Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 2, part 3

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>It's possible that a demon could be controlling her indirectly, though, is it not? By threatening her or something she cares about, or something of that sort?

[Oldmansour]

>"I've asked the Purpose, and it doesn't really know anything that could address the situation. It suggests she might desire our power, but I feel that is just a guess."

>Lily seems disappointed. "Well, it was worth a shot."

>It's possible that a demon could be controlling her indirectly, though, is it not? By threatening her or something she cares about, or something of that sort?

>It is possible, yes. They have done so before.

[Hanzo K.]

>"Now, and this is something the Purpose and I have considered, A demon might be controlling her indirectly, by threatening something important to her. Like a family member, or someone she in a relationship with."

[Hello Purvis]

>"Or some knowing or unknowing agent of a demon, who or possibly just something more mundane... The possibilities grow rather vast when you consider things being a step removed."

[Oldmansour]

>"Now, and this is something the Purpose and I have considered, A demon might be controlling her indirectly, by threatening something important to her. Like a family member, or someone she in a relationship with."

>"Or some knowing or unknowing agent of a demon, who or possibly just something more mundane... The possibilities grow rather vast when you consider things being a step removed."

>"Possibly..." Kiku says thoughtfully. "I do know that she only has one living relative; her sister, Koishi. As far as I know, that's the only person she's really close to outside the temple. At least... I THINK she is." she adds as an afterthought.

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod thoughtfully. "Then there's our next course of action after keeping Satori from being involved, finding out if Koishi is in any sort of danger."
>Ponder on what possible dessert we could potentially enjoy if we have the room. A girl needs her sweets after an arduous day after all.

[Hello Purvis]

>"Or, do you think that Koishi might be able to tell us something?"

[Oldmansour]

>Nod thoughtfully. "Then there's our next course of action after keeping Satori from being involved, finding out if Koishi is in any sort of danger."
>Ponder on what possible dessert we could potentially enjoy if we have the room. A girl needs her sweets after an arduous day after all.

>"If we can. It's possible that Koishi may not even be aware of anything amiss." Kiku cautions.
>Lily nods, then swallows again before speaking. "She wasn't acting out of normal at the CRA."
>You consider your options for dessert, which is a very appetizing thought. Especially since you're out of soup. Pity, that. Even with a steak coming, you think you could almost go for another bowl.
>There is a small menu next to the condiments that features the dessert offerings.

>"Or, do you think that Koishi might be able to tell us something?"

>"I don't know one way or the other. All I know is, if the demons were to try and get to Satori though someone else, Koishi would be my first guess as to who they'd use."

[Hanzo K.]

>Let's peruse the Dessert Menu while we're at it then.
>"Well, that solves that matter then. I surmise it could could well be another Champion behind it, if that is indeed the case. Given earlier events that is. But the golden question then is; 'Which one?'"
>"We can rule out Water, as he has already been dealt with, so that leaves roughly five or so. Water mentioned the Forest Champion as the strongest of them all, so we should keep a close eye out for that one in particular, as we may well require more than just we three to best it."
>Look to Lily. "And on a different matter entirely, what dessert would you recommend? A girl does need a nice dessert after a trying day like today after all."

[Oldmansour]

>Let's peruse the Dessert Menu while we're at it then.

>Lily passes you the small plastic-sheathed bit of paper, and you give it a glance. Items of interest include:
>Apple pie with fresh ice cream
>Cherry cheesecake
>Mille-feuille, topped with icing or chocolate
>'Eagleland' sized cupcake, with four different types of frosting available
>Double chocolate chocolate cake
>Blintz

>"Well, that solves that matter then. I surmise it could could well be another Champion behind it, if that is indeed the case. Given earlier events that is. But the golden question then is; 'Which one?'"
>"We can rule out Water, as he has already been dealt with, so that leaves roughly five or so. Water mentioned the Forest Champion as the strongest of them all, so we should keep a close eye out for that one in particular, as we may well require more than just we three to best it."

