> "My apologies for the late arrival. I did not mean to disturb your sleep. ...As much as I was not aware you still needed it."
> "Advice. I have what I need to return home, but...I am suddenly not sure if I should do so immediately."
> "Your words, when you called your blessing 'perfect for a returning hero of old'. It makes me wonder if there is some wrong I was brought here to right."
>"Unfortunately, they haven't."
>"Honestly, i am not so sure... i have assumed until now that going back would change this time period and make it take a different course, but now i have begun to doubt that idea..."
> Did we actually tell Reimu we were pulled here by an unknown force/entity?
> "I cannot say for sure. Perhaps it will be smooth travel, and the future will change or not change as it sees fit. Or perhaps the one that brought me here will try to stop my return trip, at which point who knows what would happen?"
> "I suppose, then, that the question is what you meant with your earlier words. Though it sounds like you did not expect me to resolve any potential incidents."
> "The 'returning hero' stuff."
> "I suppose I do not really know. But, if your intention was not to imply I have a duty to this time, then I suppose my decision is made."
> Shrug.
> "Forgive me for simply reading too much into your words, then."
> Give a small grin.
> "Very well. I apologize for disturbing you this late at night."
> "I shall bother you no further, then. Until we meet again, Reimu, some nine hundred eighty-seven years ago."
> Chuckle.
> Exit the shrine.
> Take flight and head back to Juza's camp site.
> Can we actually see any part of Juza or her supplies?
> Do we have any light sources on hand?
> If so, activate what we have.
> If not, fire some danmaku into the air to illuminate the immediate area.
> Were the remnants of her camp fire still there, at least?
> Did we previously notice if Juza had a tent, sleeping bag, or other sleeping shelter?
> If so, is it still here now?
> Walk over to the camp fire remains, firing danmaku intermittently to give ourselves light.
> "Miss Takusan?"
> Listen closely to the silence for a few seconds, to determine if we can hear anything noteworthy.
> If we cannot hear anything noteworthy, raise our voice volume a little bit, and inquire "Miss Takusan?" into the air once again.
> Fire one last burst of danmaku into the air and look around while the area is illuminated.
> Sigh.
> Take flight and head back to the Hijiri Temple.
> Make our way into the main entrance and head back to our room, presuming we can either see or follow the walls to get there.
> Quietly enter, listening for the sounds of sleeping fairies.
> Is there another futon for us?
> Quietly step over to the unused futon and place our stuff next to it. Keep the Sworn Statement and writing implements separate from everything else, if possible.
> Quietly head back out of the room and to the entrance of the Temple, but do not actually leave.
> Keep our voice low enough so as to not risk waking anyone in the vicinity.
> "Miss Hijiri? Are you there?"
> Can we feel any sort of shift in the atmosphere, either physically or spiritually or any other way?
> "I apologize if this is offensive, but I do not know the proper way to contact you, if there even is one."
> Did whoever told us Byakuren had become a Bodhisattva mention where in the temple she tended to dwell? Or was she just kind of everywhere with it?
> "Anyway, I have left a sworn statement in my room that I imagine is of interest to you. Perhaps you already know about it, from when Miss Ichirin signed it? If you could somehow leave a mark upon it that is identifiable as coming from you, it would be much appreciated."
> "Thank you for your time, Miss Hijiri."
> Head back to our room.
> Climb into our own futon and let ourselves drift off to sleep.
>Are there any windows? If so, look outside to see what time it is.
> Roll over and have a look at the Sworn Statement.
> Shoot. Oh well.
> Look over to Dreamy's futon.
> Look around the room. How clean is it?
> Get out of the futon, make it properly, and retrieve our stuff, storing the Sworn Statement as before.
>How pleasing and surprising is it to us that Dreamy hasn't forgotten those manners ?
> Were we given instructions on anywhere to go in the morning?
> Check over our stuff to make sure it's all there.
>Tidy up everything else, then leave our room.
> Make our way to Flan's room.
> Return the gesture.
> "Of course, Young Mistress. How can I be of service to you this morning?"
> "Ah, I see. Thank you for your consideration."
> "Attending to your needs, of course."
> Does she sound genuinely angry, or just exasperated?
> Chuckle a bit.
> "Old habits die hard, Young Mistress."
> "Actually, I do have a curiosity. I am apparently expecting a delivery this morning. Where would I receive it?"
> "Oh, splendid. That works perfectly."
> "Yes. I have decided that if I do indeed have some grand purpose for being here, then the entity that brought me here in the first place should have spoken up about it already. As it has not, I shall be returning home."
>"Of course."
> "It is my hope that this will not take nearly that long."
> "True, true. Perhaps I should find more people to sign the statement I wrote...+
> Show Flan the Sworn Statement
> "Here. I know I am missing Seiga, who is somewhere in Apex. I understand I am also missing Nazrin and Kyouko, who are both in even further foreign lands. After that, I can only hope I meet Lady Toyosatomimi on my way out. Miss Hijiri seems doomed to impossibility, unless she can manifest an ink signature somehow."
> Do we remember where Nazrin and Kyouko are supposed to be? One is allegedly in Haihan...
> "It is my understanding that they are in Haihan and Tsunkeido, respectively."
> "I can think of no other pressing needs, then, unless I happen to stumble across that scout from Haihan again."
> "How is your new maid working out this morning, by the way? She was gone when I awoke."
> Allow ourselves a little grin.
> "Good. She learned well."
>Did she always have that enthusiasm ?
> Lose the grin.
