Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on March 15, 2011, 02:24:24 PM
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>You are Iku Nagae, Gensokyo's premier messenger and dancer, and the sky has fallen! Related to this, you have had a terrible, no good, awful, very bad day yesterday, and are having another one today.
>You do not know how, or why, but Bhava-Arga has fallen from the sky and now hovers scant yards over the surface of Gensokyo. This has caused numerous problems. On top of this, Tenshi has run off after stealing the Sword of Hisou. This has made her a primary suspect in the eyes of many. including yourself at one point. You've since proven her innocence on the matter.
>You are an oarfish youkai in service to the Dragon Palace. As a resident of Bhava-Agra, you bear a status similar to that of a Celestial, and are considered a minor functionary in the Celestial Bureaucracy that makes certain the known universe runs as it should, with all the rights privileges, and duties that come with this position. You are in the service of The Dragon, who reigns quietly as the highest god of this realm, and is among the highest beings in the universe. It regards you well, and you think of it as a guardian.
>While your duties and position suggest your place is in Bhava-Agra, you have a tendency to roam to other places. You somewhat blame this on Tenshi Hinanai, whom you have unfortunately been charged with keeping out of significant trouble, and her tendency to visit Gensokyo whenever possible. You are well-know for your love of dance, and excellence in performing it; oftentimes you've been asked to star in performances given at the Dragon Palace. Others have styled you the Dance Empress, particularly those who would try to claim that title for themselves. You are, as far as you know, well regarded by everyone you know and are welcome practically anywhere in Gensokyo, save perhaps for Higan. The only real black spot in your days is periodically having to deal with Tenshi's chicanery.
>You have been tasked by The Dragon in dealing with this incident. You have taken some stock of the damage surrounding the fall. You have found that Bhava-Agra's food supply has been badly affected by these events; you defeated a tsuchinoko on Minoirko's behalf in hopes of alleviating this. You have delivered messages for Patchouli. You have had bad run ins with Marisa and Reimu; and nearly had one with Sanae. You have found Tenshi hiding in the Ancient City, became convinced of her innocence, convinced her to join you, and have had several spats with her. You've done your best to bond with Tenshi, and you've made significant progress in that regard. You've been hearing a lot about a search for some thing called the Brocken Spectre, and learned it is key to the whole issue. You found and rescued Yamame, who was captured by faeries. You've been given a hit list by Yuugi. You've released Aya from prison after a rather confused encounter. You've discovered that the islands of Bhava-Agra do not cast proper shadows; nor does Nitori, who was practically dead to the world before you were able to have her shadow restored. You've found Kogasa has had her shadow stolen very recently, it has since been restored. Yukari has loaned you a very important tool, which you have returned safely! You tried to get a candid photo of Aya, but had problems when she ran from Momiji. Hopefully she will appear at Kourindou this evening. You have learned of a mysterious poltergeist roaming the Forest of Magic, and have deduced that she is both the shadow thief and the Brocken Spectre. You've beaten the Brocken Spectre in combat, then got exilled away to what you believed was the missing shadow of Bhava-Agra. You managed to escape there and end up in Makai, from which you have escaped after several misadventures. You may have convinced Reimu not to come after you! You seem to have even managed to make a connection with the paranoid and isolationist poltergeist and gotten some of the missing shadows restored. You have met with Remilia and managed to get her to agree to release the celestials she has taken prisoner; but what she has asked for in turn may be an issue.
> Nod.
> "I will report this proposal to The August One immediately, then. I will return to this house as soon as I can with The August One's answer, or news of The August One's unavailability, should something have happened that would cause such an undesirable thing."
>"If you are are going this instant," says Remilia, "We would accompany you, and present Our case in person."
>_
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>Congratulate the parser on hitting a twelfth topic.
>Also inquire what language the topic number is this time.
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> Raise an eyebrow.
> Look at Sakuya, then at Tenshi, then at Remilia.
> "You would be willing to leave this island unattended for this matter? I cannot guarantee it will be a quick process."
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>Congratulate the parser on hitting a twelth topic.
>Aw shucks
> Raise an eyebrow.
> Look at Sakuya, then at Tenshi, then at Remilia.
> "You would be willing to leave this island unattended for this matter? I cannot guarantee it will be a quick process."
>Sakuya seems to be staring at the ceiling at first, but you note her watching things out of the corner of her eye.
>"We are confident that there will be no further mishaps," says Remilia. "It would be foolish of your people to violate our truce, wouldn't you agree?"
>_
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> Frown.
> "...I suppose it would be a shame for yourself and myself to come to blows a second time, yes."
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>Also inquire what language the topic number is this time.
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> Frown.
> "...I suppose it would be a shame for yourself and myself to come to blows a second time, yes."
>"Quite," says Remilia. "We feel we may leave this island safely."
>Also inquire what language the topic number is this time.
>Turkish.
>_
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> Nod.
> "Very well. But as long as your chief assistant is conscious, might I suggest you provide her the details of what happened before we arrived here together, so that she may know why we have discussed what we have and why we will be departing together?"
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> Nod.
> "Very well. But as long as your chief assistant is conscious, might I suggest you provide her the details of what happened before we arrived here together, so that she may know why we have discussed what we have and why we will be departing together?"
>"It is alright," says Sakuya. "I understand that Mistress is satisfied with how things are proceeding, and she would not wish me to strain myself any further trying to comprehend all the details."
>Gives a simple nod, as if Sakuya had recited a bit of poetry to her satisfaction.
>_
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> "As long as it is now understood that my people were innocent throughout the whole affair, then I am satisfied. But if you are unable to provide a proper explanation of recent events..."
> Look at Remilia.
> "I would recommend acquiring my hat, in the event that the Eldest Daughter awakens while we are away."
> Look back at Sakuya.
> "She will invariably wish to know where her sword is, and with all due respect, given your condition, I wonder if you could fend her off a second time. If you show her my hat, tell her I have been here, am in possession of her sword, and intend to keep it until I return here rather than putting it back in her family's shrine, that should soothe her agitation. At least, it should soothe any agitation in your direction."
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> "As long as it is now understood that my people were innocent throughout the whole affair, then I am satisfied. But if you are unable to provide a proper explanation of recent events..."
> Look at Remilia.
> "I would recommend acquiring my hat, in the event that the Eldest Daughter awakens while we are away."
> Look back at Sakuya.
> "She will invariably wish to know where her sword is, and with all due respect, given your condition, I wonder if you could fend her off a second time. If you show her my hat, tell her I have been here, am in possession of her sword, and intend to keep it until I return here rather than putting it back in her family's shrine, that should soothe her agitation. At least, it should soothe any agitation in your direction."
>"She is nothing with that sword," says Sakuya.
>It seems like she is going to say more, but Remilia clears her throat, and narrows her eyes.
>"But, it would be a problem as things are," Sakuya says without missing a beat. "Please leave it by the bedside."
>_
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> Turn back to Remilia.
> "Where is it currently?"
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> Turn back to Remilia.
> "Where is it currently?"
>"Our vassal should still have it," says Remilia. "We shall tell her to drop it off."
>_
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> Nod.
> "Understood. Shall we depart, then, or is there more you wish to tell your chief assistant first?"
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> Nod.
> "Understood. Shall we depart, then, or is there more you wish to tell your chief assistant first?"
>"We are prepared," says Remilia. She gives Sakuya a sidelong glance. "We are certain our maid knows exactly what We wish her not to do.."
>"Of course, Mistress," says Sakuya.
>_
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> Take one last look at Tenshi, then turn back to Remilia.
> "Very well. Let us proceed."
> Exit the house.
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> Take one last look at Tenshi, then turn back to Remilia.
> "Very well. Let us proceed."
> Exit the house.
>You depart, the vampire following behind you.
>_
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> Z-Machine history check: in Patchy Quest, did we get Remilia to drop the royal plurals for a while?
> "So which way is it to the current location of the Bhavagran with my hat? Or do you expect to pass them on the way?"
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> Z-Machine history check: in Patchy Quest, did we get Remilia to drop the royal plurals for a while?
> "So which way is it to the current location of the Bhavagran with my hat? Or do you expect to pass them on the way?"
>Not really.
>Remilia looks around, and starts to walk toward one of the celestials cleaning up fallen branches. "Pardon Us, but Our maid requires the messenger's hat now."
>The celestial nods, "I will get it at once."
>_
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> "Good. That should do neatly. Let us depart."
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> "Good. That should do neatly. Let us depart."
>"If you would be so kind as to lead the way," says Remilia.
>_
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> "Of course."
> Take flight and head toward Dragon Palace Island.
> Along the way, turn to Remilia.
> "May I ask you a question? A personal one, rather than a diplomatic one."
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> "Of course."
> Take flight and head toward Dragon Palace Island.
> Along the way, turn to Remilia.
> "May I ask you a question? A personal one, rather than a diplomatic one."
>You take to the air, and start toward the Palace. You hear Remilia's wings beating against the air behind you. Looking back, it seems she has no problem keeping pace with you.
>"You may," says Remilia.
>_
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> "I read the Kakashi Spirit News recently, and I learned about what I presume are the circumstances under which you consider the outside world humans enemies. But I also read about a second set of circumstances immediately after that, involving those humans and your house, but also involving Alice Margatroid. What is your take on those second set of circumstances?"
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> "I read the Kakashi Spirit News recently, and I learned about what I presume are the circumstances under which you consider the outside world humans enemies. But I also read about a second set of circumstances immediately after that, involving those humans and your house, but also involving Alice Margatroid. What is your take on those second set of circumstances?"
>"Mmm. Let Us merely say there is a reason why those two may sleep peacefully," says Remilia. "As for Alice, We have decided that she was sufficiently humiliated for the time being."
>_
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> "I see. Do...do you have any idea why they did what they did? They have not seemed at all like the hyper-aggressive type to me."
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> "I see. Do...do you have any idea why they did what they did? They have not seemed at all like the hyper-aggressive type to me."
>"Oh, We understand all too well," says Remilia. "We might have done much the same in their position."
>_
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> "What do you mean?"
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> "What do you mean?"
>"We would not expect a lofty being such as yourself to understand such desires," says Remilia.
>_
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> "That is entirely possible. I had theorized that perhaps it was done just to demonstrate that they could do it, that even though they were new to Gensokyo, they were perfectly capable people, a force one overlooks at their own peril. But the idea of taking up residence in an entirely new realm and making it one's first priority to make enemies out of multiple powerful individuals in that realm...such a thought process is boggling. Would a show of force really hold that much appeal?"
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> "That is entirely possible. I had theorized that perhaps it was done just to demonstrate that they could do it, that even though they were new to Gensokyo, they were perfectly capable people, a force one overlooks at their own peril. But the idea of taking up residence in an entirely new realm and making it one's first priority to make enemies out of multiple powerful individuals in that realm...such a thought process is boggling. Would a show of force really hold that much appeal?"
>"Oh, incurring Our displeasure was but a side effect," says Remilia. "In a way, We are flattered that they chose to prove themselves against Us. For them, it was no different than a child's first cry after birth. Though I hardly expect them to think of it in such a way."
>_
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> "That answers something else about which I had been curious, whether or not you took any pride in being chosen as a standard for force display. Obviously, were the goal a proper show of force and strategy, conquering something such as Mystia's stand would accomplish far less toward that end. But clearly it seems that this...honor, I suppose, it not enough to soothe the sting of what happened, even if it was an action as natural as you suggest it was."
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> "That answers something else about which I had been curious, whether or not you took any pride in being chosen as a standard for force display. Obviously, were the goal a proper show of force and strategy, conquering something such as Mystia's stand would accomplish far less toward that end. But clearly it seems that this...honor, I suppose, it not enough to soothe the sting of what happened, even if it was an action as natural as you suggest it was."
>Remilia chuckles. "Oh, there are understandable actions, and there is simple rudeness. I'm sure you can appreciate the difference even when they are the same thing."
>_
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> Smile.
> "I suppose I can, given the situation off of which we just came."
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> Smile.
> "I suppose I can, given the situation off of which we just came."
>Remilia gives a short throaty chuckle, and says nothing.
>_
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> "Let me ask another question, then, if I may. One rather more personal, and hopefully inoffensive, as none is intended."
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> "Let me ask another question, then, if I may. One rather more personal, and hopefully inoffensive, as none is intended."
>"If you must," says Remilia.
>_
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> "In your day-to-day business, how often do you separate who you are from what you are?"
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> "In your day-to-day business, how often do you separate who you are from what you are?"
>"We must not understand the question," says Remilia, "As the answer seems to be never. Perhaps you could explain?"
>_
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> "It is admittedly a nebulous difference. I will try to explain as best I can. What you are is how you are defined by the position you hold in life and the environmental circumstances around you. Who you are is defined by how you choose to conduct yourself. In your case, what you are is the Scarlet Devil, the head of your household, the one directly responsible for the actions and well-being of your constituents. Who you are is a bit harder for me to describe, as I know little of you beyond what you are. Perhaps who you are is Remilia Scarlet, enjoyer of fine wine, or Remilia Scarlet, origami master. Or, based on what little I do know of you, you are presumably Remilia Scarlet, loving sister."
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> "It is admittedly a nebulous difference. I will try to explain as best I can. What you are is how you are defined by the position you hold in life and the environmental circumstances around you. Who you are is defined by how you choose to conduct yourself. In your case, what you are is the Scarlet Devil, the head of your household, the one directly responsible for the actions and well-being of your constituents. Who you are is a bit harder for me to describe, as I know little of you beyond what you are. Perhaps who you are is Remilia Scarlet, enjoyer of fine wine, or Remilia Scarlet, origami master. Or, based on what little I do know of you, you are presumably Remilia Scarlet, loving sister."
>"I don't believe our answer has changed much, then," says Remilia. "We are, at all times, our elegant self."
>_
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> "And what if the two were to come in conflict with one another, based on outside circumstances?"
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> "And what if the two were to come in conflict with one another, based on outside circumstances?"
>'We do not feel this would happen," says Remilia. "We are the Scarlet Devil, and vice versa."
>_
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> "Then let me present an unlikely but not impossible hypothetical. Let us say your position as the head of your household demanded that, for some reason, you were to excommunicate your sister for a month, and it was forbidden for anyone to ever explain to her why. Would you do it?"
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> "Then let me present an unlikely but not impossible hypothetical. Let us say your position as the head of your household demanded that, for some reason, you were to excommunicate your sister for a month, and it was forbidden for anyone to ever explain to her why. Would you do it?"
>"We do not feel it is any more valid to entertain that than it would be for you to entertain if The Dragon told you to devour a human," says Remilia.
>_
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Huh. And here I actually expected "I'd do it and do everything I could to make it up to her after the month ended".
> "Or if The Dragon told me to order my people to betray their faith?"
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> "Or if The Dragon told me to order my people to betray their faith?"
>"Just so," says Remilia. "It is a nonsense scenario."
>_
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> "And yet it may very well be what I am about to live out."
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> "And yet it may very well be what I am about to live out."
>"We fail to see how," says Remilia.
>_
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> "Should this situation work out as you desire, I will be forced to order my people to hold you in higher regard than The Dragon. Our faith dictates that The Dragon is to be held in the highest regard."
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> "Should this situation work out as you desire, I will be forced to order my people to hold you in higher regard than The Dragon. Our faith dictates that The Dragon is to be held in the highest regard."
>"We have no intention of usurping their faith," says Remilia. "And it is our understanding that your Dragon does little day to day ruling as it is."
>_
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> Civil disputes and major changes are decided upon by committees, correct?
> Who creates these committees, and to whom do these committees report?
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> Civil disputes and major changes are decided upon by committees, correct?
> Who creates these committees, and to whom do these committees report?
>Committees or empowered individuals. They tend to be appointed as the need arises, and usually close once the need passes. In the larger areas, they tend to be permanent. They don't really report to anyone. If there are real grievances with them, the Palace would be informed, and action taken. You've not seen this happen in your lifetime.
>_
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> "I guess we'll have to see how The Dragon decides, then. I have to be honest, though, the whole prospect makes me incredibly uneasy, largely because I am not entirely sure your definition of 'improvements' will coincide with what my people would consider improvements."
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> "I guess we'll have to see how The Dragon decides, then. I have to be honest, though, the whole prospect makes me incredibly uneasy, largely because I am not entirely sure your definition of 'improvements' will coincide with what my people would consider improvements."
>"We have every confidence this will not be an issue," says Remilia.
>_
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> "Really? What did you have in mind?"
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> "Really? What did you have in mind?"
>"We've not quite decided yet," says Remilia.
>_
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> Ugh, there is no way this is going to end pleasantly...
> Continue out on to Dragon Palace Island.
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> Ugh, there is no way this is going to end pleasantly...
> Continue out on to Dragon Palace Island.
>You begin to brace yourself for how horrible you imagine this will be.
>You continue onward, passing over the human village. You see Marisa making a low circuit around Orchard Isle, watching the two of you go past. She doesn't approach, but you are certain she's waiting for some kind of trouble.
>Soon after, you can see the Dragon Palace coming up.
>_
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> Marisa probably now thinks we're invading our own islands.
> Land in front of the Dragon Palace.
> Is Yuuka still around, or perhaps her blonde friend whom we saw yesterday?
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> Marisa probably now thinks we're invading our own islands.
> Land in front of the Dragon Palace.
> Is Yuuka still around, or perhaps her blonde friend whom we saw yesterday?
>You can just hear the accusation of traitor now...
>You land in front of the Dragon Palace. Looking around, you don't see Yuka around immediately, or the blonde girl. It seems to be all celestials right now, assisting with the clean-up. Things seem a little better than when you were last here, but it'll be awhile before things are properly clean, let alone restored.
>"We are rather impressed," says Remilia. "In Our provinces, no one seemed to be interested in cleaning up anything."
>_
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> "It would be unthinkable to let The August One's Palace lay in ruins when clean-up assistance was readily available."
> Though we think we could venture another guess as to why that might have been.
> Enter the palace.
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> "It would be unthinkable to let The August One's Palace lay in ruins when clean-up assistance was readily available."
> Though we think we could venture another guess as to why that might have been.
> Enter the palace.
>"Ah, We see," says Remilia.
>It might have been a form of non-violent resistance, you consider. But likely, they didn't care. Branches on the trees or on the ground don't really make a difference in the grand scheme of things.
>You enter the Palace. The celestials that notice you pause to curtsy in your direction, or nod their heads if their arms are full. Looking around, you do notice some of the piles of debris from before are gone. As well, you catch sight of Yuka near one of the main corridors, chatting with a celestials. Remilia notices her as well, and gives a finger-wagging wave to the youkai. Yuka notices this and waves back with a smile, but seems to have no interest in disrupting her conversation to join either of you.
>_
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> Can we tell about what she is conversing?
> "Ah, Lady Kazami is a friend of yours, then?"
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> Can we tell about what she is conversing?
> "Ah, Lady Kazami is a friend of yours, then?"
>You cannot at a glance, but it seems to be a fairly normal and relaxed conversation.
>"We've never met," says Remilia, "But We know of her quite well."
>_
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> Nod.
> Well, at least she appears to be doing fine...
> Where is The Dragon's Chamber from here?
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> Nod.
> Well, at least she appears to be doing fine...
> Where is The Dragon's Chamber from here?
>It doesn't seem like the devastation has gotten any worse, at least.
>The Dragon's Chamber is straight ahead, its immense main doors quite obvious from the entrance.
>_
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> Take Remilia to the smaller guest door off to the side, but do not actually enter.
> "Please wait here, while I inform The August One as to your presence."
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> Take Remilia to the smaller guest door off to the side, but do not actually enter.
> "Please wait here, while I inform The August One as to your presence."
>You reach the smaller door without problems.
>"But of course," says Remilia.
>_
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> What is the normal procedure for entering The Dragon's Chamber without an appointment or a prior invitation?...Is there even such a standard?
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> What is the normal procedure for entering The Dragon's Chamber without an appointment or a prior invitation?...Is there even such a standard?
>There is not. You presume, if you're not welcome, you simply wouldn't get in.
>_
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> ...Maybe we should knock first, then? Barging in seems rather rude...
> Deep breath. We can do this we can do this we can do this we can do this
> Knock on the guest door.
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> ...Maybe we should knock first, then? Barging in seems rather rude...
> Deep breath. We can do this we can do this we can do this we can do this
> Knock on the guest door.
>Take a moment to gather your courage, and rap your knuckles on the door.
>The door swings inward, with barely any resistance at all.
>_
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> Enter!
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> Enter!
>You walk inside, and everything is on fire.
>Fire surrounds you, stretching out as far as the eye can see. Looking up, the sky is a dance of embers, and looking down you see the ground is nothing but glowing ash. The flames burn around you and on you. You are not terribly concerned; this is not the worst thing you have encountered here. It is warm, but quite tolerable. The Dragon is here; it is the flames and the ash, the embers and the air, the crackling in the air.
>_
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> Is The Dragon's form typically indicative of its mood?
> Perform the standard rituals for greeting and honoring The Dragon.
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> Perform the standard rituals for greeting and hailing The Dragon.
>You kowtow on the ash; you're not particularly worried about it. After a moment, you can feel the The Dragon beckoning you to rise. You can feel that It is pleased with you.
>_
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> At least one of us is pleased with us...
> Rise.
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> At least one of us is pleased with us...
> Rise.
>Certainly preferable to no one being pleased with you.
>You stand. You can feel it is waiting for you to speak.
>_
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> Did we close the door of the chamber behind us?
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> Did we close the door of the chamber behind us?
>You did not. But you don't think it's an issue; you're not even certain you're really in that chamber as far as the rest of the world is concerned.
>_
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> "August One, we have a pair of...rather unusual circumstances, one of which leads into the other. The first is that I have discovered that Bhava-Agra has fallen due to a poltergeist taking Bhava-Agra's shadow. The poltergeist is not at all a bad person, and she wants to return this shadow, but she is fanatically isolationist, and with what being a fanatically isolationist poltergeist implies about what she is doing to her own well-being, she believes she needs to retain the shadow to survive. I have tried to get her to see the joys of a social lifestyle, and have actually succeeded in getting her to care about me as a friend, but I have otherwise made ostensibly no progress into convincing her that self-exposure is not the universe-defined evil she thinks it is. It is a belief that she seems very ready to die for. I also cannot bring myself to remove the shadow from her forcibly, as I consider her a good friend in return."
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> "August One, we have a pair of...rather unusual circumstances, one of which leads into the other. The first is that I have discovered that Bhava-Agra has fallen due to a poltergeist taking Bhava-Agra's shadow. The poltergeist is not at all a bad person, and she wants to return this shadow, but she is fanatically isolationist, and with what being a fanatically isolationist poltergeist implies about what she is doing to her own well-being, she believes she needs to retain the shadow to survive. I have tried to get her to see the joys of a social lifestyle, and have actually succeeded in getting her to care about me as a friend, but I have otherwise made ostensibly no progress into convincing her that self-exposure is not the universe-defined evil she thinks it is. It is a belief that she seems very ready to die for. I also cannot bring myself to remove the shadow from her forcibly, as I consider her a good friend in return."
>You feel The Dragon is well aware of this, and is quite pleased with the compassion you've shown even in the face of adversity. It does not imagine that anyone else would have done that. It does not seem to feel you've failed to make any progress, either, given she has taken risks to see others.
>_
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That had actually occurred to me a little while ago as the reason why Iku was chosen for this task as opposed to literally anyone else in the Touhouverse. She would be the only one that would befriend the person that wrecked her home and then go to bat for that person despite the person never offering her anything more than attempts to fix the damage they themselves caused. Everyone else would either demand proper compensation or just try to beat the shadows out of the culprit.
> "I suppose this is true, but so far every risk has at least been set up so that her person will not be seen. I could not possibly ask her to forsake her faith and spend her life wandering around in full visibility for my sake. I strongly suspect she would rather die and fade into nothingness than sustain herself in that manner."
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> "I suppose this is true, but so far every risk has at least been set up so that her person will not be seen. I could not possibly ask her to forsake her faith and spend her life wandering around in full visibility for my sake. I strongly suspect she would rather die and fade into nothingness than sustain herself in that manner."
>You feel a sense of hesitation as you say this, then find yourself thinking back to when the poltergeist approached Remilia from behind. You can feel a sense of disagreement from The Dragon settling lightly into your stomach.
>_
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> "Well...I suppose that one instance did risk her person being seen should Remilia have turned around out of curiosity..."
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> "Well...I suppose that one instance did risk her person being seen should Remilia have turned around out of curiosity..."
>The feeling in your stomach subsides.
>_
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> "So she trusts me to that great a degree...it is a bit of a shame that this trust does not extend to believing me when I tell her of the joys that can be had in socialization, but I suppose one should not expect another's faith to be that radically altered in the span of half a day."
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> "So she trusts me to that great a degree...it is a bit of a shame that this trust does not extend to believing me when I tell her of the joys that can be had in socialization, but I suppose one should not expect another's faith to be that radically altered in the span of half a day."
>You feel a sense of sympathy for the poltergeist, above and beyond what you already feel. It seems The Dragon agrees.
>_
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> "This poor girl's situation leads into the second unusual situation. It seems some of Gensokyo's residents assumed our fall to be an invasion, where our people were a warring force. One party in particular took it upon themselves to launch what they assumed were counterstrikes and conquered two of our islands. Knowing we were innocent, I...lost sight of what was important in the face of anger at the injustice I had seen, and so I made some mistaken assumptions of my own. The other party feels the mistaken assumptions on both sides compensate for each other, and desired that the poltergeist take responsibility for embarrassing them. Due to the poltergeist's faith, however, she cannot take responsibility, as the recompense would almost certainly be indenturement. So...I have taken responsibility on her behalf. I did this assuming the other party would request recompense the poltergeist was capable of providing, but they have instead requested recompense of me as the Dragon Palace Messenger. Their request is...not one I feel comfortable approving, for a variety of reasons on both a professional and personal level, so they have requested an audience with you to present their case. As near as I can tell, they wish to retain control of the islands they have conquered."
-
> "This poor girl's situation leads into the second unusual situation. It seems some of Gensokyo's residents assumed our fall to be an invasion, where our people were a warring force. One party in particular took it upon themselves to launch what they assumed were counterstrikes and conquered two of our islands. Knowing we were innocent, I...lost sight of what was important in the face of anger at the injustice I had seen, and so I made some mistaken assumptions of my own. The other party feels the mistaken assumptions on both sides compensate for each other, and desired that the poltergeist take responsibility for embarrassing them. Due to the poltergeist's faith, however, she cannot take responsibility, as the recompense would almost certainly be indenturement. So...I have taken responsibility on her behalf. I did this assuming the other party would request recompense the poltergeist was capable of providing, but they have instead requested recompense of me as the Dragon Palace Messenger. Their request is...not one I feel comfortable approving, for a variety of reasons on both a professional and personal level, so they have requested an audience with you to present their case. As near as I can tell, they wish to retain control of the islands they have conquered."
>You feel a sensation of attentiveness; as though you could watch the flames for even the tiniest detail. You know that The Dragon is watching her. You suspect she may be in The Dragon's chamber with you; you aren't certain. If she were here, in these flames, you would never know. But you don't think she is that close. You feel you and she are in different places. As well, you feel a sense of curiosity, what is motivating that woman, exactly, to make such demands?
>_
-
> "I am not entirely sure what motivates her, though based on what I know of and about her, I supposed I could speculate. She is the head of a large household. She is very prideful, taking greater offense to embarrassment than just about anything else. Her constant use of royal plurals also suggests this. And her house and herself were recently attacked and defeated by two humans from the outside world in charge of an army of fairies, some of which seemed to be former employees. It is possible that she has a general prideful ambition to expand her influence, both in terms of political power and in terms of what she considers 'improvements' to land. It is also possible that she seeks to build manpower resources to replace what was lost in those rebellious fairies, though this may be less likely, given how she has claimed she will treat the people whom reside on the conquered islands. It is even possible that this was her goal from the start, and that she knew if I was telling her the truth in regards to my poltergeist friend, that there would never have been any outcome to her demand for recompense other than my protecting her
due to Fightest's Illusion of Choice (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,8522.msg559919.html#msg559919) concept I'M ON TO YOUR SHENANIGANS, PARSER and thereby giving her this opportunity."
-
> "I am not entirely sure what motivates her, though based on what I know of and about her, I supposed I could speculate. She is the head of a large household. She is very prideful, taking greater offense to embarrassment than just about anything else. Her constant use of royal plurals also suggests this. And her house and herself were recently attacked and defeated by two humans from the outside world in charge of an army of fairies, some of which seemed to be former employees. It is possible that she has a general prideful ambition to expand her influence, both in terms of political power and in terms of what she considers 'improvements' to land. It is also possible that she seeks to build manpower resources to replace what was lost in those rebellious fairies, though this may be less likely, given how she has claimed she will treat the people whom reside on the conquered islands. It is even possible that this was her goal from the start, and that she knew if I was telling her the truth in regards to my poltergeist friend, that there would never have been any outcome to her demand for recompense other than my protecting her due to Fightest's Illusion of Choice (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,8522.msg559919.html#msg559919) concept I'M ON TO YOUR SHENANIGANS, PARSER and thereby giving her this opportunity."
>You feel a sense of agreement; which is odd, agreeing with yourself. You feel the suspicion that Remilia was hedging her bets either way in this regard.
>_
-
> "Ideally, I would like to not give away our islands or our people's allegiances. I do not even consider those things to be things I could give away. But, if hers is a thirst for influential expansion, I am not in a position to offer anything else, either, as I have no influence over Gensokyo...though...perhaps she would be interested in other lands, lands which I cannot actually give away, but lands about which I am in a position to inform her, lands that she may have otherwise assumed were inaccessible...lands whose access was restricted, but are now available due to less-than-benevolent decisions made by the leader of those lands..."
-
> "Ideally, I would like to not give away our islands or our people's allegiances. I do not even consider those things to be things I could give away. But, if hers is a thirst for influential expansion, I am not in a position to offer anything else, either, as I have no influence over Gensokyo...though...perhaps she would be interested in other lands, lands which I cannot actually give away, but lands about which I am in a position to inform her, lands that she may have otherwise assumed were inaccessible...lands whose access was restricted, but are now available due to less-than-benevolent decisions made by the leader of those lands..."
>You get a mental image of the goat pasture in Makai, alight with a battle not too dissimilar to what you saw when Orchard Isle was under attack. Then you get the feeling there is a simpler answer.
>_
-
> Hmm...what other communities are present in Gensokyo? There is the human village, the kappa village, the tengu village, the oni village underground, the bamboo forest mansion...are we forgetting any?
-
> Hmm...what other communities are present in Gensokyo? There is the human village, the kappa village, the tengu village, the oni village underground, the bamboo forest mansion...are we forgetting any?
>The faeries have kind of a community in the Forest of Magic.
>_
-
> This is also true. But none of those communities would just up and relinquish their autonomy and allow Remilia authoritative access to their lands, especially with her reputation. Argh...we have to be overthinking this...
-
> This is also true. But none of those communities would just up and relinquish their autonomy and allow Remilia authoritative access to their lands, especially with her reputation. Argh...we have to be overthinking this...
>You ponder for a bit. You can't imagine any other community allowing Remilia to take over. You find yourself remember the list of possible needs you just went over.
>_
-
> The list of possible needs? The one where we were trying to figure out Remilia's motivations for annexing our islands?
-
> The list of possible needs? The one where we were trying to figure out Remilia's motivations for annexing our islands?
>The very same.
>_
-
> "Hmm...perhaps she is merely looking to improve her image in general? She likely looked very bad after the fairy incident, and conquering a group of innocent, peaceful people, a very spiritual people to boot, would have done nothing to improve that image. Maybe she wants the opportunity to show that she is someone to be respected, by demonstrating that she is not only capable of leading a group of a much more spiritual group of people, but is even capable of improving their lives, a feat sure to earn respect when accomplished by a person of lesser spirituality, both amongst our people and Gensokyo's people."
Anyone else have any ideas? Purvis is in bed, so we have a good chunk of time to think on it.
-
I think I agree with your idea. We should probably start thinking about other ways for her to improve her image. I, for one, would say that voluntarily releasing land she's staked a claim on would be a big step in that direction, so we might want to think about including that as part of whatever we suggest. Aside from that, though, I don't have any other ideas right now.
-
> Consider that if the islands are run by commitiees or empowered individuals she could be appointed by The Dragon to be the one in charge of the islands.
-
...Okay, that's an even better idea. I doubt Remilia''ll go for it, though. I don't think she'd want there to be an authority above her. Of course, as I've said before, I didn't think she'd be willing to negotiate at all, so maybe I'm wrong here, too. It's certainly worth a try, at least. So I say we go with Shadoweh's idea, and try something else if that doesn't work.
-
>"A thought occurs to me. Instead of Remilia retaining control over the islands in the manner she's proposed, perhaps she could instead be appointed to be in charge of them in the manner by which we oversee them."
-
> "Hmm...perhaps she is merely looking to improve her image in general? She likely looked very bad after the fairy incident, and conquering a group of innocent, peaceful people, a very spiritual people to boot, would have done nothing to improve that image. Maybe she wants the opportunity to show that she is someone to be respected, by demonstrating that she is not only capable of leading a group of a much more spiritual group of people, but is even capable of improving their lives, a feat sure to earn respect when accomplished by a person of lesser spirituality, both amongst our people and Gensokyo's people."
>You consider what she ultimately wants out of this. You feel a sense of warmth in response, The Dragon concurs with you.
> Consider that if the islands are run by commitiees or empowered individuals she could be appointed by The Dragon to be the one in charge of the islands.
>"A thought occurs to me. Instead of Remilia retaining control over the islands in the manner she's proposed, perhaps she could instead be appointed to be in charge of them in the manner by which we oversee them."
