Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on December 05, 2010, 10:46:04 PM
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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. including yourself at one point.
>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 defeated a tsuchinoko on Minoirko's behalf in hopes of alleviating this. You have delivered messages for Patchouli. You have had bad run ins with Marisa and Reimu; and nearly had one with Sanae. You have found Tenshi hiding in the Ancient City, became convinced of her innocence, convinced her to join you, and have had several spats with her. You've done your best to bond with Tenshi, and you think you've made some progress in that regard. You've been hearing a lot about a search for some thing called the Brocken Spectre. You found and rescued Yamame, who was captured by faeries. You've been given a hit list by Yuugi. You've released Aya from prison after a rather confused encounter. You've discovered that the islands of Bhava-Agra do not cast proper shadows; nor does Nitori, who is now practically dead to the world. You've found Kogasa has had her shadow stolen very recently. You have learned of a mysterious poltergeist roaming the Forest of Magic, and are quite certain she is the shadow thief.
>You are currently trying not to get beaten by the apparent shadow thief, but she seems to have gotten a particular advantage when she changed her own shadow to that of a stone, forcing you to retreat..
>If the tree to the left is far enough to be out of the way of the danmaku, shift in that direction
>Scan for a further tree to shift to, as we move
>If it is not, move far enough past it to be safe of the cloud, then return to the tree
>If she moves in on our exposed shadow during movement, send a spread of danmaku to cover the direction of exposure
>"Do you have no remorse at all for what you've done to Nitori and Kogasa? Regardless of whatever it was you think they knew, they were good, decent people, and now they can barely be called alive!"
>You skip back to the next tree, escaping the danmaku, and glance about for another. You spot a nearby one to your right, but it will involve exposing your shadow for a moment. Looking back to the poltergeist, you another wave of shots coming at you during your moment of distraction. It's a bit difficult to read, but you think you can deal with it without moving.
>She is too busy firing to answer you.
>_
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>If we think we can dodge from our current position, do so
>Continue to gather charge
>How close is the poltergeist now?
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>If we think we can dodge from our current position, do so
>Continue to gather charge
>How close is the poltergeist now?
>You hold your position, and easily step around the shots without exposing your shadow. You gather more electricity to yourself.
>She is about 5 yards away, and closing.
>_
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>Shift back to the next tree
>Glance for another tree as we start to shift
>Cover access to our shadow with a spread of danmaku as we move
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>Shift back to the next tree
>Glance for another tree as we start to shift
>Cover access to our shadow with a spread of danmaku as we move
>You shift back some more, trying to cover your path with some danmaku. The poltergeist moves around it; it seems she wasn't going for your shadow that time.
>You reach the cover of a new tree, unfortunately your scouting efforts didn't turn up anything immediately behind you.
>"How long can you run?" asks the Poltergeist, as she continues the approach.
>_
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>"If I'd been intending to run, I would be long gone. I won't let you harm another soul."
>What's the closest cover we can find?
>How close are we to unleashing that blinding bolt?
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>"If I'd been intending to run, I would be long gone. I won't let you harm another soul."
>What's the closest cover we can find?
>How close are we to unleashing that blinding bolt?
>"You don't get it, do you?" she says.
>The closest, you think, might involve having to head back to where you were.
>You think you can do it now, but more more time would give you something more effective.
>_
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>"Then perhaps you could tell me what I'm not getting?"
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>"Then perhaps you could tell me what I'm not getting?"
>"Haven't I already said?" she says, conjuring more danmaku. "You know too much as it is!"
>She then sends another wave; this one is not so wide as the other, it will be harder to dodge through. Going around it is an option, but that will certainly open up your shadow a bit.
>_
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>Can we ascend up along the tree, moving over the danmaku, while keeping our shadow still on the tree?
>If so, do so. Mind our head among the branches
>If not, not shift aside, laying down a little covering fire if she continues her approach
>"Many others already know all that I do. Can you track them all down? This doesn't end if you stop me."
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>Can we ascend up along the tree, moving over the danmaku, while keeping our shadow still on the tree?
>If so, do so. Mind our head among the branches
>If not, not shift aside, laying down a little covering fire if she continues her approach
>"Many others already know all that I do. Can you track them all down? This doesn't end if you stop me."
>You can still fly, and do so, evading the wave easily.
>She doesn't answer, instead glaring at you from the ground.
>_
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> How much electricity do we have charged up now?
Just a thought and I know it would be really risky, but if she can interact with our shadow what if we could utilize our shadow to interact with her?
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>Remain in the air. Be ready to shift up again, if another volley comes in, provided this would not expose our shadow.
>"People know where I am right now. And if I don't return soon, they will come in force. The more people you do this to, the more attention you will attract. There are people far stronger than I, and they will not rest until this is ended, unless you end it first. You still can."
Just a thought and I know it would be really risky, but if she can interact with our shadow what if we could utilize our shadow to interact with her?
The thing is, we still don't know the extent of what she can do. We've seen how Nitori and Kogasa ended up, but don't know how quick a process that is, or whether other things are involved. As long as there's even a chance she can do this with minimal contact, I don't want to let her get anywhere near it.
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> How much electricity do we have charged up now?
>You have a bit more now; you think you could get a decent one going. But more would certainly make it better.
>Remain in the air. Be ready to shift up again, if another volley comes in, provided this would not expose our shadow.
>"People know where I am right now. And if I don't return soon, they will come in force. The more people you do this to, the more attention you will attract. There are people far stronger than I, and they will not rest until this is ended, unless you end it first. You still can."
>You remain in the air, but you don't really have room to make a good dodge upward, unless you wish to get tangled in the branches.
>"It will end," says the poltergeist, as she takes aim at you with her outstretched hands.
>_
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>Hold position until we see her fire (or do something else, for that matter)
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>Hold position until we see her fire (or do something else, for that matter)
>You hold position, and she opens fire after a moment. She sends another cloud in your direction; aimed fairly low so as to fill the space under you. This may be troublesome, going upward will get you into the branches, going outward will expose your shadow, and she is fairly close now. Down would put you into the thick of it. You aren't sure if you can dodge through this cloud, either.
>_
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...Wait, I think I have an idea.
Since the poltergeist can apparently absorb shadows from people and things, I wonder if she can absorb other things with the shadows. Like, say, electricity.
So, perhaps if we declared Ancanthodii of the Thunder Clouds, the poltergeist would be shocked if she tried to steal our shadow while it was active. ...Though there's the possibility that it still won't protect our shadow from being taken in the first place, and also the fact that we may not even have a shadow because of the light from the electricity. Hmm...
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...Wait, I think I have an idea.
Since the poltergeist can apparently absorb shadows from people and things, I wonder if she can absorb other things with the shadows. Like, say, electricity.
So, perhaps if we declared Ancanthodii of the Thunder Clouds, the poltergeist would be shocked if she tried to steal our shadow while it was active. ...Though there's the possibility that it still won't protect our shadow from being taken in the first place, and also the fact that we may not even have a shadow because of the light from the electricity. Hmm...
An interesting thought... although she's proven to be nearly immune to lightning at the moment, given that she's taken several direct attacks from it without flinching. And, as you say, even if it did injure her, we're risking a lot of ourselves to try it.
Not having a shadow would actually be a good thing now, though (in the sense of it being illuminated by a light source, and not actually stolen), and this is, I think, the more interesting application. I'd considered similar things earlier (although this card may be better suited to that then some of those). However, my concern was that the flickering light might instead scatter our shadow about in a way that makes it much more difficult for us to cover. Whether the poltergeist can act upon it at that point, I don't know.
>If we were a little careful, do we think we could work ourselves up into the branches?
>The way is open behind us, correct? At the speed she's been approaching, does it seem that we could keep her from closing much if we dashed backwards while we shift outward from the tree?
>At our current height, where across the ground would this spread our shadow, if we did so?
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That actually makes me wonder what would happen to her if she lost her shadow, even if only temporarily. Like from, say, the Solar Flare we're building up, or flash photography.
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>If we were a little careful, do we think we could work ourselves up into the branches?
>The way is open behind us, correct? At the speed she's been approaching, does it seem that we could keep her from closing much if we dashed backwards while we shift outward from the tree?
>At our current height, where across the ground would this spread our shadow, if we did so?
>This may be possible, they aren't that dense.
>The way behind you is open. You could keep your shadow away from the poltergeist if you flew back quickly enough. However, flying backward in a forest will have its own problems.
>It would hit the ground a couple yards to your left.
>_
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I'd be up for turning tail and running to create some distance. Jogging to get around and apparent inability to fly? Sounds good to me.
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Yeah, I've been wondering if she can't fly, either. Or, at least, can't fly while manifesting the rock shadow.
My only concern with turning around is whether there's something nasty and new she would be able to do if we're not keeping an eye on her to see her start it. We still don't have anything near a full grasp of her capabilities.
One other option, I suppose, is fly up above the canopy entirely. I'd not wanted to do that earlier, for fear that we'd simply lose her. But she seems fairly insistent on silencing us. It would be all the more interesting at this moment if that would force her to drop the rock shadow to pursue, making her shockable again.
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I debated flying up above the canopy as well, but a tiny part of me worries that since she was apparently able to drop Bhava-Agra, she might be able to reach us from the ground as well. I bet coupling an upward escape with some taunting would make her more likely to drop the rock form and pursue us out of anger, though, and it's probably a nothing worry anyway. (I do also somewhat worry about her shadowforming into Bhava-Agra but that's another issue entirely.)
I'm also not too concerned with turning our head to look where we're going for, say, a three-second dash. It's true we don't know what she can do, but she at least seems limited by needing to touch our shadow to do unpleasant things to us - I imagine she would have played such a trump card already given how simple she is.
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She might be able to reach us from the ground, true. But she'd probably still have to touch where our shadow was falling, and being that high up would make our shadow fall quite some distance away from us, wouldn't it? Enough that it would take her a fair bit of time to get there; more than enough to land again, if she didn't seem to be following us up.
I'm honestly not sure which of these two alternatives I prefer. Flying upwards has the better best-case (ie: our shadow is safely away from us if we fight in the air, plus she loses shock resistance), but a potentially worse average-case (she may not follow us, she may do something nasty from where she is, we may lose track of her, she may wait us out, making re-entry a more painful prospect)
Actually, maybe that's the reason she's not flying? Because she can't do anything to a shadow unless she's on the ground, where it is?
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>Scan a navigable way up through the branches, and ascend
>Glance back down, when we have a moment where we aren't about to bump into a branch. Does she seem to be following?
>If so, keep going until we break through the canopy
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>Scan a navigable way up through the branches, and ascend
>Glance back down, when we have a moment where we aren't about to bump into a branch. Does she seem to be following?
>If so, keep going until we break through the canopy
>You scan for a navigable way through the branches, and ascend! That moment of hesitation allows the cloud to catch up to you, and a bullet smacks into your hip. It hits with enough force that you gasp, atypical of most danmaku you've been hit with. Then you leave the cloud behind.
>You fly up through the tree, maneuvering through the thicker branches easily since you took a moment to plot your way through. Then one of them seems to move of its own accord and smack you. Thankfully it doesn't hurt as much as that bullet, nor does it entangle you, but it is a little disconcerting.
>_
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>How far up the tree are we?
>Glance back at the poltergeist. What does she seem to be doing?
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>How far up the tree are we?
>Glance back at the poltergeist. What does she seem to be doing?
>You're most of the way through it.
>Looking down, you see the poltergeist seems to have crouched, and is messing with the shadow of the tree with a free hand.
>_
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>Launch a spray of basic danmaku at her position
>Continue ascent, mindful of potentially moving branches
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>Launch a spray of basic danmaku at her position
>Continue ascent, mindful of potentially moving branches
>You fire some basic danmaku at her, forcing her to throw herself aside, and continue up through the tree without any difficultly.
>_
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>Crest the canopy
>Quickly glance around the skyline: is anyone else visible at the moment?
>Look back down below us for whatever sign of the poltergeist we can see through the trees
>If she doesn't seem to be following, and there's no other people that we can see present, call out: "Surely you're not going to let me slip away that easily, are you?"
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>Crest the canopy
>Quickly glance around the skyline: is anyone else visible at the moment?
>Look back down below us for whatever sign of the poltergeist we can see through the trees
>If she doesn't seem to be following, and there's no other people that we can see present, call out: "Surely you're not going to let me slip away that easily, are you?"
>You fly over the forest canopy, and look around. Far in the distance to the east, you think that you see a small dot in the sky. Possibly a faerie.
>You look back through tree, and can kinda see her through the branches. Unfortunately, you really can't make out what she is doing.
>It does not seem she is following, so you call out. She does not answer, but you hear the branches rustle and snap, giving you a moment's forewarning before numerous bullets fly out at you from below!
>_
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>Fly aside from the bullets
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>Fly aside from the bullets
>You dart to the side and let the bullets fly past.
>_
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>With maneuvering room, and no shadow worries, her danmaku is essentially trivial to dodge, correct?
>"Not going to join me? The view up here's rather unique, today. But then, I suppose you'd know all about that after your little skyline redecorating."
>Keep an eye on below, and be ready to move aside again
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>With maneuvering room, and no shadow worries, her danmaku is essentially trivial to dodge, correct?
>"Not going to join me? The view up here's rather unique, today. But then, I suppose you'd know all about that after your little skyline redecorating."
>Keep an eye on below, and be ready to move aside again
>As long as you know it's coming, you're pretty sure it shouldn't be too hard to get around her danmaku.
>Another cloud comes at you from below, this time at more of an angle. It's wider, but less dense.
>_
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>Move around this one as well
>"Are you just going to sit down there? I could dodge this all day long, you realize."
>How's that charge coming?
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I know I'm not even playing this, but I've had a strange thought while reading through. If she changed her shadow to, say, Nitori, wouldn't that affect her Danmaku Capabilities?
It's just a random thought, but I thought I'd let you guys know.
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I know I'm not even playing this, but I've had a strange thought while reading through. If she changed her shadow to, say, Nitori, wouldn't that affect her Danmaku Capabilities?
It's just a random thought, but I thought I'd let you guys know.
It might very well, although we don't know the extent that her shadow-changing affects her active abilities as opposed to passive ones. But even if it does, I think exchanging her lightning immunity for better danmaku is a tradeoff in our benefit. Normally I would expect an opponent to realize this as well, but she's already given reason to believe she doesn't have the coolest or most strategic head on her shoulders. She pounced on us to silence us before we'd given more than a passing suggestion that we even suspected she was involved. She could easily have led suspicion away from herself, given how very little information we possessed about what happened. Several of her other actions during the fight also suggest that she's probably used to overpowering people quickly through her abilities, and not meeting a great deal of resistance. So I'm hoping that we can essentially cause her to make bad choices.
Of course, who knows what other aces she still has up her sleeve...
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>Move around this one as well
>"Are you just going to sit down there? I could dodge this all day long, you realize."
>How's that charge coming?
>You dodge around this one too. It takes a bit more work, due to being larger.
>She doesn't answer.
>You have quite a good charge now; you may have to worry about blinding yourself if you look at the resulting-AH! You ribs!
>_
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>What?
>Isn't our shadow safely along the tops of the trees, some distance away from both us and the poltergeist's position?
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>What?
>Isn't our shadow safely along the tops of the trees, some distance away from both us and the poltergeist's position?
>You feel like you just got punched in the ribs.
>Taking a look, it seems that in dodging around as you have, you've moved somewhat out of the the tree's canopy. As well, being higher up, you cast a larger, if dimmer, shadow. ...Did she plan that?
>_
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>Does this mean there are notable breaks in the cover between trees, then?
>Try to shift our shadow away from where the poltergeist is standing. If we can't really see her, estimate from where the bullets last came from
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>Does this mean there are notable breaks in the cover between trees, then?
>Try to shift our shadow away from where the poltergeist is standing. If we can't really see her, estimate from where the bullets last came from
>Yes; the western half of the forest is lighter; and you have been able to back around most of the time without too much trouble. The leaves that have fallen make the canopy that much less complete, as well.
>You try to move your shadow away, estimating where she is from the last shots. Your shoulder aches fiercely for a moment, but you don't feel any other assault.
>_
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Blasted incorrect battlefield visualizations messing up my plans ^^;
>If there's a position we can move to where our shadow will fall on another tree, and the gaps in the canopy will let us peer at where the poltergeist was last, move there
>Otherwise, just continue to shift a little bit more in the direction we just moved in, still keeping an eye out to see if we can tell where she's going
>"You know, this is getting rather tedious. How long are you going to spend running about punching shadows? I could just turn around and fly away, and you'd be too far away to do anything about it until I was long gone. What then?"
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>If there's a position we can move to where our shadow will fall on another tree, and the gaps in the canopy will let us peer at where the poltergeist was last, move there
>Otherwise, just continue to shift a little bit more in the direction we just moved in, still keeping an eye out to see if we can tell where she's going
>"You know, this is getting rather tedious. How long are you going to spend running about punching shadows? I could just turn around and fly away, and you'd be too far away to do anything about it until I was long gone. What then?"
[/quote]
>You shift your position around a bit, and try to look under the tree you were last at, and where you last saw the poltergeist. It seems she has moved on.
>"You'll tire and rest," comes the Poltergeist's voice, a bit to the east of you; and moving southward. "You can't keep it up forever!"
>_
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>Is she moving towards us or away from us?
>If towards, double-check that our shadow seems in a safe position, and back away to a better position, if not
>"And if I tire and rest in some distant corner of Gensokyo, you will come and find me?"
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>Is she moving towards us or away from us?
>If towards, double-check that our shadow seems in a safe position, and back away to a better position, if not
>"And if I tire and rest in some distant corner of Gensokyo, you will come and find me?"
>She seems to be moving perpendicular to you. You feel your shadow is relatively safe.
>"It won't come to that," she says. She seems to have stopped.
>_
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>"So you are that confident that you can prevent me from simply leaving?"
>Hope that she doesn't have good reason for said confidence...
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>"So you are that confident that you can prevent me from simply leaving?"
>Hope that she doesn't have good reason for said confidence...
>She doesn't answer you. Whether this bolsters or dashes your hopes, you aren't sure.
>_
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> Make a mental note about our current charge level for later, and keep charging.
> Could we drop straight down without getting caught up too much in branches on the way there?
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> Make a mental note about our current charge level for later, and keep charging.
> Could we drop straight down without getting caught up too much in branches on the way there?
>You make a note of this, but you're going to fill up your capacity rather quickly.
>You wouldn't get caught due to the force of your weight, most likely, but you expect it would hurt if you didn't think ahead.
>_
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All right, it's clear she isn't coming up, and I don't trust her to be doing something on the ground while we're not watching her. Combine that with the fact that we're reachable from the ground if we're not always properly positioned...
> Fly back down toward the ground, straight down, keeping our shadow on top of the canopy as long as we can.
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> Fly back down toward the ground, straight down, keeping our shadow on top of the canopy as long as we can.
>You prove your suspicions: It does hurt. Thankfully you favor a long skirt and long sleeves. Still, you take a few swats as you descend down; thankfully you don't hit any large branches and risk wrenching something or worse.
>You land on the ground, lowering your arms that you were using to protect your face. Motion toward the east catches your attention; you see the poltergeist charging at you, one hand drawn back, from the east. As the sun is to the west, this puts your shadow between you and she; but there is still a second or two to act before she reaches you or it.
>_
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>Dodge back before she can punch our shadow.
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Actually, if she's going on this sort of offensive, now would be a good time to release that flash.
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Oh, to hell with it.
> As we're moving backwards, close our eyes.
> Release our electrical energy as a blinding flash, using as much power as was mentally noted earlier.
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>Dodge back before she can punch our shadow.
>You leap back! This doesn't buy as much time as you might have hoped, as she continues to close in.
> As we're moving backwards, close our eyes.
> Release our electrical energy as a blinding flash, using as much power as was mentally noted earlier.
>You close your eyes, throw up your hands and release. It is difficult to release precise amounts of power, you don't really have an internal meter for it. But you try your best to keep it roughly within the region you felt before.
>Everything is dark as you close your eyes. Then everything is white and painful! You hear the poltergeist cry out. It hurts to open your eyes; while you had closed them you were also right in front of the flash. You eyes are swimming pretty badly and tearing up, but you can make out the blurry form of the poltergeist in front of you, hunched over and holding her face.
>_
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> Beeline toward the poltergeist through the air.
> When we're within range, punch her in the gut as hard as we can.
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> Beeline toward the poltergeist through the air.
> When we're within range, punch her in the gut as hard as we can.
>You take to the air and fly toward the poltergeist. This, frankly, is not as graceful as you like. It's still hard to see and difficult to force your eyes open.
>Still, you get within range easily enough, and punch her in the gut with as much force as you can manage. There is a loud grunt from the poltergeist, as she falls to her knees, eyes clenched tightly closed as she throws out her hands to catch herself.
>_
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> As best we can muster proper vision without straining ourselves, quickly look around for any sizable rocks that we could still hold in one hand.
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> As best we can muster proper vision without straining ourselves, quickly look around for any sizable rocks that we could still hold in one hand.
>You look around. It hurts, but the hurting is ebbing away a little. The tears still make everything blurry. These and the leaf cover makes it rather difficult to pick out any stones of that nature.
>_
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Nothing for it, then.
> Maneuver ourselves so the poltergeist's head is right in front of us.
> While maneuvering, tightly clasp our hands together in front of us and bring them high above our head, gathering any remaining electrical charge in them.
> Bring our clasped hands down onto the back of her head as hard as we can.
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> Maneuver ourselves so the poltergeist's head is right in front of us.
> While maneuvering, tightly clasp our hands together in front of us and bring them high above our head, gathering any remaining electrical charge in them.
> Bring our clasped hands down onto the back of her head as hard as we can.
>You are already in front of her, so this is not too difficult.
>You clasp your hands together, gather electricity into them, and prepare to clobber her when you feel a sudden sharp pain in your chest.
>"Gotcha," says the poltergeist in a low voice, as a sharp jerk from...somewhere suddenly pulls you off balance.
>_
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> In which direction did we get pulled off balance?
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> In which direction did we get pulled off balance?
>It feels like your feet were jerked forward; rather akin to having a rug pulled out from under you. You are in danger of falling backward or sideways.
>_
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> Try to take flight backwards.
> While trying to take flight, fire off our remaining charge right in front of us, aimed a little bit down.
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> Try to take flight backwards.
> While trying to take flight, fire off our remaining charge right in front of us, aimed a little bit down.
>You try to take flight! It feels like you're being held to the ground and simply cannot get into the air.
>This and the pain in your chest are disconcerting enough to keep you from really focusing on electrical discharges.
>_
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> Look at the poltergeist. What exactly is going on here?
> Kick at the poltergeist's head.
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> Look at the poltergeist. What exactly is going on here?
> Kick at the poltergeist's head.
>She seems to be digging her fingers into your shadow; and the leaves below it, and pulling against it.
>You lift your foot to kick her in the head. Unfortunately, being off balance as you are, the practical effect of this is that you fall backwards and land on your rear unceremoniously.
>_
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> Try to ignore the chest pain. She's the one causing it, and we need to hit her to stop it. We can't end up like Nitori or Kogasa! If she gets our power on top of everything else she's stolen, who knows what she could do to Gensokyo then! What she could do to Tenshi!
> Whip her in the face with our shawl.
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>Do we have enough power in ourselves for make at least a momentary, rather bright flash between us? Not enough to worry about blinding anyone, but enough to possibly switch the bulk of our shadow to behind us for just a moment, from the light it gives off?
>If so, do so, and try to immediately get to our feet and back off in the momentary respite it provides.
-
> Try to ignore the chest pain. She's the one causing it, and we need to hit her to stop it. We can't end up like Nitori or Kogasa! If she gets our power on top of everything else she's stolen, who knows what she could do to Gensokyo then! What she could do to Tenshi!
> Whip her in the face with our shawl.
>You do your best to ignore the pain. Unfortunately, it seems to have little interest in ignoring you. But you fight it.
>You strike her in the face with your shawl; at this distance there isn't much she can do about it except take the hit. She growls, and the pain in your chest redoubles and spreads. You feel a little lightheaded as well.
>Do we have enough power in ourselves for make at least a momentary, rather bright flash between us? Not enough to worry about blinding anyone, but enough to possibly switch the bulk of our shadow to behind us for just a moment, from the light it gives off?
>If so, do so, and try to immediately get to our feet and back off in the momentary respite it provides.
>You aren't sure; but you doubt it would be enough to really overwhelm the sun.
>You try to stand; the pain and lightheadedness make this difficult.
>_
-
> Did we actually succeed at standing, even just to the point of a wobbly half-stand?
> Are we in any condition to declare a spellcard, as long as we don't move around very much?
-
>Did we happen to glance the poltergeist's shadow while we were charging her?
>If so, or if our own isn't covering it wholly at the moment, was it still rock-shaped?
-
>It's P?t
>Apologize profusely
-
> Did we actually succeed at standing, even just to the point of a wobbly half-stand?
> Are we in any condition to declare a spellcard, as long as we don't move around very much?
>You're working on it; the tugging hasn't stopped either, which makes it very hard.
>Maybe. Concentration will be difficult, to say the least.
>Did we happen to glance the poltergeist's shadow while we were charging her?
>If so, or if our own isn't covering it wholly at the moment, was it still rock-shaped?
>Not really; but you think it was more person-shaped.
>It's P?t
>Apologize profusely
>Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out Czech it out
>_
-
>Attempt to declare "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>Tackle/fall on top of the poltergeist, if we manage to get the lightning shield active
-
>Tackle/fall on top of the poltergeist, if we manage to get the lightning shield active
> If we do this but we're not quite up high enough to actually fully fall on top of her, fall forward toward her as much as we can and latch onto her with our hands and arms. Only use one hand and arm if the other hand is required to hold the spellcard while using it, though.
-
>Attempt to declare "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>Tackle/fall on top of the poltergeist, if we manage to get the lightning shield active
> If we do this but we're not quite up high enough to actually fully fall on top of her, fall forward toward her as much as we can and latch onto her with our hands and arms. Only use one hand and arm if the other hand is required to hold the spellcard while using it, though.
>You fight the pain and lightheadedness as well as you can, produce "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds", and declare it.
>It is a struggle to focus enough to let the card work, but you feel the electricity sure around you, even as you feel the pain increase. Distantly, you hear a scream. That's the poltergeist, you think. You think you got her. You aren't really sure what's going on, just that it hurts and that you are having a very difficult time holding the shield in place.
>_
-
>Use every last ounce of will to keep that shield going. Do not let it slip away. This may be all that stands between us and living death, and we swore that we would stop her before she hurt another soul. Keep it going. Force her to stop.
-
> Hold it together, Iku! You're done for if you don't! Take her out! Save yourself! Save Gensokyo! Save Tenshi! Remember that Tenshi will be on her way back if you don't turn up! And surely she saw that flash! She can't run into this girl after your power has been stolen! Tenshi won't be a match for her at all! She'll be doomed to the same fate! You can't let that happen, Iku! For Tenshi's sake, hold the fuck on!
> Can we see anything?
-
>Use every last ounce of will to keep that shield going. Do not let it slip away. This may be all that stands between us and living death, and we swore that we would stop her before she hurt another soul. Keep it going. Force her to stop.
> Hold it together, Iku! You're done for if you don't! Take her out! Save yourself! Save Gensokyo! Save Tenshi! Remember that Tenshi will be on her way back if you don't turn up! And surely she saw that flash! She can't run into this girl after your power has been stolen! Tenshi won't be a match for her at all! She'll be doomed to the same fate! You can't let that happen, Iku! For Tenshi's sake, hold the fuck on!
> Can we see anything?
>You try to keep in mind why it's so important to keep this going. You can't stop now...
>You really can't see much over the pain and the dizziness and the glow. This card takes a lot of focus to begin with, and you really don't feel at your best at the moment.
>You feel the electricity ebb away. You'll need a moment of focus to recharge it, you're not sure if you have it in you right now.
>_
-
>Given that the glow has died down, take a very quick moment to try and access the situation
>Or, if we still can't really see, can we at least feel how much of a struggle the poltergeist is putting up, beneath us?
-
>Given that the glow has died down, take a very quick moment to try and access the situation
>Or, if we still can't really see, can we at least feel how much of a struggle the poltergeist is putting up, beneath us?
>You look around. It seems you've fallen over. And you are sore everywhere.
>You see the poltergeist is some distance away; getting to her feet. She doesn't seem to be doing too well.
-
> Can we get to our feet?
> Can we see her shadow?
> Can we see ours?
-
>Do our thoughts feel at least a little less cloudy and distant at the moment?
>Where is our shadow, compared to hers?
>Try to drag ourself to our feet
-
>Do our thoughts feel at least a little less cloudy and distant at the moment?
>Where is our shadow, compared to hers?
>Try to drag ourself to our feet
>You're dizzy and sore, and having to put a lot of effort into keeping this spellcard going. You aren't sure where you or her shadow is, but you really don't feel like trying to stand with all the effort you're having to put into things already.
>_
-
>Is is possible to temporarily drop the recharging of the shield, and resume it again later, without ending and consuming the spellcard entirely?
-
> Is she getting to her feet under her own power, or using something to balance herself?
-
>Is is possible to temporarily drop the recharging of the shield, and resume it again later, without ending and consuming the spellcard entirely?
>You can cancel and resume the spellcard, though it loses some of its overall duration from this.
> Is she getting to her feet under her own power, or using something to balance herself?
>She seems to be using a nearby tree to aid herself.
>_
-
>Cancel the card
>Try to fling a bolt of lightning danmaku at the poltergeist, while still on the ground
>If it hits her and appears to hurt her, try another
>If not, try to drag outself to our feet. Use a nearby tree to prop ourselves up, if there is one
-
> #pray
> Do we hear anyone else in the vicinity?
Suggestion: Maybe getting someone's attention by using 22B calling down a localized lightning bolt would be a strategy to use. However, we may not have the strength for it, and it might attract Marisa of all people (assuming she's even here).
-
rdj: I'm currently thinking the giant flash would have alerted anyone in the vicinity to our location, so if people are coming, I expect they're already on their way.
In fact, I'm 75% hoping Tenshi saw it and realized what it was.
-
Ah, that's true. A bright flash of light would be more noticeable than a single bolt.
Just trying to be helpful, since I haven't done much else this game.
-
Nah, that's fine. Ideas are good.
And far be it from me to accuse someone else of being unhelpful, given what has gone down in the last 500 posts or so. >_>
-
>Cancel the card
>Try to fling a bolt of lightning danmaku at the poltergeist, while still on the ground
>If it hits her and appears to hurt her, try another
>If not, try to drag outself to our feet. Use a nearby tree to prop ourselves up, if there is one
>You cancel the card, and finally get back to the business of not trying to ignore the fact that your chest aches and your head is swimming. Sometimes, it may be best to just give in.
>You try to fling some danmaku. To be honest, it's neither beautiful nor effective, missing her by a wide margin. You need a moment to regather yourself.
>You try to stand. It works better than before, but you still feel shaky as you get to your feet.
> #pray
> Do we hear anyone else in the vicinity?
>The Dragon crowned you Dance Empress ages ago.
>You don't think so.
>_
-
> No, damnit, don't give in! This isn't just about us, this is about Tenshi! And she wouldn't just give in over something like this! She'd fight until she was dead if she had to! We owe her the same!
> Can we visually check our shadow and her shadow now?
-
>Take a moment to try and collect ourselves
>Sadly, going to have to keep ignoring the pain and dizziness for a little bit more, yet...
>Assess current shadow positions / shapes
-
> But our HP is low! We need healing!
> What is the range on "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes"?
-
> No, damnit, don't give in! This isn't just about us, this is about Tenshi! And she wouldn't just give in over something like this! She'd fight until she was dead if she had to! We owe her the same!
> Can we visually check our shadow and her shadow now?
>Take a moment to try and collect ourselves
>Sadly, going to have to keep ignoring the pain and dizziness for a little bit more, yet...
>Assess current shadow positions / shapes
>You try not to let yourself be overwhelmed; it's certainly easier when you're not having to hold a spellcard together. You think you should be able to function normally for awhile. The pain is ebbing a bit, without the poltergeist actively tearing into your shadow.
>The poltergeist is ahead of you, and your shadow is falling to your right. Her own shadow is human-like, but it seems to be short-haired and wearing a skirt.
> But our HP is low! We need healing!
> What is the range on "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes"?
>You've got a lot more timing out to do, humboi.
>About the same as your normal danmaku.
>_
-
> What else is noteworthy about the hair?
> Are there any accessories visible in the shadow, like an umbrella?
We may be dealing with Kogasa here, or possibly another victim we haven't met yet. I don't think it's Nitori, unless twintails are added in the next description.
-
>Scan for a nearby tree was can use for shadow cover, and move towards it
>Launch another bolt of danmaku lightning at her while we shift
We may be dealing with Kogasa here, or possibly another victim we haven't met yet. I don't think it's Nitori, unless twintails are added in the next description.
Yeah, it does seem like it might be Kogasa. I'm not sure that this would give her any abilities of note, of course. I'm mildly concerned that, if that's an actual piece of Kogasa, that hurting the poltergeist might also hurt her. But I don't think there's much we can do about that bit at the moment, in either case.
-
> What else is noteworthy about the hair?
> Are there any accessories visible in the shadow, like an umbrella?
>It is short, and there seems to be a folded umbrella, now that you look closer.
>Scan for a nearby tree was can use for shadow cover, and move towards it
>Launch another bolt of danmaku lightning at her while we shift
>You look around and find a tree that should keep your shadow safe; you think you might have used it before, in fact.
>Drawing back toward it, you send more lightning at her. She pushes herself from the tree as you start the motion to send it, and it just catches her arm, rather than catching her full like you were trying to do.
>_
-
>Did the bolt seem to actually affect her, though?
>If so, follow up with another one
-
>Did the bolt seem to actually affect her, though?
>If so, follow up with another one
>She certainly didn't seem to enjoy it, though she didn't cry out.
>You follow up with another bolt; she seems to anticipate this one better, and moves from it. "You're just wearing...yourself out now," she says between deep breathes.
>_
-
>"You say that as though you were so worn out, yourself."
>Do we think we have enough focus for a different spellcard?
-
>"You say that as though you were so worn out, yourself."
>Do we think we have enough focus for a different spellcard?
>"I'm not," she says.
>You think so, now that you aren't under so much duress.
>_
-
>Both Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds" and Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot" immobilize us while active, correct?
>Do they provide any defensive benefits while active?
>How quickly can we pause them to move, if needbe?
-
>Both Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds" and Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot" immobilize us while active, correct?
>Do they provide any defensive benefits while active?
>How quickly can we pause them to move, if needbe?
>Yes, and the defensive benefits come from the offense making you difficult to reach and forcing the unwary into the defensive.
>You can cancel them, but it takes a moment. In a danmaku battle, it is too long to allow for effective dodging.
>_
-
>But they do nothing to absorb, deflect, or otherwise subdue the impact of danmaku fired through our offense?
