Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on September 29, 2015, 02:03:52 AM
-
>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.
>What started as a pleasant morning, welcoming a new neighbor to your apartment complex, has turned into a day of trials. You discovered a link between Patchouli Knowledge and the Champion of Water, and your exploration of that link led to your awakening of a memory within you that indicated a past connection between you and her. And later, Sanae, as well. An impossible memory shared by the three of you, but your investigation was interrupted by the approach of the Champion of Air, whose arrival at your apartments heralded Sanae's awakening as the Avatar of Air. Shortly later, Patchouli became the Avatar of Water, mystically connected to Louise, and her resentment and anger towards her parents boiled over. You found yourself in the most unenviable position of having to defend Madame Knowledge, itself not the more appealing prospect, from your friend.
>One good thing to come of all this is that Reisen Udongein joined your group as Magical Poppy, and despite the both physical and psychological pain fighting Patchy caused her, she helped you best the Avatar of Water, a hard fought victory. Had Louise, now free from her prison, chosen to attack you, she could easily have destroyed the four of you. But she didn't, instead simply taking Patchouli and leaving, promising you that you'd settled the issue of Patchouli's excessive anger, and that she herself would take the remaining steps to handle the issue.
>Meeting Patchouli's aunt Alisaie after the fight was a much more pleasant experience, though talking to the meek, gentle-hearted summoner about her elder sister did absolutely nothing to improve your image of the woman. Both for the sake of Patchouli and Reisen, you resolved to claim ownership of Reisen from Madame Knowledge, and after a bit of treatment and rest, you, Lily, Rin and Reisen herself did just that, giving Madame Knowledge a rather well deserved shot to the face in the process. You even managed to get through to Alisaie, and convinced her to leave the Knowledge manor, and get out from under her sister's thumb, if only a little.
>With your latest slave in tow, and Lily off relocating Alisaie, you Rin and Reisen are taking Reisen's other bike back home.
>Well, there's always enough room in my bed for three....
>I imagine it wasn't month-to-month - that's more trouble for everyone. And the apartment doesn't need to be in your name for you to stay there, after all - it wasn't before. Patchouli is just... away on business; there's no reason to assume she's kicked you out. We'll figure something out with Reimu, don't worry.
>There's a fine image to start the thread on. Make it happen, Draco.
>Reisen smiles faintly. If Patchy were here, she'd tell you that I have a habit of worrying.
-
>Well, I do understand, but I promise we'll get this one sorted out just fine, one way or the other.
-
>Well, I do understand, but I promise we'll get this one sorted out just fine, one way or the other.
>It, uh, doesn't bother you, does it? she asks. Me being a... bit of a worry-wort, as Patchy's called me.
-
>Well, if you're already worrying, then feeling guilty about worrying isn't going to make things any better. This is a problem I feel confident you can rest easy in, but I'm hardly going to chastise you for finding it difficult to do so.
-
>Well, if you're already worrying, then feeling guilty about worrying isn't going to make things any better. This is a problem I feel confident you can rest easy in, but I'm hardly going to chastise you for finding it difficult to do so.
>So, that's a no?
-
>I'd rather you feel at peace for your own sake, of course, but no - I'm not otherwise bothered.
-
>I'd rather you feel at peace for your own sake, of course, but no - I'm not otherwise bothered.
>Okay, then. Had to make sure, that's all. Reisen clarifies as she pulls back in, having swerved around a truck that crawling up the Southern road. As she slows for the next stop sign, though, she broaches the topic of what you can tell from the tone of her voice to be another worry before she even says it. And, while we're talking about being bothered, you should know, Byakuren, that you're going to get a lot more attention once word gets out that you own me now. I'm not bragging here, it's a simply a fact, I'm one of the most unique slaves on the planet. People are going to come up to you wanting me a lot more than they do with Rin. No offense, Rin.
>The kasha wags her tail almost dismissively. True fact. But I wouldn't worry 'bout that neither. Byakuren can handle just about any buyer that comes a-knocking, and for the ones that don't get the message, I can always gnaw their ankles off.
-
>Chuckle
>Yes, I'm sure it won't be a problem. I am more than capable of telling people you're not for sale. And if I have to put up with a little bit more unwanted attention, then well... a small price to pay for giving you a freer life. Think nothing of it.
-
>Chuckle
>Yes, I'm sure it won't be a problem. I am more than capable of telling people you're not for sale. And if I have to put up with a little bit more unwanted attention, then well... a small price to pay for giving you a freer life. Think nothing of it.
>Reisen's eyes lower for a split second as she smiles. You really are strong, Byakuren.
-
>So are you, you know. No one could could do what you did this morning and be otherwise.
>Smile
>But on this front at least, I am quite certain things will turn out just fine, one way or the other.
-
>So are you, you know. No one could could do what you did this morning and be otherwise.
>Smile
>But on this front at least, I am quite certain things will turn out just fine, one way or the other.
>The lunar rabbit nods her agreement. You do feel for the woman still, moreso than ever, now that you know what she's come through in her life. Branded an enemy by two whole worlds... And yet her hard life has not hardened her. She has a good heart that's been waiting for a chance to shine. Now free of the oppression of the Knowledge family, perhaps it finally has that chance. You resolve to do whatever you can to help her along the way.
>One more think that you note about her today is the way she carries herself on her bike. The last time you rode with her she was wearing a full-face helmet, so you couldn't really get a good look at her face, but now you can see how her expression changes as you ride along. She seems more comfortable driving a motorcycle, more at ease with herself. She has a peaceful smile on her face when she's cruising down a straightaway, which tightens ever so slightly in the direction of a grin when she takes a corner perhaps a little harder than she ought to have but not so hard as to shake you and Rin about. Not distracted by conversation or paying attention to anyone else, the words 'her and the road' describe her look best.
>You pass by the school on your way home, hearing the sound of equipment being used coming from inside the building as Reisen slows on approach to home. Betcha Mima's in there too ridin' those poor guys like she rides us.
>No bet on that one. Reisen replies with a light chuckle as she makes the final turn into the Moonside yard. Another strange is parked outside, this one a light purple convertible with a white fabric roof. Neither its driver nor any of your neighbors are in evidence outside.
-
>Well, home again. And with more than a little explaining to do.
>Let's step out and see if we can figure out who's got company.
-
>Well, home again. And with more than a little explaining to do.
>Let's step out and see if we can figure out who's got company.
>Reisen powers down her hog as Rin once again hops out of your lap. It does occur to me, now, that there might be a way to distract Nitori if you wanted, Byakuren. she says as the three of you head towards the building.
-
>What do you mean?
-
>What do you mean?
>Well, you seemed reluctant to tell her about us. So, point out this bike to her. That'll keep her attention for a while.
-
>While that might be a fine distraction for a little while, questions are going to be raised sooner or later that we're going to have to answer - better to do it now.
-
>While that might be a fine distraction for a little while, questions are going to be raised sooner or later that we're going to have to answer - better to do it now.
>All right, just thought I'd mention.
>As she does so, Rin sticks a finger in the direction of Minoriko's room. I think whoever owns that car's in there. I can hear a guy's voice in there.
-
>Anyone you recognize?
-
>Anyone you recognize?
>Rin gets a little closer, listening a moment more. I think it's Koryu.
-
>Hmmm... but Reimu and the rest of her entourage are gone now? I wonder if he's still here about today's events somehow?
>...not that I would normally wish to pry, but I obviously don't want to break the full details to Minoriko and the others with someone else around.
-
>Hmmm... but Reimu and the rest of her entourage are gone now? I wonder if he's still here about today's events somehow?
>...not that I would normally wish to pry, but I obviously don't want to break the full details to Minoriko and the others with someone else around.
>So you wanna just hang out 'till he leaves?
-
>Might be for the best.
>Let's go up to our place and flop for a bit. It's been a long day already.
-
>Might be for the best.
>Let's go up to our place and flop for a bit. It's been a long day already.
>Deciding to leave the visiting male be, you walk up the stairs, past Minoriko's room, and enter into yours along with your now doubled-in-quantity arm candy. "Are you hungry, Mistress?" Rin asks as she pushes the door to.
-
>Are we?
>Assuming so, "A little, yes. I know Lily wanted us to go out for pie, and one presumes the possibility of a meal before that, but a little something in the meantime wouldn't go astray, I'm sure."
-
>Are we?
>Assuming so, "A little, yes. I know Lily wanted us to go out for pie, and one presumes the possibility of a meal before that, but a little something in the meantime wouldn't go astray, I'm sure."
>Yes you are.
>"Right, I'll see what I can do." Rin replies, opening up the fridge.
>"Any ideas as to where Lily was taking Alisaie?" Reisen asks, taking in a view of the apartment. "I don't remember her mentioning a name."
-
>"No idea."
-
>"No idea."
>"You could ask." Rin informs her.
>"I could? But I don't know- Oh you mean telepathically. Well, what sort of range does our telepathy have?"
-
>"I don't know the upper-limits, but I can reach the Tiger Shrine from here, at least."
-
>"I don't know the upper-limits, but I can reach the Tiger Shrine from here, at least."
>"And it's a private frequency, we can't reach people outside our group?"
-
>"As a general rule, no. Satori did sense when I used my telepathy, and I managed to communicate an image to her in a same way, but I think that had more to do with her own mind-reading abilities than the telepathy itself. When I experimented earlier, I couldn't properly reach someone if they weren't wearing their ring."
-
>"As a general rule, no. Satori did sense when I used my telepathy, and I managed to communicate an image to her in a same way, but I think that had more to do with her own mind-reading abilities than the telepathy itself. When I experimented earlier, I couldn't properly reach someone if they weren't wearing their ring."
>"Could you tell that they weren't wearing their ring at the time? I mean, if I was in the next apartment over and wasn't wearing my ring, would you be able to sense if I wasn't?"
-
>Could we actually tell this when we experimented with Rin, aside from simply not reaching her?
-
>Could we actually tell this when we experimented with Rin, aside from simply not reaching her?
>Not with your extra senses. You could see Rin, and yourself, not wearing your rings at the time, but you never received any kind of psychic sensation of a break in communication. That could have been a consequence of simple proximity, or a fact of the nature of your communication line, you're not sure.
-
>"I couldn't. Well, I mean I could see that she wasn't wearing it, since we were in the same room, but I didn't get any mental response that would make it obvious she didn't hear me."
-
>"I couldn't. Well, I mean I could see that she wasn't wearing it, since we were in the same room, but I didn't get any mental response that would make it obvious she didn't hear me."
>"Maybe that's something we could explore eventually." Reisen suggests.
>"Hold on a sec." Rin interrupts, titling her head to the side and twitching her ears. She leans her head towards the door for a moment before she asks Reisen, "Were you and Patchy expectin' someone today?"
>"I don't think so, why?"
>"Because I think I just heard someone knockin' on your door."
>"Any idea who?" Rin shakes her head no. "Well, leave them be for now. For all I know, it's one of Madame's servants already come looking for me."
-
>"Well, you're not her property, so it's immaterial if she finds you - she has no hold over you anymore and she'd best get used to it."
>Can we stick our neck out the window to have a look at who might be at her door? Or at least, who might be there after they give up and walk away? If so, do so.
-
>Can we stick our neck out the window to have a look at who might be at her door? Or at least, who might be there after they give up and walk away? If so, do so.
>No. You have no window in the front of your apartment.
>"Well, you're not her property, so it's immaterial if she finds you - she has no hold over you anymore and she'd best get used to it."
>"I'm just not looking for any trouble from her, at least not now. But I also know her well enough to know that she has a vindictive streak. Maybe she doesn't know that you're the one that has me, but I suspect she'll start her search for me here. And maybe her daughter, but at this point, I'm honestly not as sure about that part."
-
>"Vindictive or not, she isn't getting you back; you can rest easy in that."
-
>"Vindictive or not, she isn't getting you back; you can rest easy in that."
>Reisen offers you a smile. "Thanks. I was just hoping to have at least an hour between conflicts."
-
>"That makes two of us! So many crises to juggle these days; downtime is important, where it can be found."
-
>"That makes two of us! So many crises to juggle these days; downtime is important, where it can be found."
>Reisen looks at Rin, currently pulling a trio of apples out of the fridge, and grins. "For any number of reasons." she says in a voice that Marissa herself would be proud of.
-
>Let's relax, have a snack, and wait for others' company to clear out
-
>Let's relax, have a snack, and wait for others' company to clear out
>Rin presents you with the piece of fruit and sits herself down on the floor next to you. But the relaxation of you and your two friends doesn't last all that long before there comes a knock upon your door.
-
>Well, let's go answer it
-
>Well, let's go answer it
>Awaiting you on the other side of your door is not anyone attached to Madame Knowledge, but in fact, Minoriko, a mixture of concern and relief upon her face. "It IS you. I didn't know who that bike out there belonged to."
-
>"It's Reisen's, actually. How are you?"
-
>"It's Reisen's, actually. How are you?"
>"Reisen's home now?" she asks, confused. "But there was no answer at Patchouli's. Is she okay?"
-
>"She's fine, don't worry."
-
>"She's fine, don't worry."
>Minoriko starts to ask something else, but pauses, seeming to collect her thoughts. "We were worried about her. We thought she'd gone off to try and find Patchouli. We didn't know when she'd be back."
-
>"Patchouli is-"
>Let out a deep breath
>"Is Koryu gone now?"
-
>"Patchouli is-"
>Let out a deep breath
>"Is Koryu gone now?"
>Minoriko shakes her head. "No. He and his sister are still here, in my room, actually. They had something they needed to talk to Reisen about, something Reimu wanted them to tell her in person, apparently."
-
>To Reisen: Are you up for that?
-
>To Reisen: Are you up for that?
>There's no point putting it off. If it's good news, great, if it's bad, best to get it over with.
-
>Fair enough.
>Let's see what this is about. Unless someone says it's private, of course.
-
>Fair enough.
>Let's see what this is about. Unless someone says it's private, of course.
>As Rin and Reisen come to their feet behind you, Minoriko asks you, "We haven't seen you or Rin, either. Do you... know what's happened here?"
-
>Nod slowly
>"Yes."
-
>Nod slowly
>"Yes."
>"We had wondered. Oh, Reisen!" the blonde cries as Reisen comes into view.
>"Hey, Minoriko."
>"We've all been worried about you." Minoriko says as Reisen walks up to stand in front of her. Minoriko gives the tall rabbit a comforting hug, to Reisen's visible surprise.
>"Uh, sorry. But I got a little... swept up."
>"It's all right, as long as you're home and safe." Minoriko replies, smiling gently at Reisen.
>"I don't suppose Koryu mentioned what he wanted to talk about?" Reisen asks her as the four of you step outside again.
>"Not specifically. But I think it's good news."
>"What makes you think that?"
>"He's very honest with his emotions. If it was bad news, I think we would have seen some sign of it."
>"Well, I hope you're right."
>"Trust me, Reisen." Minoriko says sincerely, laying a comforting hand on Reisen's shoulder as she opens her door for her.
>As she does, you hear Nitori bellow from within, "Ah man, how'd you do that?! I had you!"
>To which a young man replies with a cluck of his tongue. "Takes more than that to get my tie off."
>An odd reply, but its meaning becomes a bit clearer as you take in the view of the happenings within. Seated around Minoriko's table, mahjhong tablets arrayed in front of them, are Letty, Kohaku, Nitori and Koryu. And none are fully dressed anymore. In fact, as you enter, Nitori, visibly grumbling, is in the process of pulling off her gloves. "Both of 'em, right?"
>"That's the rules at this table." the young man replies in a lazy, cocky voice, though the jacket, shoes, socks, shirt and gloves lying next to him indicate that perhaps he has not fared as well as his tone would indicate. Why he kept his tie and not his shirt is anyone's guess. Judging by the amount of clothes remaining on the four players, Kohaku appears to be winning at the moment.
-
>How badly are the others losing?
>Let's let them say their piece
-
>How badly are the others losing?
>Let's let them say their piece
>Letty appears to have lost her hat, socks and scarf and is in fairly good shape, while Nitori is now adding her gloves to the jacket, slippers, socks and backpack lying next to her. Kohaku is seated behind the kotatsu from your angle, so you can't tell how may articles she has lost, but she still has her striped cardigan on at least. Koryu is worse off than any, having lost his jacket, his shirt, sunglasses, socks, watch, necklace and belt. His purple tie now rests over his bare chest, giving you ladies a fine view of his muscular torso and the scars upon it, including one rather large vaguely star-shaped scar on his left breast. His is the kind of body that girls would just eat up, but that monster of a scar is just the thing to dampen their appetites.
>Being the one facing the door upon your arrival, Kohaku is the first to notice your entry. She gives you a polite nod and greetings.
>Nitori, being Nitori, is a bit less polite when she turns to look at you. "Where in the freezing depths have you been?!" she almost roars.
-
>"It's, um, something of a long story. I can explain later. I heard Kohaku and Koryu were looking for Reisen?"
-
>"It's, um, something of a long story. I can explain later. I heard Kohaku and Koryu were looking for Reisen?"
>"That we were, Byakuren, that we were." Koryu drawls as he picks himself up off the floor. "I think the game's over, ladies."
>"Oh no way are you getting away that easy." Nitori declares. "I haven't beaten you yet."
>"Sorry, Nitori." Kohaku says to assuage her as she, too, stands up. So far as you can tell, she hadn't lost a single piece of clothing. "But we need to get back to Reimu-sama once we deliver our message."
>"Oh, fine." the kappa pouts before jabbing her finger at Koryu. "But you owe me a rematch, boy."
>"Just make sure you're wearing more layers next time." the braided brunette grins at Nitori, who growls exaggeratedly in reply. This only makes Koryu's grin broader as he puts his belt back on.
>"Says the man minus his shirt." Letty remarks.
>"Yeah, well, much as I'm sure you'd like the chance to get me out of the rest, Kohaku's right, we do gotta get back to work."
>"Are you okay?" Kohaku asks Reisen.
>The rabbit smiles slightly and sighs. "I've had better days, but I'll be alright."
>"I'm sure." the bodyguard replies with a sympathetic smile. "Well, to get right down to it, Reimu didn't think that Patchy was coming back. Do you think she's right?"
>"No." Reisen says with a shake of her head. "She'll be back. Someday. But I honestly don't know when. I couldn't find her after she left."
>"Reimu thought that, you might have been worried, not just about Patchouli but about yourself as well."
>"She was?"
>"Actually, sis here was first." Koryu says as he pulls his shirt back on. "She just likes giving Reimu credit."
>"Koryu!" the woman cries, fixing her brother with a shocked look.
>Which he only smirks at. "Hey, I call 'em like I see 'em, sis. Can't remember the last time you didn't prop someone else up before yourself."
>"Kinda sounds like you like dat, Mistress." Rin says gently.
-
>"Is this to do with the lease on their apartment?"
-
>"Is this to do with the lease on their apartment?"
>"More or less." Koryu says as he shrugs his suit's jacket on. "See, technically, Reisen here wouldn't be allowed to stay in that apartment, on acount of her status, not without someone from the Knowledge family there as well." His use of the word 'status' speaks volumes about him little he cares for the idea himself. "There's some shit in the national rules about that."
>"Reimu, however, had a different opinion." his sister adds. "She wanted us to tell you that even if Patchouli's gone for a long time, you can stay there, if you wanted. The rent's been paid until January, and if nothing's changed by then, I'm sure Reimu-sama will be willing to work something out with you." Reisen blinks in surprise. "She would have told you that herself, but she was called back to the main household to report on what she saw today."
>"The Hakurei's don't like when this sort of thing happens in their city. You can be damn sure they're gonna try and get to the bottom of it. And the Saigyojis as well."
>"Hold on, hold on." Reisen interrupts, still seemingly not quite on the same page as the Daidoujis. "That's.. not up to me, that's up to my owner."
>"Yeah, well if Reimu were here, you can bet your ass she'd say something like, 'Screw that. You're my tenant and my friend, and this is my damn building, so what I say goes.'"
>Kohaku sighs at her brothers bluntness. "Tactless though he may be, he's not entirely wrong, Reisen. Everyone who lives here is Reimu-sama's responsibility, and she isn't the kind of person to let those responsibilities get pushed to the back burner. There's never a good time to turn someone out, and this would be one of the worst time. Reimu wouldn't hear of it."
>"And yeah, we know the Knowledges might have something to say about that." Koryu says as he belts his sword back on. "I wouldn't worry much about that, either. The Hakureis have a bit more clout than those two."
-
>See? I told you things would work out alright.
>"I'm glad to hear it. A little bit of normalcy in light of these recent events is something we all could use, I think."
-
>See? I told you things would work out alright.
>"I'm glad to hear it. A little bit of normalcy in light of these recent events is something we all could use, I think."
>Reisen's ears droop as she sighs in relief. Minoriko and Rin each lay a friendly hand on the rabbit's shoulders.
>"And while we're talking, I'll tell you three what we told your friends here earlier. Any more of those wizards, or whatever they were, show up here, call Reimu straight off." Kohaku instructs. "Some us, like me, train for handling that kind of problem." To emphasize his point, he holds up his left fist, and a ring on his finger sparks with power.
>"But, ain't you bodyguards?" Rin asks, puzzled.
>Kohaku nods. "But Reimu-sama understands that we have skills and abilities beyond the average bodyguard."
>"We're her elite troops." her brother declares, walking up to stand next to Kohaku and dropping his arm possessively across her shoulders. "And I for one am sorry I wasn't here to prove just how elite."
-
>That ring isn't giving off any Champion-associated power, is it?
>Just how much power do we think he has, anyway?
-
>That ring isn't giving off any Champion-associated power, is it?
>Just how much power do we think he has, anyway?
>It is not. It's obviously magical- In fact, a lot of items he's wearing are giving off magical signatures, him ad his sister both. And while the energy that ring is giving off is a bit abnormal, not quite like any kind of magic you've sensed before, the ring itself is couched in more mundane magic, as is the rest of the gear worn by him and his sister. Fairly powerful stuff, too. Either one of them might be able to land a decent blow against an Avatar, since it appears that Terran magics work on them, but the Daidoujis wouldn't even be able to scratch a Champion.
>Having said that though, there is something peculiar about the magical auras of Kohaku and Koryu themselves. Both of them are magic users, you can sense that plainly enough, but there's something else there as well. It isn't Champion related, or related to Makai in any way at all, you're fairly confidant of that. But it is also rather faint, and impossible to gauge any specifics on in your human form. It doesn't appear to be like anything you've ever sensed before.
-
>So we have no idea what this odd aura is, nor would we be able to tell anything further without transforming?
>"Well, I certainly appreciate the offer."
-
>So we have no idea what this odd aura is, nor would we be able to tell anything further without transforming?
>"Well, I certainly appreciate the offer."
>Basically, yes. With more concentration, you might be able to glean something more in the way of detail from the siblings, but with so many people around, someone's bound to notice you trying.
>"That's what we do. Fight evil, protect our boss, have fun along the way, and not always in that order." Koryu says with that lazy grin of his, and gives his sister a quick kiss on the cheek to emphasize his last point.
>"Okay, you've delivered your message." Nitori calls out to Koryu as his sister squirms under his gruff affection. "Now get back here, so I can get that tie off you."
>The braided man chuckles an almost evil chuckle. "Better tile-shufflers than you've tried, girlie. But my sister here'd spend the whole time beating me over the head that we've got work do to."
>"He does have a point." Kohaku tosses over her shoulder. "We really should be getting back to Reimu-sama. But, I should mention, that if any of you don't feel safe here, after those events earlier today, then please tell us now. We can arrange for increased security quickly."
-
>Just nod silently. Hard to explain why we think that's unnecessary without also explaining why we'd know that without having been here.
-
>Just nod silently. Hard to explain why we think that's unnecessary without also explaining why we'd know that without having been here.
>"I think we're all fine." Letty says, quietly confidant. Nitori nods solemnly, as does Minoriko. None of the three women say anything else on the matter, but as someone who's lived with them, you can plainly feel the sense of solidarity between them, the comfort and strength that they draw from each other. And yourself, Rin and Reisen, of course. It makes you feel honored to be a part of.
>Kohaku smiles when she looks between your faces. "I understand."
>"All right, then, we'd best be going." Koryu says as he removes his arm from around his sister's shoulders.
>"Thank you for staying, for telling me." Reisen says, starting to bow to the siblings, but Koryu holds his hand up when she starts.
>"None of that. I get enough of that as it is." he says gruffly. "You already thanked me, you don't need to bow as well."
>"Pardon my brother." Kohaku says to Reisen as Koryu walks past you. "He has his opinions, but he doesn't mean anything bad by it." With a slight sigh, she adds, "Most of the time."
>"It's all right. It's just, well, people don't often tell me NOT to bow."
>"Yeah. I think that's why he does it with... people in your circumstance." Reisen gives the male sibling a look of surprise, and the lazy, arrogant smile on his face doesn't seem quite as cocky when it is colored by the sympathy in his eyes that he offers her. Then he is gone, and his sister bids you all a good day, and follows after him.
-
>Pause a moment, then ask our other neighbours in the room: "How's everyone holding up? Considering what happened this morning?"
-
>Pause a moment, then ask our other neighbours in the room: "How's everyone holding up? Considering what happened this morning?"
>"Not bad, really." Letty reasserts. "Obviously we were all a bit shaken, but I think we're all past it now."
>"Kohaku and Koryu helped as well." Minoriko adds. "Of course we don't understand exactly what happened, but we're not as worried about it as we were. What we are, though, is still worried about Patchouli. And Sanae, too."
>"But since we can't do anything about that right now, I gotta know, how the devil'd you know what happened?" says Nitori as she pulls her fingerless gloves back on. "You and Rin dropped off the radar earlier."
>"You don't think they asked Reisen?" Letty remarks.
>The kappa ponders that for a moment, then admits, "Okay I didn't think of that. Sorry."
-
>"It's quite alright."
>Take a deep breath
>"But there is something I believe I should share with you, in light of what's happened today. Can I trust the three of you to keep something in the utmost confidence?"
-
>"It's quite alright."
>Take a deep breath
>"But there is something I believe I should share with you, in light of what's happened today. Can I trust the three of you to keep something in the utmost confidence?"
>"You know you can trust us, Byakuren." Letty says quickly.
-
>"Yes, I know, but this is more... significant than most confidences. I need each of your promises that you won't repeat this to anyone else."
-
>"Yes, I know, but this is more... significant than most confidences. I need each of your promises that you won't repeat this to anyone else."
>Letty and Minoriko exchange a glance. "If it's that important, Byakuren, you know we won't say anything." Minoriko says, and Letty agrees with a solemn nod.
>"Did something happen while you three were out?" Nitori asks. "Since you're asking us, and not Rin or Reisen."
-
>"In a manner of speaking."
>Give Nitori a moment to give some explicit sign of acquiescence.
-
>"In a manner of speaking."
>Give Nitori a moment to give some explicit sign of acquiescence.
>"Okay fine, if it means that much to you, then I promise, too."
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Take another deep breath
>"One of the women who was here this morning - the one on the blue floating disc - that was... me."
-
>Nod
>"Thank you."
>Take another deep breath
>"One of the women who was here this morning - the one on the blue floating disc - that was... me."
>"You?" Minoriko gasps.
>"How's that possible?" Nitori says. "Patchy's the mage, not you."
-
>"It's true that I'm no magician, but nonetheless, that was me. And Rin was there beside me as well. That is where the two of us disappeared this morning; we went to intercept Elis - the winged woman who empowered Sanae - before she could reach our apartments. That... did not go exactly as planned...."
-
>"It's true that I'm no magician, but nonetheless, that was me. And Rin was there beside me as well. That is where the two of us disappeared this morning; we went to intercept Elis - the winged woman who empowered Sanae - before she could reach our apartments. That... did not go exactly as planned...."
>"Whoa whoa, back up there, Byakuren." Nitori says, waving her extended hand. "Don't get ahead of us here, you're not making sense yet."
-
>"Sorry, sorry. I know it's probably rather hard to believe. I can demonstrate, if you'd like."
-
>"Sorry, sorry. I know it's probably rather hard to believe. I can demonstrate, if you'd like."
>"She's telling the truth." Rin asserts, coming up to stand beside you.
>Letty rubs the back of her head uncertainly. "Well, it's not that we don't believe her, but, well, you have to admit, it's quite a claim."
>"Especially since none of us recognized you, either of you." Minoriko says with a nod.
-
>"One side-effect of this power seems to be hiding one's identity from others. At least most of the time. Only twice have I seen someone see through it without foreknowledge."
>"But here, this probably would be simpler if I just demonstrated."
>Let's transform. Nothing like a visual aid to dispel doubt.
-
>"One side-effect of this power seems to be hiding one's identity from others. At least most of the time. Only twice have I seen someone see through it without foreknowledge."
>"But here, this probably would be simpler if I just demonstrated."
>Let's transform. Nothing like a visual aid to dispel doubt.
>With a measured invocation of, "Lotus Purity Ascent.", you transform into your magical girl form.
>"Norda's tears." Nitori swears, sitting down heavily.
>"By the cold." Letty whispers, an old yuki-onna saying you've learned. "It really was you."
>Minoriko, one hand raised to her mouth, gapes. "How?"
-
>Do we know what a Nordra is, and why is it crying?
>"This power was... bequeathed to me by a being from outside our world so that I might help defend the people of this one. You remember that 'gas leak' we had a little while ago at school? That was no gas leak, but rather a deliberate attack on the people there - one that I was able to fend off because of this power. And there have been others since - some you yourself may have been aware of."
-
>Do we know what a Nordra is, and why is it crying?
>"This power was... bequeathed to me by a being from outside our world so that I might help defend the people of this one. You remember that 'gas leak' we had a little while ago at school? That was no gas leak, but rather a deliberate attack on the people there - one that I was able to fend off because of this power. And there have been others since - some you yourself may have been aware of."
>You suspect it may be a deity or some kind of spirit sacred to the Kappa, but Nitori's never explained it before. She doesn't use that expression very often.
>"But why you?" Minoriko asks.
