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(http://media.tumblr.com/0e8ce078f5170c965929ed54a3a79101/tumblr_inline_n6rjewbIBS1r9ehq5.png)
> Your name is Hakurei Reimu. (https://31.media.tumblr.com/132d7dc311403d8235ad43218df07dfb/tumblr_inline_my9m6o25me1r9ehq5.png)
> You are one of the most notorious members of Gensokyo thanks to your status as the last Hakurei Shrine maiden and primary incident solver. You are admired, hated, and loved all at once, and to be honest that can be kind of overwhelming and stressful for you sometimes. You?re around people frequently but it can be very draining on you. Sometimes you just want to be alone. Although moments of silence are rare, you are comforted in the knowledge that when you let down your guard, no one will be able to take advantage of that. Your status as the last Hakurei shrine maiden has made you untouchable. This is because your life is intrinsically linked with the Great Barrier that surrounds Gensokyo. If you die, then the entirety of Gensokyo will go down with you. This fact is even more important because, as of right now, you don't have a successor.
> Lately, you haven?t been able to be as active in incident-solving as you used to be, but that?s to be expected. Gensokyo's population has grown within the past few years, and incidents come and go--some even solved by youkai. Although you still hold some resentment towards youkai, you?ve gotten closer to them and have even found love and friendship in their company. It?s a bit complicated. There will always be tension between youkai and humans, and although--or maybe because--you've got friends on both sides, you're in an awkward situation.
> You are a tea enthusiast and are fond of animals, although you?d rather not go through the hassle of keeping any pets. You?re also quite thrifty and have taken advantage of the hot springs behind your house to earn your keep when you are not solving incidents, because let?s face it; a shrine is a difficult thing to take care of. You?re one busy girl, but you?re not alone. You share a room with Ibuki Suika, who you took in many years ago. Also on the shrine grounds are the Three Faeries of Light, who you?ve recently won over and convinced to help out with shrine work. Until the likes of them showed up, you've been alone for as long as you can remember.
--
> It is currently the summer of 128. After spending an evening at home, you awoke the next morning to find that Gensokyo has been flooded and the Boundary has been damaged. In the pond of your shrine, you have found a glowing bronze shard. On top of solving all of this, you have also been trying to find out if something is wrong with your memory.
> You have flown to Kourindou and then to the Human Village to find that the humans have taken refuge on the Palaquin. You have gone Underground to check on Satori, and found that water from the surface has leaked Underground. You obtained a second shard from Koishi.
> You have then flown to Youkai Mountain to confront Kanako, only to find that she has disappeared due to a sudden drop in faith. You also learn from Suwako that Sanae has been in a deep sleep. You have found a dolphin, who is now named Mako. You have since been able to bring Mako, Kasen, and Sanae to the Palace. While there, you discovered Kasen unconscious in the same room as Sanae and emitting the bronze glow.
> You have stopped by Myouren to inform Mokou of various places to dock. You have gone to the Forest of Magic, where you beat up a monster in Alice?s home and got another shard. You found Kazami Yuuka causing trouble, and defeated her in a danmaku duel. You?ve also reunited with Marisa and got another shard. Finally, you and Meiling have plugged up the emergency exit of the nuclear reactor on the surface.
> You sought information from the occupants of the Palace about lucid dreams. You then went to sleep and found yourself in the Dream World. After much exploring, you found Sanae and Kikuri. You revisited a shrine you had found in your previous dream, and found younger versions of Kasen and Konngara. You have exorcised a room in the shrine and woke up Sanae. After waking up, you?ve found that Sanae has gone missing, leaving a bloodied shard in her place. You have since brought her back.
> After you settled that, you returned Underground to seek out Konngara. She recognized the shards as previously belonging to Kikuri. You went to her [Konngara?s] shrine in search of her [Kikuri]. Afterwards, you brought Koishi to the Scarlet Devil Mansion for a playdate with Flandre.
> You talked to Tojiko, who informed you of a place called Crater Lake. You have visited Mayohiga in search of the Yakumos. You have spoken to Suwako and Sanae, and recruited them to talk to Kikuri with you.
> Ran has provided you with a lot of information regarding the incident. Afterwards, you went to Crater Lake and found a shard there.
> You have gone to Eientei and spoken with Eirin. You have then talked to Reisen about Kikuri. You have recruited Eirin and Reisen to talk to Kikuri with you. You have then gone to the Moriya Shrine, where you ran into Rika. You have accepted Rika?s request to find her friend Meira.
> You have met Layla Prismriver. She knows nothing about the incident but has provided you with information about a woman who she saw passing through the east woods a few decades ago. She pointed you in the right direction, and you went on ahead by yourself towards the Border. However, exhaustion finally caught up to you, forcing you to turn back and go home.
> You have gone to sleep and re-entered Sanae?s dream world. There, you found a tunnel leading to what looked like space. You then encountered the younger version of Konngara. She told you about a woman named Hakurei Tamiko. However, she and her shrine have mysteriously vanished a few years ago in the dream world.
> You and Nazrin have gone to look for the final shard, only to find that it is in the gap currently being created. You have asked Nazrin to talk to Byakuren and/or Shou about coming to talk to Kikuri with you. You then reunited Meira and Rika.
> After returning to the shrine, you interrogated Ran and Konngara about Hakurei Tamiko. You finally visited the edge of the Boundary. Finally, you and Ran went through the gap she constructed.
> Yukari has taken away your memories, and that the tear in the Boundary has been caused by Sanae?s dream world colliding with your universe. This has misaligned Gensokyo from its proper timeline, and sent it thousands of years into the future, when the world is ending. The Boundary is slowly deteriorating.
> Yukari told you about Tamiko?s past. She told you that Tamiko left you with another predecessor, and then died after accumulating all her energy into the Yin Yang Orb and releasing it at once to fix the Boundary. You then demanded she give back your memories. The shock of nine years? worth of memories being returned to you, combined with your frustration with Yukari, led to you lashing out at her.
> Yukari, perhaps sensing your intentions on following Tamiko?s steps, confiscated the Yin Yang Orb, all your shards, disabled your hammerspace inventory, and dropped you back at the shrine.
> You and Sanae went to the Dream World, and then to the tunnel leading out to the void. There were two spheres out there: the Dream World and Gensokyo. After pushing Sanae to the point of a nervous breakdown, she went off to be by herself. You then saw a mysterious mural.
> You returned to the road outside the tunnel, conjured up a crow with your imagination. Then, continuing to use your imagination, you opened up a gap. You have found Yukari, who is using the bronze shards you collected to drain the water from Gensokyo. Yukari has also gotten her hands on Sanae, and has since used her to separate the Dream World and Gensokyo.
> After waking up, you returned to the SDM. You had some tea, and started researching the Boundary. After doing some reading, you have gathered a list of materials and started recruiting people to help you, with the SDM as the base of operations. You have recruited most of the SDM, Alice, Miko and her group, the members of the Myouren Temple, Eirin and kaguya, Suwako and some youkai from the mountain, some people from the Underground, the Yakumos, and others. You are all working to restore the Boundary.
> In the Dream World, you and Sanae found Sariel, whose purpose and intentions are unknown. After much effort, you have left her with the Dream World version of Kikuri.
> You are currently at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, talking with Sakuya after waking up.
INVENTORY
> Modern shrine maiden robes [EQUIPPED]
> Pretty much a highly stylized schoolgirl uniform. Complete with cute little shoes, ankle socks, and hair decs.
> Detached sleeves
> Part of your uniform. They used to have a functioning hammerspace, until Yukari deactivated them.
> Gohei
> Marisa jokes that it's like a magic wand, but you refuse to be associated with Gensokyo's magician population.
> Spellcards
> Dream Sign "Evil Sealing Circle" (4 hits)
> Used to overwhelm adversaries with ofuda. +5 damage
> Divine Spirit "Fantasy Seal" (4 hits)
> Used to close in on adversaries with ofuda. +5 damage
> Holy Relic "Yin-Yang Demon God Orb" (3 hits)
> Smite thy enemies with a giant orb. Surprisingly light lifting. +6 damage
> Divine Arts "Omnidirectional Demon-Binding Circle" (5 hits)
> Used to paralyze adveraries. +7 damage
> May also be used outside of battle to temporarily stun adversaries.
*> Untitled "Flying Mysterious Shrine Maiden" (1 hit)
> Powerful card that can only be used when you are close to unconsciousness or death. +10 damage
*> "Fantasy Nature" (1 hit)
> Powerful card that can only be used when close to death. +10 damage
> Ofuda x7
> Multipurpose magic cards you keep for non-danmaku usage
> 1235μ
> It's always a good idea to keep a some money on you.
> Water Charm
> Given to you by Suwako. Helps you breathe underwater.
> ☼300
> Underground currency, left in your donation box by an unknown sender.
QUESTS
> Waterproof, foolproof
> Paper isn't waterproof. By extension, neither are spellcards. You'd like to find some way to remedy this.
> "Have you found Jesus?"
> Several important folks around Gensokyo are missing or out of commission. Find out what's what.
> Yukari: Gone, last seen during the slumber party at the Hakurei Shrine.
> Kanako: Went poof due to faith reasons.
> Sanae: Awake from her coma after a lot of frustration and lucid dreaming. You managed to find her and bring her back home.
> "Yukari kick a hole in the sky"
> The sky is cracking and there's orbs of water floating about. The tears in the Border are a bit freaky, so we might want to prepare for something.
> "Insert witty name here involving bronze and shells and stuff"
> Mysterious bronze fragments that impart the Glow are scattered across Gensokyo. Gather them and see what's what. All pieces currently collected.
> _
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>So what did we see out the window?
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>So what did we see out the window?
> The only window besides the greenhouse, which is basically made of windows, is the big one at the top of the stairs. You can only see the tops of the trees and the sky from here.
> _
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>"Is there any breakfast left?"
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>"Is there any breakfast left?"
> "Yes, if you don't mind eating with the maids," says Sakuya.
> _
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>"Sure, no problem."
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>"Sure, no problem."
> "Alright." Sakuya beckons to two faerie maids nearby. "Would you two show her to the kitchen?"
> "Yeeees," they say in unison.
> _
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>Follow dem maids.
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>Follow dem maids.
> You follow the faerie maids, who lead you out of the ballroom and down the hall. They talk amongst themselves the entire way, paying you no mind at all as they take their time flying to the kitchen. The closer you get, the more faeries you see in the halls. When you finally reach the kitchen's front doors, you smell the sweet scent of brown sugar and maple.
