Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on January 10, 2014, 10:33:53 AM
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>You are Hatate Himekaidou, owner and editor of the Gensokyo newspaper Kakashi Spirit News.
>Your day began with the notation of the unexpected and extended absence of Aya Shameimaru from Youkai Mountain, and you took it upon yourself to locate your wayward friend/rival. To this end, you drafted Ranger captain Momiji Inubashiri to aid you. During the course of your investigation, you had a somewhat unpleasant encounter with a Dai-tengu newspaper supporter Tsubaki Ayatsuji, in which more than a few veiled threats were exchanged between you and she. You're quite certain she was up to something, she didn't break into Aya's house for no reason, but thus far have been unable to come up with any reason for her actions, beyond the knowledge that she and Aya are not on the best of terms with each other.
>You decided to take your investigation out into the rest of Gensokyo, traveling first to the Moriya temple, where you met a somewhat combat-happy youkai named Honoka. Neither she nor Sanae were able to point you directly towards Aya, but Honoka did provide you with a lead on at least a story or two, and offered her services as a guide to the Cobalt Keep, the place that seems to be the center of the Night of Rage incident, and where Aya certainly would have gone.
>Your next encounter was somewhat less profitable. You met a traveling group of musicians and nearly came to blows with the performers for your perceived insults to their boss, a pompous bombastic youkai by the name of Dahlia de la Vega. But with a little diplomacy handed out by Momiji, you and the manager sorted things out between you, and you parted on good terms.
>Traveling down to the Hakurei Shrine, you found that Reimu had a guest already: the legendary Yukari Yakumo. Despite your races almost instinctive fear of the youkai of boundaries, you and she exchanged a somewhat pleasant conversation. She even offered to help you connect with Aya, only to have her effort thwarted by an unknown barrier of some sort, which she described, somewhat unhelpfully, as 'rather orange'. She then drafted you and Momiji into investigating this impediment for her, and she dropped the two of you outside the home of Marisa Kirisame in the Forest of Magic. The house seems fine and normal, but both and Momiji have experienced a noticeable sense of warning that seems to be coming from the house itself...
>"Yeah, that's not gonna work. I really shouldn't think up first drafts on that fly like that."
>Let's have a look into the lower windows.
>"The rest of it wasn't so bad." Momiji offers. "But I have had more flattering nicknames in my time."
>All but two of the windows on the bottom floor of the house reveal the same clutter-choked areas within as you saw on the second floor. You have to wonder how the witch can navigate her home at all. One window reveals what seems to be Marisa's kitchen, evidenced by the cooking instruments and spice racks you see within. Said racks, however, seem to hold almost as many books and scroll as condiments. She is obviously the sort to real while she cooks. Her kitchen also boasts a large black cauldron, covered. The last window, on the right side of the front of her house, is the only one with drawn curtains. Black, with a starry pattern, you note, in keeping with the theme of Marisa's danmaku.
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>Has the menacing feeling changed at all?
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>Has the menacing feeling changed at all?
>It has remained steady during both flight and on the ground.
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>"So how are we going to enter?
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>"So how are we going to enter?
>"I'd try the front door first." Momiji suggests. "But let me go first. Just in case."
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>"Ok, be her guest."
>Take picture if anything weird happens.
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>"Ok, be her guest."
>Take picture if anything weird happens.
>The captain of the Rangers unslings her shield and drops down to the ground. Her cautious eyes sweeping the area in front of her, she walks rather slowly down the beaten pathway leading to Marisa's stoop. About ten feet out from the door, she comes to an abrupt halt, as she walks right into a barrier that been invisible up until the moment of contact. The barrier ripples with white energy, revealing a dome-shaped field covering Marisa's house, before fading from view again. For a moment, the sense of caution you felt spiked.
>But you still managed to snap a picture of Momiji walking into an invisible wall.
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>"Whoa, a Nurikabe. "
>How else to explain how we've gotten close to the house but not encountered the shields, until we were onn land?
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>"Whoa, a Nurikabe. "
>How else to explain how we've gotten close to the house but not encountered the shields, until we were onn land?
>Momiji scowls indignantly at the invisible barrier that repulsed her, and raps it once with the edge of her shield. The sense of caution spikes again. "Obviously the source of that bad feeling." the wolf remarks.
>You never got as close as Momiji just did.
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>"Give it a good whack with your shield, maybe?"
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>"Give it a good whack with your shield, maybe?"
>Momiji considers that for a moment, then nods. Drawing her shield back across her body, she unleashes a fierce backhanded swing, slamming the front of her shield against the barrier, sending a resounding CLANG through the surrounding woods. The sense of caution does indeed spike again, though no more fiercely than before, despite the heavier impact.
>Momiji, for her part, seems curious. "There's more give to this barrier than I thought at first. I've hit some shields that sent me flying, and this one barely made my arm tingle." she muses. "I don't think it's as strong as it looks."
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>"I bet she put it up to scare the faeries off. I bet we could cut it down if we wanted, but it's probably better to try to find a way to open it without that; we don't need faeries getting their hands on her stuff."
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>Do we have any thaumaturgical skills or training?
>"Maybe we should try to do what fairies wouldn't do."
>Try to slowly press through the shield.
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>Also, didn't Yukari call the barrier she encountered orange, while this one seems white?
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>"I bet she put it up to scare the faeries off. I bet we could cut it down if we wanted, but it's probably better to try to find a way to open it without that; we don't need faeries getting their hands on her stuff."
>"I'm not sure. I don't know Marisa that well, but I do know that she doesn't bother with fairies like that. As a matter of fact, I remember Aya telling me that Marisa doesn't mind when they prank her like that. She takes it as a challenge. Still, you have a point. If she put this barrier up, she did it for a reason, so we probably shouldn't punch holes in it willy-nilly." Momiji raps her shield against the barrier again. "I don't think it extends below the ground, not from what I can see. We might be able to dig under it."
>Do we have any thaumaturgical skills or training?
>Not really, no. Your thoughtography skills and abilities are about as far as you've ranged into the pseudo-mystical arts.
>Also, didn't Yukari call the barrier she encountered orange, while this one seems white?
>She did indeed.
>"Maybe we should try to do what fairies wouldn't do."
>Try to slowly press through the shield.
>"That can be a small list." Momiji remarks dryly as you drop down a bit and approach the barrier's edge. "Be careful." she cautions as you press your hands against the barrier. As you saw evidenced by Momiji's ungraceful impact against it, this barrier acts as a wall rather than a repulsor, so you push harder against the magical obstacle. Just as your friend said, the wall has some give to it, but not enough to let you penetrate it. Your efforts lead you to believe that you could surpass this barrier, but it'll take a more substantial impact, or a larger sustained force, to breach it.
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>"Be a dear and give it a good stab? Not too hard, I don't want to break it so much as test it."
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>"Be a dear and give it a good stab? Not too hard, I don't want to break it so much as test it."
>"That can be arranged." Momiji replies as she swaps shield for sword. Her curved blade stabs at the spot she struck with her shield slam earlier. "It seems to have weakened." the Ranger reports. "A few more good hits, or a solid danmaku barrage should punch through it."
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>Nod.
>"Then the question is, do we trust Yukari or Marisa's judgment more?"
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>Nod.
>"Then the question is, do we trust Yukari or Marisa's judgment more?"
>"Well, that's the thing I've been wondering. See, if you or I could penetrate this barrier, and I think we can, there's no way it could have been what stopped Yukari, could it? Not if she's as powerful as she's supposed to be. I mean, a determined fairy with enough danmaku could pierce this field." Momiji shakes her head. "Unless she's playing some sort of game with us, there's got to be something else going on here. And I'll bet you a cask of good ale whatever it is is going to be on the other side of this barrier."
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>Have we heard of something called prismatic sphere?
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>Mutter to self "Momirin, Momikko, Momippe, Momimomi, Momisuke, Momicchi ... That's it! Momicchi!"
>"I'll take that bet Momicchi. I think we find clues, not the actual thing, in here."
>Finding something newsworthy has to be worth a cask of ale, right?
Feel free to countermand if you think we can't afford it.
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>Belay that.
>Before we make any bets, just how bad would that set us back?
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>Have we heard of something called prismatic sphere?
>It actually does ring a small bell, but not one large enough to put your finger on.
>"I'll take that bet Momicchi. I think we find clues, not the actual thing, in here."
>Belay that.
>Before we make any bets, just how bad would that set us back?
>A small cask of ale would be about as much as you'd want to spring for, until the profits from your most recent issue come in. Any size up from that would be a bit more of a hit to your wallet than you'd really want to risk.
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>"Just a small cask, though. Cut that dumb thing down."'
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>Mutter to self "Momirin, Momikko, Momippe, Momimomi, Momisuke, Momicchi ... That's it! Momicchi!"
>"I'll take that bet Momicchi. I think we find clues, not the actual thing, in here."
>Finding something newsworthy has to be worth a cask of ale, right?
>"Just a small cask, though. Cut that dumb thing down."'
>"'Chi...'" The white-haired wolf heaves a sigh. "Fine, fine."
>Momiji (or Momicchi) nods. "Agreed."
>"Better stand back a bit, just in case." The ranger draws her shield again as you put a dozen or so more feet between you and the edge of the barrier. Momiji takes a measured breath, then darts forward, leading with a spinning forehanded slash across the already weakened part of the barrier. Finishing her spin, Momiji slams her shield into the barrier once more, and strikes with a stab from her sword all in one fluid movement. She seems to push herself backwards with her sword strike, and unleashes a blast of danmaku, a ribbon of light blue petal-shaped bullets followed by a barrage of larger blue circles. With the barrier still intact, Momiji charges forward once more, leading with a crushing blow with her shield, then she swings her sword down, sending a shockwave of force out in front of her.
>Reaching the limits of its endurance, a roughly five foot by eight foot section of the shield opaques, then shatters like glass. The way is open.
>Momiji sheathes her sword, then lets out the breath she's been holding during this flurry of offense. "That will do."
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>"That it will."
>Go open the door.
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>"That it will."
>Go open the door.
>With the defenses broken, you step up alongside Momiji and head towards Marisa's door. But five feet out from the door, the two of you smack into yet another unseen barrier, this one a fierce orange in color when it appears. And unlike the first barrier, this one does not react as an inert wall, as a wave of energy courses painfully through your body, orange sparks flying out from the barrier like spikes of electricity, the force of the power repulsing you and Momiji both.
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>"Argh! What is this, some sort of fluorescent prison?"
>Fire danmaku at the barrier.
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>"Argh! What is this, some sort of fluorescent prison?"
>Fire danmaku at the barrier.
>Annoyed at being thwarted yet again, you unleash three streams of blue wedge-shaped bullets at the infernal orange wall.
>"Good idea." Momiji says quickly, adding her fire to yours. Torrents of white and blue bullets hammer the barrier, sending orange sparks flying furiously from each impact. Annoyingly, the orange wall shows no sign of weakening despite the firepower of both of you.
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>"By the breeze, this thing is going to take everything but the kitchen basin to take down!"
>Do Tengu dwellings have lightning rods?
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>"By the breeze, this thing is going to take everything but the kitchen basin to take down!"
>Do Tengu dwellings have lightning rods?
>Momiji lowers her arms. "I don't think this is the same power as the other barrier, Hatate. This one seems to have a lot more energy to it, and I don't think we've damaged it much at all with our danmaku. Plus it doesn't give off that same sense of warning the other one did. Or at least I haven't felt anything."
>Some do. It's not extremely common, but it's not unheard of either.
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>Do we know how lightning rods work?
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>Do we know how lightning rods work?
>You understand the basic premise behind the lightning rod, and you know how they're set up. Though you're not entirely sure what are the best materials to use for.
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>"It's electric. Maybe a lightning rod ... ?"
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>"It's electric. Maybe a lightning rod ... ?"
>"It looks like electricity at any rate. But it could be some other kind of magical power, too. I once knew a Yamabushi who could make fire strike like lightning." Momiji frowns, sending an experimental bullet at the barrier, studying the exposed part of the orange wall while it is visible. "Assuming this is magic." she mutters sourly.
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>"Do you think we should ask someone else for help? There is another blonde witch who lives nearby."
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>"Do you think we should ask someone else for help? There is another blonde witch who lives nearby."
>"You mean Alice? Hmm. Yeah, that's a good idea. She might even be able to tell us who put these barriers up in the first place. I can't imagine Marisa doing it herself, not two of them. It doesn't seem like her style."
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>"Ok, let's go. Assuming you know how to get there."
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>"Ok, let's go. Assuming you know how to get there."
>"I don't, actually. I've never visited her before. But she's supposed to live close to Marisa's place here, she's told me that much. Give me a minute." Momiji ducks back out through the hole in the outer barrier, and grabs a bit of air, scanning the forest with her unparalled vision. After a bit less than a minute, she points towards the east. "There it is. I can tell its hers, there's a doll in two of the windows."
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>"Great. Let's go. We should be back before anyone wanders in here and gets zapped, right?"
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>"Great. Let's go. We should be back before anyone wanders in here and gets zapped, right?"
>"I'd hope so." Her tails swishes as she adds with a wince, "That second shield packs a punch."
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>Fly
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>Fly
>Given one more annoyed look to the orange barrier, you and Momiji depart on a eastward course. The gaps between the trees in this part of the wood are plenty wide, and neither fairy nor youkai interrupt your journey, so you have a comfortable and short flight from Marisa's to Alice's.
>The home of the Margatroid witch is a bit bigger than Marisa's, and its grounds are much neater than the black-white's. A red awning shields the yellow door, and the second floor sports a prominent balcony. Simple flower arrangements decorate the corners or bottoms of each window. Just as Momiji reported, a doll sits in two of the windows facing you, one on the east side of the first floor, one in the large windowed doors opening onto the balcony.
>You can hear the sound of a woman's humming coming from around the back of the house.
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>Head around back.
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>Head around back.
>Being a Tengu, you take the direct approach and fly up and over Alice's house towards the back lawn. Alice keeps a few rows of flowers back here, of many different species, perfuming the air quite nicely. But the woman tending the flowers, while possessing a full mane of blonde hair, is not Alice. This one is much taller than Alice, and isn't entirely humanoid. She has the upper body of a human woman, clad in a green and yellow vest, but this torso rests on the lower body of a large green horse. Flowers decorate both her mane and her tail, and thin white filigree stretches up from her gold-wrought hooves to decorate her muscular legs with an ivy-like pattern.
>Floating next to the horse woman is one of Alice's dolls, this one with earthy brown hair, clad in a yellow gown, and holding a large watering can in both hands. The centaur also holds a watering can, but places it down on the ground and accepts the full one from the doll. "Thank you, Ukraine." she says as she does.
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>"Hello! It's your friendly Tengu reporter, Hatate Himekaidou. Is Alice here?"
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>"Hello! It's your friendly Tengu reporter, Hatate Himekaidou. Is Alice here?"
>"My goodness, you startled me." the horse-woman replies as she turns to face you. She's a handsome woman, with a silver-colored chain around her neck and blue flower in her hair. "You've come to see Miss Margatroid?"
>"We have." Momiji answers.
>"I'm sorry, I'm afraid she's out." the blonde replies, quite politely. "I have been wondering if she is on a vacation of sorts, as I have not seen her for very nearly a month."
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>"Huh. Are you her housesitter or something?"
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>"Huh. Are you her housesitter or something?"
>"I am no more than a helpful neighbor." the woman replies, inclining her head politely while her equine half lowers its front legs, an approximation of a curtsey, you believe. "When she is away for more than seven days, I drop by now and then to assist the dolls with their duties." She glances back over her shoulder at the doll she called Ukraine, currently giving a bed of lilies a drink from her large can. "They are quite capable of handling domestic affairs themselves, of course. Miss Margatroid is a friend of mine, however, and I enjoying assisting my friends."
>"Very neighborly of you." Momiji says with a smile. "I'm Momiji, by the way. Momiji Inubashiri."
>"I am very pleased to meet you both." the polite horse-woman answers, bowing with both halves of her body. "I am called Celia Kishu."
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>Did we know about resident centaurs before this?
>"I'm Hatate, this is Momiji. Pleased to meet you!"
>"I don't suppose she went and ran off with Marisa, did she?"
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>"Huh, so the dolls are fully automated."
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>Did we know about resident centaurs before this?
>You did not. You knew that some youkai could have more dramatic non-humanoid features than wings or horns, of course, but this is new to you.
>"Huh, so the dolls are fully automated."
>"I believe so. At least, to some extent. Miss Margatroid's magic enables a doll to perform certain tasks as well as she herself can. For example, Ukraine here is capable of tending lawn and garden as well as Miss Margatroid can."
>"And they can handle large tools?" Momiji asks.
>The horse-woman smiles. "Indeed they can. And I must say, their efforts in that area often serve to make them much cuter than they are by default."
>"I'm Hatate, this is Momiji. Pleased to meet you!"
>"I don't suppose she went and ran off with Marisa, did she?"
>Celia laughs a quiet, polite little laugh. "I am certain she would not dispute her enjoyment of such an idea. And in fact, you may be correct, as I have not seen Miss Kirisame recently, either."
>"How recently?" Momiji inquires.
>"33 days ago was the last occasion on which I met Miss Kirisame. To continue my pervious point, if I may, I do not believe this was a planned vacation on the part of Miss Margatroid. On the occasions on which Miss Margatroid has required the services of a housesitter, as you put it, Miss Himekaidou, she is quite comfortable to leave maintenance of her domicile in the care of her dolls, but she also informs me of such times. I am pleased to act as a sentient set of eyes in such times."
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>"Do the two of you talk often?"
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>"Do the two of you talk often?"
>"'Often' is perhaps too generous a term to use in this context. I would say, perhaps, no more than twice a week. Over the course of a typical week, of course." She pauses, then asks, "You were speaking of Miss Margatroid, correct?"
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>Nod.
>"I was wondering if she was doing or saying anything weird when you two last talked."
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>Nod.
>"I was wondering if she was doing or saying anything weird when you two last talked."
>"Perhaps you could expand upon what precisely you mean by 'weird', in this case?" Celia asks in her overly polite tone. "And, if I may, might I inquire as to the nature of your curiousity?"
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>"Weird, like things that don't normally come up or that caught your ear, you know. And, it's a professional interest."
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>"Weird, like things that don't normally come up or that caught your ear, you know. And, it's a professional interest."
>"Ah, yes, you mentioned earlier that your profession was a reporter."
>"As a matter of fact," Momiji adds, "Hatate here owns her own newspaper.
>Celia gives you an admiring smile. "My, how very enterprising, especially for one so young. But as to your question, permit me a moment to recall." The horse-woman bends her knees a bit as she closes her eyes in thought. "As I remember, it was 27 days ago when last I spoke with Miss Margatroid. We spoke of the incident that I understand has come to be referred to as the Night of Rage. Is this event something that is known to you two?"
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>"We know the basics, at least. You can tell us what went on around here if you think we need to know, though."
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>"We know the basics, at least. You can tell us what went on around here if you think we need to know, though."
>"The Forest was largely unaffected, fortunately for all of us who dwell here. Residencies are rather sporadic and often distant, so damage and strife beneath the forest canopy was kept to a minimum."
>"Was Alice herself affected?" Momiji asks.
>The horse-woman nods. "Sadly, yes. However, she informed me that she had the foresight to render all of her dolls inert, so that she would not be tempted to take her growing anger out on them. Ah, but that does remind me of another point she mentioned. Evidently, Miss Kirisame had recently... 'acquired' another book which she and Miss Margatroid could potentially use in their magical research." The distaste Celia inflects into the word 'acquired' leaves little wonder about how the centaur feels about Marisa's thieving habits. "As I have not spoken with either woman since that time, I could not tell you what, if anything, has come of their findings."
>"And about how long ago was that?" the white wolf inquires.
>"28 days ago."
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>Good numerical memory, that one.
>"What'd she say about the book? Or the research."
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>Good numerical memory, that one.
>"What'd she say about the book? Or the research."
>Indeed.
>"She mentioned only that she believed this one came from a 'new source', to use the terminology she herself used. Which I cannot say does not surprise me all that terribly. Considering Miss Kirisame's penchant for idle theivery, it was only a matter of time before she located a new library from which to draw her plunder."
>"Did she mention what that source was?" your partner inquires.
>"As I understand it, Miss Kirisame acquired this tome, and probably many more besides, from a locale Miss Margatroid termed the Cobalt Keep. However, I am afraid I know nothing of this location beyond this name."
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>"I see. If it was a grimoire, that might be where Marisa learned the shield from. Perhaps we should visit the Cobalt Keep next ..."
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>"I see. If it was a grimoire, that might be where Marisa learned the shield from. Perhaps we should visit the Cobalt Keep next ..."
>"Shield? What shield?" Celia asks.
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>"We were just at the Kirisame house, where there is a powerful and multi-layer magic shield surrounding the house. We came here hoping Alice would know why it is there, and how to bypass it. "
>"It is sort of dangerous, so I guess we shouldn't go to the Cobalt Keep without making sire people don't wander in the hole in the first layer. "
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>"We were just at the Kirisame house, where there is a powerful and multi-layer magic shield surrounding the house. We came here hoping Alice would know why it is there, and how to bypass it. "
>"It is sort of dangerous, so I guess we shouldn't go to the Cobalt Keep without making sire people don't wander in the hole in the first layer. "
>The horse-woman looks rather startled, a fact which Momiji picks up as well. "You didn't know about it?" she asks Celia.
>"I did not. I have never once known Miss Kirisame to ward her domicile with a protective shield of that kind, let alone a multi-layered one, as you describe. And how do you mean, 'dangerous'?"
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>"It'll give you a good shock."
>Did Marisa ever strike us as capable of casting something like that?
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>Turn to Momiji." Well,as thing appears right now, our priority is to reach this Cobalt Keep and find out how to dispel that protective layer and what or who is hiding behind that."
>"There have been news floating about that place in the winds,save for its exact location,and it seems to have a ties with the Scarlet Devil Manor. A pretty good starting point,is it not?"
>"Besides,this will give me a chance to check on the other developing news circulating about the abode of the Eternally Young Scarlet Moon."
>Turn back to Celia."Anyhow,first things first, we need to figure out a way to warn off unaware passer-byes of that electrical orange barrier...."
>"Miss Celia,has Alice ever told you about a way to drive away potential annoyances during her absence that we might use here?Or perhaps something to that effect you have employed or seen yourself that is feasible for this situation? "
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>"It'll give you a good shock."
>Did Marisa ever strike us as capable of casting something like that?
>"That sums it up pretty well." Momiji agrees.
>You certainly imagine it's possible. By reputation, she's one of the most powerful mages in the whole of Gensokyo, strong enough to rival even the vaunted Patchouli Knowledge of the Scarlet Devil Manor.
>The only thing that niggles at your mind is that she's not regarded as an especially defensive spellcaster. Nobody blows things up better than her, but you've never actually heard anyone speak about her skills in the area of barrers, illusions, or that sort of magic. And if you can believe Yukari, it was probably that second barrier, the orange one, that she hit her hand off of earlier. Marisa may be strong, but you have a hard time imagining her making a shield that could thwart Yukari.
>Turn to Momiji." Well,as thing appears right now, our priority is to reach this Cobalt Keep and find out how to dispel that protective layer and what or who is hiding behind that."
>"There have been news floating about that place in the winds,save for its exact location,and it seems to have a ties with the Scarlet Devil Manor. A pretty good starting point,is it not?"
>"Besides,this will give me a chance to check on the other developing news circulating about the abode of the Eternally Young Scarlet Moon."
>"It DOES seem like that place keeps coming up." the white wolf says with a thoughtful look. "And, if nothing else, if Marisa DID steal something from someone there, they deserve to know about it, if they don't already." She nods. "It would mean going back up the mountain, of course. We did promise Honoka."
>Turn back to Celia"Anyhow,first things first, we need to figure out a way to warn off unaware passer-byes of that electrical orange barrier...."
>"Miss Celia,has Alice ever told you about a way to drive away potential annoyances during her absence that we might use here?Or perhaps something to that effect you have employed or seen yourself that is feasible for this situation? "
>"A most sensible precaution." the horse-woman says with a slow nod.
>Celia seems somewhat troubled by your question, and doesn't answer for a moment or two. "I humbly apologize. Miss Margatroid has asked me not to discuss matters of her home defense with others, unless of course she informs me that it would be acceptable to do so."
>"We understand." Momiji says gently.
>"However, it is possible that I myself may be able to accomplish this task. I would be perfectly to wait nearby Miss Kirisame's home, and warn any who come wandering by about the dangers you discovered." The horse-woman smiles. "It may be, in fact, that it may be within my capacity to aid you as well in dispelling this onerous magic. I would not seek to boast, but I am not unknown to the ways of sorcery."
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>"Oh, really? I'd love to see you take a whack at the thing, then!"
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:o ....Something was niggling at the back of my mind too: Honoka's offer of help without limitations of time,around page 20+ of the first thread.
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>"Oh, really? I'd love to see you take a whack at the thing, then!"
>"I am certainly willing to make an effort." She turns her head over her shoulder to look at Ukraine, who has moved on to a group on pansies. "You do not object to my premature departure, Ukraine?" The little doll spins in midair and shakes her head in a negative. Celia gives the doll another one of her curtsies. "As always, your willingness to allow me to assist you is most appreciated." The gardener doll gives the centaur a pleasant smile, and then returns to her task. "Shall we be off, friends?"
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I think that's less suspicious and more Sour's NPCs being Sour's NPCs.
>"Yeah, let's go!"
>Make with the going.
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>"Yeah, let's go!"
>Make with the going.
>You and Momiji turn in the air and float back the way you came. Celia runs herself up to a gallop then kicks off the ground, flying up to join you and the white wolf. "While we are en route, Miss Himekaidou, Miss Inubashiri, I would like to express a measure of gratitude and admiration. It has been my frequent experience to witness expressions of surprise, or even stronger emotions, on those who behold my equine countenance and are unaccustomed to such a sight."
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>Shrug. "We just have some manners, I guess."
>"Gotta admit, though, I haven't heard about anyone like you around here."
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>"And even fewer centaurs." wink
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>Shrug. "We just have some manners, I guess."
>"It is perhaps somewhat understandable. A sentient quadruped is something of a bizarre sight, even in a realm such as Gensokyo, home to many strange and wonderous sights and peoples. But I do confess, it would be false of me to claim it is not somewhat vexing to see, all the same."
>"Gotta admit, though, I haven't heard about anyone like you around here."
>"And even fewer centaurs." wink
>Celia rewards your quip with a polite chuckle. "This is true, I am not as public a figure as some of my neighbors."
>"Not a hard thing to do when you live next door to Marisa Kirisame." Momiji remarks.
>The centaur chuckles politely again. "Indeed. But this is not unique to myself as well. Many of those youkai who dwell beneath this canopy of leaves do so out of a desire, unconscious or otherwise, for a measure of privacy. This is not that I mean to imply that such individuals are unsocial or xenophobic, merely that we have little strong desire to be known beyond the confines of our friends and our homes."
-
>"Oh, so you wouldn't like to be in a newspaper article then?"
-
>"Oh, so you wouldn't like to be in a newspaper article then?"
>Celia ponders that for a moment. "I would not automatically dismiss the idea, no. However, it would depend on the nature of said article."
-
>She said "equine countenance" but her face is humanoid, right?
>"I will probably have to write many articles about this incident."
>Fly to house.
-
>She said "equine countenance" but her face is humanoid, right?
>"I will probably have to write many articles about this incident."
>Fly to house.
>Indeed. Upper body of a humanoid, lower body of a horse.
>"Oh my, an incident?" Celia seems a bit surprised.
>"Hopefully not the sort of major one that usually makes headlines." Momiji assures her. "Right now, we're just trying to get to the bottom of a little mystery. And we appreciate your help."
>More than mollified by Momiji's words, Celia smiles. "Think nothing of it."
>The centaur keeps pace with you and Momiji quite well, and you return to Marisa's pad in short order, finding it the same as you left it. Celia visibly shudders, her tail hair standing slightly on end. "This is most unusual. For a reason I cannot quite place at the moment, I am experiencing an unwelcome sensation of apprehension, now that I am in proximity to Miss Kirisame's home."
-
>"You get used to it after a bit."
-
>"You get used to it after a bit."
>"You are experiencing the same sensation?"
>Momiji nods. "We all are. We think it has something to do with the barrier, the outer one, at least. The feeling gets stronger when you touch it."
>The centaur frowns. "This is exceptionally unusual. Miss Kirisame is simply not the sort of woman to create a barrier field of that type." Celia straightens. "Nevertheless, I shall do what I can. I beg your patience, even a brief analysis may take several minutes, at the bare minimum."
>"Take you time. I need to have a word with Hatate, anyway." The centaur bows formally, and moves towards the first level of protection around Marisa's house. Her left eye starts to glow a leafy shade of green as she canters in a circular path around the shield.
>Momiji lets out a measured breath and folds her arms. "Maybe it's just me, Hatate, but I've got a feeling that there's some connection between Alice and Aya, and maybe Marisa, too. And I don't think it's a good feeling, either."
-
>"Yeah, way ahead of you there. People just up and running off like that is a bit much to be a coincidence."
-
>"Yeah, way ahead of you there. People just up and running off like that is a bit much to be a coincidence."
>"And then there's Ran. If Yukari's right, she might be connected to whatever's going on, as well." Momiji makes a face. "Unless Yukari was lying before, and this is just her way of having 'fun' with a couple of tengu. I hate to think about it, but considering Yukari's character, I can't dismiss it, either."
-
>Make sure our voice doesn't carry.
>"I don't think she would have just tipped us off toward Ran like that, though, unless Ran was doing something. Maybe I'm expecting a little but much of the lesser youkai, but I'd like to think that Yukari wouldn't just foist some random people off onto her shikigami like that. It'd just be rude."
-
>Make sure our voice doesn't carry.
>"I don't think she would have just tipped us off toward Ran like that, though, unless Ran was doing something. Maybe I'm expecting a little but much of the lesser youkai, but I'd like to think that Yukari wouldn't just foist some random people off onto her shikigami like that. It'd just be rude."
>Similarly keeping her voice down, Momiji nods slowly. "Mm. You're probably right, I might be worrying over nothing. I hope so, at least. It's just, I've been around too long not to think Yukari wasn't up to something else when she told us what she did, and then dropped us here on top of it. Especially considering Aya's involved. I don't think she and Yukari are on the best of terms." Quickly, she adds, "And you didn't hear that from me."
>"Forgive me, ladies," Celia calls from the western side of the house, now paused in her run. "I do apologize for interrupting your conversation, but, when you were here previous to visiting Miss Margatroid's home, did either of you manage to damage this barrier?"
-
>"Yeah, we cut down a part of it."
-
>"Yeah, we cut down a part of it."
>"You were not the only ones to do so." Celia informs you. "My probing has allowed me to detect three similar breaches in the shield. Two of these gaps are very small, while the third is larger than either of those, yet smaller than the largest one."
-
>"How small? Like, flying bird small or faerie small? Arrow small?"
-
>"How small? Like, flying bird small or faerie small? Arrow small?"
>"The two smallest breaches are no larger than a small piece of candy, less than an inch in total diameter. The larger one is large enough to accommodate nothing larger than a small fairy. The largest is quite large in comparison to the other three. Easily able to allow the passage of two humanoid beings, or possibly three, depending on the size and shape of the people attempting entry." She turns her glowing green eye towards the unseen wall once more. "However, I believe all four breaches were once larger than they are at present. The barrier appears to be restoring itself."
-
>"Mmm. Hard to make a good guesses, then."
-
>"Mmm. Hard to make a good guesses, then."
>"What sort of guesses?"
-
>"About what made those holes, if they're sealing themselves. Unless we can figure out how old they are and how fast they seal, I guess."
-
>"About what made those holes, if they're sealing themselves. Unless we can figure out how old they are and how fast they seal, I guess."
>"I may in fact be able to determine the age of each breach, thought it will more time than has already been invested." Celia replies. "The rate of recovery may be harder to determine without direct observation over the appropriate time for observation. However, in terms of who or what created these breaches, that, I can make some determinations on right now."
>"Really?" Momiji asks.
>The centaur nods. "Each of these gaps in the barrier is surrounded by a type of residual energy, the type of power used to penetrate the shield, I must conclude."
-
>"Oh, neat! Go for it, then."
-
>"Oh, neat! Go for it, then."
>"The largest breach has very little residual trace." Celia informs you. "Merely whispers of danmaku use."
>"That's the one I made." Momiji tells her. "I cut through it with my weapons and a little danmaku."
>The centaur nods. "The second largest breach is surrounded by an energy type that, regretfully, I do not recognize. And of the two small gaps, one was made by a type of wind power. Either an air mage of some sort or a youkai with wind powers, I cannot tell. The other pinhole gap was made by a kitsune, I am reasonably certain of that."
-
>"Did any of them happen to scratch the layer under it?"
-
>"Did any of them happen to scratch the layer under it?"
>Celia's eye glows stronger for a moment. "My probes into the second barrier do not reveal any damage at this time. But I can say for certain that the two barriers were erected by two different individuals."
-
>"Could you scan the other barrier please? If you find a gap, we could get inside right now."
-
>"Could you scan the other barrier please? If you find a gap, we could get inside right now."
>"As you wish. One moment, please." Celia walks over to the hole Momiji punched in the outer screen, and once inside, starts to trot around the second barrier as she did the first. Not having as much ground to cover, it doesn't take the quick centaur to complete her circuit around the house. She seems a bit disappointed as she pulls up to a halt by the 'door' in the first barrier. "This barrier does not appear to have had any damage inflicted upon it, nor do I detect any weak points or areas of vulnerability."
-
>"Yes, we suspected as much. Would you be able to keep an eye on this location while we travel to the Cobalt Keep in search of someone to dispel the inner barrier? It may take us a while to make the trip and back, and we wouldn't want someone to accidentally run into it -- the inner barrier seems more harmful than the outer one."
-
>"Yes, we suspected as much. Would you be able to keep an eye on this location while we travel to the Cobalt Keep in search of someone to dispel the inner barrier? It may take us a while to make the trip and back, and we wouldn't want someone to accidentally run into it -- the inner barrier seems more harmful than the outer one."
>"Of course." Celia says with a nod. "And in addition to serving as a means of caution, I intend to pursue my own analysis of this barrier. I have never encountered a power quite like it before."
>"Hang on a minute, Hatate." Momiji says, taking a step towards Celia. "You said that two barriers were made by different people?"
>"Yes, this is the case." Celia gestures towards Marisa's house, her arm movement as measured as her speech. "My previous assumptions have proven to be false. The outer shield was indeed created by Miss Kirisame. I recognize her magical power. But the second barrier, the stronger one, is composed of an energy type that is completely foreign to me. It is a magic, of a sort, but not one I have ever encountered, nor do I know of any that might have done so."
>Momiji folds her arms across her chest, thinking. "I have a suggestion, Hatate." she says after a moment's thought.
-
>"The outer barrier was created by Marisa? Then ..."
>"What is it, Momiji?"
The nickname was only for a certain style of writing. I didn't intend us to call her by a nickname all the time.
-
>"The outer barrier was created by Marisa? Then ..."
>"What is it, Momiji?"
>"I suggest we split up. You fly much faster than I do; you go back to the mountain and grab Honoka, and find this Keep. I'll fly down to the Myoren Temple and talk to Byakuren Hijiri, she's a powerful and experienced wizard. No offense intended, Celia." Momiji adds. "I just thought that a second set of eyes might help."
>"No offense was taken." The centaur assures her. "In fact, I would heartily agree with the idea of speaking with another magician, particularly one whose experiences and powers range outside my own."
-
I'm ok with this, but does anyone else have a better idea?
-
>"Might be that Marisa made it to keep other people from getting zapped by the inner barrier. Can you tell if there's anything behind the second one, Celia?"
>Nod to Momiji. "Sounds good."
-
>"Might be that Marisa made it to keep other people from getting zapped by the inner barrier. Can you tell if there's anything behind the second one, Celia?"
>Nod to Momiji. "Sounds good."
>"Not at the moment, I am sorry to say." the centaur replies with a shake of her head. "It is much stronger than Miss Kirisame's magical barrier. I may be able to scan beyond its outer edges, however it will take some time in order to find a method to facilitate this."
>The white wolf nods in agreement. "Then we'll meet back here once our tasks are complete."
>"Begging your pardon, Miss Inubashiri, but if you desired a second wizard to aid in this task, would Patchouli Knowledge not be a superior individual to inquire for aid from?"
>"Maybe, but I've met her a few times. I don't think she'd be too willing to leave her library, not over something she'd see as a minor distraction."
>"That may not necessarily be the case." Celia counters. "Miss Knowledge is not a stranger to the Forest of Magic. She and Miss Kirisame are friends, though I strongly suspect she may not be entirely willing in admitting this fact."
>Momiji ponders that. "You might have a point there."
-
>What do we know of Patchouli's tendencies toward mobility and helpfulness?
-
>What do we know of Patchouli's tendencies toward mobility and helpfulness?
>As a general rule, Patchouli is as big a shut-in as Kaguya Houraisan. Unlike Kaguya, however, this is entirely Patchy's choice. According to reports, whenever she needs something beyond the walls of her library, she either sends her familiar Koakuma out to get it, or badgers another resident of the Scarlet Devil Manor to do her lifting for her. It's not that she's unfriendly, she just prefers to live within her own little part of the world.
>That said, she's neither unpersonable nor unhelpful. You know she helped Marisa out with that geyser incident a couple of years ago, for a start. Puzzles and mysteries of a magical sort are the sort of thing she enjoys almost as much as a book she hasn't read, or so you believe. A magical barrier like this, which has at least temporarily defeated at least one mage already, is the sort of thing you believe she might just be willing to leave her library to investigate. Especially where Marisa's involved. Despite the black-white's penchant for raiding the Scarlet Devil Manor's library, the two of them are stated to be genuine friends. Possibly more, if you buy in to the sort of gossip Aya picks up.
-
>What about the obviously superior gossip we pick up?
>"Well, Patchouli is more likely to know what Marisa's up to, if anything. Let's go with that. Good luck dragging her out here, though."
-
>What about the obviously superior gossip we pick up?
>"Well, Patchouli is more likely to know what Marisa's up to, if anything. Let's go with that. Good luck dragging her out here, though."
>While you have little doubt about your own information gathering skills, this is one area in which you've actually never looked into before.
>Momiji nods slowly, then she turns her gaze to the north, her eyes focusing. "It's not that far from here to either place, fortunately. But I'll start with the Scarlet Devil Manor." She barks out a short chuckle. "And I'll probably need a bit of luck, as well."
-
>Call to Momiji: "Just tell the gatekeeper she's cute, and she'll let you in!"
>Look to Celia, "Anything else you got for me before I head off?"
-
>Call to Momiji: "Just tell the gatekeeper she's cute, and she'll let you in!"
>Look to Celia, "Anything else you got for me before I head off?"
>Momiji chuckles briefly. "Sage advice." she drawls, before taking off towards the Scarlet Devil Manor.
>The centaur nods. "The secondary barrier extends below the ground, as well as above it. It completely emcompases the house. Whomever erected it did a very thorough job in the doing. However, I would guess that the outer barrier, the one created by Miss Kirisame, was done in more of a hurry. Miss Kirisame does not specialize in defensive sorcery, but she does possess vast stores of magical energy. I would have expected a shield she created to be much more resiliant to attacks than this one, indicating either a lack of preparedness or a lack of available time within which to create this shield. What this weakness in the barrier signifies, however, I am uncertain of at this juncture."
-
I can think of one reason a wizard would put a barrier around a barrier erected by a different person: to preserve the initiative should the inner barrier drop suddenly. I do not think Hatate would think of this immediately though.
>"I see. Well, I suppose I should be off. Thank you for your help Celia, and hopefully one of us will return soon."
-
>"I see. Well, I suppose I should be off. Thank you for your help Celia, and hopefully one of us will return soon."
>The centaur curtsies. "I wish you good fortunes and safe travels."
-
>Zoom up the mountain.
-
>Zoom up the mountain.