-
>"I was told that I was uncommonly compatible with this power. Perhaps I also happened to be in the right place at the right time - someone nearby enough to make a difference. But the power I wield draws its strength from... well, you may find this terribly corny, but... love. Love for those I call friend, for those I would protect, perhaps even for those I must fight against. It is not the kind of magic one can study in books, but strength of the heart."
-
>"I was told that I was uncommonly compatible with this power. Perhaps I also happened to be in the right place at the right time - someone nearby enough to make a difference. But the power I wield draws its strength from... well, you may find this terribly corny, but... love. Love for those I call friend, for those I would protect, perhaps even for those I must fight against. It is not the kind of magic one can study in books, but strength of the heart."
>Minoriko smiles. "That part is easy to understand."
>"Now hold on." Nitori interjects, her face still passing between confusion and anger. "If you've had this power for that long, that means you've been fighting for that long, right? So why didn't you tell us? We could've helped!"
-
>"The danger in this is very real. I wanted to avoid involving others if I could - exposing them to danger or frightening them with what's been going on. But after what you witnessed this morning, I didn't feel right feigning ignorance instead of trying to explain what happened - at least so far as I understand it myself."
-
>"The danger in this is very real. I wanted to avoid involving others if I could - exposing them to danger or frightening them with what's been going on. But after what you witnessed this morning, I didn't feel right feigning ignorance instead of trying to explain what happened - at least so far as I understand it myself."
>"You could've told us sooner." Nitori insists. Pointing a finger at Rin, she adds, "You told her, didn't you?"
>"Nitori, you have to admit, it'd be pretty hard to keep something like this a secret from the woman she lives with." Letty remarks dryly.
>The kappa stews over that one for a moment before turning her accusatory gaze towards Reisen. "Okay fine. But how come she found out before us."
>"That one's easy, too." Letty says. "It was because of what happened with Patchouli, right, Byakuren?"
-
>Nod
>"Yes. I asked for her help to bring Patchouli back to us. That...."
>Frown
>"That hasn't quite worked out yet. But it will."
-
>Nod
>"Yes. I asked for her help to bring Patchouli back to us. That...."
>Frown
>"That hasn't quite worked out yet. But it will."
>"But if you were worried about, then...." Minoriko's eyes go wide as she looks at Reisen. "Does that mean that, you can transform, too?"
>Reisen nods slowly, holding up her right hand. "This ring gives me the same sort of power that Byakuren has in her Magical Lotus form."
>Letty cocks an eyebrow. "'Magical Lotus'?"
-
>"It's the name I'm known by in this guise. We've had dealings with a number of different outside parties by now."
-
>"It's the name I'm known by in this guise. We've had dealings with a number of different outside parties by now."
>"Including that bat-winged woman that stole Sanae?" Nitori asks.
-
>"Mostly unpleasant dealings with her. We've fended off attacks by her minions no less than 3 times before today."
>"But I should note that whatever it was she awakened in Sanae, there was some latent connection between them even before she met her here. Something... I do not yet understand. Much of what she said earlier puzzles me nearly as much as it must have puzzled you. But this was more than something Elis did to her; there was something done long before. Somehow."
-
>"Mostly unpleasant dealings with her. We've fended off attacks by her minions no less than 3 times before today."
>"But I should note that whatever it was she awakened in Sanae, there was some latent connection between them even before she met her here. Something... I do not yet understand. Much of what she said earlier puzzles me nearly as much as it must have puzzled you. But this was more than something Elis did to her; there was something done long before. Somehow."
>The three civilians pause for a moment to long between themselves, plainly confused by your explanation, before Nitori speaks up again, "Well, that's as may be, but what happened with Patchy?"
-
>"She too was... changed. As Sanae became the Avatar of Air, so she became the Avatar of Water. I... think if I had succeeded in keeping her apart from her Champion, they might both have simply have died where they stood."
-
>"She too was... changed. As Sanae became the Avatar of Air, so she became the Avatar of Water. I... think if I had succeeded in keeping her apart from her Champion, they might both have simply have died where they stood."
>"Her 'Champion'?" Letty asks.
-
>"Sorry. There's just so much to explain it's hard to know where to start. The woman whom Patchy is linked to is called the Champion of Water, just as Elis was Champion of Air. They are both immensely powerful beings, recently come here from another plane known as Makai."
-
>"Sorry. There's just so much to explain it's hard to know where to start. The woman whom Patchy is linked to is called the Champion of Water, just as Elis was Champion of Air. They are both immensely powerful beings, recently come here from another plane known as Makai."
>The looks of confusion don't really fade. "Maybe you'd better sit down, Byakuren." Letty offers. "I think we'd all like to hear this story from the beginning."
-
>"Right. Sorry."
>Let's sit down and start filling in important things. For the time-being, we can skirt around personal things involving people who might not be so comfortable sharing them, like Kiku, and try not to paint too terrifying a picture of what's at stake here, but we can otherwise explain our past dealings with Elis and Louise, how we imprisoned and semi-befriended her, the episode at school yesterday, what happened with Patchy, and why the Champions aren't necessarily malicious despite what they are trying to do here - but still extremely dangerous.
-
>"Right. Sorry."
>Let's sit down and start filling in important things. For the time-being, we can skirt around personal things involving people who might not be so comfortable sharing them, like Kiku, and try not to paint too terrifying a picture of what's at stake here, but we can otherwise explain our past dealings with Elis and Louise, how we imprisoned and semi-befriended her, the episode at school yesterday, what happened with Patchy, and why the Champions aren't necessarily malicious despite what they are trying to do here - but still extremely dangerous.
>Minoriko lays out some tea and some spiced tarts as you begin your tale of conflict and heroism, of an imprisoned people desperate for their lives and how you have found yourself in conflict with them. While you leave Kiku's name out of the story, you do mention Lily White's involvement, which seems to stick especially in Nitori's craw. The feisty kappa seems slighted at not having been invited to the fight, not out of any real desire to fight the demons, you think, but more out of some sense of pride. And while you're not entirely certain she follows everything you say about the past events, Letty and Minoriko seem to be almost entirely understanding.
>Both Reisen and Rin transform to demonstrate their powers as you did, and despite your friends praise of her figure and desire to see her other Spectrum costumes, Reisen declines to put on her own 'magical girl fashion show', as Nitori calls it, and resumes her mundane form, as does her fellow slave.
>After you finish, Minoriko leans forward slightly. "What about Marissa?" she asks carefully. "Does she know about this?"
-
>Shake our head
>"No."
-
>Shake our head
>"No."
>"That's a surprise." says Nitori.
>"Not really." Letty disagrees. "I'm not taking anything away from how close you two are, Byakuren, but the fact is, Nitori, she lives with Rin. She doesn't live with Marissa."
>"Well she lives with us, too, and that didn't stop her trying to keep us in the dark."
>"Nitori." Minoriko admonishes her. "You know Byakuren better than that. I'd hardly blame her for not wanting to involve us in this mess, or anyone else if she could avoid it."
>"And that's another thing." the Kappa says. "There's safety in numbers, Byakuren, that's common sense. You'd have probably beat that Elis missy if you'd had more people throwing power at her." She emphasizes her point with a wave of her fist.
-
>"Perhaps, but this is not a conflict that will end well simply by throwing more firepower at it. Louise probably could have killed us all today if she'd wished to; after the fight with Patchy, I don't know that we'd have enough left in us to stop her. And I'd like to think a large part of the reason why she didn't is because of the measure of understanding for one another that we'd managed to cultivate earlier. If we're to find a peaceful resolution to all this, then I think patience, tolerance, and understanding are needed just as much as firepower."
-
>"Perhaps, but this is not a conflict that will end well simply by throwing more firepower at it. Louise probably could have killed us all today if she'd wished to; after the fight with Patchy, I don't know that we'd have enough left in us to stop her. And I'd like to think a large part of the reason why she didn't is because of the measure of understanding for one another that we'd managed to cultivate earlier. If we're to find a peaceful resolution to all this, then I think patience, tolerance, and understanding are needed just as much as firepower."
>"From what you've told us about Elis and the Fire Champion, a peaceful resolution might not be possible." Letty says sympathetically.
>Minoriko, though, smiles. "But Byakuren won't stop trying, Letty."
>"Fine, swell, but tell me something else, B." says Nitori. "If you wanted to, couldn't you just whip up some of those power rings for us, or anyone else you wanted on side?"
-
>"No, not anyone. Their heart needs to resonate with it; the ring itself responds to the will and emotion within a person."
-
>"No, not anyone. Their heart needs to resonate with it; the ring itself responds to the will and emotion within a person."
>"So you don't control it?" Nitori says with a frown.
-
>"I can choose to follow up on this resonance or not, but it may be that not everyone is compatible with this power - at least, not at any given time."
-
>"I can choose to follow up on this resonance or not, but it may be that not everyone is compatible with this power - at least, not at any given time."
>"And, are any of us compatible?" Letty asks.
-
>We haven't gotten any specific response from our ring related to them yet, have we?
-
>We haven't gotten any specific response from our ring related to them yet, have we?
>Correct.
-
>"It hasn't reacted to any of you yet, but... that doesn't mean it never will. As I said, it responds to emotion, and responds especially when those are strong - when one is powerfully driven to do something, for the right reasons."
-
>"It hasn't reacted to any of you yet, but... that doesn't mean it never will. As I said, it responds to emotion, and responds especially when those are strong - when one is powerfully driven to do something, for the right reasons."
>"Well right now I've got the drive to give that ring of yours a knock with a wrench." Nitori grumbles. Looking at the unoffending piece of jewelery, she says "What's the matter, we aren't good enough?"
>At that, Minoriko giggles quietly, prompting louder laughter from the other girls.
-
>Gently
>"Nitori... It's not a matter of 'good enough'. You know you're all good people and good friends. What this is asking for is... perhaps something different than that."
>Shake our head slowly
>"Not that I would have ever thought I'd end up a kind of soldier, myself. Everyone, perhaps, wishes they could ensure safety for their friends and loved ones, but there is nothing to envy about those called to the front lines."
-
>Gently
>"Nitori... It's not a matter of 'good enough'. You know you're all good people and good friends. What this is asking for is... perhaps something different than that."
>Shake our head slowly
>"Not that I would have ever thought I'd end up a kind of soldier, myself. Everyone, perhaps, wishes they could ensure safety for their friends and loved ones, but there is nothing to envy about those called to the front lines."
>"Amen to that." Reisen says quietly.
>"Nothing at all?" Letty asks. "I'm not so sure about that. What about the courage to fight that fight? Not everyone can do that. I think I would have liked to have the kind of power you have earlier today, but I don't know how well I'd do in your position. I agree with you, Nitori, if I had the choice, I think I'd fight, too. But I'm not as sure about it as you seem to be."
>"Ah, don't be a soft shell!" Nitori exclaims.
>That term drawls a small scowl from Letty, but Minoriko diffuses the two rather expertly, as you know she can do, by speaking to you. "I know I couldn't do what you can, Byakuren, Rin, Reisen. Even though I'd like to."
>"You would?" Reisen blurts. "I didn't think I'd hear you say that."
>"Well of course I hate to fight. But I also hate the idea of not being able to help you girls, and Lily, for that matter. And I know you're hoping to find a way to settle this peacefully, Byakuren, but until you do, these Champions are still a threat to the city. And my sister." She folds her hands on the table in front of her, looking down thoughtfully. "The thought of these... people, threatening her...." Letty reaches over and lays her hand gently on Minoriko's shoulder. The blonde gives her friend a grateful smile.
>And only now does your ring give a reaction, not to Letty or Nitori as you might earlier have thought, but to the selfless and thoughtful Minoriko.
>Her temper deflated by Minoriko's sentiment, Nitori lets out a puff of a sigh and sits a bit deeper on the floor. "So what are you gonna do now?" she asks you and your fellow magical girls.
-
>"Well, Lily is going to insist upon that victory pie she made us promise to go out with her for, and then after that I might see if I can track down Kanako and Suwako and ask them what it was they recognized about what happened to Sanae. Any tidbit of information about that could be significant. After that, I'm not sure.... There's at least a few other things to look into."
>Did we mention any of last night's affair at the shrine to them?
>For that matter, did we mention anything about Reisen's change of ownership?
-
>Did we mention any of last night's affair at the shrine to them?
>For that matter, did we mention anything about Reisen's change of ownership?
>Partially. You didn't tell them about the nature of the giant you fought and destroyed, given its gruesome and vile nature, but you did make sure to tell them about Fire and Ice's involvement and your cooperation. To help make your point about them not being all bad.
>Not yet. That would make a story in and of itself, so you wanted to get the bulk of the story about your war out of the way before discussing that.
>"Well, Lily is going to insist upon that victory pie she made us promise to go out with her for, and then after that I might see if I can track down Kanako and Suwako and ask them what it was they recognized about what happened to Sanae. Any tidbit of information about that could be significant. After that, I'm not sure.... There's at least a few other things to look into."
>Wordlessly, Letty reaches her free hand into one of her pockets, produces a business card, and holds it out for Rin to take. "What's this?" the kasha asks as she does so.
>"Iron Rings' business card, address included. If they're not out looking for Sanae themselves, that's where you'll find them."
-
>"Thanks."
>How strong a ring reaction did we get from Minoriko, anyway?
>To Reisen: Are you okay with them knowing about your change of ownership, or would you just as soon not bring that affair up again right away?
-
>How strong a ring reaction did we get from Minoriko, anyway?
>Noticably stronger than with Hatate or Komachi, not as strong as Rin.
>"Thanks."
>To Reisen: Are you okay with them knowing about your change of ownership, or would you just as soon not bring that affair up again right away?
>You can tell them whenever you want. In fact, telling them now might be the best idea. Since we're sharing, anyway.
-
>"For all that's happened today, there's at least one other bit of good news that I hadn't mentioned yet."
>Pause and smile a little
>"Reisen is officially free of Patchouli's parents."
-
>"For all that's happened today, there's at least one other bit of good news that I hadn't mentioned yet."
>Pause and smile a little
>"Reisen is officially free of Patchouli's parents."
>"Oh really nao." Nitori says with a grin. "What'd you do, use those magics of yours to beat up the evil witch and save the rabbit in distress?" she teases.
>"Well...." Reisen starts, blushing slightly.
>Nitori blinks. "Wait. Really?"
-
>"I... mightn't have put it quite that way, but... you're probably closer than you realize. After a rather unpleasant conversation with Madame Knowledge, I stated my intention to take Reisen's ownership papers with me and invited her to stop me. Oni slave code should be clear on the legality of this."
-
>"I... mightn't have put it quite that way, but... you're probably closer than you realize. After a rather unpleasant conversation with Madame Knowledge, I stated my intention to take Reisen's ownership papers with me and invited her to stop me. Oni slave code should be clear on the legality of this."
>"Back up a sec, since when did you want to have Reisen?" Nitori's choice in phrasing makes the rabbit in question blush again.
-
>"Because she deserves to be treated as a person - something I'm not certain Patchouli's mother ever did, or ever could. If anything, Patchouli's complaints about her didn't even do justice to just how dismissive and selfish and autocratic she is. She... she virtually tortured her own sister for not wanting to attack us."
-
>"Because she deserves to be treated as a person - something I'm not certain Patchouli's mother ever did, or ever could. If anything, Patchouli's complaints about her didn't even do justice to just how dismissive and selfish and autocratic she is. She... she virtually tortured her own sister for not wanting to attack us."
>"She did WHAT." Nitori exclaims.
-
>"She hit her with a lightning spell once it became clear she wasn't going to do as she was told. I, um... quickly put a stop to it."
-
>"She hit her with a lightning spell once it became clear she wasn't going to do as she was told. I, um... quickly put a stop to it."
>The kappa seems positively agog by what you've told her.
>"Patchy never said anything like that about her." Letty mutters, plainly disturbed as well.
>"It's true she was never the nicest woman, but that was the first time I ever saw her strike at anyone." Reisen informs her.
>Rin nods fiercely. "And it's a good thing you were the one that stopped her, Mistress, not me."
-
>"I... still hit her harder than I meant to, but.... Well, you were there."
>Shake our head
>"I think she is very unaccustomed to not being obeyed. By, well... perhaps anyone. She can afford to surround herself with people who won't talk back."
-
>"I... still hit her harder than I meant to, but.... Well, you were there."
>Shake our head
>"I think she is very unaccustomed to not being obeyed. By, well... perhaps anyone. She can afford to surround herself with people who won't talk back."
>"Or can't." Letty agrees, looking at Reisen as she does. "Small wonder Patchouli wanted to get away from her. If she was willing to do that to her sister, what could she have done to her daughter?" The yuki-onna stares into her teacup.
>"And ya saved her all the same." Nitori says.
>"You're surprised?" Minoriko asks her gently. "I'd have been surprised if she didn't."
>Nitori sighs and laughs quietly. "Yeah, good point. Guess you're a better woman than me."
-
>"She has used and abused others, but that doesn't mean that being killed is an equitable punishment. It is a very slippery slope when we allow ourselves to be indifferent to the suffering of those we dislike - even for good reason. To say nothing of what effect it might have had on Patchy. That is not the kind of thing one can undo."
-
>"She has used and abused others, but that doesn't mean that being killed is an equitable punishment. It is a very slippery slope when we allow ourselves to be indifferent to the suffering of those we dislike - even for good reason. To say nothing of what effect it might have had on Patchy. That is not the kind of thing one can undo."
>"So what are the odds that she won't try it again?" Nitori asks. "I mean... I might, if I was her."
>"The Water Champion assured us that she wouldn't." Reisen says.
>"And you believe her?" Letty asks you.
-
>"I think we have to. She understands what has happened to Patchouli better than we do yet, and since she clearly wanted us to stop Patchouli in the first place, I doubt her words were deception. Though I genuinely don't know what will happen the next time Patchouli and us cross paths, I have to hope this isn't something we'll need to repeat."
-
>"I think we have to. She understands what has happened to Patchouli better than we do yet, and since she clearly wanted us to stop Patchouli in the first place, I doubt her words were deception. Though I genuinely don't know what will happen the next time Patchouli and us cross paths, I have to hope this isn't something we'll need to repeat."
>"I'll second that hope." Nitori says fervently.
>You think you hear Minoriko says something, but it comes out only as a mutter. "Why what?" Rin asks her.
>"What? Oh." the blonde says, surprised. "I forget how good your ears are sometimes, Rin-chan. Well, I was just wondering, why did Louise want you to stop Patchouli? Did she say?"
-
>"Well, as for why she wanted us to stop Patchouli instead of doing it herself, she said directly it was because our power could incapacitate her without doing serious harm, but her own could not; she wanted her stopped, not grievously injured or killed."
>"As for why she wanted her stopped at all, well...she said that Patchouli would not have stopped with just her parents, and that she was too important to let her be lost to her anger. Louise once said she viewed killing without need as wasteful. Perhaps this is not quite the same thing as empathy, but it's a start."
-
>"Well, as for why she wanted us to stop Patchouli instead of doing it herself, she said directly it was because our power could incapacitate her without doing serious harm, but her own could not; she wanted her stopped, not grievously injured or killed."
>"As for why she wanted her stopped at all, well...she said that Patchouli would not have stopped with just her parents, and that she was too important to let her be lost to her anger. Louise once said she viewed killing without need as wasteful. Perhaps this is not quite the same thing as empathy, but it's a start."
>"I suppose it's too much to hope for that the other Champions might feel the same if their Avatars go off like Patchy did?"
>"Sanae-chan didn't." Minoriko points out to Letty.
>"True, but she still changed."
-
>"Patchouli's anger centered around something we all knew had long bothered her. Sanae seemed... well, I don't know her nearly as well, of course, but it seemed she spoke of matters quite a bit less related to her own life before that point. I still don't quite know what it means to become an Avatar. The Champions spoke of them becoming who they always were, becoming whole where they once were not. Louise wouldn't give me any information when I asked her, though. She feared I could use it to undermine their plans somehow."
-
>"Patchouli's anger centered around something we all knew had long bothered her. Sanae seemed... well, I don't know her nearly as well, of course, but it seemed she spoke of matters quite a bit less related to her own life before that point. I still don't quite know what it means to become an Avatar. The Champions spoke of them becoming who they always were, becoming whole where they once were not. Louise wouldn't give me any information when I asked her, though. She feared I could use it to undermine their plans somehow."
>"Beat it out of her next time." Nitori rumbles, only about half sincerely.
-
>"Perhaps one of them will explain it to me better at some point. In the meantime, we'll just have to make due with whatever other avenues we can think of to pursue."
-
>"Perhaps one of them will explain it to me better at some point. In the meantime, we'll just have to make due with whatever other avenues we can think of to pursue."
>"Do you know where to find them?" Letty asks. "At least the ones that are here."
-
>Can we actually sense where Louise went, if we stop to think on it?
>Presumably we lost track of Air, as we did previously, though?
-
>Can we actually sense where Louise went, if we stop to think on it?
>Presumably we lost track of Air, as we did previously, though?
>You cannot. She gave no hint of directionality when she disappeared with Patchouli, and your normal form senses, at least, detect no trace of either of them.
>Correct. You can still sense the presence of the Fire Champion, but the other three, and their avatars, are no longer on your radar screens.
-
>"I know where to find Fire, and probably Ice, by extension. I don't know where Louise went, and Air I was never able to properly track except in brief periods where she was active. ...though I might have the faintest of leads on her. Not that she, of all people, is likely to tell us much."
-
>"I know where to find Fire, and probably Ice, by extension. I don't know where Louise went, and Air I was never able to properly track except in brief periods where she was active. ...though I might have the faintest of leads on her. Not that she, of all people, is likely to tell us much."
>"Maybe you could beat it out of her?" Nitori suggests, not quite as insincere as when she made the same suggestion about Louise.
-
>"Not right now, we couldn't. Not after all we've already been through today, and not with Sanae there to defend her. But... we'll see what the future holds."
-
>"Not right now, we couldn't. Not after all we've already been through today, and not with Sanae there to defend her. But... we'll see what the future holds."
>"And you're sure you want to visit Kanako-san and Suwako-san today?" Minoriko inquires.
-
>"I think so. I think they knew something, even if it was a very small something. And I'll take whatever little bit I can get, at present. At worst they just don't talk to me, after... after they saw me stand by and let it happen. But I still think I should try."
-
>"I think so. I think they knew something, even if it was a very small something. And I'll take whatever little bit I can get, at present. At worst they just don't talk to me, after... after they saw me stand by and let it happen. But I still think I should try."
>"Wait a minute." Letty says, shaking her head. "They saw... Magical Lotus, not- Oh wait, you meant that that's how you'd talk to them, right?"
-
>Nod
>"Yes. It's a 'business call', as it were."
-
>Nod
>"Yes. It's a 'business call', as it were."
>"Try not to beat some info outta them, if you can help it." Nitori says with a very straight face. "Suwako got good beer.'
-
>Chuckle
>"A shame the party got interrupted like it did. I think this is not the morning any of us were expecting to have."
-
>Chuckle
>"A shame the party got interrupted like it did. I think this is not the morning any of us were expecting to have."
>"That just means we'll have a bigger one after ya win. Uh, bigger party, not bigger morning. Those're big enough as it is."
-
>Let's just relax a little and mill around with our friends until Lily calls.
-
>Let's just relax a little and mill around with our friends until Lily calls.
>A little downtime with your friends leads you to remark to yourself, as you have before, that this is a rather special bunch. Despite everything you've told them, despite the fact that Patchy is not with you at the moment, they still act as though life was normal. The three of them take yours and your two fellow magical girls largely in stride, after the initial shock wears off. Par for the course, Nitori makes a few good-natured prods at you, Rin and Reisen to 'go forth, find more evil and club it senseless', while the motherly Minoriko offers you her services as a chef, which does sound more tempting than usual, given the day you've had. But you decline that offer for now, citing your forthcoming rendezvous with Lily for celebratory pie.
>Life goes on at the Moonside apartments, despite the events of the day. Reisen remarks, as Nitori is raging about the latest failure of her raid group to down a particular boss in the online game you share while Letty is giving her a friendly needle about it now and then, We're lucky that it's these three that were our neighbors. You whole-heartedly agree.
>Fool Social Rank: Level Up
>Not long after this, Lily White contacts you, not with her phone, but your shared telepathy. Byakuren? she starts, sounding just a little nervous.
-
>Yes?
-
>Yes?
>I, uh- Well, I've got Alise-san straightened away. She'll be staying with me for a while. Patchy's mom'll never think to look here for her.
-
>That's good. -wait, does that mean she knows your true identity? Or are you, uh, pretending to be a stranger to your own family?
-
>That's good. -wait, does that mean she knows your true identity? Or are you, uh, pretending to be a stranger to your own family?
>Well, you see.... Uh, she doesn't, but... Promise you won't get mad?
-
>I promise.
-
>I promise.
>..I kinda told Papa. I, I just couldn't lie to him!
-
>Don't worry, Lily. I could hardly be mad with you for that when I've just done more or less the same thing myself. My friends here all saw what happened with Sanae, and Patchouli's disappearance. I... wouldn't feel right having to pretend not to know anything about this, to have to make up stories about Reisen's change of ownership. So no, I'm not mad at you.
-
>Don't worry, Lily. I could hardly be mad with you for that when I've just done more or less the same thing myself. My friends here all saw what happened with Sanae, and Patchouli's disappearance. I... wouldn't feel right having to pretend not to know anything about this, to have to make up stories about Reisen's change of ownership. So no, I'm not mad at you.
>Lily sighs deeply. That's a relief. Then she giggles a little. Shoulda known better, shouldn't I? Neither one of us is good at lying, 'specially not to people we love.
-
>No. it just doesn't feel right.
>But - and forgive me, since I am sure this is already clear to you - this still isn't something we can share with anyone we cannot trust absolutely to keep it secret. Even if we would rather be forthright. I'd just as soon we had no need for secrets, but the mission we're charged with is too vital to take chances.
-
>No. it just doesn't feel right.
>But - and forgive me, since I am sure this is already clear to you - this still isn't something we can share with anyone we cannot trust absolutely to keep it secret. Even if we would rather be forthright. I'd just as soon we had no need for secrets, but the mission we're charged with is too vital to take chances.
>Don't worry! Lily replies. Family's one thing, other people are other people.
-
>How did your father react, anyway?
-
>How did your father react, anyway?
>Actually, he didn't seem all that surprised. Which sure surprised me! I explained how I came by these powers- Never said your name, of course!- and then he just smiled, and said 'I always knew you were a special girl.' she informs you, dropping her voice in what may be an impression of her father, but it makes you laugh quietly at the sound.
-
>That's kind of sweet, actually.
>And speaking of things that are sweet, are you ready to go get that pie you swore us to?
-
>That's kind of sweet, actually.
>And speaking of things that are sweet, are you ready to go get that pie you swore us to?
>Lily smiles. Yeah. It really is.
>Yes, ma'am! I got a place in mind, too. With a giggle, she adds, But now I owe Papa a make-up meal, since he offered to bake, but I told him next time.
-
>Little mental chuckle
>So, where shall we meet up?
-
>Little mental chuckle
>So, where shall we meet up?
>Ever been to the Sweet Apple Cafe?
>The name rings a bell, though you've never been in there. It's a little place not too far away from Koakuma's establishment. It's not as flashy as Koa's joint, but that's no fault against it. Koa's a hard one to match.
-
>No. I know where it is, though.
-
>No. I know where it is, though.
>It's great! One of Yuyuko-hime's bodyguards' cousins' moms runs the place, and- Oh wait, don't Rin-chan and Reisen-chan work at Koakuma's?
-
>Part-time, yes.
-
>Part-time, yes.
>Lily makes a thoughtful sound, then you sense her expand her communication line to include the other two. Rin-chan, Reisen-chan, is Koakuma the kind of boss that gets twitchy when employees eat at competition?
>The kasha and the rabbit share a laugh. In fact, both of them visibly strain to keep from doing so out loud as well. Well, that came out of nowhere. Reisen remarks, chuckling.
>Not even close, Lily. Rin assures her. Matter of fact, she encourages it, least if it's a good place. "Variety is a marvelous spice of life, darling!", she says.
>This draws a giggle from the distant blonde. Great! Then I'll see you all there!
>I take it you and Lily have been talking? Reisen asks you on a local thread, shared between the three of you present.
-
>Yes. She'd just suggested we meet up at the Sweet Apple Cafe.
-
>Yes. She'd just suggested we meet up at the Sweet Apple Cafe.
>Works for me. Rin replies happily. Some of the smells that come outta there are real tempting to a cat's nose.
-
>Sounds good to me.
>Let's say our farewells, take our leave, and go meet up with Lily.
-
>Sounds good to me.
>Let's say our farewells, take our leave, and go meet up with Lily.
>"Fine, but you owe us pie for keeping us in the dark for so long." Nitori says with a broad grin as you stand up to leave. You know her well enough to know that she
doesn't really mean it, but it draws laughter from the room. So, with your goodbyes said, and Reisen exricating herself from Hyozan's furry embrace, the three of you
make your way back out into the chilly winter air.
>The unpleasant cold and the incipient threat of either rain or wet snow would normally make you ask Reisen if she'd be willing to drive you down there. However, the
traffic in the city at this time of day is near its thickest, and the roads are slick as well, so you elect to walk uptown towards Sweet Apple Cafe.
>A week ago, this would have been just an ordinary day for you, walking to Koakuma's place with Rin and Reisen, one or more of your neighbors with you now and then.
Well, near enough to Koa's, anyway. And despite the rather public disturbances at Mayoiga High, the Tiger shrine and most recently at the Knowledge manor, life around the city seems to be progressing as normal. The traffic around town is as mixed and as heavy as it usually is at this time of day, the pedestrian and non-motorized traffic seems similarly undiminished, and while the odd snippit of conversation that crosses your ears does pertain to those unwelcome events, far more are simple mundane conversations. As is the conversation you share with your two friends. Obviously you couldn't really discuss matters pertaining to the Champions on crowded sidewalks anyway, but you find that you also have no strong desire to. Rin and Reisen talk about the rabbits' experiences as a street racer, and she also takes moments here and there to give you pointers on the proper way to handle a two-wheeled vehicle should you ever decide to acquire one. Or rather, use one, as you now technically own two of the things.
