Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on June 22, 2012, 04:34:36 AM
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>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker and owner of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.
>You've had a heck of a day. You've been present for the birth of a new youkai, whom you've tentatively named Marigold. Being called 'mother' was somewhat embarrassing, but not in an entirely bad way. You bestowed a power ring upon Lily White, making her a Magical Girl like yourself, and in the process of both, discovered that something is not right with the mikos of the Metal Tiger shrine; specifically, Satori Komeji, the elder miko.
>After befriending the somewhat dubious character who calls herself the Eagle, member of a local gang of no-goodnicks, you and she went off to locate young Chen Yakumo's missing pendant. And after a stop at Kourin-dou's, which yielded in the purchase of a new book for yourself, you found the pendant, in the form of a youma terrorizing Ran Yakumo's store. Despite the old oni named Doubles and Ran herself displaying their own unusual powers and abilities, despite their best efforts, both of them were bested by the youma. You yourself found this one much more powerful than the first youma, and while you're confidant you would have overcome it on your own, you had some unexpected and powerful help in the form of the Metal Tiger miko named Kiku, who greatly hastened the defeat of the youma, and the restoration of the corrupted pendant to its true form, for which Ran promised to repay you for one day.
>With Kiku in tow, you two went to investigate the CRA building, where Lily had brought Marigold and had been reporting strange sensations. Your search revealed a second demon, and its youma, and while you've yet to see either of those two yet, you have encountered a black ooze that defied definition, impressed upon your mind a sensation perhaps too horrible for you to fully comprehend, but left you otherwise unharmed, albeit incredibly hungry.
>While Kiku has dealt with that issue, you and Lily have another problem on your hands: a human, infused by demonic energy and quite obviously unstable, who seems determined to keep possession of 'him', whoever that is. Attempts at talking her down failed, and she is currently attacking both you and Lily with bursts of energy, zigzagging their way across the ground, leaving trails of brass behind them.
And since I don't know how to quote from a locked thread, you'll have to forgive me for doing it this way.
Funkapurvis says:
>With our purification, or physically? I meant to imply the latter.
>Physically, yes.
Hanzo K. says:
>Would using the purification theoretically work to block the attack?
>Taking into acount your Realization of the Wandering destroyed the coffins the people at Ran's had been sealed within, it's quite conceivable your attack would negate the womans' brass wave.
>At least, the one traveling at you. The energy part of the attack heading towards Lily has already entered the aisle she's in, passing out of your line of fire. You're less certain of negating the attack without being able to hit the energy part of it.
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>Can we get to the aisle it's in before it is likely to hit Lily?
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>Can we get to the aisle it's in before it is likely to hit Lily?
>Not unless Lily moves, you don't think so. You'd have to jump over the one coming at you, and that runs a very real chance you'd touch ground on the brass, and you're not certain what effect that would have.
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>Focus on the one coming at us, then, and try to catch the one going for Lily in it if possible.
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>Focus on the one coming at us, then, and try to catch the one going for Lily in it if possible.
>Given the waves erratic course, when you invoke your Realization of the Wanderings this time, you attempt to manifest a wider beam than you'd employed previously, to ensure a hit. And you succeed, the violet beam of energy emerging from your staff twice as broad as you'd used before, but in doing so, you feel a sharp strain across your body, and wince despite yourself.
>Despite this pain, your attack succeeds, the wave of energy dissipating under your light, and the brass trail behind reverting to normal floor tiles. Some of the brass left by the wave heading up the wall also reverts as your violet light travels down the corridor, as does a portion of the brass trailing the wave heading for Lily. The woman's ring sends another pulse of energy into the floor, and a barrier of copper-colored metal rises from the floor in front of her, intercepting your light. The wall dissolves into thin air as quickly as it forms as it absorbs the energy of your attack, but the woman remains untouched, the stripe on her face pulsing like a heartbeat, her eyes distant, unfocused, gleaming with madness.
>While you dissipated some of the brass trail heading towards Lily, the energy wave itself was unfortunately out of your line of fire, even for the broader beam you generated. However, your winged friend, freed from her watery prison, is no longer helpless, and you hear her invoke a spell of her own:
>"Spring Lily Leaf Shield!"
>It's difficult to see her through the boxes and metal shelves between you two, but you think you see a ring of large green leaves appear from nowhere, circling around the blonde girl like a barrier of some kind. A few seconds later, these leaves turn from a natural shade of green to a metallic brass color. This worries you, for a second, until you hear Lily emit a sigh of relief. "That was close..." she mutters. "You okay, Lotus?"
>Kiku's voice comes in across the shikigami she gave you, "I have discovered the source of that brass I detected earlier."
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>"Yes, I'll be fine. But what was that about the source of the brass?"
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>"Yes, I'll be fine. But what was that about the source of the brass?"
>"I've discovered four statues down here, on the other side of a locker room."
>As Kiku speaks, the unstable woman slowly straightens herself out, coming to a slightly crouching stance, her wild eyes darting between you and Lily.
>"I think these statues are actually people, changed by the same kind of power that made those coffins at Yakumo's."
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>"I'll get down there as soon as I can."
>Can we devise a technique to restrain this woman without actully harming her?
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>Give Lily a nod, since we didn't answer her.
>While we're devising a new strategy, call out to the woman. "There's no need for any of this. We don't mean you any harm, no one here does."
>_
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>"I'll get down there as soon as I can."
>"Understood. What have you two found up there?"
>Give Lily a nod, since we didn't answer her.
>While we're devising a new strategy, call out to the woman. "There's no need for any of this. We don't mean you any harm, no one here does."
>Lily has advanced a couple of steps during your exchange with Kiku, and is now more fully in your field of vision. She catches your nod, and offers you one of her own.
>The woman's breath comes in short hisses, and her wild eyes focus on you, at least somewhat, as you try once more to reason with her. "But harm will come. The End... no one can stop it." Her eyes roll backward momentarily, and she slouches forward. You think for a second she's about to faint, before she stops herself. Her eyes seem more focused now, holding a terrible fear. "You don't understand." she whispers. "You can't understand. What I have seen...."
>Can we devise a technique to restrain this woman without actully harming her?
>Lily seemed to have one of her own, so it seems relatively safe a bet you can make one of your own. The intent requires a name, a focus, a spell to make it real.
Default attack name of 'Viridian Lotus: Abating Hostility", but, of course, do feel free to whisk up your own.
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>So she can still hear us and understand us...
>"What do you know about it? What makes you feel it cannot be stopped?"
Gimme a bit to properly flavor that technique. Tired and distracted now.
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>So she can still hear us and understand us...
>"What do you know about it? What makes you feel it cannot be stopped?"
>Perhaps it's NOT impossible you can get through to her...
>"The tides of death!" she answers with a cry. "Black waters from another world, and demons, DEMONS, riding them! Nightmares...." she sags again, pressing her ring hand up against the stripe on her face, whose yellow glow has subsided somewhat.
>In your mind, Lily's voice echoes, "Isn't that sorta like what Kiku said, back when that charm of hers was turning to goo?" A moment later, her voice comes over Kiku's communication paper. "There's a woman up here that attacked me and Lotus. She's got some kinda bad magic, and I think it's playing with her mind."
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>We've got to get rid of that stripe on her head. Hit it with a purification beam. If that doesn't work, devise that new restraining technique, and we'll go take care of the statues first and see if that helps.
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>We've got to get rid of that stripe on her head. Hit it with a purification beam. If that doesn't work, devise that new restraining technique, and we'll go take care of the statues first and see if that helps.
>Let's not lash out at her immediately. If we can play our cards right, we won't need to purify her, she'll do it herself. Or get her to accept it rather than forcing it, which is much more in line with the teachings of the Buddha.
>"I've seen the darkness, too. It's very frightening, isn't it? But, it doesn't mean it cannot be stopped, or that it must destroy all. I've seen the demons, too. I think that we can withstand them. Would you like me to show you how?"
Still thinking about a proper way to flavor that restraining technique. I have a few ideas, I'll finalize them once it becomes immediately necessary.
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>We've got to get rid of that stripe on her head. Hit it with a purification beam. If that doesn't work, devise that new restraining technique, and we'll go take care of the statues first and see if that helps.
>While she's, at least temporarily, powered down, you contemplate trying to remove the demonic power from the woman, aiming at the stripe on her face.
>Let's not lash out at her immediately. If we can play our cards right, we won't need to purify her, she'll do it herself. Or get her to accept it rather than forcing it, which is much more in line with the teachings of the Buddha.
>However, you then decide to pass up this opportunity, and continue to try and reason with the unstable girl.
>"I've seen the darkness, too. It's very frightening, isn't it? But, it doesn't mean it cannot be stopped, or that it must destroy all. I've seen the demons, too. I think that we can withstand them. Would you like me to show you how?"
>The woman stares at you for several seconds, her hand falling away from her face, and then she laughs, a short, ugly laugh. "You're insane. There IS no withstanding. Only for those that give in. Like me."
>"What kind of magic?" Kiku's voice asks.
>"The demon kind, I bet." Lily answers.
>"Do you have the situation under-" Kiku's voice cuts off sharply.
>"That's how I saved him, you know." the unstable woman continues, half a smile starting to form on her face again. "I help them come, and I get to live, with him, after the end of the world."
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>"If I am insane, then there is nothing for you to lose in allowing me to try, is there? And you'd have so much to gain, if I were right... Is it not worth allowing me the opportunity to prove myself?"
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>"If I am insane, then there is nothing for you to lose in allowing me to try, is there? And you'd have so much to gain, if I were right... Is it not worth allowing me the opportunity to prove myself?"
>The woman's smile warps into something like a sneer. "You want an opportunity? Okay. I'll give you both one." She draws herself to her full height again, but keeps her ring pointed at the floor. "Leave. Now. Leave me alone with the man I love, and go find somewhere else to spend the last days of earth."
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>"If I may, where is he, anyway? I haven't seen him at all. Who is he? I have to admit, it is rather touching, the lengths you've gone to for him."
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>"If I may, where is he, anyway? I haven't seen him at all. Who is he? I have to admit, it is rather touching, the lengths you've gone to for him."
>"It was the only thing that made sense. I had to save him. Even if I couldn't save myself." Her twisted smile grows at the corners.
>Lily's voice comes across your mind again, sounding somewhat tense. "Lotus, I've lost contact with Kiku."
>"But she let me do both, the Watery One. If you're lucky, she might reach out to you, too. But it won't be here." The stripe on her face energizes and depowers in a second. "Go away, and leave us alo...." Her voice trails off as her eyes drop down to her ring, which has started glowing a brassy color.
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Hmm. Should we leave her and go deal with Kiku and the central problem? I am rather tempted to do so, but it would leave us vulnerable to a pincher attack if things go south. I rather dislike the idea of forcing a purification at this point, it doesn't really seem like a thing Byakuren would do. At the same time, she seems willing to respect us as long as we respect her, and I feel it would be appropriate to acknowledge that.
Alternately, we could send Lily off and try to pry more information out of her, but I don't think we're going to get anything useful. I'd be willing to try and bond with this person more and try to secure some more trust, but I don't think it'd be something she'd do over seeking out Kiku.
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Personally, I think our best bet would be hitting the ring itself with a purification, since that seems to be the cause of all this.
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Yeah, but if it turns out to be not that simple, we're going to be pinned down while Kiku may be in trouble. This part of why I was trying to talk her into it.
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If I'm not mistaken, we can have Lily go help her.
Because the way I'm seeing it, Lily + Kiku = Lotus
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I think I can agree with that. Gimme a bit, and I'll lead into it.
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Arrite then, I'll leave that to you. But I'll chip in with ideas if I find it lacking in any given area.
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>If we can, mentally direct to Lily: I am going to deal with her more directly, go and try to find Kiku. I'll be along as soon as I can."
>Don't say anything unnecessary, just purify the ring.
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>If we can, mentally direct to Lily: I am going to deal with her more directly, go and try to find Kiku. I'll be along as soon as I can."
>Don't say anything unnecessary, just purify the ring.
>You can, and do so. Her responding voice sounds tense, "All right.... If you're sure...."
>Confirmation of your concern comes barely a second after Lily's voice, as Kiku announces over the paper, "I have engaged the youma."
>As Lily begins to back down the aisle she's in, keeping an eye on the woman, you raise your scepter once again. But as you begin to invoke the phrase to purify the ring, hopefully freeing the woman from the influence of the demons, she suddenly clenches her fist, and her aura of power erupts again, bathing the walls around you in harsh yellow light. This burst of power and light makes you half close your eyes against both the force and the glare, but you unleash your Violet Lotus attack nevertheless.
>Just before you attack fires, however, the woman launches herself back into the air, up and over your attack, the stripe on her face blazing into incandescence.
>"Your friend.... is below...." her harsh whisper distorted by the energy suffusing her.
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>"Resist its influence."
>Purification beam. Keep it going as long as we can. If she evades the beam, sweep it after her. Hopefully, her resistance of the enemy's influence will aid us in her purification.
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>"Resist its influence."
>Purification beam. Keep it going as long as we can. If she evades the beam, sweep it after her. Hopefully, her resistance of the enemy's influence will aid us in her purification.
>Readjusting your aim, you unleash your violet light upon the snarling woman once again. She raises her ring in response, and the field of energy around her concentrates in front of her, like a barrier. The impact of your light, however, thrusts her backwards, accompanied but a loud grunt, like one that got hit by something way harder than they were expecting.
>Your attack propels her backwards several inches, and the barrier of light in front of her begins to erode, flaking off into dissipating sparks of energy. She's strong, but her instability hurts her, you don't think she can truly control the power she wields. And even if she could, your light is stronger, of that you have no doubt.
>Abrubtly, the woman dives to her left, towards the cinderblock wall of the basement. You track your beam to your right, keeping up the attack, but spare a second to wonder, what is she doing? The answer to that comes a second later, as she was targeting the brassy trail left on the wall by that attack earlier. And rather than splat against the wall, she passes into the brass, the metal rippling like water in her wake, swallowing her completely.
>Your Violet light removes the brass from that segment of the wall, but the woman is nowhere to be seen.
>"Are you sure you got this, Lotus?" Lily asks in your mind, sounding rather torn between staying to help you, and rushing to Kiku's aid.
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>"I will be fine. Go to Kiku's aid. And if you encounter any brass, be weary. She can likely emerge from anywhere her brass is. My purification can remove it; you should remove any you come across if you can. It will prevent her from ambushing you, and remove her avenues of escape. She's fighting the force controling her, and I will help her be free of it."
>Begin purifying the brass. Stay alert as we do so; she could emerge from any of it.
>"Kiku, Lily's on her way. Has anything changed on your end?"
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>"I will be fine. Go to Kiku's aid. And if you encounter any brass, be weary. She can likely emerge from anywhere her brass is. My purification can remove it; you should remove any you come across if you can. It will prevent her from ambushing you, and remove her avenues of escape. She's fighting the force controling her, and I will help her be free of it."
>Begin purifying the brass. Stay alert as we do so; she could emerge from any of it.
>"Kiku, Lily's on her way. Has anything changed on your end?"
>"Got it."
>As you sweep the wall to your right with violet light, you take a quick glance down the aisle next to you, to see Lily standing atop one of the leaves that were encircling her, riding it like a hoverboard, heading back down towards the break room and the stairs to the pool. You smile briefly despite yourself.
>The woman does not reappear as you sweep the wall clean of brass, leaving only plain (and clean!) cinderblock in both the aisle in front of you, and upon the wall to your right.
>Kiku's voice does not respond for several seconds after you attempt to contact her, and when she does reply, her voice is obviously pained. "Yes."
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>Uh-oh.
>"What happened?"
>Quickly take care of any remaining brass in the room.
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>Uh-oh.
>"What happened?"
>Quickly take care of any remaining brass in the room.
>"The demon is here- dammit." Kiku breaks off with a curse.
>The only remaining brass you can see is the remainder of the second trail, the one that headed for Lily. You approach that aisle to take care of the rest of the metal, but as you start to go around that corner, the air in front of you flashes with a blinding burst of metallic light. Covering your eyes to try and ward off the stabbing pain in your eyes, you stagger backwards a couple steps.
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>Don't even bother with the metal right now, we need to get to Kiku and Lily. Can we get back to the stairs without going near the brass?
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>Don't even bother with the metal right now, we need to get to Kiku and Lily. Can we get back to the stairs without going near the brass?
>As near as you can tell, the woman hasn't gone behind you to spread more brass, so this should be possible.
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>If the demon has appeared, then we need to deal with it. Doing so will likely free the woman, anyways.
>"I'm on my way, Kiku."
>"Lily, Kiku says that our true enemy has finally shown itself. Get to her as quickly as you can. I'm right behind you."
>Get moving, but be wary of potential ambushes, especially from anywhere we see brass.
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>If the demon has appeared, then we need to deal with it. Doing so will likely free the woman, anyways.
>"I'm on my way, Kiku."
>"Lily, Kiku says that our true enemy has finally shown itself. Get to her as quickly as you can. I'm right behind you."
>Get moving, but be wary of potential ambushes, especially from anywhere we see brass.
>With the source of all the trouble finally in play, you see an opportunity to settle all this trouble in one go. And so, sending off a reassurance to Kiku, and a verbal MUSH! to Lily, you yourself start backwards towards those stairs.
>Your progress, however, is hampered by the fact that your vision is quite impaired after that blinding flash of light. The aisle ahead of you is blurry, and starred by specks and whirls of brassy light. Plus there's the sensation of needles being driven into your retina. Even in your modeling career, you've never experienced anything quite that bad- Aya doesn't employ amateur photographers, after all. You squint against the stars in your eyes, and try to force your eyes to work properly. To little avail. You have to use your hand to balance yourself against the wall to continue moving.
>Behind you, and to your right, you can hear the sound of the woman's ring sparking again.
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>Is there any cover that we can get to?
>Is there any sign that this effect on our eyes is going to clear on its own?
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>Damn.
>"The woman's back, Lily, and I don't think she's inclined to let me follow you down. Get to Kiku. I'll come as soon as I can."
>Turn our purification beam on ourself. That may help remove the effects. Then turn it back on the woman, and as before, keep it on her for as long as we can.
>"Fight it! If you can, keep yourself in one place so I can more easily expel it from you!"
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>Don't purify it just yet, we don't want to be standing there while she is charging a thing. Cover first.
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>Is there any cover that we can get to?
>Is there any sign that this effect on our eyes is going to clear on its own?
>Your best bet for cover would be to duck down one of the aisles next to you, at least for immediate cover. You could also knock down some of the boxes on the shelves around you, to create more cover. Under the circumstances, Hironobu probably wouldn't mind too much. The break room offers more obstacles, but you're still at least 20 or so feet away from it.
>If that flash was anything like a normal burst of light, then it should clear on its own, after holding your eyes closed for around a minute or so. At least, the specks of light, the blurriness would probably take a bit longer. Keeping your eyes open, you suspect it would take several minutes, at least, for your vision to even begin to correct itself.
>Damn.
>"The woman's back, Lily, and I don't think she's inclined to let me follow you down. Get to Kiku. I'll come as soon as I can."
>You stifle a curse, then send off another message to Lily. Her voice is full of warm concern. "Be careful, Lotus."
>"Fight it! If you can, keep yourself in one place so I can more easily expel it from you!"
>The woman's response is a crazed cackle, and a sound that you can't identify, but one that doesn't sound good.
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I am thinking the best option may be to turn around and try to disrupt her, myself.
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Go ahead.
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Yeah, I'm actually agreeing with you for once.
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>We need something new for this, not just using Purification on its own, we require something more fitting.
>When a thing charges, it naturally gathers more energy to itself, and that will be its weakness. This is what we shall use. The enlightened soul know that self is an illusion, and so too is not-self; this we have seen when we blended our thoughts with Lily's, yet remained distinct. What this counter will do is blend itself with the energies being drawn in to whatever is being charged, while remaining distinct, and at the same time melding them to itself. Much as karma is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, so too shall this become a cycle of absorption and strengthening, drawing from the power being charged until it is strong enough to break what is being charged, and perhaps affect the target with a moment's realization of the futility of spreading suffering. This shall be called Karmic Touch.
>Can this be done?
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>When a thing charges, it naturally gathers more energy to itself, and that will be its weakness. This is what we shall use. The enlightened soul know that self is an illusion, and so too is not-self; this we have seen when we blended our thoughts with Lily's, yet remained distinct. What this counter will do is blend itself with the energies being drawn in to whatever is being charged, while remaining distinct, and at the same time melding them to itself. Much as karma is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, so too shall this become a cycle of absorption and strengthening, drawing from the power being charged until it is strong enough to break what is being charged, and perhaps affect the target with a moment's realization of the futility of spreading suffering. This shall be called Karmic Touch.
>Clarification request.
>What, exactly, did you wish to achieve with this new technique? Destroying the woman's ring and perhaps stunning her temporarily?
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>Disrupting whatever she is charging, and turning any excess energy toward purifying things.
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>Disrupting whatever she is charging, and turning any excess energy toward purifying things.
>It's certainly possible to employ a technique like that.
>The risk would be this. As with most of the techniques you've developed since you first put that ring on, you're not entirely certain how this new technique will manifest itself. Your Amber Lotus, which you developed earlier in this fight, took several seconds to fully take effect. There is a chance your new technique, Karmic Touch, might not resolve itself before the crazed woman's attack does, depending on how far along hers is. There's also a chance you might not be able to get the words out before her attack fires off, whatever it is.
>And then again, there's a chance you'll fire first, and yours will do exactly what you want it to do. There's no way to be certain.
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I say do it.
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Yeah, let's go for it. Worst-case scenario, we'll just end up getting banged up.
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>It ought to be worth trying, once it takes hold it should buy us time just due to the charge being drained and the time lengthened.
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>It ought to be worth trying, once it takes hold it should buy us time just due to the charge being drained and the time lengthened.
Sorry to bang on about this, but I wanted to make sure I have things straight before I commited us all to things.
You wanted to, essentially, turn in place and fire?
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Indeed, preferably casting while turning. If it's plausible, emphasize speed in casting and taking hold. The idea being once it takes hold and starts siphoning energy, it'll stretch out the charge time to start with, then work toward the actual disrupting.
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>We need something new for this, not just using Purification on its own, we require something more fitting.
>When a thing charges, it naturally gathers more energy to itself, and that will be its weakness. This is what we shall use. The enlightened soul know that self is an illusion, and so too is not-self; this we have seen when we blended our thoughts with Lily's, yet remained distinct. What this counter will do is blend itself with the energies being drawn in to whatever is being charged, while remaining distinct, and at the same time melding them to itself. Much as karma is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, so too shall this become a cycle of absorption and strengthening, drawing from the power being charged until it is strong enough to break what is being charged, and perhaps affect the target with a moment's realization of the futility of spreading suffering. This shall be called Karmic Touch.
>With a new attack, for a new purpose, in your mind, you gather your courage and, planting your heel firmly, spin in place, and invoke the charm for your new spell.
>Your head swims as you spin, the blurred world whizzing through your vision wreaking havok with your head. However, as the woman comes into your vision, you note that while your normal vision is impaired, your Othersight is functioning perfectly. You can clearly see the woman's aura, the demonic energy framing her form, the stripe on her face blazing like a spotlight, her ring, leaking like a damaged sprinkler, throwing off vile energy. All of which gives you a very clear target.
>You also see her attack now: her energy is generating into a solid sheet of brass, coalescing above her ring hand, and it is there that your point your scepter as you speak. As quickly as you can, to boot.
>Perhaps due to her mental instability, or perhaps due to the nature of her attack, you manage to fire off yours before she does. From the tip of your scepter flies an indigo-colored whip of energy, spinning like a helicopter blade through the air towards the brassy wedge, now almost fully formed, sharp edges clearly visible on the sides. It's a good thing you got your attack off first, you would NOT have wanted to get hit by that flying blade. Assuming, of course, your attack does its job before she fires...
>Your spinning whip of light impacts upon the brassy blade just as the woman hauls it back to throw it. For a heartbeat, you fear that this attack, like your Amber Lotus earlier, won't affect the enemy until later, giving her a chance to unleash that wedge of blade-edged metal. A heartbeat later, you see the angry yellow energy suffusing that wedge of brass turn a pale indigo. Another heartbeat later, the construct explodes, the brass shrapnel evaporating into wisps of pale blue light as they fly through the air.
>The woman howls as your attack detonates hers, a sound mixed with surprise, pain, and rage. The remaining energy of your technique arcs from the detonating wedge of metal into the woman herself, which flashes through her body like an electric shock, before collecting in her ring. The ring emits a massive flash of light and energy, and you shield your eyes to prevent them from suffering any more damage. When you look again after the flash subsides, the woman's demonic aura is greatly reduced in intensity. Her ring remains intact, but it is very badly damaged. You can hear her breath escaping her in an elongated sighing groan as she hangs in midair, her body somewhat limp. She appears to be stunned.
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>Take advantage of this to purify the ring.
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>Take advantage of this to purify the ring.
>With the success of your Indigo Lotus, you refocus your aim on the woman's sparking and cracked ring, and unleash your Violet Lotus upon it. The woman tries to raise her arms, you think, but the motion is weak and lethargic. Your Light washes over the evil piece of jewelery, and you think you hear the dazed woman mutter something, but it is too faint to understands. The ring breaks apart with the small sound of shattering glass, dissolving into thin air under your attack.
>With the destruction of the ring, the yellow stripe on her face falls dull and dark, the demonic energy within her fades away in a second. Your othersight shows you now nothing more than an ordinary human, floating slowly down towards the ground below her.
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>Is she conscious?
>Either way, grab her.
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>Is she conscious?
>Either way, grab her.
>She does not appear to be conscious, but it's hard to tell. Your vision is still starred and blurry.
>Rather than let her fall on her own, you sprint back towards her, catch her safely in your arms as she descends. Even though she lands rather gently, you still grunt under the weight, even though she's not extremely heavy. Either your inexplicable hunger is affecting your strength after all, or you're getting tired. Probably the second, you muse. This is your second battle with a demon and its tricks in one day. The toll on your body might be catching up to you.
>The woman is indeed unconscious, now that you've got a better look at her.
-
>Find someplace to put her, preferably on a desk or off the ground and away from the any tainted water.
>Lily, I've helped her. Are you still alright?
-
>Find someplace to put her, preferably on a desk or off the ground and away from the any tainted water.
>Lily, I've helped her. Are you still alright?
>The aisles around you offer you little in the way of options for depositing unconscious females, so you head back towards the little cafeteria to look for an appropriate place. The water you purified here is still present, but it is just that: pure, and no longer a threat to anyone. The tables here aren't quite long enough to accommodate a supine human, so you settle for a chair. One on the other side of the room from the water.
>Once you're satisfied that she won't fall off onto the floor, you contact Lily through your ring. It takes a few seconds for her voice to return, sounding somewhat strained, "For now." Another pause. "Don't know 'bout Kiku."
-
>"Alright, I'll be on my way soon."
>Let's find something quick to eat while we're here, to take the edge off the hunger. But if it'll take too much time, forgo that and head to the downstairs area where the sludge was.
-
>"Alright, I'll be on my way soon."
>Let's find something quick to eat while we're here, to take the edge off the hunger. But if it'll take too much time, forgo that and head to the downstairs area where the sludge was.
>There are two bagel bags present on the long table between the vending machines, one with only a single bagel remaining. Cinnamon raisin, no less. You grab the bag, and proceed back down the stairs, discarding the bag on the stairs as you extract the bagel from it. Plenty of time to clean up later, once your friends are safe.
>By the time you reach the fork in the pathway where you encountered the alien ooze, you're essentially inhaled half of your bagel. You can't even remember the last time you ate that fast, although you ALMOST wish you could go back for a few dozen more.
>The ooze is still a sheet of lead, but it seems that several pieces have been dug out from it, near the corner turning right, most of them the size of pebbles. You can hear energy discharges from around the corner.
>Despite the sense of being surrounded by black water that's been dampening your senses, you can now sense the presence of the demon, as well as that of its youma. The demon's presence is extremely powerful, much moreso than the sensation the Bat demon gave you a few days ago.
-
>Let's go find Lily and Kiku now!
>"I'm almost there you two, please hold out for me."
-
>Let's go find Lily and Kiku now!
>"I'm almost there you two, please hold out for me."
>Considering what happened the last time you got close to that ooze, even though it seems, for all the world, to be a harmless sheet of lead, you still have to take a breath to steel yourself before stepping foot on the stuff. But with your friends at risk, this hesitation is so brief as to barely be worth mentioning.
>With only about a quarter of your bagel remaining, you sprint across the lead, down the 'Salt' corridor, and take the corner at a run. The corridor only extends a couple of feet, before an empty doorframe opens up into a locker room. The tangy smell of salt water is quite prevalent here, but it is masked by the funk of swampy water and rotting vegatation. The locker room floor is covered with water, but your othersight seems to indicate it is normal water. Well, salt water, but not demonic or corrupt in anyway.
>Your normal vision, incidently, has improved a bit. The specks of light have diminished in size and number, and though your vision is still a little blurry, you can see clearly enough.
>The room is divided into halves, with five rows of lockers on either side of a large gap in the middle of the room. The door you are standing in is to the right side, between the third and fourth rows of lockers. A long bench runs the length of the aisle between the lockers, which is around 15 feet or so long, give or take. There are gaps in the lockers at about the four foot and 8 foot mark.
>There are what appear to be bullet holes in some of the lockers, and the side of the bench, in front of you, and a fair sized dent in the wall ahead of you. To your left, in the center of the room, there appears to be a rod of steel, the length of a quarterstaff.
>As you cross the threshold of the door, a beam of red light blasts into the wall to your left, in the center of the room. The energy then travels perpendicular to the impact down the wall, directly at you.
-
>Dodge it, and break through into the room proper!
-
>Dodge it, and break through into the room proper!
>With a lunge forward, you leap into the aisle ahead of you to evade the energy blast. Turning your head back, you see the red energy continue to follow the wall out the door, and down the hall.
>From somewhere ahead of you, Lily's voice anounces, "It's blasts can track you, keep your eye on em!"
-
>Glance toward it, is curving toward us?
-
>Glance toward it, is curving toward us?
>At the moment, the field appears clear of fire, friendly or hostile. The shot that was fired is tracking down the hall you just entered from.
-
>Did it make a noise?
>If so, note it and continue onward.
-
>Did it make a noise?
>If so, note it and continue onward.
>It did make a fairly distinctive noise, and you make a note of it, confidant you'll be hearing it again before the day's done.
>In which direction did you wish to continue?
-
>Towards Lily's voice of course.
-
>Towards Lily's voice of course.
>There's two rows of lockers between you and Lily, but as it sounds like her voice was coming from your right, you head in that direction, keeping a sharp ear open for the sounds of more hostile fire.
>On the way down, you note that three of the lockers to your left have had their doors torn off their hinges, a towel floating in the water in front of one of them. Another door is missing from a locker ahead of you and to your right, but this door is in evidence, the metal resting on the floor. There is no sign of the other three.
>Splashing through the shallow salt water covering the floor, you hear another sound as you reach about the halfway point of the aisle. Different than the first one; that one was almost like a small explosion, not unlike a gunshot. This one is more of an electric buzzing sound. And there is one right after the first one. Lily's voice calls out, "Bouncy laser! Watch your back!"
-
>Check our back, and get ready to move to one side.
-
>Check our back, and get ready to move to one side.
>Readying yourself for evasive maneuvers, you stop and turn. A second later, a bright blue flash of light hits the corner of the lockers, and a cerulean laser beam flies diagonally down from it and hits the wall. The beam then riccochets again, off the wall and into the aisle you're in now. It hits the locker to your left, the bounces again with another of those blue flashes, hitting the locker to your right. It makes an odd, short buzzing sound when it hits and bounces.
>You do your best to gauge its flight path, but it's moving at a very fast clip. What makes it more difficult, however, is the fact that the angle of its flight changes after each impact; it doesn't fly in a linear trajectory. The angle of the laser doesn't change a tremendous amount after each bounce, but it, combined with the speed of the blast, is enough to throw off your timing.
>As the laser closes on you, it takes one last bounce of the lockers to your right, and you dodge to your right as well, to get to the other side of it and let it fly past. But the angle of the laser is shallower than you predict, and the blue beam of energy strikes a blow against your left shoulder. You wince at the impact, but the pain is not terrible- it hurt, certainly, but not as much as it probably could have. It does, however, leave your shoulder, and part of your upper left arm, partly numbed and tingling.
>You hear Lily activate the Leaf Shield she employed earlier against the crazed woman, and then the sound the laser impacting something solid, but different.
-
>Proceed toward Lily, and try to work the numbness from our arm.
>Don't go around corners blindly, though, peek around them first.
-
>Proceed toward Lily, and try to work the numbness from our arm.
>Don't go around corners blindly, though, peek around them first.
>You continue down towards the dented wall, shaking your arm and rubbing your shoulder to shake off the numb feeling left behind by the bouncy laser blast. The impacted area of your skin feels cold under your touch.
>At around three feet or so from the end of the locker line, you hear another gunshot-like noise, like the first shot your enemy fired. A second later, Lily comes sprinting around the corner, surrounded by her floating leaves, this time colored the same shade of blue as the bouncy laser. Just behind her, as she enters the corridor you're in, is another one of those red energy beams, traveling along the wall.
-
>Let us try to purify this beam, while it is focused on Lily.
-
>Let us try to purify this beam, while it is focused on Lily.
>Dsicarding the small portion remaining of your bagel, you step around Lily and point your scepter two-handed at the red laser, unleashing your Violet light upon it as it makes a 90 degree turn, tracking the winged woman. Its straight line course makes it a much easier target than the blue laser.
>The result is a bit more spectacular than when you purified the crazed woman's brass: the collision of red and violet energy explodes, the blast wave blowing open every locker door within six feet. Lily staggers under the impact, and then falls forward, landing face down on the floor in front of you, her arm smacking loudly on the wooden bench. You yourself blanch at the explosion of energy as the wave washes over you.
-
>A lesson learned...
>"Are you alright?"
-
>A lesson learned...
>"Are you alright?"
>Lily lifts her face off the ground, and spits out a mouthful of salt water, sticking her tongue out following. "Blehhhh....."
>She pops back up to her feet, cradling her left hand with her right, but smiles when she lays eyes on you. "I've tasted worse."
-
>"Where's Kiku?"
-
>"Where's Kiku?"
>Lily jerks her thumb to your left, towards where the blasts have been coming from.
>"There's a big door there, leads to the salt water pool. Kiku and the flying snake are in there. It's the youma that's got us seperated. It's got too much firepower; I can't get a clear shot at it, not without getting blasted first."
-
>"Mmm. What's it done so far?"
-
>"Mmm. What's it done so far?"
>Lily talks at a pretty fast pace, "Well, when I got down here, the big metal face was attacking Kiku, and the flying snake was hoverin' there, watching. Fight was already by the pool at that point, when I joined in. But I'd barely got an attack off before the snake attacked me, massive blast of wind, blew me all the back here in one shot, face followed me. I been stuck here since."
-
>Nod.
>"Then let's deal with it. What have you tried thus far?"
-
>Nod.
>"Then let's deal with it. What have you tried thus far?"
>"Well, I've only got two tricks in my bag, but the trouble is, every time-"
>Lily is interrupted by a pair of sounds coming from the same direction as the shots you've dealt, a tearing noise. Lily's face droops.
>"Not the snakes again..."
-
>Keep an eye on that direction.
>"What do they do?"
-
>Keep an eye on that direction.
>"What do they do?"
>Your eyes peeled ahead of you, Lily turns to face that direction herself.
>"They blow up if they get close." she gets out, before a pair of solid metallic serpents, seven feet long from nose to tail, speed round the corner, slithering at an unnatural speed, their heads elevated.
>Lily throws her right arm out in front of her, and the blue leaf shield surrounding her flies away from her, towards the serpent on the left. "Blast 'em!"
-
>Try to purify the one on the right. If possible, try to direct the purification to leave it inert.
-
>Try to purify the one on the right. If possible, try to direct the purification to leave it inert.
>Which technique did you wish to emply?
-
>Do we feel we'd have time for Karmic Touch to do the job?
-
>Do we feel we'd have time for Karmic Touch to do the job?
>You'd have time to fire it, yes.
>However, you designed that attack to disrupt an enemy attack that was still charging. This attack is already formed and launched. It's a safe assumption that Karmic Touch wouldn't work on this one.
-
Hmmm. Dealing with less charge shot and more bombchu, then...
-
>Purification beam it.
-
>If that feels like it's going to set the snake off, conjure our own shield afterward.
-
>Purification beam it.
>If that feels like it's going to set the snake off, conjure our own shield afterward.
>You unleash your Violet light along side Lily's leaves, but brace yourself to try and raise a protective shield, should this attack have negative consequences. Your attack strikes your target a fraction of a second before Lily's, but the snake does not detonate under the impact of your light. Nor, however, does it dissapear, not even slow. The metallic serpent seems completely unaffected by your attack.
>Lily's target, however, is another matter. The rotating circle of light blue leaves shrinks slightly as it flies towards its target, hitting the thing head on. That snake explodes in a brilliant flash of flame, but the shockwave that hits you an instant later is nowhere near as strong as it should be, just enough to disrupt your hair. This blast has the secondary effect of knocking the second snake, your target, off course.
>You don't have enough time to invoke your Sapphire Lotus barrier in the fraction of a second following this blast, so you raise one of the more basic blue shields before you just as the snake hits the lockers to your right, less than two feet in front of you, and explodes.
>This explosion is much larger than the one from Lily's target, but your shield absorbs a great deal of energy from the blast, as well as the flames of the explosion, though you still find yourself forced backwards nearly a foot by the force of the blast, the strain of maintaining your shield severe.
>Lily, however, a little closer to the blast than you, and lacking her own form of protective shield, is not so lucky. She screams in pain as she is hurled backwards by the blast, and she rolls and bounces down the aisle behind you, coming to rest a full five feet plus behind you, flat on her back.
-
> Pull back to help her up. "Lily, are you okay?"
>Keep on guard, never know if more of those will try to crash the party.
-
> Pull back to help her up. "Lily, are you okay?"
>Keep on guard, never know if more of those will try to crash the party.
>Splashing back through the shallow salty water, mindful of the dull ache in your extremities, you stop by the young blonde's feet. At this point, Lily has partially rolled over on to her side, and is groaning quite plainly. "Give.... urgh. Gimme a minute..." she gets out as you move around to her other side. Keeping your ears open for any sound of hostile acts from the youma, you wrap your arm around Lily's shoulder, and help her back to a seated position. She holds her left hand to her head.
>While there are no more sounds from the youma's direction, at least for now, there is a more distant sound from that direction, a sound like something heavy flying through the air, followed by a loud splash of water.
-
>"Lily, when you recover, be sure to seek me out. I'm pressing on to make sure Kiku is alright."
>We need to press on! That could have been Kiku!
-
>"Lily, when you recover, be sure to seek me out. I'm pressing on to make sure Kiku is alright."
>We need to press on! That could have been Kiku!