-
Just for clarification,
>Is she holding the umbrella in her shadow, or is it floating?
>If holding, do her hands seem to be grasped around an invisible object?
-
>But they do nothing to absorb, deflect, or otherwise subdue the impact of danmaku fired through our offense?
>No, they work by forcing the opponent to move and wall her in.
Just for clarification,
>Is she holding the umbrella in her shadow, or is it floating?
>If holding, do her hands seem to be grasped around an invisible object?
>The shadow holds and umbrella, but the Poltergeist does not seem to be miming this.
>_
-
>"You cannot claim you're not injured, as well. It's obvious to look at you."
>Declare Light Orb: "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes" and launch it towards the poltergeist
-
> Grin.
> "You're worn out enough for my friends, anyway."
-
>"You cannot claim you're not injured, as well. It's obvious to look at you."
>Declare Light Orb: "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes" and launch it towards the poltergeist
> Grin.
> "You're worn out enough for my friends, anyway."
>"I'll deal with them, you've shown me enough to figure them out, too," she says. "But you've not figured it out yourself, have you?"
>You declare your spellcard, and send a large, through somewhat slow-moving bolt of serpentine lightning toward her. The Poltergeist doesn't move, watching it twist and flip in the air, as you ready another one.
>_
>_
-
> Can we build a charge while using a spellcard, or is all our built energy directed into it?
-
> Can we build a charge while using a spellcard, or is all our built energy directed into it?
>It is being expending into the card.
>_
-
>"If you think their capabilities are like my own, I believe you'll be sadly mistaken."
>"And what exactly is it that you're so sure I haven't figured out, hmm?"
-
>"If you think their capabilities are like my own, I believe you'll be sadly mistaken."
>"And what exactly is it that you're so sure I haven't figured out, hmm?"
>"You'll see soon enough," she says. "It's already too late for you."
>The bolt of lightning twists and wends through the arm; the poltergeist ducks under it, but is unable to evade when it comes around and catches her in the shoulder before moving on.
>Will you keep up the attack, or has conversing become more interesting?
-
>Did the impact seem to phase her at all?
-
>Did the impact seem to phase her at all?
>She certainly gritted her teeth to keep from screaming out.
>_
-
>Fair enough; keep up the assault
>"As long as I have a single ounce of will in my being, it is not too late. I refuse to let it be too late. I have a responsibility to the others; I will not let anyone else be harmed!"
>Quickly glance at nearby shadows. Does hers seem to be doing anything further unusual, other than resembling Kogasa's? What about our own? Or the shadows of the trees and other things around us?
-
>Fair enough; keep up the assault
>"As long as I have a single ounce of will in my being, it is not too late. I refuse to let it be too late. I have a responsibility to the others; I will not let anyone else be harmed!"
>Quickly glance at nearby shadows. Does hers seem to be doing anything further unusual, other than resembling Kogasa's? What about our own? Or the shadows of the trees and other things around us?
>You send out another bolt of lightning.
>"Maybe if you really had run," she says.
>You glance around. Kogasa's shadow seems to be fine; as does your own. When you look around to the others in the area you are pretty sure they are fine. But. the ground looks a bit darker than it ought to in places, like there are little patches that are just slightly darker than the rest.
>_
-
>Do these patches seem to be growing or spreading?
>Are we near to standing in any of them?
>Glance up. Anything out of place up there?
-
>Do these patches seem to be growing or spreading?
>Are we near to standing in any of them?
>Glance up. Anything out of place up there?
>Growing, spreading, and darkening. Some of them are near you.
>You look up, and nothing seems to be amiss there.
>_
-
>So, if they are shadows, we can't see anything that would be casting them?
>About how much ground coverage do they have?
>At present rate of expansion, about how long would it be before one touches us? Or our shadow?
-
>So, if they are shadows, we can't see anything that would be casting them?
>About how much ground coverage do they have?
>At present rate of expansion, about how long would it be before one touches us? Or our shadow?
>You do not see anything above that would be casting them.
>You'd estimate about 20% or so, it seems to be increasing.
>Not very long, you imagine.
>_
-
>Do there appear to be any areas of ground that are blackness-free, at the moment? Without any growing patches nearby to encroach upon it shortly?
>Can we spare a moment's concentration from our spell card to fire a couple basic danmaku at one of the spots near to us? Even if this pauses the spellcard for a moment? If so, do so.
>"Why do you want to do this to us? What could we possibly know that would be so dangerous, if we ourselves don't know what it is? My offer to help you back then would have been genuine."
-
>Do there appear to be any areas of ground that are blackness-free, at the moment? Without any growing patches nearby to encroach upon it shortly?
>Can we spare a moment's concentration from our spell card to fire a couple basic danmaku at one of the spots near to us? Even if this pauses the spellcard for a moment? If so, do so.
>"Why do you want to do this to us? What could we possibly know that would be so dangerous, if we ourselves don't know what it is? My offer to help you back then would have been genuine."
>There are a couple, but you don't think they're remain that way, new spots seem to be appearing here and there.
>You would have to cancel the card, then restart it. This would hurt its duration significantly.
>"It's like talking to a different person now," she says, giving that unpleasant grin again. "Where's all that bluster from before?"
>_
-
>"I meant what I said. I am not prepared to submit, and I am not begging for mercy. I just don't understand why you seem to take joy in bringing such suffering to others. Why you would choose this path, when others could have been open to you."
>Is the trunk or external roots of the tree we're next to large enough that we could keep both ourself and our shadow away from the ground entirely if we hugged it?
>If not, are there other trees nearby large enough to fulfill that function?
>If so, could we reach any of them without flying over these dark patches?
-
>"I meant what I said. I am not prepared to submit, and I am not begging for mercy. I just don't understand why you seem to take joy in bringing such suffering to others. Why you would choose this path, when others could have been open to you."
>Is the trunk or external roots of the tree we're next to large enough that we could keep both ourself and our shadow away from the ground entirely if we hugged it?
>If not, are there other trees nearby large enough to fulfill that function?
>If so, could we reach any of them without flying over these dark patches?
>"It sounds like you're starting to realize just how bad of a situation you're actually in," she says.
>If you flew and kept close to the tree you are near, you think you and your shadow would stay off the ground.
>_
-
>If you flew and kept close to the tree you are near, you think you and your shadow would stay off the ground.
>Then do so
>"Perhaps. But it matters not. My question stands, regardless of what happens to either of us here."
-
>Then do so
>"Perhaps. But it matters not. My question stands, regardless of what happens to either of us here."
>"You think I'll tell you," says the poltergeist, "after you boasted about these friends of yours? You already know too much, I don't need you doing something to tell them more than you already have."
>Much of the ground is now covered with these patches, some having merged to create large fields of shadow.
>_
-
>Inventory
>Did we cancel the spellcard?
-
>We are still firing with our spellcard, correct?
>"And is it such a dire secret to say why you would have chosen this path? Do their lives mean nothing to you?"
-
>Inventory
>Did we cancel the spellcard?
>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" (Partially expended)
>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" (In use)
>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.
>1☼
>This is 1☼
>Gnawed Mushroom Stalk
>The remains of a tsuchinoko's dinner.
>Jail Key
>The key to the tengu jail.
>Aya's Primary Camera
>She'll be very angry if you break this.
>2 Pictures of Shadowless Tree
>Taken in the Forest of Magic.
>No you have not, but you've not been firing, either.
>We are still firing with our spellcard, correct?
>"And is it such a dire secret to say why you would have chosen this path? Do their lives mean nothing to you?"
>No, you've been too busy looking around, flying up a tree, and talking.
>"You really think I'm going to say something different if you ask again?" says the Poltergeist.
>_
-
>"There is always hope."
>Keep firing
-
>"There is always hope."
>Keep firing
>"Perhaps so, but none for you."
>You send out another bolt of lighting, then another. The poltergeist has to duck away from the first one; then finds herself in a bad position to deal with the second.
>_
-
>"We forge our own hope. Your words cannot change that."
>Keep firing
>Has the poltergeist seemed to be doing anything during this, other than attempting to dodge our attacks?
>How does her physical condition look?
>Is Kogasa's shadow still visible? Or is that subsumed in the other blackness?
-
>"We forge our own hope. Your words cannot change that."
>Keep firing
>Has the poltergeist seemed to be doing anything during this, other than attempting to dodge our attacks?
>How does her physical condition look?
>Is Kogasa's shadow still visible? Or is that subsumed in the other blackness?
>She doesn't reply, as she tries to snake around the next lightning bolt, and clips its it. You send out another one. Sadly, you won't be able to get the full effectiveness out of this card simply staying in one position.
>Your prior spellcard has singled her quite a bit, but she seems to have a fair amount of energy left in her yet. But you've certainly had some effect.
>When it is not in a blot of other shadow, you can still see Kogasa's shadow. However, there is not much unshaded ground left anymore.
>_
-
>If we have another bolt ready to release, do so
>Afterwards, or otherwise, cancel the spellcard
>Toss a couple danmaku at a shadow patch
>If there is no obvious unusual result from this, declare Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
-
>If we have another bolt ready to release, do so
>Afterwards, or otherwise, cancel the spellcard
>Toss a couple danmaku at a shadow patch
>If there is no obvious unusual result from this, declare Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
>You send out one more bolt and cancel the spellcard. The causes the recently tossed bolt to fizzle out before it can do anything.
>You toss some danmaku at a patch of shadow, and it has about the effect that you would expect.
>You declare: Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds" The spellcard lifts you into the air; keeping you next to your tree thankfully. You feel the electricity in the air, it is as though you were in the middle of a lively thundercloud. Lighting in yours to direct in a number of crisscrossing patterns, the trick is to predict what your target is going to do, as the lightning takes a moment to strike.
>Right now, the Poltergeist is recovering for her last dodging attempt, staying mostly still.
>_
-
>What are the current terrain obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the poltergeist?
>How much control and precision do we have over the location and angle of these patterns?
>About how much area can we theoretically cover in each burst?
-
>What are the current terrain obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the poltergeist?
>How much control and precision do we have over the location and angle of these patterns?
>About how much area can we theoretically cover in each burst?
>She's in the open right now.
>A fair amount. It's not perfect, but you can aim the parts you focus on to some degree.
>You will cover pretty much everything within danmaku range.
>_
-
>Can we spread it so the bolts are primarily horizontal, forming an sort of irregular grid spread over the ground at a little below hip height? Too low to duck safely under, while too high high to jump over, unless someone actually went airborne?
-
>Can we spread it so the bolts are primarily horizontal, forming an sort of irregular grid spread over the ground at a little below hip height? Too low to duck safely under, while too high high to jump over, unless someone actually went airborne?
>you can try to get some of them at hip height like that, at least, but not the majority.
>_
-
>As best we can, shape the pattern to the following specifications: focus on the region closer to the ground, with primarily horizontal bolts for better coverage of this. Until she demonstrates an ability and willingness to fly, worry less about aerial coverage. Density greatest in the poltergeist's immediate vicinity, with ideally at least one bolt directly through her current position, and another cutting across whatever direction she seems to be moving in at the time
>Fire!
-
Oh God you two actually made me play SWR to remind myself how this card works. I hate both of you. >_>
-
To be fair, I had to go look at some screenshots to remember what the non-Ancanthodii cards were. I only remember that one in particular because for the longest time, my runs would take a nosedive there because I didn't know that I could super-jump and then fly over Iku as she approached, and instead just tried to graze it. >_>
> Do we hear anyone coming now?
-
Are you not supposed to graze it? That's how I cleared it.
Then again, I only ever played it on Normal. I guess it must last longer on Lunatic.
-
I'm a Normal mode player, too, so...
Just tried it on Hard, and grazing seemed to work. Maybe I just misjudged my safe distance when I tried it before.
-
>As best we can, shape the pattern to the following specifications: focus on the region closer to the ground, with primarily horizontal bolts for better coverage of this. Until she demonstrates an ability and willingness to fly, worry less about aerial coverage. Density greatest in the poltergeist's immediate vicinity, with ideally at least one bolt directly through her current position, and another cutting across whatever direction she seems to be moving in at the time
>Fire!
>You send the lightning racing along the ground. The poltergeist is already watching you warily, and cries out when the lines proceeding the lightning fill the air. Then the electricity follows, filling the whole area with arcs of blue light. She is unable to move in time, and the blast sends her to the ground. Quickly, she gets back to her feet, having ended up close to a couple trees.
> Do we hear anyone coming now?
>You do not.
>_
-
> How badly are we still aching?
> Set up another attack in the same vein as the first, but aim adjusted for the poltergeist's new position. In addition, take a bolt previously used to help cage her in and aim it so it follows a path behind the two trees she is closest to, so as to prevent her from escaping by hiding behind them. Don't use a bolt that would give her an easy way out of her current position to do this, though, and don't use any bolts aimed directly at her.
> Can we prepare our shawl for drill use at all, or is too much energy and concentration required for the card?
-
> How badly are we still aching?
> Set up another attack in the same vein as the first, but aim adjusted for the poltergeist's new position. In addition, take a bolt previously used to help cage her in and aim it so it follows a path behind the two trees she is closest to, so as to prevent her from escaping by hiding behind them. Don't use a bolt that would give her an easy way out of her current position to do this, though, and don't use any bolts aimed directly at her.
>Fairly badly, but you're reasonably sure this is residual aching rather than new damage.
>You set up a similar attack to the first. She doesn't waste time gawking this time, and moves away from the trees. As the lightning flashes, she stands safely, if a bit snugly, between two of the bolts.
>_
-
> Can we prepare our shawl for drill use at all, or is too much energy and concentration required for the card?
> How long are these lines? Could we conceivably get one to pass through us while still taking part in hemming her in?
> If we struck ourselves with a bolt, would it simply hurt us, or could we absorb the electricity back into ourselves for later use?
> Set up another attack like the first. In particular, try to create a small, crude triangle of lines to surround her current position, giving her somewhere between one and two feet from her current position before she'd run into a bolt. In addition to that, fire a bolt straight through her current position, and at least one more through the triangle elsewhere. The remaining bolts should be used to cover the area outside the triangle as best as possible.
> While still concentrating our vision on her, what does the ground look like out of the bottom of our eyes?
> While still concentrating our vision on her, can we see the tree we're next to with our peripheral vision?
-
> Can we prepare our shawl for drill use at all, or is too much energy and concentration required for the card?
> How long are these lines? Could we conceivably get one to pass through us while still taking part in hemming her in?
> If we struck ourselves with a bolt, would it simply hurt us, or could we absorb the electricity back into ourselves for later use?
> Set up another attack like the first. In particular, try to create a small, crude triangle of lines to surround her current position, giving her somewhere between one and two feet from her current position before she'd run into a bolt. In addition to that, fire a bolt straight through her current position, and at least one more through the triangle elsewhere. The remaining bolts should be used to cover the area outside the triangle as best as possible.
> While still concentrating our vision on her, what does the ground look like out of the bottom of our eyes?
> While still concentrating our vision on her, can we see the tree we're next to with our peripheral vision?
>You cannot take other physical actions while using this card.
>They can and do pass through you, and do nothing to you either way.
>The ground, as far as you can see, is pretty much entirely covered now.
>You can see the tree is still there, but you don't have a really good awareness of any specifics of it without looking at directly.
>You try to set up a slightly different pattern. She moves away from the bolt going through her current position, but isn't fast enough to evade the rest, shocking her once again.
>_
-
> Are our hands in front of us while we use this spellcard, like they were when we used our giant flash earlier?
> If not, can we move our hands to that position without disrupting the spellcard? Pure curiosity question: Do not actually do this yet.
> Do we have to be directly looking at an area to fire off the line bolts, or could we visualize a certain pattern we want to use, close our eyes, and then fire it off from memory?
-
> Are our hands in front of us while we use this spellcard, like they were when we used our giant flash earlier?
> If not, can we move our hands to that position without disrupting the spellcard? Pure curiosity question: Do not actually do this yet.
> Do we have to be directly looking at an area to fire off the line bolts, or could we visualize a certain pattern we want to use, close our eyes, and then fire it off from memory?
>They are not in that position, but you could do this.
>You can just visualize a pattern, but it helps to actually be watching your target if you want it to hit.
>_
-
>Can we unleash some some electric danmaku in a circle-like pattern while doing this card?
Just a question, but it might help, Iku did something similar/equal to this on my most recent run of Reimu's Story mode. And it was a pain to dodge.
-
>Can we unleash some some electric danmaku in a circle-like pattern while doing this card?
>You can, it just takes a few attacks to charge up. Certainly this wasn't left out of the database due to Iku usually not lasting very long when the parser fought her =I
>You have charged it up now.
>_
-
> We haven't been charging that up, have we?
-
> We haven't been charging that up, have we?
>It charges itself. You may employ it when ready.
>_
-
> Whoops, missed the edit, sorry.
> Set up another attack of the same general ilk as the previous attacks, compensated for her new position, using the same triangle strategy as last time. This time, however, try to invert the triangle in comparison to how it was set up last time. In addition, fire off the circular pattern electric orbs, now that the charge there is ready.
> Take note of how she reacts if she gets hit.
-
> Whoops, missed the edit, sorry.
> Set up another attack of the same general ilk as the previous attacks, compensated for her new position, using the same triangle strategy as last time. This time, however, try to invert the triangle in comparison to how it was set up last time. In addition, fire off the circular pattern electric orbs, now that the charge there is ready.
> Take note of how she reacts if she gets hit.
>Welcome to my world!!!
>You change up the pattern slightly, inverting the triangle. The lightning flashes; and the Poltergeist ducks. The lightning flies over her harmlessly. However, she did anticipate the orbs. She tries to roll aside, but it catches her in the side.
>The poltergeist's reaction is about what you would expect. She's doing her best not to cry out, but you can see the last few attacks have taken their toll. You doubt she can take another, unless she has some secret she's been hiding.
>_
-
> Change the triangle pattern back to the original triangle shape and fire again. This time, though, use the bolt that was passing through the triangle to cut off means of escape instead of hit her to come down on her from above, angling in on her from behind. This is aimed at her in addition to the one that's cutting across horizontally and aimed right at her.
-
>Also, if possible, vary the height of the other bolts to different levels, some lower to the ground than previously, such that ducking is not a guaranteed safe action
>Spare another quick glance to the ground shadows around us. Any change?
-
Ducking was the point of the coming in at her from above and behind. I'm actually hoping she ducks again, because she'll get fried if she does.
-
> Change the triangle pattern back to the original triangle shape and fire again. This time, though, use the bolt that was passing through the triangle to cut off means of escape instead of hit her to come down on her from above, angling in on her from behind. This is aimed at her in addition to the one that's cutting across horizontally and aimed right at her.
>Also, if possible, vary the height of the other bolts to different levels, some lower to the ground than previously, such that ducking is not a guaranteed safe action
>Spare another quick glance to the ground shadows around us. Any change?
>The ground below you is completely covered.
>You invert the triangle pattern, vary some of the heights of the lightning bolts, and move one to strike from above and behind. As the pattern forms, while the poltergeist stands, she quickly notices one of the lines going through her and moves. She dodges it and mush of the triangle easily and moves past several other bolts, but does not notice one lurking around near foot level. It catches her, and she tumbles to the ground with a strained squawk.
>_
>
-
> Is she facing up or down?
-
> Is she facing up or down?
>She is face down, and doesn't seem to be correcting it.
>_
-
>Create another web, with several bolts aimed directly vertically through different parts of her form. Keep the rest primarily horizontal and relatively low to the ground, with staggered heights
>Fire!
-
>Create another web, with several bolts aimed directly vertically through different parts of her form. Keep the rest primarily horizontal and relatively low to the ground, with staggered heights
>Fire!
>This works exactly as intended. She jerks a little, but nothing else.
>_
-
>Is the ground still covered in shadow?
-
> Look around the area. Has shadow covered all of the ground we can see? (Do not move our head so its shadow stops casting on the tree, however.)
> Has shadow crept up any trees or bushes? Make particular note of the tree against which our shadow lies.
-
>Is the ground still covered in shadow?
> Look around the area. Has shadow covered all of the ground we can see? (Do not move our head so its shadow stops casting on the tree, however.)
> Has shadow crept up any trees or bushes? Make particular note of the tree against which we stand.
>Yes, in all cases. It looks as though you were standing under some large thing.
>_
-
> So our shadow has actually been completely enveloped by the large shadow spread as it went up the tree?
> Do we feel odd at all?
-
>Glance up. There really IS nothing above us we can see, correct?
-
> So our shadow has actually been completely enveloped by the large shadow spread as it went up the tree?
> Do we feel odd at all?
>Yes.
>No more than you did beforehand.
>Glance up. There really IS nothing above us we can see, correct?
>You see no sign of anything unusual above you.
>_
-
> Look back at the poltergeist.
-
> Look back at the poltergeist.
>She has not moved.
>_
-
> Small fist pump in celebration of how great we are.
> No smiling, though. This was serious business.
-
> Small fist pump in celebration of how great we are.
> No smiling, though. This was serious business.
>You allow yourself a small celebration. You have the feeling things were very much on the razor's edge.
>_
-
> Exhale.
> Cancel our spellcard, but resume normal charging.
> How durable is our shawl?
-
> Exhale.
> Cancel our spellcard, but resume normal charging.
> How durable is our shawl?
>You exhale and cancel your spellcard. You do build up a charge, just in case.
>It's durable enough that Youmu couldn't just slash it in two whenever she pleased. But if she got it in a bad position, she most certainly could. You shouldn't have to worry about it outside of an atypical situation. Piercing style attacks would probably be the most dangerous things, as far as physical damage goes. That and fire.
>_
-
> Since we can't actually see our shadow anymore, make a mental note in what direction it lies, given where the tree were were up against is.
> Keep building charge.
> Make our way over to the downed poltergeist, keeping where our shadow should be away from her body. If we make it all the way to her without incident, stand next to her and face her such that our shadow would be behind us, out of her reach.
-
> Since we can't actually see our shadow anymore, make a mental note in what direction it lies, given where the tree were were up against is.
> Keep building charge.
> Make our way over to the downed poltergeist, keeping where our shadow should be away from her body. If we make it all the way to her without incident, stand next to her and face her such that our shadow would be behind us, out of her reach.
>The sun is to the west, it shouldn't be too hard to remember where your shadow is falling.
>You float toward the poltergeist. Nothing unusual happens. You are behind her now, with yourself between her and your shadow.
>_
-
Should we pull out the camera and prepare it, for whatever reason?
-
No (or at least not yet), but you're thinking along good lines. I actually have a plan for that camera, should nastiness arise later in our efforts to get things back to normal.
> Flip the poltergeist over onto her back.
-
> Flip the poltergeist over onto her back.
>You flip her onto her back. She does not resist.
>_
-
> How does her face look?
> How is her breathing?
> How heavy was she?
-
>What is her shadow currently if she has one?
-
> How does her face look?
> How is her breathing?
> How heavy was she?
>Her face is rather dirty after going face-first into those leaves. It's also a bit on the thin side; if she were a normal person, you'd think she hadn't been eating enough. You don't get the feeling she is resting peacefully from her expression, this is not tremendously surprising.
>She isn't breathing. This is normal for a poltergeist, you think.
>Not very heavy at all. You probably could have flipped her over with one hand.
>What is her shadow currently if she has one?
>You don't know; the shadowiness covering the land masks it.
>_
-
> Take our shawl, her arms and legs and hogtie her.
-
> Take our shawl, her arms and legs and hogtie her.
>Your shawl is thick, and doesn't really make an effective binding in this sense. But for now it will do. You hogtie the poltergeist as well as you can.
>_
-
> Are we still charging? Keep charging.
> Take out Aya's camera and turn it on. Take a picture of the surrounding area, but try to get the sky into the shot - we want a good mix of the incredibly shadowy immediate land and the normality of the sky.
-
> Are we still charging? Keep charging.
> Take out Aya's camera and turn it on. Take a picture of the surrounding area, but try to get the sky into the shot - we want a good mix of the incredibly shadowy immediate land and the normality of the sky.
>You are; but it's going to be difficult to hold it for long.
>You take out Aya's camera; line up a good shot, and take a picture.
>You Obtain: Picture of Sky and Shadowed Land
>_
-
> Will our charge dissipate over time if unused or simply cease to exist?
> Turn Aya's camera off and put it and the picture back into our purse.
> Do we recall in which compass direction Yukari's house is?
> Do we recall any part of this immediate area where we could ascend and crest the canopy of trees without crashing into too many branches?
-
>Before we put the camera away, take a picture of the poltergeist
-
>Before we put the camera away, take a picture of the poltergeist
> Oh, yes, do this
> Don't make it a pantyshot, though
-
> Will our charge dissipate over time if unused or simply cease to exist?
> Turn Aya's camera off and put it and the picture back into our purse.
> Do we recall in which compass direction Yukari's house is?
> Do we recall any part of this immediate area where we could ascend and crest the canopy of trees without crashing into too many branches?
>Before we put the camera away, take a picture of the poltergeist
>The charge will dissipate over a short time.
>You take a picture of the poltergeist. A panty shot would be hard at this time; she seems to be wearing trousers.
>You obtain: Picture of Unconscious Poltergeist
>The Yakumo household should be roughly Northeast of here.
>You could probably get into the air safely here, as long as you take a little time and care.
>_
-
>Put the camera away
>Stoop down and carefully pick up the poltergeist in our arms
>Ascend through the canopy, and fly towards Yukari's
>If it is at all possible to hold the poltergeist such that the shadow we cast across her from the sun behind us is not near her bound hands, do so
-
> While flying, periodically check the poltergeist visually for signs of stirring or further malicious intent
> In addition, periodically keep charging, so as to maintain a decent charge level in case something does happen
-
>Put the camera away
>Stoop down and carefully pick up the poltergeist in our arms
>Ascend through the canopy, and fly towards Yukari's
>If it is at all possible to hold the poltergeist such that the shadow we cast across her from the sun behind us is not near her bound hands, do so
>You put the camera away and pick up the poltergeist. She is not heavy at all, you could probably heft her over your shoulder no problem.
>You take to the air. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent your shadow from falling over her, flying eastward as you are.
>You notice that there is a large shadowed area below you, moving along with you as you fly along.
>_
-
>Try moving the poltergeist from one side of us to the other, for a moment. Does the shadow seem to be following her, or us?
-
> While flying, periodically check the poltergeist visually for signs of stirring or further malicious intent
> In addition, periodically keep charging, so as to maintain a decent charge level in case something does happen
-
>Try moving the poltergeist from one side of us to the other, for a moment. Does the shadow seem to be following her, or us?
>The area is too large to tell.
> While flying, periodically check the poltergeist visually for signs of stirring or further malicious intent
> In addition, periodically keep charging, so as to maintain a decent charge level in case something does happen
>Being unconscious is about as far from malicious as one can get.
>You try to keep a charge going. It's a little wearying after awhile.
>_
-
>Let go of the charge
>Keep flying
-
>Let go of the charge
> Don't let it go *entirely*, just stop trying to keep it going, and let what we already have die away on its own if it goes unused
> Unless having it at all is what's tiring, in which case, yes, drop it entirely
-
>Let go of the charge
>Keep flying
> Don't let it go *entirely*, just stop trying to keep it going, and let what we already have die away on its own if it goes unused
> Unless having it at all is what's tiring, in which case, yes, drop it entirely
>You stop holding it, and it quickly ebbs away.
>Soon enough, you leave the Forest of Magic behind, and after some course correction, fly toward the Yakumo Household. You can see it in the distance now.
>_
-
> Check in on our shadowy friend again, to see if she's stirring yet or not
> Head on over to the Yakumo house
-
>There's no one else we can see along the skyline, is there?
>Still no signs of stirring from the poltergeist?
>Assuming not, keep moving forward
-
>There's no one else we can see along the skyline, is there?
>Still no signs of stirring from the poltergeist?
>Assuming not, keep moving forward
> Check in on our shadowy friend again, to see if she's stirring yet or not
> Head on over to the Yakumo house
>As of yet, the poltergeist has not stirred. You did make a point of zapping her after she was down.
>The skyline seems clear at the moment.
>You approach the Yakumo Household. Rather as expected, you see Yukari is still relaxing in the grass, having shifted over to the western side of the house. "Nagae," she says as you approach. "I had exactly one thing I expected out of the day. Do you remember what it was?"
>_
-
> "Forgive me for intruding so rudely, but assuming it is not one of sunshine, peace and quiet, or that package delivery, I will need my memory refreshed. The last fifteen minutes or so have not been the greatest time of my life by any stretch, and I'm rather shot at the moment."
-
> "Forgive me for intruding so rudely, but assuming it is not one of sunshine, peace and quiet, or that package delivery, I will need my memory refreshed. The last fifteen minutes or so have not been the greatest time of my life by any stretch, and I'm rather shot at the moment."
>"For being rather shot, you remembered it quickly," says Yukari. "Now, why have you seen it fit to deny me the sun in a rare moment when I am actually in the mood for it? I assume that poltergeist you're carrying has something to do with it?"
>_
-
>"Yes. She's the one who's been stealing others' shadows. Kogasa was attacked less than an hour ago, as well, as has been similarly damaged. She nearly managed to steal my own, I believe; an extremely unpleasant experience, to say the very least."
>"She seems able to manifest the shadows that she's stolen. She assumed Kogasa's shadow a little while earlier. I would not be surprised if this shadow belongs to Bhava-Agra. I am sorry for darkening your day with it, but I have no way to alter that, myself."
>"She is extremely dangerous, capable of inflicting pain and exerting control over things through physical contact with anothers' shadow. I don't know what other capabilities she possesses."
-
>"Yes. She's the one who's been stealing others' shadows. Kogasa was attacked less than an hour ago, as well, as has been similarly damaged. She nearly managed to steal my own, I believe; an extremely unpleasant experience, to say the very least."
>"She seems able to manifest the shadows that she's stolen. She assumed Kogasa's shadow a little while earlier. I would not be surprised if this shadow belongs to Bhava-Agra. I am sorry for darkening your day with it, but I have no way to alter that, myself."
>"She is extremely dangerous, capable of inflicting pain and exerting control over things through physical contact with anothers' shadow. I don't know what other capabilities she possesses."
>"Ah, I see," says Yukari.
>_
-
>"I know little about why she tried to do this, other than that she attacked people because she believed they knew too much. I do not know what it was that they knew. Certainly, I don't know nearly enough, from my own standpoint."
>"More unfortunately, incapacitating her clearly does not undo any of the damage she has caused, and I am uncertain how to go about this. You, of all the people I spoke with today, seemed the most familiar with this sort of thing."
-
>"I know little about why she tried to do this, other than that she attacked people because she believed they knew too much. I do not know what it was that they knew. Certainly, I don't know nearly enough, from my own standpoint."
>"More unfortunately, incapacitating her clearly does not undo any of the damage she has caused, and I am uncertain how to go about this. You, of all the people I spoke with today, seemed the most familiar with this sort of thing."
>"Hm. Well, it's really not too difficult to deduce why. As for undoing the damage, I think that I really don't more know about that than you do."
>_
-
>"It's not difficult to deduce? Then perhaps you could tell me what you think? I realize that she was likely trying to silence those who she felt knew that she had stolen shadows. But this does not explain why she would have stolen the shadows of trees and rocks in the first place, to say nothing of Bhava-Agra."
-
>"And are you trying to say I don't care about the damage she's done?"
-
>"And are you trying to say I don't care about the damage she's done?"
>Belay that
I'm pretty sure she's saying that she doesn't KNOW any more than us. Not that she doesn't CARE any more than us.
-
> It's okay, parser, it's not your fault. We still love you.
-
>"It's not difficult to deduce? Then perhaps you could tell me what you think? I realize that she was likely trying to silence those who she felt knew that she had stolen shadows. But this does not explain why she would have stolen the shadows of trees and rocks in the first place, to say nothing of Bhava-Agra."
>"I think the Dragon would be upset at me if I did all the heavy lifting for its representative," says Yukari. "As for the rest, perhaps you could ask her? I suppose I could try to separate them from her myself, but that would be a crude process, I'm sure. I doubt any of us would prefer to have a crude solution at this juncture."
> It's okay, parser, it's not your fault. We still love you.
>;_;
>_
-
> "I could try to ask her when she wakes up, but she seemed rather insistent on eliminating me the first time we met, and I'm not sure how closely she adheres to spellcard rules if she's going around stealing shadows. Still, it's possible defeat and this humiliating incapacitation will make her more open to my words."
> "You're close with Yuyuko. Do you think she would be able to do anything with this girl?"
-
> "I could try to ask her when she wakes up, but she seemed rather insistent on eliminating me the first time we met, and I'm not sure how closely she adheres to spellcard rules if she's going around stealing shadows. Still, it's possible defeat and this humiliating incapacitation will make her more open to my words."
> "You're close with Yuyuko. Do you think she would be able to do anything with this girl?"
>"That would be a difficulty," says Yukari. "Alas, she is also the closest thing we have to an expert as far we seem to have found."
>"Yuyuko? I get the feeling they would not get along very well. Poltergeists aren't spirits of the dead in any case, so she has no particular dominion we can exploit."
>_
-
> Small smile
> "Then I guess it is time to round up a posse, to make sure she says what I want her to say."
> Drop the smile.
> "But let me say this, Yukari. The dangers this girl presents are not trivial. When I met her, she was angry and paranoid, and my offers for help fell on deaf ears. And the people from whom she absorbs shadows basically become living dead - only vague aware of the world, extremely basic motor skills, the whole nine yards. It is not a pleasant sight. And I have to admit...when she very nearly got my own shadow, the pain and the dizzyness and the fear...it was my most frightening experience in recent memory, and possibly my life. Renko and Maribel tend to wander, looking for the Brocken Specter with their friends, right? Imagine if they had run into this one."
> "In addition, her own power seems to grow as she steals more shadows. She already has the power of a couple of people, in addition to many inanimate objects. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I feel I can hold my own with some of Gensokyo's heavy hitters. If she had managed to steal from me, or someone of my level, this entire land would be in danger. And, like I said, there's so much more about her that I don't know."
> "So, please, if you happen learn of anything that could help, let me know somehow. Please."
-
> Small smile
> "Then I guess it is time to round up a posse, to make sure she says what I want her to say."
> Drop the smile.
> "But let me say this, Yukari. The dangers this girl presents are not trivial. When I met her, she was angry and paranoid, and my offers for help fell on deaf ears. And the people from whom she absorbs shadows basically become living dead - only vague aware of the world, extremely basic motor skills, the whole nine yards. It is not a pleasant sight. And I have to admit...when she very nearly got my own shadow, the pain and the dizzyness and the fear...it was my most frightening experience in recent memory, and possibly my life. Renko and Maribel tend to wander, looking for the Brocken Specter with their friends, right? Imagine if they had run into this one."
> "In addition, her own power seems to grow as she steals more shadows. She already has the power of a couple of people, in addition to many inanimate objects. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I feel I can hold my own with some of Gensokyo's heavy hitters. If she had managed to steal from me, or someone of my level, this entire land would be in danger. And, like I said, there's so much more about her that I don't know."
