Let Your Fists Do The Talking! Akyu Quest Continued!

[Hello Purvis]

>"Well, she had kinda gotten beat up twice by those other two... I really had to go out of my way to keep her from trying to tie me up with webs and do heaven knows what. If you could stop and apologize on the way out, she would probably appreciate it. Poor thing was practically in tears."

[Fightest]

>"Well, she had kinda gotten beat up twice by those other two... I really had to go out of my way to keep her from trying to tie me up with webs and do heaven knows what. If you could stop and apologize on the way out, she would probably appreciate it. Poor thing was practically in tears."

> "Aw heck, now I feel real bad about that. Yeah, we'll make a stop."
> You cross the main cavern with no incident - you're too high up to make out any detail of the Ancient City, but you see some movement here or there that suggests some of the Oni might have come around.
> Marisa sets down around the place you met Yamame.
> Yamame's nowhere to be seen.

[Hello Purvis]

>Look around. Are there signs that anything troublesome has happened?
>"Yamame, are you here? It's me, I was hoping to talk to you. There's nothing t worry about, I assure you."

[Mr_Bob]

>Don the Goggles.

[Fightest]

>Don the Goggles.

>Look around. Are there signs that anything troublesome has happened?
>"Yamame, are you here? It's me, I was hoping to talk to you. There's nothing t worry about, I assure you."

> The goggles flash up briefly with a status message: IFF calibration complete.
> You hear a skittering somewhere above and behind you that tracks down the side wall and, eventually, you see Yamame peer out from a gap between some stalagmites just ahead of you. The goggle readout outlines her in a bright green, also adding the words Allegiance: Akyu [Hieda Clan].
> "Akyu-friend?"

[Hello Purvis]

>"Hello, again. I hope things have been okay?"
>Once she answers that: "Marisa here has something to say to you."
>See what the goggles tell us about Marisa whilst she talks, presuming Yamame doesn't skitter off at the sight of her.

[Fightest]

>"Hello, again. I hope things have been okay?"
>Once she answers that: "Marisa here has something to say to you."
>See what the goggles tell us about Marisa whilst she talks, presuming Yamame doesn't skitter off at the sight of her.

> "Quiet, quiet, no intruders, wounds healing, spirit healing."
> Marisa nods with an uneasy smile, then steps forward, thrusting her hand out for a handshake. Yamame recoils a little.
> "Sorry for running you over back then! Wasn't really paying attention back there, hope there's no hard feelings!"
> Yamame, if anything, looks bewildered, but returns the handshake.
> "No, no grudge, no grudge, grateful, grateful for apology. Marisa-friend?"
> "Marisa-friend indeed!" Marisa exclaims, and slaps Yamame on the back, sending her sprawling into you. You manage to stop the two of you bowling over.
> The goggles have added a bright green outline to Marisa, and the status Allegiance: Akyu [Hieda Clan].

[Hello Purvis]

>Once Yamame is properly standing: "Out of curiosity, has anyone come through here since I came by?

[Fightest]

>Once Yamame is properly standing: "Out of curiosity, has anyone come through here since I came by?

> "No, none, quiet, quiet as the grave this passage."

[Hello Purvis]

>"That's good to hear. I was afraid someone else might bother you. Do be careful, though, those other two might come out this way later."

[Fightest]

>"That's good to hear. I was afraid someone else might bother you. Do be careful, though, those other two might come out this way later."

> Yamame nods. "Hide well, hide well, never found!"
> Yamame waves you good-bye as you, Utsuho and Marisa get back on the broom and speed off towards the entrance.
> "I'll take a quick stop at Reimu's, she'll probably be worried about me, then we'll be on our way, right?"

[Hello Purvis]

>"I suppose. But maybe it's better we don't let her see Utsuho? Um, she kind of had some strong things to say about youkai on my way through earlier."

[Fightest]

>"I suppose. But maybe it's better we don't let her see Utsuho? Um, she kind of had some strong things to say about youkai on my way through earlier."

> "Oh, right. Yeah, she's a bit of a stick in the mud when it comes to the youkai folk. All right, we'll land outside the shrine, I'll pop in, say hi, and we'll be off. You want to come along?"

