Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on November 29, 2012, 12:45:00 PM
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>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker (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.
>And right now, you wish had more caffeine with breakfast this morning. Rin was barely able to wake you at all, and it wasn't until you stepped outside that you were able to shake the lead from your eyes. The splash of rain you got as a result of neglecting your umbrella helped with that as well. It's a cold November morning, rainy and dreary, just the kind of day that most of your classmates would say goes very nicely with Mondays and exams.
>The latter of which is what faced you in first period: Wriggle-sensei's math midterm. Which, after studying it for a few minutes, you decided was not going to be quite as simple as it would have normally. You are a good math student, ordinarily. It's not one of your specialties, but you do have a good head for numbers and excellent study habits, and on a normal day, passing one of Wriggle's exams would not have posed too great an obstacle. Today, however, you find that you haven't entirely recovered from your escapades yesterday. You're more awake than you were last night, of course, but you're not yourself yet.
>Which doesn't surprise you terribly, all things considered. When you first transformed last Wednesday to save Kyouko from that first youma, you spent nearly the whole of Thursday in bed recovering. It might have been better for you to sleep in today, but your sense of responsibility got the better of you. Plus, not only did you have this exam to deal with, there's a number of things you still want to do today. To say nothing of the fact that skipping an exam would have made the whole of the student body, and the vast majority of the faculty, curious as to where you where, and you can do without that kind of attention at present. Whether or not you'll have the energy to handle the rest of your tasks is a matter of some debate at the moment, but you can decide that after you finish Wriggle's test. Maybe after a nap at home, if nothing comes up.... But again, first things first.
>Your arrival at school that day was a bit different than the norm. Being the Morning Star, one of the schools idols, you're quite used to getting a great deal of attention at school. Today, however, your schoolmates, while giving you the attention you normally got, seemed to be whispering amongst themselves more than they normally do. You didn't catch all the details, but words like "Manari" "Eagle" and "Riding a tiger" seemed to be repeated at places. Evidently word of some of your adventures has already spread around town, specifically your association with the ill-reputed Eagle and her gang of no-goodniks, and your journey back to the Shrine of the Metal Tiger after your battle with the Demonic Champion of Water, where you rode atop the back of Kiku, one of the leaders of the shrine, as well as a fellow Magical Girl like yourself.
>The third member of your group of Heroes, Lily White, was also being discussed. She appears to have not shown up for school. You can't say you're surprised at that. She may have ended her night earlier than you did yesterday, but she was drained when she did so. In fact, you fully expect her to sleep until almost nightfall, if she doesn't get awoken as you were. There was also talk of a transfer student today, as well as gossip about why Ran's was closed. You know perfectly well why, but keep it to yourself. You can almost see the spirited but aging oni Doubles hard at work, cleaning up the damage done by the first youma you fought yesterday, and defeated with some help from Doubles himself, as well as the store owner Ran Yakumo, and Kiku.
>You muddle through the exam as best as you can as Rin sends encouraging looks your way. Letty would be doing so, too, but she's a very focused woman when there's a task she has yet to complete. She may not look up from her paper until all is said and done. You appreciate the sentiment regardless. After 45 minutes, you feel you've done the best that you can with the paper before you, leaving you with only the bonus question, worth an extra 2% on your mark. Such inclusions are rather rare, or at least have been since Mima became vice principal, but principal Unzan manages to sneak them in now and then. He enjoys giving his students opportunities like that, while Mima is much stricter.
>You can't help but smile at the bonus question he managed to include on this one: "How does one reverse a properly executed figure four leglock? Failing that, how does one escape?"
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>Ponder if "Whack them with a steel chair" is a valid answer in the Principal's estimation?
>How much time do we have left?
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>Ponder if "Whack them with a steel chair" is a valid answer in the Principal's estimation?
>How much time do we have left?
>You'd probably get partial credit. Unzan is very much a 'face' man.
>A little bit less than five minutes.
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>Are we educated enough in the wrasslin' to know the answer is to roll over with your arms and weight onto your stomach so that the pressure is reversed? If so, put that down.
>Then go back and review the problem we're least confident in; test the answer, and see if it works. If not, try to figure out where our work went wrong and correct it.
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>Are we educated enough in the wrasslin' to know the answer is to roll over with your arms and weight onto your stomach so that the pressure is reversed? If so, put that down.
>Then go back and review the problem we're least confident in; test the answer, and see if it works. If not, try to figure out where our work went wrong and correct it.
>You are indeed. Marissa is an avid fan of pro wrestling, though she says it hasn't been quite the same the Jacob 'the Viper' Robertson retired. She doesn't look it, but Letty is also quite a fan, and the debates she's had with Nitori, who is a devout sumo fan, about which discipline is the superior have been truly epic. Your brother, too, is a big fan of the sport. He admired the athleticism, the physicality of the performers, who could do so many things that he, with his weak body, will never be able to.
>Between all of that, you are familiar with a very wide array of wrestlers, techniques, holds and maneuvers, including the classic figure 4, and how to reverse it to turn it into a submission hold on the other guy. In fact, you think you can recall three separate ways to apply the hold, so you mark them down as well. You figure the old man, as he is known affectionately by his students, will get a charge out of that. Might even be worth an extra point or two.
>Having done that, you return to a particular tricky equation and go through the solution steps one by one. Everything seems to be in order, until you catch one small error, a 4 where it should have been a 3. You quickly make the correction, and adjust the rest of the calculations accordingly. It looks much better, and just in time as well, as the chime sounds to end exam time. A chorus of sighs, groans and stretches accompany the chime.
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>Rise and stretch as well, then turn our exam in.
>What do we have next?
>What time of the day is it, anyway?
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>Rise and stretch as well, then turn our exam in.
>What do we have next?
>What time of the day is it, anyway?
>Next period is homeroom/history, with Kamishirasawa-sensei.
>It is precisely 8:55 AM.
>Stretching your arms up over your head, and letting out a little yawn, you start to stand up to hand Wriggle your exam, but Rin heads you off. "Lemme take dat for ya, Byakuren." she offers.
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>Is the next class elsewhere, or still here?
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>Is the next class elsewhere, or still here?
>In this classroom.
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>"Very well, thank you."
>Hand Rin our exam.
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>"Very well, thank you."
>Hand Rin our exam.
>Letty lets out a big yawn as Rin takes your test and heads to the front of the room. Murasa, the class rep, does the same for others. Letty sounds almost as tired as you are. She glances over at you as she wipes at her right eye. "Think you did all right?
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>"I did as best I could. Not as well as I might like, but I think it will be alright. And yourself?"
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>"I did as best I could. Not as well as I might like, but I think it will be alright. And yourself?"
>"About the same. I hope." she adds with a somewhat sheepish grin. "I was working on a new manuscript, thought I could get a bit done before I sat down to study, and..." She got carried away. She often does.
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>Manuscript? Does she do creative writing on the side?
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>Manuscript? Does she do creative writing on the side?
>As a matter of fact, she is a published author. Not a lot of people know that, as she doesn't make a big deal out of it. Letty's not the type of woman to advertise her talents. Mostly because praise and compliments fluster her fairly easily. But you know she has published at least two light novels. This, you think, would make her third.
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>Smile a little.
>"I understand how it is."
>What sort of stuff does she write?
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>Is it any good?
>Does she make much off of it?
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>What sort of stuff does she write?
>Is it any good?
>Does she make much off of it?
>When you asked her about her work, she mostly just blushed and muttered, so Minoriko filled you in. Her first work was a romance novel, while her second was a fantasy. You've never actually read either one yourself yet. You've meant to, but you haven't had as much free time as you'd have liked. Her wages are likewise unknown, but her two novels were published by one of the larger companies in Yamato, so presumably she was paid rather well for them.
>Smile a little.
>"I understand how it is."
>"It's easy to get caught up in work." And it is for her. Minoriko has had to, more than once, keep an eye on her to make sure she's not overworking herself. The rest of you have wondered sometimes if Letty would forget to eat without Minoriko around to remind her.
>Rin returns as Letty chuckles at herself. "Maybe you should duck out, Byakuren, head home early." Rin suggests. "Ah know y'don't normally do that, but tests're over, an' I can take notes for ya."
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Unless someone thinks there's something more important that we really ought to be doing now, I figure we shouldn't cut classes without reason at this point. Sure, there are overall more important matters going on, but no indication presently that they are highly time-critical and Byakuren could probably use a dose of normalcy. Of course, perhaps she could also use another dose of sleep....
>How tired ARE we, anyway?
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>How tired ARE we, anyway?
>Tired enough to think about Rin's offer for more than a moment. You think that, if you laid your head down, you could probably sleep another 6 hours or so, at least. And that's on top of the nearly eight hours you got last night.
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On an IC level, that's hella tempting I think.
>What are we to expect from our later classes? And how well do we do in them?
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Anyone have an opinion? Being rested for when we next need to perform heroics is good. Cutting classes is not so good. Would be nice if we knew when we next needed to perform said heroics, since there's always the chance for a nap after classes. Or maybe we could just skip the afternoon ones?
Fake edit: And it seems I was beaten to the punch. I'm honestly not sure. On a fundamental level, Magical Lotus business is obviously more important than classes. I think my straightarrow may be showing if I find myself conflicted on whether ducking out is irresponsible of us or not... ^^;
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>What are we to expect from our later classes? And how well do we do in them?
>With math over, the subsequent classes are history, english, chemistry, then lunch. Afternoon classes are biology, music and classic literature.
>While you are doing well in each of these, both chemistry and biology require more of your attention and work to maintain your grades, as you do not take to them as easily as you do the others.
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>"That's a more tempting offer than I'd normally care to admit. But I'll be alright, I think; I do appreciate the concern, though."
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>"That's a more tempting offer than I'd normally care to admit. But I'll be alright, I think; I do appreciate the concern, though."
>Rin flicks her tails back and forth, but she nods slowly. "Awright, if you're sure."
>"Probably smart, too." Letty adds as Wriggle departs the classroom, exam papers in tow. "If Mima caught you sneaking out, there'd be hell to pay."
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>"It is less a matter of the consequences than the principle. Though I would not be terribly saddened if someone decided to reschedule all of today for tomorrow."
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>"It is less a matter of the consequences than the principle. Though I would not be terribly saddened if someone decided to reschedule all of today for tomorrow."
>Your little quip brings a smile back to Rin's face, as she returns to her seat, awaiting the arrival of Kamishirasawa-sensei. "I mightn't mind that, either." Letty agrees. "I'd just as soon be home with a warm mug of tea on days like this."
>About a minute or so later, the door opens again, and you expect to see Keine enter into the room to mark the beginning of history class. It is not Keine that enters, however, but the red-headed school groundskeeper Meiling Hong who enters the room, clad in a more formal qipao than she usually wears and carrying a small black leather suitcase. This draws a chorus or murmurs from your classmates.
>"China?" you hear Letty mutter, using the groundskeeper's nickname. "I didn't think Keine ever missed a day."
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>"It may be a bit premature to assume she has, though even she must fall ill from time to time, I'm sure."
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>"Perhaps someone lost a bet, and Miss Kamishirasawa is out taking care of the grass?"
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>"It may be a bit premature to assume she has, though even she must fall ill from time to time, I'm sure."
>"Maybe, but it'd take one hell of a cold to keep her away."
>"Perhaps someone lost a bet, and Miss Kamishirasawa is out taking care of the grass?"
>Rin chuckles. "Bad day for that."
>"All right, settle down." Meiling calls, placing her bag on the desk in front of her. "Keine- I mean Kamishirawasa-sensei is absent today, so I'll be filling in for her classes today. Which means mostly independent study." She adds with a friendly grin. One of your classmates raises her hand. "Yes?"
>The woman in question, a dog-eared girl by the name of Haruna, says to Meiling, "It's Kamishirasawa, ma'am." and then sits back down.
>Rather than be offended, Meiling merely smiles, and chuckles slightly. "Don't tell her I said that." The room chuckles with her.
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>Withdraw whatever books or notes we might need for this
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>Raise hand
>Once called upon, "Is she just out for the day, or will we be seeing you all week?"
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>Raise hand
>Once called upon, "Is she just out for the day, or will we be seeing you all week?"
>"Vice Principal Mima didn't say." You note a slight wince when she mentions the vice principals' name. She glances out the window, then adds, "Not that I'd mind spending a bit more time indoors."
>Withdraw whatever books or notes we might need for this
>You open your satchel to extract your history notes as Meiling declares, "Before you get to your studies, class, I have an announcement to make. Ordinarily this would be Keine's job, but for today, I get to introduce our new transfer student."
>"I'd heard about that." Rin mutters as the class comes alive with conversation again. "Dey say she's from up north, that her and her family are connected to da yakuza."
>"I heard it was a guy." Letty counters. "That his parents own a fish plant in the south."
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>"Barely an hour and people are already spinning stories, I see."
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>"Barely an hour and people are already spinning stories, I see."
>"Gossip spreads faster here'n a cheetah on fire." Rin quips.
>"Any guesses yourself?" Letty asks.
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>"Mmm, I'll guess an oni princess."
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>Shrug. "Or perhaps someone none of us would expect. The world is filled with many uncertainties and probabilities after all."
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>"Mmm, I'll guess an oni princess."
>Shrug. "Or perhaps someone none of us would expect. The world is filled with many uncertainties and probabilities after all."
>"Another oni'd be somethin' to see." Rin muses as Meiling, or Hong-sensei more formally, calls in the new arrival. "Knock around the peckin' order 'round here."
>It is not, however, an oni that enters into the room, but a pretty green-haired girl wearing a black and grey school uniform with red trim. It takes you a moment, but you realize you've seen her before. It's the green-haired girl that was at Szenska's yesterday, the one who was getting chummy with Konngara's crew. One of them, at least. A strong gust of wind rattles the windows as she turns and faces the classroom. Judging from the murmurs among your classmates, she's popular already.
>"Go ahead and introduce yourself." Meiling invites the young lady as she starts to write out her name on the blackboard.
>"I'm Sanae Kochiya." she says politely yet casually, bowing slightly. "It's a pleasure to be here and to meet you all."
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>Well this was certainly a surprise. Didn't expect her.
>What sort of feeling do we get from her? Senses and all.
(That was outta left field.)
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>Well this was certainly a surprise. Didn't expect her.
>What sort of feeling do we get from her? Senses and all.
(That was outta left field.)
>It seems you prediction of 'someone none of us would expect.' was accurate.
>On a hunch, you sweep your extrasensory perception over the new arrival. You have the feeling that your powers are not completely restored yet, nor are they quite as accurate in your human guise as when you are Magical Lotus, but your scan reveals nothing out of the ordinary. She seems to be nothing more than what she appears: a bright-eyed friendly 18 year old girl with green hair with a frog-shaped hairclip and a snake-shaped accessory wrapped around a band of hair on her left.
>And yet.... You can't tell if it's a result of your normal senses or your extra ones, but there's something almost... familiar about this girl. Like you've seen her before, and not at Szenska's. It feels like a very old memory, or the memory OF a memory.
(You didn't expect a 'high school' themed Touhou game not to have Sanae, did you? :P)
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>It seems you prediction of 'someone none of us would expect.' was accurate.
I take issue with this assertion!
>"Well, that's two theories eliminated already."
>Which of Konngara's crew was she chatting with, anyway? Was it someone that we know, or at least know OF?
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>"Well, that's two theories eliminated already."
>Which of Konngara's crew was she chatting with, anyway? Was it someone that we know, or at least know OF?
>She spent some time at their table, so presumably she got along well with all four of them. At least as much as Konngara gets along with anyone. But she seemed especially friendly with the one called Ayumi, the oni with the bright blue streaks in her red hair. That one joined Sanae at her own table, and was still there when you left. All you know of that particular oni, beyond her apparently outgoing nature, is that she enjoys buying drinks for people, but only when it's appropriate.
>"I recognize that uniform." Letty muses. "It's Six-Stars High, down in Hai-Lan." That's the informal name of one of the more prestigious high schools on Hai-Lan island, southwest of the main isle of Yamato. You yourself have competed against them in country-wide tennis matches.
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>So not all of Konngara's crowd are as unpleasant as the woman herself?
>About how far away is this place?
>Is there anything particular culturally distinct about Hai-Lan as compared to here?
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>So not all of Konngara's crowd are as unpleasant as the woman herself?
>About how far away is this place?
>Is there anything particular culturally distinct about Hai-Lan as compared to here?
>As is the case in most cliques, not everyone follows the example of their leader. Ayumi would seem to be an example of that.
>Hai-Lan is located aproximately 120 miles southwest of the tip of Yamato Island, rather close to the mainland country of Luyang. In fact, culturally, the people of Hai-Lan are closer to Luyang than they are to Yamato. The island was colonized by Luyang several centuries ago, then conquored by Yamato a century later. It was fought over for many years until a treaty was reached. To this day, the residents consider themselves more akin to Luyang than their current rulers. The language they speak is closer to Luyang than it is Yamato.
>Normally, this yields a rather pronounced accent, but Sanae's speech shows no trace of it. Residents of that island are usually more tan than than mainland Yamtoans, but Sanae's skin is as fair as your own. As a matter of fact, looking at her, you have the feeling that she's the type of girl Aya would love to meet.
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>"She doesn't sound very Hai-Lani, though; perhaps she hadn't grown up there either?"
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>"She doesn't sound very Hai-Lani, though; perhaps she hadn't grown up there either?"
>"Ain't it Hai-lanian?" Rin asks.
>"I think it depends on who you ask." Letty replies.
>"Sanae's uniform here hasn't come in yet," Meiling says, explaining her current attire, "so for now, she's wearing her old school's."
>Class Rep Murasa stands and asks of Sanae, "But, isn't that the men's uniform of Six-Stars?" Sanae nods.
>Haruna speaks up again, "So...."
>"Why this one?" Sanae fills in. She grins, then strikes a casual pose, placing a hand behind her head and stretching out one of her legs. "It looks cooler than the girls'."
>A sea of blushes erupt among your classmates, mostly among the girls.
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>"Well, she seems off to a good start."
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>"Well, she seems off to a good start."
>"Fans already." Letty remarks dryly.
>"Let's find you a seat..." Meiling says to Sanae, scanning the classroom. She points to an empty desk in front of you and to your right. "That one there." The green-haired transfer student nods and makes her way down the corridor of desks, past the faces of her admirers, whom she greets with nods and smiles. She pauses, however, when her eyes fall on you. "The Morning Star." she says, clearly impressed. She laughs a small laugh. "I was sort of hoping I'd end up in your class, but I never thought it'd actually happen."
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>"Does my reputation extend even to Hai-Lan, now?"
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>"Does my reputation extend even to Hai-Lan, now?"
>"In my old school it does." she informs you. "Not just on account of your skills on the tennis court, either." She extends her hand out towards you. "I'm honored to have the chance to meet you life this."
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>Smile gently and return the gesture with a slight bow of our head.
>"Some people make a rather bigger deal of me than I deserve, I think. Nevertheless, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Kochiya-san."
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>Smile gently and return the gesture with a slight bow of our head.
>"Some people make a rather bigger deal of me than I deserve, I think. Nevertheless, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Kochiya-san."
>"Please, please, just Sanae." the green-haired girl replies, blushing slightly. "'San' doesn't sound right attached to my name."
>Meiling calls down to her, "Whichever you prefer, take your seat, please."
>"Yes, ma'am." Sanae replies, drawing a chorus of chuckles from the crowd. Someone calling China 'ma'am' is a bit of a rare thing, unless someone's trying to be cute.
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>Politely quiet: "Sanae it is, then. And Byakuren is fine for me, as well."
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>Politely quiet: "Sanae it is, then. And Byakuren is fine for me, as well."
>Sanae smiles and nods as the class returns to a semblance of order.
>In cases of independent study, such as the one Meiling has declared here, students review their notes and review their texts on any subject they choose. They are not limited to the current class's subject matter. Students can also study in groups, if they choose. Of course, there are also students who use the time to doddle, slack off, all that stuff. Some even try to get in a little extra sleep. Which is not ALWAYS a bad idea. It depends on who is the supervisor at the time. And if Mima catches you, then you're in for it. Essentially, it is a free hour.
>Sanae glances back at you and Letty, who is sitting to your right and directly behind Sanae, and asks, quietly, which is quite permitted, "This is normally Kamishirasawa-sensei's class, isn't it?" You note she spaces out Keine's last name a bit, like she's not quite used to saying it.
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>"It is, yes. It seems she won't be in today."
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>"It is, yes. It seems she won't be in today."
>"Is that normal for her?"
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>"Quite unusual, in fact, but everyone has their off days."
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>"Quite unusual, in fact, but everyone has their off days."
>"True." She closes her eyes and smiles, somewhat self-consciously. "I'd hate to think I was some kinda bad luck charm for the teachers here."
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>Frown.
>"Now that seems more than a little unfair to yourself. I'm sure you'll fit in here just fine."
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>Frown.
>"Now that seems more than a little unfair to yourself. I'm sure you'll fit in here just fine."
>Sanae laughs lightly. "Thanks."
>"Not that most people would mind if you made the vice principal takes a few days off." Letty remarks dryly. Which draws a chuckle from everyone in earshot.
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>"Perhaps not."
>"Now, while this has ended up a self-study period, do you even have anything to study, having just arrived here? Or has someone already gone over the curriculum with you in some capacity?"
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>"Perhaps not."
>"Now, while this has ended up a self-study period, do you even have anything to study, having just arrived here? Or has someone already gone over the curriculum with you in some capacity?"
>"Not yet, no. Kamishi- Ow." she breaks off, and sticks her tongue out. "Bit my songue."
>"Y'can call her Keine." Rin offers. "Easier on the tongue."
>"Sanks." Sanae voices, rolling her tongue around in her mouth before finishing her first thought. "Keine-sensei was going to give me the details, I was told, but since she's out, I figured I'd pick it up along the way."
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>"Well, I'm sure I'm no substitute for a real teacher, but if you'd like me to give you an overview of what we've been covering lately, I'd be happy to do so."
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>"Well, I'm sure I'm no substitute for a real teacher, but if you'd like me to give you an overview of what we've been covering lately, I'd be happy to do so."
>Sanae nods. "Please."
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>"Okay, let's see here..."
>Marshall the appropriate notes
>"Since this is ordinarily history class, let's start with that."
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>"Okay, let's see here..."
>Marshall the appropriate notes
>"Since this is ordinarily history class, let's start with that."
>"Sounds good to me."
>"Out of curiosity, though, is it common for students to check up on their teachers when they're out?"
>"Check up?" Letty asks her.
>"Mm-hmm. Back in Suissa, when some teachers were out on sick days or whatever, we used to check in on them, take them food, medicine, keep them company if they wanted, that kinda thing."
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>Does 'Suissa' mean anything to us?
>If not: "Suissa?"
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>Does 'Suissa' mean anything to us?
>If not: "Suissa?"
>It's the largest city on Hai-Lan, though not the capital, and, you think, the location of Six Stars High.
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>"My, that sounds like there must have been a great deal of good will between the teachers and students there. Though I don't even know that Keine-sensei is sick, merely absent."
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>"My, that sounds like there must have been a great deal of good will between the teachers and students there. Though I don't even know that Keine-sensei is sick, merely absent."
>"Most teachers, anyhow." Sanae replies. "There were a couple from the mainland that had a bit more starch in the shirt than others, but that's the norm for mainlanders." She glances around, evidently realizing that she is now ON the mainland. "Sorry."
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>Offer a reassuring smile.
>"No need to worry; I'm not offended. I just hope you won't find us too starchy here."
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>Offer a reassuring smile.
>"No need to worry; I'm not offended. I just hope you won't find us too starchy here."
>Sanae places a hand behind her head and laughs, only barely abashed. She gives you the impression of a girl that never lets things bother her for very long.
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>Well, certainly better than the alternative.
>"So what brings you to Mayoiga, anyway?"
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>Well, certainly better than the alternative.
>"So what brings you to Mayoiga, anyway?"
>"My parents wanted to be closer to their work. Well, when I say my parents, I mean mostly Suwako. There's a new Iron Rings opening here in town, and she likes to stay near new clubs when they open for a few years."
>That name rings a bell, but Letty completes the picture before it forms in your mind. "Your mother's Suwako Moriya?" she blurts.
>This draws a chorus of surprised shouts from over half the class, and nearly everyone turns their heads, chairs or both to look in Sanae's direction, including Meiling. Iron Rings is one of the most well known clubs in Yamato, just as much for its success as for its colorful proprietress, one Suwako Moriya. She also owns a chain of music supply stores, you think, but she's known more in the media for her clubs. Iron Rings is a combination dance club/host club, one of the first host clubs to ever be a country-wide franchise. Every once in a while over the past few years, you'd hear rumors that the franchise was finally going to open here in town, but it always turned out to be nothing more than a rumor. Always, it seems, until now.
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>Let's not gawk, ourselves.
>How does Sanae seem to react to the sudden attention?
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>Let's not gawk, ourselves.
>How does Sanae seem to react to the sudden attention?
>You maintain your composure, as only you can do. You note that Rin does, as well, though she does so with a bit more obvious effort than you.
>Sanae seems like she's used to this sort of thing. In fact, rather than react to the noise around her, she merely gives Letty a "Yup!"
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>A bit more glamorous than a fish plant, that.
>"Speaking of reputations proceeding one...."
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>A bit more glamorous than a fish plant, that.
>"Speaking of reputations proceeding one...."
>Indeed.
>Sanae chuckles. "Yeah, I get that a lot." Letty looks a bit ashamed of herself for blurting it out like she did, but Sanae waves her hand in her direction. "Forget about it... uh..." she pauses, expectantly.
>"Letty Whiterock. Letty's fine."
>"Someone would've said before too long." Sanae finishes her thought.
-
>Smile
>"Well I, for one, don't intend to make too big a deal of that if you don't."
-
>Smile
>"Well I, for one, don't intend to make too big a deal of that if you don't."
>"I'm easy either way." Sanae replies. "But I appreciate the sentiment."
>It doesn't appear that the rest of your class shares that opinion, as they continue to mutter excitedly, some even clamoring for admission and deals in Sanae's direction, until Murasa stands up and declares, "Come on, guys. Keine-sensei'll headbutt all of us if you keep this up." She flashes Sanae a grin. "Plenty of time to harass the new girl at lunch."
>As the rest of your class, somewhat reluctantly, returns to their seats and studies, Sanae wonders aloud, "Headbutts?" followed by an enthusiastic smile. "Cool."
-
>"She does have a certain reputation...."
>How accurate is that reputation, anyway?
-
>"She does have a certain reputation...."
>How accurate is that reputation, anyway?
>A little overblown. Keine is a remarkable intelligent teacher, but she can also be very... passionate. She gained her reputation one day when she and Mokou engaged in a wrestling demonstration to the school wrestling team, back in the first year. You were not present at the time, but by all accounts, the duel was epic in its scope. It evidently ended when Keine, her eyes bloodshot and bulging, foam frothing at the corners of her mouth and trailing blood from her eyes, reared back her iron skull and delivered a skull-splitting headbutt to her opponent.
>Or so the story goes. Obviously the truth is far more understated than that.
>In the classroom, that passion shines through as well. Not only in her teaching, but in her bearing as well. You've never seen her do it, but the stories go that, whenever she runs across a textbook she particularly and strongly disagrees with, she headbutts it across the room.
-
>"I would give it too much mind, though. She's just very earnest about her work."
>"That being said, perhaps we should see about getting to ours, as well."
>Assuming no further interruptions, try to bring Sanae up to speed on history class. Give an overview of what we've covered up to this point and see what of it she's familiar with (or not), and then go over what the present topic is, as well as general things about the course, like marking schemes and exam schedules.
-
>"I would give it too much mind, though. She's just very earnest about her work."
>"That being said, perhaps we should see about getting to ours, as well."
>Assuming no further interruptions, try to bring Sanae up to speed on history class. Give an overview of what we've covered up to this point and see what of it she's familiar with (or not), and then go over what the present topic is, as well as general things about the course, like marking schemes and exam schedules.
>"If you say so." Sanae says, though her eyes seem almost alight at the idea of a teacher distributing headbutts willy nilly. "I can think of a few folks back at Six Stars that coulda used a headbutt or two." She then ooohhhs. "Imagine how she'd do on the soccer field!"
>She goes on like this for about a minute or so, then comes back down to earth, as it were, and you and Letty set about giving her an overview of your history class. You note Rin focuses on her own studies at the time. Under your ownership, Rin has learned the value of education, and makes the most of her opportunities to study and learn more. Despite the fact that her grades are not spectacular, her enthusiasm for learning has earned your praise. You believe it's only a matter of time before her numbers match her earnestness.
>Your education of Sanae goes very smoothly, once you have her full attention. Just about everything you've covered so far this year, she covered in her old school, or seems to have a knowledge for as it is. Letty asks her about it, and it seems that one of Six Stars better programs is its history program. And the rest is her 'father's' fault, though she corrects herself when she uses the term. The young lady is quite intelligent, you can tell, but you get the impression that she's prone to letting her head drift in the clouds.
-
>Corrects herself how?
-
>Corrects herself how?
>Whenever she uses the terms 'father' or 'dad', she stops herself and says 'Kanako'.
-
>If we feel we've adequately covered the gist of history class, try to give her a little overview of the other subjects here and any quirks she ought to be aware of, either in the subject matter or those teaching it.
-
>If we feel we've adequately covered the gist of history class, try to give her a little overview of the other subjects here and any quirks she ought to be aware of, either in the subject matter or those teaching it.
>Considering the 'quirkyness' of the faculty here, that would be a fair amount of ground to cover inside half an hour, and can be covered in greater detail at, say, lunch. So you limit yourself to the classes coming today. Sanae doesn't seem very interested in chemistry, and she admits to it when Letty asks. Sanae said that they way it was taught in Six Stars was way too close to math, and she's no big fan of math either. You inform her that the teacher here, Medicine-sensei, might be able to correct that, depending on how you run her.
>You don't suspect English will pose too much of a problem for her, as she claims to be fluent in the language of Eagleland already, and demonstrates it for you. Evidently Kanako's job entailed a great deal of moving, but traveling the globe, coupled with her 'father's' apparent gift for teaching, has lead to Sanae being fluent in four languages: Yamato, English, Eire and a middle eastern language you've never actually heard of before. You get the feeling there's a story behind that one.
>Throughout your tutelage of Sanae, you can't help but hear the whispering of your classmates around you. Some of it is of course still about Sanae and her connection to Iron Rings, but a large volume of the muttering expresses the sentiment of 'The new girl's getting such attention from the Morning Star!' 'How lucky...' in a mixture of envy and awe. If Sanae notices this, she shows no sign, but you get the distinct impression that your tutoring her is either going to make her rep bigger than it already is, or draw more envy towards her from your more ardent fans. If not both. But such is the way of the schoolgirl.
-
>A touch silly that they should make such a fuss about helping a neighbour, but I imagine we're also somewhat used to drawing this sort of attention. At least Sanae already seems able enough to cope with it. Hopefully.
>How are we doing for time?
-
>A touch silly that they should make such a fuss about helping a neighbour, but I imagine we're also somewhat used to drawing this sort of attention. At least Sanae already seems able enough to cope with it. Hopefully.
>How are we doing for time?
>You are indeed used to drawing that sort of attention. It's been yours since... nearly the start of 9th grade. Right around the time puberty set in for the bulk of the students of the Mayoiga system. And Sanae seems just as used to it as you are.
>This class will end in about three minutes or so.
-
>Well, we did fill out pretty nicely.
>"Well, I hope that helps at least a little, Sanae."
-
>Well, we did fill out pretty nicely.
>"Well, I hope that helps at least a little, Sanae."
>Sanae grins. "You kiddin'? A guide to classes from the Morning Star? I couldnt've asked for a better start."
-
>Smile
>"Well, I'm sure Keine-sensi could have done a better job than I, but I'm glad to be of some assistance nonetheless. And if there's anything else I can do to help you feel settled in here, don't hesitate to ask."
-
>Smile
>"Well, I'm sure Keine-sensi could have done a better job than I, but I'm glad to be of some assistance nonetheless. And if there's anything else I can do to help you feel settled in here, don't hesitate to ask."
>"As a matter of fact, I was wondering what the food's like here." She chuckles. "Kinda slept in this morning, never had time to make lunch for myself."
-
>What is the food like here?
>Inform her of such
-
>What is the food like here?
>Inform her of such
>It's been some time since you last partook of it yourself. You've had the habit of preparing your own lunches since you were 13, both for you and your brother as a matter of fact. Nowadays you split the duty with Rin. She didn't used to perform the duty for Konngara, but once she learned her way around the kitchen, she insisted on making meals for you, if not every day, at least some of the time. Today being one of those days, as you might expect.
>That said, however, the food sold here is still quite good. It isn't home cooking, and there's some offerings that are better than others, but it's good value for money, and you inform her of this as the chime ends to end class. Your next class is English, which is down the hall from here.
>The fact that she makes her own lunches tells you something else about the girl as well. The overwhelming majority of students here do not prepare their own lunches. Either they purchase said at school, or their parents prepare lunch for them. The fact that Sanae lives with both her parents yet still prepares her own lunches (apart from apparently when she oversleeps) says that she's a more responsible person than one might assume at first blush.
-
>Or perhaps that's more customary in Hai-Lan?
>In any case, pack up and rise, then head off to our next class.
-
>Or perhaps that's more customary in Hai-Lan?
>In any case, pack up and rise, then head off to our next class.
>That may also be the case indeed.
>As the class stands to travel, Sanae looks around. "Where's everyone going?"
-
>"We have English next, but it's in another classroom. This way."
>Lead on
-
>"We have English next, but it's in another classroom. This way."
>Lead on
>"Oh yeah, forgot it worked that way on the mainland." she mutters as she grabs her bookbag and falls in behind you and Letty.
>"Used ta live her before, Kochiya-san?" Rin asks her.
>Sanae winces. "Just Sanae." She chuckles slightly. "Is everyone in Mayoiga polite like that?"
>"Most of us, yes." Letty informs her.
>"Most everyone's on a first name basis back in Hai-Lan, unless someone tell you otherwise. Or if they were Tengu."
-
>"Well, I hope you won't mistake formality for a lack of friendliness."
>Do we know if there are a lot of tengu in Hai-Lan?
-
>"Well, I hope you won't mistake formality for a lack of friendliness."
>Do we know if there are a lot of tengu in Hai-Lan?
>You don't have a great deal of information on the geographical distribution of the tengu. You know there are some that live on the southern islands, but you don't know their numbers as compared to other places.
>"Nah." Sanae assures you. "Made that mistake once before with a youkai when we lived in Bonn."
>You and Sanae draw a bit more than your usual share of attention from students that pass you by on their way to other classes, wondering who this new girl is, why she's acting so friendly with the Morning Star, why the Morning Star's slave doesn't shoo her away to make room for people that had been there before, expressing their envy and/or admiration for Sanae. Nothing you hadn't heard before, but you do spare another moment of concern for Sanae. She doesn't look fazed at all, but that doesn't mean she won't inspire jealousy. Then again, new girl appeal might balance that out, especially once word spreads about who her mother is.
>Arriving at your destination finds Elly-sensei already there seated at her, as is usual for her.
-
>Take our seat
-
>Take our seat
>Class begins a couple of minutes after you claim your seat. Sanae ends up a few seats away from you this time, swept away by a group of your classmates that want their own turn to speak to the new girl. Their attempts are not as successful as when Meiling was in charge of class, however, as Elly-sensei runs a tighter ship than the groundskeeper. She's a bit drier in terms of her style than many of the others, but she knows her stuff and it shows. Her dry nature on this day, however, presents you a problem that you don't normally have. While you are a very good student, you find your attention drifting now and then, and staying awake poses a bit of a problem for you where it normally would not. But you remind yourself that if your fellow students saw you, the Morning Star, sleeping in class, there would be questions, and you'd prefer not to lie or make excuses. The sound of the howling wind rattling the windows helps keep your focus up, as well.
>Elly-sensei puts Sanae to the test about fifteen minutes in, and Sanae shows that her english is indeed very good. You yourself are not skilled enough at the language to tell if she is 'fluent' or not, but she answers every question Elly asks perfectly. And she doesn't seem to have much of an accent to her pronunciation, either. Impressive.