>Leaving Lily to recuperate from the snake explosion, you straighten up and head back down the aisle towards the dented wall, and the doorway leading to the salt water pool. You note the explosion has blown a few of the lockers on the right side of the corridor away, collapsing into the next corridor off, and several more and bowed in, doors missing or crushed. Many locker doors on the left side of the corridor have been blown open.
>"Lotus... Lotus, wait!" Lily gasps out as you near the end of the corridor. "That thing'll blast you... the second it sees you."
-
>"Fear not; I am prepared."
>As soon as we emerge, barrier up. The full technique if we have time, an ordinary barrier if we don't.
-
>"Fear not; I am prepared."
>As soon as we emerge, barrier up. The full technique if we have time, an ordinary barrier if we don't.
>Reassuring Lily, you invoke your Sapphire light, shrouding yourself in strong blue energy, before stepping out of this corridor, and into the one beyond. This corridor extends to the left and right, a large metal sphere lies in the corner to your right, mute testament to the damage in the wall front of you.
>To your left is a large opening in the wall, the entrance to the pool, you expect, and, despite Lily's warnings, since you are not blasted immediately upon showing your face here, you proceed to your left, keeping a very keen ear out for any sounds of attack. And while there is another loud splash of water, it again seems to be coming from the area beyond the wall, not from the youma you know to be waiting. This hastens your step, and, reaching the gaping opening in the wall, you turn to your right to see the youma of this demon.
>You register first that Lily was not exaggerating; the youma appears as a giant disc of metal, with a female's form emblazoned upon it, seemingly attached to the north wall of this chamber. You also register that there are four humanoid brass statues, in a square-like arrangement, within this small room. And those are all the details you have time to register before a beam of white energy blasts out from the disc-youma's forehead, striking your shield. This laser is stronger than the energy blast your shield stopped when fighting the locket youma, and you find yourself fighting to hold your ground against the force of the laser pressing on your bubble.
-
>Keep it up. We can do this. Lily and Kiku are depending on us.
>As soon as we have a chance, purity beam one of the statues.
-
>Keep it up. We can do this. Lily and Kiku are depending on us.
>As soon as we have a chance, purity beam one of the statues.
>You grit your teeth and extend your left arm forward for good measure, throwing more power, and will, into your shield, fueled by your determination to aid your friends and allies.
>Though the white light of the youma's laser obscures your normal vision, your othersight reveals some details about the youma before you. It's Dark Seed seems to be attached to a large coin of some sort, and the seed itself seems somewhat smaller than the one in the locket youkai earlier. This one is also shielded by a screen of swirling black energy, but this shield seems very thin, much thinner than you'd expect given the firepower it's demonstrated. There are also holes in the disc itself, like bullet holes. Considering this thing's damage, and lack of protection for its Core, one good shot of your Violet light should restore the thing to its original form.
>That is, of course, IF you manage to get a shot off. The white laser blast still presses against your shield, and though it doesn't grow in intensity, the exertion of maintaining your shield is starting to strain your body again. Even though it may only take one clear shot to purify the coin, the youma seems to have no intention of letting you get that shot off.
>Lily's voice, still sounding pained, comes over your ring, "It's gonna fire... another blast soon. It can use white and a different one together.
-
So guys, how are we going to do this?
If lily wasn't behind us, I'd be all for using the barrier to redirect the attack to the side while we jump to the opposite side, and fire off a violet light.
-
So guys, how are we going to do this?
If lily wasn't behind us, I'd be all for using the barrier to redirect the attack to the side while we jump to the opposite side, and fire off a violet light.
I realize this isn't usually kosher, but, for the sake of convenience, I'll clarify. Lily is not behind you, currently. She is still in the aisle that blew up with the snakes, whereas you are now standing in the middle of the room.
-
Ah, well in that case..
>Would it be possible to shift the barrier so the blast is shunted to one side?
-
>Would it be possible to shift the barrier so the blast is shunted to one side?
>Reforming your bubble into a shield, and then putting the shield at an angle to you, is possible. This act, however, would likely increase the strain upon your body, though by how much, you couldn't guess.
-
>What about altering the bubble's Shape?
-
>What about altering the bubble's Shape?
>Changing the shape of your bubble in any way would likely produce a strain on your body of some sort, at least in this situation, but again, is possible.
-
Well Purvis? Should we do the angled shield method? or the Altered Bubble method?
Unless you got a better idea for diverting the attack.
-
I think using natural cover may be better, at least for escaping this. Given it's not fired this through the walls, either it won't go through solids or it won't use this on what it cannot see. However, if it doesn't move, we also know where it is now, and can effectively strike at it blindly.
-
That could work too.
Though my plan was to divert the attack and power on through to get in range.
-
Purvis? Guy?
-
Let's do Purvis' plan first.
-
>Get back behind the wall!
>Did it seem like this youma was capable of moving?
-
>Get back behind the wall!
>Did it seem like this youma was capable of moving?
>You step back to the side, out of the line of sight of the youma, behind the wall. The white laser tracks your movement, but the beam is stopped by the wall. You breathe a sigh of relief as the strain of fending off the attack leaves you.
>Lily comes to the end of the corridor of lockers, holding her left ribs. "Thing packs a wallop, doesn't it."
>The youma seemed to be attached to the wall, from what you could tell. You couldn't tell if it has the ability to detach itself, but even if it does, it doesn't look to be able to move very fast.
-
>Nod to Lily.
>Ponder if we could guide a purification to it blindly, given we know exactly where it is at the moment.
>Did the brass statues strike us as any more mobile?
-
>Nod to Lily.
>Ponder if we could guide a purification to it blindly, given we know exactly where it is at the moment.
>Did the brass statues strike us as any more mobile?
>"That was my problem. Everytime I tried to step out and blast it, it shot me first, even my shield couldn't reach it before it got broke."
>Assuming the target doesn't move, you're fairly certain you could hit it with any of your attacks.
>The statues seemed to be normal statues, and showed no signs of movement when you saw them. Of course, that doesn't mean they can't be used against you, but they showed no sign of that when you saw them.
-
>Let's have an attack list, for old times sake.
-
>Let's have an attack list, for old times sake.
>Violet Lotus: Realizations of the Wanderings (your purifying ability)
>Sapphire Lotus: Renunciation (your defensive/shield ability)
>Scarlet Lotus: Realization of Impermanence (an offensive ability)
>Amber Lotus: Moment's Respite from Dukkha (an offensive ability)
>Indigo Lotus: Karmic Touch (an ability used to counter enemies attacks while they're forming)
-
>Let us say we wish to send a Realization of the Wandering at the youma from here. Would it be less draining to create a "remote controlled" version that moves as we wish or would be less draining to make one that goes X amount of feet from where we are toward the door then turns and streaks toward where the statue is, assuming we keep speed and all the other factors the same?
-
>Let us say we wish to send a Realization of the Wandering at the youma from here. Would it be less draining to create a "remote controlled" version that moves as we wish or would be less draining to make one that goes X amount of feet from where we are toward the door then turns and streaks toward where the statue is, assuming we keep speed and all the other factors the same?
>The latter alteration, the beam that goes so far and changes direction only once, should produce less strain and consume less energy than the beam you'd have to control every step of the way. Assuming logic holds true to your particular brand of magic.
-
>Quietly say, "I'm going to try something. Keep your eyes peeled for me."
>Try to make a Realization of the Wandering that arcs so it will through the door, then angle itself toward the youma. Hopefully arcs will be easier since no stopping is involved.
-
>Quietly say, "I'm going to try something. Keep your eyes peeled for me."
>Try to make a Realization of the Wandering that arcs so it will through the door, then angle itself toward the youma. Hopefully arcs will be easier since no stopping is involved.
>Lily nods and straightens herself up, wincing sharply as she does.
>Straightening yourself, you point your scepter towards the door, and narrow your focus on your next attack. When you used your Sapphire Lotus to catch those two humans back at Ran's, the force exerted on your body was quite pronounced. You hope for something a bit more forgiving as you unleash your 'arced' version of your Violet light.
>For a moment, you're simply pleasantly surprised it worked at all, but the shooting pain that flies through your arms, up your chest and across your head makes this feeling disappear. Nevertheless, it DID work.
>Unfortunately, the youma picked that moment to fire as well, the electric buzz of one of its blue lasers discharging sounding. Your shot and its pass by each other at the entryway, its laser striking the end of the first locker corridor, and making a beeline for you.
>Lily, however, is not idle, and stood ready for just such an event. She invokes her leaf shield again, and places herself in front of you to your left with a dash, and intercepts the bouncing blue laser. The leaves turn blue again, but this time, Lily barks out in pain and falls to her knees, drooping, her shield vanishing.
>Your own attack produces a much more dramatic effect, as you sense it strike the youma right at the area concealing its Dark Core. Without its protective shield of black energy, the Core melts under your light, and a brilliant mix of white and violet light burst forth from the door. When the light fades, you head four splashing sounds, like four large things hitting the water covering the floor.
>Lily, breathing heavily, gasps out, "I think... you got it..."
>The dry voice of the purpose rings in your head, Well done, but you must hurry, Hero. The shrine maiden's fear is about to consume her.
-
>Help Lily up.
>"Kiku needs us, let's go."
>Soldier onward, helping Lily as needs be, leaning on her if we need to and it feels like she can take it. Kiku needs us, there's no time to rest. Even if we are completely drained, that is fine. Magic isn't necessary to open one's mind, and that is what we came to do.
-
>Help Lily up.
>"Kiku needs us, let's go."
>Soldier onward, helping Lily as needs be, leaning on her if we need to and it feels like she can take it. Kiku needs us, there's no time to rest. Even if we are completely drained, that is fine. Magic isn't necessary to open one's mind, and that is what we came to do.
>Lowering your scepter, you don't even give yourself a moment to catch your breath, or to let some of the ache in your limbs go away. Kiku needs you, that's all there is to it.
>You take Lily's arm and help her regain her vertical base. She is clutching her ribs again, and looks like a wilted flower. You yourself are aching nearly all over your body, your head throbbing behind your eyes. You feel very tired, drained. And you're still hungry. You sincerely hope that this demon is more reasonable than the last one; the last thing you want is another fight, in more than one way.
>You and Lily both support each other as you head through the entryway to where the youma and the statues were. The youma is truly gone, and the four statues have been replaced by four people- three females and one male. They all appear to be alive, but unconscious. Probably drained of power, like the other youma victims. They'll have to wait; they're safe, for now, and Kiku isn't. Lily makes a noise of surprise as you go past, but says nothing.
>There are two doors within this chamber, the one to your left leading to what seems to be a bathroom, the one to your right leading to the pool, so you head through that door.
>'Pool' is a bit of a misnomer, in this case. The body of water within this large room isn't shaped like a standard swimming pool. It's been styled to look like a small lake, with curves and bends, rather than a rectangular shape. The floor around the pond is actually a mix of sand and gravel, the floor farther out the same tile surface that the locker room has. You note that the ground here is not covered by water, but there are small puddles on the floor and at two places on the wall, as well as what appears to be a large burn on the west wall. A shredded paper charm is near your feet, mute testament to Kiku's battle.
>Kiku herself is on the northwest side of the room, approximately 15 feet away from you. She is on her knees on the tile portion of the floor, her clothes and hair dripping wet, damaged. Several paper charms lie discarded around her. Her body language is that of one completely defeated.
>Floating in front of her is a creature that looks like a nightmarish combination of a snake and a bat. It is a serpentine shape, at least twelve feet long from head to tail, with dull blue scales on its back, its belly scales an off-white. It has two bat-like wings protruding from its back, hovering in place. A spiny crest of long hair-like scales extend from its head.
>Perhaps most disturbingly of all is the small glowing object that hangs in the air between them, the object that Kiku seems transfixed by. A black and yellow ring. By the energy pattern your othersight shows you, it is the same kind of ring that the crazed woman you fought was wearing.
-
>It doesn't matter how battered and beaten we are, to protect our friends, we will fight!
>Blast the bat-snake thing with Realization of Impermanence.
-
>It doesn't matter how battered and beaten we are, to protect our friends, we will fight!
>Blast the bat-snake thing with Realization of Impermanence.
>Don't try this just yet, we don't know if it can be purified by magic.
I think we're dealing with something different. This isn't really a thing that been tainted by an outside power, we're dealing with the outside power itself. There's not really a base state that we can return it to. This one, we're going to have to actually convert for reals with reason and compassion. Thankfully, there is Buddhist precedent for this!
However...I think we can do something to the ring, if needs be.
>Does it seem that Kiku is going to reach for it?
-
>It doesn't matter how battered and beaten we are, to protect our friends, we will fight!
>Blast the bat-snake thing with Realization of Impermanence.
>Don't try this just yet, we don't know if it can be purified by magic.
>You consider blasting the snake thing with your Scarlet light to come to Kiku's defense, but then reconsider, and do nothing.
>Does it seem that Kiku is going to reach for it?
>You would guess so.
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So, it seems we have two real options. One is to try to purify or otherwise disrupt the ring. The other is to try to sway Kiku back to her senses. I am a bit more in favor of the latter, it's less wearying, which is becoming a thing for us, and it's less aggressive, which is going to be important for dealing with Batsnake.
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I say go for the ring.
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Why not just try to draw the batsnake away with an attack, then interpose ourselves between her and the ring, placing the ring between it.
I suspect it's after a new minion, given how we just beat the last one.
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Let's move in and get between Kiku and the ring while purity-beaming the ring.
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I don't think that attacking the batsnake isn't going to work in our favor, given how drained we are at the moment. Also, it would be out of character as the goal isn't to kill it, it's to win it over, and taking violent action isn't going to be condusive to that. Especially since isn't a thing we're going to be able to directly toss a spell at and win like before.
This being said, interposing ourself between Kiku and the ring may work, but I am not certain it would anything for her. It would escalate tensions as well, but that might be inevitable in this situation. I think calling out to her first may be the best thing, if we can break her from this without using up our own power or taking direct action against it, that will be best.
I think another aspect to consider is how we're going to proceed from here. In particular, how do we intend to win this? I personally don't think that punching him until he stops being a bad guy is going to work, and it would be direly out of character for a devout Buddhist. And we're not really in the position to do that, given the last few scuffles we've been in. Nor is there going to be any one spell that's going to make him stop; like I said, the problem wouldn't be corruption in this so much as being the corrupter. So, this leaves us with the basic option of talking it out, and creative spell use to assist with that. I can think of one spell in regards to that which wouldn't be unethical, but it'd be kind of a gamble in a couple ways, so I don't want to start with that.
Anyways, I think the first step is obviously to get Kiku and maybe Lily to safety without making ourself look like hypocrits when we turn around and say, "I've not come to hurt you" afterward. So, interposing would work, certainly, but just calling out to Kiku and hoping we don't even need to purify anything would be better. I think that would be all we need, Kiku's terrified, but she's not dumb. Just having someone there should be enough to snap her out of it to a degree.
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There's just one problem with your statement there, and that problem is this.
"No matter how badly you want it, sometimes you can't reason with everyone."
Now, if this were a Human-Class demon, then maybe there'd be a shot. But this is an Animal-Class one, a Chimera-Type to exact.
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You can reason with anyone who is able to think and understand language. The trick is just understanding them and finding the way to reach them. We know this demon wants something, and we just need to find a way to provide it with that in a manner than is ethical. I am...reasonably sure this is the voice that communicated with us beforehand, so we know it's capable of rationality.
Also, given there's no way that Byakuren wouldn't know the story of Sun Wukong, so being "not-human" wouldn't make a difference. Moreso in her case due to the fact she's not likely to think something being inhuman is a "handicap", recall that in canon, B-dawg was sealed away entirely because she treated youkai well, in an era where they were most definitely not considered people by any stretch.
The trick here is going to be to find an in, and I think we can do this. And if not, well, I can think of a way to use our abilities to create an in, just it'd be risky. What this s just going to take some patience, forethought, and effort.
Also, even in the worst case scenario where talking achieves nothing, we get the advantage of learning from whatever it said, which can be used in the future.
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Who's to say it doesn't want to make Kiku it's slave, and then devour us? Keep in mind that the woman from before was likely it's underling.
And I don't know about you, but if I were a demon who'd just lost an underling to some broad in a sailor suit or somesuch, I'd want to get a new one as soon as possible, preferably one close to said person, so as to make defeating her easier.
Like it or not, sometimes action is the only way. I may not be near as old as you, but even my few years of experience has taught me this.
And like it or not, if we screw up here, Kiku will end up being one of them.
EDIT: And for what it's worth, being 'Reasonably sure' doesn't exactly instill me with confidence in your plan.
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Indeed, this is why I am saying we should be trying to reach out to Kiku first. I never said not to do this. My point is we should be trying to affect Kiku, rather than it right now. I never suggested otherwise, and am wondering why you seem to think I have?
My point is we're going to need to consider our action in terms of a larger plan so we don't kneecap ourselves before we start. Which is why I am suggesting we should be trying to reach Kiku rather than strike out against it or the ring at this time. It will do less to hamper the longer term goals. If trying to reach her doesn't get results, then definitely we'll try to affect the ring next.
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Well, I've got no problem with bringing Kiku around, but the batsnake's gotta go.
Also, this only just occurred to me, but did you ever consider that the voice from before could have been the Disk we just pasted with the Indirect Shot?
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That's a point, I hadn't considered it might be the youma. But, given what we've seen of youma so far, the voice seemed to be too composed for that. Particularly since that particular youma seemed more silently hostile than the rest we've seen.
We'll deal with batsnake, yeah. But "gotta go" is not really Byakuren style thinking. But when we're done, one way or another, it'll be handled. Anyways, if you're in agreement on the next step (and please stop me if you aren't)...
>"Kiku! Don't!"
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>But first get between her and the ring.
>"We're here to help you Kiku. No matter what."
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Oops, forgot that!
>Get between her if she doesn't stop. Get beside her if she does. It's easier to communicate when she's not going to have to talk to our booty, and we're not blocking her view of the probably dangerous snake thing.
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Purvis, you're really taking the whole pacifism thing way too far. At this point, you've been all but bashed over the head with the concept that talking just isn't going to work, and we don't have any choice but to fight. If you want to talk, wait until the fight's over and the danger has passed. Or try to talk first, but when the battle begins, that's a bad time for talking.
>Purity beam the damn ring.
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>Purity beam the damn ring.
>Don't do this
Guy, that's what we're hoping to do, keep the battle from beginning. This is why we're taking the route of less escalation. What you're suggesting is pretty much the equivalent of cowboying into a hostage negotiation. Let's not sabotage things before we even start. And yes, Byakuren would try this. Because she is Byakuren, because she is a devout follower of an ideology that directly addresses this thing, one who was devout enough in doing what was right over what was convenient enough to get sealed away for it.
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And what was right in that case involved a significant deception. Now, I'm not exactly an expert on Buddhism, but for some reason I don't think lying is something Buddhists generally approve of. In this case, what's right involves protecting the world from demonic invaders. Fighting is going to be a necessity.
Also, what the hell do you mean the battle hasn't started yet? We've been fighting for several pages.
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No, we've been fighting obstacles and servants. We've not really raised a hand against it, nor it against us just yet. Fighting it may be a necessity. We may be forced into it. That still means we are obligated, by the character's own personality, to attempt the higher path earnestly. Also, it's pretty fallacious to put deception for the sake of peace in a society that wouldn't tolerate the truth on the same level as preemptive violence.
In short, try to think a bit more ICly before coming up with actions and putting them down. Particularly when the other players have already discussed this and agreed on it.
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Um, no, Hanzo pretty clearly does not agree with you on this issue. All you two agreed on was making sure the ring doesn't get to Kiku.
Also, even if you count the actions of its servants as seperate (which I don't, since it was behind their actions and, as such, was attacking us through them), it's pretty clearly attacking Kiku (mentally attacking, but still attacking). I did just have a different idea, though.
>Purity beam Kiku. Hopefull, that'll snap her out of her trance.
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>Before acting on that, have we seen any evidence that Kiku is under any corruption, as opposed to just highly stressed?
Taking this to PM now.
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Oh yeah, consider this.
We were attacked by Snakebombs. What's a component of this Chimera-Type? SNAKE.
I'm 100% willing to bet it's already attacked us from beyond sight.
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That is a possibility. Lily didn't really comment on an origin, she just said, "Not the snakes again."
I wouldn't assume they came from the demon itself at this point, but it's certainly a good thing to keep in mind. Good lookin' out, Hanzo.
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It's a logical conclusion. Byakuren's also the sort who would logically come to that conclusion.
Also consider that in canon, Byakuren's classification aside from Magician, is that of Buddhist Monk.
Those guys, while known for being peaceful, will also jump into combat if need be.
Byakuren herself also comes across as the sort who, when it gets right down to it, will fight if need be. And right now Kiku's in danger, which is a very valid reason to fight.
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It's a logical conclusion, but one with no real proof behind it yet, which is why it shouldn't be acted on yet, given the circumstances. But definitely a good thing to keep in mind.
As for the latter point, I would say it's more of a valid reason to save Kiku than to fight. Obviously, if one requires the other, than so be it. But just doing it immediately isn't a thing that would be done. There's kinda a wide range of monks, so it's a bit more complicated than what you say, but generally speaking, aside from temple soldiers like Sohei (troops who shaved their heads, became 'monks', then did military stuff on behalf of temples seeking poltical power during the warring states period) violence is eschewed as a first or second resort.
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I would say Byakuren falls under a subtype of Sohei. Seeing as how she did fight to being about peace.
There's a difference between fighting for no reason, and fighting to bring about peace.
The latter of which being what we're gunning for.
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Actually, Sohei were pretty much only a step removed from mercenaries. They were literally just shaved their head, and that was all the nod they gave toward their monastic order. They were literally just the Japanese equivalent of papal armies in Italy, existing entirely to enforce a political will. I am pretty sure the only reason the head shaving to dodge legal requirements that temples couldn't have armies.
But I get what you're saying. Just history.
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I would agree with not using violence as a first resort. The martial arts developed by the monks were meant for self-defense, and I would think Byakuren would share that attitude. The thing is that we've already been attacked, and yes, it was servants that attacked us, but the demon was the one responsible. I guess that if you want to give it one more try, then go ahead, but if it strikes at us, we likely will need to fight back.
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I largely agree. Shall we go back to calling out to Kiku and getting to her side/front as situation dictates, then? Or would you prefer to see if Sour suggests purifying her might do some good?
(Also, as I understand it, the martial arts in regards to monastics were for body discipline primarily, and you're really not supposed to use them. This is why there are so many weird and impractical martial arts weapons like the kama and the lajatang; to serve as a training and discipline aid)
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I'm for the latter. We purify the ring, and it might just result in a new ally like I've been suspecting.
Plus, it'll keep Kiku out of the demon's hands.
(Also, said martial arts ended up being surprisingly useful when people wouldn't listen to reason, and got belligerent/violent. Whcih is what most, if not all demons are. Just look at how the one lady was. And she wasn't even a Demon, she was just a Demonslave.)
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(Hanzo's right. Martial arts were used as a form of self-defense by monks who had sworn off the use of weapons, which, naturally, made them otherwise easy targets for bandits and other criminals.)
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I maintain that's too aggressive at this point, but I suppose I can yield. Just, it's going to make actually trying future non-violent action on the big guy harder. And, I think we can trust Kiku to do the right thing if knows she's not alone.
And the self defense part was a secondary thing, not a primary one, is my point.
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So, are we in agreement then?
The plan is as follows. We get between Kiku and the Ring, or get beside Kiku, and then purify said ring.
If Mr. Batty-Hiss-Hiss doesn't like it, then he'll get a taste of purification himself.
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Let's focus on getting by Kiku and getting her attention, then figure out the next step. Best to treat it like a hostage negotiation; don't want to startle the mark. I don't believe purifying the bat will do much, I think he's less corrupted than a source of corruption. That is, he doesn't really have an uncorrupted state as of right now. But I've got plans for that,
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Figure of speech.
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Ah, right.
>"Kiku, stop!"
>Dash toward her. If she stops, get to her side. If she does not, interpose ourself between her and the ring.
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>"I'm right here with you Kiku!"
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Just one small issue, before I can parse the reply to those two last commands. A while back, there were also these commands,
>Have we seen any evidence that Kiku is under any corruption, as opposed to just highly stressed?
>Purity beam Kiku. Hopefull, that'll snap her out of her trance.
Did you still want to try and purify Kiku, if you sense the Demon connected to her, or corrupting her?
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>Yes. It shouldn't harm her anyways.
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>Before we do, does it seem like she's corrupted?
Time is kind of a limited resource, and it seems energy is as well. So I don't think it's a good idea immediately unless it seems necessary. Kiku's a strong woman, I think she can fight her demons if things aren't hopeless.
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He did stipulate 'if we sense she's being corrupted, or otherwise being influenced by the demon'.
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Whoops...
Yeah, if we detect anything, go for it.
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>"Kiku, stop!"
>Dash toward her. If she stops, get to her side. If she does not, interpose ourself between her and the ring.
>"I'm right here with you Kiku!"
>Shouting to Kiku, you disengage yourself from Lily and make haste to put yourself between Kiku and the evil ring floating before her. Lily follows behind you, but not quite as fast; you're obviously in better shape than her, despite the pain and the fatigue gripping your body. She does activate her shield, however.
>"Leave her alone, you flying creep!" Lily cries.
>Kiku takes no notice of either your presence, or your words of support, her empty eyes remaining transfixed on the ring before her. Based on appearances, you'd guess the only reason she's not wearing it already is because she doesn't have the energy to raise her arm.
>The demon, however, does react, and places itself between you and Kiku, sinuously slithering through the air. You practically skid to a halt about 4 feet in front of it, rather than run into its scaled belly.
>"You destroyed my youma, Terrans." The demon's voice is a sibilant snarl floating through the air, and its words make the air reek before it. "I shall have to start again somewhere else. But you did provide me this excellent replacement for my flawed servant, which grants you the opportunity to escape my wrath. Flee now, or submit. Your resistance is as pointless as that former shrine maidens'".
>Have we seen any evidence that Kiku is under any corruption, as opposed to just highly stressed?
>Your Othersight reveals a slight.... well, like an oil slick, really, on Kiku's mind. It's faint, but distinct. You're not certain exactly what it is, or what it's doing, but it is definitely demonic in origin. Whatever it did, or is doing, can't be doing Kiku any good.
>Purity beam Kiku. Hopefull, that'll snap her out of her trance.
>You take a step to the side of the flying snake and point your scepter at Kiku. The winged serpent is blocking your shot at the ring floating there, but you can still get a clear shot at the tiger youkai, and unleash your violet light, hoping to scrub that blotch from her mind and bring her back to her senses. The winged snake's eye follows your movement, while its other eye stays locked on Lily, but it makes no effort to stop you firing on Kiku. A short burst, this time, as your energy is running a bit low, hopefully that will be sufficient.
>You succeed in wiping the black stain from Kiku's mind, it fades instantly. Unfortunately, this has no outward effect on the defeated miko. She remains on her keens, her eyes empty, her position one of utter defeat.
>However, a strange sensation flows back into you through the violet light of your attack. Somehow, touching Kiku's mind with your light allowed you to see her emotions. She is completely overwhelmed by fear, consumed by despair. The demon showed her its world, showed her its power. The demon challenged her in combat, she pitted everything she had trained for for over a decade against it, and barely scratched the scales on its wing. She was completely outclassed, helpless on her own against such power. She had been afraid that her power wasn't going to be enough, and she was right, or so she believes. She was a fool to hope, a fool to believe she could make a difference. A fool to think the world could be saved. She was afraid of failure, and she was right to be. She was afraid of letting down her sisters, and she was right to be. And, oddest of all, she was afraid of you.
>And at that last thought, seeing her fear of you, your ring reacts with that same 'pinging' feeling you've felt before. Only this time, it is accompanied by a faint yellow light shining from the jewel inlaid therein.
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>"Sorry, but I do not submit to those who would harm my friends! Nor will I run from protecting them!"
So, where do we go from here? All it's done is give us terms of surrender, or retreat.
Which, as you know, is not an option. Like hell we're leaving Kiku in the lurch.
I'm thinking we need to snap Kiku outta this funk somehow.
Also, a little hint. There is a certain word that is Japanese for Chrysanthemum. This will explain the ping I do believe.
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Proposal.
>For now, let's not snark at Snakebat. Too many more important things to do.
>If we can feel Kiku, perhaps she can feel us.
>Try to let her know, with feelings rather than words, that we're still here, even if she's afraid. Nor is there any shame in being afraid. We too are afraid. Reassure her that she is not alone, and that there is still much she can do. Reassure her that there is more to strength then the ability to attack and defend. Let her know that we have seen the world of blackness as well, and we know how to stop it. Not just now, now and forever.
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Not intending it as snark, but Heroic Defiance.
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Heroes are for the Norse and the Youmus. I can dig it.
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>"Sorry, but I do not submit to those who would harm my friends! Nor will I run from protecting them!"
>"Damn right!" Lily declares. "I don't care how much power you have, we're not going anywhere without Kiku!"
>The winged snake does not seem fazed by your defiance.
>If we can feel Kiku, perhaps she can feel us.
>Try to let her know, with feelings rather than words, that we're still here, even if she's afraid. Nor is there any shame in being afraid. We too are afraid. Reassure her that she is not alone, and that there is still much she can do. Reassure her that there is more to strength then the ability to attack and defend. Let her know that we have seen the world of blackness as well, and we know how to stop it. Not just now, now and forever.
>Although your ring is reacting to Kiku, the sense of her emotions disappeared when your Violet Lotus attack faded. You try to send out your emotional strength to Kiku, but if your thoughts reach her, her reaction is not what you would have hoped. The tiger youkai's head swings slowly back and forth, a pitiful sight. "Just go... It's pointless to fight..." her voice is hollow, sunken in despair.
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Well, looks like we've got one of two options.
We smack her across the face and provide morale bolstering(The Captain Bright Method), or we take down big'n'ugly here.
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>"Lily, cover me!"
>Get to Kiku. Bring up a barrier and charge in. Try to duck around the demon, but if we can't, then charge right at it and roll under it. And if that doesn't work, purity beam it. It probably won't have much effect, since this isn't a corrupted object or person, but hopefully it'll at least buy us the instant we need to get around the thing.
>When we reach Kiku, press the ring against her skin.
>"This isn't over yet, Kiku. We're not leaving you to this thing. I know you can fight it, so fight it. But you don't have to fight it alone. We're here with you, and we will all face this together."
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>Our ring, not the one the demon's trying to give.
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>"Lily, cover me!"
>Get to Kiku. Bring up a barrier and charge in. Try to duck around the demon, but if we can't, then charge right at it and roll under it. And if that doesn't work, purity beam it. It probably won't have much effect, since this isn't a corrupted object or person, but hopefully it'll at least buy us the instant we need to get around the thing.
>When we reach Kiku, press the ring against her skin.
>"This isn't over yet, Kiku. We're not leaving you to this thing. I know you can fight it, so fight it. But you don't have to fight it alone. We're here with you, and we will all face this together."
>Our ring, not the one the demon's trying to give.
>Lowering your scepter, you wrap yourself in a blue shield and try to get around the demon, who, predictably, slithers sideways to intercept you again. It's hideous yellow eyes fixate on you, but it doesn't have a chance to do anything to you before Magical Lily cries out, "Lily Petal Cyclone!" A swirling cloud of multicolored flower petals flashes in from the side and envelops the winged snake, drawing an angry hiss from the monster.
>Seizing your opportunity, you dash as quickly as you can around the large creature, even as Lily shouts, "I don't think it's gonna hold long!". Despite the burning sensation in your legs, you sprint the remaining two feet between you and Kiku, who still fails to acknowledge your presence. You reach her side just as you hear a thunderous hissing roar, and mighty blast of force erupts from behind you. Obviously Lily was right, but she bought you enough time to press your ring into her bare shoulder, your shield lowering in the process.
>You can sense her fear again, but this time, one specific fear is louder than all the others. "I was afraid of you, more than I was afraid of anything else this day. My whole life. I've prepared for the day when I would confront and defeat evil powers. And then I met you, someone with no training, no practice, and I knew you could do what I could do. Maybe better than I could. I was afraid. Afraid that I would become meaningless, that my life was nothing but a waste. That anything I could do would be unnecessary with you around. I was afraid you would make me pointless, make my life a lie. I was already losing my sisters to the Eagle, and then you were there to do what I was born to do, but better. I was afraid that your existence would take away the thing that gave my life purpose."
>It only takes an instant for you to sense that fear in Kiku, but that sense is so absorbing, you lose sense of the world around you until a heavy object strikes you across the back with tremendous force. You scream, a cry that was forced from your body by the horrendous blow you took, as you fly through the air at least several feet, smacking into the gravel and sand around the pool and rolling and skidding at least a foot more.
>You hear Lily cry your name, but her voice is drowned out by a sound like a massive water cannon discharging.
>Despite the haze of pain you find yourself in, you can sense a solid connection where none was there before. The fear of you in Kiku's heart is a connection to your own heart, focused through your ring, just as Lily's love created a connection as well. The yellow glow in the jewel of your ring grows brighter.
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Remember when I said the best way to do this was to treat things like hostage negotiations and not escalate things? Yeah. But worse comes to worst, we come to the gambit.
>What's going on around us? Are we or the others in immediate danger?
>Don't bother with words, rather, know that that there is more to strength than mere power to attack and defend, more to it than devotion to the correct path. And that is something she has, if she came despite her fears, despite her insecurities. And she proved to us that she isn't useless before, she helped us save many people before, with less conflict than necessary. And that is a treasure without price.
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>What's going on around us? Are we or the others in immediate danger?
>Don't bother with words, rather, know that that there is more to strength than mere power to attack and defend, more to it than devotion to the correct path. And that is something she has, if she came despite her fears, despite her insecurities. And she proved to us that she isn't useless before, she helped us save many people before, with less conflict than necessary. And that is a treasure without price.
>Raising your head proves to be a bit of an effort, but you need an update on your friends. The flying snake is hovering next to Kiku again, who seems outwardly unchanged. Lily is at least two feet closer to the entrance than she was before, a small puddle of water around her. She is trying to move, but she looks to be in worse shape than you.
>"Doesn't matter..." Kiku mutters as you send her your message of quiet strength. "Will end soon..."
>"That's right..." The demon whispers its sibilant hiss. "Your strength is meaningless. Their strength is meaningless. They'll fail, just as you failed. Giving in is all you can do.
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>Try to stand.
>Mentally send her the words: "It needs you to give in, Kiku. If your strength was without meaning, it wouldn't bother to convince you. It would just ignore you, as we ignore all things without meaning. It needs you to surrender to it, because otherwise you are a danger to it and the darkness it wants to bring."
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>Try to stand.
>Mentally send her the words: "It needs you to give in, Kiku. If your strength was without meaning, it wouldn't bother to convince you. It would just ignore you, as we ignore all things without meaning. It needs you to surrender to it, because otherwise you are a danger to it and the darkness it wants to bring."
>With a grunt and a strain, you pull yourself back to all fours. It feels like you got cracked across the back by a whole baseball team, never mind just one bat. It takes you several long seconds to get back to a standing position, and even then, you slouch forward a bit.
>"No danger..." Kiku murmurs. "Only the inevitable."
>The winged serpent fixes its hideous eyes on you again. "You're in communication with my new slave, somehow, aren't you? Even after a hit like that. I could make great use of you. I will find you again, before the end. You will learn, as this one has learned. We are inevitable.
>Behind her, you see Lily starting to stir as well, rolling on to her side with an audible strain.
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>Let's not pay Serpentor's words any mind now.
>Instead, mentally address Kiku: "It is only inevitable when you do not stand against them. Even though you fell, others came. And with others, you can stand again. And when we fall, with your help, we can stand again. The darknesses wishes you to believe you are alone, it needs you to yield to it. If you do not yield, then you are a light that shines against it. It needs people to yield to it to win. Do not yield to it, and yours will be a light that shines against it.
>"Do not think in terms in simple might, that is what it wants you to think. That is not what the Metal Tiger has taught you; there's more to strength than mere might, don't let the darkness cause you to forget it. Stand with us, and we will support you as you face your fears, and you will support us."
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>Let's not pay Serpentor's words any mind now.
>Instead, mentally address Kiku: "It is only inevitable when you do not stand against them. Even though you fell, others came. And with others, you can stand again. And when we fall, with your help, we can stand again. The darknesses wishes you to believe you are alone, it needs you to yield to it. If you do not yield, then you are a light that shines against it. It needs people to yield to it to win. Do not yield to it, and yours will be a light that shines against it.
>"Do not think in terms in simple might, that is what it wants you to think. That is not what the Metal Tiger has taught you; there's more to strength than mere might, don't let the darkness cause you to forget it. Stand with us, and we will support you as you face your fears, and you will support us."
>Ignoring the demonic serpents' taunts, you continue to throw your support at Kiku, trying to break through the wall of despair around her. And though you're not certain what, exactly, it was that you said, something you said made your ring pulse with energy, sending a jolt through your own body.
>"What was that?" the batsnake hisses aloud, as a beam of light emerges from the jewel of your ring. When this light fades, a new ring floats above yours. This one is gold colored, its gemstone a vibrant orange. The snake's eyes narrow and it hisses again, a sinister sound.
>The golden ring hovers over yours for a couple of seconds, before flying away from you, towards Kiku. You and the Batsnake track the ring's flight as it heads towards the yellow ring created by the demon, and stops alongside it. The two rings hang in the air in front of the beleaguered tiger youkai, the demonic yellow ring to her left, the shining gold ring to her right.
>Kiku herself, however, does not reach out for the Light ring, as Lily did before. Nor, however, does she reach out for the Dark ring. Her eyes are fixed between the two, uncertain.
>The demonic serpent speaks again, to you, not to Kiku, Go find your own slave, Terran. This one belongs to me. You can have the one you proved flawed earlier, until I claim you both.
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>Pay no mind to Serpentor, save for watching him for bad things.
>Instead, just give Kiku our mental support. She doesn't have to choose to take our ring, we just don't want her to take the other. We're worried about her well being, not looking to draft her like some soldier. The Buddha does not approve of coercion.
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>Pay no mind to Serpentor, save for watching him for bad things.
>Instead, just give Kiku our mental support. She doesn't have to choose to take our ring, we just don't want her to take the other. We're worried about her well being, not looking to draft her like some soldier. The Buddha does not approve of coercion.
>Ignoring the demon yet again (you wonder if that's starting to annoy it), you continue to try and support Kiku, but for whatever reason, you do not encourage her to claim the power of Light.
>The tiger youkai lowers her head. "Light fades...."
>"And darkness swallows." the demon hisses. "Darkness is the fate of this world. Fighting us is pointless. You will serve. I have use for you, and you will serve."
>"I will.... serve...." Kiku murmurs, her voice barely a whisper, and she begins to raise her left arm.
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>"Kiku...I know we haven't known each other very long, but I consider you a friend. And what this demon wants of you is not a friend, but a slave. I know that you're better than that. Overcome your fear, and embrace the light!"
Yeah, I'm about ready to blast the Demon. At this rate we'll lose Kiku.
