Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on April 07, 2011, 02:55:39 AM
-
>You are Iku Nagae, Gensokyo's premier messenger and dancer, and the sky has fallen! Related to this, you have had a terrible, no good, awful, very bad day yesterday, and are having another one today.
>You do not know how, or why, but Bhava-Arga has fallen from the sky and now hovers scant yards over the surface of Gensokyo. This has caused numerous problems. On top of this, Tenshi has run off after stealing the Sword of Hisou. This has made her a primary suspect in the eyes of many. including yourself at one point. You've since proven her innocence on the matter.
>You are an oarfish youkai in service to the Dragon Palace. As a resident of Bhava-Agra, you bear a status similar to that of a Celestial, and are considered a minor functionary in the Celestial Bureaucracy that makes certain the known universe runs as it should, with all the rights privileges, and duties that come with this position. You are in the service of The Dragon, who reigns quietly as the highest god of this realm, and is among the highest beings in the universe. It regards you well, and you think of it as a guardian.
>While your duties and position suggest your place is in Bhava-Agra, you have a tendency to roam to other places. You somewhat blame this on Tenshi Hinanai, whom you have unfortunately been charged with keeping out of significant trouble, and her tendency to visit Gensokyo whenever possible. You are well-know for your love of dance, and excellence in performing it; oftentimes you've been asked to star in performances given at the Dragon Palace. Others have styled you the Dance Empress, particularly those who would try to claim that title for themselves. You are, as far as you know, well regarded by everyone you know and are welcome practically anywhere in Gensokyo, save perhaps for Higan. The only real black spot in your days is periodically having to deal with Tenshi's chicanery.
>You have been tasked by The Dragon in dealing with this incident. You have taken some stock of the damage surrounding the fall. You have found that Bhava-Agra's food supply has been badly affected by these events; you defeated a tsuchinoko on Minoirko's behalf in hopes of alleviating this. You have delivered messages for Patchouli. You have had bad run ins with Marisa and Reimu; and nearly had one with Sanae. You have found Tenshi hiding in the Ancient City, became convinced of her innocence, convinced her to join you, and have had several spats with her. You've done your best to bond with Tenshi, and you've made significant progress in that regard. You've been hearing a lot about a search for some thing called the Brocken Spectre, and learned it is key to the whole issue. You found and rescued Yamame, who was captured by faeries. You've been given a hit list by Yuugi. You've released Aya from prison after a rather confused encounter, and are trying to fix that issue. You've discovered that the islands of Bhava-Agra do not cast proper shadows; nor did Nitori, who was practically dead to the world before you were able to have her shadow restored. You've found Kogasa has had her shadow stolen very recently, it has since been restored. Yukari had loaned you a very important tool, which you have returned safely! You tried to get a candid photo of Aya, but had problems when she ran from Momiji. Meeting her at Kourindou later, you might have had success. You have learned of a mysterious poltergeist roaming the Forest of Magic, and have deduced that she is both the shadow thief and the Brocken Spectre. You've beaten the Brocken Spectre in combat, then got exilled away into the missing shadow of Bhava-Agra. You managed to escape there and end up in Makai, from which you have escaped after several misadventures. You have reached a kind of agreement with the Brocken Spectre. You may have convinced Reimu not to come after you! You seem to have even managed to make a connection with the paranoid and isolationist poltergeist and gotten some of the missing shadows restored. You have met with Remilia and managed to arrange for an amicable solution.
>Presently, you are finalizing things with Aya.
> "Excellent. Now, my brain has been completely addled these past two days, and I have had a tendency to not understand agreements properly, making false assumptions about what will and will not happen. Not to further rub in anything unpleasant, but can you detail for me exactly what we have agreed to do, outside of our meeting tomorrow morning?"
>"You're going to do what you can to get me free," says Aya, "And I'll go back if I have to, with the understanding you'll be doing your best to cut it short."
>_
-
>Inquire what language it is this go-around.
-
> Nod.
> "And, again, I cannot guarantee anything, but I suspect Lord Tenma will be more open to compromise if he can see you have returned for himself. If what you and Tenshi believe how the Yama handled this situation is true - and I must admit I would not be surprised if it was - then I would not be surprised at all if he was willing to grant leniency wherever he feels he can justify it."
-
[
> Nod.
> "And, again, I cannot guarantee anything, but I suspect Lord Tenma will be more open to compromise if he can see you have returned for himself. If what you and Tenshi believe how the Yama handled this situation is true - and I must admit I would not be surprised if it was - then I would not be surprised at all if he was willing to grant leniency wherever he feels he can justify it."
>Aya nods. "If it comes to that."
>_
-
> "Mmm. I think it will be a good deal harder if I approach him with something closer to a deal, like we are saying you will come back only if such-and-such happens, and doing it in that fashion would not go nearly as far toward making your friend look good..."
-
> "Mmm. I think it will be a good deal harder if I approach him with something closer to a deal, like we are saying you will come back only if such-and-such happens, and doing it in that fashion would not go nearly as far toward making your friend look good..."
>She sighs. "If I must."
>_
-
> "It will do both your friend's name and your own chances at leniency better. Believe me, I would not be suggesting it if I did not think it an ultimate net benefit."
-
> "It will do both your friend's name and your own chances at leniency better. Believe me, I would not be suggesting it if I did not think it an ultimate net benefit."
>"...If I must," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "You will have the night to consider the idea, regardless."
> Smile.
> "For what it is worth, I am proud of you for giving it this much consideration."
-
> Nod.
> "You will have the night to consider the idea, regardless."
> Smile.
> "For what it is worth, I am proud of you for giving it this much consideration."
>Aya gives you an odd look, then shrugs. "If you say so."
>_
-
> "Well then. To tomorrow?"
-
> "Well then. To tomorrow?"
>She nods.
>_
-
> "Good luck to you, then. And stay safe."
> Assuming Aya does not object to our leaving, take flight straight up through the trees, avoiding collisions with branches as we can and protecting our face where we cannot.
> Once we have crested the canopy, fly off toward Renko and Maribel's house.
-
Are we ready to meet with Shuuei now, or is there anything else you want to do first?
-
> "Good luck to you, then. And stay safe."
> Assuming Aya does not object to our leaving, take flight straight up through the trees, avoiding collisions with branches as we can and protecting our face where we cannot.
> Once we have crested the canopy, fly off toward Renko and Maribel's house.
>"I'll try," says Aya.
>You fly straight upward; thankfully Rinnosuke's back yard is not that heavily wooded, so you have no difficulty taking to the air.
>It is a short trip to Maribel and Renko's home. Things seem quiet here, nothing appears especially awry.
>_
-
Yeah, this is Shuuei time.
> Start building up a charge again.
> Head to the riverside clearing where we've met with the poltergeist.
-
> Start building up a charge again.
> Head to the riverside clearing where we've met with the poltergeist.
>You rebuild a charge, and head beck toward the stream.
>You head back toward the stream, and find it empty. After a moment, the poltergeist peeks around a tree. "Sorry, I thought you were one of the people from the house. She came earlier to get some water."
>_
-
> "It's okay, I understand. How are you feeling?"
-
> "It's okay, I understand. How are you feeling?"
>"About as confused as ever," says the poltergeist. "Did you manage to get things taken care of with that strange short woman with the wings?"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Yes. An agreement was reached that leaves the people involved the choice of how to live their lives, instead of being ordered to live one way or the other."
-
> Nod.
> "Yes. An agreement was reached that leaves the people involved the choice of how to live their lives, instead of being ordered to live one way or the other."
>"That sounds like it's good," says the Poltergeist. "I wasn't sure I could convince her without being seen."
>_
-
> "Remilia is not an unreasonable person. She behaved better throughout this whole ordeal than I did."
-
> "Remilia is not an unreasonable person. She behaved better throughout this whole ordeal than I did."
>The poltergeist raises an eyebrow, then seems to be content to let the subject drop.
>_
-
> Is she still wearing the mask?
> "So you say you feel very confused. But you know what I meant when I asked that question."
> Put on a sad frown.
> "Has it gotten any worse?"
-
> Is she still wearing the mask?
> "So you say you feel very confused. But you know what I meant when I asked that question."
> Put on a sad frown.
> "Has it gotten any worse?"
>She seems to have taken it off. But the straw rain cloak is still there.
>"Yes, it's getting worse," she says.
>_
-
> Grimace.
> "...What can I do?"
-
> Grimace.
> "...What can I do?"
>"I don't think there's anything you can do," says the poltergeist. "But it's nice that you're here and asking, at least. I'm going to have to let go of it, soon, I think."
>_
-
> Give a small smile.
> "I would be a terrible friend if I did any less. And...for what it is worth, the August One knows of your plight, and is confident that you would survive several days without it, simply because of our interaction. It is not a permanent solution, but it is something, at least."
-
>"And I have an idea that should allow you survive for longer without requiring you to expose yourself to others."
-
> Give a small smile.
> "I would be a terrible friend if I did any less. And...for what it is worth, the August One knows of your plight, and is confident that you would survive several days without it, simply because of our interaction. It is not a permanent solution, but it is something, at least."
>She nods. "Well, that's nice to know," she says.
>"And I have an idea that should allow you survive for longer without requiring you to expose yourself to others."
>"Really?"
>_
-
>"Yes. You will have to interact with people-that I cannot find a way around-but I have a way for you to do so with effectively no risk of exposure."
-
>"Yes. You will have to interact with people-that I cannot find a way around-but I have a way for you to do so with effectively no risk of exposure."
>"Go on?"
>_
-
> "There is a species of youkai called the nue. They are...illusionist shapeshifters, I guess would be the best way to put it. They can change their appearance with a given amount of effort. I have met with one underground, and learned that she has the resources to cast such an illusionist spell on someone else, so that this other person could look entirely different."
-
Feel free to override anything I say that isn't what you intended, by the way. I just want to get as many commands in as I can before I disappear for the weekend. >_>
-
>Actually, go with what Kilga said.
-
> "There is a species of youkai called the nue. They are...illusionist shapeshifters, I guess would be the best way to put it. They can change their appearance with a given amount of effort. I have met with one underground, and learned that she has the resources to cast such an illusionist spell on someone else, so that this other person could look entirely different."
>"That sounds odd," says the poltergeist. "How does it work? This making someone else look different?"
>_
-
>"I... do not really know. Nue-I don't know if that's truly her name, but it's what she calls herself. Anyways, she was insistant that only she could teach you how to use the 'seed of non-identification' that will allow you to do this. That is the problem: it will not be possible for her to teach you how to use the seed without seeing you. She did say you could remain in your current, concealing outfit, but she could not teach you if you remain hidden the way you did with Remilia."
>"If it helps, Nue is much like Suika in that she does not seem to care who you are. I can garuntee that she will ask you nothing about yourself. She will show you how to use the seed, then leave."
-
>"I... do not really know. Nue-I don't know if that's truly her name, but it's what she calls herself. Anyways, she was insistant that only she could teach you how to use the 'seed of non-identification' that will allow you to do this. That is the problem: it will not be possible for her to teach you how to use the seed without seeing you. She did say you could remain in your current, concealing outfit, but she could not teach you if you remain hidden the way you did with Remilia."
>"If it helps, Nue is much like Suika in that she does not seem to care who you are. I can garuntee that she will ask you nothing about yourself. She will show you how to use the seed, then leave."
>"I don't know about that," says the poltergeist. "A disguise you don't understand could stop working for reasons you don't understand."
>_
-
>"That, I think, is why she would need to explain it to you. She told me that she could teach you how to use it, but that she could not teach me to teach you how to use. It has, I think, something to do with the fact that she is, indeed, a nue-she said one 'had to be born to it' in order to be able to explain it to others. She and I also went over reasons the disguise might fail, and I believe we can make the chance of that effectively non-existant.
-
>"That, I think, is why she would need to explain it to you. She told me that she could teach you how to use it, but that she could not teach me to teach you how to use. It has, I think, something to do with the fact that she is, indeed, a nue-she said one 'had to be born to it' in order to be able to explain it to others. She and I also went over reasons the disguise might fail, and I believe we can make the chance of that effectively non-existant.
>"I'll talk with her," says the poltergeist, "But I don't think this will work."
>_
-
>"I believe it wiil. And, Shuuei?"
>"I know this is hard for you, but you agreed to it. This shows that you trust me, and for that, thank you."
-
>"I believe it wiil. And, Shuuei?"
>"I know this is hard for you, but you agreed to it. This shows that you trust me, and for that, thank you."
>She nods. "You're welcome."
>_
-
>"Very well, then. I must go underground to get Nue. I will return shortly, and she will be with me. Do you want any... special accomodations for this initial meeting?
-
>"Very well, then. I must go underground to get Nue. I will return shortly, and she will be with me. Do you want any... special accomodations for this initial meeting?
>"Okay, I suppose," she says. "I don't know, it seems like an awful lot of trouble, and I'm still not sure it's a good idea."
>_
-
"You probably don't know this, but the seeds have been used before, and the entirity of Gensokyo was fooled. It'll work."
-
> "You probably don't know this, but the seeds have been used before, and the entirity of Gensokyo was fooled. It'll work."
-
Oops. Thanks for that, Kilga.
-
> "You probably don't know this, but the seeds have been used before, and the entirity of Gensokyo was fooled. It'll work."
>She frowns. "Well, maybe. I don't know."
>_
-
> Small smile.
> "We can't very well do nothing, you know."
-
> Small smile.
> "We can't very well do nothing, you know."
>She nods. "I know, I know. So...if we're going to do something like this, perhaps I should return the shadow before it begins?"
>_
-
> "If you like. I will likely need to inform the Scarlet Devil Mansion at some point if you do, to let them know that I have no intention of backing out on our deal simply because the islands have been restored to their proper place."
-
>Pause for thought.
>"Actually, restore the shadow upon my return. That will give me time to make sure word gets to Remilia."
-
> "If you like. I will likely need to inform the Scarlet Devil Mansion at some point if you do, to let them know that I have no intention of backing out on our deal simply because the islands have been restored to their proper place."
>She nods. "I suppose so. Should I wait, then?"
>_
-
>"I think so, yes. I'll make sure word gets to Remilia. You can restore the islands' shadows upon my return."
-
Right, so I'll be unavailable for a few hours. My plan is to go back to Tenshi and, after talking to her about Nue, have her deliver the message to the SDM, then go home for the evening since she has work tomorrow.
-
>"I think so, yes. I'll make sure word gets to Remilia. You can restore the islands' shadows upon my return."
>The poltergeist nods.
>_
-
>"Very well, then. I will see you soon."
>Assuming no objections, head back to the entrance to the underground.
-
Just a comment, but sending Tenshi to be a messenger to the SDM screams out to be a bad idea to me, considering she just recovered from attacking them not too long ago.
-
That was befre the truce. If she walks up to the gate now and says 'hey, tell Remilia the islands are going to go back up soon but Iku still plans to honor your agreement', I don't think there'll be any problems.
-
You failing to take into account that Tenshi is very proud and confrontational, and has already gotten into conflicts with two of the head people at the SDM, including the gatekeeper. Plus, she's probably going to be frustrated not only by the fact that she technically lost against Sakuya, but her hunt for Kisume was probably fruitless.
-
We'll just make sure Tenshi knows that there is to be no fighting; just go, deliver the message, and leave. The circumstances have changed since the fights, and also, the fight with Meiling was agreed to by both ahead of time and the fight with Sakuya was as a result of our instructions. As long as we're clear that there is to be no violence, I don't think there'll be any problems.
-
>"Very well, then. I will see you soon."
>Assuming no objections, head back to the entrance to the underground.
>The poltergeist does not object, and you fly back to the Underground Entrance.
>You arrive there, and find Tenshi leaning against the cavern entrance.
>_
-
>Land.
>"Hey, Tenshi. Any luck?"
-
>Land.
>"Hey, Tenshi. Any luck?"
>"Naw, the stupid bucket was hiding too good," says Tenshi, shaking her head. "Yamame eventually just gave me some money, and said Kisume owed her, so I guess it's alright."
>_
-
> "I see. Did you thank Yamame?"
> "In any case, I was able to meet with Miss Shameimaru, and have a discussion. I think I might have convinced her to return to speak with Lord Tenma, or at least have her consider it. I was also able to talk to our other friend; she's willing to consider Nue's help."
> Sigh. "But that leaves me one problem. Just what am I going to use to repay Miss Houjuu for her assistance?"
-
>"Given that it's late and you have to work tomorrow, you don't need to accompany bac underground. I would, however, still like to speak to you about Nue."
-
> "I see. Did you thank Yamame?"
> "In any case, I was able to meet with Miss Shameimaru, and have a discussion. I think I might have convinced her to return to speak with Lord Tenma, or at least have her consider it. I was also able to talk to our other friend; she's willing to consider Nue's help."
> Sigh. "But that leaves me one problem. Just what am I going to use to repay Miss Houjuu for her assistance?"
>"Yeah, I did," says Tenshi. "And, I dunno what we can give Nue, really. I mean...I'll be kind of honest, I'm not really good at coming up with the big ideas she'd like. I just sorts seize the moment when it's there."
>"Given that it's late and you have to work tomorrow, you don't need to accompany bac underground. I would, however, still like to speak to you about Nue."
>"Yeah, what?"
>_
-
>"Well, I couldn't make sense of what she was saying, but when I spoke to you, you seemed to know what she was getting at."
-
What, this again? We already established what Nue wants, and even told Tenshi as much. >_>
-
> "Does she simply want to pull a prank on someone, or is she looking for something larger scale?"
-
>"Well, I couldn't make sense of what she was saying, but when I spoke to you, you seemed to know what she was getting at."
> "Does she simply want to pull a prank on someone, or is she looking for something larger scale?"
>"Probably something big," says Tenshi. "But maybe not, maybe it just has to be a good one?"
>_
-
>"Hmm... well, I don't know that I could do anything there, but fortunately, she did agree to my payment idea, even if she did seem... less than enthusiastic about it. Unless... well, she did ask if I could 'sweeten the deal' any, and perhaps I can."
-
>"Hmm... well, I don't know that I could do anything there, but fortunately, she did agree to my payment idea, even if she did seem... less than enthusiastic about it. Unless... well, she did ask if I could 'sweeten the deal' any, and perhaps I can."
>"Yeah?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
I was going to enlist her in getting a picture of Aya, to be honest.
-
> "I wonder if she would be at all enthused about getting a picture of Aya. I would imagine that someone dressed as she is would have been chosen by Aya a few times by now...perhaps the measure of revenge would be appealing."
-
I was going to enlist her in getting a picture of Aya, to be honest.
Actually, thinking on it, that would be the best option: Nue would think that taking a covert picture of Aya would be good revenge, but we don't need to let her know that Aya actually wants that.
-
That was my thought as well. I'd ask that she teach Shuuei how to use the seed first, though, and yes, there is collateral we can give her if necessary (I believe I mentioned that previously).
-
What collateral are you talking about? And there's no need, and in fact a detrimental stance, to withhold the information about Aya until after Nue teaches Brocken how to use the seed: we want Nue more than she wants the information, after all.
-
No, I meant do that before going after Aya, not before telling Nue about Aya. Shuuei's time is limited, you know; we need to help her before spending too much time on other things. And the collateral is the gemstone; I know we don't want to give it up, but there were no objections raised when I mentioned the possibility of using it as collateral (since, you know, we'd get it back once we paid).
-
> "I wonder if she would be at all enthused about getting a picture of Aya. I would imagine that someone dressed as she is would have been chosen by Aya a few times by now...perhaps the measure of revenge would be appealing."
>"Hey, that's a good idea," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Shall we go ask her, then?"
-
> "Shall we go ask her, then?"
>She nods. "Yeah, let's go for it."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "All right, then. But keep an eye out for Kisume. I am not prepared to stun her, and I cannot guarantee I will be if she shows up again."
-
> Nod.
> "All right, then. But keep an eye out for Kisume. I am not prepared to stun her, and I cannot guarantee I will be if she shows up again."
>"Yeah, sure, I'll watch the roof," says Tenshi, as she takes her hat off.
>_
-
> Begin building a charge.
> Nod.
> "Good. Let us proceed, then."
> Head into the underground, toward the oni village.
-
> Begin building a charge.
> Nod.
> "Good. Let us proceed, then."
> Head into the underground, toward the oni village.
>You start to build up a charge, and head into the cavern.
>Despite your precautions, the trip is uneventful, there's no signs of Kisume the whole way, nor are there any of Yamame, though you think you can hear her humming from somewhere in the web-filled chamber that you can't quite see. Regardless, you reach the bridge safely.
>_
-
> Head to Nue's place.
> Along the way, turn to Tenshi.
> "So it seems our shadowy friend is about ready for Bhava-Agra to be restored."
-
> Head to Nue's place.
> Along the way, turn to Tenshi.
> "So it seems our shadowy friend is about ready for Bhava-Agra to be restored."
>While getting through the caverns was easy, the streets of the ancient city are as crowded as ever, and the mingled smells of all the foodstuffs in the market makes your mouth water. How long has it been since you ate something?
>"Really?" says Tenshi, "What'd you do?"
>_
-
> Home will have returned soon. Food can come then.
> "To be honest, I am not sure I really did anything, other than provide her with information she likely wished was not true. I can tell you that, according to Patchouli, trying to harness the power of the shadow of an entire spiritual realm is more than most anyone can handle."
-
> Home will have returned soon. Food can come then.
> "To be honest, I am not sure I really did anything, other than provide her with information she likely wished was not true. I can tell you that, according to Patchouli, trying to harness the power of the shadow of an entire spiritual realm is more than most anyone can handle."
>You stay strong, and plunge into the pub district.
>"Oh well," says Tenshi. "At least it's something."
>_
-
> "That it is. I will take the restoration of our home however I can get it. I hope Sakuya has been moved since we last saw her, though. I shudder to think what would happen to her if Bhava-Agra's rise is anything like its fall."
-
> "That it is. I will take the restoration of our home however I can get it. I hope Sakuya has been moved since we last saw her, though. I shudder to think what would happen to her if Bhava-Agra's rise is anything like its fall."
>"I don't." says Tenshi flatly.
>You can see Nue's tavern up ahead.
>_
-
> Small grin.
> "You do realize you still came out on top of that little encounter, right? I would much rather be you than her right now."
-
> Small grin.
> "You do realize you still came out on top of that little encounter, right? I would much rather be you than her right now."
>"Well, now yeah," says Tenshi. "She still got lucky."
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "Look on the bright side. If what I saw of you two in that room was a result of her being lucky, I'd say you should be proud of your abilities."
-
> Shrug.
> "Look on the bright side. If what I saw of you two in that room was a result of her being lucky, I'd say you should be proud of your abilities."
>"Oh yeah, normally I'd get her every time," says Tenshi. "Just she got lucky."
>_
-
>"Anyways, once we meet with Nue, I would like you to deliver a message to the Scarlet Devil Mansion for me. Specifically, that the islands are about to be restored but that I still plan to honor our agreement. You don't need to give it to Remilia personally; just have Meiling or whoever's on guard duty pass it along."
>"Also, since you have things you need to do tomorrow, you may retire for the night after delivering the message. I do not know how late I will be, and I do not want to keep you up unnecessarily. You may use my room at the palace if you want; if anyone asks, tell them I authorized it and that they can take it up with me if they have any objections."
>Head to the tavern and enter.
-
Just FYI, if we're going to let Tenshi go for the evening, I do want to talk to her before she leaves.
-
Got it.
-
>"Anyways, once we meet with Nue, I would like you to deliver a message to the Scarlet Devil Mansion for me. Specifically, that the islands are about to be restored but that I still plan to honor our agreement. You don't need to give it to Remilia personally; just have Meiling or whoever's on guard duty pass it along."
>"Also, since you have things you need to do tomorrow, you may retire for the night after delivering the message. I do not know how late I will be, and I do not want to keep you up unnecessarily. You may use my room at the palace if you want; if anyone asks, tell them I authorized it and that they can take it up with me if they have any objections."
>Head to the tavern and enter.
>"Yeah, fine, I guess," says Tenshi, as you want into the tavern. It is about as crowded as it was before, you see Nue circulating among the crowd with a heavy-looking tray. You also notice Deva K at a corner seat, watching things going on and surrounded by a few oni. She watches you as you come inside.
>_
-
> Is there anyone else in the place that we know?
> Hail Deva K and walk over to her.
-
> Is there anyone else in the place that we know?
> Hail Deva K and walk over to her.
>You don't see any other familiar faces.
>You hail the Deva and approach. Her previously noisy cronies quite down and look toward you as you do. "Looks like you're still in one piece," says K, nodding in your direction.
>_
-
> Nod in return.
> "I am, and I am glad to see you well. I apologize for taking this long to ask, but were you satisfied with your encounter with the shrine maiden?"
-
> Nod in return.
> "I am, and I am glad to see you well. I apologize for taking this long to ask, but were you satisfied with your encounter with the shrine maiden?"
>"Better than she looked," says Deva K, chuckling. "We'll see how she does next time."
>_
-
> "I am glad to hear things went well."
> Gesture at Tenshi with a smile, but keep looking at Deva K.
> "As you can see, your information was quite valuable. I thank you for your help."
-
> "I am glad to hear things went well."
> Gesture at Tenshi with a smile, but keep looking at Deva K.
> "As you can see, your information was quite valuable. I thank you for your help."
>She waves a hand. "Knew about that for awhile. You're welcome and all that."
>_
-
> Take a quick look at Nue, then back at Deva K.
> "I do not wish to be impolite, but my day runs short, and I have some further business with Nue. Again, thank you for everything. I believe I may very well have benefited more from our encounter than either of us imagined."
-
> Take a quick look at Nue, then back at Deva K.
> "I do not wish to be impolite, but my day runs short, and I have some further business with Nue. Again, thank you for everything. I believe I may very well have benefited more from our encounter than either of us imagined."
>You see Nue is behind the bar.
>"Yeah, go get things done," says the Deva.
>_
-
> Give a short bow to Deva K, then head to the bar.
-
> Give a short bow to Deva K, then head to the bar.
>You bow, and head to the bar.
>"Welcome back," says Nue, as she puts together another tray of drinks..
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I think I may have an idea for something you can do to someone. If I may ask, can you disguise yourself as anything other than other people?"
-
> Nod.
> "I think I may have an idea for something you can do to someone. If I may ask, can you disguise yourself as anything other than other people?"
>"Why?" asks Nue, frowning.
>_
-
> Small smile.
> "I'm afraid I'll be answering with another question. Do you know of Aya Shameimaru, and what she does?"
> Glance down at Nue's hips, then look back up.
> "And I do not mean journalism."
-
> Small smile.
> "I'm afraid I'll be answering with another question. Do you know of Aya Shameimaru, and what she does?"
> Glance down at Nue's hips, then look back up.
> "And I do not mean journalism."
>"Mmhm," says Nue. "I know all about her."
>_
-
> "Then I will cut straight to the point. I propose that we work together to get one of those kinds of pictures of her."
-
> "Then I will cut straight to the point. I propose that we work together to get one of those kinds of pictures of her."
>"Mmm, I like the way you think," she says.
>_
-
>"Forgive me if what I'm about to ask sounds stupid, as I know not how to value things such as this, but would it be sufficient compensation for a seed of non-identification, or would you want the payment I proposed as well?"
-
>"Forgive me if what I'm about to ask sounds stupid, as I know not how to value things such as this, but would it be sufficient compensation for a seed of non-identification, or would you want the payment I proposed as well?"
>"We'll see," says Nue, "But probably both."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Very well. Now, about the first thing I asked..."
-
> Nod.
> "Very well. Now, about the first thing I asked..."
>"Well, kinda," says Nue. "I'd prefer not to get into too many details about it. What do you need?"
>_
-
> "I will be giving Aya an interview tomorrow morning about the disaster that befell our home. I have her camera. What I would like is for you to sneak up on her disguised as something other than a person, because she's quite perceptive and will almost invariably know you're coming."
-
> "I will be giving Aya an interview tomorrow morning about the disaster that befell our home. I have her camera. What I would like is for you to sneak up on her disguised as something other than a person, because she's quite perceptive and will almost invariably know you're coming."
>Nue nods. "Hands will be a problem, though."
>_
-
>"Could you not simply keep your hands within the illusion until you have your shot? Because once you take it, it won't matter if Aya knows you're there."
-
>"Could you not simply keep your hands within the illusion until you have your shot? Because once you take it, it won't matter if Aya knows you're there."
>"I'm not using up two seeds," says Nue, frowning.
>_
-
>"Oh, I thought you could disguise yourself without needing one of them. My mistake."
-
> "Mmm...I suppose it would be impossible to simply render yourself invisible, then?"
-
>"Oh, I thought you could disguise yourself without needing one of them. My mistake."
>"I can," says Nue, "But that's why hands would be a problem. At least if you want me to sneak up on someone."
> "Mmm...I suppose it would be impossible to simply render yourself invisible, then?"
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
>"I'm afraid I don't really understand why hands would be a problem. Couldn't you just keep them within your disguise? Or is what you do under your own power different from what the seeds can do?"
-
>"I'm afraid I don't really understand why hands would be a problem. Couldn't you just keep them within your disguise? Or is what you do under your own power different from what the seeds can do?"