> "I see. I was planning on seeing her before I left, so perhaps I will have a few extra words for her."
> "Well. I hope the acolyte in question was not too offended or dispirited."
especially since it was true.">Don't say that, it's improper to say rude things like that about people we don't know.
>"I'm guessing hearing such things from a fairy was indeed quite the shock, especially since it was true."
>Don't say that, it's improper to say rude things like that about people we don't know.
>"Indeed... i wonder where the rest of the Fairy Maids went though..."
>"Well so did i, then a certain fairy came and hugged me out of nowhere crying, like a kid that got lost for her mother."
>Nod.
>"Now i wonder what exactly am i to them, and if there are others who feel the same."
>"The same can be said about people in general."
>Let's just drop the fairy subject for now, but yeah. Let's go find Alice~
>"I wouldn't say that Young Mistress, there are some rather intriguing things about them, and about that it should be finding Alice and see if she has the package."
> "Ah, thank you."
> Take the envelope.
>"And good morning for you."
> "I have a curiosity, actually. Would you be willing to show the Young Mistress your current residence? I would not be offended if you declined."
>"I'll take that as an no."
>"Do you know who this is from?"
>"Hmmm"
>Open It!
> "Very well."
> Fold the letter back up and store it.
> "Right now I am thinking Apex, in an effort to find Seiga."
> "And extra wisdom, which is not unwelcome."
> "I understand, though sometimes even just guidance back onto the proper path is necessary."
> Glance back at the Temple doors, then look back to Alice.
> "Though, unrelated that, I do have one request to be completed after I am gone. When your labors bear fruit and...they return, please bring them to see the Young Mistress."
> Smile.
> "Thank you. Ah, would it be poor form to tell her about your project, including how it pertains to those two?"
> Nod.
> "That is fine."
> "Very well. Though, on the matter of where to go first, I am still curious as to whether the Haihan warrior-scout from yesterday could be found again. Alice, you did not happen to see her at any point last night, did you?"
> Frown.
> "Wasted potential. Searching for her now would be blind, then, unless someone has the means to locate her."
> "'Some time'? Would that be several hours, do you think?"
> Frown in thought.
> "...We do have the flying chariot...But there is no point in pursuing her now if I can't bring her back with me..."
> "Ah, my apologies, Young Mistress. She is Juza Takusan, a warrior-scout from Haihan. I wish to bring get back with me to my proper time if possible, as she would be a valuable ally, and I suspect she does not have many attachments to this time period."
> "I believe I have far more attachment to my time than she has to hers. But it is certainly possible she has more than I think she does."
> "I am not sure how much of her stated loyalty is true loyalty and how much is bravado designed to hide the fear of betraying a tyrant without having a reliable escape plan. I wonder if her answer would have been different if I had been able to guarantee the process would work."
> "...Perhaps not outright tyrannical, but it is hard to imagine that someone who applies military force to rule is pleasant to serve under."
> Do we know how high up on Miko's totem pole her entourage was in her original time?
> What do we know of what Miko thought of her entourage, in terms of friend versus servant?
> "Mmm. I always got the impression she valued them more than one would value the average follower. At the very least, I recall her having the highest personal praises for Miss Soga and Miss Mononobe when she first met with the Mistress."
> "But, in the end, I suppose it may be true that pursuing her is not worth the effort, given I do not know if she will want to come with me, or if such is even possible."
> "I suppose I will simply have to forget her."
> "While that is true, that was not my only motivation. But it is a moot point now."
> How large is Alice's original (present-relative-to-us time) body compared to ours?
> How large is Alice's current (future-relative-to-us time) body compared to ours?
> "Hmm...It would be good to travel to Haihan and Tsunkeido to see if we can find Kyouko and Nazrin repsectively, but unless Mitsu is willing and able to sit on someone's lap, I doubt all of us will be able to enter the chariot."
> No biggie, we all have our stresses.
> Would Flan's parasol fit inside the chariot?
> "I think there is no harm in remaining together now and assessing what we can and cannot do once it is time to ride in the chariot. Let us go seee Ichirin first, then. Where would she normally be right now?"
> Nod.
> "Please."
> Enter!
> "Yes. I intended to visit Haihan and Enkyo with the statement you read yesterday. I understand there are other members of this temple there."
> "Excellent. Thank you very much. Do you wish me to bring anything to them?"
> Wait patiently for a continuation.
> "Simple enough. I will do this."
> Did Ichirin give us a message to deliver to the past?
> "I do not believe so, unless you have decided on a message you wish to give to your past self."
> Smile a little.
> "I understand. It is certainly no trouble to not send a message back, if you are unable to think of anything."
> "I can relay that, if you wish."
> Shrug.
> "There has been a very wide range of requests. Do not worry about how yours may compare to others."
> "Consider it done."
> "I do not believe so, unless you happen to know of where within Apex I may find Seiga Kaku."
> "Unfortunate. I will just ask around there, then."
> "Thank you. It certainly seems like it, from what little of Apex I have experienced."
> "I don't believe so, but thank you. And thank you for your hospitality."
> "That is fine. I was out rather late last night."
> Smile.
> "Do not worry about that, please."
> "Thank you."
> Look to Alice and Flan.
> "Shall we head out?"
> "Very well."
> Curtsey to Ichirin.
> "Until we meet again, one thousand years ago."
> Beckon to Alice and Flan.
> "Let us depart."
> Head back out of the Temple.
> "All right, let us see what can be done with the chariot. Apex and Seiga can be addressed after Enkyo and Haihan."