>"Water mentioned "Air was a fool", or words to that intent." says Kiku. "Air may be the Champion that made the first youma, the one we fought at Ran's. Would the Purpose be able to confirm how many demons are currently in our world?"

>Look to Lily. "And on a different matter entirely, what dessert would you recommend? A girl does need a nice dessert after a trying day like today after all."

>Lily answers you with a smile. "My fav's the apple pie."

[Hanzo K.]

>Idly toy with the menu. "If that is the case, then we might even be able to reform some on the spot. As Forest is the strongest, and you generally think of creatures such as wolves and bears when you hear that word, it likely lives by 'The Law of The Jungle'. Which is to say, Might makes Right. Which means we might be able to sway it to our side by besting it by force. I don't entirely like doing that, but it's an entirely possible option. As for Purpose, I can always ask, just give me a short moment."

>Purpose, would you be able to find out how many demons are causing trouble in the world currently?

[Oldmansour]

>Idly toy with the menu. "If that is the case, then we might even be able to reform some on the spot. As Forest is the strongest, and you generally think of creatures such as wolves and bears when you hear that word, it likely lives by 'The Law of The Jungle'. Which is to say, Might makes Right. Which means we might be able to sway it to our side by besting it by force. I don't entirely like doing that, but it's an entirely possible option. As for Purpose, I can always ask, just give me a short moment."

>Purpose, would you be able to find out how many demons are causing trouble in the world currently?

>As we speak, only one demon currently remains at large on this side of the boundary between worlds. There were two, but you have placed one outside of this world and its own.

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. Thank you, you are always helpful.
>"According to Purpose, there were originally two, but we saw to one of them being removed from this world and it's own. Which means only one is active in our world currently. But the big question now is which one. If it is indeed Air, as you might suspect, then we might not have much to fear. But if the active one is Forest..."

[Oldmansour]

>Nod. Thank you, you are always helpful.
>"According to Purpose, there were originally two, but we saw to one of them being removed from this world and it's own. Which means only one is active in our world currently. But the big question now is which one. If it is indeed Air, as you might suspect, then we might not have much to fear. But if the active one is Forest..."

>"I have no shame and take no fear in saying that a confrontation with Forest should be avoided." Kiku says. "If we can. We beat the Water Champion today, but I believe that's only because it underestimated us. It wasn't prepared for the power we three could field. And it was a weaker demon, by its own admission." The shrine maiden nods at you. "It may be as you said. It may take more than just us three to best it. Failing that, we three would need to become much stronger. Preferably both."

[Hello Purvis]

>To the Purpose: Is the other one that one that I saw the first night?
>"Or find a better method that simply fighting physically."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "Given how taxing the last battle was, we should work in increasing the energy we can draw from. Failing that, streamline our techniques so as to put less strain on our bodies."
>Sigh, and drink a little more of that White Russian if we haven't already finished it. Then stare into it thoughtfully. "Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."

[Hello Purvis]

>"Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."

>Don't say this, it's OOC.
>"There may be something for finding other ways to combine our talents. And with luck, we might learn something from observing the champion we have now."

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>Don't say this, it's OOC.

>Do say it. It's probably true, whether we like it or not.

[Oldmansour]

>To the Purpose: Is the other one that one that I saw the first night?

>That is correct.

>"Or find a better method that simply fighting physically."

>"You mean something like keeping the remaining Champions from crossing over into this world?" Kiku asks you.

>Nod. "Given how taxing the last battle was, we should work in increasing the energy we can draw from. Failing that, streamline our techniques so as to put less strain on our bodies."

>"If not both." Kiku suggests. "I would recommend we practice our new powers whenever we get the chance, especially you two. I have had a great deal of experience channeling mystical energies through my body, and I would assume that you have not. Much of the techniques of the temple are private, but if you'd like, I could give you what advice I can."

>Sigh, and drink a little more of that White Russian if we haven't already finished it. Then stare into it thoughtfully. "Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."

>You have another swallow. Hungry though you may be, you know how to handle your drinks.

