> How have we been "dead for most of our life"? <_<
> Skills
> Inventory
> Relationships, including all fellow members of our Temple as well as Nue and Mamizou
> Opinion of Soga no Tojiko
> Have we ever had the willies like this before? If so, what were they about?
> What about Nazrin?
> We don't feel any particular sort of ghost kinship with Tojiko at all, do we?
> What's Morichika been up to these days?
> Are we particularly familiar with anyone outside of the village, excepting Toyosatomimi and her entourage?
> Is our ghostly status and Tojiko's ghostly status something worth trying to bond with her over, even in the most minimal of senses? Or is it no more than a coincidence, where neither of us is suddenly equipped to make the other's existence better?
> How has the Temple taken to that sworn statement thing the mansion maid brought?
> Did we ever find out why our name wasn't on it?
> How's that jeweler kid doing?
> What do we have that's special specifically due to being a ghost? Can we walk through walls? Disappear? Fly?
> How limited are we in the aforementioned?
> Compare our self to other types of ghosts.
>Presumably being a good sailor means we're also good at tying knots?
>Can we still drown?
>What kind of sailing tools have we used? (astrolabe, sextant, etc.)
>Relatedly, how's our sense of direction?
> Quests
> Of the people we know, who would we consider talking of this feeling with? Even just a little.
> Chat up with Shou. Greet her briefly and hope she's not too busy for at least that.
> Add Quest: Kindred Spirits, about pursuing the possibility of an improved acquaintanceship with Soga no Tojiko. We don't need to be besties, or lovers, or anything like that! That'd be weird! But it would be nice to have someone we can go to and commiserate with about ghostly matters.
> Opinion of the Prismriver Sisters, Youmu, and Yuyuko, if we know of them.
> "Nothing just yet. Have you had any sort of, well, tickle, lately?"
> "Ah, no I wasn't proposing such. Just wondering if you felt anything weird."
> Does the feeling feel any stronger now that we're near Shou?
> "Hmm..."
> Examine the statue (and if it could do with being a bit more to the left...)
>What would happen if we were to take physical damage? Can we be wounded?
>"Yarr, blow me down I've been feeling like I've lost my sea legs lately."
>"Today I've had this weird feeling that I just can't shake. It feels like something's.... wrong. But I don't know how or why."
>Frown and look pensive.
>What part of the world do we originate from?
>Try to adopt a less serious manner.
>"I'm sure it's nothing important. Maybe Byakuren has some idea what's going on."
>Are we prone to feeling down?
> How did Nue take that statement thingy?
> Opinion of Yamame Kurodani
> Opinion of Koishi Komeiji
> "Maybe taking a walk would do a bit of good..."
> Glance to the statue.
> "It could do with being a smidge over to the left."
> Are we presently assigned any temple tasks that need doing?
>Do we know where Byakuren is or would be at this time?
>Is it polite to leave her uninterrupted when she's meditating?
>Does Shou lose her Pagoda as much asthe stupid fandompeople claim she does? Or was it just that one time?
>How good are we at fighting? Both Danmaku and Hand-To-Hand.
[/quote
>If she has lost it more than once, you don't know about it.
>You've actually not scrapped hand to hand in...a very long time. You can swing a mean anchor, so you assume you'd do alright. In terms of danmaku, you are confident. You're not the best, Shou can beat you, and you wouldn't like you chances against Hijiri or Miko. But you're confident in your skills.
>_
>How often do we actually kill people?
>How accurate was Akyuu's article on us?
>Oh dear. Did whoever was on that boat life or die?
>Take a closer look at the statue, what does it look like?
>Any possible love interests?
>Have we met that Mermaid by the misty lake?
>Maybe we should show her we aren't what she thinks we are?
>"Looks safe to me, Tiger."
>Have we heard of a sailor known as Popeye?
>What do the residents of the human village think of us and vice versa?
>Do we have any friends outside the temple?
>Are there any ghosts that we know of that haunt the nearby graveyard?
>How long does Byakuren normally meditate for? In particular when would we expect her to be free?
>"Hopefully Byakuren forgives me for disturbing her."
>Wave goodbye to Shou and enter the temple, heading toward where we think Byakuren is.
>Try to take one deep breath, does it help?
>What?!
>Examine surroundings
>Can we swim upwards?
>Swim toward the surface.
> Is that feeling still present?
> Are we still barefoot?
>Explore the roof. Is there an entrance from the roof directly back into the temple?
>Fly down to the entrance and head once more to where Byakuren is, hurrying this time.
>Knock lightly on the closed door.
>"I'm sorry to interrupt Byakuren, but I need to talk to you."
>Enter the room.
>"Has anything... strange happened in the temple recently?"
>"I've had this terrible feeling today. Then, when I was walking through the temple... suddenly, it was gone, and I was underwater, with seaweed around my legs! I swam up... and just as suddenly, the water was gone, but now I was on the roof of the temple."
>"I'm not hurt if that's what you mean. But something's not right... and it's got me worried."
>"Has anyone else mentioned anything happening to them, or is it just me?"
>To doublecheck: we entered the temple through the same path both times (when we were submerged and when we reached Byakuren), correct?
>"Yes, Hijiri."
>Maybe an outside perspective can see something we can't see ourselves.
>"...it's like I was really there, somehow. It's not as though I could have just floated through the ceiling to reach the roof normally, either."
>"Could we walk together, and see if it happens again?"
>If Byakuren agrees, walk throughout the temple with her. Do we suddenly end up underwater?
> "Not just yet, no... Just that weird feeling sticking with nothing to lead towards what it may be. Maybe I'll try to get an eyewitness to see what happens from the outside next time..."
>"Shou was outside the temple, but I'm not sure she could have actually seen it..."
>Since we're in the exact spot, look closely at the floor, the ceiling, the walls, the everything. Does anything stand out as abnormal to us?
>"...I don't think I'll be able to find out anything right now. I could use some fresh air - would you like to go outside with me?"
>Whatever she says, exit the temple and clear our head. Maybe that'll help give us some new ideas, or at least alternate ways to deal with our bad feeling.
>"Not really... the feeling's still there, and I don't know why."
>Go over and greet Shou to see why she's considering the statue so much.
> "That's good, at least. You're not gonna move the others are you?"
> Is that statue the one Mononobe kicked over?
> Are we normally capable of passing through walls?
> Has this sudden-drowning thing ever happened before?
>Admire the statue to be polite.
>Ask Shou if she knows where the rest of the temple crew are besides us, Byakuren, and Kyouko. Maybe we can seek out Nue or Mamizou, they feel like they'd know stuff about this kind of thing.
>Do we nomally have duties around the temple?
>If we do: To Byakuren "Do you mind if I take some time off from my duties to work out what's going on?"
>To Byakuren, but not in a way that cuts out Shou in case she wants to add anything:
>"Can you think of anyone else that might have some idea about what's going on with me?"
>Is it viable for us to just go Underground if we'd like, or would we run into trouble?
> Since we came through the temple and took the same path both times, we have passed through Shou both times, correct?
> Are there any other exits to the temple we could have gone through?
> Did we notice if our shoes were still where we left them?
>Quickly detour into the kitchen back door and make sure entering there doesn't suddenly dunk us underwater.
>If it doesn't, tell Byakuren we're planning on going underground to talk to Ichirin and Nue.
>Oh, right.
>"Byakuren? I'm going underground. I want to talk to Nue and see if she knows anything about something like this. Should I take any messages for you to her or Ichirin?"
>"Well..."
>Explain the basics to Shou. The weird feeling we've had all day, and the mysterious case where we were underwater, and then on the roof.
>"...So now I want to talk to Nue and see if she knows anything. Of everyone in the temple, she'd probably have the best ideas about something like this."
>"Pretty much. It's that, and she knows about making things appear differently. Maybe she'll have some idea of why everything felt different."
>"...You're right, though, Mamizou would also work. I'll definitely need to talk to the other one if the first doesn't have a clue. Do you think I should start with Mamizou, then?"
>Known ghost experts?
>Knowk boat experts?
>Known boat ghost experts?
>Known ghost boat experts? Wait maybe this one isn't such a good idea.
>What are Mamizou's favourite haunts in town?
>"Yeah I guess I'll try her first. Thanks for the help."
>Wave goodbye and head towards the human village.
>Wander in the general direction of Suzunaan, looking for Mamizou, while keeping an eye out for anything interesting
>Pop into Shou's shop to see what's up.
>"...Maybe? Do you have any suggestions?"
> Opinion of the store and "Shou's liking". Is it a fair sight or a bit sore on the eyes or otherwise?
>Did Shou skin any tigers to make this place?
> "You seen Mamizou around lately?"
> "Thanks. How's business been?"
>"Well, as long as I'm here... could I buy some blue fabric? I might make a few tweaks to my outfit."
> We've got no money right? Do we ever use any or work for any?
>"..."
>"Actually, I'll just come back later."
>Leave, feeling awkward.
