> "No, we're not doing it. If they have the power to insert that sort of uneasy feeling into our minds in this fashion, who knows what else it can do? It may serve as a loaded trap or an alarm of some sort. I don't want to take that risk."
> In which compass direction are shadows being cast currently?
> "I think that will be what we have to do, yes. Now, remember, you'll need to be focused on the fight to make sure you win. If someone just happens to sneak by through the gate behind Meiling's back, you can't let their presence distract you, right? Just ignore them and concentrate on what they're doing, regardless of who they are. If they do anything to me, I can handle myself."
> "We'll actually approach together. Like I said, I can enter the mansion to get to Patchouli with little effort. Once Meiling has given me permission to enter, we'll also let her know that you're prepared to finish yesterday's business. I will watch your fight for a time, until I am ready to actually enter the mansion. After the challenge has been laid down, all you need to do is win."
> "All right. Let's double back and approach the gates normally. Whenit's time to fight Meiling, try to come at her from the west, so that the sun is a little bit at your back."
> Nod.
> Fly back the way we came, until we're at a decent distance so as to not be readily visible from the mansion gate. Keep an eye out for any Marisas along the way.
> Huh. Curious. We might have to look into that later.
> Head toward the normal entrance of the mansion.
> "Yes, but for the wrong reasons. Things have gone a bit south, and I need to speak with her again."
> Nod.
> "Understood. And, ah, the other reason we're here...if you're still up for yesterday's offer, Tenshi would be glad to give you some 'exercise'."
> Look at Amaya and smile reassuringly.
> "It will be okay."
> Turn back to Meiling.
> "May I take that as an acceptance, then?"
> Look back to Amaya.
> "The Eldest Daughter can be very tenacious."
> Walk over next to Amaya and lower our voice a bit.
> "I am sure Meiling can hold her own. Were she useless, Remilia would have cast her out long ago."
> Are they at least looking away from the gate?
> Given we're watching the fight, where is our shadow?
> Put a hand on Amaya's shoulder.
> "Let's be sure to maintain a good view, hmm?"
> Take a step or two forward, using our hand to slightly coax Amaya to move the same way.
> "It is admittedly not the most noble thing I have ever done, but I feel it is permissible for the time being. The Eldest Daughter has stuck with me in my efforts to restore our home to its proper place, and has often not fought with someone whom antagonized us, in addition to providing key help at crucial times. When we first encountered the gatekeeper yesterday, she was more than willing to accommodate the Eldest Daughter's desires, and as the Eldest Daughter has behaved well under my watch and helped me when I needed her, I have allowed this confrontation. Were Meiling in no mood for a fight, I would not have permitted it, and I have not yet permitted combat with anyone else."
> Ah, must be Shuuei. Amaya and the fairy are to our left, correct? Assuming so, take our right arm and slowly move it so we can discreetly flash a thumbs-up a bit behind our back. Don't want to catch Amaya's eye, nor the fairy's. If the fairy is behind us sufficiently that she would see a thumbs-up, pat our hat twice where we felt the object strike.
> "The Eldest Daughter's language could stand to be better, I will admit. Still, given the circumstances, and given the time I have spent with her over the last day and a half, I am willing to let it slide. As for the fight itself, think of it as a duel. They are not out to severely injure one another. It is little more than a sparring match. They just have a lot of emotional investment in it."
> "I do understand that this seems inappropriate. I will do my best to tell a fuller story once our home has been restored, as you and the rest of our people deserve to hear one. For the time being, suffice it to say that the Eldest Daughter and I have gone through a good deal together, enough that I have been more lenient with her than normal, and she has caused me no problems."
> How is the fight going?
> Put our hand back on Amaya's shoulder. If it was still there to begin with, give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Either way, give her another smile.
> "I will explain everything later, I promise. If you can, be sure to seek me out individually, and I will tell you what the current circumstances do not allow me to. Believe it or not, this is for the good of our home, in its own small way."
> Assuming Amaya does not respond with a question, turn to the fairy.
> "You seem to be enjoying this duel. Shall I show myself in, then? I do not wish to keep Patchouli waiting."
> Does Tenshi even have a decent wait no stop that thought right now.
> "Be well, Amaya. And...please quietly root for the Eldest Daughter to come out on top."
> Follow the fairy inside and make our way to the library. Keep an eye out for Shuuei along the way. That girl is something else, sneaking in as quickly as she did...
> Pull the book out.
> "Our friend rejected the nasty outcomes presented in this book, on the grounds that they apply to humans and magicians. She herself is a poltergeist, and apparently lacks a lot of the affected things. What can you tell me about the effect of this sort of draining on a poltergeist?"
> Give Patchouli a confused look.
> "Not in my experience. Is there such a person in the mansion?"
> "Do you know how long that will take? A week, perhaps?"
> "Are the effects on poltergeists documented somewhere?"
> Let our shoulders sag.
> "Days? Weeks?"
> Sigh.
> "Then we have a problem. Simply put, she refuses to believe what you say, because she feels she has more experience with shadows than you."
> "No, it is my problem more than anyone's. I cannot let her die, I cannot thrash her to the point where I could find someone to remove the shadows from her forcibly, and I cannot think of anyone to whom she will listen. I am stuck in an impossible situation, and The Dragon expects me to solve it very soon."
> Frown.
> "Uh...well..."
> Quickly scan around the area visible without turning our head too much, trying to play it off as though we're very conflicted. Softly bite on a finger to enhance the effect. Can we see the poltergeist?
> Look back to Patchouli.
> "...The same reason all poltergeists need some sort of energy."
> Look away.
> "...I'm sure you know how poltergeists work, and you've seen how little information I've been allowed to give you. I wouldn't be surprised if I've already accidentally overstepped my bounds."
> "...You've seen the situation we're in."
> "...Not in my experience."
> "Showing or telling anything about herself."
> "Hmm. That is a good thought, but it would do nothing to save the people who currently reside shadowless. And it would do nothing to save me, nor anyone else with whom I have discussed her."
> "Among the many other failings of mine in my interaction with her, the instant I am no longer useful to her, my shadow is hers."
> Shrug.
> "I have not. I have been unable to save her from herself, I have been unable to save my people from their tragedy, I have been unable to save her victims from her, and I have been unable to save myself from that same fate. I have not been very useful to anybody."
> "This newest conversation was my last hope. It has done nothing. Once I have left this mansion and find a secluded place, she will find me again, and that will be that."
> "I do not know what else to do. She has rejected everything I have told her in favor of dealing with things herself. Logic, emotion, and now higher authority. All of them have failed. There is nothing left."
> "Then how do you propose I get anything accomplished? Do you think I would be imposing on you for the fourth time in two days if I had any ideas left? If a person will not listen to logic, emotion or a demonstrably-informed higher authority, what WILL they listen to?"
> Shake head.
> "I have only ever been able to treat symptoms of the main problem, and your newest solution would still only do that. The reason I am here now is because I willingly put myself at her mercy; she allows herself to seek information through me because we both know that she can and will end me as soon as it is determined that I cannot obtain any further useful information. This conversation has been the death flag for that function, sadly. I will obviously not have my shadow taken now, but it will happen, very soon after I leave."
> "It's a metaphor. I sort of succeeded in getting her to not take the Eldest Daughter's shadow, and I succeeded in getting her to tell me a little about herself. Of course, the latter came with the price I have described. The overarching issue, however, remains as present as ever."
> "The root problem is her unwillingness to show or tell anyone anything about herself. One example symptom would be taking the shadow of anyone that sees her."
> "The secretiveness is what keeps her from ever releasing the shadows of the people that currently reside shadowless. Ultimately I would have no problem with leaving her to her own devices, living in whatever fashion she desires, but she keeps others from doing the same. Those who have had their shadows taken directly, and those that reside on Bhava-Agra. They cannot live as they desire so long as she refuses to release them."
> "Pointing out that one was defending her home from a possible thief and another was doing the same thing she does to everyone else. Neither person actually cared who she was, and the latter encounter was almost entirely by accident."
> "If a promise of silence were good enough for her, I would not be in the position I am."
> Frown.
> "I cannot possibly speak on the behalf of her victims, so no."
> "How do I get in contact with them while she holds their shadows?"
> "And what does she get out of bringing them back, that she would not get by simply holding on to them further?"
> "It is a question she will ask me. I do not know the answer. I was hoping you would. As for your second question, I have suggesting something like that, yes, and it was met with distaste."
> "No, but given what I suggested, I'm not sure if that will make a difference."
> "I suppose not."
> "And let Gensokyo turn into a world where anyone can have their shadow stolen simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
> "I go through them bit by bit, but I also typically finish the job. I would consider anything other than a Gensokyo where no one has to fear for their shadow in such a fashion a complete failure on my part."
> "That depends on who you ask. I do not think I would give you the exact answer you would produce yourself. I believe, however, that the impartial observer would say that the propensity to steal the shadow of anyone that comes in contact with her, either intentionally or by accident, is the worst symptom."
> "Oh, well, I had assumed we would be getting back the shadows regardless. Sorry. In any case, we both know putting her somewhere isolated will kill her."
> "If she gets that desperate, then she could simply return and keep trying to sustain herself artificially, which would undo the work done to solve the problem."
> Frown.
> "There are a number of things wrong with that suggestion. Regardless, as far as I have seen, she has the shadow of a rock, a tree, and two other people, in addition to Bhava-Agra's. She may have more, but if she does, I have not seen them."
> "That would solve a couple of problems, should she find it prudent, though I severely doubt she will. It does sound, however, awfully like you're suggesting she be allowed to keep her hold on Bhava-Agra's shadow."
> Shake head.
> "I cannot let her retain Bhava-Agra's shadow. I have been ordered by The Dragon to fix the problem afflicting our home."
> "And what do I do for my people who are suffering as a result of all this? What do I tell the enslaved, the injured, the distraught?"
> "In due time. Anyway, I suppose this could have stood to be brought up earlier, but I am not sure I am comfortable with the idea of bribing anyone to keep their mouth closed, even given the circumstances."
> "Neither are particularly acceptable courses of action."
> "My objection is that bribery is dishonest."
> "...It depends on what is exchanged, then, I suppose. What do you propose I offer them?"
> "I have no idea what they would want, and I do not really have anything to give. Bhava-Agra is not a materialistic place."
> "To be honest, I am hoping for a backup plan I feel I can trust to work more than anything else."
> "It is possible, but it would take an amount of time I simply do not have. It also does not solve the problem of her having no reason to release them. Especially as she has pretty explicitly stated that she is never gonna give them up."
> Sad smile.
> "Which I also cannot do."
> "I cannot use violence to solve this problem. The poltergeist does not possess Bhava-Agra's shadow out of malice or self-aggrandizement or any number of other negative reasons, she does it out of survival instinct. Were she holding onto it to spite my people or myself, things would be different. But not in this case."
> "I do hope it is enough. Um, if I may ask, for what are you having your assistant search?"
> Put on a confused face.
> "Really?"
> "Tenshi is out having a duel with your gatekeeper. They exchanged some confrontational words yesterday, and Tenshi has been very helpful to me in my efforts, so I permitted her the opportunity. Your gatekeeper did not seem to mind in the slightest."
> Nod.
> "Understood. I apologize, I did not think it would be a problem."
> "Mmm. I could see how that would be the case, yes. I had best hope Tenshi wins, then, so she can demonstrate she is not here to invade."
> "Of course. So...does your assistant need any help, or what? She seems a bit exasperated."
> Move over to Patchouli's table and place her book on it.
