>Retrieve the items
>"All right Miss Kazami. Thank you for your consideration regarding my travels through your garden."
>Give a small bow...
>Nod
>"I shall, Miss Kazami."
>Would it be rude to take flight to depart, so as to not upset the flowers?
>Then take to hovering height, high enough to not interfere with the flowers in any way, as we head towards Kari
>Return the bow.
>"I'm sorry for this interruption, we may resume with our schedule."
>Examine ourselves.
>Look back to Yuuka, then move towards the yak.
>"Shall we ?"
>Take her hand and hop on.
>"Thank you."
>Nod towards her with a smile.
>"Miss Kazami has permitted the two trips the Yama has offered me with your aid, incidentally. You don't have to fear traveling that route."
>Why were we going here again?
>Adopt a softer expression
>"I'm sorry that that happened."
>Put a hand on Kari's shoulder
>So do we know where we're going in order to find this kappa?
>Which edge of town are we on?
>Do we have that letter at ready in our pocket ?
>Can we see anything that resembles a barn ?
>Raise an eyebrow, then move towards that barn with Kari.
>Have a look around, anyone nearby ? Maybe the kappa is outside.
>Move to the mat and examine the door and doorwall.
>If we don't find anything to call someone, knock on it.
>What was the kappa's name again ?
> "Pardon me. You are Mitsu, yes?"
>Look a bit confused for a moment then relax.
>"There's nothing to be sorry about Miss Mitsu, the name is Sakuya Izayoi, former head-maid of the now extinct Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>Present the letter.
>"Lady Kanako has directed me towards you saying that you could aid me in my task."
>Raise an eyebrow.
>"Huh ? What do you mean by 'that' ? Is it some kind of special thing you worked on ?"
> "What is it?"
>"She said it was something about moving through this new Gensokyo faster..."
> Glance back at Kari, then look to Mitsu again.
> "That depends. How much access will I have to it, in terms of coming and going as I please?"
>"And how quickly can this air chariot go ? Say... how long would it take to move from here to the Golden Lake ?"
> How far was it from the Misty Lake to the Human Village in our time?
> Where were the other Myouren Temple regulars from our time? A Nazrin and a Kyouko?
> How long was the current Hijiri Temple event going to take?
> Is the Hakurei Shrine near 'an open field'?
> "Ah, sorry, I have a lot to consider now with this opportunity. Were we to go to Haihan, you would wait for me there until my business was concluded?"
> Where are the Hakurei Shrine and Misty Lake relative to the Human Village?
> Which one is further away from the Human Village?
> "Mmm...in that case, I think I will be back here in a bit. The possibility of visiting Haihan is very intriguing, but I am afraid I need to visit the Golden Lake and the Hakurei Shrine first, at the very least."
> "Very well. I shall return as soon as I can, then. My apologies for disturbing you thus."
> Look to Kari.
> "Kari, I would like to visit the Golden Lake next. If possible, I would like to get as close to where the Scarlet Devil Mansion once stood as you are able."
> Was Kari at least within hearing distance of our request? Or did we not bother making it?
> "I shall see you later, then."
> Depart Mitsu's front step and head back to Kari.
> "Kari, I would like to visit the Golden Lake next. If possible, I would like to get as close to where the Scarlet Devil Mansion once stood as you are able."
> Take her hand and get on board!
> Given we recognize a few of the shores and a few of the streams, could we tell where the mansion was, relative to the lake?
> Look to Kari.
> "Thank you for your assistance, and my apologies for all of my complaining."
> "Farewell, and best of luck. I imagine we won't see each other again, as unfortunate as that may sound on the surface."
> Look mildly shocked, but take it.
> "Thank you."
> "Here."
> Pull out a knife non-threateningly and offer it handle-first to Kari.
> Give a somewhat bemused smile.
> "This is admittedly a bit more...well, dangerous than a bell, but it has more or less become my signature."
> Curtsey.
> "It has been a pleasure."
> Hop off the yak.
> Look back to the Golden Lake.
> Using the familiar banks and streams as guidance, take flight and head to where our home should be.
>Can we see anything like stones ? Or vegetation smaller than the other parts surrounding it ?
>Follow that smoke!
> Head toward the tent, then.
> Land, if we haven't already.
> "I am somewhat surprised that you expected me at all. I didn't think my old home would leave someone to wait for me."
> Begin walking toward the person. Do they look familiar?
> "No one yet."
>How spread is it ?
>How about it's height ? And can we dodge it fast enough by taking to the air again ?
>Take flight upwards while backing off to add some discmtance and with that, time.
>Prepare our own danmaku, but hold fire for now.
>"Who would that be ? And i have more important things to do, i'm not letting myself be prisoner of some unknown person that is on my former home's ruins."
>Do we have our spellcards on us ?
>Every danmaku pattern we fire means one less Knife to use correct ?
>Presumably we can recollect our knives without too much trouble post-battle if the situation clears up?already answered
>Knife count
>We can only stop time for so long at once, but how long does it take between stops to "rest" the ability?
>Throw the knife in a basic spread. We can't give her free reign to lay on more pressure before we figure a proper battle plan.
>Maneuver over (or around/through if that's simpler) the next ring of danmaku as necessary.
>Can we stop time long enough to prepare two spreads from each side that go towards her in a pattern kinda like this ?
* Stars are where we
O will fire from, circle is
* the opponent.
>Weave through the remaining of this wave and prepare for the next one.
>Fire another spread to keep on with the pressure.
>Can we avoid this wave better by going vertically somehow ? If so do it.
>"This isn't necessary you know, ceasing this fight and going for a more diplomatic option would be wise in my opinion, i'm willing to hear what you have to say."
>Do so, going also to the right, if it's getting too risky, stop time for a second or two.
>Prepare to make the attack we planned earlier.
>Could we realistically manage to stop time and get behind her to throw a knife, before it ran out?
>Stop time and prepare the two spreads towards her, so they converge slightly and take her by surprise ideally.
>If we can afterwards, resume time once we are in a favorable position to dodge.
>Once resumed prepare to take action and examine the other two rings (If we avoided the first).
>A relatively safe distance with about 6 or 5 seconds to dodge her danmaku, while trying to avoid staying on the path of any of the first danmaku ring projectiles.
>Then how about 3.33 secs ? Can that be done ?
>Then go with our plan and do so with that idea of time.
>Is the path towards her now clear with the rings gone and her new danmaku spawning farther away?
>If so, get closer. Just enough that if we stopped time we could have a couple seconds up close to her for short-range danmaku that might finish this off.
>Don't completely forget to check on the danmaku, tho'!
>!!!
>How long until she hits us do we have ?
>Wait until there's enough space between Juza and the doppelganger that a person could be inbetween them without being at "can immediately be punched" range of either, moving backwards if necessary.
>Then, stop time and run past the doppel, getting into said space between them and throwing however many spreads of knives at Juzawe can manage without exhausting ourselves, (up to 4 or 5) before unstopping time. If we can throw more than 2 than make one of them a stream directly at her; otherwise just try to cover space so she can't get out of the way in time.
>Once time unstops, be prepared to evade the doppel soon.
>...of course, if it doesn't seem like there's enough space, or that it'd be too hard to get into it and attack within the span of a timestop, just try to put some distance between the doppel whilst we think of a different plan.
