Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Evil_Nazgul0616 on October 26, 2017, 03:32:11 AM
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RECAP FOR NEWCOMERS:
>You are Maribel Hearn.
>You are 19 years old, and was a student in a university in Kyoto, Japan. You are not like most humans, you possess the power to see and manipulate boundaries, and that power is growing quickly over the years. Over time you have learned to create tears in boundaries, and, just recently, you learned how to create gaps, which are like tears, except far more stable and easier to maintain.
>Several days ago, you and your best friend, Renko Usami, finally entered Gensokyo. During your stay, you learned to (somewhat) fly and shoot danmaku. There was also an incident involving Renko, a shrine maiden named Reimu Hakurei, and an archangel by the name of Sariel, that left Reimu severely injured, and Renko facing pending judgement. However, there were a couple of good things that came out of this as well... You managed to find Renko's long-lost sister: Sumireko Usami. And you and Renko confessed your love for each other. This happiness was short, as you were sent home by Yukari Yakumo, a youkai you befriended during your visit, due to something about your powers developing.
>Two days ago, you returned to Gensokyo against Yukari's wishes. You soon reunited with Renko, and witnessed Sumireko awaken from her coma. Unfortunately, Sumireko didn't seem entirely right in the head, and she escaped, injuring a rabbit by the name of Reisen in the process. You wanted to pursue her, but were stopped by Yukari, who sent you back to the outside world, promising to resolve the issue. When you were outside the barrier, a youkai by the name of YuugenMagan approached you, having slipped undetected through Yukari's gap. Together, the two of you went through Makai and returned to Gensokyo, where you began to search for Sumireko on your own. Along the way you met up with Marisa Kirisame and Renko. And met a lonely youkai named Rengeteki, whom you promised to come back for. You met with Yukari again soon after, who revealed that she was your mother, and has only been acting in what she sees as your best interests. She then let you go, and your group, escorted by a cat youkai named Chen, and sans Marisa, soon found Sumireko. Whom YuugenMagan promptly possessed, revealing her true motives. She then revealed that Sumireko was fused with an angel, whose name you later learned was Matenshi, and then used her powers to destroy Sariel and her counterpart, Uriel. After getting Sumireko and Matenshi to resist YuugenMagan's influence, you destroyed her, freeing them from her control.
>You, Renko, Sumireko (And Matenshi, by extension.), and Chen were then called by Yukari to the Netherworld, where you met her friend Yuyuko and her servant, Youmu. After a large dinner, you discussed with Yukari about deciding to become a youkai. You decided that you will stay in Gensokyo long enough to find a way to separate Sumireko and Matenshi, and then leave to allow your powers to mature in the outside world. You then all went to Yukari's home, where you and Renko fell asleep for the night....
>You had a nightmare involving YuugenMagan. You then noticed visuals of her in the morning, but you and Renko dismissed this as the nightmare still affecting you. You then read the newspaper and learned of an incident involving the kidnapping of young women from the human village overnight.
>You then went to the Scarlet Devil Mansion to look for a solution to Sumireko and Matenshi's problem. Encountering the fairy, Cirno, and her friends along the way. After a brief interaction, you continued to the mansion, where you met with Patchouli knowledge, who told you of a book that may or may not help with the problem.
>You then went to Marisa's house and retrieved the book in question from her. There, you also met Mima. You considered having yourself and Renko become apprentices under Mima, but you have yet to make a decision on this.
>You then went to check on Rengeteki, whom you learned was being targeted by someone from her past, and that her house had been ransacked in an attempt to find her. You also highly suspect a link between this and the incident from the paper, as Rengeteki said soothing music was present. After calming her down, you took her to Eientei to see if anything could be done about injuries she received long ago. Unfortunately, the medical examination hurt her, making her afraid to continue.
>In Eientei, you also met Sanae Kochiya, whom you quickly befriended. You decided to help her investigate the incident. You then briefly went to her shrine, where you met her "family". There, you also learned that Koishi's family is worried about her.
>Afterwards, you and your group went to the Misty Lake to find the home of a group known as the Prismrivers, who are suspected to be possible witnesses of Rengeteki's house being ransacked. After a brief run-in with Cirno's group, you located the mansion. While you were visiting, Renko was abducted by two of the Prismrivers, and you and Sanae managed to beat the third one, Lyrica, whom you sent to the netherworld for her own safety after a brief interrogation.
>In your efforts to find Renko, Rengeteki led you to a cave, where you met Layla Prismriver, the mastermind behind the current incident and the attacks on Rengeteki. After a conflict, you learned that Rin Satsuki, Rengeteki's lost love, is still alive. With Alice's help, you managed to get Rin a more stable body. However, despite all of this, Layla got away, and wiped the memory of her sisters.
>You then briefly tracked down Rin's old home, where she was able to salvage a few belongings. In the process, you met Rikako Asakura, who was studying the area. She also dropped a flash drive as she was leaving, which you intend to return to her the next time you meet.
>After parting ways with Rengeteki and Rin, you, with Renko's help, tracked Koishi's location to the Myouren Temple, where you met Kyouko Kasodani and promised to watch her concert with Mystia at midnight. You also met Byakuren Hijiri, who informed you that Koishi was meditating and did not wish to be disturbed. Utsuho Reiuji, a member of Koishi's family, showed up a few minutes later, and after a brief non-violent conflict, agreed to wait with you.
>During your stay in the temple, you learned of a rumored youkai sighted in the mountains near the Hakurei Shrine that could possibly help with Sumireko and Matenshi's situation, as well as help you determine whether or not YuugenMagan is still alive.
>You then investigated the area in question, with the oni Suika Ibuki tagging along, and met ShinGyoku, the youkai of the rumors. You then ventured into a blocked off cavern and ended up in Jigoku, a long abandoned section of hell. In here, you met Kikuri, a youkai trapped within a giant bronze disc, as well as Konngara, a friend of ShinGyoku and Kikuri's master. Konngara was also tending to an crippled human named Meira, whom you never really interacted with.
>During your brief stay down there, you learned that Rumia and Kikuri were once lovers, and that Konngara was the one who sealed her away, due to the actions she took in an attempt to save Kikuri. Eventually, you left to see Mystia and Kyouko perform, but not before unfusing Sumireko and Matenshi with ShinGyoku's assistance.
>After the concert, you and your party spent the night in the Myouren Temple, where you had another nightmare, or rather a memory, involving YuugenMagan, which seemed to imply she and Rumia had worked together in the past, before the latter was sealed.
>After finding Koishi in the morning, you went to her home in the Underground, where you met her sister and watched as they reconnected with each other. You then helped Koishi return Kokoro's mask and start a friendship with her. After sending them off to Koishi's home, you went to check on Rengeteki and Rin, where you received a letter from Yukari asking you to go on a grocery run.
>Later, at the human village, you ran into a girl named Chiyuri, who seemed to be in distress. After learning some minimal information from her, you went somewhere private and plugged Rikako Asakura's flash drive into your laptop. It was then you uncovered a plot to destroy magic. You quickly informed Yukari, but she didn't seem particularly concerned about it, to your utter annoyance.
>After returning to Yukari's home, you decide to take the rest of the evening to rest. However, you wanted to discuss with Yukari about Makai, so you stepped into her gapspace to speak in privacy. You are currently in the middle of this conversation.
For those wishing for a more in-depth reading than the summary above, the previous parts will be linked below:
Act I: 1 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19222.0.html), 2 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19485.0.html)
Act II: 1 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19562.0.html), 2 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19697.0.html), 3 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19793.0.html)
Act III: 1 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19846.0.html), 2 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,20324.0.html), 3 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,20460.0.html), 4 (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,20617.0.html), 5 (You are here)
>INVENTORY:
>Black and White Shirt (equipped)
>>A shirt obtained in Makai. It's a little too small. It feels tight around your chest.
>Black Skirt (equipped)
>>A skirt obtained in Makai.
>Hat (equipped)
>>A white cap that you wear almost all the time.
>Satchel (capacity: 18/20 units)
>>A bag for carrying items. Has a limited carrying capacity.
>Coin Pouch (2 units)
>>A bag filled with coins from Makai. You gave some of them to Kagerou.
>>Contains one indigo coin, three cyan coins, five orange coins, and one red coin.
>Burnt Photo (1 unit)
>>A picture found in the Prismriver mansion, it depicts the four Prismrivers, except Layla has her head and upper body burned off.
>Clothes (8 units)
>>Your signature outfit, a purple and white dress with a black belt.
>Cloak (4 units)
>>A grey cloak with a hood you obtained in Makai.
>Notebook (1 unit)
>>A blank notebook you can easily tear the pages out of.
>Pen (1 unit)
>>A writing utensil.
>Flash Drive (0 units)
>>A flash drive that you believe belongs to Rikako Asakura. It's labelled "Personal Files." You could probably access it with a computer or laptop, but would you want to?
>文57 (1 units)
>>Cash on hand.
>QUESTS: MENTAL NOTES:
>[COMPLETE] You were forced to leave without Renko. You resolved to return. Now you've returned to Gensokyo and reunited with Renko.
>[COMPLETE] Did ya get that thing I sent ya?: You've repaid Kagerou for her assistance in finding Renko.
>[COMPLETE] You told Rengeteki you would come back and "help her no matter what." And intend to follow up on this. You recently discovered she is being targeted by someone from her past. After a brief conflict, you resolved an incident and managed to reunite Rengeteki with her long lost love.
>[COMPLETE] Two's a crowd: You separated Sumireko and Matenshi.
>[COMPLETE] Koishi and her sister (The now-open-eyed Koishi feels very uneasy about meeting with her sister Satori. We promised to come with her as moral support.)
>You never knew what Sumireko was doing in Gensokyo. You would like to investigate this further.
>You wanted to find out if Yukari could be your mother, and if she wasn't, then you wanted to ask if she knows her whereabouts. Since then, you have learned that Yukari is indeed your mother, but that still leaves some questions unanswered.
>Judgement: Explain things to Reimu, Mamizou, and Marisa, hopefully having them understand. Enlisting Yukari's help would be really great for this.
>You recall wanting to ask Alice about the Marisa doll in her cellar...
>You want to eventually attempt to make the largest gap that you can, so that you can get more information about your power growth and report it to Yukari.
>You want to go to Kourindou eventually.
>YuugenMagan's shade ( A faint remains of this incorporeal betrayer still reside within us, tormenting us with strange and creepy dreams and sometimes even briefly taking control over our body. We need to come on terms with her or find a way to exorcise her completely.)
>Rumia & Kikuri matters (Rumia's friend Kikuri is trapped within arifact known as "Hell moon", while Rumia herself went berserk from loss but was stopped and had most of her power and memory sealed to prevent relapse. We were touched by this story and decided to help them both.)
>Rikako's flash drive - You've read it and uncovered a shocking plot! You should probably put a stop to it...
>Finding Layla - You think you should find Layla Prismriver again to convince her to drop her current life and move on to a better future like Rengeteki and Koishi did, as well as convince her to destroy or at least sever the link between the Baton and her sisters.
>Patterns for Dummies - You wish to improve your danmaku skills
>You have not added anything else.
>ACTIVE GAPS
>None
>"Yea I know. It was a pain."
>"So it might be good to go if we do end up both turning... Thanks. I'd like to ask for more later, but it's getting late, and I'd like relaxing more. And that cake Chen's going to make too..."
>Smile.
>"I wanna check something in here before that though. I'll be out soon, but if I'm not, you can check in. Thanks."
>Nod and wait for her to leave, then look at our hand expectantly.
>"YuugenMagan..."
>"Very well." Yukari nods, before opening a gap and exiting the gapspace.
>You feel like you have the attention of something within you.
>_
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>"You seem to have interest in Rumia. Whether that attempt was to get her back as she was an old friend or similar, or to bring her back in hopes that she would do something against us... And there's preventing me from talking to Yukari just now... You have plans, that's the least I know..."
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>"You seem to have interest in Rumia. Whether that attempt was to get her back as she was an old friend or similar, or to bring her back in hopes that she would do something against us... And there's preventing me from talking to Yukari just now... You have plans, that's the least I know..."
>So... what...? a weak, barely coherent voice seems to resonate within your mind.
>_
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>"Why are those still against us? Why do you still plan on... whatever big scheme you have, or however you're making up as things happen, against me?"
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>"Why are those still against us? Why do you still plan on... whatever big scheme you have, or however you're making up as things happen, against me?"
>Not... Telling...
>_
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>"You didn't say they weren't against us or correct me... Have you considered starting over? Turning over a new leaf? It could go better than revenge..."
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>"You didn't say they weren't against us or correct me... Have you considered starting over? Turning over a new leaf? It could go better than revenge..."
>You feel like something within you wants to burst out laughing.
>Don't... waste... your... breath...
>An image of Rikako flashes in your mind.
>Bes...ides... I'm... the least... of... your... prob...lems...
>_
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>"Still one I could've addressed now..."
//How did we separate Sumireko and Matenshi again?
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>"Still one I could've addressed now..."
//How did we separate Sumireko and Matenshi again?
//ShinGyoku
>YuugenMagan does not reply.
>_
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>"Because we already have so many problems stacking onto each other and friends..."
>Depart the gap space and head for Renko/our room.
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>"Because we already have so many problems stacking onto each other and friends..."
>Depart the gap space and head for Renko/our room.
>You make a gap back to your room and go through.
>Renko must still be downstairs.
>_
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>"But you understand one thing right ? If those two get what they want, you could be gone from this world for real permanently, don't you ?"
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>"But you understand one thing right ? If those two get what they want, you could be gone from this world for real permanently, don't you ?"
>An image of Rikako flashes in your mind again, and something within you seems to hesitate.
>Common... enemy...
>_
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>"You have history with her?"
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>"You have history with her?"
>No... But... from what... I... under...stand... she... is... a... threat...
>_
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>"I'm surprised you do where Yukari doesn't..."
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>"I'm surprised you do where Yukari doesn't..."
>She is... odd...
>"Merry?" you hear Renko knock on the door. "Are you talking to someone up here...?"
>_
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>"Peace... At least until Rikako's dealt with huh...?"
>Head for the door, don't open yet.
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>"Peace... At least until Rikako's dealt with huh...?"
>Head for the door, don't open yet.
>...Fine...
>You head for the door.
>_
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>Open the door.
>"I'm considering that we wouldn't really be able to settle peacefully until Rikako's dealt with... Knowing what she did and what she's still doing..."
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>Open the door.
>"I'm considering that we wouldn't really be able to settle peacefully until Rikako's dealt with... Knowing what she did and what she's still doing..."
>You open the door, revealing a concerned Renko.
>"So... that's a no on relaxing...?" Renko asks.
>_
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>"Yep..."
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>Instead: "We can still try... Chen's making a cake, right?"
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>Instead: "We can still try... Chen's making a cake, right?"
>"I think so..."
>_
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>Nod.
>"How is she doing so far?"
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>Nod.
>"How is she doing so far?"
>"I don't smell anything burning, so hopefully she's doing okay..."
>_
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>Nod, then sigh.
>"Everything is still worrying... Too many problems. I can't even feel completely safe about my own body. Even if she isn't in me, these powers could still do damage until I learn them better."
-
>Nod, then sigh.
>"Everything is still worrying... Too many problems. I can't even feel completely safe about my own body. Even if she isn't in me, these powers could still do damage until I learn them better."
>"I guess all we can do is hope that things will turn out better." Renko gives a small smile, "I wouldn't worry too much about your powers. After all, you have me and Miss Yukari to support you, as well as everyone downstairs."
>She takes your hand, "Remember that you're not alone..."
>_
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>"For now, but what if something happens to you? There's so many things going on that w-we could lose someone in an instant."
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>"For now, but what if something happens to you? There's so many things going on that w-we could lose someone in an instant."
>Renko pulls you into a hug.
>"W-We shouldn't think so negatively..."
>_
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>"I'm trying to think positively. This Rikako situation could still be worse than it is now. Our friends are relatively safe at the moment. We're all still together. But there's still so many huge negatives waiting to make themselves known..."
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>"I'm trying to think positively. This Rikako situation could still be worse than it is now. Our friends are relatively safe at the moment. We're all still together. But there's still so many huge negatives waiting to make themselves known..."
>Renko holds you tighter.
>"We'll pull through. I mean... we've been through a lot already, right?"
>_
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>"But there's still more to go through."
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>"But there's still more to go through."
>"Then we'll get through it. Together."
>You feel like some entity within you wants to vomit...
>_
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>Return the hug.
>"I hope we can."
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>Return the hug.
>"I hope we can."
>You embrace...
>_
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>Hold it longer if we can...
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>What do you have against Renko ?
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//I think she's just grossed out by having to stand by as her host shows affection to someone..
>Think: "Jealous, YuugenMagan?"
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>Hold it longer if we can...
>You stay there, holding her for several minutes.
>What do you have against Renko ?
>No comment.
//I think she's just grossed out by having to stand by as her host shows affection to someone..
>Think: "Jealous, YuugenMagan?"
>You feel something in you feel annoyed and flustered
>_
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>"I'll do my best. I'll do everything I can to make sure our family and friends stay safe and happy."
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>"I'll do my best. I'll do everything I can to make sure our family and friends stay safe and happy."
>"And I'll do everything I can to help you, if I'm able..."
>_
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>Release at last.
>Note to, when we next talk to Yukari, hopefully still tonight, we ask more about our powers and what she can do. Mainly if there's something new we can do instead of only gaps.
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>Release at last.
>Note to, when we next talk to Yukari, hopefully still tonight, we ask more about our powers and what she can do. Mainly if there's something new we can do instead of only gaps.
>You release.
>Mental note added.