>Armed with this last bit of info from Celia, you take a step back from the centaur and take flight, heading up out of the forest canopy, and setting course towards Youkai Mountain. Without having to slow yourself to the pace of another, the return flight won't take as long as the rest of your journeying so far today, but you still have a bit of time alone with your thoughts, pondering the events of the day thus far.
>The dominating thought is one of opportunity. Aya's caught up in this, you're sure of that. That wind power Celia mentioned could have been Aya's, now that you think about it. But wherever she is, she hasn't reported these events to anyone, so far as you know. You've been hoping for years to beat Aya to a big scoop, and lo and behold, one may have dropped right into your lap. Well, you might have been dropped into it's lap, but no matter. Opportunity's come a-knocking, and you're more than ready to answer. Depending on what you find once that second barrier's taken down, and you're sure that's only a matter of time, you might even have to come to Aya's help with whatever it is she's got herself caught up in. The idea brings a big grin to your face. I mean, you'd never wish that sort of danger upon her, she is your friend after all. But if the situation demands, that'll be a rather sizable feather in your cap for sure.
>That being said, if this adventure does end up leading you into a spot of trouble, you're now more glad than you were before to have asked Momiji to accompany you. Traveling with a friend is a worthwhile venture in and of itself, but having some friendly muscle may be even better. Especially when said muscle is one of the strongest and most skilled White Wolves on the mountain.
>Since said Wolf is away at the moment, you remain a bit on guard on your way up the mountain. Most of the other residents of the mountain give lone tengu a wide berth, but every now and then a group of fairies get frisky, or a local God or Youkai gets belligerant. And the higher up you go, the more powerful they become. Sanae and Kanako usually do a good job at keeping them in line- at least the former group- and possibly as a result of this, you remain unmolested as you take the direct approach to the top of the mountain. Though you do adjust your course now and then to avoid clouds of fairies before they spot you. More trouble than it's worth.
>Neither sight nor sound of danmaku can be detected from the vicinity of the shrine, which given the somewhat confrontational attitude you observed earlier in Honoka, comes as something as a surprise. You can, however, hear the sounds of music coming from behind the Moriya temple.
-
>Approach music. Is it something we recognize?
>Are the hills alive?
-
>Are the hills alive?
>Naw, this is Gensokyo. If the hills were alive, they'd be humanoid and with skirts and hats.
>Approach music. Is it something we recognize?
>You don't recognize the song, but you do recognize one of the two singers, as it is Sanae. The other voice, also feminine, is higher pitched than Sanae's, but not a bad voice. And given the number of instruments you hear- four, you think- you produce your camera in anticipation.
>And sure enough, an interesting scene greets your eyes as you fly over the temple and spy, near the edge of the onbashira-dotted lake, a small live show going on. Sanae and a white-haired little fairy are singing a song in a language you don't immediately recognize, but one full of enough pep and enthusiasm to match the energy on the face of the two performers. Seated to the right of the pair are Kanako and Honoka, the wind goddess blowing on a shiny saxophone while the cloaked Honoka keeps pace with a red-stained bamboo flute. Suwako is plucking the strings of a guitar with a great deal of fervor on the left side of the two singers, accompanied by a demure looking youkai with dark green hair tied at the back with a black and green robe, kneeling and coaxing a tune out of a long koto. To your thinking, the instrument really doesn't mesh completely with the other three, but the yellow-eyed with the long fingers seems to be making it work. Certainly well enough for Sanae, who smiles at the little fairy as the two put on their show.
-
>Get some good pics while trying not to disturb the performance.
>How large is their audience?
-
>Get some good pics while trying not to disturb the performance.
>How large is their audience?
>You draw close enough to get into good camera range, then proceed to take a few choice images here and there. And there are plenty to choose from: the white-haired fairy, whom you now note is a bit taller than the average fairy, fluttering around Sanae, her wings trailing snowflakes in her wake: Sanae herself, microphone in hand, makes a very photogenic sight herself, if not for your newspaper than certainly as a poster to hang on someone's wall, especially since her current attire is just a bit more daring than her normal outfit: every now and then, you catch Kanako and Honoka exchanging looks telling volumes about an unspoken competition going on between the two, which a skilled photographer such as yourself is quite capable of capturing: Suwako's enthusiastic playing is such that you wouldn't expect her to produce music as much as noise, but the little earth goddess can really make that guitar sing, and she looks properly cute doing it: last but not least, the oriental woman with the green hair, despite being rather less flamboyant than all the rest of them, still makes for a good picture, a reserved youkai calmly performing as much for herself as the others around her. Plus, there's something naggingly familiar about the woman, but where from exactly escapes you for the moment.
>Apart from yourself, the sextet does not appear to have an audience. Pausing briefly in your photographic efforts, you take a look around to confirm this, but sure enough, only yourself and the six below can be seen in the vicinity.
-
>So it's a jam session or a rehearsal ... How much does Hatate know about music?
>Suppose we can wait until they finish. Honoka is right here so we don't have to spend time looking for her.
-
>So it's a jam session or a rehearsal ... How much does Hatate know about music?
>Suppose we can wait until they finish. Honoka is right here so we don't have to spend time looking for her.
>You don't know a whole lot about the technical side of music, nor do you know how to play any instruments yourself, though you have considered learning at some point. You do enjoy music, however, both to listen to and to sing, now and then. Sanae introduced you to something from the outside world called 'karaoke' a while back, and you have enjoyed it. If you had a favourite genre of music, it would probably be the modern type of music known as trance, which is somewhat hard to come by in the rather old-fashioned world of Gensokyo.
>Content to wait until the group is finished their jam, you keep company with your camera and simply enjoy the show. Somewhat regrettably, the song ends after only another minute and a half, so you are not waiting long. None of the six immediately seem to notice you, but as the green-haired woman shifts her position, you see a short wooden staff laid out behind her, the length of a walking stick, with a finely carved snake's head at the tip, that your memory clicks. She appeared in an article Aya wrote not long after Sanae arrived in Gensokyo. She's a snake youkai of some sort who gave the border guards a great deal of trouble when she tried to cut through Tengu territory on her way up the mountain. Supposedly she injured at least four Rangers before Momiji herself arrived and challenged her, finally driving her off. A follow-up article told that Sanae had 'educated' the youkai not long after this, but any youkai who can beat four of the Rangers is worth being a bit cautious around.
-
>"Hey girls, that sounded great! Are you practicing for a performance?"
-
>"Hey girls, that sounded great! Are you practicing for a performance?"
>Kanako and Honoka break off their challenging looks at one another to glance up in your direction. The wind goddess smiles. "Not as such. It just sort of developed." She points lazily in the direction of the little fairy next to Sanae and Suwako. "Things get a bit more energetic when Sugar shows up. And how long have you been up there?"
-
>"Maybe two minutes tops."
-
>Briefly wonder why the wind goddess implied she didn't already know of our presence. We Tengu give her a lot of credit, deservedly so, right?
>"One of the articles I'm working on is about musical groups and upcoming performances. Would you care to comment on whether you see yourselves working together in the future?"
This probably could be worded better if anyone wants to edit it. Also ... Snow fairy sugar reference?
-
Lemme take a whack at this.
>"I've been working on an article about bands, think you guys are going to get together anytime soon?"
>Grin suggestively.
-
And do not forget to mention the "Mountain climbing quartet plus one". A brief diversion until Honoka lives up to her promise but we will be probably finding this to be another scoop when we get back to it.
>"Eh, that quartet from before gotta buckle up for more than a fair bit of competition if you are all entering the scene around here!"
>"Peachy for music appreciators....And news appreciators alike."
>Continue grin.
-
>"Maybe two minutes tops."
>"In time to witness the second song." Honoka says. "You would have enjoyed our first, as well." She sends another one of those not-quite glares Kanako's way. "The goddess of the air proved her skill with a saxophone." You can't help but notice the subtle hints of frost in her tone.
>Kanako replies to the cloaked youkai in a tone that mirrors hers. "No more than you with your guitar."
>"You are far too kind."
>Briefly wonder why the wind goddess implied she didn't already know of our presence. We Tengu give her a lot of credit, deservedly so, right?
>Kanako has earned the respect of the Tengu, both in terms of her wisdom, her leadership skills, and her power and connection to the winds. Even the most arrogant of Dai-tengu cannot debate her affinity with the air. Under normal circumstances, you're sure she would have sensed you coming, especially since you were in her own airspace, as it were. However, you've also known her not to claim any foreknowledge of a tengu's arrival at the shrine, for the sake of politeness. She knows that not all Tengu enjoy being reminded that her powers of the winds rival or even surpass theirs.
>She also could simply have been distracted, both by her performance, and by Honoka. You wouldn't go so far as the two of them look hostile towards each other, but there's definitely some level of animosity between the two.
>"One of the articles I'm working on is about musical groups and upcoming performances. Would you care to comment on whether you see yourselves working together in the future?"
>"I've been working on an article about bands, think you guys are going to get together anytime soon?"
>Grin suggestively.
>The idea makes Suwako grin as well, as the blonde goddess turns to look at the other girls. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea!"
>Sanae opens her mouth to reply, likely rather loudly from the look on her face, but Kanako cuts her off, "Let us not forget our duties, ladies?" she says loftily to the two of them. "A bit of music now and then is all well and good, but a band is rather out of the question."
>"Spoilsport." the little fairy called Sugar retorts.
>"Eh, that quartet from before gotta buckle up for more than a fair bit of competition if you are all entering the scene around here!"
>"Peachy for music appreciators....And news appreciators alike."
>Continue grin.
>Honoka inclines her head. "You're too kind." she says, her voice possessing none of the rancor she aimed at Kanako earlier. "But this was actually something along the lines of an accident."
>The snake youkai nods slowly. "The little fairy was excited by the sound of my koto, despite the fact that I was merely tuning my instrument." The woman's voice is low and smooth, the subtley sinister sort of voice that sets one ever so slightly on edge.
>Sanae nods. "After that, we all got to talking, and comparing skills and instruments we know, and then this happened."
-
>"Better than a musical argument."
>Look toward the person we came to get. "Ready to go see that keep?"
-
>"Better than a musical argument."
>Look toward the person we came to get. "Ready to go see that keep?"
>"I would agree." Honoka replies. "Though those can have a purpose now and again, as well."
>"So you say." the snake youkai counters. "I find strife of that sort most disruptive and unwelcome." Kanako, you note, nods in agreement.
>"That's because you're a snake." Suwako says, though you're not sure if she means Kanako, the green-haired youkai or both. Or entirely what she means for that matter, but neither of the two in question comment on the remark.
>Honoka nods. "Indeed." She turns to Sanae, pointedly turning her back on Kanako, you can't help but think, and bows. "I've appreciated your hospitality, Miko-sama."
>"Come back any time you like!" Sanae replies.
>"A moment, please, Hatate." Kanako says in your direction. "You mentioned something about a quartet a minute ago?"
-
>"Yes, I interviewed another musical group not too long ago."
We shouldn't offer more information for free, but if she asks for it we will give it to her. She's the wind goddess after all.
-
>"Yes, I interviewed another musical group not too long ago."
>Kanako graces you with a smile. "It does seem to be your day for music, Hatate. We may be seeing a growing trend among the people of Gensokyo. However, we can discuss that later, if you would prefer, I know you have somewhere to visit."
-
>"Thank you Lady Kanako. "
>Bow to the group. "A pleasure, ladies."
>Follow Honoka.
-
>"Thank you Lady Kanako. "
>Bow to the group. "A pleasure, ladies."
>Follow Honoka.
>"So long, bird-nose!" the kimono-clad fairy says with a jaunty wave.
>Honoka and Kanako exchange one more of those almost antagonistic looks with each other, before the ruddy-faced Honoka slides her flute into her voluminous cloak and detaches herself from the group of women. "Will we be seeing you again, Honoka-san?" Kanako asks loftily.
>"I should expect so." the cloaked youkai replies, before looking at Sanae, a bit more softly. "If for nothing else than to have that tiebreaker with Sanae."
>"I shall look forward to the sight."
>"Do that." Honoka replies sourly before taking flight, joining you in the sky. With Honoka in tow, you turn and head back down the mountain. Honoka sets a course southwest, and a surprisingly fast pace for a non-winged non-air aligned youkai. Nothing a tengu like you can't keep pace with, of course, but you are slightly impressed at her acceleration curve.
>A few minutes out of Moriya airspace, Honoka breaks the silence between you and says, "May I ask you something, Hatate?"
-
>"Of course!"
-
>"Of course!"
>"How is Kanako Yasaka seen among your people?"
-
>
"Just scroll up to post 130!"
>"Well, she's powerful, and respected, and wise, and a good leader. We don't worship her, but she IS a wind goddess. As you can imagine, the wind is a major part of our culture."
Feel free to correct this if needed.
-
>"Just scroll up to post 130!"
>"Well, she's powerful, and respected, and wise, and a good leader. We don't worship her, but she IS a wind goddess. As you can imagine, the wind is a major part of our culture."
>"Sorry, my mouse wheel broke."
>Honoka nods slowly, a thoughtful look passing over her tanned face. "Then, you believe the tengu would follow her example? No, that's not quite right. I mean... If she were to offer your people... cultural advice, do you think your leaders would take it?"
-
>"Gosh, that's a really difficult question. Many of our leaders don't like people telling them what to do. Some of us like to try new things. I guess it would depend on what the advice was, and what it concerned. In the very worst case, we might end up even more divided than we are now!"
-
>"Gosh, that's a really difficult question. Many of our leaders don't like people telling them what to do. Some of us like to try new things. I guess it would depend on what the advice was, and what it concerned. In the very worst case, we might end up even more divided than we are now!"
>Honoka chuckles warmly. "That is a relief. But I would not be too concerned about that outcome. Whatever else she believes in, Kanako believes in harmony. I can't see her ever knowingly inciting more strife among a peoples."
>"In a way, Hatate, it is a balm to my mind that your people are as independent as they are. Living so close to someone as charismatic and influential as Kanako, I have felt some concern for the tengu."
-
>"Why?"
-
>"Why?"
>"Kanako has certain.. philosophies." Honoka says in a dark tone. "Philosophies that she believes are correct, that would benefit all the peoples of Gensokyo. I disagree."
-
So I guess we could talk more about this, try to change the subject, or just fly there.
-
I guess we'll just fly there then.
>Fly to the Cobalt Keep.
-
>Fly to the Cobalt Keep.
>While the journalist in you is understandably curious as to what, exactly, Honoka could mean, something in her tone warns you away from the subject. The cloaked youkai always seems to sound serious, but this time she sounded almost grim. And there were all those looks she and Kanako exchanged as well. You're certain there's a story there, but for the moment, you put your curiousity on the back burner. There may be something bigger there, but you're already involved something that is shaping up to be a big one. One thing at a time.
>The ruddy-faced Honoka sets a rather aggressive pace down the mountain, much faster than you were expecting a more mundane youkai to set. As you pass by Kappa territory, she looks back at you and gives you the ghost of a smirk. You get the impression that this woman is subtley challenging you to keep up with her. This rankles your Tengu pride a bit. You are neither arrogant nor an elitist, but you're still a tengu, and a non-tengu challenging your airspeed galls you. So you speed up a bit and go just a bit past her, just to show her you can. Not too much of course, you don't want to outstrip your guide entirely. This proves to not be much of a worry, as moments later Honoka flies past you, her fluttering cloak trailing what appear to be embers in her wake. That smirk is just a bit broader than it was before, definately a look that says 'is that all you got?' You give the youkai a short glare. She wants to play, does she? Fine. No run of the mill youkai is going to show you up.
>For the next half an hour, you and Honoka tear across the sky, changing positions far more often than you'd care to admit. If you didn't know any better, you'd swear she was a tengu beneath that cloak. You had the edge for a few minutes, Honoka failing to pass you as you flew nearer to the human village, but then the youkai wrapped herself in a fireball and found another gear. It took you a few minutes to retake the lead from her after that, and the two of you went back to trading places. Honoka exudes a spirit of competition, and you find that the indignity of having to work at racing a youkai gives way to a sense of enjoyment for the race itself.
>After a while, out beyond any part of Gensokyo you've ever visited, Honoka swings out and to her left just before a wide swath of forest, and slows her pace a bit, letting you take the lead again. The landscape out here is largely flat grassland, run through many ribbons of rivers. Honoka seems to be following one of these streams towards what appears to be a cliff, leading into a deep valley. Off in the distance, towards the right end of the valley, you can see flashes of multicolored light, the unmistakable sign of a danmaku battle. Honoka reaches the lip of the valley and dips down into it and turns to the right, heading towards the danmaku sights. Weirdly, you think you can almost hear the sounds of the energy bursts, which is odd. Danmaku isn't usually that loud.
>"I would not be concerned about that." Honoka says as you fly down the river valley. "At least some of that is the danmaku of one of the Keep's residents. She enjoys a spellcard duel even more than I. The sight of that around here is rather common."
>At the end of the valley, you spy a rather large lake, formed by an impressive waterfall cascading down over the grey rocks of the valley wall. Nestled against the southwest corner of the basin is a dark structure not like anything else in Gensokyo. It measures at least three stories in height, and is made of blue and black stone. A thick stone wall surrounds the towered structure, and blue and white banners hang from the walls of the Keep and the defending wall as well, a symbol of some kind on each banner. One grey tower rises above all the others, sticking out of the roof, a dull brass bell visible within. It is not an inviting place, the air around it chill and somehow stale, an anomaly in the pleasant chill of winter. Snow has been falling from over an hour now, and though the ground is lightly dusted, the top of the wall appears to be devoid of either snow or water. The outer wall seems to have only one gate, facing the lake and waterfall. There is a lone humanoid figure standing in front of this gate, flanked by what appears to be a large dog.
>The danmaku is coming from the airspace above the Keep. Two of the figures you recognize from Aya's articles. They are two of the Prismriver sisters, the blonde one in black, and the brunette in red. Lunasa and Lyrica, you believe are their names. The two of them are pooling their fire against a tall woman with long black hair wearing a purple bodysuit who is firing very large, and exceedingly loud, bursts of cannonball-like danmaku. Working with her, sending green and white bullets towards the two sisters, is an extremely beautiful woman with extraordinarily long blonde hair, clad in what you can generously describe as a 'jeweled bikini'. Her golden mane covers more than her outfit. You can sense even from here that she is a youkai of wind.
>"I might have known it would be Ranka up there with her." Honoka grumbles.
-
>She's a youkai of competition. What do we know about youkai who embody concepts?
>Let's photograph the fight. Can we get a good shot of all four players?
-
>She's a youkai of competition. What do we know about youkai who embody concepts?
>Let's photograph the fight. Can we get a good shot of all four players?
>They're a rarer breed than a youkai who ascended from something physical, you know. So rare, in fact, that you can't think of any like it off the top of your head. Tengu philosophers have wondered if there is not some connection between such a youkai and a God. "What is the difference in a God of something, and an Embodiment of something?", you believe the argument is briefly summed up. Most agree it's a distinction in power alone, but some say an embodiment can indeed become a God, while others say an embodiment is already a God, merely of lesser status than a being bearing the title of God. The debate continues to this day.
>Capturing all four combatants would be difficult for most photographers. The youkai with the loud shots is keeping a lot of distance between her and the Prismrivers, and the wind youkai refuses to stand still, her golden hair spinning around her dainty feet like a miniature cyclone. You, however, are not most photographers. You have first hand experience at taking pictures in just such an environment, and have done so while being fired upon by some of the best in the world. Further, your camera has a rather wide finder setting (even wider than Aya's, you remind yourself with some pride) so capturing the four combatants at once is quite possible for yourself.
>No such shot presents itself immediately, however, and as you content yourself with taking photos here and there, Honoka starts to speak, "This fight is not truly fair. The Prismriver sisters are only at their best when fighting together, and the third sister, Merlin is missing. Either Leraije or Ranka could defeat the two of them." She sounds a bit perturbed as she predicts the outcome of the duel.
>Her prediction is partially drowned out, however, by the purple-clad woman and the two Prismrivers activating a spellcard almost in unison.
>"Arquebus! Black Army Artillery!"
>"Phanton Duet: Acherus Nocturne"
>"I may have been wrong." Honoka muses as black and purple bullets combined with white cannonballs criss-cross the skies with white, red and black crystals interspaced with red and blue wedges. "I didn't know the sisters had spellcards that could be used when there were only two of them."
>As a consequence of the raven-haired woman activating her spellcard, she has become stationary as she directs her bullets with the large wooden object that appeared in her hands. And the spinning motion of the two Prismrivers as they rotate around each other connected by a thin beam of energy has brought the dueling youkai closer together, giving you a chance to capture the four battling youkai in one wide-frame shot, which you promptly take advantage of.
-
What to do here ...
>How does this danmaku compare with what we can generate?
>How photogenic is the blonde fighter?
>"Which one lives here, and do you think she would know about the library?"
-
>How does this danmaku compare with what we can generate?
>How photogenic is the blonde fighter?
>"Which one lives here, and do you think she would know about the library?"
>Though you're not proud to admit it, any one of the four combatents could probably beat you in a straight-up fight. You definately have the edge on them in terms of speed, with the possible exception of the wind youkai, but the skill the four of them are demonstrating with the diversity, the patterns and the sheer force behind their shots is simply out of your league. You might be able to hold your own against the black-haired woman, but the thunderous noise of her danmaku blasts adds a level of difficulty to dueling her. She could make someone's ears bleed after any length of time.
>Exceptionally photogenic. This is the sort of woman who could grace magazine covers and centerfolds, and be the envy of any who laid eyes on her. You're a tengu, your tastes are understandably skewed in the area of physical beauty. But even though that blonde is neither tengu nor sports wings, she may well be the most beautiful woman you've ever encountered.
>Honoka points to the black haired woman with the deafening bullets. "That is Leraije." she informs you, shouting a little to make herself heard more easily. "She is the Keep's cannoneer. She handles half of the defensive duties of the Keep." The cloaked youkai shifts her hand to indicate the woman standing in front of the gate. "And that is Yuzuriha, the gardener and gate guard. She would know for certain who handles the maintenance of the library. There should be no problem with gaining entrance or that information from her. The Keep welcomes guests, and I am known here."
-
>"Good, I think we're almost ready to head inside."
>When we're done collecting Ranka's poses, head over to Yuzuriha.
-
>"Good, I think we're almost ready to head inside."
>When we're done collecting Ranka's poses, head over to Yuzuriha.
>"Very well."
>It is with some regret that you prepare to let the golden tressed youkai identified as Ranka out of your finder, but you assert your professionalism. Walking photo op she may be, you have a job to do. Besides, you think to yourself Honoka seems to know her, the helpful youkai might be able to arrange a more extended photo op between you and the lovely wind youkai at a more convenient date. You do take one last image before you put your camera away, of course, as the blonde youkai raises her slender arms above her head and spins in place, her golden hair whipping into a tornado-like barrier around her, exposing only her beautiful face. Waves of large yellow spheres spin out from her accompanied by scattershot small green balls of danmaku. You wonder idly how she and Leraije manage not to hit each other with their chaotic crossfire, as they don't have the coordination of the two Prismriver sisters.
>But, since she doesn't make quite as good a subject when she's engulfed in a cyclone of hair and wind, you turn from Ranka and the other two, and head down towards the ground, and the doorman of the Cobalt Keep. The woman Honoka called Yuzuriha is a younger woman with neatly trimmed green hair beneath a purple cap. She wears a long blue and white tabard over a black shirt with a green diamond pattern on her sleeves. The tabard depicts the same crest as is on the banners hanging from the walls. Her legs are bare, topped by a
blue skirt that matches her tabard. She also has a brown and red leather bracelet on her right wrist, which upon a closer look is actually a dog collar, complete with a metal chain that wraps around her waist, and her fingernails are painted gold. Her right hand is missing it's pinky finger. The large yellow-furred dog next to her doesn't seem to react to your presence as you and Honoka approach.
>"Good day!" Yuzuhira says loudly as you approach, bowing politely. "I'm sorry for the noise."
-
Goddamnit
Barbaricca Valvalis, get outta here!
>Bow.
>"No problem, as long as it ain't me they're shooting at. I'm Hatate, it is a pleasure."
-
>Bow.
>"No problem, as long as it ain't me they're shooting at. I'm Hatate, it is a pleasure."
>So you didn't want to see her Tower of Zot spellcard?
>"Yuzuhira Kawamura." the doorman introduces herself, then turns to Honoka. "Have you come to pick Ranka up again, Honoka-san?"
>The cloaked youkai shakes her head. "Hatate-san wished to visit the Keep, and I offered to escort her here."
>"Generous of you." Yuzuriha compliments the youkai before flinching at the sound of a tremendous shattering noise. Leraije's spellcard appears to have broken. She even does that loudly, it seems.
-
For my benefit:
Honoka: Guided us to the keep
Ranka: Valvalis
Leraije: Cannoneer
Yuzuhira: Gardener and gate guard
>Glance over. Do the Prismrivers seem to have rallied?
>Back to Yuzuhira: "I've been hearing a lot about this place."
-
>Glance over. Do the Prismrivers seem to have rallied?
>Back to Yuzuhira: "I've been hearing a lot about this place."
>'Rallied' may be a bit optimistic. It's sometimes hard for an observer to gauge the power left in a spellcard, but going by the number of hits the Prismrivers have taken, their card won't last much longer either, especially with Ranka unloading on them. But they're holding their own.
>Yuzuriha winces. "I hope that other tengu didn't tell too bad a story about us."
-
>"I actually can't speak to that per se. But one of the things I have heard is you have a sizeable library. Would you say it's comparable to the Scarlet Devil's library?"
>Examine dog.
-
>"I actually can't speak to that per se. But one of the things I have heard is you have a sizeable library. Would you say it's comparable to the Scarlet Devil's library?"
>"Oh, no, not even close." Yuzuriha says with a chucke. Her dog whuffs out something that sounds like a canine chuckle as well. "It's large enough for us, certainly, but Patchouli-san's library has it beaten in most ways you can imagine."
>The door guard starts to say something else about Patchouli, but her comment is largely drowned out by Leraije's bellowing, "Okay, girls, now we're talking! Assault!: Seige of Orleans!" A trio of familiars fly out from the purple-clad youkai, taking up positions around her and resolving themselves into images of cannons. Which immediately, and very loudly, unleash a barrage of wedge and circular danmaku, while the youkai in the middle adds slower moving bullet-shaped shots to the mix.
>"I suggest we step inside." Yuzuriha shouts. "It would be easier to hear ourselves think."
-
>"Let's."
>Step inside once the gate is opened.
>Once inside. "Now, you said something about another tengu?"
-
>"Let's."
>Step inside once the gate is opened.
>Once inside. "Now, you said something about another tengu?"
>"If you will excuse me." Honoka says as Yuzuhira waves her hand, opening the burnished wood gate behind her, revealing the inner courtyard of the Keep. "It is unfair to allow Leraije and Ranka to dominate this battle." The cloaked youkai wastes no time in taking flight, heading towards the Prismrivers.
>"That's her way." Yuzuriha informs you as you walk into the well-groomed courtyard, down a faintly beaten path leading to the treated oak double doors of the Keep itself. "She is practically obsessed with the idea of a fair fight. She'll help the Prismrivers unless they tell her not to."
>At your question, the door guard nods. "A little less than a month ago, a reporter came to visit us. Aya Shameimaru, she was called. The first Tengu visitor who came in peace, which was a welcome sight." The golden dog, trailing behind you, growls and barks once. Yuzuriha winces once. "If you insist. I have to admit, the word 'welcome' wasn't true straight off. We haven't had the best experiences with Tengu, so... I confess, I tried to drive her off at first." She spares a glance back at her dog. "Happy now?" The dog woofs quietly.
-
>"And that would be Aya, right? Because no one blames you for wanting to get rid of her."
>Wink.
>"What happened then?"
-
>"And that would be Aya, right? Because no one blames you for wanting to get rid of her."
>Wink.
>"What happened then?"
>Yuzuriha smiles a little. "Yes, I have been told she has a certain... reputation."
>The youkai pushes the wooden doors open for you. "She returned my attack with a fair bit more power than I was expecting. We never really had a chance against her, I have to admit. But the fight was enough to prove that she wasn't hostile, and I didn't get the impression she was any kind of military scout. She said she wanted to hear the story of the Night of Rage, so I let her in, and told her to talk the Countess." She frowns. "You weren't aware of this? She seemed rather anxious to break the story when she left."
-
>"We not seen her in a month. I've gotten word she's up to something, but whatever that involves, it's kept her from getting back up the mountain."
>"So, what can you tell me about this place?"
>Head through the door.
-
>"We not seen her in a month. I've gotten word she's up to something, but whatever that involves, it's kept her from getting back up the mountain."
>"So, what can you tell me about this place?"
>Head through the door.
>"That's strange." Yuzu notes as you enter. You find yourself in a long stone corridor, extending to the east and west. The wall in front of you has a marble pedestal set into the wall, but no decoration sits atop it. The corridor is carpeted by a deep blue rug, but one that shows great signs of age and traces of dust. The windows along the corridor are bereft of curtains. There are three more marble pedestals down both sides of the corridor, all of which are empty. The air in here is subtly different than the outside air. Not only is it quieter once Yuzuriha pushes the doors closed behind you, but there is a faint sense of power within these walls, a power that colors the air itself. And.... something else? You thought you caught a hint of something, but it is gone.
>"This is the Cobalt Keep." Yuzuriha informs you. "Home of the Cobalt Countess, and those who serve her. We are a fairly diverse group. I myself am a canine youkai, though not in the traditional sense." She pauses to look at her dog. "Go and inform Celes that we have a guest." The big dog nods, and sprints down the western corridor. "Celes is the Countesses' right hand woman, the Steward of the keep." she adds. "She likes to see all new visitors to the Keep."
-
>"Oh, that'd be nice."
>Look around.
>"So what goes on those pedestals? And who else lives here? Seems like there is kind of a lot of people here."
-
>"Oh, that'd be nice."
>Look around.
>"So what goes on those pedestals? And who else lives here? Seems like there is kind of a lot of people here."
>"Statues and figures, mostly. Sometimes older artifacts or antiques. This Keep has been in noble's hands for centuries. The Countess is much less showy than the previous owner, but his signs still linger here and there. But over the years, a lot of those items have been stolen. The Keep was lying open for a long time. And most of the ones that weren't have been put away for safe keeping."
>"Not as many as there used to be." Yuzuriha says with a somber tone. "But the Countess has a way of gathering people to her. None of us would be here if not for her."
>"And we have had a new addition to our little pack since our return to Gensokyo, A young woman named Rei. She's.... I guess you would call her an assistant to the Countess, but Celes will probably find something more permanent for her once she gets settled in. There's Celes, but you'll meet her yourself pretty soon. You've met Leraije, of course. She's our cannoneer, handles half the Keep's defenses. Sabine handles the other half, the hand to hand combat. Sabine Tran, her full name is, and she's a rare breed of youkai."
>"Then there's Nyx, our healer. She and Leraije were....." she pauses, then lets out a breath. "I suppose I shouldn't try to sugarcoat it, since you're an acquaintance of Honoka. They were possessions, slaves, of the Keep's previous owner. Demons bound to this place by his magic. After his defeat, the Countess offered them their freedom, but they chose to stay with us."
-
>Nod.
>"Is Miss Ranka just a visitor, then?"
-
>Nod.
>"Is Miss Ranka just a visitor, then?"
>"Yes. She and Honoka have been visiting us ever since the Night of Rage. We've been out of touch for over a century, and they've been helping us adjust to the Gensokyo of now. Especially Honoka." she adds, glancing towards the door.
-
>"Heh. I dunno if randomly jumping into a duel is actually allowed. But since it's just for fun, I don't even think the Hakurei maiden would complain. So, Ranka and Honoka are friends, right?"
-
>"Heh. I dunno if randomly jumping into a duel is actually allowed. But since it's just for fun, I don't even think the Hakurei maiden would complain. So, Ranka and Honoka are friends, right?"
>"She won't unless she's invited." Yuzu assures you. "She doesn't interfere on her own unless it's a really one-sided situation, say, if Rei was dueling Remilia Scarlet. She actually came to my defense once in that situation. She has a sense of honor that would shame some samurai."
>Yuzuriha smiles. "That's how Honoka would describe the relationship, yes."
-
>"And Ranka?"
-
>"And Ranka?"
>"She would probably use terms more... intimate." Yuzuriha finishes with a twinkle in her eye.
-
>Chuckle.
>"So, this countess sounds like a really interesting person. Can you warn me about what to expect, so I don't do anything rude?"
-
>Chuckle.
>"So, this countess sounds like a really interesting person. Can you warn me about what to expect, so I don't do anything rude?"
>Yuzuriha seems to brace herself before fielding that one. "Celes is a better woman than me to ask about that sort of thing. But there is one thing you should know, at the very least. The Countess is a vampire."
-
>"I assume she's more the refined kind than the swoop-out-and-bite-you kind. I assume that makes the Scarlets a sensitive topic?"
-
>"I assume she's more the refined kind than the swoop-out-and-bite-you kind. I assume that makes the Scarlets a sensitive topic?"
>Looking somewhat relieved, Yuzuriha says, "You're right about that. The Countess is about as un-vampire like as you can imagine."
>"On the contrary, Remilia Scarlet and the Countess are friends. Remilia-san found the Keep on the Night of Rage, on a mission of her own. There was some... difficulty at first, but after the problem was settled, the Countess and Remilia-san became friends. They have a lot in common, and Remilia was just the sort of vampire we were hoping to get to know: one who prefers to live with other peoples, rather than preying on them."
>You can hear the dog's footfalls coming back towards you from the western corridor, and they appear to be accompanied by a humanoid, as Yuzuriha continues, "I just felt I had to mention what the Countess was up front. We're used to people being either afraid or hateful towards her kind, and those of us who serve her try to spare her that whenever we can. And her guests deserve to know."
-
>"That just means I won't be able to dip into my bottomless stack of blood puns when I try to charm her."
-
How do you make a vampire filk? Take a love song and replace the noun love with the noun blood.
-
>"That just means I won't be able to dip into my bottomless stack of blood puns when I try to charm her."
>"No I-" Yuzuriha stops and blinks. "Okay, I hadn't heard that one before."
>From down the western hallway, following the yellow-furred dog, comes a striking woman of medium height, her calf high leather boots clunking on the stone floor. She sports a blood red jacket with dark blue needlework around the seams, a pair of white gloves and a somewhat short riding cap. Her purple hair is short, and her eyes are a pale shade of green. Dangling from a black leather belt at her waist are a leather riding crop, and a sheathed saber. Very official looking, this one, though she seems to be merely human.
>"I see we have another guest, indeed." she says as she heads towards you. Stopping, she places her hand on her stomach and bows respectfully. "I am Celes d'Arquien, steward of the Cobalt Keep."
-
>Proper bow.
>"I'm Hatate Himekaidou, reporter and editor-in-chief of the Kakashi Spirit News."
-
>Proper bow.
>"I'm Hatate Himekaidou, reporter and editor-in-chief of the Kakashi Spirit News."
>"Ah, a reporter." Celes says as the dog sprints out before her, reuniting with Yuzuriha. "Is this a rival newspaper to the Bunbunmaru?"
-
>Grin.
>"Well, not really. See, a rival has to be able to match me. And Bunbunmaru doesn't come close. We'll say it's well-meaning pretender and leave it at that."
-
>Grin.
>"Well, not really. See, a rival has to be able to match me. And Bunbunmaru doesn't come close. We'll say it's well-meaning pretender and leave it at that."
>"I stand corrected." Celes says with aplomb. "They must be a quick pretender at least, since they preceded you by a few weeks."
-
>Oof.
>"She's definitely not come home back yet, though."
-
>Oof.
>"She's definitely not come home back yet, though."
>"After a month?" Celes seems rather surprised. "Well, that would explain why we've yet to receive the final version of her story. The reporter that was here before did say she had a couple of stops to make on her way home, but nothing that should have delayed her that much."
>"This IS Gensokyo." Yuzuhira puts in. "There are plenty of distractions in any direction."
>"True. But Aya-san is a woman dedicated to her craft. If she has been delayed that much, I can only assume it was by something serious."
-
>"Exactly. I was hoping you guys could tell me more."
-
>"Exactly. I was hoping you guys could tell me more."
>"Ah, you're trying to locate her yourself?" Celes asks you.
-
>"That and figure out a few different things in the meantime. For instance, have you guys seen Alice the Puppeteer or Marisa the Witch lately? Or a nine-tailed fox named Ran?"
-
>"That and figure out a few different things in the meantime. For instance, have you guys seen Alice the Puppeteer or Marisa the Witch lately? Or a nine-tailed fox named Ran?"
>Yuzuriha audibly gasps at the mention of Ran's name. "Ran Yakumo?"
-
>"That's the one. Seen her lately?"
-
>"That's the one. Seen her lately?"
>Yuzuriha numbly shakes her head.
>"You'll have to forgive Yuzuriha." Celes says, giving a look to the canine youkai. "When she met Ran-san years ago, she left a rather large impression on her. She gets a bit tongue-tied whenever Ran-san comes up."
>"As for the other two individuals you mentioned, neither of them have visited us either. Which in the case of Marisa is actually something we have been wondering about ourselves. Everyone we have met since our awakening that has spoken about her has told us that she has had a hand in resolving every major incident over the past several years. But so far as we can determine, she was not seen anywhere on the Night of Rage. Nor since. From what Reimu-san told us about her, she should have visited us by now."
-
>"Well, I'm guessing Alice and her are travelling together. You'd know Alice if you saw her. Blonde youkai, lots of puppets, tends to keep a book with her. She's made a stir or two herself."
-
>"Well, I'm guessing Alice and her are travelling together. You'd know Alice if you saw her. Blonde youkai, lots of puppets, tends to keep a book with her. She's made a stir or two herself."
>"Patchouli-san has mentioned her on occasion." Celes says with a nod. "She's praised her skill as a magician, which is no small word of praise coming from Patchouli Knowledge."
-
>Nod.
>"Patchouli's been here? Or was this just in letters?"
-
>Nod.
>"Patchouli's been here? Or was this just in letters?"
>"No, she actually visited us here." The ghost of a grin touches Celes' face. "Admittedly, it was at Remilia-san's insistence. I understand it took a bit of persuasion on her part."
-
>Grin back.
>"It'd take a bit. We call her the Immovable Library for a reason."
>"Sounds like you guys get a lot of visitors."
-
>Grin back.
>"It'd take a bit. We call her the Immovable Library for a reason."
>"Sounds like you guys get a lot of visitors."
>Celes nods. "It was partially to aid Remilia-san and the Countess with a project they're working on."
>"We drew a lot of attention due to our involvement in the Night of Rage. And not all of it undeserved. But since then, many individuals have come and gone. I understand this is not uncommon for those involved in an incident over the past few years, at least for those who live in an area not so out of the way, such as the Myoren temple residents, or the Scarlet Devil and her folk. As a matter of fact, two members of the Myoren temple organization are guest of ours now."
-
>"Oh really, and which two?'
>"And, while I'm on it, what was your role in that whole thing? News hasn't gotten back to us yet."
-
>"Oh really, and which two?'
>"And, while I'm on it, what was your role in that whole thing? News hasn't gotten back to us yet."
>"Shou Toramaru-san and Mamizou Futatsuiwa-san."
>"There's pretty much been someone from the Myoren temple here for the past month." Yuzuriha adds, seemingly recovered from her starstruck moment. "They've been helping us get used to the Gensokyo of now."
>Celes considers your question."Perhaps you would care for a seat? That is not a simple question to answer."
-
>Nod. "Sure, that'll be okay."
-
>Nod. "Sure, that'll be okay."
>The steward nods, then turns her attention to Yuzuriha. "You can go back to your post. And if you see Honoka when she's finished out there, tell her the Countess would like a word with her."
>"Sure thing."
>"No, wait." Celes stops her fellow Cobalt as she turns. "Send one of your dogs to Tsumiko, tell her to meet us in the east sitting room. If Hatate-san is as curious as Aya-san is, she'll want to meet her before the day is over."
>"Isn't Merlin up there with her?"
