Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on September 18, 2016, 10:30:18 AM
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>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker (owner) of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.
>After checking up on Satori and judging her to be on her way towards forgiveness and normalcy, and seeing her transfer leadership of the Tiger Shrine to Kiku, you and Rin paid a visit to the Center for the Recently Ascended. Not only was this a chance to see Marigold and introduce her to Rin, but you also wanted to check up on the remains of that tar creature you and Kiku destroyed several days ago, just to make sure it really was gone. And it was. But in the process of confirming that, you were visited by an animated corpse. As if you hadn't encountered enough inhuman things. This rather ominous entity, though, was helpful, informing you that there were two splinters in the city still within the city of Mayoiga. One to be found with a man named Tobias Scatterclaw, but you were warned in no uncertain terms that trying to destroy that splinter would result in the death of you and whomever you brought with you. The other one, the one you chose to seek out and destroy, was within the body of the biker called Motormaster, someone whom you've met and weren't entirely fond of, and someone whom your new slave, Reisen, feared and despised.
>You and you fellow four magical girls tracked down Motormaster and his gang at the cemetary called the Mana Tombs, discovering in the process that Motormaster's associates were not simply mundane mortals, but beings called Blackbloods, who wore Jewels of power and claimed to be descended from demons and devils. You managed to ambush and disable five of the six Blackbloods, but the last one, and the strongest, gave you some resistance. You did overcome the Grey Jewelled Blackblood named Breakdown, and none too soon, for Motormaster came on the scene very shortly after.
>What followed then was one of the most brutal battles you have had to date, and none of your group escaped without injury, some serious-looking. But in the end you were victorious, destorying completely the black splinter of evil that had so thoroughly corrupted Motormaster, and then imprisoning the biker until you figured out exactly what to do with him. Which left you pondering what to do with the Blackbloods. You felt a great sympathy for them, knowing that they had been born into evil. You resolved to do something about it, and after some thought, you and your friends combined your powers and unleashed your magic upon the Jewels the bikers wore, seeking to change them from something incurably evil to something that would, at least, give these people a chance at life that they had never before been given. After a terrific investment of energy, you did succeed, but with an extremely unexpected side effect. The three male bikers had been transformed into females. Your best guess at this point is that this was a side effect of being purified by five women, but that's more a guess than fact. But it did seem to have the desired effect, at least in the three you spoke to. Reisen, who knew these people, noted major changes in their behavoir. She was less sure about it being universal or that it was wise to simply leave them to their own devices, but for right now, you simply didn't have the energy to do anything else with them. Despite how pretty Breakdown is now.
>"I am fairly comfortable... for a high-school student."
>Kiku nods an acknowledgement. "How are you handling that part of your life?" she asks.
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>"Well, school's been closed these past few days, since the incident there with the Champions, which is perhaps for the best. My life feels very full lately, as it is."
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>"Well, school's been closed these past few days, since the incident there with the Champions, which is perhaps for the best. My life feels very full lately, as it is."
>"The incident with Kamishirasawa-sensei, yes. Have you seen her since?"
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>"No, I haven't. But she seemed well, afterward."
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>"No, I haven't. But she seemed well, afterward."
>"Our power does seem to be very effective at neutralizing darker energies and at not leaving residual side effects."
>Didn't you say you sensed some of our power in Keine-sensei after we beat her? Rin asks privately.
>"That said, I must admit to a certain curiousity." Kiku continues. "I've never dealt with a case of lycanthropy before."
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>Yes, that much is certain. Though I don't believe it could be harmful to her in any way, and might well have dissipated long ago, now.
>"I still don't know what provoked that incident. I am convinced there was some kind of external corruption applied to her - separate from her lycanthropy itself - but I cannot say where it came from."
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>Yes, that much is certain. Though I don't believe it could be harmful to her in any way, and might well have dissipated long ago, now.
>"I still don't know what provoked that incident. I am convinced there was some kind of external corruption applied to her - separate from her lycanthropy itself - but I cannot say where it came from."
>"No sign of any kind of corruptive energies around your school, or her home?"
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>Nothing around the school, at least, right?
>Do we even know where she lives?
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>Nothing around the school, at least, right?
>Do we even know where she lives?
>Nothing you noticed.
>Yes. Her house isn't incredibly far from school.
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>But presumably we haven't swung by that way since the incident?
>Assuming not: "Nothing around the school, though I never thought to check her home. Whatever it was had been affecting her for at least a day or two before the incident, I believe; I asked her if she had encountered anything unusual during the last little while, but if she did, it was nothing she was aware of at the time."
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>But presumably we haven't swung by that way since the incident?
>Assuming not: "Nothing around the school, though I never thought to check her home. Whatever it was had been affecting her for at least a day or two before the incident, I believe; I asked her if she had encountered anything unusual during the last little while, but if she did, it was nothing she was aware of at the time."
>Only once, in a cab. You didn't sense anything out of place in those fleeting seconds, though.
>Kiku nods. "I could send one of my more magically skilled mikos over to the area, to investigate." she suggests. "That is, in fact, how we operate."
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>"It mightn't hurt. She lives reasonably close to me, so I may swing past later, myself, but in the meantime I am very much looking forward to not having to move or do anything for a while."
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>"It mightn't hurt. She lives reasonably close to me, so I may swing past later, myself, but in the meantime I am very much looking forward to not having to move or do anything for a while."
>Kiku sighs. "I must admit, I would not be opposed to the idea of some relaxation myself."
>"Pressures of a new job?" Rin asks.
>"In essence. Now that I am the Elder of the Metal Tiger Shrine, there are more demands on time than before. Not the least being I still have to tell the media people something about the events surrounding Satori and the Titan we fought."
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>"I wouldn't be surprised to see these events on the news tonight, either. It is difficult to operate incognito when these battles are so... bright."
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>"I wouldn't be surprised to see these events on the news tonight, either. It is difficult to operate incognito when these battles are so... bright."
>"True. But at least this battle can be explained by two different groups of spellcasters doing battle. Such things are hardly unknown in this country, after all. Incidents such as the one with the first splinter are much less common. There haven't been giant creatures of any sort seen in this country since the last war with the Moon."
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>"And it may not be the last, yet. Though I do hope it's the last of those things."
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>"And it may not be the last, yet. Though I do hope it's the last of those things."
>"I agree. But I suppose there's no way to know for sure without knowing where the two we've destroyed came from." The tiger sighs. "One more thing we'll have to look into. I mean, we shrine maidens. This too falls under our responsibilities."
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>"Who knows - maybe this is just an eventful month and things will settle down again afterward. It would be nice."
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>"Who knows - maybe this is just an eventful month and things will settle down again afterward. It would be nice."
>"Yes it would."
>"Then we can party." you hear Lily mumble.
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>"I can think of few celebrations that would be more deserved."
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>"I can think of few celebrations that would be more deserved."
>"I thought you were sleeping." Kiku mutters to Lily.
>"I was. And then I woke up." The little blonde rocks herself back up to a seated position, beating her wings once. "So when's the party for your promotion?"
>"Party?"
>"Yeah, party. There IS gonna be a party, isn't there?"
>"There will be a ceremony, certainly." Kiku says after a moment's thought. "I suppose it isn't really necessary at this point, but many of my sisters will want one, I have no doubt."
>Lily sighs. "Talk to this woman, Byakuren." she remarks to you. "She CLEARLY doesn't understand the value of a party."
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>Smile
>"People can celebrate things in their own way."
