Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Dormio Ergo Sum on December 08, 2011, 03:19:27 AM
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>You are Yukari Yakumo.
>You have been trapped within the Great Hakurei Border for the past two years, after having entered it when it began to break.
>You had lost all of your powers.
>You do not know why, but you felt your powers return one day. You used this opportunity to escape the border.
>You found yourself in the Forest of Magic, weakened.
>You travelled to Kourindou, which had expanded during your absence.
>Within Kourindou, you also found Alice, who appeared to be held captive by Rinnosuke.
>You promised to return to help Alice at a later date before visiting your home, Mayohiga.
>There you found Ran, who had been wounded some time ago, and Chen, both in their animal forms.
>You reestablished your Shikigami contract with Ran, who did the same with Chen, restoring both to their human forms before heading out once more to check up on the Netherworld.
>You found that the entrance to the Netherworld had disappeared, replaced with a tear in the space it occupied.
>You opened a gap to enter the Netherworld, which had changed drastically.
>Once inside, you found Youmu, and investigated the Saigyou Ayakashi.
>You found that the Saigyou Ayakashi contained Yuyuko, who you later freed before killing the Saigyou Ayakashi.
>With the Saiyou Ayakashi's death, the Netherworld returned to normal and the entrance had returned.
>You left the Netherworld and visited Kourindou once more, where you found Marisa, brandishing a flask, asking Rinnosuke for a favor.
>Eventually Marisa left Kourindou, and you threatened Rinnosuke with your revolver, extracting some information and a promise to stop mistreating Alice.
>You then went on into the Human Village, where you gave up your revolver to the guards before visiting Hieda no Akyu.
>You discovered more about Gensokyo's current state from Akyu, then went on to visit the Myouren Temple, which had been sealed off along with its inhabitants by Reimu.
>You found an alternate entrance into the temple and unsealed Byakuren before resting outside the temple for a bit.
>After resting, Byakuren offered her help in your next attempt to unseal somebody.
>You temporarily regained your powers, and used them to undo all of the seals within the temple.
> Sleep
>Don't sleep; not yet.
>You consider going to sleep, but you're filled to the brim with power.
> Don't forget to tear away the seal on the temple itself as well.
>You already have.
>Turn to Byakuren.
>Can we feel anything else; any other seals or boundaries affecting the temple?
>"This feeling... How I have missed it..."
>You turn to Byakuren, who appears to sweating heavily.
>You cannot feel any other seals around the temple.
>Byakuren smiles again at you.
>"I am glad..."
>Byakuren collapses to the floor. You feel your powers dissipating rapidly.
>_
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> Quick, before they disappear, gap ourself to Alice to see how she's doing
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>Ignore PX.
>Go over to her, quickly.
>Check if she's okay; help her up a little, if not, then just sit her up.
>"Guess that really drained you..."
>"Thanks... by the way."
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> Maybe we shouldn't have used all our powers like that..
> Can we pick up Byakuren?
I don't think we know where Alice is at this point to gap to anyways. If we have a charge gapping everyone to Yukari's house would be a better plan.
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> Quick, before they disappear, gap ourself to Alice to see how she's doing
>Ignore PX.
>Go over to her, quickly.
>Check if she's okay; help her up a little, if not, then just sit her up.
>"Guess that really drained you..."
>"Thanks... by the way."
>Who is this PX? You listen to noone but yourself.
>You hurry over to Byakuren, who is breathing heavily on the floor.
>You help her to sit up.
>"It appears that it is... rather difficult... to maintain someone of your caliber..."
>"You are welcome... Did you manage to free... Nazrin...?"
> Maybe we shouldn't have used all our powers like that..
> Can we pick up Byakuren?
>Perhaps you should have exercised some restraint, but what's done is done.
>You can.
>_
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>
Mana Transfer Time!
> Ponder about the ability to manipulate the boundaries of exhaustion and energized.
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> Try to gap everyone back to our house
> Put Byakuren to sleep
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>We're not doing that!
[STOP MAKING MY LIFE HARD, PX!]
>"From what I can tell... I managed to free them all. Even this place... nothing is sealed anymore."
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> Tell Byakuren to not worry and rest
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> Mana Transfer Time!
> Ponder about the ability to manipulate the boundaries of exhaustion and energized.
>You gently assist Byakuren by filling her up with your own magical energy. However, all you seem to achieve is making the two of you even more tired than before. Even so, Byakuren is smiling... Until she realizes that Nazrin is staring at the two of you.
>Before your abilities fade, you believe that you have enough time to manipulate a border, the border between exhaustion and liveliness being no exception to this.
> Try to gap everyone back to our house
> Put Byakuren to sleep
>Similarly, you could manipulate the boundaries of distance to gap everyone in the temple back to your home in Mayohiga.
>You consider forcing Byakuren to rest...
>We're not doing that!
>"From what I can tell... I managed to free them all. Even this place... nothing is sealed anymore."
>...However, for now, you simply try to gather your thoughts.
>"Really...? That is fantastic..."
> Tell Byakuren to not worry and rest
>"I wish to... see everyone... first."
>You can hear Nazrin yawning as she slowly sits up in her bed. You can also hear similar sounds coming from the rest of the temple.
>_
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>Do the border manipulation to reenergize Byakuren.
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>Do the border manipulation to reenergize Byakuren.
>Before the powers you gained fade completely, you quickly use the last of it to invert Byakuren's stamina.
>Her breathing calms and you can see her begin to relax in your arms.
>"W-what are you two doing?!"
>You hear a flustered voice coming from behind you.
>_
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>Look to see who it is.
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>Look to see who it is.
>There should only be one person behind you.
>You turn your head to see Nazrin, her face completely red as she stares at you holding Byakuren.
>_
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>"What?"
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>
"Hello Nazrin. So many things have changed while you were asleep." Smootch smootch~
> "Good morning~ Is that any way to greet your awakeners?"
> Help Byakuren stand upright if she's able.
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>"What?"
>"In my room... Hijiri has been soiled..."
> "Hello Nazrin. So many things have changed while you were asleep." Smootch smootch~
> "Good morning~ Is that any way to greet your awakeners?"
> Help Byakuren stand upright if she's able.
>Nazrin looks towards Byakuren with a heartbroken expression and tears in her eyes.
>"How could you... I thought it was supposed to be my turn!"
>"Um... Good morning..."
>"That's not the issue here!"
>"Hijiri wouldn't do such indecent things! You must have forced her into it!"
>You help Byakuren to her feet. Nazrin stands as well, drawing a pair of dowsing rods as she does so.
>"Get away from Hijiri!"
>Nazrin points one of her rods at you.
>_
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>"Why so serious? Seems you're not a morning person. Your thoughts are all over the place."
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>"Why so serious? Seems you're not a morning person. Your thoughts are all over the place."
>"Get away from Hijiri! Right now!"
>Nazrin brandishes her rod at you.
>You hear the door behind you open, with a tired sounding voice coming from it.
>"Waz goin' on here?"
>_
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> Look at Nazrin strangely. "Unsealing you is indecent now? What kinds of dreams were you having there?"
> If Byakuren is standing, take a step away from her.
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> Look at Nazrin strangely. "Unsealing you is indecent now? What kinds of dreams were you having there?"
> If Byakuren is standing, take a step away from her.
>You give Nazrin a strange look.
>You see Nazrin's entire face flush red as she begins to tremble.
>"Y-Y-You... What?! You weren't satisfied with just Hijiri, so you went for me too?!"
>"I'll kill you, you bastard!"
>Nazrin charges at you with her rods when Byakuren raises her hand, which causes Nazrin to stop in her tracks.
>"Stand down."
>"But she..."
>"Stand down, Nazrin. You are jumping to conclusions."
>You take a step away from Byakuren as she steadies herself.
>"This woman here has done us all a great service. We owe her a great deal. Recall the events before you fell asleep."
>"Everyone by the door, please do the same. Try to recall what happened before we entered our slumber."
>"We would not be talking right now, if not for this woman."
>"But, more importantly... Everyone..."
>You can see tears forming in Byakuren's eyes as she talks.
>"I'm so glad... That you're all here..."
>As Byakuren says this, Nazrin approaches her, as does Shou, Minamitsu, and Ichirin, who all hold and comfort her.
>_
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> Awh. Let them have their family moment.
> After they've had time to be all emotional, tell them, "I'm afraid we'll still have to fly there, but my home is open to you all for the night."
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> Awh. Let them have their family moment.
> After they've had time to be all emotional, tell them, "I'm afraid we'll still have to fly there, but my home is open to you all for the night."
>You stand further back as you watch Byakuren and her followers be reunited.
>Byakuren hugs each of them in turn, telling each of them how she wished to see them freed.
>Once Byakuren is finished, you restate your offer to house them at Mayohiga, to which Byakuren responds.
>"You will be working to bring back the Gensokyo we love, will you not? I have said that I wish to assist you in this endeavour, I am sure that everyone does, and I believe that it would be much easier for us to be of assistance if we remain close to you."
>"Are there any objections?"
>Ichirin, Minamitsu, Nazrin and Shou all shake their heads.
>"Then, if you will have us, we will gladly accept your offer."
>_
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>Put hands together and smile.
>"Great."
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>Ponder for a moment: do we even have room to house this many people?
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>Put hands together and smile.
>"Great."
>"Will we be going now, or do you have other matters to attend to?"
>Ponder for a moment: do we even have room to house this many people?
>In your own home, no. However, the village of Mayohiga has many empty lots in which others could stay.
>_
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We must recruit all of Gensokyo. ALL OF IT. *_*
> "I don't believe there's anything else to do here tonight. If you've retrieved all your things, we can be on our way."
> Head homeward bound!
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What better way to fix that miko's wagon than to have everyone get up in arms against her?
She does need a little punishment afterall methinks.
Worst comes to worst, we can just find a replacement to keep the border going, should she prove to be too set in things to listen to reason or force.
(I'm basically seeing her as a combination of Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu right now, and we're Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian all rolled into one.)
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>
Examine our companions.
>Inventory.
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> "I don't believe there's anything else to do here tonight. If you've retrieved all your things, we can be on our way."
> Head homeward bound!
>"Everyone, please collect any personal effects that you wish to keep. We will be relocating."
>All the members of the Myouren Temple begin to file out of the room, including Byakuren herself.
>As they leave, you can hear one of them ask "Why are we moving again?", to which you hear the response "Don't you remember what that human did to us?".
>Soon, you are left alone with Nazrin, who walks up to you. She blushes once more and looks away as she asks you:
>"You really didn't do anything with Byakuren, right?"
>Inventory.
>You currently have in your possession the dress you are wearing, as well as your spellcards, a small paper fan and a handheld bag.
>_
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> Tap our lip thoughtfully, then tell Nazrin teasingly, "She certainly did something strong to me~ Wouldn't you wish us the best~?"
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> Tap our lip thoughtfully, then tell Nazrin teasingly, "She certainly did something strong to me~ Wouldn't you wish us the best~?"
>"O-of course you didn't... What was I thinking..."
>Nazrin laughs dryly before you even begin to start speaking.
>"Eh? EHHH?!"
>Nazrin stares at you, mouth agape.
>"W-W-WISH YOU THE BEST?!"
>"Y-Y-YOU!"
>_
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>Giggle a little.
>"My, my. Could it be that you're jealous? Or is it more then that..."
>Grin.
>"Look at you blush~ <3"
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>Giggle a little.
>"My, my. Could it be that you're jealous? Or is it more then that..."
>Grin.
>"Look at you blush~ <3"
>"What are you laughing about?"
>"J-J-Jealous?!"
>"M-More?"
>"What did you do to Hijiri?!"
>You give Nazrin a small smile.
>"I don't know what you're talking about!"
>Nazrin turns her head, looking at the ground.
>"Just get out, I need to get my stuff."
>_
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>Poor little mouse; it has been a while since we had a bit of fun.
>"Don't worry, I didn't do anything."
>Go towards the exit of the room.
>"But I wonder if I give you a little push, you'll find the courage to do something yourself~ <3"
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>Poor little mouse; it has been a while since we had a bit of fun.
>"Don't worry, I didn't do anything."
>Go towards the exit of the room.
>"But I wonder if I give you a little push, you'll find the courage to do something yourself~ <3"
>She's quite easy to read, isn't she?
>"Really?"
>Nazrin sighs.
>You turn to leave, but make sure to leave her with one last comment.
>"What are you implying?! Get out! Out! Out! OUT!"
>You quickly exit as Nazrin throws one of her dowsing rods in your direction. It hits the door with a rather large sound.
>Outside Nazrin's room, you can see Shou standing around in the other end of the corridor. She waves to you as you leave Nazrin's room.
>_
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>Wave at Shou and smile
>"That little mouse gets worked up quite quickly, doesn't she?"
>Approach her.
>"How do you feel, if you don't mind me asking?"
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>Wave at Shou and smile
>"That little mouse gets worked up quite quickly, doesn't she?"
>Approach her.
>"How do you feel, if you don't mind me asking?"
>Shou returns your smile.
>"She does."
>Shou chuckles a bit as you walk over to her.
>"To be frank, rather tired. But that is not important. Firstly I must thank you for freeing us. Secondly, I must ask, do you have any plans to deal with the red and white human?"
>_
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>"Perhaps you need to thank someone else too; I can only do so much, even as a youkai~"
>"As for her... Well, she will get her incident very soon... But for now, we need to get moving; all of you need proper rest."
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>"Perhaps you need to thank someone else too; I can only do so much, even as a youkai~"
>"As for her... Well, she will get her incident very soon... But for now, we need to get moving; all of you need proper rest."
>"Somebody else assisted you in freeing us?"
>Shou's expression darkens.
>"Good. She will pay for making Hijiri suffer."
>As Shou says this, Nazrin exits her room, carrying a small bag. Shou goes back to smiling.
>"Well then, that's everyone."
>"Everyone's waiting in the main hall. Let's go, Nazrin."
>The two of them begin to walk through the corridor.
>_
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>Proceed to the main hall.
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>Proceed to the main hall.
>You follow Nazrin, who keeps eyeing you with distrust, and Shou into the main hall. Here, Byakuren and her followers are all gathered.
>Byakuren approaches you as you enter.
>"We are ready to leave whenever you are."
>_
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> Nod. "Let's be on our way then. My shikigami should be waiting for me."
> Head out the back of the temple with the crew and homeward bound!
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> Nod. "Let's be on our way then. My shikigami should be waiting for me."
> Head out the back of the temple with the crew and homeward bound!
>Minamitsu opens the door to the entrance of the temple.
>"Lead the way."
>You exit the temple, Myouren crew in tow, and take flight, heading in the direction of your home.
>Nothing of note occurs as you fly back to Mayohiga.
>You land on the outskirts of Mayohiga, Byakuren beside you.
>"So this is your home. Please pardon the intrusion."
>Byakuren gives a small bow before walking forwards.
>As you head towards your home, Ran greets you.
>"Welcome back, master. I see you've brought guests. I shall ready something immediately."
>Ran bows towards you, and once more towards Byakuren and her followers before turning to leave.
>_
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>"Welcome to Mayohiga. I'm afraid that my own home cannot accommodate all of you, but there are plenty of unoccupied houses that you may use."
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>"I mean, if it's alright with all of you..."
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> Point out a home close to our own. "This one should do. However, I insist you all stay for tea and dinner first."
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>"Welcome to Mayohiga. I'm afraid that my own home cannot accommodate all of you, but there are plenty of unoccupied houses that you may use."
>"I mean, if it's alright with all of you..."
>"I see. That sounds wonderful."
> Point out a home close to our own. "This one should do. However, I insist you all stay for tea and dinner first."
>"It is more than enough."
>"Thank you for your hospitality. Are you sure that you do not mind? Is there any way that we can help?"
>As Byakuren talks to you, you can hear her followers talking amongst themselves. You can hear "Nue" being mentioned a few times.
>_
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>"Just settle down and relax for now."
>Ponder about this Nue.
>If we remember/know her, ask where she is. If we do not, ask who she could be.
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>"Just settle down and relax for now."
>Ponder about this Nue.
>If we remember/know her, ask where she is. If we do not, ask who she could be.
>"Are you sure that you do not require any assistance? We have come on such short notice, after all..."
>You know that Nue is one of Byakuren's followers, and a troublemaker. Regardless, from what you have heard, she is highly loyal to Byakuren.
>Who and how do you want to ask about Nue?
>_
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> "Well.. if you insist, you could ask Ran if she needs any help preparing. Battle plans should wait until we're all rested. Tonight we shall get to know each other more intimately~" Peek at Nazrin's reaction to that. "Tell me about yourselves and how you all met."
> "Perhaps you could share stories about this Nue as well. The more I know of her the easier it will be to assist in finding her, won't it?"
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> "Well.. if you insist, you could ask Ran if she needs any help preparing. Battle plans should wait until we're all rested. Tonight we shall get to know each other more intimately~" Peek at Nazrin's reaction to that. "Tell me about yourselves and how you all met."
> "Perhaps you could share stories about this Nue as well. The more I know of her the easier it will be to assist in finding her, won't it?"
>"I shall go do that, then."
>"Everyone, please get some rest. I am sure that you are all tired after having been awakened so recently."
>"I shall look forward to it."
>Nazrin stares at you, with what seems like killing intent in her eyes.
>Shou smiles and simply places her hand on Nazrin's shoulder as Byakuren walks off in the direction that Ran did earlier.
>The person wearing a sailor's outfit, Minamitsu takes a step forward.
>"Hey. I'm Minamitsu Murasa, though you can just call me 'Captain'. This-"
>Minamitsu points at Ichirin, who bows in your direction.
>"-is Ichirin Kumoi. She usually hangs around with Unzan, wherever he is right now. He's this big pink cloud, kind of hard to miss."
>"I am pleased to meet you."
>"And those two-"
>Minamitsu points at Shou and Nazrin. Shou gives you a smile and a wave, Nazrin looks elsewhere.
>"-are Shou Toramaru and Nazrin."
>"We all knew Hijiri in the past, which is what brought us together. Except Nazrin, she's here with Shou."
>"As for Nue, she loves Hijiri for some reason. I'm not entirely sure why."
>"So then, now that we're done with that, it's your turn. Who are you?"
>_
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>"Oh, come, now. Do you seriously mean to tell me you haven't heard of Yukari Yakumo?"
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>"Oh, come, now. Do you seriously mean to tell me you haven't heard of Yukari Yakumo?"
>"Well, yeah, we've heard of you. But all the stories can't be true, right?"
>"Besides, we've heard nothing about who you really are. We want to know more about the person that rescued Hijiri. And the person that will be helping us to return the favour to the red-white human."
>"So, who are you?"
>_
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>
A seventeen year old girl with hax powers that border on Reimu's Hax Sign: I just plain Win
> I am one of the oldest, and if I dare throw aside modesty, strongest, Youkai in existance, with the power to manipulate any boundry. Life and Death. Good and Evil. Here and There. Night and Day. Strong and Weak. You imagine a boundry, and I can mess with it. Of course, as I've said before, something's robbed me of my powers largely. I'm also the one who created Gensokyo, using my manipulation of boundries. There's over 1,300 years of life story, and I'm sure you don't want to hear all of it.
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> A seventeen year old girl with hax powers that border on Reimu's Hax Sign: I just plain Win
> I am one of the oldest, and if I dare throw aside modesty, strongest, Youkai in existance, with the power to manipulate any boundry. Life and Death. Good and Evil. Here and There. Night and Day. Strong and Weak. You imagine a boundry, and I can mess with it. Of course, as I've said before, something's robbed me of my powers largely. I'm also the one who created Gensokyo, using my manipulation of boundries. There's over 1,300 years of life story, and I'm sure you don't want to hear all of it.
>"Seventeen? Just my type. Why don't I show you how I handle my ship later tonight?"
>"We've heard all that. Won't you tell us about yourself? Who you are, instead of what? Of course, if you don't feel like sharing with a bunch of relative strangers, that's no problem either. We'll get to know each other as we work together anyway."
>_
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>"Perhaps I shall tell you more over food. I always do enjoy talking over a bite to eat. I'm sure that sounds good to you all, too."
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>"Perhaps I shall tell you more over food. I always do enjoy talking over a bite to eat. I'm sure that sounds good to you all, too."
>"Sounds good to me."
>"Should we go check up on how Hijiri is doing?"
>_
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>"That sounds like a plan. Perhaps we could trouble my shikigami for a while; amuse ourselves a little..."
>Actually, maybe not this time; poor Ran still only has one arm...
>Smile and head on inside! Keep an eye out for our little Chen.
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>"That sounds like a plan. Perhaps we could trouble my shikigami for a while; amuse ourselves a little..."
>Actually, maybe not this time; poor Ran still only has one arm...
>Smile and head on inside! Keep an eye out for our little Chen.
>"Shikigami? Is that the fox that came to greet us?"
>"Let's go."
>If anything, you think that it might be better for Ran to be resting.
>You smile and head into your home, in the direction of your kitchen.
>As you approach, you can hear the voices of Ran, Chen and Byakuren.
>_
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>"It is indeed. Ran helps me with so many things~ <3"
>Ah, they are all getting on fine, it seems. No signs of insanity, at least.
>Can we hear what they are doing or what they are saying?
>Wander into the kitchen anyhow.
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>"It is indeed. Ran helps me with so many things~ <3"
>Ah, they are all getting on fine, it seems. No signs of insanity, at least.
>Can we hear what they are doing or what they are saying?
>Wander into the kitchen anyhow.
>"She seems like a nice person."
>They're not fighting, at the very least.
>No sign of any death fleets here, cap'n. Nor are there any indigo or orange bombs lying around.
>You cannot make it out, though, from their tones, they don't seem to be talking about anything of importance.
>You walk into the kitchen to see Ran holding a knife, cutting some vegetables that Chen holds for her.
>Byakuren stands before a large pot, stirring its contents.
>They turn their heads as you enter.
>"Ah, master, we're almost done. Please just wait a bit longer."
>_
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>Pout a little.
>"Awww, do we have too? And our guests are so hungry right now~ <3"
>Wink at Ran.
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>Pout a little.
>"Awww, do we have too? And our guests are so hungry right now~ <3"
>Wink at Ran.
>You puff your cheeks and pout.
>"Yes, master, it will be done when it's done. Do not worry, we'll be finished shortly."
>Ran simply gives you a smile, whilst picking up the vegetables she and Chen were cutting and place them into the large pot.
>As they do this, Chen shouts "Yay! Curry! Curry!"
>"Miss Hijiri, I can take over from here, so if you wish to speak to your friends and my master, feel free to do so."
>"Are you sure?"
>"Yes, it is fine. I have enjoyed your company."
>"I share that sentiment. Then, I shall take my leave. Please keep up the good work."
>Byakuren let's go of the large wooden spoon, which Ran picks up to continue stirring the pot.
>Byakuren begins to head towards you.
>_
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>"It seems you have my thanks once again."
>Smile and lead the peaceful lot (and Nazrin) to where we shall be sitting for food...
>We do have enough space to sit everyone down and eat... right?
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>"It seems you have my thanks once again."
>Smile and lead the peaceful lot (and Nazrin) to where we shall be sitting for food...
>We do have enough space to sit everyone down and eat... right?
>"There is no need to thank me, master."
>You take Byakuren and her followers to your dining room. Once there, Nazrin, Shou, Ichirin and Minamitsu begin to talk amongst themselves.
>Byakuren pulls you aside to the corner of the room. You can see Nazrin watching you out of the corner of her eye.
>Byakuren asks, in a worried tone "Your shikigami's... injury. Is it recent? She seemed rather unused to working with one hand."
>It may be a bit crowded, but your dining room should suffice.
>_
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>"She's had that for a while; though I don't remember how long for, for certain reasons. In her current form, it has been at least 2 days."
>Glance at Nazrin before resuming eye contact with Byakuren.
>"I know you've done quite the bit for me already, but if you have any way of assisting Ran, I'd be very grateful."
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>"She's had that for a while; though I don't remember how long for, for certain reasons. In her current form, it has been at least 2 days."
>Glance at Nazrin before resuming eye contact with Byakuren.
>"I know you've done quite the bit for me already, but if you have any way of assisting Ran, I'd be very grateful."
>"I see. I suppose that that would explain her current unfamiliarity with her body."
>You take a quick peek at Nazrin, who notices you watching her and turns away quickly.
>"I shall see what I can do. At the very least, we can help her with her everyday tasks."
>Soon, Chen runs into the room, carrying two plates of Curry. Ran soon follows with another plate.
>"We shall get the rest shortly, in the meantime, please feel free to be seated."
>Ran and Chen place their plates onto the table in the centre of the room before leaving once more.
>After a two more trips, there is a plate of curry for each person, and everyone is seated around the table.
>_
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> Byakuren really is a nice person. Maybe you would make a nice couple~
> Once everyone is seated, begin. "So, you want to know about me myself~? I simply.. am. I've watched over this place I've nurtured for so many years. I've.. invited.. guests from far away lands to stay here, made it into my vision, a place where we can live in harmony. Talking about Gensokyo is the same as myself. This is why I must save it from what it's become. Though I have traveled to many places, only this one is my home."
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> Byakuren really is a nice person. Maybe you would make a nice couple~
> Once everyone is seated, begin. "So, you want to know about me myself~? I simply.. am. I've watched over this place I've nurtured for so many years. I've.. invited.. guests from far away lands to stay here, made it into my vision, a place where we can live in harmony. Talking about Gensokyo is the same as myself. This is why I must save it from what it's become. Though I have traveled to many places, only this one is my home."
>Would you? There's only one way to find out, you know.
>"Well, we'll look forward to working with you."
>The eight of you enjoy your dinner, talking about trivial matters as you eat your food. Once everyone has finished eating, Ran and Chen begin to collect the plates.
>Everyone is still sitting around the table, each with a cup of tea.
>_
-
>"As I do with you all; some more then others~ <3"
>Give a nice wink to Nazrin.
>"Of course, all of that aside, we have a dear friend of mine causing trouble; and we can't have that at all. I understand you want your revenge on her, but we all need some rest before we can do that. And I certainly wouldn't go charging in once you have, either. If she had the ability to seal you all away at the same time, then we need more people to the cause..."
>Take a sip of tea.
>"And that is what I'll be getting on with tomorrow. What will each of you do? Before one answers for all, I'd like an answer from your own mouth; if that's not too hard."
-
>"As I do with you all; some more then others~ <3"
>Give a nice wink to Nazrin.
>"Of course, all of that aside, we have a dear friend of mine causing trouble; and we can't have that at all. I understand you want your revenge on her, but we all need some rest before we can do that. And I certainly wouldn't go charging in once you have, either. If she had the ability to seal you all away at the same time, then we need more people to the cause..."
>Take a sip of tea.
>"And that is what I'll be getting on with tomorrow. What will each of you do? Before one answers for all, I'd like an answer from your own mouth; if that's not too hard."
>Nazrin chokes on her tea as you wink at her. Shou works to calm her down.
>Byakuren and Shou simply nod at your words.
>Minamitsu crosses her arms and leans back in her chair.
>"Well, it's not like we can wait forever. The sooner, the better. You know? Still, I guess you have a point there..."
>"We'll be here whenever you're ready, anyway."
>You take a small sip of your tea before asking about everyone's plans for the next day.
>Byakuren answers first.
>"As I have said before, I shall be searching for Nue. I would be much obliged if you could assist me with this task, Nazrin."
>"M-Me? With you? And we'll be alone together?"
>Nazrin coughs.
>"I mean... Of course, Hijiri."
>Shou chuckles.
>"I do not have much to do, myself. Is there anything that I could possibly assist you or your shikigami with?"
>Minamitsu answers for both herself and Ichirin.
>"We want to check out our temple again, see if we can't get it turned back into a ship. After all, if we're going to take down that human, it would be better to have a mobile fortress like the Palanquin, wouldn't it?"
>"... That, and I want my ship back. What kind of captain doesn't have a ship?"
>Ichirin pats Minamitsu on the back as she says this.
>_
-
>Giggle a bit at Nazrin.
>"Seems your little mouse is eager to assist. You must cherish her abilities very well~ <3"
>Nod at Murasa.
>"That sounds like a good idea; it certainly would be handy. Though I'd suggest being careful, however; there's no telling if, and when, that miko will make another move."
>"As for helping Ran and Chen, I certainly wouldn't mind it. Until Ran is back to her usual self, I'd like it if someone assisted where possible."
>Glance at Ichirin.
>"Though... I do believe I didn't hear from someone there."
-
>Giggle a bit at Nazrin.
>"Seems your little mouse is eager to assist. You must cherish her abilities very well~ <3"
>Nod at Murasa.
>"That sounds like a good idea; it certainly would be handy. Though I'd suggest being careful, however; there's no telling if, and when, that miko will make another move."
>"As for helping Ran and Chen, I certainly wouldn't mind it. Until Ran is back to her usual self, I'd like it if someone assisted where possible."
>Glance at Ichirin.
>"Though... I do believe I didn't hear from someone there."
>"Yes. She is extremely helpful."
>Nazrin simply blushes a bit.
>"Don't worry, we're only going to check it out first. We'll be careful."
>"I see."
>Shou turns to Ran and Chen.
>"I hope that I can be of assistance."
>_
-
>Nod and nod again, before taking another bit of our tea.
>"I'm sure you will be; just don't let her tell you to sit down. Ran can be pretty stubborn~ <3"
>Finish our tea and stand up.
-
>Nod and nod again, before taking another bit of our tea.
>"I'm sure you will be; just don't let her tell you to sit down. Ran can be pretty stubborn~ <3"
>Finish our tea and stand up.
>You drink more of your tea as you listen to Byakuren and her follower's plans for the immediate future.
>Shou gives a small smile.
>"I hope we get to know each other better."
>You finish off your tea and rise to your feet. Everyone else does the same, and begin to head towards the door. Perhaps you should get some sleep soon, too?
>_
-
"Good night, everyone..."
>Ah, time to act... hehe.
>"Sorry, Nazrin! Can I have a quick word with you before you leave?"
>Smile.
-
"Good night, everyone..."
>Ah, time to act... hehe.
>"Sorry, Nazrin! Can I have a quick word with you before you leave?"
>Smile.
>Everyone returns your gesture as they leave the room.
>Before you turn in yourself, though, you want to do something.
>"Huh, me? What do you want?"
>Nazrin begins to walk over to you as everyone else leaves, a wary look on her face.
>_
-
>"Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to clear a couple of things with you..."
>Grin a little.
>"Or at least, pick out certain things I couldn't help but notice between how you act around Byakuren~ <3"
-
>"Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to clear a couple of things with you..."
>Grin a little.
>"Or at least, pick out certain things I couldn't help but notice between how you act around Byakuren~ <3"
>"Such as?"
>"How I act around Byakuren? I have no idea what you're talking about! I think that I should get some sleep like everyone else."
>_
-
>"I do believe you're lying~ <3"
>"Then why don't you tell me why you're so red? Or why you stuttered over your words when she asked you for your help?"
>"To me, it sounds like you need a little kick in the right direction~ <3"
-
>"I do believe you're lying~ <3"
>"Then why don't you tell me why you're so red? Or why you stuttered over your words when she asked you for your help?"
>"To me, it sounds like you need a little kick in the right direction~ <3"
>"I do believe you can shut it."
>"It's hot, okay?"
>"I don't know, why do you care?"
>"I have no idea what you're talking about!"
>_
-
>"I care because I do. And also remember who is the one who can see any boundary; such as light and dark, and truth and lies~"
>Wink at the end of that line.
>"But that's only part of the reason why I called you away for. Byakuren assisted me in releasing you all from your seals; but I feel like Byakuren may not have fully recovered as a result."
>A little bit of a lie, but who's going to know. ^^
>"That's why you need to keep your eyes on her. No one wants to see something happen to her..."
>Lower the voice.
>"Do you?"
Ah, even when we're serious TRO-LL-ING!
-
>"I care because I do. And also remember who is the one who can see any boundary; such as light and dark, and truth and lies~"
>Wink at the end of that line.
>"But that's only part of the reason why I called you away for. Byakuren assisted me in releasing you all from your seals; but I feel like Byakuren may not have fully recovered as a result."
>A little bit of a lie, but who's going to know. ^^
>"That's why you need to keep your eyes on her. No one wants to see something happen to her..."
>Lower the voice.
>"Do you?"
>"I'm not going to fall for your tricks, okay?"
>"She what? But she seemed fine..."
>"Then again... Putting on a brave face and pretending that nothings wrong sounds like something that she would do..."
>Indeed, aside from Byakuren herself.
>"Don't worry about that, I've always got my eyes on her."
>Nazrin's face goes a bit redder as she realizes what she just said.
>"... And everyone else too, of course! Don't misunderstand me!"
>"Of course not! What's wrong with you?"
>_
-
>"Ohhh? Always, huh? You must like Byakuren a great deal."
>Smile a little and let her go away.
>"Well, you run along now. Be sure to tell her how you feel~ <3"
>Avoid anything thrown at us in the process. No bombs!
-
>"Ohhh? Always, huh? You must like Byakuren a great deal."
>Smile a little and let her go away.
>"Well, you run along now. Be sure to tell her how you feel~ <3"
>Avoid anything thrown at us in the process. No bombs!
>"Shut up and go die!"
>Nazrin runs out of the room before you can finish talking.
>You are now alone with Ran and Chen.
>_
-
>Sigh a little.
>"Seems like I've lost my touch a little."
>Look towards Ran and Chen; how do they look?
>"It has been quite a day..."
>Stretch a little.
-
>Sigh a little.
>"Seems like I've lost my touch a little."
>Look towards Ran and Chen; how do they look?
>"It has been quite a day..."
>Stretch a little.
>You give a small sigh.
>"I would not worry about it, master."
>Ran looks a bit tired, but fine otherwise. Chen looks as energetic as usual.
>"Indeed, master. I imagine that things will only get more hectic as the time passes."
>You stretch a bit. You have had a rather long day, after all.
>"Ah, and Chen. Could you please make sure that our guests find everything to their liking?"
>"Sure thing!"
>Chen runs out of the room.
>_
-
Ahaha. Nazrin is so tsundere it hurts.
Not to interupt you, but if Shou's going to be staying behind with Ran, she can at least help her work out and get used to her body again. Chen too. Shou's a good drill sergeant!
-
>Wait a second or two to make sure Chen has gone.
>Look up at Ran.
>"I never did ask how things have been today... So be honest with me Ran; how hard has it been?"
[Ah, hello there Shadoweh. And yeah, I was getting to that, actually. ^^]
[And I know, right? It's why I played typical Trollkari there. It's so fun~ <3]
-
>Wait a second or two to make sure Chen has gone.
>Look up at Ran.
>"I never did ask how things have been today... So be honest with me Ran; how hard has it been?"
>You wait for a moment until you're sure that Chen has left before facing Ran.
>"Today has been... difficult, to say the least. Even the simplest tasks have become quite a challenge for myself. Chen helps, or tries to. She's overflowing with enthusiasm, but that's all she has right now."
>"Catering for your guests would have been impossible if not for the help of miss Hijiri."
>Ran sighs.
>"But do not worry about myself, I shall manage. After all, Chen may not be the most reliable assistant, but she tries."
>"How has your day been, master?"
>_
-
>Walking sucks
>On another note a certain scientifc kappa is to blame for the border, I hope to visit her tommorow to find out what happened.
>May also need to pay another visit to the netherworld.
>Sigh
-
>Walking sucks
>On another note a certain scientifc kappa is to blame for the border, I hope to visit her tommorow to find out what happened.
>May also need to pay another visit to the netherworld.
>Sigh
>Walking does suck. You hope to get your powers back soon.
>You do note to visit the kappa tomorrow, if you can find her base of operations, to get some answers.
>You also note that you may wish to visit Yuyuko again.
>You simply sigh.
>"Perhaps you should just rest, master. I'm sure that tomorrow will be better."
>_
-
>"Hmm, perhaps I should. You need some just as much as I do."
>On to our feet we go.
>Where's Chen?
-
>"Hmm, perhaps I should. You need some just as much as I do."
>On to our feet we go.
>Where's Chen?
>"After I clean up, I think I shall."
>Where to?
>You assume that she would be with the Myouren crew right now.
>_
-
>Sigh.
>"Honestly Ran. You do so much, even in such a state. Just take it easy; don't over do things."
>"How is our bedroom, by the way?"
-
>Sigh.
>"Honestly Ran. You do so much, even in such a state. Just take it easy; don't over do things."
>"How is our bedroom, by the way?"
>You sigh at Ran.
>"I will be fine, master. I shall get some rest once I'm done."
>"I have cleaned it during your absence."
>_
-
Can anybody think of anything we need to do before we retire for the evening?
Otherwise, I suggest we do something along the lines of
>Ignore PX
>Retire for the evening. Before leaving, say:
>"Well, I suppose I'd best say goodnight, then. Oh, and Ran?"
>"Thank you. For everything."
-
Works for me.
-
>Ignore PX
>Retire for the evening. Before leaving, say:
>"Well, I suppose I'd best say goodnight, then. Oh, and Ran?"
>"Thank you. For everything."
-
>Ignore PX
>Retire for the evening. Before leaving, say:
>"Well, I suppose I'd best say goodnight, then. Oh, and Ran?"
>"Thank you. For everything."
>Again, who is this PX and why should you care?
>You decide that it's time to bring this particular day to a close. However, before you do, you address Ran once more.
>"Rest well, master."
>"What is it?"
>"Of course, master. It is my duty."
>Ran gives a small bow as she says this.
>With that, you head off to to your room, where you find your bed with a fresh set of bedsheets.
>You open your drawers to find that your clothes have been cleaned as well.
>You change into a simple set of pyjamas before getting into your bed and closing your eyes. You've done a lot of things today, and you still have so much left to do.
>With that thought, you doze off...
>...
>You slowly open your eyes. You can see some light seeping into your room.
>_
-
Too early!
Go back to sleep.
-
>Don't be silly; we have stuff to do...
>As in, actual important stuff!
>What time is it?
-
>Don't be silly; we have stuff to do...
>As in, actual important stuff!
>What time is it?
>You do have things to do, don't you?
>You can't get an accurate reading of the time from your room, but you would wager a guess at around 7AM.
>_
-
>Stretch a bit and sit up.
>Can we hear anything going on around us / outside the room?
>How do we feel?
>How are our abilities? Anything else came back to us yet?
-
>Stretch a bit and sit up.
>Can we hear anything going on around us / outside the room?
>How do we feel?
>How are our abilities? Anything else came back to us yet?
>You sit up and stretch, listening for anything going on.
>From your room, you hear nothing.
>Your body feels a bit sluggish, but otherwise normal. You'll probably be fine after you get up properly.
>Your boundary related abilities still feel the same as before.
>_
-
>Ah, no matter; we'll get them back as we go along.
>Time to get up... and dressed!
>Actually, let's go out in a towel. It never stopped Shino!
-
>Ah, no matter; we'll get them back as we go along.
>Time to get up... and dressed!
>Actually, let's go out in a towel. It never stopped Shino!
>Or so you hope, at least.
>You know, it is time.
>Time to show everyone at your home a lesson or two about questionable attires, that is.
>You get out of bed and change into your purple dress once more.
>_
-
>Hmm, I wonder that bag of ours is...
>In fact...
>Inventory!
-
>Hmm, I wonder that bag of ours is...
>In fact...
>Inventory!
>You wonder about the location of your bag. You think that you left it somewhere in your room before you went to sleep.
>You currently have in your possession the clothes you are wearing.
>_
-
...
>What's in our little storage gap?
>Look around for our bag.
>When we find it, check what's in it.
-
>What's in our little storage gap?
>Look around for our bag.
>When we find it, check what's in it.
>You are currently not using your gaps to store any items.
>You look around, and find your bag on the floor at the foot of your bed.
>Inside your bag, you find your spellcards and a small paper fan.
>_
-
>Ah, nice to see those there...
>But we don't need this anymore!
>Place the spell cards in our storage gap... and our fan.
>Once done, head out of the room.
-
>Ah, nice to see those there...
>But we don't need this anymore!
>Place the spell cards in our storage gap... and our fan.
>Once done, head out of the room.
>It would have been terrible if you had lost them or something.
>It has served you well, but you no longer need the bag.
>You empty its contents and place them all into a small gap.
>You exit the room, and see Ran nearby.
>She also notices you and bows.
>"Ah, so you're awake, master. Shall I ready something for you to eat, or will you be doing something else?"
>_
-
>"Morning indeed, Ran. Some food would be good. Lots to do today, after all~ <3"
-
>"Morning indeed, Ran. Some food would be good. Lots to do today, after all~ <3"
>"Very well. Miss Hijiri and her little mouse friend have already left, the others are outside. They seem to want to see you before they leave."
>After having said this, Ran calls out into the house.
>"Chen! Where are you? I need your help."
>"I shall send Chen to you when your food is ready."
>_
-
>"Very well; thank you, by the way."
>"Also, if you could send them inside, that would be nice too."
>Go to the table and wait.
-
>"Very well; thank you, by the way."
>"Also, if you could send them inside, that would be nice too."
>Go to the table and wait.
>"Your wish is my command, master."
>"There is no need to thank me. It is my duty to serve you."
>"Of course, master."
>You head towards the dining room and wait at the table.
>Soon, Minamitsu and Ichirin join you.
>"Good morning."
>Ichirin nods her head in your direction.
>"So I'll get to the point, Ichirin and I are going to the temple now. Do you want to come with us?"
>_
-
>"I think I'll pass on your little trip; I have other places to be, just like everyone else."
>"However, I would like to ask..."
>Look at Ichirin.
>"Are you usually this silent? I do believe I haven't heard you say a word since I released you all yesterday."
-
>"I think I'll pass on your little trip; I have other places to be, just like everyone else."
>"However, I would like to ask..."
>Look at Ichirin.
>"Are you usually this silent? I do believe I haven't heard you say a word since I released you all yesterday."
>"All right, fair enough. Just thought I'd ask. We'll be on our way then."
>Ichirin looks back at you with a quizzical look on her face.
>Ichirin looks at Minamitsu for a moment before facing you again and nodding.
>The two turn to leave.
>As they do so, Chen enters the room carrying a two bowls, one with rice and another with some soup, and another plate with some grilled fish on it.
>Chen places all the plates and bowls in front of you.
>"Enjoy your meal, master!"
>_
-
>Call out to them.
>"Would one of you please explain to me what's wrong?"
>Can we feel anything around, or affecting, Ichirin?
>Also...
>"Thank you, Chen. If you haven't eaten yet, you can eat with me~ <3"
-
>Call out to them.
>"Would one of you please explain to me what's wrong?"
>Can we feel anything around, or affecting, Ichirin?
>Also...
>"Thank you, Chen. If you haven't eaten yet, you can eat with me~ <3"
>Before they leave, you call out to Ichirin and Minamitsu. Murasa and Ichirin both give you a soft smile.
>"Don't worry, nothing's wrong. We'll be on our way now."
>Ichirin and Minamitsu leave the room.
>You could not. In fact, you could barely sense her presence at all.
>"Of course, master! I'll call Ran-sama too!"
>Chen runs off in the direction of the kitchen.
>_
-
>Sigh and rub our head a bit; let's hope they work whatever it is out.
>Wait for Chen to come back; and Ran.
-
>Sigh and rub our head a bit; let's hope they work whatever it is out.
>Wait for Chen to come back; and Ran.
>You sigh. You hope that they can find a solution to their problem on their own, you have enough things to do as it is.
>You sit and wait for Chen and Ran. A few minutes pass before Ran and Chen both enter, carrying some food for themselves.
>Both take a seat next to you.
>_
-
>Time to get some food down us; we need it.
>"I trust you both are okay today. Nothing much happened, I assume?"
-
>Time to get some food down us; we need it.
>"I trust you both are okay today. Nothing much happened, I assume?"
>You do. You're probably going to busy again today, after all. You start drinking some of the soup in front of you. Ran and Chen begin eating their food as well.
>"We are fine, master."
>"Nope!"
>"You will be heading out again, correct? Where do you plan to go today?"
>_
-
>"To the mountain, I think. It seems that the individual responsible for Gensokyo's current state is the kappa Nitori. I'm hoping I can find her."
-
>"You won't be all alone here, at the very least. I understand Shou is still around, correct? Her offer to help out still stands."
>More eating. More drinking!
-
>"To the mountain, I think. It seems that the individual responsible for Gensokyo's current state is the kappa Nitori. I'm hoping I can find her."
>"I see. Let us wish for the best then."
>"Good luck, master!"
>"You won't be all alone here, at the very least. I understand Shou is still around, correct? Her offer to help out still stands."
>More eating. More drinking!
>"She should be, yes."
>The three of you finish your meals in peace.
>After having finished your meals, Ran begins to pick up the plates when Shou opens the door to the dining room.
>Shou looks around the, and smiles upon seeing Ran.
>"Ah, here you are, and let me help you with that."
>Shou steps into the room.
>"And good morning to you, miss Yakumo."
>Shou nods in your direction.
>_
-
>"Good morning, indeed."
>Allow Shou to help Ran with the stuff.
>If Chen is still nearby..."
>"Chen, might you stay seated a little longer."
-
>"Good morning, indeed."
>Allow Shou to help Ran with the stuff.
>If Chen is still nearby..."
>"Chen, might you stay seated a little longer."
>You watch as Shou begins to take a few of the plates.
>Ran complains a little about not needing help with such a simple task, to which Shou replies "Nonsense.".
>Chen turns her head towards you.
>"What is it, master?"
>_
-
>"Do you feel up to doing a little favour for me... Outside of Mayohiga?"
>How far is it to the entrance of the Netherworld to Mayohiga?
>Can anyone cross into it normally now?
[Okay guys, here's my little idea. If the Netherworld is close to us, we can send Chen on a pretty easy (and hopefully risk-free) trip to Youmu and Yuyuko with a message from us. I'm pretty sure Yuyuko wouldn't mind coming outside of the Netherworld after all that time, so we could easily have like a little meeting to discuss stuff. Of course, this comes under 'time' issues. We could tell her to visit during evening, when we're back from kappa hunting, or maybe afternoon for a spot of lunch.]
[Anyway, what do you think? Opinions and stuff, please. ^^ ]
-
>"Do you feel up to doing a little favour for me... Outside of Mayohiga?"
>How far is it to the entrance of the Netherworld to Mayohiga?
>Can anyone cross into it normally now?
>"Anything for you, master~!"
>It is roughly 10 minutes away, by foot.
>Since the entrance has been restored, most people should be able to enter and exit freely.
>_
-
As long as it's just a message to meet, we wouldn't want to give poor Cheeeeeeeen incriminating evidence!
-
>"That's the spirit~ <3"
>"I need you to deliver a message to Yuyuko for me whilst I'm away. Hopefully, she'll be in a better condition then the other day; if you can't see her, then deliver it to Youmu instead."
>Do we have a piece of paper and something to write with nearby?
>If not, get Chen to retrieve them.
-
>"That's the spirit~ <3"
>"I need you to deliver a message to Yuyuko for me whilst I'm away. Hopefully, she'll be in a better condition then the other day; if you can't see her, then deliver it to Youmu instead."
>Do we have a piece of paper and something to write with nearby?
>If not, get Chen to retrieve them.
>"Okay!"
>You ask Chen to get you some paper and something to write with. Chen runs out of the room and returns within the minute with some ink, a quill, and paper.
>"Here you go, master."
>Chen holds out the writing utensils to you.
>_
-
Write "Old friend, I wish to speak to you this evening. Perhaps over a game of Mahjong? I have my old set now. Why don't you come and see my collection. Love, the Gap Hag."
