess," says Sanae. "Good luck to you, too."
>How do you intend to travel there?
>_
-
>How do you intend to travel there?
>Fly there directly
-
>You set off for the Bamboo Forest, flying over the plains to the south of the city and heading toward the west.
>There's a few small islands here and there along the way, none of them used much by Celestials as a whole, though you suspect some could be home to recluses. As you pass by one close to the edge of the bamboo forest, you can see your goal up ahead. You also see an immense beam of light blasting from it...
>_
-
>The beam is coming from the island's surface?
>Where is the beam aimed?
>If it's headed towards us, scramble out of the way
-
>The beam is coming from the island's surface?
>Where is the beam aimed?
>If it's headed towards us, scramble out of the way
>Yes.
>It seems to be directly westward and upward.
>Thankfully are nowhere near in the way.
>_
-
>Does it look like one of Marisa's attacks, or a beam of some other nature?
>Move in for a closer look. Try to keep a relatively low profile, if we can, using parts of the island itself, or the buildings on it, to disguise our approach
-
>Does it look like one of Marisa's attacks, or a beam of some other nature?
>Move in for a closer look. Try to keep a relatively low profile, if we can, using parts of the island itself, or the buildings on it, to disguise our approach
>You are quite certain, upon reflection, that this is a Master Spark.
>After a moment, it fades from the air.
>_
-
>Can we tell at all what was being fired upon?
>If not, move closer in the manner previously indicated
-
> Keep an eye out for any potential cover just in case.
-
>Can we tell at all what was being fired upon?
>If not, move closer in the manner previously indicated
>You have no idea what the target was.
>There isn't much that can disguise your approach, unfortunately. You could go into the forest itself, and hope that a floating island can serve as a decent enough landmark.
> Keep an eye out for any potential cover just in case.
>Midair tends to have an astounding lack of cover.
>_
-
> What kind of geography does the island have?
-
>If there is a village on this island, that presumes there are buildings, correct? And possibly hills, trees, etc. If Marisa is on the surface of the island, as the beam suggests, keeping buildings or hills in between us and the source of the Master Spark should make it difficult for her to see us unless she gains significant altitude, shouldn't it?
-
> What kind of geography does the island have?
>It is mostly flat, with gentle hills here and there. To a large degree, it consists of empty plains, but there are some forest here and there. In the middle of it is a town comparable in size to the human town.
>If there is a village on this island, that presumes there are buildings, correct? And possibly hills, trees, etc. If Marisa is on the surface of the island, as the beam suggests, keeping buildings or hills in between us and the source of the Master Spark should make it difficult for her to see us unless she gains significant altitude, shouldn't it?
>Technically true, but it's difficult to determine what line of sight would be for her, given you don't know where she is. A low approach would certainly help.
>_
>_
-
>Approach the part of the island where the Master Spark originated from directly, hanging a little below the surface vertically
>Keep an eye out for more fire, or anyone suddenly ascending
>Be ready to drop further altitude in response, depending on who it is, and what their bearing seems to be
-
>Approach the part of the island where the Master Spark originated from directly, hanging a little below the surface vertically
>Keep an eye out for more fire, or anyone suddenly ascending
>Be ready to drop further altitude in response, depending on who it is, and what their bearing seems to be
>You keep low and approach, keeping an eye on the island. After a moment, you see a large black figure ascend, her bearing not certain at the moment.
>_
-
>Drop height a little, while continuing forward
>Try to keep the island almost at the edge of blocking our line of sight to her as she ascends, so that we can drop beneath it entirely if we see her turn this way, before she can see us
>What does she seem to be doing?
-
>Drop height a little, while continuing forward
>Try to keep the island almost at the edge of blocking our line of sight to her as she ascends, so that we can drop beneath it entirely if we see her turn this way, before she can see us
>What does she seem to be doing?
>You drop height, trying to get to the point that the island almost cuts off the flying person from sight, and continue forward. Very quickly, the island fully cuts off your sight of the black figure, but not before you can see that she is flying in your general direction.
>_
-
A thought occurs.
Patchy wants us to tell Marisa about that meeting, right? At some point, we're going to have to talk to her. If she really was flying in our general direction, I think now is the best time. There's a chance she's seen us, and trying to hide from her will make us look like we have something to hide, which will feed any existing belief that we're the ones responsible. We have nothing to hide, and have encountered all of Reimu, Sanae and Sakuya and have come away relatively unharmed - Sakuya didn't assault us at all, Sanae we surrendered our spellcards to and demonstrated trustworthiness, and Reimu hasn't come back from whatever trip we sent her on (I actually forget what we said to get her away). I think we might be able to talk our way out of fighting with Marisa, since literally every other problem-solver has had the chance to put us down and didn't, and that has to mean something. We may also get bonus points for going up to her of our own volition (and not firing upon her) instead of her having to track us down.
Since I'm going to bed right now and Draco has so far seemed to want to avoid Marisa entirely I'll just leave this idea out for people to think about instead of making that sort of unilateral decision, but I really do think we'd be better off confronting her instead of hiding from her.
-
I agree, actually, and wasn't intending to hide from her entirely (although I realize that might be how it looks). Otherwise, I would have just dived into the forest and waited. I think there's several reasons we need to talk to her, but I just wanted to see if we could find out who she was fighting, where she was going, and whether she was truly on the warpath, before we spoke with her. That and try to position an escape route if she really ends up being unreasonable.
>How quickly could we descend from where we are into the forest?
>If Marisa continued in the direction we saw, how far out of vertical range of us would she be when she reaches the point where she can see us from her current position?
-
>How quickly could we descend from where we are into the forest?
>If Marisa continued in the direction we saw, how far out of vertical range of us would she be when she reaches the point where she can see us from her current position?
>It would take a couple seconds.
>By the time you calculate this, she would probably already have seen you and started closing range.
>_
-
>Continue forward, then, until Marisa comes in sight again
-
>Continue forward, then, until Marisa comes in sight again
>This doesn't take long, as she picks up speed.
>_
-
>Does she seem to be headed towards us?
>If not, call out to her
-
>Does she seem to be headed towards us?
>If not, call out to her
>Not directly, more toward the east than you are.
>You call out, and she turns toward you. You are most certain, now, that this is Marisa approaching you.
>_
-
>Move slowly towards her until we're in comfortable range to at least talk loudly to each other
>"Marisa! I have a message from Patchouli for you!"
-
>Move slowly towards her until we're in comfortable range to at least talk loudly to each other
>"Marisa! I have a message from Patchouli for you!"
>"Isn't that convenient!" Marisa shouts back, as she comes to a stop some yards away.
>_
-
>"Given that you weren't at home, I would say it is. It's about a magician's circle she's thinking of forming."
>"But before that, I don't suppose I could ask you what you were shooting at?"
-
>"Given that you weren't at home, I would say it is. It's about a magician's circle she's thinking of forming."
>"But before that, I don't suppose I could ask you what you were shooting at?"
>"Huh," says Marisa, "she's going through with that one? Sounds fun."
>Her voice hardens a little. "Yeah, you'd like to know that, wouldn't you?"
>_
-
>"I would, yes, given that you were firing it by one of our islands."
>"I will start by saying that Bhava-Agra's descent is not of our doing. I have spent all morning searching for a cause or possible suspects and have found neither yet. I understand that the first suspicion falls on us, and believe me I have dealt with that from nearly every corner already this morning. But consider this: to the best of my knowledge, no one on the surface has been hurt, yet our own people have suffered numerous injuries, property damage, and our harvest has been severely decimated. If this was an act of aggression by Bhava-Agra against the surface, it would have to be the most poorly conceived in Gensokyo's history, would it not?"
-
>"I would, yes, given that you were firing it by one of our islands."
>"I will start by saying that Bhava-Agra's descent is not of our doing. I have spent all morning searching for a cause or possible suspects and have found neither yet. I understand that the first suspicion falls on us, and believe me I have dealt with that from nearly every corner already this morning. But consider this: to the best of my knowledge, no one on the surface has been hurt, yet our own people have suffered numerous injuries, property damage, and our harvest has been severely decimated. If this was an act of aggression by Bhava-Agra against the surface, it would have to be the most poorly conceived in Gensokyo's history, would it not?"
>"Not like Remilia or Yuyuko or anyone else thought ahead, either," says Marisa. "I'm onto your conspiracies, though. Did you really think no one would suspect the Lunarians?"
>_
-
>"....what?"
-
>"....what?"
>"It's pretty obvious, when you think about it," says Marisa. "If you were going to try to take over Gensokyo, you'd need allies. And who better to serve as allies then your own fellow sky people? Too bad for you, I just took out their general. Now, I just need to take out your general..."
>And suddenly, the sky is full of star-shaped danmaku.
>_
-
>Back off
>Try to find some open space among the danmaku
>"That doesn't make any sense at all! They're no more our fellows than anyone else down here. I don't even know how to get to Eientei! And if we were trying to take over Gensokyo, don't you think we would have taken some aggressive action by now?"
>"And by general, do you mean Eirin? I had a message from Patchouli for her, too! I didn't even finish giving you yours, either!"
-
>Back off
>Try to find some open space among the danmaku
>"That doesn't make any sense at all! They're no more our fellows than anyone else down here. I don't even know how to get to Eientei! And if we were trying to take over Gensokyo, don't you think we would have taken some aggressive action by now?"
>"And by general, do you mean Eirin? I had a message from Patchouli for her, too! I didn't even finish giving you yours, either!"
>You back away, as Marisa fills the air with wave upon wave of stars. You think you should be able to stay between the waves, but it'll be difficult to move through them; the stars' shimmering makes it deceptive.
>"We've been too busy stalling you, obviously," says Marisa, as she pours on more waves of stars. "And I'll get the message from Patchouli later, no worries."
>_
-
>Shift into an open space between waves, and keep on eye on the next set of waves. Be ready to shift into the nearest accessible gap in them, once the first have passed us.
>"We're innocent! Think this through for a moment. You're right right that Remilia and Yuyuko didn't think their plans through, and they had side-effects outside their own intent, but they were at least moving towards their own aims in the process. If this was our plan, what have we done except injure our own people?"
>"I have no intention of fighting you. We're on the same side!"
-
>Shift into an open space between waves, and keep on eye on the next set of waves. Be ready to shift into the nearest accessible gap in them, once the first have passed us.
>"We're innocent! Think this through for a moment. You're right right that Remilia and Yuyuko didn't think their plans through, and they had side-effects outside their own intent, but they were at least moving towards their own aims in the process. If this was our plan, what have we done except injure our own people?"
>"I have no intention of fighting you. We're on the same side!"
>You move to an empty space and keep your eyes on the next waves.
>"And you weren't?" says Marisa. "Got your forces down here, didn't you? Just not in the condition you hoped."
>_
-
>"There's a village on that island. Did it look populated by fighters ready to strike? Have any of us struck out at all, except when people have brought fighting to us?"
>"What can I do to convince you we're innocent?"
-
>"There's a village on that island. Did it look populated by fighters ready to strike? Have any of us struck out at all, except when people have brought fighting to us?"
>"What can I do to convince you we're innocent?"
>"Just like I said, things didn't go according to plan," says Marisa.
>You are starting to get hemmed in by the stars, the waves are converging on you.
>"You sound like a kid with her hand caught in the cookie jar, you know that?" Marisa says, as she creates more waves.
>_
-
>Try to back up a little further, and look for another opening in the waves to shift towards
>"Will you not listen to a word I have to say? I have had people I care about injured, the harvest I am responsible for devastated, my home flung from where it's supposed to be, and have had to put up with nearly everyone I meet believing I am responsible for this. Or worse, firing at me before I've barely opened my mouth. Will you stop, at least for the moment, and listen? Have you noticed that I am not firing back?"
-
> "Did you also not notice that I came up to you directly after you fired off that gigantic laser instead of simply hiding from you?"
-
>Try to back up a little further, and look for another opening in the waves to shift towards
>"Will you not listen to a word I have to say? I have had people I care about injured, the harvest I am responsible for devastated, my home flung from where it's supposed to be, and have had to put up with nearly everyone I meet believing I am responsible for this. Or worse, firing at me before I've barely opened my mouth. Will you stop, at least for the moment, and listen? Have you noticed that I am not firing back?"
>You back away, discover a likely opening, and shift through it.
>"Not going to fool me so easily, Eirin already spilled the whole story!"
>_
-
>"She what?! What story? I've had no involvement whatsoever with Eientei. What did she say?"
-
>"She what?! What story? I've had no involvement whatsoever with Eientei. What did she say?"
>"She confirmed everything I just said!" Marisa says, grinning with obvious pride.
>There's an awful lot of waves coming your way. You're growing less and less sure of your ability to get through them.