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>Smile
>"People can celebrate things in their own way."
>"I'm gonna have to talk to Risa." Lily says. "We can work something out."
>"Do you really think Risa can focus long enough to plan something so complex?" Kiku observes dryly.
>As the debate about the varying party planning capabilities of the various mikos of the shrine continues between Lily and Kiku, you and Rin simply relax and let them chew over the issue, enjoying each other's proximity, and the sensation of being able to relax. All of you may be wounded, but you're also victorious. Lily may want to celebrate something, but you'll be much happier simply to relax at home for a while.
>It takes about twenty minutes or so for Reisen to return, and when she does, you can see what she meant about a better ride than a cab. The car she pulls up in is a beautiful ice blue thing, all gentle curves and lascivious lines. Rin identifies the model as an Aston Martin of some kind, an import from Avalon. Reisen herself, once she steps out of the car, has been fancified as well. She is wearing a well-tailored suit in the same color as the car, a color and outfit that compliments her own lines very well, and has a matching cap. She opens the back door of the car and inclines her head politely. "Your transportation, mistress." she says with slightly exaggerated formally.
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>"Wow, don't you look spiffy. Thank you."
>Let's go take a seat
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>"Wow, don't you look spiffy. Thank you."
>Let's go take a seat
>Reisen's smile is chagrined. "Old Man Winter insisted." she informs you as you, Rin and Lily pile into the remarkably cushy back seats. "When I told him I was doing a favor for my new master, he wanted to help me make a good impression."
>"I think it works!" Lily says supportively, giving the rabbit a quick hug before taking up position to your left, Rin on your right. An enviable position for many, you are sure.
>"Home, mistress?" Reisen asks as she takes her spot behind the steering wheel, Kiku taking shotgun.
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>"Yes, please."
>Let's sink into these seats and relax. Work time is over for now.
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>"Yes, please."
>Let's sink into these seats and relax. Work time is over for now.
>Sink is quite the appropriate word, as well. Even the seats in Aya's ferrari weren't as cushy as the leather in the seats of this machine. A point with Lily remarks on as well as she clambors into the seat to your left, sandwiching you between herself and Rin. "Ohhh, comfy!"
>"It is that." Reisen says as she climbs into the driver's seat. "That's why I went for this Aston, because I knew it would be a more comfortable ride home than the back seat of some cab. Mayoiga cabs are alright, but they weren't made with ride comfort first in mind."
>"Ain't Aston's Avalon cars?" Rin asks curiously.
>"They're made there, but in this age, any car made anywhere can be found almost anywhere in the world. That's one of the things I like about this planet."
>"I thought you were a bike girl?"
>"I am. But that doesn't mean I don't have any interest in things with four wheels." she replies as she starts the big car's big-sounding engine. "After all, it'd be a bit of a challenge to fit us all on my bike."
>Lily giggles as she snuggles up alongside you. "Not as cozy, either." A point you do not disagree with. The little blonde's affectionate cuddling is very far from an unpleasant sensation. Even with your weariness from the draining battle you've won, Lily somehow manages not to aggravate any of your sore muscles. It helps that she is built remarkably slight herself. Despite her own exertions during the battle, Lily even still smells nice, somehow. Her hair carries the faint scent of flowers on a spring breeze. You know she must be as tired as you are, but it somehow doesn't show. In fact, her affectionate presence seems to somehow refresh your spirits. You still feel the weariness, the drain from the battle, but somehow, seated between Lily and your Rin, your body doesn't seem quite as fatigued as it did before.
>Undoubtedly Marissa would tease you if you she could see you in a position you'd more commonly associate with her- having a pretty girl cuddled up next to you- but it does feel right. A worrisome thought does intrude into your mind, that perhaps Rin might be jealous or upset at Lily, but a quick glance down at the redhead's face dispels that worry almost as soon as it forms. She seems perfectly comfortable both with where she is and with Lily's proximity to you. Rin and Lily on your arms, a very dapper-looking Reisen ferrying you around in a comfortable, expensive car... Even a rather conservative girl like you could get used to this.
>"We're home, mistress." Reisen's voice intrudes into your thoughts. Looking around, you find that you have indeed arrived at the Moonside apartments. You must have nodded off. With one of Lily's wings acting as a blanket, no less.
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>Mmmm... feathery
>Does it look like Lily or Rin dozed off, too? If so, speak a little softly.
>"Oh, I think I must have nodded off there for a bit."
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>Mmmm... feathery
>Does it look like Lily or Rin dozed off, too? If so, speak a little softly.
>"Oh, I think I must have nodded off there for a bit."
>A unique sensation.
>They both seem to have done, yes.
>"I noticed." Reisen replies with a faint smile, lowering her voice as well. "That's why I took the long way home, dropped Kiku off first."
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>"I appreciate it."
>Well, if we've arrived, let's gently wake Rin up. As comfortable as we both are right here, we do have to get out of the car at some point.
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>"I appreciate it."
>Well, if we've arrived, let's gently wake Rin up. As comfortable as we both are right here, we do have to get out of the car at some point.
>"You three plainly needed the rest. And there's not that many cars better to sleep in than these."
>You give your kasha the gentlest of nudges, and then again to rouse her. Her tail swings gently as she comes around, tickling your leg a little. As her head starts to come up, Lily lets out a yawn. Even that sounds more energetic than the average yawn. "Wow. That's the first time I ever fell asleep in a car before."
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>"It's been quite an afternoon."
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>"It's been quite an afternoon."
>"Listen, can I pop up with you guys?" Lily asks. "I probably should clean up a bit before I head home."
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>"Of course."
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>"Of course."
>"Thanks." Lily beams as Rin blinks, looking around.
>"Did I fall asleep?" Rin asks drowsily.
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>"I think we all did. Well, except Reisen, of course."
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>"I think we all did. Well, except Reisen, of course."
>Lily smiles. "Unless she's that good a driver."
>"Not to my knowledge, Lily." Reisen replies patiently.
>The little blonde giggles as she pushes her door open. Rin, meanwhile, seems a bit uncomfortable now. "Sorry."
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>"Oh, don't apologize. I think we've all quite earned some rest and relaxation by now."
>Disembark!
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>"Oh, don't apologize. I think we've all quite earned some rest and relaxation by now."
>Disembark!
>"You comin', Reisen?" Lily asks the rabbit as you and Rin work yourself free from the cushy seats of the car.
>"Not right now. I have to return this car, and pick up my bike."
>"Awo, no more comfy back seat?" Lily pouts.
>"If I ever go looking for a car, I'll keep that want in mind. Hey, actually..." Reisen looks over at you and rolls down the passenger window. "Is that something I should look into, Mistress?"
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>"I- Hmmm.... I'll give it some thought."
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>"I- Hmmm.... I'll give it some thought."
>"Get one like this!" Lily encourages energetically.
>"Where would ya park it?" Rin points out.
>"On the ground, of course!"
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>Is there not room around here to park this car or something? Is it unusually large?
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>Is there not room around here to park this car or something? Is it unusually large?
>It is larger than average, but the issue is that the apartment grounds aren't really spacious enough to accommodate a car and keep it out of the way. Scooters and bikes aren't so bad, but cars are a lot more cumbersome.
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>"Well, there isn't a lot of room here for a car in the first place, really."
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>"Well, there isn't a lot of room here for a car in the first place, really."
>"Not for a car this size, no." Reisen agrees. "But a K-car, that might work."