Uuuuuum, Purvis i think you forgot to write what happened.
>Can we do a quick focused burst towards her ?
>Do said burst and then move away to the right.
>...well, hopefully finishing off the spellcard will cause it's danmaku to disperse? Go ahead and do the burst whilst checking for any openings to slip out of.
>Quickly finish her off before the double comes in and ruins our day- be prepared in case it doesn't disappear entirely/fast enough and we still have to dodge, though.
>Knife count?
>Hold fire, but stand ready.
>"Are you willing to end this unnecessary battle now ? I do not wish to harm you, yet i won't let anyone interfere with my duties, especially one like this."
>Oof. Let's try to end this before it starts... and to save some knives. Stop time and throw several (up to four) streams of knives directly at her, then unstop.
>Begin moving away whilst observing both her and the results of the attack.
>Quickly fire more focused bursts and then back away to see what the figure will do now.
>Depending on the orientation of the line, either go sideways past it, or fly over it.
>Are the arrowheads going to come near us or are they just stopping us from getting too close?
>When not too preoccupied dodging, let loose knife steam(s) at Juza if we can.
!!!!!
>are there trees nearby that we can hide behind?
>Use minimal movement while firing more bursts towards her, until the danmaku is close enough for it to be a imediate need to dodge.
>Which of the danmaku will arrive at what order ?
>Use focused speed until the projectiles enter critical range, the make a swift dash to the right and then fowards to throw another knife burst.
>Can we use danmaku that's not knife-based as to save up on those ?
>Can we find any cracks on the streams ?
>Fire two more bursts while we have time then retreat and focus back on small movements and waiting dor the next big chunk of danmaku.
>Is our time stop ready again ?
>Knife count.
I know, i was just checking, it's more of a backup plan.
>How far does the stream go ? Can we avoid it if we go forward ?
>Prepare a burst of knifes just in case.
>The green wave is aimed at us, correct? Start/continue moving to the side just enough to stay away from it.
>Fire streams of knives at Juza once we feel safe that we're not gonna get hit in the immediate future.
>Dash as far to the right as we safely can, stay there until the waves are being shot at this new spot, and then start slowly dodging them left.
>Assuming success in that, does it seem like the other waves will be out of the way (or at least sparse enough to dodge) before we're shoved back into them? If safe, it's knifing time again.
>How much can we endure in danmaku terms ?
>Can we go through those gaps in time before they close ?
>Prepare to unleash another two bursts of knifes.
>Then quickly advance there, if it doesn't seem like we'll make it, stop time for just one or two seconds to add in some extra distance.
>Once we're through let loose the two bursts of knifes on her.
>Fire two more bursts of knifes.
>How many knifes would be retrievable if we used a time stop with half of our power/stamina/max limit for it ?
>Concentrate on the dodging for now, slipping into the gaps.
>Throw up to one knife per wave if we've got a second between them, otherwise just do a couple after we've dodged them all.
>Look for the gaps in each wave before they descend upon us and get into place ahead of time.
>Are the waves going to intersect eachother? E.g. are the shots actually going to mess with our ability to get through the gaps? If so, it'd be a matter of judging whether rush forward and get through -before- the shot goes in, or waiting until after it passes.
>Then there shouldn't be an issue with slipping into a gap in the start and sidestepping through the rest of the waves? Hopefully, at least.
>Then execute this plan of action!
>Quickly judge whether there's more space to the right or left (if any significant difference) and move just as much as necessary in that direction for each wave to get out of the way.
>Then two more streams of knives.
>First, we've already got the knives prepared, so fire away before we concentrate on dodging this.
>Moving AWAY from the bullets, let's dash (to the left? I don't get how we move left and they force us rightward? JUST MOVE AWAY FROM THEM THIS TIME) a good distance away, and then start dodging back in the direction we came from now that the aimed bursts have been redirected. This should give us enough space to dodge the waves even with the bursts coming, we just have to keep moving away from the bursts instead of weaving back and forth.
>If we've still got some time before the wave descends on us. just work on emptying our knifestock into her before things get any more hectic.
It's okay <3
>Continue to dodge each burst in the direction we've been going... even if it's gonna be slightly trickier with the waves... try to dodge one burst and one wave at a time unless their speeds are too different. Just keep moving slowly in that direction in time with the bursts and waves.
>Alright, we got this. Go ahead and dodge the rest of the waves before getting out our knives... if possible try to just keep firing until the card is done, continuing to dodge bursts as necessary. It can't have much more right?!
>Even more of a sign that it's about time to finish it. Restreaming would be... more difficult than normal. Start firing knives as we dodge, then.
>Try to regather some of our knives as Juza is busy reeling. Go ahead and timestop to help gather more quickly, we don't know what's gonna happen.
>"After we settle this fight, i would like some explaining about all this."
>Get ready !
>Are they welding any weapons?
>Retreat while firing a quick burst of knifes.
>How long until they arrive ?
>Since they`re drawing swords, could we use our knives to block a hit or counterattack if we had no way to dodge ?
Oh shit.
> Throw some knifes at the duplicates while moving to the side of the battlefield.
>Why don't we ever just stop time, walk up, and stab whoever we are fighting in the neck?
>Does it seem like the duplicates will strike at the same time ? Or in different intervals ?
>Does it seem like the duplicates will strike at the same time ? Or in different intervals ?
> How tall are they compared to us?
> How many knives do we have at this juncture?
>Fire a spread pattern at the two duplicates coming towards us, but compensate for the distance they`ll travel on their path while the knives are on their way.
>Be cautious about the other duplicates.
> Are the two clones that came right for us raising their swords to strike again?
> Could we fit between the two clones in front of us if we flew straight forward? Or would we collide with at least one?
> Zoom straight forward, toward our opponent.
>Throw some more Knifes at her, while the taking a quick glance behind us.
>How long do we have until their strike ?
> So we now have one pair coming at us from behind and one pair coming at us from ahead?
> Are there any other bullets in this attack, or is it just clones?
> Left
> Run forward directly toward her, firing off another knife attack.
> Are the duplicates moving faster than we are?
>Can we do so and still be able to keep putting pressure on her spellcard ?
> If we started circling to the left using her as a center, would that run us face-first into one of the second set of clones?
>Are they all on the same plane as us, or are any of them significantly above or below us?
>Fire as many knife burst as we can while moving just enough so that it doesn`t affect our aim much.
>Once some of the figures get close enough, make a swift dash upwards so that they pass right through us.
> What if we started circling to the right? Does that come with the same problems are circling to the left?
> Begin circling to the right, then, firing off another knife in her direction while running.
> Hmm...it seems that the clones track us until they're a set small distance away from us, at which point they commit to their current direction and slash.
> If we continue circling in this manner, will we eventually run face-first into a clone?
> Continue circling for the time being, then, firing off another knife attack.
>How close is it ?
>How quickly can we dash upwards ? Momentum wise ?
> From which direction is the first set coming?
> At our current paces, how long will it take the third set to reach us?
> How many knives do we have left?
> Are there any clones currently directly between us and Juza?
>How long can we maintain time still at our current strength ?
>How much time would we have to wait for our power to recover enough to do so later ? In case something doesn`t go as planned ?
