> Look to Flan with a quizzical look.
> Point at the melted/cooled rock.
> Slowly, cautiously, float up the stairway to the next floor.
> Do the stairs continue on to the third floor? If so, continue upward. If not, go up to the third floor through one of those ceiling holes.
> Begin slowly investigating the rooms on this floor (via floating).
> Stop, holding out a hand to Flan to stop as well.
> Point down at the possibly-color.
> Float toward the color.
> Stop.
> What do we see from here?
> Look to Flan quizzically.
> Pull out the pocketwatch.
> How far away is this bluish-purple color?
> Easily within timestop distance, then?
> We're still using the magic-detecting bracelet, right? If so, any glow coming from the color?
> Step out of time.
> Hurry on over to the bluish-purple thing.
> Is her body leaking stuffing, or missing limbs or parts, or anything like that?
> Hurry back to our previous location and step back into time.
> Look at Flan, nod a few times with a grimace, point at the visible bit of hair, and gently tug on our own hair a couple of times while still pointing.
> Adopt a thinking expression for a few seconds, then drop it.
> Look to Flan, point at Patchouli, and then do our best to imitate the pose Patchouli was laying in, except in mid-air. (Make sure to include the empty facial expression!)
> Stay that way for a few moment, then return ourselves to a normal, upright position.
> Grimace and shrug.
> Point at Patchouli's hair.
> Stop pointing, and repeatedly making a talking motion with one of our hands while gesturing back and forth between Flan and ourselves with a quizzical look.
> Follow along behind her.
> Grit our teeth and cover our ears!
> Watch Patchouli's actions. The instant we see her raise a hand toward Flan or ourselves, step out of time.
> Was Patchouli surrounded by a magic aura? If not, do the below:
> Move over to Patchouli and try closing her mouth completely.
> Regardless of the success of trying to close her mouth, try spinning her in place until she is facing (and pointing her hands in) the opposite direction.
> Then step back to where we were, cover our ears again, and step back into time.
> Mental check: are there any walls nearby we can hide behind?
> Scramble around and behind the one behind us, to put it between ourselves and Patchouli.
> Step out of time and take a quick peek around the wall.
> Can we peek around the other side of the wall? If so, do so.
> Is there a wall behind Patchouli from our current perspective?
> Peek again.
> If we see one and it is reasonably close, run over to and behind it.
> Within three "seconds".
> Get a couple of yards behind Patchouli herself, then.
> Return our visual focus to Patchouli, cover our ears, and step back into time.
> Step out of time.
> Remove and stow the bracelet that's letting us see this magic, since it's doing more harm than good at present.
> Cover our ears again.
> Step back into time, keeping ourselves behind where Patchouli is looking. If she turns to look at Flan, float as necessary to stay behind her head (and a couple of yards away).
> Is she raising her arms at Flan or at us?
> Does Flan seem to be making any effort to protect herself?
> ...Well, Flan's see what Patchouli can to do walls now, at least, and her efforts are never going to work if we keep interfering...
> ...Let this play out without further interference.
> Adopt a worried expression while turning our visual focus to Flan, but say nothing.
> Keep watching wordlessly.
> Look incredibly relieved.
> Put the bracelet back on, though, just to be safe. If we're immediately blinded, however, remove it again.
> Was that attack super-bright, now that we have the bracelet on again?
> Is Patchouli still no longer shrieking?
> Does Flan sound more strained than before?
> Keep watching and listening.
> Can we see the stairs from here?
> How far away is it?
> Hold up a 'Stop' hand toward the stairs and keep it there. Here's hoping Patchouli doesn't scream again...
> Keep watching and silently listening.
> Keep that hand up, but go back to watching Patchouli and Flan.
> Urgh.
> Can Patchouli see the stairs from where she is currently looking?
>Stop time and get into the stairway, past where Patchouli would be able to see us if possible.
>Get as much space between us and Meiling as we can without risking being visible to those upstairs- to hopefully prevent too much startling and/or collision. Use one hand to motion stop, and the other to our lips to signal silence.
>Resume time.
>Get in close and whisper back, "Patchouli is up there, the Young Mistress is attempting to reason with her."
>"Fortunately she seems unaffected by Patchouli's magic, at least for now."
> "You two need to stay here. If you show up and Lady Patchouli sees you, it may distract her too much for the Young Mistress to get through to her. We'll call for you when we need you, whether it is for helping Lady Patchouli, or helping take her down."
> "Better then I expected. But I watched Lady Patchouli completely melt one of those really into that awful-scented goop we have been seeing around. It was not pretty."
> "I snuck out in a way only I can. Lady Patchouli has seen me, but she may think I am vaporized."
> Can we see the confrontation from here if we look around?
> Step out of time.
> Float up higher to see what's going on.
> Return to our original position and step back into time.
> "I'm going to return to the Young Mistress. Keep watch here if you like, but try to not get spotted."
> Nod.
> Step out of time, get back to our previous position floating behind Patchouli, facing Patchouli and Flan, and step back into time.
> Amazing...
> Keep silently watching.
> Nod several times and give a thumbs-up.
> Ooh, that's...not what we were hoping for.
> Well, we'll make do. Melling can Dodge at that range. Keep watching and listening, floating around as needed to stay behind Patchouli's line of sight.
>How are we feeling on timestop juice? We've used it a fair amount.
> Look at Flan quizzically and point to ourselves.
> Keep just waiting, then.
> Keep waiting until Flan prompts us to do something, Koakuma appears, or Patchouli either speaks or goes on the offensive towards someone other than Flan.
> Keeeeeeeep waiting
>Step out of time and quickly move back to the stairs into the room, then get just far enough down them that we're out of sight and step back into time.
>Walk up the stairs non-threateningly.
>"Hello Patchouli, I apologise for being somewhat impolite earlier. It is good to see you again."
> Make sure to use 'Lady Patchouli' for proper elegance and status acknowledgement.
> "See? I am not doing anything."
> Nod slowly a couple of times.
> "What do you think, Lady Patchouli? Can you tell us?"
> "That...is better than shouting, certainly. Perhaps you can write instead?"
>Do we have any writing utensils? We might, from the treaty we had people sign, but I do think we gave that back already... that might be lost to time once we go back earlier than we left. >_> We'll see, time travel is weird.
> Look to Flan.
> "What do you think, Young Mistress?"
> Look back to Patchouli.
> "Very well, we can try that some other time."
> "Mmm. Lady Patchouli, perhaps you would like to see other friends, more people that care about you? Perhaps you would like to go see Alice?"
>There's nothing for it. We've gotta time stop and retreat out of sight; let's go with down the stairway.
>Unstop and listen.
>"At least they proved she can be calmed down..."
> Frown.
> "Yes, I figured that."
> Can we see or hear Patchouli or Flan from here?
> Slowly peek upward until we can see them.
> Listen to the conversation between the two of them.
> Did Flandre ever have any special interest in Marisa?
> Wait for a social opening (that is, for Flan to pause talking for long enough that we can interrupt her without actually interrupting her).