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>"Kiku...I know we haven't known each other very long, but I consider you a friend. And what this demon wants of you is not a friend, but a slave. I know that you're better than that. Overcome your fear, and embrace the light!"
>"Friends...." the youkai pauses, just for an instant, then continues her motion.
>"Friends are nothing. Light is nothing. Darkness will fall upon this world, and you will not stop it."
>"Kiku....!" Lily's voice emerges. Unbeknownst to all, far behind the winged snake, Lily has somehow managed to get back to her knees. Soaking wet, but still active. Her despairing cry rings out, "Kiku.... Don't abandon your Sisters!"
>Kiku pauses her arm again. This time, it does not continue. "Sisters... Friends..." she whispers, her voice still that of one who is lost, desperately seeking the way home.
>The demon's answering hiss is a slow, evil thing, and it slowly rotates in the air, turning to face your winged friend.
-
>"Kiku, we're here for you, and we'll make sure you get back to your sisters, because we're your friends! And that is what friends do!"
>Get ready to blast the snakebat if he attempts to attack Lily.
-
Don't blast the demon, it'll just blast us back and we're not in a condition to deal with it.
>Continue to speak with Kiku mentally. "Do you see how you're confounding it, Kiku? It fears you. It fears what you can do. That's why it wants you to yield to it, it cannot control you once you say no to it. Say no to it. Defy it. Defy the fear. Stand strong with your sisters, with your friends. With every thing that draws breath and continues to live. I know you can do it. You can join us or you can walk away, either is fine and we'll still support you. Just don't yield to the fear, when you can that it too fears you."
-
We also have to protect Lily though too, it's heading after her y'know.
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>"Kiku, we're here for you, and we'll make sure you get back to your sisters, because we're your friends! And that is what friends do!"
>Get ready to blast the snakebat if he attempts to attack Lily.
>Continue to speak with Kiku mentally. "Do you see how you're confounding it, Kiku? It fears you. It fears what you can do. That's why it wants you to yield to it, it cannot control you once you say no to it. Say no to it. Defy it. Defy the fear. Stand strong with your sisters, with your friends. With every thing that draws breath and continues to live. I know you can do it. You can join us or you can walk away, either is fine and we'll still support you. Just don't yield to the fear, when you can that it too fears you."
>Slowly hefting your scepter, in case the Batsnake attacks Lily, you continue to support Kiku, but with your words and your thoughts. Her left arm does not lower, but her hand closes, then opens a little, closes again. The empty, hollow look on her face shakes, for an instant showing the turmoil the young woman's in.
>Lily's voice joins yours, "Chie, Koko, Risa...! Mayumi, Anya..! They need you, Kiku! They need you to fight for them!"
"Be silent, Terran." the demon snarls, completing its slow rotation towards Lily. The batsnake opens its mouth partially, and you can see raw electricity cracking out of the corners of its maw. It seems to be charging a lightning blast.
-
>Grab Kiku in a comforting embrace. "We're here for you, never forget that..."
>Hit the batsnake up with a dose of Indigo Lotus: Karmic Touch!
No reason we can't make it use it's own energy to best it, eh? This move is pretty energy-efficient after all.
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Interrupts are fine too.
>Don't quite embrace her yet. Don't want her to think we're trying to wrestle her choice away or something. Just put our hands on her shoulders for now.
>Mentally tell Kiku. "It's alright to be afraid, but you can master it. That is all that stops you from returning to us. That is all that stops you from stopping the darkness. Make that fear your inspiration, not your master. Let it guide you toward the right path, toward the path that shines against the darkness. Be strong. For those you love, for those you wish to save, for yourself."
-
Something to keep in mind though.
The embrace is meant as a means to comfort her, bring her back to her senses, and bolster her. Show her someone cares.
-
>Hit the batsnake up with a dose of Indigo Lotus: Karmic Touch!
>Expecting the demon to launch an attack of some kind against Lily, you are more than prepared to unleash your Indigo light upon the thing before it can fire. And just as well, too, because Lily's in no shape to be dodging much of anything, much less lightning breath.
>Your light strikes the winged serpent in the back, mere seconds before the thing exhales. The lightning, however, does not exit the demons body, but strikes the indigo light surrounding it, partially dispelling it, partially turning it back on its owner. This has the effect of the demon, essentially, shocking the bajeezus out of itself, coronal electricity surrounding it like something out of a cartoon. The sound is terrible to your ears, but fortunately, the electricity does not touch the nearby Kiku.
>When the demon's electricity subsides, the creature, its body smoking, sags to the ground, upright but clearly stunned.
>Grab Kiku in a comforting embrace. "We're here for you, never forget that..."
>Don't quite embrace her yet. Don't want her to think we're trying to wrestle her choice away or something. Just put our hands on her shoulders for now.
>Mentally tell Kiku. "It's alright to be afraid, but you can master it. That is all that stops you from returning to us. That is all that stops you from stopping the darkness. Make that fear your inspiration, not your master. Let it guide you toward the right path, toward the path that shines against the darkness. Be strong. For those you love, for those you wish to save, for yourself."
>With the flying snake taken care of, at least for now, you quickly cross the feet of distance between you and Kiku, and lay your hands comfortingly upon her shoulders.
>Kiku closes her left hand once again, and though she does not lower it, her face contorts, and her eyes finally show emotion. The pain and the despair you see in her face, in her eyes, nearly breaks your heart. Here is a woman whose first foray into something she'd spent essentially her whole life preparing for ended in, to her, utter failure, complete defeat. The woman needs a hug, which you are happy to oblige.
>"Do you know what I was most afraid of...?" she says, her voice still quiet, still tired, but finally showing emotion again. "I was afraid for them. For my sisters. That I had failed them. That my weakness meant their doom. That I wasn't good enough to keep them safe." She turns her eyes to you, her fear so strong, her despair still palpable, but in her eyes, you see the glimmer of a desperate hope. "Does the Light truly have a chance against such power?" She wants to believe it, you discern. Desperately wants to believe it.
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Of course. Darkness is merely the absence of Light. And just as the sun rises to drive away the night, so too can we rise again to conquer our fears."
-
>"Yes."
>"Of course. Darkness is merely the absence of Light. And just as the sun rises to drive away the night, so too can we rise again to conquer our fears."
>Kiku closes her eyes and draws her left hand in, away from the evil ring, and places it on your right arm, grasping it for reassurance. "I'm still afraid." she whispers. Releasing your arm, she opens her eyes again, and though there is still fear there, there is also a determination. "But I cannot let my Sisters suffer because of that fear." Gently, she pushes you away, and you disengage your arms from her body. She stands, defiant against the demon now beginning to stir by her side, and thrusts out her right arm.
>"I choose the light!"
>The golden ring generated by yours moves of its own accord, and flits forward, settling on her ring finger. The tiger youkai reels her hand back in and clenches her fist, eyeing the jewelery on her hand. She turns her head to say something to you, but stops, her mouth dropping open in surprise. "YOU? You are-?" Her mouth snaps shut. "Never mind that now." She half turns to her side, then takes a couple of steps backwards, away from the demon's form. "We're not finished yet." She produces a talisman paper from her torn miko robes, and holds it to her side in her left hand. "Lily?" she calls out.
>"Still here..." the winged blonde replies, hunched over but still standing.
-
>Smile warmly. "There will be time for 'introductions' after we've dealt with things here, wouldn't you say? Now, you should be able to find the words to attain a form like the one Lily and myself have. And together, we'll drive away the darkness."
>Let's keep an eye on big'n'scaly while Kiku finds the words, and Lily pulls herself together.
>"Oh, a nice little feature of the Rings is that they also behave as communicators, like those talismans."
-
>Smile warmly. "There will be time for 'introductions' after we've dealt with things here, wouldn't you say? Now, you should be able to find the words to attain a form like the one Lily and myself have. And together, we'll drive away the darkness."
>Let's keep an eye on big'n'scaly while Kiku finds the words, and Lily pulls herself together.
>"Oh, a nice little feature of the Rings is that they also behave as communicators, like those talismans."
>Kiku nods and looks at her ring. "A form? Like y- Wait... Yes, there it is. But will my magic work like that?" She shakes her head. "Doesn't matter." She throws her right hand towards the sky and cries, "Chrysanthemum Purity Ascention!" The youkai's body emits a golden glow, and a yellow light, like liquid metal turned into pure energy, cascades down over her whole body. The light 'solidifies' over her hands, revealing fingerless yellow gloves with thin black stripes at the wrists, a chrysanthemum stitched on the back of the left glove. Similarly colored boots appear over her feet, banded at the ankles, the flower on the heel of the right boot. The light on her legs and lower torso solidify into a shorter version of her miko skirt, colored a brilliant silver with a golden hem. A bright gold ribbon, tied at the back, encircles her waist, two ends trailing down to drape to the left and right of her tail. Her chest and upper torso are covered by a sleeveless miko's haori. An orange and black striped choker appears around her neck, with a stylized chrysanthemum pinned to the left side of it.
>The sickly yellow ring created by the demon shatters like glass, the pieces falling harmlessly to the floor.
>Her transformation complete, you feel a surge in energy flow through your ring and throughout your body. You're still wracked with pain from all your previous battles, but a part of the fatigue you've built up leaves you. From the way Lily straightens, and the way Kiku exhales sharply, you think they experienced something similar. But you also have a sense that this rush of energy won't last long.
>The giant serpent beats its wings twice, slowly, its scales no longer steaming, and it returns to the air. It has half turned towards you and Magical Chrysanthe (the whole flower's a mouthful to type all the time), while the other eye is fixed on Lily. If it wasn't mad before, it's definitely mad now.
-
>Look to Chrysanthe with an impressed and warm smile. "Now, let's see how it can handle us when we're united as one! You should be able to find the words for an ability, such as my 'Amber Lotus: Moment's Respite from Dukkha'."
>In fact, let's fire that off at big'n'scaly. It's already shown it intends to harm our friends.
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>Look to Chrysanthe with an impressed and warm smile. "Now, let's see how it can handle us when we're united as one! You should be able to find the words for an ability, such as my 'Amber Lotus: Moment's Respite from Dukkha'."
>In fact, let's fire that off at big'n'scaly. It's already shown it intends to harm our friends.
>The Amber Lotus attack was used previously to break the crazed woman's power over water, which was channeled by her ring through tethers of energy.
>The demon has no such energy tethers present, nor does it seem to have any active powers outside its own body that you can detect. In this case, you're not sure what effect, if any, your Amber light will have on it. Did you still wish to employ this attack?
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(Well, maybe you should list conditions along with how the attack works? It gets to be a pain having to plow through an entire thread to see what an attack we've used in the past does.)
>Applicable Attacks then?
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(Well, maybe you should list conditions along with how the attack works? It gets to be a pain having to plow through an entire thread to see what an attack we've used in the past does.)
>Applicable Attacks then?
Perhaps you're right. An oversight on my part.
>You've proven that your Sapphire Lotus's shape can be altered. You could employ this to try and cage the demon somehow, but given its demonstrated strength, and your own energy levels, a shield of this nature would last seconds, if that, and may well consume whatever energy you have left. And it would cause you great pain, at the very least.
>Indigo Lotus has already proven effective, and Amber Lotus may as well, but at the moment, the demon is doing nothing to indicate vulnerability to those attacks.
>Of the other two attacks you've employed, the only one you're certain would affect the demon at the moment would be Scarlet Lotus: Realization of Impermanence, a more straightforward offensive attack than Amber Lotus.
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>Then let's hit it with a dose of Realization of Impermanence then!
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>Then let's hit it with a dose of Realization of Impermanence then!
>"You will accomplish nothing." the demon hisses, its voice slower, more measured than before, as it gains elevation slowly.
>"Yeah? Well, we're not beat yet!" Lily throws the demons taunt back in its face.
>To emphasize the point, your raise your scepter and invoke Scarlet light, discharging a stream of white and red globes at the winged serpent. The beast turns on you in response, and opens its mouth again, and an answering stream of grey bubbles of liquid fly forth, the color of lead. The two streams meet in mid-air, each globe bursting against each other with a terrible popping sound, more like gunshots striking metal than anything else. You had a headache before, and somehow this racket is giving you another one.
>Lily starts to run towards you, invoking her shield once again, while out of the corner of your eye, you see Kiku grin. "Mistake." she says simply, and raises her right arm towards the competing streams of matter between you and the demon, the charm in her left hand glowing a soft light. With each water bubble of the demons that bursts, the material was simply disappearing. Now, however, the grey liquid remains, and flies down from the stream, gathering in front of Kiku's hand in a growing sphere of liquid metal. "With this new power, my control over metal is even greater!"
>The demon, apparently grasping the danger of this development, abandons its attack and slithers sideways and up, evading most of the last bits of your attack, but a pair of red globes catch it on the tail, drawing a faint hiss from the winged serpent.
>"You won't escape!" Kiku bellows, and the metallic liquid splits into nearly two dozen projectiles, like missiles, flying up and after the flying snake.
>Lily practically skids to a halt in front of you. "Lotus, charge my shield!"
-
>How do we do that again?
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>How do we do that again?
>When you've seen Lily's shield 'charged' before, it was by an enemy attack striking it. By that logic, it sounds like she's asking you to attack her.
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>Nod. "Alright! We'll take it down together!"
>Try another Realization of Impermanence? But just enough to get her charged.
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>Nod. "Alright! We'll take it down together!"
>Try another Realization of Impermanence? But just enough to get her charged.
>Lily grins and nods as Chrysanthe's missiles fly. The batsnake seems more agile than its size would indicate, weaving and rolling around the majority of the metal. The demon, however, gave your newest partner too much material to work with, and proves unable to dodge them all. The second last metal missile strikes the batsnake in its body below where its wings meet its body, skewering the thing. The demon falters, and the last missile strikes it where one of your Scarlet light orbs hit it, this one striking the demon and disappearing.
>The demon's pained howl almost drowns out your invocation, and you employ the Scarlet light again, but only the bare minimum that you can. You want to charge Lily's shield, not pop it. A scant five globes of power fly forth from your scepter and strike Lily's leaf shield, the blonde girl wincing slightly at the impact. Your energy causes the big leaves circling her to change to a matching red.
>"I think just punching it woulda worked too, but this'll get the job done." Lily grins at you.
>"Look out!" comes a warning cry from Chrysanthe, as she begins moving laterally to her left. The demon, recovering from your new partners' attack, has gone on the offensive, beating its wings while hovering, sending forth multiple flying blades of dark blue energy, trailing drops of liquid behind them. Lily turns to her left and starts to move towards the demon, with Chrysanthe moving to its right.
>Four of the blades are an immediate threat to you, one flying towards the left side of your body, one behind it and targeted at the right side of your body. There is a blade in front of them slightly to your left, and a fourth blade behind and between the two aimed at you.
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>Would we be able to hit all four of them with a wide-angle purification beam?
>Would that work to dispel them?
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>Would we be able to hit all four of them with a wide-angle purification beam?
>Would that work to dispel them?
>This is possible, though it would consume more energy than a normal use of your Violet light.
>Your Violet light worked to counter the energy aspect of the attack used by the demon's servant against you and Lily. It is possible that it would also work against this energy attack as well. The risk would be in if your light is not strong enough to overcome the demon's energy. It is damaged and weakened, but so are you.
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>Can we sense a connection between the attack and the demon?
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>Can we sense a connection between the attack and the demon?
>You cannot. As far as you can determine, the blades are completely separate from the demon.
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Well, how should we go about dealing with the attack? I don't think we can rely on the shield for this one.
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>Are there any open avenues for evasion?
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>Are there any open avenues for evasion?
>There is a gap between the blade heading for the right side of your body, and the blade furthur to your right. A well timed evasive maneuver to your right should take you out of the line of fire of the blades.
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>Then let's do that.
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>There is a gap between the blade heading for the right side of your body, and the blade furthur to your right. A well timed evasive maneuver to your right should take you out of the line of fire of the blades.
>Then let's do that.
>Watching carefully the flying blades of watery energy, you gauge the timing and distance between the rightmost blade and the other further off. Judging the timing to be just right, you thrust yourself to starboard, skidding to a halt before you go too far and put yourself in the line of the second blade. This turns out to be a very near thing indeed, as the second blade passes so close to you, you can feel the air displaced by its flight. Scarily close, but not close enough to damage you, thank be.
>"Wall of iron!" Chrysanthe's voice rings out, and sparing a glance to your left, you see her strike her charm against the ground, and a five foot wide wall of solid metal rises up from the floor, intercepting three of the energy blades flying towards her. The wall shatters after the third impact, and the new magical girl slumps slightly before straightening out. She extends her two hands out to her side, then brings them forward, fingers hooked like claws, leaving orange streaks of light in the air behind them, as she cries, "Chrysanthemum Metal Nails!" The orange streaks come together, sending forth parallel beams of vivid orange energy towards the demon.
>Lily, her shield intact, the ground around her scored as mute testament to the energy blades she's dodged, stands below the demon, watching it.
-
>Review of currently-known techniques.
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>Review of currently-known techniques.
>Violet Lotus: Realizations of the Wanderings (your purifying ability)
>Sapphire Lotus: Renunciation (your defensive/shield ability, which you can alter the shape of at the cost of additional bodily strain and energy consumption.)
>Scarlet Lotus: Realization of Impermanence (an offensive ability)
>Amber Lotus: Moment's Respite from Dukkha (an offensive ability, used to disarm enemies and break their hold over objects outside their body.)
>Indigo Lotus: Karmic Touch (an ability used to counter enemies attacks while they're forming)
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>Let's try and hit the demon with some more Realization of Impermanence!
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>Let's try and hit the demon with some more Realization of Impermanence!
>Raising your scepter, you open fire upon the Batsnake again, now threatening it on two fronts. The demon tries to sideslip to its right, but stops when it senses your attack coming. It hisses and dives down towards the floor, but this delay gives Chrystanthe's attack time to catch up to it. Her orange energy claws rake the thing across its back, and it tightens and slows reflexively. This allows you to adjust your aim to follow it, and you bombard it red and white globes of energy.
>Chrysanthe adds her magic to the attack, conjuring forth a single small ball of lead and sending it rocketing towards the demon, catching it on the side of its serpentine head.
>And just for good measure, Lily picks this moment to join the attack, sending her shield flying upwards, clobbering it in the head.
>When this onslaught of offense fades, the winged snake lets out a low rattling hiss, and falls straight down to the floor, collapsing in a heap of battered scales and wings.
>This surge on offense draws a large sigh of relief and exaustion from Chrysanthe, but from Lily, there is only a triumphant, yet somehow uncertain smile. "Did we get 'im?"
-
>"Let's wait and see, it might seek to take us with it as a last-ditch effort to remove opposition."
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>"Let's wait and see, it might seek to take us with it as a last-ditch effort to remove opposition."
>Lily nods cautiously, and takes a couple steps backwards. Chrysanthemum takes the opportunity to catch her breath. You yourself, after that flurry of offense, are starting to feel fatigued again. You sincerely hope the demon doesn't have any more fight left in it.
>But the sound of the gargling hiss coming from the heap the demon's lying it, it's not anxious to continue fighting, either. "I was... unprepared for your power." it admits. "My sister is a fool, easily beaten. I dismissed you for that."
>Stirring, the demon slowly draws its head up, and looks at you with those vile eyes. "I do not repeat mistakes."
-
>Stare right back at it. "It doesn't matter. Anyone who plots to disrupt the peace of the world will always face their appointed judgement in the end. Not even demons can escape it."
-
>"As long as you struggle for such ends, there will be no release from your suffering."
>Offer a smile.
>"But it's not as hopeless as it seems. When you are ready to talk, I shall be ready to listen. You may know me as Lotus, how shall I know you?"
-
>Stare right back at it. "It doesn't matter. Anyone who plots to disrupt the peace of the world will always face their appointed judgement in the end. Not even demons can escape it."
>"That remains to be seen, Terran. The judgement, as you call it, of this world is not over yet.
>"Try all you want." Chrysanthe snarls at the demon. "Your 'sister' won't escape us, either."
>"As long as you struggle for such ends, there will be no release from your suffering."
>Offer a smile.
>"But it's not as hopeless as it seems. When you are ready to talk, I shall be ready to listen. You may know me as Lotus, how shall I know you?"
>As you offer the demon a smile, the creature.. blinks. You're pretty sure it wasn't expecting that. "My kind have no names. But you are wrong... Lotus. Only by taking this world can we have release from our suffering."
>"Not happing, snakebat!" Lily declares. "Not while we're around!"
-
>"How?"
-
>"How?"
>"You've seen how."
>"You've seen how they operate, Lotus." Kiku echoes. "Destruction, slavery and corruption! They'll destroy us, and the survivors will be nothing more than hollow shells."
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>Nod. "Freedom is something that must be treasured, those who would rob another of their freedom are doomed to be reborn in the lowest of the Naraka."
-
>"But I am curious how it would truly change anything for you, nameless one? Is it merely leaving your old home?"
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>Nod. "Freedom is something that must be treasured, those who would rob another of their freedom are doomed to be reborn in the lowest of the Naraka."
>"Freedom is an illusion, Terran. For your race as much as mine."
>"Freedom is central to us 'Terrans'", Chrysanthe spits back at the demon. "It is the core of what we are." Her hands clench and open slowly. Now that she's no longer in the grip of her own fear, she seems to be growing angrier and angrier.
>"You have only as much freedom as the Celestials give you. You Terrans have the luxury of delusion, but we were stripped of that."
>"But I am curious how it would truly change anything for you, nameless one? Is it merely leaving your old home?"
>The demon's mouth snaps shut as you address it as 'nameless one', and a shuddering ripple runs down its scales, the sound like a hollow drum being played over by a butter knife.
>When it speaks again, it's voice has lost some of the power it had been regaining since you blasted it. "That title... belongs to another denizen of my world. My title is the Champion of Water. Call me that, if you must call me anything."
>Lily starts to wonder something out loud, but Chrysanthemum cuts her off, iron in her voice. "It doesn't matter. You won't be anything but a bad memory very soon."
-
>"I had hoped it would not come to this, but if you are intent on such goals, then, sadly, we are left with no choice. Chrysanthe, Lily, are you prepared for what we have to do?"
>If they are, do it.
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>Let's not cut the conversation short just yet, instead ask.
>"Tell me about these celestials."
-
I was planning to ask the Purpose about them. We can trust what it says more than we can trust what the demon says. But if you want to, then go ahead.
-
More information is always better. Even if it's not correct, it might well tell us how they regard these things, and that can be useful.
-
>"Tell me about these celestials."
>"They were the winners." the batsnake's voice drips with bitter venom. "They determine your fate, just as they decided ours. They thought they could forget us."
>"If they fought you before, then we will finish what they started." Chrysanthe guarantees the demon.
>Lily, in the meantime, has moved from her current position, and has closed on you. Her faced seems... troubled, by the current situation. She seems torn about something, a stark contrast to Chrysanthe's angry resolve. The tiger youkai seems ready and willing to destroy the downed demon. Lily is a very different story.
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>"Let us not yield to anger, Chrysanthemum. It is beneath a victor."
>Glance back to Champi: "What did they win, precisely?"
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>"Let us not yield to anger, Chrysanthemum. It is beneath a victor."
>Glance back to Champi: "What did they win, precisely?"
>"They won this world, Terran. They won ownership over your lives, and cast us into the black. Their light and our darkness could not coexist, and your Champion sided with them."
>The Chrysanthemum-themed magical girls turns her head slowly towards you. "What do you mean, 'yield to anger'? You're not suggesting we let this abomination go, I hope."
-
>"There is no need to remind him of the of what is to come, I mean."
>Glance back to water boy. "What keeps the two of you from coexisting?"
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>"There is no need to remind him of the of what is to come, I mean."
>Glance back to water boy. "What keeps the two of you from coexisting?"
>The demon does not seem to understand your question.
>"Do we...." Lily begins, then stops herself, still looking rather troubled.
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>Allow Champi a moment to answer, before clarifying. "You say that you and celestials cannot coexist. Why is that?"
>What do we know of these celestial thingers, anyways? Do we already know the answer to the question we propose?
Edit: So what are we doing with Champi here? Double tapping him is right out of the question, but I am thinking: Perhaps seal away its power? Or outright separate it from its power, if be can do that without any soul mutilating. Then we can make him a pet!
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>Allow Champi a moment to answer, before clarifying. "You say that you and celestials cannot coexist. Why is that?"
>What do we know of these celestial thingers, anyways? Do we already know the answer to the question we propose?
>"It is the way of things." its voice sounding, for the first time, confused. Like it can't understand how you couldn't know that. "It is our nature, what we are. They are the light, we are the dark, and Terrans stand between."
>You've only heard the term before from the demons themselves. They are obviously the demons' enemies, or at least were, at some point, and may have been responsible for sealing the demons into whatever world they currently inhabit, and the demons seem very convinced that there can be no reconciliation between the two races, but you know nothing beyond that.
>Lily tries again, her voice still unsure, quiet, almost pained. "Lotus.... are you sure we have to kill it?"
>Now it is Chrysanthemum's turn to look dumbfounded.
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>"I didn't come with such in mind, Lily."
>Look to Champi: "Have you considered overcoming your nature and trying to coexist with them?"
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>"I didn't come with such in mind, Lily."
>Look to Champi: "Have you considered overcoming your nature and trying to coexist with them?"
>"Have you considered overcoming your nature and living without oxygen?"
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>"Curious. What compels you to resist celestials in the same way we're compelled to breath? What makes it so integral that you'll die if you stop?"
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Purvis, I understand trying to avoid killing the demon, but I, myself, don't expect that to be an option, at least not in all cases (there may be some we can avoid killing). If you want to try to avoid killing it, then do so; just realize that this effort may well end in failure.
>Purpose, what can you tell me about these 'celestials'?
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>"Curious. What compels you to resist celestials in the same way we're compelled to breath? What makes it so integral that you'll die if you stop?"
>"Celestials condemn. Demons corrupt. The two battle for the third, Terrans, who submit. It is the way of things. It has been that way since this world began. Only the destruction of one can decide the fate of the other two."
>"You see?" Chrysanthe half roars, causing Lily to flinch. "They're evil, all of them! Even a baser evil than I thought was possible to exist."
>Purpose, what can you tell me about these 'celestials'?
>Throwing your voice out to the Purpose, you have a sense that it heard you, but for some reason, no reply comes.
-
>"What would your kind do with us were you to defeat these 'Celestials'?"
-
>"What would your kind do with us were you to defeat these 'Celestials'?"
>The demon does not answer your question immediately. "Only the Mother knows what happens after the End. Of us six, only the Forest Champion would know, and encountering her would be your end."
>"There are SIX of you?" Lily blurts. Even Chrysanthemum seems to be somewhat unnerved by the prospect.
-
>"So then you demons work off the Six Western Elements, as I suspected. I take it you represent Water then?"
>"Really now? Lead Bubble? Only the final boss of Megaman 2 was weak to that. Well, and Heatman, but he doesn't matter much."
Great, pompous angel-ish beings that condemn, and arrogant beasts that corrupt.
It's Shin Megami Tensei 1 and 2 all over again.
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>"So then you demons work off the Six Western Elements, as I suspected. I take it you represent Water then?"
>"Really now? Lead Bubble? Only the final boss of Megaman 2 was weak to that. Well, and Heatman, but he doesn't matter much."
>"Did you assume I meant something else when I titled myself Water Champion, Terran?"
>"Don't knock the classics, boy."
-
>"It's merely the fact that there are others like yourself who represent an element."
>"That, and Hanzo could only read so far back when he posted. Silly child tends to go a little too quickly."
>"But on another note, what exactly is this 'nameless one'? I noted you had a rather poor reaction to it."
-
>"It's merely the fact that there are others like yourself who represent an element."
>"That, and Hanzo could only read so far back when he posted. Silly child tends to go a little too quickly."
>"But on another note, what exactly is this 'nameless one'? I noted you had a rather poor reaction to it."
>"Gotta work on that, boy."
>The demon remains silent.
-
Well you guys? Where do we go from here? I'm okay with possibly sparing the big lug, it might be useful later. (But don't count on it.)
Though I'm not averse to putting it out of it's misery either. We did do a number on it after all, and it does need to work off the karma it's accumulated.
(That, and Water-themed villains tend to have a higher chance of Heel Face Turn, according to what I've seen.)
-
I'd say get rid of it.
-
It would not be in character to finish it off.
>"Setting that aside, what makes us different? You don't seem to have any interest in questioning your role as a corruptor, but I've never met a Terran who is willing to kneel nearly as much, and I imagine most would ask why it should be so if you told them they should."
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Oh, I'm pretty sure it'll be Kiku who does the finishing, regardless of what we try. As I said before, try if you want, but be ready for it to end in failure.
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There might be potential to depower it into a mascot of sorts, seeing as how Purpose is more like a guiding voice that just teaches us shit.
But yeah, GYMO has a very strong and valid point.
-
>"Setting that aside, what makes us different? You don't seem to have any interest in questioning your role as a corruptor, but I've never met a Terran who is willing to kneel nearly as much, and I imagine most would ask why it should be so if you told them they should."
>"Questioning one's nature is a Terran failure. We know what we are."
>"And they use ours against us." Kiku snarls. Her eyes are filled with rage, and pain. "You saw what this monster did to that woman up there, what it was trying to do to me."
-
See? Not gonna work man.
-
Why would you expect someone to change their nature based on just a few lines of conversation? This is a sort of thing that takes time. I've yet to really even begin, we're just getting some groundwork right now.
>"I know, Kiku, I know. Let us learn what we can what we can right now, shall we?"
>Look back to Champi. "Why is that it a failure?"
-
>"I know, Kiku, I know. Let us learn what we can what we can right now, shall we?"
>Look back to Champi. "Why is that it a failure?"
>You try to talk Chrysanthemum down, but from the look in her eyes, keeping her rage under control is something that's giving her a lot of trouble.
>"Isn't it obvious?"
-
Well, don't blame me if you piss Kiku off.
-
I have some ideas for that.
>Can we still mentally send stuff to Kiku, as far as we know?
>"No, it is not obvious."
-
>Can we still mentally send stuff to Kiku, as far as we know?
>"No, it is not obvious."
>The connection doesn't seem to be as strong as it is between you and Lily, but this should still be the case now.
>"No." the demon says quietly. "No, it wouldn't be. Terrans so rarely see their own failings and weaknesses."
-
>Send to Kiku: "Don't worry, it won't hurt anyone anymore by the time I'm done with it. But, right now it can tell us a lot about the enemy and how they think."
>"That may be so, so I ask you to share your observations."
-
>Send to Kiku: "Don't worry, it won't hurt anyone anymore by the time I'm done with it. But, right now it can tell us a lot about the enemy and how they think."
>"That may be so, so I ask you to share your observations."
>Kiku's head jerks slightly in surprise, glances about for a second, then settles her look on you. She seems to concentrate, then frowns, and says aloud, in a tone that leaves little to the imagination, "I advise you to hurry."
>The demon pauses. "You have power enough to be a threat. Air was a fool and dismissed you, and will again, but I will not."
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>"That's not what I asked of you, Champion of Water. You say that questioning our nature as those who kneel is a weakness. Why is it so?"
Alright, going to cut the questioning short. Or at least this round of questioning. I would like to put forth a permutation on our previous suggestion: I think the best way to open its mind a little is to make it experience powerlessness. I believe, given its beaten state, that we may be able to put a proper seal on it, based off of Karmic Touch, that will short-circuit any magic it tries. On top of this, we may be able to set it up to give it a good paralyzin' zat if it tries to enact violence against another being or meet with a demon. If possible, maybe, maybe set this curse up to rob it of physical power as well, to fuel these other effects.
Now, if we made this now and forever, it wouldn't be very useful, nor would it do much to really drive any lessons home. And it would just make us seem a bit cruel in its eyes. So, it would need a release clause. That clause would be: When Kiku and it's other victim forgives it.
The hopeful result would be: It's reasonably free to live, but at the same time, it can't really do anything harmful. And, it would have to move toward reconciliation if it ever wanted to get back to its prime state again; I don't think it's really equipped to trick Kiku AND the other victim into it. The important part of this being it'd not be able to just ignore Terran society, and would have to make at least some effort to fit in, especially if it wants to regain its power. In short, we make it have to learn. And we'd have access to it if needs be.
-
>"Then tell me."
-
>"That's not what I asked of you, Champion of Water. You say that questioning our nature as those who kneel is a weakness. Why is it so?"
>"Then tell me."
>The demon pauses again, its vile eyes blink once, slowly. "It will make no difference in the end." it finally decides. "You're the same now as you were when we were cast out, just as we are. Speaking will change nothing. Even my death means nothing, in the end."
>"On the contrary, devil." Kiku growls. "Your death brings us one step closer to a safe world. And one step closer to wiping your scum off the face of this planet once and for all!"
-
>"You don't know, do you? You don't actually know how us ignoring this nature you've proclaimed for us is actually a weakness. You think it is, but you can't actually quantify it, can you?"
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>"You don't know, do you? You don't actually know how us ignoring this nature you've proclaimed for us is actually a weakness. You think it is, but you can't actually quantify it, can you?"
>You detect a distinct note of smugness in its sibilant voice when the demon says, "Believe that if you wish."
-
>"Setting that aside, what would you do if you were allowed to be here?"
-
>"Setting that aside, what would you do if you were allowed to be here?"
>"Is even that not obvious to you?"
-
>"I want to hear it from you."
-
>"I want to hear it from you."
>"I am what I am. Whether I have your... 'permission', or not."
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>"And yet, you don't know what you're ultimately trying to carry out, and only know why you're doing it because it's instinctual. How will that make things any better for you?"
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>"And yet, you don't know what you're ultimately trying to carry out, and only know why you're doing it because it's instinctual. How will that make things any better for you?"
>"What we are 'carrying out' is the continuation of our existence. But keep questioning. Your confusion only makes us stronger."
>"You're playing right into its hands, Lotus." Chrysanthemum accuses you. "Don't you get it? That's what it does! It gets in your head and warps you, corrupts you, makes you doubt, and snares you at your weakest."
-
Well Purvis, looks like this is as far as you'll go.
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You really are cheering for me to fail, aren't you?
>"Don't worry, it's not really making me doubt anything that I didn't already doubt. But let's move on."
>"You mentioned another, Air I believe? Where is it?"
-
Be realistic big guy, it's already been set this guy's gonna have to go.
The best we can do is pray for it to be reborn on a remotely hospitable Naraka, and work off it's karma that way.
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>"Don't worry, it's not really making me doubt anything that I didn't already doubt. But let's move on."
>"You mentioned another, Air I believe? Where is it?"
>Your assurance seems to do little to convince the miko magical girl.
>The demon does not answer your question.
>"TALK, devil." Chrysanthemum threatens it, gesturing with her hand- now sporting claws to fit her tiger nature- "And I may end you swiftly."
>"No death you could give instills fear in me."
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You do realize how immensely and insanely out of character it would be to kill it, I hope? It is very much not a thing Byakuren would do. If you have a problem with the suggestions I've made thus far, please feel free to come up with better ones that are in character.
>"It expects death, Chrysanthemum. What it fears, I think, is failure."
>What are our senses telling us about this thing. presently? Can we discern some good ins to help our abilities take hold?
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Who said anything about us being the one to do the deed? because right now Kiku's pretty much locked herself into that route already.
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Because being party to a murder is pretty much the same thing.
Though I suspect we can lure Kiku into being in favor of binding it just by turning its own boasts against it.
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Eh, doesn't look like she's willing to talk it out anymore. So you may as well just settle in and let it happen.
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I don't think Byakuren would "settle on" letting someone being killed in her presence. Particularly someone who is somewhat incapacitated and unable to fight back. So it would be a good idea to help defuse that situation, which I would welcome some assistance on brainstorming there.
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>"It expects death, Chrysanthemum. What it fears, I think, is failure."
>What are our senses telling us about this thing. presently? Can we discern some good ins to help our abilities take hold?
>A small glob of spittle flies from the youkai mouth as she replies, "It should be fearing ME."
>There is an aura of power around the demon, different from that which you sensed around natives to your world. Focusing on it, however, is almost a sickening experience. It is as though the world itself is corrupted by the presence of this demon. It's nowhere near on the same level as that ooze you tangled with before, but the sensations are not entirely dissimilar. The aura, however, seems reduced in intensity somehow. Probably a result of the pounding you three subjected it to.
>Now that there's no crisis going on, apart from perhaps Kiku exploding into violence in moments, you finally notice the smell in the air. The salt water behind you perfumes the air, obviously, but the swampy smell is stronger here than ever. Coming from the demon itself, though whether this is because of its aura, or its presence, or some aspect of its biology, you cannot determine.
>Obviously, the demon is wounded. Whatever natural resistances it has would likely be compromised as well, but your othersight offers you no specific insight into that area. Unlike a youma, there is no Dark Core to detect, no shield of black energy to see. Obviously your powers can affect it, but it's hard to determine how far that extends beyond combat.
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>Send a message to Kiku: "Then, let us give it a reason to regret its lack of foresight. I feel, however, that killing it won't do much to dissuade its kin, or to truly teach it anything. After all, they aren't really smart enough to do so. So instead, I propose we lay a seal on it; one that takes its physical and magical power from it and leaves it to taste helplessness. One that forces it to the sidelines, while it has to learn what the world is really about. A seal that we tie to a lock that it can never pry open: your forgiveness. Does this sound appealing? Between you, Lily, and I, I am certain it is within our power."
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>Send a message to Kiku: "Then, let us give it a reason to regret its lack of foresight. I feel, however, that killing it won't do much to dissuade its kin, or to truly teach it anything. After all, they aren't really smart enough to do so. So instead, I propose we lay a seal on it; one that takes its physical and magical power from it and leaves it to taste helplessness. One that forces it to the sidelines, while it has to learn what the world is really about. A seal that we tie to a lock that it can never pry open: your forgiveness. Does this sound appealing? Between you, Lily, and I, I am certain it is within our power."
>With obvious effort, Chrysanthemum does seem to consider your suggestion. The thought of not destroying this evil creature obviously does NOT sit well with her at all. However, the idea of leaving it 'helpless' does seem at least somewhat appealing to her. Enough to defuse her? Maybe, maybe not. But at least she isn't making good on her threat, at least not right now. Evil though this demon may be, the idea of killing it in, essentially, cold blood, is not something you're prepared to let happen. No matter how angry Kiku may be.
>After several long seconds, Chrysanthemum responds out loud, still lacking the ability to return your thoughts. "The risk is too great. We don't know enough about the power of the other five to guarantee it would last to our conditions."
-
As has been stated before, Purvis, your interpretation of Byakuren, especially this AU Byakuren, differs significantly from that of Hanzo and myself. Trying to avoid killing is one thing, but refusing to do it or allow it in any circumstance is quite another. Whether or not the seal thing works here, killing is undoubtedly going to be necessary at some point. And by my own interpretation of Byakuren, I think that she would, however reluctantly, accept this, given how much worse the alternative would be. Sometimes there aren't good solutions, just less-bad ones, and I'm pretty sure Byakuren's intelligent and rational enough to realize this, as much as she might wish it were not the case.