>You can't help but spend a moment pondering the difference between Rin and Reisen as you walk. Walking and talking casually like this with Reisen didn't happen with
Rin until she'd spent nearly two weeks with you. On the one hand, Reisen had had the advantage of living as your neighbour for a little while beforehand, so she was
more used to being around you, but on the other hand she'd also led a longer life before becoming a slave. Perhaps the difference is simple a matter of their differing
personalities, or due to their differing backgrounds. Something to ask about one day, perhaps.
>It feels a bit weird to walk past the brightly lit exterior of the Blue Lantern whilst accompanied by the two women flanking you, but your destination today is farther on. Even if you weren't familiar with the green and brown face of the Sweet Apple Cafe, there'd be no missing it, not with Lily standing on the sidewalk in front of the place, waving excitedly at you.
-
>Wave back, then go catch up with her
-
>Wave back, then go catch up with her
>"Hey girls!" Lily cries as you approach, her big smile poking out of the top of the big pink scarf around her neck.
>"Ya must have flown pretty quick ta get her ahead of us." Rin remarks.
>"A bit, yeah."
>"Even on a cold, windy day like this?" Reisen asks.
>Lily smiles and shrugs. "The wind just makes it more fun."
-
>"Well I, for one, will be just as glad to get out of the cold and have something warm. Shall we?"
>Enter!
-
>"Well I, for one, will be just as glad to get out of the cold and have something warm. Shall we?"
>Enter!
>Rin pushes the door open for your crew, and straightaway you can smell what Lily was talking about earlier. Baked apples and freshly baked bread permeate the air, mingled with at least half a dozen seasonings and garnishes. The homey interior seems to match the warm smells as well, comfortable despite the business-like nature of the right side, at least. To your right is where people go to pick up baked goods of a wide variety of types, as evidenced by the plethora of pies, breads, cupcakes and other confections on display in their wood and glass cases. Through a wood framed arch beyond the bakery section lies the cafe you came here for, one that, despite the relatively unpleasant winter day outside, appears to be fairly active. The only patrons you recognize, though, are Kogasa Tatara, who is seated with the twin rabbits from your tennis club.
>Minding the shop from behind the counter are a young man and woman. The tall sandy-haired man with his back to you is a stranger, but you recognize the handsome freckled blonde woman wearing the orange apron. You've seen her in the company of Yuyuko Saigyouji before, though never spoken to her. You're fairly certain she's one of Yuyuko's bodyguards. "Jackie!" Lily cries as she sees her fellow blonde. "I didn't know you work here!"
>"Howdy, Lily." the woman replies, her voice colored by the rustic accent of a western Yamato native. "Every now an' then. Yuyuko gave me the day off, so I thought I'd swing by here, spend some time with the family." She gives you and your companions a friendly nod, then looks a bit harder at you. "Ain't you Byakren Hijiri?" she asks, not quite getting your name right.
-
>"It's Byakuren. But yes."
-
>"It's Byakuren. But yes."
>"Bodyguards get days off?" Rin asks quietly.
>The blonde laughs. "It's a job like anythin' else, sugar. Can't be on all the time. But, it does help that there's a heap of us. Now, how can I help y'all today?"
-
>Let our stomach be our guide, and select whatever on the menu looks most appetizing at the moment
-
>Let our stomach be our guide, and select whatever on the menu looks most appetizing at the moment
>While you would have been content enough to acquire the goods and depart, Lily wants to stay and eat. Reisen voices her agreement with that call, and the four of you head inside to the cafe within. Though you do resolve to have another look at the bakery part on your way out, they have a lot of goodies here.
>Not that you anticipate having a great deal of an appetite when you're finished. The one you have now is signifigant enough that you intend to deal with it before dealing with anything else. You haven't anything solid to eat since this morning. Now that you have a bit of downtime, time to correct that issue.
>After a friendly waitress with pale yellow hair guides you and your friends to your table, Lily states quite firmly, "Okay ladies, this one's on me."
-
>Smile
>"You plan to insist?"
-
>Smile
>"You plan to insist?"
>Lily nods. "My idea, my treat."
-
>"Well, far be it for me to protest."
-
>"Well, far be it for me to protest."
>"Good." the little blonde declares as she sits down, folding her wings in a bit so as to accomodate Reisen next to her.
>"I'll try not to go overboard." Reisen says in a consiliatory tone, one which Lily waves away with a simultaneous flick of hand and wing.
>"I may not be a supermodel like Byakuren here, but I do just dandy." She beams. "How else could I buy stuff for my friends?"
-
>Smile
>"Well, I do appreciate the sentiment."
-
>Smile
>"Well, I do appreciate the sentiment."
>"How IS the modellin' job these days anyways?" Lily asks, resting her chin on her hands. "Had much time for it lately?"
-
>"Not with how busy life has been these days. Maybe once things settle down again."
-
>"Not with how busy life has been these days. Maybe once things settle down again."
>"I'm kinda surprised Aya hasn't been calling more often." Rin says with a small smile.
>Ah, oh, right, almost forgot. Lily says, switching to telepathy. I know we came out to celebrate, but I should mention something Alise and I talked about. She said that she might be able to come up with some more info on Makai for us.
-
>Oh? Did she say how?
-
>Oh? Did she say how?
>Lily nods. Seems the dragon friends of hers have their own smarty-pantses. Some of them like to research other worlds, like ours. She didn't know if they ever looked into Makai, but she said she'd ask next time she's talking to them.
-
>Oh, that sounds like a useful resource. It would be nice if they can turn up something relevant.
-
>Oh, that sounds like a useful resource. It would be nice if they can turn up something relevant.
>So those dragons she summoned come from another world? Reisen asks.
>Yup. Why, that a surprise?
>A little. I don't know a great deal about summoning schools, that was never really a speciality of Madame Knowledge or an area Patchy talked a lot about. But from what I gather, the average summoner doesn't really 'summon' creatures, they sort of.... conjure them from nothing. They're not real creatures, just constructs of magic. Like that snake Byakuren shot at the manor. That kind of summoning, from what I understand, isn't extremely difficult, but pulling one living creature from its world into another, that's something else. The rabbit looks you in the eye. These dragons of Alisaie's may be able to help us in another way. Terran magic doesn't seem to affect a Champion, but extraplanar dragons might not be so ineffective.
>I don't think we oughta ask her to do that. Rin objects. Never mind that she ain't really that much of a fighter, but can you imagine the kinda damage a dragon can do if it cuts loose? They might be worse than Patchy was.
-
>A fair concern, though we don't know their capabilities, nor how precise they can be if they choose. But I agree that I would rather not involve Alisaie in combat, should we have that choice. Still, it's something to keep in mind.
-
>A fair concern, though we don't know their capabilities, nor how precise they can be if they choose. But I agree that I would rather not involve Alisaie in combat, should we have that choice. Still, it's something to keep in mind.
>Can you do that? Lily asks, looking at Reisen.
>Can I do what, keep what Byakuren said in mind?
>No no no, I mean summon things. With Caster power. the blonde clarifies, gesturing vaguely with her hand in a pseudomagical sign.
>Reisen considers for a moment. I don't think so. Caster's powers seem to be more elemental in nature. But on the other hand, I may not have discovered all of what Caster can do. Your powers have changed and developed since you got them, right, Byakuren? The same could be true for me as well.
-
>I imagine so, yes.
-
>I imagine so, yes.
>Lily lays a friendly hand on Reisen's shoulder. If you do, call up butterflies.
>"Butterflies?" Reisen blurts.
>"Of course butterflies! Ever seen a flock of butterflies flutter over your head? It's wonderful." The little blonde almost has stars in her eyes as she talks about the joys of the butterfly. "Haven't you ever dreamed of being a butterfly?" she asks, looking around between the three of you.
-
>Presumably we haven't?
>Assuming so: "Can't say that I have. I mean, they are quite pretty, but...."
-
>Presumably we haven't?
>Assuming so: "Can't say that I have. I mean, they are quite pretty, but...."
>You have dreamed of being some fairly exotic things before, up to and including Marissa once, but never a butterfly.
>"Um, why would ya need to?" Rin asks. "I mean, you kinda got the flying thing already."
>"Sure, and it's great, but that doesn't mean I can't dream." Lily replies. "Especially lately, ever since we tou- Uh, connected, that day at the shrine, Byakuren."
-
>"That brought butterflies to mind?"
>We can't think of a specific reason it would have done that, can we?
-
>"That brought butterflies to mind?"
>We can't think of a specific reason it would have done that, can we?
>Lily giggles. "No no, thinking about what Reisen can do brought that to mind. But thinking about that brought some of the dreams I've been having lately to mind, and how they've been a bit different than normal, and I think that's cuz of you."
>I seem to have missed something else. Reisen remarks to over privately.
>Not specifically. But the experience may have had more lingering effects on Lily than it's had on you.
-
>Sheepishly: "Pleasant ones, I hope?"
>To Reisen: Satori placed a block over some of her memories. I helped her remove it, a few days ago. The process involved linking our hearts and minds together briefly. It was an... intimate sort of experience, like part of the others' being becoming your own for a time.
>Wait, did I even explain about Satori?
-
>Sheepishly: "Pleasant ones, I hope?"
>To Reisen: Satori placed a block over some of her memories. I helped her remove it, a few days ago. The process involved linking our hearts and minds together briefly. It was an... intimate sort of experience, like part of the others' being becoming your own for a time.
>Wait, did I even explain about Satori?
>No, but Rin filled me in on that little incident. I didn't know that we could do the first thing, though. She didn't say what happened to Satori after you left, though. Is she still with the mikos?
>Lily smiles brightly. "You bet!"
-
>Yes. Kiku was keeping an eye on her, I think. And honestly, I think the both of them are in bad shape; Kiku sounded completely exhausted when we spoke this morning, and hadn't slept. That's why she wasn't with us to confront Elis. I would have contacted her for an update by now, but I'm hoping she really did go get some sleep. The other mikos, well... I think tensions are still very high there, after what happened. Satori felt profoundly guilty about her actions, and the people she'd wronged were out for blood - even if she was not truly to blame.
-
>Yes. Kiku was keeping an eye on her, I think. And honestly, I think the both of them are in bad shape; Kiku sounded completely exhausted when we spoke this morning, and hadn't slept. That's why she wasn't with us to confront Elis. I would have contacted her for an update by now, but I'm hoping she really did go get some sleep. The other mikos, well... I think tensions are still very high there, after what happened. Satori felt profoundly guilty about her actions, and the people she'd wronged were out for blood - even if she was not truly to blame.
>Reisen nods in understanding. What are you going to do about it? I know you well enough to know you're not finished meddling, not like this.
-
>The good kind of meddling, I hope. But you're right. I don't know how much sway I'll have over any of the mikos, if they barely acquiesce to Kiku, but I won't let them lynch her over what happened. And maybe it could help Satori in some small way to hear another person who does not blame her for what she did? If I don't hear anything from Kiku by this evening, maybe I should pay them another visit.
-
>The good kind of meddling, I hope. But you're right. I don't know how much sway I'll have over any of the mikos, if they barely acquiesce to Kiku, but I won't let them lynch her over what happened. And maybe it could help Satori in some small way to hear another person who does not blame her for what she did? If I don't hear anything from Kiku by this evening, maybe I should pay them another visit.
>I thought your plan was to go shake down Kanako and Suwako for some information.
-
>Well, that first. Always busy, these days.
-
>Well, that first. Always busy, these days.
>Well, there are four of us now. You could let me handle Kanako-san and Suwako-san. You could take Rin and Lily up to the shrine to handle things there. If the tension up there boils over, you might need the extra backup.
-
>That makes sense, but there are questions I want to ask them myself. Especially if there really is some connection between me and Sanae and Makai, somehow.
-
>That makes sense, but there are questions I want to ask them myself. Especially if there really is some connection between me and Sanae and Makai, somehow.
>Shame that power of yours doesn't let you duplicate yourself. ... Does it?
-
>Certainly not that we know of.... right?
>Assuming not: I don't think so. And frankly, it's quite enough work to manage one situation at a time, I think.
>Smile
-
>Certainly not that we know of.... right?
>Assuming not: I don't think so. And frankly, it's quite enough work to manage one situation at a time, I think.
>Smile
>Not that you've discovered so far, at any rate.
>Good point. Besides, it'd probably leave Rin very confused as to which one's back to watch. And I suppose, me too, now.
-
>We'll find time for everything, somehow. And in the meantime, there's pie!
>Let's enjoy that pie
-
>We'll find time for everything, somehow. And in the meantime, there's pie!
>Let's enjoy that pie
>And pie there is, and more aside. Preceeding your order of a proper meal is the fairly large pie Lily requested, one cherry-vanilla ice cream pie. Her description of a 'chocolate cookie crumbled ring surrounding a sea of pink all criss-crossed with more chocolate topped with cherries' proves to be pretty on the money. To be entirely honest with yourself, it's not the sort of thing you would have ordered for yourself; you prefer your pies to be simpler affairs all in all. But seeing the little blonde's eyes light up when the waitress places the thing on your table is almost worth it in and of itself.
>After diving up four slices and distributing them, Lily raises her tumbler of apple cider and, being unable to toast to your new comrade in Light, settles for drinking to 'A new friend.'
>Reisen and Lily had never really interacted with each other before today, but the two seem to hit it off with little difficulty. Rin took a bit longer to really warm up to Lily, but Reisen doesn't share that diffuculty. Nor does she have any difficulty in making that pie dissappear. It's a very well made pastry, but it is even sweeter than it looks, and while you and Rin are content to have just the slices that Lily distributed before her toast, Reisen and Lily seem ready willing and able to pick up your slack while you content yourself with the clubhouse sandwich and fries you've ordered. Though the place does have more traditional Yamato fare available, you opted for something else today.
-
>Let's leisurely finish off our meal, and enjoy the company
-
>Let's leisurely finish off our meal, and enjoy the company
>It's nice to have a bit of leasure. In fact, after you and Reisen had finished your mind-talk about the time you shared souls with Lily, none of you really talk 'shop' for the rest of the meal. That hasn't happened all that often lately. You and your friends talk about bikes, which admittedly Reisen does the bulk of the talking on with the rest of you simply giving her the chance to talk about something she loves. You talk about the school play you agreed to get involved in, which Reisen responds to with just a touch of disapointment. She says she'd have liked to have seen you play Scrooge in this one, not just to see if you could play a villain of any sort, but also because Scrooge gets more songs, and you have a lovely singing voice. Lily assures her that Kogasa, the current Scrooge, is no slouch in that department herself, and while you've never heard the heterchromatic youkai sing yourself, you don't have much trouble imagining Lily's right. You'll probably see for yourself very shortly after school returns to normal.
>You also talk about your tennis club with the girls. Which, it shames you to admit, you haven't really given a tremendous amount of thought to lately. You are the captain of the team after all, and that does come with some responsibilties. But you have been blessed with a very competant second in command in Shikako. You have no doubt at all that the door youkai is on top of any issue involving scheduling or whatever else. Which is what you tell the twins from your club when they come over to say hello on their way out. The two transplants from Japanada can't quite hide the fact that they'd rather not deal with Shikako anymore than they have to. They're both fond of you, but the somewhat excessively strict and serious Shikako rubbed them the wrong way when the first joined the team, and neither one's really been comfortable with her since then. You maintain hope that they'll come around some day.
>Round about fourty-five minutes after you sat down, after Reisen manages to convince Lily and Rin not to split another round of dessert (one is enough) the little blonde bounces to her feet and flits off to take care of the bill. "How can she move that quick after eating that much?" Reisen asks with a quiet grin.
-
>"She rarely lacks for enthusiasm."
-
>"She rarely lacks for enthusiasm."
>"Or appetite, I'm guessing."
>Rin voices her satisfaction by belching as quietly as she can. "'scuse me."
-
>"Well, I certainly enjoyed the meal."
-
>"Well, I certainly enjoyed the meal."
>Rin nods. "I'd come back." she mutters, then stifles another burp. "Maybe a bit less pie next time."
-
>Smile
>"Maybe a bit, yes."
-
>Smile
>"Maybe a bit, yes."
>"You've really gotten used to her being around, though, haven't you, Rin?" Reisen asks her gently.
>"Whaddya mean?"
>"I know you well enough to know that you don't, well, warm up to people as quickly or as easily as some other people do. But even from this little outing, I could tell that you don't have any reservations around her. Well, maybe that's too strong a way to put it-"
>"Hang on a sec. Rezervatons?" she asks you.
-
>"Feeling... guarded? Hesitant? Wary? That sort of thing."
-
>"Feeling... guarded? Hesitant? Wary? That sort of thing."
>"I ain't like that. Uh... Am I?"
-
>We woulddescribe her interactions with people she doesn't know that well as a bit - but not extremely - reserved, right?
>Assuming so: "Well, a little, around people you don't know so well. Not impolitely so! But, well... 'reserved' really might be the word for it?"
-
>We woulddescribe her interactions with people she doesn't know that well as a bit - but not extremely - reserved, right?
>Assuming so: "Well, a little, around people you don't know so well. Not impolitely so! But, well... 'reserved' really might be the word for it?"
>You would, yes.
>"That's a good way to put it, yeah." Reisen agrees.
>"Well, okay, sure, maybe I let you do most of the talking, Mistress, but that ain't a bad thing, is it?"
>"I didn't say it was." Reisen says quickly. "It wasn't a criticism, just an observation. I suppose if anything, I was praising Lily's ability to make friends."
-
>"I'm not sure she'd let herself be deterred by a wall of solid ice, frankly."
-
>"I'm not sure she'd let herself be deterred by a wall of solid ice, frankly."
>"I think it'd be a toss up between whether she'd melt it or knock it down first."
-
>Chuckle
>Let's wait for our bill to be settled, and then we can move onto the next task of the day
-
>Chuckle
>Let's wait for our bill to be settled, and then we can move onto the next task of the day
>Lily has the outstanding money issue settled away in good time, and even picked up a small tray of coconut-topped cookies for herself from the bakery. Rin and Reisen decide to follow suit, Reisen with special enthusiasm once she spots a loaf of brown colored bread sitting on a shelf, identified as molasses bread. Which none of your group beyond her have ever heard of.
>"It almost doesn't exist outside Vinland." Reisen informs you before she asks the blonde bodyguard minding the store. "Why do you carry it?"
>"Mah brother and me here spent some time over there a couple years back, we got a taste for the stuff. We don't bake it here too often, it don't sell that great, but every now and then somelike like yerself comes thru, and we makes 'em happy."
>"You sure have, I haven't tasted this stuff in years."
>After Reisen has paid for her bread, and Rin acquires a bag of cinnamon buns, the four of you walk back out on to the sidewalk of the crowded city street with all the usual sounds of the city, including those of a number of police sirens that seem very close.
-
>Do they sound like they're just moving past, or gathered here?
>Can we tell if anything's up?
-
>Do they sound like they're just moving past, or gathered here?
>Can we tell if anything's up?
>The sirens are moving towards you from your left.
>Not at this time. The noise is coming from around a curve in the road, and there is a block of buildings in your line of sight to where the sirens are coming from. However, as near as you can tell, they're moving fairly briskly, and that can't be a good sign.
-
>We don't sense anything supernatural in the direction they're headed, do we?
-
>We don't sense anything supernatural in the direction they're headed, do we?
>There are a couple of faint magical auras from that direction, but if you're right, they originate from pedestrians on the street and conform to the kinds of terrestrial magic you're becoming accustomed to. And powered-down, as well. There's also a couple of relatively powerful ones from the bakery behind you as well. But no sign of Makai-related powers in your vicinity, or active magic at work all.
-
>Then it's probably/hopefully a rather more mundane issue
>It was suggested that checking out the Iron Rings might be a good place to start looking for Kanako and Suwako, right? Do we know where it is?
-
>Then it's probably/hopefully a rather more mundane issue
>It was suggested that checking out the Iron Rings might be a good place to start looking for Kanako and Suwako, right? Do we know where it is?
>That'd be a nice change of pace. Much as you hate the idea of a 'normal' crime being a nice change of pace.
>You have Iron Rings' business card on your person, and it holds the address in question. You even know how to get there from here. It's a bit of a walk, but not an outrageous one.
-
>Well, I think I'm going to go looking for Kanako and Suwako now; I'll try the Iron Rings first, and hopefully won't need to figure out a third option between there and their apartment. There's no need for everyone to tag along with me unless you want to; this is 'official business' that, for a change, I'm not anticipating a fight over.
-
>Well, I think I'm going to go looking for Kanako and Suwako now; I'll try the Iron Rings first, and hopefully won't need to figure out a third option between there and their apartment. There's no need for everyone to tag along with me unless you want to; this is 'official business' that, for a change, I'm not anticipating a fight over.
>'Their apartment?' Reisen asks. The two of them reside at Iron Rings. Sanae was the one who was going to live at Moonside.
-
>Oh, um... oops?
-
>Oh, um... oops?
>Reisen giggles. It'd be awfully cramped with the three of them in those apartments, too.
-
>It's been a long day already, sorry. But my original point stands, just the same.
-
>It's been a long day already, sorry. But my original point stands, just the same.
>And it is a fair one, too. If all four of us showed up to question them, they might get defensive, maybe even intimidated.
>Lily pouts at Reisen's choice of words. We're not scary!
>That's not quite I meant, Lily. But either way, if you really don't think you'll need us, I'll dodge up the road to see Koa. Since I'm here, I might as well see if I can pick up a shift.
-
>Sure. And the rest of you?
-
>Sure. And the rest of you?
>Lily hums thoughtfully. Well, I'm curious about what Iron Rings is all about. Never been in one before. But I think I'd rather go see what Kyouko-chan's up to.
>"I'd rather stay with you." Rin says aloud. Even that simple statement from her brings a smile to your face.
-
>"You'll get no arguments from me."
>Take her hand in ours, and lean in and give her a quick kiss
-
>"You'll get no arguments from me."
>Take her hand in ours, and lean in and give her a quick kiss
>Lily positively squees as you give your kasha an affectionate kiss. In fact you notice Reisen having to flinch away from one of her wings splaying out with joy. Rin herself seems just a touch surprised at the public display, but this lasts barely a heartbeart.
-
>Let our smile linger on Rin a little bit longer. It... feels good to be able to do that, especially after the morning we've had.
>Then turn to the others: "So, we'll catch up with each other later, then?"
-
>Let our smile linger on Rin a little bit longer. It... feels good to be able to do that, especially after the morning we've had.
>Then turn to the others: "So, we'll catch up with each other later, then?"
>Rin's returning smile, the slight flush of her cheeks, just makes a good thing even better.
>Lily, still starry-eyed, just looks between you and Rin some more, while Reisen nods. "You will contact us if you need us."
-
>"Absolutely. I'm just hoping there won't be any more emergencies today."
-
>"Absolutely. I'm just hoping there won't be any more emergencies today."
>"Even love emergencies?" Lily asks brightly.
-
>Chuckle
>"I wonder what one of those would even look like."
-
>Chuckle
>"I wonder what one of those would even look like."
>Reisen grins. "I could offer some suggestions, but out on a sidewalk might not be the best place for them."
>Lily giggles loudly again, while Rin's flush deepens a touch.
-
>"Well then, I shall just have to make sure to take adequate... precautions."
-
>"Well then, I shall just have to make sure to take adequate... precautions."
>Reisen chuckles as Rin blushes again. "Come on, Lily, we'd better get going. Or we'll both end up being third wheels."
>"Awwww, okay." Lily pouts with exaggerated disapointment, then she points on her her wings at the two of you. "Now don't go getting sidetracked, you two."
>This coming from her? Reisen remarks privately.
-
>Perhaps she thinks she'd need reminding, if our positions were reversed?
>"I'll do my best."
>Give Rin another quick kiss. It's... kind of fun, making her blush, actually.
>Then let's head off for the Iron Rings. We do still have business to take care of, after all.
-
>Perhaps she thinks she'd need reminding, if our positions were reversed?
>"I'll do my best."
>Give Rin another quick kiss. It's... kind of fun, making her blush, actually.
>Then let's head off for the Iron Rings. We do still have business to take care of, after all.
>Reisen shoots you a quiet grin. I'd buy that.
>So this is why Marissa teases folks so often, you muse as you kiss your Rin once again. Perhaps because she was prepared this time, she does not, somewhat disappointingly, blush deeper. She does, however, return you a look of pure adoration in her deep red eyes, a look that threatens to steal your breath away.
>Right, right. Can't get distracted. Fun distractions or no.
>Taking Rin's hand in yours, the two of you part ways from your friends, Reisen heading back up the road, Lily heading up into the air, and you and Rin heading north, towards the home and business of Kanako and Suwako.
>After about a minute or so, you see the cause of the sirens. A motorcyclist clad in black and gold leather is weaving his way through the traffic on the streets, being pursued by a pair of bike cops, who themselves are being followed by a couple of police cars. The larger vehicles are having obvious difficulty maintaining the chase in the city traffic, but the two bikers chasing the lead have no such difficulty.
>Briefly, you ponder the merits of aiding the officers in taking down the biker, and although morally you want to come to their aid, there are plenty more reasons not to. This seems to be an entirely mundane pursuit, and your powers are geared towards dealing with matters supernatural. Too, there's too great a possibility that you might end up doing more harm than good. If the driver reacts to one of your spells with an injudicious turn, he could crash through a storefront, or run down any number of pedestrians. You're not trained to handle these sorts of problems, and you know it. Maybe one day.... But not today. Terrestrial law enforcement can handle terrestrial matters. The problems you're trying to solve lie elsewhere.
>Rin, ever loyal, doesn't ask why you don't try to do anything about the police chase. She simply notes that you seem content to led the cops handle things as they are trained to do, and continues on with you. She does, however, say, "Ever wonder, Mistress, what we could do with these gifts o'ours once the, uh, hard part's over?"
-
>"I fear I've been too focused on our immediate situation to give the 'future' a lot of thought these days."
-
>"I fear I've been too focused on our immediate situation to give the 'future' a lot of thought these days."
>"Sounds like you, ya. 'course, I don't even know if we get ta keep 'em once it's all said an' done. That little pal of yours mention anything 'bout that?"
-
>"No. In fact, there are some questions about that I mean to ask it once we're done with this."
-
>"No. In fact, there are some questions about that I mean to ask it once we're done with this."
>Rin chuckles. "Since this started, you've had more questions than Keine-sensei's tests."
-
>Chuckle
>"Perhaps. But we're in a world of unknowns, and the price of failure is far too high."
>Smile
>"A history exam feels like such an insignificant thing to worry about, after all this."
-
>Chuckle
>"Perhaps. But we're in a world of unknowns, and the price of failure is far too high."
>Smile
>"A history exam feels like such an insignificant thing to worry about, after all this."
>Rin squeezes your hand a bit tighter. "Almost a shame Keine didn't know what you been up to. Probably take it easier on ya come finals time."
-
>"If the worst thing that comes out of all of this is lackluster grades, then I will consider it a resounding success."
-
>"If the worst thing that comes out of all of this is lackluster grades, then I will consider it a resounding success."
>"And like Reisen said, Aya might be miffed that you missed a lotta her work as well."
-
>"Oh, I'm sure she'll manage; she has plenty of other girls to call upon."
-
>"Oh, I'm sure she'll manage; she has plenty of other girls to call upon."
>"Oh Aye." Rin smiles. "But none of them are you, Byakuren."
-
>Chuckle
>"Well, she'll just have to make due, then."
-
>Chuckle
>"Well, she'll just have to make due, then."
>Rin chuckles as well. "Wonder now if she was part of our little group. The way she takes pictures, she might pay ya for mixin' it up an' letting her bring her camera."
-
>Smile
>"I don't know about you, but I think this is all quite taxing enough without having to be photogenic while we do it."
-
>Smile
>"I don't know about you, but I think this is all quite taxing enough without having to be photogenic while we do it."
>"Photowha?"
-
>"Um, sorry. 'Looking pretty for the camera.'"
-
>"Um, sorry. 'Looking pretty for the camera.'"
>"Don't you do that anyways?"
-
>Smile
>"That's very sweet of you, but I can get just as disheveled as anyone else when I'm being thrown around by explosions and lightning."
-
>Smile
>"That's very sweet of you, but I can get just as disheveled as anyone else when I'm being thrown around by explosions and lightning."
>The kasha's question brings a special smile to her face. She wasn't simply flattering you, or paying you a compliment for the asking. She really meant it. What a dear heart.
>Rin ponders that for a moment. "Knowin' Aya, she'd probably take that as a challenge."
-
>"One I think I can do without!"
-
>"One I think I can do without!"
>Rin laughs warmly. "Not even fer danger pay?" she asks with a grin. Okay NOW she's teasing you a little.
-
>"This is danger pay enough for me."
>Give her another kiss
-
>"This is danger pay enough for me."
>Give her another kiss
>Once again you catch your kasha off her guard when you kiss her. That IS fun.
>When you part from her, though, it is your turn to be caught off guard, by the heat you see smoldering in her red eyes. "Do that much more, an' yer in fer a bonus." she purrs. Just for good measure, one of her tails brushes your leg in a manner best described as a stroke.
-
>Grin back
>"As soon as we're back home, I think I should like to collect on that."
>Maybe Lily's warning was more on-point than we expected.
>But it's just so hard to stop kissing her once we've started
-
>Grin back
>"As soon as we're back home, I think I should like to collect on that."
>Maybe Lily's warning was more on-point than we expected.
>But it's just so hard to stop kissing her once we've started
>"Ah yeah. How's it go, 'business before pleasure'?"
>You've always heard that one's first love is special. They don't appear to have been wrong.
-
>"Then let's get the first part out of the way, shall we?"
>Onward!
-
>"Then let's get the first part out of the way, shall we?"
>Onward!
>Trying your best to keep your head in the game, rather than on the tempting redhead walking hand in hand with you, you resume course towards Iron Rings. My oh my, Byakuren, but you are thoroughly twitterpated.
>And boy do you love it.