>Class ends without incident and without you being called on directly.
>Your next class is chemistry, a bit of a walk from here. The school has two chemistry labs in this building, both on the second floor, both away from the second years' classrooms. It's one of the more fragrant areas of the school, which you hear your classmates inform Sanae of on the way, as well as warning her about Medicine Melancholy, your chemistry teacher. She's not a very personable sort. A popular joke among your peers is that she and Mima would be each others' type, if either one HAD a type.
>There seems to be a bit of a buzz among the students as you make your way towards the stairs leading to the 'chem wing' as it's called. You catch the word 'tiger' here and there, and when you pass by the post-up board for notes and flyers next to the staircase, you see a small gathering of students clustered around a photograph. One of those students is Shikako, your vice captain of the tennis club, and she notes your arrival, waving you over.
-
>Approach.
>"Good morning."
>Spare a glance at the photograph.
-
>Approach.
>"Good morning."
>Spare a glance at the photograph.
>"What do you suppose that's all about?" you head Letty ask Rin.
>"Probably some press club tengu thinks she got a big pic."
>Your subordinate gives you a nod. "Good morning, captain." The other quintet of ladies turn to see, then, as one, break out in a burst of fangirlishness. Two of them, a pair of blonde braided busty third years push past the rest and approach you.
>Their questions of "Wasn't it scary?" and "Where'd the tiger come from?" overlap each other, creating an overall confused noise. Rin steps forward to create a little distance between you and them as you glance at the source of all this. You think you feel some of the color drain from your face as you see a rather amateurish photograph of yourself riding upon Kiku's back through the streets of Mayoiga.
-
>Is it a good picture?
>If so, "Oh, I should try to find a copy of this."
>Don't be humiliated, Byakuren, we can ride this out with style!
-
>Is it a good picture?
>If so, "Oh, I should try to find a copy of this."
>Don't be humiliated, Byakuren, we can ride this out with style!
>It's not BAD, but the photographer has a long way to go. You can clearly see the motion blurs on both yourself and the tiger-form of Kiku beneath you. And it's a bit too far away. The hair and body shape shows that it's you, but the camera was too far away to capture any of your better details. But it is at least in focus, and better quality than some cell phone cam. You wouldn't hang it on your wall, but the photographer has some promise.
>"Captain, is that you riding a tiger?" Shikako asks you. She's never been one for beating around the bush.
-
>"That is rather what it looks like, yes."
-
>Casually: "Mmhm. Not a terrible picture, but a little lacking. Do you think it was from a cellphone?"
-
>"That is rather what it looks like, yes."
>Casually: "Mmhm. Not a terrible picture, but a little lacking. Do you think it was from a cellphone?"
>"I would not know."
>Another round of squeals follow your admission. From everyone not named Shikako. Evidently the thought of the Morning Star riding a tiger is 'cool' 'awesome' 'wicked' and all of the above.
>Shikako, however, merely remarks dryly, "Well, thank you clearing that up. I won't keep you from class. I've called off club practice, by the way, there's too much wind. And the basketball team has the gym today."
-
>Does she seem unsatisfied with something, or is she always this drab?
-
>Does she seem unsatisfied with something, or is she always this drab?
>She is always this drab. In the year that you've known her, you can count on one hand the number of times you've seen her smile.
-
>In that case, we really must find some way to get the other hand involved someday.
>How often do we have tennis practice, anyway? Would it being cancelled normally result in it being rescheduled for a later time, or would everyone simply meet at the next scheduled practice?
-
>In that case, we really must find some way to get the other hand involved someday.
>How often do we have tennis practice, anyway? Would it being cancelled normally result in it being rescheduled for a later time, or would everyone simply meet at the next scheduled practice?
>You, as well as the other members of the club, have tried. In fact, it's more of a challenge than winning a national championship. But you do try. It's not that she's a bad person, not at all. She's just... Well, dour, might be the best word.
>Tennis practice is usually twice a week, more if there's a competition coming. But with no competition until the third week of January, weather permitting, the usual course is simply to work a little harder at the next practice. Which would be this coming thursday.
-
>Nod.
>"Very well. Thursday, then."
>What day of the week is it now, anyway?
-
>Nod.
>"Very well. Thursday, then."
>What day of the week is it now, anyway?
>Shikako returns your nod.
>It is Monday morning.
>"We oughta get goin', Byakuren." Rin advises you. "Melancholy-sensei hates when folks're late."
-
>"Right, of course."
>"I shall see you later then, Shikako."
>Take a few steps down the hallway, then put on our best casual smile and note lightly to the crowd: "And for the safety of everyone else involved, I feel I should add: 'don't try that at home'"
>Carry on to class without pausing long enough to give anyone a chance to question that.
-
>"Right, of course."
>"I shall see you later then, Shikako."
>Take a few steps down the hallway, then put on our best casual smile and note lightly to the crowd: "And for the safety of everyone else involved, I feel I should add: 'don't try that at home'"
>Carry on to class without pausing long enough to give anyone a chance to question that.
>Your lieutenant nods once. She doesn't say a great deal, either, if she doesn't have to.
>You leave your fans blushing and discussing your awesomeness among themselves. Marissa would be proud of you for making an exit like that. You can almost feel her congratulatory backslap.
>Rin and Letty, you know, are wondering themselves about that one, but you don't think Rin will ask in public like this. She'll wait until you're home, or when you're alone. Likewise with Letty. The girl is very curious, as rule, but know when to keep a lid on it. Most of the time.
>A faint alkaline scent hits your nose as you approach the chemistry labs, probably the lingering remnants of a previous classes' experiment. Based on how sour the odor is, it was likely an experiment that didn't go entirely as planned. Ordinarily, this would make even someone as composed as you wrinkle your nose, but after the horrible stenches you encountered at the CRA yesterday, this really doesn't seem all that bad.
>Rin, however, coughs and gags despite her best efforts. Her nose is a bit more sensitive than that of a humans, and she produces a scented handkerchief and holds it over her nose. This was actually an idea of yours, as you worried about her health the first time you saw this, and didn't want the chemicals here to damage her nose. At first she resisted the idea, as she didn't want to give the impression that you owned a weak slave. Once she realized this didn't matter to you, she started to take better care of herself.
>Despite the lingering scent in the air, which is bothering more than just Rin by the sound of it, the lab itself is undamaged and pristine. Medicine herself is present, placing a row of test tubes in their proper receptacles. She is almost fanatical about maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
-
>Maybe we should suggest Lily moonlight as a wandering air purifier. It would be a public service!
>If this is the place, go make ourselves comfortable.
-
>Maybe we should suggest Lily moonlight as a wandering air purifier. It would be a public service!
>If this is the place, go make ourselves comfortable.
>Perhaps a marketing strategy for the days once the Demons have been dealt with? You make a mental note. After all, you have the power, why not use it for the benefit of noses everywhere?
>This is indeed the place, and you grab a seat at one of the lab tables, which is outfitted with a sink and wide enough to accommodate three. Letty and Rin join you. The faces here are a bit different than the previous classes. Students at Mayoiga must take two of three science classes, any two of chemistry, physics and biology. As a result of this, you end up seeing different faces in these classes than you do normally, including one Hina Kagiyama, whom you know through your work with Aya, and Yamame Kurodani, one of the youkai you encountered last night.
>Less than seven minutes into class, Melancholy-sensei, obviously in a lousy mood on account of that botched experiment that lingers in the air, calls upon you, and demands an answer to the question, "What effect does Sulphur Hexaflouride have upon the human voice?"
-
>"It causes one's voice to sound much deeper than usual, much the opposite of the effect that helium has."
-
>"It causes one's voice to sound much deeper than usual, much the opposite of the effect that helium has."
>The short blonde youkai nods sharply. "Very good. You can sit down." Which is pretty much as close to praise as she ever really comes. Reclaiming your seat, Medicine goes proceeds on her lesson as to how certain gasses interact with the human body, specifically the vocal chords and areas of the throat. One of your classmates, a human by the name of Miranda with whom you share music class with, asks if the same rules apply to youkai biology. This annoys Medicine, and she admonishes the blue haired singer for trying to 'jump the lecture'. But she does answer the question, insomuch as she says that youkai are quite different, and would be covered in later lessons.
>The rest of the class manages to avoid irritating the crass teacher until the chime rings to end fourth period.
>The time is now 11:55 AM. Lunchtime.
-
>We do have a packed lunch with us, yes?
>Do we typically eat lunch in the cafeteria or elsewhere?
>Did Sanae end up in this class with us or no?
-
>We do have a packed lunch with us, yes?
>Do we typically eat lunch in the cafeteria or elsewhere?
>Did Sanae end up in this class with us or no?
>You do. Well, technically, Rin is carrying both hers and yours.
>When the weather allows, you try to take lunch to the roof or outside, either to eat alone or with your friends. On cold, windy, rainy days like this, however, this obviously is not an option, so you remain indoors, either in the cafeteria, in the tennis club's room, or sometimes elsewhere when you are invited. Today, however, you have no outstanding invitations. At least not yet.
>Sanae did not. You believe she mentioned 'physics' to the group that absconded with her during english class.
-
>Gather our things and stand up.
>"Well, shall we go eat, then?"
-
>Gather our things and stand up.
>"Well, shall we go eat, then?"
>"Good plan." Letty says, rising herself. "Sanae isn't the only one that missed breakfast."
>As you place your things in your bag, however, Yamame approaches you. "Can I join you, Morning Star? There's something I need to talk with you about."
-
>"Certainly."
-
>"Certainly."
>Yamame looks momentarily relieved. Curious.
>"Want me to see how bad it is topside?" Rin asks you.
-
>"If you'd like, though I'm not holding out much hope."
-
>"If you'd like, though I'm not holding out much hope."
>"Probably best to stay indoors." Letty advises her. "Minoriko would let me have it if I had another umbrella blow away on me."
>"Actually," Yamame interjects, "I was hoping you'd join me in the drama club room."
-
>"Well, that's certainly fine with me."
>Appraise the others' reaction
-
>"Well, that's certainly fine with me."
>Appraise the others' reaction
>Your two friends seem quite amenable to the idea.
>"Splendid." says Yamame, and gestures towards the door.
-
>Nod and head to the drama club room. Assuming we know where it is. (Otherwise indicate for Yamame to take the lead)
-
>Nod and head to the drama club room. Assuming we know where it is. (Otherwise indicate for Yamame to take the lead)
>You do. As a matter of fact, you have actually worked with them before. Not to the extent of actually acting in one of their productions, but you did read lines for one of their members who was out sick last year, during their production of A Streetcar Named Desire. Yamame's tried to lure you away from the tennis club a time or two since then. And truth to tell, it isn't an unattractive prospect. You wouldn't count that particular play among your favourites, but you did enjoy the acting experience, even in such a limited capacity. And the drama club at the time was composed of a very good collection of people. Its composition isn't the same as it was then, but you know it to still be a nice place with good people.
>The place is a bit messier than you recall, small props and bits of paper strewn about across the couches and tables, the bookcases on the east and west wall crammed with books, scripts and other knickknacks to the point of overflowing. It has the signs of someone recently trying to restore order to the place, but that order refused to endure.
>"I know, it's a mess." Yamame speaks into your thoughts as she collects the papers from the table in the middle of the room.
-
>Smile a little.
>"Oh, that's quite alright - signs of passing thespians, no doubt."
>Find a comfortable place to eat lunch and seat ourselves.
>"Now what was this you wanted to talk about?"
-
>Smile a little.
>"Oh, that's quite alright - signs of passing thespians, no doubt."
>Find a comfortable place to eat lunch and seat ourselves.
>"Now what was this you wanted to talk about?"
>Yamame chuckles. "I like it when someone outside the club uses that word. And correctly, too."
>Rin clears off a chair for you at the long table and you sit yourself upon it, as Yamame cleans out the filter in the coffee machine. The young youkai sets the machine to its work before dusting off her hands and turning her earnest look upon you. "Without the preamble, Morning Star, quite simply, we need your help."
-
>"My help? With what?"
-
>"My help? With what?"
>"I realize this is pretty short notice, and I know how busy you are. But I also know how talented you are, so I was hoping I could convince you to join our Christmas play this year."
-
>"Are you short on members for it?"
>"And what is the play, anyway?"
-
>"Are you short on members for it?"
>"And what is the play, anyway?"
>Yamame nods as Rin places your lunchbox in front of you. "I just found out this morning. One of our new girls, Agito, eloped on us over the weekend. And she was our Cratchit."
>"You're doing A Christmas Carol?" Letty asks.
>"As a musical." Yamame corrects her.
-
>"And you can get no one else to fill the role?"
-
>"And you can get no one else to fill the role?"
>"No one I think would perform as well as I know you can."
-
>"I fear you may give me too much credit. When is it due to be performed?"
>And how does that date stack up to the present one?
-
>"I fear you may give me too much credit. When is it due to be performed?"
>And how does that date stack up to the present one?
>"And you're as humble as ever." Yamame says with a grin. "I know I'm younger than you, but trust me, I know talent when I see it on stage. It's true, there's other people in school here that can act, others that can sing, others that can command the attention of a room, but nobody puts it all together like you, Morning Star." Funnily enough, Aya said almost the same thing to you in regards to your modeling talent once. 'Charisma' was the word she used. Evidently you've got it in spades.
>"December 18th."
>"That's a month from now." Letty says between bites of her rather healthy looking salad. She's right, that date would put the play precisely one month from today, which is November 18th.
>"I know, it's short notice." Yamame says with a face resigned to a long month ahead of her.
-
>"Less short than I might have expected; I'm just honestly unsure of how much time I'll have free to commit to it. But I suppose I could take a look at the script and score you're using."
>"Who's playing Scrooge, anyway?"
-
>"Less short than I might have expected; I'm just honestly unsure of how much time I'll have free to commit to it. But I suppose I could take a look at the script and score you're using."
>"Who's playing Scrooge, anyway?"
>"That'll do for a start." The young youkai turns then and heads for the other desk in the room, this one with a computer and a lamp upon it, as well numerous papers and books. She rummages for a moment before coming up with a black plastic binder. "That's just the script and stage directions. I'm afraid I don't have any copies of the score on hand right now." she says apologetically.
>"At the moment? Kogasa. But I managed to find five minutes to talk to her between classes this morning. She's willing to change if whoever we get to replace Agito wants to play Scrooge instead."
-
>"Oh, that's fine."
>Accept the binder and have a skim through it while we munch. About how sizable would our role be, if we were to take it? Although we don't have the score, is there at least some indication of how many singing roles we would have?
>"I'd assumed Kogasa would be playing Tiny Tim. She is typecast as the woobie, after all...."
-
>"Oh, that's fine."
>Accept the binder and have a skim through it while we munch. About how sizable would our role be, if we were to take it? Although we don't have the score, is there at least some indication of how many singing roles we would have?
>"I'd assumed Kogasa would be playing Tiny Tim. She is typecast as the woobie, after all...."
>Evaluation of the script before you shows that Cratchit would be the second largest role, behind Scrooge himself, who seems to be onstage throughout nearly the entire play. If you accepted the role of Cratchit, you note two separate songs you would be involved in, one during the 'Ghost of Christmas Present" segment, and one at the end of the play, a duet with Scrooge.
>She wanted to try playing against type.
-
>Do we have any acting experience at all?
-
>Do we have any acting experience at all?
>Some. You did work a little with the drama club before, though only in rehearsals, and not truly as a cast member. You were also in school plays back in grades 8 and 9. Neither of them were musicals, but they were still on stage works, and you remember them fondly.
>Your modelling jobs would also count, in a sense. There as on stage, you are performing, the difference being one is for a camera, and the other is for a live audience.
-
>Given our own experience and the script in front of us, can we get a rough gauge on how much work we'd be undertaking by accepting this?
-
>Given our own experience and the script in front of us, can we get a rough gauge on how much work we'd be undertaking by accepting this?
>Memorizing the songs would be fairly simple for you. There's only the two that you can see, and you're the type that can learn a song with very little effort. Minoriko envies you that. The stage directions likewise probably wouldn't be too hard for you. You'd be onstage a lot, but you take directions very well. In fact, from what you can determine, Aya's photo shoots would probably be more difficult on you.
>Forming such an estimate would be easier if you knew their rehearsal schedule, which you don't off the top of your head. But from what you can remember about the drama clubs habits and approach from when you filled in with them before, accepting this role, while a decent investment in time and effort, would not detract from your work or your schoolwork. And it would definitely be fun. Working with Kogasa would be interesting in and of itself, to say nothing of how happy your school mates would be to see the Star of Drama work side by side with the Morning Star.
-
>"What would the rehearsal schedule be like?"
-
>"What would the rehearsal schedule be like?"
>"Well, that's partly up to you." Yamame says as she sits down, having retrieved a fairly hefty ham sandwich from a small fridge next to one of the bookcases. "If you accept, of course. I'm prepared to add more rehearsals and practice for the benefit of whoever takes over Agito's place, be it full rehearsals, line recital, anything."
>"Ain't it gonna be hard to get the stage as often's that?" Rin asks.
>Yamame nods. "But it won't be the first time I've butted heads with Vice Principal Mima over stage time. And besides, there's always other options."
-
>"Are they indoor options?"
>If there are windows, give a meaningful glance through them.
-
>"Are they indoor options?"
>If there are windows, give a meaningful glance through them.
>Yamame cracks a grin as the wind rattles the window situated behind and on top of the computer. "Definitely." She jerks her thumb in that direction. "Macbeth might do well in that, but not A Christmas Carol."
-
>"Well, when is the next practice scheduled at the moment?"
-
>"Well, when is the next practice scheduled at the moment?"
>"It had been today, but I rescheduled it for tomorrow. I'm hoping to have this problem settled by then."
-
>"I'll need time to figure out how much I'm going to have to put toward this, hm."
-
>"I'll need time to figure out how much I'm going to have to put toward this, hm."
>Yamame's expression grows pained for a moment, then she exhales. "I understand. I won't press." She folds her hands in front her. "But if you can't do it, I'll have to find someone else, and I'll have to do that as soon as possible."
-
>We can't ignore the effect this would have on our tennis practice. Not with Rin relying on our skill to keep Konngara from winning her back.
-
We had been pondering that.
>"The other issue is the Tennis team..."
-
>We can't ignore the effect this would have on our tennis practice. Not with Rin relying on our skill to keep Konngara from winning her back.
>That is a good point, you never know when Konngara will challenge you again.
>That said, however, you also know that Konngara knows oni law as well as you do, if not better. If she wants to challenge your claim to Rin, that challenge may not come in the form of another tennis match.
>"The other issue is the Tennis team..."
>"Of course." Yamame nods, like she was expecting that. "As much as I'd love to have you join us here, I know you're dedicated to the tennis team. And I'd never ask you to sacrifice your commitment to them. But on that front I admit to feeling a little lucky, since I know you don't have another competition until the Yamato Isle-Wide in January. If you were another actor, then yes, I might ask you to focus more on this play than your club. But in your case, I really don't think I have to. I remember how easily you memorized lines when you stood in for us on Streetcar. And I remember your natural sense for the stage, as well. So I don't think you'll need to take any time away from the tennis club for this play. If you wanted to play Scrooge, then maybe, but not for Cratchit, or any other role."
>She smiles somewhat shyly. "As a matter of fact, when I first got the idea to ask you, I had thought that the real problem wouldn't be you learning the part in the time we had, but the other actors getting used to sharing the stage with the Morning Star."
-
>What forms of challenge are valid? Surely it can't be absolutely anything.
-
>What forms of challenge are valid? Surely it can't be absolutely anything.
>You would have to give Konngara grounds for questioning your capability as a slave owner. This would include things like, if you were grievously injured and unable to care for your slave, or if your finances were in ruins. By oni law, the character of a slave owner must be of high quality. The reality is that most oni don't enforce those laws. They simply challenge the owner to some form of physical contest that both have a chance at winning.
>In the case of Konngara, if she were to challenge you to a physical contest again of some sort, it would have to be something she knew you could perform well in, or the challenge would be invalid. Outside of tennis, you can't think of anything that the two of you would both be called 'good' at. That said, you don't know Konngara all that well. She may be a model herself. A modeling challenge would be a valid challenge for ownership of a slave.
>Rin may know more about Konngara's areas of expertise. In fact, you'd bet your hair she does. It's just never really come up. You've always found the idea of talking about her old owner to be a bit of a touchy subject. You still don't know for sure how comfortable she is talking about the years she spent with Konngara. Still, you believe that if Konngara was immediately threatening you in some area Rin knew about, she would tell you right away, so you haven't worried about that as much as you might have otherwise.
-
>Slightly uncomfortable smile.
>"Please, I don't really warrant all that attention. Kogasa is the star, after all."
-
>Slightly uncomfortable smile.
>"Please, I don't really warrant all that attention. Kogasa is the star, after all."
>"And I know she'll be great. Scrooge will be a challenge for her, but I know she's up for it. But as the captain of the drama club, I have to find the best person I can to fill the void left by Agito, someone I know who isn't just a good actor, but someone I know can work well with other actors, without upstaging them, and someone who can learn the part in a month." She interweaves her fingers together and points them in your direction. And then she smiles. "Think of it this way. It can't be as great a challenge as riding a tiger bareback."
-
>Slightly more uncomfortable smile
>"A very different skill-set, that."
>"That being said... I think I may accept. At the very least, I can show up for tomorrow's practice."
Since we've apparently been told that we can juggle our tennis responsibilities and this just fine, I'm not sure that Konngara's a factor worth worrying about in this regard. And if she does choose to make an issue of herself, we may have some other options regarding her. Obviously saving the world takes ultimate priority over a play, but if the schedules don't end up clashing too badly, we can probably wing it. Ultimately, I would have rathered take more of a wait and see approach, but if Yamame wants to have this settled by tomorrow, we don't seem to really have that option.
-
>Slightly more uncomfortable smile
>"A very different skill-set, that."
>"That being said... I think I may accept. At the very least, I can show up for tomorrow's practice."
>The drama club captain may be a competent actor in her own right, but she makes no effort to conceal her relief as you inform her of your decision. She sits back her seat heavily, and you can practically see the tension drain out of her body.
>Social Link: Yamame Kurodani (Chariot) has been established.
>"You okay?" Letty asks her.
>Yamame breathes out a laugh. "Honestly? I thought I'd tear my hair out after getting the news this morning. I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to find anyone to take Agito's place. The Morning Star just saved me getting an ulcer."
-
>Smile
>"Well, then I suppose I have already done some good. I can imagine what it must be like in your position; it's a terrible thing to imagine hard-laid plans starting to disintegrate before your eyes. And I shall endeavor my best not to give cause for that ulcer to return."
-
>Smile
>"Well, then I suppose I have already done some good. I can imagine what it must be like in your position; it's a terrible thing to imagine hard-laid plans starting to disintegrate before your eyes. And I shall endeavor my best not to give cause for that ulcer to return."
>Yamame nods slowly. "Haven't had a play yet go off without a hitch or two, but this was a new one."
-
>"'Hitches' are an inexorable part of life, sadly. How long had you been working on it by then?"
>How's lunch, anyway?
-
>"'Hitches' are an inexorable part of life, sadly. How long had you been working on it by then?"
>How's lunch, anyway?
>"The play, you mean?"
>Very good. Rin may not be Minoriko, but she knows her way around a rice cooker.
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>"Since..." She tilts her head back in thought. "September? No, can't be that long... Today's the 17th, right?"
>"18th." Letty corrects her.
>The drama captain shakes her head once. "Lost a day already... But that'd be about a month and a half back, since early October."
>"Isn't that a long time for a christmas play?"
>"Well, I count 'conceiving of the play' as work." Yamame informs her. "Getting the idea, casting ideas, getting the script... It's all work from day 1."
-
>"That's quite a ways into things to lose a key cast member. Well, hopefully it needn't cause you any more worry."
-
>"That's quite a ways into things to lose a key cast member. Well, hopefully it needn't cause you any more worry."
>"Yeah... You can see why I was a bit worked up over it." She gives you a little grimace. "And I'm sorry if I came on a bit strong."
-
>"Oh, it's quite alright. It may have been a little sudden, but for what it's worth, I didn't feel you were pushy. And given the circumstances, I can fully understand."
-
>"Oh, it's quite alright. It may have been a little sudden, but for what it's worth, I didn't feel you were pushy. And given the circumstances, I can fully understand."
>Yamame seems relieved again momentarily, but her jaw opens slightly as a thought occurs to her. "And about that tiger, it wasn't me that took that picture that's going around, I promise you."
-
>"I believe you."
>Out of curiosity, could we make out what neighbourhood the photo was taken in? And if so, how it compared to where we met Yamame and Kogasa?
-
>"I believe you."
>Out of curiosity, could we make out what neighbourhood the photo was taken in? And if so, how it compared to where we met Yamame and Kogasa?
>The background details of the picture weren't that clear. You could make out some shrubbery in the foreground, but there were a number of houses you passed by that it could have belonged to. The picture also had what looked like the front of an orange car, but you think you passed by more than one on the way back to the shrine, and there's not enough detail on the picture to tell which one it was. At least not without a closer look.
>At a guess, though, your face seemed to be somewhat at ease, so that might have put it after you met Yamame and Kogasa, when you were a little bit more comfortable with the ride, but you can't say for certain.
>"'zis a bad time to ask why Mistress was doin' that?" Rin asks you.
-
>How close are we to Letty, in terms of confidential matters? And how much can we trust her discretion?
-
>How close are we to Letty, in terms of confidential matters? And how much can we trust her discretion?
>The girls of Moonside, even though you've only known them a matter of months, are like a second family to you. Within that, of course, there is some variation as to who you'd go to with a confidential matter. Nitori, though she has a great heart, can be a touch flighty sometimes. And Patchouli isn't always the most approachable person, though you know she's a very good person. Letty, however, is almost like the big sister you never had. You feel you can go to her with nearly anything, at least in terms of terrestrial matters, and she will never knowingly betray your trust.
-
>"It's nothing quite as strange as it may seem. A friend of mine simply offered me a lift from one part of town to the other. Though I must say it was a rather more... unique experience than the usual modes of transit. It's just that she asked if I could be somewhat discrete about her doing so - at least so much as one can possibly be discrete about riding a tiger."
-
>"It's nothing quite as strange as it may seem. A friend of mine simply offered me a lift from one part of town to the other. Though I must say it was a rather more... unique experience than the usual modes of transit. It's just that she asked if I could be somewhat discrete about her doing so - at least so much as one can possibly be discrete about riding a tiger."
>"I think I get you." Letty says quietly. "She'd rather her name didn't get out, even if her face did."
-
>"I believe so, yes. I could speculate as to why, but I think it more polite not to. But suffice it to say, this was her answer to not having a vehicle to offer me; it would have been a very long walk for someone with a less vigorous stride."
-
>"I believe so, yes. I could speculate as to why, but I think it more polite not to. But suffice it to say, this was her answer to not having a vehicle to offer me; it would have been a very long walk for someone with a less vigorous stride."
>Letty nods in agreement. "I can respect that."
>"Kogasa and I never told anyone about it either." Yamame assures you. "But... There WAS something I was wondering about. Kogasa didn't think I should ask, but, I'm really curious."
-
>"Yes? What is it?"
-
>"Yes? What is it?"
>"Wasn't it hard on your body to ride a tiger that way? Youkai or not, a tiger is a tiger."
-
>How bad was it?
-
>How bad was it?
>Your back and hips did ache for a while afterwards. They might have been worse, but you could tell that Kiku was taking care, insomuch as she could, not to be too hard on your body. These aches seem to have passed after a night's rest, though you do still feel a touch stiff in your lower back. Nothing a back rub from Rin won't cure.
-
>Ooo... back rubs. That sounds nice.
>"I was a little sore afterwards, yes. But it probably wasn't as bad as it looked; I thinks she was trying to go easy on me. At the very least, I'm positive she could have gone fast enough to throw me clear off her back and then some more besides."
-
>Ooo... back rubs. That sounds nice.
>"I was a little sore afterwards, yes. But it probably wasn't as bad as it looked; I thinks she was trying to go easy on me. At the very least, I'm positive she could have gone fast enough to throw me clear off her back and then some more besides."
>Rin's mighty handy with her hands, to boot. Paws. Both, actually.
>The kasha in question nods. "Tiger'll do that. Mighty strong cats." She looks at you as she carefully pours a mug of green tea from a thermos. "I could see how bushed ya were when you come home, Byakuren, but you coulda told me. I might've been handy to fix them aches."
-
>"I appreciate the thought, but I'm not certain anything could have kept my head from my pillow at that point. A few aches and pains are nothing in the face of exhaustion."
>Glance to Letty and Yamame: "Yesterday was a very long day."
-
>"I appreciate the thought, but I'm not certain anything could have kept my head from my pillow at that point. A few aches and pains are nothing in the face of exhaustion."
>Glance to Letty and Yamame: "Yesterday was a very long day."
>"So we gathered." Letty replies as Rin offers you the cup. "Reisen told us about it when we were studying together, after Marissa brought you home."
>"Tiger was just the tip of the leg?" Yamame asks, obviously curious.
-
>Accept the cup with a smile and nod. "Thank you, Rin."
>Take a sip.
>To Yamame: "And I suppose you could say that. It felt like I was running from one end of town to the other all day. And then back again. Twice. Not a bad day, but a very full one."
-
>Accept the cup with a smile and nod. "Thank you, Rin."
>Take a sip.
>To Yamame: "And I suppose you could say that. It felt like I was running from one end of town to the other all day. And then back again. Twice. Not a bad day, but a very full one."
>Your kasha smiles and pours a smaller cup for herself. She always sweetens her tea with a little honey, you note as you drink. It's a sweetness distinct from sugar, and, apparently, healthier, according to Minoriko.
>You keep yourself from smiling as you sketch Yamame in on yesterday's adventure. If she only knew...
>"Did you happen to ride a lion for your earlier trips?" Letty remarks in her urbane manner.
>The drama club's door opens before you can respond to her quip and Nurse Utsuho sticks her head into the room. "Ah, so you were here, Byakuren." she says with a friendly look.
-
>Turn the nurse with a look of mild surprise.
>"Oh, hello. Is there something I can do for you?"
-
>Turn the nurse with a look of mild surprise.
>"Oh, hello. Is there something I can do for you?"
>The winged nurse utters a small laugh. "Actually, it's the other way 'round. Can I see you outside for a second?" She retracts her head momentarily then pokes it back in.
-
>"Sure."
>Head out there.
-
>"Sure."
>Head out there.
>Excusing yourself to Yamame and the others, you step out into the hallway with Utsuho.
>"We've had an opening in the MRI schedule." Utsuho informs you, but quietly, trying to keep the conversation somewhat privately. "If you wanted it, we can fit you in on tuesday afternoon now."
-
>When were we previously booked?
>What outstanding commitments do we have for the next few days?
-
>When were we previously booked?
>What outstanding commitments do we have for the next few days?
>Friday morning.
>In terms of definite commitments, drama practice is scheduled for sometime tomorrow, but Yamame didn't mention exactly when. There's also Aya's modelling job that she's expecting to hear back from you on.
-
>When did we say we'd get back to her? And what sort of deadline did it have, anyway?
>Tennis practice is Thursday, yes?
-
>When did we say we'd get back to her? And what sort of deadline did it have, anyway?
>Tennis practice is Thursday, yes?
>You weren't specific when discussing the jobs with Aya yesterday. And neither was she. She mentioned that she had a 'few days before deadlines came due' or words to that effect. Knowing her, however, it wouldn't surprise you at all if she contacted you sometime today.
>Tennis practice is Thursday, yes.
-
>"I may have a prior commitment tomorrow, actually. What time would the appointment be?"
-
>"I may have a prior commitment tomorrow, actually. What time would the appointment be?"
>Utsuho produces a little notebook from her coat pocket and dons her glasses. "4:35 PM." she reads. "But on the other hand, it may not be necessary at all, that's the other thing I wanted to say. It's been a few days since that little accident. If you have some time after school today, I'd like to take another look at you, see if there's any kind of lingering effects or anything."
-
>"I think I should have time for that, yes. Though I've felt quite fine since the day I fell over the stairs. As for Tuesday, I'll need to check when drama practice is - they may overlap, and if there's no pressing need for the MRI, I might rather leave it for another time. As long as you don't think that's inadvisable, of course."
-
>"I think I should have time for that, yes. Though I've felt quite fine since the day I fell over the stairs. As for Tuesday, I'll need to check when drama practice is - they may overlap, and if there's no pressing need for the MRI, I might rather leave it for another time. As long as you don't think that's inadvisable, of course."
>"Well, that's good to hear." Utsuho says as she removes her glasses. "As for if its advisable or not, I'd GUESS that it isn't, but I'll wait till I can judge better." She puffs with a small mote of pride. "Yakogoro-sensei taught me that. 'Listen to your instincts, but verify before acting on them'" she adds, dropping her voice into a deeper register.
-
>"A sensible policy. So, how about I give you a firm answer on whether I can make 4:35 PM tomorrow when I stop by after classes?"
-
>"A sensible policy. So, how about I give you a firm answer on whether I can make 4:35 PM tomorrow when I stop by after classes?"
>"Sounds good to me."
-
>Smile and nod
>"Then I shall see you later this afternoon."
-
>Smile and nod
>"Then I shall see you later this afternoon."
>Utsuho returns your gestures and takes her leave, heading down the hallway to your left.
-
>Reenter the drama club room
-
>Reenter the drama club room
>Letty and Yamame have both made progress on the food during your absence, while Rin's offering is at the same level it was before. Yamame is presently searching one of the bookcases.
>"Everything okay?" Letty asks.
-
>"Yes, everything's fine. She just wanted to schedule a followup exam related to me falling down the stairs the other day. But I've felt perfectly fine since then, so I don't think it's much more than a professional formality. No need to worry."
>Have a glance in Yamame's direction: "What are you looking for?"
-
>"Yes, everything's fine. She just wanted to schedule a followup exam related to me falling down the stairs the other day. But I've felt perfectly fine since then, so I don't think it's much more than a professional formality. No need to worry."
>Have a glance in Yamame's direction: "What are you looking for?"
>Letty nods, but neither she nor Rin seem 100% convinced of that. Obviously they've both still been worrying about that little spell of yours.
>"Master copy of the score." Yamame grunts as she yanks a thick book down from the shelf before resuming her search. "Sakura said she put it away, meaning it should be in here. Somewhere." She spares a glance back your way. "She's one of the 1st years, by the way."
-
>Does that name mean anything to us?
>Take our seat again and resume our lunch
-
>Does that name mean anything to us?
>Take our seat again and resume our lunch
>Not in an of itself. It's a rather common name.
>With Utsuho attended to, you attend to your hunger. And you were hungry, too, but Rin's cooking his the spot.
>When you pack up your lunch boxes, it is 12:43 PM. Classes will resume in a bit less than ten minutes.
-
>Did Yamame manage to find that score while we were eating?
-
>Did Yamame manage to find that score while we were eating?
>While you were eating, no, but as Rin packs up your containers, her eyes alight. "There you are." she mutters, extracting a blue plastic binder. "Give me a minute or two, I'll get this copied for you."
-
>"Sounds good. Oh, and what time tomorrow is practice?"
-
>"Sounds good. Oh, and what time tomorrow is practice?"
>"We have a meeting tomorrow at lunch, and line reading until 430. We can't start full rehearsals yet, we're waiting on some costumes and props from the sewing circle." She frowns a little. "Which will hopefully be ready by Wednesday."
-
>"Well, here's hoping that things run as smoothly as possible for you from here on out."
-
>"Well, here's hoping that things run as smoothly as possible for you from here on out."
>"Thanks. Bit of hope always helps." The young woman moves to the door, then pauses to add, "Oh yeah, almost forgot. We share a copier with a few other clubs, so, this might take me a few minutes. If you have to get back to class, I'll have a copy ready for you after school."
-
>"Perhaps that might be best. Where shall I meet you?"
-
>"Perhaps that might be best. Where shall I meet you?"
>"What's your last class?"
-
>"Classic literature."
-
>"Classic literature."
>"Ah, Houraisan-sensei's class. I can pop up to your room once classes are over."
-
>Nod
>"Very good. I shall see you then."