> Take flight and head toward Mitsu's place.
> "Ah, there she is."
> Head directly toward Mitsu, landing a few yards away if she continues to not notice us.
> "Hello again, Mitsu."
> Frown a bit.
> "My apologies. I did not want to distract from what looks to be important."
> "If possible. There may be some space concerns this time, though."
> Look to Alice.
> "Perhaps."
> Look back to Mitsu. What's her body shape like?
> "Can I assume it is impossible to put two people in your seat, as was done yesterday with mine?"
> "Well, presumably, you would be sitting on someone else, so you could still see and reach whatever you need to. But if it is still impossible given that, then I suppose it is what it is."
> "Mmm, unfortunate."
> Gesture to Flan.
> "In that case, do you suppose there is at least enough room for the Young Mistress's parasol if it is left open?"
>"To shelter her from the sun."
> Look to Flan with an unsure expression.
>"Can't you put some cover on top of our part of the canopy ?
> Exchange glances with Flan.
>"A Metal Cover ?"
> "Ah!"
> Clap our hands together once and light up in realization.
> Look to Alice.
> "Alice, if you are indeed going to stay here, would it be possible to gather the materials for your divination spell so we may locate the hakutaku?"
>"A Metal Cover ?"
> "At this point, I think it is still time better spent than chasing Miss Takusan any further."
> "Ah, that could work."
> Hold our hands out as if to take the sheet.
> If Mitsu gives it to us, try holding it above our head.
> Lower the sheet.
> "That should do, though my arms may get tired after a while."
> "That would be appreciated, Young Mistress."
> "I promise she will not be intrusive. She simply needs somewhere where she can work on a side project in seclusion."
> "Alice can be trusted to not cause problems or disrespect your privacy."
> "Perhaps you would appreciate a possession or two of mine as collateral?"
> Adopt a thinking face.
> "Or, since we are not pursuing Miss Takusan any longer...if it is possible to do, perhaps you would like travel back with me to my own time?"
> Blink.
> "...Did I ask you once before? My apologies for forgetting."
> "I do not know how the process works, but if Alice says that, I am inclined to believe her."
> Look back to Mitsu.
> "My apologies for that as well. It is important for helping to better the events of the past."
>"Is something wrong with it ?"
> "Ah, all right. For reference, we would like to visit Enkyo and Haihan today."
> "Which would be easier?"
> "That seems as good a reason as any to go there first."
> "Let us try setting ourselves and then work out the kinks from there."
> "That was my thinking, yes."
> Hold the metal sheet out to Flan. (Don't bonk her!)
> "Young Mistress, would you please hold this for me for a moment?"
> Float up and sit in our regular seat in the chariot.
> Nod.
> "I hope that is not a problem."
> Where's the parasol?
> "Young Mistress, do you have your parasol with you, or was it left outside the chariot?"
> "Of course."
> Help hold the metal sheet in place.
> "In that case, I believe we are as ready as we will ever be."
> "How quickly could the Hakurei Shrine Maiden get to these places without this chariot?"
> "Is the Hakurei Shrine Maiden capable of instant travel between shrines, then? It was my understanding that Haihan was over a days' worth of travel away from Gens- ah, the area we just left, when traveling without assistance."
>How hard was it for ourselves to learn proper flight ?
> "Ah, yes. I imagine that truth will last for well over a thousand years. Does this mean there is more than one Hakurei Shrine Maiden, though?"
>"Hm... so an sort of hierachy."
> "Ah, I see. Are they all of the Usami/Hearn clan?"
> "Mmm, interesting."
>Nod.
>"And what are the common issues she has to deal with ?"
>"I'm quite surprised to hear that about Sachiko, actually. I was under the impression that the Hakurei were struggling to get by. Guess the Moriyas have their problems too."
>What do we know of the Relationship between Reimu Hakurei and Sanae Kochiya at our time ?
>"Hmm... and yeah that does sound like Reimu alright... she and Sanae were friends back in the day, although Reimu did not like how much proactive Sanae was and they often had conflicting purposes, for reasons that i don't know."
>"Not exactly... Reimu back in the day just wanted to solve things so she could go back to her peace of mind on my view, and even though she was the main incident solver, her living conditions were... tough compared to the Moriya Shrine, to say the least."
>"Well because at your time they have been vastly improved, during the times where she was still a human shrine maiden, things were hard for her..."
>"She wasn't REALLY bad off, but definitely not nearly as well as we were."
>"Yeah maybe they were..."
>"...Thinking on it, living in such a grand place can color ones perception of living."
>"I do not doubt that, oh, do you still practice your danmaku once in a while Young Mistress ?"
>"Now I wonder, how well do the two shrine maidens of each shrine get along?"
>"Oh, then why don't both Shrines cooperate then ?"
>"Well even then, they could split up that faith simply."
>"Well... if the population saw both of them working together to solve an issue, wouldn't that make them have faith in both of them too ?"
>Nod.
>"Because from my point of view, both of the Shrines are essential for this world."
>"Well... can you also maintain the Hakurei Barrier ? Because that is one of the lynchpins of this place."
> Blink.
> "...The barrier is gone?"
> "Huh."
>"Maybe they did but it got lost in my mind, the days have been quite an experience..."
>Ponder.
>"Although i do wonder...."
> "Ah, have we arrived?"
>"W-We could have been better..."
>Recover from the remaining pain in the meanwhile.
>Does she look like anyone we know?
>Carefully get out.
> Allow the slightest of grins.