>"Heh," says Nue, "Let's just say I can look like anything I want, hon. The seeds just make illusions, I do the real thing. But, well, there's some tricks to it."
>_
-
>"Are you saying that you actually do change your form?"
-
>"Are you saying that you actually do change your form?"
>"You've had some head trauma lately, haven't you?" says Nue. "Maybe you shouldn't be hanging around in bars."
>Tenshi chuckles.
>_
-
>"I'm not sure if that was supposed to be a yes or a no."
-
>"I'm not sure if that was supposed to be a yes or a no."
>"Is she okay?" says Nue, frowning and glancing to Tenshi.
>"I dunno," says Tenshi with a shrug.
>_
-
>"Okay, you know what? Forget it. Let's just focus on the practical aspect."
>"So hands will be a problem. What if you took position ahead of time and simply waited?"
-
>"Okay, you know what? Forget it. Let's just focus on the practical aspect."
>"So hands will be a problem. What if you took position ahead of time and simply waited?"
>"Maybe," says Nue, "but ambushing Aya would be difficult."
>_
-
>"Well, I'm afraid I have little experience in this area. Your own idead would likely be much more effective than mine."
-
>"Well, I'm afraid I have little experience in this area. Your own idead would likely be much more effective than mine."
>"Well, there's two ways we can do it," says Nue. "The first way is that you try to lure her somewhere, and I'll be in wait. But that's probably what she expects. Better would be to figure out a place where she'd go naturally, and lay in wait."
>_
-
>"Do keep in mind that we have an advantage, namely the fact that I have already been cooperating with her. And we have another advantage: you. Aya will be on guard for me to attempt such a picture, but she will not expect you."
-
>"Do keep in mind that we have an advantage, namely the fact that I have already been cooperating with her. And we have another advantage: you. Aya will be on guard for me to attempt such a picture, but she will not expect you."
>"Huh, so she knows, too?" says Nue. "Yeah, that's going to make it harder. Because distractions like that are pretty much first thought anyone would have when trying to pick a specific person's pocket."
>_
-
>"Actually, I've been able to use the fact that she's on guard to my aadvantage. I'm not sure if you know this, but she's supposed to be in prison, and the tengu are... eager to get her back."
-
>"Actually, I've been able to use the fact that she's on guard to my aadvantage. I'm not sure if you know this, but she's supposed to be in prison, and the tengu are... eager to get her back."
>"Go on," says Nue.
>_
-
>"Well, my latest attempt involved pretending I'd seen someone outside. I illuminated the area with a bright flash, then attempted to get the picture while she was stunned. Unfortunately, she stumbled backwards just as the camera went off, and I didn't get the picture."
>"Also, as I mentioned, I'm going to give her an interview regarding the situation with Bhava-Agra. So she will not be suspicious in regards to meeting me, and although she'll be on the lookout for tengu, if you can appear to be something completely different, she will likely not notice you until it's too late. Which is why I need to know the extent of your... abilities."
-
>"Well, my latest attempt involved pretending I'd seen someone outside. I illuminated the area with a bright flash, then attempted to get the picture while she was stunned. Unfortunately, she stumbled backwards just as the camera went off, and I didn't get the picture."
>"Also, as I mentioned, I'm going to give her an interview regarding the situation with Bhava-Agra. So she will not be suspicious in regards to meeting me, and although she'll be on the lookout for tengu, if you can appear to be something completely different, she will likely not notice you until it's too late. Which is why I need to know the extent of your... abilities."
>"Oh yeah, she's going to expect something," says Nue.
>_
-
>"Something, yes, but not you."
>"Anyways, it would seem we have a deal. We can work out the plan as we move, but I'm afraid my friend is short on time. I know you may be reluctant to act before receiving payment, but by then, my friend would be dead. So I find myself having to ask you to fulfil your end of the bargain first, and you have my word that I will fulfil mine as soon as I possibly can."
-
>"Something, yes, but not you."
>"Anyways, it would seem we have a deal. We can work out the plan as we move, but I'm afraid my friend is short on time. I know you may be reluctant to act before receiving payment, but by then, my friend would be dead. So I find myself having to ask you to fulfil your end of the bargain first, and you have my word that I will fulfil mine as soon as I possibly can."
>"Well, if you wanna underestimate your mark," says Nue with a shrug. "Anyway, just a moment."
>"Hey, Deva!"
>Glancing over, you see Deva K nod, and make a few motions to the oni gathered around around.
>Nue walks around the bar, and says, "Lead the way."
>_
-
>Head out.
>"I am trying not to underestimate her, but I'm afraid this isn't something I'm used to doing. I have almost no experience in this area. That's why I said you could probably come up with a much better plan than I could."
Yeah, I'm not doing so well with the whole 'plan-to-get-Aya' thing. Can you try and come up with something, Kilga?
-
I'm not sure there's a whole lot more to it than what you've described. I'm willing to bet we can get her to react favorably by pretending to flashbomb; she should cover her eyes out of instinct, which will give Nue a second with which to work.
-
>Head out.
>"I am trying not to underestimate her, but I'm afraid this isn't something I'm used to doing. I have almost no experience in this area. That's why I said you could probably come up with a much better plan than I could."
>"Well, the best way is for you to never be there, as far as she knows," says Nue, as you walk out into the streets. "She's going to be suspecting you at this point, no matter what, if you already tried."
>_
-
> "I've actually managed to surprise her once, by playing at deception. It wasn't my proudest moment, but...I had my reasons for it. Regardless, I expect I came out of that encounter with a tiny measure of control over her, as part of the trick was creating a very bright flash of light that blinded her for a little bit. I expect that, if I make motions to suggest I am going to do it again, she will cover her eyes out of instinct, because I understand the flash is so bright it hurts in addition to blinding someone. That small reflexive maneuver on her part could give you enough time to do what you need to do."
> "Also,this is unrelated, but I want to mention it while I am thinking about it. When we get to the entrance to the surface, could you give Tenshi and myself a quick moment? There is something I wish to discuss with her in private before we separate for the evening."
-
> "I've actually managed to surprise her once, by playing at deception. It wasn't my proudest moment, but...I had my reasons for it. Regardless, I expect I came out of that encounter with a tiny measure of control over her, as part of the trick was creating a very bright flash of light that blinded her for a little bit. I expect that, if I make motions to suggest I am going to do it again, she will cover her eyes out of instinct, because I understand the flash is so bright it hurts in addition to blinding someone. That small reflexive maneuver on her part could give you enough time to do what you need to do."
> "Also,this is unrelated, but I want to mention it while I am thinking about it. When we get to the entrance to the surface, could you give Tenshi and myself a quick moment? There is something I wish to discuss with her in private before we separate for the evening."
>"Wouldn't I be blinded too?" says Nue.
>She gives an idle nod when asked for a moment.
>_
-
> "You would be...if I actually did it."
-
> "You would be...if I actually did it."
>"Hm," says Nue. "True, but I'd also have to be very close, we'd only have a second or two."
>_
-
> "Which is why I had asked about your ability to look like an inanimate object, such as a rock or a tree or some such. If you are there the whole time, you will be better able to get very close."
-
> "Which is why I had asked about your ability to look like an inanimate object, such as a rock or a tree or some such. If you are there the whole time, you will be better able to get very close."
>"That's more than I could do," says Nue.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I see. Mmm...how much do you know about Miss Hatate Himekaidou, then?"
-
> Frown.
> "I see. Mmm...how much do you know about Miss Hatate Himekaidou, then?"
>"Not much," says Nue. "She's Aya rival or lover or something, right?"
-
> Smile.
> "The first, yes. The second, I imagine likely not, but it would be oddly amusing if true. Do you know what she looks like?"
-
> Smile.
> "The first, yes. The second, I imagine likely not, but it would be oddly amusing if true. Do you know what she looks like?"
>"Kind of," says Nue. "Let me guess, you want me impersonate her?"
>_
-
> "That may be the next best thing, yes. Given how Aya has spoken of Hatate, I imagine it would not be hard for Hatate to rile her up."
-
> "That may be the next best thing, yes. Given how Aya has spoken of Hatate, I imagine it would not be hard for Hatate to rile her up."
>"Well, the answer is no, not really," says Nue. "I can kind of do it if I saw her. But if you need me to get it close, it would take me a few hours, especially if you wanted me to get her voice. And I would need some of her clothes, anyways."
>_
-
>While talking, begin flying out to the surface.
-
> "I see. This sounds far more complicated than I had originally figured."
-
>While talking, begin flying out to the surface.
>You work toward making your way out as you talk.
> "I see. This sounds far more complicated than I had originally figured."
>Nue nods. "Yeah. But, I think we can pull this off one way or another. If you can get me some clothes, and a picture, I can probably mimick her good enough to get a quick reaction out of Aya. The hair should be easy, hair's always easy. And I'm good enough at body types I can do pretty much anything decently, as long as no one looks too long. The question is, what next?"
>_
-
> "Well, I was thinking that you could get into an argument with her over who is getting the better story regarding Bhava-Agra's fall. You could claim you found the culprit yourself, or some such. We could go one of three ways from there, but where we want to go depends on guessing how she will react to a bragging Hatate. We could have me try to sneak up on her, but you are right in that she will be expecting me. We could have me try to distract her back away from you, but that would defeat most of the purpose of going through all the trouble in the first place. Or we can enlist the help of a third person, and have me try to mediate an argument between the two of you. Keeping both of us in front of her will get her to lower her guard the most, which could allow someone very stealthy to sneak up on her and get a picture if she's too busy being angry at Hatate."
-
> "Well, I was thinking that you could get into an argument with her over who is getting the better story regarding Bhava-Agra's fall. You could claim you found the culprit yourself, or some such. We could go one of three ways from there, but where we want to go depends on guessing how she will react to a bragging Hatate. We could have me try to sneak up on her, but you are right in that she will be expecting me. We could have me try to distract her back away from you, but that would defeat most of the purpose of going through all the trouble in the first place. Or we can enlist the help of a third person, and have me try to mediate an argument between the two of you. Keeping both of us in front of her will get her to lower her guard the most, which could allow someone very stealthy to sneak up on her and get a picture if she's too busy being angry at Hatate."
>"Don't know if I could fool her long enough to keep an argument going," says Nue, rubbing her chin. "Depends on what Hatate looks look. At least if you intend to do this by this morning, I can spend a good portion of the night getting a feel for her."
>_
-
> "We could certainly make a trip up Youkai Mountain and try to find her tonight."
-
I know I'm not supposed to because it would be rather out of character as well as incredibly awkward on the extreme off-chance it actually succeeded, but man do I want to hoist the anchor on the IkuTen ship and let it set sail. D: (And no, this is not about what I wish to speak with Tenshi.)
So what issues are there left to take care of? On the minor side of things, we STILL need to return Yuugi's hit list (should we do this right now, perhaps?), and we'll need to get Chen a fish. The majors, obviously, are the restoration of Bhava-Agra (which seems incredibly close to happening), finding a way to get Feisty Geist active in the world, getting a picture of Aya and everything surrounding the circumstances of getting her back in jail, and informing Remilia as to the changing status of the Bhavagran islands. I can't actually think of anything else.
-
If Iku gets into a relationship, it'd probably be the other person instigating it, I would think. That said, I think you guys did a pretty good job of making Tenshi reevaluate her opinion of Iku: continue supporting her, and who knows?
As for things to do... ask Nue if she knows where Yuugi stomps around, because I'm pretty sure Tenshi and Iku don't. I'm also not very clear on how you're going to deal with Aya and Tenma without making one of the parties pissed off (Tenma's probably already going to be pissed, anyways), but I don't have the background with this game that you do.
-
I think that's pretty much it, Kilga. And we're close to the biggest one (restoring Bhava-Agra's shadow).
-
continue supporting her, and who knows?
This is the goal of what I have planned for her before we separate. It will involve a symbolic act for the characters that may seem a little silly to Tenshi (and I will be sure to preface it as such), but I believe she will really appreciate the idea behind it.
-
> "We could certainly make a trip up Youkai Mountain and try to find her tonight."
>"I'd have to pull an all nighter," says Nue, "But one of those every so often doesn't hurt anything. When I'm done, you don't be able to tell the difference."
>_
-
>"Sounds good. We can head there as soon as our business with my friend is concluded."
>Continue up to the surface.
-
>"Sounds good. We can head there as soon as our business with my friend is concluded."
>Continue up to the surface.
>Nue nods, as the bridge comes into view. You can see someone fishing off the side of it.
>_
-
> Does it appear to be Parsee, or someone unfamiliar?
If it's Parsee, stop by her and ask her about Yuugi. I want to dump that list sooner rather than later.
-
> Does it appear to be Parsee, or someone unfamiliar?
>It's a little to identify at first, but you see that it is Utsuho, with Parsee beside her. The former does a good job of obscuring the latter.
>_
-
>Head over to them.
>"We meet again."
-
>Head over to them.
>"We meet again."
>"Oh hey there," says Utsuho, glance your way.
>Parsee nods toward you.
>_
-
> "I will not keep you long. May I ask where I can find Yuugi at this time of the day? I have dwelled on the issue, and realized that I do not believe I am capable of fulfilling the purpose of her list."
-
> "I will not keep you long. May I ask where I can find Yuugi at this time of the day? I have dwelled on the issue, and realized that I do not believe I am capable of fulfilling the purpose of her list."
>"Oh, that thing?" says Parsee. "Yeah, she was doing that today."
>_
-
> "Oh, okay. Mmm. Well, I should still apologize for taking her list and not doing anything with it..."
-
> "Oh, okay. Mmm. Well, I should still apologize for taking her list and not doing anything with it..."
>"I wouldn't worry about it," says Utsuho. "There's a reason she does it herself, anyways."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "...If you say so."
-
> Frown.
> "...If you say so."
>"Yeah, it's nothing to worry about," says Parsee. "Poor thing wouldn't know what to do with herself if she had people busting heads for her."
>_
-
> "All right, then. I will trust your judgments on the issue, as you know her much better than I do."
> "I will detain you no further. Be well, and thank you both for everything you have done for us."
-
> "All right, then. I will trust your judgments on the issue, as you know her much better than I do."
> "I will detain you no further. Be well, and thank you both for everything you have done for us."
>"You're welcome!" says Utsuho.
>"Don't try too hard to be louder than the music," Nue says as you walk by.
>"We'll never beat your record," Parsee says back.
>You cross the bridge, and enter the tunnel.
>_
-
> Start building a charge.
> Give Nue a quizzical look.
> "If I may ask, what is this about music?"
-
> Start building a charge.
> Give Nue a quizzical look.
> "If I may ask, what is this about music?"
>You begin building up a new charge.
>"I'll leave it to your imagination," says Nue.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> Look over to Tenshi. Does she have her hat off? If not, point at our own hat while still looking at her.
-
> Shrug.
> Look over to Tenshi. Does she have her hat off? If not, point at our own hat while still looking at her.
>You look over to see her taking hers off again.
>_
-
> Give a small nod and look where we are going again.
> Continue on out into the surface.
-
> Give a small nod and look where we are going again.
> Continue on out into the surface.
>You return to the surface, again seeing no signs of any thieving bucket youkai.
>_
-
> Let the charge go, then.
> Look over to Nue.
> "Now that we are here, if Tenshi and I may...?"
-
> Let the charge go, then.
> Look over to Nue.
> "Now that we are here, if Tenshi and I may...?"
>"Sure, sure," says Nue, as she learns against the mouth of the cavern. "Just make it a quick one."
>_
-
> Nod, then turn to Tenshi.
> "Let us find a quick private area, shall we?"
-
> Nod, then turn to Tenshi.
> "Let us find a quick private area, shall we?"
>"Does private mean no chance of faeries?" says Tenshi. She gestures toward the forest to the immediate west of you.
>_
-
> "I am not worried about stray faeries. The forest will do nicely."
> Assuming Tenshi voices no concerns, head toward the forest edge.
-
> "I am not worried about stray faeries. The forest will do nicely."
> Assuming Tenshi voices no concerns, head toward the forest edge.
>You head to the forest edge, and put some distance between yourselve and Nue.
>"Okay, what?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "I have been thinking about one of the main problems between us, both of the past two days and for a long time. What our positions in our home mean we can and cannot do around and say to each other. But I think I have had an idea on that front. The actions involved may seem a little silly, but their symbolism is what is important."
-
> "I have been thinking about one of the main problems between us, both of the past two days and for a long time. What our positions in our home mean we can and cannot do around and say to each other. But I think I have had an idea on that front. The actions involved may seem a little silly, but their symbolism is what is important."
>The blank look on her face tells you that if you've not gone over her head yet, you're getting close to it.
>"Um, okay?"
>_
-
> Small smile.
> "I am sorry for my verbosity. I will cut straight to the point. I would like to extend an opportunity to you. At any time when we are both available, you may come to my chambers and remove your hat. I will remove mine in response. As long as our hats are off, anything you tell me will be held in the fullest confidentiality. I will not report anything you say to any authorities, nor will I seek to punish you for any thoughts you may have. You can tell me anything, and I promise you this, anything you like without any fear of repercussions."
-
> Small smile.
> "I am sorry for my verbosity. I will cut straight to the point. I would like to extend an opportunity to you. At any time when we are both available, you may come to my chambers and remove your hat. I will remove mine in response. As long as our hats are off, anything you tell me will be held in the fullest confidentiality. I will not report anything you say to any authorities, nor will I seek to punish you for any thoughts you may have. You can tell me anything, and I promise you this, anything you like without any fear of repercussions."
>"So if I said I burned down Reimu's shrine, you wouldn't do anything?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I would be very unhappy with you for doing such a thing, and I truly hope we will never need to have such a conversation. But...no, I would not punish you as a direct consequence of you telling me that."
-
> Frown.
> "I would be very unhappy with you for doing such a thing, and I truly hope we will never need to have such a conversation. But...no, I would not punish you as a direct consequence of you telling me that."
>"Okay, I like this idea," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "I am glad. And when I say anything, I do mean anything. You can tell me how much you dislike your fellow celestials, or how you think I smell like I have not bathed in weeks. Or you can simply tell me about your day, and all the neat things that happened throughout it. I would love to hear about the things you experience that make you happy."
-
> Smile.
> "I am glad. And when I say anything, I do mean anything. You can tell me how much you dislike your fellow celestials, or how you think I smell like I have not bathed in weeks. Or you can simply tell me about your day, and all the neat things that happened throughout it. I would love to hear about the things you experience that make you happy."
>Tenshi nods. "I can do that."
>_
-
> Put a hand on Tenshi's shoulder.
> "Excellent. I truly hope we can both use this opportunity to work toward bypassing the barriers our lives put around us in regards to interaction with each other."
-
> Put a hand on Tenshi's shoulder.
> "Excellent. I truly hope we can both use this opportunity to work toward bypassing the barriers our lives put around us in regards to interaction with each other."
>"What?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "I hope that this can help us become closer despite our positions in Bhava-Agra forcing you to be naturally wary of me."
-
> "I hope that this can help us become closer despite our positions in Bhava-Agra forcing you to be naturally wary of me."
>"Oh," says Tenshi. "You should have said that the first time."
>_
-
> Smile.
> "I must apologize for my verbosity again, then."
-
> Smile.
> "I must apologize for my verbosity again, then."
>"Yeah yeah, no problem," says Tenshi with a wave. "So, anything else?"
>_
-
> "No, I believe that will be all, unless you have any further questions."
-
> "No, I believe that will be all, unless you have any further questions."
>"Don't think so," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "All right then. I believe it is time we separate for the evening, so you can deliver your message and then take a well-earned rest. Should there be any complications at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, have a note left for me in my room, or something similar. Whatever you can do to pass the message along without interfering with when you go to bed."
-
> "All right then. I believe it is time we separate for the evening, so you can deliver your message and then take a well-earned rest. Should there be any complications at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, have a note left for me in my room, or something similar. Whatever you can do to pass the message along without interfering with when you go to bed."
>"Don't worry, I tell them," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Thank you. And be sure to find out if Sakuya has been moved to her home. I would rather not restore our home while she is still there, for her sake."
> Frown.
> "Did I mention that already? I already cannot remember. This has been a rough couple of days for both of us."
-
> Nod.
> "Thank you. And be sure to find out if Sakuya has been moved to her home. I would rather not restore our home while she is still there, for her sake."
> Frown.
> "Did I mention that already? I already cannot remember. This has been a rough couple of days for both of us."
>"I think you said something like that," says Tenshi. "I'll check, don't worry."
>_
-
> Smile. If our hand is still on Tenshi's shoulder, gently squeeze it a little bit.
> "I won't. I know I can depend on you."
-
> Smile. If our hand is still on Tenshi's shoulder, gently squeeze it a little bit.
> "I won't. I know I can depend on you."
>You give her shoulder a squeeze.
>"Alright, see you later," says Tenshi, as she steps off, and takes flight.
>_
-
> Watch her leave for a few seconds, then head back to the cave entrance.
-
> Watch her leave for a few seconds, then head back to the cave entrance.
>You watch her depart; she flies southward toward the mansion.
>Returning to the cave entrance, you find Nue is just where you left her.
>_
-
> Give a short bow.
> "I apologize for the delay."
-
> Give a short bow.
> "I apologize for the delay."
>Nue nods and pushes herself from the wall she was leaning on. "It happens. So, where're we going?"
>_
-
> "My friend dwells within the Forest of Magic, so presuming you are prepared to meet her, we can head there first."
> Assuming Nue is indeed ready, take flight and head toward the poltergeist's riverside clearing in the forest.
-
> "My friend dwells within the Forest of Magic, so presuming you are prepared to meet her, we can head there first."
> Assuming Nue is indeed ready, take flight and head toward the poltergeist's riverside clearing in the forest.
>Nue nods in response, and the two of you take to the air.
>You land near the stream clearing, and find it empty. This is not terribly surprising.
>_
-
> Call out in no particular direction.
> "Friend, this is Miss Nue Houjuu. She is the one of which I spoke earlier."
> Turn to Nue.
> "This may be a bit sudden, but would it be possible to provide a demonstration of what you can do with yourself?"
-
>"Also, allow me to remind you not to ask my friend anything about herself. You don't really care who she is anyways, right?"
-
> Call out in no particular direction.
> "Friend, this is Miss Nue Houjuu. She is the one of which I spoke earlier."
> Turn to Nue.
> "This may be a bit sudden, but would it be possible to provide a demonstration of what you can do with yourself?"
>"Hmm, let's see what I can do quickly," says Nue. "Oh, this should do."
>She slowly runs a hand through her hair. In its wake is a wide streak of blonde amidst her her normally dark hair.
>You note some motion to the right, and look over to see the poltergeist looking around the side of a tree, just a little.
>"Also, allow me to remind you not to ask my friend anything about herself. You don't really care who she is anyways, right?"
>"Oh, I'm actually quite curious," says Nue. "But I won't ask a thing, don't worry."
>_
-
>"Is there anything I can do to make this less uncomfortable for you?"
>Note: That was directed at Shuuei, not Nue.
-
I don't know about drawing attention to Feisty Geist just yet. It doesn't seem Nue has noticed her, for one thing.
> Keep the poltergeist in our line of vision, but try not to focus on her.
> "You can do such a thing with so little effort? That is quite impressive."
-
>She'll have to come out eventually, but whatever. Disregard this voice's previous command.
-
She will have to come out eventually, yeah. I just think she'd feel better about it if she did it on her own terms. If you want to expedite the process, then so be it. :V
-
> Keep the poltergeist in our line of vision, but try not to focus on her.
> "You can do such a thing with so little effort? That is quite impressive."
>You try not to draw attention to the poltergeist.
>"Like I said, hair is easy," says Nue. "There's not much real work with that. Now, once you get into things like facial features, well, that takes some planning."
>_
-
> "What about clothing? Could you change color there?"
-
> "What about clothing? Could you change color there?"
>"My, you are nosy about this kind of thing, aren't you?" says Nue, waggling a finger. "Well, I'd like not to have to reveal too many of my secrets, but let's just say I've got the most extensive wardrobe you've ever seen outside of Kaguya's mansion."
>_
-
>"I'm sorry; I'll stop asking questions."
>Discretely glance over at Shuuei.
-
> "Not to make excuses, but I am simply naturally curious. There is a lot to life about which I don't know; I would be doing myself wrong to not at least attempt to increase my knowledge when presented with the opportunity."
-
>"I'm sorry; I'll stop asking questions."
>Discretely glance over at Shuuei.
>Nue nods. "It's works less well when people understand it, you see. And we must all have our mystique, don't you think?"
>The poltergeist is still watching you.
> "Not to make excuses, but I am simply naturally curious. There is a lot to life about which I don't know; I would be doing myself wrong to not at least attempt to increase my knowledge when presented with the opportunity."
>"I know what you're saying," says Nue.
>_
-
>"And I understand what you're saying."
>If we can do it without Nue noticing, beckon Shuuei forward.
-
> "Friend, I hope you have seen what has transpired here. From what I understand, and from what we have both now heard, it sounds like this is merely the beginning of what is possible."
-
>"And I understand what you're saying."
>If we can do it without Nue noticing, beckon Shuuei forward.
>You beckon toward the poltergeist while Nue's attention is elsewhere.
>She inches forward a little.
> "Friend, I hope you have seen what has transpired here. From what I understand, and from what we have both now heard, it sounds like this is merely the beginning of what is possible."
>"Um..." says the Poltergeist in a small voice. Nue looks in her direction, prompting her to dart back behind the tree.
>"Aha," says Nue.
>_
-
> "I am sorry, friend. Whenever you feel you are ready. Just remember what this could do for you in the long run."
> Turn back to Nue.
> "I dislike continuing my curiosity, but for demonstration purposes, could you possibly alter the color of my hair?"
-
> "I am sorry, friend. Whenever you feel you are ready. Just remember what this could do for you in the long run."
> Turn back to Nue.
> "I dislike continuing my curiosity, but for demonstration purposes, could you possibly alter the color of my hair?"
>"I could," says Nue, "But then there wouldn't be a seed for your friend there."
>_
-
>"I see."
>To Shuuei: "Is there anything I can do to make this less uncomfortable for you?"
-
>"I see."
>To Shuuei: "Is there anything I can do to make this less uncomfortable for you?"
>"Just...just give me a minute," she mumbles.
>_
-
> "Of course."
-
> "Of course."
>You agree.
>After a few moments, she slowly walks around the tree, carefully enough that her cloak barely rustles.
>"Hey, kiddo," says Nue.
>"Um..." says the poltergeist, looking at you. "What do we do now?"
>_
-
> "Well...I think if we decide what you think will help you, we can then find out if those changes are possible."
-
> "Well...I think if we decide what you think will help you, we can then find out if those changes are possible."
>"I don't know," she says. "This is all your idea."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I hope this does not mean that you do not think this idea will be enough to help you feel better about interaction. I would hate to have done this to you for naught."
-
> Frown.
> "I hope this does not mean that you do not think this idea will be enough to help you feel better about interaction. I would hate to have done this to you for naught."
>"I don't know what it's going to do," she says, looking downward. "I'm still not sure about having a disguise I don't understand..."
>_
-
> "Simply put, you will look very different from what you look like right now. You can see from Miss Houjuu here that a hair color change is fairly simple. You could have purple hair, for example."
-
> "Simply put, you will look very different from what you look like right now. You can see from Miss Houjuu here that a hair color change is fairly simple. You could have purple hair, for example."
"Yes, but," says the Poltergeist. "How do you take it off? Or put it on again? And how do others take it off? Would I even know if they did?"
>_
-
> "It doesn't appear to be something that you would simply put on or take off. From what I understand, it is an illusion spell, rather than pieces of clothing and the like. As long as the spell was active, you would look like you had purple hair, I think."
> Turn to Nue.
> "Is this possibly something you could explain without telling more than you want to?"
-
> "It doesn't appear to be something that you would simply put on or take off. From what I understand, it is an illusion spell, rather than pieces of clothing and the like. As long as the spell was active, you would look like you had purple hair, I think."
> Turn to Nue.
> "Is this possibly something you could explain without telling more than you want to?"
>"Okay," says Nue, "It's not foolproof. People can see the differences, but if they touch them, it's possible that they can find their way through it. So the trick is, we can't make your shape too different. So if you had plans about getting long hair or a big chest, it's probably not a good idea."
>"Uh, okay," says the poltergeist.
>"That said," Nue says, "there's a lot of little things we can do. Just give me the word."
>_
-
"It's not foolproof. People can see the differences
> Should this be 'People can't see the differences'?
> "Well, I would hope no one would be touching her in such a fashion as to discover a large chest was just an illusion."
-
>"But I don't think such a thing is necessary, anyways. Even minor changes can make somebody unrecognizable, especially if there's enough of them."
-
For the record, I was not planning on going that route unless she specifically requested it.
But if she wants it, who are we to object? <_<
-
Yeah, that's my thought, too. I'd recommend not making such changes, but in the end, it is her choice.
-
> Should this be 'People can't see the differences'?
> "Well, I would hope no one would be touching her in such a fashion as to discover a large chest was just an illusion."
>Yes.
>"Now now, don't discount people's ability to make friends," says Nue.