>"What's a K-car?" Rin asks.
>"That's the short way to say 'kei jidosha'. Which is really a fancy way to say a very small car. Yamato makes dozens of cars that are way smaller than the average. Kind of a necessity in a country this size." The rabbit glances around the yard. "Yeah, I can think of a few models that would fit here. If you wanted a bigger one, you'd have to pay for parking down the street."
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>"I'm not certain I'm in a position to afford one at all; it's just a thought."
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>"I'm not certain I'm in a position to afford one at all; it's just a thought."
>"Even though you're a supermodel?" Lily asks.
>"I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, Lily." says Reisen. "And let's not forget, she's now financially responsible for two slaves." It's just a pity being superheroes doesn't pay well. she remarks telepathically.
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>The downsides of a secret identity.
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>The downsides of a secret identity.
>"Well, we can talk about that later. I should let you girls go relax for a bit."
>"And you're worried about your bike." Lily says with a nod.
>Reisen blinks. "How...?"
>"I know stuff!" the blonde says with a big smile.
>Reisen stares at the winged woman for a moment, then smiles faintly, shaking her head. "No kidding." she mutters, throwing her car in reverse.
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>"Thanks again, Reisen."
>Wave goodbye, then let's go home
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>"Thanks again, Reisen."
>Wave goodbye, then let's go home
>"My pleasure."
>Reisen nurses the big Aston back out into the street and is gone in short order. "Wonder why she didn't seem as tired as us?" Lily wonders aloud.
>Probably because she didn't put the same energy into those spells at the end as we did. Rin suggests quietly.
>Oh yeah. I forgot that.
>The little blonde beats you up to the second level- the advantages of flight- and squeals excitedly when she gets up there. "Ohhh, a doggie!" When you catch up to her, you see her introducing herself to Hyozan. The big malamute doesn't seem to mind the energetic rubbing the blonde is giving his head. In fact, his attention turns to you as you walk past him, giving you a very grave look. "You're beautiful! Yes you are! What's his name?" she asks you without looking up.
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>Smile
>"Hyozan. He's Letty's."
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>Smile
>"Hyozan. He's Letty's."
>"You're beautiful." Lily gushes at the big dog. Hyozan whuffs once, quietly, and Lily giggles. "Well hello to you, too." The malamute whuffs again, and gives Lily's cheek a fairly wet lick. If you didn't know better, you'd swear you detected just a hint of mischief in the big dog's eyes as he did it.
>Lily laughs and higs Hyozan as Rin opens your apartment door for you.
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>Nod politely
>Then let's enter, doff our outerwear and flop
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>Nod politely
>Then let's enter, doff our outerwear and flop
>Regretfully, Lily tears herself away from the big malamute and follows you and Rin into your apartment. Lily invokes the traditional Yamato phrase, "Pardon the intrusion." for one's first visit in a new place. Stretching comfortably after you remove your winter protection, you feel more than one joint pop in ways they normally don't. You're sore in a couple of places, and still a touch fatigued, but all in all you're not in that bad a shape. A solid few hours sleep and a hot meal should get you right back on your feet.
>As though answering your latter thought, Rin immediately goes to the fridge. "I'll get started on supper, mistress."
>"I'll help!" Lily says with a smile. Rin starts to protest, but Lily simply bowls on, "I like cooking!"
>You could really use a shower, but you decide to wait on that for the moment, content to simply sit back and relax for a while. Your favourite chair isn't quite as comfortable as those Aston seats, but you're not complaining. It's yours.
>But you only get to relax for about two minutes before you faintly detect some kind of magical activity in your immediate vicinity.
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>Can we tell what it is?
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>Can we tell what it is?
>Negative. It is too faint. But you can tell it is not aimed at you, whatever it is. The power is flowing away from the building, though you can't track it beyond a handful of feet.
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>Can we tell where it's coming from?
>If so, let's move a little in that and see if we can deduce anything more?
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>Can we tell where it's coming from?
>If so, let's move a little in that and see if we can deduce anything more?
>It appears to be coming from... practically right outside your door.
>That realizion brings you to your feet, stiff muscles and all. But your sense of startlement eases when you examine the magic more closely. In some ways, the sensation of it is not dissimilar to that which you felt from Breakdown's Blackblood Jewel. It is, however, a very different beast. That sensation was dark and evil, reflective of the Jewel that powered it. This sensation is almost a 180 of that. If it is a Jewel, then it may well be one of the Brightblood Jewels Reisen and Kiku talked about. But as to what it's doing outside your door, that you can't tell.
>"Mistress?" Rin asks, looking up from a pan of vegetables.
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>There appears to something rather like a Brightblood jewel standing right outside our door.
>Let's go peek through the peephole
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>There appears to something rather like a Brightblood jewel standing right outside our door.
>Let's go peek through the peephole
>A Brightblood? Rin starts.
>Aren't they the good guys? Lily asks.
>If Reisen's right, anyway.
>A glance outside shows nothing and no one at eye level, in either direction. In fact, the figure you can see at all is the tip of Hyozan's nose as he sits outside.
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>But this sensation is definitely coming from a person, and this person is right outside our door?
>Let's wait just a moment and observe
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>But this sensation is definitely coming from a person, and this person is right outside our door?
>Let's wait just a moment and observe
>Not 'right' outside, 'practically' outside. It is slightly to the right of your door. In fact, as crazy as this may sound, the magical sensation is coming from Hyozan himself.
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>Wait, what? What???
>Does anything unusual seem to be happening with the dog?
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>Wait, what? What???
>Does anything unusual seem to be happening with the dog?
>You can't get a very good look at him through the peephole, but at the moment, he just seems to be sitting there.
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>Well, we can at least open the door to get a better look
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>Well, we can at least open the door to get a better look
>Pushing the door open, you confirm that Hyozan is in fact just sitting there, staring off into space.
>Rather quickly, Rin rushes up to stand behind you, protectively. Who's out there?
>As she asks that, Hyozan turns his head towards you, reacting to the sound of your door.
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>Take a look around. Is it really coming from Hyozan? And if so, can we figure out why?
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>Take a look around. Is it really coming from Hyozan? And if so, can we figure out why?
>There is no doubt. That line of magic is coming from Hyozan. There's nothing else out of the ordinary; a plane high in the sky heading away from the city, a couple of fairys throwing showballs at each other down the road, and no other detectable sources of magic. In fact you can't even see the magic coming from him with the naked eye. It only registers on your mystic radar.
>You can't be certain. It travels out straight from him for a few feet, then seems to disappear into thin air. It doesn't have the strength to be any kind of attack, or any kind of summoning spell. At least, you don't think it is, anyway.
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>It... seems to be coming from Hyozan. I don't really understand.
>Could someone else be channeling something through him somehow? Some kind of remote scrying spell, perhaps?
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>It... seems to be coming from Hyozan. I don't really understand.
>Could someone else be channeling something through him somehow? Some kind of remote scrying spell, perhaps?
>From Hyozan? Rin blurts. You hear Lily drop a spoon in surprise.
>You suppose there is a chance. Even with your experience with Breakdown and the others, there's still a lot you don't know about these Jewels and their powers. Even less about the Brightblood variety. But to your senses, it definately feels as though the power is originating from Hyozan himself.
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>Let's go back inside, transform, and then see if our enhanced senses can make anything clearer out of this inexplicable happening
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>Let's go back inside, transform, and then see if our enhanced senses can make anything clearer out of this inexplicable happening
>The last thing you wanted to deal with after the Motormaster business was something else that requires you to transform. But there are times when the last thing you want to deal with is precisely what you must deal with. So, closing the door on Hyozan, you return once again to your Magical Lotus form.