>Celes considers that. "Give her fifteen minutes."
>"Right, chief."
>Her orders issues, Celes gestures towards the eastern wing. "If you'll come with me, please?"
-
>Follow!
-
>Follow!
>Yuzuhira departs as Celes leads you down the eastern wing of the Keep. The walk gives you a bit of time to analyze the odd sensation you get from this woman with the odd last name. Humans and Youkai have a presence, a sensation, that is distinct from one another, but this woman's presence is strange. It doesn't feel completely human. Which makes some sense, you think to yourself. A human living around youkai for a great length of time can be changed by the proximity, even becoming a youkai themselves in some cases. Celes here may be on her way down that path.
>The path she leads you down now, however, leads to the second door on your left, passing by a closed room that smells faintly of medicinal herbs and iodine. Opening her target door, you are admitted into a spacious stone room featuring a large table in the middle of the room with its head pointed at the large unlit fire pit set in the north wall. A small wood table is parked in the northwest corner, a matching table and chairs in the southeast. Apart from the furnishings, the room is quite sparse, a single oil painting hanging over the hearth, and a cloth bell pull to the left of the door. The air in here is slightly musty, the feel of a room that's only been recently opened after being closed for a very long time.
>"Please, have a seat." Celes says, indicating the whole room's availability as she gives the bellpull a tug.
-
>They are also Tengu reporters who only sit and wait.
-
>Geez, what a dump.
> Have a seat and try not to look put off by this room.
-
>They are also Tengu reporters who only sit and wait.
>Geez, what a dump.
> Have a seat and try not to look put off by this room.
>Unimpressed, but not visibly so, by the decor of the room, you select one of the chairs at the long table at random. Celes strides across the room to take a seat opposite of you.
>"First of all," she starts, folding her hands in front of her, "Let me apologize for the events that transpired on the Night of Rage. Even though that incident was the result of an accident, all of us here feel a certain responsibility for what happened. Especially for your tengu; Aya-san informed us that your people had been especially affected by the Rageblooms and their spores."
-
>"Well, the only thing I can do is accept your apology for myself. I don't know what Lord Tenma's feelings on it would be. So, you're saying it was you guys' fault?"
-
>"Well, the only thing I can do is accept your apology for myself. I don't know what Lord Tenma's feelings on it would be. So, you're saying it was you guys' fault?"
>"I am saying, Hatate-san, that it was an accident." Celes replies pointedly.
-
>Nod.
>"Got it. So what happened?"
-
>Nod.
>"Got it. So what happened?"
>"Where to begin...." Celes ponders, tapping her fingers together. "Are you familiar with the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins?"
-
>Are we? That is kinda western...
>Say yes or no as is correct.
>Also start taking some notes.
-
>Are we? That is kinda western...
>Say yes or no as is correct.
>Also start taking some notes.
>You think you've heard of them before, in one of those manga Sanae reads. Something about the evils of humanity. Greed, Lust, Wrath, Envy.... you forget the rest. And you inform Celes that you are only vaguely familiar with the idea as you produce your notebooks. You have the impression this could be the beginning of a story.
>"It's a concept that originated in Christian religion." Celes informs you. "Essentially, they are seven evils that humanity must fight against and overcome. But several centuries ago, there was a radical sect of the roman catholic church who decided to take more drastic measures than simply preaching to a scared group of humans. They came up with a method of gathering these Sins in one place, basically pulling them out of the world and into a physical form, so that they could be slain. In this case, into the body of a young woman named Tsumiko Kurada." She pauses. "Does that make sense?"
-
>"Kinda, sounds like a kind of shrine maiden stuff, really. I'm sorta wondering how western people got their hands on an eastern person to do it. But yeah, go on."
-
>"Kinda, sounds like a kind of shrine maiden stuff, really. I'm sorta wondering how western people got their hands on an eastern person to do it. But yeah, go on."
>"Tsumiko was an immigrant." Celes clarifies. "In fact, she was a member of the clergy in the village where the sect decided to launch their plan. At the time, the church was the only place that would take her in." The steward's face darkens, but then she recovers her calm. "But that is another story."
>"Their plan didn't go exactly as they had intended, but Tsumiko did end up as the receptacle of the Seven Sins, at least as much as could be gleaned from the village at the time. And some of the region beyond, I believe, it was hard for Tsumiko to determine that. Either way, the Sins within her became more than religious concepts; they became living spirits, incarnations of the sins. Wrath, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Pride and Sloth. And Tsumiko became their keeper."
>"Unfortunately, there was an accident a couple of months ago, and six of the seven sins escaped. It was one of these spirits, Wrath, who was responsible for the creation of the Rageblooms."
-
>"So, she was staying here?"
-
>"So, she was staying here?"
>"Yes, she is one of us." Celes says with a nod. "After the.. event, for lack of a better word, that made her what she is, she was no longer welcome among the clergy. She was living the life of a vagabond, until the Countess took her in. She stuck with us through some rather dark days, and stayed with us when the Countess chose to move the Keep into Gensokyo."
-
>"Interesting. So, an accident happened, what kind of accident? Is she alright? Could it happen again?"
-
>"Interesting. So, an accident happened, what kind of accident? Is she alright? Could it happen again?"
>"We have recovered. All of us were affected by the same force. You see, the Countess and we came to Gensokyo seeking peace. Unfortunately, Gensokyo back then was not the Gensokyo of now. We wound up conflicting with the other vampires active in that era, as well as other powerful youkai. who refused to leave us alone. After a while-"
>At this point, Celes pauses as the door behind you is pushed open, and a sharp voice announces, "You rang?"
>Celes frowns at the new arrival. "I wasn't expecting you, Sabine."
>"Sei's in the kitchen, so she drafted me into the job." The new arrival comes around the table, showing you a muscular woman with short black braided hair, messy bangs kept out of her eyes with a red headband emblazoned with a gold kanji. There are kanji too on the backs of her orange and black handwraps, and a challenging, arrogant smirk on her face. "What have we here, another tengu come looking for a scoop?"
-
>"And the last one that came looking for a scoop. But right now I'm just getting up to date on what happened. I'm Hatate."
>Proper bow for this situation.
>"Want something?"
-
>"And the last one that came looking for a scoop. But right now I'm just getting up to date on what happened. I'm Hatate."
>Proper bow for this situation.
>"Want something?"
>"Sabine." the cocky youkai answers, but she doesn't say anything else before Celes clears her throat, just a touch too loudly.
>"What have I told you about antagonizing our guests, Sabine."
>"I didn't say anything!" the muscular woman protests.
>"And you'll stay that way. Now go and bring a tray down for our guest and myself."
>Sabine mutters something under her breath, then nods at her boss, giving you another arrogant smirk before heading towards the door. "Sabine is our master of the guard." Celes informs you. "Among other things." she adds with a disapproving face. "Try not to let her get under your skin. Aya rather humiliated her during her visit, and I think she wants to take it out on another tengu."
-
>Wave a hand.
>"Don't worry about it. And humiliated her how?"
-
>Wave a hand.
>"Don't worry about it. And humiliated her how?"
>"Sabine is a kickboxer, a master at muay thai martial arts. She challenged Aya to hand-to-hand combat, and Aya defeated her. Handily, too. Sabine simply could not touch her. She had more skill than Aya, I believe, but Aya's speed was too much for her to overcome. I don't believe she landed a single solid blow on her."
-
>"Heh. That sounds like Aya."
>Can't let some folk get too complacent.
>"Anyways, where'd we leave off?"
-
>"Heh. That sounds like Aya."
>Can't let some folk get too complacent.
>"Anyways, where'd we leave off?"
>"Her agility is unparalleled."
>And knowing Aya, she would have found a way to record a few images of the fight. You'll have to ask her about that later when you track her down.
>"Yes, back to our tale." Celes says, folding her hands once more. "We spent many years caught up in the struggles between the various powers of Gensokyo at the time. In all honesty, we were starting to despair that we'd ever find the peace we were looking for. It was about that time that we were paid a visit by Yukari Yakumo. Her reputation back then was probably even more threatening than it is now, so you can understand that we thought we were nearly doomed. But she didn't come bearing doom, she came with an offer. She saw that our desire for peaceful coexistence was genuine, but she believed we'd simply come to Gensokyo too early. So she proposed that we sleep. She would seal us until Gensokyo changed, and became the world we were hoping it would be."
>The steward leans back in her seat. "I understand Yukari's even more notorious among your people than she is among the rest of the populace. I'm curious, Hatate-san. Would you have believed her? Taken her at her word?"
-
>"Who can say? Yukari can be pretty charming when she wants to be, you know? Maybe in your case back then, it sounded like a good deal?"
>Sounds pretty lousy right now, though...
-
>"Who can say? Yukari can be pretty charming when she wants to be, you know? Maybe in your case back then, it sounded like a good deal?"
>Sounds pretty lousy right now, though...
>Celes nods in agreement. "Almost too good to be true. Especially considering who it was coming from. And truth to tell, if it had been her alone making the offer, we probably would have turned her down. Well, at least tried. But she was accompanied by Ran, who had an almost automatic rapport with Yuzuriha, you may have noticed some of that yourself earlier. Ran convinced Yuzuriha that Yukari was sincere, and she helped convinced the Countess that Yukari was worth believing. It was a risk, yes, but the Countess believed it was a risk worth taking."
>"It was Ran herself who sealed us, and we all hoped than when we awoke, the world would have changed for the better." For the first time, a faint smile touches the steward's serious face. "And it is. It worked."
>"But I'm afraid this is where the accident occured." Celes says, her smile fading. "The seal on us was set to expire after a certain time had passed, or undone by Ran herself. Unfortunately, a young woman, an amateur explorer, found the Keep a little more than two months ago. At the time, she wasn't fully aware of her special, unique ability, nor was she fully in control of it. She accidentally disrupted the seal, and the shock of this disruption was very damaging to all of us under the seal's effects. And during that moment of shock, six of the seven Sin Spirits broke free from Tsumiko, and escaped into Gensokyo. It was one of these Sins, the Spirit of Wrath, who was responsible for the creation of the Rageblooms. And for the Night of Rage, as a result."
-
>"So where are the sins now?"
-
>"So where are the sins now?"
>"Of the six that escaped, five have been recovered. Envy and Sloth were defeated by the Scarlet Devil. Gluttony was beaten by the protector of the Human village. Wrath was beaten and sealed by the Hakurei shrine maiden before it could do anymore harm, and Pride was restored to Tsumiko through the combined effort of the Scarlet Devil and Meiling Hong, with a little help from Lust."
>"Greed is the only one still at large. But with the other five back where they belong, within Tsumiko, locating him is a matter of time." She leans forward slightly. "Other people have had to clean up a mess we were responsible for, indirectly or no. Greed at least we will find on our own."
-
>"Interesting, so Remilia Scarlet is an incident resolver now?"
-
>"Interesting, so Remilia Scarlet is an incident resolver now?"
>"She was on that night." Celes says with a nod. "She had a rather personal stake in the retrieval of Pride. And I was grateful she was willing to cooperate with us. With her help, getting Pride back where he belongs was much less difficult than it could have been."
-
>"Have these sin things ever come out before?"
-
>"Have these sin things ever come out before?"
>"You mean like they did when they escaped?"
-
>Nod.
>"Yeah. Is this a thing they can usually do, or was it a special case?"
-
>Nod.
>"Yeah. Is this a thing they can usually do, or was it a special case?"
>"They are bound to Tsumiko's soul, in a way I won't claim to fully comprehend. They're a part of her, as much as she is a part of them. It is only under very unusual circumstances where they can shirk that bond. Prior to the events that led to six of them escaping, only twice before have any of them escaped her control, and both of those times were due to the power of an exceptionally strong, and exceptionally evil, vampire."
-
>"Huh. Well, that's different. Rather good of you guys to let her stay, then. I can't imagine many of folks would have her."
-
>"Huh. Well, that's different. Rather good of you guys to let her stay, then. I can't imagine many of folks would have her."
>"That, Hatate-san, is precisely why she came to reside here in the first place." Celes says with a sour note. "Because no one else would have her." After a short pause, she inclines her head slightly. "Well, at least that was the case before. Now that we've come to know the likes of Byakuren Hijiri and the Scarlet Devil, I can't say that with the same weight I once could." She smiles slightly again. "Gensokyo truly has changed."
-
>Nod.
>"Speaking of changes, you said you used to have trouble with tengu? What happened?"
-
>Nod.
>"Speaking of changes, you said you used to have trouble with tengu? What happened?"
>"They were more isolated incidents than conflict with your people as a whole." Celes assures you. "As we told Aya, we bear no ill towards the tengu people, and no grudge over what happened before. I want to make that clear up front."
-
>"Oh. Because I was wondering if maybe the Yamabushi were giving you a hard time. They're kind of their own group."
-
>"Oh. Because I was wondering if maybe the Yamabushi were giving you a hard time. They're kind of their own group."
>Celes seems slightly impressed, then nods. "You are right, actually, at least in part. We did have two confrontations with Yamabushi tengu before our sealing. The first encounter we had with a Yamabushi was with a mage who claimed he had come to acquire any items of power we might possess. Aya informed us that this was not uncommon for the Yamabushi to do, though their methods can differ from person to person. The individual we met that day, for example, had no interest in any kind of negotiation or diplomacy, he simply tried to blast his way through us. As I recall, he declared he had no interest in listening to the followers of 'one of those bloodsuckers.'"
-
>Does this sound like the Yamabushi we know?
>"And the others?"
-
>Does this sound like the Yamabushi we know?
>"And the others?"
>You'd be hard-pressed to imagine them doing that sort of thing nowadays. But then again, the Yamabushi ARE the magical caste. To your knowledge, study of magical artifacts is one of their areas of expertise, and it's not that big a stretch to imagine one of them arrogant, or powerful enough, to try just what Celes said happened. A Dai-tengu certainly would have if she thought she had cause, or even just wanted to. A Yamabushi could have as well, especially at a time when Gensokyo wasn't as civilized as it is now.
>Celes' face darkens. "The second encounter we had with a Yamabushi tengu, about three months after the first incident, was an assassination attempt on the Countess." Disbelief crosses your mind instantly. The Yamabushi are a lot of things, but you can't imagine them ever undertaking an assassination. The Keep's steward nods slightly. "Aya had much the same expression when we told her about it. But it is true. However, thanks to Aya, we now know that this was no official act on the part of your people. The assassin claimed, when she was confronted, that she was doing it to avenge the loss of her lover, who had been killed by a vampire on Youkai mountain. She harbored a vendetta against all vampires; the Countess was merely her next target."
>The door opens again, and the smell of hot chocolate wafts across your nose as Celes continues, "At the time, we didn't know if she had been acting alone, or if the tengu leadership had assigned her the task. The woman was neither overly talkative nor coherent, once the Countess confronted her. Aya was familiar with the story, however, and was able to fill in the parts we could not know."
>"Talking about that white-winged assassin?" Sabine asks as she comes around the table, carrying a silver tray loaded with two mugs of fresh hot chocolate, a plate of brownies and fried egg sandwiches.
-
>"White winged?"
>Do we know of any white-winged Tengu?
>Does any of that story sound familiar at all? Vampire grudges or the like?
-
>"White winged?"
>Do we know of any white-winged Tengu?
>Does any of that story sound familiar at all? Vampire grudges or the like?
>"Oh, I'm sorry, 'Yamabushi.'" the martial artist says with thinly veiled sarcasm, ignoring Celes' disapporiving look as she puts the tray of goodies down between you and the steward.
>Almost all Yamabushi have white wings.
>Wing color essentially comes with caste. Yamabushi almost always have white wings, with very rare cases of yellow-gold, violet or light blue. Crow tengu like yourself tend to have black or brown wings, sometimes grey, never white. Long-noses have the largest range of natural colors, ranging from dull red to brown, with occasional off-whites or dark greys. Dai-Tengu universally have black wings, but they are prone to coloring their wings themselves. Tsubaki, for instance, had purple highlights in her wings when you met her earlier today. You believe purple is in fashion right now among the upper class.
>By itself, the story doesn't ring any signifigant bells. You do know that there was indeed at least one vampire who lived around tengu territory some centuries back. You don't think she was ever more than an occasional irritant to your people, though this might be Dai-tengu propaganda at work. It wouldn't be the first time they've tried to make something seem weaker and less threatening than it actually is. One thing you know for sure is that this vampire was reported slain about a century and a half ago, though you can't recall by whom or what.
-
>Nod toward Sabine. "Thank you."
>Jerk.
>"So, I'm going to guess it ended poorly for at least one person?"
-
>Nod toward Sabine. "Thank you."
>Jerk.
>"So, I'm going to guess it ended poorly for at least one person?"
>The jerk merely nods.
>Celes selects one of the ceramic mugs, then nods. "The assassin very nearly succeeded. The type of magic she was using very nearly made her completely undectable."
>"But she didn't count on Sei." Sabine puts in, leaning up against the wall next to the fire pit.
>"Indeed. Sei, our chef and the Countesses' bodyguard, is well versed in darker eastern magics. She confronted the Yamabushi before she was able to reach the Countess."
>"And she put up a hell of a fight, too, after Sei flushed her out." Sabine adds. "White-wings was berserk, even managed to stick me to the wall." She pulls down the collar of her sleeveless red shirt and shows you a nasty scar along her collarbone.
>Celes looks somewhat regretful as she takes a short drink. "In the end, there was no choice. Sei stopped her." The intonation of the word 'stop' leaves little room for doubt about what she means.
-
>Nod.
>"It happens."
>What sort of funerary rites do the tengu maintain?
-
>What sort of funerary rites do the tengu maintain?
>Whereas other races consign their departed to the eart, Tengu consign their dead to the sky. (Or near enough to it). At the highest point of Youkai Mountain within tengu territory, there is a multi-story mausoleum wherein the dead of the tengu, after a dignified vigil by the living- with moderate to heavy quantities of fine alcohol involved-, enshrine the departed within an open chamber, so that their body and spirit may dwell among the four winds.
>At least, this is true for four out of five tengu castes. As with most everything, the Yamabushi may be an exception. A Yamabushi tengu always presides over the vigil and the interrment, as they are the caste responsibile for the Tengu's spiritual as well as magical side, but you've neither attended a Yamabushi funeral nor are you aware of what transpires at one. They're so stand-offish, it wouldn't surprise you terribly if they had their own funerary rites as well.
>Nod.
>"It happens."
>"And we all hope it doesn't happen again." Sabine says emphatically. "It's just that kinda thing that we wanted to get away from, that's why we came here in the first place."
-
>"What'd you do with her body? I'm sure there's someone who'd like to know."
-
>"What'd you do with her body? I'm sure there's someone who'd like to know."
>"Buried her out front." Sabine answers. "Was the Countesses' idea. Said that even though white-wings came to kill her, we ought to give her a bit of dignity."
-
>Gross.
>But better than nothing.
>"I'll be sure to pass that along. There's going to be someone who'll be relieved to know. Thanks for doing that."
-
>Gross.
>But better than nothing.
>"I'll be sure to pass that along. There's going to be someone who'll be relieved to know. Thanks for doing that."
>Sabine's matter of fact answer makes your skin crawl. You respect the sentiment behind it, as much as you can, but the very idea makes you work real hard not to shudder. Still, it could have been worse. If you're right about the timing, this would have back when youkai still used to eat people, even other youkai now and then. Hearing that, you're fairly sure, would have made your stomach flip.
>"It was the least we could do." Celes replies with dignity.
>"Tsumiko actually wanted us to haul the corpse back to that mountain of yours." Sabine adds rather crassly. "But we didn't think that'd go over well."
>Celes nods sadly. "We didn't know your people very well, but considering our experiences up to that point, we concluded that such a gesture would only bring about more conflict, which is the last thing we wanted."
-
>"Yeah. The Yamabushi are...private, at the best of times."
>"So, I'm supposed to meet with this Countess, right? Um, are there any sore points I should try to avoid mentioning that aren't obvious?"
-
>"Yeah. The Yamabushi are...private, at the best of times."
>"So, I'm supposed to meet with this Countess, right? Um, are there any sore points I should try to avoid mentioning that aren't obvious?"
>Celes blinks. "I'm sorry, but, did you mean you wanted to meet the Countess now?"
-
>"No, no, I'm not trying to rush you or anything. I just wanted to be sure I had my manners in check ahead of time, you know?"
-
>"No, no, I'm not trying to rush you or anything. I just wanted to be sure I had my manners in check ahead of time, you know?"
>"Ah. Sensible, and considerate as well." Celes says approvingly.
>"I wouldn't sweat the P's and Q's if I were you, though." Sabine drawls, leveling that cocky smirk of hers at Celes this time. "Countess isn't near as stuff-shirted as the Dragon Rider here."
>Celes' lip twitches slightly at Sabine's moniker for her, but she merely nods afterwards. "A simplistic, but effective, bit of information, that. The Countess does not respond well to hostility or threats to her people, but you do not strike me as the sort to do that anyway, Hatate-san. Apart from that mote of common sense, there is little I believe would call for warning or concern." She pauses. "Well, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that there is little the Countess would object to, specifically, or be offended by. Sabine may be... glib, but she isn't wrong in her opinion. The Countess, in many ways, has much thicker skin than I."
-
>"That's pretty impressive, really. Not many people have a title and don't let it go to their heads."
>"Hey, could you show me around a bit, maybe?"
-
>"That's pretty impressive, really. Not many people have a title and don't let it go to their heads."
>"Hey, could you show me around a bit, maybe?"
>Celes smiles. "Truth to tell, the Countess prefers not to use her title whenever possible. We use it as a sign of our respect and admiration for her, and she lets us do so as a sign of her affection for us."
>"We're sorta odd for a vampire and her flunkies, ain't we." Sabine quips.
>"Sabine." Celes admonishes her.
>"I would be happy to." Celes replies, taking a bite out of one of the sandwiches. "There are parts of the Keep that still haven't been tidied or cleaned since our awakening, but it is still open to visitors."
>"Most of it." Sabine corrects absently.
-
Purvis, you remember we have people waiting for us, right?
>"The reason I originally came here was to speak with the person in charge of magical research. Who would that be?"
-
>"The reason I originally came here was to speak with the person in charge of magical research. Who would that be?"
>As Celes chews her mouthful, Sabine answers, "We don't really 'research' like Patchy does, if that's what you mean. But if there was someone here to go to for magical stuff, it'd probably be the priest."
>"She means Tsumiko." Celes clarifies. "Why do you ask? Have you a magical problem of some sort?"
-
>"More like a magical obstacle. Are you familiar with Marisa Kirisame?"
-
>"More like a magical obstacle. Are you familiar with Marisa Kirisame?"
>"We spoke of her earlier." Celes reminds you.
-
>"I heard Marisa obtained a book from the library here, and her house also has a recently constructed magical barrier. "
-
>"I heard Marisa obtained a book from the library here, and her house also has a recently constructed magical barrier. "
>"So her house has a suit of armor, so what?" Sabine says, waving her muscular arm dismissively. "Ain't like she got it from here. She hasn't been here."
>Celes, however, doesn't seem as dismissive as Sabine does, looking a bit thoughtful.
-
>"She might have gotten it from the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Either way, it would be nice if I could speak with the Countess or the person most knowledgeable about barriers and constructing and bypassing them. "
-
>"She might have gotten it from the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Either way, it would be nice if I could speak with the Countess or the person most knowledgeable about barriers and constructing and bypassing them. "
>"Countess is in bed until nightfall." Sabine informs you. "Comes with being a vampire, that. But like I-"
>"Be quiet, Sabine." Celes interrupts her, firmly but not harshly. To you, she asks, "This barrier. How long has in been in place?"
-
>"I don't know, but my sources inform me that Marisa acquired the book 28 days ago. I believe the barrier is more recent than that."
-
>"I don't know, but my sources inform me that Marisa acquired the book 28 days ago. I believe the barrier is more recent than that."
>"28 days? That can't be, we were awake then."
>"Maybe she's right then, and black-white stole the book from the Scarlets." Sabine offers. "Wouldn't be the first time she's done that."
>Celes does not seem entirely convinced. "What did this barrier feel like? Was there a sense of... evil? Or malice?"
-
>"There are actually two barriers. The outer one emitted a feeling like you say, and we reasoned it was to scare off intruders or wandering fairies. The inner barrier was shocking to the touch, and much more durable."
-
>"There are actually two barriers. The outer one emitted a feeling like you say, and we reasoned it was to scare off intruders or wandering fairies. The inner barrier was shocking to the touch, and much more durable."
>Sabine and Celes exchange a look.
>"You don't think..." Sabine starts, for once looking completely serious. "I thought the library was clear."
>"We thought the courtyard was clear, too, until that forcecage almost killed you and Sei. At any rate, it's a chance we can't afford to take. Find Setsuka and ask her about this."
>"Right away, chief." Sabine hustles out of the room, leaving a very serious looking Celes behind with you.
>"I fear Marisa may have stumbled upon something very dangerous, Hatate-san."
-
>"How dangerous would you say?"
-
>"How dangerous would you say?"
>"Without knowing more, I can't say for sure. But if I'm right, potentially extremely dangerous."
-
>"Who is Setsuka?"
-
>"Who is Setsuka?"
>"The last member of our family. Though you wouldn't see much of her, even if you stayed here for weeks. Setsuka doesn't... socialize. She guards the Vault, where we keep every item and object that is especially fragile or valuable. She's only really close to the Countess. But when it comes to objects of darkness, none of us are more knowledgeable or capable of dealing with them than her."
>The steward lets out a long breath. "If that's what this is, of course. I shouldn't jump to conclusions." She picks up her half-eaten sandwich again, a contemplates it for a moment. "And even if I'm right...." She trails off, then looks back up at you. "Tell me more about these barriers, please. Anything, everything you know."
-
Bah, like Miji's gonna get Fatchouli out there with anything resembling speed. Besides, we now have Valvalis to seduce!
>"Well, I told you most of what I know. We were able to get through the first barrier without too much trouble, but it can fix itself. And it's kinda shaped like a dome, but I think it goes underground too."
-
>"Well, I told you most of what I know. We were able to get through the first barrier without too much trouble, but it can fix itself. And it's kinda shaped like a dome, but I think it goes underground too."
>"And it was this barrier that emitting the feelings of evil?"
-
>"I don't know if it was evil, but it was something that definitely made you feel like you shouldn't mess with it."
-
>"I don't know if it was evil, but it was something that definitely made you feel like you shouldn't mess with it."
>"But I gather that you did so anyway. Are all Crow tengu as curious as you and Aya seem to be?"
-
>Are they?
>"Hey, let's call it inquisitive."
-
>Are they?
>"Hey, let's call it inquisitive."
>By and large, yes, actually. Curiousity is essentially ingrained into all Crow Tengu from birth. Some Crows are better at satisfying their curiousity than others, such as yourself.
>Celes nods slowly, taking another methodical bite of her sandwich. "I am relieved that all you found on the other side of that barrier was another shield. And this one, you said, carried an energy charge, bit did not have the same sensation of... caution?"
-
>"I don't think it felt like that."
-
>"I don't think it felt like that."
>The steward ponders that for a moment. "Quite a puzzle. Two barriers, possibly made by two different wizards. Or possibly something else." Celes sighs quietly. "Regardless of what Setsuka has to say, I think one of us should investigate this matter further anyway. This may be nothing more than Marisa miscasting a spell she read in an ordinary tome she took from the Keep. Or it could be something worse. But the chance that something of ours may be involved is a chance I am not prepared to ignore. Will you provide me with directions to Marisa's house? I feel one of us should investigate this matter further."
-
>"I'll do you one better and take you there, if you tell me what's up."
-
>"I'll do you one better and take you there, if you tell me what's up."
>"I appreciate that you are curious, but if what I fear is correct, then it would be best for you not to be involved, for your own safety."
-
>"Convince me."
-
>"Convince me."
>"I get the impression that could be a difficult task." Celes says wryly. "But very well, I will tell you. I fear that Marisa may have accidentally stolen a relic from a darker time. You see, the Countess was not the first vampire to reside in this Keep. The previous owner was a being of unparalleled evil, and exceptional magical powers. He seeded this Keep with traps, seemingly innocuous items, sometimes even a blade of grass, each one capable of bringing death, or sometimes worse, to anyone unwary enough to activate them. On top of these, there are other... objects, of his creation, that remain within the Keep. Not traps, per se, but they can cause grievous harm if used incorrectly. Not only to the one who uses it, but anyone in the vicinity, potentially. We have tried to gather all of these items, disarm these traps, but even now, we are sure we haven't located them all."
>Celes pauses to led you absorb this information. "If Marisa was here before we awoke, if she stole a book from our library that happened to be one of these objects, she could be in deadly danger. As could anyone who comes after her."
-
>"Well then. You'll definitely need me to show you the way. And maybe get there before Patchouli does, huh?"
-
>"Well then. You'll definitely need me to show you the way. And maybe get there before Patchouli does, huh?"
>"Patchouli Knowledge? What does she have to do with this?"
-
>"My partner's off fetching her to look into this. See, we didn't really expect you guys to be involved with that, so coming here was more like killing two birds with one stone."
-
>"My partner's off fetching her to look into this. See, we didn't really expect you guys to be involved with that, so coming here was more like killing two birds with one stone."
>"The Unmoving Library... Actually, that might prove somewhat fortuitous. Patchouli has a brand of magic none of us possess, and her knowledge of vampiric powers and habits may outstrip my own, and I have served vampires since before she was born. She is one of the few residents of Gensokyo I believe would be capable of detecting one of his traps, as well as disarming it, or at least containing it." She then inclines her head thoughtfully. "But on the other hand, you have a point. The less people involved than necessary, the better. And it may not be necessary at all. We won't know until we investigate, barring news to the contrary from Setsuka."
-
>"I'm thinking two heads are better than one, if nothing else. Might as well bring in as much expertise as possible if this thing is really so bad."
-
>"I'm thinking two heads are better than one, if nothing else. Might as well bring in as much expertise as possible if this thing is really so bad."
>Celes nods. "As much as I would rather not involve any more people than needs demand, the reality is that even after centuries of work, we're still trying to expunge his evil from this place. The Myoren temple people have been trying to help us achieve that goal, and so have the Scarlet Devil and her people. And Reimu Hakurei as well. But even with all of them, I know we have a long way to go."
-
>"So, you go grab your expert, and I'll meet you out front?"
-
>"So, you go grab your expert, and I'll meet you out front?"
>"As you wish. Though it may some time, Setsuka is not an easy woman to find all the time."
-
>"Oh that's fine, it'll give me some time to talk with some other folks. I won't say anything about this, though."
-
>Has the noise of battle stopped?
-
>Has the noise of battle stopped?
>You haven't heard anything from outside for a while, not since you came into this room. Either you finally got enough stone between you and Leraije to muffle the noise of her bullets, or the shooting's stopped. You're not sure which.
>"Oh that's fine, it'll give me some time to talk with some other folks. I won't say anything about this, though."
>Celes gives you a very wry look. "A journalist with discretion. Admirable."
-
>"Oh, you'd rather I'd tell everyone? I can do that."
-
>"Oh, you'd rather I'd tell everyone? I can do that."
>The grin fades. "That is not what I meant, no. I am sorry if I offended you."
-
>Shake head.
>"I'm just trying to keep light-hearted, don't worry."
>Stand up. "So, let's get moving?"
-
>Shake head.
>"I'm just trying to keep light-hearted, don't worry."
>Stand up. "So, let's get moving?"
>"Very well." Celes stands as well. "Oh, wait, I've just had a thought. If you see Honoka outside, you can tell her about this, if you want."
-
>Nod.
>"Okay, if I see her, I may tell her. We'll see."
-
>Nod.
>"Okay, if I see her, I may tell her. We'll see."
>With that said, Celes comes around the table and opens the door for you.
-
>"Thank you!"
>Make out way back toward the front. Keep an eye open to Ranka or Honoka along the way.
-
>"Thank you!"
>Make out way back toward the front. Keep an eye open to Ranka or Honoka along the way.
>You and Celes part ways in the hallway, you heading back towards the doorway while she heads left. Through the thick wooden doors, you detect the sound of danmaku in the air, though nowhere near as loud as Leraije's shots. And you think you hear fire as well. Curiousity piqued, you glance outside. Sure enough, the air is alive with the sound of bullets. The fire can be explained by the fact that there are streaks of flames lining the sky, spaced in, around and through crimson bullets of several types. Honoka is the source of the flaming shots, and she seems to be squaring off against Ranka and Yuzuriha, the latter of which is flanked by two floating dogs, the yellow furred one she had earlier and a slightly larger grey dog, possibly a wolf.
>Seated in front of the gate are the two Prismriver sisters and the green clad Leraije, watching the show.
-
>Make our way toward the gate, then approach the former duelists.
>Give a friendly "Hey!"
-
>Make our way toward the gate, then approach the former duelists.
>Give a friendly "Hey!"
>Staying low to avoid collateral fire, you head up and over the gate, setting down alongside Leraije. The trio of non-humans have been joined in the interim by a small woman with short messy brown hair capped by a red and purple nightcap. She wears a pale purple buttoned pajama top, with a dull grey dress underneath. There is a grey anklet around her left leg above her bare foot, with a pink jeweled snail inset. A large dog with white and blue fur rests it bulk on the new girl's lap. She doesn't seem to care. In fact, she looks very drowsy, despite the spectacle going on overhead.
>"You're just in time." Leraije says with a spectator's grin on her face. "Honoka's really getting fired up." Her voice, somewhat surprisingly, is somewhat quiet, in sharp contrast to her danmaku.
-
>"Oh, that threatens to be interesting."
>Let's see if we can get a few good shots while talking.
>"I'm Hatate Himekaidou. You put on a pretty good show earlier."
>Polite nods to the others.
-
>"Oh, that threatens to be interesting."
>Let's see if we can get a few good shots while talking.
>"I'm Hatate Himekaidou. You put on a pretty good show earlier."
>Polite nods to the others.
>"Better believe it." Leraije says with emphasis. "That woman's really strong."
>"Hope they finish soon." the drowsy-looking girl says with a short yawn. "I want to get back to my nap."
>Lunasa, polishing her horn, remarks absently, "Small wonder you like her, Lyrica." Her sibling grunts but does not protest.
>Setting up to take a few choice shots at the battle overhead, you make a few observations after greeting the others on the ground. Yuzuriha's dogs seem to be acting in the capacity of familiars, absorbing danmaku and returning fire to compliment the circular and angular bullets fired by the Cobalt gate guard. Honoka's face, despite Leraije's description of her attitude, is almost calm, starkly belying the intensity and level of her danmaku. By comparison, Ranka's stunning face is lit with a big smile. She seems almost joyous to be exchanging fire with Honoka.
>"I thought I noticed you before." Leraije answers with a nod. "You're the Crow that arrived with Honoka, right?"
-
>"Yeah, I did. And you're one of the people who keep this place guarded, right?"
-
>"Yeah, I did. And you're one of the people who keep this place guarded, right?"
>"That's me. I'm the ranged specialist. Leraije." she introduces herself, sticking out her hand, revealing her green painted nails.Your proximity to the demon reveals her to be a rather fetching lass. Her long black hair is finely textured, and hangs over part of the right side of her well defined face, concealing one of her rich green eyes. Her short-sleeved purple body suit is rather form fitting, despite its understated exterior, and fits around a very shapely form. A simple cord of pink and white pearls decorate her neck, and a pair of emerald-studded silver bracelets encircle both wrists.
-
>Shake hand. Grip as hard as needs be to avoid crushing, and no harder.
>"Yeah, I heard. Sounds like you really enjoy fireworks."
-
>Shake hand. Grip as hard as needs be to avoid crushing, and no harder.
>"Yeah, I heard. Sounds like you really enjoy fireworks."
>"It's what I do." she answers with a grin. "And I'm still good to go if you wanted to try your luck. I'd love to see if you're as good as that other tengu."
>"One defeat wasn't enough in a day?" the dozy woman drawls. You have to stifle a yawn yourself, despite the sheets of bullets being exchanged overhead.
>Leraije's grin does not falter. "No shame in losing to Honoka."
-
>Wave hand. "Maybe I would, but I've got to be going in a little bit."
>Glance back at the fight.
-
>"By the way Miss, your name isn't Setsuka is it?"
-
>Wave hand. "Maybe I would, but I've got to be going in a little bit."
>Glance back at the fight.
>Leraije shrugs. "It's your call."
>"Your ears will probably thank you." Lunasa quips. The demon does not seem offended.
>Yuzuriha seems to be a bit outgunned, to your eyes. Even with her canine familiars, her shots are not as fast as Ranka's, nor as numerous or expertly put together as Honoka's. Still, she's making a very good show of herself. In terms of skill, she seems to be around the same level as Alice Margatroid. A comparison that is strengthened in your mind as, after suffering impacts from a pair of Honoka's lasers, Yuzuriha clenches her fists and two more dogs appear around her, another wolf-like dog with a grey and white coat and a large brown and black coated canine, and all four dogs immediately fire criss-crossing streams of petal-danmaku, each dog firing a different color, while Yuzuriha herself floats in the middle of the formation discharging large spheroid shots. You see a spellcard in her hand, but unlike many others, she activated hers without shouting its name to the heavens.
>"By the way Miss, your name isn't Setsuka is it?"
>The drowsy woman with the messy hair looks around, then points to herself, as though to say, 'Who, me?'
-
>"Yeah, you."
-
>"Yeah, you."
>"Nah. I'm Sloth."
-
>"Oh, I heard about you! You're one of those sins, aren't you?"
-
>"Oh, I heard about you! You're one of those sins, aren't you?"
>She nods laconically.
-
>"Well, you don't seem like much of a troublemaker."
-
>"Well, you don't seem like much of a troublemaker."
>The Sin shrugs. "Too much trouble to make trouble."
>Lunasa nods approvingly. "Simple logic."
>"Don't let that lazy face fool you." Leraije adds. "Sloth here managed to possess the Hakurei a little while ago."
-
>"...You know, I'm not too surprised. Though isn't it too much trouble to possess people, too?"
-
>"...You know, I'm not too surprised. Though isn't it too much trouble to possess people, too?"
>"World in Flames!" Honoka cries above, activating a spellcard of her own.
>Leraije pumps her fist excitedly. "All right! I was hoping she'd use that one."
>"Most of the time." Sloth confirms, heedless of the demon's excitement. "But she was asleep when I got her."
-
>Laugh.
>Then look back. Get some pictures of the action.
>"What were you even doing over there?"
-
>Laugh.
>Then look back. Get some pictures of the action.
>"What were you even doing over there?"
>Honoka's arms and legs poke out from her cloak, the youkai suffused with a crimson aura. Her hands discharge multidirectional bursts of bullets, wedges, rice-grains and fireballs, in a chaotic, ferocious barrage. In addition to these shots, the field on top of her and behind her, or the top half of the screen begin to pulse with orange light. Ranka, who is in this area at the moment, books it back down towards Yuzuriha, suffering grazing shots from a pair of fireballs, escaping the area after the third pulse. Each pulse of light then erupts in a massive explosion of flame, the core of each explosion emitting a thin orange laser down towards Ranka and Yuzuriha.
>"Curiousity." Sloth replies. "Wanted to see what the new Hakurei was like."
-
>"The new Hakurei, did you meet an old Hakurei?
>Did we meet a previous Hakurei, or did Ayayayaya?
-
>"The new Hakurei, did you meet an old Hakurei?
>Did we meet a previous Hakurei, or did Ayayayaya?
>Sloth nods. "Before the long sleep."
>Leraije adds, "The Hakurei of that area was a lot more severe than Reimu. When we met Reimu, she beat everyone of us that she meant, but the only one she really went out of her way to punish was Sloth."
>The Sin shrugs. "I've had worse."
>You yourself have not. Aya, being much (much, much, much, much.... Old woman) older than you, has encountered many generations of the Hakurei keepers. She hasn't always had much to say about the previous generations, however. According to her, Reimu's a lot more interesting than pretty much any of the ones that came before, at least as far as Aya was concerned.
-
>"Yeah, that sounds like Reimu. What'd she do to Sloth?"
