> Is anyone holding onto that box?
> Take on a slightly sterner tone of voice. Not one too threatening, but something clearly no-nonsense.
> "It is time to depart, Dreamy. I cannot leave with you sitting there."
> "Make sure you hold onto that box."
> Wrap our arms around Dreamy like before, getting a secure enough grip so that we can safely pick her up.
> Once this is done, slowly stand up.
> Is she at least holding onto the box?
> Have we previously used our hands to enter and exit the chariot? If so, was it necessary to do so, or was it only to steady ourselves?
> Try floating out of the chariot and down to the ground with Dreamy in our arms.
> Gently set Dreamy on the ground.
> "Ah, I believe she returned to her home."
> What DID Alice say she was planning on doing before we parted?
> "Oh, that's right. Sorry, I suppose I'm a little scatterbrained at the moment."
> Smile a bit.
> "Perhaps. But I blame this particular memory lapse on the party responsible for my injury."
> "I believe the forest shopkeeper called my assailant a march-stepper? And my confirmation that one existed is, apparently, bad news."
> Have we ever heard of a march-stepper before about five minutes ago?
> Shrug.
> Wait for Mitsu to respond to our shrug.
> "It's okay. You know more about the current state of affairs than I, certainly."
> Look at Dreamy to see how she's doing.
>"Oh... in that case, we should get going there ?"
> Do we recall such a place?
> "Do you happen to remember the name?"
>"So that's a no then ?"
>Shrug.
>"Well, not like it will take ages to find her."
> Look back done.
> "Are you quite done yet, Dreamy?"
> "Do I have to sling you over my shoulder now?"
> "Very well. But if you are in such a state, I guess that means I will be carrying the box from now on."
> "Ah, a miraculous recovery."
> Nod.
> "You had better retrieve it, then, shouldn't you?"
> Look back up to Mitsu.
> "I do not think so."
> Smile and nod.
> "Understood. Thank you very much for all your help, Mitsu."
>"Also, don't forget about my proposal, i would be glad to take you with me."
>"Oh, you mean keep an eye on the machine ? Well... are there no other kappa she trusts with this task ? Miss Kanako i mean."
>"Well, surely they can train someone else, besides..."
>Smile.
>"Wouldn't you like to see the origins of this Gensokyo ?"
> Adopt a thoughtful look for a few moments, then adopt a look of sudden realization.
> "Oh, yes, of course. My apologies."
>What do we recall of the roads we have been through ?
> Look back to Dreamy.
> "Are you ready?"
>Ponder asking bystanders for directions.
> "Good. Follow me, please."
> Head up the road in the indicated direction. looking for a drinking establishment with a dog on the sign.
> "Ah, this looks to be it."
> Is Alice around outside?
> "Do be careful. It seems rather rowdy inside. You don't want anyone to bump into you by accident and hurt the box."
> Enter!
> Walk over to Alice, periodically glancing at Dreamy to make sure she's behaving.
>"I apologize for making you wait, and about that... things have changed a bit..."
> "With this box, I believe I may now have everything I need to return to my time."
>"And the objects i don't need to use to go back home, i promised to give them to Dreamy here."
>"Indeed... say... what happened to your dolls anyways ? Didn't you have some with you at all times ?"
> What kind of drink does it appear to be?
> "Your generosity is appreciated, but I have had much to eat and drink today."
> Gesture to Dreamy.
> "Would it be permissible for my subordinate to have it instead?"
> "I am not entirely sure yet, to be honest. While I seem to have all I need to return home, I feel it would be remiss to not make more of an effort to learn more of the circumstances of Mistress' disappearance, if not information about her whereabouts. There is one more person I wish to consult on the matter before I find lodging for the evening. Depending on what the morning brings...I may wish for you to accompany me to Haihan."
>"If that is not a bother to you i mean."
> "Thank you. And it will be less of a journey than one might think; I have access to a flying chariot whose driver claims to be able to get there in around fifteen minutes."
> How much larger than Nue is Alice?
> Given how much space we had sitting on Nue's lap, how much more difficult would it be to sit on Alice's in the chariot?
> "We have established that three-person travel is possible. Admittedly, it was with someone smaller, but I believe it may be possible again."
> Smile.
> "Thank you."
> "That is up to you, I think. To be honest, I am not prepared to go there today. The day has been long enough, and it is not yet over for me. I would prefer to tackle it tomorrow morning, if at all."
> "Oh, my apologies. No, I do not believe so."
> Nod, then look to Dreamy.
> "Are you ready as well, Dreamy? Don't forget the box."
> Smile.
> "Good. Let us all depart."
> Leave the establishment, and head to the Hijiri Temple.
> Ah, splendid.
> Land nearby the temple and walk over to Elise.
>"Keep a grip on the box Dreamy."
>Nod.
>"You remember her ?"
> Look to Elise.
> "Yes. Elise, this is Dreamy Sky. She worked at the mansion while it still stood."
> Rattle off Dreamy's primary task.
>"I met her around an old bridge that the fairies used to gather up."
>Nod.
>"And indeed, i haven't seen any others either other than Dreamy."
> Look at Dreamy and adopt a more soothing tone.
> "It's okay, Dreamy. Elise is fine."
> "You can trust everyone here at this place, Dreamy."
> Look back to Elise.
> "Incidentally, may we come in?"
> "If either Ichirin or the Young Mistress are currently available, seeing them would probably be best. If they are both available, then Ichirin should be first, since my business with her is fairly short."
> "Thank you. Please lead the way."
> Follow!
> "In a way. It would perhaps be better to say I have an unexpected opportunity for you. But I am getting ahead of myself."
> Curtsey.