> How high are the bookshelves?
> Do we know our way back out?
> Take a look around the surrounding area.
> Begin charging.
> Beckon rapidly at her to get closer to us. Put an urgent expression on our face.
> What is her facial expression?
> Point at her with one hand, and point at the direction out of the library with the other. Waggle the finger pointing at the exit a little bit, and give several rapid small nods.
> Keep that charge coming.
> Cease gesturing and turn in the direction we last saw Patchouli.
> Raise voice a bit.
> "I believe our business has concluded for the time being. Shall I show myself out?"
> "Understood. Be well, Miss Patchouli. I hope I will see you again."
> Make our way toward the exit.
> She's peering into the library or peering out at the fight?
> Is Shuuei visible?
> Walk up behind the fairy and tap her on the shoulder.
> "Hello again. How goes the duel?"
> Give a quizzical look.
> "Technically? What do you mean?"
> Smile.
> "Ah, I see. I am sure it was a very good fight on the whole, yes. I hope you enjoyed being able to watch."
> Walk through the door.
> Head back through the gate and survey the scene. In particular, check in on Tenshi and Meiling.
> What is the proper post-duel etiquette in Bhava-Agra?
> No sign of Meiling?
> "Actually, I talked to Amaya earlier, and she was worried that you might be too much for Meiling. From what I have heard, it sounds like she may have been right."
> What is the proper post-duel etiquette in Bhava-Agra?
> "I think so. Congratulations on your victory, by the way. Was it a good duel?"
> Nod and smile.
> "Well done. Let us join Amaya, to show proper respect to your opponent by making sure that she is not left in a completely undignified heap on the ground."
> Follow Amaya over to where Meiling is.
> "Wow, she actually looks to be in a bit better physical condition than you. Aside from being unconscious, of course. Impressive on her part, and impressive on yours for what your victory implies."
> Turn to Amaya.
> "Amaya, do you have an idea of what we should do with Miss Meiling? Is there a specific place at the gate that would be best to put her, or will simply leaning her up against the wall do?"
> "I would hope you do not get in trouble for this, because you will have stayed around after your fellow Bhavagrans were responsible for the defeat of the gatekeeper when you could have easily gone with them."
> Check to see if any mansion residents are around in the immediate earshot area.
> If there are none, lower our voice and get a little closer to Amaya.
> "And if you do get in trouble, let me know, and when we come back to free all of you after our home has been restored, there will be a little extra effort put behind everything we do, just for you."
> "Then there should be nothing to worry about. The combat that just transpired was a mutually-agreed duel, and the Mansion was never in any immediate danger from the aggressive party, as will be easily seen when we leave without harming anyone else. In that vein, are you sure you wish to tend to Meiling on your own? We can at least help you bring her over to the wall and prop her against it, so she does not simply lie here in a heap."
> Nod.
> "Understood. Be well, Amaya. We will be back for you, and for everyone else. Just...try not to talk about it."
> Beckon for Tenshi to follow us, then take flight and head for the lake.
> Oh, well then.
> Head for the foot of the forest instead.
> Along the way: "So, not only did Amaya think you were going to win, she was actually so sure of you that she was worried for the gatekeeper's health."
> Let the previous charge go, if there's still any left.
> "She was. She told me as much before the fight started."
> "I did not want to bring this up further while anyone was around, but I worry that you were, perhaps, a little uncharitable to her after your victory."
> "Not Meiling. You were fine in regards to her, yes. I speak of Amaya."
> "I worry that you were, perhaps, a little uncharitable to her after your victory, when you accused her of not believing you could win the fight."
> "I suspect that look was a result of distaste with the fight in general. She had asked me if it was really okay."
> "What do you mean, 'no confidence in you'? She seems to dislike fighting in general, and she was worried that you were going to wreck Meiling. Would you rather she had been worried that Meiling was going to wreck you?"
> Sigh.
> "I guess there is nothing I can do about thoughts like that. I can only hope that you and your fellow celestials can one day resolve your differences."
> "I do what I can. And we will see what the times bring when our home is restored."
> "I think so, yes. Renko and Maribel's would be the best place, as usual. I will find myself a secluded place, and our shadowy friend will get in contact with me there. After that...I guess we'll see what happens. Patchouli's discussion points were admittedly not what I expected, and certainly not what I wanted to hear."
> Smile.
> "Thank you, Tenshi. For everything. Be well, and may we see each other again very soon."
> Let Tenshi get a bit of a head start, then head down to the foot of the forest.
> Is there any sort of mini-path into the forest where we are right now, or would we have to pick our way through obtrusive greenery if we wanted to enter it somewhere other than the road?
> Is the Scarlet Devil Mansion gate visible from where we are?
> If so, look around the entire area one last time to make sure no one else is in the area, and then start picking our way into the forest, being careful not to damage our clothes too much on snagging greenery.
> "Are you around?"
> Push a little further into the forest.
> "Sorry!"
> Back track a little bit.
> "Terribly sorry about that. I had to fly off with Tenshi to make sure the other celestial did not suspect anything was amiss. In retrospect, I should have thought about how we were going to meet up again, but at least we're both here now."
> "Right. So...what do you think of all you heard, then?"
> "I am inclined to place informational trust in her because she has years of experience and research, research gathered from people that have done the hands-on work, that have seen things for themselves."
> "It is true that she did not have specific documentation on what sort of effects the power drain you're attempting will have on a poltergeist, but she seemed confident they existed. She is not the type to just assume things - if she says anything, she has a good reason to believe it is so. I would imagine that she has studied or researched the fundamental theories behind that sort of power drain magic and knows on a core level why it is not good for any mortal creature, regardless of their specific biological makeup. She would not be so positive that a poltergeist could not handle what you are attempting if her studies and research in closely related areas was lacking."
> "However. All thse facts must be considered. You only recently learned a couple of important aspects of poltergeist biology, and you yourself have admitted that you are not sure why Bhava-Agra's shadow is not fitting right, or why all the shadows are behaving. You are also the most adept shadow-user I have ever met, or am even aware of, and you are the only one that knows exactly what those sensations feel like. Patchouli is extremely well-read, has likely dabbled in more magical arts than I could count off the top of my head, appears to know much of poltergeist sustenance, and is the type of person who would make sure they are logically confident in anything they say. She is also not a poltergeist, she does not know herself what the feelings are like that you are experiencing, she has admitted that shadow magic is not her area of expertise, and while she feels she could obtain documentation on poltergeists and excess power draining, she does not have it now, and is not even 100% sure it exists."
> "If you were to ask me my opinion, I would say that Patchouli very likely knows what she is talking about, but I have no concrete proof, just my experiences with her and what knowledge she has demonstrated in the past."
> "I do not want to gloat. If that is how I came off, I apologize. What I want is for you to have as many facts as possible, so that you may make the decision you feel is the best decision for you."
> "And in that vein, I should tell you more about where I am coming from, because Patchouli was right in a way on a different subject, and I have been unfair to you from the very beginning. It only really struck me when she mentioned it, which I am ashamed of, because I have actually found that you and Tenshi are a lot alike, but I have been perfectly willing to grant her what I have not granted you."
> "There are a given number of things in this situation that are unacceptable outcomes for me. I cannot leave my home to remain where it is for the rest of time. I cannot let Nitori and Kogasa live out their days as soulless husks. I cannot let Gensokyo go on as a land where people have to worry that they may lose their shadow because they made a mistake and met the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong way. At the same time, I cannot let you die. I cannot assault you and get someone more powerful than myself to forcibly drag the shadows out of you. And, just as I have told Tenshi, I cannot force you to change who you are to satisfy my desires. I may ask, sure, and if you decide to give it a shot, all the better. But I cannot demand you do this. This is unfair to you. So, for all the times, yesterday and today, that I have demanded you change yourself on my behalf...I am well and truly sorry."
> Smile.
> "You are quite welcome."
> "Patchouli said a lot of other things. Is there anything else she mentioned that you want to talk about, or do you want to spend some time thinking about what you want to do?"
> Stand a moment in silence.
> Walk over to the poltergeist, so she is within arm's reach.
> Stand there in silence for another couple of seconds, then gently put a hand on her shoulder.
> Take a soft tone.
> "Whatever you choose to do...I will do my best to help."
> "If you decide to continue on your own, then I have failed, our business will be concluded...and I will fulfill my end of the bargain to you."
> "I figured giving you my shadow would help."
> "What do you need?"
> "...Yes."
> Take our hand off her shoulder.
> How tall is the poltergeist, relative to us? How high up on our body does her head come?
> Take a chance to admire the scenery.
> Look back at the poltergeist. Anything changed?
> "...Is there anything I can do in the meantime?"
> "Anything else Patchouli said that you want to know about?"
> "Very well."
> Take a step back.
> "Let me know if you want to know anything. And remember, I have placed myself at your mercy. Any personal information or questions you give me can be erased if you desire it."
> Get into a kneeling position and medidate for a few minutes.
> Open one eye a little bit. Is the poltergeist still there?
> Close the eye again and go back to contemplating Tenshi for about a minute.
> Open our eyes and look at the poltergeist.
> "What would you like me to do?"
> Stand up.
> "Very well."
> Step toward her so she is within arms reach again.
> "I will first give you a piece of advice. A wise person once said that, when one is confronted with a problem situation that is frustrating to the point of being debilitating, they must do one of three things. They can accept it, they can change it, or they can remove themselves from it."
> "The second thing I will do...is give you the best thing I know of to give someone going through a time of emotional trouble."
> Give the poltergeist a gentle hug.
> "A gesture of care and support. One that says that I am here for you, that should you stumble, you needn't worry, for I will help pick you back up."
> "Well, in this case, it is a minor physical intimacy meant to be a display of trust as well."
> "I am sorry. This is what I know."
> "Anyway. I'm pretty sure I don't have too much else to tell you that you don't already know and about which you would rather not be reminded. But if you're having this tough a time making your choice, then perhaps the decision could be left to someone or something else."
> Inventory
> "Well, you could leave your choice to me, though you know which way I lean. I'm not going to force what I believe is right on you, but I'll be glad to suggest it to you should you open yourself to it. Or, as an alternative, you can just flip a coin, and decide based on that."
> Shrug.
> "I would seek council from The Dragon, as well as my peers. But if even all that still does not enable me to make a choice...well, I wouldn't be able to stand there and choose nothing, would I?"
> "Honestly? The third."
> "Is that what you will do, then?"
> "What else do you need to consider?"
> Sad frown.
> "Oh, I wish I knew how to at least comfort you. Some way where you don't feel appalled by it."
> Sigh.
> "Whoever is in charge of the fates must have a strange sense of humor, if the two of us have been paired together like this."
> Small smile.
> "I admit I'm not entirely sure such a person even exists."
> "Well...bear with me on this, but...is there anyone else you want to consult?"
> "Is there anything you would like to consult, perhaps?"
> Shake head.
> "I was hoping you might have an idea. There aren't really any 'things' I can think of, now that we've exhausted Patchouli as an option. Only people. Like the people that spearheaded the efforts that gave birth to you."
> "To see what they say when confronted with the person they've been looking for, I guess. Theoretically, they'd know you better than most, because the things they believed about you ended up manifesting in you. I imagine they didn't intend to give birth to a person that found self-exposure to be a wrong thing. I have to admit, I wonder what their reaction would be to see that person face-to-face."
"You could get some more opinions on which choice to take. Sometimes, complicated problems can be made much simpler by getting a different perspective."