>Do you think there's danger? Rin asks after you change.
>I don't think so, not from Hyozan. Lily says easily.
>Rin gapes. How do you figure.
>The little blonde shrugs and smiles. He's a big friendly dog. No way he could be trouble.
>As Rin stares in disbelief at Lily, you focus your stronger senses outward. In your Lotus form, the sensations you register from that magic can be described as nearly pure good. In the same way that Breakdown's power was practically pure evil, the power from Hyozan is its polar opposite. And it IS coming from Hyozan, you are sure of that now. The dog is generating that magic and sending it out. The point where it terminates is a mixture of unusual sensations, but you get the impression of a transitional zone, for want of a better term. As though the magic is leaving this plane and traveling into another.
>You're not certain what exactly this means, but there's one conclusion you can't escape from. For Hyozan to be generating the magic of a Brightblood Jewel, he must BE one of the Jeweled Blood.
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>How could we not have noticed this before?
>For that matter, is it even possible for an animal to be a jeweled blood? Hyozan's not a youkai or anything, right?
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>How could we not have noticed this before?
>For that matter, is it even possible for an animal to be a jeweled blood? Hyozan's not a youkai or anything, right?
>He never displayed any kind of magic before. And he has no visible jewel.
>To you knowledge, he isn't a youkai. As to whether or not animals can be Blood, you don't know enough about the Blood to say for certain one way or the other.
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>Let's focus a little more on where this magic is going. Can we deduce anything else about its destination? Or what it is, for that matter?
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>Let's focus a little more on where this magic is going. Can we deduce anything else about its destination? Or what it is, for that matter?
>There's definitely a barrier of some kind that Hyozan's magic is passing through. But it's not one you've ever encountered before. It's a field that seems somehow to be a mixture of both Blackblood and Brightblood energy. Exactly how that could be, you have no idea. The two are polar opposites to each other. You know enough to know that they shouldn't be able to be mixed, but in that field, they are. And they're doing a very good job of deflecting your magic. It will take a more focused scan to gain any useful information about what lies beyond, assuming you can scan beyond the barrier at all.
>As for the magic coming from Hyozan, it too is a unique kind of power. A passive kind of energy. The true nature of it eludes you at first, but as you focus your senses more upon it, you have the sensation that there is whispering going on within the magic. The effect is akin to listening to a conversation through a door. You suspect this may be some form of communication spell.
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>Could we try to 'listen in' to it? Ideally, subtly?
>If so, give it a shot
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>Could we try to 'listen in' to it? Ideally, subtly?
>If so, give it a shot
>In your Lotus guise, yes, your senses should be able to make sense of the whispering noises. In theory, at least.
>Focusing your senses even further, you proceed to, metaphorically speaking, press your ear firmly against the door to make out what the folks on the other side are saying. Even with your Lotus-enhansed senses, it's still difficult to make out anything in the way of details, though you have the impression that they are not speaking in any language you've ever heard before. At least, one of them isn't. The louder voice, presumably Hyozan, may be using a form of communication unique to his species, or perhaps it is a form of speech unique to the Blood. Either way, it's something you can't understand. The other voice, the one Hyozan is speaking with, is less distinct than that, and even less comprehensible.
>And then the line of communication seems to ripple slightly. All of a sudden you feel a rush of power and a loud noise echoes through your mind's ear. Your senses are repulsed, and violently. As though someone on the other side of the door very suddenly threw the door open, and knocked you back in the process. A powerful, booming voice fills your mind: HUMAN.
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>Guess that wasn't subtle enough....
>Did this seem to come from Hyozan, or somewhere else?
>Does the voice sound angry with us? Or just, well, loud?
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>Guess that wasn't subtle enough....
>Did this seem to come from Hyozan, or somewhere else?
>Does the voice sound angry with us? Or just, well, loud?
>Evidently not.
>As best as you can determine, it's the other voice, the one you believe Hyozan was talking to.
>Both.
-
>Oh dear....
>Um... yes?
-
>Oh dear....
>Um... yes?
>SOME WOULD BE IMPRESSED BY YOUR SPYING. I AM NOT. the distant voice thunders in your head.
-
>It was not my intention to intrude, merely to ascertain the nature of this unusual magical resonance.
-
>It was not my intention to intrude, merely to ascertain the nature of this unusual magical resonance.
>A second voice intercedes, You can't blame her for being cautious.Not after fighting Blackbloods. This masculine voice is much less intense than the former, a bass growl that, despite its gruffness, conveys a kind of warmth. Hyozan's voice. ... Man, that's an odd thought, still. And if she could hear us, maybe that means she could he-
>SPARE ME. the fist voice roars, no less loud to Hyozan, but slightly less angry. I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE HUMANS ON THAT SIDE. BUT WE WILL JUDGE FOR OURSELVES.
>There comes a dull roaring sound, like a torrent of air flowing through a room, and the loud voice is gone, the communication line between it and Hyozan abruptly severed.
-
>Do we sense anything else changed? Anything about this impending 'judging'? Or does this other presence seem well and truly gone for the moment?
-
>Do we sense anything else changed? Anything about this impending 'judging'? Or does this other presence seem well and truly gone for the moment?
>It is gone, and has left no detectable trace behind. The only thing you sense is the residual power from Hyozan, then that fades out as well.
-
>To Rin and Lily: Did you catch any of that?
-
>To Rin and Lily: Did you catch any of that?
>The two women shake their heads. We saw you wince a couple of times. Rin says, concern plain to see on her face I was worried.
-
>Hyozan was... talking to someone. Someone loud and powerful and distant and not very pleased to realize I had noticed them.
>Let's see if we can get some response by trying to talk to Hyozan directly: I apologize for interrupting your conversation. I... hope I haven't made things more difficult for you somehow.
-
>Hyozan was... talking to someone. Someone loud and powerful and distant and not very pleased to realize I had noticed them.
>Let's see if we can get some response by trying to talk to Hyozan directly: I apologize for interrupting your conversation. I... hope I haven't made things more difficult for you somehow.
>So... Hyozan's intelligent? Like us, intelligent?
>Reaching out to Hyozan isn't quite like talking with your colleagues, or even the Purpose. The connection is a bit tenuous at first, faint, but then you draw upon your experience with Breakdown and the others. You don't need anything like that level of intimacy, but the experience is enough to give you an idea on how to effectively communicate with a member of the Blood.
>You sense surprise from Hyozan as you communicate with him, but unlike with the other voice, you feel that Hyozan is pleasantly surprised. You have not. At least, you haven't made things more difficult for ME. I do not know if I can say the same for you. he cautions.
-
>I am growing strangely accustomed to drawing the ire of unfamiliar powers, though I would just as soon not add another to that list.
-
>I am growing strangely accustomed to drawing the ire of unfamiliar powers, though I would just as soon not add another to that list.
>Well the good news is, he might not be the one coming to see you. In fact, I doubt it would be him. He hates Earth.
>He pauses briefly. You are not surprised to be talking to me?
-
>On the contrary. But I've been through so many unexpected things lately that I may be growing accustomed to that, too.
>You seemed aware of our battle earlier today.
-
>On the contrary. But I've been through so many unexpected things lately that I may be growing accustomed to that, too.
>You seemed aware of our battle earlier today.
