[COMPLETE] Rumia Quest VI; Cont: Reaching for the Sky

[Darkoda]

>"Though maybe she really did build herself an older body..."

[Raikaria]

>"Robots don't grow up, though. Besides, I saw her earlier today. Nobody actually grows up that quickly. Which I why I thought 'older sister'."

> "Oh." Yoshika says.

>"Though maybe she really did build herself an older body..."

> "She'd have to have built it pretty fast. Also, I don't get how she gets into those robots anyway." Renko says.

> The figure flies past the shrine that has come into view.

> "We have arrived at our destination!" Yoshika says happily.

> The shrine is not that large, but there is a small lake at the back, with pillars in and around it.

> More interestingly, you can see three beings outside the shrine, seemingly looking at the skies, until you arrive. One of them you're seen before, you'd recognize that hat anywhere.



> The being in red, with blue hair, gives off a feeling of superiority. However, the strangest thing about the group is they almost feel like a family, despite being a miko and two gods, from what you've been told beforehand.

> Seiga lands the discs at the foot of the shrine.

> "This is as far as me and Yoshika go. I'm sure you can walk up some stairs." Seiga says.

[Hanzo K.]

>Hop off, stretch our legs, that stuff. Gotta get back in order after all. "Yes, even we can handle that much."
>...Despite being dead, Yoshika's hat is kinda like a cab driver's, isn't it? She must enjoy this sort of thing.
>"Hey Renko, I recognize that hat one of them was wearing from one of the dreams. Let's head up to see them!"
>Let's head on up with Renko!

[Raikaria]

>Hop off, stretch our legs, that stuff. Gotta get back in order after all. "Yes, even we can handle that much."
>...Despite being dead, Yoshika's hat is kinda like a cab driver's, isn't it? She must enjoy this sort of thing.
>"Hey Renko, I recognize that hat one of them was wearing from one of the dreams. Let's head up to see them!"
>Let's head on up with Renko!

> "Good, considering you were perfectly fine walking to Myouren Temple." Seiga says.

> Yoshika certainly looks happy.

> "Didn't we see her at the lake too earlier?" Renko says.

> You and Renko head up the the shrine, and the miko walks down.

> "Hello. Welcome to the Moriya Shrine." she says, with a small bow.

[Hanzo K.]

>Bow slightly. Have to be polite! "I heard that the Miko here was also from the Outside World. That must be you right? I'm Maribel, Maribel Han. And this person here with the nice hat is my friend Renko Usami. We just arrived today ourselves."

[Raikaria]

>Bow slightly. Have to be polite! "I heard that the Miko here was also from the Outside World. That must be you right? I'm Maribel, Maribel Han. And this person here with the nice hat is my friend Renko Usami. We just arrived today ourselves."

> The miko's eyes light up.

> "Really? You're new from the outside world? I came through a few years ago!" she says.

> She pauses, and thinks.

> "Well, I'm Sanae, Sanae Kochiya." the miko says. "Those two there are Kanako Yasaka, the Goddess of the Sky, and Suwako Moriya, Goddess of the Earth."

> Suwako hops down, like a frog would hop.

> "You two again? Interesting." Suwako says.

> "Wait, you've already met them Lady Suwako?" Sanae asks.

> "They were at the lake while I was resting there after fixing the damage Titania caused." Suwako explains. "I hopped over and said hi."

[Hanzo K.]

>Timeframes might be different for her though. "Yeah, that was shortly after we'd first arrived here. We were planning on having a picnic there, since Rumia told us we'd be safer there."
>Beat.
>"Ah, I have a question though. What was the most recent installment of that one long-running RPG series that you know of? Wasn't it in the 20's?"

[Raikaria]

>Timeframes might be different for her though. "Yeah, that was shortly after we'd first arrived here. We were planning on having a picnic there, since Rumia told us we'd be safer there."
>Beat.
>"Ah, I have a question though. What was the most recent installment of that one long-running RPG series that you know of? Wasn't it in the 20's?"