>"But I don't think such a thing is necessary, anyways. Even minor changes can make somebody unrecognizable, especially if there's enough of them."
>Nue nods.
>_
-
> "I suppose changing her height would risk being seen through as well, then? Or felt through, I guess."
-
>After the answer: to Shuuei: "With that in mind, how about you tell Nue here what you want?"
-
> "I suppose changing her height would risk being seen through as well, then? Or felt through, I guess."
>Nue nods. "Yeah. That's one of the easiest ones to see through."
>After the answer: to Shuuei: "With that in mind, how about you tell Nue here what you want?"
>"I'm not sure..." she says. "But, is it a good idea to do this first?"
>_
-
>"What do you mean?"
-
>"What do you mean?"
>"I was going to give back the shadow first," she says in a small voice. "So it wouldn't get in the way of this. But you just sort of left..."
>_
-
>"Oh. Um, sorry about that. I wanted to make sure Remilia got word first; I don't want any further misunderstandings."
>Mentally compare distances. Should Tenshi have been able to deliver the message by now?
-
>"Oh. Um, sorry about that. I wanted to make sure Remilia got word first; I don't want any further misunderstandings."
>Mentally compare distances. Should Tenshi have been able to deliver the message by now?
>You expect she should have by now, if she hasn't gotten into a fight or otherwise distracted along the way.
>_
-
>"Tenshi should have delivered the message by now, though, so if you would prefer to do it now, go ahead."
-
>"Tenshi should have delivered the message by now, though, so if you would prefer to do it now, go ahead."
>The poltergeist nods. "I'll need to go under one of the islands."
>_
-
> Turn to Nue.
> "I am terribly sorry for all the delays, after you were willing to take time out of your schedule to help us."
-
> Turn to Nue.
> "I am terribly sorry for all the delays, after you were willing to take time out of your schedule to help us."
>"I kinda expected it," says Nue with a shrug.
>_
-
>"I'll make this as quick as possible, then."
>Head towards the nearest island with Shuuei and Nue.
-
>"I'll make this as quick as possible, then."
>Head towards the nearest island with Shuuei and Nue.
>There are two islands nearby. One is close to Renko and Maribel's home, but is out in the open. The other is the island where you met with Remilia; it is a little fither away, but hovers over the forest.
>_
-
> "The island we met Remilia on, that one is above the trees. Will that one suffice?"
> If Brocken says it does, then head to that one.
-
> If the poltergeist agrees to it, before leaving, add "This will give me the chance to see if Sakuya is okay for myself, before she is hurtled up into the air."
-
> "The island we met Remilia on, that one is above the trees. Will that one suffice?"
> If Brocken says it does, then head to that one.
>She nods. "I just need to be under it."
> If the poltergeist agrees to it, before leaving, add "This will give me the chance to see if Sakuya is okay for myself, before she is hurtled up into the air."
>Nue nods.
>You trek that way, leaving Nue by the stream. Moving through the forest is easy enough, the poltergeist is a fairly good leader, even though the amount of looking around she does while walking almost makes your head sore just watching her. Soon you cross over the road, in sight of Kourindou, and into the thicker part of the forest. Your progress slows here, especially since the poltergeist can't just hover over problematic things like you can.
>Soon enough, you reach a small, clear area under the island, you suspect if the leaves hadn't fallen, the sky would be mostly obscured here. "This will do," says the poltergeist, as she walks to the middle of the spot and kneels on the ground, placing her hands on the dirt.
>_
-
> "Wait. Before you do this, let me travel up to the island, to make sure the vampire's chief assistant has been removed from it. She has several severe injuries, and they would only be made worse if she were on the islands when they ascended."
-
> "Wait. Before you do this, let me travel up to the island, to make sure the vampire's chief assistant has been removed from it. She has several severe injuries, and they would only be made worse if she were on the islands when they ascended."
>"Oh," says the poltergeist. "Well, I'll be here."
>_
-
> "Sorry. I will be back immediately."
> Assuming the poltergeist makes no attempt to stop us, crest the canopy of the forest and head up to the village on the island where Sakuya was resting.
-
> "Sorry. I will be back immediately."
> Assuming the poltergeist makes no attempt to stop us, crest the canopy of the forest and head up to the village on the island where Sakuya was resting.
>You make your way out of the forest, which takes a little more effort than before to keep from getting a twig in the eye, and fly to the topside of the island.
>Reaching the village, you find it was significantly cleaner than it was before, and less active. Some of the houses have lights in the windows, including the one where you saw Sakuya last.
>_
-
> Head to the house where we saw Sakuya last.
> Knock on the door.
-
> Head to the house where we saw Sakuya last.
> Knock on the door.
>You head to that house and knock on the door. There doesn't seem to be any answer.
>_
-
>
Carefully and quietly open the door and peek inside.
Ignore that.
-
> Knock again, and call out in a soft tone. "Izayoi-san, are you there?"
-
> Knock again, and call out in a soft tone. "Izayoi-san, are you there?"
>You knock again and call out, there is no response.
>_
-
>If there are windows, look through one.
-
> Wait for about a minute, to see if anyone will respond.
-
> Wait for about a minute, to see if anyone will respond.
>You don't seem to be hearing anything.
>If there are windows, look through one.
>There are windows, you saw a light through one.
>Looking inside, you can see Sakuya is still laying on a futon, and seems to be asleep.
>_
-
> Is there a Celestial in the house as well?
-
> Is there a Celestial in the house as well?
>Not that you can see, and given it's a one-room house, you are reasonably sure there isn't.
>_
-
> Is there a leader of Celestials on this island? Someone who carries authority and knows everyone on this particular island? We can talk to them, give them a warning, and they can ensure that Sakuya has all the help she needs should problems arise.
-
> Is there a leader of Celestials on this island? Someone who carries authority and knows everyone on this particular island? We can talk to them, give them a warning, and they can ensure that Sakuya has all the help she needs should problems arise.
>You do not know, you don't usually have dealings with the place. Given how small it is, you find it likely they never bothered to select one.
>_
-
> Ah, well, it can't be helped: quietly enter the building and kneel at Sakuya's side.
> Gently awaken Sakuya, shaking her by her arm. "Pardon me, Izayoi-san, but I have urgent news."
-
> Ah, well, it can't be helped: quietly enter the building and kneel at Sakuya's side.
> Gently awaken Sakuya, shaking her by her arm. "Pardon me, Izayoi-san, but I have urgent news."
>You walk in through the front door, and approach the sleeping maid. She looks quite peaceful at the moment.
>You shake her unbroken arm; her eyes fly one and she focuses on you, her brow lightly furrowed. "What?" she mumbles.
>_
-
> "I apologize for the interruption, so I'll be brief: the shadows will be returned to the islands momentarily, and it is likely that there will be quite a bit of turbulence as the islands ascend. Would you like me to send someone to watch after you, to ensure that you are not harmed during the ascension?"
-
> "I apologize for the interruption, so I'll be brief: the shadows will be returned to the islands momentarily, and it is likely that there will be quite a bit of turbulence as the islands ascend. Would you like me to send someone to watch after you, to ensure that you are not harmed during the ascension?"
>Her expression softens a bit. "I'll likely be fine," she says. "Whatever Mistress may say, I'm not so delicate that I can't shift a bit."
>_
-
> "If you're sure..."
> If Sakuya has nothing else for us, return to Brocken. "I've warned Sakuya, and she claims that she'll be safe. If you're ready, you may begin, but don't push yourself."
-
> "If you're sure..."
> If Sakuya has nothing else for us, return to Brocken. "I've warned Sakuya, and she claims that she'll be safe. If you're ready, you may begin, but don't push yourself."
>"If there is a problem, I have ways to get to safety," Sakuya says.
>You leave Sakuya and the island behind, returning to the spot where you left the poltergeist, and explain things to her. "Alright," she says. "I'll begin now."
>She kneels on the ground, and places both her hands over it. As you observe, the dim shadow blanketing the tiny clearing darkens considerably, soon becoming as inky as everything else around you. There doesn't seem to be as much of a show as last time, just blackness that radiates from the poltergeist into the clearing.
>As the shadow darkens, the poltergeist seems to get...lighter. You're not certain what to make of it, until you can dimly see the trees opposite of the clearing through her! By the time she stands again, a few moments later, she is most noticeably transparent. You can even see the back of her mask through her head before she turns to face you again.
>_
-
Okay, yeah, letting Kilga handle this one. :ohdear:
-
>Run over to Shuuei.
>"Are you all right?"
-
>Run over to Shuuei.
>"Are you all right?"
>You run over to her.
>"I'm not sure," she says. "I think so...give me a moment." If nothing else, she doesn't sound particularly pained or exhausted
>_
-
> Sad frown.
> "I now see what you mean. Now, more than ever, do we need to find a way to make people aware you exist, without actually revealing you to everyone."
-
> Sad frown.
> "I now see what you mean. Now, more than ever, do we need to find a way to make people aware you exist, without actually revealing you to everyone."
>"I'm not sure I understand," says the poltergeist. Then she seems to notice, as she raises her hand and looks at it. "Mmm...that's..."
>_
-
> "...a problem."
-
> "...a problem."
>She nods. You can't read her expression behind that mask, but you can't imagine it is good.
>_
-
> "Quickly, let us return to Nue. It seems every little bit will help right about now."
-
> "Quickly, let us return to Nue. It seems every little bit will help right about now."
>She nods, "...Yes, we should, I suppose."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Are you in condition to lead the way? You know this forest better than I do."
-
> Nod.
> "Are you in condition to lead the way? You know this forest better than I do."
>"I think so," she says, as she starts heading westward.
>_
-
> Follow very closely. Be sure to be ready to support the poltergeist should she stumble.
-
> Follow very closely. Be sure to be ready to support the poltergeist should she stumble.
>You follow her, and find that despite her transparent state the poltergeist doesn't seem to be having trouble walking and moving about.
>Soon you reach the stream again, where you find Nue sitting with her shoes off and her feet dipped in the stream. She gives the poltergeist a strange look.
>_
-
> "My apologies, but this must be one of our little secrets. Regardless, we should probably decide what is going to happen here tonight."
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "Let us start with a simpler question. Since it has been established that changing hair color is not difficult, what would you like your new hair color to be?"
-
> "My apologies, but this must be one of our little secrets. Regardless, we should probably decide what is going to happen here tonight."
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "Let us start with a simpler question. Since it has been established that changing hair color is not difficult, what would you like your new hair color to be?"
>"I figured," says Nue, as she starts to stand up.
>You ask the poltergeist what she would like to have her hair color changed to. "...I'm not sure," she says.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Well, I can pick things for you if you decide you want that, but this is your opportunity to reform yourself in a way that you will enjoy. It will not actually be you, of course. If it were, that would defeat the purpose of the project. But just because it won't really be you doesn't mean you shouldn't make sure you pick things you like, since you're going to be the one living with them."
-
> "Hmm. Well, I can pick things for you if you decide you want that, but this is your opportunity to reform yourself in a way that you will enjoy. It will not actually be you, of course. If it were, that would defeat the purpose of the project. But just because it won't really be you doesn't mean you shouldn't make sure you pick things you like, since you're going to be the one living with them."
>"I'm not sure what a good one would be," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "I can think of a couple as examples, I suppose. Mmm...you could try black, to represent...that with which you work, and in honor of the one helping you through this process. You could try blue, since that is Tenshi's hair color, and the two of you are surprisingly similar. Perhaps green, to represent the forest where you live. Or perhaps blonde, in honor of Lady Yakumo."
-
> "I can think of a couple as examples, I suppose. Mmm...you could try black, to represent...that with which you work, and in honor of the one helping you through this process. You could try blue, since that is Tenshi's hair color, and the two of you are surprisingly similar. Perhaps green, to represent the forest where you live. Or perhaps blonde, in honor of Lady Yakumo."
>"Black sounds good," says the Poltergeist. "It'll be different than mine."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Black it is, then."
> Turn back to Nue.
> "You mentioned that facial feature reconstruction is a bit more difficult. Are there perhaps any other simple decisions that can be made, such as the issue of hair color?"
-
> Nod.
> "Black it is, then."
> Turn back to Nue.
> "You mentioned that facial feature reconstruction is a bit more difficult. Are there perhaps any other simple decisions that can be made, such as the issue of hair color?"
>"It's hard for me with my abilities," says Nue. "But, with a seed of non-identification, I can do pretty much what you would like to her. Just the more ambitious you get, the more likely it is to break. But I think you have the idea with that already."
>_
-
EXTREME MAKEOVER: Z-MACHINE POLTERGEIST EDITION
> Nod and turn back to the poltergeist.
> "How about skin tone, then? Perhaps you would like it a little darker, or a little lighter?"
Also it occurs to me that suggesting a slight chest size change (for larger or smaller) might not be a bad idea, due to how personal such a thing can be. (If we do suggest it, we can lead with "smaller" so people can be sure I'm not trying to influence the response. <_<) If Pocky and Brocky reaches the point where she's making that kind of friend, I suspect she's not going to care about keeping the illusion up any more anyway.
Anyway, what other ideas do people have? Hair color and skin tone are now covered. Off the top of my head, there's facial feature rearrangement, eye color and skin marks (such as freckles) all available as possibilities. Height seems to be out, as do all actual body shapes that risk being noticed through casual contact (limb length and width, shoulder width, pudgy vs. thin, wide vs. narrow hips, etc.). Chest size could work here since, again, I don't expect anyone to be touching her there until she reaches a point where she'd drop the illusion in the name of intimacy anyway, but I would fully understand if people want to just let it go and move on to something else.
A potential problem in dropping all body shape adjustment, both ones that would be casually noticed and ones that would need intimate contact, is that I'm honestly not sure what other options we have at our disposal. Palette swaps are cute but they don't do a lot to make one think "that's a different person entirely".
-
FYI: If people don't provide input on how to swap Pocky and Brocky's palette I'm going to go to town making her over myself. 8) If you don't want that, you'd better speak up.
-
All I have to say is to avoid major shape or size changes. Something like, say, reshaping the arms or legs to a minor extent probably wouldn't be noticed even if someone made physical contact with the affected area (especially since people wouldn't be looking for anything like that in the first place), and stuff like that should be used, but all I care about is that the illusion works and is as hard as possible to detect. Aside from that, go nuts.
-
Give her purple eyes. For no good reason. :V
-
We could give her heterochromia.
-
> Nod and turn back to the poltergeist.
> "How about skin tone, then? Perhaps you would like it a little darker, or a little lighter?"
>You turn back and ask about skin. To be honest, you are not sure she'll be able to get much more pale than she is, translucence aside. "I suppose darker would be easier," she says.
>_
-
>What are her current eye colors?
>If we can't see them, ask.
-
>What are her current eye colors?
>If we can't see them, ask.
>You can't see them, but you remember that they were blue.
>_
-
Purple eyes? Or green eyes? I'd like to go with one of those. (Or both. :V)
-
Hot pink
-
RAINBOW EYES :getdown:
-
> "Darker works. What about eye color? You could even go heterochromic, like the karakasa from earlier."
Don't forget, guys, we're letting her pick before suggesting our own. >_>
-
> "Darker works. What about eye color? You could even go heterochromic, like the karakasa from earlier."
>She shakes her head. "I don't know, to be honest. I really don't know what to do with any of this."
>_
-
> Give a small smirk.
> "You know, with such a lack of attachment to worldly things, you might make a good Bhavagran."
-
> Give a small smirk.
> "You know, with such a lack of attachment to worldly things, you might make a good Bhavagran."
>You can't really see her expression, but you expect she's confused. "I'm...sorry? I just never really thought about changing things like this."
>_
-
> "No, you don't have to apologize. Given your faith, I imagine you have never bothered with worrying too much about things like physical appearance."
-
> "No, you don't have to apologize. Given your faith, I imagine you have never bothered with worrying too much about things like physical appearance."
>She cocks her head for a moment, then says, "I'm not sure if I agree with all of that, but you're right, I never really have. I just try to keep clean."
>_
-
[21:57:01] <Reisen-Udongein-Inaba> @dice 1d4
[21:57:03] <Keine> Reisen-Udongein-Inaba: 2
> "How about green eyes, then? Would that be okay?"
-
> "How about green eyes, then? Would that be okay?"
>She nods. "Alright."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Next should be facial features, so..."
> Walk around the poltergeist until she is between us and Nue and thus would put her back to Nue to face us.
> "Can I see your face for a second, to decide what can be touched up?"
> If the poltergeist takes the mask off, investigate her facial features.
-
> Nod.
> "Next should be facial features, so..."
> Walk around the poltergeist until she is between us and Nue and thus would put her back to Nue to face us.
> "Can I see your face for a second, to decide what can be touched up?"
> If the poltergeist takes the mask off, investigate her facial features.
>You move and ask the poltergeist to take her mask off. She frowns and glances toward Nue.
>"I'm not going to look," says Nue.
>She nods, then slowly reaches for it. After a moment of hesitation, she lifts it off.
>_
-
> Examine the shape of her face: eyes, nose, mouth, cheek shape, etc.
-
> Examine the shape of her face: eyes, nose, mouth, cheek shape, etc.
>She has a fairly thin face, with rather pretty eyes, a narrow nose and average-sided mouth with thin lip. Her cheeks are rather high up and defined. Her eyebrows are thin and ears are rather unremarkable with detached lobes.
>_
-
> Put on a thinking face.
> "Hrmmm...I don't think it will be necessary to change the shape of your eyes, at least. They're quite lovely as they are now. It would be a shame to ruin such a thing."
-
> Put on a thinking face.
> "Hrmmm...I don't think it will be necessary to change the shape of your eyes, at least. They're quite lovely as they are now. It would be a shame to ruin such a thing."
>"Alright..." she says, frowning a little.
>_
-
> "I think...some very minute adjustments. Make your eyebrows a bit bushier, perhaps make your nose a smidge wider...and fill your face out overall a tiny bit. Not to the point of making it look pudgy, of course, just a tiny bit. Add the smallest bit of color to your cheeks, too. That should be enough with the eye color change."
-
> "I think...some very minute adjustments. Make your eyebrows a bit bushier, perhaps make your nose a smidge wider...and fill your face out overall a tiny bit. Not to the point of making it look pudgy, of course, just a tiny bit. Add the smallest bit of color to your cheeks, too. That should be enough with the eye color change."
>She nods. "Alright, if you think it's a good idea."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That should be it for the face. Now, the one last thing of which I was thinking...I know what you said about making...'friends', Miss Houjuu, but I imagine that if our friend here ever gets to that point in her life with someone, I expect she will no longer desire the disguise. And, all that being said, we do not necessarily have to, um...grow her."
-
> Nod.
> "That should be it for the face. Now, the one last thing of which I was thinking...I know what you said about making...'friends', Miss Houjuu, but I imagine that if our friend here ever gets to that point in her life with someone, I expect she will no longer desire the disguise. And, all that being said, we do not necessarily have to, um...grow her."
>"Huh?" says the poltergeist.
>"It's all the same to me," says Nue. "I'll just say, accidents can happen. But a little build alteration can go a long way."
>_
-
> "This is true, they can. But my friend here is more alert and adept at avoiding unpleasant things than most, so I think it may be worth the risk. This is not to trivialize the risk, of course. It is merely to minimize it."
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "The idea is that a noticeable alteration in your physical build will help with the disguise. Of course, since it is an illusion, it comes with the risk of being discovered via contact, so the optimal choice for build alteration is something that is quite noticeable but unlikely to come in contact with other people."
-
> "This is true, they can. But my friend here is more alert and adept at avoiding unpleasant things than most, so I think it may be worth the risk. This is not to trivialize the risk, of course. It is merely to minimize it."
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "The idea is that a noticeable alteration in your physical build will help with the disguise. Of course, since it is an illusion, it comes with the risk of being discovered via contact, so the optimal choice for build alteration is something that is quite noticeable but unlikely to come in contact with other people."
>"I think it might be better to do things that make it less likely to be seen through," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
>"Then perhaps the best course of action is to make adjustments similar in concept and scale to the facial ones over your entire body."
-
>"Then perhaps the best course of action is to make adjustments similar in concept and scale to the facial ones over your entire body."
>The Poltergeist nods.
>"Don't think too small, though," says Nue. "Clothes have a nice way of covering up little things that no one notices. That's why I'm pretty sure I could look like Hatate from the waist down, as long as you don't look too closely."
>_
-
>"I understand."
>"Well, it sounds like we at least have a general idea of what the illusion will look like. Could we perhaps work out the remaining details as the illusion is being constructed, or is that not how this works?"
-
>"I understand."
>"Well, it sounds like we at least have a general idea of what the illusion will look like. Could we perhaps work out the remaining details as the illusion is being constructed, or is that not how this works?"
>"It's best to know what you want ahead of time," says Nue. "Doing it while shaping it can get fiddly."
>_
-
> "I must admit, I cannot think of too much more I would suggest changing, due to the risk of being noticed via touch."
-
> "I must admit, I cannot think of too much more I would suggest changing, due to the risk of being noticed via touch."
>"Well, if you think that's good," says the poltergeist. "I'm not used to this kind of hiding at all..."
>_
-
> "It is more my lacking in this area of knowledge than thinking what we have done is enough. What is important is that you think what we have decided is enough, since it is by your standards that we will judge whether or not this disguise will be sufficient."
-
> "It is more my lacking in this area of knowledge than thinking what we have done is enough. What is important is that you think what we have decided is enough, since it is by your standards that we will judge whether or not this disguise will be sufficient."
>"...I suppose it is?" she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> Look over to Nue.
> "Unless you can think of something obvious that we are both missing, Miss Houjuu?"
-
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> Look over to Nue.
> "Unless you can think of something obvious that we are both missing, Miss Houjuu?"
>"Hmm," says Nue, not looking back toward you as she dips her toes in the stream again. "Your friend's on the skinny side, maybe putting a little meat on her bones wouldn't hurt."
>The poltergeist slips her mask back on.
>_
-
> "If such a thing can be done without being easily noticed, then that will do nicely."
-
> "If such a thing can be done without being easily noticed, then that will do nicely."
>"Well, her clothes seem loose enough to get away with it," says Nue. "Any last requests?"
>_
-
> "...Perhaps a few freckles on the side of her neck."
-
> "...Perhaps a few freckles on the side of her neck."
>"Heh, I can do that," says Nue.
>"If it will help," the poltergeist says.
>_
-
> "I think that will do, then, if my friend is satisfied. How long does this process take?"
-
> "I think that will do, then, if my friend is satisfied. How long does this process take?"
>"Just a couple minutes," says Nue, as she removes the snake-shaped armlet from her wrist. "So, any last words or such?"
>_
-
>"Um..."
"Assuming you're referring to the illusion, no, I don't think so."
-
> "Though I do have one final curiosity, which was probably covered earlier and I have simply forgotten. Once this seed is used, it cannot be modified, correct?"
-
>"Um..."
"Assuming you're referring to the illusion, no, I don't think so."
>"In general," says Nue.
> "Though I do have one final curiosity, which was probably covered earlier and I have simply forgotten. Once this seed is used, it cannot be modified, correct?"
>"It can't be modified," she says, "But it can be recycled, sort of. It takes time, but it's usually easier and faster than making a whole new one. Anything else?"
>The poltergeist shakes her head.
>_
-
>"I do not believe so."
-
>"I do not believe so."
>"Well then, let's get this show on the road," says Nue.
>She runs her fingers along the snake armlet, as though petting it. As she does, it springs to life and coils around her hand, lifting its head and looking at her expectantly. She brings it up to her lips, and begins to whisper into its ear, while approaching the poltergeist. The poltergeist steps back. "Don't worry about this little guy," says Nue, "He's not going to hurt. Now, give me your hand."
>After a few moments of hesitation, she slowly offers Nue her hand. Nue takes it, and places the snake on it. The snake slithers onto her hand, and darts up her sleeve. The poltergeist cries out and reflexively jerks away while Nue chuckles. Then her translucent form grows hazy and indistinct for a moment, before solidifying into something else. She is no longer translucent now. With darker skin, different-colored hair, and a slightly stouter build, you already have difficulty recognizing her as the poltergeist you've been bound up with these past couple days.
>_
-
> "Wow. That's very impressive work."
-
> "How do you feel?"
-
> "Wow. That's very impressive work."
>"I do no less," says Nue with a smirk.
> "How do you feel?"
>The poltergeist feels at her upper arm. "It's wrapped around my arm," she says.
>"Yep," says Nue. "You can take it off and put it back on, but every time you do that, you might break it. And the longer you use it in any one time, the most likely it is to break when you take it off. It's a fiddly thing, like I said. Oh, and that see through thing is still there, it's just covered up."
>_
-
> "...Something just occurred to me. Would anyone happen to have a mirror?"
-
> "...Something just occurred to me. Would anyone happen to have a mirror?"
>Nue shakes her head.
>_
-
> "That is most unfortunate. We will have to find one at some point, to show my friend how she looks now."
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "Rest assured, however, that even I am having trouble identifying you as the one with whom I have spent a good part of today."
-
> "That is most unfortunate. We will have to find one at some point, to show my friend how she looks now."
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "Rest assured, however, that even I am having trouble identifying you as the one with whom I have spent a good part of today."
>"Good," says the poltergeist, as she stares at her fingers and flexes them. "It's just strange..."
>_
-
> "I can imagine. But now you do not have to worry about exposure, because no one is going to see the real you now."
-
>Turn to Nue.
>"I do have one question, though. How long is it until there's a noteable risk of it breaking when removed, and how quickly does that risk increase?"
>Pause.
>"Okay, I guess that was really two questions."
-
> "I can imagine. But now you do not have to worry about exposure, because no one is going to see the real you now."
>She nods. "I suppose so. But it doesn't really feel like I'm disguised at all."
>Turn to Nue.
>"I do have one question, though. How long is it until there's a noteable risk of it breaking when removed, and how quickly does that risk increase?"
>Pause.
>"Okay, I guess that was really two questions."
>"I would have told you if I had anything useful to say there," she says. "It's a fiddly thing."
>_
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "We definitely must find you a reflective surface, then. I really think you would be able to go out and about like this now, secure in the knowledge that strangers will not know who you really are. It really is something you should see for yourself."
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "We definitely must find you a reflective surface, then. I really think you would be able to go out and about like this now, secure in the knowledge that strangers will not know who you really are. It really is something you should see for yourself."
>"No shortage of those in town," says Nue. "So, the plan is for me to impersonal Hatate, right?"
>_
-
>"Right."
>There's a stream nearby, isn't there? If so, suggest to Shuuei that shlook at her reflection in the water. Not as good as a mirror, but it's what we've got right now.
-
>"Right."
>There's a stream nearby, isn't there? If so, suggest to Shuuei that shlook at her reflection in the water. Not as good as a mirror, but it's what we've got right now.
>"Alright, which way is the tengu town again?" says Nue.
>There is a stream, but it is too shallow to really give a good reflection.
>_
-
> "It is up on the mountain."
> Point in the direction of Youkai Mountain.
-
> "It is up on the mountain."
> Point in the direction of Youkai Mountain.
>"Well then," says Nue. "I think I'll go pop in, and meet you at that house over there tomorrow. They owe me, anyways."
>With that, she starts to walk off.
>_
-
> "Good luck, Miss Houjuu. And thank you for everything."
-
> "Good luck, Miss Houjuu. And thank you for everything."
>Nue gives a lazy wave. "You'll get me back," she says.
>_
-
> Who is Nunuu?
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "Well, now that you have plenty more opportunities open to you, what would you like to do now?"
-
Going to bed, but I don't want to leave Feisty Geist just yet, so please don't abandon her while I'm gone. :[
EDIT: Oh well if Purvis is going to update now then I'll hold off on bed for that.
-
> Who is Nunuu?
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "Well, now that you have plenty more opportunities open to you, what would you like to do now?"
>Chief ASCII Designer. She will be sacked.
>You turn to the poltergeist and ask what she wants to do. "I don't know..." she says. "I really don't want to do anything different at all."
>_
-
> "That is understandable, given your outlook on life. But clearly we must do something different with you, or else your condition will grow no better."
-
> "That is understandable, given your outlook on life. But clearly we must do something different with you, or else your condition will grow no better."
>"I know," she says. "It's just...well, I'm not really sure what I want to do."
>_
-
> "Mmm. Perhaps being introduced to people and seeing how they live will inspire you to find something you enjoy doing."
-
> "Mmm. Perhaps being introduced to people and seeing how they live will inspire you to find something you enjoy doing."
>"I suppose," she says. "I'm not really sure how to do that. Or what to say when they notice my shadow..."
>_
-
> "If anyone asks, we can tell them that it's a complicated story, and you don't like talking about it very much."
-
> "If anyone asks, we can tell them that it's a complicated story, and you don't like talking about it very much."
>She nods. "Alright. Well, um, what should I do?"
>_
-
> "Mmm...I can think of a few things, assuming most people haven't already finished their business for the evening. We could visit the human village and see what is around it, though I admit it would be rather weird introducing you to people that are largely strangers to both of us. We could find the Prismriver Manor again, and if they are still playing music, you could perhaps listen in on their concert. Or we could return to Bhava-Agra, and I could introduce to the celestials as a Gensokyo native that was a great help in my efforts to restore our home."