> Are Juza's hands anywhere near her sword, or are they full of that scroll of hers?
> Pivot and charge in directly at Juza, firing off another knife attack.
> Where's the second set?
> Is the first set now moving away from us, or have they adjusted to move parallel to us?
>Swiftly fire another round of knifes, two if it feels like we have enough time.
>Once that is done take a quickly glance on the shades that are chasing us.
>A shade or her actual self ?
>Does it seem like we can beat momentum ?
>Are physical attacks allowed in Danmaku battles ?
>Stop right in front of her, then stop time briefly so we get some momentum going upwards.
>While doing so, if we can prepare another knife burst.
>You come to a halt in front of Juza and pause time. You make your way upward, and have time to leave a few knives around her.>Throw the knifes!
>_
>Throw the knifes!
>They`re already thrown, so let`s just resume time and keep going above, now we must focus in dodging in case this doesn`t suffice.
>Kick her in the back of the knee for extra good measure.
>Kick her in the back of the knee for extra good measure.
> Don't do this, it's shameful and inelegant. We have a reputation to uphold and a house to represent.
> Turn back around to check the damage, though.
> Quickly dart our eyes around for retrievable knives.
> "An impressive display, but I'm afraid I cannot fail in my mission. Who are you, anyway?"
> Begin wandering around and retrieving our knives while conversing.
> "Well met, Juza. I am Sakuya Izayoi, head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. May I ask why you are camping out near the site of my old home?"
> Lady Teru? Have we heard about anyone with the name Teru?
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Lady Teru? Would this be the Mikoto Teru I have heard about since arriving here?"
> "Hmm, interesting. I suppose that leaves the question of what to do with you in the immediate on top of why you were at this location in particular."
> "Really? Is she pursuing any old thing, or something in particular?"
> How's that knife retrieval coming?
> "I see. I suppose I cannot blame someone for wanting to retrieve Lady Patchouli's work, as much as I must admit most of it was far over my head."
> "There is someone guarding this land from intruders?"
> Have a quick look to the east. Do we see stairs over that way, or anything else notable?
> Stairs and down below...perhaps Flandre's room?
> Bring our eyes back to our retrieval task at hand.
> "I see. Interesting. What can you tell me about this guardian? It is my understanding that everyone that lived here has moved on in one fashion or another."
> Could that be a construct of Patchouli's?
> "How curious. I will have to investigate this myself. But that aside, what are you going to do now?"
> "A shame. You're not going to join me at all?"
> Speaking of, do we have 'em all back yet?
> "I meant after the rest, of course."
> "That's unfortunate. Because what I've heard about her doesn't really endear me to the idea of just allowing you to return like that."
> Inventory
> "So, if you won't keep me company, the question of what to do with you still remains."
> How physically strong are we? Does Juza look reasonably carry-able?
> "Hm. Perhaps some collateral would keep you here while I investigate those stairs."
> Frown deeply for a few seconds.
> "...Hmph. I must be going soft in my alleged old age."
> Leave Juza where she sits and head toward the potential edge of a hole to the east.
> Head down the stairs cautious of the wooden monster.
>Are we aware of the story of Beowulf at all?
> Are we capable of creating light?
> Head back out over to Juza.
> Visually inspect her person for a torch or other light-generating device.
> Is the fire still going?
> Grab one of the touches, light it up using the campfire, and head back down the stairs.
> North, with caution.
> What part of our home could this possibly be?
> Continue onward.
> "Who disturbs my home?"
> Stand our ground. We won't be chased out of our home.
> "I am Sakuya Izayoi! Head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion! If you are a construct of Lady Patchouli Knowledge, I request you let me pass!"
> How wide is the tunnel? Could we jump to the side without plowing shoulder-first into the wall?
> Jump to the left to avoid getting grabbed!
> Duck!
>Can we do a slide dash under it to the other side ?
>From which direction is the hand coming from ?
>Would a side step get us out of it`s way ?
>Any spots that could be weakpoints ?
>Stop Time
>Don`t stop time just yet.
>How about moving or flying backwards ?
>How quickly is the arm/hand coming towards us ?
>How long would it take for us to stand back up again, in order to get a better choice of movement ?
>Reluctantly stop time just enough so that we can get some breathing space, then resume and keep an eye on the construct`s actions.
>How about getting behind the construct ? How much taxing would it be on our magic ?
>Do so and take a quick look on it's back, maybe we can find a weakpoint.
>After having a look resume time.
>Examine the direction it came from. Maybe we can just get past it, or find a better fighting spot further in...
edit:well actually we can't really examine in darkness
>Get some distance between us and it by moving in said direction, deeper into the tunnel.
> Fly toward the chamber! Don't run, footfalls will give away our location quicker than the light will.
> Does this look like the library?
> Do the dolls look like Alice's dolls?
> Take a quick look behind us.
> Mentally snicker at Juza. Some scout! Couldn't even get this far.
> Turn back around.
> Head to and through the archway on the other side of the room.
> Are there any more doorways or archways or openings to other rooms?
> Inspect the bookcases in the corner.
> Search around for a potential source of cold.
> Can we squeeze into the opening? Or would we need to move the bookcase out of the way?
> Try to push (or pull, whichever is more appropriate) the bookcase away from the opening enough that we can fit through.
> If we are successful, head through the opening.
> A black gown and steepled hat...could this be Marisa's body, having aged as humans do...?
> "Ah...I see..."
> Inspect each of the three coffins up close.
> Jerk our head in that direction quickly!
> Raise an eyebrow, but otherwise take on a calm and neutral expression.
> "Alice?"
> "It has been several hundred years, Alice. At least five, I understand."
> Frown.
> "Something seems strange. Are you all right?"
> Blink.
> "That is impressively precise."
> "I see. I suppose I should just come out and say it, then. Something is off about you, Alice."
> "Well, perhaps we can start with why you appear to be more or less the same as you were back then, when Lady Patchouli has demonstrated rather clearly that the magician lifespan is not too terribly long. Ah, I do not mean to sound accusatory, I am merely curious."
>Nod.
>"A sound idea."
>Follow !
> "It has apparently done a fantastic job off keeping out a scout from a potentially-hostile force. I must admit I would have been in serious trouble were I not able to slip around it using my unique talents."
> "So what is it you have done with yourself, anyway?"
> "...Huh. ...Does that count as dying or not dying?"
> "I suppose that means that Reisen has passed on, then."
> "Right, of course. What precisely are you doing down here, anyway?"
> "And, if I may ask a personal question about your work, what purpose do Lady Patchouli and the body whom I am guessing is Marisa serve toward this?"
> "I'm afraid I don't understand."
>Put on a curious look.
>"So you intend to cheat death basically ? For all of you three ?"
> "How would you even get them back, anyway? The Yama confirmed having seen them both."
>Frown.
>"Yes, i doubt that the Yama would allow such thing to happen like this, i myself had to visit her due to my... unorthodox situation."
>"A dangerous game.... but it`s not like i have any opinion on that, i have no right to interfere on your work, especially since i should be in this time."
>Have a mild look of enlightment.
>"Speaking of that, i almost forgot why i came here, i`ve come to acquire an object that dates to that moment in the past when i dissappeared, i suppose you might have something of the likes ?"