> "Huh? Why does that matter?" Sanae asks. "Uh... XII. I think. There hadn't been one except spinoffs for years."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "Like I thought, Seems that either time moves differently, or you're just behind a while. One of the two. They've made quite a bit more since you left."

[Raikaria]

>Nod. "Like I thought, Seems that either time moves differently, or you're just behind a while. One of the two. They've made quite a bit more since you left."

> "Well, I've been here for a few years already. Maybe it was just while I was gone or something." Sanae says.

> "Anyway, what brings you two here?" she asks.

[Hanzo K.]

>"Well, for one, we were told this was one of the safest places to escape the Shades. And for two, the three of us are from the Outside World."

[Raikaria]

>"Well, for one, we were told this was one of the safest places to escape the Shades. And for two, the three of us are from the Outside World."

> "Yeah, this place is pretty safe. There's three... or two and a half, depending on how you see it, gods here." Suwako says.

> "Well, I can tell you one of the things I learnt to adapt to life in Gensokyo. You cannot worry about common sense here, it doesn't apply." Sanae says.

> The larger woman in red, with the impressive ribbon thing on her back, floats down the stairs, casually.

> "What I am more curious is why the hermit has taken an interest in these two." she says. You presume she is the Kanako Sanae mentioned, seeing as you've already met Suwako.

[Hanzo K.]

>"...It's probably because of how we got here. I opened a Boundary to cross it, but now we're stuck here until I can get better at it to cross back over."
>To demonstrate, let's open a gap to a point in the sky overhead.

[Raikaria]

>"...It's probably because of how we got here. I opened a Boundary to cross it, but now we're stuck here until I can get better at it to cross back over."
>To demonstrate, let's open a gap to a point in the sky overhead.

> The trio look at each other, before Kanako speaks.

> "So, it happened earlier than we expected after the news broke. The descendant of Yukari."

> "I wonder if this is linked to the shades." Suwako says.

> "I don't know. We've not been in Gensokyo long enough to know about the history of this 'Enkura' person, or event, in the past." Kanako says.

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>"The Shades are appearing because she died, right? Isn't that why this seal is weakening?"

[Raikaria]

>"The Shades are appearing because she died, right? Isn't that why this seal is weakening?"

> "Seal?" Kanako asks.

> "This is embarrassing, the newcomers know more than we do." Sanae says.

[Hanzo K.]

>"We don't know much more really, aside from that this person is a Celestial, and that he or she was sealed away with her help."

[Raikaria]

>"We don't know much more really, aside from that this person is a Celestial, and that he or she was sealed away with her help."

> "Well, we're pretty powerless to interfere in the matter, unfortunately, unless we can get Sanae into Bahva-Agra." Kanako says.

> "However, I think it's a good idea for you to stay here. We saw Rumia heading off deeper into the mountain range about an hour ago, and, knowing her, she'll stop by on her way back." Suwako says.

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "We were planning on doing just that. I think Keine was talking like there was a way there though."

[Raikaria]

>Nod. "We were planning on doing just that. I think Keine was talking like there was a way there though."

> "There are ways there, and I presume that's what Rumia is looking for now..." Kanako says.

> "Come inside, it's getting dark, and it gets pretty cold on the mountainside at night." Sanae says.

===

> You are now Rumia again, and you are at the Nyuudou's mountain, where Kanakuma resides. You are looking for Suika Ibuki, who apparently collected a medicine from Eirin earlier, so, it is safe to assume she would be here.

> What also fuels this possibility is the fact you can see Yuugi pretty much at the peak of the mountain, drinking.

[Hanzo K.]

>Fly on up to her. "I knew I'd find you guys here. I take it Suika's inside with Kanakuma? I hear she reached the same conclusion as I did, that Doc Eirin'd have what's needed to fix things up."