> "Miss Kumoi, I am Sakuya Izayoi, head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. As much as it no longer stands, anyway, beyond two of the disciples of this temple."
> Chuckle a bit.
> "The current Hakurei maiden would do well to reach such conclusions instead of making assumptions based on my hair. But you are correct. My presence here is rather extraordinary; I was actually flung forward in time many years by an unknown supernatural power. I am presently working on returning to the present. Or past, I suppose, from your perspective."
> "For a frame of reference, in my time, it was only a couple of years ago when I watched you and your matriarch participate in the battles when the religious war was at its peak, with Reimu, the late Marisa Kirisame, Lady Toyosatomimi and Miss Mononobe, and a handful of others."
> What was Dreamy's primary job in the mansion?
> "Well, in your defense, it was almost one thousand years ago from your perspective."
>Did we ever have her take cooking tasks or watch us cook ?
> "Oh, ah, pardon me."
> Look over to the dishwashers.
> "My apologies, sisters. Dreamy did a lot of cleaning work when the mansion still stood."
> Give the tuft-eared youkai an apologetic look, then look to Dreamy.
> "Dreamy, if this is what works best for them, we should let them do it."
>Take a look at the dishwashers technique, is there really something off ?
> Nod.
> "That is true of our house. But this is not our house, so there are different rules."
> "Be that as it may, we should still respect their ways while we are in their house."
> Take on a slightly sterner tone of voice.
> "Dreamy, please do not embarrass yourself and the Mistress in public."
> "My apologies for not taking proper control of the situation sooner. Anyways, yes, since I intend to return to my own time, I feel I should take advantage of this unique opportunity, to allow acquaintances to send messages to their past selves, if they so desire."
> Nod.
> "Indeed. And, in fact, I have something in particular you may be interested in."
> Pull out the statement we wrote up for the Buddhists and Taoists and hand it to Ichirin.
> "I did."
> "If you are willing. The more of you that sign it, the more successful I believe my efforts will be."
> Inventory
> Pull out and offer up the writing supplies.
>List of people we've gotten to sign their name on the paper.
> Take our things back.
> "Thank you."
> "You are quite welcome. Ah, and is there anything in particular you wish to tell your past self?"
> "In whatever sense you wish, personal or professional. With regards to the personal messages I have been asked to deliver so far, some, including Miss Toramaru's, have simply been told to me. Others have written missives and requested I not read them."
> "I have one more investigation I wish to make this evening."
> Look ever-so-slightly sheepish.
> "After that, well, actually, I was hoping to ask for a spare room tonight, if such would be possible. I don't exactly have anywhere else to go."
> "It would be greatly appreciated."
> "Thank you. Oh, unrelated to lodging, but related to that statement: can you tell me what kind of presence this Temple has in Haihan? I believe I heard someone from my time is currently there, but I don't recall much of the details."
> "Was she a part of this Temple in my time?"
> "And what of Nazrin, whom one of your sisters mentioned earlier today, now that I think back on it?"
> Were we ever told how far away Enkyo is?
> Nod.
> "Good, good. I'll keep an eye out if I go to Haihan tomorrow."
> "Thank you. I do not believe I have or need anything else, as in thinking upon it further, I think it would be best to hold off speaking with the young Mistress until after I have returned from my final task for the day."
> "It should not be. There is someone on Youkai Mountain, or whatever it is called on the Gensokyo side now, that I wish to visit. I will be returning upon the end of our conversation."
> Which 'coin' might she be referring to? Or is she referring to all our possessions?
> Nod.
> "That would be wise, yes. I am not quite convinced the box we have here would be enough for it, though..."
> "I suppose that is true."
> Glance at the box while speaking.
> "... Perhaps we could see what the curator thinks before leaving town."
> Look back to Ichirin.
> "In that case, I have two tasks to complete before I return here. I do not expect this to add much extra time, however."
> "Understood. And speaking of which, if I am to stay here for the night, may I be of assistance in the kitchens tomorrow morning?"
> "Very well."
> "That should be it, yes. Many thanks for your hospitality."
> Look to Elise.
> "After you, then."
> Look to Alice.
> "I suppose now is the best time to ask; where will you be spending the night? Will it be here, or back at your home?"
>Do we have any special sleeping habits ?
> Nod.
> "As valuable as your company has been, I think it would be easier on our friends here if they only had two guests instead of three."
> "Excellent. Thank you for your flexibility."
> Look back to Elise.
> "In that case, the only thing I can think of is that the room be suitable for Dreamy to share it with me. And, I suppose, the closer to you and/or the Young Mistress, the better."
> "Whatever can be done is appreciated."
> "Thank you. I believe that is all, then."
> Do we remember where the museum is from here?
> "Farewell until later, Elise."
> Turn back to our small group.
> "All right, let's get going."
> Head north to the museum.
> Enter the museum properly.
> Look around for someone else with an armband that's not so busy.
> Do we remember the curator's name?
> Walk up to the employee we just spotted.
> "Ah, not as such. I was actually here earlier, in a meeting with the curator, Oebi."
> "Yes. I have come to see her again, to gauge her interest in an item I have come across in regards to a potential trade we discussed earlier."
> Did any of the other ribbons look like this?
> What does the woman look like?
>Don't Tsukumogami have something similar to that ?
> Does the woman look familiar at all?
> What people and/or creatures have we encountered that were notable for their teeth and/or mouths?
>Or for parts or accessories that resembled them ?
>"Excuse me, that ribbon of yours is quite familiar, would you be able to tell me about it ?"
> What tsukumogami have we met?
>"Indeed, but it is just so familiar... i am almost certain i saw this mouth-shaped style elsewhere in my time..."