> "That is a good question. I am still not sure what party is responsible. All I know is that some outside force threw me forward in time on the day of the explosion in the library. I passed out while trying to rescue Keine Kamishirasawa from a falling bookcase, and woke up this morning in a forest far to the south of here. But I at least have a plan for returning to my proper time, which involves retrieving an item from my time."
> "At least, so Ran Yakumo tells me."
> "Certainly. If you wish me to deliver a message to your past selves, I would be glad to do so, as long as it would not disrupt the future too much."
>Give her a confused look.
>"A favor ? What would that be ?"
> "Where would I find this research?"
> ...Is it possible that this Alice body is a doll's body?
> "And you keep them down here, I presume?"
> How much do we know about a Magician's Club meeting thingy in our time?
> Do we know who is involved?
> "May I add a stipulation? You may do as you wish with yourself, and, presumably, Marisa and Lady Patchouli. But given what has happened to their bloodline, I would prefer your past self not interfere with the outside world kids in this particular regard."
> Nod.
> "Then our agreement is made."
> What exactly were the requirements for the two remaining ingredients for our trip back home?
> "I need two more things for Ran to be able to send me to my proper time. One is to gather the echoes of whatever force sent me here in the first place. I will need to stand as close as possibly to the spot where I vanished to do this; she has provided me a tool that will gather these echoes for me. The other is any object that has existed since my time, a sort of antique. Whatever object this is will be 'lost' in the process of sending me home. If you can offer me one or both of these things, it would be much appreciated."
> "Does anything remain of the library that would make it obvious where to stand?"
> "It would be appreciated. And may I assume all of the books on the bookshelves are yours, rather than Lady Patchouli's?"
>"One of the salvaged books very well may be old enough, if you were willing... hmm. Otherwise, I don't imagine you'd know the locations of any other old items, given that you've been... sleeping for almost the past millenia?"
>"It wouldn't do for me to steal something from anyone, so i'd say the former is the way to go."
> "I may have to ask Reimu. Who, by the way, mentioned she hadn't seen you in a long time."
> "You would rather she not know where you are, then? I somewhat got the impression she wanted to know what happened to you."
> "I imagine she would at least like to see you again, if it had been as long as she implied. I've no idea how she will take your work, though, particularly with Marisa."
> "That would work. If you do not mind my visiting Meiling's dojo, the Hakurei Shrine is my next visit after that."
>"Good."
>Glance at the chamber that we came from.
>"What about them ? Will they be alright in your absence ?"
> "Very well. Also, there appears to have once been a futon down here. Did someone else reside here?"
> "Ah."
> Does Alice appear to be breathing?
> "Understood. I have one last immediate curiosity before we leave, though."
> Gesture back down the tunnel that brought us here.
> "I defeated a scout for a potentially-hostile force just outside here. It seems she had been trying for some time to gain access to your quarters in search for some works of Lady Patchouli's, but was thwarted by your guardian every time. I would prefer to bring her with us, as while she is currently passed out, she has said she will return to her land to report her failure to her leader as soon as she is able. Would you happen to have anything that would allow me or us to carry her at least as far as the Hakurei Shrine?"
> Look slightly taken aback. But only slightly.
> "If you say you can, then it would be much appreciated."
> "Very well. In that case, let us depart."
> Head back out of the tunnel and up to the surface UNLESS Alice stops us to give her one of her books.
> Nod.
> "It should be no trouble to do so."
> List of past-self requests we've taken so far.
> Head back out of the tunnel and up to the surface.
> I'm at work and don't have the time to go searching, sorry! :( I don't think we actually promised to tell Tenshi anything, though, merely taking it under advisement.
> Point out Juza.
> "That's her."
> Make our way over to Juza.
> "Ah, I suppose it is no longer necessary."
> Extinguish the torch in the earth, doing our best not to see too much grass on fire. Then return it from whence we obtained it.
> ...Has Alice always had that much upper body strength?
> Well, whatever. Where were we told Meiling's dojo was relative to the mansion grounds?
> "It is my understanding that Meiling's dojo is to the west of the lake. Are you ready to head that way? And do you need any help carrying her?"\
> "Very well."
> Take flight and head west relative to the lake.
> Along the way...
> "So, if I may ask, what will you do when your work is complete?"
> "Hmm, I see. With most others, I would assume they would have an endgame plan in place for their desired immortality. But I suppose, for one such as you, it would make sense that the work and accomplishment themselves are the true end goal, and that anything positive after that is merely a bonus. Which, I think, is one of the reasons you are probably the best for the job."
> "You're welcome."
> Anything look civilized yet?
> "What made you decide to settle down in the Young Mistress' old room, anyway?"
> "Practical. What happened to your old house?"
> "The entire thing? That's quite a large amount of material."
> Gesture up and down at Alice.
> "May I assume this material went into the new you, then?"
> "Ah, apologies. If it is not too personal a question, then, what is your current body composed of? Given what I know about you, what you have said so far, and the fact that you have not been breathing this entire time, it seems unlikely that you are still completely flesh and bone and sinew."
> "And you are able to control it as you would control your own body, rather than how you would control a puppet's movements?
>"And you intend to do the same kind of body for Miss Patchouli and Marisa ? That will be quite the task."
>"And how exactly do you intend to do so ?"
>How are we doing in terms of distance travelled ?
> Did Flandre note that the dojo was hidden at all?
> "Hmm. You still seem largely functional as you are. Have you considered reviving Marisa and Lady Patchouli in similar functional-but-not-perfect bodies and asking their assistance in your research?"
>"Wise, say, may i ask you an important question regarding that ?"
>"Did Marisa or Miss Patchouli desire to become immortal and told you so ? Or are you just assuming that they wanted to become so ?"
>"No, i was merely curious."
>"I don`t think you might know something like that considering how busy you are, but would you happen to know anything about the whereabouts of my Mistress ?"
> "Mmm. Unfortunate, Ah well."
> Continue onward, searching for that dojo.
>Come to a halt.
>"Huh, then it would be better if we search at ground level ?"
> Land in an open spot.
> North, toward the fairy
> Frown.
> "I'm afraid you have mistaken us for someone else."
> "So do you. You just ran behind the tree with it."
> "Ah, that body is not dead. She is merely unconscious, having lost a duel."
> "Perhaps a little, but she still breathes."
> "Of course. We merely wish to find the martial arts dojo in this area, perhaps a bit to the east."
> "No. It is a building. Are there any buildings near here to the east?"
> Smile.
> "That's the one I'm looking for, yes. How far from here is it?"
> "Do not worry, I won't bury her there either. I won't bury her anywhere. Have a good day, little one."
> Take flight and head back east toward the lake.
> "My apologies, Alice. In retrospect, searching around the lake area first would have been the best thing to do."
> Land on the eastern shore of the lake and look east into the forest.
> Head to the closest footpath.
> Curious! Maybe one of those wheeled machines from Apex made its way here.
> Follow this path.
> How are Juza and Alice doing?
> "I suspect this is it."
> Head to the front of said building.
> Point at the machine.
> "What is that?"
> Whatever Alice's answer is, once she responds, have a peek inside through the open front doors.
> Do any of the youkai look familiar?
