> "Oh. Well, I have 7☼, 50 Shillings, and 5 Mon."
> "I will cover it, then, since I have no real use for mon."
> Look back over to the woman running the show.
> "Absolutely wonderful, thank you."
> Pull out 4 mon and put them on the table.
> "You as well!"
> Look back to Flan.
> "Are you ready, Young Mistress?"
> Nod and stand up.
> Wave to the baker.
> "Farewell."
> Head back outside.
> Do we recall which way is 'out' to Gensokyo from here?
> "Let us return to Gensokyo."
> Begin heading in the 'out' direction, watching our step as necessary.
> "Certainly, if that would not be considered improper."
> "Very well."
> Take flight and head back to the Gensokyo entrance.
> "I wonder what would happen if we kept flying straight upward."
> Continue onward through the air to the Youkai Mountain entrance.
> Is there an obvious and convenient place for us to get in the line of people leaving Apex for Gensokyo?
> Land and join in the exodus out of Apex.
>Keep an eye on our inventory to avoid more pickpocketing.
> Have a look over at the Moriya Shrine. Is there an obvious shrine maiden there?
> Look at Flan and point to the shrine maiden.
> "There. Shall we let her know about Haihan?"
> Take flight again and fly toward the shrine maiden.
> Once we are within a reasonably non-disruptive distance, call out.
> "Pardon me, Miss Kochiya?"
> How much does Sachiko look like Sanae?
> Stop flying and curtsey in midair.
> "Greeting. I am Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. I have spent the last day or so riding in what I understand is your flying chariot. With Lady Yasaka's permisison, of course."
> "Yes. We wanted to let you know that there was a bit of a dust-up in Haihan. It would seem their general was expecting you."
> "If I had to guess, I would guess they were expecting you to go there and put a stop to their ambitions."
> Give a small smile.
> "Perhaps."
>What do we know of the Haihan Army's current state ?
> "I will certainly do this."
> Look around for a donation box.
> "I don't believe so. Is your donation box back out front?"
> "Then I will take my business there next. Have a pleasant day."
> "It is the least I can do for use of your chariot. Farewell!"
> Head back to the front of the shrine in search of a donation box.
> Is it customary to wait one's turn at the donation box?
> Make our way close to the donation box, then, but giving the current patrons a respectable distance and wait.
> Step up and offer 5 shillings.
> Step away from the donation box so we are not taking up space.
> "I believe that will do, Young Mistress. Shall we be off?"
>"Hm ? Who are you ? I don't believe we have met."
>"Hm ? Who are you ? I don't believe we have met."
> "That is what Suika calls me, though I would disagree, personally."
> Before saying this: Do we recognize this person, like we immediately recognized Minoriko and Kanako despite having never met them?
> Give a small grin and a small shrug.
> "Arcane chronological accidents happen, apparently."
> "I hope things are well with you?"
> "You're quite welcome. What do you mean by 'living fossil', though?"
> Do we know what a fossil is, independent of 'living'?
>"I apologize, but i mean to say i am unfamiliar with this "fossil" term, i do think it is related to the earth ?"
> "Very well. Anyway, yes, I was somehow propelled a thousand years into the future. I am fortunate to have secured a way back, though."
>"That will depend on how will i return exactly, if i return right back to the point where i left off from or a bit earlier than that, my immediate focus will go towards saving our hakutaku guest."
>"After that issue is dealt with, i have some messages from the people that live in this age directed towards their past selves, most of them are private though."
>"What exactly do you want to know then ?"
>Look confused.
> Frown.]
> "...Are you suggesting I should act as if this never happened to me?"
> "Then I'm afraid I have no idea what sort of answer you are looking for. Forgive my impertinence, but if there is something I should or should not do, it would be best for you to simply tell me."
>"Is there something you want me to do for you ?"
> Don't say the "if you think...you are wrong" half of that sentence.
We need to watch our tongue, it doesn't do to anger or offend a goddess, especially one as crafty and petty as Suwako. Double especially since her partner lent us that jet without asking for anything in return.
> Frown deeper.
> "I have already told you what I am going to do. If what I have said is not sufficient for you, then I apologise, but I do not know what sort of answer is sufficient."
>"Like i said, i will carry on with my duties, and complete the promises i have made for others on this time, i have nothing else to do other than those affairs."
>"Well i have no reason to do something else, with me back on my proper place, the Mansion will not be destroyed, i'll contact the Temple for the Young Mistress' sake, so then she will be able to reach this same state sooner."
>Look mildly confused.
>"Why do you ask if i may know ?"
>"Well... yes... did you think i was going to become an new follower of your back on that time ?"
>Don't say that
>"Ah, satisfying an curiosity, i see.
>"...is that supposed to mean i am an ancient relic ?"
>"Not exactly... it's not like i have experienced the years like you and the Young Mistress did."
> "Ah, you mean in that sense."
> Give a slight grin.
> "I did not mean to imply such things about you. But the sentiment is appreciated regardless."
> "Thank you. Do you have anything else you need of me?"
> "Well, now that it has seemingly been answered to your satisfaction, is there actually something you wish I do or not do?"
>"Maybe an message to your past self like the others ?"
>Did Kanako ask us anything of the sort ?
>"To carry back ?"
>Did Kanako ask for us to do anything for her back in our time ?
>Inventory.
> "I don't recall her asking me to deliver any sort of message."
> Adopt a slight frown of uncertainty, then lightly shrug.
> "As you wish."
> "You're quite welcome. Is there anything else you need me for here?"
> "All right. Have a pleasant day."
> Look over to Flan.
> "Are you ready to return, Young Mistress?"
> Nod.