>_
-
>One wonders if that 'confirmation' required very selective hearing...
>"This is nonsense! If she said this is an invasion, she's simply wrong. Is she said we're working together, she's just plain lying. We have no connection whatsoever, and I'm doing my utmost to put things back. I can't very well do that if you incapacitate me! And the islands aren't going to magically ascend just because you do so!"
>"If I was truly guilty, do you think I would approach you when I could have easily avoided you?"
>Keep up the dodging for the moment, and try to read a clear path to quickly descend into the forest below once it gets too thick to stay here
-
>One wonders if that 'confirmation' required very selective hearing...
>"This is nonsense! If she said this is an invasion, she's simply wrong. Is she said we're working together, she's just plain lying. We have no connection whatsoever, and I'm doing my utmost to put things back. I can't very well do that if you incapacitate me! And the islands aren't going to magically ascend just because you do so!"
>"If I was truly guilty, do you think I would approach you when I could have easily avoided you?"
>Keep up the dodging for the moment, and try to read a clear path to quickly descend into the forest below once it gets too thick to stay here
>Perhaps so.
>"Naw, I think you were just trying to pull something, since you didn't know I was onto your whole scheme!"
>You keep slipping through the waves, which are growing tighter and tighter. You think, if you just drop down, you should be able to gt to the forest with minimal problems.
>_
-
> "Yes, my grand scheme of flying down here and getting assaulted by Reimu and Sanae and yourself whilst not retaliating! What a brilliant plan that was on my part, huh?"
-
> "Yes, my grand scheme of flying down here and getting assaulted by Reimu and Sanae and yourself whilst not retaliating! What a brilliant plan that was on my part, huh?"
>"Not sure why you expect me know to know that kind of trick you were up to just now," says Marisa as she creates more waves, "Aside from trying to talk your way out of a well-deserved beating."
-
>"Well-deserved? So you are utterly convinced this is an invasion and that there is not even a chance you could be wrong?"
>"I will say one last time that I had no hand in this, and that I do not know who did. I will swear it on anything you care to name. I would stand firm in my innocence before the Yama herself, and you know that she cannot be deceived."
-
>"Well-deserved? So you are utterly convinced this is an invasion and that there is not even a chance you could be wrong?"
>"I will say one last time that I had no hand in this, and that I do not know who did. I will swear it on anything you care to name. I would stand firm in my innocence before the Yama herself, and you know that she cannot be deceived."
>"You're trying really hard to pretend your co-conspirator didn't already rat you out," Marisa says as she creates more waves of twinkling stars.
>You try to slip between a wave, and get clipped in the shoulder. And then another wave is on top of you.
>_
-
>Dive for the forest
>"There are no co-conspirators! Do you think I would be so foolish to sit here and protest if there were?"
-
>Dive for the forest
>"There are no co-conspirators! Do you think I would be so foolish to sit here and protest if there were?"
>You dive for the forest! You plunge through a wave below you, hitting your foot on the way down. It stings, but it could be worse.
>"You're not getting away that easy!" says Marisa, as you plunge through the bamboo. The stalks whip at you as you crash through them, causing some momentary pains.
>You are in the middle of the bamboo forest. The bamboo grows thickly here; barely allowing you room for flight, or the ability to see ahead very far. The clumps of the stuff form practically impenetrable walls of random size and design. It is dark here. Obvious exits are north, south, and west.
>_
-
>Do we have even a general idea which part of the forest Eientei is in? If so, head in roughly that direction
>If not, head in whichever direction looked the furthest from the edges of the forest, while we saw it from above
>Move as quickly as we can without injuring ourselves or worse, snagging and losing momentum. But be willing to suffer a scrape or two as we go, in the interest of speed.
-
>Do we have even a general idea which part of the forest Eientei is in? If so, head in roughly that direction
>If not, head in whichever direction looked the furthest from the edges of the forest, while we saw it from above
>Move as quickly as we can without injuring ourselves or worse, snagging and losing momentum. But be willing to suffer a scrape or two as we go, in the interest of speed.
>You fly southward, not really knowing where Eientei is at all, as stars begin to rain down on you from above!
>Thankfully, you manage to avoid them and fly toward the south. Moments later, you hear something crash through the bamboo behind you.
>You're no longer bothering to really take stock of your surroundings, you just keep moving. Up ahead, the bamboo gets too thick to fly through. To the west, it seems more clear, while to the the east it would be difficult to fly or see through, but possible.
>_
-
>Head east
-
>Head east
>You head eastward!
>The bamboo makes it difficult to fly, and you have to shield your face with an arm. It whips around as you pass, creating a cacophony of noise in your wake. It soon starts to get more and more dense. Sparing a look around, you then you can see more open paths to the north and south. South seems the less crowded of the two
>_
-
>Head south
>Can we hear noise of pursuit behind us? And if so, can we estimate how close it is, without stopping?
-
>Head south
>Can we hear noise of pursuit behind us? And if so, can we estimate how close it is, without stopping?
>You head southward!
>You really can't tell if she's pursuing, as you flight is causing a lot of noise. You think she is behind you, though. You have idea how close she would be.
>This way is more clear, almost but not quite a path. You follow it as it weaves to and fro. Shortly, you lose your sense of direction.
>Up ahead, you can see the bamboo get too dense to fly through. To the left, the way is somewhat less dense. And to the right is a house.
>_
-
> Go for the house!
> What does the house look like?
-
> Go for the house!
> What does the house look like?
>You go for the house!
>It seems to be made of bamboo, and covered in daub and wattle. It's not very large or complex, reminding you of the Yakumo home that you saw earlier today, though made of different materials. There is a front door, also made of bamboo and currently closed. A few windows exist as well, currently covered with bamboo shutters.
>_
-
> Fly around to the other side of the house while listening for anyone else that might be around.
-
> Fly around to the other side of the house while listening for anyone else that might be around.
>You fly around to the other side of the house. There is a back porch here, with a bamboo canopy over it and a back door similar to the other one, as well as a few windows. You hear no one around.
>_
-
>"Not like Remilia or Yuyuko or anyone else thought ahead, either," says Marisa. "I'm onto your conspiracies, though. Did you really think no one would suspect the Lunarians?"
I was right. 8)
... well, half-right. It really doesn't seem like Tenshi was involved.
The obvious guess is that this is Mokou's house, but doesn't Tokiko live around here, too?
-
We managed to avoid the fight with Reimu by asking her to confirm Tenshi stole the Sword of Hisou (Sp?) from the shrine. It proved the Celestians weren't involved, but now that we have to worry about Tenshi's well being, it didn't seem like a good idea now.
Also, are we really going to make Mokou's house the site of our danmaku? Just because a fight is pointless doesn't mean we have to avoid it at all costs.
-
Well, no noise suggests Marisa didn't follow us here, which was half the goal of getting to an open area.
The other half was using the house as a shield - I wonder if Marisa will really start shooting up Mokou's home just to get to us. Mokou, who's very powerful, immortal and known to have a temper and cranky tendencies and use vulgar language.
-
>Do there appear to be any scorch marks around the terrain surrounding the house where no bamboo grows? Or is the bamboo relatively close to the house?
I was right. 8)
Remember, just because Marisa thinks they said they were involved doesn't mean they ACTUALLY did. You can see how little Marisa was willing to listen to us; I can think of multiple ways she could reach that conclusion without it actually being true.
-
>Do there appear to be any scorch marks around the terrain surrounding the house where no bamboo grows? Or is the bamboo relatively close to the house?
>You see no signs of scorch marks, but there is a bit of a clear area around the house.
>_
-
Fortune favors the bold!
> Knock on the back door.
-
Fortune favors Diebold!
> Knock on the back door.
>You knock on the door.
>"Um, who is it?" comes a small and distant-sounding voice. It's a bit hard to hear.
>_
-
> "My name is Iku Nagae. I come from Bhava-Agra, the land of the celestials."
-
> "My name is Iku Nagae. I come from Bhava-Agra, the land of the celestials."
>There is a pause.
>"Those are a lot of strange words," the muffled voice answers at length, "Please go away."
>_
-
> "Marisa has gone crazy. I can't go away!"
-
> "Marisa has gone crazy. I can't go away!"
>"She what? Then you need to really need to go away right now!"
>_
-
>"You would be so bold as to refuse shelter to a person in great need?"
-
It's less about her being bold than being scared out of her wits. And in all fairness, what can she possibly do to shelter us?
My concern is that us talking will attract Marisa to our location. She can't see through the bamboo, but she can still hear. I'm be just as inclined to leave and go elsewhere, quickly.
-
I'd be content with asking her for somewhere else we can go and then leaving once we get info.
> Recall known information about a Fujiwara no Mokou.
-
>"You would be so bold as to refuse shelter to a person in great need?"
>"I don't want her here! She's too scary!"
>_
-
... :<
Can we, like, for just once in this entire game not outright reject everything Zakeri says?
-
... :<
Can we, like, for just once in this entire game not outright reject everything Zakeri says?
Sorry, I'm not meaning to outright reject anything, just stating my evaluation of the situation. You do realize whose house this almost certainly is at this point, right?
> Recall known information about a Fujiwara no Mokou.
-
> "Then where can I go?"
> Recall known information about a Fujiwara no Mokou.
-
I know this case is a bad example, since nothing happened, but my ability to play this game seriously, and to have fun with this game are completely hampered. I understand you have ideas about how we should play, and that my ideas differ, but the end result of this appears to be that whenever I suggest something, or give out advice, I'm completely ignored, and whenever I try to imput a command, as long as the command affects the story outside of having Purvis give the group a pointless one-liner about how the action had no effect, someone will be there to jump in and go "No, redact that."
I apologize to Purvis for bringing this out in the middle of his game. I know he tries his hardest to make this game fun, and intriguing, and I appreciate his effort, but I feel like I'm just being completely shut out of the fun here. I just give up.
Again, I'm sorry, Purvis.
-
> "Then where can I go?"
> Recall known information about a Fujiwara no Mokou.
>"I don't know!"
>You know she is a kind of an aberration in the wheel of life, death, and reincarnation. Supposedly, she is quite powerful. You've seen her around human town, you think it was hear anyways, but you've never spoken to her. Supposedly she is close to the school teacher.
>_
-
...whenever I try to imput a command, as long as the command affects the story outside of having Purvis give the group a pointless one-liner about how the action had no effect
All I can say (and I have a poor memory for these things, so I'm taking your word that this is true), if I'm doing that repeatedly, it suggests that the actions suggested weren't well thought out or clashed terribly with something. This sais, I would ask you to stick it out a bit more.
-
I believe Zakeri's more frustrated with his fellow players than the parsing.
I get the distinct feeling Fightest is in the same boat.
-
All I can say (and I have a poor memory for these things, so I'm taking your word that this is true), if I'm doing that repeatedly, it suggests that the actions suggested weren't well thought out or clashed terribly with something. This sais, I would ask you to stick it out a bit more.
No, you haven't done anything, Purvis. That's why I went on 'bout how I know you're trying to make this fun.
-
Guys. This is Tokiko's house. Let's not get the poor girl involved. =V
All I can say (and I have a poor memory for these things, so I'm taking your word that this is true), if I'm doing that repeatedly, it suggests that the actions suggested weren't well thought out or clashed terribly with something. This sais, I would ask you to stick it out a bit more.
I'm going to presume this latest flareup is about this exchange:
>"You would be so bold as to refuse shelter to a person in great need?"
>"I don't want her here! She's too scary!"
Which makes me suggest that the action got an appropriate response from the person you're talking with but didn't achieve the goals you intended. Tokiko doesn't want to get involved, and there's not very much she can provide to help. It's not the noblest move, but it's understandable to reject the request, regardless of whether you sound entitled to it or not.
I know it hurts when things blow up in your face like that, but it happens.
>How loudly are we talking? Any idea how far it would carry into the forest?
>"Do you know the way to Eintei?"
-
Again, that's not what Zakeri is talking about. >_>
> "Or the way to anywhere else that might help?"
(Also yes we're aware it's Tokiko's place.)
-
>How loudly are we talking? Any idea how far it would carry into the forest?
>"Do you know the way to Eintei?"
>Not that loudly, thankfully.
>"No. But I think it's pretty deep in the bamboo."
> "Or the way to anywhere else that might help?"
>"Um...maybe you could hide at Mystia's?"
>There's a pause. "You're not going to go away, are you?"
>_
-
>How close is Marisa, anyways?
Nevermind, but this post can't be deleted.
-
> "I don't know where to go. Finding you was an accident."
-
> "I don't know where to go. Finding you was an accident."
>There is a pause.
>"Well fine, get in here before she sees you!"
>_
-
> Enter the door we knocked on and close it behind us once we're inside.