"There was more than one person. But very well. It sounds like you are not going to get any more outside help, so, not to rush your decision, but one has to wonder what new input you are waiting on."
> "...Do you think it would help if you heard why your...parents, for lack of a better term, believed you think and do the things you think and do? Without exposing yourself to them, of course. Perhaps I could talk to them outside their house, and you could listen in nearby."
> Sigh.
> "Sorry."
> "I have to admit, I am presently out of ideas. And, to be perfectly honest, I don't think it matters anyway. Every idea I would have would be tainted by my way of thinking."
> Turn our palms upward.
> "In a bizarre, roundabout way, with this problem, you have exactly what you want. You're on your own."
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Do you really want me to answer that question?"
> "All right, then. I am only one person, one personality, belonging to one species, someone who has lived what is a particularly unique life even as far as existence goes, but in my experience, I would say that it is because the two are mutually exclusive. Now, I could very well be wrong, of course. And I have known people throughout history that have greatly valued their privacy and solitude, often outright preferring it to socialization if given a choice. The librarian you just met is actually one such person, and I believe the long, gray-haired woman in the Bamboo Forest is another. I do not know of anyone that does not know the value of the opportunity to be alone when they want to be, and this certainly includes myself. But complete isolation at all times? To the best of my memory, in all the years I have been alive, I have yet to see someone succeed at that."
> Shrug.
> "You wanted to know why you could not live and maintain a life free of self-exposure. My guess, imperfect as my perspective is, is because such a combination is impossible for anyone to do. There is a reason I asked you if you really wanted my answer before I actually gave it."
> "These are also possible, but it is also possible that they wanted it and simply had their hands forced, because society tends to come down very hard on those that steal, as well as those that mooch from the system."
>Are there any child-stories books on Gensokyo, that we know of? Or Bhava-Agra, for that matter.
>Congratulate the parser for making me feel that way about a character on a forum game.
> "There are two parts to this. The first is in the life we are living now. You saw how irked the kappa got when she spotted you because she merely thought you were a thief. If you are to get in this life, it is expected that you will give in return, in order to earn what you got. People who try to get without giving will either be laughed off if they ask about it up-front, or they will be punished if they try to steal. Our exchanges over the last day and a half mimic this perfectly. Think about when you started to give me anything. Was it when I was trying to force it out of you by throwing lightning bolts every which way or tying you up and carrying you off to some place you didn't want to be? Of course not. It was when I returned your book to you that you started considering letting me anywhere near you. And the more of an opportunity I offered you, the more you were willing to give me in response. I gave you an information-gathering source, and you gave me the information I desired. A give-and-get relationship, as it were. Neither side is doing all the giving, and neither side is doing all the getting."
> Take a curious tone.
> "How so?"
> "And how would one know where to bring the letter?"
> "Well, yes, but isn't that self-exposure, to put up a very obvious signal of your location?"
> When we evolved from an oarfish into a humanoid, did we inherently understand language arts, or did we need to be taught how to read, write and speak?
> "I suppose I can kind of see where that is coming from. I admit the idea of an entirely anonymous society makes me leery in the sense that it is hard to know who to trust based on claims of skill - someone may have a certain skill, but not be very good at it, or someone may outright lie for their own personal gain. And it would be hard to spread this information; the offended party could write a mass of letters, but the people receiving them would have no guarantee they're telling the truth."
> "Now, I'm not saying it couldn't work, but it would be quite difficult. I should also probably take this time to point out that the two of us are lucky in that we knew how to read and speak upon our conception into a humanoid form. I forget if I mentioned this before, but I am actually a humanoid youkai evolved from an oarfish, many centuries ago. I also know how to write, and I presume you do as well, given your mentioning of letters and signs. If not, well, I apologize for pressing what is potentially a sore spot, but ultimately it doesn't change a larger fact. Not everyone is born knowing how to read, write, or speak. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, every member of the human race is born into the world not knowing how to read, write or speak, save for one person who is a very special case involving reincarnation and retained memories of previous lives. Any humans that you hear talk, or see reading or writing, had to be taught how to do these things by others. I believe there are also cases of youkai evolving from animals with similar afflictions, though you would likely have to ask one such youkai for specific examples, and that's obviously out of the picture."
> "Of course, I do have to grant that you are not human, that you DID know how to read and speak and presumably write upon your birth, so I would understand if you felt that these setbacks still did not apply to you in particular. You have also seemed to circumvent your lack of flight quite neatly, and I imagine you lack the need for what are necessities of life to others, such as food and shelter. I did mention the sewing thing earlier today, but while I think it's rather unlikely you would be able to learn how to sew without getting direct help from someone that already knows how, I cannot say for sure that you would never succeed. I cannot even say for sure that you will definitely need a seamstress at some point in your life, as I know and expect to hear basically nothing about your wardrobe beyond what I see right now."
> "Now, getting back to the letters idea. May I ask where the material for those letters comes from?"
> "Hmm. What about actually delivering the letters? Presumably anyone can just up and walk to and from their destination, but the environment has several factors that could come into play. What if there are other people around on the path the writer has to take? What if the person receiving the latter happens to be home when the person delivering it arrives, and they have a window in their house that allows them view of the path up to where the letter is meant to be dropped off? I will tell you that your stealth talents are top-notch, rather than the norm. So while you might be able to handle unexpected situations okay, most people will not be able to rely on those abilities to get around, because they're just not as good at it as you are."
> "It is possible they could develop the teachable talents, yes. But there are still some physical issues. There's no delicate way to discuss this, so I'm just going to be blunt about it, and preemptively ask for forgiveness should I touch a sore spot. You weigh very, very little. When I first carried you around yesterday, you did not slow me down very much at all, and it really felt like I could have just slung you over my shoulder with not much effort. Were you acting as dead weight, I could probably move you around with one hand, whereas I would likely have difficulty moving a human or a youkai around with two. I expect this is an important factor in something I noticed earlier in the library; you make practically no noise when moving around. I saw you running, but heard no real footfalls. Certainly not the thump thump thump I would expect to hear from someone such as myself were I running around somewhere. In addition to this, unlike humans and youkai, you do not appear to need to breathe, which is another noise advantage you have. Inhaling and exhaling can be very audible in an otherwise quiet environment. Staying out of sight could possibly be overcome with enough effort and training. Staying silent? Those are physical limitations, rather than mental ones."
> "I imagine it would still require some degree of trial and error to get correct, though."
> "So, on the whole, it sounds like problems with travel could be overcome, but trust and resource-gathering would be rather difficult."
> "Assuming the same person writes and binds the book."
> "Hmm. What of the person or people about which the book is written?"
> "That seems like it would eliminate a lot of research materials currently present."
> "Most likely not, though I'm not sure I agree with the implication that convenience is born solely from the suffering of others."
> "I actually wonder if there isn't a need large enough that would cause me to use a knife made of the bone of another person. But, to be honest, I also wonder if either of us will actually get anything out of the conversation, regardless of whether or not one side is able to argue the other into submission somehow. Were you to convince me an anonymous society were possible, that wouldn't mean I'd stop appreciating the joy and convenience of the one we have. I would only acknowledge that it's not necessary. On the other hand, were I to convince you that social tendencies are necessary to living, that wouldn't stop you from seeing them as abominations. I imagine you would only see life itself as an abomination."
> "Perhaps it would be better categorized as 'necessary evils', then. Certain things required to live require social tendencies, but you could still live with yourself because you make every effort to avoid those social tendencies unless directly required to survive."
> "I'm not claiming they're good because they're convenient. And you never actually told me how one was supposed to gather materials."
> "And how does one gather the materials to make the book?"
> "And what proof do you have that they were originally made by a single person, with no outside support at all?"
> "Because they could very well have been inspired by the thoughts of another person."
> "Aha, I see what you're getting at now. Okay. Let's say, then, hypothetically, that a completely anonymous society was possible. Why would people choose to live that way?"
> "And how would this society survive past the first generation?"
> "Refresh my memory, then."
> Do celestials die of old age?
> Are emotional pleasures still okay?
> Are celestials capable of physical procreation?
> "The difference is that Bhava-Agra would not need another generation."
> "Would come to Bhava-Agra, should they follow our creed and attain enlightenment."
> "Not everyone follows our creed, you know."
> "So you're equating Nirvana to death, then."
> We do want to achieve Nirvana someday, don't we?
> "Then why haven't you chosen death already?"
> "Then therein lies the difference. My path ends in a destination I will welcome, while your path ends in a destination you are trying to avoid."
> "Because I am not ready yet. When I feel the proper time has come, however, I will do it. Are you saying that you expect there will be a time when you want to die?"
> How exactly does the shinigami ferry process work?
> What happens if a ferried soul falls out of the boat into the water, or does not have enough coin to complete the journey?
> "Mmm. I did mention the Yama and her function this morning, right?"
> And what happens when such a ghost is exorcised?
> "Did I talk about how those who die have their souls brought before her, for her to examine their lives, and judge their deeds and sins in order to determine which realm they are to be sent next?"
> "And how exactly do you plan on dealing with her?"
> "You do realize that, as a soul, you will not have the physical body to do what you have done to the others?"
> In which direction in the Sanzu no Kawa?
> How far away is it?
> Would Komachi actually speak to us like a normal person, or will she be liable to try and cart us off, as shinigami are wont to attempt with Bhavagrans?
> "I think we have discovered the one more person you should hear from, then. The Yama has a direct shinigami underling that can be found here in Gensokyo, at the shores of the Sanzu no Kawa. It is her job to ferry souls across the Sanzu no Kawa to the Yama's courtroom. She would be able to explain the details of how the entire process works, as she has a direct hand in it. And before you say anything, no, you will not have to talk to her, I can do it."
> In which compass direction is the Sanzu no Kawa?
> "The Sanzu no Kawa is some distance to the north. You will probably not like to hear this, but unless you are a very good long-distance runner, I expect the quickest route would be for me to fly both of us there."
> Is there forest near the Sanzu no Kawa?
> "Well, I can tell you that she cannot leave her position to come here on a whim. She has taken time off from her job without permission in the past and was soundly chastised for it. So either you can go to her, or you can believe what I tell you about the Yama myself."
> Are souls capable of resisting Komachi? If so, what becomes of them?
> Shrug.
> "I figured you might want to hear from someone that directly works with souls for a living, as I do not. But we do not have to go there, if you do not want to. I will ask you to consider something else, though. The Yama is in a powerful position, yes, but she was appointed there, by the larger overall bureaucracy. If a soul was capable of overthrowing her, do you think she would have been appointed to that position?"
> "Because I have been ordered by a being greater than myself to fix the problem that has befallen my home. This is the greater being you read about in your book, the one that looks upon all as it pleases. This means two things. The first, more obvious thing is that I cannot fail that greater being, as they are my direct superior, and on par with the greatest beings of the universe. The second, less obvious thing...if that greater being has ordered me to perform this task, that means it knows I am capable of succeeding. It has been a very tough road, and I will admit that there have been times that I have wanted to quit, to let someone greater than me deal with the problem. But I have a higher power backing me. The Dragon believes in me, and knows that I can accomplish what I have set out to do. It is this knowledge that keeps me going. The knowledge that The Dragon has faith in me."
> Take a gentle, non-aggressive tone.
> "Who has faith in you?"
> "Then, as much as I have not wanted to mention it again, it should be pointed out...that you couldn't even beat me."
> "So your danmaku technique is more refined than you've let on to anyone?"
> What do souls look like when they're ready for ferrying?