>Assuming Rin and Letty also appear ready to go, let's say our farewells and mosey to our next class.
-
>Nod
>"Very good. I shall see you then."
>Assuming Rin and Letty also appear ready to go, let's say our farewells and mosey to our next class.
>Saying your goodbyes to Yamame, for now, the drama captain departs, and you and your friends follow suit moments later.
>"You sure you have the time for this play, Byakuren?" Rin asks as you make your way towards the biology labs. "Pretty sure's a lotta work goes into em."
-
>"This is true, but I think I can manage; at least the last time I tried, I was a quick study for it. I'd really hate to see Yamame left the lurch like this and it might even be fun."
-
>"This is true, but I think I can manage; at least the last time I tried, I was a quick study for it. I'd really hate to see Yamame left the lurch like this and it might even be fun."
>"Well, ya just tell me if I cin help with lines or anythin'." Rin offers. She appears fine, but you can tell from her voice that something's on her mind. You know her well enough by now that you can tell when she's not saying something, which isn't uncommon. She never wants to burden you.
-
>Do we have enough time (and potential privacy) to pull her aside for a moment and ask her what's on her mind?
-
>Do we have enough time (and potential privacy) to pull her aside for a moment and ask her what's on her mind?
>Time, yes. But a glance around your present hallway yields people in both directions.
>However, the stairwell you are heading towards, the bio wing being located on the first floor and below the chem wing, is not heavily traveled. It should prove secluded enough to serve that purpose, depending on how long it'll take her to speak on her issue.
-
>Let's lead her over there.
-
>Let's lead her over there.
>The stairwell proves to be ALMOST deserted as you reach the top, as you see a pair of winged youkai, one with butterfly wings, the other with blue and black feathers, separate from each other and descend down to the first floor. With them gone, you now have the opportunity to have a moment to question Rin.
-
>Concerned frown.
>"Is something troubling you, Rin?"
-
>Concerned frown.
>"Is something troubling you, Rin?"
>The kasha looks up. "Uh, no, no..."
-
>Take a gentle tone.
>"Rin.... You know that it's alright to be frank with me. If something is bothering you, it would do my own mind better to know that you feel comfortable enough to share it with me than to suffer in silence."
-
>Take a gentle tone.
>"Rin.... You know that it's alright to be frank with me. If something is bothering you, it would do my own mind better to know that you feel comfortable enough to share it with me than to suffer in silence."
>Letty, upon hearing you speak, merely smiles a quiet smile and goes on ahead of you both.
>For her part, Rin looks slightly abashed. "Sorry. I know ya want me honest alla time, it's just..." It is not a slave's duty to burden the master. Such is the way, as she was taught. She still struggles with that, though she is trying, and you help her when you can.
>"It's just..." she continues. "I meant it when I said I hadn't ever seen ya as exhausted as you were last night. And between that and that fall you had, and you spendin' most of Thursday in bed... Well, I'm worried about you."
-
>Smile
>"It does the heart good to have as faithful a companion as you, Rin. I understand, and I am truly sorry for giving you cause to worry. Perhaps accepting the play was a little ambitious, but I didn't want to see Yamame's efforts unravel; I do not mean to push myself any further than necessary."
-
>Smile
>"It does the heart good to have as faithful a companion as you, Rin. I understand, and I am truly sorry for giving you cause to worry. Perhaps accepting the play was a little ambitious, but I didn't want to see Yamame's efforts unravel; I do not mean to push myself any further than necessary."
>"It isn't just the play. You was gone all yesterday, which is your call, of course!" she adds hastily. "But now there's this tiger thing, and.." She pauses, as though searching for the right words, then sighs and simply says, "Is there somethin' goin' on? Somethin' wrong?"
-
>Give her a long look. If we're trying to teach her to be honest, rather than worry whether this honesty would be a burden to others, it's hypocritical for us to do the very thing to her in return. And yet...
>Let out a wary breath.
>"Rin... if you'd like to know what happened yesterday in more detail, I can share it with you. But... I think it is a topic for when we're back home."
-
>Give her a long look. If we're trying to teach her to be honest, rather than worry whether this honesty would be a burden to others, it's hypocritical for us to do the very thing to her in return. And yet...
>Let out a wary breath.
>"Rin... if you'd like to know what happened yesterday in more detail, I can share it with you. But... I think it is a topic for when we're back home."
>"I understand." Rin says right away. "And I trust your judgements, Mis- Byakuren. If this is somethin' ya think I don't need to know, then I don't need t'know."
-
>Give her a gentle smile. With maybe just a little wistfulness in it.
>"I don't mean to give you cause to worry, Rin."
-
>Give her a gentle smile. With maybe just a little wistfulness in it.
>"I don't mean to give you cause to worry, Rin."
>Rin's returning smile is genuine, her desire to support you plain on her face. "I just wanna help, if I can."
>Though your attention is slightly taken by the trio of canine-eared students approaching the top of the stairs, you do not miss your ring reacting to Rin's words.
-
>Put a hand on her shoulder
>"You're a loyal friend, Rin."
>Little smile
>"Now we should probably get to class."
-
>Put a hand on her shoulder
>"You're a loyal friend, Rin."
>Little smile
>"Now we should probably get to class."
>The pride Rin feels at your praise shows as plain as day. But you can't help but wonder, if only in passing, if it's the pride of a servant, or the joy of a true friend? You devoutly hope for the latter.
>Rin nods at your suggestion.
-
>Head to class
-
>Head to class
>With Rin's concern dealt with, at least for now, you turn your mind back towards more mundane matters, that being biology with Wriggle-sensei. The sensation you got from your ring weighs on your mind as well, but you do your best not to dwell on that. Plenty of time to tackle that issue, too, when class is over.
>The 'bio wing' as it's called has a much nicer scent than the chem wing, but you do detect a faint hint of rain water in the corridor amidst the various scents of the rest of the students heading for class here. This corridor has an exit to the outside at the end of the hall, and by the smell of it, someone had it propped open during lunch. Probably one of the cliques gone out for a smoke. Another picture of your journey with Kiku is taped up on the wall here, and you draw looks and talk here as you did before, but your students do not bar your path, allowing you to reach the lab unobstructed.
>Letty is absent from this class, as she has instrumental music in this timeslot on Mondays. You do, however, see Minoriko and Reisen here sharing a table, as well as Reimu and Yuyuko. Sanae is also present, and she gives you a friendly wave as you enter. Her table mates are an interesting pair. One of them is Ayumi, the oni with the colorful hair from Szenska's yesterday, and the other is also an oni, the mono-horned Yuugi Hoshigami, easily the tallest and maybe the toughest oni in the whole school. And definitely the bustiest.
-
>Wave back to Sanae
>What do we know of Yuugi?
>Do we know how well or poorly Konngara got on with the oni outside her clique?
>Find a suitable seat and seat ourselves
-
>Wave back to Sanae
>What do we know of Yuugi?
>Do we know how well or poorly Konngara got on with the oni outside her clique?
>Find a suitable seat and seat ourselves
>Yuugi is a second year student. She has lived in Mayoiga for three years. An avid fan and supporter of the sports teams of Mayoiga, except soccer, which she finds boring as sin. She's a member of the school hockey team, her position changing from defenseman to goalie, depending on the need. Like Konngara, she too is a slave owner, but unlike Konngara, Yuugi gets along very well with her slave, and treats her very well. They're more like good friends than master/owner. In fact, Yuugi has described her slave, a mouse youkai named Nazrin, as 'the brains of this outfit' more than once. Yuugi may be the most popular oni in school, as though she may be loud and very 'physical' a friend to have, she is also a good friend, say those that consider themselves such. A quirk about her is that she never wears the school uniform, always an outfit of her own choosing, a white t-shirt with red bands and a blue skirt with red and purple trim. Some say she gets away with it by beating Unzan in a wrestling match, but that, to your knowledge, is merely a rumor. She enjoys karaoke and many genres of music.
>To your knowledge, the oni outside Konngara's circle were none too fond of her, but they didn't DISlike her either. She seemed to be something of an outsider, beyond her own little circle.
>You seat yourselves at the table currently occupied by your fellow Moonsiders. Minoriko, noting Sanae's attention towards you, asks, "Is that the other transfer student people in class were talking about?"
-
>Raise an eyebrow
>"The other transfer student?"
>Is Nazrin also a student here? What do we know of her?
-
>Raise an eyebrow
>"The other transfer student?"
>Is Nazrin also a student here? What do we know of her?
>"We had one in our class, as well. An oni from Bonn, Agatha van Der Meullen." She frowns slightly. "I believe she said her family was of some high social standing, but I had a little trouble understanding her accent."
>Nazrin is a mouse youkai. If she has a last name, you do not know it. She is a first year student here. You don't believe she and Yuugi have been together for long. Yuugi's description of her as the 'brains' seems to be well earned, as she's earned a reputation of being one of the cleverest of the first years. She takes instrumental music with Letty, and is apparently quite talented with both the drums and the tin whistle. Rumors say she also has a talent for finding lost items.
-
>"Ah, I see. But yes, that is her. Her name's Sanae Kochiya. Apparently she's Suwako Moriya's daughter. She seems nice, if slightly giddy."
>Don't say this last bit if we think Sana herself could overhear us.
-
>"Ah, I see. But yes, that is her. Her name's Sanae Kochiya. Apparently she's Suwako Moriya's daughter. She seems nice, if slightly giddy."
>Don't say this last bit if we think Sana herself could overhear us.
>"The Iron Rings owner?" Reisen asks, sounding surprised.
-
>Nod
>"The very same."
-
>Nod
>"The very same."
>"Wow." The rabbit looks over at Sanae. "I hadn't heard there was a Rings opening here in town."
>"Maybe they kept it real quiet." Rin suggests. You've noted that Rin speaks more freely with Reisen than she does with anyone else.
>Reisen shakes her head. "I'd think the more publicity, the better, unless there was an issue with opening it."
-
>Was Agatha that oni that Eagle met with yesterday?
>"Perhaps they are having problems with building regulations?"
-
>Was Agatha that oni that Eagle met with yesterday?
>"Perhaps they are having problems with building regulations?"
>Eagle didn't mention her name, though you'd know her if you saw her.
>"It's possible." Reisen admits. "Some of the zoning laws can be a bit tricky, depending on where you're trying to work. Did Kochiya-senpai say anything like that?"
-
>"She didn't, but we didn't really talk about the new club itself much."
-
>"She didn't, but we didn't really talk about the new club itself much."
>"Pretty sure it'll be the talk of the school over the next few days. Well, that and that picture of you on a tiger."
>"We were a bit curious about that ourselves." Minoriko says.
-
>"It's less curious than it must look at first brush; a friend offered me a lift across town and that was the form it came in. A surprise to me as well, I might add. I think she would have rathered be discrete about it, but there's only so much a tiger that size can do to avoid attention."
-
>"It's less curious than it must look at first brush; a friend offered me a lift across town and that was the form it came in. A surprise to me as well, I might add. I think she would have rathered be discrete about it, but there's only so much a tiger that size can do to avoid attention."
>"Quite an interesting friend this must be, to have such exotic transportation available." Minoriko says brightly.
-
>"She's certainly been the source of a few surprises."
-
>"She's certainly been the source of a few surprises."
>Minoriko laughs a quiet laugh, but Reisen seems curious. She leans in closer towards you, and in a quiet voice, asks, "That tiger was a youkai, wasn't it?"
-
>Nod
-
>Nod
>A look passes between Reisen and Rin. After what seems like a very long moment, Reisen asks, "Was he owned?"
-
>"Oh, most certainly not! I would hardly consent to the offer if it had not been voluntarily suggested. And it was a she."
-
>"She offered me a ride. I didn't think she meant it literally."
-
>"Oh, most certainly not! I would hardly consent to the offer if it had not been voluntarily suggested. And it was a she."
>"She offered me a ride. I didn't think she meant it literally."
>Reisen leans back in her seat as your raised voice draws some eyes. After a moment, she continues, "I didn't mean to suggest otherwise." sounding apologetic.
>Rin nods, probably knowing what she was thinking. "It's just that we've seen a few Owners that trained their youkai for dat. Not all of em bad owners, mind, but some of em were."
>Reisen offers a small smile. "You could call it a kind of professional curiousity."
-
>"I understand, of course; I might wonder the same thing in your position. But rest assured, this was nothing like that at all."
-
>"I understand, of course; I might wonder the same thing in your position. But rest assured, this was nothing like that at all."
>Wriggle-sensei at this point calls for attention, but Reisen adds, quietly, "Is it okay if we ask about this later?"
-
>Give a little nod
>Then turn our attention to the teacher. Gotta get a good handle on our biology if we really do intend to pursue medicine.
-
>Give a little nod
>Then turn our attention to the teacher. Gotta get a good handle on our biology if we really do intend to pursue medicine.
>With Reisen's curiousity assuaged, at least for now, you return your attention to the class at hand. You've no trouble keeping yourself awake in this one, as biology is one of your areas of interest. In today's lesson, Wriggle-sensei is continuing her teachings on the poisons and venoms employed by the animals of the world. Today's topic: snakes. Not an animal you claim any special interest in, but considering the volume of them in the world, including Yamato, you've done your homework in the field. Myoren always liked snakes, too. He admired their physicality, their strikes that came faster than the eye could track, the way they could disguise themselves almost perfectly in their home environments.
>"Can anyone tell me the difference between hemotoxin and neurotoxin?" Wriggle asks the class about ten minutes into class.
-
>Raise our hand
-
>Raise our hand
>Your hand goes up, as does Sanae's, Yuugi's and Reisen's. Wriggle smiles, seeming impressed. She hadn't discussed the difference between the two yet, so she may not have been expecting anyone to have an answer, let alone four hands. She nods in your direction. "Hijiri-san?"
-
>"A neurotoxin affects the nervous system. A hemotoxin affects the blood and organs."
-
>"A neurotoxin affects the nervous system. A hemotoxin affects the blood and organs."
>Wriggle nods. "Very good.That sums up the difference very nicely. We'll discuss the differences in greater detail, of course, but that's a good 'one point answer'." She looks over the room, then settles her look on the new girl. "Kochiya-san, can you tell me which type of venom the most venomous snake in Yamato uses?"
>The green haired student stands. "Among native species?" Wriggle's antannae flick back and forth in surprise briefly, then she nods. "The Mamushi's venon actually is both neurotoxic and hemotoxic."
>A general 'oooh' sounds throughout the room.
>"Seems the new girl knows her snakes." Reisen remarks.
-
>Discretely point to the snake ornament in her hair, assuming it can be seen from this angle.
>"I think she likes them."
-
>Discretely point to the snake ornament in her hair, assuming it can be seen from this angle.
>"I think she likes them."
>Minoriko narrows her eyes. "My. I hadn't noticed that when she came in."
>Reisen points one of her ears at Sanae's froggy accessory. "Bit of an odd mix, seeing those two displayed together, though. Not the first time, though, I remember there was one older man who came..." She stops herself. "I'd better save the stories for after class, hadn't I?"
>"Probably, dear." Minoriko says with a smile.
-
>Smile
>"Perhaps."
>On with the lesson!
-
>Smile
>"Perhaps."
>On with the lesson!
>Yuugi gives Sanae a rather hefty pat on the back for her correct answer. The class's slight buzz from Sanae's display of ophidian knowledge persists for a few minutes before finally settling down, letting Wriggle get back to her teaching in earnest. Wriggle-sensei's asks more questions of her class, keeps her people engaged, but she does not call upon you again. She distributes her questions and answers evenly, whenever possible.
>When class ends, Sanae draws a small crowd around her, the topic seeming to be where her opinion lies on the issue of Wriggle-sensei's gender. You smile despite yourself as you depart, heading back towards the stairs you came down, vocal music class being located on the second floor. Rin has her gym class on Mondays in this time slot, so you part ways at the stairs, she heading off with Minoriko while you and Reisen continue, you both sharing this class. Today's lesson is on vocal theory and history of lyricists, relatively dry stuff imparted to the class by a tall blonde Earth rabbit, known for her cheery disposition, her passion for singing, and her klutzyness. She manages to get through today's lesson without tripping or dropping anything, and a few of the smarter-alecky second years applaud her for doing so. Being the type to take it in stride, she merely smiles and thanks them for their support.
>Down to your last remaining class, you return to your homeroom to await the arrival of Houraisan-sensei and find, to your surprise, Yamame standing outside your classroom, conversing with Letty.
-
>Wave
>"Hello again."
-
>Wave
>"Hello again."
>Yamame notes your arrival and walks your way, carrying a green plastic folder. "The score." she informs you. "I know, I'm early, but I had it finished."
-
>"Great, thank you."
>Accept the score.
-
>"Great, thank you."
>Accept the score.
>You have obtained: A Christmas Carol Musical (Score)
>You have retroactively acquired: A Christmas Carol Musical (Script)
>"Thanks again for going along with my request, Hijiri-senpai." She says with a friendly bow. "See you tomorrow." She departs in something of a rush.
>"She puts a lot of miles on those shoes, I'd say." Letty remarks to no one in particular.
-
>"No shortage of enthusiasm, no."
>Take a glance at the score before heading into class and taking our seat
-
>"No shortage of enthusiasm, no."
>Take a glance at the score before heading into class and taking our seat
>"Gotta love what you do." Class rep Murasa quips as she breezes past Letty into the classroom.
>Flipping open the freshly copied paper, you find that Yamame has scribbled a little note on the second page. It reads, "Cratchit only has prominent parts in two songs, but it'd be great if you could join the chorus on some others, as well. We were short on people even before Agito ran off to Luyang."
>With that note taken, you glance over the document to the two songs that would be your primary responsibility. The first takes place during the Ghost of Christmas Present segment, and while it is mostly a solo by Cratchit- You- the other members of the family are also involved at points, especially Tiny Tim. The song is hopeful despite telling of the poverty of the family, though the ominous foreshadowing to Tiny Tim's death comes across as a bit heavily written.
>The second song is actually the closing number, a duet between yourself and Scrooge, played by Kogasa. Scrooge gets more lines than Cratchit as he extolls the joys of giving and how his heart was full, having never realized it was so empty. Cratchit's optimism and perseverance serves as a reminder of what Scrooge was like, but also holds a promise of hope that if the old man can change, anyone can change.
>Houraisan-sensei enters as you finish your cursory glance over the score. Simultaneously, Rin, seated next to you, asks you quietly, "Is that the music? Weren't she gonna drop that after class?"
-
>"So she said, but evidently she decided to take care of that early."
-
>"So she said, but evidently she decided to take care of that early."
>"Quiet, please." Houraisan-sensei calls as she lays down a stack of papers on the desk before her. Rin makes an 'oops' face, but does fall silent. The rest of the class does likewise. The raven-haired teacher has a rather commanding presence. A very regal bearing, if not birth, though that fact has been the subject of much speculation.
-
>What sort of speculation?
>Face forward and pay attention
-
>What sort of speculation?
>Just about every one of the teachers here and Mayoiga high has a few stories about them, some more fanciful than others. Kaguya Houraisan's stories are among the fanciest. Some say that she's far far older than she appears, and that she teaches classical literature because she herself wrote those stories ages ago. Or was the main character in them, and she is retelling her own tales. Some say that she was the first empress of Yamato, some say older still, that it was she who united the factions of these islands to form one nation. Some even say that she was once a princess of the moon, though that story doesn't get mentioned much, what with the Lunar people having such a.. stigma attached to them. It hasn't been that long since the last war, and Kaguya is rather well liked.
>She does drive a Porsche 928, which is not a cheap car by any stretch of the imagination. This has yielded tales of her being from old money, that her family is royalty in another part of the world, or that she made her fortunes ages past and still has not exhausted them all. A less popular theory is that she is secretly married to an oil baron, or a cruise liner owner, or some other equally obscenely wealthy man.
>Of equal speculation is her relationship with Mokou Fujiwara, the gym teacher, who drives a Lamborghini Gallardo. If you remember Marissa correctly, that's an even more expensive car than Kaguya's Porsche. Some say that the two of them go back a long way, that Kaguya bought Mokou her car before their falling out, and some say the reverse is true. It is no debate whatsoever that the two consider each other their natural enemy, that they contest each other at every possible opportunity, from car races, to homeroom test scores, to the hand of Keine, to who has the longer hair. Obviously some of these competitions are the result of pure school gossip, but the rivalry between the two is not.
>Face forward and pay attention
>Speculation or no, no one speculates during either one of their classes. Houraisan-sensei's class today, however, is a bit understated from her usual fare. She distributes a handout to the class and then discusses the bullet points one by one. This is rather unusual for her, as she doesn't distribute handouts unless it's part of a very rare text. You'd almost guess that something has her distracted, like her mind's not completely in the classroom, which is also very unusual for her. It's hardly obvious, you'd be surprised if anyone really noticed, but you've always been rather perceptive of little details, especially when it's someone you're familiar with.
>While she may be a little distracted, that does not detract from the quality of her lesson. She may be using an unusual method, but she handles each point quite thoroughly and finishes her handout just before the end of class, almost as if she'd timed it. She doesn't linger after class, however, departing almost as soon as Murasa calls on the class to rise and bow.
-
>Rise and stretch
>"Well, that felt like a rather long day."
>Let the students disperse a little, then speak discretely to Rin: "I should head to the nurse's office now, for that checkup. I don't think there's any need for you to wait up for me, unless you wanted to."
-
>Rise and stretch
>"Well, that felt like a rather long day."
>Let the students disperse a little, then speak discretely to Rin: "I should head to the nurse's office now, for that checkup. I don't think there's any need for you to wait up for me, unless you wanted to."
>Letty folds her arms and nods. "Windy, rainy days can feel like that sometimes." She rises herself while adding, "I wish it were winter already."
>After she meanders off, likely going home to catch up on the sleep she missed last night, you have a word with Rin. "I cin get started on dinner, if ya like." she suggests.
-
>"That sounds nice, thank you."
-
>"That sounds nice, thank you."
>Rin nods. "Oh, and I left your umbrella in the rack by the entrance, fer when you're done wit' Okuu."
-
>Nod
>"Thank you. I shall see you a little later."
>Depart and make our way to the nurse's office
-
>Nod
>"Thank you. I shall see you a little later."
>Depart and make our way to the nurse's office
>Parting ways with your own personal catgirl, you pause at the classroom exit for a moment. No doubt some of your fans will accost you about that tiger picture between here and the infirmary. You wonder if any of them will, or have, made the connection that Reisen did. No doubt it'll be rumored, if nothing else.
>To your surprise, however, you are not stopped as you leave the classroom. The students in the vicinity are all otherwise engaged, either in conversations with each other or having gathered around Sanae. No surprise there. You allow yourself to feel slightly relieved at not having to field the same question again, at least for now.
>Descending the stairs down to the ground floor, you pause for a moment at the spot where you touched that doll. For a moment, you wonder what would have happened if you'd simply gone on your way. But you don't regret your choice. That action led to you receiving your power, and though it has come at a price, Lily, Kyouko, Kiku, and many many others have been saved by it. No. There is no regret. Better that you pay that price than someone else.
>That said, however, you're just as glad to reach the infirmary conscious this time, rather than wake up with a blinding headache again. The room is empty, save Utsuho herself, who stands at one of the rain-streaked windows, watching the leafless cherry tree outside blow in the wind, her expression thoughtful, contemplative.
-
>"It's a dreary day out, isn't it?"
-
>"It's a dreary day out, isn't it?"
>Utsuho makes a quiet affirmative noise. "Always makes me feel off, when I can't see the sun."
-
>"The daytime does seem to lack a certain cheer without it, yes. Here's to brighter skies and fewer umbrellas."
>"Also, it looks like I probably won't be able to make 4:35 tomorrow, after all. But I appreciate the offer nonetheless."
-
>"The daytime does seem to lack a certain cheer without it, yes. Here's to brighter skies and fewer umbrellas."
>"Also, it looks like I probably won't be able to make 4:35 tomorrow, after all. But I appreciate the offer nonetheless."
>The raven winged nurse laughs a short quiet laugh. "Here, here."
>Utsuho nods. "Friday's still on the books. If need be, of course."
-
>Nod
>"So... what do you need me to do now?"
-
>Nod
>"So... what do you need me to do now?"
>Utsuho sighs slowly, fingering her strange eye-ball like necklace. She then visibly pulls herself together, to the task at hand. "Have a seat, Hijiri-san." she replies, business-like as she always is when discussing medical matters. "I'd like to ask you some questions, and have a look at your head."
-
>"Of course."
>Take a seat
-
>"Of course."
>Take a seat
>As you seat yourself upon one of the beds, Utsuho retrieves a light from the desk. "Have you experienced any unexplained dizziness in the past few days? Excessive fatigue? Any sudden changes in mood?"
-
>Well, we sort of have experienced unusual dizziness and fatigue lately, just... for very different reasons than that bump on the noggin.
>We haven't experienced any dizziness that we could not attribute to the presence of various supernatural forces, have we?
-
>Well, we sort of have experienced unusual dizziness and fatigue lately, just... for very different reasons than that bump on the noggin.
>We haven't experienced any dizziness that we could not attribute to the presence of various supernatural forces, have we?
>If she only knew...
>You have not. You were just a touch unbalanced after riding Kiku, but that's to be expected for an inexperienced rider on an exotic mount.
-
>"I don't believe so, no."
-
>"I don't believe so, no."
>She takes a moment to assess that one, then continues, "Any blurred vision? Hearing loss, ringing in the ears?"
-
>Shake our head
>"No, and my balance has felt fine as well."
-
>Shake our head
>"No, and my balance has felt fine as well."
>"Good, that was my next question." Utsuho replies. "Any nausea? Trouble sleeping, unusually bad nightmares?"
-
>Nightmares, perhaps... Unusual given the circumstances...? Perhaps not.
>Shake our head again
>"None to speak of."
-
>Nightmares, perhaps... Unusual given the circumstances...? Perhaps not.
>Shake our head again
>"None to speak of."
>That gives Utsuho a little pause. "Does that mean you have been having nightmares, just not bad ones? It's important. Nightmares are a common symptom of the kind of fall you had."
-
>Other than the dream last night, we haven't had an unusual number of bad ones, have we?
>Not that a larger number of nightmares might be at all strange given how life has been for us lately....
>But assuming the above is true: "Well, I had something of an unpleasant dream last night, but other than that, no. Surely that on its own couldn't mean much, would it?"
-
>Other than the dream last night, we haven't had an unusual number of bad ones, have we?
>Not that a larger number of nightmares might be at all strange given how life has been for us lately....
>But assuming the above is true: "Well, I had something of an unpleasant dream last night, but other than that, no. Surely that on its own couldn't mean much, would it?"
>Not in the past several months. As a matter of fact, that one you had last night was the first bad dream you've had in two months, not since the night you dreamed Konngara came to Moonside to take Rin back by force. That was a bad one.
>The youkai nurse thinks about that for a minute. "If that's the only thing, it's probably just a coincidence. That was the only bad dream since your fall?"
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>"And you haven't had any unexplained headaches, or ones more severe than normal? Any lapses in concentration, gaps in your memory?"
-
>There was a rather conspicuous gap in our memory, in fact, but that also stems from another source....
>Man, we've clearly suffered so many concussion-associated symptoms that this whole Lotus affair is probably just some sort of mind-addled hallucination, too...
>"No, I don't believe so."
-
>There was a rather conspicuous gap in our memory, in fact, but that also stems from another source....
>Man, we've clearly suffered so many concussion-associated symptoms that this whole Lotus affair is probably just some sort of mind-addled hallucination, too...
>"No, I don't believe so."
>At least he was good enough to put it back when the coast was clear.
>The zebra in the easy chair lowers its paper and looks at you with his yellow eyes. "Don't worry, it get better from here, Kevin.
>Utsuho hums thoughtfully, her feathers rustling. "Sometimes a nightmare IS just a nightmare." she concedes after a moment, producing her light from her coat pocket. "All right, I think that covers all the questions. Now, follow the light." she commands gently, holding the thing up to your eyes.
-
>
"So is the zebra an intern of yours? I don't believe we've met."
>Follow said light
-
>"So is the zebra an intern of yours? I don't believe we've met."
>Follow said light
>The zebra extends his pincer. "It's a pleasure, Kevin.
>"Don't mind him." Lancer says as he puts his feet up on Tenshi's back. "He calls everyone that."
>Utsuho passes the light to the left, then right, then back and forth again, then up and down twice. "Looks fine... Tilt your head, please." You do so, and she has a look inside your left ear. She hums again. "Would you walk around the room, please? At your normal pace."
-
>Take a casual walk around the room
-
>Take a casual walk around the room
>Utsuho keeps a close eye on your gait as you circumvent the room once. She seems satisfied. She dons her reading glasses and makes some notes. "All right, I think I've seen enough. Right now, my judgement would be that your head is fine. Since you're not reporting any lingering effects of the fall, and I can't detect any either. However, at this time, I'm not going to recommend we cancel the MRI on Friday. I want to consult Sensei before making that decision."
-
>"That is fine. I suppose you'll contact me if anything changes regarding that?"
-
>"That is fine. I suppose you'll contact me if anything changes regarding that?"
>Reizushi-sensei nods. "If she agrees with my assessment, then I'll contact you right away. If she still recommends the MRI, I'll tell you tomorrow."
>"You may think I'm worrying too much, but Sensei taught me never to take too many chances when dealing the brain. There's still a whole lot we don't know."
-
>Nod
>"Of course. I would certainly rather my doctor be overly cautious than not cautious enough, and this is hardly much inconvenience. I appreciate your care and concern."
-
>Nod
>"Of course. I would certainly rather my doctor be overly cautious than not cautious enough, and this is hardly much inconvenience. I appreciate your care and concern."
>"And if anything changes, any sudden headaches, any double vision, I don't want you taking any chances, either. Get yourself checked out right away."
-
>Nod
>"Yes, of course."
>Maybe.
-
>Nod
>"Yes, of course."
>Maybe.
>Gamely keeping your eyes from shifting, Utsuho appears pleased by your assurance. She removes her glasses again. "All right, then. I think we're done here for today. I'd still like to advise you avoid anything too stressful for another day or two, just to be safe." She smiles. "Of course, that's sound advice pretty much all the time."
-
>"Sound advice indeed."
>Also almost certainly impossible. Pity, that.
-
>"Sound advice indeed."
>Also almost certainly impossible. Pity, that.
>Utsuho consults her notes one more time, then speaks, "All right, well, thanks for seeing me. And take care on your way home."
>Being the Hero of the Heart comes with certain risks.
>And certain curious times as well, as while you have no sensation on your extra senses, a glance at your ring shows a yellow swirl of color in the middle of the gem that was not there before.
-
>...Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Too bad there's nobody we can ask about-wait, yes there is.
>Purpose, are you there?
-
>...Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Too bad there's nobody we can ask about-wait, yes there is.
>Purpose, are you there?
>Hard to say. This is a new one. So you ask a second opinion.
>Yes, Hero?
-
>"Do you need me for anything else?"
>My ring has changed. There is now a yellow swirl in the jewel. Do you know what this means?
-
>"Do you need me for anything else?"
>My ring has changed. There is now a yellow swirl in the jewel. Do you know what this means?
>Utsuho shakes her head. "I have what I need for now."
>It may be reacting to an external force. There's still much about your power that I do not know, but from what I have observed, your ring reacts to certain people. I don't fully understand yet why those people. However, if its color has changed, perhaps it is reacting to the person you are with in the same way it reacted to the others.
-
>"I'll see you another time, then."
>Let's find out.
>As we head out, keep an eye on the ring.
-
>"I'll see you another time, then."
>Let's find out.
>As we head out, keep an eye on the ring.
>Saying your goodbyes with the nurse, you depart the infirmary, keeping a discreet eye on the jewel in your ring as you go. Sure enough, the swirl of color fades as you put some distance between yourself and Utsuho.
-
>Did our ring exhibit any sort of similar change in color when it reacted to Rin, or even Kiku or Chie for that matter?
>But those were accompanied by a sensation as well, yes? While this was not?
-
>Did our ring exhibit any sort of similar change in color when it reacted to Rin, or even Kiku or Chie for that matter?
>But those were accompanied by a sensation as well, yes? While this was not?
>You didn't notice any change in color with Rin, and your ring didn't change color when it reacted to Chie. With Lily, however, the gemstone had a purple light before Lily's ring emerged. Likewise with Kiku, the jewel turned yellow before her ring manifested itself.
>Yes. In every experience before, you had a sensation that your ring was reacting to them. With Utsuho, there was no such sensation, merely the color. And even the color was different. With Lily and Kiku, the color was solid. With Utsuho, however, the yellow coloration was a spiral.
-
>Do we believe the spiral in our ring manifested only shortly before we noticed it, or is it possible it had been there for a much longer period of our appointment and we had simply never looked in that direction enough to catch it?
-
>Do we believe the spiral in our ring manifested only shortly before we noticed it, or is it possible it had been there for a much longer period of our appointment and we had simply never looked in that direction enough to catch it?
>You can't be sure.
-
>Try walking discretely back towards her office, without actually putting ourselves visibly in front of the doorway. Assuming the swirl returns, at what distance do we notice the response starting? And if we concentrate upon it, can we sense anything unusual?
-
>Try walking discretely back towards her office, without actually putting ourselves visibly in front of the doorway. Assuming the swirl returns, at what distance do we notice the response starting? And if we concentrate upon it, can we sense anything unusual?
>Experiment time.
>You take a few measured steps back towards her office, keeping your eye upon the jewel in your ring. But even when you stop just on the other side of the windowed door, your jewel's coloring remains consistant and yellow swirl-free.
-
>Was it still exhibiting the swirl at this distance as we were leaving?
-
>Was it still exhibiting the swirl at this distance as we were leaving?
>No. It stopped almost as soon as you left the room.
-
>Oh. Hmmm...
>On a different note, is there any place around school where we could reasonably expect to have a conversation in private at this time of day?
-
>Oh. Hmmm...
>On a different note, is there any place around school where we could reasonably expect to have a conversation in private at this time of day?
>Very curious.
>Certainly. The infirmary is one, as are certain classrooms if they're empty. There's a number of closets around the campus that can be ducked into for a chat, or for other purposes. Certain club rooms would also be empty, depending on if their club is meeting on that given day or not. There are also a number of places outside of the school buildings themselves where people go to seclude themselves, but these are not used frequently on stormy days such as this. Likewise there are hallways not frequently traveled.
-
>Find some place relatively discrete, but not so isolated that it would be strange for us to be found there, then pull out our cell phone and give Kiku a call
-
>Find some place relatively discrete, but not so isolated that it would be strange for us to be found there, then pull out our cell phone and give Kiku a call
>There is a washroom just down the hall from where you are, so you head in that direction. After checking the place for other occupants, and finding none, you produce your cell phone and dial the number you acquired from Kiku last night.
>After two rings, you hear a click and receive a recorded message of "The number you are attempting to dial is either out of your service area, or has their phone turned off."
-
>Hopefully she did give us the right number... though she also said she didn't use it much. Maybe she forgot to turn it on?
>We haven't received any text messages during class today, have we?
-
>Hopefully she did give us the right number... though she also said she didn't use it much. Maybe she forgot to turn it on?
>We haven't received any text messages during class today, have we?
>Kiku didn't seem the type to make an error like giving you the wrong number. But if she doesn't use it much, perhaps she did indeed simply forget to turn it on.
>Checking your text messages, you do find one in your inbox, but it is from Marissa. It is timestamped just after the beginning of second class.
-
>Check the message
-
>Check the message
>It reads, "Don't fall asleep in class now, Sleeping Beauty. ;)"
-
>Well, at least we managed that bit okay.
>Give Lily a call.
-
>Well, at least we managed that bit okay.
>Give Lily a call.
>Minor victories sure beat none at all.
>You dial Lily's number, and someone picks up on the seventh ring. A sleepy voice mumbles something that sounds like, "hello?"
-
>"Hello, Lily? It's Byakuren. I hope I didn't wake you...."
-
>"Hello, Lily? It's Byakuren. I hope I didn't wake you...."
>*mumble*
-
>"Oh, well... if you're still exhausted, I can call back later. It's not important; I just thought I'd see how you were doing."
-
>"Oh, well... if you're still exhausted, I can call back later. It's not important; I just thought I'd see how you were doing."