>Time to forge a path to the rental library!
>Do we know if the clerk knows about Mamizou's true form?
>Does the clerk know us?
>Walk up to the two of them and introduce ourselves to the clerk
>"Hello, I'm Minamitsu Murasa, from the Myouren Temple. It's nice to meet you! And you are?"
>Stick out our hand for a handshake. Hopefully it's not too clammy.
>"A youkai? That's correct. I apologize if that's an awkward aspect.">Replace Youkai with "Non-Human", and add "I am a ghost" right after "correct".
>"A youkai? That's correct. I apologize if that's an awkward aspect."
>"As for you, miss, I believe we've met before?"
>Wink at Mamizou to indicate we're trying to avoid cover-blowing here.
>Replace Youkai with "Non-Human", and add "I am a ghost" right after "correct".
(I'm pretty sure Ghosts and Youkai are different in Touhou.)
> Does the wrong feeling seem better or worse now that we're in here?
>"Do you have any books on ghosts and phantoms?"
>"I've been having an unusual problem today... I was hoping I could find something written about it."
>"It's been sort of a... weird feeling, all day. And a strange occurrence."
>Sum up the "teleported into underwater and then swam to the roof" scenario.
>"Anything like that?"
>Are you sure you want to be telling this rather personal story to just anyone, on the very off chance they'll have a book that deals with exactly that?>Fair point.
>_
>Fair point.
>"Well, they're still worth a look, I'd say. Could you please get them for me?"
>While Kosuzu goes to get the books, if she actually leaves the desk, then tell Mamizou alone about our feeling and our underwater occurance.
>"...Well, thanks anyway. Any suggestions on who I could ask?"
>Wait for Kosuzu to return with the books.
>When she does, flip through them just in case.
>We know of a bigger library. Who's an authority on other worlds?
>How viable is it for us to either visit Patchouli's library, or Yukari Yakumo? Is it the kind of thing we can do as a day trip, or does that require going... north?
>Well, the library is probably the easier to attempt. Not necessarily succeed.
>Say "Thank you for your assistance. These don't seem to be what I'm looking for, but I appreciate your help." to Kosuzu.
>Depart in the direction of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>Hold on a second, has Kosuzu even returned with the books?
> When the supposed displacement underwater occured,did the feeling become stronger or weaker?It did strongly intesify right before that,right?
>Speaking of underwater,anything familiar or at least sticking out during that scene? Even compared to "the old days" in the far past.
>Take extra-care to look into any section of the books that link together ghosts,or otherwise spirits,and particular beacons,affinities,bonds,their source and workings that might or might not resemble the current predicament.
>If anything even remotely matches,consider borrowing,after striking a deal,to make references and researces easier when going to meet Patchouli,Yukari and anyone insightfull in-between or afterwards.
>Myouren Temple stance with SDM and Yakumo Household as a whole and by residents and frequent visitors.
>Well, we don't need books specifically about ship ghosts, per say; the phenomenon happening to us isn't necessarily limited to our specific type of ghost. Do any of the books seem like they'd have in-depth information about general ghost details, rather than specific types of them?
>Are we familiar with Kasen?
>Examine the titleless one a bit. Flip through some pages.
>"Where did you get this book?"
>Keep looking through it. Is it all metaphorical, can we tell?
>"What are the conditions for borrowing the book?"
>"I... don't have any money on me at the moment. Would it be possible to pay you back with odd jobs or various chores?"
>How's our standing with Reimu? Is going up to the Shrine likely to get us a battle?
>"I'd like to try and get the books back for you. Which ones should I ask the shrine maiden about?"
>"Heh, well, that'll be easy enough. Is it okay if I take this now, or should I retrieve the shrine maiden's books first?"
>Regardless of the answer (although take the book if she says it's okay), say goodbye and exit the bookstore.
>What's closer: the Scarlet Devil Mansion, or the Hakurei Shrine?
>Do we see anyone noticeable in the village, as well?
> Are the streets particularly busy in this section? What about air traffic?
> Look East, are the streets particularly busy in *that* section? What about air traffic?
> How difficult would it be to read and fly at the same time?
> Have we ever met with the princess of Hakugyokurou, or her assistant? If so, what is our opinion of them?
> What about the Prismriver sisters?
> Do we know where Toyosatomimi and her entourage make their base of operations?
> Is the tomb in the same direction as the Hakurei Shrine? If so, head toward it.
> Ergh...
> Okay, head to the tomb anyway, then. This shouldn't take very long.
> Is she looking at us?
> What's the gravestone cover like between ourselves and her?
> What's the gravestone cover like between her and the entrance to the woods?
> Mentally elaborate on our ability to "sort of disappear".
> How long can we hold our green form?
> Can we sink into the ground while green and intangible? If so, can we move around in it?
> Is it reasonably possible that she will not raise an alarm if we appear non-threatening? Or are we done the instant we're spotted no matter what?
> What can we move through when semi-intangible, if anything?
> Is there a fence nearby our current location?
> Moving so that we are still facing the jiangshi's back, make our way over to a section of fence and casually lean up against it (with only the lower half of our body if necessary due to lacking height). Leaning up against a post would be preferable since they're likely to be sturdier. Keep our hands visible - if possible, use them to hold onto the fence to a small amount of our weight up.
> Call out to the jiangshi in a neutral tone.
> "Yo."
> If she turns to look at us, give her a short wave before returning our hand to wherever it was before.
> "That's why I'm over here, and not next to you. Where's your ghost buddy? I need to talk to her."
> Do we sleep?
> Frown a bit.
> "I've seen them in the daytime before."
> Blink.
> Point at the grave she was leaning over.
> "Like that one?"
> "Hrm. Well, did your ghost friend say anything about bad feelings before she went to sleep?"
> "Tojiko."
> Facepalm.
> "Where?"
> Wait for her to finish.
> "Right. Okay, thanks. Catch you around."
> Head back into town and head for the tavern.
> Any sign of Tojiko or any other Taoists in here?
> If not, exit and head to the market to the east, looking for Tojiko.
> Head over to the umbrella youkai.
> "Hey there. Have you seen any ghosts in green around here? Other than me."
> How does she look, both in terms of immediate notable details and appearance in general? (Presumably we've seen her before and can see her properly now and so do not need to make a show of ogling her up and down.)
> "Can't say I have, sorry."
>Being an avatar of a deity of generosity, would Shou be willing to give away money?
>Why does run that store, anyways?
> Does she have us beat there?
> "Sorry, kiddo."
> Is the kappa village anywhere remotely close to "on the way" to the Hakurei Shrine?
> "Oh, excellent. Thanks! I'll catch you later, then. Hopefully you get your tengu."
> Have we ever heard/known of why Shou runs that tiger print store of hers?
> What do we, and others, think of the two outside world gals?
Tagging out now~
> "Thanks!"
> Head out of town on foot, then take flight and head to the Hakurei Shrine.
> Relationship with curvaceous island-like youkai.
> How's the shrine look? What state is it in, rather. Better than we've seen last?
> How often do we come here that she knows us, then?
>"Hmm, it's been awhile since I've been this way..." Give a friendly wave and smile, though, as we approach, even if we don't recognize them.
> Perhaps we should fly down from above the shrine and past the torii on our next visit then...
> How does it feel when we do though? Is it more of a struggle and effort, or actually painful?
>Brace ourselves and go through the torii.
>Mental examination: did that affect our feeling at all?
>Wave to the shrine maiden. "Hello!"
>"No, nothing like that! Kosuzu just asked me to pick up some books for her."
>Look over to the southwest. Can we tell what Reimu is watching?
> "Got one for the little warrior there too?"
> Float over for a seat.
>"What makes you say that?"
>Keep watching.
>"...May I have a cup of tea?"
>"That's fine!"
>"...Wow, she's really doing better than I expected. I thought we'd need to save her from the crow."
>"Is that really going to work out for the best, do you think? People being unafraid, I mean."
> What do we know about kobito in general?
> Do we know anything about this kobito in particular?
> What sustains us, and what would 'kill' us? Do we even know?
>When we were a boat hating ne'er-do-well did we ever spend extended periods of time underwater?
> "There's always a handful at least. Phobias, you know?"
> Taste a bit.
> "But I do see your overall point, yeah."
> "A finishing blow or a gradual domination?"
> Watch to see which... Or, if she suddenly fails...
>"Like I said, Kosuzu sent me to get some books. There was something else I wanted to ask you about though."
>"I've had this terrible feeling that something isn't right all day, and earlier while inside the temple I suddenly found myself under water; but not in the temple at all. I tried to swim to the surface but before I could reach it I was back. You'd probably think it was some kind of vision, but when I reappeared, I was on the roof. And the horrible feeling hasn't gone away either."
>Look worried.
>"Something's up."
>"You know a lot of people, can you think of anyone that might know what's happening?"
> "Well, if it happens while I'm still here, could you look into it during the... session?"