>_
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>"Should we try to practice more until Chen finishes? Maybe improve your ability more too?"
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>"Should we try to practice more until Chen finishes? Maybe improve your ability more too?"
>"Sure." Renko agrees.
>_
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>"Alright. So, your ability, danmaku, or more flight?"
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>"Alright. So, your ability, danmaku, or more flight?"
>"Probably flight. It might not be late enough to use my ability anyway."
>_
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>Nod.
>We have our own colored gap space. We reach it by just a single gap not connecting anywhere or something right? Refresh me please.
>Does that gap space have a solid ground, or is it just floating in nothingness. If it's one, can it be made to be the other?
-
>Nod.
>We have our own colored gap space. We reach it by just a single gap not connecting anywhere or something right? Refresh me please.
>Does that gap space have a solid ground, or is it just floating in nothingness. If it's one, can it be made to be the other?
>The way you found to enter it is to make a gap leading somewhere and close only one end of it. You have yet to find a way to go there directly.
>It feels exactly like Yukari's ground-wise. Kinda like floating, but you can still "stand" on the air... It's weird and complicated...
>_
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>"We can probably do the bed method again."
>Try to make a gap leading to there directly then.
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>"We can probably do the bed method again."
>Try to make a gap leading to there directly then.
>"Alright."
>You try...
>It doesn't seem to work...
>_
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>Do our usual method then...
-
>Do our usual method then...
>You make a gap leading to a few feet in front of you and close the other end, producing a half-gap leading to your space.
>_
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>"Because of how this place works, it might be a good resource for flight training. But I'd like the... ground, to be soft. I do wonder if Yukari could get here herself too... Do you wanna try this or the bed still?"
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>"Because of how this place works, it might be a good resource for flight training. But I'd like the... ground, to be soft. I do wonder if Yukari could get here herself too... Do you wanna try this or the bed still?"
>"I'm fine with whichever you think would be better."
>_
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>"I'm not sure what kinds of things this will net. But I do want to ask Yukari about them now, before it gets later. I probably should've asked her earlier, now that I think about it. Uh, would you mind if we asked her about our powers Renko? I'm sure she'd have some advice on yours too. And since she's here, she may have something to say about flying and danmaku."
-
>"I'm not sure what kinds of things this will net. But I do want to ask Yukari about them now, before it gets later. I probably should've asked her earlier, now that I think about it. Uh, would you mind if we asked her about our powers Renko? I'm sure she'd have some advice on yours too. And since she's here, she may have something to say about flying and danmaku."
>"I wouldn't mind."
>_
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>Nod.
>Take Renko's hand and head downstairs in search of our mom.
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>Nod.
>Take Renko's hand and head downstairs in search of our mom.
>You take Renko's hand and lead her downstairs.
>You find Yukari in a different room, seemingly asleep on a sofa.
>_
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>"Aww... Already."
>Examine Yukari.
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>"Aww... Already."
>Examine Yukari.
>Yukari is haphazardly sprawled out on the sofa, asleep.
>_
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>"Guess we'll do it the secure way for now."
>...
>Ponder doing Yukari's hair in another hairstyle while she sleeps...
-
>"Guess we'll do it the secure way for now."
>...
>Ponder doing Yukari's hair in another hairstyle while she sleeps...
>"Okay."
>You wonder if you should prank your mother in this manner...
>_
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>...
>Decide against it, for now. We have problems to worry about and she probably does to. Maybe when things are actually calmer it'd be nice to do.
>Follow back up to the room.
-
>...
>Decide against it, for now. We have problems to worry about and she probably does to. Maybe when things are actually calmer it'd be nice to do.
>Follow back up to the room.
>You lead Renko back upstairs.
>_
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>"Okay, let's get back to this. You said you didn't notice that you were floating, so let's let you get noticed first. Then you'll know how it feels and it should get easier from there."
-
>"Okay, let's get back to this. You said you didn't notice that you were floating, so let's let you get noticed first. Then you'll know how it feels and it should get easier from there."
>"Okay." Renko nods, standing on the bed.
>_
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>Stand or crouch next to the bed in a comfortable way, but still ready to catch her if she falls.
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>Stand or crouch next to the bed in a comfortable way, but still ready to catch her if she falls.
>You get in position.
>"So... like last time, right?"
>_
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>Nod.
>"Want me to come up and do what we did before, or do you believe you have it?"
-
>Nod.
>"Want me to come up and do what we did before, or do you believe you have it?"
>"Let me try on my own first."
>_
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>Let her proceed. Be on the ready.
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>Let her proceed. Be on the ready.
>Renko closes her eyes and just stands there...
>_
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>Watch for a few seconds more. Not a minute yet...
-
>Watch for a few seconds more. Not a minute yet...
>Renko makes an adorable looking concentration face...
>_
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>Smile warmly and observe in silence a bit longer...
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>Smile warmly and observe in silence a bit longer...
>She seems to hover about a centimeter...
>_
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>"How does it feel, Renko?"
-
>"How does it feel, Renko?"
>"How does what feel?" She looks at you
>_
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>"You were floating."
-
>"You were floating."
>"H-Huh!?"
>She looks down and immediately falls forward.
>_
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>Catch her if it'd be convenient!
-
>Catch her if it'd be convenient!
>You catch her, managing to keep your footing this time.
>"T-Thanks..." she says.
>_
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>"I guess you don't seem to notice it. Um... Have something as a reference point for when you start rising up?"
-
>"I guess you don't seem to notice it. Um... Have something as a reference point for when you start rising up?"
>"We could try that." she nods.
>_
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>"Alright. Try to keep your eye on something."
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>"Alright. Try to keep your eye on something."
>Renko promptly stares at your chest
>She nods and stands back up on the bed. She focuses on you.
>_
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>Keep self level as we watch. Don't be a bully and crouch down some more or something like that...
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>Keep self level as we watch. Don't be a bully and crouch down some more or something like that...
>As tempting as it would be to tease Renko, you abstain from doing so.
>Renko starts concentrating again.
>_
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>Wait for her~
-
>Wait for her~
>She starts to float a tiny bit... You don't think she's realized it yet, especially since it's very slight.
>_
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>Wait a bit more.
-
>Wait a bit more.
>She floats up another inch or so.
>"W-Whoa!" she says, eyes widening, "M-Merry! I'm doing i-iiiiiiiiiiii"
>She begins to lose balance and falls forward flailing her arms.
>_
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>Go to catch her!
-
>Go to catch her!
>You catch her flawlessly!
>_
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>"How'd it feel?"
>Float over back above level ground.
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>"How'd it feel?"
>Float over back above level ground.
>"S-Strange..." she says as she lets you carry her.
>_
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>"Still wanna do more?"
-
>"Still wanna do more?"
>She nods.
>_
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>Set her back down.
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>Set her back down.
>You set her down gently.
>_
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>"Okay, we should aim for you floating higher as well as being able to move around. Do you... want to consider that gap space for it?"
-
>"Okay, we should aim for you floating higher as well as being able to move around. Do you... want to consider that gap space for it?"
>"If you think it would be better."
>_
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>"...Then it's a no until we can confirm with Yukari about this. This room's fine enough for things at least."
-
>"...Then it's a no until we can confirm with Yukari about this. This room's fine enough for things at least."
>"Alright."
>_
-
>Let her proceed.
-
>Let her proceed.
>Renko focuses on you once more.
>_
-
>Smile warmly towards her.
-
>Smile warmly towards her.
>She smiles as well and you notice her float much quicker than last time, she seems to notice as well and begins wobbling.
>_
-
>"I-If you're gonna fall try to fall towards me!"
>Prepare to catch her.
>>If we have the time to, speak again...
>>"O-Otherwise, balance yourself."
-
>"I-If you're gonna fall try to fall towards me!"
>Prepare to catch her.
>>If we have the time to, speak again...
>>"O-Otherwise, balance yourself."
>You brace yourself and speak.
>Renko tries to stabilize herself, but it only makes the wobbling worse, pretty soon she falls into your arms.
>_
-
>"That was higher. Good. You'll get used to this so quickly..."
-
>"That was higher. Good. You'll get used to this so quickly..."
>"Was it really?"
>_
-
>"Well, you got up quicker and sooner, so it seemed like it..."
-
>"Well, you got up quicker and sooner, so it seemed like it..."
>"Yeah, It was definitely quicker..."
>_
-
>"You're getting much better already."
-
>"You're getting much better already."
>"You really think so?"
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Renko smiles a bit.
>_
-
>"Maybe you're just fantastic at this. You'll pass me and be on your sister's level..."
-
>"Maybe you're just fantastic at this. You'll pass me and be on your sister's level..."
>"Y-You're still a lot better than me, Merry."
>_
-
>"For now. But when you start actually doing it, you'll be better."
-
>"For now. But when you start actually doing it, you'll be better."
>"How can you be so sure about that, Merry?"
>_
-
>"You're already learning fast. It can't just be me being a good teacher, I think... Yukari taught me. We'll see eventually, won't we?"
-
>"You're already learning fast. It can't just be me being a good teacher, I think... Yukari taught me. We'll see eventually, won't we?"
>"I guess so..."
>_
-
>Giggle.
>"Keep 'guessing so' and you'll be unstoppable with what actually happens."
-
>Giggle.
>"Keep 'guessing so' and you'll be unstoppable with what actually happens."
>"U-Unstoppable!?"
>_
-
>"Joking, but you keep underestimating yourself. You thought you couldn't fly, but you started easily. You say your ability isn't that great, and the next thing you know you can see through the eyes of anyone under the stars. You'll be fantastic Renko, more than you already are now."
-
>"Joking, but you keep underestimating yourself. You thought you couldn't fly, but you started easily. You say your ability isn't that great, and the next thing you know you can see through the eyes of anyone under the stars. You'll be fantastic Renko, more than you already are now."
>"Aw, shucks... You know, you're pretty great too, Merry."
>_
-
>"I'll try to get better without her help, but Yukari knows a lot about her powers, so I'll want to study more under her when we have the time. One more flight attempt, then we should try danmaku. Is that fine?"
-
>"I'll try to get better without her help, but Yukari knows a lot about her powers, so I'll want to study more under her when we have the time. One more flight attempt, then we should try danmaku. Is that fine?"
>"Sounds like a plan."
>_
-
>Release Renko if we hadn't.
-
>Release Renko if we hadn't.
>You unceremoniously drop her
>You set Renko down on her feet, gently.
>_
-
>While Renko does her thing, retrieve that foreign money bag and attempt to create a gap covering the space that it opens, linking to somewhere vacant and nearby in the room. Let's hope for making something like Yukari has for our hat...
>Gap status.
-
>While Renko does her thing, retrieve that foreign money bag and attempt to create a gap covering the space that it opens, linking to somewhere vacant and nearby in the room. Let's hope for making something like Yukari has for our hat...
>Gap status.
>You grab the money bag, which still has some coins in it, from your satchel and open it.
>You create a small gap over the space of the bag opening, having it appear in a vacant spot nearby.
>ACTIVE GAPS
>Small Bag <-> Bedroom in Yukari's house.
>"W-W-WHOAAAAA!" you hear Renko yelp.
>_
-
>Eyes on her! Go for a catch if we can!
-
>Eyes on her! Go for a catch if we can!
>You look to see her head collide with yours.
>The next thing you know, you're on the floor again, Renko on the ground next to you, clutching her face in pain, and all the coins from the bag scattered around the floor. Your head hurts a lot...
>"Owwww...." Renko groans
>_
-
>"S-Sorry I... Couldn't catch you..."
>Rub our head.
-
>"S-Sorry I... Couldn't catch you..."
>Rub our head.
>"I-It's... ugh... fine..."
>_
-
>Try to pick up the coins and put them back in the bag.
>Does the bag still have the gap? Did it stay where it was or move along with the gap?
-
>Try to pick up the coins and put them back in the bag.
>Does the bag still have the gap? Did it stay where it was or move along with the gap?
>You look.
>The gap remained where it was... It is now separate from the bag.
>You begin picking up the glowing coins, Renko starts helping.
>_
-
>Undo the gaps with a sigh.
-
>Undo the gaps with a sigh.
>You do so.
>"Are you alright?" Renko asks,
>_
-
>"A bit frustrated.. But yea."
-
>"A bit frustrated.. But yea."
>"I-It's not about me, is it...?"
>_
-
>"No. It's my development..."
-
>"No. It's my development..."
>"Oh..."
>_
-
>"Yukari can already do so much. And all I've reached are the basics on my own."
-
>"Yukari can already do so much. And all I've reached are the basics on my own."
>Renko puts a hand on your shoulder.
>"Well, these things take time, right? I'm sure you'll find a way to master your ability. I believe in you."
>_
-
>Nod.
>It's still frustrating at the moment though. The best I could do is sleazy tactics like transporting danmaku from one spot to another or shielding us. Not that shielding is bad, but we're not the strongest group, offensively. I'll try to know enough to help us all stay safe though."
>Perform the process for our gap-world.
>"Okay, just manage to fire even one shot of danmaku in here, and we can stop... Gimme a moment to collect myself and remember what I went through for it..."
>Recall...
-
>Nod.
>It's still frustrating at the moment though. The best I could do is sleazy tactics like transporting danmaku from one spot to another or shielding us. Not that shielding is bad, but we're not the strongest group, offensively. I'll try to know enough to help us all stay safe though."
>Perform the process for our gap-world.
>"Okay, just manage to fire even one shot of danmaku in here, and we can stop... Gimme a moment to collect myself and remember what I went through for it..."
>Recall...
>You open a gap and turn it into a gapspace entrance.
>You recall... (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,19222.msg1242597.html#msg1242597)
>_
-
>Start teaching Renko what we went through now that we have it in mind.
-
>Start teaching Renko what we went through now that we have it in mind.
>You tell Renko to aim her hand at the gap and focus her power into her hand, and then tell her to quickly imagine a sphere once she does so.
>She nods and starts to take aim...
>_
-
>Wait patiently.
-
>Wait patiently.
>Renko focuses, and a weak bolt of danmaku blasts out from her fingertips, before flickering out of existence in a few feet.
>Renko jumps in surprise.
>_
-
>Giggle some.
>"You *can* do it, so that's that."
>Close the gap.
>"Sorry for taking over with things so far Renko. You can do what you'd like now. With me too if you want. I'm not just going to abandon you after all of that. Check on Chen, sit down for a while, practice some more, your choices don't even have to be these."
-
>Giggle some.
>"You *can* do it, so that's that."
>Close the gap.
>"Sorry for taking over with things so far Renko. You can do what you'd like now. With me too if you want. I'm not just going to abandon you after all of that. Check on Chen, sit down for a while, practice some more, your choices don't even have to be these."
>"Okay." Renko smiles, "Want to check on everyone else?"
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Renko takes your hand.
>_
-
>Give her a brief show of affection before we check on the others.
-
>Give her a brief show of affection before we check on the others.
>You kiss.
>_
-
>Well, is Renko holding it longer or are we heading for the others?
-
>Well, is Renko holding it longer or are we heading for the others?
>you gave her a brief show of affection before going anywhere.
>_
-
>Alright, then let's go check on the others.
-
>Alright, then let's go check on the others.
>You lead Renko downstairs. Sumireko seems to be showing Matenshi a deck of cards.
>"Smoke." Matenshi says, and Sumireko removes the frontmost card of the deck and places it on the tables.
>"Smoke... Smoke... Is there really any point to this dumb game of yours?"
>Sumireko sets the two newly drawn black cards down on the table, "Aw, don't be like that, you haven't gotten to the best part yet!"
>Matenshi rolls her eyes, "Smoke..."
>Sumireko removes the black card, revealing a red card.
>"Fire."
>Sumireko responds by promptly streaming the cards into Matenshi's face, scattering them all over the floor. Matenshi looks like she's on the verge of fuming while Sumireko giggles like a madwoman.
>_
-
>Keep watching if Renko doesn't want to interrupt yet.
-
>Keep watching if Renko doesn't want to interrupt yet.
>Matenshi clenches her fists.
>"Wow, calm down, Matenshi. It was only a prank." Sumireko teases, "Besides, now we can play 52 card pickup!" she kneels down to grab a few cards.
>_
-
>"Uh, hey you two..."
>Light wave.
-
>"Uh, hey you two..."
>Light wave.
>"Oh! Are you two done with whatever you were doing up there?" Sumireko asks.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Sumireko, if you don't mind me asking, how were your abilities when you first learned of them? How did they mature?"
-
>Nod.
>"Sumireko, if you don't mind me asking, how were your abilities when you first learned of them? How did they mature?"
>"Huh... that's way back... I guess I first noticed them when I moved a pencil without touching it...."
>_
-
>Let her continue.
>If she doesn't: "And how it matured?"
-
>Let her continue.
>If she doesn't: "And how it matured?"
>"Well, I just kept practicing with it, trying to do bigger and bigger things and I eventually got to the point where I am now."
>_
-
>Nod in understanding.
-
>Nod in understanding.
>You do so.
>"So yeah... Why are you asking, anyway?"
>_
-
>"Interested in our abilities and their growth."
-
>"Interested in our abilities and their growth."
>"Oh, okay."
>_
-
>"Are you doing fine Matenshi?"
-
>"Are you doing fine Matenshi?"
>She grumbles and nods, before helping Sumireko clean up the playing cards.
>_
-
>Glance over at Renko.
-
>Glance over at Renko.
>Renko seems to be smiling slightly.
>_
-
>"Well, let's help out, shall we?"
-
>"Well, let's help out, shall we?"
>Renko nods.
>_
-
>Start playing 52 card pickup with them.
-
>Start playing 52 card pickup with them.