> Is there a place nearby the entrance for personal belongings, such as shoes?
> Have a look around the interior of the building for anything of interest.
> Does this gold star youkai have any animal qualities at all, such as non-human ears? Or do they appear to be purely humanoid?
> Enter properly, removing our shoes and placing them in the proper location.
> "Ah, she has merely lost a danmaku duel. But your hospitality is appreciated."
> Look to Alice.
> "Go ahead and put her down where they say."
> Face the gold-star youkai.
> "My apologies for interrupting your sparring session, Sensei. Particularly with such an unfortunate appearance."
> Give a quick glance at Juza before returning our focus to the gold-star youkai.
> "I merely wished to see Hong Meiling's dojo for myself, as she and I had quite a history together, however brief it may have been."
> Smile.
> "Really? How fortuitous. I presume you must have met her after my time, as I must admit I do not recognize you. But any friend of Meiling's is a friend of mine."
> Curtsey.
> "I am Sakuya Izayoi, former head maid of the now-defunct Scarlet Devil Mansion. It is a pleasure to meet you."
> "Well met, Shika. It has been quite some time, yes. Nearly a millennium, I have been told. Would you be willing to tell me how Meiling fared in her time here?"
>"It is nice to see that she left her own kind of legacy in the form of this dojo."
> "Really now? I would love to hear about that, if you are willing."
> Look slightly taken aback.
> "That is surprising, that such would be a problem in this day and age."
>"Were the children safely rescued if i may ask ?"
> "That is good. Was this your doing alone, or was Meiling still around at the time?"
> "Mmm, unfortunate."
> "Ah, this is rather selfish of me to ask, but did she ever speak of me?"
> Chuckle a bit.
> "That would be me, yes."
>Put on a gloomy look.
>"Yes... that is rather... complicated, i didn`t actually die, although it had the same effect on her....."
> "To make a long story short, an unknown outside force took advantage of that accident and threw me forward nearly a millennium in time."
> Look to Alice.
> "What did you say it was, again? Nine hundred eighty-seven years and a handful of days?"
> Look back to Shika and nod our head slightly in Alice's direction with a small grin.
> "She's good."
> "But yes, that is a very abridged version my story. I have been working toward returning to my own time, and satisfying various curiosities and taking on various favors in the meantime."
> Look back over at Juza.
> "And then there is this one, who appears to be some sort of scout for Haihan's Warlord. I am thinking I will drop her off at the Hakurei Shrine, and let Reimu and the current shrine maiden decide what to do with her."
> Nod.
> "Such is my understanding, yes. She was searching for the works of Lady Patchouli Knowledge, in the hopes of delivering that knowledge and power to her mistress."
>"What stories ? The ones Meiling would tell you ?"
> "Lady Patchouli and I had our disagreements, but her ability was undeniable."
>"So, how did you and Meiling meet ? Was it related to her martial arts training ?"
> "The Valley of Reeds?"
> "Ah, okay."
>"Oh, and what made you move out ?"
>"What did Meiling say about the people she used to work for?"
>Smile,
>"Yes, Young Mistress Flandre was always a kind person."
>Frown a bit.
>"For how long did she wander around Gensokyo may i ask ?"
>Put on a slightly surprised look.
>"....i.... see... Meiling..."
>Take a small breath.
>"...i have heard she was buried here in her dojo correct ? Would you.... please lead me there ?"
> "If that's permissible, of course."
> Follow!
> We are presumably to burn the incense at the grave, yes?
> Take the items with a solemn nod.
> Walk over to the grave in a suitably respectful manner and have a proper look at it.
> Speak in quiet tones.
> "I hope this is the only time I will ever see this..."
> Take a deep, mind-cleansing breath.
>Press F to pay respectsPlace the incense in one of the insets and light it with the lighter.
> "How long has it been since...?"
> Gesture at the grave.
>"Was she happy when she... passed on ?"
>"..... i see...."
>Look at the grave.
>"Looks like you had quite a influence while i was gone huh Meiling ? But still.... what the Young Mistress said... was that why you kept wandering all over this land ?"
>Take another deep breath.
>"I`m sorry for making you worry so much, if only i was stronger, then nothing of that would have happened... but you.... you never gave up did you ? ...thanks for never giving up on me Mei..."
>Let go and shed all the tears we have been holding on.
>"I hope you have a nice rest...."
> Steel our resolve. All the more reason to get back to our correct time!
> Wipe that tear away, then turn around.
> "Thank you for this opportunity, Shika."
> "In that case, I shall darken your doorstop with the Warlord's servant no longer. Unless there is something you wish me to do for you? I can't guarantee our lifetimes will cross once I return to my proper time, but one never knows."
>"...maybe, would you have anything for the time that Meiling still worked as a gatekeeper on the mansion ? I need some object from my time period so i can go back, but only if you are willing to part with that object."
>Sigh.
>"I understand, it`s been a pain searching for anything like that, no one is willing to let go of their beloved mementos for obvious reasons, not that i blame them of course."
>"Well, that is pretty hard, because most of them were cared and preserved because of that emotional relevance, and i doubt a temple or a museum would give away something with such historical value either, stealing is also out of question obviously."
>"Maybe, but i have no clue as to where start, and i have the time limit of 30 days according to the new Yama."
> "Mmm. Perhaps Reimu will know more about where to look."
> Chuckle.
> "I am glad to hear that that hasn't changed in the last thousand years."
> "She was that kind of human, as well."
> Grin.
> "I'm quite proud of her for having come this far."
> "The Reimu of my time is human. A few years younger than me, in fact."
> Shake head with a smile.
> "Like I said, I'm quite proud of how far she has come."
> "No tricks at all. She was just that good."
> Nod, and start counting on our fingers.
> "My mistress as well. And the Netherworld princess, and the Lunarian princess, and the Lunarian doctor, and the previous Yama, and Apex's hell raven at her peak viciousness, and the Hijiri Temple's Bodhisattva, and countless others."
> Is Alice still around?
> "You can ask my companion back inside if you wish."
> "Well, we might as well head back there anyway, as I think it is about time we deliver Reimu her Haihan present."
> "Out of curiosity, Shika, did any of your rabbit pupils originally hail from Eientei?"
> "Hmm. I imagine they would at least know something about it, then. Are any of them not particularly busy? I do not wish to take too long asking questions, but I have to admit I'm curious."
> Look around. Are there any unbusy rabbits?
> Make our way over to the rabbit in mid-conversation, waiting away from the conversation at a respectful distance.
> Nod.
> "Greetings. May I have a brief word with your friend here?"
> "I wonder wondering if you could tell me anything of the state of Eientei these days, and/or what has happened to it over the past however-many centuries you know about."
>"Ah, I see. I'm interested in going there regardless, but I imagine it's rather difficult to find... it wasn't easy even when it was intact. Would you have any advice for finding it?"
> "And does that mean that not even the Lunarians reside there anymore?"
>"Thank you for the info. Sorry for interrupting, by the way." Make a polite bow. "I'll be on my way now, unless there was something you asked to ask me."
> "Ah, not a merchant per se. I am the head maid of the now-defunct Scarlet Devil Mansion, and I work for the disappeared Mistress Remilia Scarlet."