[Raikaria]

>Fly on up to her. "I knew I'd find you guys here. I take it Suika's inside with Kanakuma? I hear she reached the same conclusion as I did, that Doc Eirin'd have what's needed to fix things up."

> "It's not a fix. It's something that'll lessen the symptoms. There is no cure for this genetic illness." Yuugi says simply.

> "Yeah Sukia's in the cave." Yuugi says, before adding, "If you value your life I wouldn't interfere in what's going on in there, however."

> The whole mountain quakes.

> "There are three beings in there." Yuugi says. "We were followed."

[Hanzo K.]

>Raise an eyebrow. "By who?"
>Pause. "Wait, was it a creature that looked like it was made of shadows? Because if it was, then I've probably got the only currently-at-hand way to properly put an end to it."

[Raikaria]

>Raise an eyebrow. "By who?"

> Sukia blasts through the mountain, and crashes near you, picking herself up, dazed, and taking a drink from her gourd.

> "Do you see any Nyuudou? No. It's because they have all fled, when they saw her. They knew this is the end of their mountain." Yuugi says.

> A hand, almost like a shadow, grips the hole, before a figure pulls herself up.


Kasen Ibaraki
Traitor of the Mountain

> "I'll KILL YOU!" Sukia roars, before she punches the air, and it almost seems to shatter, sending a shockwave to Kasen, who evades it.

> "All you've been doing these years is drinking. Unlike you, I've been training, for the day when you returned, and I'd have to force you away. All three of you." Kasen says.

> Kasen's usually bandaged arm is unbandanged, revealing what looks like a spectral, black arm of mist.

> "Sukia's power is useless against Kasen's. She cannot effect the density of something that is immaterial." Yuugi says. "But I can't interfere, it's a duel between two oni."

[Hanzo K.]

>That mist....It's like the shades almost, isn't it?
>Sigh. "I had a feeling something like this was going to happen...We can't afford to be doing this either, not when Enkura's becoming unsealed...!"

[Raikaria]

>That mist....It's like the shades almost, isn't it?
>Sigh. "I had a feeling something like this was going to happen...We can't afford to be doing this either, not when Enkura's becoming unsealed...!"

> While it looks the same, it feels completely different. The shades feel evil, just from being around, however, Kasen's arm... feels like... nothing. It feels like there is nothing there. No energy, nothing, it's movement makes no sound.

> "You don't know what Kasen just did... do you?" Sukia says, before she indicates to Kasen's material arm.

> It's stained with blood. The blood is darker than that of humans and youkai.

> Yuugi looks, and stands up.

> "Who cares about tradition at a time like this. She clearly didn't, if she struck Kanakuma like that while you were fighting." Yuugi says, before she does something you've never seen.

> She puts her sake down.

[Hanzo K.]

>Does that mean that...?! "Tch...You guys are idiots! All of you! Fighting like this when Gensokyo's in danger!"
>Let's make for the cavern!

[Raikaria]

>Does that mean that...?! "Tch...You guys are idiots! All of you! Fighting like this when Gensokyo's in danger!"
>Let's make for the cavern!

> "Blame her for tailing us." Sukia says. "Besides, since when was it the Oni's job to protect this place? Ain't been since she betrayed us."

> You fly into the cavern. You see Kanakuma lying there, a crater in her gut.

> "Tch... if Sukia hadn't increased my density, that would have killed me." she groans, getting up. "When did Kasen get so strong anyway..."

> She then notices you.

> "Let's get out of the mountain before those three crumble it. Trust me, they will."

> On que, the mountain shakes, and some small chunks of the cave roof fall.

> "After we get out, get me Sukia's gourd and Yuugi's dish. I kinda need them." she adds.

[Hanzo K.]

