Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Evil_Nazgul0616 on December 07, 2016, 06:03:24 PM
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>You are Maribel Hearn.
>You are 19 years old, and are 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 yesterday, you learned how to create gaps, which are like tears, except far more stable and easier to maintain.
>Four 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.
>Yesterday, 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 are currently in the Hakurei Shrine, talking to Ran Yakumo, disguised as Reimu with an illusion.
>INVENTORY:
>Clothes (equipped)
>>Your signature outfit, a purple and white dress with a black belt.
>Hat (equipped)
>>A white cap that you wear almost all the time.
>Satchel (equipped) (capacity: 18/20 units)
>>A bag for carrying items. Has a limited carrying capacity.
>Cellphone (1 unit)
>>A communication device used to call other people. You doubt this would be of much use in Gensokyo...
>Coin Pouch (2 units)
>>A bag filled with coins from Makai. You gave some of them to Kagerou.
>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.
>Black and White Shirt (4 units)
>>A shirt obtained in Makai. It's a little too small. It feels tight around your chest.
>Black Skirt (4 units)
>>A skirt obtained in Makai.
>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?
>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.
>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.
>Two's a crowd: Figure out a solution to Sumireko-Matenshi being one person.
>Judgement: Explain things to Reimu, Mamizou, and Marisa, hopefully having them understand. Enlisting Yukari's help would be really great for this.
>You wanted to accompany Koishi to her home and help her face her family.
>You would like to get yourself and your friends checked out for strange energy at some point, since YuugenMagan specialized in energy, and you did receive quite a few boosts from her.
>You want to ask Alice about the Marisa doll in her cellar.
>You have not added anything else.
>"Huh?"
>"Where ?"
>"The next room over." says "Reimu," "You might have to nudge her a bit."
>_
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>"Is she asleep ?"
>Head to the place and take a peek.
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>"Is she asleep ?"
>Head to the place and take a peek.
>"It's more likely that she's passed out. But it's technically the same situation either way."
>You head over to the next room. Sprawled out in the middle of the floor is a girl with orange-blonde hair. Her most striking features, however, are a pair of long horns on her head, decorated with ribbons. And three chains attached to her belt. In her hand is a purple gourd.
>She is audibly snoring. A couple smaller versions of her are snuggled up by her body.
>_
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>"Ehh ? Who is she ? And who are these little ones with her ?"
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>"Ehh ? Who is she ? And who are these little ones with her ?"
>"Suika Ibuki." says Ran, "And those little ones are also her. Her ability lets her make copies of herself, among other things... Also, there is no need for secrecy regarding you-know-who around her. She, due to both being a friend of Yukari-sama and spending quite a bit of time at this shrine, already knows that it's me."
>_
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>"Huh, okay."
>Start prodding one of the small Suikas.
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>"Huh, okay."
>Start prodding one of the small Suikas.
>You walk over to one of the mini-Suikas and give it a poke.
>"Nnn..." It stirs adorably, before turning away from you.
>_
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>"Heeeey, please wake up, we need your help."
>Keep poking.
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>"Heeeey, please wake up, we need your help."
>Keep poking.
>You keep poking the mini-Suika, who wakes up and groggily nudges the big one a few times.
>"Nnnnn... Is it mornin' already?" she stirs a bit.
>_
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>"Not really... we need your help Miss Suika."
>Turn to the mini-Suika.
>"Thanks."
>Pet the mini-Suika.
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>"Not really... we need your help Miss Suika."
>Turn to the mini-Suika.
>"Thanks."
>Pet the mini-Suika.
>"You're welcome."
>Suika opens her eyes as you pet the mini-Suika, who seems to be enjoying it.
>"Eh? Yukari, izzat you? You look... smaller... today. Didya do somethin' with your hair? You sound different too."
>_
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>"Uhhhh... wrong person Miss Suika, the name is Maribel, it's nice to meet you."
>Keep caring for the mini-Suika with a smile.
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>"Uhhhh... wrong person Miss Suika, the name is Maribel, it's nice to meet you."
>Keep caring for the mini-Suika with a smile.
>the mini-Suika does not object.
>"Oh. Well nice to meetya too then." Suika smiles, "So... watchya want? Ya lookin' fer Reimu? She's in the next room... I think...? Maybe? Probably? Eh, you'll find 'er soon enough."
>"She needs your help with something." says Ran, entering the room behind you, "And there is no need for secrecy, Suika. She's in on the act, as are her friends."
>"Oh, well okay then. That makes things easier." Suika smirks, "I think I woulda died if I kept havin' ta call ya Reimu with a straight face."
>_
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>"I know right ? Although she does a good impression."
>Nod.
>"I am here to ask about this youkai that has been sighted around here, whom seems to be 3 beings in one body ?"
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>"I know right ? Although she does a good impression."
>Nod.
>"Pfffffffffft. Good!? Gee, ya sure haven't been around Reimu long enough. I mean sure, it might be able ta fool most people, but if you've been around Reimu as often as me or Marisa, you'd be able ta see right through it."
>"I am here to ask about this youkai that has been sighted around here, whom seems to be 3 beings in one body ?"
>"Three in one, eh?" she takes the stopper of her gourd and takes a swig, "Yeah, I think I've seen a weird youkai like that a couple-a times before... they seemed ta be goin' ta the entrance to Jigoku."
>_
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>"Jigoku ? What is that ?"
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>"Jigoku ? What is that ?"
>"An old, and I mean old, isolated section of hell before it was relocated. It's mostly abandoned, but a few people still lived there, includin' an old acquaintance of mine. Dunno if they're still alive though, the entrance collapsed a long time ago."
>_
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>"That sounds like a pretty bad place to live, why would anyone wanna live there?
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>"That sounds like a pretty bad place to live, why would anyone wanna live there?
>"Dunno." Suika shrugs, "I mean that acquaintance I mentioned was a bit of a weirdo by oni standards anyway. Besides, I've heard it isn't that bad... Just mostly barren..."
>_
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>"So how do we get there ?"
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>"So how do we get there ?"
>"The entrance was...." Suika thinks for a bit, "Ya wanna go in the opposite direction of the way you take ta get ta the entrance ta Makai, and it'll be near the foot of a mountain if I remember right... Oh wait, ya probably don't know where the Makai entrance is either, do ya?"
>_
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>"Um, i actually do, we stumbled there by chance."
>Scratch our head.
>How is the mini-Suika doing ?
>"There mini versions of you are really cute, are they completely independent too ?"
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>"Um, i actually do, we stumbled there by chance."
>Scratch our head.
>"Oh, well good. That simplifies things."
>How is the mini-Suika doing ?
>"There mini versions of you are really cute, are they completely independent too ?"
>She's standing there, looking attentively at you.
>"Nah, not completely, they can act independently if I wanted 'em to, but ultimately I have the say in what they do, because they're, well, me."
>_
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>"So if i take one of them with me, can i contact you through her while going to that Jigoku place ?"
>Rub her mini-head.
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>"So if i take one of them with me, can i contact you through her while going to that Jigoku place ?"
>Rub her mini-head.
>"I mean, I guess..." Suika takes another swig from the gourd, "But it's not like you'll be able to go into Jigoku anyway, like I said, the entrance collapsed."
>_
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>"Hm... then how did that person get there ? Was it not collapsed at the time ?"
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>"Hm... then how did that person get there ? Was it not collapsed at the time ?"
>"I didn't say the youkai was in there, I just said the times I saw it it was near the entrance." she takes another long gulp, "Sheesh, pay attention will ya...?"
>_
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>"Oh well, then that makes it easier."
>Gently pick up the mini-Suika.
>"So ? You don't mind coming with us right ?"
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>"Oh well, then that makes it easier."
>Gently pick up the mini-Suika.
>"So ? You don't mind coming with us right ?"
>The Mini-Suika shakes her head as if to say, "No, I don't mind."
>_
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>Place her in our hat.
>Wait no... Place her in our cleavage.
>Ugh, there's no good spot for her to leave us hands free!
>"Alright then."
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>Ponder if we can take her on our satchel.
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>Place her in our hat.
>Wait no... Place her in our cleavage.
>Ugh, there's no good spot for her to leave us hands free!
>You rip out your hair in frustration.
>"Alright then."
>Ponder if we can take her on our satchel.
>You probably have JUST enough room in the satchel now, since you never got the Soma Arcana back from Alice. Meaning the space it took up is now free.
>_
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//I don't trust her in our satchel...
>"Shall we get going?"
>Look to Renko and the others.
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//I don't trust her in our satchel...
>"Shall we get going?"
>Look to Renko and the others.
>You look to the doorway where the others are standing.
>"Whenever you're ready, Merry." Renko smiles.
>_
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>How about a pocket ?
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>How about a pocket ?
>Your outfit lacks pockets.
>_
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>"I guess i will have to carry you on my hands, since i have no pockets."
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>"I guess i will have to carry you on my hands, since i have no pockets."
>"Okay..." the Mini-Suika frowns a bit.
>"Maybe she can ride on your shoulder or something?" Renko suggests.
>_
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>"Yeah..."
>Look to the Mini-Suika.
>"How about that ?"
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>"Yeah..."
>Look to the Mini-Suika.
>"How about that ?"
>"That sounds better." she smiles and nods.
>_
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>"Okay !"
>Carefully bring her to our shoulder and put her there.
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>"Okay !"
>Carefully bring her to our shoulder and put her there.
>You carefully set the Mini-Suika on your shoulder, and she proceeds to make herself comfy.
>_
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>"Okay, so just go the opposite way of the entrance to Makai right ?"
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>"Okay, so just go the opposite way of the entrance to Makai right ?"
>"Yup." says Main Suika.
>_
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>"Alright, then we better get going, everyone ready ?"
>If so, depart to said direction, waving good bye and looking around for any people around.
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>"Alright, then we better get going, everyone ready ?"
>If so, depart to said direction, waving good bye and looking around for any people around.
>Your group replies yes.
>You say goodbye to Ran and Suika, before departing towards the wilderness behind the shrine.
>You see no new people around as you travel.
>You soon come to a fork in the road, you recall the Makai entrance was down the path to the left.
>_
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>Then we take the right !
>Keep our eyes open to look for anyone.
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>Then we take the right !
>Keep our eyes open to look for anyone.
>You head down the path to the right.
>You don't see anyone other than your group yet.
>_
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>"So why is an oni like you spending so kuch time on the shrine ? Don't onis live in another place of Gensokyo if i recally correctly ?"
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>"So why is an oni like you spending so kuch time on the shrine ? Don't onis live in another place of Gensokyo if i recally correctly ?"
>"Well, ya see, Reimu and I are buddies, so I just drop by every once in a while." Suika replies, "And yea, most of the Oni in Gensokyo live underground in old hell."
>_
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>"The underground... hm... how does it look like ?"
>What time is it ?
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>"The underground... hm... how does it look like ?"
>What time is it ?
>"Well, there's a big old city down there, and overlookin' it is the Palace of the Earth Spirits, though nobody really goes there without a good reason because nobody wants their mind read... A lot of the houses have electricity now too, because of that reactor thing. Heh... I remember my buddy Yuugi telling me how the negotiations for THAT went."
>You take your phone out of your satchel to check the time.
>9:34 PM
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>"Hm... i guess... still even if they do read minds i don't like the idea of secluding them on an area, they are still people."
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>"Hm... i guess... still even if they do read minds i don't like the idea of secluding them on an area, they are still people."
>"I know, but still, most people would rather stay out of the affairs of those satori. They're kinda universally disliked even by underground standards, ya know?"
>"That's sounds so sad..." Renko comments.
>_
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>"Well i don't mind being Koishi's friend, i know they will respect the secrets that they read, besides i have seen way worse stuff than that."
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>"Well i don't mind being Koishi's friend, i know they will respect the secrets that they read, besides i have seen way worse stuff than that."
>"Yeah, lil' Koishi isn't as bad." Suika agrees.
>The road seems to be approaching a clearing up ahead
>_
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>"Of course not, she is a lovable person, it is a shame she had to seal herself."
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>"Rather, it's a shame that others view them like they do..."
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>"Of course not, she is a lovable person, it is a shame she had to seal herself."
>"Rather, it's a shame that others view them like they do..."
>"Well, um, not to sound offensive, but it was probably for the better that she did that. Otherwise she probaby would've gotten the same treatment as 'er sister... But yeah, I suppose it is a shame that the satori are treated like they are..."
>You get closer to the clearing, you can see what appears to be a cave plugged with rock in the mountainside at the far end, as well as a lone figure on their knees sitting in front of it.
>_
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>"Huh look, someone is over there."
>Approach that figure with care.
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>"Huh look, someone is over there."
>Approach that figure with care.
>You approach the figure.
>It seems to be a man in white and blue robes. He stands up as you approach and heads towards the cave-in, peering through a small hole in the rocks. You notice some flowers set on the ground near where he was kneeling.
>_
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>"Um... Mister ? Is everything alright ?"
>Look worried.
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>"Um... Mister ? Is everything alright ?"
>Look worried.
>The man turns around, startled, before his appearance quickly changes to that of a red-haired woman and she composes herself.
>"Hmm? Who might you be?" she(?) tilts her head.
>_
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>"The name is Maribel... so you are the youkai from the rumors..."
>Nod.
>"...did someone you care about get stuck there ?"
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>"The name is Maribel... so you are the youkai from the rumors..."
>"There are rumors about us?" she(?) asks.
>Nod.
>"...did someone you care about get stuck there ?"
>"An old friend of ours lived down there. We've been cut off since the entrance collapsed, we don't even know if she or anyone else down there is alive... We can see through to the other side of the cave-in, but whenever we check nobody seems to come."
>_
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>"I see... then let me help you, may i take a look on the other side ?"
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>Geez... a magical world like this and tons of people are being separated by rocks...
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>"I see... then let me help you, may i take a look on the other side ?"
>"There is nothing stopping you." she shifts forms back to the man, "Just don't try to move the rocks. The cave and Jigoku itself are in a state of severe disharmony, attempts to clear the blockage might result in another cave-in."
>Geez... a magical world like this and tons of people are being separated by rocks...
>You do find this situation quite silly.
>_
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//Just saying this early, but I think we should leave a gap for them to head in and out if we're gonna help with gaps. I don't trust going in there or sending one of our peeps into there...
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>"Okay, here goes."
>Paying attention to the details, make a gap on our side that leads to the other side of the collapsed tunnel.
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>"Okay, here goes."
>Paying attention to the details, make a gap on our side that leads to the other side of the collapsed tunnel.
>You head over to the hole and peer through, using the visual to create a gap to the other side.
>"Whoa." says Suika, "Are ya sure you're not Yukari?"
>The man(?) tilts his head.
>"Are we going in, Merry?" Renko asks.
>_
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>"Hey, there's some pretty big differences between us. Be it behavior or other."
>"I don't think it'd be too safe to go in though, with the remark about it being easy to cave in again. I could get back out anytime though, I think."
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>"Yeah Suika, i just look like her and have the same powers, she did keep an eye on me ever since i was young because of that of course."
>Turn to the youkai.
>"So, the way is clear, you should go and search for anyone."
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>"Hey, there's some pretty big differences between us. Be it behavior or other."
>"Yeah Suika, i just look like her and have the same powers, she did keep an eye on me ever since i was young because of that of course."
>"Oh. So I guess you're pretty special for her. Heh, if I didn't know any better, I'd say ya were her long lost sister or somethin'..."
>"I don't think it'd be too safe to go in though, with the remark about it being easy to cave in again. I could get back out anytime though, I think."
>Turn to the youkai.
>"So, the way is clear, you should go and search for anyone."
>"Thank you for the offer," says the youkai "but we cannot enter Jigoku, as we are bound to Gensokyo." They frown, "We have been merely waiting to see if anyone, such as that unfortunate human that entered shortly before the collapse, would try to leave it and perhaps give us confirmation that our old friend is alive. If we were able, we could've at least tried to clear the way, though we did not want to risk the possibility of another, perhaps worse, cave-in."
>_
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>"Bound to Gensokyo ? But why ?"
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>"Also, who is this old friend of yours?"
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>"Bound to Gensokyo ? But why ?"
>"We have... A somewhat unique niche, despite how seldom we interact with others. You wouldn't be able to understand it."
>"Also, who is this old friend of yours?"
>"A powerful oni by the name of Konngara. Leader of a now-fallen order that she dubbed the Astral Knights, who sought to keep peace and maintain balance in the world. And ideal that we share."
>_
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>"I see... may i at least have your name ? Or names i guess ?"
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>"I see... may i at least have your name ? Or names i guess ?"
>"Our individual names were lost long ago. We are known only as Shingyoku now."
>_
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>"I see, well then..."
>Look to the others.
>"I guess we gotta go in..."
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>"I see, well then..."
>Look to the others.
>"I guess we gotta go in..."
>"Do we?" Matenshi asks.
>"For what?" says Chen.
>_
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>"Well since they can't go in, who will look for their friend ? And i don't want to ask for their help without giving something back to them, plus lifes might be at stake here."
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>"Well since they can't go in, who will look for their friend ? And i don't want to ask for their help without giving something back to them, plus lifes might be at stake here."
>"I guess that's fair." says Matenshi.
>"So, we're going in then?" Renko asks.
>_
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>Nod.
>"If something happens, we can always gap away, or we can ask Mini-Suika here to warn the others if it doesn't work."
>Gently pet the Mini-Suika.
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>Nod.
>"If something happens, we can always gap away, or we can ask Mini-Suika here to warn the others if it doesn't work."
>Gently pet the Mini-Suika.
>"Alright." Renko nods.
>"Don't worry, I won't let ya down if it comes to that." Suika says as you pet her.
>_
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>"Right."
>Turn to the youkai.
>"Can you describe your friend's appearance to us ? That way it will be easier to find him or her."
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>"Right."
>Turn to the youkai.
>"Can you describe your friend's appearance to us ? That way it will be easier to find him or her."
>"She has a long horn sticking out of her forehead, and black hair." Shingyoku replies, "She usually wears a red robe with white sleeves."
>_
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>"That should be enough."
>Nod, then look at the others.
>"Ready ?"
>If so, venture inside and look around.
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>"That should be enough."
>Nod, then look at the others.
>"Ready ?"
>If so, venture inside and look around.
>"I guess..." Matenshi shrugs.
>The rest of your group agrees.
>You enter the gap, ending up on the other side of the blockage. Looking around, it looks like a pretty generic cave, though it does continue down a distance before seemingly opening up.
>There are ominous cracks in the ceiling, it'll probably give at any moment if the blockage wasn't seemingly the only thing keeping it up.
>_
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>"Okay, let's be careful, don't touch the walls or anything suspicious."
>Proceed downwards.
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>"Okay, let's be careful, don't touch the walls or anything suspicious."
>Proceed downwards.
>"Got it." Renko nods.
>You proceed downwards, quickly reaching the other end of the entrance without a hitch. The cavern opens up into a large, underground landscape. You notice the ruins of a village off the beaten path, as well as what appears to be a shrine off in the distance.
>The landscape is predominantly dark, though a distant light near the shrine seems to supply illumination. It's almost reminiscent of moonlight.
>_
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>"Hm..."
>Keep going.
>"So what is that shrine ?"
-
>"Hm..."
>Keep going.
>"So what is that shrine ?"
>You keep moving forward, getting closer to the shrine.
>"No idea." Suika replies, "To tell the truth I've never really been down here myself."
>_
-
>"It seems like people lived happily here a long time ago..."
>Head towards the shrine.
-
>"It seems like people lived happily here a long time ago..."
>"Yeah, I wonder what happened..." says Renko.
>"They probably just abandoned the village when Hell relocated." says Suika.
>Head towards the shrine.
>You continue to head towards the shrine.
>As you approach the source of the light, you notice that it appears to be a large, bronze disc. You also notice the upper body of a woman sticking out of it, seemingly merged with the metal, holding a ball of light in her hands in concentration.
>_
-
>Head closer and inspect it further.
>"I suppose..."
-
>Head closer and inspect it further.
>"I suppose..."
>You head closer, and at the sound of your voice the woman immediately opens her eyes, dispels the orb of light, and looks towards you with a glimmer of hope, "Ah! Did you finally-"
>As soon as she gets a look at you, she takes on a completely dejected expression, "-Oh... sorry, I-I thought you were someone else..." she gives you a curious look, "Who are you people? You can't be from here... Does this mean the gate is open again?"
>Her eyes narrow, "Are you here to hurt Konngara-sensei?"
>_
-
>"No, not at all, we came here to find her for a trio youkai named Shingyoku, the cave is still blocked but i can make a portal for her to go through."