> How are our house's interactions with farmers handled?
>What was our relationship with the human village`s farmers and inhabitants, taking all the residents in account, like ?
> "She had no interaction with them, as far as I am aware. I worked with merchants to acquire food for our house."
> "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
> "Ah...I'm afraid I don't know which merchants to which you refer."
> Look slightly sheepish.
> "It is a long story, but to put it succinctly, I have not been around here for a very, very long time. The last time I was in this land predates this dojo."
> "Ah...the last time I was in this land predates Apex as well."
> "There was another member of our house from there, but as far as I know, she has long since returned there. Perhaps she is still kicking around, somewhere."
> Give a wry grin.
> "My apologies. I realize how confusing my origins can be."
>"No, let`s just say i`m from a far away land, like this Gensokyo but with still quite different."
>"Not really, it`s a long and complicated story, i`m trying to go back there now, to put it simply, still, thank you for you assistance."
>Let's word that slightly less rudely. How about "Ah, it's a complicated story. To put it simply, I'm working on getting back there now. But thank you for your time."
>If that does seem to have lead the conversation to a good stopping point, lets go get Alice.
>"Alright, I'm ready to go. Whilst we're in the area, would you mind me obtaining the echoes from where I was flung forward in the library? Then we can head to the Hakurei Shrine."
>Nod. "Thank you."
>Once Alice finishes with that, let's start heading out back to the SDM ruins.
>So just find the location we were when the time travel happened right ?
>Look around.
>Do we know where the library was taking as a reference the room Alice took shelter in ?
>Head there then.
>"I think i have an idea of where it was...."
>Let's take out the pearl as we walk so we can watch for it changing color once we start getting closer to the spot we think it was.
>"Hmm...."
>Try moving our hand around the area, see if the iridescence increases in intensity.
> Was it glowing before?
> What did Ran say would happen when it was full?
> And the swirling iridescence has come with changing color, yes?
>"Well, it's certainly reacting. Ran said it would take a few minutes, and then it would change color. I'm unsure if I need to get closer or if this is fine, but we'll find out soon enough."
>"True. It's a bit hard to tell, but thankfully I was in the mansion this morning, rather than the centuries ago it must have burned down in, so it's a little easier to tell where 'closer' is supposed to be."
>Keep moving. Try to keep a good sense of where we must be in relation to those stairs and our memory of the mansion... it'd be too easy to lose track now that the mansion's a forest.
>Continue south for a bit.
>Stop and check out both our leg, and whatever it is we just hit.
> Seethe a little bit. Just don't swear in front of company.
> Examine the stone for any notable features.
>It seems likely this would have been part of the mansion, right? ...that would make it the millenia old object we need, but, it's kind of large to carry...
>Hmm. Well, half a yard long isn't like a boulder or something, that's actually not too unrealistic to lift up... depending. How thick is it? More importantly, how hard is it to lift and carry?
>Oof, yeah, we might be able to lift it but we wouldn't be able to carry it long at all. Alice is much stronger, but having her carry it all the way to Ran still would be... well. Not to mention it might be difficult for Ran to use.
>"Hey, Alice." Gesture at the rock. "I believe this was part of the Scarlet Devil Mansion's foundation. That would make it old enough for my purposes, but... it's a bit too large and heavy. Do you have any ideas for breaking off a chunk of it? I suppose, if nothing else, if there was somewhere to obtain a pickaxe... I'm not sure who'd have such a thing in Gensokyo, though."
>Peek at the pearl, as well.
>"If I can take some of the rock with me and get closer to the spot for this bauble to do it's thing, I'd already be set to return to Ran and... hopefully, return to my time."
>Did Ran say such a thing?
>"...perhaps we should leave this for a last resort if Reimu and the Eientei ruins don't work out. The foundation won't be going anywhere, and on second thought, I'm not sure Ran would find something like this to be... ah, satisfactory. Especially so if I broke off a chunk rather than taking the entire thing. For now, I'll concentrate on getting the echoes I came for."
>Would we be able to re-find this rock without too much trouble?
>Keeping in mind where the stairs were, would we be... roughly in the ballpark of the entrance of the past library, or well into it already, or? Or do we just not have any idea?
>Can we proceed from here roughly to where we think the center of the library used to be? It doesn't matter if we're a decent amount off.
>Let's go with the assumption, and make with that action.
> Also make a mental note that we agreed to tell present-day Shou to not worry about Murasa.
>Could we just fly over it, or is it too tall/made of trees? If so, do so... otherwise, start making our way around.
> Crest the canopy, at least, to see if there is a reasonable place beyond the thickness where we can land.
> How does that direction and distance compare to our knowledge of the center of the library?
>Can we reach that point without much trouble ? Or are there many obstacles blocking the way ?
>We wanted to go west after we reach the center anyway. Head over to that clearing and land.
>Check the pearl.
>Goood, goooood.
>From here, we need to head further west... actually, that should be pretty much it, theoretically. Lets resume flying and slowly make our way further west whilst keeping an eye on the pearl. We don't really have a destination in mind this time... if we keep moving west of here sooner or later we should hit about as close to the spot we left as we're likely to get, unless we unexpectedly do find something significant around the area.
>Below. We don't want to be too far off from the ground- vertical proximity matters as much as horizontal. The library would have been somewhat higher than the ground anyway, so that's fine... stay just high enough to avoid things blocking our general pathline.
>Land and sigh after awhile, continuing to eye the pearl. Of course it wouldn't be that easy, would it?
>"Hrm. This might be harder than I thought. I've gone back to... about as close to the area where I was thrown through time as I think I'll be able to guess from, but it doesn't seem I've gotten quite close enough. Unless I just need to continue moving in this direction a bit further..."
>Experimentally, stop time and look around- not like a search, just... turn around and look about. Does anything seem... different from what we would normally expect? Peek at the pearl too.
>Resume time after trying to reassume whatever pose we stopped it in. She may notice still, but, it'll be less jarring.
>"Hmm. Ran did say it could take a few minutes, if I remember correctly. While we wait and see on that... you wished for me to take a tome of your research back with me, yes? Is there somewhere we'll need to stop to retrieve one from?"
>Omit the last two sentences if we already got such a tome, but I don't recall that happening.
>"Yes, we can wait for a bit. Mmn... whilst we wait, anything come to mind for conversation topics you'd be interested in?"
> Did we ever find out why Alice was behind Renko's fairy-based assault on our home?
> "Are you interested in trying to find it? I'm aware that there is some sort of rock-based path in my time, though I have no idea if that has survived the years."
> "I wonder if there is another way to find it, then."
> "Indeed. Unfortunately, if the Lunarians are hiding there, the list of people who know the way and are accessible to outsiders is exceedingly short."
> Nod.
> "It was my hope that Eientei's fall was relatively recent."
> "I wonder how close to that Reisen's passing was."
>"And Mokou is gone, as well. I wonder who else would know the bamboo forest... if not the rabbits, a youkai, perhaps?"
>Can we think of anyone like that?
>Peek at the pearl.
>"Ah! Time has done the trick, after all. The pearl has changed color. That leaves only the millenia-old item from my era to locate... perhaps Reimu will know something, or have a tip about Eientei. If there's anywhere to find an old item, it'd be Eientei, after all. Ruin or not. Well then, I believe that concludes our business here... next stop is the Hakurei Shrine, yes?"