>"Mnau I.. *yawn* Oh, that's you, Byakuren. *yawn* Iszis.... supposed to happen? I never woke up tired before."
-
>"I was extremely exhausted the day after I first used that power, yes. It was better this time, so it may simply need getting used to."
-
>"I was extremely exhausted the day after I first used that power, yes. It was better this time, so it may simply need getting used to."
>The blonde yawns again, and you can hear her wings stretching in the background. "Hope so." After a brief pause, she asks, "How are you feeling?"
-
>"A bit weary, but I've managed a math exam and a day of classes without too much trouble and I'm still awake enough. So if I can serve as any indication, it definitely gets easier."
-
>"A bit weary, but I've managed a math exam and a day of classes without too much trouble and I'm still awake enough. So if I can serve as any indication, it definitely gets easier."
>You hear one of Lily's joints pop, then another. "I think I like easier."
-
>"No arguments there."
>"Oh, by the way, last night I gave your number to Kiku, in case we needed to contact each other in an emergency. I hope you don't mind?"
-
>"No arguments there."
>"Oh, by the way, last night I gave your number to Kiku, in case we needed to contact each other in an emergency. I hope you don't mind?"
>"Isn't that what-" She stops herself, and finishes her question in a quieter voice. "Can't we do that with our rings?"
-
>"Well, Kiku couldn't, last time she tried. Maybe she eventually will, but I thought this would be prudent in the interim at least."
>"Though speaking of that, there was something I wanted to test."
>Try to reach out to Lily through our ring: Can you hear me?
-
>"Well, Kiku couldn't, last time she tried. Maybe she eventually will, but I thought this would be prudent in the interim at least."
>"Though speaking of that, there was something I wanted to test."
>Try to reach out to Lily through our ring: Can you hear me?
>"'Prudent?'" She ponders that one for a few seconds. "Oh, 'smart'. Yeah, good idea."
>"Test?"
>Her voice returns instantly, Uh huh.
-
>Do we know about how far away Lily lives?
>If not: About how far away from the school are you currently?
-
>Do we know about how far away Lily lives?
>If not: About how far away from the school are you currently?
>You do not.
>Uh... couple miles? Little less, I think?
-
>That's decent range, though at some point I would like to test just how far we can theoretically reach. One end of town to the other is much further than that, after all.
>The Metal Tiger Shrine is quite a bit further away from here than that, as well, yes?
-
>That's decent range, though at some point I would like to test just how far we can theoretically reach. One end of town to the other is much further than that, after all.
>The Metal Tiger Shrine is quite a bit further away from here than that, as well, yes?
>No kiddin'. Mayoiga's a big place.
>You're not quite sure how far from the school the Shrine is, but would have to be at least twice that distance, probably more.
-
>"Well, something to test when you're your sprightly self again. But other than feeling tired, is everything else okay?"
-
>"Well, something to test when you're your sprightly self again. But other than feeling tired, is everything else okay?"
>You choice of words draws a giggle from Lily. 'Sprightly'. I like that. But yeah, 'part from that, everything's peachy. I actually woke up a couple hours ago... Hours? What time is it? She pauses. Wow, when'd it get that late?
-
>"Hours ago? You sounded convincingly as though I had woken you up with my phone call."
-
>"Hours ago? You sounded convincingly as though I had woken you up with my phone call."
>"You did. I woke up, but it didn't work, so I nodded off again."
-
>"Oh. Fair enough. In any case, I'm glad to hear that you're doing okay - well-earned naps notwithstanding. I'll leave you to you rest; hopefully today will be a little less hectic than yesterday was."
-
>"Oh. Fair enough. In any case, I'm glad to hear that you're doing okay - well-earned naps notwithstanding. I'll leave you to you rest; hopefully today will be a little less hectic than yesterday was."
>"Mmmm.... I'm thinking breakfast, I like the sound of breakfast." Her feathers rustle in the background. She then comes back with, "Ugh. Yeah, less hectic would be good, it's nasty out there."
-
>"Ah yes, the weather as well - all the more reason to hope for a laid-back evening. Well, I shall bid you farewell for now. Enjoy your breakfast and take it easy."
-
>"Ah yes, the weather as well - all the more reason to hope for a laid-back evening. Well, I shall bid you farewell for now. Enjoy your breakfast and take it easy."
>Lily yawns again, though you can picture her smiling face as she says, "See ya."
-
>"Goodbye."
>Hang up the phone and give Kiku another ring.
>If we get no answer, leave her a text: "Just thought I'd see how the party went last night. Call me when you're free."
-
>"Goodbye."
>Hang up the phone and give Kiku another ring.
>If we get no answer, leave her a text: "Just thought I'd see how the party went last night. Call me when you're free."
>Having touched base with Lily, you try Kiku again, and as before, her phone appears to be inactive. So you settle for sending her a text message instead.
-
>Reach out to the Purpose again.
>Purpose, I have a few more questions for you. Is that alright?
-
>Reach out to the Purpose again.
>Purpose, I have a few more questions for you. Is that alright?
>I will answer, if I am able.
-
>Thank you. First of all, you are the incarnation of the purpose of the barrier that separates my world from that of the demons, yes?
Assuming an affirmative: >Does that mean that you have existed for as long as the barrier itself has existed?
-
>Thank you. First of all, you are the incarnation of the purpose of the barrier that separates my world from that of the demons, yes?
Assuming an affirmative: >Does that mean that you have existed for as long as the barrier itself has existed?
>My knowledge of the language of this side is limited, but I will answer as best as I can.
>I AM the barrier, that which was created to separate the demons from this world. This part of the barrier is a reflection of that purpose.
-
>In that case, how long have you existed?
-
>In that case, how long have you existed?
>Since the demons were cast out of your world.
-
>Does that mean this was originally their home as well?
>How long ago was this?
-
>Does that mean this was originally their home as well?
>How long ago was this?
>I do not have that answer. I was meant only to separate their world and this one. It is possible that they did originate in this world. It is also possible that Terrans, like yourself, originated in what is now their world. The information is not part of what I am.
>If you mean in terms of your numbers, I do not know. But I believe the number would be a large one.
-
>If you are unfamiliar with the numbers, perhaps you can answer in relative terms? How much further back were you created compared with the last time battle was waged against the demons in this land?
-
>If you are unfamiliar with the numbers, perhaps you can answer in relative terms? How much further back were you created compared with the last time battle was waged against the demons in this land?
>I think the correct term to use is 'ages ago'.
-
>Do you know who created you?
-
>Do you know who created you?
>I do not know who put the barrier in place. But I do know that it is made up, in large part, of the four Animal Gods of your world. Their lives fuel what I am.
-
>Earlier, you said that the Metal Tiger had been destroyed before the creation of the barrier."
-
>Earlier, you said that the Metal Tiger had been destroyed before the creation of the barrier."
>It was, but it's life flows through me. It was dead before I was created. If I am using the terms correctly, I suspect that the barrier was created from the life force of the four Animal Gods.
-
>Does that connection allow you any contact with the echos of those gods? If indeed the others linger as the Metal Tiger does?
-
>Does that connection allow you any contact with the echos of those gods? If indeed the others linger as the Metal Tiger does?
>I do not believe so. I had no idea you had spoken with the Metal Tiger until you informed me. But I could attempt to make contact, if you believe it will help.
-
>At present, I think not. But depending on how matters go regarding the issue at the shrine, I may ask again later.
>On a related topic, have you sensed the presence of any more demons crossing in this world, aside from the one whose youma I encountered initially?
-
>At present, I think not. But depending on how matters go regarding the issue at the shrine, I may ask again later.
>On a related topic, have you sensed the presence of any more demons crossing in this world, aside from the one whose youma I encountered initially?
>As you wish.
>I have not. There remains only the one demon in your world at the present time. What of the demon you imprisoned?
-
>I was actually meaning to ask you how well you could still sense that one, and whether you had any idea how plausible it is that it could escape from its prison. And would you be aware of it trying, or in particular succeeding?
-
>I was actually meaning to ask you how well you could still sense that one, and whether you had any idea how plausible it is that it could escape from its prison. And would you be aware of it trying, or in particular succeeding?
>I have no sense of that demon at the moment. If it escaped into this world, however, I would sense its presence. It has crossed the barrier once. If it reentered this world, I would know. However, if it was merely making an attempt, I would say that I would not sense it. My senses for the demons are limited to this world. Which means that if it escaped back into its own world, I would not be aware of it.
-
>Can we sense the presence of the demon in the bubble we created for it, if we focus upon it?
>I hope you do not take this the wrong way, but if you are a barrier that lies between two worlds, why do your senses only work in the one of them and not the other?
-
>Can we sense the presence of the demon in the bubble we created for it, if we focus upon it?
>I hope you do not take this the wrong way, but if you are a barrier that lies between two worlds, why do your senses only work in the one of them and not the other?
>Stretching out your extra senses, you feel around for the dimensional bubble you crafted for the demon. It's an odd sensation, not quite like anything you've sensed before, but after several moments, your 'fingers' land upon the Rainbow Oubliette where lies the Champion of Water. It feels at once very far away from you, and yet somehow right at the end of your arm. It's a slightly taxing sensation.
>I was created to ensure the demons never crossed into this world. That they never plague this world is that which I am. I cannot sense their presence in their own world because I do not need to sense their presence in their world. Only this one. That is why I can sense 'escapees', but not 'residents'.
>What do you mean by 'the wrong way'?
-
>Can we sense the demon inside the bubble, or just the bubble itself?
>I suppose that makes sense. And I only meant that I did not intend offense at questioning your abilities; perhaps I am mistaken in applying Terran social rules to our interaction, but that is what I know
-
>Can we sense the demon inside the bubble, or just the bubble itself?
>I suppose that makes sense. And I only meant that I did not intend offense at questioning your abilities; perhaps I am mistaken in applying Terran social rules to our interaction, but that is what I know
>At the moment, you can only sense the bubble. But it feels intact and solid.
>Offense? Ah, yes, the Terran sentiment. But you should know what I am capable of, if it will aid you in your battles to come. Unless I am mistaken, the appropriate response would be 'Don't worry about it'.
>"Byakuren?"
-
>...did someone walk in here without us noticing it?
>Turn to the voice. Who's there?
-
>...did someone walk in here without us noticing it?
>Turn to the voice. Who's there?
>Quite possibly.
>Slightly to your right stands Marissa, looking a little confused and concerned. "You okay, girl?"
-
>Smile and try not to look too ruffled
>"Oh, I'm fine. Just lost in thought, a little."
-
>Smile and try not to look too ruffled
>"Oh, I'm fine. Just lost in thought, a little."
>Pulling yourself back together, you address Marissa's concerns.
>"Real lost, I'd say." Your blonde friend retorts, placing her hands on her hips. "I stomped up on ya with all the grace of a gut-shot rhino. I knew you could concentrate, but damn, girl."
-
>Let out a little self-effacing chuckle
>"Yes, perhaps I was a little far away at that moment. What're you doing hanging around school at this hour, anyway?"
-
>Let out a little self-effacing chuckle
>"Yes, perhaps I was a little far away at that moment. What're you doing hanging around school at this hour, anyway?"
>"I could ask you the same thing." Marissa retorts with a grin. "No way your tennis group's practicing today, and the gym's booked too." She cups the point of her chin with two fingers. "If I were a bettin' girl, if you're here at this time, I'd guess you were having a word with the good doctor Okuu. Am I right?"
-
>"You are right indeed. And she gave me as clean a bill of health as her examination could provide, if case you're worried I was ruminating about that."
-
>"You are right indeed. And she gave me as clean a bill of health as her examination could provide, if case you're worried I was ruminating about that."
>Marissa chuckles. "Matter of fact, I was. I know you pretty well, and you've usually got something pretty heavy on your mind when you get that real faraway look on your pretty little face. And when you put that together with proximity to Utsuho..."
-
>"Understandable. But you needn't worry about that; I feel fine, my head feels fine, and there's every indication that I really am fine."
>Slight grin
>"And you never answered my question."
-
>"Understandable. But you needn't worry about that; I feel fine, my head feels fine, and there's every indication that I really am fine."
>Slight grin
>"And you never answered my question."
>"And I bet you're tired of people worryin'." Marissa says, her cheerful self again.
>She places her hand dramatically over her breast. "Touch?." She jerks her thumb behind her, towards the door. "And I was actually about to pay our nurse a visit myself."
-
>Tentative smile
>"Oh? Should I be worrying about you instead?"
-
>Tentative smile
>"Oh? Should I be worrying about you instead?"
>"Heck, no. I'm indestructible!" Marissa assures you of her health in a very Marissa way. And then her smile sobers ever so slightly in that Marissa way. "But I know that days like this make her feel lousy and melancholy. So I'm gonna cheer her up a bit. And I probably won't have to work as hard as I'd thought, since she's checked you out and called you healthy. Makes her feel better when we're all healthy."
-
>"The sentiment is shared. Sadly, I don't think this weather's going to go away just from wishful thinking, so I probably should get the unpleasantness over with."
-
>"The sentiment is shared. Sadly, I don't think this weather's going to go away just from wishful thinking, so I probably should get the unpleasantness over with."
>"Ya might wanna consider taking it easy today." Marissa advises, inspecting your face. "You're still lookin' a mite tired around the eyes."
-
>"A good catnap or two will deal with that. I'll probably be heading home for a bit soon, anyway."
-
>"Yeah, I probably didn't get enough sleep last night, but math exams are implacable. I'll be okay."
>How tired do we feel, currently?
-
>"Yeah, I probably didn't get enough sleep last night, but math exams are implacable. I'll be okay."
>"A good catnap or two will deal with that. I'll probably be heading home for a bit soon, anyway."
>"Proper thing."
>How tired do we feel, currently?
>Tired enough that a nap sounds like a capital idea. You're not so tired as to prevent you from going about your daily affairs if you so chose, but you're a few hours sleep away from fresh.
-
>"Well, good luck spreading some cheer to Utsuho. I shall go tackle the rain."
>Assuming no further remark, say our goodbyes and head towards where Rin said she stashed our umbrella.
>Along the way, if we can manage at least this level of concentration while moving without tripping over ourselves or looking wierd, reach out to the Purpose again: My apologies; I was interrupted. I do still have a few more questions.
-
>"Well, good luck spreading some cheer to Utsuho. I shall go tackle the rain."
>Assuming no further remark, say our goodbyes and head towards where Rin said she stashed our umbrella.
>Along the way, if we can manage at least this level of concentration while moving without tripping over ourselves or looking wierd, reach out to the Purpose again: My apologies; I was interrupted. I do still have a few more questions.
>Marissa gives you a quick hug, then musses your hair a bit. "An' say hi to Rin for me, too."
>With that done, you exit the washroom and head for the main exit. The sound of Utsuho singing a melancholy song wafts down the hallway. You find yourself frowning. She's a lovely woman with a kind heart. Melancholy doesn't suit her. But you know Marissa can help alleviate at least some of that, so you set your heart at ease.
>You pass by a tall youkai with insect antennae, cradling her arm as she goes, making her way towards the nurse's office. She wears the uniform of the basketball team, which likely accounts for her injury. You exchange greetings, she confirms your assumption into her health, she assures you she is fine, and continues on her way.
>After you pass the young baller, you reach out and make contact with the Purpose once more. I shall answer as best as I can. returns the dry voice.
-
>Is it theoretically possible that a demon could mask itself from your senses?
>Speaking of which, what happened at the CRA when you said that something was wrong; to what were you referring? I gathered this wrongness was something more than just the presence of the demon and its servants, yes?
-
>Is it theoretically possible that a demon could mask itself from your senses?
>Speaking of which, what happened at the CRA when you said that something was wrong; to what were you referring? I gathered this wrongness was something more than just the presence of the demon and its servants, yes?
>What does 'theoretical' mean?
>What is the 'CRA'?
-
>By 'theoretical', I simply ask whether you can imagine a way in which this is possible.
>The CRA is the building where we confronted the Champion of Water.
-
>By 'theoretical', I simply ask whether you can imagine a way in which this is possible.
>The CRA is the building where we confronted the Champion of Water.
>I know of no way for an escaped demon to elude my awareness. By the very nature of their presence in this world, they would have to pass through that which I am.
>The demon... 'hijacked' the link between you and I. It sensed the communication between yourself and I, and impressed itself upon your mind that way. That is one of the reasons I could not risk communication with you much beyond that point. I could not risk that happening again, nor could I risk the demon assaulting the barrier though this extension of myself. When the Purpose is manifested in your world, it is a vulnerability. Any damage to that manifestation will be reflected upon the barrier, and the barrier is already weak.
-
>Does this mean your physical form in this world is at risk, if they find you?
>If so, do you possess some means to defend yourself against assault?
>You say the barrier is weak. How can it be strengthened?
>Also, did you not say earlier that the means by which the demons passed through you was still unclear to you?
-
>Does this mean your physical form in this world is at risk, if they find you?
>If so, do you possess some means to defend yourself against assault?
>You say the barrier is weak. How can it be strengthened?
>Also, did you not say earlier that the means by which the demons passed through you was still unclear to you?
>Correct. That is also why I concealed myself from the sites of your battles yesterday.
>No. While I am manifested in this world, I have no means of defending myself beyond a limited capacity for flight.
>Infusions of energy from this world could repair the weakening of the barrier. But I am unaware of any sources of such energy, except the means the demons themselves employ. Theoretically, other sources could be used, but I am unaware of any at this time.
>The method of their escape differs from every time previous. They have never been able to force their way through myself.
-
>So you know where they passed through you, but not how?
>Do you know why the barrier is weakening? Has this been going on for a long time, or was it a recent development?
>What do you mean by 'the means the demons themselves employ'? Are you referring to how they were draining energy from people?
-
>So you know where they passed through you, but not how?
>Do you know why the barrier is weakening? Has this been going on for a long time, or was it a recent development?
>What do you mean by 'the means the demons themselves employ'? Are you referring to how they were draining energy from people?
>The only explanation is the two that have come through were able to force their passage through the barrier between worlds.
>It has been slowly weakening for a very long time. I do not know why. The weakening was not as advanced when I was last made manifest. I shall have to give the matter some... thought.
>Correct. Terran energy could be used to strengthen the barrier just as easily as it has been used to strengthen demon assaults against it.
>This exchange takes you to the immediate proximity of the main entrance/exit. However, you detect the sounds of an argument from the vicinity, and the fluttering of at least two sets of fairy wings.
-
>Glance in the direction of the noise. If we cannot see the source from here, approach so that we can
>Can we tell what they are arguing about?
-
>Glance in the direction of the noise. If we cannot see the source from here, approach so that we can
>Can we tell what they are arguing about?
>The entrance is currently just around the corner to your left, so you move up to have a better look. As you take the first step, however, one of the two fairys comes barreling around the corner heading towards you, clutching your umbrella protectively to her diminutive chest, crying, "I'll protect it no matter what!" You recognize the little one as Luna Child, a fairy whom you befriended over the summer and who considers herself your biggest fan.
-
>Does she seem to see us or is she too busy barreling forward?
-
>Does she seem to see us or is she too busy barreling forward?
>Her eyes are closed, so she definitely cannot see you at the moment. And even if she could, she's going at a pretty high rate of speed. A collision seems imminent.
-
>Running with one's eyes closed sounds like a very dubious tactic....
>Try to bend down and scoop her up as she comes in, pivoting to the side as we do to avoid her propelling all of her momentum against us
-
>Running with one's eyes closed sounds like a very dubious tactic....
>Try to bend down and scoop her up as she comes in, pivoting to the side as we do to avoid her propelling all of her momentum against us
>She seems to think it makes her go faster. You've tried to teach her the error of this, but, Luna isn't as good a learner as you might like her to be. She's a good listener, but she doesn't hear well.
>Putting your athleticism to good use, you crouch slightly and drop your center of balance, stretching out your arms in preparation. Just like receiving a serve. You neatly field the dashing fairy, hoisting her off the ground in a surprisingly graceful twirl, sending your gradient hair spinning around you as you lift Luna and simultaneously diffuse her forward momentum. Like a Boss.
>Her new position nestled in your arms does nothing to stop her legs from maintaining their pumping motion, however, and her eyes remain tightly shut. You're quite certain she has no idea she is now a couple of feet off the ground. She can be very focused, when she wants to be.
>The fairy she was running from comes flying around the corner just in time to see your scoop & pirouette combination. Unsurprisingly, it is Sunny Milk, up to one of her usual tricks again. She takes one look at you, and widens her eyes. "Wow..." She then realizes who she's looking at, and recoils, shouting a brief but loud "Gah!" as she turns and buzzes away down the corridor.
>Even amidst the antics of the pair of fairies, you do not miss your ring pulsing in reaction to Luna's proximity.
-
>Visibly? Or just in terms of sensation?
>Gently: "You can stop running now. Thank you for keeping my umbrella safe."
-
>Visibly? Or just in terms of sensation?
>Gently: "You can stop running now. Thank you for keeping my umbrella safe."
>You haven't looked at it yet, but there's a definite sensation.
>Luna's legs pinwheel for a moment more before she opens her eyes. And then closes them. And reopens them. Then her legs stop, her wings stiffen, and her face turns rather red. It would seem she now realizes where she is.
-
>Grin. "Unless you were trying to run off with it?"
-
>Grin. "Unless you were trying to run off with it?"
>Luna's head rocks back and forth in negation quick enough to make YOU shake.
-
>Give her a wide smile
>"It's okay. I know you weren't."
>Set her gently back upon the ground
-
>Give her a wide smile
>"It's okay. I know you weren't."
>Set her gently back upon the ground
>Luna's face had paled upon your insinuation, but your smile and gentle assurance returns the color to her face. And then some.
>Setting her back down upon the ground, you take a quick glance at your ring. More than one color dances within the jewel's facets, a mixture of purple, pink, white and green.
>Luna's mouth flaps and works indicating normal speech, but no sound comes out. She seems confused, her eyes angling downward at her traitorous mouth, and then sees that your umbrella is still in her hands. Blushing again, she practically doubles over in bowing, thrusting the accessory out towards you.
-
>Take it.
>"Thank you."
-
>Accept the proffered umbrella with a smile
>"It's nice to know I have such earnest people looking out for me."
-
>Take it.
>"Thank you."
>Accept the proffered umbrella with a smile
>"It's nice to know I have such earnest people looking out for me."
>Luna straightens, still blushing furiously but smiling. Knowing her, you don't think she can speak at the present time. Her voice seems to abandon her when she gets flustered, and takes a bit to come back.
>Or at least it normally does, but she manages to find enough it to say, rather quietly, "Happy to help..."
-
>"Well, I should be heading home now. I hope you have a good evening, Luna."
>Give her a little pat on the head, then depart the school and head home
-
>"Well, I should be heading home now. I hope you have a good evening, Luna."
>Give her a little pat on the head, then depart the school and head home
>Luna laughs a small, brilliant laugh, then flutters off down the hallway, pleased as punch at her valiant defense of your property.
>The rain outside seems to have slackened a little, but the wind is still fiercely blowing. You keep a tight grip on your umbrella as you exit the school and make your way off of the school grounds, down the road towards the Moonside apartments. Traffic on the road outside of school is light, both on the road and in terms of foot traffic. In fact, the only body you see between the school exit and home is Meiling, nailing tarps over a few of her flowers. You consider stopping to offer help, but you know she has things well in hand. She's done this before.
>The lights are on in most of the Moonside apartments, save Letty's and yours. Your apartment being dark doesn't surprise you too much. Rin said she was going to start on supper, but if the lights are off, that probably means she's stepped down to Minoriko's for advice, or supplies, or assistance, or perhaps all of the above. You've no doubt she'll give you an update soon.
>Less mundane, however, is the sight that awaits you sitting outside your apartment door, which you spy as you climb the stairs. It is the doll-like form of the Purpose.
-
>Slight frown
>Does it seem to have noticed us? Can we make out anything about its bearing?
>No one else is around, yes?
>Is the doll getting rained on or is it beneath shelter of some sort?
-
>Slight frown
>Does it seem to have noticed us? Can we make out anything about its bearing?
>No one else is around, yes?
>Is the doll getting rained on or is it beneath shelter of some sort?
>It is sitting with its back leaning against your door. It has not looked in your direction.
>No one else is around.
>There is an awning over your front door, and the rain is not blowing sideways onto the balcony. For the moment, neither you nor it are being rained upon.
-
>Approach
>Quietly: "What are you doing here?"
-
>Approach
>Quietly: "What are you doing here?"
>As I mentioned earlier, in this form, I have no means of defending myself from demonic attack. All things considered, proximity to you would seem to be the safest place for this extension of myself to be.
-
>That does make sense, but until now you had not done this. I assumed you were in a safe location elsewhere. Has anything changed?
>How animate does the doll look, again?
-
>That does make sense, but until now you had not done this. I assumed you were in a safe location elsewhere. Has anything changed?
>How animate does the doll look, again?
>The ability of the Champion of Water to detect and corrupt the link between is a cause for concern, as you would say. I cannot permit that to happen again.
>It looks like a finely crafted doll, perhaps of Bonn-manufacture. But it doesn't look animate at all, at least not at the moment. You know it can move, but it shows no sign of it at present.
-
>That is a fair point. Does this mean that I should carry you around with me as I travel about my daily affairs?
>Is it small enough that we could comfortably put it inside our backpack, with the rest of the stuff still inside it? Assuming the environs wouldn't be a little off-putting to a 'living' thing....
-
>That is a fair point. Does this mean that I should carry you around with me as I travel about my daily affairs?
>Is it small enough that we could comfortably put it inside our backpack, with the rest of the stuff still inside it? Assuming the environs wouldn't be a little off-putting to a 'living' thing....
>That decision is yours to make. I believe this extension of the barrier should be safe in your home, provided the demons do not locate it. However, if you desire my proximity, then that is acceptable.
>It would fit quite easily in your backpack, or one of the larger pockets in your usual coat.
-
>So it's quite a small doll, then?
>Whatever you think most tactically sound. Though for now, I suppose I should let you inside.
>Open our door, then glance awkwardly at the doll
>I understand that you can move without my help, but given the reactions this could draw from passersby, I think it best if you let me carry you instead. I hope you don't mind?
-
>So it's quite a small doll, then?
>Whatever you think most tactically sound. Though for now, I suppose I should let you inside.
>Open our door, then glance awkwardly at the doll
>I understand that you can move without my help, but given the reactions this could draw from passersby, I think it best if you let me carry you instead. I hope you don't mind?
>It is.
>As you wish.
>I do not mind. That is why I remained stationary once I reached this location. I am aware of the complications of a Terran being seen with a 'living doll'. It is my aim to make your task easier, not more difficult.
-
>Very well, then.
>Pick up the doll and enter our apartment.
>Then find a place in our room to stash it for now.
-
>Very well, then.
>Pick up the doll and enter our apartment.
>Then find a place in our room to stash it for now.
>Scooping the doll off the ground, you get out of the cold and safely indoors. Once you get your dripping raincoat and umbrella tucked away and your shoes off, you make for your room and place the doll on your bookshelf, in front of one of your anatomy books.
>Rest assured, Hero, the doll continues, none of the other Terrans who occupy this building will know of what this form is.
-
>Nod
>Thank you.
>Oh, one other thing I meant to ask. The demon who is still at-large... do you know where she is?
-
>Nod
>Thank you.
>Oh, one other thing I meant to ask. The demon who is still at-large... do you know where she is?
>At the moment, that demon is concealing itself from me. I tried to locate it when you were battling its youma, but my efforts failed.
-
>Very well. Please notify me if this changes.
>Exit our room and head towards the kitchen. Does it look like supper has gotten put on yet, after all?
-
>Very well. Please notify me if this changes.
>Exit our room and head towards the kitchen. Does it look like supper has gotten put on yet, after all?
>Immediately.
>A glance at the kitchen reveals a small pan and a large pot placed upon the stove, and a cutting board in place on the counter next to them, but no food is in evidence.
-
>Go plop on the couch and let ourselves rest for a little bit, and wait for Rin to show up
-
>Go plop on the couch and let ourselves rest for a little bit, and wait for Rin to show up
>You do not have a couch.
-
>Well, presumably we have some sort of place to comfortably recline. Go do so.
-
>Well, presumably we have some sort of place to comfortably recline. Go do so.
>You do have two chairs in the living room, one at your desk and one in the corner of the room facing the TV. That one being the comfier of the two, you take a well deserved flop and relax, glancing outside at the clouds streaming past.
>May I ask you a question now, Hero? the Purpose speaks into your mind.
-
>Certainly
-
>Certainly
>What do you intend to do with the demon you captured?
-
>Ideally? Somehow find a way to encourage it down a path different than the one it had taken; teach it that its given role is not a foregone conclusion and that there are other ways to live than at the expense of innocent lives. I... do not think I harbor any illusions about how difficult this may be, but as long as it is a freely sentient being, it has the capacity to choose. I do not understand it very well yet, and I suspect it does not understand me, but I would like to live in a world whether neither of us had cause to fear the other. If there is some possibility that this could be so, I feel I must pursue it.
-
>Ideally? Somehow find a way to encourage it down a path different than the one it had taken; teach it that its given role is not a foregone conclusion and that there are other ways to live than at the expense of innocent lives. I... do not think I harbor any illusions about how difficult this may be, but as long as it is a freely sentient being, it has the capacity to choose. I do not understand it very well yet, and I suspect it does not understand me, but I would like to live in a world whether neither of us had cause to fear the other. If there is some possibility that this could be so, I feel I must pursue it.
>Is this also your intentions towards the rest of its kind?
-
>If that is possible. I do not think living beings need be defined by their race or their given doctrine. I understand that their intentions towards us are hostile and I will not hesitate to stop them where innocent lives are in the balance, but I cannot condemn someone based purely on how they were born if they have any capacity at all for change and growth. Maybe it will not be possible to deal with all of them in the manner we have thus-far dealt with this one, but I wish to strive towards a better end than their deaths.
-
>If that is possible. I do not think living beings need be defined by their race or their given doctrine. I understand that their intentions towards us are hostile and I will not hesitate to stop them where innocent lives are in the balance, but I cannot condemn someone based purely on how they were born if they have any capacity at all for change and growth. Maybe it will not be possible to deal with all of them in the manner we have thus-far dealt with this one, but I wish to strive towards a better end than their deaths.
>That path will be a difficult path. the dry voices cautions you. Are you certain you possess the power to achieve this goal? Conflict with the demons is inevitable, regardless of your intentions, and they will see your desire as only a weakness to use.
-
>Certain? No, I am afraid I cannot say that; I am too new to my power and still too unfamiliar with the full extent of the threats that I face. But I am determined. If they wish to try and exploit my hope as a kind of weakness, I will do my best to ensure they find no purchase there; offering them another path does not mean I will tread lightly upon their present one. People are depending on me to keep them safe, whether they know it or not, and I will not let them down. One way or the other.
-
>Certain? No, I am afraid I cannot say that; I am too new to my power and still too unfamiliar with the full extent of the threats that I face. But I am determined. If they wish to try and exploit my hope as a kind of weakness, I will do my best to ensure they find no purchase there; offering them another path does not mean I will tread lightly upon their present one. People are depending on me to keep them safe, whether they know it or not, and I will not let them down. One way or the other.
>Determination is a powerful trait. the Purpose admits in its dry tone. Though I do still wonder about the demon you imprisoned. Are you certain of the strength of its prison? It was able to penetrate the barrier between worlds, how can you be sure it won't-
>The dry voice is interrupted by the ringing of your cell phone. What is that? it asks.
-
>That is my phone. I'll be a moment.
>Answer the phone
-
>That is my phone. I'll be a moment.
>Answer the phone
>What is a phone?
>Kiku's voice comes across the line, "Hello, Byakuren?"
-
>"Oh, hello Kiku! How are things?"
>A non-magical means to communicate long-distance
-
>"Oh, hello Kiku! How are things?"
>A non-magical means to communicate long-distance
>How convenient.
>"I'm sorry I missed your calls earlier. I almost never carry this phone except when I'm out of the temple. I only thought of it now."
-
>"Well, all the better that it merely be this, rather than something more ominous. How are you?"
-
>"Well, all the better that it merely be this, rather than something more ominous. How are you?"
>"Still a touch fatigued. The gathering ran a bit longer than I'd anticipated. Plus I suspect some lingering from fatigue from the battle yesterday, that will pass in time."
-
>"You adjusted to the aftermath of your new power much more readily than Lily did. I believe she slept until no more than an hour ago, and barely sounds awake yet; my own first time was perhaps even more draining. I am glad you seem to have avoided that."
>With a little smile in our voice: "So... I hope you enjoyed the party."
-
>"You adjusted to the aftermath of your new power much more readily than Lily did. I believe she slept until no more than an hour ago, and barely sounds awake yet; my own first time was perhaps even more draining. I am glad you seem to have avoided that."
>With a little smile in our voice: "So... I hope you enjoyed the party."
>"I suspect that is due to the fact that I have years of experience fielding magical energies. It is also possible that I expended less 'light' energy than either of you. Both of you were tapping in to that resource for longer than I."
>Kiku hesitates ever so slightly. "It was... different. I've attended meetings and ceremonies with large numbers of people involved, but, that was the first 'party' I've ever been to. Let alone the first in my honor. I was... slightly uncertain how to react."
-
>"I'm sure you managed okay. It was for you, after all, so simply being yourself would be all that was asked. Even if, perhaps, you had to take a little time to figure out quite what that was at the time."
-
>"I'm sure you managed okay. It was for you, after all, so simply being yourself would be all that was asked. Even if, perhaps, you had to take a little time to figure out quite what that was at the time."
>"That's one way to put it."
>The door to your apartment opens and Rin re-enters, as Kiku continues, "I'm not what one would call the 'life of the party'. I've tried to maintain control over my surroundings for the whole of my youkai life. The thought of letting that go is... a hard one to adjust to."
-
>Wave to Rin, then put a finger over our lips in a gesture of quiet and point at the phone.
>"I'm sure it must be. But those two states of being are not contradictory - there is a place for both."
>Presumably our cell phone makes enough noise that someone with Rin's hearing could overhear Kiku speaking without much difficulty, yes?
-
>Wave to Rin, then put a finger over our lips in a gesture of quiet and point at the phone.
>"I'm sure it must be. But those two states of being are not contradictory - there is a place for both."
>Presumably our cell phone makes enough noise that someone with Rin's hearing could overhear Kiku speaking without much difficulty, yes?
>Rin nods in understanding as she heads for the cabinet in the kitchen. She points down to the floor, an indication that she plans to return to Minoriko's room.
>"My life has taught me different. .. HAD taught me different. I have a great deal of thinking to do over the next while."
>Your phone is not a loud one, nor do you have the volume currently very high. Rin's hearing, however, is quite acute. Without any other kind of noise in the room to cover the phone sounds, you strongly suspect she can hear Kiku, though you're not entirely certain how much detail she can overhear.
-
>Try to reach out to Kiku via our ring telepathy: If you can hear this, a friend just walked in. Keep to safe topics for a moment.
-
>Try to reach out to Kiku via our ring telepathy: If you can hear this, a friend just walked in. Keep to safe topics for a moment.
>Kiku makes a quite sound of agreement.
>"You sound less fatigued yourself." she continues, quietly.
-
>"Still a fair bit, I'm afraid. It was a very long day yesterday and I didn't get quite enough sleep on the other end of it - I had an exam in the morning. But nothing a little lounging about can't cure, I expect. Or perhaps a short nap."
>Are you still unable to reply in this manner, then?
-
>"Still a fair bit, I'm afraid. It was a very long day yesterday and I didn't get quite enough sleep on the other end of it - I had an exam in the morning. But nothing a little lounging about can't cure, I expect. Or perhaps a short nap."
>Are you still unable to reply in this manner, then?
>"A sound idea, when one has the opportunity for it."
>Rin retrieves what she came down here for- ginger and green onions, by the looks of it- and departs again.
>After a moment's pause, you hear I do not know. I have yet to try since we parted.
-
>I heard that! Excellent.
-
>I heard that! Excellent.
>"You heard me?" she asks aloud, then repeats the question telepathically.
-
>"I did indeed. So I guess it may have just taken some acclimatizing?"
-
>"I did indeed. So I guess it may have just taken some acclimatizing?"