>"I'm not really sure. One second I was in the temple, and the next, I wasn't. After I came back and found Byakuren, she observed my hair had a bit of extra curl like it had gotten wet, but somehow instantly dried... as though I'd really been underwater."
>Frown. "And though I'm a ghost, I can't phase through walls. The fact that I reappeared on the roof after swimming up in the water... it makes me wonder if someone witnessing it would just see me vanish into thin air and reappear shortly after."
>"Hmm, I'll suggest it when I talk to some other people. Or see if I can find that Doremy Sweet. Any tips on where she'd be?"
>"I'll need to do some looking around, then... I could probably visit a couple other people while looking for her too."
>Finish the tea.
>Could we go inside the shrine with Reimu's permission, or would being a ghost present a barrier to us?
>"Can we walk inside the shrine together for a bit? I want to see if I can cause what happened in the temple to happen again here."
>"Of course not."
>Walk through the shrine a couple times with Reimu in tow. Does our feeling change beyond inherent apprehension from our ghostliness? Do we suddenly end up underwater? Does anything out of the ordinary happen?
>"Well, it was worth a try at least. You have a pretty nice shrine."
>Take the books off Reimu's hands.
>"Any more, or shall I get going?"
>"Alright, thank you very much!"
>Leave the shrine.
>What's closer to reach from here: the Human Village, Patchouli, or Eirin?
>Start with the human village and head in that direction. Keep an eye out for any Doremy Sweets.
>Head to Kosuzu's store.
>"I brought Reimu's books back!"
>"You're very welcome. I'm sure it'll come in handy!"
>Do we know the head maid or gatekeeper well enough to approach them casually?
>Approach Meiling.
>"Hello. Pleasant day today, isn't it?"
>"I hope it's going well then. Although... could I trouble you for a bit?"
>"See, I need to do some research on ghosts. A couple things came up. Would it be okay if I visited the Great Library to see what books it has?"
>"Ah, I see. Do you think there's something I could do to help her mood in exchange for access?"
>"Monks aren't known for their wealth, I'm afraid. Something other than money she'd be interested in?"
>Do we have any of those things back at our room at the temple?
> Are we familiar with anyone able to provide dank sauces?
>How exciting are meals at the temple?
>What about magical trinkets, we know anyone who could give those?
>Re-check Quests.
>"I see. Thank you for the information - if I get the chance to talk to Patchouli, I'll definitely bring something she likes."
>Leave the bookstore and re-orient ourselves.
>Is Youkai Mountain that hard a walk, or reasonable for us?
>Trek off to Youkai Mountain. Last we heard, Tojiko was there!
>Append a quest about getting something we can bribe Patchouli with to our quest log.
>Let's take the road. We've got some time, and we might get lucky and run into Doremy on the way.
>Go over to the cottage and knock on the door.
>If we don't get a reply, return to the road.
>Look around for ships to sink.
>Do the kappa generally take kindly to people just walking in, or should we find a way to announce ourselves first?
>Proceed into the kappa village and see who's there.
> Keep an eye out for Tojiko in particular?
> Check out that market! She was supposedly looking for food.
> Is anyone else of interest present, that we can immediately tell?
> Make our way toward Tojiko. Give her a reasonably civil "Yo" once we're within conversation range, taking the general hubbub into account. Give her a short wave if she looks at us.
> "You have a moment? I need to discuss something quick but personal."
> "Don't worry, it's just me. Strange things have been happening to me today, and I was wondering if they had happened to you as well."
> Frown a bit.
> "I'd really rather not go into detail about my personal problems in such a public setting."
> "Because..."
> Look suddenly mildly awkward.
> "...Because none of them are ghosts, and I think it's related to that."
> "Great, thank you."
> Look around for some nearby part of the market that doesn't have tons off people paying attention to it.
> "Here, this should do."
> Beckon to Tojiko and make for near the stall that's packing up.
> "So. I have this feeling that...something is wrong. There's something bothersome in the air, but I can't put my finger on what."
> Recount the drowning incident in the Temple from earlier.
> ...Was that there before?
> Does Tojiiko have us beat there?
> As we speak, make a bit of an obvious show of glancing back any forth between Tojiko and the boat, before covering our eyes and continuing on as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening.
> Yes, but does Tojiko have us beat *there*?
> "Yes. Sorry. It's not...it's not a big deal. Don't worry about it."
> Keep going with our tale (if there's anything else meaningful to say).
> "Yes. I've no idea what is causing it, though. Ah, would it be okay if we switched locations?"
> Uncover our eyes and focus on Tojiko. Ignore that other thing.
> Maneuver ourselves to stand where she is...floating, in the hopes she will also move to where we currently are.
> "Nothing has happened since, no. I don't suppose you have felt strange or worried at all recently either?"
> do you have any magical trinkets or hot sauces you can give me
>"Oh! That reminds me, do you have any magical trinkets or hot sauces you can give me? I wanted to get into the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library to read about this, but I need something Patchouli would like."
> Change this to "do you know where I can obtain any magical trinkets or hot sauces".
>Check our memory. Does it?
>"It... might, I'll have to check again."
> "Right, I will."
> "Anyway...if you haven't noticed anything, I guess I'm out of leads. Beyond finding something to give to someone that has lots of general knowledge."
> "...Where is she?"
> Do we know where those are?
> "That...could be doable."
> Did we know about a sword friends meeting?
> Do we know about any magician meetings involving Hijiri?
> "We wouldn't be bothering them, would we?"
> "Well...all right, yes. I would like to visit them, yes. Thank you."
> "Huh. Well, all right. I can wait until you're done here, of course."
> "I only came here looking for you. If you are done, then so am I."
> Scowl a bit, but say nothing. We don't need to rise to that bait.
> Still, follow her.
> ...Does she?
> "Truth be told, I do not know about cucumbers in particular. She does eat as the rest of us do, though."
> "That's understandable. And I think it might be a little hard for her, sometimes. But she does what we all do."
> Grunt, come to a stop, and cover our ears with a grimace of aggravation, if not outright pain.
>Look around, and up.
>Try to call out. "Hello?"
>Wait... so we seem to be in the same place, minus the people, and absolutely drowned in water?
>Is there anything significant remotely nearby? A ruined house or shop... or heck, any junk on the ground we could pick up to see if it came back with us.
> Try grabbing an anemone and pulling it out of the ground.
> Ergh...that's true...we have more clues now than before.
> Rather than swimming upward, try swimming toward the ruined houses.
> Make our way all the over to one and check what's inside.
> Any significant size differences to them?
> Would we consider this a village, a few neighboring houses, or even a city?
> Did we see any sign of kappa life in the village?
> Leave the house and go back 'outside'.
> Look upward. How deep does this water appear to be?
> Well, we can't exactly go around looting houses...what if it turns out that we're actually doing that, and it's not just a hallucination?
> Head back over to where we were with Tojiko before this happened, then try to swim upward as much as we can.
> What the...?
> When we were on the ground, it was reasonably lit up, right?
> Hmm...
> How bothered by our presence did the various sea creatures seem?
> If they did not seem bothered by our presence, continue swimming upward in search of more eels, and when we find one quite close to us, try grabbing it.
> If they did seem bothered by our presence, swim back down to the ground.
> Get a grip on it with both hands! Hopefully it'll zap us or something and we'll be shaken out of this!
>Swim down a few minutes. Does the ocean floor come back into view, or did we teleport ourselves into an infinite ocean?
>Yeah, hold onto the eel. If we find our way back to the regular mountain it'd be useful to see what happens to things from here.>Let it go; we already have a far less dangerous anemone in our possession.
>Yeah, hold onto the eel. If we find our way back to the regular mountain it'd be useful to see what happens to things from here.
>Let it go; we already have a far less dangerous anemone in our possession.
> Let the eel go.
>You consider keeping it, but let it go and make your way downward while trying to ignore the ache in your hand. With the help of gravity, you soon find your way back to the sea floor. Here is nothing but forest; the kappa village is only barely visible in the distance.> Where exactly is the ache in the hand ? It could be useful to see the effect ,and bring it to examine ,once the Ticket-to-Dry-Land is hit..
>_
> Where exactly is the ache in the hand ? It could be useful to see the effect ,and bring it to examine ,once the Ticket-to-Dry-Land is hit..
>Do the forest match the Youkai Mountain Forest we passed to reach the Kappa Village ?In the same sea-dunk and well-adjusted condition?
>Look behind in the opposite direction of the Village,if nothing standing out is noted,look back,keep track of it then tree-approaching.
>Properly examine and feel it it is a Youkai Mountain forest tree which has been recently submerged in ocean water...
>Does the supposedly deep-fathom pressure do not affect the trees and vegetation?What about those houses and the items inside?
>All seems to be behaving as if properly under salty waters apart from some issuues such as things at the bottom being so well-preserved as if they were smoothly and only fairly recently displaced with their own lighting which does not,or with much difficulty,travel upwards...