-
> "Mmm...I can think of a few things, assuming most people haven't already finished their business for the evening. We could visit the human village and see what is around it, though I admit it would be rather weird introducing you to people that are largely strangers to both of us. We could find the Prismriver Manor again, and if they are still playing music, you could perhaps listen in on their concert. Or we could return to Bhava-Agra, and I could introduce to the celestials as a Gensokyo native that was a great help in my efforts to restore our home."
>"Well, I suppose the village is where I'm most likely to see those people again," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "All right, then. Are you prepared to leave right now, or would you like a few minutes?"
-
> "All right, then. Are you prepared to leave right now, or would you like a few minutes?"
>"I suppose I can now," she says.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Let us go, then."
> Assuming the poltergeist does not object, being traveling to the human village on foot.
> Along the way, when there is no one visibly around, turn to the poltergeist.
> "So there are probably a few details we should work out now."
-
> Smile.
> "Let us go, then."
> Assuming the poltergeist does not object, being traveling to the human village on foot.
> Along the way, when there is no one visibly around, turn to the poltergeist.
> "So there are probably a few details we should work out now."
>She nods, and the two of you begin to trek northward.
>It's lonely at this time of night. While youkai tend to be active now, the fields between the forest and the town are empty.
>"Go on," she says.
>_
-
> "Interaction with other people is almost invariably going to involve talking about yourself, even if just a little bit. You obviously don't want to talk about your shadow, or some of the other things that have happened recently, but people may be curious about from where you came, how long you have been here, what you do with yourself, what magic you may be capable of, things like that. How tolerable would it be to talk about these kinds of things, given that the person hearing them will be associating them with a false name and the false visuals they see in front of them, rather than the real you?"
-
> "Interaction with other people is almost invariably going to involve talking about yourself, even if just a little bit. You obviously don't want to talk about your shadow, or some of the other things that have happened recently, but people may be curious about from where you came, how long you have been here, what you do with yourself, what magic you may be capable of, things like that. How tolerable would it be to talk about these kinds of things, given that the person hearing them will be associating them with a false name and the false visuals they see in front of them, rather than the real you?"
>"I would rather not," she says, shaking her head.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "All right. I had already planned on explaining you as very shy anyway, so I suppose this explanation will cover these preferences. I must admit, however, that I do not know how far saying nothing will go to help you gain your own...you-know-what."
-
> Frown.
> "All right. I had already planned on explaining you as very shy anyway, so I suppose this explanation will cover these preferences. I must admit, however, that I do not know how far saying nothing will go to help you gain your own...you-know-what."
>She nods. "Maybe I'll come up with something..."
>_
-
> "I hope you can. It would not do to be found out so quickly, after all."
-
> "I hope you can. It would not do to be found out so quickly, after all."
>She nods. "I'll try..."
>_
-
> Smile.
> "I have faith that you will do just fine."
-
> Smile.
> "I have faith that you will do just fine."
>"Thank you," she says, as adjusts her mask.
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "By the way, I think you can take that mask off now. Your face has changed sufficiently that no one will see the real you. The illusion Miss Houjuu provided you essentially functions as a living mask now."
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "By the way, I think you can take that mask off now. Your face has changed sufficiently that no one will see the real you. The illusion Miss Houjuu provided you essentially functions as a living mask now."
>"I like having it," she says. "I know how it works."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "All the more reason to find you a reflective surface, I suppose. But that can come at a later time. Another thing that we should probably consider is that physical contact may be made with you. It may be incidental, it may be intentional, but whatever it is, do your best to avoid recoiling from it, because it is very likely not malicious. I very much doubt someone will be picking any fights in the human village right now."
-
> Frown.
> "All the more reason to find you a reflective surface, I suppose. But that can come at a later time. Another thing that we should probably consider is that physical contact may be made with you. It may be incidental, it may be intentional, but whatever it is, do your best to avoid recoiling from it, because it is very likely not malicious. I very much doubt someone will be picking any fights in the human village right now."
>"I'll do my best," she says. "Just...it's not something I could stop doing, even if I wanted to."
>_
-
> Small smile.
> "I think you give yourself too little credit. At this time yesterday, did you think it was possible for you to be walking by my side, out in the open, toward a large conglomeration of strangers?"
-
> Small smile.
> "I think you give yourself too little credit. At this time yesterday, did you think it was possible for you to be walking by my side, out in the open, toward a large conglomeration of strangers?"
>"No, I suppose not," she says, looking away from you.
>_
-
> "Indeed, and I did not expect this situation much more than you did. It is a testament to you as a person that you are here now. I cannot overstate the bravery you are displaying by being here at all, not simply in the fact that you are showing yourself to someone, but in the fact that you are considering it a potentially worthwhile endeavour, even though your heart and mind are likely screaming at you that this isn't what you should be doing. You should be very proud of yourself that you are able to question what is presented to you as truth to the point of being willing to go out and do what you think may be right, even though it contradicts that truth. And, if it helps to keep you on that path, you can take solace in the fact that I am now doing the exact same thing alongside you, with each step that we take, with each plan that we make."
-
> "Indeed, and I did not expect this situation much more than you did. It is a testament to you as a person that you are here now. I cannot overstate the bravery you are displaying by being here at all, not simply in the fact that you are showing yourself to someone, but in the fact that you are considering it a potentially worthwhile endeavour, even though your heart and mind are likely screaming at you that this isn't what you should be doing. You should be very proud of yourself that you are able to question what is presented to you as truth to the point of being willing to go out and do what you think may be right, even though it contradicts that truth. And, if it helps to keep you on that path, you can take solace in the fact that I am now doing the exact same thing alongside you, with each step that we take, with each plan that we make."
>"Please stop bringing up my failures as though they were worth praising," she says.
>_
-
> "Well, if you insist, but I disagree with the idea that your actions are failures."
-
> "Well, if you insist, but I disagree with the idea that your actions are failures."
>"Just stop," she says.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "So you think I have falied as well, then?"
-
> Frown.
> "So you think I have falied as well, then?"
>"What would you think," she says, "if you burned the main island in your land, and someone kept telling you what a good girl you are for it?"
>_
-
> "If it was done to save the people on that island, then it would be unfortunate, but ultimately necessary."
-
> "If it was done to save the people on that island, then it would be unfortunate, but ultimately necessary."
>"You still wouldn't want people bringing it up all the time like you should be proud of it."
>_
-
> Sigh.
> "That is true, I suppose. I apologize. I just...I want to give you some form of positive reinforcement, because I know what you're doing is really hard for you, and I want to let you know I'm here to support you. But I don't really know how, I guess."
-
> Sigh.
> "That is true, I suppose. I apologize. I just...I want to give you some form of positive reinforcement, because I know what you're doing is really hard for you, and I want to let you know I'm here to support you. But I don't really know how, I guess."
>She nods. "I didn't think you meant anything by it. Just, that's how it feels."
>_
-
> "How can I help you get through this, then?"
-
> "How can I help you get through this, then?"
>"Giving me ideas is nice. And...it's nice that you're there when I have to do something."
>_
-
> "Of course. I would be unable to live with myself if I did not."
> Put on a thinking face.
> "Ideas, hmm...well. If...if I may ask. And feel free to not answer if you think it is too personal. What is it, exactly, that makes you happy?"
-
>"Besides being alone."
-
> "Of course. I would be unable to live with myself if I did not."
> Put on a thinking face.
> "Ideas, hmm...well. If...if I may ask. And feel free to not answer if you think it is too personal. What is it, exactly, that makes you happy?"
>"Besides being alone."
>"Well, to be honest, that's about it."
>_
-
> "So that's why you never smile for me, eh?"
-
>"Well, I suppose we'll just have to find you something else to enjoy. Hmm..."
>Pause for thought.
>"Ah, I think I may have something. Perhaps you could take up painting, become an artist. The Prismrivers are poltergeist musicians; you could be a poltergeist painter."
>"Yes, I know that idea may sound strange, but think about it for a moment. A skilled artist can be known the world over, but she would be known by people who have never met her, never even seen her. She could even use a false name. But she would be known, talked about. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
>"Now, I know painting is probably not a skill you have. You would have to develop it, although I can teach you the basics. And while you were an unknown, you would have to interact with others to survive, although you could of course do so in your disguise. But if you were to gain recognition throughout Gensokyo, even that need would vanish, and you would be free to choose how much you wanted to have to do with others."
>Do we know any skilled painters? Perhaps someone in Bhava-Agra who as skillful with a brush as we are on the dance floor?
-
> "So that's why you never smile for me, eh?"
>"I suppose," she says with a shrug.
>"Well, I suppose we'll just have to find you something else to enjoy. Hmm..."
>Pause for thought.
>"Ah, I think I may have something. Perhaps you could take up painting, become an artist. The Prismrivers are poltergeist musicians; you could be a poltergeist painter."
>"Yes, I know that idea may sound strange, but think about it for a moment. A skilled artist can be known the world over, but she would be known by people who have never met her, never even seen her. She could even use a false name. But she would be known, talked about. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
>"Now, I know painting is probably not a skill you have. You would have to develop it, although I can teach you the basics. And while you were an unknown, you would have to interact with others to survive, although you could of course do so in your disguise. But if you were to gain recognition throughout Gensokyo, even that need would vanish, and you would be free to choose how much you wanted to have to do with others."
>Do we know any skilled painters? Perhaps someone in Bhava-Agra who as skillful with a brush as we are on the dance floor?
>"That could be interesting," says the poltergeist. "I've never really thought of that."
>Thinking on it, you don't really know anyone known for their painting skills, but there has to be someone...
>_
-
About these posts...
> "Interaction with other people is almost invariably going to involve talking about yourself, even if just a little bit. You obviously don't want to talk about your shadow, or some of the other things that have happened recently, but people may be curious about from where you came, how long you have been here, what you do with yourself, what magic you may be capable of, things like that. How tolerable would it be to talk about these kinds of things, given that the person hearing them will be associating them with a false name and the false visuals they see in front of them, rather than the real you?"
>"I would rather not," she says, shaking her head.
>Should we use false preferences in case such questions have to answered?
-
> We can tell whoever we need to that she's super shy.
-
>Should we use false preferences in case such questions have to answered?
>Are you sure you should be encouraging dishonesty?
> We can tell whoever we need to that she's super shy.
>This ought to work, you hope.
>_
-
> Well, we're already endorsing deception with the illusion to begin with, and we'll probably end up lying if anyone asks us certain specific questions...
-
>It's to keep Shuuei alive. It's for a good cause.
-
>The parser probably meant that we should not be using deception more than we already are. We've already went a bit far with Shuuei's disguise.
-
> It might be best to just say no comment until Shuuei figures out what she wants.
> Do we know anyone with any other artistic skills that don't require the artist's presence? Book writing, caligraphy, arctitech, journalist, carpentry..
> If we don't know any teachers for these skills consider consulting Keine.
-
>Or Akyu, if we know about her. She's chronicling everything in Gensokyo; surely she has something about skilled painters or other such things, and she has a perfect memory, too, so she wouldn't have forgotten.
-
> Well, we're already endorsing deception with the illusion to begin with, and we'll probably end up lying if anyone asks us certain specific questions...
>You're not certain if this justifies doing it more.
>It's to keep Shuuei alive. It's for a good cause.
>But this is also true. But perhaps it's possible to honor both things?
>The parser probably meant that we should not be using deception more than we already are. We've already went a bit far with Shuuei's disguise.
>Quite.
> It might be best to just say no comment until Shuuei figures out what she wants.
> Do we know anyone with any other artistic skills that don't require the artist's presence? Book writing, caligraphy, arctitech, journalist, carpentry..
> If we don't know any teachers for these skills consider consulting Keine.
>That would be one solution.
>You don't really know the figures of this place very well, but you do know a few skilled artisans in Bhava-Agra. But various parts of Gensokyo itself has some lovely artworks, so it's quite likely there is someone who makes them. You remember mentions of a jeweler somewhere in the village.
>Keine might know some people, certainly.
>Or Akyu, if we know about her. She's chronicling everything in Gensokyo; surely she has something about skilled painters or other such things, and she has a perfect memory, too, so she wouldn't have forgotten.
>Whokyu?
>_
-
> "There are also various other artistries in which you could partake. I am aware of a jeweler in the village. Of course, there are two of my personal favorites in dancing and singing. Or perhaps something more down to earth would be your cup of tea, such as smithery, or gardening."
-
> "There are also various other artistries in which you could partake. I am aware of a jeweler in the village. Of course, there are two of my personal favorites in dancing and singing. Or perhaps something more down to earth would be your cup of tea, such as smithery, or gardening."
>"I'd prefer something I could do quietly on my own," says the poltergeist, "Then just leave for others to find."
>_
-
> "Gardening would accomplish that, I imagine."
-
> "Gardening would accomplish that, I imagine."
>She nods. "I suppose so."
>_
-
> "Hmm...I must admit I'm not too sure what else there is. Part of the joy of artistry is knowing it makes others happy, but most of what I know requires being watched. I suppose calligraphy could work too, though."
-
> "Hmm...I must admit I'm not too sure what else there is. Part of the joy of artistry is knowing it makes others happy, but most of what I know requires being watched. I suppose calligraphy could work too, though."
>"That's working with words, isn't it?" she says. "I'm not sure if I'd like that."
>_
-
> "Really? I thought writing notes was okay."
-
> "Really? I thought writing notes was okay."
>"It is, but I still don't like it much," she says. "Especially with current circumstances..."
>_
-
> "I'm afraid I don't follow the latter."
-
> "I'm afraid I don't follow the latter."
>"I don't want to compound my disgrace," she says.
>_
-
> "Oh."
-
> "Oh."
>She says nothing in return.
>As you near the outskirts of town, she says, "You like jewels, don't you?"
>_
-
> "...I have had a few run-ins with taking happiness in jewels recently, haven't I? I would say I like them, yes, though not for any monetary value they may have."
-
> "...I have had a few run-ins with taking happiness in jewels recently, haven't I? I would say I like them, yes, though not for any monetary value they may have."
>She nods. "That might work," she says. "Of the things you mentioned, that and painting seemed to be the best."
>_
-
> "That would be quite an interesting career choice, yes. Jewels can bring a lot of happiness unrelated to their monetary value, just as paintings would."
-
> "That would be quite an interesting career choice, yes. Jewels can bring a lot of happiness unrelated to their monetary value, just as paintings would."
>She nods. "I'll keep it in mind."
>_
-
> Nod
> "I would be remiss if I did not warn you, however. Careers in both of those fields may require some form of interaction with material suppliers."
-
> Nod
> "I would be remiss if I did not warn you, however. Careers in both of those fields may require some form of interaction with material suppliers."
>She nods. "I suppose that's true, but I don't think that can be escaped."
>_
-
> "And hopefully it will not need to happen too often. Indeed, if you an intrepid enough explorer, you might be able to hunt for raw jeweling material yourself, which would save you a lot of interaction."
-
> "And hopefully it will not need to happen too often. Indeed, if you an intrepid enough explorer, you might be able to hunt for raw jeweling material yourself, which would save you a lot of interaction."
>"That could be interesting..."
>_
-
> Smile.
> "I am glad you are considering careers founded in making people happy."
-
> Smile.
> "I am glad you are considering careers founded in making people happy."
>"Isn't that the point of all jobs?" she says.
>_
-
> "To varying degrees, I suppose. But some are better for it than others."
-
> "To varying degrees, I suppose. But some are better for it than others."
>"Alright," she says. "I guess these would be the better ones. I wasn't really thinking about that, to be honest. But I suppose it's nice."
>_
-
> Give a small grin.
> "You really do remind me of Tenshi. That is pretty much exactly what I would expect her to say. If I did not enjoy your company so much, I would almost consider it a shame you got stuck with me instead of her."
-
> Give a small grin.
> "You really do remind me of Tenshi. That is pretty much exactly what I would expect her to say. If I did not enjoy your company so much, I would almost consider it a shame you got stuck with me instead of her."
>"I'm not sure what to think of that," says the Poltergeist. "She seemed kind of...unpleasant."
>_
-
> "Tenshi is a little rough, I will grant, but she is still a good person in the end. Her case is an interesting and complicated one, one about which it would be disrespectful for me to go into deep detail without her permission. But, to explain her actions and words that you have seen as best I can, someone did something to her that she found very unpleasant and offensive, so she got mad and wanted to beat that person up."
-
> "Tenshi is a little rough, I will grant, but she is still a good person in the end. Her case is an interesting and complicated one, one about which it would be disrespectful for me to go into deep detail without her permission. But, to explain her actions and words that you have seen as best I can, someone did something to her that she found very unpleasant and offensive, so she got mad and wanted to beat that person up."
>"Well...I suppose I've had to deal with that myself."
>_
-
> Give another small grin.
> "Which, I must admit, is not a trivial part of the reason I liken the two of you to each other. Talking of her does remind me, however. Should we meet her again, she will not recognize your face and body, but she may recognize your clothes."
-
> Give another small grin.
> "Which, I must admit, is not a trivial part of the reason I liken the two of you to each other. Talking of her does remind me, however. Should we meet her again, she will not recognize your face and body, but she may recognize your clothes."
>"I suppose so," she says. "I'll see what I can do about that later."
>_
-
> "I hope you two can also become friends one day."
-
> "I hope you two can also become friends one day."
>We'll see," she says, as the two of you enter the village proper.
>There's a fair amount of activity at the tavern, but otherwise the streets are fairly quiet and empty, save for for a dog sniffing around near the smithy. Up above, you can see that Orchard Island is still there. It seems a little further away, but you're not sure, it might just be a trick of your eyes.
>_
-
> "Welcome to the human village, Miss Shuuei."
-
> "Welcome to the human village, Miss Shuuei."
>You find her shuffling behind you a bit as you speak.
>I...guess I should probably use that name, shouldn't I?" she says.
>_
-
> "I suspect you will find it better than the alternative."
-
> "I suspect you will find it better than the alternative."
>"So, what do I do now?" she says.
>_
-
> "We could visit the tavern."
> Point at the tavern.
> "Or we could wander the streets and see what other establishments would be receptive to a visit."
> Do we know where the jeweler sets up shop?
-
>"I think we should also find you a reflective surface, so that you can see what you look like now."
-
> "We could visit the tavern."
> Point at the tavern.
> "Or we could wander the streets and see what other establishments would be receptive to a visit."
> Do we know where the jeweler sets up shop?
>You aren't sure where the jeweler is.
>"I suppose we could do either," says the poltergeist. "...I think the streets would be better."
>"I think we should also find you a reflective surface, so that you can see what you look like now."
>She nods.
>_
-
> "Let us take a stroll down this street, then. Let me know if you see anything that captures your interest."
> Begin walking down the street, taking a look at the surrounding establishments. Keep an eye out for reflective surfaces.
-
> "Let us take a stroll down this street, then. Let me know if you see anything that captures your interest."
> Begin walking down the street, taking a look at the surrounding establishments. Keep an eye out for reflective surfaces.
>You start down the street, passing by the Tavern and going into a quieter part of town to the north.
>You do not see any reflective surfaces, but you do see Murasa in the process of locking the door to Shou's Clothes as you pass by the main intersection in town.
>_
-
> Have we talked to Murasa at all since yesterday morning?
-
> Have we talked to Murasa at all since yesterday morning?
>No. You've not even seen her.
>_
-
> Lean in a bit toward the poltergeist and lower our voice while looking at Murasa.
> "I know her. Come, let us greet her."
-
> Lean in a bit toward the poltergeist and lower our voice while looking at Murasa.
> "I know her. Come, let us greet her."
>The poltergeist, you notice, is practically behind you, standing opposite of Murasa.
>"...I'll try," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> Walk over to Murasa. Hail her if she notices us.
-
> Nod.
> Walk over to Murasa. Hail her if she notices us.
>Murasa looks up and nods toward you as you approach. "Evenin'."
>_
-
> "Good evening, Miss Minamitsu. How have things progressed at your temple recently?"
-
> "Good evening, Miss Minamitsu. How have things progressed at your temple recently?"
>"Got a wall up on the second floor," she says. "You?"
>_
-
> "I have fared fairly well. I do believe my home has begun its return to normal. Perhaps my eyes are playing tricks on me, or perhaps I am simply blinding by optimism, but Orchard Isle seems higher in the air than it was yesterday."
-
> "I have fared fairly well. I do believe my home has begun its return to normal. Perhaps my eyes are playing tricks on me, or perhaps I am simply blinding by optimism, but Orchard Isle seems higher in the air than it was yesterday."
>Murasa glances up at it. "Can't tell, myself. Not that I'm much for eyeballing elevation."
>_
-
> "Mmm. I will have to ask the people that dwell on it at some point later, just to be sure."
-
> "Mmm. I will have to ask the people that dwell on it at some point later, just to be sure."
>"Well, if you said it's getting better, then it is," says Murasa. "Glad you got it sorted."
>_
-
> Give a small bow.
> "Thank you."
-
> Give a small bow.
> "Thank you."
>"Heh, I didn't do anything," says Murasa. "So, where's the play?"
>_
-
> "Hmm? I do not...oh, you mean my friend?"
> Look over at the poltergeist. If she's not where she was, look around for her.
-
> "Hmm? I do not...oh, you mean my friend?"
> Look over at the poltergeist. If she's not where she was, look around for her.
>"Yeah," says Murasa.
>The poltergeist is still interposing you between Murasa and she. Still, she can't hide fully behind you.
>_
-
> Look back at Murasa.
> "Ah. My apologies. This is Miss Shuuei Nozomikage. She has been a great help to me in restoring my home. She is also very, very shy. That is what her mask is for, rather than any theatrical production."
> Look at Shuuei and gesture toward Murasa.
> "Shuuei, this is Miss Murasa Minamitsu. She works at the Myouren Temple, as well as at this clothing establishment."
-
> Look back at Murasa.
> "Ah. My apologies. This is Miss Shuuei Nozomikage. She has been a great help to me in restoring my home. She is also very, very shy. That is what her mask is for, rather than any theatrical production."
> Look at Shuuei and gesture toward Murasa.
> "Shuuei, this is Miss Murasa Minamitsu. She works at the Myouren Temple, as well as at this clothing establishment."
>Murasa nods as you explain, "No problem."
>"Um...hello..." she mumbles.
>"Evenin'," Murasa says. "Don't really work here, though, just that Shou's minding the clinic in the Ancient City. She's having me run this place."
>_
-
> "Ah, I see. That's right, there is the clinic as well, isn't there?"
-
> "Ah, I see. That's right, there is the clinic as well, isn't there?"
>"Yeah, we've been running it for awhile," says Murasa. "Hijiri wanted to try to reach out to the oni, too, since they usually don't come up here, and we figured they could probably use a place to get their injuries and stuff treated. Most of the time, though, they tend to use it as a place to sleep off bad hangovers. We each spend a season or so down there."
>_
-
> Grimace.
> "That sounds like it had the potential to be massively unpleasant at times."
-
> Grimace.
> "That sounds like it had the potential to be massively unpleasant at times."
>"I'll just say I hate cleaning buckets," says Murasa. "And the brawls..."
>_
-
> "You have my sympathies. At least you can take solace in the fact that you are providing a good service for the people of the underground. Of this, the Myouren Temple should be proud."
-
> "You have my sympathies. At least you can take solace in the fact that you are providing a good service for the people of the underground. Of this, the Myouren Temple should be proud."
>"Well, we try not to make a big deal about it," says Murasa.
>She glances toward the poltergeist, then toward the sky and shrugs for a moment.
>"So, what're you two doing around here?"
>_
-
> "We are mostly exploring. As far as I know, this is Shuuei's first time in the village, so we are seeing what there is to be seen, at a time when not too many people are about. I do not want to overload the poor girl, after all. I will also say, though, that we are specifically looking for the jeweler's establishment, since I do not know where it is."
-
> "We are mostly exploring. As far as I know, this is Shuuei's first time in the village, so we are seeing what there is to be seen, at a time when not too many people are about. I do not want to overload the poor girl, after all. I will also say, though, that we are specifically looking for the jeweler's establishment, since I do not know where it is."
>"Oh, you're looking for Ichiro's?" says Murasa. "Just that that road over there," she points to a small road going between a block of houses, "And you can't miss it. It's right across the way from the charm shop."
>_
-
> "Oh, excellent! That works out nicely. Thank you very much."
-
> "Oh, excellent! That works out nicely. Thank you very much."
>"No problem," says Murusa. "Anything else you need?"
>_
-
> "I do not believe so. Thank you for your time and your assistance. Have a pleasant evening, and I wish you luck in your pursuits."
-
> "I do not believe so. Thank you for your time and your assistance. Have a pleasant evening, and I wish you luck in your pursuits."
>"You too," says Murasa, as she starts to walk southward. "Seeya sometime, Shuuei,"
>"...You too," mumbles the poltergeist.
>_
-
> Give Murasa a wave, then turn to the poltergeist and smile while putting a hand gently on her shoulder.
-
> Give Murasa a wave, then turn to the poltergeist and smile while putting a hand gently on her shoulder.
>Murasa departs, while you put your hand on the poltergeist's shoulder. She jumps a little, apparently not having paid much attention to you.
>_
-
> "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you like that."
-
> "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you like that."
>"It's alright..." she mumbles.
>_
-
> "...So. I don't think she actually learned anything about you, in the end."
-
> "...So. I don't think she actually learned anything about you, in the end."
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
> "I suppose I would then consider that a relative success. Though I guess I'm not in the best position to judge."
-
> "I suppose I would then consider that a relative success. Though I guess I'm not in the best position to judge."
>She nods. "I suppose it is."
>_
-
> "Shall we go see the jeweler's shop for ourselves, then?"
-
> "Shall we go see the jeweler's shop for ourselves, then?"
>"Um, if you think it's a good idea," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "Well, I figured you would want a bit of a cool-down period after that interaction. But if you like, we can visit the tavern instead."
-
> "Well, I figured you would want a bit of a cool-down period after that interaction. But if you like, we can visit the tavern instead."
>"That...might be too much right now," she mutters.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "As I figured. Come, let us find the jeweler's shop."
> Assuming no objection from Shuuei, follow the streets in the direction Murasa indicated.
-
> Nod.
> "As I figured. Come, let us find the jeweler's shop."
> Assuming no objection from Shuuei, follow the streets in the direction Murasa indicated.
>You follow the directions Murasa gave you, coming to a small, tight road barely large enough for you and the poltergeist to walk side by side without bumping into each other. The road is lined with obviously old, but well maintained house rows. While simple in design, you can see little personal touches such as a wind chime here and a dangling talisman there. The sounds of people talking and having meals waft through the paper walls, not quite loud enough to be understooded but making a dim background noise if you listen for it. Up ahead, near the eastern edge of the town, you can see two standalone houses. One is an somewhat dilapidated place with a sign that reads "Charms" and doesn't seem to have any lights on. The other is in better repair and a bit larger, featuring a sign that reads, "Ichiro's Accessories. You notice a light in the front room."
>_
-
> Lower voice a bit.
> "Hmm. It seems the shop may still be open."
> Turn to Shuuei.
> "Would you like to go inside?"
-
> Lower voice a bit.
> "Hmm. It seems the shop may still be open."
> Turn to Shuuei.
> "Would you like to go inside?"
>"...Not really," she says. "But I suppose I should, anyways."
>_
-
> "All right. But if we do go in, we will very likely need a proper topic of conversation."
-
> "All right. But if we do go in, we will very likely need a proper topic of conversation."
>She nods. "Well, we could just be browsing, I guess."
>_
-
> "That could work."
> Check the windows of Ichiro's shop a little closer. Are there further indications of the store being open, beyond the light being on?
-
> "That could work."
> Check the windows of Ichiro's shop a little closer. Are there further indications of the store being open, beyond the light being on?
>You go to look through one of the few windows. You can see a few lanterns hung in the corners keeping the place well lit. An older man is sitting behind the counter, his back turned, and seems to be working on something.
>_
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist and nod.
> Enter the shop.
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist and nod.
> Enter the shop.
>You nod to the poltergeist, and enter the shop.
>The jewelry store is rather small. Tables covered with silk cloths line the walls, from which a number of rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and such are on displace, the light in the gems causing them to wink at you every so often. A wall scroll quickly catches your eye, it bears cartoonish pictures of Reimu and Marisa, and a number of cherry blossoms drawn on it. In large letters, it says, "Attention Would-Be Thieves: The Red White and I agree it would be much better for her to get a couple of my wares in case of theft than for someone else to take more. So does the Black White." An unobtrusive doorway on the southern wall leads further into the building. Obvious exits are North and South.
>Sitting at a counter against the far left corner is a small, wiry-looking older man whose short dark hair is streaked with gray and has a rather sharp-looking face. He seems to be hunched over something, a jeweler's scope in his eye. He glances over as you enter and says, "Welcome, both of you." His eyes linger a bit of the poltergeist.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Good evening, good sir."
> Take a look around. Does anything look like a reflective surface?
-
> Nod.
> "Good evening, good sir."
> Take a look around. Does anything look like a reflective surface?
>You look around, and note a small hand mirror among the goods on display.
