> Well, we meant 'real' more in the sense that perhaps it is a puppet or some sort of magical construct, rather than a living, sentient creature.
> Anyway, coming after us is good. Do we have the time to conjure another nondirect source or two, if we start drifting to the lleft
> Wait until it is facing us properly, then let loose with a horizontal wave of exploding bullets.
> From left to right in front of us, roughly centered on the center of the behemoth's face, angled upward or downward as needed to be aimed at the behemoth's face.
> Given it was coming at us from above, but tried to avoid our exploding bullets by going underneath them, is it on the same level as us? Or is it still above us?
> Bolt back leftward, sword at the ready in our right hand. The instant any part of the behemoth gets within uncomfortably close sword range, slash at it.
> Did it actually get us?
> If not, is it still coming?
> Continue leftward, but turning our travel into something of a strafing circle rather than a simple straight line to the left. Keep slashing as the behemoth gets into appropriate range.
> Keep circle-strafing, and try a stab at the nose next.
> Wide enough that we could pass through?
> Was thinking the second one. Has that purple glow always been there?
> How long do we have before it is upon us?
> When we say jumping down this thing's throat would be 'cramped', how little space are we talking here? Would we still have enough room to swing a sword with any decent amount of force?
> How wet and gross does it look inside the behemoth?
> Down! No sword-swinging this time, either, all efforts must be focused on speed and agility.
> Ugh...
> Worry about the shouting later. Rebalance ourselves and refocus first.
> How close is it?
> Are we still too dizzy to gauge time until impact?
> Is it trying to bite or consume or whatever us again?
> How's that head pain doing?
> Dash leftward, holding our sword with our right hand pointed in the direction of the behemoth, but not extending our arm too far. The goal is to force it to have to avoid the tip of the sword if it wants to get at us.
> Then do that thing without holding the sword pointed at the monster. (Instead, we can put that mental energy into speeding up.)
> Leave some more exploding bullets in our travel path wake as we keep heading in our current direction.
> Damnit.
> We haven't seen Tojiko recently, have we?
> As long as it has stopped, prepare another three-round-burst nondirect source.
> Is this likely to be in preparation of coming after us again?
> Deploy the nondirect source about a foot above the behemoth's head.
> Oh. Fly toward it again, then.
> Let the charged nondirect source fade. No reason to hold it now.
> Take the opportunity to look around and locate our friends, identifying the condition of each.
> Is everyone within shouting, if not speaking, distance?
> Are Tojiko and Seiga on the same level as us?
> Feel at our scalp for blood with our non-sword hand.
> Call out to the others while doing this.
> "Something is amiss! Slashing the creature feels like cutting cords, not striking flesh!"
> Bring our hand in front of us so we can see the damage residue.
> "I am not sure what it is! I am not even sure it is a youkai! Be we absolutely can and will overcome it!"
> Grimace.
> Look back up at the behemoth. What is it doing now?
> "We can still outsmart it by surrounding it and attacking its sides, as we have been! I have seen up close that our efforts so far have not been in vain! But right now we must not cluster together, in anticipation of another long-range energy attack!"
> Tojiko is currently between us and the behemoth then, yes?
> The last time this thing used this attack, we managed to avoid it by heading to the center of the spiral and having it shoot past us all around us. How much of a margin of error for that did we have? That is, how much free space was there in the center?
> Presumably Seiga is enjoying a notable boost in raw power with that wand. That aside, what are our companions' combat strengths?
> Is the energy spiral aimed as us specifically? If not, where does it seem to be aimed?
> Start moving to center ourselves
> Point downward with our left hand.
> "Futo, down!"
> Pull our left hand back in while pointing rightward with our sword.
> "Seiga, right!"
> Pull our sword back to a neutral position while point right at the behemoth with our left hand again. (Good thing we just had a lot of arm coordination practice!)
> "Tojiko, center! The inside of the spiral was safe last time!"
> !!!
> Where is this one aimed?
> So Futo should be in no additional danger if she avoids the first spiral by getting below it?
> Move ourselves toward the center of the first spiral.
> "It has fired another spiral! Seiga, keep going right! Tojiko, once the first spiral passes by, head left! Futo, stay underneath them, and follow my position!"
> As the tail end of the first spiral is passing us by, head rightward and get ourselves in the center of the second spiral.
> "Stay to its sides and below it! I will confront it head-on and draw its focus! On my mark, those to the sides should attack its wings! Futo, attack its underbelly!"
> Begin heading forward and preparing two three-round burst nondirect sources.
> Wait one second, then fire off the two nondirect sources, one on either side of the behemoth's current path, several yards off-center horizontally and on the same level as the behemoth's path vertically.
> "Wait for it!"
> Hold our sword ready in one hand, and beckon to the behemoth to bring it on with the other.
> Are our nondirect sources not bother it in any way?
> Is it opening its mouth again?
> "Fire!!"
> Drop down to get out of the way!
> ...Could we have smacked into Futo?
> If not, where did we get hit?
> What is currently in our field of vision?
> If the behemoth is, is it withing stabbing range?
> Return our voice volume to normal.
> "Apologies, my fault!"
> Follow rightward and head back upward, aiming to get at the creature from below.
> Grab our sword with both hands and fly straight upward, getting ready to stab at the behemoth's underbelly as it passes by.
> Crap. Oh well, at least we landed a solid hit.
> Take the time and energy to regain our balance and upright orientation.
> Take the opportunity to reassess where everyone is.
> How do they look?
> How far away are they in terms of vocal communication?
> Look back up to the behemoth and begin preparing two more three-round-burst nondirect sources.
> Beckon to our allies to come our way while looking up.
> Ah! Forget the nondirect sources and chase after it!
> Keep up the pursuit, aiming more for its underbelly than its face.
> Does she look like she needs some immediate care? or just a moment to balance herself?
> "You are safe for the moment."
> Gently take hold of Futo with our nonsword hand and help her steady herself, then zip onward and upward toward that underbelly.
> Shout to both of them, then.
> "Tojiko, you are safe to recover yourself for the moment! Everyone, aim your fire at purple glowing slash wounds whenever possible!"
> Continue chasing after the behemoth's underbelly.
> How thick is its tail?
> How scaley is its tail?
> How do the smaller and flatter scales compare to its head scales in terms of sword blockage? We had a slash bounce off some head scales earlier - is there a similar risk here if we swing another slash at the creature's tail?
> Get a two-handed stabbing grip on our sword, pull back as we closes the rest of the distance to the underside of the tail, and launch a stab at the underside of the tail when we're close enough to get a fairly deep stab in.
> Did the tail-jerk end up ripping the sword out of the behemoth's body?
> Start flying back toward the behemoth's head, following the curve of its body from underneath. Try to keep close to its underbelly.