>"It may. Curious. I wonder what's changed?"
-
>I am not certain. Perhaps it may have something to do with being in the presence of the Metal Tiger? In any case, if we are to discuss more serious matters, then I believe this is the means by which we should do that.
>Have there been any developments on your end, regarding the issue at the shrine?
-
>I am not certain. Perhaps it may have something to do with being in the presence of the Metal Tiger? In any case, if we are to discuss more serious matters, then I believe this is the means by which we should do that.
>Have there been any developments on your end, regarding the issue at the shrine?
>I will try. But this method feels awkward to me, yet.
>There have been no new developments that I am aware of. But I admit, I have yet to examine and explore just yet. I have been studying the sleep wards you mentioned last night. I felt it wise to be prepared if I encountered that during my investigation.
Updates are gonna be a bit more sporadic over the next couple of weeks, troops. Christmas hours start at work tonight.
-
>Prudence does seem the best course of action here, yes. And I am glad that nothing else obviously ominous has occurred. Is there anything I could do to assist your investigation from the outside?
-
>Prudence does seem the best course of action here, yes. And I am glad that nothing else obviously ominous has occurred. Is there anything I could do to assist your investigation from the outside?
>Actually... I wouldn't call it ominous, but there WAS something odd that happened when I was delivering my report to Komeji-sama.
-
>Oh? What happened?
-
>Oh? What happened?
>In brief, I told her only part of the story. Needless to say, I kept your name out of it. But the odd thing was, Komeji-sama believed me. Now, deception is not part of my nature, and even skilled liers have been defeated by her perceptiveness. Yet, she seemed completely unaware of my omissions. I would not have thought it possible.
-
>Perhaps we have the Tiger to thank for this? It would be nice to believe so.
>What exactly did you tell her?
-
...What are you talking about? We never met with Satori.
-
Kiku was the one who met with her. That's who Draco's referring to.
-
Oh. Misread. Sorry.
-
>Perhaps we have the Tiger to thank for this? It would be nice to believe so.
>What exactly did you tell her?
>I told her that the creatures I fought were not of this world, that they came from a place as yet unknown to the shrines. I told her that while the immediate threats were dealt with, that more could be coming, and that we should be vigilant for them. She seemed surprised, I would say, at the idea of a power beyond the knowledge of the four shrines, but she admitted our knowledge is not infinite.
>And I told her of the unexpected allies I found. But that I did not know their names, the source of their power, nor where they came from. I said to her what I first said to you, that I felt it was wiser to know as little of you as I could. And she accepted that wisdom. She said, 'You were wise to do this. Until we know more of these creatures, knowledge of ourselves should be guarded.'
>She did, however, instruct me to investigate where you and Lily might have acquired your powers, and the kind of power it was. She was surprised at knowledge of you as she was of the demons.
-
>Interesting. Perhaps, if she is a danger, and that problem making her one is removed, we might have a valuable ally. The other girls at the temple spoke quite highly of her after all. And I'm inclined to believe similarly. And, who knows? Perhaps she has the same potential that you, I, and Lily possess. I certainly wouldn't mind having her as an ally, having her as a potential enemy leaves a bad taste in my mouth..
-
>Interesting. Perhaps, if she is a danger, and that problem making her one is removed, we might have a valuable ally. The other girls at the temple spoke quite highly of her after all. And I'm inclined to believe similarly. And, who knows? Perhaps she has the same potential that you, I, and Lily possess. I certainly wouldn't mind having her as an ally, having her as a potential enemy leaves a bad taste in my mouth..
>I would certainly agree with you there.
>If I may, though, perhaps we should put away our phones? It feels awkward to have it next to my ear and not be using it.
-
>Oh, yes, of course
>Hang up the phone
>I suppose it is a good thing that Satori seems unaware of either force at play in this battle, assuming what she says is true. But that does little to shed light on what other power is at work there. I assume she made no comment on the situation regarding the sacred flame?
-
>Oh, yes, of course
>Hang up the phone
>I suppose it is a good thing that Satori seems unaware of either force at play in this battle, assuming what she says is true. But that does little to shed light on what other power is at work there. I assume she made no comment on the situation regarding the sacred flame?
>She did not, but that does raise a point I wanted to broach with you. I wanted to ask her about it, yet I felt it wise not to arouse her suspicions, at least not until we have more information. But if the flame at THIS shrine flared black, the others may have as well. It's still possible I may draw attention here if I started asking questions, but it may be safe for you and Lily. Contact or visit the other shrines, see if their flame chambers are off-limits as ours is. I will continue to investigate this one.
-
>How well do we know Youmu?
>Are the sacred flames normally off-limits to the general public, even if not to the maidens of the shrine itself?
>What about these flames do we believe is public knowledge?
-
>How well do we know Youmu?
>Are the sacred flames normally off-limits to the general public, even if not to the maidens of the shrine itself?
>What about these flames do we believe is public knowledge?
>You consider each other friends.
>No. The flames are located in the main room of all four temples, the room where many public rituals and gatherings are held.
>Each flame is said to represent a facet of the Animal God worshiped there. In the case of the Metal Tiger, it is said to be a symbol of the vivacity of life in the wild. For the Fire Bird, it is a mark that freedom can never be quenched. The flame of the Wood Dragon embodies the human spirit. Well, human and non-human, the nomenclature varies a bit. And the Water Tortoises' flame denotes change. The flame is never the same shape twice, like the waters the God dwells in. And the burning of all four is a symbol of hope and perseverance for the people of Mayogia, a destroyed city that thrives once more. Local lore states that the city will continue to grow and prosper so long as the fires burn.
-
>I think we can try then. It's just a matter of getting the right information to make the inquiries believable. Some might find it suspicious that someone not linked to a temple is inquiring about the Sacred Flames.
-
Well, the one Lily was transferring to is the one run by Youmu, who it does seem that we probably know better than she does - and I think Youmu has a decent chance of being an open book about something amiss, to someone who's friends with her, even if she tries not to speak of it. It might actually be best if we take that one anyway. Though I think we should be a little more discreet about it than directly asking if the flames are turning black, which seems odd and ominous no matter how you put it. Mightn't it be enough to just try to get access to the flame ourselves, if the room is open to the public?
-
Agreed. If the chambers are closed, then we can assume there's an issue.
-
I'm simply being practical here. 'Two birds with one stone', as they say. Lily's already transferring there to begin with, so to get the most info in the shortest time, we can leave the opening investigation at Youmu's to her, while we look into the other two shrines.
Once she's finished her cursory investigation, and we've gotten what info we can from the others, we can then do a follow-up at Youmu's.
Standard investigative procedure really, no matter what career you have.
-
I would generally agree that splitting the work makes sense, though it remains questionable whether Lily has enough energy to do any investigating at all today. I had figured that we might be able to pick up on a certain evasiveness from Youmu that Lily would not, but for a cursory investigation, I suppose that's alright. But either way, I think it would be a bit overly strange "for someone like me to be inquiring about such an odd thing as the sacred flames turning black for a time", as you said to Kiku.
-
We could say that we'd heard about it, and that it concerns us. Which really is the truth.
After all, 'The Morning Star' has a reputation for being kind and caring, so this fits rather well for us to be concerned about strange goings-on.
-
Well, how would we have heard about such a thing? I think is several degrees past a 'normal' kind of strange, and it's better if we're not associated with this knowledge so directly. Keep in mind that there's a chance that our inquiries could make it back to Satori via one of the other head shrine maidens, even if they are entirely innocent, just because it piqued their own curiosity. And given that the knowledge of the sacred flame's affliction at the Metal Tiger shrine isn't even known to its OWN shrine maidens (due to the memory being blocked) it would raise serious questions about how anyone could know of it, which could put either us or perhaps even Kiku in more direct danger. That we have heard of it may be the truth, as you put it, but that doesn't mean that the people we'd be talking to need to know that.
-
True, there's got to be some way to make it sound believable. We probably can't inquire easily otherwise.
Perhaps inquiring with Youmu first could shed some light on things though, and provide what we need to investigate the others.
-
Yes, Youmu could be a good place to start. Alternately, we could just drop by the shrines and wander in to look at the sacred flame if that's possible. And if it turns out that it's closed off, we could casually inquire as to why - after all, that would be a perfectly normal question to ask if the place is normally open. I'm sure they've already fielded that question dozens of times, if true.
-
That'll have to do for now.
-
Not meaning to be pushy or overly particular, but do you think you could amend your statement to Kiku if what it says is no longer entirely accurate? ^^;
-
Like so?
-
Close enough :)
-
You're welcome to try to improve it, Draco.
-
>I think we can try then. It's just a matter of getting the right information to make the inquiries believable. Some might find it suspicious that someone not linked to a temple is inquiring about the Sacred Flames.
>Definitely. Which is why I would suggest not asking about the flames directly. If the chambers have been locked as ours is, that should be sufficient information. More than one shrine locking their flame chamber at the same time would be too great a coincidence, given the other circumstances.
-
>Yes, that would be quite suspicious at present, so that may be sufficient to start with. But I am also friends with Youmu Konpaku, so it is possible that if something is amiss, I may be able to glean this from her. ...assuming, of course, that whatever force is at play with Satori has not affected the other head shrine maidens in a similar fashion...
-
>Yes, that would be quite suspicious at present, so that may be sufficient to start with. But I am also friends with Youmu Konpaku, so it is possible that if something is amiss, I may be able to glean this from her. ...assuming, of course, that whatever force is at play with Satori has not affected the other head shrine maidens in a similar fashion...
>I don't believe I care for that thought. But I can't accept it's spread that far. The idea of all four shrines being compromised in this way... It seems impossible to accept. There is a pause before she adds, But then again, twenty-four hours ago, the idea of Satori being any kind of threat would have been impossible to accept...
-
>I do not want to accept it either, and I hope sincerely that it is not the case. But yes, these are strange times and I suspect we may see a great many things we would not have expected, before they are over. But that comes later. For now, I think I can look into some of the other shrines after supper.
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>I do not want to accept it either, and I hope sincerely that it is not the case. But yes, these are strange times and I suspect we may see a great many things we would not have expected, before they are over. But that comes later. For now, I think I can look into some of the other shrines after supper.
>There is another thing I felt I should mention, if that is your plan. You were able to speak to the Metal Tiger. I don't know what about you summoned forth his ghost, but the fact is you did. It is possible that you may be able to speak to the other three, as well. I don't know if they will know anything more on this matter than the Tiger, but I felt I should mention the possibility.
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>Do we know if the other shrines have any 'natural' areas within their grounds, akin to the forest at the Metal Tiger shrine?
-
>Do we know if the other shrines have any 'natural' areas within their grounds, akin to the forest at the Metal Tiger shrine?
>The Black Tortoise shrine has a decent sized pond behind it, as well as fairly thick area of woods surrounding it and it's body of water. You recall there being plans to allow logging operations there a few years ago, but Suika would have none of it. The Fire Bird shrine likewise has woodland surrounding it, not as thick as the Tortoise's but the trees are a great deal taller, some almost as tall as the Ayakashi itself.
>The Wood Dragon shrine has a thin line of trees to its rear, but the area around that shrine is more developed than the other four.
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>The Ayakashi?
-
>The only one who might be difficult to get in contact with is the Wood Dragon. The main thing that stood out for me was the fact that Lily and myself were deep in nature, and that area's been more developed than the others. For the Black Tortoise, I believe that going to the pond behind the shrine should theoretically work. I'm not entirely sure on how to go about calling the Fire Bird, but I presume that the same caveats apply.
-
>Although I suppose this is all contingent on them desiring to speak with me.
-
>The Ayakashi?
>The Saigyou Ayakashi, the largest fixture in Mayoiga. It is reputed to be thousands of years old, and is always in bloom, no matter the time of year. It is one of only two standing objects to survive the destruction of Mayoiga during the Second Lunar War, the other being the Black Tortoise shrine. It is located in the back yard of the Saigyouji mansion, near the center of town. The Saigyouji family adopted the Ayakashi as their symbol about six hundred years ago, and they have known prosperity ever since, apart from the Penniless year eighty years ago, when the worldwide economy crashed virtually overnight, coinciding with the Ayakashi's petals falling.
>The only one who might be difficult to get in contact with is the Wood Dragon. The main thing that stood out for me was the fact that Lily and myself were deep in nature, and that area's been more developed than the others. For the Black Tortoise, I believe that going to the pond behind the shrine should theoretically work. I'm not entirely sure on how to go about calling the Fire Bird, but I presume that the same caveats apply.
>If you do decide to attempt to communicate with any of the other three, if that is even possible, I would suggest trying the Tortoise first. As you say, it would seem the easiest to access, and Ibuki-s... Suika and her Sisters are very permissive of visitors roaming their grounds. And her grounds are inhabited by less wild animals than ours or the Bird's. You would have the best chance of making the attempt unobserved there.
>Although I suppose this is all contingent on them desiring to speak with me.
>That is a good point. And it may not even be possible. There may be something unique about the Tiger that is not shared by His brethren that allowed the contact between you. But we cannot know for sure until we try. Kiku's humorless chuckle echoes in your mind. Listen to us, Byakuren. Discussing contacting the ghosts of the four Animal Gods as though we do so every day. I've accepted the reality of this, but, still the enormity of it makes me stagger.
-
>Let's let a slight chuckle slip through the connection as well. It is quite mindboggling, isn't it? Several days ago I never would have imagined I would even be fighting to protect this land in such a way.
-
>How does a global economy crash overnight? And did it really last only a year, or is that just the common way of referring to it? What were some of the major social ramifications to this?
-
>How does a global economy crash overnight? And did it really last only a year, or is that just the common way of referring to it? What were some of the major social ramifications to this?
>You're really not sure how it happened. Global economics never interested you very much. It was referred to as a year because it was about.... a year and a half later, you think, that the economy started to turn around. You are likewise hazy on the fallout details, but you know the unemployment rate around the world skyrocketed, properties and vehicles devalued enormously, and the price of food ballooned. Several banks around the world suddenly found themselves bereft of money, and the stock market in Eagleland crashed. The number of suicides that year was higher than any year in the past five hundred years. You recall it coincided with several other incidents, such as a fuel supply shortage and a bad food crop in several places. It started in Yamato and Luyang, as you recall, but it quickly spread.
>Let's let a slight chuckle slip through the connection as well. It is quite mindboggling, isn't it? Several days ago I never would have imagined I would even be fighting to protect this land in such a way.
>There is a pause before Kiku asks, in a more subdued voice, While we're discussing fighting, have you had any sense that another of the Champions have come into this world? Or that the Air demon is moving again?
-
>I do not believe so, at least to the former. The air demon is concealing its presence somehow, though it is certainly still somewhere in the vicinity; I do not know what it is doing.
-
>I do not believe so, at least to the former. The air demon is concealing its presence somehow, though it is certainly still somewhere in the vicinity; I do not know what it is doing.
>We can't allow ourselves to be lax as a result of that. Whatever we do today, we must remain vigilant.
-
>Absolutely. While I hope we can go easy on ourselves today, I do not intend for that to be the same as complacency; I know full well how quickly these threats can strike, and am prepared to react swiftly if needed.
-
>Absolutely. While I hope we can go easy on ourselves today, I do not intend for that to be the same as complacency; I know full well how quickly these threats can strike, and am prepared to react swiftly if needed.
>As am I.
>Which leaves the issue of the Water demon. I presume you haven't questioned it yet?
-
>I have not. If its power is indeed the same inside our prison as it was outside, I feel that all three of us should be gathered and rested before we attempt entry. Though it should not find escape even by overpowering me, that does not mean it might not try, so I think it would be reckless to enter alone at this point.
-
>I have not. If its power is indeed the same inside our prison as it was outside, I feel that all three of us should be gathered and rested before we attempt entry. Though it should not find escape even by overpowering me, that does not mean it might not try, so I think it would be reckless to enter alone at this point.
>I concur. It would be ideal if we could determine its power before any of us tried to access it more directly. You were the one who formed the prison; is that even possible?
-
>When we last reached out to feel the prison, did we get a sense of the demon within it before Marisa interrupted us? Do we think we could have gotten a better sense with further time and concentration?
-
>When we last reached out to feel the prison, did we get a sense of the demon within it before Marisa interrupted us? Do we think we could have gotten a better sense with further time and concentration?
>It was Marissa who interrupted you, not Marisa, but you didn't sense the demon itself when you touched its prison before. It's hard to tell if you could get a better sense with more time. From what you could determine, the walls of the bubble seemed to be opaque, and your extra senses couldn't penetrate it either, but you weren't at it for long, either.
-
>I did attempt to do this earlier today, but I could not get a very good sense of what was inside the prison. It may be possible that I could do so if I spent greater time and effort at this, though it was a curiously taxing process to do at all. It may simply be that the walls of it are too thick to sense within, but I can give it another try later.
-
>I did attempt to do this earlier today, but I could not get a very good sense of what was inside the prison. It may be possible that I could do so if I spent greater time and effort at this, though it was a curiously taxing process to do at all. It may simply be that the walls of it are too thick to sense within, but I can give it another try later.
>Have you fashioned a key for it yet? A physical link to the prison would probably aid you in that task.
-
>...I had not, no. I had not considered that this might affect my ability to sense it - merely to enter it - and so I had not considered it necessary to fashion one until I was ready to do so.
-
>...I had not, no. I had not considered that this might affect my ability to sense it - merely to enter it - and so I had not considered it necessary to fashion one until I was ready to do so.
>Even when dealing with the ethereal, a physical tie to what we attempt to connect with can be of great import. That was one of the first lessons I learned during my studies in the ways of Metal magic. When you fashioned the spell that sealed the demon, you left us the ability to create a touchstone of that sort to enable us to reach it later. I suggest crafting such a thing before attempting to reach the prison again. We have no way of knowing what could happen if you start stumbling blindly through... Well, whatever path your power- OUR power takes.
>That said, the fabrication of a touchstone like that is not always easy. But I have done so before. I can aid you in this, assuming the lessons of Metal magic can apply to this sort of power.
-
>I would appreciate your insight in this matter, thank you. Though I do not think it quite so pressing as some of the other business before us presently. Assuming, at least, that the prison holds as it should.
-
>I would appreciate your insight in this matter, thank you. Though I do not think it quite so pressing as some of the other business before us presently. Assuming, at least, that the prison holds as it should.
>You said you attempted to access the seal before. Were you able to gain a sense of whether it was holing solidly, or was weakening?
-
>It did feel quite solid to us, yes? Assuming so, relay this.
-
>It did feel quite solid to us, yes? Assuming so, relay this.
>As near as you could tell, it was solid, so you inform Kiku of this.
>My guess would be that, if it was showing weaknesses, you would have some sense of it. If you haven't, then it is holding. For now, at least.
-
>Then we shall have simply to hope that it remains so, for I doubt the other demon will remain quiet for too long.
-
>Then we shall have simply to hope that it remains so, for I doubt the other demon will remain quiet for too long.
>I intend to get a head start on questioning on our captive champion, as well. Now that we know there are six of them, one of each of the six elements of western magic, that gives me something specific to explore in our records. I'll try to find out of any of these six have ever been in this world before, of if any of our texts have made reference to them. It would be easier if we knew the name of its realm, but that can wait until we question it in person.
-
>Reach our mind out to the Purpose for a moment: The demon's realm... do you know if it has a name?
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>Reach our mind out to the Purpose for a moment: The demon's realm... do you know if it has a name?
>I know it as their realm, or the Dark Place, or the Other Side. If they have a name for it themselves, I do not know what it is.
-
>Thank you
>To Kiku again: That sounds like a very good idea. I'm afraid I don't know that I have anything as straightforwardly useful to contribute at the moment, but I will give the matter some thought.
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>Thank you
>To Kiku again: That sounds like a very good idea. I'm afraid I don't know that I have anything as straightforwardly useful to contribute at the moment, but I will give the matter some thought.
>You wouldn't happen to know of any magicians that employ this school, would you? If these Champions are rooted in that magic system, that means they have weaknesses.
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>Patchouli does not have any command of magic yet, correct?
>And does that go for Marissa as well?
>For that matter, do we know anyone else who might qualify?
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>Patchouli does not have any command of magic yet, correct?
>And does that go for Marissa as well?
>For that matter, do we know anyone else who might qualify?
>Not that you know of. She seems to have a decent knowledge of the theory and history behind sorcery, but she hasn't been allowed to learn any yet.
>Marissa has a great many talents, but magic is not one of them. She is very curious on the subject and pesters Patchouli on the matter whenever she's over, but thus far has met with little success.
>You do not know anyone, for certain, apart from the Knowledge family, but you have wondered about a couple of people. Koakuma seems to have a deep interest in the dark arts, and you've seen her compare notes on the matter with Marissa once. And one of Aya's models, a raven youkai named Nina, claims to be a descendant from a line of mages, but has thus far not demonstrated any skills herself. She says the 'bloodlines have thinned since the old days'. Most of your coworkers there seem to think she's an odd bird.
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>I'm afraid I do not know any practicing magicians, though a friend of mine is relatively well-versed on the theory, I believe. Her parents are magicians but they have been quite adamant that she is not to learn the family art until she is older.
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>I'm afraid I do not know any practicing magicians, though a friend of mine is relatively well-versed on the theory, I believe. Her parents are magicians but they have been quite adamant that she is not to learn the family art until she is older.
>Likely because they fear for her safety, which is sensible. We ourselves have a similar practice, not to teach the ways of Metal magics to anyone not prepared to deal with the risks involved. Still, if she is knowledgeable in the theory behind that brand of magic, perhaps you can glean some information from her. At least something we can use to battle the Water champion, should we have to when we go to it.
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>Is there anything in particular you think I should ask her?
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>Is there anything in particular you think I should ask her?
>All systems and schools of magic have weaknesses, shortcomings. Something it can't cover. Something that we might be able to exploit.
-
>Then I shall endeavor my best to inquire on that front when I have opportunity to do so. Though... you fought the Champion of Water for much longer than we did; I suspect you are more familiar with its capabilities than I am. Is there anything specific which you witnessed that might bear inquiry?
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>Then I shall endeavor my best to inquire on that front when I have opportunity to do so. Though... you fought the Champion of Water for much longer than we did; I suspect you are more familiar with its capabilities than I am. Is there anything specific which you witnessed that might bear inquiry?
>Kiku takes a few moments before answering that one. You have the vague sense that reliving those memories is still hard for her. I am... unsure of what abilities it employed that would be tied to its professed element, and what were inherent to its form. she says at last. It barely used any skills or magics against me at all, apart from manipulating the water of the pool down there. It didn't need to; my magics could barely singe its scales.
>My magics.... she adds, a thought obviously occurring to her. It's possible that its grounding in the school outside of my own rendered it nearly immune to mine, until my power was augmented by the Light. Perhaps that a quality of water of that school, something that would make Metal type magic ineffective against it. Would she know if such a thing was possible?
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>I cannot say for certain, but she may; I will ask.
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>I cannot say for certain, but she may; I will ask.
>Very well. And if you can think of anything I might be able to find in our records here, without arousing the suspicions of whoever is behind the threat here, then do feel free to mention them.
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>I will do so, though I am not certain anything else occurs to me presently that we have not already discussed. Aside from the obvious matter of any references to previous demonic incursions that are preserved in your records, of course.
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>I will do so, though I am not certain anything else occurs to me presently that we have not already discussed. Aside from the obvious matter of any references to previous demonic incursions that are preserved in your records, of course.
>Well, now we know that we can communicate with each other in this manner, should anything occur to either of us.
>It is... strange that I feel safe when doing so. There is a part of me that wants to be afraid of this method of communication, that we do not know enough about our enemy to know for certain it is completely safe. And yet, somehow, I believe- No. I know that it is. I do not know why.
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>Do we feel likewise?
>Does the nature of this contact feel different than when we speak with the Purpose?
-
>Do we feel likewise?
>Does the nature of this contact feel different than when we speak with the Purpose?
>You've certainly felt secure enough using this method to speak with Lily before. You've had no sense that you have anything to worry about with either her or during this conversation with Kiku.
>The feeling of contact is different. When you speak with the Purpose, you have a sense you are communicating with something that isn't... quite there. Like speaking to someone who just happens to be on the dark side of the moon, yet can hear you perfectly. Plus its dry emotionless voice doesn't offer you much in the way of feelings at all, except for being perhaps a little off putting.
>With Kiku and Lily, however, the sensation is much more real. It feels more intimate with Lily, like you can hear more than just her words, you can hear her thoughts as well, and the feelings behind them. Images of frolicking rabbit and squirrels and dancing butterflies and flowering fields occasionally flit through your mind when you speak to her in this way. With Kiku, the sensation is nowhere near that... close, but it's still a lot more grounded, more 'real', than with the Purpose.
-
>Yes, something about it does feel.... sheltered. Close. ...if you know what I mean.
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>Yes, something about it does feel.... sheltered. Close. ...if you know what I mean.
>You have a vague sense of Kiku nodding. I've not experienced anything quite like it before. Perhaps... we will understand it better, as we employ it more.
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>I suspect so. We all have a great deal to learn the coming days, I think. But it is good to have friends to share it with.
-
>I suspect so. We all have a great deal to learn the coming days, I think. But it is good to have friends to share it with.
>Kiku again pauses before answering. That's still a very strange word to hear.
-
>Put a bright smile in our thoughts: Of all the strange things we will doubtless face in the future, I hope this will quickly grow to be the least of them
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>Put a bright smile in our thoughts: Of all the strange things we will doubtless face in the future, I hope this will quickly grow to be the least of them
>Kiku takes several moments to consider that. In the intervening time, the door opens again and Rin reenters.
>I am... grateful, to you, Byakuren. she says at last. I never... I never had a desire for friends. But... I think I am grateful that it is you. You are... a very unique individual.
-
>Give Rin a smile and wave. Try not to look too distracted and spacy, if we can manage it.
>I shall take that as a compliment, I think. And I am grateful to you as well, Kiku - for your brave and earnest soul and your companionship on this journey we now share. Thank you.
-
>Give Rin a smile and wave. Try not to look too distracted and spacy, if we can manage it.
>I shall take that as a compliment, I think. And I am grateful to you as well, Kiku - for your brave and earnest soul and your companionship on this journey we now share. Thank you.
>Rin shakes a touch of water out of her tails before she closes the door. "Rain's startin' to slack off a bit out there." she informs you as she doffs her jacket. "Still blowy as hell, though."
>Kiku's voice does not return right away. You somehow have the impression you've left her at a loss for words.
-
>Give Kiku her time.
>"Did you get everything you need?"
-
>Give Kiku her time.
>"Did you get everything you need?"
>"Actually, that's what I come back up for." she says, walking past the kitchen and stretching slightly. "Minoriko's making spaghetti, enough for everyone, but she wanted t'know if there was anythin' special you wanted."
-
>"Mmm, that sounds like just the thing for today. Make sure there is plenty of cheese, I suppose? Will there be garlic bread?"
-
>"Mmm, that sounds like just the thing for today. Make sure there is plenty of cheese, I suppose? Will there be garlic bread?"
>"Oh yeah." Rin says with a cheery nod, then smiles a little. "Much as I love the smell of Minoriko's bakin' bread, the smell a garlic makes my nose itch. So she sent me back up here until it was finished, that's the other reason I come back."
-
>"How long until it's done?"
>Are Minoriko's meals communal affairs?
>Did we get any homework today?
>Is there a Craigslist equivalent that we know of?
-
>"How long until it's done?"
>Are Minoriko's meals communal affairs?
>Did we get any homework today?
>Is there a Craigslist equivalent that we know of?
>"'bout an... hour and a half 'r so, I think. I offered to help with the veggies, that'll make things go a bit quicker." She hesitates, then adds, cautiously, "Unless you... wanted to pick up where we left us before."
>They are, almost universally. Especially on cold, rainy windy days like this, she likes to have a hot meal for her friends.
>Today was homework free.
>There is an online classified ad type site. Clara's list, you think it's called.
-
>Try to offer her a smile: "I think it might be best to leave such matters until after we've had the benefit of a warm meal, particularly on a day like this. If that's okay with you?"
-
>Try to offer her a smile: "I think it might be best to leave such matters until after we've had the benefit of a warm meal, particularly on a day like this. If that's okay with you?"
>"Oh, sure, yeah, that's fine by me." Rin assures you quickly.
>Kiku's voice returns in the middle of Rin's sentence, and you have a spot of trouble focusing on both of them at once. I must return to my.. duties, now. I will contact you again the minute I learn something pertinent.
-
>Smile and nod to Rin
>To Kiku: Very well, then. I wish you good fortune, and will notify you likewise if I learn of anything relevant, myself.
-
>Smile and nod to Rin
>To Kiku: Very well, then. I wish you good fortune, and will notify you likewise if I learn of anything relevant, myself.
>Rin excuses herself then. With her on her way back down to Minoriko's and Kiku off to do her duties, you find yourself, for the moment, alone.
-
>How tired are we?
>Are we the type of person who can manage to take quick naps? And do we think that would do us any good, given just south of 90 minutes to play with here?
-
>How tired are we?
>Are we the type of person who can manage to take quick naps? And do we think that would do us any good, given just south of 90 minutes to play with here?
>You feel moderately fatigued.
>You take quite easily to naps, assuming your mind is not whirling or preoccupied with heavy or dark thoughts. All things considered, a power nap would definitely do you some good.
-
>Well, then let's get ourselves cozy and comfortable and have a little rest before supper
At the very least, I don't think there's a great deal of practical tasks we can comfortably slot in between now and then and it would help to be rested if a more serious situations presents itself later on. Of course, if someone has a better suggestion, feel free.
-
Nae issues here.
-
>Well, then let's get ourselves cozy and comfortable and have a little rest before supper
>Standing from your seat, you stretch and yawn a little, glancing out the window/door again. Rin was right, the rain does appear to be letting up. Hopefully it'll have cleared up by the time supper rolls around. You've nothing against the rain, but cold rain and cold winds together aren't the most enjoyable things. Especially when you may be out in them later.
>Content in the knowledge that Rin and Minoriko will have a very tasty meal prepared later in the day, you lay yourself down for a power nap, after setting your alarm clock for 6. With one demon dealt with, and the rest inactive, for now at least, and nothing pressing demanding your attention, it is a good time to recharge the batteries. And sure enough, your drift off into sleep mere minutes after your head hits the pillow.
>Your eyelids flutter open some time later, recollection of a simple dream in your mind's eye. You seemed to be in a flowering field surrounding a clear blue river. You were mounted atop the tiger form of Kiku as she ran next to the river as Lily White flew over your heads, dancing in the winds as flower petals fell from her feathery wings. The figures of Marissa, Rin and your family awaited you downriver, and while Kiku ran very fast, you knew she would never let you fall, even without the saddle and reins she bore. At her request, you seem to recall.
-
>Smile. A pleasant and comforting dream, that.
>Glance at the clock
-
>Smile. A pleasant and comforting dream, that.
>Glance at the clock
>Indeed. You could do with some more like that.
>The clock reads 7:15 PM.
-
>Wait, what? Wasn't the alarm on for 6?
-
>Wait, what? Wasn't the alarm on for 6?
>That was what you set it for.
-
>Does it look like the alarm has been turned off in the meantime? Check it again.
>And roust ourselves while we're at it
-
>Does it look like the alarm has been turned off in the meantime? Check it again.
>And roust ourselves while we're at it
>Examining your clock, you find that it has indeed been turned off.
>Springing from your bed, you note that, one, you do indeed feel more refreshed. That extra hour and change didn't do you any harm at all. And two, there is another blanket spread across your bed, a thinner one, but it wasn't there when you laid down.
-
>Awww.... That must be Rin's doing. Spare another smile at her thoughtful concern for us. ...even if that does mean we probably slept through supper
>Assuming we are dressed and such, exit our room and see if she's about
-
>Awww.... That must be Rin's doing. Spare another smile at her thoughtful concern for us. ...even if that does mean we probably slept through supper
>Assuming we are dressed and such, exit our room and see if she's about
>You had stripped down a bit for bed, but it doesn't take you long to pull the rest of your ensemble together, and exit in search of Rin.
>Who is seated at the desk in your main room, studying what appears to be her chemistry textbook. She stands as she hears your door open. "Good evening, mistress." she says with a small bow.
-
>Give her a little sheepish frown
>"I'm sorry that I slept through supper."
-
>Give her a little sheepish frown
>"I'm sorry that I slept through supper."
>"Ya didn't." Rin informs you. "Well, not totally, 'nyway, Minoriko's still got plenty left downstairs. She's keepin' it warm for ya. Plenty a bread left, too." She looks down. "And... as for you sleepin' as long as ya did... That's my fault. See, the girls and I know how tired you'd been lately, and when I came back up 'round 530... I checked with Minoriko first! I didn't wanna just decide like that, so I asked em, and then I..." She bites her lip slightly. "Well, I just thought that you could use summore sleep, if you were tired..."
-
>Wave her off
>"Oh please, don't feel bad about it. If anything, I am grateful for the concern; you did nothing wrong. I just feel slightly guilty about missing the meal when you had gone on ahead to help prepare it."
-
>Wave her off
>"Oh please, don't feel bad about it. If anything, I am grateful for the concern; you did nothing wrong. I just feel slightly guilty about missing the meal when you had gone on ahead to help prepare it."
>Rin's head lowers still. "I'm sorry, mistress. I'll be sure to wake you next time."
-
>Wave our hands as though we were trying to run away from that statement as quickly as we can.
>"Oh, no no no, that's not what I meant at all. I said you did nothing wrong. I just didn't want to be disrespectful of your efforts by sleeping through the results of them. That is all."
>Walk towards her and put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder.
>"Please, Orin - do not feel guilty about showing me a kindness. It brought a smile to my face to see the extra blanket you'd draped over me, truly."
-
>Wave our hands as though we were trying to run away from that statement as quickly as we can.
>"Oh, no no no, that's not what I meant at all. I said you did nothing wrong. I just didn't want to be disrespectful of your efforts by sleeping through the results of them. That is all."
>Walk towards her and put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder.
>"Please, Orin - do not feel guilty about showing me a kindness. It brought a smile to my face to see the extra blanket you'd draped over me, truly."
>You do seem to have stepped on an old nerve of the kasha's... Not that she has any shortage of those, thanks to her old master.
>Orin closes her eyes as you explain yourself to her. After a moment, she places her hand lightly atop the hand you laid on her shoulder. "I still gotta long way to go, don't I?" she asks quietly. "I know that I don't need to feel, need to act, like I used to, but..." There is fear in her eyes when she opens them and looks up at you. "I still see their faces, when I think I did something wrong. And it's real easy for my mind to jump right to that. Jump to the person I used to be." She snorts out a bitter sound. "'Person'. Maybe not the best word, there, not for how I was."
>She squeezes your hand. "But I'm tryin'."
-
>"Don't worry. It's hard to unlearn all of that, especially when you really are eager to please."
>"But enough of that, let's eat."
-
>"I know you are, Orin. And you should feel proud of how far you've come in such a short time."
>"And remember, no mistake you could make would ever be enough to warrant that sort of treatment again. You are safe here."
-
>"I know you are, Orin. And you should feel proud of how far you've come in such a short time."
>"And remember, no mistake you could make would ever be enough to warrant that sort of treatment again. You are safe here."
>"Don't worry. It's hard to unlearn all of that, especially when you really are eager to please."
>"But enough of that, let's eat."
>Orin manages a somewhat unsure smile. "'Safe's' a hard word to get used to the sound of. But I'm tryin' there, too. And I know it might take a while, but I'll keep on tryin'. I don't wanna be what I was no more."
>That's a step in the right direction in and of itself. She used to have a lot more little 'slips' like that, and it used to take her twice as long or longer to bounce back from them. The first month was really trying, for the both of you. It seems like quite a while since then.
>She nods at your suggestion. "Sure thing."
-
>Get our rain gear, and head down toward Minotaur's
-
>Get our rain gear, and head down toward Minotaur's
>As you reach for your umbrella, Orin informs you, "It quit rainin' best part of an hour or so ago. Still pretty windy, though." With that in mind, you settle for your usual front-tied black coat and exit your apartment. True enough, the wind is quite raw, blowing dead from the east. Just as well that Minoriko's room is next door to yours. Hyozan the big malamute sits in the gap between Minoriko's room and Letty's, the latter's being at the end of the row. He seems to be napping.