> Inside the kitchen is more faeries than you know what to do with. Almost all of the SDM's faerie population has to be gathered here. Large tables used for cooking during the day are covered with bowls and silverware and surrounded by stools. A vat, the source of the sweet smell, bubbles on the stove. A quick glance at the bowls' contents reveal that the faerie maids are eating oatmeal.
> Towering among the faeries is Meiling, who has intruded upon the crowd to have breakfast as well. She has gone through the trouble to make herself bacon and eggs with fresh fruit, and scarfs it down. All faerie maids who attempt to steal from her plate are met with a swift slap on the wrist.
> _
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>Let's grab some oats meal and have a seat near Meiling.
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>Let's grab some oats meal and have a seat near Meiling.
> You slog your way through the crowd of faeries, swipe a bowl of oatmeal, and wrestle your way over to Meiling. There's hardly any room for you, so you end up squeezed between her and another faerie maid.
> "Hey, red-white!" Meiling says between mouthfuls of food. "Thanks for gettin' between me an' that maid. She had an eye on my blueberries."
> _
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>Give the made a look, jerk a thumb back, and say: "Screw."
>Chuckle. "But now you have me eyeing them instead."
>"Anything happen last night?"
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>Give the made a look, jerk a thumb back, and say: "Screw."
>Chuckle. "But now you have me eyeing them instead."
>"Anything happen last night?"
> The faerie maid looks offended!
> "Ehehehe." Meiling chuckles. "With the whole gathering thing? I'm not sure. In all the excitement going on yesterday everyone forgot about the little sister, so I stayed inside and kept her company."
> _
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>"How'd she deal with the whole thing?"
>Shovel dat oatmeal. It can't be too bad if faeries like it.
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>"How'd she deal with the whole thing?"
>Shovel dat oatmeal. It can't be too bad if faeries like it.
> You start eating. This oatmeal is pretty good!
> As you eat, you as Meiling about Flandre. She says, "She wanted to go outside and see what was going on, but I talked her out of it by taking her to one of the windows to watch instead. I dunno how her powers would factor into what you guys are planning out there."
> _
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>"Yeah, it's not that I don't think her heart wouldn't be in the right place, but rather I'm not sure if she has the fine control we'd want."
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>"Yeah, it's not that I don't think her heart wouldn't be in the right place, but rather I'm not sure if she has the fine control we'd want."
> "You got that right," says Meiling, and continues shoveling food into her mouth.
> _
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>"Hopefully there was no trouble this morning?"
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>"Hopefully there was no trouble this morning?"
> "Mm-mm. She's asleep right now," Meiling says, before continuing to eat. There isn't much food left on her plate now, much to the dismay of the nearby faerie maids.
> _
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>"Anything else happen this morning?"
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>"Anything else happen this morning?"
> "Not really," Meiling says, and reaches for a glass of orange juice you didn't notice between all the other bowls on the table. "All those people staying at the mansion last night have moved on out already. Did you oversleep or something?"
> _
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>"Effectively."
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>"Effectively."
> "Ahh. You're involved in the whole Boundary-fixing thing, aren't you? You know where to go?"
> _
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>"Not precisely. I was going to check with the central planning after this."
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>"Not precisely. I was going to check with the central planning after this."
> "I won't be any help, then," Meiling says. "I was too busy with Flan to get involved in all this, honestly."
> _
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>"It's understandable. Someone has to keep things peaceful."
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>"It's understandable. Someone has to keep things peaceful."
> "As peaceful as things can get with these guys running around," Meiling jokes, looking around at the faerie maids. She gets off her stool and takes her plate and cup to the sink. "Good luck, yeah?"
> _
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>"Hope you have day that isn't too eventful."
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>"Hope you have day that isn't too eventful."
> "I'll make sure to do just that," Meiling says with a wide grin as she puts puts her dishes in the sink and turns on the faucet.
> _
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>Polish off that Oatmeal, and then follow in Meiling's footsteps.
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>Polish off that Oatmeal, and then follow in Meiling's footsteps.
> You finish eating and take your dishes to the sink. Already, it's filling up with soapy water. Meiling has left the sink and is on her way out of the kitchen, leaving a faerie maid to wash the dishes instead. You suppose it's only fair: the faerie maids are here to clean.
> "I'll take that," the faerie maid says, gesturing to the bowl and spoon in your hand.
> _
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>"Thank you."
>Offer up the dining tools, then make our way back to the front.
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>"Thank you."
>Offer up the dining tools, then make our way back to the front.
> You hand over the dishes to the faerie maid, and then leave the kitchen.
> Leaving the kitchen, you backtrack through the halls and back into the ballroom. Sakuya is gone, as are most of the faerie maids. A few are stationed around Sanae, and your sleeping bag is gone. You pass by Konngara as you enter, and almost step on Orin and Okuu, who are scurrying out the door in animal form.
> _
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>Let the pets scurry, and look to Konngara. Try to gather ourself.
>"So, guess I've left you hanging long enough."
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>Let the pets scurry, and look to Konngara. Try to gather ourself.
>"So, guess I've left you hanging long enough."
> You let Orin and Okuu go, and then mentally brace yourself.
> "...I guess so," Konngara says.
> _
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>"Don't worry. I remember now."
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>"Don't worry. I remember now."
> "...How? I thought you would never..." Konngara says.
> _
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>"Yukari sealed them. I made her unseal them."
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>"Yukari sealed them. I made her unseal them."
> Konngara frowns. "I'm not surprised..."
> _
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>"So you didn't know, then? Well, I suppose she probably wouldn't have gloated about it to you. Anyways...I'm sorry for earlier."
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>"So you didn't know, then? Well, I suppose she probably wouldn't have gloated about it to you. Anyways...I'm sorry for earlier."
> "I...guessed as much...I knew that she was the one who took you away from me," Konngara says. "It's okay."
> _
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>"How did it happen? That you remember?""
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>"How did it happen? That you remember?""
> "...uh..." Konngara looks away. "I went out for just an hour...There was animal blood on the walls, but I was so blinded with rage I couldn't tell...Finding out what happened was complicated."
> Her voice is lowered as she speaks, most likely so her voice won't carry and be heard by the faerie maids on the other side of the room. The more she speaks, the more troubled she looks.
> _
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>"Well, wasn't that pleasant. How did you find out?"
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>"Well, wasn't that pleasant. How did you find out?"
> "It wasn't your blood...because you showed up to fight later..." Konngara says. "...evil spirits said it was Yukari."
> She says Yukari's name like it tastes bad.
> _
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>"I see. Well, now I'm furious again."
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>"I see. Well, now I'm furious again."
> "I would have done something, but...she's friends with Suika..." Konngara says, frowning.
> _
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>"Did Suika know?"
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>"Did Suika know?"
> Konngara shakes her head.
> _
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>"Time to fix that, then. Know where she's at?"
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>"Time to fix that, then. Know where she's at?"
> Konngara shakes her head again. "...How do you even bring something like that up, though...?"
> _
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>"By being direct and to the point. She deserves to know precisely what her friend's been up to, right?"
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>"By being direct and to the point. She deserves to know precisely what her friend's been up to, right?"
> "...I guess...but I don't want to drag a lot of people into this," Konngara says.
> _
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>"Oh, I completely disagree. I think letting Yukari hide something like this from her so-called friends is the height of dishonesty. After all, if they really are her friends, she shouldn't have to hide something like that, don't you think? Unless they wouldn't want to be associated with a horrible monster like her."
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>"Oh, I completely disagree. I think letting Yukari hide something like this from her so-called friends is the height of dishonesty. After all, if they really are her friends, she shouldn't have to hide something like that, don't you think? Unless they wouldn't want to be associated with a horrible monster like her."
> "No, you don't understand," Konngara urges in a panicked whisper. "Yukari is really awful, but...the others would kill me if they found out we were related and I never told anyone..."
> _
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>"They'll have to get through me first."
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>"They'll have to get through me first."
> "...Thank you, but it's still not a good idea...to just go around telling everyone," Konngara sighs.
> _
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>"It needs to be done. She's not getting away with just hiding this, she's gone for far too long doing whatever she pleases and not suffering a single care or consequence, and I'm through with that. I'm not going to seal her away, as much as I want to, because it would lower me to her level. So if she wants to spin a web of lies, the best thing for it is to apply the flames of truth and let it be seen by the people who trust her what a monster she is."
>"Besides, what they they going to do to you? If they try anything I'll grab 'em by the horns and thump their heads together until they get dumb thoughts like that out of their head."
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>"It needs to be done. She's not getting away with just hiding this, she's gone for far too long doing whatever she pleases and not suffering a single care or consequence, and I'm through with that. I'm not going to seal her away, as much as I want to, because it would lower me to her level. So if she wants to spin a web of lies, the best thing for it is to apply the flames of truth and let it be seen by the people who trust her what a monster she is."
>"Besides, what they they going to do to you? If they try anything I'll grab 'em by the horns and thump their heads together until they get dumb thoughts like that out of their head."
> "Even if they don't kill me...I might get chased out..." Konngara mutters. "You have to be careful...so it doesn't interfere with the Boundary...tell me who you're planning to tell."
> _
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>"Suika needs to know. Otherwise I'm throwing her out; I'm not having someone connected to Yukari in my home until the air has been cleared. I've told Yuyuko already, we'll see if anything happens with that. From there, I'm not sure."
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>"Suika needs to know. Otherwise I'm throwing her out; I'm not having someone connected to Yukari in my home until the air has been cleared. I've told Yuyuko already, we'll see if anything happens with that. From there, I'm not sure."
> "Okay...promise you'll be careful..." Konngara warns you. "Who knows what Yukari is going to do when she finds out about this..."
> _
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>"She'd have to be pretty stupid do to something, it'll only dig her a deeper grave. So you're probably right about that."
>Let's make our way toward the front door. Let Konngara follow if she likes.
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>"She'd have to be pretty stupid do to something, it'll only dig her a deeper grave. So you're probably right about that."
>Let's make our way toward the front door. Let Konngara follow if she likes.
> "She'll find a way to get back at you...probably," Konngara says. She follows you as you start walking down the hall to the front door, but she doesn't say anything else.
> _
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>"Then I'll just have to seal her away so deep that it'll see like Byakuren was in my basement by comparison. Once we're done with this, I'm making it explicitly clear if she ever interferes with the Hakurei line or any branch families that may exist one more time, she's through. If she wants to push it, that'll be her peril."
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>"Then I'll just have to seal her away so deep that it'll see like Byakuren was in my basement by comparison. Once we're done with this, I'm making it explicitly clear if she ever interferes with the Hakurei line or any branch families that may exist one more time, she's through. If she wants to push it, that'll be her peril."
> You continue talking as you reach the front door. Konngara says nothing, but smiles a bit.
