Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Neovereign on March 05, 2018, 10:51:19 PM
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> You are Alice Margatroid, a magician living within the Forest of Magic.
> You've started to look into the matter of your dreams. It's not impossible that it could be the result of someone's magic in Makai, but there are other possibilities you've considered. You've just left the mansion after a fine meal and researching variables and causes for the dreams. You've told Meiling that you've considered returning to Makai...
> There have not been any recent major developments with the Glamor Mushrooms, the only possible one being Yuyuko's increased hunger, so she claims, being possibly the first witnessed negative effect.
>"I'm a magician. I figured out how."
> "Nu uh! We know you used the mushrooms." She points.
>_
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>"But if I did use them, they would have worn out already."
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>"But if I did use them, they would have worn out already."
> "Um, then what did you do?"
>_
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>"I used a spell I had been working on, after trying the mushrooms and deciding I quite liked the results."
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>"I used a spell I had been working on, after trying the mushrooms and deciding I quite liked the results."
> "What's the spell?"
>_
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>Pause and kneel down.
>"Why would you want to know?"
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>Pause and kneel down.
>"Why would you want to know?"
> You kneel.
> "Because I wanna." The fairy speaks.
>_
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>"And what would you do with the knowledge?"
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>"And what would you do with the knowledge?"
> "Stuff! I bet you're lying anyways! Give me your mushrooms."
>_
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>"I don't actually have any to give you."
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>"I don't actually have any to give you."
> "But do you have any at all?"
>_
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>"I have none."
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>"I have none."
> "Aww..." The fairy looks down.
>_
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>"Sorry. I do promise you, though, it's not the mushrooms. I'd demonstrate, but...I do have to be a little mindful, you understand."
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>"Sorry. I do promise you, though, it's not the mushrooms. I'd demonstrate, but...I do have to be a little mindful, you understand."
> "Fine. I'll find more on my own." The fairy resolves.
>_
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>"You should give them to me if you do. I might be able to find a pattern to how they work."
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>"You should give them to me if you do. I might be able to find a pattern to how they work."
> "Nu uh. You're just gonna eat them."
>_
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>"Well, if you want to risk Marisa getting mad at you..."
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>"Well, if you want to risk Marisa getting mad at you..."
> "Why would she get mad at me?"
>_
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>"Because she's working on those mushrooms, too. We're partners, you see. You can go ask her if you like. Though it might be a little risky if she thinks you're taking them."
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>"Because she's working on those mushrooms, too. We're partners, you see. You can go ask her if you like. Though it might be a little risky if she thinks you're taking them."
> "Then I'm just not gonna let her know."
>_
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>"Oh, she already knows that faeries are taking them."
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>"Oh, she already knows that faeries are taking them."
> "T-Then she won't know I'm one of them."
>_
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>"If you're careful and smart, she might not suspect you."
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>"If you're careful and smart, she might not suspect you."
> "I am."
>_
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>"But yes, she'll confirm everything I'm telling you. And she'll be quite upset if you mess with her mushrooms."
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>"But yes, she'll confirm everything I'm telling you. And she'll be quite upset if you mess with her mushrooms."
> "Then she just won't find out!"
>_
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>"There's a flaw in that plan. I could tell her very easily."
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>"There's a flaw in that plan. I could tell her very easily."
> "D-Don't then!"
>_
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>"I'll make a deal with you. Stop taking those mushrooms, and I won't say a word. But if I should happen to find someone's been taking them, well. I know who to blame, and exactly who to directly Marisa toward, don't I?"
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>"I'll make a deal with you. Stop taking those mushrooms, and I won't say a word. But if I should happen to find someone's been taking them, well. I know who to blame, and exactly who to directly Marisa toward, don't I?"
> "You're bluffing! Bluffalo!"
>_
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>"Are you sure you want to risk it? I can tell her quite easily."
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>"Are you sure you want to risk it? I can tell her quite easily."
> "Bluffalo!" The fairy starts to fly away.
>_
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>"Well, let's go to Marisa's house, shall we? Let's see what happens."
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>"Well, let's go to Marisa's house, shall we? Let's see what happens."
> The fairies continues.
>_
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>Continue on our way.
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>Continue on our way.
> You continue back home.
>_
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>Do we arrive?
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>Do we arrive?
> Yes.
>_
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>Does anything seem awry at a glance?
>Presuming not, let's make our way toward where we stayed last night.
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>Does anything seem awry at a glance?
>Presuming not, let's make our way toward where we stayed last night.
> No.
> You head to your previous sleeping area.
>_
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>Survey it from outside. What could we do to make it more comfortable, now that we aren't hopelessly exhausted.
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>Survey it from outside. What could we do to make it more comfortable, now that we aren't hopelessly exhausted.
> You could probably get yourself a few blankets from inside to cover with... It would take too much to make something to rest your head on though.
>_
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>Carefully reach in and open the door.
>"Shanghai, Hourai, would you bring out some blankets, please?"
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>Carefully reach in and open the door.
>"Shanghai, Hourai, would you bring out some blankets, please?"
> You call...
> Neither of the dolls come out...
>_
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>LIsten at the door. Do we hear anything?
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>LIsten at the door. Do we hear anything?
>...
> No.
>_
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>Lean down and peek inside, and see if anything looks awry.
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>Lean down and peek inside, and see if anything looks awry.
> You peek inside...
> It's quiet. There's no activity in.
>_
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>Hmmm.
>Let's have a look through the other windows. Just to make sure we haven't been secretly robbed or something.
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>Hmmm.
>Let's have a look through the other windows. Just to make sure we haven't been secretly robbed or something.
> You check...
> The windows are intact and closed.
>_
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>Do the dolls tend to sleep?
>Let's plot out a good place to reach in and grab some blankets. And a pillow, it is time for research.
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>Do the dolls tend to sleep?
>Let's plot out a good place to reach in and grab some blankets. And a pillow, it is time for research.
> Yes.
> You could probably open a window and reach in in hopes that you don't ruin to much towards you room...
> Who are you kidding, there's no way you can just reach in safely without disturbing a lot, even if you could see perfectly inside...
>_
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>Maybe it we take it slow, and kind of slowly "walk" our fingers through, navigating by touch... At least we should know where everything is.
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>Maybe it we take it slow, and kind of slowly "walk" our fingers through, navigating by touch... At least we should know where everything is.
> Yes, but there may be too much in the way.
>_
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>Nothing for it. Find the window that feels most accessible to linen closet and take stock of things we'll have to get our hand around.
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>Nothing for it. Find the window that feels most accessible to linen closet and take stock of things we'll have to get our hand around.
> You start to look for a window.
> "Hey!" You hear somebody familiar.
>_
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>Look toward the speaker.
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>Look toward the speaker.
> You look over.
> It's Marisa.
>_
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>"Ah! I didn't see you there."
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>"Ah! I didn't see you there."
> "Well I definitely saw you. Anyways, whatcha doin?"
>_
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>"I was about to get myself some things to make a decent bed. What brought you here at this hour?"
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>"I was about to get myself some things to make a decent bed. What brought you here at this hour?"
> "Mostly wondering if you were gonna come back or not."
>_
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>"Wait, what made you think I wasn't going to come back, to the point you came over to check?"
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>"Wait, what made you think I wasn't going to come back, to the point you came over to check?"
> "You left Shanghai and Hourai again, for one..."
>_
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>"Well, yes. I didn't want to drag them along while I visited with Meiling. They'd just end up sitting there bored the whole time."
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>"Well, yes. I didn't want to drag them along while I visited with Meiling. They'd just end up sitting there bored the whole time."
> "Well, they're sorta hanging with me at the moment..."
>_
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>"I figured that, the moment you mentioned them. They weren't worried, were they?"
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>"I figured that, the moment you mentioned them. They weren't worried, were they?"
> "I'll just say they're spending the night at my place, since you're probably sleeping elsewhere again..."
>_
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>"Ah, no. I was just preparing things here."
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>"Ah, no. I was just preparing things here."
> "Preparing things? For sleep?"
>_
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>Nod.
>"Just so. You could actually help out, in fact. Would you go inside and get me a pillow and a blanket?"
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>Nod.
>"Just so. You could actually help out, in fact. Would you go inside and get me a pillow and a blanket?"
> Marisa glances to your house, then you.
> "Juts one of each?"
>_
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>Nod.
>"For now. I might be able to make them work."
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>Nod.
>"For now. I might be able to make them work."
> "Alright..." Marisa disappears into your home.
>_
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>So the dolls ran off, huh.. Ponder that while we wait for her to get back.
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>So the dolls ran off, huh.. Ponder that while we wait for her to get back.
> You ponder what could've made your dolls run off while you were gone on a pseudo date when you told them to stay...
> Perhaps you didn't leave them anything entertaining.
>_
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>Do they not have the wherewithal to entertain themselves?
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>Do they not have the wherewithal to entertain themselves?
> They might. You don't really watch them when you're not around, given, well, you're not around.
>_
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>Perhaps they are less sophisticated than we thought...
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>Perhaps they are less sophisticated than we thought...
> Maybe they're only good at language and tasks you order them. Though speaking of them like that is a bit too ill...
> Marisa returns with a folded blanket and a pillow atop it.
>_
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>"Ah, thank you."
>Take the linens in hand, and try to channel power into the pillow, and make it larger until it's on our scale.
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>"Ah, thank you."
>Take the linens in hand, and try to channel power into the pillow, and make it larger until it's on our scale.
> You try to grow the pillow...
> It starts to cooperate, and soon, you finish.
> "Nice."
>_
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>"Eventually, I want to do this for the whole house, at least enough to get back inside. But that will come when I feel more confident."
>Do the blanket next.
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>"Eventually, I want to do this for the whole house, at least enough to get back inside. But that will come when I feel more confident."
>Do the blanket next.
> Marisa nods as you grow the blanket to match you.
> "So, you try that puppetry thing on anyone else yet? I'll keep it secret, of course."
>_
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>"I tried it on Minoriko."
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>"I tried it on Minoriko."
> "Any luck?"
>_
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>Nod. "It worked about as well as could be expected."
>Hmmm, do we have a futon around, as opposed to a proper bed?
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>Nod. "It worked about as well as could be expected."
>Hmmm, do we have a futon around, as opposed to a proper bed?
> You might have one in home, but you definitely don't remember where if you did...
>_
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>Set the pillow and blanket where we'll be sleeping.
>"There, let's go get those two so they aren't keeping you up all night."
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>Set the pillow and blanket where we'll be sleeping.
>"There, let's go get those two so they aren't keeping you up all night."
> You set the two down.
> "They've been fine. Do you need them?"
>_
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>"I imagine they would prefer to be home, and you'd prefer them to be home?"
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>"I imagine they would prefer to be home, and you'd prefer them to be home?"
> Marisa seems to consider if she and them really would.
>_
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>"I won't stop you if you really want to keep them overnight."
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>"I won't stop you if you really want to keep them overnight."
> "They'll be fine."
>_
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>"Are you sure?"
>Frown
>"They didn't say anything, did they?"
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>"Are you sure?"
>Frown
>"They didn't say anything, did they?"
> "Say anything like what?"
>_
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>"I don't know, anything that'd make you concerned for their welfare. Hourai has been especially combative lately..."
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>"I don't know, anything that'd make you concerned for their welfare. Hourai has been especially combative lately..."
> "Huh. I might let you know anything worrying."
>_
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>"Might let me know?"
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>"Might let me know?"
> Marisa nods.
>_
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>"Why might?"
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>"Why might?"
> "Oh. I will.
>_
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>Smile. "Thanks. Want me to carry you home?"
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>Smile. "Thanks. Want me to carry you home?"
> "Well a quick toss would get me there fastest, and it's not too far anyways. Best you don't lose your spot here."
>_
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>"Alright, let them know I'm fine, and I'll see them tomorrow."
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>"Alright, let them know I'm fine, and I'll see them tomorrow."
> "Will do."
>_
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>"I'll see you later then. Unless you're volunteering for that quick toss!"
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>"I'll see you later then. Unless you're volunteering for that quick toss!"
> "Heck. Let's see how well your aim is. And try not to splatter me against anything." Marisa gathers her belongings close.
>_
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>"Wait, seriously?"
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>"Wait, seriously?"
> "Oh, You weren't serious. Alright." Marisa starts back home.
>_
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>Hmmm, if we tossed her high enough, and she had her broom at the ready... But we'd have to be sure she could hold onto it, so positioning is important.. Ah, she's gone.
>Still,it could work...
>Nothing else for it, head off to bed.
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>Hmmm, if we tossed her high enough, and she had her broom at the ready... But we'd have to be sure she could hold onto it, so positioning is important.. Ah, she's gone.
>Still,it could work...
>Nothing else for it, head off to bed.
> You sign off at your missed opportunity and Marisa's hastiness. With blanket and pillow of reasonable size, this rest may hopefully be better than the previous...
> You stir, sitting up slightly and with struggle as you realize your current pain. You'd believe your whole house wrecked and fell onto you, somehow more than once...
> But it seems to just be that persistent dream...
>_
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>"Urgh..."
>Take stock of the situation.
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>"Urgh..."
>Take stock of the situation.
> Definitely Makai again... You seem to be mid battle with someone. Yuuka, possibly, from the look of them...
>_
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>Take stock of our condition and hers, as well as the danmaku if any.
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>Take stock of our condition and hers, as well as the danmaku if any.
> You're really lousy right about now... This is probably more than a danmaku match should do...
> She, however, looks like she hasn't been scathed.
>_
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>Is there anything we need to dodge right now?
>Are we at our old height, or new one? How about Yuuka?
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>Is there anything we need to dodge right now?
>Are we at our old height, or new one? How about Yuuka?
> No.
> You seem as you had a moment ago. Just... pained now.
> Yuuka seems... well you think she looks as she had before.
>_
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>If this is a dream, and we're in control... try to focus on dealing with these wounds for now,
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>If this is a dream, and we're in control... try to focus on dealing with these wounds for now,
> You try to focus on the wounds being dealt with...
> But nothing happens.
>_
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>Hell.
>Do we have time to do anything else? Or is hot tasty death on the way?
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>Hell.
>Do we have time to do anything else? Or is hot tasty death on the way?
> She isn't attacking, and there's nothing hostile around...
>_
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>"I'm sorry, what just happened?"
>Let's try to quietly imagine up a wall into existence some tens of yards to the left.
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>"I'm sorry, what just happened?"
>Let's try to quietly imagine up a wall into existence some tens of yards to the left.
> "Hm?"
> You try to imagine a wall into existence...
> But nothing changes.
> "You're... kidding, aren't you?"
>_
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>"I'm afraid not... Might we start again from the top? I've had...something of a memory accident, I think."
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>"I'm afraid not... Might we start again from the top? I've had...something of a memory accident, I think."
> "Hm..." Yuuka expresses minor annoyance. "You were my daughter." She lies with a smile.
>_
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>"Were, not are?"
>Examine the damage we've taken.
>"I have to say your parenting is something that needs work."
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>"Were, not are?"
>Examine the damage we've taken.
>"I have to say your parenting is something that needs work."
> "Well you claim you've forgotten..."
> You seem to have been pelted a lot. A bit burned on your arm it feels like...
> "You believe this is my work?"
>_
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>"We were absolutely fighting. But I'm not sure why, or if it's even important..."