>Nod.
>"I see... maybe i might have met someone related to you in the past."
>Do we know what kind of youkai is an futakuchi-onna ?
>And have we met any of them in the past ?
>"Oh, that's what inspired the ribbon i see."
>Smile.
>Does Dreamy still have the box ?
>"Dreamy, would you mind putting the box on that table please ?"
>Point to an free spot.
>"Don't worry dear, you did a good job, it's just so this lady here can check the items to see if any are good, our promise still stands."
>Smile reassuringly.
>"Yes, but if you don't give it to her, we won't be able to finish our promise, and you will get no items."
>Nod.
>"Please trust your Head Maid okay ?"
> What exactly was what we told Dreamy about being able to hold the box?
>"Well then, you can hold it, just let me show the lady the items then."
>If she doesn't object, open the box carefully and retrieve all the items., placing them on the table for inspection.
>Nod.
>"What about the box ? It seems to be as old as these items too."
> "My friend here has become rather attached to it, though, and she is the one that found it."
>"I must apologize, but i have promised to let her keep at least one item of the bunch, after all, without her we would have none of these."
>Cross our arms.
>"I don't expect you to understand, but it's important to me as her Chief Maid, or at least former one."
>Nod.
>"How many of these would be enough for a coin from that time period ? And which ?"
> Take on a sympathetic tone.
> "I'm sorry, Dreamy. You can have anything Miss Oebi does not need, but if she needs Queen Mundegaarde, then she needs Queen Mundegaarde."
> Take on a slightly sterner tone of voice.
> "Dreamy, please do not embarrass yourself in public."
>"Have you forgotten what i taught you all ? A proper Maid must be graceful and polite, and saying such negative words about someone you have just met right on their face is the complete opposite of that."
> What else was in the box other than the doll and the fork?
> Look back to Oebi.
> "My apologies. The doll and the fork will be fine if my companion may keep the box and the rest of its contents."
> "Unfortunately not. The box itself was specifically promised to her, and given she remembered me after nearly a thousand years, I am sure she will not forget the box or the promise so easily."
> "On the contrary, she is fully dedicated to make sure it does not get damaged any further."
>"She did come all the way from the Mansion to this place with it on her hands, and nothing broke."
> "Well, if it were restored, would it then be returned to its owner?"
> Pull out the gold we got from Kay.
> "Then how much will it cost?"
> Sigh and put away our gold.
> "Very well. I am sorry we could not work something out to your satisfaction regarding the box."
> "I am not sure I have the time for such a thing. I do wish to return home as soon as I can."
> Delicately retrieve and hand over the fork and the doll.
> Nod.
> "It is very much appreciated. I would understand if you are still largely skeptical of my story, but if there is any sort of message you wish I would deliver to Princess Sukuna in my time, I would be glad to do so."
> Give a small smirk.
> "That is probably the most practical request I have heard so far. Yes, I will do this for you."
> "Are you a direct descendant, then?"
> Frown.
> "My apologies. I did not realize it was a sensitive subject. Princess Sukuna is simply the only kobito I am aware of in my time."
> "The Shining Needle Castle?"
> Did we actually make it that far?
> If so, did we see any other kobito there?
> "Hmm, interesting. Perhaps I will pay it another visit when I return home."
> "Anyway, with our business concluded, I will deter you from your responsibilities no longer."
>"Unless you have anything else to say ?"
> Curtsey.
> "Thank you, and farewell."
> Leave the room and head back out into the main museum area.
> "Dreamy, grab your box and come with me."
> Give the fairy a look.
> "Please do not make me repeat myself."
> How are our time resources feeling?
> Are we capable of moving something as light as as fairy around while stepped out of time?
> Sigh and look to Alice.
> "Meet me back outside at the entrance we used, please?"
> Nod, then turn back to Dreamy.
> "Dreamy, this is your final chance."
> Step out of time.
> Survey the scene in front of us, examining Dreamy and the box in particular.
> Could we reasonably grab the box without damaging it?
> Given how far it is from our current location to outside the museum, would we be able to head outside the museum and get back here without stepping back into time?
> Are we capable of opening and closing doors while outside of time without damaging them?
> Is the door to this room closed?
> How tall is Dreamy?
> So we wouldn't be able to fit her under our shirt?
>Are there any windows that appear openable?
>Would they be large enough to clamber out of with a fairy in tow?
> Was the box sitting on Oebi's desk before Dreamy grabbed it again?
> Take the box out of Dreamy's hands and set it on the desk.
> Once this is done, rotate Dreamy so she is facing where we were standing.
> Return to our previous spot, from before we stepped out of time.
> Brace ourselves for a fairy impact.
> Step back into time.
> Clamp onto Dreamy with our hands and arms and keep her pinned to our body.
> "My apologies, Miss Oebi."
> "Only that the immediate problem was solved."
>"Will that suffice ?"
> "Understood. Come along now, Dreamy."
> Follow Alice out of the room.
> "Please stop."
> "Are you listening to me, Dreamy? I asked you to please stop."
> Take on a sterner tone.
> "Dreamy, stop this at once, or I will not treat you to dinner later."
> Sigh and look back to Oebi.
> "Please pardon my sudden departure. Have a pleasant day, Miss Oebi."
> Step out of time again.
> Let go of Dreamy with one arm and retrieve the box.
> Attempt to head out of the room with Dreamy wrapped up in one arm and the box held in our other arm's hand.
> Is the door at the end of the hallway closed?
> Make our way halfway down the hallway.
> Step back into time.
> "That's enough, Dreamy. We've left."
>"Dreamy, we had an deal, i understand you are upset, but without this, we won't have the mansion back, you want the Mansion to be back right ?"