> _
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>Open the door and have a look outside.
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>Open the door and have a look outside.
> You exit through the front door and have a look around. The Misty Lake, once teeming with activity, is now almost empty except for a few stragglers. This includes a small crowd of rabbits, including Tewi. You also see Komachi by the lake, and Koakuma on the path.
> _
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>Approach Koakuma, and look around along the way to see if there's anyone else around.
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>Approach Koakuma, and look around along the way to see if there's anyone else around.
> You fly over to Koakuma. Konngara follows, but stays a lengthy distance from you.
> "Oh hey, looks like you're finally awake!" Koakuma says as you draw near. "What's up?"
> _
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>"Just getting ready to deal with the day. And wondering if the planning committee left you with any news for me."
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>"Just getting ready to deal with the day. And wondering if the planning committee left you with any news for me."
> "Yeah. If you fly up, you should be able to see where you need to go," Koakuma says. "You're in the center group. Also, those rabbits over there have a package for you."
> _
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>"Thanks!"
>Head toward the rabites.
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>"Thanks!"
>Head toward the rabites.
> You thank Koakuma and fly over to the rabbits, who are gathered near the lake. You notice Tewi among their ranks, and she notices you back.
> "Heya! You got mail!" she calls out to you.
> _
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>"So I hear! Thanks for taking care of it."
>Accept parcel.
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>"So I hear! Thanks for taking care of it."
>Accept parcel.
> Tewi turns back to the other rabbits. "Guys, gimme the package."
> One of the rabbits hands her a medium-sized box, wrapped neatly in white paper and tied with a multicolored ribbon. It looks like a birthday present.
> "It made a big thumping noise when we shook it! I bet it's something good!" one of the rabbits tells you.
> _
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>"Hope you didn't ruin it, then."
>Open the box!
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>"Hope you didn't ruin it, then."
>Open the box!
> "Uhhhh." The rabbit looks away.
> You undo the wrappings on the box and remove the lid. Inside, sitting in bundles of tissue paper, is what can only be described as an egg. It's big, about the size of your forearm, with a round red gem in the center. You can practically feel magic energy radiating off of it. The rabbits gather around to see for themselves.
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/b1cf8cd66648aba9794b4eddb1bfe400/tumblr_inline_n7hdyvaRBX1r9ehq5.png)
> _
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>Run a hand over it gently, and try to sense what we can from it.
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>Run a hand over it gently, and try to sense what we can from it.
> You stroke the eggshell. Just below its smooth surface, you can sense a wealth of raw magical energy. A tingling sensation runs down your spine, as if it's too much for you.
> "What is that thing?"
> "Whoa, pretty!"
> "Is it edible?"
> As the rabbits erupt into conversation, Tewi leans over the box and looks inside.
> "I dunno what that is, but it came from the Lunar Capitol just before dawn," she tells you.
> _
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>Does this power seem to have any purpose?
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>Does this power seem to have any purpose?
> You're not sure. It just is.
> _
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>Is there anything else in the box, such as a letter?
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>Is there anything else in the box, such as a letter?
> You look around in the box for anything else. There's nothing. It's just that egg.
> "Do ya think Reisens would know about this?" Tewi is asking another rabbit.
> "Probably," says the rabbit.
> _
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>How long would it take for us to ask Reisen, and then get to where we need to be?
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>How long would it take for us to ask Reisen, and then get to where we need to be?
> It could take a long time or little time, depending on where she is.
> _
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>"Is Reisen at home, still?"
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>"Is Reisen at home, still?"
> "Uhhh...I dunno!"
> "I think she's in the forest!"
> "No, I thought she was on the path leading away from the lake."
> The rabbits chatter amongst each other, until a few break off and scamper off down the path, Tewi included.
> "We're gonna go check!" Tewi shouts to you as she runs off.
> _
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>"Bring her here!"
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>"Bring her here!"
> "Ooookaaay!" the rabbits shout back to you as they leave.
> _
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>Give them a little bit of time to regather. In the meantime, investigate the time egg a bit more.
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>Give them a little bit of time to regather. In the meantime, investigate the time egg a bit more.
> As you wait, you inspect the egg. The material it's made of is as smooth as glass, but hard as rock and perfectly opaque with no apparent openings on the surface. It has just enough weight to be noticeable in your arms.
> You wait for about five or ten minutes, and then you see the rabbits racing back along the path towards you. You see Reisen among them right away, because she towers above them.
> _
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>Wave toward them and let 'em approach.
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>Wave toward them and let 'em approach.
> You wave to the rabbits, and wait for them to approach.
> Reisen breaks free from the crowd and jogs over to you. "Hey, so--"
> Her eyes fall upon the egg, and she goes slack-jawed. "Woooow."
> _
-
>"Oh good, so you know what this is?"
-
Rabbits know all about eggs.
-
>"Oh good, so you know what this is?"
> "These are extremely rare!" Reisen blurts out as you finish your last word. "They're called 'Star Eggs'. When you break the gem in the middle, it releases a familiar made of pure magic energy. I've n-never seen one in person."
> She reaches out to touch the egg, but withdraws her hand at the last second. The rabbits around her "ohh" and "ahhh" at her explanation.
> _
-
>"Wait, you mean like Ran?"
-
>"Wait, you mean like Ran?"
> Reisen shakes her head.
> "No. I've read in books that they don't have a mind of their own. Maybe familiar wasn't a good word to use...more like...a personification of the magic stored inside. You can use it for anything you want, and it takes thousands of years to craft them, much less accumulate all this energy!" Reisen gushes. "Everyone back at Eientei was going on about you sending a letter to Lady Yorihime, but I never imagined she'd send back something so valuable!"
> The rabbits giggle at this. Tewi asks, "It can't be better than everyone we gots here, right?"
> _
-
>"So, it's not really a person. Is it permanent? How well does it listen?"
-
>"So, it's not really a person. Is it permanent? How well does it listen?"
> "I think it only lasts for a few minutes," says Reisen. "I don't know how it behaves."
> _
-
>"So, gotta save it for the right moment, then."
-
>"So, gotta save it for the right moment, then."
> "Yes. Please be careful with it," Reisen says.
> _
-
>"I will, of course. In the meantime, are you busy with anything?"
-
>"I will, of course. In the meantime, are you busy with anything?"
> "Um, not in particular. Why?" Reisen asks.
> _
-
>"Then I want you helping out with fixing the border."
-
>"Then I want you helping out with fixing the border."
> "Oh!" Reisen's ears perk up. "Um, and how would I be helping?"
> _
-
>"That'll be for the planning committee to decide; they'll find a place for you. C'mon."
>Let's follow Koakuma's instructions.
-
>"That'll be for the planning committee to decide; they'll find a place for you. C'mon."
>Let's follow Koakuma's instructions.
> "Oh...okay."
> You take Reisen back to Koakuma, she waves upon seeing the two of you approach.
> "Oh, hi. Are you from Eientei?" she asks Reisen, who nods and says "yes" in response.
> _
-
>"Did they leave any instructions for last minute arrivals?"
-
>"Did they leave any instructions for last minute arrivals?"
> "Yeah, but, I don't think she was present when groups were sorted out," Koakuma says. "Your boss was, though. You can go with her group. To get there, fly north towards the mountains--the mountain range that DOESN'T have Youkai Mountain in it. You won't miss them."
> "Uh, okay?" Reisen says.
> _
-
I think I found the source of most of Purvis's posts.
Just here, spectating.
-
>"Don't worry, Eirin will have you sorted."
-
>"Don't worry, Eirin will have you sorted."
> "Yeah, I'm sure she will," Reisen says, half to herself. "I'll head out to meet her. Thanks for the directions."
> With a quick bow of the head, Reisen takes off into the air and flies away over the trees.
> "Good luck!" Koakuma shouts at her as she goes.
> _
-
>"Right. And I'm too, thank you!"
>Take to the air, and follow Koakuma's instructions for finding the central party.
-
>"Right. And I'm too, thank you!"
>Take to the air, and follow Koakuma's instructions for finding the central party.
> "Oh yeah, you were in the center group, right? Just fly in the direction of the Human Village and straight up," Koakuma tells you.
> You say your goodbyes to Koakuma after she gives you these instructions, and start flying off. As you glide over the trees and into the valley, you see that the Palaquin has landed where the village used to be. Surely, it will take a long time for the humans to get back on their feet.
> You fly straight up into the air, but not quite towards the clouds. Gensokyo becomes small and you can clearly see the bronze orb suspended in the air, completely full of water. When the sun shines through it, it casts a wavering glow on the earth beneath.
> Above you, you see what appears to be a magic circle. However, there are people...standing on it? It's as if it's made of glass. As you get closer, you see all three Yakumos standing there.
> _
-
>Approach: Is there anyone else there?
-
>Approach: Is there anyone else there?
> You fly up to the magic circle. There's no one else, just Ran, Chen, and Yukari.
> _
-
>Didn't they place more people in into the center group yesterday?
>Approach.
-
>Didn't they place more people in into the center group yesterday?
>Approach.
> You're...not sure, to be honest.
> You fly up and land on the magic circle. Ran offers an uncertain smile and nods to you.
> "Hi, red-white," Chen says, waving with a broad grin.
> _
-
>"Hello, both of you."
>Gesture toward the egg.
>"So, I've come across a little bit of assistance."
-
>"Hello, both of you."
>Gesture toward the egg.
>"So, I've come across a little bit of assistance."
> You greet Ran and Chen, and then introduce the egg.
> "Ohh?" Yukari draws closer to have a look at the egg. "And what is this? Where did you get this from?"
> _
-
>"Just a bit of assistance from above. I assume you know what it is."
-
>"Just a bit of assistance from above. I assume you know what it is."
> Yukari smiles at you. "Perhaps I do. Shall we get started, then? Or do you need a few minutes to prepare yourself?"
> _
-
>"Give me a few moments."
>What is our role in this, again? Aside from blood donor.
-
>"Give me a few moments."
>What is our role in this, again? Aside from blood donor.
> "Very well."
> No one ever specified your role beyond being giving up some blood. You assume you're going to have to use your own powers as well.
> _
-
>"Okay. Tell me what I'll be doing."
-
>"Okay. Tell me what I'll be doing."
> "You're going to give me a few drops of blood, and that's it," says Yukari.
> _
-
>"Given I'm the most skilled person with regards to barrier creation in Gensokyo, I feel a bit underutilized."
-
>"Given I'm the most skilled person with regards to barrier creation in Gensokyo, I feel a bit underutilized."
> "The last time we did this spell, the Hakurei at the time had the same role," Ran chimes in. "It's fine."