In summary, try the seal thing, but if it doesn't work (which I'm sure will happen at some point, even if it doesn't happen here), killing is going to be necessary, whether Byakuren likes it or not.
>Purpose, would a seal such as I propose work? And if it does, would there be any way for this demon to regain its power?
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>Purpose, would a seal such as I propose work? And if it does, would there be any way for this demon to regain its power?
>The Purpose again fails to reply to your inquiries. Much like Kiku, you have a sense that it heard you, but it does not, or cannot, respond in kind.
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Yeah, we may as well sit back and pray that the poor guy can work off his karma in another life.
Maybe he'll return as a proper snake.
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I am not sure how you can have an interpretation of Byakuren that looks at a creature who has claimed to have been exiled and is presently unable to defend itself and think her reaction is going to be: "Yep, let's kill it." It is pretty much in the exact same position that youkai were in canon when she started to do her thing; it's making the exact same arguments that youkai used to make: "It's my nature to do this, so it's right!" Depending on what side of the bed she woke up on, Akyu would tell you that they still do that, heh.
>What has Lily been up to? She was vocal for awhile, then seemed to fade away.
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It's less encouraging it, and more reluctantly going along.
Besides, this Byakuren was not sealed, and Youkai have a much better lot in life.
And notably, this thing is not a Youkai.
-
In this case, youkai and demon are pretty much the same thing, outsiders of the world as it's known with claims of persecution due to their natures. And she was doing that sort of thing before she got sealed, too. It's why she got sealed. So having not been sealed isn't really much of a cognizant point. The point is, this is exactly the kind of thing she'd do, regardless of the proper noun.
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Either way, things are against you man. This guy's proved to be a very legit danger.
And to add to that, is quite unwilling to change his ways. (Does it even have a defined gender beyond having a vaguely masculine voice?)
You can try it, but the odds are lower than than Okuu swearing off boiled eggs. (Hint: Not likely to be happenin'.)
Not everything can be resolved how you would like it after all, I would have thought that you of all people would know that.
-
That's largely metagame logic, though, which doesn't really have a role in how a character would actually think. It doesn't matter if, looking at a game perspective, that it's got a high chance of failure of narrative reasons. It matters that the character would do this thing because it's what they would do. That's kind of the reason we play a character, rather than an OC, to deal with a situation with the character's framework of reference. I mean, if we were playing Youmu, there wouldn't have even been any question, it would have been stabbed in the head and we'd have all gone out for ice cream. If it were Patchouli, we probably would have tried to steal it's power or something. So as I've said in the past, if this solution is a problem, let's hear some suggestions for solutions that are in character, and we'll bang away at them to make them work better that what I've come up with.
And to be fair, part of the point of my solution is to directly challenge its nature. It'll have to adapt if it wants to get anywhere, and in being forced to adapt it'll have to open its mind. So to run with your metaphor, if Okuu can't eat boiled eggs without getting a real bad rash all of a sudden, she's going to rethink eating them.
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The impression I've been getting is that the thing literally cannot adapt, cannot change. You're still thinking about these demons as though they were humans or youkai, but that, from what I've been seeing, is quite inaccurate. I realize it may seem impossible to you that a thinking being would be incapable of change, but this is fiction, not reality. All the magic and stuff is impossible, but you have no problem accepting all that as part of the context; surely you could accept a seemingly impossible mental state as part of the context, too.
Also, Hanzo's right; we're simply going along with Kiku destroying the demon, and doing so very reluctantly (and after exhausting any other options we could think of). And given Kiku's thoughts on the seal plan, I'm pretty sure she'll kill the thing even if we do seal its power. As I've been saying, Purvis, the demon is going to die, whether you (or Byakuren) like it or not.
Also also, you've still got this attitude of your interpretation of Byakuren being the 'correct' one, but character interpretations are, in large part, a matter of opinion. In most works of fiction, characters are more clearly defined, but in Touhou, characterization is deliberately kept loose precicely to allow room for different interpretations (also, this is AU, so there's even more room). Your interpretation of Byakuren, for instance, takes the Buddhist thing much farther than any other I've seen (most barely even mention it, if even that). There's nothing wrong with doing that, as long as you, a: don't expect everyone to agree with that interpretation, and b: don't take the attitude that people who disagree with your interpretation are somehow wrong.
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The cannot adapt, cannot change thing is the impression youkai in Touhou used to give as well; and still give if you ask Akyu on a day where it's too humid.
As for interpretation, I invite you to present evidence to the contrary. So far, I've argued things that have happened based on actions Byakuren has taken which have shown us her personality and her relationship with her faith. If you want to disagree, that's fine, but back it up. Show me some evidence she would be okay with killing a demon, or being party to it. I've shown you quite a bit to back up my interpretation, show me something to back up a different one that addresses the facts. And as I've said a dozen times, if you have a problem with the solution, propose a better one that is in character. As it stands, neither killing something that cannot defend itself nor being party to such is in character, based on her faith and her past. Morals don't go out the window for a strongly moral character because it's convenient. Others might do this, but Byakuren isn't one of them. Her history, and her current doings, say otherwise.
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I've explained my own position quite thoroughly, as has Hanzo. And you've done so, as well. That being said, it's pretty clear that we're not going to come to an agreement on this.
We know you want to spare the demon, whereas I see no choice but to end it. Hanzo, you're the tiebreaker.
-
>What has Lily been up to? She was vocal for awhile, then seemed to fade away.
>Lily has had her hand cupped in her chin for a while, since you and the demon were discussing 'Terran weakness'. She seems to be thinking hard about something.
-
>"Have any ideas, Lily?"
-
>"Have any ideas, Lily?"
>"I... think I understand." the blonde woman says slowly, not certain of whatever she's about to say. "When someone... questions what they are, who they are, it means they're not sure. What people are isn't set in stone; we change every day." Lily looks at you. "When you see someone who's lost, someone looking for answers, you want to help them, don't you?"
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>Looking at Chrysanthemum, Lily gets the same response to her question. "It is our duty to offer guidance. When a soul is lost." she adds with a snarl at the demon.
>"But a demon.... You don't." Lily continues, looking at the demon now, who returns her look with its vile eyes. "You see that as weakness. And you use it against people."
>The demon does not disagree with the blonde's theory.
>"It is evil's nature." Chrysanthe states. "To take whatever aspect of humanity they can use and twist it to their own purposes."
>Somewhat to your surprise, Lily does not seem fazed by the tiger youkai's rage, looking at you instead. "But, if that's ALL a demon is, ALL it does, does that mean everything it's said has been lies and manipulation? I'm not as good as you are at this, but, do you think that's what it's been doing?"
-
>"You feel it's been lying about what it's told us about itself?"
-
>"Or are you more saying that you don't think it's capable of understanding what I'm saying at all?"
-
Well, I'm leaning more towards GYMO's side of things, and have been for some time now.
The best we can really do for it is to pray that it can work off it's karma. Since making it the cute mascot that every magical girl series has isn't gonna work out.
(Maybe another one can have that done.)
Besides, trying to spare it is pushing Kiku away. Do you really want to push away someone we just went to all that effort to save?
-
Somehow, I don't think Byakuren is the sort of person to be party to murder just to spare someone's feelings. And we haven't even tried anything yet, it's kind of weird to assume everything is going to fail no matter what.
-
Kiku's turned down the sealing option, so even if we try the seal anyways, Kiku will likely still kill the demon. Just letting it go isn't an option, so that leaves ending it. If you can think of another option, go ahead, but if not, then there really isn't another choice.
-
She's turned it down, that doesn't mean she can't be convinced. Particularly if Lily is in favor of it, which is why I've been asking her. I'm not really seeing her doing it afterward. At least not right now.
-
>"You feel it's been lying about what it's told us about itself?"
>Lily looks somewhat helpless. "I really don't know. I know this much about myself, Lotus, I give people the benefit of the doubt. I'm not that good at spotting people when they're lying, or trying to get one over on me. And, well..." She spares a glance at the demon, who has remained stationary for quite some time now. "Flying snakes are even harder."
>"Or are you more saying that you don't think it's capable of understanding what I'm saying at all?"
>"I think...." she pauses, trying to focus her thoughts. She's obviously unaccustomed to dealing with this kind of subject. "I think it understands. At least, as much as it can. See, if it's from another world, wouldn't it make sense if there were parts of our... our lives, our emotions, that would be alien to it? Just like there's parts of it that have to be alien to us. Besides the flying snake thing, I mean."
-
>Nod.
>"I've been wondering that myself, Lily. What do you think about resolving this?"
-
I'm with GYMO man, there's really no other options.
-
>Nod.
>"I've been wondering that myself, Lily. What do you think about resolving this?"
>Lily looks at the demon, then at the still steaming with rage Chrysanthemum, then at you.
>"I know... that it's evil...." Chrysanthe nods slowly, sensing her impending triumph. Lily follows that statement with, "But.... if there was a better way...." She shakes her head, and when she looks at you again, there are actually tears in her eyes. "I don't want to kill it. Gods help me, Lotus, I DON'T! There HAS to be another way!"
-
Except for the fact we have magic that thus far we've been able to do literally anything with. Thus, we have pretty much any option we want, it's just a trick of making it work. We could turn it into Bob the Goldfish if we find a way to make it work within our themes.
>Nod to Lily.
>Can we still do mental contact with her? If so, forward her the plan we proposed to Kiku.
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/me sighs vexedly
Purvis, just do us a favor and give up, alright? I think we're starting to stagnate here.
GYMO's in favor of sending him to the next life, I think it's the best option we have at this point, you're really the only player pushing to not do it.
Don't forget, if it has a soul, it can reincarnate. best thing we can do is free it to reincarnate, and pray that next lifetime won't be as bad.
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>Nod to Lily.
>Can we still do mental contact with her? If so, forward her the plan we proposed to Kiku.
>"Have you taken leave of your senses?" Chrysanthe bellows.
>To her credit, Lily does not flinch, and gives the tiger youkai an angry look of her own. "There's always a better way, if you try hard enough!"
>"Optimistic fool. You're as idealistic as she is." the miko snarls, pointing at you.
>You can, and do so. And it seems Lily can, as well, as she sends back, "So that's what Kiku meant when she said something about 'too risky.' A short pause. "I want to try. Even if it doesn't work, I couldn't live with myself if we didn't try.
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I also appear to be the only player looking at this from an in character point of view. It is not a thing Byakuren would do or be in favor of, her canonical history shows this. Nothing about this setting contradicts that. Her faith is very much not in favor of killing people. In fact, as I established, this demon is pretty much a direct parallel to the people she got sealed away for sparing and trying to cultivate. What you are suggesting simply Is Not A Thing She'd Do. And given we're playing Byakuren Quest rather than Magical Girl OC Quest, this is pretty central to what would and would not be acceptable for her.
As well, we now have another character who is not in favor of doing this. And we have other options. We have literally all the options we can think of and power. If the solution I've proposed is a problem, propose a better one. Don't propose one that is out of character.
>Turn our senses toward Kiku. Does anything feel awry about her?
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>Turn our senses toward Kiku. Does anything feel awry about her?
>You can't sense her as strongly as you did before, but you don't need mystical senses to see her anger, and her hurt. She does not appear to be influenced by anything other than her own emotions anymore, now that you've brought her over to the Light.
-
See? You're hurting Kiku by forcing that. We went to a lot of effort to save her.
And now you're pushing her away by trying to spare it.
Like it or not, you're outnumbered.
-
Purvis, I keep saying that if you can think of another option, then give it a try. I can't think of another option, and since you have yet to propose one, I assume you've so far failed to do so, as well.
Also, as I've said before, we clearly have different character interpretation here. You don't have to agree with ours, or even have to like it. If you think we're wrong in our interpretation, that's fine, but you do need to accpet that we do have a different interpretation, and that the fact that we do is not wrong, whatever you may think of the interpretation itself. You think Hanzo and I are proposing an out-of-character action; Hanzo and I do not (a note: I intend to play it in a manner similar to what Lily seems to think, that of really, really wanting to avoid killing it but finding no way to do so, and ending its life with significant regret that we couldn't find another way). Since we're pretty clearly not going to agree, then as Hanzo said, it is two-to-one.
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Yes, and quite a bit of canon that says that interpretation is not correct, and nothing in this setting that interpretation is correct in these circumstances. Byakuren wouldn't be party to a killing, it's just not who she is. Moreso in the case of a youkai analgoue. As for Kiku, frankly, being angry isn't justification for ending someone's life, it's not different when our side does it. It's interesting that Lily agrees with this sentiment, if you're looking for metagame indicators.
So yeah, Sealing of some sort is the only real option that would be in character, even if it has a chance of failing. It is more ethical in Byakuren's viewpoint than killing it. If sealing isn't good enough, we have all kinds of magic, suggest better.
>Send to Lily: "We're going to need to convince Kiku, and I don't think I can do it alone."
>Has there been any event in our background history that would lead us to be at all in favor of killing Champi?
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>Belay
Even so, majority rule. You're outvoted. Pack it in man.
Like the song says, "You gotta know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em."
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Allow me this, at least.
>Has there been any event in our background history that would lead us to be at all in favor of killing Champi?
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Alright, I'll let that by, but I'm keeping an eye on you.
I promised myself this after the events of last thread.
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>Send to Lily: "We're going to need to convince Kiku, and I don't think I can do it alone."
>Belay
>Lily nods instantly. "I know she's angry, hurt by that demon, but she's not a bad person. I think we can do it."
>Is what she would have said, had you said to her what you thought about saying.
>Has there been any event in our background history that would lead us to be at all in favor of killing Champi?
>No. You don't swat flies if you can help it, let alone snuff out life that, demon or know, is sentient. The idea is appalling to you.
>You've spent a lot of time in your life in hospitals, thanks to your brothers' poor health. You know there are some who prefer, even welcome, death, but the idea of 'death is the only way' never appealed to you in any way.
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As much as it doesn't appeal, you've already lost this debate.
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So...even the GM outright saying "This is not a thing you'd ever do" is really evidence that the course you've proposed is not a thing she'd do or stand for?
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/me facepalms
Look, just stand aside this time, alright? You've already been outvoted, 'kay?
I'm trying to keep this as civil as possible, but it's hard to do that when someone's being as obstinate as you are.
Besides, since nobody's willing to back down, how about we, as Byakuren, just stand back and let things fall where they may.
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I am kind trying to point out the position you've taken is not really rational. I've asked for evidence to back it up, and have crushed the crumbs of logical reasons that have been given. I've provided reams of evidence and it has been ignored. Sour has straight up said it's not a thing Byakuren would do just moments ago, and you're ignoring even that. Why are you so fixated on this course in defiance of all evidence that it's not a thing Byakuren would do or condone? What is left, exactly, that justifies it at the moment?
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This is to support Kiku. Sometimes you can't always take the path that pleases everyone. And isn't Byakuren herself of a self-sacrificing nature?
She'd want to take a hit to keep her friends safe.
So thus, we'll stand back and let Kiku do as she wishes.
>We'll hang back, and be impartial. It may hurt us, but we know things can't always go as ideally as we wish. That's one of the things we've learned.
>But come what may, we'll support whatever choices they make.
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The reason, Purvis, is the fact that we have no other options (sealing being likely to end in its death anyways, given Kiku's attitude towards it).
Purvis, you've explained your perspective, and we've explained ours. It's pretty clear that we are not going to agree, so it comes down to numbers, and you are, as has been said before, outvoted.
>"I... I'm sorry, Lily, but... I..."
>Try to fight back tears.
>Fail at this.
>"I just... I... I don't see anything we can do."
Um, why does my avater keep changing?
Wait, you guys have it happening, too.
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(Its on a random cycle. someones having fun with the coding here. it'll do that for awhile methinks.)
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Thinking on it, there's one more major longterm flaw in this that I don't think has been considered, along side the rest of them
One of Byakuren's major strengths in dealing with these things, and the forces of darkness is general, is that she's beyond temptation and beyond being lured into taking the darker route. In knowingly turning away from her principles and declaring them insufficient, we will never be able to rely on that against. That hole in our shield will always be there, and nothing will ever remove it; because we willingly gave in and turned from it. This will be a major problem once we have to deal with other demons, who are quickly going to be able to exploit that sort of vulnerability and force us into situations like the one Kiku is in, where we won't be able to fight back.
We'll be doing what they want, letting ourself be corrupted and turning from one of our greatest strengths. Thinking on this, it would be playing right into Champi's hand-equivalents. And it would be permanent. You might be able to absolve a sin, but you can't absolve the weakness that allowed for it.
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Even so, it's still a 2-to-1 in favor of sending batty to the other side.
So why don't we just get this thing resolved already, and find Marigold. Honestly, we're stagnating here man.
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You might be able to absolve a sin, but you can't absolve the weakness that allowed for it.
I disagree.
But anyways, Hanzo's right. We've been stuck here for long enough, so let's just move on already.
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I disagree.
But anyways, Hanzo's right. We've been stuck here for long enough, so let's just move on already.
(...You get a gold medal sir for those two words. Bravo.
Bah, doesnt stack quote. oh well.)
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I disagree.
You may disagree, but the facts stand regardless. Killing is not a thing Byakuren does, from Sour's own posts that you've ignored. Once you turn your back on that, you've giving demons a massive edge to get into your head. You don't just give up your morals because it's convenient, then pick them back up and pretend that nothing ever happened. What you're advocating is a short term "advantage" for a long term kneecapping. Any other demon, or celestial, or anything else that has the power to fuck with our head will be able to pick this up and psychically club us over the brain with it, and there won't be a lot we can do; we gave them that in and we can't pretend it never happened. It's going to be a nice weak spot they can hit whenever they need to disrupt us from doing whatever we're doing. We might be able to protect it mystically, maybe? But it just means we're going to be expending resources that could be used to do what needs to be done elsewhere.
Given we have other options limited literally by own imagination and other ways to console Kiku, there's not much to recommend this even from a metagame viewpoint.
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You keep saying that, but you have yet to provide another such option.
Face it, Purvis. Hanzo and I have our own opinions on all this, and at this point, it should be clear that you're not going to convince us otherwise (just as it's clear we're not going to be able to convince you otherwise). Given that, it comes down to a vote, and you're outvoted.
Sour, requesting continuation of the RP based on the majority opinion. Continuing on like this is accomplishing nothing.
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Expect an update in the next day or two. There are some details I have to work out before I can continue.
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(...Not to beat a dead horse, but did ANYONE mention bya killing at this point? Besides you Purvis (For the sake of its negative effects)? I thought people were just saying 'leave things as they were'. not 'Pull out the murder stick and get stabbing'. That doesn't exactly put sin or blood on one's hands. just saying.
Never mind me though, please, get on with it. sorry to comment ^^: )
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No, we're saying that the demon's death is the only option. So yes, killing was mentioned, and is the outcome Hanzo and I are in support of. ALthough you are right that it won't actually be Byakuren doing the killing; Kiku's likely the one who'll be doing that.
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By no means would we be without blame. We brought her here, we played a major role in getting her into this situation, and we have the ability to dissuade her from doing it. Standing aside and letting it happen would make us an accessory to the killing by any definition.
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(...Okay. i really don't want an argument to flare up again, and just to keep this calm. Sure, we brought her here, but that doesn't mean we're responsible for her actions. Also look on the flip side, her side. Why would she want to kill something so much? if killing a sin as you say, and its so evil that demons are going to corrupt us without fail (even if we don't actually kill it ourselves, because besides guilt, we would bear no sin. unless sin is an area of effect thing. A merchant who sells a knife to a man who goes to murder someone isn't a sinner now, is he? ), why would a miko, a VERY holy being, want to kill a demon? from what heard and subtle wording side , its because she literally got MIND FUCKED. it brought her to the pits, it made her taste fear and bring her to her lowest. no amount of 'noooes, dont kill it, its a good person' is going to dissuade her right now. hell, I'd fail to see how you could stop her from harboring a bias right now. she WILL kill it, its just if we stand in her way or not. Both sides are NOT wrong here, as this is a VERY open ended question. a 'Paladins issue' as you will. Both sides are right, and none are wrong. Even if it sinful, if you got messed up by someone, you want revenge. When you see them, your emotions run high, and there is LITTLE anyone can do.
The demon, as far as i understand it, is just a Elemental/Conduit with a soul stuck inside. if anything, i'd see it as a soul jar, with the soul being forced to corrupt. its not mercy to let it live in MY opinion. its a hell. im sure the soul does NOT want to corrupt, but given the body itself, it was designed with a purpose. The soul is nothing more then a battery to keep the thing going. It was a soul pulled so that this thing could be a stronger servant at the cost of its torment. in MY opinion, the only way to save it is to FREE it. Look at it how you want, if you want to say its murder, fine. Perhaps you see this in a different way, or that its living so it deserves a chance. im FINE with that view point and i acknowledge it. If my assumption is correct though, the demon is NOT what you need to save. the soul is. If the case that my guess is right, The soul is not guilty of any sin, and we have done it a far greater service then to make it suffer though a body it doesnt belong in. if im wrong, the soul can be absolved of its sin in the cycle of reincarnation, which if im correct, is a MAJOR thing in Buddhism. And quite frankly, i dont see this thing being able to go though a 'treatment' per say to make it stop corrupting. leaving it alive is like leaving a man with a missing leg alive. they'll keep going, but nothing is going to change. Again, i see it as a created being with a purpose. If the purpose is accomplished, it is ether destroyed or reassigned to a new purpose by its owner/master. The design is sloppy, and has shown no regrets for its actions, meaning its creator had NO intention of breathing life into it or keep it longer then they needed. So its not designed to have extra bits like 'feelings' or 'remorse'. it only has its duty. and the soul is forced to obey.)
(Gah... sorry. okay. thats my real two cents. done and done. Please get on with it, i just want this whole sha-bamn to end.
Edit: And please no one say don't say 'oh, you haven't posted in here, your opinion means nothing'. I respect the opinions here. but if you show what i think no respect, You are clearly whats holding things up because you are a single minded totalitarian. Thats all, really.)
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Actually, that's not quite true. People's whose emotions run high have been talked down from all kinds of things; suicide prevention, hostage negotiations, talking people out of murders... As for the sin, we wouldn't bear the sin of murdering it, we would bear the sin of helping set up the situation and doing nothing to prevent it. We led it to be killed, and did nothing to stop this. Whether Kiku does it anyways is irrelevant, the point is whether we let it happen or don't try to stop it from happening; we accepted the act. That's where the problem comes in, as it is highly out of character, as has been established, simply let it happen and not try to stop it.
As for the soul jar thing, it's plausible but there's no real evidence at this point. Though if you can find a way to get that evidence, I'd be down with it. More information is always good. I would argue, though, that it doesn't matter in light of Buddhist world view. One of the major points of it is that all living things are part of the process, which would include demons. There's a number of stories about the Buddha converting demons, in fact, or setting them toward conversion (Hariti and Sun Wu Kong come to mind immediately, and I am sure there are others). This is why just killing it and sending it onto it's next life wouldn't be acceptable; Buddhism considers any thinking being capable of enlightenment and regards it as improper to kill things in the name of "enlightening" them. This is because it arose as a counter against Hindu, which had pretty rigid castes and did have the idea that you had to serve out your caste's ideals to "advance" to the next level of salvation. The trick will be to open its mind, which is why I think putting it in a place of powerlessness will help it; as it will have to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances by necessity.
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(That first part is full out true. though, they've typically had some time to think about it to a degree. They're running on emotion, but there's time for second thoughts if you've decided to do this. there's a sense of primal fear and without a gentle hand and genuine, honest and SURE answer, they will not respond to you proper, which i did not acknowledge. Though, i personally think its going to be harder to talk to Kiku then 'its not a bad thing'. WHY is it not bad? WHY are we sure that we can save it? WHY are we dedicating effort to it? unless we can give logical, sound and concrete answers, she will not back down and we look like fools for it. The sin itself... we haven't defiled the 7 deadly ones. No doubt we'd feel horrible and this would also be considered a crime if the circumstances were different... but unless your referring to different set of morale guidelines that call infractions 'sins', i'm assuming your talking about the 7 deadly sins. and this does NOT bust one of those sins. Should Kiku strike it down, Everything it entitles is on her. the only thing we are entitled to is second thoughts and potential guilt. There is no sin for inaction.)
(I cannot get evidence for my guess, as its simply a guess. i can only make it as educated as possible with the information i have and how i believe the process went to creative it. for all i know, its Santa Christ having a REALLY off day and letting him live farts out nukes and letting him die makes the sun go super nova. I don't know. I can only guess and state my opinion. For the later part, I don't think it could achieve enlightenment as it is. Yes, its alive. Yes, its a life. Yes, it can think. But i don't see how. Its not thinking of a reason to do what it does, nor does it think of repenting. Again, soul jar or not, it is a creature with a designed purpose. It is an unnatural being. It was not born with a desire to seek fulfillment and further its line or goals. it is a creature of instinct and and will do its assigned task given to it upon its creation. If it is NOT, then why would spreading corruption benefit it? More place to call a home? The corruption doesn't do that. it makes people go NUTS, like it practically did to kiku. it tried to BREAK her, which it did for a few minutes. its not going to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime, and the fact it tried to make her under its wing as a replacement or otherwise suggests its not going to do that. Putting it into a situation of powerlessness DOES indeed force it to take certain actions... but that doesn't mean its doing it out of necessity to survive. Animals, all of us from humans to small beasts, will do what we need to make sure we live. Survival can make strange bed fellows. It can make people believe certain things, it can make people of the same faith throw each other to the wolves if it means they live (Holocost. enough said... please...). just because we have it were it CANNOT act freely doesnt mean we're doing anything to change it.
Also, as far as im aware of, we're not killing it to enlighten it. Thats not how Buddhism works. In killing it, it will eventually reincarnate into its next 'shell' to say to try again to reach enlightenment. Enlightenment comes when the 8 fold path is accomplished and suffering is no longer upon you. death is, to put it simply, a reset to try again and again to get it right. Otherwise, War and Violence would be the fear of all Buddhists everywhere, as it is the main source of 'Unjust killing'. Being on the receiving end would mean that they are for not and they can never achieve enlightenment. Being on the giving end, as no matter how practiced you are, Theres always a chance of killing someone in combat and there ARE Buddhist monks who DO indeed fight when they must, would mean they have just forever ended someones chance of enlightenment. and that simply doesnt happen.)
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Actually, the answers don't have to be sound or logical, they just need to appeal to her and bring her back down off the high. It certainly helps, but it's not necessary. Emotional appeals might do it, or simply pleading to try a better way. It really doesn't matter if we look like a fool, though. Worrying about such things is tertiary to doing what's right. Also, you do have to remember we won't be alone, Lily's going to be right there with us, so we have strength in numbers, too.
As for sins, I mean it in the more general sense. The seven deadlies don't really even form a coherent guideline on their own, and certainly aren't comprehensive even within Christian doctrine. Inaction is definitely and correctly regarded as a violation in pretty much every moral code (and most non-draconian legal codes; which is why there is accessory to murder as a crime).
As for what you described, as I've mentioned in the past, you've also described how youkai were in canon Byakuren's era; creatures who follow their instincts. And she supported them, to her own detriment. And what you've described are demons in Buddhist parables. That alone is reason enough for Byakuren to want to spare it. And the points you make about fighting don't really apply here, it's not attacking, we've contained it. We could seal it's power, We could banish it back. We could seal it entirely. We could turn it into a goldfish. We have options here, and it would be in character to exercise them. And your interpretation is kind of off about Buddhism; they do oppose war. Pretty stridently; it violates a few parts of the Eightfold Path. Historically, this usually only wavered when temples transitioned from spiritual entities to political entities that the idea of pro-war stuff came about; and usually was eschewed by less worldly practitioners. There's a long as fascinating history behind that, which ties neatly into the Ten Desires story, actually.
I think you're reading me a bit too literally when it comes to survival. There is a difference between survival as just living, and survival as living in a decent manner. It'll want the latter, sapients in general want the latter, and the demon have to adapt and consider new modes of thought to achieve it. Therein lies, I think, a key to opening its mind while neutralizing it as a threat.
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Why don't we just banish the damn thing then?
We get it out of the way, you get to have your fun in not killing it, everybody bloody wins.
(Just realize it won't be so easy next time.)
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(ooookay, so sour is dead tired of us doing this, im cutting the debate here. Purvis, if you'd like, we can PM debate this, but otherwise. no more. i already ignited this waaaayyy too damn far, and im sorry for that. so natch. thats all folks.)
(*Talks to people on the side for fun, one of the people being sour*)
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Banishing it wouldn't work; that'd be letting it go. Hanzo, are you changing your vote to letting the demon go, or are you keeping it the same?
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Well, we could banish it to another area entirely.
Kinda like sealing it, but more.
In other words, my vote's more in favor of just getting rid of the demon in any way.
Killing, banishing to solitary, anything to get it out of the picture for good. (And no, still not siding with you Purvis.)
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I don't think there's a world we even could banish it to, as the only other world we even know about at all is the one the demon came from in the first place, and all we even know about that world is that it exists (and that the demon came here from it before, and thus could most certainly do so again). But even if we could banish the demon to a different world, I don't think that's a good choice. I'd rather it be dead than in another world, able to threaten that world just as it did ours. Doesn't really seem like a good solution to me. I think we need to kill it.
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What if said world was a sealing world? Y'know, like a dimensional bubble?
Purvis himself said it, "This power of ours could do almost anything."
So working on that token, we could theoretically devise a sealing-based technique that sticks it in a dimensional prison.
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That's better than just sending it to another world, but if you ask me, that's crueler than killing it.
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Well, Purvis seems so adamant about not killing it, that I figured I'd give him at least one option that isn't killing it.
Essentially, it's either that, or letting Kiku do what she wishes.
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Okay, so then it's between killing it and trapping it alone in a dimentionally seperate prison for eternity.
My vote: killing it.
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Well, if he's so inclined, he could develop a trick to reform it later, once the demons have all been bubbled.
Basically, the trick to reform them is developed after everything's remedied, we pop the bubbles one by one, and reform them the Nanoha way.
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Doubt that'll work, but I'll go along with it if that's what the vote says. SHould I assume your vote's in favor of the prison, then?
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Well, it's a temporary measure for the time being, since he's so adamant about not killing it, and I mostly just want it out of the picture so it can't cause anymore trouble.
This way we can make sure Marigold's okay. (You guys forget about her? I didn't.)
Plus, think about this, what's the punishment for criminals? Imprisonment, often for more than one's allotted lifespan. And often for one's entire lifespan.
This demon's little better than one.
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I would say, if we're going to banish it, that we should go with the the idea I proposed for power sealing: Tie it to Kiku forgiving it. Eternal banishment wouldn't serve much purpose in rehabilitating it; it'd just be cruel and torturous. But if it has a way to get out, one that it can affect, but has no real control over, then the confinement serves a purpose.
Alternately, we could save it for when we're all rested up, and maybe have a better handle on what we can do and then release it and deal with it in a more positive fashion, if so desired.
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I was thinking more along the lines of setting a specific lock on the prison.
It gets sealed in a dimensional bubble until it realizes it's error.
That may take days, weeks, years, perhaps even centuries, but the lock will have a way to open.
Essentially, it gets made to cool it's metaphorical heels until that time comes. When it does come is entirely dependent on batty itself.
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Might work, but it's hard to do that in isolation.
Well, it depends on what we do to make the prison, I suppose. It might well be set up to provide something that can serve as teacher.
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That could work.
Also, I've done most of my best thinking and introspection when I've sealed myself away from others.
So if a guy like me can do that, then batty here sure as hell can too.
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Hanzo's version is better, I think. I still favor killing it, but as I said, if the vote says otherwise, I'll go along with it. But if we face it again, I reserve the right to say 'I told you so'.
Of course, this all assumes we can even do that in the first place. So:
>Would it be possible for us to encase the demon in a dimentionally seperate prison, one that only we and those we choose can enter and exit? And if so, would it be possible for us to tie the imprisonment to the demon's mind in such a way that the demon would be released if it genuinely changed? And if so, could this be done beyond any ability for the demon to trick it into falsely determining that such a change has occurred?
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The thing about isolating yourself is that you can stop when you're done. Solitary confinement, on the other hand, is pretty maddening after away. Check out that video of the guy who spent a weekend stuck in an elevator, if you want an example.
But, I think we may be able to arrange for both, depending on what Sour tells us about difficulty.
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That's why I specified the bit about allowing ourselve and those we choose to enter and leave.
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That could work. It'd have to be just us for now though, since Lily's still young and impressionable, and Kiku's likely to slaughter it.
(Which I'm still not averse to.)
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Well, if this doesn't work, we'll be back to that.
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Well, this should work as a stopgap to put an end to this, and future matters.
Each demon we seal this way would have to be in their own separate bubble though, we don't want an Exdeath cropping up.
Think of it as putting him in an extended Time Out.
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>Would it be possible for us to encase the demon in a dimentionally seperate prison, one that only we and those we choose can enter and exit? And if so, would it be possible for us to tie the imprisonment to the demon's mind in such a way that the demon would be released if it genuinely changed? And if so, could this be done beyond any ability for the demon to trick it into falsely determining that such a change has occurred?
>In short: Yes.
>In order to imprison the demon in a dimension separate from this one, you would need to conceptualize and visualize somewhere to put it. A jail, an old race track, a love hotel, a closet, some form of enclosed space. If you do not, it could end up anywhere, including NOWHERE, so you need to put it SOMEWHERE. The thought of imprisoning a being, even an evil one, in some kind of endless black void is one you don't care to embrace, even if it's only temporary.
>Keying this seal to the demons own mindset is also possible, and you believe it would be impossible for it to deceive the seal you create. Sincerity and honesty are part of the core of your being, as much as your kindness, and your power reflects this. Any seal you create should only respond to sincerity and honesty, in kind. In setting this condition, this would also ensure the safety of your access, as well. If the demon's only method of 'escape' is through genuine reflection and atonement, it shouldn't be able to take advantage of the 'door' you'd be leaving yourself.
>If you wished to enter this prison yourself, you would need a 'key'. An object to connect to the demon's jail, a touchstone between this world and its dimensional prison. Ideally, this would be something connected to your prisoner's nature; in this case, the demon obviously has an affinity for water, and is a scaled reptile of sorts, so a vial or jar of water from the pool behind you would do nicely. All you would need is a container to put it in. It would also be possible create this key later.
>While the ability to do this you do possess, it is an order of magnitude beyond anything you've attempted so far. The energy required to create this seal would be large and, fatigued as you are, you don't think you alone would have enough energy to guarantee a successful seal. You will need to cooperate with at least one, possibly both, of your fellow Magical Girls, pool your energies, in order to ensure success.
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Okay, so just get Lily and Kiku to help seal it up then. We can make the key later, after we've made sure Marigold's alright.
I'm thinking something at least somewhat comfortable to it, Like a terrarium. (Since Purvis clearly won't accept anything remotely painful to it. :V)
Even though my whole idea behind this is the concept of Naraka, the Buddhist Hells where one is reborn in to work off their Karma.
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>Could the key be intangible? Such as Kiku's forgiveness or Lily correctly memorizing and reciting the Rubiyat of Omarr Khayyam?
>In regards, to us, where would it be? Where would we have to go to access it?
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>Could the key be intangible? Such as Kiku's forgiveness or Lily correctly memorizing and reciting the Rubiyat of Omarr Khayyam?
>In regards, to us, where would it be? Where would we have to go to access it?
>The key to the demon's release? It would have to be something possible. "The sun descending to earth and having a karaoke party with the skyscrapers of Mayoiga" would invalidate the seal. So long as the key has a chance of actually coming to pass, then yes.
>If you wished to enter the demon's prison, you could do so from anywhere. All you would need is your touchstone key.
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(Admittedly, if said sun was a yatagarasu, it could theoretically do so by having said party with the occupants of said skyscrapers. But that's neither here nor there.)
Either way, let's see about setting the terms of it's release to it reforming. it's gotta have a reason to want freedom beyond merely having it.
We have to give it a reason for turning over a new leaf, and freedom is just the thing. We have to make it WANT to be free.
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>Could something else use the touchstone?
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>Could something else use the touchstone?
>You could create the touchstone so that only you could use it. If you wished to give Lily or Chrysanthemum access to the demon's prison, they could make their own.
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So I am thinking: Put in it a replica of the city. Seal it with Kiku's forgiveness, keys for only the three of ours use. See if we can make that city educational.
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That could work, but...However, even if she forgives it, what's to say that it won't still be the same?
Better to seal it until it turns over a new leaf. It's not enough that only Kiku forgives it, it too must wish to be forgiven.
You yourself wanted to reform it, no? I'm simply offering a means to do so.
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I would imagine that Kiku wouldn't forgive it prematurely, and she'd be the most suspicious of it. Moreso than we would be.
When it's reformed seems harder to "code", so to speak. It's more vague, and involves its own perceptions more.
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Sour's already confirmed that we can tie the seal to its mind in that manner, though. It may be harder to 'code', as you say, Purvis, but we've already been told we can do it. So I'm with Hanzo on this one.
>"Lily, Kiku, I think I have a solution."
>"I am able to create a dimensionally-seperate prison for this creature. With fairly little effort, we could form keys that allow us free access to this prison, but for the demon it would be inescapable. What's more, I can tie the continued existence of this prison to the demon's own mind. If the demon remains as it is now, it would be trapped there for eternity, but if it changes, if it leaves behind its evil past and becomes something better, the prison would release it."
>"Kiku, allow me to stress that there is no way the demon could leave this prison without a genuine change. It would be released only if it truly deserved to be released, and I can form the prison such that it would be beyond all possibility of deceiving. If it does not change, as you predect, it will remain trapped there, imprisoned for eternity."
>"I can make this prison, but as I am weary from battle, we will need to pool our energies in order for me to do so."
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Still, better safe than sorry. Once it's reformed by our standards, and is willing to seek forgiveness, it'll be free.
In other words, a two-layer lock. Both parties must be willing to do something.
Kiku will forgive it, and it will seek forgiveness. Those two things will release it. Hopefully as a Reformed Demon.
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Works for me.
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What are the standards we would set down?
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..I dunno, something Byakuren would set. Like no longer harboring a desire to cause harm or do evil.
Even better, no longer harboring those negative desires, but actually harboring positive ones instead. Such as seeking forgiveness, being willing to atone for it's misdeeds, things like that.
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Again, works for me.
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>"Lily, Kiku, I think I have a solution."
>"I am able to create a dimensionally-seperate prison for this creature. With fairly little effort, we could form keys that allow us free access to this prison, but for the demon it would be inescapable. What's more, I can tie the continued existence of this prison to the demon's own mind. If the demon remains as it is now, it would be trapped there for eternity, but if it changes, if it leaves behind its evil past and becomes something better, the prison would release it."
>"Kiku, allow me to stress that there is no way the demon could leave this prison without a genuine change. It would be released only if it truly deserved to be released, and I can form the prison such that it would be beyond all possibility of deceiving. If it does not change, as you predect, it will remain trapped there, imprisoned for eternity."