>How common was it for us to have to spank Fairies for misbehaving?
>"Look, Queen Mundegaarde will be alright, they will take care of her, give her a bath and fix her clothes, and then everyone will be able to see her and how she is pretty."
>Put an reassuring but firm hand on her shoulder.
>"Besides, she would want to see our home back to how it was right ? It was also her home too remember ?"
>"But she told me it was the only way, and that she wanted you to find her sister for her too."
> How often do we stretch the truth, if not outright lie, to get fairies to do what we want them to?
> Look down at Dreamy with an unamused expression.
> "Ah, so you ARE capable of stopping your assault on my injured torso."
> "Come. Let's go. I would suggest not flailing any further, because if I get distracted enough I may accidentally drop the box."
> "You may keep the box, of course, but you are going to have to let me go to do so."
> "What did I say, then?"
> "Nothing else I was saying was getting you to stop exacerbating my injury."
>"You kept hitting my injured chest, remember when i fought the wumpus ?"
> "Look."
> Point down at our injury.
> "Indeed."
> "And what is that?"
> "You needn't worry about her, Dreamy. She'll be safe here. She'll even become famous, most likely."
>"Instead, why don't we find another doll that needs someone ? There are many others that aren't as lucky as Queen Mundegaarde."
>"What kind of awful things ?"
>"Why do you say that ? Did some mean inchling do mean things to you ?"
>"And why do you think that Dreamy ?"
>"Tell me what you saw them doing ? Or do you just say that because someone else told you ?"
> "What if I tried to make it so they didn't?"
> "I think I can. Remember when I disappeared? It wasn't very long after one of the first kobito appeared. When I return to my time, I can tell her to be nicer to fairies, and she'll share that with all her descendants."
>"Think about it, not only we get our home back, but they also stop being mean."
>"But we aren't going to try that on just one kobito, we are gonna try it on the first of them all, that will be much easier."
>"You see, the one i am going to talk with about that is like the mother of all the kobito around here, so that way i can convince her in the past, then the inchlings here will be nicer to fairies."
>Nod.
>"Indeed, that way everyone will be happy."
>Nod again.
>"That why i needed this coin from that kobito, it's the key to going back."
>"Well people also think that all fairies are weak, dumb and annoying, that isn't true is it ?"
>"See ? You can't give ears to generalizations like those, things like saying 'all kobito are evil' are very improper of a competent maid."
>Now that we say that, do we recall any fairies that broke that stereotypical standard of being small and dumb during our lives ? Among the maids, maid candidates, fairies we simply saw and such.
>Have we ever thought about hiring pixie-type fairies to ask as watchers or for other jobs regarding observation ?
>Hm... maybe in due time...
>"Do you know all the kobito in Gensokyo ? What do they work with or what do they want ? Tell me, what did they do to you that was mean ? And how many did that to you and why ?"
>"Again, what exactly DID they do Dreamy ?"
>"Um... isn't that the wumpus ?"
>"And why do they shoot you ?"
>Did we ever hear about the inchlings being hostile to people approaching their territory ?
>"I want to know 'why' they are jerks to you, cause that lady was definitely not a jerk to me."
>"That's not an valid argument Dreamy..."
>Sigh.
>"You want to be an proper maid correct Dreamy ?"
>"You were a good worker back then, i can't deny that."
>Smile a bit, but then put on an serious face.
>"However, judging anyone that way without truly knowing them is unacceptable behavior for a maid, you need to treat them with due respect until that person does something disrespectful to you, the kobito from the museum didn't attack you did she ?"
>"No she isn't, if she WAS up to no good, wouldn't she have tried to steal the box with all the things inside of it without giving us back the coin ?"
>Put a hand on her head.
>"Yet here we are, you still have the box with some stuff, i have the coin to make things better again, and we are all safe and not hurt at all."
>Gently rub it.
>"Yet you still can't prove she was up to no good can you ?"
> "Then how about this? I beat up the first inchling once before, many years ago. If she gets out of hand and starts doing bad things to fairies, I will beat her up again."
>"Just like the wumpus, that shouls make them be nicer."
> "Right. Now, would you like your box back?"
> Hand Dreamy back her box.
> "Now, let's go."
> Head back outside to where Alice is, making sure Dreamy comes with us.
> Look to Alice.
> "My apologies for the delay. Shall we head to the mountain now, to pursue my final remaining idea for learning anything about the Mistress?"
> "All right. Please follow me. You as well, Dreamy."
> Take flight and head toward the base of Youkai Mountain.
> Do we know where on the mountain the tengu village is?
> Is there still a reasonable regular footpath road we could take to get to it?
> If so, if that the one that currently has all the foot traffic?
> Fly toward the village, then.
> Are we familiar with any tengu other than Shameimaru and Himekaidou?
> In particular, do we know of a Momizi Inubashiri?
> ...Why are tengu family names so needlessly long, anyway?
> "Ah, good. Let us wait here."
> Stop and wave at the oncoming patrol.
> How attractive is the talking tengu? (Temporarily set aside the fact that we are still and will forever be faithful to Meiling.)
> Let flicker the slightest of grimaces, but get rid of it almost immediately.
> "Not even if she is under my supervision at all times?"
> Chuckle a bit.
> "Perhaps, though I have made a living out of encouraging and receiving good behavior from the little darlings."
> Tousle Dreamy's hair a bit for emphasis.
> Return to a neutral expression.
> "But, very well, I will respect the laws of your land. In that case, may I request an audience with someone where that person is brought here?"
> Inventory (currency only, if possible)
> "Oh. I had assumed it was a blanket ban. My apologies."
> "Understood."