>Continue to take advantage of good photo opportunities.
-
>"Yeah, that sounds like Reimu. What'd she do to Sloth?"
>Continue to take advantage of good photo opportunities.
>Honoka is giving you plenty of good shots, too. That card of hers is one of the most dangerous you've ever seen in person. There's no discernable pattern to the many types of bullets up there, and the lasers are adding injury to injury. And then there's the matter of the eruptions. The pulsing lights give her opponents time to escape the zones, though, not a lot, and doing so without being struck by one of the flying projectiles is exceedingly difficult. Agile Ranka seems to be working very hard indeed not to get hit more than she is, though she manages to be beautiful even in this. Yuzuriha, who is seemingly neither as agile nor as skilled as her partner, is getting hammered.
>Leraije gives the Sin a merry grin. "She hit her with a ying-yang orb." She pauses for a moment, then adds, "One the size of a boulder."
-
>"Oof."
>Look to Leraije. "So, how do you fit in around this place? I've been trying to get my head around the community here."
-
>"Oof."
>Look to Leraije. "So, how do you fit in around this place? I've been trying to get my head around the community here."
>"Wasn't so bad." Sloth says with a shrug. "Was actually kinda comfy under that thing."
>"You'd probably say that if you had a mountain dropped on you." Lyrica states.
>"Fit in? You mean, what's my job?"
-
>"More than that, I mean. Where do you live, what do you do with your time , and stuff like that?"
-
>"More than that, I mean. Where do you live, what do you do with your time , and stuff like that?"
>"Aren't we curious." Leraije says with an amused smile.
>"Maybe she likes you." Sloth drawls.
>The cannoneer looks you up and down. "There's a thought."
-
>"Worse. I'm a reporter."
-
>"Worse. I'm a reporter."
>"'zat all you tengu do?" Sloth inquires.
>Leraije, however, merely nods towards your camera-phone. "I should've guessed, the way you've been recording the duel."
>Said duel, however, appears to be winding down. Yuzuriha suffers a tandem blow from a stray bullet, and gets engulfed by Honoka's spellcard's explosion. When the flame clears, the damaged-looking Cobalt guard holds her arm out, palm down. "I give."
-
>Snap a picture of that, and any victory celebrations.
>"Just that not too many of us tend to travel much, Sloth."
-
>"Just that not too many of us tend to travel much, Sloth."
>"Smart people." the Sin says with a nod.
>"Have you considered a PR campaign?" Lunasa asks. "Having Aya be basically the only ambassador for your people has to have its drawbacks."
>>Snap a picture of that, and any victory celebrations.
>Rather than looking victorious, Honoka seems displeased, ending the effect of World in Flames. "If you'd been using all six dogs, you and Ranka could have broken that card. You held back."
>"I think you overestimate me, Honoka." Yuzuriha replies, brushing some ash off of her singed shirt. "Remilia-san had trouble with that card of yours, what chance did we have?"
>"That's her way, honey." Ranka says to the dog owner. Even her voice is nice, carrying on the breeze like perfumed silk. "She always wants the best from people she fights."
>"Less than that wouldn't be fair, to me or my opponents." Honoka states, retracting her arms into her cloak.
-
>"To be honest, by and large we don't care too much what other people think. We normally keep to ourselves and expect others to respect that. Buuuuuut, the traditional view of things came around before we had people like Aya running around and giving people ideas, so you might have the right idea."
>Do we think anyone with any influence back home would actually care about that sort of thing.
-
>Do we think anyone with any influence back home would actually care about that sort of thing.
>Amongst the four 'main' castes, probably not. Except maybe Aya herself, no one in power among the Crows or Dais or Long-noses really has enough interest in the other races to undertake any kind of project to improve their reputation among them.
>The Yamabushi, however, might be a different story. The oldest daughter of the reigning elder of that caste, a woman named Momohime, is infamous among the tengu for being one of the only tengu, other than Aya and occasionally Momiji, who leaves the mountain on a regular basis. If any tengu would be willing to back such a project, it would probably be her.
>"To be honest, by and large we don't care too much what other people think. We normally keep to ourselves and expect others to respect that. Buuuuuut, the traditional view of things came around before we had people like Aya running around and giving people ideas, so you might have the right idea."
>"Would probably make your job easier." Lunasa offers.
>"Sounds like more work to me." Sloth counters.
>"Everything sounds like more work to you."
>"Why work when you can nap." the Sin counters with a yawn. It really isn't hard to see why this one was drawn to Reimu.
>"I remember now." Leraije says as Lunasa and Sloth have their exchange. "We heard the Tengu were like that back when we first arrived. Isolationist. Uh, no offense intended."
-
>"None taken. It's not untrue at all. About the only other tengu I can think of that ranges out often other than me and Aya would be a fairly high-ranking girl from the Yamabushi clan. We really prefer not to have too many visitors when we can help it."
>How bad has the Moriya shrine deranged that desire in the past few years?
>What are the duelists up to now?
-
>Momohime ... Princess Peach?
-
>"None taken. It's not untrue at all. About the only other tengu I can think of that ranges out often other than me and Aya would be a fairly high-ranking girl from the Yamabushi clan. We really prefer not to have too many visitors when we can help it."
>How bad has the Moriya shrine deranged that desire in the past few years?
>"It's true." Lunasa adds. "We've toured pretty much all across Gensokyo, but the Tengu territory's always been off limits to us."
>"I'm not complaining." her sister says. "Saves us hiking up that mountain."
>The Moriyas haven't had a lot of impact on that aspect of Tengu society. Kanako and Sanae garner some respect for being so tied to the winds, but the majority of tengu have no desire to visit them nor have them visit Tengu territory. You know that Kanako herself has come into Tengu territory on at least two occasions, but only at the invitation of Lord Tenma, and then only on official business. Most of the time when the Tengu and the Moriya need to discuss business, your people send someone up to the shrine.
>Momohime ... Princess Peach?
>As a matter of fact, you believe she HAS been referred to as such before.
>What are the duelists up to now?
>Ranka is tending to one of Yuzuriha's dogs, brushing some cinders out of its grey coat while Yuzu herself attends to the others as they float back down towards the surface. Honoka meanwhile, is heading back down to ground in your direction. Ranka must have called off the duel as well, and Honoka doesn't seem entirely pleased about the result.
-
>Does Momohime wear pink clothing?
-
>Does Momohime wear pink clothing?
>The last time she was pictured in Aya's paper, she was wearing..... A white dress, you think. Which in itself is a bit odd for a Yamabushi, their traditional attire tends more towards robes and bodywraps of that style, rather than gowns or other fashions. She does, however, have pink coloring in her wings.
-
>"Well, there's still the Moriya shrine. Now, excuse me a moment."
>Approach Honoka. "Hey, sorry to leave you out here if you're so bored you're getting into fights."
-
>"Well, there's still the Moriya shrine. Now, excuse me a moment."
>Approach Honoka. "Hey, sorry to leave you out here if you're so bored you're getting into fights."
>Leraije nods as you take to wing, meeting Honoka halfway down. "Hardly bored." the cloaked youkai disagrees. "Spellcard dueling has become one of my favourite activities since its introduction. So long as the fight is fair."
-
>"Well, you did pretty good for yourself, looks like."
-
>"Well, you did pretty good for yourself, looks like."
>Honoka shakes her head. "The fight should still be going. Yuzuriha and Ranka together have enough skill and power to beat "World in Flames." Ranka alone has managed it. Only once, I admit, but the fact remains."
-
>"Maybe they just got tired of it?"
>"Speaking of Ranka, I hear she's a friend of yours?"
-
>"Maybe they just got tired of it?"
>"Speaking of Ranka, I hear she's a friend of yours?"
>"It is possible." Honoka admits. "Perhaps I should reserve that card for opponents closer to my level."
>She nods. "Indeed. We have been friends for centuries."
-
>Chuckle.
>"Word has it that it's a lot more than that~"
-
>Chuckle.
>"Word has it that it's a lot more than that~"
>Honoka's mouth opens and closes. "At times. At other times, not as much."
-
>Give her an understanding pat on the shoulder.
>"Heh, that's a shame. I was entertaining thoughts of trying for her myself."
-
I don't think that's the right way to phrase this.
>Don't say that just yet.
How about this?
>"Oh? I see. Ranka is very attractive ... I wonder how available she is?"
-
>"Oh? I see. Ranka is very attractive ... I wonder how available she is?"
>Honoka's face twists into a half smile. "As available as a summer wind." she replies with a quiet chuckle. "From the way you asked, I am guessing you are more than simply casually curious?"
-
>"Shhhh."
>Wink.
-
>"Shhhh."
>Wink.
>Honoka chuckles quietly again. "I shall take that as a yes?"
-
>"So, it's no problem?"
-
>"So, it's no problem?"
>Honoka's smile becomes tinged bittersweet, as she turns her head to look at the golden-tressed Ranka. "Ranka is a child of the winds. I'm sure you can appreciate what that means even more than I. The freedom she has is more than just a feeling or desire, it is who she is. She flirts with whom she wishes, she loves whom she wishes. I would not change her, even if I could." The solemn youkai returns her gaze to you. "If she has caught your eye- and it is far from hard to see why she has- then you have no need to fear opposition or reprisal from me."
>Her smile shifts subtley, edging from wistful admiration to something approaching threatening. "Unless of course someone upsets or hurts her. Fear becomes very healthy then for that individual."
-
>"That goes without saying. Still, I just needed to be sure, you know? I'd hate to get between you and someone important, you know?"
-
>"That goes without saying. Still, I just needed to be sure, you know? I'd hate to get between you and someone important, you know?"
>"Prudence and honor." Honoka says with a satisfied nod. "An admirable combination. As a token of respect for that, I shall offer a word of advice. Do not be off-put if Ranka seems flighty. It is not necassarily a sign of her lack of interest, it is merely her personality."
-
>"Oh, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!"
>"Now, if you'll excuse me..."
>Approach Ranka, assess what she's up to before greeting her, if possible.
-
>"Oh, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!"
>"Now, if you'll excuse me..."
>Approach Ranka, assess what she's up to before greeting her, if possible.
>Honoka nods slowly. "Good luck." she says as you move away from her.
>You spy the youkai of wind giving Yuzuriha's yellow haired dog a pat on the heaad, before sending him back towards the Cobalt guard. She then turns her gaze to the cloudy sky, turning her right profile to you as she brushes a few strands of loose hair away from her eyes.
-
>Continue approach.
>"Hey there!"
-
>Continue approach.
>"Hey there!"
>The quietly floating Ranka wiggles her fingers at you in an approximation of a wave.
-
>"That was a nice show you put on, there."
-
>"That was a nice show you put on, there."
>"Thank you." she answers, in a tone rather more formal than you would have expected from her.
-
>"I was hoping to ask you some questions about your friend Honoka, if you have time?"
-
>"I was hoping to ask you some questions about your friend Honoka, if you have time?"
>"Honoka, hm?" she says with a faint smile touching her full lips. "Sure."
-
>"Tell me about her. I figured it'd be easier to get the story out of you."
-
>"Tell me about her. I figured it'd be easier to get the story out of you."
>The golden haired youkai giggles as she continues to examine the overcast sky. "You figured I was easier than Honoka?"
-
>"I think you'd know her better than she knows herself, actually. But I admit I'm curious about the both of you."
-
>"I think you'd know her better than she knows herself, actually. But I admit I'm curious about the both of you."
>"I'm surprised to hear you say that." Ranka says, finally turning her head a bit to look at you. There's something a bit chilly in her pale green eye. "You tengu aren't the curious kind."
-
>"Some might not be,"
>Grin.
>"But we crows do have our moments. "
-
>"Some might not be,"
>Grin.
>"But we crows do have our moments. "
>"Is that so. Is that why all of your people stay in that little cage of yours up on the mountain?"
-
>"Because it's ours. Besides, I'm here, aren't I?"
-
>"Because it's ours. Besides, I'm here, aren't I?"
>"And it's the first time you've been out for years, isn't it. I can tell." Ranka lowers her head and turns to face you. She seems remarkably different from the playful wind youkai you saw before. Her presence is almost accusing. "You're tied to the winds, like me. But the air around you feels stale, the kind of feeling from a house that hasn't been open in years."
-
>Heh, free spirit alright.
>"It's my first time out in awhile. But that's just the pace I take. It's not stale air you see, just a calm breeze contend to blow when it feels like, wouldn't you agree?"
-
>Heh, free spirit alright.
>"It's my first time out in awhile. But that's just the pace I take. It's not stale air you see, just a calm breeze contend to blow when it feels like, wouldn't you agree?"
>"Maybe that's how you see yourself, but that doesn't make it true. You stand apart from the breeze, tengu. You don't truly flow with the air around you, you only carry your own air as you travel."
-
>"Go on?"
-
>"Go on?"
>Ranka extends her slender arms out to her side, holding them out wide. "People like you and me, tengu, we're different from other kinds of beings. We do more than just breathe the air, we're a part of it. In ways that other people don't, can't understand. But you just move through the air, a swirl of stale wind. The breeze doesn't blow through you, tengu, it goes around you. Consciously or not, your push it aside. Just like all your kind do."
-
>"Please, elaborate on that. How do we push it aside?"
-
>"Please, elaborate on that. How do we push it aside?"
>"The same way you've done for age.... Wait a minute." Ranka breaks off what was starting to sound like a tirade in the making, seeming momentarily confused. "You're asking me? Like honestly asking?"
-
>Nod.
>"Yeah. It's obviously an issue close to your heart, so I'm curious."
-
>Nod.
>"Yeah. It's obviously an issue close to your heart, so I'm curious."
>"But, you're a Crow Tengu. What do you care about what I see?"
-
>"Why shouldn't I care? Even if I don't agree in the end, it's still nice to know. Did you think that we don't even listen to other people?"
-
>"Why shouldn't I care? Even if I don't agree in the end, it's still nice to know. Did you think that we don't even listen to other people?"
>"Not very often. Less than that when someone tries to tell you something about yourselves."
-
>"Then I hope you're pleasantly surprised! Now, you were saying?"
-
>"Then I hope you're pleasantly surprised! Now, you were saying?"
>The blonde youkai leans forward slightly, giving you a very curious look. As this gives you an even better look at some of her more salient features, you don't really feel like complaining. After a moment's consideration, a faint smirk touches her lips, somehow managing to be cynical and whimsical at once. 'Why not." she mutters. "Optimistic feels better than the rest. All right, miss tengu, I'll see if I can explain good. Tell me about your people, the way your society's put together, I mean."
-
>"I imagine it is much like you think. We've got our castes, and our families. The wolf tengu do the heavier labor, the long-noses do the official and scholarly work, we crows sort of fill the gaps in between, while the dai-tengu plan and direct things. The yama-bushi tend toward more wizardly stuff, but they're kind of off on their own, and we don't bother each other."
-
>"I imagine it is much like you think. We've got our castes, and our families. The wolf tengu do the heavier labor, the long-noses do the official and scholarly work, we crows sort of fill the gaps in between, while the dai-tengu plan and direct things. The yama-bushi tend toward more wizardly stuff, but they're kind of off on their own, and we don't bother each other."
>"And it's been that way for a long time now." Ranka says as she straightens up. "The myriad tengu races slotted neatly into their little jobs, their tasks, their relationships, your whole lives sorted, filed, stamped and locked."
-
>"It's always been that way. And I'm guessing you don't care much for it? You wouldn't be the first."
-
>"It's always been that way. And I'm guessing you don't care much for it? You wouldn't be the first."
>"Always? Is that what the big-wings tell the rest of you?" Ranka shakes her head. "I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised."
-
>Nod.
>"Anyway, go on."
-
>Nod.
>"Anyway, go on."
>"About which one?"
-
>"About the sorted lives thing, and how it's part of your main point."
-
>"About the sorted lives thing, and how it's part of your main point."
>"Right, got a bit sidetracked, didn't I?" she says with a touch of a smile. That expression suits her well, but it fades as she returns to the point in question. "You're right, I'm no fan of that sort of life anyway, I probably don't need to tell you that. But for your people- No, for any people that's tied to the winds like we are, it's denying who you are. WHAT you are." Ranka tilts her head back slightly and a light breeze stirs around her, teasing her golden locks into motion. "The wind blows wherever it pleases. It, WE, are the embodiment of that freedom, tengu."
>"Or at least, you used to be." she says, the breeze dropping from around her. "You could be. But you're not. You're the most regimented people on the face of the planet. Even the humans of the outside world don't bury themselves in dogmatic traditions and castes and roles like your kind does. Well, not anymore, anyway. You're the people of the wind, but everything you do, everything you teach yourselves, is designed to curtail every iota of freedom you could have."
-
>Nod.
>"I think much of what you said is true, but I'm not so sure that's the whole story... Are you?"
-
>Nod.
>"I think much of what you said is true, but I'm not so sure that's the whole story... Are you?"
>Ranka cocks her head curiously, inviting you to clarify.
-
>"Well, you say that the wind is free, right? Which is true, but that's only one aspect of it, isn't it?"
-
>"Well, you say that the wind is free, right? Which is true, but that's only one aspect of it, isn't it?"
>"Go on?"
-
>"Well, think of a flute, right? If you blow into it in a specific way, you get a note. And it'll always work like that, the wind doesn't just decide to whichever way. And when you do it a lot, you make a song. And that's how we are."
>"Sorry, I've never really had to explain it like this before. It's not that we're stale or separate from it, but each of us is a bit of music working together to make a grand song. We just relate to it differently. I don't think yo're wrong about how you see it, but don't you think there's something to that, too? The wind is many things."
-
>"Well, think of a flute, right? If you blow into it in a specific way, you get a note. And it'll always work like that, the wind doesn't just decide to whichever way. And when you do it a lot, you make a song. And that's how we are."
>"Sorry, I've never really had to explain it like this before. It's not that we're stale or separate from it, but each of us is a bit of music working together to make a grand song. We just relate to it differently. I don't think yo're wrong about how you see it, but don't you think there's something to that, too? The wind is many things."
>The wind youkai smiles. "This is already better than I was thinking. You may be a tengu, but at least you're willing to talk to someone instead of at them. I wasn't expecting that from a Crow."
>"The thing is, though, you ARE separate. Every one of your kind is. You've cut yourself off from everything that isn't tengu. Your entire species is like a cyclone in a bottle, never moving, never caring beyond anything that's outside that bottle, except when you need something." She points behind you, back towards the Keep gates. "Even Honoka touches the winds more than the tengu do, and she's a fire spirit." With a sultry little smirk, she adds, "And that's not just because she's been keeping me warm for all this time either." The smirk fades. "The life your people have, the beliefs you have, the rules, the structure, everything you are now. It's damaged you, spiritually. We're youkai, not human, we're as much spiritual as we are physical, and your species has warped its spirit."
-
>"I don't think I agree with that. I don't feel our spirits are damaged or anything like. Just that we've chosen to take a different way. I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong about how you want to do things, just that we do it in a different way. You've chosen to be free as the wind, right? And we've chosen to make music instead. And, we've turned inward because that's just our way. We don't need more than our mountain to be happy, because we want to rely on ourselves. We don't want to have to force ourselves onto others, and we don't want them to force ourselves onto them. We're happiest just having what's ours, and letting others have what's there's. I don't think that's spiritual damage, we've learned to take just what we need. We just approach things a bit differently, and I don't think that's wrong."
>"But, you are right that there's some who maybe take a little far. I think we can be friendly neighbors, at least, even if we don't want to be bothered very much."
-
>"I don't think I agree with that. I don't feel our spirits are damaged or anything like. Just that we've chosen to take a different way. I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong about how you want to do things, just that we do it in a different way. You've chosen to be free as the wind, right? And we've chosen to make music instead. And, we've turned inward because that's just our way. We don't need more than our mountain to be happy, because we want to rely on ourselves. We don't want to have to force ourselves onto others, and we don't want them to force ourselves onto them. We're happiest just having what's ours, and letting others have what's there's. I don't think that's spiritual damage, we've learned to take just what we need. We just approach things a bit differently, and I don't think that's wrong."
>"But, you are right that there's some who maybe take a little far. I think we can be friendly neighbors, at least, even if we don't want to be bothered very much."
>The fair Ranka lets out a long breath, arching her head back. "That's my point, too. You're so set in your ways that you don't even see anything wrong with it." She looks back down, her eyes a storm of pity and contempt. "Your souls are scarred. And you've done it to yourselves, that's the real tragedy of it all." She smiles a joyless smile. "The tengu were more free and whole when they were ruled by the Oni."
>"I suppose it isn't fair to blame you for it, you're young. You're not even 100 yet, are you. You're a victim of your people's mistakes, and now you have to pay for it."
-
(Important question: Should I not be working off the assumption that the tengu were the first people to bring civilization to Japan, as the legends go?)
>"So, why is it bad? You've said we're not one with the wind, but it doesn't seem like we aren't. We just do so our own way, just like you have your way. Don't we both live in harmony with the world in our different ways?"
-
(Important question: Should I not be working off the assumption that the tengu were the first people to bring civilization to Japan, as the legends go?)
>"So, why is it bad? You've said we're not one with the wind, but it doesn't seem like we aren't. We just do so our own way, just like you have your way. Don't we both live in harmony with the world in our different ways?"
I had no idea such a legend existed. My knowledge of traditional Japanese mythology isn't as profound as I'd like it to be.
>Ranka shakes her head. "Your people don't really live with the world. You've locked it outside. You said it yourself, you're happy leaving the rest of the world alone, and vice versa. Now, I'm not so arrogant as to claim that I'm the most shining example of a being in tune with the wind, but I do know that the beliefs the tengu have crammed themselves into is a contradiction to what they are in spirit. You've become an aberration in the scheme of the world."
-
She sounds almost like how Honoka said Kanako sounded like, except Ranka isn't suggesting that we change.
-
>"That's not really elaborating on what the problem is, though. It just sort of sounds like you're saying we're bad because we don't do what you do, but not why. You're saying we're severed and stale and stuff, but you haven't really said why, just that we're different. I mean, I've told you a bit about how we see things, and why it's valid too. So why is it wrong? I mean, I'm not telling you that you have to do things our way or that your way is wrong, just that both ways are fine. You know what I mean?"
>As a tengu who lives in a high elevation and probably has dealt with a weather forecast or two, are we aware of concepts like the prevailing global wind currents (like the Jetsteam over North America and so on, though not that specific example?)
-
>As a tengu who lives in a high elevation and probably has dealt with a weather forecast or two, are we aware of concepts like the prevailing global wind currents (like the Jetsteam over North America and so on, though not that specific example?)
>Peripherally, at least as it comes to the wind currents of Gensokyo.
>"That's not really elaborating on what the problem is, though. It just sort of sounds like you're saying we're bad because we don't do what you do, but not why. You're saying we're severed and stale and stuff, but you haven't really said why, just that we're different. I mean, I've told you a bit about how we see things, and why it's valid too. So why is it wrong? I mean, I'm not telling you that you have to do things our way or that your way is wrong, just that both ways are fine. You know what I mean?"
>Ranka's face falls. "You're not..." She trails off, heaving a big sigh. "Maybe you just can't understand. It'd be easier if I could show you, show you the world how I see it, how your people used to, but I can't. You're too different from me now, too insular. Your essence is drawn almost totally inward, I can't touch it."
-
>Nod.
>"If I may, should I presume you've had some fairly sour run-ins with my people in the past?"
-
>Nod.
>"If I may, should I presume you've had some fairly sour run-ins with my people in the past?"
>"Recent past, more like. I breeze by that little corner of the world you've shut yourselves in every now and then. Keep hoping things'll change, that you'll change." Ranka shakes her head. "Hasn't happened yet."
-
This is a scoop!An unpolished one,yet a scoop nonetheless.Not to mention the change for Hatate to shed more of her inexperienced shell.
> Flash of journalistic insight."Yes,that's it. Would you like to dig in deeper on the line that goes :"The tengu were more free and whole when they were ruled by the Oni?" My vision of how things worked out more freely, like following the wind, in the old Tengu Society could surely be broadened. And I will be spreading such knowledge with... ".
>Reach out in your pocket for your "notephone" and hold it out triumphantly to Ranka."...This!"
>Settle down. "I admit that it will not be easily welcomed as this calls out on substantial change, yet it still need to be published on my Kakashi Spirit News for the same reason. That's the name of my paper by the way.Passing you agree to release the interview, of course."
-
Let's be a little less spastic at the moment.
>Don't say that.
>"Were you trying to get past the patrols?"
>Could we get her past the patrols?
-
> Flash of journalistic insight."Yes,that's it. Would you like to dig in deeper on the line that goes :"The tengu were more free and whole when they were ruled by the Oni?" My vision of how things worked out more freely, like following the wind, in the old Tengu Society could surely be broadened. And I will be spreading such knowledge with... ".
>Reach out in your pocket for your "notephone" and hold it out triumphantly to Ranka."...This!"
>Settle down. "I admit that it will not be easily welcomed as this calls out on substantial change, yet it still need to be published on my Kakashi Spirit News for the same reason. That's the name of my paper by the way.Passing you agree to release the interview, of course."
>Don't say that.
>Could we get her past the patrols?
>The wind spirit makes an interesting story, if you can believe her. But you curtail your enthusiasm for the moment.
>It is theoretically possible. You are a crow tengu, after all, and that comes with some influence. You do have the authority to admit a non tengu based on your caste, though doing so entails numerous risks. By and large, admitting non-tengu is far, far more trouble than it's worth, unless the circumstances are exceptional. Ranka may be hot, but her opinions would not be well received by many others of your kind.
>"Were you trying to get past the patrols?"
>"First time I went that way, yeah. But I had to see what I was sensing with my own eyes, so, I just went around 'em." With a naughty little smirk, the wind spirit adds, "That's always fun."
-
>"Oh my. Don't let the Yama-bushi catch you."
>And we'll totally be snitching that to Momiji.
>"Anyways...I'm kinda interested in what you're saying, but, you're not really making a great case, you know? It's more like a we just have different views than anything solid, you know what I mean? And it seems like you're kind of downplaying things we do because it's different than what you do."
-
>"Oh my. Don't let the Yama-bushi catch you."
>And we'll totally be snitching that to Momiji.
>"Anyways...I'm kinda interested in what you're saying, but, you're not really making a great case, you know? It's more like a we just have different views than anything solid, you know what I mean? And it seems like you're kind of downplaying things we do because it's different than what you do."
>"Ah, but getting caught's part of the fun sometimes."
>You make a mental note.
>Ranka nods. "Yeah, that's about what I expected from a tengu." She shrugs and smiles slightly. "I tried. Still, it was sort of fun. I really didn't think one of your people would listen to someone like me for as long as you did."
-
>"'The tengu' isn't really the problem, though, is it? It's that you're not saying anything except that we're wrong because we aren't like you. And a more cynical person might think you're bitter because we aren't like you, but we still do just fine. I mean, wouldn't you feel the same if I told you that you just need to do what we do and you'd find out your were totally wrong to live and believe like you do?"
>"So, what I want to do is see if you can come up with something better. Because I want to think you aren't just sour at us, because that'd be pathetic and I don't think you're like that. So, how about it?"
-
>"'The tengu' isn't really the problem, though, is it? It's that you're not saying anything except that we're wrong because we aren't like you. And a more cynical person might think you're bitter because we aren't like you, but we still do just fine. I mean, wouldn't you feel the same if I told you that you just need to do what we do and you'd find out your were totally wrong to live and believe like you do?"
>"So, what I want to do is see if you can come up with something better. Because I want to think you aren't just sour at us, because that'd be pathetic and I don't think you're like that. So, how about it?"
>Ranka pulls a loose strand of hair back behind her ear, her expression turning a bit distant. You get the impression that you might have lost her interest, but only for a moment. A slow grin spreads across her face. "All right. Try this." she says in an 'I dare you' tone of voice. "Ask me how I got past the White Wolves, and have for a long time."
-
>"Okay. I don't think it's going to be that simple, but how?"
-
>"Okay. I don't think it's going to be that simple, but how?"
>"I'll show you." The wind picks up around you as Ranka slowly extends her hands out again, blowing around and past you towards the blonde youkai. At first it seems like all she did was stir a breeze, but then, weirdly, she seems to fade slightly from sight. Ranka gives you a whimsical little smile, and winks playfully. And then she is gone, completely vanished, leaving nothing but the breeze she stirred flowing around you.
-
>"That's about what I thought, actually. But you know why that isn't really convincing?"
>Pause, let her speak if she wants.
>"Actually, there's a funny old tengu fable that explains it really neatly."
>"There was once a wolf of great courage and skill who drank too much for her own good. She approached a longnose said, "I have defeated a hundred foes in battle! I have mastered all the arts of the blade seen under heaven! I can fell a tree with one strike of my sword and bring a foe to her knees before she can raise a blade! My shield deflect arrows from four directions at once!"
>"So the longnose looked up and said, "I know where your wife goes when you're on patrol."
>"See what I mean?"
-
>"That's about what I thought, actually. But you know why that isn't really convincing?"
>Pause, let her speak if she wants.
>"Actually, there's a funny old tengu fable that explains it really neatly."
>"There was once a wolf of great courage and skill who drank too much for her own good. She approached a longnose said, "I have defeated a hundred foes in battle! I have mastered all the arts of the blade seen under heaven! I can fell a tree with one strike of my sword and bring a foe to her knees before she can raise a blade! My shield deflect arrows from four directions at once!"
>"So the longnose looked up and said, "I know where your wife goes when you're on patrol."
>"See what I mean?"
>The breeze around you falls flat and still, the wind dying out. Ranka makes no reply.
-
>"I'll guess that's a yes. But what I was going to say before was, I don't think just a conversation would be enough for either of us. So, I was wondering of maybe you'd like to travel with me for a bit. Maybe if we spend some time together, one of us would figure out something?"
-
>"I'll guess that's a yes. But what I was going to say before was, I don't think just a conversation would be enough for either of us. So, I was wondering of maybe you'd like to travel with me for a bit. Maybe if we spend some time together, one of us would figure out something?"
>Ranka still makes no reply.
-
>Have a moment to glance around, and give her a few to either get back together or show up somewhere else.
-
Since I'm kind of new to this board, please tell me if I do anything wrong.
Assuming this is some sort of challenge from Ranka,
>Focus. Did we feel the wind Ranka left with us to flow in any specific direction? Is there any trace of her wind remaining?
-
>Have a moment to glance around, and give her a few to either get back together or show up somewhere else.
>Focus. Did we feel the wind Ranka left with us to flow in any specific direction? Is there any trace of her wind remaining?
>Getting nowhere, you have a quick look around just to make sure she hasn't popped up somewhere else. The two Prismrivers and Leraije are now missing, leaving Yuzuriha alone at the gate. Well, nearly alone, as Sloth is still where she was the last time you looked, but she appears to have dozed off in the meantime. You're not entirely surprised about that. Further down the Keep' wall to the west, you spy Honoka standing near Sabine and Celes, the latter of which is mounted atop a dark grey horse with flaming hooves. None of them seem to be paying attention to your conversation with Ranka, nor does the wind spirit herself appear to be in evidence anymore.
>But just because you can't see her doesn't mean she's gone. The breeze Ranka stirred up felt like a localized gust, one that didn't really go anywhere, just sort of stirred about in one area. And it has died down completely, only a few faint flecks of snow mar the air now. But you're a tengu, you're connected to the air yourself, so you might be able to sense her. Maybe that's what she was going for, you wonder idly, as you focus your senses outward. Although you can sense nothing out of the ordinary, you do hear Ranka's giggle. "That's more like it." she says in a pleasant tease. You're a bit relieved that she didn't just up and leave, but not being able to tell where she is or where her voice is coming from is slightly annoying.
-
>"So, about what I said?"
-
>"So, about what I said?"
>"You confuse me, tengu." the wind spirit answers, still teasingly aloof. "I explain my point, I even demonstrate, and you didn't get it. But when you tell me you want to understand, I think I believe you. You're weird. But maybe in the good way, some ways."
-
>"Well, it's like the moral of that story. That's really impressive, what you did. But, it doesn't really mean that we're wrong, just that we have a different way of doing things that suits us better."
>"So, feel like taking me up on it and coming with me?"
-
>"Well, it's like the moral of that story. That's really impressive, what you did. But, it doesn't really mean that we're wrong, just that we have a different way of doing things that suits us better."
>"So, feel like taking me up on it and coming with me?"
>"Hmmm..... I guess it could be interesting. What do you think, honey?"
>Although the level of her voice does not change, you're quite certain she isn't asking you that question. On an impulse, you turn back towards Honoka, and sure enough, the golden haired Ranka has reappeared, next to Honoka.
-
>Go rejoin them.
-
>Go rejoin them.
>With a flutter of your wings, you head over to rendezvous with the wind spirit and the others. This grants you a closer look at Celes' horse. It's an odd beast. It's taller than you believe the average horse to be, and more muscular as well. It has a red and yellow pattern on the front of its muzzle tapering to white on its nose, giving you the odd impression that the beasts' face is on fire. Smoke wisps from the corners of its black eyes, and a dark grey jewel hangs on a black chain around the beasts' thick neck. In contrast to the formal-seeming Celes astride it, this horse looks and feels almost evil.
>Ranka, you note, seems to be keeping Honoka between her and the muscular brute, and it is the cloaked Honoka who speaks to you first. "I should apologize." she starts. "I had thought Ranka had gotten past her issues with your people, Hatate. Had I known I was wrong, I would have cautioned you."
-
>"At least it's a different angle than what we usually get. I kinda half expected it, from what you told me before."
>"Nice horse."
-
>"At least it's a different angle than what we usually get. I kinda half expected it, from what you told me before."
>"Nice horse."
>"I'm glad you didn't." Ranka jibes Honoka. "It's no fun when you warn people about me."
>"Your definition of fun doesn't always match others, Ranka."
>Celes nods appreciatively. "Neither Sabine nor I can keep pace with a Tengu at their top speed, we know enough about your kind to know this." She pats the big beast affectionately. "This Cauchemar, however, can. And I have been meaning to run him for some time now, anyway."
>"Some of her pets get antsy when they're cooped up for too long." Sabine adds.
-
>Do we typically expect horses to keep up with a tengu? If not, say, "Huh. And how's he going to do that?"
-
>Do we typically expect horses to keep up with a tengu? If not, say, "Huh. And how's he going to do that?"
>An ordinary horse wouldn't have a hope in hell. Even a youkai horse, which this probably is given its physique, would have to be a very special one indeed. So you ask.
>In answer, Celes kicks the beasts' sides with her heels. The cauchemar's hooves and tail promptly catch fire, and he raises off the ground to hover slowly there. "A cauchemar is capable of flight, among its other powers." The beast snorts smoke. "And its speed will surprise you."
>"Just don't stand behind him." Sabine says with a grin. "Little bastard's got the meanest kick this side of Reimu."
-
>"Oh, so this is how you get Sloth to move, you make this poor thing have to drag her around."
-
>"So, did you find Setsuka?"
-
>"Oh, so this is how you get Sloth to move, you make this poor thing have to drag her around."
>Sabine levels a grin at the dozing Sloth. "Naw, for that, she gets her pet dragon."
>"So, did you find Setsuka?"
>Celes nods. "She reported nothing of the sort missing from the Vault, which is good. In her estimation, we're not dealing with anything the likes of which we discussed earlier. But I still feel it's worth exploring, just to ensure Marisa's safety."
>"And I'm coming along to ensure her's." Sabine adds, jerking her thumb at Celes.
-
>"Well, that's fine."
>Look to Ranka. "So, how about it?"
-
>"Well, that's fine."
>Look to Ranka. "So, how about it?"
>"About what? Oh! Right." Ranka gives her head a little shake. "Hmm. Well, where you off to?" She makes a face. "Not back to the mountain, are you?"
-
>"Right now I'm chasing a story on the disappearance of a few Gensokyo residents. The trail led to Marisa Kirisame's residence, which is where we're going."
-
>"After that, wherever we have to go."
-
>"Right now I'm chasing a story on the disappearance of a few Gensokyo residents. The trail led to Marisa Kirisame's residence, which is where we're going."
>"After that, wherever we have to go."
>The mention of the black-white's name draws a rather mischevious little smirk from Ranka. "I never pass up a chance to drop in on her. She's never boring."
-
>"As much as I hate to disappoint you, she's been missing for the past month. A few people are, which is kinda why I came here. Been trying to figure out what's up."
-
>"As much as I hate to disappoint you, she's been missing for the past month. A few people are, which is kinda why I came here. Been trying to figure out what's up."
>"Oh hoo." Ranka gives Honoka a sly look. "So why are you still here? Shouldn't you be out being a hero again?"
>"If you insist." the cloaked youkai says tolerantly. "Have you spoken to Reimu about this matter?" she asks you.
-
>"No. She was indisposed when I visited her."
-
>"No. She was indisposed when I visited her."
>"Perhaps I should attend to that. She and Marisa are close. She may wish to take action herself."
-
>"If you wish. She may still be at her shrine."
-
>"If you wish. She may still be at her shrine."
>"Thank you." Her hand escapes her cloak to shake a finger at Ranka. "And you behave yourself. I don't want you stirring up the whole of the tengu people the minute I turn my back."
>"Why don't you turn your front, see what happens?" the wind youkai replies tartly.
>"I mean it, Ranka."
>Ranka forestalls what could be a lengthy lecture by taking Honoka's hand in hers. "I know. You worry. Too much." she says, no longer teasing her friend. "But don't. I'm curious about this one."
>Honoka smiles wryly. "That's why I'm worried." she says quietly, but Ranka's easy smile suggests they've had exchanges like this before. Despite yourself, you can't help but feel a pang of envy towards Honoka, for being the one receiving that beautiful smile. The cloaked youkai then steps back from Ranka, and gives you and Celes a solemn look. "Good luck to you."
-
>"You too, Honoka."
>When the rest are ready, let's get moving.
>"So, Ranka, we did get sidetracked a little bit from the original question, didn't we?"
-
>"You too, Honoka."
>When the rest are ready, let's get moving.
>"So, Ranka, we did get sidetracked a little bit from the original question, didn't we?"
>The cloaked youkai exchanges farewells with you and Celes, wraps herself in an aura of flames and takes off into the sky, heading back the way you came.
>Sabine hops up on the back of the burning-hoofed horse, steadying herself only momentarily before Celes spurs the cauchemar into activity. With Ranka to their left, and you tucked in next to the golden-maned youkai, the four of your take off into the air. As both you and Ranka know the location of Marisa's house, the two of you lead the way, Sabine's horse trailing ugly smoke as it runs on the air, keeping pace behind you and Ranka.
>"Sure did." Ranka nods. "People say that happens with me all the time."
-
>"So, tell me a bit about you and Honoka?"
-
>"So, tell me a bit about you and Honoka?"
>Ranka starts to answer, then pauses and gives you another of those grins of hers. "You mean me and Honoka, right."
-
>Grin back. Like some windy thing gonna match a tengu grin!
>"I'll take whatever you choose to share."
-
>Grin back. Like some windy thing gonna match a tengu grin!
>"I'll take whatever you choose to share."
>Dueling grins.
>Ranka giggles. "How can I argue with that kind of offer."
-
>"Then don't!"
-
>"Then don't!"
>Ranka laughs again. "Honoka and I.... We go back. A long way back. I don't really remember how we met. Is that important, do you think?"
-
>"It's pretty important. But I guess if neither of you care, then it's not a big deal if you don't remember?"
-
>"It's pretty important. But I guess if neither of you care, then it's not a big deal if you don't remember?"
>"Some things don't really hold in my mind, yknow? I've always been that way. Some folks call me 'airheaded'." Ranka makes a face. "They think they're soooooooooo clever. I'll give you tengu credit for that, when you poke fun at someone, you're better at it than a lot of folks I've met."
-
>"Well I'd like to think we're usually polite, but don't take us lightly in a war of words."
>"So, what do you remember?"
-
>"Well I'd like to think we're usually polite, but don't take us lightly in a war of words."
>"So, what do you remember?"
>"I remember a lot of things- Oh, you mean about Honoka?"