> Wave to Suwako, then make our way back to the cable cars and down the mountain to Mitsu.
> Wave back.
> "The appropriate reports have been made. Are you ready to head out again?"
> "Back to the Netherworld. The drop point from yesterday is fine."
> "Something else has come up."
> Frown a bit.
> "Why?"
> Do we recall that landing being bad?
> In our time, how close to the Netherworld entrance is the Human Village?
> In our time, how close is the Netherworld entrance to this mountain?
> "Mmmm..."
> Look to Flan.
> "What do you think, Young Mistress? We could go back to Old Hometown first..."
> "Very well."
> Look back to Mitsu.
> "We will give it a try. Perhaps the aggravation can be alleviated a bit by ducking our heads."
> Get into the cart in our usual spot.
> "Right."
> Duck! Try not to faceplant into Flan's wings in the process, though.
> "...Oof...Apologies, Young Mistress..."
> "Of course."
> Lean back into our seat and semi-collapse into it while Flan gets out.
> Look at Mitsu with a wry smile and a light shrug.
> "Well, you did warn us."
> "There is no need for an apology, we chose this ourselves."
> Look over to Flan.
> "Let me know when you are ready, Young Mistress."
> Give a small grin.
> "Certainly, as long as you guard against dirt being thrown up the bottom of your clothes from below by trouble-making children. But yes, if you are ready, we should depart."
> "Don't worry about it. Let's go."
> Wave to Mitsu, then head off toward the Netherworld entrance, flying up the stairs once we reach them.
> "It's certainly quite something, yes."
> Head toward Hakugyokurou itself.
> "We travel until they find us, near as I can tell. Perhaps the ghosts have ways of telling Saigyouji when she has visitors?"
> Head through the gates.
> Look in the direction of the voice and wait for it to get closer.
> "Indeed."
> Take flight and head toward the person.
> "Greetings. Unfortunately, our visit may not last very long. I am her on behalf of an old friend of Konpaku's."
> "Ah, my apologies for not providing a proper introduction."
> "Anyway, do you know of a Taoist swordswoman named Meira? Apparently she goes back some time with Konpaku."
> "Yes. Meira believes that 'something was eating at Konpaku in the old days'. She did not know more than that, though."
> Shake head.
> "Only that there was a lot Konpaku did not tell her, and that you would likely know more."
> "That is better than nothing."
> "I did not realize it was more than the two of you living here."
> "Who was this person?"
> Do we know this name?
> "I see. What might have been the problem, then?"
> Blink.
> "...It was a matter of romance?"
> Frown.
> "I cannot imagine I could do anything, then."
> "It would seem this was a waste of all our times, then. Pity."
> Glance toward Flan.
> "The inappropriateness of my interfering in the romantic issues of others aside, I have not yet decided if I care to see her face ever again."
>Did we ever hit a similar issue with Meiling before ?
> Does Flan know about Youmu trying to kill Remilia?
> "It is, perhaps, a discussion for another time."
> "Regardless, if that is all we can determine, then we must be on our way."
> "I will keep this in mind."
> Shake our head.
> "I believe I am done here."
> Look toward Flan.
> "Hmm...perhaps..."
> "Very well. I suppose we can stay for that, at least."
>"Well, neither do i."
>Join Yuyuko normally.
>Do we have a headache ?
> Look to the ghosts in question.
> "Ah, thank you."
> Find the comfiest-looking seat in the room, then walk over to it, look to Flan, and gesture to it.
> "This looks suitable for you, Young Mistress."
>Nod and find an adequate seat for ourselves.
>"Indeed, being able to travel alongside the Young Mistress around Gensokyo like this is very heart-warming, she has grown into a fine lady."
>"I'm not entirely surprised you haven't heard of her before. She regrettably had to spent most of her days in the mansion basement because of her powers. Fortunately she has greatly improved in the time since."
> Shake our head.
> "Not at all, fortunately."
> "It would be more accurate to say that Mistress found me."
>"The same happened with one of my former fairy maids."
>Nod.
>"Indeed, i was honestly surprised that after centuries, she still remembered me and part of my teachings, right now i have arranged so that she will be part of the staff responsible for caring to the Temple the Young Mistress lives at."
>"Yes, although hopefully not on the way we saw before, she will need some reminders about discipline."
>"I hope your right."
>"It's not that she will do a lot of harm, i just hope that she will get along on such a new enviroment."
> "Good."
> Sip.
> "Other lands, primarily. The distance to places such as Enkyo and Haihan is astounding."
> "Well, most of the people I hold that dear have either passed away or disappeared. There have been a reasonable number of people from my time period still around, though."
> Frown in return.
> "I wouldn't say it like that."
> "Oh. I have nothing in particular to elaborate on."
> "In this time period in general, or in this location and with you specifically?"
>"Hmm, well, there seems to be more political conflict in today than there was in myself time.
> "There are many strange and interesting...things, as well. Particularly within Apex. I don't suppose this land borders there somewhere?"
> "Ah. I did not realize it would be such a sticking point for her."
> Sip.
> "Mmm. I don't recall seeing it."
> "Ah. Well, we did not explore that area too much."
> "You have been there yourself, then?"
> Sip.
> "Of course."
> "Quite a few, it would seem, judging from my current on-hand possessions."
> Sip.
> "Among other things, the current shinigami have traded trademarks of sorts; she has been gifted one of my knives, and I have been given one of her bells."
>"I have also a photo of myself with the young Mistress here, to prove my experiences and their truth."
>"Indeed, although it mostly will be an memento of the nice experiences i had with the Young Mistress around here, which is something that i want to happen to the Young Mistress of my time sooner."