-
>"No, not at all, we came here to find her for a trio youkai named Shingyoku, the cave is still blocked but i can make a portal for her to go through."
>She continues to study you with caution, "You know Shingyoku...?"
>"Kikuri? Is there someone there?" you hear a second voice.
>The disc-woman rotates around to face the shrine, where a woman in red robes is standing. You notice a pretty good crack on the back of the disc, "It's some people from outside, Konngara-sensei..."
>"Oh? That's unexpected." the horned woman begins making her way to you, "I assume that means the entrance opened again? What do they want?"
>"They claim to be looking for you, and claim to know Shingyoku..."
>"Do they, now?" she stops next to the disc, and begins studying your group.
>"Hey, Konn." Suika waves. "Long time no see! Ya still overly preachy 'bout the whole knight order thing?"
>"Suika..." her eyes narrow a bit, "It's been a long time... And if you must know, the order has been long disbanded. Has Old Hell been treating our kind well?"
>"Yea, it's pretty great down there. We even have electricity now."
>"Electricity?"
>The disc girl is looking between the two oni, somewhat confused.
>_
-
>"Yeah, it's complicated to explain."
>Look around.
>"So will you come with us ? Shingyoku are waiting outside."
-
>"Yeah, it's complicated to explain."
>Look around.
>"So will you come with us ? Shingyoku are waiting outside."
>Konngara looks at you, "Ah, I was wondering if they were concerned about me all these years... You can go back to them and tell them that I am alive and well, and perhaps that will ease their worries. I have no intention of leaving..."
>She looks back towards the shrine, as if listening for something, before returning her attention to you. "You are welcome to come inside while you're here, in the meantime. I'm sure I have some extra tea, or perhaps some other drinks, to go around."
>"Got any sake?" Suika asks.
>"Of course. Though I don't drink it often."
>"Ah, so you're still a weirdo."
>"And you haven't changed either, I see."
>_
-
>"Well even onis must have exceptions regarding drinking i guess."
>Smile.
>"Okay, we will tell her, so what about you Miss ?"
>Turn to the disc woman.
>"Are you okay ? You seem to be damaged on the bad..."
-
>"Well even onis must have exceptions regarding drinking i guess."
>Smile.
>"But not drinking is so... Un-oni-like!" Suika complains.
>"Okay, we will tell her, so what about you Miss ?"
>Turn to the disc woman.
>"Are you okay ? You seem to be damaged on the bad..."
>"I'm fine..." the disc girl replies, "The damage was caused by a young shrine maiden a long time ago... I was trying to protect Konngara-sensei, you see... and well, I took a nasty hit..."
>"Unfortunately, that's when Jigoku started to become unstable..." Konngara frowns, before turning around, "I need to check on someone inside, we can talk more in there if you wish..."
>"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm going see how wimpy Konngara's sake is." Suika jumps off your shoulder and begins following Konngara
>_
-
>"Okay then, maybe they can tell us something helpful about Sumireko and Matenshi."
>Follow that Mini-oni !
>"A young shrine maiden ? Did she wear an white and red outfit and have dark hair ?"
-
>"Okay then, maybe they can tell us something helpful about Sumireko and Matenshi."
>Follow that Mini-oni !
>"A young shrine maiden ? Did she wear an white and red outfit and have dark hair ?"
>You start following Suika, talking to the disc as you pass her.
>"No, she had purple hair... But she did wear red and white."
>_
-
>"Did she have "Hakurei" on her name ?"
-
>"Did she have "Hakurei" on her name ?"
>You stop following Suika when it become apparent that the disc isn't coming with the group. And turn around to continue the conversation
>she shrugs, "I never learned her name... I was more concerned about stopping her from hurting Konngara-sensei."
>_
-
>"Why did she even try to ? Was an incident happening ?"
-
>"Why did she even try to ? Was an incident happening ?"
>"Incident?" she tilts her head.
>_
-
>"Yeah, Gensokyo seems to suffer a lot of incidents about people threatening balance or something."
-
>"Yeah, Gensokyo seems to suffer a lot of incidents about people threatening balance or something."
>"Oh... I see... Sorry, I've been out of the loop for a very long time..."
>"Oi! Ya comin' or not?" you hear Suika yell.
>"If you're heading inside, then you should go..." the disc girl says, "Don't keep your friends waiting because of me..."
>_
-
>"Okay, it's sad you have to stay there..."
>Head with Suika with a slightly sad face.
-
>"Okay, it's sad you have to stay there..."
>Head with Suika with a slightly sad face.
>"It's fine, I've grown used to it."
>You head to Suika and the rest of your group with a frown before heading inside.
>You notice a woman with purple hair lying on a futon, Konngara is speaking with her.
>"-are a strong fighter, Meira. I did not spend every moment since the accident caring for you just to have you lose hope like this. Just keep holding on and you will find a way to move forward. Now, speaking of hope, I heard the way out is open, when you regain your strength, you could go back home if you wish..."
>"...What's the point...?" the woman says, unmoving, "So much would have changed since then... Not to mention I wouldn't know where to go... And as if I will ever regain my strength, we both know for a fact it's pointless, and that I'll never be able to use my legs again. Now please, Konngara, I just wish to be left alone."
>"...As you wish..."
>Konngara steps away with a concerned expression, before noticing you.
>She silently gestures to a doorway.
>_
-
>Nod silently and follow her to said doorway.
>"So... she lost movement on her legs ?"
-
>Nod silently and follow her to said doorway.
>"So... she lost movement on her legs ?"
>You do so.
>Konngara nods sadly as you enter the room, "A lot of her memories as well... It's quite unfortunate"
>"What happened to her?" Renko asks.
>"She came here a long time ago to challenge me to a duel. She wished to become stronger. I accepted, and then Kikuri noticed us fighting... She panicked, thinking Meira was trying to kill me, and responded by shooting her in the back with a focused blast. When she next woke up, she had lost all feeling in her legs, and couldn't remember much about herself other than her name, and that she was an accomplished samurai... That same day, the damage Kikuri, or rather, the artifact she's sealed in, sustained all those years ago finally took its toll, and the resulting earthquake caused the entrance of Jigoku to collapse."
>_
-
>"I see..."
>Look worried, but perk up a bit.
>"You know... my sister also had something similar happen to her, her right arm was injured badly, and every time she tried to close it it was extremely painful, but we managed to heal it, so i wonder if we can heal her legs too..."
-
>"I see..."
>Look worried, but perk up a bit.
>"You know... my sister also had something similar happen to her, her right arm was injured badly, and every time she tried to close it it was extremely painful, but we managed to heal it, so i wonder if we can heal her legs too..."
>"If you could manage to do that, it would probably make Meira a lot happier... Though, she'd still have to recover her memories..."
>Konngara looks out a window, where you can see the disc girl, whom she called Kikuri, still floating there, seemingly waiting for something.
>Suika hops up on top of an old table in the center of the room.
>_
-
>"And what about her ? Kikuri right ? Why is is merged with that thing ?"
-
>"And what about her ? Kikuri right ? Why is is merged with that thing ?"
>"She was one of my students. I was training her and one other to become part of my order, the Astral Knights. The artifact she's merged with, the Hellmoon, is what keeps Jigoku stable, and is the source of light down here. She became one with it in an unfortunate accident, and attempts to release her without damaging the Hellmoon failed, since the Hellmoon works by absorbing ambient light and emitting its own, unique light. And since Kikuri is a Youkai of Light, the Hellmoon acts like a perfect trap...My other student did not take these facts well..."
>She gestures to the table, "Let's have a seat, it'll be more comfortable than standing around..."
>_
-
>Nod and sit down.
>"How so ? Please explain it some more."
-
>Nod and sit down.
>"How so ? Please explain it some more."
>You have a seat, as does your group.
>"My other student was a Youkai of Darkness, the polar opposite of Kikuri's ability. I found her on the verge of being exterminated, and took her here, where she could feed on the ambient darkness left behind by the sinners, and weaned her off the human flesh she had become addicted to. While she was initially resistant, she agreed to stick around and join the order. Perhaps it was because Kikuri and I were the first people to show her kindness... Anyway, soon, the two fell in love, and were inseparable. When Kikuri was trapped in the hellmoon, my other student desperately tried to save her, nearly compromising the realm stability in the process. After I was forced to slap some sense into her, she left here in exile. Vowing to return with a way to release Kikuri. Kikuri has been waiting patiently every day since then."
>Konngara looks at the window, sadly.
>"I never had the heart to tell her that her love is never coming back..."
>_
-
>"What was the name of that other student ? Maybe i could find her out there."
-
>"What was the name of that other student ? Maybe i could find her out there."
>"Her name was Rumia..." Konngara replies.
>"What? No, it couldn't be..." you hear Renko mumble to herself.
>"Though don't even bother with it. She won't have any memories of her past." hints of regret present themselves of Konngara's face "The seal I placed on her made sure of that..."
>_
-
>"R-Rumia ?! That same Rumia that looks like a kid ?! But why ?"
>Look upset.
>"Why did you just do that ?!"
-
>"R-Rumia ?! That same Rumia that looks like a kid ?! But why ?"
>Look upset.
>"Why did you just do that ?!"
>"Ah, so you've met her." Konngara frowns, "I did it to save her life... When I encountered her again, she had returned to her flesh-eating ways and had managed to amass enough darkness consume Gensokyo. She had become a threat, and many had come to stop her. Eventually, our combined efforts managed to defeat her, and if I hadn't quickly sealed her, she would've had to have been permanently exterminated. I couldn't leave her as she was, either, or it would've just lead history to repeat itself. So I had the seal specifically suppress her immense power, as well as wipe her memories. It was, as you would say, a rebirth."
>Konngara sighs.
>"Of course, that seal is not expected to last forever. Once it fails, she will no doubt be consumed by anger and grief once more. And once that happens, I'm afraid there will be no choice but to end her... She will not see reason..."
>_
-
>"No... no that can't be..."
>Shake our head.
>"I can't let that happen... she deserves better !"
-
>"No... no that can't be..."
>Shake our head.
>"I can't let that happen... she deserves better !"
>"Merry's right! She doesn't seem like a person who deserves that!" Renko exclaims.
>Konngara shakes her head.
>"Neither of you have met the real Rumia, and I pray you never will. You don't know her like I do. You don't understand what she's capable of..."
>she looks away.
>"It's a shame she had to fall so far... She had such great potential to keep the balance as an Astral Knight..."
>_
-
>"I can't let her stay like that, it's an disaster waiting to occur ! Deep inside the Rumia that Kikuri knows still exists, and i intend to find it and rescue it."
>Frown.
>"I have been through worse than that, i won't give up."
-
>"I can't let her stay like that, it's an disaster waiting to occur ! Deep inside the Rumia that Kikuri knows still exists, and i intend to find it and rescue it."
>Frown.
>"I have been through worse than that, i won't give up."
>"Don't you think I've already tried that?" Konngara frowns.
>_
-
>"Well i can't just sit here and do nothing, i must find a way, for everyone's sake, especially Kikuri's and Rumia's."
>Look upset.
>"Maybe if i can free Kikuri... maybe seeing Kikuri freed will awaken that part of her again..."
-
>"Well i can't just sit here and do nothing, i must find a way, for everyone's sake, especially Kikuri's and Rumia's."
>Look upset.
>"Maybe if i can free Kikuri... maybe seeing Kikuri freed will awaken that part of her again..."
>"Releasing Kikuri isn't an option either. The Hellmoon simply cannot release her due to her nature as a light youkai, and any attempts to change the Hellmoon's nature or destroy it will likely cause Jigoku to completely collapse." Konngara replies, "But yes, if it could somehow be done, perhaps seeing Kikuri released will stop Rumia, since she would then no longer have a cause... "
>_
-
>"...maybe Lady Yukari could do it..."
-
>"...maybe Lady Yukari could do it..."
>"You mean the boundary youkai? I'm unsure if she'd even cooperate, or would even be able to release Kikuri harmlessly."
>"Yukari-sama should be able to, she can do anything!" Chen nods.
>"Even she has her limits. Rumia herself proved that before she was sealed..."
>"Nya?"
>_
-
>"Huh ? How so ?"
-
>"Huh ? How so ?"
>"Rumia is a Youkai of Darkness, and she and her darkness have properties similar to a void, which lacks and cannot be contained by boundaries. The boundary youkai's powers, therefore, cannot directly affect her."
>_
-
>"But that means her darkness can't directly harm others either right ?"
-
>"But that means her darkness can't directly harm others either right ?"
>Konngara shakes her head, "She can definitely fashion it into weapons and projectiles, and she can also use it to reduce visibility. Her seal currently locks her out of the harmful applications of her power... Though she will be able to use them in that manner once again if she is unsealed."
>_
-
>"Well, harmless ones toofrom what i saw."
>Sigh.
>"Either way, i can't let her stay like that, i bet she will be much happier with her friends and her love and memories."
-
>"Well, harmless ones toofrom what i saw."
>Sigh.
>"Either way, i can't let her stay like that, i bet she will be much happier with her friends and her love and memories."
>"She probably wouldn't be happy to see me at all if she had her memories back..."
>_
-
>"That may be true, but she will probably understand later it was for the safety of both her and Gensokyo's, after all, the only other option at the time was exterminating her correct ?"
-
>"That may be true, but she will probably understand later it was for the safety of both her and Gensokyo's, after all, the only other option at the time was exterminating her correct ?"
>"Correct."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Also... Shingyoku told us that they can't come here, why ?"
>What time is it ?
-
>Nod.
>"Also... Shingyoku told us that they can't come here, why ?"
>"They are bound to Gensokyo, specifically the vicinity of the Hakurei Shrine and the surrounding mountains. It's part of an old agreement they made long ago."
>What time is it ?
>You check the phone.
>10:51 PM.
>You have one hour, nine minutes until midnight.
>_
-
>"Maybe they would have an idea for that ?"
>Make a gap leading to the spot were they were.
-
>"Maybe they would have an idea for that ?"
>Make a gap leading to the spot were they were.
>You create a gap.
>you currently have two active gaps
>"They won't be able to help with Kikuri's situation. They might be able to help with a fusion, but Kikuri's predicament is more similar to a seal. Not to mention it is physically impossible to bring the two together."
>_
-
>"A seal... so maybe a shrine maiden would be of use ?"
>Search for them through the gap.
-
> Do we remember place where concert will be clearly enough to make a gap?
> Set alarm clock in our phone at 11:50 PM.
-
//I'm considering running a second, less serious, quest at the same time as this one, thoughts?
>"A seal... so maybe a shrine maiden would be of use ?"
>Search for them through the gap.
>You step through the gap, leaving everyone else behind.
>Shingyoku is still there where you left them, in male form.
>"Ah, so you've returned. Did you find anything?"
> Do we remember place where concert will be clearly enough to make a gap?
> Set alarm clock in our phone at 11:50 PM.
>You just know it's somewhere on the road between the village and the Hakurei Shrine. You don't know the exact location.
>You take out the phone and set the alarm.
>_
-
>"Yes, they are alive and well."
>Nod.
>"She said you have knowledge about "fusion" correct ? If so, mind taking a look at our friends here ?"
>Gesture to Sumitenshi.
-
//Okay then...
>"Yes, they are alive and well."
>Nod.
>Their form switches to the woman, who looks somewhat relieved, "Ah, that is good to hear."
>"She said you have knowledge about "fusion" correct ? If so, mind taking a look at our friends here ?"
>Gesture to Sumitenshi.
>You gesture to empty space. You don't think they followed you.
>"What friends?"
>_
-
>"The ones that came with me, did you see that winged woman ? She is actually two persons sharing an merged body of sorts."
-
>"The ones that came with me, did you see that winged woman ? She is actually two persons sharing an merged body of sorts."
>"Indeed, we noticed her. She seemed close to a perfect harmony like ours."
//Eh, guess I'll drop the idea then....
-
//I dunno, seems cool and such, sorry for not answering.
>"Perfect harmony ?! Can you revert it please ?"
-
//I dunno, seems cool and such, sorry for not answering.
>"Perfect harmony ?! Can you revert it please ?"
//it's fine.
>"What's so wrong about a perfect harmony?" Shingyoku tilts their head, "yes, we could revert one, though it would be a shame to have to do so."
>_
-
>"They don't want to remain that way, they want to be separate so Sumireko and Matenshi can do things independently."
>Look worried.
>"Look, i know that you chose to be like this, but they didn't, and it would make our lives troublesome to remain that way..."
-
//I've been thinking about it too. Something like past quests where actions were practically unhindered. More people are usually involved in those... Of course, I'd give (almost) any quest a try at playing...
-
>"They don't want to remain that way, they want to be separate so Sumireko and Matenshi can do things independently."
>Look worried.
>"Look, i know that you chose to be like this, but they didn't, and it would make our lives troublesome to remain that way..."
>"We see." They nod, "If they wish to be separated, we will do so. It's the least we could do considering you went down there for us."
>_
-
>"Thank you !"
>Nod and head back through the gap, then search for Sumitenshi.
>"Sumireko, Matenshi, cmon, Shingyoku said they will separate you two."
-
//If we haven't already, we should probably ask for details on the separation process and what will happen afterwards. Maybe they share pain. Maybe the process is terrible painful. Maybe they're bodies will look the same as the fused one. At least a bit of knowledge should be fine.
-
//Well it's the best we got.
-
>"Thank you !"
>Nod and head back through the gap, then search for Sumitenshi.
>"Sumireko, Matenshi, cmon, Shingyoku said they will separate you two."
>you head back through, quickly locating Sumireko/Matenshi.
>Their eyes widen, "Whoa, really!?!" Sumireko exclaims, "That's wonderful!"
>"okay, are ya absolutely sure ya ain't Yukari?" Suika asks, now sipping from a sake dish almost half her size, "That sudden leaving ta gods know where was such a Yukari-like thing."
>_
-
>"No i am not Suika... i am not an pervert like her."
>Turn to the two.
>"Okay, follow me you two."
>Lead them through the gap.
-
>"I'm pretty sure I'm not, Suika. Haven't you seen me walking around everywhere when I'm not making one of those? Is Yukari like that?"
-
>"No i am not Suika... i am not an pervert like her."
>"I'm pretty sure I'm not, Suika. Haven't you seen me walking around everywhere when I'm not making one of those? Is Yukari like that?"
>"Ah, ya have a point there." she takes a gulp from the sake dish, "Yukari's probably lazier than me n' Reimu combined. Ehehe~"
>Turn to the two.
>"Okay, follow me you two."
>Lead them through the gap.
>Sumireko nods, before they follow you through the gap.
>_
-
>"Here they are Shingyoku, if you don't mind, please explain how the separation process will go."
-
>"Here they are Shingyoku, if you don't mind, please explain how the separation process will go."
>"We will use our ability, manipulation of harmony, to separate their souls." says Shingyoku, before shifting into an inhuman, orb-like form, shaped like a red and white yin-yang, "...simple... ...quick... ..easy...." they say in a metallic voice.
>_
-
>"That was a little...vaguer than I hoped. Could you elaborate?"
-
>"That was a little...vaguer than I hoped. Could you elaborate?"
>Shingyoku shifts back to the male form. "How our ability works is complicated. To describe it would be like trying to explain how to walk in detail."
>_
-
> "Then, uh..."
> Clear our throat.
> "Please. proceed and help them with your "simple, quick and easy" ability, Shingyoku."
-
//Welcome to Maribel Quest, Tashi.
Disregard this if you've already made a post here before because I honestly don't remember.
> "Then, uh..."
> Clear our throat.
> "Please. proceed and help them with your "simple, quick and easy" ability, Shingyoku."
>Shingyoku nods, before transforming into the inhuman orb again, which begins rapidly spinning before firing a beam of light at Sumireko.
>The beam fades, but Sumireko is completely enveloped in a white glow, which soon becomes a formless mass that splits into two.
>The masses coalesce and fade away, leaving behind a wingless Sumireko, and a purple haired angel in a blue robe.
>"Did it work?" Sumireko asks.
>Matenshi looks at her body and stretches her wings. "I think so..?" she looks at you, "Maribel, can you see both of us?"
>_
-
//Warm welcome it's always welcome~.
Even if I did so, I think I don't remember either.
> "I watched all your separation process, so yeah."
> Nod and smile.
> _
-
>"It looks like you two are finally separate."
-
>"Congratulations you two."
-
//Warm welcome it's always welcome~. Even if I did so, I think I don't remember either.
> "I watched all your separation process, so yeah."
> Nod and smile.
> _
>"It looks like you two are finally separate."
>"Congratulations you two."
>Both of them smile and look at eachother.
>"Yes!" they both cheer, before embracing each other.