> Once we find one: "My apologies, Lady Patchouli."
> "The Young Mistress has the right of it."
> Look to Flan.
> "My apologies to you as well, Young Mistress."
> "Though I must raise the question of what is to be done now."
> Nod.
> "And she cannot be left here."
> "Is that what this land's master would want, though?"
> Look to Patchouli.
> "Lady Patchouli, is there anywhere you want to go?"
> "Maybe. I admit this is not my area of expertise."
> "That would seem to be for the best. I am not sure where we could go from there, however."
> "Hmm?"
> "We could ask her and possibly find out."
> Look to Patchouli.
> "You will get to go somewhere safe."
> "No one from this place would attack you anymore."
> Look to Koakuma.
> "This place may contain many bad memories at this point, too."
> As far as we're aware, did the Lake Temple retain any of the library's books?
> Look to Flan.
> "Young Mistress, do you suppose it would be worth lending Lady Patchouli some of the temple's books?"
> Look to Patchouli.
> "Would you like some of your old books, Lady Patchouli?"
> "I think she does, given how she has reacted to other things."
> "Indeed."
> "Mmm...oh, yes. Is there anyone you would like to see, Lady Patchouli?"
> Who does Patchouli consider friends other than our family and Marisa?
> "Maybe Reimu?"
> Did it look like a nod?
> "Let's go see Reimu, then. She's back in Gensokyo."
> "We will escort you, of course."
> Wait patiently for Patchouli to seem to make a decision.
> Nod.
> "There we go."
> Make our way back outside the building at Patchouli's pace.
> Oh.
> "...Would you like help descending the stairs, Lady Patchouli?"
> How close are we to her?
> "Ah."
> Give it a moment to see if she steadies herself. If she does not, step out of time, hurry to her side, and help stabilize her.
> "...Do you need some help?"
> Is Flan helping her out at all?
>Just keep a close eye on her as we go. If she does ever seem like she's falling, stop time to go assist.
>"That... may be a good idea."
>Smile. It's pretty miraculous that it's gone so well we're able to have Meiling carry Patchouli around. And she isn't even unconscious!
>Lead the way out!
> Look back to Koakuma.
> "So...how do you plan on proceeding from here?"
> Nod.
> "Of course. That is why I asked."
> "Well, it is up to you. I think all of us both appreciate your company and understand that you have a business to run."
> "All right."
> Onward!
> Onward to Gensokyo!
> Look over to Patchouli.
> "Lady Patchouli?"
> "Do you wish to stop for a bit?"
> Look to the others.
> "...Should we pause for a moment?"
> "All right, then."
> Keep going onward.
> Further along toward Reimu's (but not all the way)
>Motion the others to stop.
>"You should probably stay here where there's nobody to set Patchouli off while I explain things to Reimu."
> "I'll be back as soon as possible."
> Hurry onward to the Hakurei Shrine.
> Make our way down toward it, looking for both Reimu and Alice.
> Smile a bit.
> "I imagine you did not expect to see me again so soon. Has Alice returned?"
> "Better than expected. The situation is...unusual. The long and short of it is that, as near as the rest of us can tell, Lady Patchouli wishes to see you again."
> "The two most important things you need to know are that she is on her way here and that Alice absolutely cannot come anywhere near her."
>"Amazingly, the Young Mistress was able to calm her down. It took awhile, but all of Patchouli's attacks simply dissolved before they could reach her, and eventually Patch gave up and listened. It would have been hopeless without her help."
>Frown. "Still, it seems Patchouli can't control her body very well. She moves strangely, and makes vague noises. But as far as we can tell, she understands when we talk to her. She had... quite the reaction when I asked who she would like to see, and mentioned Alice."
>"To be honest, not entirely. I would prefer to keep her away from people she doesn't know for now as much as possible."
>"Would it be possible for you to meet her in the forest outside the shrine, or inside, away from the public?"
>"Meiling's been carrying her on her back, so she's pretty docile as long as she isn't riled up."
>"I left the others waiting not far from here, if you're ready to see her now."
>"Thank you for this."
>Lead Reimu to where we left the others.
> "Just now, or from the beginning?"
> What is Patchouli doing at present?
> "Well, to make a long story short, we found Lady Patchouli in a sort of catatonic state in an abandoned, half-destroyed building in Makai. The instant we made our presence known, she screeched a mighty screech and tried to magically melt us, for lack of a better way of putting it. The Young Mistress was strong enough to resist it, however, and eventually she calmed down. Communication has been difficult, but she does seem to remember and recognize us, as well as remember you. And that other person I told you about earlier, that we should not mention by name."
> Is Patchouli still wiggling about?
> Watch to see if Reimu is able to get through to her.
> "Koakuma did suggest she screeched a lot. She certainly did in the time we spent in that building."
> "In what sense?"
> "I am...not really sure what to do, honestly. I am not sure what *can* be done, particularly since the Lunarian doctor seems to have returned to the moon."
> Nod.
> "And you understand I cannot really wait that long."
> "I'm sure my departure from this time will not be regretted in the long run."
> "Of course. Best of luck to you all going forward as well."
> Quests
> Do we remember where we left things with Alice?
>She said she'd leave a package of her research to deliver at the shrine, yes? Since we... lost the first set by giving it to her, an event that we're going to erase from history... don't you just love time travel?
> "I will see you all a thousand years ago."
> Head back toward the Hakurei Shrine.
>Look around for anyone familiar, or for a package. If we can't find anyone, go inside.
>Examine it. We wouldn't want to take the wrong thing, of course.
> Is there any sort of note or message on or near it?
> Can we peek inside without damaging to wrapping? If so, do so.
> Take it.
> Examine the contents more closely.
> Look around. Is Minoriko present?
> ...Preparations for what?
> Go find her.
> "In a manner of speaking. I wanted to you know, however, that should Alice return here again, she needs to know that she should not seek Lady Patchouli out for the foreseeable future. Lady Patchouli is...in a bad way, and will react very dangerously if she sees Alice again."
> Nod.
> "Please. I could not bring it up back there, as Lady Patchouli was present."
> "I imagine Reimu will tell you about Lady Patchouli when she returns, at least to some degree."
> Smile a bit.
> "I will keep her in my thoughts."
> "I imagine so. Best of luck to you and yours."
> Curtsy, then exit the Shrine and head to the hakutaku's home.
> What did we do last time, knock?
>Knock, then.
>Oh. Well, I guess they wouldn't be expecting to see anyone else... enter!
> Nod.
> "Yes. Though this time, at least, I have learned the 'why', if not the 'how'."
>"The culpirt's true intention was to bring my pocketwatch to this era, from the past. I was unintentionally drug along for the ride. Thankfully so, for their goal was rather disastrous..."
>Frown. "You may know of Kaguya Houraisan, the immortal princess from the moon? She wanted my stopwatch so that she could stop time, and use her own powers to make it remain frozen for eternity. It was to be her final revenge against the Lunar Kingdom... everyone else would simply be collateral damage. Of course, that would be an unimaginable disaster. With her true immortality, simply defeating her was... not a long-term solution, so I opted to talk her down instead."