>We still have the lifespan of an regular human right ?
> "But yes, the shinigami is quite pleasant. She withstood a fairly large amount of complaining when we first encountered each other."
> "I suppose. Hmmm...How much clout do you have with the previous Yama?"
> "An idle curiosity to see if it would be possible to get an audience with her."
> "Mmm. Unfortunate."
> "Well, I do not anticipate being in this time period for much longer. I doubt everything will be cleared before I leave."
> "Well, it would allow her a unique opportunity to alter the past, if she so desires. I imagine someone in her station would have no personal regrets, but perhaps a message could be delivered to the past to mitigate a premature death?"
> "Indeed."
>"It will be worth the hard work for a better future."
>"It's nothing too hard really, the payout will benefit all parties, so there is no reason not to do so."
>"Well, seeing this future also made me think about some things i had never considered before too, i feel like it taught me valuable things."
>"First off, it showed me that it will be for the better of everyone if i convince the Mistress to allow her sister to visit the Buddhist Temple, i am deeply grateful for their kindness to the Young Mistress and for what they did for her sake."
>Nod and take a sip.
>Smile a bit.
>"Another thought that came to me too while i explored this new world was of a heir or successor."
>"I considered my own lifespan and compared it to both the Mistress' and Flan here, and it is obvious that even if i do go back, i won't live nearly as long as they will, and without an successor to lead the maid staff, it will likely cause heavy issues."
>Take another sip.
>"Hence, i have begun to dwelve on the thought of training an disciple to take on that task in the future, preferably someone that can live alongside the residents of the Mansion peacefully and for many decades or maybe even centuries."
>"I suppose that seeing the fate of the Mansion in this world accelerated that process."
> "I understand that you all were and are more than capable, Young Mistress. But I cannot accept that society will advance as far as it has while the Scarlet name dwindles and vanishes. It should be at the forefront of progress, if anything."
>"Especially considering how it vanished."
> Frown.
> "Still."
> "Regardless, it is those sorts of things to which I refer."
>Nod and take another sip.
>"This venturing also gave me a deeper sight on other more personal things."
>"But that is not something that we should discuss of course, although now that i think of it... it reminded me of how i was in the same situation as Miss Konpaku was before..."
>"Yes, how scandalous of me. But in seriousness, there is someone who I failed to truly confess my feelings to. And I hope by returning to the past I can set things right for the both of us."
>"That issue however has been long since solved."
>Would that experience be something we would wish to spare even youmu from ?
>Nonononono, this is all wrong, don't say this.
//We have no trouble with Meiling on our time, we just were on the same situation as Youmu was with Kotohime, but we managed to get through it.
> "That is the goal, yes."
> "Thank you."
> Sip.
>"Hm..."
>Would it be possible for us to create an Maid Academy or School without too much issue ? Much like how Meiling created her dojo.
>And for that we would need an successor...
>"...yes, but i would need to retire to put them into work, and that just isn't possible until i have an worthy successor."
>"There is also something else that i look forward for quite a bit, but it will depend on the Young Mistress."
>Sip the tea.
>"You wish to know Young Mistress ?"
>Smile.
>"If you say so, well, i look forward to seeing you finally get together with someone and go out on dates."
>Chuckle.
>"That's why i said it depends entirely on you Young Mistress."
>"Well who knows ?"
>Hm... has the Mistress ever had an romantic affair ?
>"I did not know you could foresee the future Young Mistress."
>Yeah, halt this, hmmm.... try...
>"As you say so Young Mistress."
>"Hm ?"
>Look at her curiously,
>"Well, for me, it was hardly one day, but you are right, even though the Young Mistress has grown so much while i was gone, i can still see the old Flandre that i am so fond of."
>"You indeed are very different, but not completely different, there are some things in people that just won't change."
>"Yes, but no matter how much they change, there will always be some fragment of their old selves that will remain."
> How is our snack coming along?
> Finish it off, then.
>"That makes me glad to hear so Young Mistress."
>"I don't see why i shouldn't be glad that your condition is improving, even if it's nothing serious."
>Bow.
>"I apologize then Young Mistress."
>"Uh..."
>Blink.
>"...a bit."
>Did we ever get the Young Mistress her cookie ?
>"Ah ! Miss Yuyuko, would i please be allowed to go to your kitchen ? There is something i would like to do."
>"Thank you, if you would please me excuse now..."
>Nod and depart, using her directions to find the kitchen.
>Look around for any cookies.
>Try the pantry then, she said a small door to the side...
>How long would it take to make one ourselves ?
>Return to them.
>"Sadly no. I couldn't find any cookies for the young mistress."
>"Not quite, i was unable to do what i had departed for, have i missed something ?"
>"Oh ?"
>We did run into a girl last time we were here right ?
> "Ah, I see."
> "Unfortunately, I believe we must depart."
>"I do believe you need to teach that girl some manners."
>"I do believe you need to teach that girl some manners."
> Let's not be quiiiiite this direct and inelegant.
> Instead:
> "Ah, yes, indeed. I would rather not be accosted by dirt a second time."
> "It would seem not."
>"That's a polite way of putting it."
>"Understandable, she is but a child still."
> Look to Flan.
> "Are you ready to depart, Young Mistress?"
> "I am."
> "Of course."
> Beckon to Flan.
> "Let us depart, Young Mistress."
> "Saigyouji previously ordered Konpaku to assassinate the Mistress."
> Shrug.
> "Then there is nothing else for me to say, I suppose."
> "I foolishly held out hope one or both of them would be remorseful about it, particularly after what Meira said about Konpaku."
> Frown a bit.