>The other time ended up on top of the Temple roof without realizing but with actual movement,flight and phasing out....
> Could this mean that while here feels like sea-diving in this ocean-with-bits-of-Gensokyo-at-the-bottom dimension,in the real Gensokyo there's a case ,in front of Tojiko the Taoist nonethless ,about a sudden disappearance or maybe a sleepwalk-like of a Buddhist Ghost Sailor who would be this time be found having climbed down or up the Mountain?
>As if this place,or whoever is behind this,was pulling more and more pieces of Gensokyo first pulling in a living being,or rather a ghostly being,as an anchor and then bits of the environment alongside herself...
>How far away do we feel from where we and Tojiko were?
>Does anything look distinct enough to easily find if/when we return to the non-flooded Gensokyo?
>Can we taste the water and compare it to normal ocean water, if we remember the taste of the latter?
>Look around for any easily-recognizable minor landmarks - a weird tree, perhaps?
>If we find them, try digging a small hole next to it or otherwise marking it, so we can see if that carries over to regular Gensokyo.
>How high is Youkai Mountain from where we are? With the level of water we saw while swimming up, can we assume the entire mountain has been submerged?
>Is the mountain the highest point in Gensokyo?
>Swim up again, this time for a while. See if we can figure out if the sea water is higher than Youkai Mountain or not.
> Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa catch ourselves and slow to a stop!
>Check our inventory to see if the anemone changed when we returned to regular Gensokyo.
>Return to where we were before changing worlds and see if Tojiko is still hanging around.
>Fly over to Tojiko.
>"That was it! It happened again!"
>"Jeez... at least I got a witness this time. Again, everything was underwater. But this time, I could tell I was in the same place. Could see the kappa homes and everything."
>Frown. "I tried to take something back, but it all disappeared. Heck, I even got bit by an eel, and the bite disappeared the second I came back!"
>"I dug a small hole by a nearby weird-looking tree. Do you want to go see if that vanished too? It probably did, but it doesn't hurt to check."
> "I, uh, I grabbed an eel in the hopes it would shock me and wake me up from whatever was going. I think part of me was hoping you would try the same thing on me."
> "As much as I can be, I think. Thanks."
> "Of course. Let's go see if we can find that hole."
> Shove off toward where we dug that hole before.
> Frown.
> "Nothing."
> "I'm...not sure yet."
> Nod.
> "Exactly."
> "...If it happens again, I may try to latch onto someone. Just in case."
> "Not a hug, certainly! Just, like, grabbing someone's wrist or something."
> We've been surviving in that water because we don't need to breathe, correct?
> "...I suppose that's true."
> Do we feel any worse than our default state with the general existential dread?
>"Well, that's right. But this trip did last a LOT longer than the first one."
>...hmm. Getting displaced somewhere else... do we know about Sumireko/did that happen yet? Although she barely even understands what's happening to -her-, so she probably wouldn't be a big help.
> "Maybe it'd just be for the best if we found your matriarch and her sword friends."
> "Right."
> Head in the direction of the farms.
> What kind of person flow does our home regularly see?
> Shake our head.
> "Our home is not so tightly packed, thankfully. What about yours?"
> "Ah, of course. We can get in each other's ways on occasion, but I think that's just natural. It doesn't happen all the time, at least."
> Keep our tone casual as well, not mocking or smug.
> "That's kind of surprising, honestly. Aren't you all about isolation, at least to a degree?"
> How much about the Taoists' pasts do we know?
> Chuckle good-naturedly.
> "I suppose. How did you all come to meet, anyway? I understand you were nobles, but not really anything beyond that."
> Look mildly shocked.
> "That's...I mean this with no offense whatsoever, but that sounds kind of rag-tag, at least as nobles go. I'm impressed that you four have stuck together, in a way."
> "That is true. Presumably your disagreements have come to an end, or are at least less vehement?"
> "That is good. Though...does that mean...that, ah, your status is as well? You in particular, I mean."
> "Oh. I'm sorry, I shouldn't ask about such private things, then."
> Blink.
> "...Really? Surely you all have made all sorts of friends here in Gensokyo."
> Grimace.
> "Er, sorry, I didn't mean that in a bad way. Hopefully you know what I meant."
> "Right, okay, good. It's still a bit surprising. But maybe I'm just rougher than most, in thinking such a thing is okay to just ask about."
> "Much appreciated. And I hope things work out for the best for you, whatever direction you take."
> "Of course."
> Have we ourselves ever harbored such thoughts for ourselves?
> Are we aware of any such internal tension?
> Look around as she does.
> "I suspect anyone that has considered it has also considered how it would come across, both to Hijiri and to everyone else."
> "Not timid so much as respectful, I'd say."
> "...I guess you could put it like that, yeah. Too timid to cause a disturbance, because none of us wants to lose what we would lose by trying."
> Shrug with a sheepish grin.
> "Perhaps. For what it's worth, I myself have never seriously considered such a thing. I do think might be easier for you all to consider, though, since there's fewer of you, and two of you already had something established."
> Nod.
> "Right."
> Look around again.
> Assuming we see no sign of Miko: "Yeah, U don't see anything like her either."
> "Do you know where that may be?"
> "Sounds worth checking out to me."
> Follow!
> "I used to. Ships, as you could probably guess. It's been quite a while since I did so in any meaningful capacity, though. What about you?"
> Do we invite ourselves into Gensokyo's more notable homes unannounced because it feels spiritually good and right to do so, or just because we're a social butterfly?
> Nod.
> "I gotcha. It just kinda...feels right, yeah?"
> "Yeah, yeah. For me, I like just up and visiting the fancier homes around the land. Scarlet Devil Mansion, Eientei, the Hieda House, places like those. Hell, if you all lived somewhere fancy and out in the open I'd probably be a regular there too. Hey, if you're all about night fires, maybe we could go camping some time."
> "I think only you can make that judgment."
> "Huh, interesting."
> "That's not a bad idea, if we get the immediate issue under control."
> "I'm not sure...I bet the red-white would know, though, We could always ask her."
> "We could always try the black-white, then."
> "Let's go with that, then. In retrospect, camping would probably be better spent with your maybe-wife than with me, anyway."
> "You can't corner her and ask for a private one-night getaway? Ah...the whole running-into-each-other-all-the-time thing..."
> "There's nothing stopping her from doing something similar with someone else, I'd say."
> Glance inside. Anyone in there?
> "I suppose that's true. Mmm, no wonder you were asking me about that sort of stuff earlier."
> We ran into Rinnosuke in there earlier, right? So the shop does have someone in it running it.
> Nod.
> "Mmm."
> "Wandering? Yeah, but usually more at night than during the day."
> "You should ask if you can get the opportunity more. It's important to get that sort of release once in a while, I think. Not to mention it might help the crowding problem, at least for you."
> Gesture at the open doors.
> "That one?"
> "All right. Hey, it seems to me like this would be a perfect opportunity to ask her about anything like that if you can pry her away from her other sword buddies for a moment or two."
> "So pull her behind the barn or something."
> Does the barn appear to have a second story?
> "Shoot. Maybe there's a side room, or something? Just something to keep in mind if you get the opportunity."
> "Maybe some sort of opportunity will present itself. I dunno. Like I said, just keep it in mind, yeah? Anyway, let's head inside."
> Nod.
> "Yep. Sorry to interrupt, but I need some advice."
> "Thank you."
> Retell the story of our first unusual experiences this morning, from the first feelings that something is wrong to appearing on the roof of the Temple.
> Can we teleport? Does the pseudo-disappear we do count as teleporting?
> Shake our head.
> "I can disappear-ish, but teleporting is outside my skill set."
> Nod.
> "Yeah, because it happened again later, for much longer."
> Recount the second such unusual happening, from when we started feeling particularly strange to when we reappeared and flew back down to the ground. Make sure to make note of the investigation of the kappa homes, the sea anemone we retrieved, and the eel bite that then vanished.
> "Yeah. And no one I've talked to yet shared the same feeling of unease, or has any idea what might be causing this. I'm also really not looking forward to how much further it will progress; if there weren't any Gensokyo buildings the first time, but there were the second time, will more and more stuff keep getting added, like other people?"
> "Maybe? The red-white didn't seem especially bothered by anything earlier, but I guess it's possible something's wrong and she hasn't noticed. I'm hardly an expert, though."
> "It's weird that wherever this 'elsewhere' is looks exactly like an underwater Gensokyo, though. Not to mention the sea anemone and the eel bite just...disappearing."
> "It may have been some sort of hallucination, but clearly something else is also happening if I am disappearing outright."
>"Hmm... although it's been suggested this might be related to the dream world. Unfortunately, it's not easy to find the baku, Doremy Sweet."
> "Anyway, that's about all I know."
> Adopt a thinking expression for a few moments.
> "...Yeah. Two things, actually, if you don't mind. The first would be suggestions on who you think might know anything."
> Nod.
> "All right. Any the other I, uh, want only you to hear, if that's okay."