>Pausing only twice more along the way- once to help an elderly human safely cross a busy street, and once to evade a fairly persistent man handing out business cards- you and Rin hove into view of the Iron Rings establishment as the sky's colors start to change with the passage of the sun. The building is a red and blue painted brick three story building with one front entrance, and two fire exits on either side of the building, located a couple blocks away from the cities famous Shirou street. Close enough to draw the crowd from there, not too close to share in the streets image and reputation. Nice location for a place like this.
>The door is open, and you hear the faint sounds of music from within. They are open for business, and from what you can tell, fairly busy in there as well. There is a trio of young people standing outside the door conversing with the tall woman watching the entrance. That woman, clad in a very un-bouncer-like blue kimono with red obi, is an acquaintance of yours, one Yuugi Hoshigami.
-
>"I... I didn't think they were even open for business yet."
-
>"I... I didn't think they were even open for business yet."
>"Neither did I." Rin says with a nod. "But that means that one of em's gotta be inside workin', right?"
-
>"Well, it might."
>But it makes this rather more awkward, as this is a conversation I must have as Lotus, and I was not anticipating a crowd.
>Anywhere sheltered nearby to transform, anyway?
-
>"Well, it might."
>But it makes this rather more awkward, as this is a conversation I must have as Lotus, and I was not anticipating a crowd.
>Anywhere sheltered nearby to transform, anyway?
>Rin frowns. I hadn't thought of that.
>Across the street, there is a space between a barber shop and a brothel that offers some seclusion.
-
>Well, I suppose there's nothing to be done about it. We should go somewhere private and transform.
>Let's walk our lover out behind the brothel and get out of these clothes
-
>Well, I suppose there's nothing to be done about it. We should go somewhere private and transform.
>Let's walk our lover out behind the brothel and get out of these clothes
>Understood.
>Catgirl in tow, the two of you stroll across the street and duck into the darkened, snowy rubbish-strewn alleyway. Once Rin and her sensitive ears report that all is clear, you both exchange your mortal guise for the trappings of Magical Lotus and Magical White Rose.
-
>Let's hope we don't cause too much of a scene.
>Approach the entrance of the Iron Rings!
>Is one actually supposed to pay to enter this place, anyway?
-
>Let's hope we don't cause too much of a scene.
>Is one actually supposed to pay to enter this place, anyway?
>Think that'll depend on how many folks in there seen the news.
>You assume so. At least if it's like other clubs.
>Approach the entrance of the Iron Rings!
>"Sorry, girls, but no means no." you hear Yuugi say as you cross the street once more, heading for the club's entrance. "Next time, find yourself a better carder." The three young girls, obviously perturbed at Yuugi's defense of the place, stamp off down the street, complaining more than a little loudly. Fearless youths. Yuugi doesn't have the fearsome reputation that other Oni have around town, but she is reputed to be one of, if not the, strongest.
>And now her attention is on you as you approach her, and the tall, pretty Oni greets you with an easy smile. "Evening, ladies! Fancy duds ya got there."
-
>"Why, thank you. We're actually hoping we might be able to have a word with the proprietor. Is she available at the moment?"
-
>"Why, thank you. We're actually hoping we might be able to have a word with the proprietor. Is she available at the moment?"
>"Which one?"
-
>"Either. Both, ideally. It's a matter of some importance."
-
>"Either. Both, ideally. It's a matter of some importance."
>Yuugi chuckles. "If I had a shekle for every time I heard that one. But that aside, Suwako's downstairs, probably schmoozing it up with the crowd by now. Kanako, not as much. Suwako told me we probably wouldn't see her tonight. I got the feeling there was something personal there, so I didn't pry."
-
>"I suspect what we're here to discuss is related to that, actually. Do you think you could deliver a message to Suwako, at least? Tell her that Lotus would like to speak with them about this morning."
-
>"I suspect what we're here to discuss is related to that, actually. Do you think you could deliver a message to Suwako, at least? Tell her that Lotus would like to speak with them about this morning."
>"Sorry, can't leave my post."
-
>"Well, you don't have to do it in person, but surely you have some way to communicate with your boss while on the job."
-
>"Well, you don't have to do it in person, but surely you have some way to communicate with your boss while on the job."
>"Never came up. She kinda hired me in a hurry. I- Oh, wait a minute." She chuckles ruefully. "Hopeless without Naz around." The tall Oni checks the pockets of her kimono, fishes around inside the garment for a moment, then asks, "Either of you two got a cell I can borrow for a sec?"
-
>None that don't effectively have our real names on them, do we? (Including any that Rin might possess)
-
>None that don't effectively have our real names on them, do we? (Including any that Rin might possess)
>Correct.
-
>I really need to get a 'business' cell phone.
>Frown apologetically
>"I'm afraid not."
-
>I really need to get a 'business' cell phone.
>Frown apologetically
>"I'm afraid not."
>I'll remind you later. Rin replies.
>"Alright, plan B. You can go on in once I see some ID."
-
>Could we... do we think we could actually magick our own ID to look like Lotus rather than Byakuren?
>Without it being obvious we were doing this, of course.
-
>Could we... do we think we could actually magick our own ID to look like Lotus rather than Byakuren?
>Without it being obvious we were doing this, of course.
>If such a thing is possible, and you're not certain it is, you're fairly confidant you wouldn't be able to do it in front of someone without them noticing. Assuming they were paying any kind of attention.
-
>"Then I'm afraid we may need a plan C. I don't have anything suitable on me; I didn't come here to go clubbing, after all."
-
>"Then I'm afraid we may need a plan C. I don't have anything suitable on me; I didn't come here to go clubbing, after all."
>Yuugi regards you curiously. "What's this all about, anyway?"
-
>"I'm afraid it's a private matter, but it concerns their daughter. I promise, it is important."
-
>"I'm afraid it's a private matter, but it concerns their daughter. I promise, it is important."
>"What'd you do, go and get her pregnant?" Yuugi asks, then laughs at her own joke. "But anyway, I make it a point to give people the benefit of the doubt when they promise me something. Just one thing, if Suwako's the only one around, will that do ya?"
-
>Nod
>"That's fine, yes."
-
>Nod
>"That's fine, yes."
>"Okay, hang on a sec." The tall blonde Oni sticks her head in through the door, looks around for a moment, swears softly, then positively bellows out, "SUWAKO!!"
>White rose grimaces. So much for not makin' no scene.
-
>Well, at least we're still on the outside of the crowd.
-
>Well, at least we're still on the outside of the crowd.
>True. Rin replies as Yuugi gestures with her arm at someone within the building, beckoning them forward.
>"Pays to have a voice like mine sometimes." Yuugi remarks as she produces a ceramic gourd and pops the cork with her teeth. "Normally I'd ask if you wanted to join me for a drink, but since I'm on duty, and you got no ID, afraid I can't. Sorry 'bout that."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright. And thank you."
-
>"Oh, that's quite alright. And thank you."
>"I don't wanna sound rude or nothing," White Rose says as the smiling Oni takes a long swig from her gourd. "but are you sure it's okay for you to drink on the job?"
>Yuugi doesn't lose her smile. "Nah. I asked about that myself when Suwako called me. 's only thin liquor, and the bar's off limits. Just enough to wet my whistle. Take a heck of a lot more than this to knock me off duty. But, thanks for askin'."
>"Well, I work around booze too, and we don't get to drink on the job, so I was curious."
>"Tell your boss to talk to me about that." Yuugi grins, taking another drink.
>"This had better be important." the sour voice of Suwako Moriya announces, as the small blonde proprietor of the place walks towards the door, clad now in a knee-length purple evening dress. "I was talking to Yuyuko Saigyouji. This better be-" She pauses abruptly as her eyes fall on you and White Rose. "-good."
-
>Nod politely to Suwako
>"Good afternoon. I was hoping you and Kanako might have a few minutes to discuss what happened this morning."
-
>Nod politely to Suwako
>"Good afternoon. I was hoping you and Kanako might have a few minutes to discuss what happened this morning."
>"Not tonight." Suwako says bluntly. "I'm working."
-
>"And Kanako?"
-
>"And Kanako?"
>"That's her business. But I doubt it."
-
>"Could you ask her, then? Please."
-
>"Could you ask her, then? Please."
>"Maybe once we close." Suwako replies, though her tone is not especially reassuring. "If that's all?"
-
>"I'm sure you must loathe me right now, but I pray you not let that stand in the way of helping someone you care about. I was unable to forestall things this morning, but I am here now because I mean to put them right."
-
>"I'm sure you must loathe me right now, but I pray you not let that stand in the way of helping someone you care about. I was unable to forestall things this morning, but I am here now because I mean to put them right."
>The look the blonde club owner gives you in return is a very peculiar one. She looks like someone that's just swallowed a mouthful of sour milk. "No, I don't- I don't hate- I, I can't, I can't deal with that now, I'm working." she stammers as she turns away from you. Her distracted, subdued voice and mannerism is like one that's more afraid to face something than angrily denying something.
-
>Gently: "Please. We won't take much of your time, but it would help a lot."
-
>Gently: "Please. We won't take much of your time, but it would help a lot."
>You're not even sure Suwako hears you as she walks away from you. Or rather, flees from you? She doesn't run, but her body language gives you that impression.
-
>Well, that... could have gone better.
-
>Well, that... could have gone better.
>Something was really off with her, though. I might be wrong, but it almost sounded like she was afraid of you.
-
>Afraid of me? You really think so?
-
>Afraid of me? You really think so?
>I could be wrong. Rin says quickly.
-
>Well, I agree she seemed afraid, at any rate. I'm not sure what best to do now, though. Perhaps we should wait here a little while, in case she changes her mind?
>It really would be convenient to have a phone number to leave people. I should make that the very next thing I attend to, after we're done here.
-
>Well, I agree she seemed afraid, at any rate. I'm not sure what best to do now, though. Perhaps we should wait here a little while, in case she changes her mind?
>It really would be convenient to have a phone number to leave people. I should make that the very next thing I attend to, after we're done here.
>What about Kanako? She might be less... Whatever Suwako is.
>So I don't need to remind you?
-
>Well, how are we to even reach Kanako directly, under the circumstances? I would rather have spoken to her initially, but if she's keeping to herself and we can't even enter at present without causing a fuss...
-
>Well, how are we to even reach Kanako directly, under the circumstances? I would rather have spoken to her initially, but if she's keeping to herself and we can't even enter at present without causing a fuss...
>Every place has to have a back door, right? Maybe we could sneak in.
>"Now wait just a minute here." Yuugi growls out. "You've got something to tell her about her daughter and she just walks off?"
-
>Not the best way to ingratiate oneself with someone, by sneaking into their home.
>Frown
>"It's... complicated, I'm afraid."
-
>Not the best way to ingratiate oneself with someone, by sneaking into their home.
>Frown
>"It's... complicated, I'm afraid."
>Yeah, but if it's the only way to see 'em...
>Yuugi casts a dirty look the way of her employer. "I oughta give her a piece of my mind." she states, cracking the muscles in her neck to emphasize the point.
-
>"Please don't. She's had a very rough day already. They both have."
-
>"Please don't. She's had a very rough day already. They both have."
>Yuugi clicks her teeth together. "If you say so." Then she shrugs. "And I suppose I shouldn't make a scene either. Naz gets mad at me when I do that." After she chuckles quietly at the mention of her mouse, she then looks back at you. "Well in that case, ladies, I suggest you try Kanako."
>"Yeah, but-" White Rose starts, but Yuugi interrupts her with a waggle of the finger.
>"I can't let you indoors, but I happen to know that Kanako ISN'T indoors. Last I heard, she was up on the roof."
-
>"The roof? Really?"
>Glance up. How high is this building, anyway?
-
>"The roof? Really?"
>Glance up. How high is this building, anyway?
>Yuugi nods.
>Three stories.
-
>"And you won't object if we go take a look up there?"
-
>"And you won't object if we go take a look up there?"
>"Just take the fire escape up." She pauses, then gives you a somewhat serious look. "You said it was important. And I believe you."
-
>"It is. Thank you."
>We can manage a quicker ascent than the fire escape, though. Let's go fly up and see Kanako. Hopefully she'll be more willing to talk.
-
>"It is. Thank you."
>We can manage a quicker ascent than the fire escape, though. Let's go fly up and see Kanako. Hopefully she'll be more willing to talk.
>Yuugi gives you a shoulder clap of camaraderie. "You're all right." Then she mimics the gesture for Rin, who perhaps somewhat surprisingly, doesn't fling from the gesture of affection from the towering Oni.
>Stairs are for chumps. You and your kasha conjure up your respective flying discs, and take off up into the air. You hear Yuugi whistle. "Damn, girl, you never said you two were magic!"
>There are a fair number of unorganized tables and chairs up here on the roof, as well as a fair amount of material and tools used for construction. The two owners may have been planning on using the roof here as an extra level of business, but that hasn't come about yet. The only person in evidence is Kanako. The blue haired woman is sitting on the western-facing edge of the roof, watching the sun start to sink towards the horizon. There are a number of bottles arrayed next to her, and judging from the smell on the western breeze, none of them are of the non-alcoholic variety.
-
>Approach Kanako
>Gently: "I hope we're not intruding."
-
>Approach Kanako
>Gently: "I hope we're not intruding."
>The woman doesn't look up as you approach, simply cradles the small clay cup in her hands. "I knew you'd come." she replies distractedly before she takes a drink.
-
>"I am very deeply sorry I was unable to prevent what happened this morning."
-
>"I am very deeply sorry I was unable to prevent what happened this morning."
>"Why? It wasn't your fault."
-
>"Perhaps not, but a bad thing happened to good people, and I was unable to stop it. I'm sorry."
>"But that's why I'm here. I want to set things right. I don't truly understand what happened to them, but you recognized something in what Sanae said after her transformation. You know something about this, don't you?"
-
>"Perhaps not, but a bad thing happened to good people, and I was unable to stop it. I'm sorry."
>"But that's why I'm here. I want to set things right. I don't truly understand what happened to them, but you recognized something in what Sanae said after her transformation. You know something about this, don't you?"
>"It doesn't matter." the older woman says as she grabs a bottle labeled 'Rolante Gold' and pours herself a drink.
-
>"It does matter. Because, one way or another, I intend to bring her back. Her, and Patchouli, and whoever else has been likewise affected. Anything at all you can share would help."
-
>"It does matter. Because, one way or another, I intend to bring her back. Her, and Patchouli, and whoever else has been likewise affected. Anything at all you can share would help."
>"She IS back." Kanako retorts, tossing her drink back. "And she'll find me and Suwako soon enough." She pauses long enough to grab the bottle again, and only then does she look up at you with haunted eyes. "And that's right."
-
>"Please, tell me what it is you know. Because all I saw this morning was a kind-hearted woman become something else."
-
>"Please, tell me what it is you know. Because all I saw this morning was a kind-hearted woman become something else."
>"No. What you saw was a kind hearted woman that had been betrayed by the woman she loved most, and murdered for it." Kanako opts to drink straight from the bottle, a long pull. "And now she's back to try to get revenge. Or justice, I suppose."
-
>"Justice and revenge are not the same thing, no matter if one is guilty or not."
-
>"Justice and revenge are not the same thing, no matter if one is guilty or not."
>"They are here."
-
>"Then tell me. Explain to me how a murdered woman could be having a house-warming party this morning and know nothing of any of this."
-
>"Then tell me. Explain to me how a murdered woman could be having a house-warming party this morning and know nothing of any of this."
>That question makes Kanako pause in mid-drink. "I haven't figured out that last part yet." she admits.
-
>"Then please tell me what you do know."
-
>"Then please tell me what you do know."
>"Fine." Kanako barks out, throwing her bottle angrily off the rooftop. "Not that it will make a blind bit of difference. Yes, I know who that is, who it was. Turns out I knew her in two lifetimes." She spares you a sideways glance. "Or do you believe in reincarnation?"
-
>We do, correct?
>If so, nod.
-
>We do, correct?
>If so, nod.
>You do, so you do.
>"And now she's remembered her past life. One of her past lives, anyway. She might even have her old powers back, too." She mumbles something as she reaches for another smaller bottle, this one smelling of vodka when she opens it and repeats, "Can't tell nowadays. I'm not what I used to be either."
-
>"What did you used to be, then?"
-
>"What did you used to be, then?"
>Kanako measures out a dollop of vodka for herself, drinks it in one shot, shudders at the strength of the brew, sighs, and then replies, "A God."
-
>"A... god?"
-
>"A... god?"
>"God of Winds and War, Snakes and Rust, Kanako Yasaka." She drinks again. "I once ruled a quarter of this country, you know. Back when the religions were at war with other. Not that that means anything anymore." she adds bitterly.
-
>"And you... remember all this?"
-
>"And you... remember all this?"
>Kanako snorts. "No. I'm just stringing you along to test my storytelling." she replies sarcastically.
-
>"That you recall something of a past life does not mean that you remember much. I did not mean to cause offense."
-
>"That you recall something of a past life does not mean that you remember much. I did not mean to cause offense."
>"I didn't reincarnate, you idiot, I'm a God. Was a God. We don't follow the cycle of life and death that you do."
>"Don't talk to her that way." Rin says hotly, automatically.
-
>"My apologies. That is not true of all beings called divine, and it was you who said you were now something different than you used to be."
-
>"My apologies. That is not true of all beings called divine, and it was you who said you were now something different than you used to be."
>"Ah, so you know better than me, now?" Kanako asks with a nasty grin. "Well why are you talking to me, then. You've got ALL the answers." she grumbles as she takes another drink.
-
>"No. I don't. Surely a question asked of ignorance is proof enough of that."
-
>"No. I don't. Surely a question asked of ignorance is proof enough of that."
>Kanako mutters something indecipherable and pours herself another drink.
-
>"Perhaps you feel that whatever vengeance Sanae seeks is only her due, but there is more at stake here than any of your pasts together. Her life and purpose is linked now with a being who means to subjugate this world, and sooner or later, it may be inevitable that we come to blows with her. And if we lose this conflict, I cannot even fathom how many innocent people may pay the price."
-
>"Perhaps you feel that whatever vengeance Sanae seeks is only her due, but there is more at stake here than any of your pasts together. Her life and purpose is linked now with a being who means to subjugate this world, and sooner or later, it may be inevitable that we come to blows with her. And if we lose this conflict, I cannot even fathom how many innocent people may pay the price."
>Kanako makes a sound halfway between a chuckle and a snort. "That's war." She drinks again. "And take it from me. The innocent always pay the price. Whether you win or lose."
>"Is that why you quit?" White Rose asks her.
>"Yeah. Ah, part of it. That and I was homesick." she adds a bit more brightly as she pours herself another drink.
-
>"Homesick?"
-
>"Homesick?"
>"I missed Yamato. It was my country. I might have ruled the whole damn island chain, if things had gone different." She knocks back another hit of vodka, wincing again. "Not sure I missed this shit, though. Moscovian. What was I thinking?" she asks no one in particular, tossing the bottle absently over her head.
-
>"How long ago was this, if I might ask?"
-
>"How long ago was this, if I might ask?"
>"How long was what?"
-
>"When you... 'quit'?"
-
>"When you... 'quit'?"
>"Bwoooosshh..." Kanako blows air as she thinks. "What year is it?"
-
>Report the current year
-
>Report the current year
>Kanako blinks, then laughs. "That old, and it still takes me this much to get really drunk." she extolls as she reaches for a battle of sake, Dokoku label, no less. Powerful stuff. "I held up well for an old woman."
-
>Pause a moment to see if she actually answers the original question, and if not, gently remind her
-
>Pause a moment to see if she actually answers the original question, and if not, gently remind her
>"I'm in my eighties now. Been eighty-three years since I came down the mountain." Kanako removes the cork from her sake bottle, and the strong smell of it assaults your nose straightaway. "Or eighty-four. Five. Ah, in that ballpark."
-
>"And Sanae's... former self - how long ago was it she died?"
-
>"And Sanae's... former self - how long ago was it she died?"
>Kanako's expression tightens ever so slightly. "3855. July 17th."
>That's nearly sixteen hundred years ago.
-
>"You... remember that quite specifically, after all this time."
-
>"You... remember that quite specifically, after all this time."
>"Wouldn't you remember the day your daughter died?" she asks bitterly.
-
>"So she was your daughter in that life, as well...."
-
>"So she was your daughter in that life, as well...."
>"Not by blood. Not back then." she ruminates as she pours herself a cup of sake. "But I raised her. Gave her a home. And she became my first disciple. I never even asked her to, y'know." she says as she tosses her drink back. "Probably wouldn't have, either. Those were savage times. But she was so damn strong.... Thought I needed her help." Kanako barks out a bitter laugh. "And I did, too. Never would have got as far as I did without her."
-
>"What... happened to her?"
-
>"What... happened to her?"
>"They burned her. They took her and they burned her."
-
>"Who did?"
-
>"Who did?"
>"Suwako's people. They were-"
>"Suwako?!" White Rose yells. "Suwako, like-"
>"Like my wife?" Kanako asks as she pours another glass and drinks. "Yes. Like my wife." She flashes you both a humorless grin. "Ain't that a kick."
-
>"So, does that mean she's....?"
-
>"So, does that mean she's....?"
>"An ex-God, too? Indeed she is." Kanako drinks again. "And as bad as I was, she was even worse than I was, back then. We have changed." The blue haired woman pours herself another drink, but just stares at the milky sake for a moment. "Paid for most of our sins, too. Except this one." She takes the time to down half of her cup before adding, "Until now."
-
>"You... said she was betrayed?"
-
>"You... said she was betrayed?"
>Kanako sighs, "It was war. And in war, people make choices. Decisions get made, decisions that send people, tens, hundreds, thousands of people, to their deaths. That's the price of victory sometimes." She pauses long enough to take a small drink. "Sometimes you need to draw.... Lie." she bites off. "Lie to your people. Don't tell them it's a suicide mission. Don't tell them what they're facing. Didn't tell them how many they'd be facing."
-
>"You saw no other way, at the time?"
-
>"You saw no other way, at the time?"
>Kanako smiles a bitter, bitter smile. "Yes I did. Just none more efficient." She spits the last word.
-
>"You valued different things back then."
-
>"You valued different things back then."
>"Do I?" Kanako laughs a bitter laugh and refills her cup. "Do I really?"
-
>"Don't you? Would the you of today make the same call? Would the you of today be fighting such a war in the first place?"
-
>"Don't you? Would the you of today make the same call? Would the you of today be fighting such a war in the first place?"
>"I did." Kanako answers. "I said I was in my eighties, didn't I?"
-
>"Yes, and....?"
-
>"Yes, and....?"
>"And that means I was a soldier during the second Lunarian War, you fool." she says before tossing her drink back. "And I killed even more people than I did when I was a God."
-
>"And were these deaths also for the sake of 'expediency', or because they were the best choice you could see so that others would live? That was a war of survival."
-
>"And were these deaths also for the sake of 'expediency', or because they were the best choice you could see so that others would live? That was a war of survival."
>"Every war is a war of survival." Kanako retorts as she pours once more. "Survival of a way of life, of a race, of a planet. A tree, a river. Take your pick." She takes a deep breath as she lowers her bottle. "But you don't want me to go on about the reality of war, do you. No, you want to hear what I did, well, I'll tell you. Ever heard of a little thing called 'Megatron'?" she asks as she drinks again.
-
>"Of course."
-
>"Of course."
>"Good. But you never heard about who brought down the Lunarian's shields so that the missile would connect, did you." A chill gust of wind blows across the cold roof as Kanako refills her cup. "Never made that part public. Didn't want people to know. Couldn't be sure if we'd be heroes or monsters or both, so they kept the names out of it. But it was me. Me and my crew. We took down their defenses. We're responsible for that hole in the moon where people used to live."
>"And if I'd been in charge, I'd have given the go ahead as well. I approved completely." she says before taking a quick drink. "Quickest way to win, you see. Soon as I heard about the missile, I was all for it. Would have pushed the button to take those shields down myself, if Doubles hadn't done it for me." She finishes her drink. "And now I'll never get to ask him why. I could have done it, would have done it. He did it. Still don't know why."
-
>"....Doubles? I... don't suppose you're referring to an oni by the name of Francis O'Donnell, by any chance?"
-
>"....Doubles? I... don't suppose you're referring to an oni by the name of Francis O'Donnell, by any chance?"
>That brings a more genuine smile to Kanako's face. "You know the old bastard? He's still around?"
-
>"He is indeed! We fought a youma together just a couple days ago, actually. ...he did get knocked around a bit, I'm afraid, but I think he's fine."
-
>"He is indeed! We fought a youma together just a couple days ago, actually. ...he did get knocked around a bit, I'm afraid, but I think he's fine."
>"Hah! I might have known I'd find him here." she says in a tone halfway between rueful and happy. "Just my luck, isn't it, that I should find out my old friend's here in town the day one of my old ghosts comes back to kill me." She sighs and takes another drink. "If you see him again, spare him the details about how I died. He probably still thinks I should die of old age, optimistic fool."
-
>"I don't intend to let Sanae kill you, if that's what you mean."
-
>"I don't intend to let Sanae kill you, if that's what you mean."
>"Hah, I'll bet you don't. But it's fine." she says quietly as she turns back to look at the setting sun. "I've been thinking over this ever since I heard her call me 'Kanako-sama', when I knew it was her. The old Sanae. And the simple truth is, Suwako and I are responsible for her death. I sent her into a hopeless fight, and Suwako had a death mark on her, a price on her head. Rewarded more if she suffered first, since she was such a traitor to her. And she did suffer, they burned her. Burned her alive." Kanako takes a long, slow drink of her powerful sake, then smiles a quiet, dignified smile. "That woman... deserves her revenge. And... we deserve to die."
-
>"I don't believe that is true. You may have both done terrible things in the past, but a great many years have passed. You're not the same people you once were. Is the world truly better off with you gone from it?"
-
>"I don't believe that is true. You may have both done terrible things in the past, but a great many years have passed. You're not the same people you once were. Is the world truly better off with you gone from it?"
>"I think the world will get by just fine without another chain of host clubs." Kanako remarks dryly before taking another drink. "Assuming Suwako hasn't gone and willed Iron Rings to someone else. Doubt that, though, she's thought of nothing but work since we came back here. That's the difference between her and me, I'm trying to conjure up whatever dignity I have before Sanae inevitably faces me. Suwako's not ready to face her yet. Maybe never will be. Hope she will be." she mutters as she refills her cup. "I hope she doesn't die whimpering."
-
>"That's not the question I asked. The world will get by without you, but is the world better for it? Are you an irrepressible danger to others? Is your death the only means to keep others from dying? There are few justifications grave enough to sanction killing another, even one who has themselves killed others."
-
>"That's not the question I asked. The world will get by without you, but is the world better for it? Are you an irrepressible danger to others? Is your death the only means to keep others from dying? There are few justifications grave enough to sanction killing another, even one who has themselves killed others."
>"The world doesn't hinge on Sanae's revenge. She deserves it. I accept it. If you want to go and put yourself between her and us, that's your business, but don't do it on my account. This is an old scale that needs to be balanced. If you believe in karma, then I am long overdue for some comeuppance."
-
>"I don't believe in revenge. Violence done out of anger only breeds further violence, whatever the crime, whatever the pain one has suffered. No one can erase a wound by inflicting one upon another. It is this path that keeps the fires of war burning."
-
>"I don't believe in revenge. Violence done out of anger only breeds further violence, whatever the crime, whatever the pain one has suffered. No one can erase a wound by inflicting one upon another. It is this path that keeps the fires of war burning."
>Kanako laughs again. "Life keeps the fires of war burning, my young friend. You can't have life without war, certainly not in a world like ours. So many species, so much magic, so much greed and ambition and anger.... Ahh. Anyway." she pauses in mid-rant, taking another drink. "You're free to believe what you want. Unless Sanae beats you, too, then that might change. You're better off avoiding her, you know. It's me and Suwako she wants dead, not you two."
-
>"As I said earlier, there's more at stake here than just your lives. The winged woman who awakened Sanae's past memories is a Champion of Makai, here to destroy the barrier that separates their world from ours, and allow the rest of their kind to subjugate it. She was personally responsible for multiple attacks on civilians here within the past week - including the one Doubles was involved in. As Sanae is now bonded with her, and claimed shared cause with her, I have to consider her a danger to far more people than just you."
-
>"As I said earlier, there's more at stake here than just your lives. The winged woman who awakened Sanae's past memories is a Champion of Makai, here to destroy the barrier that separates their world from ours, and allow the rest of their kind to subjugate it. She was personally responsible for multiple attacks on civilians here within the past week - including the one Doubles was involved in. As Sanae is now bonded with her, and claimed shared cause with her, I have to consider her a danger to far more people than just you."
>"Then it sounds like you should find this Champion and kill her."
>"We can't do that." White Rose says as Kanako pours another drink. She's gone through over half that bottle of sake in very, very quick order. Must still have at least some divinity in her, or some Oni at any rate, she's not even slurring her words slightly.
>"Why? Doesn't this Champion have a weakness to exploit? Everything does, you know. You just have to find it."
-
>"That may be so, and I would certainly welcome any tactical edge over her - the battle we fought against her this morning did not go terribly well - but there are at least two separate issues with killing her."
>"Though before that, have you heard of Makai before?"
-
>"That may be so, and I would certainly welcome any tactical edge over her - the battle we fought against her this morning did not go terribly well - but there are at least two separate issues with killing her."
>"Though before that, have you heard of Makai before?"
>"I have. It's a realm separate from ours. It has no divinities, at least none that interact with the divinities of Earth. We used to think of it as a blot on the horizon." Kanako says as she drinks again. "Well, some of us did. I rememember a few of us used to think of it as a Black Hole." She pauses and frowns. "Did I say rememember?"
-
>"Yes?"
-
>"Yes?"
>"My word." she mutters, picking up her sake bottle and staring at it. "No wonder Suwako doesn't sell this stuff at the bar. Uh, if you see her when you're leaving, tell her she was right about it."
-
>"And in your time, did you ever witness another invasion of this world from there?"