>"Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."

>Don't say this, it's OOC.

>Do say it. It's probably true, whether we like it or not.

>You consider voicing an opinion that fighting is the only answer when it comes to your enemies. But this really isn't like you, so you don't.

>"There may be something for finding other ways to combine our talents. And with luck, we might learn something from observing the champion we have now."

>"What exactly do you mean, 'observing'?" the metal miko inquires.

[Hello Purvis]

>"We can visit the Champion's prison freely, I imagine we could learn some things by observing him in a situation that isn't so intense as the prior one. Obviously, we won't just be doing this willy nilly, but I think there will be some value in it."

[Oldmansour]

>"We can visit the Champion's prison freely, I imagine we could learn some things by observing him in a situation that isn't so intense as the prior one. Obviously, we won't just be doing this willy nilly, but I think there will be some value in it."

>Kiku grimaces. "Interrogating our prisoner could indeed prove useful, but, I do have a concern. I don't believe we sealed its power, just its presence. It could be every bit as strong as it was on this side in its prison."

[Hanzo K.]

>...We didn't think about that, did we?

[Hello Purvis]

>Nod. "That is definitely a concern. I wouldn't recommend any of us go in alone at this point, or at least unsupported. But if nothing else, we are going to have to check on him at some point."

[Hanzo K.]

>"Preferably when we've all recovered, and he's had some time to stew. I suspect he might be expending effort to corrupt the prison in a gambit to escape, but I designed it so he cannot corrupt it."

[Oldmansour]

>...We didn't think about that, did we?

>Not that she mentions it...

>Nod. "That is definitely a concern. I wouldn't recommend any of us go in alone at this point, or at least unsupported. But if nothing else, we are going to have to check on him at some point."

>"Preferably when we've all recovered, and he's had some time to stew. I suspect he might be expending effort to corrupt the prison in a gambit to escape, but I designed it so he cannot corrupt it."

>Kiku's eyes narrow. "I fail to see why we simply don't leave it where it is, avoid the risk that would come from visiting it. There's nothing indicating the prison will end with our lives. The demon could stay there until time's end, and never threaten us, or this world, again. Or perhaps tended by our heirs, should the need arise."
>"We can't do that." Lily counters. "Dumping it in some pocket world-"
>"Is a far kinder fate than it would have visited upon us." Kiku interrupts.

[Hanzo K.]

>"I modeled the prison after a section of the park. So at the very least, it'll be somewhat comfortable."

[Hello Purvis]

>"Simply abandoning it wouldn't solve the problem. Merely delay it."

[Oldmansour]

>"I modeled the prison after a section of the park. So at the very least, it'll be somewhat comfortable."

>"Simply abandoning it wouldn't solve the problem. Merely delay it."

>"What makes you so sure of that?" Kiku asks you, as Stephanie walks up to your table again, noting your empty soup bowl.
>"Let me take that for you." she offers, hefting the dish.

[Hello Purvis]

>Nod to Stephanie. "Thank you."
>Once she's gone, say, "Because inevitably, it'll find a way out. We may be long gone when that happens, but it will. And this whole affair will resume, because if we just abandon the champion, nothing will change. We need to do more than stop the demons, we need to open their minds."

[Oldmansour]

>Nod to Stephanie. "Thank you."
>Once she's gone, say, "Because inevitably, it'll find a way out. We may be long gone when that happens, but it will. And this whole affair will resume, because if we just abandon the champion, nothing will change. We need to do more than stop the demons, we need to open their minds."

>Once the waitress departs with your bowl, you explain yourself to Kiku.
>"And the water one's a good start." Lily adds. "Besides, Kiku, think about this. If we can win over these champions, even one of 'em, that could mean we'd never have to worry about all the demons that might come after him."
>"IF this is even possible." Kiku counters. "You could well be trying to convince an ocean not to swell."
>At this point, the blonde waitress returns, an amused smile on her face as she addresses you. "The chef would like to know if you'd care for something else while your steak is grilling."