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>"We were absolutely fighting. But I'm not sure why, or if it's even important..."
> "Then maybe I'm not your mother... Where was... next, exactly?" Yuuka asks.
>_
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>"I am not sure..."
>Look around, can we get a sense of our current location?
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>"I am not sure..."
>Look around, can we get a sense of our current location?
> "Really?"
> You... can't. It's been a while. You might be near where you were last dream, but it doesn't seem that similar.
>_
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>Nod. "Really. Hm, why are you here, maybe that will help me get some bearings."
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>Nod. "Really. Hm, why are you here, maybe that will help me get some bearings."
> "Well, I was bored."
>_
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>Laugh without mockery. "That sounds accurate enough! But were you seeking out anything other than a pause in your boredom?"
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>Laugh without mockery. "That sounds accurate enough! But were you seeking out anything other than a pause in your boredom?"
> "This seemed interesting."
>_
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>"Howso?"
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>"Howso?"
> "A bunch of demons pouring out..."
>_
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>Does that ring a bell?
>"That could be a problem, couldn't it? Did you happen to come alone?"
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>Does that ring a bell?
>"That could be a problem, couldn't it? Did you happen to come alone?"
> It does.
> "I wonder if I did♥"
>_
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>"Would you mind if I tagged along with you for awhile?"
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>"Would you mind if I tagged along with you for awhile?"
> "You don't seem to be in much shape to..."
>_
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>"I dunno, I can cover a lot of ground these days..."
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>"I dunno, I can cover a lot of ground these days..."
> Your shape may fit but your status doesn't."
>_
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>"I suppose so. So, what have you seen so far?"
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>"I suppose so. So, what have you seen so far?"
> "Quite a lot of demons. None really strong though..."
>_
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>"Somehow I'm not surprised. I guess you've been tearing a swath through the place?"
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>"Somehow I'm not surprised. I guess you've been tearing a swath through the place?"
> "Maybe~ No one has stopped me yet."
>_
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>"So, I guess you'd be interested in the main city, then."
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>"So, I guess you'd be interested in the main city, then."
> "That doesn't sound like a lot of strong people would be there..."
>_
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>Do we know anything about Esoterica? And in particular, about a buddhist that would be sealed there if this is the time period that we're supposing it is?
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>Do we know anything about Esoterica? And in particular, about a buddhist that would be sealed there if this is the time period that we're supposing it is?
> You don't believe you do...
>_
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>"I don't think that's true."
>Time for a stupid gambit.
>"Would you believe this is all a dream?"
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>"I don't think that's true."
>Time for a stupid gambit.
>"Would you believe this is all a dream?"
> "A dream? I wouldn't put it past falling asleep in here given the lack of challenge..."
>_
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>"I'm quite serious. I'm here, but I'm not supposed to be this big yet. I was just a kid when this all happened. That's why I was so confused..."
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>"I'm quite serious. I'm here, but I'm not supposed to be this big yet. I was just a kid when this all happened. That's why I was so confused..."
> "Just a kid when all this happened? Yet? You're saying this as if you've been through it already."
>_
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>"Well, yes. That's so."
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>"Well, yes. That's so."
> "You don't really give much reason for me to believe you..."
>_
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>"I don't think I can prove it to you at all, but I hope you would be willing to indulge me a little? Hmm, I would like you to remember a word for me. Marfank. It's a made up word, but I want you to remember it for me."
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>"I don't think I can prove it to you at all, but I hope you would be willing to indulge me a little? Hmm, I would like you to remember a word for me. Marfank. It's a made up word, but I want you to remember it for me."
> "Marfank. Well, it's not too much of a pain..."
>_
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>"Thank you. It'll be our secret word. If we meet later and you know it, then it'll reveal some things to me."
>Mental note, go to the Garden of the Sun later.
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>"Thank you. It'll be our secret word. If we meet later and you know it, then it'll reveal some things to me."
>Mental note, go to the Garden of the Sun later.
> "Hm. Any other indulgences?"
>_
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>"That should do, in terms of special favors like that. I'm sure you think I'm insane, but it will help."
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>"That should do, in terms of special favors like that. I'm sure you think I'm insane, but it will help."
> "Well then, I suppose I should continue on then..."
>_
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>"Where might you be going?"
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>"Where might you be going?"
> "There's nothing left here to do now, is there?"
>_
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>"Well, yes. But that's why I asked where you were going."
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>"Well, yes. But that's why I asked where you were going."
> Yuuka shrugs.
>_
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>"Hm."
>Glance around. Do we see any interesting landmarks? Or bakus?
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>"Hm."
>Glance around. Do we see any interesting landmarks? Or bakus?
> You glance around...
> Well, you can't really see much in the distance. There might be some place one way, and that cold area you experienced in that other dream...
>_
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>Too much to hope any interfering Bakuy would show up.
>"How about there?"
>Point toward the some place that might be one way.
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>Too much to hope any interfering Bakuy would show up.
>"How about there?"
>Point toward the some place that might be one way.
> At least you've had time to observe for any in this dream...
> "That might be worth checking."
>_
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>"Let's. Maybe I can put more of this together there."
>Proceed!
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>"Let's. Maybe I can put more of this together there."
>Proceed!
> You really aren't in shape for heading off... But you try, hardly keeping up with Yuuka.
> "Are you sure you're not just going to rest? You'll never get there like this."
>_
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>"I want to say I'll rest when I'm dead...but maybe I should try to do something about this..."
>Are we...human now?
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>"I want to say I'll rest when I'm dead...but maybe I should try to do something about this..."
>Are we...human now?
> Yuuka nods.
> You don't believe so, and really hope you're not. The miasma probably would've killed you by now if you were.
>_
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>Look over our wounds, does it seem like there's anything we can do about them?
>"So, you have a sunflower garden, don't you?"
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>Look over our wounds, does it seem like there's anything we can do about them?
>"So, you have a sunflower garden, don't you?"
> Not at the moment, no.
> Well, you could probably tear your outfit and use it for a bit of this...
> "No." Yuuka answers.
>_
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>"Ah, what do you have in your garden, then?"
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>"Ah, what do you have in your garden, then?"
> "What's with this speak of a garden?"
>_
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>"How strange, a flower youkai without a flower garden?"
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>"How strange, a flower youkai without a flower garden?"
> "What would be the use of that information to you?"
>_
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>"Useful, useless, that doesn't mean anything, we're just talking, no? Besides, I'm right, aren't I?"
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>"Useful, useless, that doesn't mean anything, we're just talking, no? Besides, I'm right, aren't I?"
> "Maybe~"
>_
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>"That's not very helpful, you know."
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>"That's not very helpful, you know."
> "I know. We're just talking, aren't we?"
>_
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>"I suppose so. But I think you're just a little rattled. How could I have known about the Garden of the Sun?"
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>"I suppose so. But I think you're just a little rattled. How could I have known about the Garden of the Sun?"
> "You could have been to such a place, perhaps?"
>_
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>"Until this incident, no one leaves Makai. And I wouldn't have had time to get there and come back here ahead of you without being noticed."
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>"Until this incident, no one leaves Makai. And I wouldn't have had time to get there and come back here ahead of you without being noticed."
> "Perhaps you did gather such information in some unusual manner then..."
>_
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>"Before we can even entertain that thought. we would have to acknowledge the increasing unlikelyhood of it true as opposed to the things I'm saying."
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>"Before we can even entertain that thought. we would have to acknowledge the increasing unlikelyhood of it true as opposed to the things I'm saying."
> "I guess I'll humor you more then, Oracle. I do plan to take up residence near such a place rather than where I live currently, but I haven't yet..."
>_
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>"That I can't really answer. My knowledge isn't that deep. I do know if people want to find you, that's where they go. "
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>"That I can't really answer. My knowledge isn't that deep. I do know if people want to find you, that's where they go. "
> "What else do you know?"
>_
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>"It's well known you love sunflowers best, and that you are not to be taken lightly. But as I understand it, you are not unreasonable."
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>"It's well known you love sunflowers best, and that you are not to be taken lightly. But as I understand it, you are not unreasonable."
> "So just personality identifications?"
>_
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>"We live in different places, so it's uncommon to meet."
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>"We live in different places, so it's uncommon to meet."
> "And?"
>_
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>"As I said, my knowledge isn't that deep."
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>"As I said, my knowledge isn't that deep."
> "I think it may be better not to believe the conclusion then..."
>_
-
>"Oh no. I know quite enough to know this happened long ago. I even remember going to bed now."
>Let's sacrifice a bit of skirt hem to bandage ourself with.
-
>"Oh no. I know quite enough to know this happened long ago. I even remember going to bed now."
>Let's sacrifice a bit of skirt hem to bandage ourself with.
> You tear a part of your skirt and use it for yourself...
>_
-
>Does it seem to help?
-
>Does it seem to help?
> Yes. You might be able to get somewhere sooner...
>_
-
>Let's start, then, toward that place indicated before. "Shall we?"
-
>Let's start, then, toward that place indicated before. "Shall we?"
> "I don't see why not. Unless you're still not going anywhere?"
>_
-
>"I'm going there now."
>Gesture toward our goal, then move out.
-
>"I'm going there now."
>Gesture toward our goal, then move out.
> You point and start...
> Yuuka follows.
> ...
> You're starting to feel cold.
>_
-
>Cold because it cold out; cold because of an internal chill? Something else?
-
>Cold because it cold out; cold because of an internal chill? Something else?
> The former.
>_
-
>Try to huddle up a bit and keep going. "Aren't you cold?"
-
>Try to huddle up a bit and keep going. "Aren't you cold?"
> "It is getting a bit frosty..."
>_
-
>Nod, carry on. "I'm sure we can handle it."
-
>Nod, carry on. "I'm sure we can handle it."
> "We'll see..."
> You continue on through the cold, unsure how long until you get to the next area...
> But you do see those two witches again...
>_
-
>What happened last time we met them here?
>Moreover, do we recall anything about them now?
-
>What happened last time we met them here?
>Moreover, do we recall anything about them now?
> You think you managed to get by without conflict...
> Nothing new about them, no...
>_
-
>Proceed toward them.
-
>Proceed toward them.
> You proceed.
> "Oh, you're back."
> "So where is it? Yuki and I have been waiting..."
> "Well Mai... actually yea, we have been waiting a long time. She said it wouldn't take long..." Yuki glares.
> "Where's our profit..." The winged one called Mai crosses her arms.
> "Hm?" Yuuka questions.
>_
-
>"It's not going to roll overnight, you know. These kinds of things take a little time."
-
>"It's not going to roll overnight, you know. These kinds of things take a little time."
> "We've been patient enough!"
>_
-
>Shake our head. "You can't cook a feast in just five minutes. It needs time."
-
>Shake our head. "You can't cook a feast in just five minutes. It needs time."
> "I'll cook you in five minutes..." Yuki speaks.
> "I bet what you said before was a lie! Just to get past us!"
>_
-
>Shrug. "You can't make a tree grow any faster than it already is, no matter how upset you get at it. You just have to wait."
-
>Shrug. "You can't make a tree grow any faster than it already is, no matter how upset you get at it. You just have to wait."
> "Well we can burn it down because it's not worth it!" Yuki starts to throw fire danmaku with her threats.
> Mai floats behind her.
>_
-
>Move back. If Yuuka wants to get involved, she can. But let's just draw back out of range.
-
>Move back. If Yuuka wants to get involved, she can. But let's just draw back out of range.
> You start to fly back.
> "You're not getting past this time."
>_
-
>Continue back. If she's going to follow us, Yuuka can exploit the gap to move on.
-
>Continue back. If she's going to follow us, Yuuka can exploit the gap to move on.
> You retreat
> Yuki continues to fire... fire.
> While Yuuka seems to be talking to Mai.
>_
-
>Keep drawing back, and try gradually to curve toward the right.
-
>Keep drawing back, and try gradually to curve toward the right.
> You continue, trying to curve a bit towards the right as you go.
> Yuki ceases firing, stopping in place.
> Flames are starting to surround the two of you in a large circle. Mai and Yuuka seem just barely outside of it's radius. The former of the two jumps a bit in response.
>_
-
>How large is this barrier?
-
>How large is this barrier?
> About as large as your house's area, before the trees.
>_
-
>How tall is it, rather?
-
>How tall is it, rather?
> Only one story in height, but it's rising.
>_
-
>Dash for it! We can vault that, perhaps with a little flight assistance!
-
>Dash for it! We can vault that, perhaps with a little flight assistance!
> You dash for the side as it is rising slow enough to possibly make it.
> Just before you're in reach of touching the flames, they flare up intensely.
> Light engulfs your eyes and you feel a burning sensation.
>_
-
>Did we get through on sheer momentum, or stop short?
-
>Did we get through on sheer momentum, or stop short?
> You think you might've gotten through.
>_
-
>Keep going to make sure, then turn around and resume drawing back like we were.
-
>Keep going to make sure, then turn around and resume drawing back like we were.
> You don't seem to move.
>_
-
>In what sense?
-
>In what sense?
> Your attempt doesn't feel like it got you anywhere.
>_
-
>Does it feel like we're up against a wall, are our legs just not moving at all, are we walking but it feels like Zeno's Paradox?
-
>Does it feel like we're up against a wall, are our legs just not moving at all, are we walking but it feels like Zeno's Paradox?
> You feel like you're against the ground.
>_
-
>Glance toward the ground.
-
>Glance toward the ground.
> You try to glance...
> You seem to be back in Gensokyo... It's still a bit hard to see.
>_
-
>Look around.
-
>Look around.
> You look around...
> Hourai, Shanghai, and Marisa are all near you.
> "Well that might've done it at least." Marisa speaks to Hourai.
>_
-
>"Wha-?"
-
>"Wha-?"
> "You look a bit of a mess Alice. Sleeping for so long. Right outside of your house too..."
>_
-
>"...Huh?"
-
>"...Huh?"
> "Hello?" Marisa asks as you question again.
>_
-
>"...Could you explain, please?"
>What are our surroundings?
-
>"...Could you explain, please?"
>What are our surroundings?
> You look around...
> You seem to be at your house. It's morning again.
> "You've been asleep for long again, I guess?"
>_
-
>How do we feel?
>"I went to bed right after you left..."
-
>How do we feel?
>"I went to bed right after you left..."
> "Must've just been a long day for you then?"
> Still bad... It does still feel like you got a bit burned...
>_
-
>Where do the burns hurt?
>"What time is it?"
-
>Where do the burns hurt?
>"What time is it?"
> Just your arms, you believe.
> "I'd say it's almost midday."
>_
-
>"...Hell. What happened while I was out?"
-
>"...Hell. What happened while I was out?"
> "Nothing I know." Marisa says. "We were just doin a few things. Then see if you left out or were staying in."
>_
-
>"So you guys just found me now?"
-
>"So you guys just found me now?"
> A bit ago. We woke you just now."
>_
-
>"Mmmm. So I was out for...12 hours? More? Ugh..."
-
>"Mmmm. So I was out for...12 hours? More? Ugh..."
> "At least it wasn't a day..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Was I especially difficult to wake up?"
-
>Nod.
>"Was I especially difficult to wake up?"
> "Yup..."
>_
-
>"Hmm. I wonder if that's just due to size difference now?"
>Sigh. "Oh well, nothing for it."