>Yes... Just a moment. The dog pauses. Two seconds later, you hear a faint scratching at your door.
>Hyozan? Lily asks.
-
>Might as well let the dog in, I guess
-
>Might as well let the dog in, I guess
>Hyozan has been in your apartment before, but never quite like this. The dog seems somehow polite when you open the door and let him in. Thank you.
-
>Nod politely
>Of course.
>To Rin and Lily: Can you hear him as well, or is it just me?
-
>Nod politely
>Of course.
>To Rin and Lily: Can you hear him as well, or is it just me?
>The knowledge of your fight with the Stuntrons is known to every Blood in the city. Those close to the fight detected the use of Grey power, and those farther away were informed by them. But, don't worry. he adds quickly. The identity of the women fighting the Stuntrons is unknown to any but me.
>Rin replies, No. while Lily shakes her head.
-
>That is some comfort, at least.
>Pause
>Does... Letty have any idea that you're more than just an ordinary dog?
-
>That is some comfort, at least.
>Pause
>Does... Letty have any idea that you're more than just an ordinary dog?
>I knew you kept a secret. I would not betray you.
>I have not told her. he states, though you detect a hint of uncertainty in his voice. As though he's not quite sure whether she does or not.
-
>I... admit to feeling some sheepishness at how I've interacted with you in past. I always knew you were a very smart dog, but....
-
>I... admit to feeling some sheepishness at how I've interacted with you in past. I always knew you were a very smart dog, but....
>The big dog shakes his head, a very human gesture. That life if the life I chose. he states simply.
-
>Yet you still keep in touch with... higher powers?
-
>Yet you still keep in touch with... higher powers?
>These were unique circumstances. It's not everyday someone like you comes along. I knew you had power. I knew you were fighting evil. But to challenge a group of evil Blood, and win, is special. To win as you did, that has never been done.
-
>And others had questions?
-
>And others had questions?
>Many others. After what you did to the Stuntrons, every Blood in the world is going to be looking for you. Well, they were. The search should be called off now.
-
>Oh? Why is that?
-
>Oh? Why is that?
>Hyozan visibly hesitates, but seems to collect himself a moment later. Because one of the Kindred has vouched for you.
-
>Do we... know what the Kindred are?
-
>Do we... know what the Kindred are?
>You do not.
-
>A... Kindred?
-
>A... Kindred?
>You've never heard of us? he asks, sounding, you think, cautiously hopeful.
-
>I've never heard the term used that way, no.
-
>I've never heard the term used that way, no.
>The dog sits back on his haunches. You somehow have the impression that it is a gesture of relief. Among the Blood, the non-humanoid Blood are called Kindred. We are the... 'others'. The un-noble Blood. The untrustworthy and the untrusting. His voice becomes noticeably sadder as he describes the Kindred.
>"Excuse me." Rin cuts in, stepping forward with a lock of faint annoyance on her face. "But if you can talk to my Mistress, can you talk to us, too?"
>Hyozan whimpers quietly, then looks over at Rin. He is silent for a moment, his body language showing a modicum of tension. But when he resumes talking, you sense that he is now reaching farther out, using the same means he is using with you to connect with your other two magical girls. Can you hear me now? he asks.
>Lily blinks and smiles. "Sweet, I can hear you!" The little blonde's wings flutter happily. "I'd give you a big hug, but I've got my hands full." And she does, having returned to her cooking in the meantime.
-
>"Untrustworthy and untrusting?"
-
>"Untrustworthy and untrusting?"
>The relationship between Inhuman and Human Blood has not always been healthy. Hyozan replies, his tone speaking volumes about just how unhealthy he means.
-
>Offer a sympathetic smile
>"How anyone could think that about someone so faithful and loyal is beyond me."
-
>Offer a sympathetic smile
>"How anyone could think that about someone so faithful and loyal is beyond me."
>The big dog's tail wags back and forth. Winning the trust of a Kindred was once thought to be impossible. So when a Kindred expresses trust in a Human, that carries a lot of weight. And you women have my trust. You protect this city. And you protect Letty.
-
>"We do. And thank you, Hyozan. You have my trust as well."
>"Though would it be prying to ask who it was you were speaking with?"
-
>"We do. And thank you, Hyozan. You have my trust as well."
>"Though would it be prying to ask who it was you were speaking with?"
>The dog bows his head to you.
>A Kindred of the Shadow realm. One who wears a White Jewel. One of the ones that wants to talk to you.
-
>"The Shadow realm?"
>"And what did they want to talk to me about? Well, other than what they said to me directly."
-
>"The Shadow realm?"
>"And what did they want to talk to me about? Well, other than what they said to me directly."
>If you can believe what you hear about the White Council, they'll want to know how you did what you did to the Stuntrons. And why you did it. Non-blood have fought and defeated, even killed, Blackblood before, but no one's ever changed a Blood Jewel before. They'll want to know where you stand in the Blood War, and probably try and get a better sense of how strong you are. He pauses. And, if you could do the same to them, too.
>As for the Shadow Realm... As you humans say, that is a long story.
-
>"I'm willing to listen."
-
>"I'm willing to listen."
>Well, I can tell what I know, but it won't be as much as the White Lord that crosses over. I'm not much of a historian.
-
>"That's fine; given that I know nothing at all, it's certain to be an improvement."
-
>"That's fine; given that I know nothing at all, it's certain to be an improvement."
>All right. The Shadow Realm is the world where the majority of the Blood live. Long ago, thousands of years, most of the Blood left this world for another, to escape the persecution and hatred of the Heikot. The non-Blood.
-
>"But they can come and go from there freely?"
-
>"But they can come and go from there freely?"
>Not freely. As far as I know, there's only two ways to travel between worlds. Either using the physical passage, or by being strong enough to open a hole in the barrier between worlds. A level of power which only the strongest possess. I, for example, would not be able to.
-
>"But the person you were talking to....?"
>"Also: there's a physical passage?"
-
>"But the person you were talking to....?"
>"Also: there's a physical passage?"
>Is among those who are strong enough to do so, yes. But I seriously doubt he'll be the one coming. He hates this world.
>Yes.
-
>"Shall I assume its location is a closely-guarded secret?"
-
>"Shall I assume its location is a closely-guarded secret?"
>Hyozan barks once. Oh, I didn't know you wanted to know where it was. It's in the mountains of Walakia. He tilts his head at you curiously. Why?
>You're familiar with Walakia. It's a medium-sized country in eastern Europe.
-
>"I was just curious. I had assumed that if they'd used it to escape persecution, its location might have been hidden."
>"...what do you think I should expect from this White Lord you say is coming?"
-
>"I was just curious. I had assumed that if they'd used it to escape persecution, its location might have been hidden."
>"...what do you think I should expect from this White Lord you say is coming?"
>It is. To those without a Jewel, the correct passage through the mountains is just another mountain pass. Only the Blood can find the way.
>Hyozan looks away from you, tilting his head up. You guess that's his way of thinking. It's hard to predict. It depends on whoever comes here. The Lords and Warlords of the White Council are not one unified mind. I know that some will see you as a threat. I also know that some will see you as a friend.
-
>"We seem to have a nasty habit of ending up in the middle of factional conflicts.... But I'm sure you understand why we did what we did for the Stuntrons. I just... wanted to give them the chance to lead an honest and good life - something that had been denied them by the circumstances of their birth. To have that much malice and dark emotion thrust on you before you are even truly awake to life...."