>The door to Minoriko's room is slightly ajar, and the smell of freshly baked bread and spaghetti sauce wafts out. You were hungry before, but that combination of scents works well to tempt the palate.
-
>Make way toward Minoriko's and knock on the door, unless we're just expected to walk inside.
-
>Make way toward Minoriko's and knock on the door, unless we're just expected to walk inside.
>Ordinarily when Minoriko leaves her door ajar thusly, it essentially gives the rest of her fellow Moonsiders free access to her room. You however, being you, almost always knock first before entering, just to be polite, and then you ingress.
>Minoriko is standing in the kitchen, putting away some dishes. In the main room, Reisen is reclining on the small sofa watching TV, while Nitori is seated at Minoriko's computer.
>The younger Aki smiles warmly as you enter. "Good evening, Byakuren."
-
>"Good evening, Minoriko. Hope I didn't miss too much."
-
>"Good evening, Minoriko. Hope I didn't miss too much."
>"Not at all." Minoriko replies, placing a bowl back into a cupboard.
>"We managed to keep Nitori from eating everything." Reisen calls from the next room.
-
>Chuckle in our usual warm way. Nitori's got a reputation for that, doesn't she?
-
>Chuckle in our usual warm way. Nitori's got a reputation for that, doesn't she?
>None of your fellow Moonsiders can quite match that Kappa in terms of stomach capacity. Even when she eats her fill, she's usually hungry again in a very short span of time. In Marissa's words, Nitori gets 'bad gas mileage.'
-
>Chuckle a bit more. "She always was one for enjoying good food after all."
-
>Chuckle a bit more. "She always was one for enjoying good food after all."
>Nitori calls out, sounding somewhat distracted, "Minoriko makes it real easy for a Kappa to have a big meal. Ahh! Watch the mines, you bastard!" she yells. Obviously playing one of her games.
>Minoriko laughs softly. "We would have woken you, Byakuren, but we've all seen how you've been more tired lately than normal. So we thought a little more sleep would be a good idea."
-
>Smile warmly. "Quite alright. I've actually needed it. These past few days have been just a mite hectic after all."
-
>Smile warmly. "Quite alright. I've actually needed it. These past few days have been just a mite hectic after all."
>Minoriko laughs her quiet, almost matronly laugh. "Well, you sit yourself down at the kotatsu, and we'll see if we can't fill that belly of yours."
>Reisen, muting the television, stands. "I'll go get Patchouli, then. She skipped supper earlier, too." She explains to you.
-
>Go to the kotatsu, we have a challenge to meet.
-
>Go to the kotatsu, we have a challenge to meet.
>Walking past Mikoriko and into the main room of the apartment, you seat yourself at the autumn-colored kotatsu in the center of the room. Each of the apartments in Moonside has the same basic construction, but each has its own flavor depending on its occupant, as is only natural. Minoriko's is more furnished that yours, and has a predominantly autumnal color scheme- dull orange and light brown walls, green drapes with red and white embroidering. It has a very homey feel, matching the matronly nature of its occupant.
>Seating yourself at the heated table, Minoriko says, "It will take just a few minutes to boil the noodles. Oh, you like parmesan, yes?"
-
>If we do, answer in the affirmative.
-
>If we do, answer in the affirmative.
>You do, but not in excessive amounts, and you remind Minoriko of this. The younger of the Aki siblings nods and sets the straight noodles and a pot of water to boil.
>At her game, Nitori chuckles and shakes her head slightly. "Trash in this place's worse than the bosses."
>Minoriko brings over a basket of sliced garlic bread as Nitori gripes, as well as a small plate of butter. "We baked a fresh loaf today." she informs you.
-
>Devour 1d6 garlic breads per round
>"That's music to my ears, Minoriko."
>Help ourself!
-
>Devour 1d6 garlic breads per round
>"That's music to my ears, Minoriko."
>Help ourself!
>Despite your rolling a 5, and gaining a +1 circumstance bonus due to hunger, your roll is somewhat spoiled by the lack of more than one loaf present.
>Applying just a touch of butter, you dive into a slice of the fresh bread. Minoriko had warmed it but not toasted it, and the freshness and flavor are just right, just the right amount of garlic.
>"Pass me a slice of that, will ya?" Nitori asks, sparing a glance behind her at Rin. "We got a sec before Broggok here."
>"Butter?"
>"Nah."
>A couple of minutes later, Reisen reenters, with Patchouli just behind her. The youngest resident of Moonside wears a thick shawl over her loose-fitting sweater, for the cold most likely. Her parents worry.
>"Good evening, Patchouli-chan." Minoriko greets her warmly.
>Patchy looks her way to reply, but her eyes fall upon your face first. Her light purple eyes widen slightly and a look of realization dawns upon her. "It's the FLOW, not the CURVE!" she exclaims, and then promptly turns and exits again.
-
>...do we have any idea what she meant by that?
-
>...do we have any idea what she meant by that?
>Knowing her, it MAY be related to some magic-type thing, but what, specifically, that might be, you have no idea.
-
>Glance around a little, then throw Reisen a sympathetic look
-
>Glance around a little, then throw Reisen a sympathetic look
>Rin seems just as lost as you, as does Minoriko. Nitori, having returned to her game, may not have even noticed. She gets very engrossed when she's playing, unless food's involved.
>Reisen actually smiles. "I don't know what you did, Byakuren, but I think you just gave her an answer to a puzzle she's been working on for days."
-
>Slightly dubious frown: "Well, I am certainly glad to be helpful, but... do you have any idea what she meant?"
-
>Slightly dubious frown: "Well, I am certainly glad to be helpful, but... do you have any idea what she meant?"
>Reisen hesitates for a moment before answering. "There's a... formula she's been working on for a few days now that's had her stumped."
-
>"A formula for what, might I ask?"
-
>"A formula for what, might I ask?"
>Reisen's ears twitch for just a moment. You've noted she does that when she's talking about something she's not entirely comfortable about.
>Rin, nodding slightly, answers for her, "It's her... 'studies', right?" Rin uses that word when talking about Patchouli's research into magic. Patchy's parents don't want her experimenting in that field yet, and Reisen isn't supposed to talk about it either. She does, sometimes, but she's always worried that the Knowledges will find out.
>The Knowledge's, however, are not as harsh as Konngara and her family, and while Reisen may worry, to your knowledge, nothing bad has ever come of that particular concern. Still, the rabbit merely nods at Rin's question.
-
>"Well, if you'd rather not say more, I understand; it shan't pass my lips, in any case. I was just a little curious as to what might have sparked this breakthrough of hers, that's all."
>Continue eating
-
>"Well, if you'd rather not say more, I understand; it shan't pass my lips, in any case. I was just a little curious as to what might have sparked this breakthrough of hers, that's all."
>Continue eating
>You much on another slice of bread as Reisen joins you at the table. "Your guess is as good as mine, really. I know what she was working on, but what kind of inspiration she got from you?" She spreads her arms in a shrug.
>About three minutes later, after the three of you have gratefully, if not entirely gracefully, depleted the supply of bread in the basket, and Nitori has cursed and shouted repeatedly at the tank of her group- a paladin, evidently- Patchouli reenters the room. She seems quite satisfied about something.
-
>Smile gently at her as she comes in: "That looks like the face of success."
>Where's the main course? We're hungry....
-
>Smile gently at her as she comes in: "That looks like the face of success."
>Where's the main course? We're hungry....
>Minoriko said it'd take a few minutes to boil the noodles, so it will probably only be a minute or two more. Nothing leaves her kitchen until she's absolutely certain it's just right.
>Patchouli doffs her shawl and hangs it on the rack next to the door, looking only slightly smug as she walks towards you, her long purple hair tied with a blue ribbon in a high ponytail. She wears a new necklace, a stylized depiction of a wave on a silver chain, and a silver ring set with a sapphire teardrop-cut gem. "Not much beats solving a formula that's levels beyond where you're 'supposed to be.'" she crows. In her own understated way.
-
>How very understated, indeed....
>"And what did this formula concern, if I might inquire?"
-
>How very understated, indeed....
>"And what did this formula concern, if I might inquire?"
>Patchy plops herself down at the kotatsu. She seems more energetic than normal. Which isn't hard, since she never really appears as 'energetic'. "The flow of water magic from a jewel into a youkai and back again."
-
>"I'm not sure I entirely understand. I don't suppose you might be able to explain a little?"
-
>"I'm not sure I entirely understand. I don't suppose you might be able to explain a little?"
>Your question draws a pleased smirk from Patchouli. "Certainly."
>Nitori groans expansively. "Don't get her started, Hijiri" she warns exaggeratedly. "She'll go on for hours and hours."
>"Kinda like you'n machines?" Rin asks her with a deceptive grin on her face.
>"Totally different!" Nitori protests.
-
>Smile a little
>To Patchouli: "Well, for the sake of present company, perhaps you could simply give me the highlights?"
-
>Smile a little
>To Patchouli: "Well, for the sake of present company, perhaps you could simply give me the highlights?"
>Ordinarily Patchy and Nitori would squabble a little over this one. Magic vs. Science, and all that. It's not a rivalry you entirely understand, but you definitely recognize it. Today, however, Patchouli merely smiles and nods. "Magical energy is still energy, and it changes when it flows from one place to another, just like any other kind of energy. And magicians use certain formulas and equations to chart that energy and its properties. It's not quite math, despite the terminology, but I suppose you could say it serves largely the same purpose. And just like basic math, like calculus, it has many different approaches and techniques, some harder than others."
>She puffs up ever so slightly proudly. "And the equation I just solved would be considered an advanced quadratic equation, to compare it to more mundane terminology."
>As she finishes, Minoriko arrives carrying a large tray laden down with four plates loaded with noodles covered with a meaty spaghetti sauce. "That must have taken quite a bit of work." she compliments Patchy, placing the tray down on the kotatsu.
>"It was." Patchouli answers, then continues in your direction, "But you're probably curious as to what led to that moment of inspiration I had when I entered."
-
>"I am, yes."
>Give Minoriko a smile: "This looks delicious, thank you."
>Then take up our plateful and get to eating
-
>"I am, yes."
>Give Minoriko a smile: "This looks delicious, thank you."
>Then take up our plateful and get to eating
>"Without getting into all the intricacies," Patchy says as she takes her own plate off the tray, quickly removing her ring before doing so, "I had been trying to figure out the right kind of curve I need to apply to get the numbers, if you will, to balance out, but nothing I knew of seemed to fit." She tucks her pendant inside her sweater and continues, "When I saw your hair, however, I had an epiphany. I didn't need to use a curve at all. I simply needed a gradient path."
>Minoriko smiles contentedly at your praise then glides back to the kitchen as you dive in. It is, for now, bereft of parmasean cheese, but knowing Minoriko, she will rectify that momentarily. And even without, it is wonderful, if still a bit on the hot side. You can plainly see the fresh peppers and tomatoes she used in the sauce, as well as bits of celery among the very generous portions of ground beef.
>"What would you like to drink?" Minoriko asks as she takes some glasses down.
-
>"Water will be fine, thank you."
>To Patchouli: "Well, I am happy that my hair could be of assistance."
>Chuckle a little
-
>"Water will be fine, thank you."
>To Patchouli: "Well, I am happy that my hair could be of assistance."
>Chuckle a little
>Patchy practically grins, a look that seems rather strange on her. "It would appear that inspiration can be found in all manner of places."
>"Odd thing to overlook." Nitori tosses over her shoulder. The kappa almost can't seem to help but tease Patchy when she's talking about magic.
>Patchouli pouts, but only for a fleeting moment as Minoriko returns with four drinks, another small basket of garlic bread, and a contained of cheese. "Yes. Well. Perhaps it was a proverbial case of being too close to the trees to see the forest."
-
>"That can certainly happen to the best of us from time to time."
>Accept our drink, apply Parmesan, and continue eating
-
>"That can certainly happen to the best of us from time to time."
>Accept our drink, apply Parmesan, and continue eating
>Sprinkling a dash of parmesan over your sauce, just enough for flavor, you dive in in earnest. It's a mighty fine way to wake up after a power nap. Ordinarily, Patchouli is not a very heavy eater, but today she attends to Minoriko's spaghetti with vigor. In your experience, that's usually an indication that she hasn't been eating regularly, which happened when she gets caught up in her research. Reisen tries to take care of her in those instances, but Patchy can be a very focused girl when she wants to be. And since both you and she were rather hungry, neither of you says an awful lot during the course of supper. Rin and Reisen converse with each other while Nitori once more gripes about the tank, and the lack of plate drops in this dungeon.
>It is not until her plate is nearly empty when Patchy looks around and asks, "Where's Letty?"
-
>"I don't think she got very much sleep last night - up into the wee hours working on a new manuscript. I wouldn't be surprised if I wasn't the only one doing some catching up on their rest this evening."
-
>"I don't think she got very much sleep last night - up into the wee hours working on a new manuscript. I wouldn't be surprised if I wasn't the only one doing some catching up on their rest this evening."
>Minoriko nods her agreement. "I plan to pop over and see her in a little while, just in case she fell asleep at her desk again."
>"Day's not a day unless you swing in there at least once." Nitori remarks with a grin you can hear.
>The blonde cook's cheek puffs slightly as Rin and Reisen chuckle quietly.
-
>"Either way, I am sure she'll appreciate it."
>Attend to that pasta!
-
>"Either way, I am sure she'll appreciate it."
>Attend to that pasta!
>Minoriko smiles at your sentiment, though you can't help but notice the faint hint of a blush in the corners of her cheeks.
>You've not a great deal of pasta left, having consumed the vast majority of your meal while Reisen and Rin were discussing the characterization of some of the characters in one of the texts in classic lit. And there is but one slice of garlic bread remaining, you and Patchouli made quick work of that. And while you awoke with a considerable appetite, Minoriko and her pasta have quenched it quite expertly, as she so very often does.
>Not just hers, you correct yourself. Rin had a hand in this one as well, after all.
>You are down to your last fork-full of meat, and feeling quite pleasant, when Minoriko brings out four cups of tea for you all. She laughs a small warm sound. "You were all hungry, weren't you?"
-
>Chuckle a bit ourselves. "Well, even if I wasn't, I could keep putting this food away. I know it isn't usually good to overindulge, but your cooking always has a knack for hitting all the right spots."
-
>Chuckle a bit ourselves. "Well, even if I wasn't, I could keep putting this food away. I know it isn't usually good to overindulge, but your cooking always has a knack for hitting all the right spots."
>"Here here!" Nitori chimes in.
>Minoriko laughs her quiet laugh. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
-
>Give her a smile and nod, then finish up our meal
-
>Give her a smile and nod, then finish up our meal
>Spearing the last hunk of meat on your plate with your fork, you polish it off with some satisfaction. Leaning back a bit, you enjoy the sensation of a tummy well-fed in good company.
>Minoriko brings out a small bowl of freshly washed grapes. She always prepares a touch of dessert, usually for Nitori's sake moreso than the rest of you. This time, however, Patchouli is the one to start plucking grapes from the bowl and eating them.
>Reisen blinks in obvious surprise. "You really were hungry, weren't you?"
>"You hush." Patchy replies around a mouthful of fruit.
-
>Pop back a couple grapes ourselves, though casually
-
>Pop back a couple grapes ourselves, though casually
>"Shove over, Patchy." Nitori announces as she flounces over and plunks herself down next to the mage-in-potentia, to have her share of fruit as well. Patchouli gives the kappa a quick look, but does indeed scootch over.
>"Did you get your axe?" Reisen asks her as you chew upon your own grapes.
>The kappa shakes her head. "Let the hunter have it. Still holdin' out for Hellreaver, anyway. We're running ramps next, but Len needed to have supper first."
-
>"At least that should give you some respite from that paladin."
>Who is this Len person?
-
>"At least that should give you some respite from that paladin."
>Who is this Len person?
>Nitori chomps down on a grape. "I know they buffed pally aggro last patch, but you couldn't tell from that one."
>LengthyLocks is a paladin in her guild. A very competent healer, by his reputation.
-
>"We've all been there, certainly."
>Have another grape or two, and wait for Rin to seem to be basically done herself, then:
>"Well, I think I will take my leave now; there are a few things I'd rather attend to before it gets too late. Thanks for the delicious meal, as always."
-
>"We've all been there, certainly."
>Have another grape or two, and wait for Rin to seem to be basically done herself, then:
>"Well, I think I will take my leave now; there are a few things I'd rather attend to before it gets too late. Thanks for the delicious meal, as always."
>"Nothing wrong with pally tanks, but ya gotta know what you're doing. No matter what class you're using."
>Munching meditatively on the fresh fruit, you and Nitori idly discuss the mechanics and balance issues surrounding the various tanking classes, while the kappa bemoans, yet again, the lack of a Shamen tank spec. You smile patiently at her nerd-rage. Nitori very much enjoys her shamen, but she does wish badly she could do everything with it, like druids can.
>Rin also asks about Patchy's jewelry, which has yet to be seen by the rest of you. Turns out they were gifts from her aunt and her grandmother for her 16th birthday back in February. They are evidently old trinkets used by mages of the Knowledge family some years back, though whatever magic was in them has long dissipated. Patchy, however, seems fairly certain that, one day, she can restore them. If her eventual skill matches the unusual passion with which she speaks, she may very well indeed.
>You also take the opportunity to ensure the others that you've recovered from your fall the other day. You knew they were all worried, but you were somewhat surprised by the fact that it was Patchouli that asked first. The girl isn't insensitive, you wouldn't say, but she's not the type to show her concern. And Nitori questions her on it, and Patchy, unsurprisingly, gets a touch flustered and denies her overt worrying, but doesn't really fool anyone.
>After Rin pushes her plate away and you've both finished your tea, you announce your intent to leave. "You're more than welcome." Minoriko replies as Orin stands up after you.
-
>"Have a good evening, everyone."
>To Nitori: "And good luck with Vazruden."
>Exit Minoriko's and head back to our own place
-
>"Have a good evening, everyone."
>To Nitori: "And good luck with Vazruden."
>Exit Minoriko's and head back to our own place
>Nitori laughs expansively. "All's I need is a good drop."
>Taking your leave of your fellow Moonsider residents, you and the kasha depart Minorikos. Hyozan has moved in this time, now standing by the exit to the street in front of the apartment buildings. He seems to be staring at the school. You wonder what he sees.
>Orin holds the door to your place open for you.
-
>"Thank you."
>Enter
-
>"Thank you."
>Enter
>Orin enters the place behind you and closes the door, before shivering once. "Winter's comin', all right." she remarks.
-
>"No doubt about that."
>If we had a jacket or somesuch, doff it and get comfortable
>Give Orin a few moments to step inside and attend to any immediate business, then take a deep breath:
>"I believe I owe you an explanation."
-
>"No doubt about that."
>If we had a jacket or somesuch, doff it and get comfortable
>Give Orin a few moments to step inside and attend to any immediate business, then take a deep breath:
>"I believe I owe you an explanation."
>You had been wearing your usual front-tied black jacket, which you now remove. Rin hangs it up for you as you head into the main room and seat yourself upon the chair you previously occupied. She enters the room behind you after she has hung up her own dark green windbreaker, and covers her mouth as she belches quietly. "Sorry 'bout that. Mighta had a bit too much'a that garlic."
>Orin nods, and you know you have her full attention now. She sits down formally in front of you.
-
>"I had hesitated to share this earlier, but after our conversation this morning I feel that I owe it to you to be frank. I cannot rightly ask you not to stay your thoughts for fear of burdening others if I am doing nearly the same thing myself; I respect you too much to act so hypocritical."
-
>"I had hesitated to share this earlier, but after our conversation this morning I feel that I owe it to you to be frank. I cannot rightly ask you not to stay your thoughts for fear of burdening others if I am doing nearly the same thing myself; I respect you too much to act so hypocritical."
>Rin shakes her head briefly, her ears flattening just a little. "I ain't much for subtlety, but I understand that there are times there's somethin' goin' on, somethin' that's happening that ya just can't share with nobody. That ain't being 'hype-ocritical', that's just how it is. I just didn't know if this was one'a those things, an' if it is, den I understand that."
-
>"That may be so, and I appreciate the gesture, but I respect you and I trust you, Orin, and I think you have a right to know."
>Pause and take another deep breath.
>"What I am about to share with you must be kept in the strictest confidence. I would ask that you promise not to speak a word of it to anyone else, no matter how much the both of us trust them. Can you promise me this?"
-
>"That may be so, and I appreciate the gesture, but I respect you and I trust you, Orin, and I think you have a right to know."
>Pause and take another deep breath.
>"What I am about to share with you must be kept in the strictest confidence. I would ask that you promise not to speak a word of it to anyone else, no matter how much the both of us trust them. Can you promise me this?"
>"All right."
>You gather your thoughts and your courage. This might not be easy...
>Orin replies immediately, "I swear." She says it with unflinching certainty, and your ring pulses with energy when she does.
-
>Steal a glance at it; is it displaying any unusual color activity?
>Smile
>"Thank you, Orin. Now..."
>Pause a moment. Meet her eyes with a serious expression.
>"What do you remember about what happened last Wednesday afternoon?"
-
>Steal a glance at it; is it displaying any unusual color activity?
>Smile
>"Thank you, Orin. Now..."
>Pause a moment. Meet her eyes with a serious expression.
>"What do you remember about what happened last Wednesday afternoon?"
>Out of the corner of your eye, you observe your ring. A multitude of colors dance within the gems facets; a brilliant violet, a sky blue, a crimson red, a golden sheen, and all around the edges a deep, strong green.
>Rin's ears twitch in pleasure when you smile at her.
>The kasha's eyes tilt upwards as she thinks back, her tails swishing once. "Well, I came t'see ya when you were still in the nurse's office, and we talked. You told me 'bout that creepy-ass dream you had, and that ya wanted to visit the Cat shrine. Then we got outside, and I smelled somethin' funny, and heard that weird noise, then someone yellin'..." She narrows her eyes and twirls one of her braids. "I think I... No, WE, started runnin' towards the ball fields...." She shakes her head. "After dat, it gets real fuzzy. Musta been the gas."
-
>"Do you remember why we were running towards the field? Or anything at all that we saw there?"
-
>"Do you remember why we were running towards the field? Or anything at all that we saw there?"
>"Someone was yellin'." Rin says simply. "I... think I wanted t'go first, just in case, but you ran on ahead... An' I musta blacked out after that. The next thing I remember clear is wakin' up here the next day."
-
>Nod slowly, then fall silent for another moment before continuing.
>"Rin, there was no gas leak that day."
-
>Nod slowly, then fall silent for another moment before continuing.
>"Rin, there was no gas leak that day."
>Orin blinks twice. "There wasn't?"
-
>"I'm afraid not; what happened to you and the others was something far more unsettling."
>Open our mouth to continue, then hesitate a little.
>"Orin, what I'm about to say will probably be hard to accept, and I would not be surprised if it leads you to wonder whether I really did hit my head harder than anyone realized. If our positions were reversed, I'm sure the same concern would occur to me. But I swear to you that all of this is real and true, and I can offer you proof."
-
>"I'm afraid not; what happened to you and the others was something far more unsettling."
>Open our mouth to continue, then hesitate a little.
>"Orin, what I'm about to say will probably be hard to accept, and I would not be surprised if it leads you to wonder whether I really did hit my head harder than anyone realized. If our positions were reversed, I'm sure the same concern would occur to me. But I swear to you that all of this is real and true, and I can offer you proof."
>"That don't sound good."
>The kasha takes a pointed breath herself. "Mistress, do you remember what I said after you told me 'bout that dream you had?"
-
>"That if I said it was what happened, it was what happened?"
-
>"That if I said it was what happened, it was what happened?"
>She nods. "And I also said, 'what's our first move'." she adds with a swish of her tails. "I realize that, whatever you're about to say is real serious. But it don't matter how crazy it sounds. Unless you tell me something that I know ain't right, like, 'there's five moons in the sky' or somethin', then I wanna believe you."
-
>"Thank you for your faith, Orin. And no, there is still only one moon in the sky, last I checked."
>Smile a little, before our thoughts turn back to darker things
>"But as for the events of the Wednesday... the truth of what happened is that you and the others were attacked by a malevolent creature called a youma. It... drained the energy from you somehow, and I guess some side-effect of this may have interfered with your memory of it even happening. Were it not for some stroke of serendipity, I think it very possible we might all have died there."
-
>"Thank you for your faith, Orin. And no, there is still only one moon in the sky, last I checked."
>Smile a little, before our thoughts turn back to darker things
>"But as for the events of the Wednesday... the truth of what happened is that you and the others were attacked by a malevolent creature called a youma. It... drained the energy from you somehow, and I guess some side-effect of this may have interfered with your memory of it even happening. Were it not for some stroke of serendipity, I think it very possible we might all have died there."
>Rin's formal posture slouches visibly as she sits back heavier on her haunches. "A.. youma." she manages. "What the hell's a youma?" She then sits more upright. "Forget that, what happened to it? To you, to us?"
-
>"In the midst of the youma's attack, I was visited by a being from outside our world and it... bestowed upon me a great power. Even now I do not fully understand the depth of it, but it was by this power that I purified the youma, set it free of the hate and loss that defined its existence so that it could be reborn whole. And with it defeated, its grip over you and the others was lifted."
>Shake our head
>"No matter what you say, I am sure this must be a little hard to swallow."
-
>"In the midst of the youma's attack, I was visited by a being from outside our world and it... bestowed upon me a great power. Even now I do not fully understand the depth of it, but it was by this power that I purified the youma, set it free of the hate and loss that defined its existence so that it could be reborn whole. And with it defeated, its grip over you and the others was lifted."
>Shake our head
>"No matter what you say, I am sure this must be a little hard to swallow."
>Orin seems a bit lost, more than anything else. "I'm not sure i'm following you here. You think you could run that by me again, a bit slower?"
-
>"To be more concise, I was granted the power to protect."
-
>Nod
>"Of course."
>"When we met the youma, it was in the process of draining Kyouko. It had encircled her in a golden hoop that served as both restraint and a medium through which it could absorb her life force. We tried to make it desist - you especially - but physical force had little effect on it. It was strong. Very strong. You tried to protect me, Orin - buy time for me to escape, once things seemed hopeless. You were... very brave. But it caught you as well, and I might also have succumbed to it if a third party had not arrived at that moment. It offered me power... the power to save you and Kyouko and Lily, and more innocent people yet to come. Given the grim circumstances, how could I have done anything but accept?"
-
>"To be more concise, I was granted the power to protect."
>Nod
>"Of course."
>"When we met the youma, it was in the process of draining Kyouko. It had encircled her in a golden hoop that served as both restraint and a medium through which it could absorb her life force. We tried to make it desist - you especially - but physical force had little effect on it. It was strong. Very strong. You tried to protect me, Orin - buy time for me to escape, once things seemed hopeless. You were... very brave. But it caught you as well, and I might also have succumbed to it if a third party had not arrived at that moment. It offered me power... the power to save you and Kyouko and Lily, and more innocent people yet to come. Given the grim circumstances, how could I have done anything but accept?"
>"What kinda 'third party', a magic man or some...." Orin trails off, her eyes widening. "Wait a second. Wait a second, that was real? That really was you?"
-
>"Do you remember something?"
-
>"Do you remember something?"
>"I saw... Well, I thought I was dreamin', or hallucinating, but, now..."
-
>"Go on, please. What is it?"
-
>"Go on, please. What is it?"
>Rin exhales slowly through her nostrils, settling her thoughts. "I thought I saw your face. It was.. different, though, like there was some kinda light around you. I didn't feel right, I knew something was wrong. But you said 'Everything's fine.' And I knew it was." She gapes. "But after I woke up, I thought I dreamed it."
-
>Smile warmly, in that kind and caring way we're known for. "That was no dream."
-
>Smile warmly, in that kind and caring way we're known for. "That was no dream."
>"So..." she looks at your curiously. "You're a... superhero?"
-
>Chuckle a little
>"I... suppose that might be one way of looking at it, though I would hardly claim such a grandiose title for myself. But I was given this power so that I could protect those I care about, and protect them I shall."
-
>Chuckle a little
>"I... suppose that might be one way of looking at it, though I would hardly claim such a grandiose title for myself. But I was given this power so that I could protect those I care about, and protect them I shall."
>A sharp breath, akin to a laugh, passes Rin's lips, and she shakes her head while smiling slightly. "No wonder you'd been bushed the past... couple of days... Oh, hell, there's more of these things, aren't there? These youma things."
-
>"For now, there aren't any that have caused me to take note. Well, there are the ones who created them, but currently only one's at large. I recently sealed away one of the two, so their powerbase has already been effectively cut in half for now, until the others come to this side of the world that is. Someday things will be back to normal, and they might well change their tune as well."
-
>"For now, there aren't any that have caused me to take note. Well, there are the ones who created them, but currently only one's at large. I recently sealed away one of the two, so their powerbase has already been effectively cut in half. Someday things will be back to normal, and they might well change their tune as well."
I'm pretty sure she means 'more than just the one that attacked her', for which the answer is definitely 'yes', as opposed to 'no, not really', so I think this is rather misleading.
>So instead....
>Nod
>"I'm afraid so. And to make matters worse, the youma are only tools of the greater threat at work here. They are only living in a very crude sense of the word, I think - parts of thought and negative emotion, but not enough to truly be sentient. But their masters...."
>"Rin, there are... demons that have come to our world. Demons that were long ago cast out, but have forced their way back in somehow. They are powerful and dangerous and intelligent in a way that the youma are not. I do not understand all of their motives yet, but at the very least, they seek to bring across more of their kind and their kind has thus-far shown no remorse about threatening the lives of many innocents. The energy their youma steal from us is what they need to overpower the barrier that protects this world and I shudder to think of what might happen should they succeed in gathering enough of it."
-
I was taking into consideration the possibility of other Youma being in existence at the current time. It's just that for now, we don't know of any.
-
>"For now, there aren't any that have caused me to take note. Well, there are the ones who created them, but currently only one's at large. I recently sealed away one of the two, so their powerbase has already been effectively cut in half for now, until the others come to this side of the world that is. Someday things will be back to normal, and they might well change their tune as well."
>So instead....
>Nod
>"I'm afraid so. And to make matters worse, the youma are only tools of the greater threat at work here. They are only living in a very crude sense of the word, I think - parts of thought and negative emotion, but not enough to truly be sentient. But their masters...."
>"Rin, there are... demons that have come to our world. Demons that were long ago cast out, but have forced their way back in somehow. They are powerful and dangerous and intelligent in a way that the youma are not. I do not understand all of their motives yet, but at the very least, they seek to bring across more of their kind and their kind has thus-far shown no remorse about threatening the lives of many innocents. The energy their youma steal from us is what they need to overpower the barrier that protects this world and I shudder to think of what might happen should they succeed in gathering enough of it."
>Rin's ears flatten against her head. "Demons. Like, 'from hell', 'steal souls', 'eat babies' Demons? And you've been fighting them? Alone?"
-
I was taking into consideration the possibility of other Youma being in existence at the current time. It's just that for now, we don't know of any.
I just got the impression she was asking about events since the first battle, rather than just the present situation. That certainly bears outlining as well, once we come to it.
>"I don't know that they're from a place that we would think of as hell, but they do live in a separate world that is kept apart from ours by a powerful barrier. And when I have seen them, they have fed off the life and the fear of good and honest people. I feel there may be more to this situation than meets the eye, but I am still very new to all this myself, and much of what I have seen has not been good."
>Smile a little
>"But no, thankfully I have not been fully alone in this. I have encountered others that my power resonated with, and the greatest threats that we have faced, we did so together; I would not have been able to prevail without their aid."
-
>"I don't know that they're from a place that we would think of as hell, but they do live in a separate world that is kept apart from ours by a powerful barrier. And when I have seen them, they have fed off the life and the fear of good and honest people. I feel there may be more to this situation than meets the eye, but I am still very new to all this myself, and much of what I have seen has not been good."
>Smile a little
>"But no, thankfully I have not been fully alone in this. I have encountered others that my power resonated with, and the greatest threats that we have faced, we did so together; I would not have been able to prevail without their aid."
>Orin comes to her feet in a rapid motion. "Count me in." she says in a very strong voice.
>With another surge of energy from your ring, a shaft of green and purple light emerges from the gemstone. A white and blue ring emerges from yours, studded with three gemstones, a dark green emerald in the center, a dull ruby on the left, a pale amethyst on the right. The emerald has thin streaks of red on the top facet, the ruby has purple striping, and the amethyst has very light green stripes.
>This one feels different from the last two, somehow. Like there's more power contained in that band than there was in Kiku's or Lily's. Emerging from the light that birthed it, the ring floats gently forward towards the kasha.
>Orin stares at the circle of power. "Does this mean you'll take my help?" she asks, quietly. "I can protect you like you protected me?"
-
>Smile warmly. "Just don't take too many risks with it. Even with this power, we aren't invincible."
-
>"If you are willing to share this responsibility with me, Orin, then I could ask for no more loyal companion along the road than you."
-
>Smile warmly. "Just don't take too many risks with it. Even with this power, we aren't invincible."
>"Gotcha."
>"If you are willing to share this responsibility with me, Orin, then I could ask for no more loyal companion along the road than you."
>"Ya never even had ta ask." She stretches out her right hand, and the ring slides comfortably onto her right ring finger. "I'll fight with you to the end; youma, demons and anythin' else."
-
Smile warmly, as per usual. "Welcome to the team. Keep it secret now, you hear?"
>Beat.
>"I suppose this means I'll have to teach you how to use it then, come to think of it."
-
>Smile warmly, then take her hand in our own, clasp it firmly and nod.
>"Together."
-
Smile warmly, as per usual. "Welcome to the team. Keep it secret now, you hear?"
>Smile warmly, then take her hand in our own, clasp it firmly and nod.
>"Together."
>Orin enfolds your hand in her own, and looks at you with a look of sincere gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you."
>Beat.
>"I suppose this means I'll have to teach you how to use it then, come to think of it."
>"I'm all ears." Rin says, her ears twitching once for emphasis.
-
>"As well, you'll need a significantly more detailed account of what we're doing. Where did I leave, again?"
-
>"As well, you'll need a significantly more detailed account of what we're doing. Where did I leave, again?"
>"Uh.... You were on these Demons, and the other superheroes. Who are-" She pauses. "It's okay for me ta know who they are now, right?"
-
>"Of course. If you are standing with us, then we are all standing with you as well. There are two others who share in this power, though both of them only as of yesterday. One of them, in fact, was the tiger I was riding in that photograph. Her name is Kiku, and she is a shrine maiden of the Metal Tiger. The other is Lily White; you do know who she is, yes?"
-
>"Of course. If you are standing with us, then we are all standing with you as well. There are two others who share in this power, though both of them only as of yesterday. One of them, in fact, was the tiger I was riding in that photograph. Her name is Kiku, and she is a shrine maiden of the Metal Tiger. The other is Lily White; you do know who she is, yes?"
>"Waaaait a minute here!" Rin exclaims. "Back up a step. You were ridin' Kiku?"
-
>"...do you know her?"
-
>"...do you know her?"
>"Never met her meself, but I hear girls that went to the shrine talk 'bout her. They say she's kinda like Satori's 'executive' 'r something. And that she's a real hardass."
-
>"Ah, yes. I suppose I am not surprised that she would have that sort of reputation, though it does her an injustice; she is a woman of firm discipline and unyielding sense of duty, true, but she nonetheless cares greatly about those under her charge. At first glance, that may seem lost beneath a cool exterior, but she is a good person."
-
>"Ah, yes. I suppose I am not surprised that she would have that sort of reputation, though it does her an injustice; she is a woman of firm discipline and unyielding sense of duty, true, but she nonetheless cares greatly about those under her charge. At first glance, that may seem lost beneath a cool exterior, but she is a good person."
>"How'd she get involved in all this?" she asks. "You didn't find onea them youma things at the Cat shrine, didya?"
-
>"No, though there may be a threat of another nature there now; I will elaborate on that later. But Kiku found me while I was fighting a youma that attacked Yakumo Jewelers. Even before she attained this power we now share, she possessed great skill in the arts of her shrine - arts which she used to help restrain the youma and allow me to purify it. Afterward, she helped Lily and I confront a demon and its servants at the Center for the Recently Ascended - it was there that she obtained her ring."