>You begin picking up the cards, Sumireko seems to have a quarter of the deck already, Matenshi has about ten you think.
>_
-
>Oho, Matenshi's actually picking them up.
>Continue until something of interest happens.
-
>"So, Sumi, how did you get your powers?"
-
>Oho, Matenshi's actually picking them up.
>Continue until something of interest happens.
>You continue until all the cards have been picked up.
>"So, Sumi, how did you get your powers?"
>"I think I was born with them, to be honest. They just took a while to manifest."
>_
-
>"How does your flight work for you? Are you lifting yourself psychically, and how does that feel if you are?"
>Hand over the cards.
-
>"How does your flight work for you? Are you lifting yourself psychically, and how does that feel if you are?"
>Hand over the cards.
>Sumireko takes the cards.
>"For a while I lifted myself with telekinesis. But the last time I was in Gensokyo, I learned to fly without it. As for how it feels... um..."
>She holds out her free hand and you feel yourself enveloped by a purple glow, before being lifted upwards a few feet.
>"Kinda like that."
>_
-
>How does this feel?
-
>How does this feel?
>Like you're being lifted by an unknown force and not flying.
>_
-
>"Huh..."
>Try to float down on our own.
-
>"Huh..."
>Try to float down on our own.
>You try...
>It feels like an unknown force is resisting you a lot.
>_
-
>"That's really strong..."
-
>"That's really strong..."
>Sumireko nods.
>_
-
>"How'd you get so strong? Just practice? Or did it get better over time?"
-
>"How'd you get so strong? Just practice? Or did it get better over time?"
>"A little bit of both."
>_
-
>"Mm."
>Nod.
>"I hope we can get better too."
-
>"Mm."
>Nod.
>"I hope we can get better too."
>"I bet you will." Sumireko smiles.
>_
-
>"Thanks. So, do you have any other card games that hopefully don't end up blowing up in our faces like that one?"
-
>"Thanks. So, do you have any other card games that hopefully don't end up blowing up in our faces like that one?"
>Sumireko sets you down.
>"Well, I mostly use them for magic tricks or solitaire." she scratches the back of her head, accidentally knocking Matenshi's cards out of her hand.
>"Hey! Watch it!"
>"Sorry~" Sumireko waves a hand, and all the dropped cards glow and float up to the quarter-deck in Sumireko's other hand, arranging themselves neatly.
>"You could do that the whole time!?" Matenshi looks annoyed.
>"Well, yeah, but it wouldn't have been as fun if I did that at the beginning..."
>_
-
>Giggle.
-
>Giggle.
>Matenshi shoots you a look as the others begin giggling as well.
>_
-
>"Any other tricks you can show then?"
-
>"Any other tricks you can show then?"
>"Well, I guess I could show off a trick or two..." she says as Renko hands her the remaining cards.
>_
-
>"Thanks."
-
>Have we asked Renko if she knew about Sumireko's powers?
-
>"Thanks."
>Sumireko shuffles the deck and fans it out, face-down, on the table.
>"Someone choose a card. It doesn't matter who, just make sure you don't show me what it is."
>Have we asked Renko if she knew about Sumireko's powers?
>You do not remember.
>_
-
//iirc Renko only knew in Gensokyo, but I may be wrong...
>Pick a card, any card.
>How much energy do gaps waste to create? Even if it's undone immedietly?
-
>To Renko "So...how long have you known she had these powers?"
-
//iirc Renko only knew in Gensokyo, but I may be wrong...
>Pick a card, any card.
>How much energy do gaps waste to create? Even if it's undone immedietly?
>You pick
>Two of hearts.
>It takes a little less than a fifth of your energy to make a gap right now. You do not seem to recover this energy until you undo an active gap.
>To Renko "So...how long have you known she had these powers?"
>"Well.. um... I didn't at first. She kinda kept it a secret from the rest of the family. I r-really didn't find out until I read her... um... until I read her diary..."
>Sumireko's eyes widen, "You did w-"
>"Y-You disappeared and all of us thought you were dead!" tears begin to form in Renko's eyes, but she suppresses them, "A-Anyway, it was about 6 years ago..."
>_
-
>"Losing a family member would be scary..."
-
>Replace "scary" with "a terrible thing to go through"
>Hug Renko.
-
>"Losing a family member would be scary..."
>Replace "scary" with "a terrible thing to go through"
>Hug Renko.
>You give Renko a hug.
>Sumireko looks down, "I'm sorry, Renko... I-I never meant to put any of you through that... I-"
>"Don't worry about it, Sis..." says Renko, "There's nothing that can be done about that now. All that matters is that you're here."
>_
-
//Well it's a different meaning, but whatever...
>Gently let go.
-
//Well it's a different meaning, but whatever...
>Gently let go.
>You do so.
>_
-
>"How did you get here and what exactly were you doing in Gensokyo Sumireko, if it's not private..."
-
>"How did you get here and what exactly were you doing in Gensokyo Sumireko, if it's not private..."
>"Well, the first time, I wanted to learn more about it with the Occult Balls, but I could only make temporary trips, so I devised a plan to temporarily bring people out of Gensokyo to learn from them, but apparently I was causing an incident or something so everyone tried to fight me instead..." she looks aside nervously, "Anyway, stuff happened, I lost the Occult Balls, and I abandoned that plan. I could visit Gensokyo in my dreams after that, though, for some reason... Anyway, some years later I gathered the Occult Balls again and re-entered Gensokyo the proper way. I asked Mamizou to help me with an experiment I wanted to run on them... The last thing I remember was the experiment failing and blacking out. The next time I woke up, Matenshi was inside me..."
>_
-
>"If you don't mind, I think I can help fill in some holes as to what happened... I do want to know more about some things too."
-
>"If you don't mind, I think I can help fill in some holes as to what happened... I do want to know more about some things too."
>"I wouldn't mind." she gathers the cards, "Anyway, return your card to me without showing me."
>_
-
>Mentally note a few things to do after everything settles down and we get to stay with Renko, whether the trial happens and the sentence finally ends, or her judgement lets her go as Sumireko's did from almost destroying the barrier... One such task is to get back at Aya from those pictures at the cave...
>Place the two of hearts facedown in defensive position, then end our turn.
>"Er, I guess it's more putting everything together, but we do know what the Occult Balls are and what likely happened after you blacked out. But I do want to know why the replica still exists, and how it was made from... well, not here."
-
>Mentally note a few things to do after everything settles down and we get to stay with Renko, whether the trial happens and the sentence finally ends, or her judgement lets her go as Sumireko's did from almost destroying the barrier... One such task is to get back at Aya from those pictures at the cave...
>Place the two of hearts facedown in defensive position, then end our turn.
>"Er, I guess it's more putting everything together, but we do know what the Occult Balls are and what likely happened after you blacked out. But I do want to know why the replica still exists, and how it was made from... well, not here."
>You note to pay Aya a visit sometime...
>You place the two of hearts facedown. Sumireko then summons Blue Eyes White Dragon
>Sumireko then places it, still facedown, on top of the deck.
>"I'd like to know that too... Maybe we should ask about it sometime?" Sumireko gestures towards the deck, "Anyway, now I need you to cut the cards."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"When everything is calmer all around and we settle a few things..."
>We know how to cut, right?
>If so, cut the cards.
>>If not: "...Uh, you want me to cut it?"
-
>Nod.
>"When everything is calmer all around and we settle a few things..."
>We know how to cut, right?
>If so, cut the cards.
>>If not: "...Uh, you want me to cut it?"
>You take a random amount of cards off the top of the deck and set them on the table, Sumireko completes the cut by setting the bottom half of the deck on top of it, before straightening the cards.
>"Alright, I'm going to flip cards off the top of this deck, if you see your card, don't say anything, got it?"
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Sumireko begins flipping cards. A good 20 or so are flipped and you have yet to see the two of hearts.
>She suddenly stops after flipping the Queen of Spades and looks you in the eye.
>"So... How much are you willing to bet that the next card I flip isn't your card?"
>_
-
>"A one in twenty-six chance... Hm."
>Let's try and play with her in return a bit. Since her eyes are on us, make a thinking face and try to create a gap above the card stack, having another gap lead in between the card stack.
>>If this is successful and the cards start falling between the two gaps, undo both quickly.
>>"And that's changed further by the ones you've already ruled out... I'll do you a favor you ask for if you succeed then. Nothing too insane."
>Do not do this if Sumireko's hand is far too close to the card stack. Instead, just shrug.
-
>"A one in twenty-six chance... Hm."
>Let's try and play with her in return a bit. Since her eyes are on us, make a thinking face and try to create a gap above the card stack, having another gap lead in between the card stack.
>>If this is successful and the cards start falling between the two gaps, undo both quickly.
>>"And that's changed further by the ones you've already ruled out... I'll do you a favor you ask for if you succeed then. Nothing too insane."
>Do not do this if Sumireko's hand is far too close to the card stack. Instead, just shrug.
>As Sumireko is currently holding the deck, you refrain.
>"Alright then." Sumireko smirks, before flipping the next card, revealing the Two of Hearts.
>_
-
>Rats.
>"Ah. Well done..."
-
>Rats.
>"Ah. Well done..."
>"I don't see how impressive it is." Matenshi frowns "All she did was look at what was on the bottom of the d-"
>"H-Hey!" Sumireko puts a hand over Matenshi's mouth, "I-It's bad form to reveal a magician's secrets! A-AAAH!"
>Matenshi grab's Sumireko's wrist hand and forces her hand off, "Do that again, and I'm going to hit you..."
>"O-Okay... AH! You're hurting me."
>"Oh!" Matenshi lets go and bows, "My apologies."
>_
-
>"So that's how it's done... The mystery makes it feel a bit better though..."
-
>Before that: "Please claim down, there's no need to grab each other like that."
-
>Before that: "Please claim down, there's no need to grab each other like that."
>"Sorry..." Sumireko apologizes.
>"So that's how it's done... The mystery makes it feel a bit better though..."
>"Yeah..." Renko agrees.
>_
-
//If you guys are just, waiting on me to finish business or something, you can go ahead with whatever you plan...
>Glance between Renko and Sumireko.
>"You two have more time to catch up, you know. Like, how did you end up looking younger than Renko."
>Recall our superiority in the chest department and grin slightly with pride.
-
//If you guys are just, waiting on me to finish business or something, you can go ahead with whatever you plan...
>Glance between Renko and Sumireko.
>"You two have more time to catch up, you know. Like, how did you end up looking younger than Renko."
>Recall our superiority in the chest department and grin slightly with pride.
>"We really should sometime..." Sumireko nods.
>You smile at your figure.
>
-
>"How's everyone else here doing?"
-
>"How's everyone else here doing?"
>"I'm fine." Matenshi replies.
>_
-
>"Wanna say more? You seemed a bit against time like this earlier."
-
>"Wanna say more? You seemed a bit against time like this earlier."
>"Nope."
>_
-
>"Reeeally? Nothiiing?"
-
>"Reeeally? Nothiiing?"
>"What is there to say?" she cocks an eyebrow.
>_
-
>"I was hoping you'd have some news or something to share. Even a trick or something."
-
>"I was hoping you'd have some news or something to share. Even a trick or something."
>"Do I look like the kind of person to do tricks for your amusement." Matenshi frowns.
>_
-
>"I was hoping for something. Anything, really..."
>Shrug a bit.
-
>"I was hoping for something. Anything, really..."
>Shrug a bit.
>Matenshi rolls her eyes.
>You hear clattering in another room.
>_
-
>"Hm?"
>Investigate.
-
>"Hm?"
>Investigate.
>You follow the direction of the noise, coming to the kitchen
>You spot Chen hastily picking up a pile of pots and pans that seemed to have been knocked on the floor.
>The kitchen itself is a total mess, dirty dishes and cake ingredients are scattered over the counter, and Chen herself seems to have a spot of batter on her cheek. The oven is on and there appears to be something in it.
>_
-
>"Uh, want help Chen?"
-
>"Uh, want help Chen?"
>Chen jumps.
>"N-No! I'm fine."
>_
-
>"Fine is just fine, but don't you want things to be better than just that? I'd be happy to lend a hand."
-
>"Fine is just fine, but don't you want things to be better than just that? I'd be happy to lend a hand."
>"Um... if you really want you could help me pick these up..."
>_
-
>Help Chen out.
>"How's the cake coming along?"
-
>Help Chen out.
>"How's the cake coming along?"
>You start picking up the pots and pans.
>"It's in the oven." Chen replies.
>_
-
>"I'll look forward to it."
-
>"I'll look forward to it."
>"Nya? Really?"
>_
-
>"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
-
>"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
>"W-What if it isn't good?"
>_
-
>"Is this your first time?"
-
>"Is this your first time?"
>"Well... yes and no... I-I've helped Ran-sama with one once or twice..."
>_
-
>Nod with a smile.
-
>Nod with a smile.
>Awkward silence.
>_
-
>"You'll do fine then. And you still tried for one of the first times on your own, right?"
-
>"You'll do fine then. And you still tried for one of the first times on your own, right?"
>"Y-Yeah..."
>_
-
>Finish with the pots.
-
>Finish with the pots.
>You finish collection, stacking them neatly on the counter.
>_
-
>"Anything else I can help with Chen?"
-
>"Anything else I can help with Chen?"
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
>"Then I'll leave you be. Good luck."
>"Wait, you're the black cat of ill omens? Whoops... Uh, pretend I didn't say that then."
>Depart back to the group.
-
>"Then I'll leave you be. Good luck."
>"Wait, you're the black cat of ill omens? Whoops... Uh, pretend I didn't say that then."
>Depart back to the group.
>"Thanks."
>"I'm a brown cat!"
>You head back, and notice that Matenshi and Sumireko are both holding half the deck.
>"So... How does this 'game' work." Matenshi frowns
>"It's simple, you flip the first card off the top of the deck and whoever has a higher value takes both cards, if they're the same, you wager three cards face down and flip again. Winner takes all." Sumireko explains, "It's so easy, even a complete moron could play it."
>"What are you implying...?"
>Sumireko grins
>"What's with that stupid look?"
>"You know, you're really fun to tease, Matenshi. You should really loosen up a lit-"
>Matenshi throws her half of the deck at Sumireko's face, scattering cards all over the table
>"Oops... Looks like I dropped my cards." Matenshi smirks.
>_
-
>Have we been dragging Renko along with us?
-
>Have we been dragging Renko along with us?
>No.
>_
-
>Where did we
misplace leave our Renko last?
>Watch the two more.
-
>Where did we misplace leave our Renko last?
>Watch the two more.
>She's sitting at the table with Sumireko and Matenshi and still is.
>Sumireko reaches down to pick up the cards, but suddenly throws her deck at Matenshi's face. "Whoops, dropped mine too."
>Renko giggles a bit.
>"Time to play 52 pickup again." Sumireko gives Matenshi a smug look.
>_
-
>Whisper to ourself as we watch.
>"Such a sophisticated duel..."
-
>Whisper to ourself as we watch.
>"Such a sophisticated duel..."
>You whisper to yourself
>"I'm not helping you pick it up this time." Matenshi crosses her arms.
>"But half the mess was yours to begin with!"
>_
-
>Search for the rest of the group.
-
>Search for the rest of the group.
>You search around, eventually finding Rin and Rengeteki sitting on the porch outside the house, the former's head is in the latter's lap.
>_
-
>Head back in and up to our room. We've got more practice to do.
-
>Head back in and up to our room. We've got more practice to do.
>you head back, walking past Renko and the others, before returning to your room.
>_
-
>Make two gaps and study their appearances...
-
>Make two gaps and study their appearances...
>You make two gaps to random locations you've visited.
>The inside of the gaps are eye-filled voids, though the space between the eyes is a dark blue as opposed to Yukari's purple.
>_
-
>Remove our hat and examine the gap Yukari grafted onto it.
-
>Remove our hat and examine the gap Yukari grafted onto it.
>You examine.
>Yukari's gap has a purple void rather than a blue one. The edges of it seem to connect seamlessly with the inner surface of the hat.
>_
-
>Remove one of our gaps.
>Take out the Makai money bag again.
>Try to create a gap within the bag's opening, the sides of it taking the place of the ribbons.
> Immediately remove the gap if it seems to stir trouble.
-
>Remove one of our gaps.
>Take out the Makai money bag again.
>Try to create a gap within the bag's opening, the sides of it taking the place of the ribbons.
> Immediately remove the gap if it seems to stir trouble.
>You close one gap and take out the money bag, the remaining coins glowing warmly within.
>You attempt to make a gap that conforms to the edges of the bag's opening, leading to a random location... It opens up, though it still has ribbons, which are compressed against the sides of the bag. All other edges seem seamless...
>_
-
>Turn with the bag some. See if the gap stays...
-
>Turn with the bag some. See if the gap stays...
>You turn, the gap stays floating where you created it.
>_
-
>Nod and undo both gaps.
-
>Nod and undo both gaps.
>You nod, undoing both gaps that are floating in the air.
>_
-
>Maybe we'll figure it out another time...
>Return to Renko and the other two.
-
>Maybe we'll figure it out another time...
>Return to Renko and the other two.
>You head back downstairs. It seems Sumireko and Matenshi are holding half the deck again.
>_
-
>Watch their possible feud...
-
>Watch their possible feud...
>Both Sumireko and Matenshi flip cards, Sumireko has the King of Hearts, while Matenshi has the two of diamonds, Sumireko takes both cards.
>_
-
>Keep watching...
-
>Keep watching...
>They continue playing...
>_
-
>How's Renko.
-
>How's Renko.
>She's simply observing.
>_
-
>Sit near Renko.