> "A shame my time was wasted."
> Have we been walking this entire time.
> "Not for me, it hasn't."
>"The memories are very fresh on my mind still."
> "With all due respect, Young Mistress, the amount of time that has lapsed since it happened does not change that it happened at all."
> Is our grudge personal, or strictly because Remilia held the same grudge?
>"...the Mistress stopped caring ?"
>"..."
>A "Living Relic"...
> "...I will have to discuss this with her when I return, then."
> "Of course."
> "I will consider it, Young Mistress."
> Head back to the jet.
> "It's alright. Who were you trying to smooth things out with?"
> "Yes. Ah, by the way, I did not mention this earlier, but Sachiko has requested you keep your schedule open tomorrow."
> "Your home."
> "Excellent."
> Get into the chariot.
> Disembark.
> "Almost. We will need one last ride back to Apex later, if such is possible. But first, we should retrieve Alice, and find the hakutaku."
> "Shall we find out?"
> "...Alice?"
> Look sheepishly at Mitsu.
> "My apologies. I did not anticipate this..."
> Look back to Alice.
> "Alice, are you awake?"
> "Ah. That is good."
> "...Below? You mean underground?"
>"An underground artificially built shelter..."
>"Well there must be some sign of it on the surface then, even if minuscule, it needs a way to let the air flow through."
> "Hmm. Well, I suppose there is one person I know of in that area I could ask. If that is unsuccessful, though, I suppose we will have to abandon the search, barring the lucky discovery of any caves."
> "Kourindou's current proprietor."
> "Why what?"
> "Not particularly."
> "That would be her, yes."
> "That is good to know. Perhaps she will have the information I need."
> "Mmm. Perhaps she simply took a shine to me, then."
> How far is it from here to the Forest of Magic, based on our recent experiences?
> "Regardless, I believe we should head there next."
> "Yes. Thank you, Alice."
> Look over to Mitsu.
> "...Sorry."
> "Would you like help cleaning that up?"
> How might cleaning this sort of thing go about?
> "What do you have for cleaning supplies?"
> "Any cleaning alcohol or brushes with strong bristles?"
> "Would you mind gathering all those things for me? Include the soap, please."
> How long do we expect this task to take?
> Would assistance be helpful at all?
> "I would not mind extra pairs of hands if there are enough supplies to go around, I suppose."
> "It would be appreciated if you are able."
> Look over what Mitsu brought.
> "All right. What we're going to do is..."
> Describe to everyone our plan of action, and then get to cleaning!
> "There, that will do it. Well done, everyone."
> "Indeed."
> Look to Mitsu.
> "I hope you do not mind putting these away?"
> "All right. Alice, Young Mistress, let us depart."
> Exit the barn, then take flight and head to Kourindou.
> "Ah, that is good."
> Enter!
> Is anyone attempting conversation with the shopkeeper?
> Walk up to the counter.
> "Pardon me, but when you are less occupied, may I speak to you in private, please?"
> "Hmm..."
> Look around the shop at the other patrons, then back at the shopkeep.
> "...Would you happen to know about any caves, or other open underground areas, beneath this forest?"
> "I'd rather not elaborate in public. The question is already strange enough, you understand."
> "Of course. I would be willing to write my elaboration down, I suppose, if you have any spare paper."
> Take the paper and writing brush and write:
> "I have learned through a locator spell that a person of interest to me lives 'below the Forest of Magic'. I was wondering if you knew anything about any such person."
> Push the note over to the shopkeeper.
> Give the shopkeeper a curious look.
> Write "You are simply the only forest resident I am aware of."
> Write "Their ancestor in my time died prematurely some years after I vanished. I would like their help preventing this, if possible."
> Frown in thought for a bit.
> Write "The hakutaku. Keine Kamishirasawa was my time's hakutaku, and she was a good friend and ally to my home."
>Write: "Yes, yet it is something that i wish and must do, for the better, i won't allow such knowledge to fall onto the wrong hands."
> Don't write anything yet.
> ... What risks are those?
> Glance around the shop to check on the other patrons. Check whether any of them can easily see what we're writing. Use this opportunity to mentally judge whether or not Flan and Alice can see it too, though do not make any sort of show of focusing on them.
> Let our imagination do its thing, then. What might the risks be?
> Look resolute a give a nod.
> Write "I will meet her alone, of course, if necessary to minimize revelation."
> Inventory.
> Write: "I imagine my house's name carries weight no longer. What do you have in mind? Simple collateral, or something more personal?"
> Invenlabour.
> Frown deeper in thought for several silent moment.
> Slowly inhale and exhale audibly through our nose.
> Write "I will leave the items necessary for me to return to my time in your possession until my business with the hakutaku is concluded."
> Give the shopkeeper a curious look.
> Write: "I have no reason or desire to expose her location."
>Write back: "What if i was well acquainted with someone you trusted, would that make things easier for you ?"
> Write: "Depends on who you know. I know Aya Shameimaru knows where the hakutaku is, at least, though she claimed to be honor-bound not to tell anyone."
> Write: "She only told me she knew where the hakutaku was. She did not tell me anything about that where. We learned as much as we have entirely on our own."
> Empty our non-clothing inventory onto the counter. Make sure to set the Pearl Locket, Rainbow Sand, and Old Coin safely to the side. Gesture to them once we're done.
> Write: "Please keep special care of these. I cannot return home without them."
> Shoot Flan an apologetic look.
> "Sorry, Young Mistress."
> Follow the shopkeeper.
> Take the candle.
> "Thank you. Was the old management you refer to Rinnosuke Morichika, or the Myouren Temple?"
> "Interesting. Well, here goes."