>We'll just neglect to mention we didn't do amazingly in defeating her, either. Not an important detail, of course!!
>"Now is the tricky part. I talked her down by promising I'd improve her past. She ended up in such a state because she had been abandoned by all those she hoped to spend her immortal life with... and I managed to determine that the chain of events leading to her life taking such a downturn was started by Keine's death."
>Frown. "I can prevent that event and hopefully fix Kaguya's situation, but only if you'll agree to assist Ran with sending me back in time slightly farther than before. I'm aware you probably aren't ecstatic about that, but there isn't many options when it comes to preventing a true immortal."
>"Ran Yakumo says with your cooperation, she believes I can be sent back in time to slightly before I was ever pulled into the future, and prevent the explosion in the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library that day. Or at the least, prevent Keine from being there. Her health deteriorated greatly after being crushed under a bookcase during the fire... and then the immortal Mokou went rampaging as a result of Keine's premature death and was permanently "dealt" with, which began Kaguya's downspiral. And that, I believe, probably contributed to her lover also leaving her later."
>Well, there was also possibly the matter of Reisen, but that's a less simple matter we can worry about latter.
> "Not that I do not trust her word, but it is hard to fathom that what Sage Yakumo has proposed is even possible. Do you think it is possible?"
> Chuckle.
> "Really now? She truly has surpassed her former master, then."
> "Anyway, I have a way to return to her directly and immediately. Should you be willing to meet with her about this subject, I can at least save you the risk of going out in public to get to her."
> Pull out the talisman and nod.
> "Our mode of transportation, once it is burned."
> "Lighting this talisman will get her attention, and she will create a portal to get to her home for me, or us, to step through. I have already used one once to return from Haihan."
>Ran keeps her location a secret too, right? If so-
>"Ran Yakumo ensures that knowledge of her own location is kept secret, as well. I'm sure she will understand not to abuse such information. Although if you'd rather, we could move to somewhere a bit farther from here first."
> Do we have a fire source?
> "Very well. Where shall we go?"
> "...The 5th Floor?"
> "....I see. Very well, then. Before we depart, however, we will need a fire source."
> "Certainly. Lead the way."
>"Apart from me piecing the chain of events together... there is also the fact that I was originally pulled into the future immediately after the bookcase fell on her, during the fire. I had been attempting to pull her out of the way and passed out, waking up in this era. It seems logical that it was the event ultimately resulting in a timeline where Kaguya pulls the watch into this era. Although, honestly, all this time travel is confusing... especially after I went back, changed history, and was pulled here yet a second time."
>"...how long has it been since you left here?"
> Continue following.
> Shrug.
> "If it would make you less uncomfortable, we can certainly keep going."
> "Very well."
> With the talisman in one hand, hold out our other for the candle.
> Offer a hand to Euphemia.
> "Shall we?"
> "Make sure to close your eyes."
> Gently leading Euphemia, close our eyes and step through the gap.
> Smile a small smile.
> "Forgive my tardiness, Sage Yakumo. Assuming you are not already aware of everything, let us say that I had some important family matters to attend to in Makai."
> "Hmm. Will this then erase everything I did in my own time after I returned there from this time the first time around? Messages to the past and so on."
> "And this is not going to erase you or your role from history, is it?"
> How certain did she sound just now?
> "All right. How more or less difficult would specific requests make this process?"
> "Mmm. Well...perhaps it would help if I understood what will happen in my time? I assume my task will be to prevent the explosion in the library in the first place. Will there then be a second me running around a day later with messages and items from the future and such?"
> "I'm...not quite sure what you mean? I've never seen more than one of myself, though for all I know there was a second me running around staying hidden from myself so as to not ruin anything. It is certainly what I plan on doing, should I see my past self."
> "That may be doable, if I am able to secure food and water for a couple of days."
> Would that be possible, to skip ahead some amount of time?
> "I suppose I could, if I found a safe place to do so."
> "I would need to not be found out, of course."
> "I will do what I can."
> "From who?"
> "It would not happen to be Mistress, would it?"
> Narrow our eyes.
> "...It is not your Mistress, is it?"
> Sigh.
> "Very well. I suppose there is nothing I can really do. One last thing before we try this, however - I do not suppose Tenshi is anywhere in the immediate area?"
> Nod.
> "It would seem that one of my messages to the past was...not so well-received. It was for a rather paranoid poltergeist, one who ended up destroying herself as a result. It is my understanding that she was close with Miss Nagae, but as she is no longer around, Tenshi is my next best bet for setting things right."
> Do we remember how to get from here to the Dragon Palace and back?
> "Thank you. Whereabouts in the palace can I find her?"
> "And where are we now, in terms of cardinal direction and floor number?"
>Once we get an answer, head off to find Tenshi.
> Make our way over to the conversation.
> "Life is strange that way. I will make this quick. Do you remember a paranoid poltergeist friend of Miss Nagae's from my time?"
> "I delivered a message from the future to her my first time back in my proper time, and it made her go insane and, eventually, destroy herself, from what I am told. I am about to go back again. How might I stop her self-destruction?"
> "I gave her a note her future self had written for her. ...A number of things have changed between my first visit and my current one, and it seems only the gods are aware of the differences. Anyway, I gave her that note, and she became very agitated and belligerent, accusing me of knowing things I shouldn't or some such and not believing me when I told her the truth. Which is fair to a degree, but still. Eventually she became outright aggressive and I had to disappear. The last I saw her, she had found me speaking with Miss Kazami elsewhere in the village. She came running at me with no regard for her own safety, which proved to be her undoing once Miss Kazami took note of her presence. I returned her to her jewelry shop and its owner, and did not see or hear about her again before I was yanked back to this time."
> "I think so."
>"It would be one thing if she just thought she had a stalker, but unfortunately, she committed suicide because of it. Before I had given her that note in the past, she had been alive and well in this era. I'll be returning to a point in time before that's happened, but..." Frown. "Well, I'm not sure how to handle her."
> "That would be ideal. Unfortunately, I doubt she will listen to me any further than she can throw me."
> "That, or provide proof of my time-travel claims."
>"Hmm, Iku is a good suggestion, actually."
> "Do you have any suggestions for either? You all are not exactly simple to find."
>Inventory
> "Mmm. Perhaps there is something here that could not possibly be acquired a thousand years ago?"
> Light up a bit.
> "Hmm?"
>"Splendid!"
>Follow
>Take the mask and examine it.
>"And what might this be?"
>Who exactly did we leave the strange ring with?
>"Oh my, that would be perfect indeed. Much thanks."
>"I best be getting back to... well, my own time." Chuckles. "But this was very helpful. See you a thousand years ago."
>Head back to Ran!
>"Yes, it went better than expected. I also recalled that I left a strange ring with you for examination?"
> "Huh. Yes, I believe that will do. Thank you for the information."
> Chuckle.
> "I see that not even a thousand years will stop cats from being cats."