>_
-
>"Say, do you mind if we use this mirror for a second? My friend would like to see herself."
-
>"Say, do you mind if we use this mirror for a second? My friend would like to see herself."
>The jeweler nods. "That's fine."
>_
-
> Look at the poltergeist and gesture toward the mirror.
> "Be very careful with that."
-
> Look at the poltergeist and gesture toward the mirror.
> "Be very careful with that."
>She nods, and picks the mirror up. She moves so that you're between her and the jeweler. Then she slips the mask aside and stares into the mirror. After a moment, she reaches up and touches her face and visibly starts.
>_
-
> Grin.
> "She is quite good at what she does, isn't she?"
-
> Grin.
> "She is quite good at what she does, isn't she?"
>She nods idly. "It's...weird," she says. "It didn't seem like anything strange, until I touched it. Feeling the touch and seeing it move..."
>_
-
> "Indeed. I suspect you now realize why I have been telling you the things about her work that I have."
-
> "Indeed. I suspect you now realize why I have been telling you the things about her work that I have."
>"I suppose so," she says, as she runs her finger along her nose.
>_
-
> "...Do you still wish to wear the mask?"
-
> "...Do you still wish to wear the mask?"
>"Maybe," she says.
>_
-
> "With all due respect, I expect not wearing it will make you more trustworthy."
-
> "With all due respect, I expect not wearing it will make you more trustworthy."
>"I...suppose so," she says. She sighs. "I'll try to leave it off now."
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Do not worry too much. It will hold up just fine. She is an expert in her field. It is what she does for a living. It is practically who she is."
-
> Smile.
> "Do not worry too much. It will hold up just fine. She is an expert in her field. It is what she does for a living. It is practically who she is."
>"Even so," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> Give a slight frown, then nod after a couple of seconds of silence.
> "All right. I understand your feelings on the matter. Anyway, if you are satisfied with the mirror, you should return it."
-
> Give a slight frown, then nod after a couple of seconds of silence.
> "All right. I understand your feelings on the matter. Anyway, if you are satisfied with the mirror, you should return it."
>"Ah yes," she says, placing it back on the table where it was.
>_
-
> Give a small bow to the jeweler.
> "Thank you very much for allowing us the use of your mirror."
> Is the jeweler still examining something?
-
> Give a small bow to the jeweler.
> "Thank you very much for allowing us the use of your mirror."
> Is the jeweler still examining something?
>You bow toward the jeweler. The poltergeist mimics your action, "Yes, um, thank you."
>He seems to be watching the two of you now, and has put his scope away.
>_
-
> "Ah, I should apologize for our enigmatic conversation. My friend here is rather shy, and also rather concerned about her appearance, as odd as that combination may sound."
> Pull out our remaining gemstone.
> "I am actually curious about this gem here. It was in a box with three others, recently purchased from the antique shop in the forest. Another friend of mine suspects it was cut for the practice of cutting. Would you happen to know to whom it formerly belonged?"
-
> "Ah, I should apologize for our enigmatic conversation. My friend here is rather shy, and also rather concerned about her appearance, as odd as that combination may sound."
> Pull out our remaining gemstone.
> "I am actually curious about this gem here. It was in a box with three others, recently purchased from the antique shop in the forest. Another friend of mine suspects it was cut for the practice of cutting. Would you happen to know to whom it formerly belonged?"
>"I wasn't paying attention," he says.
>You produce the gemstone. He examines it for a moment, frowning. "I'm afraid I don't recognize the work. I've heard there is a jeweler with the oni, but from what few works of hers I've seen, it doesn't seem like something she'd make. Where did you find this?"
>_
-
> "I found it at Kourindou, in a small box."
> Produce the empty box, if we still have it.
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "Do you have the gem I gave to you with you?"
-
> "I found it at Kourindou, in a small box."
> Produce the empty box, if we still have it.
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "Do you have the gem I gave to you with you?"
>"Ah, that explains it," says the jeweler. "That man has ways of getting things from other places entirely."
>He examines the box, while the poltergeist quietly produces her agate. He takes that gem, and examines it as well. "Hmm, I think they're cut by the same hand."
>_
-
> Turn back to Ichiro and nod.
> "There were two others with them. Presuming what you say is true about these two, the other two were likely cut by that same person again. At the very least, I could not tell the difference, but I am hardly an expert on the subject."
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "Is there anything you wish to ask, given what we talked about earlier?"
-
> Turn back to Ichiro and nod.
> "There were two others with them. Presuming what you say is true about these two, the other two were likely cut by that same person again. At the very least, I could not tell the difference, but I am hardly an expert on the subject."
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "Is there anything you wish to ask, given what we talked about earlier?"
>"Ah, so it was a set," says Ichiro. "Then they were probably meant be a gift."
>"Well...um..." says the poltergeist, shrinking behind you a little. "What is it like...being a jeweler?"
>The jeweler gives you a curious look.
>_
-
> "Well, ah...I believe she means both in a practical, daily-schedule sense and...a passion sense, I suppose is the best way to put it."
-
> "Well, ah...I believe she means both in a practical, daily-schedule sense and...a passion sense, I suppose is the best way to put it."
>"Well, it is lonely work," says the jewelry, "Very precise. It takes a very steady hand, and boundless patience. One needs to appreciate the small things to really enjoy it, I would say. To the untrained eye, there is little difference between one jeweler's work and another, but we can see it quite clearly. There are other little joys as well, but let's call them trade secrets."
>_
-
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "That sounds like a rather favorable assessment to me. What do you think?"
-
> Turn to the poltergeist.
> "That sounds like a rather favorable assessment to me. What do you think?"
>She nods. "It does seem to have some nice points..."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Is there more you wish to ask? Or, perhaps, do you want to go into why we are asking these things?"
-
> Nod.
> "Is there more you wish to ask? Or, perhaps, do you want to go into why we are asking these things?"
>"I'm not sure..." says the poltergeist.
>"I'm guessing your friend has some interest in the craft?" says the jeweler.
>_
-
> Give the poltergeist a small expectant smile with eyebrows raised.
-
> Give the poltergeist a small expectant smile with eyebrows raised.
>"Well...um...maybe," says the poltergeist. "I'm weighting my options, I suppose. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing."
>_
-
> "Well, in the general sense, you should be doing something that fits what you enjoy in life. Making a career out of something you do not care for is not a great way to live in happiness."
> Turn back to Ichiro.
> "I apologize that we are intruding on your patience as much as we are, but neither of us is particularly used to career hunting. If I may ask, should my friend decide to pursue the craft, would you be willing to perhaps take on an apprentice, or know someone else that would?"
-
> "Well, in the general sense, you should be doing something that fits what you enjoy in life. Making a career out of something you do not care for is not a great way to live in happiness."
> Turn back to Ichiro.
> "I apologize that we are intruding on your patience as much as we are, but neither of us is particularly used to career hunting. If I may ask, should my friend decide to pursue the craft, would you be willing to perhaps take on an apprentice, or know someone else that would?"
>The poltergeist nods.
>"Hmm," he says. "I would have to make certain she has a good steady hand and a keen eye. But...I might just take her on."
>_
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "I believe that is rather generous of him, wouldn't you say?"
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "I believe that is rather generous of him, wouldn't you say?"
>She nods. "...It is."
>She looks toward the jeweler, and after a moment says, "Thank you..."
>"You're welcome," he says. "To be honest, I have been considering it for awhile."
>_
-
oh god I just want to hug her from now until the end of time
> Turn to Ichiro and smile.
> "I am glad we made this visit, then."
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "Is there anything else you wish to ask?"
-
> Turn to Ichiro and smile.
> "I am glad we made this visit, then."
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> "Is there anything else you wish to ask?"
>"Is there something more I need to ask?" says the poltergeist, frowning, "I'm not sure..."
>_
-
> "That's up to you. If you don't think you have anything more to ask, then okay."
-
> "That's up to you. If you don't think you have anything more to ask, then okay."
>"Then, I guess not," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "All right."
> Turn back to Ichiro.
> "Will you open again at about this time tomorrow night?"
-
> "All right."
> Turn back to Ichiro.
> "Will you open again at about this time tomorrow night?"
>Ichiro nods.
>_
-
> Turn back to Shuuei.
> "Do you think that will be enough time to make a decision?"
-
> Turn back to Shuuei.
> "Do you think that will be enough time to make a decision?"
>"I think so," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> Turn back to Ichiro.
> "I think that will do, then. Once my friend has made her decision, she or we will return. Again, I thank you for allowing us to intrude on your patience."
-
> Nod.
> Turn back to Ichiro.
> "I think that will do, then. Once my friend has made her decision, she or we will return. Again, I thank you for allowing us to intrude on your patience."
>"It wasn't a problem," says the jeweler.
>_
-
>Exit.
>"I think that went well."
-
>Exit.
>"I think that went well."
>You exit, with the poltergeist following close behind you.
>"Did it?" she says. "I'm not sure how to tell..."
>_
-
> Begin walking back toward the main street.
> Along the way, turn to the poltergeist.
> "I would say it did. You now have an opportunity to make a career out of a loner profession, and you even have an expert willing to teach you how to do it."
-
> Begin walking back toward the main street.
> Along the way, turn to the poltergeist.
> "I would say it did. You now have an opportunity to make a career out of a loner profession, and you even have an expert willing to teach you how to do it."
>She nods. "When you put it that way, I suppose it's true."
>_
-
> "And, to make things better for you, you have someone willing to tell you the deep secrets of their trade, that to which they dedicate their life and heart. You are gaining knowledge, a trustworthy acquaintance, and a new lease on life...and the person to whom you'll be so close will never even know your real name or face."
-
> "And, to make things better for you, you have someone willing to tell you the deep secrets of their trade, that to which they dedicate their life and heart. You are gaining knowledge, a trustworthy acquaintance, and a new lease on life...and the person to whom you'll be so close will never even know your real name or face."
>She nods. "That is true..."
>_
-
> "Is there anywhere else you'd like to go tonight?"
-
> "Is there anywhere else you'd like to go tonight?"
>"I didn't want to go here at all," she says. "To be honest, I want to leave immediately. But I'm not sure if it's the best thing."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I suppose that is true."
> Stop walking and turn to face Shuuei properly with a concerned look on our face.
> "...It will be okay. All right? I am here for you."
-
> Frown.
> "I suppose that is true."
> Stop walking and turn to face Shuuei properly with a concerned look on our face.
> "...It will be okay. All right? I am here for you."
>"I know," she says. "That's why I could come at all."
>_
-
> Give way to a small smile.
> Resume walking back out to the main street of the village. Look around for any activity.
-
> Give way to a small smile.
> Resume walking back out to the main street of the village. Look around for any activity.
>You make your way back to the main road, opposite of Shou's Clothes, and look around. You notice one person walking out of the Tavern, but they're too far away to really identify.
>_
-
> Check to make sure Shuuei is still with us, then begin walking toward the tavern.
-
> Check to make sure Shuuei is still with us, then begin walking toward the tavern.
>She is still following you.
>You approach the tavern, and notice the person leaving is a green-haired insect youkai in boyish clothes. You think you recall her as one of the people involved in yesterday morning's skirmish on Orchard Isle.
>_
-
> Is she headed toward us or away from us?
-
> Is she headed toward us or away from us?
>Away, she sees to be heading south and out of town.
>_
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> Point at the tavern with raised eyebrows.
-
> Turn back to the poltergeist.
> Point at the tavern with raised eyebrows.
>She looks toward it and frowns. "Do...do you think it's a good idea?"
>_
-
> Stare back at the tavern in silence for a few seconds.
> "...No, I suppose it is not necessary. I cannot think of anything else for which I would need information tonight, unless someone was giving out free fish, so I believe we can end our escapade into the human village here."
-
> Stare back at the tavern in silence for a few seconds.
> "...No, I suppose it is not necessary. I cannot think of anything else for which I would need information tonight, unless someone was giving out free fish, so I believe we can end our escapade into the human village here."
>She nods.
>_
-
> "There is more I wish to talk about with you, but I believe our business here is concluded for the time being. Come, let us find a place a bit more secluded. I imagine you have had a rough night."
-
> "There is more I wish to talk about with you, but I believe our business here is concluded for the time being. Come, let us find a place a bit more secluded. I imagine you have had a rough night."
>"Gladly," she says.
>_
-
> Nod and begin walking out of the village, back the way we initially came.
> Whereabouts is Dragon Palace Island from here? Or was, I suppose.
> "So there are two specific things I wish to discuss with you. The first...may be a bit personal, so if you do not wish to answer, tell me. With that being said...where do you sleep?"
-
> Nod and begin walking out of the village, back the way we initially came.
> Whereabouts is Dragon Palace Island from here? Or was, I suppose.
> "So there are two specific things I wish to discuss with you. The first...may be a bit personal, so if you do not wish to answer, tell me. With that being said...where do you sleep?"
>You leave the village toward the south.
>It is to the north of human town a little ways.
>"I don't sleep," she says.
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Huh. Um. I assume it is because you don't need to, but...are you at least capable of it?"
-
> Blink.
> "...Huh. Um. I assume it is because you don't need to, but...are you at least capable of it?"
>"I've never really tried," she says. "When I want to rest, I just find a place to hide for a little while."
>_
-
> "Well. That may go ahead and kill that idea. All the same...if it interests you, I would like to invite you to spend the evening in my quarters."
-
> "Well. That may go ahead and kill that idea. All the same...if it interests you, I would like to invite you to spend the evening in my quarters."
>"I'd be happier in the forest," she says. "I've already been away from it for too long."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> Is Shuuei still wearing her grass cape?
> "The second...is that I would like your help on a very bizarre endeavour of mine, one that actually involves the black-haired journalist woman I mentioned earlier."
-
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> Is Shuuei still wearing her grass cape?
> "The second...is that I would like your help on a very bizarre endeavour of mine, one that actually involves the black-haired journalist woman I mentioned earlier."
>She is still wearing on it.
>"Hm?" says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "She...hmm. How should I explain this...ah. Have you heard of cameras, or photographs?"
> Take out the picture of the large shadow from yesterday, if we still have it. Otherwise, take out the picture of the Makai landscape with goats.
-
> "She...hmm. How should I explain this...ah. Have you heard of cameras, or photographs?"
> Take out the picture of the large shadow from yesterday, if we still have it. Otherwise, take out the picture of the Makai landscape with goats.
>You still have both. The former picture also includes the poltergeist herself. Are you sure you wish to show her that?
>_
-
> Let's not show Shuuei the one with her in it, and show the other picture instead.
-
>If Shuuei doesn't want to stay with us, maybe we should stay with her and sleep in the forest. Leaving her alone right now may not be a good idea.
>Make a note to bring this up after the discussion about Aya.
-
> Let's not show Shuuei the one with her in it, and show the other picture instead.
>You show her the picture of the goats in Makai.
>"...What a strange place," says the poltergeist, looking at the picture.
>If Shuuei doesn't want to stay with us, maybe we should stay with her and sleep in the forest. Leaving her alone right now may not be a good idea.
>Make a note to bring this up after the discussion about Aya.
>That may not be a bad idea.
>You'll try not to forget this.
>_
-
> Though, if she doesn't need to sleep, then she should be able to keep a watch out for herself...as nice as it would be to keep her company tonight, sleeping on the ground would damage our ability to fulfill our duties with how uncomfortable it would be.
> "That was where I arrived after falling out of Bhava-Agra's shadow yesterday. That picture was created by a device called a camera. Some times it can create pictures like that immediately. Other times you need to wait a little bit. I don't know the exact process myself, only what it produces."
> "Now, I mention this because the journalist woman owns a few of these camera things. And one of the things she does with it, in the name of art, something I imagine you will hate with a passion...she occasionally takes pictures of people's undergarments."
-
> Though, if she doesn't need to sleep, then she should be able to keep a watch out for herself...as nice as it would be to keep her company tonight, sleeping on the ground would damage our ability to fulfill our duties with how uncomfortable it would be.
> "That was where I arrived after falling out of Bhava-Agra's shadow yesterday. That picture was created by a device called a camera. Some times it can create pictures like that immediately. Other times you need to wait a little bit. I don't know the exact process myself, only what it produces."
> "Now, I mention this because the journalist woman owns a few of these camera things. And one of the things she does with it, in the name of art, something I imagine you will hate with a passion...she occasionally takes pictures of people's undergarments."
>"You have a very good imagination," says the poltergeist. "Turning something like this against people is horrible."
>_
-
> "This is not a result of imagination. It has happened to both Tenshi and myself in the past, along with a slew of other people here in Gensokyo, and if you ask her about it she will readily admit to it. She is quite proud of it."
-
> "This is not a result of imagination. It has happened to both Tenshi and myself in the past, along with a slew of other people here in Gensokyo, and if you ask her about it she will readily admit to it. She is quite proud of it."
>"Do you want me to take her shadow?" says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "I appreciate the offer, but that will not be necessary. Others have already imposed punishment on her; she was recently sentenced to jail by the Yama, whom I spent some time discussing this morning. If the things I have heard her accused of are true, then I believe that sentence is sufficient punishment for what she has done.
> "Now, this is where the situation is going to start getting very strange. She has told me that the purpose behind taking...those kinds of pictures is artistic; the idea is to present the fact that everyone, no matter how strong or weak, or smart or simple they are, is vulnerable sometimes, and that we are all a little closer to equality for this fact. This means that only pictures where she catches the subject unawares 'count'. What that means...is that she has never been able to get a picture of herself."
-
> "I appreciate the offer, but that will not be necessary. Others have already imposed punishment on her; she was recently sentenced to jail by the Yama, whom I spent some time discussing this morning. If the things I have heard her accused of are true, then I believe that sentence is sufficient punishment for what she has done.
> "Now, this is where the situation is going to start getting very strange. She has told me that the purpose behind taking...those kinds of pictures is artistic; the idea is to present the fact that everyone, no matter how strong or weak, or smart or simple they are, is vulnerable sometimes, and that we are all a little closer to equality for this fact. This means that only pictures where she catches the subject unawares 'count'. What that means...is that she has never been able to get a picture of herself."
>The poltergeist nods. "I suppose it is difficult to surprise yourself."
>_
-
> "Yes. And she is very fast, very perceptive, and very cunning. She has a friend that has helped her in her endeavours in the past, but this friend is simply not up to the task of getting a picture of her."
> "Now, this woman is currently free from jail, but has agreed to return there later via a deal I made with her earlier tonight. Part of what I offered to do for her was get a picture of her. I have made plans with Miss Houjuu to try to get a picture of her tomorrow morning, but should that plan fail...I would like your help in getting such a picture."
-
> "Yes. And she is very fast, very perceptive, and very cunning. She has a friend that has helped her in her endeavours in the past, but this friend is simply not up to the task of getting a picture of her."
> "Now, this woman is currently free from jail, but has agreed to return there later via a deal I made with her earlier tonight. Part of what I offered to do for her was get a picture of her. I have made plans with Miss Houjuu to try to get a picture of her tomorrow morning, but should that plan fail...I would like your help in getting such a picture."
>She nods. "Go on..."
>_
-
> "Let me say up front that I have no particular desire to see this picture myself, and I presume you would not either. The only one to whom we would be exposing her with this picture is herself, and possibly her friend, if she chooses to share it."
> "Now then. If my plan with Miss Houjuu fails, then she will be expecting me to try to take a picture of her. The only option then is to take advantage of other factors she will not be expecting to put her in a situation where she simply cannot stop me from taking a picture of her. After all I have told her about my situation, the one thing she will not be expecting is you. She knows there was a culprit, that that culprit loves to hide and hates journalism, and that I will defend that culprit's privacy at all costs. Nothing else. Specifically, she does not know where that culprit is...or what that culprit can do without making physical contact."
> Look around for people in the immediate area. If there are, stop here. If not, lower our voice.
> "While conversing with this journalist, I will position myself so that her back is to her shadow. What I would like you to do is sneak around the area where this journalist and I will be conversing, so that you have a straight shot at her back and her shadow. Then, as silently as you can, sneak up on her and land on her shadow, so that her arms and legs are immobilized, like what you did with Tenshi this morning."
-
> "Let me say up front that I have no particular desire to see this picture myself, and I presume you would not either. The only one to whom we would be exposing her with this picture is herself, and possibly her friend, if she chooses to share it."
> "Now then. If my plan with Miss Houjuu fails, then she will be expecting me to try to take a picture of her. The only option then is to take advantage of other factors she will not be expecting to put her in a situation where she simply cannot stop me from taking a picture of her. After all I have told her about my situation, the one thing she will not be expecting is you. She knows there was a culprit, that that culprit loves to hide and hates journalism, and that I will defend that culprit's privacy at all costs. Nothing else. Specifically, she does not know where that culprit is...or what that culprit can do without making physical contact."
> Look around for people in the immediate area. If there are, stop here. If not, lower our voice.
> "While conversing with this journalist, I will position myself so that her back is to her shadow. What I would like you to do is sneak around the area where this journalist and I will be conversing, so that you have a straight shot at her back and her shadow. Then, as silently as you can, sneak up on her and land on her shadow, so that her arms and legs are immobilized, like what you did with Tenshi this morning."
>"I should be able to do this," says the Poltergeist.
>_
-
> Nod with a small smile.
> "Excellent. I will warn you, however, that you may need to have your cloak off when you make your move. It makes enough sound when you move around that she may be able to hear you coming."
-
> Nod with a small smile.
> "Excellent. I will warn you, however, that you may need to have your cloak off when you make your move. It makes enough sound when you move around that she may be able to hear you coming."
>She frowns. "...I'll try."
>_
-
> "Do not worry too much. Remember what you looked like that mirror. That is what you look like now. Your image is safe. Miss Houjuu is an expert at this sort of illusion; to distrust her is akin distrusting you and your ability to take and keep a shadow."
-
> "Do not worry too much. Remember what you looked like that mirror. That is what you look like now. Your image is safe. Miss Houjuu is an expert at this sort of illusion; to distrust her is akin distrusting you and your ability to take and keep a shadow."
>"I know," she says. "But that doesn't change how it feels."
>_
-
> "...I suppose it will simply take time, then."
-
> "...I suppose it will simply take time, then."
>"Maybe," she says. "Still, if you need my help, I'll try my best."
-
> Smile.
> "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
-
> Smile.
> "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
>She nods. "Good."
>_
-
> "It is a shame you dislike physical contact so much, because you are so very huggable."
-
> "It is a shame you dislike physical contact so much, because you are so very huggable."
>She frowns. "I don't really know why you insist that."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow with a playful smile.
> "Are you that averse to the idea that you behave in a manner that makes me happy?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow with a playful smile.
> "Are you that averse to the idea that you behave in a manner that makes me happy?"
>"Puzzled," she says.
>_
-
> Chuckle quietly.
> "Then I believe I have found yet another way in which you and Tenshi are alike. You both give yourselves too little credit."
-
> Chuckle quietly.
> "Then I believe I have found yet another way in which you and Tenshi are alike. You both give yourselves too little credit."
>"So you say," she says. "I suppose it is another thing I simply don't comprehend at all."
>_
-
> "And understandably so. Your life's truths have kept you from this sort of socialization. There are social skills and nuances that one will only learn from enough practice and experience, neither of which are things that have ever really interested you."
-
> "And understandably so. Your life's truths have kept you from this sort of socialization. There are social skills and nuances that one will only learn from enough practice and experience, neither of which are things that have ever really interested you."
>She nods again, seeming content to leave it at that.
>_
-
> Continue on out of the village.
-
> Continue on out of the village.
>You are well out of the village and into the fields by this point.
>_
-
> Oh! Well then.
> Turn to the poltergeist properly.
> "I believe this is where we should part for the evening, as I need some food and some rest. Tomorrow morning, I will be meeting with the journalist woman at the spot near the river where we have met several times today. If you are still willing to help me, be sure to be waiting around there."
-
> Oh! Well then.
> Turn to the poltergeist properly.
> "I believe this is where we should part for the evening, as I need some food and some rest. Tomorrow morning, I will be meeting with the journalist woman at the spot near the river where we have met several times today. If you are still willing to help me, be sure to be waiting around there."
>"I'll be there by sunrise," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Excellent. And...take care of yourself. Be sure to let me know how you are feeling when you next get the opportunity. The one downside to that illusion is that we cannot use your opacity as a barometer for your health."
-
> Nod.
> "Excellent. And...take care of yourself. Be sure to let me know how you are feeling when you next get the opportunity. The one downside to that illusion is that we cannot use your opacity as a barometer for your health."
>"I will," she says. "I'll try to see if I can sleep, maybe it will make things easier."
>_
-
> "Be sure to avoid discovery if you do."
-
> "Be sure to avoid discovery if you do."
>"I have a few hiding places," she says.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Then I will detain you no further. Have a safe and pleasant evening, Shuuei. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow."
-
> Smile.
> "Then I will detain you no further. Have a safe and pleasant evening, Shuuei. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow."
>"Alright," she says, as she continues down the road.
>_
-
> Take flight and head in the direction of where Dragon Palace Island was. If/when we find it, take note of how high it has risen.
-
> Take flight and head in the direction of where Dragon Palace Island was. If/when we find it, take note of how high it has risen.
>You take to the air and head northward.
>Approaching the Dragon Palace, you are reasonably sure it's risen a bit higher into the air. But it's size makes it difficult to say for sure. That aside, nothing seems further amiss than before.
>_
-
> Why aren't you in bed yet, parser?
> Alight on Dragon Palace Island and make our way to the kitchen.
-
> Why aren't you in bed yet, parser?
> Alight on Dragon Palace Island and make our way to the kitchen.
>Guess!
>You settle down on the island, and make a beeline for the kitchen. Things are cleaner now; there isn't nearly so much small debris littering the grounds. Reaching the kitchen, you find it is mostly empty.
>_
-
> Is there anything out that looks readily available for consumption?
> If not, is there anyone in the area with whom we can consult about procuring nutrients?
-
Kilga, what I was getting at with staying with Shuuei is that her existence is very precarious at the moment.
>Wonder if the villagers who saw Shuuei are thinking about her; she certainly conducted herself in a manner they would not be used to.
-
o
-
> Is there anything out that looks readily available for consumption?
> If not, is there anyone in the area with whom we can consult about procuring nutrients?
>You can see a basket of peaches being left unattended. There's also the smells of rice and peach bread floating around, though neither strike you as being that fresh anymore.
>Wonder if the villagers who saw Shuuei are thinking about her; she certainly conducted herself in a manner they would not be used to.
>You imagine the people in the village probably have a very high tolerance for oddity. If nothing else, they're probably happy she behaved better than the average faerie.
>_
-
> Grab a couple of peaches, but don't eat them just yet.
> Leave the kitchen and head to our suite. If we see anyone we recognize as a kitchen worker along the way, however, be sure to stop to have a conversation with them.
-
>You imagine the people in the village probably have a very high tolerance for oddity. If nothing else, they're probably happy she behaved better than the average faerie.
>True, but she's still unusual, and she certainly dresses oddly. There might be something. We'll have to remember to ask Shuuei how she feels tomorrow.
-
> Grab a couple of peaches, but don't eat them just yet.
> Leave the kitchen and head to our suite. If we see anyone we recognize as a kitchen worker along the way, however, be sure to stop to have a conversation with them.
>You obtain: Peaches x2.
>You head back to your suite. While you pass a few people along the way, you don't recognize any as the kitchen staff.
>True, but she's still unusual, and she certainly dresses oddly. There might be something. We'll have to remember to ask Shuuei how she feels tomorrow.
>It's possible.
>_
-
> Open the door slowly and quietly. If we hear a voice, stop opening it.
-
> Open the door slowly and quietly. If we hear a voice, stop opening it.
>You open it slowly, and hear no voices.
>Inside, you find things are more or less as they were earlier. Things are clean, but there's still obvious damage from the fall and there's still things missing. One addition exists, in the form of Tenshi passed out on the futon that was brought in here yesterday,
>_
-
> Aww, she took us up on the offer. Smile a little bit.
> Quietly enter the room.
> Is there any food around?
-
> Aww, she took us up on the offer. Smile a little bit.
> Quietly enter the room.
> Is there any food around?
>You enter, and see that there is an plate with some crumbs on it. Apparently there was food here.
>_
-
> Lose the smile. Couldn't leave any food for us, huh?
> Give a soft sigh. Exit the room, gently closing the door behind us.
> Sit down in the hallway and get to work eating those peaches.
-
> Lose the smile. Couldn't leave any food for us, huh?
> Give a soft sigh. Exit the room, gently closing the door behind us.
> Sit down in the hallway and get to work eating those peaches.
>Apparently not.
>You step outside, have a seat on the hallway floor, and eat the peaches. It takes some restraint not to tear into them in an undignified and messy manner, but you manage to achieve it. Instead, you just leave little of the peaches remaining. Afterward, you can at least say that you've done away with your ravenousness you've been working hard to ignore for the past couple hours. You stifle a yawn.
>_
-
> Dispose of what remains of the peaches in whatever manner is proper, then quietly re-enter our suite.
-
> Dispose of what remains of the peaches in whatever manner is proper, then quietly re-enter our suite.
>You return to your suite, and leave the remains on the plate. It'll do for now. You manage to avoid waking up Tenshi.