> Head down the tunnel, candle leading.
> Knock.\
> Does the voice sound familiar at all?
> Take on a nonthreatening and slightly quiet tone.
> "Ah, apologies."
> "I was given permission. Your secret is safe with me."
> "Ah...The shopkeeper, I hope."
> "I understand."
> Curtsy.
> "Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. May I presume you are the hakutaku of this era?"
> "I am actually from nearly one thousand years in the past. An arcane accident doing me forward in time to yesterday morning. I have secured a way home to my era, but I have learned that the hakutaku of my era, Keine Kamishirasawa, met a premature demise. I am here for any help or information you can provide to prevent her early passing."
> "Effie?"
> "Is she the hakutaku?"
> "Of course. Then yes, she is who I am here to see."
> "All right. Thank you."
> Enter!
> Nod.
> Have a seat in the overstuffed chair closest to the door we just came through.
>"Thank you."
> "Certainly."
> Sit and wait for someone to come see us.
>Await, checking on our current condition in the meanwhile, how are our clothes ? Any injuries ? How tired are we ?
> Keep waiting for...about twenty minutes for someone to appear.
>"I requested the aid of the shopkeeper, do not worry, your secret will be safe with me, i will not inform anyone else about your location."
>Nod.
>"I assume you are the current hakutaku, Miss Effie ? The name is Sakuya Izayoi, former Chief Maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, i was an acquaintance of your ancestor."
>"Indeed."
>Nod.
>"Anyways, i was told that the hakutaku of my era, Keine Kamishirasawa, had a premature death, through illness if i recall correctly, and that her full recovery wasn't possible at the time because of the lack of the right medicine, is that correct ?"
>"Well you see, i am from a time period before her illness, but i was driven forwards in time by an unknown force during an attempt to rescue her from a fire that happened on the now defunct Scarlet Mansion and taken to this time period, hundreds of years later."
>Wait a bit for her to assimilate it all.
>"Now that i heard all about what happened to her, i wish to change that and help her have an full recovery."
> Frown a bit.
> "I'm sorry?"
>"Ah, I forgot to mention. I am going to be returning to my time, most likely today. Part of why the shopkeeper trusted me I'm sure, seeing as I'm not going to be around to tell your secret even if I had wanted to."
>"Since i can go back to that time, i can deliver the right medicine for her recovery, what is written can still be erased and rewritten."
>"One can always try, it has been so long ever since those events after all."
> "But I was more saying that it was presumably written that I vanished from my era, as that is established fact in this current era, and yet I have secured a way to return to my era regardless. So it would seem that what was written can indeed be changed."
>Frown.
>"How so ?"
>Do we recall any events that portrayed this supposed carelessness ?
>"And you consider that carelessness of her part ?"
>...what do we know about her work at the Human Village ? Of Keine's.
>"I see... but what will you stay here doing then ?"
>"I see..."
>Nod.
>Do we remember what was the name of the disease that Keine contracted ?
>"From what i was told, she had contracted Pneumonia correct ?"
>"Ah, and before I forget, I had another curiosity... I thought that, being the hakutaku, you may have some idea of the reason or force that caused me to be flung through history to this point in time."
>"Do you have no idea about who or where is the source ?"
>"I do possess the power of stopping time, if that helps your understanding of the situation at all; I was sent through history after I passed out from overexertion whilst using this power."
>"As well, there's one who said they could lift the force keeping me here, theoretically returning me to my proper time. I collected their required ingredients and plan to return soon, but given that I'm meeting with you already, I would like to ask if you have any advice about the matter. I would prefer no unpleasant surprises when they attempt removing the force, after all."
> "Hmm. What do you know of the Rainbow Serpent?"
> "An enigma wrapped in a mystery wrapped in a riddle, I'm afraid. She helped me acquire one of the materials I need to return home, but the entire experience was quite a metaphorical trip, and she never spoke once. It seems even the Apex Diet has little clue what to make of her, and she is nominally one of their members."
> "Indeed. It was posited that she might have an idea as to the nature of the force that brought me here, but she vanished before I had the chance to ask."
> "Unfortunate. It would appear my trip here was unnecessary, then."
> "Can you tell if others are affected?"
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "My pocketwatch."
> "Of all my possessions at the time of the accident, it is the only one I did not have with me when I woke up. Can you tell what has happened to that object?"
> "Well, that's something, I suppose."
> "Would it have appeared near where I appeared?"
> "That is unfortunate. I suppose blind searching is all I have available to me, then."
> "I will have to ask her, then. Assuming she is as well-versed as you are on what has happened."
> "I do not suppose there is anything else you can tell me about, well, anything I have asked about?"
> "Very well. In that case, I will take my leave. Apologies for disturbing you so."
> Shrug.
> "It is fine. Frankly, I feel I should be thankful you humored me, rather than tossing me out your front door, or something even worse."
> "In that case, if I may ask, what is your full name? Are you a Kamishirasawa, or is that line no more?"
> "Thank you, Miss Hirukazu. Is there anything you wish for me to tell Keine when I return?"
>"Hmm... i am not sure if to call it carelessness, more towards duties, but i shall keep so in mind."
>"Hmm... i am not sure if to call it carelessness, more towards duties, but i shall keep so in mind."
>"I am sure that all of her actions were for the sake of the village, and that is something i respect her for."
>Get ready to leave.
>What time do we think it is ?
>"Yet she wasn't going to abandon the village duties either, i believe in her potential to rewrite her own fate for a better future, but i digress, i suppose it is time for my departure."
> "Very well."
> Curtsy.
> "A pleasure to meet you. And please do not think too harshly of the shopkeeper, it took a lot to convince her to allow this."