>"Are you gonna mention your progress? Or when your ability really kicks in and becomes something amazing?"
-
>Sit near Renko.
>"Are you gonna mention your progress? Or when your ability really kicks in and becomes something amazing?"
>"Progress?" Sumireko looks over.
>"I-It's not much." says Renko, "I can float like a few inches and shoot... something..."
>_
-
>"It is much. And just after a little bit of practice and instructing too."
-
>"It is much. And just after a little bit of practice and instructing too."
>"I-It really isn't..."
>_
-
>"Isn't it much Sumireko? She's developing fast."
-
>"Isn't it much Sumireko? She's developing fast."
>Sumireko nods, "So what if you don't think it's major, Renko? You still did something." she smiles, "With a bit of practice, I bet you could be as good as flying as the rest of us."
>_
-
>"See?"
>Smile
-
>"See?"
>Smile
>"I guess she has a point there." Renko smiles a bit
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Be more optimistic about yourself."
-
>Nod.
>"Be more optimistic about yourself."
>"I'll try."
>_
-
>"Hey, why don't we try some specifics for your ability later? Remember that intrusive photographer we encountered before?"
-
>"Hey, why don't we try some specifics for your ability later? Remember that intrusive photographer we encountered before?"
>"I think so...?"
>_
-
>Has Renko always been this unsure on things?
>"We should try and get back at her some time if it turns out she released those."
-
>Has Renko always been this unsure on things?
>"We should try and get back at her some time if it turns out she released those."
>Only on occasion.
>Renko blushes a bit, "Y-You don't think she did, did she?"
>"Knowing Aya, she probably did." you hear Yukari yawn behind you.
>_
-
>"R-Really!?"
-
>"R-Really!?"
>"I wouldn't be surprised."
>_
-
>"So it's still possible she didn't though."
>Sigh.
-
>"So it's still possible she didn't though."
>Sigh.
>"It's very unlikely. She loves displaying the ones of people she's never gotten before."
>_
-
>"Oh..."
>Droop.
-
>"Oh..."
>Droop.
>You feel Yukari pat you on the back, "There there, don't be too down about it. If it makes you feel better, a lot of gensokyo's inhabitants have had their panties displayed in the paper. So often that something would probably very wrong if Aya didn't display any~"
>_
-
>"T-That just means we had no chance from the beginning then!"
-
>"T-That just means we had no chance from the beginning then!"
>"I mean, there's always the off-chance she found something juicier and is saving those photos for a later date, but don't count on it..."
>_
-
>"Either way, it's a loss though... W-Well, it's not like we'll be recognized just by what we wore..."
-
>"Either way, it's a loss though... W-Well, it's not like we'll be recognized just by what we wore..."
>"Y-yeah..." Renko agrees.
>_
-
>"I'm glad you're up again though Yukari. Can I ask some more questions, like about what I should be able to do?"
-
>"I'm glad you're up again though Yukari. Can I ask some more questions, like about what I should be able to do?"
>You hear Yukari yawn, "Depends on the questions."
>_
-
>"Like why can't I do something like what you've done with the hat? I've tried a few different methods already..."
-
>"Like why can't I do something like what you've done with the hat? I've tried a few different methods already..."
>"Have you tried the most obvious one?" she asks, "Well, obvious to me, at least"
>_
-
>"And that's...?"
-
>"And that's...?"
>"Well it wouldn't be obvious if I had to explain it to you~ Trust me, you're probably going to want to kick yourself once it comes to you."
>_
-
>"Is it something like just tying the ribbons to it..."
-
>"Is it something like just tying the ribbons to it..."
>"I mean it would make the hat look stylish, but it wouldn't accomplish your goal~"
>_
-
>"Then what would I need to do?"
>Consider adding a ribbon to our hat. Would it look too much like we're copying Yukari?
-
>"Then what would I need to do?"
>Consider adding a ribbon to our hat. Would it look too much like we're copying Yukari?
>Yukari chuckles, "It seems you inherited quite a bit of my laziness." she quietly remarks.
>You wonder if you would look even more like your mom if you tied a ribbon to your hat...
>Maybe if you did it in a different style it would be okay...?
>_
-
>"I-It's not laziness. I'm trying to be more useful so that the problems we have can be dealt with easier and safer."
-
>"I-It's not laziness. I'm trying to be more useful so that the problems we have can be dealt with easier and safer."
>"Still. I feel you would feel more accomplished if you figure out many of these things on your own. I mean, I didn't have any assistance when I was learning the ins-an-outs of my power."
>_
-
>"What is your power exactly? I mean, I would feel more accomplished, but I can't afford to dwell on things like that when we have the problems we do... I feel like I'm not up against complete impossibilities, but I don't feel like I can breeze through them easily either."
-
>"What is your power exactly? I mean, I would feel more accomplished, but I can't afford to dwell on things like that when we have the problems we do... I feel like I'm not up against complete impossibilities, but I don't feel like I can breeze through them easily either."
>"Well it's the same as yours, is it not?"
>_
-
>"P-Probably, but I don't really know what mine is... It's been vague."
-
>"P-Probably, but I don't really know what mine is... It's been vague."
>"Well if it's any hint to you, let's just say there's a reason they call me the Youkai of Boundaries."
>_
-
>"I know I can see and sort of manipulate them, but I don't know how far that extends. All I've figured out if making tears in them, and now gaps. None of that really worked for the hat trick..."
-
>"I know I can see and sort of manipulate them, but I don't know how far that extends. All I've figured out if making tears in them, and now gaps. None of that really worked for the hat trick..."
>"Well, there are other ways to manipulate boundaries than tearing and opening them. Have you tried branching out and experimenting at all?"
>_
-
>"Hm... Isn't it dangerous to start thinking of it like an object and stretching or squeezing them?"
>Have we noticed any other boundaries aside from space ones?
-
>"Hm... Isn't it dangerous to start thinking of it like an object and stretching or squeezing them?"
>Have we noticed any other boundaries aside from space ones?
>"It depends on the boundary."
>There's the ones representing the barrier and the seal Koishi had.
>_
-
>"So... what kinds are there?"
-
>"So... what kinds are there?"
>"Oh, the usual.... You know, spatial, conceptual, moral, mental, temporal, literal, abstract, magical, et-cetera"
>_
-
>"I-I didn't know about all of those..."
-
>"I-I didn't know about all of those..."
>"You'd be surprised at how many boundaries you can find"
>_
-
>"I've only been doing spatial, I think..."
-
>"I've only been doing spatial, I think..."
>"I wouldn't be surprised. It's one of the easier ones to manipulate."
>_
-
>"So will you at least introduce me or point me in the direction of some of the others?"
-
>"So will you at least introduce me or point me in the direction of some of the others?"
>"Well most boundaries are trivial to manipulate, it just takes a bit of thinking to realize that you can. Some of the tougher boundaries require a bit more conscious effort. Temporal boundaries, for instance would be rather difficult for you. In fact, at your current level of power, I estimate that you shouldn't be able to maintain a gap that goes back or forward in time for more than a few milliseconds, let alone open one at all..." she pauses, "Feel free to experiment on different boundaries though. However, my one warning to you is that if you begin manipulating boundaries that threaten the existence or order of Gensokyo, I will immediately find out and intervene. Perhaps with some punishment if I deem it necessary~"
>_
-
>"R-Right, of course. You can't just say I have to realize I can do it. There has to be somewhere to start that you could point me towards, right?"
-
>"R-Right, of course. You can't just say I have to realize I can do it. There has to be somewhere to start that you could point me towards, right?"
>"Alright, think of it this way." you feel a pair of hands grab your head and turn it towards a more dimly lit section of the room, before letting go, "Tell me what you see over there."
>_
-
>Try to locate any boundaries.
-
>Try to locate any boundaries.
>Nothing seems to be shimmering...
>_
-
>"Nothing out of the ordinary."
-
//aaaaa sorry! forgot this updated lol
>"Nothing out of the ordinary."
>"No boundaries?"
>_
-
>"None that I notice, no..."
-
>"None that I notice, no..."
>"Look closer and think about it."
>_
-
>Stare again...
-
>Stare again...
>It's a corner that gradually gets darker due to the position of the light source closest to it... There appears to be nothing out of the ordinary. Just a normal dimly lit corner.
>_
-
>"Mrr..."
-
>"Mrr..."
>"You're going to kick yourself when you realize it..."
>_
-
>Consider just boundaries in general...
>Maybe the actual corner? Does that even count?
-
>...The boundary between the brighter and darker parts of the corner?
-
>Consider just boundaries in general...
>Maybe the actual corner? Does that even count?
>You wonder if the corner counts as a boundary...
>Technically speaking, it could be the boundary between two walls...
>...The boundary between the brighter and darker parts of the corner?
>You wonder and focus on the change between light and dark in the corner.
>You see something different than before, it's less of a shimmer, but more of a dull pulse.
>_
-
"Hmm..."
>Focus more.
-
"Hmm..."
>Focus more.
>The pulsation becomes a bit more well-defined.
>_
-
>More... Let our awareness shift to just this.
-
>More... Let our awareness shift to just this.
>The pulsations don't seem to change.
>_
-
>Try to open it, as we do with gaps...
-
>Try to open it, as we do with gaps...
>You attempt...
>You feel like you did something but you can't perceive it... Perhaps because basic sight depends on light and dark, and if you managed to make a gap on this boundary it would logically be a space where neither exist.
>Yukari chuckles a bit
>_
-
>"Tips, please?"
-
>"Tips, please?"
>"Well, think about it. Certainly there's more than one way to manipulate a boundary other than tearing it apart or making a gap in it~"
>_
-
>Try to stretch it, like we considered a while back...
-
>Try to stretch it, like we considered a while back...
>lengthwise or widthwise?
>_
-
>Go for width.
-
>Go for width.
>You attempt to tug on the boundary with your mind to stretch the boundary widthwise.
>You notice the gradient from light to dark begin to cover a wider area.
>"Whoa..." Renko comments.
>_
-
>How straining is it, compared to opening a gap?
-
>How straining is it, compared to opening a gap?
>It's about as draining as opening one initially, but it doesn't seem to have the constant cost of maintaining a gap.
>_
-
>Try further.
//I missed my chance to say Merry Christmas here :ohdear:
-
>Try further.
//I missed my chance to say Merry Christmas here :ohdear:
//lol
>You stretch the boundary even more, until it reaches the table, the light to dark gradient now covers a larger area of the room.
>_
-
>Return the boundary to normal.
>"Huh..."
-
>Return the boundary to normal.
>"Huh..."
>You do so.
>Yukari chuckles.
>_
-
>"T-Tell me more."
-
>"T-Tell me more."
>"You're not even going to experiment more on your own...?"
>_
-
>"Well if I threaten existence, I'll get punished. And I had only been doing tears up until you made an appearance."
-
>"Well if I threaten existence, I'll get punished. And I had only been doing tears up until you made an appearance."
>"But, tell me, Maribel Hearn, how can you expect to improve anything if you're afraid to take risks?"
>_
-
>"How can I improve anything if I don't have a place to start? You have to start a race before you can even lose it."
>"If I wanted to, say, open a gap that could go back in time a few milliseconds, I'd need to find out where to start. Do I start with a regular gap already open to two places? Do I try to open one with the thought of time instead of place? I'd just like a little nudge in how to start, since we don't have all the time in the world with the problems happening now..."
-
>"How can I improve anything if I don't have a place to start? You have to start a race before you can even lose it."
>"If I wanted to, say, open a gap that could go back in time a few milliseconds, I'd need to find out where to start. Do I start with a regular gap already open to two places? Do I try to open one with the thought of time instead of place? I'd just like a little nudge in how to start, since we don't have all the time in the world with the problems happening now..."
>"Haven't I given you several places to start?"
>_
-
>"A bit more guidance would be greatly appreciated..."
-
>"A bit more guidance would be greatly appreciated..."
>"Maribel. Do you think I had any guidance when I was honing my own powers?"
>_
-
>"...No... Alright, I'll try to figure it out on my own then."
>Head up to the room we've been using.
-
>"...No... Alright, I'll try to figure it out on my own then."
>Head up to the room we've been using.
>You return to your room.
>_
-
>Sit on the bed and think... We could do light and dark with ease, so there must be much more we could do that are similar...
-
>Sit on the bed and think... We could do light and dark with ease, so there must be much more we could do that are similar...
>You think...
>Perhaps since Light and Dark are opposites, it makes sense that there's a definite boundary between them...
>_
-
>Let's try and find a way to manipulate now and earlier. She said time was possible. First consider the point where Yukari asked if we believed she had any guidance...
>Then another point as the present.
-
>Let's try and find a way to manipulate now and earlier. She said time was possible. First consider the point where Yukari asked if we believed she had any guidance...
>Then another point as the present.
>You picture an exact moment in your mind, rather than a location.
>You get a display similar to when you visualize a location, however, the shimmer rapidly expands into countless "sheets" stacked on top of each other, with new ones being added as time passes.
>_
-
>"Ah..."
>Pick one of the most recent ones.
-
>"Ah..."
>Pick one of the most recent ones.
>You focus on one of the sheets closest to you, but it's getting gradually farther as time passes.
>_
-
>Keep focusing on it and try to open a gap leading to that moment.
-
>Keep focusing on it and try to open a gap leading to that moment.
>You attempt....
>It's taking a lot of effort... You notice a line drawing itself out from you, piercing through each sheet on the way to the moment in question, the line seems to resist moving the farther it goes.
>_
-
>Settle for a moment sooner towards the line.
-
>Settle for a moment sooner towards the line.
>You select a moment at the very end of the line, causing the line to connect to that moment and only increase in size with the flow of time
>Open a gap?
>_
-
>Yes.
-
>Yes.
>You do so.
>The gap appears the same as the usual one, but considering the fact that the passive energy drain from this gap seems to be decreasing, something tells you that it may not stay open for long...
>_
-
>Check for something easily disposable nearby.
-
>Check for something easily disposable nearby.
>You don't really see anything that would qualify...
>_
-
>Tear an empty piece of paper from our notebook, ball it up, and send it through the gap.
-
>Tear an empty piece of paper from our notebook, ball it up, and send it through the gap.
>You do so...
>The gap shuts itself not long after it goes through.
>_
-
>How much of a drain was that?
>Wonder when exactly we specified...
-
>How much of a drain was that?
>Wonder when exactly we specified...
>About a third of your energy...
>You wonder...
>_
-
>Look around for the paper ball.
-
>Look around for the paper ball.
>You turn and notice a paper ball on the floor behind you.
>_
-
>Examine it. Anything unnatural, like burns? Is it unwrinkling some, as if we just finished balling it up, or is it the opposite, as if it had been balled up for a long time.
-
>Examine it. Anything unnatural, like burns? Is it unwrinkling some, as if we just finished balling it up, or is it the opposite, as if it had been balled up for a long time.
>Nothing unnatural. It seems it was wrinkled recently, but not as if you just finished.
>_
-
>Nothing bad seems to have happened to it. it could be safe to travel through these, but paper isn't that great a tell... We could try a piece of food another time.
-
>Nothing bad seems to have happened to it. it could be safe to travel through these, but paper isn't that great a tell... We could try a piece of food another time.
>You make plans for future timehax experiments.
>_
-
>Set the paper down somewhere and peek downstairs.
-
>Set the paper down somewhere and peek downstairs.
>You do so.
>Physically, or with a gap?
>_
-
>Physically
-
>Physically
>You head back downstairs.
>Renko is watching the "intense" card game between Sumireko and Matenshi.
>Yukari is halfway out of a gap, regarding the antics with boredom.
>_
-
>Oho...
>Try focusing on Yukari's gap. It still *clicks* with us the same way seeing a boundary does for us, right?
>If so, try expanding it some. Enough that Yukari falls one way, in or out, depending on where most of her weight is.
-
>Oho...
>Try focusing on Yukari's gap. It still *clicks* with us the same way seeing a boundary does for us, right?
>If so, try expanding it some. Enough that Yukari falls one way, in or out, depending on where most of her weight is.
>Yes.
>You try to expand it, but are soon met with heavy resistance.
>"Nice try." Yukari cracks a smile, her gaze not shifting from the table.
>_
-
>Let's try to surpass that resistance!
-
>Let's try to surpass that resistance!
>You keep trying, but that resistance is holding.
>"While I admire your persistence, from the information you've sent me as well as my own observations, you aren't quite to that level of power yet." Yukari fans herself.
>Meanwhile, Sumireko and Matenshi, in their game of war, seem to have somehow gotten into a tie four consecutive times, leaving a long chain of cards on the table.
>_
-
>Concentrate. Give even more effort. Imagine the situation as us trying to expand a bracelet/band with our fingers/hand, or pushing a door with weight on the other side open. We've beaten her expectations more than enough recently to surprise her again!
-
>Concentrate. Give even more effort. Imagine the situation as us trying to expand a bracelet/band with our fingers/hand, or pushing a door with weight on the other side open. We've beaten her expectations more than enough recently to surprise her again!
>You double your efforts, but you feel Yukari's resistance grow as well.
>"You're going to collapse from exhaustion if you keep that up." she remarks, prompting Renko to tear her eyes off of the card game and shoot you a concerned look.
>_
-
>How tiring is this, anyways?
-
>How tiring is this, anyways?
>The more effort you put into fighting Yukari's resistance, the more of a drain you feel. The fact that you still haven't recovered the energy lost from the time travel experiment yet doesn't help.
>_
-
>Slow to a stop.
>Not quite. That just means we need to keep getting better, quicker.
>Head back upstairs.
-
>Slow to a stop.
>Not quite. That just means we need to keep getting better, quicker.
>Head back upstairs.