> "So, please, if you happen learn of anything that could help, let me know somehow. Please."
>"So you say," says Yukari. "Well, it won't help you with the real problems, but I suspect that I can offer you a small hint about what I do know about that girl. Tell me, do you know how poltergeists are made?"
>_
-
>Do we?
>If not, "I'm not certain, no."
-
>Do we?
>If not, "I'm not certain, no."
>Do you?
>_
-
> What do we know about the origin of the Prismriver Sisters?
-
> What do we know about the origin of the Prismriver Sisters?
>Not a whole lot. You think there used to be a fourth one, some time ago.
>_
-
> "I must admit I'm not very familiar with them, no. The Prismriver Sisters are the only one I can think of off the top of my head, and all I know about them is that there might have been a fourth one once."
-
> "I must admit I'm not very familiar with them, no. The Prismriver Sisters are the only one I can think of off the top of my head, and all I know about them is that there might have been a fourth one once."
>Yukari nods. "Then I'll explain. Poltergeists exist because they have to. That is, because someone believes in them so strongly that the world simply cannot allow for that vacuum in reality to be unfilled. As for the Prismrivers, you are correct, there used to be a fourth one. She would be why we have the three we know today. A rather special girl, when you think about it. And with that, you should understand everything."
>_
-
>"Would it be possible for a poltergeist to exist for a specific reason, say, if there was some kind of deed left undone previously?"
-
>"I... she's the brocken spectre, isn't she? That some people were so determined to believe must be hiding in there, no matter what. All anyone knew of her was a shadow; that was what they envisioned her as. That's why she is as she is... isn't it?"
-
>"Would it be possible for a poltergeist to exist for a specific reason, say, if there was some kind of deed left undone previously?"
>"It's possible," says Yukari, "if someone believed strongly enough that one that person could do it, and that said person must be alive. But I think you're on the wrong track."
>"I... she's the brocken spectre, isn't she? That some people were so determined to believe must be hiding in there, no matter what. All anyone knew of her was a shadow; that was what they envisioned her as. That's why she is as she is... isn't it?"
>Yukari looks over and smiles at you. "I told you it wasn't that hard. Please keep this a secret from Chen for now, if you would."
>_
-
>Nod
>"That is fine. Although... I think there are some others who should know."
>"But, she really exists now, regardless of what anyone believes, doesn't she? People knowing who and what she is won't change that, will it?"
-
>Nod
>"That is fine. Although... I think there are some others who should know."
>"But, she really exists now, regardless of what anyone believes, doesn't she? People knowing who and what she is won't change that, will it?"
>"Until they stop, in any event," says Yukari. "I wouldn't be surprised if some, if not many, were quite unhappy with this."
>_
-
>"I imagine so. But... the fourth Prismriver is long gone, and yet they remain. Can belief persist in the world outside of those who first created her?"
-
> "Wait...that's why she told me I knew too much, isn't it? I knew she existed at all. That was what was too much. People are looking for her because they think she's hiding...so she actually is hiding."
> "But...something bothers me, then. The first thing she said to me was a demand to return her book. I, uh, guess she's lost a book. How does that tie into being the Brocken Specter?"
-
>"I imagine so. But... the fourth Prismriver is long gone, and yet they remain. Can belief persist in the world outside of those who first created her?"
>"They remain for awhile, at least," says Yukari. "Have they found a way to continue on properly? Well...that's a good question. I wonder if they would even know that? Or were properly aware of it to begin with?"
> "Wait...that's why she told me I knew too much, isn't it? I knew she existed at all. That was what was too much. People are looking for her because they think she's hiding...so she actually is hiding."
> "But...something bothers me, then. The first thing she said to me was a demand to return her book. I, uh, guess she's lost a book. How does that tie into being the Brocken Specter?"
>"It sounds reasonable, doesn't it? As for a book, well...I'm hardly an expert on the Brocken Spectre, but I've certainly not heard anything from Chen connecting it to a book."
>_
-
>"Renko may be the best one to ask. I was heading that way next, in any case, to meet up with Tenshi again."
>"I... find myself feeling sorry for her, now. I would never have thought that possible a few minutes ago. What a horrible existence to have thrust upon her from outside. To live such a paranoid, hateful life because of what others believed you were. Surely there must be some way to amend this."
-
When the cat's away, the mice will play.
Just a quick FEI:
[23:01:47] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> Oh hey
[23:01:49] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> >"As for why I've been looking for you, well... I'm searching for the answer to a mystery. I'd hoped there might be a chance you knew something."
[23:01:50] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> Good job, you.
[23:01:59] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> That was what set her off.
[23:02:15] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT
[23:02:16] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> >:|
[23:02:18] <DracoOmega> Haha
[23:02:30] <DracoOmega> Because I was searching for the answer to a mystery?
[23:02:38] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> It's why you were looking for her.
So blame Draco (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,7729.msg500017.html#msg500017) for that near-death experience, not me. :unsmith:
-
>"Renko may be the best one to ask. I was heading that way next, in any case, to meet up with Tenshi again."
>"I... find myself feeling sorry for her, now. I would never have thought that possible a few minutes ago. What a horrible existence to have thrust upon her from outside. To live such a paranoid, hateful life because of what others believed you were. Surely there must be some way to amend this."
>"That might not be a bad idea," says Yukari, "Though I would not be so hesitant to rule out that she might well have been acting on her own. Certainly the Prismrivers have had no qualms with doing so."
>"It is a little tragic, isn't it? I do hope you minded your manners before things came to a head."
>_
-
> "I would like to think I did. Today has made a habit of telling me I'm wrong, but I don't see how I was anything but polite at worst before she started firing at me."
> "Something new troubles me, though...if part of the reason for her aggression and paranoia is because people believe her to be hiding herself at all costs, is it really a good idea to keep people in the dark? I will honor your request to not tell Chen, but...perhaps different rumors can be spread about her, at least, in the hopes of helping her unfortunately paranoid personality? I do feel sorry for her, but if she wakes up again and continues to have no qualms silencing people by sucking their shadows away, she will still need to be forcefully detained, for the sake of everyone else."
-
> "I would like to think I did. Today has made a habit of telling me I'm wrong, but I don't see how I was anything but polite at worst before she started firing at me."
> "Something new troubles me, though...if part of the reason for her aggression and paranoia is because people believe her to be hiding herself at all costs, is it really a good idea to keep people in the dark? I will honor your request to not tell Chen, but...perhaps different rumors can be spread about her, at least, in the hopes of helping her unfortunately paranoid personality? I do feel sorry for her, but if she wakes up again and continues to have no qualms silencing people by sucking their shadows away, she will still need to be forcefully detained, for the sake of everyone else."
>"I am sure that you did, then," says Yukari. "As for trying to do something like changing her, I would think it is too late for that. She's already here."
>_
-
> "Hmm, true. I guess the best thing to do, then, is to find out why she's so paranoid and does not want to be found. Obviously she was made to be that way, but now that she's here, she must have a more tangible reason than 'because the believers thought so'. If we can dissolve that reason, perhaps we can dissolve her paranoia entirely. And finding her book wouldn't be a bad idea either."
> "May I ask where Chen is? I think it may be easier on all parties involved if I avoid her entirely, as there are some people that I do wish to tell about this discovery."
-
> "Hmm, true. I guess the best thing to do, then, is to find out why she's so paranoid and does not want to be found. Obviously she was made to be that way, but now that she's here, she must have a more tangible reason than 'because the believers thought so'. If we can dissolve that reason, perhaps we can dissolve her paranoia entirely. And finding her book wouldn't be a bad idea either."
> "May I ask where Chen is? I think it may be easier on all parties involved if I avoid her entirely, as there are some people that I do wish to tell about this discovery."
>Yukari nods. "I agree, though I do wonder if letting such a person have a book would be a good idea if she wanted it so badly. Time will tell, I expect."
>"Chen, I believe, is playing with her friends in town. She should be back for dinner in an hour or two."
>_
-
> "I have actually been told stories about her reading a book. They come from fairies, which means one must take them for what they are, but still, there they are. She was docile while reading, but who knows if she knew she was being watched."
> "I suppose we will only know when we see how she acts when she wakes up. As much as this giant shadow following us still bothers me - I don't know what she was planning with it or what it even is. It may be a Bhavagran shadow, but what that implies, or how she is maintaining it despite being unconscious, I do not know."
-
> "I have actually been told stories about her reading a book. They come from fairies, which means one must take them for what they are, but still, there they are. She was docile while reading, but who knows if she knew she was being watched."
> "I suppose we will only know when we see how she acts when she wakes up. As much as this giant shadow following us still bothers me - I don't know what she was planning with it or what it even is. It may be a Bhavagran shadow, but what that implies, or how she is maintaining it despite being unconscious, I do not know."
>"It does raise a question," says Yukari, "What do you plan to do with her?"
>_
-
> "Right now? I plan to get a decent-sized group of interested individuals together and have them on-hand as backup in case something goes unpredictably wrong. I still don't feel entirely safe. Thankfully, given some of the people she's shadow-sucked, I know a few individuals that would be interested in helping keeping her in line, individuals I certainly wouldn't want to cross. But I'm really hoping we can talk things out and get her to calm down. Whatever the circumstances surrounding her creation, she's a person now, just like anyone else, and GIVEN the circumstances surrounding her creation, I want to see her succeed as a person here in Gensokyo."
-
> "Right now? I plan to get a decent-sized group of interested individuals together and have them on-hand as backup in case something goes unpredictably wrong. I still don't feel entirely safe. Thankfully, given some of the people she's shadow-sucked, I know a few individuals that would be interested in helping keeping her in line, individuals I certainly wouldn't want to cross. But I'm really hoping we can talk things out and get her to calm down. Whatever the circumstances surrounding her creation, she's a person now, just like anyone else, and GIVEN the circumstances surrounding her creation, I want to see her succeed as a person here in Gensokyo."
>She nods. "That's one way to do it. Though awakening to face a mob is hardly the best of new beginnings, I think you'll agree."
>_
-
> "This is true. I think I may be able to set things up so she only awakes to a few people, with more on-hand nearby, but not readily visible."
> "Anyway, given all the appointments I have made today, I think I had better get going, especially if I wish to begin rehabilitating this girl. Is there any more you wish to know or impart?"
-
> "This is true. I think I may be able to set things up so she only awakes to a few people, with more on-hand nearby, but not readily visible."
> "Anyway, given all the appointments I have made today, I think I had better get going, especially if I wish to begin rehabilitating this girl. Is there any more you wish to know or impart?"
>"Perhaps," says Yukari, "But I want to know if I can give you my faith, first. Can I place my utmost faith in you, Messenger?"
>_
-
> Does Yukari have a fancy title, like we do, or the Dragon does?
-
> Does Yukari have a fancy title, like we do, or the Dragon does?
>Not that you know of, unless Gap Hag counts.
>_
-
> ...Who calls her that?
> ...Wait, no, it's Tenshi, isn't it?
> "As long as you do not ask me to act directly against Bhava-Agra or any of its people, then I will do the very best I can to substantiate any faith you place in me, Lady Yakumo. It is the least I can do for your assistance today."
-
> ...Who calls her that?
> ...Wait, no, it's Tenshi, isn't it?
> "As long as you do not ask me to act directly against Bhava-Agra or any of its people, then I will do the very best I can to substantiate any faith you place in me, Lady Yakumo. It is the least I can do for your assistance today."
>Tenshi has, yes. You suspect it's a common-eque behind her back nickname.
>Yukari stands. Although she is a bit shorter than you, the gravitas about her leaves you feeling as though she is looking down on you. "Then you will endeavor not to put yourself in a position where it will be necessary to choose. This conversation has not happened, do you understand me? What is to follow will not have happened. You will take this to your grave. You will not even tell The Dragon, and I am fully aware it likely already knows, I do not care. You will give no one cause to suspect any of this. You will not even mention it to me. Do you understand me and agree? If not, leave now."
>_
-
> Swallow.
> "Just...just to be clear, if the Dragon directly asks me about this, I am to deny it?"
-
> Swallow.
> "Just...just to be clear, if the Dragon directly asks me about this, I am to deny it?"
>"You may say that you cannot say any more, but only to The Dragon, and only because I offer it that much respect." says Yukari. "I doubt it will corner you into breaking your word."
>_
-
> "Understood. And one other thing, only because I want to make sure I do not accidentally fail your trust. May I claim I concluded this girl was the Brocken Specter on my own? Or is her secret the point of this request?"
-
> "Understood. And one other thing, only because I want to make sure I do not accidentally fail your trust. May I claim I concluded this girl was the Brocken Specter on my own? Or is her secret the point of this request?"
>"That's fine, I don't care if people know about that much. It is what we are about to get into that never happened. I am going to give you something that I suspect will be necessary for you at some point or another. No one else will learn of its existence, let alone that you have it. Is that clear? No one. You won't even mention it to me. If you must use it, let no one else see. When the shadows are back where they go, you will return to this to me immediately, I do not even care if The Dragon demands your presence that instant. And you will make exceedingly sure no one follows you. And should the shadows be unable to be restored, you will bring it back to me immediately. When this is said and done, no other person but you and I will have a cause to suspect this ever occurred. Needless to say, you will avoid satori and other such mind readers. Do you understand?"
>_
-
> "I...yes, I will do this. Upon my return, may I assume your shikigami will let me see you if I meet with them first and tell them no more than the fact that you are expecting me?"
-
> "I...yes, I will do this. Upon my return, may I assume your shikigami will let me see you if I meet with them first and tell them no more than the fact that you are expecting me?"
>"They'll know," says Yukari. "And understand that if you fail these assurances, you will envy those that lost their shadows, and wish with all of your heart that you followed them."
>With that, she reaches into her left sleeve. You think you see the telltale purple of one of her gaps with it. She withdraws something, takes your hand with her left, and presses the object into your hand. It is...a screwdriver?
>"Place the head into the gap of any barrier and gently twist it," she says. "It will prise them apart. If needs be, you can try to force a gap, but that will cause damage to both objects. Do not use it when it is not necessary, it may cause more harm than you would anticipate."
>You obtain: Yukari's Screwdriver.
>_
-
> "Any barrier? I...that's a very broad term. What exactly are we talking about here?"
> Gently put the poltergeist down on the ground.
> Put the screwdriver in our purse such that the lens of Aya's camera is not pointed at it. Can't be too careful.
-
> "Any barrier? I...that's a very broad term. What exactly are we talking about here?"
> Gently put the poltergeist down on the ground.
> Put the screwdriver in our purse such that the lens of Aya's camera is not pointed at it. Can't be too careful.
>"When two things meet, there is a barrier formed between the two. One begins and the other ends, yet there is a place, however infinitesimal, where there is neither." says Yukari.
>You place Yukari's Screwdriver very carefully and dropping the poltergeist on the ground.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Even shadows, I suspect? Interesting...yes, I can certainly appreciate the gravity of this device."
> "Out of mechanical curiosity, will twisting in the reverse direction bring them back together?"
-
> "Hmm. Even shadows, I suspect? Interesting...yes, I can certainly appreciate the gravity of this device."
> "Out of mechanical curiosity, will twisting in the reverse direction bring them back together?"
>"It depends on much you've separated them," says Yukari. "And, unfortunately, you don't have the years worth of time to learn the fine control needed to do this reliably in all situations. In general, if they are still connected in some way, then yes."
>_
-
> "Understood. I'll try to put things back as I can, but I guess anything that I can't fix just won't ever be fixed, unless you happen to wander across it by chance and decide it's worth fixing."
> Bend down and brush the dirt off of the 'geist's face as best we can. Without being too rough, of course.
> Gently pick the 'geist back up.
> "Anyway, I suppose I must resume my investigation into how I can help this poor girl, as well as get all the stolen shadows back to their rightful owners. It's a shame you were away when I came by for some ideas, but such is life."
-
> "Understood. I'll try to put things back as I can, but I guess anything that I can't fix just won't ever be fixed, unless you happen to wander across it by chance and decide it's worth fixing."
> Bend down and brush the dirt off of the 'geist's face as best we can. Without being too rough, of course.
> Gently pick the 'geist back up.
> "Anyway, I suppose I must resume my investigation into how I can help this poor girl, as well as get all the stolen shadows back to their rightful owners. It's a shame you were away when I came by for some ideas, but such is life."
>"Just do not use it without need."
>You try to clean off the Poltergeist's face a little bit. It helps a tad.
>You pick her back up and express your condolences that you couldn't meet with Yukari. "I expect I was doing something more important," says Yukari. "Try not to have worse luck than you have had already."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I try not to dwell too long on what your business may be at any given time."
> "And...thank you, so very much. For everything. You have given my mind far more than I could have asked for."
> Assuming Yukari does not try to stop us, take flight with the 'geist and head toward Renko's house.
-
Heading out for a while. May have limited access for the next few hours (so Suwako may make a reappearance), but no guarantees.
Currently, I think our ideal course of action is to head back to Renko's and get Tenshi, Renko and whoever else might be there (Maribel would be good, Kogasa would be great, a PrismReznor would be excellent) and take them up Youkai Mountain to meet up with Nitori's crew. I don't fully trust Pocky and Brocky here to be completely docile upon her re-awakening, so I want that firepower on-hand, but like Yukari mentioned, we don't want to overload the poor thing. I envision her waking in Nitori's room with ourselves and some combination of Tenshi, Renko and Nitori present, as well as Kogasa and a PrismReznor if we can get them there. The big guns can wait outside in the event of emergency. Five/six people is still a decent amount, but she's waylaid two of them, and she knows it, so that may prevent her from going nuts. (Of course, she's going to be none too pleased about being hogtied, but that's a necessary evil.)
EDIT: I also believe that it's not prudent to go around blabbing to everyone within earshot about our friend's true identity. Renko will need to be told, and Tenshi will likely learn along the way, but the most Nitori's crew needs to know is that she's the one responsible for the shadow theft.
Draco, I kept my vow to you, so I ask the same vow in return. :V Not that I expect us to get that far in the time I'll be gone, but who knows.
-
> Nod.
> "I try not to dwell too long on what your business may be at any given time."
> "And...thank you, so very much. For everything. You have given my mind far more than I could have asked for."
> Assuming Yukari does not try to stop us, take flight with the 'geist and head toward Renko's house.
>"You're welcome, Messenger," says Yukari. "I'm sure you'll find some way to make it up to me in the long run."
>You leave, and make your way toward Kame House Renko and Maribel's home. You can see some smoke coming from it, leading you to believe that someone is home; or at least someone has broken in and is using the stove. ...Which may well be something one of the people you were supposed to meet there would do."
>_
-
>Can we see Tenshi around?
-
>Can we see Tenshi around?
>You do not see Tenshi, or anyone else loitering around outside.
>_
-
>Is the door open?
>If it is: "Hello, anyone here?"
>If not, knock
-
>Is the door open?
>If it is: "Hello, anyone here?"
>If not, knock
>You go knock on the door. After a moment, it opens up, and the woman who looks much too much like a younger and slimmer Yukari pokes her head out. "Oh, we were expecting you," then glances at the Brocken Spectre in your arms. "...Is that another victim? We can put her in the back room, too."
>_
-
>"Not quite"
>Head inside
I just wanted to move this along a little, someone who is not terrible at conversations (:() could take over now
-
>"Not quite"
>Head inside
>"Oh," says Maribel. "Just a danmaku victim, I guess?"
>Heading inside, you see Tenshi and Luna sitting at a white and rather strange-looking table that rather clashes with the rustic decor of the house. Both of them seem to be enjoying a cup of tea.
>"That her?" calls Renko from a room to the right.
>"It is," says Maribel, "She has someone else unconscious with her."
>"Hey, it's getting dark early," says Luna, looking around and furrowing her brow.
>_
-
>Could said darkness that Luna is referring to be the giant poltergeist shadow?
>If so: "No, I think that would actually be her shadow. Or, rather, something else's shadow that she's carrying at the moment."
>"This is the person who's been responsible for the stolen shadows."
-
>Could said darkness that Luna is referring to be the giant poltergeist shadow?
>If so: "No, I think that would actually be her shadow. Or, rather, something else's shadow that she's carrying at the moment."
>"This is the person who's been responsible for the stolen shadows."
>You have no idea what Luna is referring to in any definite sense, particularly since she is a faerie. But give the room is now darker for said shadow, it seems so.
>You explain. "Oooh," says Luna, before she busies herself with her tea again.
>"Good job," says Tenshi. "So you got Kogasa fixed up, then?"
>Maribel gives the Brocken Spectre a dubious look. "So, she's the one who went after poor Kogasa?"
>_
-
>"I don't know that Kogasa is fixed yet. In fact, I rather suspect not. But we will set things right, somehow. She's in the back here, you said?"
>"But yes, she's the one who went after Kogasa. And myself. It is... a truly terrible experience indeed to feel your shadow being torn away from yourself. I very nearly lost myself to her, I think, before I forced her to stop. The memory of it is still unsettling."
>"She is extremely dangerous. She can affect people through touching their shadows. Cause them pain, make it difficult for them to move, perhaps other things. I can easily see how she could have overpowered the others. It is fortunate that there have not yet been a great many more victims, I think."
>"At one point during the battle she took on Kogasa's shadow as her own. This giant one is quite probably a part of Bhava-Agra. I believe the shadows she has taken are inside her, somehow."
-
>"I don't know that Kogasa is fixed yet. In fact, I rather suspect not. But we will set things right, somehow. She's in the back here, you said?"
>"But yes, she's the one who went after Kogasa. And myself. It is... a truly terrible experience indeed to feel your shadow being torn away from yourself. I very nearly lost myself to her, I think, before I forced her to stop. The memory of it is still unsettling."
>"She is extremely dangerous. She can affect people through touching their shadows. Cause them pain, make it difficult for them to move, perhaps other things. I can easily see how she could have overpowered the others. It is fortunate that there have not yet been a great many more victims, I think."
>"At one point during the battle she took on Kogasa's shadow as her own. This giant one is quite probably a part of Bhava-Agra. I believe the shadows she has taken are inside her, somehow."
>"Huh," says Tenshi. "So how're we going to get them out? Shake her by the ankles or something?"
>"...Was it a good idea to bring her here?" asks Maribel.
>"That's her!" says Luna suddenly, pointing at the Poltergeist in your arms. "That's the ghost!"
>_
-
> To Maribel: "She needs her hands and feet to do any real damage. As she is now, I don't expect she's much of a threat, especially with more people than just myself present."
> To all: "And it is indeed the ghost, yes. In that vein, there is actually something about which I need to speak to Renko. Is she around?"
(Editor's note: If Renko isn't around, Maribel will do. Might wanna find somewhere private, though; I suspect Luna's likely to blab, being a fairy.)
-
>Nod
>"Yes, it's her. Your information did help me find her, and for that I thank you."
>"As for bringing her here, well... I don't think she's in a position to harm anyone at the moment. And I certainly couldn't leave her where she was. If she tries anything, I will deal with her swiftly."
>"But there is another reason I brought her here specifically... I think Renko should hear this."
(Editor's note: If Renko isn't around, Maribel will do. Might wanna find somewhere private, though; I suspect Luna's likely to blab, being a fairy.)
Renko's already spoken, if you notice ^^;
She's just in an adjoining room.
-
> To Maribel: "She needs her hands and feet to do any real damage. As she is now, I don't expect she's much of a threat, especially with more people than just myself present."
> To all: "And it is indeed the ghost, yes. In that vein, there is actually something about which I need to speak to Renko. Is she around?"
>Nod
>"Yes, it's her. Your information did help me find her, and for that I thank you."
>"As for bringing her here, well... I don't think she's in a position to harm anyone at the moment. And I certainly couldn't leave her where she was. If she tries anything, I will deal with her swiftly."
>"But there is another reason I brought her here specifically... I think Renko should hear this."
>Maribel nods. "Well, okay then," she says, not sounding at all convinced.
>"I'm just in here," says Renko from the adjoining room. "What do you need?"
>_
-
>Head towards the room Renko's in
>Gesture for Maribel and Tenshi to follow
-
> "Luna, we'll be back in a moment, okay?"
-
I don't know how you planned on breaking the news, but I was gonna go through the same steps Yukari did with us, since it was so much more fun that way than her simply telling us. (I think Renko might appreciate a chance to do detective work instead of being fed the conclusion.) Obviously the outsiders will need to be told how poltergeists work, but after that and nudging them with a couple of very important details, I expect Renko, at least, will figure it out.
Of course, I'm leaving again, so ultimately it's up to you.
-
>Head towards the room Renko's in
>Gesture for Maribel and Tenshi to follow
>You head toward the room; Maribel and Tenshi follow.
>"Hey, what's going on?" asks Luna, looking up from her tea.
> "Luna, we'll be back in a moment, okay?"
>"Oh, okay," she says.
>You walk into a kitchen. There is a large stove off to the side; Renko kneels in front of it, feeding it bits of firewood. She glances over toward you, then raises an eye. "Hey, Mary, that's her," she says. "That's the weird girl I saw last week."
>"Really now?" says Maribel, glancing at the poltergeist again.
>_
-
>"Oh, you saw her before? What happened?"
-
>"Oh, you saw her before? What happened?"
>"It was just in the distance," says Renko. "She kinda slinked off, and I was with the group, so I didn't really think much else about it. Sometimes you run into people in the Forest of Magic, you know?"
>_
-
>Nod
>"Then what was it about her that struck you as weird?"
-
>Nod
>"Then what was it about her that struck you as weird?"
>"Uh, nothing really," says Renko. "She was just someone I hadn't seen before."
>_
-
>"Given what she's capable of, be glad that you encountered her no closer than that. Though, I suspect you would have been rather disappointed at the time to realize you'd passed her by, given who and what she is."
-
>"Given what she's capable of, be glad that you encountered her no closer than that. Though, I suspect you would have been rather disappointed at the time to realize you'd passed her by, given who and what she is."
>"Who is she?" asks Renko, looking at her with a small frown. "...Is this Shinki?"
>_
-
> "Not quite, no. She requires a bit more explanation than that."
> "How much do either of you know about poltergeists and how they're created? Tenshi, if you know anything, feel free to chime in."
-
> "Not quite, no. She requires a bit more explanation than that."
> "How much do either of you know about poltergeists and how they're created? Tenshi, if you know anything, feel free to chime in."
>"Well, that was my guess," says Renko with a shrug.
>"I know they're supposed to be a pain in the butt," says Tenshi.
>"We've not really gotten that far," says Maribel, sounding a little sheepish.
>_
-
>"I do not understand all the details myself, but essentially poltergeists are born through the belief of others. Someone believes so strongly that something must exist that this belief resonates with the universe, and brings that existence into being. She, too, was born because others believed so fervently that she must exist; it was impossible for her not to."
-
>"I do not understand all the details myself, but essentially poltergeists are born through the belief of others. Someone believes so strongly that something must exist that this belief resonates with the universe, and brings that existence into being. She, too, was born because others believed so fervently that she must exist; it was impossible for her not to."
>"So...are you saying she's a poltergeist?" asks Maribel.
>"...Oh shit," says Tenshi. "I think I know what you're saying!" she laughs a bit. "Wow..."
>_
-
> "Lets hear your theory then Tenshi."
-
>"Yes, she is a poltergeist. But her significance is greater than that. Think on it for a moment. What belief could have created her: a being of the shadows, who hides herself desperately in that forest, so that no one may know who and what she is?"
-
>"Yes, she is a poltergeist. But her significance is greater than that. Think on it for a moment. What belief could have created her: a being of the shadows, who hides herself desperately in that forest, so that no one may know who and what she is?"
>Renko frowns. "...Oh. Well..that's kind of a letdown, when you say it like that."
>_
-
>"I realize she is not what you were expecting, but she is real. Your belief and the belief of others made her real. Which is a truly incredible thing, when you think about it."
>"Unfortunately, people also believed her to be someone who would hide themselves at all costs. And thus she does, to very dangerous effect."
-
>"I realize she is not what you were expecting, but she is real. Your belief and the belief of others made her real. Which is a truly incredible thing, when you think about it."
>"Unfortunately, people also believed her to be someone who would hide themselves at all costs. And thus she does, to very dangerous effect."
>"Heh, so the only reason she's even here is because we made her be here, huh?" says Renko. She shakes her head. "Sort of like saying what we were doing was such a big joke the universe itself had to go an make up a punchline to fit it..."
>"Does that mean she can't be herself?" says Maribel, giving a glance toward Renko. "That is, she's just doing what she thinks others expect of her?"
>_
-
>"I don't think it works that way. I think she is being herself. It's just that her self was born of these beliefs that others had about her. She's not trying to do what's expected of her. I'd be surprised if she even knew what this was. She's just following her instincts. I wonder how much she's reflected on why she thinks the things she does? She is still nearly a newborn, after all."
>"But I find myself feeling rather sorry for her; something I would not have thought possible before I realized her origin. It must be a lonely, frightful existence to have trust upon one. She has literally known nothing else."
-
>"I don't think it works that way. I think she is being herself. It's just that her self was born of these beliefs that others had about her. She's not trying to do what's expected of her. I'd be surprised if she even knew what this was. She's just following her instincts. I wonder how much she's reflected on why she thinks the things she does? She is still nearly a newborn, after all."
>"But I find myself feeling rather sorry for her; something I would not have thought possible before I realized her origin. It must be a lonely, frightful existence to have trust upon one. She has literally known nothing else."
>Maribel frowns.
>"Wait, what?" says Tenshi, screwing up her face.
>"I better take care of this stove," Renko says, turning away and kneeling by the fire again.
>_
>_
-
>"Whatever the circumstances of her birth, she exists now. What she has wronged must and will be fixed. Of that there is no question. I swore to her that I would let no one else come to harm at her hands. But if she has done this only because she literally knew no other way to act..."
>"I don't think she is fully bound to the circumstances of her creation. I very much want to believe that she is not. Certainly, the Prismrivers seem to be more dynamic individuals than that. I want to help her realize that she can be a better person than she is. That she can be more than the role others made for her. I want to believe that this is possible."
-
> "In fact, I suspect this may have already happened to a degree. Her major obsession, other than silencing me, was to find a lost book. She has had it recently, if fairy reports are to be believed, and she certainly doesn't have it now. She was near-crazy just about this book, never mind her desperation to put me away. In my admittedly limited travels and learning about theories behind her, none of them related to a book, so I think it may be a thing to she has grown attached of her own will, rather than something placed on her by the belief of others."
-
>"Whatever the circumstances of her birth, she exists now. What she has wronged must and will be fixed. Of that there is no question. I swore to her that I would let no one else come to harm at her hands. But if she has done this only because she literally knew no other way to act..."
>"I don't think she is fully bound to the circumstances of her creation. I very much want to believe that she is not. Certainly, the Prismrivers seem to be more dynamic individuals than that. I want to help her realize that she can be a better person than she is. That she can be more than the role others made for her. I want to believe that this is possible."
> "In fact, I suspect this may have already happened to a degree. Her major obsession, other than silencing me, was to find a lost book. She has had it recently, if fairy reports are to be believed, and she certainly doesn't have it now. She was near-crazy just about this book, never mind her desperation to put me away. In my admittedly limited travels and learning about theories behind her, none of them related to a book, so I think it may be a thing to she has grown attached of her own will, rather than something placed on her by the belief of others."
>Maribel nods, and glances at the poltergeist again. "I've not heard anything about a book," says Maribel. "Have you, Renko?"
>"Not a thing," says Renko, watching the inside of the stove. "So yeah, I guess that's her acting on her own or whatever."
>_
-
>"She categorically refused to answer any questions earlier, saying that I already knew too much. I wonder if she even knows why she's so concerned about that? I hope that she'll be at least a little more co-operative when she comes to."
>"For that matter, I'm inclined to think we may need her co-operation if we're to restore the stolen shadows."
-
> "But hearing nothing about a book is good. It means she's developed wants and cares of her own. She's becoming more of a person than just what was just thrust on her by outside forces. Um, with all due respect."
> "Actually, hrm. Maribel, out of curiosity, how involved were you in this pursuit?"
-
>"She categorically refused to answer any questions earlier, saying that I already knew too much. I wonder if she even knows why she's so concerned about that? I hope that she'll be at least a little more co-operative when she comes to."
>"For that matter, I'm inclined to think we may need her co-operation if we're to restore the stolen shadows."
>Maribel nods. "I suppose so. Well, I guess if she is the Brocken Spectre, it would probably involve something that'd let her keep hidden, right?"
>_
-
> "Perhaps. But I do think hearing nothing about a book is good. It could very well mean she's developed wants and cares of her own. She's becoming more of a person than just what was just thrust on her by outside forces. Um, with all due respect."
> "Actually, hrm. Maribel, out of curiosity, how involved were you in this pursuit?"
-
> "Perhaps. But I do think hearing nothing about a book is good. It could very well mean she's developed wants and cares of her own. She's becoming more of a person than just what was just thrust on her by outside forces. Um, with all due respect."
> "Actually, hrm. Maribel, out of curiosity, how involved were you in this pursuit?"
>"Well, mostly I was supporting Renko. I've been kind of busy with my own affairs. I did come along from time to time, but it was more of a walk in the forest for me."
>"Wait, you're saying this is the Brocken Spectre?" Tenshi says.
>_
-
>"Indeed. But, uh, then what did you think I was implying, a few moments ago, when you said that you knew what I was saying?"
-
>"Indeed. But, uh, then what did you think I was implying, a few moments ago, when you said that you knew what I was saying?"
>Tenshi glares at you. "Shut up."
>_
-
>Frown
>"It was an honest question. I didn't mean to imply anything."
-
> "As strong as I feel the evidence for it is, I cannot say with 100% certainty. If you have another idea, I would be glad to hear it. It's possible I missed something."
-
>Frown
>"It was an honest question. I didn't mean to imply anything."
> "As strong as I feel the evidence for it is, I cannot say with 100% certainty. If you have another idea, I would be glad to hear it. It's possible I missed something."
>"Just shut up! You're doing it again!" Tenshi says.
>Maribel grimaces, looking between the two of you.
>
-
> Sigh.
> "Very well."
-
> Sigh.
> "Very well."
>You sigh. What did you do this time?}
>Tenshi doesn't respond, for good or ill, but it leaves a rather tense silence in the air.
>_
-
> "Anyway, what I think we should do now is organize. As bad as I feel for this girl's situation, she's still an immense danger to Gensokyo, and she has still stolen the shadows, and thereby, the life, of at least two of its residents, as well as our entire home. She may be angry and paranoid, but she is cunning and vicious in combat, far more than her direct demeanor indicated otherwise, and it appears she gains power when she steals a shadow. I do not know how she will act upon waking, but I do not want to gamble on her being docile. The more there are ready to deal with her should she rage again, the better."
> "This is why I would like to ask all of you to join me in meeting up with another group who has lost a friend's shadow to this girl. Originally they made me swear secrecy regarding their friend, but given a second shadow has been taken and the culprit has been apprehended, I think they will be willing to relent on that."