>"I can make this prison, but as I am weary from battle, we will need to pool our energies in order for me to do so."
>As you outline your plan to your fellow Heroes, you can see on Lily's face approval. Chrysanthemum, however, is not convinced as automatically as Lily is, although, she does not outright reject the idea, either. She seems to have mixed feelings on not destroying the demon outright. You may believe in redemption and second chances, but you know full well not everyone shares your ideals. And that's fine, that's how people are. It seems that Kiku is one of those people.
>Lily, however, despite her wings dropping with fatigue, smiles softly, and walks over to the tiger youkai and, rather bravely takes her hand. "We won't let it hurt anyone else. Please, Kiku."
>At long last, Kiku's anger fades from her face, as she looks at Lily's smile. "You honestly think this will work?" she asks in a quiet voice.
>Lily nods. "With our powers combined, I think we can do ANYTHING. But we need you, Chrysanthemum. Lotus and me, we can't do this alone."
>Kiku lets out a ragged breath, then moves Lily gently to one side and steps around her, closer to the demon. The look she gives the winged serpent is one of profound disgust, a personal hatred. You find yourself tensing despite yourself, though the Water demon does nothing, merely returns Kiku's look with unblinking vile eyes. For several very long seconds, nobody does anything. There is not even the sound of breath in the air, save the tiny, sibilant noise of the demon's scales rubbing against each other slowly.
>Without warning, Kiku drives her right hand, palm open, into the floor, and shouts a single word. The floor around the demon comes alive, a trio of thick metallic tendrills, like vines made of lead, erupt from the floor. The demon hisses and beats its wings, but the metal arms are slightly faster than it, and wrap the demon in their embrace, before it can escape. Letting out a breath you almost didn't realize you were holding, you shout at Kiku, fearing that, in a moment of rage, she took it upon herself to destroy the thing after all. That those leaden extensions will crush the demon to death.
>After entwining themselves around the demon, however, one seeming to make a point to wrap itself around the thing's mouth, the tendrills stop. The demon is well and truly restrained, but does not appear to be harmed beyond the damage already inflicted upon it.
>"A precaution." Chrysanthemum intones, her voice thick with effort. That spell probably took quite a bit out of her. "In case this seal of yours fails."
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>"Warn me next time, please."
>"Very well, then. Let us begin."
-
In the interest of expediting this scene, which I gather most of you folks would appreciate, the next post will be the conclusion of the confrontation with this demon.
However, before that post can be writ, I need clarification on a couple of issues.
>What form did you wish to give the dimensional prison? Bearing in mind that, the larger this 'bubble-world' is, the more energy it will take to create and make secure.
>Did you wish to key the demon's release to Kiku forgiving it, the demon reforming of its own recognizance, either of these, both of these, or something else entirely?
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>On the second matter, both will suffice.
(And no Purvis, I'm not moving on this matter.)
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Once again, I agree with Hanzo
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>As for the form, let's use our memories of this city. Make it...reasonably sizable. Don't completely drain ourselves from making it, but don't skimp too much once we have the important seal parts done. Also make sure there is a bit of a park in there.
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>As for the form, let's use our memories of this city. Make it...reasonably sizable. Don't completely drain ourselves from making it, but don't skimp too much once we have the important seal parts done. Also make sure there is a bit of a park in there.
>Even when pooling you power with Lily and Chrysanthemum, while you may be able produce a bubble of that size, its 'walls' would be thinner as a result. A being of the demon's power could find a way to force its way out.
>With the power you still have, and what you think you can tap from your fellow magical girls, you would probably not be able to create a secure bubble much bigger than a decent sized building. Something the size of your school building would be about the upwards limit, or a similar-sized area of the Hatori Saigyoji Memorial Park.
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>Let's try for something park-like, between the three of us. Of about middlin' size in regards to what we feel we can pull off.
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>Perhaps of the perpetual spring variety.
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>If we feel it necessary, could we expand it at a later date, once we've recovered?
>Either way, go ahead and make it.
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>"Warn me next time, please."
>"I don't tend to announce my tactics in front of those I plan to employ them against. However, I'll keep that in mind."
>If we feel it necessary, could we expand it at a later date, once we've recovered?
>Uncertain at this point. It could be relatively simple to extend the bubble later, like adding an extension onto a house. On the other hand, the demon's jail could prove immutable, and you'd have to build it another one, assuming it could even be moved. It's unclear at this point; you'll know for certain when the deed is done.
>Let's try for something park-like, between the three of us. Of about middlin' size in regards to what we feel we can pull off.
>Perhaps of the perpetual spring variety.
>"Very well, then. Let us begin."
>Go ahead and make it.
>Lily and Chrysanthemum both give you a nod, the latter asking you as she pulls herself back fully upright, "So how, exactly, do we go about combining our powers for this... seal?"
>Lily suggests, "Maybe, if we held hands, for a start?" Kiku gives her a questioning look, but does not object. The pair of magical girls walk over to stand next to you, Chrysanthemum on your right, Lily on your left. Lily takes your hand in hers with little provocation. Chrysanthe, however, pauses, facing the demon again.
>"If you are in contact with these other five Champions, tell them what has happened here, devil. Tell them how we took your best shots and bested you. Tell them of Lotus, of Lily, of Chrysanthemum. That we will not be broken, and will never be defeated."
>Despite the fact that the demon's mouth has been clamped shut by an inch-thick tendrill of iron, its sibilant voice rings out through the room, "Time will tell, Terran. Time will tell...
>Having said her peace to the winged serpent bound in iron before her, Chrysanthemum steps back and takes her hand in yours. You can feel the tension in her grip right away, so unlike Lily's soft, gentle grasp. You know Kiku's still afraid, but she is bound and determined to see this through. She takes a steadying breath, and Lily gives her that same gentle smile. "Together." she says simply.
>Taking the lead, you form in your mind the town Memorial Park. Not the whole of it, but enough to give the demon room to move about in. You start with the moderate sized pond in the middle, which offers boat rentals to folks- mostly couples- and work your way out from there, taking note to set the setting in spring, with the cherry trees in bloom, blankets spread out beneath them for people to watch them as they fall, as you yourself have done before.
>With this image set firmly in your mind, you then wrap the scene in a bubble, like a great snowglobe with cherry blossoms flying within. This shall be the resting place of the demon, a lakeside park in spring, until such time as Kiku the shrine maiden forgives its transgressions against her, and until such time as it no longer desires to bring harm to anyone on your world. With these thoughts, you place the demon's serpentine form within the globe.
>Cuing your friends with a nod, they both close their eyes and concentrate, Lily leaning in closer to you as she does so. You're not entirely certain how they're doing it, but you can feel their Light flowing from their bodies, through the connection they both share with you, and your power swells in response. Lily's Light is a vivid and bright lavender color, full of laughter and sunbeams, of smiling faces and close friends. It feels like a warm hug to your soul. Kiku's light is a brilliant gold, yet a trembling luminescence, the feeling of hiding under your bed. A light that can make a soul break down and tremble, but can be overcome, the strongest motivator, a source of fierce determination. The girls' bodies give off the same light as well, surrounded by auras of violet and gold.
>Lily's Love and Kiku's Fear both show you the girls' exhaustion, as well. Lily has very little left to offer, but what she has, she gives freely, having absolute faith in you. Chrysanthemum is not as fatigued, but does not share Lily's faith that this prison is the right solution. But you can sense that she WANTS to believe. You pulled her from the pit of despair the demon had sunk her in. She doesn't know if you're right in doing this, but she does know that you deserve her help, as much as she can give, and she gives it.
>It is enough. A circle of light rings the demon's iron cage, growing upwards into a large sphere, encapsulating the winged serpent within it, as you focus all the power you possess, all the power your fellow Heroes have given, upon that sphere, willing the extra-dimensional prison in your mind's eye to be real, sensing Lily and Kiku willing the same thing. As one, the three of you intone, "Magical Rainbow Oubliette!", and the energy built within you rushes out as though a dam had burst. The bubble of power grows opaque, filled in by swirls of white, yellow and purple light. Three seconds later, the bubble swells, shrinks, and fades from your view, unhinging itself slightly from reality as you know it, and taking the Champion of Water with it.
>When the bubble completely fades from sight, although the iron vines Kiku created remain, the demon is gone, imprisoned securely beyond the walls of your world and its own. At least, for now.
>Lily slumps slightly, leaning on your shoulder. You feel like doing likewise. Chrysanthemum simply mutters, "It actually worked."
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>Nod faintly. "Indeed...Though that was quite draining. We shall certainly be feeling this tomorrow."
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>Nod faintly. "Indeed...Though that was quite draining. We shall certainly be feeling this tomorrow."
>Chrysanthemum drops to one knee, and places her hand on the floor again. With a small surge of power, the lead construct she sprung from the floor retracts, with much less flourish than when she brought it forth. While she's down there, though, her eyes linger on her ring.
>"Less than an hour ago, I wanted to know as little about you two as I could. And now..." Chrysanthe muses, shaking her head in disbelief.
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>"Well, at least it spares us the introductions, no?"
>"You should be able to find the words to change back easily enough. I had a rather uncomfortable time when I first transformed. Excess magical buildup you know, had to to change back to alleviate it."
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>"As soon as we feel able, we should go find Marigold. And Chie, too."
>"Kiku, I should tell you this. Earlier, I felt a... reaction, I suppose, that I have reason to think came from both you and Chie. There's a possibility that Chie has the same potential you have just discovered.
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>"Well, at least it spares us the introductions, no?"
>"You should be able to find the words to change back easily enough. I had a rather uncomfortable time when I first transformed. Excess magical buildup you know, had to to change back to alleviate it."
>Chrysanthe nods once. "Indeed."
>"Not gonna be a problem this time...." Lily murmurs, almost snuggling against your arm. "I think I could sleep for a week once I lie down..."
>"As soon as we feel able, we should go find Marigold. And Chie, too."
>"Kiku, I should tell you this. Earlier, I felt a... reaction, I suppose, that I have reason to think came from both you and Chie. There's a possibility that Chie has the same potential you have just discovered.
>"Indeed." Kiku repeats, coming to her feet. "Not to mention the people affected by that youma. Saigyouji-san will have to be told of them. I... do not relish the thought of carrying four- five grown humanoids up those stairs." she corrects herself.
>At the mention of Chie possibly becoming one of you as well, Kiku's tired and drawn face becomes very severe. "No."
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>"I will not bring her into this if you do not want me to, but you should be aware of the possibility that she will become involved regardless."
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>Nod. "And if she does, we three will be around to protect her. Just as Lily and I were there to save you."
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>"I will not bring her into this if you do not want me to, but you should be aware of the possibility that she will become involved regardless."
>Nod. "And if she does, we three will be around to protect her. Just as Lily and I were there to save you."
>Kiku visibly forces herself to calm. "While it is true that today has.... changed my perspective, and my situation, a bit, I am still eldersecondelder miko of the Metal Tiger shrine. It is my sacred duty to defend my Sisters, especially those that have not the same power as me. Even Komeji-sama, whose power surpassessequals my own."
>Lily smiles a warm, weary smile, and asks her, "What if she WANTS to?"
>That actually makes Kiku pause. "I.... do not believe she will."
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>Smile slightly. "Well, do consider that you chose to join us. And ultimately, it was your choice. You could have taken the ring I presented, the ring the demon presented, or walked away from it entirely. So ultimately, it is her choice as well, should a situation arise that merits that choice."
>"Either way things go, as long as she's safe."
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>Smile slightly. "Well, do consider that you chose to join us. And ultimately, it was your choice. You could have taken the ring I presented, the ring the demon presented, or walked away from it entirely. So ultimately, it is her choice as well, should a situation arise that merits that choice."
>"Either way things go, as long as she's safe."
>"You may be right." Kiku admits, somewhat grudgingly. "But I will do everything in my power to make sure she never finds herself where I did today. Nor any other."
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>Nod. "Well, let's see about rescuing those people the Youma trapped, shall we?"
>If we're not standing, let's get to our feet, and help Lily up.
>Otherwise, let's just support Lily as we go to see where the Youma was.
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>Nod. "Well, let's see about rescuing those people the Youma trapped, shall we?"
>If we're not standing, let's get to our feet, and help Lily up.
>Otherwise, let's just support Lily as we go to see where the Youma was.
>Chrysanthemum nods, and Lily stirs against you, obviously sore and exausted, but not giving up the ghost just yet.
>Lily tries to offer you her support as you follow Kiku out of the pool room, but the old saying 'the spirit is willing, but the flesh is spongy and bruised weak' definately applies to her now. So you do most of the supporting in this case.
>You return to the small antechamber where the youma was formerly, noting right away that the floor is no longer covered in water. The four people- three femals and one male- appear in the same state as when you passed by before; alive, but unconscious. Kiku, having changed back to her 'normal' form at some point after passing out of your line of sight, is already kneeling by the male, holding her left arm out over him, fore and middle fingers extended up.
>The victim that catches your eye, however, is the one towards the northwest corner of the room. With the exception that the yellow stripe is on the opposite side of her face, it is the same woman you and Lily battled above.
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>Try to wake her up.
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>Try to wake her up.
>Walking around the two on the south side of the room, you approach the crazed woman's doppelganger, and try to rouse her from her unconscious state. Your attempts meet with little success.
>"I thought I was seeing things when we came through here before." Lily mutters. "I thought you left her upstairs?"
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>"I did."
>"Lily, Kiku, can you take care of things here? I'm going to go look for the one I fought."
>Assuming they agree, proceed to where we left the woman we fought.
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>".. Are they twins, perhaps?"
Oh yeah, don't forget we need to pay off Eagle for standing her up. =[
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I know.
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>".. Are they twins, perhaps?"
>"Maybe?" Lily points at the woman's face. "Crazy one had that mark on the right side of her face."
>"I did."
>"Lily, Kiku, can you take care of things here? I'm going to go look for the one I fought."
>Assuming they agree, proceed to where we left the woman we fought.
>Kiku pauses in her process to give you a nod. "We shall not be long."
>You seperate from Lily and, after making sure the blonde doesn't fall over without your support, you take your leave of your fellow Heroes and make your way back towards the records level. The locker room, you note, is also devoid of water, though the damage from the exploding snakes remains quite evident. The sheet of lead Kiku created remains present as well, and is still as inert as when you passed by it before. The hallway is brighter lit, however, as the lights are no longer shrouded by that black cloud. Despite the fact that it's an ordinary hallway, it feels rather nice to be able to walk down a hall and not have to worry about something jumping out at you from the dark.
>When you reach the break room, after taking your time on the stairs (you swear there weren't that many going DOWN....), you find that the woman with the stripe on the right side of her face is indeed just where you left her. She appears to still be out, but her complexion is healthier than the ones below, and her head has shifted a bit since you last saw her.
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>Ponder if Old Man Saigyouji has come back yet? It would be nice to get some extra muscle involved with dragging these people up and looking them over.
>Look over Right Stripe, make sure she's okay.
>Ponder back, what did that one stone youma look like once we purified it?
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>Ponder if Old Man Saigyouji has come back yet? It would be nice to get some extra muscle involved with dragging these people up and looking them over.
>Look over Right Stripe, make sure she's okay.
>Ponder back, what did that one stone youma look like once we purified it?
>The CRA executive does not appear to be in evidence, but, if he's as devoted to this place as you surmised, then he's still upstairs.
>The woman appears to be in better shape than the people downstairs. You wouldn't be surprised if she regained consciousness soon.
>If you're referring to the youma you purified below, you didn't notice the object it left behind after it was bested. When you got a look at its youma form, however, the Dark Core appeared to be attached to some kind of old coin. Odds are, that coin is still back with Kiku and Lily.
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>Do we feel like we can still contact Lily from here, if so, send her a message. If not, break out the cell phone. Either way, tell her: "Try to what that youma was made from, while you're down there. I think it was a coin. I'm going to go find help."
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>Do we feel like we can still contact Lily from here, if so, send her a message. If not, break out the cell phone. Either way, tell her: "Try to what that youma was made from, while you're down there. I think it was a coin. I'm going to go find help."
>You do still have enough power to contact Lily, and do so. "A coin? Just a sec." Her contact breaks off, but her voice returns seconds later. "Is it an old coin? Kiku just found one."
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>"That's the one, I think. It would be best to turn it over to them."
>Okay, enough "resting". Let's go find the boss and get help.
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>"That's the one, I think. It would be best to turn it over to them."
>Okay, enough "resting". Let's go find the boss and get help.
>"I think I know who it belongs to, too." Lily pauses again. "Kiku's nearly done, we'll be there soon."
>That taken care of, you double check to make sure the former demon's servant/victim won't fall over, and then make your way over to the stairwell leading back to the surface. Your stomach rumbles again as you climb more stairs, but at least that sickly swamp smell is gone. Small favors.
>Sure enough, Hironobu is standing in the lobby, along with Hatoko and the bald-headed muscular man you saw before speaking with Hironobu the first time. The three of them are speaking among themselves, but the secretary Kikuri notices you come through the door. "She's back, Director." she advises the trio, all of whom aim their eyes at you. Hatoko seems rather alarmed at the sight of your battle damage.
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>"We have unconscious people, and need some help getting them all moved. It should be safe down there."
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>"We have unconscious people, and need some help getting them all moved. It should be safe down there."
>Kikuri, Hironobu, and the bald man all seem somewhat taken aback by your brief assessment of the situation below ground. Hatoko, however, steps forward, not missing a beat. "Are they hurt? How many people?"
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>"Five, I think? They aren't externally wounded, but they will need to be examined and allowed to rest, at least."
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>"Five, I think? They aren't externally wounded, but they will need to be examined and allowed to rest, at least."
>The multicolored youkai nods, then starts issuing instructions. "I'll have beds prepared upstairs, and our on-site doctor notified. Kikuri, see to the latter. Shiyuu, go and assist this lady. I'll send Kakyo and Fuma to assist you."
>The bald man with the dark eyes nods mutely and walks towards you, as Hatoko continues, "What of you and your companions? Do you need medical attention?"
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>"We should be fine."
>Lily, who is it that you believe that coin belongs to?
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>"We should be fine."
>"Very well."
>"Then, the situation has been resolved?" Hironobu asks you.
>Lily, who is it that you believe that coin belongs to?
>"When I was talking to her earlier, I noticed Kikuri was wearing a necklace of old coins. I thought there was a gap in the necklace, like one of 'em was missing, but I didn't get a really good look. Guess I was right."
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>"It is resolved."
>"Kikuri, we found a coin down there that we think belongs to you."
>To Kiku: "You have it, right? Show her."
>If it is Kikuri's: "Kikuri, the new youkai that we brought here, Marigold? She was born from an object I found in a situation similar to when we found the coin. I don't know if that will happen here, but you should be aware of the possibility."
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>"It is resolved."
>"Kikuri, we found a coin down there that we think belongs to you."
>To Kiku: "You have it, right? Show her."
>If it is Kikuri's: "Kikuri, the new youkai that we brought here, Marigold? She was born from an object I found in a situation similar to when we found the coin. I don't know if that will happen here, but you should be aware of the possibility."
>Hironobu is visibly relieved by this.
>The secretary's hand flashes to her neck. The necklace must be concealed by her blouse, as it is not visible evident. "An older brass one, from Old Bonn?"
>Lily, Kiku, and the coin in their possession, are still downstairs. They have not caught up to you yet.
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>"One of my companions has it. I'll have her show it to you."
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>You know what we've earned? A good sit down. Let's have a sit down on those stairs.
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>"One of my companions has it. I'll have her show it to you."
>Kikuri nods in anticipation.
>You know what we've earned? A good sit down. Let's have a sit down on those stairs.
>Your message delivered, you turn back through the door leading downstairs, the large man called Shiyuu reaching out ahead and pushing the door open, holding it open for you. Thanking him, you reenter the stairwell, and promptly plop yourself down on the stairs the first chance you get. Man, that sit down's been a long time coming. You exhale slowly, and you swear the breath withers as it leaves your body. The tall man pats you gently on the shoulder as he walks past, his touch surprisingly soft for one that looks as buff as he.
>As he descends the stairs, the sound of a door opening below sounds. That'll be your two friends, then, and sure enough, Kiku and Lily ascend the stairs seconds later, Lily holding Kiku's hand for support.
>"Twins." Lily says as she and Kiku pause on the stairs in front of you.
>"The one that you two fought seems healthier than the one that was petrified." Kiku continues. "I expect she'll regain consciousness soon."
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>Be cautious about what you say around others.
>"Everyone's okay, then?"
>"Show Kikuri the coin."
-
>Be cautious about what you say around others.
>"Everyone's okay, then?"
>"Show Kikuri the coin."
>Kiku and Lily exchange a look, then Kiku gives you a nod, and moves past you up the stairs.
>"Kiku said they'd all had their energy sucked out of them." Lily informs you as Kiku passes through the door and into the lobby. "Especially the... girl with the stripe. She said they'll be fine, after a day or two. Kinda like me, actually, and Kyo... the others from a few days ago."
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>Nod to Lily. "That's good, they can probably be expected to make a full recovery."
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>Nod to Lily. "That's good, they can probably be expected to make a full recovery."
>Lily climbs the few stairs between you and plops down next to you, even more heavily than when you sat down. "I kinda... don't think it's hit me yet. I mean... We won. We really won."
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>Nod. Make she no one's coming up on us.
>"I think I'm a bit less rattled, but I didn't have to deal with this one alone, which did a lot to put my mind at ease. Are you alright, otherwise?"
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>Nod. Make she no one's coming up on us.
>"I think I'm a bit less rattled, but I didn't have to deal with this one alone, which did a lot to put my mind at ease. Are you alright, otherwise?"
>Double checking the sights and sounds around you reveal no one other than Lily in your immediate proximity.
>Lily tries to smile, but her fatigue keeps it from fully forming. "I think so. I mean.... when we...." She hesitates, a tear forming in the corner of her bright blue eye. "The fighting, that was scary, but I could handle it. I trusted you, and I trust my power. But after the... when we..."
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>"It's okay. The Champion of Water won't be going anywhere."
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>"It's okay. The Champion of Water won't be going anywhere."
>Lily sniffles, and nods fiercely. "And we can deal with the rest of them that way, too! It worked on water, it can work on... whatever the other five are."
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>"I think we can aim for better than that, with more time to acclimate ourselves."
>Frown.
>"I wonder if Kiku is going to have to leave the shrine now, as well?"
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>"I think we can aim for better than that, with more time to acclimate ourselves."
>Frown.
>"I wonder if Kiku is going to have to leave the shrine now, as well?"
>Lily seems confused for a moment, then her brain catches up. "Oh, yeah! That... yeah, that might be a problem. Convincing her to leave... that might be a bigger problem..."
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>"We'll have to reach some kind of amicable solution. I wonder if it's possible to do something about Satori between the three of us?"
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>"We'll have to reach some kind of amicable solution. I wonder if it's possible to do something about Satori between the three of us?"
>The suggestion of yet another conflict makes Lily's face and wings droop. "You mean now?"
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>"Not now, but perhaps tomorrow."
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>"Not now, but perhaps tomorrow."
>Lily sighs in relief, and sags against you again. Pretty little blonde's making a habit of that. But she collects herself after a second. "I just... don't think I could handle.... I'll be lucky to get to school tomorrow."
>School. THERE'S a thought after all that's happened today.
>At that moment, the door behind you opens again, and Kiku reenters the stairwell. Lily barely has the energy to jump.
>"That coin was indeed Kikuri's." Kiku informs you. "She was quite grateful to have it returned to her."
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>"Well, if it manifests like Marigold did, then she'll be well equipped to deal with it."
>Yech. Do we have anything important to do at school tomorrow?
>"Speaking of Marigold, shall we see how she's coming along?"
-
>"Well, if it manifests like Marigold did, then she'll be well equipped to deal with it."
>Yech. Do we have anything important to do at school tomorrow?
>"Speaking of Marigold, shall we see how she's coming along?"
>Very faintly, Kiku looks slightly abashed. "Ah. Yes, I had failed to consider that eventuality. We'll have to mention that on our way out."
>As a matter of fact, your math midterm is tomorrow morning. And the tennis club meets for regular practice after school, as well. Yech indeed.
>Lily nods faintly in agreement. Kiku, however, pauses. "I really should.... No, wait, Chie's still here, I think. Yes, I shall accompany you."
-
>Crapbaskets. Well, at least tennis can probably be blown off. Are we still confident in our maths, after all the crap we've been through lately?
>"Let's go, then."
>Upstairs!
>Is Lily still magicked out? If so, suggest it may be a good idea to covert back, since since can her normal-like.
-
>Crapbaskets. Well, at least tennis can probably be blown off. Are we still confident in our maths, after all the crap we've been through lately?
>"Let's go, then."
>Upstairs!
>Is Lily still magicked out? If so, suggest it may be a good idea to covert back, since since can her normal-like.
>While you hesitate about 'blowing off' you responsibilities as tennis club captain, no matter the circumstances, you are certain that your vice captain, Shikako, can fill in your stead, though it would be courteous to at least inform her of your expected absence, should the need arise.
>As for your preparations for your math exam, you would say, should you manage to get a solid night's sleep, you should at least be adequately prepared to handle Wriggle's exam. She's not the hardest teacher, not by a longshot, although you would not be at all surprised if your marks took a bit of a dip. Trying to study when you get home would probably be an excercise in futility. You may want to make double sure Rin wakes you up in time for school, as well. The way you feel right now, you honestly believe you could sleep for the whole of tomorrow.
>You suggest to Lily that she might revert to her 'normal' form, and she nods, and looks at her ring. Kiku, however, advises against it. "At least for now." she cautions. "When we all went down there, and even before, you were Magical Lily. Seeing your other self come upstairs could be suspicious." Lily considers this, then nods again.
>Although you are slightly reluctant to stand again, Marigold ain't gonna come to you, so you drag yourself back to your feet, and Lily along with you, Kiku standing over you in the event either one of you lose your footing. But you both remain upright, and head back into the lobby, Kiku holding the door open for you both. Kikuri, now smiling quite contentedly, comes to her feet as you enter, and bows deeply to you and Lily.
>"Thank you very much for finding my coin!"
-
>"You're very welcome. But, we should inform you. After what has happened, there is a change it may manifest as a tsukumogami. I don't know what the odds are, but it has happened once before."
-
>"You're very welcome. But, we should inform you. After what has happened, there is a change it may manifest as a tsukumogami. I don't know what the odds are, but it has happened once before."
>Kikuri's obviously surprised by your note. "That's a bit abnormal, why would it do that?"
>"'Abnormals' been pretty normal so far today." Lily murmurs.
>Kiku supplies, "The details are somewhat obscure, even to us. It is not a guaranteed change. Merely a possibility to be aware of."
>The secretary hmmmms thoughtfully. "What kind of timeframe should I be on the watch for?"
-
>"The one I observed happened after three days, I think? Perhaps four. So, within a week?"
-
>"The one I observed happened after three days, I think? Perhaps four. So, within a week?"
>Kikuri nods. "I'll be careful." She clenches the coin on her hand tightly. "I'm not letting this one out of my sight again!"
-
>Kikuri nods. "I'll be careful." She clenches the coin on her hand tightly. "I'm not letting this one out of my sight again!"
>"I'm happy we found it, then."
>Can we recall how to get back to where Marigold was taken for private questioning?
-
>"I'm happy we found it, then."
>Can we recall how to get back to where Marigold was taken for private questioning?
>No one actually told you where Marigold was. Only that Satori's sister Koishi, who is also your school counsellor, was the one speaking to her.
-
>Glance to Lily. "Do you know where to go to meet up with Marigold?"
-
>Glance to Lily. "Do you know where to go to meet up with Marigold?"
>Lily thinks for a moment. "Unless she's already been given a room here, she should still be down the hall through there." she points at the double doors on the east face of the wall.
-
>Excuse ourselves from Kikuri and go that way!
-
>As we go, un-transform as soon as nobody else is in sight. Can't have Marigold fail to recognize us, after all.
-
Might not be a good idea. Others might recognize us and put two and two together. And if Hironobu wants to talk with us afterward, which is highly likely, it would get awkward.
Easier to just tell Marigold who we are secretly when we can.
-
Okay, sure.
-
>Excuse ourselves from Kikuri and go that way!
>Kikuri thanks you again as you take your leave of her, and head towards the double doors. Kiku, however, pauses.
>"Would you know where to find Chie? The young cat youkai that was here earlier."
>"Yes, miko-sama. Hatoko took the young girl to her office after you went downstairs."
>Kiku frowns. "Why would she do that?"
>The secretary shrugs slightly. "You'd have to ask Hatoko. I was on the phone at the time."
>Kiku frowns again, then swishes her tail once sharply. "And where is Hatoko-san's office?"
>Pointing to the large double doors, Kikuru directs her, "Take a right at the end of the hall. You can't miss it, it's the one with the red and green door. And, she doesn't like to be called 'san', except my people she doesn't like."
>"Noted. Thank you." Bowing once to Kiku, the tiger youkai rejoins you and Lily.
>Your party complete again, the three of you pass through the double doors into the white hallway again. Lily points to the third door down on the right side. "That's where she was being interviewed."
>As we go, un-transform as soon as nobody else is in sight. Can't have Marigold fail to recognize us, after all.
>Wanting not to confuse Marigold upon seeing her, you prepare to transform back to 'Byakuren'.
Might not be a good idea. Others might recognize us and put two and two together. And if Hironobu wants to talk with us afterward, which is highly likely, it would get awkward.
Easier to just tell Marigold who we are secretly when we can.
Okay, sure.
>But then you reconsider?
-
>Let's not.
>Frown: "Is there a problem with Hatoko doing this, Kiku?"
-
>Let's not.
>Frown: "Is there a problem with Hatoko doing this, Kiku?"
>You remain in your current form.
>There are a pair of women at the end of the corridor, engaged in a casual but quiet conversation, so you yourself keep your voice down as you pose your question to Kiku.
>"You mean taking Chie aside like she seems to have? I don't know... I'm simply not sure what she'd wish to speak to Chie about, save perhaps curiosity about my abilities."
-
>Keep voice low: "Well, it could be a general interview? But, I assume you'd know better than I do."
-
>Keep voice low: "Well, it could be a general interview? But, I assume you'd know better than I do."
>Kiku nods slowly. "The CRA do sometimes interview former residents, and Chie did come through here nearly seven months ago. Although, I didn't think Hatoko handled those herself. I could be wrong, though, Komeji-sama usually handles that side of Temple affairs herself."
-
>Nod.
>Pass the gossips by and make sure they can't hear before continuing.
>"I see. Who is this Hatoko person?"
-
>Nod.
>Pass the gossips by and make sure they can't hear before continuing.
>"I see. Who is this Hatoko person?"
>The door you are seeking is in front of you, and the gossips are down away at the end of the hall.
>Kiku gives you a curious look, but it is Lily that answers, "She's Hironobu's assistant, the pretty youkai with all the colors we met before."
-
>"Ah, right. That does sound unusual, then."
-
>"Ah, right. That does sound unusual, then."
>"Ordinarily, I wouldn't expect a problem, but, I admit to being more... cautious, under the circumstances." Given the days events, Kiku's caution seems rather understandable. "But, I sensed nothing unusual from her before, nor do I sense anything out of the ordinary now. I am.... mostly certain that everything is fine, is somewhat out of the ordinary."
-
>Nod. "Hopefully, it is just irrational fear. We've had enough rational fear to last us, I think."
>Settle in to wait.
-
>Nod. "Hopefully, it is just irrational fear. We've had enough rational fear to last us, I think."
>Settle in to wait.
>"Indeed."
>You lean yourself up against the right side of the wall to wait for the gossips to quit the corridor, Lily right behind you. Kiku situates herself on the other side of the corridor.
>It is several minutes before the two women part ways, one heading down the left fork in the corridor, the other heading in your direction, smiling pleasantly. She greets the three of you politely as she passes between you, making no comment about the battle damage or fatigue present on any of you.
>You find yourself slightly grateful that it took minutes only. Much longer, and you might have fallen asleep where you stood. Lily nearly did, and only a polite nudge from you kept her eyes open.
-
>Does this seem like a door we're supposed to just enter, or wait outside of?
-
>Does this seem like a door we're supposed to just enter, or wait outside of?
>The door is closed, but there doesn't appear to any kind of 'Keep out' warnings in place. There's nothing obvious telling you not to enter of your own accord, but, common courtesy would suggest a knock first, just in case.
-
>Knock.
-
>Knock.
>Detaching yourself from the wall, you make your way down the corridor towards to door Lily pointed out to you. Within a few feet of it, though, you think you hear a familiar voice coming from the room within. Marissa's voice.
>Sure enough, when you rap upon the door, it is Marissa's voice that sings out, "'zat you, Koishi?"
-
It's still one S.
>Oh geez. Right, act natural...
>"No."
-
It's still one S.
It's also a distinction between the human Marisa and the counterfeit Marisa you met back in the first episode.
>Oh geez. Right, act natural...
>"No."
>You take a moment to compose yourself. You weren't exactly expecting to run into her, as well.
>"Well, c'mon in anyways, no sense shoutin' through doors."
-
I'll counterfeit your Marisa! (http://www.wowpedia.org/Marcy_Curtainfire)
>Enter!
-
I'll counterfeit your Marisa! (http://www.wowpedia.org/Marcy_Curtainfire)
Oh, god, how I miss old Winterspring... Old WoW in general, for that matter.
>Enter!
>Opening the door reveals a rather sparsely furnished room, the brown cherrywood walls unadorned by art or documents. A long couch occupies the majority of the west side of the room, currently occupied by Marigold. A wood desk occupies the northeast corner, holding a computer, several writing impliments and papers. The wheeled chair has been pushed towards the middle of the room and is occupied by Marissa, decked out in a respectable black skirt, blue shirt and grey jacket combination.
>Marissa leans back in her borrowed chair and regards the three of you with a curious look in her eye. "Love your designer, ladies."
-
>"Ah, thank you very much."
>Did Lily ever change back?
>What's Marigold up to?
-
>"Ah, thank you very much."
>Did Lily ever change back?
>What's Marigold up to?
>Marissa sticks her head out to have a look to your side, gives Kiku a nod, then returns her attention to you. "Never seen you folks 'round here, but, I'm guessin' you're here from the temple to check up on the new girl here?" she jerks her thumb in Marigold's direction to illustrate her point.
>She has not. Both you and she are both in your Magical forms.
>She is sitting comfortably on the couch, and you have her attention. Her expression is the same kind of peaceful half-smiling look she wore most of the time immediately after her 'birth'.
-
>Has she noticed us? And if so, does she seem to recognize us?
-
>Has she noticed us? And if so, does she seem to recognize us?
>She has noticed you. But if either she, or Marissa, recognize you or Lily for who you really are, neither one shows any sign of it.
-
>Try to mentally prod Kiku into taking the lead, Marigold ought to recognize her a little...
-
>Try to mentally prod Kiku into taking the lead, Marigold ought to recognize her a little...
>Even though she is no longer in her Magical form, Kiku seems to still be able to receive your mental messages, as she steps forward to field Marissa's question. "That is correct, at least in part. This youkai ascended at our temple, and that is a rare event. We would be remissed if we did not monitor the progress of such a youkai."
>Marissa nods, still smiling that casual little smile of hers that fits her face so well. "So what's the other part?"
>"A young Sister of mine accompanied Marigold here. Since I was in the area on a separate matter, I thought I would escort her back to the temple, as it is getting late."
>"Ah, ya mean Chie? Sweet girl, nice to see her back here. She's down in Hatoko's, if you're lookin' for her."
>"I was aware, but thank you all the same." Kiku bows slightly in gratitude, but Marissa waves her hand in front of her.
>"None'a that. Anyone that knows me'll tell ya I ain't formal much if ever." Marissa then reaches her other arm forward, interlaces her fingers and raises them over her head, stretching casually. She then looks at you and Lily again. "So, what about you two pretty little things? Here to see our new recruit, yourselves?"
-
>Nod.
>"I assume you've found her to be in good physical and mental condition?"
-
>Nod.
>"I assume you've found her to be in good physical and mental condition?"
>"Fit as a fiddle, and a wide open mind." Marissa gives you her trademarked grin, then levels it at Marigold. "Ain't that right?"
>Marigold nods calmly. "There is much I do not know. But, I wish to learn all that I can."
>"And she's got a really advanced mind, fer a newborn, to boot. Lotta youkai that come here, we kinda gotta teach em from the ground up, like they're kids. Not Marigold here, mentally, she might be older'n some of my classmates." She laughs at her own joke, which draws a smile from Lily. "She said herself, she don't have a lot of knowledge yet, but she does have the maturity and capacity to understand a lot better than a lotta the ones I've seen start off here, in my time." She shrugs slightly. "Well, that's the hallmark card version, anyways. Koishi's the one you wanna talk to fer details, not that I'll promise they'll make any sense. Woman talks weird sometimes. I'm just keepin' Marigold company until Koishi finds a room for her upstairs. Well, that and I always like to introduce myself to new arrivals. Friendly faces make a lot of difference here. I like helping folks feel welcome here."
-
>"Find a room? So she'll be staying here, then?"
-
>"Find a room? So she'll be staying here, then?"
>"Yep."
-
>Well, that's one worry alleviated.
>"What sorts of things will her stay involve?"
-
>Didn't we want her to stay with us?
-
>We considered it if there was no alternative, but chances are these people can do a better job than we can. And we're in no condition to sleep on the floor tonight as it is...
-
>Well, that's one worry alleviated.
>Hassle free, no less.
>Didn't we want her to stay with us?
>We considered it if there was no alternative, but chances are these people can do a better job than we can. And we're in no condition to sleep on the floor tonight as it is...
>While having Marigold around would have been nice, the people here are trained, qualified and practiced at handling youkai new to sentience.
>"What sorts of things will her stay involve?"
>"Not as much as a lot of others, I don't think." Marissa replies, scratching her nose once. "It ain't often someone with the mindset of Marigold here comes along our way. I ain't a full blown teacher here, but I'd wager she won't NEED much beyond the basics. What's a stop sign, what's a school, how to read and write- That's part of what I do here, by the by, I'm one of the reading coaches."
>"We also help youkai try to find a place in society where they'll fit in best. Somewhere that fits em like a glove. Like how parents do with their kids, only this place ain't nearly so overbearing as a lot of parents nowadays."
>"Which I suppose brings up another point, one that I bet Koishi talked 'bout with you, Marigold." Marissa gives the newborn a taste of her grin before looking back at you. "Beyond the basics, yknow, reading, writing, math, a fair amount of what gets taught here depends on who we're teaching it to. There ain't a 'standard learning program', or any kinda that crap. Each youkai, each PERSON, I should say, is different. Special in their own way." Marissa's grin changes a bit at that point, softening into that warm smile of hers that looks so good on her face, as she looks at Marigold again. "And we don't know quite yet just how special Marigold here is. We're just gettin' to know her ourselves."
-
>Did we know Marisa felt this way?
>"I assume that education will bring her up to a standard expected in society, at least?"
-
>Did we know Marisa felt this way?
>"I assume that education will bring her up to a standard expected in society, at least?"