>You ease off a bit until you stop. Yukari merely chuckles, but you head back upstairs before she can say anything.
>_
-
>Return to the room.
>Pick up the poor ball of paper again.
>Create two gaps, at the ceiling of the room and one a bit below it. Make sure it's not low enough for us to get to, but low enough to toss the ball into.
>Then toss the ball into the lower one.
-
>Return to the room.
>Pick up the poor ball of paper again.
>Create two gaps, at the ceiling of the room and one a bit below it. Make sure it's not low enough for us to get to, but low enough to toss the ball into.
>Then toss the ball into the lower one.
>You return and pick up the ball, before you hear someone enter the room behind you.
>_
-
>Glance over.
-
>Glance over.
>It's Renko.
>"Hey, don't overexert yourself... okay...?"
>_
-
>Face her fully and nod.
>"I'm being extra careful Renko. Yukari said I could end up messing something up in Gensokyo and having to be punished for it if I'm not careful, and there's still possible risks to myself with some of these."
>Hold up the ball.
>"I think I managed to make a gap that goes directly through time. I only tested this so far, and there's no evidence on it that it worked though..."
-
>Face her fully and nod.
>"I'm being extra careful Renko. Yukari said I could end up messing something up in Gensokyo and having to be punished for it if I'm not careful, and there's still possible risks to myself with some of these."
>Hold up the ball.
>"I think I managed to make a gap that goes directly through time. I only tested this so far, and there's no evidence on it that it worked though..."
>Her eyes widen, "You did what!?!"
>_
-
>Unball the paper.
>"Tiiiime."
>Waggle the paper some.
>"Traveeel. And not just the regular forward we're always experiencing, I think. Again, I need something that changes significantly with time to test this better. Maybe I could use a watch, or hourglass, or something."
-
>Unball the paper.
>"Tiiiime."
>Waggle the paper some.
>"Traveeel. And not just the regular forward we're always experiencing, I think. Again, I need something that changes significantly with time to test this better. Maybe I could use a watch, or hourglass, or something."
>"I-Isn't that a bit dangerous...? W-What if you erase yourself on accident! Merry please be careful!"
>_
-
>"I'm not going to go in myself. And I don't think anything I've done would risk that happening."
-
>"I'm not going to go in myself. And I don't think anything I've done would risk that happening."
>"Alright... Just... again, please be careful."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I will."
-
>Nod.
>"I will."
>Renko gives you a hug.
>"Mind if I watch you this time...?"
>_
-
>Return it.
>"I'm doing something a bit more basic, but of course."
-
>Return it.
>"I'm doing something a bit more basic, but of course."
>You return the hug.
>"Alright." she replies, holding the hug a bit longer.
>_
-
>"I might try other things, but nothing dangerous to us."
-
>"I might try other things, but nothing dangerous to us."
>"Okay." Renko breaks the hug
>_
-
>"So do you wanna see what I've considered doing?"
-
>"So do you wanna see what I've considered doing?"
>"Sure!"
>_
-
>Make those two gaps we planned on earlier.
-
>Make those two gaps we planned on earlier.
>You do so.
>_
-
>Ball the paper again and toss it into the pair.
-
>Ball the paper again and toss it into the pair.
>You do so.
>The paper flies out of the top one at the same angle and momentum it entered the bottom one, hitting the floor
>_
-
>Pick it up, float up carefully, and drop it directly from the center in the middle of the two.
-
>Pick it up, float up carefully, and drop it directly from the center in the middle of the two.
>The ball begins falling between them in a perpetual loop...
>"Whoa..." Renko remarks.
>_
-
>Get a bit of distance from it.
>"I want to see if it'll get faster, or reach a limit..."
-
>Get a bit of distance from it.
>"I want to see if it'll get faster, or reach a limit..."
>You back off.
>"I mean, I would expect it to reach terminal velocity and stop accelerating, but then again this isn't Gensokyo so it's possible the laws of physics here are different."
>_
-
>Think for a moment.
>"It's not going in or coming out with any extra speed from the gaps, as far as I know. So if Gensokyo works like our world, it would eventually reach that."
>...
>Poor paper ball.
-
>Think for a moment.
>"It's not going in or coming out with any extra speed from the gaps, as far as I know. So if Gensokyo works like our world, it would eventually reach that."
>...
>Poor paper ball.
>You pity the ball
>The ball keeps accelerating as it falls until it doesn't seem to pick up any more speed.
>_
-
>Move Renko back some if she's closer to it than us.
>Undo the gaps and let the ball fall.
-
>Move Renko back some if she's closer to it than us.
>Undo the gaps and let the ball fall.
>You do so.
>The ball hits the floor and actually bounces rather impressively.
>_
-
>"I wonder if I could do heat... Or something else useful to us..."
-
>"I wonder if I could do heat... Or something else useful to us..."
>"Like what?"
>_
-
>"Changing someone from injured or ill to healthy..."
-
>"Changing someone from injured or ill to healthy..."
>"That sounds risky..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"That's one of the things I would've liked help with. Supporting things."
-
//TFW not realizing your own quest updated...
>Nod.
>"That's one of the things I would've liked help with. Supporting things."
>"I see."
>_
-
>"I wonder if I could do something with the night sky's visibility to help your ability..."
-
>"I wonder if I could do something with the night sky's visibility to help your ability..."
>Renko jumps, "Y-You're not going to try to force day to be night are you!?"
>_
-
>Shake our head.
>"That'd be too large and widespread..."
-
>Shake our head.
>"That'd be too large and widespread..."
>Renko seems to calm down a bit
>_
-
>"I know not to try anything like changing how gravity works or something. Things that affect too much, or would affect us or other people directly..."
-
>"I know not to try anything like changing how gravity works or something. Things that affect too much, or would affect us or other people directly..."
>"So... what are you going to mess with?"
>_
-
>"What would you suggest?"
-
>"What would you suggest?"
>Renko starts thinking for a moment.
>_
-
>Wait for her...
-
>Wait for her...
>"Well you can do things that are opposite, right...? Like what you did with that dark corner downstairs?"
>_
-
>"That's the gist of it..."
-
>"That's the gist of it..."
>"Maybe wet and dry? Heavy and light? Uh... I don't know... maybe boundaries between people? Nah, that would be too risky."
>_
-
>"If I can get used to seeing more than just the special ones, then I'm sure most of it will come easily."
>Consider ourself... Think about a boundary between us/Maribel and another life within. Nothing specific, just us and what could be considered to not be us. Just find it. No thinking it's an ability that has to trigger, we've 'just noticed' boundaries for a long time now...
-
>"If I can get used to seeing more than just the special ones, then I'm sure most of it will come easily."
>Consider ourself... Think about a boundary between us/Maribel and another life within. Nothing specific, just us and what could be considered to not be us. Just find it. No thinking it's an ability that has to trigger, we've 'just noticed' boundaries for a long time now...
>You consider.... and then notice an abstract boundary within yourself.
>Do something with it...?
>_
-
>No...
-
>No...
>You decide against it.
>_
-
>Try between the weight of the paper ball.
-
>Try between the weight of the paper ball.
>between the weight of the paper ball and what?
>_
-
>And the bed.
-
>And the bed.
>You try to find a boundary between the weight of the paper ball and the entire bed...
>Nothing.
>_
-
>Keep looking...
-
>Keep looking...
>Still nothing.
>You wonder if such a crazy boundary between a weight and an entire other object could exist...
>_
-
>Ah, the bed's weight, not he bed itself...
-
>Ah, the bed's weight, not he bed itself...
>You try again, with adjusted parameters.
>You sense a boundary.
>_
-
>Try to shift the boundary more towards the paper's side, if we can...
-
>Try to shift the boundary more towards the paper's side, if we can...
>You do so.
>You feel like something happened, but you can't perceive it.
>_
-
>Try to pick up the paper.
-
>Try to pick up the paper.
>You attempt to pick it up.
>You can't. It's surprisingly heavy.
>_
-
>"Heavy ball."
>Point at it.
>"Give it a try Renko."
-
>"Heavy ball."
>Point at it.
>"Give it a try Renko."
>"Okay."
>Renko tries to pick it up one handed like you but fails, "Huh, you're right." she then tries two hands,managing to lift it up a little, though you should probably stop her before she pulls something...
>_
-
>"Watch yourself. Don't try too hard. It supposed to be as heavy as the bed, which means..."
-
>"Watch yourself. Don't try too hard. It supposed to be as heavy as the bed, which means..."
>"Well, it doesn't feel as heavy as a bed..." Renko drops the ball, which makes a rather loud noise once it hits the floor, before moving to the bed, "Let's see, though..."
>She attempts to lift the bed, causing it to rise up a bit, "Huh, it feels lighter than I expected... almost the same as the ball... I guess you're right." she sets the bed down.
>_
-
>"If I can do this to just an area of space, I could probably make it into something defensive or offensive."
-
>"If I can do this to just an area of space, I could probably make it into something defensive or offensive."
>"Like? Make the actual space heavier?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Like, the air at least."
-
>Nod.
>"Like, the air at least."
>"How do you think it'll affect people standing in the region of air if you did that?"
>_
-
>"It'll... Probably force them down unexpectedly? It's not the best idea."
-
>"It'll... Probably force them down unexpectedly? It's not the best idea."
>"Or maybe it'll feel more like water pressure..." Renko taps her chin.
>_
-
>"That might be good too."
-
>"That might be good too."
>"Though if it does behave like water pressure, you might kill your opponent on accident if you overdo it, so you should probably be careful."
>_
-
>"Mm... This is complicated. But I guess it's supposed to be."
>_
-
>"Mm... This is complicated. But I guess it's supposed to be."
>_
>"Well, it's a powerful ability..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Any ideas?"
-
>Nod.
>"Any ideas?"
>"For what?"
>_
-
>"Borders."
-
>"Borders."
>"Well any opposite is obvious... Maybe physical borders too, like where two walls meet or fences?"
>_
-
>"We need something useful against them, or for us..."
-
>"We need something useful against them, or for us..."
>"Well there is one boundary...."
>Renko taps her chin for a moment.
>_
-
>Undo the manipulation we did for the paper and the bed.
-
>Undo the manipulation we did for the paper and the bed.
>You slide the boundary back to where you think it was.
>_
-
>Test the ball.
-
>Test the ball.
>You test.
>It weighs about the same as it did before you made it heavier
>_
-
>"Anything?"
-
>"Anything?"
>"Not really... Maybe boundary of mobile and immobile or something...?"
>_
-
>Pick up the paper ball.
>Try to focus on the boundary between motion and stillness, but in a small area in the room.
-
>Pick up the paper ball.
>Try to focus on the boundary between motion and stillness, but in a small area in the room.
>You pick up the ball and choose a small area...
>Nothing seems to be happening...
>_
-
>Focus on the ball with those intentions then.
-
>Focus on the ball with those intentions then.
>You detect a boundary.
>_
-
>Try to slow the ball's movement down to a crawl.
-
>Try to slow the ball's movement down to a crawl.
>You 'slide' the boundary in a similar fashion as your last two experiments. You stop very close to the stillness side of the spectrum.
>_
-
> Toss the ball into the air.
-
> Toss the ball into the air.
>The ball actually resists your arm, no matter how much force you try to put into the toss the ball only moves upwards at the speed of a snail with a walker.
>_
-
>Move and glance towards Renko.
-
>Move and glance towards Renko.
>You turn your head towards Renko, who's watching you.
>_
-
>"So?"
-
>"So?"
>"Are you intentionally lifting the ball slowly...?"
>_
-
>"It's going on it's own. Try to move it."
-
>"It's going on it's own. Try to move it."
>"Alright." Renko steps forward and attempts to grab the ball out of your hand, it resists her much like it did with you, refusing to go past a crawling speed.
>She releases it and it starts floating down at the same speed.
>_
-
>Move away from the ball.
>"Well?"
-
>Move away from the ball.
>"Well?"
>"I guess whatever you did worked." she says as she watches the ball fall in slow motion.
>_
-
>"I slowed it. Ah, but people are so different. They'll react so differently from the ball. What would their senses be like with them slowed so much? Would their life be in danger from not operating fast enough to survive? Do these even apply in a place like Gensokyo? Ahh..."
-
>"I slowed it. Ah, but people are so different. They'll react so differently from the ball. What would their senses be like with them slowed so much? Would their life be in danger from not operating fast enough to survive? Do these even apply in a place like Gensokyo? Ahh..."
>Renko fidgets a bit, "Y-You can always test it out on a volunteer..."
>_
-
>"I'm not subjecting you to something probably unsafe like this. And I don't want to use a fairy in the way she has..."
-
>"I'm not subjecting you to something probably unsafe like this. And I don't want to use a fairy in the way she has..."
>"I would still be willing to do it if it means helping you..." Renko fidgets some more.
>_
-
>"I wouldn't if it's possible danger to you."
-
>"I wouldn't if it's possible danger to you."
>Renko smiles a bit, "You're so protective."
>_
-
>"I can't lose you Renko. And if it was something that was my fault too, I wouldn't be able to take it... But stopping her is important, and I have to find some way to figure these out and be prepared..."
>We've considered having a fairy before and a familiar/Shikigami at different times, but what about a fairy as a shikigami?
-
>"I can't lose you Renko. And if it was something that was my fault too, I wouldn't be able to take it... But stopping her is important, and I have to find some way to figure these out and be prepared..."
>We've considered having a fairy before and a familiar/Shikigami at different times, but what about a fairy as a shikigami?
>"Maybe you can sleep on it and it'll come to you in the morning?"
>A fairy shikigami... would that work? Maybe your mother would know, considering she's the resident shikigami owner...
>"CAKE'S READY!" Chen exclaims from downstairs.
>_
-
>"I'll ask Yukari about a few things... There's also something else interesting I considered. I'll tell you in a bit. For now, let's see how Chen's cake turned out."
-
>"I'll ask Yukari about a few things... There's also something else interesting I considered. I'll tell you in a bit. For now, let's see how Chen's cake turned out."
>"Alright." Renko nods and steps aside, giving you a clear path to the door.
>_
-
>Undo the ball's shenanigans.
>Take the ball. Rename it: "Experimental Paper"
>Head through and back downstairs.
>>If Renko's not following: "Aren't you joining?"
-
>Undo the ball's shenanigans.
>Take the ball. Rename it: "Experimental Paper"
>You do so to the best of your ability.
>OBTAINED:
>Experimental Paper (0.5 units)
>>A crumpled up ball of paper you experiment on.
>Head through and back downstairs.
>>If Renko's not following: "Aren't you joining?"
>You and Renko head back downstairs as Chen carries a sad looking cake into the room. The frosting job looks rather haphazard and it certainly isn't a pretty cake to look at.
>She sets the cake down on the table as Yukari sticks a finger into it, bringing up a small chunk and placing it in her mouth.
>"D-Did I do good, Yukari-sama?" Chen asks nervously.
>Yukari seems to ponder for a moment, "The flavor is there, the cake is cooked well, it has just the right amount of moisture, the icing isn't overdone despite how haphazard your decorating job looks." she smiles, "From a cooking standpoint, you did well. However it seems we need to work on your finesse and presentation a bit."
>_
-
>Experimental Paper makes it sound more overwhelming than it is...
>"Sounds great."
-
>Experimental Paper makes it sound more overwhelming than it is...
>"Sounds great."
>At least it sounds cool...
>"S-Sorry it isn't pretty..." Chen fidgets slightly.
>_
-
>"It still sounds like you covered a lot of the great points Chen. You'll only improve!"
-
>"It still sounds like you covered a lot of the great points Chen. You'll only improve!"
>"T-Thanks" she smiles. Her ears twitch a bit.
>_
-
>How does the cake smell?
-
>How does the cake smell?
>Like a cake. Therefore, it smells good.
>_
-
>"I can't wait to have a piece..."
-
>"I can't wait to have a piece..."
>"Me too." Renko agrees.
>"Have you ever had cake, Matenshi?" Sumireko asks, only to be met with a 'What do you think?' stare from Matenshi.
>_
-
>When did we last have cake?
-
>When did we last have cake?
>It's certainly been a while...
>_
-
>Head to a seat in the kitchen.
-
>Head to a seat in the kitchen.
>You take one of the vacant chairs. Renko sits in the one next to you.
>_
-
>"I wonder if I could see more places with gaps... Without having to actually go through them, that is... Not saying I'd use it to look somewhere I shouldn't of course. Just for convenience..."
-
>"I wonder if I could see more places with gaps... Without having to actually go through them, that is... Not saying I'd use it to look somewhere I shouldn't of course. Just for convenience..."
>"Now that I find hard to believe..." Yukari frowns, "You should be able to see through your gaps without heading through them..." she slips into a smile, "Don't tell me you've been going through them blindly all this time~"
>_
-
>Can we actually?
>>Reply accordingly.
-
>Can we actually?
>>Reply accordingly.
>You're pretty sure you've done so in the past...
>You reply.
>"I knew it."
>_
-
>"It's a bit hard to remember everything I can and can't do. I've been practicing with broader things."
-
>"It's a bit hard to remember everything I can and can't do. I've been practicing with broader things."
>"If you do it enough it'll become second nature to you eventually." Yukari retrieves a knife from a gap.
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Yukari begins cutting the cake.
>"Chen, fetch some plates or saucers please, if you may."
>"On it, Yukari-sama!" Chen salutes, before running off into the kitchen again.
>_
-
>Whisper: "Do you want to ask Yukari anything about you ability Renko?"
-
>Whisper: "Do you want to ask Yukari anything about you ability Renko?"
>"She probably won't know anything about it..." Renko replies.
>Yukari cuts a slice off the cake and patiently waits for Chen to bring in the plates or saucers.