-
>"And in your time, did you ever witness another invasion of this world from there?"
>"Not me, no. But I didn't pay any attention to Makai, either. It was irrelevant." Kanako shakes her head. "It seems I was wrong about that."
-
>"And I suppose you have no idea how, 1600 years ago, Sanae could have ended up in Makai herself?"
-
>"And I suppose you have no idea how, 1600 years ago, Sanae could have ended up in Makai herself?"
>"I can't see how it's possible." Kanako says as she refills her cup. "It's a separate world. It doesn't factor into the cycle of reincarnation of this one. She would have been reborn in this world. Unless some magician of Suwako's had access to banishment spells."
-
>"She herself said this morning that she'd been cast into Makai. When you said that Suwako's people burned her alive, was she presumed dead afterward?"
-
>"She herself said this morning that she'd been cast into Makai. When you said that Suwako's people burned her alive, was she presumed dead afterward?"
>"There was no presuming. I saw the body. What was left of her."
>Uh, gotta ask. Rin says privately. 'Banishment', that means, like, throwing someone out of a country, right?
-
>Or out of a world, in this case.
>"Then I wonder how we can explain this? That Sanae could be cast into Makai, the same Sanae that was burned alive, and her reincarnation somehow tied to a being from another world from the moment of her birth."
-
>Or out of a world, in this case.
>"Then I wonder how we can explain this? That Sanae could be cast into Makai, the same Sanae that was burned alive, and her reincarnation somehow tied to a being from another world from the moment of her birth."
>Kanako drinks deeply from her cup. "I was a war God, not a puzzle God."
-
>"This is a puzzle on which the fate of a war may rest."
>"When I said this morning that I remembered seeing Sanae, with her body covered in terrible burns, that was not a fabrication. I had no idea how such a thing could be a memory, how Sanae could look no younger in something that felt very old indeed. But if that is something that happened to her in another life... perhaps it is another life I too am remembering - one in which I also knew her."
-
>"This is a puzzle on which the fate of a war may rest."
>"When I said this morning that I remembered seeing Sanae, with her body covered in terrible burns, that was not a fabrication. I had no idea how such a thing could be a memory, how Sanae could look no younger in something that felt very old indeed. But if that is something that happened to her in another life... perhaps it is another life I too am remembering - one in which I also knew her."
>"Or you have some connection to Makai, too." Kanako speculates. "Do you have a Champion of your own?"
-
>"If I do, it's none of the ones that have crossed into our world yet. I could sense the flow of power between Sanae and Air, Patchouli and Water. I feel nothing of the sort from myself."
>That, uh... that's still true, right?
-
>"If I do, it's none of the ones that have crossed into our world yet. I could sense the flow of power between Sanae and Air, Patchouli and Water. I feel nothing of the sort from myself."
>That, uh... that's still true, right?
>"You're expectingng more?" she asks.
>Yes, that is still true.
-
>"Yes. At least two more, and there are four already here. I do not know how long we have."
-
>"Yes. At least two more, and there are four already here. I do not know how long we have."
>"So I should wish you luck?"
-
>"Well, you've already told me a few things I didn't know, and I appreciate that. I admit I had been hoping that the recognition I saw in your face this morning meant you understood more about this 'Avatar' business, and how Sanae came to become one. I'm sure you can appreciate the value of any piece of tactical information when faced with a dangerous situation."
-
>"Well, you've already told me a few things I didn't know, and I appreciate that. I admit I had been hoping that the recognition I saw in your face this morning meant you understood more about this 'Avatar' business, and how Sanae came to become one. I'm sure you can appreciate the value of any piece of tactical information when faced with a dangerous situation."
>Kanako chuckles mirthfully. "Indeed. I might even have offered my services as a tactician for your upcoming battles, as well, if I didn't think I'd be dead sometime in the near future. Aaand I hate making commitments I'm not positive I can follow through onnn."
-
>"If you're so sure she means to kill you above all else, why do you think she hasn't done so already? She knows where you are, and she was right beside you once already today."
-
>"If you're so sure she means to kill you above all else, why do you think she hasn't done so already? She knows where you are, and she was right beside you once already today."
>"I assume she has to refamiliarize herself with her powers. She's gone from being human to being a demigod. No one adjusts to that... quickly..." she trails off, looking away from you. "Demigod? Yes she was. And if they.... Maybe that's how she ended up in Makai. They killed her and banished her soul. They did used to do that to demigods."
-
>"So her soul might have ended up in Makai, rather than her living body? ...wouldn't that cause her to be reborn there? I am afraid I am not altogether clear on the metaphysical implications."
-
>"So her soul might have ended up in Makai, rather than her living body? ...wouldn't that cause her to be reborn there? I am afraid I am not altogether clear on the metaphysical implications."
>"No you're right, it would." Kanako muses as she takes a slow, contemplative drink. "But you said there were people living there. They might have had the power to send Sanae's soul back into this cycle. "
-
>"Perhaps. I feel as though the Avatars were... recruited, so to speak. That they pledged themselves to the Children's cause, long ago. I know their aid was considered important, though I'm unclear why. The scene that I 'remember' is... fragmentary."
>Reach out to the Purpose: I have a question for you. If a Terran somehow ended up in Makai, would you bar its exit back here in the same way that you bar passage for the denizens of that realm?"
-
>"Perhaps. I feel as though the Avatars were... recruited, so to speak. That they pledged themselves to the Children's cause, long ago. I know their aid was considered important, though I'm unclear why. The scene that I 'remember' is... fragmentary."
>Reach out to the Purpose: I have a question for you. If a Terran somehow ended up in Makai, would you bar its exit back here in the same way that you bar passage for the denizens of that realm?"
>"So you don't know how you ended up in Mamakai either?" Kanako asks, her speech only now starting to show consistent distortion. "If that's what it was."
>I would not. I was created to contain a certain group of people. The denizens of this world are not part of my purpose.
-
>"No. I have no idea when or how it was. It was only the sensation of Sanae's becoming an Avatar that brought it to mind, as though it were an inexplicably familiar sensation."
>And the same would be true of a Terran soul, I assume?
>Would you even notice one pass through you?
-
>"No. I have no idea when or how it was. It was only the sensation of Sanae's becoming an Avatar that brought it to mind, as though it were an inexplicably familiar sensation."
>And the same would be true of a Terran soul, I assume?
>Would you even notice one pass through you?
>"Like you're an Avatar, too?" Kanako asks.
>"No chance in hell!" White Rose retorts hotly. "She's been fighting these guys ever since they showed up!"
>"And Sanae was just my daughter. Until she wasn't." Kanako replies coldly before drinking again.
>Are lives and souls not the same to you mortals?
>I would notice, yes. However, if the lifeform was not a demon, I would dismiss it. Only demons are relavant to my purpose.
-
>"I truly wish I could dismiss that possibility out of hand, but... I cannot."
>How precise is your memory of such things? Could you say when was the last time any Terran crossed Makai back into this world?
-
>"I truly wish I could dismiss that possibility out of hand, but... I cannot."
>How precise is your memory of such things? Could you say when was the last time any Terran crossed Makai back into this world?
>"Well I can." White Rose says firmly. "You're my mis... Uh, leader, and there's not a ghost of a chance of you being anything but good."
>Kanako, refilling her cup again, seems to miss Rin almost referring to you by one of your 'human' titles.
>I do not possess the same sense of the flow of time as mortals do, Hero. I could guess, but I could not be precise.
-
>"I appreciate the faith you have in me."
>Then guess, if you could. Would it be a matter of a couple decades? Centuries?
-
>"I appreciate the faith you have in me."
>Then guess, if you could. Would it be a matter of a couple decades? Centuries?
>Sorry 'bout that. Rin thinks at you. Got a bit carried away there.
>The Purpose is a moment in replying, If my knowledge of time is accurate, there have been three souls that left Makai for Earth that were not demons within the last ten to twenty years.
-
>To Rin: It's alright. I don't want to believe it either.
>To the Purpose: Within the last ten to twenty years... could that include very recently, or was it at least some years ago now?
-
>To Rin: It's alright. I don't want to believe it either.
>To the Purpose: Within the last ten to twenty years... could that include very recently, or was it at least some years ago now?
>I do not understand. The Purpose replies. Are not 'recently' and 'some years' the same thing?
-
>I meant more like 'Some weeks' rather than 'Some years', sorry.
-
>I meant more like 'Some weeks' rather than 'Some years', sorry.
>No, not weeks. The last one was years ago, of that I can be certain.
-
>You said you did not understand exactly how the Champions were able to cross through you, yes?
-
>You said you did not understand exactly how the Champions were able to cross through you, yes?
>They forcefully penetrated me.
-
>I wondered now whether their ability to do this might have something to do with them being connected to Terran souls on this side of you. Does that sound possible to you?
-
>I wondered now whether their ability to do this might have something to do with them being connected to Terran souls on this side of you. Does that sound possible to you?
>I detected no connections between this world and the other. However, since these connections obviously exist, it is possible I cannot detect them.
-
>I don't suppose there's any chance you could recognize these specific souls, if your attention was brought to them again?
-
>I don't suppose there's any chance you could recognize these specific souls, if your attention was brought to them again?
>I do not believe so. Not if their origin was this world.
-
>Fair enough. Thank you.
>To Kanako: "I have another question. And I hope you'll forgive me for how insensitive this is under the circumstances, but... you said that everything has a weakness. What's Sanae's? You may know her powers better than anyone. I do not wish to fight her, but if she truly intends to perpetrate this invasion, we may have no other choice. For the sake of all the people of this world, we cannot afford to lose that battle. I promise I will do no harm to her, but if there is any way to counter her abilities, any powers we should be warned of, it might make the difference between people living and dying."
-
>Fair enough. Thank you.
>To Kanako: "I have another question. And I hope you'll forgive me for how insensitive this is under the circumstances, but... you said that everything has a weakness. What's Sanae's? You may know her powers better than anyone. I do not wish to fight her, but if she truly intends to perpetrate this invasion, we may have no other choice. For the sake of all the people of this world, we cannot afford to lose that battle. I promise I will do no harm to her, but if there is any way to counter her abilities, any powers we should be warned of, it might make the difference between people living and dying."
>"I don't know if she has the same powers she did back then." Kanako replies, eying the dwindling supply of her sake. "Just because she has her old memories doesn't mean she has the same abilities. And I don't know...." Her voice dips down into the bass range and trails off, and her head droops a little before snapping back up. "Don't know what kind of power she got from that Champion of yours."
-
>"No, but nonetheless, I would be appreciative of any information you could impart that you think might be useful."
-
>"No, but nonetheless, I would be appreciative of any information you could impart that you think might be useful."
>"Uhhh... Sure. But, you first, tell me what her Champion can do. I want to see if there's any crossover."
>"The Champion?" White Rose asks.
>"Well, if there's a link between them, then it stands to reason they have at least some powers or abillllities in common."
-
>Describe the powers we've seen Elis use
-
>Describe the powers we've seen Elis use
>"Sanae couldn't make monsters before." Kanako says once you've finished. "She could summon, though. Wasn't her forte, but she could do it. Wind and lightning and thunder, that she could do. She was my right hand woman after all." she says with pride. "But don't try to keep her on the ground like it will limit her effectiveness. It won't. In fact you might want to keep her in the air as much as possible. Flying was her dream ever since she first saw the clouds. Human-Sanae, I mean. If you let her fly, it make take some of her focus away and give you opportunities you might not otherwise have. Do you have flying troops?"
-
>"You saw us in the air this morning, did you not?"
-
>"You saw us in the air this morning, did you not?"
>"I meant flying specialists.... Oh right, the blonde girl. Try to get Sanae to chase her. If she's like she was before, she's very hard to distract, but an aerial chase might do it."
-
>"Hmmm... I'll keep it in mind."
-
>"Hmmm... I'll keep it in mind."
>Doesn't that sound awful dangerous for Lily? Rin asks privately.
-
>It might. I don't know that Lily's airspeed would be enough to prevent being overtaken, either. It depends on how hostile Sanae is at the time, of course. I would never ask Lily to be a distraction if I felt it would end badly for her.
-
>It might. I don't know that Lily's airspeed would be enough to prevent being overtaken, either. It depends on how hostile Sanae is at the time, of course. I would never ask Lily to be a distraction if I felt it would end badly for her.
>"Of course, that won't work if your flier isn't good at evasive flying." Kanako adds as she takes another short drink. "And another thing, I don't know if Sanae has the same endurance she did in her past life. She may still have the body of a human, not a demigod, so she may not be as tough as she thinks she is. You might be able to outlast her, or take her down quickly, depending on circumst... Uh, circumstances."
-
>Nod, and see if she has anything else to say
-
>Nod, and see if she has anything else to say
>Kanako pauses to ponder, and while she does, Rin asks you something, 'Demigod', that means one of Sanae's parents was a god, right? But Kanako said she wasn't blood to her. So where'd the god part come from?
-
>I couldn't say. There are a lot of gods to go around, and it was a long time ago.
-
>I couldn't say. There are a lot of gods to go around, and it was a long time ago.
>Hmm. Well, I guess if it was important, Kanako would say so.
>Finally, Kanako, in the middle of taking another drink, pauses, lowers her cup, scowls, and swallows heavily. "Oh, that is cruel..." she mutters.
-
>"What is?"
-
>"What is?"
>Kanako looks up at you briefly, before turning away and sptting disgustedly. "How do you feel about psychological warfare?"
-
>"That depends greatly on what you specifically mean."
-
>"That depends greatly on what you specifically mean."
>"Preying on someone's fears."
-
>"Such as?"
-
>"Such as?"
>"If she remembers her old life, then she remembers how she died. And you could take advantage of that."
-
>"Fire?"
-
>"Fire?"
>"Fire."
-
>"I don't want to traumatize her. I want to convince her not to follow this path she seems to have put herself on. Though we may have little choice, in any case; one of the core elements of Rose's powers is fire."
-
>"I don't want to traumatize her. I want to convince her not to follow this path she seems to have put herself on. Though we may have little choice, in any case; one of the core elements of Rose's powers is fire."
>"Then don't be surprised if she reacts strongly to it." Kanako says to White Rose. To you, she says, "And don't be afraid to use it. It might be necessessary."
-
>"We'll do what we have to."
-
>"We'll do what we have to."
>Kanako smiles grimly, and raises her cup to you. "The words of a winner." she salutes you as she drinks. The motion starts her moving backwards a bit more than a stable person, but she catches herself before she goes over.
-
>"Is there anything you would like us to tell Sanae, when we see her again?"
-
>"Is there anything you would like us to tell Sanae, when we see her again?"
>"That I'll be ready. When she comes."
-
>"Despite all this, you do still love her, don't you?"
-
>"Despite all this, you do still love her, don't you?"
>Kanako lets out a breath. "Victory was the only thing I loved. Until she came into my life."
-
>"That's important, you know. Whatever your past misdeeds, that still matters."
-
>"That's important, you know. Whatever your past misdeeds, that still matters."
>"Yes it does." Kanako says darkly. "It makes my betrayal of her even worse."
-
>"Even back then, you loved her?"
-
>"Even back then, you loved her?"
>"Didn't I say that already?"
-
>"I guess victory won out in the end, then...."
-
>"I guess victory won out in the end, then...."
>"And she loved me, too. Never would have dreamed I'd send her to die. Not in a fight she couldn't win. Not just so I could win a war. That I'd lie to her to do it. Any one of those people I sent to die has a case for their revenge. But that woman, she should be first in line. She deserves her revenge. And I deserve to die." Kanako says, echoing her earlier sentiment before taking another drink.
-
>"You said Suwako was the one who ordered that she suffer before she died. How could the two of you have ended up together, after all that?"
-
>"You said Suwako was the one who ordered that she suffer before she died. How could the two of you have ended up together, after all that?"
>"Time changes a lot of things. And besides, I didn't hold that order against her. I understood why she gave it."
-
>"Moreso than your own?"
-
>"Moreso than your own?"
>"What?"
-
>"More understandable than your own order, I mean?"
-
>"More understandable than your own order, I mean?"
>Kanako blinks owlishly at you before asking again, "What?"
-
>"There were two orders that led to Sanae's death - one issued by Suwako, and one by yourself. Why is one of them forgivable and the other not?"
-
>"There were two orders that led to Sanae's death - one issued by Suwako, and one by yourself. Why is one of them forgivable and the other not?"
>"Oh. Because before I betrayed Sanae, Sanae betrayed Suwako. It's understandable Suwako wanted her to pay for it."
-
>"Is it really? Do you truly think the proper response to betrayal is to make the other party suffer dearly for it?"
-
>"Is it really? Do you truly think the proper response to betrayal is to make the other party suffer dearly for it?"
>"It's certainly understandable, isn't it?"
-
>"No more or less understandable than a warlord using their troops in the most effective way they see to secure victory. Morality has little to do with how clearly motive can be seen."
-
>"No more or less understandable than a warlord using their troops in the most effective way they see to secure victory. Morality has little to do with how clearly motive can be seen."
>Kanako nods shortly at White Rose. "Then you'd be okay with lying to her and sending her off to die, if it meant you'd beat the Champions quickly and efficiently?"
-
>"That is not what I said. Just because a thing can be understood does not say anything about whether it is right or wrong. I would sooner give my own life than deceive another into sacrificing theirs; 'efficiency' means nothing to me if people have to die for it."
>"My point is that even if you understand her motives, Suwako still caused terrible suffering to a woman you loved - and for no purpose but to satisfy her own desires. If that can be forgiven, then so can you."
-
>"That is not what I said. Just because a thing can be understood does not say anything about whether it is right or wrong. I would sooner give my own life than deceive another into sacrificing theirs; 'efficiency' means nothing to me if people have to die for it."
>"My point is that even if you understand her motives, Suwako still caused terrible suffering to a woman you loved - and for no purpose but to satisfy her own desires. If that can be forgiven, then so can you."
>"It's not yours to forgive me. It's Sanae's. And she won't. She deserves revenge on her mothers."
-
>"Blood never heals a wounded soul."
-
>"Blood never heals a wounded soul."
>With her cup half raised to her lips, Kanako pauses. "What did you say?" she asks quietly.
-
>"Blood never heals a wounded soul."
-
>"Blood never heals a wounded soul."
>"That's what I thought you said." Kanako murmurs.
>"That mean something to you?" White Rose asks her.
>"Woman I knew long ago, smart woman. She used to say that, too. Just struck me." She gives you a nod. "You'd probably have liked her."
-
>"Who was she?"
-
>"Who was she?"
>"A writer. Poet. Or novelist, I forget. Maybe both? Her name was Giada. Odd name for here, I think was from somewhere in Roma. Snake youkai, I think." Kanako smiles an unsteady smile. "I've always had a way with snakes." Then she frowns. "Except that Aztec snake."
-
>"...I recently met a woman by that name - a miko of the Dragon Shrine, with green hair and slitted yellow eyes. A curiously serene woman, almost ethereal, in a sense."
-
>"...I recently met a woman by that name - a miko of the Dragon Shrine, with green hair and slitted yellow eyes. A curiously serene woman, almost ethereal, in a sense."
>Kanako throws her head back and laughs. Once again, the act almost sends her sprawing backwards, but she catches herself. Just. "You've got a talent for meeting my old friends!" she says expansively. "I suppose she gave you a piece of jade?"
-
>"As a matter of fact, she did. Is this... something of a habit of hers?"
-
>"As a matter of fact, she did. Is this... something of a habit of hers?"
>"It means she was curious about you. If she let you keep it, that means she likes you."
-
>"She did. I... wasn't entirely sure what to make of it at the time; I'm still not, I guess."
-
>"She did. I... wasn't entirely sure what to make of it at the time; I'm still not, I guess."
>"She hasn't changed much, then."
>"Do snake youkai normally live that long?" White Rose asks. "You said 'long ago', you mean when you were still a God?"
>"Yeah I do. And normal snake youkai? No, not that I know of. But like your mistress there said, Giada is a strange woman. Doesn't surprise me she's still around. Unless she's a reincarnation of herself, too."
-
>"That, I wouldn't be able to answer; I've only spoken to her briefly. Though she did mention knowing someone 'a very long time ago', however long her frame of reference is."
-
>"That, I wouldn't be able to answer; I've only spoken to her briefly. Though she did mention knowing someone 'a very long time ago', however long her frame of reference is."
>"Long enough to stretch back to the Dark Ages, at least."
-
>How long ago were the Dark Ages, anyway?
-
>How long ago were the Dark Ages, anyway?
.
>The Dark Ages encompasses the years 3116 to 3857. From the end of it to the current year is a difference of one thousand three hundred and ninty years.
-
>"Old memories have a long reach lately."
-
>"Old memories have a long reach lately."
>"Mmm." Kanako replies as she pours the last of her bottle of sake into her cup. "History cycles around isn't just something teachers say to sound smarter."
-
>"I think they usually mean it less literally than this."
>"But I meant what I said earlier; whether or not you deserve to die for your actions, there is no wound in the heart of a kind-hearted person that can be salved by having them kill her own parents. Not even one who was betrayed by them. Can anyone ever do such a thing and not be scarred by it?"
-
>"I think they usually mean it less literally than this."
>"But I meant what I said earlier; whether or not you deserve to die for your actions, there is no wound in the heart of a kind-hearted person that can be salved by having them kill her own parents. Not even one who was betrayed by them. Can anyone ever do such a thing and not be scarred by it?"
>"It's the only option she has left. The only other way to really hurt me would be to beat me in war. And since that isn't going to happen, that brings us back to the first option."
>"Besides... She might have been a kind-hearted person. Now, though?" Kanako shakes her head. "No. No, that girl died long ago. In some ways, the Avatar of Air is a ghost. Back for revenge. And she'll either get it, or you'll have to kill her to stop her. I can only think of one way where you wouldn't have to kill her to stop her from killing me and Suwako."
-
>"And what is that?"
-
>"And what is that?"
>"If you killed us."
-
>"No. And if you see no other alternative, I will just have to find one myself. Whatever horrors Sanae suffered long ago, I refuse to accept that every part of the bright-eyed and brave girl I met yesterday is gone for good."
-
>"No. And if you see no other alternative, I will just have to find one myself. Whatever horrors Sanae suffered long ago, I refuse to accept that every part of the bright-eyed and brave girl I met yesterday is gone for good."
>"She must have made quite an impression on you."
-
>"A good friend of mine became an Avatar this morning also. To believe that the people they were are gone for good is tantamount to saying they died there this morning. While we watched and could do nothing. I won't accept that."
-
>"A good friend of mine became an Avatar this morning also. To believe that the people they were are gone for good is tantamount to saying they died there this morning. While we watched and could do nothing. I won't accept that."
>"I think you might need to accept that." Kanako says as she swirls her milky sake. "You can't save everyone. Trust me. I know. If you can't learn to live with it, it will kill you."
-
>"So long as a shred of hope remains, I will try."
-
>"So long as a shred of hope remains, I will try."
>"She already found a way to do something everyone thought couldn't be done: fix a youma without killing it." White Rose informs Kanako. "She'll find a way to fix people, too."
>"Don't let yourself get killed trying." Kanako tells you.
>White Rose straightens up a bit. "And I won't let that happen."
-
>"If Sanae can still be helped, we will find a way; I promise you this. And thank you for speaking with us. I look forward to doing so again in better circumstances."
-
>"If Sanae can still be helped, we will find a way; I promise you this. And thank you for speaking with us. I look forward to doing so again in better circumstances."
>"You're off, then?"
-
>"I think so; unless you had something else you wanted to say?"
-
>"I think so; unless you had something else you wanted to say?"
>"Mmm. Don't think of it as a loss, if Sanae manages to kill me. It doesn't mean you failed. I accept it."
-
>"We define failure on our own terms."
>Assuming she has nothing else to say, bid farewell and take our leave of this place.
-
>"We define failure on our own terms."
>Assuming she has nothing else to say, bid farewell and take our leave of this place.
>"Don't lose any sleep over me." she replies, knocking back the last of her sake. This time, when she rocks backwards, she is unable to arrest her momentum, and the blue haired woman falls over backwards. "I've had this coming for a long time... Wonder if she knew.... that I was... sorry...." Her voice trails off as the energy leaves her body, her cup slipping out of her hands. She definitely has nothing else to say for a while.
>With her incapacitated and Suwako not likely to be any more receptive of your company now, you and Rin re-board your individual flying discs and take off into the air. There's much more of a crowd down at the door now, and their attention is not on Yuugi. They react audibly and visibly to the sight of you and White Rose once you come into view.
-
>Their attention is not on Yuugi? Is that only in the sense that we caught their attention, or is there anything else going on that we can tell?
-
>Their attention is not on Yuugi? Is that only in the sense that we caught their attention, or is there anything else going on that we can tell?
>Nothing else. You may simply have drawn some attention to yourself when you and Rin flew up the side of the building.
-
>Surely it can't be that odd to see people flying around in this city, between the tengu and bird youkai and fairies and magicians and so forth? Are we just flashier about it?
>In any case, it's time to go cell phone shopping! So that we will finally have a number to give people. (Feel free to land somewhere less crowded on the way)
-
>Surely it can't be that odd to see people flying around in this city, between the tengu and bird youkai and fairies and magicians and so forth? Are we just flashier about it?
>In any case, it's time to go cell phone shopping! So that we will finally have a number to give people. (Feel free to land somewhere less crowded on the way)
>Technically, yes. Most people that fly around the city don't use magic to do it. That would be normal in Muenzuka, but much less so in Mayoiga. Plus, let's not forget, you were on the news today as well.
>This being a very modern city, there are any number of locations where one might acquire a cell phone. Some places more... seedy than others. Presumably you would prefer somewhere more aboveboard?
-
>Somewhere aboveboard, yes. And get a proper smartphone this time, one capable at least of bringing up a proper interactive city map. This could be an important feature in our Lotus work; we can be budget-conscious otherwise, but tactical advantages are not the place to be scrimping.
-
>Somewhere aboveboard, yes. And get a proper smartphone this time, one capable at least of bringing up a proper interactive city map. This could be an important feature in our Lotus work; we can be budget-conscious otherwise, but tactical advantages are not the place to be scrimping.
>About how much were you looking to spend?
-
>Whatever this costs from a non-sketchy source. We can be frugal about snazziness, and there's certainly no need to go for trendy brands, so long as it meets these baseline requirements.
-
>Whatever this costs from a non-sketchy source. We can be frugal about snazziness, and there's certainly no need to go for trendy brands, so long as it meets these baseline requirements.
>Quite a number of the people in the crowd below you actually try to follow you and White Rose as you fly in a westerly direction, but you have a bit of an edge in mobility over them, and lose them with little effort. Always seems like you've got fans following you around. White Rose remarks. Once you're certain you've lost pursuit, you and Rin set down in a secluded back yard to travel the rest of the way on foot.
>After a twelve minute walk, somewhat delayed by your need to take a less direct route so as not to draw any more attention to yourself, you arrive at your destination, a branch of the Yamato-wide electronics chain Power Source. It's one of Nitori's favourites. Not only does it carry modern supplies, it also caters to those who prefer older video games.
>With some assistance from a pretty if somewhat nerdy shopkeeper, you eventually narrow your choices down to a serviceable machine, which is currently on sale for $215 after taxes, or a fancier gizmo with a number of extra bells and whistles for $375 after tax.
-
>Are any of the bells and whistles anything we especially care about? If not, opt for the more affordable one.
-
>Are any of the bells and whistles anything we especially care about? If not, opt for the more affordable one.
>Not enough to justify shelling out the extra bucks, not for your purposes. So you select the cheaper dingus.
>You have acquired: Brand-new smartphone.
-
>Thank the salesperson, leave, find a conveniently private spot to drop our Lotus form, and then head on home
-
>Thank the salesperson, leave, find a conveniently private spot to drop our Lotus form, and then head on home
>What's next? Rin asks you as you depart from the Power Source.
-
>Home, I think. I still plan to check in with Kiku later this evening if she doesn't contact me first, but it's already been a lot of running around for one day.
-
>Home, I think. I still plan to check in with Kiku later this evening if she doesn't contact me first, but it's already been a lot of running around for one day.
>In that case, what would you like for dinner?
-
>Are we even hungry after all that food at the Sweet Apple Cafe?
-
>Are we even hungry after all that food at the Sweet Apple Cafe?
>Not yet, though you do have a bit of a walk ahead of you. You're not sure if you'll be hungry by the time you get home, but it is possible.
>Of course if you are, you could quite easily hit up Minoriko. She expects that sort of thing.
-
>I'm not really hungry yet, to be honest.
-
>I'm not really hungry yet, to be honest.
>All right, but if you get there between here and home, jus' let me know.
-
>Sure.
-
>Sure.
>Snow starts to fall as you make your way down the street, a thick snowfall that grows stronger as you head along. Accompanied by the cold winds that blow in from the east, the day quickly becomes a bit on the miserable side, especially for someone that's had the busy kind of day that you've had. So as much as you enjoy walking, you decide this time to just take the bus home.
>This bus smells a bit better than the last one you were one, and is much more occupied as well, almost entirely by people like yourself that didn't want to be out of doors any longer than humanly possible. You and Rin end up having to stand for half the journey, but that's probably preferable to the alternative. Along the way, you and Rin ponder what it's like for Lily to try and fly on days like this, since knowing her as you do, you know she does. Rin also wonders, privately, if you might consider going back to Iron Rings in a day or two to try and talk to Suwako again, but you're honestly not sure if the results would be any different. At least not on your own. Kanako might be willing to act as a mediator between you and her wife. It's not something you need to ponder strongly right now, though, as given the way Kanako drank herself unconscious, she won't be mediating anything for some time, apart from a substantial headache in several hours time. You merely spare her a hope that Suwako, or someone else, might have retrieved her from the roof before the weather turned. Ex-Goddess or no, it wouldn't be pleasant to sleep outdoors at the moment.