> _
-
"I guess it would ruin things to help out with the heavy lifting the others are doing after the fact, huh? So, how do I give this blood in particular, and where do I give it to?"
-
> "I guess it would ruin things to help out with the heavy lifting the others are doing after the fact, huh? So, how do I give this blood in particular, and where do I give it to?"
> "One of your needles should suffice. The blood goes in the center, there." Yukari gestures to the center of the platform you're standing on, where all the lines in the magic circle meet in a small circle. "Before you do that, I am going to give the signal to let the other groups know it's time to start. Once they are all connected to this platform, then you give the blood."
> _
-
>"Got it. And what will you guys be doing?"
>Think back to the planning that we witnessed. How long is each group expected to take, and what trouble spots seemed to show themselves?
-
>"Got it. And what will you guys be doing?"
>Think back to the planning that we witnessed. How long is each group expected to take, and what trouble spots seemed to show themselves?
> "Making sure things go well," says Yukari.
> You try to think back to the groups. The only problem that was apparent to you was that it might take a little while for everyone to be ready. You admittedly didn't take a detailed look at how everyone was progressing.
> _
-
>"Well, I'm ready when they are. Once things get underway, is there anything I can do to help?"
-
>"Well, I'm ready when they are. Once things get underway, is there anything I can do to help?"
> "Very well." Yukari takes out her fan and points it at the sky. She shoots a stream of green danmaku into the air.
> "Oh, that reminds me, if you could place some ofuda on the paths when they connect to the platform to keep them in place, that would be good," Yukari adds.
> Chen taps you on the shoulder. "What's that thing you're holding?"
> _
-
>Nod to Yukari
>"It's kind of like a bottled spell helper. There's supposed to be thousands of years of power contained within it, waiting to be released at the right moment."
-
>Nod to Yukari
>"It's kind of like a bottled spell helper. There's supposed to be thousands of years of power contained within it, waiting to be released at the right moment."
> "Whoaaaa." Chen looks at the egg in awe. "When are you gonna release it?"
> _
-
>Let's start preparing those ofuda.
>"I'm not sure yet. It depends on when the best time is for the sake of this ritual."
-
>Let's start preparing those ofuda.
>"I'm not sure yet. It depends on when the best time is for the sake of this ritual."
> You cradle the egg in one arm and start preparing ofuda with the other. You get four of them out, and wait. You'll have to wait for the paths to connect before you can actually use the ofuda. At least you're prepared.
> As you're getting ready, you see a glimmer of light approaching from south.
> _
-
>Prepare to place one on the south at the appropriate time.
-
>Prepare to place one on the south at the appropriate time.
> You wait until the light reaches the platform. It's a trail of light, solidifying into a glass-like substance when it reaches the platform. However, it is so faint you don't feel safe about stepping on it. As soon as it touches down, you slap an ofuda onto it. The ofuda glows, and is absorbed into the pathway.
> _
-
>Who was to the south, anyways?
>Keep an eye on the rest of the directions.
-
>Who was to the south, anyways?
>Keep an eye on the rest of the directions.
> Patchouli's group, you believe it was.
> You continue to wait, looking in the other three directions.
> After some time, you see a path of light coming from the east.
> _
-
>Recall who was to the east, and put down the ofuda at the right time.
>What are the Yakumos up to?
-
>Recall who was to the east, and put down the ofuda at the right time.
>What are the Yakumos up to?
> East was Alice's group, and also where Yuuka is.
> As you set down the ofuda, you look over to see what the Yakumos are doing. You watch as Yukari speaks to Ran and Chen.
> "...go to the west and south groups, and you go to the north and east groups for the final preparations..." Yukari is saying. Ran and Chen nod and take off in opposite directions. You notice Ran give you a wave as she leaves.
> _
-
>Wave back, and wait for the next one, while keeping an idle watch out for the next light and on Yukari.
-
>Wave back, and wait for the next one, while keeping an idle watch out for the next light and on Yukari.
> You wave to Ran and wait for the next light. You keep an eye on Yukari, who doesn't appear to be doing anything. She summons a gap and sits back on it, fanning herself. After about five minutes, you see a light come from the north. That was Marisa's group.
> _
-
>When the time is right, put down an ofuda.
-
>When the time is right, put down an ofuda.
> You wait until the path of light reaches the platform, and then you put down another ofuda. The ofuda glows and, like the others, is absorbed into the pathway.
> _
-
>Should be easy enough to keep eye out for the last one.
>Yukari up to anything at this point?
-
>Should be easy enough to keep eye out for the last one.
>Yukari up to anything at this point?
> You look west, and wait for the last point of light.
> As you're doing this, you glance over at Yukari. She doesn't seem to be up to anything.
> _
-
>Wait for that light, then.
-
>Wait for that light, then.
> You wait.
> It's very quiet, and somewhat awkward being alone with Yukari. What feels like an eternity passes before you see the final point of light, coming from the west.
>_
-
>Who was to the west?
>When it arrives, place the ofuda. Assuming nothing new happens, look to Yukari and say "Now what?"
-
>Who was to the west?
>When it arrives, place the ofuda. Assuming nothing new happens, look to Yukari and say "Now what?"
> Byakuren's group was to the west, you believe.
> When the last path of light connects to the platform, you slap down the last ofuda. The platform and all four paths gleam, and you're bathed in a pool of light. You can hardly see anything else.
> "It's time for your contribution," Yukari says, standing up and walking over to the center of the platform.
> _
-
>"Right. Directly in the center?"
>Approach the middle and prepare a needle
-
>"Right. Directly in the center?"
>Approach the middle and prepare a needle
> "Yes," says Yukari.
> You walk to the center of the platform and take out one of your needles. The circle in the center of the platform, glows with a gentle light. You feel a tingling sensation run through your body.
> _
-
>Prick our pinky, then kneel down and make sure the blood falls right into the center.
-
>Prick our pinky, then kneel down and make sure the blood falls right into the center.
> Using the needle, you prick your finger. You kneel down, setting the egg to the side and hold your bleeding finger over the center of the platform. The blood drips down from you, and then lands.
> The blood makes a sharp ringing sound when it lands. Rivulets of red spread throughout the platform, and everything explodes into light. You feel yourself being torn away from the platform and high into the air, the egg miraculously landing in your arms as you spiral up into the air. Are you really moving? You can't feel or see anything around you but light, and hear nothing but the rushing of wind.
> You see a wide open space of nothing but light and stars. Far below, you see a sphere not unlike a bubble, suspended in the endless void. It's different from what you saw when you were dreaming: this is something much bigger, something far beyond you. Or perhaps it is you who is beyond. You feel the egg quaking in your hands.
> _
-
>Glance toward the egg for a moment.
-
>Glance toward the egg for a moment.
> You look down at the egg. It's visibly shaking in your arms, but you get the sense it's not from fear. Rather...anticipation? Like an uncontainable excitement desperate for freedom.
> _
-
>Let's break that gem.
-
>Let's break that gem.
> You bring your fist down on the gem, shattering it easily. Shards go flying, but you won't need to collect them.
> Cracks appear in the egg, and it explodes in a wild gale that blows you back through space. Pure energy floods the space, washing you away. Above you, you see the space and all the stars and light being overtaken by pure white. A vaguely-shaped, winged behemoth soars above you. You feel impossibly small watching it, but at the same time you feel like you're going to overflow with power just by looking at it.
> _
-
>What comes next in the ritual?
-
>What comes next in the ritual?
> You're...not sure...you could have never imagined something like this to happen. You're not even sure where you are.
> _
-
>Observe the behemoth for a moment. Stay calm.
-
>Observe the behemoth for a moment. Stay calm.
> You watch the behemoth in silence. It flies until it, along with the remnants of stars, is the only thing you can see. Bits of energy rain from it and land in the space you're floating along in, sending waves that take you further back. The tide is stronger than anything you've ever experienced, and as more of it rains down it the space starts splashing up. You hear an eerie screech from the behemoth, a swan song before it is torn asunder and spread thin into the atmosphere. A rain of light comes down from the heavens. There is chaos, during which your vision goes white, and then black. Everything is quiet.
> _
-
>Can we hear or feel anything?
>How do we personally feel?
-
>Can we hear or feel anything?
>How do we personally feel?
> You feel something cool and smooth beneath you. You are lying on a flat surface.
> You don't know. How do you feel?
> _
-
>A bit confused.
>Sit up and look around.
-
>A bit confused.
>Sit up and look around.
> You're a bit puzzled, to say the least. You sit up. It's pitch black; you can't even see your own hand in this dark.
> As you look around, however, you see a long, thin rectangle of light some distance away.
> _
-
>Suppress a groan, then head toward that light.
-
>Suppress a groan, then head toward that light.
> With a groan, you get up and approach the light. You get closer, and realize...It's a door. The light is just coming from the crack beneath it. It has a simple doorknob, hinges, everything a normal door should have.
> _
-
>Open the door.
-
>Open the door.
> You turn the knob.
> Your surroundings change again, and you feel someone take your hand. A warm but unfamiliar voice says, "This way."
> There's nothing but light all around. A woman with long, black hair and red and white robes pulls you along, towards some unseen destination. She's speaking to you, but you can hardly hear her over the wind howling around you. The light begins to clear away, revealing an endless, pure blue sky. The woman is starting to fade away, dissolving into nothing.
> _
-
>"Wait! Who are you?"
>Hold that hand tight.
-
>"Wait! Who are you?"
>Hold that hand tight.
> You hold her hand tightly. She looks over her shoulder to smile at you as the two of you run. Her eyes, though youkai red, are as warm and soft as her voice. She's wearing hair tubes, and her bangs are cut straight across. However, it's getting hard to make out these features, as she continues to disappear. It feels like your hand could go through hers at any moment.
> _
-
>So many questions, so little time.
>""Why!"
-
>So many questions, so little time.
>""Why!"
> She's going to disappear before you can get anything out of her.
> She opens her mouth to speak, but then makes a surprised expression and puts a smoldering hand to her throat. The sky becomes more overwhelming. She reaches over and takes your other hand as the wind picks up.
> _
-
>Let her take 'em and follow.
-
>Let her take 'em and follow.
> You let her take your hands, and allow her to lead you through the sky. She's see-through now, fading out fast. The roar of the wind grows louder still.
> She tugs at your hand, as if to beckon you to come closer.
> _
-
>Draw closer.
-
>Draw closer.
> You draw in closer. She leans over and whispers in your ear, possibly the loudest she can muster.
> "I'm so glad you grew up okay."
> _
-
>"Thanks...I'll be sure to leave something for you this time."
-
>"Thanks...I'll be sure to leave something for you this time."