>_
-
> Quietly perform our daily routine for preparation for bed. Don't forget to include devotions, not that such should be a problem.
-
> Quietly perform our daily routine for preparation for bed. Don't forget to include devotions, not that such should be a problem.
>You go through your evening devotions, then wash up and change into your night clothes. Tenshi doesn't stir during this.
>_
-
> Very quietly sneak over to Tenshi. How does she look?
-
> Very quietly sneak over to Tenshi. How does she look?
>You sneak over to Tenshi.
>She seems to be sleeping peacefully. She also didn't bother to change out of her torn up clothing. You can see that she still has a few bruises and cuts and such, but none of them look that back, just the usual danmaku aftermath.
>_
-
> Is she still wearing her hat? If not, where is it?
> Where is our hat, for that matter?
-
> Is she still wearing her hat? If not, where is it?
> Where is our hat, for that matter?
>Tenshi's hat is off to the side. Yours is presently resting on a hook near your bed.
>_
-
> Smile down at Tenshi for a few more seconds, then climb into bed ourselves.
-
> Smile down at Tenshi for a few more seconds, then climb into bed ourselves.
>You smile down at her a bit more, then go to bed.
>You waken with no real recollection of being asleep, you must have gone under very quickly. Glancing out the window, you notice that it is gray and cloudy outside, and it is fairly chilly inside. Winter must be getting impatient. Glancing over, you see the appropriated futon is empty.
>_
-
> Where are the clouds positioned relative to our view out the window? Are they still high in the sky, or are they more level?
> Does there appear to be any activity in the washroom?
-
> Where are the clouds positioned relative to our view out the window? Are they still high in the sky, or are they more level?
> Does there appear to be any activity in the washroom?
>They're still above you.
>You listen for a moment, and think you can hear something in there.
>_
-
> Begin the slow process of getting out of bed.
-
> Begin the slow process of getting out of bed.
>You extricate yourself from bed, and quickly get dressed in something warm. It's definitely going to be a gloves day today.
>As you finish up, Tenshi emerges from the washroom.
>_
-
> "Good morning, Tenshi. How was your night?"
-
> "Good morning, Tenshi. How was your night?"
>"Could've been worse," she says."Everything fixed yet?"
>_
-
> "Things appear to be progressing as well as I could hope for. Bhava-Agra's shadow has been restored."
> Smile.
> "We did it, Tenshi. We have saved our home."
-
> "Things appear to be progressing as well as I could hope for. Bhava-Agra's shadow has been restored."
> Smile.
> "We did it, Tenshi. We have saved our home."
>"Good job," says Tenshi with a nod. "It's probably time to get things fixed anyways."
>_
-
> "Yes. And well done to you as well. You were an important part of what has transpired over the last two days."
-
> "Yes. And well done to you as well. You were an important part of what has transpired over the last two days."
>"Well, not anyone could have just beat up the gate guard like that," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "That is one of a few things of which I can think, yes."
> Drop the smile and resume a neutral expression.
> "There has been headway elsewhere as well. How much about the poltergeist have I told you? It is a bit hard to keep track of who knows what at this point."
-
> Smile.
> "That is one of a few things of which I can think, yes."
> Drop the smile and resume a neutral expression.
> "There has been headway elsewhere as well. How much about the poltergeist have I told you? It is a bit hard to keep track of who knows what at this point."
>"You had some plan with Nue, which I guess involved a great disguise?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Yes. Okay. Let me give you a little more background information about her, then. This poltergeist lives with the belief that self-exposure is a horrible, depraved thing. She is very firm in this faith. To her, denying it would be the same as, say, denying the sky is blue."
> "And 'self-exposure' is very broad. She believes it is a depraved thing to even be seen, or to admit opinions or personal characteristics."
-
> "Yes. Okay. Let me give you a little more background information about her, then. This poltergeist lives with the belief that self-exposure is a horrible, depraved thing. She is very firm in this faith. To her, denying it would be the same as, say, denying the sky is blue."
> "And 'self-exposure' is very broad. She believes it is a depraved thing to even be seen, or to admit opinions or personal characteristics."
>"Yeah, I remember that she was a huge weirdo," says Tenshi. "But you've not spelled it out quite like that. Yeesh."
>_
-
> "Yes, she certainly is a unique case. And, to make matters worse, we have learned over the past two days that poltergeists come into being through the belief of others, and, more importantly in this case, they are sustained by the belief of others, by others acknowledging their presence. What do you think will eventually happen to a poltergeist that makes every effort to make sure no one knows they exist?"
-
> "Yes, she certainly is a unique case. And, to make matters worse, we have learned over the past two days that poltergeists come into being through the belief of others, and, more importantly in this case, they are sustained by the belief of others, by others acknowledging their presence. What do you think will eventually happen to a poltergeist that makes every effort to make sure no one knows they exist?"
>Tenshi nods. "Yeah, that'd be a problem."
>_
-
> "Right. That is the idea behind Nue's disguise. And it is quite a good one, I dare say. Her face, hair and body shape are all a bit different. Different enough that even I had trouble identifying her. This way, she can interact within society without betraying her own beliefs. Not very much, anyway."
> "But I tell you this for a very important reason. You have seen what she really looks like. If you are to meet her again in front of other people, I must ask that you honor her desire to present the illusion she is presenting. Please, do not identify the real her to anyone else, unless she gives permission to do so."
-
> "Right. That is the idea behind Nue's disguise. And it is quite a good one, I dare say. Her face, hair and body shape are all a bit different. Different enough that even I had trouble identifying her. This way, she can interact within society without betraying her own beliefs. Not very much, anyway."
> "But I tell you this for a very important reason. You have seen what she really looks like. If you are to meet her again in front of other people, I must ask that you honor her desire to present the illusion she is presenting. Please, do not identify the real her to anyone else, unless she gives permission to do so."
>"Yeah, sure, I won't say anything," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Thank you. I knew I could depend on you."
-
> Smile.
> "Thank you. I knew I could depend on you."
>"Yeah, yeah," she says. "So, if the problem's dealt with, what now?"
-
> "Now? Now I hope for several things. I hope that the poltergeist can find happiness, or at least contentment, in her efforts to sustain herself. I hope that you and she may eventually become friends, as the two of you are actually rather alike. And I hope what you and I have experienced with each other over the last two days serves as a beginning for us, rather than an end."
-
> "Now? Now I hope for several things. I hope that the poltergeist can find happiness, or at least contentment, in her efforts to sustain herself. I hope that you and she may eventually become friends, as the two of you are actually rather alike. And I hope what you and I have experienced with each other over the last two days serves as a beginning for us, rather than an end."
>"Wait, are you saying I'm a weirdo, too?"
>_
-
> Give a soft chuckle.
> "No, not at all. Or, at least, not in such a derogatory sense. I have since realized that you both dwell in realms where your personal standard for behavior differs from the norm of that realm, a norm that is so common that both of you are often pushed by those around you to have your own personal standards violated. Your preferred mode of conduct differs from that of your fellow celestials, while her preferred mode of conduct differs from her fellow Gensokyans. Both of you are also willing to fight to maintain your own beliefs, despite whatever overwhelming pressure there may be to conform from the norms of your respective societies."
-
> Give a soft chuckle.
> "No, not at all. Or, at least, not in such a derogatory sense. I have since realized that you both dwell in realms where your personal standard for behavior differs from the norm of that realm, a norm that is so common that both of you are often pushed by those around you to have your own personal standards violated. Your preferred mode of conduct differs from that of your fellow celestials, while her preferred mode of conduct differs from her fellow Gensokyans. Both of you are also willing to fight to maintain your own beliefs, despite whatever overwhelming pressure there may be to conform from the norms of your respective societies."
>Tenshi nods, but you have the feeling she doesn't really get it.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Let me see if I can explain it better...perhaps the specifics will help. Basically, your fellow celestials want you to behave how they do. Things like not being deceitful, avoiding violence, stuff like that. You hear these ideas and shrug them off, because that's not who you are. And then there is a clash, where your fellow celestials are willing to punish you for not adhering to these ideas, and you are willing to retaliate in the name of being true to yourself, such as by making it rain on Bhava-Agra. Her situation is similar. Society around her not only tolerates social interaction, but actively endorses it. She sees these ideas and shrugs them off, because that's not who she is. And then there is a clash, where people try to violate her beliefs by actively searching for her, and she is willing to retaliate in the name of being true to herself, such as by taking people's shadows."
-
> "Hmm. Let me see if I can explain it better...perhaps the specifics will help. Basically, your fellow celestials want you to behave how they do. Things like not being deceitful, avoiding violence, stuff like that. You hear these ideas and shrug them off, because that's not who you are. And then there is a clash, where your fellow celestials are willing to punish you for not adhering to these ideas, and you are willing to retaliate in the name of being true to yourself, such as by making it rain on Bhava-Agra. Her situation is similar. Society around her not only tolerates social interaction, but actively endorses it. She sees these ideas and shrugs them off, because that's not who she is. And then there is a clash, where people try to violate her beliefs by actively searching for her, and she is willing to retaliate in the name of being true to herself, such as by taking people's shadows."
>"Yeah, but it's not really the same at all," says Tenshi. "It's not just that they try to make me like them, it's that they're all worse than me because they lie so much more and think they're better than everybody. But there's really nothing wrong with just being with people."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "And on what grounds do you say there is nothing wrong with being with people?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "And on what grounds do you say there is nothing wrong with being with people?"
>She shrugs. "Just isn't. Anyone who's not a weirdo can tell you that."
>_
-
> "So may I presume that you see such a belief about self-exposure as weird, and also that being weird is a bad thing?"
-
> "So may I presume that you see such a belief about self-exposure as weird, and also that being weird is a bad thing?"
>"Well yeah, obviously," says Tenshi. "What're you getting at?"
>_
-
> "Well, to be honest, it sounds like you are making a negative judgment of another because their behavior differs from yours."
-
> "Well, to be honest, it sounds like you are making a negative judgment of another because their behavior differs from yours."
>"Maybe, but it's not like I'm gonna give her a hard time over it."
>_
-
> "...Hmm, I see. Let me ask a curiosity question, if I may. Do you believe it is okay to think oneself better than another, as long as one does not attempt to disrupt that other person's life with that sentiment?"
-
> "...Hmm, I see. Let me ask a curiosity question, if I may. Do you believe it is okay to think oneself better than another, as long as one does not attempt to disrupt that other person's life with that sentiment?"
>"Well when you can prove it, there's no problem," says Tenshi. "Just that pretty much everyone here acts like they're so perfect when they're really just scum."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow again.
> "How does one prove one life philosophy better than another?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow again.
> "How does one prove one life philosophy better than another?"
>"I dunno," says Tenshi. "Probably winning at stuff."
>_
-
> Internal facepalm.
> "...I see. Well. I suppose the time may come later where we can properly narrow that down. But that can wait. When do you need to be at the tavern?"
-
> Internal facepalm.
> "...I see. Well. I suppose the time may come later where we can properly narrow that down. But that can wait. When do you need to be at the tavern?"
>It's been awhile since she made you do that...
>"In a little while," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "All right. Hmm...while I am thinking about it, would you happen to know where I could procure a fish or two, given I do not have very much money?"
-
> "All right. Hmm...while I am thinking about it, would you happen to know where I could procure a fish or two, given I do not have very much money?"
>"Well, you could always try to catch one," says Tenshi. "Or I guess I could loan you something and you could just go see the kappa."
>_
-
> "Mmm...I do not know if I feel right borrowing money you earned given I do not believe I have a reliable way to return it to you..."
-
> "Mmm...I do not know if I feel right borrowing money you earned given I do not believe I have a reliable way to return it to you..."
>Tenshi shrugs. "You'll get it back to me sooner or later, I'm not worried."
>_
-
> "...Well...all right, I suppose, if you trust I will be able to return it..."
-
> "...Well...all right, I suppose, if you trust I will be able to return it..."
>"Yeah, sure," she says as she produces 15☼ from her pocket and hands it to you.
>_
-
> Take it and put it away, then give a short bow.
> "Thank you very much."
-
> Take it and put it away, then give a short bow.
> "Thank you very much."
>"No problem," says Tenshi. "It ought to be enough to get a fish."
>_
-
> Nod.
> Look around the room. Is breakfast present?
-
> Nod.
> Look around the room. Is breakfast present?
>You look around, and see that the plate from before has been taken, and a new plate with a couple peaches on it has been left behind. You note the remains of a couple beside them.
>_
-
> "If you do not mind me doing so, I think I will begin my breakfast. The last two days have been two days without much food for me."
-
> "If you do not mind me doing so, I think I will begin my breakfast. The last two days have been two days without much food for me."
>"Sure, go ahead," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Head on over to those new peaches and have breakfast.
-
> Head on over to those new peaches and have breakfast.
>You enjoy your breakfast, not having to restrain yourself nearly so bad as you did last night. In the meantime, Tenshi flops back onto her futon and looks out the window.
>_
-
> "So what would you like to do until it is time for you to head to the tavern?"
-
> "So what would you like to do until it is time for you to head to the tavern?"
>"Not much, I suppose," she says. "Mostly because I don't have time to really do anything before I have to get there."
>_
-
> "Oh. Well, that seems as good a reason to hold off on doing anything as any. It is still a bit of a shame, though."
-
> "Oh. Well, that seems as good a reason to hold off on doing anything as any. It is still a bit of a shame, though."
>"Yeah, I probably should just get going," says Tenshi, as she rolls off the futon and stands up.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Have a safe and pleasant day, Tenshi. I will try to drop by to keep you informed, if I have the time."
-
> Nod.
> "Have a safe and pleasant day, Tenshi. I will try to drop by to keep you informed, if I have the time."
>"Sure thing," says Tenshi, as she leaves the room.
>_
-
>Call to her. "Tenshi?"
>"Keep our friend Shuuei in your thoughts. Right now, her existence is... precarious."
-
>Call to her. "Tenshi?"
>"Keep our friend Shuuei in your thoughts. Right now, her existence is... precarious."
>"Okay, I'll do that," says Tenshi. "Want me to spread some rumors or something?"
>_
-
>"No. We'll let her decide if she wants that, and I doubt she will, although you can be sure I'll ask. Just keep her in your thoughts."
-
>"No. We'll let her decide if she wants that, and I doubt she will, although you can be sure I'll ask. Just keep her in your thoughts."
>"Right, sure," says Tenshi as she steps out.
>_
-
> Perform our daily devotionals, then take care of anything else we need to do to get ready for the day, including grabbing gloves if we haven't already.
-
> Perform our daily devotionals, then take care of anything else we need to do to get ready for the day, including grabbing gloves if we haven't already.
>You perform your morning devotions, and make certain you have appropriate garb for the weather outside.
>_
-
> Leave our room and head toward the kitchen.
-
> Leave our room and head toward the kitchen.
>You leave your room, cross the main hall, and head toward the kitchen. As you do, you notice a concentrated effort by the celestials to sweep up the smaller debris, as well as some scaffoldings and shorings be set up near a couple of damaged areas.
>Approaching the kitchen, you can hear it is a riot of activity.
>_
-
> Is there arguing or fighting of some sort, or is it simply the standard kitchen activity fare?
-
> Is there arguing or fighting of some sort, or is it simply the standard kitchen activity fare?
>The latter, most assuredly. You see a couple of celestials make their way out as quickly as they can without obviously rushing, bearing a few trays.
>_
-
> Are any of them headed this way?
-
> Are any of them headed this way?
>One of them is coming in your general direction.
>_
-
> Start moving in their general direction. If it looks like we will be passing soon, flag them down.
-
> Start moving in their general direction. If it looks like we will be passing soon, flag them down.
>You quickly cross paths with one of the food-bearers, and easily get her attention. "Yes, Messenger?" she says, bobbing in something like a curtsy.
>_
-
> "Just for the kitchen's reference, if people wondered why the peach count in the basket was short two this morning, they were my dinner late last night. I do not want to cause any undue worry about food theft, so."
-
> "Just for the kitchen's reference, if people wondered why the peach count in the basket was short two this morning, they were my dinner late last night. I do not want to cause any undue worry about food theft, so."
>"Don't worry about it, Messenger," says the celestial.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I will detain you no further, then. Please continue."
-
> Nod.
> "I will detain you no further, then. Please continue."
>"Pleasant day, Messenger," says the celestial as she bobs again, then moves along.
>_
-
> Nod back in her direction.
> Continue on into the main area before the Dragon's chambers.
-
> Nod back in her direction.
> Continue on into the main area before the Dragon's chambers.
>You return to the main hall. With the debris mostly cleaned up, it looks somewhat like its old self again. But many of the statues broken and cleaned away, and the broken architecture removed when possible, it feels oddly empty.
>_
-
> Don't worry. We will persevere.
> Would The Dragon appreciate a situational update, or, since he surely already knows of the situation, would he prefer we continue conducting our business independently?
-
> Don't worry. We will persevere.
> Would The Dragon appreciate a situational update, or, since he surely already knows of the situation, would he prefer we continue conducting our business independently?
>You take heart, you've gotten this far after all.
>You suspect The Dragon would probably wish for you to conclude things before seeking it out.
>_
-
> Head outside. Take stock of our surroundings relative to Gensokyo; how high we are and what landmarks to which we are close.
-
> Head outside. Take stock of our surroundings relative to Gensokyo; how high we are and what landmarks to which we are close.
>While the Main Hall is outdoors, it's also sufficiently far from the edge of the island that you really can't see much of anything.
>Leaving the Dragon Palace entirely, you can immediately see that Gensokyo is not quite so close as it was yesterday; it is likely a few hundred feet further away than it was last night. As well, the Palace seems to have drifted some distance, you can see a field of dead sunflowers and reddish blossoms below; the road from before being a ways to the east.
>_
-
> Take flight and head to the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
-
> Take flight and head to the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>You take to the air and head toward Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>Along the way, you notice that the other islands have also lifted higher into the air. Orchard Isle has drifted a bit South of the human town now, and the that was over Kourindou is now closer to Mystia's stand. The faeries are significantly more active over the forest and the lake now, you don't know if you can travel unmolested as you did yesterday.
>Soon, you reach the gates of Scarlet Devil Mansion; you notice a crimson flag waves over it, as well. Curiously, Amaya is standing guard there alone. She curtsies toward you as she sees you approach.
>_
-
> Return the gesture.
> "Good morning, Miss Amaya. Have you any news to share regarding the treaty Lady Scarlet tasked herself with writing up?"
-
> Return the gesture.
> "Good morning, Miss Amaya. Have you any news to share regarding the treaty Lady Scarlet tasked herself with writing up?"
>"Not directly," she says. "But it is my understanding that it will take a couple days for things to be fully prepared.'
-
> Nod.
> "Understood. May I then ask of news about Volatilis Scarlet Regnum's stance on Bhava-Agra's restoration? As the Eldest Daughter came home unharmed last night, I would guess that Lady Scarlet has no major objection, but I know I should ask, just to be sure."
-
> Nod.
> "Understood. May I then ask of news about Volatilis Scarlet Regnum's stance on Bhava-Agra's restoration? As the Eldest Daughter came home unharmed last night, I would guess that Lady Scarlet has no major objection, but I know I should ask, just to be sure."
>"I believe it was anticipated," says the celestial.
>_
-
> "All right. And, if I may ask, does Miss Meiling have the morning off? It is hard to miss that you stand out here alone."
-
> "All right. And, if I may ask, does Miss Meiling have the morning off? It is hard to miss that you stand out here alone."
>"She is checking up on Miss Izayoi," says Amaya.
>_
-
> "Ah, of course. I suspect they will wish to move Miss Izayoi sooner rather than later, if she has not been moved already. The trip back skyward has not been an unpleasant one, but one that has sustained her injuries would still do better to not lie down several hundred feet in the air."
-
> "Ah, of course. I suspect they will wish to move Miss Izayoi sooner rather than later, if she has not been moved already. The trip back skyward has not been an unpleasant one, but one that has sustained her injuries would still do better to not lie down several hundred feet in the air."
>"I believe one of her tasks is to help see Miss Izayoi back, yes," says Amaya.
>_
-
> "Good."
> Sigh.
> "I think it will be a long time before I forget that image of Miss Izayoi, lying there with her injuries. Perhaps I should never forget it, so it may serve as an eternal reminder of the consequences of allowing myself to be overtaken by moments of weakness."
-
> "Good."
> Sigh.
> "I think it will be a long time before I forget that image of Miss Izayoi, lying there with her injuries. Perhaps I should never forget it, so it may serve as an eternal reminder of the consequences of allowing myself to be overtaken by moments of weakness."
>"What happened, precisely?" asks Amaya, frowning.
>_
-
> "I made a very rash decision based on some false assumptions. While I was working with the one responsible for Bhava-Agra's fall, a situation which is its own story, I had the Eldest Daughter investigate into the status of the two occupied islands. Based on the treatment our people recieved from a non-trivial number of Gensokyo natives, and the fact that there was a second occupation at all, I had assumed malicious intent on Volatilis Scarlet Regnum's part. And so, I..."
> Close eye and hang head a little bit.
> "...I authorized the Eldest Daughter to use force, if necessary."
-
> "I made a very rash decision based on some false assumptions. While I was working with the one responsible for Bhava-Agra's fall, a situation which is its own story, I had the Eldest Daughter investigate into the status of the two occupied islands. Based on the treatment our people recieved from a non-trivial number of Gensokyo natives, and the fact that there was a second occupation at all, I had assumed malicious intent on Volatilis Scarlet Regnum's part. And so, I..."
> Close eye and hang head a little bit.
> "...I authorized the Eldest Daughter to use force, if necessary."
>"Would she have declined to if you told her otherwise?" asks Amaya. "To be honest, I'm not surprised she did such at all."
>_
-
> Look back up.
> "To be honest, I believe she would have. There has been more than one occasion over these past two days where she dearly wanted to use force but did not because I told her not to. She even asked permission first once, instead of charging ahead and forcing me to stop her, and it was when I was in no position to stop anyone from doing anything."
-
> Look back up.
> "To be honest, I believe she would have. There has been more than one occasion over these past two days where she dearly wanted to use force but did not because I told her not to. She even asked permission first once, instead of charging ahead and forcing me to stop her, and it was when I was in no position to stop anyone from doing anything."
>"I suppose I was mistaken, then," says Amaya, bowing her head. "Did she really strike at Miss Izayoi first?"
>_
-
> "I do not know. In the midst of seeing what my weakness had wrought, I forgot to ask."
-
> "I do not know. In the midst of seeing what my weakness had wrought, I forgot to ask."
>Amaya nods. "I understand. This is what I've heard, and felt they had no need to lie about it."
>_
-
> "If it was done, then it was still done with my permission. My mindset at the time had been to prioritize the freedom of our people, and this ended up overtaking me and causing me to make rash decisions. I could have told the Eldest Daughter to avoiding fighting entirely, or avoid fighting unless provoked, but I allowed my desire to free our people turn into disgust for those in control of them, and I decided to effectively look the other way on potential violence against them. This is my failing, not the Eldest Daughter's."
-
> "If it was done, then it was still done with my permission. My mindset at the time had been to prioritize the freedom of our people, and this ended up overtaking me and causing me to make rash decisions. I could have told the Eldest Daughter to avoiding fighting entirely, or avoid fighting unless provoked, but I allowed my desire to free our people turn into disgust for those in control of them, and I decided to effectively look the other way on potential violence against them. This is my failing, not the Eldest Daughter's."
>Amaya nods. "I don't feel the issue is quite so simple, but I think I understand how you feel."
>_
-
> "I suspect the entire situation could have been handled better in multiple places, yes, but I have a difficult time letting this idea ease the feelings of my wrongs."
-
> "I suspect the entire situation could have been handled better in multiple places, yes, but I have a difficult time letting this idea ease the feelings of my wrongs."
>"I'm sure you'll be able to make amends," says Amaya.
>_
-
> "I certainly hope. The way things have gone recently seem to suggest such has already happened, anyway."
-
> "I certainly hope. The way things have gone recently seem to suggest such has already happened, anyway."
>"I am not well apprised on the situation," says Amaya, "But it seems things are coming together."
>_
-
> "If I may ask a more personal question, how have you felt, living here for the past couple of days?"
-
> "If I may ask a more personal question, how have you felt, living here for the past couple of days?"
>"I have not been overly perturbed," says Amaya. "Aside from how we've met, Miss Hong has not been a bad person to spend the time with."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Miss Meiling is a good person, yes. I am glad to hear all this. Your individual positive experience will make the collective choice of the people of these islands all the more informed."
-
> Nod.
> "Miss Meiling is a good person, yes. I am glad to hear all this. Your individual positive experience will make the collective choice of the people of these islands all the more informed."
>Amaya nods.
>_
-
> "I will not ask you anything further on the issue, for fear of potential conflict of interest on either of our parts."
> "Anyway, as it seems the things about which I was worried have been accounted for, and I have other business to take care of this morning, I will distract you from your duties no further."
-
> "I will not ask you anything further on the issue, for fear of potential conflict of interest on either of our parts."
> "Anyway, as it seems the things about which I was worried have been accounted for, and I have other business to take care of this morning, I will distract you from your duties no further."
>"As you wish, Messenger," says the Celestial as you decide to end the topic before it becomes a problem.
>The celestial curtsies as you say your farewells. "I wish you well."
>_
-
I'm not the only one playing this game guys :[
> Return the gesture.
> "And I do you. Good luck."
> Take flight and head for Renko and Maribel's house.
-
I don't have anything to add right now. I'll post something when I do.
-
I> Return the gesture.
> "And I do you. Good luck."
> Take flight and head for Renko and Maribel's house.
>You say your farewells, and head toward Maribel and Renko's home.
>Arriving there, you see that nothing appears to be out of place. You don't see any activity around the house, but it is still fairly early. Some smoke in the air suggests that someone is awake, though.
>_
-
> Fly around the house to the tree line behind it.
-
> Fly around the house to the tree line behind it.
>It's really more to the side of the house than behind it, but you enter the Forest of Magic.
>More leaves seem to litter the ground today; some of your footprints in the fallen brush from the multiple incursions you made into the forest yesterday have been partially obscured. You can hear some distant sounds of laughter and are fairly sure it comes from faeries at play somewhere in the woods.
>_
-
> Frown. Didn't we agree to meet Aya here yesterday?
> Leave the Forest in the direction of the house and fly above the trees.
-
> Frown. Didn't we agree to meet Aya here yesterday?
> Leave the Forest in the direction of the house and fly above the trees.
>There's a bit of forest, and you only just stepped into it.
>You take flight above the trees. You can see the periodic faerie here and there in the distance.
>_
-
> No sign of Aya?
> Take a look back at the house. Hopefully none of its residents are watching us, this would be rather embarrassing.
> Land down in front of the Forest of Magic and enter it again.
-
> No sign of Aya?
> Take a look back at the house. Hopefully none of its residents are watching us, this would be rather embarrassing.
> Land down in front of the Forest of Magic and enter it again.
>No sign of Aya.
>You glance back toward the house, and don't note anyone watching you. But it's possible there could be someone in one of the windows and you've not noticed.
>Landing again, you re-enter the Forest of Magic. As you do, you feel something small ricochet off the crown of your hat.
>_
-
> Stand still.
> Did we feel as if it came from any particular direction, or did it hit us directly on the top of the head?
-
> Stand still.
> Did we feel as if it came from any particular direction, or did it hit us directly on the top of the head?
>You stop, and are reasonable sure it came from the the left, and maybe about ahead; to the southeast.
>_
-
> Turn our eyes a bit to the left, so that we are looking to the southeast.
-
> Turn our eyes a bit to the left, so that we are looking to the southeast.
>You look over, and see a bit of a blue coat peeking around the edge of a tree.
>_
-
> Make our way toward it on the ground.
-
> Make our way toward it on the ground.
>You approach it, and see the dark-haired and dark-skinned poltergeist peek out at you.
>_
-
> Keep a low voice.
> "Good morning. How are you?"
-
> Keep a low voice.
> "Good morning. How are you?"
>"I'm okay," she says, stepping a little ways around the tree. "Sorry I didn't come out the first time, I didn't know the best way."
>_
-
> "That is okay. I am actually looking for the journalist woman right now, so I had figured you would want to stay hidden if you saw her anyway."
-
> "That is okay. I am actually looking for the journalist woman right now, so I had figured you would want to stay hidden if you saw her anyway."
>"She's by the stream, writing something," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Thank you for letting me know. How is her shadow positioned?"
-
> Nod.
> "Thank you for letting me know. How is her shadow positioned?"
>"Toward the west," says the poltergeist. "So along the stream. Like it was yesterday when, um, we fought."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "That is unfortunate. I will have to find some way to move her away from the stream, if Hatate's presence does not do it."
-
> Frown.
> "That is unfortunate. I will have to find some way to move her away from the stream, if Hatate's presence does not do it."
>"I meant along side it," she says, "If you're talking about that plan."
>_
-
> "Oh. That should work fine, then, as long as her shadow is not cast over the water."