> Before we leave, how deep is the tinge?
> "Very well. Let us head that way. And, ah, please correct my flight path if I make any mistakes."
> Crest the canopy again and head in whatever direction we remember the Hakurei Shrine being relative to our home.
> Juza is still out cold, yes?
> Head to the Shrine.
> Make our way to Kaori, she's less crowded and less busy and we don't want to cause undue stress on the general populace.
> Frown ourselves.
> "It would be best to speak about this inside, away from the crowd. With Reimu, if possible, as well as you."
> Follow!
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> Take the futon and unroll it where instructed, then look to Alice.
> "I suppose I should have outright asked if you wanted to see Reimu again or not."
> "Does that mean you're okay with her having a general idea of where you might be? I would like to respect your need for privacy, but Juza here was looking for Lady Patchouli's work, and I, of all people, showed up here having knocked her out with that as her motive, and you just happen to have suddenly reappeared with me. It won't be hard to put two and two together."
> "Of course."
> Gesture toward Juza.
> "This is Juza Takusan, scout of one Mikoto Teru. I found her camp near the old grounds of my home, and after defending myself properly, learned she was here on a mission to retrieve whatever of Lady Patchouli's works she could find."
> "I thought it best to get her away from her camp, and since you had first mentioned concern over the Warlord, this place seemed the most logical place to bring her to determine what to do with her long-term, if anything. Her plans before passing out were to return home and report her failure, but allowing that didn't seem too prudent."
> Look just a tad unsure of ourselves.
> "...To be completely honest with all of you, depending on how I am to return home, I would not object to the opportunity to bring her with me. If she agrees, of course."
> "Not 'trap', of course. As I said, with her permission. If she wishes to remain here, that is fine. Frankly, I expect her to wish to remain here, but no harm will come of asking."
> Put on a slightly offended look.
> "Of course."
> "A fair number of fascinating things, but I expect you are too busy for most of them. I do have a couple of curiosities, however. Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the current hakutaku?"
> Frown.
> "How unfortunate. And you said earlier you have not had contact with the Child of Miare for some time as well, yes?"
> "Mmm. Unrelated to that, then, but would you happen to remember how soon after Reisen Udongein Inaba's passing that Eientei fell off the map?"
> "Oh, there's no need, I'd bet my uniform that Reisen's passing came first. Anyway, back on the subject of returning to your past, it seems I need an object from our house that has survived the years, one that would be lost in the process of my returning. Would you happen to know if any such objects have been kept anywhere?"
> "Ah, yes, the Young Mistress and Elise are likely to know more."
> Nod.
>"This seems reasonable. Which returns us to what to do with the scout."
> Put on a thoughtful look, then look to Alice.
> "How far are you willing to follow me?"
> "And how much of a hassle has carrying her been?"
> Look back to Reimu.
> "How common are flightless humans these days? Particularly ones that are clearly capable of some form of magic. It seems scrolls have replaced cards, if this person is any indication."
> Did we actually capture any?
>"None, i didn`t have much patience for it, nor did i wanna risk it, i just tried to end it as soon as i could."
>Shake our head. "Unfortunately I was too focused on just getting out of the fight intact. I didn't have too many knives or any of my spellcards on me when I was sent through time. I did manage to win without any trouble, though. Almost a shame, some scrolls would have made good souvenirs." Grin.
>"Would either of you happen to know of anyone who lives in the bamboo forest? I'm interested in paying Eientei a visit... ruins or not, as a rabbit I talked to claimed it was. Partly curiosity, and partly as I could likely find an old item there. However, finding my way there at all would be an issue."
>I think Kilga missed the new page, let's not say that :V
>"Hmmm... well, that would be that, then. Sounds like there wouldn't be a thing there if I went. I suppose a piece of the building might still work, but I'm not sure Ran would be satisfied with such a thing... hmm. So that leaves Hijiri Temple, Kiyoshi's Museum, or asking Flandre and Elise about something."
>"Could you tell me more about this museum?"
>Inventory
>"Hmm, I definitely should pay them a visit, then. ...and perhaps pick up something valuable I can actually afford to trade away." Chuckle. "Whilst I've gotten my hands on a few rare items in this time already, I'm afraid I've need of them all myself."
> "Is the museum in Tsunkeido, then?"
>"Oh, that's not too bad. I believe I'll head off there right away, then."
> "Oh, that is one more thing worth asking about."
> Look back to Reimu.
> "If Juza refuses to come with me when I return to my time, should I allow her to return to Haihan? I ask because any political ramifications would fall on all of you rather than me."
> "Granted, but it seems that this political climate might be different. Unless you were worried that Mistress was actually going to bring war to Gensokyo were I abducted."
> "Very well."
> Look back to Alice.
> "If it is not too much trouble, let us continue taking her with us. Hopefully, once she wakes up, you will no longer have that problem on, well..."
> Shrug with an amused look.
> "...on your hands."
> "Tempting, but I would like to be as inoffensive to her as possible, in order to maximize the possibility she comes with me, or at least minimize the negativity of whatever report she files."
> Look back to Reimu.
> "In that case, we shall impose upon you no further. Thank you again for your information and advice."
> "And you as well. Oh!"
> Pound a fist downward into an open palm, as though we just remembered something.
> "I've extended the offer to many others, but not you. Is there any sort of message you'd like me to deliver to your past self?"
> Grimace.
> "That sounds ominous."
> Nod.
> "Very well, this shall be done."
> Chuckle.
> "That seems to be a common concern. Ah, and one last curiosity."
> Look slightly incredulous.
> "How did Tenshi become the Dragon Palace Messenger?"
>"I still have an hard time believing that. I never would have thought that bra-er, girl would have finally matured."
> "I suppose, given the same could be said for the Yama."
> "So I heard. I have to confess I'm impressed that she managed to secure a position of high authority through them inventing it specifically for her."
> "I suppose. Oh, and when I deliver your message to your past self, should I tell you that you asked me to? Or do you not want to give away the surprise of still kicking around a thousand years later to your still-human self?"
> Nod.
> "I can simply say it was a message from the future residents of this shrine."
> "Very well. I think that will be all, then."
> Grin.
> "I would never."
> Wave goodbye to Reimu and head back outside.
> Look to Alice.
> "Let's head for that museum next. I need to go back to Old Hometown anyway, since the Temple is there, as well as Kanako's flying chariot thing."
> Take flight and head toward Old Hometown.
> Continue approaching from the air, aiming for the gate.
> Keep to the air.
> Look around in the relative immediate vicinity. Are there any buildings that look like a star that are 'about five blocks away' from the gate?
> Have a look at the roads leading there from the gate, studying them for long enough that we get a proper idea of how to get there by foot.
> Once we've studied enough, land at the gate and head toward the museum on foot.
> Anyone or anything we recognize?
> Head down the path we determined to get to the museum.
> Head to the nearest door and read its signs.
> Does it say anything about what kind of exhibits are immediately inside?
> Is anyone in the immediate vicinity giving Alice looks?
>Anything else around that we can notice ?
> Have a look at the nearest plaque.
>Do we recognize either of those names ?