-
> "Anyway, what I think we should do now is organize. As bad as I feel for this girl's situation, she's still an immense danger to Gensokyo, and she has still stolen the shadows, and thereby, the life, of at least two of its residents, as well as our entire home. She may be angry and paranoid, but she is cunning and vicious in combat, far more than her direct demeanor indicated otherwise, and it appears she gains power when she steals a shadow. I do not know how she will act upon waking, but I do not want to gamble on her being docile. The more there are ready to deal with her should she rage again, the better."
> "This is why I would like to ask all of you to join me in meeting up with another group who has lost a friend's shadow to this girl. Originally they made me swear secrecy regarding their friend, but given a second shadow has been taken and the culprit has been apprehended, I think they will be willing to relent on that."
>Maribel nods, then says, "Wouldn't we just be in the way? Neither of us are very strong, I'm afraid, and it doesn't seem like there is time to really come up with a good plan."
>_
-
>"Don't worry about strength. I think we will have more than enough of that in supply. But Renko, you were among the very most invested in the Spectre's existence, I believe? I think it would be good for you to be there, when we speak with her."
-
>"Don't worry about strength. I think we will have more than enough of that in supply. But Renko, you were among the very most invested in the Spectre's existence, I believe? I think it would be good for you to be there, when we speak with her."
>"...Rather just forget about the whole stupid thing..." she mutters.
>_
-
>"I'm sorry if you feel this renders what you were searching for meaningless. And I'm sorry if you feel foolish for believing so strongly in what may not have then existed. I don't see that you should have to. What's wrong with investing one's hope in an idea? Many people have believed in things that turned out not to be real. How many people can say that their hope MADE something real? That's a powerful thing."
>"And... if you truly had a hand in her creation, I think you may owe it to her not to wish to pretend she did not exist."
-
>"I'm sorry if you feel this renders what you were searching for meaningless. And I'm sorry if you feel foolish for believing so strongly in what may not have then existed. I don't see that you should have to. What's wrong with investing one's hope in an idea? Many people have believed in things that turned out not to be real. How many people can say that their hope MADE something real? That's a powerful thing."
>"And... if you truly had a hand in her creation, I think you may owe it to her not to wish to pretend she did not exist."
>"Maybe," says Renko, sighing, "But that doesn't make me feel any less stupid for it. I guess I'll come, if you really need me."
>_
-
>Smile gently
>"For what it's worth, I don't think you were stupid at all. But yes, I would like it if you could come. I don't think force will be the means by which we can restore the stolen shadows."
-
>Smile gently
>"For what it's worth, I don't think you were stupid at all. But yes, I would like it if you could come. I don't think force will be the means by which we can restore the stolen shadows."
>"Yeah, I'll be along in a bit," says Renko. "Once you tell me where we're going, anyways."
>_
-
>"To the Kappa village. Nitori's shadow was stolen several days ago, now. Utsuho, Parsee, and Yuugi have been looking after her."
-
>"To the Kappa village. Nitori's shadow was stolen several days ago, now. Utsuho, Parsee, and Yuugi have been looking after her."
>Renko nods. "Okay, we'll be there in a little bit."
>_
-
>"We should... probably bring Kogasa with us, as well. If the spectre needed to touch someone's shadow to steal it, she may need to be equally near them to relinquish it. To say nothing of me feeling uncomfortable about leaving her unattended in her condition."
-
>"We should... probably bring Kogasa with us, as well. If the spectre needed to touch someone's shadow to steal it, she may need to be equally near them to relinquish it. To say nothing of me feeling uncomfortable about leaving her unattended in her condition."
>"We'll bring her," says Maribel. "It'll just take us some time."
>_
-
>Nod
>"Fair enough. Also, for the time-being, I think we should keep quiet about the truth of the Brocken Spectre. It may not be such a bad thing if the myth lives on, and it's probably best for all parties if what this hunt wrought is never widely known."
-
>Nod
>"Fair enough. Also, for the time-being, I think we should keep quiet about the truth of the Brocken Spectre. It may not be such a bad thing if the myth lives on, and it's probably best for all parties if what this hunt wrought is never widely known."
>"Well, people are probably gonna figure out pretty quick when I drop the whole thing," says Renko. "But sure."
>"We won't tell a soul," says Maribel.
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>"I guess we should probably head on ahead ourselves, then."
-
>"Thank you."
>"I guess we should probably head on ahead ourselves, then."
>Maribel nods. "It'll take us a bit, since we can't fly with her."
>"So," says Tenshi, "You want me to come with or keep an eye on things here?"
-
>"I'd be happy if you would accompany me. I still can't be sure how feisty she will be when she awakens, and I'd appreciate the company."
>"I fear we may have to leave Aya hanging for the moment, though. I really don't want to have to explain this girl to her yet."
-
>"I'd be happy if you would accompany me. I still can't be sure how feisty she will be when she awakens, and I'd appreciate the company."
>"I fear we may have to leave Aya hanging for the moment, though. I really don't want to have to explain this girl to her yet."
>"Kay," says Tenshi. "And, yeah on Aya. Speaking of which, I don't think we're gonna get that other faerie. Luna says you gave her a great idea and now she's all wrapped up in it. You know how faeries get."
>_
-
>Shake head
>"About making shadows disappear, I guess?"
-
>Shake head
>"About making shadows disappear, I guess?"
>"She just said a great idea," says Tenshi. "But yeah, that's about what I'm expecting."
>_
-
>"Well, at least she can't harm anyone that way. It's just a trick of light, after all."
>"I'd still like to give Aya a shot, if we can get the chance after this is dealt with, though."
-
>"Well, at least she can't harm anyone that way. It's just a trick of light, after all."
>"I'd still like to give Aya a shot, if we can get the chance after this is dealt with, though."
>"Yeah, I bet you would," says Tenshi. "So, we gonna go, or stand around in their kitchen some more?"
>_
-
>"No, we're going."
>To Renko and Maribel: "Well, we'll see you again in a little while, then."
>Step back out of the kitchen
>To Luna: "Sorry about that. Also, I'm afraid the prank is going to have to wait. Something very important has come up in the meantime, and we need to deal with it first. I'd still be game later, if you're interested, but I understand if you have other things to do. My apologies."
-
>"No, we're going."
>To Renko and Maribel: "Well, we'll see you again in a little while, then."
>Step back out of the kitchen
>To Luna: "Sorry about that. Also, I'm afraid the prank is going to have to wait. Something very important has come up in the meantime, and we need to deal with it first. I'd still be game later, if you're interested, but I understand if you have other things to do. My apologies."
>Maribel nods, as she helps Renko back to her feet.
>You leave the kitchen, and apologize to Luna. "Prank?" she says.
>_
-
>"What we talked about earlier, remember? About Aya?"
-
>"What we talked about earlier, remember? About Aya?"
>The faerie gives you a blank stare.
>_
-
>"Then you don't remember planning to meet up with us, here?"
-
>"Then you don't remember planning to meet up with us, here?"
> Belay this.
> Put on a facial expression like we're thinking hard.
> "...or maybe that was someone else? Hmm...actually, I think it might have been."
> Resume normal facial expression.
> "Sorry about that, Luna. Didn't mean to confuse. Anyway, see you later!"
> Head out the door.
-
>"Then you don't remember planning to meet up with us, here?"
> Belay this.
> Put on a facial expression like we're thinking hard.
> "...or maybe that was someone else? Hmm...actually, I think it might have been."
> Resume normal facial expression.
> "Sorry about that, Luna. Didn't mean to confuse. Anyway, see you later!"
> Head out the door.
>You consider pressing onward, before you remember who you're dealing with and decide to humor her instead. "That happens all the time," says Luna.
>You head out the door, Tenshi following close behind. "Y'know," she says, "I would never had thought her to be the Brocken Spectre. She's pretty puny, don't you think?"
>_
-
> Look down at the 'geist.
> "She is. Even I was shocked when I realized what was going on."
> Look back at Tenshi.
> "But make no mistake. What I said in there was true. She is an immense threat. And the things that happened in our fight were..."
> Start shivering a little.
> "That experience...it was terrifying. It really was."
-
> Look down at the 'geist.
> "She is. Even I was shocked when I realized what was going on."
> Look back at Tenshi.
> "But make no mistake. What I said in there was true. She is an immense threat. And the things that happened in our fight were..."
> Start shivering a little.
> "That experience...it was terrifying. It really was."
>"Yeah, I'd be shock too," says Tenshi as the two of you walk from the house. "I can't really see how she'd be that scary, but I doubt you'd get all worried about it like that for no reason."
>_
-
> "It's knowing. Knowing what she can do. I'd seen Nitori. We'd seen Kogasa. I...I was next. She almost had me. She was so close."
> Stop walking. Shiver again, assuming we stopped before. This was some really scary shit.
> "It was like...like she had reached inside me. Grabbed my heart. She was draining my power. She was draining me. The pain...and the dizzyness...and the terror..."
-
> "It's knowing. Knowing what she can do. I'd seen Nitori. We'd seen Kogasa. I...I was next. She almost had me. She was so close."
> Stop walking. Shiver again, assuming we stopped before. This was some really scary shit.
> "It was like...like she had reached inside me. Grabbed my heart. She was draining my power. She was draining me. The pain...and the dizzyness...and the terror..."
>"You sound like you need a drink," says Tenshi, frowning.
>_
-
Oh Tenshi, your empathy is truly unmatched.
> "I..."
> Look back at Tenshi's face, if we weren't already.
> Adopt a pitiful expression.
> "I hope all I need is a moment. Just a moment or two...to collect myself again."
-
>"I think I just need time. And it will help to have these matters put to rest."
>"It's just... feeling the world being torn away from you like that... I could barely stand, was in such pain that I could barely see. I was starting to have a hard time even telling where I was or what was going on around me. Nitori and Kogasa must have experienced the same thing, without even knowing what was happening to them. I... hope they are not aware enough of themselves to still be suffering like that."
-
> "I..."
> Look back at Tenshi's face, if we weren't already.
> Adopt a pitiful expression.
> "I hope all I need is a moment. Just a moment or two...to collect myself again."
>"I think I just need time. And it will help to have these matters put to rest."
>"It's just... feeling the world being torn away from you like that... I could barely stand, was in such pain that I could barely see. I was starting to have a hard time even telling where I was or what was going on around me. Nitori and Kogasa must have experienced the same thing, without even knowing what was happening to them. I... hope they are not aware enough of themselves to still be suffering like that."
>She grimaces. "Yeah, you definitely need to nab something from the bar after this is over."
>_
-
>How does Bhava-Agran culture look upon alcohol?
-
>How does Bhava-Agran culture look upon alcohol?
>It's quite prevalent; in theory one is supposed to learn to resist the temptation and move on. In practice, as long as one doesn't get particularly drunk no one bats an eye.
>_
-
> "...Maybe."
-
>"You know, Tenshi... when I was worried there that I mightn't pull through... it was comforting to know that if I fell, you'd come find me; that you'd know what happened and try to fix things. Thank you."
-
> "...Maybe."
>She nods.
>"You know, Tenshi... when I was worried there that I mightn't pull through... it was comforting to know that if I fell, you'd come find me; that you'd know what happened and try to fix things. Thank you."
>"It's at least try to get some people to look for you, I guess," says Tenshi. "I'd get blamed for it if you just disappeared."
>_
-
>"Nonetheless, I do appreciate it."
>Continue onward towards the Kappa village
>What time of day is it now?
-
>"Nonetheless, I do appreciate it."
>Continue onward towards the Kappa village
>What time of day is it now?
>"Yeah, yeah," says Tenshi.
>You continue onward, passing by the Yakumo household and drawing close to the forest at the foot of the mountain. The sun is a little low in the sky, sunset is not too far away.
>You feel the poltergeist shift a bit
>_
-
> Look over to Tenshi.
> "Psst!"
> Look down at what the poltergeist is doing.
> Begin charging.
> Where are our shadows right now?
-
>"Hmmm... I think she may be waking up."
>If the poltergeist continues to shift, set her down gently on the ground, and stand such that our shadow is out of reach of her
>Gesture for Tenshi to do the same
-
Wait, why aren't keeping her in the air, where she can't do much of anything? >_>
-
In the air? You mean in our arms, right, since we're currently walking?
I suppose there's an argument for keeping her off the ground. I just wanted a comfortable distance. She can presumably still shoot at us, even with bound hands, depending on the angle we're holding her. And she's bound to start struggling if we try to keep holding onto her.
-
Even just in our arms is fine, since it's off the ground. It was really obvious that she didn't ever fly, but, in thinking back, I don't even recall any instance where she did so much as jump upward. The only times she ever left the ground were to jump to the side to dodge something or to pick her feet up in the function of moving. If we keep her off the ground in any capacity, she's going to be very much out of her element.
Struggles would not surprise me, but I imagine there isn't a whole lot she can do that would make us lose our grip, since she's so light.
Shooting could be a problem, yes - perhaps it would be wise to shift her position in our arms so her hands and feet are pointed slightly away from us? I assume we've been carrying her with her feet and hands in the air the entire time.
-
Or we could outright take flight, and if she struggles, she drops.
-
Yes, but do we want to make her feel any more out of her element than she clearly is already going to be, being tied up, outside the forest in a place she's probably never seen, having lost, and with her victor looming over her?
-
Well, I figured we'd end up having part of our conversation here, rather than just keep running off with her.
-
(Sorry, wanted to delete and rewrite that post before your response, because I forgot the really important part.)
Given the situation, I prefer scared stiff to scared trashing. With her in our arms and Tenshi close by, she may be terrified out of her mind, but we're going to be a completely dominant position and we're not going to do anything harmful to her that she doesn't bring upon herself, which may serve as something of a comforter.
Also I just want to hightail it to Nitori's. >_>
But whatever, I guess it will be what it will be. Annoying that I'm going to miss out on this AGAIN, but such is life.
-
Other random thought: If we do start having this conversation here and she gets resistant and/or belligerent, aren't we going to have to pick her back up to get her to Nitori's anyway?
-
I suppose that depends on how belligerent. If she tries being totally stupid, she may just end up knocked out again. Alternately, if we're lucky, we may be able to pick her up again with less struggling that we'd get if we held on now. Certainly I have no qualms with shooting her if she still insists on trying to harm us.
-
I don't really want to threaten her if I don't have to, though. :( I'd rather the environment do the threatening for us, so we can be the defender instead of the aggressor. More flies with honey than vinegar an' all that.
-
Whatever doesn't matter now roadbound
Expect to see Wacko, though o/
-
I don't want to, either. The funny thing is that I still see what you're suggesting as the more threatening of the two. We set her down, give her her space, and we don't have need to respond with any force unless she goes overboard. I think trying to hold onto her against her wishes would actually feel like a greater act of aggression. Maybe that's a subjective thing?
-
Possible. I see your way as worse because, with my way, we don't have to respond with force at all, which is my personal top concern.
-
> Look over to Tenshi.
> "Psst!"
> Look down at what the poltergeist is doing.
> Begin charging.
> Where are our shadows right now?
>You get Tenshi's attention, and begin to build a charge again.
>You cannot see it, due to the blot of shadow you've been in for the past while. But the sun is behind you, as you are walking toward the eastern mountains. Logically, it would be falling across her.
>"Hmmm... I think she may be waking up."
>If the poltergeist continues to shift, set her down gently on the ground, and stand such that our shadow is out of reach of her
>Gesture for Tenshi to do the same
>Tenshi nods, and draws her sword.
>The poltergeist shifts a bit more, then freezes.
>_
-
> Smile.
> Keep voice soft.
> "Good evening."
> Are her eyes open?
-
>Freezes? Like, suddenly, in response to the sword being drawn? Or could it have been a natural thing, like someone shifting about while asleep, then stopping?
>Does she show any other signs of consciousness?
Possible. I see your way as worse because, with my way, we don't have to respond with force at all, which is my personal top concern.
Or we could outright take flight, and if she struggles, she drops.
You call dropping her from the sky not applying force?
For that matter, if she starts shooting or doing other extremely unpleasant things while we try to hold her, what were you proposing doing about it?
-
>Freezes? Like, suddenly, in response to the sword being drawn? Or could it have been a natural thing, like someone shifting about while asleep, then stopping?
>Does she show any other signs of consciousness?
>You think it's the former, though not necessarily for that exact reason.
>_
-
> Smile.
> Keep voice soft.
> "Good evening."
> Are her eyes open?
You call dropping her from the sky not applying force?
I call her dropping from our grip because she struggled so much we couldn't maintain it despite our best efforts not applying force, yes.
For that matter, if she starts shooting or doing other extremely unpleasant things while we try to hold her, what were you proposing doing about it?
In that case, she would be the instigator, though I wonder if she could really hit us with anything if her hands are aimed away from us. In your scenario, we may have to have to end up shooting at her without her shooting at us, which is not something I like.
-
I call her dropping from our grip because she struggled so much we couldn't maintain it not applying force, yes.
Feels like a technicality to me. Although the original post implied that we would intentionally drop her if she started acting up; I suppose this isn't quite as bad.
In that case, she would be the instigator, though I wonder if she could really hit us with anything if her hands are aimed away from us. In your scenario, we may have to have to end up shooting at her without her shooting at us, which is not something I like.
Why would we need to end up doing that? If she's not trying to attack us somehow, what cause do we have to attack her ourselves?
-
> Smile.
> Keep voice soft.
> "Good evening."
> Are her eyes open?
>You smile and bid her good evening.
>Her eyes weren't open before, or if they were they were at mere slits. She opens them now, and glares at you.
>_
-
>"I don't mean you any harm. I didn't from the start, for that matter. I'm sad the feeling wasn't mutual."
>"How are you feeling?"
-
Might as well agree to disagree, then, especially since it seems moot now.
Just a thought for this next discussion: she's shown propensity to interrupt before, so being short-winded and to the point may be best while she's in an angry panic.
-
>"I don't mean you any harm. I didn't from the start, for that matter. I'm sad the feeling wasn't mutual."
>"How are you feeling?"
>"Let me go," she she says in a low tone, glaring at you still.
>_
-
> "I would actually like to. But we need to talk, first. At the very least."
-
> "I would actually like to. But we need to talk, first. At the very least."
>"No," she says. "Now let me go."
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "If we can't talk, then I can't let you go. It's up to you."
-
> Shrug.
> "If we can't talk, then I can't let you go. It's up to you."
>She doesn't answer, instead continuing to give you a withering glare. You can't help but wonder if she is trying to hate you into submission.
>_
-
>"And if I were to let you go right now, what would you do?"
-
>"And if I were to let you go right now, what would you do?"
>She does not answer, continuing to glare at you.
>_
-
>"Then given what you tried to do to me the last time you were free, that doesn't give me a lot of incentive, does it?"
>"Would it be so bad to talk, a little?"
-
>"Then given what you tried to do to me the last time you were free, that doesn't give me a lot of incentive, does it?"
>"Would it be so bad to talk, a little?"
>"You've made it clear there's nothing to say to you," she says.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Now that's just not true. There's plenty you could say. You could tell me why you want to hide so much, for example."
-
> Frown.
> "Now that's just not true. There's plenty you could say. You could tell me why you want to hide so much, for example."
>Her glare darkens, mildly surprising you that it is possible. Even though she has not made any motions to suggest it, you can't shake the feeling she is about to try to bite you.
>_
-
>"I can set you down. But I don't intend to let you wander off on your own until I'm satisfied you won't take that chance to harm someone else, you understand?"
-
>"I can set you down. But I don't intend to let you wander off on your own until I'm satisfied you won't take that chance to harm someone else, you understand?"
>Her glare does not soften; it seems she does not consider this an acceptable compromise.
>_
-
>Do so, anyway
>Set the poltergeist gently on the ground, in a sitting position
>Then step away such that our shadow is not near her reach and kneel down, ourselves
-
>Do so, anyway
>Set the poltergeist gently on the ground, in a sitting position
>Then step away such that our shadow is not near her reach and kneel down, ourselves
>You set her down, and into as much of a sitting position you can with someone who is hogtied.
>You cannot be sure your shadow is not touching her, given the radius of shadow around you, but you try to estimate and kneel down. Tenshi says nothing, standing close to you with the Sword of Hisou ready.
>_
-
> "Let us try this, then."
> "I did not know who you were before, but I have since figured it out. I still want to help you. Even more so than before, if that can be believed. But, in order for me to do so, you need to work with me."
> "There are a handful of things we can do. The first is that you tell me why you want to hide yourself so desperately. I only know that you do; I do not know why. If you can tell me why you are hiding, perhaps we can try to fix that problem so you don't have to anymore."
-
> "Let us try this, then."
> "I did not know who you were before, but I have since figured it out. I still want to help you. Even more so than before, if that can be believed. But, in order for me to do so, you need to work with me."
> "There are a handful of things we can do. The first is that you tell me why you want to hide yourself so desperately. I only know that you do; I do not know why. If you can tell me why you are hiding, perhaps we can try to fix that problem so you don't have to anymore."
>"If you want to help me, disappear quietly," she says.
>_
-
> "That's not something I can do, sadly, and it won't solve your hiding problem anyway, as others have seen you and know who you are. But there are other options."
> "The second thing you can do is tell us the title of your book. It would be easier to find if we were able to ask a lot of people, right? Giving them the book's name will enable that process."
-
> "That's not something I can do, sadly, and it won't solve your hiding problem anyway, as others have seen you and know who you are. But there are other options."
> "The second thing you can do is tell us the title of your book. It would be easier to find if we were able to ask a lot of people, right? Giving them the book's name will enable that process."
>"I'll deal with them in good time," she says.
>"No. You know far too much already."
>_
-
>"Would you rather not find your book again than to have anyone help you search for it?"
-
>"Would you rather not find your book again than to have anyone help you search for it?"
>"I would rather it had been left alone in the first place," she says, "And I would rather you had left me alone!"
>_
-
>"And I would rathered you not taken Kogasa and Nitori's shadows, either. Their well-being is important to me. To say nothing of what you tried to do to me."
>"The point is, we've both done things that other would have rathered we had not. But they are done. Wishing they had not happened does not change the present. Your book is gone, and it needs to be found again. So, I say again: Would you rather not find your book again to have anyone help you search for it? "
-
>"And I would rathered you not taken Kogasa and Nitori's shadows, either. Their well-being is important to me. To say nothing of what you tried to do to me."
>"The point is, we've both done things that other would have rathered we had not. But they are done. Wishing they had not happened does not change the present. Your book is gone, and it needs to be found again. So, I say again: Would you rather not find your book again to have anyone help you search for it? "
>"Then they should have left me alone," says the poltergeist, "And so should you."
>"Then let me go and disappear quietly," she says. "That will help more than anything."
>_
-
>"I do not believe that me disappearing will bring your book back to you, wherever it has gone."
>"Why does it bother you so much to be spoken to by people? Why is it wrong for anyone to want to get to know you?"
-
>"I do not believe that me disappearing will bring your book back to you, wherever it has gone."
>"Why does it bother you so much to be spoken to by people? Why is it wrong for anyone to want to get to know you?"
>She does not answer, opting to glare at you instead.
>"She really is kind of a shit, isn't she?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
>To Tenshi: "She is... hostile, certainly. Though I understand some of the reason for that."
>To the Spectre: "Haven't you ever felt lonely, hiding from everyone? The world is a sad place without people in it who you trust and care about. And who care about you in return."
-
>To Tenshi: "She is... hostile, certainly. Though I understand some of the reason for that."
>To the Spectre: "Haven't you ever felt lonely, hiding from everyone? The world is a sad place without people in it who you trust and care about. And who care about you in return."
>Tenshi nods. "Want me to rough her up a bit? It'll be me doing it, so you don't have to worry about getting in trouble."
>The poltergeist just continues to glare at you.
>_
-
>To Tenshi: "No, I don't want to harm her."
>To the Spectre: "Nor would most people in this world, if you would not try to harm them yourself."
>"I know you have seen people in that forest who you did not strike down. You must have seen them speaking among themselves, enjoying each others company. Haven't you ever wanted more for yourself than you have?"
-
>To Tenshi: "No, I don't want to harm her."
>To the Spectre: "Nor would most people in this world, if you would not try to harm them yourself."
>"I know you have seen people in that forest who you did not strike down. You must have seen them speaking among themselves, enjoying each others company. Haven't you ever wanted more for yourself than you have?"
>"If that's what you want," says Tenshi with a shrug.
>"Let me go," says the poltergeist, practically growling each word.
>_
-
>"Would you let me go, were our positions reversed? Will you let Kogasa and Nitori go? They are far away from you, and pose no threat to you."
-
>"Would you let me go, were our positions reversed? Will you let Kogasa and Nitori go? They are far away from you, and pose no threat to you."
>She glares at you silently again.
>_
-
>"Shall I take that as a no, then? If you will not make a gesture of your own good faith, what reason do I have to reciprocate? I am already showing a great deal of kindness towards you, given your actions, because I genuinely care about what happens to you and want to help. I understand that may be hard to believe. The only reason I keep you restrained is because you have given me every indication that you will harm more people if I let you go. Can you honestly swear that you would not? "
>"And why do you keep these pieces of the others, so long after they have left you alone?"
-
I have an idea. Will be home soon, hopefully.
-
> How far are we from Renko and Maribel's house?
> How far are we from Nitori's house?
-
>"Shall I take that as a no, then? If you will not make a gesture of your own good faith, what reason do I have to reciprocate? I am already showing a great deal of kindness towards you, given your actions, because I genuinely care about what happens to you and want to help. I understand that may be hard to believe. The only reason I keep you restrained is because you have given me every indication that you will harm more people if I let you go. Can you honestly swear that you would not? "
>"And why do you keep these pieces of the others, so long after they have left you alone?"
>You feel she is trying to strangle you with her glare, or at least wishes that she could.
> How far are we from Renko and Maribel's house?
> How far are we from Nitori's house?
>Both are some distance away, but you think Nitori's home is a little closer.
>_
-
>"If I let you go right now, what would you do?"
-
>"If I let you go right now, what would you do?"
>"You already know too much," she spits, as though it were an imprecation against you.
>_
-
>"Have you stopped to consider why it should be harmful for others to know things about you?"
-
>"Have you stopped to consider why it should be harmful for others to know things about you?"
>"Have you stopped to consider what an obvious liar you are?"
-
>"And what am I lying about?"
-
>"And what am I lying about?"
>"You drag me from my forest and expose me to others, and then you claim you want to help!?" she shouts. "You could not be buried deeply enough!"
>_
-
>"I do want to help. But I don't want to help you go back to victimizing others. I want to help you find a way that you can co-exist with the others that share your forest, not to need to hide or harm anyone, anymore. Wouldn't it be best for you, as well, not to have to be ever-vigilant for others? To be safe, without feeling the need to fight for your safety every day? I understand why you might not believe me. Perhaps I would not, either, were our positions reversed. I would ask that you trust me, but I understand that trust must be earned. Perhaps in time you will grow to believe me. It is your right to make up your own mind, of course."
>"As for exposing you to others... these others would have found you soon enough. If you had silenced me back in that forest, Tenshi here would have been upon you before nightfall.
I apologize for taking you from your forest, but we were bringing you to one of your victims, so that you might be able to restore what you have taken from her."
-
>"I do want to help. But I don't want to help you go back to victimizing others. I want to help you find a way that you can co-exist with the others that share your forest, not to need to hide or harm anyone, anymore. Wouldn't it be best for you, as well, not to have to be ever-vigilant for others? To be safe, without feeling the need to fight for your safety every day? I understand why you might not believe me. Perhaps I would not, either, were our positions reversed. I would ask that you trust me, but I understand that trust must be earned. Perhaps in time you will grow to believe me. It is your right to make up your own mind, of course."
>"As for exposing you to others... these others would have found you soon enough. If you had silenced me back in that forest, Tenshi here would have been upon you before nightfall.
I apologize for taking you from your forest, but we were bringing you to one of your victims, so that you might be able to restore what you have taken from her."
>"No. You'll all disappear now," she says.
>_
-
>"We are all going to disappear now? You are still confident that you can still make this happen as things are now?"
-
>"We are all going to disappear now? You are still confident that you can still make this happen as things are now?"
>"You think you can do anything about it?" She asks.
>_
-
>"I defeated you once, when I was alone, and I am not the strongest among those involved. If I could win then, are you saying you think you can overpower both of us, now?"
-
>"I defeated you once, when I was alone, and I am not the strongest among those involved. If I could win then, are you saying you think you can overpower both of us, now?"
>Her face melts into a grin. "I already have. Goodbye."
>The world around you suddenly grows darker and blurrier. You hear Tenshi cry out in surprise.
>_
-
>Quickly, take flight and dash outside the range of the giant shadow the poltergeist was casting, by whatever route is the fastest and shortest from our current position. If we can't really see where it is at the moment, go by our memory of it. And if we can't move straight, compel ourselves to, dammit!
-
>Quickly, take flight and dash outside the range of the giant shadow the poltergeist was casting, by whatever route is the fastest and shortest from our current position. If we can't really see where it is at the moment, go by our memory of it. And if we can't move straight, compel ourselves to, dammit!
>You run as fast as you can. Nothing really prevents you from doing this. Unfortunately, the shadow also covers a sizeable region, and the world grows darker and blurrier rather quickly. For a moment, you can't see anything. Then...everything is different.
>You are dashing through a pale field of flowers. The sky is a sort of washed out purple hue; the vista makes you feel that you are back in Bhava-Agra.
>_
-
>She... really did it, didn't she?
>No, this is just a minor setback. We will make certain of that.
>Survey our surroundings. Are there any signs of people, structures, strangely familiar sights, or anything else that catches our eye?
-
>She... really did it, didn't she?
>No, this is just a minor setback. We will make certain of that.
>Survey our surroundings. Are there any signs of people, structures, strangely familiar sights, or anything else that catches our eye?
>You boggle at the edge of panic for a moment, but find your resolve. This is only a bump in the road.
>Looking around, you see you are on a smallish island, about thirty or so meters across, covered with various flowers. There isn't really color here, but neither are things really dark. You can't quite put your finger on how to describe it, but nothing here has color, yet they all have the hint of having their proper color in some pale and unsatisfactory way. It is a little disconcerting.
>You can see a couple other islands in the distance. One looks like it might be home to that village were Tenshi's sister was resting.
>_
-
>The colors... they're all shadows of themselves, aren't they?
>Fly off towards where we think that village may be
-
>The colors... they're all shadows of themselves, aren't they?
>Fly off towards where we think that village may be
>That may well be the case. You can certainly look at the grass and tell it is supposed to be green, even if it's not actually green.
>You take to the air, and are pleased to find that flight still works here. You set course for the wooded isle, not quite certain what direction you are going in. As you leave the flowered isle, you look down and see there is nothing below you, neither clouds nor any hint of Gensokyo, just more of the not-quite-purple sky.
>You find your suspicions were correct as you approach the island; it is heavily forested, with a few ponds here and there. Remember what you've learned before, you approach the largest pond, and look around to find the village snug under the forest canopy.
>_
-
>Head towards it and look around
>Are there any signs of other people?
>If not, pick a door and knock on it
-
>Head towards it and look around
>Are there any signs of other people?
>If not, pick a door and knock on it
>You head into the village. The houses are rather simple affairs, none having anything more ostentatiousness than a window box. A few peach trees can be seen here or there. There is a small gazebo in the middle of the village, set in an artificial pond and connected by to the land by several bridges. As far as you can see, there are no signs of any people.
>You pick a door and knock on it. There is no answer.
>_
-
>Try opening it
>If it does not appear to be locked, first call out "Hello?", and if we receive no response, step inside and have a look around
-
>Try opening it
>If it does not appear to be locked, first call out "Hello?", and if we receive no response, step inside and have a look around
>You test the door, and find it is not locked. This isn't unusual for Bhava-Agra.
>As you start to walk in, you think you see some motion on the ground, toward your left.
>_
-
>Look towards said motion
-
>Look towards said motion
>You look over, and see some dark thing racing toward the ground at you! Before you can react, it stops at your feet.
>Looking down, you see a shadow that isn't yours. The clothing is wrong; the dress too short and the hat completely wrong. As well, it has two ponytails. You think it's built wrong, but that's really hard to tell with a shadow.
>_
-
>Could it be Nitori's shadow?
-
>Could it be Nitori's shadow?
>It seems to be.
>After a moment, the shadow starts waving its arms.
>_
-
>"Nitori? Can you understand me?"
-
>"Nitori? Can you understand me?"
>The shadow's motion stops as you talk; you swear you see the lower part of her face moving just a little. She then nods.
>_
-
>Shake our head
>"I'm... afraid I can't understand you. I can only see your shadow moving."
>"I apologize for this, but I just want to make sure you can really hear me. Can you stand on one leg, and wave your right around about in circles, for a moment?"
-
>Shake our head
>"I'm... afraid I can't understand you. I can only see your shadow moving."
>"I apologize for this, but I just want to make sure you can really hear me. Can you stand on one leg, and wave your right around about in circles, for a moment?"
>You shake your head, and so does she.
>After a moment, she puts her hand to her head, then raises a leg and waves her right arm around.
>_
-
>"Thank you, that's fine."
>"I guess your consciousness is here, but you just lack a form. I'm not entirely sure why I still seem to have mine, but I'll take it as good fortune for the moment."
>"I'm just going to ask you a couple questions. Since I can't hear your words, just nod or shake your head obviously in response, ok?
>While we ask questions, pause to observe for a response
>"I guess you've been here for a few days, then?"
>"And these islands just showed up a little while ago?"
>"Has anything else here changed since they showed up?"
>"Have you seen anyone else who still has a form, and can talk, other than me?"
-
>"Thank you, that's fine."
>"I guess your consciousness is here, but you just lack a form. I'm not entirely sure why I still seem to have mine, but I'll take it as good fortune for the moment."
>"I'm just going to ask you a couple questions. Since I can't hear your words, just nod or shake your head obviously in response, ok?
>While we ask questions, pause to observe for a response
>"I guess you've been here for a few days, then?"
>"And these islands just showed up a little while ago?"
>"Has anything else here changed since they showed up?"
>"Have you seen anyone else who still has a form, and can talk, other than me?"
>She nods in response to your suggestion. She shrugs at your first question, nods to your second, shakes her head to your third and fourth questions.
>While she answers the third question, you shift you weight a little, and notice that she follows suit.
>_
-
>Take a couple steps to the side. Does she seem to be attached to us now? And not just moving of her own accord?
>"Do you understand what's happened to you?"
-
>Take a couple steps to the side. Does she seem to be attached to us now? And not just moving of her own accord?
>"Do you understand what's happened to you?"
>You take a couple steps, and she follows along. You suspect she is attached to you.
>She shrugs again, and shakes her head.
>_
-
>"Ok, well I've discovered a few things, so I'll try to explain what I can."