> Keep looking at where they left to until we're sure they're gone, then turn back to Miko with the smallest traces of a grin.
> "My second request..."
> Nod our head back in the direction Tojiko left while still looking at Miko.
> "...is that you find a way to take your maybe-wife out camping. Just the two of you."
> "Yeah, I hear that's an issue. But I figured I'd ask anyway."
>"...Perhaps you could have someone watch over her while you two are away? Maybe Meira could perform such a task?
>"Unless there is some complications preventing something like that from happening that this little sea ghost isn't aware of."
> "Isn't there another one of you?"
> "Mmm. No wonder the situation with you and your maybe-wife is having difficulty getting resolved."
> "Well, sure, okay. But I feel like...well, okay. Just for full disclosure, she didn't ask me to talk about this, and I don't think she thinks this is what I was going to ask about. But she did mention this situation to me without my prying very hard, which tells me it's something important to her to resolve in some fashion. So, like, far be it from me to tell you all how to handle your personal lives, but this seems like something that would be better addressed soon than left to fester for a long time. For all your sakes."
> Shrug.
> "Well, all right, if you say so. Uh, please don't tell her this is what I asked about, by the way."
> "I think that's it, then."
> "No one else knew anything about what was going on, so I figured I'd ask a fellow ghost to see if she was experiencing anything similar."
> "Okay, sure. Thanks."
> "No worries. Everything you've been able to provide is appreciated."
> "It'd be appreciated, thank you. Do you want me to go get your card buddy back?"
> "All right."
> Scoot on over and retrieve the other person's cards, making sure to keep them facing us.
> Then head toward the door the other two left through.
> "Oh."
> Look to the purple-haired woman.
> "They are, yes."
> Offer them to her face-down.
> "So I guess I'm off to see if Reimu had any ideas. She said you have her blessing to assist me, which I'm also fine with, but ultimately that's up to you."
> "Sure. Uh, how far inside am I allowed to go?"
> "Okay, then. Lead the way."
> "Just some personal stuff."
> "Less than I hoped, but more than I feared. It sounds like she's going to send some feelers out to see if she can't learn more about the situation."
> "You told me to go away, so I did, didn't I?"
> Make sure a conversational tone is used, not a confrontational one.
> "Yeah, I'm with her."
> "She seems reasonable, given the circumstances."
> Wow, hand-holding already on not even the first date! We're just that damn good.
> "Sure."
> Take her hand and let her guide us.
> "That was...an interesting sensation."
> "Of course."
> "Hmm?"
> Look in the direction of the door.
> "...Um, you can come in...?"
> Look back to Tojiko.
> "You have a guest."
> Shrug.
> "No worries."
> Call back behind us.
> "So how have things been for you lately?"
> Look back to Tojiko.
> "I suppose your matriarch only gave her blessing regarding you and not her."
> "Perhaps that is why she did not mention her?"
> "What's up?"
> Look mildly confused.
> "What do you mean?"
> "Oh. Yeah, I'm headed out, don't worry."
> Continue following that ghostie.
> "No worries."
> "Well, nothing happened in the end, so I'd say it worked out fine."
> "The red-white's, I guess."
> "Right. If what your matriarch says is true, that may be helpful."
>"Fly our way over to the Hakurei Shrine."
>Tell her about what happened at the kappa village.
> Shake our head.
> "Not yet. Her matriarch suggested I am 'slipping outside and elsewhere', and wondered aloud if it was a barrier issue. Would that be possible?"
>"I tried knocking on her door, no answer though."
>Shrug.
>"As far as I know you're the most likely to know where she is."
>"The netherworld is a place I'd rather not visit if I don't have to."
>"Can you think of a good way to get into the Scarlet Devil Mansion? Their librarian knows enough that she might have some idea of what's happening."
>"I don't think Byakuren would appreciate that..."
>Do we have any idea what Remilia and Patchouli think of us, if anything?
>"Maybe I should just try walking up to the door and asking if I can come in. A crazy idea I know."
>"I guess there's no getting around it, I'll have to find some hot sauce. Though, we don't use it at the temple so I'm not sure where to get any."
>"Thanks for the info. Hopefully Patchouli knows something after all this."
>What's Tojiko up to?
>"Mmm, and I'd love to find her. No one I've asked about stuff has been any help on how I might do that, though."
>"I'll keep an ear out."
>Is Kourindou on the way to the undergound?
> Kogasa was waiting for Hatate in the village earlier, right?
> Frown in thought.
> "Gossipmongers, huh...I wonder if Kogasa has met up with Hatate yet."
> Look to Tojiko.
> "Which one?"
> "Oh, you mean Hatate? She's a newspaper writer. Apparently she's late for her meeting with Kogasa in the village. Or she was, last I saw."
> "Yeah. Sorry."
> "I'll see if I can track her down. Assuming she's not missing or something."
> How well do we know Hatate?
> "Right, we'll get out of your hair, then. Thanks again."
> Wave.
> "Thanks. Later."
> Take flight and head back to where we last saw Kogasa in the village.
> "Hey there. No news from your newsie?"
> "Maybe she stayed home?"
> "Beats me. I think it's better to not assume malice, though, at least. Maybe she got hung up somewhere unexpectedly. Maybe we should go look for her?"
> "Uh...well, do you know where she was coming from to get here?"
> How often do we venture into tengu territory?
> Look to Tojiko.
> "You up for a visit to the mountain?"
> "Right then."
> Look back to Kogasa.
> "If Hatate shows up, let her know I'm looking for her."
> "Right, yeah. See you later."
> Depart the Human Village and head toward the Tengu Village.
> "We're looking for a newspaper writer. She's supposed to meet with someone in the Human Village, but she's really late, and none of us know why."
> "Hatate Himekaidou."
> "She left for the Human Village?"
> Is that the direction from which we came?
> Frown to Tojiko.
> "That's unfortunate. I didn't see her on our way here. Did you?"
> How long is the trip from the Human Village to here, compared to an hour?
> "How bizarre. It should not take that long to get to the Human Village. Hopefully nothing happened to her along the way."
> "I hope so. That would be better than the alternative."
> "I guess we could ask the kappa if they know anything."
> Turn back to the tengu.
> "Yeah. We'll be on our way. Sorry about this, Miss...?"
> "Thank you."
> Turn back around and head to the kappa village.
> Head to the market.
> "Back here again, huh."
> Look to Tojiko.
> "I don't suppose you saw anyone like Hatate earlier when you were here, did you?"
> What's to the east and the south?
> What about the south?
> "Hmm...it seems unlikely that she'd go back up the mountain, so maybe south is our best bet."
> "Oh, sure. You take east, I'll take south?"
> "See you, then."
> South
> Head over to her. If she notices us, give her a wave.
> Blink.
> Adopt a dawning look of realization, then cover our mouth to hide a slight smile of amusement.
> "Not anywhere around here, no. I do not suppose you both confirmed precisely which village you two intended to meet at?"
> Chuckle and let our hand drop.
> "No, she's in the Human Village. Would you like an escort?"
> "Wait!"
> Glance back toward where Tojiko went. Is she still visible?
> Grimace.
> Look back to Hatate.
> "Please don't go far when you find her. I need to speak with you as well, but I must meet up with my other companion first."
> "Oh, okay. Come on."
> Head back in the direction Tojiko went off in.
> Did Hatate come with us?
> "Heeeeey!"
> Wave at Tojiko.
> "Luck, as it turns out. She was waiting in the Kappa Village, because they did not coordinate which Village they would wait for each other at."
> "We can talk to her on the way. We should get back to her."
> "Didn't want to leave you, yeah. Let's go!"
> Head back toward where we left Hatate.
> "We can discuss it on the way. I do not wish to hold you up more than I already have,"
> Take flight and go with her.
> "So I'm looking for any information you may have about Doremy Sweet."
> "Where can I find her?"
> Do we remember how to get to Eientei?
> "Ah, how fortuitous."
> "Well, thank you. I may have to leave you in Kogasa's care once we arrive, then."
> "I agreed to escort her. Apparently the tengu normally do not simply enter the Human Village."
> "Of course. It is the least I can do in exchange for your information. Though, please do not be surprised if I sudden look very pained before vanishing into thin air."
> "No, it is something else entirely. Something bizarre has been happening to me lately. It is why I need to seek out Miss Sweet."
> "Mmm...I'll tell you after it's resolved. It is a pretty personal issue."
> Frown.
> "Come on, now."
> "Thank you."
> Where did we leave Kogasa?
> "She is near the smithy. This way."
> Head to where we left Kogasa.
> Follow her down.
> "We'll, ah, leave you two to your meeting, then. Unless you still need us for something."
> "Have a pleasant day, ladies."
> Exit the village and head toward the Bamboo Forest.
> "There are guidance stones now, where there were not before."
> Look around for a guidance stone.
> "Has she visited Eientei?"
> Begin following the stones.
> Frown.