> Pull out 5 mon, but don't hand it over just yet.
> "Before I agree to this, however, I must confess I don't actually know where my person of interest resides. It's been a very, very long time since I was here. Can you tell me how to find one Aya Shameimaru?"
> Look around for the waterfall while the tengu is writing.
> "Thank you. If I may, miss, what is your name?"
> Take the offered paper with a nod.
> "Do not take this the wrong way, Miss Kazuha, but were you around in the days of Sanae Kochiya?"
> "Ah, good. Now, this may sound weird, but if you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?"
> "All right. I will do my best to deliver this message. Thank you, Miss Kazuha."
> "Of course."
>"You'll behave right Dreamy ?"
> "In that case, have a pleasant day, Miss Kazuha."
> Nod.
> Have a look down at the paper (though try to keep Kazuha on the fringe of our vision). Amongst whatever other details are on the paper, see if we can determine Kazuha's family name.
> Look to Alice and Dreamy.
> "All right. Now that this is settled, let us head onward."
> Begin flying toward the waterfall, keeping an eye out for anything that suggests it is "Shameimaru Publishing".
> Point to it.
> "There."
> Fly to the front door of the building.
> Enter!
> Is this crow tengu Aya herself?
> If not, ask "Pardon me, but is Miss Shameimaru herself in?"
> "Would she at least have a little time to meet with an old acquaintance from the Scarlet Devil Mansion that she hasn't seen in almost a thousand years?"
> "Thank you."
> Head toward and up the visible set of stairs to the third floor.
> Gently wrap an arm around Dreamy and guide her back toward the right door.
> Take on a quiet tone.
> "Don't get distracted, Dreamy."
> If the right door is within reach, knock.
> Keep our arm grip on Dreamy.
> Look at the door and raise our voice volume a bit.
> "Good is for the inelegant. I've always been perfect."
> Open the door.
> "Accidental time travel, actually. At least in my case. It seems you've done well for yourself. I like what you've done with your hair."
> Is our grip on Dreamy still functional?
> Smile a bit.
> "I assure you, our meeting was rather unintentional. You'll forgive me if I don't provide any more detail than that, however."
> "Thank you."
> Gently pulling Dreamy along with us, head inside the room and have a seat where such is appropriate.
>"I assume you still recall the event at the Mansion's Library where i vanished ?"
> "Well, the gist of it is that I wasn't killed in that accident, but flung forward in time to this morning by an unknown force."
> "It is my understanding that something is responsible. Who or what, though, is a mystery."
> Nod.
> "I'm afraid I have little else to offer regarding the circumstances surrounding my disappearance. I do have a plan in place to return to my proper time, though. Ideally, that will happen tomorrow."
> "Hmm?"
> "Oh. Yes, I admit I am hoping everyone in my household will be willing to accept that this actually happened. Though I imagine I have plenty of evidence to support my claim."
> "How have the past thousand years been for you? Everything I have already observed aside, I have noticed that you and Miss Himekaidou appear to have something of an amicable relationship."
> "Ah, I see. Well, I suppose that is still better than before."
> Nod.
> "So what do you think of how things have changed?"
> "That is largely what I meant, yes. Personal opinions of what has been good or bad, whether or not you can change it."
> "Ah, good, good. Does that mean you're out of the business of *those* kinds of pictures? Or do you still do that on the side?"
> Were we aware there was a gallery of those?
> "...I was not aware there was a gallery."
>Did we ever fall victim to *those* pictures ?
> "Indeed. Anyway, I actually came to you with a specific information request, one where I cannot imagine anyone else knowing if you do not know anything."
> "I need any information you can provide about the disappearance and whereabouts of my Mistress."
> "I only know *that* she disappeared, not anything more."
>"That's odd. Who was the new manager?"
> Frown.
> "I have to admit, this is rather disappointing."
> "I'm not sure...To be completely honest, that was the only reason I came here. I have already secured what is necessary for me to return home, and so will be doing so tomorrow morning. With no one in any land with any idea what has befallen the Mistress, there is not really any other reason for me to remain in this time."
>"I have indeed. She is doing quite well for herself."
> "Near as myself and the Young Mistress can tell, everyone else has passed on in their various fashions."
> "How accessible is Makai, then?"
> "Mmm. I suppose my only mild curiosity is about Mikoto Teru, then."
> "Whatever you can tell me, as it sounds as though this person is a threat to the parts of Gensokyo I care about."
>"An invasion huh... do you have an estimate of when will it happen ?"
> Is Dreamy still behaving, or at least contained?
> Nod.
> "Please."
>"Do we have knowledge of her clear goals ?"
>"Just that ? Isn't there anything more ? Is it really just some power-hungry person ?"
> Adopt a thinking face.
> "...You've reminded me about something else. What can you tell me about the current hakutaku?"
> "I need all the information I can get to help prevent the premature demise of Keine Kamishirasawa."
> "I don't know the extent to which she could help. But I'm not aware of anyone else that's in a better position to help, as it is not as though I can simply consult Doctor Yagokoro."
> "But clearly that wasn't enough. If any more information has come to light since, it could be used to save her."
> Frown.
> "So there's nothing to be done to save her?"
>Maybe they have an treatment for it here, what do you think of seeking one here and then taking it back with us ?
> "Which winter was it?"
>"Guess it's something we should implement earlier in the past too..."
> What was the name of the enemy scout we defeated near the ruins of our home?
>Do we know what year we came from ourselves, even?
> "Setting that aside for the moment, then, and returning to the matter of Mikoto Teru, what can you tell me about Juza Takusan?"
> Smile inwardly.
> "I found her skulking around the ruins of my home for exactly that purpose."