-
> Enter the door we knocked on and close it behind us once we're inside.
>You pull the door open and walk inside, closing it behind you.
>"Lock it, too," says the speaker. Her voice still sounds oddly muffled.
>Looking around, you are in what seems to be a kitchen. At least this is what the fire pit in the floor suggests, as well as the counter with knives and shelf with some basic cooking supplies suggest. Everything here is made of bamboo. The floor is made of half-buried bamboo, the walls are made of multiple layers of the stuff with some kind of dirt-like concoction between it. The roof seems to be made of several layers of bamboo with a thin layer of daub and wattle between them.
>The voice seems to be coming from the right, where there is a door, while another door ahead leads ahead.
>_
-
> Lock the door.
> Slowly go through the door on the right. If this person cries out for us to stop for some reason, do so.
-
> Lock the door.
> Slowly go through the door on the right. If this person cries out for us to stop for some reason, do so.
>You lock the door, there is a simple sliding bolt that is set into the door frame. "Thank you," says the muffled voice.
>Heading through the right doorway, you come to a bedroom. There is a large futon in the middle of the floor, which has a person-shaped lump under it. Not under the covers, but rather the whole thing. As well, you see a couple of chests, made from bamboo.
>_
-
> Lower voice.
> "I understand I'm imposing greatly on you. I'm sorry. But desperate times called for desperate measures."
> "I do not want to get you involved more than necessary. You want me to leave? I wish to go to Eientei. If you know how to get there, or know someone who does, I will go there."
-
Let's not leave Tenshi hanging too long, if we can help it. Even if we have a decent idea who to beat up now, backup would be nice and we need a way to get there.
Unless she heard from Tewi, I suppose...
-
I am vaguely worried that Tenshi might get chased around again, but honestly? I bet she's happy as a clam sitting in her tavern. She's somewhere she wants to be and she doesn't have to give two fucks about Bhava-Agra if we're not with her.
-
> Lower voice.
> "I understand I'm imposing greatly on you. I'm sorry. But desperate times called for desperate measures."
> "I do not want to get you involved more than necessary. You want me to leave? I wish to go to Eientei. If you know how to get there, or know someone who does, I will go there."
>You lower you voice.
>"I guess," she says. "Um, has the sky stopped falling yet?"
>"I don't know how to get there, sorry. But, um, I think that woman with the horns from the human village does. I've seen her around here. Or one of the rabbits could show you."
>_
-
>"Well, it hasn't fallen any further than the point it stopped at, several hours ago now."
-
>"Well, it hasn't fallen any further than the point it stopped at, several hours ago now."
>"Oh good!" the lump under the futon says. "I was really worried about it..."
>_
-
>"Is... that why you're under the futon, by any chance?"
>"In any case, those islands that fell from the sky are part of a place called Bhava-Agra. It's where I live."
-
>"Is... that why you're under the futon, by any chance?"
>"In any case, those islands that fell from the sky are part of a place called Bhava-Agra. It's where I live."
>"...Yes."
>"Oh, it is...wait you're from- AAAAH!"
>The lump seems to flatten a bit
>_
-
>In as gentle as tone as we can manage: "I assure you, I mean no harm to you or anyone else. I've been to Gensokyo many times before, in fact; several people here know me. I promise you that it's safe to come out from under the futon."
-
>In as gentle as tone as we can manage: "I assure you, I mean no harm to you or anyone else. I've been to Gensokyo many times before, in fact; several people here know me. I promise you that it's safe to come out from under the futon."
>There is some silence. Then the lump shifts a bit, and a woman with white hair, save for a blue tuft in the front, and red eyes pokes her head out and looks at you. She frowns a little, "Wow...you're really tall..." she mutters, and shrinks back inside the futon a bit.
>_
-
>Kneel down, and smile
>"I'm Iku. What's your name?"
-
>Kneel down, and smile
>"I'm Iku. What's your name?"
>You kneel down and give her a good smile.
>"I'm Tokiko," she frowns. "...um...hello?"
>_
-
>"Hello, Tokiko. Pleased to meet you. I'm sorry it ended up being under such circumstances. A lot of people are confused and upset about the sky falling at the moment. I'm trying to find out what happened and make things better, but not everyone has the same idea."
-
>"Hello, Tokiko. Pleased to meet you. I'm sorry it ended up being under such circumstances. A lot of people are confused and upset about the sky falling at the moment. I'm trying to find out what happened and make things better, but not everyone has the same idea."
>"Oh," she says, frowning a little. "I didn't think this was the kind of thing that you could fix. Um, is it safe?"
-
>"To the best of my knowledge. You see, normally those islands are way up in the sky, above the clouds. We're not sure why they've fallen so low. I'm trying to find out what could have done this, and put them back where they belong."
-
>"To the best of my knowledge. You see, normally those islands are way up in the sky, above the clouds. We're not sure why they've fallen so low. I'm trying to find out what could have done this, and put them back where they belong."
>"Oh," says Tokiko. "Um, I don't know anything. I just saw the big one fall, and went to hide before something bad happened..."
>_
-
>"Don't worry. I don't think you're in any danger. The inhabitants of those islands certainly mean no one any harm."
>"You said that one of the rabbits might be able to show me the way to Eientei. Do you know where I could find one of them?"
-
>"Don't worry. I don't think you're in any danger. The inhabitants of those islands certainly mean no one any harm."
>"You said that one of the rabbits might be able to show me the way to Eientei. Do you know where I could find one of them?"
>"Not really..." says Tokiko. "Sometimes the wander the forest, or visit the human town when they're allowed."
>_
-
>"Do you know of anyone else who lives around here?"
-
>"Do you know of anyone else who lives around here?"
>"There's the white-haired lady. She lives to the northwest kinda. But, umm...she's very scary and angry. And burns things."
>_
-
>"That... doesn't sound very pleasant. But maybe she might know the way to Eientei? Do you know how to get to her place?"
-
>"That... doesn't sound very pleasant. But maybe she might know the way to Eientei? Do you know how to get to her place?"
>"No, I don't go there," says Tokiko. "I try to stay away from there, in fact."
>_
-
>"Well, in order to stay away from it, you must have some idea where it is, right? How would you even know she was there, otherwise?"
-
>"Well, in order to stay away from it, you must have some idea where it is, right? How would you even know she was there, otherwise?"
>"I don't go northwest much," she says. "That usually does the trick."
>_
-
> Can we tell compass directions from our current location?
-
> Can we tell compass directions from our current location?
>You'd need to get a look at the sun. But you can figure it out pretty quickly.
>_
-
> "Do you at least know how far to the northwest she is?"
-
> "Do you at least know how far to the northwest she is?"
>"Um, it's pretty far away," she says. "That's why I made my house here."
>_
-
> "You made this house by yourself? That's quite impressive!"
> "Do you know if Eientei is also to the northwest, or is it in another direction?"
-
> "You made this house by yourself? That's quite impressive!"
> "Do you know if Eientei is also to the northwest, or is it in another direction?"
>"Um, thank you," she says. "I made sure it was up to code and everything."
>She frowns. "I think it's more west. But I've never been there. I didn't even know it was there for a long time."
>_
-
>Roughly how long do we think we were running from Marisa before we found this place?
-
>Roughly how long do we think we were running from Marisa before we found this place?
>Probably a good five minutes.
>_
-
>"I suppose you mustn't get many visitors, living here in the Bamboo Forest?"
-
>"I suppose you mustn't get many visitors, living here in the Bamboo Forest?"
>She shakes her head. "Just the odd rabbit."
>_
-
>"Do you find that a little lonely, or do you prefer the solitude?"
-
>"Do you find that a little lonely, or do you prefer the solitude?"
>"It doesn't bother me," she says, "But I've been meeting people around the Forest of Magic a lot, and that's nice too."
>_
-
>"That's nice. And I am sorry for imposing myself like this; I'm just hoping to avoid unnecessary conflict. The islands falling have made a lot of people jumpy and upset this morning."
-
>"That's nice. And I am sorry for imposing myself like this; I'm just hoping to avoid unnecessary conflict. The islands falling have made a lot of people jumpy and upset this morning."
>"Well I can't blame them!" she says. "And...well, I guess it's okay. At least she hasn't burst through here looking for you..."
>_
-
>"We don't know what caused the islands to fall, either. A lot of our own people were injured when it happened. So it's frustrating to have so many people think that we caused it, and get angry with us over it. Frankly, I hope I've lost Marisa a ways back in the forest, but I was moving too fast to really tell."
>"After a little more time passes, I think I'll set out to look for Eientei; maybe I'll bump into a rabbit or someone who can show me the way, along the way."
-
>"We don't know what caused the islands to fall, either. A lot of our own people were injured when it happened. So it's frustrating to have so many people think that we caused it, and get angry with us over it. Frankly, I hope I've lost Marisa a ways back in the forest, but I was moving too fast to really tell."
>"After a little more time passes, I think I'll set out to look for Eientei; maybe I'll bump into a rabbit or someone who can show me the way, along the way."
>She nods. "Um...I'm sorry I thought you were here for bad reasons, then. And...it's a really bad idea to go out into the forest. Really super bad. You'll get really lost."
>_
-
>"Well, there's no harm in not knowing where I am for a little bit, is there? I can always fly up out of the forest once I've given up on finding anything."
-
>"Well, there's no harm in not knowing where I am for a little bit, is there? I can always fly up out of the forest once I've given up on finding anything."
>"Well, what if Marisa find you while you're lost?" asks Tokiko. "Or the white-haired lady gets mad at you?"
>_
-
>"I may bump into Marisa, yes. But I'm plenty likely to bump into her elsewhere, as the day goes on. She's been doing a lot of traveling, and so have I. I already passed her once this encounter. As for the white-haired lady, well... people being angry at me is nothing new today. I'm willing to take my chances on that one, in the hope that she may know the forest better, and be able to point me in the right direction."
-
>"I may bump into Marisa, yes. But I'm plenty likely to bump into her elsewhere, as the day goes on. She's been doing a lot of traveling, and so have I. I already passed her once this encounter. As for the white-haired lady, well... people being angry at me is nothing new today. I'm willing to take my chances on that one, in the hope that she may know the forest better, and be able to point me in the right direction."
>Tokiko nods. "Okay. Just, there is a whole lot of forest out there, and not a lot in it but rocks, bamboo, and faeries."
>_
-
> "And you, it seems. I actually found you completely by accident. I'm hoping my luck holds out, and I can find others."
> Inventory
-
> "And you, it seems. I actually found you completely by accident. I'm hoping my luck holds out, and I can find others."
> Inventory
>"If you say so," says Tokiko. "But it's still a lousy idea."
>Wide-brimmed hat (worn as hat)
>Exceedingly Stylish!
>Flamenco Dress (worn as dress)
>Allows both modesty and freedom of movement
>Pink Shawl
>A shawl that represents your status as a part of Bhava-Arga and allows you to defend yourself with devastating techniques.
>Large Black Purse
>Exactly what it sounds like. It holds all your stuff
>Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>This spellcard engulfs you in a shield of electricity. It can be broken with enough force, and only lasts for a short time before it must be renewed
>Light Orb: "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes"
>This recreates an image of one of The Dragon's physical manifestations in lightning and sends it out.
>Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
>Fills the air with webs of lightning, but leaves you motionless.
>Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot"
>Sends electricity spiraling out from you, but leaves you defenseless.
>6☼
>This is 6☼
>_
-
As far as I see it, we have three major options for what to do now:
1. Wander through the forest in the hopes of bumping into Mokou or a rabbit
There's a pretty significant chance we won't find anything, and moreover, the general direction we'd be headed in is vaguely back towards where we came, so there's a chance we may run into Marisa again. Of course, there's a chance we may run into her no matter where we go, but it seems the most likely with this option compared to others.
2. Head back to town and try speaking with Keine
Keine knows how to get to Mokou's (who in turn knows how to get to Eientei), and the current situation may be important enough for her to take time out to do so. Of course, she could also be in the middle of class. Additionally, we could pick up Tenshi while we're there, in case we need some extra firepower.
3. Head back up to the island we came here for originally
The celestials on the island may be able to tell us a bit more about what happened between Marisa and (probably) Eirin. Moreover, whoever she defeated ought to still be there, though there's a good chance they're not going to be in any shape to tell us anything for a little while. There is also, of course, the business we originally went there for. (This is a lower priority given things that have happened since then, but still)
While there's a chance of Marisa finding us no matter our action, I have a funny feel that Marisa is still groping around the forest, and hasn't given up and flown off, yet. Thus, I think our chances of being caught by her are best if we wander around, as opposed to simply leaving the forest and flying elsewhere. Worst comes to worst, if she is waiting for us above the canopy, we can just descend and run again and we won't be much worse off than we already are.