> How long do we have before its head reaches us?
> Is any part of its body still in sword range?
> Where are our allies at present, if we can see them?
> Use our nonsword hand to fire a stream of knives at its mouth.
> Did any of the knives hit anything?
> How fast is it moving now?
> Are we still traveling parallel to its body, or has its movement ruined that?
> Prepare two three-round-burst nondirect sources and continue onward, watching its incoming head.
> Crap.
> Let their charge go and fire some more knives straight at its mouth.
> Do so, quickly! We can't afford to get smashed again!
> Aim a stab at the behemoth's head as it passes by, knowing full-well that our momentum away from the head may not make such an attack so effective.
> Damn.
> Is part of this thing's body right next to or right behind us right now?
> Are we on the same level as the behemoth? Or are we a bit above or a bit below?
> Wait until the horns pass us by (if they haven't already), and then alter our flight path to move us on top of the behemoth's body, ceasing upward movement in the process.
> Are these fins positioned along the center of its back?
> Do they look sufficiently hard that we wouldn't be able to slash through them?
> How is the scale distribution on its back? Is stabbing and/or slashing feasible?
> Position ourselves so we are a bit off-center above the behemoth's spine, enough that the fins won't slice into us as its moves along its current path.
> Get a two-handed downward-stabbing grip on our sword, with the sharp edge of the blade facing out along the behemoth's body toward the tail, and give the behemoth's back a good stab. If our blade actually sinks in, use our hold on it to try to keep it sunk in.
> Shift to a circular flight path and follow the behemoth's roll in an attempt to stay with its spine.
> What might that curving mean, in terms of how it is attempting to move?
> Are the flashes coming from the direction of its head or its tail?
> How far away is its head from our current position?
> Fire another stream of knives straight at its mouth.
> Shift ourselves and our flight path to the opposite side to avoid the incoming head.
> Are they bigger than our sword?
> Up, up, up!
> Are the palms of its hands also scaley?
> Fire off shorter streams of knives to each side of us while continuing upward. Ideally, these streams will smack the thing right in the palms and make it hesitate for a fraction of a second.
> Is it coming at us from directly in front of us, or some other angle?
> Keep moving upward.
> How long do we have before its head reaches us, then?
> Fire off a line of exploding bullets toward the behemoth's head as we continue to ascend.
> Alter our flight path so that we move upward and forward, perpendicular to the behemoth's current flight path. The idea is that we will be above its head and moving away from it from its perspective, and it would have to curve itself upward to continue to chase us, which is has had a demonstarbly difficult time of in the past.
> Is it within stabbing range?
> Are any of the stab or slash wounds we have inflicted visible?
> Aim some knives at the neck wound.
> Are both we and it upright, or is it appreciably below us?
> Has it resumed its pursuit of us?
> Are any of our companions in our field of vision?
> Fire off a horizontal wave of knives at the behemoth's mouth, one that cuts across the length of said mouth.
> If we backed up, would we eventually collide with the behemoth's body? Or is all of it more or less in front of (and below) us?
> Back up a little bit.
> Can we tell to whom the danmaku belongs?
> Is the source of the danmaku at least within shouting distance?
> "Excellent! Keep it up!"
> Fire a circle of exploding bullets, with a diameter that is roughly our height (if we can get it that large), in the direction of the behemoth's head as we continue to back away.
> Which part of the wings are going to slam into us first?
> How thick is the webbing of the wings?
> Is the webbing part of each wing trailing behind the the bony arm part? Or is it above or below, as if to clap the webbings together?
> Down!
> Hold our sword pointed out to our right side, using both hands to steady it. If the webbing of the wing runs into it, it'll skewer itself before it can get to us.
> Head right, pulling our sword back a bit in preparation for a stab (with the sharp edge of the blade pointed downward), and then launching that stab once we get into a range such that a stab will actually sink into the wing properly instead of simply breaking the skin.
> Slash downward to cut through the wing and possibly make a hole in it.
> While we hold our sword lodged in the behemoth's wing, spawn a whole bunch of exploding bullets all around us, making sure to produce at least a couple right next to the fingers that are wrapped around us.
> Once this is done, resume trying to cut through the stabbed wing with our sword.
> Crap! Pull our sword out and hack at the finger squeezing our waist!
> Using both hands, stab our sword downward into the finger wrapped around our legs.
> Superb! Go, friends, go!
> Pull our sword back a bit, then start rapid-fire stabbing into the wing webbing behind us.
> Oh crap, it's probably flying around with us in tow!
> Exploding bullets, everywhere! Don't take the time to aim, just spawn them all around us until we can't anymore or it lets us go!
> Is our waist still restrained by a wing finger?
> It must have tried throwing us at the ground as hard as it could, then.
> Forget firing danmaku or looking around at anyone. Put all of our energy, except for whatever is necessary for keeping a grip on our sword, into pulling up from the fall.
> Use our momentum to circle upward and back around toward the battlefield.
> Okay, now we're angry.
> Take on a bit of a snarl and chase after the behemoth, aiming to be a bit below it.
> Our goal should be to get underneath it low enough that we are not in danger of getting whacked in the head by its tail, make our way roughly toward the middle of it, and then shoot upward and stab it in the stomach. Keep moving toward it low enough to at least try to get below its middle.
> Is there currently a part of the behemoth that is directly above us and is not within range of a flailing chain attached to a boar trap?
> Move a little bit further toward the behemoth's head, keeping our current level.
> Might as well chance it. Head directly upward, ready to launch a stab at the behemoth once its underbelly is within range.
> Drag our blade along through the behemoth in whatever direction the sharp edge is currently pointing. Let's see how long a hole we can cut in this thing!
> Is its head now coming after us?
> With regards to the part of its body that is twisting toward us, is it within sword range?
> Slash at the close-by part of the behemoth's body.
> Look back to the behemoth's head.
> Down! And leave a handful of exploding bullets in our wake!
> How much longer to we have before it catches up?
> Try a horizontal line of knives, then!
> Is its mouth open?
> Left!
> Are the horns pointed straight forward, or do they flare out to the side?
> A collar? So they extend from all around the neck as opposed to the top of the head?
> Is the behemoth moving so fast that we wouldn't be able to grab onto a horn?
> Is there enough room for us to fit between horns, then?
> It's our only hope! Twist sideways and get through them!
> Phew!
> Complete the barrel roll and twist ourselves back into a regular upright position, untensing in the process. Then check in with where we are relative to the behemoth's body.
> Is its neck within sword range?
> Can we see any part of the behemoth that sports a sword wound?
> Don't worry about looking for the prior sword wounds, then.
> Adjust our grip on our sword as needed to prepare a two-handed stab with the sharp edge of the sword facing in the direction of the rest of the behemoth's body (instead of back up toward the head), and then launch said stab at its neck.