> "Huh. They normally have guards stationed out here..."
> Call out to the door.
> "Hello? Is anyone there?"
> "...I dislike entering without permission, but this is very strange. Hopefully no one is injured? I guess we should investigate to be sure."
> Head inside.
> "Something is going on..."
> Keep going forward. Hurry a bit.
> Can we tell where the danmaku sounds are coming from?
> Lower our voice volume.
> "You hear that?!"
> Hurry some more in the direction of the battle.
> Keep pressing onwards.
> Have we seen them before?
> Is anyone else present other than those two and rabbits?
> Are there any rabbits in the immediate vicinity that are conscious?
> Does the situation appear to call for first aid for anyone? If so, are we equipped to provide it?
> Make our way to the nearest conscious rabbit.
> "What's going on here?"
> "Do you know who? I see someone in pink and someone in green, and someone else I can't make out."
> Look back up at the intruders.
> Does that person on the floor match the description of anyone we know?
> "Oh! That person on the ground, I think that's her!"
> "I don't know, but I need to find out!"
> Resume heading quickly toward the downed baku.
> Are the rabbits actively trying to block our way, or is it just their bodies are inconvenient?
> Is the crowd moving toward us or away from us?
> "Tch."
> Back off a bit and let the battle continue without interfering.
> "It's not my place to get involved in this, I suppose."
> Look around. Are there anyways we can see to go around the battle to get behind the dancers?
> "This way, then!"
> Dart into that room.
> "Pardon us, ladies!"
> Hurry down the corridor that runs parallel to where the main battle is.
> Does that mean there are no doors in this room that open behind them?
> Are bullets flying in through those panels?
> If not, make for the closest panel that is behind the dancers.
> Are there more doors beyond them in this room, or are we at the end of the bedroom?
> Are they looking in here?
> Do we still have our anchor on-hand?
> How valid is our anchor as danmaku?
> Are the water drip danmaku the ones we fling from our hishaku (which we presumably also have in our possession at present)?
> Pull out the hishaku and dash through the doorway toward the abductors. If they don't notice us, keep going to get behind them to cut them off. If they do notice us, point our hishaku at them as we go and shout "Stop!"
> "Let her go!"
> Are they looking at us, or at the rabbits?
> Are they still shooting?
> Is there space in the hallway to get around and behind them?
> "Can't wait that long, sorry!"
> Charge at the one in green!
> Have we noticed how the zig-zagging has started? Is it a pattern starting at our left and only inching to our center? From left getting all the way to our right side? Any specific like that we can notice immediately, or would we need more time?
>In the past moment, it has zigged to the left, and then gone to the right, and it now going to the left again. You note there is space between them, you many to able to slip between if you move appropriately.//Feel free to continue and plan-out after this little follow-up.
>_
>Tojiko was not far behind,right?
>Slip between the streams taking advantage of the zig-zagging left-to-right-repeat patteern and start returning fire to the green dancer with water drip danmaku , aim a few to the pink one only if she is side-tracked enough to be cleanly hit.
>Be careful both not to let the current focus wander off the bullet streams off the green one,their shooter nor to lose sight of the pink dancer.
>You don't know for certain if Tojiko has charged in after you, or if she is still at the door.> Keep weaving and reacting accordingly to any shift while staying focused and keeping up the offense.
>You splatter the dancer in green with water drip danmaku, and are rewarded with a cry of pain and obvious surprise, she clearly did not anticipate being charged or her attack being navigated in the last moment. You aren't certain if you've managed to hit the other dancer, but she is crying out.
>_
>
> Keep weaving and reacting accordingly to any shift while staying focused and keeping up the offense.
>While doing so,spare a glance for the pink dancer for an opportunity to either avoid any nasty reprisal or capitalize an attack opportunity or helping with rescuing.
>You are practically om top of the dancer in green.
>_
> Do we have either or both Danmaku,danmaku-like or a sea ghost abilty adaptable for close-medium ranges ?
> Careful offense:do not linger in enemy lines of fire,unless assured grazing,while keep focus and navigation in good counterattacking positions.
>Does it look like there are openings to wade over in having a better angle on dancers, Baku?
>You can generate some danmaku without using your dipper, but it is not very beautiful or useful normally. But at extreme close range, it may do the trick.// Hopeful Thanks :blush: for Perseverance in " CYOA storytelling / activities " ! //
>Right now, it does not seem like you can get to the dancer in pink or the baku, the dancer in green's danmaku is in the way.
>_
> Has some kind of useful alternation,shift or even combination of both dipper,dipper-less danmaku ever been attempted,practiced or considered before ? Such,but not limited to, as in order to both hammer and clog,throwing the expected timing off and adding hustle to the lines of fire ("of water",rather) ? Although...
> ... a well-aimed well-timed Pattern ,like or unlike that,+Spell Card may do the trick too !
> How is the position,shifting movement and focus of the pink dancer Baku-Hostage comparatively to her green companion's,the Rabbits',our own,the bedroom hallway spacing and its exit ?
Now that I'm starting to get over the flu...// I :) pray the worst of the disease has left you,and anyone close/dear :) to you , already :) . //
>You can alternate dipper patterns.
>It is hard to tell what is going on at this split second. but the dancer in green is definitely between you and them, while her danmaku neatly cuts off your sides.
>_
> Keep our firing up and try to ascend out of this danmaku squeeze. We're in a sour position if the dancer in pink decides to notice us and aid her partner, and we still need the advantage to get the Baku.
> Then it is time to return the favor and then some .
> Start maneuvers,ascending or descending ones related to where there's more leeway, enabling avoidance of being threatened at the sides whilst employing the current dipper pattern in cutting off her sides and move further in ...
> ... but end up switching it up with a new one when she begin to adapt to the previous one;alternate and switch when she gets the hang of the current pattern.
> Move around trying to inspect ,in a careful manner to avoid bothering but also in an accurate one, where is this curious sensation of being watched is coming from.
>You ascend and begin to fling out droplets of danmaku, and find yourself rewarded with a cry of surprise from the dancer in pink. But your motions meet a curious resistance. Within a moment, the sounds and sights of the battle, the danmaku, and the figures in front of you fade out, replaced by the familiar pressure of water all around.
>There is thick kelp everywhere here, the ocean floor muddy and littered with rocks. Colorful fish weave and bob through the fronds, and other creatures skitter across the mud. You can feel something...unusual, like you're being watched. No, not like you're being watched, that's not quite right. You struggle to put it into words; it is like when you are in a room with someone who is occupied; they are aware of you, but are not paying attention to you.
>_
> Move around trying to inspect ,in a careful manner to avoid bothering but also in an accurate one, where is this curious sensation of being watched is coming from.
>Try to call out a "Hello?".
>Anything of note apart from kelp, fish, and mud?
> Oh-oh...In fair condition as well as come to expect ,except for being out-of-commission AND unexpectedly recently-shipwrecked AND recently pulled-under ?
> Test for any reaction and change : fire and light the way with selected weak,beautiful and luminous strings of Danmaku both in the muddy sea floor before each ship and above 'em
> Do not be afraid to strike close to home,though not hitting, the supposed-sea-life.
>You throw out some danmaku, keeping it close to yourself to avoid hitting the fish. It fires more or less like normal. Some of the nearby fish dart away into the kelp; the man o wars do not seem to have noticed. Nor has that feeling of awareness changed.> Approach the man o' wars focusing on that feel.
>_
> Approach the man o' wars focusing on that feel.
> Inspect the one or ones who stand out in some significant way and/or familiarity and/or cause shifts in that feeling.
> Orherwise start by checking the closest one and carry on.
>You make your way into the kelp, fish scattering in your wake, and move to investigate a man o' war.> Move closer and intently keep track in order to inspect that " greenish movement ".
>Not quite a jellyfish, its tendrils lazily extend from its translucent, bell-shaped body for several yards, mixing in with the kelp. It just floats there, at the mercy of the tide and the currents; neither of which you can feel right now. Moving on, you can see more of them floating around. As well, you think you can see something greenish moving among the kelp.
>_
> Move closer and intently keep track in order to inspect that " greenish movement ".
> If the kelp is too thick and there's no other angle to discern it,materialize and use anchor to gently part it for the inspection.
>You move closer, and can pick out what seem to be man o war tendrils among the kelp. They seem unusual, though, not quite just dangling down from a bell body. The kelp is a bit thick, requiring you to nudge it aside within your anchor, and gives you a view of its main body.> Keep the kelp parted ,and not on top of the being,with the anchor,until necessary.
>It is not a man o' war. Or rather, it looks as though someone took a man o' war and pulled it apart; its body is a mass of greenish tissues and organelles that are sort of loosely collected, looking rather like a mass of silken cloth that has been gathered together. Its tendrils dangle down from the edges of its body, looking oddly like streamers, or perhaps strands of long hair. It shifts as the kelp you move touches it, causing it to turn in the water in a way that no man o' war can. It is watching you now, you can tell. However, you don't sense any hostility from it. If anything, for reasons you cannot put your finger on, it seems...confused?