> "All right, fair enough. And in fairness to you, it actually packs quite a punch. Just...well, perhaps we can file technique underneath flying on that list of things."
> What form do they take to our vision?
> Do we know how a shinigami or judge would see them?
> "Hmm. Since you say you were holding back in our first altercation, I may have an idea to test you. But there's something else that I want to check first."
> Take out the gray box and hold it in front of us. Does it rattle when we move it?
> "Oh, I certainly understand you weren't doing it to be smug. Frankly, I'm surprised you were willing to hold back for any reason, because it meant an increased risk of loss, and you had no idea what I would do afterward if I escaped."
> Shrug and give a half-smile.
> "Sorry, I guess. If I had known at the time...well, that's in the past now. Anyway. This is going to sound kind of strange, but I picked this small box up from the shopkeeper, the one with all the junk strewn about his house, near where we met earlier. I don't actually know what is in it, as part of the deal of the purchase was that the contents be kept a mystery until bought. I have to admit I'm really curious as to what's in it, and since I don't know how much longer I have, I figure now is as good a time as any. Just to warn you, I have no idea what will happen when I open this."
>Step 3:Open the box!
> "Wow, these are pretty. What do you think?"
> "Hmm. Since we are in Gensokyo, these could do or be just about anything. I would suggest you step back, just in case something happens when I prod at them and it causes a bit of collateral damage, okay?"
> Assuming she steps back, take the hand that is not holding the box and gently poke at the lapis lazuli with our index finger.
> Gently poke each of the other three gems in the same fashion. First the amethyst, then the mossy-looking one, then the red one.
> If none of them do anything unusual upon being poked, take the Lapis Lazuli out of the box and fold our hand into a fist around it.
> Open our hand. Does it cast a shadow, or perhaps refract the light onto our hand?
> Put it back in the box where it belongs and close the box, then put the box back in our purse.
> "If they do anything special, I cannot tell what it is. I suppose they may be just ordinary gems. Still nice to look at, though."
> "Well, now that that curiosity is quelled, we have an interesting situation on our hands. On one hand, we have you having held back in our first encounter. On the other, you will be subject to much different conditions as a soul, which is how you would theoretically be battling the Yama, because you aren't getting to her courtroom while you're still alive if you're this committed to the position of keeping yourself hidden."
> "Okay. Perhaps a second duel between us, with you operating at full effort but weighted down by the restrictions being merely a soul would place on you, would help determine how prepared you are for the greater challenge?"
> "Well, I felt I owed it to you to make the offer, but to be honest, I feel the same way. There are others I would rather combat right now, and I would prefer to be in top form should they humor me. Not to say you are weak or unimportant, of course. Perhaps instead I can simply tell you the restrictions, and you can make your own judgment?"
> Do we know if a soul can use danmaku?
> "All right. There are four major circumstances I can think of. The first circumstance is an obvious one. The Yama will merely proceed with her job as she expects if you sit there and do nothing, or attempt to argue her into submission. Therefore, you would need to be the aggressor, and you would need to go on the offensive almost immediately. If you are lucky, you might even be able to get aggressive before she can read that you are after her shadow, though I don't know exactly what she would need to do to learn this, or how long it would take."
> "The remaining three circumstances are all closely related to what a soul actually is. I understand that, to the Yama and shinigami, souls look something like what their physical form was when they were alive, but to the rest of us, a soul is just a floating blob of energy. Now, for the second circumstance, it is my understanding that souls cannot use danmaku. It is possible that an odd soul may be an exception to this, but I have never heard of one being able to do so. So we could probably assume danmaku is out of the question."
> Nod.
> "The third circumstance is that, as you will recall from our earlier discussion, a person in possession of shadows that did not originally belong to them will lose those shadows upon their death. Those shadows may be put back in their proper place by the Yama, or they may scatter to the winds. Either way, they will no longer belong to whoever took them. This means that you will have no shadow-shifting at your disposal."
> "And the final circumstance is that, given you are a soul and thus lack your physical form, you will not have hands and feet to punch, kick, rip or stomp at a shadow, like you did with me. You will need to find an alternate method to assault the Yama's shadow. I also assume your tearing into my shadow with both hands was your attempt to take it for yourself; you would thus need an alternate means of taking her shadow."
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "So you actually have alternate methods at your disposal?"
> How would a soul go about not having enough coin to complete their journey across the Sanzu no Kawa?
> "There are only two ways to avoid her that I can think of. One is to have an attachment to something in this Earthly realm so strong that you turn into a ghost and avoid the process altogether. Do you have a strong attachment to something that would keep you here? Clearly you're not too terribly attached to that book, given how you unceremoniously slammed it to the ground."
> So this poltergeist seems very unlikely to be crossing the Sanzu no Kawa on her current path, then. Presumably she'll thus turn into a ghost. Do we know what ghosts do after turning into ghosts but before getting exorcised?
> Do they still have wills and personalities?
> And what would sustain such a ghost?
> "The second...might actually work out for you, now that I think about it. The second way to avoid the Yama is to not have enough of a toll to pay the shinigami ferrying you across the river. The coinage you gather to pay this toll comes from the effect you have had in your life on others, so for someone like you, who would strive at all costs to have nothing to do with anyone else, you would have very little, if any, currency to give to the shinigami."
> "I do know that souls that do not make it across the Sanzu no Kawa due to insufficient currency are brought back to Gensokyo as ghosts. They don't really do much of anything beyond float around, to be honest. They have a tendency to gather at abandoned houses or dark places, things like that. I imagine it must be a very boring existence, but maybe that's an existence you find appealing? As long as you can avoid being exorcised, of course."
>Um, but can Poltergeists become ghosts?
>Do we even know?
> "Of course, this all assumes poltergeists can even turn into ghosts, and that they don't simply blink out of existence once they die."
> What does her facial expression look like?
> When one achieves Nirvana, do they cease to exist?
> If so, does that include their soul and their consciousness?
> "Which is pretty much what you would ultimately want, right? In the grand scheme of afterlife options, I mean. There's a vast spiritual difference between it and Nirvana, sure, but from the perspective of a consciousness, there doesn't appear to be a practical difference."
> "Perhaps? What question is there? It seems pretty open-and-shut to me."
> "Huh...come to think of it...why have you been telling me everything that you have been, anyway?"
> "And I do. But...isn't that already making the decision, to a degree?"
> "And we've talked about more than what's immediately relevant to fixing the issue you have."
> "And we've done it in a rather casual manner to boot. No immediate threats or anything. We've even both told each other we don't want to fight."
> "I wonder...how are you feeling right now? Are things still uncomfortable, like you described before?"
> "Hmm. And there are a handful of things I've asked about that are incongruous with your worldview, and you don't know why you do them...I wonder if you're having a subconscious conflict, somehow."
> "Well, you must be doing what you're doing for a reason, right? And it has to be a good enough reason to temporarily override your desire to hide at all costs, a desire that seems to be strong enough to directly conflict with your desire to live. But you don't know what that reason is, as you've told me a few times now."
> "I see. Huh...I find it a bit odd that you use 'thought'. Have you changed your mind?"
> "...And you don't know why, do you?"
> "Don't worry. I may make some guesses, but I'm trying to not assume anything unless you come out and say it directly."
> "Mmm."
> Stand in silence for a couple of seconds.
> "Well...um...how has it been...being with me?"
> Consider making out with the poltergeist. It worked in Maribel Quest!
Edit: Actually, I might as well add something serious since I'm up.
> This conversation has hit alot of dead ends and we don't know how much time the Spectre has before Bhava-Arga's shadow causes her (and/or itself) harm. If convincing her starts going badly again, perhaps we should assist her in a short-term solution for being discovered? For example, having someone discover a fake Brocken Spectre so people stop looking for her. It would at least give you an excuse to keep working with her and for her not to take your shadow when you run out of things to say.
> Consider checking Rinnosuke's shop again to see if he picked up a Shadow Remover or Poltergeist Energy Source or something. You have four gems and a box to trade now if you really need something.
> Actually, do we know about Rinnosuke's power? If we do, he could find out if these gems are enchanted somehow.
> Raise eyebrows.
> Soften voice.
> "...I see..."
> Stand in silence for a moment.
> Shake head.
> "No. You're right. I don't. I don't think I ever really have."
> "...I guess...I wasn't expecting that kind of answer. So that was all I could think of to say."
> "...But it is my fault that it's been hard for you."
> "Perhaps, but that doesn't make them any less my actions. I tied you up in a humiliating fashion out of my own fear, and ever since then I've been doing everything I can to get you to do things that completely go against your worldview, without ever truly understanding how much it must have aggravated you to hear me say what I've said, or however much it must have hurt to respond in ways that satisfied me. And all that has led to this, with you seemingly so unsure about so many important things, and for my talk leading up to this moment, I can't think of a good way to help you. I...I'm so sorry. For everything I've done that hurt you, and for everything I've compelled you to do even though you knew it was wrong."
> "You mean hearing and learning all that you have?"
> "Yes, that is understandable. I wish I knew more, so I could help you make the most informed decision possible."
> "I...can kind of understand, I think. I can actually imagine a couple of ways in which this is probably weird for you. I know what you said earlier, but...may I guess it's weird that someone has offered to help you this much?"
> Nod.
> "Yes, that was going to be my other guess. Now, I can only begin to speculate what you are feeling about that part. But...I can at least tell you that I've been happy to try to help you as much as I can. Right from the outset, when it first looked like you might start having second thoughts about yelling at me before deciding to attack, I could tell that you weren't a malicious person. Merely agitated at being discovered, and perhaps a bit panicked over your loss. And time marching on has only shown me that my assessment was right. You may be a person with a different worldview from me, but you're still a person, with needs and wants and interests, just like anyone else. And when you told me about what was going on inside you...I couldn't let you face that on your own. You didn't deserve to be subjected to that kind of uncertainty. So here I've been, wanting to help you through it. Because...well, whether they see me the same way or not, I am always glad to help a new friend."
> Smile.
> "It's quite all right. I don't hold it against you that you did what you thought best for you."
> Nod.
> "But thank you nonetheless."
> "In the immediate case, or the long-term case?"
> "All right, then. If you were to relinquish control of your decision to me...there are actually a few things I can think of to do in the immediate case. And I'm not going to lie or hide it from you; all would involve some degree of exposure on your part, exposure to people that are not myself or Tenshi."
> "All right. The first thing that comes to mind is going out and finding a greater being, one with years of both power and knowledge, and asking for their help in figuring out how we can use your existing life essence to manifest a shadow for you, one that is your own, because it is you."
> "The second thing is the restoration of Nitori and Kogasa. Given where they are, we could also take the time to meet your...parents, as it were. There are actually a couple of humans in that group that apparently came here from the outside world; they are sure to have some sort of advice on how to start a life in Gensokyo on one's own."
> "After that...anything else I would ask would be as a favor to me, and I cannot ask such things of you yet."
> Nod.
> "As for a long-term goal...I would like us all to be able to live lives where we can all live as we want, and none of us has to worry about each other's lifestyle choices causing major unwanted interference."
> "Now then...clearly, it would indeed be a good thing for you to have your own shadow. But...are you prepared to meet someone to get that accomplished?"
> "Of course we wouldn't meet just anyone. I suspect Lady Moriya would be worth a visit, though she does reside on top of the mountain, so that could be difficult. Hmm...why don't you think on it, then? Patchouli did say you could last up to a month as things stand, and you don't appear to be in any sort of state of emergency. Perhaps we could revisit the idea later this evening, once you've had a decent chance to piece out why you're not sure of as many things about yourself as you are."