>"Your shadow has been torn away from your body. Or rather, you appear to be that shadow. Your body is still in the outside world, although there is only the tiniest bit of consciousness in it. Utsuho, Parsee, and Yuugi have been taking care of you since they discovered you lying on a hill a few days ago. I'm sure that's a rather disturbing image, but such is as it is."
>"Am I correct in assuming that you were attacked by a strange white-haired poltergeist, before you ended up here?"
>"Were you also in the Forest of Magic at the time? Perhaps idly looking about for the Brochen Spectre?"
-
>"Ok, well I've discovered a few things, so I'll try to explain what I can."
>"Your shadow has been torn away from your body. Or rather, you appear to be that shadow. Your body is still in the outside world, although there is only the tiniest bit of consciousness in it. Utsuho, Parsee, and Yuugi have been taking care of you since they discovered you lying on a hill a few days ago. I'm sure that's a rather disturbing image, but such is as it is."
>"Am I correct in assuming that you were attacked by a strange white-haired poltergeist, before you ended up here?"
>"Were you also in the Forest of Magic at the time? Perhaps idly looking about for the Brochen Spectre?"
>You explain things as best you can. She nods between the pause of your explanation and your question. She nods again when you ask about the assailant, and shakes her head to the second part.
>_
-
>"So, were you just in your warehouse at the time? Or around the village? Maybe even on a hill a little distance from the village?"
>"And did she just come up to you and attack you? Or was it more complicated than that?"
-
>"So, were you just in your warehouse at the time? Or around the village? Maybe even on a hill a little distance from the village?"
>"And did she just come up to you and attack you? Or was it more complicated than that?"
>She holds up one finger after your first question and shakes her head. Then she holds up a second finger and shakes her head against. Then she puts up a third finger and nods.
>After your second question, she repeats this, shaking her head at one finger and nodding at the second.
>_
-
>"Had you ever met her before that point?"
-
>"Had you ever met her before that point?"
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
>"Was she at the hill when you got there? Or did she arrive after you were already there?"
>"Were you just going for a walk at the time? Or was there some other purpose to you going there?"
-
>"Was she at the hill when you got there? Or did she arrive after you were already there?"
>"Were you just going for a walk at the time? Or was there some other purpose to you going there?"
>After your first question, Nitori shakes her head.
>She holds up one finger after your second question, then nods.
>_
-
>"Perhaps I'm misunderstanding...."
>"You said she was not at the hill when you got there, correct?"
>"Yet, she also did not arrive after you were already there?"
>"Is there a third option?"
-
>"Perhaps I'm misunderstanding...."
>"You said she was not at the hill when you got there, correct?"
>"Yet, she also did not arrive after you were already there?"
>"Is there a third option?"
>She shakes her head to your first two questions, then nods to the third.
>_
-
>"But you did encounter her on this hill at some point, correct?"
-
>"But you did encounter her on this hill at some point, correct?"
>She nods.
-
>"Did you... arrive at the same time, then?"
-
>"Did you... arrive at the same time, then?"
>She points at you, or at least it seems that way from how her arm vanishes almost up to her shoulder. You can almost hear her say, "Yeah, that's it!" She nods as well, afterward.
>_
-
>"Ok, so you were out for a walk, and as you arrived at this hill, you saw someone you hadn't seen before also walking onto the hill."
>"Was she doing anything obvious other than just walking, when you first saw her?"
-
>"Ok, so you were out for a walk, and as you arrived at this hill, you saw someone you hadn't seen before also walking onto the hill."
>"Was she doing anything obvious other than just walking, when you first saw her?"
>She nods to both your first and second questions.
>_
-
>"Was she reading a book, by any chance?"
-
>"Was she reading a book, by any chance?"
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
>"Do you... think you might be able to try to describe what she was doing through gestures? And I can try to guess?"
-
>"Do you... think you might be able to try to describe what she was doing through gestures? And I can try to guess?"
>She ponders for a moment, then raises a finger suddenly; you can practically hear the "Aha!"
>She points at you. Then she kneels and...you think she's pointing at the ground. At least her finger is on the same level as her feet; and practically beside yours. Then she points at you again.
>_
-
>"I'm afraid I don't think I really understand..."
>"Was she kneeling?"
>"Was she doing something to the ground?"
-
>"I'm afraid I don't think I really understand..."
>"Was she kneeling?"
>"Was she doing something to the ground?"
>She points at you again. Judging from the motions of her arm, she's jabbing her finger in your direction.
>_
-
> "Was I there at the time?"
-
> "Was I there at the time?"
> Assuming this does not receive a positive response, say the following:
> "Or...was she dancing?"
-
> "Was I there at the time?"
> Assuming this does not receive a positive response, say the following:
> "Or...was she dancing?"
>She shakes her head both times, then smacks her forehead. She stands up again, gestures at you with both hands, then kneels down and extends finger toward the ground. Then she points at you again with her other hand, then holds that hand at head level and lowers it to ground level. Then she points at you again.
>_
-
> "I'm sorry I'm this clueless. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. But I have some other ideas."
> "...Do you want me to mimic what you're doing?"
-
> "I'm sorry I'm this clueless. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. But I have some other ideas."
> "...Do you want me to mimic what you're doing?"
>She nods vigorously.
>_
-
> Get into a kneeling position.
> Place our ear against the ground and listen.
-
> Get into a kneeling position.
> Place our ear against the ground and listen.
>You kneel down; Nitori is pulled from her current position, then kneels down with you. Nitori gives you a thumbs up.
>Then you place your ear on the ground, bringing Nitori down with you. Afterward, she sits up again and smacks her forehead again. Then she starts vigorously shaking her head, and resumes her prior position, kneeling with a finger pointed at the ground. With her other hand, she points to her arm, then to you.
>_
-
> Point at the ground with whichever of our arms seems like it's attached to the one she's currently using to point at the ground.
-
> Point at the ground with whichever of our arms seems like it's attached to the one she's currently using to point at the ground.
>You mimic her pointing. This requires you to lift yourself off the ground a bit, which ends up forcing Nitori into a reclining position on the ground similar to yours. She shrugs, then gives you a thumbs up with her free hand.
>Your find, and the shadow of her finger are now touching. She slowly draws hers across the dirt, then points to you with her other hand.
>_
-
>Follow the motion of her finger with the one of ours that was touching it a moment ago
-
>Follow the motion of her finger with the one of ours that was touching it a moment ago
>You follow her motion; almost but not quite leaving a line in the dirt. She gives you a vigorous nod, and makes another line, touching the one you just made.
>_
-
>Keep going. Press a bit harder so that it leaves a clearly visible line in the dirt
-
> Assuming she keeps making finger-drawing motions, follow each of them until she's done.
-
>Keep going. Press a bit harder so that it leaves a clearly visible line in the dirt
>You follow Nitori's directions, and find you are writing a proper message in the dirt.
>"She was sneaking around."
>_
-
>"Did she seem to be searching for something, that you could tell?"
>"After you saw her, am I correct in assuming that you asked what she was doing or who she was?"
>"And she responded with immediate hostility? Something about you 'knowing too much'? Would that be about right?"
-
>"Did she seem to be searching for something, that you could tell?"
>"After you saw her, am I correct in assuming that you asked what she was doing or who she was?"
>"And she responded with immediate hostility? Something about you 'knowing too much'? Would that be about right?"
>"Not exactly," she directs you to write. "I sort of thought she was a thief trying to break into my warehouse, since she was sneaking around. So I kind of told her to stop sneaking around and get out of there. She shot at me, I shot back. She was pretty lousy at it. Then she did something, I don't know. Hurt a lot. Then I woke up here."
>_
-
>"Ah. I believe I know what you experienced. She tried to do that to me as well, although I narrowly managed to force her to stop before it fully took hold. But that was when she tore your shadow away from you. And... took it here, I guess. I don't know if we're inside some part of her, or somewhere else."
>"She has stolen shadows for other things, and in each case, the physical part of it that was left behind was left obviously unwhole. A tree withered and seems to be only clinging to life. Bhava-Agra fell from the sky when she consumed its shadows. She tore Kogasa's shadow away, similar to your own."
>"I found her, fought her, and defeated her. But when I was talking to her after she regained consciousness, she did something to me. The world went black, and here I am. It's clearly not the same thing that was done to you. I admit I'm not fully sure what it is, yet."
-
>"Ah. I believe I know what you experienced. She tried to do that to me as well, although I narrowly managed to force her to stop before it fully took hold. But that was when she tore your shadow away from you. And... took it here, I guess. I don't know if we're inside some part of her, or somewhere else."
>"She has stolen shadows for other things, and in each case, the physical part of it that was left behind was left obviously unwhole. A tree withered and seems to be only clinging to life. Bhava-Agra fell from the sky when she consumed its shadows. She tore Kogasa's shadow away, similar to your own."
>"I found her, fought her, and defeated her. But when I was talking to her after she regained consciousness, she did something to me. The world went black, and here I am. It's clearly not the same thing that was done to you. I admit I'm not fully sure what it is, yet."
>Nitori nods, then writes: "I thought it was something like that. I have these weird memories of being with her in a cave and stuff. More like dreams."
>_
-
> "A cave? Did you recognize it?"
> "And you haven't seen Kogasa around, have you?"
-
>"A cave? Do you remember what she was doing, while you were there? Or what you were doing, for that matter? Were you incapacitated?"
-
> "A cave? Did you recognize it?"
> "And you haven't seen Kogasa around, have you?"
>"A cave? Do you remember what she was doing, while you were there? Or what you were doing, for that matter? Were you incapacitated?"
>She writes: "Didn't recognize it. Think it's on the mountain somewhere. She was just lingering. Hiding, maybe? I was just there. It was like a dream. A really boring one. I didn't do anything at all. I've not seen Kogasa; that's the karakasa, right?"
>_
-
> "Kogasa is the karakasa, yes. I'm hoping she'll find her way here. But we can put that aside until she arrives, in the interest of time."
> "You say you weren't doing anything in that cave. Was she doing anything? Anything that you would have been able to do?"
-
> "Kogasa is the karakasa, yes. I'm hoping she'll find her way here. But we can put that aside until she arrives, in the interest of time."
> "You say you weren't doing anything in that cave. Was she doing anything? Anything that you would have been able to do?"
>Nitori writes: "Hope she's on the island, then. I can't leave it."
>"She was just waiting around. I really couldn't do anything but lay there. The other dream was weirder; she was drinking with Suika."
>_
-
Haha oh man Draco's gonna be pissed that he left for bed right before that revelation
> "She what? That's...did she seem happy while doing it? And it was definitely her?"
-
> "She what? That's...did she seem happy while doing it? And it was definitely her?"
>"Not that weird," Nitori writes. "Suika will drink with pretty much anyone as far as I know. I'm pretty sure it was her; and she seemed more confused than anything."
>_
-
> "It's weird because it's in direct conflict with what I've seen of her personality. She's been nothing but unnecessarily belligerent, to the point where she assaults people and steals their consciousness at the slightest provocation. You've seen this yourself. I had it worse: I offered to help her find her book after she accused me of stealing it, and when I told her I had been following her because I had been hoping for information about a mystery, she went nuts. I've never seen her outright confused: she's always been a simple angry, or cocky when things were going well for her. To hear of her tolerating the presence of another, never mind actually socializing with them, is bizarre."
> "Whenever we get out of here, we'll need to find Suika. She could be the key to all this. But that will have to come later."
> "Can you estimate how much time you felt elapsed between the mystery pain and when you ended up here?"
-
> "It's weird because it's in direct conflict with what I've seen of her personality. She's been nothing but unnecessarily belligerent, to the point where she assaults people and steals their consciousness at the slightest provocation. You've seen this yourself. I had it worse: I offered to help her find her book after she accused me of stealing it, and when I told her I had been following her because I had been hoping for information about a mystery, she went nuts. I've never seen her outright confused: she's always been a simple angry, or cocky when things were going well for her. To hear of her tolerating the presence of another, never mind actually socializing with them, is bizarre."
> "Whenever we get out of here, we'll need to find Suika. She could be the key to all this. But that will have to come later."
> "Can you estimate how much time you felt elapsed between the mystery pain and when you ended up here?"
>Nitori shrugs, then writes: "You know her better than I do, it sounds like. Suika probably isn't too hard to find, though."
>You ask her how long she has been there; Nitori just shakes her head.
-
> "Hmm."
> "Uh...just as a quick aside, when I went to meet your body, back in reality, do you remember any of what I said to you there?"
-
> "Hmm."
> "Uh...just as a quick aside, when I went to meet your body, back in reality, do you remember any of what I said to you there?"
>She pauses for a moment, rubbing her chin. "I thought I was daydreaming or something," she writes after a moment.
>_
-
> "Okay. Well, um, if you ever remember anything that was said in there, it was all done to get a reaction out of you, and I didn't mean any of it, I promise you."
> "That's good to know, though. It seems like you still have a connection to yourself, however weak."
> "Now, you said you can't leave this island, right? What were you doing before I showed up, since we appear rather attached to each other right now?"
-
> "Okay. Well, um, if you ever remember anything that was said in there, it was all done to get a reaction out of you, and I didn't mean any of it, I promise you."
> "That's good to know, though. It seems like you still have a connection to yourself, however weak."
> "Now, you said you can't leave this island, right? What were you doing before I showed up, since we appear rather attached to each other right now?"
>"Okay good," she writes, "I remember some of it, kinda."
>She nods in agreement with your second statement.
>"Just sort of loafing around, really," she writes.
>_
-
> "So it would not be an excruciating experience for you if I checked out other islands to see what else I could find here? I will certainly remember this place and do my best to come back at least once, to keep you abreast of any new information."
-
> "So it would not be an excruciating experience for you if I checked out other islands to see what else I could find here? I will certainly remember this place and do my best to come back at least once, to keep you abreast of any new information."
>She shrugs, then writes, "Knock yourself out. Not much I can do either way."
>_
-
> Is Nitori's shadow on the ground, attached to us at the feet, or is she kneeling next to us?
> "All right. I will try my damnedest to get you out of here. You, Kogasa, and everything else this girl has stolen. And myself as well, apparently."
> "While I am thinking about it, how aware of what was going on were you when I talked to your body? You mentioned you thought it was a daydream. Do you think it could be used as any sort of communication if I talked to you again the same way?"
-
> Is Nitori's shadow on the ground, attached to us at the feet, or is she kneeling next to us?
> Belay this, looked back, got my answer.
-
> "All right. I will try my damnedest to get you out of here. You, Kogasa, and everything else this girl has stolen. And myself as well, apparently."
> "While I am thinking about it, how aware of what was going on were you when I talked to your body? You mentioned you thought it was a daydream. Do you think it could be used as any sort of communication if I talked to you again the same way?"
>She nods as you make your first declaration. Then after you ask your second question, she writes, "I have no idea. I didn't even know it was actually happening. If you have any idea how I can do it, I'm all ears."
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "None, beyond shouting really loud and hoping it gets through, and it doesn't sound like that will work."
> Look around throughout the voidscape - what other islands are out there?
> Do we remember what part of Gensokyo this island was above in the real world?
-
> Shrug.
> "None, beyond shouting really loud and hoping it gets through, and it doesn't sound like that will work."
> Look around throughout the voidscape - what other islands are out there?
> Do we remember what part of Gensokyo this island was above in the real world?
>Nitori shrugs again.
>You look around, and see another island in the distance. It is more or less a small floating mountain.
>If you recall properly, this one wouldn't been too far from Kourindou, and the one you are looking at should have been near Maribel and Renko's house.
>_
-
> "All right, Nitori, I'm heading off to explore some other islands, to see who else I can find. I will try to come back and fill you in on anything I find, but given all the strange things that could happen here...yeah. Hopefully you can watch me from the side of a house, or something."
> If Nitori makes no effort to write something in response, walk in the direction of the mountainous island. If she does, let her respond, and then walk.
> Along the way: "You know, at least this give you one more thing to rub in the face of heretics. Detatched shadows connected to consciousnesses, voids of who-knows-what...this place is seven kinds of weird, even by magical standards."
-
> "All right, Nitori, I'm heading off to explore some other islands, to see who else I can find. I will try to come back and fill you in on anything I find, but given all the strange things that could happen here...yeah. Hopefully you can watch me from the side of a house, or something."
> If Nitori makes no effort to write something in response, walk in the direction of the mountainous island. If she does, let her respond, and then walk.
> Along the way: "You know, at least this give you one more thing to rub in the face of heretics. Detatched shadows connected to consciousnesses, voids of who-knows-what...this place is seven kinds of weird, even by magical standards."
>Nitori simply nods
>You talk along the way, but Nitori is not able to give a real answer.
>Soon you reach the edge of the island; its pale forests, though dense, are not particularly hard to travel. It is not a particularly long walk, either, and soon are are at the edge of the almost-purple void.
>_
-
> "Well, good luck. See you on the other side."
> Take flight for the mountainous island.
> Observe the purplish void as we fly. Is there anything remarkable about what's above or below us?
-
> "Well, good luck. See you on the other side."
> Take flight for the mountainous island.
> Observe the purplish void as we fly. Is there anything remarkable about what's above or below us?
>You say your goodbyes and take flight toward the island.
>You look at the void. It sort of reminds you of the sky around sunset, but it has that same colored-but-not-colored look that everything else here does.
>_
-
> And it doesn't appear to stop anywhere in any direction?
> Does it looks like it could be an off-coloring of the poltergeist's shirt?
-
> And it doesn't appear to stop anywhere in any direction?
> Does it looks like it could be an off-coloring of the poltergeist's shirt?
>No. It appears to take the place of the sky here.
>You didn't really get a good look at what she had on under her coat, but her coat was blue. You don't think she had any purple on other it.
>_
-
> Try to fire some danmaku into the void.
> Assuming nothing interesting otherwise happens along the way, continue on to the mountainous island.
-
> Try to fire some danmaku into the void.
> Assuming nothing interesting otherwise happens along the way, continue on to the mountainous island.
>You send some danmaku into the emptiness. It is rather like shooting danmaku into the sky, nothing special or interesting happens.
>After a few minutes, you reach the new island. Aside from being dominated by a small rocky mountain, maybe a hundred feet high, there is nothing particularly special about it. As you land, you note some motions from your shadow. Looking down, you see Nitori's shadow is there, holding her head.
>_
-
> "Whoa! Are you okay?"
-
> "Whoa! Are you okay?"
>She shakes her head, as if sorting herself out. Then she nods to you.
>_
-
> "...Did I just make you travel across the void? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to subject you to that."
-
> "...Did I just make you travel across the void? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to subject you to that."
>She makes a dismissive wave of her hand.
-
> Look around the island for anything noteworthy. Other moving shadows in particular would be noteworthy.
> If nothing immediately jumps out, start heading up the mountain.
-
> Look around the island for anything noteworthy. Other moving shadows in particular would be noteworthy.
> If nothing immediately jumps out, start heading up the mountain.
>You look around, and don't see anything noteworthy here. The shadows, weak uncolored things that they are, do not particularly hold any unusual properties such as motion.
>You start up the mountain. It's not a difficult hike at all; it's not even steep enough that you have to use your hands to get up the slope. Soon you reach the summit.
>_
-
> Look around all sides of the small mountain for anything noteworthy.
> Look around for any other visible islands.
-
> Look around all sides of the small mountain for anything noteworthy.
> Look around for any other visible islands.
>You look around the mountain. There is a small pool on its western slope; or at least you assume it's western from the direction or and Nitori's shadows have fallen.
>You don't see any other islands save the one you were just on. But it seems that they are more or less in the same places as they were in Gensokyo.
>_
-
> Head on over to that pool.
> Try to angle ourselves so Nitori falls across it.
-
> Head on over to that pool.
> Try to angle ourselves so Nitori falls across it.
>You approach the pool. Water here looks especially odd, it has a sort of viscous look to it due to its odd color. Its surface is undisturbed.
>You move so you are standing west of it. Nitori's shadow falls on it; but you can't see it very well anymore. You can kind of make out your reflection, but the color properties make it hard to see.
>_
-
> Nothing else interesting about the water?
> Move Nitori away from the water.
> "Did that do anything? Sorry if it was uncomfortable, but I'm trying whatever comes to mind that might lead somewhere interesting at this point."
-
> Nothing else interesting about the water?
> Move Nitori away from the water.
> "Did that do anything? Sorry if it was uncomfortable, but I'm trying whatever comes to mind that might lead somewhere interesting at this point."
>Nothing particularly interesting, aside from its color oddities. You feel a little wary about drinking it for that alone, though.
>Nitori shakes her head, and makes a dismissive wave.
>_
-
> Were there any trees on this island?
> "Huh. Not much here, is there?"
> Dip hand into the water.
-
> Were there any trees on this island?
> "Huh. Not much here, is there?"
> Dip hand into the water.
>There are some here and there, but not enough in any one place to make a proper copse, let alone anything like a woods.
>You dip your hand into the water. It feels like normal water, at least.
>Nitori motions toward the ground with her finger again, already kneeling in mimicry of you.
>_
-
> Pull our hand out of the water.
> Bring our finger to the ground and write out whatever she suggests.
-
> Pull our hand out of the water.
> Bring our finger to the ground and write out whatever she suggests.
>You pull your hand out of the water. Thankfully, it has not melted or somesuch.
>Nitori writes: "I don't think there IS anything here. It's probably why we're here, if you got in that poltergeist's way, too."
>_
-
> "This likely is designed to be isolation, yes. But there are still a couple of curiosities."
> "For one, the poltergeist has stolen shadows of inanimate objects. Surely these didn't interfere with her daily life. Hell, I don't even know how she got a hold of the Bhavagran shadows."
> "For another, I've seen her morph her shadow to other things, including Kogasa. I wonder if the times you were aware of what she was doing were because she was using you as a shadow for some reason. For this reason, I'm at least hoping to find Kogasa here. It is for this reason I suspect to a degree that we're inside the poltergeist somehow, though that could mean any number of things."
-
> "This likely is designed to be isolation, yes. But there are still a couple of curiosities."
> "For one, the poltergeist has stolen shadows of inanimate objects. Surely these didn't interfere with her daily life. Hell, I don't even know how she got a hold of the Bhavagran shadows."
> "For another, I've seen her morph her shadow to other things, including Kogasa. I wonder if the times you were aware of what she was doing were because she was using you as a shadow for some reason. For this reason, I'm at least hoping to find Kogasa here. It is for this reason I suspect to a degree that we're inside the poltergeist somehow, though that could mean any number of things."
>Nitori ponders for a moment, then writes, "Maybe, she didn't turn her shadow into Kogasa's, but rather she was actually using it?"
>_
-
> "I suppose it's possible. I watched her morph her shadow from a normal shadow into that of a rock during our fight. To be perfectly honest, though, I didn't see if she morphed into Kogasa's shadow or if it simply popped into place."
-
> "I suppose it's possible. I watched her morph her shadow from a normal shadow into that of a rock during our fight. To be perfectly honest, though, I didn't see if she morphed into Kogasa's shadow or if it simply popped into place."
>Nitori nods, then writes, "I guess maybe there's a rock shadow around here somewhere? Sounds like it'd be a pain to find."
>_
-
> "I think there could be."
> Smile.
> "Not that it would help a whole lot, outside of possibly giving Tenshi further credence to call me fat."
> "Hmm. Since it was mentioned earlier, I don't suppose you know much of anything about the Brocken Specter?"
-
>How deep into the pool can we see? Can we see the bottom?
>There would normally be more islands easily visible from our position than just the one we came from, correct?
-
> "I think there could be."
> Smile.
> "Not that it would help a whole lot, outside of possibly giving Tenshi further credence to call me fat."
> "Hmm. Since it was mentioned earlier, I don't suppose you know much of anything about the Brocken Specter?"
>Nitori writes: "Just make fun of her chest, that'll get her onto other topics real fast."
>When asked about the Brocken Spectre, she writes, "Sounds like a scam to sell newspapers to me. But I went looking with Parsee a couple times just to have something to do outside of the warehouse. Figured if there was one to be found after all, it'd be a nice surprise. I mean, we did build the thing everyone thought it was the first time, but there were stories about it in the forest."
>How deep into the pool can we see? Can we see the bottom?
>There would normally be more islands easily visible from our position than just the one we came from, correct?
>You can kinda see the bottom, but the water makes it hard to tell how deep it is. Maybe five or six feet?
>You think there might have been some small ones around here.
>_
-
>But we can see the bottom well enough that it doesn't appear that anything out of place is down there?
>"Hmm... now that I think of it... in that dream, where the poltergeist was drinking with Suika, where were they?"
-
>But we can see the bottom well enough that it doesn't appear that anything out of place is down there?
>"Hmm... now that I think of it... in that dream, where the poltergeist was drinking with Suika, where were they?"
>You see nothing unusual at the bottom of the pool; there are some rocks down there. Their colors are off; even worse due to the water effect around them.
>Nitori writes: "I don't know. Some place with peach trees. I remember Suika was eating them."
>_
-
>Are there peach trees on Guest Island?
-
>Are there peach trees on Guest Island?
>There certainly are. You think this may be part of why Suika wanted it.
>_
-
>"I think they were on Guest Island, in Bhava-Agra. Suika likes to spend time there, and there are certainly plenty of peach trees on it. Maybe that's where she was heading, when you saw her walking towards the mountain?"
>"Although that still doesn't answer the question of what she was doing this far away from her forest in the first place. She's seemed extremely reclusive, and didn't want to be seen or known of by anyone. She was extremely offended when I had taken her away from 'her forest'. This is a pretty long way away for someone like that to come of their own accord."
-
>"I think they were on Guest Island, in Bhava-Agra. Suika likes to spend time there, and there are certainly plenty of peach trees on it. Maybe that's where she was heading, when you saw her walking towards the mountain?"
>"Although that still doesn't answer the question of what she was doing this far away from her forest in the first place. She's seemed extremely reclusive, and didn't want to be seen or known of by anyone. She was extremely offended when I had taken her away from 'her forest'. This is a pretty long way away for someone like that to come of their own accord."
>Nitori shrugs, then writes, "I'm just telling you what I saw. Ask Suika?"
>_
-
>"I most certainly will, once I can find a way out of here."
>Do another once-over of the island, looking for anything that catches our eyes; perhaps a small cave in the mountainside, or some sign of motion
-
>"I most certainly will, once I can find a way out of here."
>Do another once-over of the island, looking for anything that catches our eyes; perhaps a small cave in the mountainside, or some sign of motion
>You don't see any caves, or any kid of motion. There's not even a breeze here to make the grass sway or the water ripple.
>_
-
>And the island is small enough that we've seen more or less all of it at this point?
>Judging from the position of the one other island we can see, can we tell where some of the other larger islands would be, in the sky?
>Could they reasonably be far enough away that we couldn't really see them from where we are? As opposed to them simply not being there?
-
>And the island is small enough that we've seen more or less all of it at this point?
>Judging from the position of the one other island we can see, can we tell where some of the other larger islands would be, in the sky?
>Could they reasonably be far enough away that we couldn't really see them from where we are? As opposed to them simply not being there?
>You more or less have seen it all. It's feasible there's something hidden in some nook or cranny that isn't obvious without a close look, but you're reasonably confident there is nothing of the sort.
>With the last two islands you've been to, you are reasonably sure where several major islands are now. and they would likely be too far off to see from here. However, getting to them without any landmarks might be tricky.
>_
-
>What is the nearest major island to our current location?
>How far away would Guest Island be, relatively speaking?
>And would there be any other major islands roughly along the way from here to it?
-
>What is the nearest major island to our current location?
>How far away would Guest Island be, relatively speaking?
>And would there be any other major islands roughly along the way from here to it?
>Probably Orchard Isle. There are a couple others, but you are only vaguely sure of their current positions.
>It would be some distance away. While you know the general direction, there is a lot of time that would allow for your course to go awry. There wouldn't be any major ones on the way to it.
>_
-
>"Well, I'm going to try flying to where I think another island is, now. I apologize for likely having to drag you through the void again, but I felt I should at least give you fair warning."
>Ascend and point ourselves firmly in the direction that we believe Orchard Isle is in, from the positions of these two islands
>Keep moving straight forward, until we can see something in the distance before us
>Periodically look over our shoulder, so that we can get a sense of how much distance we're gaining on the island we're leaving, and not let ourselves get too disoriented for lack of landmarks
-
>"Well, I'm going to try flying to where I think another island is, now. I apologize for likely having to drag you through the void again, but I felt I should at least give you fair warning."
>Ascend and point ourselves firmly in the direction that we believe Orchard Isle is in, from the positions of these two islands
>Keep moving straight forward, until we can see something in the distance before us
>Periodically look over our shoulder, so that we can get a sense of how much distance we're gaining on the island we're leaving, and not let ourselves get too disoriented for lack of landmarks
>Nitori nods.
>You point yourself toward where you are sure Orchard Island is, then fly that way; north by a small bit of east.
>You periodically look over your shoulder, the island shrinking away each time until it is gone from sight. You aren't sure if it's due to distance, the oddities of color, or some trick of this place that makes distant things disappear. But with that, you are alone in the void.
>You keep going. Soon, you see something off to your left and below; another island. You are not sure which it is at this distance.
>_
-
>Fly towards this island
-
>Fly towards this island
>You fly toward it. Soon, you see that it is Orchard Isle, relieving a knot in your stomach that you weren't too aware of until just now, and at the same time bringing up a new concern; you nearly passed it. Fling without any visual markers is much harder than you thought.
>Color and lack of people aside, the Island seems to be about as you remember it.
>_
-
>Fly about the island, and search for any signs of people, unusual shadows, motion, or anything else that catches our eye
>What other major islands would be near to here?
-
> Check in on Nitori, as well.
-
>Fly about the island, and search for any signs of people, unusual shadows, motion, or anything else that catches our eye
>What other major islands would be near to here?
>You fly about the island, and see no signs of people or motion or odd shadows. It does seem a bit more orderly than what you remember it being; perhaps it wasn't affected by the fall?
>You can see The Dragon Palace from here. The Hinanai Shrine shouldn't be too far from that.
> Check in on Nitori, as well.
>You are too high up to see any shadows you would be casting.
>_
-
>Fly towards the Hinanai Shrine
-
> When we get to it and lower ourselves to a point where our shadow can be seen, check on Nitori.
-
>Fly towards the Hinanai Shrine
>You fly toward the Dragon Palace, and use it as a navigational aid to take you to the Hinanai Shrine. The Shrine's island looks rather different without its usual wreath of clouds; the one visit you paid to it after the fall really didn't lock that impression in your mind. Still, you can see the Hinanai Shrine, in a valley between two mountains dominating the island.
> When we get to it and lower ourselves to a point where our shadow can be seen, check on Nitori.
>You swoop low, and see Nitori's shadow below you, flying along with you. She shakes her head a bit, but doesn't seem any worse for wear.
>_
-
>Head towards the shrine proper
-
>Head towards the shrine proper
>You head toward the shrine, and that this one is under construction as well. It looks much as you recall it from this morning. There are no signs of motion, or of anyone here.
>_
-
>Call out: "Hello? Is anyone around?"
>If no answer, walk into the shrine, to where the Sword of Hisou was kept
-
>Call out: "Hello? Is anyone around?"
>If no answer, walk into the shrine, to where the Sword of Hisou was kept
>There is no answer.
>You walk into the shrine, passing through the main hall; where practically everything is covered with drop cloths. You make your way up some shallow stairs, past where you found Tenshi and the workers fighting. You come to the sword chamber, and see the dais where it was kept is empty.
>_
-
>Call out again
>Then have another little look through the halls
>If this turns up nothing of note, head to the Dragon Palace
-
>Call out again
>Then have another little look through the halls
>If this turns up nothing of note, head to the Dragon Palace
>You call out again, and look around the halls a bit; finishing by retracing the steps of your chase with Tenshi as she tried to escape. There is simply nothing here that suggests life.
>You leave the shrine, and head toward the Dragon Palace. As you approach, you can see it is in proper condition still, rather than wrecked as you recall it being. It is also empty, to the point you barely recognize the place. There is no life here at all, that and the colors that are not colors make it look almost uncomfortably foreign.
>_
-
>Head to our room
-
>Head to our room
>You make your way to your room, flying through the great lacquered doors leading to the hall you dwell in, and opening the door to your suite.
>Entering it, you find it exactly as it should be. Tables, chairs, pots, your bed and wardrobe; all is in proper order. The bed, in particular, is rather inviting, even if the colors that are not are a bit disconcerting.
>_
-
>See if our spellcards in this room are still where we usually keep them
-
>See if our spellcards in this room are still where we usually keep them
>You check your nightstand, and find off-colored copies of your spellcards.
>_
-
>Take them
>Do our spellcards normally cause collateral physical damage to things like walls, furniture, etc.?
-
>Take them
>Do our spellcards normally cause collateral physical damage to things like walls, furniture, etc.?
>You obtain: Shadow Spellcards
>Typically they do not. This is why you could use then in the middle of an autumnal forest without trapping yourself in the middle of a forest fire.
>_
-
>Try declaring "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes" using its shadow spellcard, and see if it actually does anything
-
>Try declaring "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes" using its shadow spellcard, and see if it actually does anything
>All it achieves is making Nitori's shadow go through the declaration motions with you. It seems copies of spellcards are not useful.
>_
-
>Ah, well... worth an attempt
>WE are still in full color, as best we can tell, correct?
>Head towards the Dragon's chamber
-
>Ah, well... worth an attempt
>WE are still in full color, as best we can tell, correct?
>Head towards the Dragon's chamber
>It would have been embarrassing if it would have worked and you didn't try.
>You are still properly colored, or at least you think you are. You imagine it makes you quite bright against everything else.
>You approach The Dragon's chamber; leaving your suit, walking down the corridor to the main hall, and approaching the small white door set into the wall near the immense jade doors in the center of the hall. Colors aside, it is as you remember it.
>_
-
>Enter
-
>Enter
>You open the door, and walk through.
>Inside, you see an immense chamber, its walls soaring several hundred feet to an arched ceiling overhead. The floor is large enough, you think, to contain practically all of the Scarlet Devil Mansion and its grounds. Your footsteps echo and reverberate, practically deafening you after the silence you've experienced beforehand. On the far side of the room is a dais with a small stairway leading to it; filling up approximately half of the floorspace. There is no one here.
>You've never seen this before, but you think you understand what it is. This is what The Dragon's chamber must look like when it is not occupying it; typically you come here and find yourself in some natural scene; a projection of The Dragon's being. You've never been here without The Dragon being here; you don't think anyone has in a long time.
>_
-
>Walk towards the dais
>Look around the room as we go. Can we see any other objects, or anything else that catches our eye?
>Are there any other doors in the room, aside from the main entrances that we know about?
-
>Walk towards the dais
>Look around the room as we go. Can we see any other objects, or anything else that catches our eye?
>Are there any other doors in the room, aside from the main entrances that we know about?
>You walk toward the dais; it is not a short walk at all. As you trek through the chamber, you can't help but feel very very small.
>You see no objects laying about, you should hope The Dragon's chamber wouldn't be littered in any event.