>You feel the urge to chuckle a little as you propose this; The Dragon is definitely amused by the idea. Then you start to think back to when the tribunal to deal with Tenshi was formed, how celestials met to select the people they felt were best suited for the task.
>_
-
> "So...perhaps a situation where our people work with her instead of for her may be best for all parties involved. A joint effort toward a project, one that is both noticeable and beneficial, where she can look back on it and take pride both in the fact that she helped accomplish it and the fact that our people found her a worthwhile co-worker, even given all that has happened to all of us."
-
> "So...perhaps a situation where our people work with her instead of for her may be best for all parties involved. A joint effort toward a project, one that is both noticeable and beneficial, where she can look back on it and take pride both in the fact that she helped accomplish it and the fact that our people found her a worthwhile co-worker, even given all that has happened to all of us."
>You have a feeling that would work out for the best. But, you also find yourself thinking back to the things you've seen in and around Scarlet Devil Mansion: an immense house, artworks of all sorts, servants, and general trappings of wealth. Remilia is a materialistic person, as well You get the sense that she won't readily agree without some creative presentation on your part.
>_
-
> This is true, materialism and pride related thereto need to be taken into account. That may be tough, as we cannot allow our people to be permanently subject to whatever expansion ambitions Remilia may have.
> "Mmm...would it be too deceitful if an agreement was arranged such that all appearances suggested, even to Remilia herself, that Remilia was in charge of a joint project and had celestials working directly for her, where in reality they would be serving a Bhavagran purpose?"
-
> This is true, materialism and pride related thereto need to be taken into account. That may be tough, as we cannot allow our people to be permanently subject to whatever expansion ambitions Remilia may have.
> "Mmm...would it be too deceitful if an agreement was arranged such that all appearances suggested, even to Remilia herself, that Remilia was in charge of a joint project and had celestials working directly for her, where in reality they would be serving a Bhavagran purpose?"
>You have the feeling Remilia is probably smart enough to see through that. But, she might accept it anyways if presented in the correct way.
>_
-
Okay, I'm going to bed. If we finish up with Remilia, don't forget about going underground to find Nue.
-
> "Well...regardless of how our people would come to work on whatever project she has in mind, it is important to make sure it happens in Gensokyo, rather than here. If nothing else, once our lands are restored, it will be a major hassle for her to continue operations here, and the materialistic payoff in reputation will be dulled because very few people will be able to see whatever it is. Certainly no one in Gensokyo, other than whomever of her own workers are fortunate enough to find themselves ordered up to us."
-
> "Well...regardless of how our people would come to work on whatever project she has in mind, it is important to make sure it happens in Gensokyo, rather than here. If nothing else, once our lands are restored, it will be a major hassle for her to continue operations here, and the materialistic payoff in reputation will be dulled because very few people will be able to see whatever it is. Certainly no one in Gensokyo, other than whomever of her own workers are fortunate enough to find themselves ordered up to us."
>You feel a warm sense of agreement, and a sort of curiosity. The Dragon wonders if there is more to ask.
>_
-
> "Of Remilia? Almost assuredly. I asked very little of the details of her ambitions, as I did not want to upset her into deciding the poltergeist's demonstration was indeed a very elaborate trick."
-
> "Of Remilia? Almost assuredly. I asked very little of the details of her ambitions, as I did not want to upset her into deciding the poltergeist's demonstration was indeed a very elaborate trick."
>You feel a sense of anticipation now; you believe The Dragon is asking if you are prepared to carry on.
>_
-
> "I believe I have thought through things enough now that I can at least steer her away from the idea of island occupation or permanent celestial conscription. But there is one other thing about which I need to ask. The Eldest Daughter...I have learned much about her, and why she does the things she does that seem designed purely to run counter to her fellow celestials. There are some...rather unfortunate issues, in the sense that I am upset I had not noticed them before, and am quite sympathetic to her feelings. Her spirituality is unquestionable, but I believe she may need some emotional guidance, guidance my position in our society does not allow me to give her, as I am inherently untrustworthy as an authority figure, one who could get her punished based on a misunderstanding or even personal distaste. Not that I would ever try to do either of these things, but...would it be possible for her to meet with you, so she may find greater inner peace than what she now holds?"
-
> "I believe I have thought through things enough now that I can at least steer her away from the idea of island occupation or permanent celestial conscription. But there is one other thing about which I need to ask. The Eldest Daughter...I have learned much about her, and why she does the things she does that seem designed purely to run counter to her fellow celestials. There are some...rather unfortunate issues, in the sense that I am upset I had not noticed them before, and am quite sympathetic to her feelings. Her spirituality is unquestionable, but I believe she may need some emotional guidance, guidance my position in our society does not allow me to give her, as I am inherently untrustworthy as an authority figure, one who could get her punished based on a misunderstanding or even personal distaste. Not that I would ever try to do either of these things, but...would it be possible for her to meet with you, so she may find greater inner peace than what she now holds?"
>You feel a warm since of fairly uncharacteristic pride in your chest. You find yourself thinking back to when you found Tenshi in that abandoned storage room, and how things have progressed from there. You can feel The Dragon is pleased with how you have made use of that unfortunate time to improve things with Tenshi. Thinking on that, you wonder if meeting with The Dragon would really help with that situation; you know this reflects The Dragon's feels. But, you can feel the possibility is still open; The Dragon seems to be considering it.
>_
-
> "...Yes, there is surely still progress I can make. I will do the best I can to help her along a better path than the unfortunate one she travels now. I truly appreciate your intervention consideration, though."
-
> "...Yes, there is surely still progress I can make. I will do the best I can to help her along a better path than the unfortunate one she travels now. I truly appreciate your intervention consideration, though."
>You feel a sense of calmness within in yourself, The Dragon seems to have confidence in you.
>_
-
> Perform the standard respectful departure motions. If there are none, genuflect.
> "Thank you, August One. Your wisdom, patience and confidence are invaluable and greatly appreciated."
-
> Perform the standard respectful departure motions. If there are none, genuflect.
> "Thank you, August One. Your wisdom, patience and confidence are invaluable and greatly appreciated."
>You feel a sense of warmth that has nothing to do with the flames around you. The Dragon wishes you well.
>The flames then fade away, and you find yourself inside a cavernous chamber. Glancing around, you dimly recognize it as the chamber that you saw within the shadow of Bhava-Agra, only in proper color. As well, you notice that the dais is not empty this time. Coiling upon it, even seeming the dwarf the immense chamber, is a serpent of incredible size. It scales are deep red, its talons the size of houses. You cannot accurately estimate its size beyond that, though you are certain its bewhiskered head alone could probably swallow Scarlet Devil Mansion in a bite. This, you understand, is The August One's avatar. When The Dragon intervened to help create the Great Hakurei Barrier, this is what people saw. In a sense, it is majestic. But it also feels underwhelming, having experienced something much closer to what The Dragon is truly like. It is roughly akin, you feel, to someone talking to you through a sock puppet around a corner, relaying words dictated to them by someone else.
>Near the foot of the dais, practically a speck in comparison, is Remilia.
>_
-
> Walk over to Remilia. If the distance is so great that this would take a while, take flight instead.
-
> Walk over to Remilia. If the distance is so great that this would take a while, take flight instead.
>You're some yards away, but not too many. You approach Remilia, your footsteps echoing slightly. She looks toward you briefly after a few moments, then says, "Ah, We were wondering if you were here at all."
>_
-
> "As I wondered about you. May I ask what you have learned since entering this place?"
-
> "As I wondered about you. May I ask what you have learned since entering this place?"
>"We had largely exchanged pleasantries," says Remilia, returning her attention to the largely immobile serpent looming over it. "It seems to have faith in your acumen."
>_
-
> "Then clearly I must do my best to bring a resolution to this situation. It would not do for The August One's faith to be misplaced. Shall we retreat to a private area, where we can continue our negotiations?"
-
> "Then clearly I must do my best to bring a resolution to this situation. It would not do for The August One's faith to be misplaced. Shall we retreat to a private area, where we can continue our negotiations?"
>"As you wish," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "Let us go, then."
> Leave the Dragon's Chamber and head to our suite.
-
> "Let us go, then."
> Leave the Dragon's Chamber and head to our suite.
>You depart The Dragon's chamber. Remilia looks back to The Dragon's Avatar and says, "Until We meet again." Then she follows you out.
>You return to your suite, and find it is has not been touched since you left. Remilia looks around, seeming a bit bored.
>_
-
> Is our sitting room in reasonable condition for conversation with guests?
-
> Is our sitting room in reasonable condition for conversation with guests?
>It has the proper furniture, at least, and isn't especially messy.
>_
-
> "I apologize for the mess. We have still not fully recovered from the fall. Please, have a seat."
> Walk to the sitting room if we aren't in it already and gesture to a decent-looking upright chair.
-
> "I apologize for the mess. We have still not fully recovered from the fall. Please, have a seat."
> Walk to the sitting room if we aren't in it already and gesture to a decent-looking upright chair.
>"It is fine," says Remilia. "Merely that We were anticipating something more official and less of a back room."
>_
-
> Are there designated conference rooms in the palace?
-
> Are there designated conference rooms in the palace?
>There are a few rooms and gardens that tend to be used for such things. You imagine most of them would be in a poor state right now, they would not be prioritized in the clean-up efforts.
>_
-
> "There are some other rooms that could perhaps be used for such purposes if you would prefer, though I imagine they are in worse shape than my suite, and may also be a little less private as well."
-
> "There are some other rooms that could perhaps be used for such purposes if you would prefer, though I imagine they are in worse shape than my suite, and may also be a little less private as well."
>"This will do," says Remilia.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> If Remilia sat down, sit down in another chair ourselves. Otherwise, remain standing.
> "Now then, I must admit a few further curiosities into your goals behind what you have requested of me. You have said you wish to improve those islands, but have yet to give any specific ideas. Could you possibly tell me what general ideas you have about those islands, in regards to what areas they could be improved?"
-
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> If Remilia sat down, sit down in another chair ourselves. Otherwise, remain standing.
> "Now then, I must admit a few further curiosities into your goals behind what you have requested of me. You have said you wish to improve those islands, but have yet to give any specific ideas. Could you possibly tell me what general ideas you have about those islands, in regards to what areas they could be improved?"
>There is another seat; you take it.
>"We have had a couple ideas," says Remilia. "There is a noted inefficiency in the horticulture, for instance. We would take steps to address this. We may try to entice Our people to consider more economically viable activities as well, we feel one could do well in dealing in goods from Bhava-Agra. Finally, we are most concerned with the lack of defensibility in Our territories, and would like to work with Our people to address this."
>_
-
> "Mmm, I see. And, if I may ask, how did you plan to oversee these projects once Bhava-Agra has been restored to its proper place in the heavens?"
-
> "Mmm, I see. And, if I may ask, how did you plan to oversee these projects once Bhava-Agra has been restored to its proper place in the heavens?"
>"We have Our ways," says Remilia. "Let us just say that Our Patchouli will have no difficulty finding them, should this come to pass."
>_
-
> "That is surprising to learn. When I asked Patchouli for help finding the Eldest Daughter yesterday, I provided a set of the Eldest Daughter's clothes, and the best result provided was that she was underground somewhere."
-
> "That is surprising to learn. When I asked Patchouli for help finding the Eldest Daughter yesterday, I provided a set of the Eldest Daughter's clothes, and the best result provided was that she was underground somewhere."
>"But of course," says Remilia. "You didn't prepare her to be found before she got lost," says Remilia. "We have already taken that precaution. It will be simplicity itself now."
>_
-
> Mental check: finding Tenshi required burning her clothes, right?
-
> Mental check: finding Tenshi required burning her clothes, right?
>It seemed to, at least.
>_
-
> "I also recall the Eldest Daughter's clothes being burned for the process."
-
> "I also recall the Eldest Daughter's clothes being burned for the process."
>"Of course," says Remilia. "What did you expect when you didn't prepare her to be found ahead of time?"
>_
-
>"...I was not entirely sure. What does "preparing to be found" entail, then?"
-
>"...I was not entirely sure. What does "preparing to be found" entail, then?"
>"We have placed a few discrete items," says Remilia. "Our Patchouli can locate them easily."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "That seems rather presumptuous."
-
> Frown.
> "That seems rather presumptuous."
>"And why would that be?" says Remilia, raising an eyebrow.
>_
-
> "It suggests to me that you may have never had any intention of relinquishing your hold on those islands, regardless of any outcome I presented to you regarding my people's innocence or who was to take responsibility for the embarrassments that have taken place. Was I simply never in a place where I could have located one of these items on my own, aside from the flag?"
-
> "It suggests to me that you may have never had any intention of relinquishing your hold on those islands, regardless of any outcome I presented to you regarding my people's innocence or who was to take responsibility for the embarrassments that have taken place. Was I simply never in a place where I could have located one of these items on my own, aside from the flag?"
>"It means We chose to take precautions, should you have tried to flee with what We had conquered without trying to negotiate with us," says Remilia. "We are certain that you can see how We had little reason to disbelieve that notion."
>_
-
> "I can certainly understand the general position before what just transpired in the forest with my friend, even if my upbringing causes me to wonder if it would really be worth the hassle. But that I am just learning this now, despite there being ample opportunity to inform me between then and now? Forgive me for being a little skeptical myself."
-
> "I can certainly understand the general position before what just transpired in the forest with my friend, even if my upbringing causes me to wonder if it would really be worth the hassle. But that I am just learning this now, despite there being ample opportunity to inform me between then and now? Forgive me for being a little skeptical myself."
>"Why would it be important to tell you?" says Remilia. "Did you expect Us not to make an effort to find our holdings? Is there some problem with this?"
>_
-
> "I had expected you to attempt to arrange some sort of mutually-agreed system wherein you would have access to those islands. That you struck out on your own in this manner and then did not bother to tell me about it between when we first attempted to negotiate and now does not give me much confidence in the negotiation process."
-
> "I had expected you to attempt to arrange some sort of mutually-agreed system wherein you would have access to those islands. That you struck out on your own in this manner and then did not bother to tell me about it between when we first attempted to negotiate and now does not give me much confidence in the negotiation process."
>"Why would We need your consent to place a candle in our hall?" asks Remilia, resting her elbows on the table, lacing her fingers together and resting her chin on them. "Why would you need Our consent to use a map? Why would We need consent to place some navigational aids? We are confused as to why this is a problem, unless you were expecting to simply leave Us behind and keep Us from what is Ours?"
>_
-
> "Given your proposal to me was that you would maintain control on the islands, I took this to meant that their ownership was still undetermined. Why would you ask for what you believe is already yours? But if this is how you feel about those islands, then I must question why we are going through a negotiation process at all."
-
> "Given your proposal to me was that you would maintain control on the islands, I took this to meant that their ownership was still undetermined. Why would you ask for what you believe is already yours? But if this is how you feel about those islands, then I must question why we are going through a negotiation process at all."
>"We would prefer not to have any disagreement on the issue," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "And, hypothetically, what would you do if there was?"
-
> "And what would you do if there was?"
>"Then we would lament the the situation," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "But you would still not relinquish them."
-
> "But you would still not relinquish them."
>Remilia shakes her head.
>_
-
> "All right. Let us move on to the improvement suggestions you offered, then. What sort of horticultural improvements do you have in mind? Ornamental or functional?"
EDIT: If anyone gets in here, sees that exchange regarding property ownership and gets antsy to try to fix it, please don't. I left it where it is for a reason. Trying to fight the position further will only hurt things in the long run.
-
> "All right. Let us move on to the improvement suggestions you offered, then. What sort of horticultural improvements do you have in mind? Ornamental or functional?"
>"The latter," says Remilia. "We've made no particular plans, as of yet."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "And then there would be the encouragement of economically viable activities. How will you take into account the fact that forsaking materialism is a part of achieving enlightenment?"
-
> Nod.
> "And then there would be the encouragement of economically viable activities. How will you take into account the fact that forsaking materialism is a part of achieving enlightenment?"
>"We do not feel the two things are at odds with each other in moderation," says Remilia. "Being useful never hurt anyone, We are sure you will agree."
>_
-
> "Of course. I know I tend to keep a small amount of currency in case of unforeseen circumstances. But I wonder how open the celestials will be to such a change, as it seems to me that they would already practice as much materialistic trade as they deem worth their while, simply because if they wanted more of it, they could just do more of it."
-
> "Of course. I know I tend to keep a small amount of currency in case of unforeseen circumstances. But I wonder how open the celestials will be to such a change, as it seems to me that they would already practice as much materialistic trade as they deem worth their while, simply because if they wanted more of it, they could just do more of it."
>"From what We've experienced, We anticipate no problems," says Remilia. "They have been quite willing to help."
>_
-
> "And you have had similar experiences in regards to improved defensibility proposals?"
-
> "And you have had similar experiences in regards to improved defensibility proposals?"
>"We've not really brought up the subject, yet," says Remilia. "But we anticipate little in the way of difficulty."
>_
-
> "Even though Bhava-Agra was assumed to be an invading force before, when it did not undergo any sort of battle training beyond the danmaku basics that everyone knows?"
-
> "Even though Bhava-Agra was assumed to be an invading force before, when it did not undergo any sort of battle training beyond the danmaku basics that everyone knows?"
>"We consider it naive to ignore basic security," says Remilia. "You speak of disasters as though they were predictable."
>_
-
> "Disaster or not, I can easily see this breeding further distrust for Bhava-Agra. Many in Gensokyo were already quick to jump to the conclusion that we were an invading force when we unprepared for war. How will preparing for war do anything to fix that lack of trust?"
-
> "Disaster or not, I can easily see this breeding further distrust for Bhava-Agra. Many in Gensokyo were already quick to jump to the conclusion that we were an invading force when we unprepared for war. How will preparing for war do anything to fix that lack of trust?"
>Remilia nods. "This may be a problem, but we expect like to think that people would quickly learn difference between Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum."
>_
-
> "I am not sure a faction change will change the hearts and minds of the celestials involved. They would be still be losing trustworthiness in the eyes of others, were they to take up this path."
-
> "I am not sure a faction change will change the hearts and minds of the celestials involved. They would be still be losing trustworthiness in the eyes of others, were they to take up this path."
>"We'll consider this," says Remilia.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Now, if I may ask, how will all of this actually rectify the issue of your embarrassment, instead of exacerbating the problem?"
-
> Nod.
> "Now, if I may ask, how will all of this actually rectify the issue of your embarrassment, instead of exacerbating the problem?"
>"Hmmm?" says Remilia.
>_
-
> "That is the core issue, is it not?"
-
> "That is the core issue, is it not?"
>"I am presuming you intend to elaborate," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "Well, consider how this will all look to an outside observer, especially given what has been going on elsewhere in Gensokyo in relation to Bhava-Agra's fall. Have I already informed you as to how Reimu, Marisa and Sanae are occupying themselves at present?"
-
> "Well, consider how this will all look to an outside observer, especially given what has been going on elsewhere in Gensokyo in relation to Bhava-Agra's fall. Have I already informed you as to how Reimu, Marisa and Sanae are occupying themselves at present?"
>"There may have been a passing reference," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "Then I will elaborate. They are currently stationed at three strategically selected Bhavagran islands, waiting for you to arrive at any one of them in the interest of further conquest. They, who all initially distrusted me, two of them to the point of assaulting me on sight, and having had no proper demonstration of my people's innocence like you have, are standing in defense of my home and my people's home, to prevent further territorial conquests on your part. They, who have been given no truly concrete evidence as to the innocence of my people, are still now acting under the assumption that you have turned megalomaniacal. How will the course of action you have proposed to me work to rectify this embarrassment, rather than exacerbate it?"
-
> "Then I will elaborate. They are currently stationed at three strategically selected Bhavagran islands, waiting for you to arrive at any one of them in the interest of further conquest. They, who all initially distrusted me, two of them to the point of assaulting me on sight, and having had no proper demonstration of my people's innocence like you have, are standing in defense of my home and my people's home, to prevent further territorial conquests on your part. They, who have been given no truly concrete evidence as to the innocence of my people, are still now acting under the assumption that you have turned megalomaniacal. How will the course of action you have proposed to me work to rectify this embarrassment, rather than exacerbate it?"
>"We feel they will view it differently once the initial excitement dies down," says Remilia.
>_
-
Don't have any ideas yet, but I think you should tone down the hostility a little. The tone comes off as if you're negotiating with the enemy.
-
If this is negotiating with the enemy then I have no idea how to proceed, because I didn't think I was doing that at all. I'm presenting her with outside viewpoints.
-
I'm not sure how to explain this, words .. You spent alot of page 6 attacking her for the tracking items. Your viewpoints afterwards come off as if undertoned with 'this is why what you are doing is wrong'. She doesn't seem to be insulted though so you're probably doing fine. I'd suggest slipping in that you're just trying to present outside viewpoints into the conversation.
-
> "They may or may not if the situation is isolated, but given potential testimony from people across Gensokyo, as well as these recent proceedings, in trying to look at all I have seen and heard for myself from the point of view of someone that has already made the assumptions about you that they have, I would be surprised if they simply let it go."
-
I think Yamameko's handling this well. However, Yamameko, I do happen to have a suggestion, and that is to take the direct approach. Remember the idea of having Remilia appointed to be in charge of the islands in question? I think we should present that idea to Remilia. If she's told that she can make her 'improvements' to the islands but she still refuses to return them, well, at that point the meglomaniacal intent would be right out in the open. That's one of the reasons I like the direct approach; when properly used, it can force the true motivations out into the open.
-
> "They may or may not if the situation is isolated, but given potential testimony from people across Gensokyo, as well as these recent proceedings, in trying to look at all I have seen and heard for myself from the point of view of someone that has already made the assumptions about you that they have, I would be surprised if they simply let it go."
>"It seems that We have more faith in the people of Gensokyo than you," says Remilia.
>_
-
The thing is that I don't want her to be "in charge" of the islands.
> "Quite the contrary. I have plenty of faith in the people of Gensokyo, as the overwhelming majority of them either started this incident non-confrontational or became non-confrontational rather quickly."
-
> "Quite the contrary. I have plenty of faith in the people of Gensokyo, as the overwhelming majority of them either started this incident non-confrontational or became non-confrontational rather quickly."
>"Then We are not worried," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "Really? The overwhelming majority of Gensokyo that has had interaction with Bhava-Agra has, I believe, had an ultimately positive experience. Despite initial misunderstandings around the human village, peace eventually reigned, and Gensokyo residents were invited to partake in Bhava-Agra's peach harvest in moderation. Bhavagran parties have helped restore shadows to Gensokyo residents and have defended a granary against a tsuchinoko. The Lunarian doctor has helped Bhavagrans injured in the fall. The musician poltergeists have played their songs for Bhavagrans, who responded by volunteering to clean their mansion. Gensokyo natives and Bhavagrans alike mingle in the village. There has been good will and harmony present all across the land. There has been only one Gensokyo party who continues to hold any meaningful degree of what can be perceived as hostility, and the opinions of them from their fellow Gensokyo natives have soured. Now this party has been presented with ample evidence of Bhavagra's innocence, evidence that no one else in Gensokyo needed to co-exist with Bhava-Agra, and they respond to this evidence by feigning willingness to negotiate the restoration of a normal way of life to an innocent and peaceful people while preparing an action plan that would decrease the inherent trustworthiness of those people, a people to whom trustworthiness is very important. You are really so confident as to think this will not sour Gensokyo's opinion of that one party further?"
-
I
The thing is that I don't want her to be "in charge" of the islands.
I see. I misunderstood your intentions, then. And, well, I don't really want that, either, to be honest.
-
> "Really? The overwhelming majority of Gensokyo that has had interaction with Bhava-Agra has, I believe, had an ultimately positive experience. Despite initial misunderstandings around the human village, peace eventually reigned, and Gensokyo residents were invited to partake in Bhava-Agra's peach harvest in moderation. Bhavagran parties have helped restore shadows to Gensokyo residents and have defended a granary against a tsuchinoko. The Lunarian doctor has helped Bhavagrans injured in the fall. The musician poltergeists have played their songs for Bhavagrans, who responded by volunteering to clean their mansion. Gensokyo natives and Bhavagrans alike mingle in the village. There has been good will and harmony present all across the land. There has been only one Gensokyo party who continues to hold any meaningful degree of what can be perceived as hostility, and the opinions of them from their fellow Gensokyo natives have soured. Now this party has been presented with ample evidence of Bhavagra's innocence, evidence that no one else in Gensokyo needed to co-exist with Bhava-Agra, and they respond to this evidence by feigning willingness to negotiate the restoration of a normal way of life to an innocent and peaceful people while preparing an action plan that would decrease the inherent trustworthiness of those people, a people to whom trustworthiness is very important. You are really so confident as to think this will not sour Gensokyo's opinion of that one party further?"
>"We feel," says Remilia, "That you are misrepresenting us. As well, We would remind you that you have agreed to take responsibility for this incident."
>_
-
> "I will gladly give of myself as best I can in taking responsibility for this incident. What you are asking of me, if we can even call it asking, is not something where I am giving of myself. You are asking others to take responsibility in my stead."
-
> "I will gladly give of myself as best I can in taking responsibility for this incident. What you are asking of me, if we can even call it asking, is not something where I am giving of myself."
>"We seem to recall that you were speaking to us on behalf of Bhava-Agra during that meeting," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "I seem to recall Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum coming to a mutual agreement that a third part was to blame. I also seem to recall taking responsibility on behalf of my Gensokyo native friend in that meeting."
-
> "I seem to recall taking responsibility on behalf of my Gensokyo native friend in that meeting."
>"Just so," says Remilia. "While you were speaking on behalf of Bhava-Agra. We would be very disappointed if you had misled Us."
>_
-
> "It was my understanding that the dispute between Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum had ended when they had come to a mutual agreement that a third party was to blame, and that my actions to defend my Gensokyo native friend were made by myself alone and not Bhava-Agra as a whole, as Bhava-Agra as a party was no longer relevant to the situation, having already had their issue resolved. I am sorry if you saw things differently."
-
> "It was my understanding that the dispute between Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum had ended when they had come to a mutual agreement that a third party was to blame, and that my actions to defend my Gensokyo native friend were made by myself alone and not Bhava-Agra as a whole, as Bhava-Agra as a party was no longer relevant to the situation, having already had their issue resolved. I am sorry if you saw things differently."
>"We merely saw things as you portrayed them," says Remilia, frowning now. "We would ask, then, why no effort was made to distinguish this beforehand?"
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Because, with all due respect, I thought it to be fairly obvious, not only in saying that I would take responsibility instead of saying that Bhava-Agra would take responsibility, but in the fact that your request for recompense would originally have been designed for the third party, and the third party could not possibly have fulfilled a request for control of land that was never theirs to begin with."
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Because, with all due respect, I thought it to be fairly obvious, not only in saying that I would take responsibility instead of saying that Bhava-Agra would take responsibility, but in the fact that your request for recompense would originally have been designed for the third party, and the third party could not possibly have fulfilled a request for control of land that was never theirs to begin with."
>"Why would We make the same requests of her as We would of you?" asks Remilia, "It would be like asking a maid to research and a librarian to cook dinner, don't you agree?"
>_
-
> "But you know what a maid and a librarian specialize in. Unless you have inside information that even I do not have, you would not have known what skill set the third party possesses, and therefore most likely have produced a general recompense task that could have been completed by anyone."
-
> "But you know what a maid and a librarian specialize in. Unless you have inside information that even I do not have, you would not have known what skill set the third party possesses, and therefore most likely have produced a general recompense task that could have been completed by anyone."
>"Given that responsibility was taken, we aren't certain why it's important anymore," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "Then perhaps I need to be clearer. Given the near inevitability of the...generic, shall we say, nature of your recompense request of my friend, I took responsibility on her behalf fully expecting you would ask the exact same thing of me, as it would be something I could fulfill, being a "generic" request. This expectation was exacerbated by the rather generic nature of the two examples you provided."
-
> "Then perhaps I need to be clearer. Given the near inevitability of the...generic, shall we say, nature of your recompense request of my friend, I took responsibility on her behalf fully expecting you would ask the exact same thing of me, as it would be something I could fulfill, being a "generic" request. This expectation was exacerbated by the rather generic nature of the two examples you provided."
>"We cannot see why you would expect this," says Remilia, shaking her head slightly.
>_
-
Do you think she's doing this deliberately? Because I di, and if you agree, then I would recommend calling her out on it.
-
> "Perhaps it is simply a difference in upbringing."
-
I'll be honest; my confidence on this issue is completely shot. If anybody has any revelations regarding where to go, be my guest. Just try not to do any permanent damage.
-
Mmm. Iku is known as the representative of The Dragon and Messenger of the Dragon Palace. It would be weird if Remilia didn't assume we were speaking for Bhava-Agra.
> "My apologies if my intent was not clear. May I ask if you spoke with The August One on the issue and if so what he said on the matter?"
-
> "Perhaps it is simply a difference in upbringing."
>"Perhaps," says Remilia.
> "My apologies if my intent was not clear. May I ask if you spoke with The August One on the issue and if so what he said on the matter?"
>Remilia nods. "We did...speak, as it were. Or rather, We spoke, and The Dragon listened. We were quite certain it was listening. It seemed to indicate that it would abide by whatever decision we reached."
>_
-
Tell me what you think Kilga.
> "I see. He did not mention then that those who lead in Bhava-Agra do not take their positions by force or appointment by Himself, but by democratic decision? Your intentions and plans are noble but essentially you are forcing others into your way of life. Do you believe you have won the hearts of our people?"
-
Sure, why not.
-
> "I see. He did not mention then that those who lead in Bhava-Agra do not take their positions by force or appointment by Himself, but by democratic decision? Your intentions and plans are noble but essentially you are forcing others into your way of life. Do you believe you have won the hearts of our people?"
>She shakes her head. "We did not have much time," she says. "And, we are certain it will be little issue."
>_
-
> "What makes you certain?"
-
> "What makes you certain?"
>"We feel that Our people already regard us well, given the circumstances," says Remilia. "So we are confident it will not be an issue to build upon it."
>_
-
> "And you do not believe they regard you as they do simply due to a combination of you defeating them in combat and Bhava-Agra being naturally rather passive? What have they done to demonstrate they are actually willing to forsake their previous life to follow yours, rather than going with what you demand of them out of fear of repercussions?"
-
> "And you do not believe they regard you as they do simply due to a combination of you defeating them in combat and Bhava-Agra being naturally rather passive? What have they done to demonstrate they are actually willing to forsake their previous life to follow yours, rather than going with what you demand of them out of fear of repercussions?"
>"Did we not promise to allow a reasonable degree of autonomy and such?" says Remilia. "You phrase things too strongly, and steer away from the truth."
>_
-
> "You also claimed willingness to negotiate, and the course of this conversation has demonstrated quite the contrary in regards to those islands."
-
> "You also claimed willingness to negotiate, and the course of this conversation has demonstrated quite the contrary in regards to those islands."
>"And you have asked Us to take your words on faith, and repeatedly tested that faith," says Remilia. "If you have no intention but to pretend that you are blameless and accuse us of dishonesty," she shrugs, "then We see little reason to continue this."
>_
-
> "What words are you taking on faith? I will be glad to demonstrate them to you."
-
> "What words are you taking on faith? I will be glad to demonstrate them to you."
>"Given you have chosen to insult us repeatedly and maintain We are lying," says Remilia, "We see no reason to waste further time on you."
>She stands.
>_
-
> Rise with her.
> "Please. Tell me what you would ask of me. I will do whatever I am permitted to do to restore those lands to undisputed ownership of my people."
-
> Rise with her.
> "Please. Tell me what you would ask of me. I will do whatever I am permitted to do to restore those lands to undisputed ownership of my people."
>"We would demand, for a start," says Remilia, giving you a sharp look, "that you extend to Us the same degree of trust We have graciously allowed you. But it seems that Bhava-Agra regards this as too much to do."
>_
-
> Stand in silence for a second, then bow head in shame.
> "I apologize for accusing you of dishonesty."
-
> Stand in silence for a second, then bow head in shame.
> "I apologize for accusing you of dishonesty."
>She continues to give you a look, then says, "Very well."
>_
-
> Can we recall the last time we were accused of dishonesty, before Tenshi's destruction of the Hakurei Shrine?
-
> Can we recall the last time we were accused of dishonesty, before Tenshi's destruction of the Hakurei Shrine?
>You're not used to the accusation, to say the least. Aside from probably Tenshi talking about you behind your back, it didn't happen. Since yesterday, though, a few have implied it for various reasons at various times.
>_
-
> "Thank you."
> Fall to our knees and look up at her.
> "Please. Please tell me what I must do. I simply do not know. I...I do not even understand what it is to be distrusted. I do not know how to adequately cope with it. I consider myself nothing if I am not trustworthy."
-
> "Thank you."
> Fall to our knees and look up at her.
> "Please. Please tell me what I must do. I simply do not know. I...I do not even understand what it is to be distrusted. I do not know how to adequately cope with it. I consider myself nothing if I am not trustworthy."
>You fall to your knees and look up at Remilia. She raises an eyebrow. "Mmm. We would suggest being less eager to do so with others, as a start."
>_
-
> Slowly tilt our head downward until we are staring at Remilia's feet.
> "...Oh no...I'm doing it again...Tenshi was right..."
> Grab the sides of our head.
> "She was right about me...she was right all along...I am such a terrible person..."
-
> Slowly tilt our head downward until we are staring at Remilia's feet.
> "...Oh no...I'm doing it again...Tenshi was right..."
> Grab the sides of our head.
> "She was right about me...she was right all along...I am such a terrible person..."
>Remilia says nothing. And staring at her feet, you really can't see any sort of emotional reaction, aside from not kicking you.