[Hello Purvis]

>"I think it would be best if one of us stays with Utsuho, don't you think?"

[Mr_Bob]

>"I think it would be best if one of us stays with Utsuho, don't you think?"

This voice's thoughts exactly. But to miss interacting with the Shrine Maiden? Hmm.
Thinking it may be better to have Utsuho tag along, unless Utsuho is particularly adverse to tagging along.
Explaining to Reimu the Solar Furnace Incident and about the Moriya Shrine's and the Shadow's involvment may interest the Red-White.

[Fightest]

>"I think it would be best if one of us stays with Utsuho, don't you think?"

This voice's thoughts exactly. But to miss interacting with the Shrine Maiden? Hmm.
Thinking it may be better to have Utsuho tag along, unless Utsuho is particularly adverse to tagging along.
Explaining to Reimu the Solar Furnace Incident and about the Moriya Shrine's and the Shadow's involvment may interest the Red-White.

Well, make up your minds. Can't really get a tie-breaker with activity low as it is.

[Hello Purvis]

>shit lets ask the riddler of steel.
>"Do you think that Reimu would be alright with us bringing Utsuho there? I admit, I would kinda like to hear what she has to say about things in general..."

[Kasu]

I think we should opt for bringing Utsuho with us, if only so we can keep an eye on her in her 'condition'.

[Mr_Bob]

Well, make up your minds. Can't really get a tie-breaker with activity low as it is.

Reimu would more than likely be displeased, but to outright attack, probably not. Plus it isn't like Utsuho is some invalid, although in Red-White's she is definately an un-person. Doubtful if Reimu would speak to Utsuho with how polarized she is against youkai right now.

[Fightest]

>shit lets ask the riddler of steel.
>"Do you think that Reimu would be alright with us bringing Utsuho there? I admit, I would kinda like to hear what she has to say about things in general..."

> "Oh, I'm sure she'll be fine. Might get a bit cranky, but she's a big girl, she'll get over it."

I think we should opt for bringing Utsuho with us, if only so we can keep an eye on her in her 'condition'.

Reimu would more than likely be displeased, but to outright attack, probably not. Plus it isn't like Utsuho is some invalid, although in Red-White's she is definately an un-person. Doubtful if Reimu would speak to Utsuho with how polarized she is against youkai right now.

Consensus!

> "All right! Easier for everyone!"
> Marisa makes a sharp turn and, suddenly, you're out in bright sunlight as you shoot out of the cave. The cool breeze feels wonderful after the cloying atmosphere of the caverns.
> You hear Utsuho make a quiet gasp - the only sound she's made this whole journey so far - as she takes her first look at the noonday sun, and stares at it without flinching. She looks elated.
> "The real deal, kid! It's quite a thing to look up to!" Marisa shouts over her shoulder.

> A minute or so later the Hakurei Shrine comes into view and, with deft maneuvering, Marisa lands the broom in the centre of the courtyard.
> A cold voice comes from a side hut. "What company. I doubt you are here to place offerings and pray at the shrine."
> You see Reimu come out of the hut, carrying a large barrel in her arms. She's not even looking in your direction.
> She pauses for a moment, puts down the barrel, then looks at Marisa. "Kirisame."
> Marisa returns the cold stare. "Hakurei."
> The two stare at each other for a few very uncomfortable seconds.
> They then burst out laughing.
> After a while Reimu, grinning widely, wipes a tear from her eye, and turns to you. "Ah, the Hieda girl. You're fine as well. I am grateful to you for finding my headstrong friend."
> "Hah, you were totally worried about me!" Marisa says, still giggling.
> "You will close that mouth of yours, Marisa, lest it find itself filled with something unpleasant. Now..."
> Reimu's mirth completely vanishes.
> "Why have you brought that thing here?"

[Hello Purvis]

>You know what? We've been through too much shit today to deal with this kind of sass.
>"Thing? You mean the broom? We rode on it, of course. It's really quite handy."

[Fightest]

>You know what? We've been through too much shit today to deal with this kind of sass.
>"Thing? You mean the broom? We rode on it, of course. It's really quite handy."