>The soon promptly let go and awkwardly look away,
>"So, uh... How's it like having your body again?" Sumireko asks.
>"Feels good." says Matenshi, "You?"
>"Yeah. Though I have to admit I kinda miss the wings."
>"But you couldn't even use them properly."
>"Hey!"
>_
-
>"Give her some credit Matenshi, she never had wings in her entire life, but that doesn't matter now."
>Smile.
>"I'm just glad for you two."
>Head towards Matenshi.
>"So this is your true self, nice to actually meet you Matenshi."
-
>"Give her some credit Matenshi, she never had wings in her entire life, but that doesn't matter now."
>Smile.
>"I'm just glad for you two."
>Head towards Matenshi.
>"So this is your true self, nice to actually meet you Matenshi."
>"Likewise." Matenshi nods.
>_
-
>Giggle a bit.
>"You guys sure are comfortable with hugging each other. At least for a few seconds."
-
>Giggle a bit.
>"You guys sure are comfortable with hugging each other. At least for a few seconds."
>Matenshi blushes slightly while giving you an annoyed look.
>"H-Hey! We were just celebrating, okay? A-Anyone in our situation would've done it."
>"Y-Yeah!" Sumireko adds.
>_
-
>"Well why don't you celebrate some more ? I am gonna go back there to ask some more things, so you still have time."
>Smile and nod.
-
>"Well why don't you celebrate some more ? I am gonna go back there to ask some more things, so you still have time."
>Smile and nod.
>"Okay..." Matenshi nods.
>_
-
>"Well, i'll be going now, have a nice time together !"
>Smile, wave and head through the gap.
-
>"Well, i'll be going now, have a nice time together !"
>Smile, wave and head through the gap.
>You head back through the gap, meeting up with Konngara and the others again.
>_
-
>"Done and done, they have been separated !"
>Smile.
>"I gave them a minute alone to celebrate."
-
>"Done and done, they have been separated !"
>Smile.
>"I gave them a minute alone to celebrate."
>Renko smiles, "That's great!"
>_
-
>"Uh huh, by the way Renko, did you see how they have been acting with each other ?"
-
>"Uh huh, by the way Renko, did you see how they have been acting with each other ?"
>Hmm?" Renko asks.
>_
-
> "Let's just say that they were... showing a lot of affection."
> Giggle a bit.
-
> "Let's just say that they were... showing a lot of affection."
> Giggle a bit.
>"O-Oh... I see..." Renko chuckles a bit as well, "Well, I'm happy for them in that case."
>_
-
>"They don't seem to want to admit it now, but let's leave them be and see how it ends."
>Smile and look for the oni.
-
>"They don't seem to want to admit it now, but let's leave them be and see how it ends."
>Smile and look for the oni.
>"Alright." Renko nods.
>You look for Suika and Konngara. Suika is still drinking from the sake dish. Konngara seems to be entering from the other room.
>_
-
>Head to the tiny Suika.
>"Wow, you might be small, but you still drink a lot."
-
>Head to the tiny Suika.
>"Wow, you might be small, but you still drink a lot."
>"Well whadidjya expect from an oni?" Suika responds.
>_
-
>"Something like this, but not from a cute mini-oni like you."
-
>"Something like this, but not from a cute mini-oni like you."
>"Eh, size doesn't really matter for me. Though it'd be hard for a giant me to drink... Unless it's the main me, 'cause then I could just grow my gourd."
>_
-
>"True, but what if you run out of sake ?"
-
>"True, but what if you run out of sake ?"
>"Pfffft-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..." Suika bursts out laughing for a good minute, "...AHA~ ah... Like that'll ever happen!"
>"I think she meant it hypothetically..." says Konngara.
>"It still doesn't matter, the day I run outta booze is the day the world ends!"
>_
-
>"How so ?"
>Look innocently confused.
-
>"How so ?"
>Look innocently confused.
>" 'Cause it's practically impossible for me ta run out, of course!"
>_
-
>"No, i mean why is it impossible ? A gourd can only carry so much sake right ?"
>Look confused.
-
>"No, i mean why is it impossible ? A gourd can only carry so much sake right ?"
>Look confused.
>"Well of course, but I can keep refilling it, and the bug inside will do the rest."
>_
-
>"Theres a bug inside it?"
-
>"Theres a bug inside it?"
>Suika nods, "Haven't ya ever heard of a Sake Bug?"
>_
-
>"Uhh..."
-
>"A sake bug ?"
-
>"Uhh..."
>"A sake bug ?"
>"Yea! It's this lil' bug that drinks water and turns it into high-quality sake. Ya can't have one, if that's what you're wondering, the last time I gave one away it went missin'."
>_
-
>"Amazing ! I also know of something like that in the outside world, although it's not as fast as you lil bug and it isn't for sake either, but for a different alcoholic drink."
-
>"Amazing ! I also know of something like that in the outside world, although it's not as fast as you lil bug and it isn't for sake either, but for a different alcoholic drink."
>"Huh..."
>_
-
>"Say... do onis like only sake or any alcoholic drink ? There are many, many in existance on the outside world."
-
>"Say... do onis like only sake or any alcoholic drink ? There are many, many in existance on the outside world."
>"We'll drink anythin' if it's strong enough."
>_
-
>"Hm.... then maybe i should bring some for you to try later..."
-
>"Hm.... then maybe i should bring some for you to try later..."
>"I mean, ya don't hafta... But yeah, I'll try whatever ya bring me."
>You notice Konngara heading into the other room with a plate of food.
>_
-
>"Well you helped us out, so that's the least i can do."
>Carefully pet cute Mini-Suika.
>What time is it ?
-
>"Well you helped us out, so that's the least i can do."
>Carefully pet cute Mini-Suika.
>What time is it ?
>You pet the Mini-Suika and check your phone.
>It is 11:39 PM, you have an alarm set for 11:50.
>_
-
>"Almost midnight... we should get ready."
>Look at Mini-Suika.
>"Are you staying here ? We are gonna see Mystia and Kyouko's show soon."
-
>"Almost midnight... we should get ready."
>"Yeah." Renko nods.
>Look at Mini-Suika.
>"Are you staying here ? We are gonna see Mystia and Kyouko's show soon."
>"Nah, I'll probably go back ta the shrine." Suika replies.
>_
-
>"Okay, tell us when you are finished."
>Go to the gap and check on those 3.
-
>"Okay, tell us when you are finished."
>Go to the gap and check on those 3.
>" 'Kay" Suika replies.
>You put your head through the gap.
>Sumireko and Matenshi seem to be talking about something, Shingyoku is still here.
>_
-
>"Hey there, what are you two doing ?"
-
>We should probably listen for a bit first. We could hear what they're talking about then. Afterwards, we can ask.
-
>"Hey there, what are you two doing ?"
>We should probably listen for a bit first. We could hear what they're talking about then. Afterwards, we can ask.
>You decide to listen before speaking.
>"--I'll only know when I start doing it..." says Matenshi, "Anyway, enough about what I'm going to do, what do you plan to do now that we're separate?"
>"I'm honestly not sure..." says Sumireko, "Probably stay with Renko I guess... Or find some place to settle..."
>"Maybe..." Matenshi fidgets a bit, "Maybe it'll be possible for you to... ah forget it."
>"What are you talking about?"
>"N-Nevermind."
>_
-
>Keep listening, then once they are done:
>"Hey there, we gotta get going soon, or else we will miss the show."
-
>Keep listening, then once they are done:
>"Matenshi..."
>"Look, it's a dumb idea... Just forget about it, okay?"
>"But... O-Okay..."
>"Hey there, we gotta get going soon, or else we will miss the show."
>"Huh?" Matenshi turns around, "How long were you there!?"
>_
-
>"Enough to hear something about a dumb idea."
>Go through.
>"Don't be shy to say it go ahead, nobody will judge you."
>Smile.
>"Besides, it's not good to store something away like that without even trying."
-
>"I've had my fair share of dumb ideas. One probably messed up a friend's life, while another almost endangered us during a life or death situation."
>Have our smile fade a bit.
//Do not parse this without permission from another player.
//How's this look Raf? Too depressing to discourage her? I'm not sure how to reword it so it sounds encouraging yet.
-
//It seems fitting for me.
-
//I am assuming what Raf said was giving me permission to parse. Apologies if I'm mistaken. If I am mistaken, don't be afraid to call me out on it, and I will edit that part out.
>"Enough to hear something about a dumb idea."
>Go through.
>"Don't be shy to say it go ahead, nobody will judge you."
>Smile.
>"Besides, it's not good to store something away like that without even trying."
>You go through the gap while speaking.
>"I've had my fair share of dumb ideas. One probably messed up a friend's life, while another almost endangered us during a life or death situation."
>Have our smile fade a bit.
>"Erm..." Matenshi frowns, "That doesn't sound very encouraging..."
>_
-
>"But we made it through. And some of the things that happened because of those have been good. Like, we met new friends because of it. Like Utsuho, and Byakuren. So maybe the idea you have will have good things follow it."
-
>"But just because i had some dumb ideas didn't make me give up, i thought that slapping you two when you got into a fight at the Prismriver Mansion was a bad idea, but it worked and you two snapped out of it."
>Nod.
>"You can never truly know if it's a bad idea or not just by thinking."
-
>"But we made it through. And some of the things that happened because of those have been good. Like, we met new friends because of it. Like Utsuho, and Byakuren. So maybe the idea you have will have good things follow it."
>"But just because i had some dumb ideas didn't make me give up, i thought that slapping you two when you got into a fight at the Prismriver Mansion was a bad idea, but it worked and you two snapped out of it."
>Nod.
>"You can never truly know if it's a bad idea or not just by thinking."
>"I guess you're right... erm... don't we have a show or something to get to?"
>_
-
>"Yeah, but we still have time, and Suika is not done yet either, so go ahead !"
>Smile.
-
>"Yeah, but we still have time, and Suika is not done yet either, so go ahead !"
>Smile.
>"L-Later, okay?"
>_
-
>"If you say so."
>Nod.
>"Let's go check on Suika now."
-
>"If you say so."
>Nod.
>"Let's go check on Suika now."
>"Yeah, let's." Matenshi nods.
>_
-
>Head to the gap.
>"What about that dust ? Did it split between you or have you contained it all safely ?"
-
>Head to the gap.
>"What about that dust ? Did it split between you or have you contained it all safely ?"
>Matenshi freezes up a little.
>"Erm... L-Let me check..."
>She closes her eyes, "I-I only seem to have half of it... Sumireko, do you have the rest?"
>"I-I dunno! H-How do I tell!?!" Sumireko replies.
>_
-
>"Hey, calm down, you just let Matenshi check you."
>Look at Matenshi.
>"You should be able right ?"
-
>"Hey, calm down, you just let Matenshi check you."
>Look at Matenshi.
>"You should be able right ?"
>Matenshi nods. "I-I think so."
>The angel puts a hand on Sumireko and closes her eyes.
>"Ah.... Okay, I found the rest..."
>_
-
>"There ya go, so what now ?"
-
>"There ya go, so what now ?"
>"I'm not sure.... I don't think we should worry much since she doesn't know how to tap into it, but there's always the chance she could do it on accident..."
>Your phone starts beeping loudly, causing Matenshi to jump.
>_
-
>"Uh oh, we should get going now, the show will start soon, cmon !"
>Lead our group through the gap and seaechfor Suika.
-
>"Uh oh, we should get going now, the show will start soon, cmon !"
>Lead our group through the gap and seaechfor Suika.
>You head back through the gap. Suika is right where you left her.
>_
-
>Check Phone again.
-
>Check Phone again.
>You do so:
>It is 11:51 PM.
>_
-
>"Hey Suika, we will be leaving, you coming ?"
-
>"Hey Suika, we will be leaving, you coming ?"
>"Eh, why not?" she shrugs.
>_
-
>"Hop on then."
>Lend her a hand getting back to the shoulder.
-
>"Hop on then."
>Lend her a hand getting back to the shoulder.
>You help Suika back on your shoulder.
>"Oh, are you leaving?" Konngara asks as she returns to the room.
>_
-
>"Yeah, we need to head to an concert now."
-
>"Yeah, we need to head to an concert now."
>"Concert?" she looks confused.
>_
-
>"People playing musical instruments."
>Make a gap leading to the closest we can think of where the concert will happen."
-
>"It's Mystia and Kyouko's Choujuu Gigaku, if that means anything to you."
-
>"People playing musical instruments."
>Make a gap leading to the closest we can think of where the concert will happen."
>You make a gap where you remember those fairies' stand was.
>"It's Mystia and Kyouko's Choujuu Gigaku, if that means anything to you."
>"I have never heard of any of those names..."
>_
-
>Try looking for where the concert could be.
-
>Try looking for where the concert could be.
>You look through the gap.
>You don't see any concert, however, you notice some fairies and youkai walking by, all in the same direction. A few fairies have paused to curiously examine the gap.
>_
-
>"Hey uh, are you heading for the concert too ?"
-
>"Hey uh, are you heading for the concert too ?"
>Your voice doesn't carry through the gap.
>_
-
>Put our head through and say that.
-
>Put our head through and say that.
>You poke your head through, causing some of the fairies to scream and fall backwards.
>"U-Um, yeah..." One of the few standing fairies says nervously.
>_
-
>Be lucky we weren't shotgunned by danmaku for the sudden appearance...
-
>"Okay, thanks !"
>Go back to the cave, close this gap then head back through that other gap to find Shingyoku.
-
>Be lucky we weren't shotgunned by danmaku for the sudden appearance...
>You are promptly shotgunned for tempting fate
>"Okay, thanks !"
>Go back to the cave, close this gap then head back through that other gap to find Shingyoku.
>What cave? Do you mean where Shingyoku is? That would make the command redundant if that's the case.
>_
-
>Yeah, just go to where Shingyoku are, closing the gap beforehand so that no one else enters the cave, and search for them.
>Once we find her: "Shingyoku ! I need one last piece of help from you, could you try and examine me to see if there are any traces of foreign energy, magic or life energy ?"
-
>Yeah, just go to where Shingyoku are, closing the gap beforehand so that no one else enters the cave, and search for them.
>You head back to Shingyoku, and close the gap that you originally made to get past the cave blockage.
>You still have 2 active gaps.
>Renko follows you out.
>Once we find her: "Shingyoku ! I need one last piece of help from you, could you try and examine me to see if there are any traces of foreign energy, magic or life energy ?"
>"That is an odd request, but yes, we could do that." Shingyoku replies.
>_
-
>"I would appreciate that a lot, it's a long story as to why, so can you do it now ?"
>Prepare and do as she says in order to examine us.
-
>"I would appreciate that a lot, it's a long story as to why, so can you do it now ?"
>Prepare and do as she says in order to examine us.
>"Very well." Shingyoku nods, before placing a hand on you.
>"We sense... remnants... of a darkness... in your soul... Not alive, but not dead either... They're so weak that they would be nearly undetectable by other means..." they open their eyes with a stern look, "They cannot do much to affect you in their current state, but we would suggest keeping an eye on them..."
>_
-
>Look at our friends with a frown.
>"I knew it... she is still around even after that..."
>Look back to Shingyoku.
>"Is there any way i can control those remnants of her ? She has been affecting my dreams..."
-
>Look at our friends with a frown.
>"I knew it... she is still around even after that..."
>Look back to Shingyoku.
>"Is there any way i can control those remnants of her ? She has been affecting my dreams..."
>"W-What are you going to do, Merry?" Renko looks concerned.
>"Perhaps in time you will be able to suppress or maybe even tap into them..." Shingyoku replies, "but you would have to either assert your will and dominate the remnants, or achieve a more stable harmony with them. The former would require practice, while the latter would require acceptance that you and whatever remains of that darkness are in harmony... which will likely be difficult."
>_
-
>"Y-You mean to say that i will either have to dominate over her, or find a middle ground with her ?!"
>Look to the others a bit distressed.
-
>"Y-You mean to say that i will either have to dominate over her, or find a middle ground with her ?!"
>Look to the others a bit distressed.
>"If you wish to control the remnants' effects, then yes..." Shingyoku pauses, "Well, the alternative would be removal... though there's no telling what would happen. What we sense from this darkness is... odd... we don't think it will simply disappear when removed, despite how weak it appears to be..."
>Your friends are giving you concerned looks.
>_
-
>"Yes... she somehow survived complete extermination before, remaining only her life energy..."
>Sigh.
>"We should get going to the show, cmon everyone, and thanks for everything Shingyoku."
>Nod then close all the remaining gaps and remake the gap leading to the show.
>Lead our group through it and afterwards close that one too.
-
//We should probably try to communicate with her next time we go to sleep. Or even try to when she manifests on us.
-
>"Yes... she somehow survived complete extermination before, remaining only her life energy..."
>Sigh.
>"We should get going to the show, cmon everyone, and thanks for everything Shingyoku."
>"You're welcome." Shingyoku shifts to its female form and smiles, "It's the least we could do, since you assisted us."
>Nod then close all the remaining gaps and remake the gap leading to the show.
>Lead our group through it and afterwards close that one too.
>You close all active gaps and remake the gap you encountered those fairies with.
>You lead the group through it, you notice the fairies and youkai all seem to be migrating to a spot down the road, where a large crowd is assembled under a small hill, which seems to have been converted into a makeshift stage.
>_
-
>"Let's head there, quick."
>Head there, petting Chen to relieve stress.
-
>"Let's head there, quick."
>Head there, petting Chen to relieve stress.
>You head to the crowd, petting Chen along the way.
>You notice two figures take the stage, they appear to be Kyouko and Mystia, clothed in black outfits, and wearing sunglasses. Mystia is holding an electric guitar.
>_
-
>"Hey there they are."
>Make a gap to get there faster, then wave at the two performers with the best smile we can put for now.
>"Good luck you two !"
-
>"Hey there they are."
>Make a gap to get there faster, then wave at the two performers with the best smile we can put for now.
>"Good luck you two !"
>You gap to the edge of the crowd and wave and call out to Mystia and Kyouko.
>You don't think they can hear you.
>"YEAH! YOU GO KYOUKO!" you hear someone nearby shout above the cheering of the crowd.
>_
-
>Look to see who it is!
-
>Look to see who it is!
>You look to see... a generic looking human? As well as another figure dressed in a cloak as to obscure their features.
>You see Nazrin nearby as well, leaning against a tree, though the voice didn't sound like hers.
>You notice Chen going into full cat mode and beginning to stalk the unsuspecting mouse.
>_
-
>Head and quickly stop the cat.
>"Chen, don't bother the poor mouse girl, it's not nice."
>Take her and head over to the cloaked figure.
-
>Head and quickly stop the cat.
>"Chen, don't bother the poor mouse girl, it's not nice."
>You stop Chen
>"Aww..." she pouts.
>Take her and head over to the cloaked figure.
>You escort her over to the cloaked figure.
>They don't seem to notice you.
>"ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?!" you hear Kyouko yell from the stage.
>_
-
>Is the cloaked figure as tall as Byakuren ?
>Turn to face the stage.
>"So they are a rock band huh ? That's really neat."
-
>Is the cloaked figure as tall as Byakuren ?
>No.
>Turn to face the stage.
>"So they are a rock band huh ? That's really neat."
>"Yeah, and they sound awesome too." says the generic looking human. Her voice matches that of the cheer you heard earlier.
>The crowd roars in excitement.
>_
-
>"So who are you Miss ? Are you a friend of theirs ?"
-
>"So who are you Miss ? Are you a friend of theirs ?"
>"Well, you can say I'm a friend of Kyouko, but I'd rather remain anonymous at the concerts."
>_
-
>"Oh, then i have an idea about who you are."
>Turn to the cloaked person.
>"And what about her ? Is she a friend of yours ?"
-
>"Oh, then i have an idea about who you are."
>"Oh, really now?" the woman gives you a curious look.
>Turn to the cloaked person.
>"And what about her ? Is she a friend of yours ?"
>"You could say that..."
>You notice the cloaked person in some kind of whispering argument with herself.
>"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Kyouko yells again, prompting the crowd to roar louder.
>_
-
>YELL "YES WE ARE!"
-
>Once that is done:
>"Yes, although not exactly, just a lead."
>Nod, then start paying attention to the show.
-
>YELL "YES WE ARE!"
>You cheer with the crowd.
>Once that is done:
>"Yes, although not exactly, just a lead."
>Nod, then start paying attention to the show.
>You start paying attention to the show, just as Mystia begins to play the guitar, it sounds amazing.
>_
-
>Smile and cheer up, then keep listening.
-
>Smile and cheer up, then keep listening.
>You let the music take your mind off of other things.