>You did. You did not know what Marissa did here, though. She's rather humble and underspoken about her volunteer work, which surprises everyone that doesn't know her as well as you do.
>"Ohyeah. That does depend a bit on the person in question, but everyone leaves her at least with.... Ehhh, probably a grade 9, I'd guess? course, nothing stoppin' someone from staying longer, if they want. Really, when ya get right down to the brass tacks, people stay here until they're ready to leave. And they have just as much a say in that as anyone wearing a white coat with a 'Doctor' in front of their name. And we help em find a place to go, if they want. Some folks just like to strike out on their own."
-
>Nod. "I expected that would be the case, but I didn't know all the details."
-
>Nod. "I expected that would be the case, but I didn't know all the details."
>Marissa's grins returns to its usual form. "And that brings my question 'round." She noddles her head back and forth slightly to indicate you and Lily. "What brings you two here to see our new girl here?"
-
>"It's a little personal, I'd rather not get into details."
-
>"It's a little personal, I'd rather not get into details."
>Although her face doesn't change, you've known Marissa long enough to recognize the subtle change in her golden eyes. She's sizing you up. You yourself have always had a knack for reading people, but Marissa shares that gift. "And I'm keepin' you from that 'personal' thing."
-
>"Well, I suppose I can I was a witness to her birth."
-
>"Well, I suppose I can I was a witness to her birth."
>Marissa whistles. "That'd do it, awright." She hops to her feet. "And you want me t'make myself scarce while you have a word with Marigold?"
-
>"It would be appreciated, but there's no need to just leave if you're doing anything important."
-
>"It would be appreciated, but there's no need to just leave if you're doing anything important."
>"Naw, nothin' like that." Marissa then turns to face Marigold, her voice changing from that easy-going friendliness to that soft tone she uses on special occasions. "Marigold, are you okay with these girls talking to you without me here?"
>Marigold, still smiling peacefully, nods slowly. "Yes, Marissa."
>"You sure?"
>Marigold slowly nods again. "Yes, Marissa. They are good people."
>Your old friend laughs at Marigold's sentiment. "All right, then. But I'll be just down the hall if you need anything."
>Marissa then returns her attention to you and your friends. "If it's all right with her, then it's cool with me."
-
>"Alright, we'll let you know when we're done."
-
>"Alright, we'll let you know when we're done."
>Marissa tips two fingers to you in a salute. "Roger." Kiku steps to the side to let her past, and the blonde volunteer walks between you and her towards the door. She pauses, however, in front of Lily, and gives the winged woman a look up and down. Marissa gives her a shot of that charming smile that makes the vast majority of folks go weak at the knees. Lily's face colors nicely.
>Tossing you a charming wink, Marissa departs.
-
>"Don't let her fluster you, Lily. She does that sort of thing with a lot of people."
-
>"Don't let her fluster you, Lily. She does that sort of thing with a lot of people."
>"I know..." she mutters as Kiku pushes the door closed. "But..." She blushes again.
>Marigold seems somewhat confused by the exchange.
-
>Look toward Marigold. "Do you recognize us?"
-
>Look toward Marigold. "Do you recognize us?"
>"Yes, Mother."
-
>"I wondered if you would. Most, Marisa included, do not recognize us when we are in this state."
-
>"It took me a little longer to get here than I had hoped. There were some difficulties we had to address. Have they treated you well?"
-
>"I wondered if you would. Most, Marisa included, do not recognize us when we are in this state."
>"Why?"
>"It took me a little longer to get here than I had hoped. There were some difficulties we had to address. Have they treated you well?"
>"Very well, Mother."
-
>"It's just how things work when I'm in uniform, so to speak. No one else seems to to recognize me. It may be because I don't want them to."
>A shame we're not the sort of person to cut classes, this would be priceless.
>"Are you excited about staying here?"
-
>"It's just how things work when I'm in uniform, so to speak. No one else seems to to recognize me. It may be because I don't want them to."
>A shame we're not the sort of person to cut classes, this would be priceless.
>"Are you excited about staying here?"
>"I think I am. Excited means to look forward with anticipation, yes?"
>"That's one way to put it, yeah." Lily offers.
>Marigold nods in response. "Thank you, mama. Then yes, mother, I am excited."
-
>Smile.
>"That's great! These people are used to teaching new people like you all of the basics, and can do it very effectively. I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends here, as well."
>_
-
>Smile.
>"That's great! These people are used to teaching new people like you all of the basics, and can do it very effectively. I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends here, as well."
>_
>Lily mirrors your smile. "And if you ever need us, just ask someone, and they'll get in touch with us. We'll be here whenever you need."
>If Marissa were still here, she'd no doubt make a sideways quip about 'such proud parents'.
>"Thank you, mothers."
>Kiku, for her part, seems a bit confused about Marigold's monniker for you and Lily, and she asks you, "Why does she call you that?"
-
>"In fact, once you've settled in, I am sure it wouldn't be a problem for you to call us in the evening on your own. Have they explained telephones to you yet?"
>Glance to Kiku: "We each had a role in her birth."
>_
-
>"In fact, once you've settled in, I am sure it wouldn't be a problem for you to call us in the evening on your own. Have they explained telephones to you yet?"
>"Not yet, mother."
>Glance to Kiku: "We each had a role in her birth."
>Kiku seems slightly more confused as she looks between you and Lily. "Your powers are indeed vast."
>Lily blushes again.
-
>Smile at Kiku. "It's why we're not so afraid of what we have to face, and why we're confident we can bring a true end to it."
>To Marigold: "They'll explain them when they feel you're ready, dear. Suffice it to say we have numerous ways to stay in touch, even if we don't come here physically."
-
>Smile at Kiku. "It's why we're not so afraid of what we have to face, and why we're confident we can bring a true end to it."
>"I do not understand, but, I will inquire more later, if you prefer."
>To Marigold: "They'll explain them when they feel you're ready, dear. Suffice it to say we have numerous ways to stay in touch, even if we don't come here physically."
>"I am not worried. Mother and Mama are always with me, and Marigold is with you."
-
>Pat her on the head, the little scamp.
-
>Pat her on the head, the little scamp.
>Marigold's smile shows her enjoyment of your sign of affection.
>Lily White, being Lily White, is a bit more exuberant in her affectionate displays, as she practically flies across the room to envelop the ring tsukomogami in what can best be described as a glomp. "AwWwWw, you're such a good girl!" Lily gushes. Apparently, love re-energizes your winged friend. Marigold obviously does not mind.
-
>Might as well invite ourselves in, and hug as well.
-
>Might as well invite ourselves in, and hug as well.
>Hugs are always welcome, so you join in on the family moment. Lily's arm wraps around your shoulder and pulls you in, but not hard or forcefully, while Marigold's arm slides around the middle of your back. It's really a wonderful sensation.
>Out of the corner of your eye, you see the stern-faced Kiku try not to smile. She's not doing a very good job.
-
>Let's just enjoy the family moment. Even if it is weird to be try and be a paragon of virtue and also a single teen mother.
-
>Let's just enjoy the family moment. Even if it is weird to be try and be a paragon of virtue and also a single teen mother.
>In fairness, Marigold's birth was a rather extraordinary event. And you could always propose to Lily...
>Savoring the moment between your rather unique little family here, it is Marigold's quiet voice that breaks the silence. "May I ask you a question, mothers?"
>"Of course, honey!" Lily chirps.
>"Where is the other one?"
-
>"The other one? You mean the other who was present at your birth?"
>If so: "Events took a turn for the dangerous, and I had to leave her behind for her own safety. I intend to get in touch with her again as soon as we're done here."
-
>"The other one? You mean the other who was present at your birth?"
>If so: "Events took a turn for the dangerous, and I had to leave her behind for her own safety. I intend to get in touch with her again as soon as we're done here."
>Medicine shakes her head, but slowly, like she's not certain of the motion. "No, mother. I mean the one like me."
-
>Do we really any other tsukumogami there?
>If not, say, "What one like you?
>_
-
>Do we really any other tsukumogami there?
>If not, say, "What one like you?
>_
>Not that you're aware of.
>"The one that was lost. Like I was, before I became Marigold."
-
>"Ah. That one; those ones, has been cleansed as you were. I am not sure if she will manifest any time soon as you did. We'll see what happens with them."
-
>"Ah. That one; those ones, has been cleansed as you were. I am not sure if she will manifest any time soon as you did. We'll see what happens with them."
>"I understand, mother."
>Lily seems a touch at a loss, though. "Marigold, how did you know about that?"
>"I felt it, mama. It felt like what I felt before you called to me."
-
>"What was this feeling like, Marigold?"
-
>"What was this feeling like, Marigold?"
>"Like darkness... cold, old pain. It wasn't the same as before. There was only one source, but there was anger. Cold anger."
-
>"...Did you feel like before?"
-
>"...Did you feel like before?"
>"Not from myself. From somewhere else. I think the word is 'below'. Below me."
>Lily's voice, sounding rather startled, rings in your mind, "I think she's talking about the Youma we fought in the basement! How's that possible?"
-
>Send back: "I don't know, Lily. I don't know."
>"Do you feel alright now?"
-
>Send back: "I don't know, Lily. I don't know."
>"Do you feel alright now?"
>"Yes, mother. The cold darkness is gone."
-
>"When did you feel that sensation begin?"
-
>"When did you feel that sensation begin?"
>"I don't know the words for time yet, mother. I am sorry. But, I do not believe it was a long time before now."
-
>"After you came here, then? After you parted from Lily?"
-
>"After you came here, then? After you parted from Lily?"
>Marigold nods, again seeming not entirely certain of the motion. "It started after Koishi Komeji had left me, and before Marissa visited me."
-
>Nod. "Alright. That confirms when it was made. Marigold, did you meet a woman named Kikuri?"
-
>Nod. "Alright. That confirms when it was made. Marigold, did you meet a woman named Kikuri?"
>"That is the name of the woman at the entrance of the building."
-
>Nod.
>"I want you to keep an eye on her for me. She has the coin that you felt, it was hers to begin with. The circumstances between it and you are different; we didn't have time to try to reach to it as we did to you, we had to get to Kiku as fast as we could; the source of the anger was there, and it was harming Kiku."
>Nod toward Kiku if she doesn't recognize the name.
>"It will probably be that much more lost when it awakens, and it may need a friend."
-
>Nod.
>"I want you to keep an eye on her for me. She has the coin that you felt, it was hers to begin with. The circumstances between it and you are different; we didn't have time to try to reach to it as we did to you, we had to get to Kiku as fast as we could; the source of the anger was there, and it was harming Kiku."
>Nod toward Kiku if she doesn't recognize the name.
>"It will probably be that much more lost when it awakens, and it may need a friend."
>You have the impression, from the look in her eyes, that Marigold didn't completely follow everything you said, but she seemed to get the gist of it. "I will be ready, mother. But, I am...." she stops and thinks, looking for the right word. "Curious. The 'source of the anger'. What became of it?"
-
>"We sent it away to a place where it won't harm anyone ever again."
-
>"We sent it away to a place where it won't harm anyone ever again."
>"Why was it angry?"
-
>"Because that's all it knew. Hopefully by having some time to itself, it will learn that anger is not the way, and calm down."
-
>"Because that's all it knew. Hopefully by having some time to itself, it will learn that anger is not the way, and calm down."
>Marigold considers this. "I am glad it was not destroyed."
-
>"As am I, Marigold."
-
>"As am I, Marigold."
>"Why?" Kiku almost spits. "If you had a sense of what that thing was, of what was going on, then you'd know that thing was evil. Why wouldn't you wish it destroyed?"
>Marigold seems confused by Kiku's outrage. "Anger and pain should be healed. Anger and pain cannot be healed if they are destroyed." She turns her attention back to you and Lily. "I am glad you did not destroy it before it could be healed." She pauses again, as a thought seemed to cross her mind. "When you sent it away, you were all in danger?"
-
>"Not anymore."
-
>"Not anymore."
>"I do not like the thought of my mothers in danger." Marigold replies, her voice surprisingly strong. "I wish to know what I can do to help you both."
-
>"The best thing you can do right now? It would be to tell no one what you know. The fewer people that know, the less danger they will be in, for the enemy won't try to learn what they know, and we won't have to drop everything to save them. For now, keep our secrets, and learn. In time, there may be a role for you. If you feel anything like you did before, if you feel any others made, let us know, so we may treat them. That too would be an immense help."
-
>"The best thing you can do right now? It would be to tell no one what you know. The fewer people that know, the less danger they will be in, for the enemy won't try to learn what they know, and we won't have to drop everything to save them. For now, keep our secrets, and learn. In time, there may be a role for you. If you feel anything like you did before, if you feel any others made, let us know, so we may treat them. That too would be an immense help."
>Marigold nods, this time sincerely. "I understand, mother. I will do as you ask."
>"And keep yourself safe, too." Lily adds, giving Marigold's head a friendly rub. "We don't want to see you in any danger, either. Hopefully, this place'll be perfectly safe now, but, like Mother said, if you ever feel anything like you did today again, then let us know. We'll be here in a blink."
>"As you wish, mama."
-
>"That sense alone shall make you invaluable to us, it means we do not need to worry so strongly about this place."
-
>"That sense alone shall make you invaluable to us, it means we do not need to worry so strongly about this place."
>Marigold smiles. "I am happy to be helpful."
>Kiku, visibly turning something over in her mind, apparently decides to say it. "How is it, Lotus, that Marigold has a sense of what has occurred here? What is she?"
-
>"She was the first youma I met, last week."
-
>"She was the first youma I met, last week."
>Even the stone faced Kiku can't keep the surprise off her face at that one. "What." is all she can manage to say.
>"It's true." Lily assures her. "Marigold.... You don't mind if we tell her, do you?" Lily stops and asks the newborn in question. "She's one of us, too."
>Marigold nods. "The trust of my mothers is my trust."
>Lily rubs her head again before returning her attention to Kiku. "Marigold was like that bronze disc we fought today; an object transformed into a youma." She gestures towards you. "And Lotus here fixed her, just like she fixed that big ol' face."
-
>Nod.
>"This is why I was warning people that their cleansed possessions may become tsukumogami; because it is what happened with her."
-
>Nod.
>"This is why I was warning people that their cleansed possessions may become tsukumogami; because it is what happened with her."
>"I heard you mention something like that to Ran, as well, after the fight there was over. I couldn't think of why at the time." She gives Marigold a look up and down, and her expression softens a hair. "Well, if that does come to pass, then the resulting youkai will be welcomed into this world, just as Marigold has been. I'll see to it myself, if need be."
-
>Smile. "As will we. As will we."
-
>Smile. "As will we. As will we."
>Kiku falls silent then, her expression turning inwards.
>"Personally, I hope they turn out as pretty and as good as you." Lily remarks to Marigold, giving the newborn another squeeze.
-
>"Just so, Lily."
Anything else to cover here?
-
>"Just so, Lily."
>"That said," Kiku interjects, "If you two would like some time alone with your... 'daughter', then I shall go and check on Chie."
-
>Nod with a bright smile. "You can even bring her here to meet Marigold if you so wish. She needs all the friends she can get after all."
-
>Nod with a bright smile. "You can even bring her here to meet Marigold if you so wish. She needs all the friends she can get after all."
>Lily hugs you from behind. "Friends make everything better!"
>Kiku merely nods, and takes her leave of you. You note that Marigold's eyes follow her exit, her expression mysterious.
-
>Try not to get bowled over by Lily. Give her hand a companionable pat.
>"Something bother you about her, Marigold?"
-
>Try not to get bowled over by Lily. Give her hand a companionable pat.
>"Something bother you about her, Marigold?"
>Fortunately, Lily is a wee bit less exuberant than normal, so your vertical base remains balanced. Perhaps she's running out of steam again.
>"That woman. She was lost, too, wasn't she?"
-
>"Very close to it, but Lily and I reacher her before she could be taken."
-
>"Very close to it, but Lily and I reacher her before she could be taken."
>Marigold nods slowly, her expression still somewhat unsettled.
>Lily separates from you and kneels in front of Marigold. "Now, don't you worry your pretty little head. That girl's one of the toughest I've ever known. She'll be just fine. And she's got your mamas watching her back, too."
-
>"She had a hard time, but she'll get better."
-
>"She had a hard time, but she'll get better."
>"I think...." Marigold hesitates, seeking the right words. "She will need your strength. To heal."
-
>"She'll have it. But for now, we were more concerned about you."
-
>"She'll have it. But for now, we were more concerned about you."
>Marigold's smile returns. "I feel safe here. And I think I will be happy here. There is much I must learn."
-
>"Study hard, Marigold. The better you do, the easier it will be for you to stay in contact with us."
-
>"Study hard, Marigold. The better you do, the easier it will be for you to stay in contact with us."
>"Study means to learn?"
>"It's one way to learn, yeah." Lily supplies.
>"Then I promise to study hard, mother."
>Lily giggles. "Learning already."
-
We got anything else to say to M-dawg?
-
Not that I know of.
-
I think we're good here.
-
>Give Marigold a hug.
>"You'll make us proud, I'm sure of it. But now, we need to go."
-
>Ruffle her hair a bit in that sort of proud parent way too before we go.
-
>Give Marigold a hug.
>"You'll make us proud, I'm sure of it. But now, we need to go."
>Ruffle her hair a bit in that sort of proud parent way too before we go.
>You shower your affection upon Marigold again, who smiles that quiet, almost serene smile of hers. "Be well, my mothers."
-
>"And you, too."
>Assuming Lily is ready, depart!
-
>"And you, too."
>Assuming Lily is ready, depart!
>Lily gives Marigold a quick kiss on the cheek, and then follows you out of the room.
>Marissa and a woman in a yellow and green dress, whom you recognize as Koishi Komeji after a moment, are conversing near the double doors leading to the lobby. The corridor is empty apart from them.
-
>Look around. Any signs of Kiku?
-
>Look around. Any signs of Kiku?
>She does not appear to be present.
-
>Look toward Marisa and Koishi.
>"Excuse me, have you seen where our friend went?"
-
>Look toward Marisa and Koishi.
>"Excuse me, have you seen where our friend went?"
>Marissa looks in your direction, and points down the hallway behind you. "Thataway. Hang a right, and Hatoko's office is the one with the red an' green door."
-
>Nod. "Thank you."
>Look to Lily, "Should invite ourselves in?"
-
>Nod. "Thank you."
>Look to Lily, "Should invite ourselves in?"
>"No prob,"
>Lily nods. "Only fair."
-
>Nod and head thataway and hang a right.
>Try to see if we can hear once we reach the door.
-
>Nod and head thataway and hang a right.
>Try to see if we can hear once we reach the door.
>Heading in that direction, Lily adds in a lower voice, as you round the corner, "Plus... I'm a little worried about Kiku, too. I know she's tough, but I can't get what Marigold said out of my head."
>Hatoko's office turns out to be near the end of the hallway, which has a fair sized window in the wall, revealing that night has nearly completely fallen during your battles here.
>Her office door is even more multicolored than Marissa said, red on top, green on bottom, with yellow and blue floral patterns painted on, and several different colors of feathers are attached around the top of the doorframe.
>You can hear a voice from the other side of the door. It sounds like Chie, but this door appears to be made of thicker wood than the room Marigold is in. The words are muffled.
-
>"Well, you had a little... irrigularity in your own mind. Perhaps we should do with Kiku the same thing you and I did then."
-
>"Well, you had a little... irrigularity in your own mind. Perhaps we should do with Kiku the same thing you and I did then."
>"You mean that...." She flicks her finger between her ring and yours.
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>Lily whistles. "That was a heck of an experience. But, it got that.... like you said, irregularity out of me. If there's something like that wrong with Kiku, too, that would sure fix it."
>"If she agrees." Lily adds as an afterthought. "I didn't know her that well when I worked at the temple, but she seemed the real private sort."
-
>"I think she'd be willing to trust us, if we explained it to her."
-
>"I think she'd be willing to trust us, if we explained it to her."
>"Well, we can try. We just wanna help, after all."
-
>Gentle place an ear against the door.
-
>Gentle place an ear against the door.
>Placing your head against the multicolored door, you can discern more details about the voices within. You can now identify Chie's voice, as well as Kiku's, but the words are mostly indecipherable.
-
>Left head from the door and shrug.
>Then give Lily a questioning look, and mime knocking on the door
-
>Left head from the door and shrug.
>Then give Lily a questioning look, and mime knocking on the door
>Lily gives you a nod.
-
>Knock on the door.
-
>Knock on the door.
>A few seconds after your polite knock, the door opens, revealing Kiku's face. "Finished your business with Marigold, then?" she asks without preamble.
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Kiku opens the door wider and steps back. The office is has a very lived in feel, with light green walls with red and purple stripes. A large desk occupies most of the north wall, a pair of chairs in front of it, bordered on the east wall by a bookcase and a yellow colored birdcage on the west. The west wall also features artwork of open skies at dawn, sunrise, and midday. The east wall sports a sizable couch with red cushions, and is rather comfy looking.
>It is on this couch that Chie sits. She gives you a wave, then seems a little worried. "Kiku's friends okay?"
-
>Step in.
>"We're fine, Chie. Things turned out better than we were hoping. We're just a bit tired."
-
>Step in.
>"We're fine, Chie. Things turned out better than we were hoping. We're just a bit tired."
>"Chie believed things would work out good. Had faith in Kiku, and faith in Kiku's friends."
>Sure enough, your ring pulses in reaction to Chie's statement.
>Kiku is obviously unaware as she states, "We cannot guarantee what happened here today will not happen again, but if and when it does, we will be prepared to deal with it again."
-
>I'm definitely getting a reaction from her, Kiku. I understand that you do not want her to get involved, so I won't involve her, but... well, keep an eye on her.
-
>I'm definitely getting a reaction from her, Kiku. I understand that you do not want her to get involved, so I won't involve her, but... well, keep an eye on her.
>Kiku scowls for half a moment, then nods very slightly.
>"My sister and I will be returning to the shrine now." she says out loud. "However, I should caution you, I do not know if I will be able to keep your other names from our temple head. Komeji-sama is not one that secrets can be kept from."
-
>"Before you go, Kiku, there's something we should talk about, privately."
-
>"Before you go, Kiku, there's something we should talk about, privately."
>Kiku looks you in the eye for a moment, then nods slowly. "Lily, Chie?"
>"Yeah, no problem." Lily replies easily. Chie, looking confused, merely nods after seeing the expression on the senior miko's face. Chie rises, and preceeds Lily out the door.
>"I'll make sure no one bothers you." Lily sends you before she follows Chie out into the corridor, closing the door behind her.
>"Something troubles you?" Kiku asks after you're alone with her.
-
>"A couple things. First, Lily and I worry about something. Namely...we are a little worried about you, Kiku. You stared long and hard into the void."
-
>"A couple things. First, Lily and I worry about something. Namely...we are a little worried about you, Kiku. You stared long and hard into the void."
>Kiku twitches her head to the side slightly. "Save your concern, Lotus. My...." She trails off as she looks you in the eye. Her face, stern and defiant, falters briefly, then returns to its impassiveness. "I may have been.... unprepared for what I experienced, but, I'm still here. The demon is not." She stops, the corner of her mouth twitching once. "That is all that matters"
-
>Shake head.
>"No, quite a bit more than that matters. You matter. Whether you are going to be able to sleep soundly tonight matters. How badly this is going to haunt you matters. And do not think that I speak in terms of effectiveness of your duties, of this I have no doubt. I mean in terms of you, as a person."
-
>Shake head.
>"No, quite a bit more than that matters. You matter. Whether you are going to be able to sleep soundly tonight matters. How badly this is going to haunt you matters. And do not think that I speak in terms of effectiveness of your duties, of this I have no doubt. I mean in terms of you, as a person."
>"I..." Kiku starts, before averting her gaze. She seems to be struggling slightly to maintain her stern visage. "I suppose I may have... reflection to do, when I return home." Her voice catches slightly when she says 'reflection'. "My... confidence seems to have been somewhat.... unfounded, after all..."
-
>"It's understandable. I've seen it too. Tell me about it, Kiku."
-
>"It's understandable. I've seen it too. Tell me about it, Kiku."
>"You've seen-?" Kiku stops her question before it comes all the way out. "Yes, you would have, you've been fighting these demons longer than I. Then, who came to your aid, when you were lo-... under attack?"
-
>"I was lucky, the one who showed me wasn't really attacking me with it. It merely showed me what they desired."
-
>"I was lucky, the one who showed me wasn't really attacking me with it. It merely showed me what they desired."
>"I... do not take your meaning."
-
>"The temptation I was given was... different. Recall that you had two rings to choose from, the one I called forth from you and the one the demon presented you with. I only ever had one ring, which was something of a combination. When I put it on, I had to choose between the darkness and the light. Despite significant temptation from the darkness, I chose the light, and the darkness faded from it."
-
>"Did the darkness offer you anything?"
-
>"The temptation I was given was... different. Recall that you had two rings to choose from, the one I called forth from you and the one the demon presented you with. I only ever had one ring, which was something of a combination. When I put it on, I had to choose between the darkness and the light. Despite significant temptation from the darkness, I chose the light, and the darkness faded from it."
>"Did the darkness offer you anything?"
>As you sketch Kiku in on your experience with the ring days ago, a pained look appears in her eyes. One she can't seem to banish.
>"Temptation? Offer?" she asks you, her voice starting to sound almost as strained as her eyes do. "No. No, unlike you, I was not so...." Her mouth works over the end of her sentence for a moment, before she finally utters, ".. fortunate."
-
>"It was merely trying to frighten you into submission, then."
-
>"It was merely trying to frighten you into submission, then."
>Kiku's lips curl back into an angry snarl at your choice of words. "'Merely?'"
-
>"Merely in response to the simplicity of the tactic, I mean. One can merely crush another to death under stone weights, for instance. I suppose it's telling they didn't offer you anything, they knew you couldn't be bought."
-
>"Merely in response to the simplicity of the tactic, I mean. One can merely crush another to death under stone weights, for instance. I suppose it's telling they didn't offer you anything, they knew you couldn't be bought."
>Kiku's teeth grind briefly. "Either that, or it didn't need to. Which turned out to be true. If you hadn't..." She trails off, half-turning away from you. Looking closely, you can see she seems to be trembling slightly.
-
>"There's nothing wrong with needing help from another. I didn't resist my own darkness alone. My friends may not have been there, and they may not have known I was in danger, but they were with me in spirit nonetheless."
-
>"And you were alone, in some horrible basement. I at least had the advantage of being somewhere familiar, and above ground, when it happened to me. The isolation only made it worse for you.
-
>"There's nothing wrong with needing help from another. I didn't resist my own darkness alone. My friends may not have been there, and they may not have known I was in danger, but they were with me in spirit nonetheless."
>"And you were alone, in some horrible basement. I at least had the advantage of being somewhere familiar, and above ground, when it happened to me. The isolation only made it worse for you.
>"Don't you understand?!" Kiku cries, whirling to face you again, her face contorted with pain. "I was supposed to be the best! Ten years and more, I have trained for this, studied, practiced, ever since I was changed! And that demon beat me in minutes! I never had a chance against it. Everything I was afraid of.... It saw...." The tiger youkai seems about to cry.
-
>Put a hand on her shoulder.
>"And you still won in the end."
-
>Put a hand on her shoulder.
>"And you still won in the end."
>"No, Lotus. YOU won." the shrine maiden says bitterly, a single tear falling down her cheek. "I was afraid.... Afraid of failing my sisters, afraid of not being strong enough, afraid of...." She breaks off, a choked sob escapes her, and levels an anguished gaze at you. "I was afraid... of you."
-
>"No. You stood with us. You made the right choice, after facing everything they could throw at you. And, you made the right choice after that. Being afraid isn't the same as being beaten. Nor is there any shame in having to rely on someone else, either."
-
>"No. You stood with us. You made the right choice, after facing everything they could throw at you. And, you made the right choice after that. Being afraid isn't the same as being beaten. Nor is there any shame in having to rely on someone else, either."
>"You don't understand. Everything I've done, I did to keep control. Of myself, of my life." Kiku can't seem to stop her tears from falling. The youkai seems almost ready to fall apart. "And it took it all away from me. Made me nothing... Drowned me in my own fears..."
-
>"And yet you're still here."
>"Do you remember what I told you about fear? Fear is natural, normal. There is nothing shameful about feeling fear. Just don't let it control you. Courage is when you press on in the face of fear, and you did exactly that."
>"Yes, I know that you didn't face your fears alone, but there is nothing shameful about needing help. When I was faced with my fears, I drew courage from my friends. You found your courage with our help, but it is still your courage."
-
>"And yet you're still here."
>"Do you remember what I told you about fear? Fear is natural, normal. There is nothing shameful about feeling fear. Just don't let it control you. Courage is when you press on in the face of fear, and you did exactly that."
>"Yes, I know that you didn't face your fears alone, but there is nothing shameful about needing help. When I was faced with my fears, I drew courage from my friends. You found your courage with our help, but it is still your courage."
>Kiku trembles visibly. "I'm still afraid..."
-
>"As am I. It's okay to be afraid. With what we face, you'd have to be crazy not to feel fear. But as long as we keep going, as long as we hold onto ourselves and each other, it will have no power over us."
-
>"As long as you can face it, then it's alright to be afraid. And you don't have to face it alone. You're not an island, Kiku, we all have a role in this. It is not weakness to have to depend on us, no more than we'd be weak for depending on you."
-
>"As am I. It's okay to be afraid. With what we face, you'd have to be crazy not to feel fear. But as long as we keep going, as long as we hold onto ourselves and each other, it will have no power over us."
>"As long as you can face it, then it's alright to be afraid. And you don't have to face it alone. You're not an island, Kiku, we all have a role in this. It is not weakness to have to depend on us, no more than we'd be weak for depending on you."
>"But what if it happens again? What if the next demon is even stronger, even smarter, than this one?"
-
>"Well, you'll be better prepared, for one thing. You were surprised with it the first time; next time, you'll have a better idea of what to expect. As well, you'll have us. And we'll have you. It's no longer necessary for you to do everything by yourself."
-
>"Well, you'll be better prepared, for one thing. You were surprised with it the first time; next time, you'll have a better idea of what to expect. As well, you'll have us. And we'll have you. It's no longer necessary for you to do everything by yourself."
>"That's how I... how I've done things all my life. Ever since I was changed. It's how I kept control. How I controlled my fears."
-
>"I understand. But, don't you think it's fine to rely on others, too?"
-
>"I understand. But, don't you think it's fine to rely on others, too?"
>"Not for me." She closes her teary eyes. "Until today, I never had to."
-
>Gently: "Why didn't you?"
-
>Gently: "Why didn't you?"
>Her reply comes in a quiet voice, but still somewhat strained. "It was one of the ways... I kept control. Kept myself centered."
-
>"Well, now you have another way."
-
>"Can you not be in control and be centered without accepting the help of others?"
-
>"Well, now you have another way."
>"....Perhaps."
>"Can you not be in control and be centered without accepting the help of others?"
>"It's not that I..." Kiku's fists clench and unclench, the youkai visibly trying to pull herself back together. "I don't... know if you can understand. You're human. You were never.... changed from what you were to something... new."
-
>"Not in the same sense as you, certainly, but I'm not exactly the same as I was a few days ago."
>"Kiku, I want to try something. Lily and I did this earlier today, and as a result, we came to a much better understanding of each other. I would like to do the same with you."
And yes, I'm thinking of the touching-rings thing.
-
Eh, doing automagical shortcuts is really boring and lazy in comparison to coming up with a real solution, but won't stand in the way.
-
I'm not looking for a shortcut. Doing it with Lily gave us and her a far better understanding of each other than we could have gotten through any other means. That's what I'm going for here.
-
>Actually, before we do this...do we still have the hunger?
Don't need Kiku catching that shit. Beating her off with a chair isn't a good way to make friends. ,,,Probably.
-
Yeah, that's a good thought.
>If we are still hungry, what's the nearest place we can go for food?
-
>Actually, before we do this...do we still have the hunger?
>You are still hungry.
>If we are still hungry, what's the nearest place we can go for food?
>You're actually not too familiar with the layout of this part of town, this being the first time in a long time you've been up this way. And you had a lot on your mind when Ran was driving you over, so you didn't notice any eateries around. That said, however, it shouldn't be too hard to find a decent place to grab a big bite around here, and the workers here would more than likely have plenty of advice to offer. Especially Marissa, assuming she hasn't gone off to flirt with someone else.
-
>"I'd like to talk more, but when I tried to purify that tainted water-the water you turned to metal-I became extremely hungry. I don't know how much longer I can go without eating something; I've only managed to make it this long because I found a little something while I was by myself. I really need to get something to eat, so I'd like to ask you and Lily to accompany me."
-
>Before we say this: Did we get any relief from what we had eaten before? Or was the hunger still the same?
-
>Before we say this: Did we get any relief from what we had eaten before? Or was the hunger still the same?
>You felt some slight relief from the bagel you hastily consumed, but any sustenance it gave you was used up in the fights with the youma and its demon creator.
>"I'd like to talk more, but when I tried to purify that tainted water-the water you turned to metal-I became extremely hungry. I don't know how much longer I can go without eating something; I've only managed to make it this long because I found a little something while I was by myself. I really need to get something to eat, so I'd like to ask you and Lily to accompany me."
>Kiku inhales deeply, exhales slowly. "Truth to tell, I could use something to eat myself. I do not feel entirely hungry, but, I know I am." Kiku gives you a nod. "I believe I can accompany you that much longer, at least. But, I should not be too long. Satori will want to know what has transpired here."
-
>"Yes, Satori is going to be...another problem we'll have to deal with. In short order."
-
>"Yes, Satori is going to be...another problem we'll have to deal with. In short order."
>Kiku's eyes narrow. "Explain yourself."
-
>Offer a smile. "No no, surely you don't think I mean anything bad. But as it stands, she is something of a potential problem for us. We're going to have to find a way to deal with that problem soon, before the enemy can exploit it. It was easy enough to transfer away Lily, and I can avoid the shrine. But, you don't have that luxury. And once she sees your thoughts..."
-
>Offer a smile. "No no, surely you don't think I mean anything bad. But as it stands, she is something of a potential problem for us. We're going to have to find a way to deal with that problem soon, before the enemy can exploit it. It was easy enough to transfer away Lily, and I can avoid the shrine. But, you don't have that luxury. And once she sees your thoughts..."
>Kiku's eyes do not change. "I may have had a very bad experience today, Lotus, and been opened to powers and beings I didn't even know existed. You saved me from my own fears, and you know this evil better than I. I am willing to accept a lot of things, but I will not stand here and listen to you call the Elder of my temple a 'problem', or insinuate that she is a threat to me in any way."
-
>Does she know we met the Metal Tiger today?
-
>Does she know we met the Metal Tiger today?
>Not to your knowledge.
-
>"Because I am merely repeating what I've been told. I met the Metal Tiger today, and it was wary of her."
-
>"Because I am merely repeating what I've been told. I met the Metal Tiger today, and it was wary of her."
>Kiku bristles. "First you tell me that the eldersecondelder of my temple is a threat to me, and now you expect me to believe that you have met our God, MY God, when no shrine maiden has? Your power is undeniable, Lotus, but you are stretching your credibility very thin."
>"Unless...." Her tail swishes thougtfully. "Unless that smoke you inhaled has made you hallucinate. Or, perhaps, affected your memory."
-
>"Do you think I would be untruthful with you, after all that's happened? And if you think I am mistaken, would it be enough for Lily to confirm it for you?"
-
>"Do you think I would be untruthful with you, after all that's happened? And if you think I am mistaken, would it be enough for Lily to confirm it for you?"
>"LILY. Lily White has been in the presence of the Metal Tiger as well?"
-
>"No. But she knows that I have. And she saw the animals in the forest reacting to it's presence."
-
>"No. But she knows that I have. And she saw the animals in the forest reacting to it's presence."
>The Metal shrine maiden still seems kind of bristley, but she does consider your words. "So grandiose a claim is not one I can easily believe. Even from one like you. I'm sorry, it's simply not in me. I find it much more likely that your memory has somehow been affected by the ooze we encountered."
>"However..." she adds, somewhat more heavily. "Given all that has happened here today, and that the Morning Star is said to be honest as a rule, I... can suspend my disbelief a little. Lily, despite being merely a civilian, was never exposed to the ooze, and by estimation, is not prone to lies, though exaggeration is not out of character for her. I will hear what she has to say on the matter."
-
>"I know of a way that you can be certain that everything I say is true, but it isn't something I want to do until I've eaten. Let's go find Lily, then find a place to eat."
-
>"I know of a way that you can be certain that everything I say is true, but it isn't something I want to do until I've eaten. Let's go find Lily, then find a place to eat."
>"Agreed."
-
>Depart the room with Kiku.
If at all possible, I think we should find some way to wrangle Eagle before eating. She's been waiting on us for ages by this point, likely. Related to that, it'd be super nice if Ran were around to give us a ride.
-
Yeah, definitely get in touch with Eagle.
-
Agreed.
-
>Depart the room with Kiku.
>You depart Hatoko's office with Kiku in tow.
>Lily and Chie are standing down the hallway to the right, and Marissa is standing with them. Marissa currently has her arm draped over Chie's shoulder, and Lily is standing in front of them.
>Marissa catches your exit from Hatoko's office, and nods her head in your direction to Lily.
>The winged blonde turns to look you and waves.
-
>Wave back.
>"Lily, I don't suppose you know if our ride is still here? We still owe Eagle a little check-up, and her lack of a cellphone makes this difficult."
-
>Wave back.
>"Lily, I don't suppose you know if our ride is still here? We still owe Eagle a little check-up, and her lack of a cellphone makes this difficult."
>Lily blinks. "We had a ride?" Then her mouth opens in recognition. "Oh yeah, you two came here with Yakumo-san, almost forgot about that." She pauses then, as something else occurs to her. "Didn't you say she left before we went downstairs?"
-
>"I can't remember, it feels like it's been ages."
-
>"I can't remember, it feels like it's been ages."
>Kiku confirms Lily's question with a nod. "You mentioned that before we saw Saigyouji-san."
>"Eagle?" Marissa blurts. "Not the Manari Miser?"
-
>"That's not very nice."
-
>"But yes, her."
-
>"That's not very nice."
>"But yes, her."
>"Ain't my nickname for her, but it's one she's earned, by all accounts. How the heck did a girl like you end up in her books?"
-
>"She helped me out, actually. Unfortunately, I had to tend to something and left her behind..."
-
>"She helped me out, actually. Unfortunately, I had to tend to something and left her behind..."
>"Wait a sec, I just remembered. Last I heard, all four of that gang was still in jail. Extortion charge, or something."
>"Eagle released." Chie supplies the blonde. "Serving 'community service' at Metal Tiger shrine."
>"An ex-con workin' at a holy site?" Marissa asks with some degree of confusion.
>"The temple head is a generous person." Kiku says, not bothering to hide her disgust at the idea of Eagle working with her. As if you needed reminding. NOBODY seems to like that youkai.