> "Alright." She smiles. "Can I ask for one last favor?"
> _
-
>"Anything."
-
>"Anything."
> "One day, I want Gensokyo to be protected by a Boundary that doesn't need the blood of humans..." she whispers. "It may not happen in your lifetime, but if the idea is there, it'll definitely happen one day."
> She's starting to disappear. "Until then, take care of everyone, okay? But it's okay to rely on others, too. I never did that."
> She laughs weakly.
> _
-
>"I think this new barrier is proof it's okay of that. One more question! Why did you use the orb?"
-
>"I think this new barrier is proof it's okay of that. One more question! Why did you use the orb?"
> "It was all the power I had," she whispers, her voice growing fainter still.
> _
-
>"But why? What did you need it for?"
-
>"But why? What did you need it for?"
> "I saw the day Gensokyo ended, in the far future," she whispers. "But it seemed so much nearer. I just wanted to protect..."
> Her voice starts to die out. You're having trouble feeling her hands in yours now.
> _
-
>"Why Konngara?"
-
>"Why Konngara?"
> "I saw her, in the far past. She's one of us, though she was not born into our family...the first shrine maiden was her child."
> You're starting to have trouble seeing her. She's dissolving into the air.
> "Reimu, I'm sorry. Even if I never got to know you, I still love you...okay?"
> _
-
>"Thanks. I hope you found dad and he's okay."
-
>"Thanks. I hope you found dad and he's okay."
> She gives you one last smile and disappears entirely.
> You're falling through a vast sky. A familiar landscape rests far below. However, you feel like you won't be breaking any bones this time.
> _
-
>Praised be for that.
>Still, let's try to get this fall under control.
-
>Praised be for that.
>Still, let's try to get this fall under control.
> You don't want to break your other wrist, or worse.
> You plummet at alarming speeds, but you're somehow able to extend your arms. Your sleeves billow out like wings.
> _
-
>Let's take flight, and try to get a sense of where we are.
-
>Let's take flight, and try to get a sense of where we are.
> You glide down towards the earth. You recognize some familiar landmarks--this is definitely Gensokyo. You're high in the air enough that you're above all of it at once, and you could go anywhere if you wanted. The bronze orb in the sky is gone, and all that's left of the hole in the sky is a faint imprint. You imagine that, too, will eventually disappear.
> _
-
>Let's just drift downward and see what we see.
-
>Let's just drift downward and see what we see.
> You let yourself float down, without any direction, and take in the view. You pass by Bhava-Agra, which is moving towards Youkai Mountain and already far away from you. Down below you see the Myouren Temple returned to its temple form, and people gathered in the valley. The wind takes you towards the open fields and rolling hills. The wind continues to blow, rustling the trees and the grass. Although the smell of salt lingers in the air, everything seems to be relatively dry. The Garden of Sun, a colorful blotch near the valley, looks fine as ever.
> As you're drifting, you hear shouting from below.
> "Reimu!!"
> _
-
>Glance toward the shouting.
-
>Glance toward the shouting.
> You look down and see Konngara running along the field you're flying over, trying to keep up with you. In the distance, you see a giant Suika rise up from the trees.
> "Reimu! Are you okay?!" Konngara shouts at you. Her voice is hoarse, most likely from disuse.
> _
-
>"I'm fine!"
>Land nearby.
-
>"I'm fine!"
>Land nearby.
> You swoop down and land in the field as Konngara runs over to you.
> She cries, "I've never seen such a huge explosion! I thought...!"
> _
-
>"Explosion? Is everyone okay?"
-
>"Explosion? Is everyone okay?"
> "Yes. If you're okay, then everyone else should be..." Konngara says. "I was so sure you had died."
> _
-
>"And nothing bad happened with any of the other groups?"
-
>"And nothing bad happened with any of the other groups?"
> "No, I..."
> Konngara looks up as various people fly overhead, too high up for you to properly speak without shouting at them. The ground rumbles as Suika tromps by through the forest, which comes up to her waist now.
> _
-
> "Looks like they're fine."
Hm. That explains something about Parsee Quest.
-
> "Looks like they're fine."
> Konngara sighs a bit, but says nothing.
> You see more people in the sky, but they're very far away. Everyone must have been blown every which way during the spell.
> _
-
> Shift awkwardly.
> "So. Uh... I talked to Tamiko."
-
> Shift awkwardly.
> "So. Uh... I talked to Tamiko."
> "...But I thought...she's dead..." Konngara asks, looking confused.
> _
-
> "She is, Komachi told me herself that she's passed on."
> Wait. If she's already been judged, how DID we talk to her? What the heck was going on?
> Shake our head, that can wait till later. "Uh, anyways, I did get to talk to... well, a Tamiko-shaped person that I'm pretty sure was her..." Smirk at Konngara. "'Grandma'."
-
> "She is, Komachi told me herself that she's passed on."
> Wait. If she's already been judged, how DID we talk to her? What the heck was going on?
> Shake our head, that can wait till later. "Uh, anyways, I did get to talk to... well, a Tamiko-shaped person that I'm pretty sure was her..." Smirk at Konngara. "'Grandma'."
> You're not sure how you talked to Tamiko. Was it a miracle? Divine intervention? You suppose you'll never know.
> "Wha..." Konngara goes bright red. "Grandma..?! Geez, I would've been less shocked if you had called me 'Mother'. So...what did she say...?"
> _
-
>"Our work's not done yet. I think what we have should last a good while, but she wants us to aim higher, and find a way to make a barrier that needs no blood, nor any bloodlines to ensure it."
-
>"Our work's not done yet. I think what we have should last a good while, but she wants us to aim higher, and find a way to make a barrier that needs no blood, nor any bloodlines to ensure it."
> "...I can understand that," Konngara says. "I don't know much about barriers, but do you think it could be done...?"
> _
-
>"I am sure of it. We just need to find the right way to trick the magic. Wonder what would happen if we used everyone's blood?"
-
Almost a week since this part started, and already 217 out of 1000 replies....
This thread is gonna be gone quick.
-
>"I am sure of it. We just need to find the right way to trick the magic. Wonder what would happen if we used everyone's blood?"
> "...You're going to make a barrier that doesn't need blood...by using everyone's blood?" Konngara asks.
> _
-
Woah there, Purvis. It's clear the Boundary idea Tamiko was talking about is a long term plan. Besides, Tamiko said that she wanted to make a Boundary that didn't need the blood of HUMANS, not blood in general. I'm not certain the Boundary can be maintained without some sort of sacrifice or anchor thing.
-
It is a long term plan, ya hump!
>"What I'm thinking is that you spread out the barrier so much much that everyone is connected to it. The effect is about the same; it doesn't depend on lineages and heirs because everyone is an heir. So you trick it into doing what we wanted anyways."
-
>"What I'm thinking is that you spread out the barrier so much much that everyone is connected to it. The effect is about the same; it doesn't depend on lineages and heirs because everyone is an heir. So you trick it into doing what we wanted anyways."
> "What if everyone dies..." Konngara wonders. She looks up at the sky and watches as more people fly overhead. "...Honestly, I don't know much about the barrier in the first place..."
> _
-
>Observe the fliers.
>"If everyone dies, the barrier isn't important anymore because everyone's dead."
-
>Observe the fliers.
>"If everyone dies, the barrier isn't important anymore because everyone's dead."
> "I guess you're right..." Konngara says. "...Well, for now, the barrier will be safe..."
> You look up at the people flying overhead. They quickly disappear over the treetops, but you're sure they're headed back towards civilization. These parts of Gensokyo are uninhabited, after all.
> _
-
>"Wanna head back to the mansion?"
-
>"Wanna head back to the mansion?"
> Konngara nods.
> _
-
>Head that way.
-
>Head that way.
> The two of you fly away over the field, and towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
> It's a long, silent flight. You see other people who were involved in the spell flying every which way, but none of them are headed for your destination. After a while, when you finally reach the mansion's gates, you only see Meiling sitting on her usual stool.
> _
-
>Wave.
>"What, no one came back to celebrate?"
-
>Wave.
>"What, no one came back to celebrate?"
> "Hey," Meiling says with a wave. "Did we plan a party? That sounds fun!"
> _
-
>"Well, not plan so much...But it's the natural thing to do."
-
>"Well, not plan so much...But it's the natural thing to do."
> "Looks like everyone's getting their bearings though, right?" Meiling points at the sky. "Oh, there's one now."
> As she says this, you see Suika flying towards the gate and right towards you, in her normal size.
> _
-
>Wave to Suika.
-
>Wave to Suika.
> "We did iiiiit!" Suika squeals, flying straight into your arms. Meiling laughs.
> _
-
>"Of course we did! Did you ever have any doubts?"
-
>"Of course we did! Did you ever have any doubts?"
> "No way in hell," says Suika. "We should find everyone and have a party! Where'd Yukari run off to, anyway? She has a lot of great drinks it wouldn't kill her to share."
> _
-
>"Who knows?"
-
>"Who knows?"
> "I wouldn't be surprised if she went off to sleep after this or something," Suika says. "C'mon, wanna find somewhere to gather everyone?"
> _
-
>Laugh.
>"Where's the one place everyone winds up after an incident, whether I like it or not?"
-
>Laugh.
>"Where's the one place everyone winds up after an incident, whether I like it or not?"
> Suika laughs in turn. "I already know the answer to that."
> _
-
>"So let's gather then at the big house that actually has food and servants instead."
-
>Belay that.
posting now, editing in reasons in a minute
A couple reasons:
We've asked a lot of Remi, and while she has been happy to host us I think making her host the afterparty as well would be too rude.
I think the location of the Hakurei Shrine would provide a better background for an end to the main plotline. We can give a speech about how we're going to make things different, and talking about the Hakurei Bloodline at the Hakurei Shrine would give it more impact.
The shrine is the traditional location.
-
Also wildly out of character. Reimu doesn't want those shifty bastards flooding her shrine. Nor do we have the provisions for 'em. Remi, on the other hand, seems to love hosting people and does have the facilities for it. There's really no in character reason to want to do otherwise.
-
>"So let's gather then at the big house that actually has food and servants instead."
>Belay that.
> You consider locations and start to say something, but decide to hold your tongue for a moment while you think.
> "Um...everything okay...?" Konngara asks. She has been so quiet you almost forgot she was here.
> _
-
I suppose you're right.
>"I was just thinking it would be nice to have the party somewhere else, like the SDM if Remilia is still in a good mood."
-
>"I was just thinking it would be nice to have the party somewhere else, like the SDM if Remilia is still in a good mood."