In the old style of course. Not for any real reason, but sometimes history should be relived.
"Stay safe, come back in one piece and I might let you play with Nazarin. What do you think?" pinch her nose for a second. "I'm glad to be back with my shikigami, Chen." While pinching her nose hand her the note after rolling it up, and tyeing it with the nearest bow, even if that is part of her dress.
(do we have a way to power up her up? A hurry home charm for her to use in emergencies would be nice.
-
>The above; but include 'I don't want to trouble you too much, but I do have a favour to ask of you as well' in place of the collection line.
>Oh, and put 'Yukari. x' instead of Gap Hag.
>Also, instead of pinching her nose, pinch her hat, then ruffle her hair; playfully, of course.
-
Write "Old friend, I wish to speak to you this evening. Perhaps over a game of Mahjong? I have my old set now. Why don't you come and see my collection. Love, the Gap Hag."
In the old style of course. Not for any real reason, but sometimes history should be relived.
>The above; but include 'I don't want to trouble you too much, but I do have a favour to ask of you as well' in place of the collection line.
>Oh, and put 'Yukari. x' instead of Gap Hag.
>You write a message to Yuyuko, inviting her to visit this evening.
"Stay safe, come back in one piece and I might let you play with Nazarin. What do you think?" pinch her nose for a second. "I'm glad to be back with my shikigami, Chen." While pinching her nose hand her the note after rolling it up, and tyeing it with the nearest bow, even if that is part of her dress.
>Also, instead of pinching her nose, pinch her hat, then ruffle her hair; playfully, of course.
>You give Chen the note whilst messing with her a bit.
>"Stop that, master~"
>You can see Chen smiling.
>Once you're done, Chen straightens up.
>"This goes to lady Yuyuko, right master? Then I'll be off!"
>Chen starts running out of the room.
>Ran and Shou appear to be picking up the last of the plates and heading towards the kitchen.
>_
-
>"Take care Chen!"
inb4 Ran dies of "CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEN" overdose.
>On to our feet we go.
>"Ran, I'll be heading out now. Do take care... and remember that Shou is here to help you; so take it easy."
>To Shou... "Do keep an eye on her~ <3 "
>Exit house.
>Gap Status!
>Quests!
-
>"Take care Chen!" inb4 Ran dies of "CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEN" overdose.
>On to our feet we go.
>"Ran, I'll be heading out now. Do take care... and remember that Shou is here to help you; so take it easy."
>To Shou... "Do keep an eye on her~ <3 "
>Exit house.
>Gap Status!
>Quests!
>"Of course, master!"
>Chen shouts as she exits the house.
>It's probably time for you to head out too, isn't it?
>"Of course, master. You should be careful too."
>Shou nods to you.
>You walk out of the house.
>You feel well enough to manipulate a boundary.
>For some reason a strange interface opens up in front of you with details on how to live your life, as well hints on performing your tasks. Who knew that life was so easy?
>_
-
I've been waiting for this bloody moment for ages... Now, let's do this!!!
>How long from here to the Youkai Mountain?
>What's in-between us and the Mountain?
>If we decided to gap over there, how long would it take before we could use another?
-
>How long from here to the Youkai Mountain?
>What's in-between us and the Mountain?
>If we decided to gap over there, how long would it take before we could use another?
>From Mayohiga, it would take roughly three hours to reach the foot of Youkai Mountain.
>Between Mayohiga and the Mountain are the Bamboo Forest of the Lost and Eientei, and the Human Village.
>Unless you've managed to cure yourself whilst you were sleeping, which you have not, it should take the same amount of time as before: approximately an hour.
>_
-
I don't know about you guys, but gapping over to the Mountain and letting our gap-time tick back whilst we check on things is better for us then spending three hours just GETTING there.
My plan will be to start at the Tengu Village, investigate a little (maybe with a question or two), check the Moriya Shrine, then head down the Mountain; keeping our eyes open for anything... out of place.
Or we could just start at the Shrine and work our way down.
Opinions guys; thank you~ <3
-
I say start at the top and work our way down. And yes, I agree with gapping ourselves there.
-
Sounds good to me.
-
>Gap to the Moriya Shrine!
>Take in our surroundings once there.
-
>Gap to the Moriya Shrine!
>Take in our surroundings once there.
>You open up a gap from your current location to the Moriya Shrine and step through it.
>Once you exit the gap, you take note of your surroundings.
>In front of you is the Moriya Shrine, the wood it is made of is beginning to rot away, and the entrance has been broken. From what you can see, the inside of the shrine has not fared much better.
>There should be a lake behind the shrine.
>You can see the Tengu Village at a lower point on the mountain behind you.
>_
-
>Let's take a peek inside first; have a look around.
>Be a bit cautious though; anything could be lurking.
-
>Let's take a peek inside first; have a look around.
>Be a bit cautious though; anything could be lurking.
>Taking note to be cautious, you step into the shrine and look around a bit.
>You can see a thick layer of dust covering the floor.
>The shrine is empty.
>_
-
>Gosh... this is just not right...
>"Hello..."
>Wander around a bit more; if nothing else catches our eye, leave and head for the lake.
-
>Gosh... this is just not right...
>"Hello..."
>Wander around a bit more; if nothing else catches our eye, leave and head for the lake.
>It's certainly disconcerting.
>You call out into the shrine. There is no response.
>You walk inside the shrine a bit, there is absolutely nothing but dust inside the shrine.
>You leave the shrine and walk around its perimeter until you reach the lake.
>It appears as though nothing has changed about the lake, barring the tear running across the surface of the water near the centre of the lake.
>_
-
>A tear?
>Take a closer look.
>Do we feel anything coming from this tear?
-
>A tear?
>Take a closer look.
>Do we feel anything coming from this tear?
>A tear, similar to those in the sky and the one that had replaced the entrance to the Netherworld.
>You fly closer to the centre of the lake. Like the tear at the entrance to the Netherworld, it feels like a portal.
>_
-
>... So, another one. Least that narrows down our search for the next one.
>Does it feel dangerous; like it's growing in anyway?
-
>... So, another one. Least that narrows down our search for the next one.
>Does it feel dangerous; like it's growing in anyway?
>You note this location. How many more are there left?
>It does not appear to be growing.
>_
-
>Okay, we can leave this for a little while; we need our gap ability recharged to enter it either way.
>Move away from the lake and start moving down the mountain.
>Keep an eye out for any tengus; and their village.
-
>Okay, we can leave this for a little while; we need our gap ability recharged to enter it either way.
>Move away from the lake and start moving down the mountain.
>Keep an eye out for any tengus; and their village.
>You couldn't enter even if you wanted for around an hour, so you decide to take your leave.
>You get away from the lake and the Moriya Shrine and begin heading down the mountain.
>You watch the Tengu Village, there appears to be very little activity.
>You do, however, note a small figure in between the trees on the mountain.
>_
-
>Mystery figure or silent village?
>Please, that's too easy~
>Head for the figure; prepare self for an ambush just in case.
-
>Mystery figure or silent village?
>Please, that's too easy~
>Head for the figure; prepare self for an ambush just in case.
>You change your path and begin to fly towards the figure amongst the trees.
>As you get closer, you note that the figure is dressed in a white and red attire.
>You take care as you approach, just in case the figure is preparing an ambush.
>You think that the figure is watching you. How do you wish to approach?
>_
-
>All of a sudden... no; this was going to happen at some point.
>If we're flying, land and walk.
>If we're already on the ground, keep walking.
>No yelling; just a friendly little wave... and a smile.
-
>All of a sudden... no; this was going to happen at some point.
>If we're flying, land and walk.
>If we're already on the ground, keep walking.
>No yelling; just a friendly little wave... and a smile.
>You were bound to run into Reimu sooner or later, right? Though what is she doing on the mountain?
>You fly towards the figure and land, waving and smiling as you walk towards... not Reimu?
>The figure, hunched over a mangled corpse, stares at you her white clothes and face stained in red.
>There is a sword lodged in a tree, which the figure grabs and points at you.
>The figure growls at you.
>_
-
>... We know this person, don't we? It is that wolf tengu...
>What has happened to her?!
>Back away; don't outright run or fly, just back away at a normal pace.
>Is she coming towards us?
>How long from our position to the Tengu Village?
-
>... We know this person, don't we? It is that wolf tengu...
>What has happened to her?!
>Back away; don't outright run or fly, just back away at a normal pace.
>Is she coming towards us?
>How long from our position to the Tengu Village?
>Momiji was her name, right?
>You have no idea.
>You back away from her, she continues to glare at you.
>She is not.
>It would take roughly 5 minutes to reach the Tengu Village by flight, at least 20 if you were to walk.
>_
-
>"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."
>Take flight; right now.
>Once in the village, stop, catch our breath and take a look around.
-
>"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."
>Take flight; right now.
>Once in the village, stop, catch our breath and take a look around.
>You apologize to Momiji as you run from her.
>You fly towards the village as fast as you can.
>As you get closer to the Tengu Village, a tengu approaches you.
>"Go away."
>_
-
>Okay...
>Ease up and take a look at the tengu in question.
>"Am I allowed to ask 'why' first? Because I sort of need to see the state of your village."
-
>Okay...
>Ease up and take a look at the tengu in question.
>"Am I allowed to ask 'why' first? Because I sort of need to see the state of your village."
>That was rather abrupt.
>You take a look at the crow tengu, you do not recognize her.
>"No. Leave."
>_
-
>"My, my... And I came all this way to help too. Very well, if you won't let me in, can you at least answer me this: Do you know where I can find a certain incident-making kappa?"
-
>"My, my... And I came all this way to help too. Very well, if you won't let me in, can you at least answer me this: Do you know where I can find a certain incident-making kappa?"
>"We don't need any help."
>"Will you leave us alone if I tell you?"
>_
-
>"It depends on whether or not your answer actually helps me; seeing as I have the whole of Gensokyo to fix."
-
>"It depends on whether or not your answer actually helps me; seeing as I have the whole of Gensokyo to fix."
>"Then I know nothing. Leave this place at once. Peacefully or forcefully, take your pick."
>_
-
>Tcht; useless tengu.
>"Very well; take care of that wild wolf tengu whilst you're at it."
>Let's move on; down the mountain we go.
>Do we know where the kappa usually live?
-
>Tcht; useless tengu.
>"Very well; take care of that wild wolf tengu whilst you're at it."
>Let's move on; down the mountain we go.
>Do we know where the kappa usually live?
>Can't they see that you're trying to do something important here?
>You turn to leave when the tengu stops you once more.
>"Wait. What do you know about the white wolf."
>You do know where Kappa Town is.
>_
-
>Turn back round to the tengu.
>"I know that she is covered in blood; feasting on whatever it was I stumbled upon back there."
>Point to the direction we just came from.
>"Certainly nothing like what I remember of her; all that time ago..."
-
>Turn back round to the tengu.
>"I know that she is covered in blood; feasting on whatever it was I stumbled upon back there."
>Point to the direction we just came from.
>You turn to face the tengu again and tell her about what you saw earlier.
>"Such a shameful display..."
>"I'll tell you what. If you can bring her back here, I'll arrange for a way for you to get in and out of this village, and tell you anything you want to know."
>_
-
>"Sounds like a fair deal to me."
>Add Quest: To Catch a White Wolf.
>>Momiji has gone crazy. The Tengu Society wants her back, in exchange for going in and out of the village.
>How long would it take to go from here to the place where the kappas live?
-
>"Sounds like a fair deal to me."
>Add Quest: To Catch a White Wolf.
>>Momiji has gone crazy. The Tengu Society wants her back, in exchange for going in and out of the village.
>How long would it take to go from here to the place where the kappas live?
>"All right then, come back with the white wolf or don't come back at all."
>You make a note to capture Momiji.
>It would take roughly 15 minutes of flight.
>_
-
>What about back to where we saw Momiji?
-
>What about back to where we saw Momiji?
>That would take 5 minutes by flight.
>_
-
>It might be nice to take a look around the Tengu Village as well, to see what has changed ever since we left. We might even find some allies there...
>Head back to where we last saw Momiji, then look around for white hair or blood on the ground. Rabid like that, she might've left a trail without realizing.
-
>It might be nice to take a look around the Tengu Village as well, to see what has changed ever since we left. We might even find some allies there...
>Head back to where we last saw Momiji, then look around for white hair or blood on the ground. Rabid like that, she might've left a trail without realizing.
>It might indeed. Pity that it doesn't seem that you'll be able to get in until you bring them Momiji, or find an alternate way in.
>You take flight, heading towards where you met Momiji.
>After a few minutes, you arrive at the scene. You can see the remains of the corpse, disfigured to the point where you can't really tell what animal it belonged to.
>You look around, and see a few patches of blood making a trail leading deeper into the trees.
>_
-
As much as following the trail is a possible option, this could be putting Yukari in a bit of a disadvantage. Momiji may be wild right now, but she can easily pounce from nowhere; and I don't think it'll be the initial bite mark we'll have to worry about, since we know she can still wield her sword.
Yukari only has her danmaku right now; she could still fight her with it, but Momiji may be in the state of mind where she'll just ignore whatever we throw and launch at us.
...
Oh to hell with it.
>Follow the trail; cautiously.
>Spell Card List!
-
>Follow the trail; cautiously.
>Spell Card List!
>You follow the trail into the trees, watching your surroundings as you do so.
>You walk on for about three minutes before the trail abruptly ends.
>You have all of your spellcards with you, inside your smaller gap.
>_
-
>Look around; quickly.
>Do we sense anyone or anything?
>Ready some danmaku, in case of an attack.
-
>Look around; quickly.
>Do we sense anyone or anything?
>Ready some danmaku, in case of an attack.
>You look around, quickly. But not quickly enough. You turn just in time to see a white blur leap at you.
>You're knocked to the ground and Momiji stands above you, holding you down with one of her feet.
>She drives her sword into the ground next to your head.
>She stares at you.
>_
-
>Look at her; don't look away.
>"Momiji... it is Momiji, right? I'm here to help... Do you remember me?"
>If she tries to hurt us more, danmaku to the chest or face; whichever is going to have the most impact.
-
>Look at her; don't look away.
>"Momiji... it is Momiji, right? I'm here to help... Do you remember me?"
>If she tries to hurt us more, danmaku to the chest or face; whichever is going to have the most impact.
>You look back at Momiji.
>"Did they send you?"
>_
-
>"You could say that..."
>Smile a little.
>"But what you should be asking is whether I will actually do what they want me to or not. Because I rarely take orders from anyone; especially when I'm rather interested in knowing what happened to you."
-
>"They offered to answer my questions in exchange for bringing you to them. Of course, if you can help me, I wouldn't really need their help. And I'm not too fond of the hostile attitude I got from them, either. If I get what I need either way, then I really don't care about what they want."
-
>Let's not say that just yet.
[Reason for it: We don't need to tell Momiji what the deal was unless we really have too. Otherwise, it may give her reason to dis-trust us further. That and towards the end of that line is making us seem like we only care for ourselves; and makes it sound like we're just simply 'using' Momiji. If we can get her into a state where she can help, we might kill two birds with one stone.]
-
>"You could say that..."
>Smile a little.
>"But what you should be asking is whether I will actually do what they want me to or not. Because I rarely take orders from anyone; especially when I'm rather interested in knowing what happened to you."
>"But?"
>Momiji frowns at your smile.
>"What you're interested in, or what you will or won't do, won't matter if you're dead."
>Momiji lifts the sword out of the ground and holds it above your neck.
>"So tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now."
>"They offered to answer my questions in exchange for bringing you to them. Of course, if you can help me, I wouldn't really need their help. And I'm not too fond of the hostile attitude I got from them, either. If I get what I need either way, then I really don't care about what they want."
>Let's not say that just yet.
>You decide not to reveal the full details to Momiji for the time being.
>_
-
>"Because I want to help; honestly, I do. But I can't do anything like this. I can't even find some stupid kappa who was responsible for stripping me of two years of my life."
-
>"Because I want to help; honestly, I do. But I can't do anything like this. I can't even find some stupid kappa who was responsible for stripping me of two years of my life."
>"And how can I trust you?"
>"A kappa, you say?"
>A wolfish grin appears on Momiji's face.
>"I think that we might be able to work something out."
>_
-
>"She has done something to you as well, huh?"
>"Well then, if you'd be so kind to move your sword away from my neck, I'll be happy to hear you out."
-
>"She has done something to you as well, huh?"
>"Well then, if you'd be so kind to move your sword away from my neck, I'll be happy to hear you out."
>"Let's just leave it at she took something from me."
>"How about you do something for me first?"
>"I can't do anything while they're looking for me."
>"Go back to the village and tell them that you found me, that I put up a fight, and that you were forced to kill me or something."
>"They'll want proof, so take this."
>Momiji thrusts her sword into the ground next to you.
>"Come back after you've gotten them off my tail, I'll be waiting here."
>Momiji steps off you and offers you her hand.
>_
-
>"Consider it done."
>Grin and take Momiji's hand.
>"You better not leave~"
>Take the sword.
-
>"Consider it done."
>Grin and take Momiji's hand.
>"You better not leave~"
>Take the sword.
>"I'll be waiting."
>You take Momiji's hand and get yourself off the ground.
>"Don't worry, I'll be here."
>You take the sword out of the ground, it's heavier than it looks.
>_
-
>That went... all things considered, that could've been worse.
>We could probably put the sword inside the gap with our spellcards, right? Saves having to carry it...
>"Well then, I'll see you later~"
>Return to the Tengu Village gates.
-
>That went... all things considered, that could've been worse.
>We could probably put the sword inside the gap with our spellcards, right? Saves having to carry it...
>"Well then, I'll see you later~"
>Return to the Tengu Village gates.
>It could have been much worse.
>You probably could.
>You hear Momiji sigh.
>You leave with Momiji's sword and head towards the Tengu Village.
>Once there, you're stopped by the same tengu you met before.
>"I don't see the white wolf."
>_
-
>"Unfortunately, I've had to dispose of her since she was too much of a pest. But that's fine with you, right~?"
>Bring out her sword.
>"Oh, and I suppose you'd like to have this. It's kind of heavy, so I don't really like it, but you could probably make good use out of it."
-
>"Unfortunately, I've had to dispose of her since she was too much of a pest. But that's fine with you, right~?"
>Bring out her sword.
>"Oh, and I suppose you'd like to have this. It's kind of heavy, so I don't really like it, but you could probably make good use out of it."
>"Our agreement was for you to bring her here."
>"How in the world did you even manage to slay her? Even if she has gone mad, she was still once the captain of the guard..."
>The tengu clicks her tongue in annoyance.
>"Well, I can't get you in without the white wolf."
>"Keep that damned sword, we need no reminders of that beast."
>"I suppose you have done us a service, though. If I recall correctly, you had some questions you wanted to ask us?"
>_
-
>check for unusual growths on our chest
>"Why yes i did have some questions! Could you tell me what happened to the moriya shrine?"
>"also point me in the direction of nitori?"
-
>check for unusual growths on our chest
>"Why yes i did have some questions! Could you tell me what happened to the moriya shrine?"
>"also point me in the direction of nitori?"
>Your chest does not appear to have any unusual growths for the time being.
>"The shrine with no gods? Nobody knows why the gods disappeared, but when they did the shrine had no more reason to be."
>"The maiden there tried her best to keep the shrine as it was but with how the world had changed, she received nothing but pain for her efforts."
>"Poor girl... As far as I know, it's been abandoned since, with the maiden that once resided there moving to the Hakurei shrine."
>"As for the kappa, she has been holed up in her lab as far as we know."
>"The lab is located at the foot of the mountain, not too far south of Kappa Town. As long as you're looking in the general area, it's rather hard to miss the entrance."
>"Is that all you wanted to ask?"
>_
-
>"Almost... Since I never had the chance to ask, and since Momiji wasn't in the state to answer me, what exactly happened to her?"
-
>"Almost... Since I never had the chance to ask, and since Momiji wasn't in the state to answer me, what exactly happened to her?"
>The tengu frowns.
>"She went out to chase someone a while back. Five seasons ago, perhaps? When she returned, she was broken. No longer was she the proud captain of our guard."
>"We thought that, maybe, and so we left her alone for the time being. We could see her reverting into something base, something primal. Something we didn't want."
>"Unfortunately, no matter how base she became, this did not change the fact that she once led our guard."
>"She escaped from our clutches and we've been trying to track her down since. You've solved that problem for us though."
>"As for what changed her, none of us know what she was chasing after that day."
>"Is that all?"
>_
-
>Sigh.
>" I suppose so. Thank you for the information; and sorry for all that has happened. I shall leave you be."
>Bow and then walk away.
>Once we make sure no one is spying on us, head for where Momiji is; sword in hand.
-
>Sigh.
>" I suppose so. Thank you for the information; and sorry for all that has happened. I shall leave you be."
>Bow and then walk away.
>Once we make sure no one is spying on us, head for where Momiji is; sword in hand.
>You let out a small sigh.
>"Alright. I hope that we never see each other again."
>You give the tengu a bow before leaving in the direction of Momiji.
>After a few minutes of travel, you get to the point where you were ambushed by Momiji.
>You see Momiji resting against a tree, she rises when you approach.
>"I see that you had a nice chat with the tengu. What did you talk about."
>_
-
>"I simply told her you had fallen in battle and asked her about where that kappa was. It's at the foot of the mountain... Though you're probably aware of that already..."
>Hand the sword to her.
>"They told me to keep it; and they don't want to see me again. So it seems we'll both be avoiding them now."
-
>"I simply told her you had fallen in battle and asked her about where that kappa was. It's at the foot of the mountain... Though you're probably aware of that already..."
>Hand the sword to her.
>"They told me to keep it; and they don't want to see me again. So it seems we'll both be avoiding them now."
>"Huh? They gave the sword back? They sure have changed."
>Momiji mutters to herself as she takes the sword back from you.
>"Not that I want to see them again, anyway."
>"So, what do you plan to do about this kappa?"
>Momiji asks you with an eerie smile on her face.
>_
-
>That's... quite the evil smile.
>"Well, the mission is to find her first. After that, it all depends on how much talking she does... And whether or not she's alone."
>"Whilst punishing that kappa is on both of our minds, I won't have anyone else hurt in this if they are being forced to work for her. Understand?"
>"Then, shall we get moving?"
-
>That's... quite the evil smile.
>"Well, the mission is to find her first. After that, it all depends on how much talking she does... And whether or not she's alone."
>"Whilst punishing that kappa is on both of our minds, I won't have anyone else hurt in this if they are being forced to work for her. Understand?"
>"Then, shall we get moving?"
>It is quite a smile.
>"If she's not alone. Then what?"
>Momiji's smile fades slowly.
>"Why?"
>"Not before we get what we're doing sorted."
>_
-
>"Because if that kappa is doing like the shrine maiden is, then I have no interest in harming those who have nothing to do with this."
>"However, the punishment that shall be dealt to the kappa should easily make up for that; don't you think?"
-
>"Because if that kappa is doing like the shrine maiden is, then I have no interest in harming those who have nothing to do with this."
>"However, the punishment that shall be dealt to the kappa should easily make up for that; don't you think?"
>"And how will you know that they had nothing to do with it?"
>"No."
>Momiji looks at you with a frown on her face.
>_
-
>"... Okay then. How about you tell me what you plan to do?"
-
>"... Okay then. How about you tell me what you plan to do?"
>"I want to get in there for two reasons. Nitori, and what she took from me."
>"You seem to have something against the kappa too, and no qualms with dealing with her, so there's no problem there."
>"The other thing, it happens to be a person, is likely working for Nitori. If you're going to get in my way in regards to her, then we have a problem."
>"What you do with anything or anyone else in there doesn't matter to me."
>_
-
>"If it's only one person over then the kappa you have on your mind, then I suppose that's your own business. I'll make sure not to get involved in that."
>"In which case, I'll take care of whoever is in there, and assist you in 'dealing' with the kappa. If you find who you're looking for, then I guess she's all yours."
>"If that's okay with you, shall we get moving?"
-
>"If it's only one person over then the kappa you have on your mind, then I suppose that's your own business. I'll make sure not to get involved in that."
>"In which case, I'll take care of whoever is in there, and assist you in 'dealing' with the kappa. If you find who you're looking for, then I guess she's all yours."
>"If that's okay with you, shall we get moving?"
>"That sounds good. You had better keep to your word, though."
>"Alright then, you lead."
>_
-
>Keep an eye on Momiji and descend
on her the mountain.
>"All I have is that it's near the foot of the mountain; somewhere past the Kappa Town. Do you have an idea of where it is at after that?"
-
>Keep an eye on Momiji and descend on her the mountain.
>"All I have is that it's near the foot of the mountain; somewhere past the Kappa Town. Do you have an idea of where it is at after that?"
>You go down on Momiji.
>"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
>Her protest stops before long, though.
>You head down the mountain, Momiji following not far behind you, amongst the trees.
>"Yes. Don't worry, I'll point it out when we're close."
>The two of you continue travelling down the mountain, past Kappa town, until Momiji points out a strange rock formation near the base of the mountain.
>"Over there, the entrance."
>_
-
>Head in the direction she pointed.
>Keep an eye on Momiji.
>Stop at the entrance; and hope that Momiji doesn't go charging in.
>Scan the surroundings.
-
>Head in the direction she pointed.
>Keep an eye on Momiji.
>Stop at the entrance; and hope that Momiji doesn't go charging in.
>Scan the surroundings.
>You head towards the laboratory's entrance, with Momiji not far behind you.
>You make sure to keep watching her, making sure that she doesn't do anything rash. She seems to be following your lead, for now.
>You reach the door made of steel. It is closed.
>There is nothing of note in your surroundings.
>_
-
>Giggle a little.
>"Something tells me we can't just knock and enter."
>Look at Momiji,
>"But that's not going to stop me from doing so~ <3"
>Walk up and knock on the door. He will knock four times
>Time until next gap?
-
>Giggle a little.
>"Something tells me we can't just knock and enter."
>Look at Momiji,
>"But that's not going to stop me from doing so~ <3"
>Walk up and knock on the door. He will knock four times
>Time until next gap?
>You giggle a little, Momiji raises an eyebrow at you but pays you further attention.
>"Indeed."
>You take a look at Momiji.
>"Hey, wait! What are you-"
>Momiji tries to grab you, but is too slow to prevent you from knocking on the door.
>You think that you could open up another gap if you so desired.
>There is no response from the other side of the door, yet.
>"What did you do that for?!"
>_
-
>"You'll see~ <3 Now get to the side; so you're sort of out of sight from whoever answers the door."
>Knock again; several times this time.
-
>"You'll see~ <3 Now get to the side; so you're sort of out of sight from whoever answers the door."
>Knock again; several times this time.
>"And they called me mad?!"
>You raise your arm to knock on the door once more, when you hear something turning on the other side.
>Momiji jumps away from you, going back to cover.
>You hear a voice come from the door.
>"Who is this?"
>_
-
>Do we recognise this voice?
-
>Do we recognise this voice?
>You do not.
>_
-
>"My name is Yukari Yakumo; I trust you have heard of me."
>"Might I ask who you are; a name for a name, no?"
-
>"My name is Yukari Yakumo; I trust you have heard of me."
>"Might I ask who you are; a name for a name, no?"
>"Yukari Yakumo?! As in the manipulator of boundaries?!"
>"Wait right there!"
>You hear footsteps and a faint "Professor!". The person on the other side of the door seems to be running.
>After a few moments, the door opens, revealing Nitori Kawashiro and another kappa behind her.
>_
-
>Smile a little.
>"Professor, huh? I guess certain things in life really do change with time."
>Stare at Nitori; then frown.
>"I do believe you have something to say to me... as I have something to say to you; depending on what you say to me right now."
-
>Smile a little.
>"Professor, huh? I guess certain things in life really do change with time."
>Stare at Nitori; then frown.
>"I do believe you have something to say to me... as I have something to say to you; depending on what you say to me right now."
>You give Nitori a small smile, she seems a bit frightened by it.
>Nitori gets on the ground, kneeling in front of you and lowering her head.
>"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry for what I've done! I've messed everything up! I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!"
>"P-professor?"
>The kappa behind Nitori seems a bit taken aback.
>_
-
>"Sorry... You're sorry..."
>"Do you realise how much trouble you've caused me?"
>"I have been sealed for 2 years because of whatever you attempted to do. 2 years of silence... and what do I happen to come back to?"
>"The world I loved torn apart. My shikigami has been rendered somewhat useless, the shrine maiden I used to look out for has become a monster, and one of my closest friends and her servant have been put through absolute hell."
>"And all you can say is that you're sorry?"
-
>"Sorry... You're sorry..."
>"Do you realise how much trouble you've caused me?"
>"I have been sealed for 2 years because of whatever you attempted to do. 2 years of silence... and what do I happen to come back to?"
>"The world I loved torn apart. My shikigami has been rendered somewhat useless, the shrine maiden I used to look out for has become a monster, and one of my closest friends and her servant have been put through absolute hell."
>"And all you can say is that you're sorry?"
>"Yes! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
>"I know! I know!"
>"I didn't know what the consequences of my actions would be!"
>"Not that that's an excuse! No! Of course not!"
>"If there were any way for me to take back what I've done, I would! I'd give anything for that ability!"
>"Not that I haven't been trying! I've been trying to fix everything I've done!"
>"But I can't do it..."
>"I know that I have no right to ask this of you... But I need your help... I don't know how to fix everything..."
>_
-
>"Everything that you have done is simply..."
>Wait a second...
>"Hold on... you said you've been trying to fix things?"
>"Stand up; right now!"
>Once she is up, look at her; how does she look?
>"You started all of this... How long have you been trying to fix things? Tell me everything... Starting from 2 years ago."
-
>"Everything that you have done is simply..."
>Wait a second...
>"Hold on... you said you've been trying to fix things?"
>"Stand up; right now!"
>Once she is up, look at her; how does she look?
>"You started all of this... How long have you been trying to fix things? Tell me everything... Starting from 2 years ago."
>"I know... I know..."
>Huh? What did she say?
>You tell Nitori to get up, which she does.
>She looks tired and weary.
>"Of course I have. Trying so hard... But I just can't do it..."
>"I've been trying to fix things ever since I was knocked back into sense... I think it was... A year ago, longer perhaps?"
>"I've lost track of time in here."
>"I wasn't in the right state of mind two years ago."
>"I was a monster, a complete monster."
>"I broke the border, performed vivisections and abductions. I performed sick and twisted experiments for my own pleasure, to see what I could get away with."
>Nitori has a look of self loathing on her face.
>"So many things that I need to fix."
>"For the entirety of the past year I've been working on one problem. I killed someone's pet, and I will bring her back."
>"I know I'm close, so close, but I can't make the final step work."
>"I need to find her soul but both the Netherworld and Higan, the most likely places for it to be, are inaccessible."
>"To that end, I tried to create another machine, one that could fix the border."
>"I finished it a few days ago, and used it."
>"But it was to no avail."
>"But... But... If you're here..."
>_
-
>"Then it did work, to an extent..."
>Sigh
>"As for this pet, who are you talking about?"
-
>That explains a few things.
>"I think your machine likely did have some effect, although a fairly minor one. I believe it's likely what allowed me to return."
>"Let me ask you something: what changed you? You said you were a monster; what changed that?"
-
>After first line. (Both Yukarin & GYMO's question.)
>One sharp slap across the face.
>"That is for, as you said, being an absolute monster."
>Hug her.
>"And this... is to say I believe you."
>"It will do you some good to know that the Netherworld is accessible now; I have fixed that incident."
>On the end of the pet question.
>"I'm sure I can ask Yuyuko later about it."
-
>That explains a few things.
>"I think your machine likely did have some effect, although a fairly minor one. I believe it's likely what allowed me to return."
>"Then it did work, to an extent..."
>It does, doesn't it?
>"What are you talking about...?"
>"Wait... really?"
>One sharp slap across the face.
>"That is for, as you said, being an absolute monster."
>Hug her.
>"And this... is to say I believe you."
>Nitori does not react to your slap.
>The kappa behind her, on the other hand, shouts "Professor!" and begins to approach. However, Nitori raises her arm to stop her and shakes her head at her.
>After this, you give Nitori a hug. You can see the surprise on her face as you do so, before she relaxes in your hold.
>"I don't deserve this kindness..."
>"Let me ask you something: what changed you? You said you were a monster; what changed that?"
>"Brain damage."
>Nitori gives a weak chuckle.
>"I was that far gone, apparently."
>Sigh
>"As for this pet, who are you talking about?"
>On the end of the pet question.
>"I'm sure I can ask Yuyuko later about it."
>"The hell raven from Chireiden, Utsuho Reiuji."
>"Wait. Ask the princess of the Netherworld? How?"
>"It will do you some good to know that the Netherworld is accessible now; I have fixed that incident."
>"Really?"
>"That's fantastic!"
>_
-
>"That doesn't mean, however, I have forgiven you completely. You will have my thanks once we have fixed Gensokyo completely."
>"In the mean time, you have a significant amount of work to do; as do I."
>Release the hug and smile a little.
>"Though I can't see you and one single kappa doing this on your own. Don't you have anyone else helping you with this? If I know them already, it would certainly help."
-
>"That doesn't mean, however, I have forgiven you completely. You will have my thanks once we have fixed Gensokyo completely."
>"In the mean time, you have a significant amount of work to do; as do I."
>Release the hug and smile a little.
>"Though I can't see you and one single kappa doing this on your own. Don't you have anyone else helping you with this? If I know them already, it would certainly help."
>"Of course. And you shouldn't thank me"
>"I know."
>You let go of Nitori and give her another smile, which she returns weakly.
>"No, I'm not alone."
>"With me is Yuuko,"
>Nitori steps a bit to the side to give you a clear view of the kappa behind her.
>"- and the others here are her sister, Fuuko. Those two act mostly as my assistants."
>"Satori Komeiji, the hell raven's owner, Rin Kaenbyou, another of Satori's pets, and Hatate Himekaido, a former reporter are also with me, each working on their own projects, or helping me if they can."
>_
-
>"That's quite the team you have there."
>Wave at Yuuko.
>"I presume Satori and Rin are here for Utsuho, yes? Might I ask what the tengu is there for?"
-
>"I don't suppose you know precisely which experiment it was that made Gensokyo this way, do you?"
-
>"That's quite the team you have there."
>Wave at Yuuko.
>"I presume Satori and Rin are here for Utsuho, yes? Might I ask what the tengu is there for?"
>"Originally, it was just Yuuko and her sister that were here with me. But yes, it is."
>You give Yuuko a wave, who bows in return.
>"They are."
>"Hatate asked me for help with an issue she was having. Once that was resolved, she decided to stay here to help me."
>"I don't suppose you know precisely which experiment it was that made Gensokyo this way, do you?"
>"I do."
>"It was one where I tried to replicate your ability to form gaps."
>_
-
>Stare at Nitori.
>"Curiosity kills the cat... Or in this case, Gensokyo itself."
>"You've learnt your lesson... and are dealing with consequences as a result."
>"I'll help you where I can. In fact, I have some people who would be happy to help as well. Specifically, the whole group from the Myouren Temple."
-
>Stare at Nitori.
>"Curiosity kills the cat... Or in this case, Gensokyo itself."
>"You've learnt your lesson... and are dealing with consequences as a result."
>"I'll help you where I can. In fact, I have some people who would be happy to help as well. Specifically, the whole group from the Myouren Temple."
>You stare at Nitori, who does not avert your gaze, though she does look ashamed.
>Nitori simply nods.
>"If I can find Utsuho's soul within Higan or the Netherworld, I shouldn't need any more help to bring her back."
>"I don't need that much manpower for my other projects either. Rather, I should be offering my help for anything that you're doing."
>"And, of course, if you ever need any help from myself or anyone in here please just ask us."
>_
-
>"Hmm... now that you mention it..."
>Sigh a little.
>"Would you be able to bring Hatate to me? It's quite urgent."
-
>"Hmm... now that you mention it..."
>Sigh a little.
>"Would you be able to bring Hatate to me? It's quite urgent."
>"Yes, what is it?"
>You give another sigh. It seems that you've been sighing a lot, lately.
>"Of course, give me a moment to get her."
>Nitori bows to you before heading deeper into the laboratory.
>The other kappa, Yuuko, simply stands there watching you as she waits for Nitori to return.
>_
-
>"So... Yuuko, was it?"
>"What's your story?"
-
>"So... Yuuko, was it?"
>"What's your story?"
>"Y-Y-Yes?"
>Yuuko immediately snaps to attention when you address her.
>"My story? What do you mean?"
>Yuuko tilts her head as she asks.
>_
-
>Ah; this ones kinda cute.
>"Exactly; shall we begin?" Close in for the kiss.
>"I mean what Nitori has done for you."
-
>Ah; this ones kinda cute.
>"Exactly; shall we begin?" Close in for the kiss.
>"I mean what Nitori has done for you."
>She is, isn't she?
>"Eh? Eeeeeeh?!"
>Yuuko flails about a bit before giving in to your kiss.
>"The professor?"
>"She saved us, my sister and I."
>"Without her, I wouldn't be here, and I don't know what would have happened to my sister..."
>"Um... I don't really want to talk about the details... I'm sorry..."
>Yuuko hangs her head.
>_
-
>"No, no; that's fine. I won't push you to say that much."
>"At the very least, it proves she has a heart."
>Quick turn around; like a twirl on the spot whilst we wait.
>Where is Momiji? If we can see her, what does she look like?
>Remember to look back at the entrance once we've made the circle.
-
>"No, no; that's fine. I won't push you to say that much."
>"At the very least, it proves she has a heart."
>Quick turn around; like a twirl on the spot whilst we wait.
>Where is Momiji? If we can see her, what does she look like?
>Remember to look back at the entrance once we've made the circle.
>"The professor is a nice person! Even if my sister used to say otherwise."
>You take a quick look away from the lab, and catch a glimpse of Momiji hiding amongst some trees. It would be rather hard to spot her if you weren't looking for her.
>She looks furious.
>You disregard her and turn back to the lab, where Nitori appears to be coming back with Hatate.
>At this moment, you hear some noise from behind you.
>_
-
>"Ah, Hata..."
>Crap... that's going to be Momiji, isn't it?
>Turn around; quick-time.
>Is her sword in hand?
>How far off is she?
-
>"Ah, Hata..."
>Crap... that's going to be Momiji, isn't it?
>Turn around; quick-time.
>Is her sword in hand?
>How far off is she?
>You begin to greet her, but Hatate seems to be more interested in something behind you.
>You aren't sure who else it could be.
>You quickly turn to see Momiji charging towards you.
>It is.
>You would estimate that she is about five meters away from you, though you don't think that it will take very long for Momiji to close this distance.
>_
-
[Ughg... I need sleep. It's 5:40am and I have work later...]
I will say this now, I'm not gapping Momiji away; I am not leaving her on her own in this state, not again! If we can find a way of restraining Momiji, that would be great. We can have her yell at Hatate (and possibly us) as much as she wants; but I'm not leaving her! Nor am I having her kill Hatate!
And no, we are NOT going to kill Momiji! I want this thing sorted; one way or another.
Think about what sort of things we can do, and how much it will effect us and those around us. The last thing I (and we) need right now is for something to go horribly wrong; especially since we will be getting the help we need now.
With that said, I'll probably be thinking about this in my sleep too. So night for now.
-
I'm with Kanjou. I want to know what made the wolf go bonkers.
-
We know the reason. And, eh, this won't be easy to fix.
I'm not sure if we can even stop Momiji from this distance without force. I GUESS a good shout would work, but that means we're following with a ~speech~ and I'm not one for speech ideas! Hell, we (Yukari) barely know anything (or, effectively nothing) about their background to do this kind of thing right now.
-
We know that she was one of the proudest of the wolf tengu, maybe we can work with that.
Perhaps a little punishment should be in order should she get too out of hand.
Nothing too serious by youkai standards though, just a weakening seal if we can do one. Drop her down to human-level power so she can't really hurt anyone too severely.
Alternately, we could KO her and twist a boundary around so she's back to how she once was mostly.
I envision it as taking a red-hot sword, and tempering it.
The red-hot sword is the currently wild and firey momi, and the tempering is us knocking her out and twisting a boundary of hers to bring back most of what she lost.
See, since she's kinda rabid, we can just twist a boundary related to that, and boom. No more Crazy!Momiji.
I'm basing this off of how we messed with the boundaries of the seals on the Myouren lot.
-
As much as the 'boundary' idea is nice, I'm not sure it works like that. Put it this way, it drained us enough unsealing Byakuren from a boundary. How are we going to fare if we try and place one on someone else? I'm certainly not leaving that down to chance.
But the idea of using our gap is not out of the question.
If Momiji is aiming for Hatate, which I think (and for this plan, I'm counting on it) she is, then if we simply side-step, she'll think we're letting her have at her.
That's the plan, however.
Momiji is quicker then us; so simply reaching out and grabbing her will be useless. With our gap, we can stick a hand out at a point where we know we can get her, and do this:
Grab the back of her collar and pull her back, and down, in one swift movement with that youkai power we're so known to have. At her speed, it would give us the result of Momiji's legs leaving the ground, her body falling backwards at an alarming speed, and the back of her head cracking the floor.
The result should give us a very dazed, if not, unconscious Momiji. If she isn't KOd, the grip on her sword would be loose; so we should be able to kick it away.
At that point, we have Nitori restrain her... if she has anything on hand. If not, we restrain her ourselves; or with the help of those in front of us.
If she is KOd, we simply get her inside. I'm not leaving her; but I will be happy if she is restrained so she can at least listen to us if she tries to strike out again. Maybe get Hatate to talk to her and try to fix things between them. (Yes, I'm playing on the Hatate story again; but of course I am, she is my favourite tengu!)
As for any other plans, throwing danmaku out might not go down so well; though we're probably more prepared this time since we can see her coming. What Hatate does, I don't know; she ran away from Momiji in her Quest, so I'm hoping she might help. I can't see her trying to stop things by simply talking to her; but I really don't want a piece of Momiji whilst she has that sword in hand.
The other idea is to gap the sword... but that is easier said then done; and I'm not gapping her arm off. That's just mean and uncalled for.
Another idea could be gapping her right into the wall itself; but I'm not sure if that would have the desired effect, not compared to the added whiplash effect of the original plan.
Damn Dormio for not being around for once. >>
-
I think you're all overthinking this.
>Get between Momiji and Hatate and blast Momiji with enough force to knock her back significantly. Knocking her out is ideal, but if that doesn't happen, we need to make sure there's some distance between her and Hatate.
>If Momiji is still conscious: "I wish to speak with Hatate. You can have her later."
No, I don't mean to give Hatate to Momiji, but Momiji doesn't need to know that.
-
That sword isn't there for show, you know. There's a chance she can cut through what we throw at her, or simply deflect some of it; and I don't really want to play with fire here. A quick and simple method that deals the damage needed with the added sense that she won't see it coming, as mentioned before, has a higher possibility of success then simply unleashing danmaku on a crazed white wolf who will either slice the storm or simply not flinch and cut us down in her rage.
That, and I really don't want to say that to Momiji. Because if Nitori and Hatate hear that, they will know we brought her with us. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure that won't go down well after what we just said to her.
-
Okay, then we just blast Momiji without warning and don't say anything.
-
>Get between Momiji and Hatate and blast Momiji with enough force to knock her back significantly. Knocking her out is ideal, but if that doesn't happen, we need to make sure there's some distance between her and Hatate.
>If Momiji is still conscious: "I wish to speak with Hatate. You can have her later."
>The voices in your head seem to conflict with one another. Will this be your course of action?
>_
-
>Just fire the blast. Don't do any of the rest.
>If Momiji moves to attack again, blast her again. But try to knock her out ith the first blast, so that this is unnecessary.
-
Dude, If we do that, we just ruined the rapport that we made with Momi. She might not trust us.
I'd say just KO her swiftly, like striking her at the back of the neck or something. At least that way, she won't be hurt or anything.
Just my opinion, but I'm against that blasting thing.
-
As am I.
If we are gonna be blasting her, we have to make sure 100% that she'll be KO'd.
-
>can we open a gap under her foot?
-
>Just fire the blast. Don't do any of the rest.
>If Momiji moves to attack again, blast her again. But try to knock her out ith the first blast, so that this is unnecessary.
>You try firing a wave of danmaku at Momiji, which she cuts through with her sword.
>She dashes through the remains of the danmaku, no doubt harming herself in the process.
>She knocks you over whilst pressing on into the laboratory.
>You can hear shouting.
>can we open a gap under her foot?
>You fail to see why you couldn't.
>_
-
You know, it just occured to me that there's a fairly easy way to render Momiji unconscious that we've been overlooking.
>Manipulate the border of consciousness and uncounsciousness to knock Momiji out.
-
>Manipulate the border of consciousness and uncounsciousness to knock Momiji out.
>You begin to search for the border between consciousness and unconsciousness, looking to pull Momiji from one side to another.
>From the ground, you roll slightly to catch sight of what's happening within the lab.
>You see Momiji with a crazed look in her eyes pinning Hatate against a wall, the sword thrust into the wall next to her head.
>Hatate appears to be saying something, but you can't hear it. You doubt that Momiji can, either.
>Nitori and Yuuko appear to have been knocked to the floor.
>You hear other noises coming from deeper inside the laboratory.
>Without thinking, you twist the borders of consciousness and unconsciousness.
>In front of you, you see Momiji's legs tremble before she falls to the ground.
>You're about to sigh in relief when you feel your own vision blurring.
>...
>Your head hurts and your body aches.
>You are lying on the ground.
>_
-
>Try to stand. If we can't, just don't move.
>Where are we now, exactly?
-
>Try to stand. If we can't, just don't move.
>Where are we now, exactly?
>You try to get your feet. You sit up to see a lot of commotion around you.
>You look around a bit. You're at the foot of Youkai Mountain.
>_
-
>Look around. What's going on?
-
>Look around. What's going on?
>You take a quick look around.
>In front of you, you can see several people, including Nitori and Hatate, trying to restrain someone.
>Someone appears to have come to your side. You take a look at them. It's a kappa that looks remarkably similar to Yuuko.
>"Are you alright?"
>She appears to be offering her hand to you.
>_
-
>... Are we alright; how do we feel?
>"I'm... not quite sure..."
>Take the hand, regardless.
>"...Who are you?"
-
>... Are we alright; how do we feel?
>"I'm... not quite sure..."
>Take the hand, regardless.
>"...Who are you?"
>Your body is a bit sore.
>"I guess she hit you really hard or something, then."
>You take her hand and let her help you to your feet.
>"Ah, right. I'm Fuuko, I work for the professor here."
>"Anyway, what the hell is going on? Who is that person?"
>The kappa identifying herself as Fuuko is pointing at Momiji.
>_
-
>"Oh... Nice to meet you; I'm Yukari."
>Hang on... Momiji is still struggling?
>"That... oh... great."
>Get over there, double time!
-
>"Oh... Nice to meet you; I'm Yukari."
>Hang on... Momiji is still struggling?
>"That... oh... great."
>Get over there, double time!
>"Likewise."
>Fuuko nods.
>There wouldn't be so much commotion otherwise, would there?
>You rush over to see Momiji shouting at her captors to let her go, flailing in an attempt to shake off the people pinning her down to the ground.
>As soon as Momiji sees you, she spits in your direction.
>"I thought we had a deal, you bitch! Should have known better than to trust you."
>_
-
>"Whilst doing stuff includes many things, tearing them apart like your previous victim is something I won't tolerate."
>"Now if I were you, I'd stop if you don't want to make this any worse."