>The walls seem to contain various frescos and artworks, but distance makes them impossible to examine with any detail. You also expect the color oddities would ruin their artistic value.
>You don't see any other doors, but given the amount of distance, it would take some time to check everywhere. You certainly don't know of any others.
>_
-
>Continue on to the far side of the room
>Do there seem to be no features inside the body of the chamber at all, aside from the dais and plain floor?
-
>Continue on to the far side of the room
>Do there seem to be no features inside the body of the chamber at all, aside from the dais and plain floor?
>You keep trekking onward. Soon you come to the stairs leading to the dais itself.
>There does not seem to be. There's really not much else you can put for a being like The Dragon. Or perhaps this shadow isn't exactly accurate?
>_
-
>Walk up to the dias
>Does this seem bare, as well?
-
>Walk up to the dias
>Does this seem bare, as well?
>You walk up to the dais. It is a semi-circle elevated a good ten feet from the floor; but it is ringed with stairs. Ascending it, you see the dais is bare as well.
>_
-
>What other major islands are near our current one?
>Can we think of any place in Bhava-Agra where we might be able to find a compass?
-
> Take out Aya's camera and, being careful with it, take a picture of the dais.
-
>What other major islands are near our current one?
>Can we think of any place in Bhava-Agra where we might be able to find a compass?
>There should be a major town some distance to the southeast, but you're not sure exactly where it would be.
>The Dragon Palace is the most likely place, but you don't know offhand where you'd find one. You also have doubts a compass would work here.
> Take out Aya's camera and, being careful with it, take a picture of the dais.
>You obtain: Picture of the Shadow Dais.
>_
-
> The picture looks no different from the shadow dais in front of us?
-
>By 'not exactly sure' does that mean we don't know it's location well enough to try navigating towards it without a serious risk of losing ourselves entirely?
>What's the closest sizable island to Guest Island?
-
>By 'not exactly sure' does that mean we don't know it's location well enough to try navigating towards it without a serious risk of losing ourselves entirely?
>What's the closest sizable island to Guest Island?
>You would run a very significant risk of getting lost if you tried to find it as things are.
>You believe it would be a forested island that should be somewhere over where Hina's forest could be, southwest of Guest Island, if you remember the island motions correctly.
>_
-
> Inventory
-
>You believe it would be a forested island that should be somewhere over where Hina's forest could be, southwest of Guest Island, if you remember the island motions correctly.
>Do we know a way to get to that island? Possibly by jumping between nearer islands along the way?
-
>Do we know a way to get to that island? Possibly by jumping between nearer islands along the way?
>You have a somewhat better idea, but you would first back to backtrack the way you originally came, and there's a pretty good chance it would involve taking a longer trip into the void after that.
> Inventory
>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" (Partially expended)
>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.
>1☼
>This is 1☼
>Gnawed Mushroom Stalk
>The remains of a tsuchinoko's dinner.
>Jail Key
>The key to the tengu jail.
>Aya's Primary Camera
>She'll be very angry if you break this.
>2 Pictures of Shadowless Tree
>Taken in the Forest of Magic.
> Picture of Sky and Shadowed Land
>A picture of the Brocken Spectre's shadow and the clear horizon
>Picture of Unconscious Poltergeist
>A Picture of the Brocken Spectre after you defeated her.
>Yukari's Screwdriver
>Under no circumstances can others suspect this exists!
>Picture of the Shadow Dais.
>Taken within The Dragon's Chamber in the false Bhava-Agra.
-
>You have a somewhat better idea, but you would first back to backtrack the way you originally came, and there's a pretty good chance it would involve taking a longer trip into the void after that.
>Do we think said trip into the void would be made with enough confidence to be at least relatively safe, though?
>Do we really still have our shawl?
>And shouldn't more than one spellcard be partially expended?
-
>Do we think said trip into the void would be made with enough confidence to be at least relatively safe, though?
>Do we really still have our shawl?
>And shouldn't more than one spellcard be partially expended?
>You're still a little rattled by nearly missing your target last time. You really don't know if you can.
>No and yes. The Database is being persnickity, please watch warmly while a hammer is found.
>_
-
>Are there any other islands, at any point along the chain of what we have traveled or feel comfortable traveling, that we have not visited?
>Are there any notable places on any of the islands we can comfortably reached that we have not looked at?
-
> If the Dragon can contact us at any time, does that mean it knows where we are at all times?
> Well, whatever we're looking for, it doesn't seem to be in here.
> Leave The Dragon's room and, assuming nothing stops us, head back to our room.
-
>Are there any other islands, at any point along the chain of what we have traveled or feel comfortable traveling, that we have not visited?
>Are there any notable places on any of the islands we can comfortably reached that we have not looked at?
>Nothing significant. You think there is a small town that is not a huge distance southeast of Orchard Isle, but don't have an exact idea of how far southeast.
>There is a town on this island; the isle where you found Nitori's shadow has a few lakes and faerie haunts.
> If the Dragon can contact us at any time, does that mean it knows where we are at all times?
> Well, whatever we're looking for, it doesn't seem to be in here.
> Leave The Dragon's room and, assuming nothing stops us, head back to our room.
>You aren't sure how aware it is of you at any given time time. But, you are certain that if it wants you, it will find you.
>You leave the Dragon's Chamber and return to your room.
>_
-
> Assuming this is supposed to be a shadow of what our room looked like before the islands fell, recall where we stored our knife and retrieve its shadowy counterpart.
-
> Assuming this is supposed to be a shadow of what our room looked like before the islands fell, recall where we stored our knife and retrieve its shadowy counterpart.
>It is in a drawer of your desk.
>You obtain: Shadow Knife.
-
>Do we have a spare shawl in here?
>If so, take it and equip it in the usual manner
-
> Do we know which room in the Hinanai Shrine is Tenshi's personal quarters?
> Do we know where she stayed while the shrine was being renovated?
-
>Do we have a spare shawl in here?
>If so, take it and equip it in the usual manner
>You have several in your wardrobe
>You obtain: Shadow Shawl
> Do we know which room in the Hinanai Shrine is Tenshi's personal quarters?
> Do we know where she stayed while the shrine was being renovated?
>Not off the top of your head.
>She had a guest room here at the Palace.
>_
-
> Head to said guest room.
-
> Head to said guest room.
>You leave your room, and follow the uncolored halls through the Dragon Palace. Along the way, you note the various artworks and decor that unobtrusively line the halls and cannot help but wonder how many of them have been ruined by the fall. Soon you come to the guest wing. There are many rooms here, as the Dragon Palace sees a fair share of travelers from across Bhava-Agra. Tenshi's room takes a little time to locate, but upon entering you are sure you're in the right place. One of her dresses has been tossed carelessly over the bed, which hasn't been properly made.
>_
-
> Take stock of the rest of the room.
> "Tenshi?"
-
> Take stock of the rest of the room.
> "Tenshi?"
>The room itself isn't very impressive; it's not really meant for people to linger about. There is a best and a small box for storing things, and a writing desk in the corner near the window.
>You call out for Tenshi, and hear nothing in reply.
>_
-
> The floor is currently stone, right?
> Close the door to Tenshi's room if we opened it, head back 'outside' and find a decent patch of dirt with which to write.
> "Nitori, how much control do you have over your shape?"
-
> The floor is currently stone, right?
> Close the door to Tenshi's room if we opened it, head back 'outside' and find a decent patch of dirt with which to write.
> "Nitori, how much control do you have over your shape?"
>It is.
>You close the door to Tenshi's room and head back outside.
>You ask Nitori, and she kneels down to write: "I have no idea what you're asking. About as much as always, I guess?"
>_
-
> "Well, I was wondering, since you're a shadow from this perspective, maybe you could bend or stretch or shrink or something. I guess not, then, huh?"
-
> "Well, I was wondering, since you're a shadow from this perspective, maybe you could bend or stretch or shrink or something. I guess not, then, huh?"
>There is a pause. You can see her balling up her fists and visibly concentrating. Then she writes, "No luck. What'd you want me to do with that, anyways?"
>_
-
> "I was hoping it would make for easier transportation for you, and possibly effectiveness in combat later, depending on circumstances once we get out of here."
-
> "I was hoping it would make for easier transportation for you, and possibly effectiveness in combat later, depending on circumstances once we get out of here."
>Nitori writes, "As far as I can tell, I'm pretty much a ghost here, only more useless since I don't think I'm very cold, either. I don't think I can really touch anything here."
-
> "Hmm. If I cup my hands around my mouth to yell, are you forced to do so as well, or could you cover your own ears?"
-
> "Hmm. If I cup my hands around my mouth to yell, are you forced to do so as well, or could you cover your own ears?"
>She writes: "I think I have to follow you in pretty much everything. It's really strange, and uncomfortable if I'm too far away from what you're doing. You can't hear me, but I'm saying everything you are, too."
>_
-
> "Then how do you ever act on your own?"
-
> "Then how do you ever act on your own?"
>She writes: "When you're not moving something, I can move on my own. If you're not using your arms, for instance, I can use mine."
>_
-
> "I see. I apologize for subject you to all this, then. But I'm about to start shouting, so please try your best to cope, okay?"
> After Nitori's written response, get up and fly to the top of the Palace.
-
> "I see. I apologize for subject you to all this, then. But I'm about to start shouting, so please try your best to cope, okay?"
> After Nitori's written response, get up and fly to the top of the Palace.
>She nods, then writes, "Don't worry, not your fault. I can handle it."
>You fly to the top of the Dragon Place. The roofs slope gently; the tiles well in place. Typically it is considered extremely rude to be up here, as it's not precisely respectful to be clomping on the roof over The Dragon's head. But given it is not here, you feel it should be fine.
>_
-
> Survey the void around this island. Are any other islands visible?
> "Brace yourself."
> Cup our hands to our mouth and yell Tenshi's name as loud as we can.
-
> Survey the void around this island. Are any other islands visible?
> "Brace yourself."
> Cup our hands to our mouth and yell Tenshi's name as loud as we can.
>You look around. You can see the Shrine Island, and Orchard Island far in the distance. This confirms that the color difficulties makes things harder to see here; Orchard Isle should be easily visible. There are a few smaller islands around as well, nothing really significant about them.
>You shout for Tenshi at the top of your lungs. You receive no response.
>_
-
> What is the void like? Is it just a miasma of purplish?
-
> What is the void like? Is it just a miasma of purplish?
>It's not really even a miasma. More like a field of not-lavender. It's rather like looking at the sky on a clear day, in that respect.
>_
-
> So there are no obvious visual gaps between all the not-lavender?
-
> So there are no obvious visual gaps between all the not-lavender?
>No more than there are visual gaps a cloudless sky.
>_
-
FUCK IT, I'M GOIN' DEEP
> Sigh.
> Return to the ground.
> "Nitori, is it possible for you to close your eyes or look away from me, or are your head motions affixed to mine?"
-
FUCK IT, I'M GOIN' DEEP
> Sigh.
> Return to the ground.
> "Nitori, is it possible for you to close your eyes or look away from me, or are your head motions affixed to mine?"
>She writes: "I think so, as long as you don't move your head, or at least don't blink or something."
>_
-
> Pull out the picture of the tied-up poltergeist from our purse.
> Watch Nitori's shadow as we do this.
-
> Pull out the picture of the tied-up poltergeist from our purse.
> Watch Nitori's shadow as we do this.
>You pull out the Picture of the Unconscious Poltergeist. Nitori's shadow mimes this action.
>_
-
> Is Nitori's shadow also hold a picture, or is it just posing like it's holding a picture?
-
>After this, put away the photo again
>Head to the village on this island, and search around it for signs of anything that catch our attention
-
> Is Nitori's shadow also hold a picture, or is it just posing like it's holding a picture?
>She is holding what are are reasonably sure is a shadow of the picture. This would be due partially to the fact she is on top of your own shadow. You imagine it's just less of a hassle for her to be there.
>After this, put away the photo again
>Head to the village on this island, and search around it for signs of anything that catch our attention
>You put the photo away and head toward the village.
>The village exists largely as extension of the Dragon Palace. Practically everyone who lives here works at the Palace in some capacity. There is not even a food storage here, they simply use the Palace's Storerooms. Largely this village exists as a place for people to get away from the hustle and bustle of Palace life, which you can certainly understand. Many of the homes are particularly small and unostentatious, being rather that the one-room cell that the scholar you visited this morning lived in. They are charmingly scattered about, no real pattern or planning to their locations. In the middle of the town is a small cistern.
>There is no one here, as far as you can tell, and still no signs of motion.
>_
-
>Head to the center of town, and yell out: "Hello? Is anyone here?"
>Assuming no response, do another little search around it
-
>Head to the center of town, and yell out: "Hello? Is anyone here?"
>Assuming no response, do another little search around it
>There is no response to your shout.
>Looking around again, you don't see anything out of the ordinary in the village; save the color and the complete lack of activity.
>_
-
>In sum, what is the safest known route between here and Guest Island, and which jumps along the way are unsettlingly distant?
-
>In sum, what is the safest known route between here and Guest Island, and which jumps along the way are unsettlingly distant?
>You aren't sure. You are most certain of the proper direction leaving from the Dragon Palace. But, that is a lot of distance for you to go just a couple degrees off and completely miss it. Or you could try from the island where you found Nitori's shadow, which would be shorter, but you are much less sure of the proper direction from there.
>_
-
>Wasn't an island above Hina's forest mentioned earlier as a possible navigational aide?
>If we were to conjure a stationary lightning orb of some sort, how long could it theoretically last in place?
>Given that some of our attacks call lightning down directly from the sky, could we use this ability to determine true vertical, in absence of any landmarks?
-
>Wasn't an island above Hina's forest mentioned earlier as a possible navigational aide?
>If we were to conjure a stationary lightning orb of some sort, how long could it theoretically last in place?
>Given that some of our attacks call lightning down directly from the sky, could we use this ability to determine true vertical, in absence of any landmarks?
>Said island could be an aide, but you're not sure if you would recognize it on sight.
>Not very long; lightning is rather an ephemeral thing.
>That would certainly help you determine which way is up.
>_
-
>If we were to focus on duration as the primary feature, how long could we make some form of danmaku or light that we're capable of creating remain in place?
>Try calling down a bolt, just to make sure that the sky here can still function as we'd expect it to, in this regard
-
>If we were to focus on duration as the primary feature, how long could we make some form of danmaku or light that we're capable of creating remain in place?
>Try calling down a bolt, just to make sure that the sky here can still function as we'd expect it to, in this regard
>Not long enough to be useful, especially if you made it stay place. That simply isn't your specialty.
>You try to call down some lightning. It works as you expect, but the bolt is rather anemic and unsatisfying. But it should serve the purpose you have in mind.
>_
-
>By 'not long enough to be useful', could we get at least 5 seconds or so out of one?
>Is there any way to align a bolt to a particular trajectory, and then recall it later at that same trajectory? Any better than our sense of direction would allow us to estimate this later, anyway?
-
>By 'not long enough to be useful', could we get at least 5 seconds or so out of one?
>Is there any way to align a bolt to a particular trajectory, and then recall it later at that same trajectory? Any better than our sense of direction would allow us to estimate this later, anyway?
>You might be able to get five seconds or so out of one.
>Your lighting tends to be manually aimed each time; as much as it can be aimed.
>_
-
>So, would it be theoretically possible to leave small stationary orbs in our wake while we fly, one at a time at periodic intervals, frequent enough so that at least 3 could be visible at once before they expire, if we looked over our shoulder? 3 being enough to determine if we are still traveling in a straight line at any given time, if they align correctly with each other.
-
>So, would it be theoretically possible to leave small stationary orbs in our wake while we fly, one at a time at periodic intervals, frequent enough so that at least 3 could be visible at once before they expire, if we looked over our shoulder? 3 being enough to determine if we are still traveling in a straight line at any given time, if they align correctly with each other.
>You don't think so. These kinds of things are rather removed from your normal methods; you suspect by the time you've made the third, the first might have vanished.
>_
-
>"Nitori, what's it like when I fly over the gaps between the islands? Can you feel anything, all the way down there? Or do you just kind of lose yourself for the moment?"
-
>"Nitori, what's it like when I fly over the gaps between the islands? Can you feel anything, all the way down there? Or do you just kind of lose yourself for the moment?"
>Nitori writes, "It feels like I'm falling and there's nothing I can do to stop it. That's why it got me so bad the first time, it just caught me completely by surprise. I'm used to it now."
>_
-
>"So, you're falling... and it feels like you keep falling, but never actually reach anything down there?"
-
>"So, you're falling... and it feels like you keep falling, but never actually reach anything down there?"
>She nods.
>_
-
>"How exactly are you sensing things, anyway? I mean, you don't seem to have eyes or ears in the conventional sense, at the moment. Does it still feel like you're seeing and hearing things in the usual way, from your perspective?"
>"Can you, perhaps, sense some of this place in ways that your normal senses wouldn't be able to?"
-
>"How exactly are you sensing things, anyway? I mean, you don't seem to have eyes or ears in the conventional sense, at the moment. Does it still feel like you're seeing and hearing things in the usual way, from your perspective?"
>"Can you, perhaps, sense some of this place in ways that your normal senses wouldn't be able to?"
>She writes: "Well, it's pretty clear that something weird is going on, since I'm kind of stuck to you, but I don't see any reason my my senses wouldn't work. I'm pretty sure I have eyes and ears. Things feel about right to me."
>She seems a little perplexed at your question. "Like what?"
>_
-
>"Do you... not look like just a shadow, from your own perspective?"
-
>"Do you... not look like just a shadow, from your own perspective?"
>She tilts her head, then writes, "No. I guess that's what you see, then?"
>_
-
>"Yes. From my perspective, you're just a shadow, on the ground. Looking like any normal shadow, except for the part where you move on your own. In fact, you're basically where my shadow would be. That's how you seem to be attached to me."
>"How does it look, from your perspective?"
-
>"Yes. From my perspective, you're just a shadow, on the ground. Looking like any normal shadow, except for the part where you move on your own. In fact, you're basically where my shadow would be. That's how you seem to be attached to me."
>"How does it look, from your perspective?"
>She writes. "I'm standing right beside you. But I kind of get drug along when you do things. I did see my shadow was kind of stuck to yours, though. I thought that was causing it, that and you've got real colors. I've tried to touch you and stuff, but it just didn't work."
>_
-
>"So, you're colorless, like the rest of this world?"
>"But, if you're standing beside me, yet your shadow is on mine, even from your perspective, does that mean your shadow isn't being cast from your own body at the proper expected angle?"
>"If you have your own body, I don't suppose you're carrying any items or tools on you?"
-
>"So, you're colorless, like the rest of this world?"
>"But, if you're standing beside me, yet your shadow is on mine, even from your perspective, does that mean your shadow isn't being cast from your own body at the proper expected angle?"
>"If you have your own body, I don't suppose you're carrying any items or tools on you?"
>She nods to your first question. When you ask your second, she says, "No, it's just pointed toward you all the time no matter where I go."
>"Just the basic stuff. I don't think I'll be able to do anything, though, since I can't touch anything with them."
>_
-
>"Can you not touch anything in the world, at all? Or just not touch me?"
>"So if your shadow stays pointed towards me no matter where you go, does that mean you can step away from me?"
>"This is a bit of a long shot, but I don't suppose you have a compass on you?"
-
>"Can you not touch anything in the world, at all? Or just not touch me?"
>"So if your shadow stays pointed towards me no matter where you go, does that mean you can step away from me?"
>"This is a bit of a long shot, but I don't suppose you have a compass on you?"
>She writes, "Can't touch anything. I don't even feel the ground under me. And I could step away, if you didn't move. And yeah, I got a compass. I think it's busted, though, it doesn't point anywhere."
>_
-
>"Hmmm... so much for that idea. I guess there's no magnetic pole here for it to point at, wherever we are. It's not easy to tell which laws work here, and which don't."
>Take the shadow knife out, and try making a mark in the ground with it
-
>"Hmmm... so much for that idea. I guess there's no magnetic pole here for it to point at, wherever we are. It's not easy to tell which laws work here, and which don't."
>Take the shadow knife out, and try making a mark in the ground with it
>Who would put their nets on a pole?
>You use the Shadow Knife to make a small gouge in the ground.
>_
-
>Well, at least some shadows can still affect their environment
>Put the knife away again
>About how long a trip would it be from here to Guest Island, normally?
>"You can't feel the ground, but you can still connect solidly with it? You're actually walking, and not just floating about it?"
-
>Well, at least some shadows can still affect their environment
>Put the knife away again
>About how long a trip would it be from here to Guest Island, normally?
>"You can't feel the ground, but you can still connect solidly with it? You're actually walking, and not just floating about it?"
>It would take you awhile to fly there at top speed if you had the usual landmarks.
>She nods.
>_
-
>"Can you still fly?"
-
>"Can you still fly?"
>She shakes her head, then writes, "Only when you do. And...I kind of fall when you leave the island. I figured it was because I wasn't supposed to leave them like you can, at first. "
>_
-
>"I wonder if it's just your own consciousness that perceives a body for you, then? And physically, all there really is here is the shadow? With all the limitations that implies?"
>"How far away from me can you move, if I stay still?"
-
>"I wonder if it's just your own consciousness that perceives a body for you, then? And physically, all there really is here is the shadow? With all the limitations that implies?"
>"How far away from me can you move, if I stay still?"
>She shrugs
>_
-
>"Just try it, then."
>Point to a somewhat distant house
>"Try walking over to that house, and see how far you can get."
-
>"Just try it, then."
>Point to a somewhat distant house
>"Try walking over to that house, and see how far you can get."
>She nods.
>Once you stop moving, her shadow starts to stretch. Soon it is quite distant from you, reaching to the end of the house. She waves, though the gesture is hard to interpret, given how stretched the shadow is.
>_
-
>How clearly can we see our own shadow, anyway? With hers on top of it?
>Take a small step to the side
-
>How clearly can we see our own shadow, anyway? With hers on top of it?
>Take a small step to the side
>Not very clearly; unless she moves away from your shadow, you tend to see her more than your own just due to her tendency to move independently.
>You take a small step to the side. Her shadow follows you. It remains stretched out.
>_
-
>Call out: "Just stay there for a moment!"
>Start walking away from her for a while, and see if there's a point where she seems forced to catch up
-
>Call out: "Just stay there for a moment!"
>Start walking away from her for a while, and see if there's a point where she seems forced to catch up
>You give out instructions, but either she didn't listen to you, or she is powerless to resist as her shadow moves along with you without hesitation.
-
>But it remains as stretched out as before?
-
>But it remains as stretched out as before?
>Yes.
>_
-
>Ascend a couple feet off the ground
>Does her shadow remain largely the same?
-
>Ascend a couple feet off the ground
>Does her shadow remain largely the same?
>The angle on it changes slightly, but otherwise yes.
>_
-
>Call out: "Sorry for using you as a guinea pig, Nitori, but I just want to test another thing."
>Keeping low to the ground, fly to the edge of the current island
>Then slowly move out over the edge, while observing the shadow. See if there's a point where it changes abruptly
-
>Call out: "Sorry for using you as a guinea pig, Nitori, but I just want to test another thing."
>Keeping low to the ground, fly to the edge of the current island
>Then slowly move out over the edge, while observing the shadow. See if there's a point where it changes abruptly
>She makes a dismissive wave.
>You walk toward the edge of the island. The tip of the shadow falls over the edge as you do, until you move over it and it completely disappears due to having nothing to fall upon. But until that point, you could see it at your feet.
>_
-
>Move back to the island
>Does the shadow seem similarly stretched?
-
>Move back to the island
>Does the shadow seem similarly stretched?
>You move back onto the island, and Nitori's shadow seems normal.
>_
-
>"Ok, so... from your perspective, what just happened? Were you far away from me, then suddenly elsewhere?"
-
>"Ok, so... from your perspective, what just happened? Were you far away from me, then suddenly elsewhere?"
>She kneels down, and writes, "Actually, I kinda flew over the emptiness. Then you got to the edge, and I was falling for a second. It stopped when you stepped back, I think."
>_
-
>"Yes, but you're also much closer to me, now. So when you stopped falling, the distance was instantly closed, somehow?"
-
>"Yes, but you're also much closer to me, now. So when you stopped falling, the distance was instantly closed, somehow?"
>She nods.
>_
-
>"How did it feel? Any different than when you normally suddenly stop falling?"
-
>"How did it feel? Any different than when you normally suddenly stop falling?"
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
>"Ah, well. I don't know that any of that will be useful, but I suppose every bit of knowledge we can gather about this place has the potential to help."
>"There were no islands here when you arrived, correct? Does that mean you were just floating in the void at the time? Or falling?"
>"And when they appeared, did you find yourself spontaneously on land again?"
-
>"Ah, well. I don't know that any of that will be useful, but I suppose every bit of knowledge we can gather about this place has the potential to help."
>"There were no islands here when you arrived, correct? Does that mean you were just floating in the void at the time? Or falling?"
>"And when they appeared, did you find yourself spontaneously on land again?"
>She writes, "Just floating around, really. Then I sort of found myself on land. I thought maybe I fell on it."
>_
-
>"And you don't really have much sense of time for the period before that?"
>"For that matter, about how long did it feel passed between the islands arriving here, and myself?"
-
>"And you don't really have much sense of time for the period before that?"
>"For that matter, about how long did it feel passed between the islands arriving here, and myself?"
>She shakes her head to the first question, then shrugs to the second.
>_
-
>"I want to get to another specific island that's quite some distance from here, although I'm not confident that I won't lose my way without any markers to navigate by. I don't suppose you have any suggestions about that problem? Some way to help stay on course?"
-
>"I want to get to another specific island that's quite some distance from here, although I'm not confident that I won't lose my way without any markers to navigate by. I don't suppose you have any suggestions about that problem? Some way to help stay on course?"
>She pauses for a moment, then writes, "Before you do that, is there actually a reason to risk it? We've come to this one, and it seems like there wasn't a damn thing here. Is there reason to believe that one would be different?"
>_
-
>"It's the island where you saw Suika and the poltergeist drinking together. At least, I'm virtually certain that it is. I don't know that there would be anything else to see there as consequence, but I was hoping that there might be something, given the connection that we know she was there."
-
>"It's the island where you saw Suika and the poltergeist drinking together. At least, I'm virtually certain that it is. I don't know that there would be anything else to see there as consequence, but I was hoping that there might be something, given the connection that we know she was there."
>She nods, then writes, "Okay. It's just I've been thinking, aren't we going about this the wrong way?"
>_
-
>"Are we? I'll admit that I'm just sort of casting around here. What did you mean?"
-
>"Are we? I'll admit that I'm just sort of casting around here. What did you mean?"
>She writes, "No matter how you look at it, this place is a prison, right? So, what good does looking around the prison do when it comes to escaping? She's not going to leave a key in the corner or a trapdoor under the bed, right?"
>_
-
>"Not intentionally. But prisons can still have weaknesses, somewhere. Maybe the fabric of this place is weaker, elsewhere? Moreover, there may be some hint around that could help us understand what's happened more. I learned things from you. We know that other shadows have been taken; they may be elsewhere, as well. They may know something."
-
>"Not intentionally. But prisons can still have weaknesses, somewhere. Maybe the fabric of this place is weaker, elsewhere? Moreover, there may be some hint around that could help us understand what's happened more. I learned things from you. We know that other shadows have been taken; they may be elsewhere, as well. They may know something."
>"You may be right," Nitori writes, "But it still feels like we should be doing something else."
>_
-
>"Any idea what? I'm all ears."
-
>"Any idea what? I'm all ears."
>She shrugs.
>_
-
>"Well, I'll give it some thought. But, in regards to my original question, can you think of any way that I could help keep myself pointed in the right direction?"
-
>"Well, I'll give it some thought. But, in regards to my original question, can you think of any way that I could help keep myself pointed in the right direction?"
>She looks toward the void for a moment, then writes, "There is really nothing out there, is there? Maybe you could find a map?"
>_
-
>"I'm not sure a map would help if I can't tell where I am on it at any given moment. I know the right direction, but it's far enough away that a few degrees off could make me miss it entirely."
>What sorts of maps of Bhava-Agra exist, anyway? Given that it's constantly moving about, relative to itself?
-
>"I'm not sure a map would help if I can't tell where I am on it at any given moment. I know the right direction, but it's far enough away that a few degrees off could make me miss it entirely."
>What sorts of maps of Bhava-Agra exist, anyway? Given that it's constantly moving about, relative to itself?
>She shrugs.
>There are the reports that you periodically get which contain general motions and positions of the islands. Typically you don't pay them much mind unless you intend to travel somewhere.
>_
-
FUCK IT, I'M GOIN' DEEP
WENT SO DEEP IT ALMOST TOOK ME 80 POSTS TO GET IT BACK
UNLEASHING THE DRAGON
> "When you're in that falling feeling, is the void the only thing you can see?"
-
> "When you're in that falling feeling, is the void the only thing you can see?"
>"I think so," she writes. "I close my eyes. But, I think maybe I fall past something every so often?"
>She ponders for a moment, then adds, "I think it might be you."
>_
-
> NOTE TO PARSER: IGNORE DELETED POST, MIND WAS CHANGED
-
> "Okay. I'm going to try something else, but it requires casting you into the void, so prepare yourself, if you need to. And keep your eyes closed, I don't know how long this will take."
-
> "Okay. I'm going to try something else, but it requires casting you into the void, so prepare yourself, if you need to. And keep your eyes closed, I don't know how long this will take."
>She slumps a little, then nods.
>_
-
> "I'm really sorry. I wouldn't do this to you if I could avoid it."
> Assuming Nitori doesn't try to write a response head out a little bit into the void, enough that Nitori's shadow is no longer visible.
-
> "I'm really sorry. I wouldn't do this to you if I could avoid it."
> Assuming Nitori doesn't try to write a response head out a little bit into the void, enough that Nitori's shadow is no longer visible.
>You say your apologies, then practically push Nitori off a cliff.
>
-
> Take a deep breath. (And exhale.)
> So we're here in this shadow land, with nothing but shadows and half-shadows. Yet, we clearly remain. We, a component of the outside world. So one could say that, by our being in this shadow land, we form a border between this area and normal Gensokyo.
> Mentally focus on this discrepancy.
> Extend the index finger of one hand.
> Take out Yukari's screwdriver with the other hand and place the tip so it is touching the index finger of the hand that is not holding it, perpendicular to how that finger is pointing.
> Take a deep breath (and exhale) again.
> Keep focusing on that discrepancy.
> Gently twist the screwdriver a little bit.
-
> Take a deep breath. (And exhale.)
> So we're here in this shadow land, with nothing but shadows and half-shadows. Yet, we clearly remain. We, a component of the outside world. So one could say that, by our being in this shadow land, we form a border between this area and normal Gensokyo.
> Mentally focus on this discrepancy.
> Extend the index finger of one hand.
> Take out Yukari's screwdriver with the other hand and place the tip so it is touching the index finger of the hand that is not holding it, perpendicular to how that finger is pointing.
> Take a deep breath (and exhale) again.
> Keep focusing on that discrepancy.
> Gently twist the screwdriver a little bit.
>You concentrate, and place the screwdriver on your fingertip. You try to twist it and feel...resistance? Curious. You feel it is pushing against something. More pressure may cause it to turn.
>_
-
> Stop trying to turn the screwdriver and take it away from our finger.
> Without twisting it, point the screwdriver out into the void in some arbitrary direction.
> Okay, we're only pointing at the void. The void is a single entity, a single concept, and one that appears to wrap around, if Nitori's story is to be believed. There is no border here to be pried apart, as there is no more than one thing.
> Mentally focus on this new idea.
> Gently turn the screwdriver.
-
> Stop trying to turn the screwdriver and take it away from our finger.
> Without twisting it, point the screwdriver out into the void in some arbitrary direction.
> Okay, we're only pointing at the void. The void is a single entity, a single concept, and one that appears to wrap around, if Nitori's story is to be believed. There is no border here to be pried apart, as there is no more than one thing.
> Gently turn the screwdriver.
>You twist it with ease, and there is exactly no unusual effect in this.
>_
-
> When we first tried to turn the screwdriver, as it was against our fingertip, did the fingertip in question feel any sort of pressure from anywhere?
> Return the tip of the screwdriver to our fingertip, in the same place.
> Concentrate on the first idea again. We are still trying to separate the border between Gensokyo and this shadow land.
> Gently twist the screwdriver again, with the same force as last time.
-
> When we first tried to turn the screwdriver, as it was against our fingertip, did the fingertip in question feel any sort of pressure from anywhere?
> Return the tip of the screwdriver to our fingertip, in the same place.
> Concentrate on the first idea again. We are still trying to separate the border between Gensokyo and this shadow land.
> Gently twist the screwdriver again, with the same force as last time.
>A little, but not much.
>You try to turn it, and feel resistance again.
-
> Very gently apply a little more torque to the screwdriver.
> Take note of any additional pressure on our finger, and from where it comes.
-
> Very gently apply a little more torque to the screwdriver.
> Take note of any additional pressure on our finger, and from where it comes.
>You gently apply some more pressure, and feel the resistance give a little. You do feel a little pressure against your fingertip, which you are certain comes from the head of the screwdriver pushing against it.
>_
-
> So the pressure isn't coming from within and threatening to explode our finger? That's good.
> Is there any visual difference in the space where we're twisting the screwdriver?
> Assuming the current amount of force isn't enough to keep the screwdriver turning, apply a tiny bit more.
-
> So the pressure isn't coming from within and threatening to explode our finger? That's good.
> Is there any visual difference in the space where we're twisting the screwdriver?
> Assuming the current amount of force isn't enough to keep the screwdriver turning, apply a tiny bit more.
>It does not seem to be threatening your finger.
>You do not see any difference at the moment.
>You add a little bit more. There is a sort of wear tearing noise; you imagine it would be the kind of sound that would happen in the back of a butcher shop; and the screwdriver turns. A sort of dark purple light radiates at the tip of your finger, coming from a slit in the air about an inch across.
>_
-
> I gotta hand it to you on this one. I was sure you were going to go to bed on the first twist attempt just to leave us hanging.
> Visually examine the tear and the light coming from it. Avoid moving the screwdriver or our extended finger, though.
-
> I gotta hand it to you on this one. I was sure you were going to go to bed on the first twist attempt just to leave us hanging.
> Visually examine the tear and the light coming from it. Avoid moving the screwdriver or our extended finger, though.
>Fell asleep pretty much instantly.
>You keep as still as you can. The tear is about an inch across, and maybe an eighth of an inch thick. The radiance is a sort of deep purple color, practically blinding when compared to the emptiness here. You also notice the tear is getting larger, bending around your finger on both sides and extending down toward your hand.
>_
-
> Turn the screwdriver a little bit more.
> Keep observing the tear and its growth. It seems to be following our outline for the time being - maybe it will continue to do so?
-
> Turn the screwdriver a little bit more.
> Keep observing the tear and its growth. It seems to be following our outline for the time being - maybe it will continue to do so?