>Mystia continues to play the guitar intensely, increasing the excitement of the crowd with every screech of the strings.
>Kyouko begins singing.
>_
-
>Listen carefully to Kyouko and keep those lyrics in mind.
-
>Listen carefully to Kyouko and keep those lyrics in mind.
>Kyouko seems to be singing about her training and the stress it causes her.
>_
-
>Listen carefully to see if we hear any swear words.
-
>Listen carefully to see if we hear any swear words.
>You listen...
>You actually don't hear any swearing.
>_
-
>"Huh ? I don't hear anything rude on her lyrics...."
>Look confused.
>"What is MIss Hijiri talking about ?"
-
>"Huh ? I don't hear anything rude on her lyrics...."
>Look confused.
>"What is MIss Hijiri talking about ?"
>"It's probably because of how loud it is and how she's practically screaming out her and Mystia's frustrations..." the generic human answers, "I personally don't have any objections to it, but I bet Hijiri would be disappointed in all four of us if she knew we were fans... Well, maybe not Nazrin over there, considering she doesn't live in the temple..."
>"H-Hey!" the cloaked woman looks over to the human, "Unzan would have you know that he is not a fan of this...."
>"Then why the hell would he even come with you?"
>"That's what I asked... I mean, he never has to come with us..."
>"And what did he answer?"
>"Just that he's duty-bound to remain with me..."
>"Well at least he can easily hide with his size changing... it would be a dead giveaway if anyone saw him."
>"Yeah..."
>_
-
>"Well i don't sense any rudeness from this if the crown enjoys it, people like Mystia and Kyouko actually brought revolutions that even ended wars."
>Sigh.
>"I think Miss Hijiri is just being too conservative..."
-
>Make a note to try and create a gap as large as we can for later. Moving a large
train crowd could be useful in some cases... Of course, we'll tell Yukari about it afterwards.
-
>"Well i don't sense any rudeness from this if the crown enjoys it, people like Mystia and Kyouko actually brought revolutions that even ended wars."
>Sigh.
>"I think Miss Hijiri is just being too conservative..."
>"Maybe..." says the generic human.
>Make a note to try and create a gap as large as we can for later. Moving a large train crowd could be useful in some cases... Of course, we'll tell Yukari about it afterwards.
>You make a mental note.
>_
-
>Keep listening.
-
>Keep listening.
>You continue to listen. The music is enjoyable and gets you pumped.
>_
-
>Ponder if it's too late to switch into our Makai outfit and enjoy this properly...
>Seriously ponder gapping away for a second to switch...
-
>Ponder if it's too late to switch into our Makai outfit and enjoy this properly...
>Seriously ponder gapping away for a second to switch...
>It probably isn't too late...
>You could probably do so if you gapped to a secluded enough spot.
>_
-
>Take off the outfit from our bag.
>"I think i should wear the outfit and get into the mood."
-
>Take off the outfit from our bag.
>"I think i should wear the outfit and get into the mood."
>Renko blushes.
>"Y-You're going to change out here!?!"
>_
-
>"Nah, i will find an safe places, don't worry."
>Smile, then make a gap leading to that room we slept in Lady Yukari's home and go through it, closing it afterwards.
-
//Should we create the gap where others can't see us? Like, on the ground or get away from others first?
And what about letting Renko come too
-
//Nah, everyone else seems distracted.
-
>"Nah, i will find an safe places, don't worry."
>Smile, then make a gap leading to that room we slept in Lady Yukari's home and go through it, closing it afterwards.
>You create a gap.
>_
-
>Head through and close it.
>Start changing.
-
>Head through and close it.
>Start changing.
>You head through and shut the gap.
>You take out the Makai outfit and begin undressing.
>_
-
>Keep changing.
-
>Keep changing.
>You fully undress and change into the outfit, it's still a bit tight. And it still has the singe mark from Yuuka's laser.
>_
-
>Is it bad ?
-
>Is it bad ?
>The tightness or the singe mark?
>_
-
>The marking
-
>The marking
>It's not that bad, it's only a slight singe. It's not complete clothing damage like Sumireko's laser mark.
>_
-
>Yeah, just wear it.
-
>Yeah, just wear it.
>You decide to deal with it.
>_
-
>Rebag our other clothes and gap back.
-
>Rebag our other clothes and gap back.
>You put your normal outfit in the bag and return to the concert.
>"I honestly don't see the appeal in this, it's just loud noise and shouting..." you hear Matenshi remark.
>"Well listen to it closer, the music is actually pretty good..." says Sumireko.
>_
-
>"Haven't you ever wanted to shout about your troubles? And feel encouraged by others too? It probably feels good up there..."
-
>"Haven't you ever wanted to shout about your troubles? And feel encouraged by others too? It probably feels good up there..."
>"Well, yeah, I remember wanting to complain a lot when I was younger and..." Matenshi frowns, "My mother... disapproved of it..."
>_
-
>"And is that why you don't like this..."
-
>"And is that why you don't like this..."
>"No... I just don't understand what's so appealing about this... I never said I disliked it."
>_
-
>"Why not try sometime then? Scream into a pillow so that you can get what you want to say out, without having to bother anyone."
-
>"Why not try sometime then? Scream into a pillow so that you can get what you want to say out, without having to bother anyone."
>"Scream into a pillow?" She gives you a curious look.
>_
-
>"Well, something that wouldn't make much sound, but that you can still get any anger out."
-
>"Well, something that wouldn't make much sound, but that you can still get any anger out."
>"...The odd things you humans do amaze me sometimes."
>_
-
>"Well you are an angel raised on the old ways, while we are from the outside world, it a big gap of worlds."
>Smile.
>"But that doesn't stop us from being friends, it's nice to have you with us Matenshi, and i am sure the others think so too."
-
>"Well you are an angel raised on the old ways, while we are from the outside world, it a big gap of worlds."
>Smile.
>"But that doesn't stop us from being friends, it's nice to have you with us Matenshi, and i am sure the others think so too."
>"Yeah..."
>_
-
>"Hm ? Something bothering you ?"
-
>"Hm ? Something bothering you ?"
>"No, nothing's bothering me."
>_
-
>"Alright, if anything does, just tell us okay ?"
>Go back to paying attention to the show.
-
>"Alright, if anything does, just tell us okay ?"
>Go back to paying attention to the show.
>The band seems to be finishing its song.
>_
-
>Keep listening.
-
>Keep listening.
>You listen until the song finishes. Prompting a roar of cheers from the crowd.
>_
-
>Cheer too !
>"That was amazing ! It would be a huge loss if they just stopped that, i can sense they are passionate about it."
-
>Cheer too !
>"That was amazing ! It would be a huge loss if they just stopped that, i can sense they are passionate about it."
>"Yeah, Kyouko really loves doing that..." the generic human remarks.
>_
-
>"Well then they gotta keep doing this, things like this have brought peace to my world many times."
-
>"Well then they gotta keep doing this, things like this have brought peace to my world many times."
>"Really? Wait... Your world?" the woman looks at you.
>_
-
>"We are from the outside world, not natives from here."
-
>"We are from the outside world, not natives from here."
>"So like Mamizou and that Sanae girl..." the woman mumbles to herself, "Huh, interesting..."
>_
-
>"Yeah... so let me take this guess, you are a resident of the Temple correct ? Or at least a frequent visitor."
-
>"Yeah... so let me take this guess, you are a resident of the Temple correct ? Or at least a frequent visitor."
>"Yeah, I live there. Though I don't normally look like this. So you wouldn't know me if you saw me."
>_
-
>"Well i can probably tell who you are later by logic, or by asking others."
-
>"Well i can probably tell who you are later by logic, or by asking others."
>"Heh, good luck with that."
>_
-
>Shrug.
>"Well i know you aren't Mamizou, nor Kyouko or Miss Hijiri, nor Nazrin, and we will probably spend the night on the temple too, so i will probably find out."
-
>Shrug.
>"Well i know you aren't Mamizou, nor Kyouko or Miss Hijiri, nor Nazrin, and we will probably spend the night on the temple too, so i will probably find out."
>"Maybe... But I doubt it."
>_
-
>"Geez, you are as bad as Lady Yukari on that department."
>Giggle.
>How are things going for Kyouko and Co. ?
-
>"Geez, you are as bad as Lady Yukari on that department."
>Giggle.
>How are things going for Kyouko and Co. ?
>They seem to be starting their next song.
>_
-
>Keep hearing.
>"So won't you introduce me to your pal ?"
-
>Keep hearing.
>"So won't you introduce me to your pal ?"
>"What, you mean her?" she gestures to the cloaked woman, "She'd like to remain anonymous as well... At least here... Like I said before, Hijiri would be disappointed in all three of us if she knew we were fans of Kyouko's band."
>"I thought I told you Unzan isn't a fan..." says the cloaked woman.
>"Oh, come on now... I bet the old man secretly is."
>The cloaked woman stares at the generic woman with a scowl.
>_
-
>"Well, Miss Hijiri said that she was to stop playing with Mystia earlier, she was only able to perform this show because i argued to see what was so rude about it."
-
>"Well, Miss Hijiri said that she was to stop playing with Mystia earlier, she was only able to perform this show because i argued to see what was so rude about it."
>"Huh..."
>_
-
>"Either way, i see nothing bad from it, if anything, just look at the crowd, many and many people of different races united because of those two."
>Smile.
-
>"Either way, i see nothing bad from it, if anything, just look at the crowd, many and many people of different races united because of those two."
>Smile.
>"Yeah, I guess you have a point there... It's kinda ironic considering one of Hijiri's goals is to promote peace and equality between humans and youkai..."
>"She probably believes this is the wrong way to go about it..." says the cloaked woman.
>_
-
>"Peace and equality to both humans and youkai... wouldn't half-youkais be a sign of that ?"
-
>"Peace and equality to both humans and youkai... wouldn't half-youkais be a sign of that ?"
>"Er... yes and no... While they do happen, usually it's an isolated case. As a whole, both parties still treat each other differently."
>_
-
>"I see."
>Look at ourselves with curiousity.
-
>"I see."
>Look at ourselves with curiousity.
>You do so.
>_
-
>"Are there any known cases however ?"
-
>"Are there any known cases however ?"
>"Of half youkai?" she asks, "Well, I think the shopkeeper at the Kourindou is one. Not sure about any others..."
>_
-
>"So there aren't many like me..."
>Look at the stage.
>"So where is Miss Hijiri ? Did she stay with Koishi ?"
-
>"So there aren't many like me..."
>Look at the stage.
>"So where is Miss Hijiri ? Did she stay with Koishi ?"
>"Pfffft HA!" the generic woman laughs, "Like Hijiri would ever come here! She's probably still back at the temple with the others."
>_
-
>"....so she didn't even listen to their songs properly ?"
-
>"She shouldn't just judge without listening..."
>Make a note that we should really visit this Kourindou. We've gone around visiting it previously...
-
//Good to see you back ! I was worried about having hijacked the whole quest...
-
>"....so she didn't even listen to their songs properly ?"
>"She shouldn't just judge without listening..."
>"Oh, no. I think she saw one of their first few concerts." says the cloaked woman, "I remember her lecturing Kyouko that night..."
>Make a note that we should really visit this Kourindou. We've gone around visiting it previously...
>You make a note.
>_
-
>"Oh..."
>Look a bit down.
-
>"Oh..."
>Look a bit down.
>You allow yourself to droop a bit.
>The band seems to be finishing their second song.
>_
-
>Listen to the ending.
-
>Listen to the ending.
>The song goes into a crescendo before ending.
>The crowd roars in excitement.
>_
-
>Cheer too !
>"Phew, maybe i should check over on Rengeteki."
-
>Cheer too !
>You and your group, sans Matenshi, cheer as well.
>"Phew, maybe i should check over on Rengeteki."
>"Do you think she's still awake?" Renko asks.
-
>"I dunno, um..."
>Look worried.
>"Could you please check to see if they are still there Renko ?"
-
>"I dunno, um..."
>Look worried.
>"Could you please check to see if they are still there Renko ?"
>"Of course." Renko nods, before looking up to the air, "...Yes, they're still there, right next to each other from what I can tell."
>_
-
>Giggle.
>"Good."
>How is the show doing ?
-
>Giggle.
>"Good."
>How is the show doing ?
>You giggle.
>The show seems to be going well, the duo seem to be preparing for a third song.
>_
-
>"What about Koishi and Miss Hijiri ? Are they still at the temple ?"
-
>"What about Koishi and Miss Hijiri ? Are they still at the temple ?"
>Renko looks to the sky again.
>"Yes."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Thanks Renko, your ability is so useful... i wonder if it would work on objects too though..."
-
>Nod.
>"Thanks Renko, your ability is so useful... i wonder if it would work on objects too though..."
>"I'm not sure..." says Renko, "I don't think it would..."
>_
-
>"Cmon, stop being so pessimistic..."
-
>"Cmon, stop being so pessimistic..."
>"Sorry..." Renko replies.
>The band starts their third song.
>_
-
>"Don't be, just give yourself more credit."
>Smile and go back to the show.
-
>"Don't be, just give yourself more credit."
>Smile and go back to the show.
>Renko returns your smile, "If you say so."
>You begin to watch the band perform again.
>_
-
>Keep watching !
-
>Keep watching !
>You continue watching.
>The song starts out slow, but begins to build up gradually.
>_
-
>Cool...
>Keep watch !
-
>Cool...
>Keep watch !
>The song becomes more intense.
>_
-
>Do we feel alright ?
>Check the others.
-
>Do we feel alright ?
>Check the others.
>You do.
>You glance around, the others seem fine.
>_
-
>Go back to the show.
-
>Go back to the show.
>Kyouko starts singing, but the lyrics for this one don't seem to be about her chores.
>Rather, they seem to be about activities such as running a food stand or making a living.
>You have a feeling Mystia primarily influenced this song.
>_
-
>Huh... keep listening.
-
>Huh... keep listening.
>You continue.
>_
-
>Keep enjoying until something happens.
-
>Hold Renko's hand during this.
-
>Keep enjoying until something happens.
>Hold Renko's hand during this.
>You take Renko's hand and continue to enjoy the music.
>The crowd cheers as the song comes to a close.
>_
-
>Cheer too !
-
>Cheer too !
>You do so.
>_
-
>How tired are we ?
-
>How tired are we ?
>You're somewhat tired, but you could go a couple more hours.
>_
-
>"How long will this show last ?"
-
>"You enjoying it Renko? It's really nice."
-
>"How long will this show last ?"
>"Usually around half an hour, minimum." says the generic human.
>"You enjoying it Renko? It's really nice."
>"Uhuh," Renko nods, "They're really good."
>_
-
>"Well the longer the better !"
-
>"Well the longer the better !"
>"You can say that again." the generic human smiles.
>_
-
>"Hehe."
>Smile too.
>"Well, once it's done, i will give all of us a ride back home."
-
>"Hehe."
>Smile too.
>"Well, once it's done, i will give all of us a ride back home."
>"All of us?" the generic woman asks.
>_
-
>"Of course, i can take us back to the temple in mere seconds."
>Nod happily.
-
>"Of course, i can take us back to the temple in mere seconds."
>Nod happily.
>"Err..." she frowns, "No offense, but we'd rather go back to the temple in our own way..."
>_
-
>"Huh ? Why is that ?"
>Look confused.
-
>"Ah, keep incognito huh..."
-
>"Huh ? Why is that ?"
>Look confused.
>You're confused at first, before realizing:
>"Ah, keep incognito huh..."
>"Exactly."
>_
-
>"Well, we can't accompany you either then..."
-
>"Well, we can't accompany you either then..."
>"Yup."
>_
-
>"You know... it kinda upsets me how you are keeping this a secret..."
-
>"But It is your business."
-
>"You know... it kinda upsets me how you are keeping this a secret..."
>"But It is your business."
>"Exactly." she nods.
>The song is coming to a close.
>_
-
>"Still... you should have had at least put some effort into convincing Miss Hijiri of how beneficial their band is..."
>Keep watching.
-
>"Still... you should have had at least put some effort into convincing Miss Hijiri of how beneficial their band is..."
>Keep watching.
>"It would probably just convince her more that the band is not right for Kyouko..."
>_
-
>"I doubt she won't listen to you, the band is not rude since the whole crowd accepts it and embraces it, without any issues, it also unites humans, youkai and even fairies under the same banner, ignoring any differences the have because they share the same passion for that music."
>Nod.
>"In fact, who can say how would all of these people react if they suddenly stopped ?"
-
>"How would the public view her if they knew she ended up making this stop?"
-
>"I doubt she won't listen to you, the band is not rude since the whole crowd accepts it and embraces it, without any issues, it also unites humans, youkai and even fairies under the same banner, ignoring any differences the have because they share the same passion for that music."
>Nod.
>"In fact, who can say how would all of these people react if they suddenly stopped ?"
>"How would the public view her if they knew she ended up making this stop?"
>"Well, most of Gensokyo probably won't care," says the cloaked woman, "And the small portion of the population that are fans will dislike her, but it wouldn't be a big deal... It definitely won't be anywhere near the level of dislike she got many centuries ago..."
>_
-
>"Huh ? What happened centuries ago ?"
-
>"Don't underestimate a crowd such as this. But uh, what happened, if I may ask?"
-
>"Huh ? What happened centuries ago ?"
>"Don't underestimate a crowd such as this. But uh, what happened, if I may ask?"
>"Well, as you know, Hijiri is pro-youkai and wishes to achieve greater equality and peace between them and humans..." the cloaked woman explains, "Way back then, when humans discovered her youkai-loving nature, they did not take it well. Eventually, their anger and fear of her led them to take her and seal her away in Hokkai, a section of Makai. Murasa, Shou, Nazrin, Unzan, and I tried to save her, but it resulted in our ship being sealed and buried underground. We were down there for years until the seal was broken and the ship was brought to the surface by a geyser a few decades ago, and then we were finally able to save Hijiri from her fate."
>_
-
>"That sounds terrible..."
-
>"That sounds terrible..."
>"It was... On the bright side, with how much has changed over the centuries, it's less likely that that'll happen again..."
>_
-
>"Yes... also, who is this 'Murasa' you spoke of ?"
-
>"Yes... also, who is this 'Murasa' you spoke of ?"
>"Captain Minamitsu Murasa, she's the captain of our ship, and she still is, even after it was converted into the Myouren Temple. She also led the effort to rescue Hijiri from Hokkai."
>_
-
>"So the temple was one big ship in the past ?"
-
>"So the temple was one big ship in the past ?"
>"Yes, and not just any ship. It was the ship Murasa died on. Hijiri raised it from the depths of the sea and made it capable of soaring through the sky, and in doing so she freed Murasa from her fate of haunting the oceans forever."
>_
-
>"That was very nice of her."
>Smile.
-
>"That was very nice of her."
>Smile.
>"Yes, Hijiri is very kind."
>The band is starting their next song.
>_
-
>Keep watching.
>"Aw yes ! Another song !"
-
>Keep watching.
>"Aw yes ! Another song !"
>You keep watching.
>Mystia goes into a powerful riff.
>_
-
>Cheer up !
-
>Cheer up !
>You let the music influence your emotions.
>_
-
>Keep watching !
-
>Keep watching !
>You keep watching as Kyouko begins to sing again.
>_
-
>Glance over to Renko.
-
>Glance over to Renko.
>Renko seems to be enjoying it just as much as you.
>_
-
>Well then we just have to enjoy the concert more than her!
-
>Well then we just have to enjoy the concert more than her!
>You allow yourself to get even more into the music.
>_
-
>Keep going !
-
>Keep going !
>You start dancing.
>_
-
>D-Dancing ?! Are the others looking ?
>Are others dancing too ?
-
>D-Dancing ?! Are the others looking ?
>Renko, Chen, and the generic human are. Sumireko, Matenshi, and the cloaked woman haven't seemed noticed yet
>Are others dancing too ?
>Portions of the crowd are rocking out to the beat, and a several fairies are headbanging, but this is to be expected at a concert.
>_
-
>No need to get extremely into it
and end up taking off our shirt or something overwhelming.
>Keep enjoying it as we are though!
-
>No need to get extremely into it and end up taking off our shirt or something overwhelming.
>Keep enjoying it as we are though!
>You decide this level of enjoyment is fine and continue as you are now.
>You notice Renko begin dancing as well.
>_
-
>Up our enjoyment a bit more. Show Mystia and Kyouko that we really enjoy what they're doing, and their dexterity to keep the concert going.
-
>Up our enjoyment a bit more. Show Mystia and Kyouko that we really enjoy what they're doing, and their dexterity to keep the concert going.
>You do so.
>_
-
>How's it sounding now?
-
>How's it sounding now?