> Keeping our sword wedged in the behemoth, fly forward down the length of its body, slicing its body up in the process.
> How scaley are the base of the arms? About as much as the rest of the body, or perhaps more so?
> Are of the bases of the arms within sword range yet?
> Take a quick peek behind us. How close is the behemoth's head to us?
> Does it appear to be bleeding, perhaps?
> Turn back around and head toward the base of the closest arm. If they are equidistant from us, head for the base of the left arm.
> At their current rate of closure, will they get to us before we get to the base of the arm?
> Are the wings attached to or separate from the arms?
> Hold our sword in both hands in preparation for a downward slash, and focus on the base of the arm, analyzing it for a good between-scales place to slash it from above as we head toward it.
> Once we get to the base of the arm, bring our sword slashing down on top of it at whatever location we deemed best while flying toward it.
> How deep into the arm were we able to get?
> But we were presumably not able to cut the arm clean off?
> Since our sword is embedded in the behemoth's arm, could we use it to curve our flightpath upward or downward more sharply than normal?
> How thick is the behemoth's arm? Could we wrap ourselves around it like a full-body hug? Or could we simply grab onto it with our arms and shoulders? Or is it too thick for either of those?
> Are the behemoth's wings between its arms and head, or between its arms and tail?
> Is the base of the wing as thick as the base of the arm?
> Would the enfolding wing get to us before we got to the base of the wing?
> Based on what we've seen so far, do the behemoth's wings seem so flexible that they could grab us even if we're right up next to its body?
> Give we were in range enough to slash at the base of the behemoth's arm, are we close to, if not up against, the behemoth's side now? Or did it jerk out of sword range in response to that long slash?
> Pull our sword out of its arm and continue flying forward, angling inward toward the behemoth's body again.
> Once we get in range to do so, stab at the behemoth's both with our sword, facing the sharp outward away from us so that, like before, both our momentum and the behemoth's opposite-direction-momentum will help us cut a long slice along its body.
Whoops.
> Did we get knocked out of the air? Or is its shoulder pushing us along? Can we even tell?
> Try to slide down off of it and let ourselves fall. Hold on to that sword for dear life, though.
> Can we at least see better yet?
> Do we still have a death grip on that sword?
> Do we have the energy to flail with it, if not make actual conscious swings or stabs?
> Try stabbing to our right, and see and/or feel what happens.
> Okay, forget that. Climb-crawl forward and try to slide-drop ourselves off the creature's arm on the other side so its momentum helps our efforts instead of hindering them.
> Can we see anything now?
> Let's at least keep falling and looking at it until we're more sure that this is what's happening.
> Rub our eyes with our non-sword hand to clear up said blurring.
> Use our eye-rubbing hand to point back up at where the behemoth is.
> "Forget me! Stay on it!"
> Wait, did Seiga catch us? ...Are we that light?
> "Please, keep up the assault! It is starting to show serious cracks!"
> We'll just have to put our faith in them.
> Forget speaking for the moment and focus our energy on being able to see properly again.
> "I will live. How are you doing this?"
> "I am certainly not carrying myself."
> Look around. How are we still airborne?
> "I see! Thank you both! But where is Tojiko?"
> Can we see the behemoth now?
> Are we still super achey?
It's probably Futo's boat. She has multiple spellcards that can summon one.
> Are we aware of how the Buddhist's boat looks like? And if so, does this look anything like it?
> How soon will it get to us?
> Can we see Tojiko anywhere?
> Sit up.
> "Good. It is for the best that it pursue me."
> "I told you, I will live. More important is that we keep that thing within my sword range and away from the rest of you."
> Groan, but lean back down and let them do their thing.
> How long does Futo's boat spellcard last?
> Is the behemoth still faster than the boat?
> "Aim at those dark purple splotches."
> "If you are looking for a plan for how to escape, I have none, and refuse to attempt one."
> Are any of us proficient in illusion magic?
> "What sorts of illusion magic do you know, if any?"
> "Nothing in particular. It was going to depend on your response. I am not sure to what degree the behemoth can be tricked; I do not believe it is sentient, and it has shown willingness to ignore attacks in favor of pursuing its goal."
> "This is why I hold that we should attack is recently-opened wounds, in order to end the battle as quickly and decisively as possible."
> Great, so we DID get burned. Wonderful.
> "Ah, yes...what inflicted these burns, anyway? Could you tell?"
> How well does Futo's boat handle?
> "Mmm, interesting. That would explain the intense heat I felt from its mouth. I suppose it was a wise decision to not attempt to slay the creature from within."
> "Regardless, I believe we should use our current temporary speed upgrade to continue the offensive, and get Tojiko back into play, as it were. Can you two coordinate a fly-by assault?"
> Take another look at Futo. Does she look like she is capable of responding to our prompts?
> "Futo, can you bring the boat back around so Seiga can attempt a fly-by assault?"
> Are we more or less lying on Seiga right now?
> Are we feeling mobile enough to stand up?
> "Only one way to find out, I suppose."
> Attempt standing up, bracing ourselves for pain.
> Take the time to regain our balance, then.
> "This will be unpleasant in the morning."
> Where exactly are we burned?
> How close is the behemoth now?
> Given the burns and aches, do we have the energy to prepare and fire off a couple of nondirect sources? Or would that be too much strain right now?
> Let's try it, then. Prepare a single three-round-burst non-direct source.
> Excellent. Now let's watch until the behemoth is about three seconds away, gauging its flight path and releasing the nondirect source as far away as possible that is still in its projected flight path based on our observations.
> Does Seiga at least have a reasonably clean shot?
> Watch and see what happens.
> Is it coming from directly behind, or from behind and below?
> "Onward to Tojiko! We will keep it at bay!"
> Prepare another three-round-burst nondirect source, but this time, rather than having it shoot in every direction, have it shoot in a semicircular arc straight forward. Don't fire it off just yet, though.
> Let's let it get a little bit closer, and then fire off our nondirect source when the behemoth is about two seconds away. It should be placed just below our estimation of the behemoth's flight path.
> Remind me, do we have our spellcards?
> And what did we do, if anything, to our cloak? If nothing, quick cloak check.
> Take a look back in Tojiko's direction to see how close we are to her.
> Is she at least coming toward us? Or has she given up?
> Look back toward the behemoth.
> Prepare another outward-semicircle three-round-burst nondirectional source (like the last one we fired off).
> "Be on guard, Seiga."
> How long will it take to reach us with this newfound speed?
> Fire off the nondirect source we just prepared!
> Is coming from above now?
> "Seiga, aim at its mouth!"
> Fire off a stream of knives aimed dead center down the behemoth's throat.
> Did we at least get our shots in?
> Crap.