>_
-
>"But there might be similar ones she's witnessed."
-
>"But there might be similar ones she's witnessed."
>"Maybe..."
>Chen brings in a small stack of saucers.
>_
-
>"Is maybe enough for you?"
-
>"Is maybe enough for you?"
>"What are you two talking about?" Sumireko suddenly interrupts.
>Yukari takes the slice of cake and places it on a saucer, before suddenly grabbing the entire rest of the cake and opening a gap, "Alright, I've taken my share. Split the rest among yourselves."
>She struts through the gap, closing it behind her, leaving just the slice on the table...
>_
-
>Retrieve Experimental Paper.
>Focus on it with the intent of recognizing a barrier between singular and multiple. Even just single and double would be fine...
-
>Retrieve Experimental Paper.
>Focus on it with the intent of recognizing a barrier between singular and multiple. Even just single and double would be fine...
>You do so...
>To your surprise you actually see a barrier.
>"Seriously..." Sumireko frowns, staring at the cake.
>Chen pouts a bit, "You guys can have it. There will be more for you that way."
>"Okay." Matenshi shrugs, taking a step forward, before being stopped by Sumireko.
>"No, Chen, you made it, you should at least partake in it."
>_
-
>"Hm..."
>Try to manipulate it and shift the paper into being multiple/double.
>Make sure we manage before mom tells us not to experiment with the boundaries of reality at the dinner table.
-
>"Hm..."
>Try to manipulate it and shift the paper into being multiple/double.
>Make sure we manage before mom tells us not to experiment with the boundaries of reality at the dinner table.
>Too late. You are scolded and sent to bed without cake
>You try...
>The paper seems to split into two identical crumpled balls centered on where the original was. Both promptly tumble out of your hand.
>"She already said we can have it, Sumireko." Matenshi attempts to move forward again.
>"It still feels wrong! And why does Miss Yukari need all that cake anyway!? Taking it like that is a bit selfish if you ask me!"
>Suddenly the last slice of cake falls through a gap.
>"H-HEY!!!"
>_
-
>Are the balls smaller than the original? And if they are, how small are they in relation to the ball?
-
>Are the balls smaller than the original? And if they are, how small are they in relation to the ball?
>They are of equal size to the original.
>_
-
>"Hey! I was gonna use that!"
-
>"Hey! I was gonna use that!"
>"What a jerk..." Sumireko frowns, prompting Chen to scowl at her
>You hear Yukari chuckle as a gap opens over the table and the rest of the cake, minus the slice, falls onto it.
>"Ah, come now. Did you really think I was going to eat all of it myself? I have to say, you did put on quite a show with your reactions...." her voice rings out from somewhere, "Oh, and a rather interesting boundary you chose to experiment with right there, Maribel... Ahem. Anyway, help yourselves to the cake. For real this time. I won't be providing any more interruptions, at least for now."
>_
-
>"Would it have worked properly with the slice?"
-
>"Would it have worked properly with the slice?"
>Yukari does not answer.
>_
-
>"...Well... let's divide it, shall we?"
-
>"...Well... let's divide it, shall we?"
>There is general agreement.
>_
-
>Let's cut the cake for the group.
>Consider if Sumireko would be eating for two or not...
-
>Let's cut the cake for the group.
>Consider if Sumireko would be eating for two or not...
>Sumireko and Matenshi are separated, so she might not...
>You divide the remaining cake into equal shares for everyone and distribute it.
>_
-
>Undo the changes to the paper and store it.
>Take our slice, then slice a small section of it off.
>Repeat the duplicate trick on the small section of cake.
-
>Undo the changes to the paper and store it.
>Take our slice, then slice a small section of it off.
>Repeat the duplicate trick on the small section of cake.
>You do so.
>You partition your slice and repeat what you discovered on the smaller section.
>The section duplicates, leaving two exact copies.
>_
-
>Eat the original duplicate.
-
>Eat the original duplicate.
>You do so.
>It tastes really good.
>"This tastes amazing, Chen." Sumireko comments.
>_
-
>Make a duplicate of the duplicate.
>Push the two together...
-
>Make a duplicate of the duplicate.
>Push the two together...
>you attempt to duplicate the duplicate...
>it fails.
>_
-
>Try to undo the duplication.
>Check how Renko is.
-
>Try to undo the duplication.
>Check how Renko is.
>The duplicate vanishes as you undo it.
>Renko is enjoying her slice, watching you curiously...
>_
-
>Give Renko a bit of a light smile.
>Repeat the process, but push the duplicates together before we try to eat either.
-
>Give Renko a bit of a light smile.
>Repeat the process, but push the duplicates together before we try to eat either.
>Renko returns your smile.
>you split a new chunk and push the duplicates together...
>you make a small blob of cake.
>"Why are you playing with your food?" Chen asks
>_
-
>"It's really good. I'm just trying to learn if it's possible to make a bit more."
>Eat it.
-
>"It's really good. I'm just trying to learn if it's possible to make a bit more."
>Eat it.
>"Oh." she says as you stick the merged duplicates in your mouth.
>Tasty.
>_
-
>Enjoy the rest of our cake.
-
>Enjoy the rest of our cake.
>You begin to do so.
>Matenshi finally tries a bite of her slice. She immediately recoils...
>"Oh, um... it's sweet... very sweet..."
>_
-
>Giggle.
-
>Giggle.
>"What?" Matenshi gives you a glare. There's a speck of frosting at the corner of her mouth.
>_
-
>"You've got a bit on your face still."
-
>"You've got a bit on your face still."
>Matenshi flushes a bit and wipes her face as Sumireko bursts into laughter.
>_
-
>Who had the laser pointer last? When we bothered Chen with it?
>Giggle once more.
-
>Who had the laser pointer last? When we bothered Chen with it?
>Giggle once more.
>Sumireko and Matenshi.
>You express your amusement.
>"It's not funny!" Matenshi fumes.
>_
-
>"Yea... it would've been better if Sumireko licked it off. Kidding, kidding!"
-
>"Yea... it would've been better if Sumireko licked it off. Kidding, kidding!"
>Matenshi flushes again, while simultaneously giving you a death glare.
>"W-What!?" Sumireko jumps.
>_
-
>"I was kiddiiiing!"
-
>"I was kiddiiiing!"
>Now Renko seems to be giggling a bit.
>_
-
>"I mean, it is wasting cake if you just wipe it away~"
-
>"I mean, it is wasting cake if you just wipe it away~"
>"I-I'm/S-She's not licking her/my face!!!" They stammer in unison.
>_
-
>Giggle.
-
>Giggle.
>Renko giggles as well.
>Both of them are giving you glares.
>_
-
>Enjoy another piece of our cake.
-
>Enjoy another piece of our cake.
>You nom.
>_
-
>How's Chen?
-
>How's Chen?
>She's well into her own slice. Her tails are swishing happily.
>_
-
>Casually continue ours until something noteworthy happens.
-
>Casually continue ours until something noteworthy happens.
>You continue.
>Matenshi hesitantly takes another bite of cake, wincing a bit, but not as much as the first time.
>_
-
>Hope she comes to enjoy it...
-
>Hope she comes to enjoy it...
>She starts to take another bite.
>"So, how's the cake?" Sumireko asks.
>"Still sweet..." Matenshi replies.
>_
-
>"Well, it's cake..."
-
>"Well, it's cake..."
>"So?"
>"It's sorta supposed to be sweet." Sumireko explains, "If it wasn't... well... I guess it would be fluffy bread?"
>"No, it wouldn't be that exactly..." Renko starts thinking.
>_
-
>"Maybe she needs her sweet tooth spoiled a bit more."
-
>"Maybe she needs her sweet tooth spoiled a bit more."
>"Maybe..." Sumireko goes deep in thought...
>"Whatever you're planning, I would like no part in it..." Matenshi frowns.
>_
-
>"Hm..."
-
>"Hm..."
>"Hm..." Renko adds, focusing on Matenshi as well.
>"What? Do I have something on my face again...?" Matenshi frowns.
>_
-
>Keep to our thinking in the silence as we stare.
-
>Keep to our thinking in the silence as we stare.
>Matenshi wipes her face. "Stop staring at me like that..."
>Chen starts to join in to the general "hm"-ing
>_
-
>Matenshi: Look around for an escape route.
>Probably too risky to try and make her cake sweeter with our powers, but we could give her some of ours... And the others might too.
>Nah, they probably don't want to give up their slices... We honestly don't either...
-
>Matenshi: Look around for an escape route.
>Probably too risky to try and make her cake sweeter with our powers, but we could give her some of ours... And the others might too.
>Nah, they probably don't want to give up their slices... We honestly don't either...
>No escape
>You ponder...
>_
-
>Continue until one of our staring group decides to quit it.
-
>Continue until one of our staring group decides to quit it.
>"Ugh!" Matenshi gets fed up with the collective staring and stands up.
>She leaves the room, taking her cake with her.
>"Aw, c'mon Matenshi! Don't be like that!" Sumireko follows.
>_
-
>"Hm... She still took her cake."
-
>"Hm... She still took her cake."
>"Yup" Renko giggles a bit, before a mischievous look dawns on her, "Hey, do you think that duplication trick will work on people? Since they're out of the room, I have an idea..."
>_
-
>"I-If I try it on anyone, I'll try it on me first. Just to make sure it's okay, and everything..."
-
>"I-If I try it on anyone, I'll try it on me first. Just to make sure it's okay, and everything..."
>"Oh..." she droops a bit. "It can't be that dangerous, can it?"
>_
-
>"It might be, it might not be... It's probably safer than the others though."
>Ensure we have no other gaps or modifications active, then try to focus on duplicating ourself. Don't actually do so yet.
-
>"It might be, it might not be... It's probably safer than the others though."
>Ensure we have no other gaps or modifications active, then try to focus on duplicating ourself. Don't actually do so yet.
>You double check to see you have nothing active, before focusing on the boundary of Single and Double within yourself...
>You sense a boundary.
>_
-
>"Okay..."
>Try to double ourself.
-
>"Okay..."
>Try to double ourself.
>You attempt.
Maribel II:
>You come into existence next to your original copy.
>Renko's eyes widen in surprise.
>_
-
>How does this feel? What's our magic like for both of us?
>Which one of us is the real one? Can we tell that?
>"Ooh..."
-
>How does this feel? What's our magic like for both of us?
>It's interesting... to say the least. You feel independent, yet linked at the same time...
>You both feel like you have about the same level of magic as before the split. Each.
>Which one of us is the real one? Can we tell that?
>Both of you are. Though you think since your second self came into existence after the original one, she could be numbered to differentiate the two of you, or given a nickname or something...
>"Ooh..."
>"Me next! Me next!" Chen jumps excitedly.
>"How does it feel?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>"A bit troublesome... If something goes wrong, I might end up thinking the other is the original. Which means it'd be like that for other people."
>Smile.
>"But this does mean it's safe so far! And my clothes came too."
Merry II:
>"This is an opportunity to try out the more risky things too. If whatever happens to me doesn't carry over or affect the original, we could find out what's safe for others."
-
>"A bit troublesome... If something goes wrong, I might end up thinking the other is the original. Which means it'd be like that for other people."
>Smile.
>"But this does mean it's safe so far! And my clothes came too."
>"Maybe you could do something to differentiate each other physically? And huh, I never considered that it might've doubled you without any clothes..." Renko blushes for a second but quickly hides it. "U-Uh, anyway, maybe one of you can go hatless? Actually, don't you have two outfits now?"
Merry II:
>"This is an opportunity to try out the more risky things too. If whatever happens to me doesn't carry over or affect the original, we could find out what's safe for others."
>"...What if it does, though..."
>_
-
>Nod.
Merry 2:
>Take off our hat and set it on the table if there's space.
>"If it does, then at least we'll have figured that out. So lets do that now. Do, uh, something to me, but not the original."
-
>Nod.
Merry 2:
>Take off our hat and set it on the table if there's space.
>"If it does, then at least we'll have figured that out. So lets do that now. Do, uh, something to me, but not the original."
>Renko does "something" to you
>You remove your hat.
>"Like what?" Renko asks.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"Hm... This really could be a huge step. It might be best to just head back to the room and try things out. What was your plan gonna be Renko?"
-
Merry 2:
>"Hm... This really could be a huge step. It might be best to just head back to the room and try things out. What was your plan gonna be Renko?"
>"Oh... nothing really. I just wanted to see what their reaction would be to coming back into the room and suddenly seeing two of at least one of us."
>_
-
>"Oh. That's kinda good. But experiments and confirmation first... You can come too, but I need a moment to see something."
Merry 2:
>"She'll call you up when I'm ready."
>Head upstairs and back to the room.
-
>"Oh. That's kinda good. But experiments and confirmation first... You can come too, but I need a moment to see something."
Merry 2:
>"She'll call you up when I'm ready."
>Head upstairs and back to the room.
Merry 2:
>You head upstairs.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Glance at our hand.
Merry:
> "The slowing thing seems like it'd be very useful against someone... I think I'll try that first, if things only affect her."
-
Merry 2:
>Glance at our hand.
Merry:
> "The slowing thing seems like it'd be very useful against someone... I think I'll try that first, if things only affect her."
Merry 2:
>You do so.
Merry:
>"So you're going to have her slow herself?"
>_
-
Merry:
>Nod.
Merry 2:
>"I guess it doesn't really matter if you're here too or not..."
-
Merry:
>Nod.
Merry 2:
>"I guess it doesn't really matter if you're here too or not..."
Merry:
>You nod.
Merry 2:
>You speak to nobody in particular.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Open a gap near the original and Renko.
>"Okay."
-
Merry 2:
>Open a gap near the original and Renko.
>"Okay."
>You do so.
>_
-
Merry:
>"Are you coming too, or not? You don't have to of course, Renko."
-
Merry:
>"Are you coming too, or not? You don't have to of course, Renko."
>"Coming where?"
>_
-
>"The room again. Also, thanks for the cake Chen. It was really delicious!"
-
>"The room again. Also, thanks for the cake Chen. It was really delicious!"
>"Oh."
>"Thanks! Glad you liked it!" Chen smiles.
>_
-
>Look back to Renko.
>"So?"
-
>Look back to Renko.
>"So?"
>"Sure." Renko shrugs.
>_
-
>Pass through the gap.
Merry 2:
>Close the gap once everyone has passed through.
-
>Pass through the gap.
Merry 2:
>Close the gap once everyone has passed through.
Merrys:
>You reunite, and bring Renko into the room. The gap is closed.
>_
-
>"Okay. First step, making sure we're not... connected."
Merry 2:
>Pinch ourself.
-
>"Okay. First step, making sure we're not... connected."
Merry 2:
>Pinch ourself.
Merry 2:
>You pinch yourself.
Merry:
>You do not feel it, but she does.
>_
-
Merry:
>Any marks or changes in skin from the pinch?
>>If not: "Safe. Let's get to business then..."
Merry 2:
>>Nod.
>>Focus on ourself as she did with the paper ball before. Try to slow ourself down...
-
Merry:
>Any marks or changes in skin from the pinch?
>>If not: "Safe. Let's get to business then..."
Merry 2:
>>Nod.
>>Focus on ourself as she did with the paper ball before. Try to slow ourself down...
>No.
Merry 2:
>You do so...
>Your breathing gets incredibly slow...
-
Merry 2:
>Do we feel okay? Are we losing consciousness? Is our blood flowing fine?
>Try to undo it.
-
Merry 2:
>Do we feel okay? Are we losing consciousness? Is our blood flowing fine?
>Try to undo it.
>You feel slow.
>You slowly think about undoing it.
>_
-
Merry:
>"You alright?"
-
Merry:
>"You alright?"
>You self-converse.
>_
-
>Wait for her to undo it...
-
>Wait for her to undo it...
>You start waiting. She is moving and thinking at the speed of a crippled snail, after all...
>_
-
Merry: (To Renko)
>"Erm, she still seems alright... Just slow breathing and feeling slow."
-
Merry: (To Renko)
>"Erm, she still seems alright... Just slow breathing and feeling slow."
>"Hmm..." Renko studies the other you.
Merry 2:
>You are still thinking about the intent to undo the slowness.
>_
-
>Watch until she does something...
-
>Watch until she does something...
>You wait five minutes and she's a quarter of the way done.
>_
-
>"At least she seems to be surviving..."
>Try to undo it ourselves.
-
>"At least she seems to be surviving..."
>Try to undo it ourselves.
Merry:
>You undo it.
Merry 2:
>As you are pulling on the boundary, your other self suddenly and rapidly pulls it forward, causing you to overshoot.
>Your heart begins racing faster as your breath quickens. The rest of the world looks much slower now...
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"A-Ah!"
>Stop it!
-
Merry 2:
>"A-Ah!"
>Stop it!
Merry:
>Your other self squeaks like a chipmunk in a hilarious manner.
Merry 2:
>You quickly move the boundary back to its normal spot, returning to normal speed.
>Renko snickers a bit, "S-Sorry..."
>_
-
>"It's fine. But this is good... Slowing someone down is viable now... Hm..."
>Focus on Merry 2 and boundaries once more. This time... between energetic and fatigued. Scale more towards the latter.
-
>"It's fine. But this is good... Slowing someone down is viable now... Hm..."
>Focus on Merry 2 and boundaries once more. This time... between energetic and fatigued. Scale more towards the latter.
>You do so and scale...
Merry 2:
>You suddenly feel absolutely exhausted...
>_
-
>Undo.
>"I feel a bit powerful... Any recommendation Renko?"
-
>Undo.
>"I feel a bit powerful... Any recommendation Renko?"
>You undo.