>It sounds amazing.
>_
-
>Well keep going.
-
>Well keep going.
>You keep going until the song ends. The crowd is really excited.
>_
-
>Wait in anticipation.
-
>Wait in anticipation.
>You wait as the next song begins.
>_
-
>"How long do you think they'll go for Renko?"
-
>"How long do you think they'll go for Renko?"
>"I'm not sure." she replies.
>_
-
>"Shall we keep enjoying this then?"
-
>"Shall we keep enjoying this then?"
>Renko nods.
>_
-
>"Oh, Renko, mind checking on Rengeteki and Koishi again ?"
-
>"Oh, Renko, mind checking on Rengeteki and Koishi again ?"
>Renko nods before gazing skyward.
>"They're still in the same spots."
>_
-
>"Are Rin and Miss Hijiri with them too ?"
-
>"Are Rin and Miss Hijiri with them too ?"
>Renko nods.
>_
-
>"Thanks Renko."
>Go back to enjoying.
-
>"Thanks Renko."
>Go back to enjoying.
>You continue to enjoy the concert until it ends.
>The crowd is beginning to disperse now.
>_
-
>"Well, i'm gonna have a chat with Kyouko and Mystia, have safe trip you all."
>Fly over to those two.
>"That was amazing Kyouko !"
-
//Wait, is it still fine to just gap around with so many people around? We have legs and flight... We could at least not jumpscare them too...
-
//There.
-
>"Well, i'm gonna have a chat with Kyouko and Mystia, have safe trip you all."
>"You too." says the generic woman.
>Fly over to those two.
>"That was amazing Kyouko !"
>You fly over to the duo who are descending the stage.
>"Huh?" Kyouko looks over, "Oh! It's you!" her ears perk up, "Thanks for coming."
>"Oh, hello again." Mystia smiles.
>_
-
>"It was a pleasure, this show was just excellent, you have a huge talent !"
>Smile.
>"I don't believe this is rude or inadequate, the opposite, just look at the amount of people you bring together, humans, youkai, fairies, all united because of you two, i will stand by your side to convince Miss Hijiri."
-
>"It was a pleasure, this show was just excellent, you have a huge talent !"
>"Thank you, but I'm really not that good." says Kyouko, "Mystia is a way better singer than me."
>"Oh, you're just saying things, you're one of the best singers I know, Kyouko. Besides, when I sing, people go blind." Mystia smirks.
>"Not all the time. Besides, I think.... er..."
>"You think what, Kyouko?"
>"...I uh... ...think you have a beautiful singing voice." Kyouko scratches her neck.
>"You don't really mean that."
>"N-No, I do! I think you should sing a song next time."
>"But if I'm singing, who's gonna play the guitar?"
>"Heh, you have a point..."
>Smile.
>"I don't believe this is rude or inadequate, the opposite, just look at the amount of people you bring together, humans, youkai, fairies, all united because of you two, i will stand by your side to convince Miss Hijiri."
>Kyouko turns her attention back to you, "Oh, I mean... you don't have to do that..."
>_
-
>"Of course i do ! The world will be a better place with a band like yours, and i can't let this stop because Miss Hijiri thinks it's not beneficial."
-
>"Of course i do ! The world will be a better place with a band like yours, and i can't let this stop because Miss Hijiri thinks it's not beneficial."
>"Do you really think we'd make the world a better place?"
>_
-
>"Of course ! People just like you two did that on the outside world, numerous musicians, united to propagate ideas of freedom, peace and equity with songs ahead of their time, some even aided in ending wars !"
-
>"Has there even been anything like what you two do here, done before in Gensokyo?"
-
>"Of course ! People just like you two did that on the outside world, numerous musicians, united to propagate ideas of freedom, peace and equity with songs ahead of their time, some even aided in ending wars !"
>"Huh... But we don't do that, we mainly perform as a way to express ourselves..."
>"I don't think Gensokyo's on the brink of war either..." Mystia adds.
>"Has there even been anything like what you two do here, done before in Gensokyo?"
>"Well, the Prismrivers have performed since before we even formed our band, but they do an entirely different genre."
>_
-
>"Yet they also expressed themselves, they expressed their insatisfaction towards the corruption among governments, their joys and feelings, and people could relate to it."
>Smile.
>"When you look at the crowd, what do you two think ?"
-
>"Yet they also expressed themselves, they expressed their insatisfaction towards the corruption among governments, their joys and feelings, and people could relate to it."
>Smile.
>"When you look at the crowd, what do you two think ?"
>" 'Wow, all these people came to see us.' " Kyouko replies.
>" 'That's a lot of people.' " says Mystia.
>_
-
>"And does the Temple receive this many people as visitors ?"
-
>"And does the Temple receive this many people as visitors ?"
>"No... Not really." says Kyouko.
>_
-
>"Speechs and conversations are good for communiating, but none beat music, music is an universal language that can transmit all feelings."
>Nod.
>"It's getting late, so we should get going."
-
>"Speechs and conversations are good for communiating, but none beat music, music is an universal language that can transmit all feelings."
>Nod.
>"It's getting late, so we should get going."
>"Yeah." Kyouko nods.
>"See you later, Kyouko." says Mystia.
>"Bye Mystia."
>_
-
>"Right, just a second."
>Make two gaps, one leading to Mystia's Stand and the other to the Temple's Entrance.
-
>"Right, just a second."
>Make two gaps, one leading to Mystia's Stand and the other to the Temple's Entrance.
>You do so.
>_
-
>"Here we go, this should take you home faster Mystia."
>Nod.
-
>"Here we go, this should take you home faster Mystia."
>Nod.
>"Oh, why thank you." Mystia replies.
>_
-
>"Problem, cmon Kyouko, it's rather late."
>Wave goodbye to Mystia, then beckon our group and Kyouko through the gap.
-
>"Problem, cmon Kyouko, it's rather late."
>Wave goodbye to Mystia, then beckon our group and Kyouko through the gap.
>"Okay."
>You wave goodbye to Mystia as she heads through her gap.
>Your group isn't nearby. You left them to talk to Kyouko and Mystia.
>_
-
>Close Mystia's gap.
>"Just a second, gotta get my friends."
>Go back there and beckon them to follow us to the stage gap.
-
>Close Mystia's gap.
>"Just a second, gotta get my friends."
>Go back there and beckon them to follow us to the stage gap.
>You fly back to your friends and beckon them to follow
>"Alright, Merry." says Renko. "Are you going to carry me again?"
>_
-
>"Of course."
>Do so.
-
>"I guess I can wait forever for you to learn if it'll be like this."
>Smile.
-
>"Of course."
>Do so.
>You sweep Renko into your arms.
>"I guess I can wait forever for you to learn if it'll be like this."
>Smile.
>Renko giggles, "Don't give me a reason to keep putting it off now."
>_
-
>"Smarty."
>Head back there.
-
>"Smarty."
>Head back there.
>You head back with your group.
>_
-
>"Shall we get going now Kyouko?"
-
>"Shall we get going now Kyouko?"
>Kyouko nods.
>_
-
>Lead our group through the gap.
-
>Lead our group through the gap.
>You step through the gap, arriving at the Myouren Temple within seconds.
>_
-
>"Here we are."
>Close the gao and head inside.
-
>"Here we are."
>Close the gao and head inside.
>You wait for the rest of your group before closing the gap and heading inside.
>Byakuren is there in the main room, "Ah, I see you've returned."
>_
-
>"Indeed, how is Koishi ?"
-
>"Indeed, how is Koishi ?"
>"She has fallen asleep."
>_
-
>"I see..."
>Smile.
>"Well, as you can see, we found that youkai you talked about."
-
>"I see..."
>Smile.
>"Well, as you can see, we found that youkai you talked about."
>"Oh?" she looks at Sumireko and Matenshi. "Ah, I see. So you are...?"
>"Sumireko Usami./Matenshi." they both respond.
>"Well it's nice to meet you as you really are." Byakuren does a slight bow.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I also had them examine me, and my suspicions were right... i apparently have a faint fragment of that person still inside me, a dark remnant in her words..."
>Look worried.
>"She also said it's nature makes it seem like it won't just go away either..."
-
>Nod.
>"I also had them examine me, and my suspicions were right... i apparently have a faint fragment of that person still inside me, a dark remnant in her words..."
>Look worried.
>"She also said it's nature makes it seem like it won't just go away either..."
>"Hmm... Do you think maybe it can be exorcised and sealed away?"
>_
-
>"I don't know... she was supposedly exterminated in the past, but it was only her body, and her life force stayed alive."
>Frown.
>"I was planning to come on terms with her, she is a part of me now for all i know, and like it or not, we are probably gonna be together for my whole life..."
-
>"Unless something can be done about it... I don't think I can trust her after what she's done. Not just the main thing, but betraying my trust like that..."
-
>"I don't know... she was supposedly exterminated in the past, but it was only her body, and her life force stayed alive."
>Frown.
>"I was planning to come on terms with her, she is a part of me now for all i know, and like it or not, we are probably gonna be together for my whole life..."
>"Unless something can be done about it... I don't think I can trust her after what she's done. Not just the main thing, but betraying my trust like that..."
>"Hmm... Well hopefully you can find a solution. If you wish, I could support you if I can."
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>Nod and smile.
>"Fortunately Kyouko and Mystia's show was more than enough to make up for it, it was just incredible, so many people of different races united under a single banner..."
>Look at Kyouko.
-
>"Thank you."
>Nod and smile.
>"Fortunately Kyouko and Mystia's show was more than enough to make up for it, it was just incredible, so many people of different races united under a single banner..."
>Look at Kyouko.
>"You didn't find it loud and rude?" Byakuren asks.
>Kyouko fidgets a bit.
>_
-
>"Of course not. It was loud, but it was exciting. It was uplifting and encouraging! Everyone's spirits were so high, a-and it helped take my mind off of the bad things that have happened so far. It was like a relaxing bath, but with a bunch of people. It may not have sounded like it, but it felt like it. And everyone was connected to the same thing and enjoying it and having a good time."
-
>"What makes something rude is if the people agree or enjoy it, and everyone that i saw at the show was clearly enjoying everything, i am sure that they have the potential to make wonders for the world with their music, just like people in my world did."
-
>"Of course not. It was loud, but it was exciting. It was uplifting and encouraging! Everyone's spirits were so high, a-and it helped take my mind off of the bad things that have happened so far. It was like a relaxing bath, but with a bunch of people. It may not have sounded like it, but it felt like it. And everyone was connected to the same thing and enjoying it and having a good time."
>"What makes something rude is if the people agree or enjoy it, and everyone that i saw at the show was clearly enjoying everything, i am sure that they have the potential to make wonders for the world with their music, just like people in my world did."
>"I realize music can be a powerful tool, yes, and I support that. It's just that I find the way Kyouko and her... friend... go about it to be wrong and unbecoming of a priestess in training such as her..."
>_
-
>"There is nothing wrong to express yourself in such a way, many people on my world did so, and it was people like Kyouko and chamged the world for the better, going as far as to even aid in ending was using their songs."
>Put a hand on Kyouko's shoulder.
>"I was told that people didn't think your friendliness to youkai was correct in the past, yet you still went on with your beliefs and ended here now, then wouldn't it be fair of you to let her have the same right ? The right to go on with her beliefs and passion and to use them to make the world a better place ?"
-
//I want to try this real quick before you try that historical thing.
>"Can I ask what would be becoming of a priestess in training? Is the way she's bringing others together not good?"
-
//Okay.
-
//I want to try this real quick before you try that historical thing.
>"Can I ask what would be becoming of a priestess in training? Is the way she's bringing others together not good?"
>"Why following the practices of buddhism, such as the noble eight fold path is one thing, and I know she does that for the most part. As for the music, perhaps she shouldn't scream out her problems and play a softer genre that isn't as disruptive and loud...."
>_
-
//Go for it.
-
>"There is nothing wrong to express yourself in such a way, many people on my world did so, and it was people like Kyouko and chamged the world for the better, going as far as to even aid in ending was using their songs."
>Put a hand on Kyouko's shoulder.
>"I was told that people didn't think your friendliness to youkai was correct in the past, yet you still went on with your beliefs and ended here now, then wouldn't it be fair of you to let her have the same right ? The right to go on with her beliefs and passion and to use them to make the world a better place ?"
-
>"There is nothing wrong to express yourself in such a way, many people on my world did so, and it was people like Kyouko and chamged the world for the better, going as far as to even aid in ending was using their songs."
>Put a hand on Kyouko's shoulder.
>"I was told that people didn't think your friendliness to youkai was correct in the past, yet you still went on with your beliefs and ended here now, then wouldn't it be fair of you to let her have the same right ? The right to go on with her beliefs and passion and to use them to make the world a better place ?"
>Byakuren frowns a bit, "Hmm... I suppose if you put it that way, perhaps I am, in a way, doing to her what others did to me a long time ago..."
>she sighs.
>"Very well. Kyouko, I still do not approve of what you are doing, but I will allow you to continue, on the condition that you either play quieter, or farther from the village, so you don't disturb the sleep of others... Other than that, I only ask that you remember that you are only hurting yourself and your chances of reaching enlightenment if you continue down this path... "
>"But Hijiri-sama, we can't really play any quieter... and we don't really have a better spot...." Kyouko frowns.
>_
-
>"That is only on your point of view Miss Hijiri, no one can say how this will end, assuming that this can only end in harming her path is the same as assuming an suspicious-looking person is always a criminal.."
>Frown too.
>"As for the latter... maybe i could help."
>Turn to Chen.
>"Hey Chen, is Mayohiga completely abandoned other than you three ?"
-
//You're planning on letting them have concerts with bunches of species right nextdoor to Yukari, the Hibernating Youkai Sage...?
-
//You're planning on letting them have concerts with bunches of species right nextdoor to Yukari, the Hibernating Youkai Sage...?
//That should make her snooze less. :v
//But really, if Mayohiga is completely abandoned, then maybe there is an open field around that can act as a spot, besides... i doubt Yukari doesn't know anything about earmuffs.
-
>"That is only on your point of view Miss Hijiri, no one can say how this will end, assuming that this can only end in harming her path is the same as assuming an suspicious-looking person is always a criminal.."
>Frown too.
>"As for the latter... maybe i could help."
>Turn to Chen.
>"Hey Chen, is Mayohiga completely abandoned other than you three ?"
>"Well, there's a few feral cats, but yeah..." Chen replies, "But, Mayohiga is really really really really far away."
>_
-
>"We can always use gaps to transport everyone Chen, besides, won't thag make Mayohiga a lot more lively ? Maybe people might even decide to start living there again."
-
//We've been using gaps waay too freely and how many concert-goes are gonna actually head into something suspicious like that? I really think we should find another way to satisfy Byakuren's problems.
-
>"We can always use gaps to transport everyone Chen, besides, won't thag make Mayohiga a lot more lively ? Maybe people might even decide to start living there again."
>"I don't think Ran-sama and Yukari-sama would like that very much..." she frowns and her cat ears droop.
>_
-
>"Hm... well... what about that spot where Rin's old home was at ?"
-
>"Hm... well... what about that spot where Rin's old home was at ?"
>Chen shrugs.
>_
-
>"Hm... well, we will find an way."
>Smile.
>"See Kyouko ? I told you i was gonna help out, it was just that Miss Hijiri has a different mindset than yours, so the exact methods she uses aren't really suited for the rest of you."
-
>"Hm... well, we will find an way."
>Smile.
>"See Kyouko ? I told you i was gonna help out, it was just that Miss Hijiri has a different mindset than yours, so the exact methods she uses aren't really suited for the rest of you."
>"I see..." Kyouko smiles, "Thanks."
>_
-
>"You're welcome, helping people is what i seem to do the best."
>Smile.
>"So Koishi is asleep right ? Then i guess we should too, tomorrow is a new day after all."
-
>"You're welcome, helping people is what i seem to do the best."
>Smile.
>"So Koishi is asleep right ? Then i guess we should too, tomorrow is a new day after all."
>"Yes." says Byakuren "And I still have that room prepared for you, I can show you there if you'd like."
>_
-
>"Please do, we are so exhausted..."
-
>"Please do, we are so exhausted..."
>"Right this way, then."
>_
-
>Take Renko's hand as we follow.
-
>Take Renko's hand as we follow.
>You hold Renko's hand and follow Byakuren.
>She eventually takes you to a room where five futons are laid out. Okuu is already laying in one of them.
>"Oh, my apologies, it seems we're one bed short. Let me grab another."
>_
-
>Wait warmly.
-
>Wait warmly.
>Byakuren starts to leave before Renko speaks up.
>"Wait, Merry and I could share a bed. That way you don't have to make another trip." she looks to you, "Uh... If it's okay with you of course..."
>"Well, you don't have to," says Byakuren, "but I'm fine with whatever you decide."
>_
-
>"It's perfect."
>Smile.
>"I guess we are ready then."
-
>"So which one should we get?"
-
>"It's perfect."
>Smile.
>"I guess we are ready then."
>"Very well. Is there anything else you need before you sleep?"
>"So which one should we get?"
>"Hmm... How about that one?" Renko points to the one closest to the opposite wall.
-
>"Works just fine."
>Nod.
-
>"Works just fine."
>Nod.
>"Alright." Renko smiles.
>Byakuren is still patiently waiting for an answer.
-
>"Um... just a glass of water now if i may."
-
>"Um... just a glass of water now if i may."
>Byakuren nods before leaving the room.
>_
-
>Turn to Matenshi.
>"So... you wanted to talk about something before, what ?"
-
>Head to the futon as we speak.
-
>Turn to Matenshi.
>"So... you wanted to talk about something before, what ?"
>Head to the futon as we speak.
>"Huh? Well uh..." Matenshi frowns, "I honestly don't remember, so it probably wasn't important..."
>_
-
>"It was before we went to the Show, you didn't wanna talk about it before..."
>Smile.
>"It's alright really, please tell us."
-
>"It was before we went to the Show, you didn't wanna talk about it before..."
>Smile.
>"It's alright really, please tell us."
>"Yeah, Matenshi, we're all curious." says Sumireko.
>"Curious about what?" Renko asks.
>Chen looks equally confused.
>"Look, it's nothing. I'd appreciate it if you'd quit probing me..."
>_
-
>"Matenshi... if you aren't going to say it, then i will try to guess it."
>Nod.
>"Were you gonna suggest us to live where you lived before ?"
-
>"Matenshi... if you aren't going to say it, then i will try to guess it."
>Nod.
>"Were you gonna suggest us to live where you lived before ?"
>Matenshi doesn't answer and gets into a futon.
>_
-
>Approach her carefully.
>"Is that it ? Tell us Matenshi, because honestly... i think it's a great idea."
-
>Approach her carefully.
>"Is that it ? Tell us Matenshi, because honestly... i think it's a great idea."
>"Absolutely not." Matenshi glares at you.
>_
-
>Defy the glare.
>"Look, stop hiding stuff from us, you know you can trust us."
>Sigh.
-
>Reform to "please stop hiding stuff from us...etc."
-
>Defy the glare.
>"Look, stop hiding stuff from us, you know you can trust us."
>Sigh.
>Reform to "please stop hiding stuff from us...etc."
>"Look, will you just drop it already?"
>_
-
>"I don't thing none of us will... look, you aren't the one with a fragment of *her* inside of yourself and will have to endure another nightmare, so please at least tell us just that..."
-
>"I don't thing none of us will... look, you aren't the one with a fragment of *her* inside of yourself and will have to endure another nightmare, so please at least tell us just that..."
>"How many times do I have to tell you to drop it! Gods! Why are you even concerned about this so much, you're not my... m-mother..."
>She turns her back to you and lays down. Throwing the covers over her.
>_
-
>Return to our futon.
>Hit ourself.
>"Stupid Maribel! You should've dropped it! Couldn't even save one person and from a situation you let happen by getting manipulated! You keep... m-making... things worse."
>Tear up a little.
-
>Return to our futon.
>Hit ourself.
>"Stupid Maribel! You should've dropped it! Couldn't even save one person and from a situation you let happen by getting manipulated! You keep... m-making... things worse."
>Tear up a little.
>You head to your futon and smack yourself.
>Renko comes over to you and puts a hand on your shoulder.
>"Merry, don't do that..." she frowns.
>_
-
>Look down.
>"I'm sorry for messing so many things up Renko..."
-
>Look down.
>"I'm sorry for messing so many things up Renko..."
>Renko hugs you.
>"Hey, don't be so down... Besides, you have done many helpful things, right?"
>_
-
>"Like what?"
-
>"Like what?"