>_
-
> Slowly look back up at Remilia.
> "...I'm so sorry..."
-
> Slowly look back up at Remilia.
> "...I'm so sorry..."
>You look back up at her, and see that she is looking down at you impassively with her hands folded. "So We see," she says after a moment.
>_
-
*Has an idea*
>Stand up.
>"I apologize for that outburst. The past two days have been... hard on me."
>Shake it off.
>"Now, then, perhaps I have been approaching this the wrong way. Let me ask you a question: when the fairies took over your mansion, what were your thoughts and feelings on the matter?"
-
Well, I was really expecting this to go further today, but, well, I guess not, and I'm going to bed now. It should be pretty obvious where I'm going with this. I am, of course, comparing Remilia's fairy situation to the situation we're currently in concerning her and the islands. I'm assuming she would not tolerate an occupying force in her home, as justthe same, we don't want someone else taking control of our home. She may say that the reasons behind the attacks are different, but I say mention that ourselves first, and say that we can get to that, but to ignore it for now. She's also likely to say that she hasn't taken over our entire home, and I would advise bringing that up immediately after presenting the comparrison, before Remilia has a chance to respond. Don't give her any semantic bullshit to hide behind. And if she still tries to play semantics games (which would not surprise me), I'd say call her out on it. Tell her to stop playing such games. I'd say to tell her that she's well aware of the point we're trying to make, so she should cut the bullshit and get to the point she knows full well we're making, which, of course, is that she wouldn't tolerate someone else taking over her home, even just part of it, and yet she expects us to accept her taking over part of our home.
Now, if this doesn't work at all, well, I would also recommend not completely dismissing the idea of asking if Remilia would accept running the islands over controling them. We don't have to actually offer that to her, but as I said before, asking that question would force her true motives out into the open. I know some of this may be a little, um, blunt for Iku, perhaps a bit forceful, but I don't think we'll make any progress if we aren't like that at least a little. I think that we're trying too hard to appease Remilia right now, and that if we're going to get what we want out of this, we need to take a different approach. I think we may even earn some respect if we demonstrate that we're not going to tolerate any more bullshit from her.
-
>Stand up.
>"I apologize for that outburst. The past two days have been... hard on me."
>Shake it off.
>"Now, then, perhaps I have been approaching this the wrong way. Let me ask you a question: when the fairies took over your mansion, what were your thoughts and feelings on the matter?"
>You stand up, and try to regain your composure. You're not quite there yet, your breathing is still a bit excited, and your voice still somewhat off.
>"So We imagine," says Remilia, as you apologize.
>"We do not feel the situations are comparable," says Remilia. "But We were rather furious that they robbed us as they did."
>_
-
> "The situations are not directly comparable but help try to explain my view. If the leader of the fairies had demanded you hand over your mansion and become her servant because you lost to her, what would you have done?"
-
> "The situations are not directly comparable but help try to explain my view. If the leader of the fairies had demanded you hand over your mansion and become her servant because you lost to her, what would you have done?"
>"Again, a poor comparison," says Remilia. "But We shall entertain this to illustrate that. We would not have had much choice. At least not until her army lost interest."
>_
-
> "Would you have permenantly accepted her reign over your home if it seemed she would be a better leader then you?"
-
> "Would you have permenantly accepted her reign over your home if it seemed she would be a better leader then you?"
>"As the situation is not the same, We would not," says Remilia. "Not that such a case could have come about to begin with. It would be like suggesting We are more skilled with lightning than you."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I thank you for entertaining a possibility that unlikely. From what I have seen of those in your mansion I doubt they would accept such a change unless you endorsed it. The way in which this situation is different, from my view, is comparible to if someone defeated your maid and demanded she hand over the Scarlet Devil Mansion as payment." Pause. "As I said before, our leaders are chosen by the people. If you were to be elected by the people's agreement I would not dispute this. As it stands, I can offer gifts or help arrange beneficial projects between our people, but I can't give the islands to you."
> Lower head shamefully. "I apologize again for this not being clear from the start."
-
> Nod.
> "I thank you for entertaining a possibility that unlikely. From what I have seen of those in your mansion I doubt they would accept such a change unless you endorsed it. The way in which this situation is different, from my view, is comparible to if someone defeated your maid and demanded she hand over the Scarlet Devil Mansion as payment." Pause. "As I said before, our leaders are chosen by the people. If you were to be elected by the people's agreement I would not dispute this. As it stands, I can offer gifts or help arrange beneficial projects between our people, but I can't give the islands to you."
> Lower head shamefully. "I apologize again for this not being clear from the start."
>"So if we understand you correctly," says Remilia, "We cannot expect you to cede to what We demand, nor can you prevent Us from fulfilling it Ourself?"
>_
-
Mmm I'm gonna hold here but leave what I would answer with:
"Although the answer to both of those questions is yes if your demands are rulership over the islands, I can assist in you being successfully appointed by the ways of Bhava-Agra if you chose to forge that route. If it were your wish I could arrange for a committee to meet as soon as possible to discuss your desire to lead and represent you there, as I am beholden to serve you in some way by this point."
I'm trying to think of a way to work in that she would end up embroiled in Celestial Burecracy but the words aren't coming to me.
-
Do as you need to do, I will very likely not be partaking in this discussion again and I'd rather not see the game held up while I am at work.
I really don't want Remilia's hands on those islands in any way, shape or form, though.
-
Argh I just want to get this on with
> "Although the answer to both of those questions is yes if your demands are rulership over the islands, I can assist in you being successfully appointed by the ways of Bhava-Agra if you chose to forge that route. If it were your wish I could arrange for a committee to meet as soon as possible to discuss your desire to lead and represent you there, as I am beholden to serve you in some way by this point."
-
> "Although the answer to both of those questions is yes if your demands are rulership over the islands, I can assist in you being successfully appointed by the ways of Bhava-Agra if you chose to forge that route. If it were your wish I could arrange for a committee to meet as soon as possible to discuss your desire to lead and represent you there, as I am beholden to serve you in some way by this point."
>"And this committee would be made up of whom?" asks Remilia. "People of Our provinces, we presume?"
>_
-
> Who would such a committee normally be made up of?
-
> Who would such a committee normally be made up of?
>It is exactly as Remilia suspects, the people who are to be affected. It's very uncommon for others to be involved.
>_
-
Okay, I think I may know how to respond to this, given the answer to this question is fairly automatic.
> "Yes. And you can trust me to not interfere with their decisions as the need for those decisions arise, unless I am asked for my input directly."
-
> "Yes. And you can trust me to not interfere with their decisions as the need for those decisions arise, unless I am asked for my input directly."
>"Hm. And if We asked you to interfere on Our behalf?"
>_
-
Ohoho, I see what you're doing there, Little Miss Batty Bat.
I have no problem with such a thing as long as it is on our own terms. We cannot be asked to compromise our morals or beliefs, and we cannot supercede an order from The Dragon with a request from Remilia. If we're given those two things, though, then it's fine by me.
My suggested response: "As I trust you will never request I compromise my beliefs, I will be glad to assist you at the earliest opportunity."
-
Well, if people are gonna be in bed <_<
> "As I trust you will never request I compromise my beliefs, I will be glad to assist you at the earliest opportunity. May I presume you will at least want a public endorsement of yourself from myself as a leadership candidate?"
-
> "As I trust you will never request I compromise my beliefs, I will be glad to assist you at the earliest opportunity. May I presume you will at least want a public endorsement of yourself from myself as a leadership candidate?"
>"Mmm, we imagine so," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "And may I also presume you will wish to hear such an endorsement in private before it is made public, to make sure there is nothing absent you wish to include and nothing present you wish to leave out?"
-
> "And may I also presume you will wish to hear such an endorsement in private before it is made public, to make sure there is nothing absent you wish to include and nothing present you wish to leave out?"
>"But of course," says Remilia.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "This is very doable, then. Is there any other sort of influence you think you may need me to exert in such a situation?"
-
> Nod.
> "This is very doable, then. Is there any other sort of influence you think you may need me to exert in such a situation?"
>"We'll decide when the time is right," says Remilia.
>_
-
> "How about this, then? In addition to arranging such a council decision and endorsing your personage for the sake of their selection, when the time comes to propose them, I will also endorse the first two specific improvements you mentioned, as well as the third as long as participation in defensibility improvement is strictly voluntary."
-
> "How about this, then? In addition to arranging such a council decision and endorsing your personage for the sake of their selection, when the time comes to propose them, I will also endorse the first two specific improvements you mentioned, as well as the third as long as participation in defensibility improvement is strictly voluntary."
>"We would expect no less," says Remilia, giving a single nod.
>_
-
> "Then as long as my people still have the final say over how their lives are lived, a condition which I believe this arrangement honors, I have no further objections. Is there anything else you would like to add?"
> We have presumably put on dance performances before, correct?
> If so, how much preparation is normally needed?
-
> "Then as long as my people still have the final say over how their lives are lived, a condition which I believe this arrangement honors, I have no further objections. Is there anything else you would like to add?"
> We have presumably put on dance performances before, correct?
> If so, how much preparation is normally needed?
>"We'll consider it," says Remilia. "For now, We choose to leave the question open until We better understand what we may and may not need."
>You have.
>Usually a few days at least for the word to be spread, to make sure the venue is going to be open, and to work with anyone whose assistance you may need.
>_
-
> How long do our performances typically last?
> "Very well. If there are no further additions to this agreement, then I should set about arranging recompense for my incorrigible behavior during these proceedings."
-
I really hope you have a plan, here, because I'm with you; I'd really rather not give her the islands in any way at all.
Also, Remilia may at the moment have the impression that if she's elected, she would maintain ownership of the islands, while I would think that such an election would, if she one, result in her running the islands as the others are run but not retaining ownership of them. Just something to keep in mind.
-
> How long do our performances typically last?
> "Very well. If there are no further additions to this agreement, then I should set about arranging recompense for my incorrigible behavior during these proceedings."
>As long as you want, really. But you usually go for at least an hour.
>"We have a few more requests," says Remilia. "Should We be ousted despite your efforts to the contrary, we shall require a few things of our provinces. Firstly, we shall require the flag to be honored as would be expected of any such emblem. As well, We would need it to be noted that they were once properly part of Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, though no longer, for the sake of history. We would also request a monument of that time, should it come to pass, be constructed in memory of those harmed during this event. We expect these will be no issue, but it would be unseemly to not mention such ahead of time."
>_
-
Well, looks like she does indeed have that impression. Should we go about correcting it, do you think? And if so, any ideas as to how?
-
I've been thinking about how Shadoweh presented the revised arrangement, and I've realized that ultimately, if the people of those islands vote her in as an advisor (which is basically what her position would amount to now), then that is their right to do so. The land still belongs to Bhava-Agra, but she's free to suggest improvements as she likes, and every such improvement that the celestials agree with is a manner in which they wished to change their lives as well as another feather in her cap, so everyone benefits. The one thing I did not want was "improvements" forced upon these people, and I am rather satisfied at this point that this is not a concern.
Fake Edit: Possibly. Let me read it on break. I think she uses "our provinces" in the sense that she considers them hers at the moment, though.
-
That's exactly what I was going for. Ultimately it's not Iku's or Remilia's decision to make. If all she wants in the case of not being accepted is for there to be a memory that she was once there, that doesn't seem harmful to me.
-
Yeah, her "in case of" requests are fine by me and likely what the islanders would have done autonomously anyway. I'd ask if she wants specific names as a gesture of recognition for each of her individual subordinates, but other than that, it's good to go.
In case it wasn't clear, I'd also like to offer a dance concert at the SDM in recompense totally messing the negotiations up, and also because I want to give that gate guard fairy a second chance by teaching her a few steps and then having her make a quickie appearance on stage.
-
That stuff's fine by me. I'm still wondering about clarifying the elcetion thing to Remilia, though, because it looks to like she thinks that if she wins, she'll be retaining her current ownership of the islands. It may be a good idea to correct that impression, but at the same time, doing so might result in Remilia deciding she doesn't want to do things that way after all. So, any thoughts?
-
Well, there's one way to find out discreetly.
> "I wonder if this should perhaps be done regardless."
-
> "I wonder if this should perhaps be done regardless."
>"It will be if We have no difficulties," says Remilia. "With amendments appropriate to the situation, of course."
>_
-
She acknowledged that if she were ousted she'd have no claims on the islands. She's not stupid, I don't think we have to spell it out for her.
-
Guy's worry is that she will still consider the islands hers if she gets voted in, which, with that response, I'm actually admittedly a bit worried about myself.
-
Hum.
> "I don't believe there's any problem with your request in case of being ousted. If you are elected, what you do on behalf of Bhava-Agra's wishes will be up to yourself and the people, as you will be acting as a part of Bhava-Agra instead of a ruler at that point."
-
> "I don't believe there's any problem with your request in case of being ousted. If you are elected, what you do on behalf of Bhava-Agra's wishes will be up to yourself and the people, as you will be acting as a part of Bhava-Agra instead of a ruler at that point."
>"Why would we be acting as part of Bhava Agra?" says Remilia, raising an eyebrow.
>_
-
Idea in case she doesn't go for it: let her "have" the land on two conditions:
1) No Bhavagrans will ever be denied access to any part of the two islands without reasons deemed justified by the celestials inhabiting that island.
2) The celestials of the island will never be forbidden from forming a council to decide if they no longer wish their lands to live under Remilia's control, and if they do decide such a thing, Fancy Scarlet Wordiness will peacefully honor this request. Historical monuments, of course, will be created to signify if such a seccession takes place.
Fake Edit: welp,
-
I gotta go, but it's starting to sound like you're right. I think a direct confrontation would end badly..
> "If you were elected by the people would you not then be acting as a part of them? You have tried to assist them so much before now that I would be tempted to see yourself as an honorary one of us already."
-
I gotta go, but it's starting to sound like you're right. I think a direct confrontation would end badly..
> "If you were elected by the people would you not then be acting as a part of them? You have tried to assist them so much before now that I would be tempted to see yourself as an honorary one of us already."
>"We do not see how this would sever Our province's ties with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum in any form," says Remilia.
>_
-
> Put on a look of realization.
> "Oh. Oh! You intend that you would retain rights to the islands should the people vote in your favor. I did not realize - okay. Okay."
> Put up a hand with palm pointed outward, as if we were signalling for Remilia to stop.
> "This is my misunderstand, my mistake. I am sorry. Please, give me a moment. I will rectify this misunderstanding, in a way that I hope will be to your satisfaction. We have come this far, it would not do to just scrap everything."
-
> Put on a look of realization.
> "Oh. Oh! You intend that you would retain rights to the islands should the people vote in your favor. I did not realize - okay. Okay."
> Put up a hand with palm pointed outward, as if we were signalling for Remilia to stop.
> "This is my misunderstand, my mistake. I am sorry. Please, give me a moment. I will rectify this misunderstanding, in a way that I hope will be to your satisfaction. We have come this far, it would not do to just scrap everything."
>"Were you really expecting Us to compete to kneel before Bhava Agra?" says Remilia.
>_
-
There's no question that Remilia's full of shit. I know I've said this before, but my recommendation is to call her out on it. She's not stupid; she knows the things she's saying aren't accurate. So I think we need to call her out on it.
-
I'm not convinced she's full of it yet. Give me about 25 minutes and I'll present those conditions as I think them best presented. If she denies the second one, THEN I will be displeased.
-
Got it. *Waits warmly*
Edit: So does that mean that we'll be taking the direct approach if she does deny it? Because if so, I think I've got a few good ideas on how to go about that (and no, it's not the rant I was going on about before).
-
> Put a hand to the side of our head and shake our head.
> "I thought I had stated that preference and that you had agreed to it. I must have been mistaken. I apologize."
> Stop shaking, drop our hand and look at Remilia properly.
> "Okay. If that is the case, then...all right. My highest priority is my people's right to a choice in how they wish to live, and you have had no apparent problem with their autonomy while you control their lands. I would like add two conditionals that take both of these into account, with their own conditionals so as to account for fairness to all sides. I hope they will not be a tremendous problem."
-
> Put a hand to the side of our head and shake our head.
> "I thought I had stated that preference and that you had agreed to it. I must have been mistaken. I apologize."
> Stop shaking, drop our hand and look at Remilia properly.
> "Okay. If that is the case, then...all right. My highest priority is my people's right to a choice in how they wish to live, and you have had no apparent problem with their autonomy while you control their lands. I would like add two conditionals that take both of these into account, with their own conditionals so as to account for fairness to all sides. I hope they will not be a tremendous problem."
>"You may propose them," says Remilia.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "The first is as follows: regardless of the first decision the people of those islands make, they will be free to change their minds at any time. They may choose to form a council of their own people to decide if they wish to secede from one party and join the other. The ruling party current to that decision, be it Bhava-Agra or Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, may not impede, forbid or otherwise negatively influence the formation of this council or their decision, and they must peacefully honor whatever that decision may be."
-
> Nod.
> "The first is as follows: regardless of the first decision the people of those islands make, they will be free to change their minds at any time. They may choose to form a council of their own people to decide if they wish to secede from one party and join the other. The ruling party current to that decision, be it Bhava-Agra or Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, may not impede, forbid or otherwise negatively influence the formation of this council or their decision, and they must peacefully honor whatever that decision may be."
>"We do not feel this will be an issue," says Remilia. "You may consider it agreed."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I will be sure to mention this when the time comes to present. The second request I have is that Bhavagrans will be allowed to visit their fellow celestials at any time unless a council of Volatilis Scarlet Regnum celestials finds reason to deny them access that the council feels is justifyable OR if the visiting Bhavagran is found to become violently aggressive without provocation. After all, allegiances may change, but friendships will not. Volatilis Scarlet Regnum celestials will have autonomy in deciding what of their own possessions, such as housing or food, they wish to share with their visiting friends. However, any visitor that wishes to use public facilities established by Volatilis Scarlet Regnum after occupation, such as the redesigned orchards you offered as an improvement idea, will need permission from a Volatilis Scarlet Regnum surface dweller, such as yourself or your chief assistant, or permission from a Volatilis Scarlet Regnum celestial deemed trustworthy by a Volatilis Scarlet Regnum surface dweller. In addition, Bhava-Agra will not acknowledge any non-peaceful secession attempts from the citizens of the islands in question, and will seek to punish any Bhavagrans found abusing visiting privileges to try to start such a rebellion."
-
>"In addition, I just had another thought: it must be decided if this vote is to be taken by the two islands as a group, or if each island will make its decision independantly of the other. Personally, I believe that the second option is preferable; it's very much possible that the inhabitants of the two islands will desire to go different ways, and I do not think it right to force either population to go along with an option it did not itself choose, even if the combined vote is to go that way."
-
> Nod.
> "I will be sure to mention this when the time comes to present. The second request I have is that Bhavagrans will be allowed to visit their fellow celestials at any time unless a council of Volatilis Scarlet Regnum celestials finds reason to deny them access that the council feels is justifyable OR if the visiting Bhavagran is found to become violently aggressive without provocation. After all, allegiances may change, but friendships will not. Volatilis Scarlet Regnum celestials will have autonomy in deciding what of their own possessions, such as housing or food, they wish to share with their visiting friends. However, any visitor that wishes to use public facilities established by Volatilis Scarlet Regnum after occupation, such as the redesigned orchards you offered as an improvement idea, will need permission from a Volatilis Scarlet Regnum surface dweller, such as yourself or your chief assistant, or permission from a Volatilis Scarlet Regnum celestial deemed trustworthy by a Volatilis Scarlet Regnum surface dweller. In addition, Bhava-Agra will not acknowledge any non-peaceful secession attempts from the citizens of the islands in question, and will seek to punish any Bhavagrans found abusing visiting privileges to try to start such a rebellion."
>"In addition, I just had another thought: it must be decided if this vote is to be taken by the two islands as a group, or if each island will make its decision independantly of the other. Personally, I believe that the second option is preferable; it's very much possible that the inhabitants of the two islands will desire to go different ways, and I do not think it right to force either population to go along with an option it did not itself choose, even if the combined vote is to go that way."
>Remilia nods along, almost idly. "You may recall that We intended to allow for such freedom of movement," she says. "We have not changed this feeling. However, one point We have to modify. Those seeking to cause insurrections that you have mentioned shall be dealt with by Us. We shall of course allow for a proper trial, in fact We may call upon Bhava-Agra to assist. But We shall administer Our own justice. And we concur, each province shall decide for itself."
>_
-
Eh, that's fine by me. Tenshi knows enough not to cross Remilia, and no other celestials will be a problem.
-
> "As I believe such insurrections will not be a problem to begin with, I will readily agree to this change, and I do not believe I have anything else to add."
-
>Pause briefly in thought.
>"Oh, wait, there is one other point I'd like to add. I will not object to you conducting trials as previously described, but I would request that they be public trials. I hope you do not take this as an indication of distrust on my part, as it is not. Others, however, may not share my feelings on the matter, and private trials would encourage distrust and unrest among those people. Making the trials public would neatly avoid this issue."
-
> "As I believe such insurrections will not be a problem to begin with, I will readily agree to this change, and I do not believe I have anything else to add."
> Modify this to "As I believe such insurrections will not be a problem to begin with, I will readily agree to this change."
-
> Modify this to "As I believe such insurrections will not be a problem to begin with, I will readily agree to this change."
>"Very good," says Remilia.
>Pause briefly in thought.
>"Oh, wait, there is one other point I'd like to add. I will not object to you conducting trials as previously described, but I would request that they be public trials. I hope you do not take this as an indication of distrust on my part, as it is not. Others, however, may not share my feelings on the matter, and private trials would encourage distrust and unrest among those people. Making the trials public would neatly avoid this issue."
>"We shall consider it," says Remilia. "Perhaps an outside observer will suffice?"
>_
-
That sounds reasonable to me. Public trials are just spectacles anyways.
-
Only if Bhava-Agra chooses the observer, though. Although I don't think Gensokyo trials would be like that. It'd be something completely new, for one thing, but more importantly, Gensokyo's news media seems to be limited to newspapers, and the spectacle trials we're used to are the product of an era with radio and, especially, television. And lawyers, which Gensokyo doesn't have.
But yeah, an observer works.
>Another pause for thought.
>"Yes, I think so, as long as the observer is appointed by us. Subject to your approval, of course, but appointed by Bhava-Agra."
-
We can make it Tenshi! <_<
-
You know, I was about to say that Tenshi might not like that, but then I actually thought about it, and I think she'd probably be good with it. We'd have to make sure she doesn't abuse the position, though. And I think the combat training role is better for her, although trials would probably be infrequent enought that she could do both without difficulty.
-
Touhou 13 will have a Stage 5 medium Defense Attorney.
Letting Aya near a trial would make it a spectacle >.>We can make it Tenshi! <_<
I will cut you.
-
Letting Aya near a trial would make it a spectacle
Not really, I don't think. I get the idea that most of Gensokyo is used to the way she, um, stretches the truth.
-
>Another pause for thought.
>"Yes, I think so, as long as the observer is appointed by us. Subject to your approval, of course, but appointed by Bhava-Agra."
>"But of course," says Remilia.
>_
-
LET'S DO THIS
> Nod.
> "Then I do not believe I have any further objections."
-
> Nod.
> "Then I do not believe I have any further objections."
>"Then it is agreed," says Remilia. "We shall have a proper treaty drawn up in time. Would you object to a signing at Our mansion?"
>_
-
> "I do not believe so."
-
> "I do not believe so."
>"Very well," says Remilia. "Normally We would stay to engage in the proper customs to ending such an affair, but We do not have any of Our staff to attend to matters regarding the treaty. This being the case, We would ask you to excuse Us to attend to them personally."
>_
-
Personal note: here (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,7252.msg454037.html#msg454037) is the beginning of the sequence of Juniper the Dancing Fairy.
> Nod.
> "A quick thing before you leave, if I may, and not one borne of impatience, despite how it may sound. When do you expect to have this treaty ready?"
-
> Nod.
> "A quick thing before you leave, if I may, and not one borne of impatience, despite how it may sound. When do you expect to have this treaty ready?"
>Remilia turns toward the door, but looks toward you as you ask your latter question. "Within a few days. We would not wish to rush the ceremony with undue haste or rushed penmanship."
>_
-
> "All right. Since you will be busy drafting this treaty, may I spend some time speaking with your chief assistant about further matters, so that she may relay information to you, or do you wish her not stressed with such a thing in her current condition?"
-
> "All right. Since you will be busy drafting this treaty, may I spend some time speaking with your chief assistant about further matters, so that she may relay information to you, or do you wish her not stressed with such a thing in her current condition?"
>"She needs her rest," says Remilia. "We shall appoint a replacement. In the meantime, should something come up, We are certain that Patchouli will handle it."
>_
-
> "Very well. I will be sure to seek her out. I will detain you no further. Good luck, and thank you."
-
> "Very well. I will be sure to seek her out. I will detain you no further. Good luck, and thank you."
>"Until then," says Remilia, as she departs.
-
> Wait a few moments, then exhale.
> So...Tenshi was right. Again. Who would have thought? And it even led to making a proper decision...at least this way, should our people change allegiances, it will be because they want to, and they will always have the opportunity to change their minds. It is a shame we debased ourselves so in the process...we will have to atone for this with Remilia's party later.
> Walk back toward the entrance to the Dragon's Chamber. Check around for Yuuka or any other Gensokyo natives.
-
> Wait a few moments, then exhale.
> So...Tenshi was right. Again. Who would have thought? And it even led to making a proper decision...at least this way, should our people change allegiances, it will be because they want to, and they will always have the opportunity to change their minds. It is a shame we debased ourselves so in the process...we will have to atone for this with Remilia's party later.
> Walk back toward the entrance to the Dragon's Chamber. Check around for Yuuka or any other Gensokyo natives.
>You wait for Remilia to leave, then let go of your breath.
>You muse on the situation, and decide something will need to be done on for the people at Scarlet Devil Mansion later on.
>Heading back to the main hall, you can see Remilia leaving, but cannot see any other Gensokyoans. However, given the size of the place, it's very plausible that they are just out of view.
>_
-
> Re-enter the Dragon's Chamber.
-
>Make a note to make arrangements with Remilia or one of her people for a third party to run the election. Perhaps someone from underground; they'd be even less affacted by the outcome than the rest of Gensokyo.
-
>Make a note to make arrangements with Remilia or one of her people for a third party to run the election. Perhaps someone from underground; they'd be even less affacted by the outcome than the rest of Gensokyo.
>You ponder encouraging other outsiders to get involved in the coming decision.
> Re-enter the Dragon's Chamber.
>You re-enter the chamber, and find yourself in the middle of the sky. Looking around, you can see no hint of land anywhere, just sky and clouds in all directions; with a rain-shower seeming to be happening in one direction.
>_
-
> Neat.
> Perform the standard greeting rituals.
-
> Neat.
> Perform the standard greeting rituals.
>You kowtow in midair, which is a bit awkward, feel your presence acknowledged, and the urge to rise and speak.
>_
-
> Rise.
> "August One, the arrangement with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum is completed, despite my preconceived biases' best efforts to the contrary. The people living on the islands in question will decide with whom they wish to ally themselves, and their faith practices will go uninterrupted regardless of their choice. I...am not entirely sure how I feel about it, as I do not think I will ever be comfortable with Bhavagran islands being considered part of Gensokyo territory, but...at least the people of those islands have now and will always have a choice, so if they are a part of Gensokyo territory, it will only be because they desired it. I suppose a feeling of not-perfectly-happy is to be expected of a compromise anyway, so I imagine my worries will pass on with time. At least, I hope they do."
-
> Rise.
> "August One, the arrangement with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum is completed, despite my preconceived biases' best efforts to the contrary. The people living on the islands in question will decide with whom they wish to ally themselves, and their faith practices will go uninterrupted regardless of their choice. I...am not entirely sure how I feel about it, as I do not think I will ever be comfortable with Bhavagran islands being considered part of Gensokyo territory, but...at least the people of those islands have now and will always have a choice, so if they are a part of Gensokyo territory, it will only be because they desired it. I suppose a feeling of not-perfectly-happy is to be expected of a compromise anyway, so I imagine my worries will pass on with time. At least, I hope they do."
>You explain your feelings, and find yourself thinking of Suika. She doesn't seem to have caused any problems, at least. You also find yourself wondering if the people of those islands are really interested in going along with this plan.
>_
-
> "I am not sure if they will decide to go along with it. Truth be told, there may perhaps be some benefits to doing so, depending on how much interest in us Gensokyo still holds once our home is restored. Remilia's proposed functional improvements to the horticulture could also be desirable."
-
> "I am not sure if they will decide to go along with it. Truth be told, there may perhaps be some benefits to doing so, depending on how much interest in us Gensokyo still holds once our home is restored. Remilia's proposed functional improvements to the horticulture could also be desirable."
>You recall the layout of Orchard Isle, and feel a sense that it may be a good idea to propose it to other islands.
>_
-
> "Mmm, perhaps Orchard Isle's layout could be reproduced elsewhere. Hopefully Remilia will not mind too much if Bhava-Agra keeps her improvement suggestions in mind and perhaps employs those it likes amongst its own people and lands."
> "Another thought bothers me, though...one of the Eldest Daughter's criticisms of my behavior appears to be true, in regards to how I treat others, and it was something I was not even aware I was doing when negotiating while I was doing it. It almost ruined the entire negotiation. I...what if I do this again, at another crucial moment? How do I actively prevent something that is so subconscious?"
-
> "Mmm, perhaps Orchard Isle's layout could be reproduced elsewhere. Hopefully Remilia will not mind too much if Bhava-Agra keeps her improvement suggestions in mind and perhaps employs those it likes amongst its own people and lands."
> "Another thought bothers me, though...one of the Eldest Daughter's criticisms of my behavior appears to be true, in regards to how I treat others, and it was something I was not even aware I was doing when negotiating while I was doing it. It almost ruined the entire negotiation. I...what if I do this again, at another crucial moment? How do I actively prevent something that is so subconscious?"
>You feel a sense of warmth around you. You have the feeling that the answer to your question is a complex thing, and begin to think back to your initial dealings with Tenshi, Aya, and the poltergeist over the past few days. Then you find yourself considering Remilia, and the first thing she demanded once negotiations had really begun. You can't shake the feeling that, despite her words, there was most definitely ambition involved.
>_
-
>"Yes, ambition does most likely play a role, but I think we've arrived at a solution to the issue of ownership of the islands, and I believe she will accept it if she loses the vote, although I'm certain she wouldn't like it. It is, however, possible, perhaps even likely, that Remilia would dispute a result against her if we were the ones running the vote, just as there might be similar suspicions if she runs the election and the result is in her favor. I think, therefore, that the best course of action is to have a third party run the vote, and I happen to have one in mind. Unfortunately, Remilia had departed before I thought of this, so I have not had a chance to run it by her, but I'm thinking of asking Satori Komeiji to be in charge of the process."
-
>"Yes, ambition does most likely play a role, but I think we've arrived at a solution to the issue of ownership of the islands, and I believe she will accept it if she loses the vote, although I'm certain she wouldn't like it. It is, however, possible, perhaps even likely, that Remilia would dispute a result against her if we were the ones running the vote, just as there might be similar suspicions if she runs the election and the result is in her favor. I think, therefore, that the best course of action is to have a third party run the vote, and I happen to have one in mind. Unfortunately, Remilia had departed before I thought of this, so I have not had a chance to run it by her, but I'm thinking of asking Satori Komeiji to be in charge of the process."
>You have a feeling that your suspicious are justified. As you mention a potential overseer, you feel this would be fitting, but perhaps a little hard on Satori herself. Suika's name briefly goes through your thoughts.
>_
-
>"Suika, hmm... Well, I suppose it wouldn't matter to her who has control of those islands. She does seem a bit carefree, however. We would need to find some way to insure she took the job seriously. In addition, I wonder if Remilia woulad be so willing to accept her as impartial; she does, after all, spend a fair deal of time on our lands. But perhaps it is best to ask her about it, rather than simply speculate. Satori can be an option in case Remilia does not accept Suika, and in such a case we would, of course, comensate Satori appropriately."
-
>"Suika, hmm... Well, I suppose it wouldn't matter to her who has control of those islands. She does seem a bit carefree, however. We would need to find some way to insure she took the job seriously. In addition, I wonder if Remilia woulad be so willing to accept her as impartial; she does, after all, spend a fair deal of time on our lands. But perhaps it is best to ask her about it, rather than simply speculate. Satori can be an option in case Remilia does not accept Suika, and in such a case we would, of course, comensate Satori appropriately."
>You feel this is a wise course of action.
>_
-
You sure are intent on using someone from the satori race as a tool, aren't you? >_>
(Also please don't leave The Dragon just yet)
-
Um, no. Only Koishi could've potentially done the enter-someone's-mind thing. As for the voting thing, well, there are two points to consider there. First, Satori lives underground, and thus really doesn't have much stake in the outcome. And two, it's kind of hard for someone to break the rules when the person in charge can read minds. Having a mind-reader tends to help with the whole honesty thing.
Also, please stop saying I'm thinking of using them as tools. I don't know what you're getting that impression from. If you know of a person with a skill you have need of, is fairly asking their assistance using them? Because I don't think it is.
-
Well, no, Kilga has a point. Iku hardly knows Satori. So you're basically having her want to use Satori because she's...well, a satori. Iku isn't asking this as a friend, and it's not a service Satori normally offers. You basically are acting as if our friendly mind reader is just like a screwdriver or something.
-
She would be requesting this of Satori as a representative of Bhava-Agra, not as herself. And it would not be a personal favor or anything; as I said to the Dragon, Satori would be appropriately compensated (meaning we'd effectively be hiring her).
-
I totally forget if Iku even met Satori in this quest.