> Look to Alice.
> "Yana Case sounds vaguely familiar, but not the other. Who was Mitama Tsugumasa?"
> How does the year engraving compare to the years in our time?
> Check out the next-closest plaque.
> Is there any place nearby for sitting down, without going inside?
> Beckon to Alice.
> "Perhaps it would be best if we do not bring her inside in this condition."
> Head over to the bench by the fountain.
> "Mmm..."
> How out-cold does Juza appear to be? Does she seem like she'll wake soon? Can we even tell?
> "I will wait here as well. I suspect she will awaken soon. Let us lay her on the bench, at least."
> Is there room for anyone else to sit on the bench?
> Gesture to that spot.
> "Have a seat if you wish, Alice. You've done more physical work than I recently."
> Wait a few minutes for Juza to regain consciousness.
> Look toward Juza.
> "Ah, she awakens."
> "We wait until she is coherent, at which point I will explain myself and make my offer."
> How much of our situation did we tell Juza earlier? (Sorry, I'm at work and can't check fully right now.)
> "Oh good, you're awake. You're just outside a museum in Old Hometown. Don't worry, your camp is where you left it, untouched, outside of a torch I had to borrow and return."
> "My apologies, but I needed to continue my business, and I did not wish to leave you alone where you were."
> "Once my business here is concluded, I will return you there if you wish, though I do hope you would also hear me out before that as well before making that decision."
> "Perhaps. I would not be surprised at all of you were not interested, really. But I figure that the worst you will do is say no."
> "Let me start with an abbreviated version of my story, then. The mansion that used to attend on those grounds was my home...back in my time. I am actually from almost a millennium in the past, and have been searching for a way to get home to my proper time."
>Shake our head. "No... I am not a youkai. To be more specific, this morning from my point of view, I was standing in that mansion, still built and intact. A mansion that hasn't existed, in the present, for centuries. In an explosion there, I was sent nearly a millennia into the future to today. I am, unwittingly, moreso a time traveler than an elder."
>Nod. "And so, I wish to travel back to the time in which I belong... it certainly doesn't feel like the present to me, when I myself have not been present for the last thousand years."
>"Not quite, both Miss Patchouli Knowledge and i were servants to Mistress Remilia Scarlet, that is why the mansion`s name was Scarlet Devil Mansion."
> "Indeed. So her name is still known among the far reaches of this land, then?"
> "Ah. Well, yes, the Mistress was quite real."
>"Well, i should say she is real, since she still lives from what i have heard...."
>"...but even I haven't the slightest idea as to where she may be."
> "Mmm, I don't suppose your records had anything to say about her whereabouts?"
> "Ah. Mmm. I suppose that makes sense, from your original question. Regardless, as I said, my goal is to return to my proper time. I already have secured a theoretical method and two-thirds of the...'ingredients', shall we say, necessary to make it work, so it is my hope that it will not be too long before I succeed. With that being said, my offer to you, should it be possible, is to come with me."
> "Only if you wish it, of course. Please do not mistake my intentions. I find you quite interesting, both your demeanor and your talent. I feel it would be a shame for our only encounter to be what it was, before I whisked myself back to my own time for us to never meet again."
> "Hmm? What do you mean, 'why'? I just told you. If it does not suit you, then that will be that. I certainly won't hold it against you."
> "Well, for me, I am sure you can understand the benefit of introducing a skilled warrior with knowledge of the future to an already-powerful household. As for you, I admit I am making some optimistic assumptions here, and obviously I do not have much knowledge of your life here, but unless things have changed drastically in the past near-thousand years, it is my experience that leaders referred to as 'The Warlord' do not rise to power through benevolence."
> "Frankly, I'm not expecting it. I did say I would not be surprised at all of you were not interested."
> Gesture up an down at ourselves.
> "There are few who appreciate loyalty to one's master more than myself. But again, the worst that will happen to me is that you will say no, and then we will return you to where we found you once I'm done here. Unless you wish to leave on your own, I suppose. So there is no reason for me not to ask."
> "Oh, I can certainly appreciate the sentiment. I would very likely feel the same way, were I to be asked this same question. But, to be frank, I have heard basically nothing good about your Lord since arriving here. And given your orders were apparently to acquire whatever ancient records of powerful magic you could find, and stealth and secrecy were so important to this mission that you attacked me almost on sight, it certainly seems like those sentiments about your Lord are founded at least somewhat in reality."
> "My apologies if I have offended. But surely you are aware of how you choosing combat before diplomacy reflects on your Lord?"
> "I figured as much. But that is a fairly large reason why I have reached the conclusions I have about your Lord's motives, and thus why I have made this offer to you."
> "Mmm. Then perhaps you could enlighten me as to why secrecy was so important? Surely a search would be more successful with more searchers, for one thing."
> Frown.
> "I have already told you what I think it means, though, and you have suggested I am wrong. There is certainly something to be said for keeping one's finding strictly for one's homeland, but that alone doesn't really warrant combat, does it? You could have simply told me you were on a personal camping excursion on vacation from your job and I doubt I would have thought twice about it."
> Did we notice any excavations before finding Juza?
> "Certainly it was at least worth an attempt at a conversation? I would like to think I did not look terribly aggressive upon my arrival."
> Shrug.
> "Who knows? But the worst that would have come from a conversation attempt is what ended up happening anyway, I'd say."
> "Why would any random person here wish you ill if they found you, though?"
>"No, in fact, i would have a pretty accurate idea of who that person would be.... she would be likely wearing black and white, be a blonde, with a witch hat too."
> "Indeed. I think we are, perhaps, getting sidetracked a bit by unnecessary details. In the grander scheme, my hope was to point out how needlessly aggressive your response to my presence was, but it seems we will never see eye to eye on this issue."
> Nod.
> "Does that mean, then, that you are happy with where you are and what you have?"
> Did we find out or determine how many people could fit in Kanako's flying contraption thingy?
> Based on what we saw, would four people, including the kappa, be possible?
>How difficult would it be for us to create a spellcard in this era? Given that we left all of ours at home.
> What about just three?
>What does creating a spellcard entail? More specifically, assuming we were just going to remake a card we've made in the past (d'oho, it's certainly the past now), how would we go about this?
> Nod again.
> "In that case, we will return you to your camp once I am done here, unless you wish to return there on your own."
> "Very well. In that case, best wishes for safe travels."
> Look to Alice.
> "Shall we head inside?"
> "I think we are ready."
> Look back to Juza and curtsey.
> "Farewell, Juza."
> Beckon to Alice.
> "Let's go inside."
> Head inside the museum.
> Who around looks like they work here?
> Are there any nearby signs indicating what branch of the museum we are in?
> Look to Alice.
> "I'm afraid I'm lost on the chronology here. What are these Keio years?"
> In which directions can we go, other than back out the way we came?
> Does anything in the immediate vicinity look familiar?
> "We might as well look around until I find something familiar or some example of the current chronology that I understand."
> Begin wandering and looking at stuff, keeping the Mistress's galleries and their contents in mind since those would be prime museum material.
> Are we talking in terms of how long we'll take looking at any individual thing before we conclude it's uninteresting and move on, or how long for which we wish to wander before another prompt?
>Long enough to shank everyone in the vicinity.