-
>"No, though there may be a threat of another nature there now; I will elaborate on that later. But Kiku found me while I was fighting a youma that attacked Yakumo Jewelers. Even before she attained this power we now share, she possessed great skill in the arts of her shrine - arts which she used to help restrain the youma and allow me to purify it. Afterward, she helped Lily and I confront a demon and its servants at the Center for the Recently Ascended - it was there that she obtained her ring."
>Your Orin seems a bit lost. "'Arts?' What kinda 'arts'? And you 'purified it'?"
>"An' if these things were at Ran's, how come it never got talked about.... Wait a sec." She pauses, looking down in thought. "So that's why they were closed today. Heard some girls talkin' bout that. But wouldn't that have come up in the news or the papers or something?"
-
>"I'm not sure exactly what sort of story Ran will present to the press, though I doubt she will mention the youma's presence herself. As for all the bystanders caught up in what happened, it seems likely that if neither you nor Lily or the others recalled what happened to you Wednesday, they may not recall the truth of those events either. Perhaps it will be attributed to another gas leak; I do not know for sure."
-
>"I'm not sure exactly what sort of story Ran will present to the press, though I doubt she will mention the youma's presence herself. As for all the bystanders caught up in what happened, it seems likely that if neither you nor Lily or the others recalled what happened to you Wednesday, they may not recall the truth of those events either. Perhaps it will be attributed to another gas leak; I do not know for sure."
>"Okay, well, so long's they get back on their feet like the rest of us did."
-
>"They should be fine, yes. So far everyone has shown signs of recovery after we defeated the youma that was draining them, though I obviously haven't been able to follow-up on them as closely as those from the first attack."
>"As for the first of your other questions... I do not know the full scope of the powers Kiku possessed before this, but she demonstrated skill with talismans - to communicate at a distance, to restrain, and to sense - as well as magical manipulation of the element of metal. These are skills and rituals passed down through her shrine, though I believe they are taught only to a few; she has trained very hard in the use of them, for many years."
-
>"They should be fine, yes. So far everyone has shown signs of recovery after we defeated the youma that was draining them, though I obviously haven't been able to follow-up on them as closely as those from the first attack."
>"As for the first of your other questions... I do not know the full scope of the powers Kiku possessed before this, but she demonstrated skill with talismans - to communicate at a distance, to restrain, and to sense - as well as magical manipulation of the element of metal. These are skills and rituals passed down through her shrine, though I believe they are taught only to a few; she has trained very hard in the use of them, for many years."
>"I seen Kyouko 'round since then, she seems fine enough. Lily, too, but I didn't see er today."
>Orin gapes as you note Kiku's magics. "Ya mean the Cat mikos are magicians? I mean REAL magicians?"
-
>"I... do not think that many of them are, but some at least. That fact may also be kept in confidence, however. At the very least, I recall Kiku being a little closed about this; I may ask her about it some time in future."
-
>"I... do not think that many of them are, but some at least. That fact may also be kept in confidence, however. At the very least, I recall Kiku being a little closed about this; I may ask her about it some time in future."
>Orin whistles. "I'll be skinned. Matron Mother was right."
>The 'Matron Mother' Orin refers to is Konngara's maternal grandmother, who held a great deal of influence over the rest of the family, and a very... unpleasant individual. Rin doesn't like to talk about her much.
>"She used to say that shrine maidens had powers back in the day, but they've got weaker over the years. Konngara never believed her." She grins fiercely. "I git ta know she was wrong. Orin likes that."
-
>More unpleasant than Konngara herself?
>"I think Kiku spoke of that as well, if I recall correctly - that their power has waned over the years. But she herself is certainly testament that it still exists."
-
>Nod. "And if she's this skilled even without the ring, that makes one wonder just how powerful they were in past ages."
-
>More unpleasant than Konngara herself?
>"I think Kiku spoke of that as well, if I recall correctly - that their power has waned over the years. But she herself is certainly testament that it still exists."
>She gave you the impression that the Matron Mother was unpleasant in different ways. The elder woman was evidently sternly disapproving of her own family, and demanded absolute and unreasonable perfection from her family's servants. And had no qualms beating that lesson into either group.
>"So if she got that kinda power, why'd she need onea dese rings?" Rin asks, examining the expensive-looking piece of jewelry on her hand.
>Nod. "And if she's this skilled even without the ring, that makes one wonder just how powerful they were in past ages."
>"Meybe we should ask. She might have a lotta tricks under the tail."
-
>"Because if she hadn't, she probably would've fallen under the demon's sway, and taken the Dark Ring it was presenting. To use a more pertinent metaphor, Kiku was almost in your old shoes so to speak. If not worse-off."
-
>"Because if she hadn't, she probably would've fallen under the demon's sway, and taken the Dark Ring it was presenting. To use a more pertinent metaphor, Kiku was almost in your old shoes so to speak. If not worse-off."
>Rin cocks her head to the side. You think that statement went right over her head.
-
>"Remember how things were for you under Konngara? Well, Suffice it to say, things would've been even worse for Kiku if she had fallen into the demon's hands."
-
>"She would have become a servant of the demon."
>"But basically, the power given by these rings is greater than what she has without it. Without it, she could fight youma, but was ineffective against the demon itself. With it, this was no longer the case."
-
>"I do not know if the power of these rings is outright greater, or if it is simply tuned against the demons in some way these other powers are not, but the difference was considerable."
-
>"Remember how things were for you under Konngara? Well, Suffice it to say, things would've been even worse for Kiku if she had fallen into the demon's hands."
>"Are you sayin' this demon was trying to own her?"
>"She would have become a servant of the demon."
>"But basically, the power given by these rings is greater than what she has without it. Without it, she could fight youma, but was ineffective against the demon itself. With it, this was no longer the case."
>"I do not know if the power of these rings is outright greater, or if it is simply tuned against the demons in some way these other powers are not, but the difference was considerable."
>Rin narrows her eyes as she scrutinizes the ring, then closes her fist. "So ya saved Kiku. But you wouldn't've killed the demon, so, did it get away? Is it still out there?"
-
>"The three of us pooled our power to cast it into a prison outside of this world. It is keyed to unlock only once the demon has reformed sufficiently that Kiku can forgive it for what it has done. Which... may be a very difficult thing to achieve, even should its desire to reform be genuine. And I am quite sure it has no intention at all of changing itself at this point - it did not seem to have even occurred to it to question its doctrine, that coexistence with the people of this world is impossible and against its very nature. I am... not so convinced that this is true. The youma are beings of negative emotion, not truly sentient or capable of reasoning; the demon was not like this at all. It holds to a set of beliefs very different than our own, but it was intelligent and so I think that it can, at least in theory, choose to hold a different one. I am not sure how I can help this to happen, but I feel I must try."
-
>"The three of us pooled our power to cast it into a prison outside of this world. It is keyed to unlock only once the demon has reformed sufficiently that Kiku can forgive it for what it has done. Which... may be a very difficult thing to achieve, even should its desire to reform be genuine. And I am quite sure it has no intention at all of changing itself at this point - it did not seem to have even occurred to it to question its doctrine, that coexistence with the people of this world is impossible and against its very nature. I am... not so convinced that this is true. The youma are beings of negative emotion, not truly sentient or capable of reasoning; the demon was not like this at all. It holds to a set of beliefs very different than our own, but it was intelligent and so I think that it can, at least in theory, choose to hold a different one. I am not sure how I can help this to happen, but I feel I must try."
>"Three?" She pauses and reflects. "Oh, yeah, Lily." She pauses again. "The cheerleader? How'd SHE get her ring?"
>The Kasha then does a visible double take. "You... threw it in a cell? Some kinda magic cell?" Her eyes widen. "We can DO that?"
-
>Nod. "'Rainbow Oubliette'. I designed that spell for the storage of that Demon. There's one other Demon out there, but I'm not sure how many separate prisons I can have at one time. I know it's not a good thing to leave them locked up all in the same prison. It would be like putting baking soda and vinegar inside a sealed jar, and then letting it sit until the jar itself shatters from the pressure. And I for one, do not want to find out what would happen to us when the prison shatters. I can only surmise that it would be bad."
-
>Nod. "'Rainbow Oubliette'. I designed that spell for the storage of that Demon. There's one other Demon out there, but I'm not sure how many separate prisons I can have at one time. I know it's not a good thing to leave them locked up all in the same prison. It would be like putting baking soda and vinegar inside a sealed jar, and then letting it sit until the jar itself shatters from the pressure. And I for one, do not want to find out what would happen to us when the prison shatters. I can only surmise that it would be bad."
>Rin nods. "So how many more we gonna need? I mean, is there just the one demon left?"
-
>"There is one other that is here now, and more coming."
-
>"We've gotten information that they're based on the elements. 'Champions' for the demon race for the specific element. The one currently imprisoned is a Serpentine one representing Water. Apparently they work off the Western Set. And, if the Water Champion is to be believed, the Forest Champion may well be our most difficult fight ever."
-
>"We've gotten information that they're based on the elements. 'Champions' for the demon race for the specific element. The one currently imprisoned is a Serpentine one representing Water. Apparently they work off the Western Set. And, if the Water Champion is to be believed, the Forest Champion may well be our most difficult fight ever."
>"Western set of what?"
>"There is one other that is here now, and more coming."
>Rin gives you a confidant look. "We can take 'em, don't matter how many buddies they got comin'."
-
>"The western set of Elements. Fire, Wood, Water, etcetera. That group."
>Patchouli's talked at length about that set in fact, hasn't she?
-
Forest is one of the classical elements now? Wood most definitely isn't.
>"I feel the same way, but we have to proceed with care. They have little to lose in causing chaos, we have everything to lose."
-
Wood and Forest are interchangeable. Plus we already figured out they're of the western set as it is.
Also, note Patchy's Fire+Wood spellcards in the canon. As well as her Wood cards in general.
-
Those aren't classic elements. Those Chinese elements.
-
Either way, the forest champion is still a thing. And everything we've gotten heavily implies that that particular set the demons use is the western one.
Perhaps you should re-read all our conversations with Kiku?
-
>"The western set of Elements. Fire, Wood, Water, etcetera. That group."
>Patchouli's talked at length about that set in fact, hasn't she?
>Rin frowns in concentration, rotating her hand and one of her tails, thinking. "The.... The, uh.... The Six Signs one?"
>Not as such, no. While her passion for magic is undoubtable, she hasn't gone into enormous detail very often. She understands that most if not all she would say would go over your heads. Plus, her speech can be a bit lofty, at times, and Rin's command of the Yamato tongue is not profound. It's a reasonable assumption that what Patchy has spoken of in terms of her magic may have gone right over Rin's head.
>"I feel the same way, but we have to proceed with care. They have little to lose in causing chaos, we have everything to lose."
>"Speakin' of 'pro-seedin', what's our next move? Find this other demon in it's hidey hole?"
-
>Nod. "That would seem to be the set of elements they run on. As for proceeding, I think it's best if we relax for a while. You might be full of vim and vigor, but for myself and the others, we're still recovering."
-
Hang on a sec. Wasn't our next step to check out the other shrines, actually? It has a good chance to be a low-energy-expended outing (asumming nothing goes wrong) yet still useful.
-
That falls under relaxing. No rule against us stopping to enjoy the flowers along the way. Maybe grab a light snack, or some ice cream, something a girl would treat herself to when worn out or stressed.
-
Well, we may be able to have a fairly relaxed time while doing it, but that doesn't mean that the aim itself is relaxation or that it should be communicated to Rin in such a fashion. This is still a very serious matter that we're investigating, and I think it's perfectly sensible to impress that upon her. Which, of course, requires explaining what we know of the Satori situation (which I hadn't yet gotten to)
>"While finding the demon is important, we currently have no clues about its whereabouts and it is concealing its presence from detection. Moreover, the others are somewhat spent from yesterday's battle - Lily in particular. If the need for confrontation with it is not immediate, it would be better if we were all gathered and rested before this. Additionally, there is... another problem afoot, somewhat closer to home."
>Frown a little
-
>Nod. "That would seem to be the set of elements they run on. As for proceeding, I think it's best if we relax for a while. You might be full of vim and vigor, but for myself and the others, we're still recovering."
>"While finding the demon is important, we currently have no clues about its whereabouts and it is concealing its presence from detection. Moreover, the others are somewhat spent from yesterday's battle - Lily in particular. If the need for confrontation with it is not immediate, it would be better if we were all gathered and rested before this. Additionally, there is... another problem afoot, somewhat closer to home."
>Frown a little
>Rin immediately looks around the room with wary eyes, then stops herself. "Oh, ya meant that 'figritivly', didn't ya?"
-
>"Oh. Yes. This place is quite safe to the best of my knowledge, though it is someone else's home that is not."
>Pause a moment
>"There is a problem at the Shrine of the Metal Tiger, the nature of which we do not yet fully know. But we have been warned by the Metal Tiger himself that Satori, the head shrine maiden, is a threat to us - so much so that He briefly concealed our memories so that she would be unaware that we were told this. Several others around the shrine have had their memory altered more ominously, including Lily and Kiku, and I suspect many others. In Kiku's case, she was made to forget that she witnessed the Sacred Flame turn jet black several days ago. We... do not yet know what this means, but it seems to bode poorly. Since then, Satori has barred access to the flame, and has behaved oddly in other ways. However, there is no sign of demonic presence at the shrine whatsoever, so this event does not seem caused by them. Whatever hostile force is at work there remains unknown, and while it is unknown I think it may be even more dangerous."
-
>"Oh. Yes. This place is quite safe to the best of my knowledge, though it is someone else's home that is not."
>Pause a moment
>"There is a problem at the Shrine of the Metal Tiger, the nature of which we do not yet fully know. But we have been warned by the Metal Tiger himself that Satori, the head shrine maiden, is a threat to us - so much so that He briefly concealed our memories so that she would be unaware that we were told this. Several others around the shrine have had their memory altered more ominously, including Lily and Kiku, and I suspect many others. In Kiku's case, she was made to forget that she witnessed the Sacred Flame turn jet black several days ago. We... do not yet know what this means, but it seems to bode poorly. Since then, Satori has barred access to the flame, and has behaved oddly in other ways. However, there is no sign of demonic presence at the shrine whatsoever, so this event does not seem caused by them. Whatever hostile force is at work there remains unknown, and while it is unknown I think it may be even more dangerous."
>Unlike Kiku, Rin doesn't seem fazed by your casual mention of the God who spoke with you. She does, however, draw herself close to her full height. "If Satori's a threat, then I'll go throw her in onea those myself until you can talk or beat the bad out of her. Y'all can rest, I'll handle the matchmaker. Jus' tell me how."
-
>"Calm down. We need to get more information on this whole matter first. I'd rather remove what's influencing her, not her herself."
-
>"Calm down. We need to get more information on this whole matter first. I'd rather remove what's influencing her, not her herself."
>"I'd let her out once she's fixed." Rin assures you.
-
>Sigh. Rin always was one for the direct approach, wasn't she?
-
>"Putting that to one side for the moment, it is dangerous to confront what we do not understand - especially when she holds such sway over the minds of others. I cannot be fully certain, but... last night, when I was at the shrine, I believe that some force attempted to compel me to sleep when I made a few unsubtle inquiries about Satori's recent activities. I was very tired myself at the time, of course, but something about it did not feel right in the slightest."
>"Until we understand the situation better, I think it unwise to act, and it is certainly dangerous to expose ourselves to her presence. Kiku tells me that her deeper connection to the Metal Tiger can shield her from Satori's insight, but for the rest of us, I think it risky to even visit the shrine without immediate cause. For the time-being, Kiku herself is investigating and should alert me the moment something happens. It is her home terrain and she has protection we do not; it makes sense that she look into matters first. Though we will of course come to her aid if something dangerous occurs."
-
>Sigh. Rin always was one for the direct approach, wasn't she?
>She isn't much for subtlety, no. But on the other hand, you can't help but feel a little glad that she made so assertive a decision so quickly. It's a good sign, a sign that she's feeling more comfortable saying and doing what she really feels, instead of balancing everything of her slave's instincts and training.
>"Putting that to one side for the moment, it is dangerous to confront what we do not understand - especially when she holds such sway over the minds of others. I cannot be fully certain, but... last night, when I was at the shrine, I believe that some force attempted to compel me to sleep when I made a few unsubtle inquiries about Satori's recent activities. I was very tired myself at the time, of course, but something about it did not feel right in the slightest."
>"Until we understand the situation better, I think it unwise to act, and it is certainly dangerous to expose ourselves to her presence. Kiku tells me that her deeper connection to the Metal Tiger can shield her from Satori's insight, but for the rest of us, I think it risky to even visit the shrine without immediate cause. For the time-being, Kiku herself is investigating and should alert me the moment something happens. It is her home terrain and she has protection we do not; it makes sense that she look into matters first. Though we will of course come to her aid if something dangerous occurs."
>Rin exhales, smiling softly. "Yeah, that's probably smarter. Might've got a bit carried away, there, didn't I."
>"So we trust Kiku an' let her do her thing, okay. But, can I help her out in dat? Like you said, you could use some downtime, but I'm ready fer anythin'."
-
>"What I think should be our next task - Kiku's own suggestion, actually - is that we investigate the other shrines and see if we can learn whether anything has happened to their sacred flames as well."
-
>"What I think should be our next task - Kiku's own suggestion, actually - is that we investigate the other shrines and see if we can learn whether anything has happened to their sacred flames as well."
>"I don't think I follow." Rin confesses. "If dis problem is with Satori, why would somethin' bad be happenin' at the other three shrines?"
-
>"Well, I told you that the sacred flame at the Tiger shrine suddenly turned black, yes? This event itself was blocked from Kiku's memory, though she and others had witnessed it. And since then, Satori has barred the flame from view. There is clearly something significant to this event, and I think it very possible that this change in the flame represents the appearance of a malevolent force at the shrine - it did not seem as though Satori herself had caused this, though I suppose it may be possible. In any case, it may be valuable to know whether this is a localized event, or if the other shrines have been similarly affected."
-
>"Well, I told you that the sacred flame at the Tiger shrine suddenly turned black, yes? This event itself was blocked from Kiku's memory, though she and others had witnessed it. And since then, Satori has barred the flame from view. There is clearly something significant to this event, and I think it very possible that this change in the flame represents the appearance of a malevolent force at the shrine - it did not seem as though Satori herself had caused this, though I suppose it may be possible. In any case, it may be valuable to know whether this is a localized event, or if the other shrines have been similarly affected."
>"Now I getcha. But, the flame at the Cat Shrine, is it... Oh, wait, no one's allowed in." Orin corrects herself, giving one of her braids a twirl. "Well, I could sneak in and... Oh, wait, you said it was dangerous. But I could sneak into the other ones if they're all locked up, have a look 'round." She grins a little. "Cats cin get anywhere."
-
>Smile
>"I appreciate your enthusiasm. Though merely knowing whether they've recently been closed to the public or not may be sufficient. But I suppose we can decide that at the time."
-
>Smile
>"I appreciate your enthusiasm. Though merely knowing whether they've recently been closed to the public or not may be sufficient. But I suppose we can decide that at the time."
>"So which one do I visit first?"
-
>"I thought that we would go together. And I think... the Black Tortoise Shrine."
-
>"I thought that we would go together. And I think... the Black Tortoise Shrine."
>"I can handle it for ya, Mistress. Ya can rest up if you're still tired, an' I cin handle the leg work for a while." She clenches her raised, newly-ringed, fist. "An' I got the power now to keep myself safe if things go bad. Just gimme a couple hours, I can cover all three."
-
>Smile again.
>"I do appreciate the offer, Rin. And I have faith in you. But while you are so new to your power, I would feel much better accompanying you, in case something does in fact go wrong. And if it doesn't, then I'll have simply had a calm and uneventful outing - not the worst thing in the world. I caught a little nap, remember; I'll be fine."
-
>Smile again.
>"I do appreciate the offer, Rin. And I have faith in you. But while you are so new to your power, I would feel much better accompanying you, in case something does in fact go wrong. And if it doesn't, then I'll have simply had a calm and uneventful outing - not the worst thing in the world. I caught a little nap, remember; I'll be fine."
>Rin's mouth twists for a moment, but she can't seem to find a way to object to that. "Well, if you're sure."
-
>We do feel rested enough for a casual jaunt around town on the bus or something, yes?
-
>We do feel rested enough for a casual jaunt around town on the bus or something, yes?
>Indeed you do. You're good until your normal bedtime, barring something exceedingly tiring happening.
-
>"I'll be fine, Orin. And I think it better policy in general for all of us to work in groups, if circumstances allow. We are much stronger together than alone."
-
>"I'll be fine, Orin. And I think it better policy in general for all of us to work in groups, if circumstances allow. We are much stronger together than alone."
>Rin scratches her nose once. "Makes sense. I just figured that, since I was full up that I could handle a little of the legwork myself, but, you're right, runnin' in a pack's safer than a lone cat."
>"Plus, yeah, I guess I don't know everythin' bout this ring yet either." she adds, examining the jewelry again. "Tell me somethin', you said you made the rings for Kiku and Lily. Can their rings do it too? Or mine?"
-
>"I... suppose I do not know. Even if my case, it did not feel like a deliberate act, so much as their rings coming forth from mine, unbidden. So I could barely guess whether the other rings could do likewise."
-
>"I... suppose I do not know. Even if my case, it did not feel like a deliberate act, so much as their rings coming forth from mine, unbidden. So I could barely guess whether the other rings could do likewise."
>"Now dat's weird." Rin thinks, then shrugs. "But then again, they are magic rings, so a bit'a weird's only normal, I guess. Patchouli'd know more'n me, but we cin't ask her. 'less she gits her own ring, ofcourse."
-
>"I believe the power of these rings is very strange, even as magic goes; at least others with more familiarity than I have said as much."
>"And yes, while I would appreciate Patchouli's knowledge, I am not sure how prudent it would be to consult her just yet."
-
>"I do intend to tell the others at some point, but I'm not sure when the right time for that will be."
-
>"I believe the power of these rings is very strange, even as magic goes; at least others with more familiarity than I have said as much."
>"And yes, while I would appreciate Patchouli's knowledge, I am not sure how prudent it would be to consult her just yet."
>"I do intend to tell the others at some point, but I'm not sure when the right time for that will be."
>"Well, we might have dis all fixed 'fore it ever comes up."
>"Though, speakin' a times..." she pauses for a moment, then adds, "You said dat ya never had a lotta control over when these rings came out. So, how can ya tell when someone's about ta get theirs? Was dere some kinda sign when mine was 'bout ta come out?"
-
>"I could feel a reaction within my ring and colors swirled within it. I... think it resonates with emotion and will. I have seen it react in subtler ways to other people, without reaching this point, but am still not entirely sure how to interpret all of it."
-
>"I could feel a reaction within my ring and colors swirled within it. I... think it resonates with emotion and will. I have seen it react in subtler ways to other people, without reaching this point, but am still not entirely sure how to interpret all of it."
>Rin nods. "If mine starts doing somethin' like that, I'll tell you right away."
-
>"Thank you. That would be good to know."
>"Do you have any other questions before we head out?"
-
>"Thank you. That would be good to know."
>"Do you have any other questions before we head out?"
>Rin flicks her tails briefly. "Still kinda curious how the cheerleader got her ring."
-
>"The Metal Tiger showed her a vision - a vision of the precious things in this world and great black wave enveloping and bringing them to ruin. She said that she could not witness that and choose anything other than resisting it. I think it was her will to safeguard the good that coaxed her ring from mine - in some ways, perhaps not all that unlike with you, Rin."
-
>"The Metal Tiger showed her a vision - a vision of the precious things in this world and great black wave enveloping and bringing them to ruin. She said that she could not witness that and choose anything other than resisting it. I think it was her will to safeguard the good that coaxed her ring from mine - in some ways, perhaps not all that unlike with you, Rin."
>Rin smiles. "Yeah. I can relate to that."
>"Think you'll meet the Turtle, too, at his house?"
-
>"I would hesitate to presume, but if the Metal Tiger chose to show Himself to me, then I suppose it is possible. It has been a very... unique few days."
-
>"I would hesitate to presume, but if the Metal Tiger chose to show Himself to me, then I suppose it is possible. It has been a very... unique few days."
>"Guess we'll find out when we get there."
>"Oh yeah." she adds, taking a step back and looking at your legs. "I suggest a longer skirt, or pants. Wind's mighty cold out there."
-
>"Yes, that sounds like a good idea."
>"Are there any other questions on your mind at the moment, or should I go get changed?"
-
>"Yes, that sounds like a good idea."
>"Are there any other questions on your mind at the moment, or should I go get changed?"
>Rin considers your question. "I think I'm good, but I'll tell ya right away if I think'a somethin' else."
-
>Nod
>"Please do."
>Go pick up some warmer clothes, suitable for the current weather, and get changed
-
>Nod
>"Please do."
>Go pick up some warmer clothes, suitable for the current weather, and get changed
>Taking leave from your servant, you return to your room and select a longer, thicker skirt for your upcoming excursion. You select the practical dark grey skirt with the white stripes on the side.
>As you are changing, you hear a knock upon your door. Rin calls out, "Comin'!" Moments later, the door opens and you hear a second set of footsteps within your apartment.
>"Ah, Patchouli...!" you hear Rin say, but she is interrupted by Patchouli's voice, as she calls,
>"Byakuren, I need to borrow your Rin."
-
>Call out: "What is it?"
-
>Call out: "What is it?"
>"I need borrow Rin." Patchy repeats herself. "Specifically a piece of hair or fur, or two."
-
>"May I ask why?"
>"And at any rate, I believe you should address that question to her."
-
>"May I ask why?"
>"And at any rate, I believe you should address that question to her."
>"For an experiment."
>"I need the consent of the owner." Patchy counters.
>Rin's voice, sounding slightly confused, asks, "Dat makes a difference in magic?"
>"Depending on the sorcery in question."
-
>"What sort of experiment?"
-
>"What sort of experiment?"
>"Conjuration."
-
>"Are you being deliberately terse? I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested in a meaningful answer."
-
>"Are you being deliberately terse? I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested in a meaningful answer."
>"I'm in the middle of the spell." Patchy replies, this time actually sounding a bit terse. "I just didn't realize I was missing a reagent until I was halfway through."
-
>"And I presume this won't end up affecting Rin in any way, save for the loss of the hair in question?"
-
>"And I presume this won't end up affecting Rin in any way, save for the loss of the hair in question?"
>"Absolutely. I can't even DO any spells that might cause that." After a moment, she adds, "Yet."
>"How much?" Rin asks her.
>"Just a strand or two."
-
>"It's up to Rin. If she gives assent then I will give my own as well."
-
>"It's up to Rin. If she gives assent then I will give my own as well."
>"Does it make a difference to do it in dat order?" Rin asks her.
>"Mmm....." Patchouli thinks audibly for a moment as you finish changing. "I'm not sure. But if it does, that's fine. It means I'll know for next time."
>"Den it's fine by me."
>"Byakuren?" the neophyte mage asks.
-
>Emerge from the room, now that we're dressed
>"You have my permission."
-
>Emerge from the room, now that we're dressed
>"You have my permission."
>Somewhat to your surprise, the sweater-clad Patchouli smiles. That's a bit of a rarity for her. "Thanks, both of you." She produces a small pair of scissors and turns to the kasha. "Let me see one of your tails." Rin obliging extends one of her tails towards Patchy, who removes three or four of Rin's shorter tail hairs with one cut, and swiftly departs.
>Orin swishes her tail back and forth. "Wonder what kinda spell needed a slave's hair." she ponders aloud.
-
>"I had assumed the relevant part was more likely the fact that you're a kasha."
-
>"I had assumed the relevant part was more likely the fact that you're a kasha."
>"I don't think so." she disagrees. "If it was just dat, she wouldn't've needed your permission."
-
>"Perhaps not. Perhaps it simply requires that the hair be freely given, and in this case the magic involved might not consider you be the true 'owner' of the hair, and thus not have the right to grant permission one way or the other? As sad a statement as that is to make."
-
>"Perhaps not. Perhaps it simply requires that the hair be freely given, and in this case the magic involved might not consider you be the true 'owner' of the hair, and thus not have the right to grant permission one way or the other? As sad a statement as that is to make."
>"'s true, though." Rin says, quietly. "I know how ya feel about it, Mistress, but the truth is that you own me. 'least until you say different."
-
>There was a statute of limitation on when Konngara could challenge us over Rin, yes?
>And would that extend to any other random oni, as well?
-
>Didn't we already declare her to be free in private some time ago, and the slave thing is entirely a facade at this point to keep Konngara at bay?
-
>There was a statute of limitation on when Konngara could challenge us over Rin, yes?
>And would that extend to any other random oni, as well?
>As far as your knowledge of oni law and tradition extends, Konngara can challenge you at any point during your ownership, provided she has the grounds to do so, and the challenge comes in a form in which the two of you can compete without one having an unmatchable advantage. And that does apply to other onis as well, provided they have the grounds to maintain a slave. An oni whom you know to be broke, for instance, would be an invalid challenger, since they have not the means to support themselves, let alone a slave.
>Didn't we already declare her to be free in private some time ago, and the slave thing is entirely a facade at this point to keep Konngara at bay?
>You'd prefer is she acted like a free person, but technically she can't legally be freed for ten years. Once an owner has maintained ownership of a slave for a decade, that owner must either adopt the slave into their family, or give them their freedom. Any slave who is freed in this manner can never again be enslaved, legally, by any oni, Konngara or otherwise. If you formally declared her free at this point, then any oni could claim her, since you would have forfeited any claim on her. That is why you still answer to the title of 'owner' and answer to the legalities therein. Freeing a slave before their term is served is, by oni law, really no different than abandoning it, save for the clause that a slave owner who abandons their slave forfeits any right to claim that slave again.
-
>"I will be very happy for the day when it is safe for you to say that I do not. But you know full well that within these walls, there is no higher authority over your own person than you, Rin. Regardless of what that certificate says."
-
>"I will be very happy for the day when it is safe for you to say that I do not. But you know full well that within these walls, there is no higher authority over your own person than you, Rin. Regardless of what that certificate says."
>Rin smiles, but she seems somewhat uncomfortable with the idea. "Yeah. I know. But after all those years.... It's a really big thought, Byakuren. I mean... I never used to have 'author-ty' over anythin', let alone meself, and now?"
-
>"You've come a long way in a short time, Orin. Some day it will feel like the most natural thing in the world, I promise you, and until then I will do my best to help you on the way. And even after, if you'll have me. To the rest of the world, you may be my slave, but to me you are a dear and trusted friend."
>Take her hand affectionately in ours and give her a warm smile
-
>How long has it been since we took Rin from Konngara anyhow?
-
>How long has it been since we took Rin from Konngara anyhow?
>A little more than two months. It was September 14th when you challenged and defeated Konngara.
>"You've come a long way in a short time, Orin. Some day it will feel like the most natural thing in the world, I promise you, and until then I will do my best to help you on the way. And even after, if you'll have me. To the rest of the world, you may be my slave, but to me you are a dear and trusted friend."
>Take her hand affectionately in ours and give her a warm smile
>Somewhat shyly, yet somehow hopefully, Rin asks, "What do you mean by 'after'?"
-
>"When you are a free woman, Orin, in law as well as spirit. The day will come."
-
>"When you are a free woman, Orin, in law as well as spirit. The day will come."
>The kasha's eyes seem to glisten, then she looks away from you, though her grip on your hand tightens. "I think that's more than I can imagine. 'least, for right now."
-
>Smile gently and grip her warmly back.
>"One day at a time, then."
-
>Smile gently and grip her warmly back.
>"One day at a time, then."
>"One day at a time." Orin mirrors.
-
>Pause a moment to give the moment itself time to breathe, and then:
>"So... shall we go brave the weather between here and the bus stop?"
-
>Pause a moment to give the moment itself time to breathe, and then:
>"So... shall we go brave the weather between here and the bus stop?"
>"I'm ready whenever you are." Orin replies.
-
>"Oh! One more thing before we leave. There is another power of these rings that I meant to mention earlier. They seem to allow us to communicate telepathically with our fellow ring bearers. Here, let me demonstrate."
>Try to ring-speak to Orin: Can you hear this?
-
>"Oh! One more thing before we leave. There is another power of these rings that I meant to mention earlier. They seem to allow us to communicate telepathically with our fellow ring bearers. Here, let me demonstrate."
>Try to ring-speak to Orin: Can you hear this?
>Rin jumps a handspan. "That ain't normal."
-
>Chuckle a bit. It's magic. Handy ability this. Almost makes having a cellphone unimportant.
-
>Chuckle a bit. It's magic. Handy ability this. Almost makes having a cellphone unimportant.
>"Lemme try."
>The kasha squints in your direction and leans forward. Helllloooo?
-
>Smile brightly. You catch on quick! it took Kiku a while to get the hang of this. Lily caught on rather fast herself, but I don't think it was this fast.
>"Oh! I should tell the others!"
>Let's try for a Confrence Call with the rings! Hello? Testing, Testing. Can everyone hear me?
-
Don't you think the 'conference call' might be kinda rushing things? Given that at least Kiku has never even been introduced to Rin and Orin herself is very new to all this. It feels a bit like suddenly shoving someone on-stage, without even knowing the other people there. At least to me.
-
Don't worry, this'll be a good way to introduce them. We'll have to anyway, so better now when we're free, than later when we're in a pinch.
-
I still feel at the very least we should take things a bit slower for Rin's sake. This has already got to be a little overwhelming without her being thrust into a mental conversation with someone she has never met. To say nothing of Kiku potentially considering it an indiscretion (her being a rather private person and all)
-
She's catching on fairly quickly. Perhaps even faster than Lily. Plus, Kiku doesn't seem to have much trouble with Groups. And theoretically she'll welcome the addition of a new ally.
-
Draco has the right of it. We should have some class.
-
Fine, since you guys don't wanna get introductions outta the way when we're actually safe and able to do them easily.
I don't see what the big deal is anyhow, it's not a lengthy rambling thing, just a simple introduction to the rest of the group, like what you'd get when transferring to a new school like Sanae did previously.
-
It's not a matter of time invested - as you say, we have time and we're not really in a rush. As I see it, it's a matter of being respectful to the various parties involved. Rin has only just spoken her very first words in this manner and given her initial reaction, we should probably give her some time to get used to it before we thrust other people, who she doesn't even know, into her head. At least to me, this sort of communication feels a bit more intimate or personal than simply talking on the phone or in person would be, so I'd like to be mindful of that. And Kiku in particular is a woman who is used to a lot of formal boundaries, so outside of an emergency, I think it much better to at least ask her permission before trying to initiate a conversation in her head with a 'stranger'.
Honestly, I think it would be better to simply introduce them in person first, if there's not a pressing reason to do otherwise, though I'm not categorically opposed to doing otherwise if we take it a bit slower and ask the other parties involved ahead of time, rather than assuming on them.
>"Oh! I should tell the others!"
>Let's try for a Confrence Call with the rings! Hello? Testing, Testing. Can everyone hear me?
>So hold off on this for a bit
-
>Smile brightly. You catch on quick! it took Kiku a while to get the hang of this. Lily caught on rather fast herself, but I don't think it was this fast.
>Rin chuckles a bit bashfully. "Feels kinda weird, though, havin' someone else's voice in your head."
-
>"Yes, it is a strange sensation, but I find myself already growing accustomed to it. And it has many uses, such as discretely sharing information too sensitive to speak aloud around other people. I have even been able to reach at least as far as the shrine of the Metal Tiger from here with it; its range is perhaps even further than that."
-
>"Yes, it is a strange sensation, but I find myself already growing accustomed to it. And it has many uses, such as discretely sharing information too sensitive to speak aloud around other people. I have even been able to reach at least as far as the shrine of the Metal Tiger from here with it; its range is perhaps even further than that."
>Rin retrieves her windbreaker as you fill her in on your telepathic abilities. "So is that a part of the ring's power of ours?" She pauses, then adds, "Let me try that again. Do we need to have our rings on to do that?"
-
>"I... suppose I am not sure; it had not occurred to me to try."