> Right ourselves.
> Look back up and check in on everyone's status (except Tojiko).
> Left!
> Look back up and find everyone (except Tojiko).
> How long before it gets to us?
> Keep going left!
> Are the horns now coming our way like last time?
> Stab to our right with our sword! (Use two hands, we don't want to lose it in our weakened state.)
> Did we feel the cord-cutting sensation again?
> When it pulled its head 'back', did it move 'back' relative to its perspective or ours?
> So, given that, if we flew forward, would we pass by its head on the left again?
> Fire a line of knives at the hole we just created.
> Left again, to take advantage of our momentum!
> Side-stab at it again, but this time, have the sharp edge of the blade pointed toward ourselves, so that if our stab hits home, the behemoth will rip its own face open if it tries to pull its head back again.
> Damn! Ride our new malevolent momentum and let ourselves continue to the left as we recover our balance.
> Did it complete its most recent snap and miss, or is it presently rearing back to snap again?
> Head forward and left, shooting some knives forward and right.
> Toward the behemoth.
> Are any of our friends visible and within shouting distance?
> Is it at least exceedingly unlikely that the person in the distance is Tojiko?
> If we were to look directly at the behemoth, where would this unknown person be in our field of vision?
> Keep circling to the left, firing off a few explodey bullets directly at the behemoth's head.
> "Someone please enlist that newcomer!"
> Are we going to run into the cut-up portions of the behemoth's body?
> Change direction and head upward, firing some knives St the wounded side of the behemoth's body.
> Are we high up enough that we can continue circling to the left without running into the behemoth's body?
> Resume circling to the left, but add a bit of upwardness to our movement as well.
> Can we see the unknown person again yet?
> Continue on this upward leftward spiraling trajectory.
> While flying, fire off some knives aimed at the top of the behemoth's head.
> Zoom straight upward! And leave a few exploding bullets in our wake.
> Is it twisting upward to come after us?
> So it is bringing its underbelly to face upward?
> Well then.
> Has its head and horns passed us by?
> As we ascend, spare a glance behind us for that newcomer.
> Is she at the distance that the unfamiliar person was at?
> Great. Well, whatever.
> Snap out attention back to the behemoth.
> Is it coming from below or a side?
> Head further upward
> While traveling, get a two-handed stabbing grip on our sword and point it toward the incoming wing, sharp edge facing straight upward. If/When the wing gets within stabbing range, launch a stab at it.
> Shit, shit, shit! Back away, back away!
> We're wrapped around it, or it is wrapped around us?
> Try to slice our sword upward, assuming we were actually able to get the sharp edge pointed that way.
> Fine. Just start firing knives off everywhere.
> Is it taking us with it?
> Keep firing off knives until it lets us go (or something else changes).
> Let that continue for a couple of seconds, and then catch and balance ourselves.
> Left!
> At least it's definitely all about us now.
> Send a sword slash in the direction of the side of the behemoth's face.
> Oh for the love of-
> Are we in danger of the behemoth's horns?
> Shoot forward, traveling along the left side of the behemoth's body parallel to its body, like we have a few times already.
> Keep on flying forward, parallel to its body, shouting knives at any dark splotches we travel past.
> Phew. At least we don't have to go tree-diving to get it back.
> How close to an edge of the wing is it?
> If we were flying over its wing, would we be able to reach the hilt?
> Is that part of the wing within shooting range?
> Is the stabbed pay off the wing any darker that the rest of the wing for having been impaled?
> Is the wing flapping all over the place?
> Fly toward our sword, approaching it from just slightly above so that we can change course and vet up above the wing in case of emergency.
> Is it within grabbing distance yet? If not, how far do we have to go?
> Get the rest of the way to our sword, and grab at it to pull it out as we try to swoop over the behemoth's wing.
> Up!
> Did it swing and miss, or is coming at us now?
> Keep going up!
> Look back at where the head should be.
> How far behind us is it?
> Are we currently in slashing or shooting range of anything? Presumably the top of its wing - anything else?
> How close to it is Tojiko? Is she within firing range?
> And we are above the wing now, yes?
> Keep going upward, to get to a height the wing can't reach.
> While doing this, fire off some knives at the behemoth's body, preferably at darker spots.
> Did the wings move upward or downward in the aforementioned shift?
> Alter our flight path to be horizontal instead of vertical and start flying down the length of the behemoth's body again, firing knives at the dark spots we pass by.
> Take a look behind us. See if we can spot Tojiko.
> Those jaws aren't about to immediately clamp down on us, are they?
> Given the direction we are traveling, the behemoth's body is to our right, yes?
> Is the behemoth's head directly behind us, or is it a little off-set to our left or right (as if we were facing forward)?
> Angle our flight path to the right, to cross over the body of the behemoth.
> Are we fully on the other side of the behemoth's body now?
> Resume a flight path parallel to the behemoth's body, still moving toward its tail.
> Glance back to check on how much it has caught up to us.
> Dive down below the behemoth's body, leaving, some explodey bullets in our wake.
> Glance behind us again.
> Go back to the left, passing underneath the behemoth's body.
> Fly upward again, looking behind us at how the behemoth has followed us. Did it tangle itself around its own body, at least?
> Flight straight upward.
> Is any part of its body currently within sword range?
> Fly back downward. Once we are below the behemoth's body again, head back underneath it.
> Leave some more explodey bullets in our wake.
> Once we've pass completely under its body, head upward, and slash at the side of its body on our way up.
> Where is its head now? Can we even see it, or is the body in the way?
> Reverse direction, and go back down and pass underneath it again, slashing at its underbelly as we go by.
> From which direction is its head now coming? Above?
> Is the main body, or at least the part we were trying to fly back under, the part that twisted away?
> To the right!
> Head past its horns (avoiding them with the clearance we have) and down the length of its body again, slashing at its body once we get past the horns.
> Continue flying in our current direction and have a look behind ourselves.
> Does it still seem to be focused on pursuing us?
> But it is rising up instead of continuing in pursuit of us?
> How far is its head from us?
> Begin preparing another three-round burst nondirect source.
> Are the wings and arms in firing range?
> What kind of condition are the wings and arms in, from what we can see?
> Fire the nondirect source off at the more-injured wing, then change our flight path to also travel upward.
> Are we within sword range of its head? If not, are we at least within sword range of some part of its body?
> Fly toward the lower neck, sword at the ready.
> Seiga is presumably still near the tail...is it lashing out where Tojiko was? If not, could it possibly be aiming at Futo?
> "Tojiko, watch out!"
> Is its main body currently above or below us?
> How damaged does the behemoth's underbelly look?
> Up!
> Keep heading up, and slash at the claw as it swipes toward us.
> How clear does 'forward' look?
> Back!
> From which direction is the first claw swiping?