>After a very nice, polite conversation with an aging retired teacher from Muenzuka, who claimed to be a fan of your modelling work, which was somewhat embarrassing, you and Rin arrive at your stop and travel the rest of the short distance on foot. There are no cars in the yard this time, but there are two motorcycles. One you'd know anywhere as Marissa's old Master Spark, and the other belonging to a friend of hers from school, Sekibanki. The second-year is more an acquaintance to you than friend. You've found her to be a habitually cool customer with a dry, sometimes hard to understand, wit. Not entirely dissimilar to Shikako, but with Seki, as Marissa calls her, you don't have to look as far down to find her sense of humor. She, like Marissa, is a bit of a gearhead, and given the illumination from Nitori's shed, you would guess that at least two of them are in there. Marissa sometimes hangs in Nitori's room, playing a bit of WoW, while Seki and Nitori talk shop.
-
>Wonder if they've heard the story of the morning by now?
>But let's go inside and get out of this unpleasant weather
-
>Wonder if they've heard the story of the morning by now?
>But let's go inside and get out of this unpleasant weather
>Quite possibly. Word of events like that travel fast.
>But you can worry about dealing with Marissa later. Right now what you want is a little downtime, so you and Rin make your way quickly back up to your apartment, and duck inside.
-
>Let's take off our outdoor clothes and get comfortable, give RIn a chance to do the same, and then pull her close and kiss her tenderly.
>Then smile a little
>"We're back home now."
-
>Let's take off our outdoor clothes and get comfortable, give RIn a chance to do the same, and then pull her close and kiss her tenderly.
>Then smile a little
>"We're back home now."
>The red-headed kasha, after shaking her head and tail to remove the snow from her exposed hairy bits, was just starting to say something before your rather affectionate interruption. Judging from the happy little sound that she makes, you don't imagine she minds all that much.
>"Aye, that we are."
-
>"And we don't have to be anywhere else for hours."
>Kiss her again
-
>"And we don't have to be anywhere else for hours."
>Kiss her again
>In a credit to her capacity for not getting entirely wrapped up in the moment, Rin manages to say, "What about Kiku?", though somewhat quietly.
-
>"I promised I would contact her before the evening is out, and I will. But right now it's just the two of us, and there's nothing I want more than to feel you close to me."
-
>"I promised I would contact her before the evening is out, and I will. But right now it's just the two of us, and there's nothing I want more than to feel you close to me."
>"Well.... In that case..."
>No more words are exchanged between the two of you. At least, not while the both of you are still fully clothed, and that does not remain the case for a great deal more time...
>It is a little less than an hour later when the two of you have had sufficient recreation for the evening. As you are lying in bed, enjoying the post-coital snuggles with your contentedly purring catgirl, a curious Kiku's voice pops into your mind, Byakuren?
-
>Yes?
-
>Yes?
>Is everything all right?
-
>At the moment. Is there something specific that prompts this question now, or were you just wanting an update on earlier?
-
>At the moment. Is there something specific that prompts this question now, or were you just wanting an update on earlier?
>Well, I tried contacting you some minutes ago, but when I reached my mind out towards yours, I experienced something very peculiar. It was as though you were surrounded by... A pink aura.
-
>A... pink aura?
>Oh my....
-
>A... pink aura?
>Oh my....
>That is the best way I can describe it. It was unlike anything else I've sensed before.
>That'll make your cheeks turn from red to pink a bit.
-
>Presumably we did not sense anyone trying to contact us during that, even as distracted as we were?
>Assuming not: And your attempt to speak to me did not seem to go through?
-
>Presumably we did not sense anyone trying to contact us during that, even as distracted as we were?
>Assuming not: And your attempt to speak to me did not seem to go through?
>Not that you noticed.
>I did not actually speak to you at that time. As peculiar as it was, my instincts told me you were in no danger. So I chose patience. Had the sensation continued, I would have altered my approach.
-
>Ah, I... see.
>How are you, by the way? I do hope you managed to get some sleep after all?
-
>Ah, I... see.
>How are you, by the way? I do hope you managed to get some sleep after all?
>Enough to get by on for now. I don't sleep as much as other species.
>And don't change the subject. she says somewhat sternly. Byakuren, is there something you don't want to tell me?
-
>Well, um.... that is to say....
>Ahem
>So as to make it clear that that I'm not withholding information on matters of supernatural concern, I think the most likely explanation for this 'pink aura' you sensed is that...
>Ahem
>Small voice: Until just now, Rin and I were being... intimate.
-
>Well, um.... that is to say....
>Ahem
>So as to make it clear that that I'm not withholding information on matters of supernatural concern, I think the most likely explanation for this 'pink aura' you sensed is that...
>Ahem
>Small voice: Until just now, Rin and I were being... intimate.
>A simple 'yes' would have sufficed, Byakuren. Kiku replies, though you think you can hear a smile in her voice. I realize how I come across, but I do respect people's privacy. Certainly the people I trust.
-
>I appreciate that, Kiku. But after asking you to be forthright on matters I knew you were uncomfortable about, I didn't want it to seem as if I were hiding anything of consequence from you. We're a team, after all.
>Though, um... I hope I wasn't too forthright this time, in retrospect....
-
>I appreciate that, Kiku. But after asking you to be forthright on matters I knew you were uncomfortable about, I didn't want it to seem as if I were hiding anything of consequence from you. We're a team, after all.
>Though, um... I hope I wasn't too forthright this time, in retrospect....
>You have nothing to be embarassed about. You are, after all, a teenaged girl.
-
>Well, I'll do my best....
>In other matters, how are things at the shrine? I would have contacted you about this sooner, but I didn't want to risk waking you.
-
>The situation remains largely unchanged, though the tension has lessened somewhat. I have spoken with the other temple heads about this issue. Tenshi-sama had a somewhat direct means of resolving the situation, while Suika-sama said the situation needed more observing.
>But then, at Youmu-sama's request, Haruka-sama visited us. And she went a long way in soothing the anger of my sisters. It's still there, but it is no longer threatening to boil over the minute I turn my back. I think she even managed to make Satori think twice about killing herself. She and Youmu recognized me as the new head of the Metal Tiger Shrine, and while that isn't official yet, it means a great deal to myself and my sisters.
-
>About killing herself.... I suppose it's not surprising, given the circumstances; it's hard to imagine what it must be like to awaken suddenly to the knowledge that you've done so many things you consider abhorrent.
-
>About killing herself.... I suppose it's not surprising, given the circumstances; it's hard to imagine what it must be like to awaken suddenly to the knowledge that you've done so many things you consider abhorrent.
>She would have done it already, were it not for her jack. She's been standing next to her since we destroyed that giant thing that possessed her.
-
>I was going to ask what became of her. And whether there was anyone else at the shrine that you trusted to keep watch on Satori and not turn a blind eye to her harming herself. I guess that answers both questions.
>Though I still know so little about her.
-
>I was going to ask what became of her. And whether there was anyone else at the shrine that you trusted to keep watch on Satori and not turn a blind eye to her harming herself. I guess that answers both questions.
>Though I still know so little about her.
>You may have more success at getting some answers from her than us. She hasn't been very forthcoming, not even with Haruka-sama. But you fought to save Satori's life. That has to count for something with her.
-
>I take it you'd never met her before last night, either?
-
>I take it you'd never met her before last night, either?
>Not that I can recall. Then she growls softly. After these events, that phrase does not sound as benign as it used to.
-
>Have any of the other's memories seemed to return after Satori was freed from that corruption, or should I take a look at everyone myself and see what I can fix?
-
>Have any of the other's memories seemed to return after Satori was freed from that corruption, or should I take a look at everyone myself and see what I can fix?
>I would recommend against that course regardless. The risk of revealing your true identity is too great from that intimate a connection.
>But that said, I don't believe it's necessary. Every one of my sisters has revealed that Satori tampered with them. Some moreso than others, and none moreso than me. I don't know if she did that to anyone at the other three shrines, though. Haruka-sama reported no alterations to her mood, memories or temperament, but she couldn't say that for sure about her fellow Bird mikos. She said she would check with them and get back to me.
-
>And they remembered what had been tampered with, also?
-
>And they remembered what had been tampered with, also?
>Yes.
-
>That's something positive, at least. Even if it may not feel that way to them at the moment.
>Is there anything I can do to help with the situation there?
-
>That's something positive, at least. Even if it may not feel that way to them at the moment.
>Is there anything I can do to help with the situation there?
>Yes there is. You can talk to Satori. She won't talk to me, the other shrine maidens still want to prosecute her, and that jack of hers is a bomb waiting to go off. Even with Haruka's help, I don't know how much longer I can control things here. Sooner or later, someone is going to do something irrevocable. I don't want to see anyone die here, but I don't know if I can stop it alone.
-
>Then I shall be there before the evening is out. But you say that Satori won't talk to you at all?
-
>Then I shall be there before the evening is out. But you say that Satori won't talk to you at all?
>Nothing beyond what she's already said. All she wants is for one of us to kill her. I think she genuinely hates herself for what she's done, but I can't change that. You know me, Byakuren, I'm not a sensitive person. Besides. I'd be lying if I said I had entirely gotten over what she did to me. She messed with the minds of all of us, but me most of all.
-
>It is a rare sort of conundrum, since she undeniably did a great many terrible things, and yet isn't actually fully responsible for them; in the end, she may have suffered the worst mental violation of anyone there. I cannot blame anyone for feeling anger towards her, after what she did to them, but from how broken she feels now at knowing her own actions, I can only believe she's truly a good person at heart. And one who has already suffered far more than enough. I do not know how much I will be able to help her, but I will try.
-
>It is a rare sort of conundrum, since she undeniably did a great many terrible things, and yet isn't actually fully responsible for them; in the end, she may have suffered the worst mental violation of anyone there. I cannot blame anyone for feeling anger towards her, after what she did to them, but from how broken she feels now at knowing her own actions, I can only believe she's truly a good person at heart. And one who has already suffered far more than enough. I do not know how much I will be able to help her, but I will try.
>And you may also be able to tell my sisters what happened to her, to make them understand. You saw something the rest of us didn't. And as much as I may be their elder, you have a way with people that I don't.
-
>But they trust and respect you deeply. I will admit I'm surprised that they struggle to take your word for it, even in a matter such as this. But I suppose it is the kind of betrayal that is hard to come to grips with quickly.
-
>But they trust and respect you deeply. I will admit I'm surprised that they struggle to take your word for it, even in a matter such as this. But I suppose it is the kind of betrayal that is hard to come to grips with quickly.
>If ever. To some of my sisters, they thought of Satori as a sister, or even mother, moreso than a temple head. And now that turned out to be a lie. As you put it, a grvious betrayal. And since she betrayed me, too, they can't quite understand why I'm not as angry as they are. Some of them have tried, to their credit, but emotions are frayed here all over.
-
>Of that, I have no doubt. I am sure it will take some time for wounds to heal. Unfortunately, as you say, the state of Satori herself is more volatile than that. After supper, I'll come over to the shrine and try to speak with her, and then maybe we can figure out where to go from there.
-
>Of that, I have no doubt. I am sure it will take some time for wounds to heal. Unfortunately, as you say, the state of Satori herself is more volatile than that. After supper, I'll come over to the shrine and try to speak with her, and then maybe we can figure out where to go from there.
>Very well. I await your arrival.
>On a personal note, may I assume you wish me to be discreet?
-
>What do you mean?
-
>What do you mean?
>About you and Rin.
-
>I don't intend our relationship to be a secret. I love her deeply; after what happened last night, that became even more clear to me.
-
>I don't intend our relationship to be a secret. I love her deeply; after what happened last night, that became even more clear to me.
>I understand.
-
>So... is that everything for now, then?
-
>So... is that everything for now, then?
>Just one thing more, a theory I have been unable to confirm at this point. In regards to Satori's jack.
-
>Yes?
>For that matter, do we even know what 'jack' means here, aside from that being how Satori referred to her?
-
>For that matter, do we even know what 'jack' means here, aside from that being how Satori referred to her?
>In some novels you've read, it refers to the concept of a 'personal fighter'. A warrior of some kind whose purpose is to fight for their master. Not entirely unlike a bodyguard, or even a slave, but more martial, even more aggressive in nature.
>Yes?
>Based on your description of your meeting with Satori, and the events that preceeded it, I suspect that her jack, whose name I still don't know, may have been the spider that bit you before Satori captured you.
-
>I thought the same thing. Though I did not have much opportunity to investigate that line of thinking at the time.
>And she's been mostly non-communicative, has she?
-
>I thought the same thing. Though I did not have much opportunity to investigate that line of thinking at the time.
>And she's been mostly non-communicative, has she?
>Very. Apart from a handful of sentiments she repeats in slightly different ways, she simply stands in the corner and looks imposing. I think she may have been a gladiator before joining with Satori, possibly in Moscovia, though I can't tell for certain.
-
>What sort of sentiments?
-
>What sort of sentiments?
>Kiku pauses a moment to put her thoughts in order, then reads off from a mental list, That she won't let us touch Satori, that she won't let Satori hurt herself, that her only loyalty is to Satori, that she doesn't trust anything that comes from our kitchen since she can't be sure we didn't poison it- Ah. Yes, I had forgotten. How careless of me. Perhaps you could bring something for Satori? Her jack might be more trusting of you than us.
-
>Have neither of them eaten anything today, then?
-
>Have neither of them eaten anything today, then?
>I do not believe so. Satori's jack might have taken a fly or two, but that's little good for Satori herself.
-
>I don't suppose you know of any foods that Satori particularly likes?
-
>I don't suppose you know of any foods that Satori particularly likes?
>She's expressed a fondness for peaches in the past.
-
>Don't suppose we have any of those on hand?
-
>Don't suppose we have any of those on hand?
>Not yourself, but you believe Minoriko received a box of fruit from home a day or two ago. She may have some you could borrow.
-
>Then I'll see if I can bring her some.
-
>Then I'll see if I can bring her some.
>Thank you.
-
>Well, if there's nothing else for now, I shall see you later this evening.
>Assuming Kiku has nothing else to add, let's quietly snuggle up with Rin for just a little bit longer, then go attend to supper
-
>Well, if there's nothing else for now, I shall see you later this evening.
>Assuming Kiku has nothing else to add, let's quietly snuggle up with Rin for just a little bit longer, then go attend to supper
>Very well.
>She does have nothing to add, and leaves you to your more pleasurable passtime. Duty waits for no woman, but not until you connected with Rin did you wish that you could call in sick once in a while.
>But after a little while, pesky little other matters demand your attention, so you and your Rin return to your feet. She has pretty feet, too.... How the heck does Marissa focus enough to get the grades she does? Anyway. While Rin attends to matters in the kitchen, and tidies up your room a bit, you grab yourself a quick shower. By the time you've finished, Rin has prepared a meal of mackerel, rice and steamed vegetables.
-
>"That looks great, thank you."
>Dig in!
>And over the course of supper, we can explain what's up with the Satori situation at the shrine and our plan to head there shortly
-
>"That looks great, thank you."
>Dig in!
>And over the course of supper, we can explain what's up with the Satori situation at the shrine and our plan to head there shortly
>"Well, it's good that nothing bad's happened yet over there." she says as you fill her in. "Do ya think we'll have to fight that jack of hers?"
-
>"I doubt she will be hostile unless she feels Satori is under threat from us, and I should hope she doesn't get that impression. But I admit that I'm not quite sure what to make of her. Satori was outright abusive to her last night, and still her devotion seemed unyielding; I do not get the impression she was under her thrall, or she likely wouldn't be defending her as she has today."
-
>"I doubt she will be hostile unless she feels Satori is under threat from us, and I should hope she doesn't get that impression. But I admit that I'm not quite sure what to make of her. Satori was outright abusive to her last night, and still her devotion seemed unyielding; I do not get the impression she was under her thrall, or she likely wouldn't be defending her as she has today."
>"Jacks can be like that." Rin informs you. "I never met one, but I heard about 'em when I was with Konngara. They can be almost crazy loyal, even when their boss is cruel to 'em."
-
>"I do worry about her, too, though. Not her danger to us, but her own well-being. For how many years might she have been kept cloistered away, used to attack and trap people, and treated cruelly? Even if Satori's had a sudden change of heart, that isn't the sort of thing that just evaporates overnight."
-
>"I do worry about her, too, though. Not her danger to us, but her own well-being. For how many years might she have been kept cloistered away, used to attack and trap people, and treated cruelly? Even if Satori's had a sudden change of heart, that isn't the sort of thing that just evaporates overnight."
>Rin nods slowly. "Got that right." And she would know, too.
-
>"I hope there is something I can do to help them. For all the harm Satori has done, I think she's a kind person at heart; that makes this all the worse for her, of course."
-
>"I hope there is something I can do to help them. For all the harm Satori has done, I think she's a kind person at heart; that makes this all the worse for her, of course."
>"You saved her once already, Mistress." Rin says with a smile. "You can do it again."
-
>"Well, I will certainly try."
-
>"Well, I will certainly try."
>"And even if that jack does get ornery, she can't be a match for the two of us, now that Satori's back ta normal. I don't think we need Lily or Reisen for dis. Unless ya wanted 'em to come along."
-
>"I think it will be fine with the two of us; we're not supposed to be fighting anyone, just talking."
-
>"I think it will be fine with the two of us; we're not supposed to be fighting anyone, just talking."
>"We weren't supposed t'be fighting anyone last time we were there either. Look how DAT turned out."
-
>"Yes, that was.... Surely I won't be that wrong two days in a row, will I?"
>Sheepish smile
-
>"Yes, that was.... Surely I won't be that wrong two days in a row, will I?"
>Sheepish smile
>Rin chuckles quietly as she spears a piece of fish. "Well if ya are, then that means we get another chance to fight some evil. That ain't all bad."
-
>"Saving lives could never be bad. But if it's all the same to evil, I'd be just as happy if it left everyone alone for a couple days."
>Smile and then spear some fish of our own
-
>"Saving lives could never be bad. But if it's all the same to evil, I'd be just as happy if it left everyone alone for a couple days."
>Smile and then spear some fish of our own
>"I'll drink to that." Rin concurs, though she settles for a sip of water rather than the stronger liquids that phrase usually refers to. "About Satori, though. I've just had a thought. If ya don't mind a suggestion."
-
>"Yes, what is it?"
-
>"Yes, what is it?"
>"Well, what if you recruited her? That way she could do good for the bad things she did, even if they weren't all her fault."
-
>"One doesn't have to fight demons to do good. Even as she was, she used to give guidance to people - and wise guidance, if her reputation is to be believed. Much good can be done in the world simply by listening and offering help to those in need, in whatever small ways we can. I know that right now she is the one who needs kindness and council, but there is nothing she need do to atone that is not already in her power."
-
>"One doesn't have to fight demons to do good. Even as she was, she used to give guidance to people - and wise guidance, if her reputation is to be believed. Much good can be done in the world simply by listening and offering help to those in need, in whatever small ways we can. I know that right now she is the one who needs kindness and council, but there is nothing she need do to atone that is not already in her power."
>Rin starts to say something else, but seems to think better of it. "That's a good point."
-
>"I don't know that she would resonate with the ring's power in any case, particularly in the state of mine she is currently. Nor would I want someone to fight because they considered it a necessary penance. Or because they had a death wish."
-
>"I don't know that she would resonate with the ring's power in any case, particularly in the state of mine she is currently. Nor would I want someone to fight because they considered it a necessary penance. Or because they had a death wish."
>"Ohh, dat's another good point, I hadn't thought of that. 'course, that's assumin' you can't fix that."
-
>"Well, let's hope so."
-
>"Well, let's hope so."
>"Plus I guess, if you COULD recruit Satori, there's no way she'd be able to keep it secret from her jack." She shrugs around a mouthful of rice. "'less you recruited her too, but I sorta doubt that'll happen, fer some reason."
-
>"It may be poor form to judge someone I barely know, but she doesn't seem the right type."
-
>"It may be poor form to judge someone I barely know, but she doesn't seem the right type."
>"I'm with ya there. Not that I'd mind having more folks on board."
-
>Nod
>"We stand stronger together than any of us alone. True in life as in battle."
-
>Nod
>"We stand stronger together than any of us alone. True in life as in battle."
>Rin offers you a smile. "Did you get that from one of your books?"
-
>Chuckle
>"No, I'm afraid that's just me."
-
>Chuckle
>"No, I'm afraid that's just me."
>"Well, maybe you can use it in a book, if you wanted to write about this war of ours when it's over."
-
>"My, wouldn't that be something."
-
>"My, wouldn't that be something."
>"I think someone should. I mean, you're trying to save two whole worlds. I know you're not out for any kind of fame or fortune, but, it doesn't seem fair, if you pull it off, and no one knows it was you." Then she smiles again. "Or 'us', as you'd put it."
-
>"Well, I don't know that I care if I get credit for this or not, so long as we succeed - that will be reward enough. But it's a shame when the truth of history gets lost to time, and some year this too will be history. They say that those who do not understand the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. If what we do here truly ushers in a new age of peace and freedom for an entire race, then perhaps it's important that the world remember what was done."
>Grin sheepishly and shake our head
>"But I fear I'm getting much too far ahead of myself."
-
>"Well, I don't know that I care if I get credit for this or not, so long as we succeed - that will be reward enough. But it's a shame when the truth of history gets lost to time, and some year this too will be history. They say that those who do not understand the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. If what we do here truly ushers in a new age of peace and freedom for an entire race, then perhaps it's important that the world remember what was done."
>Grin sheepishly and shake our head
>"But I fear I'm getting much too far ahead of myself."
>Rin chuckles. "First we win, then the books?"
-
>"That sounds like a plan I can get behind."
-
>"That sounds like a plan I can get behind."
>Idle conversation fills the remainder of your meal. Once you've finished, Rin tidies away the dishes and heads to the bathroom to have her turn in the shower.
-
>Let's take this time to go drop in on Minoriko and see if she has any peaches we can have
-
>Let's take this time to go drop in on Minoriko and see if she has any peaches we can have
>After throwing on a bit more clothing than the robe you had on for food, you step outside to pop next door. Unsurprisingly in this snow, you find Letty outside, presently engaged in a game of fetch with Hyozan, the big malamute enjoying winter almost as much as his owner. Marissa's motorcycle is missing, which is a bit of a surprise. Normally when she stops by the apartments, she doesn't leave before saying hello to you. Well, she probably didn't know you were in is all.
>Minoriko answers your knock without much wait, and the blonde smiles when she sees you. "Byakuren, good evening."
-
>"Evening. This may sound a little curious, but I don't suppose you have any peaches I could borrow?"
-
>"Evening. This may sound a little curious, but I don't suppose you have any peaches I could borrow?"
>"Peaches? Uh, I think I have some left, come inside, I'll check for you."
-
>"Thank you."
>Step inside
-
>"Thank you."
>Step inside
>"I used most of what I had in a pie." Minoriko informs you as you enter her domicile. "I've still got a piece of that left, if you want it. Ah... Here we are." she says as she sticks her head in her fridge. "Oh, more than I thought. I've got three left."
-
>"Would it be too much trouble if I asked for all three? They're for a woman who... Well, the situation is a bit complicated, but she's in a very bad state right now and hasn't been eating. I was told that peaches are a favorite of hers."
-
>"Would it be too much trouble if I asked for all three? They're for a woman who... Well, the situation is a bit complicated, but she's in a very bad state right now and hasn't been eating. I was told that peaches are a favorite of hers."
>Minoriko appears stricken. She hates to hear about people not eating. It seems to upset some deep part of her psyche. "Of course, Byakuren. What else do you want for her?"
-
>"I don't know; this is on short notice. Something more substantial to go with it that is easy to transport; I'm sure I can figure something out."
-
>"I don't know; this is on short notice. Something more substantial to go with it that is easy to transport; I'm sure I can figure something out."
>"I could come with you." Minoriko asks in a rather strong voice. "I could make something for her."
-
>"The um.... this may sound strange, but part of the problem is that her... 'bodyguard', for want of a better term, doesn't trust any food prepared in their own kitchen, for fear that... someone poisoned it. I don't know that it would be any different if someone else were using their ingredients."
>"I don't think anyone would poison it, I should say! But that may not matter."
-
>"The um.... this may sound strange, but part of the problem is that her... 'bodyguard', for want of a better term, doesn't trust any food prepared in their own kitchen, for fear that... someone poisoned it. I don't know that it would be any different if someone else were using their ingredients."
>"I don't think anyone would poison it, I should say! But that may not matter."
>"Then I'll make something here."
-
>"I... should know better than to tell you not to trouble yourself over this, shouldn't I?"
-
>"I... should know better than to tell you not to trouble yourself over this, shouldn't I?"
>To your surprise, Minoriko actually does pause for a moment. "Am I.... Making something more complicated for you?" she asks quietly. "Something you'd prefer to keep me out of?"
-
>"No, not at all. I just didn't want to obligate you to do anything on such short notice. I'm sure I have something around the house already I can find to bring with me."
-
>"No, not at all. I just didn't want to obligate you to do anything on such short notice. I'm sure I have something around the house already I can find to bring with me."
>"It's hardly any obligation." Minoriko retorts. "I just, well, I want to help. If I can."
>Your ring resonates with Minoriko's words.
-
>"Then I certainly won't turn you away."
>"This is about 'Lotus business', but I can explain if you'd like."
-
>"Then I certainly won't turn you away."
>"This is about 'Lotus business', but I can explain if you'd like."
>"That's up to you. All I really need to know, if you want my help, is what this woman likes and how much time I have to prepare it. And where it's going, so I know how to get it there safely."
-
>"I don't really know what she likes to eat, beyond this, I'm afraid; I don't know her very well. And it's going to the Tiger Shrine; I'll be taking it there myself, shortly."
-
>"I don't really know what she likes to eat, beyond this, I'm afraid; I don't know her very well. And it's going to the Tiger Shrine; I'll be taking it there myself, shortly."
>The blonde wonder considers her options for a moment. "Can you give me fifteen minutes?"
-
>"Of course."
-
>"Of course."
>Minoriko promptly turns from you and back into her fridge, a rather determined look on her face. Having seen that look before, you know your options are either to step past her into her living room, or back to your pad, because she's going to need her kitchen space.
-
>Let's step on in, then, in case she really does want to ask follow-up questions after all
>"Here, let me get out of your way."
-
>Let's step on in, then, in case she really does want to ask follow-up questions after all
>"Here, let me get out of your way."
>A minute or so later, as Minoriko plugs in her rice cooker, she does indeed have a follow up question. "She doesn't have any allergies?"
-
>"Well, none that I know of. Um, give me a second, actually."
>Kiku, does Satori have any food allergies that you know of?
-
>"Well, none that I know of. Um, give me a second, actually."
>Kiku, does Satori have any food allergies that you know of?
>The tiger takes a moment to think. If my memory is accurate, she is allergic to beaver.
-
>Beaver? Is that... something people around here eat?
>Just that?
-
>Beaver? Is that... something people around here eat?
>Just that?
>Not in your experience.
>To my knowledge. We've only ever had that particular meat here one time, and that was the only time Satori demonstrated an allergic reaction to food.
-
>Very well. Thank you.
>"Apparently she's allergic to beaver. I doubt that will be an issue, will it?"
-
>Very well. Thank you.
>"Apparently she's allergic to beaver. I doubt that will be an issue, will it?"
>"No, I don't.... BEAVER?"
-
>Shrug
>"That's what I was told."
-
>Shrug
>"That's what I was told."
>"Beaver.... I didn't think anyone outside Japanada or Vinland ate beaver." Then she pauses to look at you again very curiously.
-
>"Well, I assume she only ate it once."
-
>"Well, I assume she only ate it once."
>"Well... No, never mind." she says and turns back to her stove.
-
>"No, what is it?"
-
>"No, what is it?"
>"Well... The way you said that, it seemed like you were going to check with someone about this woman's allergies. But you didn't." Minoriko shrugs. "Never mind, it's not important."
-
>"Oh, I um... I guess I never mentioned when we spoke about things earlier today, did I? Sorry. Our rings let us speak telepathically to each other. I actually did just ask someone about her allergies just then."
-
>"Oh, I um... I guess I never mentioned when we spoke about things earlier today, did I? Sorry. Our rings let us speak telepathically to each other. I actually did just ask someone about her allergies just then."
>"Oh. Well, that's awfully convenient."
-
>"It is! Surprisingly easy to get used to doing, too."
-
>"It is! Surprisingly easy to get used to doing, too."
>"How does it work?" she asks as she measures out a portion of rice.
-
>Assuming this explanation of the sensations and mechanics is essentially correct:
>"It's mostly a matter of focus and intent. I think of what I want to say, and who I want to say it to, and 'reach out' to them in my mind, as it were. I'm sure it probably doesn't sound very clear how you do that, but consider speaking; when you want to talk to someone, do you really think about how to move all the parts of your mouth to produce the specific sequence of sounds you need, or do you just think of words you want to say and they end up coming out? It's a little like that for me, now."
-
>Assuming this explanation of the sensations and mechanics is essentially correct:
>"It's mostly a matter of focus and intent. I think of what I want to say, and who I want to say it to, and 'reach out' to them in my mind, as it were. I'm sure it probably doesn't sound very clear how you do that, but consider speaking; when you want to talk to someone, do you really think about how to move all the parts of your mouth to produce the specific sequence of sounds you need, or do you just think of words you want to say and they end up coming out? It's a little like that for me, now."
>"So, you're not psychic all the time? I mean, it's not on all the time, you don't have to worry about... stray thoughts, or anything like that?"
-
>That's correct, yes?
>Assuming so: "No, thankfully. It has to be conscious and deliberate."
-
>That's correct, yes?
>Assuming so: "No, thankfully. It has to be conscious and deliberate."
>That is correct.
>"That's good. That would be a bit awkward if it was on all the time."
-
>"Yes, I can only imagine."
-
>"Yes, I can only imagine."
>You and Minoriko exchange a few more words on the subject of telepathic communication, but then her focus turns entirely to the task ahead of her. As she putters away in her kitchen, you take the time to ponder your ring, and why it did, and is still, reacting to Minoriko. Or for that matter, what sets it off. So far, apart from the people you've already recruited, your ring has reacted to Komachi, Hatate, Haruka, Keine and now Minoriko. But it hasn't reacted to the likes of Letty or Nitori or Marissa. It can't simply be a willingness to fight that causes your ring to react, otherwise it would have jumped at Nitori. It can't be closeness to you, or it wouldn't have reacted to Hatate or Kiku, certainly not before it reacted to others. Although the fact that it reacted more strongly to Rin seems to indicate that this may have at least something to do with it. The fact that it didn't react to her right away, though, is a bit puzzling. And proximity is plainly a factor as well, at least thus far.