> "You have reminded me that I am still unsure about Shuuei. When the islands have returned to the sky I will have duties that won't allow me to check on her as much as I wish. I have been wondering if she would enjoy a life in the clouds away from people searching for her in the forest."
-
> "You have reminded me that I am still unsure about Shuuei. When the islands have returned to the sky I will have duties that won't allow me to check on her as much as I wish. I have been wondering if she would enjoy a life in the clouds away from people searching for her in the forest."
>You find yourself remembering her reaction to simply flying, and her confession that she doesn't care for heights. Then, you find yourself wondering if perhaps it would be a good idea to take some time from the Palace after you are done with the situation at hand.
>_
-
But you'd be hiring her for a service you have no idea she'll offer, and has never offered before, based purely on what you know of her abilities, NOT off of what you know of her as a person (i.e. nothing)
-
You tried to do the same thing with Nue too, who Iku has no experience with and might not even know exists. It's so out of the blue to walk up to random youkai and ask to borrow their power sets.
> Frown. "I supose I had forgotten that in my wish to keep her somewhere I can watch her. I.. don't want to think about it, but what if she disappears when she returns the island's shadow? Does she have enough power right now to sustain herself without it?"
-
> Frown. "I supose I had forgotten that in my wish to keep her somewhere I can watch her. I.. don't want to think about it, but what if she disappears when she returns the island's shadow? Does she have enough power right now to sustain herself without it?"
>You feel that she should be able to survive without it for a little while; at least a few days.
>_
-
> "Mmm. Is my constant interaction with her not enough to sustain her, then?"
-
You tried to do the same thing with Nue too, who Iku has no experience with and might not even know exists. It's so out of the blue to walk up to random youkai and ask to borrow their power sets.
Iku has things she needs assistance doing. She knows of people who have abilities that would enable them to assist her. So she's asking for their services. How's that something wrong? If your computer breaks down and you know of a computer repair person, you'd hire him or her. Knowing the tech only by reputation wouldn't change that. Is this somehow wrong? If your pipes break and you know of a well-reputed plumber, you'll look into hiring that person. This isn't wrong, either. What I'm talking about having Iku do is the same thing. She has jobs she needs done, and she knows of people who have the right skillsets, so she's going to inquire into hiring them. Well, hiring Satori, at least. All I want from Nue is for her to answer a few questions and then to get an item from her (which we'd presumably either trade for or do a favor in exchange for). I really don't see how that's wrong.
>"This is unfortunate. I do, however, think I may have an idea for a solution to this problem. If she can be presented with a truly impenetrable disguise, something that would render any manner of identification impossible, then I think she would find being seen a lot less uncomfortable. And I happen to know of someone who I understand is an expert at concealment. I hope to be able to speak with her about the possibility of such a disguise."
-
> "Mmm. Is my constant interaction with her not enough to sustain her, then?"
>You have the suspicion your interaction thus far is largely why she could remove it and survive. If she stayed around you constantly, it might sustain her. But you imagine that you both would quickly grow to dislike this arrangement.
>"This is unfortunate. I do, however, think I may have an idea for a solution to this problem. If she can be presented with a truly impenetrable disguise, something that would render any manner of identification impossible, then I think she would find being seen a lot less uncomfortable. And I happen to know of someone who I understand is an expert at concealment. I hope to be able to speak with her about the possibility of such a disguise."
>You have the feeling that may help in the short term.
>_
-
The difference, Guy, is that in your examples, the people listed OFFER THEIR SERVICES. Neither Nue or Satori have given ANY INDICATION that they do this kind of thing for recompense, or at all for people. So, yes, you are treating them like tools. There's probably a reason multiple people are saying this.
-
> "Hmm...this is somewhat unrelated, but if I may ask, what do you know of Lady Yakumo? She has done much for me, and I do not know what I could possibly do in return."
-
> "Hmm...this is somewhat unrelated, but if I may ask, what do you know of Lady Yakumo? She has done much for me, and I do not know what I could possibly do in return."
>You feel a sense of mirth, and a feeling of weight. It seems The Dragon knows quite a lot of Yukari. You have the suspicion she could waltz into here if she desired, and there would be little repercussion for it. Then again, you also suspect that is true because she would never do such a thing. You then find yourself pondering what you could do for her, and imagine yourself working between her and Maribel. You're not sure how you feel about that. You then consider that if Yukari wanted any kind of repayment for certain, she would have required of you already in unmistakable terms.
>_
-
The difference, Guy, is that in your examples, the people listed OFFER THEIR SERVICES. Neither Nue or Satori have given ANY INDICATION that they do this kind of thing for recompense, or at all for people. So, yes, you are treating them like tools. There's probably a reason multiple people are saying this.
I was assuming that was because of something I said giving the wrong impression (I've had that problem quite a few times in the past). Anyways, going by what you said, how is asking Satori (or Suika, as the Dragon suggested) for help any different than, say, asking Patchouli for help finding Tenshi?
-
> "I guess so...I suppose it is simply difficult to accept that I would receive such copious amounts of assistance without having anything asked of me in return. It feels...wrong, somehow, to have asked so much and given so little."
-
Touching upon Yukari is basically all I wanted to do, as I'd rather not ask the Dragon for further assistance if it can be avoided. If other folks have stuff to ask of The Dragon then go for it, but once the Yukari portion of the dialogue is finished I'll be itching to return to Tenshi.
EDIT: This means I'd appreciate people saying whether or not they're finished with The Dragon just to make sure I don't leave while people have more things to ask and that I don't linger while people are done. >_>
-
I can't think of anything else to ask for Shuuei. That's the only part of the quest we have left right? I'm ready to go go go.
-
That's the only stated part of the main quest left. There's a number of other things I still want to do, though, including (but not limited to) getting Chen a fish (we might be able to ask the kitchens about this), arranging a dance concert with Patchouli, returning Yuugi's hit list and basically everything revolving around Tenshi, including getting her to put the sword back.
EDIT: Also Aya and The 'Miz.
-
> "I guess so...I suppose it is simply difficult to accept that I would receive such copious amounts of assistance without having anything asked of me in return. It feels...wrong, somehow, to have asked so much and given so little."
> Remind parser this post exists. Normally I wouldn't do this in public but I do not have access to IRC at work. :[
-
That's the only stated part of the main quest left. There's a number of other things I still want to do, though, including (but not limited to) getting Chen a fish (we might be able to ask the kitchens about this), arranging a dance concert with Patchouli, returning Yuugi's hit list and basically everything revolving around Tenshi, including getting her to put the sword back.
Let's try to get it so Tenshi can keep the sword (on the condition that she doesn't cause trouble, of course). I'm sure she'd appreciate that, and since she thinks of it as hers, I think being told to put it back would, um, harm our relationship with her (unless it's just being stored there and she's allowed to retrieve it freely).
-
> "I guess so...I suppose it is simply difficult to accept that I would receive such copious amounts of assistance without having anything asked of me in return. It feels...wrong, somehow, to have asked so much and given so little."
>You feel a sense that sooner or later, you'll repay it to her in some way or another.
>_
-
Letting Tenshi keep the sword is preferable to taking it from her and putting it back, yes, but if we can get her to decide to put it back on her own, that would be even better. I might actually like to consult the Hinanai matriarch and get her opinion on Tenshi possessing the sword; from what I recall, the sword belongs to the family, not Tenshi specifically.
Fake edit: That's it for me on the Yukari front. Any last things to clear up before we head out?
-
Not from me.
And about the sword, what if we try to get it so that Tenshi puts it back but is allowed to retrieve it freely (assuming she doesn't cause trouble, of course)? Because I think that even just trying to convince her to put it back without that garuntee would, um, damage our relationship with her.
-
I believe I previously told Tenshi that we'd put in a good word for her with the council regarding the sword, which I still have no problem doing.
-
I remember seeing that. Yes, let's do that.
-
>Assuming no objection from the Dragon, perform the proper farewells and exit the chamber.
-
>Assuming no objection from the Dragon, perform the proper farewells and exit the chamber.
>Sensing that you feel you are done, The Dragon allows you to leave. This is rather tricky, given your position in the infinite sky of it's presence, but you are able to find your way out buy closing your eyes, taking a measured turn, and heading forward until you feel solid ground brushing at your feet.
>You return to the main hall.
>_
-
>Do Bhava-Agra's kitchens normally stock fish?
-
>Do Bhava-Agra's kitchens normally stock fish?
>No. Meat of any kind is exceedingly rare in Bhava-Agra.
>_
-
Drat.
> Head back outside the Dragon Palace. Keep an eye out for Yuuka or her short blonde friend as we go.
> How close are we to the island where Reimu was stationed?
> In which direction is that island?
> In which direction is the island where Tenshi rests?
---
Okay SO rough outline of ideas as they come to me.
Immediately obvious and important issues
- Sign Remilia's treaty with whoever (Suika? Satori if she can drag herself topside?) acting as a third party
- Get Ann Polter to give up the shadow and embrace social networking
Various other issues of varying degrees of importance
- Get back to Tenshi, make sure she's all right, tell her we did "it" again, and generally interact and see where things go (hopefully they go all the way)
- Get in touch with Patchouli, let her know that we wish to offer a dance concert for the SDM, free of charge, with Juniper thrown in if she can get the time off to rehearse
- Get in touch with Reimu, let her know things have settled down (and throw in some good words on Remilia's behalf; if The Dragon's opinion is any indication I will feel bad that we threw Remilia a loaded deal)
- Get Lady Hinanai's opinion on Tenshi possessing the sword
- Get a pantyshot of Aya
- Get Aya back in jail somehow (if Ann Polter goes happy on us before either of these happen, we can kill two tengu with one stone by snagging Aya's shadow, taking the picture and leading her body into jail before returning her soul to herself)
- Get Chen a fish
- Give Yuugi her list back, or at least let her know we can no longer do the deed
-
> Head back outside the Dragon Palace. Keep an eye out for Yuuka or her short blonde friend as we go.
> How close are we to the island where Reimu was stationed?
> In which direction is that island?
> In which direction is the island where Tenshi rests?
>You depart, keeping an eye out for Yuka. As you reach the edge of the main pavilion, you see her some distance to the west, by the wall.
>You are some distance from the town that Reimu is guarding, it is to the southwest.
>The isle that Tenshi is on is to the south some distance.
>_
-
The third party is for the vote, not the treaty-signing (although having the third party present for that may be a good idea).
As I see it, the first order of business is to come to an agreement with Remilia on who the third party will be. We'll try for Suika first, then ask about having Satori do it if Remilia says no to Suika (and the Dragon agreed to that plan, so don't be trying to tell me that's not the right way to go about it). After that, we'll go to Suika/Satori and ask for her cooperation. If we end up needing to ask Satori, we can find Nue while we're underground; if it's Suika, we'll return to Remilia first. Either way, we should find Nue. Yes, the Dragon said that giving Shuuei a truly perfect disguise would only be a temporary solution, but that's all it needs to be (the idea is that Shuuei will get less uncomfortable of interacting as she does it more, eventually going from Nue-assisted disguise to the outfit from Yukari to, hopefully, no disguise at all).
>What do we know about the events of Undefined Fantastic Object, especially in regards to why the vault fragtments looked like UFOs?
-
Remilia seems personally finished with us for the time being. I suspect we could arrange for such a third party with Patchouli and Remilia would not object to whatever decision at which we arrived.
Given this, I'd be inclined to make our next stop Reimu, if only so the incident solvers can learn that they can go back into standby mode. It'll get us some brownie points with them and our endorsement of Remilia will hopefully get her some brownie points with them, and possibly us some with her since we went and did it immediately.
> What does Yuuka appear to be doing?
-
>What do we know about the events of Undefined Fantastic Object, especially in regards to why the vault fragtments looked like UFOs?
>You know a bit about it, mostly from Tenshi who tried to board the floating ship and got repulsed by Ran. You've heard that Byakuren's people were behind that. You know about the parts of the floating arc as well, they were disguised, and a set of false ones led to some tension between Reimu and the Myouren Shrine. Tenshi was the one who found the false UFO near the Hakurei shrine that started that whole mess.
> What does Yuuka appear to be doing?
>She is too distant to easily tell what she's doing.
>_
-
> Where is the entrance to the underground from here?
-
> Where is the entrance to the underground from here?
>Fairly far out to the southeast.
>_
-
Yeah, when I said 'Remilia', I kind of meant 'Remilia or a representative'.
>Do we know anything about Nue's connection to the UFOs?
Yeah, so it's probably pretty obvious where I'm going with this; knowing the information we have about the incident is just going to determine exactly what we need to ask Nue, since we obviously don't need to ask about something we already know (and if we don't know that Nue had a connection to the UFOs, I've got a set of questions that can get around that, so don't worry)..
-
>Do we know anything about Nue's connection to the UFOs?
>You're aware she had something to do with them, and suspect she's why they looked like they do. You've never really investigated, the whole thing seemed harmless enough.
>_
-
> Give parser a hug and a number in exchange for Chocolate Roses
> Has Tenshi ever been with us at the same time as we've passed Yuka?
-
> Give parser a hug and a number in exchange for Chocolate Roses
> Has Tenshi ever been with us at the same time as we've passed Yuka?
>Ah bless. Also the picture was updated.
>No. She distinctly took the long way around the time all three of you were here.
>_
-
That pic. I died. Again. The hat is so..
And I suspected this for awhile. Tenshi kicked those flowers in the face. That's probably why she took the sword in the first place. Maybe we can just keep avoiding it if we put the islands back?
-
>You're aware she had something to do with them, and suspect she's why they looked like they do. You've never really investigated, the whole thing seemed harmless enough.
Okay, that's good. Makes things easier.
Right, so to Reimu first?
-
Yeah, let's get a move on.
> Take flight and head toward the island where we last saw Reimu, keeping an eye out for her.
-
> Take flight and head toward the island where we last saw Reimu, keeping an eye out for her.
>You head southwest.
>Passing by the village at a distance, you don't see anything particularly amiss. Your course also takes you past a sizable island covered with a number of hills and covered with forests about as thick as those in the Forest of Magic. You've never really had business here yourself, but you recognize it as a place that the faeries of Bhava-Agra have largely claimed for themselves. Giving it a glance, it seems to be in good order. If you're not mistaken, you're pretty sure this is where Sanae was stationed. You don't see any signs of her from the air, but it would not be hard to hide under that forest canopy.
>Continuing on, you pass over the plains between the town and the forests, fly over the bamboo forest, and soon find the town in the distance. Looking around, you can see figure clad in red and white in the making her way toward you.
>_
-
> Hail her and let her approach.
-
> Hail her and let her approach.
>You wave as she approaches.
>Reimu draws close and hovers in front of you, her arms crossed. "Nothing much as been happening here," says Reimu. "How are things?"
>_
-
> "Surprisingly well. Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum have reached a verbal agreement regarding the resolution of the current situation. Remilia has returned to her home to draw up a proper treaty. To address your concerns specifically, there will be no further Volatilis Scarlet Regnum expansion into Bhavagran territory unless Remilia decides to break our verbal agreement, and I trust she will not do so."
-
> "Surprisingly well. Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum have reached a verbal agreement regarding the resolution of the current situation. Remilia has returned to her home to draw up a proper treaty. To address your concerns specifically, there will be no further Volatilis Scarlet Regnum expansion into Bhavagran territory unless Remilia decides to break our verbal agreement, and I trust she will not do so."
>"Volatile Scarlet what?" says Reimu, quirking her previously neutral expression. "Anyways, if Remilia gave her word with this, you can probably trust it. Though I suppose she might abuse wiggle room, she does that sometimes." Reimu shrugs.
>_
-
> "I made our agreement as airtight as I could possibly think to. She now knows Bhava-Agra is innocent in regards to a potential invasion, so if she decides to expand further, it will be into territory known to be innocent, and will not reflect well on her at all as a result. In regards to the territories already occupied, they will be given a choice as to with whom they wish to ally, and they will be forever permitted to change their mind on that decision regardless of what it is. I will be mindful should she decide to abuse wiggle room, but I am satisfied that there is very little of it."
-
> "I made our agreement as airtight as I could possibly think to. She now knows Bhava-Agra is innocent in regards to a potential invasion, so if she decides to expand further, it will be into territory known to be innocent, and will not reflect well on her at all as a result. In regards to the territories already occupied, they will be given a choice as to with whom they wish to ally, and they will be forever permitted to change their mind on that decision regardless of what it is. I will be mindful should she decide to abuse wiggle room, but I am satisfied that there is very little of it."
>"Huh, okay," says Reimu. "I'm going home, then."
>_
-
> "Yes, please feel free to do so. Your fairy friend was quite distraught without you. Will you be informing Marisa and Sanae of these events as well, or do I need to do that?"
-
> "Yes, please feel free to do so. Your fairy friend was quite distraught without you. Will you be informing Marisa and Sanae of these events as well, or do I need to do that?"
>"I found her flipping out in front of the blacksmith's earlier, she's back home fixing some clothes...probably. And yeah, I'll tell them."
>_
-
> "All right. Be well, Reimu. And please do keep in mind...Remilia was actually far more polite in our negotiations than I was, to the point where I would be remiss if I did not put in a good word for her when discussing them."
-
> "All right. Be well, Reimu. And please do keep in mind...Remilia was actually far more polite in our negotiations than I was, to the point where I would be remiss if I did not put in a good word for her when discussing them."
>"Oh, she can be perfectly polite while biting the head off a puppy," says Reimu, as she starts to head northward, waving languidly.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> Well, we tried...
> Take flight and head back to the island where Tenshi was resting.
-
> Shrug.
> Well, we tried...
> Take flight and head back to the island where Tenshi was resting.
>You did make the effort.
>You head eastward, and soon find the forested isle, floating near Kourindou still. The crimson flag still flies over the peak on it, and you can see a few faeries flitting about over the tree line, going about their business. To the west, you notice the sun descending toward the horizon, it will be sunset before too long.
>_
-
> Proceed to the house where Tenshi and Sakuya were kept.
-
> Proceed to the house where Tenshi and Sakuya were kept.
>You return to the village, and see that a fair amount of the fallen debris has been picked up.
>As you walk inside, you see Tenshi sit up from her futon and look toward you. "Oh there you are." Her eyes fall toward your purse, where the Sword of Hisou is rather comically sticking out. "Good, you still have it."
>"I told you that we didn't have it," says Sakuya, glancing toward Tenshi from her futon. Looking back toward Tenshi, you notice there is a knife in the side wall.
>"Yeah yeah, fine," says Tenshi as she sits up. "Don't think you're gonna get so lucky next time."
>_
-
> "Ladies, please. I apologize that my departure with this sword caused such confusion, but there is no need for further hostilities. Lady Scarlet and I have come to a peaceful agreement, which she has departed to write up for proper ratification right now."
> Look at Sakuya in particular.
> "Which means that you are to continue recuperating and let your mistress and Miss Knowledge take care of any further business Bhava-Agra may have with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum."
> Give a small smile.
> "Your mistress would have my head if she found that I was letting you conduct business in your current state."
-
> "Ladies, please. I apologize that my departure with this sword caused such confusion, but there is no need for further hostilities. Lady Scarlet and I have come to a peaceful agreement, which she has departed to write up for proper ratification right now."
> Look at Sakuya in particular.
> "Which means that you are to continue recuperating and let your mistress and Miss Knowledge take care of any further business Bhava-Agra may have with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum."
> Give a small smile.
> "Your mistress would have my head if she found that I was letting you conduct business in your current state."
>Sakuya nods. "She stopped here for a moment to mention that Tenshi was free to go, and things had been resolved. She had not mentioned the part about Patchouli though. I suppose that cannot be helped."
>_
-
> "Given your current state, I would need to either consult with Miss Knowledge or your chief of security, and with all due respect to Miss Meiling, I think what I will need to discuss may be a bit above her position."
> Is our hat visible anywhere?
-
> "Given your current state, I would need to either consult with Miss Knowledge or your chief of security, and with all due respect to Miss Meiling, I think what I will need to discuss may be a bit above her position."
> Is our hat visible anywhere?
>"Patchouli doesn't even have a position," says Sakuya, with a brief lopsided grin. "But I understand. Hopefully I'll recover quickly enough to be allowed to assist."
>Your hat is still beside Sakuya.
-
> "I hope so too. I can certainly appreciate the agony of being unable to help someone for whom you care very deeply. Speaking of ailments, how are the two of you feeling?"
-
> "I hope so too. I can certainly appreciate the agony of being unable to help someone for whom you care very deeply. Speaking of ailments, how are the two of you feeling?"
>"Mostly better," says Tenshi. "Just a bit sore, pretty much what happens when you take a beating in danmaku."
>"Significantly better than I look," Sakuya says. Tenshi shakes her head a little; Sakuya either does not notice or ignores it.
>_
-
> Walk over and retrieve out hat.
> "I will hope for your speedy recovery, then, Miss Izayoi, and I will bother you with my presence no longer."
-
> Walk over and retrieve out hat.
> "I will hope for your speedy recovery, then, Miss Izayoi, and I will bother you with my presence no longer."
>"Thank you," says Sakuya as you gather your hat.
>Tenshi joins you. "Now what?"
>_
-
> "There are a couple of things I can think of for us to do, though I definitely think we should take it easy for a little while to make sure you do not overexert yourself, so perhaps the human village is the best place to begin, since school is likely to be out by now. There are also some things I wish to discuss with you along the way. Please, come with me."
> Give Sakuya a bow and leave the house.
-
> :yukkuri:
-
> "There are a couple of things I can think of for us to do, though I definitely think we should take it easy for a little while to make sure you do not overexert yourself, so perhaps the human village is the best place to begin, since school is likely to be out by now. There are also some things I wish to discuss with you along the way. Please, come with me."
> Give Sakuya a bow and leave the house.
>"What's this about the school?" says Tenshi as you leave, while Sakuya nods back to you. "And can I have my sword back?"
> :yukkuri:
>You don't get the text part of text adventure, do you?
>_
-
> "The sword was one of the things I wished to discuss with you, actually. I figured it would be best for things to be discussed in the privacy of flight; I can promise you that I will return the sword to you once I have finished talking about it regardless of what you say during the discussion, if you will indulge my desire for said privacy."
-
> "The sword was one of the things I wished to discuss with you, actually. I figured it would be best for things to be discussed in the privacy of flight; I can promise you that I will return the sword to you once I have finished talking about it regardless of what you say during the discussion, if you will indulge my desire for said privacy."
>"Um, alright," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Let us go to the human village, then, so we can talk to Keine and see what you can learn about being an instructor. Unless there is something else you would rather do first?"
-
> "Let us go to the human village, then, so we can talk to Keine and see what you can learn about being an instructor. Unless there is something else you would rather do first?"
>"No need to bother Keine," says Tenshi. "Being a teacher is easy, you tell people what to do and give 'em homework, and when they give you sass you kick them out."
>_
-
> Wonder if Tenshi got kicked out of class alot.
> "I'm sure it's not that easy. It won't hurt to ask advice from someone experienced will it?"
-
> Wonder if Tenshi got kicked out of class alot.
> "I'm sure it's not that easy. It won't hurt to ask advice from someone experienced will it?"
>You're not sure if she really attended a school or not.
>"I guess," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Did we talk to Lady Hinanai about the Sword of Hisou either yesterday or today?
-
> Did we talk to Lady Hinanai about the Sword of Hisou either yesterday or today?
>You mentioned it to her yesterday, she didn't seem very surprised it was stolen.
>_
-
> "Yes, I will certainly grant that it sounds like you have classroom management fairly well under control. And you quite obviously know your subject. But as with anything else, there is a certain art to the presentation, one where it never hurts to hear what others with experience do. Come, let us pay Keine a visit, and we can briefly discuss the sword along the way."
> Assuming Tenshi makes no effort to stop us, take flight and head toward the human village.
> Along the way, turn to Tenshi.
> "So we visited your mother earlier. I imagine she would have noticed you in possession of the sword."
-
> "Yes, I will certainly grant that it sounds like you have classroom management fairly well under control. And you quite obviously know your subject. But as with anything else, there is a certain art to the presentation, one where it never hurts to hear what others with experience do. Come, let us pay Keine a visit, and we can briefly discuss the sword along the way."
> Assuming Tenshi makes no effort to stop us, take flight and head toward the human village.
> Along the way, turn to Tenshi.
> "So we visited your mother earlier. I imagine she would have noticed you in possession of the sword."
>"Yeah, maybe," says Tenshi after you encourage her to visit Keine.
>She takes flight behind you and follows.
>"Oh yeah, she did," says Tenshi. "There's no way she didn't."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "What do you think she was thinking when she saw it?"
-
> Nod.
> "What do you think she was thinking when she saw it?"
>"Oh, I figure she probably wanted to lecture me, but didn't want to hold you up," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Mmm...so you think it made her unhappy?"
-
> "Mmm...so you think it made her unhappy?"
>"No question about it," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I see..."
> Take out the Sword of Hisou.
> "Well...I hate to do something that will disappoint your mother, but...I did promise I would return this to you."
> Offer Tenshi the sword.
-
> Frown.
> "I see..."
> Take out the Sword of Hisou.
> "Well...I hate to do something that will disappoint your mother, but...I did promise I would return this to you."
> Offer Tenshi the sword.
>"She'll get over it," says Tenshi as she accepts the sword. "Thanks."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Also, I thought you should know..."
> Look away from Tenshi.
> "...I did it again."
-
> Nod.
> "Also, I thought you should know..."
> Look away from Tenshi.
> "...I did it again."
>"Not a big surprise," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Am I really that predictable?"
-
> "Am I really that predictable?"
>"It's what you people do," says Tenshi. "It'd be pretty miraculous if you broke out of it in just a couple days."
>_
-
> Sigh.
> "I just wish I knew why I do it. I wasn't even aware I was doing it until it practically spelled out for me."
-
> Sigh.
> "I just wish I knew why I do it. I wasn't even aware I was doing it until it practically spelled out for me."
>"Probably because Celestials think they're better than everybody else," says Tenshi. "But you've been better about it lately, so you're probably getting less bad about it."
>_
-
> Look back at Tenshi.
> "My mistake nearly cost our people their freedom. I would hardly call that becoming 'less bad' about it..."
-
> Look back at Tenshi.
> "My mistake nearly cost our people their freedom. I would hardly call that becoming 'less bad' about it..."
>"How so?" says Tenshi. "Not like we couldn't take Remilia."
>_
-
> "We could, but seeing you lying unconscious, and thinking about what was truly important...I realized I cannot justify violent aggression merely because it is in response to violent aggression."
-
> "We could, but seeing you lying unconscious, and thinking about what was truly important...I realized I cannot justify violent aggression merely because it is in response to violent aggression."
>"Sakuya got lucky," Tenshi mutters.
>_
-
So yeah, here's a suggestion because I dunno how she could react to this. :wat:
"Even if she did I don't want to see you getting hurt because of me."
I'm skeptical about this because we DID send her to the island in the first place.
-
That was then, this is now.
>"Even if she did, I don't want to see you getting hurt because of me."
-
>"Even if she did, I don't want to see you getting hurt because of me."
>"I'm fine," says Tenshi. "She just got lucky, like I said."
-
> "I appreciate your sentiments, but I still do not believe whatever freak occurrences may have happened justify my deficiencies leading you to injury. Especially not when those same deficiencies nearly led to a complete meltdown of the negotiation process with Remilia."
-
> "I appreciate your sentiments, but I still do not believe whatever freak occurrences may have happened justify my deficiencies leading you to injury. Especially not when those same deficiencies nearly led to a complete meltdown of the negotiation process with Remilia."
>"Wait, you negotiated with her?" says Tenshi. "I thought you, I dunno, managed to take some of her spellcards or something."
>_
-
> Shake head.
> "Her suspected malicious behavior was yet another failing on my part. She has been quite agreeable throughout the whole process of clearing up the confusion of whether or not our people were trying to invade Gensokyo. She has actually behaved better than I have, to be honest. The agreement we came to was that Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum would forgive the mutual confusion and hostility, and that I would take responsibility for all of the confusion on behalf of the true culprit, which you know to be our shadowy friend. Remilia has been made aware of our friend's presence to her satisfaction and no longer considers Bhava-Agra a guilty party. The agreement we made was that, rather than Remilia simply hand the conquered islands back over, that they would vote on whether or not they wished to remain with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, and that I would vouch for her as a potential new ruler, with new ideas and new resources previously unseen on those islands."
-
> Shake head.
> "Her suspected malicious behavior was yet another failing on my part. She has been quite agreeable throughout the whole process of clearing up the confusion of whether or not our people were trying to invade Gensokyo. She has actually behaved better than I have, to be honest. The agreement we came to was that Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum would forgive the mutual confusion and hostility, and that I would take responsibility for all of the confusion on behalf of the true culprit, which you know to be our shadowy friend. Remilia has been made aware of our friend's presence to her satisfaction and no longer considers Bhava-Agra a guilty party. The agreement we made was that, rather than Remilia simply hand the conquered islands back over, that they would vote on whether or not they wished to remain with Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, and that I would vouch for her as a potential new ruler, with new ideas and new resources previously unseen on those islands."
>"Wait...so you're pretty much going to help her take them?" says Tenshi. "Really?"
>_
-
> "They will have the choice to secede from Volatilis Scarlet Regnum at any time they wish, should they elect to join her, which it seems The Dragon suspects they actually may not. Part of the agreement was that the people of those islands would forever have the inalienable right to hold council to determine whether or not they wished to secede from whatever party to which they currently belonged and join the other. Should Remilia abuse her control over them, they can simply cease to be under her control and return to Bhava-Agra."
-
> "They will have the choice to secede from Volatilis Scarlet Regnum at any time they wish, should they elect to join her, which it seems The Dragon suspects they actually may not. Part of the agreement was that the people of those islands would forever have the inalienable right to hold council to determine whether or not they wished to secede from whatever party to which they currently belonged and join the other. Should Remilia abuse her control over them, they can simply cease to be under her control and return to Bhava-Agra."
>"Yeah, but you're going to help her?" says Tenshi. "Like actually help her?"
>_
-
> "I will discuss the opportunity presented to the people of those islands and endorse her proposed improvements to the islands, yes. Such is the payment necessary for my taking responsibility on our shadowy friend's behalf."
-
> "I will discuss the opportunity presented to the people of those islands and endorse her proposed improvements to the islands, yes. Such is the payment necessary for my taking responsibility on our shadowy friend's behalf."
>"And, you're going to do it for real?" says Tenshi. "Like, you're not going to just fake it or do a lousy job?"
>_
-
> Frown.
> "That would be a rather dishonorable thing to do. It would also likely result in the nullification of our deal, at which point Remilia would resume disputing control of the islands."
-
> Frown.
> "That would be a rather dishonorable thing to do. It would also likely result in the nullification of our deal, at which point Remilia would resume disputing control of the islands."
>You frown and express your thoughts on that.
>"Maybe, but you're really going to advocate carving up Bhava-Agra and putting celestials under the rule of someone like Remilia?"
-
> "I will admit I have some trepidation at the idea of Bhava-Agra becoming divided, but this agreement has left the decision entirely up to the people, and I believe ultimately that is more important than anything else. If they decide they wish to live their lives as residents of Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, that is their choice, and it is not my place to force them to live a different way. I also suspect at least some of my wariness is due to that failing of mine that you continue to point out, where I subconsciously act on the idea that Bhava-Agra is superior."
-
> "I will admit I have some trepidation at the idea of Bhava-Agra becoming divided, but this agreement has left the decision entirely up to the people, and I believe ultimately that is more important than anything else. If they decide they wish to live their lives as residents of Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, that is their choice, and it is not my place to force them to live a different way. I also suspect at least some of my wariness is due to that failing of mine that you continue to point out, where I subconsciously act on the idea that Bhava-Agra is superior."
>"Don't get me wrong," says Tenshi. "Putting celestials under Remilia is going to be way better, since it might actually teach someone a lesson for once. Just, I didn't think you'd actually help with that."
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "As I said, it was a necessary course of action to resolve the issue peacefully. Whatever misfortune or oddities that may befall me are acceptable prices to pay for my people's good name and freedom being restored."
-
> Shrug.
> "As I said, it was a necessary course of action to resolve the issue peacefully. Whatever misfortune or oddities that may befall me are acceptable prices to pay for my people's good name and freedom being restored."
>"So you don't actually believe in it at all," says Tenshi. "Okay, I guess that makes sense."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I get the feeling I am not communicating properly. I would prefer our people stay with us, yes, but our negotiations left me confident that I will not be endorsing anything I consider bad for our people. Remilia's presence would actually present those people with some interesting opportunities, and they are free to opt out at any time. There is ostensibly no risk to be had, with plenty of potential for reward. So ultimately, while I will not be endorsing the position I personally prefer our people take, I will also not be endorsing a position I dislike or mistrust."
-
> Frown.
> "I get the feeling I am not communicating properly. I would prefer our people stay with us, yes, but our negotiations left me confident that I will not be endorsing anything I consider bad for our people. Remilia's presence would actually present those people with some interesting opportunities, and they are free to opt out at any time. There is ostensibly no risk to be had, with plenty of potential for reward. So ultimately, while I will not be endorsing the position I personally prefer our people take, I will also not be endorsing a position I dislike or mistrust."
>"I don't get it," says Tenshi, frowning as well.
>_
-
> "Perhaps it would be best to discuss the specifics, then. The three improvements Remilia mentioned in particular were functional horticulture, improved trade and defensibility. I balked at the last until I was assured it would be strictly voluntary, at which point I would have no problem with it, given I am proposing a very similar path for you in the future. An increase of trade route accessibility would not be a particularly bad thing, nor would improved care and arrangement of the islands' peach trees. I have no problem endorsing any of these courses of action."