> What time is it?
> "Well, it depends on you and how you're feeling about things in general. I don't know what you're feeling in regards to the internal shadow issues, and I don't know how you feel about the idea of exposing yourself to someone versus the idea of manifesting a shadow of your own. If the former doesn't yet feel like it's an immediate pressing issue, but you're undecided on the latter, then I would suggest taking some time to think about what you want to do. As long as your body isn't telling you that you need to rush the decision, there's no sense in rushing the decision."
> "Okay. There is actually a thing or two I need to take care of while you're debating your decision. I presume you'll be somewhere in this forest?"
> We remember about where that is, right?
> "All right, that works. As for the other thing...you mentioned possibly being able to do something for the kappa and the karakasa?"
> "I will try my very best to talk them down from the idea. As long as I'm around when they're returned to normal I can point out to them that the only reason they're back to normal is because they're being trusted not to say anything, by both yourself and myself. That will hopefully be enough to keep them off your case."
> "As for specifics...you did say earlier that you didn't want to talk about the karakasa in front of Tenshi. Was there a special reason you took her shadow? Or did you tell me already, and I've just forgotten it in the whirlwind of activity."
> "Okay, then. Hmm...you put me into Bhava-Agra's shadow before. If you did it again, how quickly could you pull me out?"
> Frown.
> "If I had the time and energy resources, I'd be willing to test it out, but..."
> Shake our head quickly, like we're trying to shake off a bad memory.
> "I'd really rather not have to go through Makai again, if I can avoid it. Is there a way you can communicate with those two? Nitori, at least, still seemed pretty self-aware."
> Nod.
> "All right. But just in case, before we try it, I want to make sure I let you know everything I wanted to tell you before we parted ways."
> "The main thing to note, while you're deciding what you want to do about meeting someone is that, as obvious as it is, not everyone in Gensokyo is like me. There isn't anyone in Gensokyo I can think of that's actively malicious, but many of them hold their own views of how to conduct themselves. Whoever we visit to see if they have a solution to your problem is going to be someone very powerful, and very knowledgeable. It is also possible they will act in a manner that may seen smug, or possibly even downright condescending. You heard some of the things Patchouli said, I'm sure. I would be sure to bring you to someone I feel would not go out of their way to betray your trust if you did not antagonize them, but I cannot guarantee that they'll converse the same way I do."
> "Ah, wait, sorry, before you do this! There's one more thing."
> "I know full well that this is not going to work. But, presuming you've never tried it on a youkai before, I'd like you to try to enter my shadow anyway, just as an additional experiment."
> "How do I contact you once I'm there to let you know I'm ready to get back out? Once I know that, and you've found Nitori and Kogasa to deposit me next to, I'm good to go."
> "Got it. Off to find those two, then. Best of luck to both of us."
> Close eyes and smile.
> "Thanks. For everything."
>Wait a moment, then open our eyes and look around
>"Hello again, Nitori. Don't worry, this time I came here of my own free will, believe it or not. I've made a big step towards bringing you back into the physical world, but we need to speak of a few things first."
>Scanning around, can we see any sign of Kogasa's shadow?
>If the terrain is suitable here, kneel down to the ground, like we used to communicate last time. If not, move to a place that is, and do so.
>"Has anything changed here, since we saw each other last? How've you been?"
>"Yes, you're actually at Renko's right now. Okuu and Parsee took you there after we found Kogasa, so that we could keep watch over everyone at the same place. You seemed a little more present, the last time I tried speaking to you from there. I'm not certain exactly why. It may be simply that you realize what has happened to you, now. I'm not sure."
>"I've been speaking with the poltergeist who did this to you. She may be willing to return you to your body, but there is a condition. She wishes that you never speak of her existence to another person. I understand how you may feel towards her, after what she did to you. Certainly a grievous wrong was perpetrated against you. But she is not as bad a person as she appeared, and the fight that took place on that hill was the product of a deep misunderstanding. I know this may be difficult to believe, and it has certainly been a long and difficult road for me to reach this understanding, myself. Please do not think I am attempting to excuse her acts. I am not. But I believe that if you can pledge this vow in good faith, she would mean you no further harm. Are you willing to do this?"
>"I... think that might exacerbate matters, as justified as it might seem. Our negotiating position is tenuous at best, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is a major step forward for her to consider this at all. If it's any consolation, I knocked her unconscious once already. I know that probably doesn't mean much, but..."
>"Believe me when I say that I fully understand where you're coming from. Any other in your situation would probably feel similarly, or worse. You have seen her as a violent aggressor, who perpetrated a grievous act against you. I have seen that, too. After what she's done to you, I'm sure these words will ring hollow, but I have seen a different side of her as well. One that she's shown to no one else, and may never show again. She is in a very difficult and tortured situation, and her acts are not always as they seem on the surface. I would say more, but I have given my word of confidentiality. Suffice it to say that I wish to do my utmost to help her, as well as those she's wronged. I don't expect you to care about her situation. In fact, you may think that this is the least she deserves, after her actions. I would not argue the point."
>"But all of what I've worked so hard towards depends on trust. The only reason she would let you go at all is because she has given her trust to me to pledge for your silence. I placed my shadow at her mercy, knowing exactly what she could do with it, so strong was my conviction that I find an answer to all this. If she releases you on my word, and you break your promise, or strike out at her, all that I have built could be lost. Kogasa might remain trapped here forever, and I may never be able to restore my home. Even if you wish her nothing but sufferings, and care not for what she might do in reprisal, I would ask that you do this for my sake, if nothing else."
>"Unless certain other things change, I think that would be for the best. I realize it's asking a lot. I don't ask it lightly. And I'm sorry..."
>"Thank you, Nitori. So I can give her your word that you will tell no one else about her, nor seek to harm her yourself?"
>"She has no desire to be seen or found by anyone, or to venture far from her home. What happened the other night was exceptional. I expect that if that ever happens, the situation will have changed substantially. Thank you again."
>Is there still no sign of Kogasa's shadow around?
>If not: "I don't suppose you've seen Kogasa around here anywhere, have you? Or her shadow, at any rate."
> "Oh, were you experiencing the floating again?"
> "I got out through a crack in the void. I'm so sorry about leaving you there, I had no idea what was going to happen. I certainly didn't intend to just abandon you to fall through space."
> "Anyway, I think I'll take a quick look around the island, to see if we can find Kogasa. If we do run into her, you'll have to let me know if the two of you can speak to each other. If we don't run into her, I'll have to signal to the poltergeist to let me out, so that we can try to find her again. This might abandon you to be on your own again for some time, but since you've promised to keep quiet, that shouldn't be a problem for much longer."
> Fly toward the houses in the distance. Make sure to keep somewhat low to the ground, so Nitori doesn't get too messed up.
> Keep our eyes peeled for any unusual dark blobs traveling along the ground.
> Is it moving toward us?
> "Get ready."
> Land and watch the moving dark. If it's just kind of meandering, or moving away from us, start walking toward it.
> Triple stacker shadow, must look pretty weird.
> "Hello again, Kogasa. Nitori, can you get her up to speed on what happened to you two, so only one person is talking instead of three? Give me a thumbs-down if you two cannot hear each other, or give me a thumbs-up once you've caught Kogasa up on recent events."
> Keep our arms still and wait for a signal.
>"I'm not quite sure what you mean. You've caught her up, but you can't hear each other, either?"
>Kneel down to facilitate communication
>"Ah, I see. You can see each other as more than shadows, though?"
>"Kogasa, can you understand me? If you can, try communicating with me like Nitori is. I'm afraid that I can't hear either of you."
>"...stop what?"
>"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that's not something I have any control over. It seems to just be a property of this place, and the fact that I'm the only person here with a physical body. ...which probably doesn't make a lot of sense to you at the moment, either, but I will explain. In any case, regardless of what either of us wants, you're stuck to me. You move when I move, and I'm afraid I have no way to change that. I apologize."
>"I suppose you don't have any idea what happened to you, after that poltergeist attacked you in the forest?"
>"The girl with the white hair and fancy blue coat?"
>"Well, from what I've gathered, I assume you tried to surprise her, and then she attacked you and you ended up in here, correct?"
>"What she did is steal your shadow. Pulled it away from your body and took it inside her. Your... shadowless body is still out there, in the physical world, but your consciousness is here. Though you may be able to recall tiny glimpses of things you've seen back there. I've been doing everything in my power to bring you back, and Renko and Maribel have been taking care of you, back in Gensokyo, after I found you where the poltergeist left you."
>"I've been talking with the person who did this to you, and trying to convince her to let you go. I think I may be able to get her to agree, but you're going to have to promise her something before she's willing: that you will never tell another person about her, after you get back. Can you do that?"
>"Maribel, Renko, and the others already know what happened. As for anyone who doesn't already know of her... I'm afraid you may simply not be able to tell them what happened at all. I'm sorry, and I would not ask this lightly, but I do not think she will release you unless I can promise her that you will tell no one. She is an extremely private person, and doesn't want people to know about her."
>"Then you risk getting yourself and others captured by her again, and I may not be able to free you again. Nor may I ever be able to get her to restore my home. She is trusting my word that you will not tell others about her, and her trust has been extremely hard-earned. I have put my own shadow at her mercy as a pledge that what I say is truthful. If I tell her that you promise not to tell, and you do it anyway, it will damage what I've built with her. There are still other shadows she holds, like those of all the islands in the sky. If she thinks that she let someone go, and then they told others about her, she may never be willing to let anyone go again. I cannot stress the importance of this enough."
> "You should care, because you'll be stuck here alone forever if you don't do what she wants. You'll never have anyone else to surprise, ever again."
> "Even if that were possible for you, the next time you surprise her after you get out, she may just rip your shadow in half instead of taking it. I cannot imagine this to be a pleasant experience, given she threatened me with it once earlier."
> Is she really writing lowercase Is? Seems like uppercase would be quicker, if she's going to be lazy.
> Sigh.
> "Okay, let's try something else. Nitori, how much leeway do the tengu give you to travel up and down the mountain?"
> "I think this may mean less to you, then. For that, I apologize, but I don't really have anything else I can give. Now, Kogasa, out of curiosity, do you know where I am from?"
> "Good. Have you ever been there before, when we were still high in the sky instead of where we are now?"
> "Once we're back where we belong, would you like to go there?"
> "Well, it's a new place to explore, which Maribel and Renko seem fond of. There's new people to meet, and things you can learn from each other. And, if I may say so myself, our peaches are delicious."
> "Well, I'll tell you what. If you agree to keep quiet about the poltergeist, I will put in a request with the tengu that you be allowed to travel up Youkai Mountain to visit us whenever you like. We have an island specifically designed for guests from Gensokyo to visit that you can get to if you fly straight up from the top of the mountain. I've made this offer to Maribel and Renko as well, so perhaps you could join them some time. And this offer goes for both of you, as much as Nitori doesn't need tengu permission to travel up and down the mountain."
> Nod.
> "All right. Nitori, may I assume you're okay with this? I can't specifically recall an instance where you've visited Guest Island."
> "Excellent. Thank you both for your willingness to cooperate. It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to the poltergeist as well."
> "Now, I don't know exactly how this is going to work, or how long it will take. But, if you two should happen to suddenly be in Renko and Maribel's house, could you wait there until I arrive? I shouldn't be too long in getting there myself."
> "All right then."
> Stand back up.