>Let's help her on out then. "You got it buddy. But about how Kasen got so strong, I'm pretty sure that's because she's been preparing for the day you guys would end up fighting..."
>Sigh. "...I just don't get it. Why do they have to be so stuck on things. It's not like their lives got worse did it? I mean, Suika's got a bunch more friends, Yuugi's got a cushy job as a guard and general peace-keeper, the Tengu and Kappa are probably doing even better on their own two feet than they ever did in the past. The Oni underground are livin' it up the same as they always have in the past. And Kasen meant well with her little thing, people just reacted badly to it."
>"Heck, Tenma's pretty strong for an old man. He's making damn sure that the Mountain's running proper. He's one of Gensokyo's Big Five after all, right up there with Yuuka, Remi, Byakuren, and me....Yukari used to be but..."
>While we're saying all this, let's go grab Yuugi's Dish before some lummox breaks it.
>And for that matter, sling out a dark chain to reel in Suika's Gourd and pour some of it into the dish before letting it reel back to Suika and we pass the dish off to Kanakuma.

[Raikaria]

>Let's help her on out then. "You got it buddy. But about how Kasen got so strong, I'm pretty sure that's because she's been preparing for the day you guys would end up fighting..."
>Sigh. "...I just don't get it. Why do they have to be so stuck on things. It's not like their lives got worse did it? I mean, Suika's got a bunch more friends, Yuugi's got a cushy job as a guard and general peace-keeper, the Tengu and Kappa are probably doing even better on their own two feet than they ever did in the past. The Oni underground are livin' it up the same as they always have in the past. And Kasen meant well with her little thing, people just reacted badly to it."
>"Heck, Tenma's pretty strong for an old man. He's making damn sure that the Mountain's running proper. He's one of Gensokyo's Big Five after all, right up there with Yuuka, Remi, Byakuren, and me....Yukari used to be but..."
>While we're saying all this, let's go grab Yuugi's Dish before some lummox breaks it.
>And for that matter, sling out a chain to reel in Suika's Gourd and pour some of it into the dish before letting it reel back to Suika and we pass the dish off to Kanakuma.

> "We're Oni. There are things that, as a species, we cannot tolerate. It's in our blood, our genetics. What Kasen has done, is one of them. Besides... Yuugi and Sukia are also fighting because of the pain she caused me these last years... and she struck first." Kanakuma explains, when you get her onto the next mountain.

> "I know Tenma is strong, he used to spar with us. We still all lost our homes, however."

> "What do you mean, Yukari used to be... oh this isn't the time." Kanakuma says.

> You fly over and pick up Yuugi's disk. Sukia notices, and sends a Mini-Sukia, carrying her gourd to you. The mountain they are fighting on no longer has a pointed peak, it's a plateau now.

> You take the two items back to Kanakuma, who is holding a small, ornate pot.

> "My Oni treasure grants additional properties to sake poured into it, and sealed inside. Sukia's gourd provides the sake, then it enters my pot. Then, Yugi's dish amplifies every aspect of it. With these three items, I should be able to heal myself, and strengthen myself enough so that even with my current health, I can fight." Kanakuma says. "It's like a strengthening potion. That and I've not had a drink in years, so my strength is flagging. I'm not Kasen."

> The oni pours sake from the gourd into the pot, and puts the lid on, before shaking it, and leaving it for ten seconds. She then empties the pot into the disk, and drinks from it swiftly.

> The wound in her gut heals, and it looks like she filled out a little, having looked somewhat emicated before. She dosen't look wasted away now, in fact, she looks pretty frightening to behold, with her long nails, three horns, and look on her face.

> Kasen gets sent flying next to you two, after Yuugi lands a punch, bolstered by Sukia's density manipulation to make it hit even harder. The oni pulls herself out of the crater.

> "Are you ready to see why I was the leader of the oni in the past, Rumia?" Kanakuma asks. "Just because my greatest asset is my intellect, doesn't mean I lack in the other two areas. This will be the first time anyone who is not an Oni has seen me fight seriously. Burn it into your mind, the glory of the Oni!"