-
> "Perhaps it would be best to discuss the specifics, then. The three improvements Remilia mentioned in particular were functional horticulture, improved trade and defensibility. I balked at the last until I was assured it would be strictly voluntary, at which point I would have no problem with it, given I am proposing a very similar path for you in the future. An increase of trade route accessibility would not be a particularly bad thing, nor would improved care and arrangement of the islands' peach trees. I have no problem endorsing any of these courses of action."
>"So you really don't care that Remilia's taking over?" says Tenshi. "You seem to be kind of saying it both ways."
>_
-
> "It's a bit hard to explain, I admit. Basically, I would prefer one potential result, but I would not mind the other should it come to pass."
-
> "It's a bit hard to explain, I admit. Basically, I would prefer one potential result, but I would not mind the other should it come to pass."
>Tenshi nods. "But you're going to try to make the one you don't prefer happen, right? Even though you don't believe in it?"
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Why do you think I do not believe in it?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Why do you think I do not believe in it?"
>Tenshi shrugs. "Because you pretty much said you don't want her to take over, and have been kind trying to stop it."
>_
-
> "Ah, I understand now. Well, she will be expanding no further into Bhava-Agra, so that is a good thing, at least."
-
> "Ah, I understand now. Well, she will be expanding no further into Bhava-Agra, so that is a good thing, at least."
>"I suppose it'd make things easier for you that she's stopped, at least."
>_
-
> "It does. With the knowledge that there will be no further expansion, and that the people whose land is currently occupied will only remain that way if they wish, I am satisfied with how things have turned out."
-
> "It does. With the knowledge that there will be no further expansion, and that the people whose land is currently occupied will only remain that way if they wish, I am satisfied with how things have turned out."
>"So you really don't care that Remilia might take over?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"If she truly 'takes over', that would be a breach of our agreement. If the people vote to remain under her, well, as I said, I would ppersonally rather they did not, but I will not dispute their choice if they elect to do so. This is perhaps not my ideal outcome, but such is the nature of negotiation."
-
>"If she truly 'takes over', that would be a breach of our agreement. If the people vote to remain under her, well, as I said, I would ppersonally rather they did not, but I will not dispute their choice if they elect to do so. This is perhaps not my ideal outcome, but such is the nature of negotiation."
>"Right," says Tenshi, "That's what I'm trying to get my head aroung. You don't actually want to happen, but you're gonna try to get them to do it anyways?"
>_
-
> "I...suppose that is one way of looking at it, yes. This arrangement certainly beats the alternative, however."
-
>"As I said, it's in the nature of negotiations. I made an agreement with remilia. I may not want to do everything in the agreement, but I made it and I intend to honor it."
-
> "I...suppose that is one way of looking at it, yes. This arrangement certainly beats the alternative, however."
>"Huh," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Such is the nature of compromise."
> Grin.
> "It would be nice if I always got my way, but it doesn't always happen. Not by a long shot."
-
> "Such is the nature of compromise."
> Grin.
> "It would be nice if I always got my way, but it doesn't always happen. Not by a long shot."
>"Yeah, just you're really going to back up Remilia? Seriously?"
-
> Keep on grinning.
> "Why? Would you like to do it instead?"
-
> Keep on grinning.
> "Why? Would you like to do it instead?"
>"Like they'd ever listen to me," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Take on a more normal smile.
> "Perhaps. Truth be told, I am not sure if they will even listen to me."
-
> Take on a more normal smile.
> "Perhaps. Truth be told, I am not sure if they will even listen to me."
>"Yeah, but you want that," says Tenshi with a shrug.
>_
-
>"I do, but I will speak anyways. I agreed to do so."
>"Honestly, I think I'm lucky to have gotten what I did out of the agreement, after the way I almost ruined the entire thing."
-
>"I do, but I will speak anyways. I agreed to do so."
>"Honestly, I think I'm lucky to have gotten what I did out of the agreement, after the way I almost ruined the entire thing."
>Tenshi nods.
>"I guess," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Slow down.
> "Waaaaait a minute...something just occurred to me. Will you be okay appearing in the human village again, after you did not show up for work at the tavern?"
-
> Slow down.
> "Waaaaait a minute...something just occurred to me. Will you be okay appearing in the human village again, after you did not show up for work at the tavern?"
>"As long as Mokou doesn't..."
>Her eyes widen.
>"...Yeah this is a bad plan right now."
>_
-
> What does the tavern sell outside of alcohol, and what do prices usually run?
> Stop and grimace.
> "Well. Hum."
> Put on a thinking face, staying silent for a few seconds.
> "...Would Mokou be empathetic if I went there alone and took responsibility for your absence, since you spent the day helping me investigate how to restore our home to its proper state? Her, um, vulgarity is a little...off-putting."
-
> What does the tavern sell outside of alcohol, and what do prices usually run?
> Stop and grimace.
> "Well. Hum."
> Put on a thinking face, staying silent for a few seconds.
> "...Would Mokou be empathetic if I went there alone and took responsibility for your absence, since you spent the day helping me investigate how to restore our home to its proper state? Her, um, vulgarity is a little...off-putting."
>It sells a variety of meals, mostly running from 5-15☼
>"Who knows?" says Tenshi with a shrug. "Mokou's kind of weird. But I guess if she's around Keine, she'll probably not to be too bad."
>_
-
> "Mmm. I wonder if we could get to Keine first, then, since we were looking for her anyway."
-
Just want to say that I'm finally all caught up.
> "How long do you shifts at the tavern usually last?"
-
> "Mmm. I wonder if we could get to Keine first, then, since we were looking for her anyway."
>Tenshi shrugs. "Yeah, I guess. but there's a good change she'll already be there."
> "How long do you shifts at the tavern usually last?"
>"Uh, about a quarter day to a bit over a half, depending," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> What did we tell Mokou about Tenshi's absence?
> "Mmm. I suspect it would be best if I go and explain to both of them about your absence, since it is my responsibility, and then we can resume other activities. Is there anything in particular you want or need to do for a few minutes?"
-
> What did we tell Mokou about Tenshi's absence?
> "Mmm. I suspect it would be best if I go and explain to both of them about your absence, since it is my responsibility, and then we can resume other activities. Is there anything in particular you want or need to do for a few minutes?"
>No.
>"I guess I could look around some shops or something, whatever's still open," says Tenshi.
>_
-
What do we need to explain Tenshi's absence to Keine for?
> Is there a nice central landmark to meet Tenshi at after we talk to Keine/Mokou?
-
We need to explain Tenshi's absence to Mokou because Tenshi skipped out on work today due to being with us and Mokou ended up being the replacement.
Given they are likely to be together once we arrive, and we know that some sort of acquaintanceship exists between the two, would you rather talk to Keine or Mokou about Tenshi skipping out on work? >_>
-
> Is there a nice central landmark to meet Tenshi at after we talk to Keine/Mokou?
>There's the main intersection, but it's kind of close to where Keine lives.
>_
-
I knew we had to explain to Mokou, just not why we needed to seek out Keine and tell her as well. If they're together then hey! Mokou might take it better to hear it from Keine, but she might wonder why we told her first.
That aside, I'd rather we look for Keine first, I'm thinking check school -> her place -> tavern.
-
> "Well I could meet up with you later at the main intersection if you're OK with it being so close to Keine's. Would that be satisfactory or would you prefer to meet elsewhere?"
-
> "Well I could meet up with you later at the main intersection if you're OK with it being so close to Keine's. Would that be satisfactory or would you prefer to meet elsewhere?"
>"Yeah, that's fine, I'll just stay out of sight, I guess," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Alright, I'll met up with you afterward."
> Do we know where the school is?
> If so, make our way to the school and knock on the door.
-
> "Alright, I'll met up with you afterward."
> Do we know where the school is?
> If so, make our way to the school and knock on the door.
>You do.
>As you are not far from the town by this point, it doesn't take too long to reach the school, whose upper floors also serve as Keine's domicile. Tenshi splits away as you do, landing at the nearby intersection and disappearing around a house.
>You knock on the door. It takes a few moments, and several more knocks, before you hear some footsteps approaching. The door opens and you see the white-haired teacher, wearing her usual blue dress and hat, standing in the threshold. She gives you a curious look, then says, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
>_
-
> "There is. I am curious as to the current whereabouts of Fujiwara no Mokou."
-
> "There is. I am curious as to the current whereabouts of Fujiwara no Mokou."
>"She's upstairs helping me go over some assignments," says Keine. "I'll go get her for you."
>_
-
> "Thank you very much. And, if it would not be too much of a bother, I would like you to remain with us for a short while, because there is something else I wish to ask of you specifically. Something that should come after I have spoken with Miss Fujiwara."
-
> "Thank you very much. And, if it would not be too much of a bother, I would like you to remain with us for a short while, because there is something else I wish to ask of you specifically. Something that should come after I have spoken with Miss Fujiwara."
>Keine nods and heads away, not bothering to close the door. She disappears up a staircase built into the wall; you can hear her call up. After a moment, you hear more steps coming down, and she returns, Mokou following her down. "Oh, it's you," says Mokou, crossing her arms, "Get lost or something?"
>_
-
> "No. I came to apologize that you were called in to work at the tavern today, in the place of the Eldest Daughter."
> Give a proper bow.
-
> "No. I came to apologize that you were called in to work at the tavern today, in the place of the Eldest Daughter."
> Give a proper bow.
>Mokou waves a hand. "Eh, it got me a little pocket money and some cheap drinks. So long as it doesn't happen tomorrow."
>_
-
> "Believe me, I sincerely hope more than anyone else that it will not happen again tomorrow. The Eldest Daughter was absent today at my request, because I required her assistance in investigating the tragedy that has befallen our home. It would be very nice if there was no longer a need for such investigation tomorrow."
-
> "Believe me, I sincerely hope more than anyone else that it will not happen again tomorrow. The Eldest Daughter was absent today at my request, because I required her assistance in investigating the tragedy that has befallen our home. It would be very nice if there was no longer a need for such investigation tomorrow."
>"Yeah, okay," says Mokou. "Need me for anything else?"
>_
-
> "I do not. Thank you for understanding our situation."
> Give another bow.
-
> "I do not. Thank you for understanding our situation."
> Give another bow.
>"Yeah, okay," says Mokou, as she heads back inside.
>Keine looks toward you expectantly.
>_
-
> "Right, yes. Due to the recent events within our home, as well as having a chance to converse extensively with the Eldest Daughter, we are both giving serious consideration toward appointing her to an education position within Bhava-Agra. I am hoping you may have some pedagogical advice for her, beyond simply knowing the material."
-
> "Right, yes. Due to the recent events within our home, as well as having a chance to converse extensively with the Eldest Daughter, we are both giving serious consideration toward appointing her to an education position within Bhava-Agra. I am hoping you may have some pedagogical advice for her, beyond simply knowing the material."
>"Eldest daughter?" says Keine. "Wait, you mean Tensh-"
>Her eyes narrow a bit.
>"Is this supposed to be some kind of joke? It's not very funny."
>_
-
> "It is Tenshi, yes. And I admit it sounds bizarre. But no, this is serious, though perhaps 'instructor' would be the more proper term for her potential position than 'teacher'."
-
> "It is Tenshi, yes. And I admit it sounds bizarre. But no, this is serious, though perhaps 'instructor' would be the more proper term for her potential position than 'teacher'."
>"It's still not very funny," says Keine.
>_
-
> Put on a concerned frown.
> "Has the Eldest Daughter wronged you in some way?"
-
> Put on a concerned frown.
> "Has the Eldest Daughter wronged you in some way?"
>"Not directly, lately," says Keine. "But you really think someone her...ability can effectively teach or instruct?"
>_
-
> "Ah. I can understand why that might be a concern. Let me provide some background information, then. Our people are, by nature, a peaceful people. With all the joys and benefits that come with such a lifestyle, the one obvious potential drawback is a lack of combat ability. With this recent disaster, many in Gensokyo assumed us to be invaders, and after a few misunderstandings, several battles were waged. From what I saw near Orchard Isle yesterday morning, both sides were roughly evenly matched, but other celestials were not quite so lucky. Many were bowled over by incident solvers like they were nothing. Others were outright conquered by the Scarlet Devil Mansion rather quickly; one full island yesterday, and one full island today, before that misunderstanding was resolved. Many of our people were injured because they could not defend themselves properly."
-
> "Ah. I can understand why that might be a concern. Let me provide some background information, then. Our people are, by nature, a peaceful people. With all the joys and benefits that come with such a lifestyle, the one obvious potential drawback is a lack of combat ability. With this recent disaster, many in Gensokyo assumed us to be invaders, and after a few misunderstandings, several battles were waged. From what I saw near Orchard Isle yesterday morning, both sides were roughly evenly matched, but other celestials were not quite so lucky. Many were bowled over by incident solvers like they were nothing. Others were outright conquered by the Scarlet Devil Mansion rather quickly; one full island yesterday, and one full island today, before that misunderstanding was resolved. Many of our people were injured because they could not defend themselves properly."
>"Mmm," says Keine, her expression softening a little. "Well, I suppose she has the raw talent to teach that kind of thing. Her problem would be her attitude, though. She is well...kind of a little pain in the ass, as Mokou would say. Are you sure she has the maturity necessary to instruct a class effectively?"
>_
-
> "I think the situation may actually be a perfect storm of attitudes, both from her and her fellow celestials, that things would have a good chance to work. But I would be lying if I said I did not think she could benefit from the advice of one more experienced than her. Knowledge of the material would not be a problem, and classroom management...well, I suspect our people's nature would practically make that a non-issue. But the syllabus planning and actual presentation could use some help, I am sure."
-
> "I think the situation may actually be a perfect storm of attitudes, both from her and her fellow celestials, that things would have a good chance to work. But I would be lying if I said I did not think she could benefit from the advice of one more experienced than her. Knowledge of the material would not be a problem, and classroom management...well, I suspect our people's nature would practically make that a non-issue. But the syllabus planning and actual presentation could use some help, I am sure."
>"Well, it's not exactly something you can teach in a night," says Keine, "But I suppose I could give her some pointers. When is she planning on doing this?"
>_
-
> "It will likely be some time before this takes place. Perhaps a fortnight, just as a rough estimate. I will need to convene a council to decide if this idea is indeed what Bhava-Agra wishes to do. I firmly believe it would be in Bhava-Agra's best interests for Tenshi to be appointed into such a position, for a variety of reasons. I do imagine it may be a worry on your part that you may agree to assist Tenshi only for the council to reject the proposal, but I would say that your assistance would make it all the more likely to pass, if the council is informed that Tenshi has studying under one to whom the main Gensokyo human village trusts the care of their children."
-
> "It will likely be some time before this takes place. Perhaps a fortnight, just as a rough estimate. I will need to convene a council to decide if this idea is indeed what Bhava-Agra wishes to do. I firmly believe it would be in Bhava-Agra's best interests for Tenshi to be appointed into such a position, for a variety of reasons. I do imagine it may be a worry on your part that you may agree to assist Tenshi only for the council to reject the proposal, but I would say that your assistance would make it all the more likely to pass, if the council is informed that Tenshi has studying under one to whom the main Gensokyo human village trusts the care of their children."
>"Well, bring her around sometime tomorrow afternoon, and I'll see what I can do," says Keine.
>_
-
> Bow again.
> "I will inform her of this. I thank you very much for your kindness."
-
> Bow again.
> "I will inform her of this. I thank you very much for your kindness."
>"Well, maybe it'll get her to behave a bit," says Keine. "Regardless, I kind of fear for her pupils right now..."
>_
-
> Smile.
> "I expect she will be motivated to behave herself. The sessions will be strictly voluntary, as well; it would not do to respond to people thinking us invaders by forcing these lessons on our people and thereby encouraging that notion."
-
> Smile.
> "I expect she will be motivated to behave herself. The sessions will be strictly voluntary, as well; it would not do to respond to people thinking us invaders by forcing these lessons on our people and thereby encouraging that notion."
>Keine nods. "Well, then I fear for her absentee rate."
>_
-
> "As do I. If this is implemented and then dissolved due to lack of participation, I do not think anyone will be pleased, least of all Tenshi."
-
> "As do I. If this is implemented and then dissolved due to lack of participation, I do not think anyone will be pleased, least of all Tenshi."
>"Well, I suppose we'll see what can be done about it," says Keine.
>_
-
> "Thank you very much. This means a lot to me. Is there anything I can do for you in return?"
-
> "Thank you very much. This means a lot to me. Is there anything I can do for you in return?"
>"If it keeps Tenshi from stirring up trouble for awhile, I'll consider it this a bargain." says Keine.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Very well. I will detain you no further, then, as I assume you wish to return to your work."
-
> Smile.
> "Very well. I will detain you no further, then, as I assume you wish to return to your work."
>Keine nods. "Until tomorrow."
>Then she closes the door.
-
> Return to the intersection where Tenshi disappeared.
-
> Return to the intersection where Tenshi disappeared.
>You head to the intersection, and find Tenshi leaning against the house and looking toward the tavern.
>_
-
> Move over to her.
-
> Move over to her.
>You walk over to Tenshi. She looks over. "Oh hey, you done?"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I am. Mokou did not seem upset, but she would prefer it not happen again tomorrow."
-
> Nod.
> "I am. Mokou did not seem upset, but she would prefer it not happen again tomorrow."
>"Right, right," says Tenshi. "Good. Seriously, she's the last person in the world you want mad at her. Even Yuuka gets over it, eventually..."
>_
-
> "I am glad she took it well, then. I will do my best to make sure she is not disappointed in regards to tomorrow, especially given how far things have come along so far in regards to our home."
-
> "I am glad she took it well, then. I will do my best to make sure she is not disappointed in regards to tomorrow, especially given how far things have come along so far in regards to our home."
>"Yeah, I'll be there, probably," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I also talked to Keine about your potential future prospects. She has actually graciously agreed to meet with you tomorrow afternoon, should you desire it."
-
> Nod.
> "I also talked to Keine about your potential future prospects. She has actually graciously agreed to meet with you tomorrow afternoon, should you desire it."
>"You want me to walk into a Keine lecture on my own?" says Tenshi, frowning. Then she sighs. "Yeah, sure, I'll be there."
>_
-
> "I told her that we had been giving the idea serious consideration. I did not say that you had agreed to do it, nor did I guarantee your presence tomorrow afternoon. Should you decide this path is best for you, then Keine will be able to help you, both in terms of providing classroom assistance and from a simple ethos perspective. Everyone involved will be more likely to respect you and consider you for such a position if they know you have experience working under an established successful educator. But if you do not want to visit her tomorrow, you do not have to."
-
> "I told her that we had been giving the idea serious consideration. I did not say that you had agreed to do it, nor did I guarantee your presence tomorrow afternoon. Should you decide this path is best for you, then Keine will be able to help you, both in terms of providing classroom assistance and from a simple ethos perspective. Everyone involved will be more likely to respect you and consider you for such a position if they know you have experience working under an established successful educator. But if you do not want to visit her tomorrow, you do not have to."
>"I'll see how I feel," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Very well. Since you will be in the village tomorrow, you can communicate with her then, should you ultimately decide against this idea."
-
> Nod.
> "Very well. Since you will be in the village tomorrow, you can communicate with her then, should you ultimately decide against this idea."
>"Maybe, if I decide to show up at all," says Tenshi. "We'll see."
>_
-
That's it for me for the time being, I think. I want to meet Brock Specsen again some time soon, to check in on her condition and also ask her - very delicately - if she would help get a "picture of Aya". I also want to head back to Youkai Mountain to see if 'Miz has returned there, because I'd like to admit to her that I want to help get Aya back in jail. If we could get another camera from her, that would go a long way in helping get a picture of Aya, because if Aya actually does meet us at Kourindou she will almost invariably want to see that her camera is in proper shape.
But meeting Brock Specsen so soon would remove the trip to Nue that Guy wants to make, so.
-
Well then perhaps we should meet Nue, and then we can ask her about things which we can propose to Miss Shadows. Or something. :V
-
I don't see how it would, Yamameko, unless you've got a better idea to help Shuuei than I do. I would, however, rather do it before returning to Shuuei, but it's not completely necessary. We can always find her again. I'd like to head underground and find Nue first, but I suppose we don't have to. I do think that we should visit Remilia or Patchy or whoever before going underground, though, just in case they reject the idea of Suika running the vote and we need to ask Satori.
Anyways, I'd say go to the SDM, then underground, then find Shuuei. We could also stop by the mountain after the SDM, since it's close. Does that order work?
-
I'm mostly worried at this point about running out of time for meeting Aya at Kourindou, but otherwise that itinerary is fine by me.
-
I don't actually remember anything about meeting Aya at Kourindou (could I get a quick refresher?), but we can always fit that in before heading underground. We'd be visiting the mountain first, though right? So let's go ahead and move in that direction.
>"Well, I would suggest you do go."
>"Anyways, now that we are finished here, there are several other matters that I must attend to. Our next stop, I think, shall be the Scarlet Devil Mansion. I... kind of forgot to bring up the issue of who will run the vote with Remilia. It will need to be a third party, of course, for reasons I probably do not need to elaborate on. My thought was Satori Komeiji, but the August One suggested Suika Ibuki. I am not sure Remilia will agree to Suika, though; Suika spends a lot of time in Bhava-Agra, after all. So before we look into getting her cooperation, I need to check with Remilia or a representative-she said Patchouli could serve as such-about having Suika run the vote."
-
>"Well, I would suggest you do go."
>"Anyways, now that we are finished here, there are several other matters that I must attend to. Our next stop, I think, shall be the Scarlet Devil Mansion. I... kind of forgot to bring up the issue of who will run the vote with Remilia. It will need to be a third party, of course, for reasons I probably do not need to elaborate on. My thought was Satori Komeiji, but the August One suggested Suika Ibuki. I am not sure Remilia will agree to Suika, though; Suika spends a lot of time in Bhava-Agra, after all. So before we look into getting her cooperation, I need to check with Remilia or a representative-she said Patchouli could serve as such-about having Suika run the vote."
>"Satori's kind of a weird choice," says Tenshi, "But I guess either one would work."
>_
-
>"The underground will likely be unaffected by the outcome of the vote, so anyone from there is unlikely to care which way the vote goes. And who could ensure honesty better than one who can read minds? So, yes, I thought that requesting her assistance was a good idea. The August One suggested Suika, however, so we will look into that option first. Let us go ask Remilia-or Patchouli-as to her thoughts on the matter."
>Assuming no objections, head to the SDM.
-
>"The underground will likely be unaffected by the outcome of the vote, so anyone from there is unlikely to care which way the vote goes. And who could ensure honesty better than one who can read minds? So, yes, I thought that requesting her assistance was a good idea. The August One suggested Suika, however, so we will look into that option first. Let us go ask Remilia-or Patchouli-as to her thoughts on the matter."
>Assuming no objections, head to the SDM.
>"Huh, okay," says Tenshi, as the two of you start moving southward and out of town.
>_
-
>When we reach the mansion, approach the front gate.
-
>When we reach the mansion, approach the front gate.
>You reach the mansion without incident, and find that Meiling is there, still bruised and battered, but not seeming to be phased by it. Her celestial assistant is still with her. "Heya, truce buddies," says Meiling with a nod as you approach.
>_
-
>"Greetings."
>"I need to speak with Patchouli; Remilia instructed me to go to her if I needed anything, and there is an issue I forgot to bring up earlier."
-
>"Greetings."
>"I need to speak with Patchouli; Remilia instructed me to go to her if I needed anything, and there is an issue I forgot to bring up earlier."
>"Head right on inside," says Meiling, as she nudges the gate open with the bottom of her foot. "You've got a standing invitation. Try not to get in the maids' way, though, they're kind of in a tizzy."
>_
-
>"'In a tizzy'? Why?"
-
>"'In a tizzy'? Why?"
>"Boss wants the place in tip-top shape," says Meiling.
>"For the signing," the celestial adds.
>_
-
>"I see. We will stay out of the way, then."
>Enter and head for the library.
-
>"I see. We will stay out of the way, then."
>Enter and head for the library.
>"Have fun!" says Meiling, as the celestial curtsies while you passed.
>You enter the mansion, and see several faeries furiously dusting the artworks in the foyer, as well as a celestial wearing what you're certain is one of Sakuya's uniforms.
>Entering the library, you can hear the laughter of a small child and a dog barking somewhere among the shelves, off the your left. Heading inward, you see Patchouli at her table, flanked by two stacks of books and staring intently at the tome in front of her.
>_
-
>Approach the table.
>"Hello again, Patchouli."
-
>Approach the table.
>"Hello again, Patchouli."
>You approach the table.
>"Yes, yes," says Patchouli, not looking up.
>_
-
>"I apologize for disturbing you, but it is my understanding that Remilia wanted me to come to you if I had any business with her. Are you up-to-date on the outcome of our negotiations?"
-
>"I apologize for disturbing you, but it is my understanding that Remilia wanted me to come to you if I had any business with her. Are you up-to-date on the outcome of our negotiations?"
>"I am going to say yes, and cautiously hope that will be it," says Patchouli.
>_
-
>"I apologize, then, for there is one thing I forgot to bring up with Remilia, and that is the question of who will run the voting process. For reasons that I probably don't need to tell you, it will need to be a third party who runs it, but I forgot to bring up the question of who with Remilia."
-
>"I apologize, then, for there is one thing I forgot to bring up with Remilia, and that is the question of who will run the voting process. For reasons that I probably don't need to tell you, it will need to be a third party who runs it, but I forgot to bring up the question of who with Remilia."
>"Oh for the love of..." Patchouli mutters. "Fine, what do you want me to do about it?"
>_
-
>"Very little. I will look into aquiring the servicies of said third party; we simply need an agreement as to who the third party will be. The August One has recommended the oni Suika Ibuki; would this be acceptable?"
-
>"Very little. I will look into aquiring the servicies of said third party; we simply need an agreement as to who the third party will be. The August One has recommended the oni Suika Ibuki; would this be acceptable?"
>"I'll check with Mistress Remilia next time I see her," says Patchouli. "I am certain she'll want to approve it personally."
>_
-
I think I'll recommend the dance concert toMeiling to save tempers. She can't approve it but she can relay it, and she's more likely to know about Juniper's availability than Patchouli.
-
Well, so much for getting approval for Suika first. Although...
>"Do you expect she will approve of this choice?"
And that works, Kilga.
Okay, so you want to hit the mountain next, right? I'll let you handle the Aya-related stuff.
-
>"Do you expect she will approve of this choice?"
>"I imagine so," says Patchouli, "As long as she's sober enough to actually keep an eye on things."
>_
-
Yeah, let's save Patchy's temper for the time being and talk to Meiling instead.
> "Understood. I apologize for intruding and will bother you about these matters no further."
> Leave the library and head back to the gate.
-
> "Understood. I apologize for intruding and will bother you about these matters no further."
> Leave the library and head back to the gate.
>"Thank you," says Patchouli.
>You depart. As you make your way out, you hear a number of loud thumbs against the floor. "Flan!" Patchy shouts, "What did you do!"
>"Nothing!" comes Flandre's voice.
>You return to the gate, and find Meiling talking to to her Celestial assistant. She looks over, then nudges the gate open while says, "All done?" The Celestial curtsies toward you.
>_
-
> "Inside, yes, since Miss Knowledge seems very busy. With your mistress similarly busy and your chief assistant currently in poor condition to continue her duties, I come to you, the next-highest ranking officer within this mansion that I can think of, to make a request to pass on important information at your earliest convenience."
-
> "Inside, yes, since Miss Knowledge seems very busy. With your mistress similarly busy and your chief assistant currently in poor condition to continue her duties, I come to you, the next-highest ranking officer within this mansion that I can think of, to make a request to pass on important information at your earliest convenience."
>Meiling gives a nod. "Speak."
>_
-
> "The treaty being written up will detail a vote that the people of the two islands in question will hold. Regardless of the outcome of this vote, I would like to offer my services as a dancer and hold a dance concert at this mansion at some time in the future."
-
> "The treaty being written up will detail a vote that the people of the two islands in question will hold. Regardless of the outcome of this vote, I would like to offer my services as a dancer and hold a dance concert at this mansion at some time in the future."
>"I suppose that'd be okay," says Meiling. "Um, you gonna do it during the treaty stuff?"
>_
-
> "I would prefer to hold such an event off until after Sakuya is in better physical condition. Putting on such a display with her as she is now feels rather tactless."
-
> "I would prefer to hold such an event off until after Sakuya is in better physical condition. Putting on such a display with her as she is now feels rather tactless."
>"Alright," says Meiling, "I'm sure she'd appreciate that."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Also, if possible, I would like to...enlist, I suppose, one of your fairy guards for this concert. She accepted a dance-off challenge from me yesterday, and I was impressed by the effort and heart she put into her half of the competition. I would like to see what she can be taught, and then give her the chance to show her family what she can do."
-
> Nod.
> "Also, if possible, I would like to...enlist, I suppose, one of your fairy guards for this concert. She accepted a dance-off challenge from me yesterday, and I was impressed by the effort and heart she put into her half of the competition. I would like to see what she can be taught, and then give her the chance to show her family what she can do."
>"You mean one of the maids?" says Meiling. "I guess that'll be fine. Probably have to tell Sakuya ahead of time. Or Patchy. Whoever's in charge of them now."
>_
-
> "Yes. Her name is Juniper, if that helps in finding her. I imagine it can be quite difficult to keep track of as many names as there have been people that have worked in this mansion."
-
> "Yes. Her name is Juniper, if that helps in finding her. I imagine it can be quite difficult to keep track of as many names as there have been people that have worked in this mansion."
>"Like you wouldn't believe," says Meiling says. "I'll make sure someone gets the message."
>_
-
> "Excellent. Thank you very much. And...sorry for all the trouble that I have caused."
-
> "Excellent. Thank you very much. And...sorry for all the trouble that I have caused."
>"I thought it was pretty exciting," says Meiling.
>_
-
> "I am glad someone enjoyed it, then. Anyway, we must be off. Best of luck to both of you in your duties."
-
> "I am glad someone enjoyed it, then. Anyway, we must be off. Best of luck to both of you in your duties."
>"You too!" says Meiling.
>_
-
> Take flight and head toward Youkai Mountain.
> Along the way, turn to Tenshi.
> "I would like to take this small detour, to find out if Momizi has returned. I have decided that I am obligated to help return her to prison, and I think I have a better idea for how it can be done."
-
> Take flight and head toward Youkai Mountain.
> Along the way, turn to Tenshi.
> "I would like to take this small detour, to find out if Momizi has returned. I have decided that I am obligated to help return her to prison, and I think I have a better idea for how it can be done."
>"Wait," says Tenshi. "Weren't you the one who said she shouldn't have been in there to begin with?"
>_
-
> "If I made such a blanket statement, then I was wrong to do so. It is true that I do not believe she should be jailed for her...art, as it is put. However, assaulting the Yama and disobeying Lord Tenma are much different affairs. I cannot and will not criticize the decision to incarcerate her were it made on those grounds, and, as such, I need to right the wrong I have done by letting her out."
-
> "If I made such a blanket statement, then I was wrong to do so. It is true that I do not believe she should be jailed for her...art, as it is put. However, assaulting the Yama and disobeying Lord Tenma are much different affairs. I cannot and will not criticize the decision to incarcerate her were it made on those grounds, and, as such, I need to right the wrong I have done by letting her out."
>"So she's wrong for fighting against something wrong?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Put a curious look on our face.
> "Hmm? Do you know why she attacked the Yama, or why she disobeyed Lord Tenma?"
-
> Put a curious look on our face.
> "Hmm? Do you know why she attacked the Yama, or why she disobeyed Lord Tenma?"
>"Um...not really on the first one," says Tenshi. "But the second one is because she got put in jail, right?"
>_
-
> "I am actually not sure myself, which is why I asked. I recall Momizi mentioning that she had disobeyed Lord Tenma and that she had escaped from jail in two separate instances, which made me assume they were two separate acts, but I suppose it is possible they were the same thing."
-
> "I am actually not sure myself, which is why I asked. I recall Momizi mentioning that she had disobeyed Lord Tenma and that she had escaped from jail in two separate instances, which made me assume they were two separate acts, but I suppose it is possible they were the same thing."
>"Oh," says Tenshi. "All I know about is that she got away that one time."
>_
-
> "Whether or not they were indeed the same thing, it still remains that she assaulted the Yama. I trust the judgment of Lord Tenma in such a situation, which means that unless I hear evidence to the contrary, I trust that Aya was not jailed for unjust reasons."
-
> "Whether or not they were indeed the same thing, it still remains that she assaulted the Yama. I trust the judgment of Lord Tenma in such a situation, which means that unless I hear evidence to the contrary, I trust that Aya was not jailed for unjust reasons."
>"I don't see what makes that stupid Yama better than us," says Tenshi. "But anyways, if she's willing to do, uh, what she did to get out, I don't think she's going back."
>_
-
> "It is true that she is extremely unlikely to simply agree to go back, which will likely necessitate capturing her in some regard. But the least I can do, once this is done, is take responsibility for this escape, as well as prepare for her some things that she will be happier with than without, to be given to her upon her release."
-
> "It is true that she is extremely unlikely to simply agree to go back, which will likely necessitate capturing her in some regard. But the least I can do, once this is done, is take responsibility for this escape, as well as prepare for her some things that she will be happier with than without, to be given to her upon her release."
>"I...um, don't see any of that going well," says Tenshi. "I think we oughta just leave it all alone."
>_
-
I'd have to agree with Tenshi, at least as far as admitting we released her goes. Helping to recapture her I'm fine with, but I'd say don't admit that we let her out.
-
> Slow down a bit, and sigh.
> "To be honest, I don't see it going over very well either. But I must find a way to atone for my sin. Especially as I will be asking a favor of the tengu people later, in allowing certain individuals up the mountain to visit Bhava-Agra once it is restored. What would you suggest instead?"
