Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 3, Part 2

[Oldmansour]

>Smile back
>"It is that. I have many friends here whom I cherish greatly and I am sure your daughter will be able to find likewise, if she wishes."

>How long ago was this war, anyway?

>The war she is referring to is almost certainly the second Lunarian war, which ended 41 years ago.
>"I know she would like it if she could count you among that number, Miss Hijiri. And you as well, Miss Kaenbyou." she adds after a brief breath.
>Rin's ears twitch a little. "Just Rin'll be fine."

[DracoOmega]

>"I will certainly do what I can to help her feel welcome and at home here."

[Oldmansour]

>"I will certainly do what I can to help her feel welcome and at home here."

>Kanako nods. "I believe I would like that, myself."

>Rin's ears twitches and she glances back towards the door you entered from. Mistress, I'm hearin' a lotta voices from back dat way.

[DracoOmega]

>Is there something unusual about them?
>Can we hear anything ourselves?

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>Can you make out what they're saying?

[Oldmansour]

>Is there something unusual about them?
>Can we hear anything ourselves?

>Can you make out what they're saying?

>You can hear a faint noise, now that you stop to listen.
>Can't tell yet. Dat flute's messing up my high range hearin'. Dere's about a dozen or so, I can tell dat much. And dey sound kinda excited.

[DracoOmega]

>Excited in a good way or a bad one?

[Oldmansour]

>Excited in a good way or a bad one?

>Good. I think. Give me a second here.

>"Is something the matter, Rin?" Kanako asks her suddenly.
>"The matter? Why?" the kasha blurts, surprised.
>Kanako points to Orin's head. "Your ears appear to be twitching."
>Rin's hand flashes to one of her ears. "You noticed?"
>"I've spent a great deal of time around animal youkai. I'm quite practiced at spotting little details such as that."
>Rin points towards the rear door. "I think I head somethin' like a crowd formin' back there."
>"Perhaps a ceremonial procession?"
>With a shake of her head, Rin replies, "They sound kinda excited for a ceremony."
>Sanae's mother makes a thoughtful noise, then stands (you note one of her knees popping quite sharply as she does so) and walks back towards the doors in question.

[DracoOmega]

>Well, we may as well wander over and take a look ourselves then

[Oldmansour]

>Well, we may as well wander over and take a look ourselves then

>Following Kanako's example, you rise from your seat and head towards the door yourself, the sound growing as you approach. Glancing behind, you find Rin following you as well.
>Kanako slides the door, and the site that greets you is somewhat unexpected, but not altogether surprising. At least a dozen white and red garbed mikos have gathered in the antechamber, several of them carrying books, or scraps of paper, and one carrying a calender. Even from here, you can recognize it as the calender you shot with Rin.
>The tall woman slides the door shut again, the hint of a smile playing upon her lips as she looks back in your direction. "Fans of yours?"

[DracoOmega]

>Frown slightly
>"I, um... I do believe they may be, yes."

[Oldmansour]

>Frown slightly
>"I, um... I do believe they may be, yes."

>Rin's face switches from a slightly concerned frown to a big grin. "Sorry fer not tellin' ya, Mistress." she jerks her thumb back towards the flute-playing shrine maiden. "Couldn't make out details over that."

[DracoOmega]

>"Oh, that's quite alright. I guess Nora must have spread word."

[Oldmansour]

>"Oh, that's quite alright. I guess Nora must have spread word."

>"Girls will talk." Kanako says sagely. "It's as true in a shrine as it is in school." She smiles in your direction. "Sanae mentioned you were something of a celebrity. I see she was correct."

[DracoOmega]

>"Sometimes I am not fully sure why, but... if I can bring a smile to these people's days from time to time, then I suppose it cannot be all bad."

[Oldmansour]

>"Sometimes I am not fully sure why, but... if I can bring a smile to these people's days from time to time, then I suppose it cannot be all bad."

>"You are not sure why?" Kanako seems puzzled.
>Rin walks up to stand next to you. "Dat's one of her good points, Yasaka-san. She don't know how good she really is."

[DracoOmega]

>Smile a little sheepishly
>"So I have been told more than once."

[Oldmansour]

>Smile a little sheepishly
>"So I have been told more than once."

>Kanako looks at you analytically. "Is this sort of attention unwelcome to you?" she asks, indicating the closed door behind her.

[DracoOmega]

>"I... do not think I would use that word, though we all have times when we'd rather others pay us less attention. Perhaps it is more that I simply do not feel I deserve this kind of adulation; I have only tried to be a kind and decent person to those around me and help others in what small ways I can. These are things that any of us can do."