>Remove our ring for a moment, and place it on a table or something beside us
>Then try to communicate telepathically to Rin again: Can you still hear me?
-
>"I... suppose I am not sure; it had not occurred to me to try."
>Remove our ring for a moment, and place it on a table or something beside us
>Then try to communicate telepathically to Rin again: Can you still hear me?
>"Might be worth a shot, in case we go somewhere where jewelry's a bad idea."
>Placing your ring on the desk to your left, you once again stretch your thoughts out to Rin. This time, however, the kasha gives no indication of contact received.
-
>"I gather you didn't hear that, then?"
>"Try sending something to me. Let's see if we can still receive messages without them."
-
>"I gather you didn't hear that, then?"
>"Try sending something to me. Let's see if we can still receive messages without them."
>"I didn't."
>"Yes, Mistress." Rin replies, almost automatically. She squints and leans slightly forward again. Weirdly, the sound of her voice does not come into your head, but from your ring, "Hello?"
-
>This is actually audible through the air? With our ears?
>"Keep talking."
>Lean our ear towards the ring, then pick it up and put it on while Rin continues to speak through it.
-
>This is actually audible through the air? With our ears?
>"Keep talking."
>Lean our ear towards the ring, then pick it up and put it on while Rin continues to speak through it.
>Indeed. Like a walkie-talkie, without the static.
>"Yes, Mistress."
>Her voice continues to come over the ring as you reclaim it. "But this's even weirder. 'course, it is magic, so weird's only normal. Right?" Although you placed it back in your finger in the middle of her sentence, her speech continued to come over your ring.
-
>"It's rather like a Walkie-Talkie, but without any static! Amazing...I suspect Patchouli would want to figure out how to do this without getting such a power, knowing her."
>Come to think of it, it'd be handy to have something like this even after all's said and done.
-
>While keeping the ring on our finger: "Try that again, if you would?"
-
>"It's rather like a Walkie-Talkie, but without any static! Amazing...I suspect Patchouli would want to figure out how to do this without getting such a power, knowing her."
>Come to think of it, it'd be handy to have something like this even after all's said and done.
>Rin looks a mite confused. "Is it supposed to work that way, though?"
>While keeping the ring on our finger: "Try that again, if you would?"
>Orin nods then squints again. This time you hear her voice in your head, "Experiment three." Weirdly, she pronounces the word properly telepathically. Quad-syllable words tend to give her trouble.
-
>"Heard it up topside, like usual. Seems you don't have trouble with quad-syllable words with that method though. I wonder why? Perhaps the mind is a separate thing from the body..."
-
>"Heard it up topside, like usual. Seems you don't have trouble with quad-syllable words with that method though. I wonder why? Perhaps the mind is a separate thing from the body..."
>Excise the bit about her pronunciation. No need to point out her verbal struggles so bluntly....
>"Well, it seems that speech transmitted audibly remains audible after the ring is reworn, but I wonder if the inverse is true? Try saying something a little lengthy, if you could?"
>Partway through, remove our ring.
-
>"Heard it up topside, like usual. Perhaps the mind is a separate thing from the body..."
>"Well, it seems that speech transmitted audibly remains audible after the ring is reworn, but I wonder if the inverse is true? Try saying something a little lengthy, if you could?"
>Partway through, remove our ring.
>Orin ponders that for a moment, then starts reciting part of the notes she took in english class today. When she gets about halfway through, you slide the ring off your finger again, and her voice stops abruptly, and does not continue over the ring.
-
>Put the ring back on, hopefully before she finishes what she was saying
-
>Put the ring back on, hopefully before she finishes what she was saying
>Quickly, before she gets to the bottom of her sentence, you replace the ring again. And sure enough, you hear the rest of Rin's sentence in your mind's ear.
-
>"Well, it seems that whatever mode of communication used at the start of an utterance continues until the end of it, whether the ring is removed or replaced during that time."
-
>"Well, it seems that whatever mode of communication used at the start of an utterance continues until the end of it, whether the ring is removed or replaced during that time."
>Rin seems a mite confused. "Come again?"
-
>"Well, when you tried to communicate with me while my ring was off, it came through my ring as sound, yes? And remained as sound, even after I put my ring back on. But when you use the same method of communication while my ring is on from the start, it comes through into my mind and does not revert to making sound once the ring is removed. But if I put the ring back on while you are still speaking this way, I can once again hear it in my mind."
-
>"Well, when you tried to communicate with me while my ring was off, it came through my ring as sound, yes? And remained as sound, even after I put my ring back on. But when you use the same method of communication while my ring is on from the start, it comes through into my mind and does not revert to making sound once the ring is removed. But if I put the ring back on while you are still speaking this way, I can once again hear it in my mind."
>"Ah hah." Rin vocalizes in understanding.
-
>"I am not certain if this knowledge will ever prove useful, but knowing is better than not."
>Smile
>"Shall we go, then?"
-
>"I am not certain if this knowledge will ever prove useful, but knowing is better than not."
>Smile
>"Shall we go, then?"
>"Beats gettin' caught off guard later." Rin concurs.
>At your suggestion, she retrieves your front-tied black coat and extends it towards you. "Ready when you are."
-
>Accept the coat
>"Thank you."
>Put it on and then go head out to the bus stop (making sure we have bus fare and all that)
-
>Accept the coat
>"Thank you."
>Put it on and then go head out to the bus stop (making sure we have bus fare and all that)
>Donning your coat, you check your pockets to makes sure you have everything you need. Finding that you do, you exit through the door Rin holds open for you.
>During your conversation and experimentation with Orin, the wind has died down slightly outside. It's still quite cool, but at a manageable speed. It's getting fairly dark, too, but the busses in town run late, so that shouldn't be a problem.
>As you descend the stairs, you hear a muffled popping sound from the direction of Patchouli's room. A small wisp of blue smoke plumes out from the top of her door, and a dull blue liquid leaks out from the bottom. Even from outside, you can hear her exclaim, "Damn and blast!" So far as you know, that's the first time you've ever heard her curse.
-
>Look at Orin with an expression that's a mix between 'back to the drawing board', and 'oh dear'. "First time I've heard her do that."
-
>Look at Orin with an expression that's a mix between 'back to the drawing board', and 'oh dear'. "First time I've heard her do that."
>"Make somethin' go pop, or swear?"
-
>"The latter."
>Move over to her door and knock on it. And try to avoid the puddle of... whatever that is.
>Call out: "Are you alright in there?"
-
>"The latter."
>Move over to her door and knock on it. And try to avoid the puddle of... whatever that is.
>Call out: "Are you alright in there?"
>"Ladder? Oh, 'laTTer'." Rin corrects herself.
>Despite the liquid being very watery in form, if not quite in color, you detect the scent of sulphur from it as you approach Patchouli's door. Rin's nose wrinkles as she follows behind you, and you hear Hyozan, still standing by the gates leading to the street, sneeze sharply.
>Fortunately, the puddle is not large, so you have little trouble standing to the side of it and knocking on the Knowledge's door. You hear the small sound of feet splashing through thin water and the door opens slightly. Reisen's ears proceed her as she pokes her head out of the door, a blue chaulky dust in her tied-back hair. "We're fine, no need to worry." she assures you. "Just had a slight measurement mistake is all."
>"It was NOT the measurements." Patchouli says firmly. "It was the nitric acid. It should have been sulfuric."
-
>What do we know about this sort of stuff? If we're lucky, we might provide the nudge they need to make a breakthrough.
-
>What do we know about this sort of stuff? If we're lucky, we might provide the nudge they need to make a breakthrough.
>You are, unfortunately, a fair bit out of your element when it comes to this brand of magic. You're still learning things about your own, let alone Patchouli's.
-
>"Are you sure? Is there anything I can do to help?"
-
>"Are you sure? Is there anything I can do to help?"
>Reisen opens her mouth, but Patchy's voice interrupts what she was about to say. "Ask Nitori if she's got a car battery to spare."
-
>Raise an eyebrow. Nitric Acid, Kasha Hair, and a Car Battery...Sounds like they're cooking up a Noodle Incident. Well, we'll probably hear it in more detail when we get back.
>"I'll take care of that then."
-
>Raise an eyebrow. Nitric Acid, Kasha Hair, and a Car Battery...Sounds like they're cooking up a Noodle Incident. Well, we'll probably hear it in more detail when we get back.
>"I'll take care of that then."
>"Thanks." Patchouli calls.
>"Sorry about the smell." Reisen adds apologetically.
>Rin, however, asks, "What's a car battery got to do with magic?"
>"It's the acid." Reisen fills her in. "Sulphuric acid is used in most car batteries."
-
>Ah yeah, we learned that somewhere along the line didn't we? "She should have one then. I'll go."
>Let's make for wherever Nitori is.
-
>Ah yeah, we learned that somewhere along the line didn't we? "She should have one then. I'll go."
>Let's make for wherever Nitori is.
>Marissa may have mentioned it once or twice, but it only sounds vaguely familiar. Cars are not one of your areas of great interest, though between Marissa and now Nitori, you've absorbed a bit of knowledge via proximity.
>Where would you like to check first?
-
>Let's go check where we had morningtimes with her yesterday.
-
>And if she's not there, do we have any idea where she might be found this time of day?
-
>And if she's not there, do we have any idea where she might be found this time of day?
>Taking into account what she was doing earlier, if she isn't in her shed, then she's likely still at Minoriko's on her game. Or in her own apartment on said. It can be a real time-consumer.
>Let's go check where we had morningtimes with her yesterday.
>You make your way towards Nitori's shed as Reisen retreats back inside Patchy's place. Upon Rin's suggestion, you send her up to check Minoriko's room while you investigate the shed. Your knock yields no answer, but this is not unusual for Nitori so you crack the door and glance inside. The engine Nitori was working on yesterday is missing, but so too is the Kappa herself.
-
>Head back towards Minoriko's ourselves
-
>Head back towards Minoriko's ourselves
>Coming up dry here, you make to reconnoiter with Rin at Minoriko's. The door is closed, so you enter after a quiet knock. You find Rin standing near the end of the kitchen, watching the computer, at which Nitori still sits.
>"If that's you, Byakuren, I'll be with ya in a minute." Nitori calls as you close the door behind you. "Tryin' to take the fel reaver down."
-
>Ah, we know what she's talking about, yes?
-
>Ah, we know what she's talking about, yes?
>You most definitely do. You play the game yourself. As a matter of fact, your first day in Hellfire Peninsula, you had an encounter with the Fel Reaver yourself. It stomped you into the ground while you were questing west of Thrallmar. It's nowhere near as subtle as the Devilsaurs, but it still managed to sneak up on you, as it has many others.
>The Fel Reaver is a level 70 elite mob roaming the area called Hellfire Peninsula, in Outland. It serves two purposes, one official, one unofficial. It's official purpose is as part of a quest chain players must complete to gain access to the Shattered Halls dungeon. It's unofficial purpose is to scare the bajeezus out of new arrivals to Outland. It does this second job very, very well.
-
>"Ouch, good luck with that. I remember my first -and accidental- encounter with one of those, I ended up getting pounded flat. Trying to get to Shattered Halls?"
>Did we ever clear that quest, come to think of it?
-
>"Ouch, good luck with that. I remember my first -and accidental- encounter with one of those, I ended up getting pounded flat. Trying to get to Shattered Halls?"
>Did we ever clear that quest, come to think of it?
>None of your characters are quite high enough to gain access to that quest. You need to be level 67 to access Shattered Halls at all, so most people wait until they are that high to try the Fel Reaver. Your highest level character at the moment is your priest, at level 65.
>Nitori chuckles. "Yeah, he's good like that."
>"Not me, a guildie. Trouble is, all he brought was lowbies to help em out." she adds, sounding a touch strained.
-
>Wince. "Ouch. That doesn't sound too pleasant."
>If we didn't have that business, we'd probably help out, wouldn't we?
-
>Wince. "Ouch. That doesn't sound too pleasant."
>If we didn't have that business, we'd probably help out, wouldn't we?
>"Nah, that's what keeps things interesting."
>While you might like to, Nitori regrettably plays on a different server than you and Marissa.
-
>"Shame about the different servers, otherwise I'd lend a hand with my Priest. Buffs, heals, the usual."
-
>"Shame about the different servers, otherwise I'd lend a hand with my Priest. Buffs, heals, the usual."
>"Nah, I think we got. Just takes a bit longer'n normal... THERE we go." Nitori finishes with some satisfaction. Then her face falls with a protracted sigh. "Why are all the coolest machines evil?"
>"Would ya want one if it weren't?" Rin asks. You note that she keeps her newly ringed hand in her pocket.
>"Hell yeah!" Nitori exclaims. "Who WOULDN'T?"
-
>Chuckle a bit. That's Nitori for ya!
-
>Chuckle a bit. That's Nitori for ya!
>The girl does love her machinery.
>The image of her riding one of those mechanical nightmares to school appears unbidden in your mind. You suppress a shudder. She'd do it, too, you have no doubt.
>After a few more moments, Nitori stands up from Minoriko's computer and stretches her arms above her head. "Now, then," she starts while having a stretch, "what kinda car she need a battery for?"
-
>"She actually needs it for the acid inside. Another one of her experiments again."
>We essentially live in a building filled with tinkerers and 'sparks', don't we?
-
>"She actually needs it for the acid inside. Another one of her experiments again."
>We essentially live in a building filled with tinkerers and 'sparks', don't we?
>The Moonside apartments has always had a bit of a reputation for attracting 'colorful' customers. The women you live certainly qualify as 'colorful', by anyone's standards.
>"What kinda magic needs sulfuric acid out of a car battery?" Nitori ponders aloud. "It isn't the purest stuff in the world."
>"She didn't say." Rin informs her.
>The Kappa merely shrugs. "Well, she's the wizard. I've got a spare one she can borrow, could ya tell her it'll just take me a minute to fish it out?"
-
>'Sparks', the lot of 'em. But that's what we like about this place, never a dull moment. And hey, hell of a group.
>"I'll be sure to do that. And congratulations on taking down the Fel Reaver by the way."
-
>'Sparks', the lot of 'em. But that's what we like about this place, never a dull moment. And hey, hell of a group.
>"I'll be sure to do that. And congratulations on taking down the Fel Reaver by the way."
>Though you are not prone to overestimation and grandiose statements, you have no hesitation in saying you couldn't have chosen a better group to live with.
>"Thanks." Nitori says as she heads for Minoriko's door.
-
>Head back to Patchouli's place to deliver the message
-
>Head back to Patchouli's place to deliver the message
>With Orin in tow, you follow Nitori out of Minoriko's place, Rin closing the door behind you. Nitori makes for her shed while you and your kasha return to Patchy's, to find Reisen standing outside, leaning against the doorjamb. "She was still in Minoriko's?" she asks.
-
>Nod. 'Yes, she was fighting the Fel Reaver. Troublesome mob that, surprisingly stealthy for a pile of metal. But she managed it, and will be bringing the battery along shortly."
-
>Nod. 'Yes, she was fighting the Fel Reaver. Troublesome mob that, surprisingly stealthy for a pile of metal. But she managed it, and will be bringing the battery along shortly."
>"Very good." Reisen glances back at the door, then back at the both of you. "You know, I'm curious about something. You got down here pretty quickly after Patchouli's spell went pop, and I didn't hear running down the stairs. Were you down here on the ground already?"
-
>Nod. "As a matter of fact, yes. I was planning on going out to tend to a few things when that happened. It must have been good fortune that I was on my way out, don't you think?"
-
>Nod. "As a matter of fact, yes. I was planning on going out to tend to a few things when that happened. It must have been good fortune that I was on my way out, don't you think?"
>"Did you want a ride?" Reisen offers. "Assuming Patchy doesn't need me for a while."
-
>"That would be appreciated, thank you. So long as this doesn't cause inconvenience, given the circumstances."
-
>"That would be appreciated, thank you. So long as this doesn't cause inconvenience, given the circumstances."
>"Sure. It'll just be a minute, though, Patchy doesn't like to be walked in on when she's pouring and/or measuring. That's why I'm out here now."
>Rin asks her, "Don't you have a bike?"
>Reisen nods. "But I have a sidecar, and one of you can ride behind me."
-
>Nod. "Sensible enough."
>Patchy always was the sort to get irate when she got interrupted during those experiments of hers.
>...Suppose it's a good thing she doesn't drink as well. That would be a disaster.
-
>Nod. "Sensible enough."
>Patchy always was the sort to get irate when she got interrupted during those experiments of hers.
>...Suppose it's a good thing she doesn't drink as well. That would be a disaster.
>"Where you off to, anyway?"
-
>"Where you off to, anyway?"
>"The Black Tortoise Shrine. I was making an inquiry on behalf of a friend of mine."
-
>"The Black Tortoise Shrine. I was making an inquiry on behalf of a friend of mine."
>"Ah, Suika's place. Yeah, that's doable." She checks her watch. "Should be long enough, give me a minute."
>As she ducks back inside, Rin asks you, "You want the sidecar?"
-
>"If you have any preference, that's fine with me."
-
>"If you have any preference, that's fine with me."
>The kasha thinks a moment. "I'll ride behind Reisen." she decides.
>Said bunygirl re-emerges from Patchouli's place less than a minute later. "It's fine with her, just give me a minute to get my leathers on. Oh, but, she wants me back before too long, so, I won't be able to give you a ride home." she advises you both.
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright."
>Reisen nods, then points in the direction of Nitori's shack. "She's parked out behind Nitori's office, sidecar should be attached. Would you mind wheeling her out for me?"
-
>"Of course."
>Go do this.
-
>"Of course."
>Go do this.
>As Reisen retreats to change, you and Rin make your way to the rear of Nitori's shed, finding Reisen's white and blue Celestin Strider, sidecar attached. There is another car parked next to it, though you don't recognize it. Probably a project of Nitori's, then. You and Rin take care moving it out not to scratch the black sedan sitting next to it, and roll the heavy vehicle out to the entrance of the road.
>Rin looks at the machine, then at you, somewhat curiously. "Think you'd ever want one of these for yourself, Byakuren?"
-
>"One of these specifically, or simply a motorcycle more generally?"
-
>"One of these specifically, or simply a motorcycle more generally?"
>"In gen'ral."
-
>"I've been thinking about investing in a scooter or some such, actually, since we can't leave ourselves at the mercy of the buses shutting down."
-
>"I've been thinking about investing in a scooter or some such, actually, since we can't leave ourselves at the mercy of the buses shutting down."
>Rin gives you a look that you've seen on Marissa's face a time or two. "If I may say, ya don't really look the scooter type."
>It should be noted, since the parser neglected to mention until now that the Mayoiga train system is presently under construction, but has been delayed due to a labor dispute.
-
>"Perhaps not, but for the combination of price, efficiency, and being able to easily take it inside or into tight places, it seems like a good choice, don't you think?"
-
>"Perhaps not, but for the combination of price, efficiency, and being able to easily take it inside or into tight places, it seems like a good choice, don't you think?"
>"That's a good point. Very..." she takes a moment before coming up with the word, "practical. But... I think you deserve somethin' cooler."
-
>"I appreciate the sentiment, but I think I would be quite content with something functional and comfortable."
-
>"Well, for the time being at least. Have to be mindful of funds and the like as well after all. I've never really been much for showing off as it is, you know that."
-
>"Beside, who said scooters weren't cool?"
-
>"I appreciate the sentiment, but I think I would be quite content with something functional and comfortable."
>"Well, for the time being at least. Have to be mindful of funds and the like as well after all. I've never really been much for showing off as it is, you know that."
>"As long as you like what you ride, that's important." Rin agrees.
>"Beside, who said scooters weren't cool?"
>Rin starts counting off fingers. "Well, dere was Konngara, Marissa, Reisen, Matron Mother, Colleen, Kei, Amuria, Orihime, Daniel, Roxie, Mary, Big Mary...."
>The kasha is still naming names of schoolmates and Konngara's family and acquaintances when Reisen emerges from Patchy's, clad now in a windbreaker and purple and white leather chaps with a chinese dragon design burned into the right leg. "Did I miss something?" she inquires.
-
>Smile demurely
>"Nothing of consequence."
-
>Smile demurely
>"Nothing of consequence."
>Reisen and Rin exchange a look, after which Reisen merely shrugs and walks to her machine. "Who's riding where?" she asks as she mounts up.
>"I'm with you." Rin supplies as she climbs on behind the rabbit.
-
>"I guess I get the sidecar then."
>Let's climb in and do whatever safety measures need to be done.
-
>"I guess I get the sidecar then."
>Let's climb in and do whatever safety measures need to be done.
>There is a pair of helmets located in the sidecar, both plain black skullcap affairs. Safety minded as you are, you don one and pass the other to Reisen. Who in turn hands it off to Rin. You know Reisen has her own helmet, with color scheme matching her normal riding suit and motorcycle, but she never wears the brain bucket on casual drives around town. Which is perfectly legal, if not necessarily the most practical idea.
>Keying the ignition, Reisen kicks her machine into life and pulls out into the road. Her machine doesn't make quite as massive a racket as some other bikes do, though why this is, you're not sure. Not that you'd complain, as a bike noise is a bit harder on the ears. With Reisen's, however, you can actually hold a sensible conversation without bellowing back and forth at one another, though speaking loudly is advised.
>As your rabbit driver reaches a set of stoplights, stopping behind a white 4-door of some kind, your phone rings.
-
>Take a glance at the call display
-
>Take a glance at the call display
>It is Marissa.
-
>Answer the phone.
>"Hello?"
-
>Answer the phone.
>"Hello?"
>Marissa's grinning voice answers you with, "Feelin' better, beautiful?"
-
>"Much improved, thank you; I caught something of a nap before supper."
-
>"Much improved, thank you; I caught something of a nap before supper."
>"Nothin' like a power nap." After a brief pause, she asks, "Is that Reisen's Celestin I hear?"
-
>"Sharp ears."
-
>"Sharp ears."
>Marissa laughs her 'Gah ha ha' laugh. "I know my engines." she says as the light turns green, Reisen accelerating again. "Late night shopping?"
-
>"Not quite. Did you need something?"
-
>"Not quite. Did you need something?"
>"Right to the point, eh?"
>Marissa's voice quiets a little as she continues, "When you were talking to Okuu earlier, did she seem weird to you?"
-
>"A little troubled, perhaps. She said that dreary days like this get to her. I don't know that I would describe it as 'weird'."
-
>"A little troubled, perhaps. She said that dreary days like this get to her. I don't know that I would describe it as 'weird'."
>"She never seemed to hearin' things that you weren't?"
-
>"Not that I- ...wait, I believe she may have said something like that the other day, after I fell down the stairs. Something about a... bird?"
-
>"Not that I- ...wait, I believe she may have said something like that the other day, after I fell down the stairs. Something about a... bird?"
>"A bird with three eyes, wings blacker than night?"
-
>"I, uh... no? I mean, she said it sounded strange, but never said anything about what it looked like. Does that means she was seeing things that you couldn't, and not merely hearing them?
-
>"I, uh... no? I mean, she said it sounded strange, but never said anything about what it looked like. Does that means she was seeing things that you couldn't, and not merely hearing them?
>"At the time, no. She was hearing some kind of bird, or at least somethin' with wings. All I could hear was wind. But we got to talkin' a bit, and she told me- Now, I don't need to tell ya this stays between you'n me, right?"
-
>"I will keep this in confidence, yes."
-
>"I will keep this in confidence, yes."
>"Allright. It ain't that I don't trust ya, girl, you know that. I'd just rather not people hear you'n me talking about someone without knowing something's genuinely up."
>"Our good nurse's been having nightmares on and off for a long time, about a huge bird with pitch black wings, three talons and three eyes. I got the distinct impression they've been getting worse lately. To the point where I think she's startin' to see the thing in her waking moments. Well, hearing, but close enough."
-
>"That does sound... unsettling."
-
>"That does sound... unsettling."
>Reisen gives you a somewhat curious look out of the corner of her eye as Marissa continues, "Now if it were just me, I might think I was readin' too much into it. I do that now and then, I know. But you've seen her a couple times past couple of days, so I wanted to double check."
-
>"No, I'm not certain you are, now that you mention it."
-
>"No, I'm not certain you are, now that you mention it."
>Marissa sighs a touch. "I just hope it doesn't mean anything too bad. Hopefully she's just been working too hard."
-
>"Yes, I hope so as well. There's nothing else you've noticed, is there?"
-
>Does the three-eyed bird sound familiar to us in any way? As a mythological emblem, or a historical thing, or some image we've seen or heard about?
-
>Does the three-eyed bird sound familiar to us in any way? As a mythological emblem, or a historical thing, or some image we've seen or heard about?
>Her description sounds very much like the Yatagarasu, from Yamato myth. It is a three-legged crow associated with the sun. They are sometimes seen as messangers to mortals from the Gods, and represent spiritual guidance and enlightenment. They are seen as minor to moderate level kami in Shinto myth, and are believed to be considered sacred by the Tengu. Some depictions of the Yatagarasu depict them as having a head, or a Dai-Yatagarasu, one bird above the others, though this may be an advent of popular culture rather than actual fact.
>The difference is, every depiction of the Yatagarasu you know of depicts them with only two eyes, rather than three.
>"Yes, I hope so as well. There's nothing else you've noticed, is there?"
>"Nothin' I can't put down to something more mundane. 'least nothing I can think of. I just had to check, make sure my imagination wasn't running away with me again."
>Reisen decelerates suddenly as a black colored Porsche pulls out of a side street right in front of her, running a stop sign. The rabbit swears.
-
>Would Lily or Kiku, being Shinto (I think) maidens, know more about the Yatagarasu?
-
>Would Lily or Kiku, being Shinto (I think) maidens, know more about the Yatagarasu?
>Lily was more of a part-time employee, but Kiku, being an experienced and evidently fairly knowledgable Miko, may well indeed know more about the Yatagarasu. You're not entirely sure if the temples of the 4 Beast Gods are directly related to Shinto or if they are part of a branch religion of some sorts, but the outfits, at least, are very much alike.
-
>"I understand. I wish I could say that it was."
-
>"I understand. I wish I could say that it was."
>"Thing that gets me is, it sounds an awful lot like she's describing that Sun-Crow, the Yatagarasu. 'cept I thought those things had two eyes, not three. On the other hand, it IS a nightmare... I dunno."
>"Thanks for the reality check, Byakuren. And don't you worry 'bout her either, I'll keep an eye on Okuu whenever I can."
-
>"Well, I shall do my best, and hope for the same as well."
-
>"That's what I was thinking. Why does it have three eyes? I've got a few friends who might be able to fill in the blanks for me, I just have to get in touch with them."
-
>In fact, we can do that now.
>Kiku, can you hear me?
-
>"Well, I shall do my best, and hope for the same as well."
>"That's what I was thinking. Why does it have three eyes? I've got a few friends who might be able to fill in the blanks for me, I just have to get in touch with them."
>"Let me worry 'bout that, B. I got some pals of my own I can hit up for a question or two. Knowin' you, you got enough on your plate as it is without worrying about this, too."
>In fact, we can do that now.
>Kiku, can you hear me?
>A moment, please, I am with the head miko.
-
>"It just strikes me as odd is all, I can't help but want to look into this myself. I've got things on my plate, yes, but I can always make time to help others. You know it's in my nature."
-
>"It just strikes me as odd is all, I can't help but want to look into this myself. I've got things on my plate, yes, but I can always make time to help others. You know it's in my nature."
>Marissa gives you a warm chuckle. "Better'n most, girl. Just talk t'me first if something comes up."
-
>Sure. Let me know when you're finished.
-
>"I will, of course."
-
>Sure. Let me know when you're finished.
>"I will, of course."
>"Matter of fact, I suppose I should give her a call now. Naw, better idea, I'll swing by, been meaning to see Tia for a while, anyway. Good an excuse as any. So I'll let ya go for now."
-
>Who's Tia?
-
>Who's Tia?
>Tia is a friend you have in common with Marissa. She is an earth rabbit who, like yourself, works for Aya as a model, though she is a full time client of hers while you are more a freelancer at the moment. She's a lovely woman, at least a decade older than you, with, well, model-good looks and figure, but she's also very intelligent. One of her areas of interest is the religions of the world.
-
>"Very well, then. All the best to you."
-
>"Very well, then. All the best to you."
>"If I may, Byakuren," Reisen says as Marissa hangs up, "that sounded like a bit of a strange conversation you were having there."
-
>"I suppose it may."
-
>"But so are many of the conversations one tends to have with Marisa."
-
>"I suppose it may."
>"But so are many of the conversations one tends to have with Marisa."
>Reisen chuckles. "The woman's never dull, that's for sure." she agrees.
>The rabbit says no more on the matter, nor does your Rin, and several minutes pass in silence as Reisen transports you in a generally southeasterly direction. The stretch of road you are currently on holds the multiple buildings of Mayoiga University, and a small stream runs down the right side of the road in a ditch. This is one of a few such streams, shallow trickles of water at most times, that feed into Black Tortoise Lake, the small pond located behind the shrine you are heading towards. Traffic along this road, in your experience, is usually pretty heavy, but today is a bit lighter than normal, but Reisen still takes her time. This road is one of the most common places to have a vehicle-involved accident in Mayoiga, and Reisen isn't the type to tempt fate in that department.
>As you and you and your companions make your way down the road, you pick out the sound of another motorcycle coming up behind you, louder than the other machines in the vicinity. Reisen's face drops, and she curses softly. Moments later, a large black and purple motorcycle pulls up alongside you, with a freakishly tall rider upon it. The androgynous figure is well over seven feet tall, maybe even capping eight, and its bike its the largest you've ever seen. You do recognize the model, however; it's a Kirisame Double Spark, the upgraded version of Marissa's own Master Spark. Custom frame, by the looks of it, the standard Double Spark isn't quite that big. The rider wears a jet black leather bodysuit with dark purple and grey highlights running down its arms and legs, and a design of a screeching tire casting off oil on the back of her suit. A gleaming silver chain encircles the rider's waist. Her black helmet sports a purple tinted visor and an image of a sword emblazoned upon its side.
>Marissa's told you about this person before. She didn't know her real name, but she's a big player in the international street racing scene. She calls herself Motormaster. Or at least Marissa thinks it's a she, as only the people that defeat her ever see her without her helmet on. Marissa says that it's a short list of people that's ever beaten her in a race. Mari described her as 'the bad guy of a racing movie - arrogant as hell, mad skills and a badder attitude.' Marissa may exaggerate from time to time, but she doesn't describe people in those sort of terms unless there's a good reason.
>The black clad biker's helmet turns towards Reisen, then quickly to you, and she gestures to your driver to pull over to the side of the road. After checking the road ahead to ensure a lack of vehicles within striking distance, other than the rider abreast of her, Reisen looks at you questioningly.
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>"I suppose we can see what she wants... Just be ready to pull away if she tries something."
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>"I suppose we can see what she wants... Just be ready to pull away if she tries something."
>Your driver nods, somewhat grimly, then slows her machine. Motormaster pulls out in front of her, puts a bit of distance between her and Reisen, then pulls over to the side of the road. Reisen follows suit moments later, leaving about ten feet of room between her machine and the tall woman's. She also leaves the engine running.
>"He bad?" Rin asks Reisen quietly.
>The rabbit nods again. "He's one of the best street racers in this half of the world. And one of the meanest and dirtiest. I raced him once last year, and he nearly took my head off with that chain."
>Motormaster dismounts from her bike. You initial estimate was off. She has to be more than eight feet tall. You're very tall for a girl your age, but this woman practically dwarfs you. And she's rather thick-bodied to boot. There's no model concealed beneath all that leather and chain. You also note the hilt of a dagger protruding from the top of her left boot. Rin seems to notice this as well, and she is a very tense kasha when the freakishly tall bike rider approaches you.
>With her face concealed behind her helmet and visor, and her body language betraying nothing beyond a sense of confidence, you have a spot of trouble drawing a read on this woman. Since she flagged down Reisen, you expect it is with her she wishes to have a word. However, her head tilts down to look at you first. "You the rabbit's owner?" she asks, her voice easily deep enough to belong to a male.
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>"No, we're just getting a ride."
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>"No, we're just getting a ride."
>The giant rider takes a moment before speaking again, its head turning slightly towards Reisen. "You ferry people with the same bike you ride with, fourty-seven?"
>"It's not like I have many options, Moto." Reisen answers.
>Motormaster's helmeted gaze returns to you. "Partial owner?"
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>Fourty-seven?
>"Friend of the owner. We live in the same apartment building."
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>"Friend of the owner. We live in the same apartment building."
>Instead say: "No, a friend. We live in the same apartment building." No need to need to foreground Reisen's ownership as much as this woman is doing.
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>Fourty-seven?
>"Friend of the owner. We live in the same apartment building."
>Instead say: "No, a friend. We live in the same apartment building." No need to need to foreground Reisen's ownership as much as this woman is doing.
>It's not a nickname you recognize.
>"So you live near the owner. Good. You can deliver a message from Motormaster."
>"Actually she can't." Reisen counters. "I may be owned, but I'm possessed by someone else, not by my owners themselves."
>Motormaster falls silent at that, but he makes no move to leave.
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>"And why ask me? Surely someone else here is far more able to deliver this message, should she choose to."
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>"And why ask me? Surely someone else here is far more able to deliver this message, should she choose to."
>"Not if it's a purchase offer." Rin interjects. "Some clients prefer ta talk business when the merchandise ain't around. Or use the merchandise ta deliver the message."
>"Clever cat." the rider grunts in a bass rumble.
>Reisen's face passes between scared and surprised, settling on the latter. "You want to make an offer on me? But I tho-"
>"Jayle ain't with me any more." Motormaster cuts her off. "I got to thinking that I could use a replacement who could ride. Since I was in town, figured I'd see if you were for sale." After a moment's pause, she grumbles, "Saves me the trouble of tracking Eagle down since she got out."
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>"Well, if you're looking for a 3rd party to deliver your message, then I'm afraid I am not it."
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>"Well, if you're looking for a 3rd party to deliver your message, then I'm afraid I am not it."
>A sound like a protracted breath comes from under the rider's helmet. Then, without so much as a nod, Motormaster turns on his heel and stomps back towards her bike. Reisen doesn't say anything, but you see her ears droop just a bit in relief. She waits until the huge rider mounts her Double Spark, guns its massive engine and speeds off down the road, before turning off her own machine and leaning forward with a sigh, resting her arms heavily on her handlebars.
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>Gently: "Are you okay?"
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>"What does 'fourty-seven' mean?"
>"...Eagle? How is she involved in this?"
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>Gently: "Are you okay?"
>Reisen looks at you out of the corner of her eye. "Honestly, Byakuren? That man scares me. When he said he wanted to own me, I thought I was going to faint for a second there."
>Rin nods, then gives Reisen a comforting pat on the shoulder. "I seen enough bad owners to tell he'd be a bad one."
>"What does 'fourty-seven' mean?"
>"...Eagle? How is she involved in this?"
>"I raced her three months ago here in town. She beat me by fourty seven hundredths of a second. I guess she called me that to rub in close I was to winning."
>"Lots of street racers here in town went through that woman to buy things when they raced here in town. I heard her getting arrested upset a lot of folks who relied on her for their fixes."
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>"For what it's worth, remember that just because he wishes to own you doesn't mean that you're at any risk of this happening."
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>"For what it's worth, remember that just because he wishes to own you doesn't mean that you're at any risk of this happening."
>"Yeah... But it still unnerves me to be that close to him. I mean in a race, you have to focus on the race, you don't have time to get scared. Focus on your fear, and you end up street pizza." She takes a long, steadying breath. "It's another story when you're face to visor with him."
>"He is awful scary." Rin adds.
>Reisen straightens herself after taking another breath. "Well, I for one am glad that's over, and without incident. Shall we get going again?"
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>"Yes, let's be off."
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>"Yes, let's be off."
>Accelerating again, Reisen adjusts her ears and then looks contemplative. "Hey Byakuren? You ever notice that thread ending jokes seem to be getting less and less common?"
>"I know, 's weird, right?" Rin answers as she casually fondles the rabbit sitting in front of her. "I mean you'd think some folks'd love the chance to just dick around 'n do whatever with a post."
>"Maybe they're taking this game too seriously." Lancer suggests as he runs along next to the bike. He gives you an angular grin. "Play it looser in the next thread, ladies."