> Up!
> What party of the behemoth is directly in front of us?
> Forward!
> Do we still have a claw coming at us, or do we have a slight reprieve right now?
> Is any visible party of the behemoth's body in slashing range?
> Is its back or underbelly currently pointing toward us?
> Head down, toward said underbelly.
> The claws are connected to its shoulders, yes? Or are they connected to its sides?
> However the claws are connected to its body, where along the length of its body are the bases of these connections relative to our current position?
> So we are currently immediately between its shoulders?
> Stab downward into the underbelly with the sharp edge of our blade facing left, then travel left, dragging our blade behind us to slice through the behemoth some more.
> How close were we able to get to the left shoulder?
> How much longer do we have before the right claw grabs us?
> Bank to the left.
> Bank back to the right, behind the other shoulder.
> Below.
> How far under it did we get?
>Can we close the gap quick enough to deal a blow?
>If yes then strike a swift slash on the creature at the most vulnerable part possible.
>If no, acquire some distance and keep an eye for what it`ll do next. Maintain your focus.
>From which direction it is coming from ?
>How high is the claw ? Is there enough space to avoid it by quickly ducking or do we need to avoid by going up or to the sides ?
> Can the behemoth see us right now? Or is it grabbing semi-blindly at us?
>If my simulations are correct, a quick dodge to the right will allow us to avoid it (IF THEY ARE CORRECT!)
>Look for a opportunity to strike the behemoth on the claw, this beast is just so resilient.
>Do we have any kind of support or special skills ? Like a spellcard or someone to try and slow the behemoth so we can strike it`s head.
Um, I don't know how much back-reading you've done, but this thing is on its last legs right now. We can probably just keep hacking away at it until it poofs.I read about 14 pages, then got tired and just rushed through the others while seeing if there were any big texts. Sorry. But thanks for the heads up !
>Too risky to afford losing the sword, don`t attempt the attack.
>"Gah, it`s so strong, how can i defeat it if it keeps attacking, there must be some kind of weakspot i can exploit."
>Analyze the Behemoth, are there any interestings spots other than the head ? If we slash more on the existing injuries, maybe it will havea greater effect on it.
>Wait for a better oportunity to strike.
> Belay the waiting and the dialogue, and just launch a stab at its arm below the wrist.
>As said before, cancel the dialogue and focus on the stab, be on the guard for another attack.
> Head down toward the ground to make pinning us against its body a lot more difficult.
>Slash again on the creature's other wrist, keep pressing for attacks, just don't get caught.
>What kind of blade exactly do we wield ? Is it a regular katana or does it have any features ?
> What is the first arm doing now?
>Is it closing in fast ?
>Can we find an opportunity to strike ?
>Charge some indirect danmaku (Those that are spawned from spellcircles, like the ones from Sakuya in EoSD) with a 5-shot wide sphere barrage, make them spread about 10-20 degrees from each other, and wait for the behemoth to get as close as possible in a way you get a good hitrate and still be able to avoid it no problem. I hope this does well, i can't design danmaku writing. :V
>Avoid the attack using your great Avoid rate. Then think as to where to cut nextWhile i finish some dungeons, gotta get those rolls going.
>Dash on a upper-right way, since he's coming from above, make him shock the earth.
>Fire another danmaku wave of indirect spheres and close in for a stab.
>The danmaku wave will be placed on the way down above the behemoth (There is no friendly fire right ?). The stab will be aimed towards the body area, preferably the wrists or the underbelly.
> Is there something or someone below us that it is chasing after?
>Follow the behemoth and try to see if it's actually headed towards a person or if he is on a free fall.
>Be careful of a sudden action from him.
>Focus the strongest Danmaku possible on it's wings and go for a sword strike while paying mind to any desperate moves it may try.
> Let up on the offense, then.
> "Hm! Everyone, follow!"
> Continue pursuit of the free-falling behemoth.
>Yatta ! Ehm, *Ahem*, examine the behemoth, look to see if it is breathing or any signs that it can't do anything anymore.
>Claim your Exp and Yen rewards.
>If it's dead, what to do now ?
>*FF6 Victory Theme*
>"So, what now ?"
> Are we actually on the ground yet?
> Where is the behemoth's tail?
> Look upward at our compassions. Visually address any we can immediately see for injury and fatigue, then look to Futo specifically.
> "Mmm. Do you think you could find again the location where this creature was sealed?"
>Now, do we know anything about this thing or anything resembling it ?Maybe it's an Aragami
>We're exhausted as bad as Little Mac when he faced Mike Tyson, time to patch up and rest.
> Keep a mental note of where that tail wound up, though. We don't want to lose track of that trap!
> "Most likely, yes. I admit I was hoping your observational skills in regards to the formation of the land would benefit such a search."
Give a worried look in Tojiko's direction.
> "Not before we concern ourselves with the three of you. I have earned whatever has happened to me, through irresponsible curiosity and combat recklessness. Far more important is taking care of you all, who did not ask to be put in such danger."
> Fold out arms across our chest (without actually touching our torso - no need to re-aggravate those burns) and frown at Futo.
> "You have all already spent much of your lives fretting over me. Please let me return the sentiment once in a while."
> Tinge or own frown with a bit of sadness, then relax our arms.
> "Very well. I must retrieve the boar trap from the behemoth's tail, but once that is done, we should search for the original location of the behemoth's seal."
> Nod.
> "Thank you. Please do, then."
> Look away a bit sheepishly.
> "I, ah, may have overestimated my abilities there."
>"I just made the choices that seemed better to me, even if they had a high risk/reward rate, we pulled through with no casualties, that is what matters, now i'm busy caring about you guys, let's treat those wounds."
>Be glad my mindpartner is also a caring personality.
> Look to Tojiko with a sad smile. "My apologies for worrying you, my dear. I will use better discretion in the future."
> Look to Futo and perk up a bit. "Truly? How fortuitous."
>"Where shall we head towards, good friend ? And how much time it will consume for us to arrive at our destination ?"
>"Then together, we ride onwards to the beast's prison."
> "Let us be off as soon as Seiga retrieves the boar trap."
> Grimace.
> "I could do with the rest, yes."
> Land and rest.
>Do we have any healing spells ? What about our companions ?
>Any medical items of use ? Bandages, ointments, natural bee honey, you name it.
> "Ah...thank you..."
> Use our sword as support as well. There's a time for dignity and a time for functionality.
> "Yes, it was definitely some sort of construct, rather than a sentient being. This makes me suspect it was not sealed away, but put in place to protect something."
> "I am...not entirely sure. It operated on something a little bit less than instincts."
> "There were definitely desires to destroy and to lash out at anything and everything, yes. There was also a desire to find something, something critically important to itself, though what that could have been escaped me."