>Perhaps it is a matter of selflessness? The four people you've given rings to have all been willing to risk their lives for something other than themselves or their own desires, and this is true for you as well. But then again, that doesn't explain why it didn't react to Letty, and you don't know Keine or Hatate well enough to be able to tell if this is true for them. Perhaps it isn't just one thing, but a combination of factors that leads your ring to react to certain people and not others, but even with the experiences and information you've gathered thus far, exactly what those factors might be is something you can't be certain of. At least, not at this point.
>In less than the fifteen minutes asked for, Minoriko has finished, and has prepared a spread of rice balls, flavored with various materials, southern-style okonomiyaki, some sliced beef sandwiches, a thermos of tea, and of course the peaches you requested.
>"Were you planning on walking all the way up there?" Minoriko asks as she gives her hands a quick scrub following her cooking.
-
>"Oh my, this is certainly a substantial meal. Thank you."
>"And I think I'd prefer not to; it is rather far."
>We do have a spare motorcycle here now, but can anyone actually legally drive it?
-
>We do have a spare motorcycle here now, but can anyone actually legally drive it?
>Among the residents of Moonside, only Reisen and Nitori have their liscences. Sekibanki is also present and could offer transport, but her bike doesn't have a side car, so transporting anything on her ride would be a bit of a challenge.
>>"Oh my, this is certainly a substantial meal. Thank you."
>"And I think I'd prefer not to; it is rather far."
>"It was the best I could do on short notice." Minoriko states humbly.
>"In that case, I'll... Wait a minute. You can fly there now, can't you?"
-
>"Yes. Another convenience! It does tend to attract attention sometimes, though; perhaps especially after being on the news this morning."
-
>"Yes. Another convenience! It does tend to attract attention sometimes, though; perhaps especially after being on the news this morning."
>"Yes. But I suppose that's not altogether new for you, drawing more attention than the next girl."
-
>Grin sheepishly
>"No, I suppose not."
>Give her a moment to see if she really did have some followup to make about transportation
-
>Grin sheepishly
>"No, I suppose not."
>Give her a moment to see if she really did have some followup to make about transportation
>"Is it smooth, flying?" she asks. "I mean, do you experience turbulence?"
-
>We haven't had much issue with that, have we?
>Either way, answer this question accurately
-
>We haven't had much issue with that, have we?
>Either way, answer this question accurately
>Not so far.
>"Well, if you're going to fly there.." she trails off, before opening up her cabinets. "Was Rin-chan going with you?"
-
>"Yes."
-
>"Yes."
>"Then I don't need to cram everything into one box." She giggles quietly as she sets about packing up your delivery. "Despite how good Nitori thinks I am at it."
>In short order, Minoriko has the grub packed away in two containers. "There we are."
-
>Accept the containers
>"Thank you very much."
>Pause
>"There is one other matter I should mention while I'm here."
-
>Accept the containers
>"Thank you very much."
>Pause
>"There is one other matter I should mention while I'm here."
>"Any time, Byakuren. I'm only happy to help."
>"Yes?"
-
>"Earlier today, when I spoke with you about this power I've obtained and the people who share in it, I felt a reaction from someone in the room - someone with the potential to wield it as well. I didn't mention it at the time because I didn't want to put anyone on the spot, but... Minoriko, that someone was you."
-
>"Earlier today, when I spoke with you about this power I've obtained and the people who share in it, I felt a reaction from someone in the room - someone with the potential to wield it as well. I didn't mention it at the time because I didn't want to put anyone on the spot, but... Minoriko, that someone was you."
>"Me?"
-
>Nod
>"You."
-
>Nod
>"You."
>"But, why me?"
-
>"If I had to guess, I would say it's because your desire to help others is so genuine and abiding."
>Smile
>"I mean, just now all it took for you to make a meal on the spot was the thought that a stranger might need one."
-
>"If I had to guess, I would say it's because your desire to help others is so genuine and abiding."
>Smile
>"I mean, just now all it took for you to make a meal on the spot was the thought that a stranger might need one."
>"But Letty and Nitori would do the same, if they could. Why not them? Why just me?"
-
>Gently: "I don't know. But whatever you felt in your heart this morning resonated with my ring. I felt it again this evening. There is no mistaking it; you have the potential within you to wield this power, as we do."
-
>Gently: "I don't know. But whatever you felt in your heart this morning resonated with my ring. I felt it again this evening. There is no mistaking it; you have the potential within you to wield this power, as we do."
>Minoriko lets out a surprised breath, and takes a few steps towards the door before turning back to you. "Are you asking me to join you?"
-
>"That decision is yours alone to make. This power we share is incredible, but with it comes a heavy responsibility and, unfortunately, danger; I do not know what battles we will have to face in the coming days. I know you want to help people, but this is still not a decision to make lightly. One doesn't have to be a hero to make the world a better place, after all; sometimes all it takes is a warm meal cooked with love."
-
>"That decision is yours alone to make. This power we share is incredible, but with it comes a heavy responsibility and, unfortunately, danger; I do not know what battles we will have to face in the coming days. I know you want to help people, but this is still not a decision to make lightly. One doesn't have to be a hero to make the world a better place, after all; sometimes all it takes is a warm meal cooked with love."
>Your ring may not have any doubt about Minoriko's potential, but the woman herself is evidently much less sure. After a moment's deep thought, she asks, "I think I... need some time to think about that."
-
>"Of course. Take as much time as you need. If this isn't something you feel comfortable with, no one else need ever know but you. I won't think any less of you for it."
>Smile and put a gentle hand on her shoulder
-
>"Of course. Take as much time as you need. If this isn't something you feel comfortable with, no one else need ever know but you. I won't think any less of you for it."
>Smile and put a gentle hand on her shoulder
>"Thank you." she replies, returning your smile. "I'm sure I'll have another question or two, later. But I just need some time to think, right now. And you have somewhere else to be."
-
>"Of course. Thanks again for the food; I'm sure it will be appreciated. And be well."
>Let's take the food back up to our place and see if Rin is ready to go
-
>"Of course. Thanks again for the food; I'm sure it will be appreciated. And be well."
>Let's take the food back up to our place and see if Rin is ready to go
>You acquire: Minoriko's boxed supper.
>"I'm glad I could help." Minoriko answers, though her distracted tone tells you that her thoughts are not entirely on you. Not surprising. You've given her a bit to think about.
>With the goods, you return to your room, to find Rin blowing her long red hair dry, with naught but a towel to cover her frame.
-
>"I asked Minoriko if she had some peaches I could borrow, and she insisted on preparing an entire meal for Satori."
>Hoist the boxed supper
-
>"I asked Minoriko if she had some peaches I could borrow, and she insisted on preparing an entire meal for Satori."
>Hoist the boxed supper
>"Yeah, that sounds like Minoriko all right."
-
>Chuckle
>"I didn't waste time trying to argue her out of it. But there should be plenty here, if she's willing to eat anything at all."
-
>Chuckle
>"I didn't waste time trying to argue her out of it. But there should be plenty here, if she's willing to eat anything at all."
>"Doubt there's much ifs dere. Ain't that many folks'd turn down her cookin'."
-
>"Well, most folks aren't in the state of mind that Satori is right now. Thankfully."
-
>"Well, most folks aren't in the state of mind that Satori is right now. Thankfully."
>"Good point." she concedes, turning off the hair dryer. "Just give me a second, I'll be ready."
-
>"Sure, sure."
>Let's wait for Rin to be ready and then depart for the shrine
-
>"Sure, sure."
>Let's wait for Rin to be ready and then depart for the shrine
>Having a task perform enables your mind focused, as distracting a figure as your Rin is as she ducks back into your room to put some clothes on, emerging in a long grey sweater and black pants. She takes long enough to add a scarf to her ensemble before the two of you transform in the privacy of your apartment, then step back out into the winter air.
>It would hardly be difficult for you to transport yourself to the shrine of the Metal Tiger, but given the coldness in the air, you choose the comfier option. You and your Rin share her flying disc, not only because it gives greater speed, but it gives you more time to enjoy each others' proximity. You resolve, though, to give this kind of flying a shot yourself one day soon. It really is something else, to be able to zoom through the sky like a tengu or a fairy. Small wonder Lily flies everywhere. For the bulk of the journey, you're certain Rin enjoys your company more than the flying, until a pugnacious yet adorable red-headed fairy accosts you in mid-flight, and challenges you both to a race to the Shrine. Rin is kind to the little fairy and doesn't break out her full speed, and the fairy does an admirable job at keeping up with Rin's disc, until she spies a rather large dog on the ground, yelps in fear, then breaks off and heads backwards at fairly great speed. Exactly why she was scared of a non-flying dog you're not sure, but fairies aren't always the most logical creatures in the world.
>In the distance, off to the north, you spy a trio of birds heading in the direction of the Bird shrine, including a very large, and very familiar, golden eagle. That has to be Haruka. You glance down at your ring, and sure enough, there is no reaction to the big eagle, confirming that physical proximity does indeed appear to be a requirement for that aspect of your ring's powers.
>The fields and streets around the Metal Tiger shrine are silent when you rock up. Almost eerily silent. You can't even detect the sounds of animal life. The only sounds are those of the wind blowing through the playground equipment, across the roof of the shrine, and through the clothes of the tall, long-haired woman standing beneath the torii gates holding a glowing board of wood.
-
>Is this anyone we recognize?
-
>Is this anyone we recognize?
>It is not.
-
>Is she wearing a miko's outfit?
>What is she doing with this board, anyway? Does it seem to actually say anything?
-
>Is she wearing a miko's outfit?
>What is she doing with this board, anyway? Does it seem to actually say anything?
>She is not. She is wearing a Luyang dress and hat of deep black with gold trim, with a red and yellow tabard over it.
>At the moment, she is holding it out in front of her, pointing it at the temple. In the reduced light, you are still too far away to see much in the way of details on it, though you can tell it is oddly-shaped. Almost like a game board of some kind. The middle section of it is glowing a very pale blue light.
-
>Can we sense anything about the magic in this, or what it might do?
>In any case, approach calmly
-
>Can we sense anything about the magic in this, or what it might do?
>In any case, approach calmly
>You can sense no magic from the board or the blonde woman holding it.
>Opting for a mundane approach, you angle in behind the woman and land on the stone steps leading up towards the shrine. There's no sign of media vehicles down there, either, which surprises you a little, given that so far as you know, Kiku and her ilk hadn't given them any kind of statement yet. Normally those rubberneckers hang around until they get something of substance.
>As you and Rin approach the top of the stairs, the woman's head shifts slightly. "You were two of the ones who destroyed the deathbringer?" she says aloud, her voice a mellifluous tenor.
-
>"The... May I ask who you are?"
-
>"The... May I ask who you are?"
>"Is it not customary in this country to give ones' name before asking for anothers'?" the woman asks, not chiding or rebuking, but simply curious.
-
>Is it really, with strangers asking questions of us?
-
>Is it really, with strangers asking questions of us?
>It IS the custom in Yamato.
-
>"Oh, my apologies. Please, call me Lotus."
-
>"Oh, my apologies. Please, call me Lotus."
>The tall woman turns her face towards you, giving you a good view of her pale, beautiful face. "What's your real name, Lotus?" she asks quietly.
-
>"Is that not real enough?"
-
>"Is that not real enough?"
>The woman's head tilts downward just a touch, and the slight shift in her eyebrows and the corners of her mouth color her face in disappointment. All of a sudden, you feel as though you're trying to lie to your mother. Not a sensation you were expecting today, to say the least.
>White Rose, on the other hand, doesn't seem to feel that sensation at all. "Ain't it the custom in this country to give one's name after getting the other person's?" she asks.
>To your surprise, the woman laughs lightly. "So it is. Now it is my turn to apologize, it seems." She turns to face you and Rin, the board in her hands seemingly vanished. "My name is Junko."
-
>Presumably we don't recognize that name in any fashion, do we?
>Assuming not:
>Bow politely
>"Pleased to meet you. And... I suppose 'deathbringer' is a fitting name for what we fought here last night, yes."
-
>Presumably we don't recognize that name in any fashion, do we?
>Assuming not:
>Bow politely
>"Pleased to meet you. And... I suppose 'deathbringer' is a fitting name for what we fought here last night, yes."
>Not in a personal context. In Yamato it is usually a surname rather than a given name, but that's hardly without precedent in this day and age.
>"And you deserve praise for it. You may be pleased to hear that no trace of it whatsoever remains here."
-
>"Are you... familiar with what that thing was?"
-
>"Are you... familiar with what that thing was?"
>"It was a fragment, of a much greater evil. A lingering remnant from a much darker time. The Lunarians and their bomb woke it up, but now you two, and those you fought alongside, eliminated it."
-
>"So this existed before the bomb was dropped?"
-
>"So this existed before the bomb was dropped?"
>"Evil has always existed." the woman says sagely, lowering her head. "Regardless of the form it takes."
-
>"I meant this one in particular."
-
>"I meant this one in particular."
>"So did I."
-
>"I'm not certain I understand. You said this was a fragment of something larger?"
-
>"I'm not certain I understand. You said this was a fragment of something larger?"
>"It was. One of many, actually, but this was the last one."
-
>"That's comforting. Might I ask how you know this?"
-
>"That's comforting. Might I ask how you know this?"
>Junko smiles again. "As you have your tasks, I have mine. And I believe I should be returning to mine."
-
>"Did you know of this deathbringer's existence here before it came into the open last night?"
-
>"Did you know of this deathbringer's existence here before it came into the open last night?"
>The tall blonde begins walking down the stairs towards you. "It didn't exist, not in the form you fought."
-
>"If it didn't... 'exist' until then, had you known a fragment had been 'missing'? You did say this was the last, after all."
-
>"If it didn't... 'exist' until then, had you known a fragment had been 'missing'? You did say this was the last, after all."
>"It was." Junko offers you a sympathetic smile. "I don't expect you to understand. There are forces of evil beyond the forces you've confronted. Beyond the understanding of mortals. All that matters is that you helped eliminate one persistent evil in the world."
-
>"Are there any others around here of which I should be aware? Our tasks may be different, but there is clearly some overlap."
-
>"Are there any others around here of which I should be aware? Our tasks may be different, but there is clearly some overlap."
>Junko's head tilts a bit in curiousity. "Do they?"
-
>"At least you gave the impression that monitoring such evils as we faced last night is under your purview."
-
>"At least you gave the impression that monitoring such evils as we faced last night is under your purview."
>After a brief pause, Junko replies, "As much as I can."
-
>"Then I stand by my statement; safeguarding life against the supernatural forces that would threaten it is what our power is for."
-
>"Then I stand by my statement; safeguarding life against the supernatural forces that would threaten it is what our power is for."
>Junko's smile returns, though this time it seems a bit wistful. "If it were that simple..."
-
>"Few things in life are simple, but that doesn't mean we can't still try."
-
>"Few things in life are simple, but that doesn't mean we can't still try."
>The tall woman stops a couple of steps up from you. "I think my situation is less simple than yours. I am not as... independent as you are. What I am at liberty to say is rather limited."
-
>Nod politely
>"Of course. But if there's anything you are at liberty to say which might help in our mutual goals, I promise to keep in confidence."
-
>Nod politely
>"Of course. But if there's anything you are at liberty to say which might help in our mutual goals, I promise to keep in confidence."
>Junko's earnest smile returns. "I appreciate the sentiment, at least. But I can tell you this much, at least: The evil that rested here is gone. If there are any more evils in this city, they will not come from this place. Not unless they arrive after this point."
-
>"Certainly a welcome confirmation."
-
>"Certainly a welcome confirmation."
>Junko nods, then looks up, over your head towards the city behind you. "Every city in the world has its fair share of shadows. The shadows of New Mayoiga are sometimes deeper than most. You've destroyed this one. But, I would suggest that you remain vigilant." She looks back down and gives you a knowing look. "Just to be safe."
-
>Nod
>"Always vigilant."
-
>Nod
>"Always vigilant."
>Junko glances behind her, towards the shrine. "And, if you can, try not to judge Satori Komeji too harshly. The evil that touched her would have been too much for any mortal."
-
>"I feel great sympathy for her, in fact; it is a terrible thing to have experienced."
-
>"I feel great sympathy for her, in fact; it is a terrible thing to have experienced."
>"Is that why you are here? For her sake?"
-
>"Yes, actually."
-
>"Yes, actually."
>"Then you should go to her."
-
>Nod
>"We should, yes. I hope you have a pleasant evening."
>Bow politely, and then assuming there is nothing else, let's carry onward to the shrine
-
>Nod
>"We should, yes. I hope you have a pleasant evening."
>Bow politely, and then assuming there is nothing else, let's carry onward to the shrine
>"And you as well. Lotus."
>The tall blonde says nothing else, and the three of you walk past each other, you and Rin headed up, she heading down. Is it just me, Mistress, or did that woman give you the creeps, too?
-
>Very much so. I would greatly like to know who and what she is; I would have been more pointed in my questioning, had I not felt that I would get no more answers to them.
>At the very least, she spoke as if she were not mortal.
>We really didn't get any supernatural vibes from her at all, though, right?
-
>Very much so. I would greatly like to know who and what she is; I would have been more pointed in my questioning, had I not felt that I would get no more answers to them.
>At the very least, she spoke as if she were not mortal.
>We really didn't get any supernatural vibes from her at all, though, right?
>There was something about the way she said 'What's you real name'... Rin visibly shivers. Made my tail fur stand on end.
>You did not. In fact, you didn't get any vibes from her at all.
-
>Yes. And I could not sense her presence at all; it was like she... wasn't even there.
-
>Yes. And I could not sense her presence at all; it was like she... wasn't even there.
>Rin looks back down the steps. That ain't right.
-
>No. It isn't. But I'm not sure what to confront her about when she's given no direct sign of hostility, and she's correct that we have other business to take care of. I do hope this is not a misjudgement on my part.
-
>No. It isn't. But I'm not sure what to confront her about when she's given no direct sign of hostility, and she's correct that we have other business to take care of. I do hope this is not a misjudgement on my part.
>Never noticed all these weird folks around town 'till now. White Rose remarks. Gettin' back to normal when this is over's gonna be a bit of a job.
-
>Normal is relative. Provided no one is plotting conflict, I think I'm okay with the world being a bit more of a strange place than we thought it was.
-
>Normal is relative. Provided no one is plotting conflict, I think I'm okay with the world being a bit more of a strange place than we thought it was.
>Just gotta adjust the thinkin', eh. I think I can do that.
>The exterior of the shrine is devoid of peoples, as is the entranceway and first chamber of the shrine. You see that something else has changed since your last visit, though. The doors to the sacred flame chamber are now open, albeit not widely, and the flame, visible within, appears to be a normal flame once again. At least half a dozen mikos sit before the flame, including, oddly, Tenshi Hinanai.
-
>Are they doing anything in particular, so far as we can tell?
-
>Are they doing anything in particular, so far as we can tell?
>Some are talking to each other, the rest, including Tenshi, seem to be praying.
-
>Reach out to Kiku: We're at the shrine now. Where can we find Satori?
-
>Reach out to Kiku: We're at the shrine now. Where can we find Satori?
>I have confined her to her room. Do you recall where that is?
-
>Was that the room above where we were confined last night?
-
>Was that the room above where we were confined last night?
>Yes it was. I may have neglected to mention that.
-
>We think we could generally find our way back there, right?
>Assuming so: I... think I can remember where that was. We were all in a bit of a hurry last night; I fear I didn't pay a lot of attention to my surroundings.
>Let's head that way
-
>We think we could generally find our way back there, right?
>Assuming so: I... think I can remember where that was. We were all in a bit of a hurry last night; I fear I didn't pay a lot of attention to my surroundings.
>Let's head that way
>It was a very hectic night, but you do recall it was down the hallway to your left. Straight down. Though how many doors you passed on the way out, that, you're not sure.
>It is down the hall to the left of the entrance. Kiku confirms. As I am presently sitting outside the door, I doubt you'll miss it.
>Just as she says, you spy the big orange and black cat sitting outside a closed door a ways down the hallway. A very effective guard, indeed.
-
>Approach and wave
>I assume nothing much has changed since we last spoke?
-
>Approach and wave
>I assume nothing much has changed since we last spoke?
>Kiku rumbles out a greeting.
>Not with Satori, at least. We've been paid an unexpected visit by Tenshi-sama, though. She is leading some of my sisters in prayer in the chamber of the sacred flame. I may also have neglected to mention, but the flame has returned to its normal coloration.
-
>So I noticed. Both of those things, actually. Did you learn anything about why that happened to the flame in the first place, incidentally? Even if it was connected to Satori's corruption, that had lain within her all this time before the flame darkened.
-
>So I noticed. Both of those things, actually. Did you learn anything about why that happened to the flame in the first place, incidentally? Even if it was connected to Satori's corruption, that had lain within her all this time before the flame darkened.
>Not as yet. I haven't yet had the chance to commune with the flame.
-
>Commune with it? Does it... speak to you?
-
>Commune with it? Does it... speak to you?
>In a manner of speaking.
-
>If you will forgive me my ignorance, what exactly is it, then? What speaks through the flame is not the Metal Tiger Himself, right?
-
>If you will forgive me my ignorance, what exactly is it, then? What speaks through the flame is not the Metal Tiger Himself, right?
>I can't tell you, exactly.
-
>As in you yourself don't know, or because that confidence is sacred?
-
>As in you yourself don't know, or because that confidence is sacred?
>Mostly the latter, though partly because I don't believe I could explain it to one outside our order. Even one with your experiences.
-
>I was just thinking back to that time at the Dragon Shrine, when the flame turned blue and spoke with me. Clearly, more than one voice can speak through them, though I do wish I knew who it was that spoke to me.
-
>I was just thinking back to that time at the Dragon Shrine, when the flame turned blue and spoke with me. Clearly, more than one voice can speak through them, though I do wish I knew who it was that spoke to me.
>I remain at a loss to explain that. Perhaps, if I can find the time, I will investigate that flame myself. Though it would be... unusual for me to do so. Ordinarily, an aberration like that is investigated by the attendants of that shrine themselves.
-
>As I said before, whatever it was seemed almost to be avoiding Tenshi, and cut our conversation short as soon as she neared. Why, I cannot say.
-
>As I said before, whatever it was seemed almost to be avoiding Tenshi, and cut our conversation short as soon as she neared. Why, I cannot say.
>Without knowing more about this thing myself, I couldn't venture a guess. I tried to do a bit of research on incidents where the flame changed color in the past, but.. I haven't really been able to focus, like I normally can. The big cat lets out a weary-sounding sigh.
-
>It's okay. The mysteries can wait.
>Raise our boxed lunch
>We brought some food for Satori.
-
>It's okay. The mysteries can wait.
>Raise our boxed lunch
>We brought some food for Satori.
>We certainly have enough of them to chew over.
>Kiku sniffs experimentally as you raise the boxes. Okonomiyaki?
-
>Nod
>And rice balls and a sliced beef sandwich and some peaches.
-
>Nod
>And rice balls and a sliced beef sandwich and some peaches.
>You came up with all that on short notice. she comments, impressed.
>One of our neighbors is a crackerjack chef. Rin informs her.
>Evidently. Kiku blurs and rears upright, reverting to her humanoid form, sliding away from the door. "I'll be out here. If you need me."
-
>Nod and enter!
-
>Nod and enter!
>The tiger youkai pulls the sliding door open for you, then stands back and allows your entry. The room within is no cleaner now than when you left it, but once again, your attention is drawn by something more immediate than the cleanliness of the place. Satori Komeji is sitting Yamato-style on the floor, her head down, her face plainly wracked with torment. Standing behind her is the messy green-haired woman you saw in the cave last night, with her hand on the hilt of the large dagger sheathed on a leather bandolier encircling her torso, an accusing glare leveled at you and White Rose.
-
>Look to the green-haired woman
>"Do not worry. We mean no harm to your mistress or to you; we're here out of concern for her."
-
>Look to the green-haired woman
>"Do not worry. We mean no harm to your mistress or to you; we're here out of concern for her."
>The tanned woman's reply comes in Moscovian, which you don't speak. If you had to guess, though, you'd wager she doesn't necessarily believe you.
-
>Take a slow and non-threatening step forward and keep a calm expression on our face
>"Satori? Is it alright if we spend a few minutes with you? We brought you something to eat."
-
>Take a slow and non-threatening step forward and keep a calm expression on our face
>"Satori? Is it alright if we spend a few minutes with you? We brought you something to eat."
>Satori does not look up at you. She just swallows before asking, in a voice that is almost unrecognizable from that of the woman you saw yesterday, "Have you come to kill me?"
-
>Gently: "No. I bear you no malice for what you did to me last night. Your heart was not your own."
-
>Gently: "No. I bear you no malice for what you did to me last night. Your heart was not your own."
>"Yes it was." Satori replies, only now looking up at you. Does she look like a wreck. "Last night.... Was just the last of decades of... of abuse, of, of evil!"
-
>"If the heart that committed those deeds was truly your own, then you would not feel so guilty about them now - you didn't then."
-
>"If the heart that committed those deeds was truly your own, then you would not feel so guilty about them now - you didn't then."
>"Everything I did... everything was, was what I wanted to do. What I thought I, I should do." Satori's head droops. "That day... changed me. Made me... lose hope."
-
>"As it would anyone. It was a horror no one should have to experience, and even seeing that moment from a distance, I cannot begin to imagine how it felt."
>"But Satori, what happened to your heart that day was not just a result of the tragedy you experienced. How much do you remember about last night, after Kiku freed me?"
-
>"As it would anyone. It was a horror no one should have to experience, and even seeing that moment from a distance, I cannot begin to imagine how it felt."
>"But Satori, what happened to your heart that day was not just a result of the tragedy you experienced. How much do you remember about last night, after Kiku freed me?"
>Satori raises her hand to her head. "I remember everything. I rememb...." Trailing off, she looks up at you. "'That moment'?"
-
>"When you and Koishi saw the bomb fall on Mayoiga. The entity which took root in you showed it to me."
-
>"When you and Koishi saw the bomb fall on Mayoiga. The entity which took root in you showed it to me."
>Satori is plainly baffled. "But... why, why would I do that?"
-
>"Why would you do what?"
-
>"Why would you do what?"
>"Do that. Why would you see that, why would anyone?"
-
>"You didn't do anything. It did - the... 'deathbringer', I shall call it, for want of a better term. As for exactly why it showed this to me, I am not certain."
-
>"You didn't do anything. It did - the... 'deathbringer', I shall call it, for want of a better term. As for exactly why it showed this to me, I am not certain."
>From the door, you hear Kiku say, "Or maybe it was you." as she steps inside. "Maybe there was a part of you that hadn't been corrupted, despite everything that happened last night. Maybe that part of you was trying to show Lotus here what had happened to you. What that creature was, to give her something to target, something to shoot at."
>Satori stews over that. "I don't... No, that, I don't remember..."
-
>"What do you remember?"
-
>"What do you remember?"
>"After... After you hit me with that, that spell of yours, there was..." The tormented shrine maiden holds her hands to her head. "Darkness.... Cold.... Then, light."
-
>"So you don't remember anything of what transpired outside in the shrine grounds, until you were resting on the ground alone?"
-
>"So you don't remember anything of what transpired outside in the shrine grounds, until you were resting on the ground alone?"
>"I... felt everything dark inside me bubble up, boil over. My mind... The things I felt..." she whimpers.
-
>"Satori, there has been a malicious entity residing within you since the day you saw the bombs fall - a being almost the literal incarnation of death. That black splinter I spoke of last night was only the tip of that iceberg; it had spent decades growing within you, infecting you with its own mentality. It was not your fault that it attached itself to you, and no one could remain untainted by such a thing while it dwelled in them. But now, for the first time in forty years, you are free of it."
-
>"Satori, there has been a malicious entity residing within you since the day you saw the bombs fall - a being almost the literal incarnation of death. That black splinter I spoke of last night was only the tip of that iceberg; it had spent decades growing within you, infecting you with its own mentality. It was not your fault that it attached itself to you, and no one could remain untainted by such a thing while it dwelled in them. But now, for the first time in forty years, you are free of it."
>As Satori gapes at you, obviously trying to process what you've told her, the green haired woman shakes her head, and while you detect some anger in that gesture, you note that her hand is no longer gripping her dagger. "Y'expect me t'blieve that my Mistress's ben puhsessed fer all these years?" she demands in rather heavily accented Yamato.
-
>"Perhaps it may be difficult to accept, but it is the truth. Perhaps its influence may have been weaker at first, slowly taking hold as it grew within her, but the sheer corruptive power of the entity we fought last night would be obvious to anyone who witnessed it."
-
>"Perhaps it may be difficult to accept, but it is the truth. Perhaps its influence may have been weaker at first, slowly taking hold as it grew within her, but the sheer corruptive power of the entity we fought last night would be obvious to anyone who witnessed it."
>"Evil can be very good at concealing itself." Kiku adds. "Even from those who specialize in detecting it. Satori hadn't touched my mind the first time we met, and I had no idea that thing was inside her."
>The tanned woman looks down at her mistress, then returns to scowling at you. "So you woke this thing up?"
>"No, no, it was me." Satori protests before you can reply. "I wanted... I really did want to change the world, make it so people didn't hurt each other! How could... it was my desire."
-
>"I imagine your wish for a world where people don't do harm to each other is genuine. But the shape of that world, and the harm you were willing to do to others yourself in order to obtain it.... You would not feel so guilty now if these were choices you would have made without that thing tainting you."
-
>"I imagine your wish for a world where people don't do harm to each other is genuine. But the shape of that world, and the harm you were willing to do to others yourself in order to obtain it.... You would not feel so guilty now if these were choices you would have made without that thing tainting you."