At this moment, I'm currently leaning towards 3, followed quickly thereafter by 2. Any other opinions?
-
Three sounds good to me.
-
I think Draco has the best of it, yeah.
Though, I think wandering the forest wouldn't be as bad as you think, aside from wasted time. Marisa must be as lost as we are, and the smart move for her would be to wait above the canopy for our retreat, especially if she's already satisfied with what she got out of Eintei. Then again, maybe she'd also think to wait at Eintei, thinking we'd be there to help out our co-conspirator, even if we're really more interested in beating the truth out of her...
Speaking of beating up Eintei, I think it would be possible to convince Tenshi to come along for it if we frame it as getting to beat up the people who ended up framing her for bringing down the heavens. Of course, having to frame it as beating up might not be very Iku, so... well, phrasing or not, I think it's possible to convince her to come along for that part.
EDIT: Thought - the safest route would probably be to sneak out of the Bamboo Forest by land, allowing us a chance to scope out the airspace and/or sneak back to the human village to pick up Tenshi. It wouldn't be a good vantage point for Marisa, either, so odds are even lower of running into her unexpectedly. And Tokiko HAS to know the way to/from her house.
-
I don't think there's a high risk of bumping into Marisa if we wander, but I think there's probably more risk than with the other options, that's all.
I also agree that the smartest move for Marisa would be to wait us out, just above the canopy, but I don't think she'll be that tactical. In fact, I think she probably thinks we're running for our allies in Eientei. But recall that Marisa doesn't actually know the way to Eientei herself, either. She said as much in Maribel Quest. When she went there in IN, she just followed after Reimu.
Also, what Marisa had to say about their involvement leaves me unconvinced that they're actually directly guilty. I think it's premature to assume that we should be beating them up, either.
-
My heart would really like to do #1 but my mind recognizes the vast array of pitfalls, so.
I am firmly against telling Tenshi we're off to beat someone up unless that someone is actually guilty, and I can't see Eientei actually being responsible for this. (For the record, and since my ego would love to have it out in public on the off-change I'm right, Komachi has been my top suspect since we discovered the shadow anomaly.) At worst for us, what I expect happened is that Eirin knew Marisa was a muscle-bound oaf and just fed her a lie to get her off Eientei's case.
Marisa is going to be the X Factor no matter what we choose to do. I'm slightly inclined to think she's not clever or sneak-minded enough to hide in wait for us at Eientei, but beyond that I don't think it's worth the effort trying to predict where she'll be, because she could be searching and/or waiting just about anywhere.
Given all that, I am inclined to vote for 3 and follow it up with 2 after we've had a chance to speak with Tenshi's family as well as learn what the hell happened on that island.
I also think it would be a nice gesture if we told Tokiko about the Grand Peach Giveaway before we leave her in return for helping us - she's one of the few that actually deserves it.
-
Well, it sounds like we're mostly in favor of 3. Just a matter of deciding how to get there. I think peeking out of the canopy is better than walking out on land, really. The exit is quicker, and even if Marisa DOES see us, odds are she's not going to be over this specific spot and we'll have an even larger lead time on her than was required to escape the first time. Plus, we need to fly to reach the island in the first place, so she'll see us if she up and around, anyway.
-
At the very least, I think Iku would have reason to be angry with Eintei about this, even if not violent. =V But yeah, yeah, play it safe for now.
Peeking out does sound like a good compromise for the time being; my reasoning about picking up Tenshi also included the assumption that Marisa would lose interest and wander away from the Bamboo Forest after a while, which would free up safer access to the elders' island. And may give the people there some time to recover, if she Incident Solved them.
And Tokiko does deserve some peaches, yes.
>Would we have any reason to suspect Tenshi would know the way to Eintei?
(We could tell her about what Marisa said and who she heard it from, if she wouldn't be able to Incident Solve it on her own)
>"Tokiko, you've been quite kind to me. I think I may want to speak with you again in the future, but I don't really know the way to this house. Would you be willing to tell me?"
-
>Would we have any reason to suspect Tenshi would know the way to Eintei?
>"Tokiko, you've been quite kind to me. I think I may want to speak with you again in the future, but I don't really know the way to this house. Would you be willing to tell me?"
>You don't think so.
>"Oh, that's not too hard," she says. "Look for the big rock with the black streaks near the edge of the bamboo forest, and go to the west, then turn north at the four little rocks that are mostly buried."
>_
-
>"Ok, thank you. I think I'm going to go poke my head out now, and hope I don't bump into Marisa again. It was nice meeting you, Tokiko."
>"Oh, and in case you're interested, there are peaches on the island floating over the human village. Feel free to help yourself to a few, as thanks for your kindness."
-
>"Good luck not getting caught," says Tokiko, frowning a little.
>"Really? I might have to look into that."
>She glances toward one of the shuttered windows. "Um, maybe in a bit."
>_
-
>"Sure, whenever you feel up to it. And thanks again."
>Cautiously open the door and peer around.
>If the coast looks clear, step outside.
>Glance around the area
>Can we hear any noise in the forest? Such as would be created by someone moving through it?
-
>"Sure, whenever you feel up to it. And thanks again."
>Cautiously open the door and peer around.
>If the coast looks clear, step outside.
>Glance around the area
>Can we hear any noise in the forest? Such as would be created by someone moving through it?
>Tokiko nods, as she withdraws back under her futon.
>You return to the back door and open it. Peering around, you see no sign of any phenomenally abdominalled magicians.
>You step outside and look around. Everything seems quiet. All you can hear are the calls of the occasional bird. Looking upward, you can see the island is somewhat to your west.
>_
-
>Ascend gently towards the treetops. Try to minimize the noise we make moving through the foliage
>Poke our head out above the treetops ever so slightly and scan around in all directions. Any signs of people?
-
>You gently ascent past the bamboo and check the skies.
>You see a few unfamiliar figures in the air around the island, but none of them seem to be Marisa. Aside from this, the skies seem clear.
>_
-
>Head towards the island, while keeping near the trees
>Can we tell anything about the unfamiliar figures? Do they seem to be celestials?
-
>Head towards the island, while keeping near the trees
>Can we tell anything about the unfamiliar figures? Do they seem to be celestials?
>You keep low and approach the island, not seeming to have any problems yet.
>You are reasonably sure those people are celestials.
>_
-
>Continue the rest of the way to the island, but remain low until we are essentially in non-vertical range of it
-
>Continue the rest of the way to the island, but remain low until we are essentially in non-vertical range of it
>You continue toward the island until you are practically under it. You see no signs of Marisa, nor do the celestials flying around seem to notice you. You get the feeling they're not actually patrols, but rather assessing things.
>_
-
>Fly up to a nearby celestial
-
>Fly up to a nearby celestial
>You fly up toward a nearby celestial. She is a short, thin woman with very long brown hair, hovering near the edge of the island. She curtsies in midair as she sees you approach.
>"You are a messenger from the palace, yes?" she asks. "What word is there?"
>_
-
>"I'm afraid I have little to tell. As you probably suspect, the rest of Bhava-Agra has also fallen. We do not yet know why. I have been surveying the affected areas, and attempting to investigate the probable cause, but I discovered little."
>"Did you witness the battle that took place by this island a short time ago? If so, can you give me some details on what happened?"
-
>"I'm afraid I have little to tell. As you probably suspect, the rest of Bhava-Agra has also fallen. We do not yet know why. I have been surveying the affected areas, and attempting to investigate the probable cause, but I discovered little."
>"Did you witness the battle that took place by this island a short time ago? If so, can you give me some details on what happened?"
>She nods. "We feared that was so, yes."
>"Oh, we all did, I imagine," says the Celestial, shaking her head. "We were being visited by a Lunarian of some importance, when the black-white witch came barreling out of nowhere and demanding our surrender. Then she attacked the Lunarian. We tried to help her, but..."
>The celestial shakes her head.
>"That witch is on an entirely different level from us. There was little we could do in the short time we had. I was lucky enough to keep out of her way, myself."
>_
-
>"Yes, she turned on me shortly after her battle concluded, although I managed to evade her."
>"What did this Lunarian have say, before the witch arrived? Do you know what words passed between the two of them?"
>"For that matter, where is the Lunarian now?"
-
>"Yes, she turned on me shortly after her battle concluded, although I managed to evade her."
>"What did this Lunarian have say, before the witch arrived? Do you know what words passed between the two of them?"
>"For that matter, where is the Lunarian now?"
>The Celestial nods. "It's good that you were not hurt, Messenger."
>"I don't know what they said, I wasn't involved in that."
>"She should be in the square, tending to the injured," says the Celestial.
>_
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Head towards the square
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Head towards the square
>"You are welcome," says the celestial.
>You leave her and head toward the island. It is quite large, and home to a number of buildings. Most of them are widely spaced, through a few a clumped together here and there. Light woods and peach orchards dot the land, while a small lake takes up much of the southern portion of the island. The square is in the middle of the island, near the most dense clump of buildings.
>Heading toward it, you can see a scene somewhat like the barn on Orchard Isle. Celestials are stretched out on the grass, bearing obvious danmaku wounds. Thankfully, none of them seem to have the broken limbs or bandages. You can see a woman in distinctive red and blue clothing moving among them. You've seen her in human town before, generally in the company of Reisen.
>_
-
>We do know her name, correct?
>Walk up to her and greet her
-
>We do know her name, correct?
>Walk up to her and greet her
>You are reasonably certain her name is Eirin.
>You approach her and greet her. She looks back from a Celestial she is checking over. "Ah, you would be Iku, yes?" she says. "I am afraid I owe you the most profound apology I can offer."
>_
-
>"May I ask what for? I'm still not entirely clear on what transpired here, other than Marisa deciding to use excessive force."
-
>"May I ask what for? I'm still not entirely clear on what transpired here, other than Marisa deciding to use excessive force."
>"She's rather convinced that Bhava-Agra was invading Gensokyo," says Eirin, as she finishes looking over the celestial in front of her, a blonde with rather light wounds, and stands up to face you. "She suspected that Eientei may be involved, given both our homes' reputation as pure lands. And...well...she found me here, looking for some herbs to help out with a fever. I tried to disabuse her of the notion, but she's quite good at striking my weak points, so to speak."
>She frowns a bit, looking away from you.
>"So...I am afraid I implicated you and surrender. Otherwise, she would have torn through Eientei next, and I cannot have that. Please accept my deepest apologies."
>_
-
>Sigh
>"I had hoped that Marisa's conviction that you'd said we were in league was due to selective hearing on her part. She certainly didn't care to listen to a word I had to say to her when she confronted me, at any rate."
>"If you surrendered, then what was that Master Spark I saw on my way here about?"
-
>Sigh
>"I had hoped that Marisa's conviction that you'd said we were in league was due to selective hearing on her part. She certainly didn't care to listen to a word I had to say to her when she confronted me, at any rate."
>"If you surrendered, then what was that Master Spark I saw on my way here about?"
>"My apologies, again."
>"That was right before I did." says Eirin. "She put me in a rather bad spot..."
>_
-
>As if we didn't have enough problems with our reputation today as it was...
>"In any event, I don't suppose you have any idea what might have caused the islands to descend as they have? Because I still do not."
-
>As if we didn't have enough problems with our reputation today as it was...
>"In any event, I don't suppose you have any idea what might have caused the islands to descend as they have? Because I still do not."
>"Not off of the top of my head," says Eirin. "I've been a little too busy with problems at home to properly research it. As well, I'm not especially familiar with Bhava-Agra. If you want my guess, I would say that the border between your realm and ours has weakened. But do not take my word for it, I have spent no time on the problem."
>_
-
>"Still, that's a least a hint of a theory, which is more than I've gotten from most corners so far this morning."
>"What problems at home might these be, if I'm not prying? You mentioned something about gathering herbs for a fever?"
-
>"Still, that's a least a hint of a theory, which is more than I've gotten from most corners so far this morning."
>"What problems at home might these be, if I'm not prying? You mentioned something about gathering herbs for a fever?"
>She nods. "Regardless, take it with a grain of salt."
>"Reisen has the flu," says Eirin. "I've been watching over her. So when I heard about this, I was hoping I could get a particular herb without having to go too far out of my way..."
>_
-
>"Gensokyo's resident incident solvers seem to have decided to make today unpleasant for quite a few people. I believe I've been shot at by nearly all of them, now, and so has Tenshi."
>"Did you manage to find what you were looking for, at least?"
-
>"Gensokyo's resident incident solvers seem to have decided to make today unpleasant for quite a few people. I believe I've been shot at by nearly all of them, now, and so has Tenshi."
>"Did you manage to find what you were looking for, at least?"