-
>"Whilst doing stuff includes many things, tearing them apart like your previous victim is something I won't tolerate."
>"Now if I were you, I'd stop if you don't want to make this any worse."
>"Why do you care?"
>"I'll kill all of you if I have to!"
>Nitori shouts out to Fuuko, who followed you into the lab, to get something to restrain Momiji with.
>Whilst waiting for Fuuko to return, Nitori lets go of Momiji and crouches down next to her.
>"Hey old friend. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
>"I'm sorry, but I think it'll be better for us all if you just relax for a little bit."
>You see Momiji's eyes widen, as if to ask what Nitori was about to do, but she loses all her strength before she can.
>After a few minutes, Fuuko returns with some rope and other objects, which Nitori uses to bind Momiji.
>Once done, she gets up and sighs before turning to you.
>"You brought her here?"
>Everyone's eyes appear to be on you.
>_
-
>"I hadn't intended to... but she ended up being the only person who could lead me down here."
>Bow to Nitori and co.
>"This time, you have my apologies; for bringing you... I'm sorry."
>"Are any of you hurt?"
-
>"I hadn't intended to... but she ended up being the only person who could lead me down here."
>Bow to Nitori and co.
>"This time, you have my apologies; for bringing you... I'm sorry."
>"Are any of you hurt?"
>Nitori shrugs.
>"Fair enough, I suppose."
>You bow to Nitori and the others.
>"It's fine. Hatate's a little shaken up, Yuuko is with her now, but other than that nothing happened."
>"Anyway, Fuuko."
>"What is it, professor?"
>"Could you move this girl somewhere where she can't hurt anyone, including herself?"
>"Of course, professor."
>Fuuko lifts up Momiji and begins carrying her off into the laboratory.
>_
-
>Straighten up and take a look at who is actually in front of us.
>"I suppose the next question is, what happens now?"
-
>Straighten up and take a look at who is actually in front of us.
>"I suppose the next question is, what happens now?"
>You take a proper look at who is with you right now.
>Fuuko is carrying Momiji down a corridor.
>In front of you, you see Nitori, Satori and Rin. Nitori and Satori are looking at you, Rin is looking at Fuuko carrying Momiji.
>To your right, you can see Yuuko talking to Hatate.
>"Not really all that sure. You said that you wanted to talk to Hatate, didn't you?"
>"As for me, since you said that you'd check the Netherworld for us, I guess I had better start packing for a trip to Higan."
>_
-
>"Indeed; though we may..."
>Wait...
>"To Higan? Whilst the Netherworld has been restored, I do believe Higan is still bordered off."
>That and we're meeting Yuyuko later... if nothing has happened to Chen.
-
>"Indeed; though we may..."
>Wait...
>"To Higan? Whilst the Netherworld has been restored, I do believe Higan is still bordered off."
>That and we're meeting Yuyuko later... if nothing has happened to Chen.
>"What is it?"
>You pause for a moment.
>"Oh, so Higan is still inaccessible? Still, simply knowing that it's possible to get in is much more than I could have hoped for. Thank you once again for your help."
>You sure do hope that nothing has happened to Chen.
>"I'll be waiting for news in regards to the Netherworld then."
>_
-
>"You don't need to say thank you all the time; whether you caused this mess or not. As long as you work hard, that's all I'm concerned about..."
>Though if Satori is up here, think of what may have happened to Former Hell...
-
>"You don't need to say thank you all the time; whether you caused this mess or not. As long as you work hard, that's all I'm concerned about..."
>Though if Satori is up here, think of what may have happened to Former Hell...
>"Of course."
>You wonder about what might have happened to the underground. Satori continues to stare at you.
>_
-
>...
>"Waiting for me to say something for once? I guess people truly have changed a bit in two years~ <3"
-
>...
>"Waiting for me to say something for once? I guess people truly have changed a bit in two years~ <3"
>"..."
>"You, on the other hand, don't seem to have changed much at all."
>Nitori looks a bit confused at your exchange. Satori simply shakes her head with a smile, as if telling Nitori not to worry about it.
>_
-
>"My, my. Am I supposed to take that as a compliment?"
>Smile and approach Satori.
>"Or is it that there's actually not much wrong with Former Hell and you're just here for Utsuho?"
-
>"My, my. Am I supposed to take that as a compliment?"
>Smile and approach Satori.
>"Or is it that there's actually not much wrong with Former Hell and you're just here for that hell raven?"
>"No offence was meant, certainly."
>You smile as you get closer to Satori.
>"Former Hell's issues and my reason for being here are two separate matters. Of course, it is not hard to deduce my reason for being here. Especially after what you've heard from Nitori."
>"You don't seem to have seen Okuu while you were in the Netherworld, so can I ask a favor of you?"
>_
-
>Best investigate Former Hell at some point.
>"I seem to be growing a fair list of favors; but that's to be expected. What is it?"
>Stop in front of Satori.
-
>Best investigate Former Hell at some point.
>"I seem to be growing a fair list of favors; but that's to be expected. What is it?"
>Stop in front of Satori.
>Satori nods.
>"When you go to Higan, if at all possible, I'd like to go with you."
>You stop in front of Satori.
>"And, you want something from me, do you not?"
>_
-
>"I will warn you that the Netherworld was in a horrendous state when I found it before. And once we enter, we most likely won't be able to leave until whatever problem they have has been fixed; just like with Yuyuko..."
>That scene... Yuyuko...
>Maintain smile.
-
>"I will warn you that the Netherworld was in a horrendous state when I found it before. And once we enter, we most likely won't be able to leave until whatever problem they have has been fixed; just like with Yuyuko..."
>That scene... Yuyuko...
>Maintain smile.
>Satori nods.
>"I know."
>"I know..."
>"But that's all the more reason I want to go."
>You keep up your smile.
>"You're strong. Even so, perhaps you should find someone you could seek solace with. Keeping your emotions hidden is hard... Isn't it?"
>_
-
"Well it is from you~" poke at her cheek, it's good adivice though..its a big part of why you got a shikigami, and why you talk with Yuyuko.
Though Bakuren is pretty cute, too.
-
"Well it is from you~" poke at her cheek, it's good adivice though..its a big part of why you got a shikigami, and why you talk with Yuyuko.
Though Bakuren is pretty cute, too.
>The satori shrugs.
>"If you're satisfied with that, I'll say no more."
>She seems like an understanding person, at the very least.
>_
-
Wonder if Satori has met her.
"Why are you named after your race anyway?"
-
Wonder if Satori has met her.
"Why are you named after your race anyway?"
>The Satori shakes her head.
>"I don't know why I have this name, only that it is my name."
>At this point, Nitori interrupts your conversation.
>"So, do you plan to do anything with Momiji?"
>_
-
> "I'm.. not sure. Do you have any idea what's wrong with her? Does Hatate?"
-
> "I'm.. not sure. Do you have any idea what's wrong with her? Does Hatate?"
>"I'm not sure, but I think I do. It's a bit long, though, so I'll try to keep it as short as possible."
>"First of all, I'm pretty sure that she believes that I'm still a complete monster. Which means that, for Hatate to be working with me, she thinks that Hatate has become like I once was."
>"Now, Momiji and I? We used to be pretty close friends, which made it all the more painful for her when I did what I did. She blamed herself for failing to recognize what I was becoming and stopping me."
>"That by itself could break some people, but not Momiji. She kept going with her life, after all, she still had things to do."
>"Now, her relationship with Hatate... That's a little more complex. Yeah, sure, they were good friends but... Momiji's always had a crush on Hatate."
>"Unfortunately for her, Hatate's always been obsessed with someone else. She was, and still is, completely oblivious to the fact that Momiji had an interest in her. Momiji was never going to have her true feelings reciprocated."
>"She told me that it didn't matter to her. 'As long as I can see her, I'll be satisfied.' if I recall correctly."
>"But, no, she lost Hatate too. To make things worse, she lost Hatate to me, the friend that she had failed to save all that time ago."
>_
-
>"Hmm....If she has gone insane like I suspect, then it might be a matter of working on her boundary of sane and insane. But that could be quite a task with things as they are currently."
-
>"And something tells me just telling Hatate all that isn't going to make it any better."
>"The other question being, will she listen to us once she does wake up?"
-
>"And here's something to think about: if she blames you, Nitori, then why is it Hatate whom she targeted?"
-
> "Then again, she probably thought by killing her she'd be saving her. If you're truly not the same perhaps we can show her this and bring her back to sanity slowly."
(Everyone else posted. I just want to fit in. :< )
-
[Being Shadoweh is...]
[Pets Shadoweh.]
[Adorable. Come join me in Yuuka Quest. :3 ]
-
>"Hmm....If she has gone insane like I suspect, then it might be a matter of working on her boundary of sane and insane. But that could be quite a task with things as they are currently."
>Nitori puts her hand to her chin as she thinks.
>"Did she really seem like she had gone insane?"
>"And something tells me just telling Hatate all that isn't going to make it any better."
>"The other question being, will she listen to us once she does wake up?"
>"Hatate already knows most of the details. To fix the problem, we're going to have to do something about Momiji."
>"I'm not sure. I doubt that she would be willing to listen to me, but if you or Hatate were to talk to her..."
>"And here's something to think about: if she blames you, Nitori, then why is it Hatate whom she targeted?"
>"That's something that only Momiji could answer."
> "Then again, she probably thought by killing her she'd be saving her. If you're truly not the same perhaps we can show her this and bring her back to sanity slowly."
>"Something tells me that killing us was not her goal. If it were, why didn't she do so immediately? She certainly had the chance to."
>_
-
> "That's true.. just restraining her and having Hatate talk to her sounds like the best plan then."
-
> "That's true.. just restraining her and having Hatate talk to her sounds like the best plan then."
>"I take it that you'll be busy elsewhere?"
>_
-
>"Well, that depends on whether or not our dear wolf tengu will be awake soon."
>"In other words, how strong was that sedative you gave her?"
-
>"Well, that depends on whether or not our dear wolf tengu will be awake soon."
>"In other words, how strong was that sedative you gave her?"
>"She should be up in roughly one hour."
>_
-
"Maybe you could give me a tour while we wait then~?"
-
"Maybe you could give me a tour while we wait then~?"
>"If you want, I don't see why not."
>_
-
>"Then please, lead the way~ <3"
>If anything, we get to see Utsuho's current state while we're at it.
>Poor Satori.
-
>"Then please, lead the way~ <3"
>If anything, we get to see Utsuho's current state while we're at it.
>Poor Satori.
>"All right, though there isn't all that much to see."
>Nitori begins to walk through the corridors.
>The satori looks at you disapprovingly whilst Nitori begins to talk.
>"On this floor are a whole bunch of unused lab rooms."
>Nitori points out a few rooms along the corridor as she says this.
>"The cafeteria and mess hall are also on this floor. It's the only room with doubled doors."
>"Hatate's terrarium is here, too."
>Nitori continues walking until she reaches a stairwell.
>"This leads to the lower floor, which is mostly taken up by the living quarters. There are a few more lab rooms down there, that Yuuko and Fuuko like to use."
>"There is one floor below that, where I used to perform experiments."
>"Any part in particular that you want to see?"
>_
-
>"Used to? I don't suppose there's anything left down there that relates to anything that has happened in these years?"
>"Out of curiosity, how many people could you get living in here?"
>If Satori is still with us.
>"Perhaps I should apologise... but is there any chance of seeing her? If anything, I wouldn't mind seeing if there are any boundaries affecting her."
>With everyone from the Myouren Temple, and to some extent, Yuyuko, being affected by a seal, there may be a chance Utsuho be affected too.
-
>"Used to? I don't suppose there's anything left down there that relates to anything that has happened in these years?"
>"Out of curiosity, how many people could you get living in here?"
>If Satori is still with us.
>"Perhaps I should apologise... but is there any chance of seeing her? If anything, I wouldn't mind seeing if there are any boundaries affecting her."
>With everyone from the Myouren Temple, and to some extent, Yuyuko, being affected by a seal, there may be a chance Utsuho be affected too.
>"Well, I still use it, just not for what I used to. There are several things down there, yes."
>"Maybe twenty, thirty, people. It's not the space that's the problem, but supplies."
>"If you must."
>You can see Satori thinking.
>_
-
>"Maybe I could have a look... Might help in some way."
>Turn to Satori.
>"I understand if you don't want to... I know this must be... well, I guess 'hard for you' is putting it pretty lightly."
-
>"Maybe I could have a look... Might help in some way."
>Turn to Satori.
>"I understand if you don't want to... I know this must be... well, I guess 'hard for you' is putting it pretty lightly."
>"All right. Is that alright with you, Satori?"
>The satori nods.
>"It is fine."
>The three of you head down the stairwell and along some more corridors until you reach another set of stairs.
>You walk down the stairs, into another corridor, until you reach a large room.
>In the center of the room, you can see a large display with Utsuho suspended within it.
>Something nearby also makes you feel strange.
>_
-
>... Is she... I mean, Nitori said she was but...
>What direction is this feeling coming from?
>Does it feel bad or sinister?
>Does it seem to be affecting Nitori or Satori?
>More importantly, does it feel like a boundary?
>If not, can we tell what it is?
-
>... Is she... I mean, Nitori said she was but...
>What direction is this feeling coming from?
>Does it feel bad or sinister?
>Does it seem to be affecting Nitori or Satori?
>More importantly, does it feel like a boundary?
>If not, can we tell what it is?
>The satori looks at you and nods.
>It is coming from past the display, most likely from beyond one of the many doors you can see.
>It does not.
>It does not appear to be affecting anyone else.
>It does not, though it definitely seems to be related to them.
>_
-
>... Follow the trail; approach whichever door it leads to and open it.
>It may not feel bad, but keep the danmaku side of our mind active.
-
>... Follow the trail; approach whichever door it leads to and open it.
>It may not feel bad, but keep the danmaku side of our mind active.
>You decide to find the source of this discomfort.
>Nitori and Satori watch you as you search.
>When you put your hand on the door that you suspect the feeling is coming from, Nitori speaks up.
>"That's where I'm keeping the machine I used to try to fix the border. It's still running."
>"And you can feel stuff like that?"
>You open the door to reveal a rather large machine sitting in the middle of the room. You can hear a soft hum coming from it as several of its parts turn in a steady motion.
>_
-
>... Woah. This is... for a lone kappa to come up with this...
>"Interesting..."
>Take a look at the whole thing; if there's room, see it from all angles.
>Well, we can feel it, but does it feel, or look like, it's working?
>If not, is there anything we could do to speed the process up? Using energy or boundaries of our own?
>"How long did this take you?"
-
>... Woah. This is... for a lone kappa to come up with this...
>"Interesting..."
>Take a look at the whole thing; if there's room, see it from all angles.
>Well, we can feel it, but does it feel, or look like, it's working?
>If not, is there anything we could do to speed the process up? Using energy or boundaries of our own?
>"How long did this take you?"
>It is rather impressive.
>You walk around the edge of the room to get a look at the entire thing.
>From the back and sides, you can see a mess of wires inside the machine, connecting various parts together.
>The energy it generates seems to be dissipating rapidly after it is formed.
>Without knowing how it works, you doubt that you could.
>"Hmm, a couple months, give or take. I'd need to check the dates on my notes for an exact length."
>"Why do you ask?"
>"Actually... You could feel this machine, right? If you don't mind me asking another favor from you... Could you help me with this a bit? I think I might be able to get it working if I can just understand what it's doing right now."
>_
-
>"All I can tell right now is that the energy it's gathering is dissipatingvery quickly. I can't really say more without a better understanding of how it's supposed to work."
-
>"All I can tell right now is that the energy it's gathering is dissipatingvery quickly. I can't really say more without a better understanding of how it's supposed to work."
>"You say it's dissipating? Is it going anywhere?"
>_
-
>Is it?
-
>Is it?
>As far as you can tell, no.
>_
-
>"It doesn't seem to be. What is it supposed to be doing?
-
>"It doesn't seem to be. What is it supposed to be doing?
>"It should be condensing the space around it until it's solid enough for it to be able to manipulate it. You open and close gaps between places all the time, right? This machine should be able to do that too."
>"If it's working, but fails because it can't hold the space in place..."
>"You've given me an idea, actually. I won't know for sure until tomorrow, but thank you."
>"But, didn't you come down here to check Utsuho?"
>_
-
>"True enough, but this device also deserves my attention. After all, I do believe it's why I have now regained a portion of the power I lost. Getting it to function properly strikes me as an excellent idea. If there's anything I can do to assist you in that task, please let me know."
-
>"True enough, but this device also deserves my attention. After all, I do believe it's why I have now regained a portion of the power I lost. Getting it to function properly strikes me as an excellent idea. If there's anything I can do to assist you in that task, please let me know."
>"Well, I'll need at least a day before I know whether or not I'm onto something."
>"If you could be around tomorrow when I test this, in case this goes wrong, that would be helpful."
>_
-
>"Yeah. The last thing either of us want right now is for this to go wrong... again."
>Give the machine a little pat before walking back out into the room with Utsuho.
>Walk up to Utsuho; place a hand on her cell/capsule.
>...
>Can we see/feel any sort of boundaries around her?
-
>"Yeah. The last thing either of us want right now is for this to go wrong... again."
>Give the machine a little pat before walking back out into the room with Utsuho.
>Walk up to Utsuho; place a hand on her cell/capsule.
>...
>Can we see/feel any sort of boundaries around her?
>"Of course."
>Nitori nods.
>You pat the machine before leaving the room and approaching Utsuho's display. Nitori and Satori are not far behind you.
>The display is cold to the touch.
>You cannot.
>_
-
>No way of bringing her back from here, then?
>Guess we will have to make the trek to Higan after all... That is, if Yuyuko hasn't seen her in the Netherworld.
>Must remember to speak to her about that tonight.
>How much time left before Momiji is awake?
-
>No way of bringing her back from here, then?
>Guess we will have to make the trek to Higan after all... That is, if Yuyuko hasn't seen her in the Netherworld.
>Must remember to speak to her about that tonight.
>How much time left before Momiji is awake?
>Doesn't look like there is.
>It would be rather convenient if she was in the Netherworld, wouldn't it?
>You make a note to ask Yuyuko about this later.
>You still have around forty minutes until an hour has passed.
>_
-
>Turn to Satori & Nitori.
>"I'm afraid I can't sense anything; so it's definitely not border related. With some luck, Yuyuko may have seen her in the Netherworld; so I'll check with her when I see her this evening. If not, then you'll be happy to accompany me to Higan, Satori."
>To Nitori.
>"How does all of this work, then? I'm also inclined to ask how long Utsuho has been like this. And..."
>Mental apology to Satori.
>"...how she ended up like this."
-
>Turn to Satori & Nitori.
>"I'm afraid I can't sense anything; so it's definitely not border related. With some luck, Yuyuko may have seen her in the Netherworld; so I'll check with her when I see her this evening. If not, then you'll be happy to accompany me to Higan, Satori."
>To Nitori.
>"How does all of this work, then? I'm also inclined to ask how long Utsuho has been like this. And..."
>Mental apology to Satori.
>"...how she ended up like this."
>"Worth a shot, right?"
>"Thanks again for doing this for us."
>"Simply put, it's keeping her 'alive'. It's strange, I know, the body works but the soul is already gone."
>"She's been like this for over a year. Ever since I regained my sanity."
>Both Nitori and Satori grimace.
>"I had Utsuho confined, and she escaped. She was hellbent on killing me. I had only meant to stop her but..."
>"Bringing her back has been a priority for me, but I haven't made much progress, at least, not until you showed up."
>_
-
>"Indeed it is. And you don't need to keep thanking me; I'm just happy knowing there are people who wish to help."
>Pat Nitori on the head.
>"And I won't blame you for that; many people would do the same when facing death in such a scene."
>"My next question, however, is... Was Utsuho the only person you captured?"
-
>"Indeed it is. And you don't need to keep thanking me; I'm just happy knowing there are people who wish to help."
>Pat Nitori on the head.
>"And I won't blame you for that; many people would do the same when facing death in such a scene."
>"My next question, however, is... Was Utsuho the only person you captured?"
>"Um... Uh..."
>Nitori blushes a bit as you pat her.
>"Still... It haunts me... There must have been another way..."
>"No, she wasn't. The two immortals, they're also in here."
>"I've been trying to think of a way to safely release them, but I simply don't know how their bodies work."
>_
-
>Awww; cute kappa blushing is cute...
>"Two? I heard Mokou had vanished; but I wasn't aware the other had as well."
>"Where are they now? Show me.."
>If Nitori starts walking, follow.
-
>Awww; cute kappa blushing is cute...
>"Two? I heard Mokou had vanished; but I wasn't aware the other had as well."
>"Where are they now? Show me.."
>If Nitori starts walking, follow.
>"Yeah... Both of them."
>Nitori hangs her head slightly.
>"Alright, follow me."
>Nitori begins to walk in the direction of the stairs.
>When you reach the second floor of the laboratory, Satori speaks up.
>"If you do not mind, I will take my leave for the time being."
>After delivering her message, Satori begins walking off.
>"Well, we're going this way."
>Nitori begins walking in the opposite direction to Satori.
>You follow Nitori she stops at a door.
>"They're in here. I'll warn you now that what I did to them isn't pretty. You want to see regardless, right?"
>_
-
>"I have seen plenty of things before, my dear kappa. So after you."
>Brace ourselves regardless; it has been a while since we've seen... much anyway.
-
>"I have seen plenty of things before, my dear kappa. So after you."
>Brace ourselves regardless; it has been a while since we've seen... much anyway.
>Nitori opens the door and steps inside, waiting for you to follow.
>You brace yourself before you walk into the room. It looks like a bedroom. In the center of the room is a display, similar to Utsuho's, but smaller.
>Inside the display, you can see a few objects floating around.
>"Well... Here they are."
>Nitori walks next to the display.
>_
-
>Examine them.
>Examine the rest of the room.
-
>... What?
>"I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Where are..."
>Wait... what are the objects?
>Can we feel anything in the room?
-
>... What?
>"I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Where are..."
>You can't see any other people in this room.
>Nitori's expression darkens.
>"Like I said... Here they are."
>Wait... what are the objects?
>Examine them.
>Examine the rest of the room.
>You take a closer look at the display. On closer inspection you see that the objects floating within the display are hearts, which continue to beat.
>Examine the rest of the room.
>Can we feel anything in the room?
>The room contains a bed, a wardrobe, bookshelves, a desk, and a few filing cabinets in addition to the display in the center.
>You cannot.
>_
-
>"Is this... all that's left of them?"
-
>"What did you do to them?"
-
>"Is this... all that's left of them?"
>Nitori nods.
>"What did you do to them?"
>"When I was mad, I wanted be become immortal. I took them apart to try to figure out how."
>"I dismantled them, and used them for a different project when I gave up on using them for immortality. But I don't know how to even begin on piecing them back together."
>_
-
>"Messing with gaps and becoming immortal... Were you trying to become a God or something?"
>Look at Nitori.
>"Mind telling me what this other project is... or was?"
-
>"Messing with gaps and becoming immortal... Were you trying to become a God or something?"
>Look at Nitori.
>"Mind telling me what this other project is... or was?"
>"Judging from my old notes, I think I was."
>"It was to manufacture a drug, one that locks a mind into its own personal eternity. I've since destroyed all my notes and samples related to that project. Something like that doesn't need to exist."
>_
-
>"Perhaps you shouldn't have. They would likely have been helpful in reversing what you did."
-
>"Perhaps you shouldn't have. They would likely have been helpful in reversing what you did."
>"They didn't contain any information related to what I did to them. It was all about the drug."
>_
-
>"In which case, it's good you put a stop to that."
>Look back at the hearts.
>"I take it this 'immortality project' counted on these two, then? What happened afterwards?"
-
>"In which case, it's good you put a stop to that."
>Look back at the hearts.
>"I take it this 'immortality project' counted on these two, then? What happened afterwards?"
>"It would have been better if I had never started it in the first place. Started any of this, really..."
>It's rather creepy to watch the hearts beating as they float around the display.
>"I don't really feel like saying anything about this. This is something that I fully intend to take with me to the grave."
>_
-
>"It's not your fault... Well, it was 'your' fault; but it wasn't you. You admitted how different you were back then; that's what matters."
>Walk past Nitori and close the door; then turn back to her.
>"Nitori... I said I would help you in whatever way I can. But in order to do that, I need to know things from your end as well."
>"What happened?"
-
>"It's not your fault... Well, it was 'your' fault; but it wasn't you. You admitted how different you were back then; that's what matters."
>Walk past Nitori and close the door; then turn back to her.
>"Nitori... I said I would help you in whatever way I can. But in order to do that, I need to know things from your end as well."
>"What happened?"
>"I know that all this is my fault. But this is something that I can't talk about."
>You close the door before addressing Nitori again.
>"This is something that shouldn't ever be discussed. There's no need for anyone to know about it."
>_
-
>"Then what about those two kappa? Surely they must have been with you from the start. Are you telling me that they don't know about anything?"
-
>"Then what about those two kappa? Surely they must have been with you from the start. Are you telling me that they don't know about anything?"
>"Can't you just drop it? There's no need for anyone to know about granting themselves immortality."
>_
-
>Hold up our hands.
>"My apologies. I didn't mean to work you up that much. I just wanted to know if you had used anything else; that was all."
>"Besides, like I'd have any interest in immortality anyway."
>"Sorry for making you uncomfortable."
-
>Hold up our hands.
>"My apologies. I didn't mean to work you up that much. I just wanted to know if you had used anything else; that was all."
>"Besides, like I'd have any interest in immortality anyway."
>"Sorry for making you uncomfortable."
>You gesture to Nitori that you yield. Nitori sighs in response.
>"No, no. I'm sorry. It's just that, and I'm sure you agree, something like immortality is better left forgotten."
>"I know, but if there was ever a chance that someone else caught wind of it..."
>"No, it's alright. It's my fault, sorry."
>Nitori shuffles her feet a bit, trying to think of something to say.
>_
-
>"No words are needed; my sweet kappa~ <3" Kiss into H-Scene!
>"Don't make me pat you on the head again~ <3"
>Wait for her response before opening the door.
-
>"No words are needed; my sweet kappa~ <3" Kiss into H-Scene!
>"Don't make me pat you on the head again~ <3"
>Wait for her response before opening the door.
>"Wait wait wait! That sounds like something that those people without faces say before they do something dir-"
>You silence Nitori by pressing your lips against hers, your fingers reaching for her-
>[REDACTED]
>"I'm fine, thank you."
>You open the door.
>"I mean it's not like I didn't enjoy it or anything, but that's treating me like a child and..."
>Nitori seems to be rambling to herself.
>_
-
... I smell a tsun-tsun~
>"Ohhhh~ You didn't enjoy it?"
>Pinch her hat, then ruffle her hair.
Okay, now we're just trolling playfully...
I've missed this kind of Yukari~ <3
-
>"Ohhhh~ You didn't enjoy it?"
>Pinch her hat, then ruffle her hair.
>Nitori looks up as you interrupt her train her of thought.
>"I said that I did enjoy it, but that it made me feel as though you were treating me like a child, which I didn't like so much."
>You ruffle her hair.
>"And you're doing it again."
>Nitori pouts.
>_
-
"but I do it to Ran all the time."
-
>Let's not say that; what we do to Ran stays in our mind~
[Plus, I want to play with the kappa for a bit]
>Chuckle a little and give her hat back.
>"Hehe, sorry~ But I can't have you looking so down all the time."
>"That and it's kind of cute~ <3"
-
"but I do it to Ran all the time."
>Let's not say that; what we do to Ran stays in our mind~
>You decide to refrain from mentioning Ran for the time being.
>Chuckle a little and give her hat back.
>"Hehe, sorry~ But I can't have you looking so down all the time."
>"That and it's kind of cute~ <3"
>You give a little chuckle. Nitori smiles in response.
>"I will admit that it is fun to talk to you."
>"Eh? Um..."
>Nitori looks down, blushing.
>_
-
[Yeah, I need sleep now; 5:30am here. Whilst we do have Nitori all flustered, please remember we're not Shino; nor are we looking for a relationship... Unless you really want a Yukari x Nitori story from Dormio. :derp: ]
[So yeah, have a bit of fun whoever wants to continue; but remember we have stuff to do... Though if Nitori's thoughts are like this now, just wait until Satori reads her mind; Satori will either disapprove, grin, or simply have one of those heart-warming smiles. I think everyone needs one of those right now~]
-
[Excuse me, we are shipping Yuyuko x Yukari as soon as we get back to the netherworld. :| ]
> "I'm enjoying your company as well. I've missed this freedom and I have alot of catching up to do~"
> "But for now, let's head back towards everyone else. Unless you want me alone for something~?"
> Start exiting the room before Nitori can reply.
> What do we know about Aya's relationship regarding Hatate and Momiji? Do we expect her to be near them?
-
> "I'm enjoying your company as well. I've missed this freedom and I have alot of catching up to do~"
> "But for now, let's head back towards everyone else. Unless you want me alone for something~?"
> Start exiting the room before Nitori can reply.
> What do we know about Aya's relationship regarding Hatate and Momiji? Do we expect her to be near them?
>Nitori nods.
>"I'm sure you're a busy person. Thanks again for taking the time to help us."
>"Alright."
>You exit the room.
>"We should probably go wait by Momiji now. Hatate should be there, too."
>You know that Aya and Hatate had a friendly rivalry going on with their newspapers.
>You believe that Aya and Momiji had a strained relationship, at best.
>_
-
> "Has Aya stopped by to visit Hatate? She's another I haven't seen in a long while."
> Head with Nitori towards where Momizi awaits.
-
> "Has Aya stopped by to visit Hatate? She's another I haven't seen in a long while."
> Head with Nitori towards where Momizi awaits.
>"Aya? Oh, she wasn't around earlier, was she? Aya lives here with Hatate. She's probably resting now, you could visit her later if you wanted."
>You walk through the lab with Nitori until you find Hatate standing around one of the corridors.
>Hatate holds out her hand to you as you approach.
>"Hey, I'm Hatate Himekaido. That was quite the meeting back there, wasn't it?"
>_
-
Oh yes! The three main characters in a team scene at last!
>Handshake in progress.
>"That certainly was; I do hope you're okay."
>Now we shall save the world: Sonic... I mean, Gensokyo Heroes - Act 1!
>"I don't suppose I need to introduce myself too; I'm sure you know all about me~ <3"
-
>Handshake in progress.
>"That certainly was; I do hope you're okay."
>Now we shall save the world: Sonic... I mean, Gensokyo Heroes - Act 1!
>"I don't suppose I need to introduce myself too; I'm sure you know all about me~ <3"
>You accept Hatate's handshake.
>"Hmm, yeah, I'm fine. I was really surprised though."
>With your plot armor combined, nothing will be able to best you. Nothing.
>"Only through rumors and hearsay. How come you were with Momiji?"
>_
-
>Prepare to counter Hatate Special with 17 years of Pain~
>"Let's just say we had reason to help each other out. Our agreement has worked itself out, however. "
[Reasoning: "I-made-a-deal-to-avoid-being-killed-by-her" doesn't quite fit our rep, and technically, the above is true.]
-
>Prepare to counter Hatate Special with 17 years of Pain~
>"Let's just say we had reason to help each other out. Our agreement has worked itself out, however. "
>You sense an incoming Hatate Special and decide to act first, strengthening your grip on her arm.
>Hatate looks at you with a quizzical look on her face, but you know better.
>You use her other arm to grab her and toss her into the floor, opening up a gap where she's about to land and setting the exit to be right above it.
>Hatate screams as she falls perpetually.
>Nitori looks on, bewildered.
>"And... What happened to her?"
>Hatate lets go of your hand as she asks this.
>_
-
>"I'm not entirely sure. When I saw her the first time... It wasn't pretty."
>"In either case, the tengu at the village believe she is dead."
>...
-
>"I'm not entirely sure. When I saw her the first time... It wasn't pretty."
>"In either case, the tengu at the village believe she is dead."
>Hatate looks at a nearby door.
>"Momiji... Just what happened to you...?"
>"Well, we're not going to find out by standing around here, are we?"
>Nitori nods.
>"Shall we go see her, then?"
>_
-
>"Lead the way~"
>Follow.
-
>"Lead the way~"
>Follow.
>Hatate walks over to the door she was looking at earlier and holds it open.
>Nitori enters the room, as does Hatate. You follow suit.
>The room is rather bare, the only furniture inside is a bed, on which Momiji lies, and a desk.
>As you enter, you can see Momiji turn her head towards you, staring at you with a look of hatred in her eyes.
>"Should have known that you'd be working with her too."
>Momiji turns her gaze towards Nitori.
>"So, old friend, what do you have planned for me? What kind of experiment are you running this time?"
>Nitori steps forward.
>"Nothing."
>"Huh?"
>Momiji looks rather confused.
>_
-
>"First of all, it's the other way round; Nitori is working for me~ <3"
>If Nitori is in range, give her a poke to make sure she plays along.
>"But before that, you may want to accept this little fact before we continue with the conversation: That Nitori is dead."
-
>"First of all, it's the other way round; Nitori is working for me~ <3"
>If Nitori is in range, give her a poke to make sure she plays along.
>"But before that, you may want to accept this little fact before we continue with the conversation: That Nitori is dead."
>"You mean to tell me that you were the one behind everything?"
>You give Nitori a small poke, she nods in response.
>"What the hell are you talking about? She's right there."
>Momiji points at Nitori.
>"You're all lunatics."
>Momiji looks towards Hatate.
>"Please don't tell me that you're like them too. Please."
>Hatate seems unsure of how to respond to Momiji.
>_
-
>"Lunatics? Such a fun word. What I meant was that the Nitori who caused these incidents to happen is now dead, as the Nitori in front of you is trying to reverse the damage done."
>Look towards Hatate, then take a step back.
-
>"Lunatics? Such a fun word. What I meant was that the Nitori who caused these incidents to happen is now dead, as the Nitori in front of you is trying to reverse the damage done."
>Look towards Hatate, then take a step back.
>"Reverse the damage? Hah! As if she'd do something like that. All she cares about is her latest experiment."
>You take a look at Hatate before letting her speak.
>"It's as she says. The only reason I'm here is because Nitori's started to work on fixing everything that she caused. Everyone here is working towards fixing Gensokyo."
>"One person here can read minds, If Nitori was continuing her experiments, she would know."
>Momiji stares at Hatate as she talks.
>"Shut up! That can't be right! If she's really working towards fixing Gensokyo, why hasn't it been fixed yet?! It didn't take her long to break Gensokyo, putting it back together should be just as easy!"
>"Momiji, listen to m-"
>"Shut up! You're with them! This is just part of some new sick experiment, isn't it?!"
>"You know, I wanted to believe that you were forced or tricked into working with her, but that's not the case is it?!"
>"Momiji..."
>Hatate holds her hand out in Momiji's direction.
>"Get away from me!"
>"Momiji jumps back to the edge of the bed, back against the wall.
>_
-
>Step forward.
>"The reason it's taking so long is because of Reimu."
>If that attracts attention, it's too bad it's only a theory... But the player knows the truth!
>"From the sounds of it, Reimu has some how gained my abilities. It's why I asked you for help; why I didn't just gap myself here. Having been sealed for 2 years, it makes sort of sense that someone like her could harness those abilities; though it has come at a dangerous cost to others..."
>Look towards Hatate.
>"Isn't that right?"
-
>Step forward.
>"The reason it's taking so long is because of Reimu."
>If that attracts attention, it's too bad it's only a theory... But the player knows the truth!
>"From the sounds of it, Reimu has some how gained my abilities. It's why I asked you for help; why I didn't just gap myself here. Having been sealed for 2 years, it makes sort of sense that someone like her could harness those abilities; though it has come at a dangerous cost to others..."
>Look towards Hatate.
>"Isn't that right?"
>"I said back off!"
>Momiji shouts as you step forward.
>"I don't care what kind of rubbish you're spouting, I won't be your test subject!"
>Hatate steps in, walking towards Momiji.
>"I said stay back! Go away! Leave me alone!"
>"Momiji, how have you been?"
>"What are you trying to pull?"
>"I've been worried about you, you know. Ever since that day I ran away from you, I wanted to see you again, but I couldn't find you."
>"Why are you bringing that up?"
>"I'm so sorry. I was scared that day, you know? I thought that you wanted to kill me. I panicked. But I wanted to ask you..."
>"I don't want to hear it..."
>"Don't you want to come with me? We could work together to fix Gensokyo. You and Nitori used to be close friends too, didn't you? You could have seen that she had changed, and you could have been friends again."
>"Still, Momiji, you're here now. So... Won't you work with us?"
>Momiji curls up into a foetal position. You think that you can hear her sobbing.
>_
-
>If Nitori isn't going up to her, give her a nudge again.
>Also, whisper:
>"You may want to say something to her too."
-
>If Nitori isn't going up to her, give her a nudge again.
>Also, whisper:
>"You may want to say something to her too."
>You can see Nitori jump a little when you nudge her.
>Nitori steps forward at your insistence.
>"You don't need to say anything, just listen. You don't have to join us if you don't want to. Feel free to walk out whenever you want."
>"But know that I want things to go back to the way they were. Back to how things were before I messed everything up."
>Momiji does not respond.
>"Just think about it, okay?"
>Nitori steps back.
>_
-
>Consider: Is there anything else right now we could/have to do which has a time limit attached to it?
>It might be worth mentally calling Satori down, but wait until previous question answered.
>Also, check the following: 1)Time until next gap and 2)Did we close the front door behind us?
Thoughts: Call Satori to read Momiji's mind, or just wait for Hatate or Nitori to work their magic.
Any other ideas?
-
>Consider: Is there anything else right now we could/have to do which has a time limit attached to it?
>It might be worth mentally calling Satori down, but wait until previous question answered.
>Also, check the following: 1)Time until next gap and 2)Did we close the front door behind us?
>Other than meeting Yuyuko later today, you have made no time sensitive arrangements.
>It might be.
>You feel rested enough to manipulate another border.
>You did not close the door to this room.
>_
-
[I'll save our super-weapon for later]
>Save our gap for now - we may need it in case of an emergency later.
>"Nitori. If you think the restraints will hold, perhaps we should take our leave for now."
>Banking on the basis that hinting will provide answers...
>"Hatate, perhaps if you try to speak to her alone, the truth from both sides will be revealed. As much as I'd love for Momiji help free Gensyoko, we cannot unite forces with her if we don't know her answer."
>Pat her on the back - "Who knows? Maybe this will be a chance for both of you to say what you never had the chance to."
-
>Save our gap for now - we may need it in case of an emergency later.
>"Nitori. If you think the restraints will hold, perhaps we should take our leave for now."
>Banking on the basis that hinting will provide answers...
>"Hatate, perhaps if you try to speak to her alone, the truth from both sides will be revealed. As much as I'd love for Momiji help free Gensyoko, we cannot unite forces with her if we don't know her answer."
>Pat her on the back - "Who knows? Maybe this will be a chance for both of you to say what you never had the chance to."
>Who knows what might come up?
>"Yeah..."
>"I'll be back later, Momiji."
>Hatate gives you a nod.
>Nitori looks at you.
>"Well, I guess we should be going, then?"
>_
-
>"Yes... Though it may be worth bringing Satori down here. She could easily be of use; what with the state of her."
>Head on out.
-
>"Yes... Though it may be worth bringing Satori down here. She could easily be of use; what with the state of her."
>Head on out.
>"I'll ask her later."
>You and Nitori leave the room and close the door behind you.
>"It must have been hard for her... I hope that Hatate can convince her to join us."
>"What do you plan to do, now?"
>_
-
>"Whatever happens, I'm certain good will come from it."
>What time is it? If we don't know, then ask.
-
>"Whatever happens, I'm certain good will come from it."
>What time is it? If we don't know, then ask.
>"Let's hope so."
>You'd guess that it is close to midday, but you ask to make sure anyway.
>"The time? It's 11AM."
>_
-
>"Hmm, I wouldn't mind speaking with your kappa friends... Fuuko and Yuuko, right?"
>"I know Satori and her kasha already; so it's only fitting I at least speak to them a little before heading out."
>"That and we may need to be on hand in case something happens to them."
>Nod back towards where Hatate & Momiji are.
-
>"Hmm, I wouldn't mind speaking with your kappa friends... Fuuko and Yuuko, right?"
>"I know Satori and her kasha already; so it's only fitting I at least speak to them a little before heading out."
>"That and we may need to be on hand in case something happens to them."
>Nod back towards where Hatate & Momiji are.
>"All right, just wait right here, I'll call them over."
>Nitori walks off at a brisk pace.
>Not too long afterwards, you hear Nitori's voice resonating throughout the lab.
>"If you're not busy, could you come down to the living quarters? Our guest wants to talk to you all."
>After Nitori's announcement ends, she returns to your side.
>Soon, you can hear many more footsteps, and you see Satori and Rin walking towards you from one side of the corridor, and Fuuko Yuuko, and Aya from the other.
>_
-
>... Smile; then nudge Nitori.
>"I didn't think you'd get everyone."
>Not that it doesn't hurt anything; it's nice this way.
>"Apologies for summoning you... Though it would seem there is one extra person present that wasn't before."
>Look at Aya.
-
>... Smile; then nudge Nitori.
>"I didn't think you'd get everyone."
>Not that it doesn't hurt anything; it's nice this way.
>"Apologies for summoning you... Though it would seem there is one extra person present that wasn't before."
>Look at Aya.
>"Guess it's a slow day."
>It is rather nice to see lots of friendly faces.
>Yuuko and Rin both say that it's fine.
>You turn your head towards Aya, who gives you a smile and a wave.
>"Well, yeah, I was kind of sleeping before."
>Aya scratches her head.
>"Well, looks like I picked a bad time for a nap."
>"Been a while since I've seen you, how have you been?"
>_
-
>"Stuck."
>Summarize what's been happening.
>"What of you? How have you fared these past two years?"
-
>"Stuck."
>Summarize what's been happening.
>"What of you? How have you fared these past two years?"
>"Huh?"
>You give Aya a quick summary of how you've spent the past two years.
>"I've been the same way. Sleeping until a few weeks ago."
>Aya shrugs.
>_
-
>"Perhaps it'd be a little more ideal if we went into a room we could at least sit down in; so we're not standing around like this."
>If Nitori starts walking, follow.
>Turn to Aya as we walk.
>"Sleeping? If I might ask, what happened?"
-
>"Perhaps it'd be a little more ideal if we went into a room we could at least sit down in; so we're not standing around like this."
>If Nitori starts walking, follow.
>Turn to Aya as we walk.
>"Sleeping? If I might ask, what happened?"
>Nitori responds "Sure, let's just use one of the bedrooms then."
>Satori begins to talk towards a door and everyone follows.
>"Well, apparently I did something stupid that sent me into a coma. Nitori fixed me up, though."
>You all file into one of the nearby rooms. Yuuko and Fuuko sit on the bed with Rin, Aya takes a seat on a chair by the desk, and Nitori and Satori lean against the wall near the door.
>You are standing in the center of the room.
>_
-
>Take a seat. If no seat is available, float in a seated position.
>"If I may ask, Aya, what exactly did you do that sent you into a coma?"
-
>Take a seat. If no seat is available, float in a seated position.
>"If I may ask, Aya, what exactly did you do that sent you into a coma?"
>You take a seat in the air.
>"Drugs, apparently. I don't really remember it, but I'm told that I overdosed."
>Aya looks around.
>"Say. Where's Hatate?"
>_
-
(I'd suggest not exposing Aya to Hatate just yet- we don't want our attempt of Momiji recruitment to be interrupted just yet.)
>"She was the one who brought you here, funnily enough."
>"Right now, she's resting-soon as she's up, I'll let you know."
>"From what I hear, a lot has changed since we've been gone."
-
Uh.. I believe she's just asking where Hatate is right now, seeing as she's talking with Momiji. With that in mind,
>Don't do this.
We do need to decide if we want to tell her that Momiji's here, though.
-
>"She was the one who brought you here, funnily enough."
>"Right now, she's resting-soon as she's up, I'll let you know."
>"From what I hear, a lot has changed since we've been gone."
>Don't do this.
>You think about how to answer Aya.
>_
-
>"Hatate's sorting a little problem out; nothing to worry about."
>"Since we are both in similar situations, in regards to the timeline, how long have you been 'awake' for?"
>"Have you been up to much since then?"
-
>"Hatate's sorting a little problem out; nothing to worry about."
>"Since we are both in similar situations, in regards to the timeline, how long have you been 'awake' for?"
>"Have you been up to much since then?"
>"Hmm, is that so?"
>The satori raises an eyebrow at you as you say this, but makes no other motion.
>"Three weeks, give or take a few days."
>"Not really, no."
>_
-
>"So I take it you haven't been outside since waking up then?"
>Lean back a little... without falling off our mid-air seat.
>"At this point, what you have all been doing till now as helped; while it may not seem that way, it has. The machine may be responsible for at least bringing me back; so until my abilities come back to me fully, the machine will most likely continue whirring fruitlessly."
>Look around.
>"It would be somewhat ideal if I can figure out what each of you are doing; along with what you each could do outside of this lab if given the chance to do so."
-
>"So I take it you haven't been outside since waking up then?"
>Lean back a little... without falling off our mid-air seat.
>"At this point, what you have all been doing till now as helped; while it may not seem that way, it has. The machine may be responsible for at least bringing me back; so until my abilities come back to me fully, the machine will most likely continue whirring fruitlessly."
>Look around.
>"It would be somewhat ideal if I can figure out what each of you are doing; along with what you each could do outside of this lab if given the chance to do so."
>Aya shakes her head.
>You lean back, getting as comfortable as you can in the air.
>Everyone in the room nods as you talk.
>Nitori speaks.
>"Well, who do you want to know about?"
>_
-
>"Whilst it does seem somewhat silly to ask, I'd like to actually hear it from each of you. A lovable 'gap' like me may like watching and listening, but after 2 years, a refresh is always nice... somewhat."
>Whoever is closest to us, look at them.
>"Let's start with you~ <3 "
>...
-
>"Whilst it does seem somewhat silly to ask, I'd like to actually hear it from each of you. A lovable 'gap' like me may like watching and listening, but after 2 years, a refresh is always nice... somewhat."
>Whoever is closest to us, look at them.
>"Let's start with you~ <3 "
>You look at Aya and ask her what she does around the lab.
>"Well, I uh..."
>Aya scratches her head.
>"I guess I sleep a lot for the time being. I'm kind of a wreck after spending so much time out of commission."
>You hear a voice come from your left, so you turn to face Rin.
>"I'm working on a particular project with Nitori, since it falls under my area of expertise. Master helps out by saying what I can't explain."
>Rin looks towards Satori, who nods.
>This time, Yuuko begins speaking.
>"Well, 'sis and I just help out the professor with whatever she's doing."
>Finally, Nitori talks.
>"As you know, I'm working on several projects to try and fix the mess I've caused."
>"Hatate spends most of her time taking care of Aya, though she helps out where she can. She's also made a terrarium, which is rather useful."
>_
-
>Nod along.
>"Okay then. Down to business we go, then~ <3"
>To Aya.
>"Seeing as you haven't been outside in quite some time, how do you fancy getting out for once? I'm sure you can do a great deal for all of us outside of here, that way."
>To Satori.
>"I know that what you've requested of me is certainly going to take up your role here, but is there anything you can do? What about Former Hell; anything of use you could think of there?"
>To Yuuko.
>"I guess asking either you or... Fuuko, was it?"
>Turn to the other kappa; wait for her to nod or say something.