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"I remember that she's like me, she moves around all the time. She doesn't get bored or anything, she's just always looking for a new challenge." Ranka pauses. "No, no, that's not right, that's a recent thing. That's thanks to Reimu, she's like that now, with the danmaku battles." The wind spirit smiles. "She took to this kind of fighting like I take to a tailwind. A way to test her power, go all out against an even foe, and not hurt more than their pride? And maybe their shirt? I like it, too, but Honoka, it satisfies her."
-
>"What was she like before spellcards, then? And do you compare to her at all?"
-
>"What was she like before spellcards, then? And do you compare to her at all?"
>"Still traveled a lot, but she picked her fights pretty careful. She's a fire youkai- you knew that, right? Right.- and a pretty powerful one, too. She's knows when and where to really toast someone." Ranka giggles quietly. "And always a bad guy, too. She'd never admit it, but she's a hero at heart. Even back in the bad old days, she was one of the youkai who didn't have too hard a time getting along with humans, the good humans, anyway."
>"Mm, on a good day, yeah. I can hang with her, but she usually wins. Too much power." Ranka ponders a moment. "I'd say she's at least as good as Shou and Reisen, around that level. Hasn't managed to beat Reimu yet, though, she's working on it."
-
>"I bet there's a lucky faerie or two out there she could ask for advice. Anyways, are you the kind who likes to be the hero, too?"
-
>"I bet there's a lucky faerie or two out there she could ask for advice. Anyways, are you the kind who likes to be the hero, too?"
>Ranka nods. "The truth of it is, it's more fun being the good guy. I know how strong I am, I could cause all kinds of havoc for humans. Youkai, too, I mean I could do a number of you lot, for a start. But it's better to make folks smile, make people happy. Main difference between me and Honoka is she's a fighter first. I'm a lover first."
-
>"That sounds like a better deal, anyways."
>There's a reason why wolves are the lowest caste, after all.
>"What other sorts of things does she get up to? And you for that matter."
-
>"That sounds like a better deal, anyways."
>There's a reason why wolves are the lowest caste, after all.
>"What other sorts of things does she get up to? And you for that matter."
>"It is for me." Ranka agrees. "I try now and then to swing Honoka over to my side." She adds a smirk to her face. "Not too seriously, mind. I wouldn't change her for anything."
>"Better part of the past month, she's been hanging out with the Cobalts." Glancing back over her shoulder, she adds with a pout, "I still think you're trying to steal her for yourselves."
>"Honoka-san has been a great help to us." Celes says with a straight face. "In addition to her help putting the Keep back in order, she has given us a great deal of information about how Gensokyo has changed while we were away. She's also enabled all of us to polish our skills with danmaku, which will help us all the more down the road."
>"And kicked Nyx's ass at music." Sabine adds with a grin.
>"Yes. That as well." Celes replies tolerantly.
>"Me, though, I just.... Sort of, breeze about." Ranka folds her hands behind her head, adding a graceful yet casual sway to her flight path. "I don't know that I have regular hobbies or pasttimes, like other people do. Well, unless you count flying."
>"She never touches ground." Sabine adds. Then she grins a positively evil grin. "Well, unless she's giving someone-"
>"Sabine." Celes cautions her fellow Keep resident.
>"I love music, though, always have." Ranka continues, either heedless of or ignoring Sabine's commentary. "Can't really play any instruments, not really well, I'm a singer."
-
>"That's okay. It takes more than one to make an orchestra. So, what sorts of things have you dabbled in, then?"
-
>"That's okay. It takes more than one to make an orchestra. So, what sorts of things have you dabbled in, then?"
>Ranka starts ticking her head back and forth as she lists off, "Well, a little music, some sewing, baking, babysitting- didn't go too well, that- clothing design, tried forecasting till I got bored with it, helped Keine in her class a couple times, vampire's slave, vampire hunting after that, roaming lost and found, I was a sword for a while- don't ask, I didn't like it- traveling musician for a while that was fun, liquor tester.... did I saw baking already?"
-
>"You did. And, vampire's slave? Would that be the infamous old master of the keep, or another vampire entirely?"
-
>"You did. And, vampire's slave? Would that be the infamous old master of the keep, or another vampire entirely?"
>"No, this one was a girl. What was her name, uh.... Um.... Red Tide, yeah, that was it. Every vampire calls themselves something like that, Red Tide, Cobalt Countess, Scarlet Devil... Why is that, Celes?"
>"It is in the nature of a tradition. It is a way for a vampire to distance themselves from their birth name."
>"But they keep using their names, least a lot of them do."
>"I said 'distance', not 'separate', Ranka." Celes corrects. "It is their way of saying that they are something more than they were, but not all of what they were is lost."
-
>"I figured it just sounded dramatic. Anyways, let me take a guess, Honoka had a role in going from slave to hunter, right?"
-
>"I figured it just sounded dramatic. Anyways, let me take a guess, Honoka had a role in going from slave to hunter, right?"
>"Not exactly." Ranka replies with a tight smile. "You see, 'Tide got her, too."
-
>Nod.
>"Go on."
-
>Nod.
>"Go on."
>"She was the kind of vampire that liked to have a lot of servants around her, there were a lot of those back then, I remember. Tide was different from a lot of them because of her power, how she used it." With a frown, she looks back again. "You could probably explain this better than me."
>"If you wish." Celes answers. "How much do you know about vampires' abilities, Miss Hatate? The 'classic' ones, as they are sometimes referred to as."
-
>"Pretty good, I think? But they never really seem to agree on what's standard. And also there's a whole bunch of different types, too."
-
>"Pretty good, I think? But they never really seem to agree on what's standard. And also there's a whole bunch of different types, too."
>"Indeed, it does tend to vary from region to region. Different cultures have different sets of beliefs about the entities called 'vampires', and since this is Gensokyo, each one of them seems to be valid here in some way, or at least could be."
>"Kinda hard to wrap your head around, ain't it." Sabine chimes.
>"Regardless, the power Ranka refers to in this case is the vampire's ability to dominate other beings, most commonly through eye contact. The mesmeric stare, as it is referred to occasionally. Nearly all vampires possess at least some aspect of this ability, but some specialize in it. Such was the case with the Red Tide. It was her speciality, and she used it to gather a rather large band of followers around her. A small army, really."
>"Honoka and me were two of her 'fiends of the elements'." Ranka says. "There were four of us, one for each element."
>"She sought to use her army to control the whole of Gensokyo. Ranka here and the other three were to be the spearhead of that army."
>"That's how you two met the first time, wasn't it?" Ranka asks the Keep's steward.
>Celes nods. "Needless to say, I far preferred the circumstances of our second meeting over the first."
-
>"Huh. Was this just some time ago, or was this one of the things that just never managed to blow up and spread the word?"
-
>"Huh. Was this just some time ago, or was this one of the things that just never managed to blow up and spread the word?"
>"It was before we were sealed." Celes says. "Well over a century ago. And frankly, such things we not entirely uncommon in the Gensokyo of those days. It was a much less benevolent environment than it is now."
>"That and no one really likes talking about how 'Tide ended." Ranka says. "So it doesn't come up that often."
-
>"Did the Hakurei of the time or Yukari herself have any involvement in these events? And who were the two other elementals, anyone you know personally?"
>"Would it be okay to ask about the happenings of the first encounter between you?"
-
>When did the Hakurei Barrier go up?
-
>When did the Hakurei Barrier go up?
>Around the end of the 19th century.
>"Did the Hakurei of the time or Yukari herself have any involvement in these events? And who were the two other elementals, anyone you know personally?"
>"Oh, yeah." Ranka replies, the two Cobalts nodding in unison. "Not enough to control everything, no one could do that, not even the Hakureis. Not back then. But they were there, and when they acted, no one ignored them."
>Ranka seems a touch confused. "Other two? There were lots of other elementals with us with Red Tide."
>Celes clears her throat. "I believe she was referring to the other two 'fiends' you mentioned, Ranka."
>"Oh. Well why didn't you say so?" Ranka says with a surprisingly cute frown. "But no, not really. Never met the other two before 'Tide. I think the earth girl was from Makai, she stank like it, at least. Didn't hang much with her, earth and wind don't mix that well. I worked better with Honoka and Ritsuka. Probably went back there after we all got free. And Ritsu, no, never saw her before either. Seemed an okay girl, though, could've been fun, without the whole mind control thing."
>"Would it be okay to ask about the happenings of the first encounter between you?"
>"Certainly." Celes answers. You take notes as she reports, "I was out on a scouting patrol with Sabine and Pride when we attacked by a force led by Honoka. I have a lengthy history with vampires and their powers, so I was able to recognize that Honoka was in thrall at the time. I engaged her while Sabine and Pride handled her forces, lesser youkai and fledgling elementals. I was fortunate to have been riding my dragon at the time, for he is all but immune to fire. I was able to blunt Honoka's assaults on me that way, but she was far stronger than I, so I was unable to land any serious blows on her. As was my dragon, and Honoka was immune to his breath. We fought to a standstill, until Pride and Sabine defeated the rest of her forces. Facing all of us, Honoka choose to flee back to the Red Tide, and report on her encounter."
>"Probably a good thing she did, too." Sabine adds. "We could've beat her, but odds are she'd have aced at least one of us doing it."
-
>"Hadn't heard anything about Pride up til now."
-
>"Hadn't heard anything about Pride up til now."
>"He doesn't get out very often compared to the likes of Sloth and Lust." Celes says. "Bluntly speaking, he's much harder to get along with than nearly anyone else who lives at the Keep. But we were short-handed at the time."
>"I'm about the only one he really jives with." Sabine adds. "Not because he likes me. Long way from it. But I've got more pride than anyone else at the Keep, so Pride focuses on out-doing me instead of just being a jackass."
-
>"Sounds like some people I know. So, I'm guessing aside from Honoka and Ranka, the rest of this vampire's army wasn't much?"
-
>"Sounds like some people I know. So, I'm guessing aside from Honoka and Ranka, the rest of this vampire's army wasn't much?"
>"I actually don't know." Celes answers. "That encounter was the only one we had with the Red Tide, or her forces. But I don't believe she had either the army or the power to stand out among the other powerful and antagonistic youkai of that era. Certainly not enough to be remembered easily to this day."
>"Controlling the four of us pretty much tied up all of her hypnotic power." Ranka adds. "Once you got down below us, her army was basically the elemental and youkai that we commanded, and the ones she could bully. I remember Honoka saying once, 'She had impressive numbers, but no reliable, independent generals." The wind spirit makes a remarkable imitation of her friend's tone.
-
>"So just a quick flash, really. Hmm, that must have been not too long after the barrier went up, huh? Anyways, well...sorry to hear you went through that."
-
>"So just a quick flash, really. Hmm, that must have been not too long after the barrier went up, huh? Anyways, well...sorry to hear you went through that."
>Ranka shrugs casually. "I'm only glad I wasn't there when she died. That I think would've followed me for a loooong time."
-
>"What happened after all that?"
-
>"What happened after all that?"
>"You mean after 'Tide was gone?"
-
>"Yeah."
-
>"Yeah."
>"We all went back to whatever we were doing before." Ranka answers quite seriously. "Except Honoka, she spent the next few years fighting vampires. I dropped in every now and then, give her a hand, brighten up her day, a little both."
-
>"Were they a real problem back then?"
-
>"Were they a real problem back then?"
>"Oh yeah. Well no. Maybe." Not a lot of help, that one. Ranka seems to realize this, then tries to clarify. "I guess it depends on who you ask. There were a lot more of them, I can tell you that for sure. Nowadays, about the only one you hear anyone talk about is Remilia."
>"The vampires of Gensokyo back then were indeed more numerous." Celes says. "And each one was quite powerful. Individual vampires like the Countess were very rare. Each one of them wanted more terrain to rule, more people to rule, more people to feed on. They knew they were among the most powerful of youkai, and they reveled in that power. But, the truth of the matter is, they were a greater threat to each other than they were to others. Vampires are remarkably territorial, and practically all of them saw Gensokyo as their personal domain. They spent far more time attacking each other than they did humans, or other youkai. And those that didn't, such as the Countess, were attacked anyway."
-
>"So what set your countess and the Scarlet Devil apart?"
-
>"So what set your countess and the Scarlet Devil apart?"
>"How do you mean?" Celes asks.
-
>"How come they didn't end up as huge jerks?"
-
>"How come they didn't end up as huge jerks?"
>Sabine and Ranka both burst out laughing.
>Celes, however, merely smiles a little. "The Countess did not lose her humanity when she was turned, nor did she ever cultivate the instincts so often found in others. Her sire saw to that. After she gained her freedom from the one who sired her, she became like her old self, a generous, giving woman. Her experience as a vampire only made her appreciate humanity more, if anything. As for the Scarlet Devil, I'm afraid you'll have to ask her."
-
>"So, why were there so many back then? And why were they here? I thought vampires were mostly foreign to start with?"
-
>"So was the first vampire lord of this keep one of the first vampires who arrived here? Did you destroy him?"
>"Do you say that this Vampire is somehow the culprit of these ominous feelings, like what would be on the barrier at Marisa's house?"
> What do we know of the Tengu's or other major species of Youkai's involvement in the Vampire War?
> What do we know of Vampire Contracts?
-
>"So, why were there so many back then? And why were they here? I thought vampires were mostly foreign to start with?"
>"I am not sure it was a matter of there being 'so many', so much as the ones that were here were more willing, and able, to display their powers and spread their influence. One vampire, after all, can have the power of a dozen lesser youkai, at least." Celes pauses. "I couldn't tell you exactly how many vampires were active in Gensokyo at that time, though. We tried not to get too involved in their affairs, beyond defending ourselves when we had to, of course. I know of fifteen, by name, but there could have been more."
>"As for why, I suspect that many, at least, were drawn here because at least one vampire was already here. As I mentioned, vampires are fiercely territorial, and the majority of them are imperialistic as well. I can only speculate, but I would guess that a vampire living in China, or perhaps southern Japan, learned of a vampire living close to him, and sought to either force the latter to leave or destroy him. And conflict often serves to breed more conflict; one vampire calls in friends or allies, the other does likewise, another vampire arrives to take advantage of the chaos, or simply to cause MORE chaos..."
>"The vampire world ain't pretty." Sabine adds. "It's a mark of pride for the Hakurei back then she handled the vampires as well as she did."
>"So was the first vampire lord of this keep one of the first vampires who arrived here? Did you destroy him?"
>"Do you say that this Vampire is somehow the culprit of these ominous feelings, like what would be on the barrier at Marisa's house?"
>Celes's hands grip the reins of her cauchemar just a little tighter. "It was our group that launched the final assault on him, yes. The one who defeated him was not, strictly speaking, one of us, but she was our friend. It was she who organized those of us who sought the end of the Regal, she who convinced us there was even a chance of doing so. We knew blood would spill, but he HAD to be ended."
>"That is what I was afraid of." Celes says with a nod. "As I mentioned, although he himself is gone, there are many traps, objects he created, that remain within the Keep, and although we have tried to safely handle and disarm all of them, we are not sure to this day we have completely succeeded. If Marisa had accidentally stolen one of those objects, she could have been in mortal peril. And while Setsuka does not think this is the case, I still believe I should investigate, just to make sure."
>"She's awful thorough." Sabine adds, giving Celes a gentle prod in the ribs.
> What do we know of the Tengu's or other major species of Youkai's involvement in the Vampire War?
> What do we know of Vampire Contracts?
>Not a great deal, if you're honest with yourself. You never really had all that much interest in the vampires of Gensokyo before. You do know that Yukari was one of the ones responsible for bringing an end to the vampire conflict, or so it has been reported. Beyond that, though, not much.
>You know that vampires have the ability to forge contracts with mortals, and you believe this can give mortals power they wouldn't have otherwise, such as magics or long lifespans. In this, they are much like demons, making pacts with humans for their souls, and while you don't believe vampires claim mortals souls, you do believe a contract with a vampire ensures the loyalty and servitude of that mortal towards the vampire.
-
>"Are there any other vampires around you guys know of? All I knew about was the Scarlet Devil. We...kinda don't get involved with those sorts, usually, unless they make the news."
-
>"Are there any other vampires around you guys know of? All I knew about was the Scarlet Devil. We...kinda don't get involved with those sorts, usually, unless they make the news."
>"Only one, and she's the heaviest sleeper this side of Sloth." Sabine says with a grin. "And a squatter on top of it. 'pparantly she'd been crashing in the Keep for a while before we woke up."
>"And is still doing so." Celes adds. "She was asleep in her coffin when we awoke, and is still asleep now."
-
>"Huh. Know anything about her?"
-
>"Huh. Know anything about her?"
>"Terrible fashion sense." Sabine replies. "I think she's colorblind."
>As usual, Celes is more informative. "Most of what we know of her comes from one of her potential victims. When we awoke, Nyx found a youkai singer chained to the wall of our library. Evidently she had been taken captive by this vampire, who said she would save Hoshi for later, after her nap. She seems to be quite young, and Hoshi's description of her personality supports this. We estimate her to be mentally the equivalent of a human teenager. Hoshi claimed that she seemed largely harmless, and I know that may be hard to believe, given the circumstances, but as the vampire has yet to awaken, we can't confirm this ourselves yet. The Countess, however, has confirmed that she is much weaker than either the Countess or the Scarlet Devil. We don't anticipate much trouble from her when she awakes, if she is even apt to cause any."
>"And I suppose I would be remissed if I did not mention Rei." Celes says after a moment. "She is a fledgling vampire who has come to stay with us quite recently."
-
>"Heh. Busy place. What's her story?"
>Presumably we've never heard of a Kurumi?
-
>"Heh. Busy place. What's her story?"
>Presumably we've never heard of a Kurumi?
>The steward seems a bit uncomfortable. "Rei's story is.... somewhat complicated."
>You have, but the Kurumi in question is a White Wolf tengu who works at a brewery. You know of her through Momiji; apparently the two are friends.
-
>"That's never good. Well, I won't make you tell me."
-
>"That's never good. Well, I won't make you tell me."
>Celes nods gratefully.
-
>Back to Honaka.
>"But we've gotten off track. What have the two of you been up to since?"
-
>Back to Honaka.
>"But we've gotten off track. What have the two of you been up to since?"
>Ranka giggles. "But it's good to get a little off-track now and then. It keeps things interesting. Anyway, Honoka took up vampire fighting for a while after that.... Wait, did I say that already?"
-
>"Yeah, briefly."
-
>"Yeah, briefly."
>"I said I helped out now and again with that too, right?"
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"How about the part where I spent a few years just blowing around with the wind?"
-
>"You kind of hinted at it. I get the feeling you do that every so often."
-
>"You kind of hinted at it. I get the feeling you do that every so often."
>Ranka grins. "Yup! Needed it, too, back then. Much as I love Honoka, she needed to do her thing and I needed to do mine."
>"Instead of her." Sabine quips to no one in particular.
>The wind spirit replies easily, "Yeah, that came later. Sometimes I just have to shed the flesh and be one with the wind."
-
>Nod.
>"You also went into a string of jobs you did. Anything happen after that, or are you still in the middle of doing that?"
-
>Nod.
>"You also went into a string of jobs you did. Anything happen after that, or are you still in the middle of doing that?"
>"Nah, I'm not really up to much of anything right now. That Scarlet Devil keeps trying to rope me into that opera of hers, but I'm not really interested."
-
>"What are you interested in, then?"
-
>"What are you interested in, then?"
>"Right now?"
-
>"More or less?"
-
>"More or less?"
>"Flying fish."
-
>What do we know of such things, both the traditional kind and any fantastic kinds?
-
>What do we know of such things, both the traditional kind and any fantastic kinds?
>To your knowledge, there is a kind of fish that is capable of jumping out of the water to such heights it is named 'flying fish' by humans. You think there are some that also have pseudo-wing like structures, but you're less sure on that point. Icthyology is not your strong point, after all.
>This being Gensokyo, Ranka could easily be referring to a kind of fish youkai that's prone to flight. And while you don't know too many of those, there is one that springs immediately to mind. Iku Nagae, the oarfish youkai whom Aya encountered during the 'Tenshi' incident a few years ago. Reportedly, Iku's responsibilities include floating through the skies and monitoring the atmosphere of Gensokyo. Someone like Ranka, who evidently spends a great deal of time flying aimlessly around, could easily have spotted Iku on one of her flights.
-
>"You mean the oarfish youkai, or something else?"
-
>"You mean the oarfish youkai, or something else?"
>Ranka smiles. "Ah, you've seen her, too?"
-
>"I've gotten some photos of her in the past, yeah."
-
>"I've gotten some photos of her in the past, yeah."
>"That was nice of her."
-
>"She had some objections at first. But that's what makes it a challenge."
-
>"She had some objections at first. But that's what makes it a challenge."
>"You didn't actually dual her, did you?"
-
>"More or less. And I got my pictures."
-
>"More or less. And I got my pictures."
>Ranka grins and laughs. "You're gonna be the envy of Honoka if she finds out. She's been hoping to duel Iku-san for years now."
-
>"Think she'll be even madder if she found out I got pictures of Tenshi, too?"
-
>"Think she'll be even madder if she found out I got pictures of Tenshi, too?"
>Ranka sticks her tongue out straight away. "Blech. I've actually met that one. You can keep her. Oh, wait, you were talking about Honoka. Um......" After a moment's thought, Ranka makes another face. "Nah, Honoka can do better than that one."
-
>"Heh. Let me tell you, Tenshi is no slouch. She may be kind of...well, you know. But she does have something to back it up."
-
>"Heh. Let me tell you, Tenshi is no slouch. She may be kind of...well, you know. But she does have something to back it up."
>"Oh I know she's tough. She buried me upside down when I tried to eat the peaches off her hat. But some fights just aren't worth the time. Danmaku's supposed to be fun."
-
>"Thumbing her nose isn't fun?"
-
>"Thumbing her nose isn't fun?"
>"Not for me, it wouldn't be. She's just the kinda girl that sucks the fun out of stuff."
-
>"Fair enough."
>Let's pull ahead of the rest a little bit, to get our of easy overhearing range, then say, "But you know, would you be interested?"
-
>"Fair enough."
>Let's pull ahead of the rest a little bit, to get our of easy overhearing range, then say, "But you know, would you be interested?"
>"In what?" Ranka asks after you put a little distance between yourselves and the mounted pair of Cobalts.
-
>"Pictures?"
-
>"Pictures?"
>"Pictures? OH!" Ranka blurts. "Right. Iku. Wait, you carry pictures of Iku?"
-
>"No, of course not. The ones I haven't published are in my private collection at home."
-
>"No, of course not. The ones I haven't published are in my private collection at home."
>Ranka chuckles a deep chuckle. "Now you wouldn't be trying to tempt little ol' me, would you?"
-
>"Well, are you feeling tempted?"
-
>"But, what I was really wondering was, would you mind posing for a few pictures for me?"
-
>"Well, are you feeling tempted?"
>"I'd be more tempted in meeting Iku-san myself."
>"But, what I was really wondering was, would you mind posing for a few pictures for me?"
>"Why?"
-
>"Honestly? Because you're dazzling, and it'd be a crime not to."
-
>"Ranka, what do you think about the goddess Kanako and Sanae and their usage of wind?"
>"This also reminds me, did you and Honoka ever face with the Eientei crew? I'm also thinking of a being by the name Fujiwara no Mokou, who appears similair to Honoka in some ways."
-
>Don't drop those above questions just yet. Wrong atmosphere right now.
-
>"Ranka, what do you think about the goddess Kanako and Sanae and their usage of wind?"
>"This also reminds me, did you and Honoka ever face with the Eientei crew? I'm also thinking of a being by the name Fujiwara no Mokou, who appears similair to Honoka in some ways."
>Don't drop those above questions just yet. Wrong atmosphere right now.
>Although you still have some questions for Ranka, you decide to put them off for the moment.
>"Honestly? Because you're dazzling, and it'd be a crime not to."
>Ranka chuckles quietly, a faint smile touching her lips. "'Dazzling', hm? What makes you say that?"
-
>"Oh, if I went into details, we'd run out of time before we got where we're going."
-
>"Oh, if I went into details, we'd run out of time before we got where we're going."
>"Flattering. But you can save the flattery, since the shame of it is that you can't really see me."
-
>"I'll take what I can get, but go on?"
-
>"I'll take what I can get, but go on?"
>"All you can see is the flesh." Ranka explains, brushing her flowing hair back from her face. "But this is just a shell, it's not who I really am. It's pretty, yeah, but someone connected to the winds would be able to see past it, see to the real Ranka behind the skin and hair and stimulating clothes. But you can't. It's just one of the things you've lost, all your people has lost."
-
>"That's not true, though. We're just different. After all, I don't go around saying because you can't take spirit photos that you're not a part of the wind."
-
>"That's not true, though. We're just different. After all, I don't go around saying because you can't take spirit photos that you're not a part of the wind."
>"It is true. It's just a fact." Ranka says simply. "Your people are damaged. It's not your fault you can't see that part of me, but it's the truth."
-
>"Alright, fine. I'll prove it to you when we get some time. But, let's say you're right, what do you think ought to be done about it? And why?"
-
>"Alright, fine. I'll prove it to you when we get some time. But, let's say you're right, what do you think ought to be done about it? And why?"
>'"Why?'" Ranka barks out a laugh. "Because hurts need to be healed. If a human breaks her leg, she doesn't just go on to the orgy down the road, she gets it fixed. The tengu are walking wounded." She pauses. "Wait, was that how Daikuki put it?" After a bit of thought, she nods. "Yeah, that was it."
-
>"We're doing quite fine for a wounded people. Anyways, what would you recommend?"
-
>"We're doing quite fine for a wounded people. Anyways, what would you recommend?"
>"Well of course you are. You've blended being damaged into your identity as a race. And you're so arrogant you can't even acknowledge the possibility that it's really a wound. I don't even know if it can be fixed. I haven't thought about recommendations, since you wouldn't listen to me anyway."
>"But I'm not blaming you." she adds. "I can tell you're young, you've probably never imagined anything else before today." She smiles again, a more friendly smile than the last one. "Maybe that's why you're even talking to me as much as you are."
-
>"See. That sort of thing just sounds like you're mad at or jealous of tengu, which just comes off as your own arrogance. You're not going to win anyone over like that, it just sounds spiteful and bitter rather than concerned. Anyways, I'm listening because I'm interested in how others live and think. A lot tengu are, why do you think we have newspapers floating around? We keep to ourselves, but we're not stupid. Well, okay, some are, but there's always going to be people like that."
>"But you know what I mean, right? I'm not mad at you and I know that's not what you mean, just you're not really expressing yourself very well."
-
>"See. That sort of thing just sounds like you're mad at or jealous of tengu, which just comes off as your own arrogance. You're not going to win anyone over like that, it just sounds spiteful and bitter rather than concerned. Anyways, I'm listening because I'm interested in how others live and think. A lot tengu are, why do you think we have newspapers floating around? We keep to ourselves, but we're not stupid. Well, okay, some are, but there's always going to be people like that."
>"But you know what I mean, right? I'm not mad at you and I know that's not what you mean, just you're not really expressing yourself very well."
>Ranka's face crosses between angry and, somewhat surprisingly, hurt by your words. She takes a rather long breath and looks away from you, towards the clouds above you. "You might be right." she says at last. "Maybe I can't make you see what I mean. And maybe it's as much me as you, I haven't always been really good at explaining things to people. Keine told me that once, now that I remember. She said I was smarter than I think I am, but not the best at teaching people. Or... something like that." adds with a shake of her head. "But if you really want a better explanation than I think I can give, you might have to ask someone else, a wind child that's better at explaining things than I am."
-
>"Rather that doing that, maybe it's better to help you figure out what you want to say, huh?"
>"This is what I'm noticing, you talk about how we're wounded and stuff, but at the same time, you've already been wrong about us a few times, and about me in particular. I...get the feeling you don't really understand us as well as you think you do, you know what I mean? Like, a cat can watch a pack of wolves, but even if that cat get some idea how the wolves work, does the cat really understand their hearts very well?"
-
>"Rather that doing that, maybe it's better to help you figure out what you want to say, huh?"
>"This is what I'm noticing, you talk about how we're wounded and stuff, but at the same time, you've already been wrong about us a few times, and about me in particular. I...get the feeling you don't really understand us as well as you think you do, you know what I mean? Like, a cat can watch a pack of wolves, but even if that cat get some idea how the wolves work, does the cat really understand their hearts very well?"
>Ranka giggles. "No, I don't think so. You'll just end up frustrated, and so will I. Why don't we...... How did it go? Agree to disagree?"
-
>"Heh, okay. See, one of the things I've learned as a journalist is that you need to step outside of yourself sometimes for these things, put yourself in the other's pinions, you know? I've been trying to with you, but I think we'll both have to do it if we're gonna get anywhere. But until then, we can agree to have our own ways."
>"So...about those pictures, eh?"
-
>"Heh, okay. See, one of the things I've learned as a journalist is that you need to step outside of yourself sometimes for these things, put yourself in the other's pinions, you know? I've been trying to with you, but I think we'll both have to do it if we're gonna get anywhere. But until then, we can agree to have our own ways."
>"So...about those pictures, eh?"
>Ranka smiles proudly for some reason. "I can imagine Honoka would be proud of me for that. Hmhmhmm."
>"I thought you said you didn't have those pictures on you?"
-
>"I mean of you, silly!"
-
>"I mean of you, silly!"
>"Oh yeah." Ranka shakes her head. "No, thanks."
-
>"That's a shame, but I won't pester you about it. Well, not until later, anyways."
>"So where do you live?"
-
>"That's a shame, but I won't pester you about it. Well, not until later, anyways."
>"So where do you live?"
>Ranka laughs a quiet, knowing laugh.
>The golden-haired youkai spreads her arms out wide. "Why, everywhere, of course."
-
>"That's about what I figured you'd say. So let's narrow it down. Where you do you prefer to live? Or spend most of your time regarding as something like home?"
-
>"That's about what I figured you'd say. So let's narrow it down. Where you do you prefer to live? Or spend most of your time regarding as something like home?"
>Ranka's smile becomes a little less whimsical as she lowers her arms. "That's not really how I am. There are some places I don't like going, like the Underworld, and over tengu territory. And I don't do indoors. At all. Unless I'm having really good sex, or it's really important to someone I like. But 'home' for me is Gensokyo. I sleep on the east wind and rise with the north one day, I love the Hakurei shrine and Keine's village and the Myoren temple and nearly everything above ground. My home is really anywhere that I'm welcome, anywhere I'm comfortable."
-
>Nod.
>"Again, I thought you'd say that. But it must be inconvenient not going indoors. How do you get around that?"
-
>Nod.
>"Again, I thought you'd say that. But it must be inconvenient not going indoors. How do you get around that?"
>"You'd be surprised what you don't need buildings for." Ranka gives you a tart little smile. "Though I suppose you thought I'd say that, too."
-
>"Actually no, I figured you'd get friends to do it. Honestly, I am a little surprised you would limit yourself like that, though."
-
>"Actually no, I figured you'd get friends to do it. Honestly, I am a little surprised you would limit yourself like that, though."
>"Everyone has a thing or two that everyone else finds weird, limiting, something like that."
-
>"True, true. Does it include caves and such?"
-
>"True, true. Does it include caves and such?"
>Ranka nods.
-
>"Oh well. Given the way down there is known for it's wind, I wondered if it might not be a little different. Would it be prying too much if I ask what happens when you're forced indoors?"
-
>"Oh well. Given the way down there is known for it's wind, I wondered if it might not be a little different. Would it be prying too much if I ask what happens when you're forced indoors?"
>"Oh it IS windy down there, no question about that. But it's flying through a big bunch of tubes, or hallways. Tried it once, didn't like it too much."
>"I get unhappy." Ranka answers your question quite simply.
-
>"Ah, good. You had me thinking it might actually harm you or something, which would have been a real problem with that Red Tide person and all. So, we've sort of poked at this in the past, but who are your friends?"
-
>"Ah, good. You had me thinking it might actually harm you or something, which would have been a real problem with that Red Tide person and all. So, we've sort of poked at this in the past, but who are your friends?"
>Ranka smiles. "You worried. Ain't that sweet."
>"You mean in general, or did you want a list?"
-
>"Well, it's only natural to worry when someone might be hurt by a common thing, don't you think? And both, but it doesn't have to be a complete list."
-
>"Well, it's only natural to worry when someone might be hurt by a common thing, don't you think? And both, but it doesn't have to be a complete list."
>"Well, you can probably imagine I'm friendly with most of the wind spirits of Gensokyo, and Kanako, and Sanae, but I don't think Suwako likes me too much, which is a shame, since she's cute as a button. And Honoka of course, and the Cobalts." With a grin, she adds, "Yes, even Sabine. She reminds of Honoka in a few ways, and that's always a good thing. And I like Reimu, of course, even though she's run me off of her shrine before. Snatched me right out of the air once, too, didn't even know she could do that. Oh, and Marisa, I think I mentioned that, though, didn't I?"
>"I hate to interrupt." Celes calls up to you from behind. "But I believe we should make a slight course correction before we travel much farther."
-
>Nod to Ranka, then look back. "Why's that?"
-
>Nod to Ranka, then look back. "Why's that?"
>Sabine points ahead of you. "There's a big brou-ha-ha dead ahead of us."
>A glance in the direction she points confirms her report. Ahead of you, you can see the structures of the Myoren temple to your northeast. A couple of miles to the west of the temple, over a stretch of thinly wooded land, a fairly serious exchange of danmaku seems to be taking place. You would guess there are at least four individuals participating, or perhaps two very spirited and powerful individuals.
>"Taking into consideration the location," says Celes, "I would guess that it is another confrontation between the residents of the Myoren temple and their Taoist adversaries. It would be best for us to avoid them."
-
>"I'll meet you guys on the other side, then. That's an opportunity for me!"
-
>"I'll meet you guys on the other side, then. That's an opportunity for me!"
>"As you wish. You are a journalist, I wouldn't think of telling you to pass on a lead. However, since Ranka knows the way to Marisa-san's home, I admit that I probably will not wait for you."
>"We'll tell ya what you missed, of course." Sabine adds with an angular smirk.
-
>"You guys are the ones taking the detour, aren't you?"
>How far out of the way is that spat, near as we can tell?
-
>"You guys are the ones taking the detour, aren't you?"
>How far out of the way is that spat, near as we can tell?
>Celes nods. "But doesn't covering a story necessitate a delay from other tasks?"
>Your group is presently headed directly for the fight. Celes and the others would indeed have to detour around it, though there's really no way to tell how far they'll have to go without knowing more about the parties involved.
-
>Smile. "Maybe. We'll see."
>Pictures first. We can do the interviews later if need be.
-
>Smile. "Maybe. We'll see."
>Pictures first. We can do the interviews later if need be.
>At present, you are not close enough to properly photograph the event. Your camera doesn't have the range Aya's does.
-
>No you fool, it doesn't have the WIDTH!
>"I'll meet up with you, don't worry."
>Full steam ahead!
-
>No you fool, it doesn't have the WIDTH!
>"I'll meet up with you, don't worry."
>Full steam ahead!
>Why can't both be true?
>"As you wish."
>As Celes and the others break off and drift out to port, you accelerate on, checking the available space on your camera. You didn't manage to blow it all on Ranka, so you should be good for documenting a rather fierce danmaku battle. Which this one certainly seems to be shaping up to be. You can make out six individuals flying around ahead, with copious volumes of danmaku flying between them all. You recognize most of the parties involved: Yamame Kurodani, a rather odd sight above ground. Mystia Lorelei. Ichirin Kumoi, who seems to be sporting a different outfit than the last time you spotted her. Her partner, Unzan the nyuudou, doesn't appear to be in evidence, but from your own experience, you imagine he can't be too far away. There is also an aqua-green haired youth in a brown dress with them, whom you recognize from Aya's news reports as Kyouko Kasodani. The other two are strange to you. One is a tallish woman with long white hair and a bushy tail, both streaked with gold. She sports wings as large and as white as a Yamabushi tengu, though hers are edged and outlined in silver. She also carried a trident-like weapon with slightly curved tines.
>All five of them seem to be focusing their fire on a black haired woman with two small, light blue horns on the top of her head. Five on one doesn't seem entirely fair, but it is this one who seems to be having all the fun. Even from here, you can hear her taunting the others as she returns fire with color-changing bullets. Weirdly, some of the others' danmaku seem to curve or bend in ways beyond the norm, their courses reversing.
-
>Did we get any pictures of Ranka, actually?
>Look for some good angles to photograph this event, then consider how dangerous it would be to get to those points and how well each would pay off.
-
> What does the white-haired girls danmaku look like? Might any power of hers be apparent?
> How does the reversal work? May this be the infamous Seija Kijin from the latest major incident? (Incase Hatate ever heard of her.)
> Do you think she can reverse our photo's?
-
>Did we get any pictures of Ranka, actually?
>Look for some good angles to photograph this event, then consider how dangerous it would be to get to those points and how well each would pay off.
>You did. Although, the ones you have were taken during her duels with the Prismrivers and then Honoka. Not the ones you were hoping most to come away with, but she's very photogenic when she's duelling as well.
>Being a tengu yourself, and considering your market is dominantly tengu, you would definately want to take some if not all your good shots from above. Tengu don't like looking up at non-tengu, as a general rule. Also, you would be safer sticking to the western side of the engagement zone. The only one really on that side is Kyouko, and judging from the level of her shots, you should be quite capable of evading any stray shots of hers that come your way. Plus the horned woman is less likely to concentrate her fire in that direction, since Ichirin seems to be the biggest threat, and she seems to be staying more to the south side of the battlefield.
> What does the white-haired girls danmaku look like? Might any power of hers be apparent?
>At the moment, she is employing alternating bursts of large white orb shots and yellow petal-shaped shots. It's hard to tell from just one attack pattern, but so far, she appears to be about on the same level as Mystia is in terms of power and intensity. She doesn't appear to be employing any powers or abilities she might possess, at least as far as you can tell.
> How does the reversal work? May this be the infamous Seija Kijin from the latest major incident? (Incase Hatate ever heard of her.)
> Do you think she can reverse our photo's?
>For her own bullets, the horned woman's shots keep changing color between red or blue to black, and back again. The shots of her opponents, however, are more affected. Not all of them, but some of them abruptly reverse their course and head back the way they came. Not really enough to threaten the horned woman's opponents, but enough to annoy them. The winged woman, especially, seems enraged by the tactic. The horned woman seems delighted to see their irritation.
>That could be her name, but you've never heard of a Seija Kijin before.
>She already has!
Parser's Box: I should explain. The timeline of this story, and the one that came before it, was established before the release of Hopeless Masquerade. As a result, the last major incident to happen from the games was the event depicted in Ten Desires. The events of Hopeless Masquerade and Double Dealing Character have not occured in this work, nor have the events of the Symposium book.
-
>Let's loop toward the west, and get a few nice pictures. Be wary of the tide of the fight shifting for the worse, though.
-
>Let's loop toward the west, and get a few nice pictures. Be wary of the tide of the fight shifting for the worse, though.
>Choosing your vantage point (at least your initial vantage point, as larger scale battles like this could very well necessitate a change of angle more than once) you head up and to your left. Casually, of course, as you don't want to draw any fire your way.
>At the least, you have no immediate worry of that from Ichirin and the white-haired woman with the trident. The two of them have evidently got fed up with the horned woman's shenanigans, and fly closer together, pooling their efforts. The winged woman thrusts her weapon forward, casting out a broad cone of streaming wedge shaped danmaku, while Ichirin waves her hands and generates multi-directional laser blasts. Yamame, prudently, notes this and puts a bit more distance between her and the pair. The tactic proves effective. Ichirin's lasers virtually plug up the gaps between her partner's danmaku, and the horned woman has almost no choice but to eat several impacts. Kyouko and Mystia try to take advantage of the situation, but the horned woman recovers more quickly than they evidently thought, and their bullets go high and over the diving woman's head.