-
>"We seem to have a nasty habit of ending up in the middle of factional conflicts.... But I'm sure you understand why we did what we did for the Stuntrons. I just... wanted to give them the chance to lead an honest and good life - something that had been denied them by the circumstances of their birth. To have that much malice and dark emotion thrust on you before you are even truly awake to life...."
>The dog listens silently as you spell out your reasoning for changing the biker gang. When you are finished, Hyozan growls quietly. No. I do not understand. Kindred or no, I am still a Brightblood. And while I am happy you defeated them, I would have been happier if you had killed them.
>As if to punctuate his statement, the dog straightens himself and you feel the very faintest whiff of power. In the area between his two piercing blue eyes, an uncut blue jewel, something that looks to your eye like a sapphire, fades into being.
-
>"Blackbloods or no, they were still people. What choice did they make to become Blackbloods? Would it not have been better if they had been something else, instead? If they had been given the opportunity to help, rather than harm?"
-
>"Blackbloods or no, they were still people. What choice did they make to become Blackbloods? Would it not have been better if they had been something else, instead? If they had been given the opportunity to help, rather than harm?"
>Not if they could still threaten Letty. Hyozan replies. I don't know exactly what you did to those people, but I know what they were.
-
>"If they threaten her, we will be there to stop it; I promise this. But I wish to believe that the threat once posed by the Stuntcons is gone for good now."
-
>"If they threaten her, we will be there to stop it; I promise this. But I wish to believe that the threat once posed by the Stuntcons is gone for good now."
>I will hope you are right. There is that barely-perceptible whiff of power again, and Hyozan's Jewel disappears again.
>"How do you do that?" Rin asks.
>It's an ability all Blood share. Kindred simply have more reason than non-Kindred to use it.
-
>"And you were just... born knowing all this?"
-
>"And you were just... born knowing all this?"
>Hyozan tilts his head to the side. All of what?
-
>"Your powers and what they stem from."
-
>"Your powers and what they stem from."
>You mean, are we born knowing all that we are and all we can do?
-
>"Yes, I guess. Or does it need to taught?"
-
>"Yes, I guess. Or does it need to taught?"
>Taught. There are some skills that are shared by all the Blood, but everyone has to learn how to use them. Potential skills, would be a better way to put it.
>"Shared by both sides?" Rin asks.
>By both Bright and Black Blood, yes.
-
>"Are all Blood born to parents that are also Blood, then?"
-
>"Are all Blood born to parents that are also Blood, then?"
>Yes. More accurately, at least one parent must be Blood.
-
>Do we actually know anything about how Letty and Hyozan came to be living together, or how long they have been?
-
>Do we actually know anything about how Letty and Hyozan came to be living together, or how long they have been?
>You recall Letty saying that Hyozan has been with her for 'a while', and knowing her, that probably implies a number of years. But as for how the two connected, you don't recall it ever coming up.
-
>"How did you end up living with Letty, then?"
-
>"How did you end up living with Letty, then?"
>The big dog's tail swishes from side to side quickly, and with a touch of dry humor in his voice, Hyozan replies, I followed her home.
>Lily bursts out laughing.
-
>Chuckle softly
>"How long ago was this?"
-
>Chuckle softly
>"How long ago was this?"
>Six winters ago.
-
>"I hope this isn't too personal a question, but... why? Why choose to live as though you were just an ordinary dog?"
-
>"I hope this isn't too personal a question, but... why? Why choose to live as though you were just an ordinary dog?"
>Because it makes me happy. the big dog says contentedly. Especially now that I've found someone that I make happy, too.
>"Aww..." Lily remarks.
>Isn't that why you live life like an ordinary human? Even though you have such powers? Hyozan asks you.
-
>"I... I guess that's a fair point...."
-
>"I... I guess that's a fair point...."
>Some Kindred conceal themselves out of fear, as Humans fear what is different from them. And even among the Blood, Kindred are outsiders. But for me, it is the life I want. I consider myself very fortunate that I have never had cause to use my Craft against anyone that would threaten Letty, to reveal what I am. He pauses. Is that something I need to wrry about now?
-
>"I won't tell her if you don't wish me to, if that's what you're asking."
-
>"I won't tell her if you don't wish me to, if that's what you're asking."
>It wasn't, but thank you for saying it directly. No, what I meant to ask about was the beings you have been fighting. I know you've fought the Blood, and I know you've fought these alien Champions, and that giant. Are there more threats in this city I need to look out for?
-
>"I wish I could feel confident in answering that, but these days have held a great many surprises for me. I shall say 'None that I know of at present', but the Champions are quite enough danger on their own and we have to assume that the rest of their number will follow eventually."
-
>"I wish I could feel confident in answering that, but these days have held a great many surprises for me. I shall say 'None that I know of at present', but the Champions are quite enough danger on their own and we have to assume that the rest of their number will follow eventually."
>Do they have a weakness that you know of?
-
>"Us. Or rather, they seem to possess a virtual immunity to any magic other than ours, though their power is still enormous, even then."
-
>"Us. Or rather, they seem to possess a virtual immunity to any magic other than ours, though their power is still enormous, even then."
>Does that include Craft?
-
>Is that a term for the use of Blood powers? Or do we not actually know what Hyozan specifically means here?
>If not, ask. Otherwise:
>"I've not seen a Blood use their powers against them, but they shrugged off the arts of some of the most powerful mikos of the Four Shrines without effort."
-
>Is that a term for the use of Blood powers? Or do we not actually know what Hyozan specifically means here?
>If not, ask. Otherwise:
>"I've not seen a Blood use their powers against them, but they shrugged off the arts of some of the most powerful mikos of the Four Shrines without effort."
>Hyozan used the term 'my Craft' earlier, so you assume he is referring to his brand of power. Whether or not that's the term all Blood use, or one that's unique to him or his breed, you're not sure.
>And they are strong. Hyozan agrees. Now that I think about it, the Lord that comes will want to know more about these Champions as well. It is possible they might even be able to help you fight them. They have wisdom and power that I lack.
-
>"We can always use more allies."
>Though if Brightbloods do indeed draw power from Celestial sources and the Children consider Celestials their sworn enemies, there might be problems....
-
>"We can always use more allies."
>Though if Brightbloods do indeed draw power from Celestial sources and the Children consider Celestials their sworn enemies, there might be problems....
>When would you prefer to make contact? Hyozan asks.
-
>"I thought they'd be coming whenever it pleased them. Is that not so?"
-
>"I thought they'd be coming whenever it pleased them. Is that not so?"
>I can contact them again, to try and arrange a more convenient time and for you. Just because I know your secret doesn't mean anyone else has to.
-
>"'Not today' would be good. I'm, frankly, rather worn out already."
-
>"'Not today' would be good. I'm, frankly, rather worn out already."
>Then if you had no more questions, I will leave you be.
>"I had just one." Rin says. "Just how strong are you? I mean, that blue jewel-"
>Sapphire. Hyozan cuts her off firmly, growing audibly. It is a Sapphire Jewel, not Blue. The Jewels are different between Bright and Black.
>Rin winces. "Sorry. In that case, how strong is a Sapphire Jewel?"
>Hyozan glances upward again, thinking. I don't quite know how best to explain to a Heikot. But it is beyond the middle point of power.
-
>"And you say you've never had cause to use it against another?"
-
>"And you say you've never had cause to use it against another?"
>There is a heavy pause before Hyozan replies. I said I've never had to use Craft to protect Letty.
-
>"Ah."