> "All right. I am going to go over there to meet her now. Since I will be talking about what has happened over the past couple of days, I suggest that you devise some way to get my attention if I start to stray into a topic of discussion you do not want mentioned. I will try my best to talk about you as little as possible, but it is good to take precautions, something of which I am sure you know better than more."
-
> "Oh. That should work fine, then, as long as her shadow is not cast over the water."
> "All right. I am going to go over there to meet her now. Since I will be talking about what has happened over the past couple of days, I suggest that you devise some way to get my attention if I start to stray into a topic of discussion you do not want mentioned. I will try my best to talk about you as little as possible, but it is good to take precautions, something of which I am sure you know better than more."
>"I'll throw something at you," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Good. That should work. Let us go, then."
> Assuming the poltergeist does not object, head toward the clearing by the stream.
-
> Nod.
> "Good. That should work. Let us go, then."
> Assuming the poltergeist does not object, head toward the clearing by the stream.
>She says nothing, and you proceed onward. As you do, the poltergeist slips behind a tree.
>The streamside is much as you recall it, peaceful and seemingly untouched. Aya sits near the opposite shore, leaning against a tree and writing something into a notepad. She glances up as you approach.
>_
-
>She says nothing, and you proceed onward. As you do,
> What is the rest of this meant to be?
-
> What is the rest of this meant to be?
>Another reason to fire Nunuu. Please check again.
>_
-
> "Good morning. I hope I am not too tardy?"
-
> "Good morning. I hope I am not too tardy?"
>"Earlier than I expected, really," she says.
>_
-
> "I am lucky to have had very little early business today, and it has concluded for the time being. Are you ready?"
-
> "I am lucky to have had very little early business today, and it has concluded for the time being. Are you ready?"
>"Alright then," says Aya. "Would you like to make an opening statement?"
-
> "Hmm. Let's see..."
> "Bhava-Agra's fall, two days ago, was a result of an outside party removing its shadow. As can now be seen, this shadow has been restored, and many thanks must be given to various people all across Gensokyo for invaluable assistance and knowledge. My home would not have been restored if not for Gensokyo's generosity. In addition, there was a misunderstanding between Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, one which will soon be rectified to the satisfaction of both myself and Lady Remilia Scarlet, and another misunderstanding between Bhava-Agra and Gensokyo's defenders, one which, I believe, has since been rectified to the satisfaction of myself, Miss Reimu Hakurei and Miss Marisa Kirisame."
-
> "Hmm. Let's see..."
> "Bhava-Agra's fall, two days ago, was a result of an outside party removing its shadow. As can now be seen, this shadow has been restored, and many thanks must be given to various people all across Gensokyo for invaluable assistance and knowledge. My home would not have been restored if not for Gensokyo's generosity. In addition, there was a misunderstanding between Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum, one which will soon be rectified to the satisfaction of both myself and Lady Remilia Scarlet, and another misunderstanding between Bhava-Agra and Gensokyo's defenders, one which, I believe, has since been rectified to the satisfaction of myself, Miss Reimu Hakurei and Miss Marisa Kirisame."
>Aya nods, scribbling some things down. "Well then, why don't you tell me how this affair began?"
-
> "I was attending to some business involving the Eldest Daughter when both of us were hurled against the ceiling of the building which we were in at the time. Eventually we both fell back to the floor, and after a trip outside, I found that Bhava-Agra had fallen to a level quite close to Gensokyo's ground."
-
> "I was attending to some business involving the Eldest Daughter when both of us were hurled against the ceiling of the building which we were in at the time. Eventually we both fell back to the floor, and after a trip outside, I found that Bhava-Agra had fallen to a level quite close to Gensokyo's ground."
>"Alright, then what?" she says.
>_
-
> "The Eldest Daughter ran away, believing that people would assume she was responsible for the disaster. As I was called by the August One to be tasked with fixing the problem, I lost track of her. After settling some disputes over peaches between our people and the Gensokyo natives and discovering that Lady Scarlet had claimed a fallen island in the name of her own home, I was eventually able to bargain with Miss Patchouli Knowledge, who told me the Eldest Daughter was hdiing underground. Under the watch of Miss Sanae Kotiya and with the help of Miss Deva K of the oni, I was able to reunite with the Eldest Daughter."
-
> "The Eldest Daughter ran away, believing that people would assume she was responsible for the disaster. As I was called by the August One to be tasked with fixing the problem, I lost track of her. After settling some disputes over peaches between our people and the Gensokyo natives and discovering that Lady Scarlet had claimed a fallen island in the name of her own home, I was eventually able to bargain with Miss Patchouli Knowledge, who told me the Eldest Daughter was hdiing underground. Under the watch of Miss Sanae Kotiya and with the help of Miss Deva K of the oni, I was able to reunite with the Eldest Daughter."
>Aya nods, continuing to write. "Do go on."
>_
-
> Give a slightly befuddled look.
> "This feels quite odd. I am certainly going to honor my offer, but...I guess I did not really think about how much speaking about myself it would entail."
-
> Give a slightly befuddled look.
> "This feels quite odd. I am certainly going to honor my offer, but...I guess I did not really think about how much speaking about myself it would entail."
>"Hm?" says Aya. "Did you think an interview is going to be something else?"
>_
-
>"No, not really. I've just never had one before, and I've never given much thought to what it would be like."
Kilga (or anyone else): before the interview ends, let's mention that we're planning a dance concert (the one to pay Nue). We don't know even where or when it'll be yet, true, but any publicity is a good thing, right? I'll try to get that in at the right time, but depending on how fast this all goes, I may simply not be online at that time.
-
That's doable. We're also planning one at the SDM. We might not want to mention the Nue one before Nue actually arrives, though, just to minimize risk of blowing Nue's cover.
(Also this is totally not a stall tactic until I can get home and summarize things better)
> "I suppose I thought it would be less about my days and more about the islands themselves, as well as the people around them. But obviously I can only really talk about myself. I guess I'm just not used to it."
-
>"No, not really. I've just never had one before, and I've never given much thought to what it would be like."
> "I suppose I thought it would be less about my days and more about the islands themselves, as well as the people around them. But obviously I can only really talk about myself. I guess I'm just not used to it."
>"Oh we'll get to all that," says Aya. "But a groundwork is needed."
>_
-
That's doable. We're also planning one at the SDM. We might not want to mention the Nue one before Nue actually arrives, though, just to minimize risk of blowing Nue's cover.
That works. Although I thought the SDM one was more of a private thing, something for Volati-whatever as an apology, wasn't it?
-
> "Yes, I suppose so. I suspect I should try to keep my ramblings relevant to the story at hand, however."
> "Anyway...after finding the Eldest Daughter, we struck a deal with Lady Minoriko Aki that will hopefully help somewhat restore our home's ruined food supply. That fall caused a great deal of damage in many regards - injuries to people, art and furniture destroyed, crops ruined. Thankfully, as I have said before, many of Gensokyo's residents have been more than generous in helping me; I am confident we were persevere."
> "After completing that deal, I realized I needed information regarding the missing and incomplete shadows...so I enlisted the help of someone quite willing to work for me in gathering said information."
-
> "Yes, I suppose so. I suspect I should try to keep my ramblings relevant to the story at hand, however."
> "Anyway...after finding the Eldest Daughter, we struck a deal with Lady Minoriko Aki that will hopefully help somewhat restore our home's ruined food supply. That fall caused a great deal of damage in many regards - injuries to people, art and furniture destroyed, crops ruined. Thankfully, as I have said before, many of Gensokyo's residents have been more than generous in helping me; I am confident we were persevere."
> "After completing that deal, I realized I needed information regarding the missing and incomplete shadows...so I enlisted the help of someone quite willing to work for me in gathering said information."
>Aya nods, writing away. "And after we parted ways? It seems you had more luck than I did."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Yes. I have to admit, we were more or less wandering aimlessly, when we discovered some tracks in the forest. These tracks led us to the body of Miss Kogasa Tatara, who had her shadow removed. She was still technically alive, but more or less dead to the world. The Eldest Daughter took Kogasa away to safety while I continued my search, and it bore fruit; I eventually ran into the culprit, whom I just barely defeated after a very painful and honestly terrifying battle."
-
> Nod.
> "Yes. I have to admit, we were more or less wandering aimlessly, when we discovered some tracks in the forest. These tracks led us to the body of Miss Kogasa Tatara, who had her shadow removed. She was still technically alive, but more or less dead to the world. The Eldest Daughter took Kogasa away to safety while I continued my search, and it bore fruit; I eventually ran into the culprit, whom I just barely defeated after a very painful and honestly terrifying battle."
>"By all means, elaborate," says Aya.
>_
-
> Look away and put on a slightly pensive face.
> "...Well...When you are up against an unfamiliar foe, and you have already seen the effects of what they can do to other people, and those effects are things like seeing Miss Kogasa's zombie-like state...it is an unpleasant prospect to face. Especially given the culprit figured out how to more or less neutralize my lightning abilities for a while, and came within seconds of removing my shadow as well. I only managed victory by activating my lightning shield spellcard and falling on top of them, which stunned them for long enough to allow me to trap them and shock them into unconsciousness."
-
> Look away and put on a slightly pensive face.
> "...Well...When you are up against an unfamiliar foe, and you have already seen the effects of what they can do to other people, and those effects are things like seeing Miss Kogasa's zombie-like state...it is an unpleasant prospect to face. Especially given the culprit figured out how to more or less neutralize my lightning abilities for a while, and came within seconds of removing my shadow as well. I only managed victory by activating my lightning shield spellcard and falling on top of them, which stunned them for long enough to allow me to trap them and shock them into unconsciousness."
>"Mmm. I suppose you're not going to tell me more than that," says Aya. "So...what followed?"
>_
-
> "I used my shawl to effectively hogtie the culprit, as dangerous as they were and as worried as I was about their re-awakening. As it turns out, this really only served to make them angrier, as we kept talking upon their re-awakening until they had gathered the power to send me to the missing shadow of my land. To almost have one's shadow taken after seeing the effects such an action has on a person, and then to be whisked away from Gensokyo by a person that appears entirely defenseless...they were truly a worrisome foe. And they still are, should someone decide it a good idea to cross them."
-
> "I used my shawl to effectively hogtie the culprit, as dangerous as they were and as worried as I was about their re-awakening. As it turns out, this really only served to make them angrier, as we kept talking upon their re-awakening until they had gathered the power to send me to the missing shadow of my land. To almost have one's shadow taken after seeing the effects such an action has on a person, and then to be whisked away from Gensokyo by a person that appears entirely defenseless...they were truly a worrisome foe. And they still are, should someone decide it a good idea to cross them."
>"Not very reassuring," says Aya, as she continues to write.
>_
-
> "Well, to be honest, it is not much different than if one went out one day and decided it was a good idea to cross a handful of others here in Gensokyo or in places accessible from Gensokyo. This culprit is perfectly civil when left alone, just as any other person is perfectly civil when treated with respect. They have basically zero desire to actively hunt anyone down, because to do so would involve self-exposure."
-
> "Well, to be honest, it is not much different than if one went out one day and decided it was a good idea to cross a handful of others here in Gensokyo or in places accessible from Gensokyo. This culprit is perfectly civil when left alone, just as any other person is perfectly civil when treated with respect. They have basically zero desire to actively hunt anyone down, because to do so would involve self-exposure."
>Aya nods. "Go on, then."
>_
-
> Do we still have the picture of the shadow dais?
-
> Do we still have the picture of the shadow dais?
>You do.
>_
-
> "I spent some time wandering around the shadow of my home. It was very bizarre; everything was arranged as it should have been, but it was all simply lacking in much color. It was also set in some purple miasma void thing, which took the place of where blue sky would normally appear."
> Take out the picture of the shadow dais.
> Walk over to Aya and hand it to her.
> "This is the shadow version of the dais in the Dragon's Chamber. I am not sure how much use it will be, but since you are the one writing this story, if you think you need it it, it is yours."
-
> "I spent some time wandering around the shadow of my home. It was very bizarre; everything was arranged as it should have been, but it was all simply lacking in much color. It was also set in some purple miasma void thing, which took the place of where blue sky would normally appear."
> Take out the picture of the shadow dais.
> Walk over to Aya and hand it to her.
> "This is the shadow version of the dais in the Dragon's Chamber. I am not sure how much use it will be, but since you are the one writing this story, if you think you need it it, it is yours."
>"Oh yes, I will definitely accept this," says Aya. She frowns at the picture. "Mmm, this is going to look exactly like a printer error when the paper comes out. Oh well."
>_
-
> "I sympathize with this plight, but unfortunately, printing errors were not on my mind when I took that picture. Perhaps you can make a comment in your article that tells the readers it is not an error?"
> Take out Aya's camera and turn it on.
> "I must say, though, that this really is a marvelous device."
> Aim it at a nearby tree, as if we were going to take a picture with it. If we would smack Aya while doing this, take a couple of steps away from her first.
> "It saved me tremendous aggravation on more than one occasion, and helped me bring happiness across realms. I do regret using so many of the pictures that appeared instantly, though, even if only for your monetary plight."
-
> "I sympathize with this plight, but unfortunately, printing errors were not on my mind when I took that picture. Perhaps you can make a comment in your article that tells the readers it is not an error?"
> Take out Aya's camera and turn it on.
> "I must say, though, that this really is a marvelous device."
> Aim it at a nearby tree, as if we were going to take a picture with it. If we would smack Aya while doing this, take a couple of steps away from her first.
> "It saved me tremendous aggravation on more than one occasion, and helped me bring happiness across realms. I do regret using so many of the pictures that appeared instantly, though, even if only for your monetary plight."
>"That's the plan," Aya says. "And I hope you're not just turning on that on all the time. It does have a limit to its power, after that you have to let it rest."
>_
-
> "I figured something of the sort was likely to be the case. I have done my best to keep it off when I did not think I might need it."
> Look back at Aya if we were looking away.
> "Anyway, I wandered around the shadow of my home for a while, with no discernable way out. The experience taught me that my home is very hard to navigate without landmarks, among other things.
> Put the camera away while talking, but do not turn it off, and make sure our purse is open enough that we can pick it back up without making a lot of noise.
> "Then...I'm not entirely sure how I escaped. I fell through some sort of crack in reality, or what passed for reality in that void, and fell for a while, until I found myself in Makai, of all places. The shadow possessions I had picked up from my bedroom were gone, as was any sign I had ever been there, really."
-
> "I figured something of the sort was likely to be the case. I have done my best to keep it off when I did not think I might need it."
> Look back at Aya if we were looking away.
> "Anyway, I wandered around the shadow of my home for a while, with no discernable way out. The experience taught me that my home is very hard to navigate without landmarks, among other things.
> Put the camera away while talking, but do not turn it off, and make sure our purse is open enough that we can pick it back up without making a lot of noise.
> "Then...I'm not entirely sure how I escaped. I fell through some sort of crack in reality, or what passed for reality in that void, and fell for a while, until I found myself in Makai, of all places. The shadow possessions I had picked up from my bedroom were gone, as was any sign I had ever been there, really."
>"Interesting. How'd you find a tear in reality? What was it like?" Says Aya, as she keeps writing. "And then what happened?"
>_
-
> "I have no idea, really. I was wandering around, and then there it was, and then I was falling, and then there Makai was. I have since come to understand that the culprit seemed to have designed the shadow of my home to effectively be a prison, in that it wrapped around upon itself, but apparently this wrap was not quite perfect, and one could escape from it by finding that imperfection."
-
> "I have no idea, really. I was wandering around, and then there it was, and then I was falling, and then there Makai was. I have since come to understand that the culprit seemed to have designed the shadow of my home to effectively be a prison, in that it wrapped around upon itself, but apparently this wrap was not quite perfect, and one could escape from it by finding that imperfection."
>Aya nods. "Alright, so you were in Makai, then?"
-
> "Yes. I wandered around Makai a bit and quickly came across some goats."
> Take out the picture of the Makai goats and hand it to Aya.
> "This quickly led me to Miss Yumeko, who believed I had fallen from Bhava-Agra to Makai, given I was missing my shawl at the time. Another reason why tying the culprit up was a dumb idea. I was able to demonstrate this camera's abilities for her, though, and after that and some more talking, she more or less left me to my own devices, instead of carving me up with those swords of hers."
-
> "Yes. I wandered around Makai a bit and quickly came across some goats."
> Take out the picture of the Makai goats and hand it to Aya.
> "This quickly led me to Miss Yumeko, who believed I had fallen from Bhava-Agra to Makai, given I was missing my shawl at the time. Another reason why tying the culprit up was a dumb idea. I was able to demonstrate this camera's abilities for her, though, and after that and some more talking, she more or less left me to my own devices, instead of carving me up with those swords of hers."
>"Awww, so cute," says Aya, as she looks at the picture of the goats. "And I think I've heard of Yumeko. Anyways, proceed."
>_
-
> What was Petite's mother's name? Madeline? Margaret? Something that began with an M...
> "I cannot guarantee the next part will necessarily be described in chronological order, but I do not think it matters too much. Anyway, I ventured onward, and eventually came across a river. As luck would have it, the woman working as a toll guard there was the mother of the assistant librarian to Miss Patchouli Knowledge. She was quite friendly, and allowed me passage across her bridge despite my not having any of the local currency when I volunteered to take a picture of her to give to her daughter, so they could be closer to each other, even across such a long distance."
-
> What was Petite's mother's name? Madeline? Margaret? Something that began with an M...
> "I cannot guarantee the next part will necessarily be described in chronological order, but I do not think it matters too much. Anyway, I ventured onward, and eventually came across a river. As luck would have it, the woman working as a toll guard there was the mother of the assistant librarian to Miss Patchouli Knowledge. She was quite friendly, and allowed me passage across her bridge despite my not having any of the local currency when I volunteered to take a picture of her to give to her daughter, so they could be closer to each other, even across such a long distance."
>You ponder for a moment, and are pretty sure it's Madeleine.
>"That's sweet," says Aya. "And I'm starting to see how you ran out my camera. It sounds like you had a rather easy time getting through Makai, then?"
>_
-
> Give a wry smile.
> "Oh, if only that were true. While the toll guard was quite friendly, my encounter with Yumeko came very close to blows due to how suspicious I was, and given how she was pulling swords from nowhere and I had just come off a beating from the shadow culprit, I wonder if I would have made it out of such a fight in one piece."
> "And then there were other encounters. My inability to pay another toll to proceed through a forest resulted in an ambush from a mass of unknown assailants. A near-unmeasurable volume of danmaku was flying everywhere. It was all I could do to crest the canopy of that forest and make my escape into the sky, where I met a very territorial cloud-dwelling youkai named Sameko."
-
> Give a wry smile.
> "Oh, if only that were true. While the toll guard was quite friendly, my encounter with Yumeko came very close to blows due to how suspicious I was, and given how she was pulling swords from nowhere and I had just come off a beating from the shadow culprit, I wonder if I would have made it out of such a fight in one piece."
> "And then there were other encounters. My inability to pay another toll to proceed through a forest resulted in an ambush from a mass of unknown assailants. A near-unmeasurable volume of danmaku was flying everywhere. It was all I could do to crest the canopy of that forest and make my escape into the sky, where I met a very territorial cloud-dwelling youkai named Sameko."
>Aya nods, while writing.
>_
-
> "Miss Sameko was very eager to forcibly eject the trespasser from her domain. She was very tough in general, and specifically quite resistant to my lightning."
> Frown.
> "A third reason why tying the culprit up with my shawl proved to be a stupid idea."
> "She was relentless in her pursuit of me, and I was still very exhausted and hurting from my encounters with both the shadow culprit and the aforementioned forest ambush, an attack for which Miss Sameko has no sympathy. I grew so desperate in my attempts to flee that I ended up headbutting her in the face, which broke her nose, then flying back down to the ground and smashing a large tree branch across her head. Admittedly not the most elegant of fighting styles, but given the circumstances, I will not be losing any sleep over it. And even after that, she remained conscious, merely dizzy and shaken enough that I was able to flee unhindered."
-
> "Miss Sameko was very eager to forcibly eject the trespasser from her domain. She was very tough in general, and specifically quite resistant to my lightning."
> Frown.
> "A third reason why tying the culprit up with my shawl proved to be a stupid idea."
> "She was relentless in her pursuit of me, and I was still very exhausted and hurting from my encounters with both the shadow culprit and the aforementioned forest ambush, an attack for which Miss Sameko has no sympathy. I grew so desperate in my attempts to flee that I ended up headbutting her in the face, which broke her nose, then flying back down to the ground and smashing a large tree branch across her head. Admittedly not the most elegant of fighting styles, but given the circumstances, I will not be losing any sleep over it. And even after that, she remained conscious, merely dizzy and shaken enough that I was able to flee unhindered."
>Aya cackles, as she writes this down. "Alright, go on."
>_
-
> Frown again.
> "At least someone finds these events entertaining."
-
> Frown again.
> "At least someone finds these events entertaining."
>"I can tell you, a lot of people will," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Right. Anyway, after my escape from Miss Sameko, I wandered further toward where I had been guided to escape Makai. Eventually, I found myself back in Gensokyo without further encounters. I do not know why I was allowed to traverse the two realms so easily, as it was my understanding that Gensokyo and Makai were separated by a barrier. Curious to observe, however, was a note left in a cave in what I can only assume to still be Makai, where someone named 'Sara' has stated intent to quit their position as gate guard and find employment elsewhere. Given the paper was quite aged and the note mentioned the incredibly long winter of several years ago, I can only imagine Lady Shinki never noticed that this poor Sara had resigned. Very curious."
-
> "Right. Anyway, after my escape from Miss Sameko, I wandered further toward where I had been guided to escape Makai. Eventually, I found myself back in Gensokyo without further encounters. I do not know why I was allowed to traverse the two realms so easily, as it was my understanding that Gensokyo and Makai were separated by a barrier. Curious to observe, however, was a note left in a cave in what I can only assume to still be Makai, where someone named 'Sara' has stated intent to quit their position as gate guard and find employment elsewhere. Given the paper was quite aged and the note mentioned the incredibly long winter of several years ago, I can only imagine Lady Shinki never noticed that this poor Sara had resigned. Very curious."
>"Mmm, that is curious," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Well, I was not about to question my re-emergence into Gensokyo. I ended up making a straight path to the first establishment I saw, which ended up being the Hakurei Shrine. I learned that Reimu had tempered her suspicion of myself and the Eldest Daughter in regards to Bhava-Agra's purported invasion, but that it had not quite vanished yet. I also learned that the Eldest Daughter had tried to show Reimu the culprit, as she had been with me when the culprit sent me away to my shadow home, but the culprit had vanished, and my shawl with them. I doubt I will ever retrieve it, which makes reason number 4."
> "Reimu said the Eldest Daughter had gone home to tell our people about what had happened to me. She also mentioned that she still did not trust me entirely, and that she was also fairly irritable, given her bed had been stolen. A fairy prank, to be sure, given I had met a group of fairies plotting some unknown revenge on Reimu earlier, and Hakurei Shrine beds were found on Marisa's roof, of all places, the next morning. The beds have since been restored to their proper home."
-
> "Well, I was not about to question my re-emergence into Gensokyo. I ended up making a straight path to the first establishment I saw, which ended up being the Hakurei Shrine. I learned that Reimu had tempered her suspicion of myself and the Eldest Daughter in regards to Bhava-Agra's purported invasion, but that it had not quite vanished yet. I also learned that the Eldest Daughter had tried to show Reimu the culprit, as she had been with me when the culprit sent me away to my shadow home, but the culprit had vanished, and my shawl with them. I doubt I will ever retrieve it, which makes reason number 4."
> "Reimu said the Eldest Daughter had gone home to tell our people about what had happened to me. She also mentioned that she still did not trust me entirely, and that she was also fairly irritable, given her bed had been stolen. A fairy prank, to be sure, given I had met a group of fairies plotting some unknown revenge on Reimu earlier, and Hakurei Shrine beds were found on Marisa's roof, of all places, the next morning. The beds have since been restored to their proper home."
>Aya snickers a bit as you mention Reimu's missing bed, and the fate of it. "That sounds like Reimu, she gets really suspicious when things get strange."
>_
-
> "I suppose such is understandable when one is in her position. Anyway, I then left the shrine and made my way toward a gathering of allies to warn them of what I had encountered that day. The culprit had made several threats toward myself and those who knew where I was and was prepared to take them all down, and given what I had experienced from them up to that point I was not taking those threats lightly."
-
> "I suppose such is understandable when one is in her position. Anyway, I then left the shrine and made my way toward a gathering of allies to warn them of what I had encountered that day. The culprit had made several threats toward myself and those who knew where I was and was prepared to take them all down, and given what I had experienced from them up to that point I was not taking those threats lightly."
>"Mmhm," says Aya. "Not surprising, given all the things you've told me."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "This group of allies made plans for the night and mostly settled in. I traveled back home, to reunite with the Eldest Daughter and let her know I was not dead, since for all she knew, I was. We ended up spending the rest of the night strategizing, and then I simply did not have it in me to keep my eyes open any longer, and we passed the first night of this ordeal in peace."
-
> Nod.
> "This group of allies made plans for the night and mostly settled in. I traveled back home, to reunite with the Eldest Daughter and let her know I was not dead, since for all she knew, I was. We ended up spending the rest of the night strategizing, and then I simply did not have it in me to keep my eyes open any longer, and we passed the first night of this ordeal in peace."
>"Sounds like things were trouble free after you got back," says Aya.
>_
-
> "In a way, I suppose. There were still some several outstanding issues, but in terms of being physically beaten to a pulp I had already gone as low as I was going to from then until now."
-
> "In a way, I suppose. There were still some several outstanding issues, but in terms of being physically beaten to a pulp I had already gone as low as I was going to from then until now."
>Aya nods, jotting some things down quickly.
>"So, next day?"
-
> "Yes, the next day. We checked in with our allies and, after gathering some information about the culprit's potential whereabouts, as well as people that might no more, we set off to visit those people. As luck would have it, the culprit found us, about as confused as I was as to my presence in Gensokyo again, though considerably more agitated.
It was the best Christmas present ever."
-
> "Yes, the next day. We checked in with our allies and, after gathering some information about the culprit's potential whereabouts, as well as people that might no more, we set off to visit those people. As luck would have it, the culprit found us, about as confused as I was as to my presence in Gensokyo again, though considerably more agitated. It was the best Christmas present ever."
>"So, she didn't think you were going to come back?" says Aya. "What happened next?"
>_
-
> "They did not. As far as I can tell, they were unaware of the crack I mentioned earlier."
> "What happened after that was a very long and somewhat confusing encounter. I returned a lost item of theirs that I had spent some time searching out the night before, and in return, they became a bit more willing to talk. I had learned some things about them through my travels two days ago, and between those discoveries and some of the things they told me, my heart went out to them. I had figured out, at that point, that they were not malicious, and actually had no ill intentions when they took my home's shadow. I wanted to help them, as they had their own share of problems, just as everyone else does, but their problems were quite unique, problems that were far more easily solved with help."
-
> "They did not. As far as I can tell, they were unaware of the crack I mentioned earlier."
> "What happened after that was a very long and somewhat confusing encounter. I returned a lost item of theirs that I had spent some time searching out the night before, and in return, they became a bit more willing to talk. I had learned some things about them through my travels two days ago, and between those discoveries and some of the things they told me, my heart went out to them. I had figured out, at that point, that they were not malicious, and actually had no ill intentions when they took my home's shadow. I wanted to help them, as they had their own share of problems, just as everyone else does, but their problems were quite unique, problems that were far more easily solved with help."
>Aya nods; writing. "Go on."
>_
-
> "Our encounter eventually drew to a close with me offering to gather information about shadows for the culprit. I made a few trips to a couple of people knowledgeable on the subject, Lady Moriya and Miss Knowledge again. They had much to say on the subject, and valuable information was obtained for combating the culprit's issues. We also obtained valuable information and assistance from Lady Yakumo, who helped fix the aforementioned crack."
-
> "Our encounter eventually drew to a close with me offering to gather information about shadows for the culprit. I made a few trips to a couple of people knowledgeable on the subject, Lady Moriya and Miss Knowledge again. They had much to say on the subject, and valuable information was obtained for combating the culprit's issues. We also obtained valuable information and assistance from Lady Yakumo, who helped fix the aforementioned crack."
>"Interesting," says Aya. "And what did you learn?"
>_
-
> "Mostly about the general nature of shadows, but also about what happens when someone tries to siphon power from the shadow of an entire spiritual realm. Suffice it to say, I would not recommend anyone try it themselves, and neither would Miss Knowledge."
-
> "Mostly about the general nature of shadows, but also about what happens when someone tries to siphon power from the shadow of an entire spiritual realm. Suffice it to say, I would not recommend anyone try it themselves, and neither would Miss Knowledge."
>Aya writes. "Alright, go on."
>_
-
> "After receiving this help and information, the culprit decided they would need to think about what they wanted to do next, as it was quite an important decision for them. To give them the time necessary to mull their options over, I attended to some other business, and then met once again with Lady Scarlet, where we learned that each of us had made some unfortunate misinterpretations of the actions of the other. After demonstrating to Lady Scarlet that my people were innocent in regards to the fall of our home, we began negotiations regarding how to restore things to a form where both Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum would be satisfied. Lady Scarlet fared quite well for herself during these discussions, though I...well, I learned that I do not how to cope with not being trusted."