>Rather than be perturbed by this damage, the horned woman irritating grin only seems to widen. You make sure to get a clear shot of that, as well, though doing so makes you work to keep a scowl off your face. You're not even fighting her, and yet she seems insufferable. She then produces a spellcard, and then things get a bit bizarre. You feel a peculiar wrenching sensation and a distinct feeling of moving in a direction you had no intention of moving in. When the feeling passes, you find yourself on the eastern side of the battlefield. And it isn't just you. With the exception of the horned woman, every participant has changed locations, east to west, west to east.
-
>Let's get some pictures of this! Then consider where they next good angle seems to be.
-
>Let's get some pictures of this! Then consider where they next good angle seems to be.
>Ichirin and her partner seem a bit rattled by this shift in the battlefield, and understandably so. The horned woman gives them little time to adjust, as purple flaming danmaku starts to fill the air around her. It's not a very intense attack, however. The flames don't move all that fast, and there are numerous gaps to exploit between them. You hear Ichirin say to her partner, "Split up!". Getting a nod, the two face away from each other, but when the fly off, they fly backwards towards each other, rear ends colliding. This phenomenon seems to be affecting the others as well, as Kyouko and Mystia each show surprise as they react to the purple shots. Yamame, however, seems content to observe the flames for the moment.
>Assuming things don't flip around again, the same elevation you were planning on using before would still be good, just on the east side as opposed to the west.
-
>Actually, has this helpfully gotten us past the battlefield without having to fly through or around it?
-
>Actually, has this helpfully gotten us past the battlefield without having to fly through or around it?
>Not especially. You're still on the side with Kyouko by herself, but since the others have flipped as well, nothing's really changed.
-
>Let's work our way across, then, so we can be ready to meet up with the others. Take an easy route, get any nice pictures that happen to present themselves.
-
>Let's work our way across, then, so we can be ready to meet up with the others. Take an easy route, get any nice pictures that happen to present themselves.
>Hoping to get a better view from the eastern front, you set out towards the west. Wait, that's not right. You wanted.... Seems that the horned woman's flip effect is still affecting you as well. Fortunately, none of her danmaku is heading this way. Having to dodge around that while making mental adjustments for the change in direction would be a real headache.
>Adjustments that some of the battlers below you obviously struggle with, as you record through your camera. Kyouko and Mystia especially seem to be having a hard time, taking hit after hit from the purple flames. Ichirin and the winged woman, however, seem to have found a strategy. While the horned woman may have flipped the horizontal, her spellcard hasn't affected the vertical. So the two of them seem to focusing more on evasive maneuvers up and down, rather than side to side. That wouldn't work against the bulk of spellcards you're familiar with, but this one has plenty of gaps to exploit. They seem to be doing well for themselves. Yamame, however, seems to be doing better than them both. She seems to have adapted to the reversed X-axis rather well, and while her return fire is not very powerful, it is more consistent than any of the others, and she is doing a much better job at evading the purple flames around her.
>Not having the distraction of danmaku to avoid, you reach your chosen vantage point in time to see a dual stream of danmaku from Ichirin and Kyouko converge on the horned woman, and a last burst of blue shots from Yamame take the last of the health of her spellcard. With its end, the battlefield flips once again, and you find yourself on the western edge of the engagement zone once more.
>The horned woman responds to her opponents success with yet another taunt, sticking her tongue out and making the 'antlers' sign like some human children do when they want to mock someone. "Come on, come on, you sure you're even trying? There's five of you!"
>You see Ichirin mutter something, then produce a spellcard of her own. Your reporter's eyes note Yamame, discreetly, doing the same thing. Before either of them can declare or activate just which card they've drawn, the air above the battlefield darkens, and a large purple cloud materializes over the assembled ladies. That would be Unzan, making a rather dramatic appearance, as he often does in these sorts of situations. It makes a good photo op, but he also does a good job of obscuring your view.
-
>Have we reached the other side of the battlefield yet?
>It not, proceed as before.
>It so, get a parting shot from out position, and continue onward. It possible, try to beat the others to a rendezvous point.
-
>Have we reached the other side of the battlefield yet?
>It not, proceed as before.
>It so, get a parting shot from out position, and continue onward. It possible, try to beat the others to a rendezvous point.
>You have, but now you find yourself needing to adjust your position to get under or around Unzan. You choose the former, and drop down a little bit, just as Yamame unleashes her own spellcard. A web-like pattern of petal shaped bullets fly out from her raised hand, framing the horned woman in danmaku before Yamame pulls her bullets back in, sending them all back out again in a more spread out fashion. It's very pretty, very 'spider-y', but the horned woman, from what you've seen, should have enough skill to evade them. Unzan, however, it seems has other ideas, and while their opponent's attention is diverted by Yamame's bullets, Unzan materializes a hefty purple fist and drops it down towards the taunting woman. Between Yamame's bullets, and accompanying fire from Mystia, she plainly fails to notice the incoming fist before it's too late. With a professional's timing, you catch the expression on her face just before Unzan's fist connects with the top of her head, doesn't even slow, and drives the girl into the ground. You wince in reflexive sympathy. That can't have felt good.
-
>Perfect. Time to go!
-
>Perfect. Time to go!
>Go where?
-
>To the other end of the battlefield for a shot posthaste,of course!
Say,in future danmaku duels with a partner,Momiji or
not,Hatate should really alternate between "regular" danmaku and Double Spoiler by keep opponents,or rivals :3 ,guessing .Even alone it is more than worth a calibrated shot .
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>Rather than the other end, let's go to where we would rendezvous with the others. If that involves the other end, then so be it.
Thought we crossed it already?
-
>Rather than the other end, let's go to where we would rendezvous with the others. If that involves the other end, then so be it.
>Clarification request. When you say 'the others', did you mean Celes and them?
-
>Ja.
-
>To the other end of the battlefield for a shot posthaste,of course!
>Rather than the other end, let's go to where we would rendezvous with the others. If that involves the other end, then so be it.
>Looking past the area where the bullets crisscross, you spot the flaming hooves of Celes' cauchemar a ways away. They've taken a pretty wide circle around the danmaku duel. That horse of hers does indeed move pretty quickly, but you can intercept them with relative ease.
>But first things first. You make sure to take a couple of rapid fire shots of Unzan's fist pulling back off the horned woman, getting a good shot at her face. It seems that Unzan finally wiped that smug look off her face. Well, for a moment, at least. You see the woman snicker, then toss out one more taunt before starting to get back to her feet. Unzan's fist starts to descend upon her again, but the horned woman turns and flies away at ground level, her velocity and demeanor indicating a full-on retreat. It seems that the shooting is over.
>Having collected some quality shots of the battle, which does indeed seem to be over, you turn and head to cut off Celes and her companions. With some disappointment, you note that Ranka seems to have disappeared. But then again, she could just be pulling the same trick she did earlier. "Finished already?" Sabine bellows out to you as she and Celes draw closer.
-
>"Just some quick shots, didn't intend to hold you guys up."
>Let's try that air sensing business, if we can do it without slowing down or making an obvious effort.
-
>"Just some quick shots, didn't intend to hold you guys up."
>Let's try that air sensing business, if we can do it without slowing down or making an obvious effort.
>"We appreciate that." Celes says. You note that she has removed one of her gloves, and that she has a ring on each of her five fingers. Each ring has a different colored gemstone set in its silver band, and the orange-yellow gem on her pinky finger is glowing slightly.
>You're not quite sure you can. Not the way Ranka talked about, anyway. As a tengu, you know how to listen to rumors and snips of news on the wind, but sensing a presence that's trying to conceal itself, that, you've never tried. A Dai-tengu might be able to do that more easily, you imagine, but as with most things, the scope of their powers trumps that of the Crows.
-
>We'll give it a try while following the rest.
-
>We'll give it a try while following the rest.
>"Didn't catch what that was all about, did ya?" Sabine asks as you match their pace.
-
>"Close as I could tell, the girl with the horns was giving the Buddhists and that earth spider a hard time. She was definitely laughing it up, at least."
-
>"Close as I could tell, the girl with the horns was giving the Buddhists and that earth spider a hard time. She was definitely laughing it up, at least."
>"Earth spider? What's an earth spider? Spider with extra dirt in the legs or something?"
-
>"They live underground. Sometimes get into tussles with the kappa. Great builders, too, a lot of youkai call for them to build things."
-
>"They live underground. Sometimes get into tussles with the kappa. Great builders, too, a lot of youkai call for them to build things."
>"Shou mentioned them to me before." Celes says. "I understand at least one of them has been making something of a name for herself as a performer, on the surface as well as below-ground. Yamame, I believe Shou said her name was."
-
>"Yeah, I think that's the one back there, now that I think about it. Got her once, when I was starting out."
-
>"Yeah, I think that's the one back there, now that I think about it. Got her once, when I was starting out."
>"Have you any idea what species the girl they were attacking belonged to?" Celes asks as she drops altitude a little. "I'm not familiar with any horned races of Gensokyo apart from the Oni, and from what we have been told, the Oni never come to the surface."
>"Except that Suika girl." Sabine adds. "Pretty sure that wasn't her, though."
-
>Do we know of any horn?d youkai she could be?
-
>Do we know of any horn?d youkai she could be?
>As far as species go, the Oni are the only populous youkai you know of that have horns. You suppose she COULD have been an Oni- if Suika came to the surface, there's no reason another Oni couldn't- although her horns weren't quite the right shape for an oni. Unless of course they've changed in the years they've been underground. She could easily be some kind of beast youkai that had horns, but as to what kind exactly, you're not sure.
-
>"I thought she was a beast youkai, myself."
-
>"I thought she was a beast youkai, myself."
>"My thought as well." Celes says with a nod. "But I couldn't identify the shape of her horns."
>She is interrupted by Sabine poking her in the back of the head, then pointing down towards the forest ahead. "Target ahoy."
>"Indeed."
>Celes guides her cauchemar into a slow angled descent, which gives you more time to focus on reading the winds, checking to see if you can get a sense of Ranka's presence. Given how she was talking earlier, you doubt your usual method of listening to news on the wind will yield any results, so you try to apply that sense a bit more laterally. It's an odd sensation. You get the feeling that this ability wasn't quite meant to be used in this way.
>And then you hear Ranka's giggle. It's faint, and you can't tell which direction it came from, but you definitely heard it. No mistaking that voice.
-
>Shrug. She'll show herself when she's good and ready.
>Look ahead; can we see any signs of Momiji or Patchouli?
-
>Shrug. She'll show herself when she's good and ready.
>Look ahead; can we see any signs of Momiji or Patchouli?
>Well at least you know she's around here somewhere, that's something, at least.
>A scan of the airspace within your visual threshold reveals no sign of either the Wolf or the Mage. At least not that you can identify. You can see something flying towards the forest from the direction of the Scarlet Devil Manor, but at the moment, it isn't close enough for you to make out any real details.
-
>That's probably them. Let's finish the journey and try to avoid landing on a centaur.
-
>That's probably them. Let's finish the journey and try to avoid landing on a centaur.
>Leaving Ranka to her own devices for the moment, you set aside your efforts to track her down and instead ensure your lead over Celes and her horse. After all, you wouldn't want to finish second behind a flaming steed.
>In short order, Marisa's house comes into view. Straight away, you spot Ranka, hovering over the top of Marisa's house (just slightly above the outer barrier), with a pleasant but slightly impish smile on her lovely face. Celia the centaur, true to her word, is still present, and she has more company besides the aforementioned wind spirit. A long haired girl in a dark blue ensemble is sitting with her on the ground, over a game board. A shogi board, if you're not mistaken. Marisa's house appears not to have been disturbed in your absence.
-
>Well of course she got ahead. We stopped to put some work in.
>Do we recognize longhair?
>"Hey Celia! Anything happen while we were gone?"
-
>Well of course she got ahead. We stopped to put some work in.
>Do we recognize longhair?
>"Hey Celia! Anything happen while we were gone?"
>Work waits for no tengu, after all.
>You don't think so.
>The centaur, who had been pondering her next move, looks up at your approach. "It is good to see you again, Himekaidou-san." She gestures to the blue-haired woman sitting across from her. "As you undoubtedly noticed, I have been paid a visit by a friend of mine."
>"Name's Renzu." the woman introduces herself. She has a very intelligent face, with moderately thick glasses over her green eyes and a blue cap on her head. Well, perhaps 'nerdy' would be a more accurate term than 'intelligent', if you're honest. Her understated figure, clothed in a well-made but rather plain looking blue dress with a blue-green short tie accompanyment, does nothing to dispel this image. If she had a backpack, she'd look a proper kappa. She does have a couple of non-backpack accessories, though. To her left is a long yellow staff, probably serving as a walking stick. And she has an old-fashioned camera around her neck, not entirely unlike Aya's, though hers is blue and gold in color. The same shade of gold, you note, as the gloves lying next to her staff, the collar her tie attached to, and the belt around her wait. Fairly well coordinated, this one.
>The nerdy woman takes a closer look at you for a moment. "'Himekaidou'? As in, Hatate Himekaidou?"
-
>She's probably not nearly as smart as she wants to loo-oh this is person is great!
>"The one and only, Miss Renzu."
>Bow politely.
-
>She's probably not nearly as smart as she wants to loo-oh this is person is great!
>"The one and only, Miss Renzu."
>Bow politely.
>This was certainly a pleasant surprise.
>"Now this is a happy coincidence." Renzu says with a big smile, her sentiments nearly echoing yours. "I came out this way for a few nature shots after it started snowing. Never imagined I'd meet a tengu out here, let alone a tengu reporter."
>"You know her?" Sabine asks Renzu bluntly from the back of the cauchemar.
>"Only by reputation, and through professional interest. I'm a photographer myself, in the human village. I understand you provide all the shots for your paper, Miss Hatate?" she asks you.
-
>"Yep, they're all mine. What do you do with your pictures? Keep some kind of gallery?"
-
>"Yep, they're all mine. What do you do with your pictures? Keep some kind of gallery?"
>Renzu nods. "I frame most, put them on display, some I sell. It doesn't make me rich, but I don't do it for the money."
-
>"Heh, tell me about it. No one gets rich doing this. I'm guessing you're here on business?"
-
>"Heh, tell me about it. No one gets rich doing this. I'm guessing you're here on business?"
>"Sort of. I saw it was snowing a bit, and I like that kind of imagery a lot. Plus, Celia's a friend of mine, and it had been...." Renzu trails off as she sees Celia glowering in the direction of Celes and Sabine. "Celia?"
>"If you will excuse me." Celia says slowly as she rises to her hooves and walks towards the Keep steward.
>Renzu seems more than a bit puzzled. "Well, I didn't see that coming." she says to you. "Who are your friends there?"
-
>"They're from the Cobalt Keep. Let me guess, Celia has a blood feud with them or something, doesn't she?"
-
>"They're from the Cobalt Keep. Let me guess, Celia has a blood feud with them or something, doesn't she?"
>"I wouldn't count on it, Celia's one of the gentlest people I've ever known. About the only- Oh." she breaks off, her eyes falling on the cauchemar Celes is mounted upon. "That could do it. Is that some kind of demon horse?"
-
>"Yeah, something like that. This is gonna get nasty, isn't it?"
-
>"Yeah, something like that. This is gonna get nasty, isn't it?"
>"I hope not." Renzu says with a wince. "Celia angry is one thing I've hoped never to capture on film."
>Celia, by this point, has crossed the field to stand directly before the cauchemar, who regards her coolly with its black eyes. The centaur still looks far less than pleased.
>"Yes?" Celes asks her politely.
>"How have you cowed this horse's spirit, human?" the centaur asks.
>Celes frowns slightly. "'Human' is not entirely accurate, but I suppose that is beside the point at the moment. I have not 'cowed' anything, or anyone. If you can somehow read this cauchemar, then you should know that."
>"I know it feels you are its master."
>"Does this offend you?" Celes asks, maintaining her politeness in the face of the glowering centaur.
>"How strong is that woman?" Renzu asks you, having stood in the meantime and pointing at Celes.
-
>"I don't know, but the people at Cobalt Keep are generally pretty capable."
>Let's see if Celes can dig herself out of this, before needing to step in to keep the peace.
-
>"I don't know, but the people at Cobalt Keep are generally pretty capable."
>Let's see if Celes can dig herself out of this, before needing to step in to keep the peace.
>"So's Celia." Renzu says worriedly. She does, however, unsling her camera.
>"I have no quarrel with you, centaur." Celes says politely but firmly. "I seek no trouble."
>"Then explain yourself." Celia insists.
>You note the muscles in Sabine's arms flex at the centaur's tone of voice. That could be a problem. That one seems to look for trouble.
>Celes, however, merely nods. "I believe I can, if you will allow me. Sabine, off."
>"Bu- Yeah, allright." the martial artist says after a moment, then hops off the back of the cauchemar. Exchanging a loaded look with Celia, Celes follows suit, dismounting the cauchemar with a fair bit more grace than Sabine.
>A slight shudder seems to run through the cauchemar after it becomes unburdened, its dark eyes lighting up with a smoky purple light. Something in those eyes seems to take Celia aback, and the centaur's glower fades. The cauchemar suddenly rears back, a sharp whinney bursts forth from its sharp-toothed mouth. Something in that sound, that sight, obviously makes sense to Celia, as the centaur nods in recognition. She smiles quietly. "I understand." she says softly. Turning to Celes, she says, "You are special to him."
>"I care for all of those who bear my burden." the Steward answers humbly, bowing her head to the centaur.
-
>"I've seen where he lives, they probably keep him pretty well."
-
>"I've seen where he lives, they probably keep him pretty well."
>"Got that right." Sabine confirms your statement. "Even that uppity dragon whelp doesn't complain about the lodgings."
>Celia nods slowly, reaching out to gently touch the cauchemar's muzzle. The big dark horse snorts, puffs of caustic-looking smoke jetting from its nostrils. "I am still quite curious, miss, how he came to accept your mounting in the first place."
>"That is my unique ability." Celes informs her. "I am a Rider."
>"I do not take your meaning."
>"I have the ability to assume mastery of any mount or vehicle I ride. Whether they are organic or technological." Celia frowns again at that thought. "I can understand how that might cause you some distaste, but it is my power."
>Celia pats the demon horse affectionately once more. "Personal feelings of mine aside, I have seen enough in my time to know that, one's powers and abilities in and of themselves are not evil or foul. It is what one does with them that determines the evil of the power, and the being." The centaur gives Celes another smile. "I do not believe you have misused your power."
>Renzu sighs in relief.
-
>"What about animals and stuff that don't want to be ridden? Like mad horses and stuff?"
-
>"What about animals and stuff that don't want to be ridden? Like mad horses and stuff?"
>"I can't control an insane animal. Something about a damaged mind negates my ability to control it."
>"You say that like you've tried." Renzu speculates.
>Celes nods. "Only once, with a large bear, back in Bulgaria. The poor beast was rabid, it's mind all but destroyed. It almost took my leg off when I tried to get away from it."
-
>"What if they just don't like people?"
-
>"What if they just don't like people?"
>"Then I can control them." Celes replies simply. "With one exception that I am aware of."
-
>"What's the exception? And do they like you in those circumstances?"
-
>"What's the exception? And do they like you in those circumstances?"
>"I'll answer your second question first, Hatate, as a concession. I believe the story behind the first will cause some grief to... I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced." she says to Celia.
>"Celia Kishu, sometimes called 'Fairest Scion of Ixion.'"
>"Pleased to make your acquaintance." Celes answers with a proper bow. "I am Celes d'Arquien, steward of the Cobalt Keep. To answer your question, Hatate, yes, they do. Whatever I mount sees me as its trusted master. But the effect is temporary; it lasts only as long as I remain mounted. Then the beast- no offense intended, Celia- returns to normal."
-
>Wonder what that demon horse thinks when Celes away, then? Oh well, no need to give Celia ideas.
>"Well, if it's a hard story, we can set it aside and focus on the matter at hand."
-
>Wonder what that demon horse thinks when Celes away, then? Oh well, no need to give Celia ideas.
>"Well, if it's a hard story, we can set it aside and focus on the matter at hand."
>Things were tense enough on their own for a minute there.
>The centaur nods in agreement. "Perhaps that would be for the best." To Celes, she says, "If you are from the Cobalt Keep, may I assume you are here to assist Hatate in her investigation?"
>"You assume correctly."
>"That's a relief." Renzu comments. "I don't know about you, Hatate, but I'm not too fond of shooting conflicts."
-
>"Most or all of the conflicts I've covered were friendly sporting matches, so I wouldn't know. Has Momiji not returned yet?"
-
>"Most or all of the conflicts I've covered were friendly sporting matches, so I wouldn't know. Has Momiji not returned yet?"
>The photographer has to think for a minute before she replies, "Oh, the white wolf border guard? No. At least, I haven't seen her today."
-
>"She should be returning from the Scarlet Devil Mansion soon I think. Meanwhile, maybe we can get started."
>Turn to the Cobalt Keep contingent. "Go ahead and examine the barriers."
-
>"She should be returning from the Scarlet Devil Mansion soon I think. Meanwhile, maybe we can get started."
>Turn to the Cobalt Keep contingent. "Go ahead and examine the barriers."
>"Indeed." says Celes as she puts her white glove back on. Then she says to Celia, "Perhaps you would care to attend to my steed? I would prefer he not cause the kind of mischief I know he can until I am finished."
>The cauchemar snorts indignantly as Celia nods. "I would be most content to."
>"Excuse me." Renzu calls out to the centaur. "Celes-san, was it? May I take some pictures of your rather unique horse? I've never seen anything quite like it."
>"As you wish." the steward answers as she removes her other glove. That hand also has five rings on it, one for each finger, but these have a bit more variety to them than the five silver bands on her left. She aims her fist at Marisa's house, and two white stones on a thin brassy band start to glow slightly. Celes frowns. "That's a mess." she mutters, before narrowing her eyes. "Several holes in this first layer, different residual energies.... Miss Hatate, I can't recall, did you mention earlier if you had penetrated this first energy field when you were here earlier?"
-
>"Yeah. And a couple others seem to have tried as well."
-
>"Yeah. And a couple others seem to have tried as well."
>"Indeed. And succeeded as well. This shield is really very thin, weak." She lowers her ring. "Sabine, destroy it."
>"On it, chief." the martial artist replies, flexing her arms as she stomps forward.
>"Are you quite sure that is wise?" Celia asks her.
>"This shield is so weak, an energetic kedama could breach it as it sits right now." Celes explains. "It really serves no purpose other than disrupting my scans, and I need a clearer look at what lies beyond this. And if we determine its presence is necessary, I can create a shield of my own, and a much stronger one than this."
>"Hey, wings?" Sabine calls out to you. "Where'd you punch a hole in this thing?"
-
>"At the front door. Here, let me show you."
>Point out where Momiji stabbed it up.
-
>"And the front door. Here, let me show you."
>Point out where Momiji stabbed it up.
>You guide Sabine to the correct location. The Keep resident sticks her arm experimentally through the gap created by Momiji's offense. "Cool." With a nod to you, she takes a few steps to the left, and raps her knuckles against Marisa's shield. "You might wanna back up a couple steps. Some of these magic walls make as much debris as a real one when I break 'em."
-
>"Sure thing."
>Try to capture the moment of breaking on film.
-
>"Sure thing."
>Try to capture the moment of breaking on film.
>"And that goes for you, too." Sabine adds as she look up at Ranka, still sitting on air just above Marisa's shield. Sabine gives her one of her cocky grins. "Not like you've got a lot of clothes to get scratched up as it is."
>"That will do, Sabine." Celes chides her comrade.
>Ranka, however, merely giggles. "It's so rare that one sounds concerned with me keeping my clothes on." With another flirty little laugh, she 'stands', as it were, and puts a few feet between her and the top of the shield.
>You ready your camera as Sabine assumes a fighting stance, raising her clenched fists in front of her face while bending her knees, a stance you don't immediately recognize. But she only stays in it for a couple of seconds before her knee flashes forward, faster even than your photographer's eye can follow, and strikes the barrier with the force of a runaway jet fighter. The impact generates a pressure wave that tousles your hair a bit. The shiled Marisa created shatters like a pane of glass struck by a thrown rock, a moment which you capture with your trusty camera.
>Sabine emits a satisfied chuckle. "Oh, I don't get to do that often enough." She tosses you a smirk. "You ever find a wall between you and a good picture, come get me."
-
>How does that rate on the Dogi scale?
>"If I ever need a wall crushed, I know who to call."
>See Aya, this is how you butter 'em up!
-
>How does that rate on the Dogi scale?
>"If I ever need a wall crushed, I know who to call."
>See Aya, this is how you butter 'em up!
>About a 6.8. Pressure wave gets points, but you need to send more stuff flying to rank higher.
>"Yes, you've proven your manliness." Celes remarks wryly to her comrade.
>"Hey!"
>"Now, if can continue?" the steward continues, rather casually dismissing the fist Sabine is shaking at her. Ranka has a laugh at the martial artist's expense as Sabine powers up her ring again.
>"I'll give her 'manliness' when we get back." Sabine mutters as she stomps away to her right.
>After about fifteen seconds of scanning presumably the inner shield with her ring, Celes suddenly scowls. "Miss Hatate, when you were here earlier, did you happen to notice a well-dressed man with gold or silver hair? He would have been wearing very expensive looking clothing."
-
>"Uh, no. Didn't see anyone like that."
>Does such a person sound familiar at all?
-
>Does such a person sound familiar at all?
>She could be referring to Rinnosuke, that half-youkai merchant from the human village. He's supposed to be a rather sharp dresser, and he does have grey hair. 'Silver' might be a bit generous, but it's close.
>"Uh, no. Didn't see anyone like that."
>"Would you mind throwing an attack at this shield for me, please? A burst of danmaku will do nicely, or a strong gust, if you prefer. I simply need to confirm my suspicion."
>"Wait a moment." Celia objects. "Himekaidou-san informed me that this shield carries an electrical charge when it is touched."
>"Attacking it from range should be safe, if I'm right."
-
>"All right. Here I go!"
>Hover and fire a three-round burst of danmaku at the barrier.
-
>"All right. Here I go!"
>Hover and fire a three-round burst of danmaku at the barrier.
>Taking to the sky, you unleash a measured barrage of bullets against the charged shield. Orange sparks fly as your shots strike home, but Celes was correct in her assumption in that you'd be safe. The sturdy barrier does not yield to your assault, but it does you no harm, either.
>"Thank you, Miss Hatate." the steward says as she lowers her ring. "I have confirmed my suspicion. I now know for certain who created this barrier. It appears we have found the last of our errant Sin Spirits. This shield is the work of the Spirit of Greed."
-
>"Does that mean you know how to deal with it?"
-
>"And why'd he do this?"
-
>"Does that mean you know how to deal with it?"
>"Possibly. Greed can be difficult to deal with, but his power is still limited when he's separated from Tsumiko. The real problem will be if he's possessed Marisa."
>"What do you mean, possessed Marisa?" Renzu asks.
>"The Sin Spirits have the ability to possess a living body, not entirely unlike a ghost. For all of her power, Marisa is still human. It is possible."
>"And why'd he do this?"
>"Based on what we've been told of Marisa, she has one of the largest collections of objects in all of Gensokyo, correct?"
>Celia nods. "She would describe herself as an 'avid collector of stuff.'"
>"It's a certainty that she'd have at least a few valuable items in that collection as well. Something like that would catch Greed's eye easily. I suspect that is why he created this barrier, to give himself time to sort through what he's found."
-
>"So what's our next step? Take down the barrier and beat him up?"
-
>"Marisa vanished a little while ago, I think with Alice. How good is Greed at impersonating people?"
-
>"So what's our next step? Take down the barrier and beat him up?"
>Celes chuckles wryly. "A very to the point plan, that. However, I think I agree."
>"All right." Sabine declares, cracking her knuckles in anticipation. "One barrier comin' down."
>"Not yet, Sabine." the steward stops her. "Doing it your way, you'd either break Marisa's house or hurt yourself, possibly both. And my way, I run the risk of breaking one of my rings." To you, she says, "I believe you mentioned earlier that Patchouli Knowledge was being informed of this situation by a partner of yours?"
-
>"Marisa vanished a little while ago, I think with Alice. How good is Greed at impersonating people?"
>"Yeah, I think I saw them on their way."
-
>"Yeah, I think I saw them on their way."
>"I would suggest we wait for them. Patchouli's more than familiar with the Sins and how their powers work. She and I could probably come up with a better way to bring this shield down than I think any of us presently here could."
-
>"Fine with me. Unless he's going to pop out in the next hour or so, there's no big hurry."
-
>"Fine with me. Unless he's going to pop out in the next hour or so, there's no big hurry."
>"If D'Arquien-san is correct," Celia states, "then this is not likely. Any individual, no matter how greedy, would take a considerable amount of time to sort through the objects Kirisame-san has 'collected' over the years. In the interim, perhaps you would care to elaborate on the question Himekaidou-san asked earlier, in regards to the exception to your powers?"
>The steward of the Keep nods. "If you wish."
>During this exchange, Ranka descends towards you, a happy little grin on her face. "I felt you trying to find me earlier."
-
>"Heh. Just wanted to know if you were hiding, or if you got bored and ran off."
-
>"Heh. Just wanted to know if you were hiding, or if you got bored and ran off."
>"I thought about it." Ranka admits. "But Sabine convinced me to try this instead, to see what you'd do."
-
>"Did I pass?"
-
>"Did I pass?"
>Ranka nods. "You tried. And that's more than any other tengu's ever tried. The ones I've talked to before just sort of blew me off, didn't even bother."
-
>"Well, I can see why, after what we talked about before. You give a real bad impression, and unless someone has a reason to think differently, it just sounds like you're trying to be nasty, and most of us have seen people who actually were being nasty."
>"But I can tell that's not what you meant, so don't worry."
-
>"Well, I can see why, after what we talked about before. You give a real bad impression, and unless someone has a reason to think differently, it just sounds like you're trying to be nasty, and most of us have seen people who actually were being nasty."
>"But I can tell that's not what you meant, so don't worry."
>"Maybe I should use a publicist?" Ranka says with a giggle, before frowning slightly. "That's a weird word, why do I know it? DO I know it? What does it mean?" she asks you.
-
>Shrug.
>"I guess it'd be someone who makes you sound better than you normally do? I think you just need to get to know us better, and maybe be open to the idea we're not so totally wrong about things as you think."
-
>Shrug.
>"I guess it'd be someone who makes you sound better than you normally do? I think you just need to get to know us better, and maybe be open to the idea we're not so totally wrong about things as you think."
>"Oh, well, I already have one of those." Ranka says with a satisfied little smirk. "But it's not like I haven't tried, you know? Other than that other reporter, you're the first tengu who's really spent more than two words on me."
-
>"What'd she have to say?"
-
>"What'd she have to say?"
>"Well we didn't talk about about the stuff you and me did. I don't think so, anyway, I can't remember. I was paying more attention to how her winds felt."
-
>"Not as good as mine, I trust."
-
>"Not as good as mine, I trust."
>A peculiar look crosses Ranka's beautiful face, but she pauses before she speaks. "You know, I don't know if I should say. I don't even know if she was aware of it herself. But then again, you're a tengu like her, it might make more sense to you. But don't tell her I told you, okay?"
-
>"Won't say a word. She's competition, after all."
-
>"Won't say a word. She's competition, after all."
>The wind spirit nods solemnly. "When I saw her, was talking to her, she was sad."
-
>"Why was that? She's usually not a sad kind of person. Night of Rage stuff?"
-
>"Why was that? She's usually not a sad kind of person. Night of Rage stuff?"
>"Nono, this was years ago, a little after that red fog stuff. The.... Scarlet Mist?"
-
>"Oooh, quite a while back. I thought maybe it'd have some connection to recent stuff. But anyways, go on."
-
>"Oooh, quite a while back. I thought maybe it'd have some connection to recent stuff. But anyways, go on."
>"Well, as for 'why', I don't know. Maybe it was something she saw in my winds, or maybe it was because of what she was doing. Maybe both, I couldn't tell. I don't even know if she was aware of it; I wouldn't have seen it at all if I didn't pay more attention to things outside the flesh."
-
>"And she was hiding it well enough you couldn't otherwise tell, huh? So, what was getting her down?"
-
>"And she was hiding it well enough you couldn't otherwise tell, huh? So, what was getting her down."
>_
>"I don't think she was hiding it. Not on purpose. See, you people that are more grounded than beings like me, you don't always know what's bothering you even when it's bothering you. Keine says that means you're more 'complex' than my kind. She might be right, she's really smart."
-
>"I suppose that might be so. But I don't know, you've probably got your own complexities. But anyways, were you able to figure out what the problem was?"
-
>"I suppose that might be so. But I don't know, you've probably got your own complexities. But anyways, were you able to figure out what the problem was?"
>Ranka shakes her head. "I haven't seen her since. Wait, that's not right. I've SEEN her, just not up close, always far away." The wind spirit pouts slightly. "If I didn't know better, I'd think she was ignoring me."
-
>"Oh?"
-
>"Oh?"
>"Every other photographer that's ever seen me came looking for me after. And she could find me if she wanted to, pretty sure of that."
>Over her shoulder, to the west, you spy a purple figure flying through the trees in your direction.
-
>"You know a lot of photographers I guess. Yeah, that makes sense."
>Who do we know who is purple?
-
>"Maybe you irritated her?"
-
>"Or maybe she thought you found out about a secret of hers."
-
>Who do we know who is purple?
>While you've never actually met her, you know that Patchouli Knowledge's standard garb is largely purple, as is her lengthy hair. That's probably her, then.
>Aside from her, the only other individual you can think of that you'd describe as 'purple' would be Satori Komeji, given the vivid purple color of her hair and eyes. And because Stuffman said she is.
>"You know a lot of photographers I guess. Yeah, that makes sense."
>"Ever since the camera came around, camera-people like to chase me." Ranka grins. "But that's okay. It's fun sometimes."
>"Maybe you irritated her?"
>"Or maybe she thought you found out about a secret of hers."
>"Mm, maybe. But I wasn't trying to, it just... sort of happened." The wind spirit's face droops slightly. "I'd actually like to see her again, now that you've got me thinking about her. She was the only Tengu I ever met whose winds didn't feel like they were pushing me away."
-
>"Yeah, Aya's pretty great."
>Mixed emotions about that.
-
>"Yeah, Aya's pretty great."
>Mixed emotions about that.
>"Aya, yeah, that was her name." Ranka says, giving you a smile. "Thanks for reminding me."
>Given how Ranka is, you don't think she meant anything bad by that remark. Still, something about it rubs you the wrong way.
-
>"Not even me?"
>Put a little mock hurt in our voice.
-
>"Not even me?"
>Put a little mock hurt in our voice.
>Ranka smiles as she giggles quietly. "Your wind is weird."
-
>"I prefer fascinating. Tell me more about it?"
-
>"I prefer fascinating. Tell me more about it?"
>"Well, you're like every other tengu in a lot of ways. But you really tried to understand what I was saying, at least I think you did. And you tried to find me instead of just thinking I was blowing clouds or had flitted off." She gives you a rather peculiar look then. "Every tengu's wind is turned inward, a shell, keeping them separate from the world. But yours isn't as fierce as others, and there's breaks in the shell, too. There's not many, and I don't think they've been there for long, but they're there. It feels like.... uh...." the wind spirit trails off, her face turning upwards as she concentrates, probably looking for the right words to articulate her thought.
>As she does so, the purple-clad figure of Patchouli Knowledge emerges from the trees into the clearing, flanked by Momiji. The White Wolf appears to have seen some action. Her clothing is cut in a couple of places, and she has a number of large bumps on her face, arms and around her ankles. They look almost like bug bites, though the bug that bit her would have to have been rather large indeed.
-
>"Oh, pardon me a moment."
>"Hey! What happened, Momiji?"
-
>"Oh, pardon me a moment."
>"Hey! What happened, Momiji?"
>Leaving Ranka to her ruminations, you flutter your wings and fly across the clearing towards Momiji. Patchouli moves past you along the way, heading towards Celes.
>Upon closer inspection, you almost laugh at the sight of Momiji, with her swollen cheek, elbows and ankle. She doesn't look hurt, just....well, a bit ridiculous. "I had a little trouble with the Scarlet Devil's new gate guard." she replies, her puffy cheek slurring her words slightly.
-
>"Are you all right?"
-
>"Are you all right?"
>"I'm not hurt." She winces slightly, and twitches her shoulder. "Just... itchy."
-
>"Maybe you need a tomato juice bath. Or ... a steak to hold against your ... no, that's for something else."
-
>New gate guard?
>If we know nothing of this, ask, "New guard?"
>"I hope you left her looking worse."
-
>"Maybe you need a tomato juice bath. Or ... a steak to hold against your ... no, that's for something else."
>"What I need, I think, is a stiff drink." Momiji retorts.
>New gate guard?
>If we know nothing of this, ask, "New guard?"
>"I hope you left her looking worse."
>"Apparently, not too long after the Night of Rage, Remilia Scarlet hired a couple of new staff members for her manor, including a second to China. She's a hornet youkai, and a rather belligerent one, called Haridoku. She's had a couple of run ins with the border guard before years ago. I know she and her sister used to live on Youkai mountain, but how she came to work for the Scarlet Devil, I don't know."
>"Not as such." Momiji says, a bit reluctantly.
-
>Give her a shoulder pat. If we think we can without hurting her.
>"Must be a real bruiser, then."
-
>Give her a shoulder pat. If we think we can without hurting her.
>"Must be a real bruiser, then."
>Her left shoulder appears undamaged, so you give that one a friendly pat.
>"Let's just say that, Remilia found a strong youkai to watch her front door. She actually wasn't going to let me in, after she beat me, but fortunately China came out to investigate the duel, and she invited me inside."
-
>"I'll keep that in mind. Either way, you did good, if you got around that kind of stubborn meathead."
-
>"I'll keep that in mind. Either way, you did good, if you got around that kind of stubborn meathead."
>Momiji merely nods. "We'd have been here a bit sooner, but for that delay. It wasn't as hard to convince Patchouli to come and investigate as I was afraid it was going to be."
-
>"That's okay, we just got here. Kinda got involved with things at the Cobalt Keep, then had to dodge around the Myouren people having a duel with some weird beast youkai that flips things. You wouldn't know her, would you? Black hair with a red streak, little horns?"
-
>"That's okay, we just got here. Kinda got involved with things at the Cobalt Keep, then had to dodge around the Myouren people having a duel with some weird beast youkai that flips things. You wouldn't know her, would you? Black hair with a red streak, little horns?"
>Momiji frowns as you describe the girl the Myorens were fighting. "Doesn't sound familiar." she answers after some thought. "You're sure about the beast youkai part, though, right?"
-
>"Not especially. Just sort of guessing. She wasn't an oni, that's for sure."
-
>"Not especially. Just sort of guessing. She wasn't an oni, that's for sure."
>"That's what I would have thought, myself, I think. When I think of youkai with horns, that's still what I think of first."
-
>Nods.
>"Anyways, pretty much half the keep came back with me. Apparently they think one of those sins people are in there. Have you heard of them?"
-
>Nods.
>"Anyways, pretty much half the keep came back with me. Apparently they think one of those sins people are in there. Have you heard of them?"
>Momiji nods. "That explains the new faces."
>"'Sins'? As in, Seven Deadly Sins? Greed, Gluttony, Lust, that belief?"
-
>"Yeah, something like that. Seems like Greed might be in there. Apparently Wrath caused the whole night of rage. And I met Sloth, she's not so bad. Well...you know what I mean."
-
>"Yeah, something like that. Seems like Greed might be in there. Apparently Wrath caused the whole night of rage. And I met Sloth, she's not so bad. Well...you know what I mean."
>Momiji merely stares. "I think you've gotten a little bit ahead of me, Hatate."
-
>"Yeah, maybe. There's some person over at the Cobalt Keep who apparently imprisons embodiments of those sins in herself. Sometimes they get out."
>Shrug.
>"And, during that night, they all got out. Apparently Greed's unaccounted for. They're gonna try to work with Patchouli to get in there."
-
>"Yeah, maybe. There's some person over at the Cobalt Keep who apparently imprisons embodiments of those sins in herself. Sometimes they get out."
>Shrug.
>"And, during that night, they all got out. Apparently Greed's unaccounted for. They're gonna try to work with Patchouli to get in there."