>"Now i must honor the secret."
>"I wish for the best of fortunes to you, now i must resume on the affairs i must do."
>Get up if we haven't and look for the door out of here and into the crawling space.
> Make sure to grab our candle on our way out.
> "Yes."
> Follow!
> Shake our head.
> "Not beyond reclaiming my possessions."
> "Perhaps a bit, but not substantially so. I imagine she somewhat expected my arrival, as she noticed whatever force brought me to this time."
>"She couldn't however completely understand said force either."
> "I believe it is exactly because this is her area of expertise that she noticed anything at all."
> Blow out the candle and gently lay it down at the top of the stairs.
> Look to the shopkeeper.
> "Ah, would you be willing to assist the Young Mistress?"
> Look to the fox youkai.
> "Apologies for the delay, Miss. There was an urgency in the back, for which I am responsible."
> Look to Flan.
> "Yes, we can depart."
> Look back to the shopkeeper.
> "Thank you again for your assistance. Have a pleasant day."
> Follow Flan to and out the door.
> "Yes, though she had a rather pessimistic view on everything, including Keine's fate."
>Nod.
>"She believes that 'What is written is written', and that even if Keine recovers, it will just happen again."
>"She was able to provide some information about whatever is the force that brought me here, unfortunately, such force is so mysterious not even she completely understands it."
>"The one piece of new information I learned is that the force keeping me here is also affecting my pocketwatch; the one possession that was not with me when I awoke in this era. She confirmed the watch is somewhere in this time, but that's all. Hmmm... seeing as you were able to somewhat locate the hakutaku, Alice, do you think you would be able to locate my watch?"
> Frown a bit.
> "Perhaps we better not, then."
> "Let us simply return to Mitsu."
> Did we give Mitsu a full and proper good-bye?
> "We do not need to take the flying chariot to the mountain. But I feel it would not do to at least say my goodbyes to the kappa."
> "That would be fine."
> Beckon to Flan.
> "Let us depart, Young Mistress."
> Take to the air ourselves and head back to Mitsu's.
> "We are. We need to return one last time to the mountain."
> "Sure."
> Nod.
> "Okay."
> Hop into the chariot and buckle in.
> Disembark as well.
> "It is mildly frightening how quickly I have grown accustomed to this mode of travel. I hope I have not spoiled myself forever."
> "Apex is loud and fast enough without these flying around, frankly."
> Give a small grin.
> "But I am an ancient fossil, so I suppose my opinion will be biased."
> "I suppose. Though...I will not be here for very much longer anyway."
> "This time was bound to come sooner or later. But my time here was made more enjoyable with you around."
> Give a small grin.
> "You sound so reluctant."
> Lose the grin.
> "I understand."
> "...Anyway, it was still a pleasure."
> "Best of luck to you in the future."
> Chuckle a bit.
> "Of course."
> Have a look-see where Flan's pointing.
> Squint a bit.
> "...Quite possibly."
> "Ah, excellent."
> Look back to Mitsu.
> "Well...farewell, then."
> Wave back.
> "You as well."
> Turn back to Flan and Alice.
> "Let's go."
> Head to the cable car thingy.
> Where did we fly straight up from to get to Bhavagra the first time around?
> Exit the cable car thingy once we reach the top.
> Step away from the main crowd to a less-immediately-crowded location.
> Point upward and look at our companions.
> "Ready?"
> "Very well."
> Head straight upward toward Bhavagra, but not too fast as to inconvenience Flan.
> Head to the island and land on it once we are able.
> Is anyone else visible?
> "One notable thing has changed, at least. Nagae has passed on, and Hinanawi is now the Messenger."
> Chuckle.
> Are there any other visible islands?
> Frown a bit.
> "Hmm. I wonder how we are to get anywhere else reliably."
> Are there any signs of habitation visible on the island?
> "I suppose so. Shall we begin wandering?"
> "A wise decision."
> Begin wandering in search of signs of people on the island, keeping to paths in particular as suggested.
> Are there any footprints?
> Head toward the barn.
> Knock on the door.
> Grunt in irritation.
> Does the path continue onward?
> Head back to the path following the stream and continue following it in, nominally, the direction we went to get to the barn from where we landed.
> "Ah."
> Make our way over to said person.
> How does her forehead look?
> "Hello again. Would you happen to know where Lady Toyosatomimi has gone?"
> Gesture all around the sky.
> "Which, I presume, is somewhere out there on some other island?"
> Look to Alice and shrug lightly.
> "Don't take it personally. It would seem all of us are off-kilter."
> "Very well. In which direction is that?"
> Frown ourselves.
> "My apologies, I had assumed you would know."
> Wait patiently.
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> "Have a pleasant day."
> Take flight and head northeast.
> "Not entirely. But we have nothing better to go on."
> Continue onward.
> Do we remember anything about where we were before when we were here?
>Fly there.
> Are there any celestials nearby?
> Is there an obvious front entrance?
> Gesture to the town.
> "Let us try there. It seems as good a place as any."
> Head toward the town.
> Find someone (or a group of someones) that do not appear to be particularly busy or active and make our way over to them.
> ...She wouldn't happen to have a green hat, would she?
> "Erm, pardon me..."
> "Would you happen to know where I can find Lady Toyosatomimi?"
> "My apologies, but I do not know where that is."
> "We are amicably acquainted, and none of us plan on visiting her in her home again after this."
> "I imagine she did not think I would return so quickly at all, never mind with something that requires her attention."
> "Well, even I did not think I would be back to see her specifically this quickly."
> "If invasion of privacy is a concern, I would be glad to meet her somewhere other than her home."