>"To do anything away from Nitori would slow down any progress that can be made here. Plus..."
>To Nitori.
>"I think she needs you two around more then any of us; and not just for helping... am I right?"
>Observe how the three react, before smiling a little.
-
>Nod along.
>"Okay then. Down to business we go, then~ <3"
>To Aya.
>"Seeing as you haven't been outside in quite some time, how do you fancy getting out for once? I'm sure you can do a great deal for all of us outside of here, that way."
>To Satori.
>"I know that what you've requested of me is certainly going to take up your role here, but is there anything you can do? What about Former Hell; anything of use you could think of there?"
>To Yuuko.
>"I guess asking either you or... Fuuko, was it?"
>Turn to the other kappa; wait for her to nod or say something.
>"To do anything away from Nitori would slow down any progress that can be made here. Plus..."
>To Nitori.
>"I think she needs you two around more then any of us; and not just for helping... am I right?"
>Observe how the three react, before smiling a little.
>Everyone in the room straightens up a bit, focused on you.
>Aya sits there, wondering for a moment.
>"Hmm... I guess it would be pretty nice to see what's happened since I've been out of commission."
>"I don't really know what I'd be able to do, though."
>"Not to mention Hatate would probably chew me out if I were to leave without telling her about it."
>The satori responds in a disinterested manner.
>"You're already aware of my abilities. If you need them, do not hesitate to ask."
>"It has been a rather long time since I have been near the underground hell."
>Fuuko nods to confirm her name.
>"Yeah, it probably would, not that we're actually making much progress."
>Yuuko tilts her head.
>"What do you mean?"
>Fuuko gives her sister a strange look.
>Nitori blushes slightly.
>You give Yuuko a knowing smile.
>_
-
>Ah... Even at times like these, these kappa are so adorable.
>"Oh? What's with that look, hmm? Surely you weren't taking things out of context~ <3"
>If either one of them blushs, pouts, or stutters something, let out a little giggle.
>Back to Satori, in the meantime; while our lovely kappa steam up a little.
>"My question to you wasn't about your ability, Satori; it was about the underground. My reason for asking was in case whatever has happened up here has effected down there as well. Even if you haven't been there for quite some time, do you remember anything from before you left it?"
>
-
>Ah... Even at times like these, these kappa are so adorable.
>"Oh? What's with that look, hmm? Surely you weren't taking things out of context~ <3"
>If either one of them blushs, pouts, or stutters something, let out a little giggle.
>Back to Satori, in the meantime; while our lovely kappa steam up a little.
>"My question to you wasn't about your ability, Satori; it was about the underground. My reason for asking was in case whatever has happened up here has effected down there as well. Even if you haven't been there for quite some time, do you remember anything from before you left it?"
>They are, aren't they?
>"What context? What is she talking about?"
>Yuuko looks towards Fuuko, who whispers something back to her. You can see Yuuko's face getting redder as she listens to her sister.
>You promptly start giggling at Yuuko's expense, who puffs her cheeks out and looks at you with an angry look.
>Satori turns her gaze from Fuuko and Yuuko to you.
>"Of course I do. The people changed. Everyone wanted to pretend that things were normal, but I can tell you that their hearts were anything but normal."
-
>How is Nitori reacting to this... reaction from Yuuko?
>Nod at Satori.
>"I understand. I do intend to assist the underground as I go along; so once we're done with Utsuho, I'd be happy to lend any help I can spare."
>Look back towards the ever-blushing Yuuko.
>"Besides, I want people to be happy again like the good old times."
>Glance at Satori with the following thought:
>It's why seeing scenes like this in the middle of such troubling times is a nice feeling, is it not?
-
>How is Nitori reacting to this... reaction from Yuuko?
>Nod at Satori.
>"I understand. I do intend to assist the underground as I go along; so once we're done with Utsuho, I'd be happy to lend any help I can spare."
>Look back towards the ever-blushing Yuuko.
>"Besides, I want people to be happy again like the good old times."
>Glance at Satori with the following thought:
>It's why seeing scenes like this in the middle of such troubling times is a nice feeling, is it not?
>Nitori, along with everyone else in the room, gives Yuuko a smile, which only seems to anger her further. Fuuko gives her a hug, patting her on the back and whispering something else in her ear. You can see Yuuko beginning to calm down.
>You give Satori a nod.
>"I think that striking at the source of the current world's state would be the most prudent way of bringing back the world we once lived in."
>The satori looks back at Yuuko, still with a smile on her face, before giving you another nod.
>_
-
>"If you're on about a certain shrine maiden, diving straight into her is not advised; given how the Myouren group were handled when they did so."
>"That and I would like to get some more of my abilities back before facing her; in the very likely chance I'll need to use them."
>"On that note, it would probably be best to get to work. I will need to venture into the Human Village soon to keep a friend of mine updated on current going-ons; so if anyone wishes to tag alone, please, say so now."
-
>"If you're on about a certain shrine maiden, diving straight into her is not advised; given how the Myouren group were handled when they did so."
>"That and I would like to get some more of my abilities back before facing her; in the very likely chance I'll need to use them."
>"On that note, it would probably be best to get to work. I will need to venture into the Human Village soon to keep a friend of mine updated on current going-ons; so if anyone wishes to tag alone, please, say so now."
>"Indeed, but it still seems like the best course of action."
>"Best of luck to you in that regard. It seems like you'll need it."
>Nobody offers to accompany you for now.
>_
-
>"When the time comes, I would hope that I would have some help. Tackling her on my own isn't something I'd like to do, given what everyone has been saying about her."
>Off the gap and onto our feet.
>Try not to fall on our face or something. And any invisible stairs for that matter.
-
>"When the time comes, I would hope that I would have some help. Tackling her on my own isn't something I'd like to do, given what everyone has been saying about her."
>Off the gap and onto our feet.
>Try not to fall on our face or something. And any invisible stairs for that matter.
>Nitori nods.
>"When the time comes, we'll help out however we can."
>You get back onto your feet, taking extra care not to trip as you do so.
>Where to?
>_
-
>We may want to go check on Hatate and Momiji; just in case anything has happened... or exploded.
>Motion for Nitori to follow us.
>If she looks confused or puzzzled:
>>"With me please; my lovely kappa~ <3 "
-
>We may want to go check on Hatate and Momiji; just in case anything has happened... or exploded.
>Motion for Nitori to follow us.
>If she looks confused or puzzzled:
>>"With me please; my lovely kappa~ <3 "
>That probably would be a good idea.
>As you leave the room, you motion for Nitori to follow you.
>She does so, with a slightly confused look on her face.
>The two of you leave the room to see Hatate also coming out into corridor with a tired expression.
>_
-
>Oh. This might make things a little easier.
>Wave to Hatate; though if anything, she looks like she may need a little support.
>"How did things go?"
-
>Oh. This might make things a little easier.
>Wave to Hatate; though if anything, she looks like she may need a little support.
>"How did things go?"
>It certainly might.
>You give Hatate a wave, which she returns with a small smile.
>"It went... alright, I suppose."
>"She wants to be left alone for the time being."
>"I think that I might want some rest too."
>_
-
>"Yeah... You do look quite beat."
>"How did she take... things; out of curiosity?"
-
>"Yeah... You do look quite beat."
>"How did she take... things; out of curiosity?"
>"I just want to think about some of the things she said."
>"Surprisingly well, given the circumstances."
>"Anyway, I'll be off for now."
>_
-
>"Okay. You rest well..."
>Go to walk away, before turning back to Hatate.
>"Oh, you may want to tell Aya what you're doing though; she was asking where you were earlier."
-
>"Okay. You rest well..."
>Go to walk away, before turning back to Hatate.
>"Oh, you may want to tell Aya what you're doing though; she was asking where you were earlier."
>"Yeah, thanks."
>Hatate gives you and Nitori a wave before she begins to walk down the corridor. Though she stops when you speak once more.
>"Aya is up? Mmm...."
>Hatate pauses for a moment.
>"Tell her that I'm in my room if she wants to see me."
>With that, Hatate continues walking down the corridor.
>_
-
>So, do we head to Higan, investigate the seal at what's left of Moriya shrine, or head back home?
>Do we have enough power to enter that lake portal?
>By the way, what time is it?
-
>So, do we head to Higan, investigate the seal at what's left of Moriya shrine, or head back home?
>Do we have enough power to enter that lake portal?
>By the way, what time is it?
>As Hatate leaves your view, you consider what you should do with the rest of the day.
>Unless you use your powers for something unrelated, you should be able to.
>You estimate the current time to be around 11:30AM.
>_
-
>To the lake then. Might as well see just what happened while we're here.
-
>To the lake then. Might as well see just what happened while we're here.
>You leave the laboratory and fly up, past the Moriya Shrine, to the lake once more.
>Again, nothing is happening here. It would be a rather tranquil scene, if not for the ominous tear in the middle of the lake.
>_
-
>Open that lake portal
-
>Open that lake portal
>You fly over the lake, hovering over the tear suspended over the surface.
>You concentrate as you reach into the tear, creating an opening for yourself.
>_
-
>Can we tell where the portal leads to without entering?
>Will the portal stay open on its own, or will we need to open it again when leaving?
>Assuming we can't tell, into the lion's den; hopefully it's nothing as bad as what happened to Yuyuko.
-
>Can we tell where the portal leads to without entering?
>Will the portal stay open on its own, or will we need to open it again when leaving?
>Assuming we can't tell, into the lion's den; hopefully it's nothing as bad as what happened to Yuyuko.
>You cannot.
>You doubt that it would remain open for long.
>You'd have to deal with this at some point, anyway.
>Praying for the best, you drop into the portal.
>Once, on the other side, you quickly take in your surroundings.
>At first glance, it would appear as though you ended up in the same area.
>You are still above the surface of the lake, however, the sky is dark.
>You can feel rain falling upon you, and the wind is blowing extraordinarily hard.
>You can hear thunder rumbling through the skies.
>There are also several onbashira sticking haphazardly out of the lake.
>As with the time you entered the Netherworld, you do not think that you are able to use your boundary related abilities.
>You can sense something flying towards you from your right.
>_
-
>"That didn't take long".
>Glance at & inspect 'something'.
-
>"That didn't take long".
>Glance at & inspect 'something'.
>That, it did not.
>You quickly turn your head to see that the object flying towards you appears to be an onbashira.
>_
-
>Dodge!
>"Kanako, should you be trying to kill the person here to help? I'd rather not visit Higan yet~"
>Investigate where the onabashira came from
>And look out for any snakes in case anything Suwako related takes a swing at us as well.
-
> Also watch out for Frogs, especially Frogs. Seeing as they tend to be related to explosions.
-
>Dodge!
>"Kanako, should you be trying to kill the person here to help? I'd rather not visit Higan yet~"
>Investigate where the onabashira came from
>You get out of the onbashira's path before it crashes into you.
>You see the onbashira pass through the space you were occupying before crashing into the lake, joining the many other onbashira.
>As soon as you speak out to Kanako, who is sitting in air high above the lake, another onbashira comes flying in your direction.
>"Who are you, and how dare you disturb the gods?"
>Judging by the angle at which the onbashira landed, it appears to have come from above the shrine. The current onbashira flying towards you seems to have come from Kanako herself.
>And look out for any snakes in case anything Suwako related takes a swing at us as well.
> Also watch out for Frogs, especially Frogs. Seeing as they tend to be related to explosions.
>You keep an eye out for frogs and snake, in case anyone else decides to attack you.
>Fortunately, the only person around seems to be Kanako... Is that Suwako standing atop an onbashira to your left?
>_
-
>How are our gap opening powers? Would opening a gap in front of us and another behind Kanako be possible?
>"This is Yukari Yakumo, Mistress of Gaps and Barriers and Guardian of Gensokyo. You might call me the god of Gensokyo, I suppose. I've come here to find out why you've left the Moriya Shrine and... well, to find out what happened as a whole in Gensokyo, since I've been kind of... out of the loop."
>Oh, and dodge.
-
>How are our gap opening powers? Would opening a gap in front of us and another behind Kanako be possible?
>"This is Yukari Yakumo, Mistress of Gaps and Barriers and Guardian of Gensokyo. You might call me the god of Gensokyo, I suppose. I've come here to find out why you've left the Moriya Shrine and... well, to find out what happened as a whole in Gensokyo, since I've been kind of... out of the loop."
>Oh, and dodge.
>Nonexistant. It would not be possible to perform such an action.
>As you begin to talk, you're interrupted by Suwako yelling at you.
>"What do you think you're doing, you idiot?!"
>From the water in front of you, a small frog leaps out towards the onbashira before causing a rather large explosion.
>This changes the onbashira's trajectory, and it crashes into the space beside you.
>Both the explosion and the onbashira cause a fair amount of water to splash onto you.
>Suwako turns her head to face you momentarily.
>"Get out of here, it's not safe for you."
>She then turns back towards Kanako.
>"Hey, why are you involving strangers in this? I thought you only had business with me!"
>_
-
>Oh boy, first Yuyuko, now Kanako.
>Can we feel anything off in this world?
>"Oh my, just what became of you two? I'd think that the first thing you'd ask is what happened to Sanae."
>Although from the sound of things, Kanako is short a few memories if she didn't even recognise us.
>What do we know about the history of the Moriya Shrine and its residents?
-
>Oh boy, first Yuyuko, now Kanako.
>Can we feel anything off in this world?
>"Oh my, just what became of you two? I'd think that the first thing you'd ask is what happened to Sanae."
>Although from the sound of things, Kanako is short a few memories if she didn't even recognise us.
>What do we know about the history of the Moriya Shrine and its residents?
>Just what is wrong with these people?
>Like the Netherworld, there is an ominous feel in the air. You are unable to identify where the source is, though.
>As soon as you mention Sanae, Suwako turns and stares at you.
>"Sanae...? Where did you hear that nam-"
>Suwako's words are stopped abruptly and her eyes widen as an onbashira strikes her from behind. After ramming into Suwako, the onbashira continues forward, dragging Suwako into the lake. You hear Kanako's voice from above.
>"What's wrong? It's not like you to go down that easily! Or have you just given up?"
>Kanako begins to descend towards the lake.
>Neither Kanako nor Suwako seem to have recognised you. Strange.
>As the name would suggest, Suwako Moriya was the patron deity of the Moriya shrine until Kanako's forceful takeover of the shrine. Since then, the shrine has been a relatively uneventful place.
>_
-
>....Well a god shouldn't be able to drown. Our powerless self certainly can though.
> Is anything off about the lake beyond the onabashira?
>While both are out of the way, investigate the shrine for clues.
-
>....Well a god shouldn't be able to drown.
> Is anything off about the lake beyond the onabashira?
>While both are out of the way, investigate the shrine for clues.
>You hope that they can't.
>The entire area feels a bit off.
>You decide to use this opportunity to take your leave, getting away from the lake and heading towards the shrine.
>It's not long before you find yourself standing outside the Moriya shrine.
>You hope to find something here, but where would you begin searching?
>_
-
>Well we don't exactly know the Moriya's, so everywhere.
>Try to find Sanae's room; she's the one closest to both.
-
>Well we don't exactly know the Moriya's, so everywhere.
>Try to find Sanae's room; she's the one closest to both.
>You decide to look for Sanae's room first. She was rather close to Kanako and Suwako, after all.
>You note that the shrine is nowhere near as decrepit as what you saw when you investigated it before entering the portal.
>You enter the shrine and walk around until you find yourself standing outside the room that should belong to Sanae.
>_
-
>Enter.
-
>Enter.
>You open the door and enter the room to find it completely empty.
>_
-
>Huh.
>In the Netherworld, the source of the problems was the Saigyou Ayakashi. Maybe there's something here functioning similarly.
>Look around the shrine, both inside and outside, for any important-looking objects.
-
>Especially search both Goddesses' rooms.
-
>Huh.
>In the Netherworld, the source of the problems was the Saigyou Ayakashi. Maybe there's something here functioning similarly.
>Look around the shrine, both inside and outside, for any important-looking objects.
>Weird.
>It's certainly a possibility.
>You decide that you're going to search the shrine and its grounds for something that looks significant.
>Especially search both Goddesses' rooms.
>You begin your search by heading towards the room where Kanako kept her belongings, and enter.
>The room is, like Sanae's room, empty.
>You leave this room and instead head towards the room where Suwako leaves her possessions.
>Inside this room, you can see a wardrobe and a bed.
>_
-
>Search said wardrobe and bed
-
>Search said wardrobe and bed
>The bed is just a simple bed. There is nothing of note on or under it.
>You open the wardrobe to reveal several dresses, shirts, and skirts. Most of them are blue or white.
>_
-
>Is there anything else of note within the shrine?
-
>Is there anything else of note within the shrine?
>You wouldn't know, you haven't searched the entirety of it yet. However, from what you've seen so far, it doesn't look like there's much else within the shrine.
>_
-
>Well, might as well finish searching.
>Check any other rooms for anything that stands out.
>If nothing else, check the outside of the shrine
>Do the clouds look low enough to fly through them to above?
>Does it look like we can explore further outside or are we stuck on top of the mountain?
-
>Well, might as well finish searching.
>Check any other rooms for anything that stands out.
>If nothing else, check the outside of the shrine
>Do the clouds look low enough to fly through them to above?
>Does it look like we can explore further outside or are we stuck on top of the mountain?
>You decide to search through the rest of the shrine, going through each of the rooms. The only unusual thing you find is how empty the entire shrine is. Aside from the few objects in Suwako's room, there is nothing else within the shrine.
>You decide to head back out of the shrine.
>They do, however lightning travels frequently amongst the clouds. Flying through them would put you at significant risk of getting hit by it.
>The rest of the area is visible to you, but it looks rather plain.
>As you look around the shrine's grounds, you hear Kanako's booming voice from the lake.
>"If only you could see how pitiful you look right now! I'll be back tomorrow! And the day after that! I'll continue coming until you finally give up this shrine to me!"
>You can see the skies above you begin to clear.
>_
-
>From the sounds of things, this world is reenacting their fight for dominance, but wasn't that centuries ago?
>If Kanako's still outside, wait for her to actually leave, then find Suwako.
-
>From the sounds of things, this world is reenacting their fight for dominance, but wasn't that centuries ago?
>If Kanako's still outside, wait for her to actually leave, then find Suwako.
>That fight did indeed end a very long time ago. Not to mention that, unless your memory is failing you, their battle took less than a day to complete.
>You watch Kanako ascend into the clouds from afar, which disappear not too long after.
>You head back over to the lake to try to find Suwako.
>On the surface of the lake, you can see a small figure floating amongst the onbashira.
>_
-
>Check up on the frog goddess.
>"Just what have you two been up to for the past couple of years?"
>Is she alright?
-
>Check up on the frog goddess.
>"Just what have you two been up to for the past couple of years?"
>Is she alright?
>You fly over to where Suwako is floating around.
>"A-u-... I lost again... Maybe I should just give in..."
>She seems to be talking more to herself than to you. In fact, she doesn't seem to recognise that you're flying above her.
>She looks rather battered and bruised. Her clothes are also torn in several places.
>_
-
>"Suwako?"
>Try to get her attention
>"Shouldn't you be more concerned about Sanae than a battle you've already had centuries ago?"
-
>"Suwako?"
>Try to get her attention
>"Shouldn't you be more concerned about Sanae than a battle you've already had centuries ago?"
>"Huh...?"
>Suwako's eyes move and focus themselves on you.
>"Oh... You're from before. You're still here...? Who are you again...?"
>Suwako perks a bit when she hears Sanae's name.
>"So I heard it right the first time. Just who are you and how do you know of Sanae?"
>_
-
>"Oh dear, you managed to forget about me? So cruel."
>"I'm Yukari Yakumo, Youkai of Boundaries and Gensokyo's protector. I'm currently fixing a rather large mess, which involves a red-white shrine maiden doing something to leave Sanae in tears at the thought of you two."
>"Which leads to my question; how did you and Kanako end up in this situation? And I don't suppose it would be too much to ask just why you two are fighting?"
-
>"Oh dear, you managed to forget about me? So cruel."
>"I'm Yukari Yakumo, Youkai of Boundaries and Gensokyo's protector. I'm currently fixing a rather large mess, which involves a red-white shrine maiden doing something to leave Sanae in tears at the thought of you two."
>"Which leads to my question; how did you and Kanako end up in this situation? And I don't suppose it would be too much to ask just why you two are fighting?"
>"Forget? Have we met before?"
>Suwako sits up on the water, picking up her hat from nearby and brushing some water off it before placing it back on her head.
>"Again, you mention that name, but you're not making any sense at all. What exactly do you know of Sanae anyway?"
>"Oho~ How rude. Just because you saw me like that you think that you, a mere youkai, get to question a god?"
>"Besides, if you had been listening, you should have heard what was going on. That other woman you saw earlier, the one throwing all these onbashira around, she's trying to take this shrine from me."
>_
-
>"Yes, which is part of what's confusing me. But you wanted to know what I know of Sanae, correct? I know that she is your descendant, and I know that she is the maiden of the Moriya Shrine. Unless she's not, in which case that's just one more thing that's wrong right now."
-
>"Yes, which is part of what's confusing me. But you wanted to know what I know of Sanae, correct? I know that she is your descendant, and I know that she is the maiden of the Moriya Shrine. Unless she's not, in which case that's just one more thing that's wrong right now."
>"Eh? Sanae, the Moriya Shrine's maiden?"
>"You're certainly right about her being my descendant... But she doesn't exist yet. How could she possibly be the Moriya shrine's maiden?"
>Suwako narrows her brow as she examines you closer.
>"Who did you say you were, again?"
>_
-
>"She... doesn't exist yet? How would you know about her if she doesn't exist yet, then?"
>"Just for my convenience... where are we, right now?"
>"I am Yukari Yakumo, Youkai of Gaps and Borders and protector of Gensokyo."
(Oh man. It seems like we barged right into the Great Suwa War, a thousand years in the past. Way to go...)
-
>"She... doesn't exist yet? How would you know about her if she doesn't exist yet, then?"
>"Just for my convenience... where are we, right now?"
>"I am Yukari Yakumo, Youkai of Gaps and Borders and protector of Gensokyo."
>"I'm a god, you know? Don't underestimate me."
>"What are you, stupid? Can't you see that we're in a lake? Geez..."
>Suwako gets up, standing on the water, and brushes herself off before taking a few steps away from you.
>You can hear her stepping across the water's surface until she comes to a stop and turns to face you again.
>"So, self proclaimed protector of Gensokyo, how is it that you know about the future descendants of gods?"
>_
-
>"I am not stupid, as that was not what I was asking. I meant, are we currently in Gensokyo?"
>"Furthermore, it is not 'self-proclaimed'. I created Gensokyo. There would be no Gensokyo without me."
>"As for that last part; for me, the 'future' part doesn't apply. As far as I knew, Sanae existed. The most logical explanation would be that I've come from the future, I suppose."
-
>"As for how I came from the future, I crossed a boundary that you and Kanako left in this very lake in my time."
>"So I suppose a better question would be; what year is it?"
>After all, we don't know if Gensokyo even exists yet.
>What year was it back in our time?
-
>I'm pretty sure Gensokyo exists at this point, because Suwako doesn't seem surprised by the name and I'm pretty sure there's nothing else by the same name.
>Come to think of it, what were we doing during the Great Suwa War?
>Leave out the part about Kanako and Suwako leaving the portal there; we're not sure about that, are we? Instead, say:
>"As for how that was possible; I found a portal at a lake exactly like this one in Gensokyo. It piqued my interested, so I entered, and here I am~"
-
>"I am not stupid, as that was not what I was asking. I meant, are we currently in Gensokyo?"
>"Furthermore, it is not 'self-proclaimed'. I created Gensokyo. There would be no Gensokyo without me."
>"As for that last part; for me, the 'future' part doesn't apply. As far as I knew, Sanae existed. The most logical explanation would be that I've come from the future, I suppose."
>"As for how I came from the future, I crossed a boundary that you and Kanako left in this very lake in my time."
>Leave out the part about Kanako and Suwako leaving the portal there; we're not sure about that, are we? Instead, say:
>"As for how that was possible; I found a portal at a lake exactly like this one in Gensokyo. It piqued my interested, so I entered, and here I am~"
>"You know... That doesn't exactly make you seem like the smartest person around. We're in Japan. Ja-pa-n. And there's no place named Gensokyo in Japan."
>"Ho~... Don't you think that you're a bit too old to be living in your fantasy world?"
>"... Just to make sure, you haven't hit your head recently or anything, have you?"
>"You know what, I'm going to get some rest. Stay away from this place, it's dangerous for the likes of you."
>Suwako sighs before she turns and begins to walk away from you again.
>"So I suppose a better question would be; what year is it?"
>After all, we don't know if Gensokyo even exists yet.
>What year was it back in our time?
>Suwako turns and looks at you with an exasperated expression.
>"Suiko 14. You don't even know that?"
>You run some numbers quickly in your head, and figure that it's the year 608 from what Suwako just said.
>It should be the year 2011.
>I'm pretty sure Gensokyo exists at this point, because Suwako doesn't seem surprised by the name and I'm pretty sure there's nothing else by the same name.
>Come to think of it, what were we doing during the Great Suwa War?
>It seemed more as though Suwako was humouring you.
>At the time, you were working on the creation of Gensokyo.
>_
-
>So we truly managed to go back in time. Huh.
>Just how far are we from where our past self would be?
-
>So we truly managed to go back in time. Huh.
>Just how far are we from where our past self would be?
>It seems that way.
>The you in this time period should no longer be in Japan. Without your manipulation of boundaries, you could not reach where you were at this time.
>_
-
>So, we're stuck in the 'past', but something like what happened at Yuyuko's is stopping us from using our powers here.
>Try flying down the mountain and continuing our search for clues. Something's really not right here.
-
>No, don't leave Suwako yet.
>"That explains much. It would seem that I have found myself in the past."
-
>So, we're stuck in the 'past', but something like what happened at Yuyuko's is stopping us from using our powers here.
>Try flying down the mountain and continuing our search for clues. Something's really not right here.
>That appears to roughly be what happened.
>You think about exploring other places. Something is definitely wrong.
>No, don't leave Suwako yet.
>"That explains much. It would seem that I have found myself in the past."
>However, you still have a few things to say to Suwako.
>"Again with the future stuff? Come over here for a second, let me check your head for any bumps or bruises."
>Suwako motions for you to come closer.
>_
-
>Go closer.
>"That is the truth, at least as best I can determine right now. And not at all impossible, either."
>"I mentioned that I am from a place called Gensokyo. Well, something has happened to Gensokyo, and Gensokyo's reality has been distorted. Given what I've seen so far, a temporal distortion is more than possible. I previously entered and repaired a spatial distortion, so I thought to do the same with the next one I found. When I entered it, I ended up here."
-
>Well it's not like we can exactly prove our claim without our powers.
>"Oh I'm sure that I haven't hit my head lately. A bit of power drain recently, but nothing to cause memory damage~"
>Float over anyway.
>Since we're here, of all people, wouldn't a goddess be able to tell what's affecting our powers and fix it? It might very well be some curse...
-
>Well it's not like we can exactly prove our claim without our powers.
>"Oh I'm sure that I haven't hit my head lately. A bit of power drain recently, but nothing to cause memory damage~"
>Float over anyway.
>Since we're here, of all people, wouldn't a goddess be able to tell what's affecting our powers and fix it? It might very well be some curse...
>It could be rather difficult to do.
>"People who've hit their heads tend to say that. A god is offering to check your wellbeing, shouldn't you be happy?"
>Float over anyway.
>Since we're here, of all people, wouldn't a goddess be able to tell what's affecting our powers and fix it? It might very well be some curse...
>Go closer.
>"That is the truth, at least as best I can determine right now. And not at all impossible, either."
>"I mentioned that I am from a place called Gensokyo. Well, something has happened to Gensokyo, and Gensokyo's reality has been distorted. Given what I've seen so far, a temporal distortion is more than possible. I previously entered and repaired a spatial distortion, so I thought to do the same with the next one I found. When I entered it, I ended up here."
>You get closer to Suwako, who stands on her toes and examines your face carefully. While you talk, Suwako circles around you, taking a good look at you.
>It may be possible.
>"Well, nothing is impossible. You did appear in the middle of the lake for no reason after all..."
>Suwako stops examining you and stands in front of you once more.
>"Tell me, what is this Gensokyo?"
>_
-
>"Gensokyo is a haven for youkai to live without the threat of going extinct due to humanity's increasing lack of belief in the supernatural. To keep the world's seperate, it was sealed off with a large border, and the family I worked with to create it was tasked to guard it, and keep the balance between between humans and youkai in Gensokyo."
>The latest seems to have forgotten her duties spectacularly though.
>"Eventually, both you and Kanako ended up moving there when the outer world lost nearly all their faith in gods, with your descendant serving as your shrine maiden."
>"The problem came in two years ago...or well into the future for you, when a Kappa tampered with the border and nearly destroyed it. I spent two years within the border to fix it, and in the meantime, the current Hakurei went on a power trip."
>Sigh. Who could have thought that Reimu of all people would do something like that?
>"I'm currently dealing with the damage she caused, the distortions the damaged barrier caused, and attempting to discover just what happened in those two years to drain my powers so much. I'd find my past self, but at this time I would be working on Gensokyo's creation and inaccessible."
-
>"Gensokyo is a haven for youkai to live without the threat of going extinct due to humanity's increasing lack of belief in the supernatural. To keep the world's seperate, it was sealed off with a large border, and the family I worked with to create it was tasked to guard it, and keep the balance between between humans and youkai in Gensokyo."
>The latest seems to have forgotten her duties spectacularly though.
>"Eventually, both you and Kanako ended up moving there when the outer world lost nearly all their faith in gods, with your descendant serving as your shrine maiden."
>"The problem came in two years ago...or well into the future for you, when a Kappa tampered with the border and nearly destroyed it. I spent two years within the border to fix it, and in the meantime, the current Hakurei went on a power trip."
>Sigh. Who could have thought that Reimu of all people would do something like that?
>"I'm currently dealing with the damage she caused, the distortions the damaged barrier caused, and attempting to discover just what happened in those two years to drain my powers so much. I'd find my past self, but at this time I would be working on Gensokyo's creation and inaccessible."
>"Hmm... Sounds like a nice place, if it really exists."
>She certainly has.
>"Well, certainly, faith is falling... That's the entire reason she wants to take over this shrine. But I doubt that it would ever get to the point where I would need to leave..."
>"Wait, you say that she would be there too? Forget what I said about Gensokyo sounding like a nice place!"
>"I assume that Hakurei is the family that you worked with to create this Gensokyo?"
>You sigh. Just what happened to Reimu anyway?
>"You know, it doesn't really seem like you're lying about this, and it doesn't look like your memory has been distorted. But what do you want me to do about it? Even if what you're saying is true, I don't see how I can help you with... whatever your problem is."
>_
-
>"When I entered the last distortion, I found that the land beyond had been... altered. It was fixing that alteration that fixed the distortion. I imagine there is something similar here, some alteration that must be corrected in order to fix the distortion."
-
>"Oh you and Kanako were on far friendlier terms in the future. The two of you ended up working together to pool faith."
>Do we know the details of why they teamed up?
>"I'm not particularly sure myself. I'm sure that with enough exploration, I'll find a way back to my time sooner or later."
>"If you end up in Gensokyo again, I would appreciate it if you warn my past self to keep an eye on a kappa named Nitori and Hakurei Reimu though."
>"By the way, have you noticed anything odd lately? Besides myself of course~"
-
>"Oh you and Kanako were on far friendlier terms in the future. The two of you ended up working together to pool faith."
>Do we know the details of why they teamed up?
>"Friendly? With her? Maybe I should check your head again. Just to be safe."
>As far as you know, they required all the faith that they could gather, and cooperation was the easiest way to go about gathering the faith.
>"I'm not particularly sure myself. I'm sure that with enough exploration, I'll find a way back to my time sooner or later."
>"When I entered the last distortion, I found that the land beyond had been... altered. It was fixing that alteration that fixed the distortion. I imagine there is something similar here, some alteration that must be corrected in order to fix the distortion."
>"By the way, have you noticed anything odd lately? Besides myself of course~"
>"I see..."
>"Well, other than you, I don't think that I've noticed anything strange."
>"If you end up in Gensokyo again, I would appreciate it if you warn my past self to keep an eye on a kappa named Nitori and Hakurei Reimu though."
>Suwako begins to walk towards the shrine.
>"It sounds like you know what you're doing. I'm rather tired right now, so I think I'm just going to get some rest."
>_
-
>Well according to Suwako, the only thing off is that she's still fighting Kanako, but we don't know just how long their fighting lasted anyway.
>Can we see to the bottom of the lake? It's the best spot for something odd since we came from there.
>If nothing stands out, time to head down the mountain.
>The only person we know who might actually be around right now is the Yama, but are we really desperate enough to go to her?
-
>Well according to Suwako, the only thing off is that she's still fighting Kanako, but we don't know just how long their fighting lasted anyway.
>Can we see to the bottom of the lake? It's the best spot for something odd since we came from there.
>If nothing stands out, time to head down the mountain.
>The only person we know who might actually be around right now is the Yama, but are we really desperate enough to go to her?
>Actually, you recall that their fight lasted for less than a day.
>You could, if it weren't for the multitude of onbashira getting the way of your view.
>_
-
>Really? Well wee have our odd event then. Although the question now is why is it taking so much longer this time?
>Why did the fight end so quickly before?
>Just how long can we hold our breath for?
-
>Really? Well wee have our odd event then. Although the question now is why is it taking so much longer this time?
>Why did the fight end so quickly before?
>Just how long can we hold our breath for?
>That is, indeed, a good question.
>From what you recall, Suwako never really intended to resist the takeover. She gave up immediately after seeing the difference in strength between herself and Kanako.
>You can hold your breath underwater for up to half an hour if necessary. Of course, at that point it becomes closer to hibernating than holding your breath.
>_
-
>Well, underwater we go. We need a closer look at that lake.
-
>Well, underwater we go. We need a closer look at that lake.
>You dive into the water. You can't get much closer than being within the thing you're examining. What exactly are you hoping to find?
>_
-
>We arrived here through a tear in the lake; there might a similar link within the lake to at least help us with fixing whatever is wrong here.
-
>We arrived here through a tear in the lake; there might a similar link within the lake to at least help us with fixing whatever is wrong here.
>You dive to the bottom the lake, looking around for anything unusual. Other than the onbashira scattered throughout the lake, there is nothing suspicious within the lake.
>You resurface and give the surface a quick skim, only to find nothing of note again.
>_
-
>Then that leaves talking with Suwako when she wakes up again. We should at least find out why she's more determined to hold out compared to the first time.
-
>Then that leaves talking with Suwako when she wakes up again. We should at least find out why she's more determined to hold out compared to the first time.
>That could be a start. What would you do during the meantime, though?
>_
-
>We might as well take a look around, see what this Gensokyo is like. Speaking with Kanako at this moment might prove.. futile.
>How far would the Kappa and Tengu villages be from here?
-
>We might as well take a look around, see what this Gensokyo is like. Speaking with Kanako at this moment might prove.. futile.
>How far would the Kappa and Tengu villages be from here?
>You decide that it might be a good idea to explore the rest of your surroundings. Who knows how a conversation with Kanako would go?
>Assuming that the geography is identical to the Gensokyo you came from, reaching those areas should take around 5 and 15 minutes by flight respectively.
>_
-
>This isn't Gensokyo, but... let's try that anyway. Kappa town goes first.
-
>This isn't Gensokyo, but... let's try that anyway. Kappa town goes first.
>You fly for 15 minutes, heading towards where Kappa town was in Gensokyo. Once there, you find... nothing.
>The area is plain, with only a few trees growing.
>_
-
5 to 15 minutes respectively... as it was worded, it was supposed to be the other way around. Oh well. :V
>Not even a source of water?
>Back up to Tengu village we go.
-
Oops, I read them in the wrong order. I can't read in the morning.
>Not even a source of water?
>Back up to Tengu village we go.
>Nope.
>You fly back up the mountain to where the Tengu village should have been. Again, there is nothing of note here.
>_
-
>Do we have any general idea as to where Kanako has gone off to?
-
>Do we have any general idea as to where Kanako has gone off to?
>You do not, however, you assume that she would be somewhat nearby if she's been waging war against Suwako for all this time.
>_
-
I don't see much else going on. The 'problem' should be clear, anyway, so let's
>Go back to the shrine.
-
>Check to see if Suwako's awake. Whether we've been sent back in time or this is some alternate craziness, we know what we must do.
>Now how to do it without getting hit with an iron ring or onabashira is the question.
-
Talking sense into Suwako shouldn't be that hard, unless this dimension is screwed up that badly.
-
>Go back to the shrine.
>Deciding that there's nothing to see here, you head back to the shrine.
>Not before long, you find yourself standing on the Moriya shrine's grounds once more.
>The main entrance has been left open.
>Check to see if Suwako's awake. Whether we've been sent back in time or this is some alternate craziness, we know what we must do.
>Now how to do it without getting hit with an iron ring or onabashira is the question.
>You decide to go look for Suwako again. You knock on the door to her room, but receive no response.
>You sure do hope that's possible.
>_
-
>Enter room.
>Check if something's changed.
-
>Enter room.
>Check if something's changed.
>You unceremoniously enter Suwako's room.
>The wardrobe is open, and you can see some torn and muddy clothes lying around on the floor.
>There is no sign of Suwako in the room.
>_
-
>Meh, we're here anyway.
>Inspect torn and muddy clothes for anything out of the ordinary.
>Inspect wardrobe for anything out of the ordinary.
>If nothing of worth pops up: exit room, head for the lake.
-
>Belay that; we already checked her room, and really, where would someone covered in dirt and grime go?
>Go back outside before we end up angering Suwako; we kinda need her in a good mood for this.
-
>Meh, we're here anyway.
>Inspect torn and muddy clothes for anything out of the ordinary.
>Inspect wardrobe for anything out of the ordinary.
>If nothing of worth pops up: exit room, head for the lake.
>Belay that; we already checked her room, and really, where would someone covered in dirt and grime go?
>Go back outside before we end up angering Suwako; we kinda need her in a good mood for this.
>You consider searching Suwako's room once more, but decide against it. That would be far too rude.
>You turn to leave the room when you see Suwako, standing in front of you once more with nothing on but a pair of bloomers.
>Her arms are crossed and she looks rather angry. Her face is somewhat red. She seems to be waiting for you to say something.
>_
-
Oh boy.
>"Sorry about barging in, but I had something I wanted to tell you, and I was a bit concerned about your well-being after what happened."
>Technically true. Well more true than our usual fare anyway.
>Resist the urge to make any other comments.
>"Would you forget about this if I had a way to stop your war with Kanako?"
-
>"Sorry about barging in, but I had something I wanted to tell you, and I was a bit concerned about your well-being after what happened."
>Technically true. Well more true than our usual fare anyway.
>Resist the urge to make any other comments.
>"Would you forget about this if I had a way to stop your war with Kanako?"
>You can see Suwako's expression grow darker as you talk.
>"And that gives you the right to barge into my room? Into the the private sanctuary of a god? Give me a good reason why I shouldn't crush you right now."
>Suwako remains silent for a moment.
>"Go on."
>_
-
>"Remember wen I mentioned that there was probably something different here from what originally happened?"
>Well she likely won't want to crush us over this soon; she'll have other reasons.
>"Well, originally, your fight with Kanako only lasted about half a day. You chose to give up instead of dragging things out, and soon after the both of you teamed up when it became apparent that neither of you could get by alone."
>"I'm not saying that you have to surrender, but I might be able to convince Kanako to skip to the cooperation part. And if I'm wrong, well she'd likely not let me just walk away either."
>Of course, the general hope was that Suwako would like us enough to stop us from getting crushed while doing the convincing.....
-
>"Remember wen I mentioned that there was probably something different here from what originally happened?"
>Well she likely won't want to crush us over this soon; she'll have other reasons.
>"Well, originally, your fight with Kanako only lasted about half a day. You chose to give up instead of dragging things out, and soon after the both of you teamed up when it became apparent that neither of you could get by alone."
>"I'm not saying that you have to surrender, but I might be able to convince Kanako to skip to the cooperation part. And if I'm wrong, well she'd likely not let me just walk away either."
>Of course, the general hope was that Suwako would like us enough to stop us from getting crushed while doing the convincing.....
>Suwako nods.
>You wouldn't want to get into an unnecessary fight with Suwako now, would you?
>"Half a day? I guess I was pretty good in your timeline, then."
>"Wait, what do you mean, 'gave up'? Why would I do something as ridiculous as that?"
>"And this 'co-operate' rubbish? Aren't you just telling me to surrender to her?"
>"Get out of my sight. And tell your goddess that I'd have never expected such underhanded tactics from her."
>You get the feeling that your plan isn't unfolding the way you had wanted it to.
>_
-
>Okay, goddess or not, we're the ones who have reason to be ticked off here.
>"I'm telling you that neither of you are going to get anywhere if you keep burning away your faith fighting. At this rate, you both might end up killing each other, and I am not telling your descendant that she lost her family again because they were both too busy trying to destroy each other."
>"You think you have it bad? I had to see the bubbly shrine maiden that had recently joined Gensokyo reduced to a broken shell, looking like she was a few moments from ending it all. Even the slightest hint of bringing you two up nearly had her breaking down, and I was hoping that those she cared about most would be willing to at least make an attempt to save her."
>"Whatever you may think of me, as a goddess shouldn't you be able to at least look into a willing person's mind and tell if they're being honest? Because you're free to check and see just what I'm talking about for yourself."
>Note to self; have we even any sign of life while we've been here? Even animals? An entire mountain having nothing, not one shrine visitor, not one youkai at this age?
-
>Okay, goddess or not, we're the ones who have reason to be ticked off here.
>"I'm telling you that neither of you are going to get anywhere if you keep burning away your faith fighting. At this rate, you both might end up killing each other, and I am not telling your descendant that she lost her family again because they were both too busy trying to destroy each other."
>"You think you have it bad? I had to see the bubbly shrine maiden that had recently joined Gensokyo reduced to a broken shell, looking like she was a few moments from ending it all. Even the slightest hint of bringing you two up nearly had her breaking down, and I was hoping that those she cared about most would be willing to at least make an attempt to save her."
>"Whatever you may think of me, as a goddess shouldn't you be able to at least look into a willing person's mind and tell if they're being honest? Because you're free to check and see just what I'm talking about for yourself."
>Note to self; have we even any sign of life while we've been here? Even animals? An entire mountain having nothing, not one shrine visitor, not one youkai at this age?
>Just who does she think she is?
>"I told you to get out of my sight. I will not give up this shrine. Why should I? It's my shrine!"
>"So, what are you saying? You wrecked your world so now you want to come mess up this one, too?"
>"If you really want to help, why don't you convince your goddess to stop?"
>"Just what do you think a god is? We're not mind readers, you know."
>You have not seen any other being other than yourself, Kanako, and Suwako.
>_
-
>"My goddess? I recall Kanako trying to hit me with an onabashira. Twice in fact. I do intend to try convincing her to stop as well though; like I said before, I want you two at peace, not you surrendering."
>"Mess up this world? That's an odd statement...do you recall seeing any sign of life on this mountain recently outside of Kanako and me? Even an insect? Because I haven't."
>Do leave the shrine though. It is hers, as she said.
>"Can't a god tell when someone has faith in them? My faith is in both of you making peace."
>Well nothing better to do than wait for Kanako to show up and tackle them both at once.
-
>"My goddess? I recall Kanako trying to hit me with an onabashira. Twice in fact. I do intend to try convincing her to stop as well though; like I said before, I want you two at peace, not you surrendering."
>"Mess up this world? That's an odd statement...do you recall seeing any sign of life on this mountain recently outside of Kanako and me? Even an insect? Because I haven't."
>Do leave the shrine though. It is hers, as she said.
>"Can't a god tell when someone has faith in them? My faith is in both of you making peace."
>Well nothing better to do than wait for Kanako to show up and tackle them both at once.
>"Then why don't you prove that you're not under her by convincing her to stop trying to take over this shrine?"
>"You already said that your world was ruined. Now you're here, meddling with this one."
>"I assume that most creatures would have the common sense to stay away from a battle between the gods. Unlike you."
>You suppose that she is entitled to her shrine.
>"Aren't you contradicting yourself right there?"
>You wonder how long that would take.
>_
-
>"Sure, that was the intention after all. It's simply easier for me to wait for her to show up here again since it's the only place I know that she's guaranteed to be."
>"Not ruined, damaged. Whatever wounds Gensokyo has now, I will fix it."
>There's too many lives at stake to consider failing.
>"You can't let yourself be bound by common sense~"
> Even a godly battle doesn't explain the sheer lack of life as far as the eye can see on top of a mountain, but let's leave that alone for now.
>"Oh? I don't see how wanting you two to make peace contradicts anything."
>We're arguing with a god in bloomers over the most insane topics. If this wasn't so serious, it would be hilarious.
-
>"Sure, that was the intention after all. It's simply easier for me to wait for her to show up here again since it's the only place I know that she's guaranteed to be."
>"Not ruined, damaged. Whatever wounds Gensokyo has now, I will fix it."
>There's too many lives at stake to consider failing.
>"You can't let yourself be bound by common sense~"
> Even a godly battle doesn't explain the sheer lack of life as far as the eye can see on top of a mountain, but let's leave that alone for now.
>"Oh? I don't see how wanting you two to make peace contradicts anything."
>We're arguing with a god in bloomers over the most insane topics. If this wasn't so serious, it would be hilarious.
>"You know, she's set up camp on the other side of this mountain."
>"Do whatever it is you want to do, just leave me alone. I really want that rest."
>You have to fix Gensokyo. You will bring back those peaceful days.
>"Right, right. Go away now."
>You decide to ignore commenting further on the lack of life for the time being.
>"Yes, we live off the faith of the people. Yet you say that you have not faith in a god, but in a goal that you want to achieve instead. So how on earth would I know? Now get out."
>You'd think that a god would care more about their appearance. Speaking of which, Suwako looks rather annoyed.
>_
-
>"Well that's convenient."
>How did we miss that the first trip down the mountain?
>"Sweet Dreams~"
>Make with the getting out, then wander to the other side of the mountain. Watch out for onabashira.
-
>"Well that's convenient."
>How did we miss that the first trip down the mountain?
>"Sweet Dreams~"
>Make with the getting out, then wander to the other side of the mountain. Watch out for onabashira.
>"Now get out and don't come back unless you manage to talk her out of coming here again."
>Well, you did only go down one side of the mountain.
>Suwako says nothing and walks into her room, slamming the door behind her.
>You leave shrine with haste and fly to the mountain's peak. From here, you look over the entire mountain, and see what appears to be Kanako surrounded by a ring of onbashira.
>As you fly closer, you can feel the wind picking up.
>Soon, you're standing on the ground right outside the ring of onbashira, looking up at Kanako who is sitting cross-legged in the air, back towards you.
>"So. What lowly manner of being dares to approach a god with no sign of even the smallest offering?"
>_
-
>We didn't get clobbered by a giant pillar yet, this is already going far better than planned.
>"Miss Kanako, while I don't have material offerings, I do bring information that might help with your faith concerns."
>The polite thing would be for wait for her to show interest first.
-
>We didn't get clobbered by a giant pillar yet, this is already going far better than planned.
>"Miss Kanako, while I don't have material offerings, I do bring information that might help with your faith concerns."
>The polite thing would be for wait for her to show interest first.
>Not getting hit by things is always a plus.