> "Ah."
> Take a look over to see what she has. Hopefully it's the boar trap!
>"What's the matter ? Is something disturbing you ?
>This conciousness part asks the parser (GM) to clarify who was the dangerous criminal.
>"You seem worried about something, and you are looking through the window a lot, are you ok ?"
> "You seemed very nervous earlier as well, as I recall."
>"Both of us have finished our meals, so you just need to pay the bill (we'd better let her pay like she demanded) and, we'll be free to go. What exactly is troubling you, may i ask ?"
>Check the pub.
>What time is it exactly anyway ?
> "Yes, I would not like to bother the residents of the bamboo forest too late."
> "I would like to see if an earlier dispute there has been resolved."
PurpleQuest changes a man.And seems SilverQuest will have the same fate, i wanted Letty :(
> "I would like to visit some friends."
> "Just personal business."
> "You asked why I was traveling there?"
>"No worries, i was saying that i'd be going to the bamboo forest to see if a dispute that happened earlier there had already been solved."
> Shrug.
> "Would you like to join me on my trip?"
> "Uh...if you don't want to go, you don't have to."
> "Hey, are you okay?"
> "Yeah, I can tell..."
>"Now i'm really concerned about your safety, i can't do my affairs while my friend is feeling odd. When did you start feeling tense ?
> "I, uh, think I may know why."
> "I said something that I think part of you heard and part of you didn't, if that makes sense."
> "It's the zone-out thing again."
> Nod.
> "I said something I figured might get no reaction, but the way you suddenly started tensing up...it's like only your subconscious heard what I said."
> "This is mostly a guess based on what I have seen, though. And I imagine you are very skeptical."
> "And, irritatingly enough, any suggestions I have had have been blanked, most likely because of the person involved."
> "So... I'm not really sure what to do. I do think you should come with me, though."
> Nod.
> "Very well. Is there anything else you wish to do here, or shall we be off?"
> "Let us be off, then."
> Stand up, thank Tenshi (or whoever is still here) for the food, and head outside.
> What is in that direction?
> Point at it.
> "Hey, what's that?"
> "Huh. Are you thinking you need to investigate?"
> Have we seen danmaku like that before?
> "It definitely does not look like danmaku, either."
> "...I guess I could put off that other business if you want to investigate this first."
> "I guess I probably should. It is partly my fault that Reimu is busy in the Netherworld right now. This is the least I can do for her in return."
> "Oh, I am not certainly not taking a lot of the blame. But there were perhaps things I could have done differently today. Regardless, shall we investigate that light?"
> Take flight and head toward the light.
>Were there only those purple lights ? No other colors ?
>How long will it take to get to Youkai Mountain from our current location ?
> "I wonder what that thing was. I am pretty sure I have never seen such a creature in Gensokyo before."
> "Maybe? It appears to have lost whatever combat took place, though, so I'm not too sure."
>Are the figures still there ? Or have they went away or landed ?
>How many figures are there ?
>Approach to investigate the creature, be wary for any hostility towards us.
> Descend and investigate the ashen corpse.
> "Hmm...something is curious here."
> Gesture toward the remains.
> "Feel free to examine that...stuff, whatever it is. Try not to make a mess, though. I'm going to see if I can get the attention of whoever was here. I want to know what happened."
> Internally facepalm.
> "I would not recommend eating it. Be careful of your ears as I shout."
> Incorporate the stuff from the above post into these commands.
> Head back up a bit so we are at least a fair amount above the treeline, then loudly call out into the night.
> "Hello? Is anyone out here?"
>Look around for any signs of a person, if no one is on sight, try shouting or flying up to get a better FOV.
>From which direction did we come from ? Are there any points of interest to the other directions the people fighting could have gone ? Like a Shrine or a Clinic or a house or anything.
> "I would not recommend that either. I am going to follow these footprints. Don't wander off."
> Follow those footprints!
> "Bah, these don't seem to go anywhere."
> Follow those voices, then.
> Call out.
> "Reimu?"
>Youmu: do we see anyone else other than reimu?
> Miko: How suspicious has Reimu been of the fact that Seiga is currently with us?
> Miko: Do we hear who else is talking? Perk up and look in the direction of the voice if so.
> Youmu: "It's just me. Kotohime's looking over whatever the heck that mess is."
> Youmu: "Yes!"
> Miko: Put on a look of mild shock, and glance over at Seiga again.
Youmu:
>"I'm not hiding, i was just following the footsteps while investigating this.... thing, so who's there with you ?"
>Approach without punishing the vegetation, plants are also living beings.
Miko:
>Is Seiga trying to do something right now ? Can you hear any strong desires through the earmuffs from her ?
>Is our cloak still in great shape ?
> Youmu: "Ah."
> Youmu: How do they look?
Youmu:
>We lack desire correct ? So we probably won't be doing Seiga Sushi now, although she kinda deserves it.
>"So anyone mind telling what happened here ? Even with all that has happened it isn't normal to have a beast like that flying around."
>Inventory.
Miko:
>Attempt to explain again what happened and about the behemoth.
>How are our injuries doing ? What about those of our companions ?
>If they seem interested, tell them about the place the beast came from, and ask if they are willing to investigate, we aren't in shape to do so.
> Youmu: Offer up the details of the sensation of death-ish whatever-that-was we felt from the corpse.
> Both: Take our own knowledge and combine it with the knowledge the other had provided, and see what we can conclude about the true nature of the creature.
> Miko: So this information doesn't tell us anything new and interesting?
> Miko: Shake head. "This simply sounds more as though my theory about the nature of the behemoth is correct, and that it is important we relocate where it was sealed."
> Miko: Look to Reimu. "Is this permissible?"
> Miko: Look to Youmu. "Will you be joining us as well?"
> Youmu: Shrug. "Might as well. That pile of ash will probably keep Kotohime occupied for a while."
> Miko: Nod. "Very well." Look to Futo. "Please, continue."
> Youmu: "Huh. Is that thing it?"
> Miko: Smile. "Well done, Futo."
> Miko: Hobble our way toward the metal circle and have another look.
> Miko: Frown. "Perhaps I was mistaken. This seems to have been intended as a seal after all."
> Youmu: Have a look at the thing if we can see it from where we are.
> Youmu: Who is physically stronger, ourselves or Reimu?
> Youmu: "Would there be anything else below it?"
> Youmu: "So what are you going to do with this, then, if it's just some big metal disc?"
> Miko: Is there anything we could do with this disc?
> Miko: Sigh dejectedly.
> Miko: "I suppose that is true."
> Youmu: Look to Seiga, then Reimu, then Miko. Try to do this with as little head movement as possible, darting our eyes around instead.
> Youmu: "Does that mean we're all done here?"