>_
> Keep the kelp parted ,and not on top of the being,with the anchor,until necessary.
> This kind of being...Express an emphatic and placid sense of calmness and relievance to have come across it or he or she.
> "Uh...hello."
>You greet the thing.// :) RIGHT-O (and no matter,at this stage, my typing slowdown on Android Firefox OS) ! :) //
>After a moment, you can feel in its strange undulations that it too is greeting you, feeling a bit uncertain as you are.
>_
> Think and feel ,by mental and emotional focused vibrations and feelings, greetings and more : " Forgive me for making you uncertain by seeking you out ,needy-sake and curiosity-sake at that , since I too am quite uncertain about being ? unwillingly and unexpectedly shifted away in " this place,among its inhabitants...Thank' Heaven,still close by an active home,yours."
> Comprehension moment then,unless more clearing is prompted ,go on: " First o'all, Hello again ! Names is, that some of my identitu to best know and interact. aMing neighbours and such, Minamitsu Murasa from the Ocean-less and supposedly far away world of Gensokyo... ".
> If it does not decently carry/?vibrate(?) through spell and speak it.
> Pause with attention and Duly Note in the Mind,this unfamiliar set of Comunicativeness,Expressiveness.
> "Hello, Stargazer. You have heard of Gensokyo, huh? I was just there, but now I'm here for some reason."
> Gesture all around us.
> Does the surrounding area still look like a flooded, deep-sea Eientei? Or are the Eientei aspects gone?
> "Do you know where this is?"
> Have we made physical contact with Stargazer?
> "I also don't know how or why this happened, unfortunately. I don't suppose you were in Gensokyo as well when you were pulled here?"
> Look slightly mortified.
> "That sounds...unpleasant. I wonder if there is a way to bring you back to Gensokyo with me?"
> Can we sense any malevolent intent?
> If not, let whatever is about to happen happen.
Oh wow, blast from the past right there.// If I am right ,she is From"Utsuho " (Okuu) Quest" :Stargazer" was the mostly-sealed away and separated Hakatuku(Youkai Supernatural)-side of Keine. She was supposed to be reunited with Keine,but there were rightful and proved doubts about some secondary aspects of the Hsitory Fixing. //
> "Hello, Stargazer. You have heard of Gensokyo, huh? I was just there, but now I'm here for some reason."
> Gesture all around us.
> " Stargazer,are you trying to form some helpful transfer,link,bond or union with me ...? If so we should work and time it together .... "
> "... and this is going to be of help and clearance for the both of us : my kind is that of a Sea-Ghost,a very vengeful and dangeous sort until I was willingly reformed by Buakuren Hijiri even before coming to Gensokyo...
> " ...This means I am spiritual youkai with a spiritual body with ties and links to large bodies of water such the one we are at the bottom of and it has some strong and weird links-ties over both me and yourself" .
>There is a sort of awkward "silence", before you feel a flood of realization and something like embarrassment from her as she lets you go.> "Don't get discouraged : you seemed to know what you were about to do "
>_
> "Don't get discouraged : you seemed to know what you were about to do "
> " If you have successfully tried this one out before ,did you recall who was the other fellow or some the characteristics ?".
>You get the feeling she didn't realize you were a ghost.> " Is this your first time meeting up a with a spirit or a ghost? Is that why you seemed to mistake me for another,though can't say which one,kind of youkai ?".
>_
> " Is this your first time meeting up a with a spirit or a ghost? Is that why you seemed to mistake me for another,though can't say which one,kind of youkai ?".
>She isn't sure, but she thinks so.> " We should really, really try out again to communicate and bond together..."
>_
> " We should really, really try out again to communicate and bond together..."
> " ... With these improvements : this time I am gonna try and get as corporeal,as material, as I can get and we are gonna synch and link it up together with a better timing and synch ".
" > When ready, we should have the best outcome .So agreed and ready ,Stargazer?"
> Wait for a a go-signal, focus and begin turning as corporeal as possible ,especially in relation to the Stargazer-man o'war.
> "Hmm...perhaps I should try going in the other direction. Please, try again."
> Try going incorporeal instead, and wait to see what contact with Stargazer does.
> "That's...working..."
> "This is sure a novel kind of ? sharing a bond ...?"
> Think and say: ? How are you faring,Stargazer? ".
> So she is able to touch us both when we are corporeal and when we are incorporeal?
> Is she fully 'inside' us now?
> What happens when we re-materialize while overlapping with a solid object?
> Try becoming corporeal again, while she's still reaching.
> "Did that feel any different? Perhaps any more successful?"
>She feels confused and uncertain. and not very confident.> While turning back spiritual again,demark the approximate or even exact area(s) to which Stargazer is clinging.
>_
> While turning back spiritual again,demark the approximate or even exact area(s) to which Stargazer is clinging.
> Measure out,balance out, gently define and turn that(those) into a sort-of focused-spiritual-bubble-carry.
> Shifts in the comfort of Stargazer's grip and general comfort ?
> Look suddenly shocked.
> "Uh, sorry! Sorry!"
> Dash out of the room.
> Is Stargazer still attached to us?
> Look ourselves over.
> "Stargazer? Are you still there?"
> Return to normal.
>You return to your normal, more comfortable state.// "Stargazer",she is likely to be ,"mostly and not wholly", mostly un-manifested,un-acclimated,dormant,un-needed (short-term) so far; especially,for the moment , out of the "Unfamiliar Ghostly Summon of the (Minamitsu) Murasa to THAT Ocean Floor( en.tohouwiki.net -> Ship phantoms (船幽霊 funayuurei) are ghosts of those who have drowned at sea. They use their ladles to sink boats ). "//
>Moments later, a few couple rabbits burst in from another direction; probably their dorm if you recall correctly, looking around wildly and then focusing on you. A moment later, Tojiko drifts out after them.
>"We heard screaming!" one of the rabbits says.
>"There you are!" Tojiko says. "Let me guess, another trip to the beach?"
>_
> Shift some of our whole self and focus where we felt "Stargazer" is supposed to be felt.
> Turn Apologetically to the rabbits :"Real sorry about the scare when I was unexpectedly back here and this fuzzy explaining: I as well am fuzzy and unprepared about nearly all of it!
> " Sure is I was " unexpectedly and unwillingly materialized away at a good time" ,that's when helping Danmakuing those Kidnapping Dancers to rescue that Uncoscious Baku..."
> Turn to Tojiko,bemused: " ...Yes a trip to that " weird deep beach " with more scenario every time and this time a new...someone quite friendly and benevolent as well as unexpected... ."
> " ...Though,later''s later. Right now it would be best to know about the time passed and everything possible about , ..."trying"...the mentioned Rescue on Battling those 2 Green-Pink out of their "Job" ,as they kept saying".
>You cannot turn incorporeal and speak, it takes some concentration.> " So the gist of it,until more details are revealed,is that unfortunately the Dancer Duo succeeded in the Kidnapping and they shook away any pursuing and tracking attempts...".
>"Well, uh, don't do that," says one of the rabbits.
>"We're on high alert and stuff." another adds.
>"Things kind of fell apart after you left," says Tojiko.
>"Because you zapped everybody," one of the rabbits mumbles.
>"Look," says Tojiko, fixing a look of her own on the rabbit, "I was trying to stop them, and I didn't have time to plot out every little thing, okay? I'm sorry most of you ended up getting in range, alright?"
>"Yeah yeah, sure sure," says the rabbit.
>_
> " So the gist of it,until more details are revealed,is that unfortunately the Dancer Duo succeeded in the Kidnapping and they shook away any pursuing and tracking attempts...".
> Pause for responses then: " ... Is it possible to be lead to the place where they managed the get-away ? "
>"...More or less, yeah," says Tojiko.// ~ None must have qualms in honestly and helpfully partecipating ~//
>"Maybe," Tojiko says, "But Eirin was wanting to talk with you, first."
>_
> " Alrighty then " , nod, " to Eirin and to better tides ".
> Nod-glance to Tojiko :"And ,please, with your company ,if you do agree Tojiko, during at least part of the talks since we have bee helpfully investigating through this ,dare I say it...Incident together for while ".
>"Yeah, sure, I'll come," says Tojiko, and starts to float out the door. "She's this way."
>You follow Tojiko back into the rabbit's dorm. It is fairly quietly, but you immediately see a number of rabbits with danmaku wounds resting in scattered beds. A tall woman with long silver hair stands over one, wearing a dress of alternating red and blue sections. She glances back as Tojiko drifts in, and gives you a nod. "Miss Murasa, it is good to see you again."
>_
> How are the Myouren Temple and our personal relations with Eientei ?
> Look at the bedridden rabbit with a grimace then face and nod back to Eirin : " It is good to see and have talks with you as well about this // Please, Omit or Insert ? miss " depending on Murasa's relations // , miss Eirin , not good are its consequences " ..