-
> Slow down a bit, and sigh.
> "To be honest, I don't see it going over very well either. But I must find a way to atone for my sin. Especially as I will be asking a favor of the tengu people later, in allowing certain individuals up the mountain to visit Bhava-Agra once it is restored. What would you suggest instead?"
>"I dunno," says Tenshi. "Maybe use your position or something?"
>_
-
> "I suppose this is possible, though I know not what the tengu people may want."
-
> "I suppose this is possible, though I know not what the tengu people may want."
>"Who cares what they want?" says Tenshi. "You outrank them, or close enough, anyways. Remember how Aya said that the Yama just came and rose a big stink? Just do that."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Forgive me for saying so, but this sounds an awful lot like concluding that I am better than the tengu people and acting on that conclusion by ordering them around."
-
> Frown.
> "Forgive me for saying so, but this sounds an awful lot like concluding that I am better than the tengu people and acting on that conclusion by ordering them around."
>"Not our fault they did it wrong," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"You know, Tenshi, what you're talking about seems an awful lot like the self-superior attitude you've been telling me you dislike about Celestials."
>If Tenshi begins to respond immediately, then before she can: "Think about it, Tenshi. Can you at least see how others might see such a similarity?"
-
>"You know, Tenshi, what you're talking about seems an awful lot like the self-superior attitude you've been telling me you dislike about Celestials."
>If Tenshi begins to respond immediately, then before she can: "Think about it, Tenshi. Can you at least see how others might see such a similarity?"
>She starts to response, then you cut her off.
>"No, shut up and let me answer, why don't you?," she says. After a moment and a stern glare, she says, "Are you done? Good. It's not like that at all. First off, if I was doing it like you people, I would be assuming Aya's wrong. Second off, I'm not just assuming it first thing like you people do. So yeah, it's really completely different."
>_
-
>"Actually, I'd like you to take a moment to consider where such an attitude might come from. You don't have to like it, but at least try to understand it. So tell me, Tenshi: how is it that most Celestials became Celestials? What did they have to do to become Celestials?"
-
Your questions are headed for disaster~
> Hold up a finger. "I know you're aware, most ascend by freeing themselves of worldly desires and thus everything is provided for them. They had to work hard to get where they are. In their own way, the tengu have their own rules for ascending the ranks and behaviour to follow. It wouldn't be fair to look down on their leader's decisions simply because we don't have the same ways. It was my error to believe my assumptions were more informed then Lord Tenma."
> Look thoughtful. "I can see why you consider Aya's side first though. In many ways Aya rebelling against proper tengu behaviour is much like your feelings about the Celestials."
-
>"Actually, I'd like you to take a moment to consider where such an attitude might come from. You don't have to like it, but at least try to understand it. So tell me, Tenshi: how is it that most Celestials became Celestials? What did they have to do to become Celestials?"
> Hold up a finger. "I know you're aware, most ascend by freeing themselves of worldly desires and thus everything is provided for them. They had to work hard to get where they are. In their own way, the tengu have their own rules for ascending the ranks and behaviour to follow. It wouldn't be fair to look down on their leader's decisions simply because we don't have the same ways. It was my error to believe my assumptions were more informed then Lord Tenma."
> Look thoughtful. "I can see why you consider Aya's side first though. In many ways Aya rebelling against proper tengu behaviour is much like your feelings about the Celestials."
>"What does that have to do with anything?" says Tenshi in a sharp voice, "It sounds like you're just making up a bunch of excuses to make Aya look bad since she ran off on you."
>_
-
> What is the Dragon's opinion of Lord Tenma?
> What is The Dragon's opinion of the Yama?
> "Well, the atonement for my sin does not necessarily have to involve recapturing her."
-
> "Well, the atonement for my sin does not necessarily have to involve recapturing her."
>"Then don't," says Tenshi. "Just leave it alone if you're not going to fix it, really. It's their business."
>_
-
> "I'm afraid I don't understand. You are telling me that the mistake I have made is entirely someone else's problem and that I should do nothing to rectify it?"
-
> "I'm afraid I don't understand. You are telling me that the mistake I have made is entirely someone else's problem and that I should do nothing to rectify it?"
>"What mistake?" says Tenshi. "You didn't toss her in jail because the Yama threw a tantrum. We were just fixing it. If they don't like it, well, tough."
>_
-
> Slow to a stop.
> "...I don't know if I can do such a thing."
-
> Slow to a stop.
> "...I don't know if I can do such a thing."
>"I don't see why you can't," says Tenshi. "They're the ones that screwed up, not you."
>_
-
> Float in silence for a couple of seconds.
> "...I think I know what I must do. I will let the issue be, for now. But once all of the current issues surrounding our home have been resolved and I have had a few days to recuperate, I will visit the Yama myself, to find out exactly what happened, and, of course, ignore all the story spinning she is likely to do. Once I have learned as much as I can, I will act accordingly."
-
> Float in silence for a couple of seconds.
> "...I think I know what I must do. I will let the issue be, for now. But once all of the current issues surrounding our home have been resolved and I have had a few days to recuperate, I will visit the Yama myself, to find out exactly what happened, and, of course, ignore all the story spinning she is likely to do. Once I have learned as much as I can, I will act accordingly."
>Tenshi nods. "That's not a bad idea. I'd never want to deal with the Yama myself, but I guess it's probably less of a problem for you."
>_
-
> Grimace.
> "I suspect it would be a problem for anyone if the Yama finds out that someone was asking about her altercation with Aya because they had freed Aya from the incarceration that the Yama had ordered. If she finds out about what I did, she will not be pleased with me in the slightest, regardless of my position within Bhava-Agra. But I must find out for sure if what I have done is a right thing or a wrong thing. If what I have done is a wrong thing, then I must atone for it, for I represent the Dragon Palace with all of my actions. I cannot let my potential foolishness bring shame upon our people."
-
> Grimace.
> "I suspect it would be a problem for anyone if the Yama finds out that someone was asking about her altercation with Aya because they had freed Aya from the incarceration that the Yama had ordered. If she finds out about what I did, she will not be pleased with me in the slightest, regardless of my position within Bhava-Agra. But I must find out for sure if what I have done is a right thing or a wrong thing. If what I have done is a wrong thing, then I must atone for it, for I represent the Dragon Palace with all of my actions. I cannot let my potential foolishness bring shame upon our people."
>Tenshi nods. "That's a point. I wouldn't even bother with the Yama, the situation is pretty clear as it is anyways. I don't see what she's got to say that would change it."
>_
-
>"Right now, I only know Aya's side of the story. At the very least, speaking to the Yama will allow me to get her side of the story."
-
>"Right now, I only know Aya's side of the story. At the very least, speaking to the Yama will allow me to get her side of the story."
>"The Yama dealt with what the rest of us did," says Tenshi with a shrug. "Just instead of catching Aya and beating the crap out of her like the rest of us do, she caused a stink."
>_
-
> "If that is indeed all that happened, then I would be inclined to let Aya's actions slide. But Momizi's words still trouble me. She said Aya assaulted the Yama. If there was an unprovoked attack in addition to what Aya normally does to everyone, that may make the circumstances different."
-
> "If that is indeed all that happened, then I would be inclined to let Aya's actions slide. But Momizi's words still trouble me. She said Aya assaulted the Yama. If there was an unprovoked attack in addition to what Aya normally does to everyone, that may make the circumstances different."
>"Five to one says the Yama shot first," says Tenshi. "You know how it goes with this thing."
>_
-
> "I expect it will be a very tricky situation to assess, yes. But we will see. And, obviously, I do not expect you to accompany me on such a journey."
-
> "I expect it will be a very tricky situation to assess, yes. But we will see. And, obviously, I do not expect you to accompany me on such a journey."
>"I could probably take her," says Tenshi. "But yeah, if I don't have to deal with her, all the better."
>_
-
So underground now then? I didn't realize Tenshi would react so negatively to the idea, so as long as plans to meet the Yama are set up for the future I'm willing to sweep the entire situation under the rug for the rest of the game.
-
Works for me.
>"I will save that situation for after the rest has been dealt with, then."
>"In that case, our next stop is the underground. I have business with Nue Houjuu."
>Assuming no objections, head underground.
-
>"I will save that situation for after the rest has been dealt with, then."
>"In that case, our next stop is the underground. I have business with Nue Houjuu."
>Assuming no objections, head underground.
>"You do?" says Tenshi. "What does Nue have to do with anything?"
>_
-
>If we're not already flying towards the entrance to the underground, begin doing so.
>"She may be able to help our shadowy friend."
>"How much do you know about Nue?"
-
>If we're not already flying towards the entrance to the underground, begin doing so.
>"She may be able to help our shadowy friend."
>"How much do you know about Nue?"
>You start toward the entrance to the underground.
>"Uh, I know she's kinda a troublemaker. What've got in mind?"
>_
-
>"How familiar are you with the UFO incident? You know, the one that ended with Byakuren's release?"
-
>"How familiar are you with the UFO incident? You know, the one that ended with Byakuren's release?"
>"She caused it, didn't she?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Well, not really. The flying ship and its crew were locked away underground. It was the geysers caused by the hell raven Utsuho that freed them. They then gathered the fragments of the Soaring Vault, which were required to release Byakuren had had been scattered by the blast. Nue was involved, though. It's my understanding that she is the reason the vault fragments looked like UFOs."
>"Nue made one thing look like something else. I found myself wondering if she could do the same thing to a person."
-
>"Well, not really. The flying ship and its crew were locked away underground. It was the geysers caused by the hell raven Utsuho that freed them. They then gathered the fragments of the Soaring Vault, which were required to release Byakuren had had been scattered by the blast. Nue was involved, though. It's my understanding that she is the reason the vault fragments looked like UFOs."
>"Nue made one thing look like something else. I found myself wondering if she could do the same thing to a person."
>"Ooooh," says Tenshi. Then she frowns. "That sounds expensive."
>_
-
>"I first wish to know if she can do it. Payment can be discussed in the event that she indeed can."
>When we reach the entrance, head underground.
-
>"I first wish to know if she can do it. Payment can be discussed in the event that she indeed can."
>When we reach the entrance, head underground.
>Tenshi nods.
>You soon reach the tunnel leading underground, and begin to proceed down.
>"So, are you still doing the whole picture deal with Aya?" asks Tenshi, after a moment.
>_
-
Kilga?
-
Okay, I don't know where Kilga is, so...
>"Possibly. That, though, is an issue we can leave for later."
>Continue to the Ancient City.
-
I've stopped caring about the picture. Let Aya rot in her self-aggrandizement for all I care, it's not worth the effort.
-
>"Possibly. That, though, is an issue we can leave for later."
>Continue to the Ancient City.
>You continue onward, making your way through the tunnel and into the first large chamber. Spiderwebs hang between many of the stalactites and stalagmites; you can see one advertising a sale on pearl moss at some store in the Ancient City's market.
>"Yeah, I suppose," says Tenshi. "Once we get done with Nue, what's going to be next? It seems like once we get Bhava-Agra fixed, things will be pretty much wrapped up."
>_
-
Kilga: Huh. Well, I'll leave the possibility open in case you change your mind.
>"Not really. I'll have a lot of work to do in regards to the arrangement with Remilia, after all. And there will be our shadowey friend's survival to worry about, too. Although if my current idea is feasable, that may cease to be an issue."
>Keep an eye out for fairies or unfriendly youkai as we continue down.
-
> "And, of course, we still have to establish what you're going to do within Bhava-Agra that you can enjoy."
-
>"Not really. I'll have a lot of work to do in regards to the arrangement with Remilia, after all. And there will be our shadowey friend's survival to worry about, too. Although if my current idea is feasable, that may cease to be an issue."
>Keep an eye out for fairies or unfriendly youkai as we continue down.
> "And, of course, we still have to establish what you're going to do within Bhava-Agra that you can enjoy."
>You continue onward, keeping an eye out. "Yeah, I guess we'll have to figure out how to keep her around, too. And...well, maybe that class thing will work. I dunno."
>As Tenshi speaks, you hear a voice from above cry, "Say Rock!"
>_
-
> "Paper!"
> Jump back while looking up.
-
> "Paper!"
> Jump back while looking up.
>You jump back and cry paper. As you do, you see a brown and green thing fall from the ceiling, and see it collide with Tenshi. She cries out something you're pretty sure is a profanity before hitting the ground and being cut off.
>A girl in a bucket rests on top of her back, already rifling through her pockets.
>_
-
> "Hey!"
> Fire a bolt of lightning at the girl in the bucket.
-
> "Hey!"
> Fire a bolt of lightning at the girl in the bucket.
>You cry out, and send some lightning toward the bucket girl.
>She seems to have been anticipating this, as she leans to the side, and the lightning passes her by.
>_
-
> Start running toward her.
> Grab our shawl and whip it at her torso.
-
> Start running toward her.
> Grab our shawl and whip it at her torso.
>You are not that far away, so there is not far to run.
>You whip your shawl the youkai's torso, catching her neatly as she tries to lean the opposite way, and pinning one of her arms to her side. "G'off me!" she shouts, as she pulls back her free hand into her bucket.
>_
-
> Start tugging the shawl back toward ourselves, but don't run electricity through it yet.
> "Get off her!"
-
> Start tugging the shawl back toward ourselves, but don't run electricity through it yet.
> "Get off her!"
>"Lemme go first!" she shouts, as her free hand comes back up with a rusty-looking knife.
>_
-
> Start building a charge.
> Unwrap the shawl and pull it back in.
-
>You let her go and start to build up a charge.
>"Seeya!" cries Kisume, as she takes flight and darts the way you came.
>_
-
> Grit teeth.
> Drop the charge and check on Tenshi. Help her up, if she's still on the ground.
> "Are you okay?"
-
> Grit teeth.
> Drop the charge and check on Tenshi. Help her up, if she's still on the ground.
> "Are you okay?"
>You drop your charge, and go help Tenshi up.
>"Mother fucker..." she mutters. "Maybe I shouldn't wear a brimmed hat after all..."
>_
-
>Do we have any idea who that was?
>"Well, I hope you weren't hurt too badly."
-
>Do we have any idea who that was?
>"Well, I hope you weren't hurt too badly."
>You are pretty sure that was Kisume.
>"I'll live," Tenshi says, rubbing her back and wincing. "Let's go beat the crap out of her!"
>_
-
>"I don't think that's necessary. If she attacks again on the way out, though, then feel free."
>Assuming no objections, continue downwards.
-
>"I don't think that's necessary. If she attacks again on the way out, though, then feel free."
>Assuming no objections, continue downwards.
>"That's easy for you to say!" says Tenshi, "She didn't use your back for a doormat!"
>_
-
>"I suppose that's true, but I still think that pursuing her is unnecessary. Like I said, though, feel free to 'beat the crap out of her' if she attacks again."
-
>"I suppose that's true, but I still think that pursuing her is unnecessary. Like I said, though, feel free to 'beat the crap out of her' if she attacks again."
>"Oh fine," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"In that case, let us continue."
>Continue downwards, once again keeping an eye out for fairies or youkai.
-
Once we get out of the cave entrance (and out of Kisume earshot) I'd like to address what just happened again. I don't want to fight Kisume, but I do want to get back whatever was taken and I have an idea for that, but Tenshi will need to be told in advance.
-
Sure, go ahead.
-
>"In that case, let us continue."
>Continue downwards, once again keeping an eye out for fairies or youkai.
>You continue onward, and find the rest of the route free of trouble as you progress through a cavern laden with fissures, and then descend a series of rocky shelves. Soon enough, you see the cavern opening up and bridge leading into the city ahead. Snatches of music echo from the city.
>_
-
> Lean a bit closer to Tenshi and lower our voice.
> "I did not want to talk too much while that girl was still possibly in earshot. Have you checked to see if she took anything of yours? I saw her going through your pockets."
-
> Lean a bit closer to Tenshi and lower our voice.
> "I did not want to talk too much while that girl was still possibly in earshot. Have you checked to see if she took anything of yours? I saw her going through your pockets."
>Tenshi frowns, then checks her pockets. Her expression sours, and she cries, "Oh for fuck's sake! She got my money!"
>_
-
> "I was afraid of something like that. Look, I have an idea for getting it back. I am hoping that she will try the same trick again when we return. If she does, I believe I can stun her without actually doing any physical harm. I will need you to not look at me when I do it, though, or else I will stun you as well. If she cries out again like last time, jump in some direction away from where her voice is coming, and look away from me while closing your eyes, okay?"
-
> "I was afraid of something like that. Look, I have an idea for getting it back. I am hoping that she will try the same trick again when we return. If she does, I believe I can stun her without actually doing any physical harm. I will need you to not look at me when I do it, though, or else I will stun you as well. If she cries out again like last time, jump in some direction away from where her voice is coming, and look away from me while closing your eyes, okay?"
>"Yeah, okay," says Tenshi. "Guh, wish you would have told be that become she got away..."
>_
-
> Sad frown.
> "I am sorry. My first concern was your safety."
-
> Sad frown.
> "I am sorry. My first concern was your safety."
>"Yeah, I know," she says.
>_
-
>"We'll get her next time."
>Assuming no objections, continue downwards.
-
>"We'll get her next time."
>Assuming no objections, continue downwards.
>"Oh yeah," says Tenshi.
>You continue onward and cross the bridge. Along the way, you see Parsee hovering by one of the supports, pounding away at it with a hammer. She seems too preoccupied to really notice you.
>Soon you reach the gates of the city. Looking ahead, you can see the market down the street is heavily crowded.
>_
-
>Do we know where Nue's tavern is? If so, head there. If not, find someone to ask for directions.
-
>Do we know where Nue's tavern is? If so, head there. If not, find someone to ask for directions.
>You were there yesterday, so it is not too difficult to find your way there.
>Actually reaching it is another story. The streets are crowded with oni, and when it comes to working your way through a crowd of oni, they tend to win. As well, the smells of various fried foods remind you that you haven't eaten for some time yet. Eventually you manage to get through the market and into the pub district, which is also quite crowded. This crowd is not quite so mobile, so it is a little easier to slip between the people and reach your goal.
>The Rose and Otter Weasel tavern has a pretty good crowd in it, full of loudly talking oni. You notice several of the tables have card games going, and a couple seem to have board games. Nue is behind the bar, pouring a variety of drinks. She waves to you briefly, but you can't really hear what she says over the crowd.
>_
-
>Approach the bar.
>Greet Nue.
-
>Approach the bar.
>Greet Nue.
>You approach the bar as Nue loads up a tray. "Hey there!" she says, looking up from her work, "What'll you have?"
>_
-
>"Sadly, we're not here for pleasure. I would appreciate a moment of your time, when you get the chance."
-
>"Sadly, we're not here for pleasure. I would appreciate a moment of your time, when you get the chance."
>"This isn't a shakedown or something, is it?" says Nue, as she lifts the tray with an audible grunt. "I got my protection money paid up!"
>She then goes to deliver the drinks and returns to the bar.
>_
-
>"No, it's nothing like that. Actually, I'm hoping that this will lead to a business transaction, because I find myself in need of assistance that it's quite possible only you can provide. And no, it's nothing shady."
>Groan inwardly at unintentional pun.
-
>"No, it's nothing like that. Actually, I'm hoping that this will lead to a business transaction, because I find myself in need of assistance that it's quite possible only you can provide. And no, it's nothing shady."
>Groan inwardly at unintentional pun.
>"Then it's probably not much fun," says Nue with a shrug, nodding toward an oni at the bar asking for a refill. "What do you need?"
>_
-
> "I understand that you may be capable of changing what objects look like. And obviously you can change yourself. I am curious to know if you could change another person."
-
> "I understand that you may be capable of changing what objects look like. And obviously you can change yourself. I am curious to know if you could change another person."
>Nue leans the bar and grins at you. "I might. Why would you want to know?"
>_
-
> "I have a friend who...well. To put it simply, she believes self-exposure is a horrible, horrible thing. The most depraved act of which one could conceive. To her, it is worth risking death to keep hidden."
-
> "I have a friend who...well. To put it simply, she believes self-exposure is a horrible, horrible thing. The most depraved act of which one could conceive. To her, it is worth risking death to keep hidden."
>"What a weird friend," says Nue.
>_
-
> Look at Tenshi with a small grin on our face.
> "That is one way to put it, I suppose."
-
>Turn back to Nue
>"Anyways, the problem is that she's a poultergeist. Hiding from the world will quite literally kill her. What is needed is some way she can interact with people without exposing herself in any way. She currently has concealing clothing and a mask, but she does not seem to feel that this is enough. So I'm looking for something better, and I thought of you. If she is made to look completely different, being seen will cease to be a concern."
-
> Look at Tenshi with a small grin on our face.
> "That is one way to put it, I suppose."
>"Anyways, the problem is that she's a poultergeist. Hiding from the world will quite literally kill her. What is needed is some way she can interact with people without exposing herself in any way. She currently has concealing clothing and a mask, but she does not seem to feel that this is enough. So I'm looking for something better, and I thought of you. If she is made to look completely different, being seen will cease to be a concern."
>"So, let's say I can disguise your friend," says Nue. "What's in it for me?"
>_
-
>"I wanted to confirm your ability to do it before discussing such things. Since you've moved on to that matter, should I assume that you indeed can?"
>Check inventory
>Do we have anything back home that might be valuable?
-
>"I wanted to confirm your ability to do it before discussing such things. Since you've moved on to that matter, should I assume that you indeed can?"
>Check inventory
>Do we have anything back home that might be valuable?
>"I could probably arrange something," says Nue, as she nods to another oni calling for a drink, stops leaning on the counter, and fetches a couple of glasses.
>Wide-brimmed hat (worn as hat)
>Exceedingly Stylish!
>Heavy Flamenco Dress (worn as dress)
>Allows both modesty and freedom of movement
>Large Black Purse
>Exactly what it sounds like. It holds all your stuff
>Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>This spellcard engulfs you in a shield of electricity. It can be broken with enough force, and only lasts for a short time before it must be renewed
>Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
>Fills the air with webs of lightning, but leaves you motionless.
>Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot"
>Sends electricity spiraling out from you, but leaves you defenseless.
>1☼
>This is 1☼
>Jail Key
>The key to the tengu jail.
>Aya's Primary Camera
>She'll be very angry if you break this. It doesn't seem to be taking pictures anymore.
>2 Pictures of Shadowless Tree
>Taken in the Forest of Magic.
> Picture of Sky and Shadowed Land
>A picture of the Brocken Spectre's shadow and the clear horizon
>Picture of Unconscious Poltergeist
>A Picture of the Brocken Spectre after you defeated her.
>Picture of the Shadow Dais.
>Taken within The Dragon's Chamber in the false Bhava-Agra.
>Picture of Makai Landscape with Goats
>Taken to show Yumeko how a Camera Works
>Pink Shawl
>A shawl that represents your status as a part of Bhava-Arga and allows you to defend yourself with devastating techniques.
>Aya's Note
>It reads: "Did some looking around. Word has it there's a blue-coated ghost running around the forest. Lots of people coming and going looking for the Brocken Spectre. Some rock near Marisa's house missing a shadow; investigated it, found nothing else special. Wasn't able to ask around SDM. Kogasa seems to have gotten much more dangerous lately; maybe a connection? Couldn't ask. Will return tomorrow afternoon. Owe you bigtime -Aya."
>Box
>This small gray box once held several gems.
>Plunger
>A rubber-headed object you mistook for a javelin.
>Stuffed Platypus
>This is a plush rendition of everyone's favorite beaver-tailed, duck-billed mammal! It is very adorable.
>Pale Green Plant
>Its broad leaves seem to be usually shiny.
>Vial of Sand Grains
>This vial contains eleven grains of sand, one from each of the continents of the outer world.
>Amethyst:
>A translucent purple gemstone, cut into a faceted shape.
>You have some furniture back home, and a couple of wall scrolls that art likely worth much.
>_
-
>We want to keep the gemstone, right?
>"The issue I face is that mine are not a materialistic people, and thus I have little of material worth to offer. There are other ways I could repay you, but I do not know if they are things you would accept. I have repaid others by agreeing to arrange for them to be allowed free access to the Guest Island of Bhava-Agra, and could do the same for you. I could also repay you by offering my services as a dancer-and I would be willing to provide a demonstration of my talents in that area. Or if you have something specific you might like someone to do, I could perhaps do that."
-
> We want to keep the gemstone.
-
>We want to keep the gemstone, right?
>"The issue I face is that mine are not a materialistic people, and thus I have little of material worth to offer. There are other ways I could repay you, but I do not know if they are things you would accept. I have repaid others by agreeing to arrange for them to be allowed free access to the Guest Island of Bhava-Agra, and could do the same for you. I could also repay you by offering my services as a dancer-and I would be willing to provide a demonstration of my talents in that area. Or if you have something specific you might like someone to do, I could perhaps do that."
> We want to keep the gemstone.
>The gem has too much value as a keepsake to get rid of, you decide.
>"Well, this is the thing," says Nue, frowning. "I know they're called seeds of non-identification, but they don't grow on trees. It takes ages for me to make one. And I'm the only one who has an idea how they work, so I'd have to do this personally. And if your friend hates people, I'd have to go topside."
>_
-
>"Hmm... she will not like being seen by you, even with her concealing outfit. Is it something you could walk her through using without actually looking at her?"
-
> "I suppose that means you'll need extra incentive to go topside and do this?"
-
> "I suppose that means you'll need extra incentive to go topside and do this?"
>Strike that. Let's establish a method, then worry about payment.
-
>"Hmm... she will not like being seen by you, even with her concealing outfit. Is it something you could walk her through using without actually looking at her?"
>"Not unless she knows how to change shape," says Nue.
>_
-
>"Would you be able to teach me in a way that would allow me to convey the knowledge to her?"
-
>"Would you be able to teach me in a way that would allow me to convey the knowledge to her?"
>Nue laughs as she starts to fill up a glass. "No, you kind of have to be born into it."
>_
-
>"I will have to consult her on the matter, then."
>"Would you need to actually see her body, or could she remain in her concealing clothing?"
-
>"I will have to consult her on the matter, then."
>"Would you need to actually see her body, or could she remain in her concealing clothing?"
>"It'll just be an illusion," says Nue. "A good one, but an illusions nonetheless."
>_
-
>"Forgive me, but I'm not sure how that relates to whether or not she would be able to remain in her concealing clothing while to instructed her."
>"Anyways, that does bring up an issue. Just how... complete of an illusion would it be? From what I understand, the UFO illusion was very complete, not even being revealed when people grabbed the objects. Would it be similarly complete on a person? And how difficult would it be for one to see through it, or even realize that there's an illusion in the first place?"
-
>"Forgive me, but I'm not sure how that relates to whether or not she would be able to remain in her concealing clothing while to instructed her."
>"Anyways, that does bring up an issue. Just how... complete of an illusion would it be? From what I understand, the UFO illusion was very complete, not even being revealed when people grabbed the objects. Would it be similarly complete on a person? And how difficult would it be for one to see through it, or even realize that there's an illusion in the first place?"
>"I don't know why you'd have to remove clothes for an illusion," says Nue, frowning at you a little. "Anyways, depends on what we do. The more like her shape it is, the harder it'll be the see through. The reason the UFOs worked so well was that they were small, and the vault pieces were in shapes that worked well with it. Like, if I made her hair look longer, it'd be a problem if someone tried to pull her by it."
>_
-
>"I understand how the clothing question may seem odd, but my friend will no doubt want that specific assurance."
>"The illusion would, I think, keep her body shape. There are many ways she could be made to look like a completely different person without making such alterations, are there not? You're the expert in this area, though, so I'll ask you directly: could you make her look like a completely different person without increasing the illusion's suceptability to detection?"
-
>"I understand how the clothing question may seem odd, but my friend will no doubt want that specific assurance."
>"The illusion would, I think, keep her body shape. There are many ways she could be made to look like a completely different person without making such alterations, are there not? You're the expert in this area, though, so I'll ask you directly: could you make her look like a completely different person without increasing the illusion's suceptability to detection?"
>"The more differences I make, the more susceptible she's going to be," says Nue. "But some things are harder to pick up. Colors are easy, for instance."
>_
-
>"That makes sense."
>"All right, then. What I want is for my friend to be unrecognizable when the illusion is active. Given that, how undetectable could you possibly make it? I understand that perfection is impossible, but how many people would actually be able to see through or even detect an illusion such as that?"
-
>"That makes sense."
>"All right, then. What I want is for my friend to be unrecognizable when the illusion is active. Given that, how undetectable could you possibly make it? I understand that perfection is impossible, but how many people would actually be able to see through or even detect an illusion such as that?"
>"I'd have to see what I'm working with," says Nue. "Some people are just be easier to hide. That said, most people aren't going to just see through it, they'd have to do something to the illusion that makes it not work, like pull on hair that's not there and such. Though, someone like Byakuren might see through it if she had a reason to try to."
>_
-
>"So it would be quite secure, then? Excellent."
>"Now, I do have a bit of a confession to make. You see, I haven't spoken with my friend regarding this idea. I wanted to see if it was indeed possible first, which would seem to be the case. Before we make any final arrangements, I must go and see if she agrees. As far as payment goes, that gives you time to consider what you would like from me."
>"Also, does it matter to you who my friend is? I realize this may sound like an odd question, but she would, I think, be much more at ease regarding your presence if it doesn't matter to you who she is."
-
Post above edited because it forgot a quotation mark.
-
>"So it would be quite secure, then? Excellent."
>"Now, I do have a bit of a confession to make. You see, I haven't spoken with my friend regarding this idea. I wanted to see if it was indeed possible first, which would seem to be the case. Before we make any final arrangements, I must go and see if she agrees. As far as payment goes, that gives you time to consider what you would like from me."
>"Also, does it matter to you who my friend is? I realize this may sound like an odd question, but she would, I think, be much more at ease regarding your presence if it doesn't matter to you who she is."
>"I'd hope so," says Nue.
>She frowns as you explain things. "Well, it's sure not going to be cheap. I don't have many of them to start with, and they take forever to make."
>_
-
>Consider the possibility of offering the gemstone. Which is more important to us, the stone or helping Shuuei?
-
>Consider the possibility of offering the gemstone. Which is more important to us, the stone or helping Shuuei?
>Maybe you could...It might be possible to get it back later. But isn't that also kind of turning against the thought of the thing? Mmmm...
>_
-
> Realize we have a bunch of other things in our inventory and repitoire to offer and stop considering offering something we already decided to keep.
-
> Realize we have a bunch of other things in our inventory and repitoire to offer and stop considering offering something we already decided to keep.
>The amethyst isn't everything you have, at least...
>_
-
> "I'm considering what I have to offer that might interest you. Do you wish material value, skills that I could use on your behalf, something more exotic then monetary, or do you have a favorite thing you collect?"
-
> "I'm considering what I have to offer that might interest you. Do you wish material value, skills that I could use on your behalf, something more exotic then monetary, or do you have a favorite thing you collect?"
>"I don't need much in the way of services," says Nue. "And, I'm not much of a collector. Something exotic might be nice, but really I'm looking to get something worth what I'm putting into it."
>_
-
Gotta run, people who want only monies are so anti-Iku :< We might want to just show her everything we've got minus the Shuuei pic.
> "There's truly nothing you collect because it interests you? I'm surprised. As a creator of things that can't be identified would you be interested in something no one has ever seen?"
> Do we think any of our possessions at home are worth more then the amethyst?
-
Gotta run, people who want only monies are so anti-Iku :< We might want to just show her everything we've got minus the Shuuei pic.
> "There's truly nothing you collect because it interests you? I'm surprised. As a creator of things that can't be identified would you be interested in something no one has ever seen?"
> Do we think any of our possessions at home are worth more then the amethyst?
>"I might," says Nue. "What've you got?"
>Aya's Camera certainly is. You imagine your spellcards ought to be, too.
>_
-
>"Let me show you what I have, then. Perhaps you'll find something that interests you."
>Begin taking out our items (leaving out the amethyst and the pictures). Start with the sand vial.
>Upon taking out the vial: "This vial contains one grain of sand from each continent in the outside world."
>Take out the plant next.
-
>"Let me show you what I have, then. Perhaps you'll find something that interests you."
>Begin taking out our items (leaving out the amethyst and the pictures). Start with the sand vial.
>Upon taking out the vial: "This vial contains one grain of sand from each continent in the outside world."
>Take out the plant next.
>You begin to take out items and show them to Nue, while she assures an oni at the bar she'll get to them soon, while serving the drinks she readied.
>"That sounds kind of nice," says Nue as she looks at the vial, "But it's not really useful to me, is it?"
>_
-
>Take out the plant, then the stuffed platypus, then the plunger.
-
>Take out the plant, then the stuffed platypus, then the plunger.
>You take out a few more items. "The plant's nice," says Nue, "But it's not really worth the what you're asking. The toy is cute, but not even close. And...I don't even know what that thing is."
>She pokes the plunger curiously.
>"But it better be really impressive."
>_
-
Man guys when are you going to offer your body :V
> Consider the plunger. "I... am unsure, myself. I was told that is an outside world tool, used in drainage systems."
> When the parser said "and a couple of wall scrolls that art likely worth much", did it mean that the wall scrolls are or aren't worth much?
-
> Consider the plunger. "I... am unsure, myself. I was told that is an outside world tool, used in drainage systems."
> When the parser said "and a couple of wall scrolls that art likely worth much", did it mean that the wall scrolls are or aren't worth much?
>"Not very useful here, then," says Nue.
>They are not worth much.
>_
-
>Take out the spellcards next.
>Consider the camera. It's not ours; doesn't that mean we shouldn't offer it?
-
>Consider the camera. It's not ours; doesn't that mean we shouldn't offer it?