>"Why... How can you say that?" she asks, puzzled. "How do you I... I DID want to..." she insists, though she doesn't sound as convinced of that as she did before.
-
>"At the time, I am sure you did want to. But you were under the influence of a very powerful will, external to your own - and one that had woven itself so deeply within you that even you could not sense its presence from your own."
-
>"At the time, I am sure you did want to. But you were under the influence of a very powerful will, external to your own - and one that had woven itself so deeply within you that even you could not sense its presence from your own."
>"But, I am psychic." Satori protests. "There are.... there WERE... no secrets... How could something hide from me? Inside me."
>White Rose asks her, "Your powers. Did they get stronger after that event?"
>The kneeling woman pauses to consider that. "But... that was me... I, I wanted to get stronger, needed to... I needed power."
-
>"If that thing was embedded so deeply in your mind, it might have grown nearly impossible to distinguish from your own thoughts - even for you. Even I could not sense the depth of the darkness embedded in you until after I had tried to cleanse it."
-
>"If that thing was embedded so deeply in your mind, it might have grown nearly impossible to distinguish from your own thoughts - even for you. Even I could not sense the depth of the darkness embedded in you until after I had tried to cleanse it."
>"S'ow'd ya see it inna first place?" the pointy-eared woman inquired.
-
>"I can sense... it is a little difficult to put into words, perhaps, but let's call it 'darkness' - powers malign and corruptive and 'evil'. As I said last night, I could see a black splinter in Satori's third eye - something very dark and wrong and which did not belong there. I did not truly understand what it was, but I knew it was causing her harm; the concern I expressed then was genuine. But it was not until I tried to purify this darkness that it manifested fully, and showed all of us just how black it truly was."
-
>"I can sense... it is a little difficult to put into words, perhaps, but let's call it 'darkness' - powers malign and corruptive and 'evil'. As I said last night, I could see a black splinter in Satori's third eye - something very dark and wrong and which did not belong there. I did not truly understand what it was, but I knew it was causing her harm; the concern I expressed then was genuine. But it was not until I tried to purify this darkness that it manifested fully, and showed all of us just how black it truly was."
>"So y'DID wake it up."
>"We can't say that for certain." Kiku argues. "We have no way of knowing how long that evil might have remained hidden. It may have had its own schedule. For all we know, Lotus may have prevented it from becoming unstoppable later."
>"That's right. It coming out now might actually been the best thing." White Rose adds. "It might have gotten stronger if it'd stayed in her."
-
>"And it was already causing harm to her, and through her. It could not simply be allowed to fester."
-
>"And it was already causing harm to her, and through her. It could not simply be allowed to fester."
>"Couldn' do't in one shot?"
-
>"Not nearly, I'm afraid; what manifested from her was the most profound darkness I have ever seen."
-
>"Not nearly, I'm afraid; what manifested from her was the most profound darkness I have ever seen."
>Satori holds her hand up to the green haired woman. "Help me up, please."
>"Of course, mistress." she replies quickly, and you note a deliberate effort on her part to pronounce the language better as she helps her mistress to her feet.
>You hear Satori's stomach grumble as she starts to speak. "Even if... What you say is true, if everything is true... I'm still guilty. Everyone has... darker thoughts, things that cross their mind they never talk about. Desires that never get mentioned. But I... have spent the past half a decade acting on those impulses. Those desires. They were mine, I'm sure. I have done... terrible things."
-
>"Things you did only because of the deathbringer's influence. It is not fair to yourself to shoulder the blame for those actions when your mind was not wholly your own."
-
>"Things you did only because of the deathbringer's influence. It is not fair to yourself to shoulder the blame for those actions when your mind was not wholly your own."
>"Even if that were true, they were my desires. My hands, my mind, my power. It's not fair to all the people I've wronged to dismiss my guilt. But I... I know that I can never make up for it." For the first time since you arrived, the disgraced miko straightens herself. "For everything I've done, I deserve to die."
-
>"No. Satori, you had an incarnation of death wrapped around your mind, and yet you still held fast to your commitment not to kill. If not for the kindness in your heart and your own will, the damage that being could have wrought through you would have been far more terrible. Who knows how many might now be dead if not for your convictions, even in the face of such corruption."
-
>"No. Satori, you had an incarnation of death wrapped around your mind, and yet you still held fast to your commitment not to kill. If not for the kindness in your heart and your own will, the damage that being could have wrought through you would have been far more terrible. Who knows how many might now be dead if not for your convictions, even in the face of such corruption."
>"You give me far more credit than I deserve. If I had that kind of will, these years would have been different ones." She looks over your shoulder, towards Kiku. "They deserve justice for everything I've done to them. Especially you, Kiku. But I can't make it up to them any other way."
-
>"I don't believe that's true. Your death won't make this world a better place, but your life still might. Your dream of a more peaceful world was not a wrong one, only your methods. But even without bending minds, each of us still shapes the world around us every day, through the kindnesses we show other, the values we demonstrate, the teachings we impart. Even in these dark decades, your counsel still helped many people, and I think there is still good you can do in the world."
-
>"I don't believe that's true. Your death won't make this world a better place, but your life still might. Your dream of a more peaceful world was not a wrong one, only your methods. But even without bending minds, each of us still shapes the world around us every day, through the kindnesses we show other, the values we demonstrate, the teachings we impart. Even in these dark decades, your counsel still helped many people, and I think there is still good you can do in the world."
>"Don't forget that that 'counsel' you mentioned was part of my plan as well. It was a way to ingratiate myself to the people of this city. It's easier to rule if the people love you, whether they should or not."
-
>"Whether driven by ulterior motives or not, people were still helped by your words. And you could help people again - this time for the right reasons."
-
>"Whether driven by ulterior motives or not, people were still helped by your words. And you could help people again - this time for the right reasons."
>"Nothing I could do could ever make up for what I've done." Satori replies bitterly, turning her side to you. "All the people I've hurt.. invaded.. Nothing I could do in the future will ever let their memories fade."
-
>"The past cannot be undone, but it does not invalidate the worth of what is done now."
-
>"The past cannot be undone, but it does not invalidate the worth of what is done now."
>"Then... How would you suggest I try?"
-
>"Be good to people. Do good for people. There is no limit to the number of ways one can do good in the world - feeding the poor, tending the sick, advocating for those who lack power, or teaching people how to treat them fairly. You know best where your own aptitudes lie, but your name caries weight in this city. If you speak, people will listen - that itself is a power which can do great good."
-
>"Be good to people. Do good for people. There is no limit to the number of ways one can do good in the world - feeding the poor, tending the sick, advocating for those who lack power, or teaching people how to treat them fairly. You know best where your own aptitudes lie, but your name caries weight in this city. If you speak, people will listen - that itself is a power which can do great good."
>"Would it stop then?" she asks quietly, so quietly. "The faces in my memory, the minds I violated. I can see them all, even now."
-
>"That..."
>Put a gentle hand on her shoulder, assuming she doesn't flinch away from this
>"May take some time. But it won't always feel this way."
-
>"That..."
>Put a gentle hand on her shoulder, assuming she doesn't flinch away from this
>"May take some time. But it won't always feel this way."
>She does flinch, but she does not recoil. The pointy-eared woman twitches visibly as well, but keeps her obvious protective impulses in check. "I don't know..." Satori breathes. "I... I, I think I'd, like something to eat, now. Please?"
-
>"Of course."
>Hand over the lunch
-
>"Of course."
>Hand over the lunch
>The green haired woman seems to turn all of her senses on Minoriko's boxed lunch as Satori lays it out on the table in the corner of the room. She doesn't say anything, so you assume she isn't too suspicious, but you don't think you've seen anyone scrutinize a meal so closely.
>Her feelings of guilt are obviously extreme. Kiku says to you and Rin. I honestly don't know if they'll ever fade. But that aside for a moment, if I may. That splinter you saw, do you know where it came from? You said it showed you how it came to reside within Satori, but anything before that?
-
>No. But... we had a very strange encounter on our way to the shrine. I assume that the answer is no, but does the name Junko mean anything to you?
-
>No. But... we had a very strange encounter on our way to the shrine. I assume that the answer is no, but does the name Junko mean anything to you?
>There was a woman a year ago named Junko, who made a very sizable donation to the shrine. A gratitude for the guidance Satori offered her daughter.
-
>I don't suppose you can describe what she looked like?
-
>I don't suppose you can describe what she looked like?
>After a moment's thought, Kiku replies, I recall her being slightly overweight at the time, short, with badly dyed pink hair.
-
>Not the same person. This woman was... I think she was confirming something about the entity we destroyed last night. She spoke of it as a lingering remnant of a much darker time, and said that the Blink Bomb 'woke it up'. I have no idea who she is or how she knows such things, and she was not forthcoming with answers, though she spoke of 'mortals' in a way that implied she wasn't one.
-
>Not the same person. This woman was... I think she was confirming something about the entity we destroyed last night. She spoke of it as a lingering remnant of a much darker time, and said that the Blink Bomb 'woke it up'. I have no idea who she is or how she knows such things, and she was not forthcoming with answers, though she spoke of 'mortals' in a way that implied she wasn't one.
>Confirming how? Was she a sorcerer?
-
>I don't know what she is. I tried to sense her aura, but there was... nothing - an empty space where a person should be. The whole encounter was somewhat disquieting, I must admit, though she seemed largely to align with our side of things. She even asked us to be understanding towards Satori.
-
>I don't know what she is. I tried to sense her aura, but there was... nothing - an empty space where a person should be. The whole encounter was somewhat disquieting, I must admit, though she seemed largely to align with our side of things. She even asked us to be understanding towards Satori.
>Kiku struggles to keep a scowl off her face. Another complication...
-
>There seems no end to such things, doesn't there? For what it's worth, she seemed satisfied that the deathbringer had been thoroughly destroyed and implied it was the last of its kind. Insofar as this can be trusted, it's nice to have a second opinion in agreement.
-
>There seems no end to such things, doesn't there? For what it's worth, she seemed satisfied that the deathbringer had been thoroughly destroyed and implied it was the last of its kind. Insofar as this can be trusted, it's nice to have a second opinion in agreement.
>Well, we can leave that aside for the moment, I suppose. She said nothing more about the splinter?
-
>Not really, no.
-
>Not really, no.
>Hmm... Did you get any indication that the splinter chose Satori in some way? Or was she simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?
-
>It may simply have been that; there can't have been many people so close to the explosion yet outside its effective range. Or perhaps the fact that she was psychically experiencing so much death made her more... susceptible to the deathbringer or more perceptible by it. I can really only guess.
-
>It may simply have been that; there can't have been many people so close to the explosion yet outside its effective range. Or perhaps the fact that she was psychically experiencing so much death made her more... susceptible to the deathbringer or more perceptible by it. I can really only guess.
>Kiku makes another thoughtful noise. She seems better now, but I cannot tell how long it will last, if it lasts at all. And feelings towards her among my sisters is still strong. But I think I have an idea, a way that may help both sides.
>Your powers are unique, Lotus, in all the world. Not only did you sense that splinter, you resisted Satori's telepathy long enough to bring your power to bear against the darkness within her. Is it fair to say, in your opinion, that no one else could have helped her before now?
-
>I would not feel it right to claim that there is no one in the world who could have done what I did, but... ridding her of the deathbringer felt somewhat akin to purifying a youma, and since as far as anyone knows, no one else has managed that either.... perhaps you may be right.
-
>I would not feel it right to claim that there is no one in the world who could have done what I did, but... ridding her of the deathbringer felt somewhat akin to purifying a youma, and since as far as anyone knows, no one else has managed that either.... perhaps you may be right.
>What're you up to, Kiku? Rin asks her.
>Something fairly theatrical. It goes against my nature, but I think it's the best way to at least bandage the wounds here. But I may still need your help, at least one of you. My plan calls for a general assembly, and I need to make sure Satori stays safe, until I say what I have to say.
-
>Well, you can certainly count on us to protect her, but what is it you had in mind?
-
>Well, you can certainly count on us to protect her, but what is it you had in mind?
>Looking at her former Elder, Kiku replies, I am... uniquely qualified among the shrine maidens to understand what she went through. In a way, I went through the same thing myself. The difference is, you were there to save me from the Water Champion. Satori did not have anyone, until last night. I will try to make my sisters see that.
-
>I hope your sisters listen. It would probably do Satori good if even a few of them can forgive her.
>Is there anything you'd like us to do?
-
>I hope your sisters listen. It would probably do Satori good if even a few of them can forgive her.
>Is there anything you'd like us to do?
>I'm not so optimistic as to expect total forgiveness tonight. A start, for me, would be acceptable. I have enough problems as it is without worrying about what's happening while I'm away from home.
>In a word, security. Between Satori's jack and all the angry shrine maidens here, I fear there would be too much for me to keep track of if things started to unravel.
-
>Where would you be having this assembly? And did you mean to do it now?
-
>Where would you be having this assembly? And did you mean to do it now?
>The sacred flame chamber is the only room in the temple large enough to accommodate all of us. And I was planning to let her finish her meal, since she seems to be enjoying it.
-
>You think she should be present for the assembly herself, then?
-
>You think she should be present for the assembly herself, then?
>Kiku nods slightly. My sisters need to hear what I have to say to Satori.
-
>I admit I am a little concerned that her sense of guilt could cause her to spontaneously insist upon taking blame for this in front of everyone. But you do make a point.
-
>I admit I am a little concerned that her sense of guilt could cause her to spontaneously insist upon taking blame for this in front of everyone. But you do make a point.
>That seems to make Kiku pause. I had not considered that possibility. she admits.
-
>Perhaps it might be prudent to at least 'set the stage' without her there, and establish facts and realities. And it might be better for Satori not to have to face such a potentially withering audience; the last thing she needs is more cause to feel miserable. Even if you feel the words you want to say to Satori are important, won't your sisters believe you if you relay them?
-
>Perhaps it might be prudent to at least 'set the stage' without her there, and establish facts and realities. And it might be better for Satori not to have to face such a potentially withering audience; the last thing she needs is more cause to feel miserable. Even if you feel the words you want to say to Satori are important, won't your sisters believe you if you relay them?
>You raise some valid points. The tiger youkai can't quite keep a smile off her face. I knew you had an instinct for handling people.
>"Excuse me?" Satori says quietly.
-
>"Yes?"
-
>"Yes?"
>"You're... making a lot of noise."
-
>"Oh."
>Oh dear
>"My apologies."
-
>"Oh."
>Oh dear
>"My apologies."
>"I know I shouldn't complain." she says meekly. "It's just... Well, it sounds like you're shouting static at each other. It's... It hurts my ears."
-
>Bow apologetically
>"Oh, I'm very sorry. I didn't realize."
-
>Bow apologetically
>"Oh, I'm very sorry. I didn't realize."
>Kiku raises her eyebrows. "How... did you know we were communicating?"
>"I'm still psychic, Kiku. Not as strong as I was, but I still have my ability. But I can't understand what you were saying." Looking at you and White Rose, she asks, "I... I'm sorry to ask, but, how did you manage to defeat my psychic sense last night? I really have never met minds like you twos' before."
-
>"I'm afraid I don't really have an answer to give you. We'd never had an encounter with a real mind-reader before; that out minds were unusual in a way that defeats your senses was as much a surprise to us as you."
>"I had, uh, actually planned to avoid you entirely last night; that... didn't quite work out."
-
>"I'm afraid I don't really have an answer to give you. We'd never had an encounter with a real mind-reader before; that out minds were unusual in a way that defeats your senses was as much a surprise to us as you."
>"I had, uh, actually planned to avoid you entirely last night; that... didn't quite work out."
>"Didn'git 'way frm m'eyes." the green haired woman says. "I seen ye."
>"And I can see what she sees." Satori adds.
-
>"That does bring me to something I had meant to ask; what was it that happened to the sacred flame?"
-
>"That does bring me to something I had meant to ask; what was it that happened to the sacred flame?"
>Looking entirely ashamed of herself, Satori lowers her chopsticks and replies, "I don't know."
-
>"You don't? I... had thought it connected to your activities in some way, though I wasn't sure how."
-
>"You don't? I... had thought it connected to your activities in some way, though I wasn't sure how."
>"It probably does, since it's back to normal now. I just don't know how either." The small woman looks down. "I kept the shrine maidens around me from remembering, from thinking about it. I had to solve the mystery. Something was wrong in my house, something... beyond my control. I couldn't live with that. But I couldn't solve the puzzle."
-
>"And so the voice that spoke to me thought it last night...?"
-
>"And so the voice that spoke to me thought it last night...?"
>"Was me."
-
>"I had wondered, but... you can do that?"
-
>"I had wondered, but... you can do that?"
>"I could. I don't know if I could now."
-
>"And was this something you could do before it turned black?"
-
>"And was this something you could do before it turned black?"
>"Yes."
-
>"Might I ask how? This was, um... not the first time in the last few days that a sacred flame has spoken cryptically to me."
-
>"Might I ask how? This was, um... not the first time in the last few days that a sacred flame has spoken cryptically to me."
>"Not the first? I, I don't understand."
-
>"A voice also spoke to me through the flame at one of the other shrines, a couple night ago. And if you were able to do so, I wonder who else might - what kind of power or access someone would need to do so."
-
>"A voice also spoke to me through the flame at one of the other shrines, a couple night ago. And if you were able to do so, I wonder who else might - what kind of power or access someone would need to do so."
>Satori ponders that. "Well, when I was talking to you, I was projecting my voice from the flame. Was just a... a simple thing. I suppose... Any psychic strong enough, or maybe skilled enough, could do that, too."
-
>"Do you think they would have to actually be somewhat nearby at the time? On shrine grounds, anyway?"
-
>"Do you think they would have to actually be somewhat nearby at the time? On shrine grounds, anyway?"
>"Uh... It depends. I mean, I could have been a long distance away, thanks to my...." she spares a glance over at her jack before she continues, "I have a psychic link, with her. But if... If it was someone stronger than me, or if they had a relay of their own, then..." She stops again, thinking. "There's no way to know. At least, I'd have no way of knowing now."
>"What kind of 'relay'?" White Rose asks her.
>"I don't know. It depends on the person, or the mind. If it was me, I'd need a mind to link with, but I don't know if that's true for every psychic."
-
>"Fair enough. At least I know now that it can be done this way."
>"But to return to my earlier point, while the source of the flame's discoloration was unknown to you, the rest of what happened there that night was just a performance you put on for me?"
-
>"Fair enough. At least I know now that it can be done this way."
>"But to return to my earlier point, while the source of the flame's discoloration was unknown to you, the rest of what happened there that night was just a performance you put on for me?"
>"Any idea if it was some kinda spirit or something?" White Rose asks her.
>"No. No, that's impossible, the flame is sacred, pure. All the flames. I don't think any supernatural creatures could speak through them. Except maybe the spirits of the Four Pillar Beasts themselves. But... I wouldn't know."
>Looking very ashamed of herself, Satori nods.
-
>"Well, that's one mystery solved, even if it leaves us with another. Thank you."
-
>"Well, that's one mystery solved, even if it leaves us with another. Thank you."
>Very quietly, Kiku's telepathic voice says, That doesn't discount Makai.
-
>Nod in acknowledgement
-
>Nod in acknowledgement
>Satori nods at you. "Anything I can do to help. I... owe you that, and more."
-
>"Well, if I think of anything else to ask, I'll let you know."
>"Though I do have one other question."
>Look to her green-haired companion and smile politely
>"I'm afraid I never caught your name."
-
>"Well, if I think of anything else to ask, I'll let you know."
>"Though I do have one other question."
>Look to her green-haired companion and smile politely
>"I'm afraid I never caught your name."
>The green-haired woman clicks her tongue in irritation, but after a short pause, she blurts out, "Doremy."
-
>"Pleased to meet you, Doremy. I'm Lotus, and this is White Rose."
>Gesture to her.
>"I know we didn't start off on the best foot yesterday, but I hope there are no hard feelings."
-
>"Pleased to meet you, Doremy. I'm Lotus, and this is White Rose."
>Gesture to her.
>"I know we didn't start off on the best foot yesterday, but I hope there are no hard feelings."
>The tanned woman grunt non-commitally.
>"I am afraid that my jack has... hard feelings, as you put it, towards nearly everyone." Satori says. "And all these years of being joined to me have done her no favors."
>Doremy angrily yells something in another language, possibly the tongue of Avalon, then says nothing more, but the look of concentration on her face suggests that she may be speaking telepathically with Satori.
>Eventually the look on her face fades, and she takes a step back. Satori says to you, "Please, do not think too badly of her, Lotus, Rose. What she did to you, she at my command."
-
>"I understand. It's alright; please don't worry about it."
>Even if Doremy did voluntarily suggest killing us, last night....
-
>"I understand. It's alright; please don't worry about it."
>Even if Doremy did voluntarily suggest killing us, last night....
>"I'm not." Doremy grunts.
>"I should point out," Kiku says to the spider youkai, not as diplomatic as you, "that if not for Lotus, your mistress would probably be dead now. Or still under the influence of that splinter of evil. As would you be. You owe her more courtesy than that."
>Sounds like something I'd say. White Rose remarks quietly.
>Satori's guilt may be such that she blames herself even for that.
-
>"It's fine, Kiku. Really."
-
>"It's fine, Kiku. Really."
>Kiku scowls, but accepts the rebuke.
>Satori, however, seems puzzled anew. "Kiku? Since when... do you come to the defense of someone outside the shrine?" she asks quietly. "I've never known you to say something like that, except about your sisters."
>The tiger youkai's scowl turns into a wince, but that, she stifles quickly. "Yes. But I think that's because I've never let myself feel that way towards someone outside the shrine before." Satori opens her mouth to speak, but Kiku cuts her off. "That is not your fault, Satori. I was like that long before you came into my life."
>"You were afraid." Satori mutters.
>Kiku nods. "I was afraid. Of many things. But you are not the only one that has changed, Satori. I've changed, too. And this woman...." She pauses to gather her thoughts, and slightly turns her head towards you. To your surprise, she smiles lightly, and finishes, "is special."
-
>"That's very kind of you to say so."
-
>"That's very kind of you to say so."
>Satori gapes. "How... How did you...?" she tries to ask you. Evidently hearing that sentiment from Kiku is a rather startling thing.
-
>"Last night was not the first time we've fought alongside each other."
-
>"Last night was not the first time we've fought alongside each other."
>"It wasn't?"
>"No." Kiku says, stepping towards her. "You see, Satori, I didn't tell you everything about that encounter I had at the CRA. I told you I encountered a powerful evil there, but I didn't identify Magical Lotus as one of the 'unknown spellcasters' that aided me. She and the winged woman she fought with last night, Magical Lily, were the ones I mentioned. And, I also didn't mention how close that evil came to corrupting me." Satori gasps as Kiku continues, "The demon we faced was completely immune to my magics. I was helpless before it. I'd never felt that before. Once it had beaten me, it seemed to see right through me, see everything about me. And it used that against me. It convinced me that their victory was inevitable, that any resistance I could offer was as pointless as my life." Though Kiku tries to speak plainly and evenly, she can't keep all the pain of that horrible encounter out of her voice. "And if Lotus and Lily had not been there, had not shown me that the demon was not invincible... Then they would have been fighting me, too." Giving you a quick glance, she adds, "Though I doubt you'd have lost anyway."
-
>Smile gently
>"All the same, I'm glad it didn't come to that."
-
>Smile gently
>"All the same, I'm glad it didn't come to that."
>"As am I." Then Kiku returns her attention to Satori. "The point is, Satori, someone was there to save me when evil threatened to invade my heart. But there was no one there to save you that day. I realize that our situations weren't the same, but I do a perspective that none of my sisters have. I know now how easily I could have ended up like you, with a creature of darkness directing my life." Kiku drops to one knee in front of the startled Satori. "I know you feel that I have more reason to hate you than the rest of my sisters..." Kiku reaches out and gently lays her hand on Satori's shoulder. "But I forgive you."
>The fallen miko takes a long, shuddering breath at Kiku's declaration. "You...."
>Kiku nods gently. "I forgive you, Satori."
>Satori's eyes fill as she raises her hand to her mouth. She sobs just once as she leans forward, leaving a very surprised Kiku to support the now-weeping fallen miko. Not a position she's used to being in, you can tell. She seems at a loss at the sudden contact, but after a moment she steadies herself and pats Satori comfortingly on her shoulder. "I can't hate you, Satori. You were a victim, too. Lotus saved us both."
-
>Smile encouragingly, and let them have their moment. Now's not the time to interrupt.
-
>Smile encouragingly, and let them have their moment. Now's not the time to interrupt.
>While Satori and Kiku are, as you say, having their moment, Satori's green haired jack clears her throat to catch your attention. "Ah... Luk, Lotis, I'm... Sorry, arite. Bout las' night. She's right, y'coulda kill'er, an y'didn'."
-
>Bow politely and smile
>"Apology accepted. And thank you."
-
>Bow politely and smile
>"Apology accepted. And thank you."
>"So, whut're y'gonna do wi'us now?"
-
>"That's up to you. Since Satori obviously doesn't plan to do harm to anyone anyway, as far as I'm concerned, you are both free to live whatever life you choose. I do not plan to take you to task for your past actions. But if there's anything I can do to help, I'd like to."
-
>"That's up to you. Since Satori obviously doesn't plan to do harm to anyone anyway, as far as I'm concerned, you are both free to live whatever life you choose. I do not plan to take you to task for your past actions. But if there's anything I can do to help, I'd like to."
>Doremy looks thoughtfully at Satori, who is only now starting to collect herself. "If muh mistress don' wanna stay here, d'you fin'us a plece?
-
>"I can certainly try."
-
>"I can certainly try."
>"Y'aven't told Kishi yet, ave ye?"
-
>"Kishi?"
-
>"Kishi?"
>"Kishi. 'er sister."
-
>"Oh. No. I haven't spoken about matters here with anyone outside our immediate circle."
>Have we ever spoken with Koishi, for that matter?
-
>Have we ever spoken with Koishi, for that matter?
>You have, though only once or twice, and not for a great length of time.
>"Oh. No. I haven't spoken about matters here with anyone outside our immediate circle."
>Doremy nods. "Think my mistress wanna hendl'at erself."
>"What... about the others?" Satori asks Kiku quietly. "How can I..."
>"I'll explain things to them." Kiku assures her. "I'll tell them what I've told you. And what Lotus has told us about the creature we destroyed. And I know some of them will still be upset for a while. Anya, for one. Maybe Isumi. But others will understand, like Koko and Mayumi and Yuzuriha. And others may not be mad at all." The tiger actually chuckles lightly. "Look at Risu. I don't think she knows HOW to hold a grudge."
>Satori actually laughs at Kiku's joke. A good sign.
>"I can't promise that things will be easy, at least for a while. But my sisters are good people. Better than me, for the most part. If I could forgive you, then they'll come around. And Lotus and White Rose will help me make them understand if the need arises, won't you?" she asks you and your kasha.
-
>"Absolutely. If there's anything we can do to help, just ask."
-
>"Absolutely. If there's anything we can do to help, just ask."
>Satori wipes her eyes. "In that case, Lotus, may I ask you to find two or three of the shrine maidens that serve here, and ask them to join us here?"
-
>"Specific ones?"
-
>"Specific ones?"
>"Preferably senior ones, but any will really do. I need... witnesses."
>"To what?" Kiku asks suspiciously.
>"To something that is very, very long overdue. Something I should do before everyone, but... I don't think I'm... quite ready to face them all, yet."
-
>"I understand. I'll fetch them."
>Let's go find some mikos!
-
>"I understand. I'll fetch them."
>Let's go find some mikos!
>"Thank you."
>Your search doesn't take very long at all. Flanked by Rin, you leave Satori's room and, turning to your right, you spy a rather large black wolf standing some distance down the hall, with a trio of mikos around her. One of which, seemingly human, is one you've never seen before, but the other two are Mayumi, the short miko with the dragonfly-like wings, and the horse youkai Koko. The latter of which holds up her hand to you in an apparent greeting as your eyes sweep across the group.
-
>Are any of these senior, as far as we understand?
-
>Are any of these senior, as far as we understand?
>The more human looking one, with the thick, tousled looking black hair tied over her shoulder by a leather thong, is wearing a similar hakama to Kiku's, indicating her silver ranking, a sign of senoirity. She wears her robes a bit looser than her comrades, which could be a sign of her more casual nature, or it could simply be practical, an accomodation of her very generous bosom. She's also the only one at arms, a jian belted at her hip, and she is also putting out the aura of a spellcaster.
-
>Wave back and approach
>"Good evening."
-
>Wave back and approach
>"Good evening."
>"We didn't think we'd see you again so soon." Koko says as you close the distance between you and her group.
-
>"I just came to see how people were holding up, after last night. I know you had a close shave during the battle, yourself; how are you feeling?"
-
>"I just came to see how people were holding up, after last night. I know you had a close shave during the battle, yourself; how are you feeling?"
>The horse youkai takes a deep breath, straightening her shoulders and swishing her tail. "Better, now. Thanks to you, for saving my neck."
>The big wolf blurs the way youkai do and returns to her humanoid form. It's the tall miko you saw the first time you went to the shrine, the one with the long white hair streaked with blue locks. It's a bit unusual for an animal youkai's hair to not match their fur coloring, in your experience. "That's not all your here for, though. I've been listening."
-
>"Satori asked me if I could call a couple of you to her room; I believe she had something she wanted to say."
-
>"Satori asked me if I could call a couple of you to her room; I believe she had something she wanted to say."
>"I bet she does." the armed miko replies, her tone lazy and friendly. "Come on, sisters." she says, looking to her colleagues. She, the wolf and the insect start to head towards Satori's room. Koko, however, pauses. "The blonde member of your group, Lily? Is she alright?"
-
>"She's fine, don't worry; was in bubbly spirits last I saw her this afternoon."
-
>"She's fine, don't worry; was in bubbly spirits last I saw her this afternoon."
>"So how come you didn't invite her to the orgy?"
>"I'm jealous." Rin informs her before she shanks you, possessively.