> "Because I'm sure you'd be curious otherwise, what we're all about to do is the agreed-upon signal for the poltergeist to return me to Gensokyo. Sit tight, and hopefully we will meet again soon."
> Look up and wave our arms overhead, like we're trying to get the attention of something passing by in the sky.
> Wow. That was pretty neat.
> Check where she was standing. Are there any tracks visible?
> So no tracks, then. Well, shoot.
> Crest the canopy. Check for a potential center of the giant shadow, as well as where we are in relation to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Stop if we hear any voices, though.
> Head south, toward that edge of the forest.
> Once we get to the edge of the forest, land and see if we can pick out roughly where we first entered it.
>"What is it?"
>"Can't find the shrine? What do you mean? Did something happen to it?"
>Does this look like the same fairy we saw following Reimu around yesterday?
>"I haven't seen her today, but the shrine was fine the last time I saw it, yesterday. What's the emergency?"
>Give directions to the shrine from our current location
> Keep said directions as simple as possible, and point as necessary to use visuals to enhance the words.
>Continue into the forest along the path we took last time and see if we can find where we last saw the spectre
> A MASTER IS OUT
> Nod.
> "They have agreed to keep quiet."
> "Will our same meeting point from this morning near the stream suffice? It is rather close to the house where those two are currently stationed. If you hide around there, Tenshi and I can take Kogasa and Nitori to that place, Tenshi can leave them with me and go back to the house, and you can come out then. You're definitely good enough at hiding that Tenshi won't find you by accident. Does that sound reasonable?"
> Nod.
> "That works."
> Take out the jewel box and hand it to her.
> "Before we depart, can we try that experiment I mentioned?"
> "I figured, but I'm okay with that. What's more important is noting whatever sensations you do or don't get when you try to enter my shadow, since I presume you haven't actually tried it on another sentient creature. We both expect it to not work, but that's okay. That's not what this is for."
> Did we experience anything unusual ourselves, beyond the odd weight distribution?
> "So there is no noticeable difference between a person and a tree, then? That's admittedly irritating."
> "Oh. Well, is that then the same sensation as trying to enter the tree's shadow, or the rock's from earlier?"
> "Mmm. It didn't feel any different from normal on my end either, aside from a much more even weight distribution, and that is easily attributed to my shadow being much shorter than normal."
> "Well, the point of that was to give you an idea of what it was like trying to get into another person, to see if it was different somehow. My suggestion, na?ve on the subject as I am, would be this; after you've spent your time contemplating your decision on what to do, and if you make a choice, devote some mental energy to studying this problem, to see if you can figure out what else can be done with the shadow of a person so you can enter it. You're the person most adept at handling shadows that either of us knows; if there's anyone that might be able to figure out how to overcome this barrier, it's you, with your inherent knowledge and experiences. It's quite possible nothing will come of it, but research into the unknown never guarantees positive results. And, if you DO succeed in coming up with a alternate idea, then our options for getting you where you may want to go are expanded."
> Grimace.
> "...Well."
> Sigh.
> "It's...true that people aren't hollow. But..."
> Look away a bit to the right.
> "As...unpleasant as the subject is, as a humanoid female, I...I'm not entirely devoid of...internal open space."
> "...I suppose that's true. It would make things a lot easier if it could be made to work like that, though..."
> Bury face in hands.
> "I can't believe I'm talking about such a thing so casually..."
>"Good," she says. "Hopefully you are starting to understand what it means when I say you demean and devalue yourself by exposure."
>_
>ARBITRARY INAPPROPRIATE OUTBURST
>ARBITRARY INAPPROPRIATE OUTBURST
> No, don't do this. <_<
> Uncover face and look back at the 'geist.
> "Oh, yes, of course. Like I said from the beginning, even I know how to enjoy privacy. But, to me, sometimes sacrifices are to be made in the name of helping friends."
> "So, given that...if you think you can make headway into the problem somehow, give it a try. I wouldn't make it a higher priority than your decision, though."
> Look down at our midsection, and then back up.
> "Especially since I imagine the experience wouldn't be terribly pleasant for either of us, should you somehow find a work-around."
> "Oh. I didn't realize it was that rigid. Sorry about that. All right then, I'll try to think of something else."
> "I can't think of anything else to tell you for the time being. I don't suppose there's anything else you think I need to know?"
> Nod.
> "Whenever you figure it out, you know you can ask me, and I'll answer as best I can."
> "Oh, one last curiosity. Are you going to stay in view when Nitori and Kogasa are themselves again, or will you have disappeared before they come to? It's not like they haven't seen you before, and they could tell you to your face that they're keeping quiet."
>"That is fine; I'm not intending to pressure you, if that's what you'd rather. I just didn't know if you would need to be in physical contact with them to restore their shadows."
> "Very well. But you should at least stay in the area while hiding, and I can have them make their pledge out loud so you can hear them. Not that I will expect you to respond."
>"Well, if there's nothing else at the moment, I'm going to go and fetch them. Thank you again for doing this. Truly."
>"Very well. I'll see you shortly."
>Head to Maribel's
>"Better than I might have expected. She's agreed to restore Kogasa and Nitori's shadows. Bhava-Agra... is a different matter, I'm afraid, but I still hold out hope for the future, and this is a major step forward in either case."
>"We need to bring them both to where she's waiting, back in the forest, and she will set things right. After that, well... I guess I'll see what happens."
> "Also, is Yuugi here, by any chance?"
> "That is unfortunate. Oh well. Is there anything good in the news?"
> Grin.
> "I always thought journalists weren't supposed to make the news."
> Are there any other notable headlines anywhere?
> "Where did you pick this up, anyway?"
> A whole row of trees? When did Shuuei...oy gevalt.
> "A rival reporter's ankles were really one of the most newsworthy things she could find? Surely Gensokyo is more interesting than that."
> Look back at Tenshi.
> "Do you want to keep reading this, or are you ready to help Nitori and Kogasa down to the designated meeting place? We probably have a little bit of time, since I move faster than her, but we likely don't have much."
> Shake head.
> "Such senselessness on their parts. Those two could do something even greater if they worked together than they do trying to ruin each other at every turn. No matter. Let's head inside to get our friends."
> Assuming Tenshi does not object, knock on the door.
> Nod.
> "I am, and I come with good news for our friends, even if the issue of my home is as of yet unresolved. May we come in?"
> Nod and smile.
> "Thank you."
> Enter the house and survey the interior for who else is present.
> "Hello again, everyone. While the fate of my home is still undecided, I do at least have some good news for all of us. I have talked to the one responsible for Nitori and Kogasa's current conditions, and she has conditionally agreed to restore them to their former selves."
> "It is nothing terrible. Nitori and Kogasa are not allowed to speak about the one responsible for their current conditions, presumably until that person is comfortable enough to socialize with the rest of Gensokyo's people. I have communicated with them through their shadows as I did with Nitori yesterday, and they have agreed, after a little bit of persuasion. Kogasa was surprisingly confident in her ability to simply break out of the shadow land prison into which she had been placed. I do not think she is yet aware of the ramifications of what exactly has happened to her, but I do not have two weeks for her to learn them for herself like Nitori did, so I have made it worth her while to keep quiet about the affair."
> "I actually might, though it is more me asking yet another favor of all of you, for which I am regretful as I feel I have already imposed on you more than should be reasonably expected. Do any of you know where Reimu or Marisa might be? I have not seen either of them yet today, which I find very odd, giving how the skies yesterday were teeming with problem solvers that wanted my head on a platter."
> "That makes sense. Well, what I have to request of all of you is if you will accompany me to the Hakurei Shrine after Nitori and Kogasa have been returned to themselves. They are not permitted to talk about the one that left them as they are, but they can confirm that Bhava-Agra's fall was not an act perpetrated by its citizens, and you all can confirm that the two of them were indeed in a vegetative state. I am hopeful that this will be enough to get Reimu and Marisa to stop assaulting my people on false grounds."
> Smile.
> "Thank you all, well and truly. This means a lot to me. Now then, about our friends. Tenshi and I are to bring them to an agreed-upon point in the forest. Tenshi, you are then to leave, as our other friend, sadly, doesn't want much of anything to do with you. Once I am alone with Nitori and Kogasa, our other friend will return them to normal and then go back into hiding. I will then bring them back here with me, and after our visit to the Hakurei Shrine, everyone else's lives may return to normal. Is that agreeable for everyone?"
>"Well, I think we should go get them, then, and finally put this end of things to rest. They're still in the back, I presume?"
>Assuming yes, go to them
> "How did you get Kogasa as far as you did the last time?"
> "Let's check in with them first, regardless of how we need to move them. I wonder if they're more aware of themselves than before, now that we've talked about this."
> Walk over to a position in the room where we're in both of their lines of site and rather close to them.
> Wave at them.
> "Hello there. How are you two holding up?"
> "I wonder how much I'm in condition to lift. Hmm...rather than risk me injuring one of them since they can't support themselves in any way, can I test my lifting strength on you, since you CAN do something about it if something goes wrong?"
>"Well, didn't the others say they could walk, as long as you coax them along a particular direction?"
>They did say this, right?
> "All right. Can you lie face up on the bed, so I can lift you at the knees and the small of your back?"
> How does Tenshi's hair look? Normal, or messed up from the fight?
> Blink.
> "Of course. How silly of me. Um, what about the floor, then? Or perhaps you could float horizontally, if you don't want to get your clothes dirty?"
> All right, Iku. Remember: lift with your legs, not with your back.
> Get down on one knee next to Tenshi so she is laying horizonally in front of us.
> Slide one arm underneath her knees and the other underneath the small of her back. Lean in as necessary.
> Try to lift Tenshi up by straightening out our back, and then unbending our knees.
> How does Tenshi seem to be taken getting bride-carried by her guardian?
>How much slighter of build are Kogasa and Nitori, if we were to give a weight estimate?
>"Well, I think I'd have a hard time carrying you all the way to the meeting place at any rate. Kogasa's at least a little smaller than you, though."
>Set her down on her feet
>Attempt to lift Kogasa. Be gentle.
>How manageable does she feel, comparatively?
>Do we think we could carry her all the way to the meeting place without exhausting ourselves?
>"Well, I think I can probably manage her. Let's head out."
>Head out
>"By the stream that we met her the first time, this morning. The poltergeist is going to leave that box I picked up earlier this morning at Kourindou as a marker. She should hiding be somewhere nearby it, until I arrive and you withdraw."
>Head there
>Find a relatively comfortable looking patch of ground nearish the box and set Kogasa down on it
>Nod
>"Yes, I'll be back after we're done here. Thanks for the hand."
>Wave
>"Farewell!"
>Go retrieve the box
>How rubbery do our arms feel now, anyway?
>Wait until Tenshi is comfortably distant, and if the spectre hasn't shown herself yet, call out: "She's gone, now. It's just me."
>"Hmm... I suppose that would be true. Not too long now and many of these trees may be almost bare."
>"Will this take some time to perform, or...?"
> Frown.
> "Oh."
> "Well, I don't have the power to erase their memories, but I have made them promise that they won't talk about you at all. It involved a deal on my end, as Patchouli suggested, but they both agreed to that deal. They will be betraying both of our trusts should they re-neg on it, and I would be very upset with them if that happened."
>"Nitori? Are you alright?"
>"Not surprising, considering."
>How does Kogasa seem to be doing?
>"Kogasa?"
>"How are you feeling?"
> "...Are you trying to sleep?"
> "On the forest floor? Near a body of water?"
> Given Nitori an incredulous look, then turn back to Kogasa.