> "Nor have I."
> Look a tad uncertain.
> "Ah...I beg your pardon, but I am afraid you may have mistaken me for someone else."
> "Ah, not at all. I am merely in a very unique situation right now, one where Lady Yasaka authorized my use of this flying chariot."
>"Buddhists you say ?"
>"Buddhists you say ?"
> Don't say this, she means Flan.
> "Thank you."
> Follow!
> "Thank you."
> Enter!
> Have a seat at the table.
> "My apologies. I am Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
> "She is the Young Mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Or was, I suppose, as it apparently has not stood for several hundred years."
> "The Empress? Do you mean Lady Toyosatomimi, or someone else?"
>What kind of ear ? An dog or cat or any we know ?
> Focus our visual attention on the ear with a curious expression.
>"Huh..."
>"Huh..."
> Don't do this. No need to draw attention to the little one.
> Instead, give a bit of a small grin and look back to Kyrie, keeping the corner of our eye within range of seeing that doorway again.
> "Indeed. We are actually in this land searching for one of her fellow monks. We were last aware she was at the Eternal Calm Temple, though it is likely she has moved on from there."
>"Do you havs any clues as to where she went next ?"
> Make the grin just a bit wider in the hopes Kyrie notices.
> "Good, good. Animal youkai and religious buildings tend to be an unexpectedly good mix, in my experience."
> Put on a mock serious look.
> "It is unfortunate Nazrin left you by yourself in that regard. Truly a tragedy."
> Wink at Flan with a small grin, then return our attention to Kyrie with a neutral expression.
> "Ah, thank you."
>"I do not know if the Young Mistress did in the past, but i can assure you i haven't."
> "Ah, you did, yes. My apologies."
>When did Flandre begin calling us "Kuya" ?
>"Hm... would you know if there are any events going on around these parts ? "
> "Anything that Nazrin may have gone to to lend her skills as needed."
> Smile.
> "Hello."
>"I see, is she an sort of relative of yours or a friend ?"
>"Huh..."
>Did we ever ponder having an successor of our own ?
> Sip (unless tea hasn't actually been poured yet).
> "Not to inconvenience you, but it would be appreciated."
>"Hm... what about places that someone would stop and rest at ?"
> "How far is the Floating Lotus Temple from here?"
>Think about possible candidates to be our successor.
> Nod.
> "And which direction is the center of town?"
>Recall Renko Usami and our encounters with her, and also the manner she takes care of the fairies.
>Ponder if we could train an newly created fairy to succeed us if we can even pull that off.
>What do we know of our now-lost watch and it's history ? Is it an heritage ?
> In which direction did we travel to get here?
>What became of those less loyal maids ?
>Ponder if we could work with Patchouli to give birth to an fairy for that cause.
> In which direction did we travel to get here?
>Hm... fairies are the result of a physical manifestation of a part of nature correct ? Maybe if we made it so that the conditions for that were near-perfect it would happen ?
> Look to Flan.
> "Young Mistress, did we travel northwest to arrive here? I could not see very much from my seat."
>So the best bet would be an area with undisturbed natural resources...
>Ponder anyone that would have the resources to help with this plan.
>What time is it from what we can tell ?
> "That sounds like a question for Mitsu, then."
>Do we recall the sun's position when we got out of the canopy ?
>So that would mean we were heading... west-ish ?
>"Speaking of Mitsu, where is she ?"
>Smile.
>"Just like the Mansion... quite the dedication from her."
>"And indeed she is."
>Shake our head.
>"Unless i misinterpreted the earlier voyages we had."
>"It was rather amusing to tell her about the tales of the past too, way back when Reimu and Sanae were still human Shrine Maidens."
>Grin.
>"Not exactly, but i suppose ancient history does live within me in a way."
>"It's an very long and hard to believe story."
>Nod.
> Sip.
> What is a fete'?
>"Oh, for what reason may i ask ?"
>How often would the Hakurei Shrine from our time do that ?
> "Perhaps that is worth our investigating, then."
>"Well my experience with the Hakurei Shrine has been positive overall, save for one or two occasions."
> Smile.
> "Your offer is greatly appreciated, but I am afraid we are in something of a time crunch."
> Get up.
> "If there was more room in the chariot, I would offer a seat to you. Or Tsuneko."
>"What is too loud ? The chariot ?"
>How loud is it from the inside ?
>How hard was it for us to get used to it ? Or did we get used to it at all ?
> Nod.
> "I suppose it is easier for me to tune it out."
> Look back to Kyrie.
> "I suppose I am not as entertaining as I had hoped myself to be."
> Give a little smile.
> "Of course. No offense was taken, certainly."
> Nod.
> "Regardless, is the Floating Lotus Temple or the Hakurei Branch Shrine closer to this location?"
> "I assumed Mitsu would be taking us as close as possible to each location, to save time and aggravation."
> "Oh, that's right, landing locations are limited."
> Frown a bit.
> "Unfortunate, but I suppose it is still vastly superior to the alternative."
> Nod.
> "Thank you. It certainly does not sound like any trouble."
> "Ah. Yes, after experiencing Apex once and expecting to experience it again, I have little desire for such a clutter of foot traffic if I can avoid it."
> "Splendid."
> Gesture to the table.
> "Would you like some help cleaning up?"
> "This sort of thing is my calling, after all."
>"And it is the least i can do for someone that received us this well."
>Nod.
>"May i know where are the cleaning utensils ?"
>How messy is the table ?
>Approach, examine and gather whatever we may need from the basin.