Merry 2:
>You feel invigorated again.
>"Hmm..." Renko ponders, "Maybe try size?"
>_
-
>Focus on Merry 2 and the boundaries between small and large. Tinker with it to increase her size.
-
>Focus on Merry 2 and the boundaries between small and large. Tinker with it to increase her size.
>You do so.
Merry 2:
>You start growing...
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Anything weird that's not keeping up with us? Like our bones or hair, or is everything growing with us?
-
Merry 2:
>Anything weird that's not keeping up with us? Like our bones or hair, or is everything growing with us?
>No. Everything is growing at the same rate and is keeping pace.
>_
-
>Try the other way then. And try this faster...
-
>Try the other way then. And try this faster...
Merry 2:
>You start shrinking rapidly.
>_
-
>See how far we can go...
-
>See how far we can go...
Merry 2:
>You pass half your normal size and continue shrinking.
>"Merry, are you trying to overload me with cuteness...?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>Giggle.
>"Most of these seem like they're safe.
>Stop her when she's half our size.
-
>Giggle.
>"Most of these seem like they're safe.
>Stop her when she's half our size.
>She's already less than half your size.
>_
-
>Then stop her when she's small enough to fit in two hands.
-
>Then stop her when she's small enough to fit in two hands.
>You stop her when she's sufficiently smol.
Merry 2:
>You're tiny.
>Renko is practically squeeing internally at the mini - merry
-
>Pick her up and hold her to Renko.
>"Amazing, right?"
-
>Pick her up and hold her to Renko.
>"Amazing, right?"
>You pick up your mini-me
>"She's so cute! I-I mean you're so cute! I mean-" she stammers.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"Renkoooo!"
-
Merry 2:
>"Renkoooo!"
Merry 2:
>Renko bends over to look at you.
>"Hmm~?"
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"What else do you waaaaant?"
-
Merry 2:
>"What else do you waaaaant?"
>"What do you mean, Mini-Merry~?"
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"For me."
-
Merry 2:
>"For me."
>"You're just too cute right now~"
>_
-
>Is our energy still plentiful?
Merry 2:
>"You think this would surprise the others well?"
Merry:
>"We should probably experiment with more though. More ways to stop Rikako from what she's doing..."
-
>Is our energy still plentiful?
Merry 2:
>"You think this would surprise the others well?"
Merry:
>"We should probably experiment with more though. More ways to stop Rikako from what she's doing..."
>Yes.
Merry 2:
>"Definitely."
Merry:
>Renko turns to you. "Yeah."
>_
-
>"I should still do a range test. Doing it outside would be preferred..."
-
>"I should still do a range test. Doing it outside would be preferred..."
>"Right now?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>"Would later be better?"
-
>"Would later be better?"
>"It's up to you."
>_
-
>Nod.
>If there are windows here, open one.
Merry 2:
>>Float outside and go some distance...
Merry:
>>Try to keep focusing on her, border-wise.
-
>Nod.
>If there are windows here, open one.
Merry 2:
>>Float outside and go some distance...
Merry:
>>Try to keep focusing on her, border-wise.
>You open the window.
Merry 2:
>You start flying.
Merry:
>You can still see the boundary.
>_
-
>How far?
-
>How far?
>Merry 2 has left the window and is still going. She's a couple meters out as of now
>_
-
>Keep on until we can't or until Merry 2 can't see the two in the window.
-
>Keep on until we can't or until Merry 2 can't see the two in the window.
Merry 2:
>You keep flying, heading increasingly far from the house, keeping your eyes on Merry and Renko.
Merry:
>You still see the boundary, but you spot something take off from a tree near Merry 2, heading straight for her.
>_
-
Merry:
>Try to focus on it's boundaries instead, and try to slow it.
Merry2:
>Turn to identify it.
-
Merry:
>Try to focus on it's boundaries instead, and try to slow it.
Merry2:
>Turn to identify it.
Merry:
>You slow the unidentified flying thing.
Merry 2:
>You turn to see an owl with talons bared, moving at the speed of a snail towards you.
>_
-
>Chuckle a bit.
>"I caught an owl thinking it could catch the little me as prey. Mid-flight even. But distance is alright, nonetheless."
Merry 2:
>Return, but keep our eyes peeled.
-
>Chuckle a bit.
>"I caught an owl thinking it could catch the little me as prey. Mid-flight even. But distance is alright, nonetheless."
Merry 2:
>Return, but keep our eyes peeled.
Merry 2:
>You start heading back.
>"Good thing you caught it. I'd hate to see either you or the mini-you badly hurt..." Renko remarks.
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
Merry 2:
>You return.
>_
-
>Undo the borders against the owl.
-
>Undo the borders against the owl.
>The owl seems to flail around in surprise once you do so. Slamming into a tree in its confusion.
>_
-
>We only dodged it to keep the other us alive and safe. It's not like we wanted it to bump into a tree.
>"Me too, of course."
-
>We only dodged it to keep the other us alive and safe. It's not like we wanted it to bump into a tree.
>"Me too, of course."
>"So, what now...?"
>The owl falls to the ground...
>_
-
>What color was the owl's fur? How did it look?
-
>What color was the owl's fur? How did it look?
>Dark on the upperside, light, tan-ish, on the underside. It had orange eyes and two tufts of feathers on its head.
>_
-
>"I hope that owl's okay..."
-
>"I hope that owl's okay..."
>"It tried to eat you..."
>The owl seems to climb to its feet and attempts to take off, but ends up falling again.
>_
-
>Focus on the owl's boundaries again. This time for healthy and... unhealthy?
>Can we tell anything? Is it more towards one boundary than the other?
-
>Focus on the owl's boundaries again. This time for healthy and... unhealthy?
>Can we tell anything? Is it more towards one boundary than the other?
>You're unsure. Perhaps the boundary is too broad?
>_
-
>Boundary between now and one minute ago then?
-
>Boundary between now and one minute ago then?
>You get the infinite plane effect from your previous time travel experiment.
>_
-
>Try to consider things in minutes. Do the sheets and plane change?
-
>Try to consider things in minutes. Do the sheets and plane change?
>No.
>_
-
>Give up on it.
>What time of day is it?
-
>Give up on it.
>What time of day is it?
>You give up on messing with the owl's boundaries as it tries to limp back to its original perch.
>It's nighttime.
>_
-
>"Should we try your ability, given it's night now, Renko?"
-
>"Should we try your ability, given it's night now, Renko?"
>"Sure." Renko nods.
>_
-
>Allow Renko to access the window.
-
>Allow Renko to access the window.
>You step aside, and Renko looks to the sky.
>"What do you want me to do...?"
>_
-
>Hm... Try to find... Me. Am I in two different spots?"
Merry 2:
>Head to the other side of the room.
-
>Hm... Try to find... Me. Am I in two different spots?"
Merry 2:
>Head to the other side of the room.
Merry 2:
>You do so.
>Renko stares at the sky for a moment... "Yes... you're really close together, but yes..."
>_
-
>Create a gap leading to our gap-world, then head in.
Merry 2:
>"Now? "
-
>Create a gap leading to our gap-world, then head in.
Merry 2:
>"Now? "
>You use the half-gap method to create a gap to your personal limbo. Then do so.
Merry 2:
>"...Just one."
>_
-
>Try to change the appearance of our gap-world. Like the night sky.
Merry 2:
>"Mm... "
-
>Try to change the appearance of our gap-world. Like the night sky.
Merry 2:
>"Mm... "
Merry:
>You fail.
Merry 2:
>"Anything else you want me to try?"
>_
-
>Return and close the gap.
>"What's your ability in detail, Renko? I know you can find where and when you and others are by the moon and stars, at least... Has there been more that you've felt you could do?"
-
//Does anyone have any ideas for helping Renko's ability? We have broken through quite well on ours, but there's still hers.
Also would like recommendation on whether or not it would be wise to try and have Renko search for YuugenMagan.
-
Bending the border of uselessness and usefull?
But seriously, using it to find Rika might be something to consider.
-
>Return and close the gap.
>"What's your ability in detail, Renko? I know you can find where and when you and others are by the moon and stars, at least... Has there been more that you've felt you could do?"
>You do so.
>"I don't think so..."
>_
-
>Do we feel anything when Renko is searching for/locating us?
-
>Do we feel anything when Renko is searching for/locating us?
>No.
>_
-
>"Do you think you could find Rika?"
-
>"Do you think you could find Rika?"
>"Rika...?" Renko blinks
>_
-
>"I guess we've only really seen Rikako huh..."
-
>"I guess we've only really seen Rikako huh..."
>Renko nods.
>"W-Would you like me to try to find her...?"
>_
-
>"If you can."
>Nod.
-
>"If you can."
>Nod.
>Renko looks to the sky...
>"She's somewhere underground... at a place that's, let's see... 8 and a half kilometers... hmm... directly south of that mountain." she points to the large mountain in the distance, silhouetted against the night sky.
>_
-
>Let's note that down on our notebook.
>Since it's a small notebook, flip to the next page (on the other side or an entirely new one) and do a quick sketch of how that mountain looks where Renko points. Write "South" and "Underground" somewhere on that same page.
-
>Let's note that down on our notebook.
>Since it's a small notebook, flip to the next page (on the other side or an entirely new one) and do a quick sketch of how that mountain looks where Renko points. Write "South" and "Underground" somewhere on that same page.
>You do so.
>_
-
>"That might be where they're staying... We also can't just try against them yet..."
-
>"That might be where they're staying... We also can't just try against them yet..."
>"Maybe we could scout them out...?"
>_
-
>"Just gather information?"
-
>"Just gather information?"
>"It would help us know what we're up against." Renko shrugs.
>_
-
>"It'd still probably be dangerous..."
-
>"It'd still probably be dangerous..."
>"Hmm..."
>_
-
>"Should we discuss things now with Sumireko and the others?"
-
>"Should we discuss things now with Sumireko and the others?"
>"If you want."
>_
-
>Glance. Is the owl out there? How is it?
-
>Glance. Is the owl out there? How is it?
>You check...
>It's at the bottom of the tree it was originally perched on, you spot the silhouettes of what appear to be several stray cats stalking it from a distance...
>_
-
>Manipulate boundaries so that the owl is as light as the experimental paper. Take it out if we have to.
>See if that helps the owl fly...
-
>Manipulate boundaries so that the owl is as light as the experimental paper. Take it out if we have to.
>See if that helps the owl fly...
>You manipulate the boundary between the owl's weight and the paper's weight.
>You know it worked, but the owl isn't taking to the air.
>One of the cat silhouettes lunges at the owl, it gives off a screech while defensively lunging its beak towards the approaching feline, causing it to back off a bit while one of the other cats begins to close in.
>_
-
>Undo. Just let Nature sort itself out.
>Nod.
>"Let's talk with them."
-
>Undo. Just let Nature sort itself out.
>Nod.
>"Let's talk with them."
>You undo it. It's not your problem anyway.
>Renko nods, "Alright"
>_
-
>Head downstairs with our mini-self and Renko.
-
>Head downstairs with our mini-self and Renko.
>You do so.
>The table is empty of plates, nobody seems to be in the dining room.
>_
-
>"Everyone's gone already?"
-
>"Everyone's gone already?"
>Chen emerges from the kitchen.
>"Oh, are you two done up there?" she tilts her head, "Everyone kinda scattered, so I just put the plates away. I think the others are outside."
>_
-
>"Hm..."
>Get a bad feeling.
>"We can discuss it in the morning then... Getting a lot of rest before it would be well."
-
>"Hm..."
>Get a bad feeling.
>"We can discuss it in the morning then... Getting a lot of rest before it would be well."
>A horrible chill goes up your spine.
>"Discuss what?" Chen asks.
>_
-
>"Um... Plans for tomorrow."
-
>"Um... Plans for tomorrow."
>"Oh."
>_
-
>"You going to bed soon too?"
-
>"You going to bed soon too?"
>"Maybe. I might go for a walk and see what the strays are up to tonight."
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"Sleep well." Chen smiles.
>_
-
>Nod and return upstairs.
-
>Nod and return upstairs.
>You do so, Renko follows.
>"So.. um... where's the other you going to sleep?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>"I would probably undo her..."
-
>"I would probably undo her..."
>"Oh..." Renko glances at your smaller self for a moment, "W-Wouldn't that be technically killing her?"
Merry 2:
>You feel a bit nervous...
>_
-
>"I uh... Maybe just having her still around would be good... We all should be able to fit, but she should be big so she's not smushed accidentally."
-
>"I uh... Maybe just having her still around would be good... We all should be able to fit, but she should be big so she's not smushed accidentally."
>"Y-yeah..."
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Return to proper.
-
Merry 2:
>Return to proper.
Merry 2:
>You manipulate your own boundary of large and small to return to your approximate normal size.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"Ready then."
-
Merry 2:
>"Ready then."
>"So... um..." Renko looks between the two of you, "Who's sleeping in the middle?"
>_
-
>"Would you like to?"
-
>"Would you like to?"
>"W-Well yes..." she blushes slightly, "Unless one of you wants to... I-I'm next to you either way"
>_
-
Both:
>"Of course then~"
-
Both:
>"Of course then~"
>"Alright." Renko smiles, before beginning to ready herself for bed.
>_
-
>Do so as well.
-
>Do so as well.
>You both ready yourselves
>_
-
>"I hope your ability gets some amazing change, Renko..."
-
>"I hope your ability gets some amazing change, Renko..."
>"Me too."
>_
-
>Sigh and get comfortable in the bed.
-
>Sigh and get comfortable in the bed.
>You get in bed. Renko scoots in next to you.
Merry 2:
>Do you get in bed as well?
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Yes.
-
Merry 2:
>Yes.
>You sandwich Renko between yourselves.
>Renko fidgets a bit.
>_
-
>"This fine?"
-
>"This fine?"
>"Y-Yes... Which one of you do I hold on to though..."
>_
-
>Hold Renko.
-
>Hold Renko.
>Which one of you?
>_
-
>The main us.
-
>The main us.
>You do so. Renko embraces you.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Hug Renko as well if we can...
-
Merry 2:
>Hug Renko as well if we can...
Merry 2:
>You join the hug, sandwiching Renko in a double embrace~
>_
-
>Drift off into sleep if all is well.
-
>Drift off into sleep if all is well.
>You do so...
>...
>You find yourself soaring through the clouds.
>_
-
>Look around.
-
>Look around.
>You're in a vibrant cloudy sea, a large rainbow is above the area. Several birds pass you by, each with the face of one of your companions, smiling at you. The most beautiful of them all is the one with Renko's face.
>_
-
>Are we a bird?
-
>Are we a bird?
>No.
>Renkobird does a playful spiral around you.
>_
-
>"I wonder why you're all birds~"
-
>"I wonder why you're all birds~"
>"I thought we were always birds, Merry~" Renkobird tweets.
>"Now that I think about it, something about me does feel... wrong... Nya~" Chenbird chirps.
>"I wonder why you're not a bird~" Sumirekobird teases as it flies in tandem with the dove-like Matenshibird.
>_
-
>"Symbolism?"
-
>"Symbolism?"
>"What's that supposed to mean, sis?" Sumirekobird cocks its head towards Renkobird.
>"Ask Merry, she's the psychology major after all~"
>_
-
>"It's the use of symbols to express something. Like you all being birds and me not meaning something like... I'm different in some way."
-
>"It's the use of symbols to express something. Like you all being birds and me not meaning something like... I'm different in some way."
>"Or maybe you're a nonbeliever~" Sumirekobird does a loop-de-loop
>"Don't be mean~" Renkobird barrel rolls, ending up beneath you, looking up.
>The clouds start darkening...
>_
-
>Are there clouds above us? or just below?
-
>Are there clouds above us? or just below?
>There's clouds everywhere.
>_
-
>"It's getting dark now..."
-
>"It's getting dark now..."
>The birds seem to flock closer to you... with the exception of the Matenshibird
>_
-
>Try to manipulate the boundary between dark and light near us, so that we maintain visibility for safe travel.
-
>Try to manipulate the boundary between dark and light near us, so that we maintain visibility for safe travel.
>You attempt...
>and somewhat succeed... you have to constantly reshift the boundary as you move...
>_
-
>Give up on it.
>"Hopefully this doesn't get worse."
-
>Give up on it.
>"Hopefully this doesn't get worse."
>As soon as you say that, a lightning bolt fires from one of the clouds, arcing through all the birds.
>All of them begin falling into the sky below as you hear YuugenMagan cackling like a madwoman.
>_
-
>"What the hell is wrong with you!?"
-
>"What the hell is wrong with you!?"
>Nothing, really. I just wanted to see the look on your face.
>_
-
>Frown deeply.
-
>Frown deeply.
>Also it's interesting that you didn't make any effort to catch them... Could it be that you actually have a bit of a dark side?
>_
-
>"You'd just twist this dream further."
-
>"You'd just twist this dream further."
>Perhaps...
>_
-
>"What do you want YuugenMagan?"
-
>"What do you want YuugenMagan?"
>Nothing, really. Once I've recovered enough to leave your body, I will do just that.
>_
-
>"...Then what?"
-
>"...Then what?"
>Wouldn't you like to know...?
>The clouds form themselves into the shape of a sinister smile with jagged teeth.
>_
-
>"Knowing your history, I doubt it's anything good..."
-
>"Knowing your history, I doubt it's anything good..."
>The definition of "good" can be rather subjective...
>_
-
>"Like possessing people..."
-
>"Like possessing people..."
>As fun as it would be to possess your girlfriend or any other of your friends, I have different-- hang on, it seems we have an interloper...
>You hear thunder, followed by someone screaming out in pain.
>...
>You awaken in a cold sweat, it seems it's still the middle of the night.