>"You defeated YuugenMagan... You helped Kyouko, Sumireko, Matenshi, and what's their name... uh... Shingyoku... You also stuck by me all this time... Not to mention what you did for Rin and Rengeteki..."
>Renko's hug gets tighter.
>_
-
>Return the hug.
>"We don't know if YuugenMagan's plans are stopped yet... Things might even turn out worse... ...I'm scared..."
-
>Return the hug.
>"We don't know if YuugenMagan's plans are stopped yet... Things might even turn out worse... ...I'm scared..."
>"We'll get through this. Don't worry. I'll be with you every step of the way."
>_
-
>Hug tighter.
-
>Hug tighter.
>You embrace...
>_
-
>"I don't want anything more bad to happen Renko... There's been too much."
-
>"I don't want anything more bad to happen Renko... There's been too much."
>"I don't want anything like that to happen either... But if it does, remember that you will always have me."
>_
-
>"What if something bad happens to us. L-Like, YuugenMagan could do something..."
-
>"What if something bad happens to us. L-Like, YuugenMagan could do something..."
>"W-Well, one of us could get Miss Yukari, right?"
>_
-
>"But Mayohiga is so far... and if Chen and Miss Ran are taken out, then what would you do ?"
-
>"But Mayohiga is so far... and if Chen and Miss Ran are taken out, then what would you do ?"
>"I-I'll find a way then."
>_
-
"...thanks Renko..."
>Smile a bit.
>"Hey... are Ren and Rin still over at the shack ?"
-
"...thanks Renko..."
>Smile a bit.
>"Hey... are Ren and Rin still over at the shack ?"
>"I need a view of the sky to tell you that, but they were the last time I checked."
>_
-
>"Hm... i wonder..."
>Make a gap in front of her that leads to a spot on the sky.
>"Can you do it like this ?"
-
>If that doesn't work, try to make a gap that leads from above her to right above the roof if we can. Making it as if she could see through the ceiling.
-
>"Hm... i wonder..."
>Make a gap in front of her that leads to a spot on the sky.
>"Can you do it like this ?"
>"Hmm..." Renko sticks her head through, then pulls it back, "Yeah, they're still there."
>_
-
>"Okay, i guess that way works then."
>Smile.
>"Good night everyone..."
-
>"Okay, i guess that way works then."
>Smile.
>"Good night everyone..."
>"Goodnight." Sumireko replies as she lays down.
>"G'night Miss Maribel and Miss Renko!" says Chen.
>_
-
>Lie down and kiss Renko.
-
>Lie down and kiss Renko.
>You do so.
>_
-
>"Goodnight Renko."
-
>"Goodnight Renko."
>"Goodnight, Merry." she gives you a concerned expression, "I hope you sleep well tonight..."
>_
-
>Nod and try to get some sleep.
-
>Nod and try to get some sleep.
>You allow yourself to drift off...
>...
>You are in a dark place, bones and blood lie scattered along the ground. A lone figure stands on the opposite side of the clearing, her back to you.
>You think this might be another memory...
>_
-
>Examine ourself.
-
>Examine ourself.
>You cannot move your body...
>"You know, there will be a massive retaliation if we go through with this plan of yours..." the woman at the opposite end of the clearing says, turning around. There is blood dripping out of her mouth, and a bloody skull in her hand.
>She looks and sounds like Rumia, but more mature....
>"And you're just worried about this now?" you ask in YuugenMagan's voice, "Besides, you're already committed. They're definitely going to notice this many humans missing sooner or later."
>"I know very well what I was getting into... I just want to be sure that if things go south, you'll be there to have my back..."
>"Why, of course. What kind of person do you think I am, Rumia? I'm not just going to abandon you..."
>"I'll hold you to that." she drops the skull to the ground and wipes her face, "Now, when do we begin?"
>You feel yourself grin, "Now seems like a perfect time... You remember what to do, right?"
>"Yes."
>...
>You feel your eyes open, it's still dark. You're sweating...
>There is a glass of water on the floor next to you.
>_
-
>Examine ourself now, then drink some of the water.
-
>Examine ourself now, then drink some of the water.
>You examine yourself.
>You are under the blanket still, and you're definitely you. Renko seems to still be asleep, and her arms are around you.
>You take the glass of water and begin to drink.
>You notice a winged silhouette move from Matenshi's futon towards Sumireko's.
-
>Observe.
-
>Observe.
>The silhouette gets into Sumireko's bed.
>"H-Huh!? Maten-"
>"Shut up... I couldn't sleep..."
>"...Did you really miss being together that m-"
>"I SAID SHUT UP! DO YOU WANT TO WAKE THEM UP!? L-Look... I was just feeling a little cold okay?"
>"H-Hey... It's fine... it's not the first time we've shared a bed anyway... Besides, I kinda missed the feeling of sleeping on comfy wings." Sumireko giggles a bit.
>"SHHHHH!"
>_
-
>Set the cup down silently if we haven't already.
>Sit up suddenly with a gasp loud enough for them to hear, but quiet enough to not wake Renko.
>Start trying to catch our breath and wipe some sweat.
-
>Set the cup down silently if we haven't already.
>Sit up suddenly with a gasp loud enough for them to hear, but quiet enough to not wake Renko.
>You set down the cup.
>You would probably wake Renko anyway, since she has her arms wrapped around you. Do you continue?
>_
-
>No...
>Can we get our phone from here?
-
>No...
>Can we get our phone from here?
>Your satchel is within arm's reach, so yes, you could.
>_
-
>Continue watching the two.
-
>Continue watching the two.
>You continue to observe:
>"So... Mind if I ask exactly what you were going to say back then?" Sumireko asks
>"Oh, come on, not you too..."
>"Well... Everyone else is asleep now... I figured you probably wanted to talk about it in private..."
>Matenshi is silent for a moment, "Oh, alright, fine... But keep in mind this is a stupid idea..." she pauses "I was wondering if perhaps... uh... there was a way for you to ascend..."
>"Ascend?"
>"You have the essence of archangels inside you: Their power... I was thinking that... if you wanted... there might be away to use that power to ascend and become a new archangel..."
>"I see..." Sumireko pauses, "Matenshi... Do you... like me...?"
>"U-Uh... well, of course I do... you're a friend..."
>"N-No... I mean um... more than that..."
>"T-That's crazy talk! We've only known each other a couple of days! That kind of stuff never happens that fast! Idiot."
>"Oh..."
>_
-
>"Mmm."
>Snuggle a bit closer to Renko and hold her in return.
-
>"Mmm."
>Snuggle a bit closer to Renko and hold her in return.
>You do so. You fell Renko's grip on you tighten.
>_
-
>Examine Renko.
-
>Examine Renko.
>Renko is sleeping peacefully. Both of you have your arms around each other.
>_
-
>Gently let go and try to break away for her grip.
>Afterwards, slowly get up and examine ourselves and our surroundings.
//I wanna reveal that we heard their conversation earlier so that we can offer aid to them.
-
//Alright... Recommend saying: "You guys can't sleep either?"
Unless you have a better way to confront them after that scene you had with Matenshi...
-
//Nah, that seems perfect, because it's true.
>Once we do those actions: Lightly. "You guys can't sleep either?"
-
>Gently let go and try to break away for her grip.
>Afterwards, slowly get up and examine ourselves and our surroundings.
>You slowly let go of Renko and slip out of her arms gently.
>You stand up. You still look like you, and everyone else is lying down. Chen and Okuu seem to be fast asleep.
//Nah, that seems perfect, because it's true.
>Once we do those actions: Lightly. "You guys can't sleep either?"
>You see Matenshi's silhouette jump.
>"Dammit, Sumireko I told you to keep it down!"
>_
-
>Lightly. "It's okay, she didn't wake me up... it was another nightmare..."
>Slowly head to them and sit there with a slight smile.
>Lightly. "So i heard your idea... and i have to admit, it's not bad either... but does an ascension into an Archangel work similarly to an ascension into godhood ?"
-
>Don't head to them yet. Don't speak the other line yet.
//Again, we can't just go bursting into "HEY LET ME HELP YOU!" mode, especially with how she thinks of us. She was annoyed at us for trying to get involved. We can't just start casually talking like we're already involved. Don't wanna make this too long or I'll miss the parse...
-
>Lightly. "It's okay, she didn't wake me up... it was another nightmare..."
>"Oh... H-How much of that did you hear...?"
>she quickly gets out of Sumireko's bed, causing her to yelp a little.
>"A-And don't get any ideas! T-This isn't what it looks like!"
>_
-
>Sigh.
>Lightly. "...all of it... i'm sorry if i wasn't supposed too... and don't worry, i can keep a secret."
-
>"Don't you think the others would notice if you were both in the same futon when one of them awoke? Wouldn't that have been worse?"
-
>Sigh.
>Lightly. "...all of it... i'm sorry if i wasn't supposed too... and don't worry, i can keep a secret."
>"Don't you think the others would notice if you were both in the same futon when one of them awoke? Wouldn't that have been worse?"
>"I- we- UGH! Just go back to sleep! You saw nothing. Goodnight, Sumireko..." Matenshi storms off to her futon
>"O-Oh... Goodnight, Matenshi..."
>_
-
>Lightly. "...if only it was that easy... i dunno what is waiting for me on those nightmares... and considering they are based on *her* memories..."
>Shiver.
>"This feels like a curse..."
-
>"...Sumireko, could you lend an ear? The nightmare I had and something that almost happened earlier connect to each other..."
-
>Lightly. "...if only it was that easy... i dunno what is waiting for me on those nightmares... and considering they are based on *her* memories..."
>Shiver.
>"This feels like a curse..."
>"I'm sorry you have to go through that..." says Sumireko.
>"...Sumireko, could you lend an ear? The nightmare I had and something that almost happened earlier connect to each other..."
>"Hmm?"
>_
-
>"...I-I'll tell you and Renko when it's morning... I don't wanna have to think about it anymore tonight... I'm sorry for interrupting you two..."
-
>"...I-I'll tell you and Renko when it's morning... I don't wanna have to think about it anymore tonight... I'm sorry for interrupting you two..."
>"Okay... And It's fine..." Sumireko replies.
>_
-
>"It seems like Matenshi hates me..."
>Lie back down and get comfy with Renko.
>"Sorry..."
-
>"It seems like Matenshi hates me..."
>"Nah, she's probably in a bad mood."
>Lie back down and get comfy with Renko.
>"Sorry..."
>You get comfy...
>"Don't be." Sumireko replies.
>_
-
>"I'll see you in the morning..."
-
>Lightly. "Well.. if i can fall asleep again..."
-
Uuuuh wrong thread dude
-
>"I'll see you in the morning..."
>Lightly. "Well.. if i can fall asleep again..."
>"Good night."
Uuuuh wrong thread dude
// ???
>_
-
//I had misposted here and editted. :V
>Try to go back to sleep...
-
//I had misposted here and editted. :V
>Try to go back to sleep...
>You drift off...
>...
>You awaken, still snuggled with Renko. Light fills the room.
>_
-
>Slowly get up and look around again...
-
>Slowly get up and look around again...
>You start to get up, only to feel Renko hug you tighter.
>"Mmmm... Good morning, Merry."
>_
-
>Return the gesture.
>"Morning Renko..."
-
>Return the gesture.
>"Morning Renko..."
>You hug her a bit.
>"Did you sleep well?" Renko asks, you can hear the concern in her voice.
>_
-
>"Sorta... the nightmare wasn't as bad today... but it was still creepy, and also important..."
-
>"I... had another one about her... This one was still terrifying, since it involved someone we met earlier..."
>Hug a bit tigher.
>"You remember Rumia?"
-
>"Sorta... the nightmare wasn't as bad today... but it was still creepy, and also important..."
>"I... had another one about her... This one was still terrifying, since it involved someone we met earlier..."
>Hug a bit tigher.
>"You remember Rumia?"
>You embrace a bit tighter, Renko does it in return.
>"Yeah? What about her?"
>_
-
>"She was in it too... and as her true self..."
>Look sad.
>"It seems like the two were working together for something..."
-
>"I... think I saw... how she looked when she wasn't sealed. That eye appearing on my hand and me almost taking off her ribbon makes me think that YuugenMagan wants to undo that..."
-
>"She was in it too... and as her true self..."
>Look sad.
>"It seems like the two were working together for something..."
>"I... think I saw... how she looked when she wasn't sealed. That eye appearing on my hand and me almost taking off her ribbon makes me think that YuugenMagan wants to undo that..."
>"Oh..." Renko frowns, "If that's true then... I wonder what YuugenMagan wants with her..."
>_
-
>"Probably to abuse her powers and wreck havoc around Gensokyo..."
>Look sad.
>"We need to help out that mirror girl as soon as possible, that way she will finally be reunited with Rumia and Rumia will then probably go have a peaceful life and release the darkness she accumulated..."
-
>"Probably to abuse her powers and wreck havoc around Gensokyo..."
>Look sad.
>"We need to help out that mirror girl as soon as possible, that way she will finally be reunited with Rumia and Rumia will then probably go have a peaceful life and release the darkness she accumulated..."
>"Yeah... So, what do you plan to do?"
>_
-
>"They said it was similar to a seal, so we need to find people that have knowledge about seals..."
-
>"They said it was similar to a seal, so we need to find people that have knowledge about seals..."
>"Do you think your m- er... Miss Yukari might know something...?"
>_
-
>"I think I should ask..."
>Retrieve our notepad.
-
>"I think I should ask..."
>Retrieve our notepad.
>You take out your notebook.
>_
-
>Write an note saying: "Don't feel any different today, will try new things again soon, also, do you know anything or anyone that has expert knowledge about seals and the likes ?"
-
>Write an note saying: "Don't feel any different today, will try new things again soon, also, do you know anything or anyone that has expert knowledge about seals and the likes ?"
>You start to write...
>_
-
>Include in the note: "Or do you know anything about Rumia?"
-
>Include in the note: "Or do you know anything about Rumia?"
>You add to the note as you finish.
>_
-
>Send it via Hatgapnet.
-
>Send it via Hatgapnet.
>You pick up your hat to find a crumpled piece of paper beneath it.
>_
-
>Pick it up and send the one we have, then read the one we received.
-
>Don't send it yet. Read the new one first.
-
>Don't send it yet. Read the new one first.
>You read the note.
Five gaps? Alright, that's about what I expected. Thank you for informing me.
-Yukari
>_
-
>Okay, now we send it.
-
>Okay, now we send it.
>You drop the new note into the hat.
>_
-
>"Done and done..."
>Look around.
-
>"Done and done..."
>Look around.
>You look around.
>Okuu is still asleep, and is noticeably snoring. You notice Chen, on the futon closest to her, holding her pillow over her ears.
>Sumireko is sitting up, and stretching.
>_
-
>Watch our hat a bit with a worried expression.
-
>Approach Chen silently.
-
>Watch our hat a bit with a worried expression.
>You watch your hat a bit.
>Approach Chen silently.
>After you get tired of watching your hat, you start to approach Chen.
>_
-
>Poke Chen.
-
>Poke Chen.
>You give Chen a light poke.
>She jumps a little, spinning around to see you, before her ears perk up.
>"Oh, good morning, Miss Maribel!" she smiles.
>_
-
>"Morning Chen, how are you ?"
-
>"Morning Chen, how are you ?"
>"I'm fine, what about you?" she replies.
>_
-
>"You seemed pretty bothered about a certain noise..."
-
>"You seemed pretty bothered about a certain noise..."
>Chen looks over at Okuu.
>"O-Okay, I lied... she started snoring a few hours ago and I've been trying to go back to sleep ever since...."
>_
-
>"Hm..."
>We can manipulate boundaries... Maybe we could do something about Chen's problem... Making Chen deaf might not be good though. We should try things like that and the giant gap another time.
>Inventory Check.
-
>"Hm..."
>We can manipulate boundaries... Maybe we could do something about Chen's problem... Making Chen deaf might not be good though. We should try things like that and the giant gap another time.
>You wonder if you should try manipulating conceptual boundaries like that sometime...
>Inventory Check.
>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 (Nearby)
>>A white cap that you wear almost all the time.
>Satchel (Nearby) (capacity: 18/20 units)
>>A bag for carrying items. Has a limited carrying capacity.
>Cellphone (1 unit)
>>A communication device used to call other people. You doubt this would be of much use in Gensokyo...
>Coin Pouch (2 units)
>>A bag filled with coins from Makai. You gave some of them to Kagerou.
>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?
>_
-
>"I see... well, i wanna stop by my house in the outside world and check something, so you can take a quick nap at my bed in the meanwhile if you want dear."
>Pet Chen to make her relax some.
-
>"I see... well, i wanna stop by my house in the outside world and check something, so you can take a quick nap at my bed in the meanwhile if you want dear."
>Pet Chen to make her relax some.
>Chen purrs a bit at the petting.
>"Me? Go to the outside world... would that really be okay though...?"
>_
-
>"Well, you won't be going anywhere outside my room... so it should be okay right ?"
>Does our room have any windows ?
>Do we have a house or an apartment ?
-
>"Well, you won't be going anywhere outside my room... so it should be okay right ?"
>"I dunno..."
>Does our room have any windows ?
>Do we have a house or an apartment ?
>You live in an apartment. Your room does have windows.
>_
-
>"I'll close the windows, just stay on the bed and cover yourself with a blanket, it will be quick."
-
>"I'll close the windows, just stay on the bed and cover yourself with a blanket, it will be quick."
>Chen closes her eyes for a few seconds.
>"Ran-sama says Yukari-sama says it's okay as long as I don't leave your house. But Ran-sama doesn't like it..."
>_
-
>"Hmm... it's your choice Chen, you don't have to come, you could go stay with Renko in the meanwhile too."
-
>"Hmm... it's your choice Chen, you don't have to come, you could go stay with Renko in the meanwhile too."
>"Well I'm supposed to keep an eye on Miss Renko anyway... So I think I'll stay here for now. Thanks for the offer, though."
>_
-
>"Okay."
>Make a gap leading back to our room at home, then head through and close it.
>Search for our laptop.
-
//W-Wait!? We're not seriously going to view personal files are we? I was just about to say we should find Rikako before I read on.
-
//I dunno... maybe...
-
//Ah drat, it's not nighttime anymore either, meaning we don't have any chance at all for Renko locating her...
-
>"Okay."
>Make a gap leading back to our room at home, then head through and close it.
>You head back home
>Search for our laptop.
>Your laptop is on the desk where you left it. Still connected to its charger.
>_
-
//So ?
-
//I really don't think we should. Possible viruses or harm to our computer. A locater... That sort of thing and worse might be possible if she has a jetpack already (iirc). Technology is scary, especially when it's more advanced than yours. Of course, it could just be lewd or actual info she's collecting, but we have no business with that. Let's just get it back to her and tell her we didn't view it.
-
//Well, we ARE at the outside world... but if you say so...
-
//I can still join right?
>do we have headphones or earmuffs here? If so, get them.
-
//I can still join right?
>do we have headphones or earmuffs here? If so, get them.
//The game is open, believe it or not. Anyone is welcome to join at anytime. In fact, the reason I'm doing this quest in a "act-based" series is to encourage late arrivals. Though it seems to be pretty much the same as it would've been if I didn't do it in acts. :P
>You don't have headphones, but you do have some earbuds.
>_
-
>Take them.
-
>Take them.
>You take your earbuds.
>OBTAINED: Earbuds
>>Used to listen to music without disturbing others.
>_
-
>Gap back.
-
>Gap back.
>You leave your laptop there and start to head back.
>_
-
>hold the earbuds behind our back, then approach Chen.
-
>hold the earbuds behind our back, then approach Chen.
>You head through the gap, and start approaching Chen with the earbuds concealed.
>_
-
>Poke Chen.
>"Hey Chen, do you still need something to protect your ears ?"
-
>Poke Chen.
>"Hey Chen, do you still need something to protect your ears ?"
>Chen looks over.
>"Well... she might wake up soon, I think..."
>_
-
>"Oh. Alright then."
>Store the headpho-
>Actually...
>Ponder if it would fit in our chest...
>Shake the thought and store them normally.
-
>"I was thinking of giving you this."
>show them to her.
>"They're called earbuds. Back i the outside world we use them to listen to music without bothering others, but it can be used to muffle sounds."
-
>"Oh. Alright then."
>Store the headpho-
>Actually...
>Ponder if it would fit in our chest...
>Shake the thought and store them normally.
>You ponder...
>They probably could fit in your cleavage, but you decide against it and make a note to stick them in your satchel when you get back over there.
>"I was thinking of giving you this."
>show them to her.
>"They're called earbuds. Back i the outside world we use them to listen to music without bothering others, but it can be used to muffle sounds."
>You show Chen the earbuds.