>"And now it dares to address a god by name and attempts to meddle in affairs that it has no business with."
>You can see Kanako descend from the skies until she touches the ground, where she turns and walks towards you.
>She approaches you, glaring at you all the while.
>_
-
>Technically it does concern us to an extent.
>Well more like their shrine maiden and the tear in reality keeping us here, but details.
>What the general procedure to dealing with a god? Besides the kowtowing part, we've never bowed to anyone and that isn't about to start now.
>We can do the less blatantly subservient ones though if it speeds things up.
-
>Technically it does concern us to an extent.
>Well more like their shrine maiden and the tear in reality keeping us here, but details.
>What the general procedure to dealing with a god? Besides the kowtowing part, we've never bowed to anyone and that isn't about to start now.
>We can do the less blatantly subservient ones though if it speeds things up.
>Naturally. If this is anything like what happened in the Netherworld, then there's definitely something to fix here.
>You have never particularly cared about catering to the whims of gods. Why should you?
>As one would normally never get an opportunity to talk with a god, there are no set procedures in dealing with them.
>_
-
I suppose Yukari isn't the kind of person to care, powers or not.
>By the way, we have no border power, but do we still have general magic of the lethal variety? We fueled two shikigami somehow.
>"But as a goddess, your actions affect everyone around you. Such as this entire mountain and the surrounding area's lack of life."
>"My point was more along the lines of bringing a close to your prolonged battle with the goddess of the Moriya shrine though."
-
>By the way, we have no border power, but do we still have general magic of the lethal variety? We fueled two shikigami somehow.
>"But as a goddess, your actions affect everyone around you. Such as this entire mountain and the surrounding area's lack of life."
>"My point was more along the lines of bringing a close to your prolonged battle with the goddess of the Moriya shrine though."
>Your other abilities have not been compromised.
>"And now you seek to place blame on me for something? The nerve of people these days is honestly quite shocking."
>"You think that I require help? Do not make me laugh."
>"If you have nothing more to say, then leave."
>_
-
>Abilities. Emphasis on the stuff that would work on a god.
>Do we think we have enough sheer magic power to take on Kanako, even without our borders? Especially since she should be weakened a bit if she's short enough on faith to go after Suwako.
>Can we turn off the non-lethal part of our danmaku?
Kanako is far too proud to listen without hard proof, and I see nothing better than showing just why she can't stand alone.
-
>"Okay, you want to know why I think you need help? Because you're still fighting. I'm still not entirely sure how I ended up here, but I'm pretty sure I've gone back in time. In the time I'm from, it's been a long time since yuo and Suwako fought. In fact, in the timeline I'm familiar with, you overcame her easily. The battle lasted a grand total of half a day. The shrine's supposed to be yours by now. Something's gone wrong here, and it's affecting my time as well. This isn't the first time I've seen this, and before, fixing what had gone wrong also fixed what it had done to my world. If I can fix it, you will benefit. But I'm new here, and if I'm to identify what's gone wrong, I need help."
>"That being said, though, I have identified something strange. Have you noticed that you, Suwako, and myself are the only living things here?"
-
>Abilities. Emphasis on the stuff that would work on a god.
>Do we think we have enough sheer magic power to take on Kanako, even without our borders? Especially since she should be weakened a bit if she's short enough on faith to go after Suwako.
>Can we turn off the non-lethal part of our danmaku?
>As a youkai, you have a fair amount of strength. You are rather skilled with most conventional weapons. You are also rather durable and have increased regenerative capabilities. You're no stranger to magic, though you tend to leave magic to your shikigami. You're quite a sight to behold when you're using your danmaku too.
>Do you?
>Danmaku is non-lethal by nature.
>"Okay, you want to know why I think you need help? Because you're still fighting. I'm still not entirely sure how I ended up here, but I'm pretty sure I've gone back in time. In the time I'm from, it's been a long time since yuo and Suwako fought. In fact, in the timeline I'm familiar with, you overcame her easily. The battle lasted a grand total of half a day. The shrine's supposed to be yours by now. Something's gone wrong here, and it's affecting my time as well. This isn't the first time I've seen this, and before, fixing what had gone wrong also fixed what it had done to my world. If I can fix it, you will benefit. But I'm new here, and if I'm to identify what's gone wrong, I need help."
>"That being said, though, I have identified something strange. Have you noticed that you, Suwako, and myself are the only living things here?"
>"You call that one sided battle a fight? Hah! You are a rather amusing being."
>"And why should I believe any of the nonsense that you're spouting?"
>"Of course I have. I assume that they would have enough sense to dare not approach a god when she demonstrates her might. Unlike you."
>_
-
>"I'm not here to fight. I'm here to find something that's not the way it's supposed to be. Once that's done, I'll be gone."
>"And no, it's not that life is keeping its distance. You, Suwako, and myself, are literally the only living things anywhere near here. Which strikes me as odd, so I'm thinking that's where the investigation should start. And as I said, assistance would be greatly appreciated."
-
>With our magic knowledge, would we have a spell in there to track life-signs? Would go to prove that we're literally the only people in this world.
>Though it might very well be faster to solve things the Gensokyo way, as long as there's hope of reason, we shouldn't drop a tombstone on her head.
>What did we bother with before danmaku came around? Or did we just take our normal magic and make danmaku versions for the spellcards?
-
>"I'm not here to fight. I'm here to find something that's not the way it's supposed to be. Once that's done, I'll be gone."
>"And no, it's not that life is keeping its distance. You, Suwako, and myself, are literally the only living things anywhere near here. Which strikes me as odd, so I'm thinking that's where the investigation should start. And as I said, assistance would be greatly appreciated."
>"I would hope so, for your sake."
>"And why should I bother wasting the time and effort that it would take to help you?"
>With our magic knowledge, would we have a spell in there to track life-signs? Would go to prove that we're literally the only people in this world.
>Though it might very well be faster to solve things the Gensokyo way, as long as there's hope of reason, we shouldn't drop a tombstone on her head.
>What did we bother with before danmaku came around? Or did we just take our normal magic and make danmaku versions for the spellcards?
>You do know of such magic, but without the proper tools, you cannot use it. After all, the manipulation of boundaries are your speciality, not magic.
>You still hope to avoid any unnecessary conflict.
>You tended to avoid fights, allowing Ran and Chen to act in your place.
>_
-
>"Because if I'm right, you're in a world where the only source of faith is myself. It would be more helping yourself, and I'll just happen to benefit as well."
>Note to self; bring Ran and Chen along next time we go playing with borders. At least they'd be better company.
-
>"Because if I'm right, you're in a world where the only source of faith is myself. It would be more helping yourself, and I'll just happen to benefit as well."
>Note to self; bring Ran and Chen along next time we go playing with borders. At least they'd be better company.
>"And? What is it that you're trying to do?"
>These gods are too full of themselves.
>_
-
>Didn't we just go over this?
>"I'm trying to fix what's wrong with this world; whatever happened, it left only two goddesses standing. Sounds like a problem that could benefit from divine intervention."
>Although the fact that we had to point this out to both goddesses doesn't bode well, we've worked with worse conditions. Barely.
-
>Didn't we just go over this?
>"I'm trying to fix what's wrong with this world; whatever happened, it left only two goddesses standing. Sounds like a problem that could benefit from divine intervention."
>Although the fact that we had to point this out to both goddesses doesn't bode well, we've worked with worse conditions. Barely.
You did, didn't you?
>"Again, what are you planning to do?"
>"And what gives you the impression that you have the right to ask a favor of me?"
>You've definitely seen far worse things.
>_
-
>"Well I have my own ideas on what happened; if I'm correct, then the two native gods working together will repair the rift. If not, three heads are better than one!"
>Do be prepared to dodge/use a barrier to deflect/ invoke magical shenanigans on any attacks Kanako throws our way. Suwako flipped out on the mere suggestion of cooperation and she's the nice one.
>"I don't have the right to ask for any favors, but I frankly have nothing better to do; there are only three people here, and watching even two gods fight will eventually lose its sense of grandeur. "
>Mainly because we have bigger fish to try and have probably gotten into crazier stunts.
>"When a peasant's only option for help is their lord, sooner or later, they'll either resign to their fate or take the plunge and beseech said lord."
>Let her draw her own conclusions about who is the peasant and who is the lord.
-
>"Well I have my own ideas on what happened; if I'm correct, then the two native gods working together will repair the rift. If not, three heads are better than one!"
>Do be prepared to dodge/use a barrier to deflect/ invoke magical shenanigans on any attacks Kanako throws our way. Suwako flipped out on the mere suggestion of cooperation and she's the nice one.
>"I don't have the right to ask for any favors, but I frankly have nothing better to do; there are only three people here, and watching even two gods fight will eventually lose its sense of grandeur. "
>Mainly because we have bigger fish to try and have probably gotten into crazier stunts.
>"When a peasant's only option for help is their lord, sooner or later, they'll either resign to their fate or take the plunge and beseech said lord."
>Let her draw her own conclusions about who is the peasant and who is the lord.
>"If this land's god were willing to cooperate with us, I would not be here waging war against her, would I?"
>"Rift? I know not what you speak of."
>You prepare yourself for any incoming attacks. Fortunately, that appears to have been unnecessary for the time being.
>"So because you are bored, you believe that you have the right to subject a god to your whims?"
>You'd prefer to waste as little time as possible, you still need to restore Gensokyo to its former state.
>"Yet you have not said a single word about helping me, only yourself."
>_
-
>She thinks this is the worst we've done out of boredom? Oh if she only knew....
>"I was saving that for last! I offer you a larger source of faith; first, in solving the problem of the lack of life."
>"Also, with the cooperation of the two goddesses comes a pooling of faith; while you both have problems supporting yourselves separately, together you'll be more than capable of sustaining yourselves."
>"On that note, Suwako is willing to work with you, provided that you agree to stop trying to take over her shrine."
-
>She thinks this is the worst we've done out of boredom? Oh if she only knew....
>"I was saving that for last! I offer you a larger source of faith; first, in solving the problem of the lack of life."
>"Also, with the cooperation of the two goddesses comes a pooling of faith; while you both have problems supporting yourselves separately, together you'll be more than capable of sustaining yourselves."
>"On that note, Suwako is willing to work with you, provided that you agree to stop trying to take over her shrine."
>If only either of them knew what you were truly trying to fix...
>"Problem? I see no problem here. Are you suggesting that the falling faith is at the point where we worry over our very existence?"
>"With the amount of faith I have, I need not worry about such a thing for at least a millennia."
>"And for what reason would I have to accept that ridiculous condition?"
>_
-
> "You act like a millenia is a long time. We're both very long lived beings here. After that millenia there is no one here to rekindle your faith."
> "I don't suggest it, I know, because you came to Gensokyo to fix it~ Surely a goddess like yourself can tell I'm not lying."
> "In my time, the shrine is yours in name, and your faith is strong. Suwako uses her powers to assist you and her descendant becomes your strongest miko. The benefits are all yours."
-
> "You act like a millenia is a long time. We're both very long lived beings here. After that millenia there is no one here to rekindle your faith."
> "I don't suggest it, I know, because you came to Gensokyo to fix it~ Surely a goddess like yourself can tell I'm not lying."
> "In my time, the shrine is yours in name, and your faith is strong. Suwako uses her powers to assist you and her descendant becomes your strongest miko. The benefits are all yours."
>"True. But it is long enough. Though what you are saying could be worrying."
>"And? You still haven't said anything about how you would fix this."
>"Hmm? Descendant? I was unaware that she had one. I must remember to congratulate her at a later date."
>"Yet, you tell me to give up on taking the shrine?"
>_
-
>"You do not even realize what I am saying? I am saying that if you do not do not work together with Suwako, your faith will slowly crumble down because of the growth of human society. However, if you do, you will live to tell the tale and live for at least a few more millennia, in a place that fits you much better than those lowly humans who will but desecrate your shrine. It is only the most logical thing to do. I am not telling you to give up taking the shrine; in my time, most people don't even know of Suwako's existence and assume you are the one behind everything. That way, you aren't giving up on taking the shrine at all, are you?"
-
>Let's not say things quite like that; she's in as good a mood as we can get right now, and we've yet to explain the time thing to her. Besides, it's starting to look like this isn't so much the past as an alternate rift that got opened up somehow.
>"I'm saying that simply cooperating and working together will get you what you want, and keep Suwako happy, without all the fighting involved."
>Before going on to how to fix this:
>In the event Kanako and Suwako making peace doesn't fix what's wrong here, if we get the two of them to channel their powers over the earth and the sky, do we have the capability to simulate a border over the lake?
>We got thrown out there, so its likely the weakest point in this world.
>By the way, have we felt or noticed anything that stands out around Kanako's base?
-
>"You do not even realize what I am saying? I am saying that if you do not do not work together with Suwako, your faith will slowly crumble down because of the growth of human society. However, if you do, you will live to tell the tale and live for at least a few more millennia, in a place that fits you much better than those lowly humans who will but desecrate your shrine. It is only the most logical thing to do. I am not telling you to give up taking the shrine; in my time, most people don't even know of Suwako's existence and assume you are the one behind everything. That way, you aren't giving up on taking the shrine at all, are you?"
>Let's not say things quite like that; she's in as good a mood as we can get right now, and we've yet to explain the time thing to her. Besides, it's starting to look like this isn't so much the past as an alternate rift that got opened up somehow.
>As frustrated as you are right now, you decide against expressing your anger for the time being.
>"I'm saying that simply cooperating and working together will get you what you want, and keep Suwako happy, without all the fighting involved."
>Before going on to how to fix this:
>In the event Kanako and Suwako making peace doesn't fix what's wrong here, if we get the two of them to channel their powers over the earth and the sky, do we have the capability to simulate a border over the lake?
>We got thrown out there, so its likely the weakest point in this world.
>By the way, have we felt or noticed anything that stands out around Kanako's base?
>"Of course that would be the optimal outcome. Do you not know? Originally, we came with offers of peace. It is her resistance that has led to this."
>You doubt that you would.
>You have not, other than the strange feeling that persists throughout this land.
>_
-
>"She seemed more worried about losing her shrine when I talked to her. She might be more willing this time if you stress that you aren't going to try to take her shrine, and you'd both just be working together for your mutual benefit."
>"Such as solving the problem of this world. Don't you feel any odd sensations permeating the land?"
-
>"She seemed more worried about losing her shrine when I talked to her. She might be more willing this time if you stress that you aren't going to try to take her shrine, and you'd both just be working together for your mutual benefit."
>"Such as solving the problem of this world. Don't you feel any odd sensations permeating the land?"
>"Of course she is. She should have accepted the loss of her shrine for the greater good, yet she clings onto it."
>"And you expect me to surrender to someone as selfish as her? I refuse."
>"There is, indeed, a strange wind that blows through the air. However, it is barely noticeable. I had forgotten about it until you brought it up."
>_
-
>"A truce isn't surrendering, it's bringing things to a peaceful end. After all, the alternative is that the two of you will keep fighting until you both run out of faith and start to fade away."
>Selfish? Pot calling kettle black much? We still remember what happened when they first arrived and the nuclear incident.
>"Would it really be so bad to compromise on that point?"
>"From prior experience, I'm quite sure that the source of that odd feeling is also the cause of everything wrong here. What one of us can't track, all three of us together might be able to follow."
-
>"A truce isn't surrendering, it's bringing things to a peaceful end. After all, the alternative is that the two of you will keep fighting until you both run out of faith and start to fade away."
>Selfish? Pot calling kettle black much? We still remember what happened when they first arrived and the nuclear incident.
>"Would it really be so bad to compromise on that point?"
>"From prior experience, I'm quite sure that the source of that odd feeling is also the cause of everything wrong here. What one of us can't track, all three of us together might be able to follow."
>"I fail to see the need for such a thing. It is only a matter of time before the Moriya's tenacity will fail."
>That hypocrisy annoys you.
>"It would be an insult, both to myself and to what a god is."
>"Prior experience?"
>_
-
>"I did mention having corrected a previous distortion, did I not?"
>"Anyways, allow me to be a bit clearer as to what I'm saying will happen. Or should happen, at least; who knows what will happen if the change isn't fixed? If you help be correct the change, the first step would be a truce with Suwako. Not a surrender, just an agreement to stop fighting for now. As I've already said, this leads to you gaining control of the shrine. That's what I have to give in return for your assistance. If you help me, you will gain control of the shrine."
-
>Don't think mentioning that last part is a good idea. Suwako was pretty clear on not giving up control; the moment Kanako opens her mouth about that, they're liable to start fighting again and both would get pissed at us for pretty much lying to them.
>Word it this way: "So far, she seems determined to keep fighting to the end. Whereas if you form a truce with her and you both share ownership, overtime she might accept you as a better leader and peaceably give you control."
>Sharing a shrine is an insult to a god? How desperate was she to be willing to do before then?
-
>Word it this way: "So far, she seems determined to keep fighting to the end. Whereas if you form a truce with her and you both share ownership, overtime she might accept you as a better leader and peaceably give you control."
>Sharing a shrine is an insult to a god? How desperate was she to be willing to do before then?
-
>"I did mention having corrected a previous distortion, did I not?"
>"And what would happen if you were to fix this distortion?"
>"Anyways, allow me to be a bit clearer as to what I'm saying will happen. Or should happen, at least; who knows what will happen if the change isn't fixed? If you help be correct the change, the first step would be a truce with Suwako. Not a surrender, just an agreement to stop fighting for now. As I've already said, this leads to you gaining control of the shrine. That's what I have to give in return for your assistance. If you help me, you will gain control of the shrine."
>Don't think mentioning that last part is a good idea. Suwako was pretty clear on not giving up control; the moment Kanako opens her mouth about that, they're liable to start fighting again and both would get pissed at us for pretty much lying to them.
>Word it this way: "So far, she seems determined to keep fighting to the end. Whereas if you form a truce with her and you both share ownership, overtime she might accept you as a better leader and peaceably give you control."
>Sharing a shrine is an insult to a god? How desperate was she to be willing to do before then?
>You think about how you could word the next few things you want to say.
>"Indeed. And that end draws near."
>"I do not think you understand. As she is right now, she is not fit to call herself a god. To place her personal desires above the greater good is an affront to all that we are. I refuse to work with such a person."
>You have no idea.
>_
-
> "If I fix the distortion, the future should repair itself. Suwako and you will resolve your conflict and your shrine will return to Gensokyo."
> "What do you consider to be the greater good? I may be misunderstanding your intentions, but what do you intend to do when you win?"
-
> "If I fix the distortion, the future should repair itself. Suwako and you will resolve your conflict and your shrine will return to Gensokyo."
> "What do you consider to be the greater good? I may be misunderstanding your intentions, but what do you intend to do when you win?"
>"The future? You claim to have knowledge over the god's domain?"
>"You truly are an amusing being. Tell me, exactly how would this conflict be resolved and what is this Gensokyo."
>"The collective will of the gods. Once I have taken over this shrine, I will make the necessary changes and await its next host."
>_
-
>We never did tell her about the future.
>Here we go again.
>"I'm sure you recall that I ended up showing up from nowhere. Long story short, I crossed a dimensional gap within the Moriya lake in Gensokyo and ended up getting a front seat to the Suwa war."
>"Originally, Suwako gave up after half a day and let you take over. Soon after, human's loss of belief in the supernatural became problematic to the extent that you ended up working together with Suwako to pool your resources."
>"A few years ago - or more like a few centuries into the future for you - the both of you moved your shrine to Gensokyo, and after an incident or two, you all settled down."
>"As for Gensokyo, it's a haven for the supernatural, separated by a boundary to allow youkai to thrive and live amongst humans. Though I suppose will be would be more accurate considering the time."
>"Well it's either the past, or I'm in an alternate dimension under any event. That's not particularly important though~"
>"And Suwako already made sure that I'm neither insane or lying so we can skip that part~"
>Wonder how she's going to react?
-
>"To add to that, that's how I knew about Suwako's descendant, Sanae, as well. You can ask her; she was surprised herself when she found someone else knew how her descendant was going to be called in the far future~"
-
>We never did tell her about the future.
>Here we go again.
>"I'm sure you recall that I ended up showing up from nowhere. Long story short, I crossed a dimensional gap within the Moriya lake in Gensokyo and ended up getting a front seat to the Suwa war."
>"Originally, Suwako gave up after half a day and let you take over. Soon after, human's loss of belief in the supernatural became problematic to the extent that you ended up working together with Suwako to pool your resources."
>"A few years ago - or more like a few centuries into the future for you - the both of you moved your shrine to Gensokyo, and after an incident or two, you all settled down."
>"As for Gensokyo, it's a haven for the supernatural, separated by a boundary to allow youkai to thrive and live amongst humans. Though I suppose will be would be more accurate considering the time."
>"Well it's either the past, or I'm in an alternate dimension under any event. That's not particularly important though~"
>"And Suwako already made sure that I'm neither insane or lying so we can skip that part~"
>Wonder how she's going to react?
>That, you did not.
>You hope that Kanako will be more inclined to believe you than Suwako was.
>"So you claim to have you come from this 'Gensokyo'."
>"That is rather interesting. Go on."
>"So you say that I, along with this land's god are a part of this 'Gensokyo' in the future?"
>"So this 'Gensokyo' is a paradise of sorts for youkai? Tell me, how did this 'Gensokyo' come to be? For I know of no such thing."
>"If you are telling the truth, I believe that the distinction is for far more significance than something that is 'not particularly important'."
>She seems to be taking it rather well.
>"To add to that, that's how I knew about Suwako's descendant, Sanae, as well. You can ask her; she was surprised herself when she found someone else knew how her descendant was going to be called in the far future~"
>"Sanae? That name seems familiar to me. Interesting..."
>_
-
>"If I'm back at the Suwa wars, then my past self would be busy creating Gensokyo right now. It won't be completed for quite some time yet."
>"Of course, if this an alternate dimensional rift, then odds are, you two fell into it as well and something wiped your memories. That would be...an interesting development."
>"But either way, once the source of the world's problem is fixed, it will likely become clear enough."
>"If Sanae sounds familiar, do the names Hakurei Reimu and Reiuji Utsuho ring any bells? Or perhaps an attempted nuclear revolution?"
-
> "You are indeed a part of Gensokyo~ Or you will be. Gods are also welcome there."
> "If we can find the outside influence here, the bad wind you spoke of, I would know more of whether this is the past or another dimension. Altering time is difficult, so I believe it is a gap you are both trapped in until you move past this event."
> "Sanae is going to be your miko. I think you know her because of that, correct?"
-
>"If I'm back at the Suwa wars, then my past self would be busy creating Gensokyo right now. It won't be completed for quite some time yet."
>"Of course, if this an alternate dimensional rift, then odds are, you two fell into it as well and something wiped your memories. That would be...an interesting development."
>"But either way, once the source of the world's problem is fixed, it will likely become clear enough."
>"If Sanae sounds familiar, do the names Hakurei Reimu and Reiuji Utsuho ring any bells? Or perhaps an attempted nuclear revolution?"
>"I believe that it is prudent to answer this type of question before the problem is fixed. The two scenarios are completely different and, as such, I imagine that the solution would vary according to the situation."
>"I am unfamiliar with any of those names or terms."
> "You are indeed a part of Gensokyo~ Or you will be. Gods are also welcome there."
> "If we can find the outside influence here, the bad wind you spoke of, I would know more of whether this is the past or another dimension. Altering time is difficult, so I believe it is a gap you are both trapped in until you move past this event."
> "Sanae is going to be your miko. I think you know her because of that, correct?"
>"Interesting."
>"That is an interesting theory."
>"Did you not say that she was the descendant of Moriya? And she is to be my maiden? Hah! That is rather amusing."
>"I am rather unsure on why I know of this name. It seems close to me, yet I have no recollection of having ever been contacted by this person."
>"So, if I am understanding correctly, you found us after having entered through a dimensional rift where both myself and the world have been altered. You wish to undo this and bring us back to your world, Gensokyo. You believe that ending this war would achieve this, and therefore require my cooperation. Correct?"
>_
-
> Curtsey for the goddess, she got it right in one go!
> "Correct~ If you know her name but can't recall why, it's more likely a memory you can't access."
> "I do believe that will fix things. Ending this endless day."
-
> Curtsey for the goddess, she got it right in one go!
> "Correct~ If you know her name but can't recall why, it's more likely a memory you can't access."
> "I do believe that will fix things. Ending this endless day."
>You give Kanako a little curtsey. At least she seems willing to listen.
>"It is true that I have found something strange about this land. However, I have paid it no mind until now. Certainly, if what you are saying is correct, then that could explain this feeling."
>"I am also curious on what would happen if we were to fix this supposed distortion of yours."
>"However, your theory remains to be naught but a theory."
>"Still, you are an amusing being, and I have been deprived of entertainment for far too long."
>"Very well. Let us test this theory of yours. What assistance is it that you seek from the gods?"
>_
-
>"The problem is about the Reimu Hakurei I mentioned before. She is the one I cooperated with while creating Gensokyo, and a quite power shrine maiden herself. However, because of... unrelated circumstances, I had to leave Gensokyo for two years. In that time, she has taken over control of Gensokyo in a less than peaceful way, sealing all those who opposed her. I have managed to free some of the trapped ones, but because of this, my powers have been severely weakened."
>"And that is where I require your help. The reason why you disappeared from Gensokyo in the first place is probably this Reimu as well."
-
> These problems don't relate to our current situation. We don't need to bother Kanako about Reimu until we've resolved the war and gotten us out of this rift.
-
> "I think I know, but seeing is believing isn't it~?"
> "Though I have many.. talents, I'm not familiar with this area. Is there any monument that's out of place?"
> "If there isn't, then the problem is simply in the way this fight is being held. What are the terms you've been offering Suwako Moriya to surrender to? I ask only to compare with my own memories."
-
How does this not relate to the current situation? She's literally asking us what why we even went to look for them in the first place...
-
I'm with Shadoweh on this one; it seems like she's asking about our theory on ending their conflict breaking the loop. If they're our Kanako and Suwako, they'll remember when we fix things anyway. If they aren't, it doesn't matter.
>On that note, has it appeared as if time has been moving at all?
>Looking at things, Suwako seems far more attached to her shrine than before. We're going to need to talk to her again after this.
-
Bringing up the Reimu issue right now would just confuse them. Reimu doesn't exist for another millenia. :V
> We definitely need to figure out what's stopping Suwako from joining Kanako. Maybe if we let her know how much stronger she is in our time..
-
>Wait, is she stronger in our time? We saw the two of fighting for a bit, how strong are they compared to what we knew of them?
-
>"The problem is about the Reimu Hakurei I mentioned before. She is the one I cooperated with while creating Gensokyo, and a quite power shrine maiden herself. However, because of... unrelated circumstances, I had to leave Gensokyo for two years. In that time, she has taken over control of Gensokyo in a less than peaceful way, sealing all those who opposed her. I have managed to free some of the trapped ones, but because of this, my powers have been severely weakened."
>"And that is where I require your help. The reason why you disappeared from Gensokyo in the first place is probably this Reimu as well."
> These problems don't relate to our current situation. We don't need to bother Kanako about Reimu until we've resolved the war and gotten us out of this rift.
>You decide against mentioning Reimu for the time being.
> "I think I know, but seeing is believing isn't it~?"
> "Though I have many.. talents, I'm not familiar with this area. Is there any monument that's out of place?"
> "If there isn't, then the problem is simply in the way this fight is being held. What are the terms you've been offering Suwako Moriya to surrender to? I ask only to compare with my own memories."
>"True faith is believing in those things that you cannot see. However, this is not a matter of faith, it is one of science."
>"Everything here is in accordance with what I know. There is no reason to believe that anything is out of place."
>"The conditions are simple. She is to surrender her shrine temporarily whilst a more suitable candidate is selected. If no such candidate is found, then ownership of the shrine is to be returned to her."
>On that note, has it appeared as if time has been moving at all?
>Looking at things, Suwako seems far more attached to her shrine than before. We're going to need to talk to her again after this.
> We definitely need to figure out what's stopping Suwako from joining Kanako. Maybe if we let her know how much stronger she is in our time..
>Time definitely appears to be moving.
>She definitely doesn't want to give up her shrine for some reason. You consider ways of finding out why.
>Wait, is she stronger in our time? We saw the two of fighting for a bit, how strong are they compared to what we knew of them?
>It is rather difficult to compare danmaku battles to the real thing. Especially when you did not manage to see much of their actual battle.
>_
-
>"The conditions are simple. She is to surrender her shrine temporarily whilst a more suitable candidate is selected. If no such candidate is found, then ownership of the shrine is to be returned to her."
> Does this sound like what's suposed to happen in our future?
-
> Does this sound like what's suposed to happen in our future?
>It sounds about right.
>_
-
> Perhaps there's an outside element added?
> "Is there a suitable candidate available?"
-
> Perhaps there's an outside element added?
> "Is there a suitable candidate available?"
>You wonder what might have changed.
>"Of that, I am uncertain."
>_
-
>"Then if events stay the same, there never will be another suitable candidate."
>"Of course, now the question is what changed to make her so attached to the shrine..."
>
-
>"Then if events stay the same, there never will be another suitable candidate."
>"Of course, now the question is what changed to make her so attached to the shrine..."
>"Hmm? I see."
>"I have not the faintest idea."
>_
-
>Well, only one option left now.
>"Then it seems we'll have to ask her directly. Hopefully without the need for another fight."
>If Kanako agrees, back up to Suwako's shrine it is. With everything else we've done over the past two or three days, why not a mediator?
-
> Before we leave, thank Kanako for hearing us and that we will return if we've made progress.
-
>Well, only one option left now.
>"Then it seems we'll have to ask her directly. Hopefully without the need for another fight."
>If Kanako agrees, back up to Suwako's shrine it is. With everything else we've done over the past two or three days, why not a mediator?
>You suppose that you have to try talking with Suwako once more.
>"That certainly would be a desirable outcome."
>Not that you haven't mediated already within the past few days.
> Before we leave, thank Kanako for hearing us and that we will return if we've made progress.
>Before you take your leave, you make sure to thank Kanako for listening and even agreeing to help.
>And so you leave Kanako's camp and head towards the shrine once more.
>It isn't long before you find yourself standing in front of the Moriya shrine again.
>_
-
>If Suwako's not outside, find the shrine bell or something and ring it.
-
>If Suwako's not outside, find the shrine bell or something and ring it.
>You find a bell above the offertory box, which you ring.
>There is no response.
>_
-
>How long have we been gone for? She did say that she was going to rest.
-
>How long have we been gone for? She did say that she was going to rest.
>Roughly half an hour. And she did say that.
>_
-
>...Oh boy
>Fine, wait on one of the onabashira stuck in the lake or something. Might as well get some rest ourselves and waking her up really isn't going to help matters.
-
>...Oh boy
>Fine, wait on one of the onabashira stuck in the lake or something. Might as well get some rest ourselves and waking her up really isn't going to help matters.
>You head back towards the lake, looking to get some rest yourself. Though you wonder how long you should spend resting.
>_
-
>What time of the day is it?
-
>What time of the day is it?
>Judging by the skies, early afternoon. You would estimate the time to be somewhere around 2PM.
>_
-
>What time were we supposed to meet Yuyuko again?
-
>What time were we supposed to meet Yuyuko again?
>Rather than a specific time, you sent an invitation to meet some time during the evening. You think that she would probably come between 7 and 9 PM.
>_
-
>Then we rest until 5 PM. She's a god, three hours should be fine.
-
>Then we rest until 5 PM. She's a god, three hours should be fine.
>You decide to take it easy for the next three hours. You feel rather well rested once you're done.
>_
-
>Back to the shrine and ring that bell!
-
>Back to the shrine and ring that bell!
>You head back to the shrine and ring the bell above the offertory box once more.
>You hear Suwako's voice coming from behind you soon after ringing the bell.
>"You know, it's incredibly rude to ring that without making an offering."
>_
-
>Turn around.
>"My offering may not be material, but it's a meaningful donation all the same~"
>"Well so far, further investigations has left me with the conclusion that I'm either in the past, or this is a dimensional rift that sucked both you and Kanako in and wiped your memories."
>"Either way, I've made progress. Have you noticed that there are only three people in this entire world? That there's an odd sensation permeating this world?"
-
>Turn around.
>"My offering may not be material, but it's a meaningful donation all the same~"
>"Well so far, further investigations has left me with the conclusion that I'm either in the past, or this is a dimensional rift that sucked both you and Kanako in and wiped your memories."
>"Either way, I've made progress. Have you noticed that there are only three people in this entire world? That there's an odd sensation permeating this world?"
>You turn around to see Suwako standing with her arms crossed once more.
>"Doesn't change the fact that it's rude."
>"So which is it?"
>"What does that have to do with anything?"
>"You say that you've made progress, so tell me about it. Is she going to stop trying to take over this shrine?"
>_
-
>"Ah well, I'll try for the material next time."
>"Who knows? I'm fairly sure fixing this world would reveal it quickly enough though."
>"It has everything to do with it; I'd think a world with only three people is odd enough without that ominous feeling. When you consider that neither you nor Kanako actually noticed these details until I pointed them out, and something is very wrong."
>"I believe that I mentioned that this isn't my experience with something like this; well it isn't the first time I've felt this particular disturbance either, and I do recall just what it took to fix, and what it did to the person tied to that event."
>"So my question to you is; do you remember just how long you've been fighting Kanako for? Or just why this shrine has so much meaning to you?"
>Yes we've ignored her last question, but frankly the fact that she dismissed the world having no one but her and Kanako as not important is most worrying. We remember what Yuyuko was like before we sealed the tree.
-
>"Ah well, I'll try for the material next time."
>"Who knows? I'm fairly sure fixing this world would reveal it quickly enough though."
>"It has everything to do with it; I'd think a world with only three people is odd enough without that ominous feeling. When you consider that neither you nor Kanako actually noticed these details until I pointed them out, and something is very wrong."
>"I believe that I mentioned that this isn't my experience with something like this; well it isn't the first time I've felt this particular disturbance either, and I do recall just what it took to fix, and what it did to the person tied to that event."
>"So my question to you is; do you remember just how long you've been fighting Kanako for? Or just why this shrine has so much meaning to you?"
>Yes we've ignored her last question, but frankly the fact that she dismissed the world having no one but her and Kanako as not important is most worrying. We remember what Yuyuko was like before we sealed the tree.
>"Do what you will."
>"You keep talking about fixing whatever it is that's broken, but from what I've seen, you haven't been doing much about it."
>"And aren't you supposed to be fixing that?"
>"Then shouldn't this be easy for you to fix?"
>"What kind of question is that? She's been trying to take over this shrine for the past two years. And this is my shrine, isn't it? Why should I have to give it up?"
>"I take it that you haven't convinced her to give up then. We're done talking for the time being then."
>Suwako begins to walk past you back towards the shrine.
>You note your experiences from the netherworld.
>_
-
>"Two years....about the time when the border cracked, and the rip I traveled through to reach here would have opened. Doesn't that sound at all suspicious to you?"
>"Well I can tell you for certain now that you're the Suwako from my time. Or at least, what's left of her."
>Time to stop dancing around; normal talking didn't work, Kanako is an object lesson in physical force going nowhere, so brutal honesty is on order.
>"I've noticed that from the moment it came up, you've been fixated on this shrine to the point of obsession, neglecting everything else, even the meaning behind a lack of sources of faith."
>"Why are you so tied down to a memory of a shrine? Even if Kanako gives up, what then, do you sit here for however long it takes for your faith to run out and for you to disappear?"
>"Did the end of the Suwa war bother you so badly that you'll throw away your life, the lives of those who worshiped you, and that of your descendant over misplaced pride?"
-
>"Two years....about the time when the border cracked, and the rip I traveled through to reach here would have opened. Doesn't that sound at all suspicious to you?"
>"Well I can tell you for certain now that you're the Suwako from my time. Or at least, what's left of her."
>Time to stop dancing around; normal talking didn't work, Kanako is an object lesson in physical force going nowhere, so brutal honesty is on order.
>"I've noticed that from the moment it came up, you've been fixated on this shrine to the point of obsession, neglecting everything else, even the meaning behind a lack of sources of faith."
>"Why are you so tied down to a memory of a shrine? Even if Kanako gives up, what then, do you sit here for however long it takes for your faith to run out and for you to disappear?"
>"Did the end of the Suwa war bother you so badly that you'll throw away your life, the lives of those who worshiped you, and that of your descendant over misplaced pride?"
>Suwako stops walking while you talk.
>"If what you're saying is true, that is."
>"And what is that supposed to mean?"
>You decide to try a different approach than the one Kanako has been applying.
>"So what? It's my shrine."
>"Throw away my life? I think you're misunderstanding something here. I have more than enough faith. I have no intention of dying or disappearing."
>"Now, I believe I told you that we were done talking."
>Suwako begins walking again, entering the shrine.
>_
-
> Puff our cheeks. Stubborn gods.. follow her.
> "You can never have enough faith. You can't deny that your supply will run out with no worshippers to replenish it. Unless you're receiving faith somehow."
> "How have you been holding this shrine if Kanako has defeated you every day for two years?"
> "I am attempting to fix it. Understanding why this battle has been so prolonged is important. Your shrine isn't going to be lost, even if you surrender. There's no one else who can take your place here, is there?"
-
>"A shrine? I don't see a shrine; with no maiden nor worshipers this isn't much more than a fancy looking building you have an unhealthy obsession over."
>"And you're still running from the question; valuing a building over your own life is one thing, but have you become selfish enough to damn your descendent and worshipers over this?"
>"A building can easily be rebuilt; lives are far harder to replace."
>On that note; do we have any magic up our sleeves that would smash a shrine?
-
> Puff our cheeks. Stubborn gods.. follow her.
> "You can never have enough faith. You can't deny that your supply will run out with no worshippers to replenish it. Unless you're receiving faith somehow."
> "How have you been holding this shrine if Kanako has defeated you every day for two years?"
> "I am attempting to fix it. Understanding why this battle has been so prolonged is important. Your shrine isn't going to be lost, even if you surrender. There's no one else who can take your place here, is there?"
>You follow Suwako into the shrine, talking to her whilst doing so.
>"You just don't give up, do you?"
>"Because she is waiting for me to surrender the shrine, which I will never do."
>"And you can guarantee that?"
>"A shrine? I don't see a shrine; with no maiden nor worshipers this isn't much more than a fancy looking building you have an unhealthy obsession over."
>"And you're still running from the question; valuing a building over your own life is one thing, but have you become selfish enough to damn your descendent and worshipers over this?"
>"A building can easily be rebuilt; lives are far harder to replace."
>On that note; do we have any magic up our sleeves that would smash a shrine?
>"Don't you dare forget your place, whelp. You're nothing but a mere youkai, yet you dare to criticise a god?"
>"Perhaps you need to be taught your place."
>Suwako takes off her hat, and begins to rummage through it.
>It would not be using magic, but with a bit of time you could tear through a shrine with relative ease.
>_
-
>If she wants to play, suit herself; even without our gaps, we didn't make the Gensokyo barrier and train a kitsune to be our shikigami with gap-hax alone.
>Keep an eye out to dodge or put up a magic barrier. Especially involving stuff from the ground seeing as she's an earth and curse goddess.
>"And you are a god that has abandoned her worshipers and family over a building. I'm simply stating it as I see it."
-
> She doesn't seem to actually think she's abandoned anyone. Insulting the god isn't going to fix anything. Don't do that.
> "I know that in Gensokyo you and Kanako are working together, and the shrine is still called the Moriya Shrine. You even cause incidents together."
"Why does she need to wait for you to surrender? Can't she just.. take it?"
-
Letting her avoid the fact that her obsession with the shrine is unhealthy will get us nowhere though.
>Okay, word my last comment this way: "You placed the building as a higher priority than the fact that you and Kanako have been trapped here for two years. I can't think of any words to fit that other than an unhealthy obsession."
-
>If she wants to play, suit herself; even without our gaps, we didn't make the Gensokyo barrier and train a kitsune to be our shikigami with gap-hax alone.
>Keep an eye out to dodge or put up a magic barrier. Especially involving stuff from the ground seeing as she's an earth and curse goddess.
>"And you are a god that has abandoned her worshipers and family over a building. I'm simply stating it as I see it."
> She doesn't seem to actually think she's abandoned anyone. Insulting the god isn't going to fix anything. Don't do that.
>You decide against further aggravating Suwako for the time being.
> "I know that in Gensokyo you and Kanako are working together, and the shrine is still called the Moriya Shrine. You even cause incidents together."
"Why does she need to wait for you to surrender? Can't she just.. take it?"
>"But this isn't your Gensokyo, is it?"
>"How would I know? Ask her."
>"You placed the building as a higher priority than the fact that you and Kanako have been trapped here for two years. I can't think of any words to fit that other than an unhealthy obsession."
>You see Suwako reach deeper into her hat, her entire arm going inside the hat. It seems the hat's insides are a lot larger than what its appearance would suggest.
>Suwako then pulls out an iron shortsword, which she examines before pointing it at you.
>"This should do for a lowly youkai that fails to acknowledge where she stands and continues to mouth off to a god."
>_
-
> Oh well. Maybe it was fated to turn out like this.
> What weapons and spellcards do we have right now?
> Fly backwards out of the shrine. "I think you will find I am not just some lowly youkai. What would it mean to you if you lost~?"
-
> Oh well. Maybe it was fated to turn out like this.
> What weapons and spellcards do we have right now?
> Fly backwards out of the shrine. "I think you will find I am not just some lowly youkai. What would it mean to you if you lost~?"
>Perhaps there was no other way?
>None whatsoever.
>Suwako chases you out of the shrine.
>"Nothing, since it would never happen."
>_
-
>"And that is exactly the kind of misplaced confidence that will make you lose this battle!~"
>Time until next gap?
I think it would be best to lure her to Kanako? We don't have anything to fight her with, and just running won't do anything..
>Strategical retreat to where we last saw Kanako. No, we're not fleeing~
-
>"And that is exactly the kind of misplaced confidence that will make you lose this battle!~"
>Time until next gap?
>Strategical retreat to where we last saw Kanako. No, we're not fleeing~
>"You will soon see that it is not misplaced."
>You have no clue. You doubt that it would be any time soon.
>You begin to fly backwards when Suwako stomps the ground beneath her.
>A wall of earth is formed behind you, cutting off your escape.
>"And where do you think you're going? What happened to your bravado, defender of Gensokyo?"
>_
-
>Oh man. This might be bad.
>Can we use anything like danmaku in this condition? Spell cards may not be available, but randomly shooting might buy us some time.
>"What happened to you, then? Weren't you beaten down by a goddess less than a day ago~?"
>"I only wish for this to end peacefully, you know? If you want to fight that badly, I'm going to have to be a little more serious about this~"
Bluffing works as good as anything, I suppose? Not that I really know what to do anymore...
-
>If we want this to go peacefully, don't say the last couple of lines.
>"You're the one who wants to reach for violence so badly. Besides, if we have to fight, I though you'd appreciate your building being out of the range of fire but if you insist..." shrug.
>Meh, it's not like danmaku does anything to anyone who doesn't follow the spellcard rules.
>If we could make a danmaku barrier both damage and shield, a pure magic version should do more.
>Barrier block any swings she makes at us
>If our magic is unaffected, we can still generate pure magical kunai, lazers and bullets right?
-
>Oh man. This might be bad.
>Can we use anything like danmaku in this condition? Spell cards may not be available, but randomly shooting might buy us some time.
>It might be.
>You can.
>"What happened to you, then? Weren't you beaten down by a goddess less than a day ago~?"
>"I only wish for this to end peacefully, you know? If you want to fight that badly, I'm going to have to be a little more serious about this~"
>If we want this to go peacefully, don't say the last couple of lines.
>You decide against saying this for the time being.
>"You're the one who wants to reach for violence so badly. Besides, if we have to fight, I though you'd appreciate your building being out of the range of fire but if you insist..." shrug.
>Meh, it's not like danmaku does anything to anyone who doesn't follow the spellcard rules.
>If we could make a danmaku barrier both damage and shield, a pure magic version should do more.
>Barrier block any swings she makes at us
>If our magic is unaffected, we can still generate pure magical kunai, lazers and bullets right?
>"You seem like the type of person that won't learn otherwise."
>Suwako stomps the earth again, extending the wall behind you to form a ring enclosing the pair of you.
>It would still hurt if you were to be hit a lot of it. It wouldn't do much else though.
>Your danmaku is already formed with magic. Of course, you could always tweak it to hurt more.
>She has yet to swing at you.
>You can still generate your danmaku, yes.
>_
-
>Sigh again. "Oh fine. Might as well find out just how rusty that two year 'vacation' left me."
>Tweak the danmaku to about a step away from lethal. We don't really want to hurt her, but we need enough pain in there to actually make charging through not an option.
>"Though I think this is a first for me, getting into a fight with a Goddess. Whenever you're ready~"
>How much space is in the dome?
-
>Sigh again. "Oh fine. Might as well find out just how rusty that two year 'vacation' left me."
>Tweak the danmaku to about a step away from lethal. We don't really want to hurt her, but we need enough pain in there to actually make charging through not an option.
>"Though I think this is a first for me, getting into a fight with a Goddess. Whenever you're ready~"
>How much space is in the dome?
>"If you're scared, you could always apologize."
>You make a note to create your danmaku to be more tangible.
>"And hopefully it will be the last time you try something like this."
>You would guess that the ring has a diameter of roughly a hundred meters.
>Suwako appears to be waiting for you to make the first move.
>_
-
>"While I probably could have tried harder for a nicer way to put it, and I am sorry that things degraded to this point, I stand by what I said about you being unreasonably obsessed with this shrine. I can apologize for the delivery, but not the message."
>If a fight's still inevitable, then hover a couple feet off the ground for more mobility and launch kunai spam at Suwako.
-
> ..They're not available because we left them in our bag in a gap, correct? Remember next time we go gap-diving to remove the bag first.
-
>"While I probably could have tried harder for a nicer way to put it, and I am sorry that things degraded to this point, I stand by what I said about you being unreasonably obsessed with this shrine. I can apologize for the delivery, but not the message."
>If a fight's still inevitable, then hover a couple feet off the ground for more mobility and launch kunai spam at Suwako.
>"And I ask, what right do you have to criticize what I do?"
>Seeing no other way, you hover slightly to so that you can move faster.
>You follow up by launch a barrage of kunai at Suwako, obscuring her from your vision with the sheer volume of them.
>Not long after you launch your danmaku barrage, a short sword flies through the danmaku and towards you.
> ..They're not available because we left them in our bag in a gap, correct? Remember next time we go gap-diving to remove the bag first.
>Correct. You make a note to remember to take your belongings out of the gap before entering an area like this.
>_
-
>"Because your actions affect more than just yourself. I'm sure that you wouldn't stand by and let someone's actions affect everyone you cared about for the worse."
>Dodge the sword. If we can't fully dodge, use a barrier to deflect the blade away.
>Keep an eye out for any other attacks she might try while using the sword as a distraction.
-
>"Because your actions affect more than just yourself. I'm sure that you wouldn't stand by and let someone's actions affect everyone you cared about for the worse."
>Dodge the sword. If we can't fully dodge, use a barrier to deflect the blade away.
>Keep an eye out for any other attacks she might try while using the sword as a distraction.
>You dodge the blade flying towards you, which embeds itself in the wall behind you.
>You begin talking once more, and your danmaku clears as you do so.
>Once the danmaku clears, you see only Suwako's hat where she once stood.
>Suwako bursts out of the ground in front of you and tackles you before you have a chance to respond.