>She nods. "Hardly surprising. Personally, I would expect that Tenshi is behind it."
>"I found something that will work. Once I'm certain no one needs particular care, I intend to return home immediately."
>_
-
>"I can understand suspicion falling on Tenshi, but I was with her when the islands fell, and I have spoken with her several times since. I do not believe she did this."
>"That being said, the most frustrating part of this day has been how little people seem willing to listen to anything I have to say. Not even about her, but about the innocence of the rest of Bhava-Agra in general. If this was an invasion, it would have to rank as the most ineffective in history. We have not left our islands, and the only people who have been injured are our own. It would be enough to deal with without having to evade battle ever half hour or so. ...sorry, it's just been a very trying day."
>"On a separate note, I have a message for you from Patchouli. She is interested in forming a formal magician's circle in Gensokyo, for the purposes of fostering discussion on the craft, as well as potentially pooling resources. She was wondering if you would be interested in participating."
-
>"I can understand suspicion falling on Tenshi, but I was with her when the islands fell, and I have spoken with her several times since. I do not believe she did this."
>"That being said, the most frustrating part of this day has been how little people seem willing to listen to anything I have to say. Not even about her, but about the innocence of the rest of Bhava-Agra in general. If this was an invasion, it would have to rank as the most ineffective in history. We have not left our islands, and the only people who have been injured are our own. It would be enough to deal with without having to evade battle ever half hour or so. ...sorry, it's just been a very trying day."
>"On a separate note, I have a message for you from Patchouli. She is interested in forming a formal magician's circle in Gensokyo, for the purposes of fostering discussion on the craft, as well as potentially pooling resources. She was wondering if you would be interested in participating."
"I have no real interest in getting involved to that degree," says Eirin, "But if you say so, I shall assume you are correct."
>"Why would anyone listen to you if they think you're behind it?" asks Eirin. "Wouldn't it just come off as you trying to stall or misdirect? I know I've used that tactic more than once in the past. And, you are quite wrong about not leaving. There were a couple celestials poking around Eientei when I left it, and likely more in the forest. That said, I do sympathize with you, and apologize again for making it that much harder on you."
>You tell her about Patchouli's idea. "Hmmm, curious," says Eirin, pursing her lips a tad. "I'm not precisely a magician, myself, but I can expect why she would want my assistance given how well we've worked together in the past. I can't promise her as many resources as she would likely desire from me, but I suppose I can attend at meeting or two. When does she wish to host this meeting?"
>_
-
>"She said that the first meeting would be at this Hunter's Moon, at the mansion. I get the impression that further details about the group will be fleshed out at that time."
-
>"May I ask exactly what you told Marisa?"
-
>"She said that the first meeting would be at this Hunter's Moon, at the mansion. I get the impression that further details about the group will be fleshed out at that time."
>"Alright, I'll do my best to have some time to attend," says Eirin.
>"May I ask exactly what you told Marisa?"
>Eirin looks upward, putting a finger to her cheek. "I think my exact words were, 'It's all true! I give up! Just leave Eientei alone and I'll go home peacefully! You win!' Mostly she just insinuated we were in league over an invasion plan that happened to go terribly awry."
>_
-
>"So, that was her idea? Hmm..."
>That's a relief, in a way...
-
>"So, that was her idea? Hmm..."
>That's a relief, in a way...
>"It is why she came here, yes," says Eirin. "I suppose my presence here cemented it in her mind."
>At least Eirin didn't invent something to sell you out.
>_
-
>"I'm curious. If your theory is that the boundary between Bhava-Agra and Gensokyo has weakened, do you have any idea what might have caused this?"
-
>"I'm curious. If your theory is that the boundary between Bhava-Agra and Gensokyo has weakened, do you have any idea what might have caused this?"
>"Well, the obvious culprit would be Yukari," says Eirin, as she moves on toward another Celestial. This one was definitely one of the receivers of that Master Spark; she's unconscious and charred.
>"That said, I wonder if anyone had anything to gain from this?"
>_
-
>"I spoke with Yukari earlier. If she had a hand in this, she's not letting on. Not that this would be out of character, of course, but it doesn't give me much to work with."
>"As for who benefits... I'm honestly not sure. We have little material wealth for the taking, and a great many people I've encountered have been actively displeased about these events. The only person I've seen who seems to regard any aspect of this as positive is Tenshi, and as I said, I have reason to believe she had no hand in this."
-
>"I spoke with Yukari earlier. If she had a hand in this, she's not letting on. Not that this would be out of character, of course, but it doesn't give me much to work with."
>"As for who benefits... I'm honestly not sure. We have little material wealth for the taking, and a great many people I've encountered have been actively displeased about these events. The only person I've seen who seems to regard any aspect of this as positive is Tenshi, and as I said, I have reason to believe she had no hand in this."
>Eirin nods. "I doubt most people, were they behind it, would be forward about it if asked. Especially by someone such as yourself. Even discounting Yukari's tendencies to be evasive and playful."
>She nods along with your assessment.
>_
-
>"True enough, although I never asked if she were behind it, simply if she had any idea what might have happened. To be honest, at the time it had not occurred to me that she might have been involved, simply that she might be knowledgeable about such things."
>"I don't suppose you'd noticed how the islands' shadows are unusual? Do you have any idea why that might be?"
-
>"True enough, although I never asked if she were behind it, simply if she had any idea what might have happened. To be honest, at the time it had not occurred to me that she might have been involved, simply that she might be knowledgeable about such things."
>"I don't suppose you'd noticed how the islands' shadows are unusual? Do you have any idea why that might be?"
>"Really? I would have thought her a prime suspect for you," says Eirin as she checks over the unconscious celestial.
>"They are?" asks Eirin. "I'm afraid I've not dabbled much into shadow-based...well, anything. That seems like a question for a someone more inclined toward magic. But, I suppose I can say that something which doesn't cast a proper shadow must be very sick or cursed."
>_
-
> "Out of curiosity, how many of the celestials here were injured before you arrived? Quite a few on Orchard Isle were hurt in the fall."
-
>Do we have any meaningful capacity to help out with managing the injured here?
>Does anyone other than Eirin seem conscious?
-
>Do we have any meaningful capacity to help out with managing the injured here?
>Does anyone other than Eirin seem conscious?
>You really don't know anything about treating injuries.
>There's a few. The prior one was conscious, just not saying anything.
>_
-
> "Out of curiosity, how many of the celestials here were injured before you arrived? Quite a few on Orchard Isle were hurt in the fall."
-
> "Out of curiosity, how many of the celestials here were injured before you arrived? Quite a few on Orchard Isle were hurt in the fall."
>"There were a couple," says Eirin. "Nothing too serious."
>_
-
>"That's fortunate. We have a building full of people with broken bones at the orchard. I haven't had the chance to survey many of the other settlements in detail, but I'm glad it doesn't appear to have been this way here. Marisa notwithstanding. Thank for you taking the time to tend to them, though. I appreciate it."
>Find a nearby celestial who doesn't appear to be too injured.
>"Excuse me, but do you know if any of the Hinanai clan were on this island when it fell?"
-
>"That's fortunate. We have a building full of people with broken bones at the orchard. I haven't had the chance to survey many of the other settlements in detail, but I'm glad it doesn't appear to have been this way here. Marisa notwithstanding. Thank for you taking the time to tend to them, though. I appreciate it."
>Find a nearby celestial who doesn't appear to be too injured.
>"Excuse me, but do you know if any of the Hinanai clan were on this island when it fell?"
>Eirin nods, as she looks over the celestial. "It would be unkind of me to walk away. Reisen will still be there when I get back." She pauses for a moment. "Well, she had best be there if she knows what is good for her."
>You find a tall red-haired celestial leaning against a tree, nursing a couple danmaku wounds to her shoulder. You get the feeling this was her first time in a danmaku battle, she's clearly taking it worse than it is.
>You ask her about the Hinanai clan. "I'm not sure," she says. "I heard rumors there might be some guests, but I never looked into it."
>_
-
>"Do you know who I should talk to if I wanted to find out for certain?"
-
>"... more importantly, are you alright? It doesn't look like you're used to this."
>... did the islands of Heaven cast shadows before they fell?
We're also looking for people that know about how the heavens tick, right?
Eirin's "sick or cursed" idea is a potential lead, but runs into something more interesting as well: I don't think the islands cast shadows when they were high in the sky, either. So... they've always been cursed?
Ironically, :phoenixwright: this sounds like something normal!
-
Yes, we'd also like to find a scholar of some sort, if we can. Hopefully whatever person she directs us to would know who to talk to about this as well.
As for this being a normal property of the islands, keep in mind that as high in the sky as these islands normally are, they mightn't cast noticeable shadows on the ground, whether their shadow properties were normal or not. They might simply be too distant. I'm not sure the islands have ever been in a position where someone would be able to easily tell.
But I'm also inclined to think that this may not be a direct symptom of the ultimate cause of whatever happened.
-
>"... more importantly, are you alright? It doesn't look like you're used to this."
>... did the islands of Heaven cast shadows before they fell?
>"The sage tells me that I'll be fine," says the Celestial, "So I'll do my best until it feels like I will be..."
>No. You always assumed it was because they were so high up.
>"Do you know who I should talk to if I wanted to find out for certain?"
>"I suppose if they have any friends here, that would be a place to start..." the Celestial, frowning after a moment of thought.
>_
-
>We wouldn't really know if they had friends here, or who those friends might be, correct?
>Assuming so, "I'm afraid I don't know if they do. Do you know of someone who is generally knowledgeable about the comings and goings of the town? You did say you'd heard a rumor there were guests staying here."
-
>We wouldn't really know if they had friends here, or who those friends might be, correct?
>Assuming so, "I'm afraid I don't know if they do. Do you know of someone who is generally knowledgeable about the comings and goings of the town? You did say you'd heard a rumor there were guests staying here."
>You would not. But you'd assume there had to be some reason they came here.
>"Well, it was just from my neighbor," says the Celestial. "Um, did I do something wrong?"
>_
-
>"Oh no, not at all. It's just that one of their clan is sort of my charge, and I know that her family is away from their usual home while it undergoes renovations. Given recent events, I thought I would check up on them while I was in the neighborhood. Although, to be honest, I wasn't sure exactly where they were staying, or whether they'd come to this island at all. Hence my question."
-
>"Oh no, not at all. It's just that one of their clan is sort of my charge, and I know that her family is away from their usual home while it undergoes renovations. Given recent events, I thought I would check up on them while I was in the neighborhood. Although, to be honest, I wasn't sure exactly where they were staying, or whether they'd come to this island at all. Hence my question."
>"Oh," says the Celestial. She frowns and shrugs. "Well, I heard someone came."
>_
-
>"On a separate note, do you know of any noted scholars who live here? I'm looking for someone who I might be able to ask a few questions about recent events."
-
>"On a separate note, do you know of any noted scholars who live here? I'm looking for someone who I might be able to ask a few questions about recent events."
>"Well, there is Miyu," says the Celestial. "She lives by the lake. But I don't know how helpful she would be. She's a recluse."
>_
-
>"Well, I'll try speaking with her nevertheless. Thank you."
>"How have things been here, anyway, since the fall? Aside from Marisa's rampage, of course."
-
>"Well, I'll try speaking with her nevertheless. Thank you."
>"How have things been here, anyway, since the fall? Aside from Marisa's rampage, of course."
>She nods. "Confused. No one knows what happened, or why. Some people went out to explore a bit. And then we were visited by the sage. Not long after, well...you know that part, I assume."
>_
-
>Nod
>"I guess all I can say is to hold tight, and that we're working to address the problem as best we can."
>Would a celestial village have a sort of communal gathering place, akin to a tavern? If so, did we see one as we flew in?
-
>Nod
>"I guess all I can say is to hold tight, and that we're working to address the problem as best we can."
>Would a celestial village have a sort of communal gathering place, akin to a tavern? If so, did we see one as we flew in?
>"I know," says the celestial.
>Most communal meeting places tend to be in attractive outdoor areas. These end up being fairly similar to taverns, as sake is most often exchanged in such places. You imagine the town square would normally be such a place, but circumstances seem to have disrupted it.
>_
-
>And we're not fortunate enough to see any signs of any Hinanai that we recognize among the gathered people?
>Or would that be unfortunate, since that would imply that were probably involved in the fight?
-
>And we're not fortunate enough to see any signs of any Hinanai that we recognize among the gathered people?
>Or would that be unfortunate, since that would imply that were probably involved in the fight?
>You ponder whether or not is it fortunate that you haven't seen any members of the Hinanai clan here. A glance around doesn't reveal any familiar faces.