> "The broom is at least worthy of respect in that it knows its place."
> Reimu gives Utsuho an utterly withering glance. Utsuho shies back.
> "That said, judging by its injuries, you certainly took the effort to teach it its place. Well done, its spirit is quite broken."
> Marisa finishes her giggling and, a huge grin still on her face, slaps Reimu on the back.
> "Hey now, don't get your knickers in a bunch. Kid's with me, going to keep her somewhere quiet so nobody bothers her. Akyu here actually helped her out!"
> Reimu narrows her eyes at you. "Indeed?"

[Hello Purvis]

>"I did. Though without Marisa, I doubt thing would have gone as well as they had."
>What sort of knowledge do we have of Reimu's activities as a shrine maiden. In particularly, do we know if she's good at or diligent with the parts of the task that aren't keeping youkai under control? If she's going to keep this up...

[Fightest]

>"I did. Though without Marisa, I doubt thing would have gone as well as they had."
>What sort of knowledge do we have of Reimu's activities as a shrine maiden. In particularly, do we know if she's good at or diligent with the parts of the task that aren't keeping youkai under control? If she's going to keep this up...

> "And what would those things be, that would not have gone well?"
> The Hakurei Shrine maiden's tasks are not particularly numerous: keeping the Shrine in good condition - and it is in very good condition indeed - and ensuring the integrity of the Great Barrier by any means deemed necessary. Whilst goodwill to all and tolerance are somewhat expected of the function, they are not mandatory.

[Hello Purvis]

>You know what? Way too long of a day to put up with this.
>"I don't know, but since we're talking about 'things' knowing their place, why weren't you there to find out? That's supposed to be your job, isn't it? As well, could you tell me the name of the deity enshrined here? I seem to have misplaced it."

[Fightest]

>"I don't know, but since we're talking about 'things' knowing their place, why weren't you there to find out? That's supposed to be your job, isn't it? As well, could you tell me the name of the deity enshrined here? I seem to have misplaced it."

> "I did not deem it necessary - whatever was happening down there would not pose a danger to the Barrier, and it is not my duty nor my interest to keep track of every minor squabble the youkai might get into. It is a rare event indeed when things do not take care of themselves."
> Your second comment gets a bit of a reaction from her - her expression darkens, her eye narrow to slits.
> "Oh? The great keeper of all Gensokyo's history, whose memory is second to none in the entire land, who is so high and mighty that she can tell me how to do my job, cannot remember something? And how would you then expect a humble shrine maiden as myself to accomplish a task that even you cannot?"
> Marisa, still grinning, puts a hand on both your and Reimu's shoulder.
> "Hey now, it's hotter here than in the reactor cavern! Let's all calm down, Reimu, get us some of those rice cakes you had left over and wrap 'em up, Akyu, you get Utsuho settled, and we'll be on our way."
> "...Fine." Reimu turns around and starts to head off, then pauses.
> "No prune filling, right? Hieda, do you have any preferences? ...Does the youkai?"

[Hello Purvis]

>Let it drop for now, though there's another opening with the veiled insult to Utsuho. But later.
>Does Utsuho look coherent enough to eat and express preferences? If so, ask her, "What would you like?"
>Afterward, "I'll have whatever is there, I'm too tired to be picky about it."

[Fightest]

>Does Utsuho look coherent enough to eat and express preferences? If so, ask her, "What would you like?"
>Afterward, "I'll have whatever is there, I'm too tired to be picky about it."

> "R-Red bean..."
> Reimu nods, then heads off to a small building to the side of the courtyard and disappears inside.
> "Sh-She isn't very nice," Utsuho stammers.
> "Oh, she's not that bad," Marisa says.

[Hello Purvis]

>"No, Utsuho is quite right. She has no reason to treat people that way, and no reason to think of youkai in such a manner. And I'm through pretending I have to put up with it. I don't care how much she's been through; I've been through a lot myself and you don't see me doing that."

[Fightest]

>"No, Utsuho is quite right. She has no reason to treat people that way, and no reason to think of youkai in such a manner. And I'm through pretending I have to put up with it. I don't care how much she's been through; I've been through a lot myself and you don't see me doing that."

> "Oh, she's always been like that. It's no big deal, it's not like she gives anyone trouble unless they're asking for it."