>After having knocked you to the ground, Suwako towers above you.
>"You lose. Now get out."
>You see the wall of earth enclosing the two of you slowly descending back into the ground.
>_
-
Anyone got any ideas? Can't think of any beyond asking Kanako just why she doesn't take over by force and having her talk to Suwako.
>Well that was....huh. Ah well, got bigger problems than a fight.
>Aren't we already outside?
>Eh, stand up and head back to Kanako, we need some more information
>"Yes, yes, I'll be back later~"
>How long did all of that take?
-
Well that went well. :V I don't think talking to Kanako is going to do anything. The problem is obviously with Suwako. If Yukari was able to defeat a tree of death, she should be able to fight a tricksy god. The most we could get out of her is tips on how to beat Suwako.
> "I won't stop coming until you're willing to move on."
-
> "I won't stop coming until you're willing to move on."
>"You're sounding an awful lot like a certain someone... And speak of the devil."
>You see Suwako looking into the sky. You also feel the wind picking up.
>_
-
>"Well this was unexpected. Convenient though."
>Look into the sky and let Kanako have her moment.
-
>"Well this was unexpected. Convenient though."
>Look into the sky and let Kanako have her moment.
>You hear Suwako click her tongue, before shouting into the sky.
>"So. What brings you here?"
>You tilt your head backwards to see Kanako sitting in the air.
>"I simply wished to observe. However, I must question your conduct. It hardly befits the demeanour of a god."
>"Quiet! Insolent youkai such as this one need to be taught proper manners."
>At this point Kanako descends, the wind calming down as she does so, and you see Suwako take a few steps back.
>Kanako offers her hand to you.
>_
-
>"And such a Gensokyo way to do it! No wonder you had adjusted to the Spellcard rules so easily!"
>Silly goddess, we already have proper manners. When we feel like using them.
>Accept the hand and get off the floor.
-
>"And such a Gensokyo way to do it! No wonder you had adjusted to the Spellcard rules so easily!"
>Silly goddess, we already have proper manners. When we feel like using them.
>Accept the hand and get off the floor.
>"What is that supposed to mean? Are you still trying to pick another fight?"
>Of course you have manners. You just never felt the need to use them.
>You take Kanako's hand and get back on your feet. You can see Suwako staring angrily at the pair of you.
>"See? I knew it. I expected better from you, you know."
>"Calm down. Listen to what she has to say. What she said about this land makes sense. Surely you have noticed it as well."
>Kanako rests her hand on your shoulder and gives you a nod.
>_
-
>Heh, even when we lose, we win.
>Say in an obviously fake offended voice "Hey now! I'll have you know that such trickery is beneath me! I have far more amusing options."
>"I've gone into detail enough so I'll skip to the end; Suwako Moriya, this world is basically a reflection of the day you lost your shrine to Kanako Yasaka."
>"More likely than not, when the border cracked, both of you ended up getting caught in a rift, and for beings at your level, the dimensional gap twisted itself based on the most significant event involving the two of you."
>"I'm not sure if you harbored any resentment over how things went originally, this place warped your mindset or if there's another reason, but events didn't play out as last time, instead you kept fighting, and the two of you have been going at it for two years."
>"You're both bound by your past, but you need to let go and move on, so we can quite literally move to the future. After all, despite your rocky start, both of you must have found something in common to become the dual gods of Moriya Shrine and stay together long enough to end up being Sanae's guardians."
>If they're actually going to talk, move away and let them hash things out.
Hopefully this one will actually work.
-
>Heh, even when we lose, we win.
>Say in an obviously fake offended voice "Hey now! I'll have you know that such trickery is beneath me! I have far more amusing options."
>"I've gone into detail enough so I'll skip to the end; Suwako Moriya, this world is basically a reflection of the day you lost your shrine to Kanako Yasaka."
>"More likely than not, when the border cracked, both of you ended up getting caught in a rift, and for beings at your level, the dimensional gap twisted itself based on the most significant event involving the two of you."
>"I'm not sure if you harbored any resentment over how things went originally, this place warped your mindset or if there's another reason, but events didn't play out as last time, instead you kept fighting, and the two of you have been going at it for two years."
>"You're both bound by your past, but you need to let go and move on, so we can quite literally move to the future. After all, despite your rocky start, both of you must have found something in common to become the dual gods of Moriya Shrine and stay together long enough to end up being Sanae's guardians."
>If they're actually going to talk, move away and let them hash things out.
>This is certainly going well.
>Kanako gives you a stern look.
>"You too, watch your tongue. Keep in mind that you are still addressing a god."
>"So, in the end, you're telling me to give up the shrine again."
>"Why should I listen to yo-"
>Kanako interrupts Suwako.
>"If I yield, will you cooperate with us in investigating the anomaly surrounding this land?"
>Suwako stares at Kanako, with a surprised look on her face.
>"I... I guess so."
>"Very well then. I shall cease any and all hostilities towards you with the intent of taking over your shrine."
>"Just like that?"
>"Yes. Squabbles such as ours bore me and are not worth the effort. I would rather direct it towards more pressing matters."
>Kanako leaves your side and walks towards Suwako before extending her hand to her.
>"Well, I guess..."
>Suwako takes Kanako's hand. As soon as she does soon, you see the world around you begin to warp. The seasons pass rapidly and the landscape around you morph into a shape you recognize, that of Gensokyo.
>You are standing outside of the Moriya shrine.
>_
-
>"Welcome back, I suppose. Have you two regained your memories?"
>Look around; is this the Gensokyo we remember?
-
>Have we regained our gaps?
-
>"Welcome back, I suppose. Have you two regained your memories?"
>Look around; is this the Gensokyo we remember?
>You hear a loud noise coming from the direction of Kanako and Suwako.
>You look to see Suwako on the floor and Kanako's leg in the air.
>"A-u-!"
>"Did I really just waste two years because of you?!"
>You look around, you're definitely back in Gensokyo.
>Have we regained our gaps?
>You feel able to manipulate boundaries once more.
>_
-
>Note to self; get our trollfan and umbrella back when we get home.
>Note #2; we're kicking Suwako's butt when we get our gap-hax back into full gear and fix things.
>Note #3; get our spellcards and put them in our sleeves where they won't fall out accidentally. None of this unarmed nonsense again.
>Wait, can we still turn our umbrella into a deadly weapon?
>"I'll just take that as a yes."
>"So, before you go running off; in summary, over the past two years, Reimu decided to go tyrant, kappa's were hunted down since Nitori's the one who broke the barrier - she's currently trying to fix things herself after getting some sense knocked back into her, the tengu have withdrawn even more than possible, and Sanae's at Reimu's shrine."
>"I'll warn you now; I have reason to suspect that Reimu's gotten at least some of my power. At the least, she was capable of destroying the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and sealing away Byakuren and her disciples on her own."
>"None of you would happen to have enough sway over Higan to recover a nuclear hell-raven's soul? It's likely to be my next stop tomorrow, and I promised Satori to help her and Nitori with resurrecting Utsuho."
>"I think that's the main outstanding points, as far as I'm aware right now; it's been a busy couple of days since I got out~"
>"Any questions?"
-
>Note to self; get our trollfan and umbrella back when we get home.
>Note #2; we're kicking Suwako's butt when we get our gap-hax back into full gear and fix things.
>Note #3; get our spellcards and put them in our sleeves where they won't fall out accidentally. None of this unarmed nonsense again.
>Wait, can we still turn our umbrella into a deadly weapon?
>"I'll just take that as a yes."
>"So, before you go running off; in summary, over the past two years, Reimu decided to go tyrant, kappa's were hunted down since Nitori's the one who broke the barrier - she's currently trying to fix things herself after getting some sense knocked back into her, the tengu have withdrawn even more than possible, and Sanae's at Reimu's shrine."
>"I'll warn you now; I have reason to suspect that Reimu's gotten at least some of my power. At the least, she was capable of destroying the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and sealing away Byakuren and her disciples on her own."
>"None of you would happen to have enough sway over Higan to recover a nuclear hell-raven's soul? It's likely to be my next stop tomorrow, and I promised Satori to help her and Nitori with resurrecting Utsuho."
>"I think that's the main outstanding points, as far as I'm aware right now; it's been a busy couple of days since I got out~"
>"Any questions?"
>You are already storing your fan within your small gap. You do, however, make a note to carry around your parasol.
>You make a note to yourself to get revenge on Suwako at a later date.
>You can only store up to two spellcards in your sleeves without having them fall out.
>You can use your parasol to deadly effect, yes.
>"Yes. Though I know not what has been occurring for the past two years."
>"I see. And that is the reason for the tears that permeate the skies?"
>"You say that Sanae is not here?"
>"Wait what?!"
>Suwako springs to her feet.
>"What's Sanae doing over there?!"
>"Nuclear hell raven? The one that I gave power to? What has happened to her?"
>"We gods are unable to enter Higan."
>_
-
>"From what I could gather from her, she believes you both to be dead, and...she did not take it well. If Reimu's gotten half as bad as I've heard, being effectively trapped with her for two years couldn't have helped. That's why I came up here; to see if you happened to suffer the same fate as myself and Yuyuko and were just trapped. Getting her back shouldn't be too hard though, as long as Reimu isn't around......"
>"I'm not too sure on the details, but something happened with Utsuho involving Nitori that resulted in her death. She's dedicated to finding a way to resurrect her, and since both Satori and Rin are helping her, I gather that they have good reason to trust in her."
>"After all, even if I have doubts about Nitori, Satori wouldn't have let her live after that if the kappa wasn't honest about wanting to atone, and she of all people would be able to tell."
>Have our gaps improved to the point that we can yank someone from a distance and dump them somewhere? Like say a blue-white shrine maiden? Or do we have to go back to Hakurei Shrine?
>How many gaps can we create before we have to rest now?
-
> "Considering how warped some of the residents have gotten, I can't suggest going to the Shrine yourselves unless you can remain unseen by Reimu. "
> What are the goddesses doing anyways?
-
>"From what I could gather from her, she believes you both to be dead, and...she did not take it well. If Reimu's gotten half as bad as I've heard, being effectively trapped with her for two years couldn't have helped. That's why I came up here; to see if you happened to suffer the same fate as myself and Yuyuko and were just trapped. Getting her back shouldn't be too hard though, as long as Reimu isn't around......"
>"I'm not too sure on the details, but something happened with Utsuho involving Nitori that resulted in her death. She's dedicated to finding a way to resurrect her, and since both Satori and Rin are helping her, I gather that they have good reason to trust in her."
>"After all, even if I have doubts about Nitori, Satori wouldn't have let her live after that if the kappa wasn't honest about wanting to atone, and she of all people would be able to tell."
>Have our gaps improved to the point that we can yank someone from a distance and dump them somewhere? Like say a blue-white shrine maiden? Or do we have to go back to Hakurei Shrine?
>How many gaps can we create before we have to rest now?
>"Then we shall simply see her to prove her beliefs otherwise."
>"Yeah! Let's go right now, Kanako."
>"In good time. We should investigate further into what has changed during our absence."
>"A-u-"
>"I see. I can do naught but wish them well."
>They have not. Though you do feel that manipulating boundaries should be somewhat easier for you than before.
>You feel that you could hold a gap open for around one minute before your strength gives out.
> "Considering how warped some of the residents have gotten, I can't suggest going to the Shrine yourselves unless you can remain unseen by Reimu. "
> What are the goddesses doing anyways?
>"What's the worst she could do? And let go of me!"
>Kanako is holding onto Suwako, who is attempting to fly off in the direction of the Hakurei shrine.
>_
-
> What time is it now that we're out of the gap?
> "Well, she could trap you in another dimension where you forget the past millenia at a guess~"
> "You aren't the first I've freed from these distortions." Recount to Kanako and Suwako our various allies and their current tasks. Recap for the readers too since I've totally forgotten what people are doing it's useful information.
> "One of the tengu might be better suited to pass a message to Sanae discretely."
-
> What time is it now that we're out of the gap?
> "Well, she could trap you in another dimension where you forget the past millenia at a guess~"
> "You aren't the first I've freed from these distortions." Recount to Kanako and Suwako our various allies and their current tasks. Recap for the readers too since I've totally forgotten what people are doing it's useful information.
> "One of the tengu might be better suited to pass a message to Sanae discretely."
>You'd estimate the time to be around 3PM.
>"True."
>When you say this, Suwako lands once more.
>"So she really went mad, huh?"
>"So there are others in situations similar to ours?"
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about how you rescued Yuyuko and Youmu from a situation similar to theirs, and how you are to meet them later this afternoon.
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about Ran and Chen, and how they keep watch over Mayohiga.
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about Byakuren and Nazrin, who are searching for Nue whilst staying at Mayohiga.
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about Ichirin and Minamitsu, who are searching for something whilst staying at Mayohiga.
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about Shou, who helps out Ran whilst staying at Mayohiga.
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about Nitori, Yuuko, Fuuko, Rin, Satori, Hatate, and Aya, who all seem to be doing their own thing at Nitori's laboratory.
>You tell Kanako and Suwako about Momiji, who, as far as you know, is currently at Nitori's laboratory pondering what to do.
>"I see. We had best start our own efforts to bring back the Gensokyo we know, though I know not where to begin."
>"Perhaps. Tell me, since you say that the residents of Gensokyo have 'warped', does this apply to the tengu?"
>_
-
>"The tengu, you say? I can at least tell you they've heightened their security since I last saw them. They would only let me in if I brought them Momiji, but since she has problems of her own, that didn't work. A little leverage from my godly friends could work wonders, however~"
>Just to recap everything, what ever happened to the Rinnosuke/Alice situation?
-
I think we got Rinnosuke to behave himself a bit more and actually let her go home now and then, although he still has Alice, mainly because she does actually owe him.
>Although all things considered, it would be best to let the goddesses deal with the Tengu; they know how to work with them.
>"If you visit the tengu, getting permission for a living goddess to pass as well would be nice; I feel in the mood for a spiriting away~"
>As long as we don't keep the gap open long, would we be able to create more than one in quick succession without rest?
-
>"The tengu, you say? I can at least tell you they've heightened their security since I last saw them. They would only let me in if I brought them Momiji, but since she has problems of her own, that didn't work. A little leverage from my godly friends could work wonders, however~"
>Just to recap everything, what ever happened to the Rinnosuke/Alice situation?
>"I suppose that I shall judge how they are myself."
>You aren't sure. You never checked.
>Although all things considered, it would be best to let the goddesses deal with the Tengu; they know how to work with them.
>"If you visit the tengu, getting permission for a living goddess to pass as well would be nice; I feel in the mood for a spiriting away~"
>As long as we don't keep the gap open long, would we be able to create more than one in quick succession without rest?
>It could be better than trying to deal with them yourself.
>"We shall see what happens."
>You doubt that you could.
>_
-
>Ah well, just means we're taking the long way back since we need the gap to toss Sanae in.
>"So I should be able to find the two of you around here again? Then I'll go pay Hakurei shrine another visit."
>If there's nothing else, fly off to the shrine. If we're lucky, Sanae's still outside and we can just spirit her away.
-
>Ah well, just means we're taking the long way back since we need the gap to toss Sanae in.
>"So I should be able to find the two of you around here again? Then I'll go pay Hakurei shrine another visit."
>If there's nothing else, fly off to the shrine. If we're lucky, Sanae's still outside and we can just spirit her away.
>A bit of exercise never hurt anyone.
>"Likely, yes, until we determine the best course of action for ourselves."
>Flying to the Hakurei shrine will take approximately three hours from your current location. Continue?
>_
-
>Yeesh. Fine, Yuyuko will forgive a bit of tardiness. It would be just about sunset when we arrive right?
>If so, to Hakurei.
>Wait, it takes an hour to recharge a gap right? If so, gap half the distance, there, then fly for the remaining hour and a half. We'll save time and have a fully charged gap.
-
>Yeesh. Fine, Yuyuko will forgive a bit of tardiness. It would be just about sunset when we arrive right?
>If so, to Hakurei.
>You decide spend the next three hours flying to the Hakurei shrine.
>When the shrine enters your vision, you estimate the time to be around 6PM.
>_
-
Bleh, edit got in too late.
>Land and look around for Sanae - or anyone else outside.
-
Use posts, not edits. :V And I'm not sure we should have gone to the shrine ourselves. WE don't want to run into Reimu.
> Land far enough away from the shrine not to be seen by any shrine maidens inside first. We need to be a little stealthy before we find out if Reimu is there or not.
-
We don't, but frankly we're the only ones who can actually leave easily via gapping away. And I don't see either Suwako or Kanako being discreet. If she's not outside, we'll get Byakuren to supercharge us again and spirit her away.
-
>Land and look around for Sanae - or anyone else outside.
> Land far enough away from the shrine not to be seen by any shrine maidens inside first. We need to be a little stealthy before we find out if Reimu is there or not.
>You land a respectable distance from the shrine and take a quick look at the shrine grounds.
>You can see a figure with green hair tied up into pigtails sweeping the grounds.
>There does not appear to be anyone else on the shrine grounds.
>_
-
>Walk up as close as we can without being visible from inside the shrine while not looking like we're sneaking around, and call out to the pigtails once we won't have to yell to do so.
>"Hello little one; would you know if Sanae or Reimu are in?"
-
>Walk up as close as we can without being visible from inside the shrine while not looking like we're sneaking around, and call out to the pigtails once we won't have to yell to do so.
>"Hello little one; would you know if Sanae or Reimu are in?"
>You approach the shrine, taking care to maintain cover.
>Once you're at the edge of the grounds, you call out to the girl with the green pigtails and ask whether Sanae or Reimu are in.
>The girl stops and looks at you for a moment before pointing to the shrine.
>_
-
>Look at the shrine. If we don't see anyone, ask: "I'll need you to be bit more specific than that dear; is Reimu currently within the shrine?"
>Do we remember the path Sanae took to her room?
>Say, does pigtails remind us of anyone? Someone from underground?
I do fully agree with not entering alone if Reimu's in there; that's just begging for trouble.
-
>Look at the shrine. If we don't see anyone, ask: "I'll need you to be bit more specific than that dear; is Reimu currently within the shrine?"
>Do we remember the path Sanae took to her room?
>Say, does pigtails remind us of anyone? Someone from underground?
>The girl shakes her head before going back to sweeping the shrine grounds.
>You do not, seeing as you never saw where Sanae stayed.
>You think that you may have seen this girl with the spider youkai when Reimu went underground.
>_
-
>"Then may I trouble you for directions to Sanae? It's a large shrine after all, and I'd rather talk to her quickly so I wouldn't bother Reimu."
>"Say, aren't you that bucket youkai who hung around the spider underground? How did you - no let me guess. you owe Reimu money?"
-
>"Then may I trouble you for directions to Sanae? It's a large shrine after all, and I'd rather talk to her quickly so I wouldn't bother Reimu."
>"Say, aren't you that bucket youkai who hung around the spider underground? How did you - no let me guess. you owe Reimu money?"
>The girl simply points to the shrine again.
>The girl shakes her head.
>_
-
>Somehow, we don't see people willingly working for Reimu, but we should get a move on; we can ask Satori later.
>"Thanks for the help"
>Head to the shrine and look for Sanae. Keep an eye out for weirdness, or any borders we're sensing - it is still possible that Reimu's being mindscrewed like so many others.
>It would be better than the alternative......
-
>Somehow, we don't see people willingly working for Reimu, but we should get a move on; we can ask Satori later.
>"Thanks for the help"
>Head to the shrine and look for Sanae. Keep an eye out for weirdness, or any borders we're sensing - it is still possible that Reimu's being mindscrewed like so many others.
>It would be better than the alternative......
>You wonder why she would be here of all places otherwise.
>The girl bows to you before continuing to sweep the grounds.
>You head inside the shrine, searching for Sanae. Soon enough, you find her seated in the main hall. She turns upon hearing you enter and greets you with a smile that doesn't quite extend to her eyes.
>"Welcome to the Hakurei shrine. Have you come to make an offering, or do you have some other business here?
>_
-
>"Oh come now, don't you remember me? Ah well, it doesn't matter; I'm here for both to an extent. I have business with you, and I have an offering to deliver."
>This ought to be good.
>"I need an offering for two nature gods, have a shrine on top of Youkai Mountain, recently got dragged out of a seal they were trapped in, and I thought; why not a green haired shrine maiden? But I need some help finding one....."
-
>"Oh come now, don't you remember me? Ah well, it doesn't matter; I'm here for both to an extent. I have business with you, and I have an offering to deliver."
>This ought to be good.
>"I need an offering for two nature gods, have a shrine on top of Youkai Mountain, recently got dragged out of a seal they were trapped in, and I thought; why not a green haired shrine maiden? But I need some help finding one....."
>"I do, but how is that related to the topic?"
>"Business with myself again? What is it this time?"
>"Please leave your offerings in the offertory box outside."
>"What... are you talking about?"
>_
-
>"Oh? I didn't know that we had more nature gods over the past two years. I don't think Kanako and Suwako would like the competition."
>"No, that would be more Kanako, I doubt that Suwako would care too much. But she's liable to curse me if I don't drop you off soon, so unless there's anything else here you'd like to grab?"
-
>"Oh? I didn't know that we had more nature gods over the past two years. I don't think Kanako and Suwako would like the competition."
>"No, that would be more Kanako, I doubt that Suwako would care too much. But she's liable to curse me if I don't drop you off soon, so unless there's anything else here you'd like to grab?"
>"But... That can't be..."
>"Are they really back? Really?"
>_
-
> "I can take you there to see for yourself if you're ready to."
-
> "I can take you there to see for yourself if you're ready to."
>"Right now? Can you really do it? They're really back? Why are we waiting?"
>_
-
>"Nothing here to get then?"
>As long as the answer's yes: "Then all for the Gap Express!"
>Open a gap to where we left Kanako and Suwako, and go through it with Sanae.
-
> Slow down for a minute. No need to get gappy right away.
> If Sanae is accepting: "Will Reimu notice you're gone?"
-
Do we want to have this conversation here when Reimu can come back any minute though? No matter the answer, we aren't going to leave her there, so might as well do it at Youkai Mountain.
-
Why not? She's already lived with Reimu for all this time. She'd survive another day. I'd prefer if Reimu didn't show up at the Moriya Shrine hunting for her. We're the type of youkai that makes long term plans here.
-
>"Nothing here to get then?"
>As long as the answer's yes: "Then all for the Gap Express!"
>Open a gap to where we left Kanako and Suwako, and go through it with Sanae.
> Slow down for a minute. No need to get gappy right away.
> If Sanae is accepting: "Will Reimu notice you're gone?"
>"Nothing! If they're really back, please take me to them!"
>Before you take Sanae away, you ask her another question.
>"Probably..."
>_
-
If she's actually willing to wait. We'd also be relying on the person in Gensokyo with the sharpest intuition not noticing Sanae's quite drastic change in demeanor. We might very well get her killed by that extra day.
Long term plans are one thing, but we aren't the type of youkai to gamble with people's lives like that. This isn't the spellcard rules era when we could count on Reimu not doing more than just a light beating with danmaku. She sealed Byakuren and co for over a year and would have left them there permanently if we didn't come along. Pacifist Byakuren. What would she do to Sanae?
If anything, we can let Sanae stay with us at Mayohiga. Even if Reimu knows where it is, it's the last place she'd look.
-
>"Do you think you could fool Reimu if you just stepped out and came back, or is her intuition as sharp as ever? I'd rather not have her chasing after you, but I really don't want you getting sealed up or worse."
-
Actually, her intuition and powers reminded me of something. We shouldn't gap in the shrine. Reimu might be able to sense it if we do it in here.
-
Ah, good point. Best not to take the risk.
So, barring Sanae's ability to fool Reimu, do we take her with us? I vote yes.
-
>"Do you think you could fool Reimu if you just stepped out and came back, or is her intuition as sharp as ever? I'd rather not have her chasing after you, but I really don't want you getting sealed up or worse."
>"Come back? Why?"
>_
-
>"Well it's more up to you. If Reimu notices you gone, you'd know better than me, but she might come looking."
>"Though I'm getting the feeling that you wouldn't be able to keep her from noticing that something is wrong anyway.... ah well, we'll cross that bridge later."
>"We could discuss this better with more input, and I like Reimu not knowing about me, so we should be off."
>If she's game, head back outside carefully until we get some distance from the shrine - preferably under cover of trees where we won't be noticed from above either. Then gap the two of us to Youkai mountain by Kanako and Suwako.
-
>"Well it's more up to you. If Reimu notices you gone, you'd know better than me, but she might come looking."
>"Though I'm getting the feeling that you wouldn't be able to keep her from noticing that something is wrong anyway.... ah well, we'll cross that bridge later."
>"We could discuss this better with more input, and I like Reimu not knowing about me, so we should be off."
>If she's game, head back outside carefully until we get some distance from the shrine - preferably under cover of trees where we won't be noticed from above either. Then gap the two of us to Youkai mountain by Kanako and Suwako.
>"Ah... They'll protect me though. And you will too, won't you?"
>"Can't you just gap us away like you usually do?"
>"Well, let's get out of here."
>The two of you head back outside when a small voice interrupts you.
>"What are you doing?"
>_
-
>Said voice is pigtails right?
>Speak to Sanae quietly "Because I like Reimu not knowing that I'm around yet~"
>To pigtails "I'm just borrowing Sanae for a while~ Unless you want to come along as well? I can make a trip to the Underground as well, or anywhere else you want to go."
>"Besides, I don't think you want to be around when lil Reimu returns. Answer quickly, I'm on a tight schedule~"
>We've left the shrine correct? If not, keep moving but listen out for pigtail's answer; if she wants saving, one more person for the gap won't hurt.
-
>Said voice is pigtails right?
>Speak to Sanae quietly "Because I like Reimu not knowing that I'm around yet~"
>To pigtails "I'm just borrowing Sanae for a while~ Unless you want to come along as well? I can make a trip to the Underground as well, or anywhere else you want to go."
>"Besides, I don't think you want to be around when lil Reimu returns. Answer quickly, I'm on a tight schedule~"
>We've left the shrine correct? If not, keep moving but listen out for pigtail's answer; if she wants saving, one more person for the gap won't hurt.
>You look to see that it is, indeed, the girl with the pigtails talking to you.
>"I see..."
>"But we're not supposed to leave. We'll be in trouble if she finds out..."
>The girl mumbles to herself.
>You are nearing the edge of the shrine grounds.
>_
-
>"Can't get in trouble if you don't get caught~"
>"If you insist on staying, can you not tell Reirei that you saw me? Trust me, she'll likely react badly if she hears of me and take it out on you. Just mention that Sanae left for a bit~"
>If she has nothing else to say and isn't coming along, once we clear shrine grounds, gap ourselves and Sanae to Kanako and Suwako.
>Of course if she comes, toss her in the gap as well.
-
> "Who is we? Us or someone else?"
> "What kind of trouble? You can come tell me about it where we're going, can't you?."
> We shouldn't leave a witness behind anyways.
-
>Hmm, maybe we should just spirit her away. If she's the bucket youkai from the underground, we could easily just grab her and carry her through with ease.
>But we shouldn't kidnap people. Yet.
>"Just why are you working for Reimu anyway? I recall you being happy in your bucket near the underground entrance...."
-
>"Can't get in trouble if you don't get caught~"
>"If you insist on staying, can you not tell Reirei that you saw me? Trust me, she'll likely react badly if she hears of me and take it out on you. Just mention that Sanae left for a bit~"
>If she has nothing else to say and isn't coming along, once we clear shrine grounds, gap ourselves and Sanae to Kanako and Suwako.
>Of course if she comes, toss her in the gap as well.
>"But she always finds you..."
>The girl nods.
>You're about to leave, when you think of a few more questions for the girl.
> "Who is we? Us or someone else?"
> "What kind of trouble? You can come tell me about it where we're going, can't you?."
> We shouldn't leave a witness behind anyways.
>The girl points at Sanae, who takes cover behind you.
>The girl shakes her head.
>A witness could be bad for you.
>Hmm, maybe we should just spirit her away. If she's the bucket youkai from the underground, we could easily just grab her and carry her through with ease.
>But we shouldn't kidnap people. Yet.
>"Just why are you working for Reimu anyway? I recall you being happy in your bucket near the underground entrance...."
>It certainly is an option.
>The girl does not respond.
>_
-
>_>
> Has this girl said a word to us since we've met her?
-
> Has this girl said a word to us since we've met her?
>She has.
>_
-
> Kidnap time. Grab her, and move!
-
>Woah, no kidnapping.
Okay, we need to talk this out. Kisume doesn't want to come with us, but she did agree not to mention that she saw us. Given that her quietness is normal, Reimu could easily leave it be if Kisume just says that Sanae left and didn't come back. After all, no way Kisume is managing to stop Sanae from doing anything.
I say leave her be, and we ask Satori about it tomorrow. If it comes to it, we can go underground and find out from Yamane.
-
> Kidnap time. Grab her, and move!
>Woah, no kidnapping.
>You think about what you should do in this situation.
>_
-
I agree with Darkoda.
-
>Eh, let's go. Reimu will find us sooner or later, but later is always good. Especially 'when we're at full power' later.
>"Good luck....Kisume was it?"
>Now that we've both left shrine grounds, open the gap, and lets both go to Youkai mountain. Suwako might very well come after us if we take too long.
-
>Eh, let's go. Reimu will find us sooner or later, but later is always good. Especially 'when we're at full power' later.
>"Good luck....Kisume was it?"
>Now that we've both left shrine grounds, open the gap, and lets both go to Youkai mountain. Suwako might very well come after us if we take too long.
>You decide that it's time you left and get off the shrine grounds with Sanae.
>"... Bye bye."
>The girl waves before resuming her sweeping.
>You open up a gap to the peak of Youkai mountain and motion for Sanae to enter.
>"You're just going to leave her there?"
>_
-
>"I'm not going to kidnap someone. Yet. Of course, if there's something you know that I don't, if say someone or a strong wind happened to toss her small self in the gap, I wouldn't complain~"
>"That wind has less than a minute to occur by the way, so be quick."
>Compromise, let Sanae make the decision. When the time limit for us to keep it open draws close, we're forcibly throwing Sanae in by the way. If she actually goes after Kisume, then fine, grab both and jump in if we can but prioritize getting Sanae and ourselves out of dodge.
-
>"I'm not going to kidnap someone. Yet. Of course, if there's something you know that I don't, if say someone or a strong wind happened to toss her small self in the gap, I wouldn't complain~"
>"That wind has less than a minute to occur by the way, so be quick."
>Compromise, let Sanae make the decision. When the time limit for us to keep it open draws close, we're forcibly throwing Sanae in by the way. If she actually goes after Kisume, then fine, grab both and jump in if we can but prioritize getting Sanae and ourselves out of dodge.
>Sanae looks at the gap and Kisume several times before stepping through the gap.
>You hear a barely audible "Sorry." as Sanae disappears from your view.
>_
-
>Step partially through the gap. "If you want to come, the offer's still open as long as the gap is. I'm more than willing to protect you from Reimu~"
>If she still doesn't come, go through fully.
-
>Step partially through the gap. "If you want to come, the offer's still open as long as the gap is. I'm more than willing to protect you from Reimu~"
>If she still doesn't come, go through fully.
>You place your foot within the gap before calling out to the girl once more, who does not respond.
>You continue through the gap and find yourself in front of the Moriya shrine once more, where you see Sanae crying in the arms of Kanako and Suwako.
>_
-
>We really do need to get the full story on her.
>Let the trio have their moment, it's been two years.
>When they've calmed down. "Sorry if this brings up bad memories, but can you tell me how you ended up at Hakurei shrine and what Reimu has been up to?"
>"And Kisume mentioned Reimu always finding those who left, would you know anything about that?"
>On that note, do we sense anything on Sanae? Reimu might just be placing a magical tracker on them.
-
>We really do need to get the full story on her.
>Let the trio have their moment, it's been two years.
>When they've calmed down. "Sorry if this brings up bad memories, but can you tell me how you ended up at Hakurei shrine and what Reimu has been up to?"
>"And Kisume mentioned Reimu always finding those who left, would you know anything about that?"
>On that note, do we sense anything on Sanae? Reimu might just be placing a magical tracker on them.
>You would like to know exactly what's going on.
>You allow Kanako and Suwako to console Sanae for a while longer before you begin to ask her a few questions.
>"Hey! Wait just a minute here. She's been through a lot, you know. Shouldn't you let-"
>Kanako stops Suwako before nodding at you.
>"How I ended up there... Well there wasn't much else I could do..."
>"Reimu... I don't really know. She's in her mansion most of the time..."
>"I don't know how she finds the people that owe her..."
>You sense nothing untoward from Sanae.
>_
-
>"Well at the least, there isn't any signs of magic on you."
>Do we know of ways to always find someone without needing to put anything on them?
>"Reimu will notice that you're gone sooner or later, and this is the first place she would look. I'd advice you three to find a different place to stay for the time being."
>"Of course, if you need a home, Mayohiga's open. It's not exactly well-known, so at worst it wouldn't register for her to check for awhile."
>Time to next gap.
>Does Reimu actually know where we live?
>How do people find Mayohiga?
>How long would it take to get back home?
>Time.
-
>"Well at the least, there isn't any signs of magic on you."
>Do we know of ways to always find someone without needing to put anything on them?
>"Reimu will notice that you're gone sooner or later, and this is the first place she would look. I'd advice you three to find a different place to stay for the time being."
>"Of course, if you need a home, Mayohiga's open. It's not exactly well-known, so at worst it wouldn't register for her to check for awhile."
>Time to next gap.
>Does Reimu actually know where we live?
>How do people find Mayohiga?
>How long would it take to get back home?
>Time.
>"I-I see..."
>When you had wanted to find someone, you had simply checked the places with they were likely to be at through your gaps. You know that tracking magic and the sort exist, though you use none of that yourself.
>Kanako speaks once more.
>"We will need to discuss this amongst ourselves first. How should we contact you if we decide to accept your offer?"
>You'd guess that it would take you around an hour until you feel well enough to manipulate boundaries once more.
>She has a rough idea.
>They don't. It's where the lost end up.
>It would take roughly three and a half hours for you to fly from the peak of Youkai mountain back to Mayohiga.
>It is currently 6:10PM.
>_
-
>How long would it take to walk to the bottom of Youkai mountain?
-
>How long would it take to walk to the bottom of Youkai mountain?
>Depending on your pace, anywhere between one to two hours.
>_
-
>"I'll be around for a bit longer; If you accept, just show up at the bottom of the mountain within an hour."
>A brisk pace to the bottom to arrive in an hour; more exercise won't hurt after two years in limbo.
>What is our current physical condition compared to our normal level?
-
> Wait, we need something better then that. They might not be ready by an hour from now. "If you need longer, well.. I'll check back here in a few hour's time. I hopefully have a meeting with a friend soon~"
-
>"I'll be around for a bit longer; If you accept, just show up at the bottom of the mountain within an hour."
> Wait, we need something better then that. They might not be ready by an hour from now. "If you need longer, well.. I'll check back here in a few hour's time. I hopefully have a meeting with a friend soon~"
>"We shall find you if we come to a decision within the hour, then."
>A brisk pace to the bottom to arrive in an hour; more exercise won't hurt after two years in limbo.
>What is our current physical condition compared to our normal level?
>You spend the next hour walking down the mountain, enjoying the fresh air.
>Your physical condition is roughly the same as before.
>_
-
>So it's been an hour and no sign of them? Then we'll take a look in another couple of hours.
>Time till next gap.
-
>So it's been an hour and no sign of them? Then we'll take a look in another couple of hours.
>Time till next gap.
>You suppose that you'll be back later.
>You feel that you could manipulate boundaries once more right now, if you wanted to.
>_
-
>One gap back to Mayohiga!
>And try to aim for where Ran should be about now, we haven't messed with our shikigami lately.
-
>One gap back to Mayohiga!
>And try to aim for where Ran should be about now, we haven't messed with our shikigami lately.
>You open up a gap to Mayohiga, looking for roughly where Ran should be at this time.
>You step through your gap to the porch of your house, behind Ran, who is looking out at the sunset.
>_
-
>Cover her eyes with our hands.
>Try to make our voice to sound more like....let's go with Shou. "Guess who?"
-
>Cover her eyes with our hands.
>Try to make our voice to sound more like....let's go with Shou. "Guess who?"
>You cover Ran's eyes with your hands and try your best to imitate Shou's voice.
>Ran responds in monotone.
>"Welcome back, master."
>"There is a meal prepared if you wish to eat and the water has been warmed if you wish to take a bath."
>_
-
>"Aw, you're no fun."
>Stand up again. "Any troubles since I've been gone?"
-
>"Aw, you're no fun."
>Stand up again. "Any troubles since I've been gone?"
>"Neither is your sense of humour."
>"None. As much as I hate to admit it, miss Toramaru's presence is a great help."
>_
-
>"That's good; you really do need to take it easy for now."
>"I think I'll take up that bath, though we might need more food before the night is done."
>"By the way, Yuyuko should be due to step in soon, so please prepare for her arrival. I've had an eventful day and have much to discuss."
>Go freshen up. We've been up and down a mountain and dimension today after all.
>And get our umbrella when we're done, and store it in our pocket gap.
>Hey, did we ever get that gun back?
-
>"That's good; you really do need to take it easy for now."
>"I think I'll take up that bath, though we might need more food before the night is done."
>"By the way, Yuyuko should be due to step in soon, so please prepare for her arrival. I've had an eventful day and have much to discuss."
>Go freshen up. We've been up and down a mountain and dimension today after all.
>And get our umbrella when we're done, and store it in our pocket gap.
>Hey, did we ever get that gun back?
>"Perhaps. But for now, there are things that need to be done."
>"Very well then."
>"I am already aware of the situation. You don't need to worry about it."
>You head to your bath, which you find has already been filled with warm water. You indulge yourself, forgetting about your worries and relaxing for a while. Once you're done, you change into your white dress. The purple one has seen better days at this point.
>You make sure to grab your parasol while you're at it, and place it within your small gap.
>You did not.
>_
-
>Make a note to get that gun back tomorrow before someone hurts themselves with the thing
>How good are the odds that Yuyuko is going to arrive hungry?
>"Ran, have you and Chen eaten yet?"
-
>Make a note to get that gun back tomorrow before someone hurts themselves with the thing
>How good are the odds that Yuyuko is going to arrive hungry?
>"Ran, have you and Chen eaten yet?"
>You would hope that nobody plays with it without knowing what they're doing.
>She probably would have had dinner not long ago, so not very high.
>"Chen has, though I have not. I planned on eating after lady Saigyouji arrived."
>_
-
>Is this normal for Ran?
>Eh, either way: "Nonsense, I would more than appreciate the company while I'm eating."
>"I just got back from dealing with two warring gods and I'm in desperate need for friendlier company."
>Mutter under our breadth "How those two kept any faith acting like that, I'll never know."
-
>Is this normal for Ran?
>Eh, either way: "Nonsense, I would more than appreciate the company while I'm eating."
>"I just got back from dealing with two warring gods and I'm in desperate need for friendlier company."
>Mutter under our breadth "How those two kept any faith acting like that, I'll never know."
>Roughly. She always has been the serious type.
>"If that is what you want, I'd be more than happy to oblige. I shall prepare our food now, then. Please wait in the dining room."
>Ran bows before heading back into your house.
>_
-
>To the dining room
-
>To the dining room
>You make your way to the dining room to see Ran carrying a plate of fried rice to the table.
>As you seat yourself, Ran places the plate in front of you and returns to the kitchen once more to grab her own plate and the cutlery.
>Soon, the two of you are both seated at the table, eating the fried rice.
>"So, master, how has your day been?"
>_
-
>"Quite eventful. I discovered an angry Momiji, found Nitori, Aya and Hatate - they're all in Nitori's lab on the mountain, apparently some time after the kappa broke the border, she got some sense beaten into her and she's trying to fix her mess."
>Sigh. "She's also trying to resurrect Utsuho. Satori and Rin are there as well, and they haven't killed her yet so I suppose that she's truly repentant...."
>"I also found the missing gods. They got trapped in a different dimension and lost their memories of everything before they met. I walked in on the two of them continuing a two year reenactment of the Suwa wars."
>"Most of the day was spent convincing them to stop fighting. They didn't even notice that there was no one else in their prison until I pointed it out. It would have been hilarious if I didn't have to get them to focus. Gods are stubborn beings."
>"After we got out, I fetched Sanae and left them debating their next move. They can't exactly stay at the shrine with Reimu on the warpath, so I offered them temporary housing here in Mayohiga. I'll check in on them in an hour or two to see if they've decided yet."
>"That reminds me; you and Chen are coming with me tomorrow; if I'm going to get stuck in a dimension for another few hours, I'm doing it with good company. You'd think two gods fighting would be more interesting~"
>Eat
-
>"Quite eventful. I discovered an angry Momiji, found Nitori, Aya and Hatate - they're all in Nitori's lab on the mountain, apparently some time after the kappa broke the border, she got some sense beaten into her and she's trying to fix her mess."
>Sigh. "She's also trying to resurrect Utsuho. Satori and Rin are there as well, and they haven't killed her yet so I suppose that she's truly repentant...."
>"I also found the missing gods. They got trapped in a different dimension and lost their memories of everything before they met. I walked in on the two of them continuing a two year reenactment of the Suwa wars."
>"Most of the day was spent convincing them to stop fighting. They didn't even notice that there was no one else in their prison until I pointed it out. It would have been hilarious if I didn't have to get them to focus. Gods are stubborn beings."
>"After we got out, I fetched Sanae and left them debating their next move. They can't exactly stay at the shrine with Reimu on the warpath, so I offered them temporary housing here in Mayohiga. I'll check in on them in an hour or two to see if they've decided yet."
>"That reminds me; you and Chen are coming with me tomorrow; if I'm going to get stuck in a dimension for another few hours, I'm doing it with good company. You'd think two gods fighting would be more interesting~"
>Eat
>"Oh? Are they getting along?"
>"Resurrect...? I am sorry to hear that. I hope that they succeed."
>"A different dimension? Like what happened to lady Saigyouji? How did you escape this time, master?"
>"That must have been amusing. I am glad to see that you were not harmed."
>"I see."
>"Where will we be going?"
>You continue to eat the fried rice.
>_
-
>"The dimension collapsed once they agreed to get along. As long as the pattern holds, all that's needed to fix the dimensions is to restore thing to their normal order."
>"Tomorrow we need to get a dangerous item back from those human village guards, check in on Alice at Kourindou's, find out what happened to Eientei, and pick up Satori to visit Higan and find Utsuho's soul."
>"I have little doubt that Higan is in a similar state to what happened to Yuyuko and the gods though, so that will take some time."
-
>"The dimension collapsed once they agreed to get along. As long as the pattern holds, all that's needed to fix the dimensions is to restore thing to their normal order."
>"Tomorrow we need to get a dangerous item back from those human village guards, check in on Alice at Kourindou's, find out what happened to Eientei, and pick up Satori to visit Higan and find Utsuho's soul."
>"I have little doubt that Higan is in a similar state to what happened to Yuyuko and the gods though, so that will take some time."
>"I hope that things are as simple for the other areas, then."
>"That sounds like another busy day. I will make sure that Chen is informed before then."
>Ran simply nods.
>Once the two of you finish eating, Ran begins to clear the plates. At this point, Chen runs into the room and looks around before noticing you.
>Chen walks up to you.
>"Master, the ghost lady's here!"
>"Chen, address guests properly."
>"Yes, Ran-sama."
>Ran enters the kitchen with the plates and cutlery. Chen tugs on your sleeve.
>_
-
>"Then we should greet her most gracefully, shouldn't we, Chen? After all, she is the one who governs life and death~"
>Walk towards the entrance... or wherever people usually enter the house.
>Has Yuyuko been in Mayohiga before?
-
>"Then we should greet her most gracefully, shouldn't we, Chen? After all, she is the one who governs life and death~"
>Walk towards the entrance... or wherever people usually enter the house.
>Has Yuyuko been in Mayohiga before?
>Chen nods furiously.
>You exit your house, Chen at your side, and you see Yuyuko and Youmu slowly approaching. You can see Yuyuko waving at you.
>On a few occasions, yes. Most of the time it is you visiting her.
>_
-
>Curtsie (Curtsy? I'm not sure, but I mean bowing in a specific way) towards the both of them. Just, you know, because we happen to be the most whimsical person in Gensokyo.
>"Yuyuko! And Youmu as well, how good of you both to come! Did you happen to bring any good drinks? I've had a long and hard day, and tomorrow's going to be the same, so we might as well have a bit of a party, right~?"
-
>Curtsie (Curtsy? I'm not sure, but I mean bowing in a specific way) towards the both of them. Just, you know, because we happen to be the most whimsical person in Gensokyo.
>"Yuyuko! And Youmu as well, how good of you both to come! Did you happen to bring any good drinks? I've had a long and hard day, and tomorrow's going to be the same, so we might as well have a bit of a party, right~?"
>You curtsey as Yuyuko and Youmu get closer. Youmu responds in kind and Yuyuko giggles.
>"Youmu, you have brought drinks, right?"
>"Ah... My apologies, mistress! I shall retrieve some right away!"
>Youmu runs off before either of you can say anything.
>Yuyuko chuckles once more.
>"So, Yukari, what did you want to talk about?"
>_
-
Was there a particular reason we invited Yuyuko here?
>"Really I just wanted to make sure you're all right and catch up with a good friend."
>"I have gained a new request though; have you by chance seen Utsuho's soul anywhere in Hakugyokurou?"
-
>"Really I just wanted to make sure you're all right and catch up with a good friend."
>"I have gained a new request though; have you by chance seen Utsuho's soul anywhere in Hakugyokurou?"
>"I am fine. I am quite glad to see that you are the same way."
>"Utsuho... If I recall correctly, that is the hell raven, no? I have not seen her."
>_
-
>"Then that means the trip to Higan is necessary. The Yama's lectures were one thing that I did not miss."
>"Today has been most interesting; I have lots to tell you over a few games of Mahjong."
>Regale Yuyuko of our exploits over said game and snacks when Youmu returns.
>Keep track of how long it's been since we arrived at Mayohiga; we should check in on the gods after two hours.
-
>"Then that means the trip to Higan is necessary. The Yama's lectures were one thing that I did not miss."
>"Today has been most interesting; I have lots to tell you over a few games of Mahjong."
>Regale Yuyuko of our exploits over said game and snacks when Youmu returns.
>Keep track of how long it's been since we arrived at Mayohiga; we should check in on the gods after two hours.
>"Why Higan?"
>"Don't we need another to play?"
>The two of you enter and simply chat about your exploits for the day whilst Chen sleeps on a nearby sofa. Yuyuko tells you that the Netherworld is now, more or less, as it has always been.
>Eventually, Youmu returns carrying two gourds of Sake. She bows before placing them before you.
>It has been roughly an hour since you returned to Mayohiga.
>_
-
>"There aren't many places a soul might end up. Satori wishes to come with me when I investigate Higan, and I'll have to go there at some point anyway in case it's sealed up."
>How many people do we normally play with, three or four?
>Did we tell Yuyuko about the Palaquin ship crew? If not, do so.
>Make a note to check in on the Moriya crew in the next half-hour.
-
>"There aren't many places a soul might end up. Satori wishes to come with me when I investigate Higan, and I'll have to go there at some point anyway in case it's sealed up."
>How many people do we normally play with, three or four?
>Did we tell Yuyuko about the Palaquin ship crew? If not, do so.
>Make a note to check in on the Moriya crew in the next half-hour.