>_
-
>Examine our two companions briefly, then scan the room.
-
>Examine our two companions briefly, then scan the room.
>Merry 2 is still sleeping peacefully... having a different dream than you oddly enough...
>Renko is still snuggled up to you.
>You scan the room... There seems to be a lump on the floor.
>_
-
>Examine it carefully.
-
>Examine it carefully.
>It's too dark to see any details, but it seems to be the silhouette of a person.
>_
-
>Do the light thing we're newly capable of.
-
>Do the light thing we're newly capable of.
>You illuminate a section of the room around the silhouette.
>It's a woman with short hair in a red nightcap, wearing a black and white dress adorned in white orbs. She has a white tail with a black tuft of fur at the tip. She appears to be badly singed...
>_
-
>Whisper: "The hell is wrong with you? Did you try to kill her?"
-
>Is she moving?
-
//Whoa, a new player
>Is she moving?
>Aside from breathing, no.
>Whisper: "The hell is wrong with you? Did you try to kill her?"
>You feel the equivalent of a mental shrug.
>"Nnnn..." Renko begins stirring from your whisper.
>_
-
>Try to locate a boundary between... Recovery and decay.
-
//Hi!
>Soften the light.
-
>Soften the light.
>You make the light dimmer. Renko seems to move slightly, holding you tighter.
>Try to locate a boundary between... Recovery and decay.
>You attempt...
>It doesn't seem to work.
>_
-
>Sickness and health?
-
>Sickness and health?
>You find one, it seems to be towards the health side. Maybe she isn't sick?
>_
-
>Push it more towards the health side...
-
>Push it more towards the health side...
>You push it even more towards the healthy side.
>Her condition barely changes.
>_
-
//Any help?
-
>Injury and health?
-
>Injury and health?
>You locate the boundary of injured and not injured
>_
-
>Slide it more towards not injured.
-
>Slide it more towards not injured.
>The burns begin to fade away.
>_
-
>A bit more...
-
>A bit more...
>You continue until the burns are gone.
>_
-
>Stop and sigh.
>Look over to Renko.
-
>Stop and sigh.
>Look over to Renko.
>Renko seems to have drifted back into a deeper sleep.
>The woman on the floor groans and starts moving.
>_
-
>"Um..."
-
>"Um..."
>She looks over at you as she stands up.
>"Ahem" she clears her throat softly, "Erm... this is rather awkward... Normally my first meeting with someone is within the dream, not outside of it..."
>_
-
>Whisper: "Yea, this is awkward. But because you're in our room. What are you doing here?"
-
>Whisper: "Yea, this is awkward. But because you're in our room. What are you doing here?"
>"I came to give a warning about meddling with the dreams of others in a malicious manner... I didn't expect to be evicted from your head before I could even say a word..." she frowns.
>_
-
>"Well I didn't want to do that, or even have a choice in the matter... Sorry."
-
>"Well I didn't want to do that, or even have a choice in the matter... Sorry."
>"It's fine... You weren't even the one I wanted to talk to anyway..."
>Renko starts stirring again.
>_
-
>"Oh..."
-
>"Oh..."
>"M-Merry...? Who're you talking to...?" Renko mumbles.
>_
-
>"I'm having a bit of trouble getting to sleep, Renko..."
-
>"I'm having a bit of trouble getting to sleep, Renko..."
>Renko groggily opens her eyes and looks up to you, "Is it her aga-EEEEEEEH!?!?!" she immediately jumps upon seeing the other woman.
Merry 2:
>You are awakened by Renko's yelp.
>_
-
>"S-Shh... I-It's not anything bad, so far..."
Merry 2:
>Rub our eyes and sit up.
-
>"S-Shh... I-It's not anything bad, so far..."
Merry 2:
>Rub our eyes and sit up.
>"W-Who is she!?!"
>"Doremy Sweet." the woman bows, "Er... Pardon my intrusion..."
Merry 2:
>You do so.
>_
-
>"So..."
-
>"So..."
>"I should probably go..." Doremy fidgets, "Like I said this meeting was unintentional and awkward..."
>_
-
>"Wait, don't go yet, i have information you might need about what kicked you out of my dream!"
-
//I think she already knows YGMG.
-
>"Wait, don't go yet, i have information you might need about what kicked you out of my dream!"
>"You know the reason why she's meddling with your dreams in an unnecessarily negative manner?" she raises an eyebrow.
>_
-
>"May... maybe not..."
-
>"May... maybe not..."
>Doremy frowns.
>_
-
>"Were you just not going to do anything now, though?"
-
>"Were you just not going to do anything now, though?"
>"I can't really get near her again until she decides to meddle with your dreams once more, or until I can find her real-world location, so I'll likely get back to my usual business..."
>_
-
>"You are sort of near her.
Merry 2:
>Focus on the original Merry in the way she had before, regarding multiple people.
-
>"You are sort of near her.
Merry 2:
>Focus on the original Merry in the way she had before, regarding multiple people.
>Doremy tilts her head.
Merry 2:
>You focus on your original with the boundary of single and double.
>It's already slid all the way to "Double"... The thought of moving it away from that side makes you a bit nervous...
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Ah, not that one. The abstract (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,21110.msg1377932.html#msg1377932) one.
-
Merry 2:
>Ah, not that one. The abstract (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,21110.msg1377932.html#msg1377932) one.
Merry 2:
>You consider the abstract boundary of self and not-self within the main you...
>Do something with it?
>_
-
Merry 2:
>How does it seem currently? Is it more towards one side or the other?
-
Merry 2:
>How does it seem currently? Is it more towards one side or the other?
>It's towards the "self" end...
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Could we concentrate on anyone else at Merry Original?
-
Merry 2:
>Could we concentrate on anyone else at Merry Original?
>Elaborate.
>_
-
>Could we concentrate boundary-wise.
-
>Could we concentrate boundary-wise.
>As in between the original you and other people?
>_
-
>Yes.
-
>Yes.
Merry 2:
>You try...
>The boundary between Merry and Renko is a valid boundary
>As is the boundary between Merry and Doremy.
>Pretty much any person you think of seems to count as a valid boundary including... YuugenMagan...
>Oddly enough Merry and Yukari is NOT a valid boundary...
>_
-
>How far are each?
-
>How far are each?
Merry 2:
>All of them are distinctly "Merry" for some reason...
>You also notice one between Merry and yourself. This one seems ambiguous... It is distinct from the single/double boundary though...
>_
-
>Wonder if our name really has been forgotten...
>"Well she probably heard you don't want her meddling in others dreams. But she probably doesn't care either..."
-
>Wonder if our name really has been forgotten...
>"Well she probably heard you don't want her meddling in others dreams. But she probably doesn't care either..."
>Technically the boundaries were between Maribel and X, but "Merry" was specifically requested....
>"I see..." Doremy frowns, "I assume you have some kind of psychic link then?"
>_
-
>"It's complicated, and she probably doesn't want anyone to know what it really is..."
-
>"It's complicated, and she probably doesn't want anyone to know what it really is..."
Merry:
>You feel like something within you approves of that sentence.
>"Well, it doesn't matter anyway..." Doremy straightens herself, "If she continues to meddle with your dreams in an excessively malicious manner, I will track her down and ban her from the dreamworld entirely..."
>_
-
>"I'm sure she'll take that to heart and be a good girl from now on... I-I mean I'm sorry things ended up like this, with what happened to you and how complicated this is..."
-
>"I'm sure she'll take that to heart and be a good girl from now on... I-I mean I'm sorry things ended up like this, with what happened to you and how complicated this is..."
>"It's fine... Sorry that our first meeting was under such awkward circumstances..."
>_
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"Well, I'm going to leave now. If I notice her messing with your dreams again I'll intervene..."
>_
-
>"Um. Goodbye, miss Doremy."
-
>"Um. Goodbye, miss Doremy."
>"Goodbye..."
>Doremy seems to take a step forward and appears to vanish in a puff of smoke.
>"W-What was that all about...?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>"A... dream I was having."
-
>"A... dream I was having."
>"What happened...?"
>_
-
>"You and the others were with me in the sky and clouds. And you were all birds... Then the clouds darkened... and there was unnatural lightning..."
-
>"You and the others were with me in the sky and clouds. And you were all birds... Then the clouds darkened... and there was unnatural lightning..."
>"Sounds odd... Wait... We were birds?"
>_
-
>"Yea..."
-
>"Yea..."
>"Sounds like it would've been silly if it wasn't a bad dream..."
>_
-
>"Mm... What time even is it?"
-
>"Mm... What time even is it?"
>Renko glances at the window.
>"Around 3:00 AM..."
>_
-
>Get comfortable again.
-
>Get comfortable again.
>You snuggle Renko
Merry 2:
>You feel groggy...
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Were we having any dream?
>Snuggle Renko closer.
-
Merry 2:
>Were we having any dream?
>Snuggle Renko closer.
Merry 2:
>Yes, a rather peaceful one until you were awakened...
>You snuggle Renko as well, sandwiching her between the two of you.
>"This is comfy~" she murmurs.
>_
-
>"Mhm."
Merry 2:
>Mumble a bit and continue.
-
>"Mhm."
Merry 2:
>Mumble a bit and continue.
>The two of you continue your snuggles with Renko.
>_
-
>>Give Renko a bit of a kiss.
-
>>Give Renko a bit of a kiss.
>You kiss her on both cheeks simultaneously.
>She gives a warm smile and nestles into the comfort a bit more.
>_
-
>Comfortably drift back into sleep.
-
>Comfortably drift back into sleep.
>You do so...
>...
Merry 2:
>You awaken to sunlight streaming into the room.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Check on the other two.
-
Merry 2:
>Check on the other two.
>Sound asleep and cuddling with each other.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Sit up and stretch.
-
Merry 2:
>Sit up and stretch.
>You do so.
>_
-
>Get up and out of the bed.
-
>Get up and out of the bed.
>You carefully get out of bed as to not disturb your original and your collective girlfriend...
>_
-
>Head out of the room and walk around a bit.
-
>Head out of the room and walk around a bit.
>You head out. You smell breakfast wafting up from below.
>_
-
>Ooh, follow the scent.
-
>Ooh, follow the scent.
>You follow the scent downstairs, Yukari is reading the newspaper at the table.
>You hear arguing in the kitchen.
>_
-
>Peek into the kitchen.
-
>Peek into the kitchen.
>You walk towards the kitchen
>"Feeling like being in two places at once, are we?" Yukari asks as you pass her.
>_
-
>Whisper back: "They're sleeping~"
-
>Whisper back: "They're sleeping~"
>"I see..."
>_
-
>"What's happening there?"
-
>"What's happening there?"
>"Usami is trying to teach the angel how to cook."
>You hear a cat mewling.
>_
-
>Look around for it.
-
>Look around for it.
>You see a two tailed cat...
>...Dragging in a nearly dead owl.
>The cat shifts into the form of Chen who looks excited.
>"Look what I found during my outing Yukari-sama! The others tried to claim it first, but I sure showed them!"
>Yukari peers over the newspaper and sighs. "As much as Ran and I enjoy your feline instincts, there are some you really should learn to suppress... Now please take that tatarimoke back outside and put the poor thing out of its misery..."
>Chen droops a bit.
>The owl seems to recognize you and has what could be best described as a fear reaction... Though it seems way too weak to move much...
>_
-
>"Y-You're having her kill it?"
-
>"Y-You're having her kill it?"
>"Well, look at it... It's quite obviously in agony... besides, this isn't the first time Chen has brought in a nearly dead animal or animal-like youkai in the house... "
>The owl seems to be shuddering.
>_
-
>"What if we make it better again?"
-
>"What if we make it better again?"
>"There's no benefit to me if I healed it. Besides, it competes with Chen, my crows, and the local cats for prey, plus mercy-killing it would put be putting what is likely the tortured long-abandoned soul of a child to rest."
>The owl shudders some more...
>"However, there's nothing stopping you from trying, if you wish... I'd expect you to be able to manipulate the relevant boundaries at your current level..."
>_
-
>Focus on and try to manipulate the boundaries as we did for Doremy.
-
>Focus on and try to manipulate the boundaries as we did for Doremy.
>You attempt.
>There is a sickening snap as the owl shrieks in pain, one of its wings seems to shift into a more natural looking position.
>When you finish, the owl is able to stand, before flexing its wings.
>Yukari begins clapping, "Bravo. I expected a bit more trial and error to be honest, but you actually instantly went to the proper boundary. I'm impressed."
Merry:
>You open your eyes slightly as you hear what sounded like a bird screeching in pain somewhere below
>_
-
>"Wha..."
Merry 2:
>"S-So?"
-
>"Wha..."
Merry 2:
>"S-So?"
Merry:
>Renko begins stirring.
Merry 2:
>"It'll live." Yukari returns to reading the paper.
>The owl seems to be studying you.
>_
-
>Blink.
-
>Blink.
>You blink simultaneously.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Wonder how it'll react next...
-
Merry 2:
>Wonder how it'll react next...
>The owl cautiously looks towards Chen, who kneels closer to it.
>it reacts by shrieking at her and taking a step towards her with its wings outstretched, causing Chen to jump a bit.
Merry:
>You hear more noises...
>"Morning... already...?" Renko mumbles before letting out a cute yawn.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"Hey calm down!"
Merry:
>"Morning Renko."
-
Merry 2:
>"Hey calm down!"
>The owl turns its attention back to you and cautiously backs away when you raise your voice.
Merry:
>"Morning Renko."
>"Morning, Merry~"
>_
-
>"Yea, id did feel short..."
Merry 2:
>"Er, well, I'm sure it can do whatever it wants now..."
-
>"Yea, id did feel short..."
>"I guess getting woken up in the middle of the night will do that." Renko chuckles a bit.
Merry 2:
>"Er, well, I'm sure it can do whatever it wants now..."
>The owl tilts its head sideways and begins bobbing around.
>_
-
Nod.
Merry 2:
>Watch curiously.
-
Nod.
Merry 2:
>Watch curiously.
>You nod.
Merry 2:
>The owl looks around cautiously.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"A-Ahem..."
-
Merry 2:
>"A-Ahem..."
>You somehow startle it, causing it to jump back a few inches.
>It starts preening its feathers while keeping an eye on you.
Merry:
>"Hmm...? Where did the other you go...?" Renko asks.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"Well I should probably get it outside right?"
Merry:
>"Downstairs, maybe?"
-
Merry 2:
>"Well I should probably get it outside right?"
>"Well it certainly doesn't have a place in here..." Yukari remarks.
>You hear a crash in the kitchen followed by Matenshi cursing.
Merry:
>"Downstairs, maybe?"
>You hear noises below.
>"What was that...?" Renko sits up
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Nod.
>Hold out hands for the owl.
Merry:
>"Smthn's happening... I still wanna sleep a bit more. We have to do a lot of stuff if we get up..."
-
Merry 2:
>Nod.
>Hold out hands for the owl.
>The owl steps back.
Merry:
>"Smthn's happening... I still wanna sleep a bit more. We have to do a lot of stuff if we get up..."
>"Should we go back to sleep then...?"
>_
-
>"I'd like to."
Merry 2:
>Create a gap leading outside, but not too high up or anything, behind the owl.
>Get closer to it after we do.
-
>"I'd like to."
>Renko snuggles up to you once more, "Your wish is my command~"
Merry 2:
>Create a gap leading outside, but not too high up or anything, behind the owl.
>Get closer to it after we do.
>You open a gap.
>The owl lunges forward when you approach, shrieking defensively, outstretching its wings, and ruffling its feathers.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Perform the slowness we had done before.
>Recreate the gap in front of us, so that the owl ends up going through.
>Undo both when it's out.
-
Merry 2:
>Perform the slowness we had done before.
>Recreate the gap in front of us, so that the owl ends up going through.
>Undo both when it's out.
>You do so.
>The owl isn't actually moving towards you any further, since it was more of a "back off" display, so it ends up going into neither gap.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Sigh.
>"This sure is being uncooperative..."
-
Merry 2:
>Sigh.
>"This sure is being uncooperative..."
>Yukari chuckles a bit.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>"Well, could you just... go in so you can go back to what you were doing before all of this?"
-
Merry 2:
>"Well, could you just... go in so you can go back to what you were doing before all of this?"
>The owl is still slowed.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Right, we slowed it...
>Carefully take it and head through a gap outside.
-
Merry 2:
>Right, we slowed it...
>Carefully take it and head through a gap outside.
>You carefully take the owl.
>Like when you slowed the paper, the owl resists you trying to lift it faster than its maximum speed.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Heavily annoyed sigh.
>Let the owl go.
>Create a box of gaps around the owl, so there's no where to go but outside.
>Undo the movement restricting change.
-
Merry 2:
>Heavily annoyed sigh.
>Let the owl go.
>Create a box of gaps around the owl, so there's no where to go but outside.
>Undo the movement restricting change.
>You let the owl go.
>You surround the owl with five gaps, completely enclosing it...
>You feel like you're at your limit, one more gap will probably make you collapse from exhaustion.
>You undo the change, expending a bit more energy. You begin to feel woozy.
>...
>You're not sure if the owl has left yet, since your gaps hide it from view.
>_
-
Merry 2:
>Back up and undo the gaps.
YuugenMagan:
>Lock the thread before Maribel starts getting lovey dovey with Renko again...
-
>Check on the owls wounds now.
-
Merry 2:
>Back up and undo the gaps.
YuugenMagan:
>Lock the thread before Maribel starts getting lovey dovey with Renko again...
>Check on the owls wounds now.
>Yuugenmagan complies, usurping the parser and locking you out off all future actions.
>Thread Hijack End.