>Look to the dolls. "Did you two have fun at your sleepover with Marisa?"
-
>"Hmm. I wonder if that's just due to size difference now?"
>Sigh. "Oh well, nothing for it."
>Look to the dolls. "Did you two have fun at your sleepover with Marisa?"
> Shanghai expresses that it was okay.
> Hourai doesn't respond.
> "It might've been a bit cluttered for them. I tried to make space at least."
>_
-
>Does Shanghai's silence seem sullen, angry, embarrassed, or otherwise?
>"If you two liked it, I wouldn't mind letting you both spend the night there once in awhile."
-
>Does Shanghai's silence seem sullen, angry, embarrassed, or otherwise?
>"If you two liked it, I wouldn't mind letting you both spend the night there once in awhile."
> She seems fine. A bit happy, as she usually is.
> "Because you'll be busy?" Hourai questions.
>_
-
>"No no. Just because it'll be fine to let you two go play with someone I can trust. We'll see about busy in the future, though."
-
>"No no. Just because it'll be fine to let you two go play with someone I can trust. We'll see about busy in the future, though."
> "Hm."
>_
-
>Sit up, try not to tense up our arm burn any more.
>"Any progress on your end, Marisa?"
-
>Sit up, try not to tense up our arm burn any more.
>"Any progress on your end, Marisa?"
> You sit up carefully
> "Hm?"
>_
-
>"You've had all day to research, right?"
-
>"You've had all day to research, right?"
> "Oh. Research... Well I still haven't really gotten anything new about it yet. Might try and revisit Patchouli. Do have other plans for today too."
>_
-
>"Oh, like what?"
-
>"Oh, like what?"
> "Checking on Nitori and her progress with the Kappa." Marisa says. "Droppin in on Reimu."
>_
-
>"I might end up doing the latter myself, later on. I need to check on Minoriko's progress, too."
-
>"I might end up doing the latter myself, later on. I need to check on Minoriko's progress, too."
> Marisa shrugs.
> "I'll still be going anyways."
>_
-
>"Well, yes. It's not like I can visit her for you."
-
>"Well, yes. It's not like I can visit her for you."
> Marisa shrugs.
>_
-
>"So I am curious, are you running into road blocks with that research, or is it just taking time to go through things?"
-
>"So I am curious, are you running into road blocks with that research, or is it just taking time to go through things?"
> "It's taking a bit. I don't feel like there's road blocks yet. We haven't known about it for long anyways, just a couple of days."
>_
-
>Nod. "That's what I expected."
-
>Nod. "That's what I expected."
> "Mm. I'll try to let you know if there are any problems though."
>_
-
>"Of course. Have you scouted out any mushrooms today?"
-
>"Of course. Have you scouted out any mushrooms today?"
> "Maybe."
>_
-
>"What's this maybe about?"
-
>"What's this maybe about?"
> "You won't just use it on everyone you come across, will you? You've been needing a lot lately..."
>_
-
>"I don't just use them on everyone I come across. Just...I've been casting a wide net, looking for patterns. I was just asking so I don't waste tie looking for more if they've been gathered."
-
>"I don't just use them on everyone I come across. Just...I've been casting a wide net, looking for patterns. I was just asking so I don't waste tie looking for more if they've been gathered."
> "Well I do have more then..."
>_
-
>"How many did you find? There's been faeries getting at them lately. I've hinted that you would be very angry with them if they were caught, but I don't think it's scared them off."
-
>"How many did you find? There's been faeries getting at them lately. I've hinted that you would be very angry with them if they were caught, but I don't think it's scared them off."
> "Oh? Who?"
>_
-
>Did we ever get their names?
-
>Did we ever get their names?
> No.
>_
-
>"I never got their names. You'll know them if you catch them in the act."
-
>"I never got their names. You'll know them if you catch them in the act."
> "Oh. So not those three fairies or anything?"
>_
-
>"Those three? I don't think so..."
-
>"Those three? I don't think so..."
> "Mm."
>_
-
>"They were brave enough to come up to me and demand to know more, though, so maybe? One faerie looks like the other to me."
-
>"They were brave enough to come up to me and demand to know more, though, so maybe? One faerie looks like the other to me."
> "Maybe they know what they do then..."
>_
-
>"To a degree, at least, Though they won't believe that it's not the secret behind my own enhancements."
-
>"To a degree, at least, Though they won't believe that it's not the secret behind my own enhancements."
> "Well, it's not like it's gonna be a big problem."
>_
-
>"It's more just annoying they're taking our mushrooms."
-
>"It's more just annoying they're taking our mushrooms."
> "They're not ours if we didn't get them yet." Shanghai speaks.
>_
-
>"I suppose, Shanghai, but the point stands."
-
>"I suppose, Shanghai, but the point stands."
> "What if somebody already found them out first? Wouldn't we be taking theirs then?"
>_
-
>"If they didn't take them at the time, I would say that means they don't want them. We pick the mushrooms when we find them."
-
>"If they didn't take them at the time, I would say that means they don't want them. We pick the mushrooms when we find them."
> Shanghai shrugs.
>_
-
>"It is a good thing to keep in mind, though."
>Stretch a little, favor our arm. "I told Meiling I would talk to her once I woke up. I should probably stop putting that off."
-
>"It is a good thing to keep in mind, though."
>Stretch a little, favor our arm. "I told Meiling I would talk to her once I woke up. I should probably stop putting that off."
> You stretch a bit.
> "Going out again hm. Want me to take care of these two again?"
>_
-
>To the dolls: "You two can come along if you want."
-
>To the dolls: "You two can come along if you want."
> Hourai turns away.
> "Mm..." Marisa considers.
>_
-
>"You've been very quiet today, Hourai."
-
>"You've been very quiet today, Hourai."
> Hourai is silent.
>_
-
>"It's not very helpful to anyone if you don't speak up."
-
>"It's not very helpful to anyone if you don't speak up."
> And yet, the doll continues refusing to do so.
>_
-
>"Anyway, I may check in some point or another, Marisa."
>Let's put our bedding away while we speak.
-
>"Anyway, I may check in some point or another, Marisa."
>Let's put our bedding away while we speak.
> You start.
> "About the fairy thing or with me?"
>_
-
>"With you in particular."
-
>"With you in particular."
> "Alright. Sure."
>_
-
Butts, thought I posted to this.
>"Alright. I'll drop in during the evening to check up on things."
>Once we have our bedding put away, stand up and say, "Come, Shanghai, Hourai," and start for Scarlet Devil Mansion
-
Butts, thought I posted to this.
>"Alright. I'll drop in during the evening to check up on things."
>Once we have our bedding put away, stand up and say, "Come, Shanghai, Hourai," and start for Scarlet Devil Mansion
> Marisa nods.
> You stand and call for the two as you start off.
> And both of them have begun to follow you...
> You can see Meiling's at the gate.
>_
-
>"Sorry I'm so late, Meiling. I swear I didn't break my promise, just...I didn't wake up until just now."
-
>"Sorry I'm so late, Meiling. I swear I didn't break my promise, just...I didn't wake up until just now."
> "Er, what kept you up?"
>_
-
>"Nothing. Rather, I think something may have kept me from waking. Marisa and the girls here apparently had some problems waking me up. And then there's this..."
>Show her the burn on our arm.
-
>"Nothing. Rather, I think something may have kept me from waking. Marisa and the girls here apparently had some problems waking me up. And then there's this..."
>Show her the burn on our arm.
> You show.
> "W-What!?"
>_
-
>"There's no way this could happened by accident."
-
>"There's no way this could happened by accident."
> "Are you alright?"
>_
-
>"I'll live. But if you wanted to help me treat it, I wouldn't say no."
-
>"I'll live. But if you wanted to help me treat it, I wouldn't say no."
> "So it's still that thing then?"
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
> "I think I'll put the growing and clothes thing on hold for this then. If I can learn more too, it might help..."
> "What thing?" Shanghai questions.
>_
-
>To Shanghai: "Furthering her own techniques."
>To Meiling, "Please."
-
>To Shanghai: "Furthering her own techniques."
>To Meiling, "Please."
> Meiling nods.
>_
-
>"Right now, if you had any salves, that would be lovely."
-
>"Right now, if you had any salves, that would be lovely."
> "Could you girls get any of that?" Meiling floats a tiny extra bit over the gate.
> "Any of what?" You hear someone.
> "Who's salve?" You hear another person.
>_
-
>Glance toward the speakers.
-
>Glance toward the speakers.
> You glance in the direction at least, but you can't see them.
>_
-
>Move closer, then, and have a look.
-
>Move closer, then, and have a look.
> You approach and look.
> It's a few fairies.
>_
-
>"Do you have anything for a burn?"
-
>"Do you have anything for a burn?"
> "Water stops fire right?" One of the fairies says.
> "I'll get a bucket then!"
>_
-
>Sigh. "Meiling...can you explain to them?"
-
>Sigh. "Meiling...can you explain to them?"
> "I can try..."
>_
-
>"I have no idea how Sakuya does it..."
-
>"I have no idea how Sakuya does it..."
> "Probably persistence? Fear?"
>_
-
>Look to the faeries. "Just why do you guys listen to Sakuya?"
-
>Look to the faeries. "Just why do you guys listen to Sakuya?"
> "Because she's the head maid. We have to."
>_
-
>"Well, Meiling is the head gate guard, so you should listen to her too."
-
>"Well, Meiling is the head gate guard, so you should listen to her too."
> "What are the other gate guards?"
>_
-
>"Whoever she appoints. Now, listen to her describe what we need."
-
>"Whoever she appoints. Now, listen to her describe what we need."
> "But she's usually alone out here. Chief maid is with the mistress sometimes."
> "Yea, that's super important."
>_
-
>"That's because her job requires her to be out here. Nowthen, Meiling?"
-
>"That's because her job requires her to be out here. Nowthen, Meiling?"
> "Well you can't just simply pour a bucket of water on someone's burns." Meiling speaks to the fairies. "It's a person."
> "But don't youkai heal really great? That's why you won't die even if you get beat."
>_
-
>"It's complicated."
-
>"It's complicated."
> "You're a youkai too, right?"
> "I thought she was a doll."
> "She can't be a doll. She makes dolls."
>_
-
>"You could have gone and gotten something and been done already if you just listened to Meiling originally, you know."
-
>"You could have gone and gotten something and been done already if you just listened to Meiling originally, you know."
> "Yea but why would we if you just heal anyways?"
> "We could be saving it for people that don't heal and stuff."
>_
-
>"If it just heals, I wouldn't be arguing with you, would I? And it would be gone now."
-
>"If it just heals, I wouldn't be arguing with you, would I? And it would be gone now."
> "Then why won't it just heal?"
>_
-
>"Because I don't know, now will you please stop asking a bunch of unnecessary questions? This does hurt."
-
>"Because I don't know, now will you please stop asking a bunch of unnecessary questions? This does hurt."
> "Yes, do go get something for her..."
> "We don't even know what to get."
> "She just said something, it'll be fine." One of the fairies starts leaving.
>_
-
>"Get some burn salves, please."
-
>"Get some burn salves, please."
> "Burn salves. Okay." The other fairy follows the first.
>_
-
>Sigh.
>"Thanks, Meiling."
-
>Sigh.
>"Thanks, Meiling."
> "It might've been better to call for Sakuya..."
>_
-
>"I'm sure she's busy. And, I'm happier if she doesn't know about this. But let's not worry about it for now, how has you day been?"
-
>"I'm sure she's busy. And, I'm happier if she doesn't know about this. But let's not worry about it for now, how has you day been?"
> Nod.
> "Boring until you came."
>_
-
>"Well, I'm sorry to inflict interesting times on you."
-
>"Well, I'm sorry to inflict interesting times on you."
> "Well I guess this isn't a positive thing..."
>_
-
>"Let's not worry about that. I don't suppose you had any luck trying to refine your abilities?"
-
>"Let's not worry about that. I don't suppose you had any luck trying to refine your abilities?"
> "Not yet. no."
>_
-
>"Hmm. I wonder if I could help?"
-
>"Hmm. I wonder if I could help?"
> "You surely did before."
>_
-
>"Hmmm, okay. I have an idea. I want you to hold my hands, and just try to reach out to me."
-
>"Hmmm, okay. I have an idea. I want you to hold my hands, and just try to reach out to me."
> "Try to reach out to you while holding your hands?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Project your power outward, try to reach me with it. Don't do anything, of course, but just make contact so you could, so to speak."
-
>Nod.
>"Project your power outward, try to reach me with it. Don't do anything, of course, but just make contact so you could, so to speak."
> "Don't do anything, but still project power? What?"
>_
-
>"I mean, don't try do anything to me with it, other than reach me."
-
>"I mean, don't try do anything to me with it, other than reach me."
> "Okay, I think I understand..."
>_
-
>"Alright, once they get back, we can have a go at it."
-
>"Alright, once they get back, we can have a go at it."
> "Mm..."
>_
-
>"Oh, right, well. We don't have to right now."
-
>"Oh, right, well. We don't have to right now."
> "Then later?"
>_
-
>"If you want to."
-
>"If you want to."
> "Well it'd be nice to improve more..."
>_
-
>"When you're ready, of course."
-
>"When you're ready, of course."
> Meiling nods some.
>_
-
>"Got any idea when I should pencil that kind of session in?"
-
>"Got any idea when I should pencil that kind of session in?"
> "Maybe after we've dealt with this problem..."
>_
-
>"The greater problem could take awhile, I'm afraid."
-
>"The greater problem could take awhile, I'm afraid."
> "They'll take longer if we put them behind others."
>_
-
>"Oh, I have no intention of skimping on it. I think today, I'm going to have to hunt down an baku."
-
>"Oh, I have no intention of skimping on it. I think today, I'm going to have to hunt down an baku."
> "Oh. I hope that goes well."
>_
-
>"Yeah. I don't really know where to look."
-
>"Yeah. I don't really know where to look."
> "In your dreams, maybe?"
>_
-
>"I tried that a little bit, but no luck. I might just have to ignore everything and go hunting next time."
-
>"I tried that a little bit, but no luck. I might just have to ignore everything and go hunting next time."
> "How bothersome is everything there?"
>_
-
>"It's hard to focus. It's right in the middle of an incident, you see. So everyone's going nuts and there's all kinds of fighting."
-
>"It's hard to focus. It's right in the middle of an incident, you see. So everyone's going nuts and there's all kinds of fighting."
> "Hm... Have you tried resolving it yourself then?"
>_
-
>"Kind of."
-
>"Kind of."
> "What happened?"
>_
-
>"Sometimes, I'll try and make my way back to the main city, but things keep getting in the way. Other times, I've just tried to screw with various events."
-
>"Sometimes, I'll try and make my way back to the main city, but things keep getting in the way. Other times, I've just tried to screw with various events."
> "Well, I guess it's impossible to ask for nothing to get in your way when there's an incident happening..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"And by the time I start to get something going, I wake up."
-
>Nod.
>"And by the time I start to get something going, I wake up."
> "Oh... That sucks."
>_
-
>"It's probably for the better, I would likely sleep a whole week otherwise."
-
>"It's probably for the better, I would likely sleep a whole week otherwise."
> "Oh."
>_
-
>"Those faeries are taking forever..."
-
>"Those faeries are taking forever..."