> "Wouldn't you rather sleep in a bed back at Maribel's?"
> Is Kogasa wearing any footwear?
> "All right, I'll let you roll around in the dirt instead of showing your friends that you're okay. The friends that took care of your body for you for an entire day and would really like to see you back to being yourself again. But you should probably know that we're not alone here right now, and that I can't guarantee what happened to you yesterday won't happen again today if you just sit there and do nothing."
> Look back to Nitori, then back to Kogasa.
> Walk over to Kogasa's legs and sit down on the ground next to her feet, so that our back is to her head and our arm is right next to her ankle. Glance back at Kogasa's face.
> Gently remove the geta from the foot closer to us. If her feet are about the same distance from us, remove the geta from higher one.
> Tuck our arm around her upper leg at her ankle, or as close to her ankle as we can get. Wherever on her leg we wrap our arm around, lock it into our armpit and clamp our own arm against our body. Don't apply so much pressure so that we would be hurting her leg, but enough so that it would take some effort for her to wiggle it about.
> Look back at Kogasa again and keep our sight trained on her.
> Give Kogasa an evil grin.
> With our free hand (i.e. the one not attached to the arm doing the clamping), start tickling her bare foot.
> Grin and bear the shot to the ribs as best we can.
> Keep the tickling up.
> "You gonna go see Maribel?"
> Let her go and get the heck outta Dodge so we don't get kicked anymore.
> Stand up and dust ourselves off, then watch what Nitori and Kogasa are doing.
> Turn to Kogasa and smile.
> "If you're really not feeling that well, I can carry you back to Maribel's house, and you can take your nap there. I'm sure their house is much better suited for sleeping than the forest floor anyway."
> "All the more reason to get you off the hard ground and into a soft bed. You'll only make soreness worse by lying on dirt. Besides, I'm sure your friends would like to see that you're okay for themselves."
> Hold our arms out in font of us like we're carrying something large.
> "My offer still stands."
> "Very well, if you feel up to it. But there is one thing we need to do before we depart. Like I said earlier, the three of us are not alone here. We do, in fact, have an audience present around here somewhere. Don't ask me where, because I don't know. But I believe that audience would be quite appreciative if they heard the two of you reaffirm the promise you made earlier, the one that was the condition for you being released from that other dimension and returned to yourselves."
> Nod and smile.
> "Excellent. Thank you both, this means a lot to me. Now then, I believe we all have some people waiting for us, so let's not keep them waiting too much longer, hmm?"
> "All right then."
> Fly on back toward Maribel's house, though be willing to slow down or even walk to accommodate our two guests.
>"That is Bhava-Agra, our home. The poltergeist took its shadow, much as she did to your own; that's what caused it to fall. Unfortunately, I haven't yet managed to convince her to change her mind on that part of things."
> Shake head.
> "Not quite yet. Our troubles can wait a few more moments. For now, let's get inside, so friends can see each other again."
> Head up to the door and knock on it.
> "Expectations do not preclude proper respects. But I suppose I can take that as an invitation inside."
> Enter!
> Move over to Tenshi and smile at her.
> "Thank you. For everything"
> Put an arm around her shoulders.
> "This seems like a time for friends to celebrate having each other. I figured I would merely follow suit. Does it make you uncomfortable?"
> Smile and nod.
> "Then I thank you for that as well. It does make me happy to be able to spend time with you, yes, especially given the fruits of all our labors."
> Gesture at the others in the house with our free hand.
> "This could not have been accomplished without your help. You should be proud of yourself for being part of the reason a happy occasion such as this has come to pass."
> "Which is what I've been telling you for a while now, isn't it?"
> Nod.
> "I will admit that perhaps I have been a bit overzealous in the past. I will do my best to curb that in the future. But you are correct in your assessment of my intent."
> Look Tenshi in the eyes. Squeeze her shoulder just a tiny bit.
> "I want us to get to a point where my position in our home does not place a barrier between us, Tenshi. I really do. I want us to get to a point where some weird things aren't so weird anymore, and perhaps to a point where NOT doing them might be considered weird."
>Smile
>"Let's consider it a step in a positive direction then, shall we? And see what the future brings when it gets here."
>How's the rest of the gang doing?
>Grab a seat or something and make ourselves comfortable
>Let people enjoy their reunion. No need to rush off to Reimu's this minute
>Assuming we can be discrete enough that we're not likely to draw attention to our comments: "Well, then I think it may be time to return to Momiji and settle that affair. After that, well... it mightn't hurt to give the poltergeist some time to think on her situation, and Bhava-Agra. I'm not sure that she'll decide to let it go, but I would not be surprised if some time to reflect could help clarify her thoughts on the matter. At the very least, there's good reason to believe time's passing may affect her opinion."
>"If at all possible, I'd still rather the islands be restored to their proper places before we confront her. I'd like to think that it helps our position, to argue that we were never aggressors. But, that hope aside, it also means that if force is used to liberate the celestials, they will be able to return to a place that Remilia cannot follow them, rather than the exposed position their homes currently occupy."
>"You think she'd be able to locate them again, once they returned to their proper places? I would think, at the very least, this would mean barging through Tengu lands as a hostile invasion force, something I cannot imagine going over well at all."
>"She may be able to find them, perhaps. But someone would need to go and attempt to set foot on the islands again, would they not? And I can't imagine that would be Patchouli. Unless you were thinking of something else?"
>Wasn't it previously established that this generally didn't work, due to the way the barrier between the two realms worked?
>Even if it did, once you reached the proper height to have passed into Bhava-Agra, rather than Gensokyo, and thus were capable of seeing the islands at all, wouldn't you be able to see something in the distance, in some direction? Maybe not a specific island, but an island, nonetheless. Enough not to miss the realm entirely.
> "Well, as I found in that shadow void, navigating our home without landmarks is much easier said than done. When Patchouli helped me find you, all she could tell me was that you were underground. If all Patchouli can tell Remilia is that the celestials are high in the sky, it will be very easy to miss them. I suppose I should thus be thankful for the inefficient nature of Patchouli's tracker spell, even if it required a small dust-up underground on Sanae's part before I managed to find you."
> "Besides, if Remilia does get angry enough to try to come up to us and pick another fight to regain her maids..."
> Point at Tenshi.
> "...Our people may very well be better prepared for battle."
> "I'm sure you'd love the opportunity, should it be presented. But, in addition to that, the issue you raise is another reason why it may be worth Bhava-Agra's while to have some advanced combat lessons. So not only would you be there to repel her, those around you would be qualified to assist."
> "What if I told them to listen to you?"
>"And if they weren't listening, it would probably quite obviously show in their technique. And as their instructor you could basically call them out on it without fear of repercussion. The very nature of the class forces them to listen."
> "Ah, I have an idea. Perhaps periodic tests should be worked into the curriculum, ones I can oversee to monitor the progress of your students. That way, if they do not listen to you, they will be answering to me."
> "As for starting up...perhaps a talk with the teacher in the human village is in order?"
> "It can be something we consider over the course of the day."
> Frown.
> "But if we do decide it's worth asking her, we will need to get you cleaned up first. Your hair is a mess from that fight."
Smoku: Game's always open for anyone to join in, as long as you're willing to do some backlog readin' to get caught up on current events.
> "Understandably so, there were more important things on your mind. Still, I think one of our first stops after we deal with Reimu should be back home, so we can clean you up."
> Do we have a spare comb in our room?
> "Hmm, that's not a bad idea. Let's confirm it with them, just to be sure."
> Stand up and try to flag down Parsee.
> "Would you folks like some time to yourselves, before we head off to Reimu's? Tenshi needs a little bit of cleaning up after her victory over the mansion gatekeeper, and we were thinking about taking care of that while things here are settling down. It sounds like lunch may be in order here soon anyway, if Kogasa is any indication. We could even ask Reimu if she'd like to come here, though I obviously can't guarantee anything on that front."
> Nod.
> "Alright, then. We'll be back in a bit, everyone."
> Assuming there is no objection to our leaving, head out and fly off to the Dragon Palace with Tenshi in tow.
> Do we recognize anyone flying around Orchard Isle?
> Continue on to the Dragon Palace. Keep an eye out for any Gensokyo natives, since we saw some around it earlier in the day.
> Give Tenshi a concerned stare.
> Can Yuuka see us? If not, wordlessly point at her while staring at Tenshi. If so, try to indicate we're looking at Yuuka by moving our eyes back and forth.
> Speak in an equally quiet voice.
> "Maybe."
> Does Yuuka appear to be doing anything right now?
> Still keeping a low voice.
> "Well...she doesn't seem to be doing anything actively harmful, at least. I think I may go talk to her, to find out why she's here, and perhaps find out what it will take for her to move on. Would you like to go the long way around to avoid her, and we can meet up again in my room?"
> "I'll try. See you in a bit."
> Walk to Yuuka. If she turns to look at us before we get into speaking range, hail her.
> "Good afternoon, Lady Kazami. May I help you wish something?"
> "Of course. Bhava-Agra's islands have a tendency to float around independently of the Gensokyo landmarks they are above. As for why they are this close to your fields at all, you may have observed that Bhava-Agra's shadow is in an improper state. It is this shadow anomaly that has caused our land to fall so very close to yours. I am working to fix this problem and return Bhava-Agra to its normal place high in the sky. I sincerely apologize for the trouble it has caused you."
> "If that is all you desired to know, then I must continue my duties. I wish you well, Lady Kazami, and I also do wish that we were not about to drift into your territory. Believe me when I say that Bhava-Agra would be back where it normally is if its citizens had any say in the matter."
>Continue onward to our room
>"Surprisingly fine, actually. She asked why the island was moving towards her fields, I explained that they always drift across the sky, and that we were working to set them back in their proper places. She seemed satisfied enough with this, thankfully."
> Enter our room and gesture to Tenshi to follow us.
> How much experience do we have combing out long hair?
> Close the door/screen/whatever behind us.
> "Okay, let me get a good look at you, so I can see what needs to be dealt with."
> Direct Tenshi to a standing spot several feet away from us and look her up and down. What else is amiss, aside from the hair and the split lip?
> Is our washroom suited for use by another person?
> If so, are there any personal things we would want to remove from it first, for privacy reasons?
> Nod with a half-frown.
> "Okay. How's this for a floating plan. I'll go out and flag down someone that can tell me the availability status of those capable of treating the wounded, so they can take a look at your abrasions and split lip. You give yourself a quick wash and change your clothes afterward. Once you're changed, I'll comb out your hair so it looks nice again, and then we'll find someone to fancy up your injuries, as minor as they mostly appear to be."
> "Well, all right, if you insist. Would you like me to fetch you a spare set of clothes instead, then?"
> "All right. Use my washroom to clean yourself up, but please make sure it is tidy when you finish. I presume I can find a spare change of clothes for you in your guest room?"
> Will our room be safe to re-enter once Tenshi has begun the cleaning process, or is the washroom visible from parts of the rest of our suite?
> "Understood. I will be back momentarily, unless inspiration strikes."
> Head on out to Tenshi's guest room and look for her trunk.
> Where would we go about procuring some lunch?
> Take the clean but wrinkled dress. Fold it up so it at least looks presentable as a change of clothes instead of just a wad of fabric.
> Hope Tenshi didn't also expect us to find her new undergarments.
> Return to our room and place the clean dress on the floor next to the washroom door.
> Place the dress outside the washroom door.
> "Your dress is right outside the door. I'm going to see if I can get us a little bit of food, okay?"
> Wander off toward the kitchen.