>Momiji's puffy face breaks into an impressed smile. "You have been busy, haven't you." The white wolf folds her arms and takes a few paces away. "An incarnation of the sin of Wrath... Yes, that would explain the Night of Rage, all right." Stopping in mid-step, Momiji looks back at you. "While you were there, did any of the Keep residents mention if they'd seen Aya?"
-
>"Not recently. She was there a month ago."
-
>"Not recently. She was there a month ago."
>"I thought she might have been." she says with a nod. "It doesn't take her long to get to the source of a story. Still, it's a place to start, if we need to trace her steps."
-
>"I'm thinking if we find Ran, she wouldn't be too far behind."
-
>"I'm thinking if we find Ran, she wouldn't be too far behind."
>"Good point, I'd almost forgot about that."
-
>"In the meantime, this Greed thing's important, and we probably ought to deal with it. Well I say we, but you've pretty clearly earned a break."
-
>"In the meantime, this Greed thing's important, and we probably ought to deal with it. Well I say we, but you've pretty clearly earned a break."
>Momiji heaves a sigh. "What I'd really like, if I'm honest, is some ice. These stings itch like crazy." She glances around at the gathered humanoids. "I don't suppose any of your new friends over there can whip some up?"
-
>"I guess Patchouli said no?"
>Try to recall, did any of them seem particularly ice capable?
-
>"I guess Patchouli said no?"
>Try to recall, did any of them seem particularly ice capable?
>"Actually, I didn't ask her." Momiji admits. With a look in Patchy's direction, she continues, "She doesn't seem like the type to ask for ice cubes."
>In terms of, well, most of them, you're not really sure what, if anything, their powers are, let alone if any of them are cryokinetic. Although, you do wonder about Celes' rings. She has a different ring on each finger, and at least one of them is magical of some sort. If the others aren't merely bling, they could have magical properties of their own, possibly even ice magic.
-
>Oh well. Approach the gang. Or if the gang has split up, the part of the gang that has Celes in it.
>"Hey, can anyone here conjure up some ice?"
-
>Oh well. Approach the gang. Or if the gang has split up, the part of the gang that has Celes in it.
>"Hey, can anyone here conjure up some ice?"
>The part of the gang that currently contains Celes is a small one, containing only Celes herself and Patchouli. The former of which turns her head in your direction when you ask. "Ice?" Absently, she brushes her fingers against each other. "Yes. Why?"
-
>"My friend needs it for her wounds."
-
>"My friend needs it for her wounds."
>Celes glances behind you at Momiji, her eyes widening slightly. "Goodness. What happened?"
>"Just some hornet stings." Patchouli says absently. "She'll be fine."
>"Hornet stings? What kind of- Ahh, let me guess. Your friend had an encounter with a youkai named Haridoku?"
-
>"That's the one."
-
>"That's the one."
>Celes nods, a note of sympathy on her face. "Sabine?" she calls out to her companion, who is presently conversing with Renzu.
>"Yeah, boss?"
>"Do you still have any of that salve Nyx made for treating hornet poisons?"
>"Little bit, why?' Celes points to Momiji, and the martial artist winces when she spies the lumps on her body. "Ouch." Sabine takes to the air, flying towards Momiji. "Hang tight, doggirl, I got ya covered."
>"We're very familiar with Haridoku, and her powers." Celes informs you as Sabine heads towards Momiji. "Whenever any of us visit the Scarlet Manor, we make a point of carrying salves and ointments to treat the stings of her kind. Suffice it to say, your friend is hardly the first to carry the marks of such an encounter."
-
>"Is she a friend of yours? Or a 'friend'?"
-
>"Is she a friend of yours? Or a 'friend'?"
>Celes glances at Patchouli before she answers. "'Acquaintance' might be the most appropriate word."
-
>"Sounds like a real winner."
-
>"Sounds like a real winner."
>"You can come out and say it." Patchouli remarks to Celes. "She's a pain."
>The steward of the Keep seems a bit reluctant to speak badly about Remilia's employee, but she does nod at Patchy's rather blunt statement. "Haridoku is not the most personable of youkai." she says at last. "Her sister seems able to smooth out her rougher edges, but this talent hasn't been found by anyone else that I am aware of."
-
>No wonder she and Remilia get along.
>"Oh?"
-
>No wonder she and Remilia get along.
>"Oh?"
>"Amitsu keeps her in line." Patchy adds. "Most of the time."
>"She's rather confrontational." Celes adds diplomatically. "One of the tenants of her job, as gate guard of the Scarlet Devil Manor, is to test the combat abilities of those who visit the Manor. She treats this aspect of the task rather more... seriously, than Meiling Hong does."
-
>"Sounds like a real prize, that one."
-
>"Sounds like a real prize, that one."
>"I don't mean to make her sound worse than she is." Celes assures you. "But she is rather gruff, there is no escaping that fact."
>"Anyway." Patchouli interrupts. "I've had a look at Greed's shield here. It won't take me much work to take it down. We've just been waiting on you."
-
>"Any idea what to expect past it?"
>Is Miji getting her liniments?
-
>"Any idea what to expect past it?"
>Is Miji getting her liniments?
>"Not as yet." Celes replies. "The shield is obscuring my own scans, and absorbing Patchouli's attempts to scan past it."
>"We need to bring it down before we can see inside." the mage adds.
>Sabine has indeed produced a small green crock of something, and is applying a yellowish slimy substance to the ugly welt on Momiji's shoulder. It's hardly the prettiest medicine you've ever laid eyes on, but Momiji does seem to have a look of relief on her face.
-
>"Once everyone is ready, I suppose. Don't want anyone to be caught off guard."
-
>"Once everyone is ready, I suppose. Don't want anyone to be caught off guard."
>With a brief sigh, Patchouli looks over at Sabine and Momiji. "I suppose I can wait a bit longer."
>"You seem a bit impatient, Patchouli." Celes observes.
>"How often does one get a chance to break into Marisa's, as opposed to the other way around?"
-
>"Want the honor of going through the front door, then?"
-
>"Want the honor of going through the front door, then?"
>The SDM magus nods in Celes' direction. "She thought you'd actually want that honor."
>Celes nods in agreement. "It seemed a fair thing to suggest. You were the one that brought us all together here, Hatate, and the one that brought this situation to our attention. After, of course, Patchouli and I ensured it was safe." she adds.
-
>"I'd be okay with that. But I figured Pachouli'd want a picture of breaking in to cherish."
-
>"I'd be okay with that. But I figured Pachouli'd want a picture of breaking in to cherish."
>"Capitol idea." Patchouli says with a faint quirk of her lips. "Though I'd be timing her to see how long it'd take Marisa to steal it, once she gets back to her old habits."
>"I have wondered often how you tolerate her as much as you do." Celes observes.
>"She's hard to pin down." Patchy says sourly.
>At this point, Sabine appears to have finished her ministrations to the itchy white wolf. The yellowish ointment is none too attractive looking a medication, but it seems to have worked. At the least, Momiji seems rather more relieved than she did before.
-
>"Looks like everyone is ready."
-
>"Looks like everyone is ready."
>Patchouli unfolds her arms. "At last."
>As the archmage steps towards Marisa's house, Celes says to you, "You are as well, yes?"
-
>"I guess so. I mean, there's nothing I can think of to further prepare."
-
>"I guess so. I mean, there's nothing I can think of to further prepare."
>With a flourish, Patchouli produces a black-bound tome. "I suggest, then, you get your camera ready." Celes suggests as Patchy opens her book in front of her, a small multifaceted orange gem floating above the fluttering pages. With you documenting the spell, Patchouli utters a brief yet strong verse, and the gem flashes with light. The Greed-created shield shimmers into view, an opaque dome of orange energy concealing Marisa's house. The click of a shutter behind you tells you that Renzu is also taking the opportunity for a picture or two.
>The shield seems to fade out slightly, weakening, and then the top of it spirals up and out like a ribbon of light. Similar sections of the shield split off from the main body of the thing, each ribbon spiraling out and down towards the jewel above Patchy's tome. The jewel absorbs the shield energy like a sponge, and in relatively short order, the barrier around Marisa's house has been swallowed by the orange jewel of Patchouli.
>"And every wall still standing." Patchy states simply, snapping her tome shut. She has a rather self-satisfied little smirk on her face, but it doesn't last long before Ranka drops down below her, dropping her hands onto the mages' rather frail shoulders.
>"Aren't you a powerful little thing." the flighty wind spirit teases Patchy lightly, her golden hair wrapping around her lithe frame and brushing Patchouli's ankles. "What else can you do?"
>"Leave off, you." Patchy demands.
-
>"You wouldn't like her, Ranka. She almost never comes outside."
>Approach the door. If nothing seems awry about it, open it up.
-
>Insert "from what I hear" into that sentence, as this is our first time actually meeting Patchy.
-
>"You wouldn't like her, Ranka. She almost never comes outside."
>Approach the door. If nothing seems awry about it, open it up.
>Insert "from what I hear" into that sentence, as this is our first time actually meeting Patchy.
>"True, I can tell." The wind spirit giggles as Patchy feebly wrestles in her grasp. "But I can already tell she's fun to tease."
>"I'm warning you, elemental.." the archmage says ominously.
>Leaving the blonde to torment the purple-tressed magus, you take a more proactive role, walking up Marisa's front walk towards her door. Celes, you note, keeps pace just behind you, the ring that was glowing before lit up once again. With the shield down, nothing more impedes your progress to the egress of the Kirisame house. Celes gives you no indication that anything is wrong, nor can you sense or see anything out of place, so you test the doorknob.
>The door is locked.
-
>"Locked."
>Call back: "Hey Patchouli, want to kick it down? I'm sure you'll enjoy the turnabout!"
-
>"Locked."
>Call back: "Hey Patchouli, want to kick it down? I'm sure you'll enjoy the turnabout!"
>The archmage would certainly answer, but she is still being harassed by Ranka.
>Celes looks upon the scene with some sympathy. "Unfortunately for Patchouli, this may go on for some-" The steward is then interrupted by the sound of electricity crackling, and the sight of Ranka being rather suddenly electrocuted in mid-molestation. Her exceptionally lengthy hair flies out in all directions under the electrical torrent, and when Patchy lets up, the stunned and smoking wind spirit simply falls backwards onto the ground.
>"I did warn you." Patchouli says simply, straightening out her shirt before walking in your direction. "Now, then, Himekaidou-san. Despite the circumstances, I do not 'kick'. I shall, however, Knock."
-
>"You okay, Ranka?"
-
>"You okay, Ranka?"
>Ranka's leg twitches twice, before the flirty wind spirit sits up. "I think I need a comb." she moans as she examines her frayed hair.
>"I don't think she meant any harm, Patchouli." Celes says to the archmage.
>"Neither did I. ?dro." she intones with a raise of her hand. A cloudy ball of white energy flies from her fingers and splashes against Marisa's front door like a bubble. You hear a distinct clinking sound from the lock. "There."
-
>"Shame I didn't bring mine, then."
>Head inside.
-
>Don't take that action just yet.
Purvis, you were pushing that romance pretty hard and now you're just going to leave her there? How about something like
"Sorry, I didn't bring a comb. You're okay though, right?" without opening the door.
I want to explain how this is better but I can't think of how to do that right now.
-
Sorta. We do have to stay IC, and she has been kinda a dick to Tengu as a whole, which brings the attractiveness level way down. At this point, it'll hinge on whether she cares to redeem herself.
-
I agree with that. My reaction to your command was that it seemed too flippant without explicitly giving a reason. We could say something for example "You'll be OK" or "Yeah she deserved it" which would address the situation.
-
>"Shame I didn't bring mine, then."
>Head inside.
>Ranka runs a hand through her frizzled hair. "Thanks anyway. How'd you do that without shocking yourself?" she asks Patchouli.
>"Practice." the mage answers.
>The smell of spoiled food wafts across your nose as you pull Marisa's door open, meat that's been left out for too long. Marisa's porch is relatively free of clutter, but the hallway beyond is a different matter. The floor is practically covered with all manner of objects, save for a very thin path where the rubbish has been pushed aside, just wide enough for a small person to walk if he did so carefully. To your right is an open closet, packed full of clothing and other objects with little order to it. You can see that some things inside have been pushed aside, perhaps in an attempt to organize it or gain access to the items beyond, but little more than a token effort.
-
>Look around, does the place seem ransacked or just messy?
-
>Look around, does the place seem ransacked or just messy?
>You'd be inclined to say 'messy' yourself. Then again, Marisa is said to have one of the messiest homes in all of Gensokyo. Being ransacked might have made it more orderly.
-
>Look around for signs that someone's obviously been digging through stuff. Then consider where else there is to go here.
>Call back: "Well, the food's gone bad, I can tell that from here!"
-
>Look around for signs that someone's obviously been digging through stuff. Then consider where else there is to go here.
>Call back: "Well, the food's gone bad, I can tell that from here!"
>The closest shows some sign that it's been gone through recently. Though if anything's missing, it doesn't show.
>The entrance way yields two paths beyond. Ahead and to the left is a large entryway, leading into what seems to be Marisa's living room. Slightly beyond this framed entry and to the right is a more narrow opening. The slim path pushed into the mess leads into the living room. The hallway to the right seems not to have been disturbed, at least not as you can tell. At the least, there is no pathway on the floor.
>Celes, not far behind you, wrinkles her nose. "Indeed." Her glowing ring is now blinking a bit, though why you're not sure. Patchouli seems to have taken a few steps back away from the steward. "Which is odd. Greed does not leave food lying out like that."
-
>"Then it's probably not food, and I don't wanna think about that."
>Let's follow that slim path toward the living room.
-
>"Then it's probably not food, and I don't wanna think about that."
>Let's follow that slim path toward the living room.
>From behind you, you hear Momiji sniff the air. "It's nothing too grisly. Probably the leftovers from supper that's been left out."
>Marisa's living room can be generously described as a disaster area. The floor is completely covered by clothes, pottery, toys, appliances, a scattering of weapons, umbrellas, knick-knacks, doo-dads, and endless books of every color and shape you've ever seen, and then some. Even the path that had been formed on the ground has collapsed in places, like an overgrown trail. The only clean surface is a small, round wood table near the exit to the kitchen, on the north side of the room. This table currently holds only two things: a bamboo tea cup, and a large open book. The smell of spoiled meat is coming from the kitchen.
>"Heavens above." Celes gapes as she follows you in. "I've seen some messy homes in my time, but..."
-
>"Marisa has problems."
>Does the mess seem to be ransacked, or just organically (or premeditatedly) placed?
>Make our way toward the kitchen, look around for things that catch our eye.
>"Any signs of Greed?"
-
>"Marisa has problems."
>Does the mess seem to be ransacked, or just organically (or premeditatedly) placed?
>Make our way toward the kitchen, look around for things that catch our eye.
>"Any signs of Greed?"
>"Clearly." Celes replies emphatically.
>The mess in the living room appears to be nothing more than the result of the accumulation of junk over a long period of time. Except for the area around the table. It's still a wreck, but it seems that at least some effort was made recently to put a bit of order to it. The patch of floor in front of the open book is nearly visible.
>The book itself piques your curiousity as you carefully pick your way through the mess towards the kitchen. Greed, or someone else, seems to have gone through a bit of trouble to read it. But why that book, and none of the others? Of course, it could just be that that book was the latest of many read, but there are no other books in the mess around the table, at least none that you can make out.
>"Among others." Celes says, sounding a touch annoyed. "I'm getting multiple readings on my ring. There must be a number of magical items within this house, their auras are interfering with my ring. But Greed WAS here, that much I am sure of."
>"You say that like you're not sure he still is." Momiji remarks.
>"I'm not."
-
>Let's get a look at that book.
-
>Let's get a look at that book.
>Craning your neck out, you take a glance at the open book. The writing is in a language you've never seen before, some combination of the alphabet and numbers in combination with symbols in the middle of words which make no sense to you. The right hand page also features a drawing of some kind, the kind of thing that would probably make sense to a wizard or a scholar, but it doesn't look like much to you.
>And then the drawing, and the writing on the spread pages, start to glow with a purple light.
-
>Back off.
>"Uh...that book is glowing."
>Be prepared to take flight and/or dodge if it starts doing something like firing out bullets.
-
>Back off.
>"Uh...that book is glowing."
>Be prepared to take flight and/or dodge if it starts doing something like firing out bullets.
>You scoot backwards, hovering slightly to get above the debris on the ground. Momiji unslings her shield in response to your warning.
>Celes' attention, however, is fixed solely on her ring as the book's glow intensifies. The jewel on her ring has turned pitch black. Her face is contorted with abject terror as she looks up and screams as loudly as she can, "RUN!"
-
>Get out of there. ASAP, don't want to hold up the doorway for someone else!
-
>Get out of there. ASAP, don't want to hold up the doorway for someone else!
>The book's glow expands rapidly as you turn and beat wings, purple light filling the room behind you. You hear Celes stumble over a piece of debris, but you hear Momiji catch her behind you. She says something, but you can't quite make out what it is. Your ears seem to be filled with a rushing noise of some kind, like the front end of a tornado, building and building.
>You are a tengu, child of the winds, and you are fast. But, there are times when you are just not quite fast enough. This, it seems, is one of those times. As you turn into the choked hallway leading towards Marisa's front door, the purple glow behind you explodes outward, and sweeps across you, deafening you with its sound, blinding you with its light. For a moment, you think you feel a little cold.
>Your head feels rather heavy as you return to awareness. You can feel a warm breeze in the air, and the uncomfortable sensation of something small poking you repeatedly in the ribs.
-
>Groan.
>"...Cut it out..."
-
>Was all of today just a dream?
-
>Groan.
>"...Cut it out..."
>"D'hah! She's alive!" a small voice cries out in answer. Sounds like a fairy, you think.
>"ZOMBIE!" another voice answers, a faint fluttering sound accompanying the shriek. Definitely fairies.
>Was all of today just a dream?
>If it was, it would be the most vivid dream you've ever had in your life.
-
>"...Wha' happen?"
-
>"...Wha' happen?"
>Your eyes flutter open as you question the tiny voice. You find yourself outside, under a clear blue sky. The fairy that had been jabbing you, and it is indeed a fairy, is a cute little fairy with rather long brown hair, matching big brown eyes and a blue bow atop her head. She seems to have recovered from her shock as she looks down at you. "Good morning. Are you a zombie?"
>"Of course she is, Star!" the second voice bellows. "Run away, run away!"
-
>"I'm a tengu."
>Sit up, and look around. Try to recollect our thoughts.
-
>"I'm a tengu."
>Sit up, and look around. Try to recollect our thoughts.
>"A tengu zombie?" the fairy called Star asks as you sit up. You are outside of Marisa's house, a few feet in front of her front door, which is now closed. There is no sign of Hatate or Celes. In fact, apart from Star, and another fairy standing on Marisa's roof, there is no one else in sight, not even Celes' cauchemar mount.
>Something even more odd than that strikes you as you try to clear your head. There's no snow on the ground, no snow in the sky. In fact, from the feel of the warm breeze, it feels more like spring than early winter.
-
>"Okay. I'm going to ask you a weird question. What was the last major incident that happened, and how long ago was it?"
>Let's stand up and check ourself over.
-
>"Okay. I'm going to ask you a weird question. What was the last major incident that happened, and how long ago was it?"
>Let's stand up and check ourself over.
>"Oh, that's easy." Star says with a bright smile. "Last week, when we met that bad zombie with the bad witch who told the bad zombie to eat us."
>You shake your head as you pull yourself to your feet. Fairies just don't make good sources. You feel a bit sluggish at the moment, like you do sometimes when you're hungover, though you don't seem to be experiencing any mental fatigue that usually goes with that. All of your belongings, your camera, wallet, spellcards, appear to be intact and where they're all supposed to be. Whatever that purple energy was, it doesn't seem to have done any significant damage to you, at least not that you can detect so far.
>While you're taking stock of your status, Marisa's door opens a crack, and a third fairy sticks her head out. This one is blonde, like the fairy on the roof, and her hair is done up in fancy-styled curls, three to each side of her head. "Uh, girls? There's two more sleeping big folks in here."
>"Are they zombies, too?" the fairy on the roof asks.
>"I don't think so. They don't smell bad."
>"Neither does this tengu." Star says over her shoulder.
>This makes the roof fairy look relived. "Oh, good. Hey wait, how do we know tengu zombies don't smell good?"
-
>"Let's have a look."
>Head inside.
>If any of them are there with us, ask, "Hey, didn't there used to be a rainbow-colored shell around this place?"
-
>Have we seen these fairies around Reimu's shrine, or has Aya written about them?
-
>Have we seen these fairies around Reimu's shrine, or has Aya written about them?
>You haven't seen them in person before, but now that you think about it, Aya did write a small article on them before. They're called the Three Fairies of Light, a rather grandiose title for a clique of a fairies, but this is not abnormal for fairies. The one that was poking you is Star Sapphire, the blonde with the curls is named Luna Child, and the zombie-declaring blonde on the roof is the ringleader of the bunch, Sunny Milk. They have an interesting array of special abilities, but they're still fairies. The only reason they made the news was due to some kind of inter-fairy conflict they had with the ice fairy Cirno a while back. Apparently they try to prank Reimu every now and again, but to your knowledge, they haven't had a great deal of success.
>"Let's have a look."
>Head inside.
>Sunny flitters down from the roof, her expression pugnacious. "We're keeping an eye on you, until we're sure you're not a tengu-zombie." The other two fairies giggle at their partner, but neither of them says anything.
>Luna holds the door open for you as you enter into Marisa's house again, Star and Sunny trailing after you. When you get a good look at the inside, you can't believe it's the same house. When you were in before, the place looked like a hoarder's house. But now it is, at best, slightly untidy. The floors are almost completely free of debris, the closet is neatly packed and in order, even color coordinated. There are pictures on the wall that either weren't there before or were covered by rubbish before. The smell of spoiled meat is gone; in fact, it smells nearly clean in here. There's a pair of shoes left in the hallway where they shouldn't be, and a broom stuck up in a corner, but other than that, the entrance and the hallway inside look in excellent condition.
>The two more Luna mentioned are Celes and Momiji, both sprawled out in the middle of the hallway. Momiji's shield lies next to her hand, and she still seems out of it, while Celes is only now starting to stir. They both appear unharmed, apart from being KO'd by the same light that knocked you for a loop.
>If any of them are there with us, ask, "Hey, didn't there used to be a rainbow-colored shell around this place?"
>"You mean like a shield?" Luna asks. "Sometimes, when Marisa-san has company."
>"Are you company?" Star inquires.
-
>"Yeah, like a shield. Does that happen a lot?"
>Let's go check on Momiji, then Celes.
-
>"Yeah, like a shield. Does that happen a lot?"
>Let's go check on Momiji, then Celes.
>Star and Luna giggle again. "Oh yeah." they say in unison.
>"Marisa-san has some private friends." Luna adds, trying her best to sound sage.
>Under Sunny Milk's watchful eye, you examine Momiji. Given her position, she was probably facing the book when its light was unleashed, and was blown out of the living room into the hallway here. Despite her having her shield out, she seems to have got the worst of the blast, as she shows no reaction to your presence. But at least she has no visible wounds or damage that you can detect.
>Celes, on the other hand, is just now starting to come around, uttering a soft groan as you check up on her. Like Momiji, she doesn't appear to have been harmed by that eruption of light, at least not in any way you can see. You glance at the ring that you thought you saw turn black before, but it is back to its normal white, albeit more dull than it was before.
>"Uh, whe.... Where are...?" Celes mutters as her eyes flutter between open and shut.
-
>"That's a good question. All I can tell you is that there's no snow outside anymore. Also someone cleaned up."
>Back to Momiji. Let's try to rouse her.
-
>"That's a good question. All I can tell you is that there's no snow outside anymore. Also someone cleaned up."
>Back to Momiji. Let's try to rouse her.
>Celes' eyes finally come open as she absorbs your report. "The book!" she blurts suddenly, snapping up to a seated position before emitting a loud groan and sinking back down to the floor, her hand grasping her forehead.
>"Hey, you should probably take it easy." Luna advises. "You don't look so good."
>"Sure she does." Sunny counters. "She doesn't groan like a zombie, that's good."
>This draws a smile from the other blonde fairy. "Oh yeah."
>With Celes momentarily incapacitated once more, you return your attention to Momiji, making an attempt to return her to consciousness. Your efforts result in little more than a faint murmur of a groan, before Star Sapphire appears before you, holding a glass of water. Without pausing to ask, she dumps the contents of the cup onto Momiji's face, causing the white wolf to splutter and groan, her ears twitching slightly. The little fairy seems very satisfied with herself.
-
>"Hey, don't do that!"
>"You okay, Momiji?"
-
>"Hey, don't do that!"
>"You okay, Momiji?"
>"Why not?" Star asks.
>"Yeah, it worked." Sunny adds.
>Momiji rolls her head to the side and spits out a smidgin of water. "My head feels heavy." she says quietly. "What happened?"
-
>"That's a great question. Let's just say things went wrong, there's no snow outside, and the room is a whole lot cleaner than I remember. I get the feeling I just figured out what happened to Aya."
-
>"That's a great question. Let's just say things went wrong, there's no snow outside, and the room is a whole lot cleaner than I remember. I get the feeling I just figured out what happened to Aya."
>"What do you mean?"
-
>"I'm pretty sure we just went missing for some length of time."
-
>"I'm pretty sure we just went missing for some length of time."
>Momiji groans, and tries to sit up. "How long?"
>"Possibly years." Celes' voice answers. The steward, too, has recovered enough to sit up, though only just, by the looks of her. "Maybe more."
-
>"So how do we fix it?"
-
>"So how do we fix it?"
>Still rubbing her head, Celes thinks for a moment. "The book. We need the book, bring it to Setsuka, Patchouli, someone with great magical knowledge. If we can analyze the book, safely, it could be the key to sending us back."
>"If they're even here." Momiji says darkly. "What if we were sent back in time?"
-
>Wait a second ...
>"Why aren't Patchouli and Sabine with us?"
>Did we read Aya's article about the Taoist mausoleum?
>Do we recall if Ranka and/or Celia entered the house?
-
>"Sending us back in time would be a dumb idea, we could just warn ourselves, or catch 'em in the act. It'd just be asking us to make things worse on whoever did it."
-
>Wait a second ...
>"Why aren't Patchouli and Sabine with us?"
>As Momiji looks around for the two mentioned, Celes, coming back to her feet, answers, "They may have been out of range of the power that hit us."
>Did we read Aya's article about the Taoist mausoleum?
>Do we recall if Ranka and/or Celia entered the house?
>You did read Aya's report about the 'Taoist' incident, as it's become informally known, which included some information about their headquarters and locations.
>Neither the wind spirit nor the centaur entered the house with you. Only Momiji and Celes accompanied you into the house.
>"Sending us back in time would be a dumb idea, we could just warn ourselves, or catch 'em in the act. It'd just be asking us to make things worse on whoever did it."
>"It is still possible, though." Celes says. "The book was a trap, not a conscious evil. Displacing someone centuries backwards in time is something he would have done."
-
>"I don't think this house has been here for centuries. But who knows? Okay, so, we need the book. How do we find it? Like, did it just end up somewhere?"
-
>"I don't think this house has been here for centuries. But who knows? Okay, so, we need the book. How do we find it? Like, did it just end up somewhere?"
>"I don't know. It could be where we left it."
>Momiji turns her head to her left, looking into the living room. "Wow. That really IS clean. Uh, but, no book."
>"Maybe you should ask Marisa-san?" Luna suggests. "I mean, this is her house, after all."
-
>"Is she around?"
-
>"Is she around?"
>"I think she's visiting Alice today?" Luna says, not sounding at all sure.
-
>"Sounds like a place to start. Worse comes to worst, we can probably figure out what the date is from Alice."
>How does one get to Alice's house?
-
>We went from Marisa's house to Alice's house to get Celia, so we should just retrace those steps.
-
>"Sounds like a place to start. Worse comes to worst, we can probably figure out what the date is from Alice."
>"Hey, we know the date!" Sunny declares with emphasis.
>Star nods. "We sure do. It's today."
>How does one get to Alice's house?
>We went from Marisa's house to Alice's house to get Celia, so we should just retrace those steps.
>Basically, this. Assuming that Alice's house is still where it was when you were there before.
-
>"I don't think you guys need to worry about zombies."
>"I think it's this way."
>Head for Aliceheim.
-
There is no sign of Hatate or Celes.
Either you misplaced Momiji with Hatate or Hatate suffered a major brain concussion,Sour :]
>Rein in our wings for a teensy bit longer and tell our mind to our two lingering companions :" Before taking off for the skies,I have an hunch that the trap might be a time-shift yet it might not have sent us into the past but the future or a slightly different line of time or somesuch. Still a hunch but one born after seeing this zany,for Marisa the ever-packrat, primly state. Not to mention again that deliberately changing the past is a free-ticket to aid the intruders.
>Anyhow,Celes could your rings pick up any anomalies or interference at the moment? We might have a heads-up into adjusting to some degree of awkwardness or,who knows, maybe I am erring on the side of caution.
>Wait for her answer and address Luna:" Hey,Luna is it?I just want to swiftly ask you or your friends to remember a couple of things,if you're cool with me."
Hatate bears the spirit of curious reporting and curious prevention.
-
>"I don't think you guys need to worry about zombies."
>"I think it's this way."
>"That's precisely what a zombie would say." Sunny says, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
>"But they don't smell like zombies." Luna reminds her fellow blonde.
>"Oh yeah. I guess you're okay, then."
>Head for Aliceheim.
>Rein in our wings for a teensy bit longer and tell our mind to our two lingering companions :" Before taking off for the skies,I have an hunch that the trap might be a time-shift yet it might not have sent us into the past but the future or a slightly different line of time or somesuch. Still a hunch but one born after seeing this zany,for Marisa the ever-packrat, primly state. Not to mention again that deliberately changing the past is a free-ticket to aid the intruders.
>Having settled on a destination, you help Momiji to her feet and step outside of Marisa's house, Celes behind you. But you pause before taking to the skies to give voice to your theory. Celes answers with a nod. "It's possible. Without knowing more about that book, I couldn't tell you what, exactly, it did to us. For all I know, we could have been pulled inside the book, or, as you said, thrown into an alternate timeline of some kind. Right now, there's no way for me to tell."
>Anyhow,Celes could your rings pick up any anomalies or interference at the moment? We might have a heads-up into adjusting to some degree of awkwardness or,who knows, maybe I am erring on the side of caution.
>Wait for her answer and address Luna:" Hey,Luna is it?I just want to swiftly ask you or your friends to remember a couple of things,if you're cool with me."
>The steward shakes her head, raising her ring. "That eruption of power overloaded my ring. Short-circuited it, for want of a better term. It will take some time for it to come back online. And none of my other rings have divination properties."
>"And there's more trees here than I remember." Momiji adds as she scans the forest around her. "If we are in the future, it must be some years, to account for this growth. I can't see too far in any direction. But from what I can see, there's nothing threatening in the immediate vicinity."
>The blonde fairy with the curls pokes her head outside once more. "Yes?"
-
>Consider if fairy cuteness could be weaponized.
-
>Turn to Luna:"Here goes: Could you or your friends tell me if anyone kinda similar to me appeared around these parts just like we did?I'm talking majestic black wings -Unfurl and point to them to jog their memory-short black hair,clothes resembling mine,same hat, carrying pen and paper with a little device close to this one- present the proof at arm's lenght- and a trend for being chatty and fast..."
> After the first answer:"...I see,thanks.And exactly what role do you cover here for the human magician Marisa-san?Are you also friends with her?".
Firefox crash nuked my 2nd reply :ohdear: .No biggie since I tweaked it better.
-
>Consider if fairy cuteness could be weaponized.
>Only by a truly evil individual, or one who possesses unsurpassing skill in manipulation of things. Yukari might have some ideas.
>Turn to Luna:"Here goes: Could you or your friends tell me if anyone kinda similar to me appeared around these parts just like we did?I'm talking majestic black wings -Unfurl and point to them to jog their memory-short black hair,clothes resembling mine,same hat, carrying pen and paper with a little device close to this one- present the proof at arm's lenght- and a trend for being chatty and fast..."
> After the first answer:"...I see,thanks.And exactly what role do you cover here for the human magician Marisa-san?Are you also friends with her?".
>"Well, not exactly like that, but the wings part, yes." Luna says with a nod. "And the clothes. I think." The little fairy frowns in thought. "Maybe not the clothes, you're wearing more purple than others with wings. I think. No, I'm sure, I like purple, it's a nice color."
>Luna nods once more. "Of course, Marisa-san's friends with everyone. Except that bad wizard. Bad people have no friends, that's why they're bad. But Marisa-san plays with us. That's what we were doing before you appeared, looking for the thing she'd hid on us."
-
>"Okay, where'd you see other girl with wings? And what'd she hide?"
-
>"Okay, where'd you see other girl with wings? And what'd she hide?"
>"Girls." Luna corrects you. "And all over, really. Human town, Reimu's shrine, Bya..... Bya...ku-ren? The nice, tall lady with the big chest."
>Celes supplies, "Byakuren?"
>"Yeah, her place. Even around here, sometimes, they come to visit Marisa-san and Alice-san."
>"Today? One of Star's ribbons."
>"And she needs better hiding places." Sunny adds, popping up on top of Luna's head. "Way too easy today."
-
>Do we know of any tengu who would go out and visit some magicians?
-
>Do we know of any tengu who would go out and visit some magicians?
>Not personally. You suppose a Yamabushi tengu might have cause to, but even among them, the only one you can think of who'd consult with a groundling, even the ones as powerful as Marisa and Alice are, would be Momohime.
-
>Glance to Momiji: "Well that sounds weird."
>Now let's head Alice-ward. The faeries can follow if they wanna.
-
>Not personally. You suppose a Yamabushi tengu might have cause to, but even among them, the only one you can think of who'd consult with a groundling, even the ones as powerful as Marisa and Alice are, would be Momohime.
>While Flying.What about Momohime?Any distinctive rumours about those kind of association that stands out as helpful to retrieve Aya and perphaps others entrapped,such as an habit,quirk an identificative?
>To ourself,in our mind:"The argument we and Ranka have had...."Begin to ponder the possibility of a more open-minded,wind-disposed and journalistic inclined Tengu society.
-
>Ponder similarities between Momohime and the Hinanawi's eldest daughter.
-
>Glance to Momiji: "Well that sounds weird."
>Now let's head Alice-ward. The faeries can follow if they wanna.
>"Unless she means a larger number of bird youkai?" the wolf suggests.
>"Or any number of other winged youkai." Celes adds. "For all we know, this could be an era in which harpies have conquered Gensokyo."
>"Harpies?"
>"A western monster." Celes explains as you take off into the air, heading for, where you hope, Alice's house still is.
>"Bye-bye!" Luna calls after you, waving friendily.
>Sunny, however, yells a warning, "And watch out for zombies!"
>While Flying.What about Momohime?Any distinctive rumours about those kind of association that stands out as helpful to retrieve Aya and perphaps others entrapped,such as an habit,quirk an identificative?
>To ourself,in our mind:"The argument we and Ranka have had...."Begin to ponder the possibility of a more open-minded,wind-disposed and journalistic inclined Tengu society.
>You don't really know that much about the Yamabushi princess, so she has been called, at least not personally. As a Yamabushi, she handles the magical and spiritual aspect of tengu life, and she is known to be friendly towards non-tengu. If anyone of your people would have cause to visit Marisa or any other non-tengu magician, she'd be the one. She's also known to be helpful, overly so, in fact. You don't know if she has any unique skills that would help her track down Aya, or anyone else, but it's a safe bet she'd be willing to try.
>Tengu society has been largely unchanged for centuries. Imagining your people having a different way of life than they do now requires a bit of a stretch of the imagination. But being the youthful, imaginative tengu that you are, It's not impossible. The Dai-tengu would probably have to be the first to change. They're the stodgiest bunch of them all, that's true whether or not Ranka was right about what she was saying or not.
>Ponder similarities between Momohime and the Hinanawi's eldest daughter.
>Well, they both have long hair, you know that much. Different colors, though, Tenshi has blue hair, while Momihime, the last time she was photographed, was a blonde. They're both skilled with a sword, though one prefers a jian, the other a saber. Rumors associated with both indicate they have an affinity with peaches, though the full extent of this has yet to be proven for either.
>"You seem to know a lot about that book, Celes." Momiji says to her as you travel. "What was it that hit us?"
>"I don't know enough yet. But I do know what it was, now. And I apologize to you both." she says, inclining her head. "But it was dormant until we saw that light. My ring didn't give me any signs of what it really was. His traps never do."
-
>"So what was that book, other than the The Randomly Zaps You to Some Other Point in Time Book?"
-
>"So what was that book, other than the The Randomly Zaps You to Some Other Point in Time Book?"
>"It was a trap, a creation of the previous owner of the Keep." With a look to Momiji, Celes explains, "I mentioned this to Hatate before, but the Cobalt Keep once belonged to another vampire, one of terrible evil, and horrible power. Among the many evils he was capable of was creating objects that acted like land mines. These objects could lie dormant for ages, harmless, no different than any other item. But when activated, they could do lethal harm to anyone around."
>"And that book is one of them?"
>Celes nods slowly. "When Hatate told me of the situation here, I had my concerns that such a thing had happened. That Marisa had unwittingly stolen one of the Regal's cursed items. But I didn't detect its power until it was too late."
>"And these traps have the power to move people through time?" Momiji asks as she flies around a sturdy cedar tree.
>"I've never known one to do so, but it's very possible. This could be the future, or the past. It could be an illusionary world, or a world that we three are all dream- No. No, it wouldn't be just us three." she cuts herself off. "I'm almost positive that Greed was caught by that book as well, and probably Marisa as well."
-
>"Illusions sound easier to me, really. But, well, maybe we'll see if Marisa knows anything."
-
>"Illusions sound easier to me, really. But, well, maybe we'll see if Marisa knows anything."
>"Let us hope this is no illusion." Celes says grimly. "It that were the case, it would mean that we have been pulled inside the book. And if that is the case...." The steward trails off, her expression as dark as the inside of a coal miner's boot.
>"If that is the case?" Momiji prods.
>"Then we will have to put our faith in our friends outside."
>You wonder just what Celes means, but the sounds of danmaku reach your ears before you can ask any further, and it sounds like they're coming from the area ahead. That actually comes as something of a relief. Wherever you are, at least it's still a world that still seems to have the spellcard rules in place.
>You come within range of Alice's house. It has changed since the last time you were here. The exterior still has the same type of architecture and coloring, except it has an extra story now. There's been more landscaping done, as well. Much of the grassy terrain around the house is covered in flowers of many, many colors, and just as many shapes.
>And the place is much more active now than when you were here last. Four children are running through the flowers, laughing and playing, while one of Alice's dolls looks on. At least it appears to be one of Alice's dolls, though this one is much bigger than they usually come. She stands about the size of a young adult human, with very blonde hair, a light blue dress, pale blue ribbon in her hair, and a very peaceful smile on her face.
>The danmaku duelists are floating several feet above Alice's house. One is a youkai with wavy silver hair and a largely rust-red and grey clothing ensemble, and her opponent is another big doll, this one even bigger than the one on the ground. The shooting doll is broadly similar in appearance to her smaller 'sister', save for the red coloration of her ribbons and her hair is straighter and a bit longer. It appears to be the rather iconic 'Shanghai' design.
-
>"Well...unless Alice took a floor off, I think we can rule out being in the past, at least."
>Look around for another other familiar faces.
-
>"Well...unless Alice took a floor off, I think we can rule out being in the past, at least."
>Look around for another other familiar faces.
>"Yeah." Momiji agrees, her skilled eyes scanning the house. "There's too many similarities between this house and the one from our time."
>Other than the two dolls and their distinctive appearance, neither the youkai dueling Shanghai nor the children playing are faces you recognize. Although there is one of the children, the one with white-blue hair tied back with a red and white ribbon, who bears a strong resemblance to Keine Kamishirasawa, the protector of the human village.