> "I'm not sure they know what it is..."
>_
-
>"I should hope they do, if they're trusted to do any cleaning around the expensive things."
-
>"I should hope they do, if they're trusted to do any cleaning around the expensive things."
> "I'd guess that they might be getting Sakuya's help by now. Or wandering the right places for it... hopefully."
>_
-
>"I hope so."
>"Hmm. I wonder if Reimu might have ideas about finding a baku? I'm sure she's met one."
-
>"I hope so."
>"Hmm. I wonder if Reimu might have ideas about finding a baku? I'm sure she's met one."
> Meiling shrugs.
>_
-
>"Oh, and there is one more thing to test about those dreams. The last one had Yuuka..."
-
>"Oh, and there is one more thing to test about those dreams. The last one had Yuuka..."
> "Yuuka? That's... uh..."
>_
-
>"So. I need to visit her, and see if she remembers it as well."
-
>"So. I need to visit her, and see if she remembers it as well."
> "Who's Yuuka again?"
>_
-
>"The flower youkai. Green hair, like red check clothing, umbrella."
-
>"The flower youkai. Green hair, like red check clothing, umbrella."
> "Okay okay, I remember." Meiling nods.
>_
-
>"It's just a shot in the dark, but if she had that dream too..."
-
>"It's just a shot in the dark, but if she had that dream too..."
> "Then she could be in the same boat. I see."
>_
-
>"It would be a useful lead, but I am not counting on anything."
-
>"It would be a useful lead, but I am not counting on anything."
> "And if she does?"
>_
-
>"Then hopefully she has some perspective to add."
-
>"Then hopefully she has some perspective to add."
> Meiling nods.
> The fairies seem to be returning.
>_
-
>"Ah, there they are."
-
>"Ah, there they are."
> "We didn't get any." One of the fairies says.
>_
-
>Groan.
-
>Groan.
> "Well you don't need any. Unless you're weaker than us or something."
>_
-
>"Mmm."
-
>"Mmm."
> "You are!?"
>_
-
>"Rather, I would like to know why you decided to waste my time like that."
-
>"Rather, I would like to know why you decided to waste my time like that."
> "You wasted our time telling us to get some for you."
>_
-
>"No, it would have sped things along. Just get out of here."
-
>"No, it would have sped things along. Just get out of here."
> "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed."
> "You can't give someone one thing and then they go all super enemy on you." The fairies start back into the mansion.
>_
-
>They're just idiot faeries, it's not worth it. Uppity little bastards...
>"Where were we?"
-
>They're just idiot faeries, it's not worth it. Uppity little bastards...
>"Where were we?"
> "Yuuka and the dream."
>_
-
>"Ah, yes. I think that will be my course for the afternoon. Yuuka then Reimu."
-
>"Ah, yes. I think that will be my course for the afternoon. Yuuka then Reimu."
> "Reimu?"
>_
-
>"Baku hunting. And...I may have to offer her some mushrooms."
-
>"Baku hunting. And...I may have to offer her some mushrooms."
> Meiling chuckles.
>_
-
>"I mean, there's no reason to avoid gathering more data."
-
>"I mean, there's no reason to avoid gathering more data."
> "Hope Reimu gives good data then."
>_
-
>"Me too."
>How's our danged arm?
-
>"Me too."
>How's our danged arm?
> Not much. It's hardly a mark, actually...
>_
-
>"I should get on that..."
-
>"I should get on that..."
> "Well... See you, then."
>_
-
>"Heh, don't guilt me into staying, now."
-
>"Heh, don't guilt me into staying, now."
> Meiling giggles.
>_
-
>Lean down and give her a kiss on the cheek.
>"Hopefully we can get this sorted out soon, and start working on more fun things."
>Where is the Garden of the Sun, in relation to other major locations in Gensokyo, and in relation to the mushroom garden?
-
>Lean down and give her a kiss on the cheek.
>"Hopefully we can get this sorted out soon, and start working on more fun things."
>Where is the Garden of the Sun, in relation to other major locations in Gensokyo, and in relation to the mushroom garden?
> You give Meiling a brief peck.
> "Hopefully."
> You believe it's near the Hakurei shrine, so going between them shouldn't take too long. It's further from the village than the forest is, you feel. Even further from here too...
>_
-
>Let's drop by the Mushroom Garden first, then.
-
>Let's drop by the Mushroom Garden first, then.
> You head back to the forest, for the usual areas...
> ...
> There's a big group of fairies staring down the three fairies of light. There's a couple of mushrooms on the ground near the big group, as well as a large, mostly empty bag.
> You don't see any other glamour mushrooms in this area. You'll probably need to go further.
>_
-
>Let's see what's playing out for the moment.
-
>Let's see what's playing out for the moment.
> The groups stare...
> "You're stealing from Marisa." Luna points.
> "What?" The group speaks. "We got these from the ground. Fair and square, together!"
> A few pick up and bag the loose mushrooms.
> "Then if we knock them down to the ground and get them, they're ours, right?" Sunny says.
> "That's not how it works!"
> "Yea, we found them first!"
>_
-
>Let's observe a bit more.
-
>Let's observe a bit more.
> "Why do you even want these?"
> "Because you have them." Luna says. "Hey, what do they even do?" Luna looks to Sunny.
> "I don't know." She replies.
> "Uh..." Star tries to speak up.
>_
-
>Does anyone seem to be listening to her?
-
>Does anyone seem to be listening to her?
> No.
> Aside from you.
> And she seems to notice such...
>_
-
>How many faeries are there?
-
>How many faeries are there?
> 20+ from a quick glance.
>_
-
>Worse comes to worst, how much of a doll army could we conjure to deal with them?
>Let the scene play out a little more.
-
>Worse comes to worst, how much of a doll army could we conjure to deal with them?
>Let the scene play out a little more.
> Your current situation doesn't limit how much you could normally send out.
> "You're not getting ours. They're already a giant person trying to take them." The group speaks.
> "Mmm... Huddle!" Sunny says, bringing closer Luna and Star.
> The two realize and draw further into a tight triangle.
> The group watches them carefully.
>_
-
>"I could help you all come to a proper agreement, in exchange for a few of those mushrooms."
-
>"I could help you all come to a proper agreement, in exchange for a few of those mushrooms."
> The fairies all turn.
> "There's the big person! She said she'd tell that we were stealing Marisa's."
> "You're not getting a single one!" The group says.
> "Told you..." You hear Star whisper to the other two.
>_
-
>"That's a shame, because I could easily make it so everyone's happy."
-
>"That's a shame, because I could easily make it so everyone's happy."
> "Fat chance!"
> The fairies nod.
>_
-
>"Why?"
-
>"Why?"
> "Because you were gonna tell Marisa on us before, and now you're faking like you'd help, just for the mushrooms!"
> "Yea, you're jealous we're getting more."
>_
-
>"Well, if I were thinking to do that, wouldn't it be easy enough to have just ambushed you all?"
-
>"Well, if I were thinking to do that, wouldn't it be easy enough to have just ambushed you all?"
> "You can't ambush all of us!"
>_
-
>"Why not?"
-
>"Why not?"
> "Because we'd stop you."
>_
-
>"You couldn't, but it's beside the point. The point is that there's a disagreement between you over the mushrooms, no?"
-
>"You couldn't, but it's beside the point. The point is that there's a disagreement between you over the mushrooms, no?"
> "It's not youuur business." The fairies speak.
>_
-
>"You're about to have a fight in the mushroom field. You've all made it my business."
-
>"You're about to have a fight in the mushroom field. You've all made it my business."
> "Cuz you think all the mushrooms are yours, right!"
>_
-
>Is there just one speaker? Or are several speaking up in turn?
>"It is a public garden, wasn't that the argument I heard?"
-
>Is there just one speaker? Or are several speaking up in turn?
>"It is a public garden, wasn't that the argument I heard?"
> The latter.
> "Shut up. We don't need to answer you."
> The others speak to each other. You think it's something about tricks.
>_
-
>Fix a foul look on that speaker. "You shut up and you mind your manners."
>"Now, if the rest of you don't want to be good neighbors about this, then I suppose there's no helping it. That's a shame."
>How quickly can we conjure a line of dolls and set them firing? Can we conjure them in formation?
-
>Fix a foul look on that speaker. "You shut up and you mind your manners."
>"Now, if the rest of you don't want to be good neighbors about this, then I suppose there's no helping it. That's a shame."
>How quickly can we conjure a line of dolls and set them firing? Can we conjure them in formation?
> "Make me!"
> Just a couple of seconds. Yes.
>_
-
>Summon up a brigade of 14, in wedge shape with the point directed at the mouthy faerie. No fire order yet, but have them ready.
>"I'm sorry, could you say that again?"
-
>Summon up a brigade of 14, in wedge shape with the point directed at the mouthy faerie. No fire order yet, but have them ready.
>"I'm sorry, could you say that again?"
> You summon up a group of dolls.
> The fairy hastily gobbles up one of the mushrooms.
> "UHAAACK!" She continues, then swallows.
> The others in the group start giving each other mushrooms and eating them...
>_
-
>Direct the dolls to open fire around the bag immediately, half with beams and half with streams of arrowhead danmaku; they they going for mushrooms, they are getting a faceful of danmaku in the process.
-
>Direct the dolls to open fire around the bag immediately, half with beams and half with streams of arrowhead danmaku; they they going for mushrooms, they are getting a faceful of danmaku in the process.
> You direct the dolls towards the bag.
> Some of the fairies get hit as they're trying to get to the mushrooms.
> There's a lot of flashing.
>_
-
>Take a step back, and prepare to summon another squad. For the time being, just focus on denying area around the bag. Whether or not it survives is immaterial now, this is about teaching faeries some respect for their betters.
-
>Take a step back, and prepare to summon another squad. For the time being, just focus on denying area around the bag. Whether or not it survives is immaterial now, this is about teaching faeries some respect for their betters.
> You step back and prepare...
> The fairies all start transforming, still handing out to the rest.
> The shots seem to be doing nothing against the fairies around the bag, effectively ensuring they distribute it...
> Some of them are beginning to retaliate, sending complex patterns of their own, much more so than fighting a group of fairies normally is...
>_
-
>How are faeries distributing if the area around them is full of danmaku? Surely the other faeries are getting hit when they try to get mushrooms themselves?
>Are the mushrooms themselves not being harmed by the danmaku? If not, is that unusual?
-
>How are faeries distributing if the area around them is full of danmaku? Surely the other faeries are getting hit when they try to get mushrooms themselves?
>Are the mushrooms themselves not being harmed by the danmaku? If not, is that unusual?
> The larger, mushroom affected fairies are taking nearly all of the hits that would otherwise get to the rest. The rest are using them as protection for the front. Not many are using the firing ones, given they're not giving mushrooms.
> None of your dolls are aiming directly for any of the mushrooms, and the bag hasn't been hit directly yet, thanks to your dolls combined efforts of missing and hitting fairies in the way.
>_
-
>Shift focus toward faeries who haven't gotten any mushrooms.
>What are the incoming patterns looking like?
-
>Shift focus toward faeries who haven't gotten any mushrooms.
>What are the incoming patterns looking like?
> You do so. The ones not guarded are already flashing though, and in a moment, everyone will be greater...
> A quick glance details that some resemble flowers. You can't determine more without time passing...
>_
-
>So how did they all eat these mushrooms so fast, given the dolls only took a couple seconds to appear and we gave the fire order almost immediately? Especially given that faeries tend to be small and thus need more time to eat them. Surely we didn't just sit there and let them?
>Let's conjure another group of eight or so dolls on the opposite side of the faerie pack, so we flank them. For now, don't have them do anything except hide themselves away in the woods.
>Also, observe those patterns more, move a bit further back to buy some time.
-
>So how did they all eat these mushrooms so fast, given the dolls only took a couple seconds to appear and we gave the fire order almost immediately? Especially given that faeries tend to be small and thus need more time to eat them. Surely we didn't just sit there and let them?
>Let's conjure another group of eight or so dolls on the opposite side of the faerie pack, so we flank them. For now, don't have them do anything except hide themselves away in the woods.
>Also, observe those patterns more, move a bit further back to buy some time.
> You wonder if you did, given your choice of concentration earlier on being those around the bag, rather than those that already started eating after the first fairy ate...
> You get a few dolls on the opposite side of the group.
> You move further back.
> Some of the patterns seem to be groups of shots directed towards you. Others are in your general direction. Because of their positions and your back-stepping, it all seems like a wall, with few choices of getting through being near the bullets that were aimed towards you.
>_
-
>Scan ahead of those openings for potential traps, move toward them but pause if we spot any.
>"Shangahi, Hourai, draw back please. I don't want you two caught up in this."
-
>Scan ahead of those openings for potential traps, move toward them but pause if we spot any.
>"Shangahi, Hourai, draw back please. I don't want you two caught up in this."
> The two dolls float away from the fight.
> You don't see any at the moment...
> You start moving ahead.
> The fairies continue firing, now that all of them are in a state for such. You're starting to notice lasers manifesting... Some towards you, some already made and snaking towards you. The way they're doing such makes you worry they're homing...
>_
-
>Is it possible to use our dolls as spotters to help untangle some of this mess?
>Either way, let's disperse the wedge of dolls out of the battlefield and put them on standby. Unless there's some familiars, there's nothing they can do other than catch bullets.
>Actually, can we create familiars, as opposed to dolls, and deploy them in such a way as to absorb some of the drama coming our way, as Eirin did against us bad during the Eientei incident?
>Will either of those laser sets reach us before the first wave of bullets?
-
>Is it possible to use our dolls as spotters to help untangle some of this mess?
>Either way, let's disperse the wedge of dolls out of the battlefield and put them on standby. Unless there's some familiars, there's nothing they can do other than catch bullets.
>Actually, can we create familiars, as opposed to dolls, and deploy them in such a way as to absorb some of the drama coming our way, as Eirin did against us bad during the Eientei incident?
>Will either of those laser sets reach us before the first wave of bullets?
> You can't see through them and they can't really call out warnings to you...
> You disperse the wedge.
> No. The best you could do similar to such would be an old technique from when you were at Makai, though the dolls would still be in danger of being hit, and you aren't sure you can even still do it.
> The ones directed towards you are already coming into existence thanks to dispersing the wedge. They might be too large to escape with just your speed alone.
> The others are a bit behind the rest of the bullets, but seem to be catching up.
>_
-
>Can we slip between the first formation rather than escape?
>Judging from the speeds we're seeing, what order does it look like these things are going to hit us?
-
>Can we slip between the first formation rather than escape?
>Judging from the speeds we're seeing, what order does it look like these things are going to hit us?
> You don't believe so. No directions give such a choice.
> The large lasers about to come onto you will do so first, definitely. Unless the fairies shoot more lasers like this, the danmaku will cloud you, and the other lasers will be among them.
>_
-
Let's figure out where the lasers cross, and get behind it. We'll just deal with the cloud as it comes. Then move away from the potentially homing lasers. Hopefully the cloud will try some last minute trickery.
-
Let's figure out where the lasers cross, and get behind it. We'll just deal with the cloud as it comes. Then move away from the potentially homing lasers. Hopefully the cloud will try some last minute trickery.
> You suspect that the lasers cross behind you, but you have no time to look.