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>Return to Eirin
>"I'm going to head off to continue investigating, now. I thought should give you fair warning that the last I saw Marisa, she was groping around the bamboo forest after me. I don't think I was particularly close to Eientei, but I don't really know where she is now, either. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't, either, to be honest."
-
>"Thank you."
>Return to Eirin
>"I'm going to head off to continue investigating, now. I thought should give you fair warning that the last I saw Marisa, she was groping around the bamboo forest after me. I don't think I was particularly close to Eientei, but I don't really know where she is now, either. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't, either, to be honest."
>"Sorry I couldn't tell you more," says the Celestial, as she tries to nod to you, and winces.
>You return to Eirin, who is examining a conscious celestial with several danmaku wounds, and warn her. "I'll keep it in mind. We'll gracefully surrender. I imagine seeing the Princess would mollify her, if nothing else."
>_
-
>"I wish I knew what would mollify her on our end of things. She seemed rather insistent on giving me a 'well-deserved beating' as she put it. It would be nice if someone realized that I can't just snap my fingers and make the islands ascend. But things are as they are. I simply hope I don't encounter her again until I've made a breakthrough with this."
>Head off to the lake, looking for signs of habitation
-
>"I wish I knew what would mollify her on our end of things. She seemed rather insistent on giving me a 'well-deserved beating' as she put it. It would be nice if someone realized that I can't just snap my fingers and make the islands ascend. But things are as they are. I simply hope I don't encounter her again until I've made a breakthrough with this."
>Head off to the lake, looking for signs of habitation
>"Further evidence would definitely be useful," says Eirin. "Until then, avoiding her would be a good idea. Good luck!"
>With that, you depart and leave the town, heading for the southern edge of the island. The lake here is rather small, nothing compared to the Misty Lake outside of Scarlet Devil Mansion. Still, it's crystal clear waters allow you to see down to the very bottom of it, where a great deal of seaweed can be seen. There are a couple houses hear and there near it, but one stands practically on the lakeshore.
>_
-
>Fly down to said house and knock on the door
-
>Fly down to said house and knock on the door
>You descend toward the house. It is a very simple place, merely a square with a roof, a door, and some windows. It's about the size of your suite back at the Dragon Palace, perhaps a little smaller.
>You knock on the door. With your first knock, it opens inwards with a creak of weak protest.
>Inside, you can see books are everywhere, strewn about the place randomly, along with fallen shelves. A fair amount of dust swirls in the air. In the middle of it, sitting serenely on the floor in a lotus position, is a celestial in worm clothing. Her hair is a mess, and her face and arms are smudged with dirt. She has several bruises, and a nasty-looking cut on her right arm that is slowly oozing blood. She does not seem to notice this, or you.
>_
-
>Could anyone's meditation truly be that focused?
>Well, disturbing her or no, she really ought to have that wound tended...
>"Excuse me?"
-
>Could anyone's meditation truly be that focused?
>Well, disturbing her or no, she really ought to have that wound tended...
>"Excuse me?"
>You have no idea...
>This is a point. Bleeding is probably not useful to anyone but Remilia.
>"Yes, Messenger?" she says in a raspy voice.
>_
-
>"You... realize you're injured, don't you?"
-
>"You... realize you're injured, don't you?"
>"That is fine," she says, her voice is so hoarse it's a little hard to understand what she is saying.
>_
-
>"Don't you think your wound should be tended to?"
>Does it sound hoarse in the 'in pain' sense, or the 'really dry' sense?
-
>"Don't you think your wound should be tended to?"
>Does it sound hoarse in the 'in pain' sense, or the 'really dry' sense?
>"It'll be fine," she says.
>In the sense of being dry and raspy.
>_
-
>"Are you... certain you're ok with things as they are?"
>"Also, are you aware of what has happened with Bhava-Agra?"
-
>"Are you... certain you're ok with things as they are?"
>"Also, are you aware of what has happened with Bhava-Agra?"
>"I would rather they not happened," says the Celestial, Miyu if you've pegged her correctly, "But they have. Things carry on, as will I."
>"I have deduced," she says, the last word practically unrecognizable from her raspy tones.
>_
-
>"Things carry on, true. But would they not carry on better if you tended to yourself? Have something to drink, perhaps?"
>"In any case, I've come here because I've been told you know a great deal of lore. I don't suppose there is anything in what you've read to suggest what may have caused Bhava-Agra to fall?"
>"Additionally, we have noticed that the islands cast very weak shadows upon the ground below. Much fainter than should be the case for such solid objects this close to the surface. Do you have any idea why this might be?"
-
>"Things carry on, true. But would they not carry on better if you tended to yourself? Have something to drink, perhaps?"
>"In any case, I've come here because I've been told you know a great deal of lore. I don't suppose there is anything in what you've read to suggest what may have caused Bhava-Agra to fall?"
>"Additionally, we have noticed that the islands cast very weak shadows upon the ground below. Much fainter than should be the case for such solid objects this close to the surface. Do you have any idea why this might be?"
>"Distractions," she says, some of the syllables barely audible.
>"I know a couple things," she says. "But I cannot answer that at the moment, Messenger."
>She is quiet for a moment. "Curious," she rasps after a moment. "I had not noticed this. Mmmm. This is not promising. An object that casts no shadow can hardly be considered an object at all."
>_
-
Don't try to reason with her too much. Crazy hermits will be crazy hermits, and if they're doing it well enough to near enlightenment, they probably know how to do it better than we do.
>"Why can't you answer it at the moment, if I may ask?"
>"What could cause an object to cast a weaker shadow?"
-
Just because they're a crazy celestial hermit doesn't mean they're doing it the right way, ya know. :P
But more seriously, my conscience has a hard time leaving her bleeding and dehydrated, although I realize there's probably not much we can do to convince her she ought to care about such things. It kind of feels like it treads the border of negligence vs. disrespect, if you know what I mean?
-
>"Why can't you answer it at the moment, if I may ask?"
>"What could cause an object to cast a weaker shadow?"
>"Because I don't know," Miyu rasps. "But the shadow suggests something, don't you think?"
>"It leads me to suspect that something vital was taken."
>_
-
>"Some part of the islands that keeps them afloat, perhaps?"
>"Do you have any idea what that might be?"
>"Do you know anything about the physicality of the islands themselves?"
-
>"Some part of the islands that keeps them afloat, perhaps?"
>"Do you have any idea what that might be?"
>"Do you know anything about the physicality of the islands themselves?"
>She gives a raspy chuckle. "So many questions, Messenger. Yes, it would certainly be something that keeps the afloat. As for what it may be, I cannot correctly say. Likely the force that separates the Deva Realm from the Human Realm. And these islands are as physical as any other."
>_
-
>"Sorry, I don't mean to disturb you unduly, but solving this matter is an urgent responsibility of mine. I'll try to keep it as brief as possible."
>"Do you have any idea how this force could be taken?"
-
>"Sorry, I don't mean to disturb you unduly, but solving this matter is an urgent responsibility of mine. I'll try to keep it as brief as possible."
>"Do you have any idea how this force could be taken?"
>She gives another dry chuckle. " Ask too many questions, and you may get too many answers, Messenger. Then how will you reason?"
>"Magic, I presume," she says. "How it could be beyond that, or why, I'm not sure."
>_
-
>"Certainly too much information can impede one's ability to reason, but too little is at least as harmful, is it not? Since, at the moment, I know very little, every clue is precious."
>"Do you have any suggestion for where I might be able to investigate this further?"
-
>"Certainly too much information can impede one's ability to reason, but too little is at least as harmful, is it not? Since, at the moment, I know very little, every clue is precious."
>"Do you have any suggestion for where I might be able to investigate this further?"
>"If you can't find some of them yourself," the celestial says, "Then what good are you to anyone?"
>"Two places I would look," she says, her voice so dry you wonder why she hasn't broken out into coughing fits yet. "First, I would consider those who deal in shadowy arts. Secondly, I would look for other things or people with the same problem."
>_
-
>That was... rather harsh
>"I haven't seen any of the second yet, to the best of my knowledge, but I will remain attentive for such things. In any event, thank you for your assistance, and I apologize again for disturbing you."
>"...are you sure you're alright? With the injuries and such, I mean."
-
>That was... rather harsh
>"I haven't seen any of the second yet, to the best of my knowledge, but I will remain attentive for such things. In any event, thank you for your assistance, and I apologize again for disturbing you."
>"...are you sure you're alright? With the injuries and such, I mean."
>She didn't have to say it like that. You really are trying your best...
>"It is alright," she rasps. "And you are welcome."
>"They'll pass with time."
>_
-
>"Very well. I'll leave you to your meditation. Be well."
>Return to the town square
-
>"Very well. I'll leave you to your meditation. Be well."
>Return to the town square
>"May you have what you need to deduce the truth with no outside interference," the celestial says in her sandpaper tones.
>You leave, and return to the town square. It has not changed much, save that a few people have left it.
>_
-
Please tell me this isn't because of Rumia still having bits of the Giygas Made of Bees...
-
> How do the denizens of the island seem to be faring physically? Never mind I'm dumb and missed that this got discussed the first time.
> Ponder who we know of in Gensokyo that might have some degree of control over shadows.
> Is there any specific group of celestials that would be inhabiting this particular island, that we know of? Random smattering of civilians? Artists? Musicians? Scholars? Nobles? Fighters?
-
> How do the denizens of the island seem to be faring physically? Never mind I'm dumb and missed that this got discussed the first time.
> Ponder who we know of in Gensokyo that might have some degree of control over shadows.
> Is there any specific group of celestials that would be inhabiting this particular island, that we know of? Random smattering of civilians? Artists? Musicians? Scholars? Nobles? Fighters?
>You don't know anyone with actual control over shadows. There is Rumia, who has some degree of ability to manipulate darkness, but that is not necessarily the same thing. You've also heard stories about a faerie of light somewhere in the Forest of Magic.
>You don't know much about this community, to be honest. It's rare that your tasks bring you here. However, you are aware of a particularly skilled woodworker here, whom you have heard of from time to time. You think there might be another artisan or two of note, but you can't recall the specific details. A potter, maybe?
>_
-
>Find another celestial who's up and about and ask if they know whether any of the Hinanai clan are visiting the village
-
>Find another celestial who's up and about and ask if they know whether any of the Hinanai clan are visiting the village
>You look around and seek out another Celestial. You find one, a mid-sized woman with short red hair and tanned skin, standing near the edge of the square, frowning at the wounded.
>You ask her about the Hinanai clan. "Um," she says, "Maybe? I think there was someone visiting the farm..."
>_
-
>Did we see said farm on our way here?
>If we need more specific directions, ask for them
>Thank the celestial, and head towards said farm
-
>Did we see said farm on our way here?
>If we need more specific directions, ask for them
>Thank the celestial, and head towards said farm
>You saw some orchards while approaching. It shouldn't be too hard to find a farm from there.
>You thank the celestial and take your leave, flying toward the western part of the island. There are a few scattered peach orchards, and a few houses scattered around them. However, only one of them seems to have a barn necessary for storing the produce.
>_
-
>Fly down to the house with the barn and knock on the door
-
>Fly down to the house with the barn and knock on the door
>You fly down toward the house.
>You would knock on the door, but you find your path toward it barred by two faeries, a mid-sized one awkwardly holding a mop like a pole arm, and a smaller one carrying a garden spade in both hands.
>"Hold it!" the spade-carrying faerie cries.
>"You here to pay tribute to the boss?" asks the mop-carrying faerie?
>_
-
>"Tribute? I'm just here looking for some people I might know; I believe there are guests here from away?"
-
>"Tribute? I'm just here looking for some people I might know; I believe there are guests here from away?"
>"...To give them tribute?" asks the smaller faerie, frowning. "Because that'd go right to the boss, just so you'd know."
>The other faerie nods.
>_
-
>"I just wanted to speak with them. Is that a problem?"
-
>"I just wanted to speak with them. Is that a problem?"
>"I dunno, is it a problem?" says the taller faerie, waving her mop in a manner that is no double meant to be threatening, but instead nearly causes her to topple over.
>"Did boss say people could visit them?" asks the smaller faerie, as she puts down her spade and leans on it.
>"I dunno. Did she say they can't?" asks the taller faerie.
>"I dunno."
>Both shrug at each other.
>"Oh, I got it!" says the smaller faerie. She scowls at you, crinkling her brow impressive. "Alright you! You can go in and see them! But you have to pay the boss tribute, too! Got it?"
>She picks up the spade and brandishes it toward you for emphasis.
>_
-
> "I understand."
> Bow head slightly.
-
> "I understand."
> Bow head slightly.
>"You do?" asks the smaller faerie? "Great! Go on in. And don't forget, tribute!"
>The two faeries move away from there door.
>_
-
> "Of course. I won't forget."
> Go up to the door and knock on it.