>There aren't any real ties between the Myouren Temple and Eientei, but there's no past issues either. You've visited here every few months or so, so you are a known face, but not particularly close to anyone.> " I wish I could have helped out even more ,if not for a certain recurring interference which caught up at a bad time... "
>"We've grown a little too dependant on Udonge," Eirin says "They would choose to strike while she is out selling medicine... Thank you for doing what you could."
>_
> " I wish I could have helped out even more ,if not for a certain recurring interference which caught up at a bad time... "
> "...But more importantly : that means those two kidnapping dancers knew when to strike and were more or less familiar with how Security worked around here... "
>"They were already attacking when I got here, and my... problem started acting up again before I could really stop 'em. So I'm afraid all I know is that they seem to have kidnapped the baku, Doremy Sweet. I came here looking for Doremy actually, I'd heard she was around... I wonder if those kidnappers heard that too and that's why they dropped in?"
>Eirin nods as you reply, says "Get some rest, you'll be fine in an hour," to the rabbit she was looking over, then gestures for you to follow as she moves away.// Please ,do correct :) me if I am wrong/unclear.Thanks :) . //
>"Are they your enemies?" says Eirin. "I should have guessed that is why the came, but I had to consider the Princess' safety, and moved to keep her safe. Otherwise I might have repelled them myself."
>_
> " They are new faces,as far as known,that are going to be doing repentance and reparation before Doremy Sweet,Eientei,myself and anyone they wronged ."
> " If it can be of additional help,they acted like they were performing a dance while zealously doing a committed job rather than an heinous act and they were fairly surprised to find so much resistance ."
>Eirin nods. "So you don't know them. I have a strong suspicion they work for Matara."// :ohdear: Polishing,clarity,expressiveness was needed before replying //
>If you are not mistaken, she is referring to a deity that is...fairly unknown. You've seen a little shrine to her in the back of the butcher shop, you've heard a leather tanner mention her names, people on the lowest social rung. You don't know much about this deity other than those are the only people who seem to pay her any mind. However, you have also heard she was responsible for the seasons being strange a little while ago...
>_
> Before explanation,be a dear to Tojiko->turn to face her with smile,beckon her closer,if necessary.
> Fistpalm : " That's a floating ship ! Thanks a load, miss Eirin ! "
" > I have learnt ,and still plan to be learning in this necessity, a few important facts and locations about Matara,something significant is: she is a fairly cryptic and unknown one,except for most people low on the social ladder in the Human Village, she had a main role in the Last Incident and the Seasons ,she being a Deity on top of all that".
> " In the end this leads to Matara as the "Prime Suspect" and her agents the" Kidnapping Dancer Duo" alongside the poor Baku Doremy Sweet "Needed Victim" for a much larger scheme....with chances of large side-effects and troubles to boot...
> "... Be as it may ,any useful help and effort, minimal to the greatest, is and is always going to be welcomed and encouraged by the Myouren Temple, me personally and anyone who truly wish and act for good, like yours, the rabbits and surely Tojiko " - gesture to Tojiko .
>Tojiko has been floating to your side, she gives you a polite nod,> " Yes almost always best to check on people before items ".
>Eirin nods as well as you display your knowledge of Matara, and theorize about her schemes. "As well, they raided a storage room, before attempting their kidnapping, I will need to take stock of the damage, there simple hasn't been time yet."
>The sage leads you out of the dormitory, and down hall. "There is one other thing."
>_
> " Yes almost always best to check on people before items ".
> "We are fearing the same: it is very likely that another one of Matara's,with mayhap an hidden ally of her, Scheme pieces was pilfered by one of your storerooms, at least an important clue to that. "
> " We are all ears ."
>"Oh, that's definitely something. Has she talked at all?"
>Take this opportunity to get a more thorough look at her.
>Turn to the dancer exasperatedly.
>"Hey, where'd your friend take that baku? I really need to ask her about something."
>Look somewhat taken aback.
>"Oh uh, I guess you aren't much of a hardened criminal. How'd someone like you get caught up in kidnapping someone?"
>Look to Eirin.
>"What do you plan to do with her?"
>"Well how about we let her go home... on the condition that she takes me with her so I can sort out this mess."
>To the dancer: "You hear that? You can go home if you answer our questions."
>The dancer looks up at you. "R-really?"
>"Yes, I suppose," Eirin says.
>"...You're too scary..."
>_
>"Well first of all, what's your name? Kind of awkward to have a conversation if we don't even know that."
> Calm smile to the green dancer :" No worry there,it is just a chat with questions to clear out doubts."
> " First, were you and your partner greatly involved in the " Last Season-Affecting Incident "?
>"Would it help if there were less people in here?"
>Look to Eirin to see if she'll allow that.
>"It doesn't look like there's any fight left in her, it'll be fine."
> " I shall do my best neither to underestimate the situation nor to abuse it ".
> Look back to Mai : " Glad to know,Mai,mine's Murasa."
> Take a pause among the replies and try to focus and feel within the presence of Stargazer .
>"Alright," says Eirin. She looks to the rabbits. "You all can get back to whatever you're doing. Once Reisen gets back, bring her to me immediately." The sage then looks to you and says, "I'll go have a look over in the storage room."> Perphaps Stargazer is sort-of shy around strangers or has not yet adapted to being transported to Gensokyo..
>Eirin departs, and the rabbits filter out. You hear one of them muttering to the other, "She just wants someone to cuddle and maker her feel better for blowing things this bad, y'know."
>Soon you, Mai, and Tojiko are left alone. You introduce yourself to Mai. Tojiko says, "I'm Soga no Tojiko. No hard feelings about before."
>"I wanna go home..." Mai says, looking at you with watery eyes.
>You don't feel anything like Stargazer around, but perhaps it's simply too busy here?
>_
> Perphaps Stargazer is sort-of shy around strangers or has not yet adapted to being transported to Gensokyo..
> Calmly to Mai : " After we all have a clearer picture of the situation at hand,you can certainly return home ."
> " Speaking of home,would you mind telling us about your home and who is waiting to welcome you back there ? " .
>Who knows where Stargazer is?
>"...I miss Satono..," Mai says, sobbing again.
>_
>"Who's Satono?"
> This "Satono" is likely her pink dancer partner,unless something or someone definitely proves her to be otherwise.
> Reassuring smile :" I am sure she dearly misses you as well until she welcomes you back , but is she the only one at your home ? ".
>"Well, what can you tell me? Because the people that live here are going to want to know why you broke into their house."
>"Because we were told to..." says Mai. "We had to get the stuff, and the baku..."//Remember that Mai has regained some courage from the very little she had been since captured and separated ; it would be best to follow a golden rule set of "Delicate First,Firm Secondary,No Clues Lost to too much of the 1st or the 2nd " until the is more upfront ,as far as she is capable like this,especially for the non-allowed and mostly-non-allowed parts . More precisely she is not going to talk about what she is not allowed to explain,surely not directly ; she would be the same even if free and especially about those finer details she might know, but much more unknown are unknown to both of the "Dancers Sisters " . Yet we can make,and are making,her brush and reveal some pieces of that kind by talking more on the general&indirect-side ; of course the allowed parts,even ambiguously so, should been,and have been,open to more of the detail&direct-side while still in a balance//.
>_
>"There are better ways to get someone's help than kidnapping them you know. What did you need a baku for anyway?"
> " In addition to that,would you say that both the stuff and the Baku,whose name's Doremy Sweet, were both from here, Eientei ,and for that same aim ? "
>"You were just following orders without being told why? You must really respect your boss, I can relate."
>"You mean whoever this Matara is?"
>Watch Mai's reaction very closely.
>"Mhm," says Tojiko.> Back to Mai with a soft smile : " There,there,we are not going back on the fact we are keeping this up no longer than needed ,just to clear out some doubts. "
>Mai is probably on the verge of sobbing again. It's hard to tell if she reacts or not, she's not really looking at you or anything. But if there is a reaction, it is subtle.
>_
> Back to Mai with a soft smile : " There,there,we are not going back on the fact we are keeping this up no longer than needed ,just to clear out some doubts. "
> Back To Tojiko : " Besides that, one thing buggin' me is if this has some relation being just after Last Seasons-Affecting Incident whose rumours are still somehow about. "
> Sneak a glance back to Mai to see wants to add something or is hinting to.
>Quietly to Tojiko. "I wonder if we could try an' trade her for the baku they kidnapped..."
>Turn back to Mai.
>"What was that 'stuff' you were told to get that you mentioned earlier?"
>"Ok, I know you're probably not supposed to but, if you answer these last two questions we can go to your home."
>"Were you following Matara's orders, and where did Satono take that baku?"
>"I'm not supposed to say," Mai says, "But she probably went home."> " But were you not worried about the safety of your home while you two were following orders out here ? "
>_
> " But were you not worried about the safety of your home while you two were following orders out here ? "
> " For that matter Is your home distant or close from here ? "