> "Yes, of course. I got precisely what I needed from Tenshi, so I believe I will not be requesting any alterations beyond whatever is necessary to make all of this work."
> Look to Euphemia.
> "If it matters, my original disappearance was somewhere within the library, where no one else was watching. I imagine it would be not terribly difficult, relative to everything else you will be doing, to send that me off through the library in search of something or other before she is dragged forward through time. My second disappearance came on some hill with no one around while I was running message-delivery errands and probably does not need to be affected at all."
>Nod. "And I'm ready as well."
> Blink.
> "Do you...do you have any specific instructions on how to open one's inner eye? Beyond the keeping-the-goal-in-mind thing, I mean."
> "Oh. I assumed it meant something more supernaturally literal than that."
> Stand in the middle of the sigil, facing the front door.
> "Since this will theoretically not matter ever again: Anonymous Accomplice, if you could give me some sort of sign as to your identity once this is all over, it would be much appreciated."
> Close our eyes, take a deep breath, and focus on getting back to our home in time to prevent the initial explosion.
> Frown, then nod.
> Take on a quiet tone of our own.
> "I know nothing that I think might help unravel the mystery, but I will pass this on nonetheless."
> Eyes closed! Focus back on preventing that explosion!
> So we will not have a situation where there are two of us running around?
> Inventory (just to be sure)
> Did we catch Flan already?
> Head back inside.
> Do we know where the library ingredients are within the library?
> Enter the library.
> Head toward the center.
> Is Keine not here?
> How much longer do we have before the explosion?
> Where did we find Keine the first time around? Somewhere in the western part of the library?
> Head west, toward where we found her.
> Are we on a first-name basis with Keine?
> "Ah, Miss Keine. May I help you find something?"
> "Sort of. Do you happen to know what Lady Patchouli is working on?"
> Frown a bit.
> "Did she now? That is unfortunate. I was hoping either of us would have an idea what all that equipment and reading materials were for."
> "Shall we see what exactly that is?"
> Frown.
> Look around to double-check that no one else is around.
> Look back to Keine.
> Take on a very quiet tone.
> "All right, here's the deal. Whatever Lady Patchouli is doing over there, it is going to explode in a few minutes. We need to get you out of here before that, if not stop her outright."
> "Indeed. But the kicker is that we cannot tell her we know it is going to explode. It would risk altering the timeline too drastically."
> Look irritated but thoughtful for a few moments.
> "...Very well. But you will need to pass an apology down to your successor in one thousand years for making this harder on her than it had to be."
> "I will explain later. Let us go stop her before it is too late."
> Head back to where Patchouli is.
> "Lady Patchouli?"
> "Yes. May I ask what experiment you are performing?"
>"Oh, very unusual."
>Take on a thoughtful expression. "How likely do you think it is for this to blow up the library within the next few minutes?"
>"Well, to be blunt... one way or another, something is about to set the library on fire. I'd hoped it was from this experiment, and preventable, but if that's uncertain, we should make an immediate evacuation. It should be occurring any minute now, so there's no time to explain."
>"I'd be happy to make a bet on the matter of whether or not your experiment will detonate, if you'd like me to place my money where my mouth is." Grin. "But morally questionable gambling aside, I must evacuate Keine immediately. How embarrassing it'd be if I only led her here to get blown up mid-conversation."
>Nod at Keine. "We have to go... now."
>"Dead serious. And there may be very little time left. I'll explain when we're out of the library."
>Turn and begin to walk out of the library- and look back to ensure Keine is coming with us. Patchouli, well, hopefully she chooses to join us.
>"I think this is fine. Unless your experiment won't detonate unattended, the accident should happen any moment now... this time, with no one around to get hurt."
>Presuming we aren't suddenly interrupted by an explosion; "I know this will sound strange, but everything I am about to say is true. Originally, the library exploded with both of you inside; Patchouli recovered, but Keine was..." Grimace. "She was never quite the same. The moment a bookcase fell on Keine during the explosion, I was pulled a thousand years into the future. From my perspective, I've been there for days. It's quite a long story, but with this, the crisis should be averted."
>Look towards Koakuma. "I had to turn down enough offers of that from you and your entourage in the future, as it is." Chuckle.
>Look towards Patchouli. "I have a scroll your future self wrote that you can see later, if that will convince you." Grin. "Just don't go in the library for awhile. If it doesn't explode soon, I presume it happens directly from you messing with your experiment, in which case I'd recommend either ceasing, or continuing somewhere outside."
>Look towards Keine. "Can we talk elsewhere for a moment? And, my apologies for the grim statement. Crisis averted... it's just been a rough few days. Saving history itself is no walk in the park, even if it did involve lots of walking."
>"I'm still working on that," says Patchouli. "My suspicion is that one of my reagents had gone bad."
> "I have a few pieces of physical evidence I can offer to help verify my story, but that can wait. I recall that the you of tomorrow, Lady Patchouli, said she had not concretely determined the cause of the explosion, but that she suspected one of the reagents had gone bad. Perhaps we should investigate those? Without putting Miss Keine at risk, of course."
> "If that is what you wish."
> Look back to Keine.
> "Please wait here."
> Follow Patchouli back inside the library.
> "Unfortunately not. The future you was still recovering and did not elaborate much. She may have thought the finer details would have been lost on me, which would likely have been true. I am not even sure exactly at what point the experiment went wrong, as I was conversing with the mermaid that recently moved into the lake at the time."
> Blink.
> Frown just a slight bit.
> "...Is someone perhaps playing a prank on you, Lady Patchouli? That seems an oddly specific numerical error."
> Move over and have a look at the list.
> "Huh...it looks perhaps like some ink accidentally dropped onto a very unfortunate location. I assume that is intended to be 102 instead of 182?"
> Sigh.
> "I believe we have found the source of the prior explosion, then."
> Nod.
> "At least we have averted a crisis and saved Miss Keine from danger. There are now other tricky things to attend to, but none as important as this."
> "You're quite welcome, Lady Patchouli. And here, a novelty I happened upon in the future that may turn out to be more useful than expected."
> Take out the Monday Magic scroll and hand it to her.
> "I would guess not, she had been dead for a very long time."
> Smile just a bit.
> "My apologies for infecting you with the crazy."
> Do we actually still have the Picture of Future Flan, or was that a copypaste error?
> "Well, this is where things get a bit awkward. We should probably have Miss Keine rejoin us before I go on, however. And I imagine Mistress will wish to hear about this as well."
>"Oh, I don't mean the potential explosion. I mean the other matter." Gesture towards the scroll. "Finding a scroll you wrote is far from being the only thing that occurred during my trip through time."
> "Such as this. Which I will want to keep for myself, at least until I am confident I won't be dragged forward in time again."
> Pull out and offer the Flanpic.
> "Mmhmm. And there's one more that you will care about, though it is a delivery for Margatroid for services rendered."
> Put the picture away and lug out Alice's research.
> "Nearly two thousand years of Margatroid's research into making immortal doll bodies. For, at the very least, use by herself, yourself, and Marisa."