>"Nya? But how can you listen to music if they block sounds?"
>_
-
>"They block the sound from the ambient, the outside, like, if you had them on, it would make it harder for me to talk with you."
-
>Point to the ear parts.
>"Here is where they go near your ears. You hear sounds come from these."
>Point to the cord's end.
>"And here is where you plug them in to a certain device that can play music."
>Is our phone capable of playing music? Do we have any? Is there a headphone jack for it?
-
>"They block the sound from the ambient, the outside, like, if you had them on, it would make it harder for me to talk with you."
>Point to the ear parts.
>"Here is where they go near your ears. You hear sounds come from these."
>Point to the cord's end.
>"And here is where you plug them in to a certain device that can play music."
>"Okay..." Chen examines the device as you explain.
>Is our phone capable of playing music? Do we have any? Is there a headphone jack for it?
>Yes, yes, and yes.
>_
-
>"Okay, now put them in your humanoid ears, and tap your cat ears."
-
>"Okay, now put them in your humanoid ears, and tap your cat ears."
>Chen takes the earpieces and places them in her human ears, then gives her cat ears a literal tap with her hands.
>"I feel silly..."
>_
-
>Take out our phone and browse to some calming music.
-
>Take out our phone and browse to some calming music.
>You begin to browse...
>_
-
>Locate one and plug it in. Make sure the volume's not too high.
-
>Locate one and plug it in. Make sure the volume's not too high.
>You find a relaxing sounding song and plug in the earbuds, making sure the volume isn't too loud.
>_
-
>Watch the cute Neko.
-
>Watch the cute Neko.
>One of Chen's cat ears twitches as she listens.
>_
-
>"Hehe."
-
>"Hehe."
>She pulls out the earbuds with a curious look one her face, then slowly moves them closer to her ears again.
>_
-
>"Do you like it?"
-
>"Do you like it?"
>Chen nods slightly. "So the music is coming from there, right?" she holds up the earbuds.
>_
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>"Huh..."
>She begins to move the earbuds toward her cat ears.
>_
-
>Watch.
-
>Watch.
>it's clumsy, but she manages to put them in there. You watch as her ears twitch, before one of the buds falls out.
>_
-
>Try to hold one of the buds in or near her cat ears.
-
>Try to hold one of the buds in or near her cat ears.
>You grab the fallen bud and hold it to the cat ear it fell out of.
>"Eh... I think I'm going to stick with the other ears...."
>You notice Okuu beginning to stir.
>_
-
>"Well now you have another use for them !"
>Smile, then head to Okuu.
-
>"Are you done with them?"
-
>"Well now you have another use for them !"
>"Are you done with them?"
>"I guess?"
>Smile, then head to Okuu.
>You head over to Okuu.
>"Nnnn.... Good morning..." she stretches, "Uh... What was your name again...? Was it... Mary-Anne?"
>_
-
>"Hehe, close, it's Maribel, Okyu."
>Giggle.
-
>"But you can call me Mary for short."
-
>"Hehe, close, it's Maribel, Okyu."
>Giggle.
>"But you can call me Mary for short."
>"Unyu? 'Okyu'? What's an 'Okyu'?" she tilts her head.
>_
-
>"Isn't that your name ?"
-
>"Isn't that your name ?"
>"No, I'm Okuu, not Okyu... Well, if you wanna be really formal, I'm Utsuho..."
>_
-
>"Mokuu ? That sounds like Mokou..."
-
>"Mokuu ? That sounds like Mokou..."
>"Unyu? What the hell is a Mokou?!"
-
>"Mokou is the name of a person i know. She has white hair and really fancy pants."
-
>Glance over to Renko.
-
>"Hehe, i'm just joking, i know your name is Okuu."
>Giggle and pat her shoulder.
-
>"Hehe, i'm just joking, i know your name is Okuu."
>Giggle and pat her shoulder.
>"Oh..."
>"Mokou is the name of a person i know. She has white hair and really fancy pants."
>"So she's a real fancy-pants?"
>Glance over to Renko.
>Renko is sitting up, looking at you.
>_
-
>Shrug.
>Check our hat
-
>Shrug.
>Check our hat
>You check your hat.
>There is a slip of paper underneath it.
>_
-
>Take it and read it.
-
>Take it and read it.
>You read.
A shrine maiden would be your best source for the information you seek. Gensokyo has two, if I recall, one of which would be Reimu. And while I, myself, do have knowledge of seals, I would not advise getting me involved in whatever you're planning unless its absolutely necessary, especially since you should have the capacity to do some of the things I can already do with them at your current power level, and you should be able to figure those out without my assistance.
As for Rumia, yes, I know of her... Is there anything in particular you wish to know?
-Yukari
>_
-
>Write in a note: Can you tell me of her past? Or how she was without the ofuda she has?
>Ponder meeting up with Yukari in person again... Do we have a good schedule for it today?
-
>Write in a note: Can you tell me of her past? Or how she was without the ofuda she has?
>Ponder meeting up with Yukari in person again... Do we have a good schedule for it today?
>You write...
>Aside from resolving Koishi's issues, you don't have any plans.
>_
-
>So we should resolve Koishi issues, meet with Yukari about our visions and Rumia's seal, then probably investigate things with Kikuri and Rumia...
-
>So we should resolve Koishi issues, meet with Yukari about our visions and Rumia's seal, then probably investigate things with Kikuri and Rumia...
>You start scheduling...
>_
-
>If Chen's done using our headphones, retrieve them.
-
>If Chen's done using our headphones, retrieve them.
>Chen is still holding them.
>"So... is that the only music these can play, Miss Maribel?"
>_
-
>"Of course not. There's other music too."
>Check our phone for a tune we like.
>"What kind do you want to hear?"
-
>"Of course not. There's other music too."
>Check our phone for a tune we like.
>"What kind do you want to hear?"
>Chen shrugs as you begin to check your phone. "I'm just more curious than anything."
>_
-
>Pick one of our favorites.
-
>Pick one of our favorites.
>You eventually find one of your favorites.
>_
-
>Put it on for Chen.
>"How about this one?"
-
>Put it on for Chen.
>"How about this one?"
>You do so.
>She starts listening, "So what's this one called?"
>_
-
>Check the name.
-
>Check the name.
>You check.
>It's exactly the same as you remember. Of course, being one of your favorite tracks, you shouldn't even need to check the name. It should come naturally to you.
>_
-
>Tell her it.
-
>Tell her it.
>You tell her.
>"Oh... okay."
>You notice movement from Matenshi's bed.
>_
-
>Look over.
-
>Look over.
>You watch as Matenshi stretches and yawns.
>_
-
>"Morning."
-
>"Morning."
>"Good morning..." Matenshi replies.
>_
-
>Observe Chen as she listens to the music.
-
>Observe Chen as she listens to the music.
>You observe.
>Chen seems to be enjoying it.
>_
-
>Stop the music.
-
>Stop the music.
>You stop the music in the middle of the song.
>"Huh?" Chen gives you and adorable, confused look.
>_
-
>"You really seemed to be enjoying it."
>Pet Chen.
>"You can't just listen to it all day though."
>Do we have any more headphones? What about one of those adapters that allows multiple headphones to be plugged in at once?
-
>"You really seemed to be enjoying it."
>Pet Chen.
>"You can't just listen to it all day though."
>"Aww..." she frowns
>Do we have any more headphones? What about one of those adapters that allows multiple headphones to be plugged in at once?
>No and no.
>_
-
>Put it back on.
>"Maybe a bit more."
-
> Update our mental notes with current objectives:
- 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.)
- 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 (Read it or not is a matter of personal ethics, but if we taken it then we at least should return it back to its owner.)
-
>Put it back on.
>"Maybe a bit more."
>Chen smiles as you do so.
> Update our mental notes with current objectives:
- 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.)
- 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 (Read it or not is a matter of personal ethics, but if we taken it then we at least should return it back to its owner.)
>Notes updated.
>_
-
>Look to Renko.
>"Should we check on Koishi yet?"
-
>Look to Renko.
>"Should we check on Koishi yet?"
>Renko nods.
>"She should be awake, right?"
>_
-
>Nod.
>"You know, maybe I should get more outfits..."
>Adjust our outfit a bit.
-
>Nod.
>"You know, maybe I should get more outfits..."
>Adjust our outfit a bit.
>You adjust it. It doesn't make much of a difference.
>"Yeah, maybe."
>_
-
>"Come on. Let's check on Koishi."
>Head out of the room, making sure we don't drop our phone/the earbuds don't fall from Chen.
-
>"Come on. Let's check on Koishi."
>Head out of the room, making sure we don't drop our phone/the earbuds don't fall from Chen.
>You start heading out of the room with Renko, dragging Chen along to prevent the earbuds from falling out of her ears.
>_
-
>How much does the song have left before it's over?
-
>How much does the song have left before it's over?
>About a minute you think.
>_
-
>Do we have everything? Our bags and stuff?
-
>Do we have everything? Our bags and stuff?
>Your satchel and hat are still by the futon where you slept.
>_
-
>Head back over and equip the two, dragging Chen along if need be.
-
>Head back over and equip the two, dragging Chen along if need be.
>You head back and grab your satchel and hat, putting them on.
>_
-
>Go out in search of Byakuren.
-
>Go out in search of Byakuren.
>You head back out of the room with Chen.
>"Oh, are we going to see Koishi-sama now?" Okuu asks as you leave.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Yep, today she should be able to have her talk."
-
>Nod.
>"Yep, today she should be able to have her talk."
>"Ah, well don't go without me." she says, before heading over to you.
>Sumireko and Matenshi are making their way over as well.
>_
-
>Continue now that everyone's ready.
>Check song's remaining length.
-
>Continue now that everyone's ready.
>Check song's remaining length.
>You continue.
>About 30 seconds.
>_
-
>Continue.
>Take the earbuds when the song finishes.
>"Alright, I think that's enough Chen."
-
>Continue.
>Take the earbuds when the song finishes.
>"Alright, I think that's enough Chen."
>You continue down the hall, removing the earbuds when the time comes.
>"Okay." Chen replies.
>_
-
>Store our phone and headphones.
>Continue.
-
>Store our phone and headphones.
>You do so.
>Continue.
>You continue walking down the hall, soon you pass a doorway where someone suddenly walks out. You cannot avoid bumping into her.
>"Hey! Watch where you're going!" the person - a woman with some... very odd wings - frowns.
>You recognize her voice...
>_
-
>"S-Sorry!"
>Examine the woman.
>Where do we recognize it from?
-
>"I didn't mean to...wait... i know you, you are that person from the show."
-
>"S-Sorry!"
>Examine the woman.
>She is wearing a black dress, and has black hair. What seems to be a snake is coiled around her right arm, which is holding a trident.
>On her back is some unusual... wings, you think? The three on her right side are blood red, and look blade-like. On her left side, the wings are blue, and they look more like tentacles with arrowheads.
>Where do we recognize it from?
>She sounds exactly like the generic human from the concert.
>"I didn't mean to...wait... i know you, you are that person from the show."
>"Er... I don't know what you're talking about." she says rather loudly, before leaning closer to you, "Shhh... Not so loud. Do you want Hijiri to hear?"
>_
-
>"Uh..."
>Nod.
>"Anyways, what is your name ?"
-
>"Uh..."
>Nod.
>"Anyways, what is your name ?"
>"I'm Nue." she replies.
>_
-
>"Nue huh... uhm... not to be rude but... ehm... what *are* you exactly ? I have never seen anyone like you, you feel like an alien even to Gensokyo's standards..."
-
>"Nue huh... uhm... not to be rude but... ehm... what *are* you exactly ? I have never seen anyone like you, you feel like an alien even to Gensokyo's standards..."
>"I'm a nue..." she frowns, "Yes... I'm a nue named Nue..."
>_
-
>"Uh, i don't really mind it, after all Koishi told me her Satori sister is also called Satori."
>Nod.
-
>"No offense to your appearance though. Your wings are really unique."
-
>"Uh, i don't really mind it, after all Koishi told me her Satori sister is also called Satori."
>Nod.
>"Whatever..."
>"No offense to your appearance though. Your wings are really unique."
>"Thank you." she replies, "So, you stayed the night here, right?"
>_
-
>"Yes, i promised Koishi that i would be with her for a talk with her sister."
-
>"Yes, i promised Koishi that i would be with her for a talk with her sister."
>"Ah."
>_
-
>"Anyways, have you seen her ?"
-
>"Anyways, have you seen her ?"
>"Not since yesterday, but I know she's here."
>_
-
>"We'll look around for her then. ...Maybe she's not even awake yet?"
-
>"We'll look around for her then. ...Maybe she's not even awake yet?"
>Nue shrugs.
>"She was in one of the meditation rooms I think. Hijiri probably prepared a room for her as well."
>_
-
>Check the main room where we were all sitting at.
-
>Check the main room where we were all sitting at.
>You make your way to the main room.
>You see a girl in a sailor outfit sitting at the table, she seems to be eating breakfast.
>_
-
>How hungry are we?
-
>How hungry are we?
>You're a little hungry, but it's not bad.
>_
-
>"Um, good morning."
-
>"Um, good morning."
>"Hmm" the girl looks over to you, "Ah, you must be the guests we had overnight. Allow me introduce myself, I'm Minamitsu Murasa, captain of this mighty vessel."
>_
-
>"Vessel?"
>Look around.
>"Er... well, my name is Maribel Hearn."
-
>"Vessel?"
>Look around.
>You look around, it doesn't seem any different than when you were last here.
>"Yes, hard to believe this temple was once a ship, isn't it." Murasa smiles, "Well, actually, it still is... Though making it air-worthy again would take some time."
>"Er... well, my name is Maribel Hearn."
>"It's nice to meet you."
>_
-
>"So your one of Byakuren's disciples, i presume?
-
>"So your one of Byakuren's disciples, i presume?
>She nods.
>_
-
>"Well its good to meet you then. How long have been with her?"
-
>"Well its good to meet you then. How long have been with her?"
>"Hijiri and I have been friends for a very long time. Since before she was sealed in Makai."
>_
-
>"Oh ! So she was sealed in Makai ? How curious..."
-
>"Oh ! So she was sealed in Makai ? How curious..."
>"Yeah..." Murasa frowns, " 'Tis a sad tale..."
>_
-
>"Hm... Have you seen Koishi?"
-
>"Hm... Have you seen Koishi?"
>"Why yes, I have. She was with Hijiri last time I saw her."
>_
-
>"Where do you think they would be now?"
-
>"Where do you think they would be now?"
>"Somewhere out front. I think they're taking a walk."
>_
-
>"Thanks."
-
>"By the way, what kind of Youkai are you? Hijiri's oldest followers seem to mostly Youkai."
-
>"Thanks."
>"No problem."
>"By the way, what kind of Youkai are you? Hijiri's oldest followers seem to mostly Youkai."
>"I'm the spirit of a girl who drowned at sea. A ship ghost."
>_
-
>"Oh."
-
>"Oh."
>There is silence...
>_
-
>"I'm gonna see if I can catch them. I'll see you later miss Murasa."
-
>"I'm gonna see if I can catch them. I'll see you later miss Murasa."
>"Alright. Goodbye then."
>_
-
>Head out and start searching for Koishi and Byakuren if we're ready.
-
>Head out and start searching for Koishi and Byakuren if we're ready.
>You head out.
>You spot Byakuren and Koishi on the path leading out of the temple grounds. They seem to be talking with somebody.
>_
-
>Head over there.
>"Koishi !"
-
>Hug her!
-
>Head over there.
>"Koishi !"
>Hug her!
>"Huh? - Oof!" Koishi turns around as you hug her.
>"Oh, hi Maribel." she smiles a little.
>"Good morning." says Byakuren, "Did you all sleep well?"
>"Miss Hijiri, who is this?" the other person stares at you with a blank expression, a mask being worn on the side of her head depicts a puzzled look.
>_
-
>"Oh, the name is Maribel Hearn, nice to meet you uh..."
-
>"Oh, the name is Maribel Hearn, nice to meet you uh..."
>"...Hata no Kokoro." she replies, the mask suddenly swaps out for another one, depicting a raised eyebrow, "Are you friend, or foe?"
>_
-
>"Huh ? Friend of course, why would i be a foe ?"
-
>"Huh ? Friend of course, why would i be a foe ?"
>"You are hugging my arch-enemy."
>_
-
>"Eh ?!"
>Look confused.
>"Why is she your arch-enemy ?"
-
>"Eh ?!"
>Look confused.
>"Why is she your arch-enemy ?"
>"Well..." Koishi frowns as she speaks up, "Back before I was unsealed... I may have taken a mask of hers..."
>"And to this day she refuses to return it." Kokoro's masks swaps to a frowny face.
>_
-
>"um... then you should return it right ? It's not right to keep her mask like that... especially since they look very special to her."
-
>"um... then you should return it right ? It's not right to keep her mask like that... especially since they look very special to her."
>Koishi fidgets a bit.
>_
-
>"Huh ? Is something wrong Koishi ?"
>Look puzzled.
-
>"Huh ? Is something wrong Koishi ?"
>Look puzzled.
>"I-It's nothing." she replies.
>_
-
>"Koishiiiii... i don't have to read minds to know that you are hiding something."
>Cross our arms.
>"Cmon, please say it."
-
>"Koishiiiii... i don't have to read minds to know that you are hiding something."
>Cross our arms.
>"Cmon, please say it."
>"I-I'll tell you later... I promise."
>_
-
>"...fine... but can you promise you will return this lady's mask please ?"
-
>"...fine... but can you promise you will return this lady's mask please ?"
>"Uh... so why are you here anyway? Are you going to head to the underground with me."
>"KOISHI-SAMA!" you hear Okuu exclaim before something slams into the two of you.
>_
-
>"Ooooof !"
-
>What was it that slammed us?
-
>"Ooooof !"
>You turn around to see Okuu hugging Koishi tightly.
>"We were all so worried about you!"
>_
-
>"So how are things?"
-
>"So how are things?"
>"Fine." Koishi replies, "What about you?"
>_
-
>"I'm alright. Better knowing that you're alright too though."
-
>"I'm alright. Better knowing that you're alright too though."
>"Good to hear..."
>"So, ready to come home, Koishi-sama?" Okuu asks.
>"Y-Yeah..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Um... would you be able to describe the front door of your home please ?"
-
>Nod.
>"Um... would you be able to describe the front door of your home please ?"
>"Uh, sure... It's-"
>"Big!" Okuu interjects.
>_
-
>"Um... it needs to be really detailed, like, as if it was an picture or accurate painting."
-
>"Um... it needs to be really detailed, like, as if it was an picture or accurate painting."
>"Unyu? But it's a door, not a painting!"
>_
-
>Kinda adorable.
>Pet Okuu.
>"It's not what i mean, i mean like, if someone painted your front door in a painting, i want you to describe it as close as you can to realism."
-
>Kinda adorable.
>Pet Okuu.
>"It's not what i mean, i mean like, if someone painted your front door in a painting, i want you to describe it as close as you can to realism."
>You pet Okuu a little.
>"But Satori-sama would never let someone paint on our front door, so there would be no painting to describe."
>You notice a few members of your group facepalming.
>_
-
>"Um... don't worry about it okay dear ? Koishi here can tell me."
>Rub her head, then turn to Koishi.
>"So ? Anything more ?"
-
>"Um... don't worry about it okay dear ? Koishi here can tell me."
>Rub her head, then turn to Koishi.
>"So ? Anything more ?"
>"Well, Okuu was right, it's a large door, it's brown and ornate... Is there anything else you need to know?" Koishi asks.
>_
-
>Start making the picture on our mind.
>"Keep going, the more the better."
-
>Start making the picture on our mind.
>"Keep going, the more the better."
>Koishi continues to describe the place, and the image in your mind begins to shimmer.
>_
-
>"Good ! Now..."
>Make an gap leading to that place.
>"There we have it."
-
>"Good ! Now..."
>Make an gap leading to that place.
>"There we have it."
>You form a gap.
>"Oooooh!" Okuu says, mesmerized.
>"So... This leads underground, right?" Chen frowns.
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Yes, why is that Chen ?"
-
>Nod.
>"Yes, why is that Chen ?"
>"Remember what I said the other day, about Yukari-sama not wanting me or Ran-sama down there?"
>_
-
>"Oh... and why not ?"
-
>"Oh... and why not ?"
>"Some kind of ancient non-interference deal. That, and, well..."
>You notice Koishi frown.
>_
-
>"And... ?"
-
>"And... ?"
>"Erm... I don't think I should say it around her..."
>"You don't need to..." Koishi continues to frown.