> "I don't think she'd mind," Meiling says. "Not to speak for the Lady, of course. You'd have to ask her yourselves."
> _
-
>"Could you ask real quick? I'd do it, but she goes bats whenever she sees my wrist, so..."
-
>"Could you ask real quick? I'd do it, but she goes bats whenever she sees my wrist, so..."
> "Okay! Just give me a few minutes...I need to get someone to watch the gate for me while I go ask," Meiling says. She flies off the stool and over the gate.
> "You think more people will show up soon?" Suika asks.
> _
-
>"I'd think so, it's a natural place to meet up."
-
>"I'd think so, it's a natural place to meet up."
> "I can make them come here faster," Suika boasts. "Like--oh! More people are coming!"
> Suika runs over to greet Marisa, Nitori, and Mokou, who are landing on the pathway leading to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Still more are showing up over the treetops. Mixed into the chattering you hear whoops and cheers.
> _
-
>Wave to the oncoming trio.
-
>Wave to the oncoming trio.
> "HEY!" Marisa shouts to you from the other end of the path. She zooms over on her broomstick, just as more people arrive. Nitori jogs after her.
> "I-is it over?" Nitori stammers when she gets within speaking distance.
> _
-
>"Pretty sure it is."
-
>"Pretty sure it is."
> Nitori puts a hand on her chest and sighs. "Oh, thank god."
> "Reimu!" You see Ran swiftly approaching. Chen follows at a slower pace, bouncing what appears to be a ball wrapped in a cloth. She has bandages wrapped around her hands.
> _
-
>"There you two are! What did you do to make an explosion?"
-
>"There you two are! What did you do to make an explosion?"
> "That was not us," Ran says as she gets closer. "That happened the first time the spell was cast as well."
> Chen almost bumps into Ran, but is steered away by Ran's guiding hand on her shoulder. She's pretty distracted by the cloth-wrapped ball she's holding.
> "Lady Yukari took Chen and I into a gap when the explosion happened, so we are unharmed. However, we have not seen anyone who has been hurt yet," Ran continues.
> _
-
>"So she didn't even bother to warn us about that. Great. Anyways, it's good to hear no one was hurt."
-
>"So she didn't even bother to warn us about that. Great. Anyways, it's good to hear no one was hurt."
> "I'm sorry," Ran says.
> "Red-white, hey," Chen says, poking you on the shoulder.
> _
-
>"Yeah, Chen?"
-
>"Yeah, Chen?"
> "Is this your ball?" Chen asks, holding up the cloth-wrapped ball. "I tried to play with it but it burned my hands. Did you put an anti-youkai spell on it or something?"
> _
-
>"Sounds like it, where did you find it?"
>Accept it from her and remove the cloth.
-
>"Sounds like it, where did you find it?"
>Accept it from her and remove the cloth.
> "Lady Yukari's room," Chen says as you take off the cloth. It's the yin-yang orb.
> "Chen, I told you not to go snooping around in other people's rooms," Ran scolds. When she sees the orb, her eyes widen in surprise. "Oh!"
> _
-
>"Thank you, Chen. I appreciate that."
>"So, I assume Yukari's off lurking somewhere?"
-
>"Thank you, Chen. I appreciate that."
>"So, I assume Yukari's off lurking somewhere?"
> Chen grins. "Ehehe."
> Ran nods. "She said she was tired and wanted a rest."
> _
-
>Yeah, she better rest up. She's got a whole lot of food to deliver in the coming months. And if she's not here, all the better!
>"Okay, good, then she's okay. Did everything go according to plan?"
-
>Yeah, she better rest up. She's got a whole lot of food to deliver in the coming months. And if she's not here, all the better!
>"Okay, good, then she's okay. Did everything go according to plan?"
> Whether or not she shows up again in the next few months doesn't really matter to you. The only difference is whether she brings food with her.
> "Yes. The Boundary will be safe for a time," Ran says.
> _
-
>"How much of a time? And what happened to that bronze orb?"
-
>"How much of a time? And what happened to that bronze orb?"
> "Many years, I suspect," Ran says. "Lady Yukari removed the orb from the sky before shortly before the spell was set up."
> _
-
>"No idea what she did with it, eh?"
-
>"No idea what she did with it, eh?"
> "Who knows," says Ran. "I imagine she's keeping it somewhere in the gapspace."
> _
-
>"I suppose we'll figure it out in good time. And thank you both."
-
>"I suppose we'll figure it out in good time. And thank you both."
> "I help when I can," Ran says with a nod. She and Chen retreat into the growing crowd, which you notice contains people who haven't even helped with the incident. Of course, with what just took place, you can't really blame them.
> _
-
> Well, they're either here for answers, or just here to rubberneck and join the party.
> Oh, speaking of which, we should ask Patchouli or Alice about that spell they were going to cast to get rid of the salt. Do we see them?
-
> Well, they're either here for answers, or just here to rubberneck and join the party.
> Oh, speaking of which, we should ask Patchouli or Alice about that spell they were going to cast to get rid of the salt. Do we see them?
> It doesn't matter, it's not like the party's going to be at your shrine or anything. Either way, they'll get their answers and their fun soon enough.
> You see Patchouli sitting on Meiling's stool by the gate. She looks exhausted.
> _
-
>Approach her.
>"Holding up alright?"
-
>Approach her.
>"Holding up alright?"
> You walk over to Patchouli. She raises her head to look at you, and nods.
> "Yes...I am well," she says. "I'm so tired."
> _
-
>"Not surprising. You did a lot."
-
>"Not surprising. You did a lot."
> "Indeed I did. I believe I've deserved a break," says Patchouli. Then, after some pause, she says, "...As have you."
> _
-
>"I'll take the rest of the day off, probably, and have tonight for myself. After that... I'll probably have to make sure things go well with the villagers and make sure no one is in the way of that desalinization spell when that time comes."
-
>"I'll take the rest of the day off, probably, and have tonight for myself. After that... I'll probably have to make sure things go well with the villagers and make sure no one is in the way of that desalinization spell when that time comes."
> "And I'll have to get back to working on that," Patchouli sighs. "Fortunately, everyone I need to help me is probably among this rabble."
> _
-
>"Yeah, and this will be a good place to make the announcement to stay out of the salty areas. But think of it like this, you'll be sealing your name in the history books!"
-
>"Yeah, and this will be a good place to make the announcement to stay out of the salty areas. But think of it like this, you'll be sealing your name in the history books!"
> "In that case, I shall take care of the announcement," Patchouli wheezes. "Ahh, that would be worth it."
> _
-
>"Well, I know for a fact that Akyuu is going to be all over this. And likely so will Keine. Related to that, once this is all done and you've had a bit of time to rest, I'd like you to work with them to create a full and accurate record of the barrier spell and what we did today, I want our descendants to have an easier time of it than we did."
-
>"Well, I know for a fact that Akyuu is going to be all over this. And likely so will Keine. Related to that, once this is all done and you've had a bit of time to rest, I'd like you to work with them to create a full and accurate record of the barrier spell and what we did today, I want our descendants to have an easier time of it than we did."
> "Very well, though I will most certainly be around when they are," Patchouli says. "As usual, I will be writing my own account of the incident."
> _
-
>"That's perfectly fine with me. All I care about is the spell and the casting being recorded. I'd also like to make some copies, so that we can have a few of them around, in case something happens to one."
-
>"That's perfectly fine with me. All I care about is the spell and the casting being recorded. I'd also like to make some copies, so that we can have a few of them around, in case something happens to one."
> "Alright," Patchouli says. "Give me some time."
> _
-
>"Of course. These are things to be done in the next few months."
-
>"Of course. These are things to be done in the next few months."
> "Hmph. My last statement still stands," Patchouli says.
> _
-
>"Well, as long as you don't forget."
-
>"Well, as long as you don't forget."
> "I won't. I have a good memory," Patchouli assures you.
> _
-
>Let's have a look around and see who else has shown up.
-
>Let's have a look around and see who else has shown up.
> You look around. Everyone who was involved in the spell seems to have showed up. Yuugi and Suika have reunited and are laughing and drinking. The people from the Myouren Temple are gathered together with Miko and her group. The tengu are flying around taking pictures and stopping to talk to people. Sanae, who looks very confused, exchanges a few words with Konngara before she notices Kogasa, who has shown up along with some other uninvolved youkai. As she rushes over to greet her, she almost runs into Sakuya, who is holding a parasol over a smug-looking Remilia. You think the only person who was involved and isn't here is Yukari.
> _
-
>Let's go find Orin, then.
-
>Let's go find Orin, then.
> You start looking through the crowd in search of Orin, and find the kasha near the lake with Okuu. It seems the two are playing catch with some stones they found at the lake's edge.
> _
-
>Approach Orin.
>"Hey, I need you to do me a favor."
-
>Approach Orin.
>"Hey, I need you to do me a favor."
> You walk over to Orin and speak to her. She ducks to avoid a rock Okuu has thrown and wiggles her ears.
> "What is it, sis?"
> _
-
>"Go find Satori, and invite her to this get-together. I know she probably doesn't want to come, with the crowds and such, but I feel bad not offering an invitation. And, if she chooses to stay, let her know I'll be there tonight. And let her know we're all okay, of course."
-
>"Go find Satori, and invite her to this get-together. I know she probably doesn't want to come, with the crowds and such, but I feel bad not offering an invitation. And, if she chooses to stay, let her know I'll be there tonight. And let her know we're all okay, of course."
> "Okay!" Orin says. "I'll try to bring her up if I can. I'll be back!"
> She turns and runs off, leaving Okuu to skip stones into the lake by herself.
> _
-
>"Wanna go meet and greet some people with me, Okuu?"
-
>"Wanna go meet and greet some people with me, Okuu?"
> Okuu drops the stones she's holding. "Okay!"
> _
-
>Let's head back toward the crowd.
>"How did things go on your end, Okuu?"
-
>Let's head back toward the crowd.
>"How did things go on your end, Okuu?"
> You and Okuu walk through the throngs of people, chatting as you go.
> "Well," Okuu says. "It was crazy when everything exploded, and that's saying a lot coming from me."
> _
-
>"I imagine so. What'd they have you doing?"
-
>"I imagine so. What'd they have you doing?"
> "Uhhh...stuff. Drawing magic circles. I had help, though," Okuu says.
> _
-
>"So they didn't have you powering anything? That's a surprise."
-
>"So they didn't have you powering anything? That's a surprise."
> "No, I totally got to power stuff!" Okuu insists. "I helped make the path thing from our platform to another one."
> _
-
>"Make any friends?"
-
>"Make any friends?"
> "Yup. I met this cool lady named Mokou. She said she'd come Underground and visit all us some time," Okuu says with a wide smile.