>"Soul? You mean to say that hell raven is dead? I see..."
>Mahjong is made to be played with four people.
>You tell Yuyuko about what happened to the crew of the Palanquin ship.
>"I see. I was wondering what they were doing here."
>You tell yourself that you plan to check on your other guests in the near future.
>_
-
>"Nitori believes that she can resurrect her if she can get her soul, and I can't leave something like that alone."
>"But now we have all the members for our game. Oh Ran~"
>We did intend to have fun tonight after all. Get Ran and Youmu seated and let the games begin.
-
I don't remember what we wanted Yuyuko for >.>; It was Kanjou's idea.
-
>"Nitori believes that she can resurrect her if she can get her soul, and I can't leave something like that alone."
>"But now we have all the members for our game. Oh Ran~"
>We did intend to have fun tonight after all. Get Ran and Youmu seated and let the games begin.
>You call for Ran, who enters the room.
>"Yes, master?"
>Youmu gasps audibly upon seeing Ran's arm, and Yuyuko appears to be rather shocked as well.
>Ran looks away, and there is an awkward silence until Yuyuko speaks up.
>"Well, let's have some fun."
>Although the game is still a bit awkward at first, it's not long before you all begin to have fun as you did before.
>You spend the next half hour chatting about trivial matters while playing mahjong with Yuyuko, Youmu, and Ran, with Chen spectating.
>_
-
>Shouldn't we be capable of doing something about Ran's arm? Do we feel up to playing with the border of past and present to just rewind Ran's body to before she lost the arm?
>Or the border of whole and severed on her arm itself.
>Even if we need full power, it's not as if we don't know someone capable of helping out with that.....
>"Whoops, time to check in on the Moriya Shrine."
>Can we create a small gap to a location to save energy and widen it after if needed? If so, make a small gap to Moriya Shrine and poke our head out.
>If not, just make a gap to the area and step through, holding the gap open.
>"Hello again~"
-
>Shouldn't we be capable of doing something about Ran's arm? Do we feel up to playing with the border of past and present to just rewind Ran's body to before she lost the arm?
>Or the border of whole and severed on her arm itself.
>Even if we need full power, it's not as if we don't know someone capable of helping out with that.....
>"Whoops, time to check in on the Moriya Shrine."
>Can we create a small gap to a location to save energy and widen it after if needed? If so, make a small gap to Moriya Shrine and poke our head out.
>If not, just make a gap to the area and step through, holding the gap open.
>"Hello again~"
>Unfortunately, at the present the only person capable of restoring Ran's arm would be one with unparalleled medical knowledge.
>"Ah, come back soon then."
>"Safe travels, master."
>Yuyuko waves at you and Ran gives you a small bow.
>You cannot. Your small gaps lead to an alternate space that you use for storage.
>You open up a gap to the Moriya shrine and step through it, leaving it open once you're through.
>Outside the Moriya shrine, you see Kanako standing as though waiting for you.
>"Hello."
>_
-
>Well that's why we're going to Eientei.
>"So, have you come to a decision?"
-
>Well that's why we're going to Eientei.
>"So, have you come to a decision?"
>You did plan to visit there sometime in the near future.
>"We wish to commend your efforts and offer our support in achieving your goals. However, we shall remain here."
>_
-
>Eh, fair enough. They shouldn't get themselves sealed again that quickly; two gods and a divine shrine maiden should be able to take care of themselves.
>"I see. Then good luck in your future endeavours."
>Back to Mahjong times. This is our first gaming night in two years and we are going to enjoy it!
-
>Eh, fair enough. They shouldn't get themselves sealed again that quickly; two gods and a divine shrine maiden should be able to take care of themselves.
>"I see. Then good luck in your future endeavours."
>Back to Mahjong times. This is our first gaming night in two years and we are going to enjoy it!
>You figure that they can at least put up a fight.
>"The same to you.
>You step back through your gap into your living room.
>"Welcome back, master."
>"That was fast, how did things go?"
>Both Ran and Yuyuko greet you as you come back. Youmu appears to be attempting to Chen the basics of mahjong.
>_
-
>"They decided to stay at their shrine. I suppose after being seperated for so long, they want as much of a sense of normalcy as they can get."
>We certainly can't fault them for that.
>Watch Chen's progress. "I didn't know that you were interested in Mahjong. So, do we have a new prodigy among us?~"
-
>"They decided to stay at their shrine. I suppose after being seperated for so long, they want as much of a sense of normalcy as they can get."
>We certainly can't fault them for that.
>Watch Chen's progress. "I didn't know that you were interested in Mahjong. So, do we have a new prodigy among us?~"
>"I see. Send them my regards if you see them again."
>You certainly can't.
>"This is hard, nya!"
>Chen throws her arms up into the air.
>_
-
>"It takes some time, but when you get past the basics, it becomes easier. It just takes patience~"
>How did we teach Ran how to play Mahjong? Maybe the same will work on Chen.
-
>"It takes some time, but when you get past the basics, it becomes easier. It just takes patience~"
>How did we teach Ran how to play Mahjong? Maybe the same will work on Chen.
>"I'd rather just watch."
>Chen goes back to lying on the sofa.
>Ran learnt how to play by herself rather quickly.
>_
-
>Ah well. Back to Mahjong until we break up for the night
>Fast Forward to tomorrow unless someone else has something to say.
-
>Ah well. Back to Mahjong until we break up for the night
>Fast Forward to tomorrow unless someone else has something to say.
>You play a few more rounds of mahjong until Yuyuko and Youmu take their leave.
>You yourself decide to call it a day and change into your nightwear before falling asleep in your bed.
>You fall asleep almost immediately. It's been another busy day, after all.
>You rub your eyes as some light from your curtains spills onto your face.
>_
-
>This day's going to be even longer all things considered.
>What time is it?
>What's our relationship with the Higan group? With Eientei and Mokou?
>Perform standard morning procedures and get ready to start the day. We did tell Ran last night that she and Chen were coming along this time.
>Ask one of the Palaquin ship crew how their search for Nue and whatever else they're up to is going.
-
>This day's going to be even longer all things considered.
>What time is it?
>What's our relationship with the Higan group? With Eientei and Mokou?
>Perform standard morning procedures and get ready to start the day. We did tell Ran last night that she and Chen were coming along this time.
>Ask one of the Palaquin ship crew how their search for Nue and whatever else they're up to is going.
>You certainly are a busy person.
>You'd guess that it is around 8AM.
>Pretty bad on all counts.
>You've tended to avoid Higan and have very little contact with its inhabitants.
>You dislike lunarians and lunarians dislike you. This has not helped in creating a meaningful bond between yourself and the group at Eientei.
>Your relationship with Mokou is neutral, at best.
>You change back into your normal clothes and freshen up.
>You can hear noise coming from your kitchen.
>Who do you wish to ask?
>_
-
> Did we find out Mokou and Kaguya are hearts in jars?
> Go to the kitchen and see what's cookin'!
-
> Did we find out Mokou and Kaguya are hearts in jars?
> Go to the kitchen and see what's cookin'!
>You did.
>You head over to the kitchen to see Ran, Shou, and Chen making sandwiches with various fillings.
>Upon seeing you enter, Ran bows immediately.
>"Good morning, master."
>_
-
>Assuming that Nitori didn't mess up their regeneration, letting them out should fix them. At least we know how we're getting Eirin to fix Ran's arm.
>Of course, we'd need to actually visit Nitori first and make sure that she can fix them
>How low are the odds that Eirin will believe us if we offer her fixing up Ran for us finding Kaguya?
>....Better question, is it reasonable to believe that Eirin will try to kill us as soon as we show up?
>"Good morning everyone."
>"How goes the search for Nue?"
>Note: Before we leave, get our bag and toss it in a pocket gap. We need something to hold our stuff when we go gap-diving again.
-
>Assuming that Nitori didn't mess up their regeneration, letting them out should fix them. At least we know how we're getting Eirin to fix Ran's arm.
>Of course, we'd need to actually visit Nitori first and make sure that she can fix them
>How low are the odds that Eirin will believe us if we offer her fixing up Ran for us finding Kaguya?
>....Better question, is it reasonable to believe that Eirin will try to kill us as soon as we show up?
>"Good morning everyone."
>"How goes the search for Nue?"
>Note: Before we leave, get our bag and toss it in a pocket gap. We need something to hold our stuff when we go gap-diving again.
>Sometimes the simplest solutions turn out to be the best ones. You wonder if Nitori tried that.
>Exchanges usually don't tend to work out very well if one party can't deliver.
>You have no idea.
>Again, you have no idea.
>Chen and Shou both return a friendly "Mornin'".
>"I haven't asked Hijiri about it. You would have to talk to her or Nazrin if you want to find out."
>You make a note to grab another bag and shove it into your small gap. It could come in handy later.
>_
-
>"I'll have to remember to ask them when we run into each other again."
>Get breakfast
>"Bring some extra sandwiches Ran; we're liable to be out all day and pick up a couple extra members along the way."
>Time to get to the human village?
>From the human village/Kourindou to Eientei?
-
>"I'll have to remember to ask them when we run into each other again."
>Get breakfast
>"Bring some extra sandwiches Ran; we're liable to be out all day and pick up a couple extra members along the way."
>Time to get to the human village?
>From the human village/Kourindou to Eientei?
>Shou nods.
>You grab a sandwich for yourself and begin eating it as you give Ran an extra order.
>"Understood, master."
>From Mayohiga, it would take around an hour to get to the human village.
>From the human village, it would take around an hour to reach Eientei.
>_
-
>Get that bag and stick it in a gap
>Wait for Ran and Chen to get ready, eat, etc.
>When everyone's ready, fly off to the village.
-
> Tell Shou where we're going before we leave.
-
>We already put our umbrella in a gap right? If not, do that as well before leaving.
-
>Get that bag and stick it in a gap
>Wait for Ran and Chen to get ready, eat, etc.
> Tell Shou where we're going before we leave.
>Once you're done eating, you grab a bag that you quickly place within your small gap.
>While you wait for Ran and Chen to get ready for your trip, you tell Shou that you plan to leave for the human village.
>"Are you sure that she'll be fine?"
>Shou looks in Ran's direction.
>"I suppose that she will..."
>We already put our umbrella in a gap right? If not, do that as well before leaving.
>You did.
>When everyone's ready, fly off to the village.
>Once Chen finishes getting ready, the three of you take flight for the human village.
>After about an hour of flight, the three of you are standing in front of the entrance to the human village, where a guard eyes you suspiciously.
>_
-
>"It's me again, I came to pick up my item that I forgot with you guys last time I visited."
>Give brief description of the object in case he doesn't remember us.
>When did we visit, a day ago or two?
-
>"It's me again, I came to pick up my item that I forgot with you guys last time I visited."
>Give brief description of the object in case he doesn't remember us.
>When did we visit, a day ago or two?
>One of the guards says something to the other, who disappears momentarily before returning with your pistol.
>He throws it rather unceremoniously at you.
>You last visited two days ago.
>_
-
>Catch it before it hits the ground and goes off.
>"Ciao~"
>When we're out of sight of the guards, put the gun in the pocket gap.
>To Ran and Chen: "Remember, most people don't know that my powers are fluctuating. Let's keep it that way."
>To Kourindou.
-
>Catch it before it hits the ground and goes off.
>"Ciao~"
>When we're out of sight of the guards, put the gun in the pocket gap.
>To Ran and Chen: "Remember, most people don't know that my powers are fluctuating. Let's keep it that way."
>To Kourindou.
>You catch the gun before it touches the ground.
>"Hey! Wait one mome-"
>You leave before they can do anything to stop you, placing the gun into your small gap during the process.
>"Of course, master."
>Chen simply nods.
>You head towards Kourindou once more and soon find yourself standing outside of it.
>_
-
>Wonder what those guards wanted.....eh who cares, it can't be important if they were being so rude about our property.
>Store Butterfly in the Zen Temple in a sleeve, and pull out the umbrella
>Can we hear if anyone is in? Especially anyone not Rinnosuke or Alice
>If we don't detect anything, walk in like we own the place.
>How's Alice?
-
>Wonder what those guards wanted.....eh who cares, it can't be important if they were being so rude about our property.
>Store Butterfly in the Zen Temple in a sleeve, and pull out the umbrella
>Can we hear if anyone is in? Especially anyone not Rinnosuke or Alice
>If we don't detect anything, walk in like we own the place.
>How's Alice?
>It probably didn't matter anyway.
>You place one of your spellcards within your sleeve and take out your parasol.
>You hear nothing.
>You push open the door and stride into Kourindou.
>The entire place is empty. You cannot see any merchandise or people within Kourindou.
>_
-
>"Oh bother. I guess we're playing detective now~"
>Have everyone search the shop for clues.
>If we can't find anything, then just go to Alice's house in case she went and killed the guy like she said she would.
-
>"Oh bother. I guess we're playing detective now~"
>Have everyone search the shop for clues.
>If we can't find anything, then just go to Alice's house in case she went and killed the guy like she said she would.
>You tell Ran and Chen to search for anything suspicious.
>You all look around the shop and find nothing of interest.
>You do, however, notice that one section of the floor behind the counter makes a hollow noise whenever you step on it.
>_
-
> Hold that leaving thought.
> "Hello, what's this? I think there's a secret~"
> Let's check it out. Try to open the floor.
-
>Do be ready for speedy evasive and/or barrier action in the event of some trap. Make sure Ran and Chen are aware of this as well
-
> Hold that leaving thought.
> "Hello, what's this? I think there's a secret~"
> Let's check it out. Try to open the floor.
>Do be ready for speedy evasive and/or barrier action in the event of some trap. Make sure Ran and Chen are aware of this as well
>You decide to delay leaving for a while.
>Ran and Chen return to your side as you announce that you've found something.
>Taking care in case there are traps you examine the floor and, surely enough, you find a handle. You pry open the trapdoor to reveal a path leading underground.
>_
-
> Let's check it out.
> Be wary of any piles of gold and ascended faith Rinnosukes.
-
> Let's check it out.
> Be wary of any piles of gold and ascended faith Rinnosukes.
>You decide to investigate further and descend into the darkness. Ran and Chen follow suit.
>It is rather dark down here. You are having difficulty seeing anything.
>You do, however, notice an odd light coming from some distance away. You get closer and discover it's true form: Rinnosuke clad in nothing but a fundoshi. You attempt to gouge out your eyes, but find that the image has already been burnt into your head.
>_
-
>Hard even for a youkai? Yikes.
>Do Ran or Chen have better vision than us? Can they see any better?
>Are our steps echoing or anything?
Don't want to make a light and alert anyone in the cavern that people are coming.
-
>Hard even for a youkai? Yikes.
>Do Ran or Chen have better vision than us? Can they see any better?
>Are our steps echoing or anything?
>It is unnaturally dark in here.
>Chen is better able to see in dark places than Ran or yourself. You wouldn't know without asking.
>They are not. All of your actions sound quieter here.
>_
-
>Ask Ran and Chen quietly if they can see any clearer.
>Run through our list of people who can mess around with darkness.
>Can we sense anything off about the area?
>Stay on guard.
-
>Ask Ran and Chen quietly if they can see any clearer.
>Run through our list of people who can mess around with darkness.
>Can we sense anything off about the area?
>Stay on guard.
>Ran replies that she cannot.
>"Kinda... It's really hard to make things out though."
>You know of a youkai named Rumia that could manipulate darkness. You also know that there is a fairy that can bend light.
>Other than the darkness being rather unnatural, you cannot.
>You stay alert and hear something metallic move very slightly some way away from yourself.
>"Is somebody there?"
>_
-
>Use an orb of danmaku to make some light and shine said light at where we heard the noise.
>"I'm certainly a somebody but who are you?"
-
>Use an orb of danmaku to make some light and shine said light at where we heard the noise.
>"I'm certainly a somebody but who are you?"
>You try producing some particularly bright danmaku and firing it in the direction that you heard the noise from.
>The light is consumed by the darkness as it gets closer to the source of the noise until you cannot see the danmaku at all.
>"Ow! What was that for?"
>_
-
I meant hold the orb and use it like a flashlight.
>"Whoops, sorry about that."
>Do we recognize the person at all?
>Ask Ran and Chen if they know the voice.
>Can we make a constant light source without shooting somebody?
-
>"Whoops, sorry about that."
>Do we recognize the person at all?
>Ask Ran and Chen if they know the voice.
>Can we make a constant light source without shooting somebody?
>"You're horrible..."
>You believe that the voice belongs to the youkai, Rumia.
>Both respond that they do not recognize the voice.
>You could fire a very slow bullet aimed at somewhere random. You wonder about how effective it would be as a light source, though, as the prior bullet failed to illuminate the area.
>_
-
>"Oh come now, if you'd lighten up on the darkness, I wouldn't need to make light Rumia."
>"What are you doing down here anyway?"
-
>"Oh come now, if you'd lighten up on the darkness, I wouldn't need to make light Rumia."
>"What are you doing down here anyway?"
>"No!"
>"Scary things come with the light! Why would you want to make light?"
>"I'm not telling you! You're a scary person!"
>You think you heard the faint noise of a stomach rumbling.
>_
-
>"Scary things? Just what would you find scary? Besides Reimu. You wouldn't have happened to see the shopkeeper or Alice - that's the blonde girl with dolls - lately, have you?"
>"Under any event, most humans find you to be quite scary with that habit you had of eating them - I do hope you've stopped that."
>Well we are scary, so no denying that though it's unlikely that Rumia actually knows us.
>"Besides, I'm only scary to people who annoy me and you haven't done anything. Just like you're only scary to humans~" That we know of yet.
>"...Well light would certainly help you find food. How about a trade? I'll help you get some food if you help me out a bit~"
-
>"Scary things? Just what would you find scary? Besides Reimu. You wouldn't have happened to see the shopkeeper or Alice - that's the blonde girl with dolls - lately, have you?"
>"Under any event, most humans find you to be quite scary with that habit you had of eating them - I do hope you've stopped that."
>Well we are scary, so no denying that though it's unlikely that Rumia actually knows us.
>"Besides, I'm only scary to people who annoy me and you haven't done anything. Just like you're only scary to humans~" That we know of yet.
>"...Well light would certainly help you find food. How about a trade? I'll help you get some food if you help me out a bit~"
>"I don't want to talk about it."
>"I dunno. I can't really see who comes down here."
>"I said I wouldn't!"
>The two of you have never actually met in person, after all.
>"You hit me though!"
>"Um... How much food?"
>_
-
>Ask Ran quietly if we have enough food to feed Rumia. Also tell Ran and Chen about Rumia.
>"I wasn't trying to hit you, it was an accident~"
>"Probably more food then you've gotten lately from the sounds of things. Has anyone come down here in the past two days? Carrying a lot of stuff perhaps?"
>"Where does this tunnel lead to? And why are you choosing here to hide out anyway?"
-
>Ask Ran quietly if we have enough food to feed Rumia. Also tell Ran and Chen about Rumia.
>"I wasn't trying to hit you, it was an accident~"
>"Probably more food then you've gotten lately from the sounds of things. Has anyone come down here in the past two days? Carrying a lot of stuff perhaps?"
>"Where does this tunnel lead to? And why are you choosing here to hide out anyway?"
>Ran replies that you have more than enough sandwiches.
>"You're still horrible!"
>"And how much is that?"
>"Well, the scary man walked around here a lot yesterday. He seemed busy, he didn't even bother to say anything to me."
>"I don't know. I didn't choose to be here!"
>_
-
>".....Does this scary man happen to wear a blue and black robe, and wear glasses perhaps?"
>Right, really need to find Alice.
>Take out a couple of sandwiches.
>"You still need to take away a bit of the darkness; I can't give you the food if I don't know where you are."
>"And I might be able to free you from whatever's keeping you chained if I can see it."
-
>".....Does this scary man happen to wear a blue and black robe, and wear glasses perhaps?"
>Right, really need to find Alice.
>Take out a couple of sandwiches.
>"You still need to take away a bit of the darkness; I can't give you the food if I don't know where you are."
>"And I might be able to free you from whatever's keeping you chained if I can see it."
>"I don't know, I can't see him."
>You do want to find out what happened to her.
>You ask Ran for a few sandwiches, which she passes to you.
>"Can't you just leave them here?"
>"But there are scary things in the light..."
>_
-
>"There are scary things everywhere Rumia. There are also good things too. Light is where plants grow, which feed the animals that we use for food."
>"You want to be free to roam where you want right? In order to do that, you need to step into the light just a bit."
>"Besides, do you really want to stay here and have that scary man come back again?"
Man we should have shot Rinnosuke.
-
> "And it's not polite to show up to thank someone who's leaving you lunch~ When was the last time you ate with someone else?"
-
>"There are scary things everywhere Rumia. There are also good things too. Light is where plants grow, which feed the animals that we use for food."
>"You want to be free to roam where you want right? In order to do that, you need to step into the light just a bit."
>"Besides, do you really want to stay here and have that scary man come back again?"
>"Things aren't as scary in the dark. That's not so great. There are plants and animals in the darkness too."
>"A bit..."
>"No I don't! Who needs the light?"
>"No! But why do I need the light...?"
> "And it's not polite to show up to thank someone who's leaving you lunch~ When was the last time you ate with someone else?"
>"Um..."
>You hear nothing for a while.
>"I don't know."
>_
-
>"Well how else are you going to see anything? I'm not saying to go running about in the sun - personally I'm not really a fan of daytime myself - but isn't the night-time fun to explore?"
>"Night-time is quite dark, and full of its own wonders besides bumping into trees. Is the light of the moon and stars so bad?"
>"So, how about a night-time lunch with us?"
-
>"Well how else are you going to see anything? I'm not saying to go running about in the sun - personally I'm not really a fan of daytime myself - but isn't the night-time fun to explore?"
>"Night-time is quite dark, and full of its own wonders besides bumping into trees. Is the light of the moon and stars so bad?"
>"So, how about a night-time lunch with us?"
>"Why do I need to see anything?"
>"I don't remember. Is it fun?"
>"As long as I can't see it, it isn't as scary..."
>"Uu..."
>You see the darkness rescind a little, though it's still rather dark here without Rumia's darkness.
>_
-
>Can we at least see Rumia? What condition is she her?
>Ask Chen if she can see her, and if yes, how does she look?
>"You don't remember? How long have you been here for?"
>If we can tell where she is now, give her a sandwich.
-
>Can we at least see Rumia? What condition is she her?
>Ask Chen if she can see her, and if yes, how does she look?
>"You don't remember? How long have you been here for?"
>If we can tell where she is now, give her a sandwich.
>You cannot yet, though you can now make out Chen and Ran.
>Chen shakes her head.
>"Um... I don't know."
>_
-
>"Wait, if you can't see, how do you even know what you're eating?"
>Move closer to the smaller ball of darkness that is Rumia.
>"Well I can't exactly see where you are, so you'll have to come out here to get your lunch."
>"It would save some time if you shrunk the darkness enough for me to see what's chaining you up though. Isn't a small bubble around you enough for total darkness anyway?"
>"I don't suppose you know where this tunnel leads to?"
-
>"Wait, if you can't see, how do you even know what you're eating?"
>Move closer to the smaller ball of darkness that is Rumia.
>"Well I can't exactly see where you are, so you'll have to come out here to get your lunch."
>"It would save some time if you shrunk the darkness enough for me to see what's chaining you up though. Isn't a small bubble around you enough for total darkness anyway?"
>"I don't suppose you know where this tunnel leads to?"
>"I just eat it."
>You approach the darkness.
>"I can't."
>"Do I have to? Do you promise you won't hurt me?"
>"I don't know."
>_
-
>"I promise to keep you as safe as I can."
-
>"I promise to keep you as safe as I can."
>There is silence once more before you see the unusual darkness recede completely.
>You appear to be in a rather large room, you can see a few large objects scattered around the room.
>Rumia is sitting in a foetal position in the far corner of the room.
>_
-
>Was Rumia always this timid?
>Head over to her with the sandwiches and hold them out to her.
>Check on her general condition and what's keeping her chained up while we're at it.
>Can we remove whatever's locking her up?
-
>Was Rumia always this timid?
>Head over to her with the sandwiches and hold them out to her.
>Check on her general condition and what's keeping her chained up while we're at it.
>Can we remove whatever's locking her up?
>You do not believe so.
>You approach Rumia with the sandwiches. You can see her watch you with a fearful look in her eye.
>She slowly reaches out and takes a sandwich from you.
>She seems fine physically. You notice that her feet are shackled together. These shackles are attached to a rather large metal ball which has sunk some way into the ground. You wonder how heavy that ball is.
>Although you do not have the key to free her, you could try breaking the chain or the shackles. You note that attempting to break the shackles could result in harm to Rumia.
>_
-
I say we snap the chains, and then bring her to Nitori's later to have the shackles removed safely. That kappa's a resourceful girl, she should be able to do it easily enough.
-
Yeah. lets go with that.
>"Now let's deal with this chain."
>Break the chain. Make use of the umbrella if necessary.
>"I think I know someone who can get those shackles off, but you'd need to come with us for awhile. Is that okay?"
>Get Ran and Chen to search the area.
-
> "Why are you shackled down here?"
-
> "Why are you shackled down here?"
>"I don't know... I didn't do anything! I just found myself here one day."
>"Now let's deal with this chain."
>Break the chain. Make use of the umbrella if necessary.
>"I think I know someone who can get those shackles off, but you'd need to come with us for awhile. Is that okay?"
>Get Ran and Chen to search the area.
>You see Rumia holding tightly onto her sandwich as she watches you pull out your parasol from a small gap.
>You drive the parasol into one of the rings, shattering it.
>Rumia nods.
>Whilst this is occurring, you ask Ran and Chen to search for anything unusual.
>Once you're done breaking the chain, Ran approaches you.
>"We were unable to find anything of note, master. It appears as though this place has been thoroughly cleared."
>_
-
>No hidden exit on the other side? Ah well.
>Sigh "Just what has Rinnosuke been up to?"
>"Are you up to flying Rumia?" If she isn't, carry her along.
>We are at the end of the tunnel right? If we aren't head to the end.
>If we are, head back to where we entered and go back to the shop.
-
>No hidden exit on the other side? Ah well.
>Sigh "Just what has Rinnosuke been up to?"
>"Are you up to flying Rumia?" If she isn't, carry her along.
>We are at the end of the tunnel right? If we aren't head to the end.
>If we are, head back to where we entered and go back to the shop.
>It probably would have been a lot easier to find Rinnosuke if there were.
>You sigh as you wonder what Rinnosuke has been doing all this time.
>Rumia shakes her head, so you carry her on your back.
>"Thanks."
>You are in the far corner of the room.
>The four of you head out back into the shop. Rumia squints and covers her eyes as you exit the underground area. You can also feel her cling closer to you.
>_
-
>She would be light sensitive after all that time underground.
>Head to Alice's house.
-
>"Don't worry, Rumia. Nothing scary will hurt you while I'm here."
>What do we know about Rumia's ribbon?
-
>"Don't worry, Rumia. Nothing scary will hurt you while I'm here."
>What do we know about Rumia's ribbon?
>Rumia holds tighter onto you, nuzzling her face into your hair.
>You know that it is made of a red coloured piece of cloth.
>She would be light sensitive after all that time underground.
>Head to Alice's house.
>She probably would be.
>As you begin to exit Kourindou, Rumia asks you a question without lifting her head.
>"Where are we going?"
>_
-
>"We're going to check on an acquaintance of mine. She's a dollmaker named Alice."
>And if we find Rinnosuke, saves us the trouble of hunting him down.
>Off to Alice's place
>How far is it from Alice's house to Nitori's lab?
>Can we just manipulate the boundary between locked and unlocked and take off the shackles?
-
>"We're going to check on an acquaintance of mine. She's a dollmaker named Alice."
>And if we find Rinnosuke, saves us the trouble of hunting him down.
>Off to Alice's place
>How far is it from Alice's house to Nitori's lab?
>Can we just manipulate the boundary between locked and unlocked and take off the shackles?
>"Alice? I think I heard that name a few times..."
>It would.
>You travel to Alice's home and find yourself standing in front of it after a few minutes.
>It would take roughly one and a half hours to reach Nitori's laboratory by flight. It may take longer if you are carrying someone else.
>You do not feel confident in manipulating more complex boundaries.
>_
-
>"She's a quiet girl, but generally nice."
>What is Alice like usually?
>Do we see any signs of dolls?
>Do we sense anything off in the area?
-
>"She's a quiet girl, but generally nice."
>What is Alice like usually?
>Do we see any signs of dolls?
>Do we sense anything off in the area?
>Rumia simply holds tightly onto you.
>She likes to adopt a cold demeanour, though she is kind at heart.
>You do not.
>It is quiet, unusually so. You assume this is related to the absence of fairies in the area.
>_
-
>Knock
>"Alice, are you around?"
>Do we have any idea why the fairies vanished and how to bring them back?
-
>Knock
>"Alice, are you around?"
>Do we have any idea why the fairies vanished and how to bring them back?
>You knock on Alice's door whilst calling for her.
>There is no response.
>You do not.
>_
-
>Do we know who would?
>Enter Alice's house with caution and search for clues with Ran and Chen yet again.
-
>Do we know who would?
>Enter Alice's house with caution and search for clues with Ran and Chen yet again.
>You do not.
>You attempt to open the door, only to find that it is locked.
>_
-
>Oh bother.
>Ask Ran to check on Marisa's house to see if she knows where Alice is. Note that Marisa might not know we're back yet and if she doesn't don't let her know.
>Now that our bond is back, can we communicate with Ran across distance?
>Considering that Marisa blasted Rumia, probably not a good idea for us to go ourselves while carrying her.
-
>Oh bother.
>Ask Ran to check on Marisa's house to see if she knows where Alice is. Note that Marisa might not know we're back yet and if she doesn't don't let her know.
>Now that our bond is back, can we communicate with Ran across distance?
>Considering that Marisa blasted Rumia, probably not a good idea for us to go ourselves while carrying her.
>That is rather annoying.
>"Of course, master."
>Ran takes her leave and flies deeper into the forest.
>You note that you have actually met Marisa already.
>You can share basic thoughts, yes.
>You think that it would be a good idea to keep Rumia away from anything could bring back traumatic memories.
>_
-
Ah, couldn't remember if we did.
>Do we know how fairies are born and how they came to be in Gensokyo?
>Wait for Ran's response
-
>Do we know how fairies are born and how they came to be in Gensokyo?
>Wait for Ran's response
>Fairies are aspects of nature personified. Most generally represent small things, such as an individual tree or the like. They simply exist.
>You wait around outside of Alice's house for a few minutes. You then get the feeling that Ran has found nobody at Marisa's house.
>_
-
>Well that's one more mystery to deal with
>Nazrin has the power to find things right? Do we know if she can find people?
>Fine, go to Marisa's house with Chen and see if we detect anything awry.
>If not, "Hang on Rumia, we're taking the express route around."
>Gap to Nitori's lab.
-
>Well that's one more mystery to deal with
>Nazrin has the power to find things right? Do we know if she can find people?
>Fine, go to Marisa's house with Chen and see if we detect anything awry.
>If not, "Hang on Rumia, we're taking the express route around."
>Gap to Nitori's lab.
>There sure are a lot of things that you want to get to the bottom of.
>Nazrin's dowsing abilities are limited to items that are desired.
>You make the trip to Marisa's house yourself with Rumia and Chen in tow. You find Ran waiting for you.
>All you can see is Marisa's house. You do not believe that there is anything unusual about the house.
>"Okay."
>You open up a gap to the entrance of Nitori's laboratory. Once Ran and Chen have stepped through, you go through it yourself with Rumia.
>You close the gap behind you.
>_
-
>Why didn't we just gap right inside? Eh whatever, waltz in.
>Or knock if Nitori locked the door.
-
>Why didn't we just gap right inside? Eh whatever, waltz in.
>Or knock if Nitori locked the door.
>You knock on the door. After a few moments, it opens to reveal Rin.
>_
-
>"Hey there, I brought some guests with me this time to help out and be helped. I need to see Nitori about a lock and two immortals."
>To Nitori.
>How is Rumia holding up?
-
>"Hey there, I brought some guests with me this time to help out and be helped. I need to see Nitori about a lock and two immortals."
>To Nitori.
>How is Rumia holding up?
>"All right."
>Rin walks with you as you search for Nitori.
>"Say, are you going to look for Okuu today?"
>Rumia hasn't been doing much, though she still seems fine for the most part.
>_
-
> "I plan to do so, yes. There's one more thing I might need to do before that, but it shouldn't take long."
> "If everything goes well, you'll have her back soon."
> Give her a reassuring smile. Briefly think of teasing her a little, but decide against it.
> Considering what happened so far, bringing someone back from the dead shouldn't be that big of a deal, right?
> Wherever are we going to store all those I.O.U.s?
> Continue searching for Nitori.
-
> "I plan to do so, yes. There's one more thing I might need to do before that, but it shouldn't take long."
> "If everything goes well, you'll have her back soon."
> Give her a reassuring smile. Briefly think of teasing her a little, but decide against it.
> Considering what happened so far, bringing someone back from the dead shouldn't be that big of a deal, right?
> Wherever are we going to store all those I.O.U.s?
> Continue searching for Nitori.
>"Really? I'll tell Satori to get ready then."
>Rin begins to walk off at a quick pace in a different direction to you.
>Before she disappears from your sight, she calls out to you.
>"By the way, Nitori is in the lowest level right now."
>You give Rin a smile before she goes, which she returns to you.
>You sure hope so.
>The parser recommends that you give them to him.
>You head to the lower levels of the laboratory, as per Rin's suggestion, and reach the lowest level of the laboratory after a few minutes.
>As you walk into the large room that houses Utsuho, you hear a voice call out from one of the smaller rooms.
>"Who's there?"
>_
-
>Do we recognize this voice?
>"A wandering Yakumo and friends~"
-
>Do we recognize this voice?
>"A wandering Yakumo and friends~"
>You do. It belongs to Nitori Kawashiro.
>"Ah, just give me a sec."
>You wait momentarily and, soon enough, you see Nitori emerge from the room where you saw Nitori's machine the other day.
>"Hey."
>Nitori gives you a wave whilst taking off some heavy gloves.
>_
-
>"How goes things?"
>Introduce Ran, Chen and Rumia.
>"We've had a bit of an adventure this morning, and found this little one. We were hoping that you could do something about these shackles."
>"Also, would you be able to restore Fujiwara and Houraisan to their normal state?"
-
>"How goes things?"
>Introduce Ran, Chen and Rumia.
>"We've had a bit of an adventure this morning, and found this little one. We were hoping that you could do something about these shackles."
>"Also, would you be able to restore Fujiwara and Houraisan to their normal state?"
>"I've been working on trying to figure out what was wrong with the machine. I think I'm getting somewhere, but I'll still need more time with that."
>"I... don't really know what's been happening. I've been working on this the entire time."
>You introduce your party to Nitori, who gives them all a friendly smile and welcome in return.
>"Could you put her into one of the empty rooms upstairs? I'll look at her right after I pack up my things here."
>"I've tried looking into ways that I could, but I haven't found anything promising yet..."
>_
-
>"Have you tried just leaving them out of that solution and letting their immortality take care of the rest? I know that both have come back from getting turned to dust as it is; they really have no border of death."
-
> Don't do the above. Better not talk about that in front of Rumia right now. Or about the hellraven, for that matter.
> How is Rumia holding up?
> "I think it would be better if she stays with me at least until she gets those shackles removed, so I'll wait with her until you're done."
> Given how hard it was to gain her trust, leaving her alone before we've fulfilled our promise might not be the best idea.
> "Oh well. I'm sure you'll find a way."
> "We'll wait upstairs."
> If there's nothing else, go upstairs and find a room with some chairs.
> Sit down with Rumia on our lap.
> "We'll get rid of those shackles soon." Give her a smile.
It could be rather bad if Rumia hears what Nitori did to those two.
-
>"Have you tried just leaving them out of that solution and letting their immortality take care of the rest? I know that both have come back from getting turned to dust as it is; they really have no border of death."
> Don't do the above. Better not talk about that in front of Rumia right now. Or about the hellraven, for that matter.
>You decide to discuss these matters at a later date.
> How is Rumia holding up?
> "I think it would be better if she stays with me at least until she gets those shackles removed, so I'll wait with her until you're done."
> Given how hard it was to gain her trust, leaving her alone before we've fulfilled our promise might not be the best idea.
> "Oh well. I'm sure you'll find a way."
> "We'll wait upstairs."
> If there's nothing else, go upstairs and find a room with some chairs.
> Sit down with Rumia on our lap.
> "We'll get rid of those shackles soon." Give her a smile.
>Although she is still clinging tightly to you, you can feel her lift her head to look around the laboratory every now and again. It seems that curiosity is getting the better of her.
>"Yeah, that's fine. I'll just take a second anyway."
>You wouldn't want her to think that you were abandoning her here, would you?
>"Of course I will. I have to."
>"Alright, I'll be with you in just a moment."
>You head out of the lowest level and find an empty room. It has no chairs, but it does have a bed and you take a seat on it, placing Rumia on your lap.
>Rumia nods.
>After a short while, Nitori comes in carrying a small toolbox.
>"Alright, what am I looking at?"
>_
-
>Gesture towards the shackles on Rumia.
-
>Gesture towards the shackles on Rumia.
>You gesture towards the shackles binding Rumia's feet.
>Nitori approaches Rumia and asks "Could you lift up your feet so that I can see them?"
>Slowly, Rumia lifts her feet and Nitori crouches to examine the shackles.
>After a few moments, Nitori gets back up.
>"Well, something like this shouldn't be too hard. Just get her to lie down for a bit and I'll get it off of her."
>_
-
>How is Rumia holding up?
>"Could you lie down for a bit Rumia? Just long enough for Nitori to get those shackles off you."
>Stay there to help keep her calm
-
>How is Rumia holding up?
>"Could you lie down for a bit Rumia? Just long enough for Nitori to get those shackles off you."
>Stay there to help keep her calm
>She looks rather nervous, but fine otherwise.
>"Can you promise that that's all she will do?"
>Rumia looks at you whilst waiting for a response.
>_
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>You reply with a simple yes.
>Rumia looks at you for a while longer before shutting her eyes and lying down.
>However, as she lies there, you can see light dimming around her until she is covered in darkness once more.
>Nitori scratches her head as she looks at you.
>"I'm going to have to be able to see what I'm doing if I want to help."
>_
-
> "Now I don't mind if you do that, but wouldn't it be a better idea to wait until after we've freed you of those shackles?"
> "I'm here with you, right? Please trust me." in a slightly softer voice
> Smile in her direction. We might not be able to see her, but at least she can see us.
-
> "Now I don't mind if you do that, but wouldn't it be a better idea to wait until after we've freed you of those shackles?"
> "I'm here with you, right? Please trust me." in a slightly softer voice
> Smile in her direction. We might not be able to see her, but at least she can see us.
>You can hear something moving from within the darkness. You think that Rumia might be shaking her head.
>The darkness recedes slightly, but it's still covering her.
>_
-
>"There's no need to worry Rumia; I promised to protect you, and I'm a youkai of my word."
>Lightly hold her hand.
>"I won't let anyone hurt you."
>Just what did Rinnosuke do to her?
-
> A little darkness isn't going to hold us back.
> If we can't tell where exactly her hand is, just hold out a hand to her.
-
>Lightly hold her hand.
> A little darkness isn't going to hold us back.
> If we can't tell where exactly her hand is, just hold out a hand to her.
>You search for her hand in the darkness and hold it. You can feel her squeeze your hand tightly.
>Rather, there are some things that you'd prefer to do in the dark. Isn't that right?
>"There's no need to worry Rumia; I promised to protect you, and I'm a youkai of my word."
>"I won't let anyone hurt you."
>Just what did Rinnosuke do to her?
>You talk to try to reassure her as you hold onto her hand.
>Slowly, you see the darkness disappear once more, revealing a shaking Rumia.
>You have no idea.
>"Okay, this won't take long. Just relax and it'll be over before you know it."
>Nitori approaches Rumia with a set of lockpicks and gets working on the shackles.
>After a minute or two of hearing the sound of metal knocking on metal, you hear a distinctive click and see Nitori getting up with the shackles in her hand.
>"Alright, all done. Can you tell me though, how long have you had these things on? Your legs are in pretty bad shape..."
>_
-
> "See? Now you're finally rid of those. I'm glad you allowed us to help you."
> Keep holding her hand.
> How is Rumia reacting to having her shackles removed and Nitori's words?
> Rinnosuke definitely won't talk his way out of this one.
-
> "See? Now you're finally rid of those. I'm glad you allowed us to help you."
> Keep holding her hand.
> How is Rumia reacting to having her shackles removed and Nitori's words?
> Rinnosuke definitely won't talk his way out of this one.
>"Mmm... Yeah."
>You continue to hold Rumia's hand. She doesn't seem to want to let go, at the very least.
>She continues to lie there. It doesn't really seem like she is listening to Nitori.
>You're going to find out what he did and make him pay for it.
>Whilst she packs away her lockpicks, Nitori asks "Is she alright?"
>_
-
> Gently put our other hand onto hers.
> "It's okay now. I'm here for you."
> "Alright is not the word I would use here."
> "Thank you for your help."
-
> Gently put our other hand onto hers.
> "It's okay now. I'm here for you."
> "Alright is not the word I would use here."
> "Thank you for your help."
>You place your other hand over Rumia's.
>"Okay..."
>Rumia closes her eyes again.
>"Figured as much. I don't think that there's a whole lot I can do for her right now, since she doesn't seem to trust me much."
>"If there's anything else I can do, though, just give me a call. I'll send Yuuko over to check her legs in a bit."
>_
-
>"Could you send Satori in as well? Our trip might be delayed a bit, and I should stay with Rumia for now."
>And Satori can read our mind so we won't have to voice things that Rumia shouldn't hear. Not to mention telling us what happened; Rumia might be suppressing the memory and we should know exactly why we're going to skewer Rinnosuke.
>Just stay with her until she calms down; Yuuko won't be able to do anything unless we're here anyway.
>Did we introduce Ran and Chen to her properly, if not do so and stress that they're friends as well.
We can't stay here forever, and leaving Chen with her is better than nothing.
-
>"Could you send Satori in as well? Our trip might be delayed a bit, and I should stay with Rumia for now."
>And Satori can read our mind so we won't have to voice things that Rumia shouldn't hear. Not to mention telling us what happened; Rumia might be suppressing the memory and we should know exactly why we're going to skewer Rinnosuke.
>Just stay with her until she calms down; Yuuko won't be able to do anything unless we're here anyway.
>Did we introduce Ran and Chen to her properly, if not do so and stress that they're friends as well.
>"Will do."
>With that, Nitori takes her leave.
>You figure that having Satori around would be useful too.
>You continue to stay by Rumia's side, holding onto her hand.
>Whilst waiting, you introduce Ran and Chen to Rumia and place emphasis on the fact that they are also friends.
>Rumia sits up and looks towards Ran and Chen.
>"Nice to meet you, and thank you for the sandwich earlier."
>"Sorry for being such a burden..."
>Whilst Rumia talks, Satori and Yuuko walk into the room.
>The room goes dark.
>_
-
>"Those two were Satori and Yuuko. They're friendly as well Rumia, and are here to help."
>"Yuuko's just here to see if we can get your legs back into working order."
>How bad were her legs?
-
>"Those two were Satori and Yuuko. They're friendly as well Rumia, and are here to help."
>"Yuuko's just here to see if we can get your legs back into working order."
>How bad were her legs?
>"Promise?"
>You didn't get a good look when Nitori took off the shackles, but they looked swollen and red at the very least.
>_
-
>"I promise, I'm not going to let anyone treat you badly while I'm around."
-
>"I promise, I'm not going to let anyone treat you badly while I'm around."
>"Okay..."
>The darkness recedes yet again, revealing Rumia sitting up on the bed.
>Yuuko uses this opportunity to approach Rumia.
>"Hi! I'm Yuuko. What's your name?"
>Rumia instinctively draws back a bit before responding.
>"I'm Rumia."
>"That's a nice name. The professor told me that you had something around your leg for a long time that she took off. It hurt, right? Do you mind if I take a look at it?"
>Rumia looks to you before shaking her head.
>As Yuuko attends to Rumia, Satori approaches you.
>_
-
>While we are going to head for Higan eventually, we can't just leave this alone.
>Then there's dealing with Rinnosuke and finding Alice before someone else ends up dead....both of which mean another trip to the human village.
>And getting the immortals back into gear and into Eirin's hands, so she'll fix Ran's arm, and depending on how things go, we might need her to help Rumia as well.
>On that note, if anyone might be able to get ressurection working besides Nitori, it would be the person who invented the Hourai Elixir.
>One thing at a time though; mentally ask Satori if she can take a look at Rumia's memories and find out just what happened to her over the past two years.
>Also ask her to ask Nitori if she tried leaving Mokou and Kaguya's hearts out of that solution and just waiting for their immortality to kick in. Maybe providing some heat for Mokou since she has that whole Phoenix thing going.
>Keep comforting Rumia.
-
>While we are going to head for Higan eventually, we can't just leave this alone.
>Then there's dealing with Rinnosuke and finding Alice before someone else ends up dead....both of which mean another trip to the human village.
>And getting the immortals back into gear and into Eirin's hands, so she'll fix Ran's arm, and depending on how things go, we might need her to help Rumia as well.
>On that note, if anyone might be able to get ressurection working besides Nitori, it would be the person who invented the Hourai Elixir.
>One thing at a time though; mentally ask Satori if she can take a look at Rumia's memories and find out just what happened to her over the past two years.
>Also ask her to ask Nitori if she tried leaving Mokou and Kaguya's hearts out of that solution and just waiting for their immortality to kick in. Maybe providing some heat for Mokou since she has that whole Phoenix thing going.
>Keep comforting Rumia.
>"That is fine."
>"I am fine with waiting, I understand that my problems are not the only ones that exist within Gensokyo."
>Satori shakes her head.
>"Revealing matters such as these prematurely would do more harm than good."
>"I shall ask later about it."
>Meanwhile, you continue to hold Rumia's hand as Yuuko examines her.
>Soon Yuuko gets up and begins talking to Rumia.
>"It hurt having those on, didn't it? Luckily, it's not too bad, but you should take it easy for a while."
>Yuuko then turns towards you.
>"It shouldn't take her more than a week to recover, but she shouldn't try to walk too much during that time."
>_
-
>"That's a relief. Thank you for your help."
>At least nothing permanent happened physically. Just the mental scars to worry about.
>"Would you be okay staying here for a few days Rumia?"
>Time till next gap.
-
>"That's a relief. Thank you for your help."
>At least nothing permanent happened physically. Just the mental scars to worry about.
>"Would you be okay staying here for a few days Rumia?"
>Time till next gap.
>"I'm happy to just do what I can."
>Pity that those types of wounds usually tend to be worse than the physical ones.
>"Will you be here?"
>You feel that you should wait for at least half an hour before you attempt to make a gap somewhere.
>_
-
>"I will be around, but I'll have to leave at times to check on the rest of Gensokyo. I'm trying to fix the cracked border and get things back to normal."
>Well it's more complicated than that but.....
-
>"I will be around, but I'll have to leave at times to check on the rest of Gensokyo. I'm trying to fix the cracked border and get things back to normal."
>Well it's more complicated than that but.....
>"Then you won't be here?"
>_
-
>"I'm sorry, but I can't leave things as they are. To make sure that no one ends up in a situation like yours, I have to go out and try to fix things."
>"I will still visit though. And you won't be alone here; you have friends, some of which you haven't met yet."