> Hand it over.
> Would it not be more appropriate to give it to Alice as intended, but now with the addition that Patchouli can go tell her not to use her doll voodoo on her under any circumstances? Alice at least deserves her own body.
> Raise an eyebrow with a slight frown.
> "Not to speak out of turn, Lady Patchouli, but please do not forget that this book is to be delivered to Margatroid, and that it will need to happen tomorrow."
>"I expected you not to approve, which is why I told you. You'll have to take up your disapproval with her yourself, however. She gave me quite a bit of aid in returning from the future."
>Raise our eyebrows. "Aah, I misunderstood. Hmm. If only I still had both copies..."
>Frown. "Actually, I'm not sure if the other copy is truly lost. It's a little confusing, but to explain... this is actually the second time I returned from the future. The first attempt was a bit of a failure, only returning me to this time for a few hours. As a result, I'm not... entirely sure whether there will be a second me running about or not, tomorrow; that is, the Sakuya from the first attempt to send me back. If there is, we would have two copies of this grimoire. I could simply give one to each of you."
> "Is it not possible to just ask her to share the next time you see her?"
> "I do not see why not."
> "I would rather not get into the details, but giving it to her will be tremendously to your benefit."
> "I promise you, Lady Patchouli, from what I have seen of what becomes of you in the future, you are much better served long-term in me giving it to her."
> Frown.
> "What if I make her promise to share before handing it over to her?"
> "Thank you."
> Put the book away.
> "Anyway, shall we retrieve Miss Keine?"
> "That was more or less what I meant."
>"Well, I shall go get her. Just a moment."
>"Yes, they checked the ingredients and found an error that would have caused an explosion. The problem has been solved. You're free to continue viewing the library, if you wish. However, I was also planning on gathering the Mansion's residents soon to explain what just happened. Not the potential explosion, so much as the reason I knew it would happen; my aforementioned trip to the future. You're welcome to join, of course."
>Nod. "Not only was I there for days, I still have all the possessions from my trip. Patchouli gave up and admitted it was true, much as she didn't want to, after I gave her a scroll she wrote in the distant future. I eventually discovered someone had tried to drag my special stopwatch from this era to theirs, and I had been pulled through time along with it. I suppose it had been lost over the centuries, causing them to resort to such an extreme method."
>Chuckle. "Further details will need to wait until everyone is present, so I don't have to explain twice. Although, I did learn something I wanted to ask you about."
>Frown. "...mmm. I suppose you might have a point?"
>"Although first, the question I wanted to ask you... it's actually not directly related to my story, or anything that happened in it. Rather, right before I came back, I was given a very ominous warning. It wasn't for you, but you're one of the only two people I currently suspect might be able to do something to help; it's about history. And not in the scholarly sense."
>But Patchouli isn't present right now, right? So it should be fine?
> Check to make sure no one else is around before saying anything of that.
>Frown. "...mmm. I suppose you might have a point? Although first, the question I wanted to ask you... it's actually not directly related to my story, or anything that happened in it. Rather, right before I came back, I was given a very ominous warning. It wasn't for you, but you're one of the only two people I currently suspect might be able to do something to help; it's about history. And not in the scholarly sense."
>?Some time from now, I don?t know how long, a week or so of history... disappears. No one knows what happened. No one will remember what happened. Not even the likes of the future?s hakutaku had any idea. My only hint was a warning I am to give to Yukari Yakumo; ?Beware the formless one.??
>?I don?t imagine you?d be able to tell when it might happen? I suppose it hasn?t disappeared yet so probably not...?
>"Hmm... I suppose I'll just have to hope Yukari has a better idea, given I was told to give the warning to her. Still, if something strange does begin to happen to history in the near future, at least I have given you a heads up."
> "Regardless, to more immediately important matters, this is where things get a mite tricky. In order to save the future, prevent any further time travel, and make preserving present consistencies as unaggravating for the hakutaku of the future as possible, two things must happen. One is that I must either vanish for about a day, or enter my own special brand of stasis for the same amount of time. Whichever path is chosen, I will be depending on you to at least support my story, so it does not seem as though I am simply trying to get out of my job for a day for no reason."
> "Excellent. And the other thing that needs to happen, which I understand may be a tremendous undertaking, is that, upon my return to normal society, I will need you and Miss Fujiwara to accompany me to the Lunarian manor for a meeting with Miss Houraisan, Doctor Yagokoro, and Reisen."
> "I understand, and that is fine. Frankly, the fewer unrelated people around, the better. But it does need to be all five of you."
> "Thank you."
> "Indeed. And I imagine they will have a vested interest in resolving this situation; the future is not particularly kind to either of them."
> Grin just a bit.
> "I'm not too terribly worried about that. Even if you don't recognize these, the Lunarians will."
> Pull out the future Reisen gems.
> "They presently belong to Reisen. I imagine she will be surprised to see them when she presumably still possesses them."
> What do we know about what she can do with these gems, again?
> "I...cannot say for sure. But I had never seen them before, I have not seen anyone else with them since, and they grant her substantial combat abilities. I also imagine they are valuable given I found them in a kingdom's vault."
> "All five of you? Or just you two?"
> "All five at once would be preferable. It should not be a problem for such a meeting to take place here."
> In general, do we have easy access to note paper and writing implements with which to stick notes in people's pockets while stepped out of time?
> "Now then, all that remains is convincing Mistress that I will need to disappear for about a day."
> "I certainly hope so."
> Where would Remilia be at about this time, again?
> "Of course. Thank you for believing me so quickly on something so outlandish."
> "Well, thank you, regardless. I will detain you no further, if you wish to attend to the business of the Lunarians and Miss Houraisan, or if you wish to resume your studies here."
> Where do we normally keep materials for leaving Remilia sleep-notes?
> Head to our room, then.
> How are our sleep-notes usually written, in regards to proper writing vs. expediency?
> What do we usually call the time stasis thingy we're expecting to do to vanish for about a day?
> Write the following note:
> "Need to vanish for a day to preserve proper time flow. Consult Lady Patchouli for further information."
> Get up and check 'em out!
> Smile and pocket all of them. Briefly lament the missed opportunity to see such an explosion, then set it aside in our mind.
> What was the name of Meiling's dojo co-founder?
> Did we actually set a time that Keine and that whole entourage would meet here?
> What time is it compared to when we first reappeared in the library the previous time around?
> Exit out room and take stock of the immediate surroundings.
> Check Mistress' room.
> What is the proper protocol here? Do we enter and announce ourselves, or let them finish and exit?
> Enter!
> "My apologies for the absence, Mistress."
> "Thank you. I will provide a proper explanation when you are ready."
> "There are plenty of details to be gone into, that perhaps would be best left until more people have gathered. To make a long story short, however, I was pulled forward in time against my will, to approximately one thousand years in the future."
> "It was...quite an adventure. But I would say I have come out of it all reasonably well, yes."
> "I got in one rather nasty bout of combat with a local savage, but I am unharmed otherwise, as far as I know. Food and shelter were non-issues; there were a surprising number of people with whom I was familiar that were willing to assist my efforts to return to my proper time, including this monk you may recognize."