> "I'm afraid I may not have the time for the rafters, however."
> "That is true, but I may not be here later, or ever again. Ah, this is not a commentary on your hospitality, but rather where my immediate life path is hopefully taking me."
> Anything else need cleaning?
> Are supplies available for such?
> If so, get on that.
> "I'm not sure, unless the fates have somehow aligned themselves in my favor and you happen to know what happened to Mistress Remilia Scarlet."
> "Unfortunate, but not unexpected. It has been many a century since she was last in Gensokyo, I understand."
> "It seems just about everyone who has been around that long has no more information to offer than you, sadly."
>Nod.
>"Nobody that i contacted has an accurate info as to where she might be, which is ironic, since she was quite attention-grabbing back in the days."
> "That is the current theory."
> "Regardless, as stated before, your hospitality was much appreciated."
> Curtsy.
> Smile a bit.
> "It is still more than what was necessary to offer to a complete stranger speaking in riddles about her past."
> Chuckle.
> "I suppose. It was quite pleasant meeting you, Miss Kyrie, Little Miss Tsuneko."
> "I wish both of you a very pleasant day."
> Depart from the shrine interior.
> "The Hakurei Branch Shrine, since there will be theoretically less traffic along the way."
> "Indeed. Let us depart, then."
> Follow Kyrie's directions to get to the Hakurei Branch Shrine.
Taoist
> You taunt and torment me, parser.
> Does either shrine bear any obvious markings that indicate their allegiances? If so, head toward the one more likely to be Hakurei (or less likely to be not-Hakurei). If not, head for the smaller, less-kept one.
> Does the shrine maiden garb look like Reimu's, Sanae's, or neither?
> Approach the shrine.
> Make our way over to the woman in shrine maiden garb.
> "Greetings. Would you happen to know the whereabouts of Nazrin the mouse youkai? I have heard she is here in Enkyo and tends to do freelance handiwork for religious institutions, but I do not really have more specifics than that."
> Light up.
> "Ah, excellent. Is she still there, or has she moved on?"
> "I will have to ask her, then. Though you mentioned this was the Aki Shrine, correct? Does that mean this is a branch of the Hakurei Shrine?"
> "Ah. Well, I will be returning to that part of the region later, if you have any messages you wish for me to deliver."
> Nod.
> "Very well. My apologies for interrupting your work."
> "Thank you. Have a pleasant day."
> Head over to the building across the road.
> Make our way to the shrine maiden.
> "Pardon me, Miss?"
> "Greetings. I have heard Nazrin the mouse youkai was here recently. Is she still around, or has she moved on?"
> "Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
> Look back at Flan.
> "Though your 'credentials' are likely much more valuable than mine in this case, Young Mistress."
> "It is no trouble or worry at all."
> "I would like to deliver a message from her to her colleagues."
> "One of peace with members of another religion, people that the Hijiri Temple have not always had the highest opinion of."
> Give a slight frown.
> "...Very well. I very much doubt you are actually going to believe my story, but I do at least have proof that I have interacted with a number of Nazrin's colleagues."
> Pull out the Sworn Statement, though not in a manner that easily allows Ruby to read its contents.
> "I have somehow been pulled forward through time to now, which is nearly one thousand years in my time's future. In my time, Byakuren Hijiri and her disciples were frequently at odds with a small group of Taoists lead by Toyosatomimi no Miko. The Scarlet Devil Mansion viewed both groups favorably, and it appears the two groups have reached an amicable, if not friendly, status with each other."
> Wiggle the Sworn Statement a tiny bit for emphasis.
> "My intention is to bring a message back to my time from their future selves, in the hopes of expediting the peace-making process, and I wish for Nazrin's signature to join those I have already collected."
> "I see. Where can I find the dojo?"
> Curtsy.
> "Thank you for your assistance. My apologies for using your time with such a bizarre story."
> "Of course. Have a pleasant day, Miss Unusa."
> Head back toward the Taoist structure we saw on our way here.
> "Not particularly, no. I can understand her suspicion, though. At least to a degree."
> "Most likely. I would rather not have told my time-traveling story, but she forced my hand."
> "Probably not, no. But it got us the information we needed, at least."
> Frown a bit.
> "Unless she lied to us in order to chase us away. Though I would be surprised if she would be willing to lie in the presence of a Buddhist monk."
> "It still seems a decided uncouth thing to do."
> How close is the Taoist building?
> Grin just a bit.
> "True. Perhaps I give religious establishments too much credit?"
> Chuckle.
> "I am not being serious, Young Mistress."
> "Deservedly so."
> ...What joke is she referring to?
> Chuckle again.
> Check it out. Do we see the building we saw earlier?
> Nod.
> "Indeed, there it is. Let us finish this journey."
> Head toward the building in question.
> Enter the building through the paper-paneled doors (like a normal person, not by punching our way through the paper).
> Frown a bit.
> "Excuse me?"
> Can we tell which door the banging is coming from?
> Head toward that door and have a listen at it.
> If the door is solid, knock.
> If the door is paper, open it slowly and quietly, peeking inside as we do.
> Open the door fully and make our way down the hall.
> "Please pardon our trespassing. I am searching for Nazrin the mouse youkai, and I had heard she may be at this dojo."
> Brighten up.
> "Ah, excellent. Miss Nazrin, I am Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. You may or may not be aware of my disappearance following an arcane accident in my home, nearly one thousand years ago."
> "Ah, yes. My apologies for not saying so sooner."
> Pull out the Sworn Statement.