>Marissa doesn't seem to share Kiku's disgust at the idea of someone as... dubious of character as Eagle is reputed to be working at a shrine, but she does seem very surprised at the thought.
-
>"Hm. I wonder if Miss Yakumo would be willing to send someone to go find her?" Glance toward Kiku.
-
>"Hm. I wonder if Miss Yakumo would be willing to send someone to go find her?" Glance toward Kiku.
>"I wouldn't know. I barely know the woman."
-
>"It would save us a trip, at least..."
>Do we have any idea what that Jewelry store's number is? If not, is our phone smart enough to find it?
-
>"It would save us a trip, at least..."
>Do we have any idea what that Jewelry store's number is? If not, is our phone smart enough to find it?
>"Trip where?" Kiku asks.
>Presumably it would be listed, but you don't know it off the top of your head. And your phone isn't very smart at all. It's actually rather primitive, by modern teenage girl standards, as it is a phone, simply a phone. It can't play music, it doesn't have gps, it can't guide you to the nearest pizza joint with giant neon arrows, it doesn't get daily knock knock jokes, it can't scratch your nose from space with a satellite laser beam. It is a means of verbal long-distance communication, pure and simple. You've considered getting a more 'modern' one a time or two, but dismissed the notion as an unnecessary expenditure, a waste of money for the purpose of 'keeping up with the times'. Big money, too, the way those things are priced nowadays...
-
>We'll have to fix that. Can't be caught strapped for information due to holding onto a primitive old thing when issues are going done.
>"To find Eagle. I don't suppose anyone could get me the number for Yakumo Jewelers?"
-
>We'll have to fix that. Can't be caught strapped for information due to holding onto a primitive old thing when issues are going done.
>"To find Eagle. I don't suppose anyone could get me the number for Yakumo Jewelers?"
>You make a note to reconsider the benefits of dropping several hundred dollars on a new piece of technology.
>Marissa raises her hand instantly, then retracts it slightly. "'zat where you left your partner?"
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Marissa's face doesn't seem as automatically helpful as before. It's not hard to see she's not comfortable about your association with the Eagle.
>Lily, somewhat to your surprise, gives Marissa a nod. "Go ahead. Lotus can handle the Eagle."
>"EhHhHh...." Marissa emits, before letting out a breath. "A'ight. Goes against my better judgement, but..." She removes her arm from Chie's shoulders and produces her phone, which like yours is also an older model, and gives Lily a smile. "Always had trouble sayin' no to a girl with wings as pretty as the rest of her."
>Most of Lily's body flushes nicely.
-
>Accept the phone and check the listings on it for the appropriate number.
-
>Accept the phone and check the listings on it for the appropriate number.
>"It's under D, Doubles." Marissa supplies as you browse her contacts.
>Kiku gives her a curious look. The blonde shrugs slightly. "Met the old man downtown once. We keep in touch."
>Sure enough, there are two entries the old oni you met at Yakumo's: one marked 'home', one marked 'work'.
-
>"He is a nice sort, isn't he?"
>Call the work number.
-
>"He is a nice sort, isn't he?"
>Call the work number.
>"Guy's got more stories than most books, which I find impressive for a guy that never really talks about himself." Marissa comments. "Good company and bit of a mystery. Two traits I enjoy in my friends."
>Dialing the number you presume to be Yakumo's, the phone rings, and rings, and rings, before finally, at the start of the seventh ring, a familiar lilting Eire tone picks up. "Yakumo Jewelers."
-
>"Hello, it's Lotus. Are things there proceeding well?"
-
>"Hello, it's Lotus. Are things there proceeding well?"
>"Well, now, this is a surprise." the old man replies. "I surely was not expectin' t'hear from ye again tonight. Am I t'assume tha- Ach, but bugger me if ye didn't ask me a question first. Aye, we're gettin' the place put back together. May have to burn a bit o' the midnight oil, but, we'll be fit'n ready t'open tomorro bright 'n early."
>"And don't you worry none about the people that were here. They've been taken to hospital, but by reports, they're gonna make a full recovery after a rest."
-
>"That's good. Would you be so kind as do me a favor, or arrange for it? When I sensed there was trouble in the store, I told a friend who was with me to leave and wait for me. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get back to her, and she isn't allowed to have a phone due to the terms of her probation. Would it be possible to send someone up there to check on her?"
>Where did we tell her to, anyways?
-
>"That's good. Would you be so kind as do me a favor, or arrange for it? When I sensed there was trouble in the store, I told a friend who was with me to leave and wait for me. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get back to her, and she isn't allowed to have a phone due to the terms of her probation. Would it be possible to send someone up there to check on her?"
>Where did we tell her to, anyways?
>"Well, now, if this friend'a yours is around here, I'd be willin' t'check on her meself for ya. Least I could do. Just need to know who I'm lookin' for."
>You advised Eagle to wait for you at the bus stop nearest to Ran's before you parted ways.
-
>"I asked her to go to the nearest bus stop and wait. She's goes by the name Eagle, she is a beast youkai of that type."
>Add in some other good things to describe her, it's been awhile.
>"She won't recognize the name Lotus, I think, so just tell her that the person who asked her to stay there has called. And, if possible, give her a phone so I can make arrangements with her. If she is not there, that's fine too."
-
>"I asked her to go to the nearest bus stop and wait. She's goes by the name Eagle, she is a beast youkai of that type."
>Add in some other good things to describe her, it's been awhile.
>"She won't recognize the name Lotus, I think, so just tell her that the person who asked her to stay there has called. And, if possible, give her a phone so I can make arrangements with her. If she is not there, that's fine too."
>"Eagle?" he asks you. "The famed Eagle of the Manari gang?"
-
>"Oh, you know her? That makes it a little easier."
-
>"Oh, you know her? That makes it a little easier."
>"Ohhh, I knows her, all right. I'm just a wee bit surprised you do, as well. You didn'ae strike me as the type t'do business with her."
>You're actually getting a little tired of hearing that, honestly, but the old man does continue. Weirdly, though, he doesn't warn you to stay away from her, of that she's bad news. He merely says, in a quieter voice, "An old man's curious, now, t'see what'll become of THAT...."
>"If she still be around here, then I'll deliver yer message true enough." he continues without any pause. "And I'll do what I can to reconnect her with the person ye mentioned wanted t'get a hold of her. An' if she's not, then I'll call ye back an' let ye know."
>"Oh, by the by, how's an old man supposed to get ahold on ye, lassie?"
-
>"Just call me at <our cell number>"
-
>"Just call me at <our cell number>"
>You hear the sound of a pen scratching paper. "Got it."
>"Now then, fer me own question. I'm assumin' that that problem ye and the Metal miko went to take care of has been?"
-
>"Yes, things were taken care of with minimal problems."
-
>"Yes, things were taken care of with minimal problems."
>"I never doubted ye fer a heartbeat." He pauses for a couple of seconds. "Don't let on I said this, but Ran 'erself was a mite worried about ye both, goin' from one battle to another."
-
>"It's good to be thought of. I assume she has made it back, and things are in order there?"
-
>"It's good to be thought of. I assume she has made it back, and things are in order there?"
>"Aye, she's a good woman that way. She came back a while back, been in her office the whole time, though. I'm good, but, I can't fix all the damage down here by meself in one night. Well, no, that's a lie, I could damn well do it, but Ran don't want me to. Says I should take it easy, so she's callin' in a couple extra hands." The oni's voice speaks volumes about how well he likes the idea of 'taking it easy'.
-
>"You have to let the others feel that they're achieving something, too. Regardless, I'll leave you to things."
-
>"You have to let the others feel that they're achieving something, too. Regardless, I'll leave you to things."
>"I was wonderin' somethin', though. I'd bet me right horn that some part'a this is gonna float across some damn beak's attention, and they'll try t'make a story out of what happened here."
>'Beak', you know, is an oni slang term for members of the press. And not a particularly complimentary one, either.
>"I know that the miko'd want to keep any mention of her outta the papers, but I figured I'd make sure the same was true fer ye, as well."
-
>"It is. Thank you."
-
>"It would be easiest that way, yes."
-
>"It is. Thank you."
>"It would be easiest that way, yes."
>"Figured as much, but a bit a confirmation ne'er hurts."
-
>"I appreciate the thought. I don't like having to misinform people, but panic is not what we need right now."
-
>"I appreciate the thought. I don't like having to misinform people, but panic is not what we need right now."
>"Aye. This kinda thing... This is what people dream that could happen one day, but never dare to dream that it really COULD. Some things should stay dreams to most, and be nightmares to those that can handle 'em."
-
>"So it seems. Is there anything else?"
-
>"So it seems. Is there anything else?"
>"Nothin' t'my knowledge."
-
>"Alright. Then please go see if you can find Eagle as soon as you can."
-
>"Alright. Then please go see if you can find Eagle as soon as you can."
>"You got it."
>*click*
-
>Return Marisa's phone to her.
>"Thank you. That should expedite things a little bit."
-
>Return Marisa's phone to her.
>"Thank you. That should expedite things a little bit."
>Marissa pockets her cell. "Happy to help." She makes a small face, which you know to be a mark of uncertainty in her. "I think."
-
>"You helped, yes."
>Glance to the others. "Shall we check to see if they need us for anything else?"
-
>"You helped, yes."
>Glance to the others. "Shall we check to see if they need us for anything else?"
>Lily asks you, "Did the man you were talking to say they needed help over there?"
-
>Shake our head. "No, things are dine there. They'll look for Eagle when they can. Soon, I hope."
-
>Shake our head. "No, things are dine there. They'll look for Eagle when they can. Soon, I hope."
>"Well, with that bit of business attended to, shall we move on to the next?" Kiku asks you.
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"Did you have a place in mind?"
-
>"I just want to find someplace where we can sit down and eat for a reasonable price..."
-
>"I just want to find someplace where we can sit down and eat for a reasonable price..."
>"Well, now, I just might be able ta help you out there, pretty lady." Marissa comments. "I happen to be a bit of an expert on the eateries in this here neck'a the woods. If you ask me, the best place for the best buck would be Szenska's a bit up the road."
>You note Lily's recognition of the name.
>"Place is a combo Eagleland/Moscovich restaurant, run mostly by transplants from the two countries. Though, ya might wanna avoid the Moscovich side, it's kind of an acquired taste. But they got a crackerjack top chef, and about the best price you can get outside'a Dai's Fries, specially for the portion ya get."
-
>"That would be just fine, thank you."
-
>"That would be just fine, thank you."
>"Where would we find this place?" Kiku asks her.
>Marissa jerks her thumb behind her. "Down the road that way, 'bout.... Oh, say, ten minutes or so. Big red star sign with gold letters, ya can't miss it."
-
>Nod, and look to the others: "Shall we?"
-
>Nod, and look to the others: "Shall we?"
>Kiku and Lily give you a nod.
>"Tell em I sent ya." Marrisa offers, grinning broadly. "Might get a free beer for yerselves."
-
>"I just may, thank you."
>D-Part.
-
>"I just may, thank you."
>D-Part.
>"You're always welcome here." Marissa says in parting. She gives Lily a pat on the shoulder as well, giving her a dose of her beautiful gold eyes. "You take care of those wings, now."
>Lily's wings twitch once. "Okay..." Chie takes the winged woman's hand and leads her away, you swear Lily's a little weak in knees. Of course, she's also fatigued from battle, too, so, could be just that. Maybe. You and Kiku follow behind them.
>Kiku bows to all once again as you make your way out of the building. Night has nearly set in fully on Mayoiga.
-
>Walk! Enjoy the night air!
>"We did it."
-
>"...Peace certainly is a wonderful thing. It's that sort of thing that we three must fight to protect."
-
You know, those posts there are actually a rather nice place to close this episode on, if I'm completely honest. Marigold's safely at her new home, the active youma have been destroyed, the demon's been safely imprisoned, and you and your fellow magical girls (one in potentia, but still) are off to enjoy a well deserved meal, and then a good night's sleep.
That said, however, you folks did raise at least one issue that hasn't been entirely settled yet, and that's discussing the issue with Satori with Kiku. If you'd like to continue here, and deal with the issue now, that's perfectly fine as well. Or you can leave it until episode three, that's fine, too.
I just thought I'd give you folks the option.
-
I'd also like to make sure things are okay with Storm Eagle, since we left her out to dry.
This said, I do think it'd be IC to deal with the Satori issue sooner rather than later, given what we were warned about, and getting some closure with Kiku.
-
Works for me.
-
Very good, then.
I'm out of town for the next few days, so, internet access will be spotty, at best. But I'll update when I can.
-
>Walk! Enjoy the night air!
>"We did it."
>"...Peace certainly is a wonderful thing. It's that sort of thing that we three must fight to protect."
>You and your weary band set off in a northwesterly direction, which you believe to be the way indicated by Marissa's directions. You note that the area around the CRA is bordered by grass, flowers and trees, giving the building a bit of seperation from the businesses around it.
>The streets are rather quiet tonight. This is not unusual, it is a sunday night, after all, and the majority of businesses around close up shop early on sundays. And this suits you just fine, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the fresh, cool night air.
>"Yeah." Lily answers you. "But, I'm just as glad we don't have to fight anymore tonight."
>"Perseverance, Lily." Kiku replies. "If another threat arises in the next five minutes, or two years from now, we must be prepared."
>"Chie." Kiku continues, adressing her junior Sister. "I want you to return to the temple ahead of me. Inform Komeji-sama of what happened today. I shall return later myself and make a full report, after these individuals and I discuss some unfinished business."
>"Okay, Kiku." The pink-haired miko stops and gives you and Lily a bow. "Thank you for assisting my Sister Kiku today."
-
>"She assisted us as much as we assisted her."
-
>"She assisted us as much as we assisted her."
>"Couldn't have done it without her." Lily agrees.
>Chie gives you both a smile, then, after checking both ways, crosses the street and heads in a westerly direction.
>Kiku visibly hesitates, then calls after her, "And be careful of large dogs." Chie responds with a wave, and continues on her way.
-
>"Does she tend to have problems with those? Or cause problems for them?"
-
>"Does she tend to have problems with those? Or cause problems for them?"
>"What?" Kiku asks quietly, as though the thought hadn't occurred to her before. "Well, no, not that I know of. But, she is still... young. It does no harm in offering a reminder of things, now and again."
-
>"Ah. I imagined she might well have problems getting chased by them. Or chasing them down herself."
-
>"Ah. I imagined she might well have problems getting chased by them. Or chasing them down herself."
>"I should hope this was not the case. I was simply... being cautious."
>Lily, however, looks between Kiku and Chie, and grins. "Aww, you're worried about her, aren'cha?"
>Kiku winces at Lily's warm tone of voice, but does not deny the claim.
-
>"It's good that someone worries about her."
-
>"It's good that someone worries about her."
>"The safety of my sisters is my foremost responsibility. In all forms."
-
>"I think you do much more for her than safety, whether you know it or not."
-
>"I think you do much more for her than safety, whether you know it or not."
>Kiku snorts. "Please. I am the second of the temple. I maintain discipline and security at the temple, and handle all the issues that Komeji-sama does not. That is all. What I am.... WHO I am, affords no more than that. And no less."
>Lily looks at her with a curious expression. "Well, if that's true, then why'd she stick around the CRA, even knowing she knew she couldn't help you down there?"
>"I... do not know."
-
>"She appreciates you, Kiku."
-
>"She appreciates you, Kiku."
>Kiku casts her gaze after the retreating form of Chie. "Perhaps. In her own... childish way. But she is young."
-
>"That doesn't make the appreciation any less sincere, or what you provide for her any less welcome."
-
>"That doesn't make the appreciation any less sincere, or what you provide for her any less welcome."
>"I do... no more than what I should. I desire no appreciation, nor affection."
-
>"Really? Why not?"
-
>"Really? Why not?"
>A shadow passes over Kiku's eyes as she lowers her head slightly. She does not answer your question.
-
>Glance toward Lily.
-
>Glance toward Lily.
>Lily catches your eye, but merely flutters her wings in a kind of shrug.
-
>Just put a hand on Kiku's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. We won't be upset."
-
>Just put a hand on Kiku's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. We won't be upset."
>She nods faintly.
-
>"However, whether or not you desire it, I think you deserve it as much as anyone."
-
>"However, whether or not you desire it, I think you deserve it as much as anyone."
>Kiku's voice is somewhat heavy, and slightly quiet, "You are kind, Lotus."
-
>"Perhaps so, but it's something more elemental than kindness. You are a person, just as anyone else. That's a good enough reason."
-
>"Perhaps so, but it's something more elemental than kindness. You are a person, just as anyone else. That's a good enough reason."
>Kiku again says nothing, but slowly places her hand over yours. It takes a few seconds, but her mouth gradually offers up a small, uncertain smile.
-
>Smile back.
-
>Smile back.
>This is actually the first time you've seen the metal miko smile since you performed for her and her Sisters outside the shrine, with Eagle. She may not wear a smile very often (and it shows), but it looks a lot better on her face than her usual dour, downright sour, expression.
-
>"Times like this are when such joys are especially important. They remind you of what it is one seeks to preserve and exalt in the most basic of ways."
-
>"Times like this are when such joys are especially important. They remind you of what it is one seeks to preserve and exalt in the most basic of ways."
>"You sound like a line from a Kinomoto poem..."
>"I didn't know you read poetry, Kiku." Lily says with some surprise.
>Kiku fidgets for an instant. "From time to time..."
-
>Do we know much about poetry?
>"Thank you, Kiku."
-
>Do we know much about poetry?
>Quite a bit, actually. You've always enjoyed poetry, from the older works of ancient Athenia to the more contemporary works of recent history.
>The poet Kiku refers to is one Fujirou Kinomoto, one of the more renowned poets of the past thousand years. He didn't have many works, but those that flowed from his quill (he was odd among his peers for that) were praised around the world for their beauty and uplifting soul. His life was tragically cut short during the first Lunar War four centuries ago. His most famous work, Someday the Dream will End, is still read at War Memorial services to this day.
>The exact poem Kiku's referring to, however, escapes you at present.
>"Thank you, Kiku."
>The striped youkai nods once. And then clears her throat quietly. "But, uh, that's.... enough of that. We have a-a dinner, to attend to."
>Lily giggles.
-
>"Yes, let's."
>Continue on toward the attending!
-
>"Yes, let's."
>Continue on toward the attending!
>After having a rather nice moment with the tiger of the Tiger shrine (which you note has also brought a big smile to Lily's face) the three of you resume your course towards the indicated eatery Marissa recommended you to.
>After another minute or so, the large star-shaped sign Marissa mentioned comes into your field of view, down a left turn in the road.
>Lily places a hand on your shoulder after you make the required turn, and points to a small alley between a small antique store and what seems to be a sporting goods store. "Think we should change back before we get there?"
-
>"Yes, let's."
>Do so!
-
>"Yes, let's."
>Do so!
>You hang a left turn and duck down the indicated alley, after making sure the coast is clear. Kiku remains at the mouth of the alley to ensure the coast remains clear. There's another store in the alley, on the back side of the antique store, seems to be a wedding supply store. But the windows are dark and unlit, and it appears to be closed, and unoccupied. The alley way ends in a chainlink fence seperating you from another street, which also seems to be devoid of people, at the moment. It seems safe enough.
>Lily raises her ring up, and a violet glow suffuses her being. The light pops with a shower of sparkles and feathers, revealing Lily White in her civilian outfit.
>You follow suit, and will yourself back to your 'normal' persona. The process is much simpler and less stressful than when you detransformed the last time. In a passing glow of rainbow colored light, Magical Lotus gives way to Byakuren Hijiri.
-
>How are we feeling in the aftermath of that?
-
>How are we feeling in the aftermath of that?
>You're still hungry, and still very fatigued, but no worse now that you've returned to your normal form.
>Lily's wings seem a little droopier, but seems otherwise all right.
-
>Hopefully some appetizers will perk Lily up.
>Enter!
-
>Hopefully some appetizers will perk Lily up.
>Enter!
>Kiku assures you that no one saw you or Lily, and the three of you set off again.
>The only people you see on the streets between the alley and your destination are a pair of male oni walking the opposite direction on the other side of the road, passing a hefty flask back and forth between them. They take no notice of you or your companions.
>The exterior of the building is oblong shaped, brown wood exterior broken by several windows along the south-facing wall allowing the diners to see out. The entrance is on the east side of the building, away from the parking lot, which sits to the north end.
>As Kiku pulls the door open for you to enter, your cell phone rings.
-
>"I need to take this, I'll join you both in a minute, alright?"
-
>"I need to take this, I'll join you both in a minute, alright?"
>Kiku nods.
>Lily adds, "We'll save you a seat."
>Your companions enter the restaurant before you.
-
>Answer the phone: "Hello?"
-
>Answer the phone: "Hello?"
>The Eagle's voice returns, "Miss Morning Star. I'd been wonderin' when you'd reach out and touch me."
-
>"I'm sorry it took so long, things went rather crazy. Then I had to go deal with further crazy things."
-
>"I'm sorry it took so long, things went rather crazy. Then I had to go deal with further crazy things."
>"If you're as smart as I think you are, I'll bet you found a way to make those things turn out profitable."
-
>"I wouldn't say profitable, but they turned out for the best. I am sorry that I left you waiting for hours, but there wasn't time to arrange for someone to contact you."
-
>"I wouldn't say profitable, but they turned out for the best. I am sorry that I left you waiting for hours, but there wasn't time to arrange for someone to contact you."
>"I had a feelin' that was the case. You didn't strike me as the type to run out on someone you're in business with. 'least not without a mighty good reason, and you made it clear when we went our separate ways that you were dealin' with whatever it was that you didn't want me to be a part of."
>"This phone I got here ain't the best in the world, but, from what I can gather from yer voice, I'd guess that, whatever this problem was, you got it resolved, but it weren't easy."
-
>"Yes, it was a pain. But it's over and dealt with. Let us set things right between ourselves, shall we?"
>What is this place we're at again? And where is it? How far it it from the vicinity of the jeweler's?
-
>"Yes, it was a pain. But it's over and dealt with. Let us set things right between ourselves, shall we?"
>What is this place we're at again? And where is it? How far it it from the vicinity of the jeweler's?
>"'Set things right'? I didn't think there were anything set wrong."
>You are standing outside Szenska's Restaurant. It is about a ten minute walk to the northest from the CRA. From Ran's.... You're not sure. It's a ways. It was about 20 minutes, maybe half an hour, car ride from Ran's the CRA, add another ten minute walk on top of it.
-
>"Well, I did sort of leave you behind."
-
>"And there is the matter of your payment to discuss. I did find what I was looking for."
-
>"Well, I did sort of leave you behind."
>"Ah, don't sweat that. Like I said, I'd been thinking it was for a good reason. Albeit one I can't say I wholly understand, but, if you're right, that's for the better fer me. 'course, that don't mean I ain't curious."
>"And there is the matter of your payment to discuss. I did find what I was looking for."
>"So ya tracked down that locket, did ya? Now this don't happen too often, someone hires me for a job then does a better job at it than me." She sounds impressed.
-
>"You led me in the proper direction, which I wouldn't have found on my own, at least not when I needed to be there, so the credit is yours. As for the details...it would be problematic if you knew, because others may find that you know, and then come after you to learn it."
-
>"You led me in the proper direction, which I wouldn't have found on my own, at least not when I needed to be there, so the credit is yours. As for the details...it would be problematic if you knew, because others may find that you know, and then come after you to learn it."
>"I do gotta ask, though. Where did you find the thing?"
-
>"It was in the store, and the focus of a lot of trouble when we got there."
-
>"It was in the store, and the focus of a lot of trouble when we got there."
>"It was in.... What, someone in the store swipe it out from under little Chen's nose?"
-
>"I am not entirely certain how it ended up there, whether it was swiped and came back or simply lost. I didn't really have time to ask."
-
>"I am not entirely certain how it ended up there, whether it was swiped and came back or simply lost. I didn't really have time to ask."
>"Huh. That's a damndest thing. Well, I suppose the job's done, one way or the other, and a done job's a done job."
>"Still, 'm curious. What'd Ran give you fer findin' her treasure's treasure?"
-
>"A ride. I didn't really have time to press for rewards, nor any real interest in it. Though I suppose their gratitude let me get in contact with you more quickly, so there is that."
-
>"A ride. I didn't really have time to press for rewards, nor any real interest in it. Though I suppose their gratitude let me get in contact with you more quickly, so there is that."
>The Eagle laughs. "I was guessin' Ran woulda given you anythin' at all outta her store, even the good stuff. At least that, whatever 'bout anythin' else. Hindsight, I probably shoulda guessed you'd want for nonea that."
-
>"If nothing else, I'm sure she'd be willing to help me if I needed it, which is priceless. But, you did help me with the expectation of payment, and I have no intention of running off on that."
-
>"If nothing else, I'm sure she'd be willing to help me if I needed it, which is priceless. But, you did help me with the expectation of payment, and I have no intention of running off on that."
>"Good on ya. Where'd you end up, anyways?"
-
>"I ended up having to go to the CRA building in a hurry."
-
>"I ended up having to go to the CRA building in a hurry."
>"Wasn't any trouble with that newborn of yours, was there?"
-
>"No, thankfully, but she could have been caught in it. Thankfully, it has been handled."
-
>"No, thankfully, but she could have been caught in it. Thankfully, it has been handled."
>"So is'zat where you're at now?"
-
>"No, I'm at Szenska's Restaurant, it's about...a ten minute walk northeast of the CRA building, I think?"
-
>"No, I'm at Szenska's Restaurant, it's about...a ten minute walk northeast of the CRA building, I think?"
>"Oh, yeah, I know the place. Nice little place, too. And if you ain't gone inside yet... I wager I can be there afore you're done your grub. Free advice, though, might wanna pass on the garlic bread. Way too much garlic."
-
>"That would be fine, and thank you for the tip."
-
>"That would be fine, and thank you for the tip."
>"Catch up to ya in a bit." *click*
-
>Let's put the phone away, and head on in to hook up with Lily and Kiku then.
>"Sorry to keep you waiting."
-
>Let's put the phone away, and head on in to hook up with Lily and Kiku then.
>"Sorry to keep you waiting."
>Pocketing your cell, you step into the eatery before you.
>The scent of grilling meat greets your nose immediately, as you take in the sight of Szenska's interior. The walls are done in a rather nice green and white pattern, and it's a sizable place, albeit a little bit cramped. The wooden tables and chairs are placed a bit closer together than is perhaps entirely comfortable. You wonder what this place must be like during a rush. The seats along the window are on the east side of the floor, down a couple steps.
>The place is only sparsely populated at the moment. Apart from Kiku and Lily, who are occupying a four-person booth along the north wall, there are a pair of women at a table towards the center of the room, one of whom appears to be quite pregnant. A trio of businessmen occupy a booth along the south wall of the restaurant. A rather colorful trio of woman are seated by the windows on the east wall. The tallest wears red and brown clothes and has short purple hair. The shortest one has blonde hair and purple and white clothes. The middle girl appears to be about your age, with green hair and matching eyes, and is wearing what looks like a school uniform, albeit one that isn't local. This one is black and dull grey, with red trim.
>It is the quartet of oni in the northeast corner of the room that your vision lingers at, however. They are all students at your school, and though you know all their faces, you know the name of but one of them: Konngara. She doesn't seem to have noticed you. With luck, it'll stay that way.
>The counter and check out are immediately to your right, and a stand-up sign displays, in multicolored chaulk, the current deals:
>Soup of the day - Beef & Barley
>Vegetarian lasagna - $10.95
>12 ounce steak dinner w/vegetables & soup - $21.95
>The doors to the kitchen are on the west wall. The corridor to the washrooms is in the northwest corner. Exits are behind you, and in front of you on the north wall.
>Lily waves you over, and you join your companions, sitting next to Lily and across from Kiku. A menu and a glass of water are present before you.
>"No worries." Lily replies.
-
>How much money do we have to work with right now?
>"So, what do you to plan on having?" Let's peruse the menu!
-
>How much money do we have to work with right now?
>"So, what do you to plan on having?" Let's peruse the menu!
>At the moment, you have $45.69 in hard currency on you, as well as your bank card.
>You open the decent sized menu before you. Marissa usually gives solid advice when it comes to food, so you decide to focus on the Eagleland half of the menu over the Moscovich side. Best to be more adventurous when you're not so exhausted. Or when you have school tomorrow.
>The Eagleland part offers a generous selection, beyond the obvious steaks. They offer mozza sticks and fries, salads, soups and onion rings as appetizers and side orders. They offer a 'build your own burger', chicken or beef, with a list of toppings, and a choice of three sizes of patty. There's a seafood section, offering fried fish of at least five varieties, as well as a fillet o' fish burger, topped as you choose. They offer stir-fries, meaty or vegetarian. A selection of sandwiches, both hot and cold, is also offered, gravy and dressing optional. Steak dinners seem to be the house specialty, ranging from 8 ounce steaks to a monsterous 80 ounce 'challenge' meal.
>"I'm thinking about the pirozhki, with the fish and rice stuffing. And the barley soup." Lily replies.
>"I am still deciding." is where Kiku stands.
-
>Let's be a miser, since we have to pay off Eagle shortly. Scan the menu for a good intersection of price, tastiness, and volume.
-
>Let's be a miser, since we have to pay off Eagle shortly. Scan the menu for a good intersection of price, tastiness, and volume.
>Opting for the frugal approach, at least as much as you can considering your hunger, you make a detailed scan of the menu, attempting to gauge proper portion/flavor to price ratios.
>The 'build your own burger' seems a sound option. The patty size range from quarter pound, to half pound, to a full pound of meat. Base price for each is $6, $8, and $11, respectively. Prices are adjusted depending on the toppings you desire, and you can have as many as you like. Toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion (red or white), cheese (4 varieties available), bacon or bacon bits, mushrooms, pickles. Sauces and seasonings are free of charge.
>The 12 ounce steak that's on the sign up front appears to have been marked down 7 dollars from the regular price, and comes with vegetables and coleslaw. That doesn't seem so bad. Ordinarily, a steak that big would be a little outside your comfort zone, but you definitely feel like you could put one away now.
-
>Let's do the steak, it comes with sides. And we deserve a treat.
>"Eagle will be joining us in a little bit, so I can pay her for her assistance. And I imagine she's starving. She mentioned to avoid the garlic bread."
-
>Let's do the steak, it comes with sides. And we deserve a treat.
>"Eagle will be joining us in a little bit, so I can pay her for her assistance. And I imagine she's starving. She mentioned to avoid the garlic bread."
>You definitely deserve a treat after the trials of the day.
>Lily nods. "Good advice. Papa and me have tried for months to get Andrei to adjust his spice ratio. Hasn't worked so far."
-
>"I assume you come here frequently, then?"
-
>"I assume you come here frequently, then?"
>"Well, not really. Well, not as a customer, as often as I'd like. See, Papa's a partial owner of this place. And he's the head chef here."
-
>"Ah, I see."
>Grin.
>"Does this mean we can get a discount?"
-
>"Ah, I see."
>Grin.
>"Does this mean we can get a discount?"
>Lily offers you a sheepish smile. "Not unless Andrei's on. He insists on not charging owner's kids full price, despite me saying time and again I'd rather pay full." She shrugs. "It's Papa's work. Doesn't feel right that I shouldn't pay as much, it's like taking money out of his pocket. I shouldn't get special treatment just because Papa works here."
>"Admirable." Kiku compliments the blonde, closing her menu.
-
>Chuckle. "Darn. But yes, that is most kind of you. I'd be hard pressed not to pinch pennies, myself."
>Glance toward Kiku. "What sorts of places do you prefer to eat?"
-
>Chuckle. "Darn. But yes, that is most kind of you. I'd be hard pressed not to pinch pennies, myself."
>Glance toward Kiku. "What sorts of places do you prefer to eat?"
>Lily blinks in surprise. "You would? That doesn't sound like you."
>"I don't normally go out at all." Kiku says simply. "Only on temple business. Truth to tell, this is the first time I've eaten outside of the temple in six months."
-
>"Is money that tight for you?"
-
>"Is money that tight for you?"
>Kiku shakes her head. "Not really. But it's also not something that concerns me. The temple provides all I require, and for the rare thing that is not provided us, we are afforded funds to satisfy ourselves. Provided our desires are not too extravagant."
>"You mean like your poetry books?" Lily asks her.
>".. Precisely." Kiku says after a moment.
-
>"While it is good not to be beholden to one's desires, there is also little to be gained in austerity or aestheticism. I think it's fine if you largely are comfortable in the temple, but it does benefit the soul to escape it every so often and see what the rest of the world is doing, don't you think?"
-
>"While it is good not to be beholden to one's desires, there is also little to be gained in austerity or aestheticism. I think it's fine if you largely are comfortable in the temple, but it does benefit the soul to escape it every so often and see what the rest of the world is doing, don't you think?"
>"I know my place in the world, L... Byakuren." Kiku catches herself. "I am a servant of the gods, an enemy of evil spirits, and second eldest miko of the Metal Tiger Shrine."
>"Who enjoys poetry." Lily says simply.
>"Who enjoy-" Kiku catches herself again, giving Lily a glare. Lily only laughs, and gives Kiku that brilliant smile of hers. Which seems a bit subdued, likely due to her fatigue.
>"Byakuren's right, y'know, Kiku. It's good to get out now and then. Cities may be cities, but there's things to see even here."
>"My life may be simple, by most other's standards, but it suits my purposes. I have my books, and my poetry to protect me. .. I mean, they serve me as well as I need." Kiku adds quickly.
-
>"Protect you?"
-
>"Protect you?"
>"Never mind."
>"Isn't that a line from a song?" Lily asks aloud. And she's right, too, it's from a song you know called I am a Rock. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YuR3O3OC8s)
-
>How does Kiku react to that observation?
-
>How does Kiku react to that observation?
>She doesn't seem entirely comfortable (in fact, you'd say she was slightly embarrassed), but she says nothing about it.
-
>"I didn't know you were into folk music, Kiku."
-
>"I didn't know you were into folk music, Kiku."
>"There's the... occasional song that catches my ear." she admits grudgingly.
>At this point, an attractive woman with long wheat-blonde hair in the garb of a waitress emerges from the kitchen and saunters over to your table, a genuine smile on her somewhat exotic face. You would guess she's not a native to Yamato. She bows slightly to you in greeting, and then glances at Lily.
>"You didn't mention your friend was the Morning Star, Lily." she says in slightly accented Yamato. "The idol of town and a Tiger shrine maiden. You're keeping good company tonight."
>Lily merely gives the woman a small giggle, and the waitress turns her attention back to you. "My name is Stephanie, and I'll be your server tonight. And if this is your first visit, welcome to Szenska's."
-
>"Thank you. I'm ready to order. Kiku?"
-
>"Thank you. I'm ready to order. Kiku?"
>The waitress produces her notepad as Kiku considers. "You first, Lily."
>"All right. I'll have the pirozhkis tonight, with the fish and rice stuffing. With tomatoes and mushrooms."
>"Good choice, Andrei's on tonight. Drink?"
>Lily's smile wavers a little at the mention of the current chef's name, but merely continues, "Pomegranate juice. And a bowl of the barley soup, please."
>Stephanie jots down the winged woman's order, then turns to you. "And for you?"
-
>"I'll have the steak special, medium. Hmm, what soup do you recommend tonight?"
-
>"I'll have the steak special, medium. Hmm, what soup do you recommend tonight?"
>"I'd go for the beef barley. The meat's nice and tender."
>"And the steak come with a side of french fries, mashed potatoes, or hash browns."
-
Well man, I'd say we go for the Mashed Taters. Personal preference meself, but they're something nice, easy to eat, and quite filling.
-
Fries uber alles. Though the lack of a baked potato is blasphemy to the name of Eagleland Cuisine.
>"The beef barley, then, thank you. And mashed potatoes, please. Large water to drink."
-
>"The beef barley, then, thank you. And mashed potatoes, please. Large water to drink."
>"Gravy for your potatoes?"
-
>Nod. "Of course."
-
>Nod. "Of course."
>Stephanie, finished with your order, turns to Kiku. "And for the shrine maiden?"
>"Do you any seafood soups?
>"Mm, not today, no. Beef and barley and vegetable medley are the soups we have today."
>"In that case, I shall have the beef stirfry. Only lightly seasoned, please."
>The waitress makes a note of Kiku's addendum. "And for your drink?"
>"Water will do."
>"All right, I'll bring your soups out in just a few minutes." The pale haired waitress gives you another smile, and then takes her leave of your group, sliding between tables with practiced ease towards the table where the two women sit.
-
>Keep an eye on the front doors. Don't need Eagle coming in while talking shop.
>"Lily, now that Kiku's with us, there's no way that Satori won't find out about things that have happened. What do you think we should do?"
-
>Keep an eye on the front doors. Don't need Eagle coming in while talking shop.
>"Lily, now that Kiku's with us, there's no way that Satori won't find out about things that have happened. What do you think we should do?"
>While keeping an eye on the entraces, you question Lily about what to do with Kiku.
>"I don't know." Lily replies with obvious uncertaity. "I was just a part timer, me leaving was easy. But Kiku?"
>"Are you certain you wish to discuss this here, Byakuren?" Kiku asks you.
-
>"Yes. Because we are going to need to hear your thoughts. And I want you to hear what Lily has to say."
-
>"Yes. Because we are going to need to hear your thoughts. And I want you to hear what Lily has to say."
>"Say about what?" Lily asks you.
-
>"About Satori and the circumstances around why she's not fully trustworthy right now."
-
>"About Satori and the circumstances around why she's not fully trustworthy right now."
>"You mean- You mean when we met...." Lily trails off.
-
>Nod. "And other things."
-
>Nod. "And other things."
>"Then... it's true?" Kiku asks your winged friend. "What Byakuren said about... You've actually MET..?"
>Lily, seeing Kiku slightly lost for words, nods once. "Well, I didn't, not directly. But He sent me a vision, a vision of the darkness that was threatening to swallow the world. Byakuren's the one that met Him in person... As much as a God CAN be in person."
>Kiku seems rather stunned. "But... why you? Why you two, why not Satori, or myself, or one of His followers with power?"
-
>"Perhaps it's because there's no time? It's possible he was as blindsided by this as the rest of us."
-
>"Perhaps it's because there's no time? It's possible he was as blindsided by this as the rest of us."
>"He is a God. One of the four wardens of the natural world. Surely the activies of the demons would not have escaped His notice until today."
-
>"You're right, I shouldn't presume to understand his motivations or such. I'm sure he had his reasons."
-
>"You're right, I shouldn't presume to understand his motivations or such. I'm sure he had his reasons."
>The tiger youkai leans back in her seat. "To stand in the presense of the Tiger himself... It is... unbelievable. Even we of the shrine do not dare to dream of such an honor."
-
>"I suppose it's just a sign of how serious things are."
-
>"I suppose it's just a sign of how serious things are."
>Kiku shakes her head slowly. "It simply makes no sense... I don't mean to disbelieve you, but, I can think of no reason, none at all, why..." She closes her eyes, and takes a few steadying breaths. "No. If what you say is true, if you both were visited by Great Byakko, then I'll inquire no furthur into it. What you have experienced is sacred, and not for my ears. If He chose to reveal himself to you, then His reasons are His own."