> "...I suppose that could be a problem."
> "Oh. Ah, thank you very much."
> Can we tell which way is south of town from here?
> "Have a pleasant day, Miss."
> Head southward by foot.
> Knock on the door.
> "Pardon the intrusion, Lady Toyosatomimi. It turns out there is one last thing I wish to do before returning to my time."
> "It is no problem, we will not be here long. Anyway, since I am returning to my time, I thought it a good idea to deliver messages to various people from their future selves."
> Pull out and show the Sworn Statement.
> "Here is one such thing I plan on returning with."
> "To show that to the past selves of everyone that has signed it."
> "You and your companions are valued acquaintances of our house in my present, and the Temple are valued acquaintances of our house in my future. It is my duty to help relations between the two of you, however slightly."
> Frown a bit.
> "Do you believe it would cause problems?"
> "Mmm...well, no one that has signed it so far has questioned the potential ramifications, at least."
> "You do not need to sign if you do not wish to."
> Smile just a bit.
> "I had the same concerns, before I even had the idea for this statement. Miss Soga allayed them, making mention of ripples in a lake and how 'the universal tao is stronger than any one person's reach'."
> "Ah. Well, that, I cannot say for sure. Do you think advice to your past self would help you reach this point even sooner? Or would that risk delaying your ascension?"
> "Mmm. I am afraid I cannot really offer any advice in that regard. I will say that you are the first of those I have asked to dwell on it this much, though, if that means anything."
> Pull out and offer our writing utensils.
> Retrieve our things.
> "Thank you, Lady Toyosatomimi."
> "I do not believe so, unless you have any advice you wish to give to your past self specifically."
> "Very well. And you are most welcome."
> "Have a pleasant day."
> Head back toward the main building of this island.
> "Yes."
> Head toward the arcade where we remember Ran being.
>Knock on the door.
> Enter!
> "We made a deal wherein she has assisted in my journey in exchange for delivering something to her past self. You needn't worry about her visiting you up here or revealing your location to the general public, she takes hiding herself away as seriously as yourself and Miss Hirukazu."
> "The hakutaku."
> Frown just a bit (in an uncertain fashion rather than an upset fashion).
> "...Forgive my asking, as I imagine I already know the answer, but it is necessary to check regardless. I assume you do not intend to pursue her?"
> Sigh.
> "You put me in a very difficult position in asking this, you understand."
> "That has been considered, yes."
> Close our eyes and (lightly) pinch the bridge of our nose.
> "She is in an underground dwelling beneath the Forest of Magic."
> "I do have everything you asked for, but whether or not I am ready to leave depends on how exactly this will work. According to the hakutaku, whatever force brought me here is also affecting 'some kind of object'. I presume this to be my pocketwatch, as I did not have it in my possession when I woke up in this era yesterday morning. Would your efforts to return me to my time return that object to my time as well?"
> "Unfortunately, I do not have the first idea where it is."
> "That's unfortunate. I suppose I will simply have to hope for the best."
> Pull out and offer the Pearl Locket, the Bag of Rainbow Sand, and the Old Coin.
> "Here."
>"Perhaps...the matter of my watch is still bothering me."
> "Ah."
> Light up our eyes and looked to Alice.
> "Alice, I have one final request for you. Once I am gone and you are able to do so, I would appreciate it if you could attempt to magically locate my watch. If it still exists in this era, please bring it back here to Ran and see if she can send it back to its proper era as well."
> Give our copy of Alice's book notes a pat.
> "Of course. Honestly, in the interest of expedience, your past self will likely be the first person I visit outside of my home, given your proximity to the lake."
> Smile in return.
> "Thank you. It is greatly appreciated."
> Look to Flan.
> "Right. Thank you as well, Young Mistress, for everything you have done."
> "Indeed. But still."
> Give Flan a hug.
> "Of course."
> "Indeed. Thank you both. See you a thousand years ago."
> Head back inside the room.
> "One last thing before this begins. Have you thought any about any message you may wish me to deliver to your past self and family?"
> Smile.
> "No better message has been requested of me, frankly."
> Step into the instructed location, making sure to not kick over the bowl, and close our eyes.
>Open our eyes and quickly look around to confirm where we are.
> Home sweet home!
> Check our items for our watch. If we do not possess it, check the immediate surroundings for it and retrieve it if we find it.
> Take flight over the shelves and silently head toward the center of the library.
> Which would be best for taking charge? Checking to see how they're doing personally, or just straight up giving orders as if we've been here the whole time?
> At a glance, how are the cleaning efforts going?
> Are Patchouli or Koakuma around?
> Nod.
> "Looking good, everyone."
> Land in the center of the library, out of the way of any immediate cleaning efforts.
>Did we ever ask about the medicine for Pneumonia to someone ?
> Fix a mildly stern look on everyone.
> "That is a long story. What is important right now is that I have returned, and that this library gets cleaned up."
> Is Dreamy Sky here?
> Take a better look at the immediate area. How do the cleaning efforts seem to be going?
> "That is why I came back. Do not worry, I will be reporting to the Mistress shortly."
> Gesture at the area and give a small smile.
> "It does not seem to have been too much of a problem, however. You all seem to be doing quite well cleaning here already. I would like to see that continue."
> "Very good, everyone. I shall see you all later."
> Head out and exit the library.
> Head to the front doors and open them, peeking outside to see if we can find anyone.
> How often does Koa do gate duty?
> Head out to her, speaking along the way.
> "Can you actually use that thing?"
> "I got better. How long was I gone?"
> "Time travel, if you can believe it. I would rather tell the full story with everyone present, though."