[Oldmansour]

>"I... do not think I would use that word, though we all have times when we'd rather others pay us less attention. Perhaps it is more that I simply do not feel I deserve this kind of adulation; I have only tried to be a kind and decent person to those around me and help others in what small ways I can. These are things that any of us can do."

>Kanako chuckles wryly. "I see what you mean, Rin." The kasha's ears twitch appreciatively. "If you wish, Miss Hijiri," she continues, "I can try to disperse the crowd before you leave. If you'd rather not face them."

[DracoOmega]

>"Thank you, but no. They came here with innocent enthusiasm and I should hardly wish to send them back disappointed. I can sign a few more things tonight."

[Oldmansour]

>"Thank you, but no. They came here with innocent enthusiasm and I should hardly wish to send them back disappointed. I can sign a few more things tonight."

>Kanako nods, approvingly. "Though, speaking of enthusiasm, there is one thing I would be re-missed if I did not mention. Are you presently employed?"

[DracoOmega]

>"I do some casual work with a modelling agency, actually, though things have been a bit busy for me lately."

[Oldmansour]

>"I do some casual work with a modelling agency, actually, though things have been a bit busy for me lately."

>"If you meet my wife, I believe she will attempt to recruit you. If I may, you are a very lovely young woman, and she has a soft spot for Sanae's friends. And that goes for you as well, Rin."
>The kasha blinks, then shakes her head. "I've actually got a job."
>Kanako grins. "That doesn't always stop my Suwako from trying."

[DracoOmega]

>"I appreciate the offer nonetheless."

[Oldmansour]

>"I appreciate the offer nonetheless."

>"It was worth mentioning. Suwako can be somewhat aggressive when it comes to chasing talent. Or doing right by Sanae's friends."
>The mystery of the crowd settled, Kanako moves back towards her seat.
>Rin's voice comes into your mind, Didn't mean ta get you worried like that, Mistress. But with all this demon stuff, I guess I just jumped the gun, got worried for nothin'.

[DracoOmega]

>That is quite alright. It is better to err on the side of vigilance than otherwise, I think, and no harm is done.
>"Well, perhaps I should not leave them waiting too much longer now."
>Let's go open those doors and face the fans

[Oldmansour]

>That is quite alright. It is better to err on the side of vigilance than otherwise, I think, and no harm is done.
>"Well, perhaps I should not leave them waiting too much longer now."
>Let's go open those doors and face the fans

>Orin nods soberly.
>Kanako gives you a surprisingly jaunty wave. "I hope to see you again, Miss Hijiri, Rin."

>The noise of the crowd appears to have settled a bit during this exchange between yourself and Kanako, which you find yourself slightly grateful for, but also a bit curious about. Rin opens the door for you, and you see what might be the source of the order. Haruka has placed herself at the head of the crowd, and the tall, broad shouldered woman makes a somewhat imposing figure, even with her wings folded across her body. The crowd before her contains approximately fifteen young girls, ranging in visible age from 19-27, and while most of them are clad in the red and white uniform of the miko, two young girls and wearing more 'civilian' apparel.
>A rather short blonde miko at the front of the crowd is the first one that spots you, her brown eyes lighting up, and her empty hands pointing you out to the crowd. The buzz of voices becomes distinctly more pronounced, but there is no dramatic surge forward, like other celebrities might have garnered.

[Hello Purvis]

>Appproach that crowd, keep smooth and causal.
>"Does anyone have a pen I may use?"
>What months do we and Rin occupy on the calender?

[Oldmansour]

>Appproach that crowd, keep smooth and causal.
>"Does anyone have a pen I may use?"
>What months do we and Rin occupy on the calender?

>Amidst a hushed chorus of 'It's really her!' 'She's taller in person' 'She's bigger in person' 'Is that the cat?' mutterings and whispers, you step out of the chamber of the flame to face your 'faithful' fans. Unsurprisingly, you see a number of blushing and shy faces among them.
>A tall, cool-looking miko with long, straight dark purple hair steps forward as others rustle about and search their clothes, and extends a black ballpoint pen out to you. Despite the faint flush under her eyes, she seems much more composed than the most of the others.
>February, August, October and December. There was a modicum of discontent about a relative newcomer such as yourself getting a solo spread of December, the christmas month, but Aya insisted. She believed you were the best fit for the best costume available for that spread. She doesn't play favourites.