-
> Oh, damnit, we were supposed to meet Nue in the tengu village.
-
> "After receiving this help and information, the culprit decided they would need to think about what they wanted to do next, as it was quite an important decision for them. To give them the time necessary to mull their options over, I attended to some other business, and then met once again with Lady Scarlet, where we learned that each of us had made some unfortunate misinterpretations of the actions of the other. After demonstrating to Lady Scarlet that my people were innocent in regards to the fall of our home, we began negotiations regarding how to restore things to a form where both Bhava-Agra and Volatilis Scarlet Regnum would be satisfied. Lady Scarlet fared quite well for herself during these discussions, though I...well, I learned that I do not how to cope with not being trusted."
>Aya nods. "Elaborate on this mistake, please?"
> Oh, damnit, we were supposed to meet Nue in the tengu village.
>Didn't she say something about Maribel and Renko owing her a favor?
>_
-
> "Lady Scarlet assumed that Gensokyo was being invaded, and retaliated in self-defense. As I knew Bhava-Agra to be innocent, I watched two Bhavagran islands get forcibly occupied, and I assumed her intentions were malicious. As it turns out, neither of these assumptions were true, though I hope it is quite understandable why they would have been made."
-
> "Lady Scarlet assumed that Gensokyo was being invaded, and retaliated in self-defense. As I knew Bhava-Agra to be innocent, I watched two Bhavagran islands get forcibly occupied, and I assumed her intentions were malicious. As it turns out, neither of these assumptions were true, though I hope it is quite understandable why they would have been made."
>"How does one occupy someone else's land without it being malicious?" says Aya.
>_
-
> "By doing so in self-defense from an invading force, and treating the citizens of those islands with respect and interfering with their daily lives as little as possible."
-
> "By doing so in self-defense from an invading force, and treating the citizens of those islands with respect and interfering with their daily lives as little as possible."
>"Did she actually do that?" says Aya. "I'm pretty sure I saw a couple of celestials around the mansion doing menial labor."
>_
-
> "You very likely did, but Lady Scarlet treated them with the same respect as she treats all of her subordinates. I have spoken with a few celestials to whom Lady Scarlet assigned tasks, and they did not seem particularly perturbed by the situation, beyond it being different from what they are used to in life, and general sorrow for the state inflicted upon Bhava-Agra by the fall itself."
-
> "You very likely did, but Lady Scarlet treated them with the same respect as she treats all of her subordinates. I have spoken with a few celestials to whom Lady Scarlet assigned tasks, and they did not seem particularly perturbed by the situation, beyond it being different from what they are used to in life, and general sorrow for the state inflicted upon Bhava-Agra by the fall itself."
>"Huh," says Aya. "I'm definitely going to have to look into that, too. Anyways, carry on."
>_
-
> "As I just visited with her, you may speak with the celestial gate guard, Miss Amaya, about her experiences working for the mansion, if you so desire. She can tell you that she has not been mistreated, among other things."
> "Anyway, our negotiations eventually concluded in a manner where both sides seemed satisfied. The precise details are, I feel, private matters and not particularly necessary to this conversation anyway, though I obviously cannot speak for Lady Scarlet. Once our business was concluded, I met with the shadow culprit once more, who had earlier restored the shadow of Miss Kogasa, which I forgot to mention. And before you get many ideas, part of the conditions upon which Miss Kogasa was restored to her normal self were that she would not talk about who the culprit is to anyone. I cannot guarantee her safety if someone convinces her to break that promise in any capacity."
-
> "As I just visited with her, you may speak with the celestial gate guard, Miss Amaya, about her experiences working for the mansion, if you so desire. She can tell you that she has not been mistreated, among other things."
> "Anyway, our negotiations eventually concluded in a manner where both sides seemed satisfied. The precise details are, I feel, private matters and not particularly necessary to this conversation anyway, though I obviously cannot speak for Lady Scarlet. Once our business was concluded, I met with the shadow culprit once more, who had earlier restored the shadow of Miss Kogasa, which I forgot to mention. And before you get many ideas, part of the conditions upon which Miss Kogasa was restored to her normal self were that she would not talk about who the culprit is to anyone. I cannot guarantee her safety if someone convinces her to break that promise in any capacity."
>"There's other things she can tell me, I'm sure," says Aya. "So, you managed to get the shadow thief to give the goods back, huh?"
>_
-
> "My home's shadow was restored yesterday evening, yes. In addition, the culprit has begun their journey toward fixing the various problems I have mentioned earlier. I suspect it will be a long and tough journey for them, but I intend to assist them wherever they need it, and I have faith that they will overcome these problems and ultimately find contentment. They have a strong will and a strong heart, and these things will help them persevere."
-
> "My home's shadow was restored yesterday evening, yes. In addition, the culprit has begun their journey toward fixing the various problems I have mentioned earlier. I suspect it will be a long and tough journey for them, but I intend to assist them wherever they need it, and I have faith that they will overcome these problems and ultimately find contentment. They have a strong will and a strong heart, and these things will help them persevere."
>Aya nods. "Hmm, well, that seems like an interesting overview. So, these other missing shadows? You've talked about how Kogasa was a victim. What about the trees and such I came across?"
>_
-
> "The trees and rock you have seen...are a little different. I cannot go into too much depth, but I believe I can say that they are still needed for the time being. When that need has vanished, I suspect they will be restored to their proper place."
-
> "The trees and rock you have seen...are a little different. I cannot go into too much depth, but I believe I can say that they are still needed for the time being. When that need has vanished, I suspect they will be restored to their proper place."
>"So, you're saying those were her, too?" says Aya.
>_
-
> "The one responsible for Bhava-Agra's fall is the one responsible for the state of those trees."
-
> "The one responsible for Bhava-Agra's fall is the one responsible for the state of those trees."
>Aya writes. "So, why is she doing these things?"
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I am sorry, but that information is personal. I would not divulge it to anyone without permission regardless of the person to whom it pertained."
-
> Frown.
> "I am sorry, but that information is personal. I would not divulge it to anyone without permission regardless of the person to whom it pertained."
>"And why have you taken to protecting her?" asks Aya.
>_
-
> "Because she is my friend, and she wishes to maintain her privacy. I would not be a good friend if I did not honor that wish."
-
> "Because she is my friend, and she wishes to maintain her privacy. I would not be a good friend if I did not honor that wish."
>"Well, let's follow that up," says Aya as she writes. "How and why did you befriend the person who's clearly responsible for a lot of hardship on everyone's part, but yours especially?"
>_
-
Oh what the Christ, I accidentally used gender pronouns. Damnit.
At least we didn't get hit with a rock for it. I guess Shuuei is fine with people knowing she's a girl.
> "As I said before, I learned that her actions were not malicious. She was not even aware that Bhava-Agra would fall as a consequence of her actions. She simply made an innocent mistake. The damage is wide-spread, yes, but it is nothing our people cannot overcome. After learning of her motives and her problems, I sympathized with her. I do not have it in me to ignore the plight of someone in need, especially when they are putting themselves in a position where they will not recieve help otherwise."
> Smile.
> "Everyone needs a friend, don't you think? Someone upon whom they can depend in a time of need. Since I knew of her problems, and was willing to help, I'd say it's only logical that her friend ended up being me."
-
> "As I said before, I learned that her actions were not malicious. She was not even aware that Bhava-Agra would fall as a consequence of her actions. She simply made an innocent mistake. The damage is wide-spread, yes, but it is nothing our people cannot overcome. After learning of her motives and her problems, I sympathized with her. I do not have it in me to ignore the plight of someone in need, especially when they are putting themselves in a position where they will not recieve help otherwise."
> Smile.
> "Everyone needs a friend, don't you think? Someone upon whom they can depend in a time of need. Since I knew of her problems, and was willing to help, I'd say it's only logical that her friend ended up being me."
>"So it was merely obligation?" says Aya.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Of course not, and that's a rather uncharitable assessment."
-
> Frown.
> "That's a rather uncharitable assessment."
>"Well, you keep saying things like how you couldn't walk away, and how you sympathized," says Aya, "But nothing to the tune of actually liking her."
>_
-
> "My apologies, I had figured that was implied. Of course that is the case. She is very sweet, and can be quite adorable. I have very much enjoyed the time I have spent with her over the past day or so, and I do hope my duties back home do not interfere too much with our opportunities to meet each other."
-
> "My apologies, I had figured that was implied. Of course that is the case. She is very sweet, and can be quite adorable. I have very much enjoyed the time I have spent with her over the past day or so, and I do hope my duties back home do not interfere too much with our opportunities to meet each other."
>"So I see," says Aya. "What kind of details can you give me about the difficulties caused to Bhava-Agra?"
>_
-
> "There were many injuries all throughout our home, though those should heal with time. Our food stores were greatly damaged, from what I have seen; had we been left to our own devices, it is unlikely we would have made it through the winter in one piece, but I have faith that the deal I have struck with Gensokyo's harvest goddess will, if you will pardon the pun, bear fruit. There were also many artworks that were destroyed. While they were valued, I believe that, over time, we will be able to replace them with newer creations."
-
> "There were many injuries all throughout our home, though those should heal with time. Our food stores were greatly damaged, from what I have seen; had we been left to our own devices, it is unlikely we would have made it through the winter in one piece, but I have faith that the deal I have struck with Gensokyo's harvest goddess will, if you will pardon the pun, bear fruit. There were also many artworks that were destroyed. While they were valued, I believe that, over time, we will be able to replace them with newer creations."
>"Alright," says Aya, "Is there any truth to the rumor that Eientei had a hand in these events?"
>_
-
> Shake head.
> "No. That rumor is the result of an unfortunate set of circumstances involving people in the wrong place at the wrong time. Miss Eirin Yagokoro was visiting one of our fallen islands in search of special medicinal herbs when she was confronted by Marisa, who was moving in Gensokyo's defense from the perceived invasion. Miss Kirisame took Miss Yagokoro's presence on a Bhavagran island to mean Eientei was in league with this invasion and attacked. Miss Yagokoro figured that denying involvement would risk Miss Kirisame coming to her own home, where Miss Reisen Udongein Inaba was lying very ill, so she was forced to lie to Miss Kirisame and confirm Eientei's involvement with the perceived invasion in order to convince Miss Kirisame to search elsewhere for me. This prevented Miss Kirisame from attacking Eientei and adding injury to Miss Inaba's illness. It is my understanding that Miss Yagokoro and Miss Hakurei have since cleared this matter up amongst themselves."
-
> Shake head.
> "No. That rumor is the result of an unfortunate set of circumstances involving people in the wrong place at the wrong time. Miss Eirin Yagokoro was visiting one of our fallen islands in search of special medicinal herbs when she was confronted by Marisa, who was moving in Gensokyo's defense from the perceived invasion. Miss Kirisame took Miss Yagokoro's presence on a Bhavagran island to mean Eientei was in league with this invasion and attacked. Miss Yagokoro figured that denying involvement would risk Miss Kirisame coming to her own home, where Miss Reisen Udongein Inaba was lying very ill, so she was forced to lie to Miss Kirisame and confirm Eientei's involvement with the perceived invasion in order to convince Miss Kirisame to search elsewhere for me. This prevented Miss Kirisame from attacking Eientei and adding injury to Miss Inaba's illness. It is my understanding that Miss Yagokoro and Miss Hakurei have since cleared this matter up amongst themselves."
>Aya continues to write. "So, what would you want to tell people in regard to the perpetrator?"
>_
-
> "I can really only ask that her wishes to be left alone are honored, and apologize that I cannot tell people more. She will leave anyone alone that leaves her alone, so no one need worry about having their shadow taken out of nowhere. Give her some time, and perhaps she will eventually decide on her own if she wants to try being a little more social. If she does not, then that is fine. I harbor no resentment toward her; if someone has further issues with what has happened, they may take them up with me."
-
> "I can really only ask that her wishes to be left alone are honored, and apologize that I cannot tell people more. She will leave anyone alone that leaves her alone, so no one need worry about having their shadow taken out of nowhere. Give her some time, and perhaps she will eventually decide on her own if she wants to try being a little more social. If she does not, then that is fine. I harbor no resentment toward her; if someone has further issues with what has happened, they may take them up with me."
>"Alright," says Aya. "I assume, then, that the idea that Tenshi had a hand in this has no merit?"
>_
-
> "That depends on how you are approaching the idea that she had a hand in these events. The Eldest Daughter has been an invaluable companion throughout these past two days. She helped me fulfill Bhava-Agra's end of the deal I made with the harvest goddess. She helped with the recovery and restoration of Miss Tatara. She was useful for discussing action plans, sometimes as a source of information or ideas, or sometimes simply as a second pair of ears. She was instrumental in obtaining some of the information about shadows for the culprit. And it was her observations about my general behavior that allowed me to save my people from myself, before I unknowingly insulted Lady Scarlet to the point where she would walk out on our negotiations. But in terms of causing this disaster, no, she was not involved in that."
-
> "That depends on how you are approaching the idea that she had a hand in these events. The Eldest Daughter has been an invaluable companion throughout these past two days. She helped me fulfill Bhava-Agra's end of the deal I made with the harvest goddess. She helped with the recovery and restoration of Miss Tatara. She was useful for discussing action plans, sometimes as a source of information or ideas, or sometimes simply as a second pair of ears. She was instrumental in obtaining some of the information about shadows for the culprit. And it was her observations about my general behavior that allowed me to save my people from myself, before I unknowingly insulted Lady Scarlet to the point where she would walk out on our negotiations. But in terms of causing this disaster, no, she was not involved in that."
>"I see," says Aya. "Might I have your thoughts on this affair as a whole?"
-
> "I am thankful to everyone who has helped me in my endeavours, be they of Bhava-Agra, Gensokyo, or even Makai. I have never been overly worried about Bhava-Agra's ability to recover from the physical damage this disaster has caused. My one true worry was Bhava-Agra's ability to recover from the emotional damage this disaster has caused, as many people initially distrusted us and assumes us to be malicious. Trustworthiness is one of enlightenment's founding principles, and to deny Bhava-Agra trust would be denying it a part of itself. However, my experience with Gensokyo's natives has helped me realize that this will not be a concern, as Gensokyo itself has ultimately been incredibly accomodating and understanding. I feel as though the relation between our realms will not worsen as a result of this incident, and for this, I am quite happy, and very grateful."
-
> "I am thankful to everyone who has helped me in my endeavours, be they of Bhava-Agra, Gensokyo, or even Makai. I have never been overly worried about Bhava-Agra's ability to recover from the physical damage this disaster has caused. My one true worry was Bhava-Agra's ability to recover from the emotional damage this disaster has caused, as many people initially distrusted us and assumes us to be malicious. Trustworthiness is one of enlightenment's founding principles, and to deny Bhava-Agra trust would be denying it a part of itself. However, my experience with Gensokyo's natives has helped me realize that this will not be a concern, as Gensokyo itself has ultimately been incredibly accomodating and understanding. I feel as though the relation between our realms will not worsen as a result of this incident, and for this, I am quite happy, and very grateful."
>"Hm, I think that's about it for now," says Aya. "But, do you have anything to add?"
>_
-
It just occurred to me that I don't want to mention the dance concert for Nue until after Nue has done her thing, for however unlikely that is now.
> "Oh, yes. I should also give due credit to Lady Yasaka, for it was her observation that my home was casting improper shadows that first led me down that path. That happened generally around the time when I struck the deal with the harvest goddess; it was after finding the Eldest Daugther, but before, shall we say, enlisting scout help."
-
> "Oh, yes. I should also give due credit to Lady Yasaka, for it was her observation that my home was casting improper shadows that first led me down that path. That happened generally around the time when I struck the deal with the harvest goddess; it was after finding the Eldest Daugther, but before, shall we say, enlisting scout help."
>Aya nods. "Well, I think that should just about wrap that up, but I may come back for more as new discoveries come to light."
>_
-
The concert for Nue is payment for the seed; we'll need to do it regardless of her role in getting the picture. I say mention it.
-
I worry about being in an uncomfortable situation if Aya asks why, but if you would like to tell her, go ahead. You know the details of that bit better than I do; I'd suggest you take care of the exact description of it.
-
Ehh, I still don't like this much, but...
> "Very well. Also, I wonder if I should mention that I will be holding a dance concert at the establishment of Miss Nue Houjuu."
-
> "Very well. Also, I wonder if I should mention that I will be holding a dance concert at the establishment of Miss Nue Houjuu."
>"Why would you be doing that?" asks Aya, raising an eyebrow.
>_
-
> "Payment for services rendered. She has helped my friend to a degree."
-
> "Payment for services rendered. She has helped my friend to a degree."
>"Oh?" says Aya.
>_
-
>"Telling you the nature of the service would be a violation of my friend's privacy."
-
I would've been a bit more vague, like saying there'll probably be a dance concert soon, but that it's still in the conceptual stages, but whatever. That works, too.
-
>"Telling you the nature of the service would be a violation of my friend's privacy."
>"Heh, alright," says Aya. "So, I noticed earlier that you mentioned Yukari helped out. How'd you get that old bag to do anything?"
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Lady Yakumo graciously offered her assistance without needing to be 'convinced'. The most I have done for her over the past two days was perform a simple delivery. Her help has also been invaluable, and if I have to compensate her for it some time later, then I will gladly do so."
-
> Frown.
> "Lady Yakumo graciously offered her assistance without needing to be 'convinced'. The most I have done for her over the past two days was perform a simple delivery. Her help has also been invaluable, and if I have to compensate her for it some time later, then I will gladly do so."
>"What did she do for you?" says asks Aya. "You hurried through that part a bit."
>_
-
Damnit, Aya, stop being a tengu journalist.
> "She provided useful information about shadows, and was also able to study the crack in the shadow void for us."
-
> Parser :V
-
> "She provided useful information about shadows, and was also able to study the crack in the shadow void for us."
>"Useful information?" asks Aya.
> Parser :V
>You lookin' to tangle, you son of a bitch?
>_
-
> "Useful information."
-
> "Useful information."
>"I assume you're refusing to elaborate on it?" says Aya.
>_
-
> Give a somewhat sympathetic look.
> "Given what it is, yes. Sorry. If I could tell you more than I have, I would."
-
> Give a somewhat sympathetic look.
> "Given what it is, yes. Sorry. If I could tell you more than I have, I would."
>"So," says Aya, "you consider even basic information about the subject to be impinging on this person?"
>_
-
> "I can give you some basic groundwork information about shadows if you like, but the particular details of what was asked of Lady Yakumo and how it pertains to my friend will have to remain private, yes."
-
> "I can give you some basic groundwork information about shadows if you like, but the particular details of what was asked of Lady Yakumo and how it pertains to my friend will have to remain private, yes."
>"I'll take that much," says Aya.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I am hardly an expert on the subject, even with all I have learned from those far more qualified than me to speak on it over the past two days. But I believe I have learned enough that I can give a general enough description. In the physical sense, a shadow is created when the presence of an opaque object, such as a tree, a rock, or a person, blocks the passage of light from reaching another opaque object, such as the ground. However, there is an important spiritual foundation at work here; your shadow and my shadow are indications that the light can touch us. Those objects without that spiritual foundation will not be touched by light, and thus will not cast shadows, even if they are still physically present. A shadow, in that regard, is something like a physical manifestation of the spirit. This is why those that have their shadows removed seem lifeless; I am sure the shadowless trees your encountered looked less healthy than those around them, and you will recall me describing Miss Tatara as being in a zombie-like state. Essentially, they had their spirit removed from them."
-
> Nod.
> "I am hardly an expert on the subject, even with all I have learned from those far more qualified than me to speak on it over the past two days. But I believe I have learned enough that I can give a general enough description. In the physical sense, a shadow is created when the presence of an opaque object, such as a tree, a rock, or a person, blocks the passage of light from reaching another opaque object, such as the ground. However, there is an important spiritual foundation at work here; your shadow and my shadow are indications that the light can touch us. Those objects without that spiritual foundation will not be touched by light, and thus will not cast shadows, even if they are still physically present. A shadow, in that regard, is something like a physical manifestation of the spirit. This is why those that have their shadows removed seem lifeless; I am sure the shadowless trees your encountered looked less healthy than those around them, and you will recall me describing Miss Tatara as being in a zombie-like state. Essentially, they had their spirit removed from them."
>Aya nods. "I noticed that in some of the things I've seen. Hmm. I think this just about wraps it up for now. I do think I'll seek out Miss Tatara when time permits, though."
>_
-
> "Very well. But please do not ask her anything that might compromise her promise. I would hate for her to lose her shadow a second time."
-
> "Very well. But please do not ask her anything that might compromise her promise. I would hate for her to lose her shadow a second time."
>"I'll try not to," says Aya. "Though I think our definitions may differ. I won't press too much, at least."
>_
-
> "It is much appreciated. I know that I am asking a lot of someone of your profession in making these requests and withholding information in general."
-
> "It is much appreciated. I know that I am asking a lot of someone of your profession in making these requests and withholding information in general."
>"Anyways," says Aya, "With that out of the road, have there been any advances on my situation?"
>_
-
> "I have not yet spoken with Lord Tenma. I figured you would want the interview out of the way before that happened, as I imagine it would be hard to print it from jail."
-
> "I have not yet spoken with Lord Tenma. I figured you would want the interview out of the way before that happened, as I imagine it would be hard to print it from jail."
>Aya nods.
>_
-
> "I do still plan on doing it, however, if that is about what you are worried."
-
> "I do still plan on doing it, however, if that is about what you are worried."
>"As I expected," she says. "Anyways, I don't think I'll be able to stay here for too long; there's a couple of patrols combing the forest since this morning, so I'm going to have to find a place to move on to, soon."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Really? That's rather surprising. I suspect it would be best for everyone involved if we finished this all sooner rather than later, then."
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Really? That's rather surprising. I suspect it would be best for everyone involved if we finished this all sooner rather than later, then."
>Aya nods. "No arguments from me."
>_
-
> "Have you happened to notice if Momizi was in any of the patrols you spotted?"
-
> "Have you happened to notice if Momizi was in any of the patrols you spotted?"
>"Not yet," says Aya, "But I know she's in one of them."
>_
-
> "That could resolve things rather neatly, if we could find the one with her. Given everything I have offered to do for your regarding your situation, would you be amenable to surrendering to her and her patrol on the grounds that you be allowed to print that story first, if I told them that you were operating on official Bhavagran business at my request?"
-
> "That could resolve things rather neatly, if we could find the one with her. Given everything I have offered to do for your regarding your situation, would you be amenable to surrendering to her and her patrol on the grounds that you be allowed to print that story first, if I told them that you were operating on official Bhavagran business at my request?"
>"That's not much assurance I'm going free," she says.
>_
-
> "It is not, but it is a heightened chance of forgiveness, and thus a heightened chance that Lord Tenma will agree with an argument for sentence reduction. It is also brownie points for your friend."
-
> "It is not, but it is a heightened chance of forgiveness, and thus a heightened chance that Lord Tenma will agree with an argument for sentence reduction. It is also brownie points for your friend."
"I'll...consider it, okay?" says Aya.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Sure. I can appreciate how difficult a decision it is for you."
-
> Nod.
> "Sure. I can appreciate how difficult a decision it is for you."
>She nods. "So, we should decide another meeting point, then."
>_
-
> "Hmm, yes. Would Kourindou work, or is that still too much in the forest?"
-
> "Hmm, yes. Would Kourindou work, or is that still too much in the forest?"
>"I'll leave notice if I have to go elsewhere," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Very well. How long will you need to print? Or will that not happen yet?"
-
> "Very well. How long will you need to print? Or will that not happen yet?"
>"A couple hours, I think," says Aya. "I think an early edition is in order, at least."
>_
-
> "Then I suppose I will see you in a few hours at Kourindou. But just to iron out some final details, after I speak with Lord Tenma, assuming your sentence is not eliminated entirely, shall I tell him you will only turn yourself in to your friend?"
-
> "Then I suppose I will see you in a few hours at Kourindou. But just to iron out some final details, after I speak with Lord Tenma, assuming your sentence is not eliminated entirely, shall I tell him you will only turn yourself in to your friend?"
>"Only if you think it'll get some points," says Aya. "If I'm going back, I guess it doesn't matter who does it, as long as it's not that hack."
>_
-
> "I figured you would want to give the honor to your friend. But if it does not matter to you, it does not matter to me."
-
> "I figured you would want to give the honor to your friend. But if it does not matter to you, it does not matter to me."
>"Well, yeah," says Aya. "But it wouldn't work well if you made a point out of it in front of Lord Tenma."
>_
-
> "Who shall I tell, then? Anyone?"
-
> "Who shall I tell, then? Anyone?"
>"Probably not," says Aya. "Maybe Momiji herself at most. If we're gonna play things like that, it works best when fewer people don't have their suspicions confirmed."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Should I tell Lord Tenma that you are willing to return at all?"
-
> Nod.
> "Should I tell Lord Tenma that you are willing to return at all?"
>"As long as you don't accidentally make it a point against me," says Aya.
>_
-
> "I suspect that will not be a problem. To be honest, I expect it to work in your favor, if anything. It does present the small problem, however, that admitting you are willing to return may dull whatever credit your friend gets, while generating credit for your friend by letting her capture you would likely eliminate that potential for credit for you."
-
> "I suspect that will not be a problem. To be honest, I expect it to work in your favor, if anything. It does present the small problem, however, that admitting you are willing to return may dull whatever credit your friend gets, while generating credit for your friend by letting her capture you would likely eliminate that potential for credit for you."
>"Well, you're the one that's going to be there," says Aya. "Lay it out it however it'll work best."
>_
-
> "I can do this. If I can only secure good favor for one of you, do you have any particular preference who it is?"
-
> "I can do this. If I can only secure good favor for one of you, do you have any particular preference who it is?"
>"I'm pretty sure I need it a lot more than she does," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Very well. I suspect that will be easier, anyway. Telling Lord Tenma that you are willing to surrender as soon as our business is concluded will very likely net you points for good behavior, which may very well stack on top of pointing out that unaccounted three-month period."
-
> "Very well. I suspect that will be easier, anyway. Telling Lord Tenma that you are willing to surrender as soon as our business is concluded will very likely net you points for good behavior, which may very well stack on top of pointing out that unaccounted three-month period."
>She nods. "You know...thinking about that last part, I'm not so sure it's going to work out well. I spent awhile trying to remember what I dreamt then, and...I'm pretty sure I wasn't in prison."
>_
-
> "Really? Do you know what you were doing instead?"
-
> "Really? Do you know what you were doing instead?"
>"I think I was...well...doing investigative reporting, largely like I did here."
>_
-
> "How oddly coincidental. Well, given everyone subject to whatever it was that happened believes it was a dream, and has a hard time remembering too many details about it, I suspect it was still an action taken against the wills of those involved. While you may not have been in a physical prison, you were in a metaphorical one, as you were still not free to be yourself in Gensokyo."
-
> "How oddly coincidental. Well, given everyone subject to whatever it was that happened believes it was a dream, and has a hard time remembering too many details about it, I suspect it was still an action taken against the wills of those involved. While you may not have been in a physical prison, you were in a metaphorical one, as you were still not free to be yourself in Gensokyo."
>Aya shrugs. "Maybe, but I wouldn't expect that kind of line to work on Lord Tenma."
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I must admit, then, that this revelation will make things harder."
-
> Frown.
> "I must admit, then, that this revelation will make things harder."
>She shrugs. "Sorry."
>_
-
> "Well...perhaps the assistance you have provided Bhava-Agra in its time of need will be enough to get your sentence reduced a notable amount."
-
> "Well...perhaps the assistance you have provided Bhava-Agra in its time of need will be enough to get your sentence reduced a notable amount."
>She nods. "Here's hoping, then."
>_
-
> "All right. How much time will your deliveries require?"
-
> "All right. How much time will your deliveries require?"
>"A bit, probably," says Aya. "But if you could get someone else to do it, it'd be no problem."
>_
-
> "Is your route throughout Gensokyo simple enough that another could do it so readily?"
-
> "Is your route throughout Gensokyo simple enough that another could do it so readily?"
>"Not really," she says, "But I could explain it well enough to get it done."
>_
-
> "I will try to find someone, then. If you are not worried about the credibility of your story being compromised, I can likely enlist a celestial to do it."
-
> "I will try to find someone, then. If you are not worried about the credibility of your story being compromised, I can likely enlist a celestial to do it."
>"I don't think most people care about who's doing the delivery work," says Aya.
>_
-
> "If you say so. I suppose my worry comes from the fact that I want this article out there to help explain why we are innocent, and that perhaps people reading it will take it with a grain of salt because we delivered it to them. But I guess that having your name on the paper will do enough to alleviate that skepticism."
-
> "If you say so. I suppose my worry comes from the fact that I want this article out there to help explain why we are innocent, and that perhaps people reading it will take it with a grain of salt because we delivered it to them. But I guess that having your name on the paper will do enough to alleviate that skepticism."
>Before you can say much, something lands on your head and the world becomes pain.
>"No Sakrates!" cries an unfamiliar voice before you black out, "Bad kitty! No biscuits!"