>"W-Wait, you were doing that right now?!"
>"I-..." Koishi puts a hand over her third eye and turns away.
>_
-
>"It's alright Koishi..."
>Turn to Chen.
>"Tell us, honesty is the way to go."
-
>"It's alright Koishi..."
>"No, it's not..."
>Turn to Chen.
>"Tell us, honesty is the way to go."
>"Are you sure...?" Chen asks.
>_
-
>Wait. No. Don't let this happen.
//Why are we taking Koishi home again?
-
//To give her support while talking to Satori.
-
//Since Chen probably still needs to stick with us (I think), we need to find a way to let her sorta do that without her actually going with us.
-
//Maybe take the gap with us ?
-
//I think we could go back in the house and remake a gap there, then take the other entrance/exit at the underground with us... if we even find out how.
-
//Could work.
-
>Wait. No. Don't let this happen.
>You decide to not answer Chen, for now.
>_
-
//Still, why not see it ?
-
//If it's something bad about Koishi, I don't want Chen just saying it. She doesn't have to. If you don't have anything good to say, don't say it at all.
-
//However it provides insight on Yukari's thoughts.
-
//But it'll hurt Koishi. So what if it does? We can ask her later.
-
//Fair enough.
>"Uhm... nah... maybe i should ask Lady Yukari myself later, i don't like the fact she has something against the underground and Koishi."
>Sigh.
>Try to move that gap a bit, as if we were moving that distorsion in the spatial boundaries to somewhere else, opening the way we are going and closing trail it leaves.
-
//Fair enough.
>"Uhm... nah... maybe i should ask Lady Yukari myself later, i don't like the fact she has something against the underground and Koishi."
>Sigh.
>"Oh, n-no! It's not like that..." Chen's ears droop.
>Try to move that gap a bit, as if we were moving that distorsion in the spatial boundaries to somewhere else, opening the way we are going and closing trail it leaves.
>You attempt to move the gap...
>It takes a lot of energy, but you manage to move it about an inch.
>_
-
>"Huh ? Then i don't get it..."
-
>"Huh ? Then i don't get it..."
>"Well, in addition to the non-interference thing, she also doesn't want to risk me or Ran-sama near... ind-may eaders-ray, but... I guess we already kinda broke that rule with Oishi-kay..."
-
>"T-That's enough speaking of all of this. So..."
//Let's just drop the topic now.
-
>Frown a bit, this reminds us of the bad past...
-
>"T-That's enough speaking of all of this. So..."
//Let's just drop the topic now.
>"Alright..."
>Frown a bit, this reminds us of the bad past...
>You frown.
>_
-
>"Okay, let's head back to the Temple, i have an idea."
-
>"Okay, let's head back to the Temple, i have an idea."
>"Huh?" Renko asks, "What is it?"
>_
-
>"I'll simply open and close the gap so that it accompanies us, that way, Chen can peek through it."
-
>Ponder if we could make a gap contained in an area, akin to Yukari's hat-gap we're wearing.
-
>"I'll simply open and close the gap so that it accompanies us, that way, Chen can peek through it."
>"Oh! That's a brilliant idea, Merry!"
>Ponder if we could make a gap contained in an area, akin to Yukari's hat-gap we're wearing.
>You ponder...
>Well, you know for sure that it's possible, you just don't know how much energy it takes to maintain it... Or how to do it for that matter
>_
-
>If that wasn't Renko...
>"It's Maribel. Only Renko gets to call me Merry."
>Close the gap and head inside.
-
>If that wasn't Renko...
>"It's Maribel. Only Renko gets to call me Merry."
>"Merry, don't you recognize me?" Renko frowns.
>Close the gap and head inside.
>You close the gap and start leading everyone back to the temple.
>_
-
>Head into the room we slept in.
>"Alright, I'm making it here."
>Create the gap.
-
>Head into the room we slept in.
>"Alright, I'm making it here."
>Create the gap.
>You do so.
>"Alright." says Renko as you re-create the gap.
>_
-
>Party Check.
>Inventory Check.
>Necessities Check.
>Try to close the exit gap (underground) while keeping the one with us open.
-
>Party Check.
>You are with Chen, Renko, Sumireko, Matenshi, Okuu, and Koishi.
>Inventory Check.
>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.
>Cellphone (1 unit)
>>A communication device used to call other people. You doubt this would be of much use in Gensokyo...
>Coin Pouch (2 units)
>>A bag filled with coins from Makai. You gave some of them to Kagerou.
>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?
>Necessities Check.
>Hunger: Slightly hungry
>Bathroom: Good
>Rest: Rested
>Energy: Slightly drained
>Try to close the exit gap (underground) while keeping the one with us open.
>You attempt to close one end of the gap.
>It takes a bit of energy, but you think it works... You can no longer see the door through the gap.
>_
-
>Try to go through it now.
-
>Try to go through it now.
>You enter...
>You end up in gapspace, but with the color of your gaps instead of Yukari's purple.
>_
-
>"Curious..."
>Step outside.
-
>"Curious..."
>Step outside.
>You step back into the room.
>"Was something wrong over there?" Renko asks, "We were about to follow you."
>_
-
>"It's a different place, it's not like Lady Yukari's, it's like an separate space from hers."
-
>"It's a different place, it's not like Lady Yukari's, it's like an separate space from hers."
>"Huh? But I thought you were making a gap to Koishi's place?"
>_
-
>"I was seeing if it was alright to unmake the gap there and make it where we'll be. Like, another room."
-
>"I was seeing if it was alright to unmake the gap there and make it where we'll be. Like, another room."
>"Oh."
>_
-
>Remake the door gap.
>"I'll try to reopen one whenever we're at a still place, like a room, as I said. That way, Chen can still sorta monitor us, with just a peek."
-
>Remake the door gap.
>"I'll try to reopen one whenever we're at a still place, like a room, as I said. That way, Chen can still sorta monitor us, with just a peek."
>You attempt to remake the door gap, only to have a new gap, leading to the door, appear next to your "half closed" one.
>_
-
>Try to reconnect the two.
-
>Try to reconnect the two.
>You...
>...Are not sure how to do this...
>_
-
>What do we know about our gaps and their creation/removal processes? What special techniques have we employed with them (like multiple gaps or larger ones...)?
-
>What do we know about our gaps and their creation/removal processes? What special techniques have we employed with them (like multiple gaps or larger ones...)?
>You make gaps by first picturing the area you want to go in your head, and then willing the spatial boundaries to part from each other, creating a literal "gap" as opposed to cutting through a boundary, which would create a tear.
>There isn't really any special technique to making multiple gaps, you just do the gap creating method multiple times. However, there is an upper limit to how many you can sustain at the same time.
>Creating a larger gap is simply willing it to be larger upon creation, of course, the gap drains more of your energy the larger it is...
>_
-
>Try making it so that the pathway from the new gap moves over and connects with the first one, as if we were removing an pipe from an input and putting it elsewhere, while still having the same output.
-
>If that analogy doesn't work, use one with electrical cords.
>Try to picture the gap area we checked in from the half gap. See if it shimmers.
>>Whether it does or doesn't, go into the half gap and do it again.
-
>Try making it so that the pathway from the new gap moves over and connects with the first one, as if we were removing an pipe from an input and putting it elsewhere, while still having the same output.
>You attempt to do so...
>All you manage to do is move the new gap about an inch closer to the other one. It drains a bit of energy...
>If that analogy doesn't work, use one with electrical cords.
>Try to picture the gap area we checked in from the half gap. See if it shimmers.
>>Whether it does or doesn't, go into the half gap and do it again.
>You try to picture your own gapspace...
>Nothing seems to happen...
>You head back inside the half-gap and open a new gap to the door.
>It works, but it's not perfect... It feels like you have one extra active gap than you should, as if you only managed to create a new gap within the half gap as opposed to connecting the half gap to a new exit...
>_
-
//Confusing confusing. We need to find a way to reconnect the half gap to the door so we can update the half gap when we get somewhere different.
-
>Undo the gaps within the gapspace.
>Sigh.
>Head back out of the gapspace.
>"I can't really find out how to do it in such a way... I'll just make a new set when we're at a anew place..."
>Undo the gap-space gap and try to recreate it.
-
>Undo the gaps within the gapspace.
>Sigh.
>You do so.
>Head back out of the gapspace.
>"I can't really find out how to do it in such a way... I'll just make a new set when we're at a anew place..."
>Undo the gap-space gap and try to recreate it.
>"Maybe try thinking of the other gap?" Renko suggests as you begin to close the half-gap.
>_
-
>Try it.
-
>Try it.
>You stop closing the half gap, and instead try a mental picture of the half gap itself.
>The effect is... interesting... to say the least. It's not shimmering in the usual manner. It's more like an outline, if anything...
>_
-
>Hm...
>Make a savestate in case we mess something up.
>Perhaps it's not a spatial boundary anymore... What we're seeing seems to be something else.
>Ponder what our abilities could do from this point...
-
>Hm...
>Make a savestate in case we mess something up.
>Perhaps it's not a spatial boundary anymore... What we're seeing seems to be something else.
>Ponder what our abilities could do from this point...
>Saved to State 0
>You could try to create a gap or tear on the outline, or maybe find some other way to manipulate it.
>That's about all you think you could do at your current power level.
>_
-
>Try to create a gap on the outline.
-
>Try to create a gap on the outline.
>You attempt...
>A gap opens up in front of you. Through it, you can see out into the same room, but it seems to be from the perspective of the half gap.
>_
-
>"Yes!"
>Hug Renko.
>"Thanks! This works."
>Close our gaps aside from the half gap and the Underground-door gap.
-
>"Yes!"
>Hug Renko.
>"Thanks! This works."
>Renko smiles and returns the hug. "Hey, no problem. I'm just happy to help."
>Close our gaps aside from the half gap and the Underground-door gap.
>The half-gap no longer exists, as you just converted it into a full gap.
>You close all other gaps aside from the ones in the room with you.
>_
-
>"Alright. Let's get going."
-
>"Alright. Let's get going."
>Your group nods.
>"You two be safe over there, okay?" says Chen.
>_
-
>Nod and pet Chen a little.
-
>Nod and pet Chen a little.
>Chen's ears twitch a bit as you pet her.
>_
-
>Write a note:
>"I think I found out how to create, or rather, change a gap so that it leads to a space like the one you've made before. Well, Renko helped me figure it out too."
>Send the note to Yukari via hat-gap and head to the underground.
-
>Write a note:
>"I think I found out how to create, or rather, change a gap so that it leads to a space like the one you've made before. Well, Renko helped me figure it out too."
>Send the note to Yukari via hat-gap and head to the underground.
>You write a quick note to your mother, before proceeding through the gap.
>You end up in front of a large, underground structure. The rest of your group follows shortly.
>_
-
>Follow them while using the technique we just learned to help Chen keep an eye on us.
-
>Follow them while using the technique we just learned to help Chen keep an eye on us.
>They are currently not moving anywhere.
>_
-
>"Whoa..."
-
>"Whoa..."
>"Well, here we are..." Koishi fidgets, "...home..."
>_
-
>Pat her back.
>"Relax, we're here with ya, i am pretty sure that it will end well."
-
>Hug Koishi!
-
>Pat her back.
>"Relax, we're here with ya, i am pretty sure that it will end well."
>Hug Koishi!
>You pat and hug Koishi.
>"Yeah, it can't be that bad." Renko adds.
>"T-Thanks, guys..." Koishi smiles a bit.
>"So, what are we waiting for?" Okuu asks, "I wanna tell Satori-sama that I was successful!"
>_
-
>Nod.
>Approach the door.
-
>Nod.
>Approach the door.
>You all approach the door.
>Okuu opens it haphazardly and runs in.
>"ORIN! SATORI-SAMA! I FOUND HER!" she yells.
>_
-
>"Hehehe, she is an really happy-go-lucky innocent person."
-
>"Hehehe, she is an really happy-go-lucky innocent person."
>"Y-Yeah... That's Okuu for you..." Koishi replies, stopping before the door.
>"So, uh... Wanna go first? You're technically our guests, after all..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"Lead the way."
>Follow her and use the technique we learned to help Chen keep an eye on us.
-
>Not yet with the technique. It's for when we're still and at one area. Trying to drag it with us takes too much energy.
>Check hatgap.
-
>Nod.
>"Lead the way."
>Follow her and use the technique we learned to help Chen keep an eye on us.
>Not yet with the technique. It's for when we're still and at one area. Trying to drag it with us takes too much energy.
>Check hatgap.
>You start following, not doing your technique.
>Nothing seems to have come through the hatgap.
>_
-
>Continue following near Renko and examine the place as we go.
>Consider if this place is the location of the rumored Urban Legend of the Karakasa Vase.
-
>Continue following near Renko and examine the place as we go.
>You stay near your partner as you look around.
>The place is huge and spacious, almost giving off a lonely, empty vibe, at the end of this large hall is a staircase, where Okuu is already more than halfway up.
>Consider if this place is the location of the rumored Urban Legend of the Karakasa Vase.
>Ah yes, you wonder if this is the place, there are several ornate vases lining the hall.
>You wonder if that would technically be an umbrella holder...
>_
-
>The umbrella is owned only by the one that can pull it free.
>"She's in a hurry..."
-
>The umbrella is owned only by the one that can pull it free.
>"She's in a hurry..."
>"She's just excited." says Koishi.
>_
-
>"And that's just her excited ? How energetic... it's kinda like a kid, hehe."
-
>"And that's just her excited ? How energetic... it's kinda like a kid, hehe."
>"Heh..."
>_
-
>Continue.
-
>Continue.
>You keep going, until you see Orin emerge from a neighboring hallway.
>"Okuu? Are you ho-" she freezes, before running towards Koishi and hugging her, "Koishi-sama! You had us all worried. Especially your sister!"
>"I-I'm sorry Orin..." Koishi frowns.
>The catgirl breaks the hug, "Are you alright? You seem a little different."
>"I-I'm fine..." you notice Koishi's third eye quickly close.
>_
-
>"Ehe, Okuu's been running ahead of us..."
-
>"Uhm... we would like to talk with her sister right now about some stuff, would you mind telling us where is she ?"
-
>"Ehe, Okuu's been running ahead of us..."
>"Ah." Orin smiles.
>"Uhm... we would like to talk with her sister right now about some stuff, would you mind telling us where is she ?"
>"She's upstai-"
>"C'mon Satori-sama! She's this way!" you hear Okuu yell.
>_
-
>"Huh ?"
-
>"Huh ?"
>You notice Okuu appear at the top of the staircase, a purple haired girl in a blue and pink outfit slowly follows her.
>"Oh! You didn't tell me we had guests, Utsuho..." she looks at Koishi, before descending the staircase.
>"Where were you?" she frowns as she approaches her sister, "Do you realize how worried I-"
>There is a brief silence.
>"K-Koishi... I can read you..."
>"I know..." Koishi nods, and her third eye slowly peeks out of its eyelid.
>_
-
>Take a deep breath.
>"Miss Satori correct ? The name is Maribel, a pleasure to meet you."
>Nod.
>"Would you mind if You, Koishi and i had an private Talk ?"
-
>Take a deep breath.
>"Miss Satori correct ? The name is-
>"-Maribel Hearn." Satori interrupts, her third eye fixated on you, "And no, I wouldn't mind... In fact I was about to ask to have a word with you myself..." she frowns.
>_
-
>Nod and just think: I am glad for that, anyways, mind guiding the three of us to an private place ?
-
//I don't think just thinking of everything instead of holding an actual conversation is nice. Feels wrong.
>Speak that, but think the last private part.
-
//Well... we were interrupted mid-speech...
-
>Nod and just think: I am glad for that, anyways, mind guiding the three of us to an private place ?
//I don't think just thinking of everything instead of holding an actual conversation is nice. Feels wrong.
>Speak that, but think the last private part.
>"Yes." she replies after you finish thinking. "Actually, I was thinking we could begin with just the two of us..."
>_
-
>"Sorry, but i promised Koishi that we would have this talk together, i'm her friend and i am sticking to her side."
-
>"Sorry, but-"
>"Ah, no... It won't be related to the talk you intend to have... We can have that when we are finished."
>_
-
>"Huh ?"
>Look confused, but still nod slightly.
-
>"Huh ?"
>Look confused, but still nod slightly.
>"This way." Satori grabs your wrist, "Koishi, please stay here, it will only be a moment."
>Koishi frowns slightly and nods.
>_
-
>Nod confused.
>"Okay..."
>Follow, but make sure Chen is able to keep an eye on Renko.
-
>Nod confused.
>"Okay..."
>Follow, but make sure Chen is able to keep an eye on Renko.
>You attempt to connect a gap to the gap near Chen.
>It doesn't seem to work. The gap outline in your mental picture appears red this time. It feels like it would take a lot of energy if you tried to force a connection in the gap's current state.
>_
-
>Hmmm... try to close the end of Chen's gap that shows the Underground and try it again.
-
>Hmmm... try to close the end of Chen's gap that shows the Underground and try it again.
>It takes some energy, but you manage to close the end of Chen's gap that leads to the Underground.
>You then try again, the gap outline is no longer red, and you are easily able to establish a connection to Chen's gap.
>The new gap opens next to Renko as Satori leads you into a room near the staircase, closing the door behind you.
>_
-
>"So... what is the matter ? Do you know of something i don't ?"
-
>"So... what is the matter ? Do you know of something i don't ?"
>"I read Koishi... And I know what you did..." she frowns, "What were you thinking? She closed off her third eye, as well as her heart and mind to escape from a cruel world, and how do you think she felt to be suddenly thrust into that world again!?" she sighs, "Luckily, it seems things went better than they could have... And you've given me a chance to make sure she never does that to herself again... So I suppose I should say thank you... Though, I still disapprove of how you seemingly didn't respect her possible wishes... Do you have anything to say?"
>_
-
>"I'm sorry about that, at the time i had zero idea that such thing would have happened... but when i heard about it all... i hated it, people pushing her away simply because of being an mindreader, and not trusting her because of that either... it infuriates me..."
-
>"I'm sorry about that, at the time i had zero idea that such thing would have happened... but when i heard about it all... i hated it, people pushing her away simply because of being an mindreader, and not trusting her because of that either... it infuriates me..."
>"Well... Actually, they mostly pushed me away... She sealed herself off because she was afraid people were going to do the same to her... She was afraid to go through what I did..." Satori frowns.
>_
-
>"Yet still, that's so segregating, it's like the past in the outside world... nobody should have to isolate themselves or strip away an part of their entire being, if you read all of our thoughts, then you should also know that i have also been telling her that she doesn't need to do that to herself again right ?"
-
>"Yet still, that's so segregating, it's like the past in the outside world... nobody should have to isolate themselves or strip away an part of their entire being, if you read all of our thoughts, then you should also know that i have also been telling her that she doesn't need to do that to herself again right ?"
>Satori nods.
>_
-
>"And by extension you also know about how i helped a girl named Rengeteki get out of an cycle of heavy depression and self-loathing and back into an promising life even though the odds were heavily against our favor right ?"
-
>"And by extension you also know about how i helped a girl named Rengeteki get out of an cycle of heavy depression and self-loathing and back into an promising life even though the odds were heavily against our favor right ?"
>Satori's third eye looks you over as you speak.
>"I know now." she answers.
>_
-
>"Well i have the same unwavering hope for Koishi, i intend to aid her in walking the path to a bright and happy future too, and nothing will change my mind about that."
-
>"Well i have the same unwavering hope for Koishi, i intend to aid her in walking the path to a bright and happy future too, and nothing will change my mind about that."
>"Hmm... Thank you for caring so much..." Satori moves towards the door, "Anyway, I've said what I wanted to say, so I will call Koishi in now. I recommend you at least attempt clear your mind or distract yourself with other thoughts before we proceed... The reason I wanted to have this conversation in private was to prevent Koishi from reading and interpreting anything in the wrong way... Her mind is still in a fragile state from what I've seen..."
>_
-
>Nod.
>"I'll keep thinking of positive thoughts, i could notice she still struggles to accept her nature."
-
>Nod.
>"I'll keep thinking of positive thoughts, i could notice she still struggles to accept her nature."
>"Just positive thoughts would be fine..." she opens the door, "Koishi, could you come in here, please?"
>There is a brief pause, before she looks to you.
>"She's coming."
>_
-
>Nod with a smile, we have come so far, surely everything will go well ! It's just a matter of having faith !
-
>Nod with a smile, we have come so far, surely everything will go well ! It's just a matter of having faith !
>"I'm sorry, but faith is my thing." you hear Sanae say, before you are suddenly clubbed in the back of the head...
>...
>New thread preparing, please wait warmly.