> "She was looking for anything she could find related to Lady Patchouli, but had been unsuccessful so far. I'm not sure how long she had been camping out there. It appears she did not want to be discovered, and while she did not attack on sight, it did not take long for her to go on the offensive. Her spell cards were scrolls rather than cars and were...admittedly interesting and fairly stylish, but I subdued her properly. The Hakurei Shrine has been made aware of her presence, as have a few people near the museum in Old Hometown after we carried her there. It seems she considers her defeat a failure in her mission, and now intends to return home and report such. Where she is now, I am not entirely sure, though I would not be surprised if she returned to her camp in order to retrieve her supplies."
> "How long would that take unassisted?"
> "Mmm. I wonder if I should have her returned quicker than that, then."
> Nod.
> How large is Juza compared to Nue?
> "There was enough room for Nue and myself, at least."
> "Somewhat, but it was not intolerable."
> "Regardless, this is where I stand. I can return to my own time tomorrow morning, or I can investigate this Mikoto Teru."
> "Of course."
> "What's in the room behind us?"
> Look to Dreamy.
> "There you go, Dreamy, that's what that noise is."
> "You wanted to know what was going on in that room, yes? Now you know."
>"The one you tried to enter without permission."
>Is she still struggling ?
>"Well now you know what, could you please stop struggling now please ?"
>"Because it is quite bothersome to me, and a proper maid behaves well and obeys to the orders of her superior."
>"You promise that you will stay here and behave then ?"
>Give her an look of resolve.
>"Then why did you try to go to an room you weren't allowed to ?"
>"And did you forget what i taught you on these kinds of situations ?"
>"It still applies to other places, if you do something that gets you in trouble, then you will stain not only your name, but the Mansion's, the Mistress' and even mine's."
>"But our Mistress is still alive, and so am i, do you want people to talk badly of you and me ?"
>Pat her head.
>"Because i know that you are an nice person."
>"An former maid of the Mansion, she was one of the more distinguished ones."
>Nod.
>"Anyways Dreamy, you can't just wander around here without permission, if you want permission, ask Miss Aya here."
>"Hey... is there anything you could tell me about Hong Meiling and her life while i was missing ?"
>Nod.
>"I visited it before with Alice yes..."
>"Indeed... did she do anything else besides that ?"
>"That is wonderful to know. She always had a good heart."
>"Well she had her apprentices to train with for that matter."
>So not even Aya knew about Meiling's Search Quest to find us ? Incredible...
>"Well, if they are on the same level, you won't really beat them up, but alas... is there anything else to her wanders ?"
>"Eh ? What for ?"
>Was Meiling as naturally-curious person ?
>"?"
>Give her an curious look.
>"..."
>Give her a look of mild confusion then slowly change it to a saddened one.
> "True, true."
>"Still... it's very infuriating that such an unknown party disrupted all the future of the Mansion Residents..."
>Did Ran tell us if it was done intentionally or not ?
>"I'll find out soon enough."
> "As am I. In that case, however, I do not believe I need any more information about anyone."
> Did we ask Hatate if she had any messages for her past self? If so, did she have any?
> Adopt a thinking face.
> "...You wouldn't happen to have a picture of Mikoto Teru, would you?"
> "It would be appreciated, just to be prepared in the event I decide to travel there tomorrow. After that, the only other thing I can think of is whether or not you wish to give your past self some sort of advice or message."
> Follow, keeping a gentle but firm grip on Dreamy.
> "I suppose that may be true."
> Nod.
> "Right."
> Take the offering with whatever hand is not currently holding onto Dreamy and have a look.
> Does the onmyouji look familiar?
> Does Mikoto herself look familiar?
> "Who is the onmyouji, anyway?"
> Hand back the first picture and take the new one.
> "Fancy."
> Hand back the second picture.
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> "Ah, one last thing. What can you tell me about Kazuha Hanayama?"
> "The patrolwoman that confronted me when I arrived here."
> Show Aya our official Dreamy paper thingy.
> "Ah. All right."
> Put the paper away.
> Exit.
> "I have a message for her past self, as much as I am reasonably positive she doesn't realize it."
> "Forgive me, but it is something a bit personal, I think. Even just asking her what advice she would give her past self seemed to fluster her a bit."
> "I did not tell her my tale, it did not seem worth the effort to convince a random stranger that I traveled forward in time almost one thousand years, particularly not one that was less than pleased by my company. I merely confirmed she was alive in the days when Sanae Kochiya was human and then asked her what she would tell her younger self if she could, and her professional demeanor stumbled a bit. To her credit, she did mostly recover it shortly thereafter."
> "I suppose. Regardless, who is Momiji? Was she alive in my time period?"
> "Ah, that could be advantageous, since Kazuha is also a white wolf. For my personal reference, what is Momiji's last name?"
> "Understood. Thank you for this information. In that case, I do not believe I have any further questions."
> "Of course."
> Follow!
> "The Hijiri Temple."
> Give a small smile.
> "And if you could include a note acknowledging that it is not the worst thing in the world if both you and Miss Himekaidou get my story, it would be appreciated."
> "Because you are both going to want to hear about this incident in-depth, and I would rather only tell my story once so I can get back to my house duties quicker."
> "I'm not counting on it, certainly. But it might be good for a reaction, at least."
> "It would be especially nice if both of your signatures were on it. But I would completely understand if you had neither the time nor the inclination."
> "Nor tomorrow morning, I imagine."
> "I would hope to be long gone by then."
> Give another small smile.
> "But I figured it would not hurt to ask such a thing of the fastest in Gensokyo anyway."
> "Anyway, that will be fine. Am I permitted to look at the contents of whatever I will be delivering?"