-
> "Of course. I won't forget."
> Go up to the door and knock on it.
>The faeries nod.
>You knock on the door. "Yeah, what?" answers a somewhat familiar voice, childish voice.
>"Come in," says a different voice, significantly more mature voice.
>_
-
> Enter!
> Examine any faces we happen to see upon entering, in the hopes we can identify which voice belonged to what person.
-
> Enter!
> Examine any faces we happen to see upon entering, in the hopes we can identify which voice belonged to what person.
>You enter the house. It's a relatively simple place, though not quite so basic as Miyu's home. You walk into what seems to be a combined kitchen and dining room. A short woman with dark purple hair works over an oven, you quickly recognize her as the matriarch of the Hinanai clan. In the back, resting on a futon, is an unfamiliar celestial. And near the middle of the room, sitting in a rocking chair which is rocking a high speed is Cirno, wearing a huge grin on her face.
>"Hey, I know you!" Cirno says as you enter.
>The Hinanai Matriarch glances toward you. "Ah, hello Messenger."
>_
-
> "Good day, Lady Hinanai. I hope you are well, after today's...events."
> Turn to Cirno.
> "Aha, and I know you. Welcome to Bhava-Agra."
-
> "Good day, Lady Hinanai. I hope you are well, after today's...events."
> Turn to Cirno.
> "Aha, and I know you. Welcome to Bhava-Agra."
>"I'm alright," says Lady Hinanai. "I happened to be inside when the incident occurred. Yumei, unfortunately, hit her head and has a headache."
>You turn to Cirno. "I thought so!" she says. "Welcome to Superfortress OmegaSpiffy!"
>"Shh..." Lady Hinanai says, glancing toward the faerie.
>"Oh, sorry," says Cirno to Lady Hinanai. Then she looks back to you and grins. "This is my base now."
>"I should have mentioned," Lady Hinanai says, "We seem to have been conquered while we weren't looking."
>_
-
People need to be more careful with those Mafia accounts.
> "That seems to be a going theme today. Cirno appears to be a more benevolent conquerer than some others I have run across, at least."
> "Do you know if your family on the whole is safe, then?"
> Is Eirin still attended to the injured, or did she leave for Eientei?
-
> "That seems to be a going theme today. Cirno appears to be a more benevolent conquerer than some others I have run across, at least."
> "Do you know if your family on the whole is safe, then?"
> Is Eirin still attended to the injured, or did she leave for Eientei?
>"Yeah, I'm real," says Cirno with a nod, crossing her arms while trying to keep up her current pace of rocking.
>She shakes her head. "I'm afraid the rest of them went to the northeastern city. Well, save for my youngest, she's with a friend at the forested island to the east. I've been meaning to check on her, but I'm a little concerned for Yumei."
>"And you're a slave now!" Cirno says.
>"Shh..." Lady Hinanai says.
>"Right, sorry," says Cirno.
>She was still tending to the injured when you left the square, but she might be gone now. You have no idea how close to done she was.
>_
-
> "May I suggest Yumei visit the Lunarian doctor? She was tending to the wounded on this island, last I checked."
> Is this woman Tenshi's mother, grandmother, aunt or something else?
> To Cirno: "Indeed you are. I must say, you're a far better conqueror than Remilia. When the mansion people took over an island, they did so by beating up all the people on it and then forcing them to become maids. The nerve!"
-
> "May I suggest Yumei visit the Lunarian doctor? She was tending to the wounded on this island, last I checked."
> Is this woman Tenshi's mother, grandmother, aunt or something else?
> To Cirno: "Indeed you are. I must say, you're a far better conqueror than Remilia. When the mansion people took over an island, they did so by beating up all the people on it and then forcing them to become maids. The nerve!"
>"Ah, there's a Lunarian doctor here?" asks Lady Hinanai. "Well, once Yumei wakes up. Where would I find her?"
>Mother.
>Cirno nods. "Yeah, they just gave up," she says. "But that's a pretty good idea, I could use a maid!"
>She looks to Lady Hinanai. "Hey, lady! You're a maid now!"
>"Of course, dear," says Lady Hinanai.
>Cirno gives a toothy grin.
>_
-
> "I recall last seeing her in the square."
> Is this indeed where we last saw her?
> "Also, I should probably let you know...Gensokyo's 'problem solvers' have mostly decided we're responsible for all this, and have taken to accusing us of such to the point of attack. Both myself and the Eldest Daughter have been attacked in this way."
-
>"I should mention that the doctor may not be here much longer. There was a battle in the square with one of the aforementioned 'problem solvers'; last I saw this doctor, she was tending to the celestials involved in it, and planned to return to her home on the surface once she was satisfied that they had been seen to."
-
> "I recall last seeing her in the square."
> Is this indeed where we last saw her?
> "Also, I should probably let you know...Gensokyo's 'problem solvers' have mostly decided we're responsible for all this, and have taken to accusing us of such to the point of attack. Both myself and the Eldest Daughter have been attacked in this way."
>"I should mention that the doctor may not be here much longer. There was a battle in the square with one of the aforementioned 'problem solvers'; last I saw this doctor, she was tending to the celestials involved in it, and planned to return to her home on the surface once she was satisfied that they had been seen to."
>It is, and tell her her where to find Eirin, then warn her that Eirin is going to leave soon. "Hmmm," says Lady Hinanai. "Cirno, would you be so kind as to persuade the doctor to look after your other slave?"
>"What!" Cirno says, "I didn't conquer SuperFortress UltraFly just to be told what to do by a maid!"
>"But I have to watch over your pie," says Lady Hinanai.
>"...Yeah, point." says Cirno. "I'll get one of the brute squad to do it."
>The faerie departs.
>"I am not terribly surprised," says Lady Hinanai, as you explain about problems you've had today. "Is she well?"
>_
-
>"When I found her, she was a little battered from running into some of the incident solvers, and rather upset at being blamed for the islands falling. And from the way she was acting, I really don't think she was responsible."
Also of note:
- She's very confident family is fine
- She doesn't want to visit the heavens right now
- She's somewhat willing to help out
- etc?
-
> "I am...saddened by her outlook on this whole situation, though. She is not particularly sympathetic to Bhava-Agra's current sufferings. She has been some degree of willing to help me, however."
> Assuming Cirno is still gone: "By the way, I must commend your patience with that girl. I assume you haven't yet told her that her fortress will eventually return to a place out of her reach?"
-
Mental note for everyone: I suggest dancing for Cirno as her 'tribute', because we're awesome at it and it costs us nothing. Lady Hinanai would probably appreciate it as well.
-
>"When I found her, she was a little battered from running into some of the incident solvers, and rather upset at being blamed for the islands falling. And from the way she was acting, I really don't think she was responsible."
>She nods. "Well, I suppose that is better than it could be. I was a little afraid she would be left in a ditch somewhere, after the last time... If you say she is innocent, then that is all I need."
> "I am...saddened by her outlook on this whole situation, though. She is not particularly sympathetic to Bhava-Agra's current sufferings. She has been some degree of willing to help me, however."
> Assuming Cirno is still gone: "By the way, I must commend your patience with that girl. I assume you haven't yet told her that her fortress will eventually return to a place out of her reach?"
>"Saddening, but hardly surprising," says Lady Hinanai. "I am glad she seems willing to help."
>"Mm, Cirno isn't such bad company, one simply has to figure out how to talk with her. She's like any faerie, really. And, I have not told her that. I've seen no reason to presume it."
>_
-
>"To be perfectly honestly, Tenshi... believes it would be better if the islands remained where they are now."
-
>"To be perfectly honestly, Tenshi... believes it would be better if the islands remained where they are now."
>"That sounds like something she would say," says Lady Hinanai.
>_
-
>"At the moment, very few people seem to believe me when I tell them that we are not invading. Returning to the skies would solve a great many of our problems very quickly."
>"Sadly, I have only the faintest clue what might have happened, and even less idea of how to reverse it. My investigations are rather hampered by evading fights several times an hour. It's been a very taxing day for everyone, I expect."
>"I wonder about Tenshi, though... this resentment she expresses towards her fellow celestials. Did you ever notice it at all in the years before she took the Sword of Hisou?"
-
>"At the moment, very few people seem to believe me when I tell them that we are not invading. Returning to the skies would solve a great many of our problems very quickly."
>"Sadly, I have only the faintest clue what might have happened, and even less idea of how to reverse it. My investigations are rather hampered by evading fights several times an hour. It's been a very taxing day for everyone, I expect."
>"I wonder about Tenshi, though... this resentment she expresses towards her fellow celestials. Did you ever notice it at all in the years before she took the Sword of Hisou?"
>She nods. "You're doing well to persevere in the face of that, it seems."
>She sighs. "I've wondered that myself. She...certainly grew disillusioned with things in Bhava-Agra over time. But she was more sad then angry, and it didn't seem to bother her that much. She was a little bored, and had a strong interest in the world below. I could scarcely believe it, myself, when I heard what she had did..."
>_
-
>"And since then, has she just seemed different to you?"
-
>"And since then, has she just seemed different to you?"
>"In some senses," says Lady Hinanai.
>You can hear the faeries bickering outside.
>"She's more or less given up on trying to be a good celestial," continues Lady Hinanai. "I don't think the goes out of her way to hurt people, but she does go out of her way to be a nuisance and stir up chaos."
>_
-
>"That latter part I can certainly attest to."
>"She... seems to believe that the rest of the celestials have always looked down upon her. Even before the incident with the sword."
-
> "Even I apparently do this, or did, at least. I will admit there have been times after the incident with the sword where I have felt great exasperation, but before that? Never, to the best of my recollection."
> "I wish I knew what to do about all this. If this is really how I acted, then...such a shame."
> "I'm...I'm tired of her just seeing me as her caretaker. I want her to see me as her friend."
-
>"That latter part I can certainly attest to."
>"She... seems to believe that the rest of the celestials have always looked down upon her. Even before the incident with the sword."
>She nods. "Many can."
>"I want to believe that is merely her perception, rather than the reality of things," says Lady Hinanai. "But I won't pretend there were not some that objected to us."
> "Even I apparently do this, or did, at least. I will admit there have been times after the incident with the sword where I have felt great exasperation, but before that? Never, to the best of my recollection."
> "I wish I knew what to do about all this. If this is really how I acted, then...such a shame."
> "I'm...I'm tired of her just seeing me as her caretaker. I want her to see me as her friend."
>"Well," she says with a small frown. "I cannot say whether or not you truly did or if Tenshi merely interpreted things that way."
>"It may not be something you can fix directly," Lady Hinanai says with a small head shake. "But, continue to be a friend, and perhaps she'll see through things."
>She chuckles. "I expect the only friend she'd admit to wanting to have would be a partner in crime. Of course, what she admits and what she feels can be two different things."
>_
-
>"Yes, I suspected this myself. About her not always being entirely frank about some things she feels. That's part of the reason I'm here, actually. I think she was concerned about you, and I wanted to make sure everyone was alright."
-
Dracos you are asking very good questions. <3
>"I want to believe that is merely her perception, rather than the reality of things," says Lady Hinanai. "But I won't pretend there were not some that objected to us."
>"What do you mean by 'us?' The Hinanai family?"
-
>"Yes, I suspected this myself. About her not always being entirely frank about some things she feels. That's part of the reason I'm here, actually. I think she was concerned about you, and I wanted to make sure everyone was alright."
>"I know she was," says Lady Hinanai with a little smile. "Whatever she might say, she always comes back to us."
>"What do you mean by 'us?' The Hinanai family?"
>She nods. "Some don't approve of how we came here. I would like to thing that has faded over time, save for Tenshi's case."
>_
-
>What do we know that was different about how they came than other celestials?
-
>What do we know that was different about how they came than other celestials?
>They didn't come here by act of self enlightenment; but rather by act of faith. You are not certain what services they might have rendered unto the gods, but it must have been special indeed.
>_
-
>Technically, we didn't come here by act of self enlightenment either, did we?
-
>Technically, we didn't come here by act of self enlightenment either, did we?
>You were more or less born here. There may have been some disapproval, but you feel that you've overcome it if there has been.
>_
-
> Surely no one can hate The Dance.
-
> Surely no one can hate The Dance.
>So you would like to believe. And you'd like to think evidence bears this out.
>_
-
>Do we believe we know the forested isle that she referred to earlier?
>"She seemed to think everyone had their mind made up about her. That nothing she did, no matter how virtuous, would change anyone's opinion even a little. It's must be sad, if she really believes that."
-
>"This may sound ignorant, but now that I think of it, I'm not entirely sure I know the details of how the Hinanai clan ascended. Could you tell me?"
-
>Do we believe we know the forested isle that she referred to earlier?