>You turn it a bit more; moving it past ninety degrees from its original position. The tear closes a bit, and its expansion stops midway down your finger.
>_
-
> Curious.
> Turn the screwdriver back to ninety degrees.
-
> Curious.
> Turn the screwdriver back to ninety degrees.
>You return it to a ninety degree angle, and the tear continues to spread. It reaches the end of you index finger on one side, and starts to climb up your middle finger.
>_
-
> "Don't look, just listen. I think this is working. It will take a while. I'm so sorry."
> Keep watching the tear as it spreads.
-
> "Don't look, just listen. I think this is working. It will take a while. I'm so sorry."
> Keep watching the tear as it spreads.
>You talk to yourself. You aren't sure if Nitori has heard you.
>The tear quickly spreads along your hands, and races down your arm on both sides; gaining speed as it does.
>_
-
> Here's hoping she's saying everything we're saying, like she claimed.
> Keep mentally focusing on the discrepancy between ourselves and the shadow world.
-
> Here's hoping she's saying everything we're saying, like she claimed.
> Keep mentally focusing on the discrepancy between ourselves and the shadow world.
>You keep your mental focus as best you can as the tear continues to surround you. Soon, the two edges join together at your opposite knee.
>Suddenly everything around you is purple and colorful, and you have the definite sensation that you are falling in some manner!
-
>Is out hand and the screwdriver still in position?
>Can we see anything at all, aside from the tear we seem to be engulfed in?
>If not, give ourselves a moment, and see if we eventually stop falling
-
>Is out hand and the screwdriver still in position?
>Can we see anything at all, aside from the tear we seem to be engulfed in?
>If not, give ourselves a moment, and see if we eventually stop falling
>They are not; the sensation of falling has rather ruined that just due to reflexes.
>You can see mostly purple, but there are other colors too...possibly shapes as well. They do not necessarily give you a good feeling.
>The sensation of falling continues.
>_
-
>Well, we may have been a long way from the outside world, so maybe we just have a long way to fall?
>Let ourself keep falling a little more, and see if anything changes
-
>Well, we may have been a long way from the outside world, so maybe we just have a long way to fall?
>Let ourself keep falling a little more, and see if anything changes
>You hope for the best and let yourself fall, trying not to look at the vague shapes; they are unpleasant in a way you can't put into words.
>After a bit, you start to get a little bored of falling. You contemplate what to do about it when you suddenly hit the ground! Thankfully, it is a light impact, you don't even think it left a bruise. Just that it was very surprising.
>You seem to be laying on your side in the middle of a field of bare and parched dirt, spotted here and there by tufts of tough-looking brown grass.
>_
-
>Scan around our surroundings
>Can we tell where we are?
>Can we see anyone else here?
-
> Brown grass? So there's color here? Neat.
> Check our shadow.
> Check the shadows of the surrounding landscape.
-
>Scan around our surroundings
>Can we tell where we are?
>Can we see anyone else here?
>You look around, and see that your first impression is quite accurate; you are in the middle of a barren field. Dotting the land, in addition to the patches of scrub grass, is the occasional rock. Looking up, you see the sky is crimson, with odd spots of darker scarlet that suggest something kine clouds. There is a kind of distortion to the sky as well, reminding you of the air shimmering on a hot day.
>You do not really know where you are. Nor do you see anyone else here.
> Brown grass? So there's color here? Neat.
> Check our shadow.
> Check the shadows of the surrounding landscape.
>There is most certainly real color here.
>You look at your shadow; it is there and properly intact. You do note that it; and yourself, is missing a shawl.
>Look around, you see nothing awry with the shadows here.
>_
-
>Check to see if the photo we took inside the shadow world still exists
>Scanning the horizon around us, do we see signs of buildings, or any other features that catch our eye?
-
> Nitori's shadow is no longer present?
> Check for our knife. Maybe it and the shadow shawl got left back in the shadow realm, since they were actually a part of it.
-
>Check to see if the photo we took inside the shadow world still exists
>Scanning the horizon around us, do we see signs of buildings, or any other features that catch our eye?
>You check your photos, and see the picture of the dais is still intact.
>Looking around, you don't seem any buildings. But you do see what appears to be a few stands of trees, and what seems to be a fence in the distance.
> Nitori's shadow is no longer present?
> Check for our knife. Maybe it and the shadow shawl got left back in the shadow realm, since they were actually a part of it.
>There are no signs of Nitori's shadow.
>You look through your purse, and find no sign of the shadow knife or the shadow spellards.
>_
-
>Head towards the fence
>Despite the sky looking so odd, does the atmosphere here feel more or less normal?
-
>Head towards the fence
>Despite the sky looking so odd, does the atmosphere here feel more or less normal?
>You head toward the fence, taking some time to gauge the air here. There is a kind of charge to it, really. Rather like the feeling left in the air after you use one of your more active spellcards.
>_
-
>Could that imply that any lightning we could tap into here might be more potent than normal?
>Continue onward
-
>Could that imply that any lightning we could tap into here might be more potent than normal?
>Continue onward
>You don't know.
>You continue onward, and reach the fence. It is an made of old gray wood, having clearly endured its share of the elements, with two rows of wooden plants set into posts set out every couple of yards. Beside it, you can see what looks like an old footpath; as well as periodic animal droppings.
>_
-
>Can we tell what's fenced off? Or see the other side of the fenced area, for that matter?
>Assuming nothing else of interest is evident, follow the path, steering clear of said droppings
-
> Mentally resolve to hug Nitori after she's been returned to normal. Here's hoping she managed to land on something after becoming detached from us.
-
>Can we tell what's fenced off? Or see the other side of the fenced area, for that matter?
>Assuming nothing else of interest is evident, follow the path, steering clear of said droppings
>You aren't sure. The grass is no greener, nor any more prevalent, on the other side of the fence.
>The path stretches to the left and right. Which will you be following?
> Mentally resolve to hug Nitori after she's been returned to normal. Here's hoping she managed to land on something after becoming detached from us.
>She really does need a hug after all this. You hope that she is okay.
>_
-
>If there is no obvious difference along either direction, as far as we can see, go left
-
>If there is no obvious difference along either direction, as far as we can see, go left
>You don't see any differences significant enough to make either route interesting.
>You head leftward, walking along the path. It's kind of a rough path, you have to dodge around the occasional half-buried rock, but it is easier than the rough plains around it. Along the way, you head a distant rumble of thunder, and you are sure that it is getting darker.
>After a few minutes, you see a group of animals near the path ahead; waist-high things with four legs.
>_
-
>Can we identify the type of animal?
>Are there any signs of people or buildings or such, that we can see yet?
>If not, keep moving forward
-
>Can we identify the type of animal?
>Are there any signs of people or buildings or such, that we can see yet?
>If not, keep moving forward
>After a few moments of watching them, you are reasonably certain they are goats.
>Aside from the fence, nothing yet.
>You keep moving forward. The goats quickly notice you coming, and begin to approach you.
>_
-
>Are we on the same side of the fence as them?
>If so, may as well get to the other side
>Do they look like perfectly mundane goats?
-
what
don't be afraid of goats
they are petting zoo animals :(
-
>Are we on the same side of the fence as them?
>If so, may as well get to the other side
>Do they look like perfectly mundane goats?
>You are on the same side of the fence as they are; chances are they are the source of the periodic dropping on the path. As near as you can tell, they are perfectly ordinary white and brown goats.
>You climb over the fence as the goats bleat at you and continue to close in. A couple of smaller ones stick their heads between the logs and look at you.
>_
-
> Roll up sleeves.
> Reach to pet the nearest goat to stick their head through the logs.
> Pull arm back if if the goat makes to bite at our hand or if our sleeve falls down and the goat makes to chew on it.
-
>Afterwards, continue forward
-
> Roll up sleeves.
> Reach to pet the nearest goat to stick their head through the logs.
> Pull arm back if if the goat makes to bite at our hand or if our sleeve falls down and the goat makes to chew on it.
>You roll up your sleeves and pet a goat. The flop-eared animal seems to enjoy the treatment; others quickly crowd around it and bleat at you.
>Afterwards, continue forward
>You continue forward. The goats follow you, bleating for more attention.
>_
-
> "Oh, I'm sorry, did you want some attention?"
> Pet a couple more goats, taking the same anti-chewing precautions as before.
-
> "Oh, I'm sorry, did you want some attention?"
> Pet a couple more goats, taking the same anti-chewing precautions as before.
>You give the goats some more attention, taking care to keep your sleeves out of their grasp.
>They most certainly enjoy your pettings. One of them sets its hooves on the fence and uses this to give it the reach it needs to nibble on the brim of your hat.
>_
-
> FUCK FUCK FUCK
> Grab onto the side of our hat with both hands and back away from the goats.
-
> FUCK FUCK FUCK
> Grab onto the side of our hat with both hands and back away from the goats.
>You grab your hat and back away from the goats. The nibbler bleats at you, as do the others.
>_
-
> Check damage to hat.
-
> Check damage to hat.
>You check your hat.
>Aside from a bit of goat spit on the brim, it seems fine.
>_
-
> Ignore the goats momentarily and find some grass with which we can wipe the spit off of our poor hat.
> Once the spit is wiped off of our hat, turn back to the goats and waggle a finger back and forth at them.
> "Ah ah ah. Please don't do that."
-
> Ignore the goats momentarily and find some grass with which we can wipe the spit off of our poor hat.
> Once the spit is wiped off of our hat, turn back to the goats and waggle a finger back and forth at them.
> "Ah ah ah. Please don't do that."
>You take a moment to find some grass to sanitize your hat, then chide the goats gently. You get a couple of bleats in response.
>You hear whistle, toward the right.
>_
-
> Turn to our right, swinging our body away from that direction.
> Attempt to identify the origin of the whistle.
-
> Turn to our right, swinging our body away from that direction.
> Attempt to identify the origin of the whistle.
>You turn right, and see someone in a red cloak in short distance away.
>_
-
> Is there anything else distinctive about them?
> Do they appear to be acting aggressively? If so, begin building a charge.
> Can we check on the goats out of the corner of our eye without looking away from the person? If do, check what they are doing.
-
> Is there anything else distinctive about them?
> Do they appear to be acting aggressively? If so, begin building a charge.
> Can we check on the goats out of the corner of our eye without looking away from the person? If do, check what they are doing.
>She does not seem agressive; you think she might be wearing an white smock under the cloak.
>You see some of the goats begin trotting toward her, others seem content to loiter near you.
>_
-
>Approach her
-
> Friend of goats, huh? Wave to this mystery woman while approaching.
> What do we know about Makai?
> Did Tenshi ever repay that favor she owed us when we took over for her at the bar when she went off to go chase that ship?
-
>Approach her
>You approach her. She is on the other side of the fence, but you are able to get somewhat closer. The cloak masks what she is doing rather well, but you are certain she is watching you.
>_> Friend of goats, huh? Wave to this mystery woman while approaching.
> What do we know about Makai?
> Did Tenshi ever repay that favor she owed us when we took over for her at the bar when she went off to go chase that ship?
>You wave; you think you see her nod a bit in turn.
>You do not know a great deal. It is a realm lower than Gensokyo; spiritually speaking; as Gensokyo is lower than Bhava-Agra.
>No, she never did. You've never really called upon it either; you've actually forgotten about it until you remembered just now.
>_
-
>Are we about as close as we can get, without crossing over the fence, again?
>Does she seem to be approaching us, as well, or simply standing still, watching us?
-
> When feel we're in decent speaking range, gesture at the goats.
> "May I assume these little friendlies are yours?"
-
>Are we about as close as we can get, without crossing over the fence, again?
>Does she seem to be approaching us, as well, or simply standing still, watching us?
>You soon reach that point.
>For the time being, she seems to be just watching you.
> When feel we're in decent speaking range, gesture at the goats.
> "May I assume these little friendlies are yours?"
>You're about as decent as you can get without hopping the fence.
>"They are," she says. "And what brings a Bhava-Agran without her regalia here? Perhaps you've committed some atrocity?"
>_
-
>"Would it disappoint you if I told you no? To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely certain how I came here. I believe I fell through some sort of hole between dimensions."
>"Am I correct in assuming this is Makai?"
-
>"Would it disappoint you if I told you no? To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely certain how I came here. I believe I fell through some sort of hole between dimensions."
>"Am I correct in assuming this is Makai?"
>She nods. "That you are correct about. But one wonders about the word of a Bhava-Agran that would be here?"
>She has a sword in hand; when did she get a sword? You certain didn't see her draw it...
>_
-
>"I give you my word that what I say is true. I cannot force you to believe it, of course. But I mean no harm to anyone here, and in fact, would rather like to know the way back to Gensokyo."
-
>"I give you my word that what I say is true. I cannot force you to believe it, of course. But I mean no harm to anyone here, and in fact, would rather like to know the way back to Gensokyo."
>"Isn't that exactly what someone who was thrown into here for atrocities would say?" asks the red-cloaked woman.
>_
-
>"It might. But mightn't it also be exactly what someone who ended up here by accident would say, as well?"
>"Is there perhaps some gesture I could make to demonstrate my good faith?"
-
>"It might. But mightn't it also be exactly what someone who ended up here by accident would say, as well?"
>"Is there perhaps some gesture I could make to demonstrate my good faith?"
>"Like what?" she asks.
>_
-
>"I'm not certain; this is why I asked. You're more familiar with the lay of the land around here than I, both in a physical and metaphorical sense."
>"Although, does it matter which of these two alternatives are true, if my goal is simply to leave this realm? Are you concerned that I intend to cause problems while I'm here?"
-
>"I'm not certain; this is why I asked. You're more familiar with the lay of the land around here than I, both in a physical and metaphorical sense."
>"Although, does it matter which of these two alternatives are true, if my goal is simply to leave this realm? Are you concerned that I intend to cause problems while I'm here?"
>"No no, nothing of the sort," says the hooded woman. "Troublemakers belong here. That can be handled on its own. No no no. I'm much more concerned you're trying to shrug off your fealty. That would be inexcusable, don't you think?"
>_
-
>"I would certainly never forgive myself for it. In fact, it is duty and concern that compel me to return as swiftly as possible. There are others in my charge who may be in grave danger in my absence. I was incapacitated in battle, and ended up here through means I do not fully understand. Regardless of what obstacles are placed in my path, I will return to them and accomplish what I have pledged to do. I could not even contemplate doing otherwise."
-
>"I would certainly never forgive myself for it. In fact, it is duty and concern that compel me to return as swiftly as possible. There are others in my charge who may be in grave danger in my absence. I was incapacitated in battle, and ended up here through means I do not fully understand. Regardless of what obstacles are placed in my path, I will return to them and accomplish what I have pledged to do. I could not even contemplate doing otherwise."
>"Very pretty words," she says, "But I think you misinterpret whom I mean fealty would be owed. Perhaps intentionally?"
>_
-
>"Rather more likely unintentionally, I'm afraid. But I am listening."
-
>"Rather more likely unintentionally, I'm afraid. But I am listening."
>She shakes her head; you can see the hood move accordingly. "If it is as I suspect, and you're supposed to be here, then the only one you owe fealty to is Lady Shinki. And she does not tolerate her own leaving her realm at this time."
>_
-
>"And is there any way for her to tell whether I'm supposed to be here or not? Clearly not everyone who enters this realm does so as a subject of it. I would not be the first."
>What do we know of past incidents involving Makai?
-
>"And is there any way for her to tell whether I'm supposed to be here or not? Clearly not everyone who enters this realm does so as a subject of it. I would not be the first."
>What do we know of past incidents involving Makai?
>"Quite. But Bhava-agrans never come here; especially those missing their raiments."
>...Where did she get that other sword?
>You're aware that the central city was devastated in an incident some years ago. As well, recently Byakuren escaped from here.
>_
-
>Raiment? Does she mean our shawl?
>Assuming this seems likely: "I can actually demonstrate what became of my raiment, if you will permit me to do so."
>Produce the picture of the poltergeist, bound with our shawl, and show her
-
>Raiment? Does she mean our shawl?
>Assuming this seems likely: "I can actually demonstrate what became of my raiment, if you will permit me to do so."
>Produce the picture of the poltergeist, bound with our shawl, and show her
>You think so.
>You offer out the picture. The woman approaches. You can see that what you thought was a smock is actually an apron, worn over a red dress. You have sneaking suspicion now that this may well be Shinki's principal servant; essentially your counterpart in Makai and of similar standing to you in the Celestial Bureaucracy. This opens a whole new series of questions, if it is true.
>She considers this picture for a moment. "Hmm, it does seem to match your clothing. But now I wonder why you carry a portrait of such a thing with you? Are you into "that" kind of thing?"
>_
-
>Do we know the name of this principal servant?
>"Her binding was of a more practical nature. She is a very dangerous poltergeist who I had just incapacitated in battle before this. I tied her to prevent her from escaping. The picture, incidentally, was to demonstrate her existence to another party. There is a major incident in progress on the surface today, and she is centrally involved in it. Unfortunately, when she regained consciousness, she was somehow able to cast me out of Gensokyo without moving from her bonds. Thus, here I am."
-
>Do we know the name of this principal servant?
>"Her binding was of a more practical nature. She is a very dangerous poltergeist who I had just incapacitated in battle before this. I tied her to prevent her from escaping. The picture, incidentally, was to demonstrate her existence to another party. There is a major incident in progress on the surface today, and she is centrally involved in it. Unfortunately, when she regained consciousness, she was somehow able to cast me out of Gensokyo without moving from her bonds. Thus, here I am."
>It eludes you at the moment. Starts with Y.
>She frowns. "Interesting story. But why would you have a painting of such a thing with you?"
>_
-
>Run her name over in the back of our mind a little, while we keep talking
>"Painting? Are you not familiar with how a camera works?"
>Assuming not: "A camera is a device that lets you quickly capture images of objects. Here, let me demonstrate."
>Take a picture of the scenery, and show it to her. Don't actually point the camera at her, herself, though.
-
>Run her name over in the back of our mind a little, while we keep talking
>"Painting? Are you not familiar with how a camera works?"
>Assuming not: "A camera is a device that lets you quickly capture images of objects. Here, let me demonstrate."
>Take a picture of the scenery, and show it to her. Don't actually point the camera at her, herself, though.
>Yumi? Yuna? Yuni?
>"A what?"
>You demonstrate Aya's Camera, taking a picture of the countryside.
>You obtain: Picture of Makai Landscape with Goats
>"What a curious thing," says the red-cloaked woman, frowning at it.
>_
-
>A little closer... c'mon...
>"So you see, no unusual effort was put into acquiring that image of the poltergeist. I won our fight, and I wanted a record to show others, so that they would know what she looked like. Particularly given how dangerous she has proven to be."
-
>A little closer... c'mon...
>"So you see, no unusual effort was put into acquiring that image of the poltergeist. I won our fight, and I wanted a record to show others, so that they would know what she looked like. Particularly given how dangerous she has proven to be."
>Yurika?
>She nods. "So it seems."
>_
-
>No, no, that's not quite it, either...
>"And this is why am I here without my raiment. I would not be surprised if it were in pieces now, unfortunately. But that is a much lesser concern than that she would be free. I cannot overstate how important it is that I return."
-
Probably won't come up again any time soon, but I was struck with inspiration for what to do with that favor. Something slightly more productive than a hug. Mostly leaving this here as a reminder to myself.
-
>No, no, that's not quite it, either...
>"And this is why am I here without my raiment. I would not be surprised if it were in pieces now, unfortunately. But that is a much lesser concern than that she would be free. I cannot overstate how important it is that I return."
>Yume...Yume...Oh, that's right. Yumeko.
>"I suppose your story makes a certain kind of sense," she says.
>_
-
>"I honestly wish I could tell you why I ended up in this realm. I wonder if it's possible there is some connection between the power the poltergeist wields and Makai itself?"
>If Yumeko's position as principle servant to Shinki gives her similar standing in the Celestial Bureaucracy to us, a principle servant of The Dragon, does that imply that The Dragon and Shinki also have similar stature?
-
>"I honestly wish I could tell you why I ended up in this realm. I wonder if it's possible there is some connection between the power the poltergeist wields and Makai itself?"
>If Yumeko's position as principle servant to Shinki gives her similar standing in the Celestial Bureaucracy to us, a principle servant of The Dragon, does that imply that The Dragon and Shinki also have similar stature?
>She shakes her head. "I could tell you nothing."
>Not really. Shinki rules over a lower realm, and has significantly less of a role in the ordering of the universe. But in some respects, she is equal.
>_
-
>"Could you at least tell me how I might return to Gensokyo?"
-
>"Could you at least tell me how I might return to Gensokyo?"
>"I can," says Yumeko, "But whether you can or not is not in my hands. Go west, until you find the mountains. There will be a cave there. Be warned, it is guarded, and the guard is ordered not to let any pass. Only Lady Shinki herself may rescind that order."
-
>Can we tell which way is West, from where we are?
>"Thank you. And do you think she would, were I to speak with her about this?"
-
>Can we tell which way is West, from where we are?
>"Thank you. And do you think she would, were I to speak with her about this?"
>You have no idea what the compass directions are here.
>Yumeko shakes her head. "She wouldn't hear of it, I assure you. Lady Shinki would consider it much more fun to let you try as things are."
>_
-
>"Very well. I certainly do not intend to let it dissuade me, in either case."
>"Before I leave, in case there is some connection, I don't suppose you've heard of or noticed anything unusual in Makai lately? Possibly having to do with unusual shadows?"
>"Also... which way is west?"
-
>"Very well. I certainly do not intend to let it dissuade me, in either case."
>"Before I leave, in case there is some connection, I don't suppose you've heard of or noticed anything unusual in Makai lately? Possibly having to do with unusual shadows?"
>"Also... which way is west?"
>Yumeko shakes her head. "Nothing of that sort. It's been peaceful since Hokkai was breached."
>She points down the road. "Do be warned, a storm is coming. You may wish to stay the night at down, which is to the east."
>_
-
>Nod
>"I am glad to hear that things are well, here."
>"What sort of storm?"
>"Actually... this may sound a strange question, but do you know what day or time it is? It is hard for me to judge, in this realm."
-
>Nod
>"I am glad to hear that things are well, here."
>"What sort of storm?"
>"Actually... this may sound a strange question, but do you know what day or time it is? It is hard for me to judge, in this realm."
>"The kind that rains and pours, of course," says Yumeko. "And it will be dark in a little while. Why do you think I came to fetch these goats?"
>_
-
>"My apologies. I admit I had not given it much thought."
>"Thank you for your warning, but I must do what I can to make it back to Gensokyo as quickly as possible, storm or no."
-
>"My apologies. I admit I had not given it much thought."
>"Thank you for your warning, but I must do what I can to make it back to Gensokyo as quickly as possible, storm or no."
>A storm can't be that bad; it's not like you don't swim in storm clouds from time to time.
>"As you like," says Yumeko.
>_
-
>"I bid you good evening. And thanks again."
>Head West
-
>"I bid you good evening. And thanks again."
>Head West
>"Try not to end up here again; not everyone is as forgiving as I am," says Yumeko as you depart.
>You head westward. You quickly begin to notice the leafless trees grow thicker and more common, until you've found yourself in a forest. The sky grows darker; thankfully not much of a problem for you; and thunder rumbles again and again.
>Up ahead, you see several old logs seem to have fallen across the path.
>_
-
>Float over the obstruction and continue onward
-
> Visually inspect logs as we pass.
-
>Float over the obstruction and continue onward
>You take to the air and start to float over the logs.
>"I wouldn't do that, if I were you," comes a voice from the right.
> Visually inspect logs as we pass.
>You got a glance at the logs before you were interrupted. They are pretty old and rotten, but they don't seem to have been there long.
>_
-
>Look towards the source of the voice
>"And why not?"
-
>Look towards the source of the voice
>"And why not?"
>You look over, and see a faerie sitting in a tree branch. Her skin is chalky white, in contract to her dark blue hair. She smiles. "It could be any kind of trick, don't you think? Logs just being there like that? It's dangerous! You should think twice."
>She nods sagely.
>_
-
>The logs do not appear to have simply fallen onto the path from nearby trees, do they?
>"And what would you recommend instead, then?"
-
>The logs do not appear to have simply fallen onto the path from nearby trees, do they?
>"And what would you recommend instead, then?"
>Having a look, you are quite certain they've not just fallen naturally.
>"Why, you spare some spades for your little friend, and I'll show you a safe way!"
>_
-
>"I have no money to offer you, I'm afraid."
-
>"I have no money to offer you, I'm afraid."
>"Then maybe you should go get some before you worry about running around in the woods," says the faerie, frowning a little. "It's very dangerous if you're not prepared."
>_
-
>"I'm afraid that I am also in a hurry. Danger or no, I fully intend to press forward. Unless you are willing to suggest some alternative not involving having or acquiring money?"
-
>"I'm afraid that I am also in a hurry. Danger or no, I fully intend to press forward. Unless you are willing to suggest some alternative not involving having or acquiring money?"
>She looks up toward the sky, laboriously pondering.
>"What do you have that can sell nice?" she asks.
>_
-
>Take out 1 of our 2 photos of the shadowless tree (whichever we think is worse) and the photo of the Makai landscape, and show them to the fairy
>"Any interest in these? I gather that photos are a rare thing around these parts."
-
>Take out 1 of our 2 photos of the shadowless tree (whichever we think is worse) and the photo of the Makai landscape, and show them to the fairy
>"Any interest in these? I gather that photos are a rare thing around these parts."
>The faerie considers from from the distance. "Couldn't get many spades out of them," she says after a moment.
>_
-
>"Well, I'm afraid that's all I have to trade."
>Put the photos back
>"I guess I'll simply have to take my chances. Have a pleasant day."
>Continue forward, over the fallen logs. Although, keep an eye out for movement beneath them, or in the trees around us
-
>"Well, I'm afraid that's all I have to trade."
>Put the photos back
>"I guess I'll simply have to take my chances. Have a pleasant day."
>Continue forward, over the fallen logs. Although, keep an eye out for movement beneath them, or in the trees around us
>"Maybe it's be smarter if you just left, then," says the faerie while shaking her head. "It's reaaaaally danger around here without a guide, and they don't work for free."
>_
-
>"Leaving is in fact exactly what I intend to be doing. And since the exit is this way, I should be on my way."
>Continue forward, over the fallen logs. Keep an eye out for movement beneath them, or in the trees around us, or even from the fairy herself.
-
>"Leaving is in fact exactly what I intend to be doing. And since the exit is this way, I should be on my way."
>Continue forward, over the fallen logs. Keep an eye out for movement beneath them, or in the trees around us, or even from the fairy herself.
>You move forward, keeping an eye pretty much everywhere at once. This isn't terribly effective, as it's hard to look in many directions at once. But, this also means you are not entirely caught off guard when the forest suddenly comes alive with danmaku, coming from both sides of the road at once!
>"See, you can't even take free advice!" you hear the faerie shout, dimly over the sounds of a dozens, maybe hundreds of shots at once.
>_
-
>How far back and ahead of us does the fire extend? Could we dash in either direction to miss the first volley?
>If so, move quickly in that direction
>Otherwise, were there any breaks in the trees above us?
>If there's any path up at all, even one that would scrape us up a little, ascend!
>Shield our head with our hands, if needbe
>Otherwise, try to glance for any breaks at all in the fire that we could use to dodge around some of it. Does it seem less concentrated at any point?
-
>How far back and ahead of us does the fire extend? Could we dash in either direction to miss the first volley?
>If so, move quickly in that direction
>Otherwise, were there any breaks in the trees above us?
>If there's any path up at all, even one that would scrape us up a little, ascend!
>Shield our head with our hands, if needbe
>Otherwise, try to glance for any breaks at all in the fire that we could use to dodge around some of it. Does it seem less concentrated at any point?
> While doing all this, begin building a charge for a flash.
-
>How far back and ahead of us does the fire extend? Could we dash in either direction to miss the first volley?
>If so, move quickly in that direction
>Otherwise, were there any breaks in the trees above us?
>If there's any path up at all, even one that would scrape us up a little, ascend!
>Shield our head with our hands, if needbe
>Otherwise, try to glance for any breaks at all in the fire that we could use to dodge around some of it. Does it seem less concentrated at any point?
>They seem to be covering the whole much of the immediate area, but it may be lighter around the edges.
>The tree cover isn't very heavy, this place is nothing compared to the Forest of Magic. But there are bullets there, too.
>You fly upward! Along the way, you take a couple hits from the reckless ascent, but compared to the Brocken Spectre's shots, they're more taps than anything. Unfortunately, you've been through enough lately without any real rest that taps are worrysome.
>You are some yards from the ground now,. The fire here crisscrosses in a way that you can pick it apart, but you can already see a lot more bullets coming toward you.
> While doing all this, begin building a charge for a flash.
>You start to build up a charge.
>_
-
> Keep that charge coming. Try to draw on the air, if we can, since we noticed the air itself being pretty charged.
> Can we make out any individual attackers?
> Where are the incoming bullets the thinnest?
-
> Keep that charge coming. Try to draw on the air, if we can, since we noticed the air itself being pretty charged.
> Can we make out any individual attackers?
> Where are the incoming bullets the thinnest?
>You keep gathering energy to yourself. It is coming a little more quickly here than back in Gensokyo.
>You can't, you're a little far away, and they are hiding among the trees.
>They seem to be thinnest below you now, and are rapidly getting thick everywhere else.
>_
-
>Are we above the canopy? Or just higher off the ground?
>In either case, keep quickly ascending, and try to shift a little to the west. Ideally, try to move past their effective range, such that our attackers are also forced to relinquish their cover.
>Try to shift around any shots that come unnervingly close to us, if we can, but focus on getting actual distance, where such evasions would let the rest of the cloud catch up with us too much
-
>Are we above the canopy? Or just higher off the ground?
>In either case, keep quickly ascending, and try to shift a little to the west. Ideally, try to move past their effective range, such that our attackers are also forced to relinquish their cover.
>Try to shift around any shots that come unnervingly close to us, if we can, but focus on getting actual distance, where such evasions would let the rest of the cloud catch up with us too much
>You are above the canopy.
>You continue to ascend, and find the fire is getting worse; it seems that your assailants have expected this. You crash into several bullets in the process.
>_
-
>How could new fire have already ended up behind us?
>Can we see any navigable paths away from the cloud of fire?
-
>How could new fire have already ended up behind us?
>Can we see any navigable paths away from the cloud of fire?
>Up was not behind you, nor was west.
>There is now very little fire directly below you, and not much to the east.
-
>What sort of form is the fire coming in? Just bursts of straight danmaku, all mixed together?
>Can we get an estimate of approximately how many creatures must be firing upon us? Or is the cloud too meshed together to even guess?
>If we fly east at top speed, does it look like we could probably outrun the body of the cloud entirely, before their fire adjusts to us? Or are the bullets too fast / covering too much area?
-
>What sort of form is the fire coming in? Just bursts of straight danmaku, all mixed together?
>Can we get an estimate of approximately how many creatures must be firing upon us? Or is the cloud too meshed together to even guess?
>If we fly east at top speed, does it look like we could probably outrun the body of the cloud entirely, before their fire adjusts to us? Or are the bullets too fast / covering too much area?
>Much of it is straight, some is definitely curved.
>It's too tangled to guess.
>If you go east at top speed, you think you can outrun it, there isn't much coverage in that direction.
>_
-
>Head east at top speed, keeping an eye on the source of the danmaku, as we get a chance while dodging in front of us, in order to adjust to any sudden changes in angle of fire
>From our height, and we tell broadly how far the forested area extends in all directions?
>Can we see the mountains Yumeko mentioned?
-
>Head east at top speed, keeping an eye on the source of the danmaku, as we get a chance while dodging in front of us, in order to adjust to any sudden changes in angle of fire
> Keep charging while doing this.
-
>Head east at top speed, keeping an eye on the source of the danmaku, as we get a chance while dodging in front of us, in order to adjust to any sudden changes in angle of fire
>From our height, and we tell broadly how far the forested area extends in all directions?
>Can we see the mountains Yumeko mentioned?
>You head east! The fire is not too bad here; you are able to weave through it without too much trouble.
>The forest extends north and south about as far as the eye can see; it goes west a couple miles before ending at the mountains that Yumeko mentioned.
> Keep charging while doing this.
>You keep at this. You should be at maximum capacity rather soon.
>_
-
>How far east does the forest extend?
>How concentrated an area is the fire issuing from?
>Does its source appear to have shifted at all in pursuit of us? Or can we not tell?
-
>How far east does the forest extend?
>How concentrated an area is the fire issuing from?
>Does its source appear to have shifted at all in pursuit of us? Or can we not tell?
>Not much more than a couple dozens yards.
>You glance around, and see fire coming up from all over the place. Are there people all over in the forest that are just shooting into the air at random? The makes it hard to tell if the source has shifted.
>_
-
>So, there's fire issuing from parts of the forest that we're not even close to? And whose shots don't even seemed to be aimed at us?
>Do parts further north or south, at least, seem to be free of this?
-
Idea: Try letting off a bolt aimed at where some fire is coming from, but a good distance away from where we are. This could misdirect whoever's firing into the air into thinking we're somewhere we're actually not.
-
>How distant from ourselves can we call down bolts of lightning from the sky?
-
>How distant from ourselves can we call down bolts of lightning from the sky?
>With any accuracy, sans spellcard, they would have to be in within a few yards. After that, it gets to hard to be accurate, and you run the risk of causing unintended consequences.
>_
-
>By unintended consequences, does that mean possibly starting forest fires?
>Eschewing accuracy (simply 'somewhere over there'), how far away could we call one down without much risk of said unintended consequences?
>So, there's fire issuing from parts of the forest that we're not even close to? And whose shots don't even seemed to be aimed at us?
>Do parts further north or south, at least, seem to be free of this?
-
>By unintended consequences, does that mean possibly starting forest fires?
>Eschewing accuracy (simply 'somewhere over there'), how far away could we call one down without much risk of said unintended consequences?
>Forest fires shouldn't be a problem, as long as you don't put too much intensity into your lightning.
>You could theoretically call down one just about anywhere you can see; but the further away it is, the more likely it is going to go wide, and by a greater amount. Once you get it dozens of yards away, it can go dozens of yards wide. As well, it will consume more of your stored energy.
>_
-
> Is there fire coming from immediately below us?
> Is there still a thick wall of fire blocking our access further west?
-
> Is there fire coming from immediately below us?
> Is there still a thick wall of fire blocking our access further west?
>There doesn't seem to be any coming from immediately below.
>Yes.
>_
-
> Do north and south, into the distance, look roughly the same in terms of scenery?
> Is there more fire coming from the north or the south?
-
> Do north and south, into the distance, look roughly the same in terms of scenery?
> Is there more fire coming from the north or the south?
>Yes, and more fire seems to be coming from the south.
>_
-
> Face south and aim for any opening between trees we can find roughly ten yards from our current position.
> Try to fire a bolt at that spot.