>_
-
>We'll just have to trust our gut and not back away.
-
>We'll just have to trust our gut and not back away.
> So you'll continue moving forwards?
>_
-
>Does it seem like moving forward will have a difference compared to staying put?
-
>Does it seem like moving forward will have a difference compared to staying put?
> No.
>_
-
>Stay for for this moment.
-
>Stay for for this moment.
> You stay still.
> The lasers burn painfully across you as you stand around.
> "Wow, she was just all talk."
> "We all didn't even need to eat them."
> And the lasers don't seem to be letting up as the danmaku cloud approaches...
>_
-
>So did they actually hit us? If so, how badly?
>What's coming next?
-
>So did they actually hit us? If so, how badly?
>What's coming next?
> Yes. More so than regular danmaku has...
> The cloud, but the lasers hitting you aren't letting up, they're still firing them.
> The cloud's only getting a bit of danmaku from few fairies adding to it...
>_
-
>From what we can see, has the cloud grown any more or less avoidable?
-
>From what we can see, has the cloud grown any more or less avoidable?
> Less avoidable.
>_
-
>Have any new avenues opened up to get out of its way entirely?
-
>Have any new avenues opened up to get out of its way entirely?
> You could probably veer far back and to a side, but the trees don't help that... And neither does your size.
>_
-
>How many gunpowder dolls do we have in reserve?
-
>How many gunpowder dolls do we have in reserve?
> None at the moment.
>_
-
>Nothing for it, but to veer further back, and try to swing to the right. Once the mushrooms run out, then it will be time to retaliate. Just focus on surviving for now.
-
>Nothing for it, but to veer further back, and try to swing to the right. Once the mushrooms run out, then it will be time to retaliate. Just focus on surviving for now.
> You veer back and start right...
> Your size and being in the forest really goes against you for this situation. The fairies just start aiming lasers at you as you move again...
>_
-
>Keep moving and circling, try to seek out a clearing. Waste their time.
-
>Keep moving and circling, try to seek out a clearing. Waste their time.
> You continue, not getting away from much of the attacks... At least you'll be leaving the cloud's area soon...
>_
-
>Let's keep going, keeping our eyes moving and try to determine what's coming next.
-
>Let's keep going, keeping our eyes moving and try to determine what's coming next.
> You continue.
> With you being such a big target, the fairies easily lock down lasers...
>_
-
>Keep going, try to use the trees to our advantage to absorb or throw off their aim. Try not to move in a direct line, if we can help it, to make us harder to lock onto.
-
>Keep going, try to use the trees to our advantage to absorb or throw off their aim. Try not to move in a direct line, if we can help it, to make us harder to lock onto.
> You continue...
> The fairies seem to be better than your efforts though. They're starting to try regular danmaku again though.
>_
-
>Resist the urge to count the seconds; keep moving, and watch that new danmaku.
-
>Resist the urge to count the seconds; keep moving, and watch that new danmaku.
> As if you could with the damage being done.
> You continue.
> There... seems to be a bit less fairies. You think some may have fled...
>_
-
>Send out an order to the dolls we have spread out to keep an eye out for other faeries. Keep circling, try to make our way toward the ones we order to hide themselves.
-
>Send out an order to the dolls we have spread out to keep an eye out for other faeries. Keep circling, try to make our way toward the ones we order to hide themselves.
> You order, but give them no order to do anything if they see any others.
> You continue...
> But that's all the way behind them. You're still not halfway there, given you're taking a very large circle around the fairies.
>_
-
>Keep going, and keep our eyes open for unexpected attacks.
-
>Keep going, and keep our eyes open for unexpected attacks.
> You continue...
> Some of the fairies are starting to get closer to you as they fire, heading for where you're going, rather than where you are...
> This will be a problem soon.
>_
-
>Continue our current direction a little, then move perpendicular to them if the danmaku conditions permit.
-
>Continue our current direction a little, then move perpendicular to them if the danmaku conditions permit.
> Towards the fairies? Otherwise, where?
>_
-
>Toward the main mass for the moment.
-
>Toward the main mass for the moment.
> You start...
> The fairies start to be more defensively, firing less and getting further back...
> Some are fleeing with the bag in tow now.
>_
-
>Call out to the dolls in hiding. "Division B! Get that bag!"
-
>Call out to the dolls in hiding. "Division B! Get that bag!"
> The dolls jump out and head for the bag.
> "There's dolls after us!" The fleeing group calls.
> "Do we finish her off or run?" The current firing towards you asks.
> "Err.... Run!"
> The fairies stop firing altogether and dart for their fleeing friends.
>_
-
>"Fire! Mow them all down!"
-
>"Fire! Mow them all down!"
> The dolls begin to fire all they have at the fleeing group, focusing on the fairies instead of the bag now.
> They're gaining distance away, while there doesn't seem to be much damage. There is some to a few fairies, however.
> A couple start to split off from the group, heading in opposites and higher past the trees.
>_
-
>The bag is barely a factor anymore. Summon more dolls, and direct them to make sure the main group doesn't get away.
-
>The bag is barely a factor anymore. Summon more dolls, and direct them to make sure the main group doesn't get away.
> You conjure more dolls and have them ensure the main group doesn't get away.
> The fairies are starting to fire back towards the dolls. Again, the patterns look like too much to dodge, but they might be able to with their sizes...
>_
-
>"Keep defensive and flank them!"
-
>"Keep defensive and flank them!"
> You order.
> You feel as a tree slams down onto your back, or rather, a few of the enlarged fairies do, pinning you down.
> "We got her!"
> The fleeing group doesn't respond, still eliminating your dolls as your dolls try to stop them. They're still getting further and further away.
>_
-
>Shift so that the truck slides off to one side, and stand. A tree should be nothing for us now.
-
>Shift so that the truck slides off to one side, and stand. A tree should be nothing for us now.
> You start to shift, but the fairies give you a face-full of dirt as they keep you down.
> "You're not... so tough." One speaks.
> "Dolls are doing all the work anyways."
> "And they're doing nothing!"
>_
-
>Close eyes, keep mouth shut, breath out, and push upward. They'll pay soon enough.
-
>Close eyes, keep mouth shut, breath out, and push upward. They'll pay soon enough.
> You do so...
> The fairies refuse to let up...
>_
-
>Apply more force, their refusal is meaningless to us.
-
>Apply more force, their refusal is meaningless to us.
> You start to get up...
> The fairies start firing danmaku, trying to keep you down. It's not stopping you, but it hurts...
>_
-
>Stand, then we can retaliate. And if they're focused on us, they aren't focused on our dolls.
-
>Stand, then we can retaliate. And if they're focused on us, they aren't focused on our dolls.
> You stand up.
> You don't know what the main group of fairies are doing. You don't even see them anymore. The ones that... are still trying to cling onto you, have been firing danmaku solely on you. But none of your dolls are towards stopping these.
>_
-
>Have faith in our dolls abilities, they can withstand faeries.
>Now that we're standing, unleash a pinwheel shaped spiral of danmaku from our body; the ones clinging should absorb up any nearby shots if they don't let go immediately. Don't hold back on this one, if only for this one moment.
-
>Have faith in our dolls abilities, they can withstand faeries.
>Now that we're standing, unleash a pinwheel shaped spiral of danmaku from our body; the ones clinging should absorb up any nearby shots if they don't let go immediately. Don't hold back on this one, if only for this one moment.
> You fire, getting the fairies off of you.
> Though it didn't seem to take them down...
>_
-
>Do they seem affected by it?
-
>Do they seem affected by it?
> Yes. They're holding themselves in pain.
>_
-
>Another round, this time a three sets radiating arrowhead bullets, in red, orange, and yellow that overlap each others gaps. They should be dodgeable with some difficulty, if the faeries are paying attention.
-
>Another round, this time a three sets radiating arrowhead bullets, in red, orange, and yellow that overlap each others gaps. They should be dodgeable with some difficulty, if the faeries are paying attention.
> You radiate danmaku outwards.
> The fairies retreat back away from you as they gather themselves.
> "S-She wasn't weak."
> "We're not dead yet. She just got lucky..."
> "The next ambush will work!"
>_
-
>Are the faeries spread out or gathered?
-
>Are the faeries spread out or gathered?
> Gathered mostly.
>_
-
>This time, send a out a few chevron shapes of bullets toward the gathering, spread out so they cover a reasonably wide area. The first one a bit slower than the second and third, and the last one should be quite fast, so that they overlap on anyone trying to dodge through it. The trick is to go around the whole mess. Of course, if they get in each other's way...
-
>This time, send a out a few chevron shapes of bullets toward the gathering, spread out so they cover a reasonably wide area. The first one a bit slower than the second and third, and the last one should be quite fast, so that they overlap on anyone trying to dodge through it. The trick is to go around the whole mess. Of course, if they get in each other's way...
> You fire...
> And the fairies start to retreat away.
>_
-
>Send out some lines of quick shots to to flank the previous waves; they aren't too dens,e not impossible to get through, but enough that some care is required and making maneuvering away through the sides more difficult.
>Hopefully the faster waves will catch them at their current pace?
-
>Send out some lines of quick shots to to flank the previous waves; they aren't too dens,e not impossible to get through, but enough that some care is required and making maneuvering away through the sides more difficult.
>Hopefully the faster waves will catch them at their current pace?
> You fire off a few quick shots.
> The fairies are faster than the waves, but at least no so for the quick shots... The mushroom's effects may have helped.
> Speaking of which, you don't think they have much time left. Two minutes, perhaps?
>_
-
>Follow them. Fire off some quick arrowhead shots that spread proceed forward and then fan out into five different rays, like a light hitting a prism and splitting into a rainbow, only a bit more spread.
-
>Follow them. Fire off some quick arrowhead shots that spread proceed forward and then fan out into five different rays, like a light hitting a prism and splitting into a rainbow, only a bit more spread.
> You pursue the two and fire off more shots.
> The fairies split up to opposite directions as they avoid your shots. Though that does give the waves more ground on some of them.
>_
-
>Let's renew those shots that flank the waves now, a few lines of on each side. If they're splitting up, it should scythe through them.
-
>Let's renew those shots that flank the waves now, a few lines of on each side. If they're splitting up, it should scythe through them.
> You fire the flanking shots again, nailing the fairies.
> Though it definitely doesn't bring them down.
>_
-
>Does it succeed in herding them, or do they ignore it?
-
>Does it succeed in herding them, or do they ignore it?
> They've ignored the shots. Not the pain from it, at least it seems.
>_
-
>We'll accept pain for now, throw out more rays like that over a wider fan to catch more of them.
-
>We'll accept pain for now, throw out more rays like that over a wider fan to catch more of them.
> You have to choose a direction with how far they've gone away from each other...
>_
-
>Two half-sized fans, at angles likely to interfere with those groups. Staying still will be the best way to get through them unscathed.
-
>Two half-sized fans, at angles likely to interfere with those groups. Staying still will be the best way to get through them unscathed.
> You fire off, considering if the fairies will try to dodge or just keep running.
> With their distance from you and the forest, your danmaku is lost. Some to trees, and some just onwards helplessly as the fairies continue. A long range duel isn't that bad, but in a dense area like this, it's useless.
>_
-
>Follow and keep up the fire. Surely we're at least able to cover more group quickly!
-
>Follow and keep up the fire. Surely we're at least able to cover more group quickly!
> You can't just follow the fairies all by now. Just a single, or lose them all at their speeds.
>_
-
>We'll go after the largest clump of them.
-
>We'll go after the largest clump of them.
> You follow!
> But they're still getting away...
> The fairies do, however, start to flash.
>_
-
>Let's not bother firing, and focus on catching up!
-
>Let's not bother firing, and focus on catching up!
> You continue to chase one or two fairies...
> Until you're out of the forest and in the clear, while they're much closer.
>_
-
>Wait, just how long did we chase them?
-
>Wait, just how long did we chase them?
> A minute at most, it felt.
>_
-
>And they're still flashing?
-
>And they're still flashing?
> They've returned to normal a while back. Too far away by then to get anything off back in the forest.
>_
-
>Why didn't we stop to fire on them then?
-
>Why didn't we stop to fire on them then?
> You didn't bother. You were focusing on catching up.
>_
-
...I am so confused as to why we acted directly contrary to our repeatedly stated interest to blasting them the moment we could...
>Zap 'em, streams of purple and green arrowheads.
-
...I am so confused as to why we acted directly contrary to our repeatedly stated interest to blasting them the moment we could...
>Zap 'em, streams of purple and green arrowheads.
> You fire off.
> The fairies, although smaller, take to the shots as well as any other fairies would.
> The rest of these shots might get rid of them, seeing as they're much slower and aren't paying attention to the danmaku...
>_
-
>Once they're down, break off the stream and return to to the forest. We have faeries to find, and dolls to gather and get reports from.
-
>Once they're down, break off the stream and return to to the forest. We have faeries to find, and dolls to gather and get reports from.
> The fairies are dealt with.
> You start back into the forest.
>_
-
>Make our way back toward the mushroom garden.
-
>Make our way back toward the mushroom garden.
> You return to the scene...
> Nobody's around...
>_
-
>Look round, primarily for dolls. Though if any mushrooms present themselves...
-
>Look round, primarily for dolls. Though if any mushrooms present themselves...
> You look around...
> There's no mushrooms lying about, nor any growing. No dolls around either.
>_
-
>Is there any sign of Shanghai or Hourai, at least?
-
>Is there any sign of Shanghai or Hourai, at least?
> No.
>_
-
>Let's summon a few dolls whose job is to find other dolls and bring them here, then go looking for Shanghai and Hourai. They can't have gotten far off.
-
>Let's summon a few dolls whose job is to find other dolls and bring them here, then go looking for Shanghai and Hourai. They can't have gotten far off.
> You have a few dolls start searching for the others...
> And start to search for your two...
> You find the two pretty quickly at least... Hiding near the top of a tree in wait...
>_
-
>"Ah, there you two are. I hope you're both okay?"
-
>"Ah, there you two are. I hope you're both okay?"
> Shanghai nods.
>_
-
>"Did you manage to see how the others did? Or where they got off to?"
-
>"Did you manage to see how the others did? Or where they got off to?"
> "We didn't follow." Shanghai says. "But none came back around here at least."
>_
-
>"Alright. I would like you two to scout around and see if you can find them. If you can find the mushroom bag, feel free to help yourselves before bringing it back. And should you find any of those faeries, you may deal with them if you think it's safe to do so. I'll be waiting in the mushroom field, come back within 15 minutes if you don't find anything."
-
>"Alright. I would like you two to scout around and see if you can find them. If you can find the mushroom bag, feel free to help yourselves before bringing it back. And should you find any of those faeries, you may deal with them if you think it's safe to do so. I'll be waiting in the mushroom field, come back within 15 minutes if you don't find anything."
> Shanghai nods, heading through the forest...
> While Hourai starts another direction...
>_
-
>Back to the mushroom field.
-
>Back to the mushroom field.
> You return...
>_
-
>Let's give them that 15 or so minutes. Hopefully some other dolls will return in that time.
-
>Let's give them that 15 or so minutes. Hopefully some other dolls will return in that time.
> You wait...
> Patiently...
> You feel a tapping on your leg. There's still a few minutes to wait.
>_
-
>Look down.
-
>Look down.
> It's two dolls. Just two.