>"She seemed to think everyone had their mind made up about her. That nothing she did, no matter how virtuous, would change anyone's opinion even a little. It's must be sad, if she really believes that."
>You think it is the one near Kourindou, where you saw the faerie activity early this morning.
>She nods in agreement. "I suppose you would have to demonstrate that to her."
>"This may sound ignorant, but now that I think of it, I'm not entirely sure I know the details of how the Hinanai clan ascended. Could you tell me?"
>"It is something of the long story," says Lady Hinanai. "Let's summarize it by saying that we served Nai-no-Kami very faithfully, and this was our reward."
>_
-
>"I do what I can, though it's hard to convince her even to bother when she feels certain the outlook is futile. Frankly, from that point of view, I suppose I can understand, a little. But I'm sure it cannot be that all celestials hold that opinion of her, even if some do."
>"Did Tenshi ever really develop any friendships with other celestials?"
-
>"I do what I can, though it's hard to convince her even to bother when she feels certain the outlook is futile. Frankly, from that point of view, I suppose I can understand, a little. But I'm sure it cannot be that all celestials hold that opinion of her, even if some do."
>"Did Tenshi ever really develop any friendships with other celestials?"
>"Nothing very solid, to my understand," says Lady Hinanai, shaking her head. "She tended to stay with her sisters. But, after the incident, she started going off on her own. I suspect if she has any friends, it would be that oni."
>_
-
>What do we know of 'that oni,' presumably Suika?
-
>What do we know of 'that oni,' presumably Suika?
>She is a rather laid back drunkard, as you know her. She's laid claim to part of guest island, and considers it set in stone. There have been attempts to dissuade her from that, as outsiders claiming property rights in Bhava-Agra is something that could easily be a problem, but she'll hear nothing of it. So far, at least in Bhava-Agra, she hasn't acted too rowdy. You hear she is worse in Gensokyo.
>_
-
>"Well, I suppose all I can do is try to guide her through this turbulent time as best I can, and not embody the condescension she feels from others. I think there's still a lot of uncertainty ahead, for all of us."
-
>"Well, I suppose all I can do is try to guide her through this turbulent time as best I can, and not embody the condescension she feels from others. I think there's still a lot of uncertainty ahead, for all of us."
>"It makes me happy to hear you care so strongly," says Lady Hinanai, smiling a little. "It gives me hope for her yet. All I can say is not to let her gruff exterior or overreactions throw you off. She may be mischievous to a fault, but she isn't a bad person."
>_
-
>"I don't believe so, either. Frustrating at times, certainly. But I like to think she cares more about certain things that she likes to admit. I will do my best for her."
>"In any case, I think I should take my leave of you now. There is much still to be done regarding the islands' fall, and the sooner answers can be found, the better for all of us. Be well, Lady Hinanai."
-
>"I don't believe so, either. Frustrating at times, certainly. But I like to think she cares more about certain things that she likes to admit. I will do my best for her."
>"In any case, I think I should take my leave of you now. There is much still to be done regarding the islands' fall, and the sooner answers can be found, the better for all of us. Be well, Lady Hinanai."
>Lady Hinanai nods. "I wish I could offer you more to help out, but I am afraid that I don't have much. But thank you, again, for taking care of her."
>_
-
>Smile
>"You're more than welcome. Farewell."
>Exit the house
-
>Smile
>"You're more than welcome. Farewell."
>Exit the house
>She bows toward you in reply.
>You leave the house, to see Cirno presiding over the two faeries, arms crossed and a grim expression on her face. The other two seem to be in the middle of a rock-scissors-paper contest. As you watch, they both play scissors and groan.
>"Round ten," Cirno says solemnly.
>_
-
>Perhaps it might be best if we told Eirin ourselves...
>If the fairies don't accost us first, fly back to the square
-
>Perhaps it might be best if we told Eirin ourselves...
>If the fairies don't accost us first, fly back to the square
>Perhaps so.
>The faeries leave you alone as you pass by, going into round ten and both using rock.
>You make your way back toward town square. Most of the wounded have moved on now, and there is little activity to be seen. As such, it's not hard to pick out Eirin.
>_
-
>Fly down to Eirin
>"Excuse me, Eirin, but after you're finished here, would you have time to see to another celestial not far from here? She injured her head in the fall."
-
>Fly down to Eirin
>"Excuse me, Eirin, but after you're finished here, would you have time to see to another celestial not far from here? She injured her head in the fall."
>You fly down to Eirin, and ask her to examine Yumei.
>She sighs. "Of course she did. Very well, where is she?"
>_
-
>"In the house next to the barn, by the peach trees."
>Point in the correct direction
>"It's just that the people with her are concerned for her."
-
>"In the house next to the barn, by the peach trees."
>Point in the correct direction
>"It's just that the people with her are concerned for her."
>"Of course they are," says Eirin. "Who wouldn't be concerned? I'll look into it on my way back home, you need not worry about anything."
>_
-
>"Thank you again, Eirin."
>The forested isle Lady Hinanai mentioned is roughly on our way back to the human village, correct?
>If so, fly there
-
>"Thank you again, Eirin."
>The forested isle Lady Hinanai mentioned is roughly on our way back to the human village, correct?
>If so, fly there
>She nods, as she starts to examine another celestial.
>That island would be to the east and the human village is to the northeast. So it is not really on the way.
>_
-
>We can afford a little detour. Head there anyway
-
>We can afford a little detour. Head there anyway
>You head westward, toward the forested Island. You pass over the Bamboo Forest, and significant amount of the Forest of Magic. Along the way you pass a couple small islands of no real significance and one that is occupied mostly by a lake, a popular place for bathing. Soon you approach the forested isle. There are some faeries, of both worlds, flying around it. There is some isolated danmaku among them, but nothing large-scale. The there is a small mountain on the isle, and practically the whole place is obscured by forests, feeling much like the forest below. You can see a pond here and again.
>_
-
>Do we see, or know of any particular places of habitation on the island?
>If so, go there
>Otherwise, try to get a closer look and see if we can find any
-
>Do we see, or know of any particular places of habitation on the island?
>If so, go there
>Otherwise, try to get a closer look and see if we can find any
>Not at a glance, things are pretty heavily forested. Even with a closer look, you really aren't finding any.
>_
-
>Can we see any sign of paths or trails?
>The forest is large enough that wandering around it aimlessly in hopes of finding something would likely be fruitless, correct?
>Assuming we can see no trails, and the forest isn't fairly tiny, look around for a nearby group of peaceable looking Bhava-Agran fairies
-
>Can we see any sign of paths or trails?
>The forest is large enough that wandering around it aimlessly in hopes of finding something would likely be fruitless, correct?
>Assuming we can see no trails, and the forest isn't fairly tiny, look around for a nearby group of peaceable looking Bhava-Agran fairies
>If you can't see something like houses, you are most definitely not going to see something like trails.
>The island isn't that large.
>_
-
>Well, it's possible that trails would extend out of the forest, while the houses would be inside it
>Still, find a nearby group of peaceable looking Bhava-Agran fairies and approach them
-
>Well, it's possible that trails would extend out of the forest, while the houses would be inside it
>Still, find a nearby group of peaceable looking Bhava-Agran fairies and approach them
>You try to find a nearby group of peaceful-looking group of Bhava-Agran faeries. This is impossible; it doesn't seem like there are any groups that are purely Bhava-Agran.
>You approach a peaceable-looking group nearby, a dozen or so of them perched in a tall tree that stands over most of the forest. A few seem to be discussing amicably among themselves, while a couple others seem to be involved in some kind of game with their hands. There's also a Gensokyoan Faerie and a Bhava-Agran faerie kissing rather passionately on their own branch, you would if they're going to fall off or not. None of them see to take much note of your approach.
>_
-
>Go up to the group that's currently chatting
>"Excuse me, but I'm looking for a celestial that lives on this island. Do you know where there are any houses around here?"
-
>Go up to the group that's currently chatting
>"Excuse me, but I'm looking for a celestial that lives on this island. Do you know where there are any houses around here?"
>You approach the chatters. "Warning, Warning!" cries one of them, "A huge oarfish: Palace Messenger, Is approaching fast!"
>The rest turn to to face you as you ask your question. "Um, we have houses all over," says one of the faeries.
>"Unless you mean the celestials," says another, "They're by the big pond."
>_
-
> Point at the first one that spoke.
> "NO REFUGE!"
-
>Can we tell which pond is the 'big' one?
>If not, ask them to indicate which
>"Yes, I did mean the celestials. And thank you."
>Head towards said pond
-
> Point at the first one that spoke.
> "NO REFUGE!"
>You point to the first one that spoke and cry "NO REFUGE!"
>She stares at you in open-mouthed shock. "That's what you think!"
>Can we tell which pond is the 'big' one?
>If not, ask them to indicate which
>"Yes, I did mean the celestials. And thank you."
>Head towards said pond
>You think so, there's one that is a bit larger than the other two.
>"You're welcome!" says the second faerie as you depart.
>You approach the largest of the ponds. Flying close to the surface, you can see underneath the tree line, and see several houses not too far from its banks.
>_
-
>Head towards the houses
>Can we see any celestials about?
-
>Head towards the houses
>Can we see any celestials about?
>You head toward the houses, and do not see much activity. There is one celestial approaching the pond with a bucket in hand. She nods as you approach. "Welcome, Messenger."
>_
-
>You approach the chatters. "Warning, Warning!" cries one of them, "A huge oarfish: Palace Messenger, Is approaching fast!"
This made my morning.
> What time is it?
> When did Minoriko say we should do something about the snake problem?
-
> What time is it?
> When did Minoriko say we should do something about the snake problem?
>It's about noon now. Maybe a little bit past it.
>_
-
>"Good day to you. I hope everyone here is as well as can be expected, given the circumstances?"
>"Also, I'm looking for a member of the Hinanai clan that I heard was staying here. Might you know where I could find her?"
-
>"Good day to you. I hope everyone here is as well as can be expected, given the circumstances?"
>"Also, I'm looking for a member of the Hinanai clan that I heard was staying here. Might you know where I could find her?"
>"Well..." says the Celestial. "The Black White coming through this morning didn't help anything...But the faeries seem to have mostly recovered, and the injuries seem to be on the light side for us."
>"Ah, she was one of the people who particularly got in the Black White's way. She's resting now."
>_
-
>"So Marisa came this way as well? Do you have any idea how long ago this was? Or what she said, while she was here?"
>"And is she ok?"
-
>"So Marisa came this way as well? Do you have any idea how long ago this was? Or what she said, while she was here?"
>"And is she ok?"
>"Ah, is that her name?"" says the Celestial. "It was a couple hours ago. She didn't say anything. She flew through while the faeries were squabbling, and things got out of hand. A few people tried to go sound things out, and got caught in the crossfire. Some became defensive, and...well...there wasn't much we can do. I can only hope she never becomes a shinigami, we'd go extinct!"
>"She's asleep now. Is there something you need from her?"
-
>"No, I just wanted to see that she was ok, after the fall. Her sister is concerned about her. If she's in good health, aside from being worn out in the battle, that is good enough."
-
>"By the by, have you seen anyone with a knife recently? I've got a bad feeling all of a sudden."
-
>"No, I just wanted to see that she was ok, after the fall. Her sister is concerned about her. If she's in good health, aside from being worn out in the battle, that is good enough."
>"She should be fine, after she rests," says the Celestial. "Do you have news about the others? There's been some concern about the Eldest..."
>_
-
> Would the Hinanai clan know if the Sword of Hisou had been stolen?
If not, I'm not sure if we should tell them. It might only cause unnecessary concern.
> Declare Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds" to defend against upcoming shanking!
-
> Would the Hinanai clan know if the Sword of Hisou had been stolen?
If not, I'm not sure if we should tell them. It might only cause unnecessary concern.
Yeah, I chose not to mention it to Lady Hinanai earlier for this reason. There's enough stuff going on at the moment; they don't need to worry about that on top of things.
>"Yes, I imagine there might be. I was with her when the islands fell, and again for some time since. I do not believe she is responsible for the current state of affairs, if that's what you're implying; I understand why people might suspect as much. As for her health, she also had an altercation with Marisa, but is in decent shape at the moment. With regards to the rest of the family, I have only met her mother, who is well."
-
>"By the by, have you seen anyone with a knife recently? I've got a bad feeling all of a sudden."
>"Well, I have one with me for cutting up peaches," says the Celestial.
> Declare Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds" to defend against upcoming shanking!
>You declare your spellcard, and feel yourself wrapped safely in protective lightning. Then it breaks just as quickly under the overwhelming powering of a shaking.
>"Bitch!" Parsee shouts, "That's what you get for trying to mess with the best! Cross my bridge, will ya!"
>_