>That reminds me, gotta find out how the entire debacle with Momiji is going.
>We raised Ran right? Did she ever have any clingy phases?
-
>"I'm sorry, but I can't leave things as they are. To make sure that no one ends up in a situation like yours, I have to go out and try to fix things."
>"I will still visit though. And you won't be alone here; you have friends, some of which you haven't met yet."
>That reminds me, gotta find out how the entire debacle with Momiji is going.
>We raised Ran right? Did she ever have any clingy phases?
>"But if you're gone, didn't you say that bad things would happen?"
>"Don't leave me alone."
>The situation was rather tense the previous day, after all.
>You did not raise Ran. She was already quite established as a youkai, but desired more power. You gave her this power by turning her into your shikigami. As such, you have not seen Ran be needlessly clingy.
>_
-
>What. Did we actually say that?
>"Bad things don't happen just because I'm not around."
>Ignoring all this madness that happened because we weren't around to put a stop to it......
>Do we have experience dealing with any clingy phases from anyone?
>We have space for another person at Mayohiga right? If so: "Would you feel better if you stayed at my home? That way, you know that I'm always going to come back. You'd be sharing with the Palaquin Ship crew though."
-
Instead of this: >We have space for another person at Mayohiga right? If so: "Would you feel better if you stayed at my home? That way, you know that I'm always going to come back. You'd be sharing with the Palaquin Ship crew though."
Say this:
>We have space for another person at Mayohiga right? If so: "Would you feel better if you stayed at my home? That way, you know that I'm always going to come back. And there are a few people there that I trust. They'll definitely make sure to protect you while I'm away." Give her a reassuring smile.
-
>What. Did we actually say that?
>"Bad things don't happen just because I'm not around."
>Ignoring all this madness that happened because we weren't around to put a stop to it......
>Do we have experience dealing with any clingy phases from anyone?
>You supposed that stating that nothing bad happening whilst you were around could be misconstrued to mean that bad things will happen if you aren't around.
>"But you said that you'd stop the scary things..."
>If only you were here from the beginning...
>Not in particular, no.
>We have space for another person at Mayohiga right? If so: "Would you feel better if you stayed at my home? That way, you know that I'm always going to come back. And there are a few people there that I trust. They'll definitely make sure to protect you while I'm away." Give her a reassuring smile.
>You have enough room for many more. Even if there aren't many residents, Mayohiga is still a village after all.
>You make sure to keep giving Rumia a smile as you talk to her.
>"Maybe... When will you be there?"
>_
-
>"Probably sometime tonight, maybe earlier depending on how things go today."
>"How about I come back here when I'm heading home and pick you up then? I'm likely to end up popping in and out of here during the day anyway and you, little one, need to rest."
-
>"And don't worry. The people here are my friends. They won't hurt you."
-
>"Probably sometime tonight, maybe earlier depending on how things go today."
>"How about I come back here when I'm heading home and pick you up then? I'm likely to end up popping in and out of here during the day anyway and you, little one, need to rest."
>"And don't worry. The people here are my friends. They won't hurt you."
>"You'll definitely be back?"
>_
-
>"It's my home. Of course I'll be back."
-
>"It's my home. Of course I'll be back."
>"Why can't we just stay here?"
>"But I guess I can wait for you..."
>_
-
>Progress!
>"Just get some rest and we'll be back soon."
>If she's satisfied now, we're off to find Nitori again.
>Did Satori leave before us?
-
>Progress!
>"Just get some rest and we'll be back soon."
>If she's satisfied now, we're off to find Nitori again.
>Did Satori leave before us?
>At last!
>"Okay..."
>You head out into the corridor to see no sign of Nitori.
>She did not. Satori followed you outside of the room, as did Ran and Chen.
>_
-
>Hopefully Rumia can get some rest now.
>Off to where Nitori was last then.
>"How has the situation with Momiji been progressing?"
>She seemed more pissed off and hurt than mad, so maybe talking things out with Hatate, Aya and Nitori helped out.
>Does she even know about Aya yet?
>Time to next gap
-
>Hopefully Rumia can get some rest now.
>Off to where Nitori was last then.
>"How has the situation with Momiji been progressing?"
>She seemed more pissed off and hurt than mad, so maybe talking things out with Hatate, Aya and Nitori helped out.
>Does she even know about Aya yet?
>Time to next gap
>You hope that it helps her.
>You decide to head off again to the lowest level of the laboratory again. Satori accompanies you for the time being.
>"Strangely. It has been rather taxing for all parties involved, but I believe a resolution will be reached soon."
>You sure hope it did.
>"She does now."
>You feel that you should still wait for around half an hour before you attempt to open up a gap again.
>As you reach the stairway leading to the lowest level, Satori stops.
>"I shall be taking my leave, then. Please tell me when you intend to visit Higan."
>Satori turns and begins to walk away.
>_
-
>"I will."
>To Nitori.
-
>"I will."
>To Nitori.
>The satori gives a nod in your direction before disappearing from your sight.
>You continue to the main room in the lowest level of the laboratory, where you see Nitori holding a rather large box and walking towards one of the connected rooms.
>_
-
>"You're stronger than you look."
>If she looks like shes' struggling, give her a hand.
-
>"You're stronger than you look."
>If she looks like shes' struggling, give her a hand.
>"Thanks."
>You offer your help to Nitori, but she refuses it.
>"I'll just be a sec."
>Nitori carries the box off into one of the smaller rooms before returning to you.
>"So what are you here for?"
>_
-
>"The immortal duo actually. Have you tried simply leaving them out of the solution they're floating around in and letting their immortality take care of the rest? Maybe apply some heat to speed things up; it might catch Fujiwara's attention at least with the phoenix thing she has going."
>As much as Eirin's reaction if we throw Kaguya's heart at her would be hilarious, we shouldn't do craziness like that until we're at full power and don't need her.
-
>"The immortal duo actually. Have you tried simply leaving them out of the solution they're floating around in and letting their immortality take care of the rest? Maybe apply some heat to speed things up; it might catch Fujiwara's attention at least with the phoenix thing she has going."
>As much as Eirin's reaction if we throw Kaguya's heart at her would be hilarious, we shouldn't do craziness like that until we're at full power and don't need her.
>"That's ridicu-... could work, actually."
>Nitori puts her hand to her chin as she begins thinking.
>You really don't think that that would be the best way to get a favour from Eirin.
>_
-
>Occam's Razor strikes again!
>Wait for Nitori to brainstorm.
>If we had to, could we find our way through the Bamboo forest of the Lost to and from Eientei?
-
>Occam's Razor strikes again!
>Wait for Nitori to brainstorm.
>If we had to, could we find our way through the Bamboo forest of the Lost to and from Eientei?
>A lot of people never seem to consider the easiest option.
>You give Nitori some quiet to think for a while longer.
>"Well... There's no reason why that shouldn't work. Why didn't I think of trying that?"
>You could.
>_
-
>"Sometimes, the easiest option works best~"
>"By the way, do either of the two know that you're the one who put them in that state?"
>How long would it take to fly from the mountain to Eientei?
>Considering our experience with Mokou, how long should it take for those two to heal from being hearts?
-
>"Sometimes, the easiest option works best~"
>"By the way, do either of the two know that you're the one who put them in that state?"
>How long would it take to fly from the mountain to Eientei?
>Considering our experience with Mokou, how long should it take for those two to heal from being hearts?
>"I don't know why that thought never went across my head."
>"Probably."
>It should take you around one and a half hours to reach Eientei by flight from Youkai Mountain.
>You think that it would take half an hour at most.
>_
-
>"So odds are good that they'll attack you on sight and probably trash this place at that."
>"Then hold off on letting those two out just yet; I need to see a doctor about preparing a place to drop them as soon as they wake up."
>Time till next gap.
-
>"So odds are good that they'll attack you on sight and probably trash this place at that."
>"Then hold off on letting those two out just yet; I need to see a doctor about preparing a place to drop them as soon as they wake up."
>Time till next gap.
>"Probably."
>"If that's what you want, sure, I'll wait. Tell me whenever you're done preparing."
>You feel that you should still rest for around 15 minutes before attempting to create another gap.
>_
-
>How likely is Eirin to honor any deals made?
>With our mutual dislike going, even if we drop Kaguya in her lap, how likely is she to actually heal Ran out of gratitude?
>If we knew her enough to play her for a fool during that Moon rocket incident, we should know her enough to tell that at least.
-
>How likely is Eirin to honor any deals made?
>With our mutual dislike going, even if we drop Kaguya in her lap, how likely is she to actually heal Ran out of gratitude?
>If we knew her enough to play her for a fool during that Moon rocket incident, we should know her enough to tell that at least.
>Provided its one that she sees as fair, quite likely.
>This depends on the state that you were to deliver Kaguya in. Provided no harm were to have come to Kaguya, you believe that Eirin would be quite willing to carry out a favour for you.
>_
-
>Considering things as they are, we can't really guarantee the no injuries, mainly due to Mokou. Make the deal first it is.
>Kill time for 15 minutes, take out our umbrella, tell Ran and Chen our latest destination then gap to Eientei.
>How has here changed in the two years?
>Be prepared for something to try to kill us
-
>Considering things as they are, we can't really guarantee the no injuries, mainly due to Mokou. Make the deal first it is.
>Kill time for 15 minutes, take out our umbrella, tell Ran and Chen our latest destination then gap to Eientei.
>How has here changed in the two years?
>Be prepared for something to try to kill us
>You suppose it would be the more civilized way to go about this.
>You do nothing of any real importance for the next 15 minutes before announcing to Ran and Chen that you are going to Eientei.
>You open up a gap that leads to Eientei's entrance and step through along with Ran and Chen.
>The bamboo forest still looks the same.
>You remain wary in case any immediate threats to your life appear. Good thing you did, too, for you step back in time to avoid something small and impossibly fast planting itself into the ground you were standing on.
>_
-
> Immediate surroundings
-
> Immediate surroundings
>You are currently standing within the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
>In front of you lies the entrance Eientei. You can see Eientei itself behind its walls.
>On the roof of Eientei, you can see a figure with rabbit ears holding something long.
>To your immediate left is Chen. Ran is to your right.
>There are bamboo trees in every other direction.
>_
-
> shout: "You want Kaguya back, right? Then stop attacking me right now."
> Be prepared to dodge incoming attacks.
-
>No, that makes it sound like we're holding her hostage. Instead, say: "I'm here as a friend."
-
> Add: "I have information regarding Kaguya."
-
> shout: "You want Kaguya back, right? Then stop attacking me right now."
>No, that makes it sound like we're holding her hostage. Instead, say: "I'm here as a friend."
> Be prepared to dodge incoming attacks.
>You shout towards the figure that you are a friend.
>Whilst doing so, you keep yourself wary in case the figure's response isn't favourable. Surely enough, you step to the side and hear something fly through the space that your head occupied a moment ago.
> Add: "I have information regarding Kaguya."
>You shout that you know something about Kaguya, and you can see the figure freeze.
>_
-
> shout: "I know a way to bring her back to you, so please hear me out."
-
>Don't say it like that, again sounds like we're holding her hostage, not to mention pleading, and Yukari doesn't do pleading.
>Do we know who is shooting us or is it some random rabbit youkai.
>"Where is Eirin in all this? Don't tell me that she's vanished too, I have a long enough list of people to find as it is."
>Be ready for more evasion.
-
> shout: "I know a way to bring her back to you, so please hear me out."
>Don't say it like that, again sounds like we're holding her hostage, not to mention pleading, and Yukari doesn't do pleading.
>Do we know who is shooting us or is it some random rabbit youkai.
>"Where is Eirin in all this? Don't tell me that she's vanished too, I have a long enough list of people to find as it is."
>Be ready for more evasion.
>You're above begging, right?
>You cannot tell from where you are.
>"I am right here."
>You see Eirin standing at the entrance to Eientei. She appears to have had her left hand raised, as you can see her lowering it as she crosses her arms.
>Eirin appears to be watching you closely.
>_
-
>"Really, two years and this is my greeting? Here I thought you reserved that for Mokou."
>"I've been busy fixing things and generally trying to return Gensokyo to pre border cracking. Along the way, I've had to unseal a few people, and I happened to catch wind of a missing princess and phoenix."
>"Of course, I had to investigate, considering their conditions and how unlikely it is for something to get rid of both without going through you, but it seems it was true and considering the pattern of events so far, I have a good idea where to look for them."
>"But I've been a bit distracted in fetching them from whatever prison they managed to fall in; see while I was gone, Ran here lost an arm, and I can't just leave that be."
>"So, would you be willing to restore an arm for our time and effort to find Kaguya and deal with whatever could keep a Hourai immortal contained for two years?"
-
>"Really, two years and this is my greeting? Here I thought you reserved that for Mokou."
>"I've been busy fixing things and generally trying to return Gensokyo to pre border cracking. Along the way, I've had to unseal a few people, and I happened to catch wind of a missing princess and phoenix."
>"Of course, I had to investigate, considering their conditions and how unlikely it is for something to get rid of both without going through you, but it seems it was true and considering the pattern of events so far, I have a good idea where to look for them."
>"But I've been a bit distracted in fetching them from whatever prison they managed to fall in; see while I was gone, Ran here lost an arm, and I can't just leave that be."
>"So, would you be willing to restore an arm for our time and effort to find Kaguya and deal with whatever could keep a Hourai immortal contained for two years?"
>"Times have changed."
>"Tell me everything. Right now."
>"So I've noticed."
>You see Eirin take another glance at Ran.
>"So you're offering a trade. Tell me, why should I trust you?"
>_
-
>"Because frankly, if you couldn't find her in two years, you don't have much other options. Besides, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
-
>"Because frankly, if you couldn't find her in two years, you don't have much other options. Besides, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
>"And the effort and materials required to mend an arm is 'losing nothing'?"
>"Not to mention the fact that we would be allowing you access to Eientei. Especially in times like these."
>_
-
>"You can do it, can you not? Mending an arm would be easy for one of your expertise."
>"I am aware of the kind of times we are living in, and, believe it or not, I am actually working to restore Gensokyo to it's former glory. Why, I've already found the sweet little kappa who made it possible for this whole mess to start and I've rescued both the crew of the Palanquin and the Moriya Shrine's inhabitants from our sweet little miko's hands. Believe me, I am but trying to help you, but mending an arm is slightly above my current abilities."
-
>Don't mention Nitori yet. Might cause more trouble than its worth later on.
>"If it will satisfy you though, I'll accept payment after finding Kaguya...... but that will cost you one extra favor that I'll cash in when needed."
>Having a backup in case Nitori can't fix Utsuho or someone else loses a limb would be wise.
>"Is that more acceptable?"
-
>"You can do it, can you not? Mending an arm would be easy for one of your expertise."
>"I am aware of the kind of times we are living in, and, believe it or not, I am actually working to restore Gensokyo to it's former glory. Why, I've already found the sweet little kappa who made it possible for this whole mess to start and I've rescued both the crew of the Palanquin and the Moriya Shrine's inhabitants from our sweet little miko's hands. Believe me, I am but trying to help you, but mending an arm is slightly above my current abilities."
>"Whether or not I could do it is not the question. Why would I accept your deal when I have no guarantee that you will keep your word?"
>"And you expect me to simply believe this?"
>_
-
>"Then treat Ran after I have found Kaguya. If you doubt that I will fulfill my end of the bargan, then I shall do my end first."
-
Hey, did you just ignore my entire post? <_<
-
Hey, did you just ignore my entire post? <_<
Uni sucks. I missed it, soz.
-
>"Then treat Ran after I have found Kaguya. If you doubt that I will fulfill my end of the bargan, then I shall do my end first."
>"If it will satisfy you though, I'll accept payment after finding Kaguya...... but that will cost you one extra favor that I'll cash in when needed."
>Having a backup in case Nitori can't fix Utsuho or someone else loses a limb would be wise.
>"Is that more acceptable?"
>"Very well. Then we have no more business with each other until you deliver."
>_
-
>"Fair enough. I'll be back~"
>Off to the human village, might as well ask about Alice while we're out here.
>Put all our stuff in a pocket gap before meeting the guards. Put Ran's and Chen's stuff in there too, like hell we're letting them touch any of our shikigami's things either.
-
>"Fair enough. I'll be back~"
>Off to the human village, might as well ask about Alice while we're out here.
>Put all our stuff in a pocket gap before meeting the guards. Put Ran's and Chen's stuff in there too, like hell we're letting them touch any of our shikigami's things either.
>Eirin leaves you, heading back into Eientei without so much as a word.
>With nothing better to do, you decide that you might as well head off to the human village.
>You spend the next hour flying to the human village, relocating your possessions into you small gap whilst doing so.
>You find yourself standing in front of the gate to the human village.
>You can see a different set of guards standing outside the gate.
>_
-
>"Hi."
-
>"Would any of you have happened to have seen Alice about? Puppeteer, short blond hair, always has a couple of dolls around her...."
>If they don't know Alice, describe her in more detail.
-
>"Hi."
>"Hello."
>The two guards watch you.
>"Would any of you have happened to have seen Alice about? Puppeteer, short blond hair, always has a couple of dolls around her...."
>If they don't know Alice, describe her in more detail.
>"Yeah, we saw someone with short blond hair the other day. I don't think that there are that many with blond hair, so it's probably the person you're looking for. Why do you ask?"
>_
-
>"I was looking for her since I couldn't find her at her house. I was wondering where she went, and thus I came here."
>"If you saw her, do you happen to know where she went as well?"
-
>"I was looking for her since I couldn't find her at her house. I was wondering where she went, and thus I came here."
>"If you saw her, do you happen to know where she went as well?"
>"Well, we only saw her briefly. No idea where she was headed, though she was with a man. You know the shopkeeper that lives around the forest? Yeah, she was going somewhere with him."
>"Hey, you sure we should be telling a stranger all this?"
>The first guard shrugs.
>"Not like there's much better to do."
>_
-
>So she didn't kill Rinnosuke. Damn
>"Could you point me in the general direction they went?"
>If they do, what do we know of that lies along that path?
>Do we know anyone good at tracking people?
>Does Alice's dolls or that Grimoire of hers count as a treasure for Nazrin to follow?
>Since we can just go get materials now, can we perform a tracking spell to hunt down Alice and Rinnosuke?
>If we can, what would we need to do so?
-
>So she didn't kill Rinnosuke. Damn
>"Could you point me in the general direction they went?"
>If they do, what do we know of that lies along that path?
>Do we know anyone good at tracking people?
>Does Alice's dolls or that Grimoire of hers count as a treasure for Nazrin to follow?
>Since we can just go get materials now, can we perform a tracking spell to hunt down Alice and Rinnosuke?
>If we can, what would we need to do so?
>It would have made things so much simpler.
>"They were heading towards the Hakurei shrine, far as I could tell. What anyone would want to be doing there, heaven knows..."
>Ran and Chen are both rather adept at tracking. A remnant from their time as beasts.
>You know that most tengu are rather skilled at tracking, with Momiji being especially gifted.
>Reimu always seemed to be able to find what she was looking for through the use of her intuition.
>As long as somebody truly desired them, Nazrin could track them.
>If you so desired, you could.
>The only thing that you would not have ready access to is something intimate belonging to either of them.
>_
-
>She's at Hakurei shrine? Bah.
>Wait, how did we not notice her when we were there yesterday evening? And Sanae would likely have told us when we asked about events.
>Something's screwy here.
>Do we need the intimate object to hunt down Rinnosuke?
>Would Ran or Chen be capable of finding him if we get a scent off his shop?
-
> Do we remember if there was anything left in Rinnosuke's shop that would classify as an intimate item of his?
-
>She's at Hakurei shrine? Bah.
>Wait, how did we not notice her when we were there yesterday evening? And Sanae would likely have told us when we asked about events.
>Something's screwy here.
>Do we need the intimate object to hunt down Rinnosuke?
>Would Ran or Chen be capable of finding him if we get a scent off his shop?
>That is rather troublesome.
>You did enter the shrine, you found nobody other than Sanae and Kisume there.
>Sanae should have noticed someone entering the shrine, right?
>Something seems strange.
>Unless you are able to deduce his location through other means, you would.
>Since much time hasn't passed, they likely would be able to.
> Do we remember if there was anything left in Rinnosuke's shop that would classify as an intimate item of his?
>You do not believe that he left anything behind.
>_
-
>Thank the guards (this pair was far less jerkish than the other two) and head to Rinnosuke's to get a scent for Ran and Chen. Dude lived there for decades, his scent should be over everything
>Then its Rinnosuke hunting time. Give Ran and Chen their stuff back and pull out the umbrella.
>How did Chen end up as Ran's shikigami by the way?
-
>Thank the guards (this pair was far less jerkish than the other two) and head to Rinnosuke's to get a scent for Ran and Chen. Dude lived there for decades, his scent should be over everything
>Then its Rinnosuke hunting time. Give Ran and Chen their stuff back and pull out the umbrella.
>How did Chen end up as Ran's shikigami by the way?
>You give the guards thanks for their help before taking your leave.
>Before you leave for Kourindou again, Ran stops you.
>"If you wish to find the owner that store, I have already memorized his scent from when we were there previously."
>You get your parasol back from the gap.
>Ran wished to test how much more powerful she had become after having spent a while in a contract with you, and decided that the best way to judge this would be to create a shikigami of her own. That was when she found Chen. All in all, it was a rather benign affair.
>_
-
>"My, my, Ran, you keep on proving yourself time and again. This will simplify things."
>"Are you able to pick anything up from here?"
-
>"My, my, Ran, you keep on proving yourself time and again. This will simplify things."
>"Are you able to pick anything up from here?"
>"I am always at your service."
>Ran gives a short bow in your direction.
>"It is a bit faint, but yes, his scent is here. It seems as though he was, indeed, heading towards the Hakurei shrine."
>"Yeah. I can smell it too, master. They definitely went that way."
>Chen points in the general direction of the Hakurei shrine.
>_
-
>"Then where did he vanish to between yesterday and when I showed up?"
>Gap charge.
>"Ah well, nothing to do but follow the trail. We'll just have to be careful if we end up getting close to the shrine."
>Follow that trail with caution. Still don't want to deal with Reimu yet but we can't just leave Alice alone.
-
>"Then where did he vanish to between yesterday and when I showed up?"
>Gap charge.
>"Ah well, nothing to do but follow the trail. We'll just have to be careful if we end up getting close to the shrine."
>Follow that trail with caution. Still don't want to deal with Reimu yet but we can't just leave Alice alone.
>"I do not know."
>You should be able to open up a gap if you so desired.
>Ran nods, and the three of you walk past the forest of magic and towards the Hakurei shrine.
>As you begin to approach the Hakurei shrine, Ran stops.
>"From what I can tell, master, he appears to have gone past the shrine."
>_
-
>Wait, does Ran mean he went into the shrine, or went by it and kept going?
>"Is there any other scent with him?"
>If its the latter, where would you end up if you kept going past Hakurei shrine?
>If its the former, ask Ran if she can pick up if he left the shrine, and the path he took heading back.
-
>Wait, does Ran mean he went into the shrine, or went by it and kept going?
>"Is there any other scent with him?"
>If its the latter, where would you end up if you kept going past Hakurei shrine?
>If its the former, ask Ran if she can pick up if he left the shrine, and the path he took heading back.
>You assume that she meant that he went past the shrine.
>"There is. It is another scent that I had found at the store."
>If you continued past the shrine, the only place of note would be the newly constructed mansion.
>_
-
> Imagine scene in the mansion's basement.
If they really went to Reimu's mansion, I think we should probably leave it be for now. We could of course go and try to save Alice anyway, but that would most likely end poorly.
Also I'm guessing that Reimu now knows that we're back. Which means we might not have all that much time left before she comes to find us.
-
> Imagine scene in the mansion's basement.
>Your mind wanders, considering the possibilities of what could be occurring within that mansion's basement.
>You can see the events with Reimu, Rinnosuke, and Alice in a dark basement unfolding before your mind's eye...
>[The following segment has been removed.]
>You shudder violently.
>"Is something the matter, master?"
>Ran and Chen look at you curiously.
>_
-
Reimu likely knew we were back the moment Marisa saw us. It's more like staying out of her way so she doesn't bother with us; if nothing else, she still doesn't seem motivated to deal with stuff until it becomes major, and she knows full well what will happen if we don't fix the border. On that note, this is a lost cause until we get full power back and can actually fight Reimu. Ah bother.
>Note: Brain bleach that scene from our minds.
>"That scent would be Alice."
>Sigh "Well this is as far as we can go now. Hopefully Reimu hasn't fallen far enough to let Rinnosuke continue his behaviour."
>Gap back to Rumia's room, we said that we'll pop in on her.
-
>Note: Brain bleach that scene from our minds.
>"That scent would be Alice."
>Sigh "Well this is as far as we can go now. Hopefully Reimu hasn't fallen far enough to let Rinnosuke continue his behaviour."
>Gap back to Rumia's room, we said that we'll pop in on her.
>What scene?
>"I see."
>"I suppose that it would not be wise to press on with you in your current state, master."
>You open up a gap that leads to the inside of Nitori's laboratory, to the room you left Rumia in.
>Your immediate thought after stepping through the gap is that it is rather dark.
>Yuuko appears to be in the room with Rumia, talking about trivial things to her. She appears to have not noticed your entrance.
>_
-
>At least Rumia only has it slightly dark instead of pitch black. Still progress.
>"Hello again~"
-
>At least Rumia only has it slightly dark instead of pitch black. Still progress.
>"Hello again~"
>You'll take what you can get.
>As you make your presence known, you can see and hear Yuuko jump a bit.
>You feel that Rumia was also surprised, though she doesn't display it as much.
>_
-
>Ah, its been so long since we've done that to someone. Heh, still got it.
>Kill time here for forty-five minutes, then off to see Nitori about two immortals
-
>Ah, its been so long since we've done that to someone. Heh, still got it.
>Kill time here for forty-five minutes, then off to see Nitori about two immortals
>Oh, you amuse yourself so with your own antics.
>Is there any particularly way that you want to spend the 45 minutes?
>_
-
>Chat with Rumia and Yuuko. Tell Rumia about the Palaquin crew since she's going to meet them tonight and we don't want a blackout.
>Oh, tell Satori and Rin to come along with us so when we drop off the immortals and get Ran her arm back, we can just go straight to Higan.
-
>Chat with Rumia and Yuuko. Tell Rumia about the Palaquin crew since she's going to meet them tonight and we don't want a blackout.
>Oh, tell Satori and Rin to come along with us so when we drop off the immortals and get Ran her arm back, we can just go straight to Higan.
>You talk about trivial matters with Rumia and Yuuko, though you wonder how you want to word your description of Hijiri and her crew.
>You would need to find the two before you can tell them anything.
>_
-
>" Byakuren Hijiri is one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. She's a human turned youkai magician and she spreads peace an understanding between humans and Youkai. She also has the oddest gradient hair."
>"Shou Toramaru is a tiger youkai and disciple of Bishamonten. She's the calm, hardworking type." Kind of like Ran there.
>"Ichirin is a quiet one; I don't believe that I've heard her say a word since we met. She has a nyuudo named Unzan who is somewhere in Gensokyo."
>"Murasa was the captain of the Palaquin ship before it became a temple. She's a bit more outgoing and energetic."
>"Nazrin is a helper of Bishamonten and works under Shou. She's the most excitable one and is certainly full of energy."
>And oh so easy to troll.
-
>" Byakuren Hijiri is one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. She's a human turned youkai magician and she spreads peace an understanding between humans and Youkai. She also has the oddest gradient hair."
>"Shou Toramaru is a tiger youkai and disciple of Bishamonten. She's the calm, hardworking type." Kind of like Ran there.
>"Ichirin is a quiet one; I don't believe that I've heard her say a word since we met. She has a nyuudo named Unzan who is somewhere in Gensokyo."
>"Murasa was the captain of the Palaquin ship before it became a temple. She's a bit more outgoing and energetic."
>"Nazrin is a helper of Bishamonten and works under Shou. She's the most excitable one and is certainly full of energy."
>And oh so easy to troll.
>Rumia nods along as you describe the Palanquin's crew.
>"I'm going to be living with these people...? Do you promise that they're nice?"
>"Don't get the wrong idea! I-I-It's not like I do this for your amusement or anything! I'm only acting like this because the parser is making me!"
>You wonder when Nazrin even got here. Or how she got here. Or why she's throwing things at you.
>_
-
>"Of course! That's the nicest thing about Hijiri and friends: they are friends to everyone, whether they are human, youkai, vampire, werewolf or ghost~"
>"I'm sure it will be loads of fun~"
>Flash a great smile worthy of a woman of our kind!
-
>"Of course! That's the nicest thing about Hijiri and friends: they are friends to everyone, whether they are human, youkai, vampire, werewolf or ghost~"
>"I'm sure it will be loads of fun~"
>Flash a great smile worthy of a woman of our kind!
>Rumia does not seem to share your enthusiasm. At least she isn't rejecting the notion outright.
>_
-
>Ah well, she'll have to meet them and get used to them. At least this way she has an idea about them so it wouldn't be a total shock.
>"Don't worry, when we head home tonight you'll get to see them for yourself. On that note, I have another errand or two to run, so I'll be back. Ciao~"
>If nothing else comes up, go find Satori and/or Rin
>Time till next gap.
-
>Ah well, she'll have to meet them and get used to them. At least this way she has an idea about them so it wouldn't be a total shock.
>"Don't worry, when we head home tonight you'll get to see them for yourself. On that note, I have another errand or two to run, so I'll be back. Ciao~"
>If nothing else comes up, go find Satori and/or Rin
>Time till next gap.
>At least you've introduced them, right?
>"You're leaving again?"
>"Don't worry, I'll stay here with you, Rumia."
>You see Yuuko give Rumia a smile, which seems to placate her for the time being.
>You take your leave, searching for Satori or Rin. After a minute or so of wandering around the lab, you come across Rin who gives you a small wave.
>You feel that you should wait around 15 more minutes before attempting to open up another gap.
>_
-
>"Hey there, I need Satori again; after I deal with the immortals, I was planning to head straight to Higan."
>"Speaking of which, have you seen Nitori?"
>What is our relationship with Higan by the way?
-
>"Hey there, I need Satori again; after I deal with the immortals, I was planning to head straight to Higan."
>"Speaking of which, have you seen Nitori?"
>What is our relationship with Higan by the way?
>"I'll go get her then."
>"I think she was in her room. If you just go down the corridor and turn there..."
>Rin makes a series of hand gestures as she tells you the path to Nitori's room before leaving herself.
>Strained, at best.
>_
-
>Follow that path
>...Just what did we do to the Yama to tick her off?
-
>Follow that path
>...Just what did we do to the Yama to tick her off?
>You follow Rin's directions until you come across a large metal door that you assume belongs to Nitori's room.
>To listen to the Yama's complaints with you would take the better part of the next few years.
>_
-
>Oh, her standard preaching that she does to everyone.
>Knock Knock
>"Nitori~"
-
>Oh, her standard preaching that she does to everyone.
>Knock Knock
>"Nitori~"
>Indeed. Still, you didn't take particularly well to it.
>You knock on the door and call for Nitori.
>"It's open, you just have to push it."
>_
-
>Enter
>"It's time to wake up the immortals."
-
>Enter
>"It's time to wake up the immortals."
>You push open the door to see Nitori placing a display onto a large trolley.
>"When did you get here? Sorry, I didn't notice."
>"Alright. Let's just move them somewhere else first. I don't think that my room is the best place to do this."
>_
-
>"Someplace where there isn't anything to break in case I don't gap them fast enough would be best."
>"We should tell Satori and Rin where we're going as well; I'm hoping to make one trip."
-
>"Someplace where there isn't anything to break in case I don't gap them fast enough would be best."
>"We should tell Satori and Rin where we're going as well; I'm hoping to make one trip."
>"Yeah, I was going to move them to the mess hall."
>"What do you want me to tell them?"
>_
-
>"Tell them that we're heading to Higan after a small detour to Eientei."
>It probably won't take Eirin long to restore Ran's arm, especially since she'll be motivated to not be in our debt as soon as possible.
-
>"Tell them that we're heading to Higan after a small detour to Eientei."
>It probably won't take Eirin long to restore Ran's arm, especially since she'll be motivated to not be in our debt as soon as possible.
>"Do you know roughly when you would end up at Higan?"
>"And what exactly are you planning to do to these two?"
>So you hope, anyway.
>_
-
>"After they regenerate and before they recover enough to start trouble, I'm gapping everyone to Eientei. Eirin's expecting them and she'll know best how to handle any lingering effect that the Hourai elixir doesn't undo itself."
>Well we didn't tell her about Mokou, but details.
>"As long as everything goes smoothly, she'll be able to sort out those two, restore Ran's arm and from there, we'll head to Higan."
>"If not....well they'll be at Eientei, they have the entire bamboo forest to fight in."
>How long will it take to go from Eientei to Higan? Add two hours to that time for Ran's arm and any other shenanigans and tell Nitori that we should reach Higan by then at the latest.
-
>"After they regenerate and before they recover enough to start trouble, I'm gapping everyone to Eientei. Eirin's expecting them and she'll know best how to handle any lingering effect that the Hourai elixir doesn't undo itself."
>Well we didn't tell her about Mokou, but details.
>"As long as everything goes smoothly, she'll be able to sort out those two, restore Ran's arm and from there, we'll head to Higan."
>"If not....well they'll be at Eientei, they have the entire bamboo forest to fight in."
>How long will it take to go from Eientei to Higan? Add two hours to that time for Ran's arm and any other shenanigans and tell Nitori that we should reach Higan by then at the latest.
>"That's probably a better idea than keeping them here if you have permission from Eientei, I suppose. Eirin will know a lot more about them than I do."
>You're sure that it'll be fine... Probably.
>"I see. Hope things go well there, then."
>"Let's hope that that it doesn't come down to something like that."
>It would take roughly 3 hours to travel by flight from Eientei to Higan.
>"So should I tell them that you'll be expecting them at around 5PM or so? Still, since you don't know how things will go, wouldn't it be better to just come back to pick them up?"
>_
-
>Consider the likleihood that something stupid will occur.
>Consider the people we're dealing with.
>".....I probably should come back, with that group who knows what they'll manage."
>Hopefully, it won't take that long but let's not go with misplaced hope, our luck has been made of suck for the last two years.
-
>Consider the likleihood that something stupid will occur.
>Consider the people we're dealing with.
>".....I probably should come back, with that group who knows what they'll manage."
>Hopefully, it won't take that long but let's not go with misplaced hope, our luck has been made of suck for the last two years.
>You're not entirely sure. You hope that it would be rather low, but with some of the things you've seen lately...
>The group at Eientei seem to be much more guarded than usual, to say the least.
>"Alright then."
>"Anyway, let's do this thing."
>Nitori begins wheeling the trolley out of the room.
>It is true that you haven't had the best luck. You don't intend to rely on this changing any time soon.
>_
-
>Maybe Tewi can help with that.
>Follow!
-
>Maybe Tewi can help with that.
>Follow!
>Pity you're not exactly human.
>You follow Nitori wheeling the trolley around, who begins talking to you.
>"You know, I'm really thankful that you appeared. When you did, I was in a pretty sorry state."
>Nitori pushes the trolley into a dumb-waiter and begins to walk up some stairs. You continue to follow her.
>"I was trying so many things, but everything was leading to a dead end."
>At the top of the stairs, Nitori retrieves the trolley and begins pushing it again.
>"I felt like giving up at times. But I couldn't. I caused this mess. I had to fix it. Ever since you showed up, things have been getting better. It isn't hopeless anymore. I know that, one way or another, everything will be fixed."
>Nitori looks at you before entering the mess hall.
>"So thank you. Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."
>Nitori pushes the trolley into the mess hall. You see that a few things have already been prepared in here. All the tables and chairs have been pushed aside and there are makeshift beds placed on the ground, as well as a few folded sets of clothes.
>"Sorry if I rambled a bit. Anyway, are you ready?"
>_
-
> "Yes, I'm ready."
> Guro [redacted]
> Hopefully this will work as intended.
-
> "Yes, I'm ready."
> Guro [redacted]
> Hopefully this will work as intended.
>"Let's do this, then."
>You ponder the consequences of something going horribly wrong as Nitori removes the lid to the display and puts on a pair of gloves.
>Nitori reaches into the display and carefully takes hold of a heart.
>You guess that the heart belongs to...
>_
-
> "Yes."
> ... Mokou?
> Watch. And be prepared for anything strange happening.
-
>As long as nothing horrible happens, let Nitori take out maybe-Kaguya's heart as well.
>....Odds are good that they'll come back naked....
>Heh.
>Can we open a gap large enough to let two people fall through at once?
>We can still open a gap beneath someone right?
If we're going to end up in trouble, I say we get some amusement out of it. We haven't trolled enough.
-
>As long as nothing horrible happens, let Nitori take out maybe-Kaguya's heart as well.
>....Odds are good that they'll come back naked....
>Heh.
>Can we open a gap large enough to let two people fall through at once?
>We can still open a gap beneath someone right?
>You do believe that the plan was to restore both of them to their original forms.
>That is rather true, you assume that's what Nitori has the extra clothes for.
>Still, the thought amuses you.
>If they were standing next to each other, probably. Otherwise you doubt it.
>You can.
> "Yes."
> ... Mokou?
> Watch. And be prepared for anything strange happening.
>You wager a guess that the heart belongs to Mokou. You aren't quite sure what causes you to think this, but you think it anyway.
>You watch Nitori as she extracts the heart from the display.
>As she holds the heart in her hand, you can see it pump out the liquid from the display, and the change is immediate.
>You can see flames spread from the heart to form the basic outline of a human body. Nitori gets away from the heart as this happens, but the heart remains suspended in the air by the flames.
>Slowly, starting from where the heart would be, you can see the flames receding, revealing skin and flesh.
>Before the flames have fully disappeared, you see the figure walking towards Nitori before grabbing the clothes around her chest with, quite literally, a burning grip.
>As the figure lifts Nitori up into the air, the flames around its face disappear and you see Mokou with a rather large grin staring at Nitori.
>_
-
>Bleh. We're getting the stupid before we even reach Eientei.
>"Mokou, put her down. This isn't the time for revenge and as hard as it is to believe, you don't have the best reason to be angry."
>Get the umbrella.
>If Mokou tries to kill her, smack her off Nitori.
-
>Bleh. We're getting the stupid before we even reach Eientei.
>"Mokou, put her down. This isn't the time for revenge and as hard as it is to believe, you don't have the best reason to be angry."
>Get the umbrella.
>If Mokou tries to kill her, smack her off Nitori.
>You wish that things like this wouldn't happen.
>Mokou turns to look at you without letting go of Nitori.
>"Oh, really now? Tell me why now isn't a good a time as any, then."
>_
-
>"In case you haven't noticed, the border is cracked. If that breaks, you think dealing with people when you first became immortal was bad? You don't want to know what human outside that border are like now. Nitori is helping to fix this."
>"Reimu's gone mad with power, Rinnosuke's become an amoral bastard himself, I need to both fix Higan and see the Yama to recover a soul and resurrect someone, and when I'm done I still need to figure out how I'm dealing with said power-hungry shrine maiden."
>"Gensokyo itself is damaged and needs all the help it can get to not shatter into pieces. We do not have time for this."
>"Besides, if Nitori wasn't truly repentant, between Rin, Satori and myself, don't you think one of us would have already dealt with things? At the least, keep your thoughts of vengeance for after Gensokyo's restored."
>"And you need to behave as well when we bring back Kaguya; I'm not explaining to Eirin why her princess is scorched."
-
>"In case you haven't noticed, the border is cracked. If that breaks, you think dealing with people when you first became immortal was bad? You don't want to know what human outside that border are like now. Nitori is helping to fix this."
>"Reimu's gone mad with power, Rinnosuke's become an amoral bastard himself, I need to both fix Higan and see the Yama to recover a soul and resurrect someone, and when I'm done I still need to figure out how I'm dealing with said power-hungry shrine maiden."
>"Gensokyo itself is damaged and needs all the help it can get to not shatter into pieces. We do not have time for this."
>"Besides, if Nitori wasn't truly repentant, between Rin, Satori and myself, don't you think one of us would have already dealt with things? At the least, keep your thoughts of vengeance for after Gensokyo's restored."
>"And you need to behave as well when we bring back Kaguya; I'm not explaining to Eirin why her princess is scorched."
>"Why should I care? You know, I don't really care about getting back at this kappa. How about you provide something more fun, and I'll let her go."
>"Doesn't sound like much has changed."
>"Hey, I don't know about you, but I have all the time in the world."
>"Like I said, I don't really care."
>"Oho~ Kaguya is here?"
>Mokou drops Nitori and calls out into the lab.
>"Heeeeey~! Princessss~ Where are you~?"
>_
-
>Facepalm
>How long can we keep a gap open for?
>"If you get to fight Kaguya, will you behave and take your fight somewhere else? As long as it's not here, I really don't care. I'll just gap you right to where she is."
-
>Facepalm
>How long can we keep a gap open for?
>"If you get to fight Kaguya, will you behave and take your fight somewhere else? As long as it's not here, I really don't care. I'll just gap you right to where she is."
>You had hoped to not be forced to put up with such behaviour.
>Two or three minutes at most.
>"I guess that's fine. Where is she? And I think I might want some clothes first."
>_
-
>Point towards the clothes Nitori laid out.
>"Where else? Eientei, or on her way there anyway."
>As soon as she stops being just a heart, she'll be there anyway.
-
>Point towards the clothes Nitori laid out.
>"Where else? Eientei, or on her way there anyway."
>As soon as she stops being just a heart, she'll be there anyway.
>"Cheers."
>Mokou changes into a simple, white shirt and a pair of red pants.
>"Really now?"
>Mokou stands next to the display that Nitori removed her from.
>"So it doesn't really matter if I do anything to this, right?"
>_
-
>"Besides making a mess and being an overall bother? There's the problem of what that liquid will do if it spills. Are you ready to go or not, I'm on a schedule here and you're tempting me to not bother making sure that Kaguya isn't still in transit."
>If she tries to break it and we're fast enough, just open a gap beneath her to Eientei and let her fall in. If not, smack her then throw her into a gap to Eientei. Have Ran help with said smacking if needed.
-
>"Besides making a mess and being an overall bother? There's the problem of what that liquid will do if it spills. Are you ready to go or not, I'm on a schedule here and you're tempting me to not bother making sure that Kaguya isn't still in transit."
>If she tries to break it and we're fast enough, just open a gap beneath her to Eientei and let her fall in. If not, smack her then throw her into a gap to Eientei. Have Ran help with said smacking if needed.
>"Look here, I'm not stupid. It's pretty obvious what this is. So why are you lying to me?"
>_
-
>"Oh? How disappointing."
>"The why should be obvious; you have no self-control and I'd rather not have this place destroyed with your fighting. Once Eirin gets Kaguya back, I have little reason to care if you try killing her then."
>Besides, Eirin needs to see a healthy Kaguya. What happens to her after that...not our problem.
-
>"Oh? How disappointing."
>"The why should be obvious; you have no self-control and I'd rather not have this place destroyed with your fighting. Once Eirin gets Kaguya back, I have little reason to care if you try killing her then."
>Besides, Eirin needs to see a healthy Kaguya. What happens to her after that...not our problem.
>"What were you expecting?"
>"Really now? Man, you're still good at pissing people off, aren't you?"
>"Whatever, I don't need to put up with your crap. Where's the way out? I'm leaving."
>You do wonder what Eirin would do if something were to happen to Kaguya.
>_
-
>Give her directions out.
-
>...On second thought. "Just follow Ran here to the exit~"
>Get Ran to show her the way out. That way we avoid any nonsense involving a phoenix walking around delicate stuff alone
>"......Well that could have been worse."
>When Ran returns, pull out Kaguya's heart.
-
>Give her directions out.
>...On second thought. "Just follow Ran here to the exit~"
>Get Ran to show her the way out. That way we avoid any nonsense involving a phoenix walking around delicate stuff alone
>"......Well that could have been worse."
>When Ran returns, pull out Kaguya's heart.
>You ask Ran to show Mokou the way out of the lab. She bows and takes her leave with Mokou.
>"Could have been a lot better too, but I guess I can't complain."
>Nitori brushes herself off as she gets back up.
>Nitori waits for Ran's return before she extracts the second heart.
>Like Mokou's something begins to gather around the heart. It looks as though strands of light and bending themselves around the heart to form an ethereal shape of a human.
>Nitori lets go of the heart and it is suspended in the air.
>The strange light slowly solidifies and takes on the color of skin as it does so, until you see Kaguya standing before you.
>She looks rather dissatisfied and seems to expect something from you.
>_
-
>Point towards the clothing.
>"As soon as you're dressed, I can drop you into Eirin's arms. Unless of course, you'd prefer to show up as you are~"
-
>Point towards the clothing.
>"As soon as you're dressed, I can drop you into Eirin's arms. Unless of course, you'd prefer to show up as you are~"
>"Thank you."
>Kaguya quickly changes into a simple dress. She still doesn't look entirely satisfied.
>"So. Why am I here?"
>_
-
>Shrug
>"A crazy kappa wanted immortality. Recently, said kappa had the crazy beaten out of her and repented but couldn't figure out how to fix you. Then I came along, told her how to restore you and decided to reunite you with Eirin."
>For a price, but details.
>"Mokou's back as well, but she's taking the long way. Now if you're ready to go..."
>If she is, open a gap to Eientei, and when she goes through, we follow.
>Once again, be ready for Eirin to try to kill us.
-
>Don't mention Mokou just yet; the enmity probably goes both ways.
-
>Shrug
>"A crazy kappa wanted immortality. Recently, said kappa had the crazy beaten out of her and repented but couldn't figure out how to fix you. Then I came along, told her how to restore you and decided to reunite you with Eirin."
>For a price, but details.
>If she is, open a gap to Eientei, and when she goes through, we follow.
>Once again, be ready for Eirin to try to kill us.
>You give Kaguya a shrug. She doesn't seem impressed.
>"That much I already know."
>Kaguya gives Nitori a disgusted look.
>"So you've changed, she says. Hmph."
>Kaguya turns towards you again.
>"So how has Eirin been? I assume that she is well?"
>"Mokou's back as well, but she's taking the long way. Now if you're ready to go..."
>Don't mention Mokou just yet; the enmity probably goes both ways.
>You decide against mentioning Mokou for the time being.
>_
-
>"Worried sick about you and about as withdrawn as you were before that Fake Moon incident, but she looked well otherwise. I'm not exactly someone Eirin would confide in so I can't be sure beyond that."
-
>"Worried sick about you and about as withdrawn as you were before that Fake Moon incident, but she looked well otherwise. I'm not exactly someone Eirin would confide in so I can't be sure beyond that."
>"I suppose that I shall have to see for myself, then."
>"I believe that you offered to transport me?"
>_
-
>Open a gap to Eientei.
>"After you princess."
>Follow after her, or if she's paranoid and doesn't trust it, go through first and hold it open.
>If we go through first, avoid the latest attempt to kill us today.
-
>Open a gap to Eientei.
>"After you princess."
>Follow after her, or if she's paranoid and doesn't trust it, go through first and hold it open.
>If we go through first, avoid the latest attempt to kill us today.
>You begin to open up a gap to Eientei when you feel a sharp pain run through your chest.
>You look down to see a gohei sticking out of your chest.
>When you turn around, you see a scene of carnage. It seems you're the last one standing.
>Other than Reimu, of course, who gives you the most beautiful smile before you collapse.