>Lily rubs her jaw thoughtfully, her expression one of thought.
-
>Nod. "I wish I could answer your question outside of idle speculation. But, right now, I am more concerned about Satori."
-
>Nod. "I wish I could answer your question outside of idle speculation. But, right now, I am more concerned about Satori."
>"Hang on a second, Byakuren." Lily cuts in. "Maybe we can handle both."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"Oh?"
>"Well... I mean I'm not sure, it's just an idea. But, if the Tiger was willing to talk to you, and showed me the vision He did, then why wouldn't he talk to Kiku, too?"
-
>"I would hope so, but that's not exactly in our hands, is it?"
-
>"I would hope so, but that's not exactly in our hands, is it?"
>"What I..." Lily pauses as Stephanie walks past you again, a small grin on her face. Lily continues, after she passes, "What I mean is... Well, you actually met Him, and I didn't. Do you think He'd be willing to talk to Kiku like he did you?"
-
>"I would hope so, but that is not really a choice we can make, is it? It is not as though we can expect to just metaphorically pound on his door until he answers."
-
>"I would hope so, but that is not really a choice we can make, is it? It is not as though we can expect to just metaphorically pound on his door until he answers."
>"Wait a minute." Kiku interjects, leaning forward sharply towards Lily. "Are you suggesting that I could meet Great Byakko myself?"
>Lily seems a bit taken aback by Kiku's sudden intensity. "Well, no, I'm not... I'm just thinking that, it might settle every issue. Maybe? Maybe he could even protect you like he did us?"
>"And what does THAT mean?" Kiku demands.
-
>"It means that it protected us from Satori's abilities by altering our memories until we left her presence. It was a rather surreal experience."
-
>"It means that it protected us from Satori's abilities by altering our memories until we left her presence. It was a rather surreal experience."
>"But.... but why would He do that?"
-
>"Because he felt if Satori knew about us, and about what we've done, she'd be a problem."
-
>"Because he felt if Satori knew about us, and about what we've done, she'd be a problem."
>"But that makes no sense!" Kiku says heatedly. "She's the head of the temple, her power and faith exceeds anyone else at the temple. She's a good, genuine person, there's no reason for the Tiger's fear."
-
>"The mere fact that we did encounter him, or some aspect of such, might be the problem. What if she has difficulty taking it as well as you have?"
-
>"The mere fact that we did encounter him, or some aspect of such, might be the problem. What if she has difficulty taking it as well as you have?"
>Kiku draws in a measured breath. "You may be giving me too much credit again. The idea that two people outside the temple, two normal people, even people like you two, were deemed worthy of His personal attention, and none of His maidens were, is not an easy idea for me to take. I have to wonder now if this is because of some shortcoming among us, something we have done to displease Him."
>"Or.... something you two could do that we could not." she continues in a quieter tone. "When you met him, you would have had your ring at that point, wouldn't you, Byakuren?"
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"And you, Lily?"
>Lily fidgets. "Well, no, not at the time. Although I did get my ring from Byakuren not long after. Once Satori had left us, actually."
>"Then, perhaps, He sensed the potential in you." Kiku wonders out loud. "If that's it...." She pauses then, her face falling. "No, it shouldn't matter. I'm not worthy to see Him, ring or no."
-
>"Well, it would be for him to say whether you are worthy or not. Personally, I don't feel you should be so hard on yourself."
-
>"Well, it would be for him to say whether you are worthy or not. Personally, I don't feel you should be so hard on yourself."
>"It's not that. Not ONLY that." she corrects herself. "I am merely a servant of Great Byakko. I may have more power than other mikos who serve, but I am no more worthy to stand in His presence than any other. Now is it my place to desire such."
>"And yet... What you say of Satori. I am sorry, Byakuren, Lily, I simply cannot accept that she could be a threat to you. To us, I should say. It is simply not in me. Please don't take it personally, but, I have known her for many years, and she is the Elder of my temple. If she truly was a threat to you, if she was... angered, as you suggested, by your favor in the eyes of the Tiger... Well, I do not know why this would be."
-
>"Perhaps it is not Satori directly who would be the problem, but rather something that would happen if she does learn of this?"
-
>"Perhaps it is not Satori directly who would be the problem, but rather something that would happen if she does learn of this?"
>You swear you see Kiku's ears perk up slightly. "I hadn't considered that. You might be right."
-
>"I wonder, what can you tell us about Satori, you seem to know her very well."
-
>"I wonder, what can you tell us about Satori, you seem to know her very well."
>Kiku folds her hands in front of her. "Well, she came to the shrine here nearly five years ago now. She took over from the previous head of the shrine, who had moved to Bonn. Prior to that, I believe she'd served in one of the temples in the northwestern part of Yamato. Nakayama, I believe. To my knowledge, she's served in the Tiger temple for at least thirty years. And no, she doesn't look it."
>"People asked that all the time." Lily adds with a giggle.
>"The shrine here in Mayoiga is the first time she's acted as a head miko." Kiku continues. "She's conducted herself well."
-
>"How well do you know about her personal life?"
-
>"How well do you know about her personal life?"
>"I don't see her too often outside of temple business." She frowns. "I'm seen as being somewhat 'uptight' by my Sisters, and it's not a label I don't deserve. But I do know that she believes in second chances. You've seen evidence of that yourself, with Eagle. And she's not the first convict that Komeji-sama's offered a job to, either."
>"And she loves animals." Lily adds. "I wasn't at the shrine long, but I saw plenty of that myself. In fact, I'd almost think she could talk to the animals around the shrine."
>Kiku frowns again slightly. "I don't know that I'd go that far, Lily. But I will admit, she has a way around the creatures of the earth. A rapport, I would say. And I would say..."
>The tiger youaki trails off momentarily as she looks behind you. Moments later, Stephanie returns, carrying two bowls of steaming soup, a package of crackers on the side. "Here you are, ladies." she says pleasantly, depositing first Lily's, and then yours.
-
>Let the waitress leave, and start on the meal. Do our best not to make too much of a hog of ourselves, one can't cede everything to alien impulses.
>Once the coast is clear: "And you would say?"
-
>Let the waitress leave, and start on the meal. Do our best not to make too much of a hog of ourselves, one can't cede everything to alien impulses.
>Once the coast is clear: "And you would say?"
>You take a spoonful of soup once the waitress with the Eagleland departs your table. And then exhale sharply after swallowing, sticking your tongue out slightly. It's quite hot.
>"Might wanna give it a minute, Byakuren." Lily says with a smile.
>Kiku, however, does not show amusement at your momentary discomfort, and continues, "I would say that this rapport extends to youkai that were once animals, as well. She... understands us, in a way I can't quite explain."
-
>"Do you feel there is more to this rapport than a normal person's ability to show empathy? Apparently, the concern about her was great enough that it was not enough to simply say nothing. We had to have our memories altered for a short time."
-
>"Do you feel there is more to this rapport than a normal person's ability to show empathy? Apparently, the concern about her was great enough that it was not enough to simply say nothing. We had to have our memories altered for a short time."
>Kiku has to think about that one for a minute. "I hadn't... really thought about it. I mean, the temple deals with supernatural phenomenon on a regular basis. Someone with a slightly unnatural affinity for the beasts of the land, especially at the shrine, wouldn't seem out of place."
>"Except.... wouldn't it?" Kiku lowers her head, lost in thought. "Why didn't I think about that before? she muses.
>Her musings are interrupted by Stephanie's return, carrying a trio of drinks. White russians, by the looks of them. "Here you go, ladies."
-
>Did we order these?
>If not, say, "Are you sure these are for us?"
-
>Did we order these?
>If not, say, "Are you sure these are for us?"
>You did not.
>Stephanie nods and smiles pleasantly, then gestures towards the table with the four oni. "Courtesy of the lady with the colorful hair." One of Konngara's buddies does indeed have a distinctive hair coloring, electric blue streaks in a head of long, fiery red hair. "She bought a round for the house."
>Lily asks her, "Ayumi?" After getting another nod from the blonde waitress, Lily explains, "She's kind of a regular here. She does that."
-
>"Ah. Rely my thanks to her when you tend to that table next."
>Have a sip to treat our wounded tongue.
-
>"Ah. Rely my thanks to her when you tend to that table next."
>Have a sip to treat our wounded tongue.
>"Of course."
>The waitress retreats again, and you take a sip of your new drink as she wheels a cart loaded with glasses over to the other side of the room, letting the mixture of milk and liquor soothe your singed tongue. It has a very smooth taste, one of the better drinks of this type you've had in a while.
>Lily points out the table with the pregnant lady. "She'll get milk, though, I would bet. Ayumi loves her vodka, but she always takes care of who's in the room before ordering anything."
>"Admirable." Kiku says absently, her forehead still creased in deep thought.
-
>What's our alcohol tolerance like, anyways?
>Let Kiku work ideas through her thinkpan. Try a bit more soup.
-
>What's our alcohol tolerance like, anyways?
>Let Kiku work ideas through her thinkpan. Try a bit more soup.
>Higher than folks might think, considering your appearance. At least, on a normal night. Considering your fatigue, and your empty stomach, you definitely aren't able to hold your liquor as well tonight as you would otherwise. Although, one white russian isn't going to hurt.
>Giving the miko a moment to ruminate, you return your attention to your soup, though you make sure to keep your glasses of drinks handy. You also blow on it a couple times, to make sure. Now that it's a mite cooler, you can enjoy the sensation of the full taste of the rich soup mixed with fresh vegetables.
>"It's... strange..." Kiku muses. "There's a part of me that wonders why I never thought anything of Satori-sama's affinity for animals and animal-youkai before. And yet, there's another part that simply accepts it. That's just the way she is." She shakes her head slightly, to clear her confusion. "I don't know why I wondered, anyway. It IS just the way she is. Some people are like that."
-
>Nod. "I don't think anyone really suspected more than the idea that she was quite perceptive. And if it's more than that, I suppose it would be a good idea not to make it know."
-
>Nod. "I don't think anyone really suspected more than the idea that she was quite perceptive. And if it's more than that, I suppose it would be a good idea not to make it know."
>Kiku nods. "She is mostly a private person, as well. Not in the sense of keeping to herself, but she never talks about herself. At least not to my knowledge. It's possible she may do so during her consults, but those sessions are confidential."
-
>"So, in essence, we really don't have any way to figure out why it would be a problem for her to learn things with what we know about her."
-
>"So, in essence, we really don't have any way to figure out why it would be a problem for her to learn things with what we know about her."
>"None that I possess, at any rate. It is possible that one of my Sisters would know her more personally than I do, but I suppose that doesn't really help us in this situation."
>She takes a breath, and closes her eyes. "I have no right to ask this of you. What you experienced in His presence is a sacred trust between you and Him. However... it might help, in this situation, if I knew exactly what it was that he said."
-
>Given memory alterations and black-outs due to insanity and such we've suffered today, what do we recall of the metal tiger's words?
-
>Given memory alterations and black-outs due to insanity and such we've suffered today, what do we recall of the metal tiger's words?
>You take a mouthful of water and sit back to think. It seems like months, if not years ago, since you stood before Byakko himself. However, despite all that's happened to you today, that experience remains clear in your memory when you reach for it. It's not the sort of thing you're liable to forget, barring divine intervention. You can almost feel his sense of presence again as you recall the meeting.
>He spoke to you of the previous battles between the Hero of the World, the title you now carry, and the demons of the dark place. And he spoke to you of the Purpose, the awareness of the barrier between the worlds.
>But these words stand out in your mind, as they pertain to Kiku's question:
>Being seen in the presence of one such Myself is an experience many of your kind seek their entire lives. And those that have had it guard it jealously, often unwilling to share with others. Were you to be seen with Me, pale ghost that I am, your very life could be in jeopardy. I am not certain how long it will take me to bring forth the image you know the Purpose by. If we are discovered by one of your kind, I would be powerless to protect you if they mean you harm.
>The demons are a plague upon this world, and those touched and corrupted by them will oppose you at every opportunity, but they are not the only seeds of evil in this world. There are those who would use your power for their own purposes. Those who would slay you for having the power you do. Those who would slay you for being touched by One such as I. Those who would possess the power you weild. Those who would possess you for your beauty and charms. And these can even be found in Our houses, for the children of our Mistress forever walk the line between light and dark.
>Your valor is admirable, young Hero, but it is no demon that approches us. Rather, it is one that should have been your ally, but is not.
-
>"He said that there were those who would use me, now us, for having the power we do. Those that would slay us for having this power, and those what would out of jealousy for being touched by him. People who would try to take this power, and for more petty reasons, really. He specifically mentioned people within "Our houses", which I assume are the shrines. In particular, he mentioned someone that should have been an ally, but was not."
>Try not to talk with our mouth full.
-
>"He said that there were those who would use me, now us, for having the power we do. Those that would slay us for having this power, and those what would out of jealousy for being touched by him. People who would try to take this power, and for more petty reasons, really. He specifically mentioned people within "Our houses", which I assume are the shrines. In particular, he mentioned someone that should have been an ally, but was not."
>Try not to talk with our mouth full.
>Around mouthfuls, you inform Kiku of the more pertinent points of the conversation you shared with the Tiger. Having Kiku's undivided attention is a bit intense, but she relaxes her gaze a little after you finish. "And, from you told me of his actions, that enemy was Satori?" It almost sounds like a minor struggle for her to even say it.
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>Kiku looks as though someone kicked her in the gut. She slumps in her seat, very quiet.
-
>"Well, I'm still not 100% certain for sure, but the evidence seems to imply as such."
-
>"The question becomes, what do we do about about this? It's no longer realistic to just avoid her."
-
>"Well, I'm still not 100% certain for sure, but the evidence seems to imply as such."
>"I just... can't believe it..." Kiku mutters. "I can't... I can't understand why that should be."
>"The question becomes, what do we do about about this? It's no longer realistic to just avoid her."
>"No... no, at the very least, I couldn't. You two, yes, that wouldn't be difficult, but me... And even if this wasn't the case, I don't think I could keep your- OUR secret from her. That would be complication enough, but..."
>The tiger youkai leans forward and temples her fingers, resting her head on them. Obviously, you've given the girl a great deal to process.
-
>"It seems we have a two options. One is to vacate Kiku from the temple entirely. Which is...suboptimal at best, for more reasons than I care to count. The other is that we confront Satori, and find out what exactly is going on."
-
>"It seems we have a two options. One is to vacate Kiku from the temple entirely. Which is...suboptimal at best, for more reasons than I care to count. The other is that we confront Satori, and find out what exactly is going on."
>"Mi schill...." Lily mutters, then swallows audibly. "I still think that the Tiger might be able to protect Kiku like He protected us." she clarifies, taking a swallow of water afterwards. "Or at least, maybe He can come up with an idea we haven't."
>"Hey, wait!" she adds immediately afterwards, an idea hitting her. "What about the Purpose?"
-
>"I don't know if it could, or would, help us. It's a bit hard to understand. But, I could try. I expect I'd have more luck with it than trying to force the tiger to appear again."
>Try to reach out toward the purpose, and see if it's there now.
-
>"I don't know if it could, or would, help us. It's a bit hard to understand. But, I could try. I expect I'd have more luck with it than trying to force the tiger to appear again."
>Try to reach out toward the purpose, and see if it's there now.
>"No one can force Great Byakko to appear." Kiku says automatically, her reverie broken. "It would be His choice to reveal himself to me, should he deem me worthy."
>When you stretch your mind out to the Purpose, you do sense its presence. Somehow, you think it's rather close.
-
>Try to contact it, and say, "We have a small problem, perhaps you can help us?"
-
>Try to contact it, and say, "We have a small problem, perhaps you can help us?"
>I will aid you in anyway I can, Hero.
-
>Send to it: We have a small problem with the woman who runs the Metal Tiger's shrine. We have been told to be wary of her, to the point that the Tiger was willing to alter our memories near her, but we don't know exactly why or how to deal with it. With Kiku assisting us, we cannot really avoid her. Do you know anything about this?
-
>Send to it: We have a small problem with the woman who runs the Metal Tiger's shrine. We have been told to be wary of her, to the point that the Tiger was willing to alter our memories near her, but we don't know exactly why or how to deal with it. With Kiku assisting us, we cannot really avoid her. Do you know anything about this?
>A servant of the Metal Tiger.... No, I do not. My awareness is limited nearly completely to that which is myself, yourself and the demons. This woman is not in league with the demons, as far as I can sense, nor are any who dwell in that shrine.
>Your ally, Kiku. Is it not possible for her to avoid the shrine, and this woman?
-
>Send: It would be very difficult for her to do this. If you were able to see her, would you be able to tell why the Tiger is wary of her?
-
>Send: It would be very difficult for her to do this. If you were able to see her, would you be able to tell why the Tiger is wary of her?
>If she were affected, or affiliated, with the demons, then yes, I could. However, if the threat she represents to you is more... terrestrial in nature, then I would not be able to tell.
>Although, it is possible that she would be jealous of your power, and seek to take it for her own, should she become aware of it. I understand this is not uncommon for Terrans.
-
>How long did that exchange take?
>Have some more soup. How's the ravenousness doing?
-
>How long did that exchange take?
>Have some more soup. How's the ravenousness doing?
>A bit quicker than a normal conversation.
>You're actually down to your last couple spoonfuls. You were very hungry, after all, and it was quite good. Steffie was right about the meat, it was very tender, and full of flavor. If the steak is as good, you'll be doing well. Though, you'll probably have room for dessert. The soup was a good start, you're certainly not AS hungry as you were when you started, but you're a long way from satiated.
-
>"I've asked the Purpose, and it doesn't really know anything that could address the situation. It suggests she might desire our power, but I feel that is just a guess."
-
>It's possible that a demon could be controlling her indirectly, though, is it not? By threatening her or something she cares about, or something of that sort?
-
>"I've asked the Purpose, and it doesn't really know anything that could address the situation. It suggests she might desire our power, but I feel that is just a guess."
>Lily seems disappointed. "Well, it was worth a shot."
>It's possible that a demon could be controlling her indirectly, though, is it not? By threatening her or something she cares about, or something of that sort?
>It is possible, yes. They have done so before.
-
>"Now, and this is something the Purpose and I have considered, A demon might be controlling her indirectly, by threatening something important to her. Like a family member, or someone she in a relationship with."
-
>"Or some knowing or unknowing agent of a demon, who or possibly just something more mundane... The possibilities grow rather vast when you consider things being a step removed."
-
>"Now, and this is something the Purpose and I have considered, A demon might be controlling her indirectly, by threatening something important to her. Like a family member, or someone she in a relationship with."
>"Or some knowing or unknowing agent of a demon, who or possibly just something more mundane... The possibilities grow rather vast when you consider things being a step removed."
>"Possibly..." Kiku says thoughtfully. "I do know that she only has one living relative; her sister, Koishi. As far as I know, that's the only person she's really close to outside the temple. At least... I THINK she is." she adds as an afterthought.
-
>Nod thoughtfully. "Then there's our next course of action after keeping Satori from being involved, finding out if Koishi is in any sort of danger."
>Ponder on what possible dessert we could potentially enjoy if we have the room. A girl needs her sweets after an arduous day after all.
-
>"Or, do you think that Koishi might be able to tell us something?"
-
>Nod thoughtfully. "Then there's our next course of action after keeping Satori from being involved, finding out if Koishi is in any sort of danger."
>Ponder on what possible dessert we could potentially enjoy if we have the room. A girl needs her sweets after an arduous day after all.
>"If we can. It's possible that Koishi may not even be aware of anything amiss." Kiku cautions.
>Lily nods, then swallows again before speaking. "She wasn't acting out of normal at the CRA."
>You consider your options for dessert, which is a very appetizing thought. Especially since you're out of soup. Pity, that. Even with a steak coming, you think you could almost go for another bowl.
>There is a small menu next to the condiments that features the dessert offerings.
>"Or, do you think that Koishi might be able to tell us something?"
>"I don't know one way or the other. All I know is, if the demons were to try and get to Satori though someone else, Koishi would be my first guess as to who they'd use."
-
>Let's peruse the Dessert Menu while we're at it then.
>"Well, that solves that matter then. I surmise it could could well be another Champion behind it, if that is indeed the case. Given earlier events that is. But the golden question then is; 'Which one?'"
>"We can rule out Water, as he has already been dealt with, so that leaves roughly five or so. Water mentioned the Forest Champion as the strongest of them all, so we should keep a close eye out for that one in particular, as we may well require more than just we three to best it."
>Look to Lily. "And on a different matter entirely, what dessert would you recommend? A girl does need a nice dessert after a trying day like today after all."
-
>Let's peruse the Dessert Menu while we're at it then.
>Lily passes you the small plastic-sheathed bit of paper, and you give it a glance. Items of interest include:
>Apple pie with fresh ice cream
>Cherry cheesecake
>Mille-feuille, topped with icing or chocolate
>'Eagleland' sized cupcake, with four different types of frosting available
>Double chocolate chocolate cake
>Blintz
>"Well, that solves that matter then. I surmise it could could well be another Champion behind it, if that is indeed the case. Given earlier events that is. But the golden question then is; 'Which one?'"
>"We can rule out Water, as he has already been dealt with, so that leaves roughly five or so. Water mentioned the Forest Champion as the strongest of them all, so we should keep a close eye out for that one in particular, as we may well require more than just we three to best it."
>"Water mentioned "Air was a fool", or words to that intent." says Kiku. "Air may be the Champion that made the first youma, the one we fought at Ran's. Would the Purpose be able to confirm how many demons are currently in our world?"
>Look to Lily. "And on a different matter entirely, what dessert would you recommend? A girl does need a nice dessert after a trying day like today after all."
>Lily answers you with a smile. "My fav's the apple pie."
-
>Idly toy with the menu. "If that is the case, then we might even be able to reform some on the spot. As Forest is the strongest, and you generally think of creatures such as wolves and bears when you hear that word, it likely lives by 'The Law of The Jungle'. Which is to say, Might makes Right. Which means we might be able to sway it to our side by besting it by force. I don't entirely like doing that, but it's an entirely possible option. As for Purpose, I can always ask, just give me a short moment."
>Purpose, would you be able to find out how many demons are causing trouble in the world currently?
-
>Idly toy with the menu. "If that is the case, then we might even be able to reform some on the spot. As Forest is the strongest, and you generally think of creatures such as wolves and bears when you hear that word, it likely lives by 'The Law of The Jungle'. Which is to say, Might makes Right. Which means we might be able to sway it to our side by besting it by force. I don't entirely like doing that, but it's an entirely possible option. As for Purpose, I can always ask, just give me a short moment."
>Purpose, would you be able to find out how many demons are causing trouble in the world currently?
>As we speak, only one demon currently remains at large on this side of the boundary between worlds. There were two, but you have placed one outside of this world and its own.
-
>Nod. Thank you, you are always helpful.
>"According to Purpose, there were originally two, but we saw to one of them being removed from this world and it's own. Which means only one is active in our world currently. But the big question now is which one. If it is indeed Air, as you might suspect, then we might not have much to fear. But if the active one is Forest..."
-
>Nod. Thank you, you are always helpful.
>"According to Purpose, there were originally two, but we saw to one of them being removed from this world and it's own. Which means only one is active in our world currently. But the big question now is which one. If it is indeed Air, as you might suspect, then we might not have much to fear. But if the active one is Forest..."
>"I have no shame and take no fear in saying that a confrontation with Forest should be avoided." Kiku says. "If we can. We beat the Water Champion today, but I believe that's only because it underestimated us. It wasn't prepared for the power we three could field. And it was a weaker demon, by its own admission." The shrine maiden nods at you. "It may be as you said. It may take more than just us three to best it. Failing that, we three would need to become much stronger. Preferably both."
-
>To the Purpose: Is the other one that one that I saw the first night?
>"Or find a better method that simply fighting physically."
-
>Nod. "Given how taxing the last battle was, we should work in increasing the energy we can draw from. Failing that, streamline our techniques so as to put less strain on our bodies."
>Sigh, and drink a little more of that White Russian if we haven't already finished it. Then stare into it thoughtfully. "Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."
-
>"Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."
>Don't say this, it's OOC.
>"There may be something for finding other ways to combine our talents. And with luck, we might learn something from observing the champion we have now."
-
>Don't say this, it's OOC.
>Do say it. It's probably true, whether we like it or not.
-
>To the Purpose: Is the other one that one that I saw the first night?
>That is correct.
>"Or find a better method that simply fighting physically."
>"You mean something like keeping the remaining Champions from crossing over into this world?" Kiku asks you.
>Nod. "Given how taxing the last battle was, we should work in increasing the energy we can draw from. Failing that, streamline our techniques so as to put less strain on our bodies."
>"If not both." Kiku suggests. "I would recommend we practice our new powers whenever we get the chance, especially you two. I have had a great deal of experience channeling mystical energies through my body, and I would assume that you have not. Much of the techniques of the temple are private, but if you'd like, I could give you what advice I can."
>Sigh, and drink a little more of that White Russian if we haven't already finished it. Then stare into it thoughtfully. "Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."
>You have another swallow. Hungry though you may be, you know how to handle your drinks.
>"Those demons just don't listen to words, so as much as I dislike it, we'll likely have to use force for most of them."
>Don't say this, it's OOC.
>Do say it. It's probably true, whether we like it or not.
>You consider voicing an opinion that fighting is the only answer when it comes to your enemies. But this really isn't like you, so you don't.
>"There may be something for finding other ways to combine our talents. And with luck, we might learn something from observing the champion we have now."
>"What exactly do you mean, 'observing'?" the metal miko inquires.
-
>"We can visit the Champion's prison freely, I imagine we could learn some things by observing him in a situation that isn't so intense as the prior one. Obviously, we won't just be doing this willy nilly, but I think there will be some value in it."
-
>"We can visit the Champion's prison freely, I imagine we could learn some things by observing him in a situation that isn't so intense as the prior one. Obviously, we won't just be doing this willy nilly, but I think there will be some value in it."
>Kiku grimaces. "Interrogating our prisoner could indeed prove useful, but, I do have a concern. I don't believe we sealed its power, just its presence. It could be every bit as strong as it was on this side in its prison."
-
>...We didn't think about that, did we?
-
>Nod. "That is definitely a concern. I wouldn't recommend any of us go in alone at this point, or at least unsupported. But if nothing else, we are going to have to check on him at some point."
-
>"Preferably when we've all recovered, and he's had some time to stew. I suspect he might be expending effort to corrupt the prison in a gambit to escape, but I designed it so he cannot corrupt it."
-
>...We didn't think about that, did we?
>Not that she mentions it...
>Nod. "That is definitely a concern. I wouldn't recommend any of us go in alone at this point, or at least unsupported. But if nothing else, we are going to have to check on him at some point."
>"Preferably when we've all recovered, and he's had some time to stew. I suspect he might be expending effort to corrupt the prison in a gambit to escape, but I designed it so he cannot corrupt it."
>Kiku's eyes narrow. "I fail to see why we simply don't leave it where it is, avoid the risk that would come from visiting it. There's nothing indicating the prison will end with our lives. The demon could stay there until time's end, and never threaten us, or this world, again. Or perhaps tended by our heirs, should the need arise."
>"We can't do that." Lily counters. "Dumping it in some pocket world-"
>"Is a far kinder fate than it would have visited upon us." Kiku interrupts.
-
>"I modeled the prison after a section of the park. So at the very least, it'll be somewhat comfortable."
-
>"Simply abandoning it wouldn't solve the problem. Merely delay it."
-
>"I modeled the prison after a section of the park. So at the very least, it'll be somewhat comfortable."
>"Simply abandoning it wouldn't solve the problem. Merely delay it."
>"What makes you so sure of that?" Kiku asks you, as Stephanie walks up to your table again, noting your empty soup bowl.
>"Let me take that for you." she offers, hefting the dish.
-
>Nod to Stephanie. "Thank you."
>Once she's gone, say, "Because inevitably, it'll find a way out. We may be long gone when that happens, but it will. And this whole affair will resume, because if we just abandon the champion, nothing will change. We need to do more than stop the demons, we need to open their minds."
-
>Nod to Stephanie. "Thank you."
>Once she's gone, say, "Because inevitably, it'll find a way out. We may be long gone when that happens, but it will. And this whole affair will resume, because if we just abandon the champion, nothing will change. We need to do more than stop the demons, we need to open their minds."
>Once the waitress departs with your bowl, you explain yourself to Kiku.
>"And the water one's a good start." Lily adds. "Besides, Kiku, think about this. If we can win over these champions, even one of 'em, that could mean we'd never have to worry about all the demons that might come after him."
>"IF this is even possible." Kiku counters. "You could well be trying to convince an ocean not to swell."
>At this point, the blonde waitress returns, an amused smile on her face as she addresses you. "The chef would like to know if you'd care for something else while your steak is grilling."
-
>Curse you, temptations!
>"Um...maybe a plate of fries, if there are any ready?"
-
>"Preferably with a little garlic salt instead of the regular salt, but not too much."
-
>Curse you, temptations!
>"Um...maybe a plate of fries, if there are any ready?"
>"Preferably with a little garlic salt instead of the regular salt, but not too much."
>Stephanie nods. "Certainly."
>Lily, however, is frowning. "Steffie?" she inquires.
>The waitress offers her a slight nod. "Yeah."
>Lily sighs. "He knows he's paying, right?"
>"I reminded him, but, you know how he is."
>"Yeah... All right, thanks."
>After Stephanie moves off, Kiku gives Lily a curious look. "They're free." Lily answers, a note of disapproval in her voice. "Chef Andrei. He does this for 'friends of the business', he says."
-
>Chuckle. "Well, it will serve to have have suggest this place to others."
>"As for the champion, I have confidence our ideals and understandings are strong enough to sway it, in the end. I doubt it would happen all at once, but I am sure it will happen bit by bit."
-
>Chuckle. "Well, it will serve to have have suggest this place to others."
>"As for the champion, I have confidence our ideals and understandings are strong enough to sway it, in the end. I doubt it would happen all at once, but I am sure it will happen bit by bit."
>"Don't tell em to expect free food as a guarantee." Lily advises. "Andrei's been warned about doing that too often."
>"I am afraid I do not share your confidence in this, Byakuren." Kiku intones.
>"Well, I do." Lily says, her smile back. "It's better than having to kill them all, or sealing them up forever. It has to be."
-
>"I'm sure of it. The Buddha spoke to all life, and I am certain that Byakko would aim no lower."
-
>"I'm sure of it. The Buddha spoke to all life, and I am certain that Byakko would aim no lower."
>Kiku's ears bristle as you mention the Tiger's name. "I would ask that you not invoke His name like that. That is a privilege for those who serve in His house."
-
>"I am sorry, I won't do it again. But hopefully my meaning is clear?"
-
>"I am sorry, I won't do it again. But hopefully my meaning is clear?"
>The metal miko nods. "I take your meaning, Byakuren. I simply do not share your idealism."
>Kiku pauses as Stephanie comes out from the kitchen again, and deposits your fries in front of you. Once she is gone, Kiku continues, "You are, however, mistaken. The Tiger is a God, yes, but He is the patron of the beasts of the earth. Surely I need not tell you how many beasts respond to threats to their home, and their pack."
-
>She probably wouldn't appreciate the factual answer that most of them tend to run...
>Nod. "I think I understand. But at this point, I don't think it's a threat to anything like that right now."
-
>She probably wouldn't appreciate the factual answer that most of them tend to run...
>Nod. "I think I understand. But at this point, I don't think it's a threat to anything like that right now."
>It might be a debate for a later date.
>"Indeed." The tiger youkai leans back in her seat again, and spares a glance to her left. A pair of girls around your age enter the building, clad in the red and white robes of the northern shrine, an elderly gentleman behind them.
>"I will, however, give you this much. If and when you deem it necessary to enter the water champion's prison, for whatever reason, I shall accompany you and support you as best I can. But I hold no hope for its.... 'redemption'."
-
>"That's all I can ask for."
>It's time for fries!
-
>"That's all I can ask for."
>It's time for fries!
>Just as you asked, your fries are lightly garlic salted. Crisp, but not too crisp, too. Place makes a nice plate of fries.
>During your snack, of which Lily swipes only one, you note the green haired girl stand from her table and join the oni's table, welcomed by the oni with the colorful hair. Konngara does not seem amused.
>Stephanie returns to your table after your fries are nearly depleted, and adresses the three of you, "It'll be a little while yet before the steak is ready, sorry. But, would you two like your meals now, or with your friends?"
>"I am content to wait." Kiku replies.
>Lily, though, fidgets a little. "Well, I am hungry, but, I don't know-"
>Kiku cuts her off with a nod. "It's fine with me, Lily."
>"Byakuren?" Lily asks you.
-
>Nod. "I can wait. the fries took the edge off."
-
>She's asking if we want them to wait until we have our food before eating, not if we'll be okay waiting, so don't say that. Instead, say: "It's fine with me as well."
-
>"It's fine with me as well."
>"Then, I'll have mine when it's ready." Lily informs the waitress.
>"Coming right out."
>The waitress returns a little over a minute later, carrying a plate of seven, no, eight breaded buns, and a pitcher of ice water. Thoughtful, your own water glass is down to about a quarter full.
-
>Let her serve stuff, and get our refill.
-
>Let her serve stuff, and get our refill.
>"Andrei may have gone a bit heavy on the basil." Stephanie cautions Lily as she deposits her food.
>The winged girl nods. "I know. But that's okay, it works with these."
>Stephanie tops off all your glasses, then departs again, leaving you to work on the dwindling remainder of your fries.
>"Are you recovering from your encounter with the ooze?" Kiku asks you.
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>Do we actually feel at all satiated by this point?
>If so: "I believe so."
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>Do we actually feel at all satiated by this point?
>If so: "I believe so."
>You're certainly less hungry than you were. You suspect you'll be satiated after the main course is complete. Or at least, very, very close to it. So you inform Kiku of such.
>"Hmmm?" Lily looks curiously up from her supper.
>"After our... encounter with that sludge in the basement, Byakuren here said that she was exceedingly hungry." Kiku informs her. "I admit, I was not certain if this was an indication of some lingering effect of this encounter, one that I could not detect."
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>"Well, initially it was likely a sort of sympathetic, connection-based effect that mirrored its hunger upon myself as well. But after the connection was severed, it manifested as actual hunger. I suspect it had a starvation sort of effect, thus causing my body to require nourishment."
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>"Though...I didn't actually need it. I wasn't drained or anything. Just, the hunger was there."
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>"Well, initially it was likely a sort of sympathetic, connection-based effect that mirrored its hunger upon myself as well. But after the connection was severed, it manifested as actual hunger. I suspect it had a starvation sort of effect, thus causing my body to require nourishment."
>"Though...I didn't actually need it. I wasn't drained or anything. Just, the hunger was there."
>"That's... bizarre." Lily comments.
>Kiku nods slightly. "It was a bizarre phenomenon. I can't even be certain of the sludge's origins. At first, I thought it was some form of contaminated water, but the sensations I felt from it were so alien, it might have been from the demon's world. A weapon, perhaps, the champion brought with it."
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>"I think, if it were a weapon, the champion would have employed it."
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>"I think, if it were a weapon, the champion would have employed it."
>"Against us, you mean." It's more a statement from Kiku than a question. "I considered that. But perhaps we should compare it to something like a pit trap. A weapon, yes, but a stationary one. Dangerous, but inert when overcome."
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>Nod. "That could have been a possibility. 'Schmuck Bait', if you will."
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>Nod. "That could have been a possibility. 'Schmuck Bait', if you will."
>Kiku blinks once. "I'm not familiar with that term."
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>"Basically, a trap for the foolish. Which, admittedly, I was when I tried to connect to it."
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Gotta have class.
>"But, when you think about it, there's a lot more that could have been done to use it as a weapon, aside from just letting it sit there."
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>"Basically, a trap for the foolish. Which, admittedly, I was when I tried to connect to it."
>"Perhaps a little." Kiku says simply. "However, it wasn't for nothing."
>"But, when you think about it, there's a lot more that could have been done to use it as a weapon, aside from just letting it sit there."
>"Unless he couldn't control it." Lily suggests. "Maybe it's like a land mine, dangerous to everyone, even the one that put it there."
>"Possibly." Kiku concedes. "The demon could fly over it. But then, I would not have been surprised to see that sludge reach up and grasp at someone, or something, trying just that." Her ears bristle again, briefly. "Perhaps you could add that to your list of things to talk to the champion about."
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>"I could see bottling it being an easy way to make it more usable, but yes, that'll be a think to talk about."
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>"I could see bottling it being an easy way to make it more usable, but yes, that'll be a think to talk about."
>"Some mystical matter simply can't be contained, as I understand. But it does stand to reason that an otherworldly being would have resources not available to us. Assuming that we can trust anything it tells you, of course."
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>That's Kiku, right?
>"Quite. We'll have to see how things progress. But, we have veered off the subject of Satori, haven't we? I see two major options. One is to see if we can find out if anything is strange by asking others, or we approach her ourselves. The latter...seems like a last resort, I feel. It may well set things into motion that we do not wish to be set into motion."
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>That's Kiku, right?
>"Quite. We'll have to see how things progress. But, we have veered off the subject of Satori, haven't we? I see two major options. One is to see if we can find out if anything is strange by asking others, or we approach her ourselves. The latter...seems like a last resort, I feel. It may well set things into motion that we do not wish to be set into motion."
>That was Kiku, yes.
>"I concur. If the Tiger did not want a confrontation between her and you, that's enough for me to know."
>"Komeji-sama will expect my return at some point tonight, though...." She presses her two index fingers against the side of her nose and rubs it up and down. "There... may be one thing I can do, but... It is not an easy thing for me to contemplate."
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>"I don't want you to feel obligated to do this thing if you would rather not, but would you at least tell me what it is?"
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>"I don't want you to feel obligated to do this thing if you would rather not, but would you at least tell me what it is?"
>Kiku nods, slowly. "It is as Lily said. The Tiger could shield me as He shielded you." She looks you in the eye. "When we are done here, if you brought me to where you met Him, I might be visited by Him, if not in person, then perhaps in presense."
>"But... it is not an easy thing for me to consider. One does not suggest such a meeting easily, least of all one such as I."
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>Do we think we could find our way back there without a skunk to guide us?
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>Do we think we could find our way back there without a skunk to guide us?
>You believe so.
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>"We could see. If the Metal Tiger does not wish us to be there, I'm sure we won't get there."
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>"We could see. If the Metal Tiger does not wish us to be there, I'm sure we won't get there."
>"But I am...." she exhales, and takes a large swallow of her Russian. "Honestly, Byakuren, the thought of being in His presence terrifies me. Almost as much as the demon scared me. And just as frightening is the idea that, should I work up the courage to do this, He... shuns me."
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>Smile. "Even if he does, we won't."
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>Smile. "Even if he does, we won't."
>Lily looks at you with wide eyes. "Does that mean we can keep her?"
>"Nobody keeps this tiger." the miko declares, jumping up onto the table and hurling a collar around your neck, and Lily's. "I keep you!"