> Miko: "It seems so, unless anyone wishes to take the metal disc as a souvenir of sorts."
> Miko: "I am not really in a condition to do such a thing right now."
> Youmu: "Is it a good idea to leave it unattended, though?"
> Youmu: "All right. You know more about this than me, so I'll take your word for it. Since this seems under control, Kotohime and I are going to head to Eientei."
> Youmu: Look over the Taoists and frown a bit.
> Youmu: "...You all might want to pay them a visit yourself, come to think of it. They could probably patch you up."
> Miko: We never worked out lodging plans for this evening, did we?
> Miko: "Before you do, there is one last thing I wish to tell you this evening."
> Miko: Take a calming breath.
> Miko: "Despite...appearances to the contrary in our short time here, we do wish to largely leave this land and its inhabitants be, and be treated similarly in return. We have our own businesses to attend to that require much time, focus, and dedication. But, in the odd instance where we have the time to spare, and are present in this land, please do not be afraid to ask our assistance with any incidents or other threatening issues."
> Miko: Do we have healing salves of other burn treatments at home?
> Miko: How long would it take these burns to heal naturally?
Youmu:
>"So Miko, will you come along ? Or do you have other plans ? After all, Eientei is just one of the places you can get treatment, although it is the preferred one."
>Do the Taoists wounds look threatening or are they manageable ?
>Would healing items such as Ointments, Healing Salves and bandages be enough for their wounds ?
> Miko: Look to our companions to r what they think.
Youmu:
>"I see... do you also agree with them ?"
> Miko: "Very well, I suppose I could do with a proper medical examination."
Youmu:
>"Then it's decided, i'll go get Kotohime, she must still be at the behemoth's remains."
>Go find Kotohime, and take a look at what time it must be by using the sky as reference.
>Consider asking Miko later about showing her swordswomanship, maybe we can give her some tips and maybe even learn a bit too.
> Miko: "She did mention that she was traveling there herself already."
Youmu:
>Have a feeling someone is insulting you somewhere, then disregard that.
>"There you are, why are you taking it's ashes ? I'm pretty sure you shouldn't mess with that stuff. We're going to Eientei, you're coming right ?"
>After reuniting with Kotohime, go back to the Taoist group and prepare to head towards Eientei.
> Miko: Sigh. "It would be rather obvious what we are doing if we send her off on her own, or if we depart before she returns. I would rather not cultivate further ill will if possible."
> Miko: "Perhaps we can attempt to renegotiate that agreement?"
Youmu:
>Is she done collecting the ashes ?
>"So, are we going then ? Have you finished your stuff ?"
> Miko: Soften our look and tone a little bit. "I know she bothers you. Please believe me when I say I have taken that into consideration."
Youmu:
>Get to the Taoists and pesky Taoist with Kotohime.
>"We're here ! So shall we get going ?"
> Miko: "Indeed. And, actually, related to that, Miss Youmu, may I assume you remember the agreement we reached earlier?"
> Youmu: "Yes? Oh, wait, that reminds me."
> Youmu: Look to Seiga, then back to Miko, and make a slashing motion with our hand.
> Youmu: "You may remove the servitude concession. I have changed my mind on that matter."
> Miko: Blink with a slightly surprised look, then nod. "As you wish, then."
> Youmu: "What do you mean?"
> Youmu: "I am glad you think so highly of me, but even if I had already gone home and tried to free her, I still would be working on doing so right now."
> Youmu: "Of course. I had to investigate that light, since as far as I knew, Reimu was busy taking care of other matters back in the Netherworld."
> Youmu: Raise an eyebrow. "You have an awful lot of distrust in me for someone that believed me when I told you to go here to find your master."
> Youmu: Roll eyes. "This is what I get for being merciful, I guess."
> Miko: Rub our forehead in irritation. "May we have this argument tomorrow morning, please?"
> Miko: "No. As I already told you, I will retrieve her myself."
Youmu:
>"So are you done not believing in me ? As you already heard, Miko will go get her, thus you won't have to worry anymore."
>"Before we proceed, has someone yet to speak something they want to ?"
>Also, how long would it take to get to the Netherworld from here ?
Youmu:
>Control urge to counterargue with your sword and slash Seiga in half.
>"Once you find a way to create a better Gensokyo that is more acceptable, then i'll gladly allow it. But you haven't. And not to be rude, but i'm pretty sure you had her charge at me and stay behind to buy you time to dig your way out of that mess, so i'd say YOU go there and assume your responsibilties as her master, but that's not a good idea, is it ? Either way, someone other than me must go and get Yoshika."
Youmu:
>Use our ghost half to keep Kotohime distracted and avoid having her fight Seiga, as much as we want to beat the shit out of Seiga, we shouldn't go for such extremes and it's better to make this only verbal.
>"Well then say that you were at your home when suddenly a stranger came in, kidnapped Yoshika and tried to use her for something that risked her life, made a great confusion, and got away, what would YOU do then ? And don't treat Kotohime like that."
>Glance at Miko to see how is she treat all of this.
> Miko: "Enough of this!"
Youmu:
>Thank God.
>"She's right, we're just wasting time here rambling about something that would benefit from the time we're wasting."
>Wait for Miko to say something.
> Miko: Curtly wave Youmu off before she can say anything else.
> Miko: Take a couple of breaths while being very irritated. When speaking, take on a tone with a very obviously measured calm.
> Miko: "I will retrieve Yoshika."
Youmu:
>Relax now that this discussion is settled, and step back.
>Stop yourself from answering Seiga, it will just add fuel to the fire.
>"Very well. But what shall Seiga, Futo and Tojiko do then ?"
>Where were we headed anyway before ? Eientei, right ? Let's again prepare to go there while Miko goes to get Yoshika on the Netherworld.
> Miko: Ignore Youmu for the time being, looking directly at Seiga.
> Miko: "Your opinion is noted. I will still retrieve Yoshika."
Youmu:
>"Seems like Miko will be busy, maybe we should leave her for a while and talk somewhere else while she deals with Seiga."
> Walk away from the two taoists and talk with Kotohime.
>"So what are you going to do with these ashes anyway ? Will you put them along with your collection ?"
Youmu:
>"Calm down, this is over, you weren't thinking of doing something wrong, were you ?"
>"Examine Kotohime.
> Miko: "You may consider finding the answer to that question, as well as figuring out why you are the only one here that has raised it, an important step in your path back to us."
> Miko: Did we ever get any sort of idea of how they got Yoshika in the ground?
> Miko: Let Futo continue.
> Miko: And Tojiko didn't respond?
> Miko: "Looking at the issue from their perspective, there is no benefit in going through the aggravation of digging her out of the ground and handing her over to the party that wronged them this day."