> Walk over to Remilia and show her the picture of Future Flan.
> Raise both of our eyebrows.
> "Really?"
> Allow the slightest of grins.
> "Hmm. That is actually a very good sign, one which makes what I need to do from here on out substantially easier."
> "I have a couple of messages to deliver, as well as one wrong I accidentally created to right. I have actually come back from the future twice now, but my second trip back was designed to send me back to before the catastrophe that would have befallen Lady Patchouli and Miss Kamishirasawa yesterday, so a number of things I did "today", when I came back from the future the first time, would normally no longer have happened. The hakutaku of the future is hard at work making sure the more important things I did are preserved, which is why I needed to vanish for a day, and presumably why you recognize this picture."
> "I understand."
> Smile a bit ruefully.
> "Frankly, as someone who lived through it, it is hard to describe. I imagine it is even harder for someone that did not live through it to understand and accept it."
> "Thank you, Mistress. I suppose the most important message to deliver, though, should go to you, as well as probably everyone else. It may have been preserved by the hakutaku, or it may not have been. I cannot say for sure"
> Frown a bit.
> "The very first time I was pulled into the future, I made my way back here, only to find a mostly-empty field, disrupted by the occasional ruins. It would seem a fire broke out some time after my disappearance, and was not caught in time to save our home."
>"Yes, yes. This fire may be more in the tune of hundreds of years from now. Not to worry, the second time I went to the future, my warning had seen the fire caught and the mansion saved. As long as we establish good fire precautions, everything should be fine."
> "Of course. Thank you, Mistress."
> "Most likely not."
> "It would be best to let Lady Patchouli know as well, if not also the Young Mistress and Meiling."
> Nod.
> "In addition to that, we should expect visitors within the next day or two. I realize that this may sound problematic, but I assure you it is necessary. Miss Kamishirasawa will be bringing Miss Fujiwara, and the Miss Houraisan and her retainers will be here as well."
> "This is a private gathering, though obviously you are perfectly welcome to participate if you wish, Mistress. It concerns why I was brought to the future, and will make efforts to eliminate the core issue so that it does not happen again. Reimu could also be present, if it would please you, but she is not required."
> "I understand, and thank you, Mistress."
> "There is one last immediate thing, however...there are three other visits I must make across Gensokyo before this entire ordeal can be considered resolved and complete. Beyond whatever the inbound meeting entails, of course. With permission, I would like to make stops at the Yakumo residence, the Margatroid residence, and the Human Village. Once these are complete, I should be ready to resume my duties."
> Wince slightly.
> "Of course. But I thought it worth verifying, given some of the people involved."
> "Very well. Thank you, Mistress."
> "By your leave, then."
> Curtsy.
> "Of course. Truth be told, I could use it, despite my disappearance."
> "Of course. Until then, Mistress."
> Exit Remilia's room as is proper, and then head out the front of the mansion entirely.
> Give Meiling a smile and a wave as we head out.
> Take flight and make our way to Margatroid's place first.
> Go up to the door and, if the dolls do not stop us, knock.
> Look around at the dolls.
> "Is she home?"
> "Should I just go in, then?"
> "When will she be available, then? I have something important to deliver to her personally."
> Nod.
> "It is quite alright. Mmm, this is going to seem odd, but would you mind refreshing my memory on how many years of research that record contained?"
> "I did not mention it? Strange. Well, what is done is done. Regardless, through a series of very strange circumstances, I actually have another copy of those records, one that is even more detailed than the one I gave to you previously. I procured it with the intention of giving it to you, but I have been forced into a conditional; Lady Patchouli has requested you share this new set of records with her."
> "Quite possibly. But this is the condition I have been given."
> Frown.
>"Actually... do you mind if I have a look inside right now to check something?"
>If she doesn't object: skim through the tome for references to future!Patchy. Assuming we can even read it that is.
> "I have not tried reading these texts - setting aside that they are not exactly in my areas of expertise or interest, your future self implied I would be unable to."
I dunno, that sounds kind of like "Look, I'm being generous by not withholding your own research from you." If anything, that logic only makes sense from the other direction; it wouldn't have been unreasonable to not tell Patchouli about it, but not telling Alice would practically be going back on our word with her future self. She'll probably just be offended.
> "It is certainly your research, but you understand I can only act so unilaterally. Honestly, I thought the current situation rather generous when I could have been simply ordered to keep this copy of the research and never tell you it exists."
>"Mmm, I suppose that is correct. However, perhaps it could be mutually beneficial? You might be able to get something out of her, given how badly she seemed to want to read it. Whether it's library access, materials, or otherwise."
> "Well, she would, in theory, only have access to it under your supervision."
> "Indeed. From my perspective, it would behoove her to behave, lest you simply go home."
> "Very well."
> Take out the book and hand it over.
> "I hope to hear of your visitations soon."
>"...Really?" says Alice. "I thought you of all people would hate my guts, and was only doing this out of some kind of obligation."( Regarding the minor need for cooperation:it is true.I have improved a bit my reply thanks to that.Still,that remains a viable opportunity ,especially considering the issues for future and immortal dolls!Alice,Marisa and Patchouli;especially future!Patchouli and her aversion for future!Alice. Alrighty for visiting Meling after this or soon;multiple "improved visits" ,without weighting down higher priorities ,are even better) .
>_
> "Hate?Hardly,Alice.I do not deny some distrust,suspicion and resentment . However there has been no need to revive or aggravate,instead the contrary has happened and it is happening;as long as there is true willingness and effort for it to go through.In fact ,you are correct that surely duty and obligation are strong incentives in this,but neither all there is to it nor the largest angle... - Pause for Alice's reply or stand-in - Finally, if I may be so bold to suggest outside my experiences ,along with the previous concession and supervision could be an occasion to pool resources together for a better understanding and valorization of such an extensive piece of work wiith double the more than competent point of views and expertise for double-checks, breakthroughs and the like.The great majority at your discretion and with your "touches" ."
> Don't do that stuff.
> "I look forward to them because it means you will have fulfilled your half of the agreement."
> "Do at least be careful, then. The results I saw in the future were...suboptimal, shall we say."
> "Many are going to be very grateful and relieved for this turn of event,then. Thank you for your understanding ,Alice". * Bows Head*. // I
> Do we know where the Yakumo residence is?
> Head there, then.
> Head toward Yukari's familiar. Hail her if/when she looks at us or when we get within a reasonable hailing distance, whichever comes first.
> "I myself was not expecting to come here until recently. Is your master available? I need to speak with both of you."
> Glance up at the roof, then back down at Ran.
> "Your familiar would be welcome to join us as well if she awakens, but such is not necessary."
> "I have, and I am glad you are already aware of this. It will save at least some explanation."
> "Given that, please pardon my rudeness, but may I invite myself inside with you two? There is at least one thing I have to say that I believe you would rather not be overheard by anyone that does not live here."
> Nod.