>As you look over the children for other recognizable faces or features, you do a double-take when you spot a young Yamabushi tengu among them. She doesn't bear a resemblance to anyone you know personally, but the fact that she's here at all is bizarre.
-
>Now that's just wrong.
>Well, if we don't see Alice or Marisa around, let's approach the front door and knock.
-
>Now that's just wrong.
>Well, if we don't see Alice or Marisa around, let's approach the front door and knock.
>Which one, the young white-wings, or Keine having a kid?
>Neither of the magicians appear to be present, so you leave the kids to their play and head for the front door. Evidently, Momiji is as agape as you at the sight. "A Yamabushi girl? Out here?"
>"Is that so remarkable?" Celes asks.
>"IS it? Even in main Tengu territory, Yamabushi children are a rare sight. I haven't seen one in decades."
>Celes considers the winged youth. "Perhaps something has changed among your people in the time we are missing."
>"It would have to be something really big."
>As the two converse, you rap upon Alice's door. A young girl's voice calls from behind, "Coming!" A moment later, a lovely young blonde human (at least you think she's human) of about 13 pulls the door open. "Hello." she greets you with a friendly smile.
-
>"Hello, is Marisa here?"
-
>"Hello, is Marisa here?"
>The young girl shakes her head, "She's out at the moment. Mother sent her out to make some deliveries."
>"She just didn't want her around with Mokou modeling." a teasing voice sings out from inside.
>The blonde glances back over her shoulder. "Quiet, you."
-
>"Okay, is Alice around?"
-
>"Okay, is Alice around?"
>"Yes, ma'am." the blonde replies politely, the little smile on her face bringing dimples in her cheeks to life. "She's hosting her sewing circle today."
-
>Dawww.
>"Could you ask her if she'd be willing to come talk with us for a few minutes?"
-
>Dawww.
>"Could you ask her if she'd be willing to come talk with us for a few minutes?"
>Cute little thing, ain't she.
>"Of course. Just a minute, I'll see if she's available. Oh, I almost forgot. May I ask who's calling?"
-
>"Hatate, Momiji, and Celes."
-
>"Hatate, Momiji, and Celes."
>The young girl's eyes widen slightly, then she smiles again. "Wow. Uh, right, thanks. Just a minute, please." Then she disappears inside.
>"She seemed to recognize our names." Celes remarks quietly.
-
>"Not surprising. We're probably an infamous case of missing people."
-
>"Not surprising. We're probably an infamous case of missing people."
>"You may be right." Momiji answers. "We have been gone for at least 14 years."
>"How do you arrive at that?" Celes asks her.
>"Because that girl is the daughter of Marisa Kirisame."
>"Are you certain?"
>"Very. I've seen Marisa enough to consider her a friend, and that girl looks far too much like her to be coincidence. She's either Marisa's daughter, or the daughter of her sister. And I don't think she has a sister."
-
>"And I am pretty sure Alice didn't have a cadre of little kids running around last time I was here, either."
-
>"And I am pretty sure Alice didn't have a cadre of little kids running around last time I was here, either."
>"No." Momiji says with a thoughtful nod. "Maybe they're the children of this sewing circle the girl mentioned."
>"That would make sense." Celes replies. "This location would be rather out of the way for a day-care."
>About a minute or so later, the door opens again, and Alice Margatroid appears before you. While you've never met her before, you know her from photographs taken by Aya, and she seems no older than she did in them. Then again, she is a youkai, so this isn't too big a surprise. About the only change is her hair, which is signifigantly longer than how Aya photographed her before. It falls down now to the back of her legs. WIth a look at the three of you, she smiles and pushes the door open a bit more, letting the girl who greeted you out behind her. "It's them, all right." she says to the youth.
-
>"So, let me ask the first question, and this will either be really weird or explain a lot. What is the month, day, and year?"
-
>"So, let me ask the first question, and this will either be really weird or explain a lot. What is the month, day, and year?"
>Alice frowns, placing her hands on her hips. "Now, I realize that you're the owner of one of the largest newspapers in Gensokyo, Hatate-san, but I was expecting at least a 'hello' before the questions, especially one like that."
-
>Oh man, there's another Hatate here? We are so totally going to beat her down!
>"...You're right, where are my manners? Sorry about that. But, I think that may be someone else you're thinking of."
-
>Oh man, there's another Hatate here? We are so totally going to beat her down!
>"...You're right, where are my manners? Sorry about that. But, I think that may be someone else you're thinking of."
>Fightin' plans already.
>Alice still looks rather stern, but after a moment, she says, "Kathryn, go back inside. Tell the ladies I might be a few minutes."
>"Yes, mother." the little blonde replies respectfully, reentering the house.
>"Go on." Alice says to you once she's left.
-
>"You see. The three of us just appeared here, only some minutes ago. We were caught in a magic trap of some kind, and it looks like it shunted us away from our real spot in time. It was just starting to be spring. That's why I asked about the date and stuff."
-
>"You see. The three of us just appeared here, only some minutes ago. We were caught in a magic trap of some kind, and it looks like it shunted us away from our real spot in time. It was just starting to be spring. That's why I asked about the date and stuff."
>"Really." the puppeteer says, with more than a dollop of snark.
-
>"You really think this would be what I'd come up with if I were trying to pull one over on you? Celes, tell her about the book."
-
>"You really think this would be what I'd come up with if I were trying to pull one over on you? Celes, tell her about the book."
>"After living with Marisa as long as I have, I can promise you, I've heard worse." Alice says, a faint smirk touching her lips. "But go ahead."
>The steward clears her throat. "First, my name is Celes d'Arquien." she introduces herself to Alice with a bow.
>"Alice Margatroid." the puppeteer replies in the same tone.
>"May I ask, first, why you seemed so suspicious of Hatate's statement? As I am sure you know, Gensokyo is a place where bizarre events occur frequently."
>"No question of that." Alice agreed. "But, the reason why I have a very hard time believing these two tengu are from the past is because she," pointing her finger in your direction, "is the owner of the Kakashi Spirit Press, and led it to the success it has over the years. Hatate's been a public figure for a long time. And she," she continues, shifting her gaze and finger to Momiji, "is one of the most powerful tengu there is, and has been ever since that revolution your people had a few years ago."
-
>"Go on."
-
>"Go on."
>"And there was no mention in Hatate's paper, or any other news reporting agency, about a rash of disappearances some years ago?" Celes asks her. "Involving a cursed book?"
>"No mention that I know about." Alice replies. "And I've seen my fair share of cursed books, believe me. Marisa had almost as many as Kosuza does."
>"And Kosuza-san is?"
>"The librarian of the human town. Most every magician in Gensokyo, including myself, have visited her from time to time."
-
>"Alice, do you remember when the people in the Cobalt Keep woke up and Marisa started visiting them? How long after that did we first meet?"
-
>"Alice, do you remember when the people in the Cobalt Keep woke up and Marisa started visiting them? How long after that did we first meet?"
>Alice takes a half step backwards when you mention Celes' home. "The Cobalt Keep?"
>"You've heard of it, then." Momiji remarks.
>"Everyone has. And everyone knows to stay away from it. It's one of the only really dangerous places left above ground. Even Reimu doesn't go there. Marisa went there once, years ago. She almost didn't make it out. We made her promise not to go back."
-
>"Well that's weird. It's a pretty friendly place back where we're from. Did someone take it over or something?"
-
>"Well that's weird. It's a pretty friendly place back where we're from. Did someone take it over or something?"
>Alice looks towards the children, slightly nervous. "I don't know." she answers, lowering her voice. "It's been that way for as long as I know, though. I don't think anyone really knows much about that place. But I'd rather not talk about it with the children around."
-
>Nod. "Don't worry about it right now, though I'm sure Celes is going to want to get everything you know since she comes from there. Well, our Cobalt Keep anyways. Where's Marisa at now? I heard something about a trip to town."
-
>Nod. "Don't worry about it right now, though I'm sure Celes is going to want to get everything you know since she comes from there. Well, our Cobalt Keep anyways. Where's Marisa at now? I heard something about a trip to town."
>Alice gives Celes a very guarded look. "You really come from the Keep?"
>"Like Hatate said, not the Keep you're obviously familiar with. Though I am from France, originally."
>"From the outside world?" The Keep's steward nods. Alice sizes her up for a moment longer. "I can't say I trust you entirely, if you're associated with that place. But since none of my dolls or I can sense any evil about you, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. For now."
>Celes inclines her head politely. "You are most gracious."
>Alice nods. "You may not know, but I work as a seamstress for quite a few people, and Marisa delivers the items to my clients when they're done. I get to spend more time with Kathryn that way. That's what Marisa's doing now, making a few deliveries."
-
>"Will she be back soon?"
-
>"Will she be back soon?"
>Alice sighs a much put-upon sigh, but she smiles when she says, "She gets distracted pretty easily. Unless I give her a curfew, she stays out as long as she likes. Although, she'll probably be home before dark. She's supposed to make a delivery to Reimu's place, and having a tussle with Remilia usually tires her out enough to send her back home."
-
>About what time of day does it seem to be?
>Look to the others. "Well then. What now?"
-
>About what time of day does it seem to be?
>Look to the others. "Well then. What now?"
>Probably sometime around noon, give or take an hour either way.
>Alice clears her throat. "If you wouldn't mind a suggestion?"
-
>"Sure?"
-
>"Sure?"
>"If what you say is true, then you should probably talk to Reimu. That sort of story sounds like an incident. We need to remind her about it every now and then, but it's still her job to solve those if need be."
-
>"Maybe. We're kinda just hoping to find that book and go home."
-
>"Maybe. We're kinda just hoping to find that book and go home."
>"Maybe we shouldn't get fixed on that idea." Momiji suggests to you. "There's a chance we might not find that book again, or even if we did, it might not do us any good. We may need to find another way back to our time."
-
>"I don't think this is the future though. Remember what Alice said about the Cobalt Keep?"
-
>"But yeah, I guess that's true."
>Let's gather up the gang and head toward the Hakurei Shrine.
-
>"I don't think this is the future though. Remember what Alice said about the Cobalt Keep?"
>"It is possible." Celes replies shortly.
>"But yeah, I guess that's true."
>Let's gather up the gang and head toward the Hakurei Shrine.
>"One more question, if I may?" Celes asks Alice. The puppeteer nods. "You mentioned one notably dangerous area, but are there any more places to watch out for?"
>"Hmm. Probably not, not above ground, anyway. The Underground is still a bit wild, but the Oni keep them down there. And Makai, of course, but that's not the sort of place one goes accidentally."
>"What of the garden of Yuuka?"
>Alice smiles mysteriously. "Not as dangerous as it used to be."
>"I see. Well." Celes gives Alice a polite bow. "We thank you for your time, and for your information."
>"You're welcome." Alice answers, and the three of you then depart, heading for Reimu's pad.
>"So if you don't think this is the future, where do you suppose we are?" Momiji asks as you travel.
-
>"Good question. I'm thinking maybe it's all fake, but there's really no good way to test it. And too much of a chance I'm wrong, anyways."
-
>"Good question. I'm thinking maybe it's all fake, but there's really no good way to test it. And too much of a chance I'm wrong, anyways."
>"Mmm. We need more information before we can be sure."
>"We should also consider what we say to people here." she adds thoughtfully. "Since it seems that at least you and I have counterparts in this world, I don't know if Reimu will react any better than Alice did if we tell her we might be out of our time."
-
>"I'm sure it will be fine, as long as we make sure she knows we're not intending to cause trouble."
-
>"I'm sure it will be fine, as long as we make sure she knows we're not intending to cause trouble."
>"That reminds me." Momiji glances back at Celes. "If this is some kind of illusionary world, can it really threaten us?" The steward, however, doesn't seem to notice Momiji's question. She seems distant, distracted. "Celes?"
>"Mm?" Celes mutters as she looks up. "I'm sorry. Did you say something?"
>"I was asking if this place presents any real danger to us, if in fact it's some kind of illusion."
>Celes considers that. "That's hard to say. At least from the people we meet. But until we have evidence otherwise, I suggest we treat things as though they could threaten us, like we would in our world. That is why I asked Alice about Yuuka, specifically."
-
>"Yeah, we'd want to test that really carefully. And I don't even want to think about testing it until we can ask Marisa about that book."
-
>"Yeah, we'd want to test that really carefully. And I don't even want to think about testing it until we can ask Marisa about that book."
>"Agreed." Momiji says with a nod. Celes, however, merely mutters something under her breath, but not so quietly that your keen tengu ears can't make out the word, 'Unless'.
-
>"Unless?"
-
>"Unless?"
>"Uh-" Celes blinks in surprise. "How did..." With a rueful chuckle, she says, "Right. You tengu can pick voices out of the air."
-
>"Yeah. So, unless what?"
-
>"Yeah. So, unless what?"
>The dismayed looking steward replies, "'Unless', we truly were pulled inside that book, rather than simply displaced in space, or time. If we were, then Marisa might not be able to help us." She hesitates before adding, "I don't know if anyone can."
-
>"I suppose the question would be, could we do something about it ourselves?"
>"And if we're in the book, does that mean others might be stuck in here, too?"
-
>Wonder if it's possible that Marisa and Alice are trapped in the book as well.
-
>"I suppose the question would be, could we do something about it ourselves?"
>"I don't know. In some cases...." Celes shakes her head sadly. "I don't know."
>"Clearly you've seen this before." Momiji says. "Have you ever known anyone trapped inside one of that person's traps to escape on their own."
>Celes is slow in answering, "No. Sometimes, people have been able to exert a small amount of control over their environment, but even this is very rare. Escape... I've never known anyone who was able to escape on their own."
>"And if we're in the book, does that mean others might be stuck in here, too?"
>Wonder if it's possible that Marisa and Alice are trapped in the book as well.
>Celes nods at this. "At the vest least, Marisa and Greed are here as well. Greed was in that house, he would have seen that book, and have been caught as we were. Marisa as well."
>"We were told that Alice had visited Marisa's house within the last month." Momiji adds.
>"Then it's very possible she was trapped as well. But, as to whether or not that was the real Alice we saw back there, or another version of her, that I don't know. If you both have doppelgangers in this place, Alice may as well."
-
>"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way. Okay, Celes. That book, where was it supposed to be, before Marisa stole it?"
-
>"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way. Okay, Celes. That book, where was it supposed to be, before Marisa stole it?"
>"I assume it was in the library. We've tried for centuries to find every trap he left behind, but we know we haven't found every one yet."
-
>"So. If we checked the keep library here..."
-
>"So. If we checked the keep library here..."
>"There is a chance we could find that book there. If this version of the Keep is similar to ours."
-
>"It's worth a shot, if nothing else comes up."
-
>"It's worth a shot, if nothing else comes up."
>"Not without learning more about that place first." Momiji asserts. "If Alice thought that place was the most dangerous place in Gensokyo- this Gensokyo at least- we should know more about it before going anywhere near it. Celes, do you suppose this version of the Keep could be under the rule of its previous owner, the one you've mentioned."
>"No, I don't believe so."
>"You sound pretty sure."
>"I am. If he was the one reigning over the Keep, then either the residents of Gensokyo would have come together to destroy him or drive him out, or all of Gensokyo would cower under his shadow. We would have known by now."
-
>"Oh yeah, of course. But we could get help if needs be. Like, perhaps, that one of the most powerful of tengu that Alice mentioned?"
>Grin.
-
>"Oh yeah, of course. But we could get help if needs be. Like, perhaps, that one of the most powerful of tengu that Alice mentioned?"
>Grin.
>Momiji chuckles a touch nervously as your flight path takes you out of the forest of magic, into the open air. "I've been thinking about that myself. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about this... other Momiji. And this revolution Alice mentioned."
-
>"Yeah. I don't think I'm going to be happy until I can bury this other me in danmaku. And I bet she'd agree. And yeah, I am curious about that revolution too. Because...it's kind of weird to see that yamabushi there, learning from an outsider..."
-
>"Yeah. I don't think I'm going to be happy until I can bury this other me in danmaku. And I bet she'd agree. And yeah, I am curious about that revolution too. Because...it's kind of weird to see that yamabushi there, learning from an outsider..."
>"Very. But you know...." The white wolf glances back behind her, a curious look upon her face. "I can't say I didn't like the sight of it."
>"Is such a sight truly that bizarre to you both?" Celes asks.
-
>"Very. You got to understand, we don't look to outside people for inspiration. We never needed to, nor do we want to. We've made our own way since the beginning. Some do take it far enough they'd rather shut out everyone else altogether, but not very many tengu would actually want to go and learn from others like that. It's just not how we are, what we need, we provide for ourselves, you see?"
-
>"Very. You got to understand, we don't look to outside people for inspiration. We never needed to, nor do we want to. We've made our own way since the beginning. Some do take it far enough they'd rather shut out everyone else altogether, but not very many tengu would actually want to go and learn from others like that. It's just not how we are, what we need, we provide for ourselves, you see?"
>"I believe I understand. But, is that a belief all tengu share, or a code enforced by the rulers of your people?"
-
>"Both, really. Unless there's a whole lot of tengu who have really lost their way and hide it, I guess."
-
>"Both, really. Unless there's a whole lot of tengu who have really lost their way and hide it, I guess."
>"Then this 'revolution' Alice spoke of, would have involved some fairly substantial social changes, to account for seeing a Yamabushi in such an environment."
-
>"Quite. I'm gonna want to ask myself about that, too."
-
>"Quite. I'm gonna want to ask myself about that, too."
>"Uh, you might have a chance sooner than that." Momiji says, her gaze aimed at the forest behind you. "I think we're being followed."
>"By whom?" Celes asks.
>"If I'm right, by that young Yamabushi from before, and her mother. They're flying through the forest, and seem to be following our flight path. Roughly, at least."
-
>Glance back.
-
>Glance back.
>The forest behind you conceals the sight of your reported pursuers from your eyes.
>"I see no one." Celes adds, also looking back.
>"Trust me, they're back there. But they're not that fast. We'll leave them behind unless we slow down."
-
>"Mmm. Well, if they're trying to catch up, might as well hear what they have to say. I doubt any mom is going to drag her kid along if she's going to start something."
-
>"Mmm. Well, if they're trying to catch up, might as well hear what they have to say. I doubt any mom is going to drag her kid along if she's going to start something."
>"By the look of it, it's the other way around." Momiji says with a smile. "The girl's in the lead. And still not quite sure of her wings, too."
-
>"Heehee."
>Slow down a bit. How close are we to the Hakurei Shrine; at least by our own reckoning.
-
>"Heehee."
>Slow down a bit. How close are we to the Hakurei Shrine; at least by our own reckoning.
>Reducing your speed, you take a look around to gauge your ETA to the Hakurei Shrine. Without her mount, Celes doesn't fly as fast as she could prior, so you haven't been making as good time as you had before. Nevertheless, it shouldn't take you more than ten minutes to reach the Hakurei shrine, barring any unforeseen delays.
-
>Continue onward at a leisurely pace; let the pursuers catch up.
-
>Continue onward at a leisurely pace; let the pursuers catch up.
>Slowing from a clip to a casual glide, you slow down to allow the youth and her apparant parent to close the distance. It doesn't take long for the pair to emerge from the forest, the little one leading just as Momiji said. Now that you can see them, it's not hard to see why Momiji reported the taller Yamabushi to be the mother. Both have the same curly pink hair, and as you see when they draw closer, the same deep purple eyes. Pink is an odd color for a Yamabushi's hair, but it's not completely unheard of. Their wings, however, are the standard Yamabushi white. The smaller of the two does waggle and dip a bit as she makes the closest she can get to a beeline towards your group, but she has a big smile on her face.
>"Good day!" Momiji calls back to them as they approach.
>"And to you!" the elder returns.
>The youth's smile grows even broader. "See, mama? Told you she'd see us!"
>"So you did, dear."
-
>Smile at the child.
>"You can't fool Momiji, I can tell you that! So, what do you want, small fry?"
-
>Smile at the child.
>"You can't fool Momiji, I can tell you that! So, what do you want, small fry?"
>The youth's eyes blink. "What's a small fry?" she inquires.
>"It is a- friendly nickname." Momiji says quickly. "Hatate uses them almost as much as names sometimes."
>The elder white-wings giggles a refined laugh, hiding her mouth behind her lacy gloved hand. "Even after these years, it still makes me smile to hear that." Her ensemble is a bit odd for a Yamabushi, as well. She wears a rather traditional green and white robe, but she accentuates it with a blue western style jacket and bonnet. Her daughter wears a broadly similar collection of clothes, though light purple where her mother's is blue. "Oh, my. And a good day to you as well, Himekaidou-san." she greets you with polite inclination of the head.
-
>Do we know their names?
-
>Do we know their names?
>You don't recognize either of them.
-
>"And you as well Madam. Unfortunately for us, today has been and will continue to be somewhat strange."
-
>"And you as well Madam. Unfortunately for us, today has been and will continue to be somewhat strange."
>While you and the big one exchange pleasantries, the little one flutters on her little wings towards Momiji. "I saw you earlier today." Momiji says to her. "At Maragtroid-san's place. You looked like you were having fun."
>"I like it at Alice's place." the youth explains, still smiling broadly. "And that's why I wanted to talk to you, if I could."
>"Oh? What about?"
>The little Yamabushi does not answer right away. At least, not with words. The girl gives her wings a burst of effort and lunges forward, wrapping her little arms around Momiji's tummy. Over Momiji's stammered vocalization, the little girl says "To thank you, Momiji-san."
>"Ara ara~" her mother mutters, covering her smiling face once more.
-
>"Well, you need to tell her what you're thanking her for, sweetie."
-
>"Well, you need to tell her what you're thanking her for, sweetie."
>"You helped make it so I could go down to Alice's." the youth replies, not actually addressing you but still answering your question. "Down off the mountain. And mama taught me it's important to thank people that do good things for you."
>The white wolf tengu, her arms still stuck out to her sides in surprise, takes a small breath, and relaxes herself. "Well, that's nice of you." she says quietly, smiling a little as she relaxes her arms. "But you don't need to thank me, little one. If you're happy, if having the chance to make friends with outsiders makes you happy, then that's thanks enough for me."
-
>So either this kid is heavily steeped in history, or this revolution happened only a little bit ago...
>"So how'd you end up going to Alice's place, anyways?"
-
>So either this kid is heavily steeped in history, or this revolution happened only a little bit ago...
>"So how'd you end up going to Alice's place, anyways?"
>Her mother answers as the youth releases Momiji's torso, "I read about the sewing circle Alice started in your paper, Himekaidou-san. And Manatsu said she was curious when I told her about, so I brought her with me."
>"I wanted to see the dolls!" the youth states.
-
>Chuckle.
>"Well, I'm glad to hear your folks are having a good time. Alice isn't a bad sort."
>Well maybe that's stretching the truth, but let's be polite.
-
>Chuckle.
>"Well, I'm glad to hear your folks are having a good time. Alice isn't a bad sort."
>Well maybe that's stretching the truth, but let's be polite.
>"I should thank you for that, Himekaidou-san." the elder Yamabushi says with a polite nod. "It was your article, after all, that brought Alice's business to our attention."
>"Yeah! Thanks." Manatsu adds.
-
>"Well, you're welcome."
>Give a glance to Momiji, how is she taking this?
-
>Give a glance to Momiji, how is she taking this?
>At first, Momiji seemed almost stunned by Manatsu's gesture of affection. Now, however, she seems rather comfortable. The smile on her face is genuine. Perhaps she has a soft spot for children?
>"Well, you're welcome."
>"Are you working on a new story now?" the mother asks. "We wouldn't want to interrupt you. Well," she adds, smiling at her offspring. "Not anymore than we had to."
>Manatsu giggles.
-
>"A bit of an investigation, yeah."
-
>"A bit of an investigation, yeah."
>"Are you helping?" the youth inquires of Momiji.
>"Indeed I am. We're actually on our way to the Hakurei Shrine right now."
>Manatsu smiles, but her mother frowns a little, concernedly. "You should probably be on your way, then. Things tend to get rather boisterous there whenever Marisa visits for any length of time." With a chuckle, she adds, "Though of course, I hardly need to tell you that, of all tengu, do I?"
-
>"I don't think you would need to warn too many people at all. You both have a nice day, now!"
-
>"I don't think you would need to warn too many people at all. You both have a nice day, now!"
>"Thank you. You, too."
>"Bye bye!" Manatsu says with a big wave before she turns and follows her mother back towards the Forest of Magic.
>"I wonder if that'll happen every time a young tengu spies us." Celes remarks dryly.
-
>"Well it ought to happen, at least."
>Resume course.
-
>Glance to Momiji and Celes:"I wonder how Reimu and companies will turn out to be in this book world?".
-
>"Well it ought to happen, at least."
>Resume course.
>"You were pretty quiet during that whole time." Momiji retorts to Celes just a bit shortly, like the steward's remark embarrassed her slightly.
>"It was clear they wished to speak with their celebrities." Celes answers with aplomb as the three of you get back underway.
>Glance to Momiji and Celes:"I wonder how Reimu and companies will turn out to be in this book world?".
>"I'd guess much like our own." Momiji says. "If Reimu was a different sort of person, Alice would probably have warned us about it."
>"Not necessarily." Celes disagrees. "Though I hope you are right."
-
>"We'll find out, I suppose."
-
>"We'll find out, I suppose."
>"I am slightly curious, though, I must admit." Celes says to you. "I had thought you might try to, if you'll pardon the phrase, pry some more information about this world from that lady."
-
>"It would have caused problems, since they thought were were someone else. Momiji seemed fine with letting them think that, so I figured I'd let her have her moment. What I am hoping to do is get more information from the Hakurei Maiden."
-
>"It would have caused problems, since they thought were were someone else. Momiji seemed fine with letting them think that, so I figured I'd let her have her moment. What I am hoping to do is get more information from the Hakurei Maiden."
>"I wasn't 'fine with it'." Momiji protests. "I just..." With a slight wince, she carries on, "Well, she was just a kid, what was I supposed to do?"
-
>"Yeah, I understand. But you didn't protest, so I saw no need to."
-
>"Yeah, I understand. But you didn't protest, so I saw no need to."
>"I might have done the same in your place." Celes adds. Your combined sentiment seems to mollify the white wolf, who merely nods appreciatively and falls silent.
>No more tengu flag you down on the remainder of your journey to the Hakurei shrine, and you make good time. Contrary to both Alice's and the Yamabushi woman's warnings, the air around the shrine is not filled with danmaku, nor the sounds of conflict. In fact, the only sounds coming from the temple grounds are a few voices chatting idly and the breeze though the cherry trees surrounding the shrine. The path leading to the shrine appears more well-traveled than you're used to, but at the moment it is untrodden upon.
>The shrine itself appears to be in better repair than you remember. When you were last here some years ago, it had a sort of 'run down' feel about it, likely due to Reimu's lack of funds to keep it properly maintained. That atmosphere is no longer present. If anything, it feels almost homey now, welcoming and open.
>A purple-haired woman in a red and white kimono is at work sweeping the fallen cherry blossoms from the stone walkways leading to the shrine, and with two brooms. One broom in her hands, the other about four feet behind her being manipulated by a length of chain extending from her wrist. Sitting on the veranda in front of the temple are a horned figure you recognize as Suika Ibuki. Reclining next to her is Komachi the ferryman. And sitting between them, currently pouring Komachi a drink, appears to be the Scarlet Devil's head maid, Sakuya.
-
>Any sign of a shrine maiden among them?
>Approach.
-
>Any sign of a shrine maiden among them?
>Approach.
>The purple-haired woman's clothes are the right color, but not the right style. She probably doesn't qualify.
>Which group/individual?
-
>Just enter the shrine grounds in general and let people react. If no one does, approach sweepy.
-
>Just enter the shrine grounds in general and let people react. If no one does, approach sweepy.
>You come in closer to ground level to make you presence known.
>"The impression I had been given led me to believe the Hakurei Shrine was not in this good a condition." Celes remarks.
>"Maybe this Reimu's done better for herself over the years." Momiji speculates, her tail swishing as she drinks in the cherry blossom scented air.
>Neither the sweeping woman nor the drinkers on the veranda react immediately to the arrival of you and your group, so you flutter over towards the woman with the chain and brooms. When you approach her, she looks up from her task and greets you with a friendly smile and nod. "Good day, ladies."
-
>"Hey. Looking for Reimu, she around?"
-
>"Hey. Looking for Reimu, she around?"
>"Yes. She's just inside, taking a delivery from Marisa."
-
>"Oh good! Can we head inside, then?"
-
>"Oh good! Can we head inside, then?"
>The young woman glances back towards the shrine entrance. "I think so. They probably won't be trying things on yet, not until Marisa and Remilia are done rattling each others' sabers."
>"You say that like it happens a lot." Momiji remarks.
>The woman nods. "Seems like every time Marisa comes here."
-
>"Oh my. Better pull 'em away before they get too busy, then."
>Head inside!
-
>"Oh my. Better pull 'em away before they get too busy, then."
>Head inside!
>The woman chuckles quietly. "Good luck." You leave her and her chained broom to their sweeping and head towards the Hakurei shrine itself.
>Suika waves enthusiastically as she spots your group approaching the door. "Lali-ho!" she exclaims, her tone that of a friendly greeting but the term unfamiliar to you. She thrusts her gourd forward, "Siddown a spell, 'ave a drink!"
>"Perhaps later." Celes answers diplomatically. "At the moment, we have some business to discuss with the Hakurei Shrine Maiden."
>"Aren't we formal." Komachi says, folding her arms behind her head. "We'll save you a drop or two for when you're done."
>"We shall at least try." Sakuya mutters, drawing a pair of guffaws from the drinking pair. You feel it best to leave them to their amusements for the moment, and enter into the Shrine itself.
>You find Reimu sitting in her living room, which is better furnished than you were expecting. The shrine maiden herself is seated at a finely crafted cherrywood desk, writing with quill and ink. "If that's you, Byakuren, gimme a minute to finish here." she calls out without looking up.
-
>"Nope, just a couple of tengu and a magician."
-
>"Nope, just a couple of tengu and a magician."
>Reimu spares a glance your way, pulling a lock of her thick brown hair out of her eye. "Oh, it's you. Wasn't expecting you."
-
>"We're not even who you're expecting now. It's kind of a long story, but...well, uh, we're not from this world."
-
>"We're not even who you're expecting now. It's kind of a long story, but...well, uh, we're not from this world."
>Unlike Alice, Reimu doesn't flinch at this idea. At least, not visibly. "You on the level with me here, or just fishing for a reaction shot?" she asks, her tone no more than simply curious.
-
>Turn up hands.
>"Do I have a camera?"
>"Anyways, we're, um, from another world. Another Gensokyo, anyways. And, possibly from the past, we're not too sure about that one. What is the date, anyways?"
-
>Turn up hands.
>"Do I have a camera?"
>"Anyways, we're, um, from another world. Another Gensokyo, anyways. And, possibly from the past, we're not too sure about that one. What is the date, anyways?"
>"You're Hatate, you always have a camera."
>Reimu tilts her head back in thought. "April the seventeen- Oh, you mean the year, right?"
-
>What was the date we entered Marisa's house?
-
>What was the date we entered Marisa's house?
>November the second, 2012.
-
>"Do I have it ready, then? And yeah, the year."
-
>"Do I have it ready, then? And yeah, the year."
>"Generally, yes. You're almost as fast on the draw as Aya. And it's 2028. 29. No, '28." Reimu finally settles on.
-
>Good thing we were prepared for that!
>"Okay, wow. That's just 16 years ahead of where we're supposed to be. Wait, no, fifteen and a half if it's April now."
>Sigh.
>"So. What happened was that some evil spirit sort of thing got into Marisa's house and sealed it off; some kind of a incarnation of the concept of greed, right? So, Momiji, Celes, and I; that's Celes by the way; worked together with some others to break the seal. When we got in, we found this weird book, that Celes says was definitely something this guy stole. But he put a trap on it of some kind, and the three of us ended up here."
>"Anyways, the reason why I'm pretty convinced this is a different world altogether is that Momiji and I didn't go missing for fifteen years, and Celes here is from Cobalt Keep, which isn't nearly as rough of a place where we're from as it seems to be here."
-
>Good thing we were prepared for that!
>"Okay, wow. That's just 16 years ahead of where we're supposed to be. Wait, no, fifteen and a half if it's April now."
>Sigh.
>Illadin would be proud.
>"That explains that young girl at Alice's age." Momiji says quietly. "She looked about that age."
>"Would explain your hair, too." Reimu says to Momiji. "Was a fair bit longer, the last time I saw you, and a bit greyer. The other you. Whatever."
>"Greyer?" Momiji exclaims, looking mildly horrified at the idea.
>"If it's only been about 16 years, would would have happened that would turn a youkai's hair in that span of time?" Celes asks.
>Reimu considers that question for a moment. "You really AREN'T from here, are you?"
>"So. What happened was that some evil spirit sort of thing got into Marisa's house and sealed it off; some kind of a incarnation of the concept of greed, right? So, Momiji, Celes, and I; that's Celes by the way; worked together with some others to break the seal. When we got in, we found this weird book, that Celes says was definitely something this guy stole. But he put a trap on it of some kind, and the three of us ended up here."
>"Anyways, the reason why I'm pretty convinced this is a different world altogether is that Momiji and I didn't go missing for fifteen years, and Celes here is from Cobalt Keep, which isn't nearly as rough of a place where we're from as it seems to be here."
>"You sound like that half-baked barber down in the human town." Reimu says with a slow shake of her head. "And that psycho Sakuya too, now that I think about it." The Hakurei maiden lets out a soft sigh. "Wonderful. Please tell me you lot aren't psycho, too. I've got a festival here in a week's time, and I don't want my shrine getting messed up by a fight."
-
>"I don't think we are... But okay, I kinda want to find myself around here and see if I can take her? But that's it, I don't feel like wrecking any festivals or anything like that. But, since this is kinda an incident, we were told we ought to let you know about it."
>"Also, did I hear wrong, or is Marisa around here?"
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>"I don't think we are... But okay, I kinda want to find myself around here and see if I can take her? But that's it, I don't feel like wrecking any festivals or anything like that. But, since this is kinda an incident, we were told we ought to let you know about it."
>"And that goes for you, too?" Reimu inquires of Momiji and Celes.
>"Of course!" Momiji protests. "All I want is for us get back to our home." The Cobalt steward merely nods quietly.
>Reimu gives you and your group the eye for a moment more before nodding. "All right then."
>"Also, did I hear wrong, or is Marisa around here?"
>"Oh, she is. She's back there." Reimu points down the hallway to the north. "Flan dragged her off before she and Remi could get started."
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>"Okay, mind if we go ask her about that book real quick?"
>Assuming Reimu accedes, head down that north hall.
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>"Okay, mind if we go ask her about that book real quick?"
>Assuming Reimu accedes, head down that north hall.
>"I wouldn't if I were you." Reimu cautions.
>"Why's that?" Momiji asks.
>Reimu smirks. "Because people that walk in on Flan have a tendency to go through a few walls."
>"Walk in... Oh, so you meant...." Momiji trails off, blushing slightly.
>"Trust me, you'll want to give them a few minutes." Reimu adds. She gestures to her left, towards table obviously made to match her desk. "Have a seat, if you want."
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>Oh god ewwwwww-Oh wait, Flandre might be a little kid anymore. Still. Ew.
>Have a seat.
>"Okay, lemme ask you something else. What do you know about Cobalt Keep? Because that place sounds like it's way different than what we know of it."
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>Oh god ewwwwww-Oh wait, Flandre might be a little kid anymore. Still. Ew.
>Have a seat.
>"Okay, lemme ask you something else. What do you know about Cobalt Keep? Because that place sounds like it's way different than what we know of it."
>It's going to take you some effort to shake that image out of your head. Well, at least you can't hear anything, you take some comfort from that.
>You pull out one of the scarlet-cushioned chairs and have a sit. Comfy chair, well made. This Reimu really has been doing well for herself.
>"I know that I don't like talking about it." Reimu says as she pushes her own chair out and stands from her desk. "That place is dangerous, and it's evil besides. Drives people crazy if they come out of there, if they ever do. Want some tea?"
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>"Sure. And I heard Marisa's been there. Does that mean she went crazy? And I guess you haven't been there?"
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>"Sure. And I heard Marisa's been there. Does that mean she went crazy? And I guess you haven't been there?"
>"She never made it inside." Reimu replies as she heads through the northeastern exit, into the kitchen. "Bunch of horrors chased her off." There is a pause before Reimu continues, "She came back hurt, too. After that, I knew that no one should go back there, anywhere near there."
>The red-white's head pokes out from the doorway again, looking squarely at Celes. "And don't think I didn't hear her say where you're from. I'm keeping an eye on you."
>"I suspected you would." Celes answers quietly. "I do not entirely blame you."
>Reimu nods and disappears back into the kitchen. "And I haven't been inside the place, no. Not a chance in hell. But after what happened to Marisa, Ran and I went out there and posting warning markers for miles around the place, and we had Aya and you run warnings in your papers. Ran wanted to evacuate the kappa village upriver from the Keep, but they wouldn't leave. Most of them, anyway."
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>"Did they know anything about the place, those kappa? What was it like when you got around it?"
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>"Did they know anything about the place, those kappa? What was it like when you got around it?"
>"Not much more than anyone else. One of theirs got into the Keep a few years ago, and he's been hopelessly crazy ever since. Haven't been able to get anything coherent out of him, as far as I know. Other than that, I know they know the most important thing about the Keep: Leave it alone, and it leaves you alone."
>"Have they changed over the years?" Celes asks suddenly.
>Reimu's head appears once more. "Changed?"
>"Living in the shadow of that place, that evil. It can change people. The old Keep from my world had that effect on people, humans and non-humans."
>Reimu stares at the steward for a moment before admitting, "I don't know. I haven't been out that way since. And I don't know if any of them have come this way."
>"Unsettling." Reimu answers your second question. "Even from miles away, before you could even see the damn place, you can feel something change in the air. I've fought against pretty much everything and everyone that Gensokyo has over the last couple decades, and I've never felt anything like that aura before. It was evil, pure evil. Malice as evil as the Saigyou Ayakashi. Maybe even worse. I didn't want to get any closer than I did, and I'm glad I didn't have to." The Hakurei maiden appears once more, carrying a tray with four ceramic teacups upon it. "If you three really are from some other world, and you have to stay here for a while, then don't go anywhere near that place. No matter what."
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>"Sounds like good advice."
>"Hmm, but you know, Celes? If there was something you really needed to see? I could probably just get a picture of it from here."
-
>".... Celes, I'm having an hunch that a few clues ,if not the key itself, to us all returning to our world lies among the walls of the Keep and it is acting as a sort of dissuasor..."
>"My ability ought to help nicely in this case".
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>"Sounds like good advice."
>"Hmm, but you know, Celes? If there was something you really needed to see? I could probably just get a picture of it from here."
>".... Celes, I'm having an hunch that a few clues ,if not the key itself, to us all returning to our world lies among the walls of the Keep and it is acting as a sort of dissuasor..."
>"My ability ought to help nicely in this case".
>"Your ability?" Celes asks. "Do you possess some form of long-range photographic or scrying power?"
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Dangit I can't play off this well enough to make somethign that's an obvious signifier for new thread time.
>"Yup."
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Dangit I can't play off this well enough to make somethign that's an obvious signifier for new thread time.
>"Yup."
You've got a post or two while I put the finishing touches on the opener for 3.
>"A very useful talent." Celes replies. "However," she adds as Reimu places the tea tray down. "I would reccomend that, even if your power can reach that far, we should not try to look in on the Keep itself." She flicks her eyes in Reimu's direction a couple of times as she says this.
>"Darn right." the shrine maiden adds with a nod, pulling up a chair across from Momiji. "You'd only be sorry for it."
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>"Why's that? Taking pictures usually doesn't hurt."
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>"Why's that? Taking pictures usually doesn't hurt."
>"First off, Sour lied, and he finished ahead of schedule." Reimu answers. "Second, all you'd get is pictures of old men in swimsuits."
>Celes shudders. "Yeah, we don't need that." And just to make sure of it, she shanks you with her horse. Repeatedly.