> "The circumstances surrounding Yoshika herself are admittedly a tricky affair. They did at least let her have her fill of their cherries, though, for whatever that may be worth."
> Miko: "And what guarantee do they have that she will not do it again once she is released?"
> Miko: How much capacity for independent rational thought does Yoshika actually have?
> Miko: "I was speaking from their perspective, not mine. But perhaps we should be having this discussion on our way to the Lunarian manor? Every second spent discussing Yoshika is a second not spent rescuing her."
Youmu:
>Can we play Rock-Paper-Scissors with our Ghost Half ?
>Await for Miko to finish up with her followers.
>"Even if she was wrong, we shouldn't go to such actions, you know ?"
>Make our Ghost Half bob up and down in front of Kotohime, see if that makes her less tense.
Youmu:
>Take a look over to see the Taoists.
>"Is everything solved now ? May we continue towards Eientei ?"
> Miko: Where is that ashen corpse from here?
Both:
>Proceed to Eientei, Youmu can't go at full speed of course as to not let the others behind.
> Miko: "Ah, come to think of it, Miss Konpaku, do you have any shovels?"
> Youmu: Do we?
> Youmu: Do we have alternate means of digging?
> Miko: "Excellent, that will make things quicker."
> Miko: "Well, someone must do it."
> Miko: "Come to think of it, Miss Kanpaku, how did you bury Yoshika, anyway? The ground did not look very disturbed."
> Youmu: "I did not. I am reasonably positive Lady Yakumo used her abilities to more or less teleport her into the ground."
> "Lady Saigyouji's, if anyone's. It was certainly not on my behalf. It is more likely she acted of her own accord, though."
> Youmu: "But to actually answer your question, it was at Lady Saigyouji's, if anyone's. It was certainly not on my behalf. It is much more likely she acted of her own accord, though."
Youmu:
>"She is the ghost princess that is the head of Hakugyokurou and is also my mistress."
Youmu:
>"Yes, i act on her behalf and on the Netherworld's behalf in a sense, since Lady Saigyouji is the authority on this land."
> Miko: Is she expecting confirmation of this fact, or just an opinion on Yuyuko?
> Miko: So what, exactly, is Tojiko looking for here?
Miko:
>What do we know about Seiga's relationship with Yoshika ?
> Youmu: Mentally scream "goddammit yukari" for making this more complicated than it has to be.
> Youmu: Do we feel any enmity coming from Tojiko?
> Miko: Hold up on the above.
I actually had an idea. Let's try this instead.
> Miko: "Mmm. I wonder, perhaps, if a joint effort is most appropriate, then."
> Miko: Why was Youmu involved in suppressing us the first time around?
> Miko: "It seems to me that both parties involved believe that Yoshika's rescue should be the responsibility of the other party. It also seems to me that each party has a reasonable argument for believing so. Given this, I believe a compromise is necessary, where both parties participate in the recovery process."
> Miko: "Such is the nature of compromises."
> Youmu: Are we closest to her, or are there Taoists in the way?
> Youmu: Drift closer to her.
> Youmu: "Hey!"
> Youmu: Give chase, angling to get in front of Kotohime. We're bound to be faster than she is.
> Miko: Wordlessly hold up a hand and slow to a stop.
> Miko: Give each of our companions a meaningful look, and then watch the proceedings between the two runaways.
> Miko: Lower our voice.
> Miko: "There is something greatly amiss with that girl."
> Miko: Tap the side of one of our earmuffs with a finger for emphasis.
> Youmu: "Where are you going?!"
> Miko: "I do not mean it that way. The details left me unsure of what to make of it, but I suspect that, at best, she has been subject to something unfathomably traumatic."
Youmu:
>Can we sense or see anything odd of her ?
>Is it possible that this is being caused by exposure to something ? Like the behemoth construct ashes or to something in the Netherworld ?
>How long until we catch her ?
Youmu:
>Then what is wrong with her exactly ? There must be....... *pieces stuff together* That's it ! It must be something related to the Moon People, she always zoned out or some stuff like that when we talked about it, and since we're headed to Eientei, that issue must have caused her to do this.
>Prepare to get a hold of Kotohime when a good chance appears, while being careful for feints or dodges on her part.
>Press O for Takedown.
>What do we know of her combat prowess or danmaku prowess ?
> Miko: "I wonder if it relates to this forest or its occupants. This behaviour is quite uncharacteristic, for the short time we have been acquainted."
> Miko: "Let us give them a moment, and see what happens when the half-ghost catches up. If they do not quickly return to us, then we will ask them to head back to the Netherworld to prepare for the excavation while we continue on into the forest."
Youmu:
>Get Kotohime.
>"Hey ! Snap out of it ! Why are you so hesitant to come to Eientei ?"
>How far are we from the Taoists and the Pesky Taoist ?
Youmu:
>Slowly land and rest for a while.
>"You'll be okay, don't worry, nobody is going to hurt you."
>Return to Miko and friends.
> Miko: Are we seeing this?
> Miko: Frown. "Futo, please find out what is going on."
> Miko: Watch Futo go, then take on a volume that definitely only Seiga and Tojiko can hear.
> Miko: "Thank you both for your patience with me."
Youmu:
>Look over to the Taoists, is any of them heading here ? If so wait for them to come.
>Which is closer right now ? The human village or Kotohime's house ?
>How long would it take for us to go and come to the Netherworld from these areas ?
Youmu:
>Wait for the person.
>Start thinking about the Rock Paper Scissor with your ghost idea while waiting. Then stop when the Taoist gets here.
>"It seems like she had a sort of emotional burst or breakdown, from what i could piece i presume it's related to the Lunarians, you can go on ahead to the Moon Manor, i need to take her somewhere to rest."
>Do we know any places in the human village where she could rest or would her home be a more suitable place?
> Youmu: "Yes, but she has been completely unresponsive so far."
> Miko: Chuckle lightly. "Of course."
> Youmu: Look to Kotohime and take on a soft tone. "Do you want to go home?"
> Youmu: Nod. "Let's get you home, then."
> Youmu: Look back to Futo. "I will meet you all just inside the entrance to the Netherworld once I have taken her home."
Youmu:
>"As a matter of fact, yes, would you ask the Moon Inhabitants about Kotohime ? I'd like to know if she really is a Lunarian and if so why isn't she living with them. This ought to help find out why is she avoiding the place and anything related to them."
>Ask this in a way that Kotohime can't hear.
>"If that is all, i must depart with her. Farewell and have a nice voyage !"
>On the way to her home, tell her that you love her then kiss her.
Youmu:
>Then use our ghost half to distract her while we say that to Futo. If it doesn't work either just say it anyways.
>After Futo leaves, proceed to make ghost half take form and kiss Kotohime while we shank Seiga as she is sneaking up on us. (My first 1000th post ^^)