> Of course not: not matter our opinion of Aya, it's not our place to offer her possessions as payment.
-
Just checking. I agree with you on this one.
-
>Take out the spellcards next.
>Consider the camera. It's not ours; doesn't that mean we shouldn't offer it?
> Of course not: not matter our opinion of Aya, it's not our place to offer her possessions as payment.
>She looks at your spellcards. "No real use for those."
>You decide not to offer up Aya's Camera.
>_
-
>Take out the box, the pictures (except the one of Shuuei), and the 1☼ just for kicks.
I really think we should consider offering the gemstone. Surely helping Shuuei is more important to us than the gemstone.
EDIT: Actually, I just had a better idea, and it would let us keep the gemstone (we'd probably end up using it as collateral, but that would mean we'd get it back, so that'd be okay, right?).
-
>Take out the box, the pictures (except the one of Shuuei), and the 1☼ just for kicks.
I really think we should consider offering the gemstone. Surely helping Shuuei is more important to us than the gemstone.
>She looks at the box and the pictures. "Some of these are kind of nice. But...they're not really all that much for what you're asking." She then frowns at your lone ☼. "You weren't kidding about not being materialistic.
>You note that Tenshi is idly watching an oni card game.
>_
-
>"I have to say that I'm not surprised I don't have anything of interest to you. But I just thought of something. It... goes against the ways of my people, but not against the ways of Gensokyo or the underground. And to help my friend, I would be willing to do it. I may not have anything of much material worth to offer you, but instead of paying you directly, I think I could possibly make a good amount of money for you."
-
>"I have to say that I'm not surprised I don't have anything of interest to you. But I just thought of something. It... goes against the ways of my people, but not against the ways of Gensokyo or the underground. And to help my friend, I would be willing to do it. I may not have anything of much material worth to offer you, but instead of paying you directly, I think I could possibly make a good amount of money for you."
>"Okay," says Nue. "What?"
>_
-
>"I mentioned that I am an accomplished dancer. In Bhava-Agra, dance shows, like other shows, are open to attendence by whoever wants to see them. Outside of Bhava-Agra, however, the custom is to charge a fee to each person, is it not? And attendence to my shows is always high, a statement I make not boastfully but as an observation."
>"I understand that here, I have the disadvantage of being an unknown, whereas my talents are common knowledge in Bhava-Agra. I believe, however, that I can compensate for this, perhaps by performing public demonstrations."
-
>"I mentioned that I am an accomplished dancer. In Bhava-Agra, dance shows, like other shows, are open to attendence by whoever wants to see them. Outside of Bhava-Agra, however, the custom is to charge a fee to each person, is it not? And attendence to my shows is always high, a statement I make not boastfully but as an observation."
>"I understand that here, I have the disadvantage of being an unknown, whereas my talents are common knowledge in Bhava-Agra. I believe, however, that I can compensate for this, perhaps by performing public demonstrations."
>"Hmm," says Nue. "I'll think about it. Got anything to sweeten the deal?"
>_
-
>"To be honest, simply thinking about charging a fee is a foreign concept for me, so I'm not really sure what I could do to 'sweeten the deal', as you put it. You would know better than me, I think, so would you perhaps have any suggestions?"
-
>"To be honest, simply thinking about charging a fee is a foreign concept for me, so I'm not really sure what I could do to 'sweeten the deal', as you put it. You would know better than me, I think, so would you perhaps have any suggestions?"
>"I dunno, something interesting," says Nue. "I mean, offering to get me more business is nice, but I'm doing pretty well already as you can see. I was just hoping for something more exciting, you know?"
>_
-
>"Could you perhaps provide me with examples of such things? I'm afraid I'm essentially shooting in the dark here."
-
>"Could you perhaps provide me with examples of such things? I'm afraid I'm essentially shooting in the dark here."
>"I don't know, something fun," says Nue. "Something different or exciting."
>_
-
>"I'm really not sure what you would find to be different or exciting, and I don't know what your idea of fun is. I truly am trying here, but without more information, I am, as I said, shooting in the dark. Do you perhaps have past examples of such things?"
Okay, people, brainstorming time. Any ideas?
-
>"I'm really not sure what you would find to be different or exciting, and I don't know what your idea of fun is. I truly am trying here, but without more information, I am, as I said, shooting in the dark. Do you perhaps have past examples of such things?"
>Nue shrugs, "I like to have a good time, like most people, see interesting things, stir up a little trouble every now and again. You know, have fun."
-
>"I understand that, but without knowing anything a bit more specific, it's hard for me to come up with ideas. Can you give me some specific examples of things you enjoy?"
>After she answers, pause for thought.
>"Hmm... what kind of things do you mean by 'trouble'?"
-
>"I understand that, but without knowing anything a bit more specific, it's hard for me to come up with ideas. Can you give me some specific examples of things you enjoy?"
>After she answers, pause for thought.
>"Hmm... what kind of things do you mean by 'trouble'?"
>"Eh, if you have to think that hard about it, it's probably not worth following up," says Nue. "I guess maybe the money will work."
>"What do you think I mean by trouble?" says Nue. "Ask your friend there, but think a lot more stylish."
>_
-
>"Well, as I said, I have to ask my friend about the whole disguise thing first, so I'll return once I have. Tenshi and I will see if we can think of anything else in the meantime. Maybe I will ask her about your 'trouble'."
-
I think Nue was actually referring to Tenshi, given Tenshi named Nue as a pretty cool dudette earlier and they both have a knack for mischief.
-
That's what I meant. Edited for clarity.
-
>"Well, as I said, I have to ask my friend about the whole disguise thing first, so I'll return once I have. Tenshi and I will see if we can think of anything else in the meantime. Maybe I will ask her about your 'trouble'."
>"I'll be here all night!" says Nue as she sets up another tray of drinks.
>_
-
>Exit the bar.
>Start towards the exit from the underground.
>While moving, turn to Tenshi.
>"So, any good ideas?"
-
>Exit the bar.
>Start towards the exit from the underground.
>While moving, turn to Tenshi.
>"So, any good ideas?"
>You leave, Tenshi following you after a moment.
>Starting toward the bridge, you look toward Tenshi and ask her for ideas.
>"Huh?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Nue said she'd go along with my payment plan, but I think she'd prefer something else. You were listening, weren't you?"
-
>"Nue said she'd go along with my payment plan, but I think she'd prefer something else. You were listening, weren't you?"
>"...I got distracted," says Tenshi, frowning as she works her way around a group of oni in the streets.
>_
-
>Summarize the conversation, then repeat the question.
And if any of you other voices have any ideas, let's hear them.
*Goes to bed*
-
>Summarize the conversation, then repeat the question.
>You summary the conversation, which is a dodgy process as you return to the significantly more active crowds of the marketplace. You have to wait until you are practically out of the city before things have quieted enough, and you're not being shoved around enough to speak clearly Thankfully, the situation is not a hard one to sum up.
>"Oh, she's probably fishing for a good opportunity to get someone," says Tenshi. "She probably doesn't hear much about those until it's too late, living down there."
>_
-
> Tilt head curiously. "To.. get someone? I don't think I follow you."
-
> Tilt head curiously. "To.. get someone? I don't think I follow you."
>"Yeah you do," says Tenshi, as the two of you start across the bridge, "cause some trouble."
>_
-
>"You sound just like Nue. Could you give me some examples, please?"
-
>"You sound just like Nue. Could you give me some examples, please?"
>Tenshi gives you a curious look. "Are you okay? Like, you didn't hit your head or something while dealing with scarlet, did you?"
>_
-
> Frown.
> "No, I..."
> Dawn of realization!
> "...Wait, didn't you mention Nue's name yesterday? As well as that Eientei rabbit's name? You mean she wants that kind of 'getting someone'?"
-
> Frown.
> "No, I..."
> Dawn of realization!
> "...Wait, didn't you mention Nue's name yesterday? As well as that Eientei rabbit's name? You mean she wants that kind of 'getting someone'?"
>"See, I told you that you knew," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Begin charging.
> "Well...that puts me in quite a quandary, to be honest."
-
> Begin charging.
> "Well...that puts me in quite a quandary, to be honest."
>You start to build up a charge as you enter the caverns.
>"Yeah, probably," says Tenshi.
>_
-
Okay, I need to get back to work. DO NOT PROCEED THROUGH THE CAVERNS UNTIL A GOOD CHARGE HAS BEEN BUILT. You'll want that flash in case Kisume shows up again.
-
>"Hold up, Tenshi. Let me get ready for Kisume."
>Continue once a sufficient charge has been built up.
>As we proceed: "We'll talk more about Nue once we're back above ground."
-
>"Hold up, Tenshi. Let me get ready for Kisume."
>Continue once a sufficient charge has been built up.
>As we proceed: "We'll talk more about Nue once we're back above ground."
>"Huh? Okay," says Tenshi. You pause at the edge of the bridge and build up your charge for a few moments.
>"Yeah," says Tenshi as you choose to delay your prior conversation. She takes her hat off, and starts to scan the ceiling.
>_
-
>Once a sufficient chare is built up, continue on, keeping an eye out for Kisume.
-
>Once a sufficient chare is built up, continue on, keeping an eye out for Kisume.
>You continue on, working your way up the rocking shelves, through the fissured chamber, and onward. So far, there seem to be no signs of Kisume.
>_
-
> "So how are you holding up? You've been through a lot today."
-
> "So how are you holding up? You've been through a lot today."
>"Not going to lie," says Tenshi, "I'm probably going to sleep through a lot of tomorrow."
>_
-
> "I can sympathize. It's been a tiring couple of days for me as well. But we had best make sure you're at the tavern tomorrow."
-
> "I can sympathize. It's been a tiring couple of days for me as well. But we had best make sure you're at the tavern tomorrow."
>"...Crap, I forgot," she says, then sighs. "Oh well."
>You are close to the web-filled chamber now, there have been no signs of Kisume.
>_
-
>Proceed. Make it look like we're being careless, but secretly be ready for Kisume.
-
>Proceed. Make it look like we're being careless, but secretly be ready for Kisume.
>You proceed, trying to look careless.
>Coming to the web-filled chamber, your caution does serve you well as you see Yamame hanging onto the ceiling between two stalactites, moments before she descends down on you. Hanging upside down, she is close enough she has to hook her chin under the brim of your hat, putting scant inches between you and her.
>"Hey buddy!" she says in a low, whispery sort of tone, as Tenshi stumbles back. "You doin' alright? Thanks again for getting me out of that jam!"
>_
-
> Drop voice to a similar volume.
> "Oh, hello again. We are doing about as well as can be expected, I think. How are you faring?"
-
> Drop voice to a similar volume.
> "Oh, hello again. We are doing about as well as can be expected, I think. How are you faring?"
>"Doin' good, buddy," Yamame says. "Got home, slept it off like a bad hangover. Whacha doin' Underground, huh?"
>"Damn near gave me a heart attack..." Tenshi grumbles.
>_
-
>"Hey, have you seen Kisume?"
-
> "Also, we are underground because I needed to talk to Nue. Sadly, it seems my friend here has had some of her possessions stolen on our way down. I think you can guess who by. Ideally, we would like to retrieve them before we leave."
-
>"Hey, have you seen Kisume?"
>"Had breakfast with her," says Yamame.
> "Also, we are underground because I needed to talk to Nue. Sadly, it seems my friend here has had some of her possessions stolen on our way down. I think you can guess who by. Ideally, we would like to retrieve them before we leave."
>"What'd she take, buddy?" says Yamame, frowning.
>_
-
> "I do not know the extent of it, but I believe my friend has been relieved of her currency, at the very least."
> Turn to Tenshi.
> "Are you missing anything else? Hopefully you still have the gemstone I gave to you earlier."
-
> "I do not know the extent of it, but I believe my friend has been relieved of her currency, at the very least."
> Turn to Tenshi.
> "Are you missing anything else? Hopefully you still have the gemstone I gave to you earlier."
>"Just the 20☼ I had," says Tenshi. "Yeah, I still have my gem."
>"She probably needs it more than you, buddy," says Yamame. "Don't worry, pal, it wasn't personal."
>"I'm gonna show her some personal," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Forgive me, Tenshi, for I am not used to considering material value, but is 20☼ worth getting upset over?"
-
>"Forgive me, Tenshi, for I am not used to considering material value, but is 20☼ worth getting upset over?"
>"Yeah!" she says.
>"It'd get you a meal or two, I guess," says Yamame.
>_
-
>"I apologize, Tenshi, but I do not understand that way of thinking. I'm not judging you for it; it's just... different from mine, and thus hard for me to understand. I'm trying, but... it's not easy."
-
>"I apologize, Tenshi, but I do not understand that way of thinking. I'm not judging you for it; it's just... different from mine, and thus hard for me to understand. I'm trying, but... it's not easy."
>"Eh, no one expects you to know how money works," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"I know how it works. I just don't understand it. Our society functions just fine without it."
-
>"I know how it works. I just don't understand it. Our society functions just fine without it."
>"Not like we have much worth buying, anyways," says Tenshi with a shrug.
>_
-
Okay, people, question time: should we search for Kisume with Tenshi, or go on to meet with Shuuei? I'd vote for the latter; Shuuei wouldn't want Tenshi with us, anyways, and this way there's something concrete for her to occupy herself with. We could then meet at, say, the entrance to the underground (I don't want to meet at Nue's tavern; I want time to discuss what Nue wants with Tenshi before we return there).
Anyone else have any thoughts here?
-
I think that's the best way to go. Can't think of any better way at least.
-
I am up for meeting Brock Specson again as long as we don't just completely blow Tenshi and her current situation off. I would like to either encourage her to forget about it (though I have actively tried to avoid encouraging Tenshi to specifically "be the better person" for some time now) or promise her that we'll look the other way if she decides to retrieve it, and possibly even help her, but only if it doesn't involve violence.
-
> "This is a bit of a quandary, then. I will admit that our people could stand to get all the extra meals they can get, as I do not know how plentiful our food stores are after our home's fall. I have struck a deal with the harvest goddess, which should help us significantly, but still, every meal purchased from Gensokyo is a meal that does not use Bhava-Agra's limited resources."
-
> "This is a bit of a quandary, then. I will admit that our people could stand to get all the extra meals they can get, as I do not know how plentiful our food stores are after our home's fall. I have struck a deal with the harvest goddess, which should help us significantly, but still, every meal purchased from Gensokyo is a meal that does not use Bhava-Agra's limited resources."
>Yamame frowns. Then she asks, "You like bat?"
>_
-
>"I... well, I've never had any."
-
>"I... well, I've never had any."
>"I can get you a lotta fresh bats, buddy," Yamame says. "On the cheap!"
>_
-
>"Perhaps some other time. I'm afraid neither of us really has any money at the moment. Speaking of which..."
>"Tenshi, I'm going to go meet with our little friend. As you know, she won't want you to be present, so I'll need to go alone. In the meantime, feel free to... resolve your monetary issues. We'll meet up above, at the entrance to this tunnel. I want to talk about Nue some more before we return to her."
-
>"Perhaps some other time. I'm afraid neither of us really has any money at the moment. Speaking of which..."
>"Tenshi, I'm going to go meet with our little friend. As you know, she won't want you to be present, so I'll need to go alone. In the meantime, feel free to... resolve your monetary issues. We'll meet up above, at the entrance to this tunnel. I want to talk about Nue some more before we return to her."
>"'Kay, buddy," says Yamame.
>"Oh, yeah," says Tenshi. "She hates that sort of thing. Okay, I'll meet you there."
-
>"Until then, farewell."
>Continue up to the surface, keeping an eye out for Kisume just in case.
-
>"Until then, farewell."
>Continue up to the surface, keeping an eye out for Kisume just in case.
>"Seeya, buddy!" says Yamame, while you note Tenshi giving you a little wave.
>Continuing out, you find the tunnel leading to the surface is fairly narrow, and really offers no place for Kisume to hide; still you stay wary and soon find yourself under open skies without any incident. It is dark now and the stars twinkle overhead.
>_
-
> Oh, shoot, it's evening now.
> How far is it from our current location to Kourindou?
> How far is it from our current location to the poltergeist's riverside clearing?
-
> Oh, shoot, it's evening now.
> How far is it from our current location to Kourindou?
> How far is it from our current location to the poltergeist's riverside clearing?
>That it is.
>They are both pretty close to each other; and a bit of a distance from here. You should be able to get to Kourindou, the nearer of the two, without too much trouble, if things stay peaceful.
>_
-
Slight detour, just to tie up the Aya loose end.
> Take flight and head to Kourindou. Let our charge dissipate for a bit, but start building it again as we get close.
> As we get close, take out Aya's camera, turn it on, then put it back in our purse.
-
> Take flight and head to Kourindou. Let our charge dissipate for a bit, but start building it again as we get close.
> As we get close, take out Aya's camera, turn it on, then put it back in our purse.
>You detour toward Kourindou. You come within sight of it, and see some light in the windows, it seems the store is still open.
>You turn the camera on, and return it to your purse.
>_
-
> Approach the store. Enter it, should we not encounter anyone outside.
-
> Approach the store. Enter it, should we not encounter anyone outside.
>You approach the store, find no one outside, and enter.
>As you open the door, you see Aya leaning against the wall, arms crossed. She moves to a less relaxed position, standard away from the wall and giving you the indication that she's ready to flee at any moment. "Are you alone?" she says.
>"I shall take this opportunity to remind you," says Rinnosuke, looking up from a book he is reading at the counter, "This is a neutral meeting place. Should anyone take hostile actions, they will find they will be regretting it for rest of their life."
>_
-
> How is that charge doing?
> "I am alone, and I have no intention of starting any sort of altercation. Tenshi is underground, retrieving something that was stolen from her. I have no idea where Momizi is, she outraced me very shortly after you did."
-
> How is that charge doing?
> "I am alone, and I have no intention of starting any sort of altercation. Tenshi is underground, retrieving something that was stolen from her. I have no idea where Momizi is, she outraced me very shortly after you did."
>You have a nice one ready.
>"Good," says Aya. While not relaxing her stand, she does seem less tense. "So, what was the big idea selling me out to the law?"
-
> "I wanted to get a picture of you for you."
-
> "I wanted to get a picture of you for you."
>"...Did you?" she asks.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "I would tell you to ask your friend if you want to hear what we discussed beforehand, but I suspect you have no desire to see her right now."
-
> Shrug.
> "I would tell you to ask your friend if you want to hear what we discussed beforehand, but I suspect you have no desire to see her right now."
>Aya frowns at little. "Who, Momiji? Yeah, it's best to stay away from her for the for the foreseeable future."
>_
-
> "That would be her, yes. I suppose you could also ask Tenshi, since she was present at that discussion as well, but, again, she is currently occupied underground."
-
> "That would be her, yes. I suppose you could also ask Tenshi, since she was present at that discussion as well, but, again, she is currently occupied underground."
>"Either way, we're not bringing the patrols into this, alright?" says Aya. "I'm not going back in there."
>_
-
> "I understand your desire to stay as far away from your brethren as possible, yes. And it was not my intent to have you carted back off. Like I said, I was trying to get a picture of you for you."
-
> "I understand your desire to stay as far away from your brethren as possible, yes. And it was not my intent to have you carted back off. Like I said, I was trying to get a picture of you for you."
>"Not sure why that made bringing in the law a good idea," says Aya. "But I'll try not to give you a hard time about it."
>_
-
> "Well, it certainly wasn't something you expected, was it?"
-
> "Well, it certainly wasn't something you expected, was it?"
>"...No, no it wasn't," she says.
>_
-
> "A shame it did not go the way I expected. But at least it confirmed what I suspected when I planned it, that you could outrun your friend fairly easily."
-
> "A sShame it did not go the way I expected. But at least it confirmed what I suspected when I planned it, that you could outrun your friend fairly easily."
>"I'm not the fastest in Gensokyo for nothing," says Aya. "But I can't just give it to you, it'd be meaningless."
>_
-
> "Of course. I understand the standards you have set for this project. I was hoping, however, that you would at least be willing to give your friend a small conversation, given everyone present would have known she couldn't catch you if you didn't want her to."
-
> "Of course. I understand the standards you have set for this project. I was hoping, however, that you would at least be willing to give your friend a small conversation, given everyone present would have known she couldn't catch you if you didn't want her to."
>"She not really my friend anymore," says Aya. "Or rather, I guess she's my friend second and a patrolwoman first. And really, I couldn't take the risk she did have me outmaneuvered."
>_
-
> "In fairness to her, it does not seem the last person to disobey Lord Tenma made it look like an appealing life decision."
-
> "In fairness to her, it does not seem the last person to disobey Lord Tenma made it look like an appealing life decision."
>Aya shrugs. "She has everything to lose if she lets it go too far. We both know that."
>_
-
> "Right. Which is why she is so agitated about the whole situation. You may think of her as how you have just stated, but in spending just a short amount of time talking to her, it's plain to see that she still cares about you, and that she is very unhappy with things as they stand."
-
> "Right. Which is why she is so agitated about the whole situation. You may think of her as how you have just stated, but in spending just a short amount of time talking to her, it's plain to see that she still cares about you, and that she is very unhappy with things as they stand."
>"Oh, I bet she's mad at me," says Aya. "And yeah, I know she still cares. But I also know what she's going to do regardless."
>_
-
> "She has said she's mad at you. And yes, I suspect that is at least partly true. Things would have been a lot easier if you had just stayed where you were and waited your time out before becoming a normal member of society again. But now all this has happened, and not only is her friend going to be unwelcome in both their homes for a long time to come, but she's been ordered to hunt that same friend down. She can no longer maintain any sort of contact with you, both because Lord Tenma will expect positive results from any interaction and because you will chance absolutely nothing in regards to any patrol tengu. And even with that, she still holds you in high regard. She had basically no expectation that I would be able to pull off anything close to getting a picture of you, and she spoke of my inadequacy with genuine respect, respect that practically portrayed itself as smugness, as she knew what I was getting myself into far better than I did. But this loyalty to you is now in direct conflict with her loyalty to her duty, and she is faced with a choice that is not really a choice, one that seems obvious now but will grow harder and harder over time. Can you imagine what that must feel like, to have two fundamental pieces of yourself that you hold very dear forced into mutual exclusivity?"
-
> "She has said she's mad at you. And yes, I suspect that is at least partly true. Things would have been a lot easier if you had just stayed where you were and waited your time out before becoming a normal member of society again. But now all this has happened, and not only is her friend going to be unwelcome in both their homes for a long time to come, but she's been ordered to hunt that same friend down. She can no longer maintain any sort of contact with you, both because Lord Tenma will expect positive results from any interaction and because you will chance absolutely nothing in regards to any patrol tengu. And even with that, she still holds you in high regard. She had basically no expectation that I would be able to pull off anything close to getting a picture of you, and she spoke of my inadequacy with genuine respect, respect that practically portrayed itself as smugness, as she knew what I was getting myself into far better than I did. But this loyalty to you is now in direct conflict with her loyalty to her duty, and she is faced with a choice that is not really a choice, one that seems obvious now but will grow harder and harder over time. Can you imagine what that must feel like, to have two fundamental pieces of yourself that you hold very dear forced into mutual exclusivity?"
>"I spent over a year locked in a cell," says Aya. "With no real prospect of getting out. I know what it's like to be forced away from things I hold dear. I feel bad for her, but I don't have any options."
>_
-
> "You did, but your choice and dilemma were clear-cut. There was an obvious good and an obvious bad, and there was an unlikely but obvious solution. And now that you're out, no one's going to catch you if you don't want them to. Where is her obviously good choice? What random-chance stranger will ever pass her by, solving her problem for her, releasing her from the prison of her own loyalty?"
-
> "You did, but your choice and dilemma were clear-cut. There was an obvious good and an obvious bad, and there was an unlikely but obvious solution. And now that you're out, no one's going to catch you if you don't want them to. Where is her obviously good choice? What random-chance stranger will ever pass her by, solving her problem for her, releasing her from the prison of her own loyalty?"
>She frowns. "I suppose you have a point there."
>_
-
> "Of course, this is not to blame you entirely for the situation, since you haven't had the chance to meet with her since escaping, so you would not have seen what I've seen in the past couple of days, and thus would not have known. Out of curiosity, though, how long remained on your sentence?"
-
> "Of course, this is not to blame you entirely for the situation, since you haven't had the chance to meet with her since escaping, so you would not have seen what I've seen in the past couple of days, and thus would not have known. Out of curiosity, though, how long remained on your sentence?"
>"About a year and a half, give or take."
>_
-
> "Mmm. I can see how stressful such a thing would be on a person, yes. I can barely imagine being incarcerated for a week."
-
> "Mmm. I can see how stressful such a thing would be on a person, yes. I can barely imagine being incarcerated for a week."
>"Exactly," says Aya.
>_
-
> "That being said...I may have little to no personal stake in tengu business, but I would be remiss if I did not at least make an attemp to take patrolwoman and escaped convict and reunite them as the friends they are supposed to be. And, again, I am here alone, so do not worry about being sold out."
-
> "That being said...I may have little to no personal stake in tengu business, but I would be remiss if I did not at least make an attemp to take patrolwoman and escaped convict and reunite them as the friends they are supposed to be. And, again, I am here alone, so do not worry about being sold out."
>"Well, what do you have in mind?" says Aya.
>_
-
> "I admit there aren't too many options...the most readily obvious one is to do everything I can to make it worth your while."
-
> "I admit there aren't too many options...the most readily obvious one is to do everything I can to make it worth your while."
>"Go on," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Well, the readily obvious first thing to do is for me to take public responsibility for what was done. Since, well, yeah."
-
> "Well, the readily obvious first thing to do is for me to take public responsibility for what was done. Since, well, yeah."
>Aya nods. "Maybe, but it wouldn't really do much for me. You'd just get in trouble too."
>_
-
> "It would hopefully prevent your sentence from getting extended, which I understand were the consequences the last time something like this happened."
-
> "It would hopefully prevent your sentence from getting extended, which I understand were the consequences the last time something like this happened."
>"Not likely," says Aya, "It'd just get you in trouble too."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "A catastrophe had just befallen my home. I needed information about why, and all of the other tengu in the area were occupied elsewhere for some reason. With all due respect to Lord Tenma, I would like to see him or anyone else in that village be patient and choosy about whom to use for gathering information when all of Youkai Mountain collapses and sinks underground and the oni there assume them to be invaders and start retaliating."
-
> Frown.
> "A catastrophe had just befallen my home. I needed information about why, and all of the other tengu in the area were occupied elsewhere for some reason. With all due respect to Lord Tenma, I would like to see him or anyone else in that village be patient and choosy about whom to use for gathering information when all of Youkai Mountain collapses and sinks underground and the oni there assume them to be invaders and start retaliating."
>"Okay, that might work..." says Aya. "What else you have in mind?"
>_
-
> "Advancing your work and your hobby, as they are, to the best of my knowledge, your main driving forces in life. The former is easy enough. Once my home has been restored, or perhaps even before that, depending on timing, I will tell you everything I can about what happened."
> Small smile.
> "Truth be told, I had already done most of my necessary research into the catastrophe by the time we met this afternoon. There is a good deal more to what has gone on than what is readily seen by noticing the giant islands floating a handful of yards above the ground that weren't there two days ago."
-
> "Advancing your work and your hobby, as they are, to the best of my knowledge, your main driving forces in life. The former is easy enough. Once my home has been restored, or perhaps even before that, depending on timing, I will tell you everything I can about what happened."
> Small smile.
> "Truth be told, I had already done most of my necessary research into the catastrophe by the time we met this afternoon. There is a good deal more to what has gone on than what is readily seen by noticing the giant islands floating a handful of yards above the ground that weren't there two days ago."
>Aya nods. "I'm convinced there's something to those other shadows. I would have covered it more, but, well...I was trying keep a lowish profile, and meed up with you."
>_
-
> "You would be correct. The fallen islands and the trees missing their shadows are quite connected. I don't know if you noticed, because many people failed to until it was pointed out to them, but the islands are not casting proper shadows themselves."
-
> "You would be correct. The fallen islands and the trees missing their shadows are quite connected. I don't know if you noticed, because many people failed to until it was pointed out to them, but the islands are not casting proper shadows themselves."
>She nods. "I did. But that says to me someone's doing it. I haven't quite pieced together who or why, but I'm working my way through it."
>_
-
> "There is a culprit. But things would get sticky from there if that is the direction you would wish to pursue your interview, instead of one of the several other directions available. To put it mildly, this culprit very much values their privacy. I cannot betray their trust by talking more about them than, well, as much as I already have."
-
> "There is a culprit. But things would get sticky from there if that is the direction you would wish to pursue your interview, instead of one of the several other directions available. To put it mildly, this culprit very much values their privacy. I cannot betray their trust by talking more about them than, well, as much as I already have."
>Aya frowns. "So, I'm not supposed to look into the person that actually did it. Well, this will be fruitful, then."
>_
-
> "I cannot tell you anything about them, but if you want to look for them yourself, that is your prerogative. Should you decide on that path, however, I will warn you. Like I said, this person very much values their privacy, and as you have seen for yourself, they brought an entire spiritual realm crashing down. I will leave it to your imagination what they could and would do to a single journalist that actively went looking for them."
-
> "I cannot tell you anything about them, but if you want to look for them yourself, that is your prerogative. Should you decide on that path, however, I will warn you. Like I said, this person very much values their privacy, and as you have seen for yourself, they brought an entire spiritual realm crashing down. I will leave it to your imagination what they could and would do to a single journalist that actively went looking for them."
>"She's got to catch me, first," says Aya. "But we're drifting way off topic here."
>_
-
> "I suppose we are. The latter thing, advancing your hobby, would be twofold. I must admit, I initially came here with the intention of simply returning your camera and leaving you to your own devices, because I was no longer sure I could devote the time and effort necessary to getting you a proper picture of yourself. But it would be no trouble at all to recant that assessment and keep giving it effort until it is accomplished."
-
> "I suppose we are. The latter thing, advancing your hobby, would be twofold. I must admit, I initially came here with the intention of simply returning your camera and leaving you to your own devices, because I was no longer sure I could devote the time and effort necessary to getting you a proper picture of yourself. But it would be no trouble at all to recant that assessment and keep giving it effort until it is accomplished."
>"Well, I'm not going to force you," says Aya.
>_
-
> "I'm not saying you should. I'm saying it would be offered as a service as a part of this whole deal. If nothing else, it would lend a lot more credibility toward your intended message and away from the perceived message, and may actually gain you some appreciation."
-
> "I'm not saying you should. I'm saying it would be offered as a service as a part of this whole deal. If nothing else, it would lend a lot more credibility toward your intended message and away from the perceived message, and may actually gain you some appreciation."
>"Well, I still don't agree with you at all on that, but I see what you're saying."
>_
-
> "Well, you must know what the perceived message of your hobby is, right?"
-
> "Well, you must know what the perceived message of your hobby is, right?"
>"Oh, I know what people tell me," says Aya. "You just said something completely different beforehand. Anyways, like I said, I'm not going to force you if you don't want to."
>_
-
> "We can return to it momentarily, then. The second half of my offer is information, regarding a large collection of people you likely have never pursued, if Lady Yakumo's information of the subject is true. It would actually tie back into telling you the story of what happened, because it involves one of the places to which I have traveled in my investigations."
-
> "We can return to it momentarily, then. The second half of my offer is information, regarding a large collection of people you likely have never pursued, if Lady Yakumo's information of the subject is true. It would actually tie back into telling you the story of what happened, because it involves one of the places to which I have traveled in my investigations."
>"Go on," says Aya.
>_
-
> "I can do so, but I will need your word that part of what I am about to tell you will remain out of your newspaper. You may write about the actual place if you must, but the circumstances surrounding my presence here despite my earlier presence there are not to leave this shop. I ask this because this information is not for public consumption, and I expect Lady Yakumo will be very angry with both of us if you made it public knowledge. Is this acceptable?"
-
> "I can do so, but I will need your word that part of what I am about to tell you will remain out of your newspaper. You may write about the actual place if you must, but the circumstances surrounding my presence here despite my earlier presence there are not to leave this shop. I ask this because this information is not for public consumption, and I expect Lady Yakumo will be very angry with both of us if you made it public knowledge. Is this acceptable?"
>"I'll tentatively say yes, and we'll discuss it more afterward if needs be."
>_
-
> "...Very well."
> Look over to Rinnosuke.
> "Mister Morichika, may I assume I can trust you will remain silent as well? Your reputation for keeping customer privacy is known and appreciated, but on this issue, I must be sure to ask directly."
-
> "...Very well."
> Look over to Rinnosuke.
> "Mister Morichika, may I assume I can trust you will remain silent as well? Your reputation for keeping customer privacy is known and appreciated, but on this issue, I must be sure to ask directly."
>"I haven't heard anything," says Rinnosuke, not looking away from his book.
>_
-
> Look back to Aya.
> "My travels yesterday brought me around many places in Gensokyo...and even one place outside. During the course of the day, I ended up traversing Makai."
-
> Look back to Aya.
> "My travels yesterday brought me around many places in Gensokyo...and even one place outside. During the course of the day, I ended up traversing Makai."
>"Oh really?" says Aya.
>_
-
> "Yes, and the worst part is that it is actually fairly easily entered and left. Now, you must realize that Makai is not a place for the average Gensokyo native. I cannot emphasize that enough. I understand that knowledge of Makai's existence is fairly common, so I do not care if you mention in your story that I was there, but its ease of access from Gensokyo is not, and that absolutely must not be made public knowledge."
-
> "Yes, and the worst part is that it is actually fairly easily entered and left. Now, you must realize that Makai is not a place for the average Gensokyo native. I cannot emphasize that enough. I understand that knowledge of Makai's existence is fairly common, so I do not care if you mention in your story that I was there, but its ease of access from Gensokyo is not, and that absolutely must not be made public knowledge."