> Yuki? Is Mai helping her out?
>Approach Yuki
>"Good day, Yuki. How've things been since we last spoke?"
>"Can't take the normal fare?"
>How do we usually go about getting meals, on a normal day? Are there typically served on a regular schedule?
>Do we know if there's any particular reason rice is held in this regard, given that it seems to be regular fare elsewhere?
>"Ah, I see. And I can't imagine conditions around the islands have made the work any easier. Although it is good to see that a lot of the most visible damage has been taken care of."
>"I don't mean to impose on you when you're clearly already so busy, but would it be possible for Tenshi and myself to get something to eat? We've alighted here only briefly before we'll be returning to Gensokyo to continue dealing with the island's predicament."
>Smile
>"Thank you. While I'm here, are there any issues you think I might be able to help address? Or are things largely in hand, aside from the workload? At least as well as can be expected, given the circumstances."
>"I am glad to hear it. It lifts my spirit to see how well everyone has been managing to pull through this, despite the shock and the damage it's caused. Thank you for your hard work, Yuki. May things continue to grow smoother by the day."
>Return to our room
>Have a little closer look. Does she definitely seem to be asleep?
>If so, let her have a little rest, and sit down and wait for lunch to arrive
>Quietly enough that it probably wouldn't wake her if she were actually asleep: "Tenshi? Are you awake?"
>Did it sound like a not-quite-awake mumble?
>If so, give her a moment to see if she gives sign that we've woken her, or she says anything else
>If she doesn't, let her have a little rest, and sit down and wait for lunch to arrive
> Either way, quietly walk over to her and take a look at her face to see if her lip looks any better.
> Is there any room on the bed to lie down next to her, or is she taking up too much space?
> Maintain the soft voice, but don't make it so soft that it's super quiet.
> "Lunch is on the way."
> Gently have a seat on the bed next to her. Try not to just flop down on it so that it disturbs her.
> Take a look at her hair, as squished as it might be against the bed. What are we looking at for work to pretty it back up?
> Give a small frown.
> Run our fingers through a little bit of her hair (moving ourselves closer to her head as necessary), in an effort to at least straighten it a little bit and prepare it for a proper combing.
> "Assessing the damage, and preparing it for proper fixing."
> Is her hair splayed across the bed from lying down on the back of her head, or is it still relatively organized?
> "Oh, you took care of it already?"
> "Oh... I was hoping you would let me do it..."
> "Well, even after all the bureaucracy, behind the titles and the duties, the expectations, the self-applied rogue label, we're still just a couple of girls, aren't we?"
> "But more important than that, is that I would like us to get to a point where we can have physical contact without you being confused about or skeptical of my intentions."
> Nod.
> "I suppose that's understandable. Just remember that I wouldn't do what I do with you without feeling I had a good reason."
> Have we ever tried to grow our own hair out long?
> "The one I just described, pretty much. I've been thinking about what you've said a few times as well, about how what you do and what I do basically makes it my job to get in your way. And that may be true, to a degree. I obviously can't play favorites with you when it comes to official celestial business, that would end up bad for both of us. But even though there are going to be times where we have to be the Dragon Palace Messenger and the Rogue Eldest Daughter, that doesn't mean there can't be times where we're simply Iku and Tenshi."
> "Of course not. I try to be true to myself at all times as well. But I wasn't asking either of us to change who we are. I am simply stating that, even though there are going to be times where who we are will clash, there can still be times where who we are can work together in a friendly capacity. Like sharing a meal, or doing each other's hair, or even something as simple yet intimate as a hug. Things like that."
> "I admit it's a bit hard to explain. I'm not saying that Tenshi Hinanai and the Rogue Eldest Daughter are two different people. I'm saying that they're two aspects of the same person. They're both who you are, they just carry slightly different connotations. The Rogue Eldest Daughter and the Dragon Palace Messenger may find themselves in each other's way, but Tenshi Hinanai and Iku Nagae can share a delicious lunch together, or work together to restore zombified Gensokyo natives to their former selves, reuniting friends in a happy celebration. They're both yourself and myself, just in different situations. The parts of us that clash don't have to define us. I would even say that they shouldn't define us. I would much rather we be defined by the parts of us that do work together, that can embrace each other. The parts of us that clash will come as they may; they will simply serve to make the moments where we can embrace each other all the sweeter, knowing that we can enjoy each other's company despite our differences."
> Check over to the head of our bed. How many pillows do we have?
> Did we use a pillow when we slept in Tenshi's futon last night?
> Get up off the bed and go grab the pillow we used last night.
> "Of course, perhaps there are ways where we can indulge both of our desires."
> Put it on the bed next to Tenshi, then go over and grab the pillow at the head of the bed.
> "My desire for a friendly relationship, and your desire for combat."
> Pick up the futon pillow, then.
> Are Tenshi's eyes open? If so, where is she looking?
> "I'm saying that even friends fight from time to time, and sometimes it's not even because they're angry at each other."
> ...Nah, maybe we shouldn't start a pillow fight. Tenshi at rest is a sufficiently uncommon thing, and she probably needs it after that fight.
> "...Yeah, like them."
> Is there enough room on the bed to lie down beside her?
> Sit down on the bed next to her.
> "How are you feeling, anyway? I can't imagine lugging Nitori around after fighting with the gate guard has you feeling very fresh."
> Take a look at Tenshi's face again.
> Let's be honest with ourselves: what do we think of Tenshi right now?
> Gently place a hand on the closer of Tenshi's two hands, unless her hands are covering her chest.
> How does her hand feel?
> Smile.
> "You've put yourself through a lot for me. This is the least I can do to show my appreciation."
> "...Tenshi, if I may ask...are you simply uncomfortable with physical intimacy in general?"
> "Is it the positional separation thing again?"
> Give a sad frown.
> Take a little bit softer of a tone.
> "...And what about our positional difference makes this weird? I ask because I genuinely want to know."
> Nod.
> "The suddenness, I can understand. Truth be told, just as I seem to have surprised you over the past day and a half, you have also surprised me. Among other things, you have been willing to do whatever I've told you to do, often without question."
> Pause.
> "Not that I'm complaining, of course. On the contrary, I'm quite appreciative. But...I think, perhaps it is another reflection of that positional difference. Perhaps that difference meant we were never even willing to give each other a chance. On one side, there was the selfish, vulgar brat who only did what she wanted and showed no remorse if she hurt others. On the other, there was the suffocating buzzkill authority figure, demanding specific behavior patterns, showing no care for personality or individuality."
> "But then yesterday happened, and look at where we've come and what we've accomplished since, just because we've been willing to give each other a chance. It is admittedly a seemingly sudden thing, but...I think we've both had these feelings in ourselves all the time, and that they've only started to come out in each other's presence because we've let them. You've always been you, and I've always been me. This gets back to the comparison I tried to draw earlier, in considering the Messenger and the Eldest Daughter against Iku and Tenshi. A change in scenery has changed how we treat each other, even though we're being no more or less true to ourselves than we were before."
> "That may be, but it's still a step up from times past in my view. Just as I would guess me asking you to beat up Meiling is a step up from times past in your view."
> "It's like I said at the time. I needed you to function as a distraction for the gatekeeper, even though we both knew very well I could have re-entered the mansion without such a distraction. I also told you we needed addition information on power draining, information that did not pertain to humans or magicians. And then, later, I told you that you needed to make sure Meiling was out of commission, because anyone that happened to sneak into the mansion would also need to be able to sneak out. You seemed to understand at the time what that meant at the time."
> Smile.
> "You were correct. The reason you didn't see her is because she's just that good. In retrospect, it's a minor miracle I ever found her in the first place."
> "Pretty much. I expect she learned a good deal in that meeting. Her tack has changed considerably from even just this morning."
> "Or close enough to it, at least. But I think we're getting a bit sidetracked from the original subject of discussion."
> "Right. It's understandable that you'd have a rational explanation for why you've been doing what has surprised me, because it's not you that's changed. It's the same reason I feel I have rational explanations for why I do the things you find weird. I don't think I've changed either. We're still us, but the situation has been altered to the point that we see each other in lights we'd never experienced before. So it's not a sudden attitude shift so much as a sudden environment shift."
> "I'm still not entirely convinced all of your fellow celestials are out to get you."
> "That would lead me to believe it is a conflict of core moral values, which is truly unfortunate, but hopefully can be worked around with some of the ideas we have produced."
> Smile.
> "That would be wonderful. And I'll definitely put some effort info devising some sort of proper ambassadorial role proposal for you as well, so you could have an official reason to spend plenty of time in Gensokyo."
> "Well, if it comes up among our people, I'm sure you can skirt around the issue of the Scarlet Devil Mansion by pointing it out as a place that once temporarily enslaved many celestials during this disaster, and leave things at that. Though I suppose you could also talk about how you beat the gatekeeper if you liked. If Remilia herself actively seeks you out and gives you trouble, let me know, and if she's still in one piece after meddling in your affairs, I'll be sure to finish the job."
> "Even if nothing else, I do not think The Dragon would consider it an acceptable outcome to concede any islands to Gensokyo."
> "I'm...not sure I understand. You think The Dragon needs to be taught a lesson as well?"
> "Oh, I understand now, sorry. Well, I would still like to find something for you to do that stations you in Gensokyo, because you enjoy spending your time there so much. Maybe 'ambassador' is a bad term - as much as it sounds a lot less fancy or powerful, perhaps 'tour guide' would be a more apt description of what you could do?"
> Has Tenshi ever met The Dragon?
> Is The Dragon willing to meet random celestials?
> "Or something of that ilk, at least. Perhaps something between the two terms. I wish something more readily obvious would come to my mind, but I guess I am too preoccupied to produce something proper."
> "I will try for the time being, I suppose. Anyway, Tenshi, would you like me to remove my hand from yours?"
> "It still is. I would be content to leave it there for a while, were my opinion the only one that mattered. But it is not the only one that matters, which is why I ask."
> Smile.
> "All right, then."
> Curl our fingers so they interlock with hers.
> "I do now, since you seem uncomfortable with it."
> Release Tenshi's hand and bring our hand back to our side.
> "Mmm. I hope that, in time, it will seem less weird to you."
> Nod.
> Wait for lunch to arrive. Perhaps a quick travel around our dance floor is in order while we wait, just to scope out if it has recovered at all from the damage.
> "Mmm. I am glad to see culinary staff's willingness to increase the bread volume from this morning. I hope it means they are confident enough in our food stores that they can distribute this much so readily. Tenshi, what of this would you care for? You have exerted yourself more today than I have."
> Cut the bread in half.
> Give Tenshi half of the bread and half of the sliced peaches. If there are an odd number of sliced peaches, give her the extra.
> Dig in!
> "You know, I must admit I'm curious about something, Tenshi. Do you ever get tired of Bhavagran food?"
>Do we know if there's any particular reason that peaches comprise nearly all of the diet here?
>"Yes, I suppose that no matter one's stance on the quality of the cuisine, one certainly cannot argue against Gensokyo having much greater variety. I gather that's something that matters a great deal to you in general."
>"I can see that they could. I meant variety in the wider sense, though. Certainly, time in Bhava-Agra passes with more undisturbed routine than Gensokyo. ...at least, most of the time."
>Nod
>"It does seem to get more than its fair share of events. I'm just glad it isn't quite this exciting all the time. I don't know how many days like yesterday I could manage."
>Finish up lunch
>"Well, that hit the spot. It's nice to actually have proper meals again today."
>Is Tenshi done as well?