> "So. How much do you know about what I've been doing? Have Bunbunmaru and Kakashi already released new editions?"
> Take one and sip as well.
> "Mmm, well, it was not my abilities, but those of another, roughly one thousand years in the future."
> "I certainly hope not. I will be addressing the issue today or tomorrow, depending on when she arrives at my home for a chat."
> "Two messages, and at least one request."
> "The two messages are from the Yakumo sage of the time. I will not say who it is, if only because I imagine you either have already guessed or find the mystery amusing. Apparently, some time after I disappeared from our present and reappeared in the future, there...is? Was? Will be? Will be a week or so where that stretch of history 'ceases to be'. Regarding this anomaly, one which apparently no one in the future knows why or how it happened, the sage's first message is 'Beware the Formless One'."
> "You are quite welcome. For what it is worth, I got the impression that you, and possibly myself, will now know what to do when the time comes. It may also be worth noting that the hakutaku of the time did not seem to have an idea of what happened, either."
> Sip.
> "I imagine you will at some point."
> "The other message is less foreboding and mysterious, though perhaps it is more important. A simple message: she wishes to tell her family she loves them very much."
> "Indeed. How could I deny such a request?"
> Sip.
> "Yes, though they are more for me."
> Exhale.
> "One...very interesting thing, shall we say, I learned in the future is that there is some sort of empire, beyond the barrier, that you may have had a hand in destabilizing to make sure it did not pose a threat to all of us here."
> Nod.
> "You wished to install a new ruler there, for reasons unbeknownst to me. You asked my mistress to do it, showing her around the place, and after a substantial amount of personal deliberation, she eventually agreed to do it."
> "Regardless, it is unlikely I would be able to stop you from doing such a thing, and it is unlikely I would be able to stop my mistress from agreeing to it. As such, I would request that you hold off on putting the idea in her head for as long as is feasible. I would prefer it be put off until after my time has passed, but I will take what I can get."
> "Of course."
> "Thank you."
> "Actually, yes. A couple of things."
> Sip.
> "This is largely a shot in the dark, since I imagine you do not concern yourself with the daily lives of every random person in Gensokyo, but there is a white wolf tengu named Kazuha Hanayama that is a new military recruit of theirs, one that was on paperwork duty at their prison. If you could possibly do anything to convince her that the human maid she met did indeed actually travel through time to the future, it would be appreciated."
> "No particularly important reason. She was the lead guard that I encountered when I visited the tengu village of the future. I brought back one of their official forms with her signature on it and gave it to her, as well as a message from her future self. She currently thinks the entire thing is a crazy, elaborate prank orchestrated by one of her superiors; it would be nice for her to believe me."
> "Thank you."
> "Mmm, what else, what else...ah. The Gensokyo of the future is much, much larger than it is now. I heard theories that you were the one responsible for this? If so, whatever you have done or are planning on doing, it will work quite splendidly."
> "Indeed. I think everything else you might find amusing will probably be in the newspapers soon enough."
> "The one last thing I can think of is whether or not you could contact Iku Nagae."
> "It would appear my trips back and forth between the present and the future were not well-received by everyone. Someone in the Human Village was particularly aggravated, and they are on a path to destroy themselves if I do not stop them. But I will need help, and it is my understanding that Miss Nagae is very close to her."
> "Thank you very much."
> "Oh, you know who it is?"
> "...I suppose that is true."
> "That seems consistent with what little I know of her. In that case, I am actually going to go visit her myself next."
> "Thank you very much. That is about it for anything I think you might find interesting or anything."
> "Better than they would be had this not all happened the way it did."
> Nod.
> "They are."
> Sip.
> Take one of the sweetcakes. and have a taste.
> "Mmm. These are excellent."
> Do we know how to make these?
> "I can certainly see why."
> How many are there?
> Let's see, eight total...we should leave two for each of them, so that leaves...two for us.
> Make a quick show of counting on our fingers, and then take one more.
> Do we have anywhere to store it safely?
> Are there any napkins available?
> "This will do, I think. Two for everyone, including all currently asleep on the roof."
> Glance briefly back down at the treats.
> "...How many?"
> "...Well, if you insist."
> Elegantly grab two more.
> "Thank you again."
> "Of course."
> Look down at the cakes in our hands, then back up.
> "...I don't suppose you have anything I can transport these in? I would rather not raid you of your cloth napkins."
> How many might we need to transport our cakes safely?
> "Very well. Thank you again."
> Take a napkin and secure our three unbegun cakes.
> Is our tea finished off?
> Finish it off, then.
> Shake our head.
> "The offer is appreciated, but I would feel better attending to my business in the Human Village without much more delay."
> Get up if we were seated.
> Curtsy as best we can. Pocket the wrapped cakes beforehand if we did not already.
> "Thank you very much again, Yakumo family. And best of luck to all of us regarding this upcoming, unknown Formless One."
> "You as well."
> Head outside and take off for the Human Village. Finish off the cake we started along the way, but don't work on any of the new ones.
> Head to the jewelry shop.
> "Greetings. How fares your assistant?"
> "I think I have come across a way to help. Emotionally, anyway. There is not a lot I can do for someone that has drawn Miss Kazami's ire."
> "I imagine not. I am actually the source of her ire, however unintentionally. But I do believe she needs to see this."
> Take out the mask and hold it out.
> "It's the same one as her current one. It's from a thousand years in the future."
> "Really? What did he have to say?"
> "Ah, good, so that did happen."
> "You are quite welcome."
> Did we note the warning poster with Reimu and Marisa on it?
> Frown just a tad.
> Put the mask away.
> "...There is...one other thing I discovered in my travels. It suddenly appeared in a pocket of mine. When and how it got there, I cannot say, but I believe you in particular will be interested to see it."
> Pull out the ring and hold it out.
> "It is indeed one of yours. I have been told it even has your watermark. Take a look for yourself."
> "You do? I don't suppose you have it in stock?"
> "I did mention time travel."
> Frown.
> "How unfortunate. Well, you are welcome to take it back. I would rather not be thought a thief."
> "Well, I know I did not take it for myself, but I would rather be safe than sorry in such a regard. If you insist, however, I will keep it."
> "Right, yes, her. You said she was upstairs? Will she see me coming if I go up there?"
> Can we see the stairs from here?
> "That is good. Very well, I will go see her."
> Pocket the ring and take the mask back out again.
> Nod.
> "Of course."
> Head upstairs.
> Can we see the source of the voice?
> How visible is our mask?
> Can we see the present-day version of this mask anywhere?
> Where might it be, then?
> "Me."
> Hold up the mask a bit more prominently in front of us.
> "I have something else to show you."
> "Your mask."
> "I imagine you are wearing it at present, yes? And yet here it is in my hands."
> "I would be glad to show it to you for you to inspect yourself, but I do not want to risk walking in on you in a state of undress. ...Any more than I already have, anyway."
> Walk around the screen in search of Shuuei.
> "Your blood is soon to be on my hands. I returned to try to prevent that."