>She nods. "I can keep that to myself."
>_
-
> "Thank you. And I can explain my travels well enough to skirt the issue entirely, so your story should not lose anything for not having it."
> Small smile.
> "Now, having said all that, you are clearly not an average Gensokyo native. I imagine you would have little difficulty escaping from any encounters with individuals that happen to turn sour. I learned that Makai does know how to ambush en masse, so you will need to keep your guard up around any area that is not particularly open. Other than that, however, it is an entire realm of people who I imagine are not familiar with your hobby, and it would take little effort on your part to enter and leave it."
-
> "Thank you. And I can explain my travels well enough to skirt the issue entirely, so your story should not lose anything for not having it."
> Small smile.
> "Now, having said all that, you are clearly not an average Gensokyo native. I imagine you would have little difficulty escaping from any encounters with individuals that happen to turn sour. I learned that Makai does know how to ambush en masse, so you will need to keep your guard up around any area that is not particularly open. Other than that, however, it is an entire realm of people who I imagine are not familiar with your hobby, and it would take little effort on your part to enter and leave it."
>"I suppose there is an appeal to adding Shinki to my gallery," says Aya, "But, I would have to think about it."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I must admit, you seem to have far less enthusiasm for this hobby than I would have guessed based solely on what it entailed."
-
> Frown.
> "I must admit, you seem to have far less enthusiasm for this hobby than I would have guessed based solely on what it entailed."
>"It's art," says Aya. "And it's just, Shinki has never set foot into Gensokyo, that I know of. I'm not sure many Makaians have, except for Patchouli's familiar."
>_
-
> "I was not aware that was a factor, but that's not really what I was getting at. You have not shown too much enthusiasm for the idea of getting a picture of yourself, either. Now clearly one cannot accuse you of self-aggrandizement in regards to lacking enthusiasm for the goddess of Makai, so it makes me wonder if it's something else that has made you approach both ideas with a sense of 'it would be nice, but'."
-
> "I was not aware that was a factor, but that's not really what I was getting at. You have not shown too much enthusiasm for the idea of getting a picture of yourself, either. Now clearly one cannot accuse you of self-aggrandizement in regards to lacking enthusiasm for the goddess of Makai, so it makes me wonder if it's something else that has made you approach both ideas with a sense of 'it would be nice, but'."
>"Two reasons," says Aya. "First, I don't really think you have the skills to do it. Not to insult you, but there's a lot to being a photographer beyond just pointing a camera. More than I can teach in a short period of time, and a lot of it is technique you can't teach. And second, if you did, I really don't think you'd have the time for it."
>_
-
> "Do you think anyone has the skills to do it? Your friend is demonstrably inadequate for the task and I imagine she's better with a camera than the vast majority of Gensokyo given how long she has associated with you."
-
> "Do you think anyone has the skills to do it? Your friend is demonstrably inadequate for the task and I imagine she's better with a camera than the vast majority of Gensokyo given how long she has associated with you."
>She frowns for a moment, then says, "Maybe Hatate. She might, just might, have learned enough in the past year to be almost competent. Momiji has the basic skills, she just can't catch me off guard enough to do it."
>_
-
> "Would you ask her to try? You would theoretically not even need to supply her with a camera like you did me."
-
> "Would you ask her to try? You would theoretically not even need to supply her with a camera like you did me."
>"Sharing the same town with that hack is too much," says Aya.
>_
-
Oh, whatever. I've been internally debating this for too long to not do it if she wants no part of Hatate.
> "But still, if she is the only one you imagine could-"
> Stiffen and put on a concerned expression.
> Turn our head to look at the door to the shop. Do so somewhat swiftly, but don't just whip it around.
-
> "But still, if she is the only one you imagine could-"
> Stiffen and put on a concerned expression.
> Turn our head to look at the door to the shop. Do so somewhat swiftly, but don't just whip it around.
>You start to speak, then stiffen up and look over toward the door.
>You notice from the corner of your eye that Aya moves away from it a step, tensing and clearly preparing to take flight.
>_
-
> Is there a window near the door? If so, start slowly walking toward it. If not, start slowly walking toward the door.
> Either way, lower our voice.
> "How good is your eyesight at night?"
> Is that charge still built?
-
> Is there a window near the door? If so, start slowly walking toward it. If not, start slowly walking toward the door.
> Either way, lower our voice.
> "How good is your eyesight at night?"
> Is that charge still built?
>There is a window not too far from the door. You move toward it and ask Aya about her night vision in a low tone.
>"I can see pretty well," says Aya, as she inches toward another window.
>Rinnosuke looks up toward you for a moment, then back to his book.
>The charge is still there.
>_
-
> Look out the window.
-
> Look out the window.
>You look out the window.
>You can see the road outside, and darkened woods. There isn't really anything of note to be found.
>_
-
> Frown and look back to Aya.
> "I might need your vision, then."
-
> Frown and look back to Aya.
> "I might need your vision, then."
>"What did you hear?" she says.
>_
-
> We have a natural sense for atmospheric changes, right?
-
> We have a natural sense for atmospheric changes, right?
>You are aware of them to a degree. It's usually not useful outside of open sky.
>_
-
> "It's not entirely that. It's...more one of those feelings, you know? Or maybe I'm just a bit paranoid, because I've had fewer chance encounters with specific people today that I would have expected."
-
> "It's not entirely that. It's...more one of those feelings, you know? Or maybe I'm just a bit paranoid, because I've had fewer chance encounters with specific people today that I would have expected."
>Aya nods, then looks toward Rinnosuke. "Hey, let us use your back door."
>"Must you?" says Rinnosuke with an implied sigh in his tone.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "Either direction works for me. I actually have an idea that may help us get a better grasp on our situation, but we would need to be outside to do it."
-
> Shrug.
> "Either direction works for me. I actually have an idea that may help us get a better grasp on our situation, but we would need to be outside to do it."
>"What's that?" says Aya, as she starts toward the door behind Rinnosuke's counter, while Rinnosuke stands up with a sigh.
>_
-
> Start making our way toward that same door.
> "A small burst of light. It is something I recently learned I could do. I can temporarily illuminate the otherwise currently-dark outdoors."
-
> Start making our way toward that same door.
> "A small burst of light. It is something I recently learned I could do. I can temporarily illuminate the otherwise currently-dark outdoors."
>You make your way toward the door.
>"Please do not touch anything," says Rinnosuke as he opens the back door.
>"That might be useful," says Aya, "But it sounds like it'd be a real pain on someone's night vision."
>Entering into the back room, you find it is full of books. Stacks upon stacks of books litter the floor, with piles of newspapers interspersed between them. The walls are dominated with shelves filled with more books. Little trails wend their way through the the waist-high stacks of literature, surprisingly clean despite the apparent messiness of the place. Off in the corner, you see a futon on the floor, with a small chest of drawers, a basin, and a brazier crammed into a tiny space around it. You notice a fair amount of dust and cobwebs around the areas where the trails do not reach. Off to the side, mostly obscured by books, you can see what looks like a stairwell leading into a basement. There is a more or less straight path leading toward a doorway at the far wall. Obvious exists are North, East, and South.
>_
-
> Keep a quiet voice.
> "Let me go ahead, so anyone out there would have to go past me to get to you."
> Walk across the room to the other door, being careful not to touch anything.
-
> Keep a quiet voice.
> "Let me go ahead, so anyone out there would have to go past me to get to you."
> Walk across the room to the other door, being careful not to touch anything.
>"I'll be right behind you," Aya says
>You make your way across, Aya and Rinnosuke a few steps behind you. The door seems to be a fairly normal door, aside from the sliding bar locking it.
>_
-
> Undo the sliding bar, placing it gently on the ground so as to not touch things with it.
-
> Undo the sliding bar, placing it gently on the ground so as to not touch things with it.
>You slide the bar out, and set it aside. The door seems like it will open without any difficulty now.
>_
-
> Turn back around. Is Rinnosuke still watching?
-
> Turn back around. Is Rinnosuke still watching?
>He is watching you. Aya seems to be slightly distracted, she seems to be straining to hear something.
>_
-
> "Mister Morichika, might I suggest returning to your shop area proper? I worry about what anyone that may see you in here with us might think about your potential involvement with our situation...though I suppose you did seem quite concerned about this place."
-
> "Mister Morichika, might I suggest returning to your shop area proper? I worry about what anyone that may see you in here with us might think about your potential involvement with our situation...though I suppose you did seem quite concerned about this place."
>"Once I have seen you out," he says. "The door is not going to lock itself."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Understood."
> Slowly open the door and cautiously peer out into the night.
-
> Nod.
> "Understood."
> Slowly open the door and cautiously peer out into the night.
>You look outside, and see a yard full of old furniture and other large items, packed together among weeds and overgrowth. Past them, you see the edge of the forest. This aside, you do not detect anything out of the ordinary. Certainly nothing that strikes you as threatening.
>_
-
> Frown and turn back to Aya.
> Give Aya a finger beckon.
> Drop voice to a whisper.
> "I'm gonna do it."
-
> Frown and turn back to Aya.
> Give Aya a finger beckon.
> Drop voice to a whisper.
> "I'm gonna do it."
>Aya comes closer, then nods.
>Rinnosuke watches the two of you curiously.
>_
-
> Turn back to the outside and take a couple of slow steps out, leaving Aya enough room to also exit so the door can be closed behind her.
-
> Turn back to the outside and take a couple of slow steps out, leaving Aya enough room to also exit so the door can be closed behind her.
>You step out into the yard, and stop near a chest of drawers with its paint peeling off.
>Behind you, you can hear Aya following you out, punctuated by the door closing.
>_
-
> Is there a reasonably-sized patch of land in front of us that doesn't have something of Rinnosuke's on it? One that we could hit with a bolt of lightning without looking at it?
-
> Is there a reasonably-sized patch of land in front of us that doesn't have something of Rinnosuke's on it? One that we could hit with a bolt of lightning without looking at it?
>There's a few empty spots, but the presence of grass and overgrowth do suggest a chance of fires.
>_
-
> And our flash bolt has to be an actual bolt that hits the ground, right?
-
> And our flash bolt has to be an actual bolt that hits the ground, right?
>As your flash is more light then electricity, it does not travel at all.
>_
-
> So we don't risk fires so much, then?
> Did Aya sound like she was directly behind us, or to one of our sides?
-
> So we don't risk fires so much, then?
> Did Aya sound like she was directly behind us, or to one of our sides?
>You shouldn't, unless you have something flammable right by your hands.
>You think she is behind you, maybe a bit to the side.
>_
-
> Turn our head to look around. Look to the side where we think Aya is behind us first, then turn back and look in the other direction.
> Assuming we see nothing threatening, once our head is turned to the second side, clamp our eyes shut, whip our arms up and fire off a flash bolt.
-
> Turn our head to look around. Look to the side where we think Aya is behind us first, then turn back and look in the other direction.
> Assuming we see nothing threatening, once our head is turned to the second side, clamp our eyes shut, whip our arms up and fire off a flash bolt.
>You look around, and see nothing threatening. Then you close your eyes, and fire off a flash bolt as quick as you can! You hear Aya curse behind you.
>_
-
> "Ah! Ah! I'm sorry!"
> Turn around and check on Aya.
-
> "Ah! Ah! I'm sorry!"
> Turn around and check on Aya.
>You turn around to see her rubbing her eyes, with a forearm, and muttering foul-sounding things under her breath.
>_
-
> Pull out the camera. Is it still on?
> Talk while pulling out and checking the camera.
> "Oh, I'm sorry!"
-
> Pull out the camera. Is it still on?
> Talk while pulling out and checking the camera.
> "Oh, I'm sorry!"
>You pull out the camera. It seems to still be on.
>"Warn me next time," says Aya.
>_
-
> Is Aya still rubbing her eyes with her arm?
> Is Aya within arm's reach?
-
> Is Aya still rubbing her eyes with her arm?
> Is Aya within arm's reach?
>Yes to both questions.
-
> While talking, hold the camera so we are ready to take a picture with it.
> "Sorry. I couldn't warn you, I would have risked warning anyone else in the area."
> As soon as we're done talking, lean down as if we are dropping to one knee, going down just far enough so that our knee lightly touches the groun. While going down, lean forward a little bit with the other knee to bring ourselves a little closer to Aya, unless we would run into her in doing so.
> Aim the camera up under Aya's skirt and take a picture!
-
> While talking, hold the camera so we are ready to take a picture with it.
> "Sorry. I couldn't warn you, I would have risked warning anyone else in the area."
> As soon as we're done talking, lean down as if we are dropping to one knee, going down just far enough so that our knee lightly touches the groun. While going down, lean forward a little bit with the other knee to bring ourselves a little closer to Aya, unless we would run into her in doing so.
> Aim the camera up under Aya's skirt and take a picture!
>You get into position, while apologizing, and...snap!
>At the same time, Aya moves back, while holding her hands in front of her skirt, smacking into the door.
>_
-
> She moved the instant the camera clicked? Or right before?
-
> She moved the instant the camera clicked? Or right before?
>You aren't sure, but you think a little before.
>_
-
> Begin charging.
> Quietly float a few inches off the ground.
> Keep an eye on Aya.
-
> Begin charging.
> Quietly float a few inches off the ground.
> Keep an eye on Aya.
>You begin building a charge, and hover from the ground after straightening up your position.
>Aya is squinting at you while wearing an strong frown; you're not sure if it is at you or at the circumstances.
>_
-
> Give a half-smile.
> "You are right, Miss Shameimaru. I do not have a lot of skill, or a lot of free time."
> Turn the camera off and carefully put it away.
> "But all that does is motivate me to do whatever it takes."
-
> Give a half-smile.
> "You are right, Miss Shameimaru. I do not have a lot of skill, or a lot of free time."
> Turn the camera off and carefully put it away.
> "But all that does is motivate me to do whatever it takes."
>"Huh, didn't think you'd deceive for it, though," says Aya, as she rubs her eyes.
>_
-
> "I am not happy with myself for it. But if it helps bring you and your friend back together, it is a sin I will bear."
-
> "I am not happy with myself for it. But if it helps bring you and your friend back together, it is a sin I will bear."
>"Huh," she says. "Well, did you get it?"
>_
-
> "I...don't know."
> Look away.
> "I am ashamed to tell you this, but...a good portion of my travels yesterday were not at all planned, or even things I had any control over. I found myself in multiple strange and unknown lands, and, well...photographic plans went awry. I know I will have to find some way to repay you for the use of this device."
-
> "I...don't know."
> Look away.
> "I am ashamed to tell you this, but...a good portion of my travels yesterday were not at all planned, or even things I had any control over. I found myself in multiple strange and unknown lands, and, well...photographic plans went awry. I know I will have to find some way to repay you for the use of this device."
>Aya sighs. "You ran it out, didn't you?"
>_
-
> "I am truly sorry. I needed evidence of my travels. Sometimes DURING my travels. And Makai was not the strangest place to which I was taken."
-
> "I am truly sorry. I needed evidence of my travels. Sometimes DURING my travels. And Makai was not the strangest place to which I was taken."
>"Well, I guess as long as you weren't just taking pictures of any old thing, it's okay," says Aya.
>_
-
> "I can immediately recall only one such instance, and it was done to demonstrate the power of the device to a skeptical Makai resident. They...do not exactly see Bhavagrans every day. And I was without my shawl at the time, which made her think I had fallen."
-
> "I can immediately recall only one such instance, and it was done to demonstrate the power of the device to a skeptical Makai resident. They...do not exactly see Bhavagrans every day. And I was without my shawl at the time, which made her think I had fallen."
>Aya looks at you for a moment, frowning as she tries to blink out the last of her dazzlement. "I don't see how those two things are connected."
>_
-
> "It eased her suspicion of me. Quite thankfully, I might add. That woman could draw swords from nowhere, and I was in no condition to defend myself."
-
>Say this first: "The connection lies in the fact that one of the pictures I had explained what had happened to my shawl."
-
> "It eased her suspicion of me. Quite thankfully, I might add. That woman could draw swords from nowhere, and I was in no condition to defend myself."
>Say this first: "The connection lies in the fact that one of the pictures I had explained what had happened to my shawl."
>"Oh, I see, " says Aya. "I could ask why you were taking pictures of your shawl, but I'll pretend there's a good reason. But, anyways, what now?"
>_
-
> "I actually took a picture of the Makai countryside for her. It was enough to satisfy her."
> "As for now, again, I will point out that you are right, and I do not have a lot of free time on my hands. I do have other business to take care of tonight, though I will at least stay with you until your eyesight returns, of course. After that, well, I have laid out my proposal for you. I have already given you information on how to further your artwork. In addition, I will give you my story, my best efforts toward getting a picture of you, my word that I will argue down any attempt to lengthen your sentence, and an opportunity to heal a very strained friendship."
-
> "I actually took a picture of the Makai countryside for her. It was enough to satisfy her."
> "As for now, again, I will point out that you are right, and I do not have a lot of free time on my hands. I do have other business to take care of tonight, though I will at least stay with you until your eyesight returns, of course. After that, well, I have laid out my proposal for you. I have already given you information on how to further your artwork. In addition, I will give you my story, my best efforts toward getting a picture of you, my word that I will argue down any attempt to lengthen your sentence, and an opportunity to heal a very strained friendship."
>She nods as you explain a bit more.
>"And for that, you want me to just turn myself in, huh?"
>_
-
> "Obviously you would receive time to conduct your interview and print your story beforehand. I suspect tomorrow morning could work just fine for this purpose, especially if you desire some time to consider. But, otherwise, yes."
-
> "Obviously you would receive time to conduct your interview and print your story beforehand. I suspect tomorrow morning could work just fine for this purpose, especially if you desire some time to consider. But, otherwise, yes."
>She looks at you, then looks at the ground, then back to you. "You're certain you can keep Lord Tenma from doing anything?"
>_
-
> "I have always found Lord Tenma to be a reasonable man. If nothing else, I will take full responsibility for what has happened. After all, you were acting on instruction from a Dragon Palace representative, and when our business was concluded, you voluntarily returned to where tengu law has decreed you belong. I think it would be rather unreasonable to hold such circumstances against you, especially without allowing me to take responsibility in your place."
-
> "I have always found Lord Tenma to be a reasonable man. If nothing else, I will take full responsibility for what has happened. After all, you were acting on instruction from a Dragon Palace representative, and when our business was concluded, you voluntarily returned to where tengu law has decreed you belong. I think it would be rather unreasonable to hold such circumstances against you, especially without allowing me to take responsibility in your place."
>"It's not enough," says Aya. "I can't just go back and be stuck in cage again like I was before. I didn't humiliate myself for that."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "How did you humiliate yourself? From what I have heard, the Yama came out on the short end of your encounter."
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "How did you humiliate yourself? From what I have heard, the Yama came out on the short end of your encounter."
>"I meant yesterday!"
>_
-
> "Oh! Oh."
> Look away.
> "Um."
-
> "Oh! Oh."
> Look away.
> "Um."
>"Exactly," says Aya. "If you're asking me to just go back like nothing's ever happened, I can't. Do you really think I would have just done that kind of thing on a whim? I was that desperate to get out!"
>_
-
>"Well, you acted casually enough about the whole thing."
-
> Sigh.
> "This really is an incredibly complicated situation. I guess I am indeed going to go speak with the Yama myself."
-
>"Well, you acted casually enough about the whole thing."
>"I just seized the opportunity before it could be retracted," says Aya.
> Sigh.
> "This really is an incredibly complicated situation. I guess I am indeed going to go speak with the Yama myself."
>"Better to just talk with Lord Tenma," says Aya. "He's heard her case, and made the decision."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "That will make things worse. Striking a deal with you for official Bhavagran business is one thing. Telling Lord Tenma that I think I know how tengu business should be run better than he does is quite another."
-
> Frown.
> "That will make things worse. Striking a deal with you for official Bhavagran business is one thing. Telling Lord Tenma that I think I know how tengu business should be run better than he does is quite another."
>"Well the Yama sure as hell got away with it," says Aya. "But, if you think you can melt her yourself, good luck."
>_
-
> "The Yama also ranks very highly, and I suspect had a lot more, shall we say, conviction, given what had just happened."
> Sigh again.
> "Would a reduced sentence be acceptable? I find it extremely unlikely that I will be able to get you out of this entirely."
-
> "The Yama also ranks very highly, and I suspect had a lot more, shall we say, conviction, given what had just happened."
> Sigh again.
> "Would a reduced sentence be acceptable? I find it extremely unlikely that I will be able to get you out of this entirely."
>"As long as it's reduced past what I've already served," says Aya. She sighs. "You know what I mean."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "...If I do such a thing for you, you realize that I will no longer have any incentive or motivation to do anything else I have offered to do, correct?"
-
> Frown.
> "...If I do such a thing for you, you realize that I will no longer have any incentive or motivation to do anything else I have offered to do, correct?"
>"I can get information elsewhere," says Aya with a shrug, "But I don't have a lot of other choices for freedom."
>_
-
> "You also do not have a lot of other choices with getting a picture of yourself, as you yourself have admitted."
-
> "You also do not have a lot of other choices with getting a picture of yourself, as you yourself have admitted."
>"Yeah, but having a picture doesn't get me out of there," says Aya. "At least, if free, there's some chance I can get that."
>_
-
> "The one person you said could possibly do it is someone with whom you are disgusted to share oxygen. That does not sound very much like 'some chance' to me. Besides, do you really think I would send you off to turn yourself in without being secure in the knowledge that a picture of you existed?"
-
> "The one person you said could possibly do it is someone with whom you are disgusted to share oxygen. That does not sound very much like 'some chance' to me. Besides, do you really think I would send you off to turn yourself in without being secure in the knowledge that a picture of you existed?"
>"Maybe so," says Aya, "But it'd still be back in that cage and wouldn't be able to do anything. And while the odds of getting a picture are low, better low odds of that than no odds of freedom."
>_
-
> "The odds of freedom seem pretty good to me, given your incarceration had a time limit."
-
> "The odds of freedom seem pretty good to me, given your incarceration had a time limit."
>"Yeah, I only missed how many incidents, while that hack bumbled through like a blind yak?" says Aya.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "Well, I tried. My efforts not good enough, but there is nothing I can do about that. I can only hope your friend finds peace of mind some other way."
-
> Shrug.
> "Well, I tried. My efforts not good enough, but there is nothing I can do about that. I can only hope your friend finds peace of mind some other way."
>"So first you were talking like you were going to do it," says Aya, "And now you just changed your mind, huh? I thought a celestial would care about justice."
>_
-
> "I do, which is why I made this offer at all. Perhaps you noticed that nowhere in my offer did I gain anything other than the knowledge that you and Momizi were together again. But you seem to have no interest in justice for your friend, and I am not going to try to take you back there forcibly, so I am rather stuck."
-
> "I do, which is why I made this offer at all. Perhaps you noticed that nowhere in my offer did I gain anything other than the knowledge that you and Momizi were together again. But you seem to have no interest in justice for your friend, and I am not going to try to take you back there forcibly, so I am rather stuck."
>"Go with my plan, and my friend won't have anything to worry about," says Aya.
>_
-
> "And then where is Lord Tenma's justice, for having a high-ranking outsider tell him how to run his village a second time? Where is the Yama's justice, for the embarrassment and physical harm caused to her? Where is Bhava-Agra's justice, for the shame that will be brought down upon it for my abusing my position to shove my opinion into business that is not mine?"
-
> "And then where is Lord Tenma's justice, for having a high-ranking outsider tell him how to run his village a second time? Where is the Yama's justice, for the embarrassment and physical harm caused to her? Where is Bhava-Agra's justice, for the shame that will be brought down upon it for my abusing my position to shove my opinion into business that is not mine?"
>"The Yama got her justice who knows how many times over already, she's made me regret I didn't make as many prints as I could and spread them everywhere!" says Aya. "And for Lord Tenma, you'd be doing him a favor, practically! Not like he could talk back to the Yama without anyone else backing him."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "So you are in that 'artistry' for the potential malice, then?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "So you are in that 'artistry' for the potential malice, then?"
>"No, I just wish I did in retrospect," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Still, it seems to me that art would depreciate in value were it specifically used for blackmail or humiliation, or other directly malicious intent. And given how little appreciation there is for your art to begin with, I am surprised you would want to do anything that would encourage people to form more negative opinions about your motives."
-
> "Still, it seems to me that art would depreciate in value were it specifically used for blackmail or humiliation, or other directly malicious intent. And given how little appreciation there is for your art to begin with, I am surprised you would want to do anything that would encourage people to form more negative opinions about your motives."
>Aya waves a hand. "Don't worry about it. I probably won't bother. I don't have the resources to throw at it, really."
>_
-
> "Very well. Regardless, perhaps we should ask her if she feels justice has been served."
-
> "Very well. Regardless, perhaps we should ask her if she feels justice has been served."
>"I hope so," says Aya.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I hope so too. It would make many things a lot easier. But what if she does not feel that way? Who should then make the decision as to whether justice has been served or not?"
-
> Nod.
> "I hope so too. It would make many things a lot easier. But what if she does not feel that way? Who should then make the decision as to whether justice has been served or not?"
>"Not her," says Aya. "She's just in it to get even."
>_
-
> "Of course. Neither party directly involved will be a proper judge of when justice has been served, as they both have a very vested interest in the outcome, and will want what is best for them. This is presumably why Lord Tenma was asked to make a decision."
-
> "Of course. Neither party directly involved will be a proper judge of when justice has been served, as they both have a very vested interest in the outcome, and will want what is best for them. This is presumably why Lord Tenma was asked to make a decision."
>"Not like he could ignore a statement from the Yama, anyways..." says Aya.
>_
-
> "This is why I wish to do my own investigation, so I may draw my own conclusion. I may consult The August One for his opinion on the matter as well, should the situation prove to have too many shades of grey."
> "But while we dwell on that, there is perhaps something else to consider. I recall you saying that no patrol tengu is ever alone. Yet your friend was just that, when coming to see you earlier today, as much as you may not have believed me at the time. As near as I can tell, from the perspective of those in command of the patrol tengu, one of their soldiers skirted protocol to go off on their own investigation, an investigation into someone they are known to have associated with in the past. This soldier returned home with nothing to show for their efforts. What sort of reception do you think her superiors had waiting for her?"
-
> "This is why I wish to do my own investigation, so I may draw my own conclusion. I may consult The August One for his opinion on the matter as well, should the situation prove to have too many shades of grey."
> "But while we dwell on that, there is perhaps something else to consider. I recall you saying that no patrol tengu is ever alone. Yet your friend was just that, when coming to see you earlier today, as much as you may not have believed me at the time. As near as I can tell, from the perspective of those in command of the patrol tengu, one of their soldiers skirted protocol to go off on their own investigation, an investigation into someone they are known to have associated with in the past. This soldier returned home with nothing to show for their efforts. What sort of reception do you think her superiors had waiting for her?"
>"Assuming she's gone home," says Aya. "Wouldn't surprise me if she were still hunting around in the woods, or maybe got caught up in whatever Scarlet Devil Mansion's up to, who knows? But yeah, I see what you're saying."
>_
-
> "And why do you think she chose to break protocol and intentionally put herself at a disadvantage against the escaped convict when she had information about the escapee's whereabouts, instead of gathering a large group of patrol tengu to try to surround the escapee and prevent them from getting away again?"
-
> "And why do you think she chose to break protocol and intentionally put herself at a disadvantage against the escaped convict when she had information about the escapee's whereabouts, instead of gathering a large group of patrol tengu to try to surround the escapee and prevent them from getting away again?"
>"Look, I know, alright?" says Aya, giving you a look. "This is all easy for you to say, you don't have to actually deal with the consequences!"
>_
-
> "Of course I don't. But she will, when she returns empty-handed. And yet she made that choice anyway."
-
> "Of course I don't. But she will, when she returns empty-handed. And yet she made that choice anyway."
>"I know, shut up," says Aya.
>_
-
> Mental check: how long did Gensokyo disappear for? About six months?
-
> Mental check: how long did Gensokyo disappear for? About six months?
>A bit over three.
>_
-
> "I suppose you could even turn the entire situation around and make her a hero. Wouldn't that be something to stick in the Yama's craw? That you took her attempt to get revenge on you and make it a positive for your friend. I'd bet Miss Himekaidou would have less to needle you with that way, too."
-
> "I suppose you could even turn the entire situation around and make her a hero. Wouldn't that be something to stick in the Yama's craw? That you took her attempt to get revenge on you and make it a positive for your friend. I'd bet Miss Himekaidou would have less to needle you with that way, too."
>"Hm..." says Aya. "That I could..."
>_
-
> "I will also tell you I am reasonably confident that, should you decide to return, I could at least get your sentence reduced by three months. Do you recall a very realistic dream a while ago, where you may have been in the outside world?"
-
> "I will also tell you I am reasonably confident that, should you decide to return, I could at least get your sentence reduced by three months. Do you recall a very realistic dream a while ago, where you may have been in the outside world?"
>She nods. "Yeah. It's interesting, but no one has any idea why it happened. I was furious at first for missing it, but it seems like a dead thing these days."
>_
-
> "I don't know what happened, either, but I can tell you, with great certainty, that something happened. All of Gensokyo vanished for three months, leaving nothing but an ocean."
-
> "I don't know what happened, either, but I can tell you, with great certainty, that something happened. All of Gensokyo vanished for three months, leaving nothing but an ocean."
>She raises an eyebrow. "Huh. Wonder why no one else remembers that?"
>_
-
>"Bhava-Agra did not vanish. It was in its proper place, even while Gensokyo was not. Whatever happened, we were not a part of it."
-
> "As a result it seems like everyone in Gensokyo at the time thinks it was a dream. The rest of us on the outside, we just saw a whole bunch of nothing for several months. I do not know what caused it, and I doubt I ever will, as The Dragon has decided it is not worth discussing."
-
> "As a result it seems like everyone in Gensokyo at the time thinks it was a dream. The rest of us on the outside, we just saw a whole bunch of nothing for several months. I do not know what caused it, and I doubt I ever will, as The Dragon has decided it is not worth discussing."
>"Mmm," says Aya. "Very interesting, but what does this have to do with me?"
>_
-
> Teasing smile. "I would have expected a cunning reporter such as yourself to catch on: it means that you have already served three months of your sentence, even if you did not realize it. The Yama would have to accept this, even if she was also a part of the dream."
> Has Aya regained her vision, yet?
-
> Teasing smile. "I would have expected a cunning reporter such as yourself to catch on: it means that you have already served three months of your sentence, even if you did not realize it. The Yama would have to accept this, even if she was also a part of the dream."
> Has Aya regained her vision, yet?
>"Yeah, it just seems difficult to prove."
>Aya's eyes seem fine now.
>_
-
> "Whomever is skeptical is welcome to ask any celestial they like about it. Except for Tenshi, as she was caught in whatever it was."
-
> Just checking, but Shikieiki can tell if someone's telling the truth without fail, correct?
-
> "Whomever is skeptical is welcome to ask any celestial they like about it. Except for Tenshi, as she was caught in whatever it was."
>Aya nods.
> Just checking, but Shikieiki can tell if someone's telling the truth without fail, correct?
>You don't understand the Yama's capabilities in detail, but you know that she has some way of telling falsehoods. How fallible it is, or whether you can trick it, is another issue.
>_
-
> "So, given that, I can certainly talk with Lord Tenma, and I'm fairly certain I can get three months knocked off. I obviously cannot make any guarantees on any level, though."
-
> "So, given that, I can certainly talk with Lord Tenma, and I'm fairly certain I can get three months knocked off. I obviously cannot make any guarantees on any level, though."
>She nods.
>_
-
> "I..."
> Shrug.
> "...am rather out of ideas otherwise, to be honest. Largely because I cannot think of anything else you might want. You will be reunited with your fried, your actions will earn her merit, you will get a picture of yourself, you have been given the opportunity to get a picture of at least one other important name, you will have the chance to show up both the Yama and your rival...I do not intent to trivialize your life, but if there is more to you than this, I am not familiar with it."
-
> "I..."
> Shrug.
> "...am rather out of ideas otherwise, to be honest. Largely because I cannot think of anything else you might want. You will be reunited with your fried, your actions will earn her merit, you will get a picture of yourself, you have been given the opportunity to get a picture of at least one other important name, you will have the chance to show up both the Yama and your rival...I do not intent to trivialize your life, but if there is more to you than this, I am not familiar with it."
>"I haven't had much of anything to actually be interested in for the past year and a half," says Aya. "Why do you think I'm so desperate to get out? Just...do what you can, okay?"
>_
-
> "Of course."
-
> "Of course."
>"Right. You don't need me to go back to do some of those things," says Aya. "So where should we meet at? I think Mystia's is not an option now."
>_
-
> "Hmm. Could you perhaps hang around the forest near the home of the new girls from the outside world? Somewhere in view of it, at least. Perhaps not right at their front door, though; I think I have imposed on them for long enough."
-
> "Hmm. Could you perhaps hang around the forest near the home of the new girls from the outside world? Somewhere in view of it, at least. Perhaps not right at their front door, though; I think I have imposed on them for long enough."
>Aya nods. "I can do that."
>_
-
> "Excellent. Now, my brain has been completely addled these past two days, and I have had a tendency to not understand agreements properly, making false assumptions about what will and will not happen. Not to further rub in anything unpleasant, but can you detail for me exactly what we have agreed to do, outside of our meeting tomorrow morning?"
> "Though, if Momizi came along right now and shanked us both, that would solve a lot of problems."
-
> Quicksave
-
> "Though, if Momizi came along right now and shanked us both, that would solve a lot of problems."
>"That will be my pleasure," says Rinnosuke as he opens the door and and shanks you.
> Quicksave
>Too late!