> _
-
>"That's good to hear."
>Let's mingle and make goodnice with the crowd, and see if we can help Crowdia socialize, since she's always off with Orin.
-
>"That's good to hear."
>Let's mingle and make goodnice with the crowd, and see if we can help Crowdia socialize, since she's always off with Orin.
> You take Okuu with you as you mingle with the crowd, making sure to give her lots of opportunities to talk to people.
> And opportunities she has: you suspect almost everyone in Gensokyo has gathered at the Scarlet Devil Mansion to celebrate the creation of the new Boundary. A long, difficult week ends with one of the biggest parties in the history of Gensokyo. It takes place outside the mansion and inside at some parts, lasting well into the night as youkai and humans alike sing their praises for this newfound peace. As a bonfire lights up the night sky, Orin returns with a familiar and welcome face. Only when you throw yourself into Satori's arms do you feel like the incident is truly over.
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/d29e9305d9d3e3bba7dbec15f716bd73/tumblr_n4t0yySOHC1rszud7o1_400.png) (http://38.media.tumblr.com/9f7cab4b1f511b91d6a3bce7be5f04f7/tumblr_n4t0yySOHC1rszud7o2_400.png)
> The next evening, you finally get to have your dinner date with Satori. Had she not reminded you during the party last night, you would have forgotten about it completely. Everyone else in the mansion graciously leaves the two of you alone, and you are able to enjoy a peaceful night in.
> In the following week, things slowly go back to normal. For a time, you return to your usual life of tending to the shrine, sweeping, and making tea. However, things aren't completely settled yet--you make frequent trips to the Human Village, making sure they're getting back on their feet. You also check up on Patchouli as she continues working on her desalination spell and record of the incident at the same time. You inevitably get closer to her with these visits, combined with all the time you spent with her during the incident, and inevitably make an unlikely friend in the little librarian. This comes with its perks, including being allowed into the mansion and library without permission, and access to the snacks Patchouli keeps around.
> During your many visits to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, you participate in one of Meiling's calisthenic exercises like you promised her. (http://media.tumblr.com/24e284ac9df5c1a47d0c4a5d283dbb80/tumblr_inline_n4t0ziZBLs1r9ehq5.png) It wasn't terrible, but you felt a little silly doing all those stretches around other people. Meiling doesn't mind that you're not interested in doing it again, but seems overjoyed that you agreed to do it at least once.
> Speaking of favors, you notice that whenever you see Seiga, she acts more polite and skittish than you'd expect from her. Given that you saved Yoshika, who is basically her pride and joy, and gave you an IOU for it, she probably wants to stay on your good side. You figure you'll find a use for that IOU eventually. Having her owe you is a rare opportunity that you'd rather not waste.
> Kanako eventually returns to the mountain. The first time you see her after the incident, you think she's either completely unfazed by what happened to her, or very good at masking her confusion. The Moriya Shrine experiences a surge in faith caused by the mountain youkai who regretted blaming her for the incident, but to no one's surprise, the Kochiya Shrine maintains its usual amount of worshippers. The Aki sisters also make a comeback as they temporarily leave the mountain to aid the humans in rebuilding the village.
> Sanae continues to act meek and withdrawn around Kanako--and around you, most of the time--even after things have long been smoothed over. However, she no longer spends days or weeks at a time sleeping, something you owe to Suwako's round-the-clock intervention to make sure the Kochiya Shrine is running smoothly. You can tell that Sanae hasn't fully accepted her role as a goddess of the mountain, but she shows improvement in her emotional well-being day after day. When you can, you visit her just to hang out.
> Rika and Meira ultimately stay at Youkai Mountain, both claiming that there isn't much waiting for them at their old home anyway. Well, nothing but material possessions they bring home with them. Kanako welcomes Rika as the new shrine maiden with open arms. As for Meira, you hear that she went to live at Sanae's shrine, but visits Rika frequently. Why she hasn't decided to live her, you'll never know, but you doubt it's anything Rika did.
(http://media.tumblr.com/35dec77e5cf64976ac99f1eec176c508/tumblr_inline_n7lhhxFot41r9ehq5.png)
> Ever since the incident ended, visits to the Dream World have been rare. As close as you get to Sanae, you feel like she has closed off a part of her heart to you, which you regret deeply. With any luck, you'll one day gain regular access to the Dream World.
> On the rare occasion you are lucid, you make the most of it by checking up on Sariel, who you have decided to leave the headband seal on until further notice. Fish don't leap into your net, and you can tell that Sariel is having a hard time getting used to other people. Sanae and Kikuri have expressed a desire to eventually bring Sariel to Gensokyo. You're not opposed to the idea, but you think it should wait until Sariel has had more time to adjust and you've found a way to actually bring her here. It's less of a question of where she'll stay--Kikuri often mentions that one empty room in her shrine in the waking world that has never been used and would be perfect for Sariel.
> As for Sariel herself, she's incredibly clingy towards you whenever you're around her, something you don't think is ever going to go away. However, it looks like she has made friends with the Dream World version of Konngara. Konngara is never aware that she's dreaming--if she even is dreaming--so you sometimes wonder how well their friendship is going to transfer over into the waking world.
(http://38.media.tumblr.com/3d25b5eb2883eff557a988356ff4cdf3/tumblr_n7t9h9XAFv1rszud7o2_400.png)
> Yukari never comes back to the Hakurei Shrine. You never figure out what happened to the bronze orb filled with sea water, either. You don't even care, and in fact are a little glad for it: she has done too much, hurt you too much and too deeply. You eventually hear from Ran that she has gone into hibernation early, and you both suspect she won't be awake for a while. Yukari's true feelings and motives, whether she'll ever apologize for what she has done...you won't be finding out any time soon. There are times that the shrine feels emptier without her hanging out of a gap or stealing the snacks you have with your tea, a feeling you often berate yourself for having. You were angry because she hurt you, and what she did hurt you because she was your friend and you liked her.
> Once things have truly settled down, especially in the Human Village, you take it upon yourself to start searching for a successor. You aren't going anywhere any time soon, but as you told Yukari multiple times, this is something you'd do on your own accord. You're doing this now because no incidents are happening and things have returned to a relative calm. With the help of Ran and Keine, you eventually pick a young girl from the Human Village who moves into the shrine to begin her training. Having had no formal training in shrine maiden duties yourself, and not being the most motivated to train in the first place, it takes a while to get used to this new role of mentor and guardian of sorts. Genji even returns from wherever the heck he was, having heard about the new shrine maiden.
> Eventually, Patchouli, Marisa, Alice, and Byakuren finish the desalination spell. It's no small affair, but much less chaotic than when you cast the Boundary spell. With that out of the way and the humans taking up to the fields again, Patchouli can finally dedicate all of her time to recording the incident. Akyuu helps, but Keine has dedicated most of her time to helping out around the village. Still, progress is coming along nicely.
> You send a thank you letter to the Lunar Capitol, and get a reply in the form of a small rabbit figurine carved of pure white marble and a short, curt letter from Yorihime. You consider making her your penpal, much to the amusement of the Eientei rabbits.
> Koishi continues to visit Flandre at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, with the two of them becoming better friends every day. Satori, with the help of her pets, makes a formal pool for Mako the dolphin, who is miraculously thriving in the Underground. Okuu remains friends with Mokou, and is elated at Kanako's return. Even with how busy you've been,
(http://37.media.tumblr.com/3a545c0e791df24af92cbe7727454187/tumblr_n72yy1lbQH1rszud7o1_400.png)
> Perhaps to make up for lost time, you start spending more time with Konngara. Although you've recovered your memories, you have to be around her more for it to sink in that you're related to her by blood. At first, it's very difficult to get her to talk about your family, but eventually she does open up to you. She's still as shy as always, but at the same time she becomes as talkative around you as she was when you were a child. It's not a huge leap, but it's definitely something, and you feel a lot closer to her for it. You learn that she lived at the shrine for a short time over a hundred years ago, shortly before the Boundary was first created. She lost contact with the surface after going Underground.
> Neither of you know what happened between then and Tamiko's life. Even now, your brief conversation with Tamiko remains an enigma. Komachi is shocked to hear you talked to her at all, claiming you must have had a near-death experience to have been able to contact her. Even so, you want to learn more about her.
> But for now, you want to be with the family you have.
True Ending
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/6153a8bf7cc2b746ad275aa3c72d28a7/tumblr_inline_n7tebxNL9B1r9ehq5.png)
Credits:
> Story and Art: Himiko
> Special thanks to the players, their dedication, and patience.
> See you next Phantasm!
> _
-
Whew. That was definitely a thing. Thank you for sticking with it for... what, a year?
-
Well done, our Himiko.
-
Wait, so humans are decended from oni?
-
Whew. That was definitely a thing. Thank you for sticking with it for... what, a year?
Well done, our Himiko.
Thank you! I actually had no idea it'd go on for this long orz
Wait, so humans are decended from oni?
No, not all of them. Hahaha
-
Do you have a name planned for the successor or are you going to name her Tharja like we all know she should be named? <_<
-
Do you have a name planned for the successor or are you going to name her Tharja like we all know she should be named? <_<
I had a name in mind for her already, but don't tempt me!
-
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2mozgub.png)
Oh, okay. I see how it is. Yeah, you don't need the name of some worthless, gloomy girl that no one likes anyway. Forget I ever said anything.
-
Oh, okay. I see how it is. Yeah, you don't need the name of some worthless, gloomy girl that no one likes anyway. Forget I ever said anything.
Ahhhh don't make me feel bad orz
-
(I would have followed this with Tharja's grinning mugshot accompanied by a "Hee hee hee..." but I can't seem to find said mugshot on the interbutts so you'll just have to use your imagination.)
-
The proper name of the descendant should be Taiyaki, after Reimu and Plum Flower's hypothetical firstborn.
Also:
>Extras
-
The proper name of the descendant should be Taiyaki, after Reimu and Plum Flower's hypothetical firstborn.