> "I was pulled across time to the future a second time. You were no longer there, or anywhere. I came to learn that, after what happened earlier today, you vanished for some time, managed to sneak into the Hakurei maiden's stash of seals, and then returned to make a scene here in town about your nonexistent stalker. You then applied those seals to yourself, destroying yourself."
> "Because I would rather you not end yourself. That is the only important thing now."
>"And I'm deeply sorry for that. I honestly don't know what was written inside."
>"Look; this is your mask, from one thousand years in the future. Since you were... no longer around, this is the best proof I was able to manage of my trip."
> Frown.
>"If I knew you would react like this... I wouldn't have given you the letter in the first place." Frown. "And I'm deeply sorry for that. I honestly don't know what was written inside."
>Attempt to hand her the mask; otherwise, show it off for her.
>"Look; this is your mask, from one thousand years in the future. Since you were... no longer around, this is the best proof I was able to manage of my trip."
> Don't say this part.
> After this, say "You are welcome to believe in it, or not. At this point, it does not really matter."
> "As you wish."
> Sigh.
> "I hope Miss Nagae can talk some sense into you."
> "The wheels are already turning on her involvement. I imagine she will visit you some time soon, if Miss Yakumo has anything to say about it."
> "In that case, I'll leave you to rest and wait for her. She knows where and how to find me if either of you need anything further."
> What color are our eyes?
> If they are not red, can we changed them to red at will?
> "I am surprised that you have not yet accepted that I will not be answering that question to your satisfaction."
> Frown.
> "Are you always this suspicious and hostile toward people that do you favors?"
> "I do not see what is so awful about delivering messages, unless your future self is trying to play a practical joke on your present self with the contents of that letter."
> "See, there it is again. Such a needlessly nasty attitude. Everyone else I have delivered messages to has appreciated it, even if some of them were not happy about the contents. Why is it that you are so radically different?"
> Did that dead woman ever kill anyone?
> Raise an eyebrow and lose the frown.
> "What on Earth are you talking about? They all got different messages."
> "Yes, but as I've said, you are the only one who knows the contents."
> Uh...
> ...Try...taking on a gentler tone.
> "...Look...I do not know what about this entire ordeal has you so bothered. But you have my word that neither myself nor anyone that is not you knows what is written on what I gave to you."
> "...I do not suppose it would be too much to ask why you are so sure that message could not have been written by your future self?"
> Nod.
> "Mmm. I imagine that, before recent events, I would have agreed you. But that is why I have told you of others that received their own messages."
> "So you can ask them why they all believed what I told them about my travels to the future. If this were localized to just you, then yes, it would be highly suspicious. But the more people that corroborate what I have told you happened to me, the less impossible it becomes."
> Who wound up with the Sworn Statement? Lady Toyosatomimi?
> "With their own signatures?"
> "Other private messages that include information no one else should know, including, perhaps, something that person has never told anyone else?"
> "Claims about events that will happen in the near future?"
> "Miss Yakumo observing, for herself, that I disappeared from Gensokyo entirely on two separate occasions?"
> "I had messages for the Yakumo family, and when I arrived at their house, Yukari was already aware that I had...how did she put it? 'A very busy person lately,' and that I 'have been in and out'. I told her what had happened to me and her only concern was 'should we be getting used to this'."
> "You can ask her about it yourself, if you wish."
> "Not at all. She and I have already had a rather pleasant conversation. Her familiar even made us some cakes."
> Put the mask away and pull out a cake.
> "Would you like one?"
> Pull the cake back for the time being, then, but don't put it away.
> "Or, perhaps, would you like to visit her and talk to her yourself? I would be willing to accompany you if you wanted me to."
> "I have no reason to. And, logic aside, I would like to think I am not that type of person."
> "Ignoring everyone else involved, I would have a death wish were I to try to put one over on Miss Yakumo, yes."
> "It's okay. I...will admit I know not why this experience was so traumatic for you and no one else, but it is perfectly understandable to be skeptical about claims of time travel."
> Give her a minute.
> "There you go."
> "You seemed to have finished."
> "My apologies, I was not trying to."
> Nod.
> "Yes. Again, assuming your future self is not some sort of prankster."
> "Then you may take it for what it says."
> "Well, certainly, I cannot imagine too many people that would appreciated being spied on constantly."
> "Mmm. Well, based on my interactions with your future self, I can understand that you would have stronger feelings on the matter than most. Even if I do not know why."
> "It's fine. Sorry about leading you directly to Miss Kazami. I thought for sure her presence would give you pause."
> "I see."
> Look back down at the cake, then back up at the girl.
> "...The offer for some of the cake is still open."
> Give her the cake slice.
> "You are quite welcome, though I am merely the deliverer in this case. Miss Yakumo's familiar made them."
> "Indeed they are."
> Pull the mask back out.
> "I do still think you should keep this, by the way."
> Give it to her.
> "After you...destroyed yourself, the second time around, that mask was kept and preserved for a thousand years. The Dragon Palace Messenger gave it to me after I explained the situation to her."
> Blink.
> "...That...was unexpected."
> "It would appear the two masks became one. I apologize, I had no idea that would happen."
> Shrug.
> "Who can say for sure? My best guess would be that they combined because they are the same object, though. Perhaps time cannot handle more than one of something at a time."
> A shame if it did, it might have been fun to have another us running around.
> Adopt a thoughtful expression.
> "...It...is possible it also happened to me, when I came back for the second time, some time before I vanished the first time."
> "A shame you were unable to keep both. Perhaps it would be something worth asking Miss Yakumo about the next time you see her."
> "Really? She seems to like you."
> "I suppose I can sympathize, yes. We're the contents of your letter to your liking, at least? I would feel bad if you gave yourself an unpleasant message."
> "I understand. Then, for the sake of transparency, I feel I should tell you one last thing about your future self before I depart."
> "She was still rather guarded as a person, but a bit less so on the whole than you seem to me to be now. She - and I swear to you that I will never speak of this with anyone else without your permission - she introduced herself to me using her surname."
> "She asked me to not use it when seeking you out, which is why I did not bring it up until now. I suspect that, had I used it, you would have been even more agitated."
> Nod.
> "With that, I will be heading out."
> "No worries. I will, and give Miss Nagae my regards. Farewell."
> Head back downstairs.
> "Yes. It took some time, but she will be okay."
> "It took her a while, but she eventually came to the realization that what I was saying must be true. Or, I suppose, she perhaps decided she wanted it to be true because the alternative was too terrifying, and left it at that. But I imagine the former is more likely."
> "They are. And I imagine seeing Miss Nagae will put her in better spirits still. Regardsless, I have done what I came here to do, and will bother you both no longer."
> "I get the feeling she does not want them."
> Shrug.
> "Well, it is none of my business. Farewell."
> Exit the shop and head back toward the Buddhist Temple.
> "Good afternoon. I have returned because I have one last message I forgot to deliver earlier."
> "Nazrin's future self wishes to tell her present self to stop skipping out on breakfast so much."
> Curtsy.
> "Thank you."
> "She needs to bulk up, after all."