>_
-
>Did we send them out to hunt for others, or are they from the earlier brigades?
>Either way, let's hear their reports.
-
>Did we send them out to hunt for others, or are they from the earlier brigades?
>Either way, let's hear their reports.
> You think it was one hunting for the others, as she pats the doll next to her.
>_
-
>Let's see what the other has to transmit.
-
>Let's see what the other has to transmit.
> The other doll points further to the forest and shakes her head.
>_
-
>"No luck, huh? Did you lose them, or did they just get away?"
-
>"No luck, huh? Did you lose them, or did they just get away?"
> The doll nods.
>_
-
>Give her a little pat on the head. "You did your best. What can you tell me about the others?"
-
>Give her a little pat on the head. "You did your best. What can you tell me about the others?"
> The doll waves her arms.
>_
-
>"Can you show me?"
-
>"Can you show me?"
> The doll shakes her head.
>_
-
>"Mmm. Well, you did your best. Thank you."
>Dismiss her.
-
>"Mmm. Well, you did your best. Thank you."
>Dismiss her.
> You dismiss the doll.
>_
-
>Nothing for it but to keep waiting.
-
>Nothing for it but to keep waiting.
> You wait...
> Shanghai returns a couple minutes later.
>_
-
>Oh right, let's say we dismissed the seeking doll in the meantime, too, with headpats and kind words.
>"Any luck, Shanghai?"
>Hold out our hand so she can climb onto it, and we can lift her for ease of conversation.
-
>Oh right, let's say we dismissed the seeking doll in the meantime, too, with headpats and kind words.
>"Any luck, Shanghai?"
>Hold out our hand so she can climb onto it, and we can lift her for ease of conversation.
> You do so.
> Shanghai floats down onto your hand.
> "No dolls or fairies." She shakes her head.
>_
-
>Nod. "Where did you search?"
-
>Nod. "Where did you search?"
> "All around..."
>_
-
>"We'll see if Hourai finds anything, then make a last sweep."
-
>"We'll see if Hourai finds anything, then make a last sweep."
> Shanghai nods.
>_
-
>Wait for Hourai. Or other incoming dolls.
-
>Wait for Hourai. Or other incoming dolls.
> You wait...
> ...
> None have returned yet. Just a few minutes though...
>_
-
>Give it a bit longer.
-
>Give it a bit longer.
> You continue to wait...
> No dolls...
>_
-
>"Which way did Hourai go?"
-
>"Which way did Hourai go?"
> Shanghai looks around.
> Then shrugs.
>_
-
>Frown.
>What direction did she go when we found them?
-
>Frown.
>What direction did she go when we found them?
> Hourai departed... towards the direction of yours and Marisa's houses from there.
>_
-
>Did any of the faeries go in that general direction, from what we recall?
-
>Did any of the faeries go in that general direction, from what we recall?
> No.
> Well maybe some that split up when you were chasing...
>_
-
>"Do you think she just went home?"
-
>"Do you think she just went home?"
> "Not sure." Shanghai speaks.
>_
-
>"Let's investigate before we jump to conclusions."
>Head in the direction we last saw her head.
-
>"Let's investigate before we jump to conclusions."
>Head in the direction we last saw her head.
> You start...
> You get to the residences, but no Hourai in sight yet. But the Three Fairies are hanging out around Marisa's house.
>_
-
I meant head where we think Hourai went in the forest. My bad.
>Did anything stand out to us along the way?
-
I meant head where we think Hourai went in the forest. My bad.
>Did anything stand out to us along the way?
> You do believe this is where she headed. If it wasn't a dead straight shot towards here, you'd love to know when and where she turned.
> No.
>_
-
>What are those three faeries up to?
-
>What are those three faeries up to?
> They just seem to be talking amongst each other.
>_
-
>Weigh, very carefully, the likelihood of causing damage to Marisa's property if we were to resume teaching them the lessons they so richly deserve.
-
>Weigh, very carefully, the likelihood of causing damage to Marisa's property if we were to resume teaching them the lessons they so richly deserve.
> With their attention on each other, you could likely get a few dolls behind them and drive them away from the house. Unless Marisa's property is their target...
>_
-
>Let's do exactly that. Then once we're sure they're being driven toward the open, prepare a more robust party to deal with them.
-
>Let's do exactly that. Then once we're sure they're being driven toward the open, prepare a more robust party to deal with them.
> What exactly will you have the dolls do? Fire on the Three Fairies of light? Fire near them? Lasers? Shots?
>_
-
>Try to flank them, and then fire aimed lasers, with respect for Marisa's property. Once they're driven out, more can be done.
-
>Try to flank them, and then fire aimed lasers, with respect for Marisa's property. Once they're driven out, more can be done.
> You have the dolls maneuver behind the fairies, then fire lasers.
> However, they're deflected away by Sunny.
> "Why's she attacking?" Luna questions.
> "Let's just get inside." Star speaks, as the three begin to retreat towards your dolls and the house's entrance.
>_
-
>Order the dolls to cut them off via laserfire.
-
>Order the dolls to cut them off via laserfire.
> You order.
> Once again, Sunny deflects the lasers as they continue on, getting into the house.
>_
-
>Look around. Is there any sign of Hourai.
-
>Look around. Is there any sign of Hourai.
> You look around...
> No...
>_
-
>"Would you check inside the house, Shanghai? I'm going to look around a little."
-
>"Would you check inside the house, Shanghai? I'm going to look around a little."
> Shanghai nods.
>_
-
>Let her do that, and search about.
-
>Let her do that, and search about.
> You let Shanghai leave, then proceed to start searching around the area...
> There don't seem to be any people of interest... Fairies, dolls, no one.
>_
-
>Oh well, link back up with Shanghai.
-
>Oh well, link back up with Shanghai.
> Call her back, or go to her?
>_
-
>Go and meet up.
-
>Go and meet up.
> You head into Marisa's house.
> The three fairies are in here, talking with Marisa. Hourai is in here as well, speaking to Shanghai...
>_
-
>How did we fit in there?
-
>How did we fit in there?
> Perfectly. Marisa's house is a magical wonder.
> They're all in the first room. You've literally, headed in.
>_
-
>"Ah, there you are, Hourai."
-
>"Ah, there you are, Hourai."
> Hourai glances over, before returning to speaking.
>_
-
>"Ah, and I see you're doing the sulking thing where you won't say anything because you wish to be self righteous, very well."
>Look to the three faeries. "You three are only safe because you're here. Don't let me see you again."
>"Come along, Shanghai, there are still things to do."
-
>"Ah, and I see you're doing the sulking thing where you won't say anything because you wish to be self righteous, very well."
>Look to the three faeries. "You three are only safe because you're here. Don't let me see you again."
>"Come along, Shanghai, there are still things to do."
> "Hey, we didn't do anything!" Sunny says. "You attacked us first."
> "It's important..." Shanghai looks back.
> "They're... speaking secretly to each other." Marisa speaks.
>_
-
>Give the faeries a look. "I have no time for your lies and distortions. Do not let me see you again."
>Nod to Shanghai. "Alright. I'll be where we were waiting for the others."
>Return there! Keep an eye open for any stray dolls along the way.
-
>Give the faeries a look. "I have no time for your lies and distortions. Do not let me see you again."
>Nod to Shanghai. "Alright. I'll be where we were waiting for the others."
>Return there! Keep an eye open for any stray dolls along the way.
> "We're just gonna stick with Marisa then. Meanie."
> Shanghai nods.
> You return and begin to wait...
> Shanghai returns after a bit.
>_
-
>Presumably no sign of the dolls we sent out to scout?
>Let her land on our shoulder.
>"I imagine Shanghai doesn't want you to tell me anything."
-
>Presumably no sign of the dolls we sent out to scout?
>Let her land on our shoulder.
>"I imagine Shanghai doesn't want you to tell me anything."
> No.
> "She said she doesn't care if I say or not. It won't change anything..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I'm worried about her. But she has no interest in being reached."
-
>Nod.
>"I'm worried about her. But she has no interest in being reached."
> Shanghai looks down.
>_
-
>"I try to speak with her, and am only met with sass or scornful silence."
-
>"I try to speak with her, and am only met with sass or scornful silence."
> "Try-" Shanghai speaks for a moment, but looks back and stays silent.
>_
-
>"Go on, please."
-
>"Go on, please."
> Shanghai seems to consider...
> But ultimately says nothing.
>_
-
>"I would like things to be better between us, but I also want for you two to flourish. It is a difficult balance."
-
>"I would like things to be better between us, but I also want for you two to flourish. It is a difficult balance."
> "I can wait." Shanghai says. "But Hourai's really really can't..."
>_
-
>"Hm? Why do you say that?"
-
>"Hm? Why do you say that?"
> "She... She wants to try and stay with Marisa instead. I-I think she might just be troubled though."
>_
-
>"That is...difficult, isn't it? I would rather she not. But, if it's what she really wants..."
>"Why does she, in particular?"
-
>"That is...difficult, isn't it? I would rather she not. But, if it's what she really wants..."
>"Why does she, in particular?"
> Shanghai shifts a bit, trying to get an answer to wriggle out.
>_
-
>"Well, let me ask a different question. What does she think is going to change with Marisa?"
-
>"Well, let me ask a different question. What does she think is going to change with Marisa?"
> "Maybe treatment... And I think she likes being around Marisa..."
>_
-
>"I suppose I can't blame her for liking Marisa. But as far as treatment goes, unless she objects to having to help out and wants to just be a burden on Marisa, I am not sure what would change."
-
>"I suppose I can't blame her for liking Marisa. But as far as treatment goes, unless she objects to having to help out and wants to just be a burden on Marisa, I am not sure what would change."
> Shanghai seems to shrug a tiny bit.
>_
-
>"Of course, this is all contingent on Hourai even being willing to talk with me in the first place."
-
>"Of course, this is all contingent on Hourai even being willing to talk with me in the first place."
> "She um... Hopefully.
>_
-
>"Hm?"
-
>"Hm?"
> "Hopefully she's willing."
>_
-
>"I may need your help for that."
-
>"I may need your help for that."
> Shanghai nods a bit.
>_
-
>Nod back.
>"Let's move on. We have a lot of things to do today."
>Onwards toward the Garden of the Sun.
-
>Nod back.
>"Let's move on. We have a lot of things to do today."
>Onwards toward the Garden of the Sun.
> You continue on, heading for the Garden of the Sun.
> "Where are we going now?"
>_
-
>"I need to speak with Yuuka, so we're going to her garden."
>Keep an eye out for the outer edges of the garden. We'll have to take extra care at this size.
-
>"I need to speak with Yuuka, so we're going to her garden."
>Keep an eye out for the outer edges of the garden. We'll have to take extra care at this size.
> "What about?" Shanghai asks.
>_
-
>"Just what I spoke about with Meiling. I need to know if she was truly in that dream with me or not."
-
>"Just what I spoke about with Meiling. I need to know if she was truly in that dream with me or not."
> "Mm..."
> You reach the edges of the garden.
>_
-
>Take a few moments to look around, see if we can find Yuuka, or at least scout out the best ways to proceed.
>What does the place look like?
-
>Take a few moments to look around, see if we can find Yuuka, or at least scout out the best ways to proceed.
>What does the place look like?
> It's a large flower garden. There's a house nearby.
> You don't spot her yet...
>_
-
>Let's make our way toward that house, getting as close as we can without entering the garden itself. See if we can get her attention with our presence.
-
>Let's make our way toward that house, getting as close as we can without entering the garden itself. See if we can get her attention with our presence.
> You circler around the garden for the house...
> You still don't see her along the way.
>_
-
>Let's start plotting a route to that house that should avoid the flowers.
-
>Let's start plotting a route to that house that should avoid the flowers.
> You're in progress of such.
>_
-
//Wouldn't overflying the flowers work just fine? Otherwise, I presume we want to avoid to look really menacing, given how large we are.
-
>Let's keep it up, then.
//Wouldn't overflying the flowers work just fine? Otherwise, I presume we want to avoid to look really menacing, given how large we are.
Flying while big feels like cheating. And probably best not to experiment with it while in this kind of scenario.
-
>Let's keep it up, then.
Flying while big feels like cheating. And probably best not to experiment with it while in this kind of scenario.
> You continue...
> It's manageable to get near it while staying outside...
>_
-
>Approach the front door, crouch down beside it, and gently knock with the back of our ring finger.
-
>Approach the front door, crouch down beside it, and gently knock with the back of our ring finger.
> You approach and crouch, then knock gently...
> ...
> Kazami opens it after a bit.
>_
-
>"Hello Miss Kazami, I'd like to ask you a simple question, if I may?"
-
>"Hello Miss Kazami, I'd like to ask you a simple question, if I may?"
> "Hm?"
>_
-
>Observe her for any kind of reaction as we speak, but try not to be obvious about it. "Does the word "Marfank" mean anything to you?"
-
>Observe her for any kind of reaction as we speak, but try not to be obvious about it. "Does the word "Marfank" mean anything to you?"
> She seemed to be taken aback for a moment, as if you said something vulgar.
> "...No. It doesn't."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I ask because I saw you in a dream last night, a fully lucid one. We spoke, and I asked you to remember it. Are you sure it doesn't sound familiar?"
-
>Nod.
>"I ask because I saw you in a dream last night, a fully lucid one. We spoke, and I asked you to remember it. Are you sure it doesn't sound familiar?"
> "It does not..."
>_
-
>From our observations, does this feel like an honest statement?
-
>From our observations, does this feel like an honest statement?
> Yes. She seems mostly confused.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Alright, that is helpful. It means it not both of us being affected. Thank you, I am sorry for just appearing with such a weird question."
-
>Nod.
>"Alright, that is helpful. It means it not both of us being affected. Thank you, I am sorry for just appearing with such a weird question."
> "Affected by what? Are you perhaps, ill?"
>_
-
>"I'm still trying to figure that out."
-
>"I'm still trying to figure that out."
> "Hm..."
>_
-
>"Hm, related to that, would you happen to know the best way to find a baku?"
-
>"Hm, related to that, would you happen to know the best way to find a baku?"
> "Unfortunately not."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Either way, thank you for your time, Miss Kazami."
-
>Nod.
>"Either way, thank you for your time, Miss Kazami."
> "Hm... Have you noticed your size today?"
>_
-
>"Oh yes. I'm quite pleased with it. It even carried over into that dream."
-
>"Oh yes. I'm quite pleased with it. It even carried over into that dream."
> "Ah. I thought it was a condition."
>_
-
>Pleased pleased
>"Simply the culmination of quite a bit of research."
-
>Pleased pleased
>"Simply the culmination of quite a bit of research."
> Yuuka nods.
>_
-
>"Anyways, I shall leave you be. Thank you again."
>Stand up, if she doesn't voice an objections.
-
>"Anyways, I shall leave you be. Thank you again."
>Stand up, if she doesn't voice an objections.
> You stand.
> "Take care."
>_
-
>"You too!"
>Carefully extract ourself from the garden, and proceed either to youkai mountain or the hakurei shrine, whichever is closest.
-
>"You too!"
>Carefully extract ourself from the garden, and proceed either to youkai mountain or the hakurei shrine, whichever is closest.
> You carefully depart, taking the shorter trip to the shrine.
>_
-
>Approach the shrine, and try to see where the various residents are.