> "It would be easiest to show you, if that would not be too much trouble."
> Chuckle.
> "As you wish. That arcane accident I mentioned flung me forward in time, to yesterday morning. I intend to return to my time, bringing, among other things, a statement of camaraderie between Lady Hijiri's faction and Lady Toyosatomimi's faction. I would like your signature to join the others I have already gathered."
>"Crazy," says Flandre.
>"Ms..."
>"I apologize for bringing this up at a unfortunate time, this is no doubt quite confusing Ms..."
> "I do not believe you and I are familiar in my time. But I did watch your Lady Hijiri and Miss Kumoi battle Lady Toyosatomimi and Miss Mononobe in some sort of religious war involving a menreiki."
> We still have writing utensils, yes?
> "Anyway, when you are next available to do so, I would appreciate it if you could read over this statement and sign it if you so choose. Yours is one of the few remaining I have not gathered."
> Grin.
> "Try as I might, the Young Mistress has shown no interest whatsoever in such things. Though seeing you properly does remind me that I believe we have briefly passed each other on occasion. I like what you have done with your hair."
> "It is substantially longer than it was a thousand years ago. It looks good on you."
> Hand over the Sworn Statement.
> "Here is the statement I mentioned."
> "That seems quite possible. It is still going strong in my time, however, whether or not anyone actively involved would admit it."
> "I am going to bring that statement back with me to my time, in an effort to expedite the path of non-aggression. Aside from you, the only signatures I have left are Kyouko and Seiga, and then Lady Toyosatomimi herself, if I can find her again "
Specifically, based on what she's been saying, I'm pretty sure she missed the most important part.
>"...to be specific, in case you missed that part of the story, I've been flung forward in time from about a thousand years ago, to yesterday morning. I've managed to secure a method of return, if all goes well, and plan to go back today."
>Turn to Flan. "It might be good that I have you with me to help verify to people that I'm not spouting nonsense... I can't expect anyone who doesn't recognize me to trust this story in the slightest."
> "Sadly, I cannot offer any real immediate proof that my story is true. I can say I have met with both Ran Yakumo and the Rainbow Serpent in my efforts to return home, for whatever weight their names carry, but I have no real proof of either of those encounters either."
> Smile.
> "Thank you."
> Retrieve our writing tools.
> "It should."
> Retrieve the writing tools and store them away.
> Retrieve the Sworn Statement and have a look at the signature.
> Put the Sworn Statement away.
> "In addition to this, is there any sort of message you wish for me to deliver to your past self?"
> Look to Meira.
> "Or perhaps selves, if you were around in that time as well."
> Nod.
> "I admit I do not believe our paths ever crossed either. If they did, then I apologize for not remembering you now."
> Tilt our head a bit toward Meira's sword.
> "As a point of reference that may be of interest to you, I do not recall too many swordswomen in my time. Other than Lady Toyosatomimi, who may or may not have used hers very much, the only notable one I can think of was the Netherworld's gardener."
> Were we aware of such meetings?
> "Then perhaps you would like to share something with those in those meetings?"
> "Really? I did not realize there were so many swordswomen in Gensokyo."
> "Ah, that would explain it."
> Grin a little bit.
> "I suppose it is good for the sake of my craft that they preferred swords to knives."
> "Ah, I see. Well, I trust the craze has long since died down."
> Nod.
>Did we ever think of having our own social club similar to Patchouli's and this one that Meira talked about ?
>"Again, i apologize for being gone for so long and leaving you all when the Mansion needed me the most."
> Look back to Meira.
> "Anyway, back to the message-delivery matter at hand..."
>"Something troubling you about her ?"
> "I cannot really blame you. Her history with my house is not exactly rose-colored."
> "Oh. My apologies."
>Raise an eyebrow.
>"How so ?"
> "Hmm. Perhaps another visit with Saigyouji is in order."
> "Very well, I can investigate this."
> "Understood. In that case, unless either of you have any additional requests, or if Nazrin and the Young Mistress wish to converse further, we will intrude upon your dojo no longer."
> "Very well. A pleasant day to you both."
> Head back out of the dojo, making sure to close doors behind us as appropriate.
> "I believe so, unless you wish to do some sight-seeing."
> "Ah, I see. I do not think I have the time, unfortunately."
> Nod.
> Head back along the paths we traveled before to return to the chariot.
> Make our way over to them.
> "Pardon the interruption. Please, continue."
> "We did. It is off to Haihan next, whenever Mitsu is ready."
> "If I ever find myself in this time period again, I will be sure to visit."
> "Nothing to worry about."
> Look to Mitsu.
> "She is very shy and says very little. I imagine she is more frightened of you than vice versa."
> "Yes, to Haihan, if you are."
> "Will we no longer need the metal sheet?"
> Blink.
> "...I suppose I will just have to see it for myself."
> "Ah, I see now. That does look better, yes."
> "Definitely, if it means we no longer have to hold it. I must confess my arms were getting tired."
> "All right. Thank you."
> "This is indeed much better, thank you. How far is Haihan from here?"
> "Understood. That should be easy enough, I imagine."
> Which building did Ichirin say Kyouko was in?
> "How close is this 'runway' to Funsai Mountain? That is our ultimate destination."
> "Hmm. Is this 'runway' close to a building with tenants you are familiar with, like Miss Kyrie?"
> "We can ask them, then."
> "I was, yes."
> "Whether or not I still choose to go there is another matter. I have received a good amount of advice that suggests it is not worth the effort pursuing her."