>Pause a moment to see if Hyozan volunteers anything else, but don't push the issue if it seems he'd rather not talk about it
-
>"Ah."
>Pause a moment to see if Hyozan volunteers anything else, but don't push the issue if it seems he'd rather not talk about it
>Does that trouble you?
-
>"That depends on the circumstances, I suppose."
-
>"That depends on the circumstances, I suppose."
>The big dog rumbles out a low growl but uses no words. And then Lily walks over to him, smiling, and kneels down in front of him. "It's all right." she says as she lays her hand on Hyozan's head. "We trust you."
>Hyozan is silent a moment longer, then licks Lily's hand. Letty is not the only one I've ever had cause to protect. he says at last.
-
>"Was this before you met, then?"
-
>"Was this before you met, then?"
>Hyozan nods.
-
>Pause a moment and if Hyozan does not carry on of his own accord, say gently: "If you'd rather not talk about it, that's alright, but I'm more than willing to listen."
-
>Pause a moment and if Hyozan does not carry on of his own accord, say gently: "If you'd rather not talk about it, that's alright, but I'm more than willing to listen."
>The memory is not a pleasant one. Nor were all the consequences of it.
-
>"Then I apologize for reminding you of it."
-
>"Then I apologize for reminding you of it."
>The dog rumbles a short noise and rubs his head against Lily's hand. It is all right. It was my old life. One I have left behind me.
-
>"In that case, I shall hope that a time where you feel forced to use your power does not come again."
-
>"In that case, I shall hope that a time where you feel forced to use your power does not come again."
>I thank you. But, should the time come that you feel you need my power, I will be there to aid you. Hyozan assures you. Lily rewards the big dog with a big hug.
-
>"Thank you."
>Smile
>"And thank you for being a faithful friend."
-
>"Thank you."
>Smile
>"And thank you for being a faithful friend."
>I've never been thanked for being what I am before. the big dog says with a soft chuckle.
>Lily gives the dog another affectionate hug, then opens the door for the big fellow, and he walks back out into the cold.
>Rin shakes her head in disbelief once he leaves. "Just when ya think your day can't get no weirder."
-
>"Like I said, I think I'm growing almost accustomed to weirdness by now."
>"Though I believe I shall be just as happy if nothing else shows up on our doorstep for the rest of the evening."
>Smile and give her a little kiss
-
>"Like I said, I think I'm growing almost accustomed to weirdness by now."
>"Though I believe I shall be just as happy if nothing else shows up on our doorstep for the rest of the evening."
>Smile and give her a little kiss
>"Don't get too used." says Lily, emerging from the washroom after washing her hands. "It's fun to be surprised!"
>Rin gratefully accepts your kiss. In fact, the redhead turns its descriptor from 'little' to 'firm' of her own accord. "Should I bolt the door?" she asks in a low voice.
>"Hey!" Lily yells, waving a spatula at you and Rin. "No hanky-panky while I'm cooking." she says, though she seems to be struggling to keep a smile off her face.
-
>Whisper: "Later, then." into Rin's ear and give her another quick kiss
>Then let's see if there's something helpful we can do
-
>Whisper: "Later, then." into Rin's ear and give her another quick kiss
>Then let's see if there's something helpful we can do
>"Promise." Rin replies in Eire.
>The two of you break about, only slightly regretfully, and both head to the kitchen. You, however, are banished in short order. Practically, there's really not enough room in your kitchen for three people to work, especially with one of thing bearing wings. Too, Lily and Rin insist on handling themselves; Lily because it's her job as the guest to impress, and Rin because she likes taking care of you. So you decide to freshen yourself up with a quick shower while the two of them are busy.
>It's funny, thinking about it. A few months ago, the idea of showering with a guest in your home would have been an odd one for you. But at least with Lily, it seems somehow natural. Lily seems to have a knack for making things feel natural, for making people feel comfortable around her. Despite her occasional ignorance of the concept of personal space.
>You make a note to ask her just where she produced that pink apron of hers, as well, when she and Rin are finished. Later, though. The hot water of your shower never felt so good, and while you might have preferred to bathe your sore muscles, you didn't want to occupy the bathroom for entirely too long.
>You emerge from your efforts towards cleanliness just in time to see Lily, evidently now finished with her cooking, give Rin a quick little peck on the cheek. That is a surprise, even from Lily. The real surprise, though, is that Rin doesn't really seem upset about it. Shocked, yes, but hardly upset. "What was that for?" she stammers after a moment.
>Lily beams, "'cuz I like you! And for helping with cooking." The peppy blonde undoes her apron. "I love to cook, but I love it even more when I cook with someone I like, or for someone I like. Today I got to do both!"
>As if her smile wasn't infectious enough, her joie de vie is even more so. But that to oneside for the moment, you are still determined to make yourself at least slightly useful, so, once you've applied your clothes, you set out the table for your two guests, having it ready for when Lily and Rin brought out the food. Which turns out to be omu-rice, a small bowl of noodle soup and a bit of salmon. Also fairly standard fare, Lily's presentation of the offering is actually rather splendid. It doesn't look at all dissimilar to the sort of thing you'd see in a restaurant. And it doesn't take you long to discover that it tastes as good as it looks. Lily has a real talent for this sort of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with Rin's culinary skills, but there's something else to Lily's cooking.
>Both you and Rin express this opinion to Lily, whose smile grows even wider than it already was at your praise. It's a wonder her cheeks don't ache all the time, the way she beams so.
>Although you can't quite ignore the gleam in her eyes as she looks at you and Rin throughout the meal. The one that you've come to recognize as indicating a rather different king of hunger.
-
Since it's somewhat unclear to me:
>Have we finished eating already?
>If so, as we polish off the last of it, smile: "That really was delightful. Thank you, both you."
-
Since it's somewhat unclear to me:
>Have we finished eating already?
>If so, as we polish off the last of it, smile: "That really was delightful. Thank you, both you."
>Near enough.
>"We aim to please!" Lily says with a big smile. For her part, Rin simply nods demurely. "I didn't know you could cook, Rin." Lily says to her, aiming her smile at the kasha.
>"I learned after Byakuren saved me. I thought it'd be a nice thing to do for her."
>"Aw, you're such a prize." Lily gushes, fluttering over to Rin and giving the kasha a warm hug.
>Rin seems just a little embarrassed. "I hope I've learned a few things since I started."
>"Oh, don't be so modest!" the blonde says, giving Rin a little shake. "Tell her, boss."
-
>Chuckle softly
>"You're a very fine cook, too, Rin."
>Smile
>"And I'm a very lucky woman to have you."
-
>Chuckle softly
>"You're a very fine cook, too, Rin."
>Smile
>"And I'm a very lucky woman to have you."
>Rin colors nicely, while Lily beams. "Now that's more like it. NOW you can flirt away."
-
>Teasingly: "Oh, I don't know... I fear that once I begin, I might not be able to stop."
-
>Teasingly: "Oh, I don't know... I fear that once I begin, I might not be able to stop."
>Lily laughs lightly. "The Morning Star nobody gets to see. Aren't you lucky, Rin."
>"Well, you're here, too." Rin mutters.
>Lily considers that. "So I am." she drawls. "I suppose I'd better leave you two alone, then, hadn't I."
-
>"Oh, you don't need to run off on our account. I'm sure I can restrain myself for a little while longer."
>Give Rin another little kiss and grin
>"Mostly."
-
>"Oh, you don't need to run off on our account. I'm sure I can restrain myself for a little while longer."