-
>So, there's fire issuing from parts of the forest that we're not even close to? And whose shots don't even seemed to be aimed at us?
>Do parts further north or south, at least, seem to be free of this?
>Yes; it seems to be just general flak, but there's enough of it to make things worrisome if you tried to go that way.
>It's hard to tell, doesn't seem to be.
> Face south and aim for any opening between trees we can find roughly ten yards from our current position.
> Try to fire a bolt at that spot.
>You direct some lightning to the south. You're not sure if it hit exactly where you wanted it to.
>Some fire is directed toward where the lightning fell from, but not much out of the huge morass over the forest.
>You're starting to see some shots coming uncomfortably close to you.
>_
-
>Keep flying east. Break past the forest entirely, and out of range of any pursuing shots
-
>Keep flying east. Break past the forest entirely, and out of range of any pursuing shots
>You keep going east, leaving the forest behind entirely. Along the way, you feel a few raindrops on your face.
>_
-
> Oh. Huh. That's probably what the charge in the air was.
> Read the atmosphere.
-
>So, the shots have stopped?
>About how high into the sky were the shots reaching, while we were above the forest?
-
> Oh. Huh. That's probably what the charge in the air was.
> Read the atmosphere.
>Perhaps so. There were rumbles of thunder earlier.
>You really can't read the atmosphere here; you aren't used to how Makai's weather works; for instance, there's that distortion in the sky that you simply have no idea how to make sense of. And the fact the clouds ands the sky kind of blend together make it hard as well. Yumeko said to expect a storm, though.
>So, the shots have stopped?
>About how high into the sky were the shots reaching, while we were above the forest?
>After a little but, they seem to fade out.
>They were getting some distance up, rather high in fact. You doubt it would be accurate at that distance, but, they seem to have made up for that with volume.
>_
-
>But we are certainly still capable of getting even higher than that, correct?
>Given that we sometimes swim about in storm clouds, natural lightning does not pose a threat to us, correct?
-
>But we are certainly still capable of getting even higher than that, correct?
>Given that we sometimes swim about in storm clouds, natural lightning does not pose a threat to us, correct?
>You are.
>Lightning is not attracted to you, so you should have no problems.
>_
-
>Get at a good distance from the forest, if we aren't already. Out of range of their shots from our current position, in case ascending attracts renewed attention
>Ascend well above what we believe is the effective range of the fire we were under earlier. Give ourselves a nice comfort zone
>Fly west across the forest at this height
-
>Get at a good distance from the forest, if we aren't already. Out of range of their shots from our current position, in case ascending attracts renewed attention
>Ascend well above what we believe is the effective range of the fire we were under earlier. Give ourselves a nice comfort zone
>Fly west across the forest at this height
>You give it a little more distance, then ascend.
>You head west again, as the rain starts to fall steadily and the day's light ebbs away. The forest begins to pass under you with no incident.
>"Get away from my clouds you little shit!" comes a voice from above; jarring you badly enough that you nearly lose focus on your flight for a moment.
>_
-
>Look up
>"I'm sorry. I didn't know these were anyone's in particular..."
-
>Look up
>"I'm sorry. I didn't know these were anyone's in particular..."
>You look up, and see a sleek-looking youkai with gray hair and dark eyes. She wears a red and brown layered dress, and a peaked bonnet. She is fixing a rather mean look at you at the moment.
>"Damn right your sorry!" she says, shaking a fist in your direction. "Now get outta my air before I pitch you a beatin'!"
>_
-
>"I'm just trying to avoid passing through the forest below. I assure you, I will be past your skies as quickly as I can travel. No intrusion was intended."
-
>"I'm just trying to avoid passing through the forest below. I assure you, I will be past your skies as quickly as I can travel. No intrusion was intended."
>"Well maybe you didn't intend it, but you sure went and made it happen! Eh? Eh?! Do I go running roughshod in your damn air? No! Go through the forest, you skinflint!"
>_
-
>"Perhaps you failed to notice the impressive lightshow that happened when I attempted that a few minutes earlier?"
-
>"Perhaps you failed to notice the impressive lightshow that happened when I attempted that a few minutes earlier?"
>"And who's damn fault is that, eh? Sure wasn't mine! But look here, I got some punk youkai all in my air like she's Shinki on a stroll!"
>_
-
>"I'm simply heading for the mountains. If you can suggest a way to get there which involves neither your sky nor that forest, I'm willing to listen."
-
>"I'm simply heading for the mountains. If you can suggest a way to get there which involves neither your sky nor that forest, I'm willing to listen."
>"How about you stop being a damn skinflint and wasting everyone's time, huh?" says the youkai. "Maybe that's what you ought to do, instead of trespassing all willy nilly like you're queen of the damn world! You ever think of that?"
-
>"I am not withholding money out of a lack of generosity. Where I come from, we do not have such things. And I think I should be more than glad to return there, at this rate. I have given you my apologies; I have nothing more to give. Once I am gone from your sky, I expect you shall never have to see me again. Good day to you."
>Fly swiftly onward, but keep the youkai in the corner of our eye and be prepared to dodge any acts of aggression caused by our lack of descent
-
>Fly swiftly onward, but keep the youkai in the corner of our eye and be prepared to dodge any acts of aggression caused by our lack of descent
> Begin charging again while doing this.
-
>"I am not withholding money out of a lack of generosity. Where I come from, we do not have such things. And I think I should be more than glad to return there, at this rate. I have given you my apologies; I have nothing more to give. Once I am gone from your sky, I expect you shall never have to see me again. Good day to you."
>Fly swiftly onward, but keep the youkai in the corner of our eye and be prepared to dodge any acts of aggression caused by our lack of descent
>"Oh that's it," she shouts as you try to fly past.
>You don't need the corner of your eye to know she is coming, you can hear her shouting.
> Begin charging again while doing this.
>You begin charging again; you don't have the feeling you're going to be able to get anything useful before she reaches you.
>_
-
>Glance back. Does she seem to be getting ready to shoot anything? Or just get physical with us?
>How fast does she seem to be, compared to us?
-
>Glance back. Does she seem to be getting ready to shoot anything? Or just get physical with us?
>How fast does she seem to be, compared to us?
>It seems she prefers the latter; and she is moving quite swiftly, grinning broadly despite the obvious fury on her face.
>_
-
>Keeping an eye on her, wait until she gets fairly close behind us (but not too close to risk not being able to pull the following off without physical interference)
>Quickly spin around, and launch a heavy lightning orb towards her at close range
>Use our momentum to sidestep away from her charge as we fire it
-
>Keeping an eye on her, wait until she gets fairly close behind us (but not too close to risk not being able to pull the following off without physical interference)
>Quickly spin around, and launch a heavy lightning orb towards her at close range
>Use our momentum to sidestep away from her charge as we fire it
>You do not have to wait long, she is already uncomfortably close. You send the orb flying at her, and it connects with her firmly. She recoils a bit from the strike, but doesn't seem to be more than inconvenienced by the attack. Your sidestep serves you well, as she grabs at where you were at a moment ago, then seeing this fail, launches an elbow strike at you, while crying, "You really think that'd work on Sameko the Cloudswimmer!?"
>_
-
>Do we also have some resistance to danmaku lightning? Or has that just never come up, in our own experience?
>Descend, while also shifting laterally from the elbow strike
>Fire a burst of conventional danmaku as we move
-
> Did that lightning orb use up our existing charge?
> Resume charging.
-
>Do we also have some resistance to danmaku lightning? Or has that just never come up, in our own experience?
>Descend, while also shifting laterally from the elbow strike
>Fire a burst of conventional danmaku as we move
>You've not actually had to deal with it yourself, but you do.
>You keep moving and descend; the youkai follows through on her attack to face you and gives chase. You launch some danmaku, catching her in the torso with a few shots. But as you are both more or less following the law of gravity at this point, it really doesn't do much to dissuade her charge, as she closes in on you.
> Did that lightning orb use up our existing charge?
> Resume charging.
>It did; you resume charging.
>_
-
>Wait a moment for her to close to the proper distance
>Right before contact, quickly duck under the elbow strike, bracing ourselves against her, and use Sameko's own momentum and gravity to effectively throw her over ourselves
>If this succeeds, round on her, and fire danmaku at her falling form before she can catch her footing again
-
>Wait a moment for her to close to the proper distance
>Right before contact, quickly duck under the elbow strike, bracing ourselves against her, and use Sameko's own momentum and gravity to effectively throw her over ourselves
>If this succeeds, round on her, and fire danmaku at her falling form before she can catch her footing again
>You allow her to close, waiting for that elbow to come, you start to duck...
>And then have the wind rush from you as she socks you in the gut with her other hand! That did not feel pleasant at all...
-
>Grit our teeth and try to get some air back
>Raise one hand to try and block or deflect the elbow, if it is still incoming
>Swing our body out to the opposite side the punch just came from, trying to open up enough room to prevent a second, while using her moment to move around her, letting her descend
>Fire another burst of danmaku at her torso with our spare hand
-
>Grit our teeth and try to get some air back
>Raise one hand to try and block or deflect the elbow, if it is still incoming
>Swing our body out to the opposite side the punch just came from, trying to open up enough room to prevent a second, while using her moment to move around her, letting her descend
>Fire another burst of danmaku at her torso with our spare hand
>You grit your teeth and try to get your breath back. You try to shift away from her left hand, and raise your other hand to block her elbow and instead feel her hand clamp tightly around your wrist.
>You send a burst of danmaku into her stomach, bringing a solid grunt from her. Unfortunately, her grip on your arm doesn't slacken.
>_
-
>Fire a quick burst of danmaku at her face with our free hand
>As we fire, swing to the side and up, pivoting along our gripped arm and try to force her to extend the arm that's holding it, while also rotating to position our legs properly for the next action
>Level a solid stomp/kick at the center-underside of the shoulder joint of her extended arm
>Try to pull our arm free on impact, assuming the above success
-
>Fire a quick burst of danmaku at her face with our free hand
>As we fire, swing to the side and up, pivoting along our gripped arm and try to force her to extend the arm that's holding it, while also rotating to position our legs properly for the next action
>Level a solid stomp/kick at the center-underside of the shoulder joint of her extended arm
>Try to pull our arm free on impact, assuming the above success
>You try to fire a quick burst at her face, but she smacks your hand aside, sending the burst wide. You try to twist into a better position, but Sameko reacts by placing pressure on your arm and wrist, forcing you back down on the pain of wrenching yourself. "That all you got to challenge me with, girl?" she asks.
>_
-
>"Be glad that I've been parted from my weapon, or you might be saying otherwise."
>Fire a spray of danmaku towards her grasping arm, particularly the elbow joint, but aim for wider coverage in case she tries to evade
>Try to twist our wrist out of her grasp, upon impact
>If we get loose, backdash and open some distance. Cover with another wide spray of danmaku
-
>"Be glad that I've been parted from my weapon, or you might be saying otherwise."
>Fire a spray of danmaku towards her grasping arm, particularly the elbow joint, but aim for wider coverage in case she tries to evade
>Try to twist our wrist out of her grasp, upon impact
>If we get loose, backdash and open some distance. Cover with another wide spray of danmaku
>"Once I'm done with you-" she says.
>You try to fire again; she responds by smacking you hand away again, then twisting your wrist, forcing you closer to her.
>"-you can go get your weapon, and I'll beat shit out of you again!"
>_
-
> Yank back with the arm that Sameko is holding onto, in order to pull her closer to us.
> At the same time, put our head down and charge our upper body forward so as to hit Sameko in the face or chin with the crown of our head.
-
>If we make contact, try to follow up with a sharp knee to the gut
-
> Yank back with the arm that Sameko is holding onto, in order to pull her closer to us.
> At the same time, put our head down and charge our upper body forward so as to hit Sameko in the face or chin with the crown of our head.
>You yank her toward you while she yanks you toward her. With gravity on your side, you win out. You feel her connect solidly with the top of your head, with enough force to rattle your teeth and leave a dull ache. You don't even want to imagine what it did to your hat.
>If we make contact, try to follow up with a sharp knee to the gut
>Despite the impact reverberating in your head, you try to knee her in the stomach. The aftermath of the previous hit works against you, and you just graze her a bit.
>_
-
>Twist our wrist hard to the side and yank our arm free
>If we break free, backdash
>Cover our retreat with a wide spray of danmaku in front of us
>How's our charge?
-
>Twist our wrist hard to the side and yank our arm free
>If we break free, backdash
>Cover our retreat with a wide spray of danmaku in front of us
>How's our charge?
>You twist your wrist against her hand, and wrench it free while leaving a fierce ache.
>You back away while the youkai shakes her head, her nose bleeding.
>You throw some danmaku, but give your own sorenesses and situation, it's not as much as you would like; a couple bullets hit the youkai.
>Your charge is not doing so well; being beaten on does little to help you gather energy.
>_
-
>How's our dizzyness? Have we recovered from any shortness of breath?
>If we're feeling better, we should move on in and attack!
>Assuming we feel up to it, fly in quickly to close our distance. Lead with one foot, and aim right for the kisser!
-
Are you sure we should be closing back in on a melee specialist, when we're far weaker than her in that area? We just fought hard for the distance we just got.
-
> Before flying in with a kick, volley off some normal danmaku cover fire aimed at her torso.
-
>How's our dizzyness? Have we recovered from any shortness of breath?
>If we're feeling better, we should move on in and attack!
>Assuming we feel up to it, fly in quickly to close our distance. Lead with one foot, and aim right for the kisser!
> Before flying in with a kick, volley off some normal danmaku cover fire aimed at her torso.
>You're still a little short of breath, but it's not so crippling now.
>You decide to press your advantage. You lead in with another round of danmaku, catching her with a couple shots in the chest. She jerks back from this, the motion ruining the original aim of your kick. But you still make contact, slamming your foot solidly into her check, right below her neck. She makes a sort of squawking noise; then you feel something clamp around your ankle!
>Before you can try to struggle out, you are whipped to the side. Your hip aches fiercely in protest to this and the world starts to spin for a moment and blur for a moment. Then suddenly you are flying outside of your own power and the ground is much much closer than you remember it being and closing fast!
>_
-
>Try to turn our body so that we can at least face the ground with our feet. If we can't regain our flight without hitting the ground first, use both our hands and feet to absorb the impact.
>After we land or resume flight, keep the fight moving in the direction we want to go!
-
Uh, Sameko just whipped us at the ground as hard as she could. Trying to land on our hands and feet will likely get our wrists and ankles broken.
-
>Try to turn our body so that we can at least face the ground with our feet. If we can't regain our flight without hitting the ground first, use both our hands and feet to absorb the impact.
> Belay this.
> Instead, try to pull up and move forward so that our downward momentum is properly converted into centripetal acceleration so we take a curved flight path that tries to get completely horizontal before it crashed into the ground.
-
>Try to turn our body so that we can at least face the ground with our feet. If we can't regain our flight without hitting the ground first, use both our hands and feet to absorb the impact.
>After we land or resume flight, keep the fight moving in the direction we want to go!
> Belay this.
> Instead, try to pull up and move forward so that our downward momentum is properly converted into centripetal acceleration so we take a curved flight path that tries to get completely horizontal before it crashed into the ground.
>You consider trying to take the blow, but instead throw yourself to the side. This works fairly well, and you are practically horizontal as you reach the tree branches. Then whip by you painfully, but thankfully you don't hit any large ones. Then you slam back-first onto the ground. Aches race throughout your body, but they are tolerable aches; you did well to break the worst of it. It pales compared to this morning.
>With your eyes turned upward, you see Sameko is flying at you fast through the rain!
>_
-
> Keep charging. Draw on the charged atmosphere to accelerate the charge rate as best we can.
> How is Sameko's face holding up?
-
> Keep charging. Draw on the charged atmosphere to accelerate the charge rate as best we can.
> How is Sameko's face holding up?
>You're still working on it; you've got a decent charge now but you could do better.
>There's red on it, but it's very difficult to read it as she's coming at you with a fist drawn back.
>_
-
> Assess how much longer she will need before we're in punching range. A few seconds?
> Is she coming at us from directly above, or more from a horizontal angle?
-
> Assess how much longer she will need before we're in punching range. A few seconds?
> Is she coming at us from directly above, or more from a horizontal angle?
>Probably not even that much.
>Directly from above.
>_
-
> Fire a quick spray of regular danmaku right at her, with a little bit of coverage to our left as well. Don't take more than a second to do this.
> Once this spray has been fired, roll over to our left. Use our arms and hands to help spring us a bit up and more toward the direction in which we're rolling when we're on our stomach, but keep rotating.
-
> Fire a quick spray of regular danmaku right at her, with a little bit of coverage to our left as well. Don't take more than a second to do this.
> Once this spray has been fired, roll over to our left. Use our arms and hands to help spring us a bit up and more toward the direction in which we're rolling when we're on our stomach, but keep rotating.
>You toss a few danmaku at her, then roll! You throw yourself aside when you hands hit the ground. You almost feel her hit the ground beside you as you roll away, followed by angry pained noises mixed with half-garbled profanity.
>_
-
> Keep charging. Note how close we are to a good flash bolt charge.
> Check in visually with Sameko.
> Stand up, if we haven't already. If possible, keep a little horizontal momentum going so as to increase distance from Sameko, but only if this doesn't greatly interfere with the actual standing-up process.
-
> Keep charging. Note how close we are to a good flash bolt charge.
> Check in visually with Sameko.
> Stand up, if we haven't already. If possible, keep a little horizontal momentum going so as to increase distance from Sameko, but only if this doesn't greatly interfere with the actual standing-up process.
>You keep building up a charge and get to your feet. Sameko hovering horizontally a couple feet above the ground, shaking her left hand and swearing. There are a couple between the two of you now.
>_
-
> What kind of shoes are we wearing? Flats or heels?
> Keep that charge coming.
> Fire some normal danmaku at her midsection.
> Move back a little bit after firing.
-
> What kind of shoes are we wearing? Flats or heels?
> Keep that charge coming.
> Fire some normal danmaku at her midsection.
> Move back a little bit after firing.
>You wear flats, heels tend to be bad for dancing.
>It is still coming.
>You fire some normal danmaku at her misection, she seems to see it coming, as she twists in midair, putting her feet on the ground, and slides around it.
>You back away as she massages her hand a bit.
>_
-
> Apologies if the repeated charging prompts are getting annoying. I've just decided to stop taking unnecessary risks with tiny details, given how this game has been going for the last 1500 posts.
> (Keep charging.)
> "We don't have to keep at this."
-
> (Keep charging.)
> As you read the scroll, it disappears. This is a charging scroll.
> What do you want to charge? [h-q or ?*] q
> Your wand of lightning vibrates violently, and explodes!
> How is the weather? Is the storm still going while Sameko is occupied with us?
-
> Apologies if the repeated charging prompts are getting annoying. I've just decided to stop taking unnecessary risks with tiny details, given how this game has been going for the last 1500 posts.
> (Keep charging.)
> "We don't have to keep at this."
>Completely understood. There is no harm in checking. Please forgive if i overlook one.
>"You barge into my air," says Sameko as she collects herself, "disrespect me in my home, and you expect me to just forget about it all?"
>_
-
> Keep on chargin'
> "I didn't mean to do either of those, but all I can do is apologize."
-
> Keep on chargin'
> "I didn't mean to do either of those, but all I can do is apologize."
>Sameko snorts.
>_
-
> Keep on chargin'
> "...You do realize I'm not from around here, correct?"
-
> Keep on chargin'
> "...You do realize I'm not from around here, correct?"
>You keep building.
>"Don't care," Sameko says. "Could've backed yourself out of my air, couldn't ya?"
>_
-
>"I told you that I needed to pass this way. I have to reach the mountains. If you had not tried to attack me, I would already be gone from this place."
-
>"I told you that I needed to pass this way. I have to reach the mountains. If you had not tried to attack me, I would already be gone from this place."
>"And if you weren't such a unrespectful piece of shit," she says, "I wouldn't have to beat the shit out of you, huh?"
>_
-
>"I believe we have very different definitions of respect, I'm afraid. In the realm I come from, people do not attack travelers for passing through their domain."
>Approximately how far away is Sameko?
>What shape does she look to be in?
>Quick appraisal of surrounding terrain / obstacles
-
This may be Pocky and Brocky paranoia resurfacing, but I have a sudden small worry that Sameko is preparing something.
Not that we aren't as well, but we know what we can do, and we don't know what she can do.
-
>"I believe we have very different definitions of respect, I'm afraid. In the realm I come from, people do not attack travelers for passing through their domain."
>Approximately how far away is Sameko?
>What shape does she look to be in?
>Quick appraisal of surrounding terrain / obstacles
>"Well guess where you aren't at, huh?" says Sameko, ;"Because if trespassers go around with no respect, mouthing off to you, then trespass anyways that's your damn fault for not keeping up respect!"
>Sameko's nose is bleeding steadily, and she's still massaging her left hand. She's got a few danmaku burns as well.
>You're in the forest; in a lightly wooded area. There are trees all around you, but you still have room to move about freely. There is a downed log to your right.
>_
-
>How close is our charge to full? How long do we think we need to get a good blinding going?
-
>How close is our charge to full? How long do we think we need to get a good blinding going?
>You think you could do a fine now now.
>_
-
>Are there any rocks nearby of appropriate size to use as a bludgeoning instrument?
-
Suggestion: Agitate her with some danmaku instead of going right for the flash. Better to get it off when our target is on the offensive than when they're on the defensive.
Man, Shinki's going to kill us for introducing so much light to her realm.
-
Suggestion: Agitate her with some danmaku instead of going right for the flash. Better to get it off when our target is on the offensive than when they're on the defensive.
Was planning on it.
Man, Shinki's going to kill us for introducing so much light to her realm.
Hey, it's just lightning. They get lightning on their own, presumably. If anything, especially scarily strong lightning is in-theme for the place.
Besides, at least you can talk with Shinki. >.>
-
I wouldn't bet on it. This game has a track record of throwing people at us that are either condescending, unreasonable or simply hate our guts (or any combination thereof) when we talk to them. Something gives me a nasty feeling Shinki's going to be loads of 1 with a side serving of 2.
-
>Are there any rocks nearby of appropriate size to use as a bludgeoning instrument?
>No rocks, but you do note a stout-looking stick behind Sameko a ways.
>_
-
>"Then I guess there's nothing left but to end this?"
>Slowly and casually shift while we talk, so that the downed log is a very short distance behind us, and directly in the line from Sameko to us
>Defensive posture. Get ready for a charge.
>If she starts to move forward, launch a spray of danmaku at her and be ready to unleash the flash bolt with enough time to get out of her charge afterwards
I wouldn't bet on it. This game has a track record of throwing people at us that are either condescending, unreasonable or simply hate our guts (or any combination thereof) when we talk to them. Something gives me a nasty feeling Shinki's going to be loads of 1 with a side serving of 2.
No argument on the track record, certainly. On the other hand, given the politics of the Celestial Bureaucracy, it might be rather unwise for her to directly harm us, given our own position. She, presumably, has at least some concern for the power structures of the universe. Of course, we also haven't seen her character in action very much at all, so I could be entirely off-base.
-
>"Then I guess there's nothing left but to end this?"
>Slowly and casually shift while we talk, so that the downed log is a very short distance behind us, and directly in the line from Sameko to us
>Defensive posture. Get ready for a charge.
>If she starts to move forward, launch a spray of danmaku at her and be ready to unleash the flash bolt with enough time to get out of her charge afterwards
>"Figured you were nothing but talk!" says Sameko, charging toward you before you can reach the log. You send out a spray of danmaku and she twists to minimize the contact; leaping toward you and leading in with her right fist.
>You unleash the flash bolt. This time you have the presence of might to look away. You think you hear Sameko cry out, but you are too busy stumbling back from a fist slamming into your solar plexus like a sledgehammer and trying to breathe. You hit a tree and slump against it; but at least this keeps you on your feet.
>_
-
>Get our breath. Get mobile. We'll have time to hurt when she's down
>Get out of fist range of Samkeo, and start to hover, minimizing the sound our movement makes
>Start to strafe a circle around her, sweeping out danmaku towards her as we move
>If she charges in any direction, or takes a swing at us, move back far enough to open just that little distance
>If we can end up strafing towards that stout stick in the process, do so
-
>Get our breath. Get mobile. We'll have time to hurt when she's down
>Get out of fist range of Samkeo, and start to hover, minimizing the sound our movement makes
>Start to strafe a circle around her, sweeping out danmaku towards her as we move
>If she charges in any direction, or takes a swing at us, move back far enough to open just that little distance
>If we can end up strafing towards that stout stick in the process, do so
>You try to get your breath. The hurting, unfortunately, seems to be insistent on taking your time right now.
>You are already out of easy punching range. You hover and circle around her, launching danmaku at her. You're still recovering from the attack, so your own attack simply isn't quite your standard. A few shots hit Sameko as she rubs her eyes with her left arm, causing her to cry out and move toward where you were at originally; and away from you.
>You reach and pick up the stick easily enough.
>_
-
>Continue to circle, and fire in staggered bursts
>If Sameko turns to try and attack the source of one of these, quickly swing to the other side of the attack, and keep to her side/back
>If we can maneuver behind her while we do this, or trick her into turning and exposing herself, and our approach seems safe, take a firm swing at the back of her head with the stick
>Be ready to dash backwards as quickly as we can after this, if it does not seem to heavily stagger her, and she seems capable of swinging right back at us
-
>Continue to circle, and fire in staggered bursts
>If Sameko turns to try and attack the source of one of these, quickly swing to the other side of the attack, and keep to her side/back
>If we can maneuver behind her while we do this, or trick her into turning and exposing herself, and our approach seems safe, take a firm swing at the back of her head with the stick
>Be ready to dash backwards as quickly as we can after this, if it does not seem to heavily stagger her, and she seems capable of swinging right back at us
>Sameko keeps moving, feeling out with her free hand, until she touches a tree, and moves around it. A couple more of your shots her hit before she can get there, but the tree does a fairly good job of covering her after that.
>_
-
>Can we still tell which way the mountain are, from our current position?
-
>Can we still tell which way the mountain are, from our current position?
>You can see it it to the west still.
>_
-
>Swing around past the side of Sameko's tree, at reasonable range, and launch another couple volleys of danmaku at her as we pass. If we can even make some of them curve around so that it isn't obvious what direction we're firing them from, all the better.
>If she seems to still be blinded, angle off and fly west at best speed.
>Resume charging, if we haven't already
-
>Swing around past the side of Sameko's tree, at reasonable range, and launch another couple volleys of danmaku at her as we pass. If we can even make some of them curve around so that it isn't obvious what direction we're firing them from, all the better.
>If she seems to still be blinded, angle off and fly west at best speed.
>Resume charging, if we haven't already
>You float around Sameko's tree, and find her squinting over her arm. You fire a few more shots; she seems to be able to see well enough to get around most of them. Most certainly, she is watching you. Still, a couple hit home.
>You've begun building up a new charge.
>_
-
>Open a little more distance, and try to position ourselves beside a tree that we can use to swing around, in the event of another charge from her
>Keep firing at her. Try to angle the bursts low, from approaches that might be difficult to see if her arm is still partially obscuring her peripheral vision
-
> And keep charging.
-
>Open a little more distance, and try to position ourselves beside a tree that we can use to swing around, in the event of another charge from her
>Keep firing at her. Try to angle the bursts low, from approaches that might be difficult to see if her arm is still partially obscuring her peripheral vision
>You back away some more, and clip your arm against a tree.
>You keep firing at her. Sameko lowers her arm and shakes her head again. She scowls then charges at you, squinting and maneuvering through your danmaku, taking a hit here and there.
>_
-
>Quickly launch another cloud of danmaku
>Then slip back and around the side of the tree we're next to, as she closes in, noting her speed to properly time the following. Make sure she's not so far away that she could surprise us by coming around the other side of the tree.
>Two hands firmly on the branch, swing it hard at her face just as she rounds the corner of the tree
-
>Quickly launch another cloud of danmaku
>Then slip back and around the side of the tree we're next to, as she closes in, noting her speed to properly time the following. Make sure she's not so far away that she could surprise us by coming around the other side of the tree.
>Two hands firmly on the branch, swing it hard at her face just as she rounds the corner of the tree
>You launch a cloud of danmaku, which she moves through, doing a fairly good job of dodging it on the run but not good enough. You then retreat behind the tree, ready your branch, and swing!
>CRACK!
>The branch snaps in half as it connects with the youkai's face, sending her to the ground.
>_
-
>Take another step back
>Does she seem down for the count?
>If she's still trying to move, fire more danmaku at her
-
>Take another step back
>Does she seem down for the count?
>If she's still trying to move, fire more danmaku at her
>You step back.
>She doesn't seem to be trying to move much, but she does groan.
-
>"Are you willing to let it end, then? Or should I keep going?"
>If she takes the slightest hostile action, fire on her
-
>"Are you willing to let it end, then? Or should I keep going?"
>If she takes the slightest hostile action, fire on her
>"Gimme a minute..." she mumbles. "Soon as you stop being three people..."
>_
-
>"I'm sorry it came to this. Your sky will be your own again soon enough."
>Head west. Make it fairly speedy, just the same
-
>"I'm sorry it came to this. Your sky will be your own again soon enough."
>Head west. Make it fairly speedy, just the same
>"Hell you are," she says, "Get your ass back here so I can set you straight..."
>You head westward! As you do, you notice a couple of pale faeries peeking over the edge of of a thick tangle of mostly leafless brush.
>"Blimey," says one of them, "She beat the cloud queen!"
>"Hey...if the queen's there," says the other, "That means she's not at her house, right?"
>"...Race ya!"
>The two faeries disappear.
>_
-
>Hmmm... guess she had a reputation. Not that it would be hard to imagine it deserved, after that...
>Keep heading west
-
>Hmmm... guess she had a reputation. Not that it would be hard to imagine it deserved, after that...
>Keep heading west
>You head westward.
>Thankfully the faeries seem content to leave you alone; possibly due to the rain getting worse and worse. You don't know what part of this is worse; the fact you are rather soaked (thankfully your purse is water resistant), the fact that you're also muddy from being slammed into the ground, the fact that your hat is almost certainly in a state, or the fact that even though you won that fight, you still feel like you lost from all the aches and pains.
>You soon come to a wide, swiftly flowing river. Some distance to the north, you can see an old covered bridge leading across it. Looking into the water, you can see dark shapes swimming around in it.
>_
-
>Can we tell what these dark shapes are?
-
>Can we tell what these dark shapes are?
>You watch for a moment, but you're pretty sure one of them is a youkai.
>_
-
>Given that half of everything here has been hostile, for one reason or another, let's ascend to a generously safe height above the river, or any shots anyone might feel like throwing at us from it
>Fly across
-
>Given that half of everything here has been hostile, for one reason or another, let's ascend to a generously safe height above the river, or any shots anyone might feel like throwing at us from it
>Fly across
>You take to the air.
>There is a splash from the river; you look over to see a dark-haired youkai looking up at you from the river surface. "You don't wanna do that," she says.
>_
-
>Oh for the love of...
>"And why not?"
-
>Oh for the love of...
>"And why not?"
>"You'd be fair game," says the youkai, smiling and revealing some fairly impressive teeth.
>_
-
>"And you would chase me all the way to the clouds to get it, then?"
-
>"And you would chase me all the way to the clouds to get it, then?"
>"Might," says the youkai. "Don't let 'em across the river unless they're using the bridge, except faeries, is what I was told."
>_
-
>"By who?"
-
>"By who?"
>"Never you mind," says the youkai, raising a hand from the water to waggle a finger at you.
>_
-
>"And will someone at the bridge try to keep me from crossing as well?"
-
>"And will someone at the bridge try to keep me from crossing as well?"
>"Naw, she'll just want a toll," says the youkai. "And to be frank? You can sweet talk her out of it if you're good."
>_
-
>"Well... that certainly sounds a sight better than someone trying to beat your face in because they didn't like you flying through their sky..."
>"Um, I don't suppose you have any advice?"
-
>"Well... that certainly sounds a sight better than someone trying to beat your face in because they didn't like you flying through their sky..."
>"Um, I don't suppose you have any advice?"
>"Well if you're in their sky..."
>She shrugs.
>"I'd say slip her some tongue, but it's easier to say where her mouth hasn't been than where it has."
>_
-
>"And if I were... not necessarily inclined to do that?"
-
>"And if I were... not necessarily inclined to do that?"
>The youkai shrugs again. "Guess you could just turn on the charm. Or maybe sneak by?"
>_
-
>"Well, at least she sounds like someone you can speak with. In any case, thank you for your advice, and have a pleasant evening."
>Head to the bridge
-
>"Well, at least she sounds like someone you can speak with. In any case, thank you for your advice, and have a pleasant evening."
>Head to the bridge
>"Don't get shanked!" says the youkai, before submerging again.
>You approach the bridge, and see there is a small house attached to it. It is mostly a building out of stubbornness than any actual planning; you imagine the roof is quite leaky and the walls cannot be much better in this weather. You can see lights on in the windows; those that are not missing and covered with lengths of old cloth. The bridge itself isn't in much better condition; you suspect a good kick might will bring down a good portion of it. Parsee, you imagine, would be sick upon her own scorn if she saw this.
>_
-
>Go and knock on the door
-
>Go and knock on the door
>You knock on the door. "Just a minute!" calls a pleasant-sounding voice from within.
>The door opens, revealing a tall, stout woman in a old pink nightgown. Her red hair and the bat-like wings extending from her head catch your eyes quickly. "Oh, you're very tall!" she says. "Are you looking to cross, then?"
>_
-
>Nod
>"I am, yes."
-
>Nod
>"I am, yes."
>"Well, that will be twenty spades for one crossing," she says, smiling. "For two hundred, you can cross all you like for the next three days. And if you want to take advantage of the special lifetime deal, I'll just have your soul."
>_
-
>"I only need to cross once. But... I'm afraid I have only a single ☼, if Gensokyo currency is even accepted here."
-
>"I only need to cross once. But... I'm afraid I have only a single ☼, if Gensokyo currency is even accepted here."
>"Oh, but I must insist on spades, dear," says the woman, frowning. "I could be convinced to take barter, if you have something nice."
>_
-
>"I'm curious... are you by any chance related to a Petite, who lives in Gensokyo?"
-
>"I'm curious... are you by any chance related to a Petite, who lives in Gensokyo?"
>She practically squeals, "Oh, you've met my little Petite! How is she? Has she married the mistress of the house yet?"
>_
-
>"Not married, no, but she's in good health, and she was certainly quite energetic and cheerful when I saw her this morning."
>"I guess you don't really get the chance to see her, do you? With Shinki barring travel to Gensokyo?"
-
> Shank Sameko.
> Shank our shadow.
-
> Shank Sameko.
> Shank our shadow.
>"Fuuuu..." goes Sameko and shank her before she can shank you with a log.
>"Fuuuu..." you go as you shank your shadow, and thus yourself through it. The Brocken Spectre cackles from the top of the bridge.