Also:
>Extras
Is Taiyaki even a valid name? Hahaha
EXTRAS GALLERY
> Photos of Tamiko: 1 (http://31.media.tumblr.com/27f85e010ebdf6430514d67a0ba1f52e/tumblr_n3rl8mr7qo1rszud7o1_400.png) / 2 (http://media.tumblr.com/0ae43380bcbe1d5012ce499f8c9afad1/tumblr_inline_myr87xYiVk1r9ehq5.png) / 3 (https://31.media.tumblr.com/17de3f65469f2ab6dff51e3785aa36bb/tumblr_n7u8yjSXSo1rszud7o4_250.png)
> Flawless disguise, not even Reimu could recognize her (http://37.media.tumblr.com/7ee1c63f1a92241ab13d6c2caacedc06/tumblr_n3rl8mr7qo1rszud7o3_250.png)
> Kinue (http://38.media.tumblr.com/37ee464fc56f0652ec9664f1f6fd4df9/tumblr_n3rl8mr7qo1rszud7o2_400.png)
> I wonder how well they would have gotten along (https://31.media.tumblr.com/200b1d78911bf548aea9bce6c8910bda/tumblr_n7u8yjSXSo1rszud7o1_400.png)
> Even though they were friends, Tamiko never fully trusted Yukari, something Yukari would never get over. (https://31.media.tumblr.com/cda932d297932185ec0570a4a5780cb2/tumblr_n7u8yjSXSo1rszud7o2_400.png)
> Surprisingly good at sewing (https://38.media.tumblr.com/26f24c96b118c9020aa22c5d3aa9d2b9/tumblr_n7u8yjSXSo1rszud7o3_400.png)
> Did I ever (https://38.media.tumblr.com/2743912e9f39a42eca5ea8ffa11f3f01/tumblr_n7u8yjSXSo1rszud7o5_400.png) use these drawings in the quest at all? (https://31.media.tumblr.com/3950dcca7d64c86af6df84d2c2db4418/tumblr_n7u8yjSXSo1rszud7o6_400.png)
> Daiyousei, wearing a dress that was available at Kourindou. Never got around to drawing the others unfortunately (http://media.tumblr.com/ebe16c0280d3f0cf44c47f6243a37a4a/tumblr_inline_n401jz5vBu1r9ehq5.png)
> I guess I forgot to put this in the ending hahaha (http://38.media.tumblr.com/5f0f43ca839b7df92872e791554c13ee/tumblr_n7t9h9XAFv1rszud7o1_400.png)
> MOM WAKE UP THERE'S A FLOATING SKULL IN THE HOUSE (http://37.media.tumblr.com/7e220e774f2a227252c03e8b2c62146c/tumblr_n7u9iwylRC1rszud7o1_1280.png)
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> MOM WAKE UP THERE'S A FLOATING SKULL IN THE HOUSE (http://37.media.tumblr.com/7e220e774f2a227252c03e8b2c62146c/tumblr_n7u9iwylRC1rszud7o1_1280.png)
"Hey pal, can I interest you in some slightly used boots? Made of real material!"
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"Hey pal, can I interest you in some slightly used boots? Made of real material!"
WHAT material? <-<
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"Real stuff, not the fake stuff!"
>Music test.
>Lullaby of a Frozen Hell
>Also, what was the deal with the hallucination we had in the underground shrine?
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"Real stuff, not the fake stuff!"
>Music test.
>Lullaby of a Frozen Hell
>Also, what was the deal with the hallucination we had in the underground shrine?
> Opening Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGsBjQ6x-0g)
> Exploring the Deep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgyM2QbvRrk)
> The Dream World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w78x0ynTk8)
> Battle Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhx8yVvmM5k)
> Lullaby of a Frozen Hell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wINc5UBgnqk)
> Gapspace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NXBrnVp2NA)
> Tamiko (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt-XQfxVxF8)
> A Better Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax0mpB4HOjE)
> Music Box (unused track) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc9sVHAz4V8&feature=related)
> Ending Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDqNL0js0iU)
> Oh, that sure was a while ago, wasn't it. I think that was from Sanae cursing you, at least subconsciously, after you had run amok in the Dream World for the first time. Another possible cause would be the deteriorating Boundary sending you a distress signal, but to be honest I could have planned and executed that better.
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>How did Wakasagihime take these events, in an after the fact "Oh she exists now" sense?
>Was Warren Zevon behind the worlds crashing together?
>Did Marisa tap dat kappa like we were nudging her toward?
>Were there any significant events we missed?
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>How did Wakasagihime take these events, in an after the fact "Oh she exists now" sense?
>Was Warren Zevon behind the worlds crashing together?
>Did Marisa tap dat kappa like we were nudging her toward?
>Were there any significant events we missed?
> Wakasagihime fled to the bottom of Misty Lake, shocked at all these people gathering around it. She probably had little idea what was going on until after the fact.
> No, who's that? Anyway, what caused the worlds to crash together was Sanae accidentally creating the Dream World too close to Gensokyo. After a few years of drifting, it crashed into Gensokyo and shifted the temporal plane around by a few billion years into the future.
> Hellll yeeeeahhh
> You missed the battle between Ran and YuugenMagan/Emi. Something I wouldn't have expected anyone to get was if you had befriended Parsee, she would have told you about YuugenMagan. You would have been able to keep her from attacking you by calling her Emi.
Also, had you stuck with trying to enter the hole in the Boundary instead of throwing a doll in, you would have met Sariel
much sooner and your confrontation would have been much worse than what actually happened.
> You also missed the fact that Konngara was in one of the photos you were messing around with when you were in the gapspace. If you wanted, you could have spent time trying to get some basic information about her relation to you. The man in the photo with her was mentioned exactly once in passing during this quest. You would have eventually learned about Kinue, the girl in the last photo, whose welfare became unknown to Konngara after she returned to the Underground. Further investigation would have led to more reasons to be angry at Yukari, and even Ran.
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>Does this mean that Sariel followed us from the future?
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> Does Reimu ever find out she was an oni for a short period of time?
> Why did Reimu forget about the events of Parsee Quest?
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>Does this mean that Sariel followed us from the future?
> Yes. By that point, she had left the Fallen Shrine and was getting ready to do her job, but then she sensed your presence somehow and went looking for you. She ended up in the Dream World instead of Gensokyo by accident. By that point, when she saw that the world wasn't completely falling apart, she figured that she must have left the shrine a bit early. However, because the Fallen Shrine exists outside of every possible timeline, there is only one Sariel, so no time paradoxes have been created.
> Does Reimu ever find out she was an oni for a short period of time?
> Why did Reimu forget about the events of Parsee Quest?
> Probably, from Konngara, who--among many other people--didn't know how to even bring that up at first.
> Reimu spent most of Parsee Quest either unconscious or in a daze. She was conscious and aware at the end of the quest, when Parsee had gathered people to her shrine to discuss Kikuri's fate. She ultimately forgot about it because because of her injuries and Yukari deliberately withholding information from her because Reimu would have taken control of the situation. At the end of Parsee Quest, Yukari had taken Kikuri's power from her, and didn't want Reimu knowing about it when she went around asking why Kikuri couldn't cause trouble any more.
Other lack of information can be attributed to unreliable recordings and firsthand accounts of the incident; not everyone knew that Parsee had solved it and those who did and were close to Reimu either only had secondhand information about it (Satori) or were unwilling to talk in the first place (Konngara). You can imagine how livid Parsee would be over not having formal recognition for solving an incident.
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>So why was Tamiko in Dreamland?
>Did Rinnosuke ever get his flashlight back?
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>So why was Tamiko in Dreamland?
>Did Rinnosuke ever get his flashlight back?
> Possible explanations: The Dream World Tamiko wasn't the real one, but the product of the dreams of people who knew her when she was alive; The Dream World Tamiko was the real one, drifting in from the afterlife and leaving after feeling her spiritual energy growing thin (her leaving consistent with when she died in real life).
> No, Reimu still owes him for that one.
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>What did happen to that poor doll we tossed in, was it Sariel?
>Did it recover?
>Why did the orb shards seem to affect people?
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How did our characterization of Reimu fit with your headcanon?
What things did we do that you weren't prepared for?
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>What did happen to that poor doll we tossed in, was it Sariel?
>Did it recover?
>Why did the orb shards seem to affect people?
> When you tossed the doll through the hole, Sariel caught it. When she saw that it wasn't you, she got frustrated and mangled it before tossing it back in. Oddly enough, she didn't realize that you were within meters of her. And yes, the doll made a full recovery thanks to Alice's dedicated care.
> The orb is designed to seal things and is naturally inclined to react to people with a lot of power. You know what the orb is used for already, but right now I can't really say where it comes from.
How did our characterization of Reimu fit with your headcanon?
What things did we do that you weren't prepared for?
> Your characterization of Reimu was more intense than my headcanon for her. When she was an NPC in past quests, she was confrontational and determined, but still had her share of emotional moments. I feel like you gave her a more practical (pragmatic?) mindset, but that's probably just me. As selfish as Sanae was acting in the quest, though, there were moments when I was disappointed in how you were treating her.
> I was unprepared for you guys storming into the Moriya Shrine when you suspected Kanako, and for how scarily efficient you'd be in dealing with Sariel (good job with that, by the way). I also didn't anticipate you to turn on Yukari the way you did, but I can't blame you after everything she has done.
> As a side note, I didn't expect you guys to start stuffing people into Reimu's sleeves, least of all Kasen and then bringing her Underground with you.
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My only regret is that Reimu can't ever do that again. Barrier creation celebration party in Reimu's armpits!
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My only regret is that Reimu can't ever do that again. Barrier creation celebration party in Reimu's armpits!
NOOOOOOOOOO
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Ain't no party like an armpit miko party!
>BUT WHERE WAS RENGETEKI?
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Ain't no party like an armpit miko party!
>BUT WHERE WAS RENGETEKI?
noooo
> I have no idea, Mugenkan, maybe? I didn't think about her at all during this quest hahaha
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>Were there any other leftover sealifes other than Mako in the wake of the orb cleaning?
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>Were there any other leftover sealifes other than Mako in the wake of the orb cleaning?
> Probably more than Reimu realized. I guess I forgot about that when I was typing up the ending but there will be efforts to give them a safe and appropriate environment.
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>Was that crater lake full of semi-precious stones always there, or were they post-apocalyptic outside artifacts?
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> Will Layla ever get a maid of her own?
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>Was that crater lake full of semi-precious stones always there, or were they post-apocalyptic outside artifacts?
> Boringly enough, they naturally occurred there. Any post-apocalyptic stuff would have been spread out further. So much Outside World stuff gathering in one place only would feel ominous.
> Will Layla ever get a maid of her own?
> That depends on if the players ever feel enough sympathy to help her find one. Any maid that would work for her would have to be able to tolerate the frankly unlivable conditions: there's no food, no running water or electricity, no plumbing, nothing to sustain living things because the only occupants are a ghost and some poltergeists. It's kind of dilapidated, too, so cleaning it would be difficult.
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> Will we ever ascertain the secret to Kasen always getting the last word in?
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> Will we ever ascertain the secret to Kasen always getting the last word in?
> It is an ancient hermit art as well as her sacred duty to butt into Reimu's affairs wherever she may be.