>Give Rin another little kiss and grin
>"Mostly."
>Coming around the table, you and Lily now stand on either side of Rin. There's an enviable position, if there ever was one.
>The little blonde flutters her wings and her eyelids. The smile on her face becomes slightly lopsided, the kind of smile you see on Marissa's face when someone has caught her eye. "You sure about that?" she asks in a low voice.
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>Swallow
>"Um, well, that is to say...."
>She does have such a beautiful face....
>Wait a minute-
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>Swallow
>"Um, well, that is to say...."
>She does have such a beautiful face....
>Wait a minute-
>Lily's laughter cuts through your mounting flusterment. Among other emotions. The little blonde leans back, brushing her long blonde hair back over her shoulder. She smiles at you, a strangely gentle look. "Still kinda new to you?" she asks, her voice as gentle as her smile, though carrying an undertone that sends a bit of a start down your spine.
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>"...you could say that."
>Spare a glance to see how Rin's taking this
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>"...you could say that."
>Spare a glance to see how Rin's taking this
>Rin's face is quite red, but she doesn't seem uncomfortable. Well, not extremely, anyway. In fact, as you look down at her, she looks up at you, checking on your condition. This act makes Lily smile even more. "Well, you can relax. I'd never do nothing to get between you two. You're too good together!"
>"W, well...." Rin starts, then bites her lip. She looks back up at you again, putting that particular ball in your court.
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>To Rin: Vivacious, isn't she?
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>To Rin: Vivacious, isn't she?
>Viva-what?
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>Um, spirited.
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>Um, spirited.
>Big time.
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>So what do you think?
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>So what do you think?
>I'm not worried about her, like she said, getting between us. I trust you.
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>So she has the official Rin Seal of Approval?
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>So she has the official Rin Seal of Approval?
>The redhead can't keep a grin off her face. I like the way you said that, Byakuren.
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>Grin back
>Then how about we show her that we're both on-board the 'Kiss Lily' train, hmmm?
>Assuming we get a general affirmative:
>Then on the count of three. 1, 2, 3.
>Let's kiss that beautiful spirited girl.
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>Grin back
>Then how about we show her that we're both on-board the 'Kiss Lily' train, hmmm?
>Assuming we get a general affirmative:
>Then on the count of three. 1, 2, 3.
>Let's kiss that beautiful spirited girl.
>Rin telepathically replies with a chuckle. I can get behind that.
>The look on Lily's face as you and Rin spring your surprise attack is one you imagine you'll recall for many years to come. It sort of defies description, but it persists for a few seconds before the energetic blonde manages to stagger out a short, "Whu...?"
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>Laugh, despite ourselves, then smile at her
>"You needn't worry about coming between us, Lily. Rin is special to me in a way like no one else and no one could displace her, but you're one of us, too - a dear and trusted companion and a very pretty girl besides."
>"And who in their right mind could refuse such a pretty girl when they looked at them like that."
>Glance to Rin and smirk slightly
>"I believe we're of the same opinion, yes?"
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>Laugh, despite ourselves, then smile at her
>"You needn't worry about coming between us, Lily. Rin is special to me in a way like no one else and no one could displace her, but you're one of us, too - a dear and trusted companion and a very pretty girl besides."
>"And who in their right mind could refuse such a pretty girl when they looked at them like that."
>Glance to Rin and smirk slightly
>"I believe we're of the same opinion, yes?"
>The kasha nods once. "Cooking isn't the only thing I got a lotta things ta learn about. I reckon you might have a thing or three ta teach to a girl like me. Like us." she amends.
>Lily's head bounces back and forth, as she very suddenly finds herself between two horny teenagers. "Learning something myself here..." she murmurs.
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>Smile sweetly: "I do hope I'm not tarnishing my saintly image here."
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>Smile sweetly: "I do hope I'm not tarnishing my saintly image here."
>Seeming to recover, the little blonde raises her head. "I don't think I'm gonna complain."
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>"Good."
>Kiss her again, more tenderly. Let's cherish the good things that have come out of this whirlwind adventure of ours - the wonderful people that we've grown close to and may yet be growing closer still.
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>"Good."
>Kiss her again, more tenderly. Let's cherish the good things that have come out of this whirlwind adventure of ours - the wonderful people that we've grown close to and may yet be growing closer still.
>Kissing Lily is a subtly different experience than Rin. The little blonde has locked lips with a lot more girls than you, and seems to know little tricks with her lips, her tongue, even her teeth, that neither you nor Rin possess. The thought of what else she can do with that mouth of hers is a thrilling one in and of itself. Though what she does with it first, to your surprise, is look at Rin again. "You're sure?" she asks the kasha in a remarkably solemn voice.
>And then you realize that her making extra sure that Rin is alright with this isn't a surprise at all, or at least it shouldn't be. You've touched Lily's soul before, in a way that even you and Rin haven't shared. You know her, and you're sure she knows you, in ways no other person can. She wouldn't dream of doing anything that might damage the relationship between you and Rin, between any two lovers. She loves sex, but she also understands the value of relationships. Especially for someone like Rin's, whose life has been so devoid of positive emotional connections before she met you. You know without even asking that Lily would love to be one of those positive emotional- and physical- connections, but she would never do it if it meant coming between her and her beloved mistress.
>Rin's reply comes in the form of a firm kiss. "Thank you." she breaths after breaking away. "But yes, I'm sure." Pressing her advantage over the again off-balance Lily, she starts to undress the blonde. "This kinda thing is... Well it's something I never thought would ever happen ta me. Sure didn't think it'd happen with two girls I cared about. But here we are. And I ain't about ta spoil it." She pauses, with Lily's shirt and arms suspended over her head, and gives the blonde a somewhat uncertain smile. "But, y'know, just... tell me what I need ta know, right?"
>That innocent look on Rin's face makes you lunge forward and kiss her yourself before Lily can reply. You think Lily says something to you both, but too much of your attention is focused on your Rin to register, or even care, what it was. You know that, eventually, someone manages to guide the group into your room. You think it was Lily, but you can't put money on it.
>The experience you find there is remarkably different from that you shared with Rin alone. The first time you and Rin made love, you both basically surrendered yourself to your passions, the lusts and needs and desires of the two of you boiling out of you in a tidal wave of passionate love. Lily, though, is a different creature. For all her bubbly nature, all her vivacity, the blonde is neither frenetic nor random. She is startlingly gentle with Rin, not pressing or pressuring her. And she is just as gentle with you. She doesn't just dive in with both feet, she gauges her lovers' reactions and feelings. She measures her passions for each person, clearly reveling in each sensation, but never abandoning reason or care. You knew she had experience, but over the course of the evening, the lovely little blonde Lily White teaches things to you and Rin that one would never expect could come from one that can look so innocent.
>Of course, that's not to say she spends the whole evening giving. Both you and Rin simultaneous decide to show her how fast learners you can be. Ironically, which she said she absolutely did not want to come between you two, that is precisely what she ends up doing. More than once.
>Quite some time later, with the three of you having spent all your useful energies', you lie between Lily and Rin, not exhausted or fatigued, but pleasantly tired, lazily running your fingers across Lily's wings and through Rin's loose hair, the pains and troubles of your day- a lot of your days, really- forgotten, shaken loose and left behind on a gentle tide of love. If this is what they call a heroes' reward, that alone makes your heroic efforts worthwhile. You'd be hard pressed to think of any better way to end a day than this.