> "I suppose I can just assume it will not be anything untoward."
> Nod.
> Continue onward.
> "You as well!"
> Look to our companions.
> "Shall we return to the Temple?"
> "We can ask about ramen shops when we get back to Old Hometown, Dreamy."
You know my power is to predict the past.
>How did Meals for fairy maids go back then ?
>What about our Dreamy here ?
>How likely is she to handle double ramen alone ?
> "Then let us depart."
> Take flight and head back to Old Hometown.
> Head toward the Temple.
> Is the front door open?
> Head inside, observing whatever customs are appropriate.
> "Not quite yet, actually. Are there any good ramen shops nearby?"
> "It is worth a shot, I suppose."
> "That is fine."
> Look to Dreamy.
> "How is that?"
> How hungry are we?
> "I could take it or leave it."
> Look to Alice.
> "What about you? I know what you mentioned earlier..."
> "I am suddenly not sure what I prefer, now. I think I may have changed my mind about who I would bring to Haihan with me, should I choose to visit it tomorrow."
> Look thoughtful with a slight frown for a silent moment or two, then nod.
> "Yes, I think so. For now. I will make my decision tonight."
> "All right."
> Look to Elise.
> "I think we will be back after dinner, then."
> "My apologies for the hassle."
> "We will see you again soon."
> Follow Elise's directions toward the ramen shop.
>How many are there ?
> Enter through/under the curtain.
> Have the indicated seat.
> "I'm afraid not. What are my options?"
> Does the menu describe what the walking tea is?
> Point to the menu.
> "Look, Dreamy, those are your options over there."
> Does it?
> If it does, so state.
> If it does not, so state.
> List the ramen options on the menu out loud for Dreamy.
> "That is all they have."
>Look at the list, do any of them sound similar to that?
> Glance over at the tanuki with a small smile.
> "She is very well-trained. One of the best ever, really."
> Look back to Dreamy.
> "I'm sorry, Dreamy, but I don't believe any of them are."
>"Her work as a maid was good, so she stood out from the other fairy maids."
>Turn to Dreamy again.
>"Where did you eat those kinds of Ramen Dreamy ?"
>"With the right set of skills to teach and discipline them, they can become quite the help."
>Nod.
>"Then where did you hear about these kinds of Ramen Dreamy ?"
>"It's just a matter of getting to understand them better."
>Nod.
>"Well Dreamy, the only ramen you can eat here is the ones i told you from the menu, you need to pick from one of those."
>"Sounds to me like you're just getting lead in nonsense circles," says the tanuki.>"Dreamy hasn't been working for a while, so she's a little out of focus right now, I swear that she's normally better behaved."
>"Dreamy hasn't been working for a while, so she's a little out of focus right now, I swear that she's normally better behaved."
>"Well they don't seem to have any secret menus here, so you gotta stick with the regular one."
>Pat her head.
>Wait, check inventory, specifically for items we can use to pay for the food.
>What was the menu again ?
>What size do we consider Dreamy capable of eating ?
>"How about an regular-size pork Ramen for her then ? How much would it cost ?"
> Glance over to Dreamy, then look at the tanuki with a knowing smile.
> "I hope that request will not cost her extra. What is the walking tea, by the way? I have not heard of this before."
> "Ah. Probably not a good idea this late at night, but worth considering tomorrow morning. I would like a normal-size extra vegetable pork ramen for myself, please."
> Pull out the necessary money (lucky us that we have exactly that much left!) and leave it on the table.
> Begin eating. With as much elegance as one can muster while eating ramen, of course.
> Are we in a condition to finish off what is in Dreamy's bowl? Or would that be too much for us?
> "Are you going to finish that, Dreamy?"
> Look to Alice.
> "There is little sense in wasting food. Would you like to finish it off?"
> "You might as well. It is better than disposing of it."
>"Dreamy, if you aren't going to eat the rest now, please share with Miss Alice over there."
>"A proper maid doesn't play with her food, if you aren't gonna eat it, then please listen to your chief maid and share the rest with Miss Alice over there..."
>Give her an serious but reassuring look.
>"You are an proper maid right ?"
>"Just because you don't wear the dress doesnlt mean you stop being one... besides... it would be a shame to lose one of my best maids."
> "Ah, a good question. Hmm...perhaps the people at the Temple would allow you to do those jobs."
> "Because the Young Mistress is there too."
> "Excellent. I will ask her about it when we return there, okay?"
> "Good, good. Now, may Alice finish your leftovers?"
> "It would not do to throw it away."
>Wait for her to finish it.
> "Thank you, Alice."
> Are we aware of a tanuki from the Myouren Temple in our time?
> Are we aware of any tanuki at all in our time?
> "I believe so."
> Look to the tanuki.
> "And thank you as well."
> "Have a pleasant night, miss."
> Stand up as well, then look to Dreamy.
> "Come along now, Dreamy."
> Head back to the temple.
> "Good evening again."
>"See you then, Alice. And yes, thank you Elise."
> "Thank you."
> Follow!
> "Anything is as good as home right now."
> Enter the room.
> How cold and dark is it in here?
> Do we have a time we normally wish to wake up at, for duty purposes?
> "I will be fine. I suspect I will wake up early naturally. The offer is appreciated, however."
> "Is the Young Mistress available?"
> "Her company would be appreciated, if such is possible. Not for the entire night, of course."
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> "We will be sleeping here tonight, if that is what you mean."
>Do we see the dust she refers to ?
>"That is a shame, but you'll just have to except it. Not everything can be as well managed as the Mansion."
> "Well, perhaps we can ask the Young Mistress for cleaning supplies when we talk to her."