> "I would much rather not, yes."
> Smile.
> "Thank you, Young Mistress."
> "I must admit I had wondered about that."
> "Such is the nature of Gensokyo's residents. It is very good to hear that it is such a casual thing for you, though."
>"But where do those troublemakers go once you deal with them ?"
>"I suppose you are glad enough with going at it a little and protecting the Temple."
>Nod.
>"Although i'd say there is a difference between local thieves and the people we might face by going there."
> Chuckle.
> "Indeed."
> "Ah, excellent."
> Is there anyone outside the shrine?
> "I imagine that walled city is where we could find our fair conqueror."
> "Is there anyone at the shrine we can speak with?"
> Frown.
> "The invasion of Tsunkeido was allegedly to happen today...I hope this shrine was not visited by violence."
> "Mmm. Let us hope for the best, then."
> "Let us investigate the shrine first."
> "Of course. Come, Young Mistress."
> Make our way to the shrine.
> Have a listen at the doors for activity inside.
> Slowly open the doors and peek inside.
> "Excuse me?"
> Open the door now and enter the room properly.
> Go up to the door ahead and listen at it.
> Look at Flan in anticipation of a reaction.
> Are there any other doors in this room, ignoring the one we entered?
> Frown.
> Return our attention to our door and open it.
> Are there any more doors in the room we're looking into?
> "How strange. What about the other one?"
> Close the door.
> "I suppose. How unfortunate."
> "True. Let us head back, then."
> Exit the shrine, making sure all doors are closed behind us.
> Head back to Mitsu.
> "Sadly, no. Our guess is that whoever lives here is simply not here at the moment. There do not appear to be any signs of struggle or violence, at least."
> Look around. Is there anything else in the vicinity that looks like habitation?
> "Indeed."
> Gesture toward said village.
> "I suppose that village over there is out next-best bet."
> "Let's go, then. Hopefully we will be back soon with good news."
> Take flight and head toward the village.
> Land at the entrance to the village and head in on foot.
> Heard toward the drinking establishment.
> Smile and wave politely to the dog.
> "Thank you."
> Have a seat at the empty table closest to the dog. (Do not actually sit at the dog's table so as to not disturb the dog.)
> Are the options immediately obvious?
> If so, what are they?
> If not, is there a menu handy?
>Check our funds.
> Are the prices obvious from the list on the wall?
> "An order of meat buns and an herbal tea, please."
>Wait.
> Look back to Flan.
> "You are welcome to share the meat buns if you wish."
>"I wish i had done so too..."
> Nod.
> "It would have been nice to not need to spend the time or the money. But it is what it is. The prices here seem reasonable, at least."
>"And it would have been more appreciated at an earlier point in this morning."
> Grin.
> "Of course, of course."
> "Thank you very much. As long as you are here, by the way, would you happen to know where Funsai Mountain is? We are new to this area."
> "We certainly do not plan on staying long."
> Gesture to Flan.
> "But a fellow monk of my friend here resides there with a couple of tengu, and we need to see her."
>"What about that place is so unpleasant ?"
>"Cursed ? And why is that ?"
> "The most recent letters we received from her indicate she is still there. It is certainly possible she has moved on elsewhere, but if she has not told us, all we can do is ask around there as to where she went."
> Frown a bit.
> "Not to discredit or disregard your warning, but I have handled a few disasters in my time."
>"It's the nature of life, people are born and die all the time, i can assure you that the Young Mistress and i can care for ourselves."
> "The Moriya Maiden?"
> Nod back toward the door.
> "I don't suppose having access to Lady Yasaka's flying metal chariot would suffice?"
> "Does she live in the shrine that is next to the landing area for that chariot? Because there was no one home when I looked, and if the state of the front room is any indication, whoever lives there likely left in a hurry."
> "Where is Kou Mountain?"
> Nod.
> "All right, then. I will have a look into that after this meal. Thank you for your assistance."
> Look to Flan with a slight frown.
> "Curious. I wonder why Kyouko never told Ichirin about the dangers of the mountain."
> "Perhaps. But that can wait for a bit. I believe we have left these unattended for long enough."
> Sample our meat buns.
> Nod appreciably and continue to eat. We don't want to offend.
>Finish up and prepare the payment.
> Don't forget to have the herbal tea as well!
> "Are you sure, Young Mistress?"
> Smile.
> "Thank you."
> Let Flan take care of business, then! Finish off our tea in the meantime if we haven't yet.
> Did Flan at least leave a tip?
>Okay, let's try again, did Flan leave an extra amount of money for the enjoyable service ?
> Stand up.
> "Thank you very much again, Miss."
> "Of course!"
> Stand up and exit.
> "That looks reasonable."
> Head toward the mountain, on foot while we're inn the village, then by air once we leave it.
> Head toward the person!
> Stop time.
> Take the chance to see exactly what it is that's been thrown at us.
> Resume time.
> Throw our hands and arms in front of our face.
> "Ah!"
> "What are you doing?!"
> "Apologies! I didn't want to disturb you!"
> Bring our arms down.
> Take on a calmer tone.
> "I am sorry I startled you so. But you can see I am not here to harm you, yes?"
> Does the girl's outfit resemble Sanae's?
> Descend and land near the shrine maiden.
> "Would you happen to be the Moriya Maiden I heard about in town?"
> "Excellent. I understand I need your permission to learn the location of Funsai Mountain."
> Flan landed with us, right?
> "That's what I've heard, yes. But someone I need to meet with lives there."
> "Of course."