-
>Approach the shrine, and try to see where the various residents are.
> You approach...
> You don't see anyone outside.
>_
-
>Kneel down and gently knock on the front doors. Or on the porch if the doors are paper.
-
>Kneel down and gently knock on the front doors. Or on the porch if the doors are paper.
> You knock...
> No response.
>_
-
>"Reimu, are you there?"
>Knock again.
-
>"Reimu, are you there?"
>Knock again.
> You hear a tired groan...
> A bit before Reimu opens the doors.
>_
-
>"Hello Reimu. Are you alright?"
-
>"Hello Reimu. Are you alright?"
> "Mm... Yea. Why?"
>_
-
>Sorry, you just sounded so miserable, I was afraid you were sick."
-
>Sorry, you just sounded so miserable, I was afraid you were sick."
> "Ah. I'm fine."
>_
-
>Kneel down in front of the porch to facilitate conversation.
>"That's good. I was hoping you could help me with a little problem I've been having..."
-
>Kneel down in front of the porch to facilitate conversation.
>"That's good. I was hoping you could help me with a little problem I've been having..."
> You kneel.
> "Your size?"
>_
-
>"Oh, not at all. I'm quite pleased with this. Rather, I need to find a baku or some other dream expert."
-
>"Oh, not at all. I'm quite pleased with this. Rather, I need to find a baku or some other dream expert."
> "Having trouble sleeping?"
>_
-
>"Among other things..."
>Sigh, and resolve to stop hiding it so much. At least for now. "I have lucid dreams, about that time in Makai. Then I wake up hurt... And it keeps me asleep, I didn't wake up until this afternoon."
-
>"Among other things..."
>Sigh, and resolve to stop hiding it so much. At least for now. "I have lucid dreams, about that time in Makai. Then I wake up hurt... And it keeps me asleep, I didn't wake up until this afternoon."
> Shanghai looks worried.
> "Hurt?" Reimu asks.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Today, for instance, I had burns on my arm. Shanghai saw them, did you not dear?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Today, for instance, I had burns on my arm. Shanghai saw them, did you not dear?"
>_
> She nods a bit...
> "Burns..."
>_
-
>"I dreamt about a bad run in with...those two. You remember the ones in Makai. The fire and ice sisters."
-
>"I dreamt about a bad run in with...those two. You remember the ones in Makai. The fire and ice sisters."
> "I... Don't. No not really..."
>_
-
>"Well, take my word for it. That's why I need to find a baku, so I can tell figure out what's going on."
-
>"Well, take my word for it. That's why I need to find a baku, so I can tell figure out what's going on."
> "Uh huh... I'm not sure I know where and how to get where one would be..."
>_
-
>"Really? You of all people I imagined you must have beaten up just about every youkai there is."
-
>"Really? You of all people I imagined you must have beaten up just about every youkai there is."
> "Gimme a second to think. I'm still a bit tired..." Reimu sits.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"By all means, take your time."
>"While we're thinking about it, is it just me or have the faeries gotten more irksome lately?"
-
>Nod.
>"By all means, take your time."
>"While we're thinking about it, is it just me or have the faeries gotten more irksome lately?"
> "In what way? I'm pretty sure they're just as they've always been. Maybe you're only now running into them."
>_
-
>"No, I've dealt with them off and on ever since I've lived in the Forest of Magic. But now...urgh."
-
>"No, I've dealt with them off and on ever since I've lived in the Forest of Magic. But now...urgh."
> "Hm... Deal with them when you run into them then."
>_
-
>Nod. "That has become my policy."
-
>Nod. "That has become my policy."
> "Uh... huh..."
>_
-
>Shrug. "I've grown entirely sick of them for the time being."
-
>Shrug. "I've grown entirely sick of them for the time being."
> "They're just fairies..." Reimu shrugs.
>_
-
>"That's not a good enough excuse anymore. But, we're getting off topic. Have you never encountered a baku before?"
-
>"That's not a good enough excuse anymore. But, we're getting off topic. Have you never encountered a baku before?"
> Reimu sighs.
> "Well maybe. But it was in the dream world anyways. I think Reisen could help more than I could. Sorry about all that's happening."
>_
-
>"I appreciate the concern. Why Reisen, though?"
-
>"I appreciate the concern. Why Reisen, though?"
> "Apparently she knows more about it."
>_
-
>"I never would have guessed. Wonder why?"
-
>"I never would have guessed. Wonder why?"
> "Perhaps something with being from the moon..."
>_
-
>"Hm. Maybe."
>Contemplate the way to Eientei from here, and what it would take us by.
-
>"Hm. Maybe."
>Contemplate the way to Eientei from here, and what it would take us by.
> It's a bit far from here. You could pass by the village and Misty Lake at least. Or your home if you please...
>_
-
>"I suppose I should look into that while there's still daylight. Thank you, Reimu."
>Stand up, and make our way toward Eientei, passing closer to the village.
-
>"I suppose I should look into that while there's still daylight. Thank you, Reimu."
>Stand up, and make our way toward Eientei, passing closer to the village.
> "Good luck." Reimu nods.
> You start on towards Eientei, nearing the village for a moment.
>_
-
>Give it a look over, see if anything catches our eye, then continue on.
-
>Give it a look over, see if anything catches our eye, then continue on.
> You glance some...
> Before deciding that nothing worthwhile has shown up, and continue.
> You enter the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
>_
-
>Do we know how to get through it to Eientei?
-
>Do we know how to get through it to Eientei?
> Yes.
>_
-
>Onward! Take things extra slowly, though. We wouldn't want to kick a rabbit.
-
>Onward! Take things extra slowly, though. We wouldn't want to kick a rabbit.
> You head through the forest with caution, taking note of your surroundings...
> You make it to Eientei with no troubles along the way.
>_
-
>Kneel down by the front gates. If there's no one there, knock gently. If there is, greet them politely!
-
>Kneel down by the front gates. If there's no one there, knock gently. If there is, greet them politely!
> You greet the rabbits out here.
> They seem to stutter away a bit.
>_
-
>Kneel down and fold our hands over our lap. Give them time to find themselves.
-
>Kneel down and fold our hands over our lap. Give them time to find themselves.
> You kneel and wait...
> They seem to calm down after a moment...
> "Miss Margatroid?" Some question.
>_
-
>"That's right. I hope I haven't come at an inconvenient time?"
>Take stock of the rabbits.
-
>"That's right. I hope I haven't come at an inconvenient time?"
>Take stock of the rabbits.
> Only a couple are addressing you. There's more hanging back.
> The rabbits shake their heads.
>_
-
>"Might I borrow Reisen for a moment?"
-
>"Might I borrow Reisen for a moment?"
> "Okay."
> The rabbits start to leave inside.
> "Of course it's Reisen again..." One of them mumbles.
>_
-
>Again?
>Wait patiently, Observe the other rabbits while waiting.
-
>Again?
>Wait patiently, Observe the other rabbits while waiting.
> You don't believe you've misheard, at least...
> You watch the rabbits as they leave, then turn attention to the others around you now.
> "Are you here for medicine?" One of the rabbits asks.
>_
-
>"Information, actually. Miss Reisen reputedly knows some things I'd like to know."
-
>"Information, actually. Miss Reisen reputedly knows some things I'd like to know."
> "Oh. I won't ask more then."
> "What's it about?" Another rabbit does the opposite of the previous.
>_
-
>"It's a little personal, I'm afraid."
-
>"It's a little personal, I'm afraid."
> The rabbit frowns in an upset manner.
>_
-
>"Oh don't worry, it won't be for anything bad. I just need to ask her a few things."
-
>"Oh don't worry, it won't be for anything bad. I just need to ask her a few things."
> "Okay."
> The rabbit of the topic comes out after a bit.
>_
-
>"Ah, Reisen, might I borrow you for a little bit? I'd like to talk about something."
-
>"Ah, Reisen, might I borrow you for a little bit? I'd like to talk about something."
> "Er... How much is a little bit?" Reisen looks up towards you.
>_
-
>"Just a couple minutes, I imagine."
>Extend our hand for her to walk onto. We might as well try this!
-
>"Just a couple minutes, I imagine."
>Extend our hand for her to walk onto. We might as well try this!
> You extend.
> "Okay." Reisen looks to the hand with question.
>_
-
>"Go on."
-
>"Go on."
> "I don't believe I could shake your hand like this. Sorry."
>_
-
>"Oh no, I am offering you a ride, so to speak."
-
>"Oh no, I am offering you a ride, so to speak."
> "Oh." Reisen looks around. "I'm fine."
>_
-
>Rats.
>"As you like, I was simply trying to save some time."
>Stand up, and head off into the forest with our former care, until we find a nice spot away from prying ears.
-
>Rats.
>"As you like, I was simply trying to save some time."
>Stand up, and head off into the forest with our former care, until we find a nice spot away from prying ears.
> You head off, Reisen following...
> Until you believe you're far and secluded enough.
>_
-
>Pause, glance around to make we won't hurt anything, then kneel down again. Try not to bowl over Reisen if she's too close.
>"Now, I am lead to believe you know something about baku."
-
>Pause, glance around to make we won't hurt anything, then kneel down again. Try not to bowl over Reisen if she's too close.
>"Now, I am lead to believe you know something about baku."
> You glance around a bit, then kneel.
> "Baku? What has your interest in them?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I need to find one, as soon as possible."
-
>Nod.
>"I need to find one, as soon as possible."
> "I... can assume what for... I have recently met a baku. Have you tried searching within the dream world?
>_
-
>"I've tried searching a little while dreaming. It...did not work out well, and is rather part of the problem i need to discuss."
-
>"I've tried searching a little while dreaming. It...did not work out well, and is rather part of the problem i need to discuss."
> "Hm?"
>_
-
>"I'd rather not go into details if I don't have to, but I'm having issues with lucid dreams. And stuff that hurts me in those dreams carrying over to the waking world."
-
>"I'd rather not go into details if I don't have to, but I'm having issues with lucid dreams. And stuff that hurts me in those dreams carrying over to the waking world."
> "Maybe you're... actually being targeted by a Baku... then?" Reisen asks, confused.
>_
-
>"It that's the case, then I would like to find her and express my extraordinary displeasure with her."
-
>"It that's the case, then I would like to find her and express my extraordinary displeasure with her."
> "I hope it isn't..."
>_
-
>"I feel the same way. But in either event, I need to find one."
-
>"I feel the same way. But in either event, I need to find one."
> "Maybe try to call for her. Doremy, that is."
>_
-
>"Doremy?"
-
>"Doremy?"
> "The name of the baku I mentioned. Though it might not necessarily be the one targeting you, if any are."
>_
-
>"I suppose I could call out to her in my dream. But if at all possible, I want to meet with her before sleeping again."
-
>"I suppose I could call out to her in my dream. But if at all possible, I want to meet with her before sleeping again."
> "That's... much easier said than done."
>_
-
>"So I've gathered, which is why I'm here."
-
>"So I've gathered, which is why I'm here."
> "The dream world may be your best bet. Or trying a butterfly dream pill. They almost ensure pleasant dreams."
>_
-
>"I wonder how they would fare against whatever I'm up against. I suppose it probably wouldn't hurt..."
-
>"I wonder how they would fare against whatever I'm up against. I suppose it probably wouldn't hurt..."
> "Shall we head back then?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I suppose, if you have no idea where to find her outside of the Dream World."
-
>Nod.
>"I suppose, if you have no idea where to find her outside of the Dream World."
> "Not right now I don't. It's not like I'm great pals with her, know where she frequents outside of the Dream World, or contact her regularly."
>_
-
>"Ah. Reimu lead me to believe otherwise."
-
>"Ah. Reimu lead me to believe otherwise."
> "Hm?"
>_
-
>"That you knew where to really find her."
-
>"That you knew where to really find her."
> "Maybe she's in Gensokyo right now. That or the Dream World. And you can just physically get there... But the drug might be a better option than all of this."
>_
-
>"I suppose I should get it, in case I cannot find her soon."
-
>"I suppose I should get it, in case I cannot find her soon."
> "Mm."
>_
-
>Let her elaborate on that uninstructive sound.
-
>Let her elaborate on that uninstructive sound.
> You wait for her...
> "Er. Y-Yes, you should. I mean it's entirely up to you. I'm not... forcing you." The rabbit steps back.
>_
-
>"Oh, did I make you nervous, I'm sorry."
-
>"Oh, did I make you nervous, I'm sorry."
> "It's fine I just thought something was wrong. Because you looked a bit... uh... Never mind."
>_
-
>"Think nothing of it. But just to be sure, you have no idea where I might find here, and I assume no idea who might know?"
-
>"Think nothing of it. But just to be sure, you have no idea where I might find here, and I assume no idea who might know?"
> Reisen nods.
>_
-
>"What a pain. Let's go see about those pills, shall we?"
-
>"What a pain. Let's go see about those pills, shall we?"
> Reisen nods.
>_
-
>Offer her our hand again.
-
>Offer her our hand again.
> You offer.
> "I guess..." Reisen steps carefully onto your palm.
>_
-
>Smile, and carefully stand up. "Just think of it as speeding things along."
>Head back toward Eientei with usual care.
>_
-
>Smile, and carefully stand up. "Just think of it as speeding things along."
>Head back toward Eientei with usual care.
>_
> You carefully stand, Reisen stumbling a bit and deciding to just sit down on it.
> You return to Eientei.
>_
-
>Set her down by the gates. "Can you arrange for the pills, please? I will probably need a slightly different than usual dose."
-
>Set her down by the gates. "Can you arrange for the pills, please? I will probably need a slightly different than usual dose."
> "Of course." Reisen hops off. "I'll just be a bit."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Please find me if you need me."
-
>Nod.
>"Please find me if you need me."
> Reisen nods, retreating back into Eientei properly.
>_
-
>Apply patience.
-
>Apply patience.
> You wait...
> Reisen returns with her master, who seems to examine your size.
>_
-
>"Ah, hello there. Is there anything I can help you with?"
-
>"Ah, hello there. Is there anything I can help you with?"
> "Possibly the contrary. It seems you've got a bit of a problem?"
>_
-
>"What do you mean? I've gotten this big on my own, and rather like it."
-
>"What do you mean? I've gotten this big on my own, and rather like it."
> "We mean that we can't just give you a bunch for free just because you're huge." Reisen says.
> "You have a bit of trouble getting a good night's rest I heard? It would simply be the pills you've bought before."
>_
-
>"Come again?"
-
>"Come again?"
> "Butterfly dream pills."
>_
-
>"Explain, please."
-
>"Explain, please."
> "They almost ensure good dreams. As I've said." Reisen interjects.
>_
-
>"And you seem to be implying they've caused me some issues. Please explain."
-
>"And you seem to be implying they've caused me some issues. Please explain."
> "Ah, no. I meant in relevance to Udonge's statement, as well as what we would give you would be what you're familiar with. Nothing new." Eirin explains. "Apologies if it sounded like I meant they could contribute to the problem. I can assure you that they are not the ones that induce nightmares."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"So, what is the problem?"
-
>Nod.
>"So, what is the problem?"
> "Ours is that we would only be providing enough dosage for a regular sized person. You being so large may mean you could need more. It would become a purchase, rather than a... gift. Meanwhile, you're here for your problematic sleep, or lack thereof, correct?"