> "Let us visit her before retiring for the evening, then. Come."
> Follow Elise's instructions to get to Flandre's room.
> "Pardon the intrusion, Young Mistress."
> Enter!
> How terrified of Flandre are all the fairy maids?
> Look skeptical.
> "Dreamy, when I said we would speak with the Young Mistress, about whom did you think I was speaking?"
> Smile.
> "Yes, Dreamy. It's the Young Mistress."
>"Why? She lives here now, of course, since the mansion's gone."
>Turn to Flandre.
>"Ah, it's one of my best maids from back when the mansion still stood. She helped me find the last thing I needed to return to my time."
>"Is something wrong Dreamy ? She won't hurt you."
> "Indeed. Though, Dreamy is amongst the things I wished to discuss with you, so perhaps we should do so first regardless."
> Nod.
> "I promise what I am about to say is said with the best intentions and best hopes and wishes for everyone involved, Young Mistress. Please do not take any offense, as absolutely none is intended."
> Gesture behind us at Dreamy while still looking at Flandre.
> "I believe it would be to the benefit of all parties if this Temple took Dreamy here on as a maid."
> Smile.
> "I simply wanted to make sure you did not take my idea as derogatory commentary toward the temple's current cleaning practices."
> "Excellent. Thank you very much."
> Look behind us.
> "Do you hear that, Dreamy? You will be able to live and work here, as you did at the mansion before."
> "You will answer to the Young Mistress and her instructions, understood?"
> "And you will actually show yourself to the Young Mistress instead of hiding behind me, understood?"
> "You do."
> "...You can start by doing so now, Dreamy."
>Do we know what is she talking about ?
>"How so ?"
>"But why does it give bad luck ?"
>"Are you saying the Young Mistress gives bad luck ?"
> Is that a house rule, that the fairies may not be seen by the Young Mistress?
> "I would say that is no longer true, given the circumstances."
> "Dreamy, I promise that it is okay. Necessary, even, if you are to work for the Young Mistress."
> "...Dreamy, please do so now."
> Smile at Flan.
> "It is the least I can do for her."
> Are we sitting down?
> If not, is there somewhere obvious to do so?
> "Of course."
> Gesture to the chair.
> "May I?"
> "Thank you."
> Have a seat in the chair.
> "My other matter is substantially more serious. I need to decide what I will do tomorrow morning, now that I have everything I need to return home."
> "Normally yes. But I still worry about whatever entity flung me forward in time in the first place, as well as what it was that bothered the Mistress so. Once I return home, I doubt I will have the opportunity to research either of those things."
> "I worry she will not be willing to discuss the matter."
> Sigh.
> "I certainly hope so. The other thing I am concerned about, though, is Haihan."
> ...Has anyone we've met actually been worried about Haihan?
> "Mmm...maybe. Maybe I am overthinking things..."
>"The threat that said person may present."
> "Perhaps I am reading too much into Reimu's words, calling her blessing 'perfect for a returning hero of old'. But they make me feel as though my presence here is needed to right some sort of wrong."
> Adopt a thoughtful look.
> "...I wonder how rude one last visit would be this late at night..."
> "Probably. Would you be willing to join me? I would not be at all offended if you declined, but I figure it is worth asking."
> "It is not necessary, no. If you do not want to go, then you should stay here."
>Did the Young Mistress give us trouble when it was time for her to go to sleep back then ?
>Chuckle with a smile.
>"Incredible to hear you say that, considering you were quite averse to going to bed sometimes back then."
>What was the most concerning thing about letting Flandre stay awake at the time ?
>"Well if we let you then you would have been awake while everyone would be asleep, something that we couldn't accept at the time."
> Smile a bit.
> "Sorry. Anyway, the only other thing I can think of is to request some cleaning supplies for Dreamy, so she may tackle our bedroom. If such is permissible, of course."
> "That would be greatly appreciated."
> Look to Dreamy.
> "You can handle this, I assume?"
> Put on an unamused look.
> "Good. What are you going to do, then?"
> "And what is the thing?"
> Look even less amused.
> Lose the sour look and sigh.
> "Just follow me. Young Mistress, if you would please lead the way?"
> "Yes, I do believe so."
> Look to Dreamy.
> "Now, Dreamy, I would like you to clean the room that will be our bedroom this evening, using the supplies provided here."
> Smile.
> "Splendid. Now, I would like you to lead us back to our bedroom."
> Look to Flandre.
> "Is that correct, Young Mistress?"
> "Yes, please."
> "It should not be too much of a problem. You will be in bed by the time I return, yes?"
> "No, that is alright. I merely wished to determine whether this will be our last time seeing each other or not."
> "Ah, very good."
> Chuckle.
> "Of course. Be on your best behavior for the Young Mistress, Dreamy. I will be back soon."
> Head back out of the Temple, by way of Flan's room, then our room, then the entrance.
> Take flight and head back to the Hakurei Shrine.
> How tall is she compared to those outside world kids? Do they even come up to her shoulders? Her navel?
> Look at the shrine maiden.
> Point at ourselves, then point at the shrine interior.
>"I'm not here to fight!"
>"I'm not here to fight!"
//Was i really fully ignored ? :(
> Nod.
> Giving the shrine maiden a fairly wide berth so as to not disturb her, walk around her and enter the Shrine.
>Examine the new side entrances.
> Which entrance did we take the last couple of times?
> Where did we meet Goddess Reimu the first time, then?
> Wherever that was, head there.
> Head into the main entrance, then.
> "Reimu?"
> "My apologies for the late arrival. I did not mean to disturb your sleep. ...As much as I was not aware you still needed it."
> But stop time and feel Reimu up first before we speak.