> Have a look in the direction she is pointing. Do we see a mountain that is substantially steeper than the others?
> "Ah, I see. Thank you very much."
> "I will keep on my guard."
> "If I may ask, what are you doing?"
>"Huh... how intriguing... oh and would you be able to tell me more about why is Funsai Mountain cursed please ?"
> Blink.
> "...I...suppose that makes a certain degree of sense."
> Blink.
> "...I...suppose that makes a certain degree of sense."
>"Any notable ones ? Because we can certainly handle some minor youkai."
> "I see. Well, as much as I intend to avoid conflict, I imagine there is nothing there we cannot handle. At least, nothing we cannot escape from if absolutely necessary."
> "Of course. Out of curiosity, would you happen to be of the Kochiya clan?"
>"Hm ? How so ?"
>"Oh, so my guess was correct."
>Nod.
>"Either way, i wish you all good luck with the rains."
>"And why is that ?"
>Look slightly puzzled.
>Do we know about said kind of Youkai ?
>"Well, i suppose we should get going, again, good luck."
> Flan landed with us, right?
>She is currently beside you, watching the shrine maiden smear white paste on the bodhisvatta statue with a kind of shocked fascination.
>Depart and rejoin Flan.
<_<
> "Let us head there, Young Mistress."
> Take flight and head toward Funsai Mountain.
> "I am not sure. It will depend on how civilized the mountain looks when we reach it, I suppose."
>"And don't worry too much about the statue dear, mistakes happen."
> Blink with a slight frown, then shake our head.
> "Never mind, I must have misheard. Let us continue."
> Continue on toward the mountain."
> "How inviting."
> "Probably. Truth be told, I'm not quite sure yet how to approach this."
> Are there any signs of civilization on the mountain that we can see?
> "Perhaps we should maintain a respectable viewing distance and simply search for any signs of civilization?"
> "I meant as we flew upward along the mountain."
>Approximately how long would it take us to traverse the base of the mountain by flight?
> "Perhaps an upward spiral around the mountain?"
> "All right."
> Begin flying in a circle around the mountain at a brisk pace, angling ourselves slightly upward so as to gradually ascend, and scan the mountain for any signs of habitation.
> Stop and point at it.
> "There's something."
> Fly to the well.
> "They are difficult to make out, but there are definite signs of repeated travel here. Shall we try to follow one?"
> "Some trails."
> Gesture to what we think we see.
> Frown.
> "That is certainly possible."
> Look around at the other paths. Do they all seem to peter out quickly, or do any of them last?
> "Let us try this one over here."
> Follow that path into said woods.
> "Aha."
> Look around for any signs, such as 'Ring the chimes to announce presence'.
> Call into the cave.
> "Pardon us, but is anyone home?"
> "We're from Old Hometown, looking for Kyouko Kasodani. Do you know of her?"
> Keep calling into the cave.
> "I hope this is not a problem."
> "I don't have to tell her I visited here, if that is what you mean. And I certainly don't know who you are."
> Frown a bit.
> "The chief maid of a house of nobility that succumbed to fire several hundred years ago. I would rather not go into the details of my presence in this land if I do not have to, as none of you would believe me anyway."
> Exchange glances with Flan, adopting the slightest knowing grin, then look back to the cave.
> "I am, yes."
> Are we able to carry Flan around while we have stepped out of time?
>Can we prepare a volley of danmaku knifes on that meanwhile too ?
> Is it reasonably possible to stand on top of the mouth of the cave? Or is it sheer rock face?
> Dash in front of Flan while moving so that we're facing her as we pass in front of her. As we do pass in front of her so that she can see our face, put a finger to our lips in a shushing pose, grin, and wink.
> Once we're reasonably confident Flan has seen the above action, stop time, fly up above the mouth of the cave, turn around to face where Flan is, hover ourselves down so we're just slightly above the 'ground' that is the top of the mouth of the cave (that is, we're really close to landing but not actually landing, look down on the space in front of the cave where Flan is, and resume time.
> Pull out a couple of knives while still looking at Flan.
> Briefly and quietly hiss in the hopes of getting her attention.
> Continue listening to the sounds of the approaching cave-dwellers.
> Point down briefly while still looking at Flan.
> Once Flan returns her attention to what is in front of her, stop pointing and wait for the emergence of the cave-dwellers.
> ...What kind of youkai would have a hairless stinger tail and feline ears?
> Does the green woman have any obvious animal features?
> Continue silently observing.
> Do the clothes of either woman reach the ground?
>Do either of them seem to be holding anything ?
> How do the two newcomers compare to Flan in height?
> Inventory
>How strong do we recall our Flan being ?
>Not that, how much physical strength she has.
> Are they both large enough that it would be difficult to move them around while time is stopped?
> Continue silently watching. Make a game note if we see the stinger-cat make an aggressive move toward Flan, including tail-wielding.
> Are there any small loose rocks in the immediate vicinity?
> How thick are the woods we just came out of? Could we fully hide behind any of the trees?
> Stop time.
> Make a beeline for the woods and hide behind the first tree trunk we come across that completely covers us from the views of the two youkai.
> Resume time.
> "Right here, ladies~"
> Stop time.
> Look out toward the noises from behind the tree.
> One we mentally determine how to do so, make a beeline for Flan while avoiding crashing into the youkai. Land next to Flan and watch the youkai from behind.
> Resume time.
> Do Flan's wings glow in the dark?
> How well does Flan see in the dark?
>Ask for break time from the Quest and head to the cafeteria.