>_
-
>"Essentially."
-
>"Essentially."
> "Well, we won't tell you to shrink, but this is the regular amount."
> Reisen holds a small bag out for you.
>_
-
>Take the bag and examine it. Is it just a dose for a normal-sized person, or an us-sized person?
-
>Take the bag and examine it. Is it just a dose for a normal-sized person, or an us-sized person?
> You take it...
> It's for a normal-sized person...
>_
-
>"How much for more?"
-
>"How much for more?"
> "Their usual price." Eirin speaks.
> Reisen sighs a bit.
>_
-
>What would that be?
-
>What would that be?
> You don't recall how much it was. You haven't purchased any too recently. You guess it was hardly in the twenties...
>_
-
>"Money is tight right now, and I rather need this for my own wellbeing, if what you say is true."
-
>"Money is tight right now, and I rather need this for my own wellbeing, if what you say is true."
> "Which is why we've given what we've given."
>_
-
>SIgh.
>"I guess I'll try it..."
-
>SIgh.
>"I guess I'll try it..."
> "Good..." Reisen speaks.
>_
-
>"Is there anything I should keep in mind about this?"
-
>"Is there anything I should keep in mind about this?"
> "Not necessarily. You know how it goes. Though we don't really know exactly what problems you're having, so that's the best we can say right now."
>_
-
>"Very well, then."
>What does the time of day appear to be, roughly?
-
>"Very well, then."
>What does the time of day appear to be, roughly?
> The sky's getting dark, or rather, more than earlier. So much of the day already gone...
> "Take care."
>_
-
>Stand and pocket the goods. "I'll do my best."
>Do we feel even remotely tired, after sleeping so long previously?
-
>Stand and pocket the goods. "I'll do my best."
>Do we feel even remotely tired, after sleeping so long previously?
> You pocket the goods.
> You don't. You feel as though it should only be midday, at the latest.
>_
-
>"Thank you. With luck, I won't need to visit again anytime soon."
>Depart, head generally in the direction of home, taking care with the reduced visibility and all.
>"Hmmm. what should we do next, Shanghai?"
-
>"Thank you. With luck, I won't need to visit again anytime soon."
>Depart, head generally in the direction of home, taking care with the reduced visibility and all.
>"Hmmm. what should we do next, Shanghai?"
> You start home.
> "Huh?" Shanghai questions. "I'm... not sure."
>_
-
>"I suppose I could go see if the Aki Sisters have had any success. Or go play with Meiling a little more. I suppose it might be responsible to see if there's anything I can do around the village."
-
>"I suppose I could go see if the Aki Sisters have had any success. Or go play with Meiling a little more. I suppose it might be responsible to see if there's anything I can do around the village."
> Shanghai stays quiet for your decision.
>_
-
>"Mmm. Too dark to be responsible. Perhaps the akis will be pleased to see us?"
>Head toward that way.
-
>"Mmm. Too dark to be responsible. Perhaps the akis will be pleased to see us?"
>Head toward that way.
> You start for where you've spotted the Aki sisters before.
> Though, you still have to finish getting out of the bamboo forest.
> Which you do so without trouble.
> You get from one forest to another without too much time wasted.
>_
-
>"I must say, I do enjoy getting around quicker these days~"
>Carefully look around for the Aki sisters. No need to call for them, since they seem not to care for that.
-
>"I must say, I do enjoy getting around quicker these days~"
>Carefully look around for the Aki sisters. No need to call for them, since they seem not to care for that.
> You start to look around...
> ...
> Wandering their usual area for a bit has not let you spot them yet...
>_
-
>"Minoriko? Shizuha?"
>Wander a little more.
-
>"Minoriko? Shizuha?"
>Wander a little more.
> You call and meander around more...
> The two still do not show signs of showing up, nor outright show up.
>_
-
>We'll keep looking for awhile yet.
-
>We'll keep looking for awhile yet.
> You continue wandering further...
> You eventually note someone else traversing through the forest.
>_
-
>Let's have a look at them!
-
>Let's have a look at them!
> You observe...
> It's Minoriko.
>_
-
>Excellent! Close in on them.
-
>Excellent! Close in on them.
> You approach her.
> "Ah... Alice?"
>_
-
>"Good Evening, Minoriko. Any good news?"
-
>"Good Evening, Minoriko. Any good news?"
> "I've been trying it. I'm not sure how it'll go, but I have hopes."
>_
-
>"I am sure that if you have hopes, then everything will be fine. If there is anything you might need, please let me know."
-
>"I am sure that if you have hopes, then everything will be fine. If there is anything you might need, please let me know."
> Minoriko nods.
>_
-
>"So what else has happened, lately?"
-
>"So what else has happened, lately?"
> "Nothing much, I think. Has other stuff been happening?" She questions.
>_
-
>"Not really. Aside from the faeries acting worse than usual, things have been quite peaceful."
-
>"Not really. Aside from the faeries acting worse than usual, things have been quite peaceful."
> "Worse than usual?"
>_
-
>"To me, at least."
-
>"To me, at least."
> "I'm glad that that's at least the only problem you have. Unless it's significant enough that you'd rather have other problems. Though I doubt fairies would be that annoying."
>_
-
>"They've been truculent, and extraordinarily in the way."
-
>"They've been truculent, and extraordinarily in the way."
> "Well, how much could they do? They're only fairies..."
>_
-
>"Devour a mushroom harvest, to start with."
-
>"Devour a mushroom harvest, to start with."
> "Ah... Had you just gotten a lot right before then? Did they take them from you?"
> Shanghai shakes her head.
> "Oh... Was it, uh, some you were growing first, then?"
>_
-
>"Essentially, yes. I came on two groups fighting over them, and offered to help them split the harvest. They decided to become violent. They got what they deserved. And will continue to get it."
-
>"Essentially, yes. I came on two groups fighting over them, and offered to help them split the harvest. They decided to become violent. They got what they deserved. And will continue to get it."
> "That's not..." Shanghai lets her voice fade out before she continues.
> "Huh..."
>_
-
>"That's not what, Shanghai?"
-
>"That's not what, Shanghai?"
> Shanghai keeps quiet.
>_
-
>Sigh slightly.
>"Regardless, try not to leave yours in the open., Minoriko."
-
>Sigh slightly.
>"Regardless, try not to leave yours in the open., Minoriko."
> "Mm." Minoriko nods.
>_
-
>"That's about all I really have to say, unless you know where I can find a baku in Gensokyo?"
-
>"That's about all I really have to say, unless you know where I can find a baku in Gensokyo?"
> Minoriko shakes her head.
>_
-
>'I didn't think so. No one seems to."
-
>'I didn't think so. No one seems to."
> "Well uh... Why would they?"
>_
-
>"Why would anyone know where anyone can be found. If someone is out there, it is necessary that the interact with someone at some time."
-
>"Why would anyone know where anyone can be found. If someone is out there, it is necessary that the interact with someone at some time."
> "I guess you have to find the right people then. Oh, what about the reporters?"
>_
-
>"Hm. I hadn't considered them..."
-
>"Hm. I hadn't considered them..."
> "Really now?"
>_
-
>"Well, you know how they can get... But it is a good idea."
>Eye the slopes of Youkai mountain contemplatively.
-
>"Well, you know how they can get... But it is a good idea."
>Eye the slopes of Youkai mountain contemplatively.
> "I hope you don't cause trouble there like that..."
>_
-
>"I don't see why I would, as long as I'm careful."
-
>"I don't see why I would, as long as I'm careful."
> "You might..." She pauses. "Nevermind. Take care."
>_
-
>As far as we can tell, would a trip up to the tengu town accommodate our size?
-
>As far as we can tell, would a trip up to the tengu town accommodate our size?
> Yes.
>_
-
>"I will. I'm sure they'll be happy to work with me. Thank you Minoriko, I'll try to check in tomorrow."
>Let's start making our way up the mountain. Take care going through kappa town.
-
>"I will. I'm sure they'll be happy to work with me. Thank you Minoriko, I'll try to check in tomorrow."
>Let's start making our way up the mountain. Take care going through kappa town.
> Minoriko waves you off as you start up the mountain...
> There's more fairies along the way, but they only seem to give you the occasional amazed glance.
>_
-
>We'll leave these faeries alone, they're behaving and they aren't near our area.
>Proceed.
-
>We'll leave these faeries alone, they're behaving and they aren't near our area.
>Proceed.
> You decide not to berserk over these fairies.
> And rather than fairies, you begin to see Tengu with such faces.
>_
-
>Have we gotten as far as the Kappa village yet?
>Do we recognize any of them?
-
>Have we gotten as far as the Kappa village yet?
>Do we recognize any of them?
> You should be nearing it.
> No.
>_
-
>Give the tengu a polite wave and carry on. If they want to talk to us, they can do so.
-
>Give the tengu a polite wave and carry on. If they want to talk to us, they can do so.
> You wave. They don't seem to desire conflict or anything with you at the moment, and continue peacefully.
> You make it to the area...
>_
-
>Take care in proceeding forward. Give the kappa plenty of time to go run off if they want.
-
>Take care in proceeding forward. Give the kappa plenty of time to go run off if they want.
> You carefully continue.
> As you actually get into the area, the Kappa that notice you flee for cover.
>_
-
>"Just passing through, don't mind me."
>Just pass through. Keep to the broadest streets, and take care as we step.
-
>"Just passing through, don't mind me."
>Just pass through. Keep to the broadest streets, and take care as we step.
> You continue strolling through the territory...
>_
-
>Assuming there's no problems, let's continue on up toward the tengu town.
-
>Assuming there's no problems, let's continue on up toward the tengu town.
> You continue on through and out of the Kappa's territory.
> And as you continue, you begin seeing more Tengu pass around you.
>_
-
>Give them polite little nods and waves and such as they pass. If any approach us directly, pause and let them do so.
-
>Give them polite little nods and waves and such as they pass. If any approach us directly, pause and let them do so.
> You start to do so, but a few do exactly that.
> "What do you want here?" One questions.
>_
-
>"Ah, hello. I was looking for some professional assistance, actually."
-
>"Ah, hello. I was looking for some professional assistance, actually."
> "With what?"
>_
-
>"Information. In particular, I was looking to speak with a reporter or two."
-
>"Information. In particular, I was looking to speak with a reporter or two."
> "About what?"
>_
-
>"I need to know where to find a certain slippery person."
-
>"I need to know where to find a certain slippery person."
> "And that is?"
>_
-
>Do we know this tengu as a reporter, or does it seem like they're just being nosy?
-
>Do we know this tengu as a reporter, or does it seem like they're just being nosy?
> You've not seem then before, nor known them as a reporter.
>_
-
>"I'd like to keep that to myself right now. Who's asking?"
-
>"I'd like to keep that to myself right now. Who's asking?"
> There's a pause...
> "Just a nobody, I guess." The Tengu examines you as they retreat back slightly.
>_
-
>Smile.
>"Tell you what. Help me find who I'm looking for, and I'll let you hear the rest of the story."
-
>Smile.
>"Tell you what. Help me find who I'm looking for, and I'll let you hear the rest of the story."
> "Just to be sure, you're not, uh, trying to take out someone, are you?"
>_
-
>"Oh, heavens no!"
>Well, if this Doremy is the cause, it might be necessary, but...
>"I just need to speak with a specialist, so to say."
-
>"Oh, heavens no!"
>Well, if this Doremy is the cause, it might be necessary, but...
>"I just need to speak with a specialist, so to say."
> "A specialist...?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"So, would you be so kind as to direct me?"
-
>Nod.
>"So, would you be so kind as to direct me?"
> "Right..." The Tengu sighs, starting up the mountain. "It's always just those two..."
>_
-
>Follow!
>We'll let her grumble for now.
-
>Follow!
>We'll let her grumble for now.
> You follow.
> "So... what's with the size thing?"
>_
-
>"Simply the culmination of some of my work. I'm quite fond of it."
-
>"Simply the culmination of some of my work. I'm quite fond of it."
> "Is it permanent? Will it get... more?"
>_
-
>"Yes, and we'll see about that~"
>Wink.
-
>"Yes, and we'll see about that~"
>Wink.
> "U-Uh?"
> "Excuse me?" One of the others asks.
> "Ah. You three don't have to come. I can escort her fine with just one of you."
> "Well I'm not leaving you with her. She's suspicious.
> " Neither are we."
>_
-
>"It's all the same to me, you can all come."
-
>"It's all the same to me, you can all come."
> "Right." The others speak, while your escort sighs.
>_
-
>Oh well, nothing for it but to follow along.
-
>Oh well, nothing for it but to follow along.
> You quietly follow the tengu...
> Until he motions for you to stop after a while.
> "One moment." Your guide continues up.
> "Well Aya definitely won't just be home..."
> "Maybe."
> "Just saying it would've been better to try the other first. She's almost always at home."
>_
-
>"I am fine with trying either one. But I do trust Aya a little more, if only due to infamy."
-
>"I am fine with trying either one. But I do trust Aya a little more, if only due to infamy."
> "But you're not fine with just anyone?"
>_
-
>"I'm fine with anyone good. But you're talking about Aya and the other one, so I assumed."
-
>"I'm fine with anyone good. But you're talking about Aya and the other one, so I assumed."
> "Well he's not as good as them anyways. No one really is."
>_
-
>Nod. "Then let's focus on the better ones, please?"
-
>Nod. "Then let's focus on the better ones, please?"
> The others nod.
> Your guide seems to be returning. Though, empty handed...
>_
-
>Mmm, no good.
>Wait for the guide to return and elaborate.
-
>Mmm, no good.
>Wait for the guide to return and elaborate.
> You wait.
> "She wasn't there. Of course... Still want the other one?"
>_
-
>"Might as well try."
-
>"Might as well try."
> "Alright." Your guide starts off again.
> The others follow...
>_
-
>Follow!
-
>Follow!
> You follow the crow tengu to the next place, where they tell the rest to stop and wait again as they go on.
> "Hatate's." One of the others yawns.
> "You can go ahead and just go over there. She'll be there anyways."
>_
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Proceed! Mentally review what we know of Hatate.
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Proceed! Mentally review what we know of Hatate.
> You follow towards the residence.
> You don't truly know too much about Hatate, compared to Aya. She's supposedly popular too, and runs her own newspaper of sorts...
> You stop at the front. Your guide seems to be partially inside, speaking.
>_
-
>Crouch down by the door, but let them speak until we're acknowledged.
-
>Crouch down by the door, but let them speak until we're acknowledged.
> You crouch carefully.
> "She's asking for a bit of help, you see?" Your guide speaks.
> "I'm not available right now..."
> "Well, her alternative is Aya..."
> "Then let her bother Aya."
> Your guide sighs a bit, then turns, before stopping as he faces you.
> "Oh..."
>_
-
>"What seems to be the problem, Miss Hatate?"
-
>"What seems to be the problem, Miss Hatate?"
> "I'm just busy is all. Can't help right now."
> "She's not doing anything but lying in bed." Your guide speaks.
> "I'm!... Gathering material..."
>_
-
>"Come again?"
-
>"Come again?"
> Shanghai pierces you lethally for ignoring her for so long.
> Your vision dulls as you feel yourself coming down in the direction of Hatate's residence. Your guide seems to be shouting at you as he gets in the way...