> ...Have we heard that nickname for Meiling before?
> Frown.
> "Wonderful. Do you know where she has gone?"
> Has anyone, Meiling or otherwise, ever called Koa 'Little Red'?
> "How unfortunate. Very well, I shall let Mistress know that I have returned. Do you know where she is right now?"
> Nod.
> "And what of Lady Patchouli? Is she still unconscious?"
> "Understood. Thank you for the info, Little Red. I'll be back at some point."
> Head back inside and toward Remilia's bedroom.
> Knock on the door regardless.
> Enter (quietly).
> How do we normally go about waking Remilia prematurely?
> Stand nearby Remilia's bed.
> "Mistress Remilia?"
> Smile.
> "I apologize for my absence, Mistress. What can I do for you?"
>"Nothing too serious. Your taking this better than i hoped."
> "It is a long story that I would rather tell everyone at once. The short answer, hard as it may be to believe, is that I was nearly one thousand years in the future."
> "I am not sure. Neither was anyone in the future that had the power and knowledge to detect it for themselves. Even the hakutaku of that era did not know."
> "I have eaten regularly, and aside from the gash on my midsection, which has long since been treated, I am uninjured, yes."
> Pull out the Picture of Future Flandre and show it to Remilia.
> "Perhaps this will lend credibility to my story in your eyes?"
> Nod.
> "The Future Young Mistress in a habit. Miss Komeiji's pet raven there was helping us at the time."
>"A few mementos of the trip, some money from the future, and enough messages to deliver to people from their future selves to occupy me for the good part of a day." Chuckle. "Along with a new idea or two to try out in the kitchen."
>...how often does Remilia refer to herself as We?
>"Did she say where she was heading?"
>"Hmm, looks like this will be more complicated than i hoped. But i'll do my best locating her regardless."
>"What i saw in the future makes me not so sure of that. But that's not relevant right now."
>"I would also like to let you that Flandre's induction into the Myouren Temple was actually quite helpful to her, i think it was for the best."
> Frown.
> "Ah...yes. I suppose that would be a major difference between the present and the future."
> Shake our head.
> "Not yet. I thought it most important to verify where and when I was, and then seek you out first."
> "Understood. But there is one matter aI wish to discuss with only you before we do so, one of major importance to our household."
> "I am not entirely clear on the details, but...the Future Young Mistress rolls me that some number of years after I disappeared, you began spending a lot of time brooding. Swirling your drink at dinners and such."
> Mimic a Remilia-drink-swirl motion with our hand.
> "Then, one day, you said that 'They have forgotten us'. At that point, you declared the Young Mistress the new Mistress of our home, departed, and were never seen again. No one could tell me anything about where you had gone, not even Shameimaru or Himekaidou."
> Shake our head.
> "Those were all the details you left. It seems the future considered your whereabouts one of Gensokyo's great mysteries. The only concrete information I was able to gain on my own was that you had not passed through Higan. Beyond that, most people were convinced you were no longer in Gensokyo at all. I believe at least one of two theorized that you found your way to the Outside World."
> "Whatever the case, your disappearance more or less marked the decline and downfall of our household. Lady Patchouli managed as well as she could, but her life did not last much longer, and some number of years after she passed, there was an accident and our home...burned down to the ground."
> Frown a bit.
> "By the time I reappeared, it has already been several hundred years since these happenings."
> Shake our head slowly.
> "I wish I were."
> "The misfortune of the situation is only made worse by how far Gensokyo society had come. The land on the whole has expanded immensely. Other regions with their own names and governments were established. There was even a new neighboring dimension with wonders upon wonders I could only begin to fathom, let alone describe."
> "Gensokyo itself certainly had seen respectable expansion, which appears to have been Yakumo's behind-the-scenes doing before she passed away. The Human Village had become much larger and much more advanced, with plenty of very tall buidings and various facilities, including a museum where I was able to find one of our garden statues. The rest of the land is now so wide that it apparently takes several days to fly oneself between certain regions. But that neighboring dimension is the noisiest and busiest place I have ever been by a country mile. For all that I can appreciate and respect the advancement of that area, I could barely hear myself think. Flashing lights, strange machines, people from all backgrounds and locations. It appears to have been a major pet project of the Moriya Shrine dieties, Yasaka in particular. She is a part of their local government, which includes a top Avalonian official by the name of Sir Ector, and a mute woman named the Rainbow Serpent, whom I had never heard of, but is apparently infamous enough that you or Lady Patchouli may have."
> "It is a lot that even I was barely able to keep track of despite experiencing it for myself. The long and short of it is that Gensokyo thrived while our house declined. It seems necessary to me, then, to alter the course of history so that we have a hand in the improvement of the land, so that it can be something even greater than what it is already on track to be."
> "With that in mind, I believe it prudent to take advantage of our newfound knowledge of the course of history. As a simple immediate example, there was apparently an established and thriving kobito village in the future. I was not able to find it, though that was mostly due to not needing to for any reason. The curator of the Human Village museum I mentioned earlier was also a kobito, and one of their exhibits was Princess Sukuna's needle sword, the description of which implied they held her as something of a hero. As such, I believe it would behoove us to welcome Princess Sukuna onto our list of special guests."
> Nod.
> "Another simple immediate example, though perhaps more personal than political, is that Miss Kamishirasawa is on track for a premature demise."
> Frown a bit again.
> "She recovered from yesterday's accident, but came out of it more frail than one such as herself should be. She was later taken by a sufficiently nasty bout of pneumonia that not even Miss Yagokoro could address. It seems prudent to